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David McK (3185 KP) rated The Rage of Dragons in Books

May 15, 2022  
The Rage of Dragons
The Rage of Dragons
Evan Winter | 2019 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I picked this one up during the summer for a holiday read, but have only just got around to reading it now.

And, I have to say, I was really impressed with it.

Telling the story of Tau Solarin, this probably falls somewhere between high fantasy (yes, there are dragons but no elves or dwarves or such like) and heroic fantasy (none of the characters are really what you would call conventional heroes!), but nor is it what I would call Dark fantasy (you can understand why they are doing what they are doing, with none of the characters really anti-heroes).

I'm looking forward to finding out more about the background, culture, beliefs and (in general) the world in future instalments: just what was The Cull, for instance, and why did the Omehi have to flee from it?

At that, how did the caste system come about? Will it be overthrown ... ?
  
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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Pan's Labyrinth (2006) in Movies

Apr 26, 2018  
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
2006 | Fantasy
6
8.1 (91 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Could Have Been Better
A little girl ventures into a fantasy world to complete three dangerous tasks after which she will be able to return to her underground kingdom. I had high hopes for Pan's Labyrinth and unfortunately there were a few factors that let me down. A few tweaks would have helped the film ascend to greatness.


Acting: 10

Beginning: 7
Not the best start I've seen in a film, but certainly not the worst. It gives you just enough to hook you and anticipate what is to follow.

Characters: 10

Cinematography/Visuals: 8

Conflict: 5

Genre: 3

Memorability: 8
The high score here is moreso indicative of director Guillermo del Toro trying something new and daring to be different. The creatures and the world in which they belong were unique enough to stand their own among other fantasy films I've seen. However, as the film shifts back and forth between fantasy and reality, I didn't get as much of the former as I would have hoped.

Pace: 4

Plot: 5
Again, I applaud an attempt to be innovative. What bothered me was how much was going on at once. It made it hard for me to enjoy the film as a whole. Things get pretty dark and depressing with no redemption in sight. I question some of the plot choices. Also, I was hoping that the fantasy world had a closer tie to the real world. Things fell apart for me when they did finally try and combine the two.

Resolution: 3

Overall: 63
A film with potential squandered by a mediocre ending and not going all in on the fantasy side. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I know a number of people that love it. I didn't.
  
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Alice (117 KP) rated Strange the Dreamer in Books

Mar 3, 2021  
Strange the Dreamer
Strange the Dreamer
Laini Taylor | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
10
9.0 (19 Ratings)
Book Rating
"Beautiful and full of monsters, all the best stories are"

boy oh boy oh boy was this book beautiful (and full of monsters) and magical I was so captivated by the story and the land that I can completely understand how Lazlo got so caught up in the city of Weep.

If you're looking for an epic high fantasy I highkey recommend this one. It will touch your soul in new and exciting ways. Laini Taylor is a genius!!!