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Anne (15117 KP) rated Sensational in Books
Feb 12, 2020
Intriguing and Engaging
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge -Tor Teen for letting me read and review this book. I enjoyed it and could follow along easily with the same characters and such from having read the first book, Spectacle, which if you haven't read that one - you should go get it and read it now to get ready for this one!
This was another engrossing, fun and delightful read by Jodi Lynn Zdrok - I enjoyed the first book and this one was awesome too.
In this sequel to Spectacle, Nathalie is still using her powers as an Insightful to help out at the morgue with murder investigations while also trying to figure things out in regards to her Aunt and her Aunt's powers in relation to her powers. She is, in general, trying to investigate and understand what it means to be an Insightful and to be herself and what she wants out of life as well.
In this story, there's another crazy murderer who this time is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Guillotine and writing a play to go with their murders and victims while beheading them and leaving them around in the Exposition Universelle in Paris to be found. Nathalie tries to help find this murderer using her powers while helping out at the morgue with the cases, but this time around it seems to catch her and others off guard as well as myself as the reader. I had no clue who the murderer was until the end and I was also a bit more invested in the other parts of the story like the events with Nathalie's Aunt and her coming to terms with her grief over her friend, Agnes.
Another major part of the story that I was invested in was that in this book, Nathalie has a beau, Jules, and what happens with him and their relationship as well as what happens with Christophe, which if you've read the first book, you'll know more about the relationship issues, etc. between Christophe and Nathalie. I finally got the ending I was hoping for with her and her romantic relationships with this book.
Once I got to the end and everything was resolving itself and I realized this was the end, I was a bit upset because I have enjoyed reading about Nathalie, Christophe, Simone, Louis, Jules, all the characters and about Insightfuls and their powers. I wish there was going to be more stories with these great characters and would love to know more about them and their futures as well as more info on Insightfuls and their powers.
If you've read Spectacle, then you need to read this sequel, if you haven't read Spectacle, go read it so you are ready for this Sensational book when it comes out!
This was another engrossing, fun and delightful read by Jodi Lynn Zdrok - I enjoyed the first book and this one was awesome too.
In this sequel to Spectacle, Nathalie is still using her powers as an Insightful to help out at the morgue with murder investigations while also trying to figure things out in regards to her Aunt and her Aunt's powers in relation to her powers. She is, in general, trying to investigate and understand what it means to be an Insightful and to be herself and what she wants out of life as well.
In this story, there's another crazy murderer who this time is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Guillotine and writing a play to go with their murders and victims while beheading them and leaving them around in the Exposition Universelle in Paris to be found. Nathalie tries to help find this murderer using her powers while helping out at the morgue with the cases, but this time around it seems to catch her and others off guard as well as myself as the reader. I had no clue who the murderer was until the end and I was also a bit more invested in the other parts of the story like the events with Nathalie's Aunt and her coming to terms with her grief over her friend, Agnes.
Another major part of the story that I was invested in was that in this book, Nathalie has a beau, Jules, and what happens with him and their relationship as well as what happens with Christophe, which if you've read the first book, you'll know more about the relationship issues, etc. between Christophe and Nathalie. I finally got the ending I was hoping for with her and her romantic relationships with this book.
Once I got to the end and everything was resolving itself and I realized this was the end, I was a bit upset because I have enjoyed reading about Nathalie, Christophe, Simone, Louis, Jules, all the characters and about Insightfuls and their powers. I wish there was going to be more stories with these great characters and would love to know more about them and their futures as well as more info on Insightfuls and their powers.
If you've read Spectacle, then you need to read this sequel, if you haven't read Spectacle, go read it so you are ready for this Sensational book when it comes out!
Hardest Game Ever 2
Games and Entertainment
App
Ranked #1 (Overall) in US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, ... for HARDEST GAME EVER 1, HARDEST GAME...
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!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Descent Part 2 (2009) in Movies
Feb 2, 2019
Should never have been made
I’ve put off watching this film for years as I resented the fact that it had ever been made, and it turns out I probably should have kept on putting it off. The original Descent was brilliant, but this sequel is just plain awful.
For starters, it looks cheap. The entire thing from the cinematography, the visual effects (the blood looks like fruit juice), and the look of the monsters just looks so horrendous and as bad, if not worse, than a SyFy original film. Then there’s the plot itself, which is so ridiculously stupid it’s laughable. It completely ignores the ambiguous and very good ending from the original and uses a cliched overused trope (memory loss) to get Sarah back into the caves. The new characters are underdeveloped and cliched stereotypes (the brass moronic cop who can’t leave his gun behind). And then there’s the fact that it seems an identical copy of the original, using the same scenes, ideas (seeing through the video camera) that were used in the first film. This loses any of the suspense and atmosphere generated in the first film, and it doesn’t use the music to any good effect whatsoever. It’s not scary, it’s not interesting and it looks horrendous. Avoid at all costs.
For starters, it looks cheap. The entire thing from the cinematography, the visual effects (the blood looks like fruit juice), and the look of the monsters just looks so horrendous and as bad, if not worse, than a SyFy original film. Then there’s the plot itself, which is so ridiculously stupid it’s laughable. It completely ignores the ambiguous and very good ending from the original and uses a cliched overused trope (memory loss) to get Sarah back into the caves. The new characters are underdeveloped and cliched stereotypes (the brass moronic cop who can’t leave his gun behind). And then there’s the fact that it seems an identical copy of the original, using the same scenes, ideas (seeing through the video camera) that were used in the first film. This loses any of the suspense and atmosphere generated in the first film, and it doesn’t use the music to any good effect whatsoever. It’s not scary, it’s not interesting and it looks horrendous. Avoid at all costs.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Disappearing Nightly (Esther Diamond, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
First off, while this could technically be called an urban fantasy, it doesn't really have the atmosphere of one and I'd be more likely to call it a magical mystery. <u>Disappearing Nightly</u> is a charming, wonderfully intriguing tale featuring the logical off-Broadway actress Esther Diamond, who through no fault of her own stumbles into the world of magic, and the path of Dr. Maximillian Zadok.
The author crafted a well-done, swiftly plotted yarn that left me pleased as punch. The characters went beyond caricatures, which could have so easily happened with the amount of personalities featured, and each of their respective professions, in the more colorful world of NYC. Through a comedy of errors, rapid fire dialogue, which the author has a gift for, and hilarious interactions, this motley crew of an investigative team gets to the bottom of the mysterious disappearances that are happening in the community. I had no trouble visualizing events as they unfolded, with amusing results, and could easily see this as a television series. The romance was nicely weaved into the story without becoming overpowering, and surprise of all surprises, there was no bed-hopping! What a nice change of pace. Altogether, this was fine little read that I flew right through and am glad I have the sequel handy! So far, this just may be my favorite read of the year.
The author crafted a well-done, swiftly plotted yarn that left me pleased as punch. The characters went beyond caricatures, which could have so easily happened with the amount of personalities featured, and each of their respective professions, in the more colorful world of NYC. Through a comedy of errors, rapid fire dialogue, which the author has a gift for, and hilarious interactions, this motley crew of an investigative team gets to the bottom of the mysterious disappearances that are happening in the community. I had no trouble visualizing events as they unfolded, with amusing results, and could easily see this as a television series. The romance was nicely weaved into the story without becoming overpowering, and surprise of all surprises, there was no bed-hopping! What a nice change of pace. Altogether, this was fine little read that I flew right through and am glad I have the sequel handy! So far, this just may be my favorite read of the year.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Crossing at Blaisdell Park in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Finn Butler is an amazing director in Los Angeles. His wife Diane is a well accomplished actress in soap operas. After the success of The Crossing at Blaisdell Park, he is now in the process of shooting the sequel. Finn and Diane are also in the process of selling their house, when a dead woman is found by the realtors right before the broker's open. More and more people are turning up dead all over the city and the common denominator in each case is Diane Butler. How is she connected to each of these murders? Will the police be able to find the killer before someone else turns up dead?
I had a lot of mixed emotions about this book. While the story was very interesting and I wanted to know what was going to happen at the end, I didn't find myself running to pick up the book and read it. The beginning of the book started out slowly. After the half way point it picked up a lot more and the end was much better than the beginning. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout this book, that will have you saying WHAAT? But overall the book was just OK for me. I would be interested to read more from this author.
I had a lot of mixed emotions about this book. While the story was very interesting and I wanted to know what was going to happen at the end, I didn't find myself running to pick up the book and read it. The beginning of the book started out slowly. After the half way point it picked up a lot more and the end was much better than the beginning. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout this book, that will have you saying WHAAT? But overall the book was just OK for me. I would be interested to read more from this author.
Andrew Kennedy (199 KP) rated Hellraiser: Judgment (2017) in Movies
May 30, 2019
I like the kills (1 more)
Should get a sequel
No Doug Bradley (2 more)
Detective bits drag
Dimension still only put a film out to keep the rights.
Time to deliver judgement on the new Hellraiser.
Just finished watching this and i have to say while its not perfect, its leaps and bounds ahead of Revelations.
The main crux of the story is the hunt for a killer called "The Preceptor" who is killing his victims in line with the 10 commandments. A pair of detective brothers are trying to crack the case and are assigned a new female partner.
The Cenobites are again things macrabe beauty. The Auditor is superb and played by director Gary Tunnicliffe. The Butcher and The Surgeon deliver a wonderful kill early on. Finally theres Pinhead, he looks amazing and Paul T Taylor gives a rousing performance throughout.
The theme of judgement is carried through with an assesor and a jury. The guilty cleaned.
The detective bits drag a bit and really slow the film down. The kills are delivered with gore and gutso and this feels like a new start for the franchise.
So in final Judgement, this new outing for Pinhead should see more sequels to come but if the quality of the Cenobites in this film is maintained then we have such sights to look forward to.
Just finished watching this and i have to say while its not perfect, its leaps and bounds ahead of Revelations.
The main crux of the story is the hunt for a killer called "The Preceptor" who is killing his victims in line with the 10 commandments. A pair of detective brothers are trying to crack the case and are assigned a new female partner.
The Cenobites are again things macrabe beauty. The Auditor is superb and played by director Gary Tunnicliffe. The Butcher and The Surgeon deliver a wonderful kill early on. Finally theres Pinhead, he looks amazing and Paul T Taylor gives a rousing performance throughout.
The theme of judgement is carried through with an assesor and a jury. The guilty cleaned.
The detective bits drag a bit and really slow the film down. The kills are delivered with gore and gutso and this feels like a new start for the franchise.
So in final Judgement, this new outing for Pinhead should see more sequels to come but if the quality of the Cenobites in this film is maintained then we have such sights to look forward to.
RebelFleur (1 KP) rated Sex, Lies and Chocolate Cakes in Books
Jan 29, 2018
Online this book is described as 'a delicious laugh out loud comedy' and to be honest with you I do feel as though I have been slightly misled. Although it did make me laugh a few times I do feel as though the writing style was slightly unsophisticated for my taste.
One critisism I feel I have to mention is that the book was very short and was not advertised as so. I enjoy a long book in order to get to know the characters and really feel I can identify with them. However, this was unable to happen due to the length of the book.
Adding to this, I felt as though the book never really 'got going' and due to this it was hard to connect with the characters which I feel is necessary to really enjoy a book. However, there is a sequel which I do intend to read in order to see if the problem is rectified so keep a look out for that!
Overall, I feel as though this is a good book if you don't take it too seriously and simply want a funny addition to add to your collection. Although the writing style did lack some imagination it was an easy read and welcome after a busy night at work.
One critisism I feel I have to mention is that the book was very short and was not advertised as so. I enjoy a long book in order to get to know the characters and really feel I can identify with them. However, this was unable to happen due to the length of the book.
Adding to this, I felt as though the book never really 'got going' and due to this it was hard to connect with the characters which I feel is necessary to really enjoy a book. However, there is a sequel which I do intend to read in order to see if the problem is rectified so keep a look out for that!
Overall, I feel as though this is a good book if you don't take it too seriously and simply want a funny addition to add to your collection. Although the writing style did lack some imagination it was an easy read and welcome after a busy night at work.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Quantum of Solace (2008) in Movies
Mar 1, 2018 (Updated Mar 2, 2018)
Twenty-second Bond film was initially greeted like an outbreak of flatulence in a crowded train, but with the benefit of a few years it has become clear it's not quite as bad as all that. The first proper sequel in Bond history sees the commander in pursuit of the mysterious Quantum syndicate, a hunt that takes him to the Caribbean, Europe, and South America.
Still a very untypical Bond film, with an austere, bleak mood; likely to feature prominently in pub quizzes as the answer to the questions 'which is the shortest Bond movie?' and 'in which film do Bond and the Bond girl not actually do it?' You can see the influence of the Bourne series in the attempt to turn Bond into a more edgy, self-doubting figure, and the general distrust of security agencies as a whole; but these things are not really the stuff of a good Bond film, and nor is a plot revolving around a plan to topple the government of a country most viewers would struggle to find on a map.
Competently-staged fights and chases, particularly the final set-piece, but most of the jokes fall flat and, well, it's just not really fun enough to really work as a piece of Bond. Commendable attempt though, and not actively painful to watch.
Still a very untypical Bond film, with an austere, bleak mood; likely to feature prominently in pub quizzes as the answer to the questions 'which is the shortest Bond movie?' and 'in which film do Bond and the Bond girl not actually do it?' You can see the influence of the Bourne series in the attempt to turn Bond into a more edgy, self-doubting figure, and the general distrust of security agencies as a whole; but these things are not really the stuff of a good Bond film, and nor is a plot revolving around a plan to topple the government of a country most viewers would struggle to find on a map.
Competently-staged fights and chases, particularly the final set-piece, but most of the jokes fall flat and, well, it's just not really fun enough to really work as a piece of Bond. Commendable attempt though, and not actively painful to watch.
Anna Steele (111 KP) rated Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe #2) in Books
Jun 25, 2018
I am extremely shook
Neal Shusterman has just reinstated himself as my all-time favorite author. His books have been with me throughout my life. The Unwind dystology, The Skinjacker Trilogy, Bruiser, Challenger Deep, and now the Arc of a Scythe. Each one of these stories has touched me in a deep and unique way. Thunderhead is no exception. Book one of this series: Scythe, received my first 10/10 review on this platform and the sequel was even better. Shusterman provides jaw-dropping twists and turns to his narrative that will leave your head spinning and your blood pumping, (your nanites might even have to lower your adrenaline). The Thunderhead is a compassionate character like no other, who knew you could ever relate so strongly and feel so deeply for an artificial intelligence? It is witty and sly, calculating and benevolent, and can be brought into a fury or plunged into despair by the acts of the immortal humans who created it. I need the continuation of this series and I need it now, the final moments are so intense that I choked on my tears after the last line. This is the most mentally engaging dystopian society novel you will ever read. I hope to come back to Shusterman for more in the coming years.