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David McK (3562 KP) rated Harriet Walsh 1: Peace Force in Books
Feb 24, 2019
I first read any of [author:Simon Haynes|541847]' books during the summer of 2018, when I saw [book:Hal Spacejock 1: A robot named Clunk|12381591] on offer via (I believe) a popular social-media platform.
While I thought that tat particular story was all right, it wasn't enough to make me want to go buy any more of his works. Later that same year, I then saw another Kindle deal on the first three of his Hal Spacejock books and, as I was looking for something to read, thought I would pick those up. Of those three, I felt it was easy to see that they were getting better (with the second - [book:Hal Spacejock 2: Second Course|1096672] - being the best).
Fast forward to early 2019, and I was again looking for something new to read. And, again, I saw an offer on one of his other books: this time, on the first of the newer Harriet Walsh 'Peace Force' series. Which, I have to say, I found to be better than any of the Hal Spacejock books I've read so far - it is true what the say, after all, that practice makes perfect! Well, I wouldn't go so far as perfect, but - I felt - there is a definite upswing in quality here.
While I thought that tat particular story was all right, it wasn't enough to make me want to go buy any more of his works. Later that same year, I then saw another Kindle deal on the first three of his Hal Spacejock books and, as I was looking for something to read, thought I would pick those up. Of those three, I felt it was easy to see that they were getting better (with the second - [book:Hal Spacejock 2: Second Course|1096672] - being the best).
Fast forward to early 2019, and I was again looking for something new to read. And, again, I saw an offer on one of his other books: this time, on the first of the newer Harriet Walsh 'Peace Force' series. Which, I have to say, I found to be better than any of the Hal Spacejock books I've read so far - it is true what the say, after all, that practice makes perfect! Well, I wouldn't go so far as perfect, but - I felt - there is a definite upswing in quality here.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Gift Of Christmas Past in Books
Feb 27, 2019
As a long time fan of Cindy Woodsmall, I was excited to see what she what co wrote with her DIL. It was a book that I wouldn't be used to by her, as she's a wonderful Amish fiction novelist, and this is a contemporary novel. But, I was pleasantly surprised with this collaboration by these wonderful ladies!
I am a person who sometimes, unintentionally, holds on to the past and that can hinder me with my here and now. That's what this book is like. Hanging on to the past, and not being able to full move on or forgive. Hadley and Monroe are beautifully chiseled and have been through so much in their lives. My heart truly ached for their early years. But, both Cindy and Erin pieced together a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness and tenderness and gave readers an unforgettable Christmas story.
This is definitely worthy of 4 stars and keeping on the shelf! Both ladies are talented and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collaboration. I highly recommend this Christmas read to all and look forward to more of these great stories! Well done, ladies!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I am a person who sometimes, unintentionally, holds on to the past and that can hinder me with my here and now. That's what this book is like. Hanging on to the past, and not being able to full move on or forgive. Hadley and Monroe are beautifully chiseled and have been through so much in their lives. My heart truly ached for their early years. But, both Cindy and Erin pieced together a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness and tenderness and gave readers an unforgettable Christmas story.
This is definitely worthy of 4 stars and keeping on the shelf! Both ladies are talented and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collaboration. I highly recommend this Christmas read to all and look forward to more of these great stories! Well done, ladies!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Andy K (10823 KP) rated L.A. Confidential (1997) in Movies
Mar 3, 2019
Modern film noir at its finest!
Los Angeles in the 1950s is the setting for this amazing film which probably should've won Best Picture in 1997 (although I love Titanic also).
When new cop Ed Exley comes comes to the force, he is immediately greeted with corruption and some hard choices which test his loyalty and willingness to stand to his principles. A murder investigation quickly ensues which potentially pit cop against cop and uncovers the seedy underbelly of Hollywood during that time and everyone looking out for themselves.
Another brazen cop, sticks up for battered women while another enjoys being the technical adviser for everyone's favorite television program at the time.
The 3 men have various run in with each other as their investigation seems to conclude with a resolution, but one or more of them are not convinced the solution is correct and that the real perpetrators are still at large.
The depth of this film as well as the smart, complex characters are really what makes this film work. The acting is all exceptional as is the screenplay.
Any aspiring screenwriter should watch this film as a class as to what to do and how to write.
Very highly recommended.
When new cop Ed Exley comes comes to the force, he is immediately greeted with corruption and some hard choices which test his loyalty and willingness to stand to his principles. A murder investigation quickly ensues which potentially pit cop against cop and uncovers the seedy underbelly of Hollywood during that time and everyone looking out for themselves.
Another brazen cop, sticks up for battered women while another enjoys being the technical adviser for everyone's favorite television program at the time.
The 3 men have various run in with each other as their investigation seems to conclude with a resolution, but one or more of them are not convinced the solution is correct and that the real perpetrators are still at large.
The depth of this film as well as the smart, complex characters are really what makes this film work. The acting is all exceptional as is the screenplay.
Any aspiring screenwriter should watch this film as a class as to what to do and how to write.
Very highly recommended.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Silence (2019) in Movies
Apr 22, 2019
Nothing new
I’m starting to get a little sick of all these apocalyptic end of the world type films. It’s not so bad when they’re actually done well, but sadly this is not one of those films. It’s a very poor relation of A Quiet Place, and an unnecessary one at that. Apart from Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka, I don’t really have anything good to say about this film.
It’s mostly predictable and pretty dull really, with a lot of plot ideas being taken from other films and shows. There’s nothing truly original about this other than the creatures themselves, and that’s not something to be proud of. Whilst on first glance the creatures might be slightly weird and creepy, the more you see of them the more you realise they’re not actually that scary after all. I started to find them quite laughable. The characters in this are mostly stupid making silly mistakes and despite its short 90 minute run time, this really drags to the point where I was quickly losing attention. And the ending was just lame and rushed.
If you want to watch a creature horror film about silence, watch A Quiet Place, not this.
It’s mostly predictable and pretty dull really, with a lot of plot ideas being taken from other films and shows. There’s nothing truly original about this other than the creatures themselves, and that’s not something to be proud of. Whilst on first glance the creatures might be slightly weird and creepy, the more you see of them the more you realise they’re not actually that scary after all. I started to find them quite laughable. The characters in this are mostly stupid making silly mistakes and despite its short 90 minute run time, this really drags to the point where I was quickly losing attention. And the ending was just lame and rushed.
If you want to watch a creature horror film about silence, watch A Quiet Place, not this.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Tolkien (2019) in Movies
May 7, 2019 (Updated May 7, 2019)
Bio-pic of the pop culture colossus is badly hamstrung by the fact it can only allude to the great man's works (they don't even have the rights to the text of his gravestone), and also by the fact that all the stuff he is most famous for doing happened when he was a middle-aged professor sitting in his study for hours at a time.
So instead the script rustles up some sub-Dead Poets stuff about fine-young-chaps-together, and a somewhat trite romance, all the while suggesting that JRR couldn't look out of the window or turn on a light without being bombarded by visions of dragons and black riders and the rest of it. No wonder he wrote all those books; it must have been vital therapy for him. A few scenes do hint at the authentic, but also essentially un-cinematic Tolkien, the man who invented languages as a hobby and loved trees, and they do lift the film, but they also make you realise how bland most of this movie is. Nichola Hoult is good as Professor T and the film is well-mounted, but it still feels like a cash-in which is pushing its luck.
So instead the script rustles up some sub-Dead Poets stuff about fine-young-chaps-together, and a somewhat trite romance, all the while suggesting that JRR couldn't look out of the window or turn on a light without being bombarded by visions of dragons and black riders and the rest of it. No wonder he wrote all those books; it must have been vital therapy for him. A few scenes do hint at the authentic, but also essentially un-cinematic Tolkien, the man who invented languages as a hobby and loved trees, and they do lift the film, but they also make you realise how bland most of this movie is. Nichola Hoult is good as Professor T and the film is well-mounted, but it still feels like a cash-in which is pushing its luck.
plausibility (2 more)
well researched
likable characters
Jane is a Filipino immigrant trying hard to support her baby daughter.
Reagan is white, educated and wants to make a difference in the world.
Jane and Regan are just two of the many girls who work at Golden Oaks as ‘Hosts’.They are basically surrogates for the rich and influential.
But is all as it seems at Golden Oaks, (nick named ‘The Farm’ by some of the hosts) and can you truly sell a part of yourself without ramifications.
The story essentially focuses on Jane and her struggles, but it is also told from the perspective of Reagan (Jane’s room mate) Ate (Janes Cousin) and Mae (The manager at Golden Oaks).
This took me a little while to really get into the characters at first, but once I had the story flowed nicely and it was easy to get engrossed in. The thing that drew me to the book was that it had been highlighted at ‘A Handmaids Tale for 2019’ and you can definitely see that. The set up at Golden Oaks is all very plausible and sounds idyllic, the Hosts are all there willingly and being paid handsomely. However, you can see how an institute like Golden Oaks could descend into Margaret Atwoods dystopian nightmare.
Reagan is white, educated and wants to make a difference in the world.
Jane and Regan are just two of the many girls who work at Golden Oaks as ‘Hosts’.They are basically surrogates for the rich and influential.
But is all as it seems at Golden Oaks, (nick named ‘The Farm’ by some of the hosts) and can you truly sell a part of yourself without ramifications.
The story essentially focuses on Jane and her struggles, but it is also told from the perspective of Reagan (Jane’s room mate) Ate (Janes Cousin) and Mae (The manager at Golden Oaks).
This took me a little while to really get into the characters at first, but once I had the story flowed nicely and it was easy to get engrossed in. The thing that drew me to the book was that it had been highlighted at ‘A Handmaids Tale for 2019’ and you can definitely see that. The set up at Golden Oaks is all very plausible and sounds idyllic, the Hosts are all there willingly and being paid handsomely. However, you can see how an institute like Golden Oaks could descend into Margaret Atwoods dystopian nightmare.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Poster Boy in Books
May 22, 2019
Broadcast live, Rosa Lincoln takes to the stage at her brothers memorial service with a bomb concealed beneath her clothes. Being in Jimmys shadow was never easy, even when he was alive, but in death he has become a national hero.
When she crosses paths with the enigmatic Teresa, she discovers that those she has been taught to view as enemies may not be the real villains after all.
The lies need to be stopped, and Rosa intends on doing just that.
Wow! This book started with a bang - well a potential bang - and didn't let up until the very end with all its twists and turns along the way.
Although this is fiction it very much reflects what is going on around the world right now, sadly. It has its basis in fact and recent happenings which makes it hard-hitting, emotive, topical and timely.
The main issues it explores are terrorism, extremism, propaganda, xenophobia, nationalism, racism, good vs evil and the current political climate; it does so with considerable tact while questioning each of them making this a thought-provoking read.
Very good work of dystopian fiction.
Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When she crosses paths with the enigmatic Teresa, she discovers that those she has been taught to view as enemies may not be the real villains after all.
The lies need to be stopped, and Rosa intends on doing just that.
Wow! This book started with a bang - well a potential bang - and didn't let up until the very end with all its twists and turns along the way.
Although this is fiction it very much reflects what is going on around the world right now, sadly. It has its basis in fact and recent happenings which makes it hard-hitting, emotive, topical and timely.
The main issues it explores are terrorism, extremism, propaganda, xenophobia, nationalism, racism, good vs evil and the current political climate; it does so with considerable tact while questioning each of them making this a thought-provoking read.
Very good work of dystopian fiction.
Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019) in Movies
May 26, 2019
I'm a 36 year old man child and I dont care!!!!
I normally post complete reviews where I take into account all aspects of cinema - acting, script, cinematography, tone etc. This review contains none of that as this film is scored on how it made me feel. I'm a pokemon fan and have been since I was a child. This film perfectly shows a world where pokemon live and co exist with people - a better world for sure. That said I'm not giving it a 10 score purely for nostalgia. The acting is good and story is also good with enough twists along the way to keep non poke fans interested. Visually it's great with the pokemon blending into the world perfectly. The star of the show is Ryan Reynolds though as Pikachu. Reynolds has made a career of just being himself onscreen and he does it again here. Yes the language from say Deadpool, Waiting, Van Wilder or Blade Trinity is toned down but the same brand of humour is on display giving adults something to laugh at as well as kids. Others probably wud give this a 7 or 8 - I give it 10 because I'm a man child who loves pokemon and Ryan Reynolds....so there!!!
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated In the Mouth of the Wolf in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In this short book, “In the Mouth of the Wolf” , we’re privy to fascinating insights into the life of children’s fiction author Michael Morpurgo’s Uncle Francis who narrates in the first person at the age of ninety years, reminiscing about his life. It is a heartfelt TRUE story (hence the reason why this has made into my non-fiction category over at Goodreads) and one that is aimed at kids and young adults, but adults will get plenty from this, too.
The artwork within is tremendously well-done by award-winning artist Barroux, and set against a backdrop of World War Two. You’ll find it packs an emotion punch, whilst being a fast-paced read filled with outstanding wartime courage and love. Brotherly love, too.
What a treat this was to discover, since it reads like an fictional story, yet has some intriguing, real people pictures at the back of the book, so you can meet the real characters of these true events. It’s no wonder Morpurgo is such a talented storyteller if he’s heard family stories like this.
In fact, this is such a lovely story, it brought tears to my eyes on more than on occasion. Damn you, Micheal Morpurgo and your wonderfully tear-inducing story-telling skills!
The artwork within is tremendously well-done by award-winning artist Barroux, and set against a backdrop of World War Two. You’ll find it packs an emotion punch, whilst being a fast-paced read filled with outstanding wartime courage and love. Brotherly love, too.
What a treat this was to discover, since it reads like an fictional story, yet has some intriguing, real people pictures at the back of the book, so you can meet the real characters of these true events. It’s no wonder Morpurgo is such a talented storyteller if he’s heard family stories like this.
In fact, this is such a lovely story, it brought tears to my eyes on more than on occasion. Damn you, Micheal Morpurgo and your wonderfully tear-inducing story-telling skills!
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Handy Men in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I love erotica and ménage a trois is my current drug of choice. However, a lot can go wrong with said topic. And I am not just talking story line. Many authors are prone to write threesomes that are just flat out unrealistic and laughable to say that least.
That being said, I quite enjoyed Schmidts The Handy Men. It not only brought the delicious sex scenes and love that comes with a mutual ménage, but it also brought the ugly and the awkward. Humans are unapologetically complicated, awkward, and over dramatic. We as readers may think well they are ridiculous and this is overdramatic. But lets be honest, we dont always act/respond the way we think we would especially since we are disconnected from what we are reading about (a.k.a. its not happening to us.)
While I have to agree that The Handy Men does seem a bit dramatic at times, I appreciate that it brought more to table than just try to get the female to be onboard with a threesome. The characters had depth and personality not always seen in erotica much the ménages. And to say their relationship is anything less that sexy would be a lie.
That being said, I quite enjoyed Schmidts The Handy Men. It not only brought the delicious sex scenes and love that comes with a mutual ménage, but it also brought the ugly and the awkward. Humans are unapologetically complicated, awkward, and over dramatic. We as readers may think well they are ridiculous and this is overdramatic. But lets be honest, we dont always act/respond the way we think we would especially since we are disconnected from what we are reading about (a.k.a. its not happening to us.)
While I have to agree that The Handy Men does seem a bit dramatic at times, I appreciate that it brought more to table than just try to get the female to be onboard with a threesome. The characters had depth and personality not always seen in erotica much the ménages. And to say their relationship is anything less that sexy would be a lie.