Search
Search results

Mike Carlson (115 KP) rated Batman And Robin Vol. 3: Death Of the Family in Books
Mar 27, 2018
"Death Of The Family" contains the Joker's return (also introduction into the New 52) and attack on the Bat family. Other titles feature the clown taking on Red Hood, Red Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing and Batman. Each one of those arcs concludes with issue #17 of the New 52 Batman. This volume centers on Joker's attack on Damian, the current Robin, and finishes with the issue mentioned above.
It is a darker storyline, and I love the New 52 Joker's psychosis. He thinks he's Batman's best friend. That he keeps the Dark Knight sharp while all the sidekicks make the Bat weak. It's intriguing, even more so when he interacts with Damian. This story basically boils down to two interesting characters butting heads.
Preceding it is a prologue issue in which Damian lures Bruce out of country with a familial scavenger hunt in order to take over as Batman for a few days. The epilogue is an issue in which all three residents of Wayne Manor have nightmares.
Start to finish, it was a solid piece of entertainment.
It is a darker storyline, and I love the New 52 Joker's psychosis. He thinks he's Batman's best friend. That he keeps the Dark Knight sharp while all the sidekicks make the Bat weak. It's intriguing, even more so when he interacts with Damian. This story basically boils down to two interesting characters butting heads.
Preceding it is a prologue issue in which Damian lures Bruce out of country with a familial scavenger hunt in order to take over as Batman for a few days. The epilogue is an issue in which all three residents of Wayne Manor have nightmares.
Start to finish, it was a solid piece of entertainment.
Very Black Mirror-esque
This is such a great idea for a story, you can almost imagine a slightly darker version of it featuring on Black Mirror. The idea of there being a genetic match out there for everyone found through a dating website is so plausible and in keeping with today’s society that it wouldn’t surprise me if something like this was to happen in my lifetime. It’s an intriguing take on modern dating too and for someone who sadly has experience in dating websites, it’s very relatable.
It’s well written and it does well to hold your attention by breaking into 5 separate stories with different characters all related by the same matching experience, in small bite sized chapters. The characters themselves are all likeable in their own way and you get very invested in their stories. There are a number of twists and my only criticism would be that some parts of this story get a little bit far fetched. It’s fiction, but I did find myself questioning the plausibility in parts. That said, I really couldn’t put it down.
It’s well written and it does well to hold your attention by breaking into 5 separate stories with different characters all related by the same matching experience, in small bite sized chapters. The characters themselves are all likeable in their own way and you get very invested in their stories. There are a number of twists and my only criticism would be that some parts of this story get a little bit far fetched. It’s fiction, but I did find myself questioning the plausibility in parts. That said, I really couldn’t put it down.

Sarah (7799 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of LEGO Jurassic World in Video Games
Jun 11, 2018
Loads of fun
Having played Lego HP and been slightly frustrated about it, I hadn’t been expecting much from this. Especially as I didn’t realise that it contained all 4 films - I just thought it was the one for Jurassic World.
All I can say is I’m glad it has all 4 films. Although each film/level set is fairly short and doesn’t quite feature everything from the films, they’re still an awful lot of fun. I love the fact that it uses real dialogue from the films (sometimes randomly during a level which makes it even funnier) and the Lego versions of well known scenes are hilarious. The gameplay is a lot more action based and more interesting than the HP games, which makes it even more entertaining. My only criticism and this is being picky, is that the film plays down some of the darker elements especially of the first film. Whilst the lighter Lego alternative is pretty funny, part of me would have loved to see severed arms etc instead.
All I can say is I’m glad it has all 4 films. Although each film/level set is fairly short and doesn’t quite feature everything from the films, they’re still an awful lot of fun. I love the fact that it uses real dialogue from the films (sometimes randomly during a level which makes it even funnier) and the Lego versions of well known scenes are hilarious. The gameplay is a lot more action based and more interesting than the HP games, which makes it even more entertaining. My only criticism and this is being picky, is that the film plays down some of the darker elements especially of the first film. Whilst the lighter Lego alternative is pretty funny, part of me would have loved to see severed arms etc instead.

Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in Books
Jun 4, 2018
I’ve got mixed opinions about this one. I mostly enjoyed reading it, but towards the end you begin to realize that you are being set up for a sequel, which disappoints me every time.
I really did love the premise…especially how Riggs uses the old photographs as part of his narrative, but I’m just a bit underwhelmed overall. I love how Riggs brings up the idea that all of these children are stuck emotionally in adolescence, but then he doesn’t really ever develop that and build it as a plot point.
For some reason, the end feels very similar to The Golden Compass for me. Everything is very rushed and the tone of the narrative gets much darker and everything builds to a climax that doesn’t mesh very well with the rest of the narrative and leaves so much unresolved that I’m just frustrated rather than intrigued.
Unfortunately, a colleague has already lent me the next book, so I feel obligated to continue with the series. Maybe…
I really did love the premise…especially how Riggs uses the old photographs as part of his narrative, but I’m just a bit underwhelmed overall. I love how Riggs brings up the idea that all of these children are stuck emotionally in adolescence, but then he doesn’t really ever develop that and build it as a plot point.
For some reason, the end feels very similar to The Golden Compass for me. Everything is very rushed and the tone of the narrative gets much darker and everything builds to a climax that doesn’t mesh very well with the rest of the narrative and leaves so much unresolved that I’m just frustrated rather than intrigued.
Unfortunately, a colleague has already lent me the next book, so I feel obligated to continue with the series. Maybe…

Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Denial (Careless Whispers, #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been wanting to read this book since it came out but I never found the time to sit down and truly start to read it. Lisa is a phenomenal author and I forgot how much I love Lisa Renee Jones' books. Lisa has a way with words and truly engulfs you in the story. Her characters speak for themselves and it seems that they constantly jump off the page and become your new best friend.
I love how much Lisa puts into her books. The characters, the scenery, the plot twists all have you wanting more. Ella is a likable character in the Inside Out series and it is nice to see, even with amnesia, she is likable. I loved getting to know her as a character and I cannot wait for the next book.
If you're looking for a fun book that has darker undertones, this one is for you! Seriously, just read it.
I have been wanting to read this book since it came out but I never found the time to sit down and truly start to read it. Lisa is a phenomenal author and I forgot how much I love Lisa Renee Jones' books. Lisa has a way with words and truly engulfs you in the story. Her characters speak for themselves and it seems that they constantly jump off the page and become your new best friend.
I love how much Lisa puts into her books. The characters, the scenery, the plot twists all have you wanting more. Ella is a likable character in the Inside Out series and it is nice to see, even with amnesia, she is likable. I loved getting to know her as a character and I cannot wait for the next book.
If you're looking for a fun book that has darker undertones, this one is for you! Seriously, just read it.

Kristy S. (3 KP) rated Kindle E-Reader in Tech
Aug 10, 2018
Perfect for an avid reader who can't carry all their books with them
I purchased a Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader a few years ago. I had previous thought that "I could never give up holding a book." However, the Kindle has been a lifesaver on trips. It is small, light, and easy to take with me wherever I go. I purchased a case, so I could have the feeling of holding a book and to protect the tech. The Paperwhite looks like paper, but has a back light for when I am in darker spaces. I am able to download books from Amazon instantly as well as get books from my library delivered. In the end, it has saved me a ton of money as I am on several discount e-book newsletters and I can check out many books from the library no matter where I am. My only complaint is that the touch screen has a bit of lag time, but otherwise it is fantastic.

Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Coercion: The Complete Collection (The Montana Dragons 1) in Books
Nov 12, 2018
Fast Paced Dragon Shifter
This is the first book I have read by Chloe Cole. It's been sitting on my kindle for quite some time so when I was looking for a good paranormal shifter book, I figured this one would do. I wasn't expecting much but I have to say I was impressed.
Chloe Cole was able to create a world that kept me entertained. I enjoyed the characters and the plot line was fun. I was a little nervous with the title Coercion but I was happy to see that this didn't turn into a darker story. The plot moved steadily and the characters experienced an instant love type story. At times, I found myself annoyed but all in all I did enjoy the plot. I do wish that we saw more growth in the characters though.
Ultimately, it kept me entertained and it was a nice, quick read. I would give it 3 1/2 stars so I'm giving it 4 because I always round up.
Chloe Cole was able to create a world that kept me entertained. I enjoyed the characters and the plot line was fun. I was a little nervous with the title Coercion but I was happy to see that this didn't turn into a darker story. The plot moved steadily and the characters experienced an instant love type story. At times, I found myself annoyed but all in all I did enjoy the plot. I do wish that we saw more growth in the characters though.
Ultimately, it kept me entertained and it was a nice, quick read. I would give it 3 1/2 stars so I'm giving it 4 because I always round up.

Awix (3310 KP) rated Three Identical Strangers (2018) in Movies
Dec 6, 2018 (Updated Dec 6, 2018)
Typically arresting so-weird-it-must-be-true documentary from the distributors of Blackfish, Dinosaur 13 and Life Animated. In 1980 a young man from New York arrives at college to be told he is the spitting image of someone who was there the year before: it turns out they were both adopted and share the same birthday - long lost brothers! The publicity turns up a third identical brother. The triplets instantly become minor celebrities on the NYC scene, but darker questions about their story soon surface...
A remarkable story, told by the surviving participants - lighter moments of uplifting human interest are soon subsumed by the stuff of an X-Files episode (well, close enough). You could very well argue that the film's narrative is rather selectively framed for maximum impact, and its attempts to address wider issues such as the question of nature vs nurture aren't really as effective as the story of the triplets. But still a gripping, thought-provoking, rather unsettling story that deserves to be better known.
A remarkable story, told by the surviving participants - lighter moments of uplifting human interest are soon subsumed by the stuff of an X-Files episode (well, close enough). You could very well argue that the film's narrative is rather selectively framed for maximum impact, and its attempts to address wider issues such as the question of nature vs nurture aren't really as effective as the story of the triplets. But still a gripping, thought-provoking, rather unsettling story that deserves to be better known.

Carma (21 KP) rated Avengers: Infinity War (2018) in Movies
Jun 18, 2019
A great big cast of heroes take on the big bad Mad Titan
Infinity War was promised to be the big hero movie of the year. Reading from the comics it was looking like a bloodbath, I was curious to see how it would translate to the movies. It didn't slack on fight scenes, just about every represented Avenger was involved in at least 1 fight. Seeing Cap in his Nomad suit and facial hair was enough to get this girl's heart pumping. I preferred IW to Endgame with this being more action filled overall. While IW is darker than a normal avengers movie, it is with a purpose. This isn't a movie where the normal quips and jokes would fit in. While I didn't like the fact that the heroes were spread out over the world, I understand in the bigger scheme of things that it was needed. A great lead in movie to Endgame's payoff.

Merissa (12428 KP) rated Light a Candle for the Beast in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
This is a short re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. It is only 24 pages long so doesn't take long to read at all. However, during those 24 pages you will be immersed in the story and given a depth of detail usually only found in longer books. This is the story as told by 'Belle's' sister - not someone heard of much at all in the Disney version. In the original version, she did have two older sisters so this is more true to that than the other.
Fairytales used to be dark, usually with at least one warning of what could happen if you weren't careful. Light a Candle for the Beast shows just what can happen if one of your family is mistreated by someone who doesn't care.
Very well written, clear and concise with characters that are detailed even within a short space of time. Definitely recommended for fans of darker fairytales and fantasy.
This is a short re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. It is only 24 pages long so doesn't take long to read at all. However, during those 24 pages you will be immersed in the story and given a depth of detail usually only found in longer books. This is the story as told by 'Belle's' sister - not someone heard of much at all in the Disney version. In the original version, she did have two older sisters so this is more true to that than the other.
Fairytales used to be dark, usually with at least one warning of what could happen if you weren't careful. Light a Candle for the Beast shows just what can happen if one of your family is mistreated by someone who doesn't care.
Very well written, clear and concise with characters that are detailed even within a short space of time. Definitely recommended for fans of darker fairytales and fantasy.