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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Rotham Race in Books
Jul 4, 2018
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Jordan Elizabeth has aced the dystopia genre in her first attempt at a post-apocalyptic story. Set in what remains of the United States in 2057, thirty-seven years after “The Happening”, the country is a broken place. Some states no longer exist and the ones that do are barely inhabitable. Civilian lives have been reduced to mere survival rather than living, however, there is one small hope. The US lost a microchip in the desert containing data that would help them restore the country to its better days. The only problem is finding it.
Orphan Troy, aged seventeen, is determined to be the one to locate the precious microchip. For ten years, bike riders have joined the “Rotham Race” into the desert in hopes of being the one to bring it back and return the US back to its former glory, however, within that decade, only one rider has ever returned. Undeterred, Troy sets off from Maryland to New York to sign up for the biggest race in history.
Along the way, Troy meets Barbie, a seventeen-year-old mechanic who helps him fix up his bike. Whilst staying with her, awaiting new cycle parts, the teenage pair falls in love, giving Troy a strong reason to make sure he wins and returns from the race.
Unbeknownst to the racers, the government has secrets that render the race a futile endeavour. Whilst hundreds hope for a victory, there is almost no chance of anyone returning.
Rotham Race is an exciting page-turner and original concept. Dystopian stories have been recycled again and again but Jordan Elizabeth brings something new to the table. The characters are likeable and strong, and the storyline is carefully thought out and gripping.
As a novella, Rotham Race is not very long and can be read in a matter of hours. Whilst some people prefer short stories, Jordan Elizabeth has the potential of turning it into a full-length novel or series. Since the story’s conclusion leaves matters unfinished, perhaps there will be a follow-up novella.
Previously, Jordan Elizabeth has concentrated on short fantasy stories but, as Rotham Race proves, her strengths lie in science fiction and dystopia. Rotham Race would not look out of place amongst popular novels such as Divergent and The Hunger Games.
Jordan Elizabeth has aced the dystopia genre in her first attempt at a post-apocalyptic story. Set in what remains of the United States in 2057, thirty-seven years after “The Happening”, the country is a broken place. Some states no longer exist and the ones that do are barely inhabitable. Civilian lives have been reduced to mere survival rather than living, however, there is one small hope. The US lost a microchip in the desert containing data that would help them restore the country to its better days. The only problem is finding it.
Orphan Troy, aged seventeen, is determined to be the one to locate the precious microchip. For ten years, bike riders have joined the “Rotham Race” into the desert in hopes of being the one to bring it back and return the US back to its former glory, however, within that decade, only one rider has ever returned. Undeterred, Troy sets off from Maryland to New York to sign up for the biggest race in history.
Along the way, Troy meets Barbie, a seventeen-year-old mechanic who helps him fix up his bike. Whilst staying with her, awaiting new cycle parts, the teenage pair falls in love, giving Troy a strong reason to make sure he wins and returns from the race.
Unbeknownst to the racers, the government has secrets that render the race a futile endeavour. Whilst hundreds hope for a victory, there is almost no chance of anyone returning.
Rotham Race is an exciting page-turner and original concept. Dystopian stories have been recycled again and again but Jordan Elizabeth brings something new to the table. The characters are likeable and strong, and the storyline is carefully thought out and gripping.
As a novella, Rotham Race is not very long and can be read in a matter of hours. Whilst some people prefer short stories, Jordan Elizabeth has the potential of turning it into a full-length novel or series. Since the story’s conclusion leaves matters unfinished, perhaps there will be a follow-up novella.
Previously, Jordan Elizabeth has concentrated on short fantasy stories but, as Rotham Race proves, her strengths lie in science fiction and dystopia. Rotham Race would not look out of place amongst popular novels such as Divergent and The Hunger Games.
JT (287 KP) rated In the Tall Grass (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
What did I just watch? If someone could enlighten me I would be most grateful. Netflix doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to original films and I have yet to see one that I was genuinely impressed with. Given all the money that Netflix has, you would have thought they might be able to deliver something worth watching.
For Netflix’s latest effort, In The Tall Grass, the film is based on the 2012 novella by Stephen King and son Joe Hill. King’s books, in particular, seem hardest to adapt onto the big screen so it should come as no surprise that this supernatural head-scratcher fails miserably.
Becky (Laysla De Oliveira) and Cal Demuth (Avery Whitted) are making the long trip to San Diego where Becky is planning to give up her baby. Stopping outside an abandoned church they hear a child crying for help from inside a field of tall grass. Not wanting to drive off the pair investigate and become separated and lost in the grass maze. Director Vincenzo Natali is no stranger to maze-like scenarios having helmed The Cube, in which six people are involuntarily placed in an endless maze of deadly traps.
King’s books, in particular, seem hardest to adapt onto the big screen so it should come as no surprise that this supernatural head-scratcher fails miserably.
With Becky and Cal in danger of being consumed by the grass, they encounter the family of the missing boy they were searching for. The Dad, Ross (Patrick Wilson) discovers Becky and promises her safe passage out of the labyrinth. Cal in the meantime has met the young boy, Tobin (Will Buie Jr.), who makes a few sinister statements. A huge rock in the middle of the field that can turn people insane as well as bend time expands the story’s supernatural element. This becomes apparent when Becky’s boyfriend shows up months after she failed to return home and becomes a focal point of the story.
The cast, except for Patrick Wilson who plays the psycho role to great effect, are forgettable. There is a scattering of creepy moments but it’s not enough to carry the film any further. Natali had to make a few changes that were different from the novella to pack it into a feature-length film and this is probably where it falls down.
For Netflix’s latest effort, In The Tall Grass, the film is based on the 2012 novella by Stephen King and son Joe Hill. King’s books, in particular, seem hardest to adapt onto the big screen so it should come as no surprise that this supernatural head-scratcher fails miserably.
Becky (Laysla De Oliveira) and Cal Demuth (Avery Whitted) are making the long trip to San Diego where Becky is planning to give up her baby. Stopping outside an abandoned church they hear a child crying for help from inside a field of tall grass. Not wanting to drive off the pair investigate and become separated and lost in the grass maze. Director Vincenzo Natali is no stranger to maze-like scenarios having helmed The Cube, in which six people are involuntarily placed in an endless maze of deadly traps.
King’s books, in particular, seem hardest to adapt onto the big screen so it should come as no surprise that this supernatural head-scratcher fails miserably.
With Becky and Cal in danger of being consumed by the grass, they encounter the family of the missing boy they were searching for. The Dad, Ross (Patrick Wilson) discovers Becky and promises her safe passage out of the labyrinth. Cal in the meantime has met the young boy, Tobin (Will Buie Jr.), who makes a few sinister statements. A huge rock in the middle of the field that can turn people insane as well as bend time expands the story’s supernatural element. This becomes apparent when Becky’s boyfriend shows up months after she failed to return home and becomes a focal point of the story.
The cast, except for Patrick Wilson who plays the psycho role to great effect, are forgettable. There is a scattering of creepy moments but it’s not enough to carry the film any further. Natali had to make a few changes that were different from the novella to pack it into a feature-length film and this is probably where it falls down.
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Games and Entertainment
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Contemporary LGBTQIA+ Romance Small Town Romance Novella
Annie Chanse (15 KP) rated Dangerous Dream in Books
Dec 19, 2017
Contains spoilers, click to show
This one started out a bit slow, but once Link and Ridley broke up and Ridley went her own way, it began to pick up. Actually, "started out a bit slow" is not accurate. The problem I had with the beginning was actually that it was too rushed. It seemed very hastily cobbled together like the authors just didn't have enough time or energy to expend the effort it took to mold it into a complete storyline, so instead, they just left it as the bare bones of a story.
However, then Link tells Ridley that he loves her, and she freaks out and runs off to be on her own. That is when the story gets good. I loved the idea of a Caster's game of BS in which the players play for talents, favors, and powers rather than cash. And I am INCREDIBLY interested to know just what it is that Ridley owes Lennox after she lost.
It was a very, very interesting little novella that pretty much ensured I'll go out and buy a copy of the new novel this December.
However, then Link tells Ridley that he loves her, and she freaks out and runs off to be on her own. That is when the story gets good. I loved the idea of a Caster's game of BS in which the players play for talents, favors, and powers rather than cash. And I am INCREDIBLY interested to know just what it is that Ridley owes Lennox after she lost.
It was a very, very interesting little novella that pretty much ensured I'll go out and buy a copy of the new novel this December.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1) in Books
Apr 18, 2018
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1) by Evelise Archer
Eldridge's Release is the first book in the Club Rebellion series, but it almost feels like it should be book two. Although Johnson and Issy being together is what gets Eldridge to the Club, I would also love to hear more about them and how they got together.
Although this is mainly low-angst, Eldridge does have enough angst in his past to deal with. The relationship with Dalton moves at the speed of light, as is often the case in novellas. That does mean that there is not much in the way of character's history, or connection as the two of them move forward, but still, this is a good read, and definitely a series I would like to continue with.
With no spelling or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who enjoy insta-love in a fast-paced novella.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Although this is mainly low-angst, Eldridge does have enough angst in his past to deal with. The relationship with Dalton moves at the speed of light, as is often the case in novellas. That does mean that there is not much in the way of character's history, or connection as the two of them move forward, but still, this is a good read, and definitely a series I would like to continue with.
With no spelling or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who enjoy insta-love in a fast-paced novella.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Treacherous Trails (Gold Country Cowboys #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Another fantastic, captivating, cowboy novella from the talented hands of the wonderful Dana Mentink. She takes suspense and swoon worthy cowboys, a touch of romance and lots of inspiring messages and wraps them up in an unforgettable plot line.
Ms. Mentink’s Ella and Owen are beautifully chiseled into characters that will steal your heart instantly. I loved their story. Watching Owen and Ella come to terms with not only their feelings for each other, but also with who’s behind framing Ella, was an intense ride! I love when a book will do that to you!
This second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series is definitely one that I recommend with a high flying 4 star praise. This book will keep you up late, turning page after page, biting nail after nail, as you fly through the book to get to the last page and see how the story ends. You’ll be dying for more from this talented author! I can’t wait for the next one. Well done, Ms. Mentink!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Ms. Mentink’s Ella and Owen are beautifully chiseled into characters that will steal your heart instantly. I loved their story. Watching Owen and Ella come to terms with not only their feelings for each other, but also with who’s behind framing Ella, was an intense ride! I love when a book will do that to you!
This second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series is definitely one that I recommend with a high flying 4 star praise. This book will keep you up late, turning page after page, biting nail after nail, as you fly through the book to get to the last page and see how the story ends. You’ll be dying for more from this talented author! I can’t wait for the next one. Well done, Ms. Mentink!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Kyera (8 KP) rated Queen Song (Red Queen, #0.1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Queen Song is a short novella detailing Coriane's life. It begins prior to her introduction to the Prince and shows a simpler life. Her elder cousin Jessamine wants her to be a proper lady and help restore the power/glory of their failing house. Coriane Jacos just wants to tinker and build things. It was nice to see that similarity to her future son, even though they never really knew one another.
You also get a taste of a second (future) queen in the young Elara, Maven's mother. She is just as pleasant as a young adult as she is in the series, which is to say she's a terror. Elara is manipulative and her power is incredibly strong. <spoiler> We even find out that it was, in fact, Elara that drove Coriane to end her life. Coriane even suspected that Elara was in her mind, but was unable to prove it. She thought she was able to sing well enough to find out if it was true, but Elara was able to resist her. The Queen even got help from someone who could suppress powers, to no avail. Elara drove her mad. </spoiler>
You also get a taste of a second (future) queen in the young Elara, Maven's mother. She is just as pleasant as a young adult as she is in the series, which is to say she's a terror. Elara is manipulative and her power is incredibly strong. <spoiler> We even find out that it was, in fact, Elara that drove Coriane to end her life. Coriane even suspected that Elara was in her mind, but was unable to prove it. She thought she was able to sing well enough to find out if it was true, but Elara was able to resist her. The Queen even got help from someone who could suppress powers, to no avail. Elara drove her mad. </spoiler>
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Avarice (Hell on Earth, #1) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have been debating on what my rating for this book would be and I would give it a 3 1/2 star review so I rounded up to 4. This is the very first of A.C. Melody's books that I have ever read and I have to say, I will be coming back for more. A.C. Melody did what not many people can do, they didn't fall into the curse of the novella. This book is 114 pages on my nook. Generally, when I read a book that is less than 200 pages I do not feel connected to the characters, this was a rare occurrence where I found the characters enduring.
I tend to love myself a good dark & gritty romance and this was a lot of fun to read. The humor in here had me smiling and the characters were well done. My only critic was the ending but then again, the ending is what has me wanting to read the next book.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the book and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
I have been debating on what my rating for this book would be and I would give it a 3 1/2 star review so I rounded up to 4. This is the very first of A.C. Melody's books that I have ever read and I have to say, I will be coming back for more. A.C. Melody did what not many people can do, they didn't fall into the curse of the novella. This book is 114 pages on my nook. Generally, when I read a book that is less than 200 pages I do not feel connected to the characters, this was a rare occurrence where I found the characters enduring.
I tend to love myself a good dark & gritty romance and this was a lot of fun to read. The humor in here had me smiling and the characters were well done. My only critic was the ending but then again, the ending is what has me wanting to read the next book.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the book and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Scion's Surrender (Seven Seals #2) in Books
Jul 23, 2018
Scion's Surrender (Seven Seals #2) by Traci Douglass
Scion's Surrender is the second book in the Seven Seals series, and we meet Chago. He is the Scion of War, and has moved to be close to his host, Irena. She has fallen in love with Chago over the period of three years, but doesn't think she has a chance. That is, until Chago has a bit too much to drink, and confesses his feelings, and what he is.
Like the first book, this is a fast-paced novella that still has plenty of story for you sink your teeth into. Kagan and Mira's story is also involved with this (as the overall story arc) so we see progression with that too, plus appearances by them.
A very good continuation of the series, with a great story for Chago and Irena, a catch up for Kagan and Mira, and an introduction to Wyck. Absolutely 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!
Like the first book, this is a fast-paced novella that still has plenty of story for you sink your teeth into. Kagan and Mira's story is also involved with this (as the overall story arc) so we see progression with that too, plus appearances by them.
A very good continuation of the series, with a great story for Chago and Irena, a catch up for Kagan and Mira, and an introduction to Wyck. Absolutely 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!