Search
Search results
Swift Playgrounds
Education and Entertainment
App
Swift Playgrounds is a revolutionary app for iPad that makes it fun to learn and experiment with...
The ABC Song: Full Version
Education and Games
App
~~~ 9 amazing spelling activities and games inside + interactive ABC song ~~~ ~~~ More than...
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Caraval in Books
Oct 1, 2017
Great magical world with dark undertones
What I loved the most about the book was the setting of Caraval. It’s so beautifully descriptive it feels like a magical place. You’re taken back to the feeling when you were a wee little one and you’re in Disneyland for the first time in your life. It’s that magical feel good feeling that comes back to you when you’re reading the book. At the same time you know things aren’t what they seem and there’s some dark undertones to Caraval. It’s hard not to get swept away (as they have warned you) because everything seems so real and fun.
I loved the plot throughout the book. Like Scarlett, you had doubts as to whether things were real or not. By the time you finished the novel you were still doubting what was real and what wasn’t. Scarlett was at times frustrating and irritating. She hesitated at the wrong times and didn’t listen to anyone when she really needed to. Argh. You wanted to jump in and drag her to point her to the right direction. I didn’t really see her well with Julian because I really saw Julian as more of a means to an end because he guided her throughout the game. However I have to admit, I liked it when he called her ‘Crimson’ it suited his personality at the time (I hope he doesn’t stop calling her that, it adds more to their characters.)
The last few pages of the novel though. Wow. You’re blown away and you’ll have your heart wrenched and torn out of your chest and then it’s put back in. Yet it doesn’t feel the same anymore and you’re left with more questions and wanting more. OH MY GOD I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK! I NEED ANSWERS!
Greatly recommended. Immerse yourself into the world and enjoy. You’ll probably get carried away like I did. Get ready for some good twists that are gut wrenching. You’re not left the same after reading it.
I loved the plot throughout the book. Like Scarlett, you had doubts as to whether things were real or not. By the time you finished the novel you were still doubting what was real and what wasn’t. Scarlett was at times frustrating and irritating. She hesitated at the wrong times and didn’t listen to anyone when she really needed to. Argh. You wanted to jump in and drag her to point her to the right direction. I didn’t really see her well with Julian because I really saw Julian as more of a means to an end because he guided her throughout the game. However I have to admit, I liked it when he called her ‘Crimson’ it suited his personality at the time (I hope he doesn’t stop calling her that, it adds more to their characters.)
The last few pages of the novel though. Wow. You’re blown away and you’ll have your heart wrenched and torn out of your chest and then it’s put back in. Yet it doesn’t feel the same anymore and you’re left with more questions and wanting more. OH MY GOD I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK! I NEED ANSWERS!
Greatly recommended. Immerse yourself into the world and enjoy. You’ll probably get carried away like I did. Get ready for some good twists that are gut wrenching. You’re not left the same after reading it.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Ritual in Books
Nov 17, 2017
Great Horror, Could have been shorter.
So you know when you’re watching a horror movie and there’s an unseen being involved and you only catch little glimpses here and there throughout the film, and when you do actually see it you think (or more likely, scream out) WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?
Yeah that’s basically what you get throughout the book. It could be similar horror elements like Blair Witch Project, only you do find out what it is towards the latter part of the story. (And it’s still pretty creepy to figure out and picture).
I really do enjoy the horror aspects in this book and the feelings it invokes. You can really feel the desperation, frustration, and anguish felt within the characters. Tempers flare and understandably fights happen from within the group. You feel Luke’s anger and his highs and lows as you follow him throughout this horror journey.
There’s not many twists or blindside moments in this book it’s pretty much standard that you would see in horror books but the setting is very well done. A remote forest in Scandinavia while there’s something big and bad out there provides great atmosphere for the dark and scary.
It does drag out through the last third of the novel where you just have to feel for Luke and you wonder how much the human spirit can take. The ending really should have ended about 50 pages ago and there is repetition through the novel that some may find a trial to go through when reading. It’s manageable most of the time but I was close to losing my interest towards the end of the novel but powered through. It was still an enjoyable read, and recommended for those that want a good solid horror.
I’ll be reading more of his books for sure. I enjoyed the thrill and can only imagine what his other books will be like.
Yeah that’s basically what you get throughout the book. It could be similar horror elements like Blair Witch Project, only you do find out what it is towards the latter part of the story. (And it’s still pretty creepy to figure out and picture).
I really do enjoy the horror aspects in this book and the feelings it invokes. You can really feel the desperation, frustration, and anguish felt within the characters. Tempers flare and understandably fights happen from within the group. You feel Luke’s anger and his highs and lows as you follow him throughout this horror journey.
There’s not many twists or blindside moments in this book it’s pretty much standard that you would see in horror books but the setting is very well done. A remote forest in Scandinavia while there’s something big and bad out there provides great atmosphere for the dark and scary.
It does drag out through the last third of the novel where you just have to feel for Luke and you wonder how much the human spirit can take. The ending really should have ended about 50 pages ago and there is repetition through the novel that some may find a trial to go through when reading. It’s manageable most of the time but I was close to losing my interest towards the end of the novel but powered through. It was still an enjoyable read, and recommended for those that want a good solid horror.
I’ll be reading more of his books for sure. I enjoyed the thrill and can only imagine what his other books will be like.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Spy Glass (Glass, #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I finally got around to finishing this series, and I am glad I did. While the series sometimes seemed to drag on and on, and I often found Opal's character frustrating, she finally figures out her own purpose in life in the final book, as well as ties up all of the loose ends of her life.
Forgiveness seems to be a central theme in this series, but most especially in the final book with Opal's interactions with Devlen's character. While I am still conflicted over their relationship, I tend to take the position that if the main character is happy with it, I'm happy with it, too. Devlen's changes seem to pose the question: Do people really change? We like to believe they do in theory , but when it comes to those who perform the really evil crimes, few people are willing to accept that it's truly possible. Opal actually did finally believe this about Devlen, which makes her a rare individual.
Opal's character can be quite confusing at times - she can be very emotional and reactive, but at the same time she has endured unimaginable circumstances and has made herself into a battle-hardened warrior. How many females today can do what she can - even without the magic included? She has certainly earned the right to make her own decisions - and handle whatever consequences come along.
I loved the two children she picks up along the way, and how they help her to understand her own magical abilities. They bring out the maternal instincts in her, which I always appreciate in literature of this nature. The cult that these two were members of fits the stereotype very well, at times both disgusting me and making me want to jump in and rescue those poor people myself.
The coolest part of the book was when Valek taught Opal how to be a proper spy - it reminded me of the Study series by Maria V. Snyder that I loved so much. Valek is such an enigmatic character that he deserves his own trilogy!
Forgiveness seems to be a central theme in this series, but most especially in the final book with Opal's interactions with Devlen's character. While I am still conflicted over their relationship, I tend to take the position that if the main character is happy with it, I'm happy with it, too. Devlen's changes seem to pose the question: Do people really change? We like to believe they do in theory , but when it comes to those who perform the really evil crimes, few people are willing to accept that it's truly possible. Opal actually did finally believe this about Devlen, which makes her a rare individual.
Opal's character can be quite confusing at times - she can be very emotional and reactive, but at the same time she has endured unimaginable circumstances and has made herself into a battle-hardened warrior. How many females today can do what she can - even without the magic included? She has certainly earned the right to make her own decisions - and handle whatever consequences come along.
I loved the two children she picks up along the way, and how they help her to understand her own magical abilities. They bring out the maternal instincts in her, which I always appreciate in literature of this nature. The cult that these two were members of fits the stereotype very well, at times both disgusting me and making me want to jump in and rescue those poor people myself.
The coolest part of the book was when Valek taught Opal how to be a proper spy - it reminded me of the Study series by Maria V. Snyder that I loved so much. Valek is such an enigmatic character that he deserves his own trilogy!
Ryan Hill (152 KP) rated Thor: The Dark World (2013) in Movies
May 10, 2019
"i didn't do it for him"
I was hoping to see something in The Dark World that I had missed the previous two viewings...something to help me enjoy this a bit more. Unfortunately, I hadn't missed anything. This is a drag.
Where do I start with the flaws? A lot of characters are criminally underutilised including Jane Foster, Erik Selvig, Odin, Heimdall and perhaps most important, the main antagonist, Malekith. I like the idea of the Dark Elves being used here but the execution is terribly flawed. It doesn't help that the likes of Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins are seemingly coasting here; the former with literally no chemistry with her love interest. Although the latter's sheer presence helps boost scenes he is in, even if he isn't trying. The other issue is this whole film is essentially flashes of brilliance drowning in a sea of mediocrity. Every now and then we get a cool scene involving Loki or Thor will crack a joke or there will be a cool action sequence but then that 5 minutes is followed by 20 minutes of characters having little to do. It's criminally boring.
I bet you can all guess the good...Chris Hemsworth who plays Thor and Tom Hiddleston who plays Loki. These two are the stars (obviously) and if it wasn't for them, this would probably get only one star. I mean, I like Thor's friends but they don't get much screentime in this. I like the look of Asgard but the story that accompanies it is boring.
It's a shame that two great lead characters are wasted by weak writing and unmotivated performances from some other cast members.
Where do I start with the flaws? A lot of characters are criminally underutilised including Jane Foster, Erik Selvig, Odin, Heimdall and perhaps most important, the main antagonist, Malekith. I like the idea of the Dark Elves being used here but the execution is terribly flawed. It doesn't help that the likes of Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins are seemingly coasting here; the former with literally no chemistry with her love interest. Although the latter's sheer presence helps boost scenes he is in, even if he isn't trying. The other issue is this whole film is essentially flashes of brilliance drowning in a sea of mediocrity. Every now and then we get a cool scene involving Loki or Thor will crack a joke or there will be a cool action sequence but then that 5 minutes is followed by 20 minutes of characters having little to do. It's criminally boring.
I bet you can all guess the good...Chris Hemsworth who plays Thor and Tom Hiddleston who plays Loki. These two are the stars (obviously) and if it wasn't for them, this would probably get only one star. I mean, I like Thor's friends but they don't get much screentime in this. I like the look of Asgard but the story that accompanies it is boring.
It's a shame that two great lead characters are wasted by weak writing and unmotivated performances from some other cast members.
Ashley Wold (5 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Jan 31, 2018
Reading challenge; track reading and to read (3 more)
Networking with book lovers
Book recommendations; ratings & reviews
Book giveaways; book club groups
Many nice features on website are unavailable on app (2 more)
Books don't always save correctly; some other minor issues
No half star rating options
I love this app! It is super useful to help keep track of books that I've read and want to read. I enjoy participating in the yearly reading challenge. I love being able to categorise books in different custom lists, so that when I want to buy/borrow a certain genre I just browse through the categories I sorted them into.
The ratings and reviews have helped me find really good books! I've also found great ones through their recommendation system. Also, via their book giveaways I've received over ten books to read and review (though reviewing is technically optional). The book club groups are great; I've enjoyed discussing books and finding new books to read with other like-minded people.
My only gripes are that the app leaves a lot to be desired compared to the actual website functions. It is much easier to whip out my phone to update my reading progress really quickly, but there are times I have to drag out my laptop to access certain features because for some reason they didn't implement them in the app.
I'd also love half star rating options, and if my books would always save correctly. I'd also like if I could pick which edition on the app (i.e. I read the hardcover), but as far as I know it just picks whatever (i.e., I clicked "currently reading" on the book that popped up in search, and it used the e-book). If I want to fix it I have to edit it on the website.
Overall I really love this app, and I think they'll eventually fix these issues and give users what they want.
The ratings and reviews have helped me find really good books! I've also found great ones through their recommendation system. Also, via their book giveaways I've received over ten books to read and review (though reviewing is technically optional). The book club groups are great; I've enjoyed discussing books and finding new books to read with other like-minded people.
My only gripes are that the app leaves a lot to be desired compared to the actual website functions. It is much easier to whip out my phone to update my reading progress really quickly, but there are times I have to drag out my laptop to access certain features because for some reason they didn't implement them in the app.
I'd also love half star rating options, and if my books would always save correctly. I'd also like if I could pick which edition on the app (i.e. I read the hardcover), but as far as I know it just picks whatever (i.e., I clicked "currently reading" on the book that popped up in search, and it used the e-book). If I want to fix it I have to edit it on the website.
Overall I really love this app, and I think they'll eventually fix these issues and give users what they want.
Merissa (12346 KP) rated Pure Healing (Pure Ones #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Pure Healing (Pure Ones #1) by Aja James
Pure Healing is the first book in the Pure Ones series. In a nutshell, it is about a vampire like species who hold honour in high esteem. They are unable to have sex with each other unless it is their true mate, but are quite conniving in finding ways around that little rule! ;) Valerius and Rain met ten years ago, but made sure their paths crossed as little as possible. Now, however, it is unavoidable.
This story will drag you in and not let go. Told in the first person for the first and last chapters, and then third person multiple point of view throughout the rest of the story, it will definitely keep you on your toes. You will also 'see' an amazing part of the world in this story, one that is too often neglected. The originality of this story, coupled with the amazing world-building, fantastic story-line, and brilliant characters, demand that this book be given the full five stars.
The writing itself is smooth, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. The pace was smooth, and the story action-packed. It is steamy in places, but only where it should be. Lots of other characters NEED to have their story told, so I can't wait for those. And I sincerely hope for a HEA for the whole of the Pure Ones. They have suffered losses in this book, and I don't like that! And yes, I know they're not real, but read the book and you'll understand where I'm coming from!
As a final comment, I will just say I'm definitely not Team Ere, but Team Dalair all the way!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This story will drag you in and not let go. Told in the first person for the first and last chapters, and then third person multiple point of view throughout the rest of the story, it will definitely keep you on your toes. You will also 'see' an amazing part of the world in this story, one that is too often neglected. The originality of this story, coupled with the amazing world-building, fantastic story-line, and brilliant characters, demand that this book be given the full five stars.
The writing itself is smooth, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. The pace was smooth, and the story action-packed. It is steamy in places, but only where it should be. Lots of other characters NEED to have their story told, so I can't wait for those. And I sincerely hope for a HEA for the whole of the Pure Ones. They have suffered losses in this book, and I don't like that! And yes, I know they're not real, but read the book and you'll understand where I'm coming from!
As a final comment, I will just say I'm definitely not Team Ere, but Team Dalair all the way!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Brian Kapfer (2 KP) created a post
May 27, 2018
Kristin (149 KP) rated Nowhere to Goa: Bhang Lassis, Rickshaws, and Holy Cows! in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well, Scott's brother Mike has done it again. Not only is he in trouble, which is par for the course with him, but this time, he managed to find himself imprisoned in INDIA, of all places! Now it's up to Scott to drag him back home, flying halfway around the world to a foreign land he's never been to before to do so. The thing is, Scott and Mike are twins, and along the way, Scott gets mistaken for his brother on more than one occasion, which helps him learn just what Mike's been up to during his time in India. However, during his trip, Scott meets some interesting people, learns a lot about the scenery around him, and might even start learning a little more about himself than he ever would have known had he stayed back in Evanston.
This book had me laughing almost from the start, and I really didn't want to put it down. The adventures, or probably more accurately "misadventures" that Scott finds himself involved in are sometimes downright comical, and Mike hasn't made this trip easy for him, by any means. The supporting characters are just as great, and I found myself as deeply engrossed in their stories as I was the main one. I also felt like I actually learned a lot, as well, as there's quite a bit of factual and historical information involved throughout the story. Not that I believe I could pop over to India and blend right in, but I now have a new respect for backpackers and other people who find themselves implanted in foreign countries.
This book is humorous, informational, a good coming-of-age story, and kinda trippy in some places. This would definitely be a book to read whenever you're traveling, as you might learn some tips to get you through, even if you aren't in India!
4 1/2 stars
Well, Scott's brother Mike has done it again. Not only is he in trouble, which is par for the course with him, but this time, he managed to find himself imprisoned in INDIA, of all places! Now it's up to Scott to drag him back home, flying halfway around the world to a foreign land he's never been to before to do so. The thing is, Scott and Mike are twins, and along the way, Scott gets mistaken for his brother on more than one occasion, which helps him learn just what Mike's been up to during his time in India. However, during his trip, Scott meets some interesting people, learns a lot about the scenery around him, and might even start learning a little more about himself than he ever would have known had he stayed back in Evanston.
This book had me laughing almost from the start, and I really didn't want to put it down. The adventures, or probably more accurately "misadventures" that Scott finds himself involved in are sometimes downright comical, and Mike hasn't made this trip easy for him, by any means. The supporting characters are just as great, and I found myself as deeply engrossed in their stories as I was the main one. I also felt like I actually learned a lot, as well, as there's quite a bit of factual and historical information involved throughout the story. Not that I believe I could pop over to India and blend right in, but I now have a new respect for backpackers and other people who find themselves implanted in foreign countries.
This book is humorous, informational, a good coming-of-age story, and kinda trippy in some places. This would definitely be a book to read whenever you're traveling, as you might learn some tips to get you through, even if you aren't in India!
4 1/2 stars