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Merissa (12882 KP) rated Risorgimento: Rebirth in Books
Jul 24, 2019
Risorgimento: Rebirth (New Blood Rising #1) by Maya Daniels
The world as you knew it has gone. All that is left is fear and survival. These are the tenets of April's childhood, ever since she was left in a sewer by her parents. Her brother is missing, presumed dead. America is ruled by eight cruel vampires, called The Council. And then it gets worse... the Italians show up! April is determined to stay off the radar, even though she is trying to help a couple of other people, plus a dog, Mutt. Through one circumstance and then another, she ends up meeting the Italians, and her life changes for good.
This was an amazing story that swept me up within the first few paragraphs. Maya Daniels has such a descriptive way with words that you are immediately able to visualise what April is going through, and how much she fears, and also how much she wants to live. I loved the chemistry between Sebastian and April, and I can't wait to continue with their story, as I'm sure the sparks will continue to fly. April is no pushover, and Sebastian is used to getting his own way. Just how Andrei and Marcus are going to fit in, I'm not sure, but like I said, I can't wait to continue.
Completely enthralling, from start to finish, this book sets up the scene, draws you in, and leaves you wanting more. I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to continue with their story! Highly recommended by me!!!
* 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!
This was an amazing story that swept me up within the first few paragraphs. Maya Daniels has such a descriptive way with words that you are immediately able to visualise what April is going through, and how much she fears, and also how much she wants to live. I loved the chemistry between Sebastian and April, and I can't wait to continue with their story, as I'm sure the sparks will continue to fly. April is no pushover, and Sebastian is used to getting his own way. Just how Andrei and Marcus are going to fit in, I'm not sure, but like I said, I can't wait to continue.
Completely enthralling, from start to finish, this book sets up the scene, draws you in, and leaves you wanting more. I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to continue with their story! Highly recommended by me!!!
* 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!
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Skinny in Books
Feb 13, 2020
I think the first time I read this book was in early middle school. I think I bought it from the Scholastic Book Fair in our library, though I am unsure. All I know is that for the last almost 10 years, this book has followed me from house to house, from Colorado to North Carolina and finally, at almost 21 years old, I've opened it again and read it.
It's definitely a book written for younger readers, that's for sure. Probably about 6th graders, which is fitting for the time that I think I read it the first time. Ever's story is a coming of age one - a story about learning to be confident in yourself, that everyone is going through different things, that what you think everyone thinks of you isn't always the truth. Ever's story is about learning to accept yourself and love yourself for who you are, not what you look like, and allowing people to be close to you. It's about a million things - some I'm sure more relatable when at Ever's age and in her similar situation, but also some that are just themes of life and love.
I think, as far as the story goes, it's a good one. I know there's always a risk when writing about body image in any facet, but I think this is one that does it well. I think the characters are interesting and for the most part, robust. Some of the themes and dialogue are a bit on the nose but I think that's to be expected for a book meant for younger readers. Overall, I think this is a good book. One I'm sure I'll come back to eventually, but probably not for another 10 years.
It's definitely a book written for younger readers, that's for sure. Probably about 6th graders, which is fitting for the time that I think I read it the first time. Ever's story is a coming of age one - a story about learning to be confident in yourself, that everyone is going through different things, that what you think everyone thinks of you isn't always the truth. Ever's story is about learning to accept yourself and love yourself for who you are, not what you look like, and allowing people to be close to you. It's about a million things - some I'm sure more relatable when at Ever's age and in her similar situation, but also some that are just themes of life and love.
I think, as far as the story goes, it's a good one. I know there's always a risk when writing about body image in any facet, but I think this is one that does it well. I think the characters are interesting and for the most part, robust. Some of the themes and dialogue are a bit on the nose but I think that's to be expected for a book meant for younger readers. Overall, I think this is a good book. One I'm sure I'll come back to eventually, but probably not for another 10 years.
The Still Point of the Turning World: A Mother's Story
Book
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER With a new chapter detailing the events that have taken place since...
How to Open and Run a Successful Restaurant
Book
If youa re thinking of opening a restaurant, you have a lot on your plate! Dig into this...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Darkness Within in Books
Aug 3, 2021
121 of 250
Kindle
The Darkness Within
By Lisa Stone
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
A gripping new crime novel from the global bestseller Cathy Glass writing as Lisa Stone
‘The Darkness Within hooked me from the start. Once you start you won't be able to stop!’ Katerina Diamond, No.1 bestselling author of The Teacher
You know your son better than anyone. Don’t you?
When critically ill Jacob Wilson is given a life-saving heart transplant, his parents are relieved that their loving son has been saved.
However, before long, his family are forced to accept that something has changed in Jacob. Their once loving son is slowly being replaced by a violent man whose mood swings leave them terrified – but is it their fault?
Jacob’s girlfriend, Rosie, is convinced the man she loves is suffering from stress. But when his moods turn on her, she begins to doubt herself – and she can only hide the bruises for so long.
When a terrible crime is committed, Jacob’s family are forced to confront their darkest fears. Has the boy they raised become a monster? Or is someone else to blame?
This is a spellbinding crime novel with a dark heart from the worldwide bestseller Cathy Glass, writing as Lisa Stone
This was such a good read. You as a mother always know your own children, you notice all the little changes in behaviour. This is such a rare thing to have happen. If there was one thing I didn’t quite like was him not being held accountable for the attack on Mary he definitely should have been! But definitely a good read.
Kindle
The Darkness Within
By Lisa Stone
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
A gripping new crime novel from the global bestseller Cathy Glass writing as Lisa Stone
‘The Darkness Within hooked me from the start. Once you start you won't be able to stop!’ Katerina Diamond, No.1 bestselling author of The Teacher
You know your son better than anyone. Don’t you?
When critically ill Jacob Wilson is given a life-saving heart transplant, his parents are relieved that their loving son has been saved.
However, before long, his family are forced to accept that something has changed in Jacob. Their once loving son is slowly being replaced by a violent man whose mood swings leave them terrified – but is it their fault?
Jacob’s girlfriend, Rosie, is convinced the man she loves is suffering from stress. But when his moods turn on her, she begins to doubt herself – and she can only hide the bruises for so long.
When a terrible crime is committed, Jacob’s family are forced to confront their darkest fears. Has the boy they raised become a monster? Or is someone else to blame?
This is a spellbinding crime novel with a dark heart from the worldwide bestseller Cathy Glass, writing as Lisa Stone
This was such a good read. You as a mother always know your own children, you notice all the little changes in behaviour. This is such a rare thing to have happen. If there was one thing I didn’t quite like was him not being held accountable for the attack on Mary he definitely should have been! But definitely a good read.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Close Encounters of the Girl Kind (Geekhood, #1) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
Read my original review on my blog: https://bookmarkedreading.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/book-review-geekhood/
Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a greatly humorous, relatable book about the struggles of a 14-year-old Geek.
Archie, a true Geek to his core, has a lot going on in his life. His parents are divorced, his step-dad is a Tosser, the only thing his friends are good at is the Game, and, to top it all off, he is struck by surprise by a Close Encounter with a Beautiful Goth.
After Sarah tries to help him battle his problems and insecurities, Archie replaces his snarky interior monologue with the voice of his psychic self, trudging alone along the path to psychic alignment. But things don't go quite as he hopes, and he soon makes a serious mess of things. How has it all gone so wrong?!
When he no longer wants to be associated with the Geeks he once called friends, he starts to realise that maybe this isn't what he wants after all. After so long of trying to fit in and fly under the radar, it turns out that maybe doing what you love is enough to keep you truly happy.
Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a hilarious book, following Archie's combat with problems that are well-known among us teens. I love the script of the interior monologue, and I think a lot of people can appreciate Archie's attempts to mask his true feelings and use of his interior monologue to express himself without others hearing. Definitely a good book, which I enjoyed far more than I expected! A strong 4 stars from me.
Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a greatly humorous, relatable book about the struggles of a 14-year-old Geek.
Archie, a true Geek to his core, has a lot going on in his life. His parents are divorced, his step-dad is a Tosser, the only thing his friends are good at is the Game, and, to top it all off, he is struck by surprise by a Close Encounter with a Beautiful Goth.
After Sarah tries to help him battle his problems and insecurities, Archie replaces his snarky interior monologue with the voice of his psychic self, trudging alone along the path to psychic alignment. But things don't go quite as he hopes, and he soon makes a serious mess of things. How has it all gone so wrong?!
When he no longer wants to be associated with the Geeks he once called friends, he starts to realise that maybe this isn't what he wants after all. After so long of trying to fit in and fly under the radar, it turns out that maybe doing what you love is enough to keep you truly happy.
Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a hilarious book, following Archie's combat with problems that are well-known among us teens. I love the script of the interior monologue, and I think a lot of people can appreciate Archie's attempts to mask his true feelings and use of his interior monologue to express himself without others hearing. Definitely a good book, which I enjoyed far more than I expected! A strong 4 stars from me.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated After Earth (2013) in Movies
Aug 22, 2019
Premise is interesting. (1 more)
Keeps you on your toes at times.
It's a bit boring at times. (3 more)
Will Smith's not really a presence as much as he should be.
The character progression is non existent with them all.
I don't mind either Jaiden or Will Smith, but feel like this wasn't suited too them. They felt restricted.
Will Smith
Contains spoilers, click to show
As Will Smith is a household name, more often than not you know him in some kind of comedy role, if not he has more presence on camera to show his true acting range. For a character that is hardly seen, I don't think this role suited him. Jaiden suited the character to an extent but when it came to the ghosting part, he was able to ghost so quickly, he was terrified like 10 minutes ago. He doesn't gradually learn to be brave it just happens which isn't true to his character. I actually don't mind watching this film, it has it's good bits. The relationship between them is clear, the father/son role definitely suits them (sounds obvious but not always the case with father/son actors). They manage to put a strain on their relationship in the film as opposed to in real life they are seriously close. The actual storyline is good, noticed how other films after (and perhaps before but I haven't seen any that came before) about monsters being blind but can sense smell, heat, touch and in this case, fear. It also had an underlying worldwide issue - earth turns on humans. Which I'm not surprised with the way we have treated it. I actually remember saying after watching this in the cinema that we really ought to start being more caring to the world. You never know it might happen!
The Soulmate Equation
9.0
Rate It
Book
Jess Davis is a numbers genius, but when it comes to love she's had to accept there is no magic...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated A Star Is Born (2018) in Movies
Oct 9, 2018
4th time IS the charm
I, like many, rolled my eyes when I heard that Bradley Cooper (of all people) was tabbed to write, direct and star in the 4th film adaptation of A STAR IS BORN. I was not a big fan of the Streisand/Kristofferson version from the 1970's, have vague memories of the Garland/Mason version from the 1950's and never saw the original Gaynor/March version from the 1930's. But when I heard that Lady Gaga was cast in the female lead of this film, I was intrigued and decided to check it out.
And...I'm glad I did as A STAR IS BORN now resides atop my list of BEST PICTURES OF 2018!. The music, acting, directing and story all work well in conjunction with each other to bring this tearjerker new, relevant life for a whole new audience.
For those of you not familiar with the plot, A STAR IS BORN tells the tale of an up and coming performing talent who is taken under the wing of an aging, on the decline, alcoholic superstar performer. We watch her rise and his fall.
In the lead role of Ally, Lady Gaga is outstanding. From her first musical performance to the last, you can clearly see that she has the musical chops, bravura and heart to pull off these scenes and this character. She really brings it here and you are drawn in whenever her character is on-stage, performing. As an actress she is better than "fine". You can see some moments of acting skill and depth, but you do see some of her lack of experience in her acting in some of the quieter scenes. All that said, I will be shocked if she is NOT nominated for an Oscar for this performance - she certainly is going to be nominated (and will probably win) as well for Best Song.
Complimenting her - and holding the screen, and our attention throughout - is Bradley Cooper's performance of Superstar-on-the-decline Jackson Maine. His Country/Rock legend lives up to the billing in voice, musical performance and attitude. This is Cooper's finest performance of his career, nuanced and crushing, drawing us in while simultaneously pushing us away. He is, easily, the front-runner for the Best Actor Oscar.
Complimenting these two are Andrew Dice Clay (interestingly enough) as Ally's father , who brings a multi-faceted character to life. He is star-struck, hopeful, protective and angry - always wishing for the best for his daughter, and protecting her from those that will prey on her. I would say he could be nominated for Best Supporting Actor, but he is not the Best Supporting Actor in this film, not by a long shot.
That Best Support Actor performance belongs to Sam Elliott who plays Cooper's (much) older brother. Cooper and Elliott's characters have a love/hate relationship with deep familial scars. As often happens with Supporting Roles, Elliot's performance shines and then is elevated to another level from one scene late in the film. He'll easily get an Oscar nomination - and will probably, finally, earn the Oscar he deserves.
But this film isn't all about acting. The Direction by Cooper (who will probably be nominated in all 3 categories - acting, writing and directing) is sharp and to the point. He films the musical scenes with skill and doesn't let the camera get too crazy while driving his lens close in to the actor's faces during the quiet scenes, drawing us in to this pair.
And of course, with this type of film, it will hinge on how good the music, and the musical performances, are - and this film delivers the goods in that space. There is memorable song after memorable song, performed strongly by both Cooper and Lady Gaga. They are good separately, but are INCREDIBLE when they perform together.
I cannot say enough good things about this film - it IS that good. Check this film out, you'll be glad you did, and you'll be able to say that you've seen the front-runner for all the OSCARS of 2018.
Letter Grade: A
9 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And...I'm glad I did as A STAR IS BORN now resides atop my list of BEST PICTURES OF 2018!. The music, acting, directing and story all work well in conjunction with each other to bring this tearjerker new, relevant life for a whole new audience.
For those of you not familiar with the plot, A STAR IS BORN tells the tale of an up and coming performing talent who is taken under the wing of an aging, on the decline, alcoholic superstar performer. We watch her rise and his fall.
In the lead role of Ally, Lady Gaga is outstanding. From her first musical performance to the last, you can clearly see that she has the musical chops, bravura and heart to pull off these scenes and this character. She really brings it here and you are drawn in whenever her character is on-stage, performing. As an actress she is better than "fine". You can see some moments of acting skill and depth, but you do see some of her lack of experience in her acting in some of the quieter scenes. All that said, I will be shocked if she is NOT nominated for an Oscar for this performance - she certainly is going to be nominated (and will probably win) as well for Best Song.
Complimenting her - and holding the screen, and our attention throughout - is Bradley Cooper's performance of Superstar-on-the-decline Jackson Maine. His Country/Rock legend lives up to the billing in voice, musical performance and attitude. This is Cooper's finest performance of his career, nuanced and crushing, drawing us in while simultaneously pushing us away. He is, easily, the front-runner for the Best Actor Oscar.
Complimenting these two are Andrew Dice Clay (interestingly enough) as Ally's father , who brings a multi-faceted character to life. He is star-struck, hopeful, protective and angry - always wishing for the best for his daughter, and protecting her from those that will prey on her. I would say he could be nominated for Best Supporting Actor, but he is not the Best Supporting Actor in this film, not by a long shot.
That Best Support Actor performance belongs to Sam Elliott who plays Cooper's (much) older brother. Cooper and Elliott's characters have a love/hate relationship with deep familial scars. As often happens with Supporting Roles, Elliot's performance shines and then is elevated to another level from one scene late in the film. He'll easily get an Oscar nomination - and will probably, finally, earn the Oscar he deserves.
But this film isn't all about acting. The Direction by Cooper (who will probably be nominated in all 3 categories - acting, writing and directing) is sharp and to the point. He films the musical scenes with skill and doesn't let the camera get too crazy while driving his lens close in to the actor's faces during the quiet scenes, drawing us in to this pair.
And of course, with this type of film, it will hinge on how good the music, and the musical performances, are - and this film delivers the goods in that space. There is memorable song after memorable song, performed strongly by both Cooper and Lady Gaga. They are good separately, but are INCREDIBLE when they perform together.
I cannot say enough good things about this film - it IS that good. Check this film out, you'll be glad you did, and you'll be able to say that you've seen the front-runner for all the OSCARS of 2018.
Letter Grade: A
9 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Dawn at Emberwilde (Treasures of Surrey, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
★★★☆☆ - "I've been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."
A new story, a new mystery and a new adventure. Dawn at Emberwilde is a charming story of a young woman who is offered a new life. What will she do with the choices laid before her?
"And yet the very sight of her
dislodged his sense of time and space."
- Dawn at Emberwilde
(Location 3620)
About the Book
Isabel Creston has grown up at Fellsworth School, training for a teaching position. Knowing she would someday become a governess. She has resigned to her lot in life, but her spirit wishes to soar free. When an unexpected visitor shows up at Fellsworth School, life as she knew it changed forever. Unknown relatives have been searching for Isabel since the death of her father. They were finally able to track her down and open their home to her. Filled with apprehensions, Isabel and her younger sister, Elizabeth, travel to their new home of Emberwilde. With stories of the Emberwilde Forest being haunted and of her past that differ from her own knowledge, Isabel does not know who or what to believe. When not one, but two men begin to occupy her thoughts, her heart is thrown into a tumult whirlwind. Will she embrace the endearments of Mr. Bradley? Or find comfort in the silent strength of Mr. Galloway? Who is she really? Will she find herself in the forest of Emberwilde?
"The important thing to remember is that no experience is ever wasted. It is being used to fashion you into the person you are meant to be, and to move you to the place where you are supposed to go."
- Dawn at Emberwilde
(Location 3115)
My Thoughts
I have to admit that although I did enjoy the overall story line, I was a bit let down with Dawn at Emberwilde. First of all I was under the impression that this series would have treasures such as gems and jewelry playing a significant role. In the first book (The Curiosity Keeper) we have the mystery of the Bevoy (a giant ruby), which was a thrilling tale! However there is no mystery of that kind in Dawn at Emberwilde. Don't get me wrong though, there is plenty of mystery and devious behavior to make a good story. But of a fashion that I was not quite expecting. I kept waiting for something else into come into play (like a chest of gold). Although, I suppose the treasure itself is supposed to be Isabel Creston. While the outline of this story was good, I felt that the pace could have been a bit quicker. The last 80 pages are full of action and I really couldn't put it down until I finished it. But the first 240 pages or so were not nearly as exciting. This book had a Cinderella feel to it, being a rags to riches type of story. The description of the clothing and styles was extremely detailed. The cover is exceptional, depicting the Emberwilde Forest perfectly! With its sense of haunting and mystery. Recommended if you are looking for a nice book to occupy some down time. These books can stand alone. There was very little reference to The Curiosity Keeper in Dawn at Emberwilde.
I received a free digital copy of The Curiosity Keeper from NetGalley courtesy of Thomas Nelson, Inc. in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
A new story, a new mystery and a new adventure. Dawn at Emberwilde is a charming story of a young woman who is offered a new life. What will she do with the choices laid before her?
"And yet the very sight of her
dislodged his sense of time and space."
- Dawn at Emberwilde
(Location 3620)
About the Book
Isabel Creston has grown up at Fellsworth School, training for a teaching position. Knowing she would someday become a governess. She has resigned to her lot in life, but her spirit wishes to soar free. When an unexpected visitor shows up at Fellsworth School, life as she knew it changed forever. Unknown relatives have been searching for Isabel since the death of her father. They were finally able to track her down and open their home to her. Filled with apprehensions, Isabel and her younger sister, Elizabeth, travel to their new home of Emberwilde. With stories of the Emberwilde Forest being haunted and of her past that differ from her own knowledge, Isabel does not know who or what to believe. When not one, but two men begin to occupy her thoughts, her heart is thrown into a tumult whirlwind. Will she embrace the endearments of Mr. Bradley? Or find comfort in the silent strength of Mr. Galloway? Who is she really? Will she find herself in the forest of Emberwilde?
"The important thing to remember is that no experience is ever wasted. It is being used to fashion you into the person you are meant to be, and to move you to the place where you are supposed to go."
- Dawn at Emberwilde
(Location 3115)
My Thoughts
I have to admit that although I did enjoy the overall story line, I was a bit let down with Dawn at Emberwilde. First of all I was under the impression that this series would have treasures such as gems and jewelry playing a significant role. In the first book (The Curiosity Keeper) we have the mystery of the Bevoy (a giant ruby), which was a thrilling tale! However there is no mystery of that kind in Dawn at Emberwilde. Don't get me wrong though, there is plenty of mystery and devious behavior to make a good story. But of a fashion that I was not quite expecting. I kept waiting for something else into come into play (like a chest of gold). Although, I suppose the treasure itself is supposed to be Isabel Creston. While the outline of this story was good, I felt that the pace could have been a bit quicker. The last 80 pages are full of action and I really couldn't put it down until I finished it. But the first 240 pages or so were not nearly as exciting. This book had a Cinderella feel to it, being a rags to riches type of story. The description of the clothing and styles was extremely detailed. The cover is exceptional, depicting the Emberwilde Forest perfectly! With its sense of haunting and mystery. Recommended if you are looking for a nice book to occupy some down time. These books can stand alone. There was very little reference to The Curiosity Keeper in Dawn at Emberwilde.
I received a free digital copy of The Curiosity Keeper from NetGalley courtesy of Thomas Nelson, Inc. in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.