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Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)
Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)
2019 | Adventure, Family
silly fun (0 more)
Swipe was a pointless character (0 more)
Contains spoilers, click to show
Dora and the lost city of gold brings the characters from the ‘Dora the Explore ' together for a live action adventure. The film starts when Dora is six and her cousin Diego goes to live in the city. Ten years later Dora's parents get ready to find a lost city so, for safety they send her to the join Diego. Finding that Diego has changed over the years and that city life is nothing like living in the jungle leaving her upset and friendless. During a school field trip, Dora, Diego and two of their classmates are kidnapped by treasure hunters in an attempt to find Dora's parents and the lost city.
Dora and the lost city of gold is a classic children’s jungle adventure; you have kidnapped adults, jungle traps, quick sand (I can’t remember the last time I saw quicksand in a movie, may be Jumaji 2), Ruined cities, giant, possibly man eating plants and a bit of cartoon physics.
The cartoony side of the film is a bit odd, the film is trying to include all the main characters from the series and this includes Boots the Monkey and Swipe the fox. Boots kind of makes sense, he was Dora’s companion throughout the cartoon and the character in the film did have an actual role that served a purpose, however Swipe seemed a pointless, his roll could have been performed by any of the other villains.
Over all ‘Dora and the lost city of gold’ is good, silly fun.
  
This Is Not a Love Story (Love Story Universe)
This Is Not a Love Story (Love Story Universe)
Suki Fleet | 2019 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is Not a Love Story (Love Story Universe) by Suki Fleet
"This is Not a Love Story" is both the title of the book, and a description of what it is about. This isn't a light and fluffy romance. This is hard-hitting, dark, and gritty, that tells you in no uncertain terms just how hard it is to be on the streets... and even then you can imagine it's a whole lot harder than even your imagination can go.

Remee and Julian have been there for each other over the past couple of years. Remee was just thirteen when he came to the streets, for reasons you find out. You don't know how old Julian was, but these two have bonded, for good, or so you hope. However, life on the streets is tough, and things happen to loosen that bond, possibly even break it.

There is so much that goes on in this story, and yet it all flows together perfectly. Remee may seem fragile, but his spine is made of steel. There is an outstanding supporting cast of characters too, with Crash topping the bill. He is brilliant, and I really hope to hear more about him soon.

With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, this story was one to pull me in, and keep me turning the pages long after I was supposed to have put it down. I have no hesitation in recommending this story.

* 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!
  
Timber Lake (A Snowy Range Mystery #2)
Timber Lake (A Snowy Range Mystery #2)
Nya Rawlyns | 2015 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Mystery
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Timber Lake (A Snowy Range Mystery #2) by Nya Rawlyns
Timber Lake is the second book in the Snowy Range Mystery series, although it can be read as a standalone.

The story starts off with Michael and Sonny (Seamus) bumping into each other at a rodeo. There is instant attraction between them, but apart from a hot kiss, nothing happens. Then they meet again, but this time in a work capacity. Sparks once again fly, but not always in a good way. These two need to learn how to work together in harsh conditions, and maybe how to love together!

This is a very different story to the first. I was expecting it to follow on in some way from book one, but it is a completely separate story. There is a lot of angst in this book, as the two MC's are looking at life and each other in very different ways. Just when you think they are working things out, there is some confusion/disagreement, that sets things off again.

I found this book to be very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. The characters are well rounded (whether they annoy you or not!). The descriptions are enough to make picturing the scenes in your mind very easy.

If you like a bit of mystery with your romance, then I can definitely recommend this book/series.

* 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!
  
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Cate Le Bon recommended Hunky Dory by David Bowie in Music (curated)

 
Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Hunky Dory by David Bowie
1971 | Folk, Rock, Singer-Songwriter
8.6 (19 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"The next one is a little-known obscure album called Hunky Dory! I grew up listening to David Bowie's songs in the background. I knew he existed and knew his hits and whatnot. I had the same thing with The Beatles. When I was 17 I saw that my dad had Hunky Dory and I realised that I had never really actually listened properly to David Bowie. I thought of him as a pop star – which he is – but he's obviously a lot more than that. I remember putting it on and listening to it in the lounge and actually thinking it was almost too much – it was a collection of songs that were all so good that it was too much to digest. It absolutely blew my mind at how mercurial he was on one record. He wasn't writing songs just about love, but about all these crazy, bizarre ideas. It contained really weirdly strange anthems that weren't like anything I'd heard. I remember really trying to piece together who David Bowie was in his entirety, as opposed to him just being that guy who dresses up like a woman sometimes and was a pop star, and beginning to understand the gravity of how talented he was. I remember listening to the song 'Andy Warhol' over and over and over again and thinking it was the best song I had ever heard in my life and then trying to learn it on guitar. So, it was the moment of realising, ""Oh my god, David Bowie!"" but there is no real point in me explaining why it is such a good album. It's obvious."

Source
  
Frostblood
Frostblood
Elly Blake | 2017 | Children
9
8.7 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
28 of 235
Book
FrostBlood (Book 1)
By Elly Blake
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame from the cruel Frostblood ruling class her entire life. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their bloodthirsty king, she agrees to come out of hiding, desperate to have her revenge.

Despite her unpredictable abilities, Ruby trains with the rebels and the infuriating--yet irresistible--Arcus, who seems to think of her as nothing more than a weapon. But before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to compete in the king's tournaments that pit Fireblood prisoners against Frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her--and from the icy young man she has come to love.

Vivid and compelling, Frostblood is the first in an exhilarating series, followed by Fireblood and Nightblood, about a world where flame and ice are mortal enemies...but together create a power that could change everything.

I love this!! I’ve been waiting for a series since TOG to make me want more and I think I may just have found it. It was just so good and kept me wanting to read more. The characters are strong and nowhere near annoying, the story was really good if I’m going to find anything negative and it’s a very small one that’s that it was a touch predictable. But other than that I highly recommend.
  
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Merissa (13398 KP) rated Her Druid Fantasy (The Amber Druid Series #2) in Books

Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Her Druid Fantasy (The Amber Druid Series #2)
Her Druid Fantasy (The Amber Druid Series #2)
Trish F. Leger | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you haven't read any of the Amber Druid series yet then you are sure as heck missing out. These books take you on a sensual and romantic journey, peppered with arguments, 'real' life and passion.

This particular book tells the story of Ramsey and Vivienne. You know that they are just perfect for each other but with their own stubbornness and outside circumstances get in the way? I won't say for sure but I will say that I was gripped by their story, in turn, I was sad, happy, and concerned - you name it, I think the emotion will be in this book.

I love how the druids can tell if another one of them is nearby, even without seeing them. And I also loved how they knew that something was going to happen even before Vivi's symptoms became known. It almost reminded me of the Jedi Knights - "there's a disturbance in the Force!"

This series just keeps getting better and better. We greet old friends and get to know new ones. Personally, I love the time spent on drawing away each layer of the characters so that you get a deeper, more intimate knowledge of them. I know Brenan's book is out next which should be good but I really can't wait for Kale's story! He intrigues me ;)

Highly recommended for all Paranormal fans out there.
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 25, 2016
  
His Boy to Cherish (Naughty or Nice Season Two)
His Boy to Cherish (Naughty or Nice Season Two)
Colette Davison | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
HIS BOY TO CHERISH is part of the Naughty or Nice Season Two series, and I am over the moon to announce Jayden gets his HEA!!!!

Oh, man! I fell for Jayden in Greeking Out and my heart hurt for him because the Daddy he got was definitely NOT one on the caring scale. And it was obvious from the very beginning that THAT is what Jayden not only wants but needs.

Bless him, you find out about Jayden's life and he's had it rough but he keeps up appearances and leaves his mask firmly in place as no one wants a grumpy boy. It is up to Ben to prove to him that he wants him no matter what, through joy and sadness, through pain and sorrow, as well as good times. And boy, does Ben step up to the mark!

This has a light Christmas theme, as in they first meet on Boxing Day and their courtship takes place over the Christmas period. Ben and Jayden instantly click but both have questions -- which is completely understandable!

I loved how Troy and Apollo were here but didn't take over the story. I really want Jude to have his own too. Yes, I'm greedy!

A warm and fuzzy story that is absolutely recommended by me. It is heartwarming and sincere and left me with a huge smile on my face. Loved it!

** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 28, 2021
  
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Merissa (13398 KP) rated DNA Demons N Angels in Books

Nov 23, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)  
DNA Demons N Angels
DNA Demons N Angels
Katie Zaber | 2021 | Contemporary, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
DNA Demons N Angels is definitely What To Expect When You're Expecting Something Different!

The basic premise of this book is a woman (Evie) gets unexpectedly pregnant. Unexpectedly, because her husband has a vasectomy years ago! Think Virgin Mary. Obviously, he doesn't believe her when she says she hasn't slept with anyone but him, and they separate. This starts the journey of a lifetime with possessions, kidnappings, and hints galore about who the father of the baby is and what 'it' will be.

The cravings in this book made me laugh, and also wonder if this was real life in a book. If not the author, then maybe someone she knows? They are just as funky as some cravings can be, and I loved it.

I didn't think too much as I was reading this. I didn't try to figure anything out. I just let the book sweep me along, giving me bits of information when deemed necessary. Maybe because of that but the ending didn't come as a surprise. It was a good ending, just not surprising to me.

I'm really hoping there is more to come in this world. I would like to know more about Lucas, Annabel, Bell, and co, plus I'm sure that baby has stories to tell. A very different read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 23, 2021
  
A Quiet Place: Part II (2021)
A Quiet Place: Part II (2021)
2021 | Horror, Thriller
Continuation of the original story, with thrills and suspense throughout (1 more)
Great cast - Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe are particularly good
A lot of 'grief' which might be too much for some after Covid (0 more)
Plot Summary:
In a pre-title sequence, we return to “Day 1” of the events of the first movie to see how life in the Abbott’s home town changed forever when chaos reigned down from the skies.

Rolling forward 473 days later, the plot picks up on the life of Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmons) and Marcus (Noah Jupe), following the dramatic events of “A Quiet Place” and the death of husband/father Lee (John Kravinski).

The three, together with Evelyn’s newborn, set off on a perilous journey to find help.

Positives:
- Sequels often try to over-reach, lobbing-in over-the-top action and forgetting why the audience so loved the original hit. This sequel doesn't fall into that trap, continuing the story in a seamless way. We very quickly get reinvested in the character's dire situation (as their situation suddenly gets even more dire!).

- The pre-title sequence is perfectly paced and utterly thrilling. It's the sequence that most grabbed my attention so many months (years?!) ago when - pre-Covid - I first saw the trailer attached below. That bus!!

- The ensemble cast works well together. Cillian Murphy is a fine actor, filling the Krasinski-shaped hole. And Emily Blunt is as kick-ass and wonderful as always. But special 'attaboys' need to go to the two youngsters, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe. They were impressive in the first movie but here have to carry even more of the dramatic action and are just brilliant.

- Technically, the film has Oscar-worthy strengths.

-- The editing here is first rate: many of the jump scares are well-signposted, but they still work thanks to the timing of the cuts.

-- The sound design is (as you would expect) fantastic: once again this is a movie where snacks should be banned!

-- The soundtrack, by Marco Beltrami, is great, building on his themes from the original but knowing when to shut-up as well!

Negatives:
- It's a genuine joy to see John Krasinski in the dramatic pre-title sequence reprising his role of Lee Abbott. But then his massive presence is missed for the rest of the movie. Perhaps killing him off at the end of part 1 wasn't such a good idea?

- There's a lot of 'grief and mourning' to contend with here, post- (or nearly post-) Covid. This didn't affect me. But the illustrious Mrs Movie Man was 'not mentally ready' for it, and actively disliked the film as a result.

Summary Thoughts on "A Quiet Place Part II": Often a sequel doesn't live up to my expectations. Particularly so when I've loved the original AND had to wait SOOOOOOoooooooo long to see it. But this time I was not disappointed. I gave the original 5 stars. This naturally lacks the originality of the premise and is - imho - less good. But not by a great margin. It's still a rollercoaster thrill-ride that - at 97 minutes - doesn't overstay its welcome. Sometimes 'more of the same' is enough.

This is also a great movie to get people back into cinemas. Because, ladies and gents, since this is a MUST SEE on the big screen, and ideally in a screen with a great sound system.

As long as Krasinski stays at the helm, I'll personally be looking forwards to AQP - Part III, which I understand is in the works.

(For the full graphical review, please check out One Mann's Movies on t'interweb or Facebook. Thanks.)