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Down Among the Dead Men (Forest Kingdom, #3)
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"Ten years have passed since the Demon War. The Forest's scars are slowly healing, the Darkwood is...
Cat Goddess Freyja (16 KP) rated The Bear and the Nightingale in Books
Dec 5, 2018
Fantastic Read
Contains spoilers, click to show
I loved reading this book. Since reading it, a few weeks ago, it has become the first book that I recommend to someone looking for a good read. The author has brought her characters alive in a beautiful and alluring way. The story is based in Russia with a country noble's family being the main focus. The story itself, is a mixture of a coming of age story- in which the young main character, Vasya, discovers her place in the world- a fairy tale- a mythical snow demon who can only be calmed by a 'sacrificial' woman, who in turn fights with the snow demon against his evil brother- and a religious historical fiction- there is a strong opposition between Vasya, who believes strongly in the magic and old ways of her village, and a christian priest who comes to 'correct' their pagan beliefs and steer them towards God. There is a touch of romance, but it is not overwhelming and is charming in its own way. The characters come across as natural human beings/ mythical beings, and their choices in the story are logical and works well with whatever conflict they face. My absolute favorite thing that the author, Katherine Arden, did, however was her word choice. Karherine studied Russian in school, and knows quite a bit about its culture and language. A brilliant choice on her part, was recognizing that many of her readers may not be as familiar with the Russian language and culture as she is. So, to keep the feel of Russia alive in her book, she took the time to teach her characters beliefs to the reader, and come up with words that sound close to their Russian counterparts but are easy to pronoun for readers who don't know Russian. This is a very thoughtful fiction book and one I recommend for anyone who wants their imagination to shine.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Stars Never Rise (The Stars Never Rise, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest
The Stars Never Rise</i> is the first book in an exciting new dystopian series. Since the war, the rise of soul sucking demons has been reduced, but instead of worrying about the remaining few, Nina Kane spends her time trying to provide food and clothing for herself and her younger sister Melanie. That is until she comes face to face with a demon – a degenerate – that she barely escapes from. Believing that it was a one off encounter and that she is safe within the walled in town of New Temperance run by the Unified Church, Nina turns her focus back to her sister who has her own troubles.
Before Nina gets the chance to help Melanie try to resolve her problem she encounters her second demon in the physical form of someone she has known all her life. While trying to protect herself, Nina unleashes a power she never knew she had. She is an exorcist who can rid bodies of demons, however the Church paints her as a wanted person with suspicions of being possessed.
The story gets exciting when Nina meets Finn, a fugitive, and his friends who help her to escape from the clutches of the Church. The mysterious Finn reveals the truth about Nina’s abilities and the lies the Church want people to believe. Within twenty-four hours the world is no longer the place Nina knew it to be.
Rachel Vincent has filled this book with lots of original ideas from her interpretation of demons to the character Finn, who is not human in the traditional sense. Not only does the story have fantasy/supernatural themes, it also deals with other more realistic issues such as poverty and teenage pregnancy.
<i>The Stars Never Rise</i> is bound to make an impression in the young adult market and become popular with dystopian lovers of all ages. Those who love this book will be eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
The Stars Never Rise</i> is the first book in an exciting new dystopian series. Since the war, the rise of soul sucking demons has been reduced, but instead of worrying about the remaining few, Nina Kane spends her time trying to provide food and clothing for herself and her younger sister Melanie. That is until she comes face to face with a demon – a degenerate – that she barely escapes from. Believing that it was a one off encounter and that she is safe within the walled in town of New Temperance run by the Unified Church, Nina turns her focus back to her sister who has her own troubles.
Before Nina gets the chance to help Melanie try to resolve her problem she encounters her second demon in the physical form of someone she has known all her life. While trying to protect herself, Nina unleashes a power she never knew she had. She is an exorcist who can rid bodies of demons, however the Church paints her as a wanted person with suspicions of being possessed.
The story gets exciting when Nina meets Finn, a fugitive, and his friends who help her to escape from the clutches of the Church. The mysterious Finn reveals the truth about Nina’s abilities and the lies the Church want people to believe. Within twenty-four hours the world is no longer the place Nina knew it to be.
Rachel Vincent has filled this book with lots of original ideas from her interpretation of demons to the character Finn, who is not human in the traditional sense. Not only does the story have fantasy/supernatural themes, it also deals with other more realistic issues such as poverty and teenage pregnancy.
<i>The Stars Never Rise</i> is bound to make an impression in the young adult market and become popular with dystopian lovers of all ages. Those who love this book will be eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Merissa (11590 KP) rated The Blood Demon's Pet (Demon Daddy #1) in Books
Oct 31, 2023
THE BLOOD DEMON'S PET is the first book in the Demon Daddy series. We have Levi, the blood demon, and Eryn, the werewolf. There are a multitude of supporting characters that I adored, who did their job superbly.
Levi has been alone for quite a while. The last time he thought he'd found a long-term love, he was betrayed and stolen from. Since then, when he needs to feed, he keeps it as clinical as possible. Eryn is a werewolf who can't control either his shifts or the wolf inside. He gets told by the Beta that he has killed the Alpha, but he will help him escape. Can you hear the alarm bells ringing? I could and I hated what poor Eryn went through.
The attraction is instant but Levi tries to keep it clinical, even though he doesn't know Eryn's whole story. He isn't prepared to take a risk. In fact, when things move on between them, he is the one to put on the brakes and take a step back. I didn't like his behaviour (as I wasn't meant to) but I did understand it.
When he and Eryn are together, make sure you've got a fan because these two are H.O.T! Slowly, slowly in every way but s€x. And just when it gets even better, everything goes to hell in a handbasket, thanks to the ex. And...
...then it ends. So be prepared. I knew it ended on a cliffhanger and it still caught me by surprise.
I loved this story and will be re-reading it in the time I have to wait for the next part. Absolutely brilliant and 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!
Oct 31, 2023
Levi has been alone for quite a while. The last time he thought he'd found a long-term love, he was betrayed and stolen from. Since then, when he needs to feed, he keeps it as clinical as possible. Eryn is a werewolf who can't control either his shifts or the wolf inside. He gets told by the Beta that he has killed the Alpha, but he will help him escape. Can you hear the alarm bells ringing? I could and I hated what poor Eryn went through.
The attraction is instant but Levi tries to keep it clinical, even though he doesn't know Eryn's whole story. He isn't prepared to take a risk. In fact, when things move on between them, he is the one to put on the brakes and take a step back. I didn't like his behaviour (as I wasn't meant to) but I did understand it.
When he and Eryn are together, make sure you've got a fan because these two are H.O.T! Slowly, slowly in every way but s€x. And just when it gets even better, everything goes to hell in a handbasket, thanks to the ex. And...
...then it ends. So be prepared. I knew it ended on a cliffhanger and it still caught me by surprise.
I loved this story and will be re-reading it in the time I have to wait for the next part. Absolutely brilliant and 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!
Oct 31, 2023
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word (2016) in Movies
Sep 7, 2017
Disappointing even though it's based on a terrifying true story
I was looking forward to watch this film given that the story of Johnny Frank Garrett is on par with the real life mysteries of Amityville and The Omen. However, the film completely missed the point and went straight to a Rob Zombie type horror film.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
Sarah (126 KP) rated A Discovery of Witches - Season 1 in TV
Feb 18, 2019
Dull as Ditchwater
The trailers for this show looked so exciting. We saved it on Sky+ so that we could watch a few episodes at a time and not have to wait a whole week for the next one. I love shows that are a bit supernatural or spooky, and couldn't wait to see this.
There were entire episodes where, at the end, we both wondered did anything of any note or point actually happen? The main characters just seemed so wet and, frankly, pathetic. For such incredibly powerful beings encompassed by this raging passion, Diana and Matthew are rather boring. There just seems to be no oomph, no real force behind any of them.
The one thing that did intrigue me was the demon race - we all know what witches and vampires are, but what can the demons do? That said, I'm feeling more inclined to read the books than to persevere with the next series.
There were entire episodes where, at the end, we both wondered did anything of any note or point actually happen? The main characters just seemed so wet and, frankly, pathetic. For such incredibly powerful beings encompassed by this raging passion, Diana and Matthew are rather boring. There just seems to be no oomph, no real force behind any of them.
The one thing that did intrigue me was the demon race - we all know what witches and vampires are, but what can the demons do? That said, I'm feeling more inclined to read the books than to persevere with the next series.
Mayhawke (97 KP) rated Who Let the Gods Out? in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Eliot, the troubled boy and his anarchic, dysfunctional foster-Gods...
Eliot is a boy with problems. A mum who is suffereing from crippling depression and mental health problems, a farm that is running to ruin since his grandparents died, and a school where the teachers know nothing about any of it. Facing repossession of his home and the looming threat of Social Services and being separated from his mum Eliot needs help: what he gets is a bunch of retired Greek Gods, minor deities and Zodiac characters who have spent millennia bickering over the small print and red-tape of running the Universe , or kicking their heels in cosy retirement.
After one of the Zodiac council crash-lands in his cowshed Eliot suddenly finds himself pulled into a quest to find power stones and defeat a wicked demon. Can he succeed, and can his squabbling new friends help him save his home & family?
A really engaging read for parents and kids.
After one of the Zodiac council crash-lands in his cowshed Eliot suddenly finds himself pulled into a quest to find power stones and defeat a wicked demon. Can he succeed, and can his squabbling new friends help him save his home & family?
A really engaging read for parents and kids.
Beatriz (138 KP) rated Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) in Movies
Dec 9, 2018
Super talented actors (2 more)
Beautiful songs
good story
Sweeney Todd
Sweeney Todd: the demon barber of Fleet Street it’s a musical by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd, Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs Lovett and Sasha Baron Cohen as Signor Pirelli and Alan Rickman as Judge Turpin.
The story is about Benjamin Barker ( later known as Sweeney Todd), a barber, that had a wife and child. And he was taken away from them because this Judge fancied Benjamin’s wife. He comes back to London to see his wife again after years until he meets Mrs Lovett who tells him she poisoned herself and that Judge Turpin has his daughter as his ward. So Sweeney Todd plans his revenge with Mrs Lovett.
I’ve watched this film more than 10 times and I love it still.
The film is all in shades or browns, greys and reds and the voice choices are marvellous.
The story is about Benjamin Barker ( later known as Sweeney Todd), a barber, that had a wife and child. And he was taken away from them because this Judge fancied Benjamin’s wife. He comes back to London to see his wife again after years until he meets Mrs Lovett who tells him she poisoned herself and that Judge Turpin has his daughter as his ward. So Sweeney Todd plans his revenge with Mrs Lovett.
I’ve watched this film more than 10 times and I love it still.
The film is all in shades or browns, greys and reds and the voice choices are marvellous.
David McK (3162 KP) rated The Painted Man (the Demon Cycle, Book 1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
First in "The Demon Cycle", this is very much what I would term a dark fantasy novel: not urban fantasy (like The Dresden Files), not heroic fantasy (David Gemmell) and not high fantasy (Lord of the Rings).
This is set in a world where Demons rise through the ground every night to terrorise/slowly cull the few remaining humans, the novel follows three seperate survivors of such attacks. It's pretty obvious that they are, eventually, going to meet up, which only happens in the latter porion of the book, by which stage one of the survivors has become The Painted Man (i.e. covered in magical wards, which the demons can't stand) of the title.
An enjoyable enough read, but I did find this to be occassionally hard going. I also picked it up when Waterstones had it on sale for about £3: for that price, I'm happy enough, but I also wouldn't be looking for the sequels at full price either.
This is set in a world where Demons rise through the ground every night to terrorise/slowly cull the few remaining humans, the novel follows three seperate survivors of such attacks. It's pretty obvious that they are, eventually, going to meet up, which only happens in the latter porion of the book, by which stage one of the survivors has become The Painted Man (i.e. covered in magical wards, which the demons can't stand) of the title.
An enjoyable enough read, but I did find this to be occassionally hard going. I also picked it up when Waterstones had it on sale for about £3: for that price, I'm happy enough, but I also wouldn't be looking for the sequels at full price either.
Merissa (11590 KP) rated The Hawk's Shadow (Black Earth, Prequel) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The idea of bridging one book to a new trilogy via a novella was, well, brilliant and 'novel' if you pardon the pun. I am not usually a big fan of novellas as I prefer to have more detail which is usually denied me due to the length. However, being as this dealt with characters from "Raven's Heart" so you have already been introduced to them and their lives and struggles. This story continues on perfectly with two of them - Hawkwing and his brother, The White Demon/Collin.
For such a short book there is a lot of detail which was fantastic to read. There is a reference (to Hawkwing and his health) which is a reference to Raven's Heart but this in no ways mars the general flow of the story.
Well paced, good characters, in-depth story told and a wonderful way to start a new trilogy. Really enjoyed this one.
For such a short book there is a lot of detail which was fantastic to read. There is a reference (to Hawkwing and his health) which is a reference to Raven's Heart but this in no ways mars the general flow of the story.
Well paced, good characters, in-depth story told and a wonderful way to start a new trilogy. Really enjoyed this one.