Search

Search only in certain items:

Consumed (Firefighters, #1)
Consumed (Firefighters, #1)
J.R. Ward | 2018 | Contemporary, Humor & Comedy, Romance
6
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
The opening chapters were great, but I'm not sure I would call home about it.
Let's start with the good: who doesn't love a firefighter romance? I mean, there's hot and then there is HOT.
Immediately, I was given stakes. There were fires and lives on the line. Decisions that would alter a life forever. Amazing characters and the kind of tension I could shatter my little heart with, It was like I was walking a tightrope --and I was hooked. This was GREAT.

But then about 50% through the book, I realized I had no clue where the story was going. There was definitely a lag for me, a slump where the plot seemed to just hover and not really move forward. The whole premise promised in the blurb of Anne hunting down a killer kinda stalls. I found myself actively looking for action, but unable to find really any movement forward. By the end, much of the plot came together. However, it was too rushed. I truly feel this could have had better pacing to it and a better Act 2 to support the story.

That aside, the book is great for anyone who doesn't mind the hiccups and lags. But for me, I'm not sure I would read this again, which is sad because I do like some of Ward's other books.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Nun But the Brave in Books

Feb 18, 2022 (Updated Feb 18, 2022)  
Nun But the Brave
Nun But the Brave
Alice Loweecey | 2016 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Giulia Bravely Tackles a Missing Person Case
Giulia Driscoll has been hired by a young woman to find her missing twin sister. Joanne has been missing for a couple of months. The police are sure that she is dead, but her sister refuses to give up hope. Giulia starts by talking to Joanne’s friends and co-workers, and she find that Joanne had been acting differently the last few months before she vanished. The trail leads Giulia to several internet dating sites, but where will the trail end?

I’d forgotten just how funny this series was until I picked this book up. I loved the banter between Giulia and those in her life. Some of the humor was on the crude side, but it was still handled as delicately as possible. The plot was good. She made a couple of leaps of logic early on, but, I was willing to let that slide. The plot holds up well on, and everything is resolved with evidence Giulia finds along the way by the time we reach the climax. The characters are wonderful. They may make us laugh, but there is depth to them that makes us care about the outcome. If you are looking to laugh as you read, be sure to check out this book.
  
The Little Shop of Found Things
The Little Shop of Found Things
Paula Brackston | 2018 | Paranormal
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The relationships (0 more)
Plot (1 more)
Writing
A nice story that is a little too obvious
I was looking forward to reading this, the story sounded very interesting and something that is right up my alley. However, I was underwhelmed and dissapointed.

The Main character is like a cardboard cutout, glossy blonde ringlets, Dr Martens, beautiful singing voice, antique expert and a psychic gift, but no real depth till the end. You want to like her, her gist is interesting. You want to feel for her, looking after her sick mother, innocent and sent to jail, she has had a trying time. You want to root for her, but you can't, she's too 2 dimensional. I found Xanthe tinny and annoying, with an impulse to slap her, had she been real.

I wanted to like the story, love it, it was such a good idea. There are so many good elements, that put together right, should've made the book shine. But the whole book just hangs there, hollow. You don't feel anything much for the characters or their plight, it maybe stirs you a little in the second half of the book, but too little too late. The story plods along and doesn't build up intrigue like it should.

I was dissapointed, expecting so much more, it failed to deliver that imaginational jump. it is nothing more than words on a page, with no depth or room for your imagination. I found Blackburns writing too descriptive, she has a tendency to state the obvious to the reader when readers are not stupid, it is annoying and takes something away from the story. From the descriptions it is clear Blackburn has done her historical research and in that respect, she does bring to life the past.

One of the saving graces of the story is the telling of the relationshop between Xanthe and Samuel, it brings an emotional aspect to the book, that up until that point, was lacking.

Overall the story is predicatable, the writing ok, and the only reason you read to end is the optimistic hope that there will be some kind of twist or an unxpected resolution; you are left feeling underwhelmed and frustrated.
  
Man Down (2016)
Man Down (2016)
2016 | Drama
7
4.5 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Characters – Gabriel is a marine that believed he was fighting for the right thing but when the war came to America when he was away, he must search the destruction in hope of finding his son. Devin is the best friend and marine to Gabriel, he supports him through his missions and search for his son. Counsellor Peyton is the man learning about the mission that went wrong, as we learn that his mindset might not be as clean as we are led to believe.

Performances – Shia LaBeouf is good in this leading role showing a range we have questioned before. Jai Courtney is good in the supporting role showing us there is talent with the right material. Gary Oldman is great and that is how we like him calm and collective.

Story – The story is told in four parts, as we follow Gabriel in his home life, war time, meetings with a counsellor and in the post-apocalyptic time, these timelines only confuse the story telling process as by the end of it we will find ourselves wondering just what actually happened to these men, what is real and what is not. By the end you will understand what happened but it does make certain parts feeling random, but the true message is important.

Thriller – The thrilling side of the film does feel slow in places, it shows us certain moments only to make a complete switch in the final act.

Settings – The settings do help keep us in the different location for each moment of the story, we can identify with each part of the story we are watching too.


Scene of the Movie – The final act, and how it is shot is beautiful.

That Moment That Annoyed Me – A lot of what we see is not as important.

Final Thoughts –This is a standard movie for the most part, it starts being confusing for the first hour but when it unfolds you will be taken back where this movie goes.


Overall: Slow and confusing nearly saved by a wonderful final act.
  
BP
Baby Proof
Emily Giffin | 2006 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.3 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Claudia Par has decided that she doesn't want to have children, ever. Ben Davenport has decided the same thing. They are perfect for each other. Until their best friends have a baby, and one of them changes their mind. How will this affect their relationship?

When I started reading this book, I thought that it was going to be a continuation of the Darcy/Rachel drama. But I guess that is all done now. This book wasn't as good as the previous books I have read by Ms. Giffin, but I will continue to read her writing.

I remember there was a time in my life when I didn't want children so I could related to Claudia on this level. It wasn't until I actually had a child that my opinion on this matter had changed. Well, it actually didn't change, I just learned to accept it.
  
Moxie: A Novel
Moxie: A Novel
Jennifer Mathieu | 2017 | Gender Studies, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.8 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Jennifer Mathieu has written a strong book featuring a quiet girl, Vivian and her aversion to bullies. One day Viv, cannot put up with it anymore and takes it upon herself to make a stand, starting with a ‘zine she creates herself and distributes anonymously. It’s a small step with a big effect, because it doesn’t take long for things to snowball and soon Moxie becomes an empowering voice to be heard! And I’m not just saying fictional characters here. Every young girl should read this awesome, inspiring and captivating read!

Good for all of you who love the whole ‘girl power’ attitude, and like books which inspire and encourage you in real life to be the person you should be and stand up for yourself. For fledgling feminists everywhere! A fast-paced, bad-ass read full of action and great characterisation. Join the Moxie Movement! Have your say!