Search

Search only in certain items:

The Rest of Us Just Live Here
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Patrick Ness | 2016 | Children
8
7.8 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the second book I've read by Patrick Ness, the first being More Than This which I adored. So I was really looking forward to The Rest of Us Just Live Here, and I was not disappointed!

The theme of this novel was basically what if you're not the Chosen One? As in, what if you aren't the one who slays the vampires, or exorcises all the demons? What if you don't fall in love with a Goddess or an angel? What if you're just a regular kid, like Mike?

At the start of each chapter, there's a short summary of what's happening in the "main story" - the indie kids fighting the Immortals, saving the world and that kinda thing. But that's all we get of their story; the rest is dedicated to Mike and his friends and family, struggling to lead happy, normal lives.

Each character is so unique and realistic. This is the important bit. There are characters with OCD, alcoholic parents, eating disorders. All of them are so well developed and relatable (expect perhaps Jared, who happens to be 1/4 God of Cats). I just love how their lives are normal lives, and how that doesn't mean they don't get a book written about them. Okay, Henna and Mikey nearly die, Jared can heal people and they encounter blue-eyed creatures a few times, but for the most part they aren't the heroes. They are just people.

I loved how you could compare the normal lives of the gang to what's happening with the indie kids. You can see how certain things affect each group of people differently, and how everything changes what they do. Such as the ending with Finn #2, which decides Jared's fate and alters the indie kids' story completely.

The writing is sometimes a little simplistic, like the kind of thing you read when you're a pre-teen or something. But it's easy to read, and really does draw you in. I have a few other Ness books I'd like to read, and I really am loving his work so far.

As you may or may not know, I'm a sucker for books featuring mental health problems. Anxiety, OCD, anorexia... They need to be addressed! It's great seeing how Mike and his sister get on with their lives despite the problems they're facing, and how they get involved without being judged based on their issues. Like I said, this is a really honest book, which we really need! I'd say 4 stars for this; I love it, but it's not quite in my favourites.
  
40x40

Ross (3284 KP) rated King of Thorns in Books

Sep 5, 2017  
King of Thorns
King of Thorns
Mark Lawrence | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
9.4 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second in the broken empire trilogy continues from where the "prince..." left off. Jorg is now King of Renar having successfully taken over rule from his naughty uncle.
In this book we see Jorg seemingy become more regal, less of a renegade loose canon, though this turns out not to be through his choice.
Similar to the first book, the story line is split between the "present", 4 years after the events of the Prince of Thorns and a separate timeline following immediately from the first book. The way these are woven together allows a good rate of reveals of key events and information along the way, while also leaving enough mystery behind for later.
The plot follows Jorg on his wedding day trying to defend his land from the would-be emperor, the prince of Arrow, and also in the past on a tour of the outlying countries trying to solve various problems.
The post-apocalyptic element hinted at in the first book is further explored here, but not in a way to detract from the important points of the story.
Overall this is an excellent follow-up with top-notch storytelling and engaging action, with the prince/king we love to hate and hate to hate.
  
Godzilla (2014)
Godzilla (2014)
2014 | Mystery, Sci-Fi
The cinematics and creature design in this movie is what really sells it. (0 more)
The fact that it is a Godzilla movie with little to no actual Godzilla. (0 more)
Godzilla (2014) Review
Contains spoilers, click to show
Godzilla (2014) was a really good movie, it had a lot action and a lot suspense. However it didn't really contain too many scenes with Godzilla, it had a lot of facial expressions from Aaron Taylor Johnson, and by a lot I mean the same expression. ? <- That one.
The whole movie, I believe was definitely a set up for Godzilla: King of the Monsters due out in 2019, though it could have used a little bit more "monster" in it. I liked it though, but it's missing some key elements to make it Godzilla, but once you get passed the obvious problems with it, it proves to be a really great film. The roar they created for this new take on Godzilla is by far my favorite aside from the 1999 Toho film. America has finally done Godzilla justice however, especially compared to the Matthew Broderick starring Godzilla in the early 2000's whom is now labeled as simply "Zilla." Great film to watch, get caught up before Godzilla: King of the Monsters hits theaters on May 31, 2019.
  
Blake Blacks Out (Differing Sexuality)
Blake Blacks Out (Differing Sexuality)
Rafe Jadison | 2019 | Erotica, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
6.2 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Blake Blacks Out by Rafe Jadison
Blake Blacks Out is the first in what I hope will be a series of books, about people and various 'problems' they have. This one deals with a medical condition where Blake passes out during sex. He wakes up disorientated and distressed, which is where most people walk - or in Blake's case, tell him to get the hell out.

Although this is a fast-paced novella, I thought the inclusion of the details about the condition were really well done. Mr. Jadison was able to get the information across without sounding like a medical journal! Not only that, but there are characters here to like and loathe, which is always a good thing. I loved how Jerome knew what he wanted, and wasn't afraid to work for it.

This book takes place during just one evening, with a small epilogue. The pace is smooth, and the emotions are easy to see/feel. Extremely well-written, I thoroughly enjoyed this, and hope for more in this series. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
40x40

Sam (74 KP) rated Echo Boy in Books

Mar 27, 2019  
Echo Boy
Echo Boy
Matt Haig | 2019
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I think I’m starting to become a fan of dystopia thanks to Matt Haig. Echo Boy was an exciting read and full of surprises.

Set in 2115, Echos are a normal household item. They look like humans, act like humans, but are robots created to help with human tasks. Audrey’s father hates new technology, despite his own brother, Alex, owning Castle Industries – one of the largest technology companies.

Echos are definitely not all they seem though, especially when Alissa, the Echo who teaches Audrey at home, kills both of her parents.

Echo Boy isn’t like anything I’ve read before. It’s young adult dystopia (which I usually avoid) but it’s actually quite adult in the ways it deals with grief and uncovering the truth. It was exactly what I expected from Matt Haig though because even though it’s a dystopia it still takes a serious view on the issues of the real world.

It also focuses a lot on the problems in being part of a generation who are obsessed with technology, such as the over-reliance on it and the susceptibility of it going wrong.

I absolutely loved Echo Boy. It brought me back to YA and is another brilliant novel by Matt Haig.
  
One Christmas in Winter
One Christmas in Winter
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
One Christmas in Winter appear about a girl and her dream to want to director of holiday films. Will she get her dream job. There appear problems though out with her cast. When her led man falls it put her in a spot, that she got to find a stand in for him.

Holt Bradley has his own dream. He walked away from it and Hollywood for a reason. He has come back to his hometown where his father owns a diner and once his father passes Holt is owner and run the place. Things get a bit confusion when he delivers Chinese food to the movie crew that come to winter to film on location.

What on from there is anyone guess. Will Holt and director be the stars or the holiday film or will it be a repeat of the past. Find out by reading the story to see. This book and story is centered around the holiday season of Christmas. Looking for the spirit of Christmas and it magic. This one will not disappoint.

The author does well with having take place in Winter, Montana. The title says it all. Will Christmas bring true love together or will it just be another Christmas in Winter, Montana.