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The Scorpion Rules (Prisoners of Peace #1)
9.0
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The world is at peace, said the Utterances. And really, if the odd princess has a hard day, is that...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Hooked on Murder (Crochet Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 19, 2023
I Wasn’t Quite Hooked on This Debut
Recently widowed Molly Pink has landed a job as the events coordinator at a local independent bookstore. Part of that is overseeing the crochet group that meets in their event space. When one of their members, Ellen Sheridan, leaves behind her crochet needles, Molly decides to run them home. Unfortunately, she finds Ellen’s dead body, and the police are right behind her. Molly has more of a connection to Ellen then she lets on at first, and the police think that makes her a great suspect. Can she figure out what really happened?
When I realized this book was set in Southern California, I decided I had to give it a try. While there is a good mystery in here, the pacing is off, and some of the sub-plots slowed things down further. On the other hand, I loved the characters, who are varied and charming. I especially enjoyed the fictional celebrities who showed up. Part of my problem was the writing, which felt a bit vague at times, and kept me from getting fully into Molly’s world. There is a simple crochet project and a delicious sounding recipe at the end. I liked the characters enough to consider picking up the sequel, but it’s not a series I’m going to rush back to.
When I realized this book was set in Southern California, I decided I had to give it a try. While there is a good mystery in here, the pacing is off, and some of the sub-plots slowed things down further. On the other hand, I loved the characters, who are varied and charming. I especially enjoyed the fictional celebrities who showed up. Part of my problem was the writing, which felt a bit vague at times, and kept me from getting fully into Molly’s world. There is a simple crochet project and a delicious sounding recipe at the end. I liked the characters enough to consider picking up the sequel, but it’s not a series I’m going to rush back to.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder Through the English Post in Books
Jul 27, 2022 (Updated Jul 27, 2022)
Who is Writing Deadly Poison Pen Letters?
Edwina’s first day at the local magistrate ends with a complaint about a public brawl between two men she thought were friends. When she gets to the bottom of things, she discovers that one of them received a poison pen letter and believed what it said about his friends. She is concerned about what this might mean in the village, especially after Beryl gets one. When Constable Gibbs asks them to look into it, they learn just how widespread the problem is. Can they figure out who is sending them before the damage gets worse?
This is another charming mystery for mismatched sleuths Edwina and Beryl in the aftermath of World War I. I had a few pieces figured out before they did, but I didn’t figure most of it out until I reached the end. I was in awe of how it all came together when I did. Once again, I enjoyed seeing the growth in our two leads and in the other series regulars. At times the introspection can be a bit much, but that’s a minor complaint. I also enjoy how the time period comes to life on the pages. Fans will enjoy this latest outing, and if you haven’t started the series yet, you’ll be glad you did.
This is another charming mystery for mismatched sleuths Edwina and Beryl in the aftermath of World War I. I had a few pieces figured out before they did, but I didn’t figure most of it out until I reached the end. I was in awe of how it all came together when I did. Once again, I enjoyed seeing the growth in our two leads and in the other series regulars. At times the introspection can be a bit much, but that’s a minor complaint. I also enjoy how the time period comes to life on the pages. Fans will enjoy this latest outing, and if you haven’t started the series yet, you’ll be glad you did.
The Getaway God
Book
End times are here again. A half-human, half-angel with a bad rep and a worse attitude—we are...
sandman slim
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Spirited Away (2001) in Movies
Nov 24, 2019
Never Recovered After a Slow Start
When a girl gets separated from her parents during a family outing, she ends up in an abandoned amusement park that is a gateway to the spirit world. After her parents get turned into pigs, she has to figure out a way to save them and get home.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 1
Gets off to a pretty slow start. Literally every single time I watch the first ten minutes, I get sleepy. I don’t know if it’s the music or the slow drive through the country, but I wish things would move a bit faster.
Characters: 10
The spirit world is definitely not lacking in originality, particularly when it comes to the characters. I appreciated the level of detail here as every single spirit, good or bad, had their own way of moving, talking, and interacting with the world around them. In Spirited Away, you get crazy witches, dragons, and a professor-looking dude that has spider-like limbs. There is so much to see, I keep seeing new things each time I go back and watch the movie.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 7
Memorability: 5
Pace: 3
Plot: 7
Resolution: 4
Although the ending is better than the beginning, that’s not saying much. it felt dry and lacking of a definitive conclusion. Was definitely hoping for more.
Overall: 67
Sometimes I will watch a movie multiple times and appreciate it more the second or third time around. Unfortunately, for me, Spirited Away doesn’t quite hit that mark. It’s a good that my opinion isn’t the end-all be-all because these Hayao Mayazaki movies have a huge following. Maybe I’ll try this one again someday, but, for now, I’m good.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 1
Gets off to a pretty slow start. Literally every single time I watch the first ten minutes, I get sleepy. I don’t know if it’s the music or the slow drive through the country, but I wish things would move a bit faster.
Characters: 10
The spirit world is definitely not lacking in originality, particularly when it comes to the characters. I appreciated the level of detail here as every single spirit, good or bad, had their own way of moving, talking, and interacting with the world around them. In Spirited Away, you get crazy witches, dragons, and a professor-looking dude that has spider-like limbs. There is so much to see, I keep seeing new things each time I go back and watch the movie.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 7
Memorability: 5
Pace: 3
Plot: 7
Resolution: 4
Although the ending is better than the beginning, that’s not saying much. it felt dry and lacking of a definitive conclusion. Was definitely hoping for more.
Overall: 67
Sometimes I will watch a movie multiple times and appreciate it more the second or third time around. Unfortunately, for me, Spirited Away doesn’t quite hit that mark. It’s a good that my opinion isn’t the end-all be-all because these Hayao Mayazaki movies have a huge following. Maybe I’ll try this one again someday, but, for now, I’m good.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Superman Returns (2006) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
It has been nearly twenty years since Superman graced the silver screen. This fact is outstanding when you consider that numerous attempts to revive the franchise and two successful television series have occurred in the nearly two decades since 1987’s “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace”.
Amidst much speculation and rumors of a soaring budget that is reported to be over $250 Million, Superman Returns has arrived.
Under the direction of Bryan Singer, who successfully launched the first two films in the “X-Men” series, Brandon Routh dons the tights and capes of the late Christopher Reeve, as the man of steel and his mild mannered alter ego Clark Kent.
As the films opens, it is explained that Superman has been gone five years as he has traveled to what astronomers believe are the remains of his home planet Krypton which was destroyed when he was an infant.
Soon after his return, Clark visits his adopted mother in his hometown of Smallville before returning to Metropolis and his job at the Daily Planet. His happy homecoming is short-lived when Clark realizes that his beloved Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) is now a single mom with a fiancée named Richard (James Marsden).
As if this is not enough, Superman is shortly thereafter called into action to save Lois and the passengers of a plane and space shuttle encounter a deadly situation when a press conference goes awry.
In a spectacle of action and visual brilliance Superman not only saves the day, but makes a highly visible and triumphant return that signals to the world that he is back.
As happy as the majority of the world is to have their champion back, Lois is very conflicted about his return. She believes he abandoned humanity and left her without even saying goodbye. Such is the extent of Lois’s anger toward Superman; she has written a story entitled “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman” for which she was awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
As upset as Lois is about the return of Superman, there is one individual who is seething mad over his return and that is Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) who plans to use his recently acquired wealth to hatch his latest plot and end the threat of Superman once and for all.
Lex plans to use the crystals and knowledge he has pilfered from Superman’s arctic Fortress of Solitude to craft a new landmass, where he will rule supreme. The fact that billions of innocents will be killed in the process is of no consequence to the power mad Luthor, setting the stage for several high tech action sequences and daring adventures as Superman sets out to save the day.
Despite numerous concerns I had over the film, I am happy to say that the series is in great hands, and the combination of Spacey, Bosworth, Routh, and Singer have not only produced the best film of Summer 2006, but have paved the way for what looks to be a series of films that, while true to the source materials, is not afraid to push the envelope to modernize Superman.
Routh was solid, not only looked the part perfectly, but handled the dual roles of Clark and Superman with and easygoing charm and manner that is highly effective. His ability to portray Superman as a being with deep emotions as well as power is key to the film as the audience is given a chance to see more than just the man with the muscles. Bosworth is also to be commended for her portrayal of a strong and capable Lois who is anything but the stock damsel in distress. The chemistry between Routh and Bosworth is good which is vital, as this is much more than effects and action.
The humanity and compassion that drives the film is an unexpected bonus. Despite the amazing action sequences, this is a story with deep emotional and psychological themes that are rarely seen in films of this nature.
If I had to find fault in the film, it would be that Spacey was not allowed to really let Lex be truly evil. Sure he talks a good fight, and in a few sequences is not above getting his hands dirty. But, for a film as grand as this, the diabolic plot Luthor is trying to hatch just does not seem diabolic enough.
One could also say that at a running time of nearly two hours and forty minutes that perhaps 20 minutes or so could have been trimmed towards the end to help the pacing of the final segments of the film.
That being said, the impressive mix of action, humor, romance, and cast gives Superman Returns a highly winning formula.
Amidst much speculation and rumors of a soaring budget that is reported to be over $250 Million, Superman Returns has arrived.
Under the direction of Bryan Singer, who successfully launched the first two films in the “X-Men” series, Brandon Routh dons the tights and capes of the late Christopher Reeve, as the man of steel and his mild mannered alter ego Clark Kent.
As the films opens, it is explained that Superman has been gone five years as he has traveled to what astronomers believe are the remains of his home planet Krypton which was destroyed when he was an infant.
Soon after his return, Clark visits his adopted mother in his hometown of Smallville before returning to Metropolis and his job at the Daily Planet. His happy homecoming is short-lived when Clark realizes that his beloved Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) is now a single mom with a fiancée named Richard (James Marsden).
As if this is not enough, Superman is shortly thereafter called into action to save Lois and the passengers of a plane and space shuttle encounter a deadly situation when a press conference goes awry.
In a spectacle of action and visual brilliance Superman not only saves the day, but makes a highly visible and triumphant return that signals to the world that he is back.
As happy as the majority of the world is to have their champion back, Lois is very conflicted about his return. She believes he abandoned humanity and left her without even saying goodbye. Such is the extent of Lois’s anger toward Superman; she has written a story entitled “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman” for which she was awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
As upset as Lois is about the return of Superman, there is one individual who is seething mad over his return and that is Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) who plans to use his recently acquired wealth to hatch his latest plot and end the threat of Superman once and for all.
Lex plans to use the crystals and knowledge he has pilfered from Superman’s arctic Fortress of Solitude to craft a new landmass, where he will rule supreme. The fact that billions of innocents will be killed in the process is of no consequence to the power mad Luthor, setting the stage for several high tech action sequences and daring adventures as Superman sets out to save the day.
Despite numerous concerns I had over the film, I am happy to say that the series is in great hands, and the combination of Spacey, Bosworth, Routh, and Singer have not only produced the best film of Summer 2006, but have paved the way for what looks to be a series of films that, while true to the source materials, is not afraid to push the envelope to modernize Superman.
Routh was solid, not only looked the part perfectly, but handled the dual roles of Clark and Superman with and easygoing charm and manner that is highly effective. His ability to portray Superman as a being with deep emotions as well as power is key to the film as the audience is given a chance to see more than just the man with the muscles. Bosworth is also to be commended for her portrayal of a strong and capable Lois who is anything but the stock damsel in distress. The chemistry between Routh and Bosworth is good which is vital, as this is much more than effects and action.
The humanity and compassion that drives the film is an unexpected bonus. Despite the amazing action sequences, this is a story with deep emotional and psychological themes that are rarely seen in films of this nature.
If I had to find fault in the film, it would be that Spacey was not allowed to really let Lex be truly evil. Sure he talks a good fight, and in a few sequences is not above getting his hands dirty. But, for a film as grand as this, the diabolic plot Luthor is trying to hatch just does not seem diabolic enough.
One could also say that at a running time of nearly two hours and forty minutes that perhaps 20 minutes or so could have been trimmed towards the end to help the pacing of the final segments of the film.
That being said, the impressive mix of action, humor, romance, and cast gives Superman Returns a highly winning formula.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Mario Party 2 in Video Games
Dec 23, 2020
Let The Party Continue
Mario 2- is the sequel to Mario Party in the Mario Party franchise. That came out a year later on the N64. New boards, new minigames, same charcters, just with the number 2 on it.
In the game's storyline, Mario and his friends create a world built from their dreams and get into a debate over who the new world would be named after. When Bowser arrives and invades the land, the group takes Toad's suggestion to name it after the "Super Star" who defeats Bowser.
Mario Party 2 includes multiplayer compatibility; each game on a board map consists of four players, including at least one human player and up to four. Any character who is not controlled by a human will instead be controlled by the game as a computer-controlled character.
The goal of Mario Party 2 is to collect the most Stars within the allotted amount of turns. Stars must be purchased from Toad with coins, which can be earned through a selection from one of 64 mini-games that is played once at the end of each turn.
The players can obtain items for use on the board, and can each carry one at a time. If a player is carrying an item, they can use it before rolling the dice block. Items can aid the player in such ways as providing additional dice blocks or stealing another player's item. One item, the Skeleton Key, allows the player to use shortcuts located on each board map.
During the final five turns of a game, a one-on-one Duel mini-game is initiated when a player lands on the same space as another.
Its Mario Party but better. Why did nintendo not bring back the costumes. Only in this one, you see Mario dress up as a pirate. Come on Nintendo, Mario Party uhhh i lost count, better have it.
I like this one better than One. One is still good, but i fell this one is better.
In the game's storyline, Mario and his friends create a world built from their dreams and get into a debate over who the new world would be named after. When Bowser arrives and invades the land, the group takes Toad's suggestion to name it after the "Super Star" who defeats Bowser.
Mario Party 2 includes multiplayer compatibility; each game on a board map consists of four players, including at least one human player and up to four. Any character who is not controlled by a human will instead be controlled by the game as a computer-controlled character.
The goal of Mario Party 2 is to collect the most Stars within the allotted amount of turns. Stars must be purchased from Toad with coins, which can be earned through a selection from one of 64 mini-games that is played once at the end of each turn.
The players can obtain items for use on the board, and can each carry one at a time. If a player is carrying an item, they can use it before rolling the dice block. Items can aid the player in such ways as providing additional dice blocks or stealing another player's item. One item, the Skeleton Key, allows the player to use shortcuts located on each board map.
During the final five turns of a game, a one-on-one Duel mini-game is initiated when a player lands on the same space as another.
Its Mario Party but better. Why did nintendo not bring back the costumes. Only in this one, you see Mario dress up as a pirate. Come on Nintendo, Mario Party uhhh i lost count, better have it.
I like this one better than One. One is still good, but i fell this one is better.
Ali A (82 KP) rated Chaos & Flame in Books
Jun 7, 2023
Trigger Warnings: Misgendering, genocide (off page, but discussed), poison, knife violence, blood & gore, graphic violence, war, death
Written in the alternating points of views of Darling Seabreak and Talon Goldhoard, Chaos & Flame tells the story of the two navigating House politics while also being caught up in the High Prince Regent’s unknown scheme as they tour around the kingdom to the other Houses.
This book took me a while to get into it - it’s slow to start, but by the end of it, I was invested in what was happening with the characters, so I will be picking up the second book in this duology. I'm very curious to see how the authors are planning on bringing out more with the boons and if those will change with what could be happening in the second book.
I was really interested in Caspian’s character and wish I knew more about what was going on in his head since everyone just marked him as “being mad” when in fact, he just had a whole other agenda.
I do wish we had more history of the world. The world building was fantastic but I felt like 100 years isn’t a whole lot to have passed since the last phoenix was alive and that even with that, there should still be people around who were alive back then - wouldn’t they know more and have maybe some insight?
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the insta-love between Darling and Talon, but it is YA and that’s typical YA romance so I’m not complaining all too much to be honest with you.
Overall, it was a slow build up to a good read and that I’m excited to continue reading when the next book in the series comes out (please don’t be too long!).
*Thank you Razorbill and BookishFirst for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Written in the alternating points of views of Darling Seabreak and Talon Goldhoard, Chaos & Flame tells the story of the two navigating House politics while also being caught up in the High Prince Regent’s unknown scheme as they tour around the kingdom to the other Houses.
This book took me a while to get into it - it’s slow to start, but by the end of it, I was invested in what was happening with the characters, so I will be picking up the second book in this duology. I'm very curious to see how the authors are planning on bringing out more with the boons and if those will change with what could be happening in the second book.
I was really interested in Caspian’s character and wish I knew more about what was going on in his head since everyone just marked him as “being mad” when in fact, he just had a whole other agenda.
I do wish we had more history of the world. The world building was fantastic but I felt like 100 years isn’t a whole lot to have passed since the last phoenix was alive and that even with that, there should still be people around who were alive back then - wouldn’t they know more and have maybe some insight?
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the insta-love between Darling and Talon, but it is YA and that’s typical YA romance so I’m not complaining all too much to be honest with you.
Overall, it was a slow build up to a good read and that I’m excited to continue reading when the next book in the series comes out (please don’t be too long!).
*Thank you Razorbill and BookishFirst for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Shadow Fight 2 Special Edition
Games
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** New story chapter! ** ** No Ads! ** ** No energy! ** The best fighting series on mobile has...
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The End of Magic in Books
Jan 7, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy novel from Mark Stay. It’s exciting, fast paced and jam packed with magic. Until there isn’t any magic, that is.
The Lapis Moon which orbits the planet, is hit by a comet and destroyed, making all the mages and magical creatures powerless. Sander Bree, the mage to a powerful man, is just on his way to find a cure for his employers daughter when he’s rendered powerless. Nevertheless, he’s determined to keep his word.
Rosheen Katell is more of a freelance mage, and is blackmailed into working for a very bad man in order to save her younger brother. Rosheen and Sander find themselves working against one another. With the destruction of the Lapis Moon however, comes the rise of another power.
This was such a good story, and the ending was totally unexpected. I liked that the end seemed to be finished in a very definite way - although it could easily be turned into a series (but I rather like it as it is. The book world seems far to keen on never ending series just lately).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Mark Stay for reading along!
The Lapis Moon which orbits the planet, is hit by a comet and destroyed, making all the mages and magical creatures powerless. Sander Bree, the mage to a powerful man, is just on his way to find a cure for his employers daughter when he’s rendered powerless. Nevertheless, he’s determined to keep his word.
Rosheen Katell is more of a freelance mage, and is blackmailed into working for a very bad man in order to save her younger brother. Rosheen and Sander find themselves working against one another. With the destruction of the Lapis Moon however, comes the rise of another power.
This was such a good story, and the ending was totally unexpected. I liked that the end seemed to be finished in a very definite way - although it could easily be turned into a series (but I rather like it as it is. The book world seems far to keen on never ending series just lately).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Mark Stay for reading along!