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The Lords of the North ( The Last Kingdom 3)
By Bernard Cornwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The year is 878 and the Vikings have been thrown out of Wessex. Uhtred, fresh from fighting for Alfred in the battle to free Wessex, travels north to seek revenge for his father's death, killed in a bloody raid by Uhtred's old enemy, renegade Danish lord, Kjartan. While Kjartan lurks in his formidable stronghold of Dunholm, the north is overrun by chaos, rebellion and fear. Together with a small band of warriors, Uhtred plans his attack on his enemy, revenge fuelling his anger, resolute on bloody retribution. But, he finds himself betrayed and ends up on a desperate slave voyage to Iceland. Rescued by a remarkable alliance of old friends and enemies, he and his allies, together with Alfred the Great, are free to fight once more in a battle for power, glory and honour.

Another really good book in this series I think this is my favourite so far. Uthred is a sold as a slave and we follow his journey. So glad there is a directory at the start of the book these places get a little confusing.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2528 KP) rated Villains’ Realm in Books

Jun 6, 2024 (Updated Jun 6, 2024)  
Villains’ Realm
Villains’ Realm
Ridley Pearson | 2024 | Children
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Enchantment Creating New Lands
Disney’s CEO has completely changed his mind about opening a Villains’ Realm in each park. The man was opposing it because it was a clear threat, giving the villains a foothold. But now, he’s greenlit them, and constructions has started immediately. In order to stop them from being completed, Eli and his friend Blair are going to have to team up with Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Can they stop it in time?

If you haven’t been following this saga, you’ll probably be lost trying to follow what is happening. Fans will want to read this book since it sets up the next book. Unfortunately, it falls into middle book trap. We don’t get any real battles with the villains, just stand offs. The climax is abrupt and the story just kind of stops. As usual in the series, the characters are thin as well. Plus some editing left me confused a couple of times. On the positive side, it’s always fun to watch the Kingdom Keepers interacting with Disney characters, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of the action taking place at the California parks. I’m curious to see where things are going, so I’ll be back for the conclusion.
  
Thorn
Thorn
Intisar Khanani | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
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#1 <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3214627135">Thorn</a>; - ★★★★★

<img src="https://diaryofdifference.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Book-Review-Banner-56.png"/>;

Thorn by Intisar Khanani is such a powerful story about finding your true self, fighting against the injustice and loving with your whole heart. 

<b>Synopsis</b>

Princess Alyrra grew up in a cruel family, fearing that her brother might hurt her every day. She despises the fact that she needs to behave in a certain way to appeal to the court. Her despise grows even more when she learns that she's been betrothed to the powerful Prince Kestrin, a stranger from another kingdom.

But when a sorceress robes Alyrra of her true identity, she sees this as an opportunity to start a new life as a goose girl, where she doesn't have to pretend in front of everyone and be her true self. 

Soon enough, she realises what is actually going on with the regular people in the kingdom. The poverty, the crimes, the fact that the royal guards don't care at all. The fact that the street thieves have to make their own sets of rules in order to keep the peace on the streets. 

When a big tragedy hits home, Alyrra knows she needs to make a choice. Stay here and give up the identity of the princess forever, or go back to being a princess, only for the sake of saving the people.

<b><i>"It is rare for someone who wants power to truly deserve it."</i></b>

<b>My Thoughts:</b>

Thorn is the first book of the Dauntless Path series, and I am so happy I had the chance to read it! Very powerful book, with a very strong female character, who is not afraid to say what she thinks and fight for what she believes in!

<b><i>"I've found that acting when you are afraid is the greatest sign of courage there is."</i></b>

What I loved about Alyrra's character is that it shows us how much of a hardship it can be to make a certain choice. It is not just black and white. At first, we all root for the - get your identity back. However, Alyrra has been abused all her life. Her brother abused her physically and her mother mentally. She then had to deal with the pressure of being a princess. Following rules. Not saying what she really thinks, but what others want to hear. She is then promised to marry someone she doesn't know and pretend to be someone she is not, again. 

<b><i>And suddenly, she can be someone else.</i></b>

She has the chance to start a brand new life. A person that is not in the spotlight. She can think and speak freely. And that is why I understand her choice to want to stay as a goose girl forever.

<b><i>"We all have our unspoken sorrows, hopes we cannot mention, choices we may yet regret."</i></b>

But then she sees the true picture of how people are treated in the kingdom. How people live. The injustice that happens on the streets every single day. And then she also gets the attention of the prince and being who she is, she is not afraid to say her mind. 

But to truly change things, she needs to become a princess again. And making such a choice comes not only with consequences, but with huge sacrifices too. 

The ending of Thorn was very well written and very satisfying. I am looking forward to reading more about Alyrra's story and get more answers in the next book. I cannot recommend Thorn enough!

Thank you to ReadersFirst and Hot Key Books, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
2017 | Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Strategy
Nintendo Switch owners will likely be thrilled with the amazing new title for the system which for me has been the best reason for owning the system.

Mario vs. Rabbids: Kingdom Battle blends the iconic Nintendo characters with the Ubisoft Rabbids in a new turn based adventure that fans will love.

Mario, Yoshi, Luigi, and others blend with the mischievous Rabbids after a hysterical accident combines the two franchises.

Using a guide, players will move across a map, collecting coins as they go which can be used to upgrade your gear at various times.

When players enter certain arenas, the game becomes a turn based tactical combat game. Think X-Com but more family friendly and you begin to understand the fun and challenges that await them.

A typical round involves players moving to a point on the field, taking cover, and firing an attack shot at an enemy. Players may also opt to use a defensive skill when available or charge in for a close-quarters attack.

Should players complete the round with at least one of their three players still standing, they can move onto a new area and fight a new set of challenges.

I was doing very well until the first Mid-Boss who along with his minions presented a large challenge. The game gave me the option to play in an easier mode, but that did not seem to matter much as the enemies used travel tubes, exploding boxes, and other tactics to dominate.

Being able to upgrade your weapons is a big help as often the extra amount of damage you can deal an enemy is the key to winning a battle or failing miserably.

The game offers a co-op mode for players looking to play with another player and it is an easy game to play, but one that is very difficult to master.

The Game did very well at E3 when it was announced and won several awards which are well-deserved as after several days of playing the game, I am not bored with it at all and still keep coming back to it again and again.

This is a big deal for me as I often become bored with Nintendo games after a few days as I often find the dated graphics and gameplay difficult to hold my attention for long compared to other options that are out there. This time, I found a game that I love and enjoy the challenge and whimsical blend of styles which makes this one the first real reason to own a Nintendo Switch as I have found it far more enjoyable than any other title currently available for the system, Zelda included.

http://sknr.net/2017/08/28/mario-vs-rabbids-kingdom-battle/