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Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Mars Room: A Novel in Books
May 6, 2019
Rambling and unclear
I really struggled reading this book. It isn't an extraordinarily long book, but it feels like it as the entire thing drags on and rambles on far too much. You know if someone tells you a story in real life and they go into far too much detail and you're just begging for them to shut up and get to the point? That's pretty much how this book is. It rambles off into completely irrelevant and unnecessary stories about the characters, but then doesn't bother later down the line to let us find out what happened to some of them. For a book that has chapters from the point of view of numerous different characters it really does not do a good job in tying any of these up. There is even one character who has very short, disturbing chapters who I'm pretty sure is never named, and having finished the book I still havent got a clue who this is meant to be. It's all very confused.
This had potential with the plot, but sadly it was very poorly executed. I really had to force myself to finish this one and the only satisfaction I got at the end was that it was finally finished.
This had potential with the plot, but sadly it was very poorly executed. I really had to force myself to finish this one and the only satisfaction I got at the end was that it was finally finished.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Ascension (Cherchez Wolf Pack, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have read Lauren Dane before but this was my first venture into her fantasy romance. I enjoyed what I read from her previously. But maybe thats because they have all been novellas/shorts, or the purpose of them was dirty delicious sex. This was definitely not one of her better ones. Unless you are reading it for sex.
The short version: the plotline is an old tired one that is literally a dime a dozen. I felt that Dane used it just to have a plotline at all to further her characters relationship. Her characters werent very original either. This would have all been more acceptable had I felt the author tried but I genuinely felt that this story and these characters were created purely to have a sexual relationship. I will concede, however, that the erotica aspect is pretty well written. There are some non-hetero scenes as well as...sharing? So if you want something more vanilla in the romantic department, you should pass this up.
If you can get past the ridiculous aspects and poor writing in terms of plot and characters, you may enjoy the erotica. Youve been warned though.
I have read Lauren Dane before but this was my first venture into her fantasy romance. I enjoyed what I read from her previously. But maybe thats because they have all been novellas/shorts, or the purpose of them was dirty delicious sex. This was definitely not one of her better ones. Unless you are reading it for sex.
The short version: the plotline is an old tired one that is literally a dime a dozen. I felt that Dane used it just to have a plotline at all to further her characters relationship. Her characters werent very original either. This would have all been more acceptable had I felt the author tried but I genuinely felt that this story and these characters were created purely to have a sexual relationship. I will concede, however, that the erotica aspect is pretty well written. There are some non-hetero scenes as well as...sharing? So if you want something more vanilla in the romantic department, you should pass this up.
If you can get past the ridiculous aspects and poor writing in terms of plot and characters, you may enjoy the erotica. Youve been warned though.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Assassin's Blade: The Throne of Glass Novellas in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Oh my god. I really liked being able to see where Celaena came from in these five short stories.
I loved how all of the stories were connected. This was basically another novel in the series, so that got me all excited.
I had to read this before I got Queen of Shadows because I felt like I needed to be able to better understand Celaena's character even more than I did with reading the other three books.
Like always, Sarah J Maas's plot and character development were on point. There weren't very many slow parts in the plot line. The characters were very well fleshed out. I absolutely adored getting to learn about how Celaena and Arobbyn interacted. I think that was one of my favorite parts of the novellas.
The story does end about a year before the actual series begins, so it was really fun to be able to go back and see everything that had happened before knowing exactly what was going to happen later in the series.
I recommend this to anyone who has been enjoying the Throne of Glass series. Those of you who haven't started the series, do it. I don't think you will regret it. :)
I loved how all of the stories were connected. This was basically another novel in the series, so that got me all excited.
I had to read this before I got Queen of Shadows because I felt like I needed to be able to better understand Celaena's character even more than I did with reading the other three books.
Like always, Sarah J Maas's plot and character development were on point. There weren't very many slow parts in the plot line. The characters were very well fleshed out. I absolutely adored getting to learn about how Celaena and Arobbyn interacted. I think that was one of my favorite parts of the novellas.
The story does end about a year before the actual series begins, so it was really fun to be able to go back and see everything that had happened before knowing exactly what was going to happen later in the series.
I recommend this to anyone who has been enjoying the Throne of Glass series. Those of you who haven't started the series, do it. I don't think you will regret it. :)
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated 10 Routes That Crossed the World in Books
Jun 18, 2018
10 Routs that Crossed the World by Gillian Richardson is a book that discusses the history behind 10 important routes in the world. Each chapter begins with a short story based on the specific route and then proceeds to facts about the place. Extremely interesting for kids who enjoy history.
Pretty much every important road and trail in history are described and discussed. From Route 66 back to the Bering Strait. The Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and its importance to pilgrims for centuries as well as the Appalachian Trail and why people hike it. I had never even heard of the war-torn Khyber Pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan. I'm already scheming how we can add this to our World History study next year. This one does not read like a textbook at all. We especially enjoyed reading about the Serengeti and the migration of millions of animals. There is an extended bibliography and a list of further reading if you'd like to explore any of these topics more in depth.
This book is written for middle grade students. They will enjoy the historical background to the trails and the stories.
I received this book from Annick press via NetGalley in response for an honest review.
Pretty much every important road and trail in history are described and discussed. From Route 66 back to the Bering Strait. The Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and its importance to pilgrims for centuries as well as the Appalachian Trail and why people hike it. I had never even heard of the war-torn Khyber Pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan. I'm already scheming how we can add this to our World History study next year. This one does not read like a textbook at all. We especially enjoyed reading about the Serengeti and the migration of millions of animals. There is an extended bibliography and a list of further reading if you'd like to explore any of these topics more in depth.
This book is written for middle grade students. They will enjoy the historical background to the trails and the stories.
I received this book from Annick press via NetGalley in response for an honest review.
justmissash (21 KP) rated Emma in the Night in Books
Aug 23, 2018
Suspenseful, twisty, cannot put down
Emma and Cassandra were missing for 3 years. Some believed they were dead. Were the kidnapped? Murdered? Did they run away?
It starts out with a young Cassandra, Cass for short, telling about her mother and her older sister Emma. Her mother loved Cass more, and would often brush her hair and tell her how beautiful she was, while Emma was often denied love from her mother. Their mother would also ask them to tell her how beautiful she was. She needed to hear it frequently. They had a routine. When their parents split up, Emma told Cass to tell the courts they should live with their father and when she did, Emma did the opposite. Emma stood by her mother as a sort of betrayal to her sister. Now their mother loves Emma more and Cass is off to the side.
Cass tells about the day she disappeared, when she was 15, and her sister who also disappeared.
She was with Emma then, but now she's home. Alone. How is she going to tell people what really happened. She is very nervous. Has to get her story straight. What will people think? So where was Cass and What Happened To Emma?
It starts out with a young Cassandra, Cass for short, telling about her mother and her older sister Emma. Her mother loved Cass more, and would often brush her hair and tell her how beautiful she was, while Emma was often denied love from her mother. Their mother would also ask them to tell her how beautiful she was. She needed to hear it frequently. They had a routine. When their parents split up, Emma told Cass to tell the courts they should live with their father and when she did, Emma did the opposite. Emma stood by her mother as a sort of betrayal to her sister. Now their mother loves Emma more and Cass is off to the side.
Cass tells about the day she disappeared, when she was 15, and her sister who also disappeared.
She was with Emma then, but now she's home. Alone. How is she going to tell people what really happened. She is very nervous. Has to get her story straight. What will people think? So where was Cass and What Happened To Emma?
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Giver (2014) in Movies
Aug 27, 2018
Watch this for the story, not for the cast
A very good premise in this film, following a community generations after the decision has been made to strive for a eutopia of bland polite sameness. No longer do people see colours (literally), all phrases have to be precise (something I think we could gain a lot by bringing in now!) and there are strict rules around curfews and behaviour, with everything being watched and lives pre-ordained.
The film follows three young people as they turn 18 and are allocated their jobs for life. Jonas has been selected to be the next Receiver of Knowledge - a role where he will receive all knowledge before the new world (of colours, wars, love, emotions, sledging).
Gripping dystopian vision of a future dreamworld and how wrong it would all be, and how, like religion, some good ideas become wrongly used as a strict framework for living life.
Needless to say, Jonas goes a bit daft with all this new knowledge (he somehow understood some of Jeff Bridges's incoherent mumbling) and looks to change the world for the better.
A short, enjoyable, family friendly version of Black Mirror with a slightly disappointing though happy ending.
The film follows three young people as they turn 18 and are allocated their jobs for life. Jonas has been selected to be the next Receiver of Knowledge - a role where he will receive all knowledge before the new world (of colours, wars, love, emotions, sledging).
Gripping dystopian vision of a future dreamworld and how wrong it would all be, and how, like religion, some good ideas become wrongly used as a strict framework for living life.
Needless to say, Jonas goes a bit daft with all this new knowledge (he somehow understood some of Jeff Bridges's incoherent mumbling) and looks to change the world for the better.
A short, enjoyable, family friendly version of Black Mirror with a slightly disappointing though happy ending.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Man Who Came Too Much in Books
Nov 9, 2018
★★★★ <b>4 Star Rating</b> ★★★★
Me whilst reading this ebook:
<img src="http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Emma-Stones-Hysterical-Laugh-Gif.gif"; width="300" height="150"/>
OMG this was hilarious! And filthy! Oh so filthy!
You just have to read this.
It's smutty, it's hot and it's enough to get you drenched.
Are you male? Female? It doesn't matter...this guy just wants to cover you from head to toe.
<img src="http://buzzworthy.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/buzz/2013/05/wanted-5.gif"; width="300" height="180"/>
I guess you could say that this guy has a special gift as in just one go he can fill jugs, pringle cans and thigh high boots.
Let's just say you're in for a surprise...in the face!
<img src="http://twilight.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/138016257052.gif"; width="300" height="180"/>
Wanna get it on with this guy? Don't forget to bring a spare pair of clothes...you're gonna need them:
<b>A night with this guy (Before and after)</b>
<img src="http://d22zlbw5ff7yk5.cloudfront.net/images/stash-3-50cceaaeb43ab.gif"; width="300" height="180"/>
A well written short story filled to the brim with smut...read it! It's feckin' hilarious!
Me whilst reading this ebook:
<img src="http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Emma-Stones-Hysterical-Laugh-Gif.gif"; width="300" height="150"/>
OMG this was hilarious! And filthy! Oh so filthy!
You just have to read this.
It's smutty, it's hot and it's enough to get you drenched.
Are you male? Female? It doesn't matter...this guy just wants to cover you from head to toe.
<img src="http://buzzworthy.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/buzz/2013/05/wanted-5.gif"; width="300" height="180"/>
I guess you could say that this guy has a special gift as in just one go he can fill jugs, pringle cans and thigh high boots.
Let's just say you're in for a surprise...in the face!
<img src="http://twilight.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/138016257052.gif"; width="300" height="180"/>
Wanna get it on with this guy? Don't forget to bring a spare pair of clothes...you're gonna need them:
<b>A night with this guy (Before and after)</b>
<img src="http://d22zlbw5ff7yk5.cloudfront.net/images/stash-3-50cceaaeb43ab.gif"; width="300" height="180"/>
A well written short story filled to the brim with smut...read it! It's feckin' hilarious!
David McK (3623 KP) rated Ender's Game in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Originally starting life as a short story that was later expanded into a full-length novel, this was one of those 'classic' sci-fi stories that I was marginally aware of, but never really had any inclination to read.
When I started seeing the trailers for the movie adaptation to be released this week (on 25/10/13), I decided I actually would read it before going to see the movie (which is sometimes a good idea, other times not).
Having done so, it's interesting to see how Card predicted many of today's technology (remember, this was written mid-80s), in particular the kids portable tables (today's tablet computers), and the proliferation of blogging (although it was never actually called such) on the internet (again, never called such).
The plot? Very briefly (and roughly): Earth is at war with an alien insectoid race, so the best and brightest kids are taken to a 'battle school' in space at a young age in order to be trained in how to become leaders. Andrew 'Ender' (so called because he is the youngest child of 3) Wiggins is one such kid, who proves to be the brightest and best of the bunch ...
How will the movie compare? I'll just have to wait and see!
When I started seeing the trailers for the movie adaptation to be released this week (on 25/10/13), I decided I actually would read it before going to see the movie (which is sometimes a good idea, other times not).
Having done so, it's interesting to see how Card predicted many of today's technology (remember, this was written mid-80s), in particular the kids portable tables (today's tablet computers), and the proliferation of blogging (although it was never actually called such) on the internet (again, never called such).
The plot? Very briefly (and roughly): Earth is at war with an alien insectoid race, so the best and brightest kids are taken to a 'battle school' in space at a young age in order to be trained in how to become leaders. Andrew 'Ender' (so called because he is the youngest child of 3) Wiggins is one such kid, who proves to be the brightest and best of the bunch ...
How will the movie compare? I'll just have to wait and see!
Terry Whitaker (120 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) in Movies
Nov 12, 2019
I dont think this was as bad as some people are making out. Problem was always going to be the original Trilogy. It was THAT good! A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return Of the Jedi each had something amazing about it. Each had the 'Jedi' factor. Also had one of the best twists in movie history in Empire Strikes Back!
Phantom Meanace really didnt have any of that. Not at all. It had a great villain in Darth Maul though. Also Ewan Macgregor and Liam Neeson were good in their roles. Yes, the lad was a bit disappointing but that was only cos he was a little...soppy? I shall not mention Jar Ja.....nooooo, I wont say his name!
But, the special effects were pretty amazing, especially on the big screen! The story was ok too. Not too adventurous but plods along ok.
As I said at the beginning, this was always going to be a difficult one if you consider what it follows...or precedes in this case! The hype on this was huge. Gigantically huge. However much it falls short will be magnified because of its hype.
Take the hype away and the film is exciting and fun. But no...not in the same league as the originals.
Phantom Meanace really didnt have any of that. Not at all. It had a great villain in Darth Maul though. Also Ewan Macgregor and Liam Neeson were good in their roles. Yes, the lad was a bit disappointing but that was only cos he was a little...soppy? I shall not mention Jar Ja.....nooooo, I wont say his name!
But, the special effects were pretty amazing, especially on the big screen! The story was ok too. Not too adventurous but plods along ok.
As I said at the beginning, this was always going to be a difficult one if you consider what it follows...or precedes in this case! The hype on this was huge. Gigantically huge. However much it falls short will be magnified because of its hype.
Take the hype away and the film is exciting and fun. But no...not in the same league as the originals.
Nick Beaty (70 KP) rated The Grinch (2018) in Movies
Dec 8, 2019 (Updated Dec 8, 2019)
Unnecessary to say the least...
Where to start with Illuminations take on this classic Christmas tale. It felt very uninspiring, underwhelming and unnecessary.
From the get go the narration from Pharrell Williams was very poor and don't get me started on the music. Every time I felt like I could get into this movie the next awful track came on and ruined the moment.
There were very few likeable Characters, with the exception of Max the dog and a screaming goat that had my 3 year old laughing, I believe this is very much their target audience though.
It is very hard not to compare it to Jim Carrey's version or even the 1966 original short which are much darker, creepier and grumpier, all of the things you would expect from The Grinch. This version looks too clean cut, the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch is too friendly in my opinion and the whole thing just feels like a sugar coated version aimed at very young children.
I personally believe there was no real need for this movie to have ever been made other than to cash in on a brilliant Christmas story, that has already been told in much better ways than this.
From the get go the narration from Pharrell Williams was very poor and don't get me started on the music. Every time I felt like I could get into this movie the next awful track came on and ruined the moment.
There were very few likeable Characters, with the exception of Max the dog and a screaming goat that had my 3 year old laughing, I believe this is very much their target audience though.
It is very hard not to compare it to Jim Carrey's version or even the 1966 original short which are much darker, creepier and grumpier, all of the things you would expect from The Grinch. This version looks too clean cut, the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch is too friendly in my opinion and the whole thing just feels like a sugar coated version aimed at very young children.
I personally believe there was no real need for this movie to have ever been made other than to cash in on a brilliant Christmas story, that has already been told in much better ways than this.