Search
Search results
Shoppers Stop: Online Fashion Shopping App India
Shopping and Lifestyle
App
Shopping made easy with the Shopper’s Stop mobile app! Now shop latest offers in fashion and...
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Vlad the Impaler is a fascinating figure. Known as a villain to most of the world, he has also been considered a hero to myriad citizens in Romania and Bulgaria. He had a rocky life and was used as a bargaining chip as a child, along with his younger brother, Radu the Handsome. I once watched a very interesting documentary on him that was even-handed and it left a lasting impression. I felt sorry for what he went through as a child and how it shaped him into cruel measures. <b>And I Darken</b> poses an interesting question: what if Vlad Tepes was born a girl? This first in the series explores the first eighteen or so years of his, now her, life.
Admittedly, while I was intrigued at the subject, the beginning of this book was a slog to get through. I wasn't especially fond of the simpering Radu early on, since he was ridiculously sensitive and close to caricature. He features just as much, and perhaps more, than his sister, Lada (the feminine of Vlad). I thought Lada was a well-drawn character and I could totally see Vlad in her. As they age, Radu improves and is the heart of the book. This follows history as well as can be with the major change, so the story continues their progress to being hostages, as it were, to the Ottoman Empire.
The majority of the book takes place with Lada and Radu out of their homeland and as prisoner, befriending the Sultan's son, Mehmet, who eventually succeeds his father. So begins Radu's maturation and overwhelming love for Mehmet, which then turns into a love triangle with Lada. This could have been a total disaster and while it mucks up the history I know, it was done as well as can be. I appreciated how Radu's loyalty and convictions were handled in context with the times and circumstances. While I would have liked a more well-rounded Lada, I am hopeful that the next book will go into more depth. It's not a perfect book, Lada comes up with some big solutions to (mostly) actual events at a young age, which felt too convenient, but I still enjoyed the overall result.
Admittedly, while I was intrigued at the subject, the beginning of this book was a slog to get through. I wasn't especially fond of the simpering Radu early on, since he was ridiculously sensitive and close to caricature. He features just as much, and perhaps more, than his sister, Lada (the feminine of Vlad). I thought Lada was a well-drawn character and I could totally see Vlad in her. As they age, Radu improves and is the heart of the book. This follows history as well as can be with the major change, so the story continues their progress to being hostages, as it were, to the Ottoman Empire.
The majority of the book takes place with Lada and Radu out of their homeland and as prisoner, befriending the Sultan's son, Mehmet, who eventually succeeds his father. So begins Radu's maturation and overwhelming love for Mehmet, which then turns into a love triangle with Lada. This could have been a total disaster and while it mucks up the history I know, it was done as well as can be. I appreciated how Radu's loyalty and convictions were handled in context with the times and circumstances. While I would have liked a more well-rounded Lada, I am hopeful that the next book will go into more depth. It's not a perfect book, Lada comes up with some big solutions to (mostly) actual events at a young age, which felt too convenient, but I still enjoyed the overall result.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I really don't know what to say about this book. I loved Zarek, Astrid was wonderful (I love that name!), the story was perfect. The End.
Okay, so maybe I have a bit more to say...
I believe Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing has gotten better as the series has progressed. [b:Fantasy Lover|84136|Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter, #0.5 Prequel)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255575870s/84136.jpg|2384] was great but a bit choppy, [b:Night Pleasures|84150|Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter, #1)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1279586240s/84150.jpg|4112814] was nice but the weakest so far and still somewhat choppy (not to mention it's the only one I've given away), [b:Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2)|84140|Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2) (Were-Hunter, #1)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255923065s/84140.jpg|81269] was nice and enjoyable but needed the romance developed more in the first half, but <u><b>Dance with the Devil</b></u> was wonderful all the way through.
This one felt different to me from the two previous Dark-Hunter novels; it rather had the same feeling as <u><b>Fantasy Lover</b></u>. This book was more isolated from the rest of the series because it was set in Alaska and there weren't as many characters or as much action (in the first half that is). Zarek was the perfect tortured hero and Sherrilyn Kenyon captured that...well, perfectly. I felt for all he suffered because he was more than a character in a book to me. Astrid was terrific as the nymph who is believable at helping him heal and love. Ash was, of course, wonderful, and the welcome addition of Simi added some much needed humor to a tense plot. I can't say I enjoyed Artie the Bitch; I really can't wait until she gets hers. I know Ash is getting his own book (or books, rather), and I sincerely hope he gets his freedom from her (and naturally she suffers horribly). He deserves so much better, and though he sees himself in Zarek, he also reminds me of Julian from <u><b>Fantasy Lover</b></u> with his storyline. This is my perfect book and it's staying on my keeper shelf for a very long time.
Okay, so maybe I have a bit more to say...
I believe Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing has gotten better as the series has progressed. [b:Fantasy Lover|84136|Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter, #0.5 Prequel)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255575870s/84136.jpg|2384] was great but a bit choppy, [b:Night Pleasures|84150|Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter, #1)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1279586240s/84150.jpg|4112814] was nice but the weakest so far and still somewhat choppy (not to mention it's the only one I've given away), [b:Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2)|84140|Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2) (Were-Hunter, #1)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255923065s/84140.jpg|81269] was nice and enjoyable but needed the romance developed more in the first half, but <u><b>Dance with the Devil</b></u> was wonderful all the way through.
This one felt different to me from the two previous Dark-Hunter novels; it rather had the same feeling as <u><b>Fantasy Lover</b></u>. This book was more isolated from the rest of the series because it was set in Alaska and there weren't as many characters or as much action (in the first half that is). Zarek was the perfect tortured hero and Sherrilyn Kenyon captured that...well, perfectly. I felt for all he suffered because he was more than a character in a book to me. Astrid was terrific as the nymph who is believable at helping him heal and love. Ash was, of course, wonderful, and the welcome addition of Simi added some much needed humor to a tense plot. I can't say I enjoyed Artie the Bitch; I really can't wait until she gets hers. I know Ash is getting his own book (or books, rather), and I sincerely hope he gets his freedom from her (and naturally she suffers horribly). He deserves so much better, and though he sees himself in Zarek, he also reminds me of Julian from <u><b>Fantasy Lover</b></u> with his storyline. This is my perfect book and it's staying on my keeper shelf for a very long time.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated What's a Ghoul to Do? (Ghost Hunter Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I was really excited to read this book because I love the Psychic Eye Mysteries Victoria Laurie also writes. I'm not a picky reader, but I'm sorry, this didn't quite do it for me and I ended up very disappointed.
I was hoping they'd be different from the P. E. Mysteries, but still have similar elements of style. Even though I like romance, this book was supposed to be a mystery, hence A Ghost Hunter Mystery on the cover, but the mystery is thrown in around the rather awkwardly written romance between M. J. and Steven. I did think the first chapter was good because I thought M. J. would be different than Abby and more antisocial and a bit cranky (at least that's what I got from the first chapter), but then she ended up giggling throughout the whole book (seriously). What I like about the P. E. Mysteries are that they are fresh, fun, very well written, and the characters are (for the most part) believable. Not to mention, I got extremely tired of reading Steven's choppy English ('what do you say...?', 'Yes, that too', etc.), which made the dialogue even choppier and flatter than it already was, not to mention irritating as all get out. I don't know why V. L. couldn't have made him more fluent in English, especially since he was so well educated, it would only have been a small tweak in the plot. But I've noticed Ms. Laurie has a bit of a redundancy problem in her books, even if I do love Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye, which has the 'liar, liar, pants on fire' repetition, where when someone lies, Abby's 'inborn lie detector' goes off with that chant.
Overall, the dialogue was choppy, the plot and mystery were subpar, the characters were clichés and unbelievable (Doc was a nice addition though), and the whole book badly needed editing. I would not recommend this, although I'm sure many (as seen in the numerous four and five star ratings) would like this as it's not completely horrible; it's just not very fresh even if the subject is interesting. I haven't quite made up my mind if I'll pick up the next in the series.
I was hoping they'd be different from the P. E. Mysteries, but still have similar elements of style. Even though I like romance, this book was supposed to be a mystery, hence A Ghost Hunter Mystery on the cover, but the mystery is thrown in around the rather awkwardly written romance between M. J. and Steven. I did think the first chapter was good because I thought M. J. would be different than Abby and more antisocial and a bit cranky (at least that's what I got from the first chapter), but then she ended up giggling throughout the whole book (seriously). What I like about the P. E. Mysteries are that they are fresh, fun, very well written, and the characters are (for the most part) believable. Not to mention, I got extremely tired of reading Steven's choppy English ('what do you say...?', 'Yes, that too', etc.), which made the dialogue even choppier and flatter than it already was, not to mention irritating as all get out. I don't know why V. L. couldn't have made him more fluent in English, especially since he was so well educated, it would only have been a small tweak in the plot. But I've noticed Ms. Laurie has a bit of a redundancy problem in her books, even if I do love Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye, which has the 'liar, liar, pants on fire' repetition, where when someone lies, Abby's 'inborn lie detector' goes off with that chant.
Overall, the dialogue was choppy, the plot and mystery were subpar, the characters were clichés and unbelievable (Doc was a nice addition though), and the whole book badly needed editing. I would not recommend this, although I'm sure many (as seen in the numerous four and five star ratings) would like this as it's not completely horrible; it's just not very fresh even if the subject is interesting. I haven't quite made up my mind if I'll pick up the next in the series.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Aladdin (2019) in Movies
May 24, 2019
Shine bright like a diamond
#aladdin dazzles/soars putting a fresh & thrilling spin on a timeless #disney #classic. Like many I wasnt exactly excited to see one of the greatest #animated movies ever was getting the live action treatment but during the first 5 minutes when #WillSmith started to #sing chills ran up my spine, #goosebumps appeared on my arms & I sank into the #magical world in front of me immersed fully until the credits rolled. I wont be comparing this to the #original (as one is #animated i feel its unfair to compare) so judging this as a film on its own i think #Guyritchie has knocked it out of the park here. First of all i watch a fair few #bollywood movies & have to say the similar tone & vibe they went for here echoes/fits Aladdin perfectly making the film feel fresh, vibrant, #energetic & #enchanting. Just like an #indian film #musical numbers come seemingly out of nowhere extravagantly & on a grand scale, sets/clothing are all immaculate & vivid (all free from wear & tear/dirt & muck), acting is ludicrously exaggerated/over the top & theres such an air of clumsiness/awkwardness to everything that only amplifies is overall charm. Themes of temptation, corruption, weakness, greed & power all add great tension/deepen characters making them all feel more human. While the message of learning to love who you are before you can love another is as #heartwarming as ever. Everyone was likeable with Will Smith bringing something new to the #genie character as with a more mellow, humble, smooth jazz/r&b spin to the musical numbers which i felt worked a treat. However its #Naomiscott who absolutely kills it here, not only is she so #beautiful & mesmerising but her performance is filled with #passion & energy. #Menamassound is also very #charming & disney esque too. Over all i couldnt see this being done in a more fitting way its #laugh out loud #hilarious, the #music is toe tapping, theres enough changes to make things feel new/fresh & its deliciously camp, awkward, dazzling, #creative & over the top. #Aladdinmovie had me leaving the cinema with a grin from ear to ear excited to see it again it simply is phenomenal cosmic #fun for people of all ages. #robbinwilliams #princess
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Queen Naija by Queen Naija in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Queen Naija is a famous Youtuber and an R&B/Soul singer-songwriter out of Detroit, Michigan. Not too long ago, she released her beautiful self-titled debut EP.
“MEDICINE”
The video finds Queen Naija, dressed in yellow attire, reading text messages on her phone. She confronts her man when he enters the room and addresses his cheating ways. Later, she gives him a taste of his own medicine.
The song was crafted during a detrimental time in Naija’s life when she was having problems with her ex. People wanted to know if she was staying with him or leaving. She recorded “Medicine” and perhaps her entire EP as a response.
“KARMA”
The video was captured inside Capitol Records’ Studio A. It finds Queen Naija in a pinstripe outfit singing her heart out about moving on from being hurt.
Her relationship turned sour after her ex-man started making money and got a sudden case of amnesia. He replaced Naija with a bunch of promiscuous women. So she applauded him for doing that by saying, “Congratulations to you, what you wanted is what you got now.”
“MAMA’S HAND”
Queen Naija dedicates a lovely song to her son. She promises to give him everything and encourages him to have optimistic thoughts about the future. But most importantly, she wants him to put God first and never let go of her hand while they travel through life and its unexpecting journey.
“BUTTERFLIES”
Queen Naija bears her soul, revealing she’s deeply in love. With perhaps someone new? She gets butterflies in her stomach whenever she sees him. Also, she’s thinking about getting into a relationship because she can’t let go of him. Ever since he crossed her path, her life hasn’t been the same.
“BAD BOY”
Queen Naija reveals she’s a good girl and this is her first time being in love with a bad boy. Although she loves their connection, she knows she has to be cautious and take her time. Also, she feels, maybe, her goodness will cause him to change for the better.
CONCLUSION
Queen Naija’s self-titled debut EP is a solid body of work. Produced entirely by 30HertzBeats, it contains charismatic instrumentation, soulful vocals, and charming melodies.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/queen-naija-debut-ep/
“MEDICINE”
The video finds Queen Naija, dressed in yellow attire, reading text messages on her phone. She confronts her man when he enters the room and addresses his cheating ways. Later, she gives him a taste of his own medicine.
The song was crafted during a detrimental time in Naija’s life when she was having problems with her ex. People wanted to know if she was staying with him or leaving. She recorded “Medicine” and perhaps her entire EP as a response.
“KARMA”
The video was captured inside Capitol Records’ Studio A. It finds Queen Naija in a pinstripe outfit singing her heart out about moving on from being hurt.
Her relationship turned sour after her ex-man started making money and got a sudden case of amnesia. He replaced Naija with a bunch of promiscuous women. So she applauded him for doing that by saying, “Congratulations to you, what you wanted is what you got now.”
“MAMA’S HAND”
Queen Naija dedicates a lovely song to her son. She promises to give him everything and encourages him to have optimistic thoughts about the future. But most importantly, she wants him to put God first and never let go of her hand while they travel through life and its unexpecting journey.
“BUTTERFLIES”
Queen Naija bears her soul, revealing she’s deeply in love. With perhaps someone new? She gets butterflies in her stomach whenever she sees him. Also, she’s thinking about getting into a relationship because she can’t let go of him. Ever since he crossed her path, her life hasn’t been the same.
“BAD BOY”
Queen Naija reveals she’s a good girl and this is her first time being in love with a bad boy. Although she loves their connection, she knows she has to be cautious and take her time. Also, she feels, maybe, her goodness will cause him to change for the better.
CONCLUSION
Queen Naija’s self-titled debut EP is a solid body of work. Produced entirely by 30HertzBeats, it contains charismatic instrumentation, soulful vocals, and charming melodies.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/queen-naija-debut-ep/
Joe Julians (221 KP) rated Titanic (1997) in Movies
Jan 30, 2018
A Masterclass of Cinema
At some point between 1997 and, say a few years ago, not liking Titanic became the "cool" thing to do. Despite it's almost overwhelming popularity when it was released, as the years have gone by, fewer will admit their love for this film and some people will actively slate it. Each to their own of course, everyone is entitled to like or dislike anything, but for me, I'll never understand how this can be viewed as anything other than a masterclass of cinema.
This is an epic, grandiose and utterly captivating thing to watch. The cast are perfect- every single one of them. I can't think of a single actor that puts a foot wrong throughout it's admittedly hefty run time. The script is wonderfully and meticulously researched and the set design is incredible. Every detail of the ship was looked at and recreated and whilst there are a few inaccuracies, the Titanic feels real again so many years after the real one went down.
I mentioned the run time and that's often one of the problems that is mentioned when people take issue with Titanic. It is long- perhaps too long. The modern-day sequences that bookend the film could maybe have done with some trimming down, but when I watch this, there's hardly any moment that I could single out as not needing to be there.
In many ways, Titanic is the perfect film. You get the love story dominating the first half, but if you aren't invested in that, the second gives you the sinking and nearly 21 years on, it's still breath taking to watch.
I haven't even mentioned the score yet- it's beautiful. This was James Horner's best work by far, so good in fact that I don't think the film would be anywhere near as memorable were it not for the amazing work he put in here. Celine Dion may be the first name people think of when the music from Titanic is mentioned, but it's certainly Horner that deserves every single bit of credit.
This is an epic, grandiose and utterly captivating thing to watch. The cast are perfect- every single one of them. I can't think of a single actor that puts a foot wrong throughout it's admittedly hefty run time. The script is wonderfully and meticulously researched and the set design is incredible. Every detail of the ship was looked at and recreated and whilst there are a few inaccuracies, the Titanic feels real again so many years after the real one went down.
I mentioned the run time and that's often one of the problems that is mentioned when people take issue with Titanic. It is long- perhaps too long. The modern-day sequences that bookend the film could maybe have done with some trimming down, but when I watch this, there's hardly any moment that I could single out as not needing to be there.
In many ways, Titanic is the perfect film. You get the love story dominating the first half, but if you aren't invested in that, the second gives you the sinking and nearly 21 years on, it's still breath taking to watch.
I haven't even mentioned the score yet- it's beautiful. This was James Horner's best work by far, so good in fact that I don't think the film would be anywhere near as memorable were it not for the amazing work he put in here. Celine Dion may be the first name people think of when the music from Titanic is mentioned, but it's certainly Horner that deserves every single bit of credit.
Kyera (8 KP) rated A Darker Shade of Magic in Books
Feb 1, 2018
The first book set up the idea of the different Londons: magic-less grey London, vibrant red London, starving and desperate white London, and decimated, dead black London. Each built upon a foundation of London but developed in completely different fashions. Their cultures, religion, speech, manner and being is so unique in each world.
It was a really intriguing way to build the world and immediately fascinated me. Good world building is so important to books because it is immersive, it pulls you in and makes you forget that its not real. You are living the story with the characters. She even created languages that were utilized by characters from different places, from the magic language of the Antari to the flowing words or harsh tones of the neighboring lands. It shows a passion for authenticity and true love of what she has created.
I love the characters. Rhy with his charm always brightens the room (or a scene). Lila is cunning, ruthless, ambitious and a thief. She doesn't need anyone and she would never admit to needing anything. She takes or does what she wants, no matter the cost with no regrets. She is tough as nails and her grit is inspiring. Her first instinct is to protect herself above all.
Many people may not agree with me, but Lila was probably my least favourite of our main characters. She was smart and tough, but a little too ruthless for my taste. Kell was the character that I liked/related to the most, even though he was a powerful magic user he seemed the most down to earth.
Not only does she introduce us to unique main characters, but she brilliantly gives depths to those in the background. There are some supporting characters that at times I liked even more than some of our leads.
Overall the story is more of a slow-burn/build rather than quick action packed scenes. I think that it worked really well for this story and have no complaints. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy fantasy or magic books with characters that have very diverse personalities/outlooks on life and great world-building.
It was a really intriguing way to build the world and immediately fascinated me. Good world building is so important to books because it is immersive, it pulls you in and makes you forget that its not real. You are living the story with the characters. She even created languages that were utilized by characters from different places, from the magic language of the Antari to the flowing words or harsh tones of the neighboring lands. It shows a passion for authenticity and true love of what she has created.
I love the characters. Rhy with his charm always brightens the room (or a scene). Lila is cunning, ruthless, ambitious and a thief. She doesn't need anyone and she would never admit to needing anything. She takes or does what she wants, no matter the cost with no regrets. She is tough as nails and her grit is inspiring. Her first instinct is to protect herself above all.
Many people may not agree with me, but Lila was probably my least favourite of our main characters. She was smart and tough, but a little too ruthless for my taste. Kell was the character that I liked/related to the most, even though he was a powerful magic user he seemed the most down to earth.
Not only does she introduce us to unique main characters, but she brilliantly gives depths to those in the background. There are some supporting characters that at times I liked even more than some of our leads.
Overall the story is more of a slow-burn/build rather than quick action packed scenes. I think that it worked really well for this story and have no complaints. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy fantasy or magic books with characters that have very diverse personalities/outlooks on life and great world-building.
Dana (24 KP) rated Batman the Killing Joke in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this comic.
We get the Joker's origin story. He was in a robbery gone wrong and fell into acid because his wife and unborn child died in an electrical fire accident right before the robbery. He was poor, down on his luck, trying to get a job as a comic, and needed some money fast to keep them from losing their apartment. He started off by trying to do an honorable thing and it haunts him for the rest of his life. It is one of the reasons he has gone a bit loony, he cannot face the fact that he is alone in his grief.
We get the reason for Barbara Gordon's paralysis and her origin into becoming the Oracle. (Thanks Joker)
Detective Gordon is attacked by the Joker who is trying to show him how painful it is to lose something he loves. Joker wants to turn Gordon crazy, but doesn't.
Batman does not want his fight with the Joker to end in death, but it will if it has to.
Overall, I really enjoyed this comic and recommend it to anyone who likes the Joker and wants to know more about him.
I love the Joker's last joke, so I'm going to write it out.
Two guys are living in a lunatic asylum and one night they decide they do not like living in an any night they don't like living in an asylum anymore. They decide they're going to escape. So they get up onto the roof and there, just across this narrow gap, they see the roofs of the town, stretching away in the moonlight, stretching away to freedom. The first jumps across with no trouble. The second pauses, he is afraid of falling. The first calls back and says, "I'll turn on this flashlight I've got and you can walk across the beam." The second replies "What do you think I am, crazy? You'll turn the light off once I'm half way across."
I love that joke and the fact that both Batman and the Joker crack up after it.
We get the Joker's origin story. He was in a robbery gone wrong and fell into acid because his wife and unborn child died in an electrical fire accident right before the robbery. He was poor, down on his luck, trying to get a job as a comic, and needed some money fast to keep them from losing their apartment. He started off by trying to do an honorable thing and it haunts him for the rest of his life. It is one of the reasons he has gone a bit loony, he cannot face the fact that he is alone in his grief.
We get the reason for Barbara Gordon's paralysis and her origin into becoming the Oracle. (Thanks Joker)
Detective Gordon is attacked by the Joker who is trying to show him how painful it is to lose something he loves. Joker wants to turn Gordon crazy, but doesn't.
Batman does not want his fight with the Joker to end in death, but it will if it has to.
Overall, I really enjoyed this comic and recommend it to anyone who likes the Joker and wants to know more about him.
I love the Joker's last joke, so I'm going to write it out.
Two guys are living in a lunatic asylum and one night they decide they do not like living in an any night they don't like living in an asylum anymore. They decide they're going to escape. So they get up onto the roof and there, just across this narrow gap, they see the roofs of the town, stretching away in the moonlight, stretching away to freedom. The first jumps across with no trouble. The second pauses, he is afraid of falling. The first calls back and says, "I'll turn on this flashlight I've got and you can walk across the beam." The second replies "What do you think I am, crazy? You'll turn the light off once I'm half way across."
I love that joke and the fact that both Batman and the Joker crack up after it.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Bring Me Back in Books
May 29, 2018
Ahhhhhh... I have such mixed feelings about this book. I don't know where to start or how to properly review without giving away spoilers, but I just had such high hopes throughout the first half of this story and then... meh.
This was my first B.A. Paris book. I've heard great things about the author and this book in particular, the buzz was deafening, but for me it just fell flat.
Don't get me wrong, the premise was so intriguing and I jumped right in with all the whodunit questions. I jumped from character to character with the turn of every page, not knowing who knew what, who did what, and these are EXACTLY the style of books I love. Unfortunately, I had major suspicions about 50% through, and I was pretty much correct - but the execution just made me more or less angry. It's like those books where you're so dumbfounded, you have no idea whats going to happen, you're so excited for those super fun twisty turny clues and then everything starts falling into place. But this was not the case with Bring Me Back. It felt like a cop-out at the end. It was like - the whole story was questions, and then you get all the answers in one final chapter and you're like... ummm what? I dunno - it felt lazy at the end, unconnected a bit, and pretty unbelievable.
The basic story is that Finn meets Layla, they fall in love and then one night, as they're stopped at a gas station rest stop, Finn returns from the restroom and Layla is gone. Did she leave, was she forced or kidnapped? Ten years later, Finn is about to marry someone else, and clues begin to appear raising questions as to if Layla is alive, and if so, where is she?
Without spoiling anything, I WILL say It was a fun idea, and the writing is top notch. I loved how stories were interwoven and little clues popping up everywhere. But again, the end just fell flat for me. I'll definitely be checking out some of B.A. Paris's other books for sure though after reading this. I really enjoyed the writing style and MOST of the book!
This was my first B.A. Paris book. I've heard great things about the author and this book in particular, the buzz was deafening, but for me it just fell flat.
Don't get me wrong, the premise was so intriguing and I jumped right in with all the whodunit questions. I jumped from character to character with the turn of every page, not knowing who knew what, who did what, and these are EXACTLY the style of books I love. Unfortunately, I had major suspicions about 50% through, and I was pretty much correct - but the execution just made me more or less angry. It's like those books where you're so dumbfounded, you have no idea whats going to happen, you're so excited for those super fun twisty turny clues and then everything starts falling into place. But this was not the case with Bring Me Back. It felt like a cop-out at the end. It was like - the whole story was questions, and then you get all the answers in one final chapter and you're like... ummm what? I dunno - it felt lazy at the end, unconnected a bit, and pretty unbelievable.
The basic story is that Finn meets Layla, they fall in love and then one night, as they're stopped at a gas station rest stop, Finn returns from the restroom and Layla is gone. Did she leave, was she forced or kidnapped? Ten years later, Finn is about to marry someone else, and clues begin to appear raising questions as to if Layla is alive, and if so, where is she?
Without spoiling anything, I WILL say It was a fun idea, and the writing is top notch. I loved how stories were interwoven and little clues popping up everywhere. But again, the end just fell flat for me. I'll definitely be checking out some of B.A. Paris's other books for sure though after reading this. I really enjoyed the writing style and MOST of the book!