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Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Night's Edge in Books
Mar 1, 2018
"Dancers in the Dark" by Charlaine Harris is set in the same universe as the Southern Vampire/Sookie Stackhouse stories, but with none of the incredibly annoying characters. How refreshing! It does go back to the same stuff Harris explored in her Shakespeare series and one of her standalone books (<i>Sweet and Deadly</i>? I can't remember if it was that one of the other, as they don't stand out in my memory too much anyway). The story wasn't terribly, though, and I was engaged. I kept thinking while reading, "Didn't I read another short story or novella in this universe about dancers?" Anybody else remember? I hate it when my memory goes wonky like that.
"Her Best Enemy" was too hackneyed, bringing in too many old standbyes. There's a tough girl reporter who is really a sweet woman who just needs a good man after a bad one took everything she had, a sexy man who is tougher than he looks and better able to protect her than even he knew, etc. I don't remember reading anything really strong by Maggie Shayne yet, but she's definitely on the romance side of the paranormal romance street, so that may explain my lack of enthusiasm.
Barbara Hambly's contribution, "Someone Else's Shadow," has us back in the world of dance. I wouldn't be surprised to see this one and the first story in a dance-themed anthology (they probably are, already, and I just don't realize it yet). It was the strongest story of the three (with reason, as Hambly is certainly the most experienced and IMNSHO best writer of the three). Sound plotting, good reasoning, likable characters who are well-rounded and believable, neither perfect saints nor disgusting sinners.
I kept thinking of Hope while reading the last story because the main character dances and teaches belly dance, and there's a lovely quote from the first time she dances in front of her love interest, <i>"It's all dancing. Skill infused with joy. Weaving jewelry out of dreams."</i>
"Her Best Enemy" was too hackneyed, bringing in too many old standbyes. There's a tough girl reporter who is really a sweet woman who just needs a good man after a bad one took everything she had, a sexy man who is tougher than he looks and better able to protect her than even he knew, etc. I don't remember reading anything really strong by Maggie Shayne yet, but she's definitely on the romance side of the paranormal romance street, so that may explain my lack of enthusiasm.
Barbara Hambly's contribution, "Someone Else's Shadow," has us back in the world of dance. I wouldn't be surprised to see this one and the first story in a dance-themed anthology (they probably are, already, and I just don't realize it yet). It was the strongest story of the three (with reason, as Hambly is certainly the most experienced and IMNSHO best writer of the three). Sound plotting, good reasoning, likable characters who are well-rounded and believable, neither perfect saints nor disgusting sinners.
I kept thinking of Hope while reading the last story because the main character dances and teaches belly dance, and there's a lovely quote from the first time she dances in front of her love interest, <i>"It's all dancing. Skill infused with joy. Weaving jewelry out of dreams."</i>
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Turtle Boy (Timmy Quinn #1) in Books
Nov 9, 2018
<b>5 STARS TO YOU</b>
Now THIS is an author that you need to keep your eye on!
I would just like to say first that I know the whole 'back from the dead to seek revenge for my death' story has been done and done...and done again, however, that doesn't stop this book from being a fantastic read. It is a novella, so expect a very short read in the sense you may be disappointed that you're just starting to get into it and then BAM! The End! On the other hand, this book is the first in a series so you'll be able to satisfy your cravings for the next installment.
At the time of purchase this book was free to download for Kindle...I am not sure if it still free as it's such a quality read.
The themes of this story may seem as if they are being somewhat retold again but I believe the author breathes new life into this story-line and makes you hang on for dear life and really want to complete the book, it never crossed my mind to stop reading at any point because I have read similar plot lines before.
It is a very creepy story, so I recommend it to fans of the horror genre and perhaps to those who enjoy murder mysteries and thrillers too due to the nice quick pace and the acts of revenge brought down upon unsuspecting characters.
I found the story had a really nice flow to it, sometimes nothing annoys me more than when i'm enjoying a book and suddenly a 'hiccup' of some sort appears within the pages which makes me want to throw it at a wall...interest lost...may return to it...maybe not...will take a while to read and get back into again. I am so glad that didn't happen to me with this book, the pace was too fast and the atmosphere too creepy.
Well done!
Now THIS is an author that you need to keep your eye on!
I would just like to say first that I know the whole 'back from the dead to seek revenge for my death' story has been done and done...and done again, however, that doesn't stop this book from being a fantastic read. It is a novella, so expect a very short read in the sense you may be disappointed that you're just starting to get into it and then BAM! The End! On the other hand, this book is the first in a series so you'll be able to satisfy your cravings for the next installment.
At the time of purchase this book was free to download for Kindle...I am not sure if it still free as it's such a quality read.
The themes of this story may seem as if they are being somewhat retold again but I believe the author breathes new life into this story-line and makes you hang on for dear life and really want to complete the book, it never crossed my mind to stop reading at any point because I have read similar plot lines before.
It is a very creepy story, so I recommend it to fans of the horror genre and perhaps to those who enjoy murder mysteries and thrillers too due to the nice quick pace and the acts of revenge brought down upon unsuspecting characters.
I found the story had a really nice flow to it, sometimes nothing annoys me more than when i'm enjoying a book and suddenly a 'hiccup' of some sort appears within the pages which makes me want to throw it at a wall...interest lost...may return to it...maybe not...will take a while to read and get back into again. I am so glad that didn't happen to me with this book, the pace was too fast and the atmosphere too creepy.
Well done!
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Rabid (2019) in Movies
Mar 9, 2020
The Antithesis of Horror
I just got done watching a trailer for A Quiet Place Part II and I couldn’t help but think, “Now this is what horror is all about!” It’s gripping and terrifying, keeping your attention the whole way through, even in the quiet moments. Rabid fails at this miserably. Rabid is the story of Sarah (Laura Vandervoort) and complications she experiences post-surgery following her getting hit by a car. Not only does she find herself the victim of a disease that causes her to desire raw flesh, but she also quickly discovers that she is the source of the disease spreading.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Rabid could have gotten to the point a lot faster and didn’t. I was waiting for the kicker that would get my attention. When it finally hit, it was a bit of a shoulder shrug for me. I had to force myself to get into it, telling myself that things would eventually get better.
Characters: 5
Not only were the characters one-dimensional and flat, but they left me with little to no interest in the story at all. I didn’t much care what happened to the protagonist or anyone. Having seen this movie a few weeks ago, I can’t think of any characters that really stood out for me.
Cinematography/Visuals: 3
Conflict: 3
Entertainment Value: 3
Memorability: 7
Pace: 5
Plot: 3
I thought the story had potential to be intriguing, but it ended up feeling more bland than anything else. Too much of nothing, too much waiting for things to happen. There were no moments or pieces of anything to really connect me to the characters which checked me out of the story as a whole.
Resolution: 5
Overall: 49
There are some indy movies that blow me away and stand out above even the larger in-theatre titles. Rabid falls short for me due to weak story progression and weak characters. I don’t recommend.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Rabid could have gotten to the point a lot faster and didn’t. I was waiting for the kicker that would get my attention. When it finally hit, it was a bit of a shoulder shrug for me. I had to force myself to get into it, telling myself that things would eventually get better.
Characters: 5
Not only were the characters one-dimensional and flat, but they left me with little to no interest in the story at all. I didn’t much care what happened to the protagonist or anyone. Having seen this movie a few weeks ago, I can’t think of any characters that really stood out for me.
Cinematography/Visuals: 3
Conflict: 3
Entertainment Value: 3
Memorability: 7
Pace: 5
Plot: 3
I thought the story had potential to be intriguing, but it ended up feeling more bland than anything else. Too much of nothing, too much waiting for things to happen. There were no moments or pieces of anything to really connect me to the characters which checked me out of the story as a whole.
Resolution: 5
Overall: 49
There are some indy movies that blow me away and stand out above even the larger in-theatre titles. Rabid falls short for me due to weak story progression and weak characters. I don’t recommend.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Alibi Girl in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This story is told from two perspectives. The first one to tell the story is Ellis, a very strange character, called a freak by many. I think Ellis is quite disturbed and she does need help, she kind of got stuck in her childhood. I think everything she does is quite odd, but she does have her own reasons for her actions. The second person that is sharing the story is Foy, Ellis and she are cousins, and they were extremely close while growing up. I, personally, liked Foy more in this story, I liked her straight forward manner as well as her fierceness. I just couldn’t connect to Ellis however, I found her way of dealing with the world quite amusing.
The narrative was very well constructed, adding all the little unexpected surprises, and creating slowly accumulating suspense. I really liked that the plot kept changing between the present and the past, that kept me always interested in all the turns and twists, also it explained many questions, that were building up while reading the book. The topics discussed in this novel were bullying, social acceptance, mental health issues, sisterly love, paranoia, and many more.
I was kind of used to funny writing style, that I encountered in the author’s previous books, and I was pleasantly surprised to read this quite serious book. This novel unravels quite severe mental health issues. I really liked the setting of this book, it was constantly changing. The chapters are quite short, and the pages just flew by, for me. I really liked the ending of this book, it left me very satisfied with the outcome of this story.
So, to conclude, C.J. Skuse as a true talent in creating complex and disturbed characters, that are quite entertaining and sometimes pleasantly shocking. The plot kept me engrossed and constantly guessing. I really enjoyed this book, and I strongly recommend it to all, I hope it will teach solidarity and acceptance.
The narrative was very well constructed, adding all the little unexpected surprises, and creating slowly accumulating suspense. I really liked that the plot kept changing between the present and the past, that kept me always interested in all the turns and twists, also it explained many questions, that were building up while reading the book. The topics discussed in this novel were bullying, social acceptance, mental health issues, sisterly love, paranoia, and many more.
I was kind of used to funny writing style, that I encountered in the author’s previous books, and I was pleasantly surprised to read this quite serious book. This novel unravels quite severe mental health issues. I really liked the setting of this book, it was constantly changing. The chapters are quite short, and the pages just flew by, for me. I really liked the ending of this book, it left me very satisfied with the outcome of this story.
So, to conclude, C.J. Skuse as a true talent in creating complex and disturbed characters, that are quite entertaining and sometimes pleasantly shocking. The plot kept me engrossed and constantly guessing. I really enjoyed this book, and I strongly recommend it to all, I hope it will teach solidarity and acceptance.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Unmaking of Ellie Rook in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this novel was Ellie, and the whole story was told from her perspective. Ellie comes back to her hometown after the news, that her mother drowned. But as I was going through the pages, it was clear, that Rook family is a very dysfunctional one, hiding many horrible secrets. I really liked the way the author chose her characters, they all have a story to tell, they all are interesting and play very important parts in this book. I liked the way Ellie opened up and shared her story throughout the pages. She seemed fearless but used to crumble after her father’s words. I think she represents many of those, who grew up with abusive, controlling parent.
The narrative was very fast paced, and every chapter allowed to see a little bit more of Ellie’s past, and what shaped her to be the way she is now. The topics covered in this book were emotional and physical abuse, bullying, teenage romance, controlling behaviour and many more. This book has some very cleverly written surprises and twists and was an easy and pleasant read for me.
The atmosphere of this book is very dark, gloomy and messy, filled with scrap cars, crows, and violence. I liked the writing style of this novel, it was complex and layered. The chapters were short, and the ending of this book left me very satisfied indeed. Even though a single perspective was sufficient for me, I would’ve liked to read Imelda’s thoughts as well. I don’t really know how I feel about all that folk story about Finella, it adds a nice touch to the story, but making it a core of this book wasn’t really necessary.
So, to conclude, it is a really good domestic noir, filled with complex characters and difficult situations. I really enjoyed this book and the topics it discussed, and I recommend it to people who are looking for a quick but important read. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
The narrative was very fast paced, and every chapter allowed to see a little bit more of Ellie’s past, and what shaped her to be the way she is now. The topics covered in this book were emotional and physical abuse, bullying, teenage romance, controlling behaviour and many more. This book has some very cleverly written surprises and twists and was an easy and pleasant read for me.
The atmosphere of this book is very dark, gloomy and messy, filled with scrap cars, crows, and violence. I liked the writing style of this novel, it was complex and layered. The chapters were short, and the ending of this book left me very satisfied indeed. Even though a single perspective was sufficient for me, I would’ve liked to read Imelda’s thoughts as well. I don’t really know how I feel about all that folk story about Finella, it adds a nice touch to the story, but making it a core of this book wasn’t really necessary.
So, to conclude, it is a really good domestic noir, filled with complex characters and difficult situations. I really enjoyed this book and the topics it discussed, and I recommend it to people who are looking for a quick but important read. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Last Time I Lied in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Our protagonist in this novel is Emma, an artist, who can’t get away from the ghosts of the past. Years ago, three of her friends disappeared from the summer camp. Now she returns to the same camp, to try and figure out, where her childhood friends could’ve gone. But there are some things, which Emma lied about… And the wish to figure out what was the lie creates a tormenting suspense. I really liked the wide variety and very believable characters, which the author chose for this book. Even though I liked Emma, Vivian (one of the missing friends) was the one, who left me intrigued. So even though the story was told by Emma, this story was kind of about Vivian, a charismatic manipulator, who knew how to play with people and their feelings.
The narrative is constantly changing between the present and the past, and Sager is an expert in creating suspense. All the little clues and this time traveling really got me curious and glued to the book, and I was dying to find out what in a world happened there. The author brings back his “love” for mental institutions but with a different approach this time. I really loved all the twists, turns, and intriguing adventures. The story is told from a single perspective, and it was fully enough for me. The setting of this book is quite calming, but at the same time pretty sinister.
I think the author is very talented and his writing is exceptionally polished. The chapters are pretty short, and the suspense makes the “book melt in your hands”. The climax was very unexpected and I really loved the way this story ended. So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this fast-paced, amusing and very well written story, filled with secrets and lies. I do strongly recommend this book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
The narrative is constantly changing between the present and the past, and Sager is an expert in creating suspense. All the little clues and this time traveling really got me curious and glued to the book, and I was dying to find out what in a world happened there. The author brings back his “love” for mental institutions but with a different approach this time. I really loved all the twists, turns, and intriguing adventures. The story is told from a single perspective, and it was fully enough for me. The setting of this book is quite calming, but at the same time pretty sinister.
I think the author is very talented and his writing is exceptionally polished. The chapters are pretty short, and the suspense makes the “book melt in your hands”. The climax was very unexpected and I really loved the way this story ended. So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this fast-paced, amusing and very well written story, filled with secrets and lies. I do strongly recommend this book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
Merissa (12841 KP) rated Taming the Fox in Books
Aug 17, 2023
TAMING THE FOX was originally an erotic short story but has been revised and re-released.
Harlan is a fox shifter, with no family and no clan, as he doesn't want to breed with a vixen. He has his family's cabin and lives alone, only going into town when necessary. Shane is a wolf shifter, from a rather well-to-do family, who visits his mother's old house and decides to live there, for reasons the same as Harlan's. These two meet and a spark of attraction is there immediately but, for 'reasons', Harlan won't do anything.
Now... I loved the premise of this book, and the characters are all great - apart from those that aren't meant to be. It is a long book, with plenty of time for you to sink into the story. BUT it didn't have to be. One of the reasons it is so long is because there is a constant back and forth as Harlan fights his feelings. For me, this went on too long, as it eventually took away from the story and made the impact of his feelings and the situation less than it should have been. After all that, the ending and the epilogue are done in just a couple of pages. Okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the meaning.
The focus of this story was definitely our two MCs, so enjoy what world-building you can. What is there, is done very well. There is angst here, but it is mainly internal by just one of the MCs.
A different story and one I enjoyed. Definitely recommended by me. Take a read for yourself and see what you think.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 17, 2023
Harlan is a fox shifter, with no family and no clan, as he doesn't want to breed with a vixen. He has his family's cabin and lives alone, only going into town when necessary. Shane is a wolf shifter, from a rather well-to-do family, who visits his mother's old house and decides to live there, for reasons the same as Harlan's. These two meet and a spark of attraction is there immediately but, for 'reasons', Harlan won't do anything.
Now... I loved the premise of this book, and the characters are all great - apart from those that aren't meant to be. It is a long book, with plenty of time for you to sink into the story. BUT it didn't have to be. One of the reasons it is so long is because there is a constant back and forth as Harlan fights his feelings. For me, this went on too long, as it eventually took away from the story and made the impact of his feelings and the situation less than it should have been. After all that, the ending and the epilogue are done in just a couple of pages. Okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the meaning.
The focus of this story was definitely our two MCs, so enjoy what world-building you can. What is there, is done very well. There is angst here, but it is mainly internal by just one of the MCs.
A different story and one I enjoyed. Definitely recommended by me. Take a read for yourself and see what you think.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 17, 2023
Where is My Mask of an Honest Man?
Book
Where is my Mask of an Honest Man? is a powerful collection of short stories set in and around...
Kaysee Hood (83 KP) rated Almost Midnight in Books
May 1, 2018
Rainbow Rowell ! (3 more)
Amazing Pictures by Blocker
Nerdiness
Cuteness
Almost Midnight is a short, cute story of how two people came to meet to become best friends and then become a couple all due to it being almost midnight at a New Year’s party in 2011.
In a way you are left to wonder if Mags, a possible shy girl, had not checked out in 2011 to hide outside to eat the snacks to avoid everyone would she have ever spoke to Noel, a more outgoing type? Would they have ever spoken to one another beyond that moment? And if they had not attended the parties each year would their bond be the same, even if they were well enough friends with everyone else there? Well, Noel was. Before Noel, Mags only knew Alicia.
Then Mags had to spend a year without everyone, without Noel. Everyone else left to go to college somewhere else. Mags stayed, not because she was not able to leave, but she had a local school for free and it would've been crazy not to take that offer.
She's spoken to no one and everyone has changed.
Well, she texts Noel always. They stay in contact even if it wasn't like before, but she still has him, so she has one person still even while everyone else has grown a part.
It's noticeable, too, when they all come for the New Year's party of 2015.
But maybe that's a good thing.
In a few pages we’re able to see how a friendship grew into a budding romance. Yes, I want more because I adore Rowell’s writing style. I need more about Mags and Noel. I need to know they are happy. I want to know the little tidbits of their lives because it is learned they do EVERYTHING together. So, it is without much else I loved Almost Midnight.
- - - - -
Elena has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as she can remember. It’s been part of her whole life because of her father. Now after being unable to experience any other event to the series, she is going to wait in line for the newest movies hoping to meet other fans that are stoked for the new movies Disney is putting out. However it isn’t what she hoped and somehow becomes more.
It may have been a short story, but Rowell was able to put some of her charm into tale. It may not have been packed like her actual novels, but it is nothing short of her normal work. Yes, I certainly need more of Elena and Gabe and of the overall story. However it doesn’t mean five stars wasn’t earned. There were such small pieces that added to the appeal of this story. I know many complained, but I thought it was perfectly fine as it was. It isn’t like we aren’t left wanting more anyway.
In a way you are left to wonder if Mags, a possible shy girl, had not checked out in 2011 to hide outside to eat the snacks to avoid everyone would she have ever spoke to Noel, a more outgoing type? Would they have ever spoken to one another beyond that moment? And if they had not attended the parties each year would their bond be the same, even if they were well enough friends with everyone else there? Well, Noel was. Before Noel, Mags only knew Alicia.
Then Mags had to spend a year without everyone, without Noel. Everyone else left to go to college somewhere else. Mags stayed, not because she was not able to leave, but she had a local school for free and it would've been crazy not to take that offer.
She's spoken to no one and everyone has changed.
Well, she texts Noel always. They stay in contact even if it wasn't like before, but she still has him, so she has one person still even while everyone else has grown a part.
It's noticeable, too, when they all come for the New Year's party of 2015.
But maybe that's a good thing.
In a few pages we’re able to see how a friendship grew into a budding romance. Yes, I want more because I adore Rowell’s writing style. I need more about Mags and Noel. I need to know they are happy. I want to know the little tidbits of their lives because it is learned they do EVERYTHING together. So, it is without much else I loved Almost Midnight.
- - - - -
Elena has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as she can remember. It’s been part of her whole life because of her father. Now after being unable to experience any other event to the series, she is going to wait in line for the newest movies hoping to meet other fans that are stoked for the new movies Disney is putting out. However it isn’t what she hoped and somehow becomes more.
It may have been a short story, but Rowell was able to put some of her charm into tale. It may not have been packed like her actual novels, but it is nothing short of her normal work. Yes, I certainly need more of Elena and Gabe and of the overall story. However it doesn’t mean five stars wasn’t earned. There were such small pieces that added to the appeal of this story. I know many complained, but I thought it was perfectly fine as it was. It isn’t like we aren’t left wanting more anyway.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Talk Show in Books
May 10, 2018
After reading this book for a week and only making it to 25% of the way through, I have decided to give it a rest for now. Reasons I could not finish this book:
1. The Language--While I am not offended by foul language, dropping the 'F' bomb 10+ times in the first 2% of the book is a bit extreme. I did a search for the word on the Kindle and found out it appears over 100 times throughout.
2. The story is moving way too slowly for me. At 12% there is a shooting and at this point I still don't know what happened to the victims. But, we've met a few strippers and a transgender priest who also babysits, and a crazy copy named Germany(at least I think he's a cop, I was quite confused when he entered the story).
3. Finally, it's not holding my interest. Every time I start reading, I start to fall asleep.
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was excited about it, but it fell short of my expectations.
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
1. The Language--While I am not offended by foul language, dropping the 'F' bomb 10+ times in the first 2% of the book is a bit extreme. I did a search for the word on the Kindle and found out it appears over 100 times throughout.
2. The story is moving way too slowly for me. At 12% there is a shooting and at this point I still don't know what happened to the victims. But, we've met a few strippers and a transgender priest who also babysits, and a crazy copy named Germany(at least I think he's a cop, I was quite confused when he entered the story).
3. Finally, it's not holding my interest. Every time I start reading, I start to fall asleep.
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was excited about it, but it fell short of my expectations.
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**