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Sue (5 KP) rated Gone to Green (Green #1) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
The paper was an unexpected inheritance from a close colleague, and Lois must keep it for at least a year, bringing a host of challenges, lessons, and blessings into her life.
When Lois pulls into Green on New Year’s Day, she expects a charming little town full of smiling people.She quickly realizes her mistake. After settling into a loaned house out on Route 2,
she finds herself battling town prejudices and inner doubts and making friends with
the most surprising people: troubled teenager Katy, good-looking catfish farmer
Chris, wise and feisty Aunt Helen, and a female African-American physician named
Kevin.
Whether fighting a greedy, deceitful politician or rescuing a dog she fears, Lois notices the headlines in her life have definitely improved. She learns how to provide small-town news in a big-hearted way and realizes that life is full of newsworthy moments. When she encounters racial
prejudice and financial corruption, Lois also discovers more about the goodness of
real people and the importance of being part of a community.
While secretly preparing the paper for a sale, Lois begins to realize that God might indeed have a plan for her life and that perhaps the allure of city life and career ambition are not what she wants after all.
When Lois pulls into Green on New Year’s Day, she expects a charming little town full of smiling people.She quickly realizes her mistake. After settling into a loaned house out on Route 2,
she finds herself battling town prejudices and inner doubts and making friends with
the most surprising people: troubled teenager Katy, good-looking catfish farmer
Chris, wise and feisty Aunt Helen, and a female African-American physician named
Kevin.
Whether fighting a greedy, deceitful politician or rescuing a dog she fears, Lois notices the headlines in her life have definitely improved. She learns how to provide small-town news in a big-hearted way and realizes that life is full of newsworthy moments. When she encounters racial
prejudice and financial corruption, Lois also discovers more about the goodness of
real people and the importance of being part of a community.
While secretly preparing the paper for a sale, Lois begins to realize that God might indeed have a plan for her life and that perhaps the allure of city life and career ambition are not what she wants after all.
Heathski (173 KP) rated the Xbox 360 version of Bloodforge in Video Games
Feb 27, 2019 (Updated Feb 27, 2019)
Awesome hack and slash (1 more)
Cool art
Combat sometimes (1 more)
Camera angles
Bloody, awesome and a little infuriating
This is an awesome hack and slash game. When I want to vent some of my aggression, this is the one to reach for. It is similar to God of War except that its derived from Celtic mythology, which I love. It has had some negative reviews due to its basic combat, repetitive enemies and weak storyline. I disagree, I love it. The art is awesome, black and white and muted tones, with splashes or fountains of red. It is very bloody, grungy graphic novel style art. The main characters design is striking and unique. The combat can turn onto button mashing but, there are strategic combos which when performed correctly, have some cool and bloody, visual executions. You pick up different weapons on your adventure which opens up options for different fighting styles, combos and upgrades. The more combos you do, the more blood is spilled which means you can access RAGE mode. There is no blocking, so dodging is vital. Sometimes the gameplay mechanics are frustrating due to the annoying camera angles. Its a pretty awesome hack and slash game and love it.
MasterSolace (19 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Mortal Kombat 11 in Video Games
May 12, 2019
Fighting Mechanics (5 more)
Gruesome Finshers
Seemingly unlimited kustomization
Varied Kast of old school sprinkled with new
Story mode of story modes
The Vastness of the Krypt
Maybe TOO much Kustomization (2 more)
Some Tower Objectives are still too difficult.
The Vagueness of the Krypt
As BOON Intended
The king of gory fighters is back with this timeline bending story. Diverse cast? Check. Over the top Fatalities? You bet. Balanced gameplay? Yes it does.
The Story Mode is much improved on the "Family Reunion" feel of MKX. The Krypt is pretty cool. With less Jumpscares. But with some issues. But nothing too bad.
Kustomization... there is a lot of stuff, but it doesn't serve the same purpose as Injustice 2.
Towers of Time is a great touch. But there are some objectives behind modifiers that are just TOO impossible (so far Gauntlet Stage 2 and Stage 8 or 9, can't remember which one). I threw my controller.
Overall, it isn't a perfect game. But given that it released less than 6 months after announced, it is AMAZING. I touted the Gameplay of MKX, MK11 makes improvements over it.
No... I haven't played online yet. And I don't really intend to. So this review is only for Single Player content.
The Story Mode is much improved on the "Family Reunion" feel of MKX. The Krypt is pretty cool. With less Jumpscares. But with some issues. But nothing too bad.
Kustomization... there is a lot of stuff, but it doesn't serve the same purpose as Injustice 2.
Towers of Time is a great touch. But there are some objectives behind modifiers that are just TOO impossible (so far Gauntlet Stage 2 and Stage 8 or 9, can't remember which one). I threw my controller.
Overall, it isn't a perfect game. But given that it released less than 6 months after announced, it is AMAZING. I touted the Gameplay of MKX, MK11 makes improvements over it.
No... I haven't played online yet. And I don't really intend to. So this review is only for Single Player content.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated A Bittersweet Life (2006) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Sweet as
Number 2 in my #top10 favourite films of all time is 'A Bittersweet Life'
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Without a doubt the greatest revenge #film ever made #abittersweetlife is a jaw dropping, beautifully shot, meticulously choreographed & accompanied by one of the most alluring soundtracks I've ever heard in a film. To look at this film as simply a #revenge film is missing out on why its so great, its a film about #freedom, innocence, loyalty & power with so much intricacy/depth to each if your willing to open your mind & delve deeper into its characters/themes. There's also so many absolutely stunningly #crafted, memorable, creative & tense set pieces here too that make almost every #action film look sub par in comparison. #Leebyunghun gives the performance of his career here , he's just so #cool, #stylish, dedicated & #charming that theres not one point your not #emotionally attached to him & engaged in the film. If you #love foreign films you can not miss out on this one its utter perfection & for me nothing will ever come close to how flawless it is. Make sure you watch the directors cut as the theatrical misses out a few extreamly important plot points.
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#jeewoonkim #buddist #korea #korean #revenge #blood #violence #thursdaythoughts #martialarts #fighting #gangster #mob #fight #beauty #art #filmbuff #filmcritic #artsy
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Without a doubt the greatest revenge #film ever made #abittersweetlife is a jaw dropping, beautifully shot, meticulously choreographed & accompanied by one of the most alluring soundtracks I've ever heard in a film. To look at this film as simply a #revenge film is missing out on why its so great, its a film about #freedom, innocence, loyalty & power with so much intricacy/depth to each if your willing to open your mind & delve deeper into its characters/themes. There's also so many absolutely stunningly #crafted, memorable, creative & tense set pieces here too that make almost every #action film look sub par in comparison. #Leebyunghun gives the performance of his career here , he's just so #cool, #stylish, dedicated & #charming that theres not one point your not #emotionally attached to him & engaged in the film. If you #love foreign films you can not miss out on this one its utter perfection & for me nothing will ever come close to how flawless it is. Make sure you watch the directors cut as the theatrical misses out a few extreamly important plot points.
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#jeewoonkim #buddist #korea #korean #revenge #blood #violence #thursdaythoughts #martialarts #fighting #gangster #mob #fight #beauty #art #filmbuff #filmcritic #artsy
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla 1985 (1985) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019 (Updated Jun 15, 2019)
A textbook example of how to take a fairly unimpressive film and make it much worse through cack-handed re-editing and intrusive inserted scenes. Godzilla reappears, somehow (the film ignores the events of all the previous sequels); a subplot about Cold War tensions only making the crisis more serious is significantly de-emphasised in favour of making the Russians into bad guys. The Pentagon (filled with Dr Pepper vending machines) call in Godzilla expert Steve Martin (not that one); he is never referred to by his first name, for obvious reasons. He and the senior Pentagon staff proceed to do exactly nothing but discuss events taking place in Tokyo.
The original movie was a laudable attempt to take Godzilla back to basics, let down by a sluggish plot, weak climax, and underwhelming monster (Godzilla appears to have had one martini too many and seems a bit unsteady on his feet). This one has all those problems too, which are only compounded by the way that all the film's interesting ideas kind of get lost in the re-edit. There are still a few decent sequences of Godzilla fighting the JSDF, including a sci-fi flying tank, but this is hard going for the most part.
The original movie was a laudable attempt to take Godzilla back to basics, let down by a sluggish plot, weak climax, and underwhelming monster (Godzilla appears to have had one martini too many and seems a bit unsteady on his feet). This one has all those problems too, which are only compounded by the way that all the film's interesting ideas kind of get lost in the re-edit. There are still a few decent sequences of Godzilla fighting the JSDF, including a sci-fi flying tank, but this is hard going for the most part.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated To Sin With a Stranger (Seven Deadly Sins, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
After reading the second, I decided I should probably read the first. After reading the second, which immediately captured my attention, I found it so difficult to get into this novel. It starts out with Siusan sewing up Sterlings knuckles, which I had to actually skip over because I could not stomach reading about it.
After that the story progresses with Sterling actually fighting some Irish man to win money to help support his siblings. After Isobel interrupts the fight and is embarrassed by Sterling, he goes on to win the fight and donate some of his winnings to Isobels cause. Sterling then makes the bet at Whites and proceeds to woe Isobel.
Honestly, I grew bored with this novel. I actually found myself skipping over passages and conversations without meaning to. It was actually depressing after reading the <i>The Most Wicked of Sins</i>, which had me hooked. I loved reading about Ivy and Nicks developing relationship and them falling in love. Sterling and Isobels story, however, was just flat. I dont why, but I just found that I could not care less about them falling in love, or Sterling seducing Isobel.
I was greatly disappointed.
After that the story progresses with Sterling actually fighting some Irish man to win money to help support his siblings. After Isobel interrupts the fight and is embarrassed by Sterling, he goes on to win the fight and donate some of his winnings to Isobels cause. Sterling then makes the bet at Whites and proceeds to woe Isobel.
Honestly, I grew bored with this novel. I actually found myself skipping over passages and conversations without meaning to. It was actually depressing after reading the <i>The Most Wicked of Sins</i>, which had me hooked. I loved reading about Ivy and Nicks developing relationship and them falling in love. Sterling and Isobels story, however, was just flat. I dont why, but I just found that I could not care less about them falling in love, or Sterling seducing Isobel.
I was greatly disappointed.
Amy-Faye Johnson’s brother, Derek, is about to open his brewery, a moment that the entire family should be celebrating. However, the business is off to a rocky start thanks to Derek’s investment partner, Gordon Marsh, who is fighting with everyone, including Derek. The grand opening ends with Gordon’s body found in the dumpster, and the police looking at Derek. With Murder on the Orient Express fresh in their minds, Amy-Faye and her friends in the Readaholics delve into the case. But can they shift through the various suspects and motives to find the right killer?
This is a great mystery with quite a few suspects and plenty of twists that kept me guessing until the end. There is a large cast of characters, but they are all strong characters, and I had no trouble at all keeping them all straight. The ending was logical, given the real clues that were mixed in with the red herrings. The tie ins to the Christie classic were fun. And the friendships in the Readaholics is a pure joy to see.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/12/book-review-readaholics-and-poirot.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a great mystery with quite a few suspects and plenty of twists that kept me guessing until the end. There is a large cast of characters, but they are all strong characters, and I had no trouble at all keeping them all straight. The ending was logical, given the real clues that were mixed in with the red herrings. The tie ins to the Christie classic were fun. And the friendships in the Readaholics is a pure joy to see.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/12/book-review-readaholics-and-poirot.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Second Sister in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Lucy Toomey is busy working on a Presidential campaign. Her days and nights are consumed by work and punctuated only by late night calls from her sister, Alice, who still lives in Lucy's hometown of Nilson's Bay, Wisconsin. We learn that Alice suffered an accident at 18, which left her mentally disabled, and for which Lucy still feels guilty, many years later. However, not even her guilt can convince her to return to Nilson's Bay. Until she receives a call that Alice has passed away.
As the campaign winds down, Lucy finds herself once again in her hometown, settling Alice's affairs, living in her old home, and trying to figure out her life.
Overall, this is a fairly easy read, though I found the beginning a bit slow. Lucy is not the most likeable of characters, though she did grow on me as she herself grows. The plot is rather predictable, though you don't find yourself fighting the ending much. Once I got through about the first third, the book went quickly and was a pleasant read, but nothing amazing. (It did make me want to visit Door County, Wisconsin, however! Well-done on that front.)
Note: I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
As the campaign winds down, Lucy finds herself once again in her hometown, settling Alice's affairs, living in her old home, and trying to figure out her life.
Overall, this is a fairly easy read, though I found the beginning a bit slow. Lucy is not the most likeable of characters, though she did grow on me as she herself grows. The plot is rather predictable, though you don't find yourself fighting the ending much. Once I got through about the first third, the book went quickly and was a pleasant read, but nothing amazing. (It did make me want to visit Door County, Wisconsin, however! Well-done on that front.)
Note: I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I'm fairly sure that I missed a Kate Daniels book, because I don't recall some of the events referred to in this book. That annoys me, and I'll have to go back and read whatever the last one was out of order now. It'll be worth it, though, because Ilona Andrews' writing is always fun. Gunmetal Magic is no exception.
This is the first novel to focus on Andrea Nash, Kate Daniels' best friend. Exposed as a shapeshifter, she's been kicked out of the Order. She had just chosen to obey orders from a superior officer instead of fighting with the Pack, which led to a breakup with her lover Raphael. Now she has to rebuild her life from a shattered ruin.
Andrea is a fascinating character, abused repeatedly in her terrible childhood and raised to be ashamed of and hide her shapeshifting nature. Her relationship with Raphael is informed by their bouda nature, but her human side isn't left out by any means.
I particularly enjoy the part that Atlanta plays in Andrews' books, but as a near-native Atlanta I'm bound to be biased in that respect.
This volume and the bonus novella "Magic Gifts" are definitely worthwhile reading for any fan of the Kate Daniels series.
This is the first novel to focus on Andrea Nash, Kate Daniels' best friend. Exposed as a shapeshifter, she's been kicked out of the Order. She had just chosen to obey orders from a superior officer instead of fighting with the Pack, which led to a breakup with her lover Raphael. Now she has to rebuild her life from a shattered ruin.
Andrea is a fascinating character, abused repeatedly in her terrible childhood and raised to be ashamed of and hide her shapeshifting nature. Her relationship with Raphael is informed by their bouda nature, but her human side isn't left out by any means.
I particularly enjoy the part that Atlanta plays in Andrews' books, but as a near-native Atlanta I'm bound to be biased in that respect.
This volume and the bonus novella "Magic Gifts" are definitely worthwhile reading for any fan of the Kate Daniels series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated Spy School Secret Service (Spy School, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The evil organization SPYDER is back, and they are planning to assassinate the President. Because of Ben Ripley’s success fighting them in the past, he is sent under cover into the White House to try to find the sleeper agent. However, with the large number of people in the White House each day, Ben soon realizes just how mammoth the task is. Can he figure out what is going on in time to save the President?
This premise sets us off on another wonderful wild ride into the world of espionage. Oh, the fact that Ben is only twelve-years-old might be unrealistic, but it is so much fun and author Stuart Gibbs makes it work here. There are lots of twists leading up to the wonderful climax. The characters are good, although they could be a little stronger. That’s probably just the adult in me talking, however because it certainly wasn’t on my mind when I was busy turning pages. The book also packs a fair number of laughs that caught me off guard and truly made me laugh out loud. Kids of all ages will love this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-spy-school-secret-service.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This premise sets us off on another wonderful wild ride into the world of espionage. Oh, the fact that Ben is only twelve-years-old might be unrealistic, but it is so much fun and author Stuart Gibbs makes it work here. There are lots of twists leading up to the wonderful climax. The characters are good, although they could be a little stronger. That’s probably just the adult in me talking, however because it certainly wasn’t on my mind when I was busy turning pages. The book also packs a fair number of laughs that caught me off guard and truly made me laugh out loud. Kids of all ages will love this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-spy-school-secret-service.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.