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Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
Julie C. Dao | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is a fantasy inspired by East-Asian culture and the Evil Queen's story. We are drawn into a complex world and watch the main character as she develops into someone who is willing to do anything to achieve her goals. Not for a man, but for the power she has been promised is rightfully hers for her entire life.

I don't normally enjoy books as much when they have an anti-hero that I don't like or connect with, but this book was so fantastic that it didn't bother me. Xifeng is complex and we watch her evolve over the course of the novel. I kept hoping that she would choose the right path, but couldn't help but watch in fascination as she dove further into the darkness. I loved getting to experience a villain's origin story and can't wait to see where the plot goes in future books.

The supporting characters were also well developed and some were characters that you could relate to (if that's something that you prefer in your books). You could see their hearts breaking as the anti-heroine's story played out.

The world was so beautifully developed and richly described. You could visualize each element and it was so lovely. I cannot wait to see more of this world. There were a few times when I felt that there was a jump in the plot that was not adequately explained, but overall the pacing was steady. It built slowly at the beginning and is definitely more of a character-driven story than one of fast-paced action. I kept being drawn back to the book as I wondered what would happen next. The end was a little more rushed to me, but you could see all of the threads being woven into the story to set up the next book.

I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait until the sequel is released!
  
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Fred (860 KP) rated Glass (2019) in Movies

Apr 16, 2019  
Glass (2019)
Glass (2019)
2019 | Drama, Thriller
It's an origin story
Can we just talk about James McAvoy for a minute here. We've already seen his performance in "Split", so we already knew what we were getting here. Or were we? He is off the hook here! Just plain amazing. Every second of him on the screen is pure magic. His ability to switch between personalities is amazing & shows he's one of the greatest actors out there.

For those who didn't know, "Glass" is a sequel to both "Unbreakable" & "Split", two films by M. Night Shyamalan . Famous for his twist endings (both good & bad), this film has another, which you won't see coming, but it's not a huge twist. I've heard people say they didn't like the ending, but I found it really good & satisfying.

The story is kind of slow moving, but it keeps you interested. Returning characters from both movies, not including the 3 main stars, are a welcome surprise. I don't want to give too much away, but let's say most of the movie takes place inside an Asylum where a doctor is trying to convince the 3 they don't have superpowers. Yeah, doesn't sound too interesting, but it is. I enjoyed it very much
  
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
2018 | Action, Animation, Sci-Fi
Voice Actors (2 more)
Animation
Script
I honestly wasn't sure about this movie before watching it. I didn't want to watch another spider man origin story but I have to say this film blew me away.
The animation style of this film is amazing. It feels fresh and new whilst keeping the comic book feel too it which I really enjoyed. I can tell that in 3D it would have been even more epic on the big screen. Also the soundtrack that accompanies the film is epic... Some great choices there.
The voice actors were amazing and great choices and it was great and emotional to see Stan Lees cameo performance as well, especially as it was released around the time of his passing.
If your not sure about seeing this or think that the animation will take away from it it really really doesn't and totally adds to it so watch it when you can.
  
Venom (2018)
Venom (2018)
2018 | Action, Sci-Fi
Before going to see this film there was a lot of speculation about it not being a great film, mostly because spiderman does not feature.

However, I was very pleased with the outcome of this film. I went in with an open mind and remained hooked throughout. I loved the origin story of both the symbiote and Eddie Brock, and by the way, Tom Hardy played the role to perfection.

There was plenty of light humour through the film which was unexpected. This helped bring the film together and created a good example of how a little bit of humour goes a long way in pleasing an audience.

I am eager to see the next installment of venom as the ending, as with almost every marvel film, left me wanting more and hanging on the edge of my seat.

I would highly recommend this film, and it is really worth a watch.
  
Joker (2019)
Joker (2019)
2019 | Crime, Drama
This movie is more than just a look at society and the influence of the wealthy on the lower class. This is a great artistic rendering of a character from a comic series. This shows the true darkness of the joker and what has driven his insanity in all of the Batman movies/comics. While this is just one interpretation of the origins of the Joker I would say that it is the most important origin story in film to date. This doesn't focus on the typical good guy vs evil trope that is prevalent in most comic book adaptations in current film. It focuses on the psychological aspect of the character himself rather than the message that he tries to send in other adaptation. Which is an important aspect to his character that isn't often truly focused on. Most other movies just focus on his insanity rather than where it comes from. He is utter chaos because that's how he sees the world.