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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Ghost Slayer in Books
May 15, 2018
It’s not very often that I encounter a book that perfectly fits the mould for young adult fiction, but Majanka Verstraete’s Ghost Slayer does just that. The book is a pleasant, quick read that kept me just interested enough for me to devour it in a few days. Also, I find that it would appropriate for teens, even though its main character is a twenty-one year old college student.
Kaelyn isn’t your average college ghost hunter. She’s a bit more of a Winchester sort, with less flash and more stab. Fortunately for her, she’s got a ghost to deal with in an old haunted house and the an old flame on her mind. As if that’s not enough, something’s wrong with her powers! It’s a pretty standard paranormal plot, largely feeding off cliché haunted house movie tropes – which I feel is a great beginning place for teenagers.
Character-wise, we see much of the same themes. I don’t want to go into spoilers, but we do encounter a damsel, or rather several, damsels in distress as well as a strong female lead character. So I guess there’s that. I feel that main character’s love interest could have been a little less stereotyped and a bit more fleshed out, too. He was a tad too generic.
Overall, I liked several elements of this book. I think it finished more strongly than it began and had a few excellent concepts at its closing. I look forward to possibly checking out the second book. A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy for the purpose of an unbiased review.
Kaelyn isn’t your average college ghost hunter. She’s a bit more of a Winchester sort, with less flash and more stab. Fortunately for her, she’s got a ghost to deal with in an old haunted house and the an old flame on her mind. As if that’s not enough, something’s wrong with her powers! It’s a pretty standard paranormal plot, largely feeding off cliché haunted house movie tropes – which I feel is a great beginning place for teenagers.
Character-wise, we see much of the same themes. I don’t want to go into spoilers, but we do encounter a damsel, or rather several, damsels in distress as well as a strong female lead character. So I guess there’s that. I feel that main character’s love interest could have been a little less stereotyped and a bit more fleshed out, too. He was a tad too generic.
Overall, I liked several elements of this book. I think it finished more strongly than it began and had a few excellent concepts at its closing. I look forward to possibly checking out the second book. A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy for the purpose of an unbiased review.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated She Walks in Beauty in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I knew next to nothing about New York City's gilded age before reading this book, so this was both a history lesson and an eye-opener to the practices of that time period, expecially among the wealthy young women. I had no idea of the extent that corsets were damaging to the body and health of a woman, and it really explains much of the female behavior that has been epitomized in Hollywood's classic films, such as the common fainting spells. It shows that the "modern" world really has not changed very much in regards to the demands put on women to look and act a certain way to be regarded as attractive. The similarities between Hollywood and the Gilded Age are both remarkable and quite sad, from the encouragement of anorexia and the overindulgence of luxury to how the popularity of an individual can be solely determined by the words of the press.
I did enjoy following Clara's rise to fame and infamy, even if the glamour and mystery of it was stripped away, so to speak. The Christian themes of God loving you just as you are and having a purpose beyond the practices of "society" seemed muted and understated throughout the book, but rather than detracting from the plot, it only seemed to enhance it. While I have been under the impression that books that fall in this genre of Christian Fiction should focus mostly on some Christian theme, this particular book did not seem to. The focus seemed more on revealing the truth about what really happened in New York City's Gilded Age through the eyes of a debutante.
I did enjoy following Clara's rise to fame and infamy, even if the glamour and mystery of it was stripped away, so to speak. The Christian themes of God loving you just as you are and having a purpose beyond the practices of "society" seemed muted and understated throughout the book, but rather than detracting from the plot, it only seemed to enhance it. While I have been under the impression that books that fall in this genre of Christian Fiction should focus mostly on some Christian theme, this particular book did not seem to. The focus seemed more on revealing the truth about what really happened in New York City's Gilded Age through the eyes of a debutante.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Where We Belong in Books
Mar 5, 2019
In the year 1892, the principles; that is the manners and customs for Victorian women were strict and their roles were limited. It was frowned upon for ladies to further their education but for the Hawes sisters, things were different. Their love for adventure and their search for God's purpose in their lives leads them on an adventure of a lifetime to the Sinai Desert.
On a quest to find an important biblical manuscript, joined by their butler and ladies maid Kate, the four find themselves on a journey that is dangerous and uncertain; the four travelers find themselves looking back at their past and the events that help shape them into who they are and what brought them to this point in their lives.
Author Lynn Austin has done a wonderful job of research. She has written this novel from the inspiration taken from the true story of twin sisters Agnes and Margret Smith; who were born in Scotland in 1843.
This novel was a joy to read and hard to put down. The characters were very easy to relate to and the storyline was fascinating.
I truly enjoyed every aspect of this story, the determination of the ladies, to the principles they stood up for and their love for God.
This is an exceptional read and anyone who loves historical fiction will truly enjoy this.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
On a quest to find an important biblical manuscript, joined by their butler and ladies maid Kate, the four find themselves on a journey that is dangerous and uncertain; the four travelers find themselves looking back at their past and the events that help shape them into who they are and what brought them to this point in their lives.
Author Lynn Austin has done a wonderful job of research. She has written this novel from the inspiration taken from the true story of twin sisters Agnes and Margret Smith; who were born in Scotland in 1843.
This novel was a joy to read and hard to put down. The characters were very easy to relate to and the storyline was fascinating.
I truly enjoyed every aspect of this story, the determination of the ladies, to the principles they stood up for and their love for God.
This is an exceptional read and anyone who loves historical fiction will truly enjoy this.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Kyera (8 KP) rated Jem and the Holograms: Infinite in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I've never seen the original tv show, but I discovered the Jem and the Holograms comics in my local comic book store and fell in love. Our main character Jerrica and her sisters Kimber, Aja and Shana are all in a band together - there's only one problem. Jerrica has major stage fright and can't perform in front of people. Thankfully their dad was a genius who created realistic hologram technology, which (although not its intended purpose) allows Jerrica to take on an alternate identity, Jem. This rockstar persona allows Jerrica to perform onstage and of course, shenanigans ensue over the course of the plotline.
As a singer myself, I really related to Jerrica because I don't like performing in front of people. I don't know if I could do what she does as Jem, even with the hologram technology but it's fascinating to think about. Despite the fact that it's a comic run and writers don't have the real estate to develop a world and their characters as much as authors can in their books, I still feel that the series is very well done. They tackle personal and social issues, which are so important and make the characters feel more authentic.
This particular bind up deals with a sci-fi style adventure they go off on and doesn't take place in their original universe. As a result, I would recommend beginning the comics series from the start and eventually delving into this storyline. It was very enjoyable and I liked it more than some of the previous storylines, so I would highly recommend it.
As a singer myself, I really related to Jerrica because I don't like performing in front of people. I don't know if I could do what she does as Jem, even with the hologram technology but it's fascinating to think about. Despite the fact that it's a comic run and writers don't have the real estate to develop a world and their characters as much as authors can in their books, I still feel that the series is very well done. They tackle personal and social issues, which are so important and make the characters feel more authentic.
This particular bind up deals with a sci-fi style adventure they go off on and doesn't take place in their original universe. As a result, I would recommend beginning the comics series from the start and eventually delving into this storyline. It was very enjoyable and I liked it more than some of the previous storylines, so I would highly recommend it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2336 KP) rated The Girl with the Dachshund Tattoo in Books
Sep 18, 2018
Clearing Betty Depends on Finding the Girl with the Dachshund Tattoo
This weekend, the Dachshund Dash has come to town, and Mel has closed down her Bow Wow Boutique to be there. Not only does she have a booth, but she is also providing the official racing jerseys for the contestants. While she isn't familiar with the backstage drama associated with this racing circuit, she quickly gets a crash course when Lenny and Richard, the owners of the dogs expected to finish in first and second, get into an argument right outside her booth. A little while later, her assistant, Betty, gets into an altercation with Richard, even brandishing a gun at him. So, naturally, when Mel finds Richard's dead body after he's been shot, Betty becomes the prime suspect. Only Betty claims that someone, a girl with a dachshund tattoo, took the gun away from her. Why is Betty being so secretive? Where is her gun? Who shot Richard?
This is another fabulous book in the series. The plot introduces us to a couple of solid suspects before the murder takes place, and it then gives us a few more once things really get going. We get plenty of twists and turns before Mel figures everything out. And we also get plenty of humor. I was grinning and chuckling when I wasn't laughing. The characters can be a bit broad as a result as they serve the dual purpose of suspect and provider of laughs, but it works for the series. It helps that Mel is very real, and her concern comes through. The result is lots of fun.
This is another fabulous book in the series. The plot introduces us to a couple of solid suspects before the murder takes place, and it then gives us a few more once things really get going. We get plenty of twists and turns before Mel figures everything out. And we also get plenty of humor. I was grinning and chuckling when I wasn't laughing. The characters can be a bit broad as a result as they serve the dual purpose of suspect and provider of laughs, but it works for the series. It helps that Mel is very real, and her concern comes through. The result is lots of fun.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Puzzle Hockey in Apps
Nov 12, 2018
Addictive strategy (2 more)
Actual NHL players
More than just match the 3..... there's timing and mini games
After playing for a week, it's quite good.
This game is really good. There's really a nice little bit of strategy. Each player has an icon, and that player powers up when you match those icons, once you have fully powered you can use their ability. You start off with a bunch of basic 1 star players, but each of those players can get stronger if you collect more of them which you get from lockers which you win or just open up as time goes on. I'm a bit anxious to get more 2 star and up players as i seem to have hit a small wall where the teams I'm playing against are obviously stronger than I am. This is where you can pay to get more diamonds and open up more lockers sooner. I'll just be patient personally. I have been playing a lot of it lately though. so it must be good enough for that. I really do like the idea of this game, it takes the match three element up a notch by implementing the match 3 with purpose. I need more pucks to pull off a pass or a shot, I need more gloves to activate my forwards, I need more shield to activate my defense. I also have to face shots if I let the other team into my zone. The flicking action for shooting is tough to control. This is almost a nine for me.... maybe I'll update as I play further into it.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Caught by Surprise (Apart From the Crowd, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
This story may very well be my favorite of Jen Turano's to date. Temperance is my favorite wallflower. Her artistic abilities endear her to me in a special way. But beyond that, this story is so full of plot twists you will want to read this in one sitting. (Which is easier to do on audio for me.)
Gilbert Cavendish likes order and organization. He lives by his lists and well thought out plans. So when Temperance Flowerdew comes barreling back into his life, he is shaken to his core. Temperance Flowerdew is just the slightest bit stubborn. Which I, of course, can't relate to in the slightest...*cough*cough*...😏 She has survived so much heartache. By God's grace, she is finding life and purpose again. And oh! What a life it is! Full of color, love, spirit, and confidence.
There were numerous times while reading I was found laughing out loud and then gasping in shock then next minute, it's a wonder my husband doesn't think I'm crazy (well...we won't get into that). Jen Turano is by far one of the most talented authors that I know. To weave humor, romance, subterfuge, and danger so seamlessly is brilliant! Not to mention several twists that will catch you by surprise.
If you are looking for a good story that will give you laughs while giving you a grand adventure, you won't want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy of Caught by Surprise from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Gilbert Cavendish likes order and organization. He lives by his lists and well thought out plans. So when Temperance Flowerdew comes barreling back into his life, he is shaken to his core. Temperance Flowerdew is just the slightest bit stubborn. Which I, of course, can't relate to in the slightest...*cough*cough*...😏 She has survived so much heartache. By God's grace, she is finding life and purpose again. And oh! What a life it is! Full of color, love, spirit, and confidence.
There were numerous times while reading I was found laughing out loud and then gasping in shock then next minute, it's a wonder my husband doesn't think I'm crazy (well...we won't get into that). Jen Turano is by far one of the most talented authors that I know. To weave humor, romance, subterfuge, and danger so seamlessly is brilliant! Not to mention several twists that will catch you by surprise.
If you are looking for a good story that will give you laughs while giving you a grand adventure, you won't want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy of Caught by Surprise from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Chris Cronshaw (20 KP) rated Halo 4 in Video Games
Jan 12, 2020
Story arc (1 more)
Character development
Best campaign
Halo 4 is without the best of the 5 master chief campaigns.
343 studios took the story telling to the next step and brought master chief into this huge universe that had been created.
All the characters within the game new and old serve their purpose in driving the story forward, and with a complete rest at the end of Halo 3, there is no requirement to play any of the other games prior to enjoy the story.
Game play is solid, new enemies can become abit like bullet sponges, and often on the harder difficulties you do not have enough ammo in a clip to bring enemies down, which can disrupt the flow of the game.
Halo 4 Multiplayer, can at times be frustrating. Admit of emphasis has been placed on mods and load outs, which detracts from Halo's forget stave of controlling weapons on map, which can be easily avoided now, since the grange treks you when they will appear and where, meaning no need to learn the makes to the fullest.
With that said, when Multiplayer is played in legendary mode, Halo 4 becomes the strongest Multiplayer gave toe since Halo 2.the introduction of sprint makes matches a good fast pace, and leaves you vulnerable to gun fire since it takes longer to fire your weapon from a sprint position.
With a lack of great makes Halo 4 was never going to be ground breaking Multiplayer, but it is a solid and welcomed addition to the franchise.
Coupled with its amazing campaign Halo 4 is an incredible tithe.
343 studios took the story telling to the next step and brought master chief into this huge universe that had been created.
All the characters within the game new and old serve their purpose in driving the story forward, and with a complete rest at the end of Halo 3, there is no requirement to play any of the other games prior to enjoy the story.
Game play is solid, new enemies can become abit like bullet sponges, and often on the harder difficulties you do not have enough ammo in a clip to bring enemies down, which can disrupt the flow of the game.
Halo 4 Multiplayer, can at times be frustrating. Admit of emphasis has been placed on mods and load outs, which detracts from Halo's forget stave of controlling weapons on map, which can be easily avoided now, since the grange treks you when they will appear and where, meaning no need to learn the makes to the fullest.
With that said, when Multiplayer is played in legendary mode, Halo 4 becomes the strongest Multiplayer gave toe since Halo 2.the introduction of sprint makes matches a good fast pace, and leaves you vulnerable to gun fire since it takes longer to fire your weapon from a sprint position.
With a lack of great makes Halo 4 was never going to be ground breaking Multiplayer, but it is a solid and welcomed addition to the franchise.
Coupled with its amazing campaign Halo 4 is an incredible tithe.
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