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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Scent of Death (David Hunter #6) in Books
Sep 27, 2019
Gripping
I remember, many moons ago, reading The Chemistry of Death and Written in Bone and thoroughly enjoying them and have always had Simon Beckett on my radar as an author to pick up but alas I seem to have been side-tracked by the sheer plethora of excellent books out there so have sadly missed out on the other books in this series but on starting to read this, it was like putting on a comfy pair of slippers and snuggling down on the sofa (or, in my case whilst on holiday, in front of a swimming pool in the Portuguese sun) and losing a few hours amongst the pages of this gripping book.
The blurb gives an outline of what the story is about so I won't repeat it but what I will say is that it's as good, if not better, as it sounds. The setting is perfect and provides an additional layer of atmosphere and general creepiness and tension to this excellent book. The characters are well developed and believable; the details of the forensic side is not over done or too technical that you either get lost or lose interest and the plot development and twists means this is one book that I found hard to put down (cliché I know, but true).
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book to lovers of fast-paced thrillers from a different perspective than the usual police-procedurals and don't be put off that this is the 6th in the series as it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
My thanks go to the Publisher via NetGalley for accepting my request for a copy in return for an honest and unbiased review; you have helped to remind me of how good Simon Beckett's work is.
The blurb gives an outline of what the story is about so I won't repeat it but what I will say is that it's as good, if not better, as it sounds. The setting is perfect and provides an additional layer of atmosphere and general creepiness and tension to this excellent book. The characters are well developed and believable; the details of the forensic side is not over done or too technical that you either get lost or lose interest and the plot development and twists means this is one book that I found hard to put down (cliché I know, but true).
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book to lovers of fast-paced thrillers from a different perspective than the usual police-procedurals and don't be put off that this is the 6th in the series as it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
My thanks go to the Publisher via NetGalley for accepting my request for a copy in return for an honest and unbiased review; you have helped to remind me of how good Simon Beckett's work is.
Jordan Binkerd (567 KP) rated Men in Black International (2019) in Movies
Sep 14, 2019
Chris Hemsworth (2 more)
Tessa Thompson
Pawny
The two twists are visible a mile away (1 more)
No Will Smith, no Tommy Lee Jones
Not as good as the original, but still excellent
I see a lot of derogatory reviews for this one, and I don't really understand that. Is it as good as the original? No. Neither were the other two sequels. I can only think of two sequels in the history of movies that were as good or better than the original: Terminator 2 - Judgement Day and Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back. Okay, three, I forgot about The Road Warrior. My point stands. It's an unfair expectation to put on this film, which was perfectly enjoyable and managed to move the MiB franchise outside New York City for a change.
Agent M is our protagonist, a woman who witnessed MiB in action as a girl and escaped being Neuralized. After tracking down MiB, she's sent to London and partnered with Agent H, a legend in the agency who seems to have lost what made him a competent agent. Together, they must ferret out a mole in the Men in Black....
While they're no Smith and Jones, Hemsworth and Thompson have excellent chemistry as evidenced by their repeatedly being paired with each other. Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson are incapable of failing to entertain, especially in material as bonkers as MiB, and Pawny was hilarious. The storyline is a bit cliche, and you see the twists coming miles away, but on the whole I greatly enjoyed the film. It's exactly what I expected it to be, exactly what it wanted to be. The reason for H's change in character is left a little bit ambiguous and unexplained, but should be clear enough on further consideration. I'd be down for a couple more with this cast, honestly....
Agent M is our protagonist, a woman who witnessed MiB in action as a girl and escaped being Neuralized. After tracking down MiB, she's sent to London and partnered with Agent H, a legend in the agency who seems to have lost what made him a competent agent. Together, they must ferret out a mole in the Men in Black....
While they're no Smith and Jones, Hemsworth and Thompson have excellent chemistry as evidenced by their repeatedly being paired with each other. Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson are incapable of failing to entertain, especially in material as bonkers as MiB, and Pawny was hilarious. The storyline is a bit cliche, and you see the twists coming miles away, but on the whole I greatly enjoyed the film. It's exactly what I expected it to be, exactly what it wanted to be. The reason for H's change in character is left a little bit ambiguous and unexplained, but should be clear enough on further consideration. I'd be down for a couple more with this cast, honestly....
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated More Than Maybe in Books
Aug 13, 2020
This was one of the best books I've read in ages and absolutely perfect for right now. It was one of those reads that just make you smile while flipping the pages. I adored Luke and Vada. I found it completely refreshing to pick up a romance where our couple liked each other from the beginning--even if they didn't know it--versus the "hate to love" trope.
Hahn has given us such a fun book. The sweetest characters. A book packed full of musical references. (She dropped in a Guster one, and I about died.) If you love music, you will get lost in this book. If you love well-written characters who are vulnerable and realistic and just pop off the pages, you will find yourself immersed in this book. There is nothing saccharine or silly about about More Than Maybe. Luke and Vada--as they get to know each other and fall deeper in love while sharing music links--are just so tender and cute. While Vada and Luke are falling in love, they are finding their way and themselves. The story is told from both of their POVs, letting us get to know both of them.
The supporting cast in Maybe is excellent, especially Phil, who doubles as a boyfriend for Vada's mom and a father figure for Vada. He's wonderful, and also joined by Cullen (Luke's twin) and good turns by both Luke and Vada's BFFs. Family is important here and they are not shortchanged.
Overall, I needed a book to make me happy, and More Than Maybe did not disappoint. An excellent romance, lots of fun music, and a great story with surprising depth. Absolutely loved this one. 4.5 stars.
Hahn has given us such a fun book. The sweetest characters. A book packed full of musical references. (She dropped in a Guster one, and I about died.) If you love music, you will get lost in this book. If you love well-written characters who are vulnerable and realistic and just pop off the pages, you will find yourself immersed in this book. There is nothing saccharine or silly about about More Than Maybe. Luke and Vada--as they get to know each other and fall deeper in love while sharing music links--are just so tender and cute. While Vada and Luke are falling in love, they are finding their way and themselves. The story is told from both of their POVs, letting us get to know both of them.
The supporting cast in Maybe is excellent, especially Phil, who doubles as a boyfriend for Vada's mom and a father figure for Vada. He's wonderful, and also joined by Cullen (Luke's twin) and good turns by both Luke and Vada's BFFs. Family is important here and they are not shortchanged.
Overall, I needed a book to make me happy, and More Than Maybe did not disappoint. An excellent romance, lots of fun music, and a great story with surprising depth. Absolutely loved this one. 4.5 stars.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) in Movies
May 5, 2020
May The Force Be With You: The Beginning
A New Hope- man this movie is a classic. A real classic. Everything about this movie is great. The plot, the action, the sci-fi, the death-star, Dark Vader and of course R2-D2. Its only downfall is that its slow at some points. But other than thats its a excellent movie.
The plot: The Imperial Forces -- under orders from cruel Darth Vader (David Prowse) -- hold Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hostage, in their efforts to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), captain of the Millennium Falcon, work together with the companionable droid duo R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) to rescue the beautiful princess, help the Rebel Alliance, and restore freedom and justice to the Galaxy.
The film has been reissued multiple times with Lucas's support—most significantly with its 20th-anniversary theatrical "Special Edition"—incorporating many changes including modified computer-generated effects, altered dialogue, re-edited shots, remixed soundtracks and added scenes. This is also its downfall, cause its not the oringal film, its the speical edition.
AFI 100 Years... series:
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (1998) – #15
AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills (2001) – #27
AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains (2003): Han Solo – #14 Hero
Obi-Wan Kenobi – #37 Hero
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes (2004):
"May the Force be with you." – #8
AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores (2005) – #1
AFI's 100 Years...100 Cheers (2006) – #39
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) (2007) – #13
AFI's 10 Top 10 (2008) – #2 Sci-Fi Film
Like i said before its a excellent sci-fi action adventure movie.
May The Force Be With You.
The plot: The Imperial Forces -- under orders from cruel Darth Vader (David Prowse) -- hold Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hostage, in their efforts to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), captain of the Millennium Falcon, work together with the companionable droid duo R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) to rescue the beautiful princess, help the Rebel Alliance, and restore freedom and justice to the Galaxy.
The film has been reissued multiple times with Lucas's support—most significantly with its 20th-anniversary theatrical "Special Edition"—incorporating many changes including modified computer-generated effects, altered dialogue, re-edited shots, remixed soundtracks and added scenes. This is also its downfall, cause its not the oringal film, its the speical edition.
AFI 100 Years... series:
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (1998) – #15
AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills (2001) – #27
AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains (2003): Han Solo – #14 Hero
Obi-Wan Kenobi – #37 Hero
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes (2004):
"May the Force be with you." – #8
AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores (2005) – #1
AFI's 100 Years...100 Cheers (2006) – #39
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) (2007) – #13
AFI's 10 Top 10 (2008) – #2 Sci-Fi Film
Like i said before its a excellent sci-fi action adventure movie.
May The Force Be With You.
Can Knockdown 2
Games and Entertainment
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Prove your accuracy by destroying popping-up moving targets and fight against time in the new...
Woody Puzzle
Games and Entertainment
8.0
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WOODY, a new artisan relaxing block puzzle, is created JUST FOR YOU. Inspired by one of the warmest...
Merissa (12963 KP) rated Eternal Flame (Guardians #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2023
This book has a twist on the tale of vampires in that they have been chosen by the gods as protectors of the human race and actually dwell in an alternative realm. They are all hot and some have special skills. They all have a weakness, which are silver bracelets, as we find out with Marcus.
There are too many excellent characters in here to name them all but I will admit to having a soft spot for Seth and Baal! An excellent book and, I hope, the start of a new series. How it ended leaves it wide open for the next book along, whilst also neatly tying off this story.
There are a couple of reasons I haven't given this 5 stars. For one, there is insta-love and... bonded mates or not, this bugs me. For someone who has not been in a relationship for 5 years and has been so hurt in the past, it just beggars belief that she would fall into bed with Marcus after the first date, no matter how big the attraction.
I would also liked to have known more about the gods, who they are and what their role in this is. I get the feeling they have a big part to play in this but we don't really hear much about them. Are they Egyptian? I'm not sure although Egypt plays a big part in this.
On the whole, a totally enjoyable paranormal romance with a twist. If you enjoy hot alpha males, demons and shifters all in one book then I can recommend this one to you.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
July 23, 2016
There are too many excellent characters in here to name them all but I will admit to having a soft spot for Seth and Baal! An excellent book and, I hope, the start of a new series. How it ended leaves it wide open for the next book along, whilst also neatly tying off this story.
There are a couple of reasons I haven't given this 5 stars. For one, there is insta-love and... bonded mates or not, this bugs me. For someone who has not been in a relationship for 5 years and has been so hurt in the past, it just beggars belief that she would fall into bed with Marcus after the first date, no matter how big the attraction.
I would also liked to have known more about the gods, who they are and what their role in this is. I get the feeling they have a big part to play in this but we don't really hear much about them. Are they Egyptian? I'm not sure although Egypt plays a big part in this.
On the whole, a totally enjoyable paranormal romance with a twist. If you enjoy hot alpha males, demons and shifters all in one book then I can recommend this one to you.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
July 23, 2016
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Last House on the Cliff [Audiobook] in Books
Sep 11, 2022
![The Last House on the Cliff [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/916/14f63193-1f77-4f72-910d-7f9dc767e916.jpg?m=1662905541)
This is a dark and creepy mystery/thriller that kept me engaged from the start.
Lowri hasn't had the happiest lives so far and when she returns to Anglesey on the death of her beloved aunt, Gwyn, she thinks this might be the start of a better life for her and her daughter, Ruby. Little does she know what nightmare awaits.
The location and setting of this story is genius; the author captures the small island village and the ever present dangerous cliffs together with the dark and creepy atmosphere of the house perfectly and I was transported there by her excellent and vivid descriptions.
There are quite a few characters and it did take me a while to get a grasp on them all but they are an interesting and eclectic bunch and not all of them are particularly likeable but all fit in and have their place in the story.
The story itself is a complex one of historical family trauma that spans generations. There is a pervading sense of the creepy and the unsettling from the start with some great twists culminating in a very satisfying ending that brought everything together.
The narrator was excellent; her voice was absolutely perfect for the story and I actually think I enjoyed it more because of her narration. Would I have enjoyed it had I read it rather than listened? I think so but I would definitely have had trouble with pronouncing the Welsh words!
Overall, a great audio book to keep you company whilst driving, cleaning or doing just about anything that doesn't need a lot of thought and many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts on The Last House on the Cliff.
Lowri hasn't had the happiest lives so far and when she returns to Anglesey on the death of her beloved aunt, Gwyn, she thinks this might be the start of a better life for her and her daughter, Ruby. Little does she know what nightmare awaits.
The location and setting of this story is genius; the author captures the small island village and the ever present dangerous cliffs together with the dark and creepy atmosphere of the house perfectly and I was transported there by her excellent and vivid descriptions.
There are quite a few characters and it did take me a while to get a grasp on them all but they are an interesting and eclectic bunch and not all of them are particularly likeable but all fit in and have their place in the story.
The story itself is a complex one of historical family trauma that spans generations. There is a pervading sense of the creepy and the unsettling from the start with some great twists culminating in a very satisfying ending that brought everything together.
The narrator was excellent; her voice was absolutely perfect for the story and I actually think I enjoyed it more because of her narration. Would I have enjoyed it had I read it rather than listened? I think so but I would definitely have had trouble with pronouncing the Welsh words!
Overall, a great audio book to keep you company whilst driving, cleaning or doing just about anything that doesn't need a lot of thought and many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts on The Last House on the Cliff.
Rachel P (2 KP) rated The Underground Railroad in Books
Jan 4, 2018
This book was an excellent history lesson. I seriously learned things I didn't previously know about our nation during slavery. I would highly recommend the book for that reason.
It was easy to read and hard to put down, but I also found it very impersonal. There were a lot of "action sentences" and not much reflection or introspection. The book is written in third person, which may be why I found myself reading about rape and mistreatment without flinching. I also considered maybe the author was trying to show the reader that most people born into slavery during that time had become so accustom to seeing other people mistreated that they showed very little reaction. Either way, it's not a novel that will cause you to reflect on it for weeks to come, which is ultimately what I expected.
It was easy to read and hard to put down, but I also found it very impersonal. There were a lot of "action sentences" and not much reflection or introspection. The book is written in third person, which may be why I found myself reading about rape and mistreatment without flinching. I also considered maybe the author was trying to show the reader that most people born into slavery during that time had become so accustom to seeing other people mistreated that they showed very little reaction. Either way, it's not a novel that will cause you to reflect on it for weeks to come, which is ultimately what I expected.
Steph Freeman (26 KP) rated Ferdinand (2017) in Movies
Jan 8, 2018
Quite a bit of humor for adults (1 more)
John Cena and Kate McKinnon have excellent comedic timing.
Great Family Film
My four-year-old goes to just about every children's movie that comes out. While this was nowhere near the best kid's movie this holiday season (that honor goes to Coco in my kid's opinion), it was a fun story with quite a bit of humor. The character development was minimal, the friendships were minimal, and the topic of bull fighting seems outdated. On the flip side it wasn't only my kid that enjoyed himself, every kid in the theater roared with laughter when the horses and bulls had a dance off. We will definitely be buying this movie, and it will probably get more play time than our copy of Coco until my son gets older.