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ClareR (5906 KP) rated Sistersong in Books
Aug 9, 2021
Sistersong is a stunning story, steeped in the mythology of Ancient Britain. It’s set in Dumnonia (a real place - I googled it. It was in SW England where Cornwall, Devon and some of West Somerset are now), at a time of great change and fear. Christianity is making itself known, and the Saxons are a very real threat. King Cador has lost his magical connection to his Land, due to the threats and sermons of a priest called Gildas. With this loss comes the danger of the Dumnonians being unable to protect themselves effectively, and the land not providing food for them.
Cadors three daughters do still have that magical connection. The story is told from their perspective. The eldest, Riva, has been badly burnt in the past, and whilst she can heal others, she can’t heal herself.
Keyne, although born female, has never felt female and longs to be recognised as a man.
Sinne, the youngest, lives for love and flirtation.
When an emissary from another kingdom arrives, he drives a wedge between Riva and Sinne. They see their chance at escape from the Hold. Whilst this is happening, Keyne trains with Myrdin, in the hope that he’ll be recognised as next in line to the throne.
I loved this book - it has all of my favourite elements in a story: mythology, history, magic, lies, deceit, the love of family and siblings, along with the themes of duty and identity. It really packs a punch. The world building is fantastic, and thoroughly immersive. Highly recommended!
Cadors three daughters do still have that magical connection. The story is told from their perspective. The eldest, Riva, has been badly burnt in the past, and whilst she can heal others, she can’t heal herself.
Keyne, although born female, has never felt female and longs to be recognised as a man.
Sinne, the youngest, lives for love and flirtation.
When an emissary from another kingdom arrives, he drives a wedge between Riva and Sinne. They see their chance at escape from the Hold. Whilst this is happening, Keyne trains with Myrdin, in the hope that he’ll be recognised as next in line to the throne.
I loved this book - it has all of my favourite elements in a story: mythology, history, magic, lies, deceit, the love of family and siblings, along with the themes of duty and identity. It really packs a punch. The world building is fantastic, and thoroughly immersive. Highly recommended!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Forever Home in Books
Jun 9, 2021
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Sue Watson, the author of "First Date" and "Our Little Lies," which I have previously reviewed, induces a "happily" married couple in her latest novel, The Forever Home.
Carly and Mark have the perfect family. The perfect marriage. The perfect house. She is a stay-at-home mom who helped her husband become the television DYI celebrity that he is today. After 25 years of marriage, everything is perfect, or so Carly thought. Mark fell in love with someone. Someone that is not Carly. After this revelation, the cracks in their marriage and house begin to show. Carly is determined to stay in the house she grew up in. Someone is determined that she does not. Or is someone? Is Carly imagining it? Is someone trying to force her out of her forever home?
Sue Watson offers a quick page-turner that shows everything is not always as it seems. She builds Carly's world well and invokes a range of emotions - happiness, sadness, anger, etc. She delves into marriage, family, and friendship and how people interact during family events. Watson is clever at character development and forcing her characters out of the cozy comfort zones.
Wason's books just keep getting better and better.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila
Sue Watson, the author of "First Date" and "Our Little Lies," which I have previously reviewed, induces a "happily" married couple in her latest novel, The Forever Home.
Carly and Mark have the perfect family. The perfect marriage. The perfect house. She is a stay-at-home mom who helped her husband become the television DYI celebrity that he is today. After 25 years of marriage, everything is perfect, or so Carly thought. Mark fell in love with someone. Someone that is not Carly. After this revelation, the cracks in their marriage and house begin to show. Carly is determined to stay in the house she grew up in. Someone is determined that she does not. Or is someone? Is Carly imagining it? Is someone trying to force her out of her forever home?
Sue Watson offers a quick page-turner that shows everything is not always as it seems. She builds Carly's world well and invokes a range of emotions - happiness, sadness, anger, etc. She delves into marriage, family, and friendship and how people interact during family events. Watson is clever at character development and forcing her characters out of the cozy comfort zones.
Wason's books just keep getting better and better.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Beauty and the Beast (Timeless Fairy Tales #1) in Books
Jan 9, 2021
6 of 250
Kindle
Beauty and the Beast ( Timeless Fairy Tales book1)
By K.M. Shea
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Once upon a time Elle made a mistake. A small miscalculation sends her through the roof of an enchanted chateau. Stranded until her broken leg mends, Elle is unwillingly forced to rely on the good will of the sour chateau owner —the cursed Prince Severin.
Prince Severin—the commanding general and staunch supporter of his brother the crown prince—is cursed to look like a beast until a maiden falls in love with him. He has given up all hope of shattering the curse, and has only disdain for Elle.
Unfortunately, the pair can’t seem to avoid each other thanks to the meddling of the chateau’s cursed servants. Eventually Elle’s playful manners and Severin’s hidden gentleness draw the pair together.
But not all love stories can end that easily. After all, Elle is not what she seems, and Severin’s life is placed in danger when hostilities flare between his brother and the monarchs of a neighboring country. When Elle risks everything to save Severin, will he be able to forgive her for her lies?
Think this is one of the best retellings I’ve read! It has just enough magic! I loved the way the household were
Interpreted they had such character. Definitely one of the more enjoyable books I’ve read in a while! K.M. Shea is becoming a fast favourite
Kindle
Beauty and the Beast ( Timeless Fairy Tales book1)
By K.M. Shea
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Once upon a time Elle made a mistake. A small miscalculation sends her through the roof of an enchanted chateau. Stranded until her broken leg mends, Elle is unwillingly forced to rely on the good will of the sour chateau owner —the cursed Prince Severin.
Prince Severin—the commanding general and staunch supporter of his brother the crown prince—is cursed to look like a beast until a maiden falls in love with him. He has given up all hope of shattering the curse, and has only disdain for Elle.
Unfortunately, the pair can’t seem to avoid each other thanks to the meddling of the chateau’s cursed servants. Eventually Elle’s playful manners and Severin’s hidden gentleness draw the pair together.
But not all love stories can end that easily. After all, Elle is not what she seems, and Severin’s life is placed in danger when hostilities flare between his brother and the monarchs of a neighboring country. When Elle risks everything to save Severin, will he be able to forgive her for her lies?
Think this is one of the best retellings I’ve read! It has just enough magic! I loved the way the household were
Interpreted they had such character. Definitely one of the more enjoyable books I’ve read in a while! K.M. Shea is becoming a fast favourite
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) in Movies
Dec 18, 2020
Rare Exports is a proper gem of an alternative Christmas film.
It revolves around a British company drilling into the mountain Korvatunturi in Lapland, hoping to find a legendary gravesite. A local child Pietari spies on proceedings, and is convinced that this company have found the grave of the original Santa Claus, not the jolly red and white icon that everyone is familiar with, but the proper monstrous version spoken about in fairtytales in Piertari's books. This being a child centric horror, of course no one believes him, until all the other children in the village start to go missing, and shit starts going sideways.
Rare Exports strengths lies in its strong cast. Greta performances from Onni Tommila and Jorma Tommila (father and son in both the film, and real life, just for that extra layer of believability!) The pair, alongside the supporting cast keep everything pretty grounded, despite the absurdity going on around them.
The film's dialogue is largely in Finnish, and this coupled with it's sparse and snowy setting, lend the narrative a truly otherworldly but authentic feeling.
It's also effectively creepy, especially the skinny old man "Santa" that the group capture and cage up. The need to figure out what is really going on never lets up either, even as the plot flies towards it's increasingly WTF climax (there's a silly amount of dong by the way, just FYI).
Rare Exports is certainly worth a watch. It's delightfully barmy, and is a great tonic if you become weary of "traditional" Christmas movies. 🎅
It revolves around a British company drilling into the mountain Korvatunturi in Lapland, hoping to find a legendary gravesite. A local child Pietari spies on proceedings, and is convinced that this company have found the grave of the original Santa Claus, not the jolly red and white icon that everyone is familiar with, but the proper monstrous version spoken about in fairtytales in Piertari's books. This being a child centric horror, of course no one believes him, until all the other children in the village start to go missing, and shit starts going sideways.
Rare Exports strengths lies in its strong cast. Greta performances from Onni Tommila and Jorma Tommila (father and son in both the film, and real life, just for that extra layer of believability!) The pair, alongside the supporting cast keep everything pretty grounded, despite the absurdity going on around them.
The film's dialogue is largely in Finnish, and this coupled with it's sparse and snowy setting, lend the narrative a truly otherworldly but authentic feeling.
It's also effectively creepy, especially the skinny old man "Santa" that the group capture and cage up. The need to figure out what is really going on never lets up either, even as the plot flies towards it's increasingly WTF climax (there's a silly amount of dong by the way, just FYI).
Rare Exports is certainly worth a watch. It's delightfully barmy, and is a great tonic if you become weary of "traditional" Christmas movies. 🎅
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Lost & Found by Polar Youth in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Polar Youth is a 24-year-old producer from Ghent, Belgium. Not too long ago, she released a lovely electro-R&B duet, entitled, “Call Out”, featuring WAYI & Lani Rose.
“In a way, you told me lies, in a way you let me go. In a way, you said goodbye, my heart jumped on the floor. Felt it all the way outside the door when you said you didn’t need me anymore. Felt the pain in my heart when you said, ‘let me go’.” – lyrics
‘Call Out’ tells a bittersweet tale of a once budding couple who experience an emotional breakup.
Apparently, the guy is the one who broke off the problematic relationship, and now the woman feels like falling.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and mellow instrumentation flavored with atmospheric pop synths and ethereal electronic sounds.
“The main inspiration behind ‘Call Out’ is something everyone has felt at some point in their life. Loving someone so hard but being pushed away, leaving you desperate and heartbroken.” – Polar Youth
Polar Youth prides herself in adding heart & pop melodies in electronic music.
Her recipe has earned her Red Bull Elektropedia’s Most Promising Artist Award, a remix released under Majestic Casual, and a collaboration with DJ Fresh.
For this release, she put the spotlight on WAYI, who is endorsed by BBC 1Xtra and Elton John, and 21-year-old St. Louis-based singer Lani Rose.
‘Call Out’ is featured on her debut EP, entitled, “Lost & Found”. The 6-track project also features Fortress, Trent the HOOLiGAN, Sangstaa, and ËMIA.
“In a way, you told me lies, in a way you let me go. In a way, you said goodbye, my heart jumped on the floor. Felt it all the way outside the door when you said you didn’t need me anymore. Felt the pain in my heart when you said, ‘let me go’.” – lyrics
‘Call Out’ tells a bittersweet tale of a once budding couple who experience an emotional breakup.
Apparently, the guy is the one who broke off the problematic relationship, and now the woman feels like falling.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and mellow instrumentation flavored with atmospheric pop synths and ethereal electronic sounds.
“The main inspiration behind ‘Call Out’ is something everyone has felt at some point in their life. Loving someone so hard but being pushed away, leaving you desperate and heartbroken.” – Polar Youth
Polar Youth prides herself in adding heart & pop melodies in electronic music.
Her recipe has earned her Red Bull Elektropedia’s Most Promising Artist Award, a remix released under Majestic Casual, and a collaboration with DJ Fresh.
For this release, she put the spotlight on WAYI, who is endorsed by BBC 1Xtra and Elton John, and 21-year-old St. Louis-based singer Lani Rose.
‘Call Out’ is featured on her debut EP, entitled, “Lost & Found”. The 6-track project also features Fortress, Trent the HOOLiGAN, Sangstaa, and ËMIA.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Size of Relief by Young & Sick in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Polar Youth is a 24-year-old producer from Ghent, Belgium. Not too long ago, she released a lovely electro-R&B duet, entitled, “Call Out”, featuring WAYI & Lani Rose.
“In a way, you told me lies, in a way you let me go. In a way, you said goodbye, my heart jumped on the floor. Felt it all the way outside the door when you said you didn’t need me anymore. Felt the pain in my heart when you said, ‘let me go’.” – lyrics
‘Call Out’ tells a bittersweet tale of a once budding couple who experience an emotional breakup.
Apparently, the guy is the one who broke off the problematic relationship, and now the woman feels like falling.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and mellow instrumentation flavored with atmospheric pop synths and ethereal electronic sounds.
“The main inspiration behind ‘Call Out’ is something everyone has felt at some point in their life. Loving someone so hard but being pushed away, leaving you desperate and heartbroken.” – Polar Youth
Polar Youth prides herself in adding heart & pop melodies in electronic music.
Her recipe has earned her Red Bull Elektropedia’s Most Promising Artist Award, a remix released under Majestic Casual, and a collaboration with DJ Fresh.
For this release, she put the spotlight on WAYI, who is endorsed by BBC 1Xtra and Elton John, and 21-year-old St. Louis-based singer Lani Rose.
‘Call Out’ is featured on her debut EP, entitled, “Lost & Found”. The 6-track project also features Fortress, Trent the HOOLiGAN, Sangstaa, and ËMIA.
“In a way, you told me lies, in a way you let me go. In a way, you said goodbye, my heart jumped on the floor. Felt it all the way outside the door when you said you didn’t need me anymore. Felt the pain in my heart when you said, ‘let me go’.” – lyrics
‘Call Out’ tells a bittersweet tale of a once budding couple who experience an emotional breakup.
Apparently, the guy is the one who broke off the problematic relationship, and now the woman feels like falling.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and mellow instrumentation flavored with atmospheric pop synths and ethereal electronic sounds.
“The main inspiration behind ‘Call Out’ is something everyone has felt at some point in their life. Loving someone so hard but being pushed away, leaving you desperate and heartbroken.” – Polar Youth
Polar Youth prides herself in adding heart & pop melodies in electronic music.
Her recipe has earned her Red Bull Elektropedia’s Most Promising Artist Award, a remix released under Majestic Casual, and a collaboration with DJ Fresh.
For this release, she put the spotlight on WAYI, who is endorsed by BBC 1Xtra and Elton John, and 21-year-old St. Louis-based singer Lani Rose.
‘Call Out’ is featured on her debut EP, entitled, “Lost & Found”. The 6-track project also features Fortress, Trent the HOOLiGAN, Sangstaa, and ËMIA.
Zoe Nock (13 KP) rated The Confessions of Frannie Langton in Books
Jun 26, 2019
“My trial starts the way my life did: a squall of elbows and shoving and spit.”
Sometimes a book just grabs you from the beginning, something tells you that treasure lies here. I felt that within a few paragraphs of The Confessions of Frannie Langton. Sara Collins prefaced the novel with an explanation of her enjoyment of stories from Georgian/Victorian era but also her disappoint that she didn’t feel represented in the literature from that time. Her love of literature and that lack of inclusion drove her to write a novel that filled a gap, filled a need for women like Frances Langton to have a voice.
And what a voice! The author embodies Frannie so well. The first thing that struck me was that Frannie’s voice shone through immediately. She sounds so authentic, within a few lines you are engaged and intrigued. So much of the prose is beautiful and evocative, truly poetic. Sara Collins describes the people and places so deftly, you sense the weight of a sultry Jamaican plantation and the drabness of a grey London suburb. You can almost taste the boiling sugar cane and fall under the sway of the delicious, devilish ‘Black Drop’. It’s difficult to read this book without imagining a BBC period drama, it really would make a good screen adaptation. There is no doubt that Collins is a gifted and accomplished writer, a weaver of words both seductive and threatening. I really enjoyed this novel and would like to read anything new from Sara Collins.
Sometimes a book just grabs you from the beginning, something tells you that treasure lies here. I felt that within a few paragraphs of The Confessions of Frannie Langton. Sara Collins prefaced the novel with an explanation of her enjoyment of stories from Georgian/Victorian era but also her disappoint that she didn’t feel represented in the literature from that time. Her love of literature and that lack of inclusion drove her to write a novel that filled a gap, filled a need for women like Frances Langton to have a voice.
And what a voice! The author embodies Frannie so well. The first thing that struck me was that Frannie’s voice shone through immediately. She sounds so authentic, within a few lines you are engaged and intrigued. So much of the prose is beautiful and evocative, truly poetic. Sara Collins describes the people and places so deftly, you sense the weight of a sultry Jamaican plantation and the drabness of a grey London suburb. You can almost taste the boiling sugar cane and fall under the sway of the delicious, devilish ‘Black Drop’. It’s difficult to read this book without imagining a BBC period drama, it really would make a good screen adaptation. There is no doubt that Collins is a gifted and accomplished writer, a weaver of words both seductive and threatening. I really enjoyed this novel and would like to read anything new from Sara Collins.
Coltan
Book
A decade ago no one except geologists had heard of tantalum or 'coltan' - an obscure mineral that is...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Lies Lies Lies in Books
Aug 13, 2020
"Millie was a miracle. Conceived without any medical intervention. A miracle. She saved us."
This was my first book by Adele Parks, and I found she sucked me into the story from the very beginning. For me, the plot was easily the star here. This was a twisty thriller that kept me guessing, often wondering which path it was going to lead us down next. While I had an inkling about one particular plot point, others took me by complete surprise, which was fun. I always love a mystery that keeps me on my toes and goes down completely unexpected paths.
"People with secrets rarely sleep soundly. Fact."
One strength of the book is the fact that it's told from both Daisy and Simon's perspectives. Neither are particularly sympathetic, but it's easy to get caught up in their worlds. Daisy comes across as a doormat, who cannot stand up to her alcoholic husband. And Simon, of course, a drunk who endangers his family on a regular basis. You want to shake some sense into both of them. But there's certainly a twisted web of lies and secrets behind the foundation of this couple. Nothing is as it seems, and as time goes on, you can start to at least understand some of their motivations.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. I welcomed a different plot, which had some surprises in store. The ending was a bit ambiguous, but overall still a solid read. 3.75 stars, rounded to 4 here.
This was my first book by Adele Parks, and I found she sucked me into the story from the very beginning. For me, the plot was easily the star here. This was a twisty thriller that kept me guessing, often wondering which path it was going to lead us down next. While I had an inkling about one particular plot point, others took me by complete surprise, which was fun. I always love a mystery that keeps me on my toes and goes down completely unexpected paths.
"People with secrets rarely sleep soundly. Fact."
One strength of the book is the fact that it's told from both Daisy and Simon's perspectives. Neither are particularly sympathetic, but it's easy to get caught up in their worlds. Daisy comes across as a doormat, who cannot stand up to her alcoholic husband. And Simon, of course, a drunk who endangers his family on a regular basis. You want to shake some sense into both of them. But there's certainly a twisted web of lies and secrets behind the foundation of this couple. Nothing is as it seems, and as time goes on, you can start to at least understand some of their motivations.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. I welcomed a different plot, which had some surprises in store. The ending was a bit ambiguous, but overall still a solid read. 3.75 stars, rounded to 4 here.