4th of July week already. It's been a pretty mild week, cooler at the beginning although it warmed up some towards the end. Kinda weird for June. Not complaining though- the lack of humidity has been nice. My reading continued and I got some books (and reviews) done. Probably my standout read of the last few weeks has been All Systems Red. Seriously that is an awesome SF book. And it's a novella- a fast read.
I watched some more Shetland this week. Is anyone watching Orphan Black?
I reviewed Dangerous Girls - quite the twist- and reviews on the way for Ivory & Bone and Obsidian & Stars. Monday will be a flash fiction- picking up the story from here- and thanks for all the comments on On The Run II which went up last week. The third part of that story will be on July 10th.
Song of the week
PULP COVER OF THE WEEK:
NEW ARRIVAL/ UPCOMING REVIEWS:
BOOKISH LINKS
I desperately want to watch Black Sails but it doesn't seem to be available on streaming sites in my country, which sucks!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your thoughts on Hysteria.
Black Sails is so fun but it's hard to watch! They don't make it asily available. Even here in the States I had to jump through hoops to watch it...
DeleteI'm looking forward to Hysteria!
I am on OP 3 but that was 2 years ago
ReplyDeleteI fall away from a lot of shows that way...
DeleteHappy Saturday, Greg! I'll have you know that thanks to you, I've been binging on Orphan Black. I found it On Demand, and was a little nervous when realizing I had 46 episodes to go through, but it's so good, I couldn't help myself! I have 22 more episodes to go. The humidity creeped back up here, which is another reason to not go out. Hope your weekend is amazing! Hugs...
ReplyDeleteHa glad you're watching! I love Orphan Black!
DeleteHope your weekend is great too! :):)
We've managed to have the hottest June weather AND the wettest June weather in one month! It was raining when we went out a few times this week and I was grinning like an idiot at how fresh it was! Winter is coming! YES! And the countdown is on to season seven...Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteReally? It's beena pretty mild june here, but it's been rainy too. And yes winter is coming! Not long now...
DeleteThat 3 minute rundown of Orphan Black is amazing! Great find!
ReplyDeleteI thought pretty good although he did have a bit of a monotone...
DeleteEnjoy the long holiday weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteYou too JoAnn!!
DeleteI am curious to see what you think of Ivory and Bone. I went to the release for this book, so I actually have it, but have put it off.
ReplyDeleteI liked Ivory and Bone, didn't love it, probably a solid 3 star. I read the sequel right after it, probably about the same. May have liked the second one more, mainly because of the story setting. They're good reads though, even though I say 3 stars I'm glad I did.
DeleteEnjoy your books and have a wonderful weekend. Anyway, I think the first video is better. :)
ReplyDeleteI think so too. :)
DeleteDid Black Sails end or is there one more season?
ReplyDeleteP.S. You won the giveaway on my blog - sent you an email
For What It's Worth
Black Sails has ended- 4 seasons.
DeleteAnd thanks- so happy to hear that. :)
Some interesting things there! happy reading!
ReplyDeleteYou too Melliane- have a good weekend.
DeleteThat does sound like weird weather for June. Glad you found a great sci-fi book though! Not sure why but I really like that Chinese parrot cover.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a little cooler than normal- and you should read Murderbot! It's awesome.
DeleteI love that cover!
Our weather has been cooler too as of late, which is nice. It's supposed to start creeping back into the triple digits this coming weekend thought. All Systems Red sounds really good. I like your pulp cover this week. It's a bit different than the usual ones. I hope you have a great week, Greg! Happy Independence Day!
ReplyDeleteUgh triple digits would not be my friend. :) All systems Red was really good, I highly recommend it if you want a scifi that has some good humor. And I liked that the pulp cover was different too- a nice change of pace!
DeleteI keep forgetting that it's 4th of July weekend, which is weird. Though the humidity and warm weather has been back here- but not in the "nice sunny day" way, more of the "oh look, a tsunami is coming" way. Hope it's nicer there!
ReplyDeleteAll Systems Red sounds good! And I always love a novella (you know, as a cheap way to get ahead on Goodreads challenges hah) so I am probably going to need to read it. The Chinese Parrot cover is fun, and oddly appealing? I like the uniqueness if nothing else!
Very curious to hear what you thought about Obsidian and Stars. I&B was okay, but I am trying to decide if it is worth it to read O&S. And JAPAN. That video is amazing! Japan has always been on my travel bucket list, it's got such a great mix of new and old, and so much rich culture.
Also, looked at that girl's cosplay page, and damn, that is impressive! Did you see the Poison Ivy one? That is amazinG! (It also prompted me to view Facebook, which I have like, 30 notifications for because I keep forgetting it exists. Oops?)
And of course I am watching Orphan Black, though not the same season :D Glad there will be more flash fiction too, those are so fun!
I know- I do too! It kinda crept up on me. tsunami lol- yeah I'm not a fan of the humidity. Although it hasn't been TOO bad here- for summer.
DeleteAll systems Red is great! I mean I really loved it. And yes novellas are good for that. :) You know, I think I liked Obsidian & Stars a little better- the POV shifts (which I didn't care) but the island setting that takes up most of the book- that I liked because it felt more prehsitoric, you know? Having said that, it's pretty similar to the first book and I'd give both 3 stars. So not sure if that helps, could go either way!
That is some impressive cosplay, I agree. I did see her Poison Ivy. I used to do regular cosplay features but kinda forgot so I saw some this week and thought I'd share. :)
It was pretty nice weather wise earlier in the week. It's getting warmer though, but that's okay! Makes it nice for the pool. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th!
Perfect pool weather! It's been up and down here...
DeleteI love the Beauty of Japan video! I lived in Japan for a year and it was incredibly beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome video! And how neat that you've been there. For a year? Awesome. My cousin lived there briefly, I'd love to visit.
DeleteWow, that one with the ship and the kraken. Funnily enough, I just recently finished a piratical fantasy novel involving scary sea creatures...seeing that just reminded me how epic giant sea monsters are, lol!
ReplyDelete~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Isn't that something? When I clicked and saw the big version I was like- woah. And ooh what was the book? I might be interested!
DeleteI guess I might just have to check out Orphan Black! It sounds very complicated and mind boggling...but tempting.
ReplyDeleteI just added Shetland to my Netflix queue. Have you checked out Wentworth?
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting my blog.
Orphan Black is great. It has humor, suspense... it can be a bit convoluted over time, but for the most part it's a good show.
DeleteI have not watched Wentworth. Another one to check out sounds like! Do you recommend? And Shetland is good.
I've started watching The Mist and new season of Zoo. The Mist might be okay but The Zoo is really out there and it feels like I missed a whole bunch, which I didn't. Lucky you with no humidity. June was steamy hot and so much rain. I'm also enjoying Shetland. Happy 4th, Greg!
ReplyDeleteOoh I want to watch The Mist. Maybe tonight lol. And Zoo- I stopped after S1, but I liked the quirkiness of it.
DeleteLove the kayak painting. I am going to grab All Systems Red. Thanks for sharing. Our weather aside from a storm with hail was on the cooler side too. Let's hope it continues. Have a great week Greg.
ReplyDeleteI do too. It made me think of kayaking which I love, and haven't done yet this summer! And All systems Red was awesome- hope you enjoy!
DeleteLove the art finds as always. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThanx!!
DeleteIt's crazy that it's already Fourth of July weekend. This year has gone by so quickly. You really have me curious about the twist in Dangerous Girls. Hope you have a great Independence Day!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't it? Stop already with the July! And Dangerous Girls- I KNEW there was a twist coming, but she still surprised me.
DeleteYou too!!
It is a bit cooler here now too but most of June was very sunny and hot. Curious to see what you thought of Ivory and Bone. I don't know if that is something for me.
ReplyDeleteYou know Ivory and Bone was good- I'd say a 3 star. Same with the sequel. It's set in like Ice Age times but they talk kinda modern, which threw me. Other than that it's pretty good. A solid read but not something I'd rave about?
DeleteNice artwork!
ReplyDeleteThanx!!
DeleteI've been wondering about Black Sails. I haven't watched it yet, but I'm really curious about it.
ReplyDeleteLove your art work again this week.
Have a great week Greg and happy reading!
Black Sails is good, it gets a little carried away at times, but a good show. Definitely not for kids! And thanks- glad you liked the art!
DeleteMy oldest daughter and I love Orphan Black, but we haven't finished the last season yet, so we're a bit behind. She's actually a bit upset with me because I'm "reading too much" so I don't have time to watch it right now :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the weather has cooled down a bit for you, too.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
I love Orphan Black, and am enjoying the new season. Ha ha need to make some TV time huh? :)
DeleteYou have a great week too. I don't mind it a little cooler as long as it doesn't get carried away. :)
Did you ever watch Pretty Little Liars? That just ended and I feel like I wasted too many hours of my life so I obviously had to dig into Vampire Diaries immediately afterwards, because why not. I only saw one season of Orphan Black but definitely want to continue :) Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI watched 3 or 4 episodes of PLL, I need to get back. Do you recommend me continuing? I know some have said the mystery goes on too long, but I like stuff like that. And Orphan Black is awesome.
DeleteMy tv binge ban is going well this week considering how busy I've been but I think I'll be giving in this week. I really want to watch Black Sails. I'm tired of not being able to watch the good stuff (like American Gods) just because I only have Netflix. I'm thinking about getting a fire stick.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week! :)
I got frustrated with Black Sails a bit because it was hard to watch. I had to get a Starz subscrition through Amazon in the past, and this time I was lucky enough to get a free tril so I could watch season 4. :)
DeleteOh man, don't remind me about July 4th! We moved to the country and I'm dreading the fireworks - my poor dogs! Black Sails looks so good! My husband really loves it... maybe I should give it a try. And I LOVE the Rogue One battle! I don't know if anything can compare. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHere's my Weekly Recap!
Oh yeah fireworks and dogs. :( Hope they don't get boomed out too bad! My cats aren't fond either. And they're already shooting them off in the neighborhood lol- we're having like 3 days of July 4th!
DeleteHappy 4th. I love Orphan Black and am always telling people about it. I need to share the three minute clip.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emma! I tend to advertise it too!
Delete"No humidity"????? I hate you a little bit!!! I want some cool air so I can open my windows again. If it isn't too cold, it's too hot... grumble, grumble, right??? :D
ReplyDeleteI've sort of started watching TV during my break but I'm sorry to say that I only ventured into getting addicted to Forged in Fire (eye roll) and I watched both John Wick films. No serial shows yet....
Have a great holiday week!!!
Ha ha we've had a little but it's usually a lot more humid over here. And I hear you- I LOVE having the windows open, especially at night.
DeleteI haven't had of that show but I saw parts of John Wick- it was like an action montage- looked good? Do you recommend I watch the whole movie?
Have a great 4th!!!!!
Now that PLL is finally over, I need to find another series to watch. Sounds like Orphan Black and Black Sails would be good choices.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, Rogue One vs Return of the Jedi? I kind of surprised myself with my answers, but I'm going to say the Rogue One battle is better. Both are still pretty epic though.
I never finished PLL, only got through part of S1. Keep wondering if I should go back?
DeleteI think you're right, I like both but the Rogue One battle, in addition to being newer, just had something...
All Systems Red looks interesting! I'm pretty sure you recommended the last sci-fic book that I read and adored ((A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet)) so I trust your opinion :)
ReplyDeleteOh good! Thank you! I loved Long Way. And I will say All Systems Red affected me in much the same way- it's got heart and some humor.
DeleteOh, Orphan Black. What a fantastic show! Helena is my favourite even though she's completely psycho lol. Didn't know season 5 was the last one though :-(
ReplyDeleteI know? I absolutely love Helena lol.
DeleteThe weather here has been weird but not in a bad way. It's actually been a little cooler than normal but I am sure that will end now that July is here...lol.
ReplyDeleteI got to watch a couple episodes of Black Sail then I couldn't get it any more but it was interesting.
I am on third season of Shetland, I like it. It does have a great back drop for the show. :)
Have a great week!
Stormi
Week in Review
Yeah, same. Cooler than usual, still some hot days but generally, a little milder.
DeleteBlack sails is hard to watch, I had to buy episodes thru Amazon and I finally got to finish the series.
I am loving Shetland so far!
Yes, I'm still watching Orphan Black. I'm so nervous!! I feel like they are going to kill everyone this season or something horrible. Haha. I still need to watch last night's episode. Hopefully everyone survived.
ReplyDeleteI know! I have characters I don't want them to touch. :)
DeleteI love those star wars battles you posted! Very cool! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSamantha @The Book Disciple
Thanks!
DeleteDoes sound like weird weather! Though I'm glad it's been a bit cooler :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fantastic July, Greg, and read some awesome books! Enjoy the rest of your weekend:)
Amy @ A Magical World Of Words
I'm liking it a bit cooler. :)
DeleteYou too!
We've been having weird weather as well, cooler, wetter and hotter. Yo-yoing temps are keeping us on our toes. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteShandy Jo @ Geeky Mom's R&R
Great photos you got! I need to read Dangerous Girls soon!
ReplyDeleteHere’s my Sunday Post!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!
I love Gaze and Release the Kraken. I love Orphan Black but need to watch the last 2 episodes which I have recorded. I finally finished Riverdale so look for a post about that soon. Now I know why you loved it so much and I wish I didn't have to wait for more. Enjoy the cooler temps. We had some at the beginning of the week but now it's hotter than Hades again!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the Japan video! It makes me homesick for a place I have never been. Ha ha. I think there is a word for that feeling, but I can't think of it right now. :)
ReplyDeleteMore Flash! Yay! I am glad you have been feeling super writerly lately. Here's to some decent weather in the future, and thanks again for the music and art. Enjoy the holiday. :)
Ah, Orphan Black! I LOVED the first two seasons and binged right through it. But then I was waiting and waiting for the next season, and my interest sort of dropped off. It seems like I should get back into it!
ReplyDeleteLauren @ Bookgirl Secrets
Ooooo, I remember reading Ivory and Bone. Sadly I did not love that book. I don't think I'll be continuing with the series. :/ Hopefully it wraps up really well though.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Greg! =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
I like the look of All Systems Red - glad you enjoyed it so much:). Thank you for another great selection of pics - I love the warrior girl in Gaze! Have a great week, Greg. My Sunday Post - https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2017/07/01/sunday-post-2nd-july-2017/
ReplyDeleteWe had some cooler days but also thunderstorms which brought plenty of humidity. I can't believe 4th of July is here already either. This summer is going too fast!
ReplyDeleteI will have to give Black Sails a try sometime. It looks kind of interesting.
Both of those Star Wars battles were epic! I really can't choose between them! I love how incredible the Scarif battle looks while maintaining continuity with the battle scenes from the original trilogy despite almost 40 years' difference in visual effects technology, if that makes sense, lol.
ReplyDeleteI have to go back and reread some of your past TV recs. Right now I'm watching the end of Season 6 of The Walking Dead, but then I'll need something else. I know you've mentioned some shows that I wanted to check out.
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Black Sails is on my binge watch list. It looks really good and plan to watch it after I'm done with Lucifer. All Systems Red sounds really good. I want to read more SF so I'll grab this novella. I hope you have a great week and 4th of July!
ReplyDeleteJune was a strange month of weather. Hopefully, we will level off and not be so up and down. Have a great 4th celebration.
ReplyDeleteYeah...it's a strange summer. I like the look of the books you've read. Lately I'm leaning toward fantasy books, probably because I'm itching for a great escape.
ReplyDeleteWe've actually had humidity here in the east bay which is weird for me because I've grown up in straight fog. However, I'm cool with it b/c it's usually cool in the morning and so I can get through my 2 mi power walk quickly while listening to old school freestyle. I am always amazed at how much you post in your post. You are so aware of these videos and cover art, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Star Wars fan. I'll leave the debate up to those who are into the franchise.
ReplyDeleteDrama camp was a hit with my daughter. My son is doing well with cross country. And our big move is less than two weeks away! Come see what I've been reading
Hate humidity, glad you've been free of it for a while! Nice to see you had some good reads as well. Hope the coming week is as good.
ReplyDeleteOh, that video just made me miss Japan so very much, I need to go back so badly!!
ReplyDeleteIt is really cold and raining in SA today. Perfect book reading weather. Love your video on Japan. My husband travels to Japan about twice a year for business and I've worked for a Japanese company for a couple of years. Beautiful country with beautiful people.
ReplyDeleteHope you will have a good week!
We gave up on Orphan Black. Maybe I need to give it another chance. Loved Black Sails though! I just saw Ivory and Bone on my shelves, I really need to make time for it and then track down a copy of the next one. The Japan video was gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI liked Black Sails. Orphan Black is fun and quirky but there was a season there (maybe S3?) that it almost lost me. Luckily it's better.
DeleteMild temps in July are always nice. I may have to try to watch Black Sails when we add Starz to our TV options in September. It looks really good!
ReplyDeleteI'll take the mild temps!
DeleteI envy your mild temps! Ours aren't actually that high but the humidity is killer! I want to give Black Sails and Shetland a try. They both look really good. I watched the first season of Orphan Black and liked it but never went back and watched more. We're watching the 2nd season of Fortitude on Amazon and are enjoying it though it feels much more sci fi/horror than the first season which was pretty creepy on it's own! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah I imagine it's humid down there! Shetland is really good, I think you're like it. And Black Sails- very different but good too! I think you've mentioned that show before and I'm going to go check it out...
DeleteIvory and Bone! I'm so interested to hear what you make of that one.
ReplyDeleteI took the weekend off technology so I'm a bit behind (again/as usual! 😂) but I see you have a new flash fiction up which I can't wait for! I'm crossing my fingers we get to see more of the same world. ;)
Hope you have a great week!
Ivory and Bone was good- a 3 star read, I would say. I wouldn't say it's essential but it was a good read, I liked the sequel a bit more maybe.
DeleteI hope you like the flash fiction!
Oh cool. It's been intriguing me and I'm glad to have a point of reference now when I do get around to it. I won't prioritise it but I do like the premise and the cover so I'll definitely get to it!
DeleteWill definitely get through more of your blog today. Just been a manic couple of weeks so I'm glad to have this week to catch up a bit!
I have been enjoying the weather immensely!
ReplyDeleteHysteria looks awesome. I am fully engaged in summer reading beachy type reads, so I will put that one down for the future. We always talk about how we want to watch Orphan Black but never remember. Our list of to-watch is so long right now. Shetland is on there. Luther.
Have a great 4th!! :)
Maybe I should send some of my humidity over to you. LOL. We have plenty. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy 4th of July!
I want to read All Systems Red so badly now LOL and... Orphan Black! I'm very curious about Ivory & Bone and Obsidian & Stars too becasue.. those covers OMG
ReplyDeleteHere we have warmer weeks and then cooler weeks again, we now have a warmer period again. I've been in a sci-fi reading mood for the past few weeks. That Kraken picture is cool! Have a great week!
ReplyDelete