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The Slime Book: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Slime
7.0
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Over 30 gloopy, gooey, colourful diy slime recipes will mesmerise youngsters by showing them how to...
Create & Colour Scotland: Colouring, Drawing, Art, Design
Book
Create & Colour Scotland is the first ever completely handcrafted activity book with a uniquely...
Although Fire is listed as the second book in the Graceling Realm series, it is really a prequel and generally unrelated to the first book. The events of Fire take place some 30+ years before the events of Graceling and in a different land. Although the two are somehow magically connected by a series of mountain tunnels, they don't know about one another. I didn't realize this when I started reading the book and was quite confused for a while.
The book starts with an extensive prol0gue which introduces us to a character that only re-emerges in the story for a short time near the conclusion. While I understand his inclusion, as it is the only thing that ties Graceling and Fire together I don't see its purpose in the story. It was not particularly interesting to read and didn't give me a better sense of who the character was. Personally, I would have rather the prologue not have been included in the story as it certainly made my interest in the book wane.
The prologue set a slow and unengaging pace for the start of the book that did not remedy itself for some time. Although the start of the book was enjoyable enough, it didn't really really intriguing until the second half. That is when I really fell in love with the characters and the plot. In Fire, we are introduced to Monsters rather than Gracelings. Human Monsters have special abilities, although there aren't many of them in the Dells. Instead, most of the Monsters are animals with abilities beyond their average non-Monster kin. I don't feel like the Monster idea is well explained in the books and I wish the author had developed that aspect of the world building more.
When we first meet Fire, she is not a very likeable character (at least in my opinion). Her Monster abilities make her so beautiful that people can't control themselves around her and usually either want to possess her or kill her so no one else can have her. Harsh. She also has the ability to get inside people's heads and manipulate their thoughts. Scary. Those combined made it difficult to relate to her character, although over the course of the novel her personality was developed more and she became a little more human.
There were many other characters in the book, but Prince Brigand or Hannah were definitely my favourites. They made the story more enjoyable and I loved the scenes that they were in. Hannah was fiesty and not afraid to stand up for what she believed in, even though she wasn't quite six yet. Prince Brigand loved his brother's Kingdom and did what he must to protect it, even if it would put his life at risk.
The world building was good overall, the characters developed slightly over the course of the story and the pacing was generally decent although there were a few inclusions to the story that significantly slowed the pacing down. My biggest concern/problem with the book was the character I mentioned from the prologue's inclusion into the story later on. He didn't fit in with the story initially and his re-introduction just completely threw off the plot. Our characters went off on this side storyline that didn't add anything to the plot and reinforces for me that his inclusion wasn't necessary. I understand that he was the only aspect that binds the two books together, but his inclusion detracts from the otherwise enjoyable story.
In the end, his inclusion and the small details thrown in throughout the story took away from the world of the Dells that was very enjoyable. The book would have certainly been rated more favourably by me if those aspects were removed. Overall though, I really enjoyed reading the book and can't wait to finish the series (although it is also another jump in time and space, so be prepared for some confusion initially.)
The book starts with an extensive prol0gue which introduces us to a character that only re-emerges in the story for a short time near the conclusion. While I understand his inclusion, as it is the only thing that ties Graceling and Fire together I don't see its purpose in the story. It was not particularly interesting to read and didn't give me a better sense of who the character was. Personally, I would have rather the prologue not have been included in the story as it certainly made my interest in the book wane.
The prologue set a slow and unengaging pace for the start of the book that did not remedy itself for some time. Although the start of the book was enjoyable enough, it didn't really really intriguing until the second half. That is when I really fell in love with the characters and the plot. In Fire, we are introduced to Monsters rather than Gracelings. Human Monsters have special abilities, although there aren't many of them in the Dells. Instead, most of the Monsters are animals with abilities beyond their average non-Monster kin. I don't feel like the Monster idea is well explained in the books and I wish the author had developed that aspect of the world building more.
When we first meet Fire, she is not a very likeable character (at least in my opinion). Her Monster abilities make her so beautiful that people can't control themselves around her and usually either want to possess her or kill her so no one else can have her. Harsh. She also has the ability to get inside people's heads and manipulate their thoughts. Scary. Those combined made it difficult to relate to her character, although over the course of the novel her personality was developed more and she became a little more human.
There were many other characters in the book, but Prince Brigand or Hannah were definitely my favourites. They made the story more enjoyable and I loved the scenes that they were in. Hannah was fiesty and not afraid to stand up for what she believed in, even though she wasn't quite six yet. Prince Brigand loved his brother's Kingdom and did what he must to protect it, even if it would put his life at risk.
The world building was good overall, the characters developed slightly over the course of the story and the pacing was generally decent although there were a few inclusions to the story that significantly slowed the pacing down. My biggest concern/problem with the book was the character I mentioned from the prologue's inclusion into the story later on. He didn't fit in with the story initially and his re-introduction just completely threw off the plot. Our characters went off on this side storyline that didn't add anything to the plot and reinforces for me that his inclusion wasn't necessary. I understand that he was the only aspect that binds the two books together, but his inclusion detracts from the otherwise enjoyable story.
In the end, his inclusion and the small details thrown in throughout the story took away from the world of the Dells that was very enjoyable. The book would have certainly been rated more favourably by me if those aspects were removed. Overall though, I really enjoyed reading the book and can't wait to finish the series (although it is also another jump in time and space, so be prepared for some confusion initially.)
ECHO Academy (Dimension Drift #4)
8.0
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“Christina Bauer has a gift with sucking you into a story and not letting go until the final...
Dystopian Young Adult Fantasy
Erika (17789 KP) rated From a Certain Point of View: Star Wars in Books
Jul 27, 2019
This was really a mixed bag of stories. Some were great, some were meh, and some were boring AF. This book is a collection of stories from other, very minor characters during A New Hope.
By far, the beginning of the book is the strongest. One of my favorites was the story of the guy that didn't shoot down the 'empty' pod. It reminded me of Spaced.
The meh and boring stories were really unnecessary. Have you ever wanted to know about an illicit affair occurring between a Stormtrooper and an Officer, passing messages between each other via a mouse droid? That's going to be a no from me, dawg. Have you ever wanted to know the story behind the trash monster? ME NEITHER.
It ended strong, I liked the rebel alliance stories. One of my other favorites was told from Biggs' perspective, and I've always loved Biggs.
Overall, an ok mix of stories.
By far, the beginning of the book is the strongest. One of my favorites was the story of the guy that didn't shoot down the 'empty' pod. It reminded me of Spaced.
The meh and boring stories were really unnecessary. Have you ever wanted to know about an illicit affair occurring between a Stormtrooper and an Officer, passing messages between each other via a mouse droid? That's going to be a no from me, dawg. Have you ever wanted to know the story behind the trash monster? ME NEITHER.
It ended strong, I liked the rebel alliance stories. One of my other favorites was told from Biggs' perspective, and I've always loved Biggs.
Overall, an ok mix of stories.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Beast House (The Beast House Chronicles #2) in Books
Jan 26, 2021
16 of 250
Book
The Beast House ( Beast House chronicles book 2)
By Richard Laymon
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Author Gorman Hardy is hot on the trail of another bestseller and if half what's said about Malcasa Point is true, he's bound to make a killing. Petite and pretty Tyler and sexy Nora visit Malcasa full of expectation. But Malcasa Point is a place of pain, bestiality and death in The Beast House.
Well I have to say it’s 100% better than The Cellar! I can see from other reviews a lot of people agree on it. I found myself enjoying this. It was a classic horror in my opinion and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of classic. I enjoyed the captains story on Bobo it was very King Kong based except this was a rampant rabbit monster gone wild! A bit of cheese to keep a girl who loves horror happy.
Book
The Beast House ( Beast House chronicles book 2)
By Richard Laymon
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Author Gorman Hardy is hot on the trail of another bestseller and if half what's said about Malcasa Point is true, he's bound to make a killing. Petite and pretty Tyler and sexy Nora visit Malcasa full of expectation. But Malcasa Point is a place of pain, bestiality and death in The Beast House.
Well I have to say it’s 100% better than The Cellar! I can see from other reviews a lot of people agree on it. I found myself enjoying this. It was a classic horror in my opinion and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of classic. I enjoyed the captains story on Bobo it was very King Kong based except this was a rampant rabbit monster gone wild! A bit of cheese to keep a girl who loves horror happy.
Europa Universalis
2.0
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Tabletop Game
In this monster game of diplomacy, territorial expansion, trade, military technology, economic...
Boardgames EpicGames AllDayGames HistoricalGames
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Children of Berlin in Books
Jun 25, 2023
I am becoming a fan of historical fiction and this book has only cemented that opinion.
Leah and Magda grew up as best friends but their friendship is put to the ultimate test when the monster that was Hitler came to power and everything changed.
The story is told from both Leah's and Magda's perspectives; Leah's from her memories and Magda's in letter form. I have to admit that I preferred Leah's story as Magda's was a little repetitive and 'wordy' however it did show how easy it was for people to be brainwashed and to take a path in their lives that has far reaching and devastating consequences for them and those they love.
The Children of Berlin is a gripping and powerful story of love, loss, bravery and forgiveness and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy this genre and many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
Leah and Magda grew up as best friends but their friendship is put to the ultimate test when the monster that was Hitler came to power and everything changed.
The story is told from both Leah's and Magda's perspectives; Leah's from her memories and Magda's in letter form. I have to admit that I preferred Leah's story as Magda's was a little repetitive and 'wordy' however it did show how easy it was for people to be brainwashed and to take a path in their lives that has far reaching and devastating consequences for them and those they love.
The Children of Berlin is a gripping and powerful story of love, loss, bravery and forgiveness and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy this genre and many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Some Kind of Monster (Friends with Monsters #2) in Books
Nov 7, 2021
183 of 250
Kindle
Some kind of Monster ( Friends with Monsters book2)
By Albany Walker
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Naughty girls need love too.
A beautiful monster, that’s what I am. My packaging is just a little nicer than the creatures you hear about dwelling in your closet.
With three baddies for my mates, things are definitely getting interesting. I think I’ve even convinced them not to kill each other.
But I have a new purpose, someone is hurting our kind. Stealing Charmed magic in arcane rituals that leave my friends drained and dead, and I won’t allow it.
It’s time for them to find out why even the Monsters fear me.
I am the bad guy
I absolutely loved this books! The only reason they are not getting 5 stars is at a few points I Dami got on my nerves. But other than those few moments it was a good story with amped up spice for the second book. Also good spice not the boring sort you just flick through. Highly recommended for those that love supernatural books with some good spicy bits! Plus if you only read it for one thing then read it for Grim!!!
Kindle
Some kind of Monster ( Friends with Monsters book2)
By Albany Walker
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Naughty girls need love too.
A beautiful monster, that’s what I am. My packaging is just a little nicer than the creatures you hear about dwelling in your closet.
With three baddies for my mates, things are definitely getting interesting. I think I’ve even convinced them not to kill each other.
But I have a new purpose, someone is hurting our kind. Stealing Charmed magic in arcane rituals that leave my friends drained and dead, and I won’t allow it.
It’s time for them to find out why even the Monsters fear me.
I am the bad guy
I absolutely loved this books! The only reason they are not getting 5 stars is at a few points I Dami got on my nerves. But other than those few moments it was a good story with amped up spice for the second book. Also good spice not the boring sort you just flick through. Highly recommended for those that love supernatural books with some good spicy bits! Plus if you only read it for one thing then read it for Grim!!!