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Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Zenith (Books of Ascension, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Zenith: The First Book of Ascension] by [Dirk Strasser] has some interesting characters that keeps the story moving. It seems to introduce the idea of light(good) versus dark(evil) along with the quest for enlightenment.
Twin brothers have to go on a journey to the summit of the mountain for enlightenment. The story focuses on one of the brothers journey. I would have liked to read a little about the other brothers struggles. It seemed that the idea of twins went by the wayside.
Overall it was a good fantasy novel that picked up pace as it went on.
Twin brothers have to go on a journey to the summit of the mountain for enlightenment. The story focuses on one of the brothers journey. I would have liked to read a little about the other brothers struggles. It seemed that the idea of twins went by the wayside.
Overall it was a good fantasy novel that picked up pace as it went on.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Disease in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[The Disease] by [George Hamilton] was a medical thriller that pits government loyalty versus the good of humanity. I would like to say this was a post apocalyptic story but sadly I can see events like this being possible today.
The characters of Olga and Ludmilla face choices that will not only affect them but possibly the entire world. The setting is an Eastern European nation while a pandemic rages. Ludmilla is a doctor and "Daughter of the Nation", while Olga her daughter is a dissident. Who can be trusted and what is the right choice are themes throughout this novel.
The characters of Olga and Ludmilla face choices that will not only affect them but possibly the entire world. The setting is an Eastern European nation while a pandemic rages. Ludmilla is a doctor and "Daughter of the Nation", while Olga her daughter is a dissident. Who can be trusted and what is the right choice are themes throughout this novel.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Death of Bees in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[The Death of Bees] by [Lisa O'Donnell] is a coming of age novel set in Glasgow, Scotland. The characters are realistic and make you feel for them although the dialogue is hard to understand at points because it is the true way they speak in the poorer parts of Scotland. This does not deter but rather enhances the characters who had to survive on their own and take care of each other even before their 'parents' die and get buried. They learn to care not just for each other but also outsiders who really do have their best intentions in mind.
It's no secret that I adore Harry Potter & his world tremendously. That made this book a bittersweet read for me, with the knowledge that this is the end of the character, or so JK says. This was a great story! I was hesitant to read it knowing it was a screenplay but, it was an easy read. It didn't take long for it to flow like a novel. This is another great story in the Harry Potter universe. If it is really the end then it is a perfect ending. If not, then I can't wait to see what's next!!
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Widow in Books
Jul 26, 2017
Great, no frills British psychological drama
It's rare to find psychological thrillers that aren't over the top. Instead of bodies piling up, this entire novel premises around one particular child abduction and how the people around were affected. The widow of the alleged criminal is a completely flawed person, battling her own demons whilst trying to live with him and the press / police constantly hounding her. She is by far imperfect. If I say anymore it may reveal too much. Looking forward to see this on the small screen.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Ragdoll in Books
Jul 26, 2017
Slightly overhyped - lost concentration
By the time I reached the end I actually had to ask myself who the hell the suspect was which says it all. I think the premise of it is dark, gritty and fascinating - is the detective involved far too flawed a character to be trusted or is he being framed by an evil genius? Unfortunately with all the various characters and sub-plots introduced, I lost focus and ended up losing the story thread as well. Detective Faulkes' character is well- written but I think the novel literally loses the plot.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated A State of Freedom in Books
Jul 30, 2017
A wonderful array of short stories set in India
An intriguing network of short stories set in modern India with a backdrop of traditional culture. The stories have a vague link with one another, usually focusing on one particular character's narrative. And the nature of each story varies from magical realism to politics. While there were some stories I liked more than others, the animal cruelty of one specific tale was a little gratuitous to my liking. And while I know this happens in India it didn't seem to go anywhere. Other than that a well written cyclical novel.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Physics of the Dead in Books
Jul 31, 2017
A Kafkaesque bittersweet ghost story
For a first novel, Luke Smitherd has done himself justice bringing together classic existentialism, quite literally, with a touch of magical realism. An incredibly interesting concept discussing the in between phase of purgatory and reincarnation and how as humans, we cease to function without the basic notion of togetherness wrapped up in as easy to follow narrative.
While there were a few holes in terms of lack of character development for the the few people in the plot, the author performed his book well and it held together in the end.
While there were a few holes in terms of lack of character development for the the few people in the plot, the author performed his book well and it held together in the end.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Shell Collector in Books
Aug 27, 2017
Promising but ultimately disappointing
I've loved some of Hugh Howey's other works and I had high hopes for his take on a romantic novel, but sadly this was pretty disappointing. It had promise, with an interesting plot based around a romance taking place in a near future where the sea levels have risen and shells are becoming extinct. Howey writes very well and I can't fault him for that, I just felt he concentrated too much on the predictable romance side than developing the scientific future aspect. The characters too were nothing special, and the whole book just felt very rushed.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Sin City (2005) in Movies
Aug 15, 2017
Slick cinematography, dark tales
This film's graphic novel style cinematography is original, effective and beautiful to behold. The black and white effect with certain colours highlighted reminded me of looking at old style comics. The multiple stories that mesh together are all extremely dark, from serial murders to molestation and exploitation, it's Rated R for a very good reason. And while the Tarantino style gore can be surprisingly easy on the eye especially in black and white, it seemed extreme at times, filmed for the sake of being violent.