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BookishWoo (317 KP) rated Impervious in Books

Jul 12, 2020  
Impervious
Impervious
A.J. Hartley | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When I agreed to take part in the Love Books Group book tour, I honestly thought that I would be immersing myself in a new Fantasy fiction. That one genre I hold close to my heart, where I can truly lose myself in the pages and is my escapism from everyday life. Where the hero’s and heroines win through and live happily every after.

Don’t get me wrong, on the face of it, Impervious is a Fantasy story. You find yourself wrapped up in a Quest with cleverly thought out nods to legends we oh so love. King Arthur, Excalibur and The Lady of the Lake, are those that struck me the most. With bone chilling monsters thrown into the mix.

As I got further into it, I realised there is something underlying, running parallel that you need to scratch, no dig under the surface to find.

It’s that scab that you just have to pick at (no intentions to gross anyone out there, but its the best analogy I can think of at the moment)

It’s not until close to the end that I had that Eureka moment. It was at that moment my heart was wrenched from my chest and the full force of the story hit me like a ton of bricks.

I have no doubt that some of you will have you “Ah Ha” moment a lot earlier than me. I was so wrapped up in the quest that I literally could not see the woods for the trees. But that’s OKAY! I am glad I didn’t figure it out, it kinda would have spoilt it for me.

Trina our protagonist, who pretty much has the full focus throughout, with reason, is just so god damn likeable. Lets give it up for Girl Power!

She takes everything in her stride, or so you are led to believe. Im having to be so careful I don’t give anything away here!

With that said, I am going to just leave you with this……….

This is a well written book, with a truly intricate plot within a plot. Delving into the Psyche and coping mechanisms of a teenage girl. A story with a deep message!

I received my copy from Love Books Group, A.J. Hartley and Uclan Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
  
Go the Distance: A Twisted Tale
Go the Distance: A Twisted Tale
Jen Calonita | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What if Meg had to become a Greek God?

Following on immediately from the end of the much loved Hercules film, Jen Calonita is back with a twisted tale starring our favourite D.I.D: Damsel in Distress.

Now, I LOVE sarcasm and sass so Meg has always been a firm favourite of mine. I was thrilled when I heard she would finally be getting her own story and did Calonita disappoint? No she did not!

Go The Distance is told entirely from Meg’s point of view: immersing the reader immediately in her thoughts and feelings whilst ascending to Mount Olympus with Hercules. I loved how in tune Jen Calonita was with her protagonist, right from the first few pages: there is literally SO much pomp and circumstance surrounding Meg, she is stood on a cloud for goodness sake! But does that stop her doubting herself? Doubting the budding relationship with Herc? Not a chance!

It will come as no surprise to regular readers of twisted tale novels that Calonita quickly tanks our hopes of a happy ending (makes sense- we’re only in the first few pages) as Zeus refuses Hercules’ request to be with Meg on Earth: the lightning-wielding god and his wife have waited too long for their son to re-join them, to lose him this easily. However, Hera can see how happy this mortal makes her son and so makes Meg a once-in-a-lifetime offer, complete a hero’s quest in 10 days and stay with Herc on Mount Olympus as a god for eternity.

Obviously Meg accepts- it would be a short story if she passed this opportunity up- and embarks upon an adventure like no other. As well as having to navigate the underworld, negotiate with Hades and face her ex, Meg battles monsters, befriends Gods and learns her most important lesson: that love is a strength, not a weakness.

Joining Meg on her journey are characters we know and love, such as Phil, Pegasus and Hades. It would be so easy for Jen Calonita to play it safe with these iconic characters but I am pleased to say that these guys get their own little developments too: particularly Hades as we see the character of Persephone and her impact upon his life.

Calonita also introduces us to a host of new characters, two of which are pivotal to both the reader understanding how key events in her life have created this tough armour that Meg wears so well. These are Thea, Meg’s mother and Aegeus, the man who Meg gave up her soul for. Aegeus is a bit wet in my opinion (he’s no Wonder Boy!) but the relationship Calonita creates between Meg and Thea is something precious: the reader can see the struggles faced by both women and can immediately identify where Meg got her fiery nature from.

But of course our heroine is the one who shines in this twisted tale: Meg was already a brilliant character but Calonita opens her up a little bit more and manages to break down some of her walls: along her quest Meg almost embraces her vulnerability, she learns to trust and learns that it is not a weakness to ask for and accept help. After that her quest seems to become easier- which is saying a lot in the underworld!

I also really admired that Meg doesn’t go weak at the knees at the prospect of spending eternity with Hercules, in fact she isn’t sure she wants eternity, she just wants the chance to find out! This made the underlying love story real rather than fairytale. Herc and Meg argue, they say things they regret but ultimately, they show up for each other and that’s what is important in the end.

I have seen other reviewers slating the character of Meg, saying that she is too rash and hot-headed in this twisted tale and bears little resemblance to the animated character we love. I have to say I completely disagree with these views: yes, as her quest nears its deadline then Meg becomes increasingly rash but hello, the girl gave up her soul to Hades! You can’t tell me she doesn’t have previous form for diving head-first into a situation?!

Go The Distance is an adorable novel about embracing your vulnerability and trusting those who want to help you. It teaches us that independence does not necessarily mean facing everything alone, love does not necessarily come from one stand-out moment and that it is never too late to forgive. This twisted tale is not as dark as other retellings in the series but Jen Calonita is an expert in middle-grade literature and so this is not a surprise nor a criticism.

“Two thumbs, way way up for our leading lady!”
  
TH
The Heist (Fox and O'Hare, #1)
6
6.6 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Kate O'Hare is a former Navy Seal turned FBI Agent. Her main target at the moment is Nick Fox. The world's biggest conman. He works every angle to his advantage in order to get exactly what he wants. When she finally catches him, it is an accomplishment that she is most proud of, so when she finds out that he has escaped and she is taken off the case, she is steadfast in finding him and putting him back behind bars. What she finds instead is quite shocking and will change the course of their "relationship" forever.

I'm determined to read every book written by Janet Evanovich. I quest I started last year. I wanted to finish the Plum series before diving into something new, but that has proven to be more difficult than I thought it would be. Kate and Nick have a love/hate relationship. She hates him and he loves that she hates him. He knows exactly what to do to push her buttons and knows exactly which ones to push to send her over the edge. This book was exciting to listen to. It provided lots of entertainment for me. Janet Evanovich knows how to make characters that you can enjoy and grow to love. Kate and Nick were no exception. Their banter and chemistry made this book flow quickly.
  
Heart of the Hunter  (Dragon Chalice, #1)
8
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
195 of 230
Kindle
Heart of the Hunter ( Dragon Chalice book 1)
By Tina St.John (Lara Adrian)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Ariana of Clairmont would risk anything to save her kidnapped brother, a quest she knows is fraught with peril. Her only ally is Braedon le Chasseur, a formidable knight with a mysterious past, whose scarred face and brooding nature mask a soul filled with pain. Ariana fears this dangerous man and the secrets he strives to conceal - but Braedon's touch is pure seduction, his kiss a potent lure that tempts her into a passion she is powerless to resist.

Once known as The Hunter, now haunted by a dark legacy he struggles to deny, Braedon lives in a world of shadow and isolation - until he is thrust together with an innocent beauty in need of his protection. Embarking on a journey that will lead them to a legendary treasure, Braedon will be forced to confront old enemies and the stunning secret of his true nature - or risk losing Ariana and the only happiness he has ever known. . . .

I really enjoyed this book. It was historical romance with a bit of magic thrown in. It was spicy in a hot romantic way. I love Lara Adrian she never fails to bring us a good love story with the type of villains you hate forever. Recommended!
  
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Sean Astin recommended Patton (1970) in Movies (curated)

 
Patton (1970)
Patton (1970)
1970 | Classics, Drama, War

"With Patton, understanding the second World War is required spiritual learning for anyone born in the later 20th century going forward. You know, I could list 50 films, but that one… There’s something about the mantle of celebrity, mixed with a really good rendering of military tactics, and finally, George C. Scott’s performance… I mean, really, if you look at them, it’s Ben Kingsley and George C. Scott that have me put them on the list, because they make those portraits feel so authentic. This idea that, “I’ve been here in countless guises before,” this hint at reincarnation, if you will, and destiny. This questing for destiny is something I feel in my life. I’m put here at this moment, in this time, when social media is doing what it’s doing, and filmmaking has reached this kind of new zenith, and I feel like everything I’ve been born and raised and taught and experienced has put me here for a particular reason, and I just know it’s gotta be something. The fact that Patton feels that, this quest for destiny, that he’s supposed to be doing something… You know, the actual morality of war… Karl Malden’s character, who’s nowhere near the forceful personality and couldn’t probably whip a battalion into shape in the way that Patton does — you need both guys. But ultimately when it goes on, Patton doesn’t know when to stop, and I love that they dramatize that. He’s being interviewed and he talks about the Russians, that he should just keep going and fight the Russians — “We’re going to have to fight that war sooner or later” — and oh, guess what? In the news today is this Crimea issue, and you sort of go, “Boy, what does that mean? How are we going to relearn that lesson?” So there’s just so much stuff wrapped around it that’s relevant and interesting, and it’s a story well-told. Just the way they set up the conflict and everything, I love it, love it, love it."

Source
  
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
1986 | Comedy
One of the most quotable comedies of all time!
When I was younger, I resisted watching Ferris Bueller for some reason. I cannot figure out why.

Once I eventually did view the film, I discovered what all my friends were saying. "Wow do I want to be like Ferris, he is the coolest."

Ferris seems to have it all figured out like fooling his parents, getting his best friend to come along and excusing his girlfriend fro class. Even when things start to go south, Ferris is always one step ahead of his pursuers in his quest for one last unforgettable day of fun before his high school days are over.

This is one of those films that will always make me smile if I catch it on TV some Saturday afternoon. I especially love that the film can break th fourth wall with ease. Not many movies can do that.

Give Ferris another watch soon, you will not regret it.

Even Deadpool thinks so.

  
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Andy K (10821 KP) Jun 4, 2018


The Once and Future King (The Once and Future King #1-4)
The Once and Future King (The Once and Future King #1-4)
T.H. White | 1987 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.7 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
One of the classics of English literature, and so can be (at times) a heavy read. That's not to say that it isn't enjoyable: it is.

The novel follows the life of King Arthur and is split into four distinct 'books', from his early upbringing through to his ascension to the throne in "The Sword in the Stone" (the Disney version of which is surprisingly accurate), to the early days of his reign and his unknowingly incestuous relationship with half-sister in "The Queen of Air and Darkness", through the Arthur/Lancelot/Guinivere love triangle and the Quest for the Holy Grail in "The Ill Made Knight" and finally ending with the latter days of his reign and the war against Mordred in "The Candle in the Wind".

I have to say as well that as the stroy progresses, the novel also gets steadily more and more serious, actually starting out quite amusing before becoming darker and darker: as such, it's no surprise Disney only adopted the first part of the book for the silver screen!
  
Enemy of God
Enemy of God
Bernard Cornwell | 1998 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
9
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Continues the gripping Warlord Chronicles trilogy (1 more)
Great characters, compelling story.
As with The Winter King, violence can be graphic - but if you've read the first part and it was a negative for you... what are you doing here? (0 more)
See my review for the first book in the trilogy – The Winter King. If you’ve read that, I’m positive that you won’t need much convincing about this part – I will reassure you though – it’s just as good and gripping.
Enemy of God continues to tell the story of Arthur begun in The Winter King, showing Arthur’s efforts to unite the Britons against the Saxon invaders. Derfel’s tale continues and he becomes a champion of Arthur’s, finds love and embarks on a perilous quest to recover an ancient British treasure. There’s a lot of darkness and conspiracy thrown in too.
As a Lord of the Rings fan, this is my next favourite ‘fantasy’ trilogy. If you liked ‘The Vikings’ or ‘The Last Kingdoms’ series on TV, I would highly recommend that you give this trilogy a read – starting with The Winter King.
  
Eclipse (Twilight, #3)
Eclipse (Twilight, #3)
Stephenie Meyer | 2007 | Paranormal, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.4 (95 Ratings)
Book Rating
As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob - knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?

I'm on my 4th reread and I've possibly reviewed this book before. This is my favourite of the of the the first 3 books. Apart from Bella still drives me crazy she is so pathetic sometimes! But yes I still like the books! This is seeing an end to all her relationships before they change in my opinion. My heart breaks for Jacob in this book he definitely gets the elbow and strictly friendzoned before the book ends!
Victoria is finally dead and the voltorie is all that's left to worry about.
  
Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool (2016)
2016 | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
HEADLINE:
deadpool
plot
A fast-talking mercenary with a morbid sense of humor is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers and a quest for revenge.
What lessons did you learn from this story (theme/moral)? What do you think others will learn from it?
just because you are just a mortal doesn't mean you are not a superhero. a superhero is just a regular doing the right thing for the right reasons. true love makes you do things you thought you couldn't.
What group of people would like this movie? Who would you recommend it to? Who would you not recommend it to?
i would recommend it to anyone that likes a good action and a good comedy movie. As well as a good superhero (well technically superhero) movie
What is your final word on the film: Is it good or bad?
i would call deadpool a good movie.
RATING SYSTEM:
crap
poor
decent
even
Good
Great
perfect
I give the movie Deadpool a movie rating of 5.