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Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Marvel's Runaways season 2 in TV
Apr 4, 2019
The Runaways (3 more)
Old lace
Pride
Julian MacMahon
As I've still not read the comic book the show is based on I will soon still liking the show just watched episode 10 of season 2 and still hooked to see where the Runaways go next in their fight with there parents. Nice to see Julian MacMahons character getting more backstory as we find out his connection to pride and to Karolina bring on season 3 want to know more and where they go next also got to mention old lace the dinosaur the real star of the show
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated The Noise of Time in Books
Oct 7, 2020
What is power? What is art? Who holds the power? Who does art belong to? In his latest novel, “The Noise of Time,” Julian Barnes investigates these questions via the life of Dmitri Shostakovich, a man who composed music under the thumb of oppression in Soviet Russia. Read more about this book in my review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2018/04/21/music-and-silence/
Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Doctor who the crusade in TV
Jul 17, 2023
Best historical story of the season after the silly Ness of the romans with the crusade more serious drama its a shame there's only 2 episodes actually left which doesn't help watching but anyway
Acting wise there are good performances from the main cast plus the great guest performances starting with Richard the lion heart played by Julian glover more famous for playing villians plays it straight and there's jean marsh plays his sister and won't be her last appearance on the show overall good story
Acting wise there are good performances from the main cast plus the great guest performances starting with Richard the lion heart played by Julian glover more famous for playing villians plays it straight and there's jean marsh plays his sister and won't be her last appearance on the show overall good story
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Fantasy Lover (Hunter Legends Series #1) in Books
May 27, 2024
105 of 220
Book
Reread
Fantasy Lover ( Dark Hunter 1)
By Sherrilyn Kenyon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It might sound like a man's favorite fantasy - to live forever, destined to be the lover of thousands of women. But for Julian of Macedon, it's a nightmare. Once he was a proud Spartan general; now he's a love-slave, his essence magically held captive in a book, cursed to spend all eternity pleasing women. Then, one day, Grace Alexander summons Julian to fulfill her passionate dreams - and sees beyond the fantasy to the man himself.
Long years as a sex therapist, listening to other people's bedroom problems, have taken a lot of the fun out of the physical side of love for Grace. But with or without sex, the rules of the enchantment cannot be changed - Julian is hers for the next month. And, as their time together slips by, Julian and Grace find more to share than sympathy and conversation and they begin to wonder if love might be within their grasp. That leaves only one question. Is love enough to break a 2,000-year-old curse?
This is a reread for me and one of my favourites. The Dark Hunter series has to be one of the best fantasy series out there. I love the Greek gods and everything these books bring.
Book
Reread
Fantasy Lover ( Dark Hunter 1)
By Sherrilyn Kenyon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It might sound like a man's favorite fantasy - to live forever, destined to be the lover of thousands of women. But for Julian of Macedon, it's a nightmare. Once he was a proud Spartan general; now he's a love-slave, his essence magically held captive in a book, cursed to spend all eternity pleasing women. Then, one day, Grace Alexander summons Julian to fulfill her passionate dreams - and sees beyond the fantasy to the man himself.
Long years as a sex therapist, listening to other people's bedroom problems, have taken a lot of the fun out of the physical side of love for Grace. But with or without sex, the rules of the enchantment cannot be changed - Julian is hers for the next month. And, as their time together slips by, Julian and Grace find more to share than sympathy and conversation and they begin to wonder if love might be within their grasp. That leaves only one question. Is love enough to break a 2,000-year-old curse?
This is a reread for me and one of my favourites. The Dark Hunter series has to be one of the best fantasy series out there. I love the Greek gods and everything these books bring.
Debbiereadsbook (1749 KP) rated Blowing A Fuse (Redwood Fire #5) in Books
May 28, 2026
cant fault it!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
I said this at the end of my review for Up in Smoke. I take it back. I take it ALL back and switch to this one!!
To sum up, in case you didn't get it in the beginning, I bloody LOVED this book, and I loved it so much that I filed it on my Masterpiece shelf. Because I do think that this is quite possibly Ms Welch's best book so far!! (under either author name!!)
Ms Welch is the first author to find themselves on my Masterpiece shelf, with 2 books back-to-back! (There can be only one! so Up In Smoke has been disposed)
What this book is, right, is a master class in writing a book, about two men who do not see themselves as worthy of love. Romeo's pain is on full show, but he hides it. Julian's pain is deeper and he smoothers it so well, not even those who work with him can't see it.
But Julian sees Romeo, and Julian is smitten from that very first meeting. And Romeo? He digs his way under Julian's skin until he parks himself so deep, Julian won't never let him go.
The chemistry is scorching right from the start and it carries all the way through, but once they get that out the way, the emotions take over and this is heavy on the emotions for both men. Differently heavy, but still.
I loved that Romeo let Julian have his space, even after Romeo found himself homeless. Loved that Julian HATED that Romeo gave him the space he requested!
Loved the guys in the One-Thirteen could see Julian change after meeting Romeo, and loved that they loved that for Julian. The guys love their captain and they just want him to be happy.
What I loved most, though, was how little angst there was between these two, other than that needing space thing. Yes, there is the fact that Julian is dealing with the loss of a parent, and Romeo is dealing with homophobic parents, but between them? None, nothing at all and I just loved that!
I started reading this book for an hour before bed. I woke early, and couldn't sleep, so I jumped back in at 5am and finished the book at 630! And I cannot stress how much I loved it!
But now I'm sad. Cos it says at the end of this that there is only one, ONE more book for these guys and I don't want it to end!!
I've followed Ms Welch, as Helen Juliet, right from the beginning and it makes me so proud to have been part of her journey and to see just how far she will go.
Thank you, I love this book!!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I said this at the end of my review for Up in Smoke. I take it back. I take it ALL back and switch to this one!!
To sum up, in case you didn't get it in the beginning, I bloody LOVED this book, and I loved it so much that I filed it on my Masterpiece shelf. Because I do think that this is quite possibly Ms Welch's best book so far!! (under either author name!!)
Ms Welch is the first author to find themselves on my Masterpiece shelf, with 2 books back-to-back! (There can be only one! so Up In Smoke has been disposed)
What this book is, right, is a master class in writing a book, about two men who do not see themselves as worthy of love. Romeo's pain is on full show, but he hides it. Julian's pain is deeper and he smoothers it so well, not even those who work with him can't see it.
But Julian sees Romeo, and Julian is smitten from that very first meeting. And Romeo? He digs his way under Julian's skin until he parks himself so deep, Julian won't never let him go.
The chemistry is scorching right from the start and it carries all the way through, but once they get that out the way, the emotions take over and this is heavy on the emotions for both men. Differently heavy, but still.
I loved that Romeo let Julian have his space, even after Romeo found himself homeless. Loved that Julian HATED that Romeo gave him the space he requested!
Loved the guys in the One-Thirteen could see Julian change after meeting Romeo, and loved that they loved that for Julian. The guys love their captain and they just want him to be happy.
What I loved most, though, was how little angst there was between these two, other than that needing space thing. Yes, there is the fact that Julian is dealing with the loss of a parent, and Romeo is dealing with homophobic parents, but between them? None, nothing at all and I just loved that!
I started reading this book for an hour before bed. I woke early, and couldn't sleep, so I jumped back in at 5am and finished the book at 630! And I cannot stress how much I loved it!
But now I'm sad. Cos it says at the end of this that there is only one, ONE more book for these guys and I don't want it to end!!
I've followed Ms Welch, as Helen Juliet, right from the beginning and it makes me so proud to have been part of her journey and to see just how far she will go.
Thank you, I love this book!!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Hazel (1853 KP) rated A List of Cages in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review </i>
Debut novelist Robin Roe is emerging with a bang with soon-to-be-published young adult novel, <i>A List of Cages</i>. Dealing with relatable school experience as well as devastating, painful realities, Roe engages the reader in a gripping, heartbreaking narrative.
Told through the words of two characters, <i>A List of Cages</i> explores contrasting personalities of high school students. On the one hand there is Julian, a quiet, anxious 14-year-old who is often ostracized and ridiculed by the members of his classes. Suffering from dyslexia, Julian does not enjoy school or have any friends to talk to. To make things worse, his parents have died, leaving Julian in the care of irascible Uncle Russell. In contrast, Adam, a senior, is a popular, well-loved student, whose diagnosis of ADHD causes him to be loud and energetic – the opposite of fearful Julian.
Having known Julian before the death of his parents, Adam is quick to notice the change in Julian’s personality and uses his role as aide to the school psychologist to get to know him better. Much to his friends’ unease, Adam begins bringing Julian along to parties, concerts and days out where, despite initially sticking out like a sore thumb, Julian begins to relax and realize that people enjoy having him around. Yet, Adam is still acutely aware that something is not right, and although suspicious of Julian’s uncle, does not do anything until it is almost too late…
For a fairly short story, <i>A List of Cages</i> covers a broad range of themes. Many of these are comparisons that reveal the potential problems students may face during high school. The obvious issue of learning difficulties are highlighted by Adam’s ADHD and Julian’s Dyslexia, as well as the contrasting ways teachers deal with them. There is also the difference in personality that alters the way the characters are received by their peers.
A prominent theme is grief – coming to terms with the sudden deaths of parents; but the most important subject raised is the advantage an ignoble adult may take on a vulnerable child. The abuse inflicted on Julian is demoralizing and painful to read - the understanding that this is a real issue in today’s world, shatteringly upsetting. The ease with which an abuser controls their victim is extremely scary, however the knowledge that there are people around to help and/or rescue the child is uplifting.
<i>A List of Cages</i> has been listed as suitable for readers between the ages of 12 and 18, however I disagree. The distressing storyline will most likely upset the lower end of this scale, especially as at that age they may not be able to fully understand the circumstances described. The occasional use of expletives support my opinion that older readers are the more appropriate audience.
It may take a few chapters to get a feel for the book, however <i>A List of Cages</i> is a highly recommended novel. Many writers over the past decade have brought topics previously taboo to readers’ attentions. Robin Roe continues to create an awareness of such matters through her incisive story. Her writing style will appeal to many well-read teenagers, and it is hoped that she will continue publishing works in this vein.
Debut novelist Robin Roe is emerging with a bang with soon-to-be-published young adult novel, <i>A List of Cages</i>. Dealing with relatable school experience as well as devastating, painful realities, Roe engages the reader in a gripping, heartbreaking narrative.
Told through the words of two characters, <i>A List of Cages</i> explores contrasting personalities of high school students. On the one hand there is Julian, a quiet, anxious 14-year-old who is often ostracized and ridiculed by the members of his classes. Suffering from dyslexia, Julian does not enjoy school or have any friends to talk to. To make things worse, his parents have died, leaving Julian in the care of irascible Uncle Russell. In contrast, Adam, a senior, is a popular, well-loved student, whose diagnosis of ADHD causes him to be loud and energetic – the opposite of fearful Julian.
Having known Julian before the death of his parents, Adam is quick to notice the change in Julian’s personality and uses his role as aide to the school psychologist to get to know him better. Much to his friends’ unease, Adam begins bringing Julian along to parties, concerts and days out where, despite initially sticking out like a sore thumb, Julian begins to relax and realize that people enjoy having him around. Yet, Adam is still acutely aware that something is not right, and although suspicious of Julian’s uncle, does not do anything until it is almost too late…
For a fairly short story, <i>A List of Cages</i> covers a broad range of themes. Many of these are comparisons that reveal the potential problems students may face during high school. The obvious issue of learning difficulties are highlighted by Adam’s ADHD and Julian’s Dyslexia, as well as the contrasting ways teachers deal with them. There is also the difference in personality that alters the way the characters are received by their peers.
A prominent theme is grief – coming to terms with the sudden deaths of parents; but the most important subject raised is the advantage an ignoble adult may take on a vulnerable child. The abuse inflicted on Julian is demoralizing and painful to read - the understanding that this is a real issue in today’s world, shatteringly upsetting. The ease with which an abuser controls their victim is extremely scary, however the knowledge that there are people around to help and/or rescue the child is uplifting.
<i>A List of Cages</i> has been listed as suitable for readers between the ages of 12 and 18, however I disagree. The distressing storyline will most likely upset the lower end of this scale, especially as at that age they may not be able to fully understand the circumstances described. The occasional use of expletives support my opinion that older readers are the more appropriate audience.
It may take a few chapters to get a feel for the book, however <i>A List of Cages</i> is a highly recommended novel. Many writers over the past decade have brought topics previously taboo to readers’ attentions. Robin Roe continues to create an awareness of such matters through her incisive story. Her writing style will appeal to many well-read teenagers, and it is hoped that she will continue publishing works in this vein.
Britt Daniel recommended track Out of My Miond on Dope and Speed by Julian Cope in Skellington by Julian Cope in Music (curated)
The concept of an anchorite, or in this case an anchoress, has fascinated me ever since I googled the term when my dad sent me a CD by someone called The Anchoress (she’s very good, by the way!). So when this book popped up on NetGalley, I was all in. And to be fair, the front cover would pretty much mean an insta-buy for me (it is gorgeous).
This novel imagines, what the autobiography of Julian of Norwich would be like. Julian was born in the mid-1300s, and after some serious losses during periods of pestilence - her father and then husband and daughter - she decides that she doesn’t want to remarry.
When she becomes very I’ll and almost dies, Julian experiences visions of God, and decides that she will devote her life to prayer. When a position as an anchorite in Norwich Cathedral becomes available, Julian Starts to prepare.
I found this an absolutely fascinating read. Basically, as an anchorite, you become dead to the world. You go to your own funeral wearing a shroud, and then you’re taken into a room where the door is bricked up. Your only contact with the world is through two small windows: one is for contact with a servant (you need to be able to afford one - they feed and clothe you, and pass cleaning materials as well through hole), the other opens on to the altar in the church. You pray, you listen to penitents or people wanting to confess, and your speak to your confessor (how on earth would you be able to sin?!). And then you pray more.
Ok, I admit that this review may not sell the book (I hope it does!) to its best advantage, but I really did find it fascinating! The fact that Julian’s faith was so strong that she could lock herself away from the world entirely was so alien to me. To be honest, I would imagine that devoting yourself to the cloistered life as a nun might be more favourable to dying young in childbirth as so many women did then. However, I very much doubt that the life of an anchorite was easy!
This is a thoroughly believable, well-written book. One to be savoured. I loved it.
This novel imagines, what the autobiography of Julian of Norwich would be like. Julian was born in the mid-1300s, and after some serious losses during periods of pestilence - her father and then husband and daughter - she decides that she doesn’t want to remarry.
When she becomes very I’ll and almost dies, Julian experiences visions of God, and decides that she will devote her life to prayer. When a position as an anchorite in Norwich Cathedral becomes available, Julian Starts to prepare.
I found this an absolutely fascinating read. Basically, as an anchorite, you become dead to the world. You go to your own funeral wearing a shroud, and then you’re taken into a room where the door is bricked up. Your only contact with the world is through two small windows: one is for contact with a servant (you need to be able to afford one - they feed and clothe you, and pass cleaning materials as well through hole), the other opens on to the altar in the church. You pray, you listen to penitents or people wanting to confess, and your speak to your confessor (how on earth would you be able to sin?!). And then you pray more.
Ok, I admit that this review may not sell the book (I hope it does!) to its best advantage, but I really did find it fascinating! The fact that Julian’s faith was so strong that she could lock herself away from the world entirely was so alien to me. To be honest, I would imagine that devoting yourself to the cloistered life as a nun might be more favourable to dying young in childbirth as so many women did then. However, I very much doubt that the life of an anchorite was easy!
This is a thoroughly believable, well-written book. One to be savoured. I loved it.
Midge (525 KP) rated The Colour of Murder in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Clever And Enjoyable
THE COLOUR OF MURDER is the first book by Julian Symons that I've read and I really enjoyed it. Though it is naturally a book of its time, I found it endearing and charming. The characters were fantastic and the book, for me, is reminiscent of a Patricia Highsmith or a Ruth Rendell mystery.
I thought that the story was captivating and engaging and extremely well structured, both leading up to the murder, as told by the accused, as he relates his account of events to a psychologist and in court, with the cases for the defence and prosecution. I loved that the style of writing was slightly different to the usual types of murder mysteries, although there was still a whodunit theme, as well as a look at the nature of justice. It held my interest from start to finish and the way in which Julian Symons brought everything to a conclusion was just fabulous. I loved it and it has left me eager to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
I thought that the story was captivating and engaging and extremely well structured, both leading up to the murder, as told by the accused, as he relates his account of events to a psychologist and in court, with the cases for the defence and prosecution. I loved that the style of writing was slightly different to the usual types of murder mysteries, although there was still a whodunit theme, as well as a look at the nature of justice. It held my interest from start to finish and the way in which Julian Symons brought everything to a conclusion was just fabulous. I loved it and it has left me eager to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Caraval in Books
Oct 1, 2017
Great magical world with dark undertones
What I loved the most about the book was the setting of Caraval. It’s so beautifully descriptive it feels like a magical place. You’re taken back to the feeling when you were a wee little one and you’re in Disneyland for the first time in your life. It’s that magical feel good feeling that comes back to you when you’re reading the book. At the same time you know things aren’t what they seem and there’s some dark undertones to Caraval. It’s hard not to get swept away (as they have warned you) because everything seems so real and fun.
I loved the plot throughout the book. Like Scarlett, you had doubts as to whether things were real or not. By the time you finished the novel you were still doubting what was real and what wasn’t. Scarlett was at times frustrating and irritating. She hesitated at the wrong times and didn’t listen to anyone when she really needed to. Argh. You wanted to jump in and drag her to point her to the right direction. I didn’t really see her well with Julian because I really saw Julian as more of a means to an end because he guided her throughout the game. However I have to admit, I liked it when he called her ‘Crimson’ it suited his personality at the time (I hope he doesn’t stop calling her that, it adds more to their characters.)
The last few pages of the novel though. Wow. You’re blown away and you’ll have your heart wrenched and torn out of your chest and then it’s put back in. Yet it doesn’t feel the same anymore and you’re left with more questions and wanting more. OH MY GOD I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK! I NEED ANSWERS!
Greatly recommended. Immerse yourself into the world and enjoy. You’ll probably get carried away like I did. Get ready for some good twists that are gut wrenching. You’re not left the same after reading it.
I loved the plot throughout the book. Like Scarlett, you had doubts as to whether things were real or not. By the time you finished the novel you were still doubting what was real and what wasn’t. Scarlett was at times frustrating and irritating. She hesitated at the wrong times and didn’t listen to anyone when she really needed to. Argh. You wanted to jump in and drag her to point her to the right direction. I didn’t really see her well with Julian because I really saw Julian as more of a means to an end because he guided her throughout the game. However I have to admit, I liked it when he called her ‘Crimson’ it suited his personality at the time (I hope he doesn’t stop calling her that, it adds more to their characters.)
The last few pages of the novel though. Wow. You’re blown away and you’ll have your heart wrenched and torn out of your chest and then it’s put back in. Yet it doesn’t feel the same anymore and you’re left with more questions and wanting more. OH MY GOD I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK! I NEED ANSWERS!
Greatly recommended. Immerse yourself into the world and enjoy. You’ll probably get carried away like I did. Get ready for some good twists that are gut wrenching. You’re not left the same after reading it.