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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Only by Death (Ozark Mountain Trilogy #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Wow! It's been a long, long time since I've read a Kathy Herman novel. She was one my mom and I would read together and then talk about. We loved her writing style, the intenseness of her stories, the inspiring messages she would weave into the pages. Picking up this second book in her Ozark Mountain Trilogy was like meeting up with a long lost friend! I was instantly hooked, kept a part of the story as each page turned, and at the end, I wasn't ready for the results! I want more!
Ms. Herman has once again created wonderfully chiseled, heart capturing characters. She has created an intriguing plot line of twists, turns, ups and downs with Liam's story. Just when I thought I had Liam and his reasonings for doing things, Ms. Herman threw us another twist and really made the story play out like a movie. Losing my own mother unexpectedly 4 years, and my grandfather from Alzheimer's 8 years ago, this story just completely enveloped me and didn't let me go.
This is definitely one of the better murder mystery stories I've read in a long while. Ms. Herman knows how to throw the words out there and make them play out like a movie on the big screen. I have not read book one in this series but I was definitely not confused, and am looking forward to going back to book 1 and catching up on the other characters. This is most definitely a 5 star worthy novel. The suspense, the murder, the rollercoaster ride that you're taken on in this story of hope, mercy and intrigue is absolutely jaw dropping. Hats off to you, Ms. Herman! Can't wait for book 3!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Ms. Herman has once again created wonderfully chiseled, heart capturing characters. She has created an intriguing plot line of twists, turns, ups and downs with Liam's story. Just when I thought I had Liam and his reasonings for doing things, Ms. Herman threw us another twist and really made the story play out like a movie. Losing my own mother unexpectedly 4 years, and my grandfather from Alzheimer's 8 years ago, this story just completely enveloped me and didn't let me go.
This is definitely one of the better murder mystery stories I've read in a long while. Ms. Herman knows how to throw the words out there and make them play out like a movie on the big screen. I have not read book one in this series but I was definitely not confused, and am looking forward to going back to book 1 and catching up on the other characters. This is most definitely a 5 star worthy novel. The suspense, the murder, the rollercoaster ride that you're taken on in this story of hope, mercy and intrigue is absolutely jaw dropping. Hats off to you, Ms. Herman! Can't wait for book 3!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Mothergamer (1619 KP) rated The Hunger Games in Books
Apr 3, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
I gave The Hunger Games trilogy a chance, I really did, but I found myself so frustrated with these books. I know all about the comparison to Battle Royale and here and there I do see where Suzanne Collins was influenced by it, but the books are different. For one thing Koushun Takami's book is better.
The problem for me, mainly was with the heroine Katniss. I wanted to like her, but I found I could not care about her at all, even after she did the noble sacrifice of taking her sister's place in The Hunger Games. She seems very cold, apathetic, and just drifting along. For a main character there isn't any depth to her and that's sorely disappointing considering the theme of these books. Then we have this pointless love story that is completely unnecessary to the book and it just seems awkward and forced. The only character who seems real to me at all is Peeta while the other characters seem one dimensional. I also found myself frustrated with Katniss because at so many intervals in the story she just gives up so easily like it's as simple as changing her hair color. Are you kidding me with this nonsense?
I had to keep reminding myself that these were books for young adults and while the writing wasn't bad, the story was not great. If the writing is so poor that you find you can not even care about the characters especially the main one, that's a serious problem. This didn't feel like a dystopian novel at all, sure it was dark and depressing, but that's pretty much it. I need more from something claiming to be a dystopian story. This was more like Dystopia with training wheels. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go read Fahrenheit 451 and Battle Royale again.
The problem for me, mainly was with the heroine Katniss. I wanted to like her, but I found I could not care about her at all, even after she did the noble sacrifice of taking her sister's place in The Hunger Games. She seems very cold, apathetic, and just drifting along. For a main character there isn't any depth to her and that's sorely disappointing considering the theme of these books. Then we have this pointless love story that is completely unnecessary to the book and it just seems awkward and forced. The only character who seems real to me at all is Peeta while the other characters seem one dimensional. I also found myself frustrated with Katniss because at so many intervals in the story she just gives up so easily like it's as simple as changing her hair color. Are you kidding me with this nonsense?
I had to keep reminding myself that these were books for young adults and while the writing wasn't bad, the story was not great. If the writing is so poor that you find you can not even care about the characters especially the main one, that's a serious problem. This didn't feel like a dystopian novel at all, sure it was dark and depressing, but that's pretty much it. I need more from something claiming to be a dystopian story. This was more like Dystopia with training wheels. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go read Fahrenheit 451 and Battle Royale again.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Searchers (1956) in Movies
Apr 28, 2019
Sprawling, wondrous, beautiful country
It's funny how movies make you interested in rewatching other movies sometimes.
In this case, I recently watched the Back to the Future trilogy again (seen way too many times). After watching Back to the Future 3, I listened to some of the audio commentary and the filmmakers mention many times how much fun they had making a western this time around and how much they were in awe of the countryside locations where they had filmed mentioning also this is where John Ford had filmed classic scenes from a lot of his more famous western epic films, like The Searchers. That was enough for me to give it another go.
The story is a relatively simple one of a man and his companion going on an epic journey to try and find and save his niece who had been abducted by the Comanche Indians in the Old West. Several of his relatives had also been killed and he was searching for the chief called "Scar" whom he had learned was leading this band of outlaws. His journey for vengeance would take 5+ years and would take him across the sprawling western countryside during both summer and winter.
The main character in the film is the magnificent landscapes and sprawling sunrises and sunsets featured throughout the film. The cinematography is breathtaking and the use of color is just majestic considering this movie is from the mid 50s.
I have to admit to not watching a lot of John Wayne movies (yet), but he gives a memorable performance not quite as heroey as in some of his other classics. Jeffrey Hunter (Captain Christopher Pike) is also very good in the film.
A true masterpiece.
In this case, I recently watched the Back to the Future trilogy again (seen way too many times). After watching Back to the Future 3, I listened to some of the audio commentary and the filmmakers mention many times how much fun they had making a western this time around and how much they were in awe of the countryside locations where they had filmed mentioning also this is where John Ford had filmed classic scenes from a lot of his more famous western epic films, like The Searchers. That was enough for me to give it another go.
The story is a relatively simple one of a man and his companion going on an epic journey to try and find and save his niece who had been abducted by the Comanche Indians in the Old West. Several of his relatives had also been killed and he was searching for the chief called "Scar" whom he had learned was leading this band of outlaws. His journey for vengeance would take 5+ years and would take him across the sprawling western countryside during both summer and winter.
The main character in the film is the magnificent landscapes and sprawling sunrises and sunsets featured throughout the film. The cinematography is breathtaking and the use of color is just majestic considering this movie is from the mid 50s.
I have to admit to not watching a lot of John Wayne movies (yet), but he gives a memorable performance not quite as heroey as in some of his other classics. Jeffrey Hunter (Captain Christopher Pike) is also very good in the film.
A true masterpiece.
Debbiereadsbook (1669 KP) rated Nocturne (Fourth Talisman #1) in Books
Feb 9, 2018
should have been told about books before this one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
When I started this book, I was thinking I'm missing something, something important, and that feeling stayed with me right the way through, and to be honest, I nearly dumped it a couple of times. I'm still not sure what kept me reading, but I did and that feeling led me to look at the author's other books.
And there is folks! What I've been missing is a whole THREE books set before this one, revolving around these main characters! Why was I not told this, when asked to read this one?? I don't know, but I'm annoyed, because whatever happened in those three books has a HUGE impact in this one, and my reading enjoyment suffered, greatly.
Oh, don't get me wrong, the book is well written, from all the major players points of view. It's neither graphic nor explicit, it moves at a fair and even pace. I saw no spelling or editing errors.
There is a much bigger picture that I'm not seeing going on. Whether that is because I didn't read the previous books, I don't know. It might just not have been laid out fully yet and all will become clear in the next books.
But for me, I can't get past not knowing about the other books that I SHOULD have read first. So if you come across this review, please PLEASE go back and read The Fourth Element trilogy before you read this one. You WILL need it.
Will I read future books in the series?? Probably not.
Because I DID finish it, and because everyone who needs to has a say...
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
When I started this book, I was thinking I'm missing something, something important, and that feeling stayed with me right the way through, and to be honest, I nearly dumped it a couple of times. I'm still not sure what kept me reading, but I did and that feeling led me to look at the author's other books.
And there is folks! What I've been missing is a whole THREE books set before this one, revolving around these main characters! Why was I not told this, when asked to read this one?? I don't know, but I'm annoyed, because whatever happened in those three books has a HUGE impact in this one, and my reading enjoyment suffered, greatly.
Oh, don't get me wrong, the book is well written, from all the major players points of view. It's neither graphic nor explicit, it moves at a fair and even pace. I saw no spelling or editing errors.
There is a much bigger picture that I'm not seeing going on. Whether that is because I didn't read the previous books, I don't know. It might just not have been laid out fully yet and all will become clear in the next books.
But for me, I can't get past not knowing about the other books that I SHOULD have read first. So if you come across this review, please PLEASE go back and read The Fourth Element trilogy before you read this one. You WILL need it.
Will I read future books in the series?? Probably not.
Because I DID finish it, and because everyone who needs to has a say...
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated The Resistance in Books
Feb 6, 2018 (Updated Feb 6, 2018)
A Nice Quick Read
This book is perfect for those who want a nice quick YA dystopian read. It will literally take only a few hours to read. I read it in about 6 hours and I am a slow reader. The story line is great. In fact, it is its most greatest strength. This book, I think, is the worst of the three books in the trilogy. Not much really happens in terms of plot until the end. But it makes up for it with the third book.
The main downfall of this book is the characters. I'm sure I mentioned it previously. Although some of the characters are good, like Pip, Richard and Mrs Pincent, other characters are lacking. Peter is too centered around wanting action, and being the hero, Anna thinks she's strong but is actually quiet a passive character when you think about it. Jude always thinks he is the underdog, a shadow of Peter and loves Sheila, even though they barely know each other, and Sheila is whiney. You notice these traits more in this book because the book has a gradual buildup of action so you have no choice but to focus on the characters.
The book does not shy away from controversial topics. Where other authors would have left the scene to the imagination or alluded to it, Malley delves right into it which forces us to be exposed to the same trauma as the characters. It helps highlight what is wrong in their society and allows us think about the ethical situations and implications of what is happening. For this, I applaud Malley greatly.
It is not a terrible read and the third book makes up for what this book lacks but the are room for improvements in this collection.
The main downfall of this book is the characters. I'm sure I mentioned it previously. Although some of the characters are good, like Pip, Richard and Mrs Pincent, other characters are lacking. Peter is too centered around wanting action, and being the hero, Anna thinks she's strong but is actually quiet a passive character when you think about it. Jude always thinks he is the underdog, a shadow of Peter and loves Sheila, even though they barely know each other, and Sheila is whiney. You notice these traits more in this book because the book has a gradual buildup of action so you have no choice but to focus on the characters.
The book does not shy away from controversial topics. Where other authors would have left the scene to the imagination or alluded to it, Malley delves right into it which forces us to be exposed to the same trauma as the characters. It helps highlight what is wrong in their society and allows us think about the ethical situations and implications of what is happening. For this, I applaud Malley greatly.
It is not a terrible read and the third book makes up for what this book lacks but the are room for improvements in this collection.
Debbie (52 KP) rated Nevernight in Books
Aug 16, 2018
NEVERNIGHT By: Jay Kristoff
Adult Fantasy 429 pages
This was an amazing book. At times I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book of a trilogy. I will be reading the 2nd book, Godsgrave soon.
This book is about Mia Corvere who is seeking vengeance against the powers that destroyed her family. At the age of 10 her father was hung and her mother and baby brother were sent the Philosophers stone, prison. She was to be drowned but escaped.
During her flight she is robbed and get's a shadow friend who happens to be in the shape of a cat. She calls her friend Mister Kindly. A retire killer takes her in and trains her in the art of fighting. At 16 she leaves and heads out to join the Red Church. On her way she meets a young man, named Tric and an older woman named Naev.
Naev ends up being a member of the Red Church. She learns that Tric also wants to join the Red Church. Each have their reasons for joining.
To join the Red Church you have to go through deadly trials. If you survive to initiation you will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Mother. If she makes it this far she will be one step closer to her goal of revenge.
This book takes you through her trials and friendships and enemies. Why was her family targeted? Who are her friends? Who are her enemies? What is Tric to her? Does she make it into the Red Church? You have to read to find out the answer to these questions. I highly recommend this book I gave it 4.5 stars.
Adult Fantasy 429 pages
This was an amazing book. At times I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book of a trilogy. I will be reading the 2nd book, Godsgrave soon.
This book is about Mia Corvere who is seeking vengeance against the powers that destroyed her family. At the age of 10 her father was hung and her mother and baby brother were sent the Philosophers stone, prison. She was to be drowned but escaped.
During her flight she is robbed and get's a shadow friend who happens to be in the shape of a cat. She calls her friend Mister Kindly. A retire killer takes her in and trains her in the art of fighting. At 16 she leaves and heads out to join the Red Church. On her way she meets a young man, named Tric and an older woman named Naev.
Naev ends up being a member of the Red Church. She learns that Tric also wants to join the Red Church. Each have their reasons for joining.
To join the Red Church you have to go through deadly trials. If you survive to initiation you will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Mother. If she makes it this far she will be one step closer to her goal of revenge.
This book takes you through her trials and friendships and enemies. Why was her family targeted? Who are her friends? Who are her enemies? What is Tric to her? Does she make it into the Red Church? You have to read to find out the answer to these questions. I highly recommend this book I gave it 4.5 stars.
Debbiereadsbook (1669 KP) rated Dead In The Shop (Grasmere Cottage Mystery #3) in Books
Oct 26, 2018
a very fitting end!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!
With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.
I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!
Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!
As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.
Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!
The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!
I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!
A very fitting . . . .
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!
With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.
I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!
Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!
As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.
Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!
The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!
I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!
A very fitting . . . .
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated The Dark Tower (2017) in Movies
Dec 5, 2018
An enjoyable film, if you have not read the books
If you think of the film on its own, seperate from the books, it's ok. It was enjoyable enough, Idris Elba was a good Roland and the kid that played Jake a good actor. They had a good chemistry on screen. The story was easy to follow, it was an ok adventure film. Worth a watch, glad I didn't go to the cinema to see. If you haven't read Stephen King's Dark Tower series, you will enjoy the film and follow the story nicely. They have managed to fit a shelled down version of the Dark Tower story into this one film.
However, if you have read the books; you are going to be dissapointed. Whilst Idris Elba as Roland is a really good choice, that's the only thing that is good. Roland and Jake meet in a completely different way, Jake's history is completely different, so right from the start you know it's not going to be the story from the books. You will notice the absence of Eddie and Suzanne as well. Of course, I didn't really expect it to follow the books, they have fitted an epic 8 book series into one film. It's dissapointing, the Dark Tower was worthy of an epic, at minimum, trilogy of films.
All in all, this film gives you a little taste of the Dark Tower world, its gunslinger and mid-world's ways. If you watch the film before reading the books, whether you like the film or not, I really recommend reading the books. If you have read the books, you may want to skip the film.
However, if you have read the books; you are going to be dissapointed. Whilst Idris Elba as Roland is a really good choice, that's the only thing that is good. Roland and Jake meet in a completely different way, Jake's history is completely different, so right from the start you know it's not going to be the story from the books. You will notice the absence of Eddie and Suzanne as well. Of course, I didn't really expect it to follow the books, they have fitted an epic 8 book series into one film. It's dissapointing, the Dark Tower was worthy of an epic, at minimum, trilogy of films.
All in all, this film gives you a little taste of the Dark Tower world, its gunslinger and mid-world's ways. If you watch the film before reading the books, whether you like the film or not, I really recommend reading the books. If you have read the books, you may want to skip the film.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Mark of Distinction (Price of Privilege, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
As our story continues, the plot thickens. Finding sanctuary with her father, Lord Pierson, Julia becomes the center of London society. Being one of the wealthiest heiress’ in the country and keeping her past a secret at all costs drains her body, mind and spirit. She no longer knows who she is or what her heart truly longs for. Lord Pierson has plans of matrimony for Julia to Lord Dalry. Macy is still on the loose and is always searching for his “lost wife”. Thoughts of Edward are ever at the forefront of her thoughts. Will Macy expose Julia and Lord Pierson? Will Julia submit to her Father’s decisions regarding her future? When all seems lost will she turn to the One who will never leave us nor forsake us?
As I proceed with this trilogy I am constantly frustrated with our characters, yet I have been drawn in so much that I must finish! There are a few character inconsistencies in Mark of Distinction regarding Lord Pierson. Nothing major, but enough to make me a tad confused. Yet without it, there would be no story. Julia’s personality is slightly aggravating as well. She is constantly making the worst decisions and then has extreme consequences to face. Although the beginning of her journey towards God is touching. Lord Dalry is an all around good guy and I like his character a lot! Mr. Forrester’s treatment of Julia made me quite upset. Constantly putting her down, in front of her father and Lord Dalry, and never believing her story. He ends up helping her, but in the worst possible way.
Although I will probably not read this series again, I am enjoying it and am looking forward to seeing how Jessica Dotta ties up the loose ends in Price of Privilege.
As I proceed with this trilogy I am constantly frustrated with our characters, yet I have been drawn in so much that I must finish! There are a few character inconsistencies in Mark of Distinction regarding Lord Pierson. Nothing major, but enough to make me a tad confused. Yet without it, there would be no story. Julia’s personality is slightly aggravating as well. She is constantly making the worst decisions and then has extreme consequences to face. Although the beginning of her journey towards God is touching. Lord Dalry is an all around good guy and I like his character a lot! Mr. Forrester’s treatment of Julia made me quite upset. Constantly putting her down, in front of her father and Lord Dalry, and never believing her story. He ends up helping her, but in the worst possible way.
Although I will probably not read this series again, I am enjoying it and am looking forward to seeing how Jessica Dotta ties up the loose ends in Price of Privilege.
Merissa (13808 KP) rated The Shadow in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The Shadow is the second book in The Original's Trilogy, and although I haven't read book 1, this in no way impaired my enjoyment of this book. Trina is a witch that has always had trouble with her powers, and now she is literally disappearing. There is a quick synopsis given as part of the story as to what happened in book 1, and the consequences to Trina because of that. Duncan is sent to her by the Vampire Council to kill or kidnap her, depending on what happens to Lilith. Instead, Duncan decides to go with his instincts, and tries to help Trina in every way he can, even before he realises she is his mate. These two both have things in their past that make them act the way they do, so it's all part of the story as to how they work past that, and save the world from Armageddon.
This is an intricate paranormal read, with witches, daemons, Watchers, and even minions! And, no, they're not yellow wearing denim dungarees! Instead, you get an intriguing story where not everything is as black and white as you would assume. The story concludes nicely in this book, whilst providing a satisfactory preview into the next. It is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow.
Although I haven't read book one, I would actually recommend it before reading this one, simply because I feel that you would get a greater appreciation for the characters and their world. Still, saying that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it.
* 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!
This is an intricate paranormal read, with witches, daemons, Watchers, and even minions! And, no, they're not yellow wearing denim dungarees! Instead, you get an intriguing story where not everything is as black and white as you would assume. The story concludes nicely in this book, whilst providing a satisfactory preview into the next. It is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow.
Although I haven't read book one, I would actually recommend it before reading this one, simply because I feel that you would get a greater appreciation for the characters and their world. Still, saying that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it.
* 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!