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Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Children of the Different in Books
Nov 11, 2019
The Great Madness has decended and all but destroyed humankind. Of those that survived many have become less than human, feral, and hunt in packs preying on the rest.
Narrah and Arika are twins who have been born in Australia since the madness; like all children who come after the Great Madness they will enter a coma as teenagers and their minds will enter what is known as the Changeland. This will indeed change them - some gain special powers, others return damaged and feral.
The Great Madness has decended and all but destroyed humankind. Of those that survived many have become less than human, feral, and hunt in packs preying on the rest.
Narrah and Arika are twins who have been born in Australia since the madness; like all children who come after the Great Madness they will enter a coma as teenagers and their minds will enter what is known as the Changeland. This will indeed change them - some gain special powers, others return damaged and feral.
Against this post-apocalyptic backdrop Flynn follows Arika and Narrah as they enter the Changeland and what follows after. The Changeland sections, which take up the first half of the story, resemble dreams and nightmares - but ones in which any threats are very real. From their experiences the twins discover that there is an adversary who wants to destroy them.
Back in the real world they go on very different journeys, exploring what is left of society and finding that the effects of the Great Madness might extend beyond just the Changeland and that the very future of the human race is threatened.
Flynn tells this with verve; the twins are very likeable protagonists and the reader will be rooting for them through all of their adventures. There are breathless action scenes as well as some introspection on the fragility of human life and how quickly the lifestyle we take for granted can be reduced to ashes. Some great twists are thrown in and as the last page approaches the stakes are raised ever higher.
Well worth a read for anyone young adult and up who likes to read post apocalyptic and zombie style stories with interesting and challenging ideas
Narrah and Arika are twins who have been born in Australia since the madness; like all children who come after the Great Madness they will enter a coma as teenagers and their minds will enter what is known as the Changeland. This will indeed change them - some gain special powers, others return damaged and feral.
The Great Madness has decended and all but destroyed humankind. Of those that survived many have become less than human, feral, and hunt in packs preying on the rest.
Narrah and Arika are twins who have been born in Australia since the madness; like all children who come after the Great Madness they will enter a coma as teenagers and their minds will enter what is known as the Changeland. This will indeed change them - some gain special powers, others return damaged and feral.
Against this post-apocalyptic backdrop Flynn follows Arika and Narrah as they enter the Changeland and what follows after. The Changeland sections, which take up the first half of the story, resemble dreams and nightmares - but ones in which any threats are very real. From their experiences the twins discover that there is an adversary who wants to destroy them.
Back in the real world they go on very different journeys, exploring what is left of society and finding that the effects of the Great Madness might extend beyond just the Changeland and that the very future of the human race is threatened.
Flynn tells this with verve; the twins are very likeable protagonists and the reader will be rooting for them through all of their adventures. There are breathless action scenes as well as some introspection on the fragility of human life and how quickly the lifestyle we take for granted can be reduced to ashes. Some great twists are thrown in and as the last page approaches the stakes are raised ever higher.
Well worth a read for anyone young adult and up who likes to read post apocalyptic and zombie style stories with interesting and challenging ideas

Justin Hawkins recommended Powerage by AC/DC in Music (curated)
The Nature of Monkey is Irrepressible
Only mildly unhinged Japanese adaptation of the famous Journey to the West stories, which became a cult TV show when exported to the UK, Australia, and South America. Classic 16th century Chinese novel is transformed into something almost indescribable; a mixture of off-the-wall humour, hyperactive martial arts sequences, and cheesy special effects - the English dub may take a few liberties with the original scripts as well.
A representative episode sees our heroes visiting a small village terrorised by a giant catfish monster, which proceeds to eat three of them; they end up going to a disco which is held in the bad guy's stomach, before persuading him to vomit them up so they can fight him and his followers. Frequently silly, and the low budget often shows, but made with relentless energy and cheerfulness; hugely imaginative, often genuinely very funny. A generation of UK viewers grew up able to sing the theme tune 'Monkey Magic' (and misremember the name of the show as a result).
A representative episode sees our heroes visiting a small village terrorised by a giant catfish monster, which proceeds to eat three of them; they end up going to a disco which is held in the bad guy's stomach, before persuading him to vomit them up so they can fight him and his followers. Frequently silly, and the low budget often shows, but made with relentless energy and cheerfulness; hugely imaginative, often genuinely very funny. A generation of UK viewers grew up able to sing the theme tune 'Monkey Magic' (and misremember the name of the show as a result).

Jackjack (877 KP) rated Tomorrow, When the War Began (2012) in Movies
Apr 25, 2020
An old fav!
So again as per usual the fiancé wasn't a fan he said poor acting. I however loved it it's an old favourite of mine, I do agree the acting is lacking but I still get lost in the film and the characters.
An innocent group off teens wonder off deep into the outback in Australia, they go and spend a long weekend in hell. Hell is a beautiful place and looks like the best spot for camping and having a laugh, when heading home they soon realise something is off they go house to house sticking together and finding no one. They soon split and a few venture of to town to see what they find and to their suprise a war has broken out and there friends, family and well the whole town has been rounded up. They try to just survive until they finally conjure up a plan to blow the bridge that is one of the access points for all the vehicles. Brilliant action and the perfect story to get lost in. Definitely worth the watch!!
An innocent group off teens wonder off deep into the outback in Australia, they go and spend a long weekend in hell. Hell is a beautiful place and looks like the best spot for camping and having a laugh, when heading home they soon realise something is off they go house to house sticking together and finding no one. They soon split and a few venture of to town to see what they find and to their suprise a war has broken out and there friends, family and well the whole town has been rounded up. They try to just survive until they finally conjure up a plan to blow the bridge that is one of the access points for all the vehicles. Brilliant action and the perfect story to get lost in. Definitely worth the watch!!

Tavi Gevinson recommended American Graffiti (1973) in Movies (curated)

Darren (1599 KP) rated Ned Kelly (2003) in Movies
Nov 24, 2019
Verdict: Biopic 101
Story: Ned Kelly starts in 1871 Australia where an Irish family the Kelly’s have settled in with the eldest son Ned (Ledger) ends up getting into trouble with the law, that has always targeted his family, seeing him placed in prison for a couple of years. Once out Ned does start to try and turn his family’s luck around with his friends Joseph Byrne (Bloom) and Aaron Sherritt (Edgerton), while working for an English family where Ned falls for Julia (Watts).
When Ned gets framed for assault by the constable that has always been out for his blood, his family gets targeted, but not the police are not going to stop until they have his head, forcing Ned to go on the run to protect his family, making him one of the most wanted criminals in the world.
Thoughts on Ned Kelly
Characters – Ned Kelly is a young Irish man that has always seen his family targeted by the law, he has gotten himself in trouble because of this, which sees him falsely accused and becoming a target. Ned refused to back down from the law needing to go on the run, leading to him becoming an outlaw taking from the rich inspiring the poor as he fights for what is right and his family’s pride. Joseph Byrne is Ned’s best friend, he will stand by his side through his battles, needing to do the right thing. Superintendent Francis Hare is the man charged with capturing the Kelly gang, he doesn’t want to hear the story, he just wants them gone. Julia Cook is an English woman that Ned was working for, she is one of the few that will help him seeing the good in his nature, but being held back by her own family.
Performances – Heath Ledger does a great job here showing how he wanted to break his pretty boy image, this performance makes this happen with ease. Orlando Bloom in the supporting role is strong without being truly great, while Geoffrey Rush feels wasted, with him being involved but not getting too much screen time, same goes for Naomi Watts, she just doesn’t get enough time to shine.
Story – The story here follows the innocent man that gets forced into become an outlaw who becomes the most wanted man in Australia. This story shows how settlers in other countries would always be unfairly targeted by the locals who saw them as threats, how people’s words could create outlaws because nobody would listen or understand the truths within a world. The story is only really told from Ned’s which will always make him look like the innocent man he was, but we do hear and see that most of the group have served time, so they might not be as innocent as they look (this is only from what the film shows, not what I know about the truth).
Action/Biopic/Western – The action is everything you would expect from a western, we have seen the shooting like always. The biopic does only show one side of the story and it does feel like there is more to tell.
Settings – The film utilises the location to show how Ned Kelly has to go into hiding and including the showdown.
Scene of the Movie – The showdown.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It does seem one sided.
Final Thoughts – This is a by the book biopic that showed one of the most famous outlaws in Australia, though it doesn’t seem to reach an intensity level that it could have.
Overall: Nice biopic.
Story: Ned Kelly starts in 1871 Australia where an Irish family the Kelly’s have settled in with the eldest son Ned (Ledger) ends up getting into trouble with the law, that has always targeted his family, seeing him placed in prison for a couple of years. Once out Ned does start to try and turn his family’s luck around with his friends Joseph Byrne (Bloom) and Aaron Sherritt (Edgerton), while working for an English family where Ned falls for Julia (Watts).
When Ned gets framed for assault by the constable that has always been out for his blood, his family gets targeted, but not the police are not going to stop until they have his head, forcing Ned to go on the run to protect his family, making him one of the most wanted criminals in the world.
Thoughts on Ned Kelly
Characters – Ned Kelly is a young Irish man that has always seen his family targeted by the law, he has gotten himself in trouble because of this, which sees him falsely accused and becoming a target. Ned refused to back down from the law needing to go on the run, leading to him becoming an outlaw taking from the rich inspiring the poor as he fights for what is right and his family’s pride. Joseph Byrne is Ned’s best friend, he will stand by his side through his battles, needing to do the right thing. Superintendent Francis Hare is the man charged with capturing the Kelly gang, he doesn’t want to hear the story, he just wants them gone. Julia Cook is an English woman that Ned was working for, she is one of the few that will help him seeing the good in his nature, but being held back by her own family.
Performances – Heath Ledger does a great job here showing how he wanted to break his pretty boy image, this performance makes this happen with ease. Orlando Bloom in the supporting role is strong without being truly great, while Geoffrey Rush feels wasted, with him being involved but not getting too much screen time, same goes for Naomi Watts, she just doesn’t get enough time to shine.
Story – The story here follows the innocent man that gets forced into become an outlaw who becomes the most wanted man in Australia. This story shows how settlers in other countries would always be unfairly targeted by the locals who saw them as threats, how people’s words could create outlaws because nobody would listen or understand the truths within a world. The story is only really told from Ned’s which will always make him look like the innocent man he was, but we do hear and see that most of the group have served time, so they might not be as innocent as they look (this is only from what the film shows, not what I know about the truth).
Action/Biopic/Western – The action is everything you would expect from a western, we have seen the shooting like always. The biopic does only show one side of the story and it does feel like there is more to tell.
Settings – The film utilises the location to show how Ned Kelly has to go into hiding and including the showdown.
Scene of the Movie – The showdown.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It does seem one sided.
Final Thoughts – This is a by the book biopic that showed one of the most famous outlaws in Australia, though it doesn’t seem to reach an intensity level that it could have.
Overall: Nice biopic.

Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Upside Down (Off the Map, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
*** I received this book in exchange for an honest review. ***
Let me first start off with... WOW! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The pacing was perfect! The characters are so great! The journey was beautiful. The story on some levels almost made me feel like I was reading a Jessica Park novel.
The setting of Australia was an awesome choice, and something I'm completely unfamiliar with. Also, the way Lia Riley uses slang terms that Australians use really brought the atmosphere and setting to life for me.
I was so happy when I saw Lia Riley was going to tackle OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and I wasn't sure how this was going to work, especially with love story and making sure that all the pieces fit perfectly in place. She did it. Boy, did she do it.
Talia its a great character. When you first meet her she's sad, safe, reserved and mourning the loss of her sister Pippa. Talia is on a mission, and going to Australia might be the answer to her problems, but she has no idea. See, Talia has OCD, and her father and her therapist is worried about her trying to move around the world for six months. But she's confidant that this is what she needs to create Talia 2.0.
Enter Bran. He's the perfectly hot surfer, and when he crosses paths with Talia his world changes forever. Bran has his own demons to try and escape, and he's been so emotionally damaged that he doesn't do love. He doesn't get close to people. Bran calls his parents by their first names, and he's slept with more girls than he can count.
The relationship that Talia and Bran have evolves so much throughout this book, and its a beautiful thing watching it grow. It isn't insta love, just add water. Nope, they are both damaged and trying to relearn love at it's basic most primitive level.
Upside Down is the first book in the Off the Map series, and I can't wait for the second book! I am sad I have to part with Bran and Talia, but I know more is coming soon. I gave this book four stars for its creativity and freshness. Upside Down is a beautiful tale of life, death, love, and two lives from opposite sides of the planet that bring two people together who fit perfectly.
Let me first start off with... WOW! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The pacing was perfect! The characters are so great! The journey was beautiful. The story on some levels almost made me feel like I was reading a Jessica Park novel.
The setting of Australia was an awesome choice, and something I'm completely unfamiliar with. Also, the way Lia Riley uses slang terms that Australians use really brought the atmosphere and setting to life for me.
I was so happy when I saw Lia Riley was going to tackle OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and I wasn't sure how this was going to work, especially with love story and making sure that all the pieces fit perfectly in place. She did it. Boy, did she do it.
Talia its a great character. When you first meet her she's sad, safe, reserved and mourning the loss of her sister Pippa. Talia is on a mission, and going to Australia might be the answer to her problems, but she has no idea. See, Talia has OCD, and her father and her therapist is worried about her trying to move around the world for six months. But she's confidant that this is what she needs to create Talia 2.0.
Enter Bran. He's the perfectly hot surfer, and when he crosses paths with Talia his world changes forever. Bran has his own demons to try and escape, and he's been so emotionally damaged that he doesn't do love. He doesn't get close to people. Bran calls his parents by their first names, and he's slept with more girls than he can count.
The relationship that Talia and Bran have evolves so much throughout this book, and its a beautiful thing watching it grow. It isn't insta love, just add water. Nope, they are both damaged and trying to relearn love at it's basic most primitive level.
Upside Down is the first book in the Off the Map series, and I can't wait for the second book! I am sad I have to part with Bran and Talia, but I know more is coming soon. I gave this book four stars for its creativity and freshness. Upside Down is a beautiful tale of life, death, love, and two lives from opposite sides of the planet that bring two people together who fit perfectly.

Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Dry in Books
Oct 31, 2017 (Updated Oct 31, 2017)
Vividly realistic, a real page-turner
This is unlike most thrillers, which seems to become hyperbolic by the end of the book. Set in the outback of Australia, the novel focuses on a small rural community where a family have been murdered.
A detective is forced to go back to his roots in this town, and confront his own demons which appears to have a connection to the murder in some shape or form. Here we see farmers reeling from drought and bush fires, making them distraught and antsy by his presence. We see increasing tension and violence as he continues to wade through all of the mysteries, overturning all of their stories, culminating in possible ex-communication.
It is an intriguing tale with the denouement well hidden until the end. The harsh surroundings and the unforgiving characters in the township are well explored and the descriptions are vivid. I read this in two days, as it is an easy page-turner, gradually revealing dark secrets, uncovering the truth through past conversations and events which leave you fairly surprised. Looking forward to watching the film.
A detective is forced to go back to his roots in this town, and confront his own demons which appears to have a connection to the murder in some shape or form. Here we see farmers reeling from drought and bush fires, making them distraught and antsy by his presence. We see increasing tension and violence as he continues to wade through all of the mysteries, overturning all of their stories, culminating in possible ex-communication.
It is an intriguing tale with the denouement well hidden until the end. The harsh surroundings and the unforgiving characters in the township are well explored and the descriptions are vivid. I read this in two days, as it is an easy page-turner, gradually revealing dark secrets, uncovering the truth through past conversations and events which leave you fairly surprised. Looking forward to watching the film.

Awix (3310 KP) rated Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) in Movies
Dec 17, 2020
The first big superhero movie of the summer arrives - if you're in Australia, anyway. (Cheers, 2020.) The setting has been updated to the mid 1980s, which in no way resembles the present day, of course: Wonder Woman must enter the White House and do battle with a failed businessman, TV personality and con man who has stolen the power of the US presidency. Of course there's a bit more going on to dress this up and stop the cute-little-red-cap crowd from getting pouty and boycotting it, but that's the most striking element of the plot - interesting to see a blockbuster with a political edge to it, even if that edge is somewhat disguised.
Apart from that, this is a good, slick, lively blockbuster, very colourful and with a nicely positive outlook to it. Some of the characterisation perhaps undercuts the film's feminist agenda - Wonder Woman's chief character point is that she's sad because she's got no boyfriend, while assistant villain Cheetah's big issue is basically being jealous of women who can walk in heels - and Chris Pine is an absence of hiatus, as usual, but in every respect this is a decent blockbuster.
Apart from that, this is a good, slick, lively blockbuster, very colourful and with a nicely positive outlook to it. Some of the characterisation perhaps undercuts the film's feminist agenda - Wonder Woman's chief character point is that she's sad because she's got no boyfriend, while assistant villain Cheetah's big issue is basically being jealous of women who can walk in heels - and Chris Pine is an absence of hiatus, as usual, but in every respect this is a decent blockbuster.

Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Island in Books
May 15, 2022
The choices you make have consequences ... some of them deadly!
Whilst on a working holiday in Australia, the Baxters decide to do some sightseeing and find their way onto the isolated and private Dutch Island. They are hoping to see and photograph some of the native wildlife but end up being involved in a tragic accident which brings them to the attention of the O'Neil clan who call the island their home and they are not happy!!!
The Baxters quickly get into a fight for their lives and so begins the non-stop action that is The Island. There is lots of tension, violence and scenes of peril with a few twists but, overall, it's the story of survival ... but who will make it off The Island?
This book has a vibe akin to the film The Deliverance with a bit of Rambo thrown in for good measure so if you like that sort of action, I would definitely recommend this ... you won't be disappointed.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Island and share my thoughts.
Whilst on a working holiday in Australia, the Baxters decide to do some sightseeing and find their way onto the isolated and private Dutch Island. They are hoping to see and photograph some of the native wildlife but end up being involved in a tragic accident which brings them to the attention of the O'Neil clan who call the island their home and they are not happy!!!
The Baxters quickly get into a fight for their lives and so begins the non-stop action that is The Island. There is lots of tension, violence and scenes of peril with a few twists but, overall, it's the story of survival ... but who will make it off The Island?
This book has a vibe akin to the film The Deliverance with a bit of Rambo thrown in for good measure so if you like that sort of action, I would definitely recommend this ... you won't be disappointed.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Island and share my thoughts.