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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Force of Nature in Books
Mar 17, 2018
Slow burner, slightly disappointing
As a fan of Jane Harper's debut novel @The Dry, this definitely felt like a sub-par sequel. Detective Aaron Falks returns with another case in the Australian wilderness, this time following the disappearance of a woman who went on a work retreat in the outback but never came back.
Four of the women who went with her all have motives to want to see her gone, so Falks attempts to understand what secrets she may have had about them.
The story, as described, felt underwhelming even though I appreciate the straightforward simplicity of Harper's writing. There is no massive conspiracy similar to the first but it may have lacked too much in this instance.
Four of the women who went with her all have motives to want to see her gone, so Falks attempts to understand what secrets she may have had about them.
The story, as described, felt underwhelming even though I appreciate the straightforward simplicity of Harper's writing. There is no massive conspiracy similar to the first but it may have lacked too much in this instance.
Dean (6926 KP) rated Sharp Objects in TV
Aug 29, 2018
A great slow burner...
... But a shame about the ending! I did really enjoy this drama series. It has a great cast, cinematography and a gripping raw, brutal and haunting storyline. It's a very classy production. Definitely one that centres on character study, the murder mystery side almost taking a back seat. The only reason I can't give it a 9 or 10 the ending and final episode felt kinda rushed with a lot of unanswered questions. A twist that came out of nowhere. You have to watch until the end of the credits for a very quick summing up scene. After the pace of the first 7 episodes it was a slightly disappointing end to a great series.
Merissa (12058 KP) rated After the Scrum in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This is the story of Caddock, the retired rugby player, and Francis, the interior designer, and how they get together. This is a sweet romance, guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies whilst you read it. Filled with heart-warming characters of both human and canine varieties, you will travel to antiques fairs and pubs in Cornwall.
Well-written and smoothly paced, this was a slow burner of a romance, although the attraction was instantaneous. Caddock and Francis are most definitely a case of opposites attracting and definitely complementing each other.
Another winner from Dahlia Donovan, and definitely recommended by me.
* I received this book from Hot Tree Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Well-written and smoothly paced, this was a slow burner of a romance, although the attraction was instantaneous. Caddock and Francis are most definitely a case of opposites attracting and definitely complementing each other.
Another winner from Dahlia Donovan, and definitely recommended by me.
* I received this book from Hot Tree Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated The Vine Witch in Books
Dec 22, 2019
Slow burning
After seven years of being cursed Elena is finally free, from her wet and cold confines. She travels back to her beloved vineyard she calls home in the Chanceaux Valley of France, only to find there is a new owner, and the vines she loves so much are dying.
Elena offers to help her Grandmere and the new owner, Jean-Paul to revive the vines and bring back the quality wines that were previously made there.
Elena hides her witch abilities, from an unsure Jean-Paul, who believes science is the way behind great wine making.
Expect some witchy chaos, some ritualistic (but tasteful) blood letting, and a lot of wine talk. Elena ends up face to face with her ex, his new wife and the inspector in charge of keeping covenant laws.
Smith writes very well, the setting is written so beautifully and descriptive you can imagine yourself being there. It’s a lovely read, it’s a bit of a slow burner, with a lot of action towards to the end, but stick with it.
Elena offers to help her Grandmere and the new owner, Jean-Paul to revive the vines and bring back the quality wines that were previously made there.
Elena hides her witch abilities, from an unsure Jean-Paul, who believes science is the way behind great wine making.
Expect some witchy chaos, some ritualistic (but tasteful) blood letting, and a lot of wine talk. Elena ends up face to face with her ex, his new wife and the inspector in charge of keeping covenant laws.
Smith writes very well, the setting is written so beautifully and descriptive you can imagine yourself being there. It’s a lovely read, it’s a bit of a slow burner, with a lot of action towards to the end, but stick with it.
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Kalil (Men of S.O.C, #1) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
This is a slow burner with a build-up towards the main part of the story. There are parts of this story that aren't nice to read about but you do have to read all parts to fully understand the mindset of the serial killer. Trust me, you will feel really sorry for those girls, even knowing that it's not real and there is nothing you could do anyway.
This is very well written and put together and will leave you wanting more. The love build-up is slow and steady, although the lust is instantaneous, which makes a nice change in this era of insta-love.
For a book on the darker side of romance suspense but with added dashes of humour and deep friendships then definitely give this one a go! Recommended.
* 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!
July 26, 2016
This is very well written and put together and will leave you wanting more. The love build-up is slow and steady, although the lust is instantaneous, which makes a nice change in this era of insta-love.
For a book on the darker side of romance suspense but with added dashes of humour and deep friendships then definitely give this one a go! Recommended.
* 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!
July 26, 2016
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated The Princess of Draga (Draga Court #1) in Books
Feb 28, 2018
a slow burner
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
A bit of a slow burner, long build up kinda book, this one!
It reminds me a little of reading Game of Thrones, NOT in the content, not at all but in the way the stage is set with many players, who have their own agendas. Many players who have a say. Many players who did NOT get a say too!
But my overwhelming reaction to finishing this was, I missed something. Something was missing and I cannot figure out what.
There is a book before this one, Royal Guard of Draga, but reading the blurb, it isn't what I'm missing. I think what I'm missing is more history of Draga, more about the original invasion of the Neprijat monsters who have returned to take over the galaxy. We get bits and pieces, but not enough for me to get the whole picture, the whole history. Maybe that will come with future books, I dunno. That's just how I feel, and ya'll know I love to share how I feel!
I did think it would be a little more on the explicit side, given how we are introduced to Nadyah and why she is in court with Adelina, but it isn't overly.
It's a GOOD book, well written from lots of those players, it just didn't grab me and it took far longer for me to read the 276 pages than it should have. Maybe book two will be better. Off to read it now!
A good solid 3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
A bit of a slow burner, long build up kinda book, this one!
It reminds me a little of reading Game of Thrones, NOT in the content, not at all but in the way the stage is set with many players, who have their own agendas. Many players who have a say. Many players who did NOT get a say too!
But my overwhelming reaction to finishing this was, I missed something. Something was missing and I cannot figure out what.
There is a book before this one, Royal Guard of Draga, but reading the blurb, it isn't what I'm missing. I think what I'm missing is more history of Draga, more about the original invasion of the Neprijat monsters who have returned to take over the galaxy. We get bits and pieces, but not enough for me to get the whole picture, the whole history. Maybe that will come with future books, I dunno. That's just how I feel, and ya'll know I love to share how I feel!
I did think it would be a little more on the explicit side, given how we are introduced to Nadyah and why she is in court with Adelina, but it isn't overly.
It's a GOOD book, well written from lots of those players, it just didn't grab me and it took far longer for me to read the 276 pages than it should have. Maybe book two will be better. Off to read it now!
A good solid 3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Devil All the Time (2020) in Movies
Sep 18, 2020
A dark slow burner
I knew nothing about this film other than the synopsis, but after watching Tenet again recently I felt in the mood to give another Robert Pattinson a go. And overall this is a pretty good film.
Right from the start, the narration draws you in and I loved this aspect of the film. I actually wish there had been more narration throughout. The story itself is rather dark and sordid, it's definitely not a happy story and how things work out for some characters is often an unpleasant surprise. It's definitely a slow burner of a film and this really is the major negative. It's drawn out well over 2 hours and this may be a little too long. I feel like it could've been cut down to inder 2 hours will little detrimental impact to the story.
The best thing about this film though is by far the acting, from everyone involved. The parts for the majority of the actors are small due to the nature of the story, but every single one of them excels with what they're given. Although the highlights are by far Bill Skarsgard, Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson. I couldn't take my eyes off any of them when they were on screen, and this just goes to show how brilliant acting can really make a film so much better.
Watching this felt rather familiar, like I've seen something similar in the past that's as good, but I really can't remember what it could be (any suggestions welcome). But overall this is a good story elevated by some fantastic acting.
Right from the start, the narration draws you in and I loved this aspect of the film. I actually wish there had been more narration throughout. The story itself is rather dark and sordid, it's definitely not a happy story and how things work out for some characters is often an unpleasant surprise. It's definitely a slow burner of a film and this really is the major negative. It's drawn out well over 2 hours and this may be a little too long. I feel like it could've been cut down to inder 2 hours will little detrimental impact to the story.
The best thing about this film though is by far the acting, from everyone involved. The parts for the majority of the actors are small due to the nature of the story, but every single one of them excels with what they're given. Although the highlights are by far Bill Skarsgard, Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson. I couldn't take my eyes off any of them when they were on screen, and this just goes to show how brilliant acting can really make a film so much better.
Watching this felt rather familiar, like I've seen something similar in the past that's as good, but I really can't remember what it could be (any suggestions welcome). But overall this is a good story elevated by some fantastic acting.
ClareR (5726 KP) rated Little Fires Everywhere in Books
Jan 14, 2018 (Updated Jan 14, 2018)
A slow burner
Slow to start, this book drew me in and made it very difficult to put down. It seems to be a story of opposites: the wealthy and the poor, people who live their lives as they have been 'taught' and expected to and those who live a freer life without pandering to the expectations of others. It's about growing up as a teenager, about being a parent. It's hard to judge the characters in the book, they act as they feel they should to benefit themselves, their friends or their family. This book shows you what it is to be human, to make mistakes and to live with the repercussions. I loved it. There were times where I thought I should dislike a character for their actions/ opinions, but the situation was portrayed in such a way that you could understand what they did and why they did it. This is what I really like about the two Celeste Ng books that I've read. She shows the real human side of her characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy of the book to read and review.
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy of the book to read and review.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Mule (2018) in Movies
Feb 11, 2019
Impressively good
I'm going to admit something now, but I don't think I've ever seen a Clint Eastwood starring film before. Ive seen some of his directing efforts (and really liked them), but this is the first time I've seen him acting - and after seeing this, I know I've been missing out.
This is very much a slow burner. It's not so slow that nothing happens but moves at its own steady pace that just about keeps your attention and hooks you in. This is helped mostly by a stellar performance from Clint Eastwood and a great script, which inserts some fairly humorous lines into what would otherwise be a very serious subject. The plot itself is a simple and enjoyable story that kept me enthralled for the entire 2 hours. The only downside is that most of the fantastic cast apart from Eastwood himself - Bradley Cooper, Michael Peña and Laurence Fishburne especially - are sadly underused. It's great to see them, it's just a shame that we don't see them enough.
Aside from this though, it's a very good enjoyable film that's absolutely worth a watch.
This is very much a slow burner. It's not so slow that nothing happens but moves at its own steady pace that just about keeps your attention and hooks you in. This is helped mostly by a stellar performance from Clint Eastwood and a great script, which inserts some fairly humorous lines into what would otherwise be a very serious subject. The plot itself is a simple and enjoyable story that kept me enthralled for the entire 2 hours. The only downside is that most of the fantastic cast apart from Eastwood himself - Bradley Cooper, Michael Peña and Laurence Fishburne especially - are sadly underused. It's great to see them, it's just a shame that we don't see them enough.
Aside from this though, it's a very good enjoyable film that's absolutely worth a watch.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Exorcist (1973) in Movies
Oct 30, 2018
Shocking for its time
The Exorcist is one of those classics that for me is perhaps slightly overrated. Don't get me wrong, for something made in the 70s it's very impressive, it's just very difficult to judge an older film when you live in more modern times.
The film itself is a very slow burner, which isn't a bad thing as it at least relies more on subtlety rather than being in your face like a lot of more modern horrors are. For me it was a little too slow in parts and I wouldn't say this was scary in the slightest. The physical effects are very good for its time, and some of the scenes are still fairly shocking even now. There are some brilliant classic lines in this too, and Linda Blair is very good as Regan. What I like the most about this film is the ending, as it isn't quite your bog standard predictable Hollywood ending and the first time I saw this I was hugely surprised (but pleased) at how this played out.
This is definitely a classic and one worth watching, just try not to judge on today's standards!
The film itself is a very slow burner, which isn't a bad thing as it at least relies more on subtlety rather than being in your face like a lot of more modern horrors are. For me it was a little too slow in parts and I wouldn't say this was scary in the slightest. The physical effects are very good for its time, and some of the scenes are still fairly shocking even now. There are some brilliant classic lines in this too, and Linda Blair is very good as Regan. What I like the most about this film is the ending, as it isn't quite your bog standard predictable Hollywood ending and the first time I saw this I was hugely surprised (but pleased) at how this played out.
This is definitely a classic and one worth watching, just try not to judge on today's standards!
