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Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher in Books
Jan 9, 2020
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher by Maxine Sylvester was a wonderful children's book. It is a cute story about a reindeer and his friend at the Flying Academy. The story teaches about the value of friendship and what it means to put your friend's well being before personal gain. It alos brings up judging someone on their personality and not on how they look.
Ronaldo is a level two cadet at the Reindeer Flying Academy and wears his two snowflakes that show his rank on his jacket with pride. He consistently stays at the top of his class and is in the running for getting the Golden Snowflake for having the best speed overall for the year. His best friend, Rudi is in fourth place but that dose not seem to affect their friendship.
One day after completing his flying challenge Ronaldo sets down his bag with camrots in it to watch Rudi finish his challenge. When the friends return to eat the carots they find the carrots are
missing and this is not the first time this has happened. On the way home the two friends discuss how to find the animal responsible for the missing carrots. Not too far from his home Ronaldo meets Ernie who is lost. He agrees to help Emie find her family again in secret. Rudi helps develop a plan to get a message to Ernie's family but it will cost Ronaldo the speed record. Ronaldo decides that helping a friend is more important than breaking a record and takes the risk to help her.an award for himself.
What I liked best about his book was how Ronaldo chooses to put his new friend over getting an award for himself. Ronaldo and Rudi also overcome their fear of The Forest of Doom in order to help Ernie and Ernie saves Ronaldo from bullies. There really isn't much that I did not like about this
book. If I had to pick something it would be that I could have done without the fart jokes, but I understand the appeal they have to younger children.
Target readers for this book are elementary students. Second grade students shoulhandle this book without a problem. Some words may need to be looked up but not too many of them. Having to look up a few words would help expand a young child's vocabulary so that is just another plus for this book. I rate this book a perfect 4 out of 4. This book has a great story line that moves along steadily and the chapters are short enough that they do not discourage young readers. The characters are cute and even the artwork is done nicely.
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Ronaldo is a level two cadet at the Reindeer Flying Academy and wears his two snowflakes that show his rank on his jacket with pride. He consistently stays at the top of his class and is in the running for getting the Golden Snowflake for having the best speed overall for the year. His best friend, Rudi is in fourth place but that dose not seem to affect their friendship.
One day after completing his flying challenge Ronaldo sets down his bag with camrots in it to watch Rudi finish his challenge. When the friends return to eat the carots they find the carrots are
missing and this is not the first time this has happened. On the way home the two friends discuss how to find the animal responsible for the missing carrots. Not too far from his home Ronaldo meets Ernie who is lost. He agrees to help Emie find her family again in secret. Rudi helps develop a plan to get a message to Ernie's family but it will cost Ronaldo the speed record. Ronaldo decides that helping a friend is more important than breaking a record and takes the risk to help her.an award for himself.
What I liked best about his book was how Ronaldo chooses to put his new friend over getting an award for himself. Ronaldo and Rudi also overcome their fear of The Forest of Doom in order to help Ernie and Ernie saves Ronaldo from bullies. There really isn't much that I did not like about this
book. If I had to pick something it would be that I could have done without the fart jokes, but I understand the appeal they have to younger children.
Target readers for this book are elementary students. Second grade students shoulhandle this book without a problem. Some words may need to be looked up but not too many of them. Having to look up a few words would help expand a young child's vocabulary so that is just another plus for this book. I rate this book a perfect 4 out of 4. This book has a great story line that moves along steadily and the chapters are short enough that they do not discourage young readers. The characters are cute and even the artwork is done nicely.
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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Dracula Untold (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The latest Dracula movie attempts to honor an ancient story while adding some new spice and bringing the usual graphics flair we’ve come to expect from Hollywood, but falls short.
Dracula Untold, as the name implies, is an origin story for the pop culture father-of-all-vampires. Luke Evans bears the mantle of Prince Vlad Tepes of the Dracula Clan. (Not Count, but Prince.) What about the King, you ask? Well, they didn’t cover this, but there is no King.
Luke Evans is one of my favorite actors in Hollywood right now, and he does this role justice. The rest of the cast contributed solid performances as well, as best they could with sub par script, and poor direction. Charles Dance was a particular pleasure to witness.
This film is Gary Shore’s directorial debut, and it’s easy to see the marks of a neophyte director. Had it been in the hands of someone more experienced, it would have been a juggernaut of a Fall film. Even so, he did pretty well enough, all things considered. According to his work history, Shore was an electrician until 1998, then disappeared until 2014. This is his second film so far this year.
Dracula Untold opens with the story of Vlad the Impaler, as told by his son. Vlad was shipped off to the Turks to become a trained and conditioned weapon. He earned his title by impaling an entire village for the Turkish army. Vlad was a deadly force on the battlefield, but they eventually allowed him to go home, where he could start a family and rule Transylvania. It is painfully obvious that the usual blood-thirsty character was meant to become a hero for this new tale.
The Turks return to take more boys, like they did him, but he refuses. This draws the Turks’ ire, and they demand retribution for the insult and insubordination. Desperate, he seeks out a monster in the mountains who was the REAL first vampire — a man who made a deal with a demon.
Vlad is granted temporary powers, paying a heavy price in the process. After this, the story really ramps up.
This film left me feeling as if something was missing. I attribute this to missing explanations, plot holes (like the lack of King), and several other missteps. Normally, I can look past plot holes. A strong enough movie will keep me from noticing them until I’m rethinking it later. In this case, they were too distracting. The music was unimpressive and not at all memorable. The one liners were forced and distracting, instead of powerful and emotional.
This movie is worth seeing if you’re a fan of vampires in general or Dracula in particular. That said, I wouldn’t advise high expectations. Great aspects were abundant, but there were just as many failings. If you feel compelled to see it, wait until you can see it at home, and save the money.
Dracula Untold, as the name implies, is an origin story for the pop culture father-of-all-vampires. Luke Evans bears the mantle of Prince Vlad Tepes of the Dracula Clan. (Not Count, but Prince.) What about the King, you ask? Well, they didn’t cover this, but there is no King.
Luke Evans is one of my favorite actors in Hollywood right now, and he does this role justice. The rest of the cast contributed solid performances as well, as best they could with sub par script, and poor direction. Charles Dance was a particular pleasure to witness.
This film is Gary Shore’s directorial debut, and it’s easy to see the marks of a neophyte director. Had it been in the hands of someone more experienced, it would have been a juggernaut of a Fall film. Even so, he did pretty well enough, all things considered. According to his work history, Shore was an electrician until 1998, then disappeared until 2014. This is his second film so far this year.
Dracula Untold opens with the story of Vlad the Impaler, as told by his son. Vlad was shipped off to the Turks to become a trained and conditioned weapon. He earned his title by impaling an entire village for the Turkish army. Vlad was a deadly force on the battlefield, but they eventually allowed him to go home, where he could start a family and rule Transylvania. It is painfully obvious that the usual blood-thirsty character was meant to become a hero for this new tale.
The Turks return to take more boys, like they did him, but he refuses. This draws the Turks’ ire, and they demand retribution for the insult and insubordination. Desperate, he seeks out a monster in the mountains who was the REAL first vampire — a man who made a deal with a demon.
Vlad is granted temporary powers, paying a heavy price in the process. After this, the story really ramps up.
This film left me feeling as if something was missing. I attribute this to missing explanations, plot holes (like the lack of King), and several other missteps. Normally, I can look past plot holes. A strong enough movie will keep me from noticing them until I’m rethinking it later. In this case, they were too distracting. The music was unimpressive and not at all memorable. The one liners were forced and distracting, instead of powerful and emotional.
This movie is worth seeing if you’re a fan of vampires in general or Dracula in particular. That said, I wouldn’t advise high expectations. Great aspects were abundant, but there were just as many failings. If you feel compelled to see it, wait until you can see it at home, and save the money.
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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated What's Done in Darkness: A Novel in Books
Jun 24, 2021
An excellent dark and foreboding mystery
Sarabeth is seventeen when she's held captive for nearly a week and then dumped along the side of the road, bound and blindfolded. She doesn't know who took her, or where. The police doubt her story and her parents do not even report her missing from their rural Arkansas farm . Sarabeth had argued with her religious parents, who insisted she follow their strict rules and marry someone of their choosing. As she returns home and finds her family appalled by her kidnapping, she realizes something good may come from the abduction: she can escape life on the farm for good. Five years later, she's now known as Sara when investigator Nick Farrow asks her to help with the missing persons case of another girl--one incredibly similar to Sara's. Reluctantly, Sara returns home, where she must face her darkest fears (and her family) to assist in bringing this girl home.
"Sarabeth had come to think of her time on the farm as a sentence that she had to serve, one with an end date. Now it seemed like she'd have to plan an escape."
I adore Laura McHugh's writing at this point. She's an excellent writer, and this is a great mystery in her deft hands. The religious, almost cult-like aspect of Sarabeth's family seems extremely timely in this era. We see how they narrow her options, forcing her to choose between her family and her own life. Religion and darkness are major themes in this book, with darkness playing not just in the title but across the entire novel. McHugh weaves it in and out of her story--Sara being afraid of the dark, darkness and shadows lurking at every turn. And it's a dark book to read too, even if it has its light moments. Still there's hope here as well.
I loved how Sara was a complicated heroine, with a complex past and many scars. She reminded me of Joanna Schaffhausen's Ellery Hathaway in that sense--a troubled soul who must overcome her own darkness to try to save others. Her interactions with Nick were an excellent respite, and I certainly could see myself reading about these two again.
"A piece of me was still there in Arkansas, but I was gone. No one in my new life knew who I was, what had happened to me, and I wanted to keep it that way."
The book is atmospheric, sucking us into both the deep religious aspect of the Ozarks and the Arkansas countryside. The Arkansas hills seem to play their own role in the book--another character so to speak. This one kept me guessing and even as I worked out some pieces, there were plenty of twists and turns. It's a fairly quick read, but an excellent one. Certainly recommend to mystery fans and those who enjoy a character-driven read.
"Sarabeth had come to think of her time on the farm as a sentence that she had to serve, one with an end date. Now it seemed like she'd have to plan an escape."
I adore Laura McHugh's writing at this point. She's an excellent writer, and this is a great mystery in her deft hands. The religious, almost cult-like aspect of Sarabeth's family seems extremely timely in this era. We see how they narrow her options, forcing her to choose between her family and her own life. Religion and darkness are major themes in this book, with darkness playing not just in the title but across the entire novel. McHugh weaves it in and out of her story--Sara being afraid of the dark, darkness and shadows lurking at every turn. And it's a dark book to read too, even if it has its light moments. Still there's hope here as well.
I loved how Sara was a complicated heroine, with a complex past and many scars. She reminded me of Joanna Schaffhausen's Ellery Hathaway in that sense--a troubled soul who must overcome her own darkness to try to save others. Her interactions with Nick were an excellent respite, and I certainly could see myself reading about these two again.
"A piece of me was still there in Arkansas, but I was gone. No one in my new life knew who I was, what had happened to me, and I wanted to keep it that way."
The book is atmospheric, sucking us into both the deep religious aspect of the Ozarks and the Arkansas countryside. The Arkansas hills seem to play their own role in the book--another character so to speak. This one kept me guessing and even as I worked out some pieces, there were plenty of twists and turns. It's a fairly quick read, but an excellent one. Certainly recommend to mystery fans and those who enjoy a character-driven read.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche in Books
Sep 2, 2021
I am excited to present my first guest review, from my wonderful wife, Kate! Thanks, babe, for your review of this book, the seventh in Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes' series.
When I heard there was going to be another book in the Enola Holmes series, I jumped at the chance and promised my book-loving wife that I would write a guest review. So, here it is! Please accept my apologies ahead of time for the fact that I cannot (and would never dare try to) match the quality and skill that my wife demonstrates in her own book reviews.
Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche, by Nancy Springer, is another book in the growing series following Ms. Enola Holmes, the 15 year old sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes. This book is being released over 10 years after the last published novel, which came out in 2010. The earlier six novels covered the ongoing story of Enola’s (often contentious) relationship with her brothers (Sherlock and Mycroft), as well as brought the reader resolution about Enola’s missing/runaway mother. This new story starts with a Prologue written by none other than Sherlock himself, who provides a summary of these tales, and tells of his earlier encounters with Enola. His introduction even suggests his level of respect for her has improved dramatically. The new story finds the young detective (or Scientific Perditorian, as she has dubbed herself) seeking the whereabouts of Miss Leticia Glover’s twin sister, Flossie. Glover has been told that her sister has died, but the circumstances surrounding Flossie’s death are mysteriously vague. Initially, Glover seeks the assistance of Mr. Sherlock Holmes, but she ends up with the masterful pair of Enola and Sherlock, who are finally working together on a case. The two detectives set out, albeit in opposite directions, to ascertain the fate of the missing twin.
I think the allure of these books for me is the underlying message that Enola is as good as, if not better (or at least cleverer) than her notorious older brother. In the previous stories I enjoyed her ability to reach conclusions before him, even if she was getting there with only a slight edge. This particular story seamlessly continues the message that Enola’s keen mind works in ways that Sherlock’s doesn’t.
I thoroughly enjoyed this seventh book in the Enola Holmes series and hope that the author continues with her story. And, while I do enjoy that Enola and Sherlock have mended their relationship and are able to work together, I hope Enola can still find time to shine on her own. This particular book began with a Prologue from Sherlock, and ended with an Epilogue also penned from his perspective. As these stories are supposed to be Enola’s, it felt wrong for the final word to be coming from someone else. Beyond that, this was an excellent mystery and fun, quick read.
When I heard there was going to be another book in the Enola Holmes series, I jumped at the chance and promised my book-loving wife that I would write a guest review. So, here it is! Please accept my apologies ahead of time for the fact that I cannot (and would never dare try to) match the quality and skill that my wife demonstrates in her own book reviews.
Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche, by Nancy Springer, is another book in the growing series following Ms. Enola Holmes, the 15 year old sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes. This book is being released over 10 years after the last published novel, which came out in 2010. The earlier six novels covered the ongoing story of Enola’s (often contentious) relationship with her brothers (Sherlock and Mycroft), as well as brought the reader resolution about Enola’s missing/runaway mother. This new story starts with a Prologue written by none other than Sherlock himself, who provides a summary of these tales, and tells of his earlier encounters with Enola. His introduction even suggests his level of respect for her has improved dramatically. The new story finds the young detective (or Scientific Perditorian, as she has dubbed herself) seeking the whereabouts of Miss Leticia Glover’s twin sister, Flossie. Glover has been told that her sister has died, but the circumstances surrounding Flossie’s death are mysteriously vague. Initially, Glover seeks the assistance of Mr. Sherlock Holmes, but she ends up with the masterful pair of Enola and Sherlock, who are finally working together on a case. The two detectives set out, albeit in opposite directions, to ascertain the fate of the missing twin.
I think the allure of these books for me is the underlying message that Enola is as good as, if not better (or at least cleverer) than her notorious older brother. In the previous stories I enjoyed her ability to reach conclusions before him, even if she was getting there with only a slight edge. This particular story seamlessly continues the message that Enola’s keen mind works in ways that Sherlock’s doesn’t.
I thoroughly enjoyed this seventh book in the Enola Holmes series and hope that the author continues with her story. And, while I do enjoy that Enola and Sherlock have mended their relationship and are able to work together, I hope Enola can still find time to shine on her own. This particular book began with a Prologue from Sherlock, and ended with an Epilogue also penned from his perspective. As these stories are supposed to be Enola’s, it felt wrong for the final word to be coming from someone else. Beyond that, this was an excellent mystery and fun, quick read.
Verner Latskin (74 KP) rated Deadpool (2016) in Movies
Jul 20, 2017
It's a freaking Deadpool movie (4 more)
Deadpool.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, arguably the reason he was put on this earth
It's fun, really funny, and appropriately shallow where it should be
The modest budget was very good for this film, forcing (allowing?) a focus on character
It could have been funnier still (1 more)
Not enough Deadpool.
A more than promising start to the only superhero franchise I can really get excited about anymore
After ten plus years of overly serious, dour, and sometimes downright depressing movies about silly people who choose to dress in silly outfits when they fight equally ridiculous "bad guys", we finally got Deadpool. Sure, Guardians of the Galaxy was the first one to take itself not so seriously, and it was genuinely great, but nothing beats the small scale stakes of a guy who just wants really good plastic surgery so his girlfriend will still want to f him. Because that's what Deadpool is, and it's great. It could have perhaps, possibly, still been funnier, as there are several scenes that just felt as if they were missing 'something', but that might be largely due to the fact that we don't get to Deadpool being Deadpool until almost half way through - i know a lot of people would disagree, but for me, the only real problem with "Deadpool" is that there isn't enough Deadpool. But what we get is pretty amazing.
Merissa (12804 KP) rated Hooked on a Witch (Keepers of the Veil #4) in Books
Sep 6, 2017
Hooked on a Witch (Keepers of the Veil #4) by Zoe Forward
Hooked on a Witch is the fourth book in the Keepers of the Veil series, and can be read as a standalone, so long as you don't mind catching up as you go along. Shannon is learning what it is to be a Pleiades Witch, for all that she may not have long to live. During her search for a specific object, she reunites with Merck, a young man she knew from school who she liked. Things move on very quickly as one enemy and another comes after Shannon and Merck, throwing them together even though they decide otherwise.
This is a fast-paced and action-filled book. Shannon is still very nervous about her magic, whilst Merck is completely confident in his. Together, these two help the other, giving them something they didn't realise was missing. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I really hope that I see more of these two, as I would love to see Shannon blossom into her abilities, and to gain confidence as the leader of the Pleiades Witches. With a neat twist at the end, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a fast-paced and action-filled book. Shannon is still very nervous about her magic, whilst Merck is completely confident in his. Together, these two help the other, giving them something they didn't realise was missing. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I really hope that I see more of these two, as I would love to see Shannon blossom into her abilities, and to gain confidence as the leader of the Pleiades Witches. With a neat twist at the end, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Steel Justice in Books
May 10, 2018
Michelle is a very adventurous girl. She gets is from her father, Max Steel. When Michelle is invited on the yacht of her father's enemy, Malcolm Microbe, her sense of adventure gets the best of her. She seems something she shouldn't have, and the next thing you know, she and her best friend are missing.
Jasmine Bronson is an investigative reporter in Eden Cove, she fights hard to get the story she wants. Taking on a new job and trying to prove herself, she comes across something that forces her to join up with Max Steel to find Michelle.
Steel Justice was a great book. I will admit that about 1/3 of the way through, I got a little bored and wondered when the adventure was going to come back. At 50% through the end, it was hard to put it down. At the beginning you are introduced to a lot of different characters that make you wonder how all of these people play a part in the disappearance of one girl. So many things going on in this picturesque town in Australia. You're not sure if you want to visit, or steer clear. There are different parts of this story that all come together at the end. You have to stick around for the finale. It's a great story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Jasmine Bronson is an investigative reporter in Eden Cove, she fights hard to get the story she wants. Taking on a new job and trying to prove herself, she comes across something that forces her to join up with Max Steel to find Michelle.
Steel Justice was a great book. I will admit that about 1/3 of the way through, I got a little bored and wondered when the adventure was going to come back. At 50% through the end, it was hard to put it down. At the beginning you are introduced to a lot of different characters that make you wonder how all of these people play a part in the disappearance of one girl. So many things going on in this picturesque town in Australia. You're not sure if you want to visit, or steer clear. There are different parts of this story that all come together at the end. You have to stick around for the finale. It's a great story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Spartan Gold (Fargo Adventure, #1) in Books
Apr 17, 2018
Sam and Remi Fargo (1 more)
Adventure involving Wine, Nazis, Spartans, and much more.
Great Book to satisfy the adventure seeker in your soul.
My mother is a Clive Cussler reader, and has been for years... she's been pitching them to me for a long time. I went to see the Dirk Pitt movie with Matthew McConaughey a while back and thought I had no interest in anything Clive Cussler after that.... Turns out, I was missing out.... I've still yet to try a Dirk Pitt novel, but these Fargos are entirely different, and I kinda love them as people, let alone characters. This is the first of the series, and I don't think you need to start with this one, but I thought it was appropriate. I loved all the different locations they go to, and all the different interesting things they do and the puzzles and riddles they solve. It's a very easy read, prefect for the beach, or in my case: Audiobook on the way to and from work. I've now read a few of the books and I enjoy each of them. I'm sad when I've completed each of them knowing I can never read that one again for the first time. but I'm sure I will re-read them again later in life. When I've forgotten enough of them to be surprised again. Are they Perfect? no, are they Fun? yes....
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Deal Breaker (Myron Bolitar #1) in Books
Apr 3, 2019
Myron Bolitar is an accomplished sports agent in New York City. He doesn't have very many clients, and the ones he does have aren't very big names. His newest client, Christian Steele has been signed by the Titans this year, but trouble seems to find Christian around every turn. A year ago, his fiancee went missing and now her father has turned up dead. What is the connection of these two incidents? How can Myron help clear Christian's name and find out what happened to Cathy? With the help of Myron's best friend, Win and his ex-girlfriend Jessica, who also happens to be Cathy's sister, they will get to the bottom of this no matter what they have to do, to get to the truth.
This book is the first in the Myron Bolitar series. We are introduced to Myron and his cohorts and find out about his background. I enjoy a good series and I can't wait to find out more about these characters.
This was a book that kept my attention the whole time. There are times when listening to an audio book that the story gets lost along the way. But not for this one. I found myself wanting to listen and find out what was going to happen next. I definitely didn't see the ending coming. I can't wait to see what Book 2 in the series has in store.
This book is the first in the Myron Bolitar series. We are introduced to Myron and his cohorts and find out about his background. I enjoy a good series and I can't wait to find out more about these characters.
This was a book that kept my attention the whole time. There are times when listening to an audio book that the story gets lost along the way. But not for this one. I found myself wanting to listen and find out what was going to happen next. I definitely didn't see the ending coming. I can't wait to see what Book 2 in the series has in store.