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A Delicate Truth
A Delicate Truth
John Le Carre | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have received this book through the Goodreads First Read Giveaway and I am have very much enjoyed reading it!

It follows the mysterious 'Operation Wildlife', a catastrophe from start to finish, and something that ekes out a wave of human destruction with everyone who finds out any piece of information about it. Toby, Kit, 'Suki' and Emily are all dragged into the lives of others, the lives of those trying to cover and smother an operation that should never of happened, and when it did, went totally pear shaped.

I have to be honest, I really didn't like this book to begin with. It was really tough at first to get into, as the mystery is so deeply entwined and you have no idea where it's going. Reach the halfway point and it's like a totally different book. The second half immensely fast paced, incredibly difficult to put down and a fantastic read!

The characters are well written, and in the second half they are incredibly engaging. I have to say, I found this got better with each page, and by the cliff hanger at the end, I was heart in mouth wanting to know what was happening next and was very annoyed that it had finished!

A bit of a bitty review, but in all honesty, that reflects the book. It is bitty, it doesn't seem to flow well, but there's just something about it. The last half saves it, and that's about all I have to say. I'd recommend, but only if this was your cup of tea, it's not a book that's going to get you hooked on this genre if I'm honest, but the foundations are there, and this is the sort of book that I feel would play out better on the big screen.
  
Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
1996 | Action, Sci-Fi
It’s a close run thing with “Wrath of Khan”, but this tops it as my favourite Trek film. There are so many memorable scenes:

The dramatic opening shots of Picard strapped into the Borg ship (and the subsequent jolts x 2!);
The comical drinking scene between Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Cochrane (James Cromwell);
The “Big Sleep” style holodeck sequence;
The spectacular entrance of the Borg Queen (Alice Krige);
The first warp flight;
The first contact scene, framed by Jerry Goldsmith‘s spectacular theme.
We’re up to the Enterprise-E in this one, and even that gets a self-destruct sequence! These movies must be playing havoc with their insurance premiums!

There are some nice touches for Trek fans in here: the first appearance of Robert Picardo‘s holographic doctor (before he became a regular on Star Trek: Voyager); and Dwight Schultz reprising his role from the TNG series as the nerdy fan-boy Lieutenant Barclay. In addition, the whole cast (including Gates McFadden’s Crusher) get a fairer share of the air time under Jonathan Frake’s direction.

Once again, the time travel (particularly the return journey!) is just a bit too trite and convenient. But other than that, this is a top-notch Trek movie. It features (in Alfre Woodard, just BAFTA nominated) a strong role for a female of colour. And it provides a great chance to showcase Stewart’s acting talents, as he wrestles with his own ‘great white whale’.

Given my love for the movie, I was tempted to give this one 5*s. The one thing holding me back is just a single line of dialogue. Do you know the one? Zephram Cochrane’s line…

“So, you’re astronauts? On some kind of a star trek?”.

It is just SO UTTERLY CRASS that I manage to throw up a little in my mouth as that scene happens. WHY WRITERS, WHY???
  
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Merissa (12632 KP) rated Leveling The Field (KTS #3) in Books

Jun 14, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)  
Leveling The Field (KTS #3)
Leveling The Field (KTS #3)
Elise Faber | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LEVELING THE FIELD is the third book in the KTS series, and once again, I am recommending you read it as part of a series, rather than a standalone, as there is an overall story arc you will need to follow.

Jesse is strong and confident until it comes down to herself and then those nasty, niggling doubts surface. She longs for the fantasy of having someone love her for her, but the one she wants only sees her as a friend. Leo IS Jesse's friend but she is so much more than that to him. He feels he is not good enough for her! I loved Hannah and Lily's solution to this!

Oh, man! What a story! I loved the arc and where it is going. My heart was in my mouth for the teams when they were in a pickle 😉 I really want to know just who is behind everything and see them get their just desserts. What I love about Ms Faber's writing style though is that you get pulled into the technicalities, the big bad, whilst still being so invested in the love story being played out before you. Neither side suffers as the story continues, making it perfect.

The pacing is perfect, the romance delightful, and the steamy moments are HOT. All in all, this was a brilliant read that I highly recommend. Now I'm impatient for Hannah and Lily's story.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 14, 2021