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Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Precipice (Mike Bowditch, #6) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***NOTE: I won my copy in a Goodreads First to Read Giveaway***
Mike Bowditch is a Maine game warden along the Appalachian Trail. When two young female hikers go missing, Mike and his girlfriend, wildlife biologist Stacey Stevens, join in the search. Once the bodies are found with teeth marks on the bones, the locals fear they may have been killed by coyotes. Stacey is sure that they weren't, and both she and Mike continue investigating, determined to find the truth of what happened to the two young women.
This was a well-written thriller, with believable characters and an interesting locale. The narrator did a nice job keeping his Maine accent where needed, without being over the top or distracting.
I didn't realize when I first started listening that this was book #6, but it was easy enough to figure out from the frequent references to Mike's past that it wasn't the beginning of a series. The book worked fine as a standalone novel, but I think I would have liked it even more had I read some of the earlier novels first. I will probably read more in this series, but I will start back at the beginning so I can watch Mike grow up into the man he is in this novel.
Mike Bowditch is a Maine game warden along the Appalachian Trail. When two young female hikers go missing, Mike and his girlfriend, wildlife biologist Stacey Stevens, join in the search. Once the bodies are found with teeth marks on the bones, the locals fear they may have been killed by coyotes. Stacey is sure that they weren't, and both she and Mike continue investigating, determined to find the truth of what happened to the two young women.
This was a well-written thriller, with believable characters and an interesting locale. The narrator did a nice job keeping his Maine accent where needed, without being over the top or distracting.
I didn't realize when I first started listening that this was book #6, but it was easy enough to figure out from the frequent references to Mike's past that it wasn't the beginning of a series. The book worked fine as a standalone novel, but I think I would have liked it even more had I read some of the earlier novels first. I will probably read more in this series, but I will start back at the beginning so I can watch Mike grow up into the man he is in this novel.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Exact Location of Home in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Exact Location of Home by Kate Messner is a story that will pull at the readers heart. In the story Zig and his friends spend a great deal of time together going to garage sales, skipping rocks, and just being together. When Zig gets a gps, they begin geocaching. But Zig hides a secret from his friends that has changed his entire world. As Zig grows, he finds support from an unexpected ally and gives support to a young boy, both facing similar circumstances as Zig.
Messner has given us a compassionate and necessary middle grade story about the reality of homelessness for many children today. This story has a unique premise with the geocaching theme and I love that while the main character is in 8th grade he will be relatable for students both much younger and much older than he is. I would love to get this book into the hands of all teachers and administrators who struggle to understand how difficult school can be for children without a stable home life, and who make well-intended but thoughtless comments about the homeless population.
I received this ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and Bloomsbury USA Childrens via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Messner has given us a compassionate and necessary middle grade story about the reality of homelessness for many children today. This story has a unique premise with the geocaching theme and I love that while the main character is in 8th grade he will be relatable for students both much younger and much older than he is. I would love to get this book into the hands of all teachers and administrators who struggle to understand how difficult school can be for children without a stable home life, and who make well-intended but thoughtless comments about the homeless population.
I received this ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and Bloomsbury USA Childrens via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, Baked - and Fried, Too! by Ragavan Iyer is a beautiful. It has wonderful pictures, beautiful fonts. It has section at the end that lists the recipes out by categories including entrees vs sides, apps etc as well as by allergens.
This cookbook outlines potato appetizers, soup, main entrees, side dishes, and desserts from a full spectrum of cuisines and cultures, plus each recipe is beset with 'Tater Tips' or details pertinent to the history, procurement, variety, storage, and perishability of the potato being used. Iyer is cheeky, yet endearing and incredibly informative, like a friend that you adore grocery shopping with after a hearty cafe lunch.
Overall, I want to make everything in this cookbook, and I also think that by making Iyer's, "ultimate mashed potatoes" I will become everyone's favourite person over the holiday season (they look SO yummy!). Unfortunately, I worry that with so many people on strict diets, or low-carb diets, this cookbook may not sell as as much as it should. However, if you have a potato lover or carb queen in your life, get this cookbook for them - they will love you for it!
I received this book from Workman Publishing Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This cookbook outlines potato appetizers, soup, main entrees, side dishes, and desserts from a full spectrum of cuisines and cultures, plus each recipe is beset with 'Tater Tips' or details pertinent to the history, procurement, variety, storage, and perishability of the potato being used. Iyer is cheeky, yet endearing and incredibly informative, like a friend that you adore grocery shopping with after a hearty cafe lunch.
Overall, I want to make everything in this cookbook, and I also think that by making Iyer's, "ultimate mashed potatoes" I will become everyone's favourite person over the holiday season (they look SO yummy!). Unfortunately, I worry that with so many people on strict diets, or low-carb diets, this cookbook may not sell as as much as it should. However, if you have a potato lover or carb queen in your life, get this cookbook for them - they will love you for it!
I received this book from Workman Publishing Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Something Old, Something New in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Love, loss, betrayal -- all in the time of Nazis
Elodie and Monique are rummaging through their family attic one day when they come across an old trunk full of letters and memorabilia. They find it all extremely interesting, so they start to peruse the trinkets. Little do they know this will set them on a whirlwind adventure through their family history, bringing to light that which has been hidden for decades.
I absolutely loved this story. It has so much information regarding World War II, and it really gets to the heart of what it was like for families during that time, especially those living in occupied France, such as the one featured. There are many issues expressed during the course of the novel, and not just those stemming for the occupation. It made for a very interesting read that I couldn't put down, and I love the format in which it's written: the story being told to an author in order to help Elodie write the book on her family.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good romp through history, especially the WWII era, as well as those who like intrigue, love stories, and just great stories.
5 stars
Love, loss, betrayal -- all in the time of Nazis
Elodie and Monique are rummaging through their family attic one day when they come across an old trunk full of letters and memorabilia. They find it all extremely interesting, so they start to peruse the trinkets. Little do they know this will set them on a whirlwind adventure through their family history, bringing to light that which has been hidden for decades.
I absolutely loved this story. It has so much information regarding World War II, and it really gets to the heart of what it was like for families during that time, especially those living in occupied France, such as the one featured. There are many issues expressed during the course of the novel, and not just those stemming for the occupation. It made for a very interesting read that I couldn't put down, and I love the format in which it's written: the story being told to an author in order to help Elodie write the book on her family.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good romp through history, especially the WWII era, as well as those who like intrigue, love stories, and just great stories.
5 stars
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016) in Movies
Jul 14, 2018
Unique characters (2 more)
Great cast
Another great tim burton style
Great movie, rather unique
This was a great Tim Burton movie. I do believe it is underrated, I've heard many bad things about this movie mainly being told it's boring but its far from it.
Each character is very unique and sometimes kinda creepy and there were some very interesting parts of the story I found very very interested, more specific the loops.
The cast was great but was surprised not to see Helana Boham Carter playing the lead. I've not heard anything about a sequel but I really hope it happens with the cast returning and maybe add a few new characters (I'm yet to read the books).
It was shot really well, you can see Tim Burton all over it and the CGI was pretty good. I loved the design of the monsters. I would have loved more and it is missing something that I can't quite put my finger on.
However, I could see myself going back and watching this again and that is the sign of a good movie. It was predictable and it's not going on my list of the greatest movies ever but it did not disappoint me.
Each character is very unique and sometimes kinda creepy and there were some very interesting parts of the story I found very very interested, more specific the loops.
The cast was great but was surprised not to see Helana Boham Carter playing the lead. I've not heard anything about a sequel but I really hope it happens with the cast returning and maybe add a few new characters (I'm yet to read the books).
It was shot really well, you can see Tim Burton all over it and the CGI was pretty good. I loved the design of the monsters. I would have loved more and it is missing something that I can't quite put my finger on.
However, I could see myself going back and watching this again and that is the sign of a good movie. It was predictable and it's not going on my list of the greatest movies ever but it did not disappoint me.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Logan Lucky (2017) in Movies
Jul 22, 2018 (Updated Jul 23, 2018)
Promising but doesn't quite deliver
You expect a lot from Steven Soderbergh, and I think sadly it doesn't quite deliver.
In short, it's basically a country/hillbilly version of Ocean's Eleven, but not nearly as fun or stylish. There are some hilarious moments in this film (the scene referencing Game of Thrones had me cracking up) but these moments aren't as often as I'd like. The plot itself is interesting and although the denouement is quite clever, how the heist itself plays out is a little bit dull and not up to the standard you'd expect. Daniel Craig is a hoot as Joe Bang and Tatum and Driver are good as well, although I'm not entirely sure what was going on with Hilary Swank, her acting seemed completely ott. I should also add that I was surprised to see Sebastian Stan in this, but disappointed that he wasn't in it for long! Have a little crush on him so he really needed to be in this film a little more.
This is a vaguely entertaining heist movie made more bearable by some hilarious lines and scenes. However there's much better heist films out there (Ocean's Eleven being one of them).
In short, it's basically a country/hillbilly version of Ocean's Eleven, but not nearly as fun or stylish. There are some hilarious moments in this film (the scene referencing Game of Thrones had me cracking up) but these moments aren't as often as I'd like. The plot itself is interesting and although the denouement is quite clever, how the heist itself plays out is a little bit dull and not up to the standard you'd expect. Daniel Craig is a hoot as Joe Bang and Tatum and Driver are good as well, although I'm not entirely sure what was going on with Hilary Swank, her acting seemed completely ott. I should also add that I was surprised to see Sebastian Stan in this, but disappointed that he wasn't in it for long! Have a little crush on him so he really needed to be in this film a little more.
This is a vaguely entertaining heist movie made more bearable by some hilarious lines and scenes. However there's much better heist films out there (Ocean's Eleven being one of them).
Fred (860 KP) rated God of War in Video Games
Jul 26, 2018
Top-notch story telling (2 more)
Moves along at a great pace
Great voice & motion-capture acting
Uncharted: God of War
As I was playing this game, all I could think of was the Uncharted Series. Great stories, great cinematics, great game play. Now, I'm going to be honest, I am not a fan of the series. Not really into hack-n-slash. They bore me after a while & I wind up not finishing the game, as it gets too monotonous. But changing the game play to match the Uncharted series is brilliant! And it works so well. The learning curve is a little steep, with the ability to unlock new moves as you also upgrade your weapons.
At first I didn't like Kratos' son. I felt he was a little annoying & never used him in combat. But as the game progressed, I not only cared for him as a character, but as an intricate tool in my combat arsenal.
Each character is like a living being. You really feel for them. I attribute this to the acting & the writing. Like I say above, the story is top-notch. In fact, everything is top notch. If you're a fan of the Uncharted series and/pr the God of War series, then run out & get this.
At first I didn't like Kratos' son. I felt he was a little annoying & never used him in combat. But as the game progressed, I not only cared for him as a character, but as an intricate tool in my combat arsenal.
Each character is like a living being. You really feel for them. I attribute this to the acting & the writing. Like I say above, the story is top-notch. In fact, everything is top notch. If you're a fan of the Uncharted series and/pr the God of War series, then run out & get this.
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Get Me (Keatyn Chronicles book 7) in Books
Jul 27, 2018
Wow!! The conclusion to this series will keep you on the edge of your seat right until the end.
It is great to finally get everything answered and sorted out. It was also really great at the end when we got some of the story from Riley and Aiden’s perspectives. It helps with the storyline and to add to all the suspense and drama surrounding the ending. As well as just being nice to hear from Aiden.
Also it really sets the tone for the next 5 books in the series which are all written in split perspective as they pick up with the characters 10 years later.
Although there are 5 more books, you don’t technically have to read them as Get Me does end properly with nothing really left unanswered. However I can assure you, you will read them anyway as you will be obsessed with the story and need more.
I have already read this series twice, which is super unusual for me and to write this review I just skimmed over the ending of Get Me and am feeling like I might just read it all again, that is how much I absolutely LOVE these books!!
It is great to finally get everything answered and sorted out. It was also really great at the end when we got some of the story from Riley and Aiden’s perspectives. It helps with the storyline and to add to all the suspense and drama surrounding the ending. As well as just being nice to hear from Aiden.
Also it really sets the tone for the next 5 books in the series which are all written in split perspective as they pick up with the characters 10 years later.
Although there are 5 more books, you don’t technically have to read them as Get Me does end properly with nothing really left unanswered. However I can assure you, you will read them anyway as you will be obsessed with the story and need more.
I have already read this series twice, which is super unusual for me and to write this review I just skimmed over the ending of Get Me and am feeling like I might just read it all again, that is how much I absolutely LOVE these books!!
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Cheap Thrills (2014) in Movies
Jul 29, 2018
Great cast (2 more)
Some extreme moments
Unpredictable
How far would you go when your desperate?
This was a fun movie, it reminded me a lot of that movie called Nerve. You do more and more dangerous dates for more money. It does beg the question "How far would you go when your desperate for money?"
This resulted in some extreme moments which I never saw coming. It was written well with an excellent cast. I can never take David Koechner seriously in anyovie he does but he does have a certain creep factor about him.
I like how contained it was. It was mainly set inside 1 house. It didn't go too crazy or extreme with too much money on the line. It went far enough with a believable amount of $250,000 overall. I feel the less money being offered, the more it felt desperate and extreme. It does make me think there may be some rich people out there who get off on this kind of thing.
There are definitely some "look away" moments which is good for this kind of movie and there was a decent amount of gore.
Definitely worth a watch and this was 1 of those movies that I only paid £1 for the blu ray. Can't argue with that.
This resulted in some extreme moments which I never saw coming. It was written well with an excellent cast. I can never take David Koechner seriously in anyovie he does but he does have a certain creep factor about him.
I like how contained it was. It was mainly set inside 1 house. It didn't go too crazy or extreme with too much money on the line. It went far enough with a believable amount of $250,000 overall. I feel the less money being offered, the more it felt desperate and extreme. It does make me think there may be some rich people out there who get off on this kind of thing.
There are definitely some "look away" moments which is good for this kind of movie and there was a decent amount of gore.
Definitely worth a watch and this was 1 of those movies that I only paid £1 for the blu ray. Can't argue with that.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Lost Luggage in Books
Aug 28, 2018
Cyd’s Dream Vacation Turns Into a Nightmare
Despite working as a travel agent, Cyd Redondo has barely traveled herself. That’s why she is so excited to finally win a promotional trip that sends her to Africa. And if she can check in with some of her clients while she is there, so much the better. At least, that’s what she thinks until she lands and discovers that one couple has been arrest. And there seems to be a rash of lost luggage. What is really going on?
The book took a little bit of time with set up before the story really took off, but once it did, it was a fantastic trip. There were so many twists, I had a hard time putting it down. Cyd is a remarkable, resourceful main character, and it was easy to root for her to overcome the many obstacles in her path. There is plenty of humor to keep things going, as well. There is enough language, sex, and violence (especially against animals done by the bad guys in a couple of scenes) to keep this from being one of the cozies I normally read, but if you know that going in, you’ll be just fine.
The book took a little bit of time with set up before the story really took off, but once it did, it was a fantastic trip. There were so many twists, I had a hard time putting it down. Cyd is a remarkable, resourceful main character, and it was easy to root for her to overcome the many obstacles in her path. There is plenty of humor to keep things going, as well. There is enough language, sex, and violence (especially against animals done by the bad guys in a couple of scenes) to keep this from being one of the cozies I normally read, but if you know that going in, you’ll be just fine.