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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Apprentice (Collective Underground #1) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
First things first, WHEN DOES THE NEXT BOOK COME OUT KRISTEN YOUNG?
What an intense pull you in from the beginning type of book this is! I totally did not want to put this book down, I loved Flick’s dialogue and narration of the story, her interactions with the people around her, and her subtle descriptions of everyday life. They were conveyed in such a way that I looked up from the book expecting myself to have on a white jumper and see everyone else wearing one too! A truly great descriptive use of words in this book that make it come to life. The Love Collective is fascinating to try and understand (and I am looking forward to learning more about them in the next book), at first it was kind of confusing but in a good way as my brain was trying to figure out everything right along with Flick.
Very few books I read can make me mentally think about what is going on in the storyline but this one kept that part of my brain engaged the whole way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a clean sci-fi/ dystopian type of book! 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
What an intense pull you in from the beginning type of book this is! I totally did not want to put this book down, I loved Flick’s dialogue and narration of the story, her interactions with the people around her, and her subtle descriptions of everyday life. They were conveyed in such a way that I looked up from the book expecting myself to have on a white jumper and see everyone else wearing one too! A truly great descriptive use of words in this book that make it come to life. The Love Collective is fascinating to try and understand (and I am looking forward to learning more about them in the next book), at first it was kind of confusing but in a good way as my brain was trying to figure out everything right along with Flick.
Very few books I read can make me mentally think about what is going on in the storyline but this one kept that part of my brain engaged the whole way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a clean sci-fi/ dystopian type of book! 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated Seams Like Murder in Books
Oct 4, 2022 (Updated Oct 4, 2022)
Can Abbey Sew Up a Murder?
When her life in Los Angeles falls apart, Abbey Chandler heads up the California coast to the town of Hideaway Grove where she spent many happy summers as a child visiting her aunt. Abbey’s hardly arrived before she catches a glimpse of a hit and run behind her aunt’s bakery. Now, instead of trying to figure out what to do with her life, Abbey is trying to figure out who killed the town’s new librarian. Everyone seemed to love the victim. Who wanted her dead?
This book gets out to a quick start, but then the pacing becomes uneven. There is lots of set up for future books in the series here. I enjoyed seeing Abbey reconnect with old friends and making new ones as well as discovering a love of sewing, but it did slow things down. Don’t misunderstand, there is a good mystery here, and I like how things came together at the end. I also really liked most of the characters, although the sheriff was shockingly clueless. There are many scenes in the aunt’s bakery that will have you drooling, but this is a crafting cozy series, so our extra is a guide to creating pillowcase dresses. If you are looking for a promising new series, this is one to check out.
This book gets out to a quick start, but then the pacing becomes uneven. There is lots of set up for future books in the series here. I enjoyed seeing Abbey reconnect with old friends and making new ones as well as discovering a love of sewing, but it did slow things down. Don’t misunderstand, there is a good mystery here, and I like how things came together at the end. I also really liked most of the characters, although the sheriff was shockingly clueless. There are many scenes in the aunt’s bakery that will have you drooling, but this is a crafting cozy series, so our extra is a guide to creating pillowcase dresses. If you are looking for a promising new series, this is one to check out.
Lucy Buglass (45 KP) rated Rocketman (2019) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
A dazzling, brutally honest biopic
Biopics are always challenging. Trying to condense the life of a public figure into a couple of hours is never easy, which is why it can go wrong. It must be even more intimidating when your subject is still alive, and in this case, Elton John is very much alive and kicking at the age of 72.
Rocketman was a project that was closely followed by a number of fans and media outlets, all of them keen to see how they brought his story to life on-screen. With Dexter Fletcher at the helm and a star-studded cast, the film certainly had potential. And boy did it deliver.
Something that took me by surprise was the fact the film was more of a musical, rather than a straight-up biopic. I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of musicals most of the time, but I was instantly charmed by the musical numbers in Rocketman. It felt appropriate to present someone so passionate about music in this way. The film is choreographed to perfection, with the key moments in Elton’s life brought to life through song and dance.
In the leading role, Taron Egerton absolutely shone as Elton. The fact he actually sang so many of his iconic songs, and did them well, is something that should be celebrated for years to come. But even beyond the music, the way he showcased Elton’s pain throughout his years brought me to tears several times, and I’d be as bold to say his performance was award worthy. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
It was also refreshing to see the brutal honesty in the film. Elton John himself said he ‘hadn’t lived a PG-13 life’, so the inclusion of sex, drugs and depression was absolutely necessary. Elton suffered from a lot of addictions, which are unapologetically presented on screen. There were so many tragedies I was not aware of, and it was so awful to see how he’d been treated by those close to him.
His parents in particular, Sheila (Bryce Dallas Howard) and Stanley (Steven Mackintosh), weren’t accepting of him and created a toxic home environment for Elton. I wasn’t aware of these strained relationships so it was interesting to observe, and the performances felt incredibly raw and devastating.
Naturally, the film also explored Elton’s first relationship with music manager John Reid (Richard Madden). This was heartbreaking to witness, as there was a lot of abuse and manipulation from Reid throughout their relationship. I thought Madden was exceptional in this role; villainous yet charismatic, and he delivered some truly cutting lines that, again, made me cry.
The one constant good relationship in Elton’s life was, and still is, Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell). The two worked closely over the years to write the lyrics we know and love, and have endured lots together. As a key figure in his life, it was essential he was played well, and I couldn’t be happier with Bell’s performance. The energy between him and Egerton was a powerful thing.
These great performances are set against a beautiful backdrop of glitz and glamour, with some seriously impressive live shows where Egerton gets the opportunity to really shine. The gorgeous set design, costume design and cinematography only broke my heart further, when it became apparent a lot of it was a lie, and deep down Elton was battling with many demons. Fame does not always equal happiness, and this film is the epitome of that message.
Whilst it’s not an easy film to watch at times, it’s a beautiful celebration of Elton’s life that I can’t wait to experience again. He has came such a long way, and the film does everything in its power to show both the lows and highs, and remind fans where he came from. My advice would be to bring tissues, you’re going to need them.
https://lucygoestohollywood.com/2019/05/27/rocketman-dazzling-brutally-honest-biopic/
Rocketman was a project that was closely followed by a number of fans and media outlets, all of them keen to see how they brought his story to life on-screen. With Dexter Fletcher at the helm and a star-studded cast, the film certainly had potential. And boy did it deliver.
Something that took me by surprise was the fact the film was more of a musical, rather than a straight-up biopic. I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of musicals most of the time, but I was instantly charmed by the musical numbers in Rocketman. It felt appropriate to present someone so passionate about music in this way. The film is choreographed to perfection, with the key moments in Elton’s life brought to life through song and dance.
In the leading role, Taron Egerton absolutely shone as Elton. The fact he actually sang so many of his iconic songs, and did them well, is something that should be celebrated for years to come. But even beyond the music, the way he showcased Elton’s pain throughout his years brought me to tears several times, and I’d be as bold to say his performance was award worthy. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
It was also refreshing to see the brutal honesty in the film. Elton John himself said he ‘hadn’t lived a PG-13 life’, so the inclusion of sex, drugs and depression was absolutely necessary. Elton suffered from a lot of addictions, which are unapologetically presented on screen. There were so many tragedies I was not aware of, and it was so awful to see how he’d been treated by those close to him.
His parents in particular, Sheila (Bryce Dallas Howard) and Stanley (Steven Mackintosh), weren’t accepting of him and created a toxic home environment for Elton. I wasn’t aware of these strained relationships so it was interesting to observe, and the performances felt incredibly raw and devastating.
Naturally, the film also explored Elton’s first relationship with music manager John Reid (Richard Madden). This was heartbreaking to witness, as there was a lot of abuse and manipulation from Reid throughout their relationship. I thought Madden was exceptional in this role; villainous yet charismatic, and he delivered some truly cutting lines that, again, made me cry.
The one constant good relationship in Elton’s life was, and still is, Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell). The two worked closely over the years to write the lyrics we know and love, and have endured lots together. As a key figure in his life, it was essential he was played well, and I couldn’t be happier with Bell’s performance. The energy between him and Egerton was a powerful thing.
These great performances are set against a beautiful backdrop of glitz and glamour, with some seriously impressive live shows where Egerton gets the opportunity to really shine. The gorgeous set design, costume design and cinematography only broke my heart further, when it became apparent a lot of it was a lie, and deep down Elton was battling with many demons. Fame does not always equal happiness, and this film is the epitome of that message.
Whilst it’s not an easy film to watch at times, it’s a beautiful celebration of Elton’s life that I can’t wait to experience again. He has came such a long way, and the film does everything in its power to show both the lows and highs, and remind fans where he came from. My advice would be to bring tissues, you’re going to need them.
https://lucygoestohollywood.com/2019/05/27/rocketman-dazzling-brutally-honest-biopic/
Merissa (13585 KP) rated Bright Midnights (Limerent #2) in Books
Oct 24, 2025
BRIGHT MIDNIGHTS is the second book in The Limerent Series, so I have read this one slightly out of order. However, as it has mostly separate characters, everything was fine.
Let me start by saying The Limerent Series is absolutely unique, and each book has had me completely gripped from the very beginning. Each book is different and can be read as a standalone - time, place, characters, etc. - but they are still linked together in ways that you may not immediately realise.
Now, moving on to this book. Amelie is an outstanding character and has lived through hell, but has her own personal coping mechanisms. Which work great, until they don't. You get glimpses of what it's like when they don't, which helps you to understand just what she can do and why. Her life is turned upside down and inside out when she meets Clovis, and life will never be the same again.
Clovis is also an exceptional character, with depth and intrigue, s3x appeal and love. I loved the interactions between them in the different 'stories', and how it was written with them both working things out.
There is a full cast of supporting characters - some good, some not so good - but not so many as to get confused. If there were any complaint about this book, it's that I don't know what happened to Hudson. I'm hoping to find out at a later date, because I'm pretty sure he doesn't appear in book 3. Either that, or my memory is faulty!
This is a dark story, so please bear that in mind. I absolutely loved it right up until the chapter, when I hated it, while still loving it. Make sense? No? Well, read the book and then you'll understand. I blame the author!
Sheer brilliance and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 24, 2025
Let me start by saying The Limerent Series is absolutely unique, and each book has had me completely gripped from the very beginning. Each book is different and can be read as a standalone - time, place, characters, etc. - but they are still linked together in ways that you may not immediately realise.
Now, moving on to this book. Amelie is an outstanding character and has lived through hell, but has her own personal coping mechanisms. Which work great, until they don't. You get glimpses of what it's like when they don't, which helps you to understand just what she can do and why. Her life is turned upside down and inside out when she meets Clovis, and life will never be the same again.
Clovis is also an exceptional character, with depth and intrigue, s3x appeal and love. I loved the interactions between them in the different 'stories', and how it was written with them both working things out.
There is a full cast of supporting characters - some good, some not so good - but not so many as to get confused. If there were any complaint about this book, it's that I don't know what happened to Hudson. I'm hoping to find out at a later date, because I'm pretty sure he doesn't appear in book 3. Either that, or my memory is faulty!
This is a dark story, so please bear that in mind. I absolutely loved it right up until the chapter, when I hated it, while still loving it. Make sense? No? Well, read the book and then you'll understand. I blame the author!
Sheer brilliance and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 24, 2025
Lee (2222 KP) rated Next Gen (2018) in Movies
Oct 15, 2018 (Updated Oct 15, 2018)
Beautiful Animation (1 more)
John Krasinski
Fantastic Family Movie
We're in the futuristic city of Grainland and robots are everywhere, helping humans with all aspects of life. From robotic teachers and police, right the way down to the smaller, task orientated robots. Friendly robot hairbrushes leap on kids heads and start brushing their messy hair while robot toothbrushes, programmed by mum to ensure their kids regularly brush their teeth, seek out the children who are trying to avoid them. It's all done in good humour, even if in reality it would all be just a little bit creepy. The opening credits introduce us to Mai Su, whose parents split following an argument. As Mai grows up, her mother compensates for her loss by filling her life with servant robots called Q-Bots, making Mai feel neglected and eventually resentful towards all robots. She's a very unhappy teenager, bullied at school for being different.
At the big launch of the next generation of Q-Bots, Mai breaks free from her excited mum and, following a run in with some security robots, finds herself in a hidden lab. There, Dr Rice, who is the technical brains behind the Q-Bots, has been developing a robot of his own: Project 7723 (voiced by John Krasinski). As the curious Mai goes to investigate the robot, security bots catch up with her once more and she has to leave quickly, leaving behind her backpack. Project 7723 picks up the backpack and sets about returning it to its rightful owner at all costs. As 7723 travels along the highway, following the car that is transporting Mai home, we begin to discover just how technologically advanced 7723 is - packing some serious weaponry, which it uses to effectively take out the police robots that are in pursuit. Nothing stands in its way.
The backpack is eventually returned, but Mai is initially disinterested in the robot. That is, until it takes out the annoying robot toothbrush with a laser! The pair form a friendship, and Mai hides 7723 away in her garage at night. Unfortunately though, 7723 sustained damage to his core memory during the earlier chase and each night has to decide which of the memories he made with Mai that day he can delete in order to prevent his storage from reaching critical capacity. As they have fun together and become good friends, this gets harder to do each day, and you just know that eventually this isn't going to end well.
I really enjoyed Next Gen. It's very reminiscent of movies like Big Hero 6 and The Iron Giant and John Krasinski brings 7723 to life brilliantly. The animation is of such a high standard, beautifully detailed, and there are some fantastic action sequences, along with plenty of good humour throughout. And, as suspected, it does manage to pack a real emotional punch at times too. I sat and watched this with my daughter and it really is just a great family movie.
At the big launch of the next generation of Q-Bots, Mai breaks free from her excited mum and, following a run in with some security robots, finds herself in a hidden lab. There, Dr Rice, who is the technical brains behind the Q-Bots, has been developing a robot of his own: Project 7723 (voiced by John Krasinski). As the curious Mai goes to investigate the robot, security bots catch up with her once more and she has to leave quickly, leaving behind her backpack. Project 7723 picks up the backpack and sets about returning it to its rightful owner at all costs. As 7723 travels along the highway, following the car that is transporting Mai home, we begin to discover just how technologically advanced 7723 is - packing some serious weaponry, which it uses to effectively take out the police robots that are in pursuit. Nothing stands in its way.
The backpack is eventually returned, but Mai is initially disinterested in the robot. That is, until it takes out the annoying robot toothbrush with a laser! The pair form a friendship, and Mai hides 7723 away in her garage at night. Unfortunately though, 7723 sustained damage to his core memory during the earlier chase and each night has to decide which of the memories he made with Mai that day he can delete in order to prevent his storage from reaching critical capacity. As they have fun together and become good friends, this gets harder to do each day, and you just know that eventually this isn't going to end well.
I really enjoyed Next Gen. It's very reminiscent of movies like Big Hero 6 and The Iron Giant and John Krasinski brings 7723 to life brilliantly. The animation is of such a high standard, beautifully detailed, and there are some fantastic action sequences, along with plenty of good humour throughout. And, as suspected, it does manage to pack a real emotional punch at times too. I sat and watched this with my daughter and it really is just a great family movie.
Richard Ayoade recommended Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) in Movies (curated)
Footwork
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Bode Harlan has never claimed to be a good guy, but he’s trying to keep his nose clean and his...
Contemporary MM Romance First Love Second Chance Bad Boy
Merissa (13585 KP) rated Black (The Silver #2) in Books
Feb 17, 2020
Black is the second book in the Silver series and this time the focus is on Jet. He was stolen from his family at a very young age and given to the Woman, who only wanted him for deathmatches. There was no love, care, or attention in Jet's life from that moment. All that changes when Jaze rescues him and takes him in. It doesn't all suddenly become sunshine and roses though and THAT is what made this book so good!
Jet has issues, he really does, and let's face it, you would do too if you'd gone through what he did. He proves he is intelligent by teaching himself English, Spanish, and lip-reading. He shows compassion by not killing someone until he realises that it just doesn't work that way and understands the pact made by the other wolves. My heart broke for him in so many ways and yet I was proud of him too. He didn't stop trying and would do anything to protect those he called his own.
This was incredibly written and I read it in one sitting. I was literally unable to stop reading until I knew all was good in Jet's world. The world-building just gets better as it becomes clearer with each book. The characters grow and change, becoming 'more'. I loved hearing about Jaze and Nikki and I hope we continue hearing about past couples as the series progresses.
A darker fantastic young adult paranormal that I absolutely recommend! The only thing I don't know is what happened to Shadow's Curse. I'm presuming he's dead but I really wish he wasn't!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jet has issues, he really does, and let's face it, you would do too if you'd gone through what he did. He proves he is intelligent by teaching himself English, Spanish, and lip-reading. He shows compassion by not killing someone until he realises that it just doesn't work that way and understands the pact made by the other wolves. My heart broke for him in so many ways and yet I was proud of him too. He didn't stop trying and would do anything to protect those he called his own.
This was incredibly written and I read it in one sitting. I was literally unable to stop reading until I knew all was good in Jet's world. The world-building just gets better as it becomes clearer with each book. The characters grow and change, becoming 'more'. I loved hearing about Jaze and Nikki and I hope we continue hearing about past couples as the series progresses.
A darker fantastic young adult paranormal that I absolutely recommend! The only thing I don't know is what happened to Shadow's Curse. I'm presuming he's dead but I really wish he wasn't!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I've really enjoyed this YA book by Cecelia Ahern. So different from the fluffy romantic stuff she usually writes.
Set in a world where you are punished for making ethical or moral mistakes. If you are found to have made a bad decision, have lied, have stolen, have been disloyal or have stepped out of line, you are sent to trial and if are found guilty are branded with an F on various parts of your body depending on your error of judgment. From then on, the persons life is controlled by whistle blowers and the rules they in force. It's a good setup and I've sped through it - it's not the best written YA book I've come across but something about it has meant I haven't been able to put it down.
Set in a world where you are punished for making ethical or moral mistakes. If you are found to have made a bad decision, have lied, have stolen, have been disloyal or have stepped out of line, you are sent to trial and if are found guilty are branded with an F on various parts of your body depending on your error of judgment. From then on, the persons life is controlled by whistle blowers and the rules they in force. It's a good setup and I've sped through it - it's not the best written YA book I've come across but something about it has meant I haven't been able to put it down.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it took me away from where I was at the time and completely sucked me into Harry's ever changing, disturbed and exciting life. Harry is such an excellent and interesting character! I found it so difficult to choose whether I even like Harry, he's a good guy, he's a bad guy and he's everything in between too.
This book is such an interesting take on normal time travel reads, it throws everything on its head.
The beginning of the book is slow to take off, you have to wait until around chapter 30 for things to finally start building and from there the book gets tenser, funnier and intriguing with every word.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heavy and though provoking read.
This book is such an interesting take on normal time travel reads, it throws everything on its head.
The beginning of the book is slow to take off, you have to wait until around chapter 30 for things to finally start building and from there the book gets tenser, funnier and intriguing with every word.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heavy and though provoking read.