The Paper Critic

[Book Review] - The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie and Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Title: The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
Author: Paige McKenzie and Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Series: #1 - The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 24th, 2015
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0

Something freaky's going on with Sunshine's new house . . . there's the chill that wraps itself around her bones, the giggling she can hear in the dead of night, and then the strange shadows that lurk in her photographs. But the more weird stuff that happens, the less her mom believes her. Sunshine's always had a quirky affiliation with the past, but this time, history is getting much too close for comfort . . .

If there is something, or someone, haunting her house, what do they want? And what will they do if Sunshine can't help them?

As things become more frightening and dangerous, and the giggles she hears turn to sobs and screams, Sunshine has no choice but to accept what she is, face the test before her and save her mother from a fate worse than death.

The first in a frighteningly good new series based on the popular YouTube sensation The Haunting of Sunshine Girl Network, created by Paige McKenzie.

My Review:

This book surprised me, mainly because I bought it on a small vacation and just wanted something to occupy my time and keep me busy. While I wasn't particularly looking for a haunting of supernatural book at the time, there was just something about this book on a Meijer shelf that caught my eye. I don't know exactly why anymore, other than the book just short of kept my attention throughout. I am not sure if there was just nothing to do on the vacation or I just wanted a book to read at night.

What caught my eye was the ghost, it's not really about Sunshine being the ghost other than she can see or experience the ghost of sorts. Sunshine is just a normal everyday girl whose mother happens to be a new doctor at the hospital. Sunshine is trying to find her way, and make sense of why her mother is constantly at the hospital. While Sunshine pretty much survives and fends for herself, you get the idea that while being somewhat independent she's looking for that friend.

The story revolves around how when Sunshine moves into the new house, she believes and finds it to be haunted. What gets me is how the glass unicorns she receives are slightly moved, and yet it doesn't always surprise her completely. I mean yea it's creepy and awkward, but she always has this idea that there's something there. As the tale goes on, you learn of the fate that's happened in that house. The story and how it as told and unfolded was great. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better story in something I just randomly picked up.

This book for just being a random pickup surpassed everything I thought it would be. Not saying that I pick up terrible books at all, it was just something I wasn't looking expecting or knowledge of. It's worth the read, and while not being a terrible or overly impressive book, it's something to keep your interest and maybe fill a gap in here and there. I am curious to read more out of this series as Sunshine and her friend, while not being perfect and great realistic personas, they have a good relationship and Sunshine has a heavy burden on her shoulders. I am looking forward to a second.

Title: No Safety in Numbers
Author: Dayna Lorentz
Series: #1 - No Safety in Numbers
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: May 29th, 2012
My Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0

When a strange device is discovered in the air ducts of a busy suburban mall, the entire complex is suddenly locked down. No one can leave. No one knows what is going on.

At first, there's the novelty of being stuck in a mega mall with free food and a gift certificate. But with each passing day, it becomes harder to ignore the dwindling supplies, inadequate information, and mounting panic.

Then people start getting sick.

Told from the point of view of two guys and two girls, this is a harrowing look at what can happen under the most desperate of circumstances, when regular people are faced with impossible choices. Some rise to the occasion. Some don't.

And for some - it's too late.

My Review:

No Safety in Numbers is a rather odd book, and while I am mostly on the fence about this book. I was hoping this book would be such a turn around and while there was some potential in this book. I mean what could possibly go wrong with a whole terrorist attack/bombing and a shopping mall. However, there was something that kept me reading a hope that it'd get better, but frankly it just wasn't there.

I am looking at some of the characters, who frankly confuse me. There are those who wander around and manage to survive; those who join gangs to survive; and yet there are those who for some reason are still manning their jobs. Which is what confuses me the most, and makes this whole book start to crumble. I mean I get the whole wandering around and the gang bit, but those who are still at their job is just unbelievable. I can see staying for a few hours, but those staying for more than a day in hopes of getting paid better are just straight ludicrous. In the real world people would abandon their post, and go about their daily life.

Second bit, those inside the mall are way too passive. Lock me in a mall and as people start dying and food running short, there would be a mob. I would be uneasy, and expect answers. Yet in this book, they all seem to stay quarantined like good little sheep and while some start to question the end result is just far too little too late. I honestly can't say it is accurate or remotely realistic.

When people start trying to escape it's not something simple like breaking a ground level window with something. However they try to do something drastic that ends up in either getting them killed or maiming someone. One attempt was trying to climb up through one of the sky windows and it frankly didn't work. There was an attempt at driving a car through one of those lovely garage gates, that ended up driving straight into a cement wall. It was all so silly and dumb, but at while the attempts were made, there just didn't seem much effort or realism behind them.

I would love seeing this book or a similar idea done by a different author. The idea is sound and great, but there's just something off about this version. It was more of a silly dumb book, and while it didn't do it for me, maybe there is a young adult who will enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, I am going to finish the series, against my better judgement. I just wish there was something more and better from this specific novel.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #139

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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Title: The Passion of Dolssa
Author: Julie Berry
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 12th, 2016

I must write this account, and when I have finished, I will burn it.

Buried deep within the archives of a convent in medieval France is an untold story of love, loss, and wonder and the two girls at the heart of it all.

Dolssa is an upper-crust city girl with a secret lover and an uncanny gift. Branded a heretic, she’s on the run from the friar who condemned her mother to death by fire, and wants Dolssa executed, too.

Botille is a matchmaker and a tavern-keeper, struggling to keep herself and her sisters on the right side of the law in their seaside town of Bajas.

When their lives collide by a dark riverside, Botille rescues a dying Dolssa and conceals her in the tavern, where an unlikely friendship blooms. Aided by her sisters and Symo, her surly but loyal neighbor, Botille nurses Dolssa back to health and hides her from her pursuers. But all of Botille’s tricks, tales, and cleverness can’t protect them forever, and when the full wrath of the Church bears down upon Bajas, Dolssa’s passion and Botille’s good intentions could destroy the entire village.

From the author of the award-winning All the Truth That’s in Me comes a spellbinding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page and make you wonder if miracles really are possible.

My Stance:

I loved All the Truth That's in Me so much that at the end of the book I immediately added Berry to my favorite author list. That book was so well written, the anguish and growth from the characters and was so great, and how Judith overcomes her trauma and still managed to be better. I am hoping for another monster of a book again in this novel and from the sounds it may be just that.

Dolssa and Botille and such odd names, but I guess the book does take place in France. What am interested in is how Dolssa end up near death, I understand that the Church is after her for being a heretic. I am curious on why she is a heretic as well, I mean it could be something like being a witch or just some odd science over church incident. Which opens the door to explore her character as well, and I doubt that Berry will let that go to waste.

Botille seems pretty self explanatory, her character just seems so one dimensional. I hope she's the one that surprises me the most. Who knows maybe the secret lover that Dolssa has is female and that's why she's a heretic, and being the kind woman that Botille is, she hides the two of them away. I am intrigued to get my hands on this book, it has the potential to be another good book from Berry.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #138

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
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Title: Forest of Ruin
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 5th, 2016

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes the breathtaking conclusion to the Age of Legends trilogy, perfect for fans of Graceling and Game of Thrones.

The empire rests on the edge of a knife, and sisters Ashyn and Moria are the handle and the blade. Desperate to outmaneuver the evil Alvar Kitsune, whose hold on the people grows stronger every day, Emperor Tatsu begs Moria to put aside past grievances and ally with Gavril—at least long enough to make an attempt on Alvar’s life. Meanwhile, reunited with her long-lost grandfather, Ashyn discovers that she is the key to a ritual that could reawaken an ancient dragon and turn the tide of the coming battle in their favor.

But with lies and betrayal lurking around every corner, Ashyn and Moria will have to decide once and for all where their allegiances are. And it may not be where their hearts would lead them....

In this breathtaking final book in her epic trilogy the Age of Legends, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong blends fantasy, action, and romance to give readers the unforgettable ending they’ve been waiting for.

My Stance:

I finally managed to get my hands on this series, so I haven't yet read this book. I know coming back recently I didn't want to have to say, I am trying to avoid this book's synopsis, but I am looking forward to this series. Something about Kelley Armstrong and some of her sci-fi novels, they have such great potential that I am not going to spoil anything or risk spoiling anything for myself. I just finished Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead and it was just fantastic, I am so glad that was the first book I read by her. I am super excited to get into The Immortal Crown with her, but everytime I see Richelle Mead's books, Armstrong's is right next to her. So if there's any comparison at all, I am looking forward to getting into them.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #137

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: Flawed
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 5th, 2016

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She's a model daughter and sister, she's well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she's dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.

But then Celestine encounters a situation where she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule. And now faces life-changing repercussions.

She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found FLAWED.

In her breathtaking young adult debut, bestselling author Cecelia Ahern depicts a society where obedience is paramount and rebellion is punished. And where one young woman decides to take a stand that could cost her-everything.

My Stance:

Flawed is one of those books that can go one of two ways, really good or just another run of the mill books. While dystopia is a bit overcrowded, you have to hunt for a good book. Personally I think you are looking at a decent one. I am looking for the book to be more about how the girl just makes a split second decision and for some reason that means her life is completely altered.

What I don't understand though, is how one simple action can brand you forever. I mean everyday we make decisions, and while there's not as many as drastic as what this book is going with. I am thinking more of you see a person on your walk into work, and a drunk driver is speeding toward them. I imagine most people would yell and try to get their attention. While some would run and try to save them. But all in all, we'd attempt to do something but it would all be the right thing to do. Not many people would keep walking and do absolutely nothing. To me, it's that decision that makes me wonder the validity of that decision the book is talking about.

However, I think the general plot of the book is going to be overall good. It reminds me of the movie Hot Fuzz, where there's a group of people who are trying or want to dictate the agenda of everyone. The idea that just because one decision brands Celes forever as Flawed, there's something odd going on. However, if you make a decision and feel that it was the correct one, stand up for it. There are too many people that when they feel pressured after their decision they back down and think they are wrong. If you believe in what you did, than stand up and fight for it. Plus who does something that they don't believe in in the first place. Either way, I think it's going to be a book to keep your eye on.

CAUTION: May Contain SPOILERS

Title: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Director: Zack Snyder
Release Date: March 28, 2016
Rating: 7.5 Out of 10

Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

My Review:

This movie was rather one of my biggest expectations this year, and it did not let me down at all. Do not be fooled by my 7.5/10 score, the movie should be rated at least an 8.0 or higher, but there's a few problems I have with the story and the character, not the actors at all. First thing I want to get one thing straight and it's how the movie should have been. Batman doesn't have the strength nor speed of Superman, but managed to use his tactical skills to "beat" Superman. I thought that was a good move on the writing and directing part, because it plays to the character strengths of the the individual characters.

Batman
I am going to start with the first bit that everyone is probably going to want to know more about, than probably any other part of the movie. Batman... First off, Ben Affleck wasn't the problem, it was how Batman was written. I understand that Batman is in a rough time, that he's feeling at a low, and almost powerless when Superman arrives. Then to disasterbate things you will always have that feeling that Superman is all power, answers to no one and can destroy you or anything whenever he feels like it.

In Man of Steel, the main point of the whole movie is when Clark is growing up, his father teaching him that the world won't understand and be afraid of him. It's that idea that Batman really just falls into. He's so bent on gaining power over Superman, or vengeance for the innocents killed in the Zod/Superman battle in Gotham. I mean when you have the power Superman does, and who he was facing, you are always going to have that happen. Its sad and wrong yes, but it's going to happen. Batman is just so hell bent on obtaining justice at any means necessary, and even if it means killing Superman he's fine. That's the Batman I didn't want to see. Batman stood for justice not some vigilante, Batman could have easily been confused for Daredevil or say Punisher. It's sad, but that's the Batman they wrote, and it's hard to see and painful to watch.

Superman
Henry Cavill comes back and is does so great job as Superman. Frankly the performance is just as good as Man of Steel, if not slightly better. There's a lot going on with Superman, mainly a lot of growth. He's learning how to be Clark Kent and Superman and balance the two of them together. As well, where Lois and his family fits into all of that. So when he's rescuing people, he's not sure what to do with all recognition and what to do with some of those who harbor resentment toward him. It's the idea and processing that negativity, in light of positivity.

Superman is completely about saving and protecting people, so when he sees Batman who seeks just through whatever means necessary, he has trouble with it. The two styles are different, but ultimately they are seeking the same thing. However, Superman has a problem with Batman's method because Batman's content harming people if his goals are met.

Wonder Woman
She wasn't really a big part of the movie, but she in my opinion stole the show when she was there. Her speed and strength rivals that of Superman, and has some of the same detective skills that Batman has. There really wasn't much story to her at all, which is disappointing. I was hoping for some explanation of where she came from and how/why she has her abilities. either way it leaves a lot for her specific movie. The teaser of Wonder Woman really makes me want to see her movie.

Lex Luthor
Jesse Einsenberg was terrific. I doubt there has ever been a better Lex Luthor out there period. The character was so Art of War smart and evil. He had a number of scenes that they may not sound creepy or weird, but when you process them for a few moments they twist. They were so great. I loved how over and over, he was so smart or new how things would pan out that he even set egg timers. Genius, whoever wrote that scene needs a medal. I honestly hope to see more of Lex in the future and hope that Jesse gets it.

Misc.
There were other superheroes that were introduced into this, but I am going to have to leave them go, they are rather interesting and I hope to see them in Justice League. They don't have much more than one scene with their symbol. If they have anywhere near the success that Man of Steel has, DC Comics won't have a problem with funding at all.

So onto the movie again. Lois Lane is trying to help Superman and be his hope in the face of all his adversaries. Superman says it over and over, she is his world, which is partially true. He loves her and wants to protect her at all costs, but he also wants to save everyone else.

Spoilers

This movie was so good, yet through a few flaws, there's parts that held this movie back. The slow building beginning is just an easy fix, but the character flaws in Batman where just too pressing and negative to look pass. I really enjoyed it and recommend anyone and everyone to see it. Maybe I am being too harsh on the newly written Batman. Come to your own judgement, it's worth it.

[Teaser Tuesday] - #57

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Take your Current Read.
Grab 2 Teaser sentences from the book (please be sure to avoid spoilers)
Post it on your blog with the title and author, so other Teasing Tuesday participants can add it to their To Be Read list.
When visiting other Teasing Tuesday participants, leave a link with your current TT in their comments.

Title: Witch & Wizard
Author: James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
Release Date: December 14th, 2009

Quote: "Turn into a roach, I murmured silently. Turn into a roach!

My brain began to ache with the effort. Witches cast spells. I didn't know any spells. I remembered only a few rhymes from when I was a kid. Did I know any rhymes about roaches?"

--- Page 116

[Update] - 3/28/2016

I am back, sort of. I am going to post when I get the chance. I hope to post mainly the reviews as frequently as I can. I just have been busy with real life and had a lot of work going on. I still have that and frankly I am slowly getting more time to myself. I would love to keep going.

I appreciate everyone that has kept in touch and everyone that's been coming while I have been away. I will have some new stuff this week for sure. I will keep going on next week as well, but from there it should be up in the air. I hope to have time to do more. I would also love to start posting some of my other writing too, poems and/or personal writings.

I am grateful for everyone and everything that's happened. I apologize to those that have left, I know that I've been away for a long time, that will change. Thank you, for everything!

[Book Haul] - #16 (Part 2)

Book Haul is an event in which Bloggers and Readers alike showcase their weeks/months pickups and purchases. This showcases new books and older books alike. Feel free to share your books with viewers alike by posting in the comment section with your video or blog. Thanks!

Book Outlet
Book Outlet #1	Book Outlet #2	Book Outlet #3	Book Outlet #4
Book Outlet #5	Book Outlet #6	Book Outlet #7	Book Outlet #8
Book Outlet #9	Book Outlet #10	Book Outlet #11	Book Outlet #12