Search
Search results
Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts Self Defense and Basics
Sports and Health & Fitness
6.0
Rate It
App
"Are you prepared? For The Top 10 Unarmed and Weapon Attacks You Will Encounter On The street... ...
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Injustice: Gods Among Us in Apps
Jun 19, 2019
Superhero games of often been a mixed bag for gamers. For every Batman Arkham Asylum, there are several titles that failed to deliver the goods and have been relegated to being largely forgettable efforts. Thankfully Injustice: Gods Among Us is a very nice surprise indeed. Not only is it a very solid and enjoyable superhero game, but it is a top-flight fighting game as well. The game is told over 12 chapters and each chapter requires the player to play as one of several heroes or villains. The story is propelled through cut scenes which outline a very detailed and elaborate threat to the world as well is the response that the various characters have to this situation as well as each other.
A typical chapter involves three or so fights that a character has to win in order to move on to the next segment. Since the game is done by the folks who created the recent and highly outstanding Mortal Kombat game this format should be very familiar to anybody who is a fan of fighting games. One of the nice features of the game is that it does not require the best two out of three in order for a player to advance. One victory is sufficient but players get a letter of armor protection over their standard health protection which requires players to inflict a severe amount of damage upon an opponent to win a match.
Should a player fall in battle there immediately able to retry it and after a few subsequent failures the opponent’s abilities ramp down to make advancement slightly easier. There are numerous combat moves available and they differ according to characters. This does require a bit of learning as oddly enough I found playing as Batman to be the most underwhelming character of the game. This is not to say it was not fun simply that I found his combat options rather mundane compared to that of other characters. Since Batman plays a large role in the game you could see how this could be slightly frustrating to me. Interestingly enough, Aquaman and Green Arrow were an absolute delight to play as I found their combat system to be much better suited for my style of play and really enjoyed the options I was able to employ as well as the phenomenal finishing moves that each character has available to them.
In one sequence I was getting pummeled quite severely by Nightwing who unleashed a furious attack on me which knocked me into a new locale. Interestingly enough, the new locale was right into the arms of Killer Croc who was holding a meeting with the penguin and other underworld types, who were kind enough to take the time to smack me around a bit before sending me back out to battle. There were also some interesting mini games such as shooting cars away that had been thrown at me and a very enjoyable one as the Joker or I had to deal cards at an oncoming enemy. Failure to successfully complete one of these mini games resulted in starting a level with the reduced armor capacity.
As the game went on I found myself really enjoying the story but becoming frustrated with what appeared to be a slower than normal reaction time from the characters. He did take a bit of adjustment to my gameplay style, but I was able to complete the challenge and finished the game despite some frustrations.
The game has some fantastic character surprises as well as some very interesting voice talent in it but what I find most amazing is the sheer value and variety of the game. Not only are there the story and online modes which in and of themselves would be more than enough to justify the purchase of the game. There are also challenge modes and scenarios such as S.T.A.R. Labs were various challenge scenarios involving different characters are available for players to test their skills in. This mode alone would’ve made a very interesting and rewarding game and the fact that there is both a story and online mode available really allows this game shine.
When you do with superheroes you must have a lot of belief suspended in order for the story to work. One such example was believing that certain characters could take the beating was being thrown down on them by Superman and come back for more with only a little bit of their armor or health diminished. That being said, I was always happy to dish out more for any of them who wanted it as I especially enjoyed the phenomenal ultra moves of each character as well as being able to interact with the background and bring certain objects into play. During one battle in a hangar, I was able to finish off the opponent by grabbing a tool chest and swatting them like a bug. Another scenario allowed me to pull a missile that was hanging overhead down upon an unsuspecting opponent.
The graphics and sound of the game are first rate and there is absolutely no reason why anybody who is a fan of comic books, superheroes, or fighting games should not get this game especially with the promise of new characters and scenarios being made available in the future through downloadable content. The list of characters in the game alone is impressive and this is truly a phenomenal experience for those who have been waiting for a games do justice to their favorite DC comics characters.
http://sknr.net/2013/04/29/injustice-gods-among-us/
A typical chapter involves three or so fights that a character has to win in order to move on to the next segment. Since the game is done by the folks who created the recent and highly outstanding Mortal Kombat game this format should be very familiar to anybody who is a fan of fighting games. One of the nice features of the game is that it does not require the best two out of three in order for a player to advance. One victory is sufficient but players get a letter of armor protection over their standard health protection which requires players to inflict a severe amount of damage upon an opponent to win a match.
Should a player fall in battle there immediately able to retry it and after a few subsequent failures the opponent’s abilities ramp down to make advancement slightly easier. There are numerous combat moves available and they differ according to characters. This does require a bit of learning as oddly enough I found playing as Batman to be the most underwhelming character of the game. This is not to say it was not fun simply that I found his combat options rather mundane compared to that of other characters. Since Batman plays a large role in the game you could see how this could be slightly frustrating to me. Interestingly enough, Aquaman and Green Arrow were an absolute delight to play as I found their combat system to be much better suited for my style of play and really enjoyed the options I was able to employ as well as the phenomenal finishing moves that each character has available to them.
In one sequence I was getting pummeled quite severely by Nightwing who unleashed a furious attack on me which knocked me into a new locale. Interestingly enough, the new locale was right into the arms of Killer Croc who was holding a meeting with the penguin and other underworld types, who were kind enough to take the time to smack me around a bit before sending me back out to battle. There were also some interesting mini games such as shooting cars away that had been thrown at me and a very enjoyable one as the Joker or I had to deal cards at an oncoming enemy. Failure to successfully complete one of these mini games resulted in starting a level with the reduced armor capacity.
As the game went on I found myself really enjoying the story but becoming frustrated with what appeared to be a slower than normal reaction time from the characters. He did take a bit of adjustment to my gameplay style, but I was able to complete the challenge and finished the game despite some frustrations.
The game has some fantastic character surprises as well as some very interesting voice talent in it but what I find most amazing is the sheer value and variety of the game. Not only are there the story and online modes which in and of themselves would be more than enough to justify the purchase of the game. There are also challenge modes and scenarios such as S.T.A.R. Labs were various challenge scenarios involving different characters are available for players to test their skills in. This mode alone would’ve made a very interesting and rewarding game and the fact that there is both a story and online mode available really allows this game shine.
When you do with superheroes you must have a lot of belief suspended in order for the story to work. One such example was believing that certain characters could take the beating was being thrown down on them by Superman and come back for more with only a little bit of their armor or health diminished. That being said, I was always happy to dish out more for any of them who wanted it as I especially enjoyed the phenomenal ultra moves of each character as well as being able to interact with the background and bring certain objects into play. During one battle in a hangar, I was able to finish off the opponent by grabbing a tool chest and swatting them like a bug. Another scenario allowed me to pull a missile that was hanging overhead down upon an unsuspecting opponent.
The graphics and sound of the game are first rate and there is absolutely no reason why anybody who is a fan of comic books, superheroes, or fighting games should not get this game especially with the promise of new characters and scenarios being made available in the future through downloadable content. The list of characters in the game alone is impressive and this is truly a phenomenal experience for those who have been waiting for a games do justice to their favorite DC comics characters.
http://sknr.net/2013/04/29/injustice-gods-among-us/
Merissa (12351 KP) rated Thunder Hunter (Viking Soul #1) in Books
Nov 6, 2017
Thunder Hunter (Viking Soul #1) by Rachel Medhurst
Thunder Hunter starts off many years ago, with Loki and Thor fighting. Freya is there too, plus many others, all of whom will die unless something changes. What changes is Loki kills Thor, but Freya puts Thor's power inside his grandson. Trygger must find all of the Fallen Ones before he can die, no matter how long it takes. Once that has happened, Thor will live, and Trygger will die at last, and live among the gods. Fast forward a few years, and Trygger only has five more to find. He as lived through many assassination attempts by Loki's descendants, and has killed more than his fair share too. And then Freya decides she will help him, by sending one of her descendants, Chloe.
I have to be honest, there were parts that I really enjoyed in this book, but there were also parts that I didn't like. Trygger has been by himself for a long time, and has focused only on completing his task so that he can die. Along the way, he has lost most of society's "niceties", but that doesn't stop EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. from throwing herself at him. Even if her job is to kill him! Sorry, but I don't get that bit. Also, he said that he never had women stay over at his place, but he has on hand a little black dress from someone he has killed just lying around!
This was an enjoyable book if you don't look to deeply at it. I'm not entirely sure where the story is going, which is a good thing, but I don't think I'll be reading any further along. If you enjoy tales of Norse mythology though, I would definitely recommend it to you.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I have to be honest, there were parts that I really enjoyed in this book, but there were also parts that I didn't like. Trygger has been by himself for a long time, and has focused only on completing his task so that he can die. Along the way, he has lost most of society's "niceties", but that doesn't stop EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. from throwing herself at him. Even if her job is to kill him! Sorry, but I don't get that bit. Also, he said that he never had women stay over at his place, but he has on hand a little black dress from someone he has killed just lying around!
This was an enjoyable book if you don't look to deeply at it. I'm not entirely sure where the story is going, which is a good thing, but I don't think I'll be reading any further along. If you enjoy tales of Norse mythology though, I would definitely recommend it to you.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Rosealinea (589 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) in Movies
Jan 3, 2018
Plenty of comedy aspects. (1 more)
It will leave you feeling on edge.
Throughly enjoyable movie.
Contains spoilers, click to show
I went to see this movie with some of our family for our yearly cinema get together. I have to say, I was extremely impressed with the film. I admit, I was a little nervous as I have heard quite a lot of bad things about it, but surprise surprise, it was actually pretty good!
Plenty of the usual action packed scenes, although some of them did feel you leave you feeling a bit dizzy. It was nice to see the characters again and there is plenty of comedy aspects as well, such as the little penguin trying to growl like chewbacca and also a few comedy comments that are made.
One of the things that was mentioned about the film was about the poor CGI, I would have to disagree with that, as I felt that it did go with the film, the little penguins and also the sparkley frozen foxes where incredible and to me, it felt like it added a little something to it. I must say that I am not a fan of the CGI, however, when it is done well, I can appreciate it and this is the case in this film.
The only bad point I would say is that Chewbacca seems to have become very slim and not as heavily built as he has been in the past, I think that this is a let down as it makes him look a bit odd, out of proportion. I'm not sure though that it might just be me, but he didn't look right.
Throught the film, it leaves you feeling on edge, some of the scenes such as when Rey and Kylo are fighting, leave you gasping. Is there still a chance that he will not go over fully to the Darkside...we will see.
Id definitely recommend this film. It's incredible and I look forward to the next installment.
Plenty of the usual action packed scenes, although some of them did feel you leave you feeling a bit dizzy. It was nice to see the characters again and there is plenty of comedy aspects as well, such as the little penguin trying to growl like chewbacca and also a few comedy comments that are made.
One of the things that was mentioned about the film was about the poor CGI, I would have to disagree with that, as I felt that it did go with the film, the little penguins and also the sparkley frozen foxes where incredible and to me, it felt like it added a little something to it. I must say that I am not a fan of the CGI, however, when it is done well, I can appreciate it and this is the case in this film.
The only bad point I would say is that Chewbacca seems to have become very slim and not as heavily built as he has been in the past, I think that this is a let down as it makes him look a bit odd, out of proportion. I'm not sure though that it might just be me, but he didn't look right.
Throught the film, it leaves you feeling on edge, some of the scenes such as when Rey and Kylo are fighting, leave you gasping. Is there still a chance that he will not go over fully to the Darkside...we will see.
Id definitely recommend this film. It's incredible and I look forward to the next installment.
KerysJayne Draganova (21 KP) rated Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days #1) in Books
Jan 13, 2018 (Updated Jan 13, 2018)
Storyline (3 more)
Characters
Alot of action
Dark take on Angels
It truly astounds me that the author had to self publish this book...considering some of the rubbish that actually gets picked up by publishing companies.
I love love loved Ee's take on Angels. I'm not really a fan of paranormal books with angels usually, as generally they involve squeaky clean, day-saving, nicey nice angels....*yawn*! Same old every time. So Ee's end of the world bringing, dark, gritty angels were a breath of fresh air.
Ee has created some incredible characters in this book, Penryn is an absolute bad ass. I love that she's trained in martial arts and not afraid to put up a fight. She's ready to protect her family at all costs, whether that means fighting humans gone mad, or crazy, sword wielding, angels with super strength.
The dynamic between Penryn and Raffe is perfect. I love how Penryn saves Raffes ass so many times throughout the book, and he returns the favour. There's no love at first sight between the two. Rather their partnership starts as one of survival, and a building of trust that brings about a whole load of tension between the two. Their story gets you right in the feels.
Also Penryn's crazy Mother is freaking Amazing!!!! I can't wait to see where Ee goes with this character.
The only thing I felt let this book down was the world building/ back story, I didn't really get a proper feel for what kind of state the the world was in, and there wasn't really an explanation as to how the angels brought on the apocalypse.
Also, I will say parts of the book can be very Dark/ graphic. This book is listed as a YA but may be better for older YAs and even NAs.
Overall, this is an awesome post-apocalyptic story, and I definitely recommend it.
I love love loved Ee's take on Angels. I'm not really a fan of paranormal books with angels usually, as generally they involve squeaky clean, day-saving, nicey nice angels....*yawn*! Same old every time. So Ee's end of the world bringing, dark, gritty angels were a breath of fresh air.
Ee has created some incredible characters in this book, Penryn is an absolute bad ass. I love that she's trained in martial arts and not afraid to put up a fight. She's ready to protect her family at all costs, whether that means fighting humans gone mad, or crazy, sword wielding, angels with super strength.
The dynamic between Penryn and Raffe is perfect. I love how Penryn saves Raffes ass so many times throughout the book, and he returns the favour. There's no love at first sight between the two. Rather their partnership starts as one of survival, and a building of trust that brings about a whole load of tension between the two. Their story gets you right in the feels.
Also Penryn's crazy Mother is freaking Amazing!!!! I can't wait to see where Ee goes with this character.
The only thing I felt let this book down was the world building/ back story, I didn't really get a proper feel for what kind of state the the world was in, and there wasn't really an explanation as to how the angels brought on the apocalypse.
Also, I will say parts of the book can be very Dark/ graphic. This book is listed as a YA but may be better for older YAs and even NAs.
Overall, this is an awesome post-apocalyptic story, and I definitely recommend it.
Christina Haynes (148 KP) rated The Princess Bride in Books
Apr 24, 2018
The Princess Bride
By William Goldman
Review: Christina Haynes
In a place called Florin there lives a woman called Buttercup. Although I say 'lives' Buttercup actually died. She died on the day her true love Westley was killed on his ship after the Dread Pirate Roberts attacked.
So when I say lived, she is alive of course. But she cannot love another nor does she want too. In fact she doesn't really want to do anything. She doesnt even want to marry Prince Humberdink, who proposes to her, to which she only accepts because the Prince threatens her with death.
After Buttercup learns how to be a Princess, like the correct way to walk and talk, and eat and what to wear. She becomes a Princess, Princess Buttercup. Her engagement is announced to the public and the date it set. All sounds okay? Well not, because she gets kidnapped by a Sicilian, a Turk and a Spaniard.
Her kidnapping, though it's not the beginning of the book, it is the start of the story. If that makes sense? You see if she wasn't kidnapped and the Dread Pirate Roberts [SPOILER Westley] didn't rescue her, then there wouldn't be a story.
There is sword fighting, love, revenge, humor, a battle of the wits, Princesses, Princes, Kings and Queens and a Miracle Man called Max. This book is full of fun, comical writing. There are morons and fools in the book. It's a truly great and funny book to read.
I first watched the Princess Bride on the TV when I was younger (you see it's a film too) and I loved it, it quickly became one of my favourites. This book although extremely long. (It does make the film seem really short) it's really good.
In the book, each character has a background, some sad, some happy and some just okay. I loved the one about the Spaniard the best. This book has everything you would want.
Love, Christina
3.5 / 4 ☕ – NOT A BAD BOOK / BUT I REALLY LIKED IT
By William Goldman
Review: Christina Haynes
In a place called Florin there lives a woman called Buttercup. Although I say 'lives' Buttercup actually died. She died on the day her true love Westley was killed on his ship after the Dread Pirate Roberts attacked.
So when I say lived, she is alive of course. But she cannot love another nor does she want too. In fact she doesn't really want to do anything. She doesnt even want to marry Prince Humberdink, who proposes to her, to which she only accepts because the Prince threatens her with death.
After Buttercup learns how to be a Princess, like the correct way to walk and talk, and eat and what to wear. She becomes a Princess, Princess Buttercup. Her engagement is announced to the public and the date it set. All sounds okay? Well not, because she gets kidnapped by a Sicilian, a Turk and a Spaniard.
Her kidnapping, though it's not the beginning of the book, it is the start of the story. If that makes sense? You see if she wasn't kidnapped and the Dread Pirate Roberts [SPOILER Westley] didn't rescue her, then there wouldn't be a story.
There is sword fighting, love, revenge, humor, a battle of the wits, Princesses, Princes, Kings and Queens and a Miracle Man called Max. This book is full of fun, comical writing. There are morons and fools in the book. It's a truly great and funny book to read.
I first watched the Princess Bride on the TV when I was younger (you see it's a film too) and I loved it, it quickly became one of my favourites. This book although extremely long. (It does make the film seem really short) it's really good.
In the book, each character has a background, some sad, some happy and some just okay. I loved the one about the Spaniard the best. This book has everything you would want.
Love, Christina
3.5 / 4 ☕ – NOT A BAD BOOK / BUT I REALLY LIKED IT
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Coyote Dreams (Walker Papers, #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I never am sure how to evaluate the books in this series, because I understand so little of what is occurring. Joanne is the type of character who lives moment to moment, and still comes out smelling like roses. In the first book, this didn't feel like it would work for me, but now I'm quite used to it. The irony is that what used to surprise me so unexpectedly had quite ceased to have that sort of effect.
The plus side to all of this is that Joanne no longer seems to be fighting her shamanic role as much and is excepting who she is and what she can do. Even her boss seems to be adapting to the idea, which can be quite hilarious at times. The chemistry between them is as visible as lightning, but for some reason neither one wants to act on it, which is frustrating to no end for me.
I was really hopeful through most of the book that the new male element was as good as he seemed, because he was perfect for Joanne in so many ways. The way her life changed on a dime did not seem to phase him, and neither did her shamanic duties. It was like he had this secret knowledge that he knew exactly what she needed, and it was the hottie standing in his shoes. Alas, these things are always too good to be true.
I enjoyed the focus on sleep and dreaming that this book had, it was a more unpredictable element for Joanne to work with and it made her expand her limits and comfort zone. This also allowed her to venture into her boss's mental garden, which was both surprising and exciting and added a new layer to their evolving relationship.
I was not really satisfied with the ending, but the great thing about series is that this still has the potential to change. I look forward to the next book in the series, Walking Dead (The Walker Papers, Book 4).
The plus side to all of this is that Joanne no longer seems to be fighting her shamanic role as much and is excepting who she is and what she can do. Even her boss seems to be adapting to the idea, which can be quite hilarious at times. The chemistry between them is as visible as lightning, but for some reason neither one wants to act on it, which is frustrating to no end for me.
I was really hopeful through most of the book that the new male element was as good as he seemed, because he was perfect for Joanne in so many ways. The way her life changed on a dime did not seem to phase him, and neither did her shamanic duties. It was like he had this secret knowledge that he knew exactly what she needed, and it was the hottie standing in his shoes. Alas, these things are always too good to be true.
I enjoyed the focus on sleep and dreaming that this book had, it was a more unpredictable element for Joanne to work with and it made her expand her limits and comfort zone. This also allowed her to venture into her boss's mental garden, which was both surprising and exciting and added a new layer to their evolving relationship.
I was not really satisfied with the ending, but the great thing about series is that this still has the potential to change. I look forward to the next book in the series, Walking Dead (The Walker Papers, Book 4).
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Dark Protector introduces an interesting new concept in the paranormal romance field. If there are other books that deal with something like a paladin and this sort of plot, I don't know about them and haven't ever come across anything similar.
Laurel and Devlin were nice characters but that was about it; there wasn't much depth to them or back story. I would have liked to know more about Devlin and how he came to be a paladin exactly (at least I don't think it was mentioned). I mean he was about three times Laurel's age, so he had to have lived some outside the paladin world. You don't just start fighting in diapers. What is the whole history of the paladins and how do they come back? Also, I'd love to know more about the Others, which I suspect is to come, but they sound so intriguing! Why do they cause chaos to the human world? Why are they on the other side? What are they like? Were they really humans long ago but were sent/punished/whatever to be on the other side?(My hypothesis) I hope Ms. Morgan answers these questions in the future!
I still can't help but feel that there was something missing (besides my before mentioned questions :P) - I'm not sure what it was, maybe because the whole book was an introduction to the paladins and the rest of the series, but I don't know. Or it could be the relationship itself, which wasn't quite believable - nice but not something I'll remember. Still, I will read more in the series, especially Trahern's and Cullen's books, and hope they progress nicely in the future.
3.5 stars
*note
Excuse me if I've missed things mentioned in the actual book but I had started it a couple months ago, couldn't concentrate on reading at all, and just picked it back up yesterday.
Laurel and Devlin were nice characters but that was about it; there wasn't much depth to them or back story. I would have liked to know more about Devlin and how he came to be a paladin exactly (at least I don't think it was mentioned). I mean he was about three times Laurel's age, so he had to have lived some outside the paladin world. You don't just start fighting in diapers. What is the whole history of the paladins and how do they come back? Also, I'd love to know more about the Others, which I suspect is to come, but they sound so intriguing! Why do they cause chaos to the human world? Why are they on the other side? What are they like? Were they really humans long ago but were sent/punished/whatever to be on the other side?(My hypothesis) I hope Ms. Morgan answers these questions in the future!
I still can't help but feel that there was something missing (besides my before mentioned questions :P) - I'm not sure what it was, maybe because the whole book was an introduction to the paladins and the rest of the series, but I don't know. Or it could be the relationship itself, which wasn't quite believable - nice but not something I'll remember. Still, I will read more in the series, especially Trahern's and Cullen's books, and hope they progress nicely in the future.
3.5 stars
*note
Excuse me if I've missed things mentioned in the actual book but I had started it a couple months ago, couldn't concentrate on reading at all, and just picked it back up yesterday.
ClareR (5784 KP) rated A Spark Of Light in Books
Feb 21, 2019
A thought-provoking, emotional novel
My first Jodi Picoult book, and what a way to start. This has had some extreme reviews - people who really enjoyed it, and others who hated it and considered it to be too 'preachy'. I didn't feel that way about it. I felt that it gave a measured representation to all sides of abortion: pro-choice and anti-abortion/ pro-life.
It showed that those who have abortions don't see it as a lifestyle choice, but as a last resort. That those who are pro-life believe that they are fighting for what they strongly believe in. And both of those views are valid. There will always be people who will not have abortions for religious reasons, and there will be those who have abortions because they believe it's the only option open to them - and this is well described in this book.
We also see the desperation of fathers who will do anything to protect their daughters - whether it's taking hostages in an abortion clinic, or trying to talk that same man down.
This book hasn't changed my stance on the subject, but I can see that both sides of the story have people who believe that they are right in what they do (even if that means killing people to save a life not yet begun) and Picoult represents them both well. The Authors Note at the end of the book is really interesting as well, and I would urge the reader to read this part. It goes in to her research, the people she talked to: she spoke to a lot of people, watched abortions and made sure that she spoke to those who represented all sides of the story.
I can see why Jodi Picoult has so many fans, her writing is so good - this is well worth reading and is very thought provoking.
Many thanks to Smashbomb for providing me with a copy of this book in their giveaway competition. It was a prize well worth winning!!
It showed that those who have abortions don't see it as a lifestyle choice, but as a last resort. That those who are pro-life believe that they are fighting for what they strongly believe in. And both of those views are valid. There will always be people who will not have abortions for religious reasons, and there will be those who have abortions because they believe it's the only option open to them - and this is well described in this book.
We also see the desperation of fathers who will do anything to protect their daughters - whether it's taking hostages in an abortion clinic, or trying to talk that same man down.
This book hasn't changed my stance on the subject, but I can see that both sides of the story have people who believe that they are right in what they do (even if that means killing people to save a life not yet begun) and Picoult represents them both well. The Authors Note at the end of the book is really interesting as well, and I would urge the reader to read this part. It goes in to her research, the people she talked to: she spoke to a lot of people, watched abortions and made sure that she spoke to those who represented all sides of the story.
I can see why Jodi Picoult has so many fans, her writing is so good - this is well worth reading and is very thought provoking.
Many thanks to Smashbomb for providing me with a copy of this book in their giveaway competition. It was a prize well worth winning!!
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated From Auction Block to Glory: The African American Experience in Books
Mar 18, 2019
From the Auction Block to Glory examines the lives and stories of African Americans during the civil war years. Where transplanted and enslaved African Americans were bought and sold as property to the battlefield where two dozen black soldiers won the Congressional Medal of Honor. Beginning with a history of slavery from its European origins to its establishment in the New World. With the succession phases of African American involvement in the World effort. When the North faced a potentially disastrous manpower crisis at the end of 1862, more than 200,000 African Americans rose to the occasion and joined the forces supplementing the Union's dissipating army, salvaging the North's hope of reuniting the nation. The issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the repeals of the 1792 militia law transformed the military and political climate in the North. African American's were now free to fight on the side of the North but stereotypes were as such that black soldiers were under pressure to prove their combat capabilities. From the early battles and victories at Milliken's Bend and Port Hudson to the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantries famous attack on Fort Wagner, African American's demonstrated their fighting.
From the Auction Block to Glory by Phillip Thomas Tucker Ph.D. is 128 pages long and looks at the African American experience from slavery to emancipation. I found the book very insightful as it looked at the side of slavery not just from the slave's point of view but from the perspective of the Southern owners and the North's needs end the slavery. The painting, photographs, and stretches bring the past to life and allow additional visual confirmation of what the words were saying and gives you a rare and unique view of the world that they lived in. I found the book very informative and an enjoyable read. Dr. Tucker writing style is in a communicative style similar to a conversation from him to you which makes you want to finish the book in one sitting.
From the Auction Block to Glory by Phillip Thomas Tucker Ph.D. is 128 pages long and looks at the African American experience from slavery to emancipation. I found the book very insightful as it looked at the side of slavery not just from the slave's point of view but from the perspective of the Southern owners and the North's needs end the slavery. The painting, photographs, and stretches bring the past to life and allow additional visual confirmation of what the words were saying and gives you a rare and unique view of the world that they lived in. I found the book very informative and an enjoyable read. Dr. Tucker writing style is in a communicative style similar to a conversation from him to you which makes you want to finish the book in one sitting.