Search
Search results
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Woman in the Window in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Did that really happen?
Dr. Anna Fox has been in her house for the past ten months. After an accident involving her husband, daughter and herself, she became agoraphobic. She now spends her days staring out of her windows, spying on her neighbors and keeping up with all the comings and goings of the neighborhood. When a new family moves in across the park from her, she is immediately drawn to the mother and the son, a single child family like her own. They come over to introduce themselves and she feels an instant connection. But then Anna thinks she sees a crime being committed at the neighbors house. Did she really see something or is the combination of medications and alcohol blurring the lines of reality and fantasy? Will the authorities believe her or will they believe the family and the rest of the neighborhood that Dr. Fox is just a crazy, drunk, cooped up lady.
So many people I know have read and enjoyed this book. I loved it, it was so hard to put down. I was totally shocked by the twists and turns that this book dished out.
At first I was rooting for Anna. This poor lady devastated by the accident and her family leaving her because of it. I wanted her to be able to leave her house and live her life and have the opportunity to be with her husband and daughter again. Instead, she spends her days chatting with other agoraphobes and providing council to them, playing chess online and drinking lots of red wine while watching old movies.
When Anna's secrets are revealed I'm not sure if I felt sorry for her or was upset with myself for being on her side. I think this is a book all thriller fans will enjoy. If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it.
So many people I know have read and enjoyed this book. I loved it, it was so hard to put down. I was totally shocked by the twists and turns that this book dished out.
At first I was rooting for Anna. This poor lady devastated by the accident and her family leaving her because of it. I wanted her to be able to leave her house and live her life and have the opportunity to be with her husband and daughter again. Instead, she spends her days chatting with other agoraphobes and providing council to them, playing chess online and drinking lots of red wine while watching old movies.
When Anna's secrets are revealed I'm not sure if I felt sorry for her or was upset with myself for being on her side. I think this is a book all thriller fans will enjoy. If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it.
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Legion (2010) in Movies
Jun 30, 2018
Filled with cheese, but the cheese just makes the other parts stick together so well.
Contains spoilers, click to show
This review does contain MILD spoilers.
Legion is one of my favorite movies. I’ve seen it countless times and it has never lost it’s appeal. It’s ridiculous, filled with cliches, and definitely tries too hard for the reflective drama. It’s charmingly flawed and I love it.
Legion is filled with cheese, but the cheese just makes the other parts stick together so well. Like the Old Lady and the Ice Cream Man. My favorite scene in Legion involves the old lady. They made an excellent choice in casting there. You know from the moment that she says “But it’s gonna burn… your f*cking baby is gonna burn” that the evil is there, and it’s ON. What immediately always leaves me in stitches. (Yes, always. I’ve seen this movie like 5 times now.) And the Ice Cream man? Well, he defined the role for me. Freaking creepy.
And the cast members do their best to pull off the most ridiculous lines with a straight face. Willa Holland, whom you might be familiar with from The O.C., Gossip Girl, and Arrow, brings the sarcasm full bore. Dennis Quaid does disgruntled do-gooder father pretty well. (Although, I liked him better in this type of role in Day After Tomorrow.) Jeep – played by Lucas Black – is a very bland character, but that’s to be expected for the saintly protector type role he’s destined to play. Charles S. Dutton doesn’t have a lot of screen time, but when he’s there, you pay attention to him.
Legion is well-acted, nicely directed, and gives its horror a thin coating of humor. There’s plenty of action in the later half to keep almost anyone happy. There is really nothing new as this type of movie gets pretty endlessly recycled. However, put up against the others of its type, it stands out for me.
Legion is one of my favorite movies. I’ve seen it countless times and it has never lost it’s appeal. It’s ridiculous, filled with cliches, and definitely tries too hard for the reflective drama. It’s charmingly flawed and I love it.
Legion is filled with cheese, but the cheese just makes the other parts stick together so well. Like the Old Lady and the Ice Cream Man. My favorite scene in Legion involves the old lady. They made an excellent choice in casting there. You know from the moment that she says “But it’s gonna burn… your f*cking baby is gonna burn” that the evil is there, and it’s ON. What immediately always leaves me in stitches. (Yes, always. I’ve seen this movie like 5 times now.) And the Ice Cream man? Well, he defined the role for me. Freaking creepy.
And the cast members do their best to pull off the most ridiculous lines with a straight face. Willa Holland, whom you might be familiar with from The O.C., Gossip Girl, and Arrow, brings the sarcasm full bore. Dennis Quaid does disgruntled do-gooder father pretty well. (Although, I liked him better in this type of role in Day After Tomorrow.) Jeep – played by Lucas Black – is a very bland character, but that’s to be expected for the saintly protector type role he’s destined to play. Charles S. Dutton doesn’t have a lot of screen time, but when he’s there, you pay attention to him.
Legion is well-acted, nicely directed, and gives its horror a thin coating of humor. There’s plenty of action in the later half to keep almost anyone happy. There is really nothing new as this type of movie gets pretty endlessly recycled. However, put up against the others of its type, it stands out for me.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Lady Unrivaled (Ladies of the Manor, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I LOVE this series. By the end of this book I had tears streaming down my face because of the beauty of the conclusion. (Second series that I have completed this week...GAH!) I admit that these last two books have been especially hard to read, emotionally. There is so much that happens, that definitely pulled on my heart. However, Roseanna pulled it all together wonderfully. Allowing for healing, forgiveness, trust and freedom. How does one go through life without trust in God? I am so very thankful to have been raised in a Christian home. Trusting in the Lord though, can be easier said than done. I never fully understood the peace and the rest that comes when you can fully trust God to guide you and lead your steps. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes dire circumstances for us to be able to get to that place.
Lady Ella is someone that I would love to have as a friend. She has joy that cannot be dissuaded and hope that cannot be deterred. It was so much fun to see characters from the other books make their appearance again. I especially love the interaction between the three heroes from the books. I was laughing out loud at their antics. But as much as I adore Stafford and Nottingham, Cayton is my favorite. Let's just say artistic AND loves Shakespeare...yup...My favorite! A beautiful story set in 1913, England, and filled with mystery, adventure, romance, betrayals, forgiveness, and more romance...You do not want to pass up the conclusion to the Ladies of the Manor and the curse of the Fire Eyes. To truly enjoy the story, I recommend starting with The Lost Heiress, Brooke's tale is one full of adventure and sets the stage for this series brilliantly.
I received a free copy of A Lady Unrivaled from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lady Ella is someone that I would love to have as a friend. She has joy that cannot be dissuaded and hope that cannot be deterred. It was so much fun to see characters from the other books make their appearance again. I especially love the interaction between the three heroes from the books. I was laughing out loud at their antics. But as much as I adore Stafford and Nottingham, Cayton is my favorite. Let's just say artistic AND loves Shakespeare...yup...My favorite! A beautiful story set in 1913, England, and filled with mystery, adventure, romance, betrayals, forgiveness, and more romance...You do not want to pass up the conclusion to the Ladies of the Manor and the curse of the Fire Eyes. To truly enjoy the story, I recommend starting with The Lost Heiress, Brooke's tale is one full of adventure and sets the stage for this series brilliantly.
I received a free copy of A Lady Unrivaled from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I read Giles Kristian's Raven: Blood Eye series of books a few year back.
They were enjoyable, I felt, but not the greatest such novels I'd ever read (I enjoyed the first one the most)
I also, relatively recently, read the first in his 'Rise of Sigurd' prequel novels and felt that one, at times, to be a bit of a chore to get through.
As such, I'd never really gone out of my way to look for any other book by Giles Kristian
However, being the optimist that I (sometimes) am, with loads of adverts extolling its virtue on a popular social-media networking site and with a intriguing premise, I thought I would give this one a go.
And I'm glad I did: it's in (I felt) a completely different league that any of his previous.
This is, effectively, a semi-historical re-telling of the Arthurian myth unique, however, in that it is told from the point of view of Lancelot himself: one third of, perhaps, the most well known love-triangle in the English language but of whom has always been given short shrift, dropping in and out of the Arthurian myth.
This, however, turns that on it's head, with Arthur only appearing roughly about half-way through this book, and with Lancelot having previous history with Guinevere before she is even Arthur's wife. This work follows him right from his boyhood, through his rescue and upbringing by Lady Nimue (Arthurian myth name drop? Check), his first meetings with Merlin (another check) and with Arthur (major check), the reimagined Excalibur (check) and the Lady of the Lake ("listen, just 'cos some watery tart threw a sword at you …"), Mordred (yet another check), his love affair with Guinevere, his exile and even Mordred's betrayal of Arthur.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this: a strong contender for the best book I've read so far this year.
They were enjoyable, I felt, but not the greatest such novels I'd ever read (I enjoyed the first one the most)
I also, relatively recently, read the first in his 'Rise of Sigurd' prequel novels and felt that one, at times, to be a bit of a chore to get through.
As such, I'd never really gone out of my way to look for any other book by Giles Kristian
However, being the optimist that I (sometimes) am, with loads of adverts extolling its virtue on a popular social-media networking site and with a intriguing premise, I thought I would give this one a go.
And I'm glad I did: it's in (I felt) a completely different league that any of his previous.
This is, effectively, a semi-historical re-telling of the Arthurian myth unique, however, in that it is told from the point of view of Lancelot himself: one third of, perhaps, the most well known love-triangle in the English language but of whom has always been given short shrift, dropping in and out of the Arthurian myth.
This, however, turns that on it's head, with Arthur only appearing roughly about half-way through this book, and with Lancelot having previous history with Guinevere before she is even Arthur's wife. This work follows him right from his boyhood, through his rescue and upbringing by Lady Nimue (Arthurian myth name drop? Check), his first meetings with Merlin (another check) and with Arthur (major check), the reimagined Excalibur (check) and the Lady of the Lake ("listen, just 'cos some watery tart threw a sword at you …"), Mordred (yet another check), his love affair with Guinevere, his exile and even Mordred's betrayal of Arthur.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this: a strong contender for the best book I've read so far this year.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Favourite (2018) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019 (Updated Sep 25, 2019)
We're at yet another point in history that I'm not familiar with, let's just take that as read for all historical films from now on. As such I don't know how accurately it portrays things.
Our leading ladies each give outstanding performances, Weisz being the stand out of the three. Lady Sarah was the only one who's character seemed consistently believable the whole way through. Coleman gave a strong performance of Queen Anne and her moods. Stone though was the only one that suffered from the quirks of her character, Abigail's change towards the end of the film to a much more grotesque demeanor was not enjoyable.
That wasn't the only thing that was troublesome to watch. The camera work and the transition pieces were some strange choices. Early on we have a scene set in a dark shadowed room that means we're just watching two silhouettes, we see other scenes that are shot in darkened rooms and they're all handled much better than this shot. The other two issues I came across feel very old fashioned. Firstly cross fading transitions, I can't say added anything. Secondly the random fish eye lens, again it doesn't add anything and would be more at home in a sci-fi film than a historical one.
I can't say I enjoyed the film overall. It's a rather bland tale punctuated by overdone lavish moments, unnecessary sex and nudity, and all punctuated with some gratuitous additions of the C word. I'm not even offended by any of these things but none of it felt like it needed to be in the film, I genuinely feel it would have been a better production without some of it.
What you should do
I wouldn't bother with this one, and I'm aware I'm in a minority on this point. Personally I feel like time would be better spent researching the real point in history than this account.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
Lady Sarah's shooting outfit.
Our leading ladies each give outstanding performances, Weisz being the stand out of the three. Lady Sarah was the only one who's character seemed consistently believable the whole way through. Coleman gave a strong performance of Queen Anne and her moods. Stone though was the only one that suffered from the quirks of her character, Abigail's change towards the end of the film to a much more grotesque demeanor was not enjoyable.
That wasn't the only thing that was troublesome to watch. The camera work and the transition pieces were some strange choices. Early on we have a scene set in a dark shadowed room that means we're just watching two silhouettes, we see other scenes that are shot in darkened rooms and they're all handled much better than this shot. The other two issues I came across feel very old fashioned. Firstly cross fading transitions, I can't say added anything. Secondly the random fish eye lens, again it doesn't add anything and would be more at home in a sci-fi film than a historical one.
I can't say I enjoyed the film overall. It's a rather bland tale punctuated by overdone lavish moments, unnecessary sex and nudity, and all punctuated with some gratuitous additions of the C word. I'm not even offended by any of these things but none of it felt like it needed to be in the film, I genuinely feel it would have been a better production without some of it.
What you should do
I wouldn't bother with this one, and I'm aware I'm in a minority on this point. Personally I feel like time would be better spent researching the real point in history than this account.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
Lady Sarah's shooting outfit.
After The Empire
Tabletop Game
After the fall of Rome, Europe fell into the so-called "dark ages." From the chaos, feudalism arose...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Viper: The Prophecy (Odins Wolves 2) in Books
Oct 19, 2023
155 of 235
Kindle
Viper :The Prophecy (Odins Wolves MC 2)
By Candi Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gaia. the mother of all created a werewolf shifter class to serve as guardians. To avoid war, Gaia gifted those that answered the call to Odin, who infused the warriors with immortality creating a class of demigods who fight for justice.
20 years ago, the world found out that humans were not the only Earth dwellers. Now Dark Fae and Shifters live in the light.
Logan Haagan: Viper, Viking demigod, and retired Dallas police officer will join his brothers in White Horse, OK as part of the OWMC who will work to exact justice when the law can’t. Before leaving Dallas, Viper sees Lady Death fight in an underground ring. The fight has mafia ties and ruthlessly pits all manner of dark fae creatures often encouraging the death of the loser.
Billie, Lady Death has been fighting for the Tromlui capo, Cayum since she was a teenager. She becomes a champion of the ring and wants nothing more than to win her contract back and help her friend who is being threatened. Viper and Synne, a dark fae, work to get her released, but Cayum is not easily discouraged and will stop at nothing to keep Billie right where he wants her.
Viper and Billie are sent to New Orleans to uncover a curse, unearth an ancient vampire relic, and discover an age-old prophecy that will change everything...
Don’t miss this epic tale of myths, justice, and prophecy.
I did enjoy this one but think I was expecting to feel the same as I did about book 1 and I didn’t. The world building is really good with complex characters and storylines. Loved catching up with Odins wolves and finding other creatures especially loving Deaths identity . Also a gator shifter that’s a first for me too!
Kindle
Viper :The Prophecy (Odins Wolves MC 2)
By Candi Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gaia. the mother of all created a werewolf shifter class to serve as guardians. To avoid war, Gaia gifted those that answered the call to Odin, who infused the warriors with immortality creating a class of demigods who fight for justice.
20 years ago, the world found out that humans were not the only Earth dwellers. Now Dark Fae and Shifters live in the light.
Logan Haagan: Viper, Viking demigod, and retired Dallas police officer will join his brothers in White Horse, OK as part of the OWMC who will work to exact justice when the law can’t. Before leaving Dallas, Viper sees Lady Death fight in an underground ring. The fight has mafia ties and ruthlessly pits all manner of dark fae creatures often encouraging the death of the loser.
Billie, Lady Death has been fighting for the Tromlui capo, Cayum since she was a teenager. She becomes a champion of the ring and wants nothing more than to win her contract back and help her friend who is being threatened. Viper and Synne, a dark fae, work to get her released, but Cayum is not easily discouraged and will stop at nothing to keep Billie right where he wants her.
Viper and Billie are sent to New Orleans to uncover a curse, unearth an ancient vampire relic, and discover an age-old prophecy that will change everything...
Don’t miss this epic tale of myths, justice, and prophecy.
I did enjoy this one but think I was expecting to feel the same as I did about book 1 and I didn’t. The world building is really good with complex characters and storylines. Loved catching up with Odins wolves and finding other creatures especially loving Deaths identity . Also a gator shifter that’s a first for me too!
The King's Intelligencer: The Discovery of the Missing Princes in the Tower
Book
London, 1674: When children’s bones are unexpectedly unearthed in the Tower of London, England’s...
Historical Fiction Mystery
Sheridan (209 KP) rated Chappie (2015) in Movies
Jul 12, 2017
Cast (3 more)
CGI
Storyline
AI Concept is Ace
A Cult Classic
From the same director that brought us, District 9 and Elysium. We have the masterpiece that is Chappie. I can't express how much love I have for this film. So much love. The cast is ace, the CGI is incredible and the story...oh man the story is a work of art. Sigourney Weaver known as the alien go-to lady, plays an interesting role in this film, I liked her portrayal of the CEO. Hugh Jackman *sigh* I adore him and he shines in this role (as always) but he unfortunately plays a total a**hole :( Yo-Landi and Ninja the world's worst parents but in the best way :) (They both members of the band Die Antwoord, which has some top tracks, well worth a listen) Overall, this is just an epic film. Watch it. You won't be disappointed!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated A Dog's Heart in Books
Sep 2, 2017
Fabulous Russian tale about human ethics
What a fantastic satirical book. Think about crossing Frankenstein with My Fair Lady, and then setting it in Soviet Russia. This book is about how human beings are essentially more enslaved to systems than a dog is. A doctor decides to do a science experiment, putting the pituitary gland and testicles of a man into a stray dog to see the results. Instead they end up with a man wolf, who is rude and obnoxious, and demands the same rights as a human being. No sooner is he a man, he is forced to be registered and take part in rebuilding the nation after tsarist Russia. However, as a man he's still treated as a lowly pauper or a dog by the doctor. So who is more free - the dog having to raid bins to search for scraps or the one owned by the doctor and the government? Fabulous little tale.