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Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated The Maze Runner in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Eventually, this one redeemed itself for me. The last half of the book, once all the exposition is out of the way, gets really interesting and does eventually reach the point where you can’t put the book down.
I think Dashner’s strength here is really in his character development. Even once the action begins, the characters’ actions and choices align with what you’ve learned about them, and while some of those choices lead to tragic consequences, they are completely in keeping with the characters’ personalities and experiences. It’s nice to see this kind of thought and sophistication put into a novel geared toward young adults.
In addition to my complaint about the frustratingly slow start and exposition, I was also bothered by what seems to be the standard strategy for serial writers…the ending that leaves you with more questions than answers. I’ve only read a handful of YA novels that deal with this well, where the current storyline is given just enough resolution to satisfy me as a reader while leaving enough of a door open to entice me to continue reading the series.
Dashner really treads that fine line and doesn’t quite make it for me, leaving me frustrated enough that rather than being eager to begin the next novel, I just want to toss this one in the corner. Okay, maybe not that strong of a reaction, but the jury is still out on whether or not I’ll pick up the next book in the series.
I think Dashner’s strength here is really in his character development. Even once the action begins, the characters’ actions and choices align with what you’ve learned about them, and while some of those choices lead to tragic consequences, they are completely in keeping with the characters’ personalities and experiences. It’s nice to see this kind of thought and sophistication put into a novel geared toward young adults.
In addition to my complaint about the frustratingly slow start and exposition, I was also bothered by what seems to be the standard strategy for serial writers…the ending that leaves you with more questions than answers. I’ve only read a handful of YA novels that deal with this well, where the current storyline is given just enough resolution to satisfy me as a reader while leaving enough of a door open to entice me to continue reading the series.
Dashner really treads that fine line and doesn’t quite make it for me, leaving me frustrated enough that rather than being eager to begin the next novel, I just want to toss this one in the corner. Okay, maybe not that strong of a reaction, but the jury is still out on whether or not I’ll pick up the next book in the series.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Fifty Shades of Grey in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I thought this book was an entertaining read. I started hearing about these books a couple weeks ago and I thought I would give them a try. This is one of those guilty pleasure reads. The basic premise of this book is that a rich man wants to make a non rich virgin his submissive. It is something that many women fantasize about but in real life would be terrifying. The rich man (Christian) is a stalker, but because he has money then it is fine.
The characters are easy to relate to. I found that the main character (Ana) held a lot of insecurities that many of us are scared to admit. With that said, I quickly became tired of "Oh My..." and "My inner goddess" being repeated over and over and over.
A lot of people are dwelling on the fact that the Ana was scared of Christian. But in all honesty, if someone new into the lifestyle is not scared than they do not know the full weight of what is involved in BDSM.
I think that this book has eased the reader into the world of BDSM. It is very witty and I found at times that I was laughing.
The writing skills were not extremely good. It felt that the author kept looking up words in the thesaurus and it did not seem to flow extremely well.
All in all, the book was entertaining and witty. I will continue on in the series.
The characters are easy to relate to. I found that the main character (Ana) held a lot of insecurities that many of us are scared to admit. With that said, I quickly became tired of "Oh My..." and "My inner goddess" being repeated over and over and over.
A lot of people are dwelling on the fact that the Ana was scared of Christian. But in all honesty, if someone new into the lifestyle is not scared than they do not know the full weight of what is involved in BDSM.
I think that this book has eased the reader into the world of BDSM. It is very witty and I found at times that I was laughing.
The writing skills were not extremely good. It felt that the author kept looking up words in the thesaurus and it did not seem to flow extremely well.
All in all, the book was entertaining and witty. I will continue on in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Death Over Easy in Books
Aug 3, 2018
Did Robbie Open Her Bed and Breakfast to a Killer?
Robbie Jordan, Pans ‘n Pancakes’ proprietor, has just opened the few rooms she’s been working on as a bed and breakfast, and it’s just in time for a visit from her father from Italy as well as the Bluegrass festival being held in the area. The biggest problem at the festival seems to be Pia Bianchi, a woman that annoys just about everyone who gets to know her. Then Pia’s body is found early one morning in a covered bridge in the area. With Robbie’s guests some of the police’s suspects, she finds herself in the thick of things again. Will she figure out what is going on?
This was a fun book in the series since it worked in several sub-plots that have been woven through the series – Robbie’s father and opening the bed and breakfast part of the business among others. These work themselves nicely into the mystery, providing a reason for Robbie to be involved and giving her access to gather clues. The suspects are great, and they provide us with some good twists before we reach the creative climax. The series has always featured some local (to southern Indiana) expressions to provide local color, but a couple of times, they started to annoy more than charm. Fortunately, those were rare moments that were over quickly. If you find yourself drooling over some of the food, you’ll be happy with the recipes at the end of the book.
This was a fun book in the series since it worked in several sub-plots that have been woven through the series – Robbie’s father and opening the bed and breakfast part of the business among others. These work themselves nicely into the mystery, providing a reason for Robbie to be involved and giving her access to gather clues. The suspects are great, and they provide us with some good twists before we reach the creative climax. The series has always featured some local (to southern Indiana) expressions to provide local color, but a couple of times, they started to annoy more than charm. Fortunately, those were rare moments that were over quickly. If you find yourself drooling over some of the food, you’ll be happy with the recipes at the end of the book.
The nerdy birdie (67 KP) rated Loot Time Podcast in Podcasts
Oct 17, 2018 (Updated Oct 17, 2018)
Listened to episode 27
I listened to episode 27 all about curses, which I thought was a perfect theme for October and Halloween! For some reason when it comes to anything scary I am all ears, any time of the year ! I try to attend any haunted attraction that I can. The two guys Steven and Kevin discuss two highly popular movies Evil Dead and Gremlins. First and foremost, they mention Stephen King which is my main man when it comes to authors! I can’t wait until the second part of the movie “It”is released. Thriller and horror books are my jam! Secondly, they bring up Beetlejuice which is another fave. Beetlejuice, Gremlins and evil dead are all similar types of the genre comedy meets horror. I have heard of loot crate before because of all of my booktuber friends that subscribe to the box. I love watching the unboxings and would really appreciate the opportunity to receive one and review it! I plan on being a booktuber in 2019. I would put the different themed Items in the box with my beetlejuice and gremlins funko pops because that was the episode that helped me win!! I even have gizmo on my keychain ! I also like how the guys bring in a brother , Rob, to interview as well. Makes me wonder what future guests they will have. A third opinion brings a whole new element to the podcast. Great job! Ps-loved Idle Hands too!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Scream 2 (1997) in Movies
Nov 1, 2018
“By definition alone, sequels are inferior films”
As much as this sequel tries to be very clever and for the most part succeeds, you can’t help realising that the line uttered by Randy about sequels being inferior films and the ensuing discussion in the film class, pretty much sums up this entire film.
Released only a year after the original, this sequel keeps most of what made the first one great - just sadly in lesser amounts. Yes it’s funny, witty and has some great film references, but it just isn’t quite up to the level of the original. There are some shocks and lots of blood and gore, and the ending is still a little unpredictable (but not as much as the original. Great cast again, both returning and fairly well known faces. The opening scene too is just as disturbing even if it’s missing the signature Ghostface phone call and I loved the entire scene set in the film class. The debate about life imitating art is a shame relevant now as it was when this was made over 20 years ago. It amazes me to think this film is 21 years old, and aside from the retro technology, it doesn’t feel dated in the slightest.
For a sequel, this is definitely one of the better ones out there. Yes it doesn’t have quite the impact of the original, but it definitely doesn’t suck and at least sticks to Randy’s rules to create a successful sequel. Shame 3 and 4 couldn’t do the same...
Released only a year after the original, this sequel keeps most of what made the first one great - just sadly in lesser amounts. Yes it’s funny, witty and has some great film references, but it just isn’t quite up to the level of the original. There are some shocks and lots of blood and gore, and the ending is still a little unpredictable (but not as much as the original. Great cast again, both returning and fairly well known faces. The opening scene too is just as disturbing even if it’s missing the signature Ghostface phone call and I loved the entire scene set in the film class. The debate about life imitating art is a shame relevant now as it was when this was made over 20 years ago. It amazes me to think this film is 21 years old, and aside from the retro technology, it doesn’t feel dated in the slightest.
For a sequel, this is definitely one of the better ones out there. Yes it doesn’t have quite the impact of the original, but it definitely doesn’t suck and at least sticks to Randy’s rules to create a successful sequel. Shame 3 and 4 couldn’t do the same...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Peterloo (2018) in Movies
Nov 9, 2018 (Updated Nov 9, 2018)
Inescapably worthy costume drama sheds some light on a half-forgotten landmark in British political history, but in the process kind of comes across as Barry Lyndon as written by Jeremy Corbyn. Decent, heroic, possibly slightly naive reformers campaign to reform society; greedy and self-serving politicians, magistrates and businessmen unite to stop them; in the end the troops are sent in.
Not quite as punishingly didactic as it sounds, but this may not have been intentional: what may also have been an accident is how close the film frequently comes to being actually quite funny. There are some spectacular wigs and hats, startling accents, and very broad performances from most of the cast - it almost feels like a parody of a bad costume drama in places. There's a scene where a family of semi-literate mill-workers pause to discuss the economic effects of the Corn Laws in some detail, mostly for the audience's benefit, while another scene arguably recycles a Monty Python gag. Casting someone from Blackadder as the Prince Regent was probably a misstep, too.
Still, it all reeks with conviction and moral outrage, and in the end the Peterloo massacre itself is staged quite well - though I still think it could have been handled slightly more cinematically. This is the movie equivalent of someone who hands out the Socialist Worker in the street: the intentions are so laudable that you kind of feel obliged to indulge the earnest lack of self-awareness. Looks quite good too.
Not quite as punishingly didactic as it sounds, but this may not have been intentional: what may also have been an accident is how close the film frequently comes to being actually quite funny. There are some spectacular wigs and hats, startling accents, and very broad performances from most of the cast - it almost feels like a parody of a bad costume drama in places. There's a scene where a family of semi-literate mill-workers pause to discuss the economic effects of the Corn Laws in some detail, mostly for the audience's benefit, while another scene arguably recycles a Monty Python gag. Casting someone from Blackadder as the Prince Regent was probably a misstep, too.
Still, it all reeks with conviction and moral outrage, and in the end the Peterloo massacre itself is staged quite well - though I still think it could have been handled slightly more cinematically. This is the movie equivalent of someone who hands out the Socialist Worker in the street: the intentions are so laudable that you kind of feel obliged to indulge the earnest lack of self-awareness. Looks quite good too.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Night Shadows: Queer Horror in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I found this book whilst browsing the shelves at my local library, the front cover intrigued me and the genre even more so. I love horror novels and when I noticed that this had a LGBT theme I thought 'how brilliant!', I didn't hesitate to pick this up. Once I got the book home I decided to look up some reviews and noticed that the majority were 4 and 5 stars...I was excited as I thought I had found a gem. Well...I'm the minority.
Me whilst reading <i>Night Shadows</i>...
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/qh14c.gif"; width="320" height="160"/>
I was so disappointed and really thought I must have missed something due to all of the glowing reviews but I only liked 4 out of the 14 stories. My favourite was definitely <i>'Ordinary Mayhem'</i> which was the longest story in the book. I thought it was gripping, gruesome and positively twisted. Unfortunately I couldn't give this book any more than 2 stars because as a collection this was pretty poor. I don't recommend purchasing this book. As far as I know <i>'Ordinary Mayhem'</i> is being released as a full length novel so I highly recommend just waiting for that (I wish I did).
I found the majority of the stories either confusing, repetitive, dry or just plain pointless to be honest...the ones that were a couple of pages in length just had me sighing in frustration.
This, for me, would not be a re-read.
Me whilst reading <i>Night Shadows</i>...
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/qh14c.gif"; width="320" height="160"/>
I was so disappointed and really thought I must have missed something due to all of the glowing reviews but I only liked 4 out of the 14 stories. My favourite was definitely <i>'Ordinary Mayhem'</i> which was the longest story in the book. I thought it was gripping, gruesome and positively twisted. Unfortunately I couldn't give this book any more than 2 stars because as a collection this was pretty poor. I don't recommend purchasing this book. As far as I know <i>'Ordinary Mayhem'</i> is being released as a full length novel so I highly recommend just waiting for that (I wish I did).
I found the majority of the stories either confusing, repetitive, dry or just plain pointless to be honest...the ones that were a couple of pages in length just had me sighing in frustration.
This, for me, would not be a re-read.
Merissa (13378 KP) rated Shifter Woods: Snarl (Esposito County Shifters #3) in Books
Nov 21, 2018
Shifter Woods: Snarl (Esposito County Shifters #3) by Nicola M. Cameron
Shifter Woods: Snarl is the third novella in the Esposito County Shifters series, and this time we are at the snow resort at Cougar Ridge. As you might expect, there are plenty of cougar shifters around, including Commander Robert Chandler, and his daughter, Kate. When a down-on-his-luck Alpha turns up, citing an offer the Commander had made for him, Kate is willing to give him a chance. He fits in with their life easily enough, but Kate wants more.
I loved how this story progressed. The instant 'Mate' bond is there for Jack, but I loved how it was different for Kate being as she had anosmia. Jack has his morals, but is prepared to bend them to get what he wants. Of course, when he realises the Commander gave him a loophole right at the start, well, that was just downright funny!
With fast pacing, character cameos, and very smooth though, this story transitioned without any hitches from one scene to another. There were also no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. With a full story that is hot and steamy in places packed within the pages, this is sure to delight. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved how this story progressed. The instant 'Mate' bond is there for Jack, but I loved how it was different for Kate being as she had anosmia. Jack has his morals, but is prepared to bend them to get what he wants. Of course, when he realises the Commander gave him a loophole right at the start, well, that was just downright funny!
With fast pacing, character cameos, and very smooth though, this story transitioned without any hitches from one scene to another. There were also no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. With a full story that is hot and steamy in places packed within the pages, this is sure to delight. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Carma (21 KP) rated Hard Riding Cowboy (Gold Valley, #2.5) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Lauren Bishop tried to stay away from moving back home to Gold Valley after her husband died. But she realized she needed the stability for her 2 daughters that moving home brought. She never expected to see someone from her past and have him stir up feelings she thought deeply buried.
Calder Reid had a crush on Lauren since she walked into his house to babysit him when he was a pre-teen. She was only about 5 years older than him but he didn't care then and doesn't care now. When he sees her again after all these years he's equally as smitten.
Lauren can't believe this hot stud is the kid she used to babysit. Talk about feeling even older than she already does. When he offers his help at renovations to the house she is trying to buy she should say no but her mouth says yes.
Calder knows Lauren has issues with him being younger, as well as her daughters best interests at heart but he lets her know straight out that he wants to be with her. He doesn't have time for sugar coating and lays his cards on the table. Will she accept what he has to offer?
A cute quick novella with lots of steam, life choices and kids that always know way more than parents give them credit for. I received a copy without expection for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Of course another great read from Maisey Yates, I would expect nothing less.
Calder Reid had a crush on Lauren since she walked into his house to babysit him when he was a pre-teen. She was only about 5 years older than him but he didn't care then and doesn't care now. When he sees her again after all these years he's equally as smitten.
Lauren can't believe this hot stud is the kid she used to babysit. Talk about feeling even older than she already does. When he offers his help at renovations to the house she is trying to buy she should say no but her mouth says yes.
Calder knows Lauren has issues with him being younger, as well as her daughters best interests at heart but he lets her know straight out that he wants to be with her. He doesn't have time for sugar coating and lays his cards on the table. Will she accept what he has to offer?
A cute quick novella with lots of steam, life choices and kids that always know way more than parents give them credit for. I received a copy without expection for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Of course another great read from Maisey Yates, I would expect nothing less.
Sam Hill (23 KP) rated Carcassonne in Tabletop Games
Jun 20, 2019
Carcassone is one of the classics of board gaming and great for moving people away from the likes of Monopoly into proper board games.
The basic rules, pick a tile at random, place in a legal position and choose to place a needle, is simple enough that people who do not board game regularly are able to get comfortable quickly with the game. Its simplicity also means that a younger audience is able to readily partake in the game, making decisions on their own, and still have a chance of doing reasonably well.
There is little in the way of language in the game, other than being able to read the score chart everything is pictorial, so this also opens it to playing with people who are too young to read, or speak other languages without buying another copy.
If you're looking for an in depth Euro game however this will not help. There is little in the way of long term strategy, and the tile you pick is random - as a major factor of what you do with your turn this constricts long term planning.
To sum up this is a great game if you are putting it in front of the right audience, or want a simple game to chill out with a beer with, but don't expect such a positive reaction from everyone.
The basic rules, pick a tile at random, place in a legal position and choose to place a needle, is simple enough that people who do not board game regularly are able to get comfortable quickly with the game. Its simplicity also means that a younger audience is able to readily partake in the game, making decisions on their own, and still have a chance of doing reasonably well.
There is little in the way of language in the game, other than being able to read the score chart everything is pictorial, so this also opens it to playing with people who are too young to read, or speak other languages without buying another copy.
If you're looking for an in depth Euro game however this will not help. There is little in the way of long term strategy, and the tile you pick is random - as a major factor of what you do with your turn this constricts long term planning.
To sum up this is a great game if you are putting it in front of the right audience, or want a simple game to chill out with a beer with, but don't expect such a positive reaction from everyone.