A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 11
February 18, 2019
Book of the Dead: A Matt Kearns series, Book 2
Novel review by Greig Beck
WOW! I devoured this book while doing life!
Being able to return to the world of Matt Kearns was already excitement in the making, but to see a face from the Alex Hunter series, too? Oh, I knew who she was as soon as she stepped on to the scene. It's also why I love Greig Beck novels so much! Welcome to the Book of the Dead review.
#element-db7b8bb9-c22e-4ef4-b51e-9c827878e78d .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I've read practically all of Beck's books, via Audible.com, excluding two that were ebooks. When I finally got a hold of Book of the Dead, book two in the Matt Kearns series, I knew I had a piece of gold. This book isn't just a read- its a step into a hellish nightmare.
And I loved every minute of it!
In Book of the Dead, the time of Cthulhu has returned, but there's so much more to it. Thanks to the frantic, yet poetic writings by The Mad Arab, there may be a way to hold back the destruction of all things human. But is it all real? And even is true, where is this book of mythos? And what's causing such unbelievable events, such as sinkholes that suddenly appear all over the face of the earth? Everywhere, people in homes, businesses and other establishments suffer tremors, smell something odorous, and then they're gone... But that's not the end. As with all horror novels, something's down there with any survivors. But this is all the prelude to what's truly coming. It's up to Matt Kearns, a friend from a different series by Beck, and the military to find out what's happening and fix it, before all of humanity is lost- all while holding to their sanity!
This book is a straight up monsterfest! It's got things that only someone like Beck can bring to life. It really is a horror novel and nothing like the A.H. series- it's all on its own. Book of the Dead takes what you think is creepy and scary, amplifies it to the hundredth power, then adds literary glitter. You want to read this and you can not stop yourself until the end has been read. Had I no other obligations, I'd have finished this the day I began it.
Don't let reviews by a few people fool you. I've noticed a couple, on Amazon, say this book's not for any reader. They claim its "manly" and filled with military action- and that's true. It's also filled with fantastic adventure and things that only a true adventurist and fictional reader could appreciate. As with all my Greig Beck reviews, this one is a winner, winner, seafood dinner, and you can take that to the bank!
I'm moving on to The Immortality Curse, book three in the Kearns series right now. I hope it's just as fantastic. Do yourself a favor and borrow Book of the Dead. Grab a copy of all Beck's books. I am not an official sponsor, but I'm also not lying.
Cheers!
Book of the Dead, Book 2 in the Matt Kearns series
Written by Greig Beck
Published by Momentum
A Bolinda Audiobook, February 2015
Runtime: 12h 59m
376-page
WOW! I devoured this book while doing life!Being able to return to the world of Matt Kearns was already excitement in the making, but to see a face from the Alex Hunter series, too? Oh, I knew who she was as soon as she stepped on to the scene. It's also why I love Greig Beck novels so much! Welcome to the Book of the Dead review.
#element-db7b8bb9-c22e-4ef4-b51e-9c827878e78d .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I've read practically all of Beck's books, via Audible.com, excluding two that were ebooks. When I finally got a hold of Book of the Dead, book two in the Matt Kearns series, I knew I had a piece of gold. This book isn't just a read- its a step into a hellish nightmare.And I loved every minute of it!
In Book of the Dead, the time of Cthulhu has returned, but there's so much more to it. Thanks to the frantic, yet poetic writings by The Mad Arab, there may be a way to hold back the destruction of all things human. But is it all real? And even is true, where is this book of mythos? And what's causing such unbelievable events, such as sinkholes that suddenly appear all over the face of the earth? Everywhere, people in homes, businesses and other establishments suffer tremors, smell something odorous, and then they're gone... But that's not the end. As with all horror novels, something's down there with any survivors. But this is all the prelude to what's truly coming. It's up to Matt Kearns, a friend from a different series by Beck, and the military to find out what's happening and fix it, before all of humanity is lost- all while holding to their sanity!
This book is a straight up monsterfest! It's got things that only someone like Beck can bring to life. It really is a horror novel and nothing like the A.H. series- it's all on its own. Book of the Dead takes what you think is creepy and scary, amplifies it to the hundredth power, then adds literary glitter. You want to read this and you can not stop yourself until the end has been read. Had I no other obligations, I'd have finished this the day I began it.
Don't let reviews by a few people fool you. I've noticed a couple, on Amazon, say this book's not for any reader. They claim its "manly" and filled with military action- and that's true. It's also filled with fantastic adventure and things that only a true adventurist and fictional reader could appreciate. As with all my Greig Beck reviews, this one is a winner, winner, seafood dinner, and you can take that to the bank!
I'm moving on to The Immortality Curse, book three in the Kearns series right now. I hope it's just as fantastic. Do yourself a favor and borrow Book of the Dead. Grab a copy of all Beck's books. I am not an official sponsor, but I'm also not lying.
Cheers!
Book of the Dead, Book 2 in the Matt Kearns series
Written by Greig Beck
Published by Momentum
A Bolinda Audiobook, February 2015
Runtime: 12h 59m
376-page
February 14, 2019
Love
The perfect children's book to share on Valentine's Day
By Stacy McAnulty
The best children's books are the ones with a simple message. Something they little ones can relate to because they have so much of it: Love!
This bright, beautiful and easy to read children's book is exactly what I needed to share for Valentine's Day. You have to read this one to your loved ones.
#element-660638de-6acf-4cba-b23d-e81ce8e15d29 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The theme is simple, the story easy and the meaning behind it all is pure. It's not the words that make this book, but the images and story combined. It's in the family, it's in the actions and it's all about one special thing that everyone needs.
Stacy McAnulty, the author and Joanne Lew-Vreithoff share what's great about the world when everyone sees everyone for who they are. The smiles, the emotions come right off the pages. It's not a very big book, so I coudln't share more than the two images you see there, but I promise you- you want to share this book!
Today's Valentine's Day and I wanted to share a story that came straight from my heart. This is a beautiful book- I can't impress that enough. If you have little ones, read this one to them. I guarantee, you'll love the images more than the wording. But you'll actually love it all. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Love
Written by Stacy McAnulty
Illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vreithoff
Published by Running Press Kids
Released December 2018
32-pages
By Stacy McAnulty
The best children's books are the ones with a simple message. Something they little ones can relate to because they have so much of it: Love!This bright, beautiful and easy to read children's book is exactly what I needed to share for Valentine's Day. You have to read this one to your loved ones.
#element-660638de-6acf-4cba-b23d-e81ce8e15d29 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The theme is simple, the story easy and the meaning behind it all is pure. It's not the words that make this book, but the images and story combined. It's in the family, it's in the actions and it's all about one special thing that everyone needs.Stacy McAnulty, the author and Joanne Lew-Vreithoff share what's great about the world when everyone sees everyone for who they are. The smiles, the emotions come right off the pages. It's not a very big book, so I coudln't share more than the two images you see there, but I promise you- you want to share this book!
Today's Valentine's Day and I wanted to share a story that came straight from my heart. This is a beautiful book- I can't impress that enough. If you have little ones, read this one to them. I guarantee, you'll love the images more than the wording. But you'll actually love it all. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Love
Written by Stacy McAnulty
Illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vreithoff
Published by Running Press Kids
Released December 2018
32-pages
February 13, 2019
Erebus, An apocalyptic thriller
An Audio-Novel by Steven C. Bird
Narrated by Kevin Pierce
" They're not zombies!"
That's what they took the time to argue about while trying to understand what was happening at a scientific research facility on Antarctica. A group of people fight against something microbic, something ancient and deadly. All it needs is the faintest touch...
This is Erebus, by Steven C. Bird.
#element-3ea17732-276a-40b7-aa1f-304027bc067b .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Narrated by Kevin Pierce
" They're not zombies!"That's what they took the time to argue about while trying to understand what was happening at a scientific research facility on Antarctica. A group of people fight against something microbic, something ancient and deadly. All it needs is the faintest touch...
This is Erebus, by Steven C. Bird.
#element-3ea17732-276a-40b7-aa1f-304027bc067b .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
February 12, 2019
Kerry Manor
A FREE short story haunt by J. R. Erickson
You know how you find books that seem to be great, but after you read the first chapter, you think to yourself: Why did I buy this? That's what I asked myself several times before I finally realized I was way, too far, invested and needed to just git'er dun!
Kerry Manor, by J. R. Erickson, is a short story you can only find on Amazon or Erickson's website. The question is, do you really want to go looking for it...? #element-0764e9e9-f2af-4170-9096-4a1e397aefb5 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Kerry Manor is about an aunt and neice who are practically the same age. They're the best of friends and do near everything together. Since the day they'd lived together, they've lived like sisters. The problem is, they're stupid. Oh- I'm sorry, there I go on my tangit. Let me explain... Their childhood passion was the need to go exploring. never left them, sinking them into something insane.
They go to a haunted house to check around the outside of the place, but one is so ignorant, she ventures inside without telling the other. She's soon attacked by something, yet manages to escape. Then the haunting takes place. She sees things, she hears things, and no one can help her. She'll never be able to help herself again!
The reason I didn't care for Kerry Manor is because the characters were the most ignorant people on the planet! Not only did I not like them, I didn't even care about for them- that's how dumb they were! Who just goes into an abandoned house and does what she does? Sorry- I can't say what she did. It simply did nothing for me. Not knocking the author, because he's published many books. They just have to be better than this one.
Anyway, I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Kerry Manor
Written by J. R. Erickson
Self-Published and free from website. (Click on author's name for site)
You know how you find books that seem to be great, but after you read the first chapter, you think to yourself: Why did I buy this? That's what I asked myself several times before I finally realized I was way, too far, invested and needed to just git'er dun!Kerry Manor, by J. R. Erickson, is a short story you can only find on Amazon or Erickson's website. The question is, do you really want to go looking for it...? #element-0764e9e9-f2af-4170-9096-4a1e397aefb5 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Kerry Manor is about an aunt and neice who are practically the same age. They're the best of friends and do near everything together. Since the day they'd lived together, they've lived like sisters. The problem is, they're stupid. Oh- I'm sorry, there I go on my tangit. Let me explain... Their childhood passion was the need to go exploring. never left them, sinking them into something insane.They go to a haunted house to check around the outside of the place, but one is so ignorant, she ventures inside without telling the other. She's soon attacked by something, yet manages to escape. Then the haunting takes place. She sees things, she hears things, and no one can help her. She'll never be able to help herself again!
The reason I didn't care for Kerry Manor is because the characters were the most ignorant people on the planet! Not only did I not like them, I didn't even care about for them- that's how dumb they were! Who just goes into an abandoned house and does what she does? Sorry- I can't say what she did. It simply did nothing for me. Not knocking the author, because he's published many books. They just have to be better than this one.
Anyway, I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Kerry Manor
Written by J. R. Erickson
Self-Published and free from website. (Click on author's name for site)
February 11, 2019
Gehenna
A horror movie review
I took a chance on this movie. I had nothing to do, one Saturday evening, and wanted a movie I'd no prior knowledge of. On Netflix, I knew I was taking a chance, but I had time to spare. Did I regret it? This is my review of Gehenna. #element-c5b6d0fb-1e70-42c2-8c4c-48fc7cf5d3bf .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
“Only one can live.”
I don’t know if it’s karma, come up-in’s or something by another name, but Gehenna: Where Death Lives is a movie that’s... not all that special, but has an interesting ending.
A company, looking to set up a resort in Saipan, come across a bunker only the natives know of. When they enter, they stumble across a number of bodies, their deaths a mystery. After becoming trapped, each one slowly succumbs to hallucinations. Any more than that and I'm telling the story.
So the acting isn’t very good, and the story is a bit off, but I have to admit that I liked the ending. It’s one of those movies that conundrum creepy. It’s even a bit predictable- I pretty much knew what was coming without without ever reading the summary of the movie. But it’s worth the watch, just for a character's ending. It’s entertaining and that’s why, if I had to rate Gehenna, I’d give it a 3.75? LOL
It’s on Netflix and about an hour and forty six minutes long. Check it out while I move on. Cheers! Gehenna: Where Death Lives
An Uncork'd Entertainment Film
Directed by Hiroshi Katagiri
Produced by Hiroshi Katagiri and Koodae Kim
Starred Katherine Taylor, Patrick Gorman, Simon Phillips, Sean Sprawling, Lance Henriksen and Justin Gordon
Released October 31, 2016
I took a chance on this movie. I had nothing to do, one Saturday evening, and wanted a movie I'd no prior knowledge of. On Netflix, I knew I was taking a chance, but I had time to spare. Did I regret it? This is my review of Gehenna. #element-c5b6d0fb-1e70-42c2-8c4c-48fc7cf5d3bf .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
“Only one can live.”I don’t know if it’s karma, come up-in’s or something by another name, but Gehenna: Where Death Lives is a movie that’s... not all that special, but has an interesting ending.
A company, looking to set up a resort in Saipan, come across a bunker only the natives know of. When they enter, they stumble across a number of bodies, their deaths a mystery. After becoming trapped, each one slowly succumbs to hallucinations. Any more than that and I'm telling the story.
So the acting isn’t very good, and the story is a bit off, but I have to admit that I liked the ending. It’s one of those movies that conundrum creepy. It’s even a bit predictable- I pretty much knew what was coming without without ever reading the summary of the movie. But it’s worth the watch, just for a character's ending. It’s entertaining and that’s why, if I had to rate Gehenna, I’d give it a 3.75? LOL
It’s on Netflix and about an hour and forty six minutes long. Check it out while I move on. Cheers! Gehenna: Where Death Lives
An Uncork'd Entertainment Film
Directed by Hiroshi Katagiri
Produced by Hiroshi Katagiri and Koodae Kim
Starred Katherine Taylor, Patrick Gorman, Simon Phillips, Sean Sprawling, Lance Henriksen and Justin Gordon
Released October 31, 2016
February 6, 2019
Clara by Michael Gryboski
A story of love and terrorism
I am a simple person. I enjoy a good story but if you throw politics and foreign countries that have ulterior motives, I get lost and finally lose interest. I'm not proud to share this fact but it is true. I am a simple gal who needs action and a lot of flashy things instead of talk, legal jargon and worst of all- politics.
But if you show me a movie- I'm all for it! That's what I'd love about Clara- I'd love to see it on screen. Not to say this isn't a good book; quite the contrary. This was amazing, but I'd have fallen in love with it had it been a movie. So here's my feedback on Clara by Michael Gryboski. #element-1cd3d282-ee83-4acb-a912-3de1a41e5bf8 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Carla al-Hassan is a hard-working maid. She pays her bills, she keeps a clean record and does her best to take care of her partially paralyzed grandfather, who she calls Giddo. She loves him dearly, would do anything to make sure he receives the best of care.
Carla al-Hassan is a bomb maker, a terrorist. A Murderer. She will complete her assignments to make the money she truly needs to care for Giddo's medical bills and medications, to keep up the façade of being a hard-working maid who pays her bills and keeps a clean police record.
When Carla is placed in a situation where she no longer knows who her friend are and the separation of her lives are blurred, she has to trust someone she'd never imagined looking to for help. But she can she truly place her live in their hands? Can they trust her enough to help her?
Carla is the second book of 2018 where I read on a situation where people have been lured into helping a terrorist faction of some sort. I detest hate crimes and this book carried a hate that didn't even apply to her. But she did it anyway. What she does is her flaw and makes you not want to like her, but it's very difficult becaue Gryboski also introduced you into her world. He added the emotional ties that made you admire what she did in her personal life. Never mind what she actually did to make the money that took care of herself and her Giddo.
There's a great deal more to this novel, but I can not tell you without giving everything away. What I've pretty much shared is what other's, I'm sure, have added to their reviews. What you won't receive from me is what she's up against. There are two walls about her that can easily fall atop her head if she's not careful and that's where the intrigue that usually carries me through movies like that kicked in. The beginning of Carla is a tad slow- even there something explosive takes place, but once you get past the technicalities of the story, you are in for a fantastic ride.
Grab yourself a copy of Carla to see what I'm talking about while I move on o the next read. Cheers!
Carla
Michael Gryboski
Published by Amazon Digital Services
Released October 2018
211 pages
I am a simple person. I enjoy a good story but if you throw politics and foreign countries that have ulterior motives, I get lost and finally lose interest. I'm not proud to share this fact but it is true. I am a simple gal who needs action and a lot of flashy things instead of talk, legal jargon and worst of all- politics.But if you show me a movie- I'm all for it! That's what I'd love about Clara- I'd love to see it on screen. Not to say this isn't a good book; quite the contrary. This was amazing, but I'd have fallen in love with it had it been a movie. So here's my feedback on Clara by Michael Gryboski. #element-1cd3d282-ee83-4acb-a912-3de1a41e5bf8 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Carla al-Hassan is a hard-working maid. She pays her bills, she keeps a clean record and does her best to take care of her partially paralyzed grandfather, who she calls Giddo. She loves him dearly, would do anything to make sure he receives the best of care.Carla al-Hassan is a bomb maker, a terrorist. A Murderer. She will complete her assignments to make the money she truly needs to care for Giddo's medical bills and medications, to keep up the façade of being a hard-working maid who pays her bills and keeps a clean police record.
When Carla is placed in a situation where she no longer knows who her friend are and the separation of her lives are blurred, she has to trust someone she'd never imagined looking to for help. But she can she truly place her live in their hands? Can they trust her enough to help her?
Carla is the second book of 2018 where I read on a situation where people have been lured into helping a terrorist faction of some sort. I detest hate crimes and this book carried a hate that didn't even apply to her. But she did it anyway. What she does is her flaw and makes you not want to like her, but it's very difficult becaue Gryboski also introduced you into her world. He added the emotional ties that made you admire what she did in her personal life. Never mind what she actually did to make the money that took care of herself and her Giddo.
There's a great deal more to this novel, but I can not tell you without giving everything away. What I've pretty much shared is what other's, I'm sure, have added to their reviews. What you won't receive from me is what she's up against. There are two walls about her that can easily fall atop her head if she's not careful and that's where the intrigue that usually carries me through movies like that kicked in. The beginning of Carla is a tad slow- even there something explosive takes place, but once you get past the technicalities of the story, you are in for a fantastic ride.
Grab yourself a copy of Carla to see what I'm talking about while I move on o the next read. Cheers!
Carla
Michael Gryboski
Published by Amazon Digital Services
Released October 2018
211 pages
February 5, 2019
Mortal Engines
Combined Book Series and Movie Review
Written by Philip Reeve
Narrated by Barnaby Edwards
When I saw the trailer for Mortal Engines, I jumped to my feet and pointed to my tv's screen, stating to my husband, "I have to see that movie!" But first, I had to read the book. Yes, I am that girl. If there's a chance I can see the movie after the book's been read, I have proper ammunition to fire it up! I can share the pro's and con's and comparisons with you- my readers. So, what did I think of the movie and books by Philip Reeve? I'm gonna tell ya! #element-8b7c2710-c7ce-48e3-8a2e-787721c5f733 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
First, I discovered there's more than one book to Mortal Engines. There's actually four that I purchased, but there's like six, if I read correctly. Anyway, I purchased them as audiobooks, so I wouldn't have to wait forever.
The first book, Mortal Engines: Book 1 is absolutely amazing, steampunk adventure of a world no longer static. Sitting atop tracks, countries travel the ruins of the 21st century's wastelands. They go about "eating" up other countries for sustenance such as food, materials and slaves. But when a young woman makes an attempt on Valentine's life, everything changes. Changes for Valentine, the girl who tried to kill him and the one who attempted to catch the girl named Hester Shaw.
Now I am going to compare the movie here, because I truly believe that's what they wanted to do. Thing is, everything was different. The happenings, the failed assassination, even how the characters met was all wrong. The Mortal Engines movie was... Well, terrible. It was rushed and so much was lost that I really didn't find it all that interesting. I fell alseep on it the first time. When I watched it again, I saw it all the way through, but spent more time crabbing about how wrong it all was, and simply didn't enjoy it. Now, if you've not read the books, you may like it. But honestly, I don't think you will.
Now in Predator's Gold, Tom and Hester go on an even bigger adventure because their wanted: Dead or Alive! A lying, sinister author named Pennyroyal; who's an adventurer and a fraud, uses them. A chubby-like Princess wants to go to America, a place said to be either (1) Thriving with people, green grasses and trees or (2) Dead. Yup- that's it. The thing is, Hester and Tom grow closer, even though they're complete opposites, which is very real and awkward, but it's supposed to be. Nothing like the rush-job in the movie.
As a matter of fact, Tom and Hester do actually grow a great deal in this book, but Hester's a complicated woman now. Tom is the only person who's ever looked at her like she's a person to appreciate. Her facial disfigurment, unlike the movie, has her laughed at and pointed out regularly. Only Tom saw her as Hester and her inner-beauty. I liked that, but their relationship is still strained and, well... weird.
Then there's book three: Infernal Devices. This novel introduced even more new characters, but thankfully they all mesh together. Now the books have taken on a generational tale, where everyone's evolved to a point of which I am not at liberty to name. It would offer up SPOILERS, and you know I don't do that.
I can say that the new people added, along with holding tight to the annoying Pennyroyal, make everything more adventurous. New friends, as well as enemies, arise and they grow the story. Everything's enhanced by time.
In A Darkling Plain, everything and everyone come together for a cataclysmic climax! The story is emotional, raw and so adventurous that it is now being added to my bookshelf as a favorite series. I really enjoyed all four books, but not happy with the movie. I won't be buying it; isn't that sad! Anyway, grab yourself either the books or the audiobook series and give it a whirl. If you love steampunk adventure, this is going to be a winner for you.
I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
The Moral Engines book series
Written by Phillip Reeve
Narrated by Barnaby Edwards
Published by Scholastic Press
Movie credits:
Directed by Christian Rivers
Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Phillippa Boyens and Peter Jackson
Running time:
Starred Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Hugo Weaving and Jihae
Written by Philip Reeve
Narrated by Barnaby Edwards
When I saw the trailer for Mortal Engines, I jumped to my feet and pointed to my tv's screen, stating to my husband, "I have to see that movie!" But first, I had to read the book. Yes, I am that girl. If there's a chance I can see the movie after the book's been read, I have proper ammunition to fire it up! I can share the pro's and con's and comparisons with you- my readers. So, what did I think of the movie and books by Philip Reeve? I'm gonna tell ya! #element-8b7c2710-c7ce-48e3-8a2e-787721c5f733 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
First, I discovered there's more than one book to Mortal Engines. There's actually four that I purchased, but there's like six, if I read correctly. Anyway, I purchased them as audiobooks, so I wouldn't have to wait forever. The first book, Mortal Engines: Book 1 is absolutely amazing, steampunk adventure of a world no longer static. Sitting atop tracks, countries travel the ruins of the 21st century's wastelands. They go about "eating" up other countries for sustenance such as food, materials and slaves. But when a young woman makes an attempt on Valentine's life, everything changes. Changes for Valentine, the girl who tried to kill him and the one who attempted to catch the girl named Hester Shaw.
Now I am going to compare the movie here, because I truly believe that's what they wanted to do. Thing is, everything was different. The happenings, the failed assassination, even how the characters met was all wrong. The Mortal Engines movie was... Well, terrible. It was rushed and so much was lost that I really didn't find it all that interesting. I fell alseep on it the first time. When I watched it again, I saw it all the way through, but spent more time crabbing about how wrong it all was, and simply didn't enjoy it. Now, if you've not read the books, you may like it. But honestly, I don't think you will.
Now in Predator's Gold, Tom and Hester go on an even bigger adventure because their wanted: Dead or Alive! A lying, sinister author named Pennyroyal; who's an adventurer and a fraud, uses them. A chubby-like Princess wants to go to America, a place said to be either (1) Thriving with people, green grasses and trees or (2) Dead. Yup- that's it. The thing is, Hester and Tom grow closer, even though they're complete opposites, which is very real and awkward, but it's supposed to be. Nothing like the rush-job in the movie.
As a matter of fact, Tom and Hester do actually grow a great deal in this book, but Hester's a complicated woman now. Tom is the only person who's ever looked at her like she's a person to appreciate. Her facial disfigurment, unlike the movie, has her laughed at and pointed out regularly. Only Tom saw her as Hester and her inner-beauty. I liked that, but their relationship is still strained and, well... weird.
Then there's book three: Infernal Devices. This novel introduced even more new characters, but thankfully they all mesh together. Now the books have taken on a generational tale, where everyone's evolved to a point of which I am not at liberty to name. It would offer up SPOILERS, and you know I don't do that.I can say that the new people added, along with holding tight to the annoying Pennyroyal, make everything more adventurous. New friends, as well as enemies, arise and they grow the story. Everything's enhanced by time.
In A Darkling Plain, everything and everyone come together for a cataclysmic climax! The story is emotional, raw and so adventurous that it is now being added to my bookshelf as a favorite series. I really enjoyed all four books, but not happy with the movie. I won't be buying it; isn't that sad! Anyway, grab yourself either the books or the audiobook series and give it a whirl. If you love steampunk adventure, this is going to be a winner for you.
I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
The Moral Engines book series
Written by Phillip Reeve
Narrated by Barnaby Edwards
Published by Scholastic Press
Movie credits:
Directed by Christian Rivers
Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Phillippa Boyens and Peter Jackson
Running time:
Starred Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Hugo Weaving and Jihae
February 4, 2019
Capital Resolutions
Book 3 in the Capital Trilogy
by Dawn Wright
“I’d rather know that a man would go too far to have my back, than to have a man who hides behind a couch when I need him most.”
- Amber
Okay, so why do I feel I need to rant whenever I read one of Dawn Wright's novels? It's like I'm one of the 4-woman crew and my friends are all messing up and it's my right to tell they a**'s to get it together!
But alas, I can not. But you can feel the same way I do if you read Capital Resolutions, from the Capital trilogy. Here are my thoughts, rants and raves... #element-2166eac2-72c1-4dae-bf84-dbe3c894f80b .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
This is the final book in the Capital trilogy and I have to say, it really got me. I used to read romance like crazy but I think I burned myself out, so I stopped reading them like, my junior year of high school. Amazingly enough few IG novelists drew me back in. I'd resisted so long, but I have to say I’ve been impressed. Seeing as this was a trilogy, I guess you can say author Dawn Wright kept me in the game.
So the girls: Summer, Brooke, Emily and Amber are back for the final book. A couple found themselves stepping back into the past, thinking things would be different in the future (isn’t that the definition of insanity?), while other were seeking a way out or into something new. What I liked most is regardless of how their lives played out, none ever simply quit!
From getting back with a man who had been done wrong, to getting with someone just to pretty much use them till things got better. From getting back with a man thought to be the love of a lifetime, to being simply alone... They all had a plan of some sort and they all endured trials and tribulations along the way. Some trials more unnecessary than others.
When reading stories like this, you have to sit back and wait for the ride; I don’t do well with that. I’m always trying to figure it out ahead of time. I was right with two of the four women and their lives. The one that was the worst was Emily and her fiancé Eric. I saw that disaster coming from a long way off. It was truly confirmed by Eric’s wording mid-way through: “I want to make love to you one more time.” Who says crap like that? To me, that was like the dying person, with blood on their lips saying, "Kiss me and take my final breath as I lay dying..."
One more time?! What’s that heck does that mean? It was then that I knew.
When Emily responded about one last time before the wedding, he never answered. Then BOOM goes the dynamite! I'd predicted her fail but did not predict her endng. Though I can’t stand petty, I understand why he was still mad. Then again, they both lost out. There was no true winner- it was juicy.
Summer and Oliver was nice as well. What I didn’t get with Summer was how she’d reacted when Oliver had her back. Was it dirty? Was it nasty? Yes to both but he did it all for her. Sorry- I can’t tell what he did but it was MASSIVE! And my reaction was that of Amber’s... please refer to quote at the beginning of this review. I was like, you dang skippy!
The other girls were good and I liked their stories but they didn’t hold my interest as much as Summer and Emily. They were big story parts and truly made the book for me.
Again, Wright gave me something to enjoy. Though it was heeeeeavy with the “adult” activities and language, I liked Capital Resolutions. I’m also grateful to have been a part of the literary girlfriend journey. Check out the entire Capital series, while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Capital Resolutions
From the Capital Trilogy
Written by Dawn Wright
Published by Sweet Blue Press
eBook, 341 pages
Released November 2018
by Dawn Wright
“I’d rather know that a man would go too far to have my back, than to have a man who hides behind a couch when I need him most.”- Amber
Okay, so why do I feel I need to rant whenever I read one of Dawn Wright's novels? It's like I'm one of the 4-woman crew and my friends are all messing up and it's my right to tell they a**'s to get it together!
But alas, I can not. But you can feel the same way I do if you read Capital Resolutions, from the Capital trilogy. Here are my thoughts, rants and raves... #element-2166eac2-72c1-4dae-bf84-dbe3c894f80b .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
This is the final book in the Capital trilogy and I have to say, it really got me. I used to read romance like crazy but I think I burned myself out, so I stopped reading them like, my junior year of high school. Amazingly enough few IG novelists drew me back in. I'd resisted so long, but I have to say I’ve been impressed. Seeing as this was a trilogy, I guess you can say author Dawn Wright kept me in the game. So the girls: Summer, Brooke, Emily and Amber are back for the final book. A couple found themselves stepping back into the past, thinking things would be different in the future (isn’t that the definition of insanity?), while other were seeking a way out or into something new. What I liked most is regardless of how their lives played out, none ever simply quit!
From getting back with a man who had been done wrong, to getting with someone just to pretty much use them till things got better. From getting back with a man thought to be the love of a lifetime, to being simply alone... They all had a plan of some sort and they all endured trials and tribulations along the way. Some trials more unnecessary than others.
When reading stories like this, you have to sit back and wait for the ride; I don’t do well with that. I’m always trying to figure it out ahead of time. I was right with two of the four women and their lives. The one that was the worst was Emily and her fiancé Eric. I saw that disaster coming from a long way off. It was truly confirmed by Eric’s wording mid-way through: “I want to make love to you one more time.” Who says crap like that? To me, that was like the dying person, with blood on their lips saying, "Kiss me and take my final breath as I lay dying..."
One more time?! What’s that heck does that mean? It was then that I knew.
When Emily responded about one last time before the wedding, he never answered. Then BOOM goes the dynamite! I'd predicted her fail but did not predict her endng. Though I can’t stand petty, I understand why he was still mad. Then again, they both lost out. There was no true winner- it was juicy.
Summer and Oliver was nice as well. What I didn’t get with Summer was how she’d reacted when Oliver had her back. Was it dirty? Was it nasty? Yes to both but he did it all for her. Sorry- I can’t tell what he did but it was MASSIVE! And my reaction was that of Amber’s... please refer to quote at the beginning of this review. I was like, you dang skippy!
The other girls were good and I liked their stories but they didn’t hold my interest as much as Summer and Emily. They were big story parts and truly made the book for me.
Again, Wright gave me something to enjoy. Though it was heeeeeavy with the “adult” activities and language, I liked Capital Resolutions. I’m also grateful to have been a part of the literary girlfriend journey. Check out the entire Capital series, while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Capital Resolutions
From the Capital Trilogy
Written by Dawn Wright
Published by Sweet Blue Press
eBook, 341 pages
Released November 2018
January 30, 2019
Persistence of Frost
A Novella from the Thought & Memory series by Chris Kim
A short story, but I’m not too sure who it was about. It gave me the impression it was about a female bodyguard, working for a blind guy. then it turned to be all about a boy who’d been found in a terribly abusive situation.
This is Persistence of Frost by Chris Kim.
#element-228b9c07-ec8a-4611-9f2b-7f651baded3c .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Not trying to be mean, but this book confused me. It begins with the telling of a woman, a bodyguard and her client. Then quickly, it's turned into a story of magic, sleep-frosting and crossing through dimensional portals? I’m not sure. It was the strangest things I’ve ever read.
The story’s direction seemed discombobulated, and I was already confused. I won’t ever knock an author’s project but this one got me messed up. When it ended I sat in a stupor, wondering if I needed to re-read the book or not. What the heck had I read? I didn't bother reading it again.
I did, however, check to see what others thought of the story. So I went online and checked out other people’s thoughts. I couldn't believe what I found- people were ranting and raving on how great it was- left me even more dazed! I don’t know but I think they had to be the author's friends or something. There's no way this book was a five-star!.
There’s supposed to be a novel series coming. I won't be reading it.
The story’s fast-paced. So fast, in fact, that things happened on a timeline that was completely different from when half the group entered another land where time passes faster than in this world. Did you catch that, because it's not a typo on my end. What really had me laughing was how it took them a while to find the portal to reach this other realm, yet a blind man found it without even trying. Ha!! It was just too much to try and handle.
I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Persistence of Frost: A Thought & Memory Short
Chris Kim
You can read this ebook on either amazon.com.
A short story, but I’m not too sure who it was about. It gave me the impression it was about a female bodyguard, working for a blind guy. then it turned to be all about a boy who’d been found in a terribly abusive situation.This is Persistence of Frost by Chris Kim.
#element-228b9c07-ec8a-4611-9f2b-7f651baded3c .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Not trying to be mean, but this book confused me. It begins with the telling of a woman, a bodyguard and her client. Then quickly, it's turned into a story of magic, sleep-frosting and crossing through dimensional portals? I’m not sure. It was the strangest things I’ve ever read. The story’s direction seemed discombobulated, and I was already confused. I won’t ever knock an author’s project but this one got me messed up. When it ended I sat in a stupor, wondering if I needed to re-read the book or not. What the heck had I read? I didn't bother reading it again.
I did, however, check to see what others thought of the story. So I went online and checked out other people’s thoughts. I couldn't believe what I found- people were ranting and raving on how great it was- left me even more dazed! I don’t know but I think they had to be the author's friends or something. There's no way this book was a five-star!.
There’s supposed to be a novel series coming. I won't be reading it.
The story’s fast-paced. So fast, in fact, that things happened on a timeline that was completely different from when half the group entered another land where time passes faster than in this world. Did you catch that, because it's not a typo on my end. What really had me laughing was how it took them a while to find the portal to reach this other realm, yet a blind man found it without even trying. Ha!! It was just too much to try and handle.
I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Persistence of Frost: A Thought & Memory Short
Chris Kim
You can read this ebook on either amazon.com.
January 29, 2019
The Coldest Girl In Coldtown
An Audio Novel by Holly Black
Sometimes a book genre is run into the ground before it fades away, only to be picked up in some new form of fashion. This has taken place since the first movie Mumau appeared in 1921. Today's review is about a girl, Tana and how she became The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Novel by Holly Black.
#element-c767bd8a-b08c-4237-aaad-9c1fb0e8cce3 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
After waking up and finding herself practically in a graveyard, Tana is on the run. Vampirism has returned with a vengeance, turning cities into state and government coldtowns. Inside these coldtowns are the infected and full-fledged vampires. The only place Tana has to run is the nearest coldtown. With her is her ex-boyfriend who's also infected and the Thorn of Istra. A wanted vampire.
The journey the three of them embark takes more than blood. It takes life. Betrayed and constantly badgered, Tana has desisions to make, and the bulk of them are really, really stupid. She says so about a million times! Set in the center of a fued that's hundreds of years older than she, Tana has a choice to make. And she does... stupidly.
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown was an okay read for me. It wasn't one of those that threw me into a panic to race out and grab the next book. I believe there's a movie as well, but I probably won't see it till HBO or streaming. Not that the book was bad, it was just okay. I think I've run through my desire for vampire books. They're all romanticized- to the point of all being sorta the same.
Now The Coldest Girl in Coldtown was slightly different, becasue the vampires decide to come out of hiding, like with #TrueBlood, but instead of wanting to live normal lives, these vampires have romanced the idea enough to place streaming cameras inside the coldtowns, so young girls and guys actually want to become. Many change and love it. Others are so upset at the reality, they step into the sun and burn. I liked that, but the relationship between Tana and Gavriel was boring to me. I wasn't thrilled, I didn't really care about them and Tana kept doing stupid stuff. Trusting - way too trusting! I just wasn't phased by the story.
If I know many vamp-fans, I'm sure they'll think I'm crazy. The only way to know is to read it and find out. So go out and see if The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is for you. I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, book 1
Written by Holly Black
Narrated by Christine Lakin
Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Released 2013
432 Pages
Running Time: 12 hrs 6 mins
Sometimes a book genre is run into the ground before it fades away, only to be picked up in some new form of fashion. This has taken place since the first movie Mumau appeared in 1921. Today's review is about a girl, Tana and how she became The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Novel by Holly Black.#element-c767bd8a-b08c-4237-aaad-9c1fb0e8cce3 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
After waking up and finding herself practically in a graveyard, Tana is on the run. Vampirism has returned with a vengeance, turning cities into state and government coldtowns. Inside these coldtowns are the infected and full-fledged vampires. The only place Tana has to run is the nearest coldtown. With her is her ex-boyfriend who's also infected and the Thorn of Istra. A wanted vampire. The journey the three of them embark takes more than blood. It takes life. Betrayed and constantly badgered, Tana has desisions to make, and the bulk of them are really, really stupid. She says so about a million times! Set in the center of a fued that's hundreds of years older than she, Tana has a choice to make. And she does... stupidly.
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown was an okay read for me. It wasn't one of those that threw me into a panic to race out and grab the next book. I believe there's a movie as well, but I probably won't see it till HBO or streaming. Not that the book was bad, it was just okay. I think I've run through my desire for vampire books. They're all romanticized- to the point of all being sorta the same.
Now The Coldest Girl in Coldtown was slightly different, becasue the vampires decide to come out of hiding, like with #TrueBlood, but instead of wanting to live normal lives, these vampires have romanced the idea enough to place streaming cameras inside the coldtowns, so young girls and guys actually want to become. Many change and love it. Others are so upset at the reality, they step into the sun and burn. I liked that, but the relationship between Tana and Gavriel was boring to me. I wasn't thrilled, I didn't really care about them and Tana kept doing stupid stuff. Trusting - way too trusting! I just wasn't phased by the story.
If I know many vamp-fans, I'm sure they'll think I'm crazy. The only way to know is to read it and find out. So go out and see if The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is for you. I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, book 1
Written by Holly Black
Narrated by Christine Lakin
Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Released 2013
432 Pages
Running Time: 12 hrs 6 mins
