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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Moonlight (Dark Guardian, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I still don't really know how I feel about this one. While it wasn't terrible like i was expecting it to be, it wasn't anything special either. It seemed like just another typical young adult werewolf novel.
What I did enjoy about this novel was the style. I actually enjoyed Hawthorne's style compared to many young adult writers. Her dialogues were realistic even if her character were so stereotypical for a young adult novel.
What really irritated was having to continuously read about Kayla's parents dying. I understand that it was a huge part of the plot, but it only needs to brought up so many times when it isn't moving the plot forward. It comes to a point when you need to stop kicking the dead horse.
Another point that irritated me was how out of no where, suddenly Kayla and Lucas were so in love with each other. I can understand that Kayla was attracted to him, but to bring in the whole one true love thing was a bit much. I actually liked the concept that the Shifters found their mates young in life. I felt that it may give some young readers delusions about relationships.
I also felt like Hawthorne rushed so many things, such as Kayla becoming a Dark Guardian. I felt like Hawthorne could have fleshed the end out much more. Despite this, I still want to read the second one just to see what happens with the rest of the pack.
What I did enjoy about this novel was the style. I actually enjoyed Hawthorne's style compared to many young adult writers. Her dialogues were realistic even if her character were so stereotypical for a young adult novel.
What really irritated was having to continuously read about Kayla's parents dying. I understand that it was a huge part of the plot, but it only needs to brought up so many times when it isn't moving the plot forward. It comes to a point when you need to stop kicking the dead horse.
Another point that irritated me was how out of no where, suddenly Kayla and Lucas were so in love with each other. I can understand that Kayla was attracted to him, but to bring in the whole one true love thing was a bit much. I actually liked the concept that the Shifters found their mates young in life. I felt that it may give some young readers delusions about relationships.
I also felt like Hawthorne rushed so many things, such as Kayla becoming a Dark Guardian. I felt like Hawthorne could have fleshed the end out much more. Despite this, I still want to read the second one just to see what happens with the rest of the pack.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Mockingjay in Books
Jan 31, 2018
A re-read of Mockingjay (and really the entire series) was long overdue. I haven't read the series since it came out and wanted to re=familiarize myself with it before watching the movie. I remember being Team Gale rather than Peeta (but that may have just been after the casting of Liam Hemsworth). Upon re-reading, I found myself not having a strong opinion about either suitor. Gale is much angrier than I recall him being, Peeta doesn't have much of an impression (after being jacked) and I just don't care what Katniss decides. That is certainly not how I felt in the first book. She becomes decidedly less relatable to me as the books progress. Hunger Games was definitely the strongest in the series and as a result, the finale felt like a bit of a letdown. The death toll was realistic, as they were embroiled in a war but not emotional. There were only a few deaths that I really felt, while the rest you could just immediately move on from. Perhaps that's terrible to say, but I believe they would have meant more if the reader was able to connect to the characters more. If you haven't read the series ye3t, what has taken you so long? Definitely read the series. The world building is wonderful, even if the ensemble cast can come across a bit flat at times. You will enjoy it if you're a fan of YA, dystopian fiction or want to read the books before you see their film adaptations.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Try Not to Breathe in Books
Feb 19, 2018
Try Not to Breathe is a terrific thriller from a first time novelist, and I'm already looking forward to her next book. Touted as being "for fans of Paula Hawkins", I was expecting another unreliable narrator thriller, but this story is different. As it says in the description, it is told from both Amy and Alex's points of view, but also from Amy's childhood boyfriend's point of view. Two of the narrators are not unreliable. Alex and Jake / Jacob just don't have all of the answers yet, and we learn any new information right along with them. Amy is another story. In her dream-like state, sometimes she remembers things, and sometimes not. When she does have useful information she is unable to communicate it to anyone.
This book is a great mystery, but it is also a heartbreaking story of a girl left to live inside her own mind after a terrible attack left her in a near vegetative state, and the effect that her attack has on her family and those who love her. However much liberty the author may have taken in creating Amy's world, she did a great job of bringing life to a character who was seen as already dead by so many.
I would recommend this one to all mystery / thriller fans. Whether you are a fan of the unreliable narrator trope or not, this is an enjoyable read.
NOTE: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a great mystery, but it is also a heartbreaking story of a girl left to live inside her own mind after a terrible attack left her in a near vegetative state, and the effect that her attack has on her family and those who love her. However much liberty the author may have taken in creating Amy's world, she did a great job of bringing life to a character who was seen as already dead by so many.
I would recommend this one to all mystery / thriller fans. Whether you are a fan of the unreliable narrator trope or not, this is an enjoyable read.
NOTE: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Steph Freeman (26 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Feb 21, 2018 (Updated Feb 21, 2018)
Excellent character development within the movie. (3 more)
No need to be a comic book "nerd", this story has something for everyone.
Accuracy in the culture (as much as can be expected for the genre).
Cinematography and costumes were superb.
Not Just Another Origin Story
As someone who knew nothing about comic books, their stories, and their characters prior to the last 15 year influx of Marvel and DC movies, I love the origin stories. It allows me to learn about the character, the world, and the connections between them without having to figure it out between punches or laser beams. This story delivered all of the above, with a fair amount of ass kicking in the meantime.
Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danai Gurira were an amazing protagonist team, with Martin Freeman and Michael B. Jordan rounding out the character archetypes beautifully. The costumes, make up, and cinematography were gorgeous, but the real star of the movie for me was Letitia Wright. Her comedic timing and her elegance made Shuri the best supporting role I have watched in a long time.
I don't know a lot about the culture in Africa, a terrible oversight of my American education, but I do have friends from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Togo who were very excited to see their culture represented in such a blockbuster film. It was refreshing to see something so beautiful that will hopefully inspire young Americans to learn about a culture outside of our borders.
Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danai Gurira were an amazing protagonist team, with Martin Freeman and Michael B. Jordan rounding out the character archetypes beautifully. The costumes, make up, and cinematography were gorgeous, but the real star of the movie for me was Letitia Wright. Her comedic timing and her elegance made Shuri the best supporting role I have watched in a long time.
I don't know a lot about the culture in Africa, a terrible oversight of my American education, but I do have friends from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Togo who were very excited to see their culture represented in such a blockbuster film. It was refreshing to see something so beautiful that will hopefully inspire young Americans to learn about a culture outside of our borders.
Debbiereadsbook (1351 KP) rated Fighting for All (Soul Match #5) in Books
Jun 30, 2018
a fitting end!
This is book 5 in the series and you really should read the other four before this one. You will need what everyone has been through to get to this point. And because I said so?
Chris, Lasar and Nary arrive at the air base the rebellion is camped out at, with the Nall and his forces hot on his heels. Can they overcome the Nall and more importantly, the Void? The fate of the human race AND Alasharian people depend on it!
It's always sad to see the end of a series, particularly one I've enjoyed so much, but Ms Knight pulls a blinder with this one!!
All three triads have their time, both sexy and fighting the Void. Lasar suffers a terrible loss. Morgan and Rama are gravely injured. The Sha Sha Ar actually turns up for real too! And Chris fully embraces his destiny. I loved that there were some male/female pairings beginning here too, and that they were unexpected. I loved that the Sha Sha Ar changed the rules, so that not only Chris embraces his destiny, but Lasar and Nary too.
While it's obvious what the outcome of the battle is, it's HOW it's won that would be spoilers, and what the participants to to overcome the pull of the Void.
I can't say much else, or that would be spoilers, but know that love really does make the world go round, no matter what!!
Fabulous finale, thank you Ms Knight!!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere*
Chris, Lasar and Nary arrive at the air base the rebellion is camped out at, with the Nall and his forces hot on his heels. Can they overcome the Nall and more importantly, the Void? The fate of the human race AND Alasharian people depend on it!
It's always sad to see the end of a series, particularly one I've enjoyed so much, but Ms Knight pulls a blinder with this one!!
All three triads have their time, both sexy and fighting the Void. Lasar suffers a terrible loss. Morgan and Rama are gravely injured. The Sha Sha Ar actually turns up for real too! And Chris fully embraces his destiny. I loved that there were some male/female pairings beginning here too, and that they were unexpected. I loved that the Sha Sha Ar changed the rules, so that not only Chris embraces his destiny, but Lasar and Nary too.
While it's obvious what the outcome of the battle is, it's HOW it's won that would be spoilers, and what the participants to to overcome the pull of the Void.
I can't say much else, or that would be spoilers, but know that love really does make the world go round, no matter what!!
Fabulous finale, thank you Ms Knight!!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere*
Sarah (7799 KP) rated R.I.P.D. (2013) in Movies
Oct 24, 2018
So bad it’s actually vaguely enjoyable
I remember watching this when it first came out at the cinema and I wasn’t particularly impressed, however on watching it again recently I can admit that this is definitely one of those films that’s so bad it’s actually quite entertaining. Mostly due to Jeff Bridges.
Let’s start with this obvious: I know this is based on a comic, but this is such a blatant rip off of Men in Black, it’s just a shame it comes off as a much poorer relation. Everything about this from the plot progression to the deados just echoes MIB, and that’s high expectations to live up to.
The main humour from this film comes from how the characters look normally versus how they appear in the real world, which admittedly is pretty hilarious but this is the only decent attempt at humour. The plot is completely dull and the Kevin Bacon as the villain is uninteresting too. The special effects are surprisingly good in parts, but then ruined by the downright terrible effects used on the deados. The true saviours of this film are Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds. The relationship and communication between their characters is the most entertaining thing about this film and Jeff Bridges is in fine form hamming it up to the max as Roy. He may be going a little over the top, but it’s damn funny to watch. Just a shame they couldn’t have put more effort into the rest of the story.
Let’s start with this obvious: I know this is based on a comic, but this is such a blatant rip off of Men in Black, it’s just a shame it comes off as a much poorer relation. Everything about this from the plot progression to the deados just echoes MIB, and that’s high expectations to live up to.
The main humour from this film comes from how the characters look normally versus how they appear in the real world, which admittedly is pretty hilarious but this is the only decent attempt at humour. The plot is completely dull and the Kevin Bacon as the villain is uninteresting too. The special effects are surprisingly good in parts, but then ruined by the downright terrible effects used on the deados. The true saviours of this film are Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds. The relationship and communication between their characters is the most entertaining thing about this film and Jeff Bridges is in fine form hamming it up to the max as Roy. He may be going a little over the top, but it’s damn funny to watch. Just a shame they couldn’t have put more effort into the rest of the story.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 16, 2018 (Updated Nov 19, 2018)
Newt (2 more)
The beasts
Jude Law as Dumbledore
Johnny Depp (2 more)
Johnny Depp
and Johnny Depp
*After reading the screenplay, I'm knocking this rating down.
I am completely torn on this one, I liked some parts, but hated others. I also really can't stand Johnny Depp, and I rolled my eyes to myself every time he was on screen...
In my book, Jude Law was playing Richard Harris' Dumbledore, not... Michael Gambon (Don't even get me started on Gambon: 'Did you put your name in the goblet of fire, Harry?' Dumbledore asked CALMLY). So, it was a good way to go.
I did not like the way they went with some characters, namely one, who was rumored to go to Grindelwald's camp. Making a likeable character slightly deranged was irritating. There was a name drop at Hogwarts that had to have been a relative, unless the original character became an adult professor before she was technically born...
However, the possible recons that occurred didn't mess with canon as badly as that terrible Cursed Child mess.
It was largely predictable, and even the end, it was all foreshadowed, and not in a good way. The best bits were of Newt with the beasts... I liked Eddie Redmayne, as always, but can we please stop calling these movies Fantastic Beasts? 6 for him and the Niffler alone.
I wanted to largely stay away from a comparison, but I feel like Rowling is going the George Lucas route. And, that's not a compliment.
I am completely torn on this one, I liked some parts, but hated others. I also really can't stand Johnny Depp, and I rolled my eyes to myself every time he was on screen...
In my book, Jude Law was playing Richard Harris' Dumbledore, not... Michael Gambon (Don't even get me started on Gambon: 'Did you put your name in the goblet of fire, Harry?' Dumbledore asked CALMLY). So, it was a good way to go.
I did not like the way they went with some characters, namely one, who was rumored to go to Grindelwald's camp. Making a likeable character slightly deranged was irritating. There was a name drop at Hogwarts that had to have been a relative, unless the original character became an adult professor before she was technically born...
However, the possible recons that occurred didn't mess with canon as badly as that terrible Cursed Child mess.
It was largely predictable, and even the end, it was all foreshadowed, and not in a good way. The best bits were of Newt with the beasts... I liked Eddie Redmayne, as always, but can we please stop calling these movies Fantastic Beasts? 6 for him and the Niffler alone.
I wanted to largely stay away from a comparison, but I feel like Rowling is going the George Lucas route. And, that's not a compliment.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2287 KP) rated Killalot in Books
Nov 18, 2018
Will There be a Renaissance in Crime?
Part-time PI and actress Ivy Meadows is enjoying a rare day off with her boyfriend, her brother, and her brother's girlfriend at the Renaissance faire thanks to free tickets from her friend, fellow actor Riley. They are going to watch Riley's debut in the jousting event when a terrible accident ends with one jouster seriously injured and the other riding Riley's horse off into the desert. Riley claims to have been knocked out, but was he? Ivy finds herself undercover at the home of a Broadway writer and at the faire. Will she be able to keep her undercover assignments straight? Will she find out what happened? Could this job land her a ticket to Broadway?
As you can tell, there is a lot happening in this book. Unfortunately, it overshadows the mystery at times. While things came to a satisfactory climax, I felt we could have gotten more development on the mystery earlier. However, I was never bored. So much was happening I was always reluctant to put the book down because I was having fun. Part of that fun came from the characters; as usual for the series, we meet a wide variety of very fun people. While the book has a comedic tone overall, things do get serious in the last quarter without getting dark. This allows for some wonderful character growth in Ivy. Fans of the series will be thrilled to see how she progresses here. I can't wait to see where this leads in the next book.
As you can tell, there is a lot happening in this book. Unfortunately, it overshadows the mystery at times. While things came to a satisfactory climax, I felt we could have gotten more development on the mystery earlier. However, I was never bored. So much was happening I was always reluctant to put the book down because I was having fun. Part of that fun came from the characters; as usual for the series, we meet a wide variety of very fun people. While the book has a comedic tone overall, things do get serious in the last quarter without getting dark. This allows for some wonderful character growth in Ivy. Fans of the series will be thrilled to see how she progresses here. I can't wait to see where this leads in the next book.
ClareR (5822 KP) rated Lock Every Door in Books
Jul 27, 2019
Lock the Door had me wanting to leave the building, never mind locking the door!
Lock the Door had me wanting to leave the building, never mind locking the door! This suspense-filled thriller by Riley Sager is about a young woman called Jules who finds a job as an apartment sitter in one of New York’s most exclusive buildings. She is jobless, penniless and homeless after an acrimonious split with her boyfriend, and this job comes along at just the right time. It’s a job for three months, and there are rules. They’re not terrible rules (other than no visitors, and absolutely no overnight guests), and the pay is too good to be true - and as it turns out, that really is the case.
This had my heart in my mouth for most of the book: there are definite echoes of Rosemary’s Baby (without the baby). An old building with strange, unfriendly inhabitants, a new tenant who feels like she might be going mad with all the strange goings-on. There the similarity ends though.
The writing terrified me in places: who knew that a dumb waiter could have the same effect as a horror movies cellar (I won’t be using either for the foreseeable future!)? And it’s a twisty, turny read with some really good red herrings along the way.
I loved every minute of this, and highly recommend it - maybe it’s best not to be read just before you go to bed, though!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another fantastic serialisation.
This had my heart in my mouth for most of the book: there are definite echoes of Rosemary’s Baby (without the baby). An old building with strange, unfriendly inhabitants, a new tenant who feels like she might be going mad with all the strange goings-on. There the similarity ends though.
The writing terrified me in places: who knew that a dumb waiter could have the same effect as a horror movies cellar (I won’t be using either for the foreseeable future!)? And it’s a twisty, turny read with some really good red herrings along the way.
I loved every minute of this, and highly recommend it - maybe it’s best not to be read just before you go to bed, though!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another fantastic serialisation.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Favian's Law (The Truth Teller Series #3) in Books
Nov 13, 2019
This is the third of the fantasy series for young adults involving Charlotte who, with the help of a magic pendant, is able to travel to another realm populated by elves and dwarves. In this land she is known as the Truth Teller, an almost mythical being.
But Charlotte is not the only one who travels to the other world; Favian, a theatre performer, also makes the trip and Charlotte soon discovers that things are very different as a result. With big changes both in the fantasy world and when she returns to ours Charlotte must face her fears to put everything right.
The first two books were fairly straighforward fantasy; this takes on a darker tone as Favian's meddling has caused a lot of changes none of which are for the better. Here we see a very different world from the first two books. Despite being reunited with Elderfield there seems to be nothing they can do to avoid a terrible fate.
This change in tone works well with our heroes in real peril. But where the book really shines is when Charlotte returns to our world. Things have changed here too and everything really does seem hopeless.
Chambers handles the narrative with verve, putting Charlotte through the wringer but always with an eye on the sympathies of the reader. As before the reader is encouraged to care about all of the characters. Unusually there is no ultimate villain here and that makes for a interesting read as the various plot threads work their way to their conclusion.
But Charlotte is not the only one who travels to the other world; Favian, a theatre performer, also makes the trip and Charlotte soon discovers that things are very different as a result. With big changes both in the fantasy world and when she returns to ours Charlotte must face her fears to put everything right.
The first two books were fairly straighforward fantasy; this takes on a darker tone as Favian's meddling has caused a lot of changes none of which are for the better. Here we see a very different world from the first two books. Despite being reunited with Elderfield there seems to be nothing they can do to avoid a terrible fate.
This change in tone works well with our heroes in real peril. But where the book really shines is when Charlotte returns to our world. Things have changed here too and everything really does seem hopeless.
Chambers handles the narrative with verve, putting Charlotte through the wringer but always with an eye on the sympathies of the reader. As before the reader is encouraged to care about all of the characters. Unusually there is no ultimate villain here and that makes for a interesting read as the various plot threads work their way to their conclusion.