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David McK (3204 KP) rated The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019 (Updated Jun 23, 2020)
The first - and, for my money, best - of Peter Jackson's now 6-film foray into Middle Earth, that (I'm sure) saw a massive boost to the New Zealand economy where it was filmed!
It's hard to talk about this film nowadays without describing the plot - is there anyone who doesn't know it? - but this is the film that (I believe) sticks closest to the original story, and is very much what I would call 'traditional' High Fantasy (as opposed to 'Urban Fantasy'), with do-good Elves, Dwarves, Rangers, Orcs, Goblins, Cave-Trolls, Hobbits (halflings) ,,,,
And finally,
"Fly, you fools!"
still packs a punch!
It's hard to talk about this film nowadays without describing the plot - is there anyone who doesn't know it? - but this is the film that (I believe) sticks closest to the original story, and is very much what I would call 'traditional' High Fantasy (as opposed to 'Urban Fantasy'), with do-good Elves, Dwarves, Rangers, Orcs, Goblins, Cave-Trolls, Hobbits (halflings) ,,,,
And finally,
"Fly, you fools!"
still packs a punch!
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Divergent in Books
Jun 2, 2018
I actually really enjoyed the first book in this series. It’s got decent world building and character development. It suffers a bit from the trend to make absolutely every young adult sci-fi/fantasy novel into a series, which means you’ll be left hanging a bit at the end. Gotta keep you coming back for more.
Overall, the first book gave me high hopes for the series.
Overall, the first book gave me high hopes for the series.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated In Legend Born (Chronicles of Sirkara, #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Well-written high fantasy, but honestly, it just went on too long. So far, everybody has lost someone important. Anybody who loves anyone seems to be doomed. Betrayals are everywhere, and that's something I find profoundly disturbing.
The book did end on a note of hope, and I want to know what happens next. I just don't know if I want it enough to slog through (at least) two more volumes.
The book did end on a note of hope, and I want to know what happens next. I just don't know if I want it enough to slog through (at least) two more volumes.
David McK (3204 KP) rated The Rage of Dragons in Books
May 15, 2022
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 ... ?
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 ... ?
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Pan's Labyrinth (2006) in Movies
Apr 26, 2018
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.
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.
Alice (117 KP) rated Strange the Dreamer in Books
Mar 3, 2021
"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!!!
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!!!
Merissa (11704 KP) rated The Seven Spires in Books
Feb 3, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
THE SEVEN SPIRES is a high fantasy novel where you only learn the characters' names right at the end. Until that point, they are all known as the Warrior, the Knight, the Blue Prince, the Maiden, you get the idea. The world has seven kingdoms, each kingdom having a spire. The Maiden meets first with the Knight, followed by the Blue Prince, but then goes home. That would be okay except she is followed by a dragon-child who wants what she has, although she has no idea what that is. And so the story begins...
This was a well-written fantasy that travels the length and breadth of the kingdom, giving the reader glimpses into each kingdom. The plot becomes intricate once you find out there is a dragon-child for each kingdom, and some are 'good', and some are 'bad'. The characters were a bit two-dimensional, to begin with, but fleshed out as their adventures continued. The pacing is smooth as it leads to the ultimate climax, with a satisfying epilogue to let us know how the characters get on once the book ends.
If you are a fan of high fantasy, then I have no hesitation in recommending this novel to you.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 3, 2021
This was a well-written fantasy that travels the length and breadth of the kingdom, giving the reader glimpses into each kingdom. The plot becomes intricate once you find out there is a dragon-child for each kingdom, and some are 'good', and some are 'bad'. The characters were a bit two-dimensional, to begin with, but fleshed out as their adventures continued. The pacing is smooth as it leads to the ultimate climax, with a satisfying epilogue to let us know how the characters get on once the book ends.
If you are a fan of high fantasy, then I have no hesitation in recommending this novel to you.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 3, 2021
Jessica Haley (2 KP) rated The Runelords in Books
Apr 26, 2018
The Runelords Spoiler Free Review
If you liked The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan you will like this series. This is the first book in The Runelords Saga. It's a very good sword and sorcery high fantasy series with multiple perspectives and a unique magic system. This first book introduces and starts building the characters and world well and the action is just beginning. I have a feeling things are going to get rough through the rest of these books. Deffinately a highly recommended book in my opinion.
I am so sad I waited so long to start this series. The covers always lead me to believe it was very high fantasy and I am not a fan of that. Lo and behold I adore this book. The switching of perspectives can be crazy hard to follow but at the same time I really enjoying getting a peek at what everyone thinks/is doing. It creates such a complete picture that you can really see each character as being real and tangible instead of just outside help along char.
Tom Turner (388 KP) rated Storm Front: The Dresden Files, Book 1 in Books
Apr 29, 2021
If you've been in the realm of the internet that discusses the Fantasy Fiction, you will know about The Dresden Files. This book has been on my list for who knows how long, and I'm glad I've finally got around to it. I wouldn't say this was the best book I've read, but knowing that the series only gets better and better, the bar was set pleasing high for continuing this world. It set the stage for what is to come, and I'm looking forward to discovering more.