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Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Aaliyah in Books

Nov 8, 2019

Aaliyah

Katrina Cope | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)

9.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

When her mother was healed by angels shortly before she was born, Aaliyah has been able to heal others, both physically and mentally. In particular she helps out her friend Duan, a unique child born of both demon and angel.

Her sheltered existence is a great concern to her mother, and so she takes her young family away from their monastery home - and Duan - in order the live a 'normal' life. But Aaliyah can't help using her power, and draws unwanted attention to the family.

This book is the start of a new series, albeit one firmly rooted in Cope's Afterlife series. However it is not necessary to have read that series, nor the Witch's Legacy book which provides some additional background.

As usual with Cope's books it is the characters that shine out, everyone from Aaliyah and Duan to the villagers who are just desperate for Aaliyah's healing touch are realised perfectly. As the stakes are raised, not least by a dreadful prophesy and dark forces who want to use her gift for their own ends, both Aaliyah and Duan must decide where they belong and who they need the most.

As the story unfolds the stakes are skillfully raised, drawing the reader along, genuinely fearing for the fates of the main characters at each step. Sometimes it was hard to turn the page, knowing that the characters you have been getting to know so well will almost definitely end up coming to harm.

In this book Cope has managed to take the elements of angels, witches and shapeshifters and combined them into an engrossing and thrilling read that will appeal to young adults of all ages.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Murder on Memory Lake in Books

Apr 8, 2020

Tranquility Shattered by Murder

Things are looking up for Alberta Scaglione in her retirement. She’s inherited money and a cabin on Memory Lake from an aunt, and her granddaughter, Jinx, has come back into her life thanks to a job for the local paper in Tranquility, New Jersey. However, things take a sad turn when Alberta finds the body of her childhood nemesis in the lake. Alberta quickly realizes the woman was murdered, and Jinx talks Alberta into investigating to jump start her transition to crime reporter. Can they solve the case?

The book starts out with a couple of chapters that are little more than data dumps, giving us the background on the characters. Yes, we need to know the information, but it could have been slipped into the novel better. The mystery itself is strong with several viable suspects and a logical trail to the great climax with some fun red herrings along the way. Alberta and Jinx are joined by another couple family members, and the four women are a delight, making me laugh a few times. The book is written in omniscient point of view, but mostly sticking with Alberta and Jinx. It mostly works, but it allows for passages of the characters pondering life. These felt like they’d be more at home in a literary novel than a mystery. The book closes out with a few recipes. The bones of the book are good, but overall, it felt overwritten. There is enough enjoyable elements to the book that if you are curious about the book, I recommend you check it out and see what you think for yourself.

Kudos

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Midnight Special (2016) in Movies

Aug 6, 2019

Midnight Special (2016)

2016 | Drama, Sci-Fi

7.3

(4 Ratings)

Movie Rating

As children, we often fantasize about what it would be like to possess superpowers or some trait that sets us further apart from our peers. We imagine ourselves as being able to become invisible, fly, or command animals. The film Midnight Special introduces us to a young boy who is blessed with a special gift that no one can quite comprehend. A religious cult seeks the boy as their savior. The government wants to use him as a weapon. His father wants to protect him.

The film gives the audience enough suspense and relevant issues to keep them fully engrossed in the story. The opening of the film leaves us with very little background of the events that have taken place which for many films would be a grand weakness in the storytelling, however, for this film it is essential in shaping the dramatic moments as it builds to the climax. Midnight Special features strong performances from Adam Driver and Michael Shannon. Director Jeff Nichols does a superb job in weaving a story that is both original and imaginative. The film itself is a journey involving various elements that drive the story. For some, it will make them more skeptical of the government and religious fanaticism. For others, they will have a new take on the road film genre which is filled with peril, tension, friendship, and love.

Midnight Special is one of those rare movies that allows the viewers to become fully involved in the story and characters involved. With the suspense, humor, and interactions, the actors and director have made a complete film. It stays with you and makes you want more.