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Deborah (162 KP) rated White Rose Dies in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Main problem is that as its heart it assumes that the skeletons found in the reign of Charles II are the so-called Princes in the Tower and that they were murdered, neither of which I believe to be true. There isn't a shred of evidence that they were killed by anyone and the skeletons in questions we can't even be sure of the gender of. The author claims they are where Thomas More said they were buried, but in fact they were supposedly found exactly where More said they weren't! Said skeleton were also supposedly tipped on a rubbish heap and then later recovered, so there can be no absolute certainty that the bones interred in Westminster Abbey are the same ones. Of course science could answer so many of our questions now, but these bones have been refused permission for further examination - presumably as the powers that be realise that this will put paid to what they see as a good story on their tourist trail!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Reign of Mist (The Oremere Chronicles #2) in Books
Sep 16, 2020
168 of 200
Kindle
Reign of Mist ( The Oremere Chronicles book 2)
By Helen Scheuerer
The realm's darkest secret is out.
The cruelty of the capital and the power-hungry King Arden have scattered Bleak and her companions across the continents.
On the run in a foreign land, Bleak finds herself tied to some unexpected strangers. When the answers she yearns for are finally within reach, she must face the hard truths of her past and take her fate into her own hands before it's too late.
Meanwhile, secrets and magic unravel as a dark power corrupts the realm. Bleak's friends are forced to decide where their loyalties lie, and who, if anyone, they can trust.
But one thing is certain: War is coming, and they must all be ready when it does.
This is the second book of this is series and it was brilliant I really enjoyed it. The characters have evolved so much and taking on their own trials aswell as coming together when needed. There were a few litte shockers in there too which I won’t spoil! Recommend!
Kindle
Reign of Mist ( The Oremere Chronicles book 2)
By Helen Scheuerer
The realm's darkest secret is out.
The cruelty of the capital and the power-hungry King Arden have scattered Bleak and her companions across the continents.
On the run in a foreign land, Bleak finds herself tied to some unexpected strangers. When the answers she yearns for are finally within reach, she must face the hard truths of her past and take her fate into her own hands before it's too late.
Meanwhile, secrets and magic unravel as a dark power corrupts the realm. Bleak's friends are forced to decide where their loyalties lie, and who, if anyone, they can trust.
But one thing is certain: War is coming, and they must all be ready when it does.
This is the second book of this is series and it was brilliant I really enjoyed it. The characters have evolved so much and taking on their own trials aswell as coming together when needed. There were a few litte shockers in there too which I won’t spoil! Recommend!
ClareR (5603 KP) rated Killing Beauties in Books
Feb 5, 2020
Killing Beauties is about the female spies (She-Intelligencers - isn’t it funny how they could make even that sound like an insult 🤔) who worked for the exiled Charles Stuart during Cromwells reign. Charles Stuart himself sends two female spies back to England to turn Cromwell’s Secretary of State, John Thurloe, into their accomplice using their feminine wiles and training. This is actually based on the true story of two female spies - not something that any of us are usually taught in history lessons at school (perhaps due to their methods!). This is a story with heaps of subterfuge and betrayal, and women who are determined to do the best job they can for their King and their secret society. It was quite amusing in places, which was a little light relief in an otherwise tense story. There’s loads of great historical detail too - think sights, smells and sounds.
It’s a really fun book - fast-paced and with a feeling of danger. I loved it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising the book, and for Pete Langdon for commenting along with us readers!
It’s a really fun book - fast-paced and with a feeling of danger. I loved it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising the book, and for Pete Langdon for commenting along with us readers!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated No Mercy in Books
Jan 7, 2024
5 of 220
Book
No Mercy
By Martina Cole
⭐️⭐️
Diana Davis has been head of the family business since the death of her husband, an infamous bank robber. She's a woman in a man's world, but no one messes with her.
Her only son, Angus, is a natural born villain, but he needs to earn Diana's trust before she'll allow him into the business.
Once he's proved he has the brains to run their clubs in Marbella, he is given what he's always wanted. It's the beginning of a reign of terror that knows no bounds.
But Angus has a blind spot: his wife, Lorna, and their three kids, Angus Junior, Sean and Eilish. And as the next generation enters the business, Angus has a painful truth to learn. Even when it comes to family, he must show no mercy...
I honestly normally really enjoy a Martina Cole but this was just lacking that bite you normally get. It was nowhere near as brutal as you expect. Something was definitely off for me with this one. Saying that I still finished it so something kept me reading.
Book
No Mercy
By Martina Cole
⭐️⭐️
Diana Davis has been head of the family business since the death of her husband, an infamous bank robber. She's a woman in a man's world, but no one messes with her.
Her only son, Angus, is a natural born villain, but he needs to earn Diana's trust before she'll allow him into the business.
Once he's proved he has the brains to run their clubs in Marbella, he is given what he's always wanted. It's the beginning of a reign of terror that knows no bounds.
But Angus has a blind spot: his wife, Lorna, and their three kids, Angus Junior, Sean and Eilish. And as the next generation enters the business, Angus has a painful truth to learn. Even when it comes to family, he must show no mercy...
I honestly normally really enjoy a Martina Cole but this was just lacking that bite you normally get. It was nowhere near as brutal as you expect. Something was definitely off for me with this one. Saying that I still finished it so something kept me reading.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated The Ducal Detective in Books
Apr 25, 2024
Jacqueline Starts Her Reign Solving a Murder
Jacqueline Arienta Xavier has just been crowned Duchess of Saphire after the death of her parents in an accident. Since she is still mourning them, she is struggling to adjust to her new duties. Then she gets word that her parents’ death may have been murder. Not knowing who to trust, can she figure out what happened to them?
This is a fun novella that introduces a mystery series with a light fantasy setting. Considering all that the novella has to do, it’s impressive how it balances it in the short length it has. I was immediately drawn to Jacqueline, and I loved what we saw of her here. I also really liked the rest of the characters. The world was fun, and I hope we get to explore it further as the series goes along. For the length of the story, the mystery was good with enough twists to keep us engaged on the way to a logical climax. I appreciated the balance we got in tone between the sadness Jacqueline is experiencing and the lighter scenes. I can’t wait to make a return visit to this series.
This is a fun novella that introduces a mystery series with a light fantasy setting. Considering all that the novella has to do, it’s impressive how it balances it in the short length it has. I was immediately drawn to Jacqueline, and I loved what we saw of her here. I also really liked the rest of the characters. The world was fun, and I hope we get to explore it further as the series goes along. For the length of the story, the mystery was good with enough twists to keep us engaged on the way to a logical climax. I appreciated the balance we got in tone between the sadness Jacqueline is experiencing and the lighter scenes. I can’t wait to make a return visit to this series.
Deborah (162 KP) rated Highland Surrender in Books
Dec 21, 2018
In the reign on James V (son of Margaret Tudor, the sister of Henry VIII, and father of Mary Queen of Scots) Fiona and Myles, representatives of two feuding clans, are told by the King that they must marry and form an alliance.....
Sadly, Fiona, the heroine, appears as a right Little Madam for most of the first part of the book. Even after feeling betrayed by her brothers, she is unable to reasonably question anything beyond the clan indoctrination and acts simply like a spoilt child. It's quite hard to see why Myles falls for her at all.
That said, overall this isn't a bad book. I think a bit more on the history side would have made this a more solid and exciting novel, as the ending was really rather good, but it seemed that it couldn't decide if it wanted to be an historical novel, with a romance element (think Elizabeth Chadwick) or something more akin to a bodice ripper (and nothing wrong with that!). You started off feeling there was a bigger plot at play, but this seemed to get a bit lost in the middle, before a quite exciting ending after all.
Not sure it's worth a second read, but I'd consider this author again in the future.
Sadly, Fiona, the heroine, appears as a right Little Madam for most of the first part of the book. Even after feeling betrayed by her brothers, she is unable to reasonably question anything beyond the clan indoctrination and acts simply like a spoilt child. It's quite hard to see why Myles falls for her at all.
That said, overall this isn't a bad book. I think a bit more on the history side would have made this a more solid and exciting novel, as the ending was really rather good, but it seemed that it couldn't decide if it wanted to be an historical novel, with a romance element (think Elizabeth Chadwick) or something more akin to a bodice ripper (and nothing wrong with that!). You started off feeling there was a bigger plot at play, but this seemed to get a bit lost in the middle, before a quite exciting ending after all.
Not sure it's worth a second read, but I'd consider this author again in the future.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) in Movies
Jul 16, 2019
An absolute joy from start to finish
Into the Spider-Verse is nothing short of excellent.
The animation style is beautiful, quirky, packed with colour, and doesn't let go of your attention until the credits have finished rolling.
The assembled voice cast are all great, and compliment the emotion and humour felt throughout.
The humour in question is flawless...every joke and humourous beat land perfectly. It's a funny movie, as well as carrying along a powerful message about growing up, and realising that you're not alone.
The storyline is pretty crazy, and as it deals with multiple dimensions, there's a chance to pull in some fun characters from the comic world, including Peni Parker, Spider-Ham, Spider Gwen, and Spider-Man Noir (hilarious btw). It's definitely out there, but it works very well.
Miles' universe, where the movie takes place, is a setting that allows the writers to take free reign, tinkering with classic villains we know and love, making this a Spider-Man movie worth seeing for fans old and new.
Possibly the best Spider-Man movie yet (maybe in a par with Far From Home).
End note - the post credit scene is just the best thing ever.
The animation style is beautiful, quirky, packed with colour, and doesn't let go of your attention until the credits have finished rolling.
The assembled voice cast are all great, and compliment the emotion and humour felt throughout.
The humour in question is flawless...every joke and humourous beat land perfectly. It's a funny movie, as well as carrying along a powerful message about growing up, and realising that you're not alone.
The storyline is pretty crazy, and as it deals with multiple dimensions, there's a chance to pull in some fun characters from the comic world, including Peni Parker, Spider-Ham, Spider Gwen, and Spider-Man Noir (hilarious btw). It's definitely out there, but it works very well.
Miles' universe, where the movie takes place, is a setting that allows the writers to take free reign, tinkering with classic villains we know and love, making this a Spider-Man movie worth seeing for fans old and new.
Possibly the best Spider-Man movie yet (maybe in a par with Far From Home).
End note - the post credit scene is just the best thing ever.
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Jojo Rabbit (2019) in Movies
Jun 27, 2020
After seeing the trailer for this I was very skeptical. I wondered how Hitler during Nazi Germany times could possibly be funny, even in satire. Truth be told, the only reason I got past that stage was because the movie stars Sam Rockwell, and I'm a sucker for him.
I stand corrected on my initial assessment.
Jojo Rabbit is a hilarious take on the life of a child during Nazi reign in Germany. Adolf Hitler is represented as an imaginary friend of a young man who is coming into his own. I know, this seems wicked dark and awful at the same time. But the way that it's approached by the film makers creates an environment that educates and enlightens to the times that were lived by the people of Germany while making it a bit lighter so that it doesn't weigh down all of your emotions to the point of not being able to carry them.
There are some very serious moments and I wouldn't recommend watching with young children (that should be a given if you watched the trailer). However, it is well worth a watch, or even a second. The acting alone is worth a second look.
I stand corrected on my initial assessment.
Jojo Rabbit is a hilarious take on the life of a child during Nazi reign in Germany. Adolf Hitler is represented as an imaginary friend of a young man who is coming into his own. I know, this seems wicked dark and awful at the same time. But the way that it's approached by the film makers creates an environment that educates and enlightens to the times that were lived by the people of Germany while making it a bit lighter so that it doesn't weigh down all of your emotions to the point of not being able to carry them.
There are some very serious moments and I wouldn't recommend watching with young children (that should be a given if you watched the trailer). However, it is well worth a watch, or even a second. The acting alone is worth a second look.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Dracula (1958) in Movies
Nov 5, 2020 (Updated Nov 5, 2020)
The Vampire Rises Once More
Dracula- is a great movie. Hammer films is a excellent studio, cause their brought back the universal monsters and put their own spin on it. And with Dracula their put their own spin on Dracula. And did it work, yes.
First Christopher Lee played as the creature in The Curse of Frankenstien, now he plays as Dracula. When you think of Dracula you think of Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee. Christopher Lee played Dracula more times then Bela Lugosi. But both actors are iconic, legends and icons.
The plot: On a search for his missing friend Jonathan Harker (John Van Eyssen), vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) is led to Count Dracula's (Christopher Lee) castle. Upon arriving, Van Helsing finds an undead Harker in Dracula's crypt and discovers that the count's next target is Harker's ailing fiancée, Lucy Holmwood (Carol Marsh). With the help of her brother, Arthur (Michael Gough), Van Helsing struggles to protect Lucy and put an end to Count Dracula's parasitic reign of terror.
In the United States, the film was retitled Horror of Dracula to avoid confusion with the U.S. original by Universal Pictures, 1931's Dracula.
Its a excllent film.
First Christopher Lee played as the creature in The Curse of Frankenstien, now he plays as Dracula. When you think of Dracula you think of Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee. Christopher Lee played Dracula more times then Bela Lugosi. But both actors are iconic, legends and icons.
The plot: On a search for his missing friend Jonathan Harker (John Van Eyssen), vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) is led to Count Dracula's (Christopher Lee) castle. Upon arriving, Van Helsing finds an undead Harker in Dracula's crypt and discovers that the count's next target is Harker's ailing fiancée, Lucy Holmwood (Carol Marsh). With the help of her brother, Arthur (Michael Gough), Van Helsing struggles to protect Lucy and put an end to Count Dracula's parasitic reign of terror.
In the United States, the film was retitled Horror of Dracula to avoid confusion with the U.S. original by Universal Pictures, 1931's Dracula.
Its a excllent film.
