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Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated The Philosopher's Flight in Books

May 29, 2018

For anyone who has been suffering withdrawal from the end of a certain magical boy wizard series, The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller is the perfect antidote! It's clever, and sharp, but also a quick read based on alternative history where special "powers" can do different things, and one boys journey to"fit in" this world where girls rule! The opposite sexism is interesting (women typically have the most refined powers and go to war, do the dangerous stuff, etc.) and Robert wants to do everything the women do - and we see if he attains that goal, while facing some pretty crazy "roadblocks" along the way.

I love stories that take me away to another place - get me out of reality and imagine what life would be like if things were "different". And this book does just that. It's very clever how it's pretty historically accurate, just with this twist of Sigilry, these signs and symbols drawn to move energy and ultimately produce some sort of effect (hovering/flying, restoring health, moving an object, sending messages). There are great stories of friendship, interesting characters, and stories of love as well. All wrapped up in a creative story of action, adventure and social-awareness.

There are a few "racy" scenes...so I'd recommend a more mature audience, but its fantastic all-around in general. I'm excited to see if the Philosopher Flies Again! Thanks NetGalley!

Kudos

Sarah (7798 KP) rated That’s You! in Video Games

May 31, 2018 (Updated May 31, 2018)

That’s You!

2017 | Massively Multiplayer, Music & Party

6.6

(5 Ratings)

Video Game Rating

A fun party game

Multiplayer couch co-op games are sadly a rarity now with online gaming, so That’s You is a refreshing change. Not only does it let you play with up to 6 players in your own home, you also don’t need to have that many extortionately priced PlayStation controllers - it’s all controlled through an app on your phone or tablet.

The game itself is very fun and interactive and great to play with those you know fairly well. Playing with near strangers probably wouldn’t be anywhere near as entertaining or advisable. It switches between asking questions about statements and who they apply to most, to drawing challenges (either on selfies or generated artwork), completing sentences and posed pictures. It’s a lot of fun and it’s interesting to see what your loved ones think of you - I’m known as the ocd organised one, can’t say that’s a surprise!

Personally though there are parts of this game that didn’t appeal to me as much, but this is mainly due to my preferences. I’m not a fan of having my picture taken and my creative skills are a little lacking - especially in the short amount of time you’re given to create something! I also think they could do more with this game - more fun options, still centred around the same themes, but with a few different mini games. Otherwise this isn’t really a game that you can play too often.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Mardi Gras Murder in Books

Oct 10, 2018

Mardi Gras Murder

Ellen Byron | 2018 | Mystery

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Murder Dampens Mardi Gras This Year

Maggie Crozat's home town of Pelican was flooded out just three weeks ago, but the community is rallying together to repair and rebuild. And they certainly aren't planning to let that curtail this year's Mardi Gras celebration. Unfortunately, Maggie has gotten roped in to help with this year's Miss Pelican Mardi Gras Gumbo Queen Pageant, something she is definitely against. However, when she finds one of the judges dead, she begins to wonder if she is in danger because she's taken on this job. Or does it tie back to the body of the John Doe that was found during the flood?

This is a fantastic book with a creative mystery for us to solve. A strong sub-plot only adds to the fun of the book, and the climax ties everything together perfectly, including a plot point or two I'd forgotten about. The characters are fantastic as always; I truly love the large cast of series regulars. The suspects are strong, although it took a bit to remember how all of them are connected at first. The cast of characters at the beginning certainly helped with that. I did find the timeline felt a bit off at a few points, but this was a minor complaint. I love learning about a completely different region, and author Ellen Byron's love comes through. The recipes at the end will satisfy the cravings you'll develop while reading the book.

Kudos

natmac (13 KP) rated Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) in Movies

Oct 17, 2019 (Updated Oct 17, 2019)

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

2015 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

8.2

(90 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

The direction is perfect, George miller uses so many little techniques to elevate the action sequences (6 more)

The film looks gorgeous

All of the actors are on point

The characters are really interesting and depth full

George miller accomplishes so much without dialogue, nothing is over explained, a lot is left for you to figure out or imagine

The sound design and special effects are on point

The practical effects and real life stunts make a difference in the emersion.

Probably my favourite movie ever

The plot is very simple but the film isn't about the plot. It's about the world building, the characters and the action. I think I've seen this film close to 20 times in the 4 years that it's been out and it never fails as an enjoyable watch. A lot of people I have watched this film with have complained about it being weird, and that really frustrated me. It's set in the post apocalypse of the director's vision with an explanation behind most things that isn't given. Even elements like the door warrior don't really have logic behind them but are still very creative. It's really enjoyable to watch the relationship between max and furiosa develop over the course of the movie, in what on the surface looks like nothing more than a 2 hour car chase. I love this film and can't find anything about it that bothers me.