Search
Search results
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Down to the Sea (Mystic Beach, #1.5) by Aislinn Archer in Books
Jun 17, 2022 (Updated Jun 19, 2023)
DOWN TO THE SEA is an overlap story in the Mystic Beach series. It tells the story of Aedan and Brighid - how they meet, how they become lovers and friends (and I use that order specifically), and how they both have trials to face.
Events that happened in Once Upon a Dream from Hunter's perspective, we now see from Brighid or Aedan's. This definitely helped fill the gaps and you see the reasons now for things Brighid did or said.
Aedan has his own love who hasn't 'woken up' yet and he and Brighid decide to pass the time with each other. He is a priest for a Manx Sea God - Manannán mac Lir. This means he has his own insights but he certainly doesn't see everything.
Apart from Brighid's visions, there isn't much paranormal here yet, although I'm sure that's coming in future books. I am loving this story and how the characters change and grow throughout the story.
One thing I have to say - and I know I will be in the minority here - but I got bored with the sex scenes between Aedan and Brighid. It says in the blurb the steam factors are high, and they are. It's just... I discovered I wanted more of the connection, the mysticism, between the two of them, rather than the sex. I found myself skipping over the sex scenes (unlike me) to get the visions or OoB experiences at the end. I loved it when the author changed it slightly near the end so we knew what they were doing but didn't need everything laid out.
As I say, this is my opinion, and it certainly didn't stop me from enjoying the rest of the story! I am now waiting (im)patiently for the continuation of Hunter and Brighid's story, content with waiting for Aedan's simply because I know it's coming.
If you love Ireland and the Irish Gods, I definitely recommend this book and series.
** 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!
Jun 12, 2022
Events that happened in Once Upon a Dream from Hunter's perspective, we now see from Brighid or Aedan's. This definitely helped fill the gaps and you see the reasons now for things Brighid did or said.
Aedan has his own love who hasn't 'woken up' yet and he and Brighid decide to pass the time with each other. He is a priest for a Manx Sea God - Manannán mac Lir. This means he has his own insights but he certainly doesn't see everything.
Apart from Brighid's visions, there isn't much paranormal here yet, although I'm sure that's coming in future books. I am loving this story and how the characters change and grow throughout the story.
One thing I have to say - and I know I will be in the minority here - but I got bored with the sex scenes between Aedan and Brighid. It says in the blurb the steam factors are high, and they are. It's just... I discovered I wanted more of the connection, the mysticism, between the two of them, rather than the sex. I found myself skipping over the sex scenes (unlike me) to get the visions or OoB experiences at the end. I loved it when the author changed it slightly near the end so we knew what they were doing but didn't need everything laid out.
As I say, this is my opinion, and it certainly didn't stop me from enjoying the rest of the story! I am now waiting (im)patiently for the continuation of Hunter and Brighid's story, content with waiting for Aedan's simply because I know it's coming.
If you love Ireland and the Irish Gods, I definitely recommend this book and series.
** 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!
Jun 12, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Giving the Dragon Fire in Books
Jun 2, 2024
more of an emotional connection would have been nice!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Gideon meets Ella and their chemistry is smokin! Literally! But Ella can't possibly be his mate, since she is human and dragons only mate with dragons. Right?
I liked this, for the most part. It's 250 odd pages, but it's a quick read, and an easy one.
I liked that both Gideon and Ella have a say. I liked that they are both suffering this attraction thing, and it's messing with both their equilibriums. I liked the smexiness level, it really is smokin hot.
BUT
I didn't like the smexiness level! Contradicting myself I know, but lemme explain.
Every time these two cross paths, there is smex. EVERY time. And while I do like my books on the steamier side, I do like some story with my steam, ok? And for a while, I was gonna dump this simply because all Ella and Gideon did was have smex. *I* found it too much, and that has to be saying something!!
So, what I'm trying to say is, I would have liked some other connecton between Ella and Gideon that wasn't horizontal. More of an emotional connection would have been nice. Once they decide to give this mate thing a go, the book then ends with an epilogue and I wanted more of that interim period.
I also was a bit lost as to Gideon getting his fire. He was convinced that Ella wasn't his mate because she couldn't give the dragon his fire. Then all of a sudden, he had it. Something happened (but spoilers!), but one scene he didn't, then he next, he did. No explaination as to HOW he got it.
So, some gaps in the plot, but once I got over my hissy fit, and finished the book, I can honestly say, I liked it. And it's the first I've read of this author. I'd like to read more of this group of people.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Gideon meets Ella and their chemistry is smokin! Literally! But Ella can't possibly be his mate, since she is human and dragons only mate with dragons. Right?
I liked this, for the most part. It's 250 odd pages, but it's a quick read, and an easy one.
I liked that both Gideon and Ella have a say. I liked that they are both suffering this attraction thing, and it's messing with both their equilibriums. I liked the smexiness level, it really is smokin hot.
BUT
I didn't like the smexiness level! Contradicting myself I know, but lemme explain.
Every time these two cross paths, there is smex. EVERY time. And while I do like my books on the steamier side, I do like some story with my steam, ok? And for a while, I was gonna dump this simply because all Ella and Gideon did was have smex. *I* found it too much, and that has to be saying something!!
So, what I'm trying to say is, I would have liked some other connecton between Ella and Gideon that wasn't horizontal. More of an emotional connection would have been nice. Once they decide to give this mate thing a go, the book then ends with an epilogue and I wanted more of that interim period.
I also was a bit lost as to Gideon getting his fire. He was convinced that Ella wasn't his mate because she couldn't give the dragon his fire. Then all of a sudden, he had it. Something happened (but spoilers!), but one scene he didn't, then he next, he did. No explaination as to HOW he got it.
So, some gaps in the plot, but once I got over my hissy fit, and finished the book, I can honestly say, I liked it. And it's the first I've read of this author. I'd like to read more of this group of people.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Gloria (27 KP) rated Prison Break - Season 3 in TV
Jul 18, 2017
Still Good, But Lacking
Contains spoilers, click to show
As surprising and exciting as ever. The characters grew into something more than themselves. The story continues to amaze. Nothing feels forced even if it was a bit unrealistic for them to end up where they did.
Season 3 of Prison Break takes us back to a familiar scenario. Michael Scofield is trying once again to break out of prison. Only this time the setting is different. The previous season's finale ended on a tense note. It gave us a glimpse at what looked like a more brutal and darker place to be locked up when compared to the Fox River Penitentiary of the show's first season. It showed a lot of promise.
Unfortunately, it doesn't quite live up to that potential. "Sona" comes off as quite tame compared to Fox River. Shocking considering the lack of guards. The sense of anarchy that could have been in place is sadly lacking. That's not to say there isn't a sense of urgency. The lives of these characters are still in danger, and it's still a joy to watch them try and survive. Even if the story isn't up to par with the excellent first two seasons.
The mystery grows larger. Unfortunately, this season is lacking in big reveals. It leads for the season to feel more like a side-story rather than the next big chapter in the story of Michael and crew. A few shocking developments take place and some new players are introduced while older ones are killed off, but it's lacking in all of these categories when compared to previous seasons.
That's not to say the show isn't still enjoyable. It's just lost some steam. I was still on the edge of my seat in every scenario. Even when it was completely obvious that the writers were just teasing us with some tension that we know the characters would wiggle their way out of consequence free. The show is still at its best when it's using its brain. Watching the heroes and villains constantly play a game of chess in order to stay ahead is as thrilling as ever. Prison Break still provides plenty of satisfying moments where a plan comes together and our crew makes a narrow escape. It might not live up to what came before, but there are still plenty of reasons to follow this story.
Season 3 of Prison Break takes us back to a familiar scenario. Michael Scofield is trying once again to break out of prison. Only this time the setting is different. The previous season's finale ended on a tense note. It gave us a glimpse at what looked like a more brutal and darker place to be locked up when compared to the Fox River Penitentiary of the show's first season. It showed a lot of promise.
Unfortunately, it doesn't quite live up to that potential. "Sona" comes off as quite tame compared to Fox River. Shocking considering the lack of guards. The sense of anarchy that could have been in place is sadly lacking. That's not to say there isn't a sense of urgency. The lives of these characters are still in danger, and it's still a joy to watch them try and survive. Even if the story isn't up to par with the excellent first two seasons.
The mystery grows larger. Unfortunately, this season is lacking in big reveals. It leads for the season to feel more like a side-story rather than the next big chapter in the story of Michael and crew. A few shocking developments take place and some new players are introduced while older ones are killed off, but it's lacking in all of these categories when compared to previous seasons.
That's not to say the show isn't still enjoyable. It's just lost some steam. I was still on the edge of my seat in every scenario. Even when it was completely obvious that the writers were just teasing us with some tension that we know the characters would wiggle their way out of consequence free. The show is still at its best when it's using its brain. Watching the heroes and villains constantly play a game of chess in order to stay ahead is as thrilling as ever. Prison Break still provides plenty of satisfying moments where a plan comes together and our crew makes a narrow escape. It might not live up to what came before, but there are still plenty of reasons to follow this story.
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Forged Futures (Tribal Spirits #4) in Books
May 21, 2019
Forged Futures (Tribal Spirits #4) by Katherine McIntyre
Forged Futures is the fourth book in the Tribal Spirits series, and we get Lana's story. Hers and Lucas', the gentle giant of the East Coast Tribe.
Lana has suffered since her husband died. Not only did she lose her best friend, but everyone treats her differently now too. She is unable to speak of him, and this tears her up inside. She is also not good at living alone. So when she hears creaks and groans that don't belong in her house, she knows something is up. That is the start of her life unravelling from how she knew it. Her husband wasn't who she thought he was, but there were reasons for that, which Lana finds out.
Lucas has been attracted to Lana from the start, but as a 'new' widow, he refused to make a move. He can't stop himself from protecting her though, and nor does he want to try. Lucas is fighting his own battles, and they help him with Lana, as it helps him to understand.
These two really are a match made in heaven. Lana sees Lucas for who he really is, and Lucas sees Lana as a woman, not just a widow. The excitement is rife in this book, and I got all flustered thinking Mackey was going down! I can't wait for that to happen!!! At least they made headway, but I won't say anything else! Drew is really coming into his own too. Ms. McIntyre is dropping hints about what happened, and why, and also what might be coming. I really hope I'm right, as he has managed to wriggle into my affections, and I really want to see him happy!
Exceptional writing, just what I would expect from a Katherine McIntyre book. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, with a smoothly paced story, and no plot holes. There is a slow-build up to the steam, and it works perfectly. Great characters, and an exciting story. Sierra and Dax still remain my favourites (so far), but Lana and Lucas are hot on their heels. Let's see if it stays that way once Drew gets his story! 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!
Lana has suffered since her husband died. Not only did she lose her best friend, but everyone treats her differently now too. She is unable to speak of him, and this tears her up inside. She is also not good at living alone. So when she hears creaks and groans that don't belong in her house, she knows something is up. That is the start of her life unravelling from how she knew it. Her husband wasn't who she thought he was, but there were reasons for that, which Lana finds out.
Lucas has been attracted to Lana from the start, but as a 'new' widow, he refused to make a move. He can't stop himself from protecting her though, and nor does he want to try. Lucas is fighting his own battles, and they help him with Lana, as it helps him to understand.
These two really are a match made in heaven. Lana sees Lucas for who he really is, and Lucas sees Lana as a woman, not just a widow. The excitement is rife in this book, and I got all flustered thinking Mackey was going down! I can't wait for that to happen!!! At least they made headway, but I won't say anything else! Drew is really coming into his own too. Ms. McIntyre is dropping hints about what happened, and why, and also what might be coming. I really hope I'm right, as he has managed to wriggle into my affections, and I really want to see him happy!
Exceptional writing, just what I would expect from a Katherine McIntyre book. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, with a smoothly paced story, and no plot holes. There is a slow-build up to the steam, and it works perfectly. Great characters, and an exciting story. Sierra and Dax still remain my favourites (so far), but Lana and Lucas are hot on their heels. Let's see if it stays that way once Drew gets his story! 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!
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Wheels Up (Out of Uniform #4) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Wheels Up (Out of Uniform #4) by Annabeth Albert
Wheels Up is the fourth book in the Out of Uniform series, and spend some time with Dustin, Dylan's big brother.
Dustin is bisexual, but his family doesn't know. Just as he is about to come out to his family, Dylan beats him to the punchline. Dustin then gets a whole heap of family pressure dumped on his shoulders. His dad wants grand-kids, after all! Plus being a SEAL hasn't always been the best situation to be in if you're gay or bi, so Dustin has stayed firmly in the closet. He has his 'special' time with an online friend though, and that is more than enough for him... or maybe not.
Now, I'm not American, and I'm not in the Forces, nor do I know of anyone who is, so the whole fraternisation rules are new to me. That being said, wow! After seeing how distracted Dustin became, I can sort of understand the no relationship part, but to have that enforced to such a degree you can't even be friends??? And I didn't get the enlisted part of it - sorry! However, that didn't stop my enjoyment of this story one iota.
I think my heart broke so many times reading this one. The need to be with each other, the wanting to show people, the absolute necessity of keeping it quiet. Dustin and Wes put paid to so many preconceptions - why is it always the big guy who is the bossy top? Big guys need cuddles too! And to be fair, I can see them needing someone else to take charge of them, after being in charge of others for so much of the time.
So much steam, so much heartbreak, so much worry, and so much hope. You get a HFN, which I just hope will be enough. Can't wait to read more and find out. There were no editing or grammatical errors that interrupted my reading flow, and I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish. Absolutely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dustin is bisexual, but his family doesn't know. Just as he is about to come out to his family, Dylan beats him to the punchline. Dustin then gets a whole heap of family pressure dumped on his shoulders. His dad wants grand-kids, after all! Plus being a SEAL hasn't always been the best situation to be in if you're gay or bi, so Dustin has stayed firmly in the closet. He has his 'special' time with an online friend though, and that is more than enough for him... or maybe not.
Now, I'm not American, and I'm not in the Forces, nor do I know of anyone who is, so the whole fraternisation rules are new to me. That being said, wow! After seeing how distracted Dustin became, I can sort of understand the no relationship part, but to have that enforced to such a degree you can't even be friends??? And I didn't get the enlisted part of it - sorry! However, that didn't stop my enjoyment of this story one iota.
I think my heart broke so many times reading this one. The need to be with each other, the wanting to show people, the absolute necessity of keeping it quiet. Dustin and Wes put paid to so many preconceptions - why is it always the big guy who is the bossy top? Big guys need cuddles too! And to be fair, I can see them needing someone else to take charge of them, after being in charge of others for so much of the time.
So much steam, so much heartbreak, so much worry, and so much hope. You get a HFN, which I just hope will be enough. Can't wait to read more and find out. There were no editing or grammatical errors that interrupted my reading flow, and I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish. Absolutely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Fluster Cluck in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
One of the more interesting aspects of the Playstation 4 and Xbox One is that they have allowed many independent publishers to enjoy access to a mass audience in much the same way as Steam did for PC games.
When things like Playstion Plus are factored in in which subscribers are given free access to a series of games each month, and when you look at the price of such games being far lower than a studio release, there has been a rush of developers eager to get out there to the public.
One of the more interesting and humor laden games in this genre has arrived in the form of Fluster Cluck. The game offers a frantic and comedy based adventure where players can play against the system or in a 2vs 2 mode to gather resources for the Chikkinizer.
In a battle of corporate politics, players fly around maps in flying saucers to use their capture beams on cows, camels, and other objects, to transport them to the Chikkinizer for processing. The player with the biggest haul wins the round and then moves onto the next level where it all starts again.
Of course the other players will not go down without a fight and they fire their lasers at you as well as all manner of tricks at their disposal to take you out, distract you, your objectives, and so on.
It can take a few moments to get used to the controls as the left stick moves you and the right stick directs and fires your weapons but in no time flat you will be spinning around. I did have a bit of frustration with the requirement to win the round in order to move on as repeating rounds is never ideal when your getting a sense for the game. We also had some issues with the game not pairing with the Dualshock 4 one evening but that has not happened since and we have been able to play without issues.
The casual graphics and gameplay style are fun but do reflect the independent nature of the game but the developer Loot, knows the audience and infuses the game with as much fun as it can.
http://sknr.net/2014/10/21/fluster-cluck/
When things like Playstion Plus are factored in in which subscribers are given free access to a series of games each month, and when you look at the price of such games being far lower than a studio release, there has been a rush of developers eager to get out there to the public.
One of the more interesting and humor laden games in this genre has arrived in the form of Fluster Cluck. The game offers a frantic and comedy based adventure where players can play against the system or in a 2vs 2 mode to gather resources for the Chikkinizer.
In a battle of corporate politics, players fly around maps in flying saucers to use their capture beams on cows, camels, and other objects, to transport them to the Chikkinizer for processing. The player with the biggest haul wins the round and then moves onto the next level where it all starts again.
Of course the other players will not go down without a fight and they fire their lasers at you as well as all manner of tricks at their disposal to take you out, distract you, your objectives, and so on.
It can take a few moments to get used to the controls as the left stick moves you and the right stick directs and fires your weapons but in no time flat you will be spinning around. I did have a bit of frustration with the requirement to win the round in order to move on as repeating rounds is never ideal when your getting a sense for the game. We also had some issues with the game not pairing with the Dualshock 4 one evening but that has not happened since and we have been able to play without issues.
The casual graphics and gameplay style are fun but do reflect the independent nature of the game but the developer Loot, knows the audience and infuses the game with as much fun as it can.
http://sknr.net/2014/10/21/fluster-cluck/
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
“John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum” literally hits the ground running as the film opens with the title star (Keanu Reeves) and his faithful dog running desperately through the rain soaked streets of New York. Wick is set to have every major player after him and 14 million dollar bounty in less than an hour and he is desperate to find a way out of his situation.
Picking up moments from the end of the last film, Wick is persona non grata due to his decision to conduct business on the grounds of the Continental which while providing services and sanctuary to those in his profession; is strictly forbidden.
As he gets closer to the appointed hour; the streets fill with assassins looking to take down the legend and this drives Wick to desperately call in a Marker with a figure from his past (Anjelica Houston) in order to get passage from the city.
Wick hopes that by meeting with the head of the Table he can get the bounty removed and stop running for his life. This of course requires him to deal with figures from his past such as Sofia (Halle Berry) who would sooner shoot him rather than help him due to the enormous risks associated with helping him in any way.
Of course the bodies pile up along the way as Wick dispatches countless foes in creative and brutal fashion showing his reputation is still very well earned.
The film also has a very clever secondary story that involves Winston (Ian McShane) being forced to atone for his willingness to give Wick a one hour head start at the end of the last film and this of course will bring things full circle as Wick must decide what is most important to him as he tries to find a way out of his deadly situation.
Toss in a master assassin (Mark Dacascos) and his army of rogues after Wick and the film never lets up once. It is an epic thrill ride and a symphony of bullets, blades, blood, and bodies and Reeves and the cast have never been better. While most series have run out of steam by the third film, this series has never been more enjoyable and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
http://sknr.net/2019/05/10/john-wick-chapter-3-parabellum/
Picking up moments from the end of the last film, Wick is persona non grata due to his decision to conduct business on the grounds of the Continental which while providing services and sanctuary to those in his profession; is strictly forbidden.
As he gets closer to the appointed hour; the streets fill with assassins looking to take down the legend and this drives Wick to desperately call in a Marker with a figure from his past (Anjelica Houston) in order to get passage from the city.
Wick hopes that by meeting with the head of the Table he can get the bounty removed and stop running for his life. This of course requires him to deal with figures from his past such as Sofia (Halle Berry) who would sooner shoot him rather than help him due to the enormous risks associated with helping him in any way.
Of course the bodies pile up along the way as Wick dispatches countless foes in creative and brutal fashion showing his reputation is still very well earned.
The film also has a very clever secondary story that involves Winston (Ian McShane) being forced to atone for his willingness to give Wick a one hour head start at the end of the last film and this of course will bring things full circle as Wick must decide what is most important to him as he tries to find a way out of his deadly situation.
Toss in a master assassin (Mark Dacascos) and his army of rogues after Wick and the film never lets up once. It is an epic thrill ride and a symphony of bullets, blades, blood, and bodies and Reeves and the cast have never been better. While most series have run out of steam by the third film, this series has never been more enjoyable and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
http://sknr.net/2019/05/10/john-wick-chapter-3-parabellum/
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Kid Brother (1927) in Movies
Jul 25, 2019
Great Conflict, Great Story
When a huge town fund goes missing, Harold (Harold Lloyd) sees a grand opportunity to prove himself to his family while winning the heart of a girl he likes. When the movie first started, I had no idea what to expect as it was my very first silent film. Once I got settled in and used to the concept, I was thoroughly impressed.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 6
If the movie continued on like it started, I would have hated it. For such a short run time, The Kid Brother didn’t exactly come out of the gates swinging. It’s like an old car: Gotta warm up first. Once it gets going…
Characters: 10
So what if all the other characters were one-dimensional? The movie revolves completely around Harold and Harold delivers. You’ve gotta respect the kid as he’s just trying to live up to his family name. His father has never thought much of him and his brothers are always roughing him up and, for once, Harold is hoping to come out on top. Not only does he deal with a number of moral dilemmas, but you can’t help but fall in love with the dude’s craft and cunning. Harold will make you laugh and cheer by the end of it.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
This movie has one of the coolest action scenes that I’ve seen in an earlier film. It involves a big fight on an abandoned ship. Between that, a cool chariot-style race, and Harold constantly trying to avoid awkward scrapes there is plenty of conflict to go around.
Entertainment Value: 10
Memorability: 10
Pace: 10
Slow start but quickly picks up steam. It’s a short ride, but the directors made sure they used up every ounce of time available. I appreciated that all the scenes really were necessary and they never overstayed their welcome.
Plot: 10
The story is succinct and very well-written. There weren’t any cheats as each plot point moved seamlessly to the next. Great character-development is weaved in as well. All the ingredients for a great story.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 96
If it weren’t for a weaker beginning, The Kid Brother would rank right up there with the all-time best. It had me looking forward to a deeper dive into the silent film world.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 6
If the movie continued on like it started, I would have hated it. For such a short run time, The Kid Brother didn’t exactly come out of the gates swinging. It’s like an old car: Gotta warm up first. Once it gets going…
Characters: 10
So what if all the other characters were one-dimensional? The movie revolves completely around Harold and Harold delivers. You’ve gotta respect the kid as he’s just trying to live up to his family name. His father has never thought much of him and his brothers are always roughing him up and, for once, Harold is hoping to come out on top. Not only does he deal with a number of moral dilemmas, but you can’t help but fall in love with the dude’s craft and cunning. Harold will make you laugh and cheer by the end of it.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
This movie has one of the coolest action scenes that I’ve seen in an earlier film. It involves a big fight on an abandoned ship. Between that, a cool chariot-style race, and Harold constantly trying to avoid awkward scrapes there is plenty of conflict to go around.
Entertainment Value: 10
Memorability: 10
Pace: 10
Slow start but quickly picks up steam. It’s a short ride, but the directors made sure they used up every ounce of time available. I appreciated that all the scenes really were necessary and they never overstayed their welcome.
Plot: 10
The story is succinct and very well-written. There weren’t any cheats as each plot point moved seamlessly to the next. Great character-development is weaved in as well. All the ingredients for a great story.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 96
If it weren’t for a weaker beginning, The Kid Brother would rank right up there with the all-time best. It had me looking forward to a deeper dive into the silent film world.
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Shift Work (Night Shift #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2021
It's only 117 pages, but packs a mighty powerful punch!
I was gifted my copy of this book, and I thank Ms Moore for that.
However!
I went into this book thinking it was a complete story. And its freaking NOT!! It's a mahoosive cliff hanger, and my poor kindle is lucky to still be working!
Cos there I was, merrily reading away, not paying much attention to how much I have left, and BOOM! The end crept up on me and I was OMFG and JHFC and all kinds of loud swear words a sailor would be proud of!
Oh, this is a bloody good book, but you need to know, its a cliff hanger, one of Dover Cliff size and I didn't know that!
Anyway, now I've ranted about that, here's what I really thought ;-P
I bloody LOVED this book! These werewolves are somewhat different, and it took me a little time to piece together the clues about how they are around "that time of the month" (I loved those little jokes, they proper made me chuckle!) They are dark and deadly around the full moon. Cade has just a few days to find out who the girl is in the morgue, the one who shouldn't be there. Working with Marlow, who is Night Shift (capitals intended, its how it is said in the book) and null. It took me a while to figure out what THAT meant, and I'm not entirely sure I've fully got it, but you make your own mind up.
I've not tagged this as romance. There is steam and attraction, but there is no romance here, not yet. Oh they have a moment in the bathroom that was rudely interrupted, but once they get some time together, the chemistry will explode, I'm sure.
I have it on authority that the next book isn't too far away, and I really hope that Ms Moore doesn't cliff hang that one, cos I'm not sure that my kindle can survive a second trip to the wall so close to the last one!
It's only 117 pages, but packs a mighty powerful punch!
So, all in all, a bloody good book, but April needs to hurry the chuffing heck up!
5 stars (but I would, even for such a short, cliffhanger book, give it more if I could!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
However!
I went into this book thinking it was a complete story. And its freaking NOT!! It's a mahoosive cliff hanger, and my poor kindle is lucky to still be working!
Cos there I was, merrily reading away, not paying much attention to how much I have left, and BOOM! The end crept up on me and I was OMFG and JHFC and all kinds of loud swear words a sailor would be proud of!
Oh, this is a bloody good book, but you need to know, its a cliff hanger, one of Dover Cliff size and I didn't know that!
Anyway, now I've ranted about that, here's what I really thought ;-P
I bloody LOVED this book! These werewolves are somewhat different, and it took me a little time to piece together the clues about how they are around "that time of the month" (I loved those little jokes, they proper made me chuckle!) They are dark and deadly around the full moon. Cade has just a few days to find out who the girl is in the morgue, the one who shouldn't be there. Working with Marlow, who is Night Shift (capitals intended, its how it is said in the book) and null. It took me a while to figure out what THAT meant, and I'm not entirely sure I've fully got it, but you make your own mind up.
I've not tagged this as romance. There is steam and attraction, but there is no romance here, not yet. Oh they have a moment in the bathroom that was rudely interrupted, but once they get some time together, the chemistry will explode, I'm sure.
I have it on authority that the next book isn't too far away, and I really hope that Ms Moore doesn't cliff hang that one, cos I'm not sure that my kindle can survive a second trip to the wall so close to the last one!
It's only 117 pages, but packs a mighty powerful punch!
So, all in all, a bloody good book, but April needs to hurry the chuffing heck up!
5 stars (but I would, even for such a short, cliffhanger book, give it more if I could!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Leigh J (71 KP) rated Dreamcatcher (2003) in Movies
Nov 24, 2019 (Updated Nov 24, 2019)
Stephen King does The Thing
Contains spoilers, click to show
4 friends make their yearly trek to a Cabin in a remote part of Maine to eat, drink, be merry and Hunt. However Jonesy, Pete, Beaver and Henry are not just any ordinary group of friends. For as long as they can remember, there has been a psychic link between them, strengthened further by the addition of Duddits, a mentally disabled young boy who they rescued from bullies one day after school when they were all kids. Their link as a group of 5 is so strong that they even rescue a young girl who has been missing for a while. Now the boys have grown up and this trip is their chance to let loose and blow off some steam, minus Duddits who is still mentally a young boy. Whilst out hunting, they come across a distressed and dazed man who tells them he got lost in the woods whilst out with his Hunting group... and the man is obviously ill. He has a suspicious injury to his face and he can't stop burping and farting, which are so horrible that they make the guys nauseous. Soon enough, they guys discover the man is in a blood soaked Bathroom, dead, and an Alien Weasel looking creature thrashing around in the toilet bowl. And there's a red fungus growing on (and in) everything. Could this really be an Alien invasion? Can the 4 friends strike back against these otherworldly enemies? And what will happen when the most malevolent one of these Aliens decides that Jonesy would be a great place for him to be able to wreak havoc from?
Dreamcatcher is an adaptation of the Book of the same name from Stephen King. I'm now VERY happy I read the Book before I watched this Movie as some things in the Book don't come across that clear in the Movie. Not a lot of people enjoy the Book and feel it's quite out there for Stephen King but I really enjoyed it, and the same can be said for the Movie! The story is really captivating, especially the friendships between the guys and the interaction between Jonesy and Mr Gray (his new invader) and I really appreciated the very "Thing" quality this Movie has (I literally have no idea why it reminds me of The Thing but it just does!) Definitely worth a watch, but it's not going to be for everyone as I would recommend reading the Book first.
Dreamcatcher is an adaptation of the Book of the same name from Stephen King. I'm now VERY happy I read the Book before I watched this Movie as some things in the Book don't come across that clear in the Movie. Not a lot of people enjoy the Book and feel it's quite out there for Stephen King but I really enjoyed it, and the same can be said for the Movie! The story is really captivating, especially the friendships between the guys and the interaction between Jonesy and Mr Gray (his new invader) and I really appreciated the very "Thing" quality this Movie has (I literally have no idea why it reminds me of The Thing but it just does!) Definitely worth a watch, but it's not going to be for everyone as I would recommend reading the Book first.