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David McK (3883 KP) rated Blasphemy (Wyman Ford #2) in Books

Jan 30, 2019

Qute a few years ago, I read a couple of books in the 'Jurassic Park' vein that I really quite enjoyed: 'Relic', and then 'Reliquary'. Not that long ago, I also read another book by the same author(s) ('Mount Dragon'), but found it to be rather slow moving and a bit tedious in places.

Never-the-less, and despite a rather provocative title, I thought I would give this a chance. I can happily report that this moves at a much faster pace then 'Mount Dragon', and is more enjoyable than that novel - more like what I remember 'Relic' and 'Reliquary' to be like. I might not agree with all the view-points expounded in the novel, nor even with its eventual denouement, but at least it has restored my faith in the author!

Kudos

David McK (3883 KP) rated Prey in Books

Jan 30, 2019

I'm pretty sure the first Michael Crichtom book I ever read was perhaps his most famous: "Jurassic Park" (back when I was still in school).

Why am I mentioning that fact? Since then, I've read many of his other thechno-thrillers (and one history thriller), none of which have really lived up to that first book. Of them all, however, this is perhaps the closest to doing so.

Taking the evolution of nano-technology as its basis, this novel can also be split into three distinct sections: the beginning (and end) sections at home, the wild strain in the desert wilds, and then the more evolved strain in the latter part. It's true that the ending doesn't quite tie-up with the beginning of the novel, but still a very enjoyable read.

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Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Mary's the Name in Books

Jun 21, 2019

Mary's the Name

Ross Sayers | 2017 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry

9.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Wee Mary is a great character. (0 more)

Predictable plot. Should be young adult novel. (0 more)

Good book from a new author

Contains spoilers, click to show

This was my first book of the year and it didn't disappoint. Mary is a great wee character that the reader is drawn to from page 1. This is a novel about an innocent child and a corrupt granddad - a diamond of a man who loves his granddaughter dearly. The author did a great job of writing from Mary's point of view when the character is so young. My only criticism would be the explaining of Scottish words - trust your reader. Otherwise, it was great. The plot was brilliant and I even had a gasp, right in the middle, but I won't spoil it for anyone. Well done Ross, looking forward to the next one.

Kudos

Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Doctor Sleep (2019) in Movies

Mar 14, 2020

I have recently read and enjoyed the book so was looking forward to seeing what they have done with this. Thankfully I was pleasantly impressed, the film manages to be both a decent adaptation of King’s novel and a satisfying sequel to The Shining. It does change a few things and the ending of the novel but is largely a happy compromise between book and movie. The casting is good particularly Rebecca Ferguson as Rose and the film has some very dark disturbing scenes that linger with you afterwards. It’s certainly long (2.5 hours- theatrical version) but its well paced and kept me entertained and doesn’t really feel as long as that. The blu ray comes with the 3 hour directors cut which I am looking forward to watching as well.

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ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel in Books

Aug 6, 2019

The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel

Margaret Atwood, Renée Nault | 2019 | Comics & Graphic Novels, Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry

7.8

(17 Ratings)

Book Rating

A worthy addition to the original story.

This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel which remains true to the original novel by Margaret Atwood. It seems even more disturbing with the pictures: the starkness of the almost black and white background against the red of the Handmaids clothes, not only makes the Handmaids stand out, it also, for me, highlights their separateness or ‘otherness’.

It’s a while since I read the original book, but the prose in it felt right. It’s not all prose in speech bubbles, there are more in-depth, explanatory short paragraphs - and I think they really worked well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I can see myself reading this again and again - and I might just have to re-read the original too, especially in the lead up to The Testaments.