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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Final Girls in Books
May 16, 2018
Final Girls by Riley Sager is yet another title with far too much hype, much to my chagrin. I expect thrillers to have a bit more of an edge to them, but this book is more of a slow simmer. Much of the guessing is conveniently cut out by the blurb which I feel to be more of a spoiler than most reviews.
The story focuses on Quincy’s day to day life, then her struggles with Sam when she shows up to disrupt Quincy’s lifestyle in the wake of Lisa’s death. During this time period, flashbacks riddle Final Girls. This element is one I hoped to find exciting, but it only serves the purpose of helping the story drag dreadfully.
In some ways, I think Final Girls tries too hard to be something it isn’t. I’m aware many readers devoured this book and even my idol, Stephen King, sings its praises, but it simply doesn’t sate my own hunger. There’s too much left wanting and far too many things that seem to be more for the sake of convenience. I also felt there are loose ends that were never truly wrapped up – such as the manipulation of Quincy’s mind. I definitely would not categorize this as horror.
I would like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. My review is unbiased and written freely of my own will.
The story focuses on Quincy’s day to day life, then her struggles with Sam when she shows up to disrupt Quincy’s lifestyle in the wake of Lisa’s death. During this time period, flashbacks riddle Final Girls. This element is one I hoped to find exciting, but it only serves the purpose of helping the story drag dreadfully.
In some ways, I think Final Girls tries too hard to be something it isn’t. I’m aware many readers devoured this book and even my idol, Stephen King, sings its praises, but it simply doesn’t sate my own hunger. There’s too much left wanting and far too many things that seem to be more for the sake of convenience. I also felt there are loose ends that were never truly wrapped up – such as the manipulation of Quincy’s mind. I definitely would not categorize this as horror.
I would like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. My review is unbiased and written freely of my own will.
It would be silly of me to repeat that this is an Asian version of Cinderella, since so many others do it. I am just annoyed that every story is compared to Cinderella considering rags to riches, marrying the prince is nothing new and Cinderella was certainly not the first of its kind. If you read the author's note, it says she was inspired by some Chinese students telling their native fairy tales.
All in all, I liked the novel. Xing Xing is crafty and clever unlike Cinderella who has a fairy godmother to do everything for her. No, Xing Xing takes care of not only herself but her father's second wife and half sister as well. You cannot really say the second wife is evil because she is only doing what any Chinese mother would do for her daughter in that day in age. To us, it may seem archaic and barbaric, but that is how it was back then.
Xing Xing is a strong heroine who does not just do the second wife's every whim. And when Xing Xing finally flat out defies her, it ultimately leads to Xing Xing's freedom and salvation.
I forgot how annoying yet efficient Napoli's style is. It seems so juvenile but is perfect for its purpose. I do not think the story would have been the same if it had been written any other way.
All in all, I liked the novel. Xing Xing is crafty and clever unlike Cinderella who has a fairy godmother to do everything for her. No, Xing Xing takes care of not only herself but her father's second wife and half sister as well. You cannot really say the second wife is evil because she is only doing what any Chinese mother would do for her daughter in that day in age. To us, it may seem archaic and barbaric, but that is how it was back then.
Xing Xing is a strong heroine who does not just do the second wife's every whim. And when Xing Xing finally flat out defies her, it ultimately leads to Xing Xing's freedom and salvation.
I forgot how annoying yet efficient Napoli's style is. It seems so juvenile but is perfect for its purpose. I do not think the story would have been the same if it had been written any other way.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Thief With No Shadow in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I can understand why some other readers gave this such a low rating, but I enjoyed the book. It was slower paced than other books I have read but I finished it rather quickly. Each passage serves some purpose, whether its building the world, progressing the story, or familiarizing the reader with the characters. The characters had more self-loathing than I have read in any book but it was understandable considering what they have been through. I dont think some of the reviewers actually understand how the human mind works. With what these people have had to deal with in their life, they are actually well adapted.
There is also a lot of sex in this book. More than I expected there to be. And half of it is interspecies. I appreciate that the author had the decency not to describe one of them but I could have done without the other. I agree there definitely should be a warning about those scenes. Nowhere is there a warning that there are graphic scenes of any kind.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I loved the mythology. The plot wasnt overly complicated but it kept me interested even through the slow parts. But mainly, I was so invested in the characters having their happy endings that I couldnt put the book down. However, I can definitely tell why its not for everyone.
There is also a lot of sex in this book. More than I expected there to be. And half of it is interspecies. I appreciate that the author had the decency not to describe one of them but I could have done without the other. I agree there definitely should be a warning about those scenes. Nowhere is there a warning that there are graphic scenes of any kind.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I loved the mythology. The plot wasnt overly complicated but it kept me interested even through the slow parts. But mainly, I was so invested in the characters having their happy endings that I couldnt put the book down. However, I can definitely tell why its not for everyone.
ClareR (5874 KP) rated The Cactus in Books
Jan 27, 2018
A rather unexpected story!
I noticed the cover of this first - it's not like the picture here. It's densely covered with cacti (no humans!). I've bought so many books based purely on the cover and surprisingly (or is that 'fortunately'?), it's not often that I'm disappointed. I certainly wasn't disappointed here either. The main character, Susan, you quickly learn is the cactus. She collects them, and she seems to have learnt from their defence mechanism: if you're prickly, no one wants to get too close. I've seen a few reviewers refer to her as being on the autistic spectrum, but I would argue that that really isn't the case at all: and as you read further in to the story, you can see that this stand-offishness has been cultivated on purpose.
There is no rush to this story, but plenty happens. There's LOADS of character building: we get a really good insight into Susan and how she ticks. I found myself really plugging for her and wanting her to find her happy ending. The characters who populate her world are also really likeable, even her rogue of a brother (who she has the measure of right from the beginning). I'd love to know what happens next - I'm not a huge fan of sequels, but if someone (the author, perhaps!) could just satisfy my curiosity, that would be great!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read such a great book!
There is no rush to this story, but plenty happens. There's LOADS of character building: we get a really good insight into Susan and how she ticks. I found myself really plugging for her and wanting her to find her happy ending. The characters who populate her world are also really likeable, even her rogue of a brother (who she has the measure of right from the beginning). I'd love to know what happens next - I'm not a huge fan of sequels, but if someone (the author, perhaps!) could just satisfy my curiosity, that would be great!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read such a great book!
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Latter Days (2004) in Movies
Jun 20, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
I saw this movie back when it was released fourteen years ago, when I was still young and had faith in things. I picked it up again to see if it held up, and you know? It's not bad. Usually romantic comedies don't do much for me, gay or straight, but I have a thing for Mormons--what can I say?
So Christian is a gay party boy livin' it up in LA, but ultimately lacking in purpose and drive. Aaron is a Mormon missionary from Iowa, who experiences culture shock and desire for the first time, because of course they become neighbors and hijinks ensue. Fun fact! This movie also stars Joseph Gorgon-Levitt as a total butt, which is quite a contrast to his role in Mysterious Skin, another gay-themed movie which came out in the same year.
The acting is actually not as horrible as you would think from the production value/budget, and the story is typical romantic comedy fare. Still, I think it would strike a chord with anyone who is queer and was brought up in a religious household. It doesn't shy away from how agonizing it can be to be betrayed by family, especially fourteen years ago. And you know, some of the dialogue is actually really poignant. If you can get over the vaguely "afterschool special" feeling of this movie, it's definitely worth a watch.
(It has a happy ending!)
So Christian is a gay party boy livin' it up in LA, but ultimately lacking in purpose and drive. Aaron is a Mormon missionary from Iowa, who experiences culture shock and desire for the first time, because of course they become neighbors and hijinks ensue. Fun fact! This movie also stars Joseph Gorgon-Levitt as a total butt, which is quite a contrast to his role in Mysterious Skin, another gay-themed movie which came out in the same year.
The acting is actually not as horrible as you would think from the production value/budget, and the story is typical romantic comedy fare. Still, I think it would strike a chord with anyone who is queer and was brought up in a religious household. It doesn't shy away from how agonizing it can be to be betrayed by family, especially fourteen years ago. And you know, some of the dialogue is actually really poignant. If you can get over the vaguely "afterschool special" feeling of this movie, it's definitely worth a watch.
(It has a happy ending!)
A huge disappointment
I've always really enjoyed Coelho's books, and I feel I come away having learnt something every time. Not so much this time. There are lessons to be learnt: don't judge a book by it's cover, always be open to new chances to learn, follow your heart and be true to yourself.
The delivery this time, to me, seemed rushed, not always well explained and just not very interesting. I feel bad saying this. I've read a lot of his other books, but I just didn't enjoy this one.
I liked the sentiment, just not the delivery. He glosses quickly over a run in/ torture session with the police, which has clearly left it's mark on him in a later episode. He's cured pretty quickly of this anxiety-type reaction though. He seems to have no purpose to what he's doing (which is fair enough, he's young, he's exploring, and that seems to be the whole idea behind the hippie movement) until he hits Turkey however, and then he quickly decides to stay - and then it's the end of the book. So, will there be a follow up? Is this one of those 'cliff hanger' type endings?
I wish I had enjoyed this more, but there are just some books that we can't enjoy I suppose. I just really don't like it when it happens with one of my 'go to' authors.
The delivery this time, to me, seemed rushed, not always well explained and just not very interesting. I feel bad saying this. I've read a lot of his other books, but I just didn't enjoy this one.
I liked the sentiment, just not the delivery. He glosses quickly over a run in/ torture session with the police, which has clearly left it's mark on him in a later episode. He's cured pretty quickly of this anxiety-type reaction though. He seems to have no purpose to what he's doing (which is fair enough, he's young, he's exploring, and that seems to be the whole idea behind the hippie movement) until he hits Turkey however, and then he quickly decides to stay - and then it's the end of the book. So, will there be a follow up? Is this one of those 'cliff hanger' type endings?
I wish I had enjoyed this more, but there are just some books that we can't enjoy I suppose. I just really don't like it when it happens with one of my 'go to' authors.
Jo (37 KP) rated Honestly Ben in Books
Oct 6, 2018
I really liked Ben in Openly Straight, but being inside his head, here, kinda ruined him for me. He was just all over the damn place - whiny and tightly wound and infuriatingly obsessed with what other people think of him - and, like, what the hell happened to the quietly confident guy that Rafe and I grew attached to the previous semester? The dude who had not one flying fuck to give about labels or peer opinion??? I couldn't align these two sides of him up at all.
Also, Rafe didn't get nearly enough page space, and because of that, my belief in their intense connection took something of a nosedive.
Way too much attention was given to Ben's dipshit teammates and to Hannah...
Now, I actually quite liked Hannah. But I did not like the fact her only purpose to the plot was as an obstacle between Ben and Rafe. She opened herself up to Ben, let him in at a particularly vulnerable and difficult point of her life, and the way he used and hurt her (however unintentionally it may have been) for the sake of sorting his own head out totally peed me off!
There's a lot of D-Rep here, which was great (although, I didn't feel like much of it was particularly well handled).
In all honesty, it was entirely Toby and Albie who saved this book for me. Love those oddballs!
Also, Rafe didn't get nearly enough page space, and because of that, my belief in their intense connection took something of a nosedive.
Way too much attention was given to Ben's dipshit teammates and to Hannah...
Now, I actually quite liked Hannah. But I did not like the fact her only purpose to the plot was as an obstacle between Ben and Rafe. She opened herself up to Ben, let him in at a particularly vulnerable and difficult point of her life, and the way he used and hurt her (however unintentionally it may have been) for the sake of sorting his own head out totally peed me off!
There's a lot of D-Rep here, which was great (although, I didn't feel like much of it was particularly well handled).
In all honesty, it was entirely Toby and Albie who saved this book for me. Love those oddballs!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Tower Of Dawn in Books
Dec 11, 2019
Everything
Contains spoilers, click to show
Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold.
After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need—and will honor it. But Lord Westfall carries shadows from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realize they could engulf them both.
I have been following this series for almost 2 years now and I absolutely love it! Sarah J. Maas has created this amazing world with Amazing exciting characters who's lives are so entwined it makes for brilliant reading. Book 6 has us following Chaol and Nesryn on the journey to Antica to convince Khagan to join Aelin in the battle that's brewing, also to heal Chaol. They both find out a lot about themselves on this journey leading them away from each others arms to another. Sexual tension runs high in this book but as a YA it's so tastefully handled! I'm so looking forward to the whole gang reunion especially yrene finding the mystery woman is actually the new queen!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need—and will honor it. But Lord Westfall carries shadows from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realize they could engulf them both.
I have been following this series for almost 2 years now and I absolutely love it! Sarah J. Maas has created this amazing world with Amazing exciting characters who's lives are so entwined it makes for brilliant reading. Book 6 has us following Chaol and Nesryn on the journey to Antica to convince Khagan to join Aelin in the battle that's brewing, also to heal Chaol. They both find out a lot about themselves on this journey leading them away from each others arms to another. Sexual tension runs high in this book but as a YA it's so tastefully handled! I'm so looking forward to the whole gang reunion especially yrene finding the mystery woman is actually the new queen!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Strangers on a Train (1951) in Movies
Mar 30, 2020
i didn't think hitchcock could get weirder.
This movie left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt like I needed to take a shower to get a film off my skin - like the one you get when you've been outside for too long. It was just weird. And I really thought Hitchcock couldn't get any weirder. Bruno as a character reminded me of young Charly from "Shadow of a Doubt." Just how she had this weird infatuation for her uncle, I get that same feeling about Bruno. It's clear within the first 20 minutes of the film how it's going to play out, but the ending still somehow surprises you. I guess that's a good thing. Anyways, back to Bruno. He hooks onto Guy and really sinks his claws in. The way Bruno stalks him, calls him at various locations, "runs into him" when he's out with Anne or when he's with Anne's family during lunch (or wherever they were). He just gave me a creepy feeling. He's obviously delusional but I don't think Hitchcock played it off that well. I don't know if that was on purpose or not.
By now, I think most people know how Hitchcock makes me feel (the answer is not good, I don't like most of his work that I've seen thus far), and this film did not help his case. We still have a few to go so we'll see how those play out.
By now, I think most people know how Hitchcock makes me feel (the answer is not good, I don't like most of his work that I've seen thus far), and this film did not help his case. We still have a few to go so we'll see how those play out.
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