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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Lost Legacy in Books
Sep 5, 2018
Suspicious Suicide Unearths Questions from Zoe’s Past
When paramedic Zoe Chambers arrives at the scene of an apparent suicide, she can’t help but draw parallels to the death of her great uncles several decades ago in the same barn. Meanwhile, Police Chief Pete Adams uncovers another tie to Zoe’s past in the investigation. Is the modern death a murder or a suicide? What is the connection to Zoe?
I’m sorry I waited so long to return to Zoe’s world, but it was fantastic to be back. Zoe and Pete really are co-leads in the series since they split time as our viewpoint characters. In this case, they both have sub-plots involving their parents, as well. The rest of the characters are just as fully developed as our leads. The plot is compelling, always pulling me in and making me reluctant to set the book down. The tone of the book is definitely more somber, and the smattering of language coupled with a few scenes on the edge of being graphic keep it on the traditional side of the spectrum. While not as light as many of the cozies I read, it is still wonderful reading.
I’m sorry I waited so long to return to Zoe’s world, but it was fantastic to be back. Zoe and Pete really are co-leads in the series since they split time as our viewpoint characters. In this case, they both have sub-plots involving their parents, as well. The rest of the characters are just as fully developed as our leads. The plot is compelling, always pulling me in and making me reluctant to set the book down. The tone of the book is definitely more somber, and the smattering of language coupled with a few scenes on the edge of being graphic keep it on the traditional side of the spectrum. While not as light as many of the cozies I read, it is still wonderful reading.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Salem's Lot in Books
Sep 14, 2018
King's fantastic take on vampires
Despite being a massive King fan, I've never read Salem's Lot. Its just one of his books that it never occurred to me to read, until i started to collect his entire works and read everything I hadn't read before.
I never knew that this book was about vampires, and whilst this becomes fairly obvious quite early into the book, it was a pleasant surprise. As with most of King's books, this is extremely well written, and has his usual mix of varied and interesting characters, with the writing style split between all of them. There are some good and obvious references to Dracula in this, but its a fantastic modern(ish - 1970s) take on a classic vampire story. And unusually for King, this story isn't an epic novel like some of his others. It doesn't seem to go into as much detail either storywise and characterwise as some of his other bigger novels (The Stand, Needful Things etc), and this is really my only criticism. The story is still detailed and a very good, it just isn't what I'd come to expect from a King novel especially with a plot like this.
I never knew that this book was about vampires, and whilst this becomes fairly obvious quite early into the book, it was a pleasant surprise. As with most of King's books, this is extremely well written, and has his usual mix of varied and interesting characters, with the writing style split between all of them. There are some good and obvious references to Dracula in this, but its a fantastic modern(ish - 1970s) take on a classic vampire story. And unusually for King, this story isn't an epic novel like some of his others. It doesn't seem to go into as much detail either storywise and characterwise as some of his other bigger novels (The Stand, Needful Things etc), and this is really my only criticism. The story is still detailed and a very good, it just isn't what I'd come to expect from a King novel especially with a plot like this.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Kings of the Wyld in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I can't emphasize enough how much I love this book! From the minute I read the synopsis a couple months ago I absolutely could not wait to read it. Having just finished it, I can't come up with any sort of criticism for the purpose of this review lol it was truly a superb fantasy adventure. The author went above and beyond creating a world so richly detailed and immersive that I half expected to see some of the creatures running around outside any time I was forced to put the book down. The characters were all well developed and relatable. The writing style was great, it had me hooked from the start and was detailed without being bogged down with unnecessary information and had me laughing out loud numerous times. The story develops at a nice pace, everything falls into place without feeling rushed or drawn out and the action never lets up. Kings of the Wyld is definitely one of my all time favorite fantasy adventure stories! I would love to see it as a tv series. Super excited to read the next book in the series!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
Poor Cujo...
I’m sure I’m not the only one who read this book and felt tremendously sad and sorry for Cujo. A loving, yet huge, dog who just gets himself into the wrong place at the wrong time and then winds up on a murderous rabies fuelled killing spree.
What I really liked about this book is that King also tells some of it from Cujo’s point of view in addition to the human characters, it makes for a refreshing change and a story that isn’t all about the horror (even if there is a lot of horror in here). As with all King novels, it’s wonderfully written with some well thought out characters. The main issue is that there’s only so much you can throw into a book about a rabid dog, and it isn’t something that can be drawn out indefinitely and you can tell that at just over 300 pages, the story is really being stretched. But then the ending arrives far too quickly and is over in the space of a few pages. It’s a typically good King novel and definitely worth a read, just not one of his usual epic stories.
What I really liked about this book is that King also tells some of it from Cujo’s point of view in addition to the human characters, it makes for a refreshing change and a story that isn’t all about the horror (even if there is a lot of horror in here). As with all King novels, it’s wonderfully written with some well thought out characters. The main issue is that there’s only so much you can throw into a book about a rabid dog, and it isn’t something that can be drawn out indefinitely and you can tell that at just over 300 pages, the story is really being stretched. But then the ending arrives far too quickly and is over in the space of a few pages. It’s a typically good King novel and definitely worth a read, just not one of his usual epic stories.
Elizabeth Ritchie (17 KP) rated Red Plus Zone in Books
Nov 10, 2018 (Updated Nov 10, 2018)
The characters. (1 more)
The unique storyline.
Hands down, one of the best books I have ever read!
This is the first Crime book I have ever read in my entire life, and I've got to say it will also be the last. The last, due to the fact that no other crime book past, present or future, will ever come anywhere close comparing to the absolutely astounding story of Red Plus Zone.
All I wanted to do with my days was read this book. When I was at work or busy with house chores etc, all I could think of was this book, and what it would be like to live in the post apocalyptic world described by the author, what it would be like being Sam McCall as a post apocalyptic detective. The book is so well written and the story line is so captivating that I connected with all of the characters, I felt their emotions and I felt their pain, and at times I felt like I was actually living in the post-shattered world (which isn't a good thing when you ask a waitress in a cafe what time zone we are in).
All I wanted to do with my days was read this book. When I was at work or busy with house chores etc, all I could think of was this book, and what it would be like to live in the post apocalyptic world described by the author, what it would be like being Sam McCall as a post apocalyptic detective. The book is so well written and the story line is so captivating that I connected with all of the characters, I felt their emotions and I felt their pain, and at times I felt like I was actually living in the post-shattered world (which isn't a good thing when you ask a waitress in a cafe what time zone we are in).
David McK (3632 KP) rated Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Hmmmm ... how best to describe this?
Perhaps the foreword puts it best: released back in the mid-80s, this is (now) effectivel a 'what-if', with the central conceit being that this was a story told by Lois to a Daily Planet reporter about Superman's Last Days.
I say a 'What-if' as, obviously, the Man of Steel is still around today: at the time this was released, however, DC was going through a major 'cleaning of the house'; retconning and throwing out over 50 years worth of backstory for their various properties in an attempt to reset the switch; to go back to basics (as it were). As such, it was possible (just) that this very well could have been the last Superman story ever written.
Unlike some of Moore's other works ([b:Batman: The Dark Knight Returns|59960|Batman The Dark Knight Returns (The Dark Knight Saga, #1)|Frank Miller|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327892039s/59960.jpg|1104159]The Dark Knight Returns, for example, or even [b:Watchmen|472331|Watchmen|Alan Moore|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442239711s/472331.jpg|4358649]Watchmen), this does show it's age somewhat; very much having a 'Silver Age' feel to it.
Perhaps the foreword puts it best: released back in the mid-80s, this is (now) effectivel a 'what-if', with the central conceit being that this was a story told by Lois to a Daily Planet reporter about Superman's Last Days.
I say a 'What-if' as, obviously, the Man of Steel is still around today: at the time this was released, however, DC was going through a major 'cleaning of the house'; retconning and throwing out over 50 years worth of backstory for their various properties in an attempt to reset the switch; to go back to basics (as it were). As such, it was possible (just) that this very well could have been the last Superman story ever written.
Unlike some of Moore's other works ([b:Batman: The Dark Knight Returns|59960|Batman The Dark Knight Returns (The Dark Knight Saga, #1)|Frank Miller|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327892039s/59960.jpg|1104159]The Dark Knight Returns, for example, or even [b:Watchmen|472331|Watchmen|Alan Moore|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442239711s/472331.jpg|4358649]Watchmen), this does show it's age somewhat; very much having a 'Silver Age' feel to it.
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Call Me By Your Name in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So I heard lots of good things about this book. It was being (has been) made into a film. So I thought I'll give this a go. And after the effort it was to read this book, all I can say is, meh.
The were elements I really enjoyed, where I started to go "Ooo its starting to get good" and then I would be dragged back into really abstract ways to describe the scene. I honestly don't mind a bit of well done descriptions of visuals of feeling etc. But this just felt pointless. I think its a very, arty, type of writing and honestly its just not my cup of tea.
The story as a whole, is interesting and would normally be my cup of tea. Over a beautiful hot summer in Italy a young professor finishing off his philosophy book and the son of the people housing him in Italy begin a romantic affair in secret. The concept of the story brilliant and refreshingly new. The execution... honestly, not my style and the writing style really stopped me following the story easily. I just like a bit more instant gratification from my books.
The were elements I really enjoyed, where I started to go "Ooo its starting to get good" and then I would be dragged back into really abstract ways to describe the scene. I honestly don't mind a bit of well done descriptions of visuals of feeling etc. But this just felt pointless. I think its a very, arty, type of writing and honestly its just not my cup of tea.
The story as a whole, is interesting and would normally be my cup of tea. Over a beautiful hot summer in Italy a young professor finishing off his philosophy book and the son of the people housing him in Italy begin a romantic affair in secret. The concept of the story brilliant and refreshingly new. The execution... honestly, not my style and the writing style really stopped me following the story easily. I just like a bit more instant gratification from my books.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Close to Home in Books
Dec 29, 2019
Absorbing
This is the first in a series of novels starring DI Adam Fawley and his team and what a start to the series this is. I actually missed this first time round and was only reminded I had it when I was sent book 4!
Packed with fantastic characters not all of which are particularly likeable but all of whom are well developed and with interesting stories to tell in their own right. The story line is a difficult one to read being that of child abduction and exploitation however this is not written in a gratuitous way but with care and attention although not is all as it seems and so begins DI Fawley's task of unravelling just what has happened to young Daisy.
This is a fast paced, gripping and absorbing story that had me reading it in quick time in order to discover the secrets and lies contained within the twists and turns of this excellent book and I highly recommend this to those of you who love a great police procedural.
Thank you to Penguin Books (UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Packed with fantastic characters not all of which are particularly likeable but all of whom are well developed and with interesting stories to tell in their own right. The story line is a difficult one to read being that of child abduction and exploitation however this is not written in a gratuitous way but with care and attention although not is all as it seems and so begins DI Fawley's task of unravelling just what has happened to young Daisy.
This is a fast paced, gripping and absorbing story that had me reading it in quick time in order to discover the secrets and lies contained within the twists and turns of this excellent book and I highly recommend this to those of you who love a great police procedural.
Thank you to Penguin Books (UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot (2018) in Movies
Jul 16, 2019
The best Nazi/Bigfoot movie you'll see this year!
I was intrigued when I first read about this film. Not since "Saving Private Ryan" has a movie's plot been so well conveyed in its title alone.
I never thought I would be watching a story about love and regret based on the film's premise and first act. The movie is all over the place at times and doesn't really know what type of film it wants to be, but if you just accept the unusual premise the film works as entertainment alone.
The old man regrets some of the choices he has made in his life, but also stands by them at the same time.
The movie is told both present day 1987 and in flashback during World War II. The premise being the man who killed the head of the Nazi party who spread disease throughout the world is again called upon to eliminate another menace threatening global safety.
I could see how some could totally hate the idea and execution of this, but I found it different and delightful.
I never thought I would be watching a story about love and regret based on the film's premise and first act. The movie is all over the place at times and doesn't really know what type of film it wants to be, but if you just accept the unusual premise the film works as entertainment alone.
The old man regrets some of the choices he has made in his life, but also stands by them at the same time.
The movie is told both present day 1987 and in flashback during World War II. The premise being the man who killed the head of the Nazi party who spread disease throughout the world is again called upon to eliminate another menace threatening global safety.
I could see how some could totally hate the idea and execution of this, but I found it different and delightful.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Dead Don't Die (2019) in Movies
Jul 20, 2019 (Updated Jul 20, 2019)
Bemusingly inert zombie pastiche/comedy. The good people of Centerville, USA, find themselves besieged when 'polar fracking' shifts the world off its orbit and raises the dead. Is anyone going to make it through the night?
Sounds like a knowing pastiche of B-movie tropes (there indeed appears to be a nod to Plan Nine from Outer Space at one point), and indeed it is, but if this is really a comedy they forgot to add any jokes. There are some amusing moments and the zombie-pocalypse is certainly well staged, but the film seems more concerned with cultivating a baffling, deadpan weirdness than actually telling a coherent story. For instance: Tilda Swinton plays the town's undertaker, a sword-swinging eccentric with a Highland Scots accent. The punchline? Tilda Swinton's character is called Zelda Winston! Oh, my sides. Various other bits of self-aware cleverness also intrude. Characters appear, don't do much, and then exit; Romero is referenced without any new angles being taken on his ideas; there is no conclusion worthy of the name. If the film is trying to send a message about pointlessness and futility, it needn't have taken it quite so much to heart.
Sounds like a knowing pastiche of B-movie tropes (there indeed appears to be a nod to Plan Nine from Outer Space at one point), and indeed it is, but if this is really a comedy they forgot to add any jokes. There are some amusing moments and the zombie-pocalypse is certainly well staged, but the film seems more concerned with cultivating a baffling, deadpan weirdness than actually telling a coherent story. For instance: Tilda Swinton plays the town's undertaker, a sword-swinging eccentric with a Highland Scots accent. The punchline? Tilda Swinton's character is called Zelda Winston! Oh, my sides. Various other bits of self-aware cleverness also intrude. Characters appear, don't do much, and then exit; Romero is referenced without any new angles being taken on his ideas; there is no conclusion worthy of the name. If the film is trying to send a message about pointlessness and futility, it needn't have taken it quite so much to heart.