Author: hscptcrash

I am Traitor by Sif Sigmarsdottir #bookreview #han @gemlovesbooks

I am Traitor by Sif Sigmarsdottir
Buy it here
Goodreads
From Amazon: At the end of the world, who can you trust? The story of one teen’s fight against an extra-terrestrial invasion. For fans of Michael Grant, Suzanne Collins and Robert Muchamore.
London has been targeted by extra-terrestrial life and victims are transported to a terrifying other world.
Amy Sullivan is an unwilling hero. She runs until she can’t run any more. Then, she is taken.
To have a chance of saving herself, and her planet, Amy will have to put faith in those she fears the most. But what if it means becoming a traitor to everyone she has ever loved?
A modern-day War of the Worlds from one of Iceland’s bestselling authors.

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My First Thoughts

My first book after returning to work meant that my way of reading changed. Instead of a one-sitting blitz of the book, it became my 40minute muti-transport commute companion. It suffered as a result of my interrupted reading.

The Characters

I didn’t bond well with the protagonist, Amy. I can only imagine it was because I didn’t invest enough time in the initial read; my mind was always making sure I didn’t miss my next stop. The other characters are likeable enough; or unlikeable depending on their relationship with Amy.

The Plot

It’s a fairly standard sci-fi plot. I do like that the book starts after the invasion initially happens. There’s some look backs to life before the ‘Visitors’ arrived that adds some depth to the story.
As Amy crosses over from ‘invaded’ to ‘prisoner’, it progresses into a wonderful ‘Great Escape’ plot with a heart wrenching ending.

There was quite a lot of flipping between past and present which did remove some of the novel’s suspense. It was hard to be in the moment with Amy, when you already knew what would happen to her.

The Writing

There are some beautiful bits of writing within this book. From the description of the ‘Visitors’ to a stunningly accurate portrayal of London’s Canary Warf free of all people in a dystopian future.

However, there are some sections that are what I would call ‘conversational exposition’; more than a few times I felt that the conversation only enlightened the reader and not the characters that were having the exchange.

I really struggled with the afore mentioned past and present; partly because it removed any suspense or mystery to some parts of the plot, but mainly due to it taking the form of a diary. I’ve always struggled with mixing forms within narratives. It really upset me as I loved the premise completely.

Nerve- 15 #filmreview #Han #booktoscreen

Nerve
Trailer
From IMDB: A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of “watchers.”

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Nerve takes the premise of Jeanne Ryan’s novel, has its kinks and lulls ironed out, in order to provide an hour and a half of suspense, thrills and wicked entertainment.

Emma Roberts and Dave Franco are perfect leads Vee and Ian who join together to participate in Nerve; an online Truth or Dare. To win you need to go viral and complete challenges. How much of a coincidence is it that the challenges just so happen to represent player’s fears and personal demons?!

Okay, so anyone who’s seen the trailer, or watched a suspense movie will know it’s not that simple. Once they have you in their grip, Nerve will do anything to keep you there.

Cinematography is immersive and, at some points, stomach churning. The plot is well developed. At some points, more than the book. The changes allow for more depth of character and Vee’s motivation has a better foundation.

It’s not for everyone though.

IT- 15 #filmreview #Han @gemlovesbooks

IT- 15
Release date: 8th September 2017
Han’s book review
From IMDB: A group of bullied kids band together when a shapeshifting demon, taking the appearance of clown, begins hunting children.
Trailer

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The good
The young actors were amazing and a perfect representation of teens today. I wasn’t sold on Finn Wolfhard as the sexualised Richie (Think Jay from Inbetweeners and that’s what Richie should be like. Unfortunately, Wolfhard’s words fall flat in their believability), however he was perfect for the other aspects of the character and a beautiful homage to Corey Feldmen’s Teddy of Stand by Me.

Sophia Lillis is truly incredible as Val. She portrays a believable vulnerability with a will to survive. Her attack by IT puts the Carrie prom scene to shame and is truly one of the creepiest set pieces I’ve ever watched.

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I don’t think a bunch of kids have been well cast since the golden age of the 80s; they should be held in as high regard as The Goonies and Stand By Me.

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The film makers had the sense not to convolute the plot with King’s “ingenious” method of riding Derry of IT; a consensual gang bang between Val and every single boy in the Losers Club.

There are some amazing one liners that have been woven in due to the time shift from the book; from New Kids on the Block to film references. I was the only person laughing, but I didn’t care one bit. Hit the film on a busy Saturday night and I’m sure there would be more people chuckling along.

The scares are there, especially if you have a dislike for clowns. I jumped twice, but that was more to do with the music than the plot. IT is certainly going to leave a lasting impression.

 

The bad
It’s quite annoying that the bits I quite loved about the film is what I feel did it a disservice.

Setting the teen section in the 80s was good; as a horror movie, it ticks all the boxes. However, in a post Stranger Things world and being a King adaptation; it comes across as a little cheap and homage-ridden to been enjoyed as it was meant. Also, there was so much rich social commentary to be gained from a 50s setting that I was really looking forward to seeing.

There was a little too much Max Headroom computer effects whenever Pennywise came out to play in the mid and long shots and some scenes showed too much which sadly detracted from the horror.

It’s biggest problem when it comes to the horror is that it’s appealing to a 15 audience. Up it to an 18 and they could have gotten a lot more scares in.

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The ugly
Where was my werewolf?! Everyone has their favourite; zombies, vampires, werewolves. I’m a wolf gal; all hair, a bit of gruff and an understanding that we all have an off few days once a month. It’s there in the book, and I had no expectations. Except, ah bloody hell, they went there.

I got a glimpse, a tease if you will. My co blogger has insisted I quote myself from the post movie debrief; “I feel like Domhnall Gleeson did stripped in front of me, but stopped before we got to the good stuff” and it’s true. I feel so robbed and I only hope the intention is that we see it in chapter 2.

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Currently, IT Chapter Two has yet to be green lit. However, it’s had a healthy box office so an announcement should be imminent.

 

Banished by Liz de Jager #bookreviews #Gem @gemlovesbooks

Banished by Liz de Jager
Buy it here
Goodreads

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WOW!
I loved this book so much!
Kit was a fantastic character; brave, funny and very loyal and determined to protect Prince Thorn no matter the cost. I was captivated from the outset, the plot drew me in instantly and kept me reading chapter after chapter.
There is a quote in the book, “Everything you can imagine is real” and this is the perfect summary for this book; every kind of thing you could possibly want in a fantasy novel is done to perfection and de Jager’s plot and characters offer a unique and exciting story.
It feels like a truly modern fairy tale- dark, deliciously and totally engrossing. Each character that I encountered was brilliantly described and I can clearly imagine Kit along with the others. Please can some tv exec pick this up! It’d be perfect as a tv series for fans of Charmed, Buffy, Lost Girl, and any of Grimm Fairy tale stories.

Suits Series 7 Episode 9 (Shame) #TVreviews #Han

Suits Series 7 Episode 9 (Shame)

From IMDB:

Mike proposes a power move to boost business, but Harvey’s past complicates matters. Rachel is surprised when her dad offers a chance to join forces. Louis mentors Brian.

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So, we get the teamwork and the little bit of light but it doesn’t last long before the bullshit hits the fan and everyone is under hot water again. Some good scenes with Rachel and her father and Louis is yet again the strongest part of the show.

 

Louis
Louis has a tough episode in the aftermath of his night of passion with Sheila, proving once again he has the strongest morals of the firm. He decides to skip his meeting with the psychiatrist and help Brian on his case; finding delight in Brian’s aggressive speech with the opposition:

I want Mufasa Brian all the time

However, owing to being a new father, Brian fails to proofread his work and a typo means they are set to lose their case. Louis shows his angry side and tears Brian a new one.

This leads to one of the best character showcases of the series: Gretchen. She is incredible and it’s hard to believe she hasn’t been in from the start; she’s loyal to the core and often knows what people need, even before they do. She is also one of very few people who can stand up to Louis; including a very powerful scene in this episode.

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Side note- Louis gains many points in this episode. Firstly for ever trying to adopt cats for the office, and secondly, for the best help he could give Brian in the final scenes.

Harvey and Mike
It started off so well; Mike brings in a case with that confidence he always does. It’s about putting Harvey on the map. Except, in typical Suits fashion; Harvey and the opposing lawyer have a history that, surprise surprise, scupper their deal. Not only that; the lawyer in question threatens to reveal some dirt that would put the firm in jeopardy. Again. Groan!

One interesting thread being pulled at here is a deposition involving Donna. It appears we are going to get somewhere with the Harvey/Donna relationship this year, but I do suspect we will have to wait until after the hiatus to see it resolve.

Rachel
I really do feel we’re getting her swan song. I’m loving the fact that she’s getting to work with her father, even more so that it’s not putting her position in the firm at stake.
It’s a set up for something that will resolve after the hiatus I’m sure and it’s good to see the show tackling diversity and how it can sometimes play out in court. I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

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Bullshits count 6

God Damn count 3

S.T.A.G.S by M A Bennett #bookreview #Han

S.T.A.G.S by M A Bennett

Buy it here
From Amazon: Nine students. Three bloodsports. One deadly weekend.

A twisting thriller for fans of One of Us Is Lying and Pretty Little Liars.

It is the autumn term and Greer MacDonald is struggling to settle into the sixth form at the exclusive St. Aidan the Great boarding school, known to its privileged pupils as S.T.A.G.S.

To her surprise Greer receives a mysterious invitation with three words embossed upon on it: huntin’ shootin’ fishin’ – an invitation to spend the half term weekend at the country manor of Henry de Warlencourt, the most popular and wealthy boy at S.T.A.G.S.

Greer joins the other chosen students at the ancient and sprawling Longcross Hall, and soon realises that they are at the mercy of their capricious host. Over the next three days, as the three bloodsports – hunting, shooting and fishing – become increasingly dark and twisted, Greer comes to the horrifying reality that those being hunted are not wild game, but the very misfits Henry has brought with him from school…

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I don’t know why I thought STAGS was a story taking place during a stag weekend and focusing on an all-male group of friends. I still kind of wish it was because I was looking forward to a male led YA; even if I did think it weird to be centred around an event leading to marriage. I guess it will teach me not to judge a book by its cover.

 

Characters
It’s strange that while I don’t feel the characters are underdeveloped, I never felt much of a connection to any of them; even film obsessed Greer.
It was a plot driven book and that could have an impact upon the character development. However, I never understood why Greer was there. Perhaps it was that she was an unreliable narrator but there never seemed to be any indication of an incident that put her in the firing line, unlike the other two students invited to the weekend.

Plot
The plot was well set out and sequenced. There were enough clues hidden throughout and the plot is what makes this a book you can’t put down.
The ending is brutal, but genius. Alas, because it’s a book that’s core is found within its plot, I’m reluctant to say any more.

Writing
It’s competent, easy reading. Both the dialogue and action is strong and the lack of distinction between the Medievals on the trip was deliberate I’m sure.
I would have liked the film references kept to a minimum. I’m a film studies graduate and I was overwhelmed. It didn’t add to the storytelling and it didn’t add to Greer’s character as it didn’t get explored beyond her inner monologue.

Mental Health- Realising you’ve escaped an abusive relationship Part TWO: Advice for identifying and dealing with a sociopath

Mental Health- Realising you’ve escaped an abusive relationship Part TWO: Advice for identifying and dealing with a sociopath

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I’m sorry this has taken so long to write. The previous post took a hell of a lot out of me emotionally; it led to a week of panic attacks and a rather violent nightmare. Once again, there will be some candid insights that you may not be comfortable reading.

First few dates/ getting to know them

Don’t be so open about yourself; don’t let your date know everything. It’s a hard thing to do, I’m sure… You’re learning things about each other and if you’re anything like me; you’ll want to be truthful.

Don’t text every day. This may be a routine s/he sets up and it’s set up for the final stages when they’re moving on to a new victim (horrible word, but as this whole relationship will be built up to make it look like YOU’RE to blame, OWN that word)

Don’t open up a conversation about previous relationships, especially if you were badly treated (*waves* this isn’t my first sociopath); they’ll use it against you.

When it progresses

Have an open and frank conversation about what the relationship if you feel it’s progressing (Dick’s profile said ‘l’m looking for casual relationships’- yes, the plural should have given it away. However, meeting him, he was giving off a vibe of anti-casual. In hindsight, he engineered it that way. All other women were ‘friends’ from work he was having dinner with, when he spent weekends with them; he was going to spend time with his dad. These were not lies either… omissions, I should not feel like it’s cheating. By comparison, I was communicating with Bob a little time before I met Dick. Bob was very clear and open about it being casual. Most people looking for casual will set that early on)

If you’re sexually active, ensure you BOTH get what you need. Hint: alarm bells if the first time he is due to stay over you’re on your period and he still intends to come. It’s a set up to ensure you become the ‘selfless lover’ in his stack of girls. It’ll seem sweet and that he just wants to look after you, but believe me he’s only after his own end here.

Don’t compromise your wants for his; especially if there is no return. I agreed to no children, no marriage and him sleeping with many women. He gave nothing but challenges in return.

If you suspect

Talk to people, your friends; you are compromised and your voice will be going ‘but he’s so lovely; you’re just being paranoid’. And, I cannot STRESS this enough LISTEN TO THEM. Don’t be like me and tell him because you know what comes next?! This man (or woman), will sow seeds of doubt and convince you that the reason you’re not working is because people know about ‘us’. You’ll shut down and lie to your friends. Go on, tell yourself you wouldn’t do that! Before Dick, I’d have said the same.

If you start getting ‘that’s not what I said’, ‘I didn’t mean it that way’ or the Dick classic ‘I was drunk, you can’t hold it against me’ it’s time to get out. This is gaslighting (look it up) and it will destroy you to your core; he’ll use these phrases with such confidence that you will start to doubt yourself.

When you know

Get out! Get out! Get out! When you get that momentary strength to block his number; do it. You’ll have that break up feeling and want to make things right. Don’t… just run with that feeling and let him go.

The fallout

Music is your friend- Taylor Swift (Yes, Tay Tay) has become my girl. Whatever your music, keep it on, keep it loud… it’ll blast your memories. It’s important, so important that you distract yourself.

Personal one for me- don’t reach out to the ex of the ex. It’ll stop you from moving on and chances are he’s lied to her. (Yep, I reached out. It was stupid; but I wanted a survivor who understood. She didn’t. I’ve got to admit though, I’ve been feeling so much better since I blocked her on twitter, having discovered her co-blogger who I’d not even spoken to had blocked me and I was gaining the passive aggressive silent treatment. To be fair, I’d started to feel guilty for feeling this pain; she was with him longer. I felt bad for dating him so soon after they split, but I didn’t know until a good few months in)

Even if he blocks you, block him back. He’ll come crawling back when you least suspect it and you’ll be right back where you started.

If you’re feeling vulnerable; avoid alcohol at all costs. It will make you weak and you could do things you regret.

Pinterest- this is a double-edged sword; it’s a vast wealth of information that will help you understand that what happened to you, however, your ‘suggested’ pins do soon become filled with ‘how to recognise a sociopath’ if you’re not careful.

Do not allow anything you love to be taken away from you. Don’t avoid places or watching things because you associate them with him; I guarantee he doesn’t think twice about taking him to somewhere you considered special to the both of you (NY Fold and Prince Charles Cinema. Hell, Dick took me to Jamie’s Italian to inform me that he could never see me again because he’d ‘fallen in love’ with his crush from ten years’ previous and it reminded him how little he liked me now. He dumped me in my favourite restaurant. He also showed Leon, my favourite film, to one of his conquests after a conversation we had about it being one of my favourite films.

Don’t expect it to be a normal breakup; you may even suffer PTSD. You are grieving the loss of a relationship, the ‘death’ of a person that never existed and most importantly, the pain of knowing you were duped.

Personal one for me- Have a crush on someone. They’re sweet, they’re safe and they ease the pain, even if it’s just a little. It’s not perfect, but having those little butterflies for a beautiful man out of my league have given me a little bit of a boost. Knowing I have no chance helps keep me grounded and prevent me from making an ass of myself.

Remember- You are amazing, wonderful and better than the treatment you accepted. He will never know the love you gave him, he’ll never feel it. However, you will find someone who will love you, cherish you and, most importantly, the perfect person will be your equal.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child #theatrereview #Han

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

I remember the first movie coming out and experiencing my first taste of disapproval from my mother. (Okay, okay… not my first, I was going for a dramatic nostalgic effect)
She was sat at our dedicated chair for the phone; a phone seat if you will. Talking to my nan, telling her that I had been to see Philosopher’s Stone four times.
I thought it was funny to correct her; I held up 6 digits proudly. Uh oh; big mistake. At the time, I boiled it down to ‘wasting’ money, but I think it was more about the fact that she hadn’t known where I was. It begged the question; what else was I doing? (Literally, nothing)

So, what would my dear mother make of me seeing Cursed Child six times with a seventh already booked? Aside from the fact that she would be having kittens with me living in London in the current climate… yeah, I wouldn’t be telling you how many times I’d seen it.

Why is it a show that I keep going back to? Am I a Dumbledore; blinded by love of Potter? Am I someone who just can’t say no, or is there something more to this theatrical production?

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Story

The story starts at that famous (infamous to some) epilogue; Harry is seeing his two sons off to Hogwarts.
Albus Severus Potter is our protagonist for Cursed Child and we are taken on his adventure; making friends, fixing problems of the past and finding his way out of his father’s heavy shadow. He’s helped along the way by Scorpius Malfoy who also has a cross to bear and issues with his father and Delphi; a woman who helps them on their quest.
It’s trade mark Potter with some wonderful reveals and surprises, and I would advise anyone who has yet to see it, to avoid reading the script.

Cast
Original Cast

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There were so many of the cast that were spot on that I was incredibly worried about when the production planned to recast. The core three were brilliant and Jamie Parker particularly as Harry Potter was dream casting in the highest regard.

However, my special mentions have to go to Alex Price and Anthony Boyle who played Draco and Scorpius respectively. They were amazing, Boyle’s Scorpius was a comic genius and the geek in us all. Never have I ever fallen in love with a literary character so quickly. His pain and passion billowed off the stage in waves.

Price As Draco put the character in a whole new light. I did have an understudy for one performance and it was at that point I realised Alex Price Was MY Draco. Not only that, I had a bit of a crush on Draco.

Second Cycle Cast

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Again, a very strong cast with too many people to mention. However, I will explore my favourites.

Both Thomas Aldridge and Rakie Ayola as power couple Ron and Hermione were a particular favourite of mine; while one scene in the ministry fell flat at the performance for me, they give their all and that scene perhaps pales because of how well the previous actors played the parts.

Aldridge wins my heart for his ability to change my opinion of his incarnation. When I saw the cast announced, I was adamant he wasn’t Ron. I was gladly mistaken; he had the humour, charm and flaws of an adult Weasley. While my crush has not wavered from Draco, despite the change of actor, there’s a little bit of love now there for Ron too.

Anyone in doubt of the casting of Hermione just need to see the beautiful, wonderful Ayola in the role. Noma Dumezweni did indeed do a grand job, but for me Ayola Is the embodiment of Hermione. She has the firmness that Noma presented, but she balances this with a softer expression of knowledge the passion.

Samuel Blenkin as Scorpius is excellent, especially considering the large shoes he had to fill. I was a bit concerned at the beginning and was worried that he would over play the nervousness. Boy, was I wrong. The first act of the second part can sometimes feel like the weakest part of the whole play; however, Blenkin adds something I can’t put my finger on. It’s wonderfully refreshing.

 

Production (music, set, costume, lighting)

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All of the production is of the highest quality I’ve ever seen in a play. At times, it is like seeing literal magic on the stage; sets change seamlessly making the most of props and costumes to add flare to the proceedings.

The lighting is something to marvel; it hides as much as it reveals and allows you to immerse yourself in the world. Just keep your eye out for a battle between Harry and Draco; it’s every fan’s dream.

The music, Instrumental editions of songs by Imogen Heap are stunning and immersive. Those of you expecting J Williams’ iconic tune will be sorely disappointed, but there is no place for it amongst the emotive melodies

Wind River- 18 #filmreview #Han

Wind River- 18
Release date 8.9.17

From IMBD: An FBI agent teams with a town’s veteran game tracker to investigate a murder that occurred on a Native American reservation.

It’s not an ‘enjoyable’ watch by any stretch of the imagination, however it is well made and worthy of sharing a shelf with the likes of Leon, Straw Dogs and Seven. It’s based on real events; and contains a message that people do need to hear.

The good
With the brutal atmosphere of Seven and unrelenting violence of Leon, Wind River is the crime thriller of the year. Both Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen are incredibly moving in their roles.
Renner’s tormented game tracker Cory Lambert is pure unadulterated grief. It’s painful, yet cathartic to watch. Olsen is likable as out of her depth FBI officer, Jane. Her chemistry with Renner and the other actors brings some light to the dark plot.
The representation of Native American culture is sincere and full of political and social commentary. It’s quite refreshing to be taken into an atmospheric environment relatively unseen in mainstream film.

The final third of the film is where the film shines; all the pieces fall into place and the action heats up. After an epic Leon-worthy show down, the film wraps up with one of the best revenge face-offs I’ve seen. It teared me up worse than Jean Reno’s ‘This is for Matilda.’

The thing I love most of all about Wind River, is its commentary on forms of mental health; from the grieving parent to the lost teen to the isolated worker without home comforts. We need more films like this, preferably ones not so violent and more accessible to a younger audience.

The bad
It does have a slow build that I may not have sat through had I watched it at home. However, having it on the big screen allows you to appreciate the landscape shots and intimate dialogue between friends within the community.

The ugly
The victim that is the catalyst for the whole narrative is a victim of rape. It’s a hard scene to watch, and worthy of the films 18 rating. It is far from gratuitous and ensures you know that this traumatic event happens to women across the world; the disappearance and abuse of Native American women being one minority that repeatedly goes unreported.

 

One Wish by Michelle Harrison #bookreview #gem

One Wish by Michelle Harrison
Buy Here

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Wow, this was such an amazing book! It was funny, full of wonderful descriptions and the characters were all brilliant. Turpin was a personal favourite, she reminded me a bit of Tinkerbell – a mischievous little madame, but intent on protecting Ratty much like Tinkerbell protected Peter Pan. Throughout the book there were ideas that reminded me of classic stories I had read when I was younger such as The Magic Faraway Tree and Five Children and It and I think Michelle Harrison has taken some of those basics and given them a thoroughly modern twist to bring it up to date with what children enjoy reading now; all the classic elements are still there, just written in a way that is very accessible to youngsters now. This is the prequel to her Thirteen Treasures series, a series I haven’t actually read, and this book is a story within itself so can be read as a stand alone novel if you wish. Personally I will now be getting the Thirteen Treasure series because I have been mesmerised by Michelle’s story telling. A brilliant novel, perfect for boys and girls who like adventure stories with a bit of magic 🙂

Flirty Dancing by Jenny Mclachlan

Flirty Dancing by Jenny Mclachlan
Buy here

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I found this book really enjoyable and incredibly funny! Bea is a wonderful character; It’s really easy to relate to her fun loving home character and quiet at school character. Having been paired with the schools best looking guy and her ex-best friends love interest for a televised national dance competition is enough the terrify anyone, but when Bea is forced to put up with snide remarks and bullying from Mean Girl Pearl (Ha!) it’s interesting to see that as the story progresses she really develops as a person and she realises that “Though she be but little, she is fierce!” just like her nan always says! This is the kind of book you sit down and read all in one go (as I have done today!) and it will make you laugh out loud and smile throughout.
Perfect for fans of Holly Smale, Jacqueline Wilson and Louise Rennison.

 

Flashes by Tim O’Rourke #bookreview #gem

Flashes by Tim O’Rourke
Buy it Here

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My favourite genres of YA and crime are perfectly blended in “Flashes”. The novel jumps straight into the action of the story without need for unnecessary build up, and Charley is an immediately likeable character. As her flashes coincide with bad things happening, and once she has met PC Henson, the pace ramps up even further as they desperately try and work out who is the baddie behind the killings. The novel is well plotted, with little clues hidden throughout the text, and if you get to the end without knowing who the killer is it will be a great twist! I guessed really early on who the killer was (mainly because I read so much crime fiction I deliberately look out for any little hints!) but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment, I loved seeing how the story would play out and noticing all the red herrings that were put in front of me as a reader. It’s a really clever balance between a crime thriller and a supernatural story – it’s written in such a way that I wholeheartedly believed that Charley’s flashes were real.
A great story, although I would say don’t read it whilst your spending the day getting trains and tubes around London like I did – I was terrified someone was going to push me in front of them!