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Driven (Reflections, #9)
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Jasmin is a 17-year-old shape shifter whose whole world has been turned upside down over the last...
Young Adult Paranormal Romance
David McK (3623 KP) rated The Last Command (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, #3) in Books
Nov 21, 2021
The final part of Timothy Zahn's 'Heir to the Empire' trilogy, which I first read way back in the early to mid 1990s ('94, '95, thereabouts).
So we're talking before the Prequel trilogy, never mind the Sequel trilogy. Before even the 'Special Editions' of the original movies.
And, talking of the Sequel Trilogy: I'm of the opinion that these would have been a better basis for those films than the disjointed mess we eventually got: there's a clear overall arc to the plot here, it doesn't disrespect the core characters (Han, Luke, Leia) while also does both deepen and expand upon the original trilogy, and introduces certain characters and locations that later made their way into the mainline movies: Coruscant? Grand Admiral Thrawn? The Noghri? All have their first appearances in these novels. I'm still waiting for Mara Jade to make her live-action debut, though ...
That's not to say that changes would have been needed: The Clone Wars mentioned here, for example, here has the Clones as the villains of the piece, and makes absolutely no reference to the Droid armies of the Trade Federation (understandably, as - remember - this was released way before 1999s 'The Phantom Menace').
All in all, this is a strong trilogy of novels that laid the groundwork for what would later become known as the Expanded Universe- later renamed as Legends - and of which parts are now being cherry-picked to fit into the main story lines following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm back in (roughly) 2012 or so.
So we're talking before the Prequel trilogy, never mind the Sequel trilogy. Before even the 'Special Editions' of the original movies.
And, talking of the Sequel Trilogy: I'm of the opinion that these would have been a better basis for those films than the disjointed mess we eventually got: there's a clear overall arc to the plot here, it doesn't disrespect the core characters (Han, Luke, Leia) while also does both deepen and expand upon the original trilogy, and introduces certain characters and locations that later made their way into the mainline movies: Coruscant? Grand Admiral Thrawn? The Noghri? All have their first appearances in these novels. I'm still waiting for Mara Jade to make her live-action debut, though ...
That's not to say that changes would have been needed: The Clone Wars mentioned here, for example, here has the Clones as the villains of the piece, and makes absolutely no reference to the Droid armies of the Trade Federation (understandably, as - remember - this was released way before 1999s 'The Phantom Menace').
All in all, this is a strong trilogy of novels that laid the groundwork for what would later become known as the Expanded Universe- later renamed as Legends - and of which parts are now being cherry-picked to fit into the main story lines following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm back in (roughly) 2012 or so.
I don't know why, but for some reason I've never really taken to Stephen King's novels all that much.
I don't know whether that's because he's best known as a horror writer (with that being my least favourite genre), or whether because as a UK native I don't have quite the same cultural touchstones as King himself (or other American readers/writers), but there you have it.
(And, as an aside, I find that date format of 11.22.63 to be very disconcerting - I'm more used to dd/mm/yy i.e. 22/11/63 instead of 11.22.63)
Anyway, with all that said, I decided to give this a chance after it was recommended to me by a friend as 'a bit like Quantum Leap. I would have thought it was right up your street' (and I'm paraphrasing there somewhat).
I can see where he was coming from - this is a time travel novel, after all, here dealing with the JFK assassination - with the hero of the piece out to stop that assassination after finding a 'wormhole' back in time to the late 1950s.
Now that I've read it, I can say that it is definitely immersive with some solid world building, but boy does the middle section draaagggg: I was tempted, at one point, to just skip forward a good chunk (I didn't) to see if anything of note would happen ...
In short? Enjoyable enough, yes, but not enough to make me want to change my outlook on other King novels.
I don't know whether that's because he's best known as a horror writer (with that being my least favourite genre), or whether because as a UK native I don't have quite the same cultural touchstones as King himself (or other American readers/writers), but there you have it.
(And, as an aside, I find that date format of 11.22.63 to be very disconcerting - I'm more used to dd/mm/yy i.e. 22/11/63 instead of 11.22.63)
Anyway, with all that said, I decided to give this a chance after it was recommended to me by a friend as 'a bit like Quantum Leap. I would have thought it was right up your street' (and I'm paraphrasing there somewhat).
I can see where he was coming from - this is a time travel novel, after all, here dealing with the JFK assassination - with the hero of the piece out to stop that assassination after finding a 'wormhole' back in time to the late 1950s.
Now that I've read it, I can say that it is definitely immersive with some solid world building, but boy does the middle section draaagggg: I was tempted, at one point, to just skip forward a good chunk (I didn't) to see if anything of note would happen ...
In short? Enjoyable enough, yes, but not enough to make me want to change my outlook on other King novels.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Great Expectations in Books
Oct 10, 2017 (Updated Oct 11, 2017)
Not as classic as some of Dickens' other tales
As much as I love Dickens' left-wing plots, his novels are depressing, and this is no different.
From orphans, to children living in danger, protagonist Pip falls in love with a young girl named Estella while visiting the home of the wealthy dowager Miss Havisham. Pip attempts to win her love by attempting to become a gentleman, but instead is made a common labourer in the Havisham household. After many trials and tribulations, he returns to the house and to Estella.
There are a lot of deaths, and it is a melancholic novel. However, I do prefer some of his other works because I find the unrequited love story rather tedious.
From orphans, to children living in danger, protagonist Pip falls in love with a young girl named Estella while visiting the home of the wealthy dowager Miss Havisham. Pip attempts to win her love by attempting to become a gentleman, but instead is made a common labourer in the Havisham household. After many trials and tribulations, he returns to the house and to Estella.
There are a lot of deaths, and it is a melancholic novel. However, I do prefer some of his other works because I find the unrequited love story rather tedious.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Stephen King's 'Thinner' (1996) in Movies
Nov 10, 2017 (Updated Nov 10, 2017)
Very 90s with fairly good effects
I'l start by saying this is one of the few Stephen King novels I haven't read yet, so for once I can't judge it on the book.
As horror/supernatural films go, it isn't bad. It's very 90s, both in clothing and style which is obviously a little dated now. That said, the physical effects are very good even now and back in 1996 I'm sure they were amazing. The story itself is an interesting one, I just don't feel it's very well executed in parts. It drags a little and some of the acting is very cheesy and over the top. Still for a 90s film it isn't bad, I'm just interested to see how it compares to the book.
As horror/supernatural films go, it isn't bad. It's very 90s, both in clothing and style which is obviously a little dated now. That said, the physical effects are very good even now and back in 1996 I'm sure they were amazing. The story itself is an interesting one, I just don't feel it's very well executed in parts. It drags a little and some of the acting is very cheesy and over the top. Still for a 90s film it isn't bad, I'm just interested to see how it compares to the book.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated I'm Travelling Alone in Books
Jul 27, 2017
Interesting plot but nothing spectacular
There's something enticing about Scandinavian thrillers that shine through imagery of its cold landscape. While it's an interesting story, nothing really seemed to stand out and the parallel story completely fell by the wayside - I suspect this will be picked up in Samuel Bjork's later novels. This goes for the protagonist Mia, who I believe may have a greater role in the following books.
As there are so many components to the story, you won't feel bored as such - but it is still far too long for what it is. The killer is predictable - remember always suspect the extremely nice side characters. So it doesn't break out of the thriller mould unfortunately. Slightly disappointed after all the hype.
As there are so many components to the story, you won't feel bored as such - but it is still far too long for what it is. The killer is predictable - remember always suspect the extremely nice side characters. So it doesn't break out of the thriller mould unfortunately. Slightly disappointed after all the hype.
Gilbert (11 KP) rated A Game of Thrones in Books
Sep 1, 2017
Game of Thrones Series - Song of Ice and Fire
Great series! I read them all and want more!! Even with the TV show by HBO surpassing the whole series of novels, the books are great! I love the series and this is by far my second try at Fantasy. After Lord of the Rings series I wanted to try these since the Show was so awesome. The books help with the storylines especially knowing who's who in the game of thrones that they play. With the books you are able to understand the characters background and their back stories. I highly recommend the Game of Thrones for more "meat" on thee bones!
Miguel Covarrubias (143 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Apr 30, 2019
I really enjoy John Green's novels, however, this one was only just okay. I think because I struggle with an Anxiety disorder myself, I couldn't fully engage with this novel. I did like the accurate representation of the struggle with a mental illness, though I also felt like there were way too many moments where I wanted to shake the protagonist and say, "TAKE THE HELP OFFERED TO YOU!!!! YOU HAVE SO MUCH HELP!!!!!" Again, this is a personal issue for me, and has no bearing objectively on how the book is. I did appreciate the quotes and how Mr. Green views modern adolescents as being smart and well read. I just didn't connect as much as I would have liked to.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Closed for the Season in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I did not enjoy the book as much as her other ones. I love Hahns ghost stories and those that deal with the paranormal (Look For Me By Moonlight). This novel was more thriller/suspense than her usual horror.
All always the people Hahn creates have such character and her story is flawless. That being said, it just was not my genre. There was no trace of the paranormal and fantasy in this book, and it left me wanting. It was also predictable. Hahn writes for a much younger generation, but yet, so all her novels are predictable.
I cannot give this book a low rating because there was genuinely nothing wrong with it. It simply was not my cup of tea.
All always the people Hahn creates have such character and her story is flawless. That being said, it just was not my genre. There was no trace of the paranormal and fantasy in this book, and it left me wanting. It was also predictable. Hahn writes for a much younger generation, but yet, so all her novels are predictable.
I cannot give this book a low rating because there was genuinely nothing wrong with it. It simply was not my cup of tea.
Gareth Michael Lewis (6 KP) rated Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10) in Books
Jan 20, 2018
Never a dull moment
So, Harry has an apprentice and his life has been fairly quiet otherwise but a favour he owes to a powerful immortal is being called in.
I'm biased, I've said that in other reviews of Jim Butcher books, but even with my rose-tinted glasses on I can honestly say that each Dresden novel makes my heart beat a little faster upon reading that first page. I know I'm in for a treat. Sometimes the good guys get hurt, and badly, and Jim Butcher has made you invest in these characters so their pain hurts you a little.
I cannot recommend highly enough the novels of Jim Butcher.
I'm biased, I've said that in other reviews of Jim Butcher books, but even with my rose-tinted glasses on I can honestly say that each Dresden novel makes my heart beat a little faster upon reading that first page. I know I'm in for a treat. Sometimes the good guys get hurt, and badly, and Jim Butcher has made you invest in these characters so their pain hurts you a little.
I cannot recommend highly enough the novels of Jim Butcher.