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Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Empire of Ruins in Books
Aug 15, 2018
Keeps Getting Better
Contains spoilers, click to show
***Possible spoilers you’ve been warned***
This series is so consistent and does not disappoint. So we covered the city, we covered the sea in the second book. Now it’s time to go into the deep jungles and go on an exciting adventure that involves natives, flying ships, an Egyptian temple placed in Australia (I know right?), which results in an Indiana Jones type of adventure but involves secret agents, spies, and horrible clockwork falcons that can kill.
You can’t get more exciting than this. It starts off at a good pace and it’s steady. I enjoyed how during the ‘down times’ there is focus on Modo and Octavia’s character development. Modo still has some childish characteristics in him but as the novel progresses he slowly gets over that and the change stands out. You really do feel for him as his appearance starts to affect him, especially with his relationship with Octavia. His encounter with the natives help him to be comfortable in his own skin and I think because of this he starts acting more headstrong and does the talk back to Mr Socrates (which was a great scene to read. Wowwweee Modo, you do that clap back because Mr Socrates sure can’t take it haha)
I felt for Modo when he reveals his true likeness to Octavia. I get where she’s coming from though. She had this mental picture of Modo and it was nothing like the real thing so of course she wouldn’t know how to react. It hurt to read though. I couldn’t even imagine how crush Modo would have felt considering how much he feels for Octavia.
The plot in itself was super good and filled with action during the last half of the novel. The bad guys run with their tail between their legs in this one (enjoyable to read no doubt) but they come back with a vengeance towards the end. I rather expected the temple to be a little more of a challenge to go through (more traps please) but then perhaps that would prolong the adventure just a little too much.
I’m wanting to know what’s going to happen between Modo and Mr Socrates considering they had a falling out in the novel. This is going to get good and I hope the fourth and final novel will close this on a good note. Greatly recommend this series so far, pick it up and enjoy! It’s a great adventure!
This series is so consistent and does not disappoint. So we covered the city, we covered the sea in the second book. Now it’s time to go into the deep jungles and go on an exciting adventure that involves natives, flying ships, an Egyptian temple placed in Australia (I know right?), which results in an Indiana Jones type of adventure but involves secret agents, spies, and horrible clockwork falcons that can kill.
You can’t get more exciting than this. It starts off at a good pace and it’s steady. I enjoyed how during the ‘down times’ there is focus on Modo and Octavia’s character development. Modo still has some childish characteristics in him but as the novel progresses he slowly gets over that and the change stands out. You really do feel for him as his appearance starts to affect him, especially with his relationship with Octavia. His encounter with the natives help him to be comfortable in his own skin and I think because of this he starts acting more headstrong and does the talk back to Mr Socrates (which was a great scene to read. Wowwweee Modo, you do that clap back because Mr Socrates sure can’t take it haha)
I felt for Modo when he reveals his true likeness to Octavia. I get where she’s coming from though. She had this mental picture of Modo and it was nothing like the real thing so of course she wouldn’t know how to react. It hurt to read though. I couldn’t even imagine how crush Modo would have felt considering how much he feels for Octavia.
The plot in itself was super good and filled with action during the last half of the novel. The bad guys run with their tail between their legs in this one (enjoyable to read no doubt) but they come back with a vengeance towards the end. I rather expected the temple to be a little more of a challenge to go through (more traps please) but then perhaps that would prolong the adventure just a little too much.
I’m wanting to know what’s going to happen between Modo and Mr Socrates considering they had a falling out in the novel. This is going to get good and I hope the fourth and final novel will close this on a good note. Greatly recommend this series so far, pick it up and enjoy! It’s a great adventure!
Safari: A Memoir of a Worldwide Travel Pioneer
Book
In this breathtaking travel memoir and adventure guide, the legendary founder of the world's premier...
Larry Eisner (2082 KP) rated Logan (2017) in Movies
May 15, 2018
Gripping, tense and emotionally draining
This film is everything a superhero film aspires to be: gritty, action-packed, funny at times, believable, emotional, full of deep characterization and flawed characters...
Honestly, not much more can be said without giving away the plot.
Here’s what I can and will say:
Logan (Wolverine, as played by the forever perfect wolverine, Hugh Jackman) is older, but still mostly in his prime, but his adamantium skeleton had side effects over time.
Professor X, played by the always perfect (in even terribly flawed films) Jean Luc Pic- whoops! I mean, Patrick Stewart! Is fantastic and aged and is being cared for by Logan.
A child enters the scene. And she’s powered. And connected to Logan in ways he doesn’t want to admit. He reluctantly agrees to help her, and adventure, drama and true beautiful storytelling await.
I can not recommend this film enough. It’s not perfection. It’s not filmicly glorious. It’s simply the ultimate epitome of the genre and done flawlessly as such. Worth every penny to own and yes, you will cry. Oh yes, even you.
Honestly, not much more can be said without giving away the plot.
Here’s what I can and will say:
Logan (Wolverine, as played by the forever perfect wolverine, Hugh Jackman) is older, but still mostly in his prime, but his adamantium skeleton had side effects over time.
Professor X, played by the always perfect (in even terribly flawed films) Jean Luc Pic- whoops! I mean, Patrick Stewart! Is fantastic and aged and is being cared for by Logan.
A child enters the scene. And she’s powered. And connected to Logan in ways he doesn’t want to admit. He reluctantly agrees to help her, and adventure, drama and true beautiful storytelling await.
I can not recommend this film enough. It’s not perfection. It’s not filmicly glorious. It’s simply the ultimate epitome of the genre and done flawlessly as such. Worth every penny to own and yes, you will cry. Oh yes, even you.
Merissa (12781 KP) rated The Society (A Broken World #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
This is the first installment of Dean Murray's Dystopian series that is absolutely chock-full of action and adventure too. There are enough broken bones in here to shake a stick at. In this, we meet Skye, a 17-year-old girl who is set to become a spy in a 'grubber' city. She lands at night, under the cover of a bomb attack on the city. It is action all the way as she has to make a landing, find her way to where she needs to go, avoiding detection from any and all. As she does, she meets a few people who make her realise that everything isn't always black and white as they act far differently to what she had been led to believe.
I won't say anything further about the story as I don't want to give away any spoilers and, believe me, you really need to read this book for yourself to appreciate it. Dean Murray has written Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Dark Fantasy and now he can add Dystopian to his bow too. As far as I am concerned he is proving himself to be a Jack of all Trades, Master of his Craft.
Absolutely enthralling, full of action, a splash of romance and plenty of time to think for yourself. Completely brilliant and highly recommended. I will give you a cliffhanger warning though. I was so wrapped up in the story I didn't realise I had reached 100% and carried on pressing my kindle, wondering why it wasn't going to the next page!
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is the first installment of Dean Murray's Dystopian series that is absolutely chock-full of action and adventure too. There are enough broken bones in here to shake a stick at. In this, we meet Skye, a 17-year-old girl who is set to become a spy in a 'grubber' city. She lands at night, under the cover of a bomb attack on the city. It is action all the way as she has to make a landing, find her way to where she needs to go, avoiding detection from any and all. As she does, she meets a few people who make her realise that everything isn't always black and white as they act far differently to what she had been led to believe.
I won't say anything further about the story as I don't want to give away any spoilers and, believe me, you really need to read this book for yourself to appreciate it. Dean Murray has written Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Dark Fantasy and now he can add Dystopian to his bow too. As far as I am concerned he is proving himself to be a Jack of all Trades, Master of his Craft.
Absolutely enthralling, full of action, a splash of romance and plenty of time to think for yourself. Completely brilliant and highly recommended. I will give you a cliffhanger warning though. I was so wrapped up in the story I didn't realise I had reached 100% and carried on pressing my kindle, wondering why it wasn't going to the next page!
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Legend (A Claire Whitcomb Western #3) in Books
Dec 29, 2020
If, like me, you tend to bypass the Western or Historical Fiction genres thinking they might be boring or not what you usually enjoy, can I give you a little advice? Don't ... take a look at the blurb and if it sparks even a little light of interest, give it a go ... you never know, you might enjoy it. I have certainly enjoyed this series and it is way off what I normally read.
This is a very satisfying third and, supposedly the last, book in the series featuring Claire Whitcomb with "Retribution" being the first and "Gunslinger" being the second. Claire is a strong female in a time when strong females were frowned upon and she has to work doubly hard to follow the line of work she wishes and to prove herself amongst a world full of men; she does this with grace, dignity and style in this story filled with action and adventure set in the Wild West.
What I particularly enjoy is the references to real historical figures and places such as Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, Tombstone and the OK Corral; these are people and places I have grown up with (my dad and husband being avid Western watchers) and with adding a great character like Claire in amongst it all brought it to life even more for me.
My only gripe, which has continued over the three books, is that they aren't long enough ... you no sooner start when you have finished but maybe that's my fault and I read too quickly!
Having said that, I still highly recommend this series and D.V. Berkom as a whole; you won't be disappointed with anything she writes because, let's face it, what's not to like - great characters, immersive stories that transport you to different times and places, action, adventure, thrills and spills; she writes about it all with the bonus of the lead characters being strong females that aren't afraid to kick some behinds! So, have a look at her back catalogue and get reading.
I am lucky to be a member of D.V. Berkom's ARTeam and was sent a copy of Legend before the official publication date of 12-January-2020 in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review and for which I am, once again, extremely grateful.
This is a very satisfying third and, supposedly the last, book in the series featuring Claire Whitcomb with "Retribution" being the first and "Gunslinger" being the second. Claire is a strong female in a time when strong females were frowned upon and she has to work doubly hard to follow the line of work she wishes and to prove herself amongst a world full of men; she does this with grace, dignity and style in this story filled with action and adventure set in the Wild West.
What I particularly enjoy is the references to real historical figures and places such as Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, Tombstone and the OK Corral; these are people and places I have grown up with (my dad and husband being avid Western watchers) and with adding a great character like Claire in amongst it all brought it to life even more for me.
My only gripe, which has continued over the three books, is that they aren't long enough ... you no sooner start when you have finished but maybe that's my fault and I read too quickly!
Having said that, I still highly recommend this series and D.V. Berkom as a whole; you won't be disappointed with anything she writes because, let's face it, what's not to like - great characters, immersive stories that transport you to different times and places, action, adventure, thrills and spills; she writes about it all with the bonus of the lead characters being strong females that aren't afraid to kick some behinds! So, have a look at her back catalogue and get reading.
I am lucky to be a member of D.V. Berkom's ARTeam and was sent a copy of Legend before the official publication date of 12-January-2020 in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review and for which I am, once again, extremely grateful.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (2023) in Movies
May 26, 2023
A Ton of Fun
The BankofMarquis is not into Dungeons & Dragons - the role playing/fantasy game that the film DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES is based on, so any Easter Eggs for fans of the game is lost here. What the BankofMarquis is into is a good, fun action/adventure film and DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES is all that…and more.
The 4th film to be based on the RPG game, this D&D is no relation to the previous three and should be viewed as a reboot of the franchise…and if HONOR AMONG THIEVES is an indication of where this film series will go, then the audience is in for a fun ride, indeed.
Written and Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, D&D follows a smooth talking, good-looking musician (the perfectly cast Chris Pine), his tough-as-nails best friend (the perfectly cast Michelle Rodriguez) and their merry band of thieves as they go on a quest to right wrongs and achieve a goal.
What that goal is doesn’t really matter as it is the journey - not the destination - that matters and the journey is quite fun thanks to an enjoyable cast and a script and direction that evokes memories of THE PRINCESS BRIDE, THE LORD OF THE RINGS and, yes, MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL along the way.
The cast (Pine, Rodriguez, Rege-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis and Hugh Grant) know exactly what type of film they are making and jump in with both feet to have some fun, fight some creatures and make a family-friendly medieval action/adventure comedy that works.
Credit, of course, goes to Daley & Goldstein and this appears to be their first film together as Directors. If that is the case, the BankofMarquis is eager to see where they go from here.
While, I’m sure, there are plenty of Easter Eggs in this film for the D&D fan, the BankofMarquis caught none of that and just sat back and had a really fun 2+ hours, chuckling out loud on more than one occassion.
This film is now streaming on Paramount Plus. If you run across, check it out, you’ll have a good time.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
The 4th film to be based on the RPG game, this D&D is no relation to the previous three and should be viewed as a reboot of the franchise…and if HONOR AMONG THIEVES is an indication of where this film series will go, then the audience is in for a fun ride, indeed.
Written and Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, D&D follows a smooth talking, good-looking musician (the perfectly cast Chris Pine), his tough-as-nails best friend (the perfectly cast Michelle Rodriguez) and their merry band of thieves as they go on a quest to right wrongs and achieve a goal.
What that goal is doesn’t really matter as it is the journey - not the destination - that matters and the journey is quite fun thanks to an enjoyable cast and a script and direction that evokes memories of THE PRINCESS BRIDE, THE LORD OF THE RINGS and, yes, MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL along the way.
The cast (Pine, Rodriguez, Rege-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis and Hugh Grant) know exactly what type of film they are making and jump in with both feet to have some fun, fight some creatures and make a family-friendly medieval action/adventure comedy that works.
Credit, of course, goes to Daley & Goldstein and this appears to be their first film together as Directors. If that is the case, the BankofMarquis is eager to see where they go from here.
While, I’m sure, there are plenty of Easter Eggs in this film for the D&D fan, the BankofMarquis caught none of that and just sat back and had a really fun 2+ hours, chuckling out loud on more than one occassion.
This film is now streaming on Paramount Plus. If you run across, check it out, you’ll have a good time.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Prisoner in TV
Mar 5, 2018
Famously cryptic cult TV show still has things to offer anyone willing to enter its peculiar world. Title character (McGoohan) is whisked off to a very strange prison; subsequent episodes revolve around either his attempts to escape, or the Village masters' schemes to force him to reveal his secrets (things get progressively more outlandishly weird as the series progresses).
Visually striking; the plots represent a weird mashing together of typical ITC action-adventure tropes and something altogether more avant-garde and cerebral: typical episode contains both existential pondering of the nature of society and/or the individual self and at least one punch-up. No-one seems entirely sure what it's all supposed to mean - is it about the conflict between the individual and the collective? The divided self? Patrick McGoohan's frustration at the state of his career? Nevertheless, the show's reputation is deserved - the weaker episodes are simply peculiar, the best ones absolutely mesmerising.
Visually striking; the plots represent a weird mashing together of typical ITC action-adventure tropes and something altogether more avant-garde and cerebral: typical episode contains both existential pondering of the nature of society and/or the individual self and at least one punch-up. No-one seems entirely sure what it's all supposed to mean - is it about the conflict between the individual and the collective? The divided self? Patrick McGoohan's frustration at the state of his career? Nevertheless, the show's reputation is deserved - the weaker episodes are simply peculiar, the best ones absolutely mesmerising.
Elizabee (221 KP) rated The Librarians - Season 1 in TV
Jun 17, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
While watching this season it became apparent very quickly that it was a story that in some ways branched off from the film. The original librarian was off on his own adventure and this season was very much about the the three new ones and the guardian. There is a math wiz with a grape in her brain that gives her a 3D out of brain view of all things math which makes it easier to solve puzzles, there is a thief that can get in any where and also a architect/art history buff that can tell you what anything art related is or where it came from. Basically they have gotten the key aspect of the original librarian and split it in to three people and enhanced it by a thousand. If you like love mystery, action or just a good laugh there is every thing in this program.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Feb 11, 2020 (Updated Feb 11, 2020)
Dinosaur Biddding War
Fallen Kingdom- i like better than Jurassic World. Yes its predictable and a villian that is perdictable. But its still a jurassic park movie, the fifth one. Yes their should of stopped at the first one, but two sequels and a reboot, and a six one coming in 2021. This franchise isnt stopping any time soon. Which i want it to stop, please stop hollywood. Anyways it has action and adventure. It does have Chris pratt in it so thats a plus.
The Plot: Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.
So should you watch it, if your a jurassic park fan than yes. If your not than just skip it.
The Plot: Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.
So should you watch it, if your a jurassic park fan than yes. If your not than just skip it.
Rasputin's Shadow
Book
From the bestselling author of THE LAST TEMPLAR, an action-packed adventure thriller of an ancient...