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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated 26 Below in Books
Sep 13, 2024 (Updated Sep 13, 2024)
Can Darcie and Jason Stop a Villain Cold?
Darcie Phillips is thrilled to be leading the new Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. On the team is Jason Myers, a cybersecurity expert. But they’ve just barely begun their jobs when a strange woman appears in town warning about something happening when the temperature drops to 26 below. Since winter is coming, that will be soon. Can Darcie and Jason figure out a way to deal with this crisis?
I was intrigued by this premise, so I decided to give this book a try. Unfortunately, I found this book uneven. There is more buildup than pay off, and some of that buildup gets swept under the rug. I did like Darci and Jason and find them compelling characters, although the rest of the team are fairly one note. This is a Christian novel, and I found that aspect refreshing and emotionally touching in ways I wasn’t expecting. I think this is more of a character study than a thriller, and I wasn’t expecting that. There are a couple of small timeline issues, made more obvious by the way each scene is headlined with date and time. But I had to laugh at how much of a cold weather wimp I am while reading how these characters felt about the weather in Alaska. I am still considering picking up the next book since I am intrigued by the threads left opened here. If you are looking for strong characters in a light thriller, you should consider picking this book up.
I was intrigued by this premise, so I decided to give this book a try. Unfortunately, I found this book uneven. There is more buildup than pay off, and some of that buildup gets swept under the rug. I did like Darci and Jason and find them compelling characters, although the rest of the team are fairly one note. This is a Christian novel, and I found that aspect refreshing and emotionally touching in ways I wasn’t expecting. I think this is more of a character study than a thriller, and I wasn’t expecting that. There are a couple of small timeline issues, made more obvious by the way each scene is headlined with date and time. But I had to laugh at how much of a cold weather wimp I am while reading how these characters felt about the weather in Alaska. I am still considering picking up the next book since I am intrigued by the threads left opened here. If you are looking for strong characters in a light thriller, you should consider picking this book up.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated 1922 (2017) in Movies
Oct 22, 2017
Not Stephen King's best
Either this wasn't directed very well or it isn't Stephen King's best novella. There seemed to be something lacking to make it a true psychological thriller. It consists of a man who manipulates his son into killing his mother in order to stay on the land and live life as farmers. And as expected things go horribly wrong from there.
But the thing is, most of the things that go wrong are expected if you're watching this kind of film. You know from the outset that the husband and son won't live merrily if they've committed this sort of crime so it's a total anti-climax. After watching King's other adapted film @Gerald's Game (2017), this felt like a let down.
But the thing is, most of the things that go wrong are expected if you're watching this kind of film. You know from the outset that the husband and son won't live merrily if they've committed this sort of crime so it's a total anti-climax. After watching King's other adapted film @Gerald's Game (2017), this felt like a let down.
'Frank Critic (4 KP) rated Split (2016) in Movies
Jun 27, 2017
This movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with the tension, mystery and entertainment of the character of Kevin Wendellcrumb (2 more)
Secret shared universe
Fantastic performance from James McAvoy
Split: The film that brought M.Night Shymalan to the top
Split is a mysterious thriller staringa great performance by James McAvoy, which has shown that M.Night Shymalan really can make a good film as this film has brought him to top form. This film has terrific performances, mainly by James McAvoy, entertaining suspense which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Go and buy a ticket. Twice! You won't regret it.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated His Bloody Project in Books
Jul 25, 2017
Well written, realistic penny dreadful
The author has done quite a spectacular job of researching this piece of historical fiction, bringing to life a gruesome episode in 1800s Scotland. Expect to read a documentary type book and not a particularly suspenseful thriller. It took a long time to get into this book, mostly because the performance was quite dry and dull, hence I struggled to concentrate. During the crux of the story, in which Roddy is in court, the story picks up slightly, sounding more like a courtroom drama. He attempts to explore the idea of moral insanity, but falls short mostly because of the lack of understanding they would have at the time the book is set.
Well written and researched but a bit bland.
Well written and researched but a bit bland.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Prediction in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[The Prediction] by [Darren Sugrue] was an excellent thriller. The question is, if you could know the date of death would you want to? Daniel did his PhD thesis on a mathematical formula that could predict when someone would die. His thesis was rejected and he gave up his old life to be a crane operator. Twelve years later his old professor approaches him after the death of his son and wants Daniel to take his thesis up again. This decision will change everyone involved.
The characters were well developed and drove the plot. I really liked how you got to see different perspectives throughout the book.I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down once I started reading.
The characters were well developed and drove the plot. I really liked how you got to see different perspectives throughout the book.I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down once I started reading.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Institute (The Institute, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[The Institute] by [Kayla Howarth] is an intense thriller with a futuristic lean. The main character Allira and her family have spent their lives hiding that her brother was "defective". "Defectives" go to the Institute where they are said to be kept safe and taken care of, but no one who has gone there is heard from again. Will one mistake trip them all up and find the true nature of the Institute?
The characters were typical for a YA audience but definitely good. The intertwining of the relationships and emotions makes this plot. There were some unexpected surprises as well as issues that are still up in the air. Guess the second book is a must read to clear those questions up.
The characters were typical for a YA audience but definitely good. The intertwining of the relationships and emotions makes this plot. There were some unexpected surprises as well as issues that are still up in the air. Guess the second book is a must read to clear those questions up.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated I'm Travelling Alone in Books
Jul 27, 2017
Interesting plot but nothing spectacular
There's something enticing about Scandinavian thrillers that shine through imagery of its cold landscape. While it's an interesting story, nothing really seemed to stand out and the parallel story completely fell by the wayside - I suspect this will be picked up in Samuel Bjork's later novels. This goes for the protagonist Mia, who I believe may have a greater role in the following books.
As there are so many components to the story, you won't feel bored as such - but it is still far too long for what it is. The killer is predictable - remember always suspect the extremely nice side characters. So it doesn't break out of the thriller mould unfortunately. Slightly disappointed after all the hype.
As there are so many components to the story, you won't feel bored as such - but it is still far too long for what it is. The killer is predictable - remember always suspect the extremely nice side characters. So it doesn't break out of the thriller mould unfortunately. Slightly disappointed after all the hype.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Behind Her Eyes in Books
Jul 27, 2017
That ending...wait until the last chapter
I spent about 90% of the time umming and ah-ing about whether to finish this book or not. Most of the time I felt irritated bordering on bored, or brushing certain elements of it as downright ridiculous. So here's how you should listen to it. It is not a psychological thriller in the conventional sense, parts of it requires suspending all disbelief and just accepting for what it is.
But wait until the last chapter.
And your head will spin 180 degrees to make you realise the past 290 pages was all a fabrication of some sort.
Not a perfect book, could have been a lot shorter, but a very good climax.
But wait until the last chapter.
And your head will spin 180 degrees to make you realise the past 290 pages was all a fabrication of some sort.
Not a perfect book, could have been a lot shorter, but a very good climax.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Atomic Blonde (2017) in Movies
Sep 5, 2017
Cast are great (2 more)
Soundtrack is awesome
Interesting tone
It's A Blast
This movie is directed by David Leitch, the guy who did the John Wick movies, so going in what I expected was essentially John Wick with a female lead. This movie turned out to be much more than that. There is an interesting narrative built around the fast paced action and the characters are all well rounded. Theron is brilliant in the lead role, MacAvoy is also fantastic as per usual. The rest of the cast including John Goodman, Sofia Boutella and Eddie Marsen are good too. The soundtrack and backdrop of this movie provide an interesting tone also and overall, it is a fantastic spy action thriller.
Rachael Moyes (404 KP) rated The Three (The Three #1) in Books
Jul 8, 2017
Great book!
I love the concept of a 'book-within-a-book'. The Three is so well written, and it had me guessing what would happen right up until the very end. This is one of those stories that every time a question is answered, a load more are asked! There are a lot of characters to keep track of but it's structured so well that that isn't a problem.
I really enjoyed this book. It's the kind of book that is impossible to put down! I would have maybe liked a bit more of an explanation at the end though, as many questions (like 'what actually happened?!' are still unanswered. But still a wonderful read and a thoroughly enjoyable thriller :)
I really enjoyed this book. It's the kind of book that is impossible to put down! I would have maybe liked a bit more of an explanation at the end though, as many questions (like 'what actually happened?!' are still unanswered. But still a wonderful read and a thoroughly enjoyable thriller :)