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Creepy demons (1 more)
Likeable main characters
A Mexican Supernatural
This appeared on my Netflix recommendations list, so I thought that I would give it a try. I am a huge fan of this type of series, and would liken the series to Supernatural and the exorcist.
Series 1 follows Elvis (a Diablero or demon hunter), Father Ramiro (a priest hunting for his daughter, conceived prior to his joining the Catholic Church, but later abducted by a demon), Keta (Elvis’ sister) and Nancy (a young women who attracts demons). The story primarily centres around the groups search for the truth in finding Ramiro’s missing daughter, although strongly hints at stories that could be followed up in a future series.
Despite being in Spanish originally, Netflix have dubbed the show in English relatively well. I am not opposed to subtitles, but I do like to be lazy at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed this show and binged on it in two sittings. The show itself was quite dark at times, which fits in well with the genre. The story line includes the plight of small children which encourages us to route for the main characters, there is also on and off romantic tension between Ramiro and Nancy, which I found interesting. One thing I will say though, is at times the special effects were a little low budget, although I can imagine that this will improve as the show picks up credibility.
I eagerly await a second season (please renew Netflix), and hope that series 2 is longer than season 1!
Series 1 follows Elvis (a Diablero or demon hunter), Father Ramiro (a priest hunting for his daughter, conceived prior to his joining the Catholic Church, but later abducted by a demon), Keta (Elvis’ sister) and Nancy (a young women who attracts demons). The story primarily centres around the groups search for the truth in finding Ramiro’s missing daughter, although strongly hints at stories that could be followed up in a future series.
Despite being in Spanish originally, Netflix have dubbed the show in English relatively well. I am not opposed to subtitles, but I do like to be lazy at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed this show and binged on it in two sittings. The show itself was quite dark at times, which fits in well with the genre. The story line includes the plight of small children which encourages us to route for the main characters, there is also on and off romantic tension between Ramiro and Nancy, which I found interesting. One thing I will say though, is at times the special effects were a little low budget, although I can imagine that this will improve as the show picks up credibility.
I eagerly await a second season (please renew Netflix), and hope that series 2 is longer than season 1!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2607 KP) rated The Gun Also Rises in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Hunt for Hemingway Treasure
Sarah Winston has been hired to organize a book sale for Mrs. Belle Winthrop Granville, III, focusing on Belle's massive mystery collection. But sandwiched in between the Trixie Belden, Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie, and Ann Cleeves books, she finds what appears to be the Hemingway manuscripts that went miss from a train in Paris in the 1920's. Belle is just as shocked to see them as Sarah is. But a couple of hours later, Belle has been attacked, the manuscripts are missing, and someone is dead. What has Sarah stumbled into this time?
Once again, we are treated to a fabulous mystery that is more treasure hunt than strict cozy murder mystery. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest. The pace never slows down as we jump from one thing to another as Sarah tries to figure out what happened before her life spins even further out of control. We don't see as much of some of the series regulars, but we do get to see more of others, and I liked how relationships were growing here. Naturally, the book is filled with well-developed new characters. The mentions of various mystery books made me smile. The sub-plots involving the air force base were really well done and once again spotlighted some of the real issues those who sacrifice so much for this country go through, both those serving and their families. This is a strong entry in a series that keeps getting better.
Once again, we are treated to a fabulous mystery that is more treasure hunt than strict cozy murder mystery. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest. The pace never slows down as we jump from one thing to another as Sarah tries to figure out what happened before her life spins even further out of control. We don't see as much of some of the series regulars, but we do get to see more of others, and I liked how relationships were growing here. Naturally, the book is filled with well-developed new characters. The mentions of various mystery books made me smile. The sub-plots involving the air force base were really well done and once again spotlighted some of the real issues those who sacrifice so much for this country go through, both those serving and their families. This is a strong entry in a series that keeps getting better.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Behind the Door in Books
Jan 31, 2019
After seeing Behind the Door on NetGalley and noticing it was written by a female author I’d never read, I absolutely had to have it, and so I requested it. Horror is a largely male community, especially when it comes to those that write. A little background research showed me I’ve really been missing out with SanGiovanni so when my request was approved, I was joyous. Needless to say, Behind the Door is probably one of my favorite reads so far this year.
The characters in Behind the Door are dynamic, with varying flaws, backgrounds, and intricately interwoven stories–some of which are heartbreaking, others which are revolting. SanGiovanni has talent when it comes to fleshing out a wide array of individuals and even those I shouldn’t have felt sympathy for, I did. Rarely do I connect emotionally with characters in a book, so this was a welcome surprise.
Additionally, the plot flies along at a breakneck pace, making for a quick and easy read. It only took me a few sessions (despite my reading slump) to finish this suspense-ridden book. I loved the Lovecraftian theme of old gods and locked away horrors.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. Everything was wrapped up nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it–in fact, I look forward to the opportunity to read more of SanGiovanni’s work.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in Behind the Door are dynamic, with varying flaws, backgrounds, and intricately interwoven stories–some of which are heartbreaking, others which are revolting. SanGiovanni has talent when it comes to fleshing out a wide array of individuals and even those I shouldn’t have felt sympathy for, I did. Rarely do I connect emotionally with characters in a book, so this was a welcome surprise.
Additionally, the plot flies along at a breakneck pace, making for a quick and easy read. It only took me a few sessions (despite my reading slump) to finish this suspense-ridden book. I loved the Lovecraftian theme of old gods and locked away horrors.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. Everything was wrapped up nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it–in fact, I look forward to the opportunity to read more of SanGiovanni’s work.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Josh Burns (166 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Godzilla in Video Games
Jun 21, 2019
Nails the feeling from the movies (2 more)
Fun with a large variety of playable Kaiju
A ton of unlockables
No story mode (1 more)
Does get repetitive
A fun love letter to the classic Godzilla movies
I feel like this game was dead before it had a chance. Critics expected Mortal Kombat with Kaiju and it isn't. It's more of a kaiju simulator. You are a big lumbering monster, so that's how the controls are intentionally. Many have written it off as too clunky for that reason, missing the point.
Gameplay: It is fun, but does get repetitive after a while. There is no real story so it's best played for a while, and back off once it feels repetitive and come back later. Basically, you smash cities and generators, gaining G Energy which makes your Kaiju grow in size and power. Or, you protect them, while fighting kaiju and increasing human military forces.
content: you can unlock almost any monster seen in any Godzilla movie as well as bios for each. You can level them up and unlock figures and settings to build dioramas also. It has multiple game modes but they don't vary from each other a lot. There is also PVP online, but since the critics shredded it so bad there aren't many players so matchmaking is a nightmare.
overall: it's a lot of fun with a ton of content to unlock, just don't burn yourself out on it. I play for like a month here and there, have a blast, then back off for a while so it doesn't get stale.
Gameplay: It is fun, but does get repetitive after a while. There is no real story so it's best played for a while, and back off once it feels repetitive and come back later. Basically, you smash cities and generators, gaining G Energy which makes your Kaiju grow in size and power. Or, you protect them, while fighting kaiju and increasing human military forces.
content: you can unlock almost any monster seen in any Godzilla movie as well as bios for each. You can level them up and unlock figures and settings to build dioramas also. It has multiple game modes but they don't vary from each other a lot. There is also PVP online, but since the critics shredded it so bad there aren't many players so matchmaking is a nightmare.
overall: it's a lot of fun with a ton of content to unlock, just don't burn yourself out on it. I play for like a month here and there, have a blast, then back off for a while so it doesn't get stale.
Merissa (14082 KP) rated A Cross to Bear in Books
Dec 17, 2018
A Cross to Bear is the college life story of a young man who knows what he wants, but is unprepared for what he gets. Logan is happy to be at college; he has a full scholarship on the swim team, he has other classes to keep his brain active, he meets the girl of his dreams, and finds friends that he never knew he was missing. Of course, not everything is peachy, and both Logan and Bree have things to deal with, both in their pasts and present.
This book starts at the end, and then you go to the beginning, slowly working your way back to the end. Trust me, it works. So many emotions when I was reading this! So sad, so hard, and also so horrible in some ways. Ethan is the first class bad guy, he really was completely loathsome. I wish I could say that he gets his comeuppance in this book, but he doesn't. I will have to pray to Jet's Gods of Karma in the hope that he did!
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was a book that I enjoyed, even though parts of it were hard to read, so well done to Julieanne Lynch! Definitely recommended.
* 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 book starts at the end, and then you go to the beginning, slowly working your way back to the end. Trust me, it works. So many emotions when I was reading this! So sad, so hard, and also so horrible in some ways. Ethan is the first class bad guy, he really was completely loathsome. I wish I could say that he gets his comeuppance in this book, but he doesn't. I will have to pray to Jet's Gods of Karma in the hope that he did!
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was a book that I enjoyed, even though parts of it were hard to read, so well done to Julieanne Lynch! Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Merissa (14082 KP) rated Seduced by Shark Shifters III: Tom's Turn in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Tom's Turn is the third book in this series, but for me, I would say it is the second part to Logan's Tail. You can't read this story without reading that one first, and expect it to make sense. Tom has always let Logan take the lead with their friendship, even though he wants more. However, now he has had a 'taste' of what he has been missing, and will do whatever it takes to keep Logan for himself. Of course, there is the slight problem of Stefano being not only Logan's husband, but also a nice guy. Tom won't give up though, even when Stefano's twin sister steps in to cause untold trouble.
I LOVED THIS! The drama between Logan, Stefano, and Tom was there. If anything, it was Logan who was blasé about it, whereas Tom and Stefano understood and tried to work with it. Logan's dad turns up with secrets of his own which completely turn this tale around! I am hoping to see something go on there, but I won't say anymore as I don't do spoilers.
Once again, this book had no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was thoroughly engrossed and loved every word from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait for this series to continue.
* 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!
I LOVED THIS! The drama between Logan, Stefano, and Tom was there. If anything, it was Logan who was blasé about it, whereas Tom and Stefano understood and tried to work with it. Logan's dad turns up with secrets of his own which completely turn this tale around! I am hoping to see something go on there, but I won't say anymore as I don't do spoilers.
Once again, this book had no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was thoroughly engrossed and loved every word from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait for this series to continue.
* 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!
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated Eragon (2006) in Movies
Nov 11, 2019
Pile of Dragon Dropings
Where do I start? I read the Inheretance series and fell madly in love. When they announced a film I was so excited. Realy have I been more disappointing.
The design is apauling, did anyone read the descriptions in the book? Sapphire "Brightscales" with feathers, the Urgls. Nuff said.
The script, apauling.
Why do they hate montages? I mean, Saphera needs to grow, okay, great, I get you don't have time to show all the months this took, but what the hell!? She flies into the air, and when she lands she is massive??? No explanation. You know what would have worked... her flying up, the when she comes back down, there is snow, showing the passage of time!!! Even a dam "3 months later" would have been better!
Sorry, moving on.
I know adapting a story from one medium to another is not easy, but this was a shocking way of doing things.
It was like no one read the actual book. One of the main themes running through the books is the power of language, how knowing something's true name gives followed over it. So when you give a dragon called "brightscales" feathers, and have the Gedwe Insignia ( meaning "shiny plam) as a crappy scar, you are missing the dam point!
Even if it had been popular enough for a sequel, it would not realy have worked, given all the changes they made.
To sum up... READ. THE. DAM BOOK!
The design is apauling, did anyone read the descriptions in the book? Sapphire "Brightscales" with feathers, the Urgls. Nuff said.
The script, apauling.
Why do they hate montages? I mean, Saphera needs to grow, okay, great, I get you don't have time to show all the months this took, but what the hell!? She flies into the air, and when she lands she is massive??? No explanation. You know what would have worked... her flying up, the when she comes back down, there is snow, showing the passage of time!!! Even a dam "3 months later" would have been better!
Sorry, moving on.
I know adapting a story from one medium to another is not easy, but this was a shocking way of doing things.
It was like no one read the actual book. One of the main themes running through the books is the power of language, how knowing something's true name gives followed over it. So when you give a dragon called "brightscales" feathers, and have the Gedwe Insignia ( meaning "shiny plam) as a crappy scar, you are missing the dam point!
Even if it had been popular enough for a sequel, it would not realy have worked, given all the changes they made.
To sum up... READ. THE. DAM BOOK!
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Gone / Mind Games in Books
Nov 19, 2019 (Updated Nov 19, 2019)
Get your psychopath fix here!!
The premise for this book was very ambitious and it started with a gripping bang. Following the exploits of psychologist and private detective Dr. Augusta Bloom as she and her partner Marcus Jameson are drawn into a dangerous game when they investigate a number of people who have gone missing. The only obvious connection they all disappeared on their Birthdays following receiving a mysterious card asking “Dare To Play?”
Both Augusta and Marcus are interesting characters with a good bit of chemistry and the book is undoubtedly a fast-paced page-turner that I raced through. We get a lot of psychologist talk looking at psychopaths (who doesn’t’ love a good psychopath tale!?!) and a very tangled web is weaved. The investigation is interesting and doesn’t let up however the book doesn’t quite reach the full promise of the early and middle sections and did end up being very obvious in its main twists.
A dark world was set up but not looked at in any depth and I wanted to know more. I understand there will be more adventures in the future with Dr. Bloom and I hope they touch on some of the world investigated in this book. I’m certainly keen to take another outing with Augusta, I see a lot of potential.
I read the book under the title Gone but I believe it has also been published as "Mind Games"
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Both Augusta and Marcus are interesting characters with a good bit of chemistry and the book is undoubtedly a fast-paced page-turner that I raced through. We get a lot of psychologist talk looking at psychopaths (who doesn’t’ love a good psychopath tale!?!) and a very tangled web is weaved. The investigation is interesting and doesn’t let up however the book doesn’t quite reach the full promise of the early and middle sections and did end up being very obvious in its main twists.
A dark world was set up but not looked at in any depth and I wanted to know more. I understand there will be more adventures in the future with Dr. Bloom and I hope they touch on some of the world investigated in this book. I’m certainly keen to take another outing with Augusta, I see a lot of potential.
I read the book under the title Gone but I believe it has also been published as "Mind Games"
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Murphy's Heist (John McBride #1) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
Murphy's Heist is the first of the John McBride series of thrillers. Eamonn Murphy used to be a big man in the shady world of terrorism in Northern Ireland during the troubles. Now more-or-less retired and living in Cheshire he cannot resist planning a bullion robbery on the mainland. However John McBride, artist and former soldier, stumbles upon the plot. Murphy has to quickly change his plans as the net tightens.
As with the other McBride books the emphasis is on realism rather than spectacle. Although there are explosions, gun battles and chases they are very low-key which lends an air of authenticity which is missing from more adrenaline-fuelled thrillers.
The book is paced well, alternating between Murphy and associates attempting to get away with the crime and McBride and the authorities attempts to apprehend them. Murphy is a slippery and wily customer and McBride must use ingenuity and not a little luck.
This definitely shows as the first book in the series - McBride is just an ex-soldier, not ex-SAS and farms out the more 'special forces' duties to an ex-colleague, the extra developments of his past and his occasional desire for adventure beyond the sedate world of watercolours comes later and allows him to operate independently in challenging environments. But this is a good solid opening gambit clearly layout out the template for a more realistic thriller.
As a novel this isn't as good as my favourite so far - Find My Brother - but it certainly makes for a good read.
As with the other McBride books the emphasis is on realism rather than spectacle. Although there are explosions, gun battles and chases they are very low-key which lends an air of authenticity which is missing from more adrenaline-fuelled thrillers.
The book is paced well, alternating between Murphy and associates attempting to get away with the crime and McBride and the authorities attempts to apprehend them. Murphy is a slippery and wily customer and McBride must use ingenuity and not a little luck.
This definitely shows as the first book in the series - McBride is just an ex-soldier, not ex-SAS and farms out the more 'special forces' duties to an ex-colleague, the extra developments of his past and his occasional desire for adventure beyond the sedate world of watercolours comes later and allows him to operate independently in challenging environments. But this is a good solid opening gambit clearly layout out the template for a more realistic thriller.
As a novel this isn't as good as my favourite so far - Find My Brother - but it certainly makes for a good read.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Strange Hymn (The Bargainer #2) in Books
Apr 30, 2020
Siren and soulmate to the King of Night, Callypso Lillis survived the clutches of Karnon, the mad king, and his twisted prison. But the nightmare isn't over. Callie wears the physical reminders of her time as a captive, and mounting evidence suggests the Thief of Souls is still out there.
When a fae celebration thrusts Callie and her mate, Desmond Flynn, into the Kingdom of Flora, they take their investigation with them. But under the bright lights and striking blooms of the realm, they find there are more immediate issues to deal with. No place is more uniquely savage than the great fae halls, and no amount of bargains can save Callie from royal intrigues.
Fairies play dangerous games. Some want love, some want vengeance, some want flesh, and some want things too unspeakable to utter. One thing is for sure: no one is who they appear to be. Not even Des, who only grows more enigmatic with every passing secret.
But the Kingdom of Flora has its own secrets, from bleeding trees to branded slaves and missing guards. Something is stirring in the land of all that grows, and if Callie isn't careful, it will claim everything and everyone she loves - and her along with it.
I bloody loved it!! Second One was better than the first! I’ve been waiting for a decent fairy series since Merry Gentry by LkH and this fits it! I adore Des! Love Temperance and Callypso is just brilliant! The fey politics is brilliant and it makes an exciting read!! I’m really enjoying Laura’s writing style.
When a fae celebration thrusts Callie and her mate, Desmond Flynn, into the Kingdom of Flora, they take their investigation with them. But under the bright lights and striking blooms of the realm, they find there are more immediate issues to deal with. No place is more uniquely savage than the great fae halls, and no amount of bargains can save Callie from royal intrigues.
Fairies play dangerous games. Some want love, some want vengeance, some want flesh, and some want things too unspeakable to utter. One thing is for sure: no one is who they appear to be. Not even Des, who only grows more enigmatic with every passing secret.
But the Kingdom of Flora has its own secrets, from bleeding trees to branded slaves and missing guards. Something is stirring in the land of all that grows, and if Callie isn't careful, it will claim everything and everyone she loves - and her along with it.
I bloody loved it!! Second One was better than the first! I’ve been waiting for a decent fairy series since Merry Gentry by LkH and this fits it! I adore Des! Love Temperance and Callypso is just brilliant! The fey politics is brilliant and it makes an exciting read!! I’m really enjoying Laura’s writing style.