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The Betrayals
10.0
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If everything in your life was based on a lie, would you risk it all to tell the truth? At...
Alternative History Magical Realism Historical Fantasy Adult LGBT
David McK (3425 KP) rated Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) in Movies
Nov 21, 2021
Marvel does Mystical Martial Arts
Marvel (the film branch) is mainly known for its superhero movies.
We've had Origin stories (upon origin story upon origins story ...)
We've had 'fish out of water' comedies (see: Thor)
We've had outright sci-fi/sci-fantasy (see: Guardians of the Galaxy)
We've had political thrillers (see: Captain America: The Winter Soldier)
We've had team-up (see: The Avengers)
We've had crime capers (See: Ant-man)
Up until now, we've had no Martial Arts movies (sorry, Netflix's 'Iron Fist': you don't count as a movie).
We've also had no movies with a mainly Asian cast. Until now.
This also brings back the 10 Rings organisation (first name-dropped all the way back in 2008's 'Iron Man'), with the plot outline of the movie actually quite different than what I expected - lots of Martial Arts sequences (the fight on the bamboo scaffolding is a high-light), the usual Marvel musings on family, and one or two character inclusions that I wasn't expecting (but really should have been) ...
We've had Origin stories (upon origin story upon origins story ...)
We've had 'fish out of water' comedies (see: Thor)
We've had outright sci-fi/sci-fantasy (see: Guardians of the Galaxy)
We've had political thrillers (see: Captain America: The Winter Soldier)
We've had team-up (see: The Avengers)
We've had crime capers (See: Ant-man)
Up until now, we've had no Martial Arts movies (sorry, Netflix's 'Iron Fist': you don't count as a movie).
We've also had no movies with a mainly Asian cast. Until now.
This also brings back the 10 Rings organisation (first name-dropped all the way back in 2008's 'Iron Man'), with the plot outline of the movie actually quite different than what I expected - lots of Martial Arts sequences (the fight on the bamboo scaffolding is a high-light), the usual Marvel musings on family, and one or two character inclusions that I wasn't expecting (but really should have been) ...
Blue Moon Rising (Moonlight Prophecies #2) by Amanda Meuwissen
9.0
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Alpha Jay Russell’s broken engagement may just be the best thing that ever happened to him. His...
Paranormal MM Romance Reluctant Hero Shifters
Otherworlds: Fantasy and History in Medieval Literature
Book
This book offers a new perspective on the otherworlds of medieval literature. These fantastical...
She's the One Who Thinks Too Much is the first book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and we are introduced to a family of nine - two parents and seven sisters (obviously).
Ryalgar is the eldest of the seven and has helped her father on their farm until she becomes a Prince's 'girlfriend' and later mistress. The situation is so that he has to get married for political reasons and both him and his wife-to-be keep their current partners too. Of course, this will change but this is how it is for now. Add into that the threat of a Mongol invasion and you get an intricately woven story that gives great descriptions of both the time and (imaginary) place with the plans and defences they have to work with.
This fantasy is about the sisters and the situations they find themselves in. The romance takes a definite second place. The world-building is excellent, providing a clear insight into how the characters fit into the world. Each sister is brought into the story carefully and methodically whilst still leaving plenty to come in their own books.
The ending did feel quite abrupt even though I knew this would be an ongoing story. I look forward to it continuing in Coral's book and have no hesitation in recommending this for all who enjoy a historical fantasy.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ryalgar is the eldest of the seven and has helped her father on their farm until she becomes a Prince's 'girlfriend' and later mistress. The situation is so that he has to get married for political reasons and both him and his wife-to-be keep their current partners too. Of course, this will change but this is how it is for now. Add into that the threat of a Mongol invasion and you get an intricately woven story that gives great descriptions of both the time and (imaginary) place with the plans and defences they have to work with.
This fantasy is about the sisters and the situations they find themselves in. The romance takes a definite second place. The world-building is excellent, providing a clear insight into how the characters fit into the world. Each sister is brought into the story carefully and methodically whilst still leaving plenty to come in their own books.
The ending did feel quite abrupt even though I knew this would be an ongoing story. I look forward to it continuing in Coral's book and have no hesitation in recommending this for all who enjoy a historical fantasy.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Thawed Fortunes (Guadel Chronicles #2) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
This is the second book in a fantastic Fantasy series that is getting better and better. I gave Frozen Prospects 4 out of 5 stars but Thawed Fortunes is definitely worth a 5!
The story continues where it left off and Va'del is still trying to find his niche. He has Javin, Mar'li and On'li in his corner but their hands are being increasingly tied by political manoeuvrings. Jain is still with him and their relationship is becoming stronger as they both accept each other, flaws and all. They think that their time may be limited though as both are aware that the council will have the ultimate say in whether they can be married or not. If Va'del doesn't become a Candidate then it isn't even an option.
There is a lot more political wrangling and power plays in this book and unfortunately, Va'del is always smack in the middle of it. The politicians are playing with his life, hopes and dreams and he doesn't know how much more he can take.
This book is action-packed, both physically and mentally. Va'del as a character is a delight to read as he is very complex and you never know how he will react to a given situation. Jain is solid and stronger than she thinks. I really hope that these two are able to marry at some point!
A brilliant book that takes the series to the next level. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 11, 2016
The story continues where it left off and Va'del is still trying to find his niche. He has Javin, Mar'li and On'li in his corner but their hands are being increasingly tied by political manoeuvrings. Jain is still with him and their relationship is becoming stronger as they both accept each other, flaws and all. They think that their time may be limited though as both are aware that the council will have the ultimate say in whether they can be married or not. If Va'del doesn't become a Candidate then it isn't even an option.
There is a lot more political wrangling and power plays in this book and unfortunately, Va'del is always smack in the middle of it. The politicians are playing with his life, hopes and dreams and he doesn't know how much more he can take.
This book is action-packed, both physically and mentally. Va'del as a character is a delight to read as he is very complex and you never know how he will react to a given situation. Jain is solid and stronger than she thinks. I really hope that these two are able to marry at some point!
A brilliant book that takes the series to the next level. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 11, 2016
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From The Twentieth Century in Books
Jan 3, 2018
READ THIS NOW!
Apologies for such a forthright command, but this pithy and punchy short book is an absolute must-read. In less than 200 pages, Timothy Snyder, a Yale chair and renowned historian, describes why our actions today matter.
Along with Burleigh and Kershaw he has exposed the monstrosities of the evil regimes ruled by Hitler, Mussolini, Lenin, Stalin, Pol Pot and other tyrants who have murdered at home and abroad. Having extensively studied both right-wing and left-wing tyrannical regimes, Snyder goes onto look at the 2016 presidential campaign and Donald Trump. "Post-truth is pre-fascism," he writes, in one of many passages that seem to cast the US as a society in a pre-fascist stage.
Snyder succinctly suggests that 20 lessons from history are invaluable if we are to avoid democracy collapsing as it did after 1918. History he agrees does not repeat but it does instruct.
In a world where truth, reality and fantasy are thrown into a huge melting pot - having a book that researched facts, presents political history and encourages the reader to make their own decisions is a liberating read.
Along with Burleigh and Kershaw he has exposed the monstrosities of the evil regimes ruled by Hitler, Mussolini, Lenin, Stalin, Pol Pot and other tyrants who have murdered at home and abroad. Having extensively studied both right-wing and left-wing tyrannical regimes, Snyder goes onto look at the 2016 presidential campaign and Donald Trump. "Post-truth is pre-fascism," he writes, in one of many passages that seem to cast the US as a society in a pre-fascist stage.
Snyder succinctly suggests that 20 lessons from history are invaluable if we are to avoid democracy collapsing as it did after 1918. History he agrees does not repeat but it does instruct.
In a world where truth, reality and fantasy are thrown into a huge melting pot - having a book that researched facts, presents political history and encourages the reader to make their own decisions is a liberating read.
Smoke in the Sun: Flame in the Mist Book 2
8.0
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The highly anticipated sequel to Flame in the Mist - an addictive, sumptuous finale that will leave...
fantasy young adult