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Kyera (8 KP) rated Daughter of the Pirate King in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Daughter of the Pirate King is a swashbuckling adventure for young adult/teen fans of pirate shenanigans. Alosa is a strong, fearless pirate with flaming red hair and a taste for blood. Although her father is the Pirate King, she captains her ship under her own merit and inspires loyalty in her crew.
I went into this story knowing only that it featured a lead character who was essentially a female Jack Sparrow. As a huge fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, Captain Jack Sparrow and pirate tales in general – I knew this was a book for me and was glad that I didn’t know more about it than that. There as aspects, allegiances, and secrets about our characters that might be spoiled by reading a synopsis and were better to discover on our own organically while reading the book.
The plot was unexpected and enjoyable from start to finish and left me wanting more. It can easily and satisfyingly be read by itself but also leaves plenty of room to continue to the storyline. (Thankfully there is at least one more book in this series, but unfortunately, it is not out yet.)
Highly recommended read for those who enjoy adventure books with a strong female lead and just a dash of debauchery.
I went into this story knowing only that it featured a lead character who was essentially a female Jack Sparrow. As a huge fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, Captain Jack Sparrow and pirate tales in general – I knew this was a book for me and was glad that I didn’t know more about it than that. There as aspects, allegiances, and secrets about our characters that might be spoiled by reading a synopsis and were better to discover on our own organically while reading the book.
The plot was unexpected and enjoyable from start to finish and left me wanting more. It can easily and satisfyingly be read by itself but also leaves plenty of room to continue to the storyline. (Thankfully there is at least one more book in this series, but unfortunately, it is not out yet.)
Highly recommended read for those who enjoy adventure books with a strong female lead and just a dash of debauchery.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Guilty One in Books
Feb 13, 2018
The advertising for this book states that a man is on a bridge, waiting to jump, if the woman on the other end gives him the go ahead. That woman is Maris, whose life fell apart when her daughter, Calla, was murdered. Allegedly, Calla was killed by her boyfriend, Karl. It is his father, Ron, who stands on the bridge, calling Maris.
However, said advertising for this novel is rather misleading. I don't think it gives much away to say that the bridge scene leads off and takes about 2 seconds of the novel. The rest of the book alternates between Ron's story and Maris'. It's interesting, seeing the story unfold from their perspectives, but lags a bit, and Ron's sections drag somewhat. There isn't much that pushes the plot forward -- while billed as a thriller, there doesn't seem to be much mystery here, just psychological issues. I enjoyed Maris' scenes, for the most part, and the people she met along her journey, but perhaps didn't grasp the entire point...
Anyway, this one didn't really do it for me. It had its good moments, but overall wasn't my favorite.
(I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
However, said advertising for this novel is rather misleading. I don't think it gives much away to say that the bridge scene leads off and takes about 2 seconds of the novel. The rest of the book alternates between Ron's story and Maris'. It's interesting, seeing the story unfold from their perspectives, but lags a bit, and Ron's sections drag somewhat. There isn't much that pushes the plot forward -- while billed as a thriller, there doesn't seem to be much mystery here, just psychological issues. I enjoyed Maris' scenes, for the most part, and the people she met along her journey, but perhaps didn't grasp the entire point...
Anyway, this one didn't really do it for me. It had its good moments, but overall wasn't my favorite.
(I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975) in Movies
Mar 24, 2018 (Updated Mar 25, 2018)
Final movie in the first Godzilla series often gets some stick for supposedly killing off the original continuity, but is actually not that bad. Bacofoil-wearing aliens team up with mad scientist and his cyborg daughter to conquer the world; there are many opportunities for evil laughter at the planning meetings. The usual strategy of using giant monsters as invasion weapons is employed, despite it having utterly failed in at least five previous movies.
Original director Honda comes back and at least ensures this film has a degree of dignity and craft to it: pretty good monster suits and model work, but the back projection is terrible. There's slightly more focus on character than usual (particularly that of the tragic cyborg girl), which the film seems unsure how to handle. To be honest, one of the main problems is that it's not really about Godzilla any more - he just turns up to fight the bad guys at the end and everyone else takes him for granted. By no means the worst Godzilla movie even of the 1970s, but you can see why Toho decided to take a break. Best line (possibly in the whole of cinema): 'Please kill me - Mechagodzilla's brain is installed in my stomach!'
Original director Honda comes back and at least ensures this film has a degree of dignity and craft to it: pretty good monster suits and model work, but the back projection is terrible. There's slightly more focus on character than usual (particularly that of the tragic cyborg girl), which the film seems unsure how to handle. To be honest, one of the main problems is that it's not really about Godzilla any more - he just turns up to fight the bad guys at the end and everyone else takes him for granted. By no means the worst Godzilla movie even of the 1970s, but you can see why Toho decided to take a break. Best line (possibly in the whole of cinema): 'Please kill me - Mechagodzilla's brain is installed in my stomach!'
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Rape: A Love Story in Books
Jul 12, 2018
First off, I hate the title. This was not a book that I could read out in public without getting some very concerned looks. I picked up this book because a book blog that I follow had a post about the book and it made me curious. Other than the title, I liked this book. I was a volunteer for an anti sexual assault group for 2 years and this hits the nail on the head (how a sexual assault survivor is treated). This book is extremely dark. I had to put it away every few minutes and regroup.
This book shows how one rape can send ripples and waves through a community. When reading this book the reader gets to see what impact a rape has an individual and society. There were a lot of rape myths that were present and it just made me want to scream at the media. I think the most depressing thing about this book is that the experience of the mother and daughter are true for so many victims of sexual assault.
Ultimately, I found this book interesting and fascinating. I'm going to have to have to reread it again because I feel like I could get more out of this novel on a second read.
This book shows how one rape can send ripples and waves through a community. When reading this book the reader gets to see what impact a rape has an individual and society. There were a lot of rape myths that were present and it just made me want to scream at the media. I think the most depressing thing about this book is that the experience of the mother and daughter are true for so many victims of sexual assault.
Ultimately, I found this book interesting and fascinating. I'm going to have to have to reread it again because I feel like I could get more out of this novel on a second read.
Isabel Smith (34 KP) rated The Neighbors in Books
Jul 4, 2018
You never know who will move in next door...
Hannah Mary McKinnon’s second novel, The Neighbors, is a domestic drama that explores past, lost, and present loves and what happens when they all collide.
They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but what about your exes? Most people seem keen on keeping their exes as far away as possible. That’s a little hard to do when your ex happens to be your new next door neighbor. When Abby’s old flame, Liam, moves into the house next door she knows she’s in trouble. Both she and Liam are married to other people; however, the flame that existed between them has never fully burnt out. Thus, thing are bound to get messy.
Told in alternating points of view between Abby, her husband Nate, her teenage daughter Sarah, and Liam’s wife Nancy, this novel explores the traumatic events that have shaped Abby’s past and how they influence what is happening in the present day. The author doesn’t shy away from using heartbreak and dismay to highlight love affairs that have been and shouldn’t have been. At once suspenseful and sorrowful, The Neighbors explores the complexities of relationships and the consequences of withholding the truth from those you love.
They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but what about your exes? Most people seem keen on keeping their exes as far away as possible. That’s a little hard to do when your ex happens to be your new next door neighbor. When Abby’s old flame, Liam, moves into the house next door she knows she’s in trouble. Both she and Liam are married to other people; however, the flame that existed between them has never fully burnt out. Thus, thing are bound to get messy.
Told in alternating points of view between Abby, her husband Nate, her teenage daughter Sarah, and Liam’s wife Nancy, this novel explores the traumatic events that have shaped Abby’s past and how they influence what is happening in the present day. The author doesn’t shy away from using heartbreak and dismay to highlight love affairs that have been and shouldn’t have been. At once suspenseful and sorrowful, The Neighbors explores the complexities of relationships and the consequences of withholding the truth from those you love.
ClareR (5906 KP) rated Aftershock (Blood Never Lies #2) in Books
Nov 4, 2018
Another great book from Dianna Hardy!!
The Eye of The Storm series and The Witching Pen series are both connected in this novel - you don’t have to have read them though, in order to understand what’s going on in this series. I’d recommend them anyway, just because they’re really good!!
Claire and Pete take Jasmine to the US to avoid the dangers of those who would do her harm in the U.K. To all intents and purposes, Claire and Pete ARE Jasmine’s parents, even though she is actually the daughter of Claire’s best friend, Beth, and her lover, Amil, a Trident (think: evil, genetically engineered werewolf on bad drugs - although he wasn’t really evil). They want to protect her, but it becomes increasingly difficult. Her true self, even though she’s only six years old, is beginning to be revealed due to a Supermoon. And it’s not what you think!
I love this series - I love all of Dianna Hardy’s writing. Not only is it well written, the relationships feel ‘real’, and there’s loads of real emotion and excitement (lots of ‘heart in mouth’ moments!). I do love a bit of paranormal/ urban fantasy, and this ticks all the boxes.
I can’t wait to see where this story goes in the next book!
Claire and Pete take Jasmine to the US to avoid the dangers of those who would do her harm in the U.K. To all intents and purposes, Claire and Pete ARE Jasmine’s parents, even though she is actually the daughter of Claire’s best friend, Beth, and her lover, Amil, a Trident (think: evil, genetically engineered werewolf on bad drugs - although he wasn’t really evil). They want to protect her, but it becomes increasingly difficult. Her true self, even though she’s only six years old, is beginning to be revealed due to a Supermoon. And it’s not what you think!
I love this series - I love all of Dianna Hardy’s writing. Not only is it well written, the relationships feel ‘real’, and there’s loads of real emotion and excitement (lots of ‘heart in mouth’ moments!). I do love a bit of paranormal/ urban fantasy, and this ticks all the boxes.
I can’t wait to see where this story goes in the next book!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Creole Princess (Gulf Coast Chronicles, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Lyse is caught in the middle of the strife between countries during the Revolutionary war. Not just the British and the Americans, but the French and the Spanish as well. Don Rafael seems as mysterious as his comings and goings. Whose side is he really on, and can he be trusted? Lyse's best friend is the daughter of a British commander, but where do her loyalties truly lie? Caught between loyalties to family and country, what path will Lyse choose?
The Revolutionary War is a part of history we should all know. But I have never considered the effect that it had on the colonies on the Gulf coast. The colonies that remained loyal to Britain. Creole Princess is a wonderfully unique book about a chapter of our country's history that is not very well known. Beth White has opened my eyes to the involvement of the Spanish's help with the American's fight for freedom. Lyse's journey is also one of hope and faith. Trusting in God to lead us down the right path and that He knows what is best for us.
I received a free copy of Creole Princess from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
The Revolutionary War is a part of history we should all know. But I have never considered the effect that it had on the colonies on the Gulf coast. The colonies that remained loyal to Britain. Creole Princess is a wonderfully unique book about a chapter of our country's history that is not very well known. Beth White has opened my eyes to the involvement of the Spanish's help with the American's fight for freedom. Lyse's journey is also one of hope and faith. Trusting in God to lead us down the right path and that He knows what is best for us.
I received a free copy of Creole Princess from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) in Movies
Oct 17, 2019
That Song
So this movie, why does this movie get hated on so much. Well one- no micheal myers in it. Two- the plot doesnt connect to the other movies. Three- the plot makes no sense. Four- the title of the film, lies their are no witches. Their are many reasons why this movie gets hated on. That why so many people love it, well because it is so different from the others, it is a oringal film, it is so weird, its so bad its good. Their are other reasons why people love this movie. So what happens in it you may say well....
Hospital emergency room Dr. Daniel "Dan" Challis (Tom Atkins) and Ellie Grimbridge (Stacey Nelkin), the daughter of a murder victim, uncover a terrible plot by small-town mask maker Conal Cochran (Dan O'Herlihy), a madman who's planning a Halloween mass murder utilizing an ancient Celtic ritual. The ritual involves a boulder stolen from Stonehenge, the use of Silver Shamrock masks and a triggering device contained in a television commercial -- all designed to kill millions of children.
Also that damn song, that annoying song that plays on the tv.
So would i reccordmend this movie, well yes i would. It is so different from the others, its own movie.
Hospital emergency room Dr. Daniel "Dan" Challis (Tom Atkins) and Ellie Grimbridge (Stacey Nelkin), the daughter of a murder victim, uncover a terrible plot by small-town mask maker Conal Cochran (Dan O'Herlihy), a madman who's planning a Halloween mass murder utilizing an ancient Celtic ritual. The ritual involves a boulder stolen from Stonehenge, the use of Silver Shamrock masks and a triggering device contained in a television commercial -- all designed to kill millions of children.
Also that damn song, that annoying song that plays on the tv.
So would i reccordmend this movie, well yes i would. It is so different from the others, its own movie.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Lil Pump by Lil Pump in Music
Oct 19, 2019 (Updated Nov 9, 2019)
Gross
This is bad, not in usual Hip Hop terms as in "I just spat a bad ass rhyme", no, this is bad as in wack.
Lil Pump has rose to meteoritic fame and wealth and the reason why? His stuff speaks to kids of that age where swearing and talking about drugs upsets mummy and daddy.
This is mumble rap. I'm not hating on mumble rap, Some artists are artists. Pump however shouts a line, then says Ouu and then repeats the formula the entire album Ouu.
So we've established he can't rap, lyrically it's just offensive. Now I have a lot of horribly misogynistic hip hop but somehow this feels worse because there is no artistic element. Lil Pump shouts things like "I f##ked your daughter" Ouu, yeah, that is the base level, women are nothing but botches to abide and drugs are new and clever according to Pump. It really is playground level.
What about the beats? Ok anyone knows my output knows I sometimes play with distortion but Pump takes it up so it distorts and the base blows and I bet he giggles like a toddler and goes "that's great Ouu".
Utterly terrible
Lil Pump has rose to meteoritic fame and wealth and the reason why? His stuff speaks to kids of that age where swearing and talking about drugs upsets mummy and daddy.
This is mumble rap. I'm not hating on mumble rap, Some artists are artists. Pump however shouts a line, then says Ouu and then repeats the formula the entire album Ouu.
So we've established he can't rap, lyrically it's just offensive. Now I have a lot of horribly misogynistic hip hop but somehow this feels worse because there is no artistic element. Lil Pump shouts things like "I f##ked your daughter" Ouu, yeah, that is the base level, women are nothing but botches to abide and drugs are new and clever according to Pump. It really is playground level.
What about the beats? Ok anyone knows my output knows I sometimes play with distortion but Pump takes it up so it distorts and the base blows and I bet he giggles like a toddler and goes "that's great Ouu".
Utterly terrible
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Shadowplay (Micah Grey #2) in Books
Nov 10, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
Old magics are waking. But will the world survive their return?
Micah Grey almost died when he fled the circus with Drystan - now he and the ex-clown seek to outrun disaster. Drystan persuades his old friend Jasper Maske, a once-renowned magician, to take them in. But when he agrees to teach them his trade, Maske is challenged to the ultimate high-stakes duel by his embittered arch-nemesis.
Micah must perfect his skills of illusion, while navigating a tender new love. An investigator is also hunting the person he once seemed to be - a noble family's runaway daughter. As the duel draws near, Micah increasingly suffers from visions showing him real magic and future terrors. Events that broke the ancient world are being replayed. But can Micah's latent powers influence this deadly pattern?
The second installment of this trilogy and it started very slow for me I did struggle to keep myself focused. But it got better the longer it went on. Learning more about Micah and Drystan was good as well as their relationship development finally seeing them can me together was quite sweet. I loved the magic and introduction of Cyan. What will the 3rd book bring.
⭐⭐⭐

Micah Grey almost died when he fled the circus with Drystan - now he and the ex-clown seek to outrun disaster. Drystan persuades his old friend Jasper Maske, a once-renowned magician, to take them in. But when he agrees to teach them his trade, Maske is challenged to the ultimate high-stakes duel by his embittered arch-nemesis.
Micah must perfect his skills of illusion, while navigating a tender new love. An investigator is also hunting the person he once seemed to be - a noble family's runaway daughter. As the duel draws near, Micah increasingly suffers from visions showing him real magic and future terrors. Events that broke the ancient world are being replayed. But can Micah's latent powers influence this deadly pattern?
The second installment of this trilogy and it started very slow for me I did struggle to keep myself focused. But it got better the longer it went on. Learning more about Micah and Drystan was good as well as their relationship development finally seeing them can me together was quite sweet. I loved the magic and introduction of Cyan. What will the 3rd book bring.
⭐⭐⭐