Monthly Archives: February 2014

3 Days to Kill – Kevin Costner

3 days to Kill stars Kevin Costner(Ethan Renner), an older kickass CIA who finds out he is dying.  Much to his regret he realizes that he let the love of his life (now ex wife) and daughter slip away from him for his life of killing bad guys and really amounting to little else. With this in mind he attempts to mend fences and reconnect with his daughter who is now in high school. 

What gets this movie going is that a CIA agent (who is after the same bad guy Ethan let slip through his fingers) comes to find him and offers him a deal.  She has an experimental drug that may cure him and will give it to him for said bad guy on a platter…in other words dead. 

Amber Heard plays the CIA agent with the cure.  Good actress, lots of badassery (is that a word?) and she is easy on the eyes with or without the blonde wig.

I have to say up front that I am a HUGE fan of Kevin Costner.  This movie has been torn apart by the critics, but I have to say I really enjoyed it.  I love the comedic nature of the film.  Costner is this bad ass who is trying to track down and kill a major terrorist while he is also trying to connect with his daughter, all without her knowing.  It makes for good humour.  I don’t care what the critiques say.  In one scene he has a guy tied up in his bathroom trying to torture information out of him when his daughter calls and he gets the guy to give her an authentic Italian recipe so she can impress her boyfriend with her home cooking.  Realistic?  Absolutely not…funny?  Of course.  Maybe the critics have no funny bone. 

Anyway there is lots of smash up explosions and car chases typical of any action movie and it delivers with a punch..even a little bit gory at times. (If you’re into that.)

(Kevin Costner is still easy on the eyes!  I would watch him in anything!)

I have to say I enjoyed the movie for what it was…an action packed thriller with a lot of comedic scenes thrown in.  Is it comparable to Taken or any of the latest action movies?  Not really.  There is no comparing Liam Neeson to anyone really.   

So if you’re looking for a serious action thriller like that then this is not the movie for you.  If you are looking for a light action packed thriller and don’t mind when it is a little absurdly humorous, then this is perfect. 

I give it 5 stars. 

Is it Friday Yet? (Feb 27)

How can you say no to that face?  Take the day off and start the weekend!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Is it Friday Yet? post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3) Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tehereh Mafi. Published Feb 4, 2014 by Harper Collins CDN $11.99 Kindle Edition.

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she’ll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew – about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam – was wrong. (Goodreads Excerpt)

I have to say OMG I loved this book!  This was probably the best ending to a trilogy that I have ever read.  It was as good, if not better than the first one. That is really hard to do I might add. 

Everything that I hoped from this book has come to be.  Juliette’s character has so much growth and change in this book.  I love the new badass, kick some butt, take life by the horns amazing character that she is…and of course her powers are amazing.  I have a thing for superpowers that can destroy!  Its the sadist in me I guess…lol.  I had a soft spot for Warner after reading Unravel Me but I was always holding out for Adam.  I have to say this book changed my mind in a big way.  I love how the triangle was finally figured out.  (I won’t say how…don’t want to spoil it.) Mafi does an excellent job with reeling you in as a reader and making you invested in the outcome.   OH and does she ever turn up the HEAT in this book!  Uh huh…

I don’t want to say anything else for fear that I will spoil it.  I hate spoilers.  So I will leave it at this…this is one amazing book and a fantastic end to the trilogy. 

5 amazing stars for me.                                                        

 

Teaser Tuesday (Feb25)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

There wasn’t enough oxygen.  The world spun rapidly t the right and she couldn’t breathe.  A blurred vision of dress hems and shin black shoes was the last thing she saw before collapsing on top of the wounded man. 

1% on kindle.

Champagne and Lemon Drops (Blueberry Springs #1) Chamagne and Lemmon Drops by Jean Oram

I haven’t started this yet, but it looks cute!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

Do Ghosts have reflections?

 photo by gamingbolt.com

I pose this question to any and all.  I have a dilemma in my latest story and I am just not sure how to address it.  The issue surrounds ghosts and their abilities. Do ghosts make a reflection in the mirror?

I have heard stories of people looking in a mirror and seeing a reflection of a ghost or something behind them.  When they turn around the ghost is gone.  Even the ghost at Disney World can be seen in the mirror sitting with you on the Haunted Mansion ride.

photo by http://www.sundialtone.com

What do you think?  Reflection or not?  Help me out please. 🙂

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Allegiant (Divergent, #3) Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth.  Published Oct 22, 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books.  CDN $11.99 Kindle edition.

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent. (Goodreads Excerpt)

What to say other than I am sad it is over and sad sad sad at the way it ended.  Don’t get me wrong as the book was brilliant but I wish the author could have ended it a little differently.  I understand why she did it, given the characterization and the development of the book.  But, sigh…I just wanted something different.  It made me cry.  The cover of the book says it all…

                One choice will define you.

The story is masterfully told and I really enjoyed reading the different perspective of Tobias and Tris.  I love both of these characters and enjoyed watching their story unfold.  Both characters are flawed and real and I came to understand both of them and accepted their choices as being true to character.

I was surprised by the twists in the book.  It was very interesting to see how the secrets and lies of the government unfolded into more secrets and lies.  I don’t want to give anything away, but you really need to pay attention to who is telling what story and for what purpose.  It makes the story interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is real and what isn’t.  I am amazed at the authors detail with her world building.  The story is very complex and she captures it all with detail and explanations.  I can’t wait to see if the movie lives up to the book. 

I was going to give it 4 stars because the ending was sad and disappointing, but the more I thought about it, I have to give it 5.  It was beautifully told and we can’t always have the ending we desire. 

5 stars for me.

 

 

Fire With Fire (Demonblood #2)

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2) Fire With Fire (Demonblood #2) by Penelope King.  Published Dec 28, 2013 by Ascension Press.  CDN $1.99 Kindle edition.

It’s been over two months since Lucky and Liora decided their fate outside the cave. Over two months since Kieron left to finish his mission. So why hasn’t he returned? Crushed and confused, Liora finds comfort with a mysterious stranger, a guy whose motives include more than just healing Liora’s broken heart. Meanwhile, Lucky finds herself in the arms of an old friend…the one who has always laid claim to her true soul. When the reason for Kieron’s disappearance becomes known, loyalties will be tested, friends will be betrayed, loves will be lost, and hope will be found. Once and for all, Lucky and Liora will have to chose their destiny. And not everyone will survive their choice.  (Goodreads Excerpt)

Well this one is hard to comment on without giving away too much.  I really enjoyed learning more about Liora/Lucky and how they manage to live their alternate lives the way they do.  It is a very interesting concept that is explored very well.  It amazes me how the author has created two alternate realities that coexist side by side and only occasionally interact.  I thought it would get boring or annoying but it is so interesting and well done that it works.

The love story triangle gets really messy here and I am not normally a fan of this but in this case it works.  What is intriguing is that with Kieron missing, both girls have an opportunity to explore other interests that are separate from each other.   I have a soft spot for Bones which really crushed me to see what happens ( I don’t’ want to spoil it so that is all I will say. ) He is so sweet and caring and full of awesomeness (is that a word?)  Anyway he is my favorite. ..sigh…

The story is action packed and full of adventure from beginning to end with a huge cliff-hanger at the end that makes you want to run out and get the next one.  I am dying to find out how Liora/Lucky deal with their little problem especially now that….oh wait I can’t tell you…sorry you will have to read it to know what I mean. 

5 stars for me!


WWW Wednesdays (Feb 19)

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2) Allegiant (Divergent, #3)Recently Finished:  Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth.  and Fire with Fire (Demonblood #2) by Penelope King.  I finished both on vacation and loved them.  I will post a review soon.

Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3)Currently Reading Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi.  I have barely started this so no comments yet.

Up Next?

These are what I have my eye on but I’m not really sure.

   Legend (Legend, #1) Curse of Shadows and Light (Demonblood, #3) Secret (Elemental, #4)

Legend by Marie Lu

Curse of Shadows and Light (Demonblood#3) by Penelope King

Secret (Elemental #4) by Brigid Kemmerer.

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

Teaser Tuesday (Feb 18)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

He’s looking at the wall and a the floor and at the bedsheets and at the way his knuckles look when he clenches his fists but no not at me he won’t look at me an dhis next words are so, so soft.

“Because they’re dead, love.  They’re all dead.”

1% on kindle

Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3) Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi

I loved the first two books in this series and can’t wait to dive into this one.  I haven’t started it yet, just took a peek for the teaser.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

On Vacation!!!!

 photo by animals.desktopnexus.com

I am on vacation until Feb 17 enjoying the sun and sand in the Caribbean.  I will be back posting on Feb 17th.

🙂

WWW Wednesdays (Feb 5)

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers

Insurgent (Divergent, #2)Recently Finished Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth.  This is a fantastic series.  I don’t want it to end! Here is a link to my review:

https://cynthiastacey.com/2014/01/30/insurgent-divergent-2-by-veronica-roth/

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2)Currently Reading Fire with Fire (demonblood #2) by Penelope King.

Up Next?

I am dying to read Allegiant (Divergent #3)!  I am going on vacation this week so I also have Ignite Me (shatter Me #3) on my kindle.   Yayyy!!! Lots of awesome reading to do.

 Allegiant (Divergent, #3) Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3)

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

Teaser Tuesday (Feb 4)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

I can’t walk these hallways without remembering the days I spent as a prisoner here, barefoot, pain pulsing inside me every time I moved.  And with that  memory is another one, one of waiting for Beatrice Prior to go to her death, of my fists against the door, of her legs slung across Peter’s arms when he told me she was just drugged.

I hate this place.

Page 4

Allegiant (Divergent, #3)Allegiant (Divergent #3)by Veronica Roth

OMG I love this series.  I haven’t started this one yet as I am saving it for my vacation this week. (I snuck a peek just to put it in the teaser tuesday) I Can’t wait to delve into it!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

The Devil’s In The Details II–Keep Research from Taking Over

Awesome Article about getting the details right in our stories by Author Kristen Lamb

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Screen Shot 2013-08-15 at 4.54.49 PM

All right, we’ll do Research Part Duh, um Deux. Last time we talked about how research can take a book to the next level and I also vented about my personal bugaboos when it comes to guns. But here’s the thing, our target audience is likely to have bugaboos as well.

If we write military books, we want military people to like them. But, if we fail to research even basic stuff, we can turn them off. Same with thrillers, historical and even SCI-FI, etc.

Part of the reason for Star Trek’s success was that Roddenberry refused for ST technology to be made up willy-nilly. All technology and “science” had to be based around and grounded in some salient scientific theory….so you can thank Star Trek for automatic doors, cell phones, iPads, and science is still working on hot green women. Apparently there are only so many writers engineers…

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