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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Jun 26, 2020  
Stop by my blog, and check out the awesome playlist for the coming of age novel ALL THINGS LEFT WILD by James Wade. Enter the GIVEAWAY to win a signed copy of the book!

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
After an attempted horse theft goes tragically wrong, sixteen-year-old Caleb Bentley is on the run with his mean-spirited older brother across the American Southwest at the turn of the twentieth century. Caleb's moral compass and inner courage will be tested as they travel the harsh terrain and encounter those who have carved out a life there, for good or ill.

Wealthy and bookish Randall Dawson, out of place in this rugged and violent country, is begrudgingly chasing after the Bentley brothers. With little sense of how to survive, much less how to take his revenge, Randall meets Charlotte, a woman experienced in the deadly ways of life in the West. Together they navigate the murky values of vigilante justice.

Powerful and atmospheric, lyrical and fast-paced, All Things Left Wild is a coming-of-age for one man, a midlife odyssey for the other, and an illustration of the violence and corruption prevalent in our fast-expanding country. It artfully sketches the magnificence of the American West as mirrored in the human soul.

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2020/06/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-all-things.html
     
The Exorcist
The Exorcist
2012 | Play
7
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Show Rating
Brilliant set design
I went to watch The Exorcist at the Opera House in Manchester in October 2019. I've never been a huge fan of The Exorcist film, I think it's a tad overrated but I was intrigued to see how they'd bring a story like this to life on the stage. And they've put together a well produced and atmospheric show. The set design is brilliant and the effects are spot on, producing a chilly and at times scary show, which isn't something you'd usually expect in such a big theatre and a large audience. The show is that well produced that it's a shame it's rather let down by the acting. A lot of the acting seemed very over the top and exaggerated, and some was just plain poor. Which is a shame as there was a standout performance from Tristram Wymark as Burke who was downright hilarious and a welcome relief to the scarier aspects of the show. Also having Ian McKellen voice the demon is a work of genius. Hearing such a seasoned actor voice a horrible character is brilliant and the young girl miming him is impressively good, even if she does seem to overact at times.

Overall definitely worth seeing for the production if nothing else, and I would've marked a little higher had it not been for some of the acting!
  
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Wakenhyrst in Books

Oct 10, 2020  
Wakenhyrst
Wakenhyrst
Michelle Paver | 2019 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Horror, Paranormal, Thriller
8
8.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well done gothic horror
Gothic horrors can be hugely enthralling reads when done right, and I've read quite a few of these over the past few years. And Wakenhyrst is definitely one I'd add to the list.

This is a very intriguing and entertaining read. It's well written with a powerful female lead, which you wouldn't expect considering it's early 1900s setting. Maud is a very imperfect yet endearing character that you can't help but root for. The writing really helps build the the atmospheric setting and helps you visualise everything, which definitely helps with the horror and tension. I wouldn't say this is packed full of horror or scares, but rather an underlying tension and unease that builds for the entirety of the novel and rather gives you the creeps.

The problem is that this build up is spoilt a little by the ending, which isn't entirely unpredictable (considering how the book starts) and feels like a bit of a letdown. It's not a bad ending, but it just plays out exactly the way you'd expect and some of the twists or reveals that were likely intended to shock and surprise don't quite hit the mark.

Overall though this is a great example of a gothic horror and despite being quite lengthy, kept me hooked an entertained throughout.
  
Somewhere New - Single by Gavin Beach
Somewhere New - Single by Gavin Beach
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Laurel Laxxes (Nicholas Cummins) is an electronic producer from Byron Bay, Australia. Not too long ago, he released a groovy electro-pop tune, entitled, “Somewhere New”, featuring singer-songwriter Gavin Beach.

“I was living such an incredible life at this point. Being enamored with the new landscapes I was finding myself in around Europe whilst being afforded the opportunity to collaborate with international artists left me feeling so inspired and positive.” – Laure Laxxes

The first drafts of “Somewhere New” were written around the time Laurel Laxxes was working at Acapela Studios in Cardiff, UK.

The incredible visual landscapes from that area inspired him to create the lush sounds found in “Somewhere New”.

Shortly afterward, he was introduced to Gavin Beach, and the two artists hit it off for what would be a successful partnership.

“I met Gavin and his producer at the studio in the hills and instantly fell in love with his voice. Also, I admired his laid back and respectful personality. Upon returning to Australia, I knew I had to get him on the track, knowing his vocals would sit perfectly in the track and absolutely shine where they needed to.” – Laure Laxxes

‘Somewhere New’ contains a relatable storyline and soulful vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses harmonious instrumentation scented with unique blends of atmospheric electronica sounds.
  
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VFW (2019)
VFW (2019)
2019 | Action, Horror
8
6.4 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
VFW feels like Hobo With a Shotgun mashed together with From Dusk Till Dawn, with a sprinkling of Mandy for good measure, all whilst accompanied by an atmospheric synthwave score. What's not to love?

Truthfully, it brings nothing new to the table. What we see in VFW has been done before, and Joe Begos just wallows in that fact. It's a good time.
It has a distinctive grindhouse feel to it throughout, it has a semi Terminator style 80s feel to it throughout, but still manages to carve out its own identity.

The cast are great - Stephen Lang, William Sadler, Fred Williamson, Martin , David Patrick Kelly - all actors that I thoroughly enjoy, here playing war veterans fighting back against a gang of leather clad drug addicts laying siege to their bar. It's a simple premise, mixed with a 90 minute runtime, ensuring that VFW packs a hyper violent punch.
When I say violent, I mean violent. It's gory as all hell and doesn't shy away from what it shows. It doesn't feel too over the top as the film is so fast paced, you hardly have time to process what just happened before something else ridiculous happens.

VFW is certainly not for everyone, but I found it to be an over the top and stylish horror gem. Check it out!