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Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)
8.5
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Gladstone’s influence takes on an international flavor when Jack leads a team to Mexico in search...
MM Romance Paranormal Shifter Series mPreg
The second book in the Faithful and the Fallen series continues straight on from Malice, and follows several different groups as they re-group from the events at the end of Malice (the siege of Ardan and the assault on the giant stronghold to capture one of the 7 treasures).
From there on each group goes on its own journey, but at times I found it hard to remember where they were going or why. Most of the original PoV characters return with some extras.
Maquin was a good addition as he tries to cope with losing his lord in the depths of the giant stronghold and battles on without a purpose, and ends up going on a really exciting journey.
Having Veradis no longer following Nathair, acting both as his first-sword and also as his conscience, was a bit of a challenge for me. I love the character of Veradis, and the shield wall method of battle he has developed, but struggle to see the point in him away from Nathair. At times it felt like there were events happening elsewhere in the world and one of the PoV characters had to witness them so he drew the short straw.
The focus of this book shifts away from Corban quite a bit: where Malice devoted almost every other chapter to his development and growth, here he becomes part of the richer story.
At times the events felt a little unbelievable - groups arriving at the same place at the right time, people just chancing upon others in a random clearing in the forest etc - and I found it a little jarring.
I found the characters a bit more well-defined than in the first book, but that could just be because some of the ones which were similar to others have now died. A number of the less pleasant characters though are still hard to distinguish - Jael, Rafe, Quinn, Morcant - all seem pretty interchangeable.
The story has moved along a bit but I feel the overall storyline is a little undefined as yet - it isn't clear what the end game is - there will be a battle between good and evil but there doesn't seem to be anything to do until then, other than try to stop it happening (but as the book itself says "it is prophesied so it will happen"), so the purpose seems to be damage limitation.
A good read and an improvement over Malice, but I still struggle to remember what each group is doing for the first page or so of their chapters.
From there on each group goes on its own journey, but at times I found it hard to remember where they were going or why. Most of the original PoV characters return with some extras.
Maquin was a good addition as he tries to cope with losing his lord in the depths of the giant stronghold and battles on without a purpose, and ends up going on a really exciting journey.
Having Veradis no longer following Nathair, acting both as his first-sword and also as his conscience, was a bit of a challenge for me. I love the character of Veradis, and the shield wall method of battle he has developed, but struggle to see the point in him away from Nathair. At times it felt like there were events happening elsewhere in the world and one of the PoV characters had to witness them so he drew the short straw.
The focus of this book shifts away from Corban quite a bit: where Malice devoted almost every other chapter to his development and growth, here he becomes part of the richer story.
At times the events felt a little unbelievable - groups arriving at the same place at the right time, people just chancing upon others in a random clearing in the forest etc - and I found it a little jarring.
I found the characters a bit more well-defined than in the first book, but that could just be because some of the ones which were similar to others have now died. A number of the less pleasant characters though are still hard to distinguish - Jael, Rafe, Quinn, Morcant - all seem pretty interchangeable.
The story has moved along a bit but I feel the overall storyline is a little undefined as yet - it isn't clear what the end game is - there will be a battle between good and evil but there doesn't seem to be anything to do until then, other than try to stop it happening (but as the book itself says "it is prophesied so it will happen"), so the purpose seems to be damage limitation.
A good read and an improvement over Malice, but I still struggle to remember what each group is doing for the first page or so of their chapters.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Jayden's Cybermountain (The Sanctum Series #1) in Books
Nov 15, 2019
I read this book on my recent holiday and it kept me enthralled, my eReader didn't leave my side and I was always itching to read a bit more to see what happened next.
At the start of the story Jayden is 11 and due to family problems is sleeping rough. One night he is given an opportunity to turn his life around from an unexpected source. Dubious at first, Jayden accepts and is soon settling into a new life, studying at a secret school where all the pupils are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Clearly there is a purpose behind the school, but what exactly is it?
This is a hard book to review simply because it's tough to give any idea of the story without spoiling it. And really this is a story I don't want to spoil for anyone.
Although aimed at young adults (particularly around 11, the same age as Jayden) as with all the best young adult fiction it's an excellent read for anyone.
The plot is really well handled; The journey of Jayden and his friends is one aspect, the purpose of the school another and the reader is kept on their toes by regular twists and turns. Some of these are totally unexpected, others are nicely flagged for the observant reader who will feel very pleased with themselves for having spotted the clue.
The characters are all clearly drawn and the descriptions are detailed enough to sketch them out out not laboured and allow enough space for the reader's imagination to add the finishing touches. All the main characters are very positive role models for young people and many will identify with them and hopefully appreciate how they develop. The writing moves at a really good pace and it is never slow and always grabs attention.
There are moments of humour - mostly around the student's antics either trying to break the rules or playing tricks on each other. Much darker threads are wound in with skill by Cope covering topics such as drug abuse, bullying and terrorism but these are never laboured and always dealt with sympathetically and optimistically. As a parent it is great to see these topics mentioned.
My 9-going-on-10 year old read this book and said it was 'great' and could he have 'more like that'. I don't think you could get a better recommendation.
Overall this is definitely a must read, not just for its target audience but anyone who wants to read a thoughtfully constructed, engaging and thrilling story. I will definitely be reading the sequel.
At the start of the story Jayden is 11 and due to family problems is sleeping rough. One night he is given an opportunity to turn his life around from an unexpected source. Dubious at first, Jayden accepts and is soon settling into a new life, studying at a secret school where all the pupils are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Clearly there is a purpose behind the school, but what exactly is it?
This is a hard book to review simply because it's tough to give any idea of the story without spoiling it. And really this is a story I don't want to spoil for anyone.
Although aimed at young adults (particularly around 11, the same age as Jayden) as with all the best young adult fiction it's an excellent read for anyone.
The plot is really well handled; The journey of Jayden and his friends is one aspect, the purpose of the school another and the reader is kept on their toes by regular twists and turns. Some of these are totally unexpected, others are nicely flagged for the observant reader who will feel very pleased with themselves for having spotted the clue.
The characters are all clearly drawn and the descriptions are detailed enough to sketch them out out not laboured and allow enough space for the reader's imagination to add the finishing touches. All the main characters are very positive role models for young people and many will identify with them and hopefully appreciate how they develop. The writing moves at a really good pace and it is never slow and always grabs attention.
There are moments of humour - mostly around the student's antics either trying to break the rules or playing tricks on each other. Much darker threads are wound in with skill by Cope covering topics such as drug abuse, bullying and terrorism but these are never laboured and always dealt with sympathetically and optimistically. As a parent it is great to see these topics mentioned.
My 9-going-on-10 year old read this book and said it was 'great' and could he have 'more like that'. I don't think you could get a better recommendation.
Overall this is definitely a must read, not just for its target audience but anyone who wants to read a thoughtfully constructed, engaging and thrilling story. I will definitely be reading the sequel.
Architecture of Radio
Education and Entertainment
App
The infosphere, Visualized. Every time we use our phones, tablets or laptops we are entering an...
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Regarding the Pain of Others in Books
Nov 8, 2017 (Updated Nov 8, 2017)
Not what I expected but powerful nevertheless
Acclaimed American writer Susan Sontag returns with an extended essay about photographing war and inhumane circumstances, an extension of her 1977 work "On Photography". I had expected a philosophical take on pain but this was still important nevertheless.
Sontag's earlier "On Photography" is justifiably regarded as a classic. This book is promoted as revising some of its more important arguments. Like the earlier book this is mainly a summary of points with which most teachers, and students, in this area are likely to be familiar. It is useful to have the arguments drawn together. Without doubt, Sontag's words exude intelligence, exploring how we look at painful images from photojournalists, our reaction to mass media, and how we interpret terrible news about war, even how we look at religious paintings.
She takes us on an argumental debate that covers all aspects of visual imagery through descriptive text. Shes talks of the shock and horror seen by some in photography, to how others see it as political leverage. What this book does, is to make us understand that one photographic image can have a double purpose, and that not all in a war image is truth. A good essay for the Sontag collection.
Sontag's earlier "On Photography" is justifiably regarded as a classic. This book is promoted as revising some of its more important arguments. Like the earlier book this is mainly a summary of points with which most teachers, and students, in this area are likely to be familiar. It is useful to have the arguments drawn together. Without doubt, Sontag's words exude intelligence, exploring how we look at painful images from photojournalists, our reaction to mass media, and how we interpret terrible news about war, even how we look at religious paintings.
She takes us on an argumental debate that covers all aspects of visual imagery through descriptive text. Shes talks of the shock and horror seen by some in photography, to how others see it as political leverage. What this book does, is to make us understand that one photographic image can have a double purpose, and that not all in a war image is truth. A good essay for the Sontag collection.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Scream (1996) in Movies
May 12, 2018
Labeled a classic and dubbed as a mystery/slasher film, Scream is a film you can turn to for years to come when you’re in need of a blood bath. If you’re a 90s baby like me, then you probably have. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I consider it a favorite, but it is definitely a movie I like to watch when I need to relax.
One of the things that I really like about Scream is the fact that it serves a dual purpose: it sates my thirst for blood while simultaneously making a mockery of itself. If you’re new to the horror genre, then it’s an easy and entertaining way to learn the “rules” of horror movies – and then watch as the cast adheres to them without failure. Of course, these aren’t real rules in as much as they are unspoken. For prime examples of movies that highlight these rules, I point you to Halloween, The Nightmare on Elm Street, and Friday the 13th.
Scream is one of those films that is more likely to draw a bit of laughter from me than it is likely to scare me. To some degree, this is because I’ve seen it so many times. To another… it’s honestly hilarious.
One of the things that I really like about Scream is the fact that it serves a dual purpose: it sates my thirst for blood while simultaneously making a mockery of itself. If you’re new to the horror genre, then it’s an easy and entertaining way to learn the “rules” of horror movies – and then watch as the cast adheres to them without failure. Of course, these aren’t real rules in as much as they are unspoken. For prime examples of movies that highlight these rules, I point you to Halloween, The Nightmare on Elm Street, and Friday the 13th.
Scream is one of those films that is more likely to draw a bit of laughter from me than it is likely to scare me. To some degree, this is because I’ve seen it so many times. To another… it’s honestly hilarious.
MasterSolace (19 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Mortal Kombat 11 in Video Games
May 12, 2019
Fighting Mechanics (5 more)
Gruesome Finshers
Seemingly unlimited kustomization
Varied Kast of old school sprinkled with new
Story mode of story modes
The Vastness of the Krypt
Maybe TOO much Kustomization (2 more)
Some Tower Objectives are still too difficult.
The Vagueness of the Krypt
As BOON Intended
The king of gory fighters is back with this timeline bending story. Diverse cast? Check. Over the top Fatalities? You bet. Balanced gameplay? Yes it does.
The Story Mode is much improved on the "Family Reunion" feel of MKX. The Krypt is pretty cool. With less Jumpscares. But with some issues. But nothing too bad.
Kustomization... there is a lot of stuff, but it doesn't serve the same purpose as Injustice 2.
Towers of Time is a great touch. But there are some objectives behind modifiers that are just TOO impossible (so far Gauntlet Stage 2 and Stage 8 or 9, can't remember which one). I threw my controller.
Overall, it isn't a perfect game. But given that it released less than 6 months after announced, it is AMAZING. I touted the Gameplay of MKX, MK11 makes improvements over it.
No... I haven't played online yet. And I don't really intend to. So this review is only for Single Player content.
The Story Mode is much improved on the "Family Reunion" feel of MKX. The Krypt is pretty cool. With less Jumpscares. But with some issues. But nothing too bad.
Kustomization... there is a lot of stuff, but it doesn't serve the same purpose as Injustice 2.
Towers of Time is a great touch. But there are some objectives behind modifiers that are just TOO impossible (so far Gauntlet Stage 2 and Stage 8 or 9, can't remember which one). I threw my controller.
Overall, it isn't a perfect game. But given that it released less than 6 months after announced, it is AMAZING. I touted the Gameplay of MKX, MK11 makes improvements over it.
No... I haven't played online yet. And I don't really intend to. So this review is only for Single Player content.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Ascension (Cherchez Wolf Pack, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have read Lauren Dane before but this was my first venture into her fantasy romance. I enjoyed what I read from her previously. But maybe thats because they have all been novellas/shorts, or the purpose of them was dirty delicious sex. This was definitely not one of her better ones. Unless you are reading it for sex.
The short version: the plotline is an old tired one that is literally a dime a dozen. I felt that Dane used it just to have a plotline at all to further her characters relationship. Her characters werent very original either. This would have all been more acceptable had I felt the author tried but I genuinely felt that this story and these characters were created purely to have a sexual relationship. I will concede, however, that the erotica aspect is pretty well written. There are some non-hetero scenes as well as...sharing? So if you want something more vanilla in the romantic department, you should pass this up.
If you can get past the ridiculous aspects and poor writing in terms of plot and characters, you may enjoy the erotica. Youve been warned though.
I have read Lauren Dane before but this was my first venture into her fantasy romance. I enjoyed what I read from her previously. But maybe thats because they have all been novellas/shorts, or the purpose of them was dirty delicious sex. This was definitely not one of her better ones. Unless you are reading it for sex.
The short version: the plotline is an old tired one that is literally a dime a dozen. I felt that Dane used it just to have a plotline at all to further her characters relationship. Her characters werent very original either. This would have all been more acceptable had I felt the author tried but I genuinely felt that this story and these characters were created purely to have a sexual relationship. I will concede, however, that the erotica aspect is pretty well written. There are some non-hetero scenes as well as...sharing? So if you want something more vanilla in the romantic department, you should pass this up.
If you can get past the ridiculous aspects and poor writing in terms of plot and characters, you may enjoy the erotica. Youve been warned though.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Reaper (Boston Underworld, #2) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
Another FABULOUS book in the Boston Underworld Series!! I was hooked immediately reading Crow and Reaper was no different.. Once day read, didn't want to put it down!? SO much more than just a love story, this series/book is packed with everything from hardcore Mafia dealings, torture and revenge, to scenes that had me bawling in happy tears. Some people are just meant to be together and everything falls into place. That is how I would describe Ronan and Sasha... Two very "different" people who are immediately bonded on some unseen level. They calm and comfort one another like no else has or can, they understand just what the other needs, without pushing. It's beautiful really... Ronan, that quiet misunderstood man we first met in Crow, has finally shed some of his protective layers and, for lack of a better word, blossomed into the man we now see. A man with a purpose and a plan.. To do everything in his power to protect the woman he loves. This book was absolutely incredible- LOVING this series!!! I cringed at the violence, cried my happy tears and surely got a good laugh with some of these guys and their comments.. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend book / author & series!!!
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch, #1) in Books
Dec 3, 2018
This book is written in two parts, the before and after. We are introduced during the after. It is in italics told from first person p.o.v. by an exiled bard. It is usually one to two pages sometimes more, it is at the beginning or end of each chapter usually letting people know what the next chapter is about. The before is told in first person p.o.v. by Tea (the main character) as a story to the bard. It is about how she became a bone witch and what a bone witch is also hints to why she was exiled.
Now there is a lot of description in the book about who dresses in which hua and what people look like and how they act and what they do.
If you want an action pacted fast paced book: This is not that book.
This book is what I would call a builder book. Its whole purpose is to build the story for the next book. it builds the world it is set in and helps you understand the characters motivations. A beautiful book, however, it can get draggy in the narrative. something that Tea does comment on in the after part of the book.
Now there is a lot of description in the book about who dresses in which hua and what people look like and how they act and what they do.
If you want an action pacted fast paced book: This is not that book.
This book is what I would call a builder book. Its whole purpose is to build the story for the next book. it builds the world it is set in and helps you understand the characters motivations. A beautiful book, however, it can get draggy in the narrative. something that Tea does comment on in the after part of the book.