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Merissa (13443 KP) rated The Summer Tree (The Fionavar Tapestry #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The first thing I would say about this book is that it is a slow burner. For probably the first third of the book, you are wondering about whether to carry on or not (the first time you read it at least!) but if you can stick with it, it does become worth your while.
The history and mythology that GGK has put into the Fionavar Tapestry are things that dreams are made of - certainly for every Fantasy fan.
One of the common complaints about this book seems to be that the five friends adjust too well to their 'new' world. My reply is that it's amazing how normal things can seem to be when you're with friends :o)
This book is an excellent introduction to the series and also sets the second book up very nicely.
This trilogy, along with Tigana by the same author, firmly remains on my Favourites shelf!
The history and mythology that GGK has put into the Fionavar Tapestry are things that dreams are made of - certainly for every Fantasy fan.
One of the common complaints about this book seems to be that the five friends adjust too well to their 'new' world. My reply is that it's amazing how normal things can seem to be when you're with friends :o)
This book is an excellent introduction to the series and also sets the second book up very nicely.
This trilogy, along with Tigana by the same author, firmly remains on my Favourites shelf!
Deborah (162 KP) rated Belinda Goes to Bath (Travelling Matchmaker, #2) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Belinda Goes to Bath is the second in the Travelling Matchmaker series. I really enjoyed the first, Emily Goes to Exeter, but I think I actually have to give the preference overall to this second volume. Emily was quite difficult to like to start with but Belinda is much nicer, although the second hero isn't perhaps quite so dashing...
The cartoon-style covers of these new editions really suit the tone of the books I think. They are fun and lighthearted and some of the characters a bit too 'larger than life' to be real - the unpleasant Penelope in this book really is rather horrid!
This book has a bit of everything; romance adventure, out-and-out villany and of course a mad aunt who really does have bats in her belfry; great stuff!
Now I'm off to Portsmouth with Penelope (not the one from this volume, fortunately!) and Miss Hannah Pym!
The cartoon-style covers of these new editions really suit the tone of the books I think. They are fun and lighthearted and some of the characters a bit too 'larger than life' to be real - the unpleasant Penelope in this book really is rather horrid!
This book has a bit of everything; romance adventure, out-and-out villany and of course a mad aunt who really does have bats in her belfry; great stuff!
Now I'm off to Portsmouth with Penelope (not the one from this volume, fortunately!) and Miss Hannah Pym!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated A Deathly Silence (DCI Helen Lavery #3) in Books
Nov 10, 2019
Authentic, plausible and engaging
Having read a few of Jane Isaac's books and thoroughly enjoyed them, I had no hesitation in picking this despite not having read the previous 2 in the series and I wasn't disappointed.
This is an excellent police procedural/crime thriller with believable and, mostly, likeable characters and a completely absorbing story line. Unlike some police procedural stories which, I feel, try to include different threads and mini-plots within the central story which can cause confusion, this one had a main theme and stuck to it which made the story unravel and develop naturally; this made is seem more authentic, plausible and engaging.
There is plenty of action and twists to keep any reader engaged and I definitely recommend to anyone ... in fact, I am happy to recommend any of Jane's books; you won't be disappointed.
Thank you to Legend Press and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
This is an excellent police procedural/crime thriller with believable and, mostly, likeable characters and a completely absorbing story line. Unlike some police procedural stories which, I feel, try to include different threads and mini-plots within the central story which can cause confusion, this one had a main theme and stuck to it which made the story unravel and develop naturally; this made is seem more authentic, plausible and engaging.
There is plenty of action and twists to keep any reader engaged and I definitely recommend to anyone ... in fact, I am happy to recommend any of Jane's books; you won't be disappointed.
Thank you to Legend Press and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Charlotte Ozanne (108 KP) rated A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) in Movies
Dec 5, 2019
Before watching this film, I thought it was a spin-off to the Bad Mom's film series, I did not realise it is actually the sequel to the original film. I was a bit dubious as to how this movie would entertain, as most sequels tend to be worse than the original. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the Christmas version as it bested the first film. In my opinion, the comedy was top-notch (no surprise considering the immense cast). I would definitely recommend this film, though please take note of the age certification - it is 15 for a reason! I don't think you need to have seen the first film in order to watch this sequel. I couldn't remember the content first film despite remembering watching it at the cinema with my mum. There's only one small scene which ties the first film into it but you get the gist of what happened.
Russell Evans (179 KP) rated The Winter King in Books
Feb 27, 2020
Gritty and authentic take on the Arthurian Legends (3 more)
Feels like a true historical tale
Interesting characters
Gripping first part to a trilogy worth getting into
I would definitely recommend this Novel – the first book in the Warlord Trilogy. It retells the mythical story of King Arthur but in such a gritty and credibly realistic way, that it feels like a historical epic.
This story is told from the perspective of Derfel, a young soldier and loyal follower and friend of Arthur. There are many intriguing and complex characters that are woven into the tale. The battles are quite grisly, and things can be quite brutal at times, but I guess it would have been living and fighting through the dark ages.
As a Lord of the Rings fan, this is my next favourite ‘fantasy’ trilogy. If you liked ‘The Vikings’ or ‘The Last Kingdoms’ series on TV, I would highly recommend that you give this trilogy a read.
This story is told from the perspective of Derfel, a young soldier and loyal follower and friend of Arthur. There are many intriguing and complex characters that are woven into the tale. The battles are quite grisly, and things can be quite brutal at times, but I guess it would have been living and fighting through the dark ages.
As a Lord of the Rings fan, this is my next favourite ‘fantasy’ trilogy. If you liked ‘The Vikings’ or ‘The Last Kingdoms’ series on TV, I would highly recommend that you give this trilogy a read.
Ricky Dunne (8 KP) rated Brightburn (2019) in Movies
Jun 21, 2020
Different
First, it's hard to say anything really bad about this movie. Obviously every movie is going to have something that just doesn't work for the viewer.
In this case, I feel, the movie didn't do enough with Brightburn. There is so much more depth into why he feeds on his anger. What drives him to rule and a glimpse of a past as to why he is here would have been interesting, that way, they could go anywhere in continuing the story line in a part 2.
Also, where the hell is a part 2? Why did not enough people see this movie?
Overall it was fantastic. Favorite part.... flying through the house, with the volume up high, or dropping mom.
Please make more, please more bonding with the villains feelings as at why.... No one makes a great "from- the - bad- guy" point of view series. Let's make this happen.
In this case, I feel, the movie didn't do enough with Brightburn. There is so much more depth into why he feeds on his anger. What drives him to rule and a glimpse of a past as to why he is here would have been interesting, that way, they could go anywhere in continuing the story line in a part 2.
Also, where the hell is a part 2? Why did not enough people see this movie?
Overall it was fantastic. Favorite part.... flying through the house, with the volume up high, or dropping mom.
Please make more, please more bonding with the villains feelings as at why.... No one makes a great "from- the - bad- guy" point of view series. Let's make this happen.
This Modern Love
Book
This Modern Love is a unique crowdsourced book of letters, stories, and photographs about the state...
Poetry Letters Love
Tom Turner (388 KP) rated Soul of the World (The Ascension Cycle, #1) in Books
Apr 30, 2021
The biggest weakness of this book in some ways is also it's biggest strength, and that is the lack of explanation. This book does not lead you by the hand, but instead expects you to pick things up as you go along. No info-dumping found bound within these pages! At the start I found this very off putting, as the magic systems are so intriguing you want to know everything about them straight away, making it a bit of a slog to start with. Plus the fact the chapters alternate between three different view points, investment came hard. But boy it is worth persevering! As the magic systems are slowly revealed to you, you get more and more invested, and it definitely didn't follow the path I was expecting, especially in one aspect, which I won't spoil here. It is very hard to believe this is a debut novel. I'm excited to proceed with the series in due time!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Frenched (Frenched, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
For a freebie this was good! I'm always a little wary when I download them no matter how good they sound but I have to admit I was quickly drawn into this one, maybe not straight away but as soon as she stumbled into the sports bar and met Lukas.
The spark of interest from both of them was great and I loved reading them falling for each other. I didn't even mind the abundance of sex because I'd become invested in them as a couple and was just waiting for them to get their HEA.
I enjoyed the journey through Paris and learning some of its history as well, such as the scene in the graveyard with the shared grave of the lovers.
I'd like to read more of this series at some point, including the follow on to this to see hoe Lukas and Mia manage the long distance relationship.
The spark of interest from both of them was great and I loved reading them falling for each other. I didn't even mind the abundance of sex because I'd become invested in them as a couple and was just waiting for them to get their HEA.
I enjoyed the journey through Paris and learning some of its history as well, such as the scene in the graveyard with the shared grave of the lovers.
I'd like to read more of this series at some point, including the follow on to this to see hoe Lukas and Mia manage the long distance relationship.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Avengers - Season 4 in TV
Aug 17, 2020
Difficult not to use words like iconic to describe this; the two seasons with Diana Rigg (this is the first of them) is what defines this series in the public recollection. Gentleman spy John Steed and his leather-clad friend Emma Peel investigate a wide range of threats to British society as we know it, ranging from the relatively mundane (attempts to assassinate visiting dignitaries) to the positively outlandish (man-eating Martian plants with mind-control powers).
Occasionally a bit tonally uneven, but still mostly a joy to watch even after all these years: the two leads are clearly enjoying themselves hugely and so are the characters (most of the time). The best episodes have a sort of intelligent silliness about them which is almost irresistible: they sustain a mixture of spy spoof, black comedy, and science fiction which many have tried to copy but few have achieved. This is the Avengers in its imperial phase.
Occasionally a bit tonally uneven, but still mostly a joy to watch even after all these years: the two leads are clearly enjoying themselves hugely and so are the characters (most of the time). The best episodes have a sort of intelligent silliness about them which is almost irresistible: they sustain a mixture of spy spoof, black comedy, and science fiction which many have tried to copy but few have achieved. This is the Avengers in its imperial phase.