Black Butler, Vol. 19 (Black Butler, #19)
7.0
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In accordance with the wishes of Queen Victoria, young Earl Ciel Phantomhive embarks on a jaunt to...
The Undercover Princess
10.0
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When fairy tale obsessed Lottie Pumpkin starts at the infamous Rosewood Hall, she is not expecting...
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Beastly in Books
Feb 11, 2019
The plot wraps around the character of Kyle Kingsbury, who becomes the Beast. The book mainly felt like a character study as he progressed from a conceited, self-involved boy to a self-sacrificing, repentant young man. This is certainly a change from most retellings of this tale, since it is usually from the viewpoint of the character who plays the role of "Beauty." Many of the side characters were also just as fascinating, such as the blind tutor who comes to live with Kyle. I love the fascination that Kyle adopted for roses and the details of their care that were included in the book, it gave the book more depth. Probably the most exciting part of the book was his frantic race through New York City and the way that he handled the reactions that he created during this foray.
I know that this book was turned into a movie recently. I have not seen it as of yet, other than the previews, but I do look forward to it. But I already know of one major difference that the movie has from the book, and that is Kyle's beastly appearance is changed to resemble extravagant and disfiguring tattoos. I'll reserve opinion on this until after I've seen the movie.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) in Movies
Oct 15, 2019
In the years since the last film ended; Aurora (Elle Fanning) has relished in her role as Princess over the Moors and all of the enchanted creatures that live within it. When she accepts a proposal from Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson), this sets off a chain of celebratory events as they all prepare for the big day which will unite the two lands.
Phillip’s parents King John (Robert Lindsay) and Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) are eager for the union while Maleficent strongly opposes it and tells Aurora that there will be no wedding. When Aurora persists; Maleficent reluctantly accepts an invitation to dinner at the Castle where things soon go horribly wrong and Maleficent is accused of putting a curse on the King.
Injured while fleeing, Maleficent is wounded and takin in by others of her kind who are preparing for war against the humans as a dark and dangerous plan is underway and the survival of the enchanted creatures is threatened.
The film then becomes a tense adventure with plenty of action, magic, and fantasy which is a nice framework for the great visual effects of the film.
I had been concerned that the film might be too dark for the usual audience for this type of film and there are moments where my concerns are validated. However there is much more charm, fantasy and wonder in the film and if anyone has ever read the original Grimm Fairy Tales; they will know that this is considerably toned down compared to what they offered.
The film has some great visuals to it but they never overshadow the characters in the film as Jolie seems to be taking gleeful delight in playing the title character but allows herself to have some fun with the character at times which helps her emerge as a well-rounded character versus being a staple Fairy Tale Villain.
The film may take a bit of time getting up to the main events but it does so to give more time for the characters to develop which helps them stand out from the usual good/bad monikers given to many fantasy characters.
The supporting cast is solid especially the performances by Pfeiffer and Chiwetel Ejiofor who add much to the complexity of the film and also invoke many themes of discussion that mirrors what is happening in much of society today.
In the end the film delivers a strong performance by Jolie and plenty of magic to make this a modern Fairy Tale Disney classic in the making.
3.5 stars out of 5.
The Sleeper and the Spindle: Winner of the Cilip Kate Greenaway Medal 2016
8.0
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A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and...
Yiza
Ruth Martin and Michael Kohlmeier
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Part dark fairy tale, part mystery, Yiza is the story of three homeless street children on the run....
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Unlucky Charms (Superstition Mystery, #3) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Destiny is a quaint, almost fairy-tale like town where superstitions are real and good luck charms are a necessity. I might not like to live there, but it is fun to visit for a while!
<i>Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Stardust in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I always worry when I have the author reading the audiobook. It's either going to be amazing or torturous. Neil did a great job at doing the voices and helping you imagine what each character would sound like.
The plot was cute and sweet. I loved the adult fairy tale aspect of it. I loved the characters and I loved the unique aspects in the book.
If you're looking for a fun read, this is it.
5000-1: The Leicester City Story
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A regal blue-and-gold hardback edition - a keepsake for fans to commemorate Leicester City's...
The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1)
7.8
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Nine-year-old Tiffany Aching thinks her Granny Aching – a wise shepherd – might have been a...