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I've read a couple of other historical novels by this author, which were quite enjoyable, but not great. I had to review this after finishing this morning as it was so much better and a really rewarding read.
The novel covers the reign of Henry VIII from the point of view of Will Somers, the man who becomes the king's jester or fool. This gives the book a totally different twist and insight from something concentrating on the usual courtly suspects. Will is in the thick of things, with a front row seat in the course of history, if you like, but he's not one of the players in the drama.
The novel is actually written in the first person, and it's very rarely that I like this because in the hands of most authors it is clunky, but here I had to go back and check that this was so, as it seemed so natural.
Obviously, hindsight is a wonderful thing in history and some of the points made are from the point of view of someone with historical hindsight, but there's also a lot of psychological truth in there and you can quite clearly see why characters act the way they do.
Now, my only problem is that MCB was not a writer of authorial afterwords, like many present authors. What I really want to know is how much of the story is true (within the bounds of fictional probability!) and what is fiction/surmise - and what happened to Will Somers next?!
The novel covers the reign of Henry VIII from the point of view of Will Somers, the man who becomes the king's jester or fool. This gives the book a totally different twist and insight from something concentrating on the usual courtly suspects. Will is in the thick of things, with a front row seat in the course of history, if you like, but he's not one of the players in the drama.
The novel is actually written in the first person, and it's very rarely that I like this because in the hands of most authors it is clunky, but here I had to go back and check that this was so, as it seemed so natural.
Obviously, hindsight is a wonderful thing in history and some of the points made are from the point of view of someone with historical hindsight, but there's also a lot of psychological truth in there and you can quite clearly see why characters act the way they do.
Now, my only problem is that MCB was not a writer of authorial afterwords, like many present authors. What I really want to know is how much of the story is true (within the bounds of fictional probability!) and what is fiction/surmise - and what happened to Will Somers next?!
Michelle Boyea (9 KP) rated The Maze Runner in Books
Dec 30, 2018
I originally read this book a few years ago and really enjoyed it. This time around, I decided to try it as an audiobook which I definitely enjoyed!
While I vaguely remembered what happened in the book, it was more of vague feelings rather than real recollections. While listening to the book, I found myself remembering events as they happened, but I was happy to find that I could not remember what happened next beyond a few exceptions. I enjoyed hearing it again as if it was almost new.
The characters are easily relatable and I found myself very much enjoying the interactions between all the characters, but especially Thomas and Minho. I enjoyed listening to Thomas grow into who he truly is as a person despite adversity from a couple of the boys. I very much liked hearing Chuck mature and become braver as a result of his friendship with Thomas.
The only character that I did not enjoy hearing was Teresa even though I remember enjoying her the last time I read this book. I enjoyed the interactions between the boys better when they did not involve her.
As the ending of the book came closer and closer, I found myself not recollecting the story line. Once they exited the maze, I didn't remember anything. I am excited to listen to book 2 as though I'm hearing/reading it for the first time.
Mark Deakins was very enjoyable to listen to and I hope he is the narrator for book 2 as well.
While I vaguely remembered what happened in the book, it was more of vague feelings rather than real recollections. While listening to the book, I found myself remembering events as they happened, but I was happy to find that I could not remember what happened next beyond a few exceptions. I enjoyed hearing it again as if it was almost new.
The characters are easily relatable and I found myself very much enjoying the interactions between all the characters, but especially Thomas and Minho. I enjoyed listening to Thomas grow into who he truly is as a person despite adversity from a couple of the boys. I very much liked hearing Chuck mature and become braver as a result of his friendship with Thomas.
The only character that I did not enjoy hearing was Teresa even though I remember enjoying her the last time I read this book. I enjoyed the interactions between the boys better when they did not involve her.
As the ending of the book came closer and closer, I found myself not recollecting the story line. Once they exited the maze, I didn't remember anything. I am excited to listen to book 2 as though I'm hearing/reading it for the first time.
Mark Deakins was very enjoyable to listen to and I hope he is the narrator for book 2 as well.
365Flicks (235 KP) rated Who's Jenna...? (2018) in Movies
Oct 31, 2019 (Updated Oct 31, 2019)
Tracey Birdsall Smashes Another...
I genuinely had fun with this movie, that is once I figured out what Baldinger was doing with some of these characters. Let me explain... There are a couple of characters in this movie that are borderline offensive in almost any situation and for a minute I found myself thinking 'wow theses are characters you really don't need in your movie' however if you give it a minute the movie fully explains itself and pays off a lot of ground work adding a lot of extra layers to characters that could of been mistaken for throwaway Sopranos imitations.
I love Tracey in this role she is having a ball stretching her comedy chops. There is one scene I think you should look out for when Jenna and Johnathan profess there feelings to each other, not only is this a really well written and naturally performed scene but the two leads make it believable and I bought it (Keep and eye on Tracey's face in this scene, that's an actress in the moment).
So yeah I really enjoyed the flick, I was taken aback at moments but that's the sign of a good comedy (your supposed to feel a little uncomfortable). Everyone in it is great in there respective roles, big shout outs to Joseph D'Onofrio and Tracey Birdsall in particular. Its a quick, its funny, its laugh out loud and an easy 90 odd minute light hearted good time. I strongly recommend so get it watched.
I love Tracey in this role she is having a ball stretching her comedy chops. There is one scene I think you should look out for when Jenna and Johnathan profess there feelings to each other, not only is this a really well written and naturally performed scene but the two leads make it believable and I bought it (Keep and eye on Tracey's face in this scene, that's an actress in the moment).
So yeah I really enjoyed the flick, I was taken aback at moments but that's the sign of a good comedy (your supposed to feel a little uncomfortable). Everyone in it is great in there respective roles, big shout outs to Joseph D'Onofrio and Tracey Birdsall in particular. Its a quick, its funny, its laugh out loud and an easy 90 odd minute light hearted good time. I strongly recommend so get it watched.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated The Beekeeper of Aleppo in Books
Oct 16, 2019 (Updated Oct 16, 2019)
I loved this book so much, that I bought it for my mum!
I’m going to sound very clichéd when I say what I want to say about this book. I know it, but I’m going to say it anyway. This is a book that will stay with you. It will break your heart. It will open your eyes (if they aren’t already) to the horrors in the world. It will make you realise that even amongst all of this despair and death, there is always hope. Hope of survival, hope of new beginnings.
The things that Nuri and his wife Afra see and experience in Aleppo, causes Afra, an artist, to go blind. The experiences that they live through on their journey to Greece and on to the UK are harrowing. No part of this journey is easy. The story is compelling, and it’s a story that frankly we should all be aware of. People have really lived through the things that Nuri and Afra see, do and have done to them. This is still happening, both in Syria and in other places in the world.
I think I pretty much cried through the last couple of chapters, but I couldn’t stop reading it. I’d still recommend it to anyone that wants to read about the experiences of refugees, and quite possibly I’d recommend it to those who don’t know what these people go through. There’s a lot to be learnt from this book.
Many thanks to ReadersFirst for my copy of this book.
The things that Nuri and his wife Afra see and experience in Aleppo, causes Afra, an artist, to go blind. The experiences that they live through on their journey to Greece and on to the UK are harrowing. No part of this journey is easy. The story is compelling, and it’s a story that frankly we should all be aware of. People have really lived through the things that Nuri and Afra see, do and have done to them. This is still happening, both in Syria and in other places in the world.
I think I pretty much cried through the last couple of chapters, but I couldn’t stop reading it. I’d still recommend it to anyone that wants to read about the experiences of refugees, and quite possibly I’d recommend it to those who don’t know what these people go through. There’s a lot to be learnt from this book.
Many thanks to ReadersFirst for my copy of this book.
Otway93 (580 KP) rated When the Wind Blows (1986) in Movies
Dec 28, 2019 (Updated Dec 28, 2019)
Plot (3 more)
Animation
Soundtrack
Voice acting
A terrifying yet emotional masterpiece.
Contains spoilers, click to show
After many years of wanting to see this film, and building up my expectations, today I finally saw it, and was far from disappointed.
This Raymond Briggs' feature length animation tells the tale of an elderly couple (voiced by Sir John Mills and Dane Peggy Ashcroft) in the country trying to survive in the aftermath of a nuclear strike, with only the real life UK nuclear survival pamphlet "Protect and Survive" to help them.
This film is not for the faint of heart, and realistically should probably not have a PG rating, as the couples experiences with radiation sickness are rather graphic and are more than likely to upset younger audiences (it upset me, and I'm 26!).
The animation is beautiful, as it is with every Raymond Briggs' film, but with a difference as it does often mix stop-motion and classic animation to make something quite haunting and very special, with other "special sequences" reminiscent of Pink Floyd's The Wall.
And last but not least: the soundtrack. With a title track performed by David Bowie, you already know it's going to be good. But the score (written by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd) is also incredible, yet again very reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "Goodbye Blue Sky"...again from "The Wall". With additional music by Squeeze, Paul Hardcastle and Hugh Cornwell, this makes it a pleasure to listen to.
Overall, an aural, visual and emotional rollercoaster, but not for the faint hearted.
Remember those last few words, not for the faint hearted!
This Raymond Briggs' feature length animation tells the tale of an elderly couple (voiced by Sir John Mills and Dane Peggy Ashcroft) in the country trying to survive in the aftermath of a nuclear strike, with only the real life UK nuclear survival pamphlet "Protect and Survive" to help them.
This film is not for the faint of heart, and realistically should probably not have a PG rating, as the couples experiences with radiation sickness are rather graphic and are more than likely to upset younger audiences (it upset me, and I'm 26!).
The animation is beautiful, as it is with every Raymond Briggs' film, but with a difference as it does often mix stop-motion and classic animation to make something quite haunting and very special, with other "special sequences" reminiscent of Pink Floyd's The Wall.
And last but not least: the soundtrack. With a title track performed by David Bowie, you already know it's going to be good. But the score (written by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd) is also incredible, yet again very reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "Goodbye Blue Sky"...again from "The Wall". With additional music by Squeeze, Paul Hardcastle and Hugh Cornwell, this makes it a pleasure to listen to.
Overall, an aural, visual and emotional rollercoaster, but not for the faint hearted.
Remember those last few words, not for the faint hearted!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Escape Room in Books
Jul 2, 2019
This was a really fun, bizarre read that I very much enjoyed. I had no idea where it was going for much of the book, but that was totally okay. It's told in very short, quick alternating chapters between members of our elevator group and then Sara Hall herself, back when she was alive and well and working at the firm. The result is a fast-paced read, as you wonder what on earth happened to Sara, whom actually seems like a human being compared to the four others. Our four trapped analysts, however, range across various levels of despicable--liars and cheaters all devoted to making money at any cost.
Truth be told, you can only feel so sorry for them to be trapped in this elevator in the dark, at the mercy of a screen doling out clues. Once in the dark, they turn violent at times: empowered against their boss, Vincent. You realize that they've sacrificed so much for their company that they basically have nothing left on the personal front.
It's a fascinating, gripping tale of what people will do to succeed, for revenge, and what they'll do when pushed to the brink. It's a really fast read. Is it a plausible story? Probably not. Is it fun, enjoyable, and full of twists and turns? Oh yeah. I could see this one as a movie, for sure. Definitely just a thrilling read to get lost in a for a couple of hours, especially if you enjoy the dark and twisted world of finance. 4+ stars!
Truth be told, you can only feel so sorry for them to be trapped in this elevator in the dark, at the mercy of a screen doling out clues. Once in the dark, they turn violent at times: empowered against their boss, Vincent. You realize that they've sacrificed so much for their company that they basically have nothing left on the personal front.
It's a fascinating, gripping tale of what people will do to succeed, for revenge, and what they'll do when pushed to the brink. It's a really fast read. Is it a plausible story? Probably not. Is it fun, enjoyable, and full of twists and turns? Oh yeah. I could see this one as a movie, for sure. Definitely just a thrilling read to get lost in a for a couple of hours, especially if you enjoy the dark and twisted world of finance. 4+ stars!
Kaz (232 KP) rated Shadows of the Wind in Books
Jul 28, 2019 (Updated Jul 28, 2019)
A fantastic Novel
I was recommended this book by a friend who has read this book, and its follow up books, many times.
When I first started reading this, I thought that it was going to be a fantasy novel. It's a lot more than that.
Firstly, I thought that the writing was fantastic. This novel was originally written in Spanish, but the English version I read was very well translated. It was poetic and beautiful. This story is a brilliant mixture of suspense, humour and intrigue, which has vivid, almost noir depictions of Barcelona which I loved. I loved how the plot weaved, twisted and turned and still remained understandable. Occasionally the plot slowed a little, but actually, I liked that, because it meant that you could really take in the atmosphere, the writer was creating. In fact, I slowed down whilst reading this, so that it wouldn't end.
I loved the characters in this novel. Even though Daniel is the main protagonist in this novel, for me Fermin, was better. I loved his humour and, even though he is a homeless person, he was still portrayed as incredibly intelligent.
I've read a lot of books in my time, but by far, I think this is the best book I've ever read. I think this is going to be a book that I'll read again and again. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the novels in this series.
When I first started reading this, I thought that it was going to be a fantasy novel. It's a lot more than that.
Firstly, I thought that the writing was fantastic. This novel was originally written in Spanish, but the English version I read was very well translated. It was poetic and beautiful. This story is a brilliant mixture of suspense, humour and intrigue, which has vivid, almost noir depictions of Barcelona which I loved. I loved how the plot weaved, twisted and turned and still remained understandable. Occasionally the plot slowed a little, but actually, I liked that, because it meant that you could really take in the atmosphere, the writer was creating. In fact, I slowed down whilst reading this, so that it wouldn't end.
I loved the characters in this novel. Even though Daniel is the main protagonist in this novel, for me Fermin, was better. I loved his humour and, even though he is a homeless person, he was still portrayed as incredibly intelligent.
I've read a lot of books in my time, but by far, I think this is the best book I've ever read. I think this is going to be a book that I'll read again and again. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the novels in this series.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Curses of Scale in Books
Jan 25, 2019
Curses of Scale
”Dreams starve and die if not fed by imagination.”
A uniquely designed plot, intriguing and different. I was so excited to read this book. The cover was mesmerising and the synopsis was promising. It made me eager to start the book and I couldn’t wait to dive into this fantasy world.
The first couple of chapters were very slow for me. I had to re-read chapters twice, and I didn’t quite understand what is happening. After a while, things became clearer, and I started to enjoy the story a bit more.
I loved Niena’s character. She was a typical being, where one part gasps with bravery, and the rest gasps with fear. I loved how realistic she was at moments, knowing to be scared when supposed to, and fierce when needed of her.
The story gasps with a lot of intense scenes, full of adventures, that I am sure you will all love and appreciate. From trying to fight a dragon, to running away, to the amazing plot twist right at the very end, this book made me restless, after I started enjoying it.
The only reason I am taking two stars away is because I had to read the first 60-ish pages two-three times, until I finally dived in and started enjoying the story.
”A fairy bargain can live no deeper than your lips, it always dies before reaching the heart.”
A beautiful tale, full of magic, adventure and time travel. And a cover that suits it so well.
A uniquely designed plot, intriguing and different. I was so excited to read this book. The cover was mesmerising and the synopsis was promising. It made me eager to start the book and I couldn’t wait to dive into this fantasy world.
The first couple of chapters were very slow for me. I had to re-read chapters twice, and I didn’t quite understand what is happening. After a while, things became clearer, and I started to enjoy the story a bit more.
I loved Niena’s character. She was a typical being, where one part gasps with bravery, and the rest gasps with fear. I loved how realistic she was at moments, knowing to be scared when supposed to, and fierce when needed of her.
The story gasps with a lot of intense scenes, full of adventures, that I am sure you will all love and appreciate. From trying to fight a dragon, to running away, to the amazing plot twist right at the very end, this book made me restless, after I started enjoying it.
The only reason I am taking two stars away is because I had to read the first 60-ish pages two-three times, until I finally dived in and started enjoying the story.
”A fairy bargain can live no deeper than your lips, it always dies before reaching the heart.”
A beautiful tale, full of magic, adventure and time travel. And a cover that suits it so well.
Kate (493 KP) rated Lucid World in Books
Nov 14, 2019
Loved the message
I really enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would. It is definitely not a genre I would normally read but I thought I would give it a go and I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the different stories/events that played out throughout the book and they all linked into the overall story.
I was hooked from the first couple for chapters and it really got my attention. I wanted to see what was going to happen in each story/event that happened.
I feel the author really brought the story and characters to life. I got a feel for each character and could hear their voice and see them (in my mind) clearly and I like when that comes through in a book.
Although the book goes from daytime to nighttime it was always clear when that happened so I wasn't left confused which can sometime happen when a book goes from one place to another.
I loved, what I feel was, the really important underlying message. It made me think...although I do feel we need certain emotions and feelings, I understand why they are pointless and are not necessary and what causes them. It's weird to say but lessons could actually be learnt from this book, even though it is a fictional book.
I would definitely read a follow on book if there was one and would read other books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I was hooked from the first couple for chapters and it really got my attention. I wanted to see what was going to happen in each story/event that happened.
I feel the author really brought the story and characters to life. I got a feel for each character and could hear their voice and see them (in my mind) clearly and I like when that comes through in a book.
Although the book goes from daytime to nighttime it was always clear when that happened so I wasn't left confused which can sometime happen when a book goes from one place to another.
I loved, what I feel was, the really important underlying message. It made me think...although I do feel we need certain emotions and feelings, I understand why they are pointless and are not necessary and what causes them. It's weird to say but lessons could actually be learnt from this book, even though it is a fictional book.
I would definitely read a follow on book if there was one and would read other books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Men in Black International (2019) in Movies
Dec 4, 2019 (Updated Jan 9, 2020)
A safe and predictable MIB sequel
MIB International is one of those films that isn't balls out awful, but definitely isn't good. It's a passable and relatively entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.
Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth star as Agents M and H, and are a fun enough leading duo. The chemistry between them is ok, but does lack something that was more abundant in Thor: Ragnarok.
Liam Neeson is fine as well, but he's not really doing anything outside of just being Liam Neeson.
I guess the issue here is that although the cast are all good, it feels like the character could have been played by anyone else, and nothing would have been lost - certainly not the case with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in the original.
Either way, in the case of MIB International, I just got the general feeling that no one involved seem to really care all that much, both in front of and behind camera.
The plot is exactly what you would expect from a MIB sequel. Aliens, a powerful weapon, saving the world...it's all been done before.
Although the over arching plot is absolutely riddled with plot holes if you think about it too much.
Some of the alien designs are pretty good and the rampant CGI is ok...ish...
I'm not convinced that the original MIB ever needed follow up movies, and I'm still not, but as far they go, International isn't the worst sequel like I'd heard...has everyone just straight up forgotten how bad the second one is!?
Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth star as Agents M and H, and are a fun enough leading duo. The chemistry between them is ok, but does lack something that was more abundant in Thor: Ragnarok.
Liam Neeson is fine as well, but he's not really doing anything outside of just being Liam Neeson.
I guess the issue here is that although the cast are all good, it feels like the character could have been played by anyone else, and nothing would have been lost - certainly not the case with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in the original.
Either way, in the case of MIB International, I just got the general feeling that no one involved seem to really care all that much, both in front of and behind camera.
The plot is exactly what you would expect from a MIB sequel. Aliens, a powerful weapon, saving the world...it's all been done before.
Although the over arching plot is absolutely riddled with plot holes if you think about it too much.
Some of the alien designs are pretty good and the rampant CGI is ok...ish...
I'm not convinced that the original MIB ever needed follow up movies, and I'm still not, but as far they go, International isn't the worst sequel like I'd heard...has everyone just straight up forgotten how bad the second one is!?