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Garbage (The SPARK Files, #1)
10.0
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Evan isn’t brave. But when he hears a group of Human Firsters attacking a garbage collection...
MM Science Fiction Romance Hurt/Comfort
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Haven's Flame (Fires of Cricket Bend #1) in Books
May 17, 2023
As this book started, I will admit to being worried! It appeared that it was going the way of a love triangle which, although I don't hate, I do tend to dislike. However, I stayed with it and I'm glad that I did. This is an interesting and fast-paced tale, set when the West was Wild and women were buttoned up, unless you were a scarlet woman!
Haven is a strong female lead, although sometimes she does come across as a bit naive. She is only twenty years old though, so cut her some slack. Matthew, I loved. He is the strong, silent type that would probably drive me insane in real life. Because you could 'hear' his thoughts though, his reasons for behaving how he did made it understandable, even noble. Hank is someone that I didn't trust from the get-go, and I was glad when this book changed from a love triangle into something else!
Very well-written and with no grammatical or editing issues that I could see, this story flowed well and with plenty of details. Enough build-up to make the ending breathtaking. It was nice to see the main female being honest with the main male too!
I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to all fans of Historical Western Romance.
* 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!
Jan 9, 2016
Haven is a strong female lead, although sometimes she does come across as a bit naive. She is only twenty years old though, so cut her some slack. Matthew, I loved. He is the strong, silent type that would probably drive me insane in real life. Because you could 'hear' his thoughts though, his reasons for behaving how he did made it understandable, even noble. Hank is someone that I didn't trust from the get-go, and I was glad when this book changed from a love triangle into something else!
Very well-written and with no grammatical or editing issues that I could see, this story flowed well and with plenty of details. Enough build-up to make the ending breathtaking. It was nice to see the main female being honest with the main male too!
I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to all fans of Historical Western Romance.
* 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!
Jan 9, 2016
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Insurgent in Books
May 30, 2023
The adventure continues with Tris and Tobias as they try to recover and regroup. With people in their group that they don't like and don't trust, they face an uphill struggle to move forward and make plans, without being betrayed. They both keep secrets aplenty, even from each other, which I found very frustrating, but also understandable. Tris was told by more than one person to never let on that she was Divergent, and now all and sundry are talking about it and seem to know more than she does!
Tobias and Tris face obstacles and difficulties, not just with the war that seems to have started, but also personally and with their relationship. This is all tied in with what is happening and who shows up, but it makes for powerful reading!
With a closer view on the other factions, it shows you the good and the bad. With visits to Amity, Candor and Erudite, we also meet with more characters of all factions. Some that are friendly, some that aren't.
I won't give out anything else, as I hate spoilers, but I will say that with more twists and intrigue than you can shake a stick at, these books are completely enthralling. I am absolutely loving this series and can't wait for the final book. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Mar 19, 2016
Tobias and Tris face obstacles and difficulties, not just with the war that seems to have started, but also personally and with their relationship. This is all tied in with what is happening and who shows up, but it makes for powerful reading!
With a closer view on the other factions, it shows you the good and the bad. With visits to Amity, Candor and Erudite, we also meet with more characters of all factions. Some that are friendly, some that aren't.
I won't give out anything else, as I hate spoilers, but I will say that with more twists and intrigue than you can shake a stick at, these books are completely enthralling. I am absolutely loving this series and can't wait for the final book. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Mar 19, 2016
Chaos & Flame
Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton
7.0
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Darling Seabreak cannot remember anything before the murder of her family at the hands of House...
Rockin’ Around the Chickadee
9.0
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Bells are ringing and alarms are sounding in Donna Andrews' latest cheery addition in the New York...
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Veil of Shadows (Seven Deadly Veils #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2024
VEIL OF SHADOWS is the first book in the Seven Deadly Veils series and we are introduced to a world that accepts paranormals... sort of. There is the usual hate group that wants to eradicate them from the face of the Earth, but most people accept them. Miranda is one who accepts. Her best friend is the Were Queen. Her roommate is a Were. Her lover is a Were. She is currently working for a vampire and is in the right place at the right time to take a poisoned dart for him. This brings her to the attention of the vampires, for good or for bad.
This is a twisted and intriguing story with romantic elements. But don't expect the MCs to immediately fall in love with each other, because you'll be disappointed. Miranda is free to be with anyone she chooses, and she does what she wants.
The biggest thing for me with this book was the multiple POVs. There were loads!!! And it wasn't announced in any way, so it was unclear who was talking and when it was. This made it quite confusing in places, even when I was enjoying it.
If you like Saga-type books with plenty of action and intrigue, then I definitely recommend this one.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 8, 2024
This is a twisted and intriguing story with romantic elements. But don't expect the MCs to immediately fall in love with each other, because you'll be disappointed. Miranda is free to be with anyone she chooses, and she does what she wants.
The biggest thing for me with this book was the multiple POVs. There were loads!!! And it wasn't announced in any way, so it was unclear who was talking and when it was. This made it quite confusing in places, even when I was enjoying it.
If you like Saga-type books with plenty of action and intrigue, then I definitely recommend this one.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 8, 2024
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) in Movies
Sep 28, 2021
Good popcorn nonsense.
“Remember who we are. The Shaw family. We never, never, never give up.”
(That title is especially for my friends the Shaw family!).
Well, the patchy British summer’s just about up, and autumn’s chilly fingers are touching up the UK. And yet I still hadn’t seen the summer hit “Hobbs and Shaw”! Until last night.
It’s utter nonsense of course, like most of the “Fast and Furious” films, but I have to admit it’s done with some tongue in cheek style.
The plot
A vicious cyber-soldier, Brixton (Idris Elba) tries to steal a deadly virus but is thwarted by brave MI6 agent Hattie (Vanessa Kirby). To help recover the virus, Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) is recruited in London by CIA agent Loeb (Rob Delaney, the “non-super” hero Peter in “Deadpool 2“). In an interesting piece of related casting, the Eteon Director (Champ Nightengale – LoL, a cameo for someone far more famous) recruits Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) in LA as a part of the team.
Both agents know they are heading for trouble… but do they really appreciate how much the pair hate each other’s guts?
The trail leads from London to the Ukraine to (a very picturesque) Samoa in a race against time to both defeat the undefeatable Brixton and save Hattie: now a ticking time bomb of global destruction. And Hattie has relations!
Absurd stunts.
As a “Fast and Furious” film there are of course some truly absurd car stunts involved and – unlike the Mission Impossible films – you are never quite sure what is “real” and what is CGI generated. Which is a shame.
For me, the gold standard for chases remains Tom Cruise‘s chase through Paris in “Mission Impossible: Fallout“. Here, the car chase through London – whilst impressive – never quite reaches the seat clenching tension of MI6.
And a final stunt with a helicopter is – I’m sorry – just plain ridiculous. If a chopper can partially lift 5 x load then why can’t it completely lift 1 x load. Give me a break!
To round things off, there is one of the most unbelievable “100% survival of a car crashing off a cliff” scenes in movie history!
Acting
The acting is largely from the Arnie Swartzenegger school, with Johnson and Statham giving it the old shtick. Dwayne Johnson may be one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars (the boy has done REAL good for himself), but he can’t do serious acting. His “pathos” scenes with his daughter (a vibrant Eliana Sua) are excruciating.
Dropping in as class acts are Helen Mirren as the elder Shaw and the excellent Vanessa Kirby as Hattie. Kirby gets a lot more to get her teeth into than in the last Mission Impossible movie, and is really very good. Mirren is rather too posh to be the incarcerated East End con, but is a fun turn nevertheless.
Also excellent, as always, is Eddie Marsan as the key scientist. Marsan really turns in a splendid performance in every film he’s in. He’s top of “Division 2” in my books. Never the star, but always starring.
Mexican actress Eiza González (from “Baby Driver“) also crops up as an unfeasibly good-looking Russian femme fatale.
“I hate you”. “No, I hate you”. Blah, blah, blah.
Writers Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce do a good job at keeping the script light and fluffy. The animosity between Hobbs and Shaw is played to 110%, and for me the interplay frankly became a bit tiresome. But it’s a fun-enough film to entertain, although it’s bladder-testing running time of 2 hours 17 minutes is at least 30 minutes too long. There is a natural Ukraine-based finale, but it’s not taken, and the film goes on… and on… and on…. and on. Enough already.
I’ve said many times before that comedies shouldn’t last more than 90 minutes, and although an “action film” this is fundamentally a comedy and the rule should apply. It would have been a much better film if it was compacted.
Sexism diverted.
I did criticize “Fast and Furious 8” for scenes that brazenly objectified women. And there was a moment – just one, fortunately – with a gyrating bikini-clad beauty – where I thought “uh, oh” – this franchise has not moved with the times.
But actually, this was the only scene where I thought that. Cinema has moved along massively in the last two years, driven by the “Times Up” movement. Here the women are all given pretty leading “kick-ass” roles, and they generally show the muscle-bound morons up, often saving their arses.
Final Thoughts.
It’s summer popcorn nonsense, but its well done popcorn nonsense. Probably not a film high on my list of films I want to see again, but as an entertainment vehicle it was not too shabby.
(That title is especially for my friends the Shaw family!).
Well, the patchy British summer’s just about up, and autumn’s chilly fingers are touching up the UK. And yet I still hadn’t seen the summer hit “Hobbs and Shaw”! Until last night.
It’s utter nonsense of course, like most of the “Fast and Furious” films, but I have to admit it’s done with some tongue in cheek style.
The plot
A vicious cyber-soldier, Brixton (Idris Elba) tries to steal a deadly virus but is thwarted by brave MI6 agent Hattie (Vanessa Kirby). To help recover the virus, Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) is recruited in London by CIA agent Loeb (Rob Delaney, the “non-super” hero Peter in “Deadpool 2“). In an interesting piece of related casting, the Eteon Director (Champ Nightengale – LoL, a cameo for someone far more famous) recruits Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) in LA as a part of the team.
Both agents know they are heading for trouble… but do they really appreciate how much the pair hate each other’s guts?
The trail leads from London to the Ukraine to (a very picturesque) Samoa in a race against time to both defeat the undefeatable Brixton and save Hattie: now a ticking time bomb of global destruction. And Hattie has relations!
Absurd stunts.
As a “Fast and Furious” film there are of course some truly absurd car stunts involved and – unlike the Mission Impossible films – you are never quite sure what is “real” and what is CGI generated. Which is a shame.
For me, the gold standard for chases remains Tom Cruise‘s chase through Paris in “Mission Impossible: Fallout“. Here, the car chase through London – whilst impressive – never quite reaches the seat clenching tension of MI6.
And a final stunt with a helicopter is – I’m sorry – just plain ridiculous. If a chopper can partially lift 5 x load then why can’t it completely lift 1 x load. Give me a break!
To round things off, there is one of the most unbelievable “100% survival of a car crashing off a cliff” scenes in movie history!
Acting
The acting is largely from the Arnie Swartzenegger school, with Johnson and Statham giving it the old shtick. Dwayne Johnson may be one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars (the boy has done REAL good for himself), but he can’t do serious acting. His “pathos” scenes with his daughter (a vibrant Eliana Sua) are excruciating.
Dropping in as class acts are Helen Mirren as the elder Shaw and the excellent Vanessa Kirby as Hattie. Kirby gets a lot more to get her teeth into than in the last Mission Impossible movie, and is really very good. Mirren is rather too posh to be the incarcerated East End con, but is a fun turn nevertheless.
Also excellent, as always, is Eddie Marsan as the key scientist. Marsan really turns in a splendid performance in every film he’s in. He’s top of “Division 2” in my books. Never the star, but always starring.
Mexican actress Eiza González (from “Baby Driver“) also crops up as an unfeasibly good-looking Russian femme fatale.
“I hate you”. “No, I hate you”. Blah, blah, blah.
Writers Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce do a good job at keeping the script light and fluffy. The animosity between Hobbs and Shaw is played to 110%, and for me the interplay frankly became a bit tiresome. But it’s a fun-enough film to entertain, although it’s bladder-testing running time of 2 hours 17 minutes is at least 30 minutes too long. There is a natural Ukraine-based finale, but it’s not taken, and the film goes on… and on… and on…. and on. Enough already.
I’ve said many times before that comedies shouldn’t last more than 90 minutes, and although an “action film” this is fundamentally a comedy and the rule should apply. It would have been a much better film if it was compacted.
Sexism diverted.
I did criticize “Fast and Furious 8” for scenes that brazenly objectified women. And there was a moment – just one, fortunately – with a gyrating bikini-clad beauty – where I thought “uh, oh” – this franchise has not moved with the times.
But actually, this was the only scene where I thought that. Cinema has moved along massively in the last two years, driven by the “Times Up” movement. Here the women are all given pretty leading “kick-ass” roles, and they generally show the muscle-bound morons up, often saving their arses.
Final Thoughts.
It’s summer popcorn nonsense, but its well done popcorn nonsense. Probably not a film high on my list of films I want to see again, but as an entertainment vehicle it was not too shabby.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Wolf Next Door (Westfield Wolves, #3) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The Wolf Next Door by Lydia Dare
Genre: Paranormal werewolf romance, historical fiction
ISBN:9781402236969
Published: June 1st 2010 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Rating:
Years ago, William Westfield and Pricia Hawthorne were in love—but Pricia's heart was broken and she refuses to let the scoundrel forget it. She knows now that he never committed the accused crime… but she can't bare to give her heart to him again. Even though she wants to.
Will has established his reputation as the best lover in six centuries. And he knows he did it to get Pricia out of his head. He still loves and adores her, snotty remarks and spirited personality and rule-breaking attitude and all. But when he is forced to visit the Hawthorne house to escort his sisters-in-law, he discovers that another man—another Lycan man—is pursuing her hand in marriage. Will doesn't think: The games are over. He decides that he will do anything and everything to keep the other werewolf away, and claim her forever.
This was, out of the three Westfield stories, my favorite. From the time I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It was fast-paced, exciting, and romantic. Although can I say that the covers—for this one and the others—could have been better? Still, I loved the story.
Will has always been my favorite Westfield, because of his happy, funny, warm, laid-back personality… and I loved seeing him desperately in love, trying his hardest to charm Pricia's socks off. Pricia is my favorite kind of heroine: the kind that can hold her own, especially with five brothers. Put Will and Pricia together, and you have an epic couple: They love each other, they hate each other. But they only hate each other because they love each other… a never-ending circle, a never-ending conversation, and a never-ending story… but a very satisfying ending to the book.
The plot was a lot more exciting than Dare's other werewolf stories—not to say the others aren't exciting. But this one surpassed the others. The other Lycan threatening Will's happiness added a good conflict to the story. Pricia's execution of torture on poor Will was both pitiful and hilarious. There was a war going on between the two wolves, and a war going on between the lovers, and it made for a stay-up-until-3-AM kind of book.
One of the reasons this one was probably my favorite, was because it wasn't sappy. I'm not saying the others are: but there was this running theme of the woman telling the man she was in love with him, and the man not admitting it until way too late, and causing problems because of it. There was none of that in The Wolf Next Door. Will straight up told Pricia that he loved her. He told her father he loved her. He told his brothers, and her brothers, that he loved her. And it made their romance much better and much more believable.
Magic, romance, heart-break, rivals, witches, and true love…all tied together with a sweet, naive, innocent little devil, and a very handsome werewolf. This one is begging to be re-read.
Content/recommendation: Little language, some sex. Ages 18+
Genre: Paranormal werewolf romance, historical fiction
ISBN:9781402236969
Published: June 1st 2010 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Rating:
Years ago, William Westfield and Pricia Hawthorne were in love—but Pricia's heart was broken and she refuses to let the scoundrel forget it. She knows now that he never committed the accused crime… but she can't bare to give her heart to him again. Even though she wants to.
Will has established his reputation as the best lover in six centuries. And he knows he did it to get Pricia out of his head. He still loves and adores her, snotty remarks and spirited personality and rule-breaking attitude and all. But when he is forced to visit the Hawthorne house to escort his sisters-in-law, he discovers that another man—another Lycan man—is pursuing her hand in marriage. Will doesn't think: The games are over. He decides that he will do anything and everything to keep the other werewolf away, and claim her forever.
This was, out of the three Westfield stories, my favorite. From the time I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It was fast-paced, exciting, and romantic. Although can I say that the covers—for this one and the others—could have been better? Still, I loved the story.
Will has always been my favorite Westfield, because of his happy, funny, warm, laid-back personality… and I loved seeing him desperately in love, trying his hardest to charm Pricia's socks off. Pricia is my favorite kind of heroine: the kind that can hold her own, especially with five brothers. Put Will and Pricia together, and you have an epic couple: They love each other, they hate each other. But they only hate each other because they love each other… a never-ending circle, a never-ending conversation, and a never-ending story… but a very satisfying ending to the book.
The plot was a lot more exciting than Dare's other werewolf stories—not to say the others aren't exciting. But this one surpassed the others. The other Lycan threatening Will's happiness added a good conflict to the story. Pricia's execution of torture on poor Will was both pitiful and hilarious. There was a war going on between the two wolves, and a war going on between the lovers, and it made for a stay-up-until-3-AM kind of book.
One of the reasons this one was probably my favorite, was because it wasn't sappy. I'm not saying the others are: but there was this running theme of the woman telling the man she was in love with him, and the man not admitting it until way too late, and causing problems because of it. There was none of that in The Wolf Next Door. Will straight up told Pricia that he loved her. He told her father he loved her. He told his brothers, and her brothers, that he loved her. And it made their romance much better and much more believable.
Magic, romance, heart-break, rivals, witches, and true love…all tied together with a sweet, naive, innocent little devil, and a very handsome werewolf. This one is begging to be re-read.
Content/recommendation: Little language, some sex. Ages 18+
Christina Haynes (148 KP) rated A Shiver of Snow and Sky in Books
Feb 10, 2018
A SHIVER OF SNOW AND SKY By Lisa Lueddecke
Contains spoilers, click to show
A SHIVER OF SNOW AND SKY
LISA LUEDDECKE
341
YA / FANTASY
Sypnosis:
On the frozen island of Skane, the sky speaks. Beautiful lights appear on clear nights and their colours having meanings: Green means all is well, and the Goodness is happy. Blue means a snowstorm is on the way. And then there's red. Red is rare. A warning.
Seventeen years ago the sky turned red just as Osa was born, unleashing a plague that claimed the lives of hundreds of villagers, including her own mother. This time, when the night sky once again bleeds crimson, she must discover how to stop the onslaught before so many lives are lost again.
Main characters:
- Osa
- Ivar
Main events:
Osa and Ivar go to visit the caves after they see the red lights appear in the sky. In the caves they try and find out if there is any writing that explains about the red lights and the Goddess. Whilst there they figure out that they will find the Goddess up in the mountains. Osa decides that's where she must go.
Returning from the caves they encounter the Or. Who are invaders from another land. Many years before Osa, her ancestors were driven away from their land of Loska and found sanctuary on the island of Skane. - Because of this they hate the Or.
Both Osa and Ivar fight the Or and win, they return back to their village and inform everyone that the Or are back. This is when Osa tells them she is going to find the Goddess in the mountains and ask for her help. Because they can't fight the Or and survive the red sky.
The rest of the story is about Osa finding the Goddess and Ivar helping to train the village to fight the incoming invasion of the Or.
Most exciting part:
When you reach the Goddess in the mountains.
My favourite part:
If I tell you, I'll spoil it. But it has to be when she returns to the village on a dragon!
My summary:
I really loved the story. I loved the idea of how simple it was yet so filling. I love how each chapter was different, one would be with Ivar in the village. And one with Osa on her journey. How both characters care and love eachother but will never tell the other character until the end. It wasn't a love story that dragged. But it featured a small amount of love just to give it a real feel.
You go with Osa to the mountains, feeling her pain of her father and sisters hate towards her and the blame of her mother's death. To her determination to reach the mountains and overcome any obstacles she encounters along the way.
The ending is truly wonderful.
Red, red the lights glow red, beware of the danger up ahead.
My Review:
I loved this book. I can't wait for the sister book next year.
Red are the lights that darken in the stars, and cold of the days that follow.
Frightened are those who have seen a red sky, that means there won't be a tomorrow.
Fear is a beast that wants darkest of nights, and Swallows and Minds one by one,
But hope is a light that takes root in the heart and can grow to be strong as the sun.
Rating:
4 ★ – I REALLY LIKED IT
Love, Christina ?
LISA LUEDDECKE
341
YA / FANTASY
Sypnosis:
On the frozen island of Skane, the sky speaks. Beautiful lights appear on clear nights and their colours having meanings: Green means all is well, and the Goodness is happy. Blue means a snowstorm is on the way. And then there's red. Red is rare. A warning.
Seventeen years ago the sky turned red just as Osa was born, unleashing a plague that claimed the lives of hundreds of villagers, including her own mother. This time, when the night sky once again bleeds crimson, she must discover how to stop the onslaught before so many lives are lost again.
Main characters:
- Osa
- Ivar
Main events:
Osa and Ivar go to visit the caves after they see the red lights appear in the sky. In the caves they try and find out if there is any writing that explains about the red lights and the Goddess. Whilst there they figure out that they will find the Goddess up in the mountains. Osa decides that's where she must go.
Returning from the caves they encounter the Or. Who are invaders from another land. Many years before Osa, her ancestors were driven away from their land of Loska and found sanctuary on the island of Skane. - Because of this they hate the Or.
Both Osa and Ivar fight the Or and win, they return back to their village and inform everyone that the Or are back. This is when Osa tells them she is going to find the Goddess in the mountains and ask for her help. Because they can't fight the Or and survive the red sky.
The rest of the story is about Osa finding the Goddess and Ivar helping to train the village to fight the incoming invasion of the Or.
Most exciting part:
When you reach the Goddess in the mountains.
My favourite part:
If I tell you, I'll spoil it. But it has to be when she returns to the village on a dragon!
My summary:
I really loved the story. I loved the idea of how simple it was yet so filling. I love how each chapter was different, one would be with Ivar in the village. And one with Osa on her journey. How both characters care and love eachother but will never tell the other character until the end. It wasn't a love story that dragged. But it featured a small amount of love just to give it a real feel.
You go with Osa to the mountains, feeling her pain of her father and sisters hate towards her and the blame of her mother's death. To her determination to reach the mountains and overcome any obstacles she encounters along the way.
The ending is truly wonderful.
Red, red the lights glow red, beware of the danger up ahead.
My Review:
I loved this book. I can't wait for the sister book next year.
Red are the lights that darken in the stars, and cold of the days that follow.
Frightened are those who have seen a red sky, that means there won't be a tomorrow.
Fear is a beast that wants darkest of nights, and Swallows and Minds one by one,
But hope is a light that takes root in the heart and can grow to be strong as the sun.
Rating:
4 ★ – I REALLY LIKED IT
Love, Christina ?