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Fred (860 KP) rated God of War in Video Games
Jul 26, 2018
Top-notch story telling (2 more)
Moves along at a great pace
Great voice & motion-capture acting
Uncharted: God of War
As I was playing this game, all I could think of was the Uncharted Series. Great stories, great cinematics, great game play. Now, I'm going to be honest, I am not a fan of the series. Not really into hack-n-slash. They bore me after a while & I wind up not finishing the game, as it gets too monotonous. But changing the game play to match the Uncharted series is brilliant! And it works so well. The learning curve is a little steep, with the ability to unlock new moves as you also upgrade your weapons.
At first I didn't like Kratos' son. I felt he was a little annoying & never used him in combat. But as the game progressed, I not only cared for him as a character, but as an intricate tool in my combat arsenal.
Each character is like a living being. You really feel for them. I attribute this to the acting & the writing. Like I say above, the story is top-notch. In fact, everything is top notch. If you're a fan of the Uncharted series and/pr the God of War series, then run out & get this.
At first I didn't like Kratos' son. I felt he was a little annoying & never used him in combat. But as the game progressed, I not only cared for him as a character, but as an intricate tool in my combat arsenal.
Each character is like a living being. You really feel for them. I attribute this to the acting & the writing. Like I say above, the story is top-notch. In fact, everything is top notch. If you're a fan of the Uncharted series and/pr the God of War series, then run out & get this.
Sarah (126 KP) rated The Martian (2015) in Movies
Jul 30, 2018
Brilliant Movie
I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this film half as much as I did. It wasn't my choice to watch and one I put off until we couldn't think of anything else to put on one night.
In fact, I actually loved it! I laughed, my heart was racing with fear and excitement, and I cried for the character played by Matt Damon and the struggles he faced.
The premise doesn't sound particularly thrilling, one man stranded alone on a planet, and yet seeing how he copes with the difficulties thrown at him and the problems that he and the team trying to get him home have to overcome make it an extremely watchable and enjoyable film.
I've watched this now a few times and, even though I know what's coming and how it ends, I still get the same feelings of apprehension and relief, and I've still cried at exactly the same points.
I normally shy away from giving a 10/10, as there's always something that can be improved, but (bearing in mind I haven't read the book of this one, so can't put the film into context in that regard), I don't think there's anything I would change about this.
In fact, I actually loved it! I laughed, my heart was racing with fear and excitement, and I cried for the character played by Matt Damon and the struggles he faced.
The premise doesn't sound particularly thrilling, one man stranded alone on a planet, and yet seeing how he copes with the difficulties thrown at him and the problems that he and the team trying to get him home have to overcome make it an extremely watchable and enjoyable film.
I've watched this now a few times and, even though I know what's coming and how it ends, I still get the same feelings of apprehension and relief, and I've still cried at exactly the same points.
I normally shy away from giving a 10/10, as there's always something that can be improved, but (bearing in mind I haven't read the book of this one, so can't put the film into context in that regard), I don't think there's anything I would change about this.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Sharp Objects in TV
Aug 29, 2018
Brilliantly dark and intriguing
It’s rare to find a tv show like this nowadays. I’ve watched the entire series across two evenings, and for me this is definitely not a common occurrence!
I love Amy Adams (and not just because I’m jealous of her hair), she’s a fantastic actress and is brilliant as the haunted and troubled Camille. She’s supported by a great cast and there is a lot of well done character development. Even if Adora is one of the most infuriating characters I’ve seen on screen for some time. The series itself is very dark, covering everything from Camille's past to the current murder and disappearance of the young girls. Everything from the music to the directing and cinematography is perfect for this story, and every episode left me wanting to watch more.
My only criticisms are that the ending was a tiny bit predictable (I’ve probably read too many books, and I haven’t even read this one!), and whilst I enjoyed delving into Camille’s past and family, I found that the story about the two girls wasn’t quite in the forefront after the first couple of episodes. I know the reasons for this, but for me the investigation could’ve been a little more prominent.
I love Amy Adams (and not just because I’m jealous of her hair), she’s a fantastic actress and is brilliant as the haunted and troubled Camille. She’s supported by a great cast and there is a lot of well done character development. Even if Adora is one of the most infuriating characters I’ve seen on screen for some time. The series itself is very dark, covering everything from Camille's past to the current murder and disappearance of the young girls. Everything from the music to the directing and cinematography is perfect for this story, and every episode left me wanting to watch more.
My only criticisms are that the ending was a tiny bit predictable (I’ve probably read too many books, and I haven’t even read this one!), and whilst I enjoyed delving into Camille’s past and family, I found that the story about the two girls wasn’t quite in the forefront after the first couple of episodes. I know the reasons for this, but for me the investigation could’ve been a little more prominent.
Watch any time or place (2 more)
Easy to use site and app
Option to download things in order to watch them later without needing an internet connection
Possibly my best friend
I use Netflix on multiple devices including my laptop, TV, playstation and phone. On all devices (but especially the phone app) the service is so user-friendly. Struggling to find something to watch? No problem, Netflix will recommend you different genres of films and TV shows based on the different things you have previously watched and on how highly you have rated them.
One of the more recently added features has been a god send. The ability to download TV shows and films whilst you have an internet connection in order for you to watch them at a later time when you may not have a connection is brilliant for those long journeys or when you're just running low on data.
The only downside about this is that not everything is available to download at this moment in time but things are always being added so I'm sure it's just a matter of time until your favourite things to watch are available!
I highly recommend this app for everyone of all ages.
One of the more recently added features has been a god send. The ability to download TV shows and films whilst you have an internet connection in order for you to watch them at a later time when you may not have a connection is brilliant for those long journeys or when you're just running low on data.
The only downside about this is that not everything is available to download at this moment in time but things are always being added so I'm sure it's just a matter of time until your favourite things to watch are available!
I highly recommend this app for everyone of all ages.
Merissa (13808 KP) rated Nora's Promise in Books
Dec 4, 2018
Nora's Promise by Sedona Hutton
Nora's Promise is the second book by Sedona Hutton I have read, and just like Cloud Whispers, this blew me away.
Our two main characters both have baggage from their pasts, and neither of them can see it immediately. There is attraction, but also a whole load more. Nora and Davey's relationship is a slow-build, which makes it all the more enjoyable.
There is a supernatural element to this story, with the appearance of Pap, and Nora's abilities, so you need to read this with an open mind. Personally, I loved every aspect.
This is a book long enough to get your teeth into, but not too long that it drags. The story is excellently written, with poignant, heartfelt scenes. There were no editing or grammatical issues that I noticed in a story where the pacing was very smooth.
A brilliant second foray into the writings by Sedona Hutton, and I can't wait for AJ's Leap to be released next. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Our two main characters both have baggage from their pasts, and neither of them can see it immediately. There is attraction, but also a whole load more. Nora and Davey's relationship is a slow-build, which makes it all the more enjoyable.
There is a supernatural element to this story, with the appearance of Pap, and Nora's abilities, so you need to read this with an open mind. Personally, I loved every aspect.
This is a book long enough to get your teeth into, but not too long that it drags. The story is excellently written, with poignant, heartfelt scenes. There were no editing or grammatical issues that I noticed in a story where the pacing was very smooth.
A brilliant second foray into the writings by Sedona Hutton, and I can't wait for AJ's Leap to be released next. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Merissa (13808 KP) rated Knightmare Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #1) in Books
Jun 20, 2019
Knightmare Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #1) by Shami Stovall
Knightmare Arcanist is the first book in the Frith Chronicles, and not only will it have you engrossed from the first sentence, but it will definitely leave you wanting more. This is described as Flintlock Fantasy, and I think that is perfect.
Ms. Stovall starts with the world-building immediately, as our two main characters are both apprentice grave-diggers. You find out just what this entails, and how it affects their 'standing' with the community. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about their world, and the capabilities; what was normal, and what was not.
The pacing is sharp and completely on-point, with no 'spare' moments. The storyline is enthralling and smooth. The characters are all fantastic, and I certainly hope to see more of them, as they grow into their powers and become more confident as people.
With corrupt white harts, magical ferrets, and a school on the back of a giant turtle, this held my attention all the way through. A fantastical read that I highly recommend. Absolutely brilliant.
* 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!
Ms. Stovall starts with the world-building immediately, as our two main characters are both apprentice grave-diggers. You find out just what this entails, and how it affects their 'standing' with the community. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about their world, and the capabilities; what was normal, and what was not.
The pacing is sharp and completely on-point, with no 'spare' moments. The storyline is enthralling and smooth. The characters are all fantastic, and I certainly hope to see more of them, as they grow into their powers and become more confident as people.
With corrupt white harts, magical ferrets, and a school on the back of a giant turtle, this held my attention all the way through. A fantastical read that I highly recommend. Absolutely brilliant.
* 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!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Choosing (Seer, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I am finding it difficult to write a review without giving too much of the story away! This book is filled with so many aspects that left my mind reeling, my heart aching, and my stomach churning. But through it all, the message is clear. The Father has chosen us, chosen me. I am beautiful, I have worth. There is freedom in the truth.
With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful.
The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series.
I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful.
The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series.
I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Rache (174 KP) rated The Angel of Vine in Podcasts
Jan 12, 2019
Brilliant storyline (4 more)
True Crime inspired
Amazing cast
Glorious suspense
Truly Wonderful writing
Fantastic Fiction
As a fan of true crime podcasts, I have very few fiction podcasts in my favourites (mostly things like King Falls AM, for the wackiness) and I tend to avoid crime fiction, primarily because the real thing is better, crazier, and so much more twisted.
The Angel of Vine is a sublime fictional podcast, written to sound like true crime in the Noir tradition being retold in the modern podcast format. The podcast begins with the discovery of some old cassette tapes by the family of a deceased ex-cop turned private detective, and their choice to involve a podcaster/reporter to help them investigate the story enshrined in those cassettes.
Following the investigation into the murder of a young actress in Hollywood, the podcaster makes use of the recordings to tell Harry's story.
Voiced by some amazing talent (including the gorgeous growl of Joe Manganiello, the incomparable Alan Tudzyk, and the delightful Mischa Collins) the story is gripping, compelling, and extremely difficult to not binge.
For fans of true crime, crime drama, and any sort of Noir (Sam Spade eat your heart out), this is a podcast to listen to, save, and listen to again later.
The Angel of Vine is a sublime fictional podcast, written to sound like true crime in the Noir tradition being retold in the modern podcast format. The podcast begins with the discovery of some old cassette tapes by the family of a deceased ex-cop turned private detective, and their choice to involve a podcaster/reporter to help them investigate the story enshrined in those cassettes.
Following the investigation into the murder of a young actress in Hollywood, the podcaster makes use of the recordings to tell Harry's story.
Voiced by some amazing talent (including the gorgeous growl of Joe Manganiello, the incomparable Alan Tudzyk, and the delightful Mischa Collins) the story is gripping, compelling, and extremely difficult to not binge.
For fans of true crime, crime drama, and any sort of Noir (Sam Spade eat your heart out), this is a podcast to listen to, save, and listen to again later.
Merissa (13808 KP) rated Collide (Shock Me, #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
*Disclaimer* I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Wow! This book will take you on a rollercoaster of a journey. In fact, scrap that, this SERIES will take you for a ride. I'm not going to go into the story - that's what the synopsis is for and as this is book 3 in the series, you've probably already got some idea of what's happening anyway.
As for Collide, it is one step forwards, two steps back - that is the unfortunate love story between Donna and Ryan and I really, REALLY want them to get a HEA but I'm not totally sure they will. They both have a lot of secrets and life... plus Ryan's father... keeps getting in the way of them being honest with each other.
This story is woven with such skill and lots of other strands are highlighted in this book - for example, Rebecca and Randy to name just two, along with Gemma, David and Lynn plus others.
This is part of a series and each book does end with a cliffhanger so fair warning - you will be left gobsmacked and wanting the next book immediately. A brilliant addition to the Young Adult, Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance genres. Highly recommended.
Wow! This book will take you on a rollercoaster of a journey. In fact, scrap that, this SERIES will take you for a ride. I'm not going to go into the story - that's what the synopsis is for and as this is book 3 in the series, you've probably already got some idea of what's happening anyway.
As for Collide, it is one step forwards, two steps back - that is the unfortunate love story between Donna and Ryan and I really, REALLY want them to get a HEA but I'm not totally sure they will. They both have a lot of secrets and life... plus Ryan's father... keeps getting in the way of them being honest with each other.
This story is woven with such skill and lots of other strands are highlighted in this book - for example, Rebecca and Randy to name just two, along with Gemma, David and Lynn plus others.
This is part of a series and each book does end with a cliffhanger so fair warning - you will be left gobsmacked and wanting the next book immediately. A brilliant addition to the Young Adult, Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance genres. Highly recommended.
David McK (3721 KP) rated Dauntless (The Lost Fleet, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
While I doubt this novel is going to win any awards for literature, I have to say that it is a good enough read: not brilliant, but not terrible either.
Written by a ex-navy man, it's easy to see the influnece of his career in the pages: this is 'real' science-fiction, not science-fantasy, with the space battles obeying the laws of physics as we know them. The plot outline is also somewhat remniscient of the new series of BattleStar Galactica, with a smaller rag-tag force being chased by a numerically superior foe. Ironically, this book was first released at around the same time as that series came on TV, with (in this edition) the author claiming that that WAS NOT an inspiration (in the interview at the end), as if he'd been thinking of BSG it woud've been the older series.
With the way the book opens I must also admit that, at first, I thought I'd missed something: the best corollary I can think of is as if the film Aliens (that's the one with the 'S') had started without the whole prologue of them finding Ripleys life pod: you'd be able to infer what had happened, but would be feeling a bit lost at first.
Written by a ex-navy man, it's easy to see the influnece of his career in the pages: this is 'real' science-fiction, not science-fantasy, with the space battles obeying the laws of physics as we know them. The plot outline is also somewhat remniscient of the new series of BattleStar Galactica, with a smaller rag-tag force being chased by a numerically superior foe. Ironically, this book was first released at around the same time as that series came on TV, with (in this edition) the author claiming that that WAS NOT an inspiration (in the interview at the end), as if he'd been thinking of BSG it woud've been the older series.
With the way the book opens I must also admit that, at first, I thought I'd missed something: the best corollary I can think of is as if the film Aliens (that's the one with the 'S') had started without the whole prologue of them finding Ripleys life pod: you'd be able to infer what had happened, but would be feeling a bit lost at first.