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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) in Movies
Apr 7, 2019
Better than the first
I’m one of the few people that really didn’t rate the first Sicario film. It wasn’t bad, but neither was it the brilliant film everyone rated it to be, so I went into the sequel with a certain amount of trepidation, but for the most part I was pleasantly surprised.
I’m afraid to say that Emily Blunt really isn’t missed. Instead we get much more of Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro, and you can’t complain about this as they’re both fantastic actors and put on brilliant performances in this. The film itself is very gritty, dark and brutal, right from the opening scenes with the suicide bombers to the gun battles and cartels scenes later on in the film. It’s very tense, and this is definitely not a feel good film at all but it’s still a gripping film to watch. The only thing that really let this down for me was the ending. Without spoilers, it’s partly ridiculous, partly a letdown as characters were going completely against the character they’d been portraying for 2 hours and also a blatant setup for a sequel. I’d have been a lot more satisfied with this film if it had been wrapped up better, but as sequels go, it’s impressive when one surpasses the original.
I’m afraid to say that Emily Blunt really isn’t missed. Instead we get much more of Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro, and you can’t complain about this as they’re both fantastic actors and put on brilliant performances in this. The film itself is very gritty, dark and brutal, right from the opening scenes with the suicide bombers to the gun battles and cartels scenes later on in the film. It’s very tense, and this is definitely not a feel good film at all but it’s still a gripping film to watch. The only thing that really let this down for me was the ending. Without spoilers, it’s partly ridiculous, partly a letdown as characters were going completely against the character they’d been portraying for 2 hours and also a blatant setup for a sequel. I’d have been a lot more satisfied with this film if it had been wrapped up better, but as sequels go, it’s impressive when one surpasses the original.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Line of Duty - Season 3 in TV
May 12, 2019
Another excellent series
I’m starting to feel like a broken record reviewing Line of Duty, but it really is a highly entertaining and gripping show, and is showing now signs of slowing down.
Without going into spoiler territory, this series (despite not being the last) very much wraps up a number of outstanding storylines carried over from the first to series and it does so in a very satisfying way. A lot of shows would be willing to drag these out but not Line of Duty. Instead they’ve brought all of these storylines to a head in a thrilling and action packed manner. I won’t lie, the storyline was maybe a bit predictable in parts as we as the viewers always know more than the characters themselves, but this didn’t really matter that much as it was just good to enjoy the ride. I do like how the plot also tied into relevant historic cases that are current in the UK at the moment, made it a lot more realistic! My only criticism really is that Daniel May was brilliant, but perhaps a little underused but then when you see how the story pans out, it’s understandable. There are a lot of nasty and unlikeable characters in this, and it’s nice to see them get their comeuppance.
Without going into spoiler territory, this series (despite not being the last) very much wraps up a number of outstanding storylines carried over from the first to series and it does so in a very satisfying way. A lot of shows would be willing to drag these out but not Line of Duty. Instead they’ve brought all of these storylines to a head in a thrilling and action packed manner. I won’t lie, the storyline was maybe a bit predictable in parts as we as the viewers always know more than the characters themselves, but this didn’t really matter that much as it was just good to enjoy the ride. I do like how the plot also tied into relevant historic cases that are current in the UK at the moment, made it a lot more realistic! My only criticism really is that Daniel May was brilliant, but perhaps a little underused but then when you see how the story pans out, it’s understandable. There are a lot of nasty and unlikeable characters in this, and it’s nice to see them get their comeuppance.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Heart Keeper in Books
May 22, 2019
How do you mend a broken heart?
It's been three months since Alison Miller-Juul's world fell apart when her six-year-old daughter, Amalie, died in an accident. Three months of sympathy cards, grief counselling and gritting her teeth, but it's still only the vodka and pills that seem to help.
Across town, Iselin Berg's life is finally looking up. Her seven-year-old daughter, Kaia, has survived a life-changing operation. After years of doctors, medication and hope, they can now start thinking about the future.
When Alison uncovers a dangerous secret, she is left in turmoil. She can now see a way to heal her broken heart, but will she risk everything to do so?
This is an intense family drama, it is being told from the viewpoints of two mothers.
Both of their stories start off separately but the they do become connected dramatically.
This such an emotional read, very intense and realistic.
The emotional turmoil was heartbreaking; as a mother could totally relate.
The characters were complex and very believably written.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat.
Totally gripping and magnificent story.
Recommend reading!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Joss at Aria / Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
It's been three months since Alison Miller-Juul's world fell apart when her six-year-old daughter, Amalie, died in an accident. Three months of sympathy cards, grief counselling and gritting her teeth, but it's still only the vodka and pills that seem to help.
Across town, Iselin Berg's life is finally looking up. Her seven-year-old daughter, Kaia, has survived a life-changing operation. After years of doctors, medication and hope, they can now start thinking about the future.
When Alison uncovers a dangerous secret, she is left in turmoil. She can now see a way to heal her broken heart, but will she risk everything to do so?
This is an intense family drama, it is being told from the viewpoints of two mothers.
Both of their stories start off separately but the they do become connected dramatically.
This such an emotional read, very intense and realistic.
The emotional turmoil was heartbreaking; as a mother could totally relate.
The characters were complex and very believably written.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat.
Totally gripping and magnificent story.
Recommend reading!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Joss at Aria / Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Eye for Eye in Books
May 22, 2019
"NEW TWIST ON STRANGERS ON A TRAIN" - THE SUNDAY TIMES
When I first met Susie, she appeared to be a normal, happily-married woman dealing with tragedy.
Then, I uncovered her secrets. While I could understand everything that shed done, I could never approve.
But, knowing what she was capable of, it became clear that if I was going to survive her, I had to play by her rules.
And, the first and most important rule is leave no singing bones.
WOW!!!!!! This is a gripping debut novel!
This book had amazing plot and character development.
I loved this book! I could not put it down at all!
This novel centered around 2 couples whose daughters had been wronged and the need for retribution. It makes you question yourself of how and what you would feel and do in their situation. I think it will be talked and debated about for some time!
This book is told by a third person, who'll stay unknown until the end of this book.
This is the first book of a series and I will be reading it. I literally can't wait to get to read the next one!
If i could award more than 5 stars this one would definitely be getting them!
I Highly Recommend this book.
Thanks to Netgalley, publishers and the author for the opportunity to preview this book!
When I first met Susie, she appeared to be a normal, happily-married woman dealing with tragedy.
Then, I uncovered her secrets. While I could understand everything that shed done, I could never approve.
But, knowing what she was capable of, it became clear that if I was going to survive her, I had to play by her rules.
And, the first and most important rule is leave no singing bones.
WOW!!!!!! This is a gripping debut novel!
This book had amazing plot and character development.
I loved this book! I could not put it down at all!
This novel centered around 2 couples whose daughters had been wronged and the need for retribution. It makes you question yourself of how and what you would feel and do in their situation. I think it will be talked and debated about for some time!
This book is told by a third person, who'll stay unknown until the end of this book.
This is the first book of a series and I will be reading it. I literally can't wait to get to read the next one!
If i could award more than 5 stars this one would definitely be getting them!
I Highly Recommend this book.
Thanks to Netgalley, publishers and the author for the opportunity to preview this book!
Merissa (12817 KP) rated Star Marque Rising in Books
May 22, 2019
Star Marque Rising by Shami Stovall
Star Marque Rising is a Science Fiction story to sink your teeth into. It is a long book that gives you time to be completely enthralled and entangled with the characters, always giving you an unexpected twist when you least expect it.
Demarco is a genetically modified human, looking for a way out of Capitol Station (which is not the best place to be for anyone!) Going into the ring is his ticket out of there, but things don't quite go his way. He ends up being taken by enforcers, and propositioned by their Captain, and not in the usual way. He ends up agreeing with her, and is taken on as a Starfighter.
So much action, excellently paced, and a bunch of characters you will grow to know... or do you? I have to say Endellion was never my favourite character, and I really hope there is a second book (or maybe more), as I would love to read further into this, and see where Demarco, Sawyer, and the others go from here.
A gripping tale guaranteed to keep your attention. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Demarco is a genetically modified human, looking for a way out of Capitol Station (which is not the best place to be for anyone!) Going into the ring is his ticket out of there, but things don't quite go his way. He ends up being taken by enforcers, and propositioned by their Captain, and not in the usual way. He ends up agreeing with her, and is taken on as a Starfighter.
So much action, excellently paced, and a bunch of characters you will grow to know... or do you? I have to say Endellion was never my favourite character, and I really hope there is a second book (or maybe more), as I would love to read further into this, and see where Demarco, Sawyer, and the others go from here.
A gripping tale guaranteed to keep your attention. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Hauntingly moving.
Unlike a lot of TV I’ve watched lately this is non stop gripping from beginning to end. I was constantly on full alert to what was happening and didn’t even glance at my phone while watching (high praise from a phone addict!) This dramatisation of the 1986 nuclear accident is one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever watched.
The terrifying detail shown of the effects of a high dose of radiation had was hard to watch, even for my horror hardened eyes. Seeing dogs being killed almost broke me but it was the little personal narratives (on the whole very well acted) throughout that brought home what a huge tragedy this event was. The whole thing is depicted with perfectly haunting cinematography.
The timing of this seems to also have a poignant feel to it with a close look at the consequences of the secretive nature of the Soviet government and the spin they wanted to put on the accident in the news for the rest of the world to see. Fake news is no new phenomenon….
This is one of those important real life stories that has a lot for us to learn from it and also happens to be an incredibly well done piece of TV. Everyone should watch (age appropriately, of course.)
The terrifying detail shown of the effects of a high dose of radiation had was hard to watch, even for my horror hardened eyes. Seeing dogs being killed almost broke me but it was the little personal narratives (on the whole very well acted) throughout that brought home what a huge tragedy this event was. The whole thing is depicted with perfectly haunting cinematography.
The timing of this seems to also have a poignant feel to it with a close look at the consequences of the secretive nature of the Soviet government and the spin they wanted to put on the accident in the news for the rest of the world to see. Fake news is no new phenomenon….
This is one of those important real life stories that has a lot for us to learn from it and also happens to be an incredibly well done piece of TV. Everyone should watch (age appropriately, of course.)
ClareR (5869 KP) rated The Last Widow (Will Trent #9) in Books
Jun 14, 2019
This latest book in the Will Trent series is centred around far right extremists (Alt-right, Nazi ideology - there’s a lot of ‘Blood and Soil’ being shouted about). I have to hold my hands up here, and admit that I haven’t read the other 8 books in the series, but that didn’t stop me enjoying this. I LOVED it. If it wasn’t for the fact that I had to wait for each ‘stave’ to be released on The Pigeonhole for 12 days, I would have read it all in a couple of sittings. ‘Gripping’ is not the word to describe this - or rather it IS the word, but I’d add ‘exciting, ‘tense’ and ‘oh blimey, I really ought to breathe now!’.
Seriously, it’s a really very good book - loads of great detail about Alt-right/ Nazi groups, a great storyline explaining the relationship between Will and Sara (for those of us who need to catch up), and how the group Sara is kidnapped by operates.
I don’t want to say anymore, because spoiling a book is not on, but I should perhaps warn that it does go into details of rape, torture and paedophilia. If these subjects are not for you, then you’d best avoid this book. However, if these subjects don’t turn you away from a book, just do yourself a favour and read it!!
Seriously, it’s a really very good book - loads of great detail about Alt-right/ Nazi groups, a great storyline explaining the relationship between Will and Sara (for those of us who need to catch up), and how the group Sara is kidnapped by operates.
I don’t want to say anymore, because spoiling a book is not on, but I should perhaps warn that it does go into details of rape, torture and paedophilia. If these subjects are not for you, then you’d best avoid this book. However, if these subjects don’t turn you away from a book, just do yourself a favour and read it!!
Louise (64 KP) rated Sometimes I Lie in Books
Jul 2, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review*
This book must have one of the shortest blurbs but one of the most intriguing, When I saw this book I instantly knew that I wanted to read it, there so much mystery in that blurb – I wanted to know why she was in a coma, why her husband didn’t love and what she lied about and if these lies were the reasons she was in a coma.
For a debut novel this absolutely fantastic, very absorbing, gripping and has you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, I truly am excited to see what this very talented writer is going to come up with next.
I am not going to write anything about the story as i think it will take some of the allure away. All you need to know is that you will be trying to second guess what is going and trying to reveal the truth. There are so many twists and turns in this book,if you are anything like me when I got to the plot twist I had to read it a few times to get my head round it.
This novel was dark,gritty and a great mystery/thriller novel.
This book must have one of the shortest blurbs but one of the most intriguing, When I saw this book I instantly knew that I wanted to read it, there so much mystery in that blurb – I wanted to know why she was in a coma, why her husband didn’t love and what she lied about and if these lies were the reasons she was in a coma.
For a debut novel this absolutely fantastic, very absorbing, gripping and has you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, I truly am excited to see what this very talented writer is going to come up with next.
I am not going to write anything about the story as i think it will take some of the allure away. All you need to know is that you will be trying to second guess what is going and trying to reveal the truth. There are so many twists and turns in this book,if you are anything like me when I got to the plot twist I had to read it a few times to get my head round it.
This novel was dark,gritty and a great mystery/thriller novel.
Merissa (12817 KP) rated Demon Familiar (Wanted #1) in Books
Jul 6, 2018
Demon Familiar (Wanted #1) by Bellora Quinn & Sadie Rose Bermingham
Demon Familiar is the first book in the Wanted series, and we are introduced to a whole new world, which I can't wait to learn more about. Neil witnesses the death of his mother by Bone Men, and runs away, needing to hide from both them AND his father. He meets Mal as he is trying to sell his very desirable, but distinguishable, car so he has funds. Mal and Neil have an instant spark, but neither of them act on it immediately. This just makes it even hotter when they finally do.
I love this couple of author's work - I don't think I've read a bad book by them. Yes, their characters may frustrate the hell out of me (which they know and laugh about!), but their stories are always interesting and gripping. The writing and editing is their usual high standard, the world building superb, and with a whole host of characters I can't wait to see more of - Merc!
A brilliant start to the series, with not all questions answered, so I can't wait to read more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I love this couple of author's work - I don't think I've read a bad book by them. Yes, their characters may frustrate the hell out of me (which they know and laugh about!), but their stories are always interesting and gripping. The writing and editing is their usual high standard, the world building superb, and with a whole host of characters I can't wait to see more of - Merc!
A brilliant start to the series, with not all questions answered, so I can't wait to read more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lesley (60 KP) rated Rust & Stardust in Books
Aug 9, 2018
Stellar book!
Thank you so much to Goodreads and T. Greenwood, I was a lucky giveaway winner. I have never read any of Greenwood's books, and I read this voluntarily.
Firstly, this book was absolutely beautiful in the face of a terribly ugly subject matter. For once, the blurbs on the book cover were extremely accurate. I do wish I hadn't Googled the real Sally Horner case when I was 90% done with the book, thinking that everything that was gonna happen had already happened. Don't do that. But even having done that, I sat through the last 10% blubbering in public. I was crying on and off during reading the book, as my heart just ached for this poor girl and the cast of characters that saw her light as they came into her life. I fell in love with Sally, and with all the kind souls that surrounded her as she was being abused. Emotionally engulfing, sad but beautiful, this was one of the most unique reading experiences I have ever had. It felt like a massively upgraded In Cold Blood, with an absolutely gripping writing style that will leave you heartbroken and encouraged at the same time. If you read one book this year, consider making it this one.
Firstly, this book was absolutely beautiful in the face of a terribly ugly subject matter. For once, the blurbs on the book cover were extremely accurate. I do wish I hadn't Googled the real Sally Horner case when I was 90% done with the book, thinking that everything that was gonna happen had already happened. Don't do that. But even having done that, I sat through the last 10% blubbering in public. I was crying on and off during reading the book, as my heart just ached for this poor girl and the cast of characters that saw her light as they came into her life. I fell in love with Sally, and with all the kind souls that surrounded her as she was being abused. Emotionally engulfing, sad but beautiful, this was one of the most unique reading experiences I have ever had. It felt like a massively upgraded In Cold Blood, with an absolutely gripping writing style that will leave you heartbroken and encouraged at the same time. If you read one book this year, consider making it this one.