Search
Search results
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Knights of Stone: Lachlan (Highland Gargoyles #2) in Books
Aug 23, 2017
Knights of Stone: Lachlan (Highland Gargoyles, #2)
Knights of Stone: Lachlan is the second book in the Highland Gargoyles series. Lachlan is the eldest of the brothers, and the alpha of their small clan left on the island. This book follows on from the ground-work done in Mason. The triad of Gargoyles, Tree Witches, and Wolves, are finally meeting on neutral ground to try and do what is best for the island as a whole, rather than just their group. Of course, it's not going to happen overnight, but any place needs a starting point. Things get interesting for Lachlan when he meets Raina, at the meeting in her capacity as Beta to the Wolves. The spark is there immediately for both of them, and they both deny it! Neither of them trust, or want, to be with the other. However working together gives them a different perspective on each other, and they are thrown in each other's direction.
This is a smoothly paced, action-packed novella in the Highland Gargoyles series, and we get to see more of the Wolf pack. This is a follow-on story, as it only happens because of Mason and Kayla. So I would definitely recommend that you read this in order. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a well-rounded book, with wonderful world-building and characters. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
This is a smoothly paced, action-packed novella in the Highland Gargoyles series, and we get to see more of the Wolf pack. This is a follow-on story, as it only happens because of Mason and Kayla. So I would definitely recommend that you read this in order. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a well-rounded book, with wonderful world-building and characters. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Shadow Reigns (Witch-Hunter, #2) in Books
May 22, 2019
The second part of the Witch-Hunter series.
The world has been thrown into darkness by the Shadow Witch's revolution. The witch-hunters are scattered, but still strong. The race is now on to gather allies and win the war.
New enemies will arise; loyalties will be pushed to the limit. And an important question will be answered: can a witch-hunter that practices magic ever be trusted, or will he be persecuted?
It is said that 'love conquers all', but this twisted love must stay secret, locked away with the past.
The Shadow Reigns is the sequel to book 1 The Shadow Rises in K.S. Marsdens the witch hunter trilogy.
In the second instalment of the Witch-Hunter trilogy we find the world dealing with the catastrophic aftermath of the witches revolution. The remaining witch-hunters and the army form an alliance to plot the downfall of the powerful Shadow Witch and her followers.
I really like what the author has done with the plot twists in this one.
Hunter is embracing his newly realized anti-magic abilities. Hunter and his companions are searching for MMC survivors.
I found this one witty but also gritty.
The characters are so engaging and can just picture them in my mind.
The story and plot so well done and kept me on the edge of my seat!
Loved also the descriptive imagery of the landscape and also the magic.
Such a wonderful book.
Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world has been thrown into darkness by the Shadow Witch's revolution. The witch-hunters are scattered, but still strong. The race is now on to gather allies and win the war.
New enemies will arise; loyalties will be pushed to the limit. And an important question will be answered: can a witch-hunter that practices magic ever be trusted, or will he be persecuted?
It is said that 'love conquers all', but this twisted love must stay secret, locked away with the past.
The Shadow Reigns is the sequel to book 1 The Shadow Rises in K.S. Marsdens the witch hunter trilogy.
In the second instalment of the Witch-Hunter trilogy we find the world dealing with the catastrophic aftermath of the witches revolution. The remaining witch-hunters and the army form an alliance to plot the downfall of the powerful Shadow Witch and her followers.
I really like what the author has done with the plot twists in this one.
Hunter is embracing his newly realized anti-magic abilities. Hunter and his companions are searching for MMC survivors.
I found this one witty but also gritty.
The characters are so engaging and can just picture them in my mind.
The story and plot so well done and kept me on the edge of my seat!
Loved also the descriptive imagery of the landscape and also the magic.
Such a wonderful book.
Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated Chilling Adventures of Sabrina in TV
May 23, 2019
Characters (3 more)
Eclectic range of actors and actresses
Humour
Horror
A not so chilling review
Contains spoilers, click to show
I resisted watching this show due to the whole hype about it, sometimes the hype is better than the actual TV show.
Giving myself a few months I began to watch it, and I was enchanted from the first episode.
The directors and actors/actresses do the TV Show justice, they are all fantastic and believable with wicked senses of humor.
I didn't expect this TV Series to have humor in from the responses I had received from people who had watched this before me, i was pleasantly surprised.
Jam packed full of adventure, horror and humor I really enjoyed watching this show. Watching the characters interact with one another and the relationships between them grow and change was very interesting to watch. SPOILERS - The one episode with the Sleep Demon was a very interesting episode to watch as it displayed each of the characters in a way that wouldn't have been possible any other way.
The only negative point that could be made is that it can be predictable and Sabrina just seems to look for trouble which on occasion can be a tiny bit annoying but the characters reactions usually make up for the annoyance.
I would say for anyone interested in the fantastical, mystical and an introduction to Witches to give this show a watch. It made me want to dye my hair back blonde, wear a head band and to paint my nails black! Definitely would recommend to anyone to watch.
Giving myself a few months I began to watch it, and I was enchanted from the first episode.
The directors and actors/actresses do the TV Show justice, they are all fantastic and believable with wicked senses of humor.
I didn't expect this TV Series to have humor in from the responses I had received from people who had watched this before me, i was pleasantly surprised.
Jam packed full of adventure, horror and humor I really enjoyed watching this show. Watching the characters interact with one another and the relationships between them grow and change was very interesting to watch. SPOILERS - The one episode with the Sleep Demon was a very interesting episode to watch as it displayed each of the characters in a way that wouldn't have been possible any other way.
The only negative point that could be made is that it can be predictable and Sabrina just seems to look for trouble which on occasion can be a tiny bit annoying but the characters reactions usually make up for the annoyance.
I would say for anyone interested in the fantastical, mystical and an introduction to Witches to give this show a watch. It made me want to dye my hair back blonde, wear a head band and to paint my nails black! Definitely would recommend to anyone to watch.
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - Part One in TV
Jun 8, 2019
As someone who grew up with the old Sabrina TV Show back as a teenager I didn't exactly have high hopes for this show.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how different and good this new adaptation is! It still keeps the small amount of humour with now more horror and sometimes gruesome imagery.
I am terrified of horror, but even I can cope with this amount of gore and horror without fleeing the room.
I particularly like with this version the different versions of Aunt Hilda and Aunt Zelda, the way they portray the differences in Witches from the dark and broody to the light and humorous. How you can be good but still grumpy. I love the introduction of Ambrose who keeps the series updated with humour and sass, he is probably one of my favourite characters in this show.
To have Salem as a certain type of familiar (no spoilers i swear) is an interesting touch and brings a new element to the show that the former was lacking. But it does also touch on Witch lore which keeps you interested and motivated into watching this series as it carries on.
The only bad (and not even that bad) thing I could mention is the fact sometimes Sabrina literally goes looking for trouble where she needn't. But that is a character flaw which makes her all the more human/Witch to the viewers. Even though it can be annoying, perhaps it's my age that is making me cynical, I can't dispute it's results in keeping the viewer engaged and interested.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how different and good this new adaptation is! It still keeps the small amount of humour with now more horror and sometimes gruesome imagery.
I am terrified of horror, but even I can cope with this amount of gore and horror without fleeing the room.
I particularly like with this version the different versions of Aunt Hilda and Aunt Zelda, the way they portray the differences in Witches from the dark and broody to the light and humorous. How you can be good but still grumpy. I love the introduction of Ambrose who keeps the series updated with humour and sass, he is probably one of my favourite characters in this show.
To have Salem as a certain type of familiar (no spoilers i swear) is an interesting touch and brings a new element to the show that the former was lacking. But it does also touch on Witch lore which keeps you interested and motivated into watching this series as it carries on.
The only bad (and not even that bad) thing I could mention is the fact sometimes Sabrina literally goes looking for trouble where she needn't. But that is a character flaw which makes her all the more human/Witch to the viewers. Even though it can be annoying, perhaps it's my age that is making me cynical, I can't dispute it's results in keeping the viewer engaged and interested.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Crimson Shore (Pendergast, #15) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I always look forward to a new Pendergast adventure, and was so excited to read this one! It started out as any mystery might - Agent Pendergast is hired to find out who broke into a lighthouse-turned-residence and made off with the owner's extensive wine collection. He wouldn't normally be bothered with anything so mundane, but there is a rare bottle of wine to be had if he can find the thieves.
I was pleased to see so much of Constance Greene in this installment. As frequently as she appears in the series, she is still something of an enigma, and I always enjoy learning more about her. When she and Pendergast arrive in Exmouth, MA, to investigate, it doesn't take long to realize that the break-in had to do with a lot more than simply theft. Pendergast soon finds himself investigating both a recent death and a very cold murder case.
Throughout the story we hear talk of an ancient colony of witches, and Constance is convinced that they play some part in the current goings-on in Exmouth, but Pendergast is not convinced. Even so, there is very little paranormal activity until near the end of the novel. I've come to expect (and enjoy) a paranormal element to this series. In this story, however, it felt "tacked-on", or forced. I didn't have a problem with what happened, it just felt like a bit of an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed this latest Pendergast novel, and am already anticipating the next one.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was pleased to see so much of Constance Greene in this installment. As frequently as she appears in the series, she is still something of an enigma, and I always enjoy learning more about her. When she and Pendergast arrive in Exmouth, MA, to investigate, it doesn't take long to realize that the break-in had to do with a lot more than simply theft. Pendergast soon finds himself investigating both a recent death and a very cold murder case.
Throughout the story we hear talk of an ancient colony of witches, and Constance is convinced that they play some part in the current goings-on in Exmouth, but Pendergast is not convinced. Even so, there is very little paranormal activity until near the end of the novel. I've come to expect (and enjoy) a paranormal element to this series. In this story, however, it felt "tacked-on", or forced. I didn't have a problem with what happened, it just felt like a bit of an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed this latest Pendergast novel, and am already anticipating the next one.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Rogue Wave (Waterfire Saga, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Jennifer Donnelly continues the story of the brave mermaid, Principessa Serafina, as she searches for talismans that will help to save the watery world she lives in. The reader was already introduced to Sera in the first book in the Waterfire Saga, Deep Blue. Rogue Waves follows Sera as well as her friend Neela as the story alternates between their perspectives.
In the previous book Sera's realm had been destroyed and her mother killed. She visited the Iele, otherwise known as the river witches where she met other mermaids: Becca, Ling and Ava. Here she learnt about the missing talismans and is now determined to find them. However, now there are death riders everywhere and no where is safe. With a little help from those they can trust, both Sera and Neela go their separate ways and begin their search for the magic objects. Just when the ending of the story was beginning to look positive, there was a twist in the plot and a final cliff hanger, leaving readers eager to read the next instalment.
Compared with the first book, Rogue Waves was not as exciting and was a little confusing in some parts. As with Deep Blue, the characters felt very human and it was easy to forget that they were actually mermaids.
In a way it was a disappointing sequel as the story line was not as strong as the first book. On the other hand there is the potential for improvement and more excitement in the following books yet to be written.
Jennifer Donnelly continues the story of the brave mermaid, Principessa Serafina, as she searches for talismans that will help to save the watery world she lives in. The reader was already introduced to Sera in the first book in the Waterfire Saga, Deep Blue. Rogue Waves follows Sera as well as her friend Neela as the story alternates between their perspectives.
In the previous book Sera's realm had been destroyed and her mother killed. She visited the Iele, otherwise known as the river witches where she met other mermaids: Becca, Ling and Ava. Here she learnt about the missing talismans and is now determined to find them. However, now there are death riders everywhere and no where is safe. With a little help from those they can trust, both Sera and Neela go their separate ways and begin their search for the magic objects. Just when the ending of the story was beginning to look positive, there was a twist in the plot and a final cliff hanger, leaving readers eager to read the next instalment.
Compared with the first book, Rogue Waves was not as exciting and was a little confusing in some parts. As with Deep Blue, the characters felt very human and it was easy to forget that they were actually mermaids.
In a way it was a disappointing sequel as the story line was not as strong as the first book. On the other hand there is the potential for improvement and more excitement in the following books yet to be written.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Shrek Forever After (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
After spending years scaring villagers with his evil roar, then rescuing princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon, and saving his in-laws’ kingdom, Shrek (Mike Meyers) feels his adventuresome days are over. This doesn’t sit well with him and he finds himself growing somewhat weary of his day-to-day life of a loving husband and father of three. He longs to be a “real” ogre again.
Enter Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn), who tricks Shrek into signing a contract with him, giving up a day of his life to be a real ogre again. Shrek finds himself back in Far Far Away, but this time it’s an alternate universe, one where ogres are hunted. In this alternate world, Shrek soon learns after meeting up with Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) and Fiona, that they have never met before.
Shrek realizes that the only way to fix things is to make Princess Fiona fall in love with him, and recruits Donkey and Puss in Boots to help him. Along the way Shrek faces many challenges in the world where Rumpelstiltskin rules and witches thwart his every effort, but in the end (as all fairy tales should, of course) love conquers all.
With nonstop laughs from the get go, this movie will not disappoint. The 3D effects were impressive, added a great depth to the movie, and really brought it to life. Although this is the fourth movie in the franchise, I was impressed with this one most of all. It has a heartfelt storyline that can capture an audience of all ages, making it a wonderful conclusion to the Shrek series.
4.5 out of 5
Enter Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn), who tricks Shrek into signing a contract with him, giving up a day of his life to be a real ogre again. Shrek finds himself back in Far Far Away, but this time it’s an alternate universe, one where ogres are hunted. In this alternate world, Shrek soon learns after meeting up with Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) and Fiona, that they have never met before.
Shrek realizes that the only way to fix things is to make Princess Fiona fall in love with him, and recruits Donkey and Puss in Boots to help him. Along the way Shrek faces many challenges in the world where Rumpelstiltskin rules and witches thwart his every effort, but in the end (as all fairy tales should, of course) love conquers all.
With nonstop laughs from the get go, this movie will not disappoint. The 3D effects were impressive, added a great depth to the movie, and really brought it to life. Although this is the fourth movie in the franchise, I was impressed with this one most of all. It has a heartfelt storyline that can capture an audience of all ages, making it a wonderful conclusion to the Shrek series.
4.5 out of 5
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Aaliyah in Books
Nov 8, 2019
When her mother was healed by angels shortly before she was born, Aaliyah has been able to heal others, both physically and mentally. In particular she helps out her friend Duan, a unique child born of both demon and angel.
Her sheltered existence is a great concern to her mother, and so she takes her young family away from their monastery home - and Duan - in order the live a 'normal' life. But Aaliyah can't help using her power, and draws unwanted attention to the family.
This book is the start of a new series, albeit one firmly rooted in Cope's Afterlife series. However it is not necessary to have read that series, nor the Witch's Legacy book which provides some additional background.
As usual with Cope's books it is the characters that shine out, everyone from Aaliyah and Duan to the villagers who are just desperate for Aaliyah's healing touch are realised perfectly. As the stakes are raised, not least by a dreadful prophesy and dark forces who want to use her gift for their own ends, both Aaliyah and Duan must decide where they belong and who they need the most.
As the story unfolds the stakes are skillfully raised, drawing the reader along, genuinely fearing for the fates of the main characters at each step. Sometimes it was hard to turn the page, knowing that the characters you have been getting to know so well will almost definitely end up coming to harm.
In this book Cope has managed to take the elements of angels, witches and shapeshifters and combined them into an engrossing and thrilling read that will appeal to young adults of all ages.
Her sheltered existence is a great concern to her mother, and so she takes her young family away from their monastery home - and Duan - in order the live a 'normal' life. But Aaliyah can't help using her power, and draws unwanted attention to the family.
This book is the start of a new series, albeit one firmly rooted in Cope's Afterlife series. However it is not necessary to have read that series, nor the Witch's Legacy book which provides some additional background.
As usual with Cope's books it is the characters that shine out, everyone from Aaliyah and Duan to the villagers who are just desperate for Aaliyah's healing touch are realised perfectly. As the stakes are raised, not least by a dreadful prophesy and dark forces who want to use her gift for their own ends, both Aaliyah and Duan must decide where they belong and who they need the most.
As the story unfolds the stakes are skillfully raised, drawing the reader along, genuinely fearing for the fates of the main characters at each step. Sometimes it was hard to turn the page, knowing that the characters you have been getting to know so well will almost definitely end up coming to harm.
In this book Cope has managed to take the elements of angels, witches and shapeshifters and combined them into an engrossing and thrilling read that will appeal to young adults of all ages.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 8 in TV
Apr 29, 2020 (Updated Sep 10, 2020)
Season 8 of AHS is one that I honestly struggled with.
Subtitled "Apocalypse", the show deals with the end of the world and endeavours to bring the antichrist, a now grown Michael Langdon (born at the end of season 1) face to face with the coven of witches from season 3.
I can't fault the ambition on display. I really like when different seasons reference each other so this first fully fledged crossover is enticing.
The execution is just a bit boring unfortunately.
I didn't really like any of the new characters. I like both Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson very much, but the characters written for them are so over the top. AHS had always had a hammy side, but this was just a little too much. The comedy aspect just didn't stick this time around. Even Kathy Bates get a pretty uninspired story arc, really nothing too different from her "right hand man" relegation in Freak Show and Hotel.
As I've said before, I'm also not a huge fan of Coven, so when they eventually turn up, I surprisingly felt relieved.
Michael Langdon is an exception. Cody Fern plays him with a genuine sense of evil, and was the highlight for me.
It's not all bad however, the return to Murder House was a great touch and it was great to see Jessica Lange and other season 1 characters return, even if it was all too brief.
It's hard to hate on it too much, as AHS always has it's tongue firmly in cheek, but Apocalypse just felt like a misfire - a great idea, but fumbled in practice.
Subtitled "Apocalypse", the show deals with the end of the world and endeavours to bring the antichrist, a now grown Michael Langdon (born at the end of season 1) face to face with the coven of witches from season 3.
I can't fault the ambition on display. I really like when different seasons reference each other so this first fully fledged crossover is enticing.
The execution is just a bit boring unfortunately.
I didn't really like any of the new characters. I like both Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson very much, but the characters written for them are so over the top. AHS had always had a hammy side, but this was just a little too much. The comedy aspect just didn't stick this time around. Even Kathy Bates get a pretty uninspired story arc, really nothing too different from her "right hand man" relegation in Freak Show and Hotel.
As I've said before, I'm also not a huge fan of Coven, so when they eventually turn up, I surprisingly felt relieved.
Michael Langdon is an exception. Cody Fern plays him with a genuine sense of evil, and was the highlight for me.
It's not all bad however, the return to Murder House was a great touch and it was great to see Jessica Lange and other season 1 characters return, even if it was all too brief.
It's hard to hate on it too much, as AHS always has it's tongue firmly in cheek, but Apocalypse just felt like a misfire - a great idea, but fumbled in practice.
BookishWoo (317 KP) rated Pawsitively Poisonous: A Witch of Edgehill Mystery #1 in Books
Jun 20, 2020
For Fans of of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, this one is definitely for you!
I had actually read the 2nd book in the series first for review and enjoyed it so much that Melissa sent this one to me also.
The cover alone would have been an instant buy for me, the silhouetted witch against the bright green is so eye catching it literally screams out to you pick me up and read me (You know you want too)!
With Melissa being a professional pet sitter you just know that this would have a nod to pets, and she certainly did not disappoint. Edgehill is a small quirky town whose identity revolves around cats. With everything from the business names to the town fair having a cat related theme and name.
The characters are spot on and you cant help but fall in love with the main Protagonist Amber Blackwood and yes, she is a witch, from a long line of witches who keep their identity secret, for good reason!
Being a cozy mystery you are dragged into a plot line that keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you invested in the characters right through to the end. This leaves you wanting more and I can guarantee that you will move straight on to the second book in the series as you are left with so many unaswered questions about Amber and her family.
So if you are looking for a quick, quirky, fun read you should definitely go and grab yourself a copy!
Melissa sent me my copy of Pawsitively Poisonous for free in exchange for an honest review
I had actually read the 2nd book in the series first for review and enjoyed it so much that Melissa sent this one to me also.
The cover alone would have been an instant buy for me, the silhouetted witch against the bright green is so eye catching it literally screams out to you pick me up and read me (You know you want too)!
With Melissa being a professional pet sitter you just know that this would have a nod to pets, and she certainly did not disappoint. Edgehill is a small quirky town whose identity revolves around cats. With everything from the business names to the town fair having a cat related theme and name.
The characters are spot on and you cant help but fall in love with the main Protagonist Amber Blackwood and yes, she is a witch, from a long line of witches who keep their identity secret, for good reason!
Being a cozy mystery you are dragged into a plot line that keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you invested in the characters right through to the end. This leaves you wanting more and I can guarantee that you will move straight on to the second book in the series as you are left with so many unaswered questions about Amber and her family.
So if you are looking for a quick, quirky, fun read you should definitely go and grab yourself a copy!
Melissa sent me my copy of Pawsitively Poisonous for free in exchange for an honest review