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The Search For Synergy (The Talisman Series #1)
The Search For Synergy (The Talisman Series #1)
Brett Salter | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A teen fantasy that brings danger, myths and dragons to life.

I'm always excited to start a new series and I wasn't disappointed with this one.

Brett Salter has created two different but connected characters in Rome and Julien. Their personalities spark off of each other well and it's fun to see how they interact with each other.
    The boys both grow in confidence and experience throughout the book, whilst still keeping their individuality and sense of humour.

The Search for Synergy puts a bit of a different light on the myths of dragons and Camelot which makes me happy. It also makes me glad that it's not real, I would be so creeped out!

Not only is this the start of what looks to be a fun and interesting series but it can also be read by a broad audience. As well as being something to read alone, The Search for Synergy, could (and should) be something that is read to a group. I know I said it's a teen fantasy but I also think it would be good for kick-starting the imagination of a slightly younger reader.

 @Merissa
  
Unraveled by Darkness (Between Ruin and Salvation #2) by V.J. Silvey
Unraveled by Darkness (Between Ruin and Salvation #2) by V.J. Silvey
V.J. Silvey | 2023 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
UNRAVELED BY DARKNESS is the second book in the Between Ruin and Salvation series and you ABSOLUTELY have to read book one to understand anything that's going on here.

And what is going on? Well, people keep making decisions for Ava, Makaii is still a first-class jerk, Derek is still trying to do the right thing, and Bailey is still enjoying her shopping! Oh, and there's just a small thing about Ava being pregnant and slowly going mad.

This book is so incredibly well-written, it took my breath away. Whether it was from cursing out Makaii to encouraging Ava. The story as a whole is fantastic; this instalment will keep you on the edge of your seat; the cliffhanger will have you throwing your Kindle at the wall.

Honestly can't wait for book 3 so I can clear my day and just sit down and read!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
March 13, 2023
  
The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel
The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel
Mike Berenstain | 2016 | Children
8
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Are you looking for another good faith-based book for your child or children around Christmas? Well, The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel will not disappoint. It is sweet as the cubs wait for snow and then get it. They head outside and play in it. They start to wonder what kind of snowman to create.

Children will enjoy this and want to reread it as they continue to be well. This one is a bit different from your typical building of a snowman. Mama and Papa help teach the cubs about their chosen snowman once they have built it.

Children will learn about the Christmas angel named Gabriel. I love how the cubs help each other and bounce off ideas. Their littlest one helps by just being herself. She gives them the idea when she does this.

This book is another classic book for any favorite fans of the Berenstain Bears. These books stand more based on faith and teaching of the Bible so children can learn it. I love these books the best. The author does a beautiful job with this book.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated Her Dying Day in Books

May 19, 2023 (Updated May 19, 2023)  
Her Dying Day
Her Dying Day
Mindy Carlson | 2022 | Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What Really Happened to Greer Larkin?
Documentary graduate student June Masterson has finally hit upon the perfect topic for her final project – the disappearance twenty years ago of Greer Larkin. Greer had burst onto the mystery scene with six well received books before she disappeared, never to be seen again. With the principles in Greer’s life agreeing to talk to June, she fantasizes about solving the case, making for the perfect end to her documentary. Can she do that? Will she even finish it in time?

I struggled with part of this book – a subplot in June’s life that I truly didn’t like. I can understand her choices, but still, it bothered me. I did appreciate the character growth we got. And the mystery itself was very well done. It kept me guessing all the way to the satisfying ending. There was one aspect that was left opened, but it could propel a follow up book. This book has some content that definitely keeps it from being a cozy; it’s honestly a little hard to place outside of just plain mystery. If you enjoy an engaging mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
  
Defects (The Reverians #1)
Defects (The Reverians #1)
Sarah Noffke | 2015 | Dystopia, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a young adult story of action and adventure with romance to round it off. Em is classed as a Defect because apart from being able to Dream Travel, she has no discernible gift and has to endure daily injections in the hope that they will help to bring it forth. However, things aren't always as they seem, and Em finds out through an old friend, that things are going on she had no idea about, and her family are directly involved with.

I loved the friendship between Zach, Em, and Rogue, although Zach's feelings were plain for all to see apart from Em and Rogue! Their story is only just beginning and I can't wait to read more. With intrigue on every page, this is a well-written and well-paced story, set in a world that I haven't read about before. This is the first book by this author that I have read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be continuing with this series. Definitely recommended by me.

* I received this book from the author via Bostick Communications in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 22, 2016
  
Breathing Betrayal (Elemental Evidence #1)
Breathing Betrayal (Elemental Evidence #1)
Bellora Quinn, Sadie Rose Bermingham | 2016 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a story with two main characters who are both a bit broken and battered around the edges. Things move very quickly between the two, but then circumstances also push them together. With two very different gifts, they work together to try and find a Professor's missing brother, only to find that the 'case' takes on a sinister twist.

The prologue is written without using anyone's name, and because Chapter 1 is from Jake's point of view, I incorrectly assumed that it was to do with him. However, things became clear as the story moved on.

Well written, with plenty of twists and turns, as well as hot and sexy scenes, Breathing Betrayal shows all the signs of being the first book in a new series. I'm sincerely hoping that this is the case as I would love to know more about Jake and Mari. Definitely recommended for all M/M 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!
Jun 7, 2016
  
Oppenheimer (2023)
Oppenheimer (2023)
2023 | Biography, Drama, History
8
8.8 (6 Ratings)
Movie Rating
"Today I am become death, the destroyer of worlds ..."
I meant to see this during the summer of 2023, but missed it.

Only saw it on a re-release, following loads of Oscar wins, in March 2024.

If I could compare it to a single other movie, that would probably be "Schindler's List": this (and that), I feel, is one of those movies that you can say you've seen, probably be glad you did, but wouldn't be rushing back to anytime soon.

As a Nolan movie, this is also told with lots of out-of-sequence shots, and jumping quite a bit between time: we have whole sections set in the 19402 (in colour) intercut with 1950/60s(? I'm not sure on the exact date) black and white segments.

The movie is also largely (but not exclusively) told through the eyes of Oppenheimer, following the work of a team of scientists who developed the first A-bomb, and only lightly touching on the effects of said bomb(s) being dropped on Japan.

It's a well shot and well acted movie, undeniably, but - as mentioned above - not one I'd be rushing back to see any time soon.
  
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Ross (3284 KP) rated Bright (2017) in Movies

Dec 23, 2017  
Bright (2017)
Bright (2017)
2017 | Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Dialogue (1 more)
The premise
Weird grown up sci-fi Zootropolis
I think Will Smith is having the time of his life. It might be a bit of a mid life crisis, going back into action films but he pulls it off so well and has proven he can do more serious acting. He seems to now be free to pick odd roles that he can have fun with.
The film is set in an alternative reality 2000 years after an epic battle of good and evil. This isn’t explored in too much detail but enough to get the gyst. Good won, orca sided with evil. Now in present day LA the city is run by elves, orcs are the downtrodden members of society and humans pretty much everything in between.
Will Smith is a cop partnered with the force’s first Orc cop. Yes a bit like Zootropolis if you must draw a comparison. He snd his partner become embroiled in a fight to stop evil elves from resurrecting the dark lord, rrying to protect a young Bright (being with magical powers) and a wand from falling into the hands of corrupt cops, orc and human gangbangers and those evil elves.
The action is non-stop and well done, with some real edge of seat moments.
The main Gripe for me was that despite it being 2 hours long there wasn’t time to follow up with how safe Will Smith’s wife and child were during this.
Otherwise really enjoyable film in a very interesting world that I’d love to see more of (I believe there is a sequel planned but a tv series would be great).
  
    Carl Jung

    Carl Jung

    Paul Bishop

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    Book

    Carl Gustav Jung (1875 - 1961), as well as being one of the pioneers of psychology, is one of the...