Book Review – Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

books, reviews

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

I’m not the kind of person who demands that people read the book before seeing the film. I’m also the kind of reader who rereads books all the time. So, I believe that it’s possible to enjoy a book even when you know the ending. However, I don’t think it always works out. As we know, film adaptations take liberties with the narrative for time and storytelling. They don’t have to wade through all of the context and exposition. I knew this was a divisive read, so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it. Especially when I’m just waiting for a bunch of stuff to happen.

Book Tour – A Scandal in Brooklyn by Lauren Wilkinson

books, reviews

I don’t know about you but, when I get the chance to read a short story that is “an updated Holmesian tale with a technological twist”, I take it. This short story by Lauren Wilkinson sounded so good that I jumped at the chance to read it. The story is released today as an Amazon original and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s a quick and fun read that will please any fan of Arthur Conan Doyle. Below you’ll find out more about the story and its author. There’s even a giveaway to celebrate today’s release! I’ll post a separate review of the book.

Book Review – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

books, reviews

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Listening to audiobooks at work is normally fine. I don’t get too distracted and I’m not the kind of person who normally has strong physical reactions to what they listening to. By which I mean that I don’t laugh out loud or anything. At least I didn’t until this book. On a couple of occasions, I had to stop myself from breaking down in tears. Considering I knew what was coming, this is even more of a ridiculous thing. I know I didn’t get enough sleep the night before but come on.

TBT Review – Spider-Man 3 (2007)

films, reviews, TBT

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Yesterday, the official teaser trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home was released. It comes after months of speculation about just who would be turning up wearing the spider suit in this film. Are Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield really make an appearance? We’ve known for some time that some of the familiar villains would be returning for this film and the trailer gave us a glimpse of what we’re in for. With obvious references to the Green Goblin and Electro, there is also the possibility that Sandman and Lizard are hiding in there. With so many evil faces returning, it reminds me of the last time that a Spider-Man film tried to cram too many foes into one film. So, I decided to do what many wouldn’t dare and watch the worst Peter Parker film of the lot. Yes folks, I actually went back to watch Spider-Man 3.

Inside the Sun Virtual Book Tour 2020

books, reviews

inside-the-sun-VIRTUAL-BOOK-TOUR-8th-island-trilogy-novel-book-alexis-marie-chute-rainbow-sunlight-shadows-2In my time writing this blog, I have been lucky enough to meet a lot of great new people. I’ve been introduced to some fantastic writers and been given opportunities to read some amazing books. One of the greatest of these new connections has been with Alexis Marie Chute. Back in January 2018, I was given the chance to help reveal the cover of her first novel, Above the StarSince then, I’ve had the chance to read every book in the series and loved each of them. The final book in the trilogy, Inside the Sun, came out in April. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic caused disruption to the book tour. When Alexis Marie rearranged the tour to be a virtual one, I jumped at the chance to become one of the stops. I sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable recommending books to people because I think it’s quite a personal thing. Our tastes are all so different and I don’t ever like forcing my opinions on people. But, I’m incredibly passionate about this trilogy. If you’re looking for something to start up during quarantine, The 8th Island Trilogy could definitely be the one for you.

Book Review – Inside the Sun by Alexis Marie Chute

books, reviews

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I’m not the kind of book blogger who desperately tries to get free stuff. I’m in a lucky enough position to be able to buy books for myself or, if I need to, I still have access to a library. That said, I like helping out authors who ask me to help out. Promoting your book is a huge job so if I can help out then I will. One of the best things to come out of my blog in the last few years is being able to work with writers. Alexis Marie Chute first approached me to help reveal the cover of the first book in her YA trilogy Above the Star. I was beyond grateful for the opportunity and agreed without a second thought. The book sounded incredible and I was excited to introduce my followers to it. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of reading and helping to promote the books on social media. I loved the first book and was super excited to read the second book, Below the Moon. So, when I also offered the chance to get a copy, the final book became one of my most anticipated books of 2020.

Bonus Review – A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby (2019)

films, reviews

mv5by2i2ytzizwqtndnmms00mdy1ltlknzutzmi3mdaymjcwyjzmxkeyxkfqcgdeqxvymtkxnjuynq4040._v1_5_star_rating_system_1_and_a_half_stars Can you believe that it was only back in 2017 that we were first introduced to the country of Aldovia and all of the crazy cast of people who lived there? It feels like we’ve known them forever. Mostly because A Christmas Prince was a massive cliche full of recycled plots and characters. The second film, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Weddingwas essentially the same film but with an extra 10 minutes of wedding footage. We hated them yet we loved them. It was like watching a car crash as the second film took all of the bits from the first film that became memes and reintroduced them a second time. Obviously taking away most of the humour. Although, it’s kind of great that a group of people making a film can be quite so self-aware. It makes a refreshing change for a film to embrace what makes it terrible and have absolutely no intention of being anything other than bad. So, despite everything, I’ve been looking forward to the third film in the series.