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MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated It's Always the Husband in Books
May 16, 2018
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Michele Campbell Books, and SheSpeaks.com for the opportunity to read #AlwaysTheHusband for an honest review!
While I do agree with other reviewers that the 3 main characters, and most of the secondary characters were not very likable (I mean, Chief Rizzo? What a dick.), I very much enjoyed this book. True, these women (girls, really, when the story begins) are not likable, and maybe not even that relatable, but I still wanted to know what happened to them and why. More often than not, I found myself feeling pity for the men in their lives. And, honestly, Kate was SUCH a terrible person that I ended up feeling like she deserved what she got.
Yes, there were portions that made me literally roll my eyes, but in my opinion did not take away from the story. The second half of the story is more fast-paced, however that slower-paced first half is necessary so that the reader can more clearly understand the characters' motives and personalities, and how they all fit (or clash, as the case may be) together.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT:
I truly did not think it would end up being the husband, despite (or perhaps because of) the title. There were several points in the story where I was 100% convinced either Aubrey or Jenny had killed Kate. Well done, Ms. Campbell, you got me!
While I do agree with other reviewers that the 3 main characters, and most of the secondary characters were not very likable (I mean, Chief Rizzo? What a dick.), I very much enjoyed this book. True, these women (girls, really, when the story begins) are not likable, and maybe not even that relatable, but I still wanted to know what happened to them and why. More often than not, I found myself feeling pity for the men in their lives. And, honestly, Kate was SUCH a terrible person that I ended up feeling like she deserved what she got.
Yes, there were portions that made me literally roll my eyes, but in my opinion did not take away from the story. The second half of the story is more fast-paced, however that slower-paced first half is necessary so that the reader can more clearly understand the characters' motives and personalities, and how they all fit (or clash, as the case may be) together.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT:
I truly did not think it would end up being the husband, despite (or perhaps because of) the title. There were several points in the story where I was 100% convinced either Aubrey or Jenny had killed Kate. Well done, Ms. Campbell, you got me!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Apr 5, 2018
Better than expected
As a video game film, this is actually one of the better ones out there. This isn't to say it's an amazing film, but as an adaptation it doesn't do too badly.
When it comes to Tomb Raider, my knowledge is limited. I haven't seen much of the more recent games, my experience is more related to the original with the assault course and the ability to lock the butler in the walk in freezer...
Alicia Vikander isnt a bad choice as Lara and I actually think she does look the part. However, I think there's something not quite right about her. I'm unsure if it's the slightly dodgy accent or just the material she's got to work with. I still think she's a better choice than Angelina Jolie though.
The CGI in parts of this is terrible and so obvious that there's been a green screen in place. The puzzles to solve are sometimes a little basic and simple and a little brainless which is a shame. The opening in London is also a little pointless, trying to provide a back story that isn't properly explained and it could have been cut out without issue, and there's also a load of flashbacks that aren't really necessary.
This is a vaguely entertaining film to a point and is watchable, I just feel like it could have been so much better.
When it comes to Tomb Raider, my knowledge is limited. I haven't seen much of the more recent games, my experience is more related to the original with the assault course and the ability to lock the butler in the walk in freezer...
Alicia Vikander isnt a bad choice as Lara and I actually think she does look the part. However, I think there's something not quite right about her. I'm unsure if it's the slightly dodgy accent or just the material she's got to work with. I still think she's a better choice than Angelina Jolie though.
The CGI in parts of this is terrible and so obvious that there's been a green screen in place. The puzzles to solve are sometimes a little basic and simple and a little brainless which is a shame. The opening in London is also a little pointless, trying to provide a back story that isn't properly explained and it could have been cut out without issue, and there's also a load of flashbacks that aren't really necessary.
This is a vaguely entertaining film to a point and is watchable, I just feel like it could have been so much better.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Burlesque (2010) in Movies
Feb 9, 2019
A story that has been done too many times before, and better than this...
The problem with Burlesque is that this is a story that has been done way too many times. Young girl moving to LA to follow her dreams, it’s a tired and overused plot and is just so predictable and dull. There are so many films that have done this so much better. And it is SO long. I can’t believe how long it drones on for. The soundtrack is fairly good but that’s probably one of the only few things going for this, and it isn’t helped by very badly timed lip syncing from everyone other than Cher - Christina Aguilera is the biggest culprit for this, surprisingly really considering her background, but I get very distracted watching a musical where the actions aren’t in time with the music.
Cast-wise, the majority are entirely forgettable with the exception of the usually fabulous Stanley Tucci. Cher is better than expected too, obviously a few years before she overdid it on the plastic surgery. Christina Aguilera isn’t great, she isn’t helped by a terrible script but I don’t really rate her as an actress. Whoever did her makeup should be sacked too, as apart from a few odd scenes where she looks natural, she looks horrendous.
Altogether this is just a boring and entirely lacklustre film, which is pretty bad when it’s a musical!
Cast-wise, the majority are entirely forgettable with the exception of the usually fabulous Stanley Tucci. Cher is better than expected too, obviously a few years before she overdid it on the plastic surgery. Christina Aguilera isn’t great, she isn’t helped by a terrible script but I don’t really rate her as an actress. Whoever did her makeup should be sacked too, as apart from a few odd scenes where she looks natural, she looks horrendous.
Altogether this is just a boring and entirely lacklustre film, which is pretty bad when it’s a musical!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Too Close: A new kind of thriller that will leave you breathless in Books
Mar 15, 2019
How close is too close?
Connie and Ness met in the park while their children played. As they talked, they realised they were neighbours. Perhaps it was only natural that they and their families would become entirely inseparable.
But when Nesss marriage ends in a bitter divorce, she is suddenly at Connies house all the time. Connie doesnt have a moment to herself, no time alone with her husband, not a second to chat to her kids.
Its all too much. Something has to give.
Connie has woken up in a psychiatric hospital. They say she committed a terrible crime but she says she cant remember a thing.
This novel is gripping and absorbing that you won't be able to put this down. I found the pace just right and the dark story well told .
I found myself crying with some of the parts and in others laughing out loud at some of the things said. There are so many emotions covered in this story including mental illness.
I loved the characters development, the plot of the story and oh my that surprising ending you don't see coming.
I don't want to say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for anyone!
I received this debut novel via NetGalley in return for an honest review but I still turned around an purchased this as I truly am astounded with this novel.
Connie and Ness met in the park while their children played. As they talked, they realised they were neighbours. Perhaps it was only natural that they and their families would become entirely inseparable.
But when Nesss marriage ends in a bitter divorce, she is suddenly at Connies house all the time. Connie doesnt have a moment to herself, no time alone with her husband, not a second to chat to her kids.
Its all too much. Something has to give.
Connie has woken up in a psychiatric hospital. They say she committed a terrible crime but she says she cant remember a thing.
This novel is gripping and absorbing that you won't be able to put this down. I found the pace just right and the dark story well told .
I found myself crying with some of the parts and in others laughing out loud at some of the things said. There are so many emotions covered in this story including mental illness.
I loved the characters development, the plot of the story and oh my that surprising ending you don't see coming.
I don't want to say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for anyone!
I received this debut novel via NetGalley in return for an honest review but I still turned around an purchased this as I truly am astounded with this novel.
Fred (860 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies
Apr 10, 2019
Great fun!
If you've read my reviews, you'll see I'm not that keen on the new trend of superhero movies. Everything's gotta be "epic" & so dark. This is the problem with most of DC's films & some of Marvel's films as well. To me, Wonder Woman was terrible & Black Panther just so-so. Infinity Wars was rushed & an over-load of a mess of heroes. So, it was finally nice to see a movie like Venom, where they could take a villain from the comics, & make him a fun anti-hero.
Tom Hardy was excellent as the title character, and his alter-ego, Eddie Brock. And even though none of the other actors in the film were memorable enough that I can remember them by name, it's Hardy that holds this thing together. He's funny, strong & plays the character of a no-nonsense reporter perfectly. When Venom does show up, he's everything you want in the character. He vicious, with that touch of humor that he has in the comics.
The special effects are good as well. Venom really looks like he's there & the fight between him & the villain, Riot is done well.
Unlike most superhero movies of today, this is a fun watch. It's not too long, it's not too dark (which it could have easily been, considering) & I enjoyed myself from the beginning to the end. I'm glad to see they are making a part 2.
Tom Hardy was excellent as the title character, and his alter-ego, Eddie Brock. And even though none of the other actors in the film were memorable enough that I can remember them by name, it's Hardy that holds this thing together. He's funny, strong & plays the character of a no-nonsense reporter perfectly. When Venom does show up, he's everything you want in the character. He vicious, with that touch of humor that he has in the comics.
The special effects are good as well. Venom really looks like he's there & the fight between him & the villain, Riot is done well.
Unlike most superhero movies of today, this is a fun watch. It's not too long, it's not too dark (which it could have easily been, considering) & I enjoyed myself from the beginning to the end. I'm glad to see they are making a part 2.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Tall Man in Books
May 22, 2019
They went looking for a story. What they found was a nightmare.
It started as nothing, just a scary story passed around between schoolchildren. But for Sadie and her friends, the rumours soon became an unhealthy obsession - and the darkness all too real.
Years later, Sadie's teenage daughter Amber has been charged with murder, and her trial shocks the world. How could such a young girl commit such a terrible crime?
It seems the secrets of Sadie's past have come back to haunt her daughter. And the terrifying truth of what happened all those years ago is finally about to come out . . .
The heart of the novel is the urban legend about the Tall Man who comes from the shadows to take daughters away.
There are three timelines: 1990 where three young girls make a pact with a scary man who loves in the woods, 2000 where a young, new mother disappears leaving behind her baby daughter and confused partner and 2018 where a teenage girl adjusts to life with her mother back in her life. The thing that connects them all is the scary man who lives in the woods.
This is a novel about what lurks in the shadows, and what are shadows if not shades of grey?
I thought this was a brilliant thriller.
Gripping with great characters and psychological suspense.
Recommend reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy.
It started as nothing, just a scary story passed around between schoolchildren. But for Sadie and her friends, the rumours soon became an unhealthy obsession - and the darkness all too real.
Years later, Sadie's teenage daughter Amber has been charged with murder, and her trial shocks the world. How could such a young girl commit such a terrible crime?
It seems the secrets of Sadie's past have come back to haunt her daughter. And the terrifying truth of what happened all those years ago is finally about to come out . . .
The heart of the novel is the urban legend about the Tall Man who comes from the shadows to take daughters away.
There are three timelines: 1990 where three young girls make a pact with a scary man who loves in the woods, 2000 where a young, new mother disappears leaving behind her baby daughter and confused partner and 2018 where a teenage girl adjusts to life with her mother back in her life. The thing that connects them all is the scary man who lives in the woods.
This is a novel about what lurks in the shadows, and what are shadows if not shades of grey?
I thought this was a brilliant thriller.
Gripping with great characters and psychological suspense.
Recommend reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy.
I know I recently did a review for another one of Andersons novel, but I was able to download this for free and it was a quick read.
I still dont know how I feel about this novel. I felt like the sex scenes in Claimed were much hotter, but Masks didnt lack heat. However, she jumped into bed with him so quickly that it was mind-boggling. I am not saying anything against anonymous sex, but it seemed out of character for her. The author spends so many pages enforcing what a mouse she was, and then she has sex with him almost immediately. Honestly, I skipped most of the beginning because it was just Zoe and Chloe interacting, and it wasnt very interesting, nor progressive to the storyline.
The synopsis make the novel out to be BDSM erotica, but the closest it comes to BDSM is he ties her to a St Andrews Cross (only to immediately untie her) and leather everywhere. I am not saying it shouldnt be classified as BDSM. Just dont expect any more than some light bondage.
Not to mention I was annoyed with Zoe. She is a horrible sister and I would furious with her.
All in all, it wasnt terrible. It came nowhere near the level that Claimed was. Like I said, it was a quick read with a realistic ending that I appreciated.
I still dont know how I feel about this novel. I felt like the sex scenes in Claimed were much hotter, but Masks didnt lack heat. However, she jumped into bed with him so quickly that it was mind-boggling. I am not saying anything against anonymous sex, but it seemed out of character for her. The author spends so many pages enforcing what a mouse she was, and then she has sex with him almost immediately. Honestly, I skipped most of the beginning because it was just Zoe and Chloe interacting, and it wasnt very interesting, nor progressive to the storyline.
The synopsis make the novel out to be BDSM erotica, but the closest it comes to BDSM is he ties her to a St Andrews Cross (only to immediately untie her) and leather everywhere. I am not saying it shouldnt be classified as BDSM. Just dont expect any more than some light bondage.
Not to mention I was annoyed with Zoe. She is a horrible sister and I would furious with her.
All in all, it wasnt terrible. It came nowhere near the level that Claimed was. Like I said, it was a quick read with a realistic ending that I appreciated.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Those Girls in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Jess, Dani, and Courtney live in a neglected house with their abusive and drunken father. One night, after a particularly bad fight, the girls have to flee town quickly -- only to see things go from bad to worse as their truck breaks down during their journey. Eventually, the story picks up 18 years later (with the girls living under new names), when a turn of events threatens to tear down the lives they've managed to somewhat re-build.
This book was rather bizarre, I have to say. First of all, do not read this if you are triggered by scenes of brutal abuse or rape. Just don't. Terrible things happen in this book. It was almost mind-numbing to read - almost too much.
I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. The sisters drove me a bit crazy. It seemed like one bad decision after another with them. I know they are young when they initially leave home, and abused, but seriously? Then it just seems like the book was a series of misfortunes after another. I feel like Stevens could have limited it at some point. However, it was all oddly compelling, and I found myself reading the whole thing rather compulsively, even if I was constantly disappointed and disheartened by each turn of events.
(Note: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
This book was rather bizarre, I have to say. First of all, do not read this if you are triggered by scenes of brutal abuse or rape. Just don't. Terrible things happen in this book. It was almost mind-numbing to read - almost too much.
I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. The sisters drove me a bit crazy. It seemed like one bad decision after another with them. I know they are young when they initially leave home, and abused, but seriously? Then it just seems like the book was a series of misfortunes after another. I feel like Stevens could have limited it at some point. However, it was all oddly compelling, and I found myself reading the whole thing rather compulsively, even if I was constantly disappointed and disheartened by each turn of events.
(Note: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Fahrenheit 451 (2018) in Movies
Aug 15, 2018
Too much of a slow burner...
It’s been a long time since I read (and hugely enjoyed) the book, however I’m afraid the same can’t be said for this. Although I don’t remember too much about the book, I’m sure I recall it being a fairly dark and gritty dystopian future quite like the one in 1984, but this depiction makes it out to be a little too slick and advanced, and not quite dark enough. I appreciate that the book was written some years ago, but I feel like this version has taken in too much of our idea of future technology instead of sticking closer to the source material. I’m known for not liking films that don’t stick close enough to the books, so maybe that’s affecting my judgement.
Michael B Jordan does okay although I feel he’s a little young for how I imagined Montag to be. Michael Shannon is good as the Captain but i think his character motivations are very well defined and they come across as a bit confused. The plot itself is well explained but the problem is it’s quite slow paced and seems to come across as dull and drags at times. Yet Montag’s motivations seem to too quickly change from devoted Fireman to deviant.
Whilst I don’t think this is a terrible adaptation, it’s not one I’d recommend unless you’ve read the book. The only thing this has done is prompted me to read the book again!
Michael B Jordan does okay although I feel he’s a little young for how I imagined Montag to be. Michael Shannon is good as the Captain but i think his character motivations are very well defined and they come across as a bit confused. The plot itself is well explained but the problem is it’s quite slow paced and seems to come across as dull and drags at times. Yet Montag’s motivations seem to too quickly change from devoted Fireman to deviant.
Whilst I don’t think this is a terrible adaptation, it’s not one I’d recommend unless you’ve read the book. The only thing this has done is prompted me to read the book again!
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Sadako Vs Kayako (2016) in Movies
Oct 2, 2018
Versus movies claim another victim
I love Ringu.
And I love Ju-on.
So although I was skeptical about this movie (Damn you Alien v Predator: Requiem), I was intrigued by how it would work.
How does Sadako, a well dwelling ghost of a psychic little girl, that killed people through terror, end up battling with the curse/spirit of a murdered woman who now makes cricking noise and crawls down stairs and under sheets.
Both combatants kill via terror/mental means, so what does this mean in terms of this movie?
Well an hour or so of the film is basically a mediocre version of Ringu and Ju-On, with some good tension, and a skill for unsettling moments in that way J-Horror still possesses, and I was very much enjoying the ride.
However, as the two titular characters meet...it all starts to get a bit...well silly really.
I won't spoil anything specific, but the final act is a mess of new mythos, old mythos, off-screen battling and really, REALLY weird choices.
I was left feeling frustrated, and that the film had cheapened the brands with their choice of resolution, which though surprising, failed to really add anything to either franchise.
Not a terrible film, but not a great either.
And I love Ju-on.
So although I was skeptical about this movie (Damn you Alien v Predator: Requiem), I was intrigued by how it would work.
How does Sadako, a well dwelling ghost of a psychic little girl, that killed people through terror, end up battling with the curse/spirit of a murdered woman who now makes cricking noise and crawls down stairs and under sheets.
Both combatants kill via terror/mental means, so what does this mean in terms of this movie?
Well an hour or so of the film is basically a mediocre version of Ringu and Ju-On, with some good tension, and a skill for unsettling moments in that way J-Horror still possesses, and I was very much enjoying the ride.
However, as the two titular characters meet...it all starts to get a bit...well silly really.
I won't spoil anything specific, but the final act is a mess of new mythos, old mythos, off-screen battling and really, REALLY weird choices.
I was left feeling frustrated, and that the film had cheapened the brands with their choice of resolution, which though surprising, failed to really add anything to either franchise.
Not a terrible film, but not a great either.