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Merissa (12069 KP) rated Dracula in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The one that is credited with starting them all - this was, and remains, a classic. I am possibly in the minority in that I love the vampire genre, both film and book, but have never seen Bram Stoker's Dracula on the screen. So this book was completely new to me.
This is taking the vampire back to basics. There is no "glory" in being bitten, it is hurtful and raw and will not leave you feeling aroused to pleasured; it will leave you feeling weak, lethargic and near to death. The vampires in this aren't uncommonly handsome although they do possess charisma in bucketloads. This version is written in 1800's English so at times it can be a bit hard to follow although, on the whole, it is an easy enough read. It is also written completely in diary format although the diary could be one of 6/7 characters. There is a lot of detail given in the surroundings, the ambiance, the feelings and you will definitely be reading a lot about how sweet a woman Mina Harker is! A compliment given to her in the book is that she has a woman's heart but a man's brain!
The whole book builds up to the characters meeting up with Dracula and the struggle and fight that will commence once they do. However, the book itself seems to wrap everything up within a couple of pages and so has the feeling of being incredibly rushed at the end.
A classic.
This is taking the vampire back to basics. There is no "glory" in being bitten, it is hurtful and raw and will not leave you feeling aroused to pleasured; it will leave you feeling weak, lethargic and near to death. The vampires in this aren't uncommonly handsome although they do possess charisma in bucketloads. This version is written in 1800's English so at times it can be a bit hard to follow although, on the whole, it is an easy enough read. It is also written completely in diary format although the diary could be one of 6/7 characters. There is a lot of detail given in the surroundings, the ambiance, the feelings and you will definitely be reading a lot about how sweet a woman Mina Harker is! A compliment given to her in the book is that she has a woman's heart but a man's brain!
The whole book builds up to the characters meeting up with Dracula and the struggle and fight that will commence once they do. However, the book itself seems to wrap everything up within a couple of pages and so has the feeling of being incredibly rushed at the end.
A classic.
Deborah (162 KP) rated Northanger Abbey (The Austen Project, #2) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
The idea of The Austen Project is for six modern day authors to have a go do writing a modern day re-imagining of each of Jane Austen's major works. The first was Joanna Trollope's version of Sense & Sensibility, where the reviews seem to have been fairly lukewarm. This is the second offering, Northanger Abbey as re-imagined by Val McDermid.
Now, I've not read of of McDermid's works before, although I did think she was pretty smart when she won on Celebrity Mastermind. After reading this, I remain impressed. The novel tracks the original very closely and it's quite clever in how it does this. It is hard to imagine someone quite as naive as Catherine Morland in this day and age, but McDermind's 'Cat' Morland does pretty well. It's a very slangy novel ("amazeballs!"), sprinkled with 'txt spk', but then the original is quite slangy - especially the parts with Isabella Thorpe! I do think that to appreciate it you have to know the original quite well and have a passing knowledge of current popular culture. Catherine believing the General Tilney has murdered his wife or has locked her up somewhere is slightly fantastic, but rather more grounded than Cat's idea that the family may be Vampires.....! Still, if you can suspend your disbelief this is a fun and engaging read - in fact, a very 'nice' book... and with a very 'nice' hero. And I'm pretty sure this Henry Tilney would spell out all his texts properly - no want of grammar and total inattention to stops here!
Now, I've not read of of McDermid's works before, although I did think she was pretty smart when she won on Celebrity Mastermind. After reading this, I remain impressed. The novel tracks the original very closely and it's quite clever in how it does this. It is hard to imagine someone quite as naive as Catherine Morland in this day and age, but McDermind's 'Cat' Morland does pretty well. It's a very slangy novel ("amazeballs!"), sprinkled with 'txt spk', but then the original is quite slangy - especially the parts with Isabella Thorpe! I do think that to appreciate it you have to know the original quite well and have a passing knowledge of current popular culture. Catherine believing the General Tilney has murdered his wife or has locked her up somewhere is slightly fantastic, but rather more grounded than Cat's idea that the family may be Vampires.....! Still, if you can suspend your disbelief this is a fun and engaging read - in fact, a very 'nice' book... and with a very 'nice' hero. And I'm pretty sure this Henry Tilney would spell out all his texts properly - no want of grammar and total inattention to stops here!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Dead and Gone (Sookie Stackhouse, #9) in Books
Jul 23, 2019
Better than the last!
Contains spoilers, click to show
The vamps have been out for years, and now the weres and shifters have decided to follow the lead of the undead and reveal their existence to the ordinary world. Sookie Stackhouse already knows about them, of course - her brother turns into a panther at the full moon, she's friend to the local were pack, and Sam, her boss at Merlotte's bar, is a shapeshifter.
The great revelation goes well at first - then the horribly mutilated body of a were-panther is found in the parking lot of Merlotte's, and Sookie agrees to use her telepathic talent to track down the murderer. But there is a far greater danger than this killer threatening Bon Temps: a race of unhuman beings, older, more powerful, and far more secretive than the vampires or the werewolves, is preparing for war. And Sookie is an all-too-human pawn in their ages-old battle...
I have struggled with this series lately! Actually I have struggled with Charlaine Harris for a while! But I actually didn't mind this book. It was easier to read than the last few sookie didn't completely annoy the hell out of me. I think her being with Eric makes her less whinny maybe I don't know. I actually shouted out loud poor Sam a few times when will she wake up to him !
I actually got into the story line in this one too poor Jason and poor Crystal even a bitch like her didn't deserve that! Looking forward to hearing more the fairies too!!
Recommended
๏ฟผ
The great revelation goes well at first - then the horribly mutilated body of a were-panther is found in the parking lot of Merlotte's, and Sookie agrees to use her telepathic talent to track down the murderer. But there is a far greater danger than this killer threatening Bon Temps: a race of unhuman beings, older, more powerful, and far more secretive than the vampires or the werewolves, is preparing for war. And Sookie is an all-too-human pawn in their ages-old battle...
I have struggled with this series lately! Actually I have struggled with Charlaine Harris for a while! But I actually didn't mind this book. It was easier to read than the last few sookie didn't completely annoy the hell out of me. I think her being with Eric makes her less whinny maybe I don't know. I actually shouted out loud poor Sam a few times when will she wake up to him !
I actually got into the story line in this one too poor Jason and poor Crystal even a bitch like her didn't deserve that! Looking forward to hearing more the fairies too!!
Recommended
๏ฟผ
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Lost and the Chosen (The Lost Sentinel, #1) in Books
Jan 29, 2020
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
I don't think this book ever really slowed down it's pace. It starts with Vinna getting ready for her next mma? fight. After winning the fight she heads outside and sees a strange ripple in the air that she can't help but investigate and comes across a battle between two groups of men. She gets drawn into the fight and the winning side tell her she's like them - a caster - and that she should go with them back to their accommodation so they can fill her in on what she is. It takes a little convincing but she eventually goes and begins to learn about what she is. In the process she meets five fellow casters and feels a connection to each of them.
A lot more happens than my abbreviated version above and it's really good. We have some really good interaction between Vinna and each of the five guys. You get really drawn into their story. Then there's the older paladin group and their bond and how they are with Vinna. It's a little complicated at times between them and I got a little upset myself near the end.
I thought this was really well written and thought out. It was a different take on magicians/magic users and I really enjoyed it.
It does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending and I am interested to see what will happen next, both with Vinna and her harem and the vampires who are after her.
I don't think this book ever really slowed down it's pace. It starts with Vinna getting ready for her next mma? fight. After winning the fight she heads outside and sees a strange ripple in the air that she can't help but investigate and comes across a battle between two groups of men. She gets drawn into the fight and the winning side tell her she's like them - a caster - and that she should go with them back to their accommodation so they can fill her in on what she is. It takes a little convincing but she eventually goes and begins to learn about what she is. In the process she meets five fellow casters and feels a connection to each of them.
A lot more happens than my abbreviated version above and it's really good. We have some really good interaction between Vinna and each of the five guys. You get really drawn into their story. Then there's the older paladin group and their bond and how they are with Vinna. It's a little complicated at times between them and I got a little upset myself near the end.
I thought this was really well written and thought out. It was a different take on magicians/magic users and I really enjoyed it.
It does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending and I am interested to see what will happen next, both with Vinna and her harem and the vampires who are after her.
Micah's Bride (All The King's Men #9)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Vampires donโt get married. They mate. But for a human, mating isnโt enough. Micah is a...
Paranormal Romance
Lost Files: The Hidden Enemy
Book
I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Hidden Enemy is a collection of three action-packed novellas by...
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated What We Do in the Shadows in TV
Jul 7, 2020
Ridiculously Funny And Absurdly Delightful
What We Do In The Shadows s a 2019 comedy/horror mockumentary television series written by Jermaine Clement and Taika Waititi. It's based on the 2014 movie of the same name. The show was produced by FXP, Two Canoes Pictures, and 343 Incorporated. The series stars Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillen, and Mark Proksch.
After an unexpected visit from their dark lord and leader, four vampires who've "lived" together for hundreds of years in Staten Island are reminded they were tasked with total and complete domination of the New World over a century ago. A verite camera crew follows along and gives a documentary-style look into their daily lives as they go about achieving said domination.
This show is ridiculously funny and just as good as the movie it's based on. It is a great mix of two genres that don't always mix well horror and comedy but with a mockumentary style akin to The Office. The only thing I would say is that the show's sense of humor isn't for everyone. But I like it and enjoyed it and am super excited it's been renewed for a second season. I love how it expands on the vampire lore of the world that they built upon and how they satirize the whole vampire genre. How they aren't afraid to make fun of the cliches and tropes often overused and familiar for fans of the genre. I give this show a 8/10.
After an unexpected visit from their dark lord and leader, four vampires who've "lived" together for hundreds of years in Staten Island are reminded they were tasked with total and complete domination of the New World over a century ago. A verite camera crew follows along and gives a documentary-style look into their daily lives as they go about achieving said domination.
This show is ridiculously funny and just as good as the movie it's based on. It is a great mix of two genres that don't always mix well horror and comedy but with a mockumentary style akin to The Office. The only thing I would say is that the show's sense of humor isn't for everyone. But I like it and enjoyed it and am super excited it's been renewed for a second season. I love how it expands on the vampire lore of the world that they built upon and how they satirize the whole vampire genre. How they aren't afraid to make fun of the cliches and tropes often overused and familiar for fans of the genre. I give this show a 8/10.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Delayed Admission (Shadow Veil Academy #1) in Books
May 14, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
65 of 250
Kindle
Delayed Admission ( Shadow Veil Academy book 1)
By Heather Renee
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Some secrets are better kept.
To Raegan Keyes, she's the only one of her kind, but has no idea what she is. Until, one night, she finds out her unexplainable abilities aren't the only thing she needs to worry about. Suddenly, her world becomes much bigger than she ever could have dreamed.
When a mysterious man named Enzo arrives, too striking to be human, Raegan learns she's not as alone as she believed. As more secrets are revealed, she's swept off to an academy for others like her, thousands of miles away from home, by a complete stranger whom she'd rather stab than travel with.
As tension builds between Raegan and Enzo, she begins to find her purpose as she settles into her new existence, alongside elves, witches, vampires, and shifters. With a group of new friends, she's finally feeling alive again. That is, until something sinister comes along, once more throwing her life into mayhem.
I didnโt really know what to expect but I really ended up enjoying it! I love that Reagan is a dragon with Elf and witch magic itโs something for everyone. I wondered if it would be to YA and it is in parts but still a decent adult read too especially if youโre looking for something light!
Looking forward to more from Heather Renee.
Kindle
Delayed Admission ( Shadow Veil Academy book 1)
By Heather Renee
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Some secrets are better kept.
To Raegan Keyes, she's the only one of her kind, but has no idea what she is. Until, one night, she finds out her unexplainable abilities aren't the only thing she needs to worry about. Suddenly, her world becomes much bigger than she ever could have dreamed.
When a mysterious man named Enzo arrives, too striking to be human, Raegan learns she's not as alone as she believed. As more secrets are revealed, she's swept off to an academy for others like her, thousands of miles away from home, by a complete stranger whom she'd rather stab than travel with.
As tension builds between Raegan and Enzo, she begins to find her purpose as she settles into her new existence, alongside elves, witches, vampires, and shifters. With a group of new friends, she's finally feeling alive again. That is, until something sinister comes along, once more throwing her life into mayhem.
I didnโt really know what to expect but I really ended up enjoying it! I love that Reagan is a dragon with Elf and witch magic itโs something for everyone. I wondered if it would be to YA and it is in parts but still a decent adult read too especially if youโre looking for something light!
Looking forward to more from Heather Renee.
Merissa (12069 KP) created a post
Mar 24, 2021
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Sealed With A Curse (Weird Girls, #1) in Books
Sep 28, 2019
This throws us straight into the story with Celia and her sisters on trial for murdering a vampire. Only it turns out the vampire was in a bloodlust filled rage at the time and they're let off the charge. Only then they get asked to help solve the problem of the curse on the Master's family that is causing his vampires to fall into the strange rage that can only be cured by death.
During this time she meets an Alpha werewolf, Aric, who tempts her inner tiger. They are drawn to each other time and time again, causing a tension between his pack and herself. They believe as a born werewolf he should be with someone of the same ilk and as Celia's shapeshifting is as the result of a curse that she isn't worthy of him.
I loved Celia and her sisters. The could kick arse with their abilities and luckily they could heal themselves when they got hurt too. Well, Emme could heal them after they threw themselves into whatever trouble they found themselves in.
I liked Gemini and Koda--love interests of Celia's sisters. Liam always seemed to butt in at inopportune times to remind Aric of other things he should be doing instead of spending time with Celia which annoyed me no end.
I found this quite funny. It was my kind of humour and I was chuckling and grinning like a loon for most of my time reading this.
I cannot wait to read more of this series to see what happens between all our couples.
During this time she meets an Alpha werewolf, Aric, who tempts her inner tiger. They are drawn to each other time and time again, causing a tension between his pack and herself. They believe as a born werewolf he should be with someone of the same ilk and as Celia's shapeshifting is as the result of a curse that she isn't worthy of him.
I loved Celia and her sisters. The could kick arse with their abilities and luckily they could heal themselves when they got hurt too. Well, Emme could heal them after they threw themselves into whatever trouble they found themselves in.
I liked Gemini and Koda--love interests of Celia's sisters. Liam always seemed to butt in at inopportune times to remind Aric of other things he should be doing instead of spending time with Celia which annoyed me no end.
I found this quite funny. It was my kind of humour and I was chuckling and grinning like a loon for most of my time reading this.
I cannot wait to read more of this series to see what happens between all our couples.