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Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Disappearances (The Killables, #2) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is the sequel to Gemma Malley's The Killables which I read recently. It consists of the same characters as before, such as Raffy, Linus, Lucas, Evie, the Brother, and also some extra characters. It, obviously, takes place after the System has been shut down - this having caused some issues, such as the Disappearances.
This is written in a rather different way to the previous book, in that it is told from different viewpoints and even during different time periods. The reader must piece together what is happening without it being explained to them, and how it's relevant to the plot. We're given insights to the start of the Horrors and the past lives of some of the characters.
I was honestly quite surprised with how dark this was quite early on; I was expecting the Disappearances to have a happy ending, not the pile of bodies that is actually given. Personally, this made it more thrilling and exciting, though.
The love triangle is slightly irritating, as all YA love triangles are. But I like that Raffy has his issues - anger and possessive issues, in fact, which is a very real problem for many people. And the backstories of the characters make them so much more real and lovable.
I think I prefer this to the previous novel, if only just a bit. I think 4 stars is a good rating for this.
This is written in a rather different way to the previous book, in that it is told from different viewpoints and even during different time periods. The reader must piece together what is happening without it being explained to them, and how it's relevant to the plot. We're given insights to the start of the Horrors and the past lives of some of the characters.
I was honestly quite surprised with how dark this was quite early on; I was expecting the Disappearances to have a happy ending, not the pile of bodies that is actually given. Personally, this made it more thrilling and exciting, though.
The love triangle is slightly irritating, as all YA love triangles are. But I like that Raffy has his issues - anger and possessive issues, in fact, which is a very real problem for many people. And the backstories of the characters make them so much more real and lovable.
I think I prefer this to the previous novel, if only just a bit. I think 4 stars is a good rating for this.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Above the Fold (Midnight Rodeo #7) in Books
Jun 25, 2019
Above the Fold (Midnight Rodeo #7) by B.A. Tortuga
Above the Fold is the seventh book in the Midnight Rodeo series, and as such, I really do think you need to read at least some of them to get the full impact of this one.
Jon is the reporter who loses his job because he is losing his memories. The only thing he can - and wants to - remember is the Midnight Rodeo. He follows them from town to town, never knowing why, but unable to resist the call. Kelly tried to do a mindswipe on Jon, before he realised Jon was psychic. This is what has led to the memory loss. Kelly takes Jon under his wing as they try to find a solution.
This is a fast-paced novella with plenty of detail, and a great cast of characters. The story moves along at a steady pace, focusing on this story alone. That is why I feel I have missed out on some details, because some of the other characters obviously have their own abilities and stories, and I wanted to know more.
A sweet and warm story though, that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Jon is the reporter who loses his job because he is losing his memories. The only thing he can - and wants to - remember is the Midnight Rodeo. He follows them from town to town, never knowing why, but unable to resist the call. Kelly tried to do a mindswipe on Jon, before he realised Jon was psychic. This is what has led to the memory loss. Kelly takes Jon under his wing as they try to find a solution.
This is a fast-paced novella with plenty of detail, and a great cast of characters. The story moves along at a steady pace, focusing on this story alone. That is why I feel I have missed out on some details, because some of the other characters obviously have their own abilities and stories, and I wanted to know more.
A sweet and warm story though, that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Found In Time in Books
Sep 13, 2019
Found In Time is set in today world. You get follow a young man named Major JJ Jackson. He seem dedicated to his country. There are special secret mission he goes on,. Everything seem to be working out find and the team come back.
What would you do if you had this technology and you wanted to keep your country safe? You get to meet some historial figures, and talk to them. How would you feel if you got stuck in a time you were not use to and had to say their and adapt?
If our enemy had found out about this technology what do you think would have happened if it could change the past or our future as we know it. This book put us in the fight to save an American President that his being attacked on American soil? What will this special team of 6 men and woman be able to depend the nation and President?
The plot is done well once you get to the adventures plus the action. It really is a thriller and science fiction with a historical fiction twist to it. Their is some violence in the book and some bad words said. The team is put in spots. There seem to be a mole or two in here. Find out by reading and how it ends. What would you do if you could travel back in time?
What would you do if you had this technology and you wanted to keep your country safe? You get to meet some historial figures, and talk to them. How would you feel if you got stuck in a time you were not use to and had to say their and adapt?
If our enemy had found out about this technology what do you think would have happened if it could change the past or our future as we know it. This book put us in the fight to save an American President that his being attacked on American soil? What will this special team of 6 men and woman be able to depend the nation and President?
The plot is done well once you get to the adventures plus the action. It really is a thriller and science fiction with a historical fiction twist to it. Their is some violence in the book and some bad words said. The team is put in spots. There seem to be a mole or two in here. Find out by reading and how it ends. What would you do if you could travel back in time?
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Good Gave Us The Bible in Books
Oct 12, 2019
I know some parents might be seeking an excellent book for their children. Are you seeking a way to identify Gods story to little one? Well this book, God Gave Us the Bible as a few favorite stories. It a good one and well done.
The stories are brief but mean full. They may allow the children asking some questions about the bible or the meaning of the story. This book retains characters that display this though animals with a Mama bear and a few forest animal kids. I like this concept and could understand it. The stories are not in depth of the Bible, but it gives the children or animal kids in the book to ask about a b meaning of a word or prase. Mama explains them try to provide them an answer that they would understand.
The pictures are effectively put together. I enjoy looking them, and they did tell the story. I was able to read this book in one sitting. I had to take a break when I was going an appointment. I finished the same day as I started it. If I did not have to go any where and launched this at home, I would completed reading it in one sitting.
This book does teach you some lessons and the story of Christ though the eyes of little cubs. Parents should think to put this on their bookshelves for their children or grandchildren. Good for children of juvenile readers.
The stories are brief but mean full. They may allow the children asking some questions about the bible or the meaning of the story. This book retains characters that display this though animals with a Mama bear and a few forest animal kids. I like this concept and could understand it. The stories are not in depth of the Bible, but it gives the children or animal kids in the book to ask about a b meaning of a word or prase. Mama explains them try to provide them an answer that they would understand.
The pictures are effectively put together. I enjoy looking them, and they did tell the story. I was able to read this book in one sitting. I had to take a break when I was going an appointment. I finished the same day as I started it. If I did not have to go any where and launched this at home, I would completed reading it in one sitting.
This book does teach you some lessons and the story of Christ though the eyes of little cubs. Parents should think to put this on their bookshelves for their children or grandchildren. Good for children of juvenile readers.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) in Movies
Oct 13, 2019 (Updated Dec 20, 2019)
A great but flawed entry into a groundbreaking trilogy
Return of the Jedi is a good enough closing episode of the original Star Wars trilogy.
A lot of the great things about the previous two films are carried over - the awesome settings and location, the unbeatable John Williams score, and the epic sci-fi vision that started in 1977.
By this point, everyone is familiar with all of the characters. Luke, Leia, and Han all return, and aren't really in any need of any further character development at this point. Not necessarily a bad thing as ROTJ can concentrate on rounding off the story.
The most divisive element of this entry amongst Star Wars fans are of course the Ewoks. Their inclusion is certainly a hammier direction for the series. Some people loved it, some absolutely hated it, and how big of a part they play during the films climax.
I personally am indifferent. I don't hate the Ewoks, but they're partly what makes ROTJ inferior to the first two. Still, not a scratch on what's to come *cough* Jar Jar *cough*.
We're still treated to some iconic moments - Jabba the Hutt and the Rancor pit. Vader and Luke finally squaring off. The speeder bike chase.
This shows just how much Star Wars still delivers three films in.
All in all, ROTJ is still an integral part of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time, and will always be important to me!
A lot of the great things about the previous two films are carried over - the awesome settings and location, the unbeatable John Williams score, and the epic sci-fi vision that started in 1977.
By this point, everyone is familiar with all of the characters. Luke, Leia, and Han all return, and aren't really in any need of any further character development at this point. Not necessarily a bad thing as ROTJ can concentrate on rounding off the story.
The most divisive element of this entry amongst Star Wars fans are of course the Ewoks. Their inclusion is certainly a hammier direction for the series. Some people loved it, some absolutely hated it, and how big of a part they play during the films climax.
I personally am indifferent. I don't hate the Ewoks, but they're partly what makes ROTJ inferior to the first two. Still, not a scratch on what's to come *cough* Jar Jar *cough*.
We're still treated to some iconic moments - Jabba the Hutt and the Rancor pit. Vader and Luke finally squaring off. The speeder bike chase.
This shows just how much Star Wars still delivers three films in.
All in all, ROTJ is still an integral part of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time, and will always be important to me!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) in Movies
Aug 24, 2020
The Story of Fire Saga is EXACTLY what I expected it be. It's so very silly, but it's stupidly entertaining.
The yearly Eurovision Song Contest is the epitome of car crash television. Any lack of merit is made up for by the sheer cheesiness of it all, and it's ultimately not very good, but it's hard to look away.
Fire Saga takes this concept, and just adds Will Ferrell to the mix - arguably perfect casting for a film based on this subject.
Both Ferrell and Rachel McAdams are great, and are willing to poke fun at themselves. Legion's Dan Stevens is fantastic as well.
Some of the songs written for this are just ridiculous. They would fit in seamlessly alongside any real world Eurovision stuff - well written nonsense I guess would be an apt description.
On the surface, Fire Saga may appear silly, it actually possesses a huge amount of heart. Although some (like me) find Eurovision pretty dumb, it clearly means a lot to many people. This is shown off in spades here, and boasts some genuinely emotional plot points. The narrative isn't too dissimilar to Blades of Glory on terms of structure if that helps to picture it.
All in all, The Story of Fire Saga is hugely entertaining, pretty funny, and is brimming with charm. You would have to have a heart of stone to not get something out of it.
The yearly Eurovision Song Contest is the epitome of car crash television. Any lack of merit is made up for by the sheer cheesiness of it all, and it's ultimately not very good, but it's hard to look away.
Fire Saga takes this concept, and just adds Will Ferrell to the mix - arguably perfect casting for a film based on this subject.
Both Ferrell and Rachel McAdams are great, and are willing to poke fun at themselves. Legion's Dan Stevens is fantastic as well.
Some of the songs written for this are just ridiculous. They would fit in seamlessly alongside any real world Eurovision stuff - well written nonsense I guess would be an apt description.
On the surface, Fire Saga may appear silly, it actually possesses a huge amount of heart. Although some (like me) find Eurovision pretty dumb, it clearly means a lot to many people. This is shown off in spades here, and boasts some genuinely emotional plot points. The narrative isn't too dissimilar to Blades of Glory on terms of structure if that helps to picture it.
All in all, The Story of Fire Saga is hugely entertaining, pretty funny, and is brimming with charm. You would have to have a heart of stone to not get something out of it.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated The Hangover Part II (2011) in Movies
Sep 29, 2020 (Updated Oct 1, 2020)
Better than I remembered from the theater, but it's impossible not to notice that the pitch for this was just "the first movie... but worse!" The original will forever be one of my favorite comedies with an ingenious main plot device that I truthfully don't mind them at all reusing (an investigative 'search for clues' procedural wrapped into the raunchy comedy framing device of trying to figure what four drunk fucks did the night before) but I think they went too much 'crime movie' and not enough 'comedy movie' with this one. Has some laugh-out-loud moments but as everyone has already said they're few and far between, then the last 45 minutes of this devolves into everyone screaming and asking each other expository questions for the rest of the runtime. Though one thing I don't think even this franchise's supporters give these enough credit for is the acting. Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, and Ken Jeong are phenomenal both comedically and dramatically here and find a very reasonable balance between the two. Not to mention each of their respective performances is definable from one another and heavily idiosyncratic. But then you have crap like Bryan Callen in brownface, a monkey hanging out with them for half the movie, and Mike Tyson shows up and raps at the end. So you win some, you lose some I guess. Pretty lovingly depraved at least.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The World Famous ABC's Book of Rhyme (Mariana Books Rhyming #1) in Books
Sep 15, 2021
I know many have learned their ABCs in different ways. Children learn in different ways. Children need to understand the ABCs at some point. A book I came about is "The World Famous ABC Book of Rhyme" by Roger Carlson; this book will help children of different ages learn their ABCs in a fun and enjoyable way.
I happen to be told by my mom; she used to teach me to use animals to learn my ABCs growing up. This book can help children learn to say their words with pictures. They also will learn their ABCs. This book is suitable for toddlers and young readers. Children that are in preschool through grade five. Will I learn something from ABCs or some basic reading skills or words?
The way this book transpires is charming. The pictures are bright and colorful. Parents will enjoy this book as it is excellent for any one child to learn. The rhyming helps to make it fun and different. I do not know if parents or children or even teachers have thought that ABCs could be a poem to teach them.
Can your children find other words to practice while reading this book? They can learn and practice some new words or old ones. Parents will want this book on their child or children's bookshelves or in their homes. The teacher may wish to do it for their classrooms as well. It is a great resource.
I happen to be told by my mom; she used to teach me to use animals to learn my ABCs growing up. This book can help children learn to say their words with pictures. They also will learn their ABCs. This book is suitable for toddlers and young readers. Children that are in preschool through grade five. Will I learn something from ABCs or some basic reading skills or words?
The way this book transpires is charming. The pictures are bright and colorful. Parents will enjoy this book as it is excellent for any one child to learn. The rhyming helps to make it fun and different. I do not know if parents or children or even teachers have thought that ABCs could be a poem to teach them.
Can your children find other words to practice while reading this book? They can learn and practice some new words or old ones. Parents will want this book on their child or children's bookshelves or in their homes. The teacher may wish to do it for their classrooms as well. It is a great resource.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Surface Scratch (Neon Scars #1) in Books
May 5, 2023
SURFACE SCRATCH is the first book in the Neon Scars series, and also the first book published by this author. If you're looking for a light and fluffy romance then you've got the wrong book. This one is quite dark so be prepared.
Caleb has had a hard time of it recently. He and his family were in a car accident, leaving him with some major scars. His brother walks out and his mom dies. But then he gets a job at a nightclub and is intrigued by his boss, Marcus. He gets drawn into a world of vampires where, just as with humans, some are "good" and some not so much. There are also hunters who come across more as the bad guys than anything else.
As I said, this is dark. The loving is rough and almost violent (although written incredibly well.) I enjoyed Caleb and Marcus' story but am also looking forward to finding out more from the other characters. Vincent especially made me laugh as every time he called Caleb "Buttercup", I was hearing it said by different characters from The Princess Bride movie!
A great beginning to a series with a fantastic group of characters. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
May 5, 2023
Caleb has had a hard time of it recently. He and his family were in a car accident, leaving him with some major scars. His brother walks out and his mom dies. But then he gets a job at a nightclub and is intrigued by his boss, Marcus. He gets drawn into a world of vampires where, just as with humans, some are "good" and some not so much. There are also hunters who come across more as the bad guys than anything else.
As I said, this is dark. The loving is rough and almost violent (although written incredibly well.) I enjoyed Caleb and Marcus' story but am also looking forward to finding out more from the other characters. Vincent especially made me laugh as every time he called Caleb "Buttercup", I was hearing it said by different characters from The Princess Bride movie!
A great beginning to a series with a fantastic group of characters. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
May 5, 2023
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Ava and Aaron's Christmas Story in Rhyme (Mariana Books Rhyming #5) in Books
Dec 24, 2021
Ava and Aaron's Christmas Story is beautiful. It is about them and getting a special gift for Christmas. Will they get that special gift? Will they get to spend time with their family? There is rhyming, and children will also learn to read and rhyme.
Children will learn that love and family are more important than presents. I enjoyed the meaning and the fun things they do together. It is all shown throughout the pictures. What fun it is to do something with your mom and dad.
The pictures are down well—the words blended into the images in some cases. I enjoyed the story and was reading the book in one sitting. It tells the story of Christmas and all its meaning. Family and some winter fun that comes along with the holiday season.
Are your children or child waiting for it to snow? Do they enjoy playing in the snow? This story is no different for these two lovely children in the story. Will Ava get her to wish of snow or will not? What are some of your family's Christmas traditions? What surprises are your child or children waiting for to get the shock of someone special or a loved one? Sometimes the wonder is lovely and enjoyable, and seeing someone after it has been a while. Bringing the family together is what it is all about. Is it not for Christmas?
Children will learn that love and family are more important than presents. I enjoyed the meaning and the fun things they do together. It is all shown throughout the pictures. What fun it is to do something with your mom and dad.
The pictures are down well—the words blended into the images in some cases. I enjoyed the story and was reading the book in one sitting. It tells the story of Christmas and all its meaning. Family and some winter fun that comes along with the holiday season.
Are your children or child waiting for it to snow? Do they enjoy playing in the snow? This story is no different for these two lovely children in the story. Will Ava get her to wish of snow or will not? What are some of your family's Christmas traditions? What surprises are your child or children waiting for to get the shock of someone special or a loved one? Sometimes the wonder is lovely and enjoyable, and seeing someone after it has been a while. Bringing the family together is what it is all about. Is it not for Christmas?