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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2) in Books
Feb 5, 2024
22 of 220
Kindle
Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2)
By Taylor Aston White
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A betrayed witch. A fractured past. A dark secret.
Just two months after her abduction, Alice Skye is ready to get back to her job as a Paladin Agent, tracking and detaining Breed by any means necessary. Even though bones have healed and bites have scarred, she’s no closer to the truth, and the one man who knows is nowhere to be seen.
Riley Storm has his own problems being heir to the Storm empire and a Guardian of the Order. So he keeps his distance from the unpredictable Alice Skye. Until he’s forced back into her life, whether she wants him to be or not.
As a vampire genocide shocks the city, Alice partners as the new liaison with the local authorities, the job an exciting opportunity that would help bridge the relationship between Breed and Norms for good. But Alice can’t help but feel there’s more to the dark murders, that maybe there's something bigger behind the lies and deceit.
Can Alice trust her instincts and stop the poison before more lives are taken?
Or will she be distracted as her life unravels once again?
I loved this second book. I like that she’s solving crimes and dealing with her magic and finding out who she is without a whole load of relationship drama, reminds me of the early Anita Blake novels. I think the characters are brilliant bad and good it was so much better than book 1 and I love it’s set in London.
Kindle
Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2)
By Taylor Aston White
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A betrayed witch. A fractured past. A dark secret.
Just two months after her abduction, Alice Skye is ready to get back to her job as a Paladin Agent, tracking and detaining Breed by any means necessary. Even though bones have healed and bites have scarred, she’s no closer to the truth, and the one man who knows is nowhere to be seen.
Riley Storm has his own problems being heir to the Storm empire and a Guardian of the Order. So he keeps his distance from the unpredictable Alice Skye. Until he’s forced back into her life, whether she wants him to be or not.
As a vampire genocide shocks the city, Alice partners as the new liaison with the local authorities, the job an exciting opportunity that would help bridge the relationship between Breed and Norms for good. But Alice can’t help but feel there’s more to the dark murders, that maybe there's something bigger behind the lies and deceit.
Can Alice trust her instincts and stop the poison before more lives are taken?
Or will she be distracted as her life unravels once again?
I loved this second book. I like that she’s solving crimes and dealing with her magic and finding out who she is without a whole load of relationship drama, reminds me of the early Anita Blake novels. I think the characters are brilliant bad and good it was so much better than book 1 and I love it’s set in London.

Merissa (12654 KP) rated Game On (Vancouver Orcas #3) in Books
Feb 2, 2024
GAME ON is the third and final book in the Vancouver Orcas series, but you don't need to have read the first two to get this one.
Jamie has joined the Orcas and hopes to start afresh. He is understandably wary about his new team, thinking it almost too good to be true. He lives with Dorian until he can find his own place. Dorian doesn't need to work, but does. He also has a secret project going on that he believes in, even if no one else does. Of course, others might believe in it too, if he'd only let them in. But Dorian has baggage of his own...
I loved this story! Jamie is just a big ole teddy bear, whilst Dorian is more of a hedgehog - prickly on the outside, squidgy on the inside. They are both attracted to each other, but neither of them wants to act on it. It is a slow-burn that builds up the tension. They are absolutely perfect for each other, and they both need the love and reassurance the other one gives.
I haven't read Books 1 and 2, but I've just gone and one-clicked both of them. You may not need to read them, but after seeing the characters in this book, I want to!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 30, 2024
Jamie has joined the Orcas and hopes to start afresh. He is understandably wary about his new team, thinking it almost too good to be true. He lives with Dorian until he can find his own place. Dorian doesn't need to work, but does. He also has a secret project going on that he believes in, even if no one else does. Of course, others might believe in it too, if he'd only let them in. But Dorian has baggage of his own...
I loved this story! Jamie is just a big ole teddy bear, whilst Dorian is more of a hedgehog - prickly on the outside, squidgy on the inside. They are both attracted to each other, but neither of them wants to act on it. It is a slow-burn that builds up the tension. They are absolutely perfect for each other, and they both need the love and reassurance the other one gives.
I haven't read Books 1 and 2, but I've just gone and one-clicked both of them. You may not need to read them, but after seeing the characters in this book, I want to!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 30, 2024

Merissa (12654 KP) rated Hot Conduit (Hot Under the Collar #2) in Books
Feb 6, 2024
HOT CONDUIT is the second book in the Hot Under the Collar series, and we meet Theo and Lex in more detail.
The sparks fly immediately between these two but an early misunderstanding leads to a very prickly relationship - in other words, neither of them likes the other. Unfortunately for them, they're in the same friend group so see each other frequently. Luckily, they've got someone through the CoffeeDates app they can speak to. Unluckily, it's still them! This led to some laugh-out-loud moments when they were complaining to each other about each other!
It took some time for Lex and Theo to change their relationship. In fact, it was only really at the end, BUT it worked. They both needed the time to figure out that the other was nothing like people in their past. I loved the meeting with Lex's ex and how Theo finally had someone stand up for him. Family can be like that sometimes - not meaning to hurt but not thinking about what they're doing or saying.
I loved this book. I loved returning to the characters and seeing how Rhys, Cole, and Sammy are getting on. I loved the reactions in various scenes - goat yoga, anyone? But most of all I loved Theo and Lex for walking a rocky path and finding each other!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** 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!
Feb 6, 2024
The sparks fly immediately between these two but an early misunderstanding leads to a very prickly relationship - in other words, neither of them likes the other. Unfortunately for them, they're in the same friend group so see each other frequently. Luckily, they've got someone through the CoffeeDates app they can speak to. Unluckily, it's still them! This led to some laugh-out-loud moments when they were complaining to each other about each other!
It took some time for Lex and Theo to change their relationship. In fact, it was only really at the end, BUT it worked. They both needed the time to figure out that the other was nothing like people in their past. I loved the meeting with Lex's ex and how Theo finally had someone stand up for him. Family can be like that sometimes - not meaning to hurt but not thinking about what they're doing or saying.
I loved this book. I loved returning to the characters and seeing how Rhys, Cole, and Sammy are getting on. I loved the reactions in various scenes - goat yoga, anyone? But most of all I loved Theo and Lex for walking a rocky path and finding each other!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** 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!
Feb 6, 2024

The Paris Mistress
Book
Summer 1781. Passy, France. George Washington's two least likely spies for liberty, Rebecca Parcell...

Merissa (12654 KP) rated His Lordship's Folly (His Lordship’s Mysteries #5) in Books
Dec 19, 2024
HIS LORDSHIP'S FOLLY is the fifth book in the His Lordship's Mysteries series, but takes place after The Gentleman's Gentleman, the first book in His Lordship's Realm, a spin-off from this series featuring Gil and Jarrett.
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024

Merissa (12654 KP) rated The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior (The Lost Arts #1) in Books
May 9, 2025
THE LOST ART OF SEDUCING A MAGE WARRIOR is the first book in The Lost Arts series and does NOT give you everything all at once, which I loved!
Perian is a charismatic character, effortlessly drawing others to him. He is aware of this but doesn't weaponise it. When he is attacked by three men who don't understand that "No" is a complete sentence, he thinks his time is up. Instead, he is rescued by Brannal, a Mage Warrior, who takes him back to the Queen's castle to recover. If Perian is the sunshine one, then Brannal is the grumpy one, although this description doesn't fit either of them perfectly.
There are plenty of misunderstandings between Perian and Brannal, which I actually loved to read. They are at the beginning of a new relationship, with lots of things going on and different characters in the mix, so, surprisingly, they're not that good at communicating. When they do speak to each other, they both admit it is something they need to work on, and that neither of them will get it right all the time. It made a refreshing change to read that, rather than unnecessary angst.
The ending was satisfying for now, but I oh-so-desperately want more! Lots of loose threads that I want tying up! A great story and a brilliant beginning to the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 9, 2025
Perian is a charismatic character, effortlessly drawing others to him. He is aware of this but doesn't weaponise it. When he is attacked by three men who don't understand that "No" is a complete sentence, he thinks his time is up. Instead, he is rescued by Brannal, a Mage Warrior, who takes him back to the Queen's castle to recover. If Perian is the sunshine one, then Brannal is the grumpy one, although this description doesn't fit either of them perfectly.
There are plenty of misunderstandings between Perian and Brannal, which I actually loved to read. They are at the beginning of a new relationship, with lots of things going on and different characters in the mix, so, surprisingly, they're not that good at communicating. When they do speak to each other, they both admit it is something they need to work on, and that neither of them will get it right all the time. It made a refreshing change to read that, rather than unnecessary angst.
The ending was satisfying for now, but I oh-so-desperately want more! Lots of loose threads that I want tying up! A great story and a brilliant beginning to the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 9, 2025

Merissa (12654 KP) rated Hooked On You (EMS Station 1 #1) in Books
Feb 24, 2025
HOOKED ON YOU is the first book in the EMS Station 1 series and we begin with Connor, a paramedic, and Judah, the owner of a yarn shop. Connor suffers from GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) and his co-worker has suggested he learns to knit in order to help with that. Being as she's pregnant, he decides he will knit her a baby blanket. This brings him into contact with Judah and the attraction is there immediately, although Connor thinks he is straight, so there's that.
Both Connor and Judah were brilliant characters and I loved how their personalities complemented each other. I can say I didn't like Seb much though. Yes, he's supposed to be this happy-go-lucky kinda guy but he was also completely clueless and sometimes caused hurt where he didn't mean to but just didn't think.
I really enjoyed this story! It was so well written and I loved how although they both were attracted to each other, their friendship grew first. It felt very natural in the build-up to more, and both of their reactions afterwards made perfect sense. I think 'natural' would be my word for this book because not everything was easy but it wasn't with unnecessary angst either.
A great read by a new-to-me author. I give this book 4.5 stars and definitely recommend it.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 24, 2025
Both Connor and Judah were brilliant characters and I loved how their personalities complemented each other. I can say I didn't like Seb much though. Yes, he's supposed to be this happy-go-lucky kinda guy but he was also completely clueless and sometimes caused hurt where he didn't mean to but just didn't think.
I really enjoyed this story! It was so well written and I loved how although they both were attracted to each other, their friendship grew first. It felt very natural in the build-up to more, and both of their reactions afterwards made perfect sense. I think 'natural' would be my word for this book because not everything was easy but it wasn't with unnecessary angst either.
A great read by a new-to-me author. I give this book 4.5 stars and definitely recommend it.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 24, 2025

Chris Sawin (602 KP) rated Sherlock Holmes (2009) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019
Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr) has developed a reputation for having one of the most brilliant crime solving minds of his time. Along with his partner, Dr. John Watson (Jude Law), there is rarely ever a time when a case goes unsolved or a suspect is able to get the best of the two of them. However, that very well may be the case this time around. Holmes and Watson were able to apprehend Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), who is believed to be a master of black magic. Blackwood is hanged and that is thought to be the end of it until he returns from the grave. Somehow Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), an adversary of Holmes who he not only has feelings for but has gotten the best of him on more than one occasion, is wrapped up in all of this. Not to mention that the Blackwood case was supposed to be Watson's last as he settles down to get married. So Holmes takes the case to try and solve Blackwood's resurrection, figure out how Irene is involved, and convince Watson to stay on as his partner. What he doesn't count on is walking away from this case with an adversary that's just as cunning and brilliant as he is.
As a fan of the majority of Guy Ritchie's previous works (Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Revolver, RocknRolla) and the incredible streak Robert Downey Jr has of impressive performances that have turned him into one of the most entertaining and profitable leading actors of today, you could say the anticipation and expectations for this film were fairly high. Other reviews for the film seemed to be mixed as a lot of them mentioned the writing for the film being lackluster and most complained that Sherlock Holmes wasn't an action star, but the film still brought in around $65 million its opening weekend. So is Ritchie's version of Sherlock Holmes worth seeing? If you're looking for one final film to make you laugh, have hard-hitting action, have a great cast, and have a fairly well-written story, then look no further than Sherlock Holmes.
The chemistry between Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law is the main reason to see this film. Robert Downey Jr puts in another top notch performance as Sherlock Holmes. Despite Holmes being a rather selfish individual, you can't help but find his antics entertaining. It became easier to sympathize with him as the film went on since how much Watson means to him as a friend and as his partner is revealed in the latter half of the film. As impressive as Robert Downey Jr was, Jude Law as just as entertaining. The way Holmes and Watson argue with each other and the way Watson thinks Holmes guilts him into coming along on each case is pure delight to the audience. That's partially due to the impeccable comedic timing the two have, but also due to the fact that they're both extremely talented actors at the top of their game in this film.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way the film seemed to allow its viewers inside the mind of Sherlock Holmes at times. There's two occasions where Holmes is dissecting the moves he's about to make in a fight before he makes them as he announces each blow and the damage each blow does to his opponent. As he's narrating, the film plays in slow motion. When he's done, we jump back to the moment before he started narrating and see the entire situation play out in real time. There were other times, like the time in the restaurant when he's waiting to meet Watson's fiancé, Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly), and when he's sitting in Blackwood's jail cell where it seemed like Holmes heard absolutely everything that was going on. It was as if he was aware of everything that was going on around him. Those parts of the film established just how adept Holmes really was.
The one flaw the film may have may be tucked away in the storyline somewhere. It felt convoluted at times. It may just need a repeat viewing or two to process everything rationally. So while just about everything is explained in full by Sherlock Holmes and everything is wrapped up by the time the credits roll (other than the open-ended finale that leaves it wide open for a sequel), it did seem like the writers were trying too hard or that they were reaching out too far for explanations or something.
Sherlock Holmes is Guy Ritchie's biggest box office success to date and it's safe to say that Robert Downey Jr has jumpstarted another successful and entertaining franchise. If you're familiar with Ritchie's previous works, then this film almost feels like the Sherlock Holmes character being thrown into the same world Ritchie established in Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch if they took place in the late nineteenth century. The film centers on Holmes' anti-social behavior, is inspired heavily by the martial art Bartitsu mentioned in the Sherlock Holmes story from 1901 entitled The Adventure of the Empty House, and focuses on Holmes' brilliant analytical mind. Sherlock Holmes is full of high octane-fueled action, entertaining comedy, and witty dialogue.
As a fan of the majority of Guy Ritchie's previous works (Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Revolver, RocknRolla) and the incredible streak Robert Downey Jr has of impressive performances that have turned him into one of the most entertaining and profitable leading actors of today, you could say the anticipation and expectations for this film were fairly high. Other reviews for the film seemed to be mixed as a lot of them mentioned the writing for the film being lackluster and most complained that Sherlock Holmes wasn't an action star, but the film still brought in around $65 million its opening weekend. So is Ritchie's version of Sherlock Holmes worth seeing? If you're looking for one final film to make you laugh, have hard-hitting action, have a great cast, and have a fairly well-written story, then look no further than Sherlock Holmes.
The chemistry between Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law is the main reason to see this film. Robert Downey Jr puts in another top notch performance as Sherlock Holmes. Despite Holmes being a rather selfish individual, you can't help but find his antics entertaining. It became easier to sympathize with him as the film went on since how much Watson means to him as a friend and as his partner is revealed in the latter half of the film. As impressive as Robert Downey Jr was, Jude Law as just as entertaining. The way Holmes and Watson argue with each other and the way Watson thinks Holmes guilts him into coming along on each case is pure delight to the audience. That's partially due to the impeccable comedic timing the two have, but also due to the fact that they're both extremely talented actors at the top of their game in this film.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way the film seemed to allow its viewers inside the mind of Sherlock Holmes at times. There's two occasions where Holmes is dissecting the moves he's about to make in a fight before he makes them as he announces each blow and the damage each blow does to his opponent. As he's narrating, the film plays in slow motion. When he's done, we jump back to the moment before he started narrating and see the entire situation play out in real time. There were other times, like the time in the restaurant when he's waiting to meet Watson's fiancé, Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly), and when he's sitting in Blackwood's jail cell where it seemed like Holmes heard absolutely everything that was going on. It was as if he was aware of everything that was going on around him. Those parts of the film established just how adept Holmes really was.
The one flaw the film may have may be tucked away in the storyline somewhere. It felt convoluted at times. It may just need a repeat viewing or two to process everything rationally. So while just about everything is explained in full by Sherlock Holmes and everything is wrapped up by the time the credits roll (other than the open-ended finale that leaves it wide open for a sequel), it did seem like the writers were trying too hard or that they were reaching out too far for explanations or something.
Sherlock Holmes is Guy Ritchie's biggest box office success to date and it's safe to say that Robert Downey Jr has jumpstarted another successful and entertaining franchise. If you're familiar with Ritchie's previous works, then this film almost feels like the Sherlock Holmes character being thrown into the same world Ritchie established in Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch if they took place in the late nineteenth century. The film centers on Holmes' anti-social behavior, is inspired heavily by the martial art Bartitsu mentioned in the Sherlock Holmes story from 1901 entitled The Adventure of the Empty House, and focuses on Holmes' brilliant analytical mind. Sherlock Holmes is full of high octane-fueled action, entertaining comedy, and witty dialogue.

Sarah (7799 KP) rated Jigsaw (2017) in Movies
Nov 29, 2017 (Updated Nov 29, 2017)
Another unnecessary sequel
It's such a shame the Saw films have got to this. The original was in my opinion, brilliant especially with that twist. Even the second film was fairly decent. Sadly the rest of the sequels got gradually worse and more convoluted until we finally thought we'd seen the end in the "Final Chapter"... but alas no, they still can't let Jigsaw rest and have now brought everything back in a new film and most likely numerous sequels - I'll bet everything I own that this won't be the sole Jigsaw film!
I had low expectations for this and I wasnt disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't bored and it kept me entertained even if it was fairly silly and bad. It just could've been so much better.
The acting was in the most part atrocious and cheesy. Only Tobin Bell really came out of this unscathed. The traps and gore seemed lame and a bit boring in comparison with the other films, although this is kind of explained by the twist ending, but it still isn't acceptable. And the twists themselves, so predictable and unoriginal! Saw them coming a mile off, proving that the more sequels you have, the more film makers struggle to for originality. The plot itself also didn't make sense in parts - it vaguely tied in to the Saw films but didn't directly throw back to the actual ending of the 7th film. Major plot holes both relating to that and the twist ending here that they obviously didn't want to think about.
This is alright if you're bored and need something to watch - especially when there's nobody else in the cinema screen! But sadly it's a poor tribute to the original Saw film, like most of its predecessors.
I had low expectations for this and I wasnt disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't bored and it kept me entertained even if it was fairly silly and bad. It just could've been so much better.
The acting was in the most part atrocious and cheesy. Only Tobin Bell really came out of this unscathed. The traps and gore seemed lame and a bit boring in comparison with the other films, although this is kind of explained by the twist ending, but it still isn't acceptable. And the twists themselves, so predictable and unoriginal! Saw them coming a mile off, proving that the more sequels you have, the more film makers struggle to for originality. The plot itself also didn't make sense in parts - it vaguely tied in to the Saw films but didn't directly throw back to the actual ending of the 7th film. Major plot holes both relating to that and the twist ending here that they obviously didn't want to think about.
This is alright if you're bored and need something to watch - especially when there's nobody else in the cinema screen! But sadly it's a poor tribute to the original Saw film, like most of its predecessors.

Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Golden House in Books
Jan 1, 2018
Insightful and readable
This novel by Salman Rushdie is a present day commentary on modern day America in the build up to Trump and how fact and fiction as well as art and reality collapse into one other. There have been a number of books written in the wake of the shock of Trump (this desperate need to make sense of things) and Rushdie’s novel definitely helps shed light (or explain the darkness) upon the situation.
Narrated by René, an aspiring filmmaker, this account feels very similar to the likes of The Great Gatsby, in which everything is rather hyperbolic because it is written from the perspective of an outsider. Following the exceedingly wealthy Golden family, René attempts to figure out the mysterious circumstances of their arrival from India, and the subsequent, often cataclysmic events surrounding them, in which the narrator plays a part. The slow emergence of a dark history of corruption and evil is paralleled by Rushdie's perception of the rise of ignorance, untruth, bigotry and hatred, and of "The Joker" (i.e. Trump, although he is never named).
The writing is brilliant. It is discursive, sometimes addresses the reader directly, even sometimes adopts the form of a screenplay and has a wonderful voice of its own. The context surrounding the Mumbai bombings is intriguing as much of it is based on factual information. The truth is, after all, stranger than fiction.
While the style is not flawless, as the postmodern blurring between supposedly objective narrative and things René has "made up" for his screenplay did get a little haphazard, however, this may be Rushdie's attempt to reflect how "post-truths" are disseminated in a similar fashion. Nonetheless, I thought The Golden House was enjoyable. Even after all these years, Rushdie is able to adapt his writing to suit a modern generation.
Narrated by René, an aspiring filmmaker, this account feels very similar to the likes of The Great Gatsby, in which everything is rather hyperbolic because it is written from the perspective of an outsider. Following the exceedingly wealthy Golden family, René attempts to figure out the mysterious circumstances of their arrival from India, and the subsequent, often cataclysmic events surrounding them, in which the narrator plays a part. The slow emergence of a dark history of corruption and evil is paralleled by Rushdie's perception of the rise of ignorance, untruth, bigotry and hatred, and of "The Joker" (i.e. Trump, although he is never named).
The writing is brilliant. It is discursive, sometimes addresses the reader directly, even sometimes adopts the form of a screenplay and has a wonderful voice of its own. The context surrounding the Mumbai bombings is intriguing as much of it is based on factual information. The truth is, after all, stranger than fiction.
While the style is not flawless, as the postmodern blurring between supposedly objective narrative and things René has "made up" for his screenplay did get a little haphazard, however, this may be Rushdie's attempt to reflect how "post-truths" are disseminated in a similar fashion. Nonetheless, I thought The Golden House was enjoyable. Even after all these years, Rushdie is able to adapt his writing to suit a modern generation.