#bookidote

[lashaan]

The Return of Swamp Thing (1989) Movie Review

The Return of Swamp Thing (1989) Movie Review

Title: The Return of Swamp Thing. Rated: PG-13. Director: Jim Wynorski.Writer: Neil Cuthbert & Grant Morris. Release Date: 1982. Runtime:  88 min. Genre(s): Horror, Sci-Fi. Cast: Louis Jourdan, Heather Locklear, Sarah Douglas, Dick Durock, Joey Sagal, Ace Mask, Monique Gabrielle, and many more! Budget: $4,000,000 (estimated). My Overall Rating: ⭐ Rating: 1 out of 5. Previously in the Swamp…

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#bookidote #comic book #dc comics #dc universe #horror #jim wynorski #movie #review #swamp thing #the return of swamp thing

[cinemadetectives]

“...This was nothing like anything I’ve ever read before...  Just when you think Mauretania will clear up the air and give you exactly what you seek, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by its surreal and puzzling story, and succumb to its spellbinding vision..” - Lashaan/BOOKIDOTE reviewing The New World [link]

#The New World #Chris Reynolds #bookidote #Lashaan #Seth #Mauretania Comics #Ed Park #review

[closetreaders]

Lesson Learned... What is Bookidote (A term that embodies book bloggers)

The amazing minds behind Bookidote share what embodies their blog and blogging experience.

Here on ‘Closet Readers’ we believe in learning from each other and we are inviting you to come share with us the lessons you’ve learnt. If you would like to be a guest on our blog and share something you’ve learnt now or in the near future (this is a permanent feature) find more information here Lessons Learned Help and FAQ. The two amazing minds behind Bookidote are here to share what basically…

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#bloggers #blogging #Bookidote #lashaan and trang #lessons #lessons learned

[spaceandsorcerysblog]

The Seven Heavenly Virtues Book Tag

The Seven Heavenly Virtues Book Tag

My thanks to Lashaan at Bookidote for this intriguing meme!  My track record for this kind of post is atrocious, so my apologies in advance for any blundering mistake I will make…

  CHASTITY

Which author/book/series you wish you had never read?

That’s a more difficult one than it seems at first glance… I doubt I could list any series, because if I don’t like book 1 there is no chance for book 2…

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#Memes

[thecontentedreader]

Before I start my review I just want to say thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and @penguinteen for welcoming me to the S.T.A.G.S. blog tour! I am so incredibly thankful to have been given this opportunity and to share my thoughts on this book with all of you! They kindly provided me with a physical copy of of the book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book: S.T.A.G.S. | Author: M.A. Bennett | Publisher: Penguin Teen / Delacorte Press | Format: ARC | Pages: 293 | Release Date: Available TODAY! 

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Greer, a scholarship girl at a prestigious private school, St. Aidan the Great School (known as STAGS), soon realizes that the school is full of snobs and spoilt rich brats, many of whom come from aristocratic families who have attended the institute throughout the centuries. She’s immediately ignored by her classmates. All the teachers are referred to as Friars (even the female ones), but the real driving force behind the school is a group of prefects known as the Medievals, whose leader, Henry de Warlencourt, Greer finds both strangely intriguing as well as attractive. The Medievals are all good-looking, clever and everyone wants to be among their circle of friends. Greer is therefore surprised when she receives an invitation from Henry to spend a long weekend with him and his friends at his family house in the Lake District, especially when she learns that two other “outsiders” have also been invited: Shafeen and Chanel. As the weekend unfolds, Greer comes to the chilling realization that she and two other “losers” were invited only because they were chosen to become prey in a mad game of manhunt.

Review:

This book was so different from anything I’ve ever read. While I found it to be a slower paced book then what I’m used to, it still contained suspense and intrigue that kept me going throughout. Overall, it was a solid read and did end up enjoying it. 

The story follows Greer MacDonald after she receives a scholarship to attend the prestigious and elite English boarding school, St. Aiden the Great School, also known as STAGS. She quickly recognizes that her fellow classmates do not look kindly on ‘outsiders’ or those who are considered ‘lower.’  The school is largely run by the prefects of the school, also known as the Medievals, and it isn’t long before Greer is pulled into their society after being invited for a weekend of “huntin’, shootin’, and fishin’.” It is during this weekend that Greer discovers that not everything is as it seems as STAGS and the reader is taken through a very suspenseful rollercoaster of events. 

First off, let’s talk about the characters in this novel. I was extremely drawn to each one of them, especially Greer. As a main character, she was both brave and naive. I found these to be really enjoyable qualities throughout the length of the novel. As her relationships with both the Medievals and other, shall we say, STAGS outsiders, develop, I found that I was becoming more invested in the story - this is an aspect of the book I truly enjoyed. 

M.A. Bennett does a wonderful job of creating suspense - multiple times I was drawn to think a certain way and it wasn’t long before it was changed due to many twists and turns. Very early on you find that you are hooked - when Greer says she’s a murderer, you’re enticed into finding out more. I also specifically liked that the book was divided into four distinct parts - STAGS, Huntin’, Shootin’ and Fishin. This made it extremely cohesive and also made for twists and turns to come out of left field. 

While this book was a little bit slower in pace than what I’m used to, its suspense kept me going. But if I’m being honest, I would have liked it to have been faster and maybe filled with a bit more action. The book is promoted to have a similar vibe to Pretty Little Liars, but I kind of felt it to be a mix of Gossip Girl and How to Get Away with Murder. Gossip Girl - because of all of its drama, cliques and the higher vs. lower class and How to Get Away with Murder - because of the mystery ... I’ll let you sort out the rest of the link yourself! 

I truly enjoyed reading M.A. Bennett’s debut novel. It was a solid read and I would would recommend it.  More importantly, that ending? It definitely leaves me to think that there will be another one coming our way ... if so, I am definitely intrigued to see how this story continues. 

 Rating:

★★★ (3/5)

Favourite Quote:

“Go on, Go on, Go on,” I said under my breath, using the Force, willing him to outpace them. I was Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars. This isn’t the deer you’re looking for. And as if my Jedi mind trick had worked, the stag outrun the hounds easily.”

About the Author:

M.A. Bennett is half Venetian and was born in Manchester, England, and raised in the Yorkshire Dales. She is a history graduate of Oxford University and the University of Venice, where she specialized in the study of Shakespeare’s plays as a historical source. 

After university she studied art and has since worked as an illustrator, an actress, and a film reviewer. She also designed tour visuals for rock bands, including U2 and the Rolling Stones. She was married on the Grand Canal in Venice and lives in north London with her husband, son and daughter. 

Author’s Links:

Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | 

Buy the Book:

Amazon | Chapters | Book Depository | Penguin Random House

My Links:

Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Blog

Be sure to check out all the other stops on the S.T.A.G.S. blog tour! :) 

January 22nd - Flavia @ Flavia the Bibliophile

January 23rd - Trang @ Bookidote

January 24th - Sabrina @ Hiver et Cafe 

January 25th - Zoe @ Writing Whimsy

January 26th - Ryley @ Ryley Reads 

January 29th - Laurie @ Books and Chinooks

January 30th - Victoria @ The Contented Reader

January 31st - Ashley @ Said the Story 

#booklr #bookblr #blog tour #s.t.a.g.s #ma bennett #penguin random house #penguin random house canada #penguin teen #penguin teen canada #book review #book blog #book blogger #ya #ya lit

[living-the-fastlife]

Notice anything new?

That’s right, My Midnight Musing has a new look. It is so exciting to finally find the time and energy to change things up. 

There’s still a lot of tweaking to be done, so any feedback on what works and what doesn’t is much appreciated. No going back, now.

April has felt like a world of its own as we’ve adapted to this “new normal” and continue to adhere to lockdown rules. It’s been quite nice to have the time to catch up with little projects that have been left on the sideline but work still calls, and fortunately, it can be done at home.

I also celebrated my birthday at the end of the month and was lucky to see some glorious sunshine and my family kindly treated me to prosecco and pancakes at home.

The goal for April was to write more original content. From discussion posts to reviews, listicles, and everything in between. It’s been fun, if not time-consuming, and there’s a lot of pride in what’s been produced. Here is what went down on My Midnight Musing in April.

Reviews

10th: Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer, #2) by Laini Taylor – 4 Stars

“The subtlety of their development was both moving and natural as we unravel the fears and regrets of our most beloved heroes.”

26th: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – 5 Stars ” It’s authentic and original as we explore the tender passion of two vulnerable souls that find love and strength in themselves and each other on this gorgeous journey.”

Discussion

1st: 10 Must-Read Fantasy Series

21st: Board Games For Beginners

TV & Film

12th: Midnight Movies: Movies to Marathon During the Lockdown

17th: Midnight Movies: Assassin on the run, time-hopping serial killers, and wedding chaos

30th: TV Talk: Castlevania & Vanity Fair

Waiting on Wednesday

8th: More Than Maybe

15th: Heart and Seoul

29th: The Once and Future Witches

Favourite Posts in April

Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books shares some tips to deal with a blogging slump.

Kat @ Novels and Waffles provides 5 easy steps to write SEO friendly content.

Earl Grey Kick tells us why the Lord of the Rings tickles the traveller’s soul.

Michelle @ Minty Prose talks about finding solace amidst the chaos.

Sophie @ Sophie’s Corner spotlights 6 reasons she loves reading MG novels.

The Orangutan Librarian gives us tips on how to DNF.

Margaret @ Weird Zeal looks at why and how to support independent bookstores during Covid19 (and always).

Cas @ Daydreaming Ink shares some tips on conquering the To-Do List.

Lashaan @ Bookidote explores what a bookish dystopian would look like.

Kat @ Life and Other Disasters spotlights books that inspire wanderlust, and it made me wish we were on our Texas road trip.

May Plans

Read, catch up on my TV shows and films. In an ideal world, I could do it all, but it’s a balancing act, so we’ll see where my moods take me. If the sun still shines in my little corner of the world, I’ll likely be roped into the garden with the family when I’m not working, but it’s nice to see our veggie patches and garden looking so lush, so I welcome the work.

However, the biggest goal for May is to create more original content, just need to get researching and writing. Let me know if there’s anything you’d specifically like to see on My Midnight Musing.

What did you get up to in April? What was your highlight of the month? Favourite book? TV show? Movie?

April Wrap Up 2020 Notice anything new? That's right, My Midnight Musing has a new look. It is so exciting to finally find the time and energy to change things up. 

#2020 #April #List #Monthly Recap #Recap #Summary #Wrap Up

[birdiebookworm]

Book Blogger Confessions Tag

Book Blogger Confessions Tag #BookTag #BookBlogger #BookBloggers #BookConfessions #Fiction #Romance #YA #MiddleGrade #UrbanFantasy #ILoveBooks #READ

Book Tag time! I haven’t done one of these in so long, and tonight it sounds like so much fun!

After tag stalking other bloggers I found this one on Bookidote’s website, so I’m going to thank her for posting it so I could steal it.

Thanks Bookidote!

1. Which book, most recently, did you not finish?

Since I’m coming off a serious book slump, technically I haven’t finished a lot…

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#Book Blog #Book Tag #Books #Contemporary #Fantasy #fiction #Historical #Middle Grade #novels #reading #UF #Young Adult

[localvoicesparkview]

How Do You Juggle Multiple Social Media Platforms? — Bookidote

How Do You Juggle Multiple Social Media Platforms? — Bookidote

Which social media platform do you use?

Hello ladies and gentlemen, Over the past couple of years of blogging, I’ve noticed that social media platforms have gained incredible attention and importance in the

promotion of reading. It isn’t just about leaving your thoughts on a book you’ve read for curious minds to wander the virtual world and land upon them. Marketing books […]

via How Do You…

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#socialmedia

[rivermoose-vlogs]

I’ve done this award twice already (The SunShine Blogger Award and Sunshine Blogger Award#2) but it changes each time due to its nature, so here it is again.

Sorry this took me so long to get to…

I was nominated by two lovely humans this time Alex @ Lord of the Trekkies and Raquel @ Rakiodd Books. Go check out their blogs! And thank you both so much!

The Rules

Thank the person/persons that nominated you and link back to their blog.

Answer the 11 questions your nominator has given you.

Nominate 11 other people and give them 11 new questions to answer.

List the rules and display the award

Questions From Alex @ Lord of the Trekkies

What is your favorite part of blogging?

I’m not sure. I like connecting with people. I like talking about books. I like having a hobby. I’m not sure I have a favorite part.

Do you like to read? Why?

Yes I like to read.

I have a book blog…It’d be weird if I didn’t.

And I just do.

What is your favorite song?

I can’t pick favorites of ANYTHING. I have lists of favorites – not all times.

I’m currently listening to:

What is your OTP?

Again – I CAN”T pick favorites.

I have an OTP per book/fandom, not in general.

What is your NOTP?

Ditto above.

Though the Harry/Hermoine pairing particularly annoys me.

What/Who is your spirit animal?

Well, my patronus is a dolphin.

And I’m a Moose.

Take that as you will.

If you could have one famous author (living or other-wise) to write your biography, who would you choose and why?

*Paniked screaming because I can’t make decisions*

JK Rowling – just so my name would always be used in conjunction with Harry Potter.

Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune?

Jeopardy! I love that show!

And I’ve never seen Wheel of Fortune…

Who is your favorite villain of all time?

Again. Not great with favorites. You need to give me a context. In superhero films? In books? What?

BBC Moriarty is great though.

And Crowley.

      Do you like Disney?

Who doesn’t?

What is your opinion on Loki? (From The Avengers, Thor, etc.)

MY PRECIOUS CHILD!

Seriously though, his comic redemption arc in Young Avengers/Agent of Asgard is one of my favorites!

  Questions From Raquel @ Rakiodd Books

Which do you spend more time watching, TV or YouTube videos?

TV probably. But I do watch a lot of Youtube…

What’s something your parents lied to you about when you were a child?

SO MANY THINGS.

Though the best all came from my dad. He told me things like “You’re mother is your stepmother” – I think because Cinderella made me cry. He also told me I was adopted from an alien family (and that I was found in a trash can).

If you could be in any band, what band would it be and what  instrument would you play?

Listen. I have absolutely no sense of rhythm/music. And lack the ability to read sheet music on a fundamental level.

I took Guitar as my elective in Sixth grade and it was the worst thing ever. Mind you, being left handed and forced to learn right handed as the school had no left handed guitars probably contributed to that, but still.

I have always wanted to learn the drums though. Though I wouldn’t want to join any of my favorite bands because I’d just mess them up (but can I still meet Brenden Urie?).

What mythical creature would you want as a pet?

A hippogriff. Or alicorn because my sister and little cousin would die.

I’d say a dragon – but it’d probably eat me…

Do you have any weird body skills, what are they?

Okay, get ready.

*Stretches and cracks knuckles*

I am double-jointed, which means I’m the Queen of weird body skills.

Notably:

I can shift my knee-cap out of place, and bow my leg in the opposite direction than its meant to go, and manually move my kneecap. More so in my left leg, since thats the knee I sprained, popped out of place, popped back in myself, and walked on for a week before going to the doctor about two years ago. If freaks people out.

My shoulder is also weird. I can twist my arm so my elbow is in the front – my dad says it makes my arm look like a chicken wing, and my shoulder is visibly out of the socket (at least partially). I once fell off a stool in class, and my (Biomedical/Anatomy) teacher thought I broke my arm because it was twisted all the way around from how I fell. I stood up, twisted my arm back, and kept doing my work and I think I scared her.

What’s your favorite 90s song? Or early 2000s if you’re too young.

I’m probably technically too young – I was born late 1999, and have a soft spot for more early 2000’s than 90’s music.

But reading this question, a song popped into my head. Not my favorite if I think bout it, but the one that popped into my head:

What’s the worst movie you’ve ever seen?

I can’t think of one of the top of my head. Though, I find really terrible movies hilarious.

I will say I hated Plague Town – one of the few movies to ever give me nightmares, and it was terrible. Every character was stupid beyond even horror movie standards and it wasn’t even a good horror movie. Not sure why it freaked me out so much.

Do you have a giggle trigger? Something that always makes you giggle or laugh, a certain word, joke, funny face, etc.

I mean, a lot of things make me laugh. But I’m not aware of a specific “giggle trigger”.

If you ruled a country, what would your country be known for?

100% literacy, great Special Eduction programs, and a functional Healthcare system.

I can dream right?

If you had a time machine, but it could only go from the past and back OR to the future and back to the present, which would you prefer?

Future – it would be cool to see things! But like, REALLY FAR into the future.

Which are you less likely to “survive”, no coffee or no internet?

I have to say no internet, because my GPA would no survive sans google.

Though seriously, I’m non-functional if you try and talk to me without caffeine.

  Questions For My Nominees:

What’s a series with a cover change you love? A series with a cover change you despise?

Most currently anticipated book?

What book on your physical TBR causes you the most shame?

Give TV recommendations based on 5 of your favorite books!

How do you take your coffee/tea?

What were your favorite books and TV shows as a child?

Show us a picture of your bookshelf!

Favorite video game/visual novel?

What have you learned from book blogging? What advice would you give new book bloggers?

Favorite and most hated YA book tropes?

What do you think are your best blog posts? Link so we can check them out!

I Nominate:

Louise @ Genie Reads

Casey @ Adopt-a-Book-AUS

B @ Icebreaker694

The Orangutan Librarian

Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek

Sophie @ Blame it on Chocolate

Kayla @ KDrew The Bookworm

McKenzie @ Bookish Things and Tea

Lashaan and Trang @ Bookidote

Megan @ Bookslayer Reads

Danielle @ Books, Vertigo and Tea

Ryann The Reader

  Sunshine Blogger Award #3 I've done this award twice already (The SunShine Blogger Award and Sunshine Blogger Award#2) but it changes each time due to its nature, so here it is again.

#blog award #blog tag #book blog #book blogging #book tag #books #harry potter #questions #sunshine blogger award #tag #villains #ya books

[lashaan]

Supergirl (1984) Movie Review

Supergirl (1984) Movie Review

Title: Supergirl. Rated: PG. Director: Jeannot Szwarc.Screenplay by: David Odell. Release Date: 1984. Runtime:  124 min. Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi. Cast: Helen Slater, Faye Dunaway, Peter O’Toole, Mia Farrow, Brenda Vaccaro, and many more! Budget: $35,000,000 (estimated). Opening Weekend (US & Canada): $5,738,249. My Overall Rating: ⭐ Rating: 0.5 out of 5. Within the Christopher…

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#bookidote #comic book #dc comics #dc universe #helen slater #movie #review #supergirl #superman

[theirresponsiblereader]

Finally Fall Book Tag

Finally Fall Book Tag

While reading these posts on Bookidote, beforewegoblog, and The Witty & Sarcastic Bookclub, I noticed myself mentally composing this list—so I figure I had to join in the fun. I’d have posted this last week, but my free laborer realized how little he was getting paid and decided to play video games instead of generating my graphic.

Naturally, I only paid half of his fee.

Enough of that, bring on…

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#Miscellany #News/Misc.

[spaceandsorcerysblog]

SISTERS OF THE VAST BLACK – Lina Rather

SISTERS OF THE VAST BLACK – Lina Rather

Before I start my review I want to share the circumstances in which I came in possession of this book: a short while ago, fellow blogger Lashaan at Bookidote was celebrating his blog’s fifth anniversary with a giveaway, and I was one of the lucky winners, choosing Lina Rather’s novella as my prize. Thank you again Lashaan!

The notion of “nuns in space” might sound bizarre, or fit for some…

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#Novellas #Reviews #Science Fiction

[aislynndmerricksson]

Sept 7th- 13th

Enjoyable posts of the past week from others

HOW TO GROW ORGANICALLY ON INSTAGRAM/ Bookidote  

Are you a Reader? A Bookworm? Or a “Legitimate” Book Blogger?!/ Perspective of a Writer  

The Robin – Poem by Lynne Cattafi/ Vita Brevis 

THE PRESSURE OF MISSING A POST/ Books & Dachshunds  

  Posts of the past week ICYMT

Blitz: Kingdom Cold Trilogy by Brittni Chenelle  

Tour: The Old Dragon’s Head by…

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[soniaaristo]

Battle Angel Alita: Holy Night and Other Stories by Yukito Kishiro — Bookidote Title: Battle Angel Alita. Series: Holy Night and Other Stories. Author(s): Yukito Kishiro. Publisher: Kodansha Comics.

[gjhslibrary]

Top Graphic Novels | Fall Edition — Bookidote Update : oops I just noticed I turned off the comments section very sorry about that! I wanted to share with you all my latest favourite graphic novel picks!

[living-the-fastlife]

Apologies for the very late wrap-up. The month is flying by and I have no idea where 2019 has gone.

So, I completed my mission and I can finally say that I have read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. In what is my first review in months, I’ve spotlighted the pros and cons of the series, but I definitely think this is a series that’s worth reading.

Beyond that, November was a relatively quiet month. I tried to be organised and get a head start on my Christmas shopping and failed miserably at that. However, now that we’re in the most wonderful time of year, my festive spirit is soaring amid the chaos.

Nevertheless, here is what I got up to on the blog in November.

Review 26th: Reasons to Read Lord of the Rings – A Trilogy Review

TV & Film 3rd: TV Talk: Supernatural – The Winchester’s Greatest Allies 11th: TV Talk: High Stakes Fantasy, Cliche Period Drama, and the Most Wholesome TV Event 15th: TV Talk: Swamp Thing 30th: Midnight Movies: The Statistical Strategy in Sport, Tense Historical Drama, and a Monster Movie Knock Out.

Top Ten Tuesday 5th: Autumnal Book Covers 19th: Changes in My Reading Life

Waiting on Wednesday 6th: Woven in Moonlight 13th: Girl Gone Viral 20th: Girl, Serpent, Thorn 27th: Rebel Spy

Favourite Posts in November

Elle @ Elle Mcfadzean tells us why libraries are the greatest.

Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books looks at the 5 lessons she’s learnt from 5 years of blogging.

Sofii @ A Book A Thought spotlights underrated books by popular authors.

Margaret @ Weird Zeal wonders what makes a book YA.

The Orangutan Librarian talks about writing advice she doesn’t agree with.

Trang @ Bookidote explains to us why she doesn’t comment back & improvements.

Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction talks about Tales of a Social Media Failure: Is Bloglovin’ a Thing of the Past?

December Plans

Just relax. More often than not this time of years forces us to reflect on the highs and lows of 2019, and so often we choose to focus on all the things we didn’t do instead of focusing on the small achievements that meant so much to us. I don’t want to do that. The year has had as many highs as there were lows and I want to finish the year on a high and celebrate those small victories.

So, my biggest plan, between all the festivities, is to just relax, enjoy the most wonderful time of year, and look towards an epic 2020.

What was your highlight of November? What was your book/film/TV Show of the month? Any December plans?

November Wrap Up 2019 Apologies for the very late wrap-up. The month is flying by and I have no idea where 2019 has gone.

#2019 #List #Monthly Recap #November #Recap #Summary #Wrap Up