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Run (2020)
Run (2020)
2020 | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
7
7.2 (6 Ratings)
Movie Rating
For starters, the general premise of Run is a scary one. In a world where everything seems to be getting more tempestuous by the day, it can be difficult to place your trust in other humans, but if there is one person you should be able to trust unconditionally, it's your own mother. It becomes rapidly apparent during the runtime just how much control Diane (Sarah Paulson) has over her daughter Chloe's (Kiera Allen) day-to-day life. When Chloe begins to suspect that things aren't quite what they seem, shit quickly hits the fan. What follows is a thriller that touches upon how damaging and overbearing love can be.
There are some genuinely tense moments sprinkled throughout, and some scenes that are quite uncomfortable to watch (with a few creepy shots thrown in for good measure). It wears it's inspirations on its sleeve - Misery is a clear influence here, both thematically and visually, but it feels like there is homage being paid rather than any ripping off.
The main issue I had was with the pacing. There isn't really much of a build up before Chloe starts to figure out that there's some fuckery afoot - kudos for getting straight to it - but it results in a narrative that takes forever to get to its climax. This is a minor gripe, thanks in no small part to the two lead actresses. I love Sarah Paulson in American Horror Story - even in that shows' low points, she always remains a constant positive - so I'm always happy to see her in other projects. Kiera Allen is the show stealer though, and the two have them share a great dynamic that really bolsters all the other positives.

In short, Aneesh Chaganty has crafted a tight and tense thriller with Run, and after this and Searching, I look forward to whatever he next brings to the table.
  
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Merissa (11967 KP) rated Dark Flame (Flame Born #1) in Books

Feb 8, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)  
Dark Flame (Flame Born #1)
Dark Flame (Flame Born #1)
Kat Silver | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WHAT. A. BOOK!!! Dark Flame is the first book in the Flame Born series and I read it in one sitting, staying up waaaay past my bedtime because I simply could not put it down!

It's dark, it's twisted, you have no idea for sure just who is 'good' and who is 'bad', there is more intrigue than you can shake a stick at, AND I LOVED EVERY WORD!

Michael is a brilliant character. He thinks he's straight, but his girlfriend has just left him. Things are weird around him, and about to get stranger. Flanagan has a whole Viking vibe going on (which I definitely won't complain about), but some of the guys he works with are... less than pure, let's just put it that way. In fairness, that just made it even better. As for Alexei, wow, he's hot. I also don't trust him as far as I could throw him!

This was an amazing start to a series. You get all the world- and character-building you could wish for, whilst being carried away on a story that shows you there is more to this world than most know about.

I eventually went to bed, re-read the ending as soon as I woke up, and after that, I went straight to Kat Silver's website so I could read the bonus about Michael and Flanagan, but I couldn't find it! Trust me, I'm going to keep on looking until I do.

I loved this book, I can't wait for book 2, and you really need to read it! I can't believe this is her debut novel! Absolutely and utterly recommended.

* 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!
Feb 8, 2021
  
Saved by the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match #2)
Saved by the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match #2)
Jody Hedlund | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Upon discovering this book, I was immediately drawn to its description. I have a penchant for history, especially when it's presented in a way that's not overly serious but still retains a hint of fiction. Having enjoyed the author's previous works, I was eager to delve into Saved by Matchmaker, fully anticipating the same level of personal enjoyment from her unique writing style that I've experienced before.

It is how it starts, and we meet a daughter named Enya, her father, and her brother. However, when Enya mentions that she is holding a secret that will harm her family's reputation, things get pulled into action when her brother rushes to meet the matchmaker named Bellemy.

We are also introduced to Sullivan O'Brien and his livelihood. Will Sullivan take his father's ultimatum and lose his life? Will I love Enya, and will they indeed find love with each other? Will Enya learn to trust Sullivan, or will she fall back when she compares her new husband to Brian? Will he overcome her trust issues and fall in love with Sullivan?

We see that Sullivan loves to free enslaved people, but will the enslaved person catch him captured? Enya seems to see and want to help her husband, or she has found an enslaved person while returning from New Orleans.

There was a fire that caused some boats to be lost. But will Sullivan save him and the enslaved person, or will he be lost to see when he daringly moves to have his boat floating away from other ships? Will he help save another boat so the fire does not spread, or was it someone who started fires? Was it an act of nature?

What does the matchmaker see in Enya? Why does he think Sullivan is a good match for Enya? There seems to be something Belmy sees in Enya, and she can see Sullivan as a match. Will it work? Belmy appears to have a knack for matchmaking to have them marry and fall in love.
  
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Merissa (11967 KP) rated Cross in Books

May 11, 2018  
Cross
Cross
D.A. Roach | 2018 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Cross by D.A. Roach
Cross is a young adult contemporary fantasy that not only deals with our main character having vEDS, but also we find out about magic, and barriers, and witches, and dragons. Trust me, there is never a dull moment. Ray is an excellent character, being charming but not cocky. He reacts to his parents' news in a completely understandable way without overreacting. He also sees people as they are, and doesn't prejudge them at all. With an action-packed story, this fantasy is one to enjoy.

With a solid story-line, great world-building, and excellent characters, this story was a delight to read. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, making this a very smooth read. Absolutely recommended by me.

* 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!
  
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RavenclawPrincess913 (253 KP) created a post

Feb 25, 2019  
I 100% reccomend this book you will not regret reading it. It was so hard to put down.

In The Traitors Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen the main character Kestra goes through many obstacles to claim the Olden Blade. I was hooked from the start of the book which has now become one of my favorites. When Kestra was kidnapped and blackmailed on her way back to wood court I knew Tenger could not be trusted but something in my gut told me to trust Simon. Also, at the inn when Thorne came I knew something was up. I did not expect Darrow to end up being her true father and her being half Endrean. Also, didn't expect Simon to be the rightful aire to the throne.

I love Kestra's and Simon's relationship and hope it grows stronger throughout the series. I also hope Jennifer A. Nielsen continues to write amazing books.
     
A witness with amnesia Can she trust this Gold Country Cowboy with her life? Tracy Wilson witnessed a murder—but after a head injury, she can’t remember what she saw. Now someone plans to silence her for good, and only cowboy Keegan Thorn believes her. With a killer after her at Christmas, Tracy is running out of time to remember…and falling dangerously hard for the cowboy who could break her heart.





My Thoughts: In this book, we find the Thorn family preparing for the double wedding of Jack and Owen. The storyline centers around the fourth son Keegan. Keegan learns the value of a close family and learning how to let his heart truly love, as he lets go of past hurts.


Dana Mentink has written another gripping story of suspense, with a mix of romance. Readers will truly enjoy this novel. This book will is a great novel for the Christmas season.


A great novel of love and forgiveness.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
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Rigormortus (15 KP) rated Gloomhaven in Tabletop Games

Mar 13, 2019 (Updated Apr 25, 2019)  
Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven
2017 | Adventure, Exploration, Fantasy, Fighting, Miniatures
Hours of gameplay better pack a lunch (0 more)
Nothing really (0 more)
The more the merrier
When i first recieved this game it was heavier than expected, it blew my mind how much could be packed in such a massive box. The setup was alittle overwhelming and punching out everything took some time, but well worth it I had to invest in some card protectors for regular card sizes and euro style card sizes, but trust me it is well worth it as much as this thing costs. Once we went through the heavy rulebook and some gameplay on youtube we gained a easier understanding and couldn't wait for our start. Trying this game it gets you sucked in as it makes you feel you are in this fanasty world fighting the baddies. I tell you what if you what this is well worth the money just make sure you pack a lunch and have time as it takes at least 2hrs for a scenerio.