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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Spy School Secret Service (Spy School, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The evil organization SPYDER is back, and they are planning to assassinate the President. Because of Ben Ripley’s success fighting them in the past, he is sent under cover into the White House to try to find the sleeper agent. However, with the large number of people in the White House each day, Ben soon realizes just how mammoth the task is. Can he figure out what is going on in time to save the President?
This premise sets us off on another wonderful wild ride into the world of espionage. Oh, the fact that Ben is only twelve-years-old might be unrealistic, but it is so much fun and author Stuart Gibbs makes it work here. There are lots of twists leading up to the wonderful climax. The characters are good, although they could be a little stronger. That’s probably just the adult in me talking, however because it certainly wasn’t on my mind when I was busy turning pages. The book also packs a fair number of laughs that caught me off guard and truly made me laugh out loud. Kids of all ages will love this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-spy-school-secret-service.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This premise sets us off on another wonderful wild ride into the world of espionage. Oh, the fact that Ben is only twelve-years-old might be unrealistic, but it is so much fun and author Stuart Gibbs makes it work here. There are lots of twists leading up to the wonderful climax. The characters are good, although they could be a little stronger. That’s probably just the adult in me talking, however because it certainly wasn’t on my mind when I was busy turning pages. The book also packs a fair number of laughs that caught me off guard and truly made me laugh out loud. Kids of all ages will love this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-spy-school-secret-service.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated How to be a Perfect Christian in Books
May 26, 2018
Perfection is Within Your Reach
This book does just what the title says. In ten chapters, it tells you exactly how to live like a perfect Christian. Oh, we aren’t worried about the fruit of the spirit or holiness or anything hard like that. We are talking about finding the perfect church (one that is focused on you), “doing life together,” serving without ever lifting a finger, looking spiritual online (I’m sure they left out reviewing this book in that chapter), and quarantining your home from non-Christian culture.
And if you aren’t familiar with The Babylon Bee, it is a fantastic satire site that looks at Christian culture and the world from a Christian perspective. I’ve become addicted to their articles, so when I saw this book was coming out, I had to get it. I’m not kidding when I saw there is a laugh on every page as the book mercilessly mocks what many Christians in modern day America focus on. And there were times that the book convicted me since I live a little too much like the person they are mocking. At least some portions of this book have appeared in shorter form on the site, but everything here blends together perfectly for a comprehensive and very funny whole.
And if you aren’t familiar with The Babylon Bee, it is a fantastic satire site that looks at Christian culture and the world from a Christian perspective. I’ve become addicted to their articles, so when I saw this book was coming out, I had to get it. I’m not kidding when I saw there is a laugh on every page as the book mercilessly mocks what many Christians in modern day America focus on. And there were times that the book convicted me since I live a little too much like the person they are mocking. At least some portions of this book have appeared in shorter form on the site, but everything here blends together perfectly for a comprehensive and very funny whole.
Debbie (52 KP) rated Two Little Girls In Blue in Books
Jul 20, 2018
Two Little Girls In Blue By: Mary Higgins Clark
Adult Mystery 322 Pages
This book was not disappointing in keeping you wanting to know what was going on. Another 5 star read for me.
This book is about two twin girls who are kidnapped on the evening of their third birthday. Both parents go out that evening to a black tie event and when they get back the baby sitter is out cold and the girls are gone.
There is a ransom note asking for 8 million dollars. The couple do not have this kind of money. How will they get this kind of money to get their girls back unharmed. The police and FBI are called. Why did the kidnappers chose this family. Who are the kidnappers.
The book tells how events are unfolded and how he girls are talking to each other in what their parents call twin talk. This is very important to know but I won't tell how.
This is a mystery book and I don't want to give too much away. You really should read this book and any other book by her. She does a great job in spinning a tale.
I have read almost all of her books and have never been disappointed.
Adult Mystery 322 Pages
This book was not disappointing in keeping you wanting to know what was going on. Another 5 star read for me.
This book is about two twin girls who are kidnapped on the evening of their third birthday. Both parents go out that evening to a black tie event and when they get back the baby sitter is out cold and the girls are gone.
There is a ransom note asking for 8 million dollars. The couple do not have this kind of money. How will they get this kind of money to get their girls back unharmed. The police and FBI are called. Why did the kidnappers chose this family. Who are the kidnappers.
The book tells how events are unfolded and how he girls are talking to each other in what their parents call twin talk. This is very important to know but I won't tell how.
This is a mystery book and I don't want to give too much away. You really should read this book and any other book by her. She does a great job in spinning a tale.
I have read almost all of her books and have never been disappointed.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated I Like You Like This in Books
Jul 5, 2018
I quite enjoyed this book - there were a bit of issues with transitioning into different mindsets - I prefer when each person is either labelled or there is a space to show there is another person talking, so I had a bit of a problem following along in a few parts, but since most of the book is Hannah it was not a huge issue.
I read an arc of this book, I saw the description and it immediately spoke to me - being a self conscious acne riddled (adult mind you) I was like, hey first hook line and sinker. Hannah's family life is pretty awful for her, she tries to escape I think using Deacon, their time together was actually quite amazing to read. You get those fluffy romances most YA books have and this was different. I thought it was great.
Onto the ending - if I don't get a book 2, or a novella, or SOMETHING I'm going to be very upset, you can't do that to me! You just cant! I'd totally read this book again, and I would recommend it (to certain members of my family/friends, as I know some people wouldn't be interested in the content there's a lot of drug talk, etc.)
I read an arc of this book, I saw the description and it immediately spoke to me - being a self conscious acne riddled (adult mind you) I was like, hey first hook line and sinker. Hannah's family life is pretty awful for her, she tries to escape I think using Deacon, their time together was actually quite amazing to read. You get those fluffy romances most YA books have and this was different. I thought it was great.
Onto the ending - if I don't get a book 2, or a novella, or SOMETHING I'm going to be very upset, you can't do that to me! You just cant! I'd totally read this book again, and I would recommend it (to certain members of my family/friends, as I know some people wouldn't be interested in the content there's a lot of drug talk, etc.)
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Westworld - Season 2 in TV
Jul 5, 2018
A Step Down
I have seen a bunch of articles online talking about how bad Westworld Season 2 is and how this show has went off of a cliff amongst many other over-exaggerations.
Westworld Season 2 is in absolutely no way a bad series of television. Sure, it isn't as good as the first season, but what you need to remember is that Season 1 of Westworld is one of the best series of TV ever broadcast.
In my opinion, Season 2 was never going to be as good as it's predecessor and that's okay. It's still intriguing, exciting and well made and without spoiling too much, I thought that the way this series ended was pretty bold and rather refreshing.
The first half of the season has it's ups and down and (SPOILERS from the end of Season 1,) the presence of Sir Anthony Hopkins is sorely missed. However, there are moments of brilliance in every episode of this series, it's just unfortunate that they are sometimes surrounded by convoluted padding.
Overall, yeah it's not as good as series 1, but you know what? I still felt like it was a pretty great season of television and I am looking forward to what this show has to offer in the future.
Westworld Season 2 is in absolutely no way a bad series of television. Sure, it isn't as good as the first season, but what you need to remember is that Season 1 of Westworld is one of the best series of TV ever broadcast.
In my opinion, Season 2 was never going to be as good as it's predecessor and that's okay. It's still intriguing, exciting and well made and without spoiling too much, I thought that the way this series ended was pretty bold and rather refreshing.
The first half of the season has it's ups and down and (SPOILERS from the end of Season 1,) the presence of Sir Anthony Hopkins is sorely missed. However, there are moments of brilliance in every episode of this series, it's just unfortunate that they are sometimes surrounded by convoluted padding.
Overall, yeah it's not as good as series 1, but you know what? I still felt like it was a pretty great season of television and I am looking forward to what this show has to offer in the future.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding in Books
Aug 17, 2018
Is It the Summer of Weddings for Lady Georgianna?
Lady Georgianna, Georgie to her friends, is finally planning her wedding to Darcy O’Mara. However, before they get married, they need to figure out where they are going to live. The answer comes from an unlikely place, and soon Georgie is out to the country to get their new home ready for them. She isn’t surprised when she arrives to find the house is running on a minimal staff, but the staff that is there is extremely surprising. Something is definitely up, but can Georgie figure out what is going on? Will she finally get married?
As is typical for the series, the book started off a little slowly for me, giving us updates on the various people in Georgie’s life and talking about the wedding plans. There was also a recycled sub-plot in this section that annoyed me. However, once the action moves to Georgie’s potential new house, things really picked up. I was intrigued by what she was facing and couldn’t wait to see how it all was resolved. There is some great character growth for Georgie and another series regular here; overall, the cast is great like always. I was very satisfied with how this book ended.
As is typical for the series, the book started off a little slowly for me, giving us updates on the various people in Georgie’s life and talking about the wedding plans. There was also a recycled sub-plot in this section that annoyed me. However, once the action moves to Georgie’s potential new house, things really picked up. I was intrigued by what she was facing and couldn’t wait to see how it all was resolved. There is some great character growth for Georgie and another series regular here; overall, the cast is great like always. I was very satisfied with how this book ended.
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated Duolingo in Apps
Dec 4, 2018
Learn a new language in a way that sticks
If you want to learn a new language, the Duolingo app should be your first stop. With simple lesson plans, from the alphabet to names, places and parts of speech, it guides you step by step on your journey. You can hear the language spoke, get the chance to practice spelling and when the microphone works you can practice speaking it. It keeps referring back to previous lesson plans, which helps you to transfer your learning to your ong term memory. It's also fun, you can join a club and get talking with others learning the same language, you can practice what your learing in your club too
The app works well, despite the microphone problem which isn't an issue for learing the language. Simple, easy to use and follow lesson plan. A good community and loads of languages available. Evem a couple of fictionale ones, like Klingon.
Whether you want to master a language, or just learn a few phrases for holiday, this app is the first step to immersing yourself in a language. Forget the rosetta stone, this will have you speaking and reading another language in no time.
The app works well, despite the microphone problem which isn't an issue for learing the language. Simple, easy to use and follow lesson plan. A good community and loads of languages available. Evem a couple of fictionale ones, like Klingon.
Whether you want to master a language, or just learn a few phrases for holiday, this app is the first step to immersing yourself in a language. Forget the rosetta stone, this will have you speaking and reading another language in no time.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Lil Pump by Lil Pump in Music
Oct 19, 2019 (Updated Nov 9, 2019)
Gross
This is bad, not in usual Hip Hop terms as in "I just spat a bad ass rhyme", no, this is bad as in wack.
Lil Pump has rose to meteoritic fame and wealth and the reason why? His stuff speaks to kids of that age where swearing and talking about drugs upsets mummy and daddy.
This is mumble rap. I'm not hating on mumble rap, Some artists are artists. Pump however shouts a line, then says Ouu and then repeats the formula the entire album Ouu.
So we've established he can't rap, lyrically it's just offensive. Now I have a lot of horribly misogynistic hip hop but somehow this feels worse because there is no artistic element. Lil Pump shouts things like "I f##ked your daughter" Ouu, yeah, that is the base level, women are nothing but botches to abide and drugs are new and clever according to Pump. It really is playground level.
What about the beats? Ok anyone knows my output knows I sometimes play with distortion but Pump takes it up so it distorts and the base blows and I bet he giggles like a toddler and goes "that's great Ouu".
Utterly terrible
Lil Pump has rose to meteoritic fame and wealth and the reason why? His stuff speaks to kids of that age where swearing and talking about drugs upsets mummy and daddy.
This is mumble rap. I'm not hating on mumble rap, Some artists are artists. Pump however shouts a line, then says Ouu and then repeats the formula the entire album Ouu.
So we've established he can't rap, lyrically it's just offensive. Now I have a lot of horribly misogynistic hip hop but somehow this feels worse because there is no artistic element. Lil Pump shouts things like "I f##ked your daughter" Ouu, yeah, that is the base level, women are nothing but botches to abide and drugs are new and clever according to Pump. It really is playground level.
What about the beats? Ok anyone knows my output knows I sometimes play with distortion but Pump takes it up so it distorts and the base blows and I bet he giggles like a toddler and goes "that's great Ouu".
Utterly terrible
Merissa (12861 KP) rated Sebastian's Wolves (Among Wolves #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
*Disclaimer* I received this book from Reading Alley in return for a fair and honest review.
The title of this book tells you the start of the tale. Sebastian is a wolf who leaves his pack to be with his mate, Tim. 8 years down the line and tragedy happens, Tim dies. Sebastian has to deal with this and, for me, this is where the story picked up.
I have to say that the relationship between Tim and Sebastian didn't really do much for me. It seemed too inbalanced with Sebastian doing most of the loving. This didn't really sit well with me as I already viewed Sebastian as an alpha male. Once he meets up with his new pack then he really starts to come into his own. And then Eshan is the cherry on the icing on the cake.
This book has nice parts and not so nice parts - so don't read this if you're expecting or wanting something that is light and fluffy. We're talking murder, abuse and rape (although not in graphic detail).
Sebastian's Wolves is a well-written, steady-paced novel full of action that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to anyone who enjoys some M/M action with a paranormal twist.
The title of this book tells you the start of the tale. Sebastian is a wolf who leaves his pack to be with his mate, Tim. 8 years down the line and tragedy happens, Tim dies. Sebastian has to deal with this and, for me, this is where the story picked up.
I have to say that the relationship between Tim and Sebastian didn't really do much for me. It seemed too inbalanced with Sebastian doing most of the loving. This didn't really sit well with me as I already viewed Sebastian as an alpha male. Once he meets up with his new pack then he really starts to come into his own. And then Eshan is the cherry on the icing on the cake.
This book has nice parts and not so nice parts - so don't read this if you're expecting or wanting something that is light and fluffy. We're talking murder, abuse and rape (although not in graphic detail).
Sebastian's Wolves is a well-written, steady-paced novel full of action that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to anyone who enjoys some M/M action with a paranormal twist.
Anne (15117 KP) rated Frankly in Love (Frankly in Love, #1) in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Thanks to Libro.fm and Penguin Random House Audio for letting me listen and review this book. I was curious about this book since everyone was talking about it so I decided to check it out and I'm glad I listened to the audio because I don't think I would have done as well reading it. It was a little challenging for me to finish it even with the audio as it was.
I liked the story idea and premise to the story with the fake dating trope and the insight into Korean culture and family and culture issues and differences. It was a good portrayal of YA/teen years and crushes and romances and other things. There were a few things that caught me off guard, but for the most part, it seemed to be pretty straight forward.
This isn't my usual reading genre, but I thought it was alright although my biggest things were 1-it seemed a bit long, which is one of the reasons why audio helped and 2 - the language - there was so much profanity and language that I didn't enjoy, so that's my two cents on that.
If you like romance, fake dating tropes and such then you'll probably like this.
I liked the story idea and premise to the story with the fake dating trope and the insight into Korean culture and family and culture issues and differences. It was a good portrayal of YA/teen years and crushes and romances and other things. There were a few things that caught me off guard, but for the most part, it seemed to be pretty straight forward.
This isn't my usual reading genre, but I thought it was alright although my biggest things were 1-it seemed a bit long, which is one of the reasons why audio helped and 2 - the language - there was so much profanity and language that I didn't enjoy, so that's my two cents on that.
If you like romance, fake dating tropes and such then you'll probably like this.