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StarWorld
By: Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner
Candlewick Press
Teens and YA
Pub Date 16 April 2019
352 pages
#Starworld #NetGalley
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Even though this book took me awhile to read I really enjoyed it. It isn't the books fault for the amount of time I took to read it but family and activities that were happening. This book is already out and I highly recommend that you read this book.
At first I thought this book would be about space and wasn't sure about it but I was pleasantly surprised. This book is about a made up world called Starworld. This is a made up world that two teenage girls go to in text messages back and forth to take them away from their problems.
The girls names are Zoe and Sam. Zoe is adopted with a mom who has cancer and is in partial remission and a younger brother who has special needs. Sam is a girl who likes girls. Her parents are divorced and her Mom has a severe of OCD and Dad lives in London. Sam likes Zoe as more than a friend and Zoe only likes Sam as a friend. This book was hard to put down. I love the world they created and the way they interacted both on the phone and in real life together.
Sam and Zoe get along great and have some wonderful times together and things happen which make them look at themselves and to make their lives better.
By: Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner
Candlewick Press
Teens and YA
Pub Date 16 April 2019
352 pages
#Starworld #NetGalley
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/23cda8f5b390052c84bafb486921760c8733c9f5"; width="80" height="80" alt="10 Book Reviews" title="10 Book Reviews"/>
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/9a41056d7201c045d3f9e5c161f9569494687ae1"; width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>
Even though this book took me awhile to read I really enjoyed it. It isn't the books fault for the amount of time I took to read it but family and activities that were happening. This book is already out and I highly recommend that you read this book.
At first I thought this book would be about space and wasn't sure about it but I was pleasantly surprised. This book is about a made up world called Starworld. This is a made up world that two teenage girls go to in text messages back and forth to take them away from their problems.
The girls names are Zoe and Sam. Zoe is adopted with a mom who has cancer and is in partial remission and a younger brother who has special needs. Sam is a girl who likes girls. Her parents are divorced and her Mom has a severe of OCD and Dad lives in London. Sam likes Zoe as more than a friend and Zoe only likes Sam as a friend. This book was hard to put down. I love the world they created and the way they interacted both on the phone and in real life together.
Sam and Zoe get along great and have some wonderful times together and things happen which make them look at themselves and to make their lives better.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The House in Books
May 22, 2019
Sadie, Fin, and their two children were a perfectly ordinary family. Even if Fin felt taken for granted sometimes. Even if their introverted son, Liam, had terrible nightmares and knew things he shouldn't.
But everything changes the night Sadie is viciously assaulted by former client Lance Sherry. Sherry knows where they live, and when the police fail to catch him, Sadie and Fin are forced to run. They think they've found the perfect place to start over. The house is everything Fin dreamed of, but as they settle in, Sadie discovers their home may not be what it seems, and daughter Lucy's imaginary friend might not be imaginary at all. Or even a friend. With Lance Sherry hunting them, the house could be the least of their problems. He's coming to finish what he started. And he won't stop until he finds Sadie.
This is the kind of book that is not easy to review because you dont want to give anything away.
There is a paranormal element to this, but its almost more evil than what you think about a normal haunting with ghosts. And there is also a real life evil person the characters have to deal with so its a lot on their plates.
The combination of the real and the paranormal was a nice touch.
For the most part, the story is told from both heroines point of view, but at times the reader is also privy to whats going on in little Liams head as well as the villains.
This was a great read to me and I really enjoyed it.
Recommend reading.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
But everything changes the night Sadie is viciously assaulted by former client Lance Sherry. Sherry knows where they live, and when the police fail to catch him, Sadie and Fin are forced to run. They think they've found the perfect place to start over. The house is everything Fin dreamed of, but as they settle in, Sadie discovers their home may not be what it seems, and daughter Lucy's imaginary friend might not be imaginary at all. Or even a friend. With Lance Sherry hunting them, the house could be the least of their problems. He's coming to finish what he started. And he won't stop until he finds Sadie.
This is the kind of book that is not easy to review because you dont want to give anything away.
There is a paranormal element to this, but its almost more evil than what you think about a normal haunting with ghosts. And there is also a real life evil person the characters have to deal with so its a lot on their plates.
The combination of the real and the paranormal was a nice touch.
For the most part, the story is told from both heroines point of view, but at times the reader is also privy to whats going on in little Liams head as well as the villains.
This was a great read to me and I really enjoyed it.
Recommend reading.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
Fred (860 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) in Movies
Mar 6, 2018
The best of the new 3 films
Contains spoilers, click to show
Episode 8 of the Star Wars saga is full of great characters, great moments & a great finale for Carrie Fisher. The film moves along Rey's story. Where did Rey come from? Who are her parents? Some people were disappointed with the reveal that her parents were nobodys. Well, nobody. I think we're going to find out Rey was born of the force. That's why she's so strong with the Force.
The scene with Leia & Luke is truly moving. Knowing this will be Hammil & Fisher's last scene acting together can bring tears to your eyes. And Luke's end sends chills down my spine. The sacrifice he makes to save what little of the Rebellion is left is a perfect ending for him. I'm sure he'll be back as a Jedi "ghost" in the future.
If you really pay attention, this film is a remake of Return of the Jedi, which is fine. There could be worse movies to copy & luckily, this film is so much fun, just like RotJ. The Porgs replace the Ewoks as the kid friendly merch for the film & although the Porgs don't do anything really, they're adorable. If I were a kid, I'd probably buy a whole bunch of Porg toys.
People did have problems with Finn & Rose's side story, with the excuse that their mission was useless & didn't accomplish anything. But it did. It spread the word of the rebellion to that part of the galaxy. We even see a young boy with force powers, who may be a future Jedi.
Everyone was wondering who was the last Jedi. Was it Luke? Was it Rey? Remember, Jedi can also be plural. It can be many people.
I feel this was a great addition to the saga & can't wait for Solo & then episode 9.
The scene with Leia & Luke is truly moving. Knowing this will be Hammil & Fisher's last scene acting together can bring tears to your eyes. And Luke's end sends chills down my spine. The sacrifice he makes to save what little of the Rebellion is left is a perfect ending for him. I'm sure he'll be back as a Jedi "ghost" in the future.
If you really pay attention, this film is a remake of Return of the Jedi, which is fine. There could be worse movies to copy & luckily, this film is so much fun, just like RotJ. The Porgs replace the Ewoks as the kid friendly merch for the film & although the Porgs don't do anything really, they're adorable. If I were a kid, I'd probably buy a whole bunch of Porg toys.
People did have problems with Finn & Rose's side story, with the excuse that their mission was useless & didn't accomplish anything. But it did. It spread the word of the rebellion to that part of the galaxy. We even see a young boy with force powers, who may be a future Jedi.
Everyone was wondering who was the last Jedi. Was it Luke? Was it Rey? Remember, Jedi can also be plural. It can be many people.
I feel this was a great addition to the saga & can't wait for Solo & then episode 9.
Gareth Michael Lewis (6 KP) rated The Orville in TV
Feb 26, 2018
Star Trek for a modern audience
When trailers for The Orville and for Star Trek Discovery first did the rounds, I was more excited the The Orville than STD.
The Orville captures a feel for Star Trek that STD just doesn't. It shows a hopeful future that has its problems but tries to deal with them in a diplomatic/peaceful way but isn't afraid to show its teeth if cornered.
As with many new series, The Orville struggles to find its feet and find its balance between sci-fi and comedy. This is oh so evident in the first few episodes, which aim for humour a little too much and miss the mark. By later episodes, the balance is a little better. As the crew grows into their roles, the humour is better and more focused. Instead of gags thrown in it becomes more natural like crew playing practical jokes on each other, people mentioning foibles of other crew (which is funnier if you've SEEN said foibles in an earlier episode), elevator music, love/hate relationships and some seriously great cameos and appearances from A-list stars (even some Star Trek alum). The fact that The Orville has such great pedigree in the form of so many writers, actors and directors from various Star Trek series on board shines through with every new episode
I like all the characters on the ship, and their interactions are building a family on this little ship which makes me want to watch more.
The Orville has some of the best features of a Star Trek series, great ships, uniforms, aliens and stories with some humour thrown in. I cannot wait for a season 2 and would recommend this over STD all day long.
The Orville captures a feel for Star Trek that STD just doesn't. It shows a hopeful future that has its problems but tries to deal with them in a diplomatic/peaceful way but isn't afraid to show its teeth if cornered.
As with many new series, The Orville struggles to find its feet and find its balance between sci-fi and comedy. This is oh so evident in the first few episodes, which aim for humour a little too much and miss the mark. By later episodes, the balance is a little better. As the crew grows into their roles, the humour is better and more focused. Instead of gags thrown in it becomes more natural like crew playing practical jokes on each other, people mentioning foibles of other crew (which is funnier if you've SEEN said foibles in an earlier episode), elevator music, love/hate relationships and some seriously great cameos and appearances from A-list stars (even some Star Trek alum). The fact that The Orville has such great pedigree in the form of so many writers, actors and directors from various Star Trek series on board shines through with every new episode
I like all the characters on the ship, and their interactions are building a family on this little ship which makes me want to watch more.
The Orville has some of the best features of a Star Trek series, great ships, uniforms, aliens and stories with some humour thrown in. I cannot wait for a season 2 and would recommend this over STD all day long.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated No Shame (No Shame #4) in Books
Feb 27, 2018
No Shame (No Shame #4) by Nora Phoenix
No Shame is the fourth and final book in the No Shame series, and although we focus on Brad, Charlie, and Miles, there is a finality to everyone's story. We met Miles in No Fear when he was trying to protect Indy. In return, after he gets tortured, Indy proves once again just how big his heart is by inviting him to recover in their farmhouse/ranch house. This brings a new dynamic into the house, as Miles has his own problems, Charlie is still recovering from his ex's attention, and Brad doesn't know what he wants or how to ask for it.
How these characters all blend together is just amazing to read about, and I loved being thoroughly engrossed in their stories. It is with genuine sorrow that I say goodbye to this series, although it will be one I read again! I would love a little novella to just see how they're all getting on, say, ten years in the future. Hint hint, Nora Phoenix!
I know I run the risk of repeating myself, but I really can't recommend these books highly enough. They are not the 'usual' m/m books, but instead are fresh and original. Each book is a delight in and of itself, but put them together in a series, and you will get blown away. I can't say which is my favourite book, but this one had me smiling and crying at the end, just because of how it ends.
Go and read them! All of them!
* 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. *
How these characters all blend together is just amazing to read about, and I loved being thoroughly engrossed in their stories. It is with genuine sorrow that I say goodbye to this series, although it will be one I read again! I would love a little novella to just see how they're all getting on, say, ten years in the future. Hint hint, Nora Phoenix!
I know I run the risk of repeating myself, but I really can't recommend these books highly enough. They are not the 'usual' m/m books, but instead are fresh and original. Each book is a delight in and of itself, but put them together in a series, and you will get blown away. I can't say which is my favourite book, but this one had me smiling and crying at the end, just because of how it ends.
Go and read them! All of them!
* 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. *
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Furyborn: Empirium Trilogy Book 1 in Books
Jul 31, 2018
I'd seen several glowing reviews of this book, but I was always put off by descriptions of events that happened millennia apart from each other "intersecting" and affecting each other. Like, no. The past can affect the future, but the future can't change the past. That appears, however, to just be a problem in the synopsis of the book and not the book itself. At least in this, the opening volume of the trilogy, the future does not change the past. The book alternates between the two women, Rielle in the past and Eliana in the future. Each chapter flips back and forth. I was much more intrigued by Rielle's chapters, but that could be because there was a lot more magic in Rielle's time.
The magic system is really interesting! I love that through Rielle's trials we learn so much about the magic system, each school and guiding saint and prayers. It's really fleshed out and I enjoyed that.
The "shocking connections" aren't shocking, they're predictable. But the book was no less fantastic for it. I really think the synopsis is where the problems lie. The first couple chapters pretty much reveal all the surprises the description hints at, and the book details how we got to that point. (Mostly, anyway!) It was great, don't get me wrong, but the description of the book feels a little misleading.
The GLBT content in the book is only about two sentences, but it was a surprise and made me grin.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy to discover the rest of Rielle's story and what Eliana is going to do about it.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
The magic system is really interesting! I love that through Rielle's trials we learn so much about the magic system, each school and guiding saint and prayers. It's really fleshed out and I enjoyed that.
The "shocking connections" aren't shocking, they're predictable. But the book was no less fantastic for it. I really think the synopsis is where the problems lie. The first couple chapters pretty much reveal all the surprises the description hints at, and the book details how we got to that point. (Mostly, anyway!) It was great, don't get me wrong, but the description of the book feels a little misleading.
The GLBT content in the book is only about two sentences, but it was a surprise and made me grin.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy to discover the rest of Rielle's story and what Eliana is going to do about it.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Felicia (44 KP) rated People Kill People in Books
Sep 23, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book first interested me when I read it was a book written about guns and gun control by a person who grew up in a household that supported guns. This is a voice that I had not really heard from in YA literature. Sadly what was given to me was a book that lacked depth for the characters and was quite predictable.
The story follows a group of teen to early adults. 2 of them are white supremacists, 2 are married with a young child, 1 is a homeless teen, 1 is a victim of gun violence who has epilepsy and is also homosexual, and 1 is the greatest person ever. The group itself is so entwined by siblings, marriage, relationships, friendships it isn't weird to wonder just how big of a town it could be they are living in.
The book is full of poor choices, dealing drugs with a toddler present, constant fantasizing about killing a certain person, a lot of time spent in the minds of white supremacists.
The whole book we know someone is going to die. Most of the book is framed to make you think it will be the homeless youth at the hands of the white supremacists. But it is actually the great girl that is anti gun and everyone loves because a toddler got a hold of a gun his parents couldn't be bothered to properly store. The end murder affects the lives of everyone else so they mostly die or want to, to demonstrate that guns aren't the problem. Too bad the gun and people's selfish nature was an unaddressed problem in the whole book full of problems.
The plot was too weighed down for anything to stick and the characters fell very flat despite Hopkins best efforts.
The story follows a group of teen to early adults. 2 of them are white supremacists, 2 are married with a young child, 1 is a homeless teen, 1 is a victim of gun violence who has epilepsy and is also homosexual, and 1 is the greatest person ever. The group itself is so entwined by siblings, marriage, relationships, friendships it isn't weird to wonder just how big of a town it could be they are living in.
The book is full of poor choices, dealing drugs with a toddler present, constant fantasizing about killing a certain person, a lot of time spent in the minds of white supremacists.
The whole book we know someone is going to die. Most of the book is framed to make you think it will be the homeless youth at the hands of the white supremacists. But it is actually the great girl that is anti gun and everyone loves because a toddler got a hold of a gun his parents couldn't be bothered to properly store. The end murder affects the lives of everyone else so they mostly die or want to, to demonstrate that guns aren't the problem. Too bad the gun and people's selfish nature was an unaddressed problem in the whole book full of problems.
The plot was too weighed down for anything to stick and the characters fell very flat despite Hopkins best efforts.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated The Eagle and the Fox (A Snowy Range Mystery #1) in Books
Oct 19, 2018
The Eagle and the Fox (A Snowy Range Mystery #1) by Nya Rawlyns
The Eagle and the Fox is the first book in the Snowy Range Mystery series.
The story is about two adult males, a young girl, and her secret boyfriend. The two adult men, Josiah and Marcus, have known each other for years, but only to 'grunt' to each other as they pass by in the store that Marcus owns. Pet is the young girl that Marcus keeps an eye on, like an adopted uncle. He took her on to save her, but you'll need to read the book to find out what he was saving her from! And Kit is her secret boyfriend, a mysterious figure that we don't actually learn much about.
Once Josiah and Marcus start talking, things move at a pretty pace for them. Not only do they have their feelings for each other to contend with, but they also have the problems with Pet, plus the trouble in town that is happening.
I found this book to be very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. The characters are well rounded and well suited to the story. This story is a definite mix of romance and mystery. It defies being in just one genre. It is finished off for this story, but the ending is definitely left open for it to continue. Looking forward to book two to see where it will go next.
If you like a bit of mystery with your romance, then I can definitely recommend this book/series.
* 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!
The story is about two adult males, a young girl, and her secret boyfriend. The two adult men, Josiah and Marcus, have known each other for years, but only to 'grunt' to each other as they pass by in the store that Marcus owns. Pet is the young girl that Marcus keeps an eye on, like an adopted uncle. He took her on to save her, but you'll need to read the book to find out what he was saving her from! And Kit is her secret boyfriend, a mysterious figure that we don't actually learn much about.
Once Josiah and Marcus start talking, things move at a pretty pace for them. Not only do they have their feelings for each other to contend with, but they also have the problems with Pet, plus the trouble in town that is happening.
I found this book to be very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. The characters are well rounded and well suited to the story. This story is a definite mix of romance and mystery. It defies being in just one genre. It is finished off for this story, but the ending is definitely left open for it to continue. Looking forward to book two to see where it will go next.
If you like a bit of mystery with your romance, then I can definitely recommend this book/series.
* 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!
Carma (21 KP) rated Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife (Love's Second Chance, #6) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Beth goes to England to find out the truth her mother had been keeping from her for most of her life. She has only one clue as to where to start her search, a letter addressed to Clementine at a home in town. She found this mysterious letter after her mothers funeral and has no idea what the truth behind the letter is. Hoping to get some answers she ends up being mistaken for a maid and put to work in the home.
Tristan is a walking accident, or accidents seem to find him. Either way he isnt sure how he is still alive after everything hes been through. Forget the ton linking him to his dead father whod gone mad, but no matter how hard he tries he cant seem to please his uncle at all. He goes with his friend Derek to a masquerade ball in hopes of forgetting all his problems but finds what hed been looking for all along.
Beth and Tristan marry even after it is revealed she is just a maid. His uncle is furious and he feels like hes been duped. Beth tries to explain she didnt set out to marry but felt an attraction to him the first time they met. She ends up helping him realize he can never please his uncle no matter how hard he tries.
Plenty of twists and turns and we get to see Henrietta again as she fights to save her brother. Also Matthew, cousin to Tristan, who gets his own storyline a few books ahead. The main storyline for Beth also continues in a further book down the series line. Another great historical read, 4 ½ stars.
Tristan is a walking accident, or accidents seem to find him. Either way he isnt sure how he is still alive after everything hes been through. Forget the ton linking him to his dead father whod gone mad, but no matter how hard he tries he cant seem to please his uncle at all. He goes with his friend Derek to a masquerade ball in hopes of forgetting all his problems but finds what hed been looking for all along.
Beth and Tristan marry even after it is revealed she is just a maid. His uncle is furious and he feels like hes been duped. Beth tries to explain she didnt set out to marry but felt an attraction to him the first time they met. She ends up helping him realize he can never please his uncle no matter how hard he tries.
Plenty of twists and turns and we get to see Henrietta again as she fights to save her brother. Also Matthew, cousin to Tristan, who gets his own storyline a few books ahead. The main storyline for Beth also continues in a further book down the series line. Another great historical read, 4 ½ stars.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Caution - Single by Celeste Arrazolo in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Celeste Arrazolo is a singer-songwriter from Houston, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lyric video for her debut single, entitled, “Caution”.
“I’m not going. I’m not leaving this bar or this place. I came here for answers. Made so many mistakes. I’ve been down, I’ve been low, I’ve been high every chance that I get. It’s been such a lonely road ain’t got no relief yet.” – lyrics
‘Caution’ tells a bittersweet tale of a girl with sad eyes who doesn’t want to leave a bar because she’s searching for answers to her problems.
The bartender is sympathetic to her cause and offers her one last drink before the bar closes.
Lost in the moment, the girl reveals that religion has deserted her, and God has forgotten her name.
Later, she admits that no smart person should want any part of her because she’s a mess. Also, she’ll bring them down and hurt them with lies to survive. Therefore, they should proceed with caution when dealing with her.
‘Caution’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with emo-soul and R&B elements.
“‘Caution’ is a climax in an internal struggle. It’s about losing your way. I want listeners to be able to meet me in that moment.” – Celeste Arrazolo
Celeste Arrazolo flew to Los Angeles as soon as she had her diploma in hand. Shortly afterward, she encountered hard times, and her life spiraled out of control.
She turned to music for solace and eventually discovered a path to redemption and freedom. Through endless hours of studying powerhouse singers and songwriters, Arrazolo learned to translate her experience into her music.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/celeste-arrazolo-caution/
“I’m not going. I’m not leaving this bar or this place. I came here for answers. Made so many mistakes. I’ve been down, I’ve been low, I’ve been high every chance that I get. It’s been such a lonely road ain’t got no relief yet.” – lyrics
‘Caution’ tells a bittersweet tale of a girl with sad eyes who doesn’t want to leave a bar because she’s searching for answers to her problems.
The bartender is sympathetic to her cause and offers her one last drink before the bar closes.
Lost in the moment, the girl reveals that religion has deserted her, and God has forgotten her name.
Later, she admits that no smart person should want any part of her because she’s a mess. Also, she’ll bring them down and hurt them with lies to survive. Therefore, they should proceed with caution when dealing with her.
‘Caution’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with emo-soul and R&B elements.
“‘Caution’ is a climax in an internal struggle. It’s about losing your way. I want listeners to be able to meet me in that moment.” – Celeste Arrazolo
Celeste Arrazolo flew to Los Angeles as soon as she had her diploma in hand. Shortly afterward, she encountered hard times, and her life spiraled out of control.
She turned to music for solace and eventually discovered a path to redemption and freedom. Through endless hours of studying powerhouse singers and songwriters, Arrazolo learned to translate her experience into her music.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/celeste-arrazolo-caution/