Search
Search results
ClareR (5779 KP) rated The City of Brass: Daevabad Trilogy in Books
May 29, 2018
Djinn-tastic!! (OK, I know that's bad)
Wow! Magic, Djinns, Ifrits, Daevas - what's not to like?! This was such an engrossing read. Set from two points of view: Nahri, a poor orphaned healer and con-artist and Ali, the youngest son of the King of Daevabad. Their lives meet and are entwined in such a way as to be completely believable. The politics of the realm are much like apartheid, in that Shafit cannot mix with full-blooded Daevas or Djinn. They live in substandard conditions, and Ali tries to change that. He unwittingly causes huge problems.
This is the first in a trilogy, so my only complaint would be that I've now read the first one so close to the release date, that I'm now going to have to wait for AGES for the next part!! Bad planning on my part! I think I'd be more than happy to reread this before the second in the trilogy releases though.
This is the first in a trilogy, so my only complaint would be that I've now read the first one so close to the release date, that I'm now going to have to wait for AGES for the next part!! Bad planning on my part! I think I'd be more than happy to reread this before the second in the trilogy releases though.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Jurassic Park (1993) in Movies
May 31, 2018
Why do we like dinosaurs so much?
Just when Spielberg was on a minor low after the critical and box office disappointment of "Hook" in 1991, he decided to make not only A movie about dinosaurs, but THE movie about dinosaurs to turn things around.
The original Jurassic Park is a modern marvel of cinema in many ways, but mostly the ground-breaking visual effects. Yeah, there had been other movies with prehistoric beasts, but none that integrated them seamlessly with human actors before this film.
What a great idea (based on the book) of having human beings visit a remote coming soon amusement park and watch what happens when everything goes wrong.
There are so many iconic scenes, I can't even begin to list them. The T-Rex, the raptors, the spitting ones. It was all just magic.
The tension build to the ultimate climax will never be beaten even with the 27 sequels.
The original Jurassic Park is a modern marvel of cinema in many ways, but mostly the ground-breaking visual effects. Yeah, there had been other movies with prehistoric beasts, but none that integrated them seamlessly with human actors before this film.
What a great idea (based on the book) of having human beings visit a remote coming soon amusement park and watch what happens when everything goes wrong.
There are so many iconic scenes, I can't even begin to list them. The T-Rex, the raptors, the spitting ones. It was all just magic.
The tension build to the ultimate climax will never be beaten even with the 27 sequels.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Savannah's Story in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I rather enjoyed this little children's book. It tells the story of Savannah, a bored little girl with sisters who don't have the time to play with her. She then wishes she could be in her dollhouse, and lo and behold, it happens! She plays with her dolls, her teddy bears, and has a grand old time. But soon, she starts to miss her sisters, wishing she could go back to them, and she realizes that her sisters are her true friends.
I really liked the ending message of the story, that as long as you believe in magic, it's all around you. I've always felt that way, and it's a great thing for children to believe in, especially those with large imaginations. I would definitely read this story to my kids (if I had any), but I enjoyed reading it, as well.
5 stars
I rather enjoyed this little children's book. It tells the story of Savannah, a bored little girl with sisters who don't have the time to play with her. She then wishes she could be in her dollhouse, and lo and behold, it happens! She plays with her dolls, her teddy bears, and has a grand old time. But soon, she starts to miss her sisters, wishing she could go back to them, and she realizes that her sisters are her true friends.
I really liked the ending message of the story, that as long as you believe in magic, it's all around you. I've always felt that way, and it's a great thing for children to believe in, especially those with large imaginations. I would definitely read this story to my kids (if I had any), but I enjoyed reading it, as well.
5 stars
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
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Invisibility in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I really had to take my time with this book. Maybe it was my new iPad, maybe it was the fact that I wanted to forever experience this book. This novel was quite unique. I have never read anything like this before. It was a paranormal romance and didn't have vampires, werewolves, zombies... etc. The magic in the novel was well done and I found myself completely entertained.
David Levithan and Andrea Cremer definitely know how to make you keep guessing. It was interesting to see how their minds worked to create this novel. David Levithan is my favorite author so I will continue to pick up his books. I might have to add one of Andrea's novels onto my to-read list. All in all, I enjoyed this novel. If you're a fan of paranormal young adult, I suggest that you read it. Especially if you're tired of the vampire/werewolf paranormal take over.
David Levithan and Andrea Cremer definitely know how to make you keep guessing. It was interesting to see how their minds worked to create this novel. David Levithan is my favorite author so I will continue to pick up his books. I might have to add one of Andrea's novels onto my to-read list. All in all, I enjoyed this novel. If you're a fan of paranormal young adult, I suggest that you read it. Especially if you're tired of the vampire/werewolf paranormal take over.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Grand Grimoire of Cthulhu Mythos Magic in Tabletop Games
Oct 18, 2019
Magic doesn't play quite the role in CoC it does in most other fantasy RPGs - its tendency to either kill wizards or drive them permanently insane is probably the reason why - but it's still an important and evocative part of the 'classic' setting for the game. This book, despite the slightly silly title, probably contains everything most players will need on the topic - over 550 spells, from the relatively innocuous 'Embrace of Yog-Sothoth' to the terrifying and unspeakable 'Attract Fish', plus ideas for elaborating on things like spell components and ambient magical areas.
You could probably get by just using the material in the Keeper's Book, but if you want characters to have a wider and more varied repertoire, this book is well worth the asking price. Needless to say, there is also material here to inspire dozens of scenarios for any self-respectingly twisted and inventive Keeper, so it scores heavily in that department too.
You could probably get by just using the material in the Keeper's Book, but if you want characters to have a wider and more varied repertoire, this book is well worth the asking price. Needless to say, there is also material here to inspire dozens of scenarios for any self-respectingly twisted and inventive Keeper, so it scores heavily in that department too.
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) in Movies
Jul 26, 2019
Once upon a time there was this amazingly talented writer and director from Tennessee that created pure cinema magic every time he put pen to paper, finger to keyboard, eye to camera. That time was and is now and his name is Quentin Tarantino. His ninth and newest film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood has as many stars as one might see spread across the night sky lighting up the Hollywood Hills, actually that light might just be from the spotlights at the newest dirty movie premiere. Every actor delivers what one might say is some of the greatest acting they've seen in their whole life. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is more tasteful than a can of Wolf's Tooth dog food, as crisp and refreshing as an Old Chattanooga beer, and as smooth as a Red Apple unfiltered cigarette with a drag that you want to keep pulling from and never want to end.
Magic, monsters & mystery
Contains spoilers, click to show
I first read this about 10 years ago and still have the book, I bought from a local charity shop as I wanted to do something other than watch tv and movies and play videogames (shock horror) but as a big harry potter fan this seemed to catch my attention.
The Story focuses on a young 13 yr old boy who is the seventh son of a seventh son, which is a rare and special thing in this world, which catches the attention of a spook, someone who vanquishes evil (for a price).
The spook takes the apprentice under his wing in an attempt to train him as a possible successor.
As I write this there are 10 books in total that I am aware of and I have only read this one (but own books 1,3 & 10?)
I highly recommend giving this a read.
The Story focuses on a young 13 yr old boy who is the seventh son of a seventh son, which is a rare and special thing in this world, which catches the attention of a spook, someone who vanquishes evil (for a price).
The spook takes the apprentice under his wing in an attempt to train him as a possible successor.
As I write this there are 10 books in total that I am aware of and I have only read this one (but own books 1,3 & 10?)
I highly recommend giving this a read.
Lorraine Christine Robson (1 KP) rated Devil's Cry : Shade of Devil Book 2 in Books
Dec 6, 2019
The Devil of New York is back!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Sooo many things to love about this book. I mean. Shayne Silvers has found a way to bring Jekyll and Hyde into it. So, we have Olympian forces, Victoria Helsing, Dracula, Doctor F.Stein and Jekyll and Hyde! Some of the most memorable characters from literary history given new life! (He is the Doctor Frankenstein of story writing).
What can I say about Devil's Cry? - I didn't see that coming! Shayne has outdone himself as I found myself immersed in the story to the point I could feel the dirt beneath my fingernails as I read a particular scene in Central Park. As with most vampire stories, things get a little heated. Things get sexy. And there is blood. And magic. I still can't get over how much I am enjoying a Vampire story!
Sorin Ambrogio is no ordinary vampire.
He is the Devil, and he has enraptured me.
What can I say about Devil's Cry? - I didn't see that coming! Shayne has outdone himself as I found myself immersed in the story to the point I could feel the dirt beneath my fingernails as I read a particular scene in Central Park. As with most vampire stories, things get a little heated. Things get sexy. And there is blood. And magic. I still can't get over how much I am enjoying a Vampire story!
Sorin Ambrogio is no ordinary vampire.
He is the Devil, and he has enraptured me.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Spark in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
<i>Spark</i> has such an awkward tension at the beginning, but it is so worth the reading in order to see all of the characters grow by the end of the story. All of the characters in the Advanced Drama class - Quin, Dylan, Cass - are considered to be outsiders compared to their classmates at Verona High. But when Quin's mother decides to revive the old Avery Theater, Quin and her drama class members are all placed in roles they aren't actually comfortable with.
Overall, I love the magic Schindler weaves into her latest book, blending fantasy and contemporary seemlessly and bringing theater to life.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-spark-by-holly-schindler-arc-review-and-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<i>Spark</i> has such an awkward tension at the beginning, but it is so worth the reading in order to see all of the characters grow by the end of the story. All of the characters in the Advanced Drama class - Quin, Dylan, Cass - are considered to be outsiders compared to their classmates at Verona High. But when Quin's mother decides to revive the old Avery Theater, Quin and her drama class members are all placed in roles they aren't actually comfortable with.
Overall, I love the magic Schindler weaves into her latest book, blending fantasy and contemporary seemlessly and bringing theater to life.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-spark-by-holly-schindler-arc-review-and-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>