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starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Marie's World: The Aftermath in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Wow.. I went into this story not knowing what to expect. I ended up loving it and reading nonstop until it was over and I was left in this world wanting more of this world. It was amazing. In the beginning I did have to seriously follow which character was who because I did get a little bit confused off and on but once I had everyone down and figured it all out following it was easy and a lot of fun. The characters were fast paced... they were sexy and mysterious.. Marie was an amazing woman.. strong, sad, happy and everything else you can think of. At times I really didn't like Marie.. she would do something and I'd think.. you are an idiot.. but then a couple pages later something would happen and I'd go... ohhhhh, now I get it. lol The ending was a bit sad for me.. I wanted it to go another direction and I was hoping for another way because Marie had been through a lot but the ending at the same time made sense and leaves it open for what I hope will be another and that it will explain even more. Kristal did an amazing job with her writing and her imagery in this story and her muse was amazing :)
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Breeder (Breeder, #1) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
A dystopian future where mankind is bred in special facilities and everyone has a specific place in the world order, Breeder immediately grabbed my attention from the moment I saw the summary. It's an interesting, yet familiar premise, for fiction, but Hoyle develops and delivers her world in a unique and fresh kind of way. Her civilisation is well developed and built up slowly, which in turn encourages the reader to associate with Pria as she also learns about the real world outside of Sanctuary.
Pria is a great character who you immediately associate with. She's cautious, timid yet there's an innate curiosity in her that signposts her from the off as a character you'll be wanting to watch. Pax on the other hand is gritty, harsh and well versed in the reality of the world. He shouldn't be alive, but he is and the mystery that surrounds that fact is a superb piece of writing to filter alongside the main story. He's enigmatic and a real pleasure to read, a source of great enjoyment as you try to figure him out.
The asylum is a truly intriguing place and it draws you right into the alternative world that is presented to Pria. the new characters we meet there are great to read, each of them different and interesting in their own right. Friendly, dangerous, powerful and power hungry, there is a real mixed bag that keep you on your toes as you read and make this book even better than you might imagine.
As you get drawn further and further into Pria's turmoil, the plot moves faster and faster, just like a proverbial snowball downhill and it pulls you right into the story. The ending, as you'd expect for the first in a series, is swift and unexpected, leaving you satisfied yet needing more. It's a superb start to this new dystopian universe, and one I cannot wait to read more of. I devoured this book, ignoring family and friends when it was open in front of me and I am very excited to see where Hoyle will take this series. It's one I've added to my favourites list, and a book I am sure I am going to be recommending to friends and fans of this genre.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Pria is a great character who you immediately associate with. She's cautious, timid yet there's an innate curiosity in her that signposts her from the off as a character you'll be wanting to watch. Pax on the other hand is gritty, harsh and well versed in the reality of the world. He shouldn't be alive, but he is and the mystery that surrounds that fact is a superb piece of writing to filter alongside the main story. He's enigmatic and a real pleasure to read, a source of great enjoyment as you try to figure him out.
The asylum is a truly intriguing place and it draws you right into the alternative world that is presented to Pria. the new characters we meet there are great to read, each of them different and interesting in their own right. Friendly, dangerous, powerful and power hungry, there is a real mixed bag that keep you on your toes as you read and make this book even better than you might imagine.
As you get drawn further and further into Pria's turmoil, the plot moves faster and faster, just like a proverbial snowball downhill and it pulls you right into the story. The ending, as you'd expect for the first in a series, is swift and unexpected, leaving you satisfied yet needing more. It's a superb start to this new dystopian universe, and one I cannot wait to read more of. I devoured this book, ignoring family and friends when it was open in front of me and I am very excited to see where Hoyle will take this series. It's one I've added to my favourites list, and a book I am sure I am going to be recommending to friends and fans of this genre.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Apr 17, 2018
Entertaining film - but the book was better
I loved the book.
When that phrase is uttered, it doesn't necessarily mean that the film has a strike going against it. For every film that "the book was better" (MISS PEREGRINE and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, for instance), I can also point to films where they "did justice to the book" (like THE MARTIAN and the recent version of IT).
So...it was with some trepidation - and some excitement - that I checked into the virtual world of the Oasis and caught READY PLAYER ONE. Most of my excitement was because I was going see this Steven Spielberg opus on the big screen in 70mm. I was ready for an immersive, stunningly visual film experience.
And...I wasn't disappointed.
Set in a not-too-distant-future, dystopian world (is there any other?), READY PLAYER ONE is part WILLIE WONKA and part THE MATRIX. A brilliant game designer has died and has littered his virtual world - a world where most of the people on planet Earth go to escape the poverty and depravity of the "real world" - with clues and an "Easter Egg" (literally). The first one to find the hidden Easter Egg gains ownership of the Oasis. 5 years later, no one has found anything and it has turned into a battle between the evil Corporate conglomerate IOI that wants to commercialize the Oasis and the "gunters" (Grail hunters) that want to keep the Oasis "pure".
So, into this world, Spielberg brings us - and succeeds for the most part. The most stunning part of this film - and the reason I wanted to see this on the big screen and in 70mm - is that 80% of it takes place in the Oasis, the virtual reality world. The scenery, imagery and detail of this world are a marvel to behold. Since it is a virtual world, you can throw away the laws of physics - and that is a fun aspect of things (especially when you forget that your are in a virtual, and not a real, world).
The real fun of this story (both in the book and in the movie) is that most of the Oasis is filled with homages to 1980's Pop Culture (with some 60's, 70's and 90's thrown in), so you are treated to many fun "cameo" images on the screen (like the DeLorean from BACK TO THE FUTURE) - even if they are in the background. I won't give much away, but in one scene I spotted the "open the pod bay doors, HAL" pod from 2001:A SPACE ODYSSEY, just hanging out in the background without anyone referring to it. If you are any kind of pop culture "nerd" you will be in hog heaven with this aspect of the movie.
And that's a good thing because we spend, as I said, 80% of our time in this film in this virtual world - and it is well worth the trip. The other 20% is spent in the "real world" and the visuals, the imagery and, sadly, the characters are just not as exciting or interesting.
Take, for example, our 5 heroes - the "High Five" gunters. In the Oasis, their avatars are interesting to look at and to spend time with. Outside of the Oasis, the 5 actors who inhabit these characters are - to be honest - somewhat boring and lacking in screen presence and charisma.
I blame most of the lack of charisma on Spielberg, who - obviously - spent most of his attention (rightfully so) on the special effects and creating the world of the Oasis. He left the actors to "do their thing" and these 5 kids (or maybe I should say "young adults") just don't have the chops to pull it off. Someone who does - Ben Mendehlson as the Corporation's head and the main villain of this piece - eats scenery like it is snack chips. The only thing he didn't do in this film is twirl his mustache and tie the female lead to the train tracks. Add to that performance the usually obnoxious TJ Miller, as the main henchman who is up to his usual, obnoxious self here. I could have used a lot less of both of these characters.
What I could have used a lot more of is the brilliant Mark Rylance - superbly underplaying his role as the game's chief designer, who pops up in virtual flashbacks and commands the screen whenever he is on. His partner is played by the usually reliable Simon Pegg, who was "fine", but - if I'm being honest - I think is miscast in this film.
Is it a good film? I'd have to say yes - I enjoyed myself very much - and you will too. I did, though, walk out thinking about what a missed opportunity it was. The film could have been better.
The book, certainly, was better.
Letter Grade: B
7 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
When that phrase is uttered, it doesn't necessarily mean that the film has a strike going against it. For every film that "the book was better" (MISS PEREGRINE and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, for instance), I can also point to films where they "did justice to the book" (like THE MARTIAN and the recent version of IT).
So...it was with some trepidation - and some excitement - that I checked into the virtual world of the Oasis and caught READY PLAYER ONE. Most of my excitement was because I was going see this Steven Spielberg opus on the big screen in 70mm. I was ready for an immersive, stunningly visual film experience.
And...I wasn't disappointed.
Set in a not-too-distant-future, dystopian world (is there any other?), READY PLAYER ONE is part WILLIE WONKA and part THE MATRIX. A brilliant game designer has died and has littered his virtual world - a world where most of the people on planet Earth go to escape the poverty and depravity of the "real world" - with clues and an "Easter Egg" (literally). The first one to find the hidden Easter Egg gains ownership of the Oasis. 5 years later, no one has found anything and it has turned into a battle between the evil Corporate conglomerate IOI that wants to commercialize the Oasis and the "gunters" (Grail hunters) that want to keep the Oasis "pure".
So, into this world, Spielberg brings us - and succeeds for the most part. The most stunning part of this film - and the reason I wanted to see this on the big screen and in 70mm - is that 80% of it takes place in the Oasis, the virtual reality world. The scenery, imagery and detail of this world are a marvel to behold. Since it is a virtual world, you can throw away the laws of physics - and that is a fun aspect of things (especially when you forget that your are in a virtual, and not a real, world).
The real fun of this story (both in the book and in the movie) is that most of the Oasis is filled with homages to 1980's Pop Culture (with some 60's, 70's and 90's thrown in), so you are treated to many fun "cameo" images on the screen (like the DeLorean from BACK TO THE FUTURE) - even if they are in the background. I won't give much away, but in one scene I spotted the "open the pod bay doors, HAL" pod from 2001:A SPACE ODYSSEY, just hanging out in the background without anyone referring to it. If you are any kind of pop culture "nerd" you will be in hog heaven with this aspect of the movie.
And that's a good thing because we spend, as I said, 80% of our time in this film in this virtual world - and it is well worth the trip. The other 20% is spent in the "real world" and the visuals, the imagery and, sadly, the characters are just not as exciting or interesting.
Take, for example, our 5 heroes - the "High Five" gunters. In the Oasis, their avatars are interesting to look at and to spend time with. Outside of the Oasis, the 5 actors who inhabit these characters are - to be honest - somewhat boring and lacking in screen presence and charisma.
I blame most of the lack of charisma on Spielberg, who - obviously - spent most of his attention (rightfully so) on the special effects and creating the world of the Oasis. He left the actors to "do their thing" and these 5 kids (or maybe I should say "young adults") just don't have the chops to pull it off. Someone who does - Ben Mendehlson as the Corporation's head and the main villain of this piece - eats scenery like it is snack chips. The only thing he didn't do in this film is twirl his mustache and tie the female lead to the train tracks. Add to that performance the usually obnoxious TJ Miller, as the main henchman who is up to his usual, obnoxious self here. I could have used a lot less of both of these characters.
What I could have used a lot more of is the brilliant Mark Rylance - superbly underplaying his role as the game's chief designer, who pops up in virtual flashbacks and commands the screen whenever he is on. His partner is played by the usually reliable Simon Pegg, who was "fine", but - if I'm being honest - I think is miscast in this film.
Is it a good film? I'd have to say yes - I enjoyed myself very much - and you will too. I did, though, walk out thinking about what a missed opportunity it was. The film could have been better.
The book, certainly, was better.
Letter Grade: B
7 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
tarabu42 (7 KP) rated The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister's Quest to Transform the Brutal World of Victorian Medicine in Books
Oct 29, 2017 (Updated Nov 2, 2017)
The Butchering Art (2017)
Another reviewer said of Dr. Fitzharris' work that its one failure was its accessible style. As far as I am concerned, that is only a fault in a work if its author wants to keep it out of the eyes, hands, and minds of the general public. Like some of the best historians and investigative journalists of decades gone by, Dr. Fitzharris approaches her subject with an open candor, accepting him warts and all, and laying out his life as it happened, her only agenda being the service of history.
This book will make every reader grateful for the medicine of the modern age and will make you pause as you remember the lives of those passed before us who made the accomplishments from which we benefit possible.
This book will make every reader grateful for the medicine of the modern age and will make you pause as you remember the lives of those passed before us who made the accomplishments from which we benefit possible.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows in Books
Sep 13, 2017
Interesting, a little repetitive
I wasn't sure what to expect with this bizarrely named novel, and I was slightly worried it would be some Karma Sutra style book but it was nothing of the kind.
A group of old Punjabi women attend an English language class run by a British Asian young woman who mistakenly brings in an erotic book one day. It opens up a world of sensuous pleasure for the women, who are normally quite conservative about such topics.
While it's quite a novelty and funny at the beginning, the stories become repetitive and it becomes a little boring. The honour crime story was far more interesting and I wish there was more focus on that side instead of turning it in to a Gurinder Chadha type of novel. The stories are meant to open up other aspects of the community such as arranged marriages and the impact of honour - but it just doesn't seem to connect that well.
The protagonist Nicky is great though who reflects many British Asians growing up with dual cultures. Good but not great.
A group of old Punjabi women attend an English language class run by a British Asian young woman who mistakenly brings in an erotic book one day. It opens up a world of sensuous pleasure for the women, who are normally quite conservative about such topics.
While it's quite a novelty and funny at the beginning, the stories become repetitive and it becomes a little boring. The honour crime story was far more interesting and I wish there was more focus on that side instead of turning it in to a Gurinder Chadha type of novel. The stories are meant to open up other aspects of the community such as arranged marriages and the impact of honour - but it just doesn't seem to connect that well.
The protagonist Nicky is great though who reflects many British Asians growing up with dual cultures. Good but not great.
Peter_mark84 (59 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands in Video Games
May 19, 2019
Ghosting the bad guys
Had this game for years. Love the whole structure (even tho play off line). Still not the done the DLC as love the updates to the maun game that Ubisoft have released.
Missions vary from tactical steath ops (stealth or fail) to all out Gung Ho action. Even the collectables have purpose. Whether it is giving a deeper background to the story or region. Or upgrades for your gear.
The characters are your standard Tom Clancy fare. The spook, the soldiers etc. However you can't help to been drawn in.
As with all Ubi games on release and even today there are bugs. But these are not the bugs of infamy (Assassin's Creed Unity).
At some point I may actually finish this game completely. Hopefully before Breakpoint comes out. Even then I would come back to Wildlands and start over.
Missions vary from tactical steath ops (stealth or fail) to all out Gung Ho action. Even the collectables have purpose. Whether it is giving a deeper background to the story or region. Or upgrades for your gear.
The characters are your standard Tom Clancy fare. The spook, the soldiers etc. However you can't help to been drawn in.
As with all Ubi games on release and even today there are bugs. But these are not the bugs of infamy (Assassin's Creed Unity).
At some point I may actually finish this game completely. Hopefully before Breakpoint comes out. Even then I would come back to Wildlands and start over.
Shayde (75 KP) rated The Forest in Video Games
Jun 23, 2018
Interesting Story (4 more)
Interactive, Open World
Peaceful Mode
Immersive
Great Survival Game
cannibals (2 more)
mutants
caves
Scarily Fun
This game has been my most recent obsession. I love playing it. It takes a lot of play to actually piece together what's going on, but you can just have fun without the story. I play more often on peaceful mode which allows me to just explore the island, and craft houses and other things. The game revolves around finding your son, who was kidnapped after your plane crashed on an island. There are a bunch of underground caves that you have to explore to find different items and clues that explain what's really going on around the island. However, you also have to fight off mutants and cannibals who roam the island trying to kill you while you're trying to survive and find your son. Overall, I really like the game; it has an interesting concept and story, and even just on peaceful mode, you can spend hours exploring, hunting, building, crafting, and just surviving in the forest.
David McK (3251 KP) rated Live and Let Die (James Bond, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
"When you were young, and your heart was an open book,
You used to say live and let live
(you know you did you know you die you know you did)
But in this ever changing world in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry ...
Live and let die ..."
(cue guitar riff)
With that out of the way - Paul McCartney and Wings, later covered by Guns 'N Roses - Live and Let Die is the second James Bond book by Ian Fleming, but the eighth film in the series, and the first to star Roger Moore in the lead role.
And reading it with contemporary eyes, boy has it aged. Quite different than the movie - although the key elements (vodoo, Baron Samedi, Solitaire, American southwest setting) are intact, it can also be quite uncomfortable reading this with modern sensibilities, particularly in how Flemings (and Bond) treats the female characters, and in how the Harlem culture and denizens are portrayed.
Allowances must be made, I suppose, for the time period in which it was written ...
You used to say live and let live
(you know you did you know you die you know you did)
But in this ever changing world in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry ...
Live and let die ..."
(cue guitar riff)
With that out of the way - Paul McCartney and Wings, later covered by Guns 'N Roses - Live and Let Die is the second James Bond book by Ian Fleming, but the eighth film in the series, and the first to star Roger Moore in the lead role.
And reading it with contemporary eyes, boy has it aged. Quite different than the movie - although the key elements (vodoo, Baron Samedi, Solitaire, American southwest setting) are intact, it can also be quite uncomfortable reading this with modern sensibilities, particularly in how Flemings (and Bond) treats the female characters, and in how the Harlem culture and denizens are portrayed.
Allowances must be made, I suppose, for the time period in which it was written ...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Blood Kissed (Lizzie Grace #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2020
In a world where magic and science sit side by side, and powerful witches are considered necessary aides for all governments, Lizzie Grace is something of an outlier. Though born into one the most powerful blue blood witch families, she wants nothing to do with either her past or her magic.
But when she and Belle, her human familiar and best friend, open a small cafe in the Faelan werewolf reservation, she quickly finds herself enmeshed in the hunt for a vampire intent on wreaking bloody havoc. It’s a hunt that soon becomes personal, and one that is going to take all her skills to survive–that’s if the werewolves, who hate all things witch, don’t get her first.
I love Keri Arthur and have read almost everything she has written this is a reread for me as I needed to refresh myself for the second book. It did not disappoint full of action and pent up sexual frustration between characters. I love the fact she has Belle her human familiar . Recommended.
But when she and Belle, her human familiar and best friend, open a small cafe in the Faelan werewolf reservation, she quickly finds herself enmeshed in the hunt for a vampire intent on wreaking bloody havoc. It’s a hunt that soon becomes personal, and one that is going to take all her skills to survive–that’s if the werewolves, who hate all things witch, don’t get her first.
I love Keri Arthur and have read almost everything she has written this is a reread for me as I needed to refresh myself for the second book. It did not disappoint full of action and pent up sexual frustration between characters. I love the fact she has Belle her human familiar . Recommended.
Oh my word! Well that was a disturbing and dark book but I found myself racing through it and literally couldn't put it down .. a cliché I know but absolutely true in this case.
What can I say? Gripping, frighteningly realistic and topical, dark, tense and heart-wrenching ... just a great book all round really. I must add a warning though, it does deal with violence towards women and whilst this is, as you can imagine, not pleasant, it is I feel an honest portrayal of what is going on in the world today.
Written from the perspective of all the main characters, this is a fast-paced and engrossing read with a twist that caught me by surprise.
I haven't read anything by this author before but will certainly be keeping my eyes open in the future and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review and for introducing me to another new author.
What can I say? Gripping, frighteningly realistic and topical, dark, tense and heart-wrenching ... just a great book all round really. I must add a warning though, it does deal with violence towards women and whilst this is, as you can imagine, not pleasant, it is I feel an honest portrayal of what is going on in the world today.
Written from the perspective of all the main characters, this is a fast-paced and engrossing read with a twist that caught me by surprise.
I haven't read anything by this author before but will certainly be keeping my eyes open in the future and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review and for introducing me to another new author.