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Debbiereadsbook (1699 KP) rated Devil's Gold (Black Rose Mystery #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
great little short!
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is only short, just over an hour reading time for me, some 120 pages, but it packs quite a punch!
Dixie is the middle sister of three, running their father's investigation agency. She's good at it, even if she is the least put together of her sisters. Liam is in town visiting relatives, and when their paths cross, it's a proper "eyes across a crowded room" moment. When Dixie puts herself in danger, Liam knows he can't let her go, and he will do anything to see her safe.
Like I said, quite a punch!! Very pleasantly surprised, I have to say!
I have to admit, I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, so that was well played!
There is just enough hints and clues to make you think, well just who DID kill these four women.? Just enough heat and passion to make you fan a little. Just enough of just about everyone to make you want to know MORE about these people!
Because that's my overwhelming feeling I'm left with, I want MORE! Whether it's Liam and Dix, or Dixie's sisters, or co-workers (cos Ace is quite a character!) or even just more from this writer, I don't know, but that is what I want. MORE!
Filed firmly on the hangover shelf, because that's what I used it as and it certainly did the trick.
So, Ms McKinney, *holding up open hands with puppy dog eyes* more please!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is only short, just over an hour reading time for me, some 120 pages, but it packs quite a punch!
Dixie is the middle sister of three, running their father's investigation agency. She's good at it, even if she is the least put together of her sisters. Liam is in town visiting relatives, and when their paths cross, it's a proper "eyes across a crowded room" moment. When Dixie puts herself in danger, Liam knows he can't let her go, and he will do anything to see her safe.
Like I said, quite a punch!! Very pleasantly surprised, I have to say!
I have to admit, I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, so that was well played!
There is just enough hints and clues to make you think, well just who DID kill these four women.? Just enough heat and passion to make you fan a little. Just enough of just about everyone to make you want to know MORE about these people!
Because that's my overwhelming feeling I'm left with, I want MORE! Whether it's Liam and Dix, or Dixie's sisters, or co-workers (cos Ace is quite a character!) or even just more from this writer, I don't know, but that is what I want. MORE!
Filed firmly on the hangover shelf, because that's what I used it as and it certainly did the trick.
So, Ms McKinney, *holding up open hands with puppy dog eyes* more please!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Occasional Diamond Thief (#1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Kia is a 16 year old girl with a troubled family life and a penchant for languages. When her father dies, leaving her with a mother who seems to despise her and a sister who wont give her the time of day, she leaves home and starts school to become a translator. After being caught stealing to finance her new life, she is sent to Malem to act as a translator for a Select (a religious title, something akin to a nun or priest) named Agatha. This is the same world where her father contracted the illness that eventually killed him. Its also the world where her father acquired the gem he gave her right before he died a Malem diamond that it is illegal for anyone who is not Malemese to posses.
I really enjoyed this story. Kia didnt seem to be able to get a break at all, and even thought being sent to Malem kept her out of prison, it still seemed like punishment for her. Once she and Agatha arrived on Malem, the story kept moving at a pace that kept me reading, wanting to know what was going to happen next. Both Kia and Agatha were well developed, likable characters who learned and grew throughout the story. Sometimes I wanted to shout at Kia for her behavior, but considering her age it was perfectly appropriate.
There was no cliffhanger ending, and it may turn out to be a standalone novel, but I wouldnt be surprised to see more adventures for Kia in the future.
Disclaimer I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. Kia didnt seem to be able to get a break at all, and even thought being sent to Malem kept her out of prison, it still seemed like punishment for her. Once she and Agatha arrived on Malem, the story kept moving at a pace that kept me reading, wanting to know what was going to happen next. Both Kia and Agatha were well developed, likable characters who learned and grew throughout the story. Sometimes I wanted to shout at Kia for her behavior, but considering her age it was perfectly appropriate.
There was no cliffhanger ending, and it may turn out to be a standalone novel, but I wouldnt be surprised to see more adventures for Kia in the future.
Disclaimer I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Before (Betwixt, #0.5) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Before" is an aptly-titled prequel to "Betwixt", and here we get to learn more about Dale and what happened in his life prior to the events of "Betwixt." I must say, when I initially read "Betwixt," I found myself wanting to know more about Dale's history and how he got to be the way he was: moody, stand-offish, an outcast from the school, etc. Thankfully, Melissa read my mind and gave us this prequel!
Dale is the second child of a loving couple who only want what's best for him, but he sees it as a bunch of rules to keep him down, all based around what his dad's congregation would think if the preacher's son went off the rails. Funny thing, that's exactly what all the rules make him do, and he just gets wilder and more reckless the more they try to tie him down. He's tired of being compared to his older sister, the model of normalcy and obedience, and he's determined to make his own decisions, no matter the consequences. His friends (if you can call them that) encourage this behavior in him, and it isn't long before things spiral out of control.
If you enjoyed "Betwixt" or have a desire to read it but haven't gotten around to it yet, I would definitely recommend you read this one. Dale's story is really interesting, and it helps set up his involvement in "Betwixt" and also explains more about why he chooses to play the part he does in that story. Well done!!
5 stars =)
"Before" is an aptly-titled prequel to "Betwixt", and here we get to learn more about Dale and what happened in his life prior to the events of "Betwixt." I must say, when I initially read "Betwixt," I found myself wanting to know more about Dale's history and how he got to be the way he was: moody, stand-offish, an outcast from the school, etc. Thankfully, Melissa read my mind and gave us this prequel!
Dale is the second child of a loving couple who only want what's best for him, but he sees it as a bunch of rules to keep him down, all based around what his dad's congregation would think if the preacher's son went off the rails. Funny thing, that's exactly what all the rules make him do, and he just gets wilder and more reckless the more they try to tie him down. He's tired of being compared to his older sister, the model of normalcy and obedience, and he's determined to make his own decisions, no matter the consequences. His friends (if you can call them that) encourage this behavior in him, and it isn't long before things spiral out of control.
If you enjoyed "Betwixt" or have a desire to read it but haven't gotten around to it yet, I would definitely recommend you read this one. Dale's story is really interesting, and it helps set up his involvement in "Betwixt" and also explains more about why he chooses to play the part he does in that story. Well done!!
5 stars =)
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Sarah in Books
Jun 29, 2018
There is so much wrong with this book, and not just because it features a victim of child sex trafficking as the protagonist. The story of JT LeRoy is more interesting than Sarah. LeRoy doesn't exist. The person writing these books was a white woman in her forties. However, she claimed to be someone like the character in this book: a male or intersex child prostitute raised by a drug addicted mother. The media EXPLODED over this. Garbage wrote a song about these characters ("Cherry Lips" on Beautiful Garbage); Asia Argento adapted Sarah into an unsuccessful film, and Gus Van Sant designed the cover! When it came time to make a media appearance, she hired her sister-in-law, who was kind of masculine, to portray the "character" of JT LeRoy.
Thing is, this book is basically Hogg by Samuel Delaney. He's a gay man who wrote a similar book three months before the Stonewall Riots. It's full of anger and rage, and it's more depraved and weird than anything LeRoy could conjure up. The parallels are clear: both feature underage protagonists who are largely nameless and passive, used for sexual purposes, usually at the hands of truck drivers. And Hogg is better in every way. It punches you in the face, where Sarah pulls back at the last second.
Is the story fun to read? Sure, in a sick kind of way. But the fact that it was done before, and better, and by someone who lives in the LGBT community, makes it hard for me to stomach. As it is, this feels like LGBT fanfiction.
Thing is, this book is basically Hogg by Samuel Delaney. He's a gay man who wrote a similar book three months before the Stonewall Riots. It's full of anger and rage, and it's more depraved and weird than anything LeRoy could conjure up. The parallels are clear: both feature underage protagonists who are largely nameless and passive, used for sexual purposes, usually at the hands of truck drivers. And Hogg is better in every way. It punches you in the face, where Sarah pulls back at the last second.
Is the story fun to read? Sure, in a sick kind of way. But the fact that it was done before, and better, and by someone who lives in the LGBT community, makes it hard for me to stomach. As it is, this feels like LGBT fanfiction.
ClareR (6118 KP) rated The Corset in Books
Sep 28, 2018
A Victorian tale (so pretty horrifying then)
Dorothea is a rich, upper class 25 year old, who believes that she can change a convicts attitudes by the power of phrenology (better than Greyskull, I suppose). Well, if she's kind to them, their heads will change shape, and they'll magically/ scientifically reform (I still think she'd have more luck with Greyskull, to be honest). This was a common belief in Victorian times: that the lumps, bumps and the shape of a persons head would tell the phrenologist all they needed to know about a person. So, Dorothea visits the local women's prison regularly to test her theories. This is where she meets Ruth, who believes that she can kill someone with the power of her sewing. We learn Ruth's story as told to Dorothea: how she lost her baby sister and father (her fault, she sewed bad feelings in to a baby hat); her mother, a seamstress went blind (also her fault), and was consequently sold in to a life of slavery and abuse at Metyards dress making shop.
As the story unfolded, I was left wondering if Ruth did indeed have some sort of magical power. It's quite a menacing atmosphere in the book. Dorothea comes across as frivolous, only concerned with her comfy life - but this also changes as the book develops.
And that twist at the end!
Contrary to my He-Man allusions at the start, I really enjoyed this book. It was a real treat to read, and completely unexpected, as I hadn't read her first book. I'll be rectifying that mistake!!
As the story unfolded, I was left wondering if Ruth did indeed have some sort of magical power. It's quite a menacing atmosphere in the book. Dorothea comes across as frivolous, only concerned with her comfy life - but this also changes as the book develops.
And that twist at the end!
Contrary to my He-Man allusions at the start, I really enjoyed this book. It was a real treat to read, and completely unexpected, as I hadn't read her first book. I'll be rectifying that mistake!!
Merissa (13883 KP) rated Shaman's Seduction in Books
Oct 19, 2018
Shaman's Seduction by Kathryne Kennedy
Shaman's Seduction is a delightful collection of three short stories, all set in the world, but set at different times. We start off with Inaluck, who has worked hard to earn the respect of her father's warriors, and her place as Chieftain's Daughter. When The Great Cold comes, Inaluck is sent to the outlying villages for reinforcements. Going to one of them, with a reputation of being cowards, she finds more than she bargains for, and takes her first step to becoming a Shaman. Then we meet Za'lla, who dreams of a sister she never knew, which leads her on her big adventure, finding love on the way. Lastly, we have Kalaka, an apprentice Shaman who needs to learn more than the basics, and will help to figure out who she is in the process.
These are quick reads, but all of them without any editing or grammatical errors. There was enough world-building that it is all clear, without taking over the essence of the stories. If I had one criticism, it would be that I felt a bit lost with the two following stories. I had no idea if they were after Inaluck, or before. That is only a small thing though, and probably wouldn't bother the majority of people!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, divided into three bite-size chunks, which make this perfect for a coffee break book. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
These are quick reads, but all of them without any editing or grammatical errors. There was enough world-building that it is all clear, without taking over the essence of the stories. If I had one criticism, it would be that I felt a bit lost with the two following stories. I had no idea if they were after Inaluck, or before. That is only a small thing though, and probably wouldn't bother the majority of people!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, divided into three bite-size chunks, which make this perfect for a coffee break book. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Last Time I Lied in Books
Nov 12, 2018
Keeps you guessing until the last pages
What I enjoyed about this one is the twists and turns happening all throughout the novel. You think it’s one thing, but it’s leading to another, yet out comes another possible solution to the mystery however it ends up being another red herring and so on. The guessing games keep the book on your toes.
The plot flows through smoothly, alternating between past and present so you get a feel for the background story on the events leading up as to why Emma is back. There were times where you had to question her sanity because her behavior was erratic and unstable. As mentioned before, the guessing games throughout the novel kept the plot going and exciting to read. Expect mean girl behavior and shenanigans, and Emma’s character overall isn’t too likable but tolerable at the most. Vivian isn’t any better but the role she takes upon herself as a ‘big sister’ is endearing and gets instant idolization from Emma.
What I loved the most about this book is I wasn’t expecting such a great ending. I was thinking it was going to be a lackluster one at the most with a simple explanation as to what was behind the girls disappearances. It’s not until literally, the last pages of the novel where you get hit with a mega surprise and it was instant mind blow. I was left shocked for a fair amount of time as it was expertly done.
I heard more good things about Sager’s other works so I’ll definitely be picking them up. Hope they’re just as good as this one!
The plot flows through smoothly, alternating between past and present so you get a feel for the background story on the events leading up as to why Emma is back. There were times where you had to question her sanity because her behavior was erratic and unstable. As mentioned before, the guessing games throughout the novel kept the plot going and exciting to read. Expect mean girl behavior and shenanigans, and Emma’s character overall isn’t too likable but tolerable at the most. Vivian isn’t any better but the role she takes upon herself as a ‘big sister’ is endearing and gets instant idolization from Emma.
What I loved the most about this book is I wasn’t expecting such a great ending. I was thinking it was going to be a lackluster one at the most with a simple explanation as to what was behind the girls disappearances. It’s not until literally, the last pages of the novel where you get hit with a mega surprise and it was instant mind blow. I was left shocked for a fair amount of time as it was expertly done.
I heard more good things about Sager’s other works so I’ll definitely be picking them up. Hope they’re just as good as this one!
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated I See Red by Geowulf in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Geowulf (Star Kendrick & Toma Banjanin) is an Australian duo based in London, England. Not too long ago, they released an introspective alternative tune, entitled, “I See Red”.
“‘I See Red’ was written after an argument with my sister. The song was a realization that you are only ever your most raw, horrible self when you’re with the people you love to death and who love you.” – Star Kendrick
‘I See Red’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who attends therapy to learn how to control her anger and mental health issues.
Apparently, she makes the same emotional mistakes and realizes it’s going to take some time to change her raging behavior.
Later, she admits that she’s only human and wants to be a better person, lover, and friend. But sometimes, she gets lost, and before she knows it, she’s seeing red again.
“I have been very proactive over many years in going to therapy. Talking openly about mental health and have constantly taken steps to control emotions, moods, and even my temper. Having a family history of mental illness, this is something my siblings and I have had a lot of awareness about. This song is about that process and what I’ve learned. The ebbs and flows of trying to be the best version of yourself.” – Star Kendrick
‘I See Red’ can be utilized as the trigger to your spirited response to any of the stresses which weigh you down.
The likable tune doubles as the first collaboration with Geowulf’s new writing partner, Justin Parker (Lana Del Rey, Bat For Lashes, Cloves).
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/geowulf-i-see-red/
“‘I See Red’ was written after an argument with my sister. The song was a realization that you are only ever your most raw, horrible self when you’re with the people you love to death and who love you.” – Star Kendrick
‘I See Red’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who attends therapy to learn how to control her anger and mental health issues.
Apparently, she makes the same emotional mistakes and realizes it’s going to take some time to change her raging behavior.
Later, she admits that she’s only human and wants to be a better person, lover, and friend. But sometimes, she gets lost, and before she knows it, she’s seeing red again.
“I have been very proactive over many years in going to therapy. Talking openly about mental health and have constantly taken steps to control emotions, moods, and even my temper. Having a family history of mental illness, this is something my siblings and I have had a lot of awareness about. This song is about that process and what I’ve learned. The ebbs and flows of trying to be the best version of yourself.” – Star Kendrick
‘I See Red’ can be utilized as the trigger to your spirited response to any of the stresses which weigh you down.
The likable tune doubles as the first collaboration with Geowulf’s new writing partner, Justin Parker (Lana Del Rey, Bat For Lashes, Cloves).
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/geowulf-i-see-red/
Darren (1599 KP) rated 500 Days of Summer (2009) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
This is not a love story. This is a story about love. The tag line sums of this movie perfectly. It’s a story of a boy Tom who meets a girl at work called Summer, He thinks she is ‘The One’ and after a little bit of a fling. Until Summer decides she doesn’t want anything serious, Tom goes on the roller coaster of emotions and we get to see how he gets though the 500 days of Summer. Tom gets help from his two best friends McKenzie, Paul and even his little sister Rachel who is surprisingly more adult than her age would show.
The Story is something a lot of people can relate to as it’s a dead-end job that Tom just filled even tho he dreamed of being something better. Can this doomed relationship give him the confidence to take the next step in his career? With some great chemistry between Tom and Summer that sparkles at the start but fizzles out as the relationship grew. Having great locations from an Ikea store to a hill-side park in the middle of the busy city. The music through out the movie are great classics from The Smiths, Morrissey and Beatles conversation keep the music lovers interested in the storyline.
Overall Movie Rating 93% it’s a rom-com that everyone will enjoy as it is a position everyone would have been in some when during their love life. Action junkies will not be interested that much but overall a very good romantic comedy that all will enjoy
https://moviesreview101.com/2010/01/26/500-days-of-summer/
The Story is something a lot of people can relate to as it’s a dead-end job that Tom just filled even tho he dreamed of being something better. Can this doomed relationship give him the confidence to take the next step in his career? With some great chemistry between Tom and Summer that sparkles at the start but fizzles out as the relationship grew. Having great locations from an Ikea store to a hill-side park in the middle of the busy city. The music through out the movie are great classics from The Smiths, Morrissey and Beatles conversation keep the music lovers interested in the storyline.
Overall Movie Rating 93% it’s a rom-com that everyone will enjoy as it is a position everyone would have been in some when during their love life. Action junkies will not be interested that much but overall a very good romantic comedy that all will enjoy
https://moviesreview101.com/2010/01/26/500-days-of-summer/
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Days of Heaven (1978) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Gorgeous sprawling vistas
While I am still a Terrence Malick novice, I truly appreciate the small amount of his films I have seen. Having recently watched The Tree of Life which I found amazing I thought I would look up a few more to see what I was missing.
In or around 1916 middle America, an expansive wheat farm is worked for harvesting by hoards of day laborers. The landowner takes a fancy to one of his prettiest workers and asks her to stay on along with her brother and little sister. Little does the man know the other man is indeed her beau instead of her brother. A love triangle develops after she marries the rich man that slowly builds in tension until the poor couple's relationship is uncovered.
Peril comes to the farm in the form of locusts which threaten the crops and a subsequent fire which could destroy the fields completely.
I have found when I watch a Malick film, an very important supporting character is the landscape, atmosphere and world of nature around their human counterparts. In this film, the majestic fields are supplemented with shots of animals in the fields, vast sky and cloud formations and even unseen plants fighting to break through the soil.
I think these elements add much to deepen the immersion of the audience into the story Malick is telling and helps you accept the world around them quickly.
Richard Gere, Brooke Adams and the handsome Sam Shepard (they all looked so young) were beautifully photographed and played their parts well as we believed their emotions completely.
A truly magnificent film!
In or around 1916 middle America, an expansive wheat farm is worked for harvesting by hoards of day laborers. The landowner takes a fancy to one of his prettiest workers and asks her to stay on along with her brother and little sister. Little does the man know the other man is indeed her beau instead of her brother. A love triangle develops after she marries the rich man that slowly builds in tension until the poor couple's relationship is uncovered.
Peril comes to the farm in the form of locusts which threaten the crops and a subsequent fire which could destroy the fields completely.
I have found when I watch a Malick film, an very important supporting character is the landscape, atmosphere and world of nature around their human counterparts. In this film, the majestic fields are supplemented with shots of animals in the fields, vast sky and cloud formations and even unseen plants fighting to break through the soil.
I think these elements add much to deepen the immersion of the audience into the story Malick is telling and helps you accept the world around them quickly.
Richard Gere, Brooke Adams and the handsome Sam Shepard (they all looked so young) were beautifully photographed and played their parts well as we believed their emotions completely.
A truly magnificent film!