Movie Review: A Quiet Place (2018)

Film Title: A Quiet Place

Length: 1h and 230 min 
Released: 2018
Genre:  Drama, Horror, & Sci-Fi
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theaters


SUMMARY:
A family is forced to live in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt by sound.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:
The first time I wanted this trailer I was scared. Scared...but curious. 

The story follows a family a huge time after some creatures came here. Not sure where or why. But these creatures have amazing hearing and if you make a decent level sound they will hunt you and kill you. The family lives in silence. Thank goodness they know sign language, because the eldest is deaf. Things happen and mama bear is now preggo. We all know that giving birth is a loud and painful affair....sooooooo....

This was such an original concept. Full stars for that. A lot of the film was in silence with reading the sign language if you do not know it...like me. There were times I didn't read since the actors were mesmerizing and easy to read so the subtitles were not even fully needed. This was for sure a risk having limited spoken words, but it was done well. 

I was on edge throughout the whole film. Scary creatures. I would not survive...I am clumsy and loud. Talking is a hobby of mine. Haha. 

Can I just say papa bear looked good in this ;) He has come a long way from lanky, but adorable Jim from 'The OFFICE'. 

The biggest issue I had with the film was the fact that there wasn't any real backstory. You can assume from papa bear's "study"/"work room". Newspaper clippings, notes, and TV. There was some, but I wanted to see what happened. Was it all of sudden? Did it start with a couple deaths? More backstory darnit! 

The ending was really good. I did not expect it honestly. I had different outcomes. There was one part right near the end that had me almost in tears. Almost. I was so angry that I couldn't really let tears come. 

In the end, a great movie even with my one issue. There was enough backstory to get you by, but I am greedy and I wanted more. The actors....amazing. The story original. I was scared of the creatures and I had no idea what was going to happen. I'll stamp this with a 5 even with that minor issue. Recommend this for people who want something different and don't mind something original. 

Best of April 2018

Happy beginning of May! Here are our Best of's for March!

First, favorite movies:

First, Blodeuedd picks..............Solsidan (2017)

"Best movie goes to this Swedish one. April was a pretty meh month (omg greatest showman anyone, blergh)"

My pick is...................The Secret Scripture (2016)

"Again...nothing amazing this month, but I did adore this one. It made me feel! So good, so good. If you want to feel MANY emotions, then this is the one for you."

Next, Book favorites:

My choice is............Ecstasy by Mary Sharratt

"Not a lot of GREAT books this month. A lot of really good, but this one was pretty darn great. I enjoyed the story and the characters."

Next, Blodeuedd's choice is..............A Dragon of a Different Color by Rachel Aaron

"Like there could be another! I adore this series!! April was actually a great month with several amazing ones but nothing can beat this series."

Lastly, best covers:

Here are our picks for best cover...........Blodeuedd's is on the left and mine on the right

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Book Review: Mistress Firebrand by Donna Thorland

Author: Donna Thorland 
Title: Mistress Firebrand (Renegades of the American Revolution)
Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance
Pages: 416
Published: March 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)



British Occupied Manhattan, 1777. American actress Jennifer Leighton has been packing the John Street Theater with her witty comedies, but she longs to escape the provincial circuit for the glamour of the London stage. When the playwright General John Burgoyne visits the city, fresh from a recent success in the capitol, she seizes the opportunity to court his patronage. But her plan is foiled by British intelligence officer Severin Devere. 

Severin’s mission is to keep the pleasure-loving general focused on the war effort…and away from pretty young actresses. But the tables are turned when Severin himself can’t resist Jennifer Leighton…

Months later, Jenny has abandoned her dreams of stage glory and begun writing seditious plays for the Rebels under the pen name “Cornelia,” ridiculing “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne and his army—and undermining the crown’s campaign to take Albany. By the time Severin meets up with Jenny once again, she is on a British hanging list, and Severin is ordered to find her—and deliver her to certain death. Soon, the two are launched on a desperate journey through the wilderness, toward a future shaped by the revolution—and their passion for each other…


This book was so elusive to me! I was meant to read it a while back, but something happened to my copy from NetGalley (not sure to this day) so I missed out on reading it. This was supposed to be available at my library, but it never came in. Finally – after years – this popped up for cheap on Amazon as a used book. So, of course, I grabbed this book in an instant. I got the book in the mail after a delay. Read about half of the book and lost it! HOW? WHY? And then I finally found it and hurried up and finished it up. See? Elusive. 

And let me tell you what…it was worth it. This was sooooooo good. Super good. I would even venture to say almost great. 

The story follows Jenny and Severin. Severin is a seasoned British spy and Jenny is an actress who gets sucked into the world of spies through no real fault of her own. She lands on the side of the Americans. Things happen and things go wrong. Terribly wrong.  

The beginning was the only issue I had with it. It took me a while to really get into the story. I didn’t like Jenny or Severin. Can’t put my finger on WHY. After a few pages and one event that happened, I grew to LOVE them. Jenny is who I would want to be back then if I couldn’t be royalty. Severin was drool-worthy. I couldn’t help picture a very young Jason Momoa (before he got super-duper beefed out) as him. But yes – I grow to love them. 

I had no idea how anything was going to be okay especially when John Andre got involved. It seemed so hopeless! I was legit on the edge of my seat! Such a fun ride. 

I really adore spies and espionage. It was done so well. I also love the American Revolution so the blend was amazing and worked well. 

The cover is so pretty. Sorry random thought there. 

Yes, lots of drama, intrigue, and action in this one. I was worried Jenny and Severin would be torn apart by this bloody war. John Andre is a scary fellow! I wouldn’t want to mess with him especially when comes down to intrigue. 


Overall, this was really good. The beginning was meh and it took me a while to fall in love with our two main characters. Besides that, I really enjoyed this journey. So good. There is romance but there is also action and intrigue mixed in! A very good blend. I recommend this. I’ll give it 4 stars. 

Time for TV Tuesday: Parks and Recreation (Seasons 1-7)

Recently Finished:

Parks and Recreation (Season 1-7)

My 2nd complete run-through of the show. It was honestly even better after the second watch. Gotta love when that happens. Leslie is my soul-mate. BF's soul-mate is a weird mix of Ben and Ron. A weirdo for sure ;) 

I enjoy all the characters and their journey to happiness. They grow and mature and change, but at the same time, they do not change in lots of ways. Leslie is hyperactive, Ben is nerdy, Ron is a man's man, Tom is flashy, Donna is a tough-cookie-diva, Anne is awkward, April is creepy, Andy is a loveable idiot, Chris is overly kind, and Jerry is a Jerry.

Lots of laughs. Lots of awkward moments. This is a side of government that you do not see. This is really a blend of 'Scrubs' and 'The Office'. This show is my favorite of two which used to never be the case until after this 2nd binge. Strange, I KNOW!

My only complaint is when they talk to the camera. Who are they talking to? It is never disclosed. 'The Office' they are talking to the camera because they are being recorded for a TV show. Why on Earth are they talking to the camera here? I'll have to do some digging. Maybe I missed something? Possible...I do not catch everything. I'm good, but not perfect. 

I also have mix feelings about the last season. It is good, but I feel it was missing the charm and the feel of the other seasons. However, I loved seeing everything get wrapped up and we got our epilogue. Mixed feelings for sure. 

Do not ask me to pick a favorite character. I love them all in different ways. I do relate to Leslie a lot. I also relate to April that creepy girl. I feel I relate to all of them in some ways even King Ron. I think that is what makes the show so good honestly. The characters. The stories are fun and etc, but the characters really make this show. 

In the end, if you want some people stories and lots of humor I encourage you to check this one out. I'll give this an overall of a 5.