Smashbomb

Ah what an enjoyable read.

I love mythology, and this book is a great starting point if you wish to know about the more "Hollywood" stars of Norse myth (Odin, Thor, Loki, the dwarves and frost giants, Hel (or Hela, as marvel would have it) Frey and Freya and Mimir and Heimdall and a host of others whose names you may have heard).

One of the acclaims on the front of the book sums this up quite well. "Gaiman takes on the role of the fireside Bard" - it's an easy metaphor to use, as this really is a collection of stories simplified to tales of adventure and deceit.

The vikings (or Scandinavians in general) were clearly looking to explain certain phenomena using these characters (much like Greek and Roman mythology) and I love reading about that. Trying to put myself in the position of an awed villager hearing thunder and the seeing the flash of lighting, reasoning that it must be the indomitable Thor, wielding the mighty Mjollnir, ending the life of a wicked Frost Giant with a gigantic blow. Or feeling an earthquake, and believing it must be Loki, trapped in his mountain prison, the burn of the snake's venom corroding his face as his screams of agony set the very mountains to trembling. Waiting for Ragnarok to break his bonds and have his revenge on the gods. Wonderful stuff.

If you have any interest in mythology and (like me) you don't want to dive into more reference or poetry-based offerings right away, this is a great place to start.

I guarantee that once you do, you may very well want to carry on into the more heavy hitting titles out there pertaining to Norse myth.

Definitely recommended.

Rob

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Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

Robert T Kiyosaki

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April 2017 marks 20 years since Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad first made waves in the Personal...

The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World

Adrienne Mayor

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Amazons--fierce warrior women dwelling on the fringes of the known world--were the mythic...

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Robert T. Kiyosaki

8.0 (1 Ratings) Rate It

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April 2017 marks 20 years since Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad first made waves in the...

Dean (6927 KP) rated Donkey Punch (2008) in Movies

Jul 21, 2018

Donkey Punch (2008)

2008 | Mystery

7.0

(2 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Severely underrated low budget English horror/thriller! Taking a very modern turn on the horror theme and tackling some very taboo ideas as a group of youngsters decide to live it up on holiday losing all their inhibitions as they drink, take drugs and have sex. During which a sex myth tried out leads to one of them dying. As the others battle their own conscience and morals as well as each other to get out of the mess they are in, only ending up in more extreme violence. A good idea for a film that dares to be different. Some may be put off by the sex scene which borders on porn and by the violence. However it does raise some good issues to make a graphic film. Another good entry in recent English horror films. The DVD has quite a few interviews with the cast, director both after and during the making of. Along with some deleted scenes and commentaries.

Kudos

CarlaM (53 KP) rated Sea Breeze: Phantom Queen Book 8 - A Temple Verse Series (The Phantom Queen Diaries) in Books

Nov 19, 2019

Great Characters development. Quinn has come a long way since the first book. Lots of mythology floating about in these books. (0 more)

Meh! I dont think there is anything bad. If I was really critical, some might find it slow I guess (0 more)

An Epic Tale

A great story filled with characters from myth, legend and story books. After the detour in Salty Dog, Sea Breeze takes Quinn back to her original Objective to Find Jack and Stop him and if she can, Rescue him.
She meets up with a true hodgepodge of great characters and sails off on her mission.

On a personal note I think this is Cameron's best novel to date. I appreciate a book that takes the time to not only tell a story... but make me feel what the characters are feeling.
I really cant wait to get my hands on the next book and see what happens next!

Kudos

Ross (3284 KP) rated Onward (2020) in Movies

Mar 9, 2020

Onward (2020)

2020 | Adventure, Animation, Comedy

8.2

(49 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

Ticked all of my boxes - superb

I don't know if this is more of a "boys' film" in terms of themes, or just because of the main characters, but my son and I loved this film, my wife and daughter were slightly disappointed.
The film takes place in a world much like our own where magic has faded into myth and technology taken over. It sees two fatherless elf brothers suddenly in possession of a magical staff and clues to how to bring their father back from beyond the grave for a day.
The boys set off on a quest and grow to love each other again, shedding their differences and appreciating each other again.
The film is funny, touching, thought-provoking and exciting. The makers have nailed an exciting animated film with all the feels and none of the cringe. I would happily go and see this again and probably will do!