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This is such a gentle, beautifully written book, about a harrowing, terrible subject. I had seen other reviews saying how much they'd enjoyed this, however based on the synopsis, I was hesitant at first: a mother kills her six year old daughter with a hatchet. What can be poetic or lyrical about that?
The story jumps back and forth in time as it follows the lives of the mother, father, the daughters and Ann, the 'new' wife. It isn't confusing though, surprisingly. The murder isn't one of those protracted descriptions, it's more of an aside. I don't even think that it comes across as something that was done on purpose.
This book is about the repercussions of this single act and how it affects all those involved, even those who weren't there.
I was captivated. I know that seems like a big thing to say about a book, but once I got going (real life and it's distractions, eh!) the end seemed to come around all too quickly.
I would highly recommend this - but make sure you have a box of Kleenex to hand. It's achingly sad in places.
The story jumps back and forth in time as it follows the lives of the mother, father, the daughters and Ann, the 'new' wife. It isn't confusing though, surprisingly. The murder isn't one of those protracted descriptions, it's more of an aside. I don't even think that it comes across as something that was done on purpose.
This book is about the repercussions of this single act and how it affects all those involved, even those who weren't there.
I was captivated. I know that seems like a big thing to say about a book, but once I got going (real life and it's distractions, eh!) the end seemed to come around all too quickly.
I would highly recommend this - but make sure you have a box of Kleenex to hand. It's achingly sad in places.
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Teratologist in Books
May 15, 2018
Like a Buddy Cop movie directed by Satan
THE TERATOLOGIST--a researcher of physical abnormalities--is both a disgusting and fun (short) horror novel. Something like a Buddy Cop movie, a writer and photographer go to the mansion of a young billionaire who collects people with birth defects for a single nefarious purpose: to see God.
If you've read Edward Lee's Infernal Series, you may notice the similarities in theme. It isn't just good vs evil, it's Good vs Evil. It has the same dash of irreverent humor and more than enough depravity to make it a fun read for readers with iron stomachs.
That said, this is absolutely not for the faint of heart. If you're easily offended, why are you looking at a book by Edward Lee and Wrath James White to begin with? Both are masters of the splatterpunk genre, which has given birth to the "extreme horror" subgenre. This book will gross you out. Even seasoned readers might cringe at some of the acts depicted in THE TERATOLOGIST. They disgust on a moral and visceral level, but isn't that the point?
If you've read Edward Lee's Infernal Series, you may notice the similarities in theme. It isn't just good vs evil, it's Good vs Evil. It has the same dash of irreverent humor and more than enough depravity to make it a fun read for readers with iron stomachs.
That said, this is absolutely not for the faint of heart. If you're easily offended, why are you looking at a book by Edward Lee and Wrath James White to begin with? Both are masters of the splatterpunk genre, which has given birth to the "extreme horror" subgenre. This book will gross you out. Even seasoned readers might cringe at some of the acts depicted in THE TERATOLOGIST. They disgust on a moral and visceral level, but isn't that the point?
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Apr 6, 2018
Good but completely unnecessary
We've had 3 versions of Spiderman and 6 films in the space of 15 years. That's not good. Despite the few years in between, it's beginning to feel like Spidey is rarely off our screens. And I'm getting a little Spiderman-ned out.
Which is a shame, as I actually think Tom Holland is the best Spiderman yet. A teenager in high school is by far the best portrayal and Holland does very well. There are some funny moments and it feels a little more lighthearted than some of the other recent Marvel films. My main issue is the constant need to promote and set up the other Marvel films, to the point where this film feels like entirely made for this purpose only. Did we really need another Spiderman film? No, not really and especially not one to act as a link between other films. Its far too long and really not needed.
This is the film they should've made instead of the ones with Andrew Garfield, back then it may have been more acceptable & not just a blatant Avengers plug.
Which is a shame, as I actually think Tom Holland is the best Spiderman yet. A teenager in high school is by far the best portrayal and Holland does very well. There are some funny moments and it feels a little more lighthearted than some of the other recent Marvel films. My main issue is the constant need to promote and set up the other Marvel films, to the point where this film feels like entirely made for this purpose only. Did we really need another Spiderman film? No, not really and especially not one to act as a link between other films. Its far too long and really not needed.
This is the film they should've made instead of the ones with Andrew Garfield, back then it may have been more acceptable & not just a blatant Avengers plug.
Sam (74 KP) rated The Ersatz Elevator (A Series of Unfortunate Events #6) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Jerome is a lovely man who has the Baudelaires best interests in mind. Esmé, on the other hand, has the orphans for a style purpose and nothing more. To her, the orphans are expendable items, just something else she will get rid of within an instant if it goes out of fashion.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
HLD (99 KP) rated The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) in Movies
Mar 7, 2018
Not something you would watch everyday (2 more)
So peculiar you won't forget it any time soon
It's weird, and that's a good thing. At least the director stuck to his vision no matter how it came across to viewers
You may have no idea how to feel about it (1 more)
Don't be afraid to Google the hell out of the story to understand what they are trying to achieve
Prepare to be confused
My girlfriend put this film on without informing me of what it was about. The deadpan acting was something I was sure was on purpose; but I had to Google the film to convince myself this was so.
I've no idea who the target audience for this film is. I definitely enjoyed myself. The story is intriguing, and every scene appears so clean and 'perfect', perhaps a mirror of the life Colin Farrell's character wishes to portray.
This is such a different kind of viewing experience that it's best you watch it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I would, however, think twice before calling this a comedy, or assuming that it falls anywhere near the comedy genre.
I've no idea who the target audience for this film is. I definitely enjoyed myself. The story is intriguing, and every scene appears so clean and 'perfect', perhaps a mirror of the life Colin Farrell's character wishes to portray.
This is such a different kind of viewing experience that it's best you watch it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I would, however, think twice before calling this a comedy, or assuming that it falls anywhere near the comedy genre.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated The Alienist - Season 1 in TV
Mar 29, 2018
Costumes (2 more)
Landscapes and Environments are exquisite
Cinematography
The Acting (4 more)
The Subject
Creepy upon creepy
Unlikable characters
Not enough happens
The production quality is very high, everything else is very low...
This show is very pretty to look at, and I can only imagine all the work that went into making it that way. This is really the only reason it gets any marks at all. I really believe I'm in a historical time period. The camera work is great too. Problem is everything else is a let down to say the least. The Characters are unlikable and borderline uninteresting. Even if they explain what the Alienist means, it's not enough. It's a terrible name. There is a genuine lack of humanity going on here and all the interactions are so cold and sterile of feeling, which I suppose could be on purpose, but doesn't do the show any favors. The characters dance around each other but don't connect. I realize on some level I'm not the target audience because I don't like creepy, and I don't like horror, and I'm not a fan of showing the seedy underside of society with young boys dressed as girls in a brothel.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Fifty Shades of Grey in Books
Feb 23, 2018
I didn't intend to read this book, as I'd largely heard snark about it. A dear friend recommended it, though, so I finally gave it a read.
The writing definitely needs polish and a good editor--I couldn't possibly give it more than 3 stars due to that alone. The sexy is there, though, and that's the whole purpose of the book. It does follow most of the traditional romance tropes, which explains most of its acceptance, but the addition of spicier sex seems to be what has everyone talking. (I'd call it spicy more than truly kinky.)
The entire plot takes place in just three weeks, which isn't bad in the romance world. That doesn't leave much time for character growth, but there is a little. That brings the book up a star from where I'd put most romance novels.
If you want some light, sexy summer reading and don't mind the fact that this is so very obviously a self-published first novel, go for it. Some people will want to read it just because of all the uproar, I imagine. If you're looking for literature or true erotica, pass this one up.
The writing definitely needs polish and a good editor--I couldn't possibly give it more than 3 stars due to that alone. The sexy is there, though, and that's the whole purpose of the book. It does follow most of the traditional romance tropes, which explains most of its acceptance, but the addition of spicier sex seems to be what has everyone talking. (I'd call it spicy more than truly kinky.)
The entire plot takes place in just three weeks, which isn't bad in the romance world. That doesn't leave much time for character growth, but there is a little. That brings the book up a star from where I'd put most romance novels.
If you want some light, sexy summer reading and don't mind the fact that this is so very obviously a self-published first novel, go for it. Some people will want to read it just because of all the uproar, I imagine. If you're looking for literature or true erotica, pass this one up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Nightfall: Keeper of the Lost Cities in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This book picks up moments after book five in the series ends as Sophie is dealing with the fact that the Neverseen have kidnapped her human parents. After getting her human sister hidden away, Sophie begins to hunt for them. The only clue is Nightfall, a clue that leads to Keefe’s mother, Lady Gisela. But can she be trusted? Or is she using Sophie and her friends for her own purpose?
I’ve been waiting a year to get the next chapter in Sophie’s story after the cliffhanger of the last book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This really is a next chapter, so if you haven’t read these books, don’t start here since you will be lost. But fans will quickly find themselves turning the 800 pages in this book. The plot really stalls only once about two thirds of the way, but it isn’t too long before we are ramping up for the climax. Meanwhile, all our favorite characters get some development and their moments to shine while we meet a fantastic new character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-nightfall-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’ve been waiting a year to get the next chapter in Sophie’s story after the cliffhanger of the last book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This really is a next chapter, so if you haven’t read these books, don’t start here since you will be lost. But fans will quickly find themselves turning the 800 pages in this book. The plot really stalls only once about two thirds of the way, but it isn’t too long before we are ramping up for the climax. Meanwhile, all our favorite characters get some development and their moments to shine while we meet a fantastic new character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-nightfall-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated What the Bishop Saw (The Amish Bishop Mysteries #1) in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Review: What the Bishop Saw What the Bishops Saw is a really good mystery in itself. You are guessing from the time you open the book and the last page you turn. Who killed Veron Fry? Did someone murder Vernon Fry on purpose? Is it Amish and English.I am still surprised with the ending. The Englisher needs help as she does not get to bottom of the case or any closes. Will the bishop help save an innocent man and catch the culprit? What is Henry talent and is it good or is bad. To find out this you need to read the book.I am still wondering why this person did what he or she did towards the Amish when they did not do anything to have it happen. Vannetta Chapman gets you hooked and wanting more. You will not want to put this book down once you start to read it. It pages turner for you. Will Henry take a leap a faith and use these talents. Find out by reading What the Bishop Saw. It a compelling story and one I hope to follow more of Henry and this community in Colorado Valley.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Kings of the Wyld in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I can't emphasize enough how much I love this book! From the minute I read the synopsis a couple months ago I absolutely could not wait to read it. Having just finished it, I can't come up with any sort of criticism for the purpose of this review lol it was truly a superb fantasy adventure. The author went above and beyond creating a world so richly detailed and immersive that I half expected to see some of the creatures running around outside any time I was forced to put the book down. The characters were all well developed and relatable. The writing style was great, it had me hooked from the start and was detailed without being bogged down with unnecessary information and had me laughing out loud numerous times. The story develops at a nice pace, everything falls into place without feeling rushed or drawn out and the action never lets up. Kings of the Wyld is definitely one of my all time favorite fantasy adventure stories! I would love to see it as a tv series. Super excited to read the next book in the series!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*