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Awix (3310 KP) rated Into the Night in TV
May 31, 2020
The cheap gag about Into the Night would be to declare it the best Belgian apocalyptic SF disaster thriller mini-series ever made, but it deserves better than that. Not entirely unlike Lost, but without the plane actually crashing: passengers and crew of a commercial jet find themselves desperately travelling west, perpetually, as the sun's rays have suddenly become lethal. Characters come into sharper focus, tensions within the group build, there are many incidental crises and problems.
It's done with a slightly broad brush and occasionally becomes a little contrived, but there are great performances from the ensemble cast and it soon becomes genuinely gripping and tense, though not without the odd moment of black humour ('I'm going to die in Scotland... with Belgians!' despairs one character in the first episode). Not sure what they're going to do if it gets a second series, but this is a fine piece of entertainment. (Right-thinking people will surely watch the original version, with subtitles if necessary: the English dubbing is not great.)
It's done with a slightly broad brush and occasionally becomes a little contrived, but there are great performances from the ensemble cast and it soon becomes genuinely gripping and tense, though not without the odd moment of black humour ('I'm going to die in Scotland... with Belgians!' despairs one character in the first episode). Not sure what they're going to do if it gets a second series, but this is a fine piece of entertainment. (Right-thinking people will surely watch the original version, with subtitles if necessary: the English dubbing is not great.)
Sarah (126 KP) rated Shallow Graves (The Haunted #1) in Books
Feb 16, 2019 (Updated Feb 16, 2019)
Some plotlines were rather predictable (1 more)
Writing was a little lacklustre in parts
Genuinely creepy, if a little predictable
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and it is the first part in a six book series (although, at the time of writing this review, the sixth book does state there is a seventh to come - which has not materialised some 15 months later, despite the author being quite a prolific writer).
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to; there were some moments of real trepidation, wondering what was coming, but I did feel that the writing lacked a little urgency or ability to induce real fear.
That said, even though there were elements of the storyline that were incredibly predictable from the outset, it did grip me enough to make me continue with the series.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to; there were some moments of real trepidation, wondering what was coming, but I did feel that the writing lacked a little urgency or ability to induce real fear.
That said, even though there were elements of the storyline that were incredibly predictable from the outset, it did grip me enough to make me continue with the series.
John Stack seems to have a knack for choosing unusual settings.
His previous novels - <i>Ship of Rome</i>, <i>Captain of Rome</i> and <i>Masters of Rome</i> all concerned the Roman navy during the first Punic war against Carthage. While this novel is not part of that series, it also has another unusual setting: this time, that of the Spanish Armada.
While it does have an unusual setting, it also shares some similarites with those other books: again, the main protaganist of the novel is an outsider, this time a loyal Recusant (or practising, secret, Catholic) in the English navy compared to the Greek captain in the Roman navy of the <i>Masters of the Sea</i> series. Again, a large chunk of it takes place on sea, rather than on land. Again, it is an enjoyable read.
His previous novels - <i>Ship of Rome</i>, <i>Captain of Rome</i> and <i>Masters of Rome</i> all concerned the Roman navy during the first Punic war against Carthage. While this novel is not part of that series, it also has another unusual setting: this time, that of the Spanish Armada.
While it does have an unusual setting, it also shares some similarites with those other books: again, the main protaganist of the novel is an outsider, this time a loyal Recusant (or practising, secret, Catholic) in the English navy compared to the Greek captain in the Roman navy of the <i>Masters of the Sea</i> series. Again, a large chunk of it takes place on sea, rather than on land. Again, it is an enjoyable read.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Powersat (The Grand Tour #1) in Books
Nov 25, 2019
Dan Randolph has a dream - cheap power for all delivered via a series of orbital sun-powered 'Powersats' that will beam their energy down to Earth. However this is a huge project and there are any number of things that can go wrong. Dan will need to summon all his resources as a businessman and format astronaut to ensure his brainchild has a future.
This is a pretty solid start to the Grand Tour series of books, which seek to show the reader every corner of the solar system together with a gripping story. The science is accurate and plot is certainly gripping.
However this is a fairly workmanlike book, feeling a lot like Bova was writing with gritted teeth to actually get it finished. As a result it is a good but not great work of fiction.
This is a pretty solid start to the Grand Tour series of books, which seek to show the reader every corner of the solar system together with a gripping story. The science is accurate and plot is certainly gripping.
However this is a fairly workmanlike book, feeling a lot like Bova was writing with gritted teeth to actually get it finished. As a result it is a good but not great work of fiction.
Blackwell Legacy
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When Rosa Blackwell’s only relative dies after twenty years in a coma, she thinks the worst is...
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Gatekeeper (Afterlife #0.5) in Books
Nov 13, 2019
If you've read the author's rather excellent young adult Afterlife series about angels battling demons for control of mortal souls you will know The Gatekeeper as the cackling, taunting old man. If you have not read the series this novella may be a good introduction.
Aker might seem like a normal boy but there is something different about him. He is a little more cruel, a little more keen to cause trouble and misery than his peers. His downward path soon brings him to the attention of the demon world, a world he adapts to with ease. But demons survive either on their strength or their wits. Aker may not be strong but he is very cunning and very eager to prove himself.
One of the major achievements of this story is that the main protagonist is (hopefully) in no way relateable to the reader; he is sly, selfish and cruel, caring nothing at all for anybody but himself. Yet the writing means that although we might not agree with any of his choices, it is clear why he makes them. So although the reader has no sympathy for Aker, there is some understanding of him.
The story moves quickly as Aker progresses through the demon world and there is little to time to catch one's breath between scenes. This makes it an easy read, and one that manages to provide a lot of background on the wider series without ever deviating from telling the central story.
Aker might seem like a normal boy but there is something different about him. He is a little more cruel, a little more keen to cause trouble and misery than his peers. His downward path soon brings him to the attention of the demon world, a world he adapts to with ease. But demons survive either on their strength or their wits. Aker may not be strong but he is very cunning and very eager to prove himself.
One of the major achievements of this story is that the main protagonist is (hopefully) in no way relateable to the reader; he is sly, selfish and cruel, caring nothing at all for anybody but himself. Yet the writing means that although we might not agree with any of his choices, it is clear why he makes them. So although the reader has no sympathy for Aker, there is some understanding of him.
The story moves quickly as Aker progresses through the demon world and there is little to time to catch one's breath between scenes. This makes it an easy read, and one that manages to provide a lot of background on the wider series without ever deviating from telling the central story.
HBO Nordic
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Welcome to The Home of Series. HBO offers world class series, previous seasons of current and...
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Alice Anonymous (Project Scion) in Books
Nov 11, 2018
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book. I was really glad I did as it was a super good read and would recommend it.
The story follows Alice as she goes about her life in a small town. All of this gets disrupted by Trey and his frequent visits to the store where she works.
Alice has secrets but what’s exciting is that the big secrets are hidden even to her. I enjoyed this as it bugs me in a mystery when characters allude to these secrets but just don’t tell you and drag it out for suspense.
It was good to see Alice and Trey develop during the story and not stick to classic stereotypes ie arrogant rich guy.
It is really hard to figure out who to trust as everyone seems a bit suspicious at times, some more so than others.
The story links with another series by the author but you don’t need to have read that series for this one. I’m not sure if the next book will follow the exact same characters or pick up some of the other characters but I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
The story follows Alice as she goes about her life in a small town. All of this gets disrupted by Trey and his frequent visits to the store where she works.
Alice has secrets but what’s exciting is that the big secrets are hidden even to her. I enjoyed this as it bugs me in a mystery when characters allude to these secrets but just don’t tell you and drag it out for suspense.
It was good to see Alice and Trey develop during the story and not stick to classic stereotypes ie arrogant rich guy.
It is really hard to figure out who to trust as everyone seems a bit suspicious at times, some more so than others.
The story links with another series by the author but you don’t need to have read that series for this one. I’m not sure if the next book will follow the exact same characters or pick up some of the other characters but I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Silent Suspect (Paige Northwood #3) in Books
Oct 17, 2021
I have read the two previous books in this series and whilst they were good, I wasn't able to be overly enthusiastic. Unfortunately, this is the same.
The story starts well but quickly becomes tedious and I found myself skimming large sections which is never a good sign. The characters are not particularly likeable and I found Paige became increasingly annoying and don't even get me started on the so-called Social Worker who I found to be unprofessional and not like any Social Worker I have ever met.
I couldn't connect with the characters or the story at all, I didn't feel any tension or thrills and the final reveal was disappointing and, for me, predictable. The only saving grace is the insight into the deaf community and the difficulties and barriers they face every day.
This book wasn't for me and I'm really sorry to say that I won't be reading more in this series but plenty of others have enjoyed it so give it a go if it sounds like your type of book.
I would like to thank Avon Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
The story starts well but quickly becomes tedious and I found myself skimming large sections which is never a good sign. The characters are not particularly likeable and I found Paige became increasingly annoying and don't even get me started on the so-called Social Worker who I found to be unprofessional and not like any Social Worker I have ever met.
I couldn't connect with the characters or the story at all, I didn't feel any tension or thrills and the final reveal was disappointing and, for me, predictable. The only saving grace is the insight into the deaf community and the difficulties and barriers they face every day.
This book wasn't for me and I'm really sorry to say that I won't be reading more in this series but plenty of others have enjoyed it so give it a go if it sounds like your type of book.
I would like to thank Avon Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (13937 KP) rated Accidental Bonds (Elemental Bonds, #1) in Books
Jul 5, 2023
ACCIDENTAL BONDS is the first book in the Elemental Bonds series and, as far as I can tell, is the debut book by this author. What a way to start!!!
There is everything here you could wish for - history, two sides uneasy with each other, a big bad, another who knows what. I loved every word! The back and forth between Victor and Elijah was almost like a dance, and I loved how it happened with reason, not miscommunication. It was for Victor and Elijah to figure out what to do next; not to have half-spoken words taken the wrong way. I loved it.
There is a HEA for our main two - although I'd still love more from them - and a HFN for the series. This one ends on a delightful note, leaving you wanting more immediately. I can't wait to see where we go next. A book to lose yourself in, I HIGHLY recommend it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 5, 2023
There is everything here you could wish for - history, two sides uneasy with each other, a big bad, another who knows what. I loved every word! The back and forth between Victor and Elijah was almost like a dance, and I loved how it happened with reason, not miscommunication. It was for Victor and Elijah to figure out what to do next; not to have half-spoken words taken the wrong way. I loved it.
There is a HEA for our main two - although I'd still love more from them - and a HFN for the series. This one ends on a delightful note, leaving you wanting more immediately. I can't wait to see where we go next. A book to lose yourself in, I HIGHLY recommend it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 5, 2023