Search

Search only in certain items:

Marella (Wraidd Elfennol 1)
Marella (Wraidd Elfennol 1)
Morgan Sheppard | 2016 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
9.0 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great Read
Whether you are a young adult, or just young at heart, you are bound to love "Marella." I'm still not sure what I enjoyed most about this novel. In the beginning, I was impressed with the author's detailed and flavorful world building as she draws us into a world of wonder with delightful characters who care about each other and the world they live in. It's a world full of animals who bond with people and the hint of magic bound in realism. I soon found myself as protective of the main character as her family while I watched her begin her journey into adulthood. An explanatory and intriguing ending are sending me off to the next book in this series with the sincere hope that Morgan Sheppard will be writing many more in this series because I just found my new book addiction.
  
The Tin Drum (Die Blechtrommel) (1980)
The Tin Drum (Die Blechtrommel) (1980)
1980 | International, Drama
(0 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"Both the film and the book had a big impact on me when I was a kid. I don’t remember how old I was when I first watched it, but the film was told from the perspective of a young boy who is experiencing the adult world and discovering that it’s horrifying. I remember specific scenes that have an impact on me more than the film does in general. There’s one in which the characters are fishing for eels in the sea—that scene has affected me in such a way that I have never eaten eel since. Not long ago I showed the film to my brother’s young son, and I was looking at his face and his experience watching it, and I realized that it could have the same impact on this generation growing up now—he was horrified! But at the same time, it’s fascinating"

Source
  
40x40

ClareR (5686 KP) rated Sal in Books

Jul 21, 2018  
Sal
Sal
Mick Kitson | 2018 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story of two sisters.
Sal is the main character in this book : a story of abuse, survival and the love of two sisters.
Sal and Peppa's mum is an alcoholic with a knack of finding unsuitable boyfriends, Robert is a drunk, a drug addict and a child abuser. He abuses 13 year old Sal, and when he threatens to do the same to do the same to 10 year old Peppa, Sal decides to act and save them. She learns all she can of wild camping, survival techniques from the SAS and anything else she can pick up from the internet. She finds a remote place where they can set up camp and live away from Social Services and the 'Polis'
There is a lot of description of their surroundings in the mountains and the Loch that they live near, which I really liked. The elderly East German doctor that they meet is also a nice touch.
It hadn't actually occurred to me that this was a Young Adult book: I enjoyed it and I'm certainly not a young adult (in body, anyway!).
The novel didn't have the ending that I would have expected, but it was a good ending and very appropriate.
All in all, a very good story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of the book.
  
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. Even though this is the ninth edition of Buzz Books: Young Adult, it is the first I had read. It includes excerpts from upcoming and recently published young adult books. After finishing some of the stories, I immediately ordered their corresponding books because I HAD to finish reading them and was annoyed I didn't have it available to finish it immediately. Others, well, I liked reading them but would not continue reading the rest of the book. This edition provided an eclectic line up of stories and a nice mixture YA sub-genres. Because of people's natural tendency to gravitate to what you are comfortable or familiar with I tend to read the same sub-genres of YA more than others. If I have a choice, I prefer to read more fantasy YA then novels that about real life. I enjoyed reading excepts from books that I would not have normally chosen.

I like the idea of possibly knowing about the next huge book or series before it's published. Also, knowing about them makes a great conversation starter with my children. I would definitely read other Buzz Book collections to help make informed suggestions of selecting books for myself and my children.
  
DS
Dragon Seed
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a new to me author and one I'll be reading again! Dragon Seed really pulled me into the heart of the story instantly. From the start I was completely engrossed and taken on a fast paced ride of what's right and wrong. That's saying something for this book as I'm not a huge fan of young adult reads. However, this book....oh, this book really hooked me!

As a mom of two teens, one of whom is troubled and angry often times, this book hit home with me in so many ways. It's so much more than a simple young adult read. It's a book filled with Bible lessons and messages of prideful ways and seeking more of Him. I loved that! These are the kinds of characters, and plot lines, that I want to see my children reading! Lessons of good versus evil, right versus wrong....all of it so gripping!

This book is definitely worthy of 5 stars. It's phenomenaly created, it's well rounded with complex characters and God's lessons. If you are looking for a laugh out loud book for your child/teenager, then this isn't quite the book for you. If you are looking for a fantabulously written book, that will leave them thinking over and over again, then yes. Definitely grab this book up. It's not only for children/teens, but any adult who seeks a better relationship with God or who struggles with pride. The book comes with devotionals at the end. I can't wait to pass this on to my kiddos to see what they think! Well done, Mr. Machowski! Well done!<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-dragon-seed-by-marty-machowski/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
40x40

Nick Beaty (70 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies

Jan 7, 2020 (Updated Jan 7, 2020)  
Shazam! (2019)
Shazam! (2019)
2019 | Action, Sci-Fi
DC has a fun side...
Shazam! is pretty much exactly what you would expect from a story about a boy with the ability to turn in to a fully grown adult superhero (with a very questionable muscle suit, it has to be said). As they are famously renowned for their dark content and moody superheroes, it is nice to see that DC has a fun side.

The movie itself reminded me of a lesser version of Big and a PG version of Kick Ass. The cast do a good job, in particular Asher Angel who plays young Billy Baston with confidence and a lots of swagger. Zachary Levi who plays the adult superhero version of Billy seemed to be having a blast.

However a couple of slight negatives for me was the fact that the two actors mentioned above are supposed to be playing the same person and adult Billy has literally none of the characteristics that young Billy has. Also the movie doesn't seem to be quite sure of it's target audience, as some scenes are really dark and creepy for kids, but the overall humour and jokes seem to be aimed more at children than adults.

I would say that the first half of Shazam! is better than the second half, as I felt I wasn't into the movie as much by the end. A long running time could have contributed to that though, as they could have easily cut twenty minutes or so from the film.

Still after all is said and done Shazam! is a fun movie and if you are wanting a superhero movie that doesn't take itself seriously, then this one is probably for you.