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Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Tempests and Slaughter: the Numair Chronicles Book 1 in Books
Apr 5, 2018
Tamora's excellent writing (2 more)
Awesome worldbuilding
ENZI
A new Tamora Pierce book! About the origins of Numair! YES! I waited SO ANXIOUSLY for this book to make its way through the line of holds at my library and get in my grabby hands, and I was rewarded. Tempests is classic Tamora Pierce. It's set in Carthak, not Tortall, but the themes and feel are exactly what I was expecting. I love diving back into my favorite fantasy worlds, and Tortall ranks right near the top. (It might be the top, I haven't sat down and attempted to rank them - that would probably be a futile effort!)
My only issue with the book, really, is that it feels like an introduction. I know it's the first part of a trilogy, but the rest isn't OUT YET! So I feel like I've read the first third of a story and now I have to wait. Tempests introduces a LOT of story threads, and resolves exactly none of them. It managed to do so without leaving us on a cliffhanger, though, so there's that, at least. I'm probably going to go re-read the books around Numair's adult life to tide me over until the rest of this trilogy comes out!
I think my favorite character overall was Enzi - he was hilarious and obstinate and I'm looking forward to the rest of his storyline.
I was surprised but pleased to see a gay couple as side characters - and that it wasn't mentioned the character was gay until his husband arrived on the scene. It wasn't a defining point of his character, his spouse just happened to be male. I've said it before, but I love seeing the change in fantasy - it's gone from "that's strange or scandalous" to "absolutely no big deal, people have differently-gendered partners." It will be even lovelier once real society reaches that point!
Final verdict: Tempests and Slaughter was an excellent addition to Tortall, but if you like books that resolve their storylines, you might want to wait until the rest of the trilogy is published. If you can't wait, just expect that you won't get many answers from this first book!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
My only issue with the book, really, is that it feels like an introduction. I know it's the first part of a trilogy, but the rest isn't OUT YET! So I feel like I've read the first third of a story and now I have to wait. Tempests introduces a LOT of story threads, and resolves exactly none of them. It managed to do so without leaving us on a cliffhanger, though, so there's that, at least. I'm probably going to go re-read the books around Numair's adult life to tide me over until the rest of this trilogy comes out!
I think my favorite character overall was Enzi - he was hilarious and obstinate and I'm looking forward to the rest of his storyline.
I was surprised but pleased to see a gay couple as side characters - and that it wasn't mentioned the character was gay until his husband arrived on the scene. It wasn't a defining point of his character, his spouse just happened to be male. I've said it before, but I love seeing the change in fantasy - it's gone from "that's strange or scandalous" to "absolutely no big deal, people have differently-gendered partners." It will be even lovelier once real society reaches that point!
Final verdict: Tempests and Slaughter was an excellent addition to Tortall, but if you like books that resolve their storylines, you might want to wait until the rest of the trilogy is published. If you can't wait, just expect that you won't get many answers from this first book!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
HyruleBalverine (16 KP) rated South Park: The Fractured But Whole in Video Games
Nov 26, 2017
The Fractured but Whole delivers fans a great experience!
With so many licensed properties out there being made into games with low budgets and by people who clearly have no idea what the property is about, including South Park games in the past, it comes as no surprise that most people were cautious to say the least when we heard that a new South Park game was being made. But hearing that Matt Stone and Trey Parker we're going to be involved every step of the way gave us hope for the Stick of Truth.
When the Stick of Truth came out, fans of the show were blown away by the attention to detail, the references that the casual fan would recognize, and the references that probably only the most die-hard fan would catch. It showed us what a licensed property could be properly made into a game. So when Ubisoft announced a sequel we were all expecting an amazing game. And quite frankly, the Fractured but Whole delivers on that promise.
I found myself laughing at the story as I would any episode of the show, as well as the references to past episodes, and even the off-handed and sometimes visual references to the previous game. And rather than just sitting on their laurels, Matt and Trey and the rest of the team at Ubisoft made a stellar game with updates and improvements from the previous entry.
Basically if you would like South Park and/or if you enjoyed the Stick of Truth you will definitely enjoy this game!
Not that the game is without it's flaws. Since I've completed the story I find that the only reason that I want to play the game a second time is because I messed up the difficulty achievement the first time, whereas the first game, I wanted to play it multiple times. I believe that a large part of this is the difference between the two games: how the game handles skills/abilities. In The Stick of Truth you choose a class and play that class, with it's abilities, through the whole game; the clothing/armor and weapon options edit your stats allowing you to customize your character to your play style. If you want to play a different class and try it's abilities, you have to start a new playthrough. This isn't the case in The Fractured But Whole; As you progress through the game, you gain the ability to be "multi class" adding the ability options of another class. This happens multiple times and near the end of the game you are given access to all classes and their abilities. The stat adjustments made by the clothing/armor and weapons have been replaced by "Artifacts" and "DNA", which works well as a super hero character, but this leaves the costume options as purely cosmetic; their only in game use is to work on one of the "Titles" in the Character Sheet for XP; once you've maxed that, it's just collecting them for the people who wish to try and get everything in the game. Of course, I've not found any way to keep track of what I'm missing, if anything, which makes doing that harder.
With that said, I still love the game. Just like it's predecessor, it feels like you're involved with an episode of the show. I just wish that I felt it had as much replay value as The Stick of Truth did for me.
When the Stick of Truth came out, fans of the show were blown away by the attention to detail, the references that the casual fan would recognize, and the references that probably only the most die-hard fan would catch. It showed us what a licensed property could be properly made into a game. So when Ubisoft announced a sequel we were all expecting an amazing game. And quite frankly, the Fractured but Whole delivers on that promise.
I found myself laughing at the story as I would any episode of the show, as well as the references to past episodes, and even the off-handed and sometimes visual references to the previous game. And rather than just sitting on their laurels, Matt and Trey and the rest of the team at Ubisoft made a stellar game with updates and improvements from the previous entry.
Basically if you would like South Park and/or if you enjoyed the Stick of Truth you will definitely enjoy this game!
Not that the game is without it's flaws. Since I've completed the story I find that the only reason that I want to play the game a second time is because I messed up the difficulty achievement the first time, whereas the first game, I wanted to play it multiple times. I believe that a large part of this is the difference between the two games: how the game handles skills/abilities. In The Stick of Truth you choose a class and play that class, with it's abilities, through the whole game; the clothing/armor and weapon options edit your stats allowing you to customize your character to your play style. If you want to play a different class and try it's abilities, you have to start a new playthrough. This isn't the case in The Fractured But Whole; As you progress through the game, you gain the ability to be "multi class" adding the ability options of another class. This happens multiple times and near the end of the game you are given access to all classes and their abilities. The stat adjustments made by the clothing/armor and weapons have been replaced by "Artifacts" and "DNA", which works well as a super hero character, but this leaves the costume options as purely cosmetic; their only in game use is to work on one of the "Titles" in the Character Sheet for XP; once you've maxed that, it's just collecting them for the people who wish to try and get everything in the game. Of course, I've not found any way to keep track of what I'm missing, if anything, which makes doing that harder.
With that said, I still love the game. Just like it's predecessor, it feels like you're involved with an episode of the show. I just wish that I felt it had as much replay value as The Stick of Truth did for me.
Alex Kapranos recommended track Tears in the Typing Pool by Broadcast in Tender Buttons by Broadcast in Music (curated)
Laura lou (304 KP) rated Insatiable in TV
Dec 18, 2018
Funny (2 more)
Entertaining
Relatable
This show has had a lot of mixed reviews. Some people love it and some people don’t like the way that it represents body issues.
Personally I thought this was a great show. If you don’t think too much about how far fetched some of the story lines are and just take the show for what it is, a show, then it’s very entertaining, funny and a joy to watch.
I found it quite addicting and ended up watching the entire series over a few days. I enjoyed the witty dialogue, quirky characters and personally thought that they approached some touchy subjects in a way that people can relate to but also in a way that made the show fun.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed watching insatiable and am looking forward to the next series.
Personally I thought this was a great show. If you don’t think too much about how far fetched some of the story lines are and just take the show for what it is, a show, then it’s very entertaining, funny and a joy to watch.
I found it quite addicting and ended up watching the entire series over a few days. I enjoyed the witty dialogue, quirky characters and personally thought that they approached some touchy subjects in a way that people can relate to but also in a way that made the show fun.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed watching insatiable and am looking forward to the next series.
Tyondai Braxton recommended Once Upon a Time in the West Soundtrack by Ennio Morricone in Music (curated)
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Skinny in Books
Feb 13, 2020
I think the first time I read this book was in early middle school. I think I bought it from the Scholastic Book Fair in our library, though I am unsure. All I know is that for the last almost 10 years, this book has followed me from house to house, from Colorado to North Carolina and finally, at almost 21 years old, I've opened it again and read it.
It's definitely a book written for younger readers, that's for sure. Probably about 6th graders, which is fitting for the time that I think I read it the first time. Ever's story is a coming of age one - a story about learning to be confident in yourself, that everyone is going through different things, that what you think everyone thinks of you isn't always the truth. Ever's story is about learning to accept yourself and love yourself for who you are, not what you look like, and allowing people to be close to you. It's about a million things - some I'm sure more relatable when at Ever's age and in her similar situation, but also some that are just themes of life and love.
I think, as far as the story goes, it's a good one. I know there's always a risk when writing about body image in any facet, but I think this is one that does it well. I think the characters are interesting and for the most part, robust. Some of the themes and dialogue are a bit on the nose but I think that's to be expected for a book meant for younger readers. Overall, I think this is a good book. One I'm sure I'll come back to eventually, but probably not for another 10 years.
It's definitely a book written for younger readers, that's for sure. Probably about 6th graders, which is fitting for the time that I think I read it the first time. Ever's story is a coming of age one - a story about learning to be confident in yourself, that everyone is going through different things, that what you think everyone thinks of you isn't always the truth. Ever's story is about learning to accept yourself and love yourself for who you are, not what you look like, and allowing people to be close to you. It's about a million things - some I'm sure more relatable when at Ever's age and in her similar situation, but also some that are just themes of life and love.
I think, as far as the story goes, it's a good one. I know there's always a risk when writing about body image in any facet, but I think this is one that does it well. I think the characters are interesting and for the most part, robust. Some of the themes and dialogue are a bit on the nose but I think that's to be expected for a book meant for younger readers. Overall, I think this is a good book. One I'm sure I'll come back to eventually, but probably not for another 10 years.
Kaylin (39 KP) rated Alien: Covenant (2017) in Movies
May 26, 2017
Had a genuinely creepy vibe (3 more)
Likeable characters for the most part
Michael Fassbender is great
That cameo!
Doesn't feel like an Alien movie to me (2 more)
Acting can be very flat
Characters make stupid decisions that it doesn't feel like their character should make
Felt like an alien movie, but didn't feel like an Alien movie
I love the Alien franchise. I have all 4 of the original movies and I've seen all of them multiple times, even 3 and Resurrection. I'm not a huge fan of Prometheus, but I was really looking forward to this movie despite knowing it would probably be more of a sequel to that instead of a true prequel to the Alien franchise.
I...am not entirely sure how I feel about this film. It's not a bad movie, but I don't feel like it's a true Alien film. There are great things about this movie. Michael Fassbender is pretty amazing in dual roles. Danny McBride shows that he can actually act outside of comedies. I cared about most of the characters. The gore was practical and not overbearing. Some of the characters actually made smart decisions. The "main character" is actually a decent action girl.
But, to go with the good there's the...not so good. For every good decision the "main character" makes, the "captain" makes 3 dumb ones. There's a couple scenes that make no sense. The "plot twist" is predictable. When you finally see the alien, it looks super human and not at all like xenomorphs we know.
It's a good sci-fi horror/thriller movie, but if you're expecting something in the vein of the originals, you're going to be disappointed.
I...am not entirely sure how I feel about this film. It's not a bad movie, but I don't feel like it's a true Alien film. There are great things about this movie. Michael Fassbender is pretty amazing in dual roles. Danny McBride shows that he can actually act outside of comedies. I cared about most of the characters. The gore was practical and not overbearing. Some of the characters actually made smart decisions. The "main character" is actually a decent action girl.
But, to go with the good there's the...not so good. For every good decision the "main character" makes, the "captain" makes 3 dumb ones. There's a couple scenes that make no sense. The "plot twist" is predictable. When you finally see the alien, it looks super human and not at all like xenomorphs we know.
It's a good sci-fi horror/thriller movie, but if you're expecting something in the vein of the originals, you're going to be disappointed.
B is for Beg (The Alphabet of Desire #2)
10.0
Rate It
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Blake Apparently I'm a disaster—no steady job, brothers who have to help me manage my money, and...
Contemporary MM Romance
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Oct 25, 2019 (Updated Nov 5, 2019)
Amazingly average, wholly unessecary
Here we have a reboot of a mildly popular film franchise, based on a video game that is a reboot of a hugely beloved game series.
To sum up Tomb Raider in brief - if you are a fan of the original games, and don't really like the direction the recent games have taken, there is probably nothing here that will interest you.
If you are a fan of the recent game series, then you are probably better off just playing those instead of watching the movie adaption.
The film itself isn't terrible by any means, it's just completely bland and forgettable.
The plot is a run of the mill treasure hunting escapade, which we have seen countless times before, and done much better, with irrelevant side plots that bog down an already boring plot.
The action is so so, with some nice stunt work scattered here and there.
Alicia Vikander seems bored herself - I think as a movie, Tomb Raider is (very slightly) more credible than than the early 2000 efforts, but I do think the character of Lara Croft benefits from Angelina Jolie's charm.
It's like the writers couldn't decide whether to adapt the inexperienced and fighting-to-survive Lara Croft from the reboot series, or the more confident, one-liner Lara Croft from the original series, resulting in a flat adaption of either one.
All of the other characters involved are just as flat, so much so that I genuinely can't remember any of their names, or even who played them, with the exception of Dominic West - that dude is just in everything.
The script doesn't help matters one bit, threatening to put you to sleep at any given moment, and riddled with unintentionally funny Hollywood rubbish.
In summary, Tomb Raider can join the ever growing festering pile of dissapointment that are video game movies. (Except you Detective Pikachu, we love you <3)
To sum up Tomb Raider in brief - if you are a fan of the original games, and don't really like the direction the recent games have taken, there is probably nothing here that will interest you.
If you are a fan of the recent game series, then you are probably better off just playing those instead of watching the movie adaption.
The film itself isn't terrible by any means, it's just completely bland and forgettable.
The plot is a run of the mill treasure hunting escapade, which we have seen countless times before, and done much better, with irrelevant side plots that bog down an already boring plot.
The action is so so, with some nice stunt work scattered here and there.
Alicia Vikander seems bored herself - I think as a movie, Tomb Raider is (very slightly) more credible than than the early 2000 efforts, but I do think the character of Lara Croft benefits from Angelina Jolie's charm.
It's like the writers couldn't decide whether to adapt the inexperienced and fighting-to-survive Lara Croft from the reboot series, or the more confident, one-liner Lara Croft from the original series, resulting in a flat adaption of either one.
All of the other characters involved are just as flat, so much so that I genuinely can't remember any of their names, or even who played them, with the exception of Dominic West - that dude is just in everything.
The script doesn't help matters one bit, threatening to put you to sleep at any given moment, and riddled with unintentionally funny Hollywood rubbish.
In summary, Tomb Raider can join the ever growing festering pile of dissapointment that are video game movies. (Except you Detective Pikachu, we love you <3)
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated A Wrinkle in Time (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him.
There aren't enough good words to describe how much I love this film. I've sat staring at this screen for twenty minutes trying to work out how to sum it up, and it's really difficult. It will sound ridiculous, but I was left with such a feeling of well being. It sounds daft doesn't it? But it really gave me a sense of perspective that is so easily forgotten. I'm kind of paraphrasing the film but just think about how many decisions the universe had to make to make you... and if you think about that for a while, it's kind of a wow moment.
There are two moments in the film that I love. The first being the moment where they see the universe as it is, and all the things we can't perceive about someone's life. It's poignant and quite emotional. The second is when Charles Wallace goes to the dark side... that kid is amazing and truly demonic, and I loved every second of it.
The only reason that this didn't get five stars is because of the casting. I found Reid and Miller very frustrating to watch, and a little awkward.
It feels spiritual, and I understand that the book has a significant Christian leaning. There are still elements in the film that come across in that way. The Mrs all have a very angel-like, but there's no specific moments that would make you think "bible". There are plenty though that make you think about self and your own place in the universe.
Quite frankly this film made me think more beyond the film than anything else has. My stance is that I always go into a film to not think, the idea is that you're breaking from reality, to unwind, to enjoy yourself. So it usually isn't until a second watching that I might look beyond what's presented, but this one really didn't give me that option, and I liked it.
There aren't enough good words to describe how much I love this film. I've sat staring at this screen for twenty minutes trying to work out how to sum it up, and it's really difficult. It will sound ridiculous, but I was left with such a feeling of well being. It sounds daft doesn't it? But it really gave me a sense of perspective that is so easily forgotten. I'm kind of paraphrasing the film but just think about how many decisions the universe had to make to make you... and if you think about that for a while, it's kind of a wow moment.
There are two moments in the film that I love. The first being the moment where they see the universe as it is, and all the things we can't perceive about someone's life. It's poignant and quite emotional. The second is when Charles Wallace goes to the dark side... that kid is amazing and truly demonic, and I loved every second of it.
The only reason that this didn't get five stars is because of the casting. I found Reid and Miller very frustrating to watch, and a little awkward.
It feels spiritual, and I understand that the book has a significant Christian leaning. There are still elements in the film that come across in that way. The Mrs all have a very angel-like, but there's no specific moments that would make you think "bible". There are plenty though that make you think about self and your own place in the universe.
Quite frankly this film made me think more beyond the film than anything else has. My stance is that I always go into a film to not think, the idea is that you're breaking from reality, to unwind, to enjoy yourself. So it usually isn't until a second watching that I might look beyond what's presented, but this one really didn't give me that option, and I liked it.