Search

Search only in certain items:

Dark Prince (Greek Series, #2)
Dark Prince (Greek Series, #2)
David Gemmell | 1991 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sequel to David Gemmell's earlier Lion of Macedon, with more emphasis on the mystical elements this time around: whereas that earlier novel was perhaps 90/10 in favour of history, this is (IMO) closer to 40/60.

As the novel starts, Alexander is but a 4 year old and Parmenion is out of favour with Philip of Macedon, who is jealous of the Spartan general's success in battle. Alexander is still plagued by the Chaos Spirit, and - at around the 1/4 mark - is magically transported into an alternate Greece, where the myths and monsters of Greek legend are all real. With a little help from Aristotle and the Siptrassi stones, Parmenion is soon off on a rescue mission, accompanied by Philip's assassin Attalus (without Philips knowledge). The bulk of this novel - parts 2 and 3 (of 4) - then takes place in that alternate Greece, with Parmenion - again - reliving his past and playing a key role in proceedings, before it returns to 'our' Greece for the final part of the novel.

As is standard for Gemmell, lots of musing on the nature of Good and evil throughout, and with a conflicted central protagonist.
  
The Last Samurai (2003)
The Last Samurai (2003)
2003 | Action, Drama, War
Who is The Last Samurai?
In the early noughties, following the success of Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator', there was a rash of historical epic films - 'Alexander', 'Troy', 'Kingdom of Heaven'.

And this.


Which is a strong contender for one of the best of those films.

The film stars Tom Cruise (who, for once, is not playing Tom Cruise) and Ken Wattanabe, with the former a world weary US Civil War veteran (suffering from PTSD?) who is hired to train the modernising Japanese army, and the latter a Samurai leader who thinks Japan is losing its identity; moving too fast into the future.

Captured by that Samurai leader following an early battle, Algren (Cruise's character) soon finds himself beginning to wonder is he fighting in the right side...

Yes, the plot is somewhat akin to 'Dances with Wolves' (or even 'Avatar'), and I've heard the charge of the film being a White Saviour story - a charge, I have to say, that I do NOT find any merit in: indeed, I would argue the opposite (that Cruise's character is saved rather than the one doing the saving) is more true.
  
Accasias Bite (Sisters of Hex #3)
Accasias Bite (Sisters of Hex #3)
Bea Paige | 2021 | Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
20 of 250
Kindle
Accasias Bite ( sisters of Hex book 3)
By Bea Paige

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Accacia remains cursed, just like the vampires she's grown to love, just like the people of Ever Vale and just like the four fated clan daughters of the prophecy.Alongside her Dark Knights, Accacia must play her part in breaking the curse or remain under the Queen's rule forevermore. Yet, how can she do that when Devin is losing his soul to the darkness, to a fate far worse than death? If Accacia cannot save his soul, then the battle is over before it's even truly begun.The stakes are high in this final installment of Accacia's journey as she heads into the danger of the queen's castle. Sacrifices will be made, friendships forged, and alliances sought. Accacia's Bite will conclude Accacia's journey, but not the Sisters of Hex series.


It was again a touch disappointing and felt a bit rushed. Still despite this a good read. Getting Devin back seemed a bit to easy! I like the set up for the next lot of books so fingers crossed.