Search
Search results
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Girl in the Pink Shoes (Lucy Kendall #1) in Books
Feb 12, 2023
This is the first book in the Lucy Kendall series and the first by Stacy Green I have either read or listened to and it certainly won't be the last.
Lucy has her demons from her childhood as well as the ones she carries from her previous work in Child Protection Services and now she is a private investigator but with a secret - exacting her own punishment against those who have managed to escape justice for the heinous crimes they have perpetrated against children so when 8 year old Kailey goes missing on her way home from school, Lucy doesn't waste any time getting involved but what she discovers is shocking.
With excellent, strong characters, an upsetting but plausible story line with some great unexpected twists, The Girl in the Pink Shoes is a great start to a series. I grew to like Lucy and her band of helpers and I look forward to seeing where things go for her in future books.
The narration was understated and perfect - Amelia Sciandra did a great job and kept my interest and the story moving along nicely and my thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Girl in the Pink Shoes.
Lucy has her demons from her childhood as well as the ones she carries from her previous work in Child Protection Services and now she is a private investigator but with a secret - exacting her own punishment against those who have managed to escape justice for the heinous crimes they have perpetrated against children so when 8 year old Kailey goes missing on her way home from school, Lucy doesn't waste any time getting involved but what she discovers is shocking.
With excellent, strong characters, an upsetting but plausible story line with some great unexpected twists, The Girl in the Pink Shoes is a great start to a series. I grew to like Lucy and her band of helpers and I look forward to seeing where things go for her in future books.
The narration was understated and perfect - Amelia Sciandra did a great job and kept my interest and the story moving along nicely and my thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Girl in the Pink Shoes.
Merissa (14116 KP) rated Blood Flame (Flame #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
In the first of a new series, we enter the world of the alters - where those that have gone through a paranormal change have to live. Their lives are irrevocably changed in more ways than one. To go back to the human world, you need a passport!
Connor and Iris are both obsessed with each other but neither will act upon it as they are 'enemies'. Vampires and Witches are basically distrustful of each other and with good reason. This doesn't stop the feelings that they are both fighting though. Circumstances push them together when it becomes clear that they are both being played and their lives are at stake.
This is a fast-paced and action-packed book that will delight and titillate! I loved the relationship that grew between Connor and Iris, even with the darkness that enveloped them both. The levels of trust go up as they spend more time with each other and learn the secrets of their past.
An excellent start to a new series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 21, 2015
Connor and Iris are both obsessed with each other but neither will act upon it as they are 'enemies'. Vampires and Witches are basically distrustful of each other and with good reason. This doesn't stop the feelings that they are both fighting though. Circumstances push them together when it becomes clear that they are both being played and their lives are at stake.
This is a fast-paced and action-packed book that will delight and titillate! I loved the relationship that grew between Connor and Iris, even with the darkness that enveloped them both. The levels of trust go up as they spend more time with each other and learn the secrets of their past.
An excellent start to a new series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 21, 2015
Merissa (14116 KP) rated Dark Flame (Flame #3) in Books
Apr 19, 2023
This is the third book in the Flame series and can be read as a standalone, but really, why would you? All of these books are simply amazing, with storylines that will wow you with their intricacy and detail.
Dark Flame is about Brann and Juliet. They met in 'real time' just once, but have been meeting up in Dreamglides since then. When they meet in real time again, Brann starts to remember things that he's sure never happened. Well, they did but in their Dreamglide.
Roche is an evil piece of work that even the Drug Cartels are miffed at. The Shifters hate him as too many of their females are taken and killed, so they are more than happy to assist Bran and Juliet when the time comes.
There is a little side story of Mary and Fergus that we have snippets of, and I really can't wait to learn more about them both.
Well-written and action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the Flames series. Highly recommended.
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 2, 2015
Dark Flame is about Brann and Juliet. They met in 'real time' just once, but have been meeting up in Dreamglides since then. When they meet in real time again, Brann starts to remember things that he's sure never happened. Well, they did but in their Dreamglide.
Roche is an evil piece of work that even the Drug Cartels are miffed at. The Shifters hate him as too many of their females are taken and killed, so they are more than happy to assist Bran and Juliet when the time comes.
There is a little side story of Mary and Fergus that we have snippets of, and I really can't wait to learn more about them both.
Well-written and action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the Flames series. Highly recommended.
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 2, 2015
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated The Living Christmas Tree in Books
Dec 2, 2021
Are you looking for a sweet, adorable book about Christmas magic for your child or children? Maybe even your grandchild or grandkids? Well, I may have a book for your child or children called “The Living Christmas Tree” by Kristin Sponaugle.
This book is about two children and how the ornaments come to life at night around the holiday season. What will happen when Hannah finds out what is going on in the evening hours when the Christmas tree comes to life.
This tree seems to have the magic of Christmas; what fun will the ornaments do? Whatever happens when the family is asleep. What fun will the children have at night when the children come to visit; until the decorations are put away for next year.
The pictures are lovely. I love the plot about the Christmas ornaments that the family has put on the Christmas Tree. Is it possible there is the magic of Christmas as long as you believe? Whether your child or an adult. Children will love reading this book. Children will enjoy learning about the magic of Christmas in a different and new way. Parents will enjoy the book as well. It is excellent for the holiday season or reading during the holiday season.
This book is about two children and how the ornaments come to life at night around the holiday season. What will happen when Hannah finds out what is going on in the evening hours when the Christmas tree comes to life.
This tree seems to have the magic of Christmas; what fun will the ornaments do? Whatever happens when the family is asleep. What fun will the children have at night when the children come to visit; until the decorations are put away for next year.
The pictures are lovely. I love the plot about the Christmas ornaments that the family has put on the Christmas Tree. Is it possible there is the magic of Christmas as long as you believe? Whether your child or an adult. Children will love reading this book. Children will enjoy learning about the magic of Christmas in a different and new way. Parents will enjoy the book as well. It is excellent for the holiday season or reading during the holiday season.
Otway93 (580 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) in Movies
Aug 8, 2022
Fun (4 more)
Cast
Special Effects
Story
Emotional
Story (1 more)
Casting
Good, but had it's flaws.
Sadly this film did have it's work cut out due to the controversies surrounding two of it's main characters, Johnny Depp and Ezra Miller.
That being said the film is still very fun, and the writers keeps the twists coming that we've come to enjoy in the previous films. Eddie Redmayne and Dan Fogler were superb in this film, with Fogler honestly stealing the show this time around.
Unfortunately other actors did let the film down.
Firstly, the main culprit: Jude Law. Sadly in this film he can't seem to maintain control of his accent. All throughout the film, Law speaks with his normal English accent, but for some unknown reason the actor seems to add a strong Irish twang to random words. These take the viewer completely off guard and do distract.
Secondly, Mads Mikkelsen. But I would like to point out that this is not his fault. Due to him replacing Johnny Depp, the two different Grindelwald's seem very different in terms of personality and style. These differences are enough to make Mads' portrayal of Grindelwald quite jarring.
Overall though, overlooking the unusual accents and casting issues, the film is excellent, and continues the story perfectly!
Enjoy! :)
That being said the film is still very fun, and the writers keeps the twists coming that we've come to enjoy in the previous films. Eddie Redmayne and Dan Fogler were superb in this film, with Fogler honestly stealing the show this time around.
Unfortunately other actors did let the film down.
Firstly, the main culprit: Jude Law. Sadly in this film he can't seem to maintain control of his accent. All throughout the film, Law speaks with his normal English accent, but for some unknown reason the actor seems to add a strong Irish twang to random words. These take the viewer completely off guard and do distract.
Secondly, Mads Mikkelsen. But I would like to point out that this is not his fault. Due to him replacing Johnny Depp, the two different Grindelwald's seem very different in terms of personality and style. These differences are enough to make Mads' portrayal of Grindelwald quite jarring.
Overall though, overlooking the unusual accents and casting issues, the film is excellent, and continues the story perfectly!
Enjoy! :)
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Raven (Raven Series #1) [Audiobook] in Books
Jul 17, 2022
![Raven (Raven Series #1) [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/1b0/513fd232-4ad4-4e17-bd29-bfd859ee91b0.jpg?m=1658054054)
As soon as I started to listen to this book, I was hooked. I am a sucker for an assassin story and even more so when that assassin is a female and this didn't disappoint.
Raven is a strong woman who can more than hold her own against the male of the species but she is tested to the limit when someone is stealing her jobs and ruining her reputation. Raven finds herself struggling to trust anyone and when her rival is revealed, the situation becomes increasingly personal and more complicated.
This is a long 'listen' and I had to take an enforced break for a couple of weeks when I was half way through but I was able to get back into the story seamlessly and I was soon engrossed again.
The narrator did an excellent job and despite there being a lot of characters, she was able to use her voice to distinguish between them all.
With strong characters, a great story, loads of action and violence but with some humorous moments, this is a series that I am looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into and I must thank W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to Raven and share my thoughts.
Raven is a strong woman who can more than hold her own against the male of the species but she is tested to the limit when someone is stealing her jobs and ruining her reputation. Raven finds herself struggling to trust anyone and when her rival is revealed, the situation becomes increasingly personal and more complicated.
This is a long 'listen' and I had to take an enforced break for a couple of weeks when I was half way through but I was able to get back into the story seamlessly and I was soon engrossed again.
The narrator did an excellent job and despite there being a lot of characters, she was able to use her voice to distinguish between them all.
With strong characters, a great story, loads of action and violence but with some humorous moments, this is a series that I am looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into and I must thank W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to Raven and share my thoughts.
Merissa (14116 KP) rated Victoria & Violet (Royal Maids #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2022
VICTORIA & VIOLET is the first book in the Royal Maids series and what a start this is! We see Victoria in her early years, a free-spirited and strong-willed young lady. We also meet Violet, a maid in the queen's service and firmly under the thumb of her social-climbing, manipulative, abusive mother. When Violet starts her service to Victoria though, she becomes her own person - through trials and errors.
This novel is perfectly paced and full of amazing characters, brought to life by Ms. Brimble's writing style. The story is genteel, full of hope and love, and yet simultaneously shows how hard life can be in certain situations and circumstances.
Each of the characters is interesting and intriguing in their own ways - whether you like them or not! I loved the epilogue giving us an insight into how their lives are turning out, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
An excellent start and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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 novel is perfectly paced and full of amazing characters, brought to life by Ms. Brimble's writing style. The story is genteel, full of hope and love, and yet simultaneously shows how hard life can be in certain situations and circumstances.
Each of the characters is interesting and intriguing in their own ways - whether you like them or not! I loved the epilogue giving us an insight into how their lives are turning out, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
An excellent start and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated The Batman (2022) in Movies
Mar 10, 2022
Robert pattinson (5 more)
Jeffrey wright
Zoe kravitz
Paul dano
Colin farrell
Andy serkis
Watched today right now I would say probably my favourite film of the year so far coming out of the after 3 hours I was impressed by the visuals the look of Gotham wasn’t sure about Robert pattinson as the Batman I wasn’t sure at first but I was soon won over and then there’s Jeffrey wright as Gordon was excellent his chemistry with pattinson is the best part of the movie as they work together to catch the riddler so let’s talk about the riddler played by Paul Dano who plays probably the darkest version of the riddler yet this version of the the character reminded me a lot of jigsaw from the saw movies which works both ways. Then there’s the penguin played by Colin Farrell looking at him u wouldn’t believe it’s him but he plays a version similar to the comics and finally Zoe kravitz as cat woman probably second favourite cat woman bat man returns very believable. Couple things against the the running time 3 hours way to long plus could have done with More Bruce Wayne overall good afternoon viewing
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Silent Man in Books
Aug 27, 2023
I didn't realise this was the last book in a trilogy when I started reading it and whilst it is clear that I have missed the back story, it didn't affect my enjoyment of this book one little bit. My only gripe is with myself, how did I miss the first 2 books in this series??
From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn't read it fast enough. The characters are excellent and I loved the easy and natural relationship between Archer and Quinn. The story is told from various points of view which give a rounded view of the two main plots and whilst this can sometimes cause confusion, not so here.
Written at a fast pace with plenty of twists, turns and scenes of violence and peril, The Silent Man is a book that I can highly recommend to those of you who love a gritty and dark story with a serial killer who uses a unique way to both identify and despatch his victims.
I will definitely be looking out for more by David Fennell in the future and thanks must go to him, Bonnier Books, Zaffre and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Silent Man.
From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn't read it fast enough. The characters are excellent and I loved the easy and natural relationship between Archer and Quinn. The story is told from various points of view which give a rounded view of the two main plots and whilst this can sometimes cause confusion, not so here.
Written at a fast pace with plenty of twists, turns and scenes of violence and peril, The Silent Man is a book that I can highly recommend to those of you who love a gritty and dark story with a serial killer who uses a unique way to both identify and despatch his victims.
I will definitely be looking out for more by David Fennell in the future and thanks must go to him, Bonnier Books, Zaffre and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Silent Man.
ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Incredible Exploding Man in Books
Aug 29, 2023
Alex Dolan is hired by a multimillionaire to write a book about the Sioux Crossing Supercollider. A dream job for a man who has been struggling for work. When he gets there though, people aren’t as keen as he thinks they will be to divulge any information for him to write his book.
About 4/5 of this book is the build up to what actually happens. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed this larger part. It’s really funny and the character building is excellent. But it did leave me thinking what on Earth the title had to do with the book I was reading. I stuck with it though, and I’m glad I did.
I enjoyed the meandering scene setting, and it does pay off. The last 1/5L the real business of the book was equally as good. I just wish there had been more of it, and I wish that all the characters I’d learnt so much about hadn’t just disappeared. I mean, not literally disappeared. At least it don’t think so…
I really liked the narrative voice in this book, so I think I’m going to go and look for more of Hutchinson’s books. I hear The Fractured Earth series is supposed to be good…
About 4/5 of this book is the build up to what actually happens. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed this larger part. It’s really funny and the character building is excellent. But it did leave me thinking what on Earth the title had to do with the book I was reading. I stuck with it though, and I’m glad I did.
I enjoyed the meandering scene setting, and it does pay off. The last 1/5L the real business of the book was equally as good. I just wish there had been more of it, and I wish that all the characters I’d learnt so much about hadn’t just disappeared. I mean, not literally disappeared. At least it don’t think so…
I really liked the narrative voice in this book, so I think I’m going to go and look for more of Hutchinson’s books. I hear The Fractured Earth series is supposed to be good…