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David McK (3245 KP) rated Tower Lord in Books
Jan 28, 2019
the second book in Anthony Ryans 'Raven's Shadow' series (after [b:Blood Song Raven's Shadow 1|13569581|Blood Song (Raven's Shadow, #1)|Anthony Ryan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363126955s/13569581.jpg|19148922], this is a departure fromt he first in that it takes chapter about to follow different but interconnected characters.
Lord Vaelin Al Sorna is still the principal protaganist of the tale, which - like the previous - is broken down into different subsections, each prefaced by an account from one character in particular (who only really appears to do so).
Again, like the previous, there's probably enough material in here for a couple of books but, unlike that other novel, this focuses more on world-building than on action/adventure. Also leaves a couple of plot-threads hanging wide open for the inevitable sequel!
Lord Vaelin Al Sorna is still the principal protaganist of the tale, which - like the previous - is broken down into different subsections, each prefaced by an account from one character in particular (who only really appears to do so).
Again, like the previous, there's probably enough material in here for a couple of books but, unlike that other novel, this focuses more on world-building than on action/adventure. Also leaves a couple of plot-threads hanging wide open for the inevitable sequel!
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Wild Bunch (1969) in Movies
Jan 23, 2019 (Updated Jan 23, 2019)
Brutal, downbeat western, notorious for its violence. In the 1910s a gang of outlaws takes refuge from bounty hunters in Mexico and enter into a shaky alliance with a corrupt general. Basically another film about the death of the old west, but less romanticised than (say) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; these are hard men in a harsh world.
Quite apart from the volcanic spasm of violence that makes up the climax, the film is notable for its careful ambiguity - the gang eventually earn your respect and sympathy despite their flaws, while the question of who, if anyone, is the good guy in this story is left wide open. A tough film about tough men, but great performances and intelligent film-making make it well worth watching.
Quite apart from the volcanic spasm of violence that makes up the climax, the film is notable for its careful ambiguity - the gang eventually earn your respect and sympathy despite their flaws, while the question of who, if anyone, is the good guy in this story is left wide open. A tough film about tough men, but great performances and intelligent film-making make it well worth watching.
Emily (2 KP) rated the Nintendo Switch version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in Video Games
Oct 7, 2019 (Updated Oct 7, 2019)
Bringing Zelda Back
I have been a Zelda fan for pretty much my whole life. I wasn't born when the "classic" games were coming out, but I grew up with fabulous titles like The Phantom Hourglass & The Twilight Princess.
At first, I was skeptical when I realised that the Zelda franchise was going to have an open world game. To me, Zelda whas always been somewhat of a corridor game (yes, this was probably mainly the result of playing a lot of Zelda DS games). Nevertheless, I wasn't sure what to expect from Breath of the Wild.
I needn't have worried. Breath of the Wild is the perfect mix of old and new. There are throwbacks to old games, and despite the open world nature, there are still different biomes with distinctive (and familiar) characters. You will still get a huge sense of satisfaction from smashing up pots and cuckoos can still be pretty deadly.
Yet Breath of the Wild also adds a lot to the franchise. It opens the wonderful world of Link up to players who may have never experienced a Zelda game before. With bright, gorgeous graphics, a stunning soundtrack, and a whole cast of great characters to meet, this game is perfect for both players who are already familiar with the franchise, and those who are experiencing it for the first time.
The other thing to say about Breath of the Wild is the huge sense of progression that it provides. The world is fully climbable, which means you can scale huge mountains, but these mountains can also be deadly. It is not until you have put a good few hours into the game that you have the stamina required to survive such ambitious climbs. This means that when you DO master that mountain that you attempted to climb twenty or so times, you feel extremely powerful. The same can be said for the new weapons you receive, although not, in my opinion, to the same extent.
In short, I absolutely love Breath of the Wild. It is a HUGE game; I have completed the main storyline and a good deal of the side quests two times, and there is still so much to discover! I would recommend this game to pretty much anyone. It's an incredible game, and it is definitely something worth experiencing.
At first, I was skeptical when I realised that the Zelda franchise was going to have an open world game. To me, Zelda whas always been somewhat of a corridor game (yes, this was probably mainly the result of playing a lot of Zelda DS games). Nevertheless, I wasn't sure what to expect from Breath of the Wild.
I needn't have worried. Breath of the Wild is the perfect mix of old and new. There are throwbacks to old games, and despite the open world nature, there are still different biomes with distinctive (and familiar) characters. You will still get a huge sense of satisfaction from smashing up pots and cuckoos can still be pretty deadly.
Yet Breath of the Wild also adds a lot to the franchise. It opens the wonderful world of Link up to players who may have never experienced a Zelda game before. With bright, gorgeous graphics, a stunning soundtrack, and a whole cast of great characters to meet, this game is perfect for both players who are already familiar with the franchise, and those who are experiencing it for the first time.
The other thing to say about Breath of the Wild is the huge sense of progression that it provides. The world is fully climbable, which means you can scale huge mountains, but these mountains can also be deadly. It is not until you have put a good few hours into the game that you have the stamina required to survive such ambitious climbs. This means that when you DO master that mountain that you attempted to climb twenty or so times, you feel extremely powerful. The same can be said for the new weapons you receive, although not, in my opinion, to the same extent.
In short, I absolutely love Breath of the Wild. It is a HUGE game; I have completed the main storyline and a good deal of the side quests two times, and there is still so much to discover! I would recommend this game to pretty much anyone. It's an incredible game, and it is definitely something worth experiencing.
Peter_mark84 (59 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Mad Max in Video Games
Jun 30, 2019
Vast open world (3 more)
Nice mechanic of watching fuel level
Good melee combat
Investing tasks
Not many 'missions' (2 more)
Map can flee bland due to setting
Not the most compelling story
Mad To The Max
You start the game, dealing with Scrotus and his forces. This is mostly cinematic but gets you ready for the game. You wake up after being thrown from Scrotus' wagon. Chum-bucket, a slightly unhinged mechanic and side kick helps you. Early on you learn thr iconic Ford Interceptor from the films has been broken into scrap. You seek to rid the land of Scrotus' influence.
The gameplay is really interesting, allowing you to customise the car to how you like. What ever your preference of car design you will find this available. To get main missions you have to lower the 'Threat Level' of Scrotus' forces. This is done by clearing outposts, minefields and destroying Markers (Scarecrows).
As you do more upgrades for weapons and car parts become available. The story lacks as it is purely about taking down the bad guys and does not give much investment. However it is really fun, driving round taking down the bad guys.
The weapons are fun, and once you unlock the Thunderpoon, tougher enemies are beaten easy.
If you like driving games, Mad Max and games where progression of the game is purely on the player than this is for you.
However if you are interested in games with much more weight to the story or compelling missions. Then you will not enjoy this as much.
Personally I love the gameplay and way the game progresses. It is the sort of game that while being open world you can invest a small amount of time in and get loads done.
The gameplay is really interesting, allowing you to customise the car to how you like. What ever your preference of car design you will find this available. To get main missions you have to lower the 'Threat Level' of Scrotus' forces. This is done by clearing outposts, minefields and destroying Markers (Scarecrows).
As you do more upgrades for weapons and car parts become available. The story lacks as it is purely about taking down the bad guys and does not give much investment. However it is really fun, driving round taking down the bad guys.
The weapons are fun, and once you unlock the Thunderpoon, tougher enemies are beaten easy.
If you like driving games, Mad Max and games where progression of the game is purely on the player than this is for you.
However if you are interested in games with much more weight to the story or compelling missions. Then you will not enjoy this as much.
Personally I love the gameplay and way the game progresses. It is the sort of game that while being open world you can invest a small amount of time in and get loads done.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Amina's Voice in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Aminas Voice is a powerful middle-grade novel that I believe is so important for young readers to experience. Amina is a Pakistani-American, so we are given a wonderfully diverse, young voice to understand her world and it is so important in the current world climate. We, as a people, need to foster a sense of understanding and acceptance rather than fear and hate.
One of the events that happen in the books is heartbreaking and you wonder how people could behave in that manner. Unfortunately, these things happen in the real world and its dismaying to see people treat other fellow human beings in a less than honourable and respectful manner. It was so wonderful to see the community come together after the event, no matter their race or religion to help their neighbors. It is a ray of light in the darkness.
This short book follows Aminas life from her sixth-grade classes and middle school friends to her time at the Mosque with her Muslim friends and family. The tale is honest and heartwarming, allowing us into her mind and connecting with her family. Although it is a short tale, it is no less important to read. I would highly recommend it to middle-grade readers (and really anyone else who is open to middle-grade fiction) because it is such a powerful and important read.
One of the events that happen in the books is heartbreaking and you wonder how people could behave in that manner. Unfortunately, these things happen in the real world and its dismaying to see people treat other fellow human beings in a less than honourable and respectful manner. It was so wonderful to see the community come together after the event, no matter their race or religion to help their neighbors. It is a ray of light in the darkness.
This short book follows Aminas life from her sixth-grade classes and middle school friends to her time at the Mosque with her Muslim friends and family. The tale is honest and heartwarming, allowing us into her mind and connecting with her family. Although it is a short tale, it is no less important to read. I would highly recommend it to middle-grade readers (and really anyone else who is open to middle-grade fiction) because it is such a powerful and important read.
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Insatiable Incubus (Lads and Monsters #1) in Books
Dec 1, 2023
INSATIABLE INCUBUS is a standalone novel with the possibility of future stories set in this world.
Wilder is in his mid-twenties and has fallen into the monster assassination business. Lucian is said monster, an incubus who keeps himself to himself but has been accused of murdering young virgin girls from the nearby village.
The attraction is almost instantaneous between these two but I never got the sadistic vibe as detailed in the blurb. It was intense, yes, but not sadistic. Things get hot and heavy between the two, and Wilder is drawn to help the monster he was sent to kill. Unfortunately, the common issue of miscommunication raises its ugly head and complicates matters.
This was a quick read that I enjoyed. The world-building leaves it open for other books, and I sincerely hope the author returns to this world. I'd love to learn more about it. As for the connection between Wilder and Lucian, although steamy, I would have liked to have seen a bit more in their emotional connection, rather than just physical with a realisation at the end.
A great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Dec 1, 2023
Wilder is in his mid-twenties and has fallen into the monster assassination business. Lucian is said monster, an incubus who keeps himself to himself but has been accused of murdering young virgin girls from the nearby village.
The attraction is almost instantaneous between these two but I never got the sadistic vibe as detailed in the blurb. It was intense, yes, but not sadistic. Things get hot and heavy between the two, and Wilder is drawn to help the monster he was sent to kill. Unfortunately, the common issue of miscommunication raises its ugly head and complicates matters.
This was a quick read that I enjoyed. The world-building leaves it open for other books, and I sincerely hope the author returns to this world. I'd love to learn more about it. As for the connection between Wilder and Lucian, although steamy, I would have liked to have seen a bit more in their emotional connection, rather than just physical with a realisation at the end.
A great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Dec 1, 2023
Jordi Sanchez (3 KP) rated Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 in Tabletop Games
Mar 8, 2019
Immersive narrative (3 more)
Plot twists!
Real cooperation
Exciting, lots of surprises every campaign
The campaign is not replayable (1 more)
Adding steps to the mechanics of the game can make you forget some things
The best experience we had on a table
The famous Pandemic cooperative game about saving the world from epidemic disease with a Legacy twist, which means, playing a campaign where new goals, rules, characters, skills will be added and lost along the game.
We loved the tension and the rewarding feeling when we won.
The game is full of surprises. The box includes some mystery boxes and a bunch of dossiers that you can only open as you advance with the campaign.
The storyline is interesting and we'll balanced. You will get help if you keep losing, and things will get more challenging if you keep winning.
We loved the tension and the rewarding feeling when we won.
The game is full of surprises. The box includes some mystery boxes and a bunch of dossiers that you can only open as you advance with the campaign.
The storyline is interesting and we'll balanced. You will get help if you keep losing, and things will get more challenging if you keep winning.
John Bailey recommended Rome, Open City (1945) in Movies (curated)
John Bailey recommended Paisan (Paisà) (1948) in Movies (curated)
