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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2194 KP) rated Dashing Through the Snowbirds in Books
Dec 23, 2022 (Updated Dec 23, 2022)
Programming an Ice Cold Murder
It’s a few days before Christmas, but Meg’s house isn’t full of visiting relatives like normal. Instead, it’s full of Canadians who are there trying to finish up a rush project. They are working with Mutant Wizards, Meg’s brother’s computer company. Their CEO, however, is less than ethical. Just as Meg starts to learn some of the things he’s been doing recently, he is killed out in her yard. Is she harboring a killer in her house?
It had a very busy couple of weeks, and I hadn’t realized just how stressful until I sat down with this book and began to truly relax while visiting Meg’s world again. As with the other Christmas entries in the series, the Christmas spirit comes through on every page. But it never forgets it is a murder mystery. The climax could have been a little stronger, but I’m being nitpicky there. I absolutely love this cast of characters, and I delighted in spending more time with them. They had me smiling and laughing as I read. If you need a dose of Christmas spirit, this book will definitely give it to you.
It had a very busy couple of weeks, and I hadn’t realized just how stressful until I sat down with this book and began to truly relax while visiting Meg’s world again. As with the other Christmas entries in the series, the Christmas spirit comes through on every page. But it never forgets it is a murder mystery. The climax could have been a little stronger, but I’m being nitpicky there. I absolutely love this cast of characters, and I delighted in spending more time with them. They had me smiling and laughing as I read. If you need a dose of Christmas spirit, this book will definitely give it to you.
David McK (3414 KP) rated Ice Age: Collision Course (2016) in Movies
Jan 3, 2022
I remember watching the first Ice Age film, way back not long after it came out, in about 2002 or thereabouts.
While it was enjoyable enough, it was also - I felt - nothing special (with Scrat the sabre-toothed squirrel stealing the show).
The franchise itself, as a whole, is proof of the old truism that sequels are never as good as the original, with each instalment struggling to match its predecessor.
This is the fifth movie in said franchise, and the core cast of characters has grown to almost unwieldy proportions: no longer just Sid, Manny and Diego but now also grown to encompass (both literally and metaphorically) their families.
The plot? With a meteor hurtling towards Earth (blame Scrat) an din danger of causing another mass-extinction event, Syd, Manny and co have to find a way of saving their way of life while also coming to terms with the fact that their daughter (wait? When did she appear gain?) is now all grown up and can make her own decisions.
The result? It's a pleasant enough way to spend about an hour and a half or so, but not a film I'd be rushing back to see.
While it was enjoyable enough, it was also - I felt - nothing special (with Scrat the sabre-toothed squirrel stealing the show).
The franchise itself, as a whole, is proof of the old truism that sequels are never as good as the original, with each instalment struggling to match its predecessor.
This is the fifth movie in said franchise, and the core cast of characters has grown to almost unwieldy proportions: no longer just Sid, Manny and Diego but now also grown to encompass (both literally and metaphorically) their families.
The plot? With a meteor hurtling towards Earth (blame Scrat) an din danger of causing another mass-extinction event, Syd, Manny and co have to find a way of saving their way of life while also coming to terms with the fact that their daughter (wait? When did she appear gain?) is now all grown up and can make her own decisions.
The result? It's a pleasant enough way to spend about an hour and a half or so, but not a film I'd be rushing back to see.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The House at the End of Lacelean Street in Books
Mar 26, 2024
58 of 220
Book siren arc
The House at the End of Lacelean Street
By Catherine McCarthy
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's midnight and in the midst of an ice storm when Claudia Dance boards the bright yellow bus to Lacelean Street, a destination she has never heard of. She has no coat, no luggage, and no clue as to why she left home. In fact, she has no memory of her past whatsoever, and yet she feels compelled to make the trip. She will come to realize that salvation lies within the red-brick house at the end of Lacelean Street, a salvation granted by the strange power that dwells within. Sanity will be questioned, limits tested, and answers revealed… But at what price?
This was different and certainly interesting. 3 people get on a bus with only one destination Lacelean street to a strange house with no other people. During their stay they learn things about themselves and each other. I liked it but didn’t love it. It was a decent read and I would recommend anyone to give it a go.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book siren arc
The House at the End of Lacelean Street
By Catherine McCarthy
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's midnight and in the midst of an ice storm when Claudia Dance boards the bright yellow bus to Lacelean Street, a destination she has never heard of. She has no coat, no luggage, and no clue as to why she left home. In fact, she has no memory of her past whatsoever, and yet she feels compelled to make the trip. She will come to realize that salvation lies within the red-brick house at the end of Lacelean Street, a salvation granted by the strange power that dwells within. Sanity will be questioned, limits tested, and answers revealed… But at what price?
This was different and certainly interesting. 3 people get on a bus with only one destination Lacelean street to a strange house with no other people. During their stay they learn things about themselves and each other. I liked it but didn’t love it. It was a decent read and I would recommend anyone to give it a go.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Song of the Huntress
8.0
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A must-read for fans of Circe, Song of the Huntress recasts the folklore behind the Wild Hunt into a...
British Myth Historical fiction
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Welcome to the world of Red Bull TV, giving you front row access to live events, the very best in...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Spies in Disguise (2019) in Movies
Dec 7, 2020
Strong chemistry between Smith and Holland
Blue Sky Animation Studios has often been seen as the "poor little sister" in the animation game - behind Disney/Pixar and Dreamworks - and is often listed as the "Ice Age" studio. But, if you look into their filmography, you will see a solid mark of quality throughout.
This studio has delivered solid animated outings with such fare as ROBOTS, HORTON HEARS A WHO, RIO and FERDINAND (along with the myriad of ICE AGE films) and their latest feature - 2019's SPIES IN DISGUISE - is no exception. I was pleasantly surprised by the fun, action, comedy and suspense of this film and was entertained throughout.
Blue Sky, of course, IS the "poor little sister" to the "Big 2" and it shows in some of their casting choices. Where I thought vocal work was being done by Tina Fey and Holly Hunter, I soon discovered that it is Rachel Brosnahan and Reba Mcintyre - not shabby at all, but not quite the "A" team either (it's like you are listening to the Broadway replacement actors for the Original Cast).
That is probably because they spent all of their casting money on the 2 leads - Will Smith and Tom Holland - and they are TERRIFIC together. Unlike Holland's lackluster (and lack of chemistry) turn with Chris Pratt in the PIXAR film ONWARD, Holland and Smith work well together in this film and I enjoyed their interactions with each other. Of course, Will Smith is in a league of his own when it comes to charming, cocky adventure hero with raw emotions and a soul - and that is EXACTLY what his character is and it works very, very well. Add to that Holland's riff on his Spiderman Peter Parker character - a scientific genius who is socially awkward and we have a fun duo to root for throughout this film.
Other outstanding voice talents in this cast include Masi Oka (who's voice would be terrific in just about ANY animation film), Rashida Jones, Karen Gillen and the always good Ben Mendelsohn as the villain.
Directors Nick Bruno (in his Directorial debut) and Troy Quane (in only his 2nd Animated outing) do a professional job keeping the plot moving, the fun brewing and the plot and action scenes simple and easy to follow (an easy thing to screw up) and this makes SPIES IN DISGUISE a very fun escape for an hour and 42 minutes.
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
This studio has delivered solid animated outings with such fare as ROBOTS, HORTON HEARS A WHO, RIO and FERDINAND (along with the myriad of ICE AGE films) and their latest feature - 2019's SPIES IN DISGUISE - is no exception. I was pleasantly surprised by the fun, action, comedy and suspense of this film and was entertained throughout.
Blue Sky, of course, IS the "poor little sister" to the "Big 2" and it shows in some of their casting choices. Where I thought vocal work was being done by Tina Fey and Holly Hunter, I soon discovered that it is Rachel Brosnahan and Reba Mcintyre - not shabby at all, but not quite the "A" team either (it's like you are listening to the Broadway replacement actors for the Original Cast).
That is probably because they spent all of their casting money on the 2 leads - Will Smith and Tom Holland - and they are TERRIFIC together. Unlike Holland's lackluster (and lack of chemistry) turn with Chris Pratt in the PIXAR film ONWARD, Holland and Smith work well together in this film and I enjoyed their interactions with each other. Of course, Will Smith is in a league of his own when it comes to charming, cocky adventure hero with raw emotions and a soul - and that is EXACTLY what his character is and it works very, very well. Add to that Holland's riff on his Spiderman Peter Parker character - a scientific genius who is socially awkward and we have a fun duo to root for throughout this film.
Other outstanding voice talents in this cast include Masi Oka (who's voice would be terrific in just about ANY animation film), Rashida Jones, Karen Gillen and the always good Ben Mendelsohn as the villain.
Directors Nick Bruno (in his Directorial debut) and Troy Quane (in only his 2nd Animated outing) do a professional job keeping the plot moving, the fun brewing and the plot and action scenes simple and easy to follow (an easy thing to screw up) and this makes SPIES IN DISGUISE a very fun escape for an hour and 42 minutes.
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Merissa (12030 KP) rated Still Life: A SpecFic SciFi Romance in Books
Nov 2, 2017
Still Life by Jayne Fury
Still Life is the sci-fi romance novella that takes place on and around an ice planet, that will hopefully change into a world that is lush and green. Ewan Stewarts has plans for the planet, along with Six, the droid that keeps him company. However, the ship that is bringing his supplies runs into a small problem in that all but one of the crew dies. Ewan and Jody have to work together to ride out a snowstorm, find out what killed the others, and try to survive mercenaries too.
This is a fast-paced novella, with plenty of action. Not only do you get the action that is current, but you also find out more about the past, and why Jody is how she is. The story moves along quickly, with attraction changing to love very quickly. This was a quick read, but an enjoyable one, with plenty of action going on to keep everyone happy. Definitely 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!
This is a fast-paced novella, with plenty of action. Not only do you get the action that is current, but you also find out more about the past, and why Jody is how she is. The story moves along quickly, with attraction changing to love very quickly. This was a quick read, but an enjoyable one, with plenty of action going on to keep everyone happy. Definitely 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!
Dutch (59 KP) rated The Ice Lands in Books
Feb 20, 2019
Great character development (3 more)
Good group dynamic
Good use of flashbacks to flesh out the characters
Great location
Baby it's cold outside
I had heard about The Ice Lands a while back but forgot all about it until I came across it in my local Waterstones. The story follows a group of friends who are taking a camping trip into Icelands volcanic hinterlands to escape from the busy city and to try and reconnect with each other. A crash forces them to abandon their jeep and seek refuge in the house of an increasingly mysterious elderly couple. The bulk of the story deals with the fracturing dynamic of the group as old tensions rise to the fore and petty squabbles break out amongst them as they find their every attempt at escape blocked.
What secrets are the old couple hiding?, why are they seemingly afraid of the night?, what is the story behind the abandoned village nearby? and who (or what) has been slaughtering animals near the old couples house?.
I really recommend this to anyone with a love of horror and the patience to let a story develop at a slower pace and the translation to English has been very well handled as well.
What secrets are the old couple hiding?, why are they seemingly afraid of the night?, what is the story behind the abandoned village nearby? and who (or what) has been slaughtering animals near the old couples house?.
I really recommend this to anyone with a love of horror and the patience to let a story develop at a slower pace and the translation to English has been very well handled as well.
ClareR (5716 KP) rated Us Against You (Beartown #2) in Books
Aug 25, 2018
An outstanding sequel.
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I really would. I feel as though someone has sucker-punched me. I’m not usually someone who cries over a book: I get emotional, yes, but actual crying is something I seldom do. This book, though. I couldn’t tell you how many times it brought me to tears. The characters are so vulnerable - even those who you wouldn’t expect to be.
There’s a lot of ice hockey: not a sport we see much of here in the U.K., but it’s done in a particular way that I didn’t feel it was a story about sport.
“Have you ever seen a town fall? Ours did. We’ll end up saying that violence came to Beartown this summer, but that will be a lie; the violence was already here. Because sometimes hating one another is so easy that it seems incomprehensible that we ever do anything else.”
This is a story about human nature: all the good, bad and messy bits. And I loved it. Five stars for me means I would read it again, and I probably will.
Many, many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this wonderful book.
There’s a lot of ice hockey: not a sport we see much of here in the U.K., but it’s done in a particular way that I didn’t feel it was a story about sport.
“Have you ever seen a town fall? Ours did. We’ll end up saying that violence came to Beartown this summer, but that will be a lie; the violence was already here. Because sometimes hating one another is so easy that it seems incomprehensible that we ever do anything else.”
This is a story about human nature: all the good, bad and messy bits. And I loved it. Five stars for me means I would read it again, and I probably will.
Many, many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this wonderful book.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated What's Left of Us (Us, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This book is wonderful! The characters are easy to relate to and the story keeps you guessing. I was lucky enough to read this before it went to the editor and I absolutely loved it!
The characters of Asher and Beck are great. They are best friends and they both go through some pretty epic changes (which I won't share because I don't want to give away any of the story).
Enter Calla or Cal for short. She is the new girl in the neighborhood and she quickly befriends Ash and Beck. The three of them are inseparable. Of course being friend with two boys is going to lead to some drama, but that's just the tip of the ice berg.
Honestly, I wasn't prepared for this book. The story took me by surprise and the emotion involved just blew me away.
What's Left of Us is a Christian novel; however, be advised that religion and religious beliefs are NOT shoved down your throat. This is a great book about a group of friends that endure a tragedy and through the help of their religious beliefs manage to come out whole on the other side.
Give this debut novel by this talented new author a shot. You won't be disappointed.
The characters of Asher and Beck are great. They are best friends and they both go through some pretty epic changes (which I won't share because I don't want to give away any of the story).
Enter Calla or Cal for short. She is the new girl in the neighborhood and she quickly befriends Ash and Beck. The three of them are inseparable. Of course being friend with two boys is going to lead to some drama, but that's just the tip of the ice berg.
Honestly, I wasn't prepared for this book. The story took me by surprise and the emotion involved just blew me away.
What's Left of Us is a Christian novel; however, be advised that religion and religious beliefs are NOT shoved down your throat. This is a great book about a group of friends that endure a tragedy and through the help of their religious beliefs manage to come out whole on the other side.
Give this debut novel by this talented new author a shot. You won't be disappointed.