A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 13
December 18, 2018
The Clockmaker's Daughter
An Audiobook Novel by Kate Morten
I immediately fell in love with this book's cover. It was one of those surprise book wins that surprised me with a story that slowly became a winner to me. When it ended, I had to thumb through to see if there were any extras. Today's review is The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton.
#element-045e3d05-ab69-42c1-ae30-70fb06b09294 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Clockmaker's Daughter is a tale of mystery, ghosts, love, and betrayal. It takes place in both the Victorian era as well as the present. When a young woman find a package containing items that had been delivered years ago but never opened, its her adventure to peek inside. What she didn't expect to find was her own life's story.
The Clockmaker's Daughter is one of those books that beautifully written but extremely Victorian. There are times when you have to replay or reread it again, to ensure the proper understanding was received. I had to do that. There are parts of the book that's hilarious and humorous, terribly sad and depressing, beautiful and loving- this book contains it all. You only have to push through the parts that carried meaning but could have been saved.
The mystery and the ghost kept me going more than any other point of view in the story. Because you aren't immediately told who the apparition is or why she's haunting the manor, you are kept baited as she retells her version of what took place. The past is eventually carried to front, making the book engrossing and more than just an easy read. Once the pieces (Elodie's discovery of a mysterious photo, journal and sketchbook) come together, you see where Morton wanted to take the historical tale and you hope beyond hope that things end on a happy note. Then you remember it's a ghost telling the tale!
The Clockmaker's Daughter is a novel for the sappy, romantic types who love flashbacks, jealous friendshiops gone rogue and prissy boarding school girls who love to torture one another. I will look to Morton for more reads in the future because this one was well worth the read. Cheers- I'm on to the next book!
The Clockmaker's Daughter
Written by Kate Morton
Narrated by Joanne Froggatt
Published by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
Running Time: 17h 3 m
496 pages (paperback)
The Clockmaker's Daughter
Kate Morton
Narrated by Joanne Froggatt
Published by Bolinda Audio
Released October 2018
Running time 17h 3m
I immediately fell in love with this book's cover. It was one of those surprise book wins that surprised me with a story that slowly became a winner to me. When it ended, I had to thumb through to see if there were any extras. Today's review is The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton.#element-045e3d05-ab69-42c1-ae30-70fb06b09294 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Clockmaker's Daughter is a tale of mystery, ghosts, love, and betrayal. It takes place in both the Victorian era as well as the present. When a young woman find a package containing items that had been delivered years ago but never opened, its her adventure to peek inside. What she didn't expect to find was her own life's story.
The Clockmaker's Daughter is one of those books that beautifully written but extremely Victorian. There are times when you have to replay or reread it again, to ensure the proper understanding was received. I had to do that. There are parts of the book that's hilarious and humorous, terribly sad and depressing, beautiful and loving- this book contains it all. You only have to push through the parts that carried meaning but could have been saved.
The mystery and the ghost kept me going more than any other point of view in the story. Because you aren't immediately told who the apparition is or why she's haunting the manor, you are kept baited as she retells her version of what took place. The past is eventually carried to front, making the book engrossing and more than just an easy read. Once the pieces (Elodie's discovery of a mysterious photo, journal and sketchbook) come together, you see where Morton wanted to take the historical tale and you hope beyond hope that things end on a happy note. Then you remember it's a ghost telling the tale!
The Clockmaker's Daughter is a novel for the sappy, romantic types who love flashbacks, jealous friendshiops gone rogue and prissy boarding school girls who love to torture one another. I will look to Morton for more reads in the future because this one was well worth the read. Cheers- I'm on to the next book!
The Clockmaker's Daughter
Written by Kate Morton
Narrated by Joanne Froggatt
Published by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
Running Time: 17h 3 m
496 pages (paperback)
The Clockmaker's Daughter
Kate Morton
Narrated by Joanne Froggatt
Published by Bolinda Audio
Released October 2018
Running time 17h 3m
December 17, 2018
X-Files, An Audible Original, Parts 1 & 2
Another Audible Original Production
Don't you just love an awesome audio production? That's what this is. It's like having your television on but you're not watching. You get everything you need for an amazing audio version of The X Files, complete with the voices of David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and the rest of the major ballers from the television show! This is my review to The X Files: Cold Cases
"Dun dun da da, da da da, Dong! Dun dun da da, da da da, DONG!"
#element-bf5f65a7-4e01-4d53-930b-082b1ef55ca8 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So, if you watched the series from beginning to end, you know Scully had a baby that she did not keep. This picks up with a part of that scenario. I can't tell you exactly what the setting is, but I can tell you that their cover is blown when a little girl who displayed a light sickness suddenly speaks with a voice that doesn't belong to her in Scully's office. The girl knows Dana's not who she's pretending to be and wants her child!
Say what?
People are being killed and Fox is set on a wild goose chase. Again. Or is he? The story has sound effects, monologues and more that just sets you back in the old days with the original cast. Now since it's return, I haven't watched The X Files, but if its anywhere near as good as this audio production, I could get back in to it. There are two parts for this review- one I got them free but if you get them separately, they're less than a dollar each. GET THEM! You will be transported back into the thrilling science and mystery of it all.
The Truth isn't out there, it's in this audio series! Check out The X Files: Cold Cases 1 & 2 while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
The X Files: Cold CasesBy: Joe Harris, Chris Carter, Dirk Maggs - adaptation Narrated by: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Willliam B. Davis, Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, Bruce Harwood Series: The X-Files (Audible Original), Book 1 Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins Release date: 07-18-17 Language: English Publisher: Audible Studios
Don't you just love an awesome audio production? That's what this is. It's like having your television on but you're not watching. You get everything you need for an amazing audio version of The X Files, complete with the voices of David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and the rest of the major ballers from the television show! This is my review to The X Files: Cold Cases"Dun dun da da, da da da, Dong! Dun dun da da, da da da, DONG!"
#element-bf5f65a7-4e01-4d53-930b-082b1ef55ca8 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So, if you watched the series from beginning to end, you know Scully had a baby that she did not keep. This picks up with a part of that scenario. I can't tell you exactly what the setting is, but I can tell you that their cover is blown when a little girl who displayed a light sickness suddenly speaks with a voice that doesn't belong to her in Scully's office. The girl knows Dana's not who she's pretending to be and wants her child! Say what?
People are being killed and Fox is set on a wild goose chase. Again. Or is he? The story has sound effects, monologues and more that just sets you back in the old days with the original cast. Now since it's return, I haven't watched The X Files, but if its anywhere near as good as this audio production, I could get back in to it. There are two parts for this review- one I got them free but if you get them separately, they're less than a dollar each. GET THEM! You will be transported back into the thrilling science and mystery of it all.
The Truth isn't out there, it's in this audio series! Check out The X Files: Cold Cases 1 & 2 while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
The X Files: Cold CasesBy: Joe Harris, Chris Carter, Dirk Maggs - adaptation Narrated by: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Willliam B. Davis, Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, Bruce Harwood Series: The X-Files (Audible Original), Book 1 Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins Release date: 07-18-17 Language: English Publisher: Audible Studios
X-Files, An Audible Original Parts 1&2
Another Audible Original Production
Don't you just love an awesome audio production? That's what this is. It's like having your television on but you're not watching. You get everything you need for an amazing audio version of The X Files, complete with the voices of David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and the rest of the major ballers from the television show! This is my review to The X Files: Cold Cases
"Dun dun da da, da da da, Dong! Dun dun da da, da da da, DONG!"
#element-bf5f65a7-4e01-4d53-930b-082b1ef55ca8 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So, if you watched the series from beginning to end, you know Scully had a baby that she did not keep. This picks up with a part of that scenario. I can't tell you exactly what the setting is, but I can tell you that their cover is blown when a little girl who displayed a light sickness suddenly speaks with a voice that doesn't belong to her in Scully's office. The girl knows Dana's not who she's pretending to be and wants her child!
Say what?
People are being killed and Fox is set on a wild goose chase. Again. Or is he? The story has sound effects, monologues and more that just sets you back in the old days with the original cast. Now since it's return, I haven't watched The X Files, but if its anywhere near as good as this audio production, I could get back in to it. There are two parts for this review- one I got them free but if you get them separately, they're less than a dollar each. GET THEM! You will be transported back into the thrilling science and mystery of it all.
The Truth isn't out there, it's in this audio series! Check out The X Files: Cold Cases 1 & 2 while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
The X Files: Cold CasesBy: Joe Harris, Chris Carter, Dirk Maggs - adaptation Narrated by: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Willliam B. Davis, Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, Bruce Harwood Series: The X-Files (Audible Original), Book 1 Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins Release date: 07-18-17 Language: English Publisher: Audible Studios
Don't you just love an awesome audio production? That's what this is. It's like having your television on but you're not watching. You get everything you need for an amazing audio version of The X Files, complete with the voices of David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and the rest of the major ballers from the television show! This is my review to The X Files: Cold Cases"Dun dun da da, da da da, Dong! Dun dun da da, da da da, DONG!"
#element-bf5f65a7-4e01-4d53-930b-082b1ef55ca8 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So, if you watched the series from beginning to end, you know Scully had a baby that she did not keep. This picks up with a part of that scenario. I can't tell you exactly what the setting is, but I can tell you that their cover is blown when a little girl who displayed a light sickness suddenly speaks with a voice that doesn't belong to her in Scully's office. The girl knows Dana's not who she's pretending to be and wants her child! Say what?
People are being killed and Fox is set on a wild goose chase. Again. Or is he? The story has sound effects, monologues and more that just sets you back in the old days with the original cast. Now since it's return, I haven't watched The X Files, but if its anywhere near as good as this audio production, I could get back in to it. There are two parts for this review- one I got them free but if you get them separately, they're less than a dollar each. GET THEM! You will be transported back into the thrilling science and mystery of it all.
The Truth isn't out there, it's in this audio series! Check out The X Files: Cold Cases 1 & 2 while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
The X Files: Cold CasesBy: Joe Harris, Chris Carter, Dirk Maggs - adaptation Narrated by: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Willliam B. Davis, Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, Bruce Harwood Series: The X-Files (Audible Original), Book 1 Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins Release date: 07-18-17 Language: English Publisher: Audible Studios
December 12, 2018
Grim Lovelies
Book 1 of the Grim Lovelies series
by Megan Shepherd
When I received this book notification, it immediately went onto my TBR list. The cover, the summary and the giveaway that I won later on- all of it made me know I was going to love this book. Sadly that was not the case. It was entertaining but it was missing some stuff, you know?
Here's my review of Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd. #element-710bbbbe-001d-4ede-b30d-67378ff19193 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The story is about a beastie named Anouk. A beastie is a creature made by witches, from animal to human. Personally, I thought she was a ghoul but she's not- she looks like a sweet, human girl. She's trapped beneath the heel of her creator and ruler of a magical district named Mada Vittora. A terrible situation brews and a spell is due to expire with a horrific outcome unless they figure out a solution. FAST! What comes from these events is a romance, a tragedy and a storyline that sorta flopped to me.
I liked Anouk and felt for her plight, but I don't feel as though I really got to know her. Not just her either; I didn't really connect with most of the characters but loved how creatures can be converted into human form. The magic was never lost in this tale- it's what pretty much saved the story for me.
The one thing I didn't like most was the gay thing. Why the gays man? I'm not going to stand on some pedestal and rant or anything (as with a few of the reviews I later found out) but it wasn't okay with me. That's not a message you want to send out to the YA community- especially the young adults, you know?
Other the characters being a bit bland and not really relatable, Grim Lovelies is not too shabby. It's an entertaining read, no matter how frustrated you grow. I just hope I gain as much publicity when my novel comes out because this book was raved to be an absolute winner! I just don't know how the community will really feel about it all. Anyway, I'm on my way to the next read. Cheers mates!
Grim Lovelies
Written by Megan Shepherd
Published by HMH Books For Young Readers
Released October 2018
384 Pages
by Megan Shepherd
When I received this book notification, it immediately went onto my TBR list. The cover, the summary and the giveaway that I won later on- all of it made me know I was going to love this book. Sadly that was not the case. It was entertaining but it was missing some stuff, you know? Here's my review of Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd. #element-710bbbbe-001d-4ede-b30d-67378ff19193 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The story is about a beastie named Anouk. A beastie is a creature made by witches, from animal to human. Personally, I thought she was a ghoul but she's not- she looks like a sweet, human girl. She's trapped beneath the heel of her creator and ruler of a magical district named Mada Vittora. A terrible situation brews and a spell is due to expire with a horrific outcome unless they figure out a solution. FAST! What comes from these events is a romance, a tragedy and a storyline that sorta flopped to me.I liked Anouk and felt for her plight, but I don't feel as though I really got to know her. Not just her either; I didn't really connect with most of the characters but loved how creatures can be converted into human form. The magic was never lost in this tale- it's what pretty much saved the story for me.
The one thing I didn't like most was the gay thing. Why the gays man? I'm not going to stand on some pedestal and rant or anything (as with a few of the reviews I later found out) but it wasn't okay with me. That's not a message you want to send out to the YA community- especially the young adults, you know?
Other the characters being a bit bland and not really relatable, Grim Lovelies is not too shabby. It's an entertaining read, no matter how frustrated you grow. I just hope I gain as much publicity when my novel comes out because this book was raved to be an absolute winner! I just don't know how the community will really feel about it all. Anyway, I'm on my way to the next read. Cheers mates!
Grim Lovelies
Written by Megan Shepherd
Published by HMH Books For Young Readers
Released October 2018
384 Pages
December 11, 2018
Ethereal
Poetry by Hayden Mills
My very first poetry book was partially in another language. My second and now third are by Hayden Mills. How lucky I am to be able to share another of his books. There's a sense of enlightenment when you hold a novel of poetry in your hand- well, ebook book. LOL So let me tell you why I enjoyed reading this one so much. Todays review is Ethereal.
#element-cd77c084-8738-4125-a9a4-f78d4feb7688 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Ethereal is a journey. I didn't do an interview with Mills on what brought this book about, but I'm sure there's a personal story behind each of the chapters, each piece. The book tells all.
The first one to really stuck with me was My "Other" Notebook. I connected with this one for one reason: Relatability! I have, not one notebook but THREE! One for my husband and one for each of my children. I related the emotions in that poem because I do the exact same thing. I write in them when I'm disappointed, happy, frustrated, etc. Everything! I loved it.
The second to resonate was The Beautiful People Part 2. The best part of poetry is that you are able to read the author's words but come to understand a completely different meaning than what they may have meant to convey.
If you are a lover of poetry, Hayden Mills has several books for you, but make sure to check out Ethereal. It's a new sort of poetry- unlike any that I've read before. In The Beautiful People Part 2, I saw the homeless, people who'd lost or simply given up. What will you see when you read it?
The take away is visceral, as with The Girl Named ####. You feel anger, you know the themes immediately and you can either relate or remember or catch from afar. Mills carries something both intense and gentle with each page turned. I can't wait to see what comes next!
Check out Ethereal- available on Amazon! I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
Ethereal
Poetry by Hayden Mills
Published October 2018
Amazon Digital Services
50 Pages
My very first poetry book was partially in another language. My second and now third are by Hayden Mills. How lucky I am to be able to share another of his books. There's a sense of enlightenment when you hold a novel of poetry in your hand- well, ebook book. LOL So let me tell you why I enjoyed reading this one so much. Todays review is Ethereal.#element-cd77c084-8738-4125-a9a4-f78d4feb7688 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Ethereal is a journey. I didn't do an interview with Mills on what brought this book about, but I'm sure there's a personal story behind each of the chapters, each piece. The book tells all.The first one to really stuck with me was My "Other" Notebook. I connected with this one for one reason: Relatability! I have, not one notebook but THREE! One for my husband and one for each of my children. I related the emotions in that poem because I do the exact same thing. I write in them when I'm disappointed, happy, frustrated, etc. Everything! I loved it.
The second to resonate was The Beautiful People Part 2. The best part of poetry is that you are able to read the author's words but come to understand a completely different meaning than what they may have meant to convey.
If you are a lover of poetry, Hayden Mills has several books for you, but make sure to check out Ethereal. It's a new sort of poetry- unlike any that I've read before. In The Beautiful People Part 2, I saw the homeless, people who'd lost or simply given up. What will you see when you read it?
The take away is visceral, as with The Girl Named ####. You feel anger, you know the themes immediately and you can either relate or remember or catch from afar. Mills carries something both intense and gentle with each page turned. I can't wait to see what comes next!
Check out Ethereal- available on Amazon! I'm moving on to the next read. Cheers!
Ethereal
Poetry by Hayden Mills
Published October 2018
Amazon Digital Services
50 Pages
December 10, 2018
Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events:
Just like myself, Joshua (my reading Paht'nah) loves to read a good book, then compare it to the movie or television program. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events was no different.#element-23b01fa6-87cf-4a93-a6e4-86dd8f3393fa .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
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The Wide Window
The Miserable Mill
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In Book One of the series,
The Bad Beginning
tells how the Baudelaire children are struck with an unfortunate event, leaving them orphans with a substantial amount of money behind their names.As a bumbling accountant at the bank does his best to get them situated in a safe home, he does everything but that! It's when they are placed with the cruel Count Olaf that they realize their lives
are in danger and the world around them is as insane as the Count's theatrical group! It's funny, sad and unbelievable!
Told through the narration of Lemony Snicket, you follow the children through ridiculously ludicrous happenings. You can't help but enjoy the story. My son and I read half of the book, then watched episode 1 on Netflix. After completing the book, we watched episode 2, and so on until we completed all four books.
The television show doesn't follow the books exactly, but believe me when I say both versions are so entertaining, I hope to do this again with another series.
In Book 2, The Reptile Room, the Baudelaire children find themselves placed under the care of their Uncle Montgomery Montgomery, or Uncle Monty for short. He's a wonderful man who treated them kindly and with great protection, but as will all things Baudelaire, Uncle Monty is announced, by Lemony Snicket, very early on that he will die. WHAT?
What do the children do when they find
themselves up against their nefarious foe, Count Olaf again? Well, I can't tell you. You have to read it for yourself or watch it on Netflix! LOLThe story is written in a style that's humorous, repetitive and nerve-wrecking and terribly fun. My son and I loved this. We'd read about half the book, then watch Part One of the Netflix original. Then after the book was completed, we watched Part Two. Anyone who enjoys YA books will like this. Just know that what happens in the book isn't always what happens in the series- and it doesn't lose a bit of it's style or plot.
In book 3, The Wide Window, the Baudelaire children are now sent to a new home for their futures to set. They have an aunt who lives far away, on a lake in a house that truly hangs on the edge of a cliff. They easily find themselves adoring her but bothered by her antics. When will they ever find a guardian who can take care of them and avoid the continuous attacks of Count Olaf?The Wide Window isn't like the other books in that the manner in which Count Olaf goes about things isn't what eats at you. This time, you go in already irritated by Mr. Poe. You wonder why so many
people have been set up to take care of three children they barely know and lastly- why hasn't anyone stopped a man knowingly on the loose to steal a fortune? And you still find yourself laughing at every little thing that happens.
In The Miserable Mill, I truly believe the Baudelaire children have reached an all-time low. They've arrived at a wood mill, where labor laws of any sort have been pushed aside. They eat bubble gum for their 4-minute lunch breaks, wear no shoes and have to share a bed again, but now... Now Count Olaf has the perfect setting to snatch the children legally. Easily.
Thanks to their newest guardian, Sir, they have to find a way to escape a new villain; a person who has the entire mill believing the Baudelaire's are responsible for everything that's brought the town to it's knees, practically creating a ghost town! We've finally arrived at the end of the first four books in the SoUE series. I'm happy to say it's been an amazing ride and probably one I'm sure we'll continue with. Though the definitions of everything, a phrase which means we grew tired of reading: "a phrase which means...", was an entertaining beginning to a crazy, strange and slightly depressing series. The Netflix series is different as well, but not by a great deal. I have to say, Neil Patrick Harris plays an amazing Count Olaf. He had a great time with this show, we both know it. I hope you get a chance to at least watch the show if you don't read the books. You'll love both! I promise!
Now I'm off to the next read, next series. Cheers!
Lemony Snicke's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Book Series written by Daniel Handler
Published by Harper Collins and Egmont Group (UK)
Netflix Original
Stars Neil Patrick Harris, Louis Hynes, Patrick Warburton, K. Todd Freeman, Alfre Woodard, and more!
December 5, 2018
The Possession of Hannah Grace
*A Movie Review
When this movie released on November 30th, I just knew it was going to be big. Hopefully a new trend of bodies turning up in morgues won't become a so-called thing, because when you get a mangled body, with devilishly blue eyes, you tend to think something huge and horrific is coming, eh?
This is The Possession of Hannah Grace review.
#element-5e4255c9-5b0b-4dba-8e77-eff7461d6bbf .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Back in March of this year I reviewed a movie called The Autopsy of Jane Doe (http://bit.ly/JaneDoeAutopsy). That movie was cryptic movie artistry, with just enough evil and suspense to urge me into purchasing it. I carry no regrets. The Possession of Hannah Grace's movie trailer captured me into ensuring I grabbed a movie ticket for both my momma and myself. We eagerly waited for the movie to snake beneath our skin, like the demon in question and horrify us.
None of this happened.
Instead, we walked away from the theater, credits just beginning to roll, grumbling to ourselves on how we'll never regain our ninety minutes back. The movie is set in a morgue, so you don't look for the anxiety build up immediately. The character, Megan Reed, is doing her best to regain her life after a traumatic event as a Detroit Police Officer. While working in-take bodies, she comes across a body that changes her life forever. Strange occurances take place, leaving her to question her sanity and those closest to her wonder if she's had a relapse. Soon they understand.
The Possession of Hannah Grace was a complete flop to me. I admit, I jumped on one part that wasn't even an event (becasue that's what horror movies do) but the rest was just a view. I wans't compelled. As a matter of fact, I heard many people sighing as we all watched and waited in the dark. How cana movie with such a title be such a let down? One way was in the length of time it took to build up. It was predictable and rather foolish. The best parts took palce with a pale, mangled body on the slab. The spasdic movements, the blue eyes, the inhale... Those brief moments are what made me hope for more. Made me hunger for something similar to the Jane Doe movie. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough.
Personally, I say wait for HBO or Netflix for this one. It's really not worth it, but if you're looking for Big Screen flare, check it out. I'm on to the next movie or book. Cheers!
The Possession of Hannah Grace
Directed by Diederik Van Rooijen
Produced by Broken Road
Starred Shay Mitchell, Grey Damon, Kirby Johnson, Nick Thune and Louis Herthum
Runtime 1h 25m
Released November 2018
When this movie released on November 30th, I just knew it was going to be big. Hopefully a new trend of bodies turning up in morgues won't become a so-called thing, because when you get a mangled body, with devilishly blue eyes, you tend to think something huge and horrific is coming, eh?This is The Possession of Hannah Grace review.
#element-5e4255c9-5b0b-4dba-8e77-eff7461d6bbf .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Back in March of this year I reviewed a movie called The Autopsy of Jane Doe (http://bit.ly/JaneDoeAutopsy). That movie was cryptic movie artistry, with just enough evil and suspense to urge me into purchasing it. I carry no regrets. The Possession of Hannah Grace's movie trailer captured me into ensuring I grabbed a movie ticket for both my momma and myself. We eagerly waited for the movie to snake beneath our skin, like the demon in question and horrify us.None of this happened.
Instead, we walked away from the theater, credits just beginning to roll, grumbling to ourselves on how we'll never regain our ninety minutes back. The movie is set in a morgue, so you don't look for the anxiety build up immediately. The character, Megan Reed, is doing her best to regain her life after a traumatic event as a Detroit Police Officer. While working in-take bodies, she comes across a body that changes her life forever. Strange occurances take place, leaving her to question her sanity and those closest to her wonder if she's had a relapse. Soon they understand.
The Possession of Hannah Grace was a complete flop to me. I admit, I jumped on one part that wasn't even an event (becasue that's what horror movies do) but the rest was just a view. I wans't compelled. As a matter of fact, I heard many people sighing as we all watched and waited in the dark. How cana movie with such a title be such a let down? One way was in the length of time it took to build up. It was predictable and rather foolish. The best parts took palce with a pale, mangled body on the slab. The spasdic movements, the blue eyes, the inhale... Those brief moments are what made me hope for more. Made me hunger for something similar to the Jane Doe movie. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough.
Personally, I say wait for HBO or Netflix for this one. It's really not worth it, but if you're looking for Big Screen flare, check it out. I'm on to the next movie or book. Cheers!
The Possession of Hannah Grace
Directed by Diederik Van Rooijen
Produced by Broken Road
Starred Shay Mitchell, Grey Damon, Kirby Johnson, Nick Thune and Louis Herthum
Runtime 1h 25m
Released November 2018
I'm From the Sun: The Gustafer Yellowgold Story
A FREE Audible.com Original
by Morgan Taylor
Have you ever pretended to be someone you weren't? No? How about this: have you ever went along with other people wanted you to do because you were too afraid to say that you didn't want to do it and then felt terrible because you knew you should have told them you didn't want to but you didn't want to hurt their feelings? Yeah, we've all been there. That's the story about Gustafer Yellowgold. He's a 9-year old who lives on/in the sun. He's got some issues but being himself shoudln't be one of them!
This is I'm From the Sun!
#element-b019c615-b46e-45f7-a978-5ce204c97ffe .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Evidently Morgan Taylor is not only an author, he's also a muscian/singer. This Audible Original, I'm From the Sun, is about putting all those awesome talents to good use.
Taylor uses a kid on the sun to discuss things like morals, being yourself and standing up to those who dont' seem to listen to you. Or want to bully you. With a kind friend and a hero who gives excellent advice, Gustafer decides that he needs to be himself. He also has to help his family save the family business too- but that's another part of the story.
I'm From the Sun is a story that's almost like watching a tv musical. You have the story, then a cool song breaks out sharing how Gustafer feels or what he's doing or what he wants to do. It's really awesome. When the first few songs came on, I wasn't so sure but the further into the tale it went, the more I liked them.
Also, you have all the sounds and tinkly music to go along with the adventure. When Gustafer was in the restaurant, helping his family, you heard people chatter along with clinking dishes and silverware. If he was padling on his paddlebike, you heard him paddling away. When he was beaten up by the annoying brothers, you heard the punches landing. It's really like a radio show.That made it easy on the ears and the imagination.
If my son was younger, I think he'd have enjoyed them too. From what I understand, there will be more Yellowgold tales. If your child loves a good story with some pretty original songs to sing to, this may be the audiobook for you. Check out I'm From the Sun while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
I'm From the Sun
Written, narrated and Performed by Morgan Taylor
Audible Studios
Released October 2018
Running time: 4h 11 m
by Morgan Taylor
Have you ever pretended to be someone you weren't? No? How about this: have you ever went along with other people wanted you to do because you were too afraid to say that you didn't want to do it and then felt terrible because you knew you should have told them you didn't want to but you didn't want to hurt their feelings? Yeah, we've all been there. That's the story about Gustafer Yellowgold. He's a 9-year old who lives on/in the sun. He's got some issues but being himself shoudln't be one of them! This is I'm From the Sun!
#element-b019c615-b46e-45f7-a978-5ce204c97ffe .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Evidently Morgan Taylor is not only an author, he's also a muscian/singer. This Audible Original, I'm From the Sun, is about putting all those awesome talents to good use. Taylor uses a kid on the sun to discuss things like morals, being yourself and standing up to those who dont' seem to listen to you. Or want to bully you. With a kind friend and a hero who gives excellent advice, Gustafer decides that he needs to be himself. He also has to help his family save the family business too- but that's another part of the story.
I'm From the Sun is a story that's almost like watching a tv musical. You have the story, then a cool song breaks out sharing how Gustafer feels or what he's doing or what he wants to do. It's really awesome. When the first few songs came on, I wasn't so sure but the further into the tale it went, the more I liked them.
Also, you have all the sounds and tinkly music to go along with the adventure. When Gustafer was in the restaurant, helping his family, you heard people chatter along with clinking dishes and silverware. If he was padling on his paddlebike, you heard him paddling away. When he was beaten up by the annoying brothers, you heard the punches landing. It's really like a radio show.That made it easy on the ears and the imagination.
If my son was younger, I think he'd have enjoyed them too. From what I understand, there will be more Yellowgold tales. If your child loves a good story with some pretty original songs to sing to, this may be the audiobook for you. Check out I'm From the Sun while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
I'm From the Sun
Written, narrated and Performed by Morgan Taylor
Audible Studios
Released October 2018
Running time: 4h 11 m
December 4, 2018
Trollhunters
Netflix Original Series
by Guillermo del Toro from the books by
Richard Ashley Hamilton
The TrollHunter series, on Netflix, is an amazing story from Richard Ashley Hamilton, amazing animations through Dreamworks and brought to life by Guillermo Del Toro. My son and I love watching books Brought to life but this was beyond anything I’d imagined. I hated to see it all brought to an end! #element-15a1296c-7046-4d78-94bf-4c59e96a8e13 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The story, a full 52 episodes, begins with a simply high school kid named James, (Jim or Jimbo to his friends). He and his best friend Toby take their usual route to school but on one particular day they ride across the bridge to discover a fight of sorts. The battle isn’t between humans, they’re ginormous trolls. This incident takes Jim, Toby and other characters on a ride of a lifetime.
The best part of watching this series is how easily you come to care for the characters. They’re all likable- even the villains! The discoveries could have kept the show running forever, but I guess they didn’t want to take the chance of ruining it. I’m grateful but I hated to see the end coming- but the ending was HUGE!
Using the voice talents of great people: Anton Yelchin, Kelsey Grammer, Ron Perlman and Steven Yeun, the show flows through the highs and lows in the life of a trollhunter. So much happens and the way they divided the half hour episodes made each one a cliffhanger for the one to follow. Thank goodness we watched on Netflix, so we didn’t have to wait! Since I homeschool, every Monday through Friday we watched 2-3 episodes during lunch. We could have finished it much faster but school and all, you know?
If you decide to watch, just know that some of the characters actually die. Jim’s a trollhunter, doing his best to not only save his world but the world of trolls as well, so he does kill. They’re not bloody deaths, it is Dreamworks after all, but they die. Know that going in. There’s no profanity but every now and then some odd references are made that make you laugh but the kids won’t get it.
This is a well-rounded series with a strong beginning, superb middle and most excellent of endings. Trollhunters is one that I’d purchase if I didn’t have Netflix and could go back at any time.I’m moving on to the next show. Cheers!
OH! Dreamworks did end Trollhunters but in 2019 a new series involving wizards, witches and warlocks is introduced in the same city. They’re introduced in the last few episodes of Trollhunters. Keep an eye out!
Trollhunters Netflix series
Created by Guillermo del Toro
Adapted from the Richard Ashley Hamilton books by the same name
Original release: December 2016
Final episode: May 2018
by Guillermo del Toro from the books by
Richard Ashley Hamilton
The TrollHunter series, on Netflix, is an amazing story from Richard Ashley Hamilton, amazing animations through Dreamworks and brought to life by Guillermo Del Toro. My son and I love watching books Brought to life but this was beyond anything I’d imagined. I hated to see it all brought to an end! #element-15a1296c-7046-4d78-94bf-4c59e96a8e13 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The story, a full 52 episodes, begins with a simply high school kid named James, (Jim or Jimbo to his friends). He and his best friend Toby take their usual route to school but on one particular day they ride across the bridge to discover a fight of sorts. The battle isn’t between humans, they’re ginormous trolls. This incident takes Jim, Toby and other characters on a ride of a lifetime. The best part of watching this series is how easily you come to care for the characters. They’re all likable- even the villains! The discoveries could have kept the show running forever, but I guess they didn’t want to take the chance of ruining it. I’m grateful but I hated to see the end coming- but the ending was HUGE!
Using the voice talents of great people: Anton Yelchin, Kelsey Grammer, Ron Perlman and Steven Yeun, the show flows through the highs and lows in the life of a trollhunter. So much happens and the way they divided the half hour episodes made each one a cliffhanger for the one to follow. Thank goodness we watched on Netflix, so we didn’t have to wait! Since I homeschool, every Monday through Friday we watched 2-3 episodes during lunch. We could have finished it much faster but school and all, you know?
If you decide to watch, just know that some of the characters actually die. Jim’s a trollhunter, doing his best to not only save his world but the world of trolls as well, so he does kill. They’re not bloody deaths, it is Dreamworks after all, but they die. Know that going in. There’s no profanity but every now and then some odd references are made that make you laugh but the kids won’t get it.
This is a well-rounded series with a strong beginning, superb middle and most excellent of endings. Trollhunters is one that I’d purchase if I didn’t have Netflix and could go back at any time.I’m moving on to the next show. Cheers!
OH! Dreamworks did end Trollhunters but in 2019 a new series involving wizards, witches and warlocks is introduced in the same city. They’re introduced in the last few episodes of Trollhunters. Keep an eye out!
Trollhunters Netflix series
Created by Guillermo del Toro
Adapted from the Richard Ashley Hamilton books by the same name
Original release: December 2016
Final episode: May 2018
December 3, 2018
Night of 1,000 Beasts
A novel by John Palisano
Narrated by Scottie Calif
What happens when the world flips on its axis? When beasts, hunted for centuries finally decide they no longer will cower behind bushes or run away? When they decide to, instead, go against nature and change from prey to hunter? One night every 70 years, this happens. A night of 1,000 Beasts... #element-a5ad3999-67b5-4f9e-afd1-69efd2a3439c .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Deer Springs, Colorado. During the longest night of the centurey, an avalanche traps some vegans on a mountainside. While doing their best to survive till rescue arrives, they wait. Unknowingly, they're being watched. Hunted. Devoured.
The native creatures decide they're no longer going to stand by and allow themselves to be eaten by those on two legs. So they fight back. They attack. They kill and eat. Can you imagine a deer- a buck, standing on its hind legs, bopping you square in the face or atop your head? Well, that's what you get in this novel.
It sounds hilarious and I did laugh.
At First.
What initially cracked a rib or two of mine while laughing was the fact that they waited for VEGANS! Why the vegans? One of them even purchased a Prius because rats kept eating his car's wiring. Instead of getting rid of the rats, he bought a PRIUS! Come on! That guy should live, right? Well, later I found myself not laughing. Not entertained at all.
Night of 1,000 Beasts by John Palisano, began as a joke to me. It felt humorous but it later made me feel grossed and unsure if I wanted to finish the book. Some of the things that took place were so off, so different and terribly original, It's a brand of horror all its own. If you have weak constitutions, this book won't stay long on your bookshelf. It's the perfect, unexplained blend of gore and insanity!
There's only one thing that ruined the book for me. Let me reword that- the audiobook could have been one hundred percent better had they'd chosen a better narrator. She has the voice of an 80's, teenaged Valley Girl; it didn't belong over this novel. Honestly! Her inflection, tone and attitude made it sound more like a romp through the mall instead of fighting for lives. No sir, I didn't like it. Other than that, I found this book highly entertaining and definitely worth the purchase.
Check out Night of 1,000 Beasts while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Night of 1,000 Beasts
John Palisano
Audio Narration by Scottie Calif
Independently published May 2018
208 pages
Narrated by Scottie Calif
What happens when the world flips on its axis? When beasts, hunted for centuries finally decide they no longer will cower behind bushes or run away? When they decide to, instead, go against nature and change from prey to hunter? One night every 70 years, this happens. A night of 1,000 Beasts... #element-a5ad3999-67b5-4f9e-afd1-69efd2a3439c .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Deer Springs, Colorado. During the longest night of the centurey, an avalanche traps some vegans on a mountainside. While doing their best to survive till rescue arrives, they wait. Unknowingly, they're being watched. Hunted. Devoured.The native creatures decide they're no longer going to stand by and allow themselves to be eaten by those on two legs. So they fight back. They attack. They kill and eat. Can you imagine a deer- a buck, standing on its hind legs, bopping you square in the face or atop your head? Well, that's what you get in this novel.
It sounds hilarious and I did laugh.
At First.
What initially cracked a rib or two of mine while laughing was the fact that they waited for VEGANS! Why the vegans? One of them even purchased a Prius because rats kept eating his car's wiring. Instead of getting rid of the rats, he bought a PRIUS! Come on! That guy should live, right? Well, later I found myself not laughing. Not entertained at all.
Night of 1,000 Beasts by John Palisano, began as a joke to me. It felt humorous but it later made me feel grossed and unsure if I wanted to finish the book. Some of the things that took place were so off, so different and terribly original, It's a brand of horror all its own. If you have weak constitutions, this book won't stay long on your bookshelf. It's the perfect, unexplained blend of gore and insanity!
There's only one thing that ruined the book for me. Let me reword that- the audiobook could have been one hundred percent better had they'd chosen a better narrator. She has the voice of an 80's, teenaged Valley Girl; it didn't belong over this novel. Honestly! Her inflection, tone and attitude made it sound more like a romp through the mall instead of fighting for lives. No sir, I didn't like it. Other than that, I found this book highly entertaining and definitely worth the purchase.
Check out Night of 1,000 Beasts while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Night of 1,000 Beasts
John Palisano
Audio Narration by Scottie Calif
Independently published May 2018
208 pages
