Review for 'The Cube' a film by Scott McMahon

First, I know it's not a book, and this is a book review blog. But I'm branching out,and reviewing a new friends film. It'd be neat if eventually I can review products,electronics and stuff too, but I'm happy with books, and films now. I actually haven't gotten many books sent to me lately. I know hands have changed a lot at Quirk. :(...but........onto the review for 'The Cube'





How did I find The Cube?

I first noticed 'The Cube' as I was browsing IMDB. The synopsis immediately grabbed me. Checking out the message boards there was not a lot of chatter about it, or anything. I still looked around and could not find the film. I watched the trailer on youtube, and looked at the comments. I left my own, and the director Scott McMahon replied. We chatted a bit,and it is under a very limited release. He kindly sent me a copy in exchange for a review.

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS POSSIBLE SPOILERS

I really liked The Cube, it did leave me guessing. I'm actually still pondering it and it's been two days since viewing. ( as i write this that is.) A couple with financial issues receives a red cube on their porch one day,nothing else just a cube. They decide the throw the cube away, but then another shows up, and another and another. The woman Yvette starts notices strange things starting to happen,she blames the cube. More strange things start to happen. I was just as confused and curious as our main characters. I was on the edge of my seat when Yvette for really upset and carved STOP into the cube. After that cube had been thrown out, the next one said NO. It was pretty intense.
The couple decides to move, after all fails to find out who's been placing the cubes on their porch, even with cameras set up. After the couple moves I saw things getting better for a while, but that didn't really last long.

In the end, I was thinking quite a bit. There were 2 quotes at the beginning of the film that I thought back to. I may be wrong, but I think the couple was suppose to represent Adam and Eve and the cube being the forbidden fruit. But that's just my take on it with first viewing. I'm still pondering it, with next viewing, I think I'll show my mom and see what she thinks. Or maybe the ending was supposed to be left up to interpretation?

The film was filmed in Oregon, I've never been there myself, but I'd love to visit someday. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. The acting was that of a B movie, but I think for this film it works. It makes it more real life. Yes I just compared real life to a B movie, because life isn't scripted, i think it helps make the characters more real at times.
This movie had a very limited budget, but don't let that stop you from seeing it. The film is only available through Vimeo. Please support Scott,and Arrowinn Productions.

Thank you again Scott for letting me view your film. I'll be excited to see what you have out next. :)

Those Girls by Chevy Stevens (Review)

Those Girls by Chevy Stevens
5/5 Stars

I won this in a contest from St. Matins, thank you for providing me with an ARC. I was very happy,and surprised to see this in my mailbox. It made my day.

First I need to say I am a HUGE Chevy Stevens fan. The first book of hers I read was 'Never Knowing' I read that in about one night and was instantly hooked. I've since read all her books. Her newest book 'Those Girls' was just as an edge of your seat thriller as her first novel 'Still Missing' Three sisters Jess,Courtney and Dani are in fear of their father,after another bad night they finally get away. You may think things are going good,but they don't stay nice for long. Their truck breaks down,and some guys offer to help. Let me ask you, would you accept help from two guys alone? They did,and things didn't stay nice for long. I honestly can't say much more because you have to read it for yourself.
Eighteen years later, the girls are now living good lives, and are safe from everything that happened in their childhood....well until everything comes crashing back to them.

I really really enjoyed this. I would of finished it sooner,but I had to work. I was very shocked at this novel. Just now I have to wait a whole year for another wonderful novel from Chevy. I must say Chevy's books are filled with very graphic details, this one is very graphic at times. If you don't like disturbing content then tread lightly. She doesn't sugar coat anything. Despite that it's a very quick read,and most of the characters are likable. I was rooting for the girls the whole time too,but at times I wanted to yell at them wishing they hadn't made some of the choices they did. Read 'Those Girls' and you wont be disappointed.

Mystery Writers of America Cookbook by Kate White (Along with many other author's contribution.) review

Mystery Writers of America Cookbook by Kate White

4/5




This is a review for Quirk Books as part of their blogger team. Thank you guys.

First I was going to add a video along with this of me semi-preparing one of the recipes, and a review of it..but I recorded it on my tablet, and well I'm not to good with videos. The file was too big for all the editing software I tried. (I admit I didn't try very hard with editing the video,but it's not the most important thing. I can still put in my word about it. :) ) I did only cook one thing from the book right now, I'll make more later.
OK, I made Karen Haper's Zucchini Bread. I chose this because it was cheap,easy,and well I like zucchini. I did really enjoy it. As I was making it I kept thinking I was doing something wrong, and prayed it would turn out correctly. When I pulled it out of the oven I was glad it came out. The only issue I had was it stuck to the bottom of the pan a little. I did grease it like I was supposed to, but like I said I'm just not the baker type really.
I also made quite a mess making it. Book is already soiled...oops. well it's a cookbook that's going to happen.

 I flipped through the book, and was really impressed. I was trying not to drool over some of the pictures of the stuff I would eat. Some stuff I know I wont make, just either I won't eat it, or well I also don't have anyone to cook for in general.
This book is really well laid out into categories,and many well known authors have put in their favorite recipes. Pick this up if you're hungry. preferably for food. Feed your hungry for murder and mystery with food inspired by your favorite authors,and feed your hungry for murder and mystery with a book from your favorite mystery author. 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City by Ransom Riggs (Review)

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Stars: 5/5 each

This is a double review. Books 1 and 2 of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children. This is also a review for Quirk Books. Let me start off with saying I LOVED these books. I have a thing for old photographs myself,yet haven't come across anything as peculiar as Mr. Riggs, or what people have let him borrow. It's so cool that someone finally took photos and made a unique story with them.
This peculiar story has it all, old photos,bizarre islands,loops..or time travel basically,freaks..well peculiar,and more. Follow Jacob on his quest to prove his grandfather wasn't crazy. throughout the book Jacob's dad isn't too happy with him at times. His dad mainly wanting to focus on his book, but doesn't want Jacob wandering off by himself....yet the whole reason they went to the island was for Jacob. He quickly makes friends with the peculiar children particularly Emma, his now love interest. He also learns that Miss. Peregrine who runs the school is a ymbryne. She can transform from human to bird at will.
Towards the end he has a tough decision to make. What would you do? SPOILERS....Would you stay in the past in a loop, or go back to life as it was before?
Mr. Riggs also states in the back that all the photographs are authentic. Some have been altered slightly,but if so very little. He doesn't state which ones,but I love that they're all real. My favorite one, which is one of the most creepiest is a photo of a young girl standing in from of what appears to be a pond. Yet in her reflection is 2 figures. 2 young girls.




 Now on to HOLLOW CITY

 In Hollow City we continue our journey right where our hero's left off. I love how there was no break, or jump in time between books, the transition was real nice. This book is also filled with loads of awesome photos. Besides our hero's being chased and practically dying around every corner,their main protector Miss. Peregrine has been stuck in bird form and they're running out of time before she will stay a bird forever.
This book had some really amazing photographs too, I would say my favorite photo from this book is the one of the folding man.

I am really excited for the third installment to be released. Also a movie adaptation is in the works. This is great news.

If you love adventure,old photographs,and anything strange or peculiar I highly suggest Miss. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and it's sequel Hollow City.

Stay tuned for the third installment review

One Among Us by Paige Dearth (Review)

One Among Us By Paige Dearth
5/5

I'm reviewing this for NetGalley

Possible minor spoilers.

This book was a bit different than her previous two that I read. A young girl named Maggie wasn't abused by her parents at all. Her parents loved her,but she was taken. Taken from a shopping mall one day after wanted to prove she could do something by herself. It would turn every parents worst nightmare come true. (I myself am not a parent yet,but I can only imagine what loosing a child would be like.) Maggie was forced into a van and taken far away. Forced into human  trafficking. It was sad reading,I kept wondering how long would she be missing for. I was praying it would only be a few days. Days turned to weeks,weeks then turned to months.Months to years,it never ended. With tragedy striking here and there you can only hope. I won't say anymore because you just have to read to find out for yourself. I will say it had a bittersweet ending, similar to 'Believe like a Child'. If you want to read any of Ms. Dearth's books,but aren't sure due to the graphic content and subject matter I would start with this one. I would say it's the tamest of them all. I read them in reverse order,but they are not a series. They all have similar locations,and some reoccurring characters,and some may overlap,but it doesn't effect the stories. I am looking forward to more of what Ms. Dearth has in store for us next.  

A Darker Shade of Magic (preview) by V.E. Schwab (review)

This is a review for a preview of a full length novel:

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
4.5/5

This is a review for NetGalley

This is the first novel by V.E. Schwab that I have read. Although NetGalley only gave my a preview of it. I was really excited. Although I don't read a lot of fantasy novels, I am very excited to read the full length novel.
What more could you ask for? Magic,Coats,Kings,Queens,London and more,,I'm very interested in how it all plays out,plus I loved Kell from the start. I also want to say the cover is brilliant.

I will add more to my review once the full novel is published and I get to reading it. :D

Believe Like a Child by Paige Dearth (review)

Believe Like a Child
5/5 Stars

I read this for review on Netgalley

This review contains possible light spoilers,also this is a very violent book. More on that is at the end of this review.

First I want to say I enjoyed this one more than her first book I read.
I have been reading her books out of order,but the order doesn't matter. This story revolves around Alessa. A child who was raped by her uncle starting at age seven,it went on for years. She finally got away.
This was not really a happier story than 'When Smiles Fade', but it did have a happier story as it progressed. I feel she got more help than Emma. (Alessa and Emma's story lines overlap very slightly). I don't want to give away too much of her story. Again, I did wish more people tried to help Alessa,and once she escaped her "home" she did find help,and I understand the fear she had.
The ending was happy,and sad at the same time. I am currently reading the final book Paige has out right now,and I have a feeling it will also be a quick read. These are quick reads for me as well at the real-life memoirs I believe because I want to see them get the help,and out of the mess of their lives. It is also nice to read about the people who do help the children in need.

Like in my previous review tread with ease with this book. Although I didn't think it was as violent as 'When Smiles Fade' it still was a harsh read. If you have a weak stomach,or do not like violence. Remember although this is a fictional story, the violence portrayed in these novels can and is very real to some people.

When Smiles Face by Paige Dearth (Review)

When Smiles Fade by Paige Dearth
3.5 Stars
Dates Read: Feb 12-Feb14

I read this for a review on NetGalley



This review contains possible light spoilers,also this is a very violent book. More on that is at the end of this review.

I liked this story,and I didn't like this story. I normally read the true memoirs of child abuse,and not the fiction of it. This started out really well. I was scared for the girls (Emma and Gracie) The abuse started right away in the book. The abuse by the hand of their father happened for no reason or for the smallest things set him off.
'When Smiles Fade' had me glued,but after the girls left I felt it went downhill. Emma the main protagonist I feel made a lot of bad choices. The abuse may of been part of the cause,but I kept wondering why didn't she go to the authorities? I thought she was putting herself and her sister in the same situations she was in when she was a child. Sure she grew up with it,but she didn't really do much to change. A character in the book tried to help them,but tragic struck. I just was wondering why teachers never noticed or other neighbors? In the memoirs I read teachers surly noticed. I understand the author was a victim of child abuse herself, and she did a wonderful job with the fiction story,and I will read the others. I guess I just feel torn between feelings for the characters. I feel sad, but I also feel angry at them. The end left me wondering. I don't want to give too much away,but to me it felt like just Emma getting revenge on everyone. I know she wanted justice,but surely their could of been another way.

Let me say this book is not for everyone. It is very violent and disturbing. Although it is a work of fiction, I know abuse like this can be very real.So please tread with caution. If you have a weak stomach,or violence is not for you then you will want to pass on this book.

Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Deford (review)

Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Deford
5/5 Stars Dates read: 2/8/15- 2/10/15

I'm reading this for review from Netgalley.

The title caught my eye right away. I remember when I was younger reading a book with a similar title, and really thinking about it I think this is the same book I had read, but lost. I hadn't recognized the cover. I figured a new publication,and still trying to reach out to readers. I also remember reading about a young girl named Alex with Cystic Fibrosis. But it doesn't matter if it is the same book, or maybe more stories about her life.I enjoyed the book even though it was sad.
This tells the story of the life of Alexandra Deford. She was a young girl who battled with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) I think what had caught my attention to this story to begin with was not really the fact that I might of read it before or that we share the first same name, but the fact she has a rare genetic disorder as do I. I don't have CF, nor do I personally know anyone who does. I do however have NF. Neurofibromatosis. I have type 1. But I'm not about to go into a story on my life. Lets focus on Ms.Deford's.
All throughout the book I wanted to laugh, I wanted to cry. At times I wanted to feel her pain, and take it away. I could tell from the way her father wrote she was one of the sweetest persons you'd want to meet. She cared about people, and she lived life to the fullest. On her short time on earth she probably learned and taught more people in those 8 years, than some people do in a full lifetime.
Although I don't know the struggles of CF, NF does have it's own struggles, I'm not saying mine are worse. My mom,and brothers also have NF. One of my brothers was hospitalized for a while off and on for years. So I guess that's how I relate to the boring,long waits at the hospital. I hope Alex found comfort. Although not mentioned in the book I wonder if they got help from the Ronald McDonald House. I know they helped us through our journey.
I know this review is between about her life, and my life even though we don't share the same condition. I just feel I can relate to her in a way,and feel the need to share it. I think Alex Deford's story can help anyone struggling with any disorder. She had so much hope and laughter.
I would like to know more about her life,maybe even more about CF.

The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen (review)

The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jaaskelainen
3/5 Stars
Dates read approx Jan. 26th - Feb. 1st

First I got this as a surprise from St. Martians Press -Thomas Dunne  for review.

   I haven't read a lot of Scandinavian fiction,but I do have a bit of it on my shelves..mostly in my to-read pile so I'm not too familiar with them, but do enjoy what I've read.    I did enjoy this book, and with one the cover having a review relating it to 'Twin Peaks' I was excited to dig into this,but at times I did find it hard to pick up.

 A special group of writers,weird things happening to books and a game that makes you spill secrets. Ella is a new tenth member of the society and she starts digging in places where she shouldn't be. The book is filled with magic and mystery.  

Some contents of the book were hard for me to read, when it went into way too much detail. I also thought it had some language in some  unnecessary places. That being said this is for more mature readers.

The Program and The Treatment both by Suzanne Young (review)

The Program and The Treatment by Suzanne Young
I gave them both a 4/5 star rating..I did like The Program more though.
I read them right after each other dates roughly Jan 8th-Jan 13 2015

There is possible spoilers in this. I try to keep all light. Some may be in the main synopsis of the book(s),but putting this out just as a warning. Just in case. Mainly spoilers in The Treatment section of this review.



I first want to touch on how pretty the covers are. I did borrow these from the library...like I do most books..at least to begin with with limited space in my apartment. But anyways The covers are pretty. Now I didn't get to see beneath the dust jackets very well, but I did and they're not boring under there like a lot of books are. As I try to do with most of my reviews with posting a picture of the cover I'll post pic's with the dust jacket. I wont post without because I feel that would be too much, plus it gives you all an opportunity to look for yourselves...not google cheating..haha just kidding. 

Well, I can never get the pictures to cooperate. I'm still
kind of new to the formatting of all this,but isn't it
important that I get my reviews out more?
Feedback would be nice.

OK now, about The Program.
Suicide is a worldwide epidemic.
The only treatment is The Program. If you're feeling depressed or even
look like you might be down, the handles will take you away. The Program is not like any therapist you may have been to. Your memory will be erased and life you know it gone. Sloane and James are best friends, a couple. They'll do anything to be with each other and save each other,but can they save themselves from The Program?
This was a very quick read. It was very fast paced for me. It did have a little romance which I'm not to big on,well accept when I read "Fifty Shades of Grey"...but trust me this is not that!!!!
Once you enter The Program you want out. But there is no escape. I got this feeling almost like The Program was going to come after me too. I really felt for the characters, and was praying Sloane and James would find each other again.

Which leads me to .......

The Treatment.

The Treatment, is a pill. There is only one left. ONE. It will bring back all memories,but it's a risk. Would you take it? If it meant remembering who you were before The Program?
Sloane and James are now on the run. After being released from The Program and their memories erased they have no choice. They hold a key that could save them,but only one of them. But do they dare take the risk with The Treatment?

I liked this sequel,but I don't think it was as good as The Program. Some of the characters I didn't like,but you'll get that will all books,movies,etc. Throughout this book it felt like a high speed chase. Always on the run and wondering who to trust. At times I felt like I couldn't trust anyone,but having to take risks. Yet you still end up back in The Program. I was scared Sloane wasn't going to make it out a second time,but was screaming she would. I couldn't read fast enough. I was reading when I could at work......  ;) The ending was a fairly happy ending. I think things worked out good,but even so I don't think anyone could ever fully recover from The Program.......or The Treatment

Doll Bones by Holly Black (review)

Doll Bones by Holly Black
4/5 Stars
Read: Jan 10th 2015

Dolls. Innocent toys right? Wrong. Dolls are creepy to begin with. Take a look at Annabelle or Robert the Doll. I'll let you do the googling on them yourself. Sure we played with them as kids and so do the kids in this story,but not all dolls are so innocent. Like the two examples I gave above. The three kids in this story Zach,Poppy and Alice are friends. Zach's dad wants him to grow up more and stop playing with dolls (action figures) but when a story comes up about an old doll they call "the queen" about a girl haunting the doll,they decide they need to put her soul to rest.
This is an amazing adventure story that will have you at the edge of your seat. I was turning page after page wondering what would happen on their journey. I kept looking back at the cover,and the drawing of the doll just staring at me. It was haunting. Not saying it would of been creepy if she blinked...cause uh yea that would be creepy too. But anyways, READ THIS BOOK. It wont take long it's another one I found as a middle-grade novel,but it's worth it!!!

Wonder (review)

Wonder by RJ Palacio
4/5 Stars
Dates read: Jan 6-10

Wonder was a very quick read. I actually read most of it in a day. Sometimes my goodreads 'read' dates are a little off from me forgetting to update my statuses...oops. Well back to the review.
 Wonder is about a boy named August "Auggie" Pullman. Auggie isn't "normal" he has deformities that make him a bit insecure. He's a nice boy and just wants to be normal and fit in with everyone else. Throughout the book, Auggie faces lots of challenges,but he gets through. You'll laugh and cry.
 This is a middle-grade novel, but I think anyone who has been picked on,struggled to fit in, or just wants to read a good story no matter what the age I think would enjoy reading "Wonder"