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Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10)
Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10)
Jim Butcher | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
7
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
In this, the 10th volume of the Dresden files, Jim Butcher brings the Knights of the Cross (particularly Michael Carpenter) - first introduced in Grave Peril, and their other-worldly foe, the Order of the Denarians - first introduced in Death Masks - back to the fore, via a favour owed to Mab, Queen of the Winter Court of faerie (first introduced in Summer Knight)

I think it's fair to say that one of the defining characteristics of this novel is the notion of family, and of friendship: when does one stop, and the other start? As it relies on previous events and (some) knowledge of the characters involved, this isn't really a good jumping-on point for anybody new to the series. For those who have read the previous, I actually felt this was one of the weaker novels: I just couldn't really get into this one as much as some of the others (but, without saying more, also think it will be interesting to see how Michael's role in the series progresses ...).
  
Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons - The Movie (2020)
Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons - The Movie (2020)
2020 | Action, Adventure, Animation
Not all of these DC animated movies are going to be as good as The Dark Knight Returns and Knights & Dragons is solid proof of that.
Its a straight down the middle entry for DC, it's got some enjoyable action sequences and the animation looks decent enough, although recently, a lot of these movies are starting to look the same. It doesn't have a unique feel to it in that regard.

Deathstroke has always been a compelling anti-hero, but compelling enough to carry a full length feature? I'm not so sure, and I still remain unsure. There's a fair amount of depth on show here concerning his family life, but honestly, the plot is a bit of a snore fest at times, although I did like to see some more minor characters such as Lady Shiva and Bronze Tiger get some screentime.

Its not the worst DC animated film out there, and is still worth a watch for fans of the brand, but it's not essential viewing.
  
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ClareR (5721 KP) rated Templar Silks in Books

Aug 10, 2018  
Templar Silks
Templar Silks
Elizabeth Chadwick | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Historical fiction at it's best!
William Marshall is on his death bed and is looking back on his life. The Templar Silks of the story are the burial silks that he was given 30 years previously, when he became a secular Knight of the Templar Knights in Jerusalem. He promised that he would become a full member of the Order before he died, so he sends a trusted servant to collect the silk shroud from where he had entrusted it. While he waits for the silks, William slips into drug-induced remembrances of his time leading up to and during his time in Outremer. We learn of the riches of Jerusalem and those that ruled it; that King Baldwin had crippling leprosy, yet still ruled; and that those who ruled supposedly under the eye of God, did so only to gain more money and power (so, the same as everywhere else then, really!).
I'm sad to see that this is the end of William Marshall (I'm giving nothing away here!). I've enjoyed reading all of the books about him: even though they're largely speculation, Elizabeth Chadwick has still done her research in to the time very well.
  
"For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire" - Obi-Wan Kenobi

"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion ... " - Grand Moff Tarkin

Set between the times of 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' and 'Episode IV: A New Hope', this is the first of two collections that deals with just how the Jedi Order became (all but) extinct; just how Darth Vader went about hunting and purging his former comrades.

This collection consists of the following comic-books runs:

Star Wars: Republic #78-80
Star Wars: Purge
Star Wars: Purge - Seconds to Die
Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade
Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant's Fist #1 and #2
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5
Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5

Obviously, then, Vader plays a large role in it, but not in *all* the stories contained. As a collection, as well, some of the stories are better than others, with (similarly) some of the art also stronger than others.
  
The Night House
The Night House
J.C. McKenzie | 2019 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE NIGHT HOUSE is a standalone post-apocalyptic fantasy romance that seamlessly blends medieval knights and sword-play from a different planet with current day earth.

This was a fantastic read, ticking most of my boxes. Thane and Taya have sparks flying aplenty when they are meet and these continue throughout the book. I loved not only Thane though, but his whole team. They were all strong characters with a strong sense of duty and loyalty. Once Taya was part of their team, that was it. No stupidity or senseless behaviour, just helping the newbie out where possible.

If I could give out half stars, this would be a four and a half! The reason for that half star being knocked off would be the ending. It felt very quick to me, almost as if the author was running out of available words in her word count. Big build-up followed by events happening very quickly and not taking up much page space. Still, I loved this book anyway, so perhaps that's why it seemed to end too quickly!

If you like fantasy and contemporary genres merged together, then I would definitely recommend this book!