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Merissa (12926 KP) rated The Complete Love Mark Box Set by Linda Kage in Books
Jul 7, 2022
This is a review for The COMPLETE Love Mark Boxset, which features stories about Erick and Ianna, Urban and Vienne, Nicolette and Farrow, Indigo and Quilla, Olivander and Unity, and Dori and Xavier. You also get Allera and Brentley's story thrown in for good measure.
This boxset/world shines a whole new light on the insta-love/lust trope as those from High Cliff have a tattoo near one of their eyes that tells them when they have found their true love. When that happens, all reason and rational behaviour go out of the window, leaving only burning lust. Along the way, we get the stories from the couples and the overall story arc that links them all together.
I enjoyed all the stories, some more so than others but the one character I absolutely loathe is Nicolette. I coped with her in Urban and Vienne's story as she was only a teenager. I had to force myself to finish her book, although I loved Farrow, and despised her in Dori's story. And she's not in it for long! Just long enough to remind me why I disliked her so much.
To be perfectly honest, I would not recommend reading this as a boxset but as more individual stories. So long as you can remember the overall story arc you should be okay, but there is a lot of repetition about just what the love mark means, how it makes you behave, plus other things, that become obvious when you read them back-to-back.
This was a new-to-me author and I am intrigued enough to look for other books by her. I have no hesitation in recommending this series but with the caveat already mentioned.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This boxset/world shines a whole new light on the insta-love/lust trope as those from High Cliff have a tattoo near one of their eyes that tells them when they have found their true love. When that happens, all reason and rational behaviour go out of the window, leaving only burning lust. Along the way, we get the stories from the couples and the overall story arc that links them all together.
I enjoyed all the stories, some more so than others but the one character I absolutely loathe is Nicolette. I coped with her in Urban and Vienne's story as she was only a teenager. I had to force myself to finish her book, although I loved Farrow, and despised her in Dori's story. And she's not in it for long! Just long enough to remind me why I disliked her so much.
To be perfectly honest, I would not recommend reading this as a boxset but as more individual stories. So long as you can remember the overall story arc you should be okay, but there is a lot of repetition about just what the love mark means, how it makes you behave, plus other things, that become obvious when you read them back-to-back.
This was a new-to-me author and I am intrigued enough to look for other books by her. I have no hesitation in recommending this series but with the caveat already mentioned.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated In the Mouth of the Wolf in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In this short book, “In the Mouth of the Wolf” , we’re privy to fascinating insights into the life of children’s fiction author Michael Morpurgo’s Uncle Francis who narrates in the first person at the age of ninety years, reminiscing about his life. It is a heartfelt TRUE story (hence the reason why this has made into my non-fiction category over at Goodreads) and one that is aimed at kids and young adults, but adults will get plenty from this, too.
The artwork within is tremendously well-done by award-winning artist Barroux, and set against a backdrop of World War Two. You’ll find it packs an emotion punch, whilst being a fast-paced read filled with outstanding wartime courage and love. Brotherly love, too.
What a treat this was to discover, since it reads like an fictional story, yet has some intriguing, real people pictures at the back of the book, so you can meet the real characters of these true events. It’s no wonder Morpurgo is such a talented storyteller if he’s heard family stories like this.
In fact, this is such a lovely story, it brought tears to my eyes on more than on occasion. Damn you, Micheal Morpurgo and your wonderfully tear-inducing story-telling skills!
The artwork within is tremendously well-done by award-winning artist Barroux, and set against a backdrop of World War Two. You’ll find it packs an emotion punch, whilst being a fast-paced read filled with outstanding wartime courage and love. Brotherly love, too.
What a treat this was to discover, since it reads like an fictional story, yet has some intriguing, real people pictures at the back of the book, so you can meet the real characters of these true events. It’s no wonder Morpurgo is such a talented storyteller if he’s heard family stories like this.
In fact, this is such a lovely story, it brought tears to my eyes on more than on occasion. Damn you, Micheal Morpurgo and your wonderfully tear-inducing story-telling skills!
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Exact Location of Home in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Exact Location of Home by Kate Messner is a story that will pull at the readers heart. In the story Zig and his friends spend a great deal of time together going to garage sales, skipping rocks, and just being together. When Zig gets a gps, they begin geocaching. But Zig hides a secret from his friends that has changed his entire world. As Zig grows, he finds support from an unexpected ally and gives support to a young boy, both facing similar circumstances as Zig.
Messner has given us a compassionate and necessary middle grade story about the reality of homelessness for many children today. This story has a unique premise with the geocaching theme and I love that while the main character is in 8th grade he will be relatable for students both much younger and much older than he is. I would love to get this book into the hands of all teachers and administrators who struggle to understand how difficult school can be for children without a stable home life, and who make well-intended but thoughtless comments about the homeless population.
I received this ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and Bloomsbury USA Childrens via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Messner has given us a compassionate and necessary middle grade story about the reality of homelessness for many children today. This story has a unique premise with the geocaching theme and I love that while the main character is in 8th grade he will be relatable for students both much younger and much older than he is. I would love to get this book into the hands of all teachers and administrators who struggle to understand how difficult school can be for children without a stable home life, and who make well-intended but thoughtless comments about the homeless population.
I received this ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and Bloomsbury USA Childrens via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tayla (27 KP) rated Red Rising in Books
Jun 19, 2018
Futuristic Story (2 more)
Strong Characters
Good Momentum
How do you get power when you are born to less?
How do you get power when you are born to less? You take it. I love Pierce Brown's story of Darrow, a low red, rising above his color to infiltrate the golds to start an uprising. Red Rising is one of my favorite books. Even though the setting is on Mars it is still relevant to our society today. Some people are born more privileged than others and at times it take a miracle to overcome those obstacles. This book reminds us to fight for not only what we want, but for what is right.
This book has good momentum throughout. At no point was I bored by the story. The ending really builds for the second book, gently encouraging you to continue with the story. I've both read and listened to this book and recommend each. Listening after reading, allowed me to really paint a clearer picture of Mars in my mind and develop more love for the series.
I recommend this book to those who like The Hunger Games or Divergent. Additionally, if you are a fan of the movie Gattaca (1997), this will be right in your wheelhouse! The similarities are striking!
This book has good momentum throughout. At no point was I bored by the story. The ending really builds for the second book, gently encouraging you to continue with the story. I've both read and listened to this book and recommend each. Listening after reading, allowed me to really paint a clearer picture of Mars in my mind and develop more love for the series.
I recommend this book to those who like The Hunger Games or Divergent. Additionally, if you are a fan of the movie Gattaca (1997), this will be right in your wheelhouse! The similarities are striking!
Gail (4 KP) rated Found in Silence (A Prairie Tale #2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Found in Silence by Lisa Sobre
Four Stars
This is the first story I have read by Lisa Sobre. It was different in the sense that instead of turning to the child in comfort our main lady turned cold and lifeless. Jen was all about her image and what people thought of her. She was either in love or in lust with a man ten years older than her. She turned herself into someone else just to be what she thought he needed or wanted. The emotions she felt were so real to me that I thought someone was telling my story. Only my kids saved me. Miles was just omg and so perfect for Jen. He didn’t put up with her mess and found the beauty she had hidden within. I definitely will be reading more from this author. The writing style caught my attention and the story was so raw and beautiful. The author made Jen into the perfect example of why people don’t want to fall in love but completely flipped to show the benefits of loving the right person.
Four Stars
This is the first story I have read by Lisa Sobre. It was different in the sense that instead of turning to the child in comfort our main lady turned cold and lifeless. Jen was all about her image and what people thought of her. She was either in love or in lust with a man ten years older than her. She turned herself into someone else just to be what she thought he needed or wanted. The emotions she felt were so real to me that I thought someone was telling my story. Only my kids saved me. Miles was just omg and so perfect for Jen. He didn’t put up with her mess and found the beauty she had hidden within. I definitely will be reading more from this author. The writing style caught my attention and the story was so raw and beautiful. The author made Jen into the perfect example of why people don’t want to fall in love but completely flipped to show the benefits of loving the right person.
Aasiyah Sidat (34 KP) rated Midwinterblood in Books
Jul 5, 2018
A Vampire, A Hare and A Human Sacrifice
The horror genre has never been one that I read a lot of. I'm more of a fantasy, murder mystery kinda gal. Horror gives me the creeps (as it should) so I tend to avoid it as much as I can.
Now in the hopes of becoming a more well-rounded reader, I decided to take a dive into the deep end and pick up these unsettling read.
Midwinterblood tells the story of the souls of Eric and Merle. Yes, I did say souls. This book is about reincarnation, the past and future lives and how our souls stay intertwined with the ones we love. Midwinterblood is split into 8 chapters each represented by a different moon and a different time period, I wouldn't say it's a pure love story, although that is what I initially thought after the first chapter, as each story is so different I wouldn't say it's got a specific theme throughout.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2017/01/a-vampire-hare-and-human-sacrifice.html
Now in the hopes of becoming a more well-rounded reader, I decided to take a dive into the deep end and pick up these unsettling read.
Midwinterblood tells the story of the souls of Eric and Merle. Yes, I did say souls. This book is about reincarnation, the past and future lives and how our souls stay intertwined with the ones we love. Midwinterblood is split into 8 chapters each represented by a different moon and a different time period, I wouldn't say it's a pure love story, although that is what I initially thought after the first chapter, as each story is so different I wouldn't say it's got a specific theme throughout.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2017/01/a-vampire-hare-and-human-sacrifice.html
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Bumblebee (2018) in Movies
Dec 31, 2018
Worth it just for the soundtrack alone!
Transformers are back!!
The last couple of Transformers movies were a bit lacklustre, but this seems to put them back on track. I loved it! I think I saw at the end of the movie that it was written by a woman, and in that case, you can tell. The main female character is independent, struggling with the loss of her father, and doesn’t feel as though she needs to be impressing anyone else. Her love interest gets a peck on the cheek and told that’s all he’s going to get ‘for now’, and he accepts that. So thanks for that. This story is driven by Bumblebees story, not a love story element (and my 12 and 14 year old boys will be forever grateful!).
We all walked out of the movie saying how Bumblebee always has been and always will be our favourite Transformer. And I went home and found the soundtrack on Spotify, because THAT is what really made the film for me!
The last couple of Transformers movies were a bit lacklustre, but this seems to put them back on track. I loved it! I think I saw at the end of the movie that it was written by a woman, and in that case, you can tell. The main female character is independent, struggling with the loss of her father, and doesn’t feel as though she needs to be impressing anyone else. Her love interest gets a peck on the cheek and told that’s all he’s going to get ‘for now’, and he accepts that. So thanks for that. This story is driven by Bumblebees story, not a love story element (and my 12 and 14 year old boys will be forever grateful!).
We all walked out of the movie saying how Bumblebee always has been and always will be our favourite Transformer. And I went home and found the soundtrack on Spotify, because THAT is what really made the film for me!
Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated The Familiars in Books
Mar 11, 2020
I do like a good historic fiction and this one intrigued me as I read the blurb. A pregnant woman who has previously had miscarriages meets a woman who is a midwife, but is also accused of being a witch. This is a story with an underlying theme (or not so underlying) of women striving for more but being trapped by a society run by men who are trying to keep women at a lower status and importance of themselves, while striving to continue to maintain authority and bloodlines. A story of one woman who uses the resources available to her and her intelligence to make situations favour her wants, needs and justices. The Familiars and the concept of The Familiars within the story deemed vague, unimportant and not pressed upon, I'm not entirely sure if their relevance, in comparison to these themes of strong women in a male dominated society of 1600s Britain. If you like Jessie Burton, you will love Stacey Halls! And you will love this!
Tricks (Tricks, #1)
9.2
Rate It
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When all choice is taken from you, life becomes a game of survival." Five teenagers from...
Chloe (778 KP) rated Schitt's Creek in TV
Jun 16, 2020
Characters (4 more)
Story
Jokes
Funny
Situation
Brilliant
This has to be one of my favourite funny series. The whole story and situation is brilliant beyond compare. Its heart-warming to see the characters grow after such a horrible start to the story.
Each individual character is fantastic in their own right. Jonny is stoic, hilarious and a real business man. David has the BEST dress sense ever, is kind hearted, quite naive and silly. Alexis is gentle, silly, naive, it's a shame she didnt get a better ending. Moira is something else, I have never laughed at someone for being so annoying! Her voice is amazing and her GIRLS are phenomenal. This family just come together as a hilarious dynamic group and I love it.
Roland and his wife are fab, love the pun in their names. The very final scene of the last episode really made us chuckle.
This is an absolute treat to watch and I'm tempted to start it all over from the beginning. I can see this being a family name in years to come
Each individual character is fantastic in their own right. Jonny is stoic, hilarious and a real business man. David has the BEST dress sense ever, is kind hearted, quite naive and silly. Alexis is gentle, silly, naive, it's a shame she didnt get a better ending. Moira is something else, I have never laughed at someone for being so annoying! Her voice is amazing and her GIRLS are phenomenal. This family just come together as a hilarious dynamic group and I love it.
Roland and his wife are fab, love the pun in their names. The very final scene of the last episode really made us chuckle.
This is an absolute treat to watch and I'm tempted to start it all over from the beginning. I can see this being a family name in years to come