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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2635 KP) rated Crime of the Ancient Marinara in Books
Jan 27, 2021
Good Mystery Smothered
After a month of hard work, Nell Valenti is ready to oversee the opening of Villa Orlandini as a cooking school lead by the famous Chef Orlandini. In fact, the first group of Americans are arriving at the Tuscany villa in just a couple of days. Nell is hoping that the worst of her problems will be Chef’s broken arm, a bocce ball accident. But then the guests arrive, and they aren’t what Nell is expecting. They seem to be a difficult lot. When one of them is poisoned by Chef’s famous marinara, Nell realizes she has real trouble on her hands. Can she figure out what is going on?
While I did struggle with some things in the first book in the series, I still enjoyed it. Unfortunately, those same issues are present here. The most prominent is Nell’s struggle with Italian. While we always know what is going on, it is presented in such a way that it keeps us out of the story. It’s a shame because I do like the returning characters, and the suspects grow as the story progresses. The mystery takes a while to truly get going, although we are meeting suspects. It’s a shame the pacing isn’t better since there is a good mystery buried in the book. There was a major editing error, as well, that resulted in a character being in two places at once. The book left me craving Italian food, so the recipes at the end are a nice bonus. The first book had its fans, and they will enjoy this entry as well. But if you struggled with the first one, you’ll struggle with this one.
While I did struggle with some things in the first book in the series, I still enjoyed it. Unfortunately, those same issues are present here. The most prominent is Nell’s struggle with Italian. While we always know what is going on, it is presented in such a way that it keeps us out of the story. It’s a shame because I do like the returning characters, and the suspects grow as the story progresses. The mystery takes a while to truly get going, although we are meeting suspects. It’s a shame the pacing isn’t better since there is a good mystery buried in the book. There was a major editing error, as well, that resulted in a character being in two places at once. The book left me craving Italian food, so the recipes at the end are a nice bonus. The first book had its fans, and they will enjoy this entry as well. But if you struggled with the first one, you’ll struggle with this one.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Alpha (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
The origin of man's best friend, a heart warming story with some epic visuals.
I was slightly distracted for a while because my brain went "Keda's dad looks like Zod." Sorry if I've just distracted you with that too... you're welcome.
Somehow I managed to see an audio described release of this by accident and I was intrigued. As well as the films own subtitles you have all the sound commentary. I was struck by the fact that more than once they used the word "wince", which is visual, as an audio cue. He "winced in pain". Well yes he did wince, but you could see that, it should surely have said "cries with pain" or something similar?
Part of me is very glad that I didn't end up seeing this in 3D as I'd originally planned. On more than one occasion during the film I had to look away from the screen as I was getting dizzy or feeling slightly nauseous. So probably not one to see on the big screen if you have issues with motion sickness.
As I said at the beginning the visuals are amazing, and there are no obvious signs of the necessary digital intervention. It's a smooth film all the way through, nothing out of place. There's a snippet in the trailer where you see Keda tossed into the air by a buffalo, the extended version of this in the film is probably the best bit for me. It gave me that tense physical reaction to see larger than life, and thankfully didn't set off the vertigo! That all being said though, it's still just a pleasant film that goes where you expect it to.
I was slightly distracted for a while because my brain went "Keda's dad looks like Zod." Sorry if I've just distracted you with that too... you're welcome.
Somehow I managed to see an audio described release of this by accident and I was intrigued. As well as the films own subtitles you have all the sound commentary. I was struck by the fact that more than once they used the word "wince", which is visual, as an audio cue. He "winced in pain". Well yes he did wince, but you could see that, it should surely have said "cries with pain" or something similar?
Part of me is very glad that I didn't end up seeing this in 3D as I'd originally planned. On more than one occasion during the film I had to look away from the screen as I was getting dizzy or feeling slightly nauseous. So probably not one to see on the big screen if you have issues with motion sickness.
As I said at the beginning the visuals are amazing, and there are no obvious signs of the necessary digital intervention. It's a smooth film all the way through, nothing out of place. There's a snippet in the trailer where you see Keda tossed into the air by a buffalo, the extended version of this in the film is probably the best bit for me. It gave me that tense physical reaction to see larger than life, and thankfully didn't set off the vertigo! That all being said though, it's still just a pleasant film that goes where you expect it to.
Elizabeth Sharrod (5 KP) rated Underworld by Tonight Alive in Music
Jul 10, 2019
Have played this album on repeat all year
I stumbled up on this album on Spotify when I should have been doing uni work. The plan was to find a band I didn't know and listen to them so I had some background noise and I wouldn't get distracted. Unfortunately it took a few loops off this album to realise, I was dancing in the chair more than typing words to a page.
So, Tonight Alive are a band from Australia and the album also features other artists, one well known one being the lead singer of Slipknot and although I'm not a fan of Slipknot, boy can that guy sing well in the track "Underworld" I beautiful ballad.
At the time of first binging this album, I was suffering with sciatica and the track "Temple" was fun to listen to because hey my body IS a temple and "why does it hurt like hell?" The album has a range of tracks from get up on your feet and hop around shaking your head (unless you have sciatica or a slipped disc) to the ones where you will happily push out a ballad in almost perfect harmony while have a shower.
I wish I had listened to this band in my younger days where sciatica wasn't an issue but alas, it has been my go-to album... Even when I start to drift a way, I find myself putting this one back on while doing the school run. It has gotten to a point where my kids know the words to the songs. The songs are written with such poetry, filled will beautiful imagery that makes me sometimes question my descriptive work but yes, this band is so talented and I hope one day I get to see them live.
So, Tonight Alive are a band from Australia and the album also features other artists, one well known one being the lead singer of Slipknot and although I'm not a fan of Slipknot, boy can that guy sing well in the track "Underworld" I beautiful ballad.
At the time of first binging this album, I was suffering with sciatica and the track "Temple" was fun to listen to because hey my body IS a temple and "why does it hurt like hell?" The album has a range of tracks from get up on your feet and hop around shaking your head (unless you have sciatica or a slipped disc) to the ones where you will happily push out a ballad in almost perfect harmony while have a shower.
I wish I had listened to this band in my younger days where sciatica wasn't an issue but alas, it has been my go-to album... Even when I start to drift a way, I find myself putting this one back on while doing the school run. It has gotten to a point where my kids know the words to the songs. The songs are written with such poetry, filled will beautiful imagery that makes me sometimes question my descriptive work but yes, this band is so talented and I hope one day I get to see them live.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Carnival Row - Season 1 in TV
Sep 8, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this one. I know that this show did well with the critics because it's apparently reflective of our modern times (xenophobia, etc), and, I'm sure that's probably what the writers intended. However, this show seemed to actually reflect the always interesting and complicated relationship between Ireland and England. The fae even had Irish accents (albeit, bad ones in some cases). It made me think, since both of my families are descendants of two races that weren't necessarily welcome in the US, and I get random sneering/weird comments about being half-Polish.
Anyway, the world was interesting, and it was a Steampunky-Victorian mash up. It was also very predictable, I had everything figured out completely by the 6th episode. The script wasn't that great, and good god, Cara Delevigne cannot act her way out of a wet paperbag. The main draw, for me, was Orly. He seemed to be the best actor out of all of them. There was one story line that I'm not sure was strictly necessary, involving the Spurnrose family, and that obnoxious actress that played Catherine Howard in the Tudors. There was also another strange plot line that seemed a little off, because it wasn't introduced with enough detail. There was also unnecessary T&A that I think just slowed down the show in general. I don't like T&A scenes in general, because they're hardily every relevant to the overall story. I just feel like the streaming platforms are trying to be like HBO. This show would have benefited from not having it, because it could have brought in a younger demographic as well as the adults.
I'm glad this was already renewed for a second season, because they left it as a cliffhanger. I wanted more about these different magical races and their country of origin.
Anyway, the world was interesting, and it was a Steampunky-Victorian mash up. It was also very predictable, I had everything figured out completely by the 6th episode. The script wasn't that great, and good god, Cara Delevigne cannot act her way out of a wet paperbag. The main draw, for me, was Orly. He seemed to be the best actor out of all of them. There was one story line that I'm not sure was strictly necessary, involving the Spurnrose family, and that obnoxious actress that played Catherine Howard in the Tudors. There was also another strange plot line that seemed a little off, because it wasn't introduced with enough detail. There was also unnecessary T&A that I think just slowed down the show in general. I don't like T&A scenes in general, because they're hardily every relevant to the overall story. I just feel like the streaming platforms are trying to be like HBO. This show would have benefited from not having it, because it could have brought in a younger demographic as well as the adults.
I'm glad this was already renewed for a second season, because they left it as a cliffhanger. I wanted more about these different magical races and their country of origin.
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Lindsay (1812 KP) rated Giving Hope: A Child's Journey Through a Pandemic in Books
Sep 9, 2021
I am sure some children will not remember that there was a pandemic? Well, this book "Giving Hope: A Child's Journey Through a Pandemic" is a good one for children of all ages. Young children will be wondering why things have changed and why they can not see their friends and family.
This book does that through the eyes of a child or children. I am not quite sure; This is where the half star (moon) comes in, in my rating of four and a half stars (moons). Otherwise, this book does explain all about the emotions they will go through, from being worried to many others.
These diary entries are well done; Talking about what is going on with children and what is happening around them. Each one occurs with an emotion. This book is good to have around to explain the feelings going on during a stay-at-home order or lockdown, as many have called it.
This book can teach children who are all essential or heroes during this difficult time. This book is not just for a pandemic situation. I could be used to guide during other struggling or difficult times ahead.
The pictures are very bright and vivid. They do tell the emotion or emotions the child is feeling during that diary entry. The drawings are lovely throughout the book. There are some ideas that children can do to help with the changes and maybe even get in though with family during a hard time. Can your child or children come up with something you could do to bring hope? Maybe even come up with some ideas to do around your neighbor and show them or tell you to care while trying to stay safe.
This book does that through the eyes of a child or children. I am not quite sure; This is where the half star (moon) comes in, in my rating of four and a half stars (moons). Otherwise, this book does explain all about the emotions they will go through, from being worried to many others.
These diary entries are well done; Talking about what is going on with children and what is happening around them. Each one occurs with an emotion. This book is good to have around to explain the feelings going on during a stay-at-home order or lockdown, as many have called it.
This book can teach children who are all essential or heroes during this difficult time. This book is not just for a pandemic situation. I could be used to guide during other struggling or difficult times ahead.
The pictures are very bright and vivid. They do tell the emotion or emotions the child is feeling during that diary entry. The drawings are lovely throughout the book. There are some ideas that children can do to help with the changes and maybe even get in though with family during a hard time. Can your child or children come up with something you could do to bring hope? Maybe even come up with some ideas to do around your neighbor and show them or tell you to care while trying to stay safe.
Merissa (14152 KP) rated EXSILIUM (Roma Nova Thriller #11) in Books
Mar 20, 2024
EXSILIUM is part of the Roma Nova series. I have read Inceptio but none of the others. I don't feel this impacted my enjoyment of the story or the characters.
Told in three separate parts by Maelia, Lucius, and Galla, this was a brilliant insight into how Rome could have been at the time when the old Gods were disappearing and the new Christos was taking over. I think the only thing that confused me was Maelia's story. The majority of it was incredibly well-written, but in the blurb, it says about him being a pagan traitor. It took me a while to understand that his backing the wrong emperor was also a fight between the two religions.
Full of hard times and sorrow, it is a story also full of hope, of working together to make things better - or at least, most of them did! The characters, whether you like them or not, are all relatable, especially considering the circumstances of their exile.
I found the epilogue to be perfect, giving me an update on all the characters I'd grown to love, while also jumping to the future to mention Inceptio. That was a surprise for me and made me want to read that story again, with the knowledge gained from this story.
A smooth pace and a full and well-rounded story and characters. Alison Merton is an author I never have a problem reading. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Mar 14, 2024
Told in three separate parts by Maelia, Lucius, and Galla, this was a brilliant insight into how Rome could have been at the time when the old Gods were disappearing and the new Christos was taking over. I think the only thing that confused me was Maelia's story. The majority of it was incredibly well-written, but in the blurb, it says about him being a pagan traitor. It took me a while to understand that his backing the wrong emperor was also a fight between the two religions.
Full of hard times and sorrow, it is a story also full of hope, of working together to make things better - or at least, most of them did! The characters, whether you like them or not, are all relatable, especially considering the circumstances of their exile.
I found the epilogue to be perfect, giving me an update on all the characters I'd grown to love, while also jumping to the future to mention Inceptio. That was a surprise for me and made me want to read that story again, with the knowledge gained from this story.
A smooth pace and a full and well-rounded story and characters. Alison Merton is an author I never have a problem reading. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Mar 14, 2024
Debbiereadsbook (1804 KP) rated Hidden Rooms in Books
May 3, 2024
4 very VERY good stars
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian via BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the author's debut novel, and I reckon she nailed it!
Riley's sister-in-law to be, Beth, is murdered, and her brother Ethan, is the prime suspect. Riley knows he's innocent, and sets about to prove it.
What I particularly liked about this, was being kept on my toes! Until it all came out, I didn't know whether Ethan did it or not!
Beth is keeping secrets, and those secrets cost her, but again, it takes time for things to come out.
Everything does take a time to come out, and I suggest, if like me, you weren't liking the slow pace, KEEP AT IT! It does speed up and move at pace. I am glad I kept with it.
Riley tells a great tale, even with this illness that rocks her through much of the book. I enjoyed her, especially as she is the only voice in the book. I liked the way the illness was dealt with, or not for much of the time!
I think I might not have enjoyed this so much had someone else had a say, which is contrary to my usual "I wanted to hear from everyone" thing, I know, but I really did like Riley.
It's well written, and well delivered. There is just enough suspense, once it kicks off, to keep you fully engaged and invested with this group of people.
As an ARC reader of many years, my primary genre is romance. Once in a while something different will come through and my interest is piqued. I am certainly glad I took this one on, and will absolutely read more by this author as and when.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the author's debut novel, and I reckon she nailed it!
Riley's sister-in-law to be, Beth, is murdered, and her brother Ethan, is the prime suspect. Riley knows he's innocent, and sets about to prove it.
What I particularly liked about this, was being kept on my toes! Until it all came out, I didn't know whether Ethan did it or not!
Beth is keeping secrets, and those secrets cost her, but again, it takes time for things to come out.
Everything does take a time to come out, and I suggest, if like me, you weren't liking the slow pace, KEEP AT IT! It does speed up and move at pace. I am glad I kept with it.
Riley tells a great tale, even with this illness that rocks her through much of the book. I enjoyed her, especially as she is the only voice in the book. I liked the way the illness was dealt with, or not for much of the time!
I think I might not have enjoyed this so much had someone else had a say, which is contrary to my usual "I wanted to hear from everyone" thing, I know, but I really did like Riley.
It's well written, and well delivered. There is just enough suspense, once it kicks off, to keep you fully engaged and invested with this group of people.
As an ARC reader of many years, my primary genre is romance. Once in a while something different will come through and my interest is piqued. I am certainly glad I took this one on, and will absolutely read more by this author as and when.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere