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David McK (3188 KP) rated The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019 (Updated Jun 23, 2020)
The first - and, for my money, best - of Peter Jackson's now 6-film foray into Middle Earth, that (I'm sure) saw a massive boost to the New Zealand economy where it was filmed!
It's hard to talk about this film nowadays without describing the plot - is there anyone who doesn't know it? - but this is the film that (I believe) sticks closest to the original story, and is very much what I would call 'traditional' High Fantasy (as opposed to 'Urban Fantasy'), with do-good Elves, Dwarves, Rangers, Orcs, Goblins, Cave-Trolls, Hobbits (halflings) ,,,,
And finally,
"Fly, you fools!"
still packs a punch!
It's hard to talk about this film nowadays without describing the plot - is there anyone who doesn't know it? - but this is the film that (I believe) sticks closest to the original story, and is very much what I would call 'traditional' High Fantasy (as opposed to 'Urban Fantasy'), with do-good Elves, Dwarves, Rangers, Orcs, Goblins, Cave-Trolls, Hobbits (halflings) ,,,,
And finally,
"Fly, you fools!"
still packs a punch!
Phil Maxwell (25 KP) rated Blood of Elves in Books
Apr 5, 2020
Great pace (2 more)
Countries, Wars and Politics all well described
Believable characters and understandable plotline.
A magnificent start by Andrzej Sapkowk
I was a relative latecomer to The Witcher series of books, but gosh am I glad I found out about them.
I had only played the video games before then (and absolutely loved them, by the way). This kind of worked in my favour though, as once I started reading Blood Of Elves I already had a broad knowledge of the countries involved, the wars and battles that had occurred, and of course the lovely (and not so lovely) cast of characters within.
Andrzej Sapkowski's writing style was fluid throughout and kept the story moving at an enjoyable pace. Not once did I find myself thinking it was going too slow or too fast.
His descriptions of the different locales were top notch fantasy fayre, as were those of main characters Geralt, Yennefer, Ciri, Triss, Dandelion and it's bit players also.
To say I was enthralled by Sapkowksi's first Witcher story is putting it lightly. I could barely put it down and every little bit of spare time I had was devoted to reading Blood Of Elves. I am now working my way through Time Of Contempt (The second installment) and am finding it equally as enjoyable, if not more so.
I had only played the video games before then (and absolutely loved them, by the way). This kind of worked in my favour though, as once I started reading Blood Of Elves I already had a broad knowledge of the countries involved, the wars and battles that had occurred, and of course the lovely (and not so lovely) cast of characters within.
Andrzej Sapkowski's writing style was fluid throughout and kept the story moving at an enjoyable pace. Not once did I find myself thinking it was going too slow or too fast.
His descriptions of the different locales were top notch fantasy fayre, as were those of main characters Geralt, Yennefer, Ciri, Triss, Dandelion and it's bit players also.
To say I was enthralled by Sapkowksi's first Witcher story is putting it lightly. I could barely put it down and every little bit of spare time I had was devoted to reading Blood Of Elves. I am now working my way through Time Of Contempt (The second installment) and am finding it equally as enjoyable, if not more so.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Into the Fire (Book Two of the Hel's Crucible Duology) in Books
May 9, 2019
Warrows (1 more)
creative world
hurry up and wait (2 more)
repeated information
Names can be confusing
Tipperton and Beau finally get some answers as the War of the Ban continues. This book does reference some of the previous books however you do not have to read those books first (unless it's part one of the Hel's Crucible duology). This duology is a great intro into the world of Mithgar. At times a little sad and graphic the descriptions are topnotch. The Elven names can be confusing at times Vandor and Vandar are two different Elves, usually Vandar is referenced as Silverleaf or Vandar Silverleaf which helps cut down on the confusion.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated The Elvenbane (Halfblood Chronicles, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
The world that the writing team of Norton and Lackey crafts is quite fascinating in its detail and description. The timeline and history of this world seems to place it sort of after the end of our present world, as a kind of post-apocalypse in which first the dragons found and then the elves, with the latter taking over and enslaving the remaining humans. I found the passage of time to be bothersome at times, since the authors seem to almost skip over the climaxes in favor of just relaying the information through the memories of the characters after the fact. More than once, I wished the writers could have written out this passage of time so that I can actually experience it as it happens.
The characters were all well-developed and unique, as the size of the book allowed the writers to spend lots of time focusing on a single character, even if his or her purpose seemed to end rather abruptly with death, such as Shana's mother, Serina Daeth. Normally, I have no trouble picking characters that I favored over the others, but with this book, no character seemed to jump out at me as so much better than the others, even the main character Shana, who seemed to lack in maturity as much as a pre-teen, with how she behaves around some of the other characters.
There were several over-arching themes in the book, such as the need for change, the call for justice, and how every rule has exceptions. Shana especially seemed to find the latter annoying as she continually found that what she was taught about elves, humans, or dragons was not always true. Even though the legend of the Elvenbane is merely a tall tale crafted by the dragons to stir up trouble with the elves and humans, Shana falls into the role by accident simply because of a dragon's kindness. Ironically, her up-bringing gives her the perfect personality for playing that role, as the main goal of this book was to put her in the perfect position to fill this role for the next book in the series, Elvenblood (Halfblood Chronicles).
The characters were all well-developed and unique, as the size of the book allowed the writers to spend lots of time focusing on a single character, even if his or her purpose seemed to end rather abruptly with death, such as Shana's mother, Serina Daeth. Normally, I have no trouble picking characters that I favored over the others, but with this book, no character seemed to jump out at me as so much better than the others, even the main character Shana, who seemed to lack in maturity as much as a pre-teen, with how she behaves around some of the other characters.
There were several over-arching themes in the book, such as the need for change, the call for justice, and how every rule has exceptions. Shana especially seemed to find the latter annoying as she continually found that what she was taught about elves, humans, or dragons was not always true. Even though the legend of the Elvenbane is merely a tall tale crafted by the dragons to stir up trouble with the elves and humans, Shana falls into the role by accident simply because of a dragon's kindness. Ironically, her up-bringing gives her the perfect personality for playing that role, as the main goal of this book was to put her in the perfect position to fill this role for the next book in the series, Elvenblood (Halfblood Chronicles).
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) created a post
Jun 1, 2023
Merissa (11656 KP) rated Union (Torsere #2) in Books
Sep 4, 2020
Union is the second book in the Torsere series and we return to Nykin and Ryneq as they prepare for Cerylea's marriage to Morkryn, prince of the Elves. This is a series with an overall story arc so I would absolutely recommend you read them in order so it all makes sense.
The action this time takes place in Alel with the Elves and we get to see what a magical place they live in. We also reunite with Faelon and Avelor and find out more about the bond between Fimor, Faelon, and Nykin. It's not just love in the air as Seran is still out for blood, this time recruiting a dark witch to make things more complicated.
I loved returning to this world. I still adore Nykin and Ryneq and love how they have their responsibilities before each other but it doesn't stop them from enjoying themselves whenever possible! They are both learning to live with each other and what compromises need to be made. Ryneq is trying to keep a lid on his jealousy and possessiveness but it's not always easy. Nykin is making more of an effort to see things from Ryneq's perspective and seeing how things aren't as easy as he thought, if you are Consort or King of the Realm!
This series continues to delight and I really can't wait for the final in this amazing trilogy!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The action this time takes place in Alel with the Elves and we get to see what a magical place they live in. We also reunite with Faelon and Avelor and find out more about the bond between Fimor, Faelon, and Nykin. It's not just love in the air as Seran is still out for blood, this time recruiting a dark witch to make things more complicated.
I loved returning to this world. I still adore Nykin and Ryneq and love how they have their responsibilities before each other but it doesn't stop them from enjoying themselves whenever possible! They are both learning to live with each other and what compromises need to be made. Ryneq is trying to keep a lid on his jealousy and possessiveness but it's not always easy. Nykin is making more of an effort to see things from Ryneq's perspective and seeing how things aren't as easy as he thought, if you are Consort or King of the Realm!
This series continues to delight and I really can't wait for the final in this amazing trilogy!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Paige (428 KP) rated The Lord of the Rings in Books
Jul 29, 2017
A good core story (2 more)
Some of the characters
World-building
The songs (2 more)
The overfocus and over wordiness of the battle scenes
Writing style left me cold
A classic, but not my favorite fantasy by a long shot.
I have reread these and enjoyed them more the second time around, mostly because I felt justified in skipping bits about battle details and the songs (and most of anything to do with the humans, really)
I know that Tolkien was a linguist, and even made up a usable language for the elves, so it rather baffles me that the writing seems so flat. I can only conjecture that it is matter of perfecting language rather than using it as a tool for evoking something in the reader. I am guessing it is just a difference of preferences.
I know that Tolkien was a linguist, and even made up a usable language for the elves, so it rather baffles me that the writing seems so flat. I can only conjecture that it is matter of perfecting language rather than using it as a tool for evoking something in the reader. I am guessing it is just a difference of preferences.
Sarah (82 KP) rated Elf (2003) in Movies
Mar 12, 2019
One of my all time favourite Christmas movies. Traditionally watched over the festive period.
The story follows a human who as a baby crawls into Santa's sack and ends up at the North Pole. He (Buddy) grows up with the elves but struggles with the elf jobs due to his size.
Buddy goes on a mission to find his Dad, who doesn't believe this strange man to be his son. Everyone falls in love with Buddy except his Dad, who struggles to accept him or believe his story of the North Pole and Santa, that's until Christmas Eve arrives and Santa is in trouble. Cue Buddy's new found friends to save Christmas.
A full on feel good festive movie, that will become a firm favourite in any household.
The story follows a human who as a baby crawls into Santa's sack and ends up at the North Pole. He (Buddy) grows up with the elves but struggles with the elf jobs due to his size.
Buddy goes on a mission to find his Dad, who doesn't believe this strange man to be his son. Everyone falls in love with Buddy except his Dad, who struggles to accept him or believe his story of the North Pole and Santa, that's until Christmas Eve arrives and Santa is in trouble. Cue Buddy's new found friends to save Christmas.
A full on feel good festive movie, that will become a firm favourite in any household.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2069 KP) rated Everblaze (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Sophie discovers that Ogres are causing trouble in her new realm, but with the Black Swan staying silent, she has to work overtime to figure out what to do next. Meanwhile, the Council is asking her to do something that is dividing the rest of the Elves. What should she do?
This is the longest book in the series to date and also the strongest. The characters continue to grow here, and the development in this book is awesome. The plot is strong from start to finish, and I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to find out what would happen next. Now, I just have to wait for the next book in the series.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/12/book-review-everblaze-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is the longest book in the series to date and also the strongest. The characters continue to grow here, and the development in this book is awesome. The plot is strong from start to finish, and I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to find out what would happen next. Now, I just have to wait for the next book in the series.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/12/book-review-everblaze-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
David McK (3188 KP) rated Dawnthief (Chronicles of the Raven, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is pretty much what I would term your standard high-fantasy fiction: high fantasy as opposed to, say, urban fantasy, as it involves Dragons (albeit only at the very beginning, and then more-or-less forgotten about), Elves and Magic amongst other genre staples.
The Raven of the sub-title ('Chronicles of the Raven', remember!) are a group of mercenaries who, at the beginning of the novel, have lived and fought together for years. At the end of one contract, they are hired by a former enemy, before events start overtaking them and they find themselves as amongst the last hope for their land, which is descending into war ...
I found this to be an OK read: not the best of such-like books I've ever read; nor the worst.
The Raven of the sub-title ('Chronicles of the Raven', remember!) are a group of mercenaries who, at the beginning of the novel, have lived and fought together for years. At the end of one contract, they are hired by a former enemy, before events start overtaking them and they find themselves as amongst the last hope for their land, which is descending into war ...
I found this to be an OK read: not the best of such-like books I've ever read; nor the worst.