Search
Search results
Sarah (126 KP) rated A Discovery of Witches - Season 1 in TV
Feb 18, 2019
Dull as Ditchwater
The trailers for this show looked so exciting. We saved it on Sky+ so that we could watch a few episodes at a time and not have to wait a whole week for the next one. I love shows that are a bit supernatural or spooky, and couldn't wait to see this.
There were entire episodes where, at the end, we both wondered did anything of any note or point actually happen? The main characters just seemed so wet and, frankly, pathetic. For such incredibly powerful beings encompassed by this raging passion, Diana and Matthew are rather boring. There just seems to be no oomph, no real force behind any of them.
The one thing that did intrigue me was the demon race - we all know what witches and vampires are, but what can the demons do? That said, I'm feeling more inclined to read the books than to persevere with the next series.
There were entire episodes where, at the end, we both wondered did anything of any note or point actually happen? The main characters just seemed so wet and, frankly, pathetic. For such incredibly powerful beings encompassed by this raging passion, Diana and Matthew are rather boring. There just seems to be no oomph, no real force behind any of them.
The one thing that did intrigue me was the demon race - we all know what witches and vampires are, but what can the demons do? That said, I'm feeling more inclined to read the books than to persevere with the next series.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Twisted in Books
May 22, 2019
BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THREE THINGS:
1. The police are looking to charge me with murder.
2. No one knows who I am. Or how I did it.
3. If you think you've found me. I'm coming for you next.
After you've read this book, you'll know: the truth is far more twisted...
When Maria Cooper accidentally uncovers one of her husband Pauls secrets she enlists her lover Daryl in a plot to get even.
This book is full of suspense and intrigue with lots of twists and turns.
Just when you think you've got it worked out there's another revelation that blows your theory away.
The characterization is excellent, the storytelling first class and the final reveal is kept for the very last page.
Can't wait to see what Steve Cavanagh comes up with next; definitely a book I would recommend reading.
Thanks a lot to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THREE THINGS:
1. The police are looking to charge me with murder.
2. No one knows who I am. Or how I did it.
3. If you think you've found me. I'm coming for you next.
After you've read this book, you'll know: the truth is far more twisted...
When Maria Cooper accidentally uncovers one of her husband Pauls secrets she enlists her lover Daryl in a plot to get even.
This book is full of suspense and intrigue with lots of twists and turns.
Just when you think you've got it worked out there's another revelation that blows your theory away.
The characterization is excellent, the storytelling first class and the final reveal is kept for the very last page.
Can't wait to see what Steve Cavanagh comes up with next; definitely a book I would recommend reading.
Thanks a lot to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Author's Definitive Edition in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I've enjoyed every Brandon Sanderson book I've read, and Elantris was certainly no exception. This was a beautiful mix of religious and political intrigue, magical mystery, and just a touch of romance. The ultimate answer to the mystery was so elegantly simple, but discovered so late, that consequences still had to be faced even when the main problem was fixed. (I'm trying to be vague so I don't spoil it!) I loved both Raoden and Sarene, and in a way, Hrathen too. He was a wonderfully written villain - one of those villains whose motivations you get to see and understand, so you end up sympathizing with him even as you don't want to see him succeed. Sanderson definitely has a talent for unusual fantasy novels, with elaborate plots and complex, well thought-out worlds.
In short, yet another amazing book from Brandon Sanderson.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
In short, yet another amazing book from Brandon Sanderson.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Ross (3284 KP) rated Designated Survivor - Season 1 in TV
Feb 15, 2018
Right from the first episode we are thrown into the thick of it as Tom Kirkman, an architect appointed to the US cabinet, is the appointed "designated survivor" - a member of government securely housed elsewhere during important events in case of a large scale attack. As he is watching the State of the Union Address, the unthinkable happens and the capitol building, with every other serving member of government inside, is blown up.
The first few episodes show Kirkman try and acclimatise with his new role and the task of reassuring citizens and finding those responsible. The series quickly adds a 24-style anti-terror task force to the mix, and the action flows thick and fast from there.
This is one of the more interesting, gripping and original series of recent years. A few annoying little plot holes in the last episodes (no CCTV in the white house?!, security checkpoints fail, boats vanishing) but otherwise excellent.
The first few episodes show Kirkman try and acclimatise with his new role and the task of reassuring citizens and finding those responsible. The series quickly adds a 24-style anti-terror task force to the mix, and the action flows thick and fast from there.
This is one of the more interesting, gripping and original series of recent years. A few annoying little plot holes in the last episodes (no CCTV in the white house?!, security checkpoints fail, boats vanishing) but otherwise excellent.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The War of the Dwarves in Books
Feb 20, 2018
The follow-up to the first Dwarves book sees the dwarves again join forces with the humans and now join forces with their age old enemies the elves to battle against a new source of evil.
There is a lot packed into this book with a number of stand-offs against the evil thirdling dwarves, the evil elves and an invading force from the Outer Lands.
For me at times it felt like the story was being made up on the spot with the overarching plot changing a number of times to suit the author's mood. At one point the feared enemy in the West was just a hoax by the thirdlings then it was real etc etc. There were still some good action scenes but these were in the minority here as so much of the book was taken up with politics and intrigue.
Something of a comedown from the first in the series.
There is a lot packed into this book with a number of stand-offs against the evil thirdling dwarves, the evil elves and an invading force from the Outer Lands.
For me at times it felt like the story was being made up on the spot with the overarching plot changing a number of times to suit the author's mood. At one point the feared enemy in the West was just a hoax by the thirdlings then it was real etc etc. There were still some good action scenes but these were in the minority here as so much of the book was taken up with politics and intrigue.
Something of a comedown from the first in the series.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Crime and Catnip (Nick and Nora Mysteries, #3) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
International intrigue, false identities, and a very clever cat will keep you guessing right up to the last moment of this cozy mystery. While meeting with a museum director to discuss a catering job, Nora finds herself also tasked with finding the directors long lost niece and heir. When she isnt running her sandwich shop, Hot Bread, Nora also spends some of her time looking into the disappearance of her cat Nicks former owner, a detective who has been missing for some time. As cryptic messages come in, she eventually realizes that the two cases may be connected in some way. She just has to find the connection before the killer finds her!
Crime and Catnip is book #3 in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but even without having read the earlier two installments, I had no trouble figuring out who was who or what was going on.
Crime and Catnip is book #3 in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but even without having read the earlier two installments, I had no trouble figuring out who was who or what was going on.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated How to Stop Time in Books
Jun 16, 2018
Good but could've been so much more
Although the plots are nowhere near identical (long life vs reborn) this book really reminds me of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. But sadly more of a poorer cousin.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great idea for a story and it's done fairly well. Tom is a loveable main character (even if the surname of Hazard is just silly) and the book keeps you interested and reading throughout. The problem is that despite trying hard, there isn't enough threat or intrigue or real danger to really hook you completely. It tries, but its more of a weak effort and the ending comes rather abruptly without warning and without any real satisfaction. Its a shame as the rest of the story is very good, and it hasn't put me off reading any of Matt Haig's other books, as he is a promising author.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great idea for a story and it's done fairly well. Tom is a loveable main character (even if the surname of Hazard is just silly) and the book keeps you interested and reading throughout. The problem is that despite trying hard, there isn't enough threat or intrigue or real danger to really hook you completely. It tries, but its more of a weak effort and the ending comes rather abruptly without warning and without any real satisfaction. Its a shame as the rest of the story is very good, and it hasn't put me off reading any of Matt Haig's other books, as he is a promising author.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A rag-tag group of miscreants is brought together for the purpose of joining their talents to obtain a rare and mysterious book that could change the world as they know it. However, there's far more to the story than they realize, and they're soon dragged into an exciting web of adventure, intrigue, betrayal, and magic.
I'll start by saying this story is a long one, but it's SOOOOOOOO worth it! I never felt dragged down or bored at any point, and there were many times where I couldn't bear to put it down even when I had to. The characters are fantastic, and they each have their own personality which sparks the others. They're all great as individuals, but when they come together as a whole, the dialogue really soars! I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series, and more from this author period.
5 stars
A rag-tag group of miscreants is brought together for the purpose of joining their talents to obtain a rare and mysterious book that could change the world as they know it. However, there's far more to the story than they realize, and they're soon dragged into an exciting web of adventure, intrigue, betrayal, and magic.
I'll start by saying this story is a long one, but it's SOOOOOOOO worth it! I never felt dragged down or bored at any point, and there were many times where I couldn't bear to put it down even when I had to. The characters are fantastic, and they each have their own personality which sparks the others. They're all great as individuals, but when they come together as a whole, the dialogue really soars! I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series, and more from this author period.
5 stars
Kristin (149 KP) rated Courage Matters: (Ray Courage, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book has everything you could want in a mystery: an interesting detective, a fascinating crime, a bevy of information and connections to wade through, and of course, a love interest.
Lionel Stroud, stockbroker to the wealthiest of investors, suspects an employee of rather egregious charges. He hires our man Courage to help dig up some dirt on the man at the bequest of his estranged daughter, who happens to be Courage's ex-lover. *cue the intrigue*
Things seem to be going all fine and dandy for the investigation until Courage drops by the employee's house, only to find someone beat him to the punch, and with a firearm, no less. Now, there's a much deeper case to solve, and it looks like all the evidence is pointing to one man: Courage.
Who did it? How'd they do it? WHY did they do it? Grab your own copy to find out.
5 stars
This book has everything you could want in a mystery: an interesting detective, a fascinating crime, a bevy of information and connections to wade through, and of course, a love interest.
Lionel Stroud, stockbroker to the wealthiest of investors, suspects an employee of rather egregious charges. He hires our man Courage to help dig up some dirt on the man at the bequest of his estranged daughter, who happens to be Courage's ex-lover. *cue the intrigue*
Things seem to be going all fine and dandy for the investigation until Courage drops by the employee's house, only to find someone beat him to the punch, and with a firearm, no less. Now, there's a much deeper case to solve, and it looks like all the evidence is pointing to one man: Courage.
Who did it? How'd they do it? WHY did they do it? Grab your own copy to find out.
5 stars
Alina Diaconescu (2 KP) rated Six of Crows in Books
Dec 13, 2018
Loved the story (2 more)
Loved that every character comes from very different backgrounds
The plot and intrigue
Awesome!!
Six of Crows is taking place in the magical universe created by Leigh Bardugo, the Grishaverse.
It follows the story of a crew hired to kidnap the creator of a very powerful and very dangerous drug from a fortress that's never been breached before.
Kaz, the leader of the crew, selects five people, each with a particular set of skills designed for completing this impossible heist.
I liked the complexity of the characters, the way they all have they're background stories and different relation with the people in the crew, which influences every action and the way they react to the others.
I also enjoyed the fact that this is not your usual superhero story where good wins over evil. Instead the powers come with a lot of complications and internal struggles and the line between good and evil is blurred out.
Definitely recommend this book!!
It follows the story of a crew hired to kidnap the creator of a very powerful and very dangerous drug from a fortress that's never been breached before.
Kaz, the leader of the crew, selects five people, each with a particular set of skills designed for completing this impossible heist.
I liked the complexity of the characters, the way they all have they're background stories and different relation with the people in the crew, which influences every action and the way they react to the others.
I also enjoyed the fact that this is not your usual superhero story where good wins over evil. Instead the powers come with a lot of complications and internal struggles and the line between good and evil is blurred out.
Definitely recommend this book!!