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David McK (3835 KP) rated Only You Can Save Mankind (Johnny Maxwell #1) in Books
Feb 20, 2022
"After all, joysticks don't have 'Don't Fire' buttons on them ..."
Only You Can Save Mankind!
Why me?
If not you, who else?
I first read this not long after it was published, back in the early-to-mid 1990s, at which time I was exactly it's target audience being in my mid teens myself.
By that point, I had already discovered Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld novels, but hadn't read many - any? - of his non-Discworld books.
That changed when I read this, which would go on to become the first in his so-called Johnny Maxwell series (comprising this, Johnny and the Dead and Johnny and the Bomb).
Reading this now (in the early 2020s), it still holds up remarkably well, even if it is noticeable how much society has changed: mobile phones weren't really a thing back in the 90s, personal computers were relatively new, the Gulf War was still ongoing ...
Why me?
If not you, who else?
I first read this not long after it was published, back in the early-to-mid 1990s, at which time I was exactly it's target audience being in my mid teens myself.
By that point, I had already discovered Terry Pratchett's wonderful Discworld novels, but hadn't read many - any? - of his non-Discworld books.
That changed when I read this, which would go on to become the first in his so-called Johnny Maxwell series (comprising this, Johnny and the Dead and Johnny and the Bomb).
Reading this now (in the early 2020s), it still holds up remarkably well, even if it is noticeable how much society has changed: mobile phones weren't really a thing back in the 90s, personal computers were relatively new, the Gulf War was still ongoing ...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Silver Road in Books
Jun 5, 2022
100 of 230
Book
The Silver Road
By Stina Jackson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three years ago, Lelle's daughter went missing in a remote part of Northern Sweden. Lelle has spent the intervening summers driving the Silver Road under the midnight sun, frantically searching for his lost daughter, for himself and for redemption.
Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Meja arrives in town hoping for a fresh start. She is the same age as Lelle's daughter was - a girl on the brink of adulthood. But for Meja, there are dangers to be found in this isolated place.
As autumn's darkness slowly creeps in, Lelle and Meja's lives are intertwined in ways, both haunting and tragic, that they could never have imagined.
I couldn’t put this down! It was just so heartbreaking and so chilling! So well written it just kept you turning the page. I think this is all parents worse nightmare having their child disappear without any leads. Truly heartbreaking story of two lives being brought together.
Book
The Silver Road
By Stina Jackson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three years ago, Lelle's daughter went missing in a remote part of Northern Sweden. Lelle has spent the intervening summers driving the Silver Road under the midnight sun, frantically searching for his lost daughter, for himself and for redemption.
Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Meja arrives in town hoping for a fresh start. She is the same age as Lelle's daughter was - a girl on the brink of adulthood. But for Meja, there are dangers to be found in this isolated place.
As autumn's darkness slowly creeps in, Lelle and Meja's lives are intertwined in ways, both haunting and tragic, that they could never have imagined.
I couldn’t put this down! It was just so heartbreaking and so chilling! So well written it just kept you turning the page. I think this is all parents worse nightmare having their child disappear without any leads. Truly heartbreaking story of two lives being brought together.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4)
8.2
Rate It
Book
Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London . . . Penelope...
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Sky Stone (Sky Stone #1) in Books
May 20, 2023
Skyla doesn't fit in at home, although you are never really given a reason why. She is fostered and has weekly psych visits which she feels that she doesn't need. One day, just as she's about to go on such a visit, she sees a flash of light and follows it. She is then transported to a different world, with war and betrayal the only constant.
Completely written from Skyla's perspective, this comes across as a young tale, which is not surprising considering the author was only fifteen when she started writing. That being said, it is a very well-written piece, full of adventure and insta-love, magic and sword-play.
For anyone looking for a detailed, light work of fantasy, then I can definitely recommend this.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 29, 2016
Completely written from Skyla's perspective, this comes across as a young tale, which is not surprising considering the author was only fifteen when she started writing. That being said, it is a very well-written piece, full of adventure and insta-love, magic and sword-play.
For anyone looking for a detailed, light work of fantasy, then I can definitely recommend this.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 29, 2016
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Dirty Heart (Cole McGinnis #6) in Books
May 30, 2023
In the final book of the series, we get closer to finding out just why Ben shot Rick and Cole right at the beginning. Of course, this being a Cole McGinnis book, there's just no simple answer. We have to have people shot, chases, action, and don't forget the llamas! There are less than six degrees of separation for our characters, and as the mystery unfolds, characters show up that were once closely linked to Cole, Bobby, and Ben.
Well-written with a brilliant epilogue, this brilliantly concludes the series. And it is a series, a proper, full-on series, so you will need to read from book one for it to make any sense. If you like M/M Mystery Romance, then I can definitely recommend this.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
Well-written with a brilliant epilogue, this brilliantly concludes the series. And it is a series, a proper, full-on series, so you will need to read from book one for it to make any sense. If you like M/M Mystery Romance, then I can definitely recommend this.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) in Movies
Mar 21, 2018
80's Classic
It's back to the 80's again with Desperately Seeking Susan, a fun film fit for its time. The movie isn't perfect. In fact it breaks one of my Cardinal Sins of Film: Inserting parts for the sake of advancing the plot. In all thing's 80's, however, you have to remember the one rule of thumb: Fun is the word. It can be cheesy, it can be unbelievable, but the audience must have fun. It's hard to hate a film that makes fun its primary goal. Probably a good reason why the 80's and I have gotten along really well so far in my Movie-a-Day quest for 2018.
Roberta Glass (Rosanna Arquette), bored with her life, starts to get obsessive over the personal ads (remember those?) and begins to follow Susan (Madonna) around to live through her. After a bump on the head, Roberta thinks she is Susan and reinvigorates herself with a new life. Roberta is the source of a number of my favorite films throughout the film. She's trying to find her way without being too crazy in the process. One of my favorite scenes involves her hilarious magic act she gets throw into as a stand-in. This, for me, turned the tides from the film being "just ok" to "memorable 80's classic".
I say that because the film gets off to a very slow start. I spent the first fifteen minutes trying to understand what the connection was going to be between Roberta and Susan. I imagine a trailer would have told me everything I needed to know, but I'm judging the film purely off of what happened from start to finish.
Desperately Seeking Susan is a pretty fun comedy-mystery film despite there being a lack of real stakes. You never really worry about the characters' safety and that's fine. If you can give in to the ridiculousness of the movie as a whole, it's really quite fun. I'm giving it an 82.
Roberta Glass (Rosanna Arquette), bored with her life, starts to get obsessive over the personal ads (remember those?) and begins to follow Susan (Madonna) around to live through her. After a bump on the head, Roberta thinks she is Susan and reinvigorates herself with a new life. Roberta is the source of a number of my favorite films throughout the film. She's trying to find her way without being too crazy in the process. One of my favorite scenes involves her hilarious magic act she gets throw into as a stand-in. This, for me, turned the tides from the film being "just ok" to "memorable 80's classic".
I say that because the film gets off to a very slow start. I spent the first fifteen minutes trying to understand what the connection was going to be between Roberta and Susan. I imagine a trailer would have told me everything I needed to know, but I'm judging the film purely off of what happened from start to finish.
Desperately Seeking Susan is a pretty fun comedy-mystery film despite there being a lack of real stakes. You never really worry about the characters' safety and that's fine. If you can give in to the ridiculousness of the movie as a whole, it's really quite fun. I'm giving it an 82.
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Joy (The Dreughan #3) in Books
Nov 13, 2018
Joy (The Dreughan #3) by Lena North
Joy is the third and final book in the Dreughan series, and this time it is Troy's turn. I have been waiting for his story, because he has shown hints of not being the 'clown' all the time, and I couldn't wait to see deeper into his character. Let me just say, I was NOT disappointed.
Not only do we see more of Troy, and how he feels about Vilda and Sannah, but we also see more about who he is, how he works, and just what he will do for those he calls family. I am happy to say Valerian is his brother, so we get more of him. We see Troy really coming into his own, with the full and complete support of Rinna backing him up.
This amazing story would get more than 5 out of 5 if I could, but I don't think you can do 6 or more stars out of 5. I was sobbing throughout parts of this story, the emotions were there and would not be denied. The epilogue just about killed me, it was sheer perfection.
I have said throughout this series, that there have been errors. Just simple ones like words being misspelt, or the wrong group being blamed for a murder, but I have to emphasise to you - THIS DID NOT MATTER. Yes, I noticed them, and then I dismissed them as I was too wrapped up in the characters and the story.
This is a spectacular ending to this series, and lucky me, I have the Birds of a Feather series to read next. I bought this series on the back of ONE book by this author, and I am so glad I did. It is money well-spent in my opinion. I have loved the world she has built, the characters who have grown so much, and of course - Dragons!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Not only do we see more of Troy, and how he feels about Vilda and Sannah, but we also see more about who he is, how he works, and just what he will do for those he calls family. I am happy to say Valerian is his brother, so we get more of him. We see Troy really coming into his own, with the full and complete support of Rinna backing him up.
This amazing story would get more than 5 out of 5 if I could, but I don't think you can do 6 or more stars out of 5. I was sobbing throughout parts of this story, the emotions were there and would not be denied. The epilogue just about killed me, it was sheer perfection.
I have said throughout this series, that there have been errors. Just simple ones like words being misspelt, or the wrong group being blamed for a murder, but I have to emphasise to you - THIS DID NOT MATTER. Yes, I noticed them, and then I dismissed them as I was too wrapped up in the characters and the story.
This is a spectacular ending to this series, and lucky me, I have the Birds of a Feather series to read next. I bought this series on the back of ONE book by this author, and I am so glad I did. It is money well-spent in my opinion. I have loved the world she has built, the characters who have grown so much, and of course - Dragons!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Chris Sawin (602 KP) rated The Nines (2007) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019 (Updated Jun 22, 2019)
The Nines tells the story of Gary, Gavin, and Gabriel with each character given a specific segment in the film. The first segment tells the story of Gary, an actor who has more than a few issues. The second introduces us to Gavin as we're given a reality TV show look behind the scenes as he tries to get his show onto the air. The final segment is about Gabriel, a married man who designs video games. All of the segments are related and focus around the number 9. Discovering the truth about these characters and what they really are is what really makes the film worth watching.
I had been wanting to see this for awhile and I finally got around to seeing it today. It was actually better than I was expecting it to be. I haven't seen a film tie together multiple segments like this in a long time. Everything comes together quite well and it's pretty satisfying once all the cards are put on the table. Ryan Reynolds proves once again that his acting is quite strong and has more to him than being the casual funny man. Melissa McCarthy is also worth mentioning. She starts off being kind of irritating, but turns out being incredibly charming once the credits roll. Hope Davis was the last piece of the puzzle and is crucial to the overall story. At first, she just seems like the typical jealous and conniving female character who didn't get what she wanted. As the film progresses, however, her role becomes more interesting and it's revealed how important she is in Gary/Gavin/Gabriel's path to discovering what's really going on.
The Nines deserves a watch from anyone looking for something a little different. It'll definitely satisfy Ryan Reynolds fans and it'll probably meet or exceed what you expect from the film once it's all said and done. It surprised me quite a bit with a strong story, a great cast, and an incredibly solid script.
I had been wanting to see this for awhile and I finally got around to seeing it today. It was actually better than I was expecting it to be. I haven't seen a film tie together multiple segments like this in a long time. Everything comes together quite well and it's pretty satisfying once all the cards are put on the table. Ryan Reynolds proves once again that his acting is quite strong and has more to him than being the casual funny man. Melissa McCarthy is also worth mentioning. She starts off being kind of irritating, but turns out being incredibly charming once the credits roll. Hope Davis was the last piece of the puzzle and is crucial to the overall story. At first, she just seems like the typical jealous and conniving female character who didn't get what she wanted. As the film progresses, however, her role becomes more interesting and it's revealed how important she is in Gary/Gavin/Gabriel's path to discovering what's really going on.
The Nines deserves a watch from anyone looking for something a little different. It'll definitely satisfy Ryan Reynolds fans and it'll probably meet or exceed what you expect from the film once it's all said and done. It surprised me quite a bit with a strong story, a great cast, and an incredibly solid script.
Debbiereadsbook (1780 KP) rated The Rogue King (Inferno Rising #1) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED book two, yesterday!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Jumping straight in here, cos ooooooeeeee I did LOVE this book!!
Brand is a rogue dragon, without a clan. Kasia, a Phoenix without a family. A Phoenix is the only one who can mate with the High King of ALL the dragons, and the makes her valuable. Brand is tasked with delivering Kasia to the Blood King, to his only friend from childhood. But Kasia ignites something in Brand, and he knows he cannot give up his mate.
This was, quite possibly, my favourite read this month! I mean, I had a lie in, read a few pages before you have to dig yourself out your pit, and before you know it, 3 hours has past and you've about flung your kindle (but not quite!) at the wall, cos now you NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED book two, yesterday!
Everyone, and I mean everyone IMPORTANT has a say: Kasia, Brand, and all those trying to get Kasia (but not saying who!)
Not everything is immediately clear, and you put things together all kinds of wrong before things are cleared up. And I LOVE being kept on my toes!
It's different, and I LOVE different, with the Phoenix being the key to High King status. With female born dragons being unable to bare children. With Kasia and her sisters having hidden for so long, and Kasia not doing so well hiding herself anymore.
There is an ongoing story arc, that makes you NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED book two, yesterday, to see what happens to Kasia's sisters. You can't see what's going to happen, not in the long term, but a massive clue screams at you for one sister, and there is another, much less subtle clue, for another. Whether that pans out how I see it, remains to be seen, but I WILL be reading these books!
Thank you, Ms Owen, for proper making my day!
5 bright and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Jumping straight in here, cos ooooooeeeee I did LOVE this book!!
Brand is a rogue dragon, without a clan. Kasia, a Phoenix without a family. A Phoenix is the only one who can mate with the High King of ALL the dragons, and the makes her valuable. Brand is tasked with delivering Kasia to the Blood King, to his only friend from childhood. But Kasia ignites something in Brand, and he knows he cannot give up his mate.
This was, quite possibly, my favourite read this month! I mean, I had a lie in, read a few pages before you have to dig yourself out your pit, and before you know it, 3 hours has past and you've about flung your kindle (but not quite!) at the wall, cos now you NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED book two, yesterday!
Everyone, and I mean everyone IMPORTANT has a say: Kasia, Brand, and all those trying to get Kasia (but not saying who!)
Not everything is immediately clear, and you put things together all kinds of wrong before things are cleared up. And I LOVE being kept on my toes!
It's different, and I LOVE different, with the Phoenix being the key to High King status. With female born dragons being unable to bare children. With Kasia and her sisters having hidden for so long, and Kasia not doing so well hiding herself anymore.
There is an ongoing story arc, that makes you NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED book two, yesterday, to see what happens to Kasia's sisters. You can't see what's going to happen, not in the long term, but a massive clue screams at you for one sister, and there is another, much less subtle clue, for another. Whether that pans out how I see it, remains to be seen, but I WILL be reading these books!
Thank you, Ms Owen, for proper making my day!
5 bright and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
