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Merissa (13149 KP) rated Raene and the Three Bears in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Raene and the Three Bears is the second book in The Alder Tales by R.S. McCoy, and is a fantastic addition to the series. Whilst being a complete story (for Raene), you also hear how Blossom and Kaide are getting on, so I would say that you HAVE to read book 1 first. The only question I have is why wouldn't you?!
As part of the agreement for Blossom to go with Kaide, Raene has to go to the Bear Clan. However, Kaide made sure that the choice of her husband would be Raene's. Out of the three brothers, one is already married, but Raene still has the choice, as explained by Da.
O.M.G!!! Seriously, every book by R.S. McCoy should come with a kindle warning as I don't think my kindle will survive! This is the second time I've been absolutely entranced in this series, devouring every word, every page; completely engrossed and invested in the story.
I won't give out any spoilers, and I won't even mention the hints about who the 'stars' of the next book and what I think their story might be. All I will say, is that this book is exceptionally well written, with a clear and concise political structure (as far as anything political can be). The world building as a whole, with the different ways of living for each 'branch', is amazing. The characters continue to keep me on the edge of my seat, as they grow and become more than expected.
I really can't recommend this book, or the series, highly enough. Simply stunning, and I can't wait to continue with this series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
As part of the agreement for Blossom to go with Kaide, Raene has to go to the Bear Clan. However, Kaide made sure that the choice of her husband would be Raene's. Out of the three brothers, one is already married, but Raene still has the choice, as explained by Da.
O.M.G!!! Seriously, every book by R.S. McCoy should come with a kindle warning as I don't think my kindle will survive! This is the second time I've been absolutely entranced in this series, devouring every word, every page; completely engrossed and invested in the story.
I won't give out any spoilers, and I won't even mention the hints about who the 'stars' of the next book and what I think their story might be. All I will say, is that this book is exceptionally well written, with a clear and concise political structure (as far as anything political can be). The world building as a whole, with the different ways of living for each 'branch', is amazing. The characters continue to keep me on the edge of my seat, as they grow and become more than expected.
I really can't recommend this book, or the series, highly enough. Simply stunning, and I can't wait to continue with this series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13149 KP) rated Fight for Me (Captivated, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Fight For Me continues with Kat and Gabriel. They were given a choice of whether to move to a hybrid compound which they could never leave, or stay in the 'real' world where they would be constantly looking over their shoulders. Before they can make the decision for themselves, the choice is taken away from them with the knowledge that Liliana (Iris' sister) is now after them. It's not just them that go though, but Sarah, Dawson, Piper, and co. Things are certainly different in the compound and Kat has to face up to some things being different than what she is used to.
This book is more in one place that Captivate Me which just makes it more intense as the drama is concentrated into one space. Kat and Gabe have been through so much, and it hasn't ended yet as Dawson plants a seed of doubt in Kat's mind. Gabe doesn't help his situation by disappearing, although he doesn't actually know what Kat has been told. This just reinforces the notion that actions can be taken the wrong way, even if they are innocent, if trust is an issue and doubts have been raised.
I won't give anything away about anything else in the story, but suffice it to say, things are not as they seem. Full of drama and suspense, Fight For Me is a wonderful addition to the Captivated series. Extremely well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this was an amazing read and I can't wait to continue with this series.
* I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is more in one place that Captivate Me which just makes it more intense as the drama is concentrated into one space. Kat and Gabe have been through so much, and it hasn't ended yet as Dawson plants a seed of doubt in Kat's mind. Gabe doesn't help his situation by disappearing, although he doesn't actually know what Kat has been told. This just reinforces the notion that actions can be taken the wrong way, even if they are innocent, if trust is an issue and doubts have been raised.
I won't give anything away about anything else in the story, but suffice it to say, things are not as they seem. Full of drama and suspense, Fight For Me is a wonderful addition to the Captivated series. Extremely well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this was an amazing read and I can't wait to continue with this series.
* I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated First Reformed (2018) in Movies
Jul 6, 2019
Emotionless emotion takes its toll
Father Toller is a troubled man. Every day his convictions are being tested in the world all around him. His marriage failed due to the death of a child. A couple comes to him for help only to have that end in tragedy. The 250th anniversary of his home base church is coming up bringing with it all sorts of planning and the forced inclusion of one of the sponsors; a large company who is a leading contributor of pollution to the Earth. Then, his health deteriorates and he won't let others in to help or console him.
How can he stand by and let these things happen? He sits in on group therapy sessions at the church and is confronted by those who don't believe or are conflicted by what they see happening around them as well.
He is approached by a grieving woman and is torn by his own emotional reactions to her and her needs.
First Reformed is a character study of this troubled, religious man and his actions and reactions to his crumbling encounters with the world. He wants to say more, but feels he can't while staying true to his convictions.
Ethan Hawke has a great resume and is performance here is breathtaking and should've received at least an Oscar nomination. It seems he is often overlooked and has given great performances for years in films like Training Day, Dead Poets Society and Alive. His role here is complex and I would imagine difficult to portray someone who has to lead a muffled existence.
I am still digesting the ending of the film, so I am not sure how I feel about that yet.
Ask me again in a couple days. Unique for sure.
How can he stand by and let these things happen? He sits in on group therapy sessions at the church and is confronted by those who don't believe or are conflicted by what they see happening around them as well.
He is approached by a grieving woman and is torn by his own emotional reactions to her and her needs.
First Reformed is a character study of this troubled, religious man and his actions and reactions to his crumbling encounters with the world. He wants to say more, but feels he can't while staying true to his convictions.
Ethan Hawke has a great resume and is performance here is breathtaking and should've received at least an Oscar nomination. It seems he is often overlooked and has given great performances for years in films like Training Day, Dead Poets Society and Alive. His role here is complex and I would imagine difficult to portray someone who has to lead a muffled existence.
I am still digesting the ending of the film, so I am not sure how I feel about that yet.
Ask me again in a couple days. Unique for sure.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Lighthouse (2019) in Movies
Nov 3, 2019
What the eff was that?
MINOR SPOILERS ONLY!!!!
I am trying to recall a time recently I left the theatre (I also don't go much any more) as bewildered as I did after watching The Lighthouse? My thought of comparing to Mother! would probably be the most appropriate. There is a lot of symbolism which I didn't really get right away or even events and characters which could be interpreted in different ways or having different points of view. I am sure I continue to digest the film over the next few days and remember details I cannot recall or am able to discuss here.
The film had such a unique look not only being black and white (although the white in the theatre I watched it in was more of a subtle yellow color)but also the aspect ratio was only 1.19:1 while most modern films are around 1:85:1 meaning this movie appeared as an almost perfect square. Much of the film was also dark, scratchy or whitewashed making it really appear as if you were watching a silent film or early "talkie".
Like writer/director Robert Eggers' freshman film and my recent 1st time watch, The Witch, I did find some of the dialect hard to follow at times (for The Witch, I actually turned the subtitles on). This is not a criticism, I was just concerned while watching I was going to miss some important plot point and since I was at the theatre, I couldn't stop and rewind it.
I can't say too much about the plot or even what the symbolism might be; however, I would love to discuss with anyone after viewing so let me know what you think as well.
Really loved it!
I am trying to recall a time recently I left the theatre (I also don't go much any more) as bewildered as I did after watching The Lighthouse? My thought of comparing to Mother! would probably be the most appropriate. There is a lot of symbolism which I didn't really get right away or even events and characters which could be interpreted in different ways or having different points of view. I am sure I continue to digest the film over the next few days and remember details I cannot recall or am able to discuss here.
The film had such a unique look not only being black and white (although the white in the theatre I watched it in was more of a subtle yellow color)but also the aspect ratio was only 1.19:1 while most modern films are around 1:85:1 meaning this movie appeared as an almost perfect square. Much of the film was also dark, scratchy or whitewashed making it really appear as if you were watching a silent film or early "talkie".
Like writer/director Robert Eggers' freshman film and my recent 1st time watch, The Witch, I did find some of the dialect hard to follow at times (for The Witch, I actually turned the subtitles on). This is not a criticism, I was just concerned while watching I was going to miss some important plot point and since I was at the theatre, I couldn't stop and rewind it.
I can't say too much about the plot or even what the symbolism might be; however, I would love to discuss with anyone after viewing so let me know what you think as well.
Really loved it!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Bride of Chucky (1998) in Movies
Nov 6, 2019
One of those 'guilty pleasures' you here so much about
Bride of Chucky is a prime example of what Horror films were like in the aftermath of Scream.
Ditching the straight up horror path of the first couple of movies for a silly, self aware, and often humorous movie.
Quite simply, Bride of Chucky is trashy nonsense. It knows it too, and just about walks into 'so bad , it's good' territory.
Chucky has been promoted from villain to main character, and for the most part, it's pretty enjoyable. Brad Dourif works wonders with a cheesy script, dragging Chucky into a post Scream horror landscape, and creating more of an antihero that gained propularity pretty quickly.
Props to Jennifer Tilly as well for going along with the silliness with enthusiasm.
The main issue with Bride of Chucky is the protagonists were supposed to be rooting for. Nick Stabile and a young Katherine Heigl play a young couple taken hostage by Chucky, and I think they are definitely in the running for the most brain dead characters I've ever seen in a horror.
Most importantly, there is not a single atom within my being that gives the slightest shit about them, or their completely uninteresting eloping side story.
It very nearly stops the movie dead in it's tracks, but thankfully, any scenes that involve Chucky and Tiffany (which is often) is entertaining enough to make the film watchable.
The story is nonsense though, make no mistake.
The animatronic work on Chucky and Tiffany is genuinely impressive, and an obvious step up from the first trilogy. Chucky's design is also genuinely horrific.
Overall, Bride of Chucky is an un-scary, silly and cheesy experience, but it has some fun moments and is one of those horror films that I will probably watch until the end every time I see it on TV 😂
Ditching the straight up horror path of the first couple of movies for a silly, self aware, and often humorous movie.
Quite simply, Bride of Chucky is trashy nonsense. It knows it too, and just about walks into 'so bad , it's good' territory.
Chucky has been promoted from villain to main character, and for the most part, it's pretty enjoyable. Brad Dourif works wonders with a cheesy script, dragging Chucky into a post Scream horror landscape, and creating more of an antihero that gained propularity pretty quickly.
Props to Jennifer Tilly as well for going along with the silliness with enthusiasm.
The main issue with Bride of Chucky is the protagonists were supposed to be rooting for. Nick Stabile and a young Katherine Heigl play a young couple taken hostage by Chucky, and I think they are definitely in the running for the most brain dead characters I've ever seen in a horror.
Most importantly, there is not a single atom within my being that gives the slightest shit about them, or their completely uninteresting eloping side story.
It very nearly stops the movie dead in it's tracks, but thankfully, any scenes that involve Chucky and Tiffany (which is often) is entertaining enough to make the film watchable.
The story is nonsense though, make no mistake.
The animatronic work on Chucky and Tiffany is genuinely impressive, and an obvious step up from the first trilogy. Chucky's design is also genuinely horrific.
Overall, Bride of Chucky is an un-scary, silly and cheesy experience, but it has some fun moments and is one of those horror films that I will probably watch until the end every time I see it on TV 😂
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated A Poison Tree in Books
Nov 8, 2019
David Braddock has a happy home life and a successful business he enjoys running. When he runs into occasional acquaintance Jim Fosse in a bar, things begin to change. Jim makes him a surprising offer: kill my wife and I'll kill yours. David has no reason to kill his wife and is appalled at the offer. But then his life begins to slowly fall apart both at home and at work. Perhaps Jim Fosse's suggestion wasn't as outlandish as it first appeared?
As his life spirals out of any of his control, David struggles to come to terms with the reality of his situation. But what is real and what is just a figment of his imagination, grown from a malicious poisonous seed?
This is a fantastic read, if at times pretty bleak. It shows how what appears on the surface to be a stable lifestyle is only held up by the slimmest of supports and these can easily be removed. Throughout all of the main plot following David's fall, some of it from external factors, some of it very much of his own making, there are several twists which take the story in a new directions, some of which are like emotional hammer blows, others are reveals that are obvious in hindsight.
Despite the dark tone of the story Dolan's light touch keeps things moving along preventing the flow from getting anywhere near being described as 'harrowing'. Characters and dialogue are very well handled and there is a natural pace that draws the reader on, even if they are unsure if they want to find out what happens next.
An interesting read and a recommended one for anyone who appreciates realistic characters and plotting.
As his life spirals out of any of his control, David struggles to come to terms with the reality of his situation. But what is real and what is just a figment of his imagination, grown from a malicious poisonous seed?
This is a fantastic read, if at times pretty bleak. It shows how what appears on the surface to be a stable lifestyle is only held up by the slimmest of supports and these can easily be removed. Throughout all of the main plot following David's fall, some of it from external factors, some of it very much of his own making, there are several twists which take the story in a new directions, some of which are like emotional hammer blows, others are reveals that are obvious in hindsight.
Despite the dark tone of the story Dolan's light touch keeps things moving along preventing the flow from getting anywhere near being described as 'harrowing'. Characters and dialogue are very well handled and there is a natural pace that draws the reader on, even if they are unsure if they want to find out what happens next.
An interesting read and a recommended one for anyone who appreciates realistic characters and plotting.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Hidden Face (Fifth Unmasking #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2019
After a period where it became quite tired and unimaginative, fantasy writing over the last decade or so become a good vehicle for interesting story telling. The Hidden Face is no exception for this, being in the epic fantasy mould but with some fresh ideas thrown in.
The premise is that every few hundred years the god Akhen manifests in human form and reveals (unmasks) itself, resulting in a huge shift in the balance of power between nations. If someone could know ahead of time who was the vessel for Akhen then whoever controlled them would wield enormous power. And there are certain parties who want that power at all costs.
Standing in their way are Dayraven, former hostage and son of a famous hero, and Sunniva, daughter of a scholar and archaeologist. Between them they must solve scattered clues and prevent their enemies discovering the secrets that they know.
There is a lot that is conventional here, but there are some nice twists that avoid the usual fantasy cliches. It is also refreshing for there not to be some all pervading evil that must be defeated. Here the simple lust for power is enough to create entirely suitable adversaries. Also there a lot of factions, all with their own motives and allies, some of which change of the course of the book.
The writing is strong, with some great characters. Special mention must go to The Twister, one of the most interesting personalities I've come across with his own internal logic for his often bizarre actions.
A terrific start to a new fantasy series that looks to be something well worth reading. There are certainly plenty of mysteries still to be revealed in this fascinating world.
The premise is that every few hundred years the god Akhen manifests in human form and reveals (unmasks) itself, resulting in a huge shift in the balance of power between nations. If someone could know ahead of time who was the vessel for Akhen then whoever controlled them would wield enormous power. And there are certain parties who want that power at all costs.
Standing in their way are Dayraven, former hostage and son of a famous hero, and Sunniva, daughter of a scholar and archaeologist. Between them they must solve scattered clues and prevent their enemies discovering the secrets that they know.
There is a lot that is conventional here, but there are some nice twists that avoid the usual fantasy cliches. It is also refreshing for there not to be some all pervading evil that must be defeated. Here the simple lust for power is enough to create entirely suitable adversaries. Also there a lot of factions, all with their own motives and allies, some of which change of the course of the book.
The writing is strong, with some great characters. Special mention must go to The Twister, one of the most interesting personalities I've come across with his own internal logic for his often bizarre actions.
A terrific start to a new fantasy series that looks to be something well worth reading. There are certainly plenty of mysteries still to be revealed in this fascinating world.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) in Movies
Nov 19, 2019 (Updated Nov 20, 2019)
Drunk Johnny Part 1
Yo-Ho, what do you get when you based you movie off of a disney ride, a great movie. Yes you read the correctly, this movie is based off of the ride at disney. So how does a 20-30 minute ride turn into a 2h and 20min movie, well you expand it. Expand it and make it have a great plot, good charcters, a great villian and a drunking Johnny Depp or Johnny Depp playing pirate Keith Richards.
The Plot: Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) arrives at Port Royal in the Caribbean without a ship or crew. His timing is inopportune, however, because later that evening the town is besieged by a pirate ship. The pirates kidnap the governor's daughter, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), who's in possession of a valuable coin that is linked to a curse that has transformed the pirates into the undead. A gallant blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) in love with Elizabeth allies with Sparrow in pursuit of the pirates.
It was also significant in being the first film released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner to be rated PG-13 by the MPAA.
The film spun off four sequels, with the latest sequel released in 2017. The first two were back-to-back sequels in 2006 and 2007, Dead Man's Chest and At World's End, respectively. The third sequel, On Stranger Tides, was released in 2011. The fourth sequel, Dead Men Tell No Tales, was slated to begin production in October 2014 for a summer 2016 release, but was eventually delayed to May 2017. It was directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg. While none of the sequels matched the critical acclaim of the first film, they were still box office successes nevertheless.
It is a classic movie, it has comedy, action, adventure and most importanly pirates.
The Plot: Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) arrives at Port Royal in the Caribbean without a ship or crew. His timing is inopportune, however, because later that evening the town is besieged by a pirate ship. The pirates kidnap the governor's daughter, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), who's in possession of a valuable coin that is linked to a curse that has transformed the pirates into the undead. A gallant blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) in love with Elizabeth allies with Sparrow in pursuit of the pirates.
It was also significant in being the first film released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner to be rated PG-13 by the MPAA.
The film spun off four sequels, with the latest sequel released in 2017. The first two were back-to-back sequels in 2006 and 2007, Dead Man's Chest and At World's End, respectively. The third sequel, On Stranger Tides, was released in 2011. The fourth sequel, Dead Men Tell No Tales, was slated to begin production in October 2014 for a summer 2016 release, but was eventually delayed to May 2017. It was directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg. While none of the sequels matched the critical acclaim of the first film, they were still box office successes nevertheless.
It is a classic movie, it has comedy, action, adventure and most importanly pirates.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2389 KP) rated Ghosts of Painting Past in Books
Nov 20, 2019
Uncovering the Past at Christmas
The house across the street from Rory is being torn down, so she is trying to drown out the sound of construction vehicles with Christmas carols when the sound suddenly stops. The crew has found bones buried under a building in the backyard. It isn’t long before the police have been able to identify the bones, but their identity puts Rory’s father in the role of suspect. Rory tries to help out with a variety of holiday events planned in the community, including finishing up her own ornaments to sell at the craft fair despite what is happening in town, but when a new body turns up, the stakes are raised. Can she figure out what happened in the past and how that is impacting the present?
Mysteries that involve the past can be great when there is a compelling reason for the characters to care about it today. That’s definitely the case here. Rory has a couple of reasons to make sure this case is wrapped up in time for Christmas, and she gets plenty of clues and red herrings to keep her guessing. The pace is fast, and the climax answers all our questions. The series’ tone is a bit darker overall, and that’s the case here again as well, but we do have some Christmas fun to help lighten the mood. I really enjoyed the fact that this book is set in Southern California, so, while we get plenty of holiday spirit, we do it without snow. I could relate. The main characters continue to grow, and the new characters are just as strong. With Christmas fast approaching, now is the perfect time to pick up this book.
Mysteries that involve the past can be great when there is a compelling reason for the characters to care about it today. That’s definitely the case here. Rory has a couple of reasons to make sure this case is wrapped up in time for Christmas, and she gets plenty of clues and red herrings to keep her guessing. The pace is fast, and the climax answers all our questions. The series’ tone is a bit darker overall, and that’s the case here again as well, but we do have some Christmas fun to help lighten the mood. I really enjoyed the fact that this book is set in Southern California, so, while we get plenty of holiday spirit, we do it without snow. I could relate. The main characters continue to grow, and the new characters are just as strong. With Christmas fast approaching, now is the perfect time to pick up this book.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Nightlife: New York (The Nightlife #1) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
When Aaron sees a beautiful woman being shaken down by two corrupt cops on the streets of New York he steps in to try to help her. But Michelle does not need his help and is well able to deal with the police. However in the fracas Aaron is accidentally shot and fatally wounded. Michelle feels guilty and feels she has to save his life the only way she can - by turning him into what she is. A vampire.
Michelle teaches Aaron about his superhuman powers and how he has to live now but there is trouble brewing as Aaron comes to terms with his new life, the control Michelle has over him and letting go his old existence, the two corrupt police officers are determined to track Michelle down and make her pay.
Along the way there is plenty of sex. Vampires have always been sexy and the recent romantic resurgence of vampires has only emphasised this. Luedke takes this one step further. Vampire bites induce sexual arousal in their victims and Michelle teaches Aaron to use this with care, except when they are together when they are able to withstand each other's bites.
It would have been easy for the sex scenes to overwhelm the book but Luedke manages to keep everything as an integral part of the plot which evolves neatly throughout the course of the book as the various plot strands come together.
There are some terrific action scenes too with the vampires' hightened abilities resulting in some sequences that reminded me of The Matrix complete with 'bullet time'.
So if you want your vampires sexy and powerful and your stories thrilling and full of action this is the story for you.
Rated: Scenes of sex and violence. Frequent swearing.
Michelle teaches Aaron about his superhuman powers and how he has to live now but there is trouble brewing as Aaron comes to terms with his new life, the control Michelle has over him and letting go his old existence, the two corrupt police officers are determined to track Michelle down and make her pay.
Along the way there is plenty of sex. Vampires have always been sexy and the recent romantic resurgence of vampires has only emphasised this. Luedke takes this one step further. Vampire bites induce sexual arousal in their victims and Michelle teaches Aaron to use this with care, except when they are together when they are able to withstand each other's bites.
It would have been easy for the sex scenes to overwhelm the book but Luedke manages to keep everything as an integral part of the plot which evolves neatly throughout the course of the book as the various plot strands come together.
There are some terrific action scenes too with the vampires' hightened abilities resulting in some sequences that reminded me of The Matrix complete with 'bullet time'.
So if you want your vampires sexy and powerful and your stories thrilling and full of action this is the story for you.
Rated: Scenes of sex and violence. Frequent swearing.