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Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) in Movies
Oct 15, 2017 (Updated Oct 15, 2017)
Amazing fight cinematography (4 more)
Fun gadgets
British manners vs. American straightforwardness
Doesn't take itself too seriously
ELTON JOHN
Just as fun as the first
Oh man. This movie was just as great as the original. I've heard it didn't get great reviews because it wasn't much different than the first, but why does it need to be much different? The first was a hilarious spy movie romp in an almost parody of James Bond movies, and this one was no different. With improbably back-from-the-dead characters, an amazing cameo by Elton John, and the fantastic fight choreography and cinematography of the first film, this one was a winner in my book. It was only marred by some unexpected character deaths that I am very sad about.
It took me a moment to place Eggsy's girlfriend - since she was only in the last like ten minutes of the first movie - but I was utterly delighted when I realized who she is. I was very happy to see that she wasn't just a throwaway character like so many Bond girls.
If you enjoyed the first one, you'll also enjoy this one. I'm hoping there will be a third, as there's still hope for something from this one to not be quite as it seems. And they could rectify that in a third movie.
It took me a moment to place Eggsy's girlfriend - since she was only in the last like ten minutes of the first movie - but I was utterly delighted when I realized who she is. I was very happy to see that she wasn't just a throwaway character like so many Bond girls.
If you enjoyed the first one, you'll also enjoy this one. I'm hoping there will be a third, as there's still hope for something from this one to not be quite as it seems. And they could rectify that in a third movie.
LucyB (47 KP) rated The Essex Serpent in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Expertly written, but I struggled to get into it.
Sarah Perry definitely has a way with words. There was much about this book that I found very evocative, on occasion lyrical. Also, what a great backdrop for a story - the wilder parts of Essex, not to mention ancient folklore! As an Essex-born gal myself (and a sucker for anything mythical / legendary), this was music to my ears.
To be honest, I felt ever so slightly disappointed by the book as a whole, though... though I suspect this might be a case of 'it's me, not you'. I found it tricky to get into, and didn't really engage much with any of the characters. There were moments of absolute brilliance (the 'beast' washed up on the shore was so wonderfully depicted, as was the laughing scene in the school), but these were mired in content that I found a little distancing.
I don't want to be harsh at all, because I think it's clear that Perry is a master writer, and judging by all the other glowing reviews, this clearly is just me not 'getting' the book. Perhaps I'll pull it off the shelf at a later date and give it another go, it may well be that I just wasn't in the right frame of mind at present.
To be honest, I felt ever so slightly disappointed by the book as a whole, though... though I suspect this might be a case of 'it's me, not you'. I found it tricky to get into, and didn't really engage much with any of the characters. There were moments of absolute brilliance (the 'beast' washed up on the shore was so wonderfully depicted, as was the laughing scene in the school), but these were mired in content that I found a little distancing.
I don't want to be harsh at all, because I think it's clear that Perry is a master writer, and judging by all the other glowing reviews, this clearly is just me not 'getting' the book. Perhaps I'll pull it off the shelf at a later date and give it another go, it may well be that I just wasn't in the right frame of mind at present.
QuietlyBookish (65 KP) rated Red Queen in Books
Jul 7, 2017
Plot (1 more)
Characters
So Many Plot Twists!
THE PLOT TWISTS IN THIS BOOK GAVE ME WHIPLASH!
My poor, poor heart has been put through the ringer with this book! I was apprehensive about this book, I had heard mixed reviews and it honestly took me a while to get into it but I am so glad I stuck with it because it got so much better! There was one plot twist that took me by surprise and then there was another one! AND THEN THERE WAS A THIRD PLOT TWIST AS WELL! It also ended on a cliffhanger because, of course it did!
Fans of The Hunger Games will definitely enjoy this! It is similar, but I found that there were enough differences that it didn't feel like an exact copy.
I will say that you should be prepared to find it a bit slow at times, but honestly the second half of this book is so action packed and fast paced it makes it so worth it!
I need to read the sequel immediately! I hope it's just as good!
As an added bonus, the physical hardcover is beautiful, the end papers are pretty and the dust jacket is shimmery! Plus in all the editions there is a map which I always like in books!
My poor, poor heart has been put through the ringer with this book! I was apprehensive about this book, I had heard mixed reviews and it honestly took me a while to get into it but I am so glad I stuck with it because it got so much better! There was one plot twist that took me by surprise and then there was another one! AND THEN THERE WAS A THIRD PLOT TWIST AS WELL! It also ended on a cliffhanger because, of course it did!
Fans of The Hunger Games will definitely enjoy this! It is similar, but I found that there were enough differences that it didn't feel like an exact copy.
I will say that you should be prepared to find it a bit slow at times, but honestly the second half of this book is so action packed and fast paced it makes it so worth it!
I need to read the sequel immediately! I hope it's just as good!
As an added bonus, the physical hardcover is beautiful, the end papers are pretty and the dust jacket is shimmery! Plus in all the editions there is a map which I always like in books!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror in Books
May 17, 2018 (Updated May 18, 2018)
So this JUST came out. I'd had my eye on it for a few months, and put a request in as soon as my library ordered it. The author recently came out as trans, so it's also part of my effort to read more inclusively. Ortberg definitely played with gender and sexuality in several of these tales; in one of them people decided whether to be the husband or the wife, independent of their gender, in their marriage. (One party to the marriage in the story stated "I've been trained for both roles.") In another all of a man's daughters used male pronouns and that was never explored further. That was slightly odd.
These were dark, twisted versions of these stories. "Our Friend Mr. Toad," for example, involved gaslighting and psychologically torturing poor Mr. Toad. I found that one particularly disturbing. I enjoyed the title story, Ortberg's version of Beauty and the Beast, which has a very different ending from expected. I also really liked "The Daughter Cells", inspired by The Little Mermaid. I LOVED "Fear Not: An Incident Log."
I think this was a great, albeit strange, little book. It's unique, for sure, and a quick read. If you're looking for a fairy tale collection that is VERY different, try this one.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
These were dark, twisted versions of these stories. "Our Friend Mr. Toad," for example, involved gaslighting and psychologically torturing poor Mr. Toad. I found that one particularly disturbing. I enjoyed the title story, Ortberg's version of Beauty and the Beast, which has a very different ending from expected. I also really liked "The Daughter Cells", inspired by The Little Mermaid. I LOVED "Fear Not: An Incident Log."
I think this was a great, albeit strange, little book. It's unique, for sure, and a quick read. If you're looking for a fairy tale collection that is VERY different, try this one.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
BeRad89 (48 KP) rated Lavender Fields in Books
May 21, 2018
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich was very surprising. It was emotional, thrilling, exciting, and heart breaking. I didn't really know what to expect with this book, as it wasn't something I would have typically chosen for myself. The author, Ashley Rich, put out a request for reviews in one of the book groups I'm in on Facebook. I responded and here we are.
I liked most of the characters. They were relatable for the most part. I liked the unexpected parts. Honestly this whole book was one surprise after another. I usually read to get sleepy, but this one kept me wake wondering what would happen next.
I didn't like that some aspects of the book were too fantastical (Tom, the Fields themselves) without much explanation. I didn't like all the unanswered questions. Without revealing too much, there was a lot unexplained that was a little of a let down. Where does Tom come from? How did he get into the Lavender Fields?
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich is Women's Fiction. It was published May 15, 2018 by Curiosity Quills Press.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It was a very fun read, other than unanswered questions. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrills and family drama.
I was provided a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked most of the characters. They were relatable for the most part. I liked the unexpected parts. Honestly this whole book was one surprise after another. I usually read to get sleepy, but this one kept me wake wondering what would happen next.
I didn't like that some aspects of the book were too fantastical (Tom, the Fields themselves) without much explanation. I didn't like all the unanswered questions. Without revealing too much, there was a lot unexplained that was a little of a let down. Where does Tom come from? How did he get into the Lavender Fields?
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich is Women's Fiction. It was published May 15, 2018 by Curiosity Quills Press.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It was a very fun read, other than unanswered questions. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrills and family drama.
I was provided a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated The Poisonwood Bible in Books
May 25, 2018
Wow! What a story!
The Poisonwood Bible follows the Price family, missionaries who are living in (pretty scary) parts of Africa for a large part of the book. The book talks a LOT about their religion, and its in general a pretty chilling book. A lot of reviews are judging this book on Christianity or America, or whatever - but I think this book deserves five stars for the story and writing alone. The story was beautiful and it ALMOST made me question everything I've ever thought or believed in! I learned so very much about things in Africa that most of us have no idea are happening - or have happened.
I do think things sort of went back and forth throughout the story - how amazing the African people are, then what monsters they are - but they're just like every other human in America right? It also follows two sisters who are SO different its almost not believable. Rachel and Leah. Rachel is fun to follow - in a way the only humor in the whole book. Their story is fascinating no matter which point of view it's told from.
The book is VERY long. I could have ended it before the adult part - I was bored by that and felt it unnecessary. Otherwise - would def had been 5 stars!
The Poisonwood Bible follows the Price family, missionaries who are living in (pretty scary) parts of Africa for a large part of the book. The book talks a LOT about their religion, and its in general a pretty chilling book. A lot of reviews are judging this book on Christianity or America, or whatever - but I think this book deserves five stars for the story and writing alone. The story was beautiful and it ALMOST made me question everything I've ever thought or believed in! I learned so very much about things in Africa that most of us have no idea are happening - or have happened.
I do think things sort of went back and forth throughout the story - how amazing the African people are, then what monsters they are - but they're just like every other human in America right? It also follows two sisters who are SO different its almost not believable. Rachel and Leah. Rachel is fun to follow - in a way the only humor in the whole book. Their story is fascinating no matter which point of view it's told from.
The book is VERY long. I could have ended it before the adult part - I was bored by that and felt it unnecessary. Otherwise - would def had been 5 stars!
Nikki Massey (8 KP) rated The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing in Books
Feb 7, 2019
Disappointing, dreary book
This book came with high acclaim and good reviews. Maybe that upped my expectations but I came away feeling quite disappointed and unsatisfied.
The writing felt very immature - a throwback to how I used to write when I was in primary school; he said "this" and she said "that".
There were very little descriptors about the settings and characters; everything felt flat and definitely not technicolour.
I had kept an open mind when I was reading the first section, the character was young, so perhaps she'd develop and the writing style would advance with it. No such luck.
I didn't warm to the characters at all and found I was grateful when I finished the book. Like a rubbish film, you have to get to the end just to make sure what you imagined actually happened.
The comparisons to Bridget Jones' Diary are too high a praise for this book. I thought, especially with the title, that she might be on a voyage to independence and develop into a strong woman but actually, it was very sexist and I felt quite frustrated by the outdated and misogynistic views of women. Disappointing read and I'd not recommend. Try it if you want, but that's my pennies worth...
The writing felt very immature - a throwback to how I used to write when I was in primary school; he said "this" and she said "that".
There were very little descriptors about the settings and characters; everything felt flat and definitely not technicolour.
I had kept an open mind when I was reading the first section, the character was young, so perhaps she'd develop and the writing style would advance with it. No such luck.
I didn't warm to the characters at all and found I was grateful when I finished the book. Like a rubbish film, you have to get to the end just to make sure what you imagined actually happened.
The comparisons to Bridget Jones' Diary are too high a praise for this book. I thought, especially with the title, that she might be on a voyage to independence and develop into a strong woman but actually, it was very sexist and I felt quite frustrated by the outdated and misogynistic views of women. Disappointing read and I'd not recommend. Try it if you want, but that's my pennies worth...
Nikki Massey (8 KP) rated The Wish List in Books
Feb 7, 2019
I picked up this book after deciding I wanted to read an easy, light hearted and humorous novel. This ticked all the boxes.
It was the blurb on the rear cover that swayed it for me - Emma is approaching her thirties and realised she wanted to achieve so much more by this age. So she sets off on an experience adventure to ensure she ticks off as many of her bucket list wish items by her birthday.
I'm almost 6 months away from my thirties too and thought this book might give me the reassurance needed to approach this big birthday with a little less trepidation.
As some of the other reviews say, this book is laugh out loud funny. On one occasion I had quite a few odd stares when I burst out laughing in my work canteen during lunch. Other times I had to stifle my laughing with my hand over my mouth and even one time I had to put the book down and walk away as I felt like suffocation from laughter was imminent.
It is just the author's descriptive way with words and the hapless ways of the main character that got me giggling.
It is definitely worth a read just to brighten up a lazy day or any day for that matter.
It was the blurb on the rear cover that swayed it for me - Emma is approaching her thirties and realised she wanted to achieve so much more by this age. So she sets off on an experience adventure to ensure she ticks off as many of her bucket list wish items by her birthday.
I'm almost 6 months away from my thirties too and thought this book might give me the reassurance needed to approach this big birthday with a little less trepidation.
As some of the other reviews say, this book is laugh out loud funny. On one occasion I had quite a few odd stares when I burst out laughing in my work canteen during lunch. Other times I had to stifle my laughing with my hand over my mouth and even one time I had to put the book down and walk away as I felt like suffocation from laughter was imminent.
It is just the author's descriptive way with words and the hapless ways of the main character that got me giggling.
It is definitely worth a read just to brighten up a lazy day or any day for that matter.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Phoebe's Light (Nantucket Legacy #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
I believe in giving honest reviews, and this one will be the same as all my other. Honest. My thoughts on this book? Ugh. That's right. Ugh. I was very disappointed in how this book turned out. I am usually a big fan of all of Suzanne Woods Fisher's novels but this one was......well, frankly, bland. Very bland. I could not get into it easily. It took me many tries to actually get to the end of the story and by that point I was so frustrated with the way it was written that it lost all appeal to me.
That said, I personally can not give this book more than 2 stars. However, just because I found the characters lacking and the story line flat, does not mean that you or someone you know may feel the same way, so I do still encourage you to give it a try. It's just not a book for me. Does this mean I have given up on reading Suzanne's books? Absolutly not. Sometimes, an author goes through down times just like every person in life. I will definitely give the next book in this series a try and hope that it's not quite so bland.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
That said, I personally can not give this book more than 2 stars. However, just because I found the characters lacking and the story line flat, does not mean that you or someone you know may feel the same way, so I do still encourage you to give it a try. It's just not a book for me. Does this mean I have given up on reading Suzanne's books? Absolutly not. Sometimes, an author goes through down times just like every person in life. I will definitely give the next book in this series a try and hope that it's not quite so bland.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Great to have
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