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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Purge (2013) in Movies

Aug 8, 2021

The Purge (2013)

2013 | Mystery, Sci-Fi

6.4

(30 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Despite it's shortcomings, it's easy to see why The Purge ended up spawning a franchise and that's mainly down to it's tantalising premise. The whole "murder is legal for one night every year" idea is suitably dystopian, and yet feels uncomfortably plausible. It's a little slice of horror-plot gold.
This first entry however, is more of a tease of what could be, focusing on one family, in one location, on Purge Night.
It has a fair amount going for it. Two strong leads in Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey, a relatively charismatic villain, and a well paced narrative that manages to achieve some sort of tension here and there.
Unfortunately, it falls into silly action clichés during the final third. It's easy to lose count of how many times a main character is about to meet their demise, before being miraculously saved at the last second. It becomes a bit laughable by the time the credits roll. The plot beats around this point take a bit of a dive as well, with some last minute twists thrown in that don't really make a lick of sense. The action itself is fairly entertaining, but marred somewhat by all the crappy CGI blood flying around. And although the main villain has some entertaining aspects, his minions are just a bunch of cringy edge lords that unfortunately plague this entire series.

All that being said, The Purge is still a modest and tidy enough home invasion thriller that deserves a watch.

Kudos

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Spirit Prophecy (The Gateway Trilogy #2) in Books

Nov 27, 2020

Spirit Prophecy (The Gateway Trilogy #2)

E.E. Holmes | 2014 | Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy

9.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

198 of 200
Kindle
Spirit Prophecy ( Gateway trilogy book 2)
By E E Holmes

Two sisters, haunted by more than their past...

Just weeks after discovering each other’s existence, Jess and Hannah Ballard arrive at Fairhaven Hall, where they will learn the clandestine ways of the Durupinen, an ancient sect of women who control the Gateways between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Though they are considered outcasts by most of their classmates, Jess and Hannah are determined to learn what they can to fulfill their responsibility to the many ghosts that haunt them. But danger, it seems, has followed them as closely as a shadow to their new home, and they have more questions than ever.
Who is the desperate child spirit pursuing Jess, and what do her terrifying visions mean? What has happened to Dr. David Pierce, Jess’ friend and mentor, who has suddenly and mysteriously vanished? And just what is it about Hannah’s unique abilities that has the other Durupinen frightened of her? The Ballard sisters are about to find out, and the answers could destroy their newfound life before it has even begun.

I love this series! I enjoyed the first one but this was better if possible. The whole concept is so enjoyable to read the characters are those you love and those you hate! I enjoy the writ style and how much detail goes into the writing it never feels rushed! Interested to see more of the Necromancers and the trouble they cause.

Kudos

Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Dec 5, 2020 (Updated Dec 5, 2020)

Stop by my blog, and check out this great interview with the sexy Ridge Steele from the Western historical romance novel ONCE UPON A MAIL ORDER BRIDE by Linda Broday. Enter the GIVEAWAY to win a signed copy of the book, all four books in the Mail Order Brides Series autographed by Linda Broday or a $10 Amazon gift card!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2020/12/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-once-upon.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Accused of crimes he didn't commit, ex-preacher Ridge Steele is forced to give up everything he knew and make his home with outlaws. Desperate for someone to confide in, he strikes up correspondence with mail-order bride Adeline Jancy, finding in her the open heart he's been searching for. Upon her arrival, Ridge discovers Addie only communicates through the written word, but he knows a little of what trauma can do to a person and vows to stand by her side.

Addie is eager to start a new life with the kind ex-preacher and the little boy she's stolen away from her father―a zealot priest of a terrorized flock. As her small family settles into life at Hope's Crossing, she even begins to find the voice, and confidence, she'd lost so long ago.

But danger is not far behind, and her father will not be denied. While Addie desperately fights the man who destroyed her childhood, a determined Ridge races to the rescue. The star-crossed lovers will need more than prayers to survive this final challenge...and find their way back to each other again.

Kudos Comment

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3) in Books

Sep 5, 2019 (Updated Apr 8, 2020)

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3)

Cassandra Clare | 2009 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)

8.0

(38 Ratings)

Book Rating

Contains spoilers, click to show

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

Ok so it was a decent read! Lots of action the baddie getting his ass kicked ! The truth being revealed (which I think most people would have worked out in the first book)! Poor little Max! But my god Jace and Clary do my bloody head in! I just want to snack both of them! Overall it was a good book!