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David McK (3369 KP) rated Only You Can Save Mankind (Johnny Maxwell #1) in Books
Feb 20, 2022
"After all, joysticks don't have 'Don't Fire' buttons on them ..."
Only You Can Save Mankind!
Why me?
If not you, who else?
I first read this not long after it was published, back in the early-to-mid 1990s, at which time I was exactly it's target audience being in my mid teens myself.
By that point, I had already discovered Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld novels, but hadn't read many - any? - of his non-Discworld books.
That changed when I read this, which would go on to become the first in his so-called Johnny Maxwell series (comprising this, Johnny and the Dead and Johnny and the Bomb).
Reading this now (in the early 2020s), it still holds up remarkably well, even if it is noticeable how much society has changed: mobile phones weren't really a thing back in the 90s, personal computers were relatively new, the Gulf War was still ongoing ...
Why me?
If not you, who else?
I first read this not long after it was published, back in the early-to-mid 1990s, at which time I was exactly it's target audience being in my mid teens myself.
By that point, I had already discovered Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld novels, but hadn't read many - any? - of his non-Discworld books.
That changed when I read this, which would go on to become the first in his so-called Johnny Maxwell series (comprising this, Johnny and the Dead and Johnny and the Bomb).
Reading this now (in the early 2020s), it still holds up remarkably well, even if it is noticeable how much society has changed: mobile phones weren't really a thing back in the 90s, personal computers were relatively new, the Gulf War was still ongoing ...
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Danny Dirks and the Heir of Pendragon in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Danny Dirk is and ordinary fourteen year old boy with a passion for baseball, however as he approaches his fifteenth birthday peculiar things begin to happen.
Beginning with the arrival of the new foreman for their apple farm, Danny begins experiencing the impossible. Eventually, Grandfather Pendrake, a surname not unlike Pendragon, reveals that Danny comes from a special lineage, one typically assumed to be a myth; and explains that a particular mythical beast is, in fact, very real.
S. A. Mulraney begins his young adult novel with an interesting prologue that leaves the reader with a range of questions. Firstly, the characters are referred to as 'they' resulting in a feeling of suspense as the reader has no idea whether they are good or bad. It turns out that 'they' are Mr Brennan and his standoffish daughter Kara. However the original use of 'they' leaves the question as to what they are, which is heightened by words such as 'scales' and 'wings' as well as the suggestion that they can communicate with dragonflies.
Danny Dirk and the Heir of Pendragon is an exciting novel. Although it felt a little slow to start, the story picks up towards the end and concludes on a cliffhanger leaving the reader eager for the next book.
Although the main character is in his mid teens, the writing style is suitable for boys and girls in their earlier teens and upwards, however there are some scenes that are more appropriate for readers with a maturer outlook.
This novel will attract a range of interest particularly for those who prefer a book that is quick and easy to read. It should also attract the attention of those with a preference for the fantasy genre, especially about dragons, and also those who enjoy myths and legends, in particularly the legendary king of England, King Arthur.
Mulraney's adaptation of the history of King Arthur is original and intriguing, and his version of dragons are very creative.
This review uses a rating on the basis on personal preference but it is sure to be loved by the intended target audience.
Danny Dirk is and ordinary fourteen year old boy with a passion for baseball, however as he approaches his fifteenth birthday peculiar things begin to happen.
Beginning with the arrival of the new foreman for their apple farm, Danny begins experiencing the impossible. Eventually, Grandfather Pendrake, a surname not unlike Pendragon, reveals that Danny comes from a special lineage, one typically assumed to be a myth; and explains that a particular mythical beast is, in fact, very real.
S. A. Mulraney begins his young adult novel with an interesting prologue that leaves the reader with a range of questions. Firstly, the characters are referred to as 'they' resulting in a feeling of suspense as the reader has no idea whether they are good or bad. It turns out that 'they' are Mr Brennan and his standoffish daughter Kara. However the original use of 'they' leaves the question as to what they are, which is heightened by words such as 'scales' and 'wings' as well as the suggestion that they can communicate with dragonflies.
Danny Dirk and the Heir of Pendragon is an exciting novel. Although it felt a little slow to start, the story picks up towards the end and concludes on a cliffhanger leaving the reader eager for the next book.
Although the main character is in his mid teens, the writing style is suitable for boys and girls in their earlier teens and upwards, however there are some scenes that are more appropriate for readers with a maturer outlook.
This novel will attract a range of interest particularly for those who prefer a book that is quick and easy to read. It should also attract the attention of those with a preference for the fantasy genre, especially about dragons, and also those who enjoy myths and legends, in particularly the legendary king of England, King Arthur.
Mulraney's adaptation of the history of King Arthur is original and intriguing, and his version of dragons are very creative.
This review uses a rating on the basis on personal preference but it is sure to be loved by the intended target audience.
Nick Friesen (96 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 1 in TV
Jul 12, 2017
David Harbour (4 more)
All of the kids
That theme music
The pitch-perfect retro atmosphere
Barb!
Nostalgia Perfected
Stranger Things is everything I wanted J.J. Abrams' Super 8 to be, and more. The atmosphere of the show is pitch-perfect and well established from the very first episode. The creeping tension builds until it touches the viewer's core and finally "resolves" in a full-on creature feature of a final episode. Like any good mystery/thriller TV show, it saves plenty of mysteries for future seasons. Here's to hoping the Duffer brothers don't bungle it up like Hemlock Grove after the interesting mysteries in its first season. Stranger Things is a much better show, however, and the Duffer brothers seem to have a much better idea of where this story is going. The child actors are all fantastic, and of the few notable adults/teens, David Harbour is my favorite. I cannot wait for season two in October (the kids have Ghostbusters Halloween costumes!).
This is just one of those books that stays with you for a long time after reading it as it's so compelling, emotional and so different from other young teen fantasy stories. I remember reading this one in school and very much enjoying it and so when I had the chance to borrow it from a friend and re read it I jumped at the chance as I knew it would take me back to my childhood. The story touches on family issues that may arise in a young persons life that are very difficult to deal with, yet this book explores these issues with a sensitive and caring nature but without distorting the truth about how hard those times may be. It allows a young child to escape into fantasy whilst trying to deal with 'grown up' family problems and unexpected illnesses. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, even though it is more aimed at younger teens I believe we can all learn something from this book.
Kate (493 KP) rated The Christmas Invitation in Books
Jan 6, 2020
This was a good story and I like reading romances. There were quite a few similarities between the book and Cindrella. I'm not a massive fan when books use bits and pieces from other stories as it doesn't feel very original.
I was hooked from the first chapter and it got my attention. It also kept me entertained.
The book was well written and I got a feel for the characters and their voices.
The story made me smile and also made me sad in some parts which added to the book.
Any age could read this book but it maybe is for late teens - early twenties.
It was a really nice chistmassy book to read over the Christmas holidays.
I would definitely read a second book if there was one as it would be nice to see the next chapter in their lives.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I was hooked from the first chapter and it got my attention. It also kept me entertained.
The book was well written and I got a feel for the characters and their voices.
The story made me smile and also made me sad in some parts which added to the book.
Any age could read this book but it maybe is for late teens - early twenties.
It was a really nice chistmassy book to read over the Christmas holidays.
I would definitely read a second book if there was one as it would be nice to see the next chapter in their lives.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Jackjack (877 KP) rated Tomorrow, When the War Began (2012) in Movies
Apr 25, 2020
An old fav!
So again as per usual the fiancé wasn't a fan he said poor acting. I however loved it it's an old favourite of mine, I do agree the acting is lacking but I still get lost in the film and the characters.
An innocent group off teens wonder off deep into the outback in Australia, they go and spend a long weekend in hell. Hell is a beautiful place and looks like the best spot for camping and having a laugh, when heading home they soon realise something is off they go house to house sticking together and finding no one. They soon split and a few venture of to town to see what they find and to their suprise a war has broken out and there friends, family and well the whole town has been rounded up. They try to just survive until they finally conjure up a plan to blow the bridge that is one of the access points for all the vehicles. Brilliant action and the perfect story to get lost in. Definitely worth the watch!!
An innocent group off teens wonder off deep into the outback in Australia, they go and spend a long weekend in hell. Hell is a beautiful place and looks like the best spot for camping and having a laugh, when heading home they soon realise something is off they go house to house sticking together and finding no one. They soon split and a few venture of to town to see what they find and to their suprise a war has broken out and there friends, family and well the whole town has been rounded up. They try to just survive until they finally conjure up a plan to blow the bridge that is one of the access points for all the vehicles. Brilliant action and the perfect story to get lost in. Definitely worth the watch!!
ClareR (5674 KP) rated The Middle Years in Books
Apr 17, 2020
The Middle Years is a handbook to surviving life as the parent of teenagers. The first half of the book is funny and engaging, telling it how it really is (hormones etc) to be the parent to preteens and teens, and I really enjoyed it. It was lighthearted, and more serious where it needed to be.
However in the second half of the book, it takes a darker turn, and talks about the authors divorce, mental health issues, guilt of divorcing and the effects this hound have had on her children. To be honest, if I’d known it was going to take this turn, there’s a high possibility that I wouldn’t have read it at all. I’ve had enough personal experience of parents divorcing to last me a lifetime without reading about it. It just seemed very bitter.
I DID enjoy the first half though, which is why I’ve given it a 3/5 (or 6/10, however you want to look at it!).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
However in the second half of the book, it takes a darker turn, and talks about the authors divorce, mental health issues, guilt of divorcing and the effects this hound have had on her children. To be honest, if I’d known it was going to take this turn, there’s a high possibility that I wouldn’t have read it at all. I’ve had enough personal experience of parents divorcing to last me a lifetime without reading about it. It just seemed very bitter.
I DID enjoy the first half though, which is why I’ve given it a 3/5 (or 6/10, however you want to look at it!).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated A Sword Named Truth (Rise of the Alliance #1) in Books
Mar 12, 2021
descriptions (1 more)
characters
character names are similar making it difficult to know who is who (1 more)
kids that don't like adults because they ruin everything
I don't know if it is because I wasn't ready to read this book or if it is because I hadn't read anything else by Sherwood Smith before but I was lost in the first half of this book. Don't get me wrong it is a good book, but for what ever reason I don't know if I actually liked it or not. It is written as though a scholar wrote it, which is nice. Has multiple POVs and complex world(s).
It starts AFTER a war, and deals with the aftermath, I wish I realized this faster then I did as I kept feeling like I was missing things.
The main characters are teens that can't age because magic and most of the characters I liked they are complex and interesting, with an unfortunate tendency to hate on any authority figure, with or without reason.
Eventually, I see if a second readthrough clarifies anything.
It starts AFTER a war, and deals with the aftermath, I wish I realized this faster then I did as I kept feeling like I was missing things.
The main characters are teens that can't age because magic and most of the characters I liked they are complex and interesting, with an unfortunate tendency to hate on any authority figure, with or without reason.
Eventually, I see if a second readthrough clarifies anything.
Elisabeth Moss recommended Sweet Smell of Success (1957) in Movies (curated)
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020) in Movies
Sep 10, 2020
The movie picks up where the last movie left off. Lara Jean and Peter are officially dating and life is good,but when Lara Jean receives a letter from John Ambrose - the final love letter recipient - she starts to reply but shoves her reply in a drawer and it's forgotten about. That is until John Ambrose shows up at the same place Lara Jean volunteers at and her old feelings come rushing back, she then needs to decide if Peter is the one for her or if it's John Ambrose she wants.
After the perfect ending of the last movie, I felt a sequel wasn't needed but I wanted to watch it anyway, and I was right, a sequel really wasn't needed. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a terrible movie but I felt like it didn't have the same feel as the first one and a lot of the time I felt annoyed at Lara Jean. However, I did have to remember that she's only 16 years old and it shows what many teens that age are going through.
After the perfect ending of the last movie, I felt a sequel wasn't needed but I wanted to watch it anyway, and I was right, a sequel really wasn't needed. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a terrible movie but I felt like it didn't have the same feel as the first one and a lot of the time I felt annoyed at Lara Jean. However, I did have to remember that she's only 16 years old and it shows what many teens that age are going through.