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David McK (3562 KP) rated Sword of the Archon (Shader, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The first in D.P. Prior's 'Shader' series, this is a self-published fantasy that is set upon a future Earth following a post-apocalyptic event in which magic has returned.
While I'm not usually averse to a bit of fantasy every now and then, I have to say: I found this one to be hard going. Despite a promising start, I found it to become somewhat overblown and drawn out and just not that engaging: I never really connected with any of the characters or the situations they faced.
There were times, even, when I was tempted to abandon it altogether / skip chapters, but stuck at it out of sheer bloody-mindedness rather than due to any interest in the story
I'm sorry to say so, but I doubt I'll pick up the second in the series. :(
While I'm not usually averse to a bit of fantasy every now and then, I have to say: I found this one to be hard going. Despite a promising start, I found it to become somewhat overblown and drawn out and just not that engaging: I never really connected with any of the characters or the situations they faced.
There were times, even, when I was tempted to abandon it altogether / skip chapters, but stuck at it out of sheer bloody-mindedness rather than due to any interest in the story
I'm sorry to say so, but I doubt I'll pick up the second in the series. :(
David McK (3562 KP) rated Sword of Honour in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Back in 2013 (or thereabouts) I picked up a book in my local Tesco's; a book of which (at the time) I knew nothing about but which IO ended up quite enjoying. That books (Child of Vengeance) was the immediate precursor to this, and turned out to be one that I quite enjoyed.
Fast forward roughly 5 years, and I picked up the sequel, hoping to receive the same enjoyment from it.
Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed: I found this (which is, effectively, a Japanese revenge tale) to be plodding, pedestrian, heavy going and really just not that engaging, populated with unlikeable characters with murky motivations and with a verbose style of writing that just did not flow, even in the action sequences. As such, I actually found this a struggle to make it to the end!
Sorry Mr Kirk!
Fast forward roughly 5 years, and I picked up the sequel, hoping to receive the same enjoyment from it.
Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed: I found this (which is, effectively, a Japanese revenge tale) to be plodding, pedestrian, heavy going and really just not that engaging, populated with unlikeable characters with murky motivations and with a verbose style of writing that just did not flow, even in the action sequences. As such, I actually found this a struggle to make it to the end!
Sorry Mr Kirk!
Lee (2222 KP) rated Seoul Station (2016) in Movies
Jan 21, 2019
Nowhere near as good as it's live action companion
Seoul Station is an animated prequel to 'Train to Busan', one of my favourite movies in recent years. It is written and directed by the director of that movie too. Set in and around Seoul Station at night, the movie begins with an elderly homeless man who staggers towards the station, weak and bleeding from a wound. The beginning of the zombie apocalypse, which then unfolds throughout the night.
I found this movie to be nowhere near as interesting or as intense as Train to Busan. No characters of note to get behind and I didn't really like the animation style either. To be honest, it took me two or three sittings to complete it, I just found it a real struggle. Stick with the far superior Train to Busan.
I found this movie to be nowhere near as interesting or as intense as Train to Busan. No characters of note to get behind and I didn't really like the animation style either. To be honest, it took me two or three sittings to complete it, I just found it a real struggle. Stick with the far superior Train to Busan.
Anne (15117 KP) rated Little Weirds in Books
Nov 4, 2019
This was an interesting read/listen a bit different. It was a quick and short read with some humor, reflection and memoir type stories. It reminded me a bit of a one-woman play of sorts.
The first 1/3-1/2 of the book was sort of random except I connected more to some bits but after the first half, I found more to connect with and then with the last few chapters, I found it enlightening and connected quite a bit to that part.
It's a bit like a collection of mini-memoir essays that talk about being a woman, a child, growing up, figuring things out and having an enlightening moment of rising above hard times, etc.
If you're looking for a short listen with some quirkiness memoir type stories and such then you might enjoy this.
The first 1/3-1/2 of the book was sort of random except I connected more to some bits but after the first half, I found more to connect with and then with the last few chapters, I found it enlightening and connected quite a bit to that part.
It's a bit like a collection of mini-memoir essays that talk about being a woman, a child, growing up, figuring things out and having an enlightening moment of rising above hard times, etc.
If you're looking for a short listen with some quirkiness memoir type stories and such then you might enjoy this.
Barry Newman (204 KP) rated 1917 (2020) in Movies
Jan 28, 2020
Whilst a relatively simple story about two soldiers on a journey to deliver a live saving message I found this to be a highly impressive film. Technically brilliant and also quite moving in the human story that it tells and its depiction of the pointlessness of war. The cinematography and use of long takes is very realistic and immersive, you really do feel like you are on the front line. Dedicating the film to his grandfather this is obviously a very personal project for Sam Mendes and the director is at the top of his game here. I found this to be far superior to 'Dunkirk' which whilst also being a feast for the eyes lacked characters that you could actually care about. Mendes manages to get the balance just right and has created one of the best war movies in years.
Alan Speer (18 KP) rated Radio Garden - Worldwide Premium in Apps
Mar 18, 2020
Great search for a radio station anywhere in the world. (2 more)
There are some adverts and sometimes so far, I have found not all stations you can get but it's a small problem.
Thousands of radio stations to choose from around the world.
I found this global radio search app a few days ago thanks to a friend. It's free and so good for searching for a radio station anywhere in the world. The best way to explain is that it's like Google earth with radio stations. Not only that, you are able to zoom onto the building. Its does have a few ads and some zoom in pictures are not too clear but this is a small problem and a great way to travel the world without leaving your sofa or home.
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