Smashbomb

Search

Search results

All (1437)

Content

ClareR (6054 KP) rated Ascension (Phobos #1) in Books

Jul 6, 2018

Ascension (Phobos #1)

Victor Dixen | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)

9.0

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

A great concept

Six boys and six girls are chosen to be the first people to colonise Mars in a speed-dating show like no other. We follow Leonor mainly, as she navigates her life and 'dates' on board the Cupido. It's a bit 'cheesy' in places, and you do get a sense of the fact that it has been translated from French: it gives the language a more lyrical feel (in my opinion). The story though, is great!
I'm not a fan at all of reality TV. I'll turn the channel over every time. This novel shows the whole ridiculousness of the concept: a few 6 minute dates before you choose your life partner?! Madness!
This novel also shows how corrupt big business and government can be in the race to make more and more money. Lots to think about whilst you're reading - the ideas have to come from somewhere!
I liked where the story cut away from the space ship to the organisers of the TV show and two other characters, Andrew and Harmony. I think they may be quite important in the following books in this trilogy. And yes, I have preordered book 2, which incidentally, releases in October!
Thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.

Kudos

Sue (5 KP) rated Blessed Be the Wicked (Abish Taylor Mystery #1) in Books

Aug 13, 2018

Abish “Abbie” Taylor has been away from Utah and the quiet Mormon community she grew up in. After the passing of her husband, she has decided to the job of detective and come back home to reconnect with the family and community she left behind.

When the community is shaken by a death with the trademarks of sacred Mormon ritual dating back decades, Abbie is put on the case. She is faced with pressures from her father, the police chief, and others within the Church to keep to case quiet from the media. While trying to uncover the mystery, she also discovers that the power leaders within the Church would rather bury the truth then have it come to light.

Abbie is a strong character that is faced with finding the truth, but at the same time trying not to sacrifice her relationship with her family. She believes in her job and finding justice, but at what costs?
Having grown up in a different faith, I was fascinated by the author’s knowledgeable insight into the Mormon faith and teachings. I did not find the book preachy in any way and appreciated the conflict that she gave to the main character of Abbie.

Kudos

Sarah (7800 KP) created a post in Dear Smashbomb....

Sep 9, 2018

I’ve had a bit of a hard time recently and have discovered that sharing really helps, so bear with me while I share the very shortened version. I found out a couple of weeks ago that my partner of 3 years was seeing someone else behind my back. Needless to say I kicked him out and haven’t heard anything from him since, but the whole thing has just left me shattered. It was a complete shock, something I would never have suspected from him, and I myself was so happy and oblivious, which just makes it worse. I’m so angry and upset and the past few weeks have been a huge struggle.

I think the worst part of it all is the thought of starting all over again. I’m 31 and the thought of starting dating and relationships again terrifies me. All of my friends have or are settling down, this is what I wanted too yet i now feel so alone, like the odd one out. I know i can’t do anything about all this, but it sadly doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.

Not looking for advice, just looking for an outlet and a sympathetic ear!

Kudos

Show all 11 comments.

Ross (3284 KP) Sep 10, 2018

Sorry to hear what you've been through, feel free to vent whenever you need.
I too feel for you - I can't even pluck up the courage to do raids with other people on Pokémon Go, the thought of having to date again fills me with dread. But I'm sure you'll meet the right person when you least expect it.

Kudos