Search
Search results
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated X-Force, Volume 1: Angels And Demons in Books
Nov 30, 2020
When X-FORCE relaunched in 2009, I was on board for the first couple issues. Clayton Crain's sombre-hued, v art was perfectly suited to the new incarnation of the team: essentially, they were being re-crafted as a mutant Black Ops team. This was the book that got me into the character of Laura Kinney/X-23, and since that time, I have gobbled everything related to her backstory (both the well-written stuff and the not-so-well-written stuff).
Unfortunately, I was trying to read X-FORCE at a darker point (no pun intended) in my life. Long story short, I dropped the series after the third issue.
Fast forward to now.. I am at a better place mentally/emotionally (for the most part. Some days are better/worse than others). In I went, gobbling it up at a brisker pace than I could have imagined, bearing witness to a hitherto unheard of trail of carnage in an X-related book!
Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost were responsible for the creation of the character of X-23, where she first appeared in the animated series X-MEN: EVOLUTION back in the early 2000's, so I had an inkling of what to expect. However, the animated series was tame as heck compared what went down. If you have had the opportunity to see the movie LOGAN, it was that kind of intensity that was going on in these pages!
From the start, it was a team that Logan did not believe in, and he told Cyclops that in so many words (and a punch to the jaw!). However, as Cyclops told him, these are dark times, and to combat what is about to come, a "no rules" team, one that would be off-the-books is necessary! Logan does not agree with the team as whole, but he goes along with their first mission, as he feels the need to keep an eye on them, as well as watching out for Laura (Cyclops' assigning her to the team earns him the sock on the jaw!).
A lot of blood, a boatload of hurt, and a whole lot of things you mostly likely will not be able to unseen. All in the name of making it safe to be a mutant!
Kyle and Yost's characterizations are spot on, never wavering or disappointing. The characterization for Logan is particularly good, as are that of the Purifiers, the series', and mutantkind's, Big Bad. From the art to the writing, everything about this book, and clearly the series as a whole, is one hundred percent!
I won't lie, this is probably one of the darkest X-books you will ever read! The only one darker that I can think of is OLD MAN LOGAN. However, if you can handle angst-heavy, zero happy endings, then this is definitely for you! I can't recommend it enough!
Unfortunately, I was trying to read X-FORCE at a darker point (no pun intended) in my life. Long story short, I dropped the series after the third issue.
Fast forward to now.. I am at a better place mentally/emotionally (for the most part. Some days are better/worse than others). In I went, gobbling it up at a brisker pace than I could have imagined, bearing witness to a hitherto unheard of trail of carnage in an X-related book!
Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost were responsible for the creation of the character of X-23, where she first appeared in the animated series X-MEN: EVOLUTION back in the early 2000's, so I had an inkling of what to expect. However, the animated series was tame as heck compared what went down. If you have had the opportunity to see the movie LOGAN, it was that kind of intensity that was going on in these pages!
From the start, it was a team that Logan did not believe in, and he told Cyclops that in so many words (and a punch to the jaw!). However, as Cyclops told him, these are dark times, and to combat what is about to come, a "no rules" team, one that would be off-the-books is necessary! Logan does not agree with the team as whole, but he goes along with their first mission, as he feels the need to keep an eye on them, as well as watching out for Laura (Cyclops' assigning her to the team earns him the sock on the jaw!).
A lot of blood, a boatload of hurt, and a whole lot of things you mostly likely will not be able to unseen. All in the name of making it safe to be a mutant!
Kyle and Yost's characterizations are spot on, never wavering or disappointing. The characterization for Logan is particularly good, as are that of the Purifiers, the series', and mutantkind's, Big Bad. From the art to the writing, everything about this book, and clearly the series as a whole, is one hundred percent!
I won't lie, this is probably one of the darkest X-books you will ever read! The only one darker that I can think of is OLD MAN LOGAN. However, if you can handle angst-heavy, zero happy endings, then this is definitely for you! I can't recommend it enough!
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Food Chain Island in Tabletop Games
Jul 1, 2020
With the current pandemic (not the game) going on in the world, and the necessity for people to distance themselves from each other, game nights everywhere have been put on hold. That doesn’t mean that gaming must stop! Whether you’re a seasoned solo gamer, or new to the solo genre, ButtonShy has done it again with a fantastic new little wallet game in their Simply Solo series – check it out!
You find yourself on a small, isolated island teeming with wildlife – but there is no set hierarchy! It’s a world of ‘eat or be eaten’ and you’ve got to survive. Manipulate the wildlife and organize the food chain in such a way that leaves you on top. Are you able to strategize the best meals, or will the island be left in chaos?
Disclaimer: We were provided a PnP version of Food Chain Island for the purposes of this preview. Please excuse my lack of a color printer, but rest assured that the artwork of the final product is eye-catching, colorful, and easy to read! Check out the Kickstarter (Live now through June 6th) for a look at the finished production copy. -L
Food Chain Island is a solo card game of network building and chaining in which players are trying to end with the fewest remaining cards possible. The game, like its other ButtonShy siblings, contains only 18 cards, divided into Land animals (16 cards) and Water animals (2 cards). All animals have a special power associated with it, and all of the Land animal cards are numbered from 0-15. To setup the game, set the 2 Water animals off to the side (you’ll use those later), shuffle all of the Land animals, and create a 4×4 face-up grid of Land animal cards. Now you can start the game!
Every turn you will move one animal card to ‘eat’ another. Select an animal, and move it one space in one of the four cardinal directions so that it is placed over top of another animal. The card that is now covered up is considered ‘eaten.’ Each animal may only eat certain other animals, however, so this is where the card number comes into play. An animal can only ‘eat’ any animal card that is 1-3 numbers lower than its value. For example, the ‘4’ animal can only eat cards 3, 2, or 1. Simple, right? Not so fast. Each animal also has a special ability on it, and you must activate the ability of that card once it has eaten another animal. This step is mandatory, and can really help or hinder your strategy – so make sure you are thinking about those abilities and not just the card numbers. At any time during the game, you may choose to discard one of the 2 Water animals from the side to perform its special ability in addition to, or instead of, the ability you just triggered. The game ends when you have only 1-3 animals remaining, the number remaining signifying varying degrees of success. If you have 4 or more animals remaining but are unable to make any more legal moves, the game is over and you have lost.
For being a game with such simple rules and gameplay, it is way more strategic than meets the eye. Each card can only eat specific cards, so you’re trying to position them in a way that fulfills those requirements numerically. You also have to be thinking ahead to each card power, because that step is mandatory. You cannot choose to ignore a card ability just because it may be detrimental to you – that’s what keeps your strategy changing at all times! You’re playing a long game here, and must be looking ahead several turns in advance so as to not accidentally strand yourself with no legal moves left. Every move should be thought through and carefully calculated to see if you can truly win the game. Along with that, every game will have a different starting grid which ensures that you won’t play the same game twice. The rules even suggest alternate beginning grid layouts to provide further challenge to players.
The other thing I love about Food Chain Island is that it is so fast to play, and it has a small footprint. If I only had 5 minutes to spare and was dying to play a game, Food Chain Island is what I would pull out. The speed of gameplay doesn’t take away from the engagement and thought needed to be successful, and that keeps me coming back for more. I rarely just play one game at a time – I will play 4-5 in a row because it is so addicting! Although it’s not officially a Tiny Epic game, it is designed by the one and only Scott Almes who hits it out of the park with this one as well. Coupled with the quick play time, the small footprint of the game makes it easy to play at any place or time you want.
With every new wallet game, ButtonShy continues to surprise me with quality gameplay and design using only 18 cards. Food Chain Island is no exception, and is a perfect first installation in their new Simply Solo line of wallet games. I know that this is a game I will be backing to get the final production copy in lieu of my PnP copy. I encourage everyone to check this game out – whether you’ve played solo games or not, this is a great little filler or introductory game to the genre. Visit the Kickstarter before it’s too late!
You find yourself on a small, isolated island teeming with wildlife – but there is no set hierarchy! It’s a world of ‘eat or be eaten’ and you’ve got to survive. Manipulate the wildlife and organize the food chain in such a way that leaves you on top. Are you able to strategize the best meals, or will the island be left in chaos?
Disclaimer: We were provided a PnP version of Food Chain Island for the purposes of this preview. Please excuse my lack of a color printer, but rest assured that the artwork of the final product is eye-catching, colorful, and easy to read! Check out the Kickstarter (Live now through June 6th) for a look at the finished production copy. -L
Food Chain Island is a solo card game of network building and chaining in which players are trying to end with the fewest remaining cards possible. The game, like its other ButtonShy siblings, contains only 18 cards, divided into Land animals (16 cards) and Water animals (2 cards). All animals have a special power associated with it, and all of the Land animal cards are numbered from 0-15. To setup the game, set the 2 Water animals off to the side (you’ll use those later), shuffle all of the Land animals, and create a 4×4 face-up grid of Land animal cards. Now you can start the game!
Every turn you will move one animal card to ‘eat’ another. Select an animal, and move it one space in one of the four cardinal directions so that it is placed over top of another animal. The card that is now covered up is considered ‘eaten.’ Each animal may only eat certain other animals, however, so this is where the card number comes into play. An animal can only ‘eat’ any animal card that is 1-3 numbers lower than its value. For example, the ‘4’ animal can only eat cards 3, 2, or 1. Simple, right? Not so fast. Each animal also has a special ability on it, and you must activate the ability of that card once it has eaten another animal. This step is mandatory, and can really help or hinder your strategy – so make sure you are thinking about those abilities and not just the card numbers. At any time during the game, you may choose to discard one of the 2 Water animals from the side to perform its special ability in addition to, or instead of, the ability you just triggered. The game ends when you have only 1-3 animals remaining, the number remaining signifying varying degrees of success. If you have 4 or more animals remaining but are unable to make any more legal moves, the game is over and you have lost.
For being a game with such simple rules and gameplay, it is way more strategic than meets the eye. Each card can only eat specific cards, so you’re trying to position them in a way that fulfills those requirements numerically. You also have to be thinking ahead to each card power, because that step is mandatory. You cannot choose to ignore a card ability just because it may be detrimental to you – that’s what keeps your strategy changing at all times! You’re playing a long game here, and must be looking ahead several turns in advance so as to not accidentally strand yourself with no legal moves left. Every move should be thought through and carefully calculated to see if you can truly win the game. Along with that, every game will have a different starting grid which ensures that you won’t play the same game twice. The rules even suggest alternate beginning grid layouts to provide further challenge to players.
The other thing I love about Food Chain Island is that it is so fast to play, and it has a small footprint. If I only had 5 minutes to spare and was dying to play a game, Food Chain Island is what I would pull out. The speed of gameplay doesn’t take away from the engagement and thought needed to be successful, and that keeps me coming back for more. I rarely just play one game at a time – I will play 4-5 in a row because it is so addicting! Although it’s not officially a Tiny Epic game, it is designed by the one and only Scott Almes who hits it out of the park with this one as well. Coupled with the quick play time, the small footprint of the game makes it easy to play at any place or time you want.
With every new wallet game, ButtonShy continues to surprise me with quality gameplay and design using only 18 cards. Food Chain Island is no exception, and is a perfect first installation in their new Simply Solo line of wallet games. I know that this is a game I will be backing to get the final production copy in lieu of my PnP copy. I encourage everyone to check this game out – whether you’ve played solo games or not, this is a great little filler or introductory game to the genre. Visit the Kickstarter before it’s too late!
Erika (17789 KP) rated Avengers: Infinity War (2018) in Movies
Apr 27, 2018 (Updated Apr 28, 2018)
Predictable (1 more)
Some shoddy SFX
Contains spoilers, click to show
So, it's finally here, Happy Infinity War day!
Now, I'm even going to enter down. Seriously, don't read any further if you want the movie unspoiled.
Yes, I'm calling the film predictable, because it was. It's not necessarily a bad thing, there just wasn't anything that honestly surprised me.
For one, I completely guessed the first two people to bite the dust, based solely on the end credit scene in Ragnarok. Heimdall dies first, but not before conveniently getting Hulk out of there.
Loki dies next, but not before you think they're completely going to reverse the story arc from Ragnarok. Whew, but they didn't. Hiddles did a really fantastic job in the whole 5-10 min he was in the film.
Thanos looked pretty good, they seemed to have fixed the color on him from the whack neon purple in that first trailer. His minions were a bit weak, and overall I don't even know what their names were, however, I don't think I was supposed to care.
I think the Guardians of the Galaxy were given way too much screentime. I'm so over them. I also got a Gamora backstory that I didn't want nor need. I'm hoping she's one of the for sure dead.
I was so happy they finally addressed Red Skull, of course he was alive! My only question is, yall couldn't shell out enough money to get Hugo Weaving back in the makeup? Come on Disney.
The only characters I for sure believe are dead and gone, are Vision, Loki, and Heimdall. Gamora is up for debate. Everyone else...come on, it's a comic book movie. I do wish they'd have had the balls to let Tony Stark die.
So, at the end, we're left with the OG Avengers. Hawkeye and Ant Man are with their fams, and Thanos got what he wanted. There's also the Captain Marvel paging scene after the credits. Of course it needed to be in there.
ALSO, set up for Venom?? That was such a good idea! At least, I believe it was supposed to be a set up...
Ah right, the shoddy SFX... there are a few scenes towards the end, especially with Thor that looked so cheap. It was strange.
Anyway, I can't give it a 10 because of those shoddy graphics, and there was too much GotG.
Now, I'm even going to enter down. Seriously, don't read any further if you want the movie unspoiled.
Yes, I'm calling the film predictable, because it was. It's not necessarily a bad thing, there just wasn't anything that honestly surprised me.
For one, I completely guessed the first two people to bite the dust, based solely on the end credit scene in Ragnarok. Heimdall dies first, but not before conveniently getting Hulk out of there.
Loki dies next, but not before you think they're completely going to reverse the story arc from Ragnarok. Whew, but they didn't. Hiddles did a really fantastic job in the whole 5-10 min he was in the film.
Thanos looked pretty good, they seemed to have fixed the color on him from the whack neon purple in that first trailer. His minions were a bit weak, and overall I don't even know what their names were, however, I don't think I was supposed to care.
I think the Guardians of the Galaxy were given way too much screentime. I'm so over them. I also got a Gamora backstory that I didn't want nor need. I'm hoping she's one of the for sure dead.
I was so happy they finally addressed Red Skull, of course he was alive! My only question is, yall couldn't shell out enough money to get Hugo Weaving back in the makeup? Come on Disney.
The only characters I for sure believe are dead and gone, are Vision, Loki, and Heimdall. Gamora is up for debate. Everyone else...come on, it's a comic book movie. I do wish they'd have had the balls to let Tony Stark die.
So, at the end, we're left with the OG Avengers. Hawkeye and Ant Man are with their fams, and Thanos got what he wanted. There's also the Captain Marvel paging scene after the credits. Of course it needed to be in there.
ALSO, set up for Venom?? That was such a good idea! At least, I believe it was supposed to be a set up...
Ah right, the shoddy SFX... there are a few scenes towards the end, especially with Thor that looked so cheap. It was strange.
Anyway, I can't give it a 10 because of those shoddy graphics, and there was too much GotG.
Debbiereadsbook (1569 KP) rated Soul of Discretion in Books
May 1, 2018
great collaboration!
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author, that I write a review was not required.
You know how you love a particular author, all their books are mostly 5 stars reviews, and then one comes along that throws you for a loop, and you did not love it, but you cannot figure out why?? This one, right here.
Simon is in Canada to see just what has happened to his money, and more importantly, his friend. His hook-up provides him with some much needed relief. When said hook-up turns out to be the police officer dealing with his friend, both Simon and Nick realise they have to stay apart. But neither man can do that, because each man feels more for the other than just a hook-up. But how can things work, with them living on opposite sides of the world??
I LIKED this, I really did, I just didn't love, and it pains me deeply to say that, and I really don't know why!
I loved Simon, being an Earl, but he doesn't lord it over others. He works hard, makes his millions by working hard and pushing others to work hard for him. Loved Nick, who is, up to now, quite happy in his job as a Mountie. Loved the supporting cast of characters that take part in this story. Loved how they came together, and that they both thought, quite quickly, that there could be more between them.
I just didn't love the story! I did love how Jack, Simon's friend, redeemed himself, and the bad guys got their comeuppence, though.
This is a collaboration between Susan Mac Nicol, and M.Tasia. I LOVE Ms Mac Nicol, but have only read one short by Ms Tasia. I tried really hard to pick out where each author had their say, as it were, but I couldn't find any seams. The changes between each author are smooth and painless and unless you KNOW where they are, you might never be able to pick those seams apart. So, very well done for that!
So, as much as I enjoyed the story, I just didn't love it and for that I'm deeply sorry!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
You know how you love a particular author, all their books are mostly 5 stars reviews, and then one comes along that throws you for a loop, and you did not love it, but you cannot figure out why?? This one, right here.
Simon is in Canada to see just what has happened to his money, and more importantly, his friend. His hook-up provides him with some much needed relief. When said hook-up turns out to be the police officer dealing with his friend, both Simon and Nick realise they have to stay apart. But neither man can do that, because each man feels more for the other than just a hook-up. But how can things work, with them living on opposite sides of the world??
I LIKED this, I really did, I just didn't love, and it pains me deeply to say that, and I really don't know why!
I loved Simon, being an Earl, but he doesn't lord it over others. He works hard, makes his millions by working hard and pushing others to work hard for him. Loved Nick, who is, up to now, quite happy in his job as a Mountie. Loved the supporting cast of characters that take part in this story. Loved how they came together, and that they both thought, quite quickly, that there could be more between them.
I just didn't love the story! I did love how Jack, Simon's friend, redeemed himself, and the bad guys got their comeuppence, though.
This is a collaboration between Susan Mac Nicol, and M.Tasia. I LOVE Ms Mac Nicol, but have only read one short by Ms Tasia. I tried really hard to pick out where each author had their say, as it were, but I couldn't find any seams. The changes between each author are smooth and painless and unless you KNOW where they are, you might never be able to pick those seams apart. So, very well done for that!
So, as much as I enjoyed the story, I just didn't love it and for that I'm deeply sorry!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Unbury Carol in Books
May 15, 2018
Anyone who knows me knows that Bird Box is my favorite book to date. Josh Malerman really pulled off the whole Twilight Zone feel of things. Unfortunately, this review isn’t about that book. Though I looked forward to reading this book and I was excited to get the opportunity to review an advance copy, it does not live up to what I expect from Malerman.
Everything in Unbury Carol is a cliché. From the stereotypical characters, to the very style, it is a letdown. I made it almost 40% into the book before I realized I knew the plot, the villains, and pretty much what was going to happen. Granted I could be wrong, and if I am, PLEASE correct me in the comments, but it’s a pretty straightforward “Prince Charming saves Damsel-in-Distress” scenario. Otherwise, I think it’d be a short story.
Before I begin my rant about plot though, I want to take a moment to focus on the main characters thus far. We have the old lover, Moxie. He’s your usual western outlaw. He’s regretful, he’s made some bad choices, he wants to fix them. Then you have the husband, our evil mastermind. He’s like the dragon in a “save the princess” scenario. And of course, we have Carol Evers, who basically just lays there, listening to the future laid out. It’s a Sleeping Beauty plot.
Now that I’ve mentioned that lovely device… This book absolutely crawls. We all know how short the tale of Sleeping Beauty is, whether it is Disney or Grimm. This book stretches that plot device over nearly 400 pages. The first half of it (okay, 2/5s if we’re being technical and only considering what I could read) is full of nothing and this bothers me. This is where I reiterate the fact I loved Bird Box. For every bit of Bird Box that kept you on the edge of your seat, Unbury Carol puts you to sleep.
I guess what I’m saying here is that the book doesn’t live up to my expectations. I hate, hate, hate putting down a novel that I’ve started reading, but Unbury Carol is one of those that I just cannot finish. I’d like to thank the Del Ray, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an opportunity to review this book free of charge in exchange for honesty.
Everything in Unbury Carol is a cliché. From the stereotypical characters, to the very style, it is a letdown. I made it almost 40% into the book before I realized I knew the plot, the villains, and pretty much what was going to happen. Granted I could be wrong, and if I am, PLEASE correct me in the comments, but it’s a pretty straightforward “Prince Charming saves Damsel-in-Distress” scenario. Otherwise, I think it’d be a short story.
Before I begin my rant about plot though, I want to take a moment to focus on the main characters thus far. We have the old lover, Moxie. He’s your usual western outlaw. He’s regretful, he’s made some bad choices, he wants to fix them. Then you have the husband, our evil mastermind. He’s like the dragon in a “save the princess” scenario. And of course, we have Carol Evers, who basically just lays there, listening to the future laid out. It’s a Sleeping Beauty plot.
Now that I’ve mentioned that lovely device… This book absolutely crawls. We all know how short the tale of Sleeping Beauty is, whether it is Disney or Grimm. This book stretches that plot device over nearly 400 pages. The first half of it (okay, 2/5s if we’re being technical and only considering what I could read) is full of nothing and this bothers me. This is where I reiterate the fact I loved Bird Box. For every bit of Bird Box that kept you on the edge of your seat, Unbury Carol puts you to sleep.
I guess what I’m saying here is that the book doesn’t live up to my expectations. I hate, hate, hate putting down a novel that I’ve started reading, but Unbury Carol is one of those that I just cannot finish. I’d like to thank the Del Ray, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an opportunity to review this book free of charge in exchange for honesty.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Alice of the Rocks in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Elisa is a scullery maid in the castle’s kitchen in Florence, Italy, 1512. She is forbidden to speak to any of the nobles, and she must keep her face hidden and eyes downcast for fear of drawing attention to herself. But one evening, her path crosses with Count Claudio Moro who protects her from the roaming hands of another nobleman. It is highly improper for the two to converse, let alone have a relationship, but there is just something about Elisa which sticks in Claudio’s mind, and he must continue seeing her, even at a detriment to his own status.
Alice was orphaned as an infant at a convent in Italy in 2012, but she was adopted by the most wonderful couple. Now it is 2029, she is seventeen years old, and she and her parents are going on a family trip to her country of birth to visit family and see the sights. However, one of those sights for Alice comes by way of a strikingly-handsome young man who works at a villa where the family is staying. There is an instant attraction between the two, and it’s almost as if they have met one another before. Could this be just a simple summer fling, or is there more? And why is Alice suddenly having strange dreams and feelings of déjà vu?
This is a truly wonderful story told with love and care in every chapter. The characters pull you in from the very beginning, and it’s as if they are actually there with you, guiding you through each point in their lives. The transitions between time periods are flawless and unimposing, and the story flows in such a way that it’s almost like a movie. I could clearly see the entire novel playing in my head, making it very entertaining and fully engrossing, and the scenery of Italy is described so beautifully it sets a wonderful backdrop. I didn’t want to put it down, and I will admit running the gambit of emotions, from anger and sadness to joy and wonder.
If you fancy intrigue, romance, and a love which traverses both social and timely boundaries, I highly recommend this as your next read.
Elisa is a scullery maid in the castle’s kitchen in Florence, Italy, 1512. She is forbidden to speak to any of the nobles, and she must keep her face hidden and eyes downcast for fear of drawing attention to herself. But one evening, her path crosses with Count Claudio Moro who protects her from the roaming hands of another nobleman. It is highly improper for the two to converse, let alone have a relationship, but there is just something about Elisa which sticks in Claudio’s mind, and he must continue seeing her, even at a detriment to his own status.
Alice was orphaned as an infant at a convent in Italy in 2012, but she was adopted by the most wonderful couple. Now it is 2029, she is seventeen years old, and she and her parents are going on a family trip to her country of birth to visit family and see the sights. However, one of those sights for Alice comes by way of a strikingly-handsome young man who works at a villa where the family is staying. There is an instant attraction between the two, and it’s almost as if they have met one another before. Could this be just a simple summer fling, or is there more? And why is Alice suddenly having strange dreams and feelings of déjà vu?
This is a truly wonderful story told with love and care in every chapter. The characters pull you in from the very beginning, and it’s as if they are actually there with you, guiding you through each point in their lives. The transitions between time periods are flawless and unimposing, and the story flows in such a way that it’s almost like a movie. I could clearly see the entire novel playing in my head, making it very entertaining and fully engrossing, and the scenery of Italy is described so beautifully it sets a wonderful backdrop. I didn’t want to put it down, and I will admit running the gambit of emotions, from anger and sadness to joy and wonder.
If you fancy intrigue, romance, and a love which traverses both social and timely boundaries, I highly recommend this as your next read.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Selection in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Selection</i> is the first book in a girly dystopian novel by Kiera Cass set far in the future in a new country called Illéa. After two more world wars society has a place where people are labeled depending on their family history and wealth. Castes from one to eight, where one is the royal family, are assigned to every family in the country, which also determines their job prospects.
America Singer is a five and helps her family to earn money by performing, singing and playing music. But her life changes when it is announced that Prince Maxon is searching for a wife. Thirty-five girls from around the country are going to be selected to spend time with the prince at the palace where eventually one will be chosen to be his bride. Most girls would jump at the chance to be selected, but when America’s name is chosen she could not be more horrified.
America has a dilemma. She is already in love with someone else. Marrying Aspen, a six, is all America has ever dreamed about. Despite the fact that marrying into a caste below your own is frowned upon, the two of them were hoping to find a way around it. Now America has no choice but to leave Aspen behind. But what if the prince wants to choose her as his bride? Could she ever love him or would her feelings for Aspen hold her back?
It is easy to grow attached to America’s character and personality. She remains herself in a place where most girls would put on an act to get noticed. America also cares a lot about other people and they way they are treated, even though she is from one of the lower castes. Likewise with America, the reader is torn between wishing she could create a life with Aspen, but also hoping something will happen between her and the prince.
Overall it is a well-written book however it does not feel completely original. The castes felt similar to the district idea in <i>The Hunger Games</i>, however <i>The Selection</i> focuses on a more positive storyline. The outcome of the selection process is not resolved within this book, so if you enjoy reading this novel you will definitely want to read the next one!
The Selection</i> is the first book in a girly dystopian novel by Kiera Cass set far in the future in a new country called Illéa. After two more world wars society has a place where people are labeled depending on their family history and wealth. Castes from one to eight, where one is the royal family, are assigned to every family in the country, which also determines their job prospects.
America Singer is a five and helps her family to earn money by performing, singing and playing music. But her life changes when it is announced that Prince Maxon is searching for a wife. Thirty-five girls from around the country are going to be selected to spend time with the prince at the palace where eventually one will be chosen to be his bride. Most girls would jump at the chance to be selected, but when America’s name is chosen she could not be more horrified.
America has a dilemma. She is already in love with someone else. Marrying Aspen, a six, is all America has ever dreamed about. Despite the fact that marrying into a caste below your own is frowned upon, the two of them were hoping to find a way around it. Now America has no choice but to leave Aspen behind. But what if the prince wants to choose her as his bride? Could she ever love him or would her feelings for Aspen hold her back?
It is easy to grow attached to America’s character and personality. She remains herself in a place where most girls would put on an act to get noticed. America also cares a lot about other people and they way they are treated, even though she is from one of the lower castes. Likewise with America, the reader is torn between wishing she could create a life with Aspen, but also hoping something will happen between her and the prince.
Overall it is a well-written book however it does not feel completely original. The castes felt similar to the district idea in <i>The Hunger Games</i>, however <i>The Selection</i> focuses on a more positive storyline. The outcome of the selection process is not resolved within this book, so if you enjoy reading this novel you will definitely want to read the next one!
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Professor (McMurtrie and Drake Legal Thrillers #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
<i>The Professor</i>, a legal thriller by American author Robert Bailey, is a well-written novel about an investigation into a fatal car crash. A collision between a speeding truck and a family car resulted in the death of all four people in the vehicles. The mother of one of the deceased is determined to find out the truth about what happened and so enlists the help of an old friend, Thomas McMurtrie, the Professor.
Although everything revolves around the upcoming trial, the story is really focused on two people in particular. One is the aforementioned Professor and the other is an ex-student of his, Rick Drake. Tom used to be a lawyer but after persuasion from Coach Paul Bryant he took up a position at the University of Alabama teaching law. Now at 68 years old he is forced into retirement. Rick Drake, on the other hand, is a young and struggling lawyer, who after punching Tom due to his hot headedness is finding it difficult to pick up work. Putting aside their differences, the two of the come together to try and win this court case. The opposition, however, seem determined to make that impossible by using any means possible.
The prologue initially misled me. It explains how Tom became a professor in 1969 by detailing his meeting with Coach Paul Bryant who is more often referred to as the Man. This title, as well as the capitalization, led me to believe that he would be a sinister, untrustworthy character in this story. That turned out not to be the case – nor was he even in it, having long passed away. He was known as the Man in the same way that Tom is known as the Professor, due to respect and admiration.
There were times when I did not like what was happening in the novel, particularly the murders of Rick’s key witnesses, but once the trial actually began it got really exciting with the pace picking up as I hoped that everything would resolve itself.
For those who love crime novels this is a definite read. I cannot be entirely sure but the caption on the back cover “The First McMurtrie & Drake Investigation” implies that this could become a series rather than a standalone story; in which case it would be interesting to discover what the pair do next.
<i>The Professor</i>, a legal thriller by American author Robert Bailey, is a well-written novel about an investigation into a fatal car crash. A collision between a speeding truck and a family car resulted in the death of all four people in the vehicles. The mother of one of the deceased is determined to find out the truth about what happened and so enlists the help of an old friend, Thomas McMurtrie, the Professor.
Although everything revolves around the upcoming trial, the story is really focused on two people in particular. One is the aforementioned Professor and the other is an ex-student of his, Rick Drake. Tom used to be a lawyer but after persuasion from Coach Paul Bryant he took up a position at the University of Alabama teaching law. Now at 68 years old he is forced into retirement. Rick Drake, on the other hand, is a young and struggling lawyer, who after punching Tom due to his hot headedness is finding it difficult to pick up work. Putting aside their differences, the two of the come together to try and win this court case. The opposition, however, seem determined to make that impossible by using any means possible.
The prologue initially misled me. It explains how Tom became a professor in 1969 by detailing his meeting with Coach Paul Bryant who is more often referred to as the Man. This title, as well as the capitalization, led me to believe that he would be a sinister, untrustworthy character in this story. That turned out not to be the case – nor was he even in it, having long passed away. He was known as the Man in the same way that Tom is known as the Professor, due to respect and admiration.
There were times when I did not like what was happening in the novel, particularly the murders of Rick’s key witnesses, but once the trial actually began it got really exciting with the pace picking up as I hoped that everything would resolve itself.
For those who love crime novels this is a definite read. I cannot be entirely sure but the caption on the back cover “The First McMurtrie & Drake Investigation” implies that this could become a series rather than a standalone story; in which case it would be interesting to discover what the pair do next.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Dear Child in Books
Sep 24, 2020 (Updated Oct 8, 2020)
It is worth reading.
This novel is told from multiple perspectives, and we have three people who are sharing their sides of the story. First of all, it is a woman, who ran away from the cabin. She is sharing her story during the time inside, as well as how she is coping now. She is a really disturbed woman, who went through a lot, and I found her story very engrossing and absorbing. The second character is Hannah, one of the children, that were kept in that cabin. She is on the spectrum of Autism, and she sees her life through a completely different perspective than the woman that was held captive. Hannah is a perfectionist, and the cabin with all the rules imposed by the captor are her norms, so she finds very hard to open up about her life, but when she does, I could not stop reading her parts. The last character would be Matthias, Lena’s father. For me he was the least interesting character of all, I could not understand his role in all this story, but he does have few tricks up his sleeve.
The narrative of this book is pure beauty. It has everything that my thriller loving heart could wish for, the twists and turns left me gobsmacked on many occasions, the suspense was very well placed and kept developing throughout the pages, and I was so absorbed in this novel, that the pages just flew by. The topics discussed in this novel were an obsession, controlling personalities, blind fatherly love, denial, post-traumatic disorder and other mental illnesses, and many more.
The book was set in Germany, and I was very intrigued by the way German police were working. I really liked the writing style of this book, we have the very intense parts with Hannah and the woman in the cabin, as well as calmer ones with Matthias, that created the perfect balance. The chapters are short, so the book was easy to read for me. The ending was amazing and I really enjoyed how this book ended, it did answer my questions and rounded this story very well. I would like to mention, that this book has plenty of violent and disturbing parts, so it might not be very suitable to sensitive readers.
The narrative of this book is pure beauty. It has everything that my thriller loving heart could wish for, the twists and turns left me gobsmacked on many occasions, the suspense was very well placed and kept developing throughout the pages, and I was so absorbed in this novel, that the pages just flew by. The topics discussed in this novel were an obsession, controlling personalities, blind fatherly love, denial, post-traumatic disorder and other mental illnesses, and many more.
The book was set in Germany, and I was very intrigued by the way German police were working. I really liked the writing style of this book, we have the very intense parts with Hannah and the woman in the cabin, as well as calmer ones with Matthias, that created the perfect balance. The chapters are short, so the book was easy to read for me. The ending was amazing and I really enjoyed how this book ended, it did answer my questions and rounded this story very well. I would like to mention, that this book has plenty of violent and disturbing parts, so it might not be very suitable to sensitive readers.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Hands Down in Books
Jan 15, 2021
Borrowed this from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
This starts with Bianca at work and taking a call from her cousin who asks her to go and get NFO star and his best friend Zac, since they haven't been able to get hold of him to tell him that his Paw-Paw has been admitted to hospital. It's been about ten years since Bianca last saw Zac, her teenage crush, and is reluctant to see him again but because she loves her cousin like a brother, she agrees to go see Zac and let him know what's happened. Before she realises it, Zac is a major part of her life again and the friendship they used to have has come back into full force. Only those pesky feelings she used to have for him haven't completely disappeared.
Mariana Zapata is the Queen of slow burn romances. You only ever see the woman's POV in her books and have to read the body language of the males to figure out what they're thinking and I think she is brilliant at it. Zac's facial expressions in this gave a lot away about how he was feeling but it still took somewhere around the 90% mark for the words to be spoken - the "I love you"s.
Her books are always long - I've pointed out several times I'm not the biggest fan of long books - but most of the time you don't even realise it because you're so engrossed in the story. The same could be said of this one although I did find Bianca a bit annoying at times with her persistent belief that Zac was only hanging around because he felt guilty for losing touch with her when he made sure she was there for everything and always wanted to hang out with her. I did feel like giving her a slap every now and then because it was pretty obvious he cared about you, you donut!
I also love how she writes the characters from her previous books into her latest. We see several of them in this one including characters from From Lukov with Love and The Wall of Winnipeg and Me and even DeMaio House gym plays a vital part in this book.
P.S. I can't help feeling like we've met Enzo somewhere before...?
This starts with Bianca at work and taking a call from her cousin who asks her to go and get NFO star and his best friend Zac, since they haven't been able to get hold of him to tell him that his Paw-Paw has been admitted to hospital. It's been about ten years since Bianca last saw Zac, her teenage crush, and is reluctant to see him again but because she loves her cousin like a brother, she agrees to go see Zac and let him know what's happened. Before she realises it, Zac is a major part of her life again and the friendship they used to have has come back into full force. Only those pesky feelings she used to have for him haven't completely disappeared.
Mariana Zapata is the Queen of slow burn romances. You only ever see the woman's POV in her books and have to read the body language of the males to figure out what they're thinking and I think she is brilliant at it. Zac's facial expressions in this gave a lot away about how he was feeling but it still took somewhere around the 90% mark for the words to be spoken - the "I love you"s.
Her books are always long - I've pointed out several times I'm not the biggest fan of long books - but most of the time you don't even realise it because you're so engrossed in the story. The same could be said of this one although I did find Bianca a bit annoying at times with her persistent belief that Zac was only hanging around because he felt guilty for losing touch with her when he made sure she was there for everything and always wanted to hang out with her. I did feel like giving her a slap every now and then because it was pretty obvious he cared about you, you donut!
I also love how she writes the characters from her previous books into her latest. We see several of them in this one including characters from From Lukov with Love and The Wall of Winnipeg and Me and even DeMaio House gym plays a vital part in this book.
P.S. I can't help feeling like we've met Enzo somewhere before...?