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Hilary dreams of become a pirate. But she' s a girl and the daughter of an admirable. Still, at the first chance, she runs away and joins up. Tasked with finding a treasure using a map with no markings, she might be in over her head. Can she do it?
This was a complete delight. The characters are warm and charming, the plot moves forward quickly, and the book is filled with great humor. I can't wait for the next one to come out (fall of 2014, but I'm not counting at all). Definitely recommended for anyone in the target middle grade audience or older.
NOTE: I got this book via the Amazon Vine program.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-review-magic-marks-spot-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This was a complete delight. The characters are warm and charming, the plot moves forward quickly, and the book is filled with great humor. I can't wait for the next one to come out (fall of 2014, but I'm not counting at all). Definitely recommended for anyone in the target middle grade audience or older.
NOTE: I got this book via the Amazon Vine program.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-review-magic-marks-spot-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Raven Boys in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This was surprisingly good. Since I wasn't the biggest fan of Shiver from the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, I wasn't sure how I would like this book. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to all of my tumblr friends who kept recommending this to me so that I would actually read it. I had been putting it off for about a year and a half.
The plot line was very well paced. Though the chapters were narrated by different characters (something I don't always like) it was clear as to who was speaking. The characters were interesting and fun. I loved the growing relationships between the boys and Blue. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys supernatural novels with mystery and a crap ton of psychic magic. Great job Ms. Stiefvater!
The plot line was very well paced. Though the chapters were narrated by different characters (something I don't always like) it was clear as to who was speaking. The characters were interesting and fun. I loved the growing relationships between the boys and Blue. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys supernatural novels with mystery and a crap ton of psychic magic. Great job Ms. Stiefvater!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972) in Movies
Mar 16, 2018
Hammer's attempt to make Dracula more with-it succeeds as far as it does despite, rather than because of, the contemporary elements. Dracula pops up in the present day, causes the usual trouble, is disposed of with surprising ease. (The plot is essentially a retread of that of Taste the Blood of Dracula but with more flared trousers and Peter Cushing.)
Christopher Lee's disdain for the whole project is virtually palpable, but Peter Cushing works his usual magic in lifting some rather duff material. Movie may deserve some kind of award for the sheer number of before-they-were-famous people appearing in it. It's not quite actively bad, but it feels much more dated than any of the films set in the 19th century. Somewhat groovy; hardly fab.
Christopher Lee's disdain for the whole project is virtually palpable, but Peter Cushing works his usual magic in lifting some rather duff material. Movie may deserve some kind of award for the sheer number of before-they-were-famous people appearing in it. It's not quite actively bad, but it feels much more dated than any of the films set in the 19th century. Somewhat groovy; hardly fab.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Company of Wolves (1984) in Movies
Feb 23, 2018
Curious British-made feminist werewolf movie retells the story of Little Red Riding Hood (along with various others). A young girl dreams of a fairy-tale world of wolves and dark magic, where some people are hairy on the inside and everyone has a bit of a beast in them.
One of those movies laden with a slightly ponderous symbolism; doesn't really make sense except as an allegory for something-or-other; quite what that is is a bit unclear. It's not that all men are wolves at heart, but something slightly more even-handed. Good cast, nice production values; some of the special effects have dated a bit, but not risibly so. In the end it is all quite impressive but at the same time wilfully oblique.
One of those movies laden with a slightly ponderous symbolism; doesn't really make sense except as an allegory for something-or-other; quite what that is is a bit unclear. It's not that all men are wolves at heart, but something slightly more even-handed. Good cast, nice production values; some of the special effects have dated a bit, but not risibly so. In the end it is all quite impressive but at the same time wilfully oblique.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I was looking for a palate cleanser book and I stumbled upon this one through audible channels. I've always noticed the Magic Tree House series but I haven't ever had the chance to read any of them. When I saw this was on there & I could listen to it for free, I knew I had to listen to it.
This is obviously a very easy read where the writing is written for those just learning to read. It was a cute story and it was a really quick and fun listen. It doesn't stand out for me, but obviously, I'm not the proper age for this book.
All in all, if I have kids this would be one of the series I would read to them. It's educational along with adding an element of fantasy.
This is obviously a very easy read where the writing is written for those just learning to read. It was a cute story and it was a really quick and fun listen. It doesn't stand out for me, but obviously, I'm not the proper age for this book.
All in all, if I have kids this would be one of the series I would read to them. It's educational along with adding an element of fantasy.
David McK (3547 KP) rated Dawnthief (Chronicles of the Raven, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is pretty much what I would term your standard high-fantasy fiction: high fantasy as opposed to, say, urban fantasy, as it involves Dragons (albeit only at the very beginning, and then more-or-less forgotten about), Elves and Magic amongst other genre staples.
The Raven of the sub-title ('Chronicles of the Raven', remember!) are a group of mercenaries who, at the beginning of the novel, have lived and fought together for years. At the end of one contract, they are hired by a former enemy, before events start overtaking them and they find themselves as amongst the last hope for their land, which is descending into war ...
I found this to be an OK read: not the best of such-like books I've ever read; nor the worst.
The Raven of the sub-title ('Chronicles of the Raven', remember!) are a group of mercenaries who, at the beginning of the novel, have lived and fought together for years. At the end of one contract, they are hired by a former enemy, before events start overtaking them and they find themselves as amongst the last hope for their land, which is descending into war ...
I found this to be an OK read: not the best of such-like books I've ever read; nor the worst.
David McK (3547 KP) rated Pirate Latitudes in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Michael Crichton's last full work, and in a move unusual for an author best known for techno-thrillers, this novel is actually a historical adventure.
Although it is not the first time he has dabbled in the genre (see also The Great Train Robbery and Eaters of the Dead), I felt that his relative lack of experience of said genre showed: one needs only compare this to a work by Bernard Cornwell, for instance.
I suppose It is possible that the novel was finished but not completed, if you know what I mean, and I also got the feeling that he was trying to jump on the Pirates of the Caribbean (albeit without the magic!) bandwagon with this novel, also set in the Caribbean during the time of Charles II
Although it is not the first time he has dabbled in the genre (see also The Great Train Robbery and Eaters of the Dead), I felt that his relative lack of experience of said genre showed: one needs only compare this to a work by Bernard Cornwell, for instance.
I suppose It is possible that the novel was finished but not completed, if you know what I mean, and I also got the feeling that he was trying to jump on the Pirates of the Caribbean (albeit without the magic!) bandwagon with this novel, also set in the Caribbean during the time of Charles II
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Promise of Fire in Books
Jan 1, 2020
Brilliant!
Contains spoilers, click to show
KINGDOMS WILL RISE AND FALL FOR HER...
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her ...
Loved it from start to finish!
Constant action! Cat is fierce,Darcy and kick ass!!
She goes from strength to strength, being kidnapped to falling in love she bitches and gripes like a pro! I loved watching her evolve and find a family she never expected! The Greek gods and mythology are just an extra bonus. Amanda has each character perfect. Looking forward to book 2!
Highly recommended
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her ...
Loved it from start to finish!
Constant action! Cat is fierce,Darcy and kick ass!!
She goes from strength to strength, being kidnapped to falling in love she bitches and gripes like a pro! I loved watching her evolve and find a family she never expected! The Greek gods and mythology are just an extra bonus. Amanda has each character perfect. Looking forward to book 2!
Highly recommended
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Howl's Moving Castle in Books
Nov 20, 2019
I love the world I enter reading this book. This is the second time I have read this book, and I can say I loved it just as much. The first time I read it I absolutely loved it, then watched the movie and hated it because it wasn’t as good as the book, typical for 11-13-year-old me. I later learned to LOVE the movie. Re-reading it allowed me to compare the two a little more clear-headed and I have to say that despite differences the tone is caught in the film. I love everything about this book, characters, setting, plot, magic… It is so much fun, and I get completely sucked it. This time I am planning on reading the remainder of this series.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Non-Heir (The Black Mage #0.5) in Books
Feb 7, 2020
Prince. Prodigy. Mage. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Falling Kingdoms, and Tamora Pierce.
This prequel novella is set before the events of The Black Mage series. Novella follows Prince Darren as a child through adolescence and his first run-in with Ryiah at the Academy of Magic. Readers discover the dark backstory between the two princes and their father, as well as the ensuing events that shaped Darren into the Academy’s most illustrious mage.
I found this just in time I was about to start First year. I found the king's treatment of his boys so awful I struggled with the violence of it (think it's the mum in me lol). I'm excited to see where this story goes as a prequel it was pretty good. Think I'm going to like this series.
This prequel novella is set before the events of The Black Mage series. Novella follows Prince Darren as a child through adolescence and his first run-in with Ryiah at the Academy of Magic. Readers discover the dark backstory between the two princes and their father, as well as the ensuing events that shaped Darren into the Academy’s most illustrious mage.
I found this just in time I was about to start First year. I found the king's treatment of his boys so awful I struggled with the violence of it (think it's the mum in me lol). I'm excited to see where this story goes as a prequel it was pretty good. Think I'm going to like this series.