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Necole (36 KP) rated We Were Liars in Books
Oct 25, 2018
Every summer, the Sinclair family visits the family island to spend the months there.
Gat, Mirren, Johnny and Cady were close and loved their summers they had together. Then an accident happened when Cady was 15 on the island that left her with no memory of events. For two years she didn't hear from Gat, Mirren or Johnny nor did she go to the family island during the summer. The summer of her 17th year, she finally returned ...
How did her family react to her to her return? Did Gat, Mirren and Johnny open up their arms to her? What happened to Cady that fateful summer of the accident? Will she remember?
Not only is this a crucial part of the story, but how does greed, money, power and family all play out in this well thought out novel of mystery?
I loved the writing style and how this book was broken into 4 parts, but I won't tell you the parts names because it might give something away!!!!
A brilliantly written mystery with an intriguing plot and a twisted ending you will not foresee!!!!
A must read that will have you flying through the pages and making you ask yourself a few questions. I also loved the retelling of fairy tales that make all the sense in the world once all the pieces are put together.
Gat, Mirren, Johnny and Cady were close and loved their summers they had together. Then an accident happened when Cady was 15 on the island that left her with no memory of events. For two years she didn't hear from Gat, Mirren or Johnny nor did she go to the family island during the summer. The summer of her 17th year, she finally returned ...
How did her family react to her to her return? Did Gat, Mirren and Johnny open up their arms to her? What happened to Cady that fateful summer of the accident? Will she remember?
Not only is this a crucial part of the story, but how does greed, money, power and family all play out in this well thought out novel of mystery?
I loved the writing style and how this book was broken into 4 parts, but I won't tell you the parts names because it might give something away!!!!
A brilliantly written mystery with an intriguing plot and a twisted ending you will not foresee!!!!
A must read that will have you flying through the pages and making you ask yourself a few questions. I also loved the retelling of fairy tales that make all the sense in the world once all the pieces are put together.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Tell Me No Lies in Books
Nov 17, 2018
A bit slow in the middle but worth reading.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
"Tell Me No Lies" by Alex Sinclair starts as a love story but quickly becomes a psychological thriller that questions how well we really know those around us, especially those close to us. How well do you know your husband, wife, or significant other?
Leaving a dinner celebrating their 5th anniversary, John Dalton is a victim of a hit and run. He dies in the arms of his wife, Grace.
Desperate and grief stricken, Grace vows to figure out the meaning of John's last words to her. In doing so, she learns she did not know her husband at all. How much of her marriage was true?
I enjoyed the premise and much of the story. However, Grace's many of her actions were unbelievable and far fetched. The story did include an interesting and surprising twist which made the story worth finishing.
In the beginning of the novel, I sympathized with Grace. However, her actions made me stop rooting for her and just wanted to finish the book. I am glad I finished it and would read a different book by the author and have added one of his three other works to my "want to read" list on Goodreads.
"Tell Me No Lies" by Alex Sinclair starts as a love story but quickly becomes a psychological thriller that questions how well we really know those around us, especially those close to us. How well do you know your husband, wife, or significant other?
Leaving a dinner celebrating their 5th anniversary, John Dalton is a victim of a hit and run. He dies in the arms of his wife, Grace.
Desperate and grief stricken, Grace vows to figure out the meaning of John's last words to her. In doing so, she learns she did not know her husband at all. How much of her marriage was true?
I enjoyed the premise and much of the story. However, Grace's many of her actions were unbelievable and far fetched. The story did include an interesting and surprising twist which made the story worth finishing.
In the beginning of the novel, I sympathized with Grace. However, her actions made me stop rooting for her and just wanted to finish the book. I am glad I finished it and would read a different book by the author and have added one of his three other works to my "want to read" list on Goodreads.
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Reckless Bride (Black Cobra Quartet #4) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
This is the fourth and final book in Laurens' Black Cobra Quartet - it was one where I was desperate to find out how it was all going to end and at the same time didn't want it to be over.
There have been some errors in the books that could have been picked up - most obviously in this the herione is refered to as Lucy in the blurb and so as I started reading I did wonder who this Loretta person was! Also in the last book I think Linsdale should have been Linslade - only because I live near there! Be that as it may, I'm not the sort to let a few little things like that spoil my enjoyment of a cracking good story!
The scope of this quartet has been much wider that your usual book of this genre as the four couriers have travelled back from India to England, and to some extent we have followed them in their travels. In trying to fend off cultists and other attackers, we've also had rather more of a swashbuckling adventure than is perhaps the norm - but I loved every minute of it!
There is a twist in the tale of this Black Cobra. It's so clever and so simple I could have kicked myself for not seeing it coming!
If you're new to Laurens you really need to start with the Cynsters and The Bastion club books before this - but I guarantee you won't regret it!
There have been some errors in the books that could have been picked up - most obviously in this the herione is refered to as Lucy in the blurb and so as I started reading I did wonder who this Loretta person was! Also in the last book I think Linsdale should have been Linslade - only because I live near there! Be that as it may, I'm not the sort to let a few little things like that spoil my enjoyment of a cracking good story!
The scope of this quartet has been much wider that your usual book of this genre as the four couriers have travelled back from India to England, and to some extent we have followed them in their travels. In trying to fend off cultists and other attackers, we've also had rather more of a swashbuckling adventure than is perhaps the norm - but I loved every minute of it!
There is a twist in the tale of this Black Cobra. It's so clever and so simple I could have kicked myself for not seeing it coming!
If you're new to Laurens you really need to start with the Cynsters and The Bastion club books before this - but I guarantee you won't regret it!
Ryan Lakey (48 KP) rated Iron Man 3 (2013) in Movies
Oct 27, 2019
The true main villain is a let down with his absolutely poor motivation being somewhat repetitive of the previous series especially as we will never see a confrontation between Tony and his archenemy (1 more)
Also having stark quit at the end seems pointless as we knew he was in the next avengers film
Iron man 3 a mixed final film
Contains spoilers, click to show
So here it is the final film of marvel's iron man series with Tony stark unlikely to return due to his death in endgame which means we will never see him fight the real mandarin look for him in shang chi however Downey is his usual great self and stark character arc is nice nod to avengers about him being just as heroic without his suit and his ptsd and the supporting cast are just as great.
The film is a fun action piece and has many hilarious moments.
It's shame the film has such a lame villain the twist while being funny you soon stop laughing that your left with another crap mcu villain something marvel is improving on fortunely his motivation are poor and he is a let down also the film with stark giving up being iron man felt redundant given we knew he was in age of ultron
Overall this still an enjoyable watch and will thrill the family
The film is a fun action piece and has many hilarious moments.
It's shame the film has such a lame villain the twist while being funny you soon stop laughing that your left with another crap mcu villain something marvel is improving on fortunely his motivation are poor and he is a let down also the film with stark giving up being iron man felt redundant given we knew he was in age of ultron
Overall this still an enjoyable watch and will thrill the family
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Destroyer (2018) in Movies
Jul 23, 2019
Nicole Kidman: a career best performance (2 more)
Slow burn build of characters, through flashback
Brilliant twist in the third act I didn't see coming
Gritty but unpredictable version of an oft-told tale
The plot is both familiar (think “The Departed” mixed with “Hell or High Water”) but at the same time intricate. Nicole Kidman plays police detective Erin Bell who’s in a bad place. She looks to be on her last legs through drink and drugs, but she is being propped up in her post by an understanding boss and a tolerant partner (who spends most of his time leaving “Where the hell are you?” voicemails).
Erin is in pursuit of a truly evil man – Silas (Toby Kebbell) – who is back after a long absence. Erin and Silas have a past that is only unfolded as the film evolves. (To say more would ruin what is an outstandingly well-constructed screenplay). Aside from the “day job”, what Erin also has to contend with her truly wayward 16 year old daughter Shelby (Jade Pettyjohn).
“Destroyer” seems to have had mixed reviews, but it is really one of the most gripping watches I’ve seen in 2019. A career best from Kidman (imho) and an intelligent, slow and thoughtful motion picture.
For the full graphical review please go to One Mann's Movies here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/07/20/one-manns-movies-dvd-review-destroyer-2019/
Erin is in pursuit of a truly evil man – Silas (Toby Kebbell) – who is back after a long absence. Erin and Silas have a past that is only unfolded as the film evolves. (To say more would ruin what is an outstandingly well-constructed screenplay). Aside from the “day job”, what Erin also has to contend with her truly wayward 16 year old daughter Shelby (Jade Pettyjohn).
“Destroyer” seems to have had mixed reviews, but it is really one of the most gripping watches I’ve seen in 2019. A career best from Kidman (imho) and an intelligent, slow and thoughtful motion picture.
For the full graphical review please go to One Mann's Movies here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/07/20/one-manns-movies-dvd-review-destroyer-2019/
Amy Christmas (171 KP) rated Northern Lights in Books
Jan 14, 2019
A child's perspective written well (1 more)
Imaginative but believable world
Absolutely loved it!
I loved this book, I have been meaning to read it for years and have finally gotten around to embracing all those childhood favourites.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
Merissa (12926 KP) rated Enchanted Guardian (Camelot Reborn #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Enchanted Guardian is the tale of two names that are familiar with anyone who has even the faintest inkling of the King Arthur legends - Lancelot du Lac and Nimueh. We last saw Nimueh in Enchanted Warrior when she helped Tamsin and Gawain. Subsequently, she is on the run from Morgan LaFaye. Even considering binding her magic to stop from being found, she nevertheless does one last discreet service to Arthur, and finds Lancelot's statue. Nimueh is planning on disappearing, but fate wants her and Lancelot to have a second chance, so the timing is always 'wrong'.
I love the mythology of Camelot, and by putting it into a modern setting, with the twist of the Fae losing their emotions, is simply wonderful reading! The story weaves itself around you, drawing you into a feud that is centuries old, but with fresh hurts.
It is incredibly well written, with a smooth and flowing pace. There are 'hot spots' where Lancelot and Nimueh spend time exploring each other again, but nothing too descriptive. With no editing or grammatical issues to contend with, I can definitely recommend this book to all fans of the legends of Camelot, or Fantasy/Romance fans.
* 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!
I love the mythology of Camelot, and by putting it into a modern setting, with the twist of the Fae losing their emotions, is simply wonderful reading! The story weaves itself around you, drawing you into a feud that is centuries old, but with fresh hurts.
It is incredibly well written, with a smooth and flowing pace. There are 'hot spots' where Lancelot and Nimueh spend time exploring each other again, but nothing too descriptive. With no editing or grammatical issues to contend with, I can definitely recommend this book to all fans of the legends of Camelot, or Fantasy/Romance fans.
* 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!
Leigh J (71 KP) rated Cruising (1980) in Movies
Nov 25, 2019
Bondage with a side of Murder
Contains spoilers, click to show
Steve Burns (Al Pacino) is a rookie Cop who is being sent undercover to investigate a series of sexually aggravated murders in the area. However, the victims of these grizzly murders are all men who are involved in the S&M/Bondage Gay scene... and Steve is straight and in a relationship. To infiltrate the scene in hopes of finally finding the killer before more deaths happen, Steve has to frequent the local Clubs in the area and see if any of the men are the murderer. Will Steve be able to find him? Will he be able to keep up the undercover work and come out unscathed? And what shocking twist is in store... for you!
I recently got Cruising (finally! Thanks Arrow Video for your amazing release of it!) and it's a Movie that caused so much controversy in it's time; I just HAD to see what all the fuss was about! I think the story of Cruising is, as well as being fantastic, an essential cautionary tale. It has you on the edge of your seat all the way through and the shock ending left me absolutely speechless. The only downside is I think it becomes quite stagnant and slow going just as you get to the halfway point. However, it's worth getting through just for that ending... I'm still lost for words. A must see, for sure.
I recently got Cruising (finally! Thanks Arrow Video for your amazing release of it!) and it's a Movie that caused so much controversy in it's time; I just HAD to see what all the fuss was about! I think the story of Cruising is, as well as being fantastic, an essential cautionary tale. It has you on the edge of your seat all the way through and the shock ending left me absolutely speechless. The only downside is I think it becomes quite stagnant and slow going just as you get to the halfway point. However, it's worth getting through just for that ending... I'm still lost for words. A must see, for sure.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Last Christmas (2019) in Movies
Dec 3, 2019
Thunderously crass and obvious Christmas turkey, in which A Christmas Carol is involved in a head-on smash with the Richard Curtis rom-com formula: many normally reliable performers are scythed down by the shrapnel, possibly along with unfortunate audience members. The Christmas Carol personal-redemption story formula requires the lead character to be a horrible person in need of reformation; the rom-com pattern requires them to be cute and loveable from the start. Even if Emilia Clarke was as good an actress as I am always being told, she would need to be equipped with a much better script in order to square this particular circle.
This is the main problem the film has to contend with; others include the misplaced belief that quirkiness is an acceptable substitute for actual wit, and a generally pervasive sense of insincerity (it's hard to shake the notion that some key cast members were only employed to help flog this thing in Asian markets). This is before we get to the astonishing non-twist central to the story, or the glib platitudes casually dropped into the script. I imagine people will say its heart is in the right place (somewhat ironically); this is only true if you think the correct place for the heart is between the ears. I laughed once, and this was understandable, for it was at Peter Serafinowicz: unfortunately he is only in one scene.
This is the main problem the film has to contend with; others include the misplaced belief that quirkiness is an acceptable substitute for actual wit, and a generally pervasive sense of insincerity (it's hard to shake the notion that some key cast members were only employed to help flog this thing in Asian markets). This is before we get to the astonishing non-twist central to the story, or the glib platitudes casually dropped into the script. I imagine people will say its heart is in the right place (somewhat ironically); this is only true if you think the correct place for the heart is between the ears. I laughed once, and this was understandable, for it was at Peter Serafinowicz: unfortunately he is only in one scene.
Kate (493 KP) rated The Summer My Life Began in Books
Jan 6, 2020
I really enjoyed the first story, Em's Story, better than the second story.
The first book was really heartwarming. I loved how much Em grew throughout the book and how she changed as a person. I was hoping she would and she did. The twist at the end was very unexpected and helped explain the story and tie up some lose ends. It really made the story. The chapter had me hooked and the book didn't go how I thought it would but that's what grabbed my attention and kept me reading.
There were a few spelling mistakes and missed words here and there but it didn't effect the the story or the way it read.
This book was romance but also about finding yourself and growing as a person.
The whole story made me smile throughout.
I felt this book was for any age group.
The most memorable part of the book was the description of Anna Island. I really could see it in my mind's eye. Sounded idyllic.
The second book didn't grab me as much and I felt myself getting a bit bored. It was so on and off and it didn't really add to the book or keep me gripped.
I didn't really feel the character or feel for them.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
The first book was really heartwarming. I loved how much Em grew throughout the book and how she changed as a person. I was hoping she would and she did. The twist at the end was very unexpected and helped explain the story and tie up some lose ends. It really made the story. The chapter had me hooked and the book didn't go how I thought it would but that's what grabbed my attention and kept me reading.
There were a few spelling mistakes and missed words here and there but it didn't effect the the story or the way it read.
This book was romance but also about finding yourself and growing as a person.
The whole story made me smile throughout.
I felt this book was for any age group.
The most memorable part of the book was the description of Anna Island. I really could see it in my mind's eye. Sounded idyllic.
The second book didn't grab me as much and I felt myself getting a bit bored. It was so on and off and it didn't really add to the book or keep me gripped.
I didn't really feel the character or feel for them.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.