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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated The Miser's Dream (An Eli Marks Mystery #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Eli Marks looks into the projection booth of the theater next door late one night, the last thing he expects to see if the projectionist dead on the floor of the locked booth. Against his will, he finds himself involved in the case and interviewing the eccentric suspects. But which of them is a killer? And how did they pull off the crime?
This is a wonderful mystery with the added locked room element. I had no clue where the book was going, but I couldn’t believe I didn’t figure it out when the clues and killer were presented at the end. The eccentric cast of suspects are fun, and the series regulars are great as always. Eli’s job as a magician is a great hook that makes this series stand out from the others.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-misers-dream-by-john.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a wonderful mystery with the added locked room element. I had no clue where the book was going, but I couldn’t believe I didn’t figure it out when the clues and killer were presented at the end. The eccentric cast of suspects are fun, and the series regulars are great as always. Eli’s job as a magician is a great hook that makes this series stand out from the others.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-misers-dream-by-john.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Next (2007) in Movies
Feb 14, 2021
Hmmm ... I'm not really sure what to say about this.
Other than it stars Nicolas Cage (who doens't go as overboard in this as he normally does), Jessica Biel and Julianne Moore, and is based on a short story by prolific sci-fi author Philip K Dick (who wrote works that become the basis for both Total Recall (based on "We Can Remember it for You Wholesale") and Blade Runner (based on "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep"), to namedrop but two), with Nic as a Las Vegas magician who can see no further than 2 minutes into his own future.
Except where it concerns Jessica Biel's character (who he has not yet met as the film begins).
Decent enough premise, then, with some decent enough action scenes - even if they won't blow you away - and a decent enough twist ending (even if I want to know what happens Next).
In fact, maybe that single word sums it up: Decent.
Not spectacular.
Other than it stars Nicolas Cage (who doens't go as overboard in this as he normally does), Jessica Biel and Julianne Moore, and is based on a short story by prolific sci-fi author Philip K Dick (who wrote works that become the basis for both Total Recall (based on "We Can Remember it for You Wholesale") and Blade Runner (based on "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep"), to namedrop but two), with Nic as a Las Vegas magician who can see no further than 2 minutes into his own future.
Except where it concerns Jessica Biel's character (who he has not yet met as the film begins).
Decent enough premise, then, with some decent enough action scenes - even if they won't blow you away - and a decent enough twist ending (even if I want to know what happens Next).
In fact, maybe that single word sums it up: Decent.
Not spectacular.
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Golem's Eye (Bartimaeus, #2) in Books
Jun 1, 2025
Second entry in Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus trilogy, set roughly two years after the previous 'The Amulet of Samarkand', and following roughly the same outline as before in that it frequently switches point of view between that of the young magician (who, here, are the ruling - and tyrannical - class) Nathaniel, the Djinni he summons (Bartimaeus) who also happens to know his summoners real name (and thus has blackmail material over said summoner) and now also the ringleader of the Resistance Kathleen 'Kitty' Jones.
Here, Nathaniel - who goes by the name of John Mandrake - is charged with uncovering the origin of disturbances in his modern-day-ish London, which he initially blames on the Resistance before it comes to light otherwise.
Not that his fellow members of government initially believe him, or that it is being caused by a Golem being controlled by a mysterious animator ...
Almost worth reading for the footnotes/comments by Bartimaeus alone!
Here, Nathaniel - who goes by the name of John Mandrake - is charged with uncovering the origin of disturbances in his modern-day-ish London, which he initially blames on the Resistance before it comes to light otherwise.
Not that his fellow members of government initially believe him, or that it is being caused by a Golem being controlled by a mysterious animator ...
Almost worth reading for the footnotes/comments by Bartimaeus alone!
The Bandersnatch (199 KP) rated The High Lord (Black Magician Trilogy, #3) in Books
Nov 7, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
Released in 2003 The High Lord is the penultimate ending to Sonea's story......starting a year after beating a bully in a fight. Sonea has received the respect she deserves but still faces the challenge of her guardian and the High Lord of the guild Akkarin. After being Surprised by Akkarin with a book on Black Magic Sonea is pulled into learning black magic and attempting to protect the city and the country from a group known as the Icani. After going through hell and being thrown out of the guild and being exiled the pair return and aid their fellow magicians in the attack......resulting in may magicians dead including Akkarin and Sonea pregnant with his child.
My opinion of this book was that of a decent conclusion to a good storyline. I do think however that the love storyline between Sonea and Akkarin is a little cliché. Otherwise It was a decent book. I have to admit the fighting between magicians would make a decent movie montage.
Born in Kew, Melbourne Australia on October 23rd 1969 Trudi Canavan spent her formative years being extremely creative in the suburb of Ferntree Gully. Canavan decided to become a professional artist and went to the Melbourne college of Decoration achieving an advanced certificate in promotional display as well as an award for the highest aggregate mark in art subjects in 1988.
During the early 1990's Canavan worked for the Australian magazine Aurealis (a magazine for Australian science-fiction and fantasy work) as well as starting her own business The Telltale art which specialised in graphical design services. By working for Aurealis Canavan was able to write in her spare time.
In 1999 Canavan managed to win the Aurealis award for best fantasy short story with whispers of the mist children and cementing her work further with the release of the Magicians Guild in 2001 (book one of The Black Magician trilogy) the successive books The Novice (2002) and The Black Magician (2003) brought Canavan both widespread acclaim and nominations for both the Aurealis best Fantasy novel and Best Novel Ditmar Category. All three books ended up in the top ten Science Fiction books for Australia.
Canavan's second Trilogy Age of Five was also well received with the first book reaching No3 in the Sunday Times hardback fiction best sellers list and staying in the top ten for six weeks. Canavan went on to write a prequel/sequel to the black magician trilogy known as the magicians apprentice in 2009 this was followed by the traitor spy trilogy which was released between 2010 and 2012. Trudi Canavan now holds a vast array of written works under her belt which can be split into three book series and a group of short stories.
My opinion of Trudi Canavan is that she is a very dedicated writer. Excellent with detail and writing a strong character and story. I definitely respect her work ethic since she is both a writer and a graphic designer. I definitely would love to talk with her and have a discussion about books and writing in general. She is up there with Prof J. R. R. Tolkien, George R. R. Martin and Lewis Carroll in my books.
And there you have it a book for all the ages, definitely under the banner of Quality reading, I am positive this trilogy could end up being the NEXT it thing if they were ever made into a Movie Trilogy.
My opinion of this book was that of a decent conclusion to a good storyline. I do think however that the love storyline between Sonea and Akkarin is a little cliché. Otherwise It was a decent book. I have to admit the fighting between magicians would make a decent movie montage.
Born in Kew, Melbourne Australia on October 23rd 1969 Trudi Canavan spent her formative years being extremely creative in the suburb of Ferntree Gully. Canavan decided to become a professional artist and went to the Melbourne college of Decoration achieving an advanced certificate in promotional display as well as an award for the highest aggregate mark in art subjects in 1988.
During the early 1990's Canavan worked for the Australian magazine Aurealis (a magazine for Australian science-fiction and fantasy work) as well as starting her own business The Telltale art which specialised in graphical design services. By working for Aurealis Canavan was able to write in her spare time.
In 1999 Canavan managed to win the Aurealis award for best fantasy short story with whispers of the mist children and cementing her work further with the release of the Magicians Guild in 2001 (book one of The Black Magician trilogy) the successive books The Novice (2002) and The Black Magician (2003) brought Canavan both widespread acclaim and nominations for both the Aurealis best Fantasy novel and Best Novel Ditmar Category. All three books ended up in the top ten Science Fiction books for Australia.
Canavan's second Trilogy Age of Five was also well received with the first book reaching No3 in the Sunday Times hardback fiction best sellers list and staying in the top ten for six weeks. Canavan went on to write a prequel/sequel to the black magician trilogy known as the magicians apprentice in 2009 this was followed by the traitor spy trilogy which was released between 2010 and 2012. Trudi Canavan now holds a vast array of written works under her belt which can be split into three book series and a group of short stories.
My opinion of Trudi Canavan is that she is a very dedicated writer. Excellent with detail and writing a strong character and story. I definitely respect her work ethic since she is both a writer and a graphic designer. I definitely would love to talk with her and have a discussion about books and writing in general. She is up there with Prof J. R. R. Tolkien, George R. R. Martin and Lewis Carroll in my books.
And there you have it a book for all the ages, definitely under the banner of Quality reading, I am positive this trilogy could end up being the NEXT it thing if they were ever made into a Movie Trilogy.
Gail (4 KP) rated Trust (Alex Conner Chronicles, #1) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
This book is very different then my normal go to paranormal so I am glad it didn’t leave me disappointed. Alex is a event planner but she takes it to a new level of partying. She grows up with powers she didn’t really understand and a mother who was more high than sober. This book gave me chills at times but I loved it.
You get what you want out of this book. The author leaves so many possibilities open that you just can not guess where it will lead. You get views of her past and you understand how she turn out this way. But it seems nothing is working for her. Her therapist and friend are no help. The scenes are hot but classy.
I enjoyed her highs and lows because even though she had magic her life wasn’t perfect. She was learning and still struggling like any other person. If you don’t believe in a little magic you will after reading this. I love reading books when the author is a word magician. With every moment and emotion you feel what they feel.
You get what you want out of this book. The author leaves so many possibilities open that you just can not guess where it will lead. You get views of her past and you understand how she turn out this way. But it seems nothing is working for her. Her therapist and friend are no help. The scenes are hot but classy.
I enjoyed her highs and lows because even though she had magic her life wasn’t perfect. She was learning and still struggling like any other person. If you don’t believe in a little magic you will after reading this. I love reading books when the author is a word magician. With every moment and emotion you feel what they feel.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Darkness at Sethanon in Books
Mar 29, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
A Darkness at Sethanon is the stunning climax to Raymond E. Feist's brilliant epic fantasy trilogy, the Riftwar Saga.
Here be dragons and sorcery, swordplay, quests, pursuits, intrigues, stratagems, journeys to the darkest realms of the dead and titanic battles between the forces of good and darkest evil.
Here is the final dramatic confrontation between Arutha and Murmandamus - and the perilous quest of Pug the magician and Tomas the warrior for Macros the Black. A Darkness at Sethanon is heroic fantasy of the highest excitement and on the grandest scale, a magnificent conclusion to one of the great fantasy sagas of our time.
Omg!!! I was at one point about to throw the book in the bin sneaky sneaky killing of Arutha I was distraught!! Poor Jimmy. But all was well that sneaky prince ran off to save the world! This is one series I've absolutely loved! Raymond E Feist is a fantastic writer I'd love to see this series developed into films it would rival lord of the rings! I was in awe at the last 5 chapters. Brilliant brilliant set of books!!!
Here be dragons and sorcery, swordplay, quests, pursuits, intrigues, stratagems, journeys to the darkest realms of the dead and titanic battles between the forces of good and darkest evil.
Here is the final dramatic confrontation between Arutha and Murmandamus - and the perilous quest of Pug the magician and Tomas the warrior for Macros the Black. A Darkness at Sethanon is heroic fantasy of the highest excitement and on the grandest scale, a magnificent conclusion to one of the great fantasy sagas of our time.
Omg!!! I was at one point about to throw the book in the bin sneaky sneaky killing of Arutha I was distraught!! Poor Jimmy. But all was well that sneaky prince ran off to save the world! This is one series I've absolutely loved! Raymond E Feist is a fantastic writer I'd love to see this series developed into films it would rival lord of the rings! I was in awe at the last 5 chapters. Brilliant brilliant set of books!!!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Lord of Illusions (1995) in Movies
Sep 23, 2020
The Illusion
Lords of Illusions- is Clive Barker's last film he directed. He only producted movies and was a writer for movied afterwards. And wow what a good movie. Im not the hugest fan of hellraiser and didnt see nightbreeds yet. So i went into this film blind. I have heard of this film and wanted to see it for couple of years now. And it turns out that i liked it.
The Plot: Private eye Harry D'Amour (Scott Bakula) travels to Los Angeles and meets with a new client, Dorothea Swann (Famke Janssen). Swann reveals that she and her husband -- famed magician Philip Swann (Kevin J. O'Connor) -- have been targeted by a religious cult experimenting with reincarnation. After Philip dies on stage in the midst of a dangerous trick, D'Amour must struggle to protect Dorothea from the ruthless cult members and their newly reanimated religious leader, Nix (Daniel Von Bargen).
Its a good psychological film cause it does mess with your mind alot and in the end it is a good horror flick. I do recordmend it to others.
The Plot: Private eye Harry D'Amour (Scott Bakula) travels to Los Angeles and meets with a new client, Dorothea Swann (Famke Janssen). Swann reveals that she and her husband -- famed magician Philip Swann (Kevin J. O'Connor) -- have been targeted by a religious cult experimenting with reincarnation. After Philip dies on stage in the midst of a dangerous trick, D'Amour must struggle to protect Dorothea from the ruthless cult members and their newly reanimated religious leader, Nix (Daniel Von Bargen).
Its a good psychological film cause it does mess with your mind alot and in the end it is a good horror flick. I do recordmend it to others.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Raven (1963) in Movies
Aug 21, 2020
Vincent Price (2 more)
Boris Karloff
Jack Nicholson
Campy and Chessy
The Raven- is a excellent slapstick comic-horror film that is based off of Edgar Allen-Poe's Poem. The effects are cheesy meaning bad but those were effects back in the 60's. Now we have CGI. So looking back those were the effects that their had. And it got better overtime. I just love the campest of this film. Its horror but slapstick horror with cheesy effects.
The Plot: Magician Erasmus Craven (Vincent Price) is still deeply depressed two years after the death of his beloved wife, Lenore (Hazel Court). One day, he's visited by Adolphus Bedlo (Peter Lorre), who has been transformed into a raven after losing a duel to Dr. Scarabus (Boris Karloff), an evil wizard. After Craven transforms Bedlo back into a human, Bedlo claims to have seen Lenore's ghost at Scarabus' castle, prompting the two to head to Scarabus' castle to seek Craven's lost love.
I love the performaces by Vincent Price, Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson. Three generations of actors right their. Plus Roger Corman directed it.
Its a cheesy campy film but got to love it cause of the slapstick.
The Plot: Magician Erasmus Craven (Vincent Price) is still deeply depressed two years after the death of his beloved wife, Lenore (Hazel Court). One day, he's visited by Adolphus Bedlo (Peter Lorre), who has been transformed into a raven after losing a duel to Dr. Scarabus (Boris Karloff), an evil wizard. After Craven transforms Bedlo back into a human, Bedlo claims to have seen Lenore's ghost at Scarabus' castle, prompting the two to head to Scarabus' castle to seek Craven's lost love.
I love the performaces by Vincent Price, Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson. Three generations of actors right their. Plus Roger Corman directed it.
Its a cheesy campy film but got to love it cause of the slapstick.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Illusions in Books
Aug 21, 2023
The Illusions was completely and utterly riveting - I couldn’t put it down!
It’s the late 1890’s and The Greatest Magician is ready to hand over his mantle (wand?) to George Perris. George meets Eadie Carlton, a photographer and pioneering film-maker, and decides that he wants to try and incorporate her work into his show.
Cecily Marsden finds herself alone again when her con artist master dies suddenly, and she gets a job in the house of his nephew. But the nephew has some secrets of his own. Luckily, Cec meets a kind gentleman who only wants to help her and take her away from her employer.
Cec, George and Eadie soon find themselves working together on the greatest magic show, and Cec has to try and save the performance from sabotage.
I loved this: there’s stage magic, a bit of ‘real’ magic and the excitement of the modern age and film. It’s exciting (will the show go on?), romantic (will they EVER get together?) and frankly magical (of course!).
I’m so glad I read this, it really did start my summer holidays on a high!
It’s the late 1890’s and The Greatest Magician is ready to hand over his mantle (wand?) to George Perris. George meets Eadie Carlton, a photographer and pioneering film-maker, and decides that he wants to try and incorporate her work into his show.
Cecily Marsden finds herself alone again when her con artist master dies suddenly, and she gets a job in the house of his nephew. But the nephew has some secrets of his own. Luckily, Cec meets a kind gentleman who only wants to help her and take her away from her employer.
Cec, George and Eadie soon find themselves working together on the greatest magic show, and Cec has to try and save the performance from sabotage.
I loved this: there’s stage magic, a bit of ‘real’ magic and the excitement of the modern age and film. It’s exciting (will the show go on?), romantic (will they EVER get together?) and frankly magical (of course!).
I’m so glad I read this, it really did start my summer holidays on a high!
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus, #1) in Books
Sep 1, 2024
Well.
Have you ever read any Terry Pratchett? (incidentally, one of my favourite)
The author of this surely has; in particular putting me in mind somewhat of Eric.
This, however, is set in a (fictional) London, still on planet Earth, but where magic is real and practiced by the ruling (and not very pleasant) class of Magicians, who summon magical creatures to do their dirty work.
Which is where Bartimaeus comes in: a djinni summoned by the boy would-be Magician Nathaniel (aka John) and initially bound to do his will until he discovers his masters birth name.
The story is told roughly every 2 or 3 chapters about from the perspective of both Bartimaeus (in the first person, and with tons of footnotes) himself and from that of Nathaniel (third person, no footnotes), leading up to the final chapter which flits between the both of them in the one chapter alone.
The result, I found, was an enjoyable enough read (although you do want to smack one main character in particular around the head) - I may pick up parts 2 and 3 in the series, but would not be in any great rush to do so.
Have you ever read any Terry Pratchett? (incidentally, one of my favourite)
The author of this surely has; in particular putting me in mind somewhat of Eric.
This, however, is set in a (fictional) London, still on planet Earth, but where magic is real and practiced by the ruling (and not very pleasant) class of Magicians, who summon magical creatures to do their dirty work.
Which is where Bartimaeus comes in: a djinni summoned by the boy would-be Magician Nathaniel (aka John) and initially bound to do his will until he discovers his masters birth name.
The story is told roughly every 2 or 3 chapters about from the perspective of both Bartimaeus (in the first person, and with tons of footnotes) himself and from that of Nathaniel (third person, no footnotes), leading up to the final chapter which flits between the both of them in the one chapter alone.
The result, I found, was an enjoyable enough read (although you do want to smack one main character in particular around the head) - I may pick up parts 2 and 3 in the series, but would not be in any great rush to do so.