Search
Search results
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Ice Twins in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This was literally the most depressing book I’ve ever read. Like, literally. The writing was lyrical and descriptive (almost too much so), and it was hard to listen to because of the emotional devastation of the characters. It was a rollercoaster because out of the three main characters (daughter, husband, wife) you loved all of them, you hated all of them, but you weren’t sure which one was the bad guy (and there was definitely a bad guy). And then once you figured out which one you hated the most, it would switch on you. Suffice to say, this made it an emotional trip.
As I said, the writing was almost so descriptive that it was annoying. And it wasn’t all of it, there were just some parts where I thought “Okay, I get it, move on with the story please.” Another thing was some of the dialogue was redundant. I realize you’re dealing with a traumatized child here, and they tend to repeat themselves and not elaborate, but there are artful ways of writing that without driving your reader crazy. (Example, thought not a direct quote: “tell me what happened?” “Nothing.” “Tell me?” “no. nothing.” “Please?” “Nothing.” “Please sweetheart.” “No! Nothing.” and on and on we go.)
But the story itself wrapped up with an intensely confusing and fulfilling climax, and even a week later it is still haunting me… the ghost may never go away.
The narration was combined: there were three people reading. Rawlins for the voice of Sarah, the mother; Duncan for the voice of Angus before the climax; King for the voice of Angus after the climax (which I thought was really weird, honestly). I liked Rawlins and King, but not Duncan at all. I also would have liked Rawlins to do the voice of the daughter for the whole thing, not just her chapters, since her voice was really good for it. It would have been so much editing though.
The Ice Twins was an overall good reading experience and despite it’s minor flaws I would recommend it to anyone who likes drama, romance, or general fiction.
As I said, the writing was almost so descriptive that it was annoying. And it wasn’t all of it, there were just some parts where I thought “Okay, I get it, move on with the story please.” Another thing was some of the dialogue was redundant. I realize you’re dealing with a traumatized child here, and they tend to repeat themselves and not elaborate, but there are artful ways of writing that without driving your reader crazy. (Example, thought not a direct quote: “tell me what happened?” “Nothing.” “Tell me?” “no. nothing.” “Please?” “Nothing.” “Please sweetheart.” “No! Nothing.” and on and on we go.)
But the story itself wrapped up with an intensely confusing and fulfilling climax, and even a week later it is still haunting me… the ghost may never go away.
The narration was combined: there were three people reading. Rawlins for the voice of Sarah, the mother; Duncan for the voice of Angus before the climax; King for the voice of Angus after the climax (which I thought was really weird, honestly). I liked Rawlins and King, but not Duncan at all. I also would have liked Rawlins to do the voice of the daughter for the whole thing, not just her chapters, since her voice was really good for it. It would have been so much editing though.
The Ice Twins was an overall good reading experience and despite it’s minor flaws I would recommend it to anyone who likes drama, romance, or general fiction.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Witchwood Crown in Books
May 1, 2019
700 pages that feel like so much more
I haven't read the preceding series but had researched and general consensus was that it was not mandatory. This was my first experience of Tad Williams. And indeed, I did not feel I was missing out on any information - there is enough discussion of past events to make me want to read that series, but it is done in such a way as to give the new reader enough insight.
As with so much epic fantasy, this book covers a large world, with numerous PoV characters, different cultures, creatures and races. In this regard, Williams has shown himself to be a true master - he really has built a new world that feels so well embedded and thought-through.
The plot, however, was quite well hidden in the book. The High King and Queen seem to uncover possible rumours of evil sorcery within the kingdom and there is a hint of the evil Norn rising up again. But that is such a small part of the book, so much of it is simply chatting, moaning about things, going ice skating and hill-climbing and healing people from injury/poison. With such a time commitment from readers there is a need to make every chapter count, and I felt at times the reader was being somewhat let down with needless scenes and interactions.
The battle scenes were rare exceptions, being exciting and well narrated.
I felt one major part of the book was going to be the coming-of-age and maturity of Prince Morgan, the heir to the high throne. However at the end of the book he is still an obnoxious, alcoholic arse.
This book had to be either a bridge between the old and the new series, or the start of the new one, and somehow it manages to be neither. I don't feel enough of what is surely to follow has been set up, but likewise I don't feel I know enough of what happened before and how it will influence what comes later.
A large commitment that has yet to pay off.
As with so much epic fantasy, this book covers a large world, with numerous PoV characters, different cultures, creatures and races. In this regard, Williams has shown himself to be a true master - he really has built a new world that feels so well embedded and thought-through.
The plot, however, was quite well hidden in the book. The High King and Queen seem to uncover possible rumours of evil sorcery within the kingdom and there is a hint of the evil Norn rising up again. But that is such a small part of the book, so much of it is simply chatting, moaning about things, going ice skating and hill-climbing and healing people from injury/poison. With such a time commitment from readers there is a need to make every chapter count, and I felt at times the reader was being somewhat let down with needless scenes and interactions.
The battle scenes were rare exceptions, being exciting and well narrated.
I felt one major part of the book was going to be the coming-of-age and maturity of Prince Morgan, the heir to the high throne. However at the end of the book he is still an obnoxious, alcoholic arse.
This book had to be either a bridge between the old and the new series, or the start of the new one, and somehow it manages to be neither. I don't feel enough of what is surely to follow has been set up, but likewise I don't feel I know enough of what happened before and how it will influence what comes later.
A large commitment that has yet to pay off.
Merissa (13378 KP) rated Rising for Autumn (Philadelphia Coven Chronicles #3) in Books
Mar 21, 2018
Rising for Autumn (Philadelphia Coven Chronicles #3) by Katherine McIntyre
Rising for Autumn is my favourite book so far in the Philadelphia Coven Chronicles. We meet the woman behind the Ice Queen mask and it is Sam, the djinn, who is there to help with the unmasking - but only in private! After all, Alanna is the leader of the coven, and a heavy weight rests on her shoulders with every decision she makes. If everyone knew how these decisions cost her, their unwavering faith in her may change. The Order of the Serpent rears its ugly head again, in fact, Alanna is correct in saying it should be a hydra! Thrown together, Sam and Alanna realise neither is quite what the other one thought.
I loved the approach in this book. Alanna is a strong woman, and makes no bones or apologies for that. There are not many who are prepared to look for the woman though, and that made me quite sad as I felt how lonely she was. Sam has tried to live as normal a life as he can, being a djinn tied to a lamp. Alanna constantly surprises him, and he sees the weight she carries. These two end up leaning on each other, as well as brainstorming and verbal sparring!
An excellent story, wrapped up in a tidy bundle with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The characters come to life and jump off the page, making you feel their highs and lows. I also love the season in each book. Katherine McIntyre is exceptional at placing the season without it being overpowering. It's subtle, and yet there for the seeing. I absolutely loved this story, and can't wait to continue with the series, although I also don't want it to end. 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!
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=24219
I loved the approach in this book. Alanna is a strong woman, and makes no bones or apologies for that. There are not many who are prepared to look for the woman though, and that made me quite sad as I felt how lonely she was. Sam has tried to live as normal a life as he can, being a djinn tied to a lamp. Alanna constantly surprises him, and he sees the weight she carries. These two end up leaning on each other, as well as brainstorming and verbal sparring!
An excellent story, wrapped up in a tidy bundle with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The characters come to life and jump off the page, making you feel their highs and lows. I also love the season in each book. Katherine McIntyre is exceptional at placing the season without it being overpowering. It's subtle, and yet there for the seeing. I absolutely loved this story, and can't wait to continue with the series, although I also don't want it to end. 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!
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=24219
Debbiereadsbook (1554 KP) rated The Right Fit in Books
Aug 9, 2018
a nice easy read
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
If you follow my reviews, you'll know I have a particular hatred of using the word NICE to describe a book. But sometimes, it's the only word my brain will use for a book and I can't spit any other word out.
So, this is a NICE book. A GOOD book.
Maxine sees Anthony when she's waiting for a blind date, who turns up but pretends he's not her date. They *literally* dump into each at a night club, when Maxine was dragged out by her sisters for some rebound sex. Anthony is a professional ice hockey player but Maxine doesn't have a clue who he is, so when she assumes he's a mechanic, he runs with it. When She finds out the truth, ALL the truth, can Maxine forgive him? Can she really allow herself to be happy??
This is, from what I can see, the first book by Dubois I've read; indeed, I *think* this is her first novel. And for the most part, I did enjoy it. And I'm stuck with that N word a the back of my throat!
I don't mean this in a negative way, not at all, it's just I can't find any other word that projects my feelings bout this book and you all know, I'm all about sharing my book feelings!
I liked the way the story flowed. We don't get all of Anthony's history in one go, you get hints and clues, and I put them altogether so wrong. You don't get all of Maxine's pain at her break up, the whole story comes in snippets along the way.
Some of the dialogue is amusing, with Anthony's English not quite up to speed yet, but I liked that he flipped between English and French, and his English is portrayed in a way I remember the French students from school speaking.
So, for the most part, I DID enjoy it, but I can't get past the *Nice Book* title.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for the blog
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
If you follow my reviews, you'll know I have a particular hatred of using the word NICE to describe a book. But sometimes, it's the only word my brain will use for a book and I can't spit any other word out.
So, this is a NICE book. A GOOD book.
Maxine sees Anthony when she's waiting for a blind date, who turns up but pretends he's not her date. They *literally* dump into each at a night club, when Maxine was dragged out by her sisters for some rebound sex. Anthony is a professional ice hockey player but Maxine doesn't have a clue who he is, so when she assumes he's a mechanic, he runs with it. When She finds out the truth, ALL the truth, can Maxine forgive him? Can she really allow herself to be happy??
This is, from what I can see, the first book by Dubois I've read; indeed, I *think* this is her first novel. And for the most part, I did enjoy it. And I'm stuck with that N word a the back of my throat!
I don't mean this in a negative way, not at all, it's just I can't find any other word that projects my feelings bout this book and you all know, I'm all about sharing my book feelings!
I liked the way the story flowed. We don't get all of Anthony's history in one go, you get hints and clues, and I put them altogether so wrong. You don't get all of Maxine's pain at her break up, the whole story comes in snippets along the way.
Some of the dialogue is amusing, with Anthony's English not quite up to speed yet, but I liked that he flipped between English and French, and his English is portrayed in a way I remember the French students from school speaking.
So, for the most part, I DID enjoy it, but I can't get past the *Nice Book* title.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for the blog
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated A Dog's Way Home (2019) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019 (Updated Sep 25, 2019)
Being by the same author as A Dog's Purpose you basically know the sort of film you're going to be getting and it doesn't disappoint on that front.
All the real life floofs were amazing and Shelby as Bella obviously gets five stars. The CGI floofs however should probably get a minus amount of stars. You notice it right from the start but once you get to that cougar that's when you think "oh it really is that bad!" It kind of feels like they found a cartoon of a cougar instead of a photo of one to work from.
I don't know where Ashley Judd has been hiding but it was good to see her back in a film. It was a nice little role and she did well with what she was given.
Bryce Dallas Howard was the voice of Bella and she does manage to give her the right tone for all the different situations. It's exactly what you think a dog would sound like if it could talk.
Bella's script is quite fun. Snow is ice cream falling from the sky and cutting the grass is indeed taking the mower for a walk, she even dislikes playing "go to work"... so do we Bella, so do we.
This had potential to be a 3.5/4 star film if it hadn't been for the frankly awful CGI, but I don't think I could see my way clear to give it more than that. It's predictable, just from the synopsis above you can make guesses at what's going to happen... something/someone is the reason Bella is far from home, she'll run away the first chance she gets, danger and camaraderie will be the themes while she's on her journey, she will somehow make it back even though it looks like everything is lost and they'll all live happily ever after.
What you should do
There are probably a lot of classic family films to stream or you already own which do the same job so there's probably no rush to see this one at the cinema. If you do though... take tissues.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
Any amount of floofs will do me!
All the real life floofs were amazing and Shelby as Bella obviously gets five stars. The CGI floofs however should probably get a minus amount of stars. You notice it right from the start but once you get to that cougar that's when you think "oh it really is that bad!" It kind of feels like they found a cartoon of a cougar instead of a photo of one to work from.
I don't know where Ashley Judd has been hiding but it was good to see her back in a film. It was a nice little role and she did well with what she was given.
Bryce Dallas Howard was the voice of Bella and she does manage to give her the right tone for all the different situations. It's exactly what you think a dog would sound like if it could talk.
Bella's script is quite fun. Snow is ice cream falling from the sky and cutting the grass is indeed taking the mower for a walk, she even dislikes playing "go to work"... so do we Bella, so do we.
This had potential to be a 3.5/4 star film if it hadn't been for the frankly awful CGI, but I don't think I could see my way clear to give it more than that. It's predictable, just from the synopsis above you can make guesses at what's going to happen... something/someone is the reason Bella is far from home, she'll run away the first chance she gets, danger and camaraderie will be the themes while she's on her journey, she will somehow make it back even though it looks like everything is lost and they'll all live happily ever after.
What you should do
There are probably a lot of classic family films to stream or you already own which do the same job so there's probably no rush to see this one at the cinema. If you do though... take tissues.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
Any amount of floofs will do me!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Last Airbender (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
The four elemental nations once got along thanks to the help of the master of the elements, the Avatar. But that was in the past. Long ago the Avatar disappeared and the power hungry Fire Nation has since been destroying all other nations in an attempt to develop their natural element wielding skills. But the discovery of a mysteriously tattooed boy, Aang, found in the ice by a young waterbender, Katara, and her brother, Sokka, may mean there is a way to achieve peace and once again unite the elements.
The first Avatar movie very closely follows the story of the first season, called Book One, of the original television show. However the translation of the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon into film has taken some very serious criticism for changes made in the race of the actors who portray the lead characters.
To make fans further iffy about the film the plot moves so quickly that at times the lead characters directly state the story to one another, a distracting and very obvious plot device. Furthering the film’s strange execution is the poor over-acting that fills almost every “emotional” scene. While this strong form of drama is very accurate to the original cartoon, the impact is lost in the translation to the big screen.
Still some things about seeing “The Last Airbender” as a film are really fun. The costumes and environments are both true to the original story. Adding to the fun are clever real world adaptations of the original show’s details, such as Aang’s Airbender tattoos. But where the film really excels is in the elemental battles that define the frequent and large-scale action sequences. Part fantasy and part martial art inspired, these fight scenes help to define the characters while providing visual speed to the otherwise overly paced film.
Fans will enjoy seeing the ideas of “The Last Airbender” executed in live action, but there is no real need for 3D. The film does show some of the character developing talent M. Night Shyamalan is known for, but the rushed pace and forced drama is hard to ignore.
The first Avatar movie very closely follows the story of the first season, called Book One, of the original television show. However the translation of the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon into film has taken some very serious criticism for changes made in the race of the actors who portray the lead characters.
To make fans further iffy about the film the plot moves so quickly that at times the lead characters directly state the story to one another, a distracting and very obvious plot device. Furthering the film’s strange execution is the poor over-acting that fills almost every “emotional” scene. While this strong form of drama is very accurate to the original cartoon, the impact is lost in the translation to the big screen.
Still some things about seeing “The Last Airbender” as a film are really fun. The costumes and environments are both true to the original story. Adding to the fun are clever real world adaptations of the original show’s details, such as Aang’s Airbender tattoos. But where the film really excels is in the elemental battles that define the frequent and large-scale action sequences. Part fantasy and part martial art inspired, these fight scenes help to define the characters while providing visual speed to the otherwise overly paced film.
Fans will enjoy seeing the ideas of “The Last Airbender” executed in live action, but there is no real need for 3D. The film does show some of the character developing talent M. Night Shyamalan is known for, but the rushed pace and forced drama is hard to ignore.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Overnight (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
In the mood for a quickie? Patrick Brice’s “The Overnight” is just that – a short in length, long in substance cinematic romp.
The film follows a laid back, somewhat boring Seattle couple, Alex (Adam Scott) and Emily (Taylor Schilling), who have just relocated to LA. As young parents they seem to be doing everything the “normal” way. They work hard, dote on their little boy, and their love life is rushed.
One afternoon while taking their son to the park, they have a chance meeting with, Kurt (Jason Schwartzman) and Charlotte (Judith Godrèche), an eccentric LA couple who have a son about the same age.
The two couples decide to get together again for a play date at Kurt and Charlotte’s house. Once the kids are put to bed by Kurt’s unique method of melodic keyboard playing, the adults decide to have a play date of their own.
At first the film seems to center on the mundane expectation of how life should be. A strategic starting point for the plot, as it develops into a raw and titillating experience.
Increasingly throughout the evening their blood alcohol levels rise and inhibitions wane, until the night turns into somewhat of a kinky party. Far from smooth and seductive, the interplay between the characters is uncomfortable and ridiculously funny.
The comedic style is unabashedly salacious. For example, at one point Kurt shares his unique paintings. They are the type one would expect to find somewhere like LA’s art scene. If you stare long enough into one, you realize they are all portraits of anuses – beautiful, colorful ass portraits.
The short length of the film in combination with a quick witted comedic style makes for a great date movie. It is both sensual and awkward, much like first dates can be. It will be an effective ice breaker, because it is sure to be the most awkward thing occurring in that moment.
People tend to lock themselves into boundaries which may not serve their best interest, simply because they believe that is how society works. This film pushes & explores those boundaries in a brilliantly humorous way without turning into a cheesy romantic comedy.
I give “The Overnight” 4.5 out of 5 stars
The film follows a laid back, somewhat boring Seattle couple, Alex (Adam Scott) and Emily (Taylor Schilling), who have just relocated to LA. As young parents they seem to be doing everything the “normal” way. They work hard, dote on their little boy, and their love life is rushed.
One afternoon while taking their son to the park, they have a chance meeting with, Kurt (Jason Schwartzman) and Charlotte (Judith Godrèche), an eccentric LA couple who have a son about the same age.
The two couples decide to get together again for a play date at Kurt and Charlotte’s house. Once the kids are put to bed by Kurt’s unique method of melodic keyboard playing, the adults decide to have a play date of their own.
At first the film seems to center on the mundane expectation of how life should be. A strategic starting point for the plot, as it develops into a raw and titillating experience.
Increasingly throughout the evening their blood alcohol levels rise and inhibitions wane, until the night turns into somewhat of a kinky party. Far from smooth and seductive, the interplay between the characters is uncomfortable and ridiculously funny.
The comedic style is unabashedly salacious. For example, at one point Kurt shares his unique paintings. They are the type one would expect to find somewhere like LA’s art scene. If you stare long enough into one, you realize they are all portraits of anuses – beautiful, colorful ass portraits.
The short length of the film in combination with a quick witted comedic style makes for a great date movie. It is both sensual and awkward, much like first dates can be. It will be an effective ice breaker, because it is sure to be the most awkward thing occurring in that moment.
People tend to lock themselves into boundaries which may not serve their best interest, simply because they believe that is how society works. This film pushes & explores those boundaries in a brilliantly humorous way without turning into a cheesy romantic comedy.
I give “The Overnight” 4.5 out of 5 stars
Candy Fever Mania - The Kingdom of Match 3 Games
Games and Entertainment
App
Welcom to the paradise of candy fever mania world! Candy Fever Blast is a FREE game. The Candy world...
Montessori MatheMAGICs: Dynamic Division - Educational Math Game for Kids - 2nd grade
Education
App
The genius and simplicity of Montessori division in a fun, intuitive and play again form. What is...
Nyan Cat: Lost In Space
Games, Entertainment and Stickers
App
** The most popular and most appreciated Nyan Cat game on iPhone/iPad! "Awesome!" - prguitarman,...