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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated A Spy Came Home (Mac Ambrose, #1) in Books
May 10, 2018
Mac Ambrose is a CIA officer. She has recently revealed this information to her closest friends after being in the agency for 20 years. She shares this information in an attempt to bring down a corrupt organization and its effect on the gun laws in America. Using the skills she has learning in the Agency, and the connections of her friends, she sets out on a mission to bring down those involved. She only has a few short weeks to accomplish her goal.
At first I wasn't sure if I was going to make it through this book. The first few chapters involve a lot of legalese that did not draw me into the story. Talking about the different gun laws and how and when they went into effect. Finally, after that small rut, it was smooth sailing and I had to keep going. So if you find yourself in the same scenario, I encourage you to keep going. It definitely gets better from there.
I totally enjoyed this book. It made the wheels in my head churn with the possibility of the corruption in our government. This book explores what goes on behind closed door of lobbyists and other who are in a position to change the laws in this country.
This book takes you on a journey through the world as we learn more about Mac as a CIA officer and her personal life. We travel through time as well which helps to learn why she is so determined to pull off this mission no matter the consequences. The last few pages will leave you on the edge of your seat to find out what is going to happen. I can't wait to see what is next for Mac Ambrose.
<b>Also by H.N.Wake: [b:Ghosts in Macau|25398065|Ghosts in Macau (A Mac Ambrose Short Story)|H.N. Wake|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1429618876s/25398065.jpg|45150620]</b>;
**I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.**
At first I wasn't sure if I was going to make it through this book. The first few chapters involve a lot of legalese that did not draw me into the story. Talking about the different gun laws and how and when they went into effect. Finally, after that small rut, it was smooth sailing and I had to keep going. So if you find yourself in the same scenario, I encourage you to keep going. It definitely gets better from there.
I totally enjoyed this book. It made the wheels in my head churn with the possibility of the corruption in our government. This book explores what goes on behind closed door of lobbyists and other who are in a position to change the laws in this country.
This book takes you on a journey through the world as we learn more about Mac as a CIA officer and her personal life. We travel through time as well which helps to learn why she is so determined to pull off this mission no matter the consequences. The last few pages will leave you on the edge of your seat to find out what is going to happen. I can't wait to see what is next for Mac Ambrose.
<b>Also by H.N.Wake: [b:Ghosts in Macau|25398065|Ghosts in Macau (A Mac Ambrose Short Story)|H.N. Wake|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1429618876s/25398065.jpg|45150620]</b>;
**I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.**
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Parasite (2019) in Movies
Nov 12, 2019
Strongly Directed by Bong Joon-Ho
There are more strong film makers in this world than are just sitting in traditionally English-speaking Countries (like the U.S./England). One of the strongest - and a Director that I will watch WHATEVER he is Directing - is South Korean auteur Bong Joon-Ho. His previous efforts (THE HOST, OKJA, SNOWPIERCER, amongst others) were all led by intriguing stories, interesting people and strong visual imagery, so I was very excited for his newest effort, PARASITE. I purposely did not find out too much about this film, for I wanted to be surprised by what was unfolding in front of me.
And...I was rewarded, greatly by another intriguing story with interesting people and strong visual imagery.
In Korean, with English subtitles, PARASITE follows a lower class Korean family that go to work for a high class Korean family and brings us on a journey for BOTH families. And that's all I'm going to say about it, for to reveal anything else would be to spoil the surprises along the way.
But, as is often the case with these types of stories, it is the journey, not the destination that is the treat of this film. Bong Joon-Ho regular Kang-ho Song stars as the Patriarch of the lower class family who, seemingly, is lazy and allergic to "work", but that is not really the case. Woo-sik Choi is the son of the lower class family that connects with the daughter of the higher class family and Hye-jin Jang is the matriarch of the lower class family and they both bring sensitivity and strength to their roles. But for me, the real star of this film is So-dam Park as the daughter of this family who turns out to be the heart and the brains of the operation.
Director Bong Joon-Ho brings his usual flair to the proceedings, not letting his camera shy away from the seemy underbelly of this society, but not lingering on it either, moving the surprising plot along at a fast (enough) pace to keep you guessing throughout. I see a lot of films, so when I run across a plot that I couldn't tell what was going to come next, it is satisfying.
And, satisfying this film is. Some are calling it an "Oscar Contender" and I don't think I would go quite that far - the film does drag a bit in the middle. But, if you can handle reading the subtitles, you'll be entertained indeed by the fervent mind of one of the better Directors working in film today.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And...I was rewarded, greatly by another intriguing story with interesting people and strong visual imagery.
In Korean, with English subtitles, PARASITE follows a lower class Korean family that go to work for a high class Korean family and brings us on a journey for BOTH families. And that's all I'm going to say about it, for to reveal anything else would be to spoil the surprises along the way.
But, as is often the case with these types of stories, it is the journey, not the destination that is the treat of this film. Bong Joon-Ho regular Kang-ho Song stars as the Patriarch of the lower class family who, seemingly, is lazy and allergic to "work", but that is not really the case. Woo-sik Choi is the son of the lower class family that connects with the daughter of the higher class family and Hye-jin Jang is the matriarch of the lower class family and they both bring sensitivity and strength to their roles. But for me, the real star of this film is So-dam Park as the daughter of this family who turns out to be the heart and the brains of the operation.
Director Bong Joon-Ho brings his usual flair to the proceedings, not letting his camera shy away from the seemy underbelly of this society, but not lingering on it either, moving the surprising plot along at a fast (enough) pace to keep you guessing throughout. I see a lot of films, so when I run across a plot that I couldn't tell what was going to come next, it is satisfying.
And, satisfying this film is. Some are calling it an "Oscar Contender" and I don't think I would go quite that far - the film does drag a bit in the middle. But, if you can handle reading the subtitles, you'll be entertained indeed by the fervent mind of one of the better Directors working in film today.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Kyera (8 KP) rated Wonder Woman: Warbringer in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Leigh Bardugo takes the fierce heroine you know and love - and makes her human. Warbringer is an origin story, taking Diana back to her roots and showing readers the less sure side of the Amazonian Princess. Yes, Diana is strong, loyal, honest and hard-working but she is also prideful, ambitious and unsure. She hasn't yet made a name for herself in the world of man and isn't sure what she is capable of.
This story focuses on the relationship between Diana and Alia, a New Yorker who finds herself on the island of Themiscyra, rather than the romance most readers have come to expect. Sorry Steve, but this story is all about girl power and friendship. The two girls learn from each other and what it means to have a sister.
<i>“Sister in battle,” murmured Diana, “I am shield and blade to you.”
“And friend.”
“And always your friend.”</i>
I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the diversity that Leigh effortlessly brought to the story. Each character is able to shine without seeming like they were only an addition to hit some invisible quotient. Alia and her brother Jason are New Yorkers, but they're also Greek and African American. Jason's best friend, Theo is Brazilian and a total technogeek. Nim is self-described as Indian, fat and gay, and while none of those things define her or are the most important aspects of her (obviously that award goes to her killer fashion sense) they are very important additions. The characters represent our diverse world today and give each one of us someone or something to relate to.
I have always loved Wonder Woman, so as long as Leigh Bardugo's story felt like the character I've grown to know and love - I was going to be happy, but she managed to raise the bar. She brought me a tale of the Diana that I didn't even know that I wanted, her true origin story and took her readers on a journey with Diana as she learned what it meant to be a true hero, an Amazon.
This book isn't just for fans of superheroes, but those looking for a tale of friendship, maybe a little betrayal and some pure gold lines coming from the Amazonian <s>Princess</s> Queen of comebacks.
This story focuses on the relationship between Diana and Alia, a New Yorker who finds herself on the island of Themiscyra, rather than the romance most readers have come to expect. Sorry Steve, but this story is all about girl power and friendship. The two girls learn from each other and what it means to have a sister.
<i>“Sister in battle,” murmured Diana, “I am shield and blade to you.”
“And friend.”
“And always your friend.”</i>
I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the diversity that Leigh effortlessly brought to the story. Each character is able to shine without seeming like they were only an addition to hit some invisible quotient. Alia and her brother Jason are New Yorkers, but they're also Greek and African American. Jason's best friend, Theo is Brazilian and a total technogeek. Nim is self-described as Indian, fat and gay, and while none of those things define her or are the most important aspects of her (obviously that award goes to her killer fashion sense) they are very important additions. The characters represent our diverse world today and give each one of us someone or something to relate to.
I have always loved Wonder Woman, so as long as Leigh Bardugo's story felt like the character I've grown to know and love - I was going to be happy, but she managed to raise the bar. She brought me a tale of the Diana that I didn't even know that I wanted, her true origin story and took her readers on a journey with Diana as she learned what it meant to be a true hero, an Amazon.
This book isn't just for fans of superheroes, but those looking for a tale of friendship, maybe a little betrayal and some pure gold lines coming from the Amazonian <s>Princess</s> Queen of comebacks.
The Secret Agent's Bedside Reader: A Compendium of Spy Writing
Book
Espionage fact and fiction collide in this thrilling compendium of spy writing, where you'll fi nd...
Saints for All Occasions
9.0
Rate It
Book
Nora and Theresa Flynn are twenty-one and seventeen when they leave their small village in Ireland...
fiction
I enjoyed this fantasy book despite not particularly connecting with the main character. Katsa can be harsh and unrelatable, but the plot of the book is interesting. I listened to the book rather than reading it, so I think that I noticed the writing style/grammar problems less than those who were actually looking at the words.
The premise was fascinating - some people grow into special abilities called graces although each grace is different. Katsa has a fighting grace, which her King has her use to intimidate and harm people. Despite hating it, she never fights against it and accepts her position as a killer. I understand the fear of the King's anger, but cannot reconcile that with allowing oneself to be used and abused in such a manner. She is a fighter and strong enough that no one should be able to command her. Her freedom and her choices should be her own, but she allows herself to be manipulated for a long time.
Po, on the other hand, was very likable. He brings out a better side of Katsa and forces her to realize that she does not have to be the King's puppet. He is intelligent, a revered fighter and kind. I also liked another character, but as they do not have a role until the later half of the book - I'm afraid that talking about them might spoil details.
The world building was decent and I hope that it is expanded in future books, as this is not a standalone. The journey Katsa goes on is chronicled beautifully, but I don't feel like I know the world itself or its monarchies well. There are seven kingdoms and I would not be able to detail customs, names or climate of many of them.
Overall, the plot is relatively predictable although there were a few points that weren't expected. The pacing was steady throughout, but some scene changes and plot progressions seemed to jump forward when the plot would have been better served if they were expanded upon. For example, the conflict of the plot built and then the climax and "resolution" was mere moments so if you weren't paying close attention you may have missed it.
I would recommend this to young adult/teen readers who enjoy fantasy books - and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
The premise was fascinating - some people grow into special abilities called graces although each grace is different. Katsa has a fighting grace, which her King has her use to intimidate and harm people. Despite hating it, she never fights against it and accepts her position as a killer. I understand the fear of the King's anger, but cannot reconcile that with allowing oneself to be used and abused in such a manner. She is a fighter and strong enough that no one should be able to command her. Her freedom and her choices should be her own, but she allows herself to be manipulated for a long time.
Po, on the other hand, was very likable. He brings out a better side of Katsa and forces her to realize that she does not have to be the King's puppet. He is intelligent, a revered fighter and kind. I also liked another character, but as they do not have a role until the later half of the book - I'm afraid that talking about them might spoil details.
The world building was decent and I hope that it is expanded in future books, as this is not a standalone. The journey Katsa goes on is chronicled beautifully, but I don't feel like I know the world itself or its monarchies well. There are seven kingdoms and I would not be able to detail customs, names or climate of many of them.
Overall, the plot is relatively predictable although there were a few points that weren't expected. The pacing was steady throughout, but some scene changes and plot progressions seemed to jump forward when the plot would have been better served if they were expanded upon. For example, the conflict of the plot built and then the climax and "resolution" was mere moments so if you weren't paying close attention you may have missed it.
I would recommend this to young adult/teen readers who enjoy fantasy books - and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
DRAGON QUEST IV Chapters of the Chosen
Games
App
******************** Dragon Quest IV, the first instalment in the Zenithian Trilogy, is now out on...
Rings of Anarchy
Games
App
3D Fantasy MMOARPG Masterpiece. Start your fantastic ring hunting journey! Rings of Anarchy is a...
Running to the Edge
Book
Visionary American running coach Bob Larsen assembled a mismatched team of elite California runners...
The Last Detail (1973)
8.5
Rate It
Movie Watch
Jack Nicholson is at his very best in this highly-acclaimed dramatic comedy about three sailors on...