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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Hour of Dust and Ashes (Charlie Madigan, #3) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since the second one came out last August. I love this series! The tension starts at the very beginning and follows through the entire book, to the last page. I love the characters (Charlie is my hero) and I was furious about what happened at the end (in a good way. I have to read the next book now!).
I will say I wished I'd read the other two again before reading this one. I didn't forget too much, but there were a few little things were I was thinking "Okay I remember something about that, but no details." I would certainly recommend reading them closer together than one year.
If you liked the first two Charlie Madigan books, you'll love this one. Lots of loose ends were tied up, doors were opened, and secrets were revealed. I loved it!
Content/Recommendation: Some language, no sex. Ages 17+
I will say I wished I'd read the other two again before reading this one. I didn't forget too much, but there were a few little things were I was thinking "Okay I remember something about that, but no details." I would certainly recommend reading them closer together than one year.
If you liked the first two Charlie Madigan books, you'll love this one. Lots of loose ends were tied up, doors were opened, and secrets were revealed. I loved it!
Content/Recommendation: Some language, no sex. Ages 17+
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Grandfather's House in Books
May 15, 2018
Like VC Andrews with a flamethrower
I enjoyed this book. Although it was a quick read, it was a disturbing one. Like THE ABUSE OF ASHLEY COLLINS, GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE deals with subject of child abuse. The focus, though, is on character rather than out and out violence, and it's a better novel because of it. It felt much more realistic, which gives it a stronger impact.
Our protagonist isn't especially likeable at the beginning of the story, but he's a teenager. Teenagers aren't likeable in the first place. But his grandparents are so disturbing right off the bat that you're immediately behind him. Athan takes the stereotype of the sweet grandparent and flips it on its head. There's a good amount of tension throughout the book from beginning to end--and while this is definitely horrific, I wouldn't classify it as extreme horror because more attention was paid to characterization than ripping people apart. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE was like a V.C. Andrews book on speed.
Our protagonist isn't especially likeable at the beginning of the story, but he's a teenager. Teenagers aren't likeable in the first place. But his grandparents are so disturbing right off the bat that you're immediately behind him. Athan takes the stereotype of the sweet grandparent and flips it on its head. There's a good amount of tension throughout the book from beginning to end--and while this is definitely horrific, I wouldn't classify it as extreme horror because more attention was paid to characterization than ripping people apart. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE was like a V.C. Andrews book on speed.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated All the Money in the World (2017) in Movies
Feb 17, 2019
Drawn out
It's a shame that this film will always be known as the film that deleted Kevin Spacey. And although i like Christopher Plummer, I spent the entirety of this wondering if it would've been any better if they had left Spacey in.
The main problem with this film is that it drags out a basic kidnapping across 2 hours and it is just far too long. There wasn't enough tension to hold my attention and i found myself getting a little bored. There were some good performances but they couldn't lift the drearyness from this film. I also really couldn't stand Michelle Williams, which is unusual as I used to think she was a good actress, but in this and Venom that I've seen her in recently, she's been pretty bad.
Ultimately there isn't really much in this film to recommend. If you wanted to know the true story behind this, it'd be better just to look it up.
The main problem with this film is that it drags out a basic kidnapping across 2 hours and it is just far too long. There wasn't enough tension to hold my attention and i found myself getting a little bored. There were some good performances but they couldn't lift the drearyness from this film. I also really couldn't stand Michelle Williams, which is unusual as I used to think she was a good actress, but in this and Venom that I've seen her in recently, she's been pretty bad.
Ultimately there isn't really much in this film to recommend. If you wanted to know the true story behind this, it'd be better just to look it up.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Seaforth Prison (The Haunted #3) in Books
Feb 18, 2019
A disappointing continuation of the series
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, which I've been reading as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription, even if certain elements felt a little predictable.
The second book didn't have quite the same level of excitement and tension as the first, but was still enough to hook a reader and kept with "The Haunted" theme of the series.
With this third book, any "haunting" element has really been pushed into the background and I don't feel that the story is quite as compelling in this latest installment. I also read some reviews of the second book after I finished it, and one in particular mentioned the lack of variety in the swearing - and now that I'm aware of it, it REALLY started to bother me.
I know I'm going to go ahead and read the next book in the series, at least. Hopefully this will be return to the more exiting themes of the earlier books
The second book didn't have quite the same level of excitement and tension as the first, but was still enough to hook a reader and kept with "The Haunted" theme of the series.
With this third book, any "haunting" element has really been pushed into the background and I don't feel that the story is quite as compelling in this latest installment. I also read some reviews of the second book after I finished it, and one in particular mentioned the lack of variety in the swearing - and now that I'm aware of it, it REALLY started to bother me.
I know I'm going to go ahead and read the next book in the series, at least. Hopefully this will be return to the more exiting themes of the earlier books
Awix (3310 KP) rated Styx (2018) in Movies
May 1, 2019 (Updated May 1, 2019)
No-frills drama from Germany (not much dialogue, and most of that in English) achieves genuine tension after a slow start. Competent, compassionate doctor seems to be having no trouble sailing the Atlantic until she comes across a ship loaded with refugees in very bad shape: her small boat can't help, and the authorities advise her by radio to leave the area; but they show no sign of doing anything to help. The arrival on board of a young boy only complicates matters further. What is she supposed to do?
Wears its heart very much on its sleeve as a parable about civilised European attitudes to crises in other parts of the world; not exactly subtle and doesn't seem to have many answers to give. The slow start may also put some people off. However, Wolff carries the film impressively, and the moral dilemma at its centre is engrossing and resonant. Director does good work with what's clearly quite a low budget.
Wears its heart very much on its sleeve as a parable about civilised European attitudes to crises in other parts of the world; not exactly subtle and doesn't seem to have many answers to give. The slow start may also put some people off. However, Wolff carries the film impressively, and the moral dilemma at its centre is engrossing and resonant. Director does good work with what's clearly quite a low budget.
Film and stuff (30 KP) rated Before I Wake (2016) in Movies
May 15, 2019
....meh
Director: Mike Flanagan
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
Stars: Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane and Jacob Tremblay
What's it about?
New foster carers look after a sweet young boy whos dreams and nightmares come to life.
Is it scary?
Well, the first 20 to 30 minutes are really good. It builds slow and has a real confidence about it that is refreshing. sadly after that it devolves into standard horror clichés and is deeply not scary. It switches from tension building to attempted jump scares that simply don't land.
Does it have any redeeming features?
The reveal/twist is rushed and half arsed. Cody (the young boy) is so sweet and struggles with what is happening. Trying everything he can to stay awake because of his ability is so refreshing from the normal "evil child" trope.
How does it compare to other horrors?
It's mainstream. It offers a really nice premise but sadly doesn't do much with it.
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
Stars: Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane and Jacob Tremblay
What's it about?
New foster carers look after a sweet young boy whos dreams and nightmares come to life.
Is it scary?
Well, the first 20 to 30 minutes are really good. It builds slow and has a real confidence about it that is refreshing. sadly after that it devolves into standard horror clichés and is deeply not scary. It switches from tension building to attempted jump scares that simply don't land.
Does it have any redeeming features?
The reveal/twist is rushed and half arsed. Cody (the young boy) is so sweet and struggles with what is happening. Trying everything he can to stay awake because of his ability is so refreshing from the normal "evil child" trope.
How does it compare to other horrors?
It's mainstream. It offers a really nice premise but sadly doesn't do much with it.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Blown Away in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I wasnt sure how I was going to feel about this book. I generally like second chance romances but it rubbed me the couples history rubbed me the wrong way. I know it shouldnt and that I am close-minded for thinking so.
I enjoyed the concept of this romance. Storm chasing isnt something we see a lot especially in the romance genre. I felt like it added enough tension and another dimension to Drew and Aidens relationship. I felt like they had more going on than just the typical oh we cant be together because of her dead ex-fiancé. I appreciated that. And honestly, they just made sense together.
This is the first novel I have read by this author so I am glad it was such an enjoyable read. Rothert really knows how to tell a love story.
I wasnt sure how I was going to feel about this book. I generally like second chance romances but it rubbed me the couples history rubbed me the wrong way. I know it shouldnt and that I am close-minded for thinking so.
I enjoyed the concept of this romance. Storm chasing isnt something we see a lot especially in the romance genre. I felt like it added enough tension and another dimension to Drew and Aidens relationship. I felt like they had more going on than just the typical oh we cant be together because of her dead ex-fiancé. I appreciated that. And honestly, they just made sense together.
This is the first novel I have read by this author so I am glad it was such an enjoyable read. Rothert really knows how to tell a love story.
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Post (2017) in Movies
Jan 26, 2018
I saw The Post earlier this week and it's taken me quite a while to think about how to review it. To be honest, it didn't really do much for me at all. It's clearly a very important part of recent history, an interesting story with huge relevance in these current times, but the first half was just so dull!
Tom Hanks is obviously brilliant, playing Ben Bradlee, editor of The Washington Post. But it's Meryl Streep that really shines here as Katharine Graham, the country's first female newspaper publisher and Bens boss. Following her journey through the male led news industry as she gradually finds the strength and confidence she needs.
The second half ramps up the tension somewhat and is a great improvement over the first half. Unfortunately for me though it just wasn't enough to leave any kind of lasting impression.
Tom Hanks is obviously brilliant, playing Ben Bradlee, editor of The Washington Post. But it's Meryl Streep that really shines here as Katharine Graham, the country's first female newspaper publisher and Bens boss. Following her journey through the male led news industry as she gradually finds the strength and confidence she needs.
The second half ramps up the tension somewhat and is a great improvement over the first half. Unfortunately for me though it just wasn't enough to leave any kind of lasting impression.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated I Am Half-Sick of Shadows (Flavia de Luce, #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It’s the week before Christmas, and a movie crew is coming to film at Flavia’s family home. While excited, Flavia is plotting how to trap Father Christmas when he shows up on Christmas morning. However, that takes a back seat when the lead actress is film is murdered. Fortunately for Flavia, the suspects are trapped in her home due to a massive snow storm. Can she figure out who the killer is?
While I do like the characters and didn’t find Flavia nearly as annoying in this book as I did the previous one, I found the plot way too slow. The murder happened half way through the book, and the tension and set up to justify that just wasn’t present. Once the murder took place, the book definitely picked up, however.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-i-am-half-sick-of-shadows.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While I do like the characters and didn’t find Flavia nearly as annoying in this book as I did the previous one, I found the plot way too slow. The murder happened half way through the book, and the tension and set up to justify that just wasn’t present. Once the murder took place, the book definitely picked up, however.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-i-am-half-sick-of-shadows.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Fixing to Die (Southern Ladies Mystery, #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Sisters An’gel and Dickce Ducote are only too happy to help Mary Turner Catlin, the granddaughter of their friend. It seems the family house is haunted, and she wants them to help her figure out what is causing the problem. It isn’t too long after they arrive that they begin to experience some strange things, but it’s the uninvited guests who really up the tension. What are the sisters involved in now?
I love the main characters in this book, both human and four legged, so I was glad to get a chance to visit them again. They delight as always, and the new characters are strong as well. The pacing was a little off over all, but the haunted house aspect is a nice addition to the mystery. Fans of the author will enjoy this latest book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-fixing-to-die-by-miranda.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I love the main characters in this book, both human and four legged, so I was glad to get a chance to visit them again. They delight as always, and the new characters are strong as well. The pacing was a little off over all, but the haunted house aspect is a nice addition to the mystery. Fans of the author will enjoy this latest book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-fixing-to-die-by-miranda.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.