#AmReading + #AmWatching - June 6th 2019 #Reviews

It's time to take a look at what I've been reading and watching during this past week.

If you want to know more about the book, or the author, click on whichever it is you want to learn more about, and it will take you to the appropriate page on Goodreads. Clicking on my rating should take you to my actual Goodreads review for the book in question. Please bear in mind that the format I've reviewed on Goodreads may not be the format I actually read.

Alternatively, if it's a movie or TV show you want to know more about, just click on the title to go to a page where you can find out more details about the movie or TV show in question; the title links will usually take you to a page on IMDB.

Don't forget: I read and watch things across multiple genres, as well as for different age ranges, so you should always check before reading or viewing, to make certain something is suitable for the intended audience, especially when children are involved.

OK...

Here's what I read this week:

Voyage of the Lanternfish by C.S. Boyack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OK, just... WOW! I'm totally serious when I say that the only reason I didn't read this book in one sitting is that life events, as well as the need to do things like sleep, kept making me put it down. The only good thing about that is the fact I was then able to stay in the wonderful world the author has created, and hang out with all these great characters, just a little longer. This is an awesome adventure story, with some fantasy and sci-fi elements thrown in. It has a fabulous cast of characters - I especially loved those little root monsters - and an excellent action-packed plot.

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book I've read by this author, and - though I did really enjoy it - I enjoyed the other one more. This was a great mystery written in a gothic fairy tale style, with a fascinating cast of characters. There were times when the plot seemed to start to be a little more slow-paced than I would have liked, but it always picked back up again before I had time to really be bothered by it, so it didn't get boring or anything. Over all, it was an enjoyable read. Just not as captivating as "The 13th Tale" was.

As for what I've been watching:

I never know if I should include this, since it's just something I watch on Youtube when I get a chance, where you get to sit in on a roleplaying game with this group. But I enjoy watching it, and I'm just going to go ahead and mention it anyway. I watched the next two "Critical Role" episodes. Well, the next one for me, since I'm still WAY behind on those, so that's campaign 2, episodes 14 and 15.

I also watched two movies during the past week. Both were new to me - at least, I know one was, and am pretty sure I haven't seen the other and don't remember reviewing it - so reviews for them are below.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017 movie):
I'm pretty sure I haven't watched and reviewed this one before, but sorry if I have. Anyway, I thought it was an enjoyable and action-packed movie, which superhero fans will love. If you enjoy things like "Justice League" for example, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this one. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Kelly did, but he's a bigger superhero fan than me, and that's often the case. Anyway, I give this movie a well deserved 4 out of five stars.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018 movie):
I've read the book for this one already. Actually, I've read the book twice, and really enjoyed it both times, so was looking forward to watching this movie. I have to say though, I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped to. Don't get me wrong, it was a good movie. The thing is though, they rushed the part in the beginning where they get to know one another through their letters before meeting in person, so everyone was all awkward, and the connection they were meant to have formed through their letters - which was later meant to be strengthened by the time spent together in person - felt weak, conversation felt forced, and I just didn't feel the connections and emotions I should have. The ending did save it though, since I thought it was a beautiful ending. Anyway, after some thought, I give this movie four out of five stars.