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His Majesty's Dragon
His Majesty's Dragon
Naomi Novik | 2006 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Set during the Napoleonic War, British officer and gentleman Captain William Laurence has his life turned upside down after seizing a rare dragon egg from a captured French vessel. Led by an unwavering sense of duty and a growing affection for his new dragonet, Temeraire, he must leave behind everything he knows to join the mysterious and disreputable Aerial Corps.

Naomi Novik knows her stuff. This book is chock full of amazing worldbuilding. Her mastery of naval maneuvers, English society, and the history of the Napoleonic wars is immersive in its completeness. She wastes no time coddling the reader with infodumps or explanations, although the drawback is that it is occasionally so detailed and alien to me that my eyes would glaze over and slide completely past a paragraph filled with information about where Napoleon's forces were and what they were doing.


Laurence himself gets flack as a character for being stiff and "unprogressive", but I feel this is somewhat unwarranted. He's compelling precisely because he exhibits a mindset that would be entirely normal for a man of his station in his time, and slowly has to adjust everything he thinks about class, gender, and duty. His stiffness and reserve can seem alien at times, but we empathize completely with his love of the bright and lovely Temeraire.


This book does have some pacing problems. It is slow in places, particularly during their training and Loch Laggan, and in others cuts chapters far too early, leaving one feeling a bit of whiplash as the next chapter starts up.


Still, the premise is amazing, the dragons are glorious, and I spent an entire night reading this book cover to cover. If you like Bloody Jack, or wondered what How To Train Your Dragon would look like if it were set during the Napoleonic war, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
  
DS
Dragon Seed
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a new to me author and one I'll be reading again! Dragon Seed really pulled me into the heart of the story instantly. From the start I was completely engrossed and taken on a fast paced ride of what's right and wrong. That's saying something for this book as I'm not a huge fan of young adult reads. However, this book....oh, this book really hooked me!

As a mom of two teens, one of whom is troubled and angry often times, this book hit home with me in so many ways. It's so much more than a simple young adult read. It's a book filled with Bible lessons and messages of prideful ways and seeking more of Him. I loved that! These are the kinds of characters, and plot lines, that I want to see my children reading! Lessons of good versus evil, right versus wrong....all of it so gripping!

This book is definitely worthy of 5 stars. It's phenomenaly created, it's well rounded with complex characters and God's lessons. If you are looking for a laugh out loud book for your child/teenager, then this isn't quite the book for you. If you are looking for a fantabulously written book, that will leave them thinking over and over again, then yes. Definitely grab this book up. It's not only for children/teens, but any adult who seeks a better relationship with God or who struggles with pride. The book comes with devotionals at the end. I can't wait to pass this on to my kiddos to see what they think! Well done, Mr. Machowski! Well done!<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-dragon-seed-by-marty-machowski/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
    Monsu 2

    Monsu 2

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    The fantasy exploration for the mysterious treasures is opening The sequel of Monsu, App Store Best...

Warrior Hearts Academy: Dragon Rule
Warrior Hearts Academy: Dragon Rule
Ellie Horn | 2024 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
DRAGON RULE is the third and final book in the Warrior Hearts Academy Dragon trilogy and brings a satisfying conclusion to Bree's story. I say Bree's because she is the one who brings and holds them all together. This MUST be read after the other two books as the story continues on from where it left off.

In other words, Bree is taken by Victor, Riggs is unable to shift, Caliel is still fighting a losing battle against the Ice Drake, and Tez is still someone who leaves a lot to be desired. Does this change?

Erm, yes. Just a little bit! The storyline is amazing and so intricate. I loved watching the pieces fall into place. And seeing Bree become stronger with every passing moment, while still retaining the core essence of who she was, was outstanding. I even warmed up to Tez! Now, how about that?!

If I had one niggle, it would be Nar and the informant. It was never actually confirmed for sure that it was one and the same, so will be playing on my mind.

I really hope this isn't the end of this world. There are open-ended moments that could be followed on (cough, cough, Mykhal) but this one concludes nicely. Now, I want to go back (in their time) and read all of the others from the beginning to get the full experience!

A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and ABSOLUTELY 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!
May 18, 2025
  
IH
Iron Hearted Violet
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read a lot of fairy tails as a kid, but never have I read one this profound and unique: an ugly princess, a helpful dragon, a gifted farm-hand, a crazy story-teller, and an evil god trapped in the stones of an ever-changing castle. The language was beautiful and fluid and enchanting, the characters were all unique and special, and the plot itself had me sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time. I never wanted it to end but I was so happy with the conclusion. On top of it all, the audio-book was wonderfully read, full of character and voice, and Simon Vance nailed the personalities of the characters. I have no doubt I will re-read this book eventually, and I am adding Barnhill to my Author Watch list.
  
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Andy K (10823 KP) created a post in Movies are the shiz!

Apr 7, 2018  
Top 20 highest grossing films never to hit #1 in the US for any weekend:

1 Sing $270,395,425 2016
2 My Big Fat Greek Wedding $241,438,208 2002
3 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel $219,614,612 2009
4 Alvin and the Chipmunks $217,326,974 2007
5 Sherlock Holmes $209,028,679 2009
6 World War Z $202,359,711 2013
7 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs $196,573,705 2009
8 Interstellar $188,020,017 2014
9 The Day After Tomorrow $186,740,799 2004
10 Dances with Wolves $184,208,848 1990
11 Lincoln $182,207,973 2012
12 How to Train Your Dragon 2 $177,002,924 2014
13 The Greatest Showman $172,697,432 2017
14 A Beautiful Mind $170,742,341 2001
15 Chicago $170,687,518 2002
16 Bridesmaids $169,106,725 2011
17 Casino Royale $167,445,960 2006
18 Kung Fu Panda 2 $165,249,063 2011
19 Catch Me If You Can $164,615,351 2002
20 Django Unchained $162,805,434 2012
  
Tom Clancy&#039;s Jack Ryan- Season 2
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan- Season 2
2019 | Action
I was really looking forward to finally sitting down and watching season 2 of Jack Ryan. While I did enjoy it, I didn't like it quite as much as I liked the first season. I'm more sold on, "Jim from The Office," playing Jack Ryan, Jr. this season. Lol I also like Noomi Rapace, whom I loved in the original The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo film series. I liked the confusion and mystery surrounding season one. Season two did have that, but not in the same manner. This season, since we'd gotten to know a bit about the characters already, had a bit more focus on the emotional aspect of some of the things that the team went through. Overall, it was another good season of Jack Ryan. It just can't be directly compared to its first season.