Search
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Half Blood in Books
Jan 7, 2021
I read a few reviews of this after I started it. I was starting Chapter 3, I think, and really enjoying it. It was the spark between Alex and Aiden. Anyway, I saw a lot of people were comparing this to Vampire Academy Well I loved the Vampire Academy series and I did see some similarities between the two: kick arse, heroine and older guard she has feelings for; school for teens; love triangle aspect, three classes of power...but it WAS different.
As mentioned above, I loved that first meeting of eyes in the first chapter between Alex and Aiden, I just knew something was going to happen between them, though it was forbidden. It was kinda slow to start with but it was nice to read it happening. The odd touch here, a look there. Awww. I'm a sucker for even the slightest chance of romance.
Then there was Seth...Well in (possible)--cos nothing's happened yet--love triangles I always want the girl to go with the first guy. And I still stand by that. Seth might be all powerful but I don't feel anything between him and Alex. So they spark off each other, literally. I don't care. In this one I'm Team Aiden!
I have to say I liked Alex. She may have struggled with the training and all the news she found out about herself but she was strong throughout it all. In the end, she pulled through and kicked arse.
I am so going to have to buy the second book so I can figure out what's going to happen next relationship wise for Alex (and to figure out what's going to happen when she turns 18, of course).
(Team Aiden, Team Aiden... ;D)<br/>
As mentioned above, I loved that first meeting of eyes in the first chapter between Alex and Aiden, I just knew something was going to happen between them, though it was forbidden. It was kinda slow to start with but it was nice to read it happening. The odd touch here, a look there. Awww. I'm a sucker for even the slightest chance of romance.
Then there was Seth...Well in (possible)--cos nothing's happened yet--love triangles I always want the girl to go with the first guy. And I still stand by that. Seth might be all powerful but I don't feel anything between him and Alex. So they spark off each other, literally. I don't care. In this one I'm Team Aiden!
I have to say I liked Alex. She may have struggled with the training and all the news she found out about herself but she was strong throughout it all. In the end, she pulled through and kicked arse.
I am so going to have to buy the second book so I can figure out what's going to happen next relationship wise for Alex (and to figure out what's going to happen when she turns 18, of course).
(Team Aiden, Team Aiden... ;D)<br/>
Andy K (10821 KP) rated The Creature Walks Among Us (1956) in Movies
Sep 22, 2019
The final installment of the Creature trilogy finds another expedition headed out to detain and capture the newly freed creature with a yacht full of doctors and a doctor's wife. After a long journey, the creature in finally located and captured.
The beast is badly burned in a freak fire accident, but afterwards begins to transform. He sheds his webbed appendages and facial gills and starts to look more human and less like a fish. He also can no longer breathe underwater and appears to be becoming more aware of the world around him.
Meanwhile, the doctor's wife is having a rough time of her situation having to deal with not only her abusive husband, but the unwanted advances of other men. Events come to a boiling point among the love triangle and the beast appears to have gotten the blame for something he didn't do.
Aware of the situation he lashes out again for his very survival.
I liked this film better than "Revenge of the Creature", but both films are far inferior to the original classic. Having the creature change so he could walk on land was not a good idea since his ability to swim around and sneak up on the tourists was one of his most endearing qualities!
His transformed look was also a step down from his original appearance. His more human look reminded me of the way Louis Gossett Jr. looked in the movie "Enemy Mine". They may have been trying for something different, especially since this was the 3rd Creature film in 3 years, but it was largely not successful.
Not sure why they chose to have another love scandal either. Why not just focus on the creature and doing something there rather than something you've seen 1000 times before?
The beast is badly burned in a freak fire accident, but afterwards begins to transform. He sheds his webbed appendages and facial gills and starts to look more human and less like a fish. He also can no longer breathe underwater and appears to be becoming more aware of the world around him.
Meanwhile, the doctor's wife is having a rough time of her situation having to deal with not only her abusive husband, but the unwanted advances of other men. Events come to a boiling point among the love triangle and the beast appears to have gotten the blame for something he didn't do.
Aware of the situation he lashes out again for his very survival.
I liked this film better than "Revenge of the Creature", but both films are far inferior to the original classic. Having the creature change so he could walk on land was not a good idea since his ability to swim around and sneak up on the tourists was one of his most endearing qualities!
His transformed look was also a step down from his original appearance. His more human look reminded me of the way Louis Gossett Jr. looked in the movie "Enemy Mine". They may have been trying for something different, especially since this was the 3rd Creature film in 3 years, but it was largely not successful.
Not sure why they chose to have another love scandal either. Why not just focus on the creature and doing something there rather than something you've seen 1000 times before?
*＊✿❀ Maki ❀✿＊* (7 KP) rated Crown of Midnight in Books
May 3, 2018
Crown of Midnight was a wonderful sequel - it improved on pretty much everything from the first book.
Celaena doesn't really do much assassination? Now she's the King's Champion, and it's her job. <spoiler>Well, okay - maybe there's still not too much assassination going on. But there's definitely more action!</spoiler>
That pesky love triangle gets completely done away with (which makes me question why it was an issue in the first place, aside from being there to create drama), and in its place a believable, sweet romance is started.
(I am Team Chaol. All the way.)
Dorian actually grows as a character, and is more than just a stereotypical womanizer.
Even the scope of the story is larger. Where the first book was primarily centered around the castle, Crown of Midnight actually gives us a look at the city. Or, well, certain parts of it, at any rate. And while the threat is still the same vague threat as the first book, by the end, things start to fall into place about what exactly happened ten years ago, and where magic disappeared to.
I really enjoyed this one, which was nice, given my lukewarm feelings about the first book in the series. A good portion of my change of opinion is because of the growth of Dorian and Chaol - particularly Chaol.
I am a sucker for many things in fantasy. I love a good assassin. I love magic, especially when the magic system is well thought out. I love thieves. And I also love loyal knights who have to deal with the bombshell of finding out that everything they thought they were protecting was a lie.
Just watching Chaol fight to reconcile his old loyalties and what he grew up believing with what he now knows to be the truth was beautiful. He goes through an amazing amount of character development, and is easily the most complex character in the story. (Which is why I'm Team Chaol. Even though Celaena doesn't really deserve him.)
He actually reminded me a lot of Darres, from the [b:Vampire Game, Volume 01|282294|Vampire Game, Volume 01|JUDAL|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1343116853s/282294.jpg|273847] manga. Dang it. I need to reread that entire series.
Unfortunately, Celaena stopped me from absolutely adoring this book. She didn't grow very much as a character - in places she actually seemed to regress - and the "twist" was painfully predictable. Even if I hadn't guessed it back at the start of the first book, based on the type of story this is, there's more than enough to pick up on what's going on.
So my reaction was less, <i>"GASP!!!"</i> and more, <i>"Why has nobody else figured this out???"</i>
Especially the king. You'd think he'd be all over that.
Celaena doesn't really do much assassination? Now she's the King's Champion, and it's her job. <spoiler>Well, okay - maybe there's still not too much assassination going on. But there's definitely more action!</spoiler>
That pesky love triangle gets completely done away with (which makes me question why it was an issue in the first place, aside from being there to create drama), and in its place a believable, sweet romance is started.
(I am Team Chaol. All the way.)
Dorian actually grows as a character, and is more than just a stereotypical womanizer.
Even the scope of the story is larger. Where the first book was primarily centered around the castle, Crown of Midnight actually gives us a look at the city. Or, well, certain parts of it, at any rate. And while the threat is still the same vague threat as the first book, by the end, things start to fall into place about what exactly happened ten years ago, and where magic disappeared to.
I really enjoyed this one, which was nice, given my lukewarm feelings about the first book in the series. A good portion of my change of opinion is because of the growth of Dorian and Chaol - particularly Chaol.
I am a sucker for many things in fantasy. I love a good assassin. I love magic, especially when the magic system is well thought out. I love thieves. And I also love loyal knights who have to deal with the bombshell of finding out that everything they thought they were protecting was a lie.
Just watching Chaol fight to reconcile his old loyalties and what he grew up believing with what he now knows to be the truth was beautiful. He goes through an amazing amount of character development, and is easily the most complex character in the story. (Which is why I'm Team Chaol. Even though Celaena doesn't really deserve him.)
He actually reminded me a lot of Darres, from the [b:Vampire Game, Volume 01|282294|Vampire Game, Volume 01|JUDAL|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1343116853s/282294.jpg|273847] manga. Dang it. I need to reread that entire series.
Unfortunately, Celaena stopped me from absolutely adoring this book. She didn't grow very much as a character - in places she actually seemed to regress - and the "twist" was painfully predictable. Even if I hadn't guessed it back at the start of the first book, based on the type of story this is, there's more than enough to pick up on what's going on.
So my reaction was less, <i>"GASP!!!"</i> and more, <i>"Why has nobody else figured this out???"</i>
Especially the king. You'd think he'd be all over that.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Change of Heart in Books
Jul 1, 2019
Change of Heart is a wonderful, heart-warming story that actually covers an intriguing topic - organ transplants and the emotions that go with that. I was immediately gripped by this story, from the heart-rending opening, to the devastation Easton lives with. I loved the little snippets you got, just enough to make you wonder - why did River's heart flutter when Easton was nearby? Why did he feel loss after the transplant? Now, this is fiction, but there are documented cases where someone's behaviour or tastes have changed. Can it just be the 'trauma' their body has been through, or something else? I love the possibilities.
Now, back to the book, River and Easton are the perfect pair. I know Paul was it for Easton until the accident, but the quality of Ms. Neuhold's writing is such that I can't imagine a more perfect partner for Easton than River. No, not everything is easy, and yes, I did want to whomp Easton over the head as he kept putting off the big reveal, but at the same time, I found it to be completely understandable.
Easton is a graphic artist, and the use of the colours given throughout the book not only made perfect sense to him, but to me as well. Did I have tears in my eyes when River showed him his graphic novel? Maybe just a few 😉
Change of Heart deals with a very hard subject, the love and loss of the person you thought you'd spend your life with, and Ms. Neuhold worked it perfectly. It could have become a bad love triangle, with River competing with a ghost. Instead, it was River and Easton throughout the book, with Paul being there, almost tangible, but never in the way. I loved the photo frames at the end, but won't say more than that.
There is nothing about this book I didn't enjoy, and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it!
* 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!
Now, back to the book, River and Easton are the perfect pair. I know Paul was it for Easton until the accident, but the quality of Ms. Neuhold's writing is such that I can't imagine a more perfect partner for Easton than River. No, not everything is easy, and yes, I did want to whomp Easton over the head as he kept putting off the big reveal, but at the same time, I found it to be completely understandable.
Easton is a graphic artist, and the use of the colours given throughout the book not only made perfect sense to him, but to me as well. Did I have tears in my eyes when River showed him his graphic novel? Maybe just a few 😉
Change of Heart deals with a very hard subject, the love and loss of the person you thought you'd spend your life with, and Ms. Neuhold worked it perfectly. It could have become a bad love triangle, with River competing with a ghost. Instead, it was River and Easton throughout the book, with Paul being there, almost tangible, but never in the way. I loved the photo frames at the end, but won't say more than that.
There is nothing about this book I didn't enjoy, and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it!
* 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!
Mad World (Mystic Beach #5)
10.0
Rate It
Book
The drummer for chart-topping rock band aMUSEd has just met the literal woman of his dreams. But...
Adult Paranormal Romance Rockstar
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Fire and Bone (Otherborn, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
<strong>I can't tell if I'm <em>actually</em> disappointed with <em>Fire and Bone</em> or if I <em>feel</em> disappointed with the book.</strong>
I started Rachel A. Marks's new book right after I finished <a href="http://theartsstl.com/rin-chupeco-the-heart-forger-sourcebooks-fire/"><em>The Heart Forger</em></a>, and I was very much ruined for other books at the moment in time because Rin Chupeco's book was <em>that</em> good.
<strong><em>Fire and Bone</em> is the first novel in Marks's <em>Otherborn</em> series, which is based on Celtic mythology and set in modern-day Los Angeles.</strong> The story follows Sage, who struggles to live on her own in the streets and has the urge to burn things until she finds out she is the daughter of a Celtic goddess.
Sage is very independent - we've got the kid goes through a rough childhood and gets shifted around from foster home to foster home until they say, "Screw it!" and go off on their own (because who has time for rough homes?) trope. The one friend in her life is Ziggy, at least until she is plucked into the Otherworld where she eventually has to pledge her allegiance to one of the five main deities, known as houses.
I'm a huge fan of books that focus on character, plot and action, so <em>Fire and Bone</em>, being the first in a series, won't be a novel that I will enjoy as much compared to my reactions when (and if because so many books) I read the sequels. <strong>This novel is more of a setup - there is a lot of information about the world</strong> (though certainly not an information overload) that is revealed as Sage navigates the Otherworld and is getting attention from her bodyguard and a prince. She also tries to uncover the past that is revealed to her through dreams.
There's no surprise that <strong>there seems to be a love triangle of sorts that will most likely reveal itself</strong> in future novels. The interactions between Kieran, Faelan and Sage are telltale signs that there is probably going to be one, though I could be wrong. Assuming this <em>will</em> be a love triangle though, I'm not shipping any of them and feel it is out of place to the overall plot of the story.
<strong>I love the side characters Marks introduces to us</strong> in <em>Fire and Bone</em>. It was hard to like the characters early on, but as I continued reading the book, some of the characters had hilarious lines. I'm curious how the characters will develop in book two, so <strong>character development will be one of the things I'll be looking forward to.</strong>
Along with character development, I'm looking forward to how the plot will unfold. While a major plot point was predictable, I did <em>not</em> guess the ending of the story, and <strong>I want to KNOW what happens next</strong>. If anything, <em>Otherborn #2</em> will tear my heart to pieces and ruin me for whatever book is read next like <em>The Heart Forger</em> did.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/fire-and-bone-by-rachel-a-marks-review/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<strong>I can't tell if I'm <em>actually</em> disappointed with <em>Fire and Bone</em> or if I <em>feel</em> disappointed with the book.</strong>
I started Rachel A. Marks's new book right after I finished <a href="http://theartsstl.com/rin-chupeco-the-heart-forger-sourcebooks-fire/"><em>The Heart Forger</em></a>, and I was very much ruined for other books at the moment in time because Rin Chupeco's book was <em>that</em> good.
<strong><em>Fire and Bone</em> is the first novel in Marks's <em>Otherborn</em> series, which is based on Celtic mythology and set in modern-day Los Angeles.</strong> The story follows Sage, who struggles to live on her own in the streets and has the urge to burn things until she finds out she is the daughter of a Celtic goddess.
Sage is very independent - we've got the kid goes through a rough childhood and gets shifted around from foster home to foster home until they say, "Screw it!" and go off on their own (because who has time for rough homes?) trope. The one friend in her life is Ziggy, at least until she is plucked into the Otherworld where she eventually has to pledge her allegiance to one of the five main deities, known as houses.
I'm a huge fan of books that focus on character, plot and action, so <em>Fire and Bone</em>, being the first in a series, won't be a novel that I will enjoy as much compared to my reactions when (and if because so many books) I read the sequels. <strong>This novel is more of a setup - there is a lot of information about the world</strong> (though certainly not an information overload) that is revealed as Sage navigates the Otherworld and is getting attention from her bodyguard and a prince. She also tries to uncover the past that is revealed to her through dreams.
There's no surprise that <strong>there seems to be a love triangle of sorts that will most likely reveal itself</strong> in future novels. The interactions between Kieran, Faelan and Sage are telltale signs that there is probably going to be one, though I could be wrong. Assuming this <em>will</em> be a love triangle though, I'm not shipping any of them and feel it is out of place to the overall plot of the story.
<strong>I love the side characters Marks introduces to us</strong> in <em>Fire and Bone</em>. It was hard to like the characters early on, but as I continued reading the book, some of the characters had hilarious lines. I'm curious how the characters will develop in book two, so <strong>character development will be one of the things I'll be looking forward to.</strong>
Along with character development, I'm looking forward to how the plot will unfold. While a major plot point was predictable, I did <em>not</em> guess the ending of the story, and <strong>I want to KNOW what happens next</strong>. If anything, <em>Otherborn #2</em> will tear my heart to pieces and ruin me for whatever book is read next like <em>The Heart Forger</em> did.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/fire-and-bone-by-rachel-a-marks-review/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Whistle for the Crows in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Whistle for the Crows was a very easy read that quickly took my attention and held it until I could not put the book down. Gothics are generally predictable, and although I don't think this one proved much differently, the characters and plot were interesting, plus I liked that it was a contemporary set in the sixties instead of further back.
Cathleen Lamb is the English protagonist who takes a job as a secretary and researcher to an elderly woman at an Irish castle. Six months previously she had lost her husband and infant daughter to a car accident, so she's looking for a change that will help ease the pain. Living in the castle with the woman's grown niece and nephews, all of whom are a strange and mysterious bunch who seem to be hiding the truth of the eldest son's death. Cathleen hears a strange cry one night and investigates, the beginning of the mystery she is soon drawn into. Without giving anything away, of course she finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with the two brothers, which was done in a way that was believable to the situation and didn't overwhelm the plot. The story was well-constructed and paced, so nothing felt unnecessary or out of place. I had great fun with the book, excepting the gypsy bashing that went on, and would recommend it to those who like Gothics and mysteries.
<i>3.5 to 4 stars</i>
Cathleen Lamb is the English protagonist who takes a job as a secretary and researcher to an elderly woman at an Irish castle. Six months previously she had lost her husband and infant daughter to a car accident, so she's looking for a change that will help ease the pain. Living in the castle with the woman's grown niece and nephews, all of whom are a strange and mysterious bunch who seem to be hiding the truth of the eldest son's death. Cathleen hears a strange cry one night and investigates, the beginning of the mystery she is soon drawn into. Without giving anything away, of course she finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with the two brothers, which was done in a way that was believable to the situation and didn't overwhelm the plot. The story was well-constructed and paced, so nothing felt unnecessary or out of place. I had great fun with the book, excepting the gypsy bashing that went on, and would recommend it to those who like Gothics and mysteries.
<i>3.5 to 4 stars</i>
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Handbook for Mortals (Handbook for Mortals #1) in Books
Dec 3, 2018
For a first book it's not too bad. I enjoyed the book it was a fast and easy read. Mac and Tad are my favorite characters because I could see real people in them. Zade, she is still trying to find her way in the world. there's not much magick until near the end of the book. Mostly it expands on the ' normal' life Zade wants. While there is a love triangle there isn't much interaction between Zade and Jackson. There are a few typos and a bit of redundancy in the book, and yes, some times it seems almost like product placement and name dropping in some parts. However, with the name dropping they are in Vegas and she is in the business it is kinda expected. the slight product placement.... meh i could be reading too much into it So, by now you're wondering why the three stars and not say two or the more popular one. What can I say it sucked me in. I liked that the chapters where named after Tarot cards. The interaction between characters wasn't forced and I was ok that she second guessed herself as it didn't get to be whiny. For all that she couldn't stand if someone didn't like her. It is good for a fast empty headed read. I also want to see how/if the author and characters grow in the sequel.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Shadow of Loss-XLED in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from YA Bound Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review.
This story tells the tale of a teenager who has been through so much in her short time - more than some people will have to deal with all their lives. It's not been easy and it actually starts with her in a mental institution so you really feel her emotions as the story starts.
She moves to a new town but still has the same emotions and guilt to deal with as before. You learn what she has gone through at a gentle pace - it is not all dumped on you at once. She slowly deals with things and both makes changes and allows change to happen.
The characters in this book will delight you, even during the not so nice parts. Evelyn has a support network around her, she just has to learn to trust in it and accept it. The relationship she has with Matt and Brody works so well and I'm really pleased it is not a love triangle! Perhaps Matt's story will come to light at some point too. I can always hope.
Well written with attention to detail and pacing that is steady throughout. If you are looking for a YA read that isn't of the 'norm' then I can definitely recommend you give The Shadow of Loss your attention.
This story tells the tale of a teenager who has been through so much in her short time - more than some people will have to deal with all their lives. It's not been easy and it actually starts with her in a mental institution so you really feel her emotions as the story starts.
She moves to a new town but still has the same emotions and guilt to deal with as before. You learn what she has gone through at a gentle pace - it is not all dumped on you at once. She slowly deals with things and both makes changes and allows change to happen.
The characters in this book will delight you, even during the not so nice parts. Evelyn has a support network around her, she just has to learn to trust in it and accept it. The relationship she has with Matt and Brody works so well and I'm really pleased it is not a love triangle! Perhaps Matt's story will come to light at some point too. I can always hope.
Well written with attention to detail and pacing that is steady throughout. If you are looking for a YA read that isn't of the 'norm' then I can definitely recommend you give The Shadow of Loss your attention.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Deception (Dark Matter #2) in Books
Jan 17, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Deception is the 2nd book in the Dark Matter series by Teri Terry. I was given the opportunity to review the 1st book, Contagion, and thoroughly enjoyed it. When offered the 2nd book, I jumped at the chance.
Deception starts where Contagion ends. Shay, believing she is the carrier of the epidemic, surrenders to the army. Kai is heartbroken and feels betrayed because Shay left. After discovering survivors like Shay are not carriers, he is desperate to find her.
I enjoyed the 1st book more than the 2nd. Because it is a YA book, there is the obligatory love triangle. Still, it is worth reading. We are introduced to other groups. They are survivors, those hunting the survivors, and those behind the epidemic. One of the people we learn more about is Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father.
The 3rd and final book in the trilogy, Evolution, is available for pre-order. Its release date is August 11, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends. Will Kai and Shay end up together? What will happen to Callie? Will she get her revenge?
View my review of Contagion at http://philomathinphila.com/2019/08/11/200-word-review-of-contagion-by-teri-terry/.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/16/20.
Deception is the 2nd book in the Dark Matter series by Teri Terry. I was given the opportunity to review the 1st book, Contagion, and thoroughly enjoyed it. When offered the 2nd book, I jumped at the chance.
Deception starts where Contagion ends. Shay, believing she is the carrier of the epidemic, surrenders to the army. Kai is heartbroken and feels betrayed because Shay left. After discovering survivors like Shay are not carriers, he is desperate to find her.
I enjoyed the 1st book more than the 2nd. Because it is a YA book, there is the obligatory love triangle. Still, it is worth reading. We are introduced to other groups. They are survivors, those hunting the survivors, and those behind the epidemic. One of the people we learn more about is Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father.
The 3rd and final book in the trilogy, Evolution, is available for pre-order. Its release date is August 11, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends. Will Kai and Shay end up together? What will happen to Callie? Will she get her revenge?
View my review of Contagion at http://philomathinphila.com/2019/08/11/200-word-review-of-contagion-by-teri-terry/.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/16/20.