Christine A. (965 KP) rated Restricted Fantasies in Books
Dec 9, 2018
As I read the description, "A Black Mirror-style sci-fi short story collection about the perils of our virtual reality future - and whether we're already living in it.", I was intrigued. For those that don't know "Black Mirror" is a British TV show that is available on Netflix. "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" and is described by Netflix as a "sci-fi anthology series explores a twisted, high-tech near-future where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide."
Describing "Restricted Fantasies" by Kevin Kneupper as being written in Black Mirror-style is an actuate description. Each stand-alone story in both features its own cast of unique characters. As with "Black Mirror", this is not a collection to sit and read straight through. The stories make you think and mess with your mind. They need to be digested, thought through, and processed.
I do not want to discuss any of the individual stories as I do not want to mention any spoilers. With many of the stories I needed a few hours, if not days, to process. I highly recommend "Restricted Fantasies" to anyone who can read it and process it. I would not recommend reading it in one sitting.
Toni Morrison: Life, Liberty, and Literature
Book
Toni Morrison is one of the most celebrated living authors. Her work, for which she received the...
Hazel (1853 KP) rated My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Winter Romances in Books
Dec 7, 2018
With 25th December fast approaching, what better book to read than one full of Christmas stories? <i>My True Love Gave To Me </i>is a selection of twelve winter romances (twelve stories, twelve days of Christmas…) by a handful of well-known authors of young adult literature. Stephanie Perkins, author of <i>Anna and the French Kiss</i>, is the editor of this festive volume and also includes her own short story along with Holly Black, Ally Carter, Gayle Forman and Rainbow Rowell, to name a few.
Aimed at teenaged girls or young adults, the stories focus on characters between the ages of 15 and 19, usually in a contemporary setting. Some are written as romances that just so happen to occur at Christmas time, whereas others use Christmas as a main focal point. Naturally there are a couple of tales that are pure fantasy with magic, Santa and elves, but they all involve romance.
What is great about incorporating twelve authors into one book is the various ideas about what Christmas means to different people. For some it is about family whereas other’s it is about the birth of Jesus. Authors also explore the difficulties some people face as well as what people who do not celebrate do. The stories are diverse including characters from all types of background – race, religion and sexuality.
My favourite story from this selection was by David Levithan. Unlike most of the others, it was not a story about falling in love. The main character already had a boyfriend who he (yes, HE) loved. The tale focused on what people do for love as well as keeping the magic of Christmas alive for others.
For those wanting to read something festive, this is the book for you. Its short stories let you dip in and out during this busy period meaning you can enjoy both reading and celebrating at the same time.
Chryssie (13 KP) rated Game Of Thrones in TV
May 10, 2019
In the seven kingdoms you will never be short on either!
This epic TV show is based on the books by George R R Martin and it truly does bring Westeros and the world of the seven kingdoms to life.
You will see epic battles, beautiful costumes, impressive animals ( real and mythical) and get swept away in the right for the Iron Throne.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Slade House in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Combining several separate short stories to create one entirely tantalizing plot, Mitchell doesn't leave readers unsatisfied. As the book goes on we find out more about the two mysterious beings creating lifelong destruction in the equally mysterious Slade House and as we find out more, we wish we hadn't.
Creepy, thrilling and beautiful, this book is an excellent read for any horror genre lovers!
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Maiden Thief in Books
Mar 15, 2018
It's a pretty easy story to predict but its gorgeously creepy and, in the end, very well presented.
I'm loving short stories at the moment, they often bring me a lot more joy than the full-length books I read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (Origami Yoda, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-strange-case-of-origami.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Investigations of a Dog: And Other
Michael Hofmann and Franz Kafka
Book
Animals, strange beasts, bureaucrats, businessmen, and nightmares populate this collection of...
fiction thriller
The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Tales
Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen Marlowe and Regina Marler
Book
Edgar Allan Poe was a writer of uncommon talent; in The Murders in the Rue Morgue he created the...
Death and the Penguin
Book
Viktor is an aspiring writer with only Misha, his pet penguin, for company. Although he would prefer...