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Leah (: (569 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Books
Jul 8, 2018
Another great book in the series. As Harry, Ron and Hermione embark on their second year at Hogwarts there are more adventures to be had and mysteries to uncover. The character development continues, particularly for Ron who shows that he is definitely brave enough to be in Gryffindor by facing his biggest fear to help his friends. We are introduced to new characters, like Ginny the youngest Weasley, whilst still getting to know the other background characters who help make the story so special. JK Rowling artfully continues to tackle prejudice as witches and wizards with muggle parents are targeted by the mysterious Chamber of Secrets whilst also enduring name calling and bullying. Despite this the book is still lighthearted and utterly hilarious in places. 100% recommend it!!
Awix (3310 KP) rated In Fabric (2018) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019 (Updated Aug 9, 2019)
Playfully bonkers British comedy-horror, which plays rather like a mash-up of Mike Leigh and Dario Argento, as pastiched by the League of Gentlemen. A woman makes the mistake of buying a cursed dress (from a department store which appears to be run by witches) and finds herself assailed by increasingly bizarre events.
A knowingly silly homage to various seventies horror movies, but done with great style and deftness - the movie shifts from absurd comedy to something with genuine pathos to a sequence of the utmost weirdness and back again, barely putting a foot wrong. The pseudo-portmanteau style is a bit wrong-footing if you're not expecting it and the first segment of the film is certainly stronger than the rest, but this is a very funny and always interesting film.
A knowingly silly homage to various seventies horror movies, but done with great style and deftness - the movie shifts from absurd comedy to something with genuine pathos to a sequence of the utmost weirdness and back again, barely putting a foot wrong. The pseudo-portmanteau style is a bit wrong-footing if you're not expecting it and the first segment of the film is certainly stronger than the rest, but this is a very funny and always interesting film.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Power of Three (Charmed, #1) in Books
Jul 25, 2022
130 of 230
Book
The power of Three ( charmed book 1)
By Eliza Willard and Constance M. Burge
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The first in a new series about three gorgeous sisters who disover they are the most powerful of all witches. Prue, Piper and Phoebe Halliwell didn't think reading a mgical incantation would work, but now Prue can move things with her mind, Piper can freeze time and Phoebe can see into the future.
Oh this was like putting a warm blanket round myself. I love this series and until recently I didn’t know I could get the books. It’s never going to win awards but I loved it. I’m an emotional reviewer I always review on how a book makes me feel once it’s finished and what’s better then nostalgia on paper?!
Book
The power of Three ( charmed book 1)
By Eliza Willard and Constance M. Burge
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The first in a new series about three gorgeous sisters who disover they are the most powerful of all witches. Prue, Piper and Phoebe Halliwell didn't think reading a mgical incantation would work, but now Prue can move things with her mind, Piper can freeze time and Phoebe can see into the future.
Oh this was like putting a warm blanket round myself. I love this series and until recently I didn’t know I could get the books. It’s never going to win awards but I loved it. I’m an emotional reviewer I always review on how a book makes me feel once it’s finished and what’s better then nostalgia on paper?!
David McK (3562 KP) rated Sourcery: Discworld: The Unseen University Collection in Books
Nov 27, 2022
One of the earliest Discworld (#5) books by the late, great, Sir Terry Pratchett, and it shows.
At this point the series was still very much in its infancy; very much still a parody of classic 'Sword and Sorcery' (especially where Rincewind is concerned) instead of the exploration of the human character it would later become.
Everybody has their own favourite 'subseries' of Discworld novels - The Witches, Stand-alones, Industrial Revolution, City Guards, Death - for me, personally, the Rincewind series has also fallen towards the bottom of that ranking (although they do get better around about the time of Interesting Times).
Having said that, it's still interesting to see the beginnings of Pratchett's evolution of the Discworld here - like any great symphony, they all need to start somewhere!
At this point the series was still very much in its infancy; very much still a parody of classic 'Sword and Sorcery' (especially where Rincewind is concerned) instead of the exploration of the human character it would later become.
Everybody has their own favourite 'subseries' of Discworld novels - The Witches, Stand-alones, Industrial Revolution, City Guards, Death - for me, personally, the Rincewind series has also fallen towards the bottom of that ranking (although they do get better around about the time of Interesting Times).
Having said that, it's still interesting to see the beginnings of Pratchett's evolution of the Discworld here - like any great symphony, they all need to start somewhere!
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated The Nephilim's Fate (War of the Nephilim #1) in Books
Oct 27, 2024
There is much misinformation passed down!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book .
This is, according to some sites, the author's FIRST book. And OOOOEEEE, did she NAIL it!!
BUT! Cliffhanger, people, of the most EPIC proportions, and I did not see it coming, and I am NOT happy!!
She’s a witch, he’s a Nephilim – and a simple kiss could kill them both. That is the tag line for this book, and it is perfect!
Nate is Nephilim, and all he knows is that witches would kill him, if they got intimate. Alissia thinks she is human, but actually, she's one of those deadly witches. But she's also a scientist, and after research by them both, she comes to the conclusion: it's a load of hooohaa, and then gets down and dirty with Nate! But there are forces trying to keep them apart, and Alissia will have a difficult decision to make.
I really REALLY liked this, not quite loving it, but mostly cos of that cliffhanger! Both Alissia and Nate get a say, so that made me happy, cos I do like to hear from the important people in a story.
It's dark and deadly: there is violence here, and it is graphic, but I think it's needed, to get the point across. It's steamy and smexy: explicit scenes from that very first page! If you follow my reviews, you'll know I do prefer my books on the smexy side, but I don't think I've read another book, where it starts right on the first page! I loved that, while it is explicit, that first scene is actually a dream and neither Nate nor Alissia knew the face of the person they were dreaming about!
There is much misinformation passed down, from both the witches and the Nephilim. Getting to the bottom of it took some time, and I do think that I might have got a *bit* lost with it, somewhere, but it all came to make sense.
I loved that Nate wanted to question his superior when it came to the child they rescued, a Nephilim child. I do hope he gets his way on that one!
So, the cliffhanger came out of nowhere, mostly because I wasn't paying attention to the time left in the book and I am NOT happy about it!!
I have just ONE burning question: when can I get my hand on book 2??
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is, according to some sites, the author's FIRST book. And OOOOEEEE, did she NAIL it!!
BUT! Cliffhanger, people, of the most EPIC proportions, and I did not see it coming, and I am NOT happy!!
She’s a witch, he’s a Nephilim – and a simple kiss could kill them both. That is the tag line for this book, and it is perfect!
Nate is Nephilim, and all he knows is that witches would kill him, if they got intimate. Alissia thinks she is human, but actually, she's one of those deadly witches. But she's also a scientist, and after research by them both, she comes to the conclusion: it's a load of hooohaa, and then gets down and dirty with Nate! But there are forces trying to keep them apart, and Alissia will have a difficult decision to make.
I really REALLY liked this, not quite loving it, but mostly cos of that cliffhanger! Both Alissia and Nate get a say, so that made me happy, cos I do like to hear from the important people in a story.
It's dark and deadly: there is violence here, and it is graphic, but I think it's needed, to get the point across. It's steamy and smexy: explicit scenes from that very first page! If you follow my reviews, you'll know I do prefer my books on the smexy side, but I don't think I've read another book, where it starts right on the first page! I loved that, while it is explicit, that first scene is actually a dream and neither Nate nor Alissia knew the face of the person they were dreaming about!
There is much misinformation passed down, from both the witches and the Nephilim. Getting to the bottom of it took some time, and I do think that I might have got a *bit* lost with it, somewhere, but it all came to make sense.
I loved that Nate wanted to question his superior when it came to the child they rescued, a Nephilim child. I do hope he gets his way on that one!
So, the cliffhanger came out of nowhere, mostly because I wasn't paying attention to the time left in the book and I am NOT happy about it!!
I have just ONE burning question: when can I get my hand on book 2??
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sarah (7800 KP) rated A Discovery of Witches - Season 1 in TV
Nov 11, 2018
Dull and cringeworthy
I knew after the first couple of episodes that this series wasn’t for me, but I persevered in the hope it might get better as it went along. Sadly it doesn’t.
The main problem is that witches, vampires etc have all been done before. And most have been done better than this. The vampires are all moody and gloomy looking dressed in black, and all of the different creatures show no potential whatsoever. The witches exhibit some powers but nothing particularly impressive, the vampires don’t do much either and the demons do absolutely nothing and don’t show any powers or supernatural abilities whatsoever. For the most part, this is just a romance with a supernatural backdrop thrown in. And even the romance aspect isn’t very good - this stinks of a slightly more adult version of Twilight. It’s cheesy, cringey and moves so quickly it beggars belief.
There are some talented actors in this, but sadly the script and the plot really lets them down. Matthew Goode’s attempts at making his vampire snarling, bloodthirsty and terrifying are laughable. The only person who really pulls off any menace is Trevor Eve but he’s sidelined in favour of more irritating characters. Even Teresa Palmer doesn’t come across well, playing so much like Bella from Twilight it’s disturbing.
The show itself is very scenic and beautifully shot, unsurprising considering some of the locations like Oxford and Venice. It’s just a shame that i found it very dull and laughable (not in a good way). I also found the cliffhanger ending disappointing, as the likelihood of me ever bothering to watch another series is slim. I only just made it through these 8 episodes.
The main problem is that witches, vampires etc have all been done before. And most have been done better than this. The vampires are all moody and gloomy looking dressed in black, and all of the different creatures show no potential whatsoever. The witches exhibit some powers but nothing particularly impressive, the vampires don’t do much either and the demons do absolutely nothing and don’t show any powers or supernatural abilities whatsoever. For the most part, this is just a romance with a supernatural backdrop thrown in. And even the romance aspect isn’t very good - this stinks of a slightly more adult version of Twilight. It’s cheesy, cringey and moves so quickly it beggars belief.
There are some talented actors in this, but sadly the script and the plot really lets them down. Matthew Goode’s attempts at making his vampire snarling, bloodthirsty and terrifying are laughable. The only person who really pulls off any menace is Trevor Eve but he’s sidelined in favour of more irritating characters. Even Teresa Palmer doesn’t come across well, playing so much like Bella from Twilight it’s disturbing.
The show itself is very scenic and beautifully shot, unsurprising considering some of the locations like Oxford and Venice. It’s just a shame that i found it very dull and laughable (not in a good way). I also found the cliffhanger ending disappointing, as the likelihood of me ever bothering to watch another series is slim. I only just made it through these 8 episodes.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Curses and Chaos (Arcane Souls World: The Lost Witch #1) in Books
May 30, 2023
CURSES AND CHAOS is the first book in The Lost Witch series, which is a spin-off from The Wrong Witch. I would suggest you do read that series as this one runs concurrently with the last book in that series but from the perspective of Fiona and Theo. Personally, I loved that as I got to see the events through different eyes.
Anyway, back to this one. Fiona is the best friend of Wren and will do anything to get her back from the Fae Realm, including killing twelve witches. Theo is the older brother of Nico, Wren's husband, and Second to the Alpha of the Acosta Pack. Theo has his issues with witches and doesn't hide them. Fiona knows he hates her and accepts it; she's got bigger things on her mind.
I am so glad Fiona got her story told, even if this is just the beginning! I loved how Theo and Fiona's relationship changed without them both fully realising it. And one thing I absolutely adored? There is no "I love you's" in this book! Oh, don't get me wrong, the possessiveness of the wolf is all there, but their relationship will need longer than one book to reach that stage! I'm all over that. I can't wait to see what comes next and how they react to it.
Fiona is sweetness and spice with a whole lot of sass. Theo is Mr Grumpy Pants (with reason) with a darkness that suits Fiona. I love this pair and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this brilliant start to their story.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 29, 2023
Anyway, back to this one. Fiona is the best friend of Wren and will do anything to get her back from the Fae Realm, including killing twelve witches. Theo is the older brother of Nico, Wren's husband, and Second to the Alpha of the Acosta Pack. Theo has his issues with witches and doesn't hide them. Fiona knows he hates her and accepts it; she's got bigger things on her mind.
I am so glad Fiona got her story told, even if this is just the beginning! I loved how Theo and Fiona's relationship changed without them both fully realising it. And one thing I absolutely adored? There is no "I love you's" in this book! Oh, don't get me wrong, the possessiveness of the wolf is all there, but their relationship will need longer than one book to reach that stage! I'm all over that. I can't wait to see what comes next and how they react to it.
Fiona is sweetness and spice with a whole lot of sass. Theo is Mr Grumpy Pants (with reason) with a darkness that suits Fiona. I love this pair and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this brilliant start to their story.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 29, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated MacDeath (An Ivy Meadows Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Ivy is hoping that landing the part of one of the witches in a local production of Macbeth will kick start her acting career. Instead, it lands her in danger when one of her costars dies on opening night. The police are quick to rule it an accidental case of alcohol poisoning, but Ivy is certain that Simon had stopped drinking. Can she find out what really happened to him?
This is a wonderful start to a series. Ivy is a great character, and there are enough quirks in the rest of the cast is make it fun. The plot is strong with great twists. The humor kept me smiling throughout as well. I can’t wait for more of Ivy’s adventures.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-macdeath-by-cindy-brown-ivy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a wonderful start to a series. Ivy is a great character, and there are enough quirks in the rest of the cast is make it fun. The plot is strong with great twists. The humor kept me smiling throughout as well. I can’t wait for more of Ivy’s adventures.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-macdeath-by-cindy-brown-ivy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Black Magic Sanction (The Hollows, #8) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I remember the earlier books as being more fun, but this one certainly was better written and it felt like it mattered more. Rachel has grown up, as have her friends. The stakes are higher now than they were in the first books, she's grown in power, and now she's going up against a coven of powerful white witches who are determined to see her stripped of her powers and permanently confined in a solitary prison for life - or some of them are.
Seeing Rachel try to figure out who she could trust and what her mistakes might cost the people she loves was touching. In earlier books she felt very young and fairly callow, and I really didn't care much for her. She's much more likable now, which surprised me. That speaks well for Harrison.
Seeing Rachel try to figure out who she could trust and what her mistakes might cost the people she loves was touching. In earlier books she felt very young and fairly callow, and I really didn't care much for her. She's much more likable now, which surprised me. That speaks well for Harrison.
Amy Christmas (171 KP) rated The Boneless Mercies in Books
Nov 9, 2018
Amazing writing style (2 more)
Really good plot
World building and exploration of said world
Well I expected something different but I'll take this
I loved this book. I got my hands on an arc copy and my god am I happy. From the blurb I expected some sort of girl power book which put me off a bit but there was no where near as mich as that as I thought. The plot didn't rely at all on a drive of proving girl power as the characters actually stood on their own and had their own motives and drives. I loved their journey through the lands and meeting the sea witches,I only wish there was more or a sequel but there's been no whispers of it and that severely upsets me.