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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Truly, Madly (Lucy Valentine, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
TRULY, MADLY is mystery, romance, chick-lit and a bit of paranormal all wrapped up in one delightful little package. Lucy Valentine is a nice, normal, and a little bit quirky protagonist who never got on my nerves. It's nice to have a main character who isn't totally self-absorbed, ditzy, neurotic, clumsy and just plain irritating, basically just about every female you run across in lighter fiction books these days. All the other characters added to the story seamlessly and there wasn't one who was unnecessary. I enjoyed the psychic angle and thought that it was used in a fresh and interesting way. The plot was engaging and moved swiftly, and everything was well-written in an easy and smooth manner. I don't really have any major complaints and look forward to the next in the series.
The best word to use in describing this book is cute. So if you like cute, check it out, it's a nice piece of brain candy that won't offend your intelligence.
The best word to use in describing this book is cute. So if you like cute, check it out, it's a nice piece of brain candy that won't offend your intelligence.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Silent in the Grave (Lady Julia Grey, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Smartly written, highly engaging, totally unputdownable - I love this book! Seriously, it's not often that a book will so capture my interest in the first page that I don't put it down for seventy pages (regrettably), and when I next pick it up, keep reading until it's finished - at 509 pages too!
Deanna Raybourn did a wonderful job bringing the characters and Victorian setting alive, and in a fairly realistic fashion. The only iffy thing was how easily it was accepted that Portia was a lesbian. I know that the March's are a peculiar and unconventional bunch, but still. All the 'gay' plotting felt too modern to me and that's my only beef with the book, not that I overly minded it (just enough to mention it :P). The way the story unfolded was seamless and fitting with the atmosphere of the mystery. Lady Julia was a wonderful character and it really is amazing how well everything was brought to life using a first-person narrative. I am looking forward to the next installment and know that won't be enough of these characters!
Deanna Raybourn did a wonderful job bringing the characters and Victorian setting alive, and in a fairly realistic fashion. The only iffy thing was how easily it was accepted that Portia was a lesbian. I know that the March's are a peculiar and unconventional bunch, but still. All the 'gay' plotting felt too modern to me and that's my only beef with the book, not that I overly minded it (just enough to mention it :P). The way the story unfolded was seamless and fitting with the atmosphere of the mystery. Lady Julia was a wonderful character and it really is amazing how well everything was brought to life using a first-person narrative. I am looking forward to the next installment and know that won't be enough of these characters!
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Angel: After the Fall, Volume 2: First Night in Books
Feb 15, 2019
So far my opinion of the Angel continuation is much higher than the Buffy graphic novels. The plot is a lot more engaging and makes some sort of sense, (most of) the artwork really grabs me, and I just enjoy them a whole heck of a lot more. I enjoyed reading what happened to everyone immediately 'after the fall' into Hell and liked the different feel to each story. This had the Trifecta of Angel-y goodness: it had drama, it had action, it had humor! *singing: <i>"It had style, it had grace, it had Gwen give good face."</i> LOL Clearly I am insane.* And I giggled even more at Brian Lynch's 'ramblings' at the end, which includes a drinking game for anyone interested. I especially loved the continuation of titles, and I'll share the first one so I don't muddle up an explanation: <i>Angel: After the Fall: First Night: Curse of the Black Pearl</i>. How can I not laugh at that? Remember, if you have your own logo, you've really gotten somewhere. :D
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Devouring (The Devouring, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
For a book classified as young adult horror, THE DEVOURING defies the usual so-called teen horror and actually does feel horrific. I wouldn't say it's in the same league as some of the best adult horror books out there, but it holds its own and the author does a terrific job creating a tense and creepy atmosphere. I've never been one who has ever scared easily, but if I had read this at a younger age I just might have become a little paranoid. The narrative is swift, engaging and simply told (I simply 'devoured' it. Oh har har har. Okay I'll shut-up now. ;P). Reggie is relatable and strong, while Vour Henry if effectively disturbing, and Eben is enigmatic. The other characters are fine for their purpose, although I do wonder at the twins, and I have a feeling they might feature more in the sequel, which I look forward to reading. A warning for the queasy: disturbing and violent imagery is used quite a bit, so some people might want to pass on this book.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Behind the Curve (2018) in Movies
Feb 24, 2019 (Updated Feb 24, 2019)
Engaging and humane look at what has always been a byword for fruitcake pseudoscience, and more specifically the people who promote these theories. Quite sensibly the film doesn't bother trying to explain to Flat Earth adherents why their beliefs are incorrect, but examines their culture from a not-unsympathetic sociological and psychological point of view; as a result the Flat Earthers are elegantly given more than enough rope to debunk themselves.
Still, with some of the personalities involved, the film can't help but be entertaining, and it does make some important points about the dangerous results of excluding and isolating people, and the importance of education rather than mockery. Has already been denounced as a hatchet job by people in the Flat Earth community, but then you could probably have guessed that. Highly entertaining and thought-provoking; possibly worth watching just for the scenes showing the reactions of Flat Earthers when their painstaking experiments to prove the world has no curvature predictably give the opposite result. You can't win 'em all, guys.
Still, with some of the personalities involved, the film can't help but be entertaining, and it does make some important points about the dangerous results of excluding and isolating people, and the importance of education rather than mockery. Has already been denounced as a hatchet job by people in the Flat Earth community, but then you could probably have guessed that. Highly entertaining and thought-provoking; possibly worth watching just for the scenes showing the reactions of Flat Earthers when their painstaking experiments to prove the world has no curvature predictably give the opposite result. You can't win 'em all, guys.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Sliding Doors (1998) in Movies
Mar 30, 2019
An enjoyable romcom
I’m ashamed to admit that despite this film coming out in 1997, I’ve never seen it until now. Probably with good reason, as it had me bawling my eyes out by the end. This is your typical British romcom, with a lot of heart, humour and some seriously sad moments. It has a great cast, I adore John Hannah and it’s always good to see him in a lead role in a romcom, especially as he isn’t your typical leading man. But who can resist a charming, funny Scot? I also realised that I've not really seen many Gwyneth Paltrow films and she’s actually a lovely and very engaging lead, even though her English accent is a little dodgy at times.
The plot itself isn’t that of your usual typical romcom and I love the unique way of telling two versions of the same story, set apart simply by the small act of missing a train. It’s a great heartwarming and smart film, even if it is sadly showing it’s age now!
The plot itself isn’t that of your usual typical romcom and I love the unique way of telling two versions of the same story, set apart simply by the small act of missing a train. It’s a great heartwarming and smart film, even if it is sadly showing it’s age now!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Crack in the World (1965) in Movies
May 5, 2019 (Updated May 5, 2019)
Decent sci-fi / disaster movie hybrid doesn't dwell on its limited special effects budget or somewhat shaky grasp of geology and concentrates on solid characterisation and storytelling basics. Scientists meddle with forces they do not fully understand (again), it all goes pear-shaped, a large chunk of the Indian Ocean winds up being launched into space while Janette Scott's costume disintegrates in a suspiciously rapid and unprovoked manner.
I always get this one mixed up with The Day the Earth Caught Fire and When the Earth Cracked Open, which is some achievement considering the latter film was never even made. The storyline with the crack is kind of predictable and suffers because the movie doesn't have the budget to actually show towns being wiped out or islands crumbling into the sea; characters just hear about it over the phone. The human interest B-story is really a melodrama, but it's written and played just well enough to keep the film credible and engaging. Well-mounted climax even if it really comes out of nowhere.
I always get this one mixed up with The Day the Earth Caught Fire and When the Earth Cracked Open, which is some achievement considering the latter film was never even made. The storyline with the crack is kind of predictable and suffers because the movie doesn't have the budget to actually show towns being wiped out or islands crumbling into the sea; characters just hear about it over the phone. The human interest B-story is really a melodrama, but it's written and played just well enough to keep the film credible and engaging. Well-mounted climax even if it really comes out of nowhere.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Binding in Books
May 18, 2019
Good but not what you'd expect
I started this book expecting it to be very fantasy-esque and magical, and the first part fitted this completely. It was full of promise and intrigue about bindings and kept me completely hooked. It then moves onto the second part and goes into a totally different direction than the magical one I'd expected.
This isn't a bad thing, it was just a complete surprise. I can't really say what the story changes into without spoiling it, but it was still very interesting to read. It's very well written and despite not being the story I had been expecting, the well developed and engaging characters and the writing style more than make up for it. The ending too is very satisfying. The only criticisms I have is that it may be slightly too long and I do wish it had been a bit more magical. This book gives a glimpse into a great story and idea, but I do wish there had been a little more to this side.
This isn't a bad thing, it was just a complete surprise. I can't really say what the story changes into without spoiling it, but it was still very interesting to read. It's very well written and despite not being the story I had been expecting, the well developed and engaging characters and the writing style more than make up for it. The ending too is very satisfying. The only criticisms I have is that it may be slightly too long and I do wish it had been a bit more magical. This book gives a glimpse into a great story and idea, but I do wish there had been a little more to this side.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Game Of Thrones - Season 2 in TV
May 27, 2019 (Updated May 27, 2019)
A second fantastic season
Season 2 of Game of Thrones continues the first seasons display of excellent character development and writing.
We follow Robb Stark for much of the season, as he proceeds to March toward King's Landing in open rebellion against the crown after the events of season 1. It's another slow burning season, but once again, nothing becomes dull, every scene is engaging, and you as a viewer are given time to digest all of the information being handed to you, as well as getting to know both new characters, and already established characters - learning to really detest Joffrey is a particular treat (Hats off to Jack Gleeson).
This season also contains the first proper battle of the show, in the episode Blackwater, which remains one of my favourite episodes to this day.
The closing episodes of season 1 showed that GoT was a show that was not afraid to pull any punches, and season 2 is almost an apitizer for what is yet to come.
Top tier TV!
We follow Robb Stark for much of the season, as he proceeds to March toward King's Landing in open rebellion against the crown after the events of season 1. It's another slow burning season, but once again, nothing becomes dull, every scene is engaging, and you as a viewer are given time to digest all of the information being handed to you, as well as getting to know both new characters, and already established characters - learning to really detest Joffrey is a particular treat (Hats off to Jack Gleeson).
This season also contains the first proper battle of the show, in the episode Blackwater, which remains one of my favourite episodes to this day.
The closing episodes of season 1 showed that GoT was a show that was not afraid to pull any punches, and season 2 is almost an apitizer for what is yet to come.
Top tier TV!
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Tanners by Tanners in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Tanners is an indie-electro/alternative singer based in Brooklyn, New York. Not too long ago, she released an attractively beautiful self-titled debut EP.
“HOLY WATER“
The video finds Tanners in holy water surrounded by a pink-filtered fog. Also, the following scene shows her in a white revealing outfit alongside two performers.
“Holy Water” is Tanners’ debut single and the first song on her EP. It was produced by Julie Hardy, Mike MacAllister, and Tanners.
“EMPRESS IN REVERSE“
“Empress in Reverse” consists of psychedelic instrumentation, dreamy melodies, and charming vocals that you won’t be able to get out of your head. It’s smooth, delicious, and ear-welcoming.
“THIS CRAZY“
“This Crazy” contains hypnotic instrumentation, attractive vocals, and dreamy and charismatic melodies. Also, its funk and ‘80s elements perfume the atmosphere with audio ecstasy and eargasmic funk.
“WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR“
“What You’ve Been Waiting For” contains lush instrumentation embedded with heavy drums, dreamy melodies, and an engaging storyline.
CONCLUSION
Tanners’ self-titled debut EP is a solid body of work with heavy replay value.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/tanners-ep/
“HOLY WATER“
The video finds Tanners in holy water surrounded by a pink-filtered fog. Also, the following scene shows her in a white revealing outfit alongside two performers.
“Holy Water” is Tanners’ debut single and the first song on her EP. It was produced by Julie Hardy, Mike MacAllister, and Tanners.
“EMPRESS IN REVERSE“
“Empress in Reverse” consists of psychedelic instrumentation, dreamy melodies, and charming vocals that you won’t be able to get out of your head. It’s smooth, delicious, and ear-welcoming.
“THIS CRAZY“
“This Crazy” contains hypnotic instrumentation, attractive vocals, and dreamy and charismatic melodies. Also, its funk and ‘80s elements perfume the atmosphere with audio ecstasy and eargasmic funk.
“WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR“
“What You’ve Been Waiting For” contains lush instrumentation embedded with heavy drums, dreamy melodies, and an engaging storyline.
CONCLUSION
Tanners’ self-titled debut EP is a solid body of work with heavy replay value.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/tanners-ep/