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David McK (3251 KP) rated Arrows of Fury (Empire, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I had read 'Wounds of Honour' a few years back, but wasn't really all that sold on it so never picked up (this) the sequel. That changed, however, when it was on sale for about £2 in my local bargain books.
Truth be told, however, I found this to actually be rather dry: it never really held my attention, or seemed to me that the plot took off in any shape or form. It probably doesn't help that all the characters seem very generic (I got the impression that the novel was more concerned with the minutiae of the Roman Legions than with characterization), with similar-sounding names: so much so, that half the time you have to keep flicking back through the book to find out who is who!
All-in-all: I doubt I'll be picking up the third book in the series anytime soon.
Truth be told, however, I found this to actually be rather dry: it never really held my attention, or seemed to me that the plot took off in any shape or form. It probably doesn't help that all the characters seem very generic (I got the impression that the novel was more concerned with the minutiae of the Roman Legions than with characterization), with similar-sounding names: so much so, that half the time you have to keep flicking back through the book to find out who is who!
All-in-all: I doubt I'll be picking up the third book in the series anytime soon.
Jeremy Workman recommended Macbeth (2015) in Movies (curated)
David McK (3251 KP) rated The Druids Lair (Warrior #2) in Books
May 29, 2023
The second of, I believe, five e-book novellas based around the life of Caratacus, this is framed the same as the previous entry (The King in Rome, in that it is presented as Caratacus recounting his life - warts and all - to a minor Roman historian whilst in captivity/exile in Rome.
If that previous novella was centred around his younger life, then this one is around (roughly) his teenage years, where he is sent to be mentored by the Druids of Briton and initiated into their ways.
As is often the case, Caratacus must also find some way of dealing with the local bully, who is both older and stronger than the new initiates.
As a novella, this also must stand on it's own, as it were, complete with an opening, the main body of the story and then a conclusion within a relatively short number of (digital) pages!
If that previous novella was centred around his younger life, then this one is around (roughly) his teenage years, where he is sent to be mentored by the Druids of Briton and initiated into their ways.
As is often the case, Caratacus must also find some way of dealing with the local bully, who is both older and stronger than the new initiates.
As a novella, this also must stand on it's own, as it were, complete with an opening, the main body of the story and then a conclusion within a relatively short number of (digital) pages!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Jojo Rabbit (2019) in Movies
Jun 21, 2020
I was not expecting to love Jojo Rabbit as much as I did. I would argue that it's one of the best films of 2019!
The subject of Nazis and Hitler is a touchy one to say the least, but it's also a subject that is ripe for satire, and one of the many aspects that stands out here, is how Taika Waititi has managed to craft a film that is absolutely hilarious, but never undermines how horrible this part of history was.
I laughed (a lot) before being slapped with a reminder of how bleak war is.
The main plot revolves around Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), a 10 year old boy who looks up to Hitler, and is part of the Nazi Youth. He finds out that his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic of their house. Initially hostile, they begin to form a friendship as the Nazi regime begins to crumble.
Underneath all the goofiness, this main narrative is radiating in both warmth and sadness. I legit had a bit of a cry at one point.
The cast are brilliant. Roman Griffin Davis is one of the most likable protagonists in recent memory. His innocence and blind devotion to the war is humorous, and weirdly sweet. Thomasin McKenzie is great alongside him as well.
As well as directing, Taika Waititi also plays a version of Hitler, sort of like Jojo's imaginary friend, and he's honestly just the best, and provides the majority of the films comedy.
Elsewhere, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Alfie Allen, and Stephen Merchant all make up a pretty rock solid cast.
Screw it, I even liked Rebel Wilson (she usually makes me want to play in traffic.)
Jojo Rabbit is a truly wonderful experience. It evokes a whole range of emotions effortlessly, looks incredible throughout, and deserves all the praise thrown it's way.
The subject of Nazis and Hitler is a touchy one to say the least, but it's also a subject that is ripe for satire, and one of the many aspects that stands out here, is how Taika Waititi has managed to craft a film that is absolutely hilarious, but never undermines how horrible this part of history was.
I laughed (a lot) before being slapped with a reminder of how bleak war is.
The main plot revolves around Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), a 10 year old boy who looks up to Hitler, and is part of the Nazi Youth. He finds out that his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic of their house. Initially hostile, they begin to form a friendship as the Nazi regime begins to crumble.
Underneath all the goofiness, this main narrative is radiating in both warmth and sadness. I legit had a bit of a cry at one point.
The cast are brilliant. Roman Griffin Davis is one of the most likable protagonists in recent memory. His innocence and blind devotion to the war is humorous, and weirdly sweet. Thomasin McKenzie is great alongside him as well.
As well as directing, Taika Waititi also plays a version of Hitler, sort of like Jojo's imaginary friend, and he's honestly just the best, and provides the majority of the films comedy.
Elsewhere, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Alfie Allen, and Stephen Merchant all make up a pretty rock solid cast.
Screw it, I even liked Rebel Wilson (she usually makes me want to play in traffic.)
Jojo Rabbit is a truly wonderful experience. It evokes a whole range of emotions effortlessly, looks incredible throughout, and deserves all the praise thrown it's way.
David McK (3251 KP) rated The Road to Rome: (The Forgotten Legion Chronicles No. 3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Final part in Ben Kane's Forgotten Legion trilogy, this follows the same format as the previous two books ('The Forgotten Legion' and 'The Silver Eagle') in following it's protaganist section about, ending each section on a cliffhanger.
Whereas before this could be slightly jarring (moving from Rome to, eg, Alexandria, and then back to Rome), it works slightly better in this novvel as some of the characters are working their way back to the seat of the Roman Republic eventually taking it section about within the environs of the city.
As the series has been working up to, the novel also culminates in the fateful Ides of March, with the infamous assissination of Julius Caesar in the forum by a disgruntled group of nobles.
The series as whole was readable enough, and while I may read a few more by this author, I doubt I'll be going out of my way to look for them.
Whereas before this could be slightly jarring (moving from Rome to, eg, Alexandria, and then back to Rome), it works slightly better in this novvel as some of the characters are working their way back to the seat of the Roman Republic eventually taking it section about within the environs of the city.
As the series has been working up to, the novel also culminates in the fateful Ides of March, with the infamous assissination of Julius Caesar in the forum by a disgruntled group of nobles.
The series as whole was readable enough, and while I may read a few more by this author, I doubt I'll be going out of my way to look for them.
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated The Vampire's Curse (Beyond The Mist #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2022
good enough for me to want to continue with the series.
Independent reviewer for Book Sirens, I was gofted my copy of this book.
This is the first book in the Beyond The Mist series, and as such lays down the ground work, the background into these vampires and how they came to be.
I enjoyed it, I did. It didn't blow me away, but it's left me intrigued enough to want to continue on with the series.
Not least because there are a whole host of characters we meet here who now need their stories. Korinna, especially and Roman, I think, needs a happy ever after. Andrei's brothers too.
Some smexy times, some violence, some darker themes. Vampires who shift! I liked that, it's different.
All in all, a good read, for me, but not a great one.
so, 3 stars, but I will continue with the series.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the first book in the Beyond The Mist series, and as such lays down the ground work, the background into these vampires and how they came to be.
I enjoyed it, I did. It didn't blow me away, but it's left me intrigued enough to want to continue on with the series.
Not least because there are a whole host of characters we meet here who now need their stories. Korinna, especially and Roman, I think, needs a happy ever after. Andrei's brothers too.
Some smexy times, some violence, some darker themes. Vampires who shift! I liked that, it's different.
All in all, a good read, for me, but not a great one.
so, 3 stars, but I will continue with the series.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Rosemary's Baby (Rosemary's Baby, #1) in Books
Jun 13, 2022
106 of 230
Book
Rosemary’s Baby ( Rosemary book 1)
By Ira Levin
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rosemary Woodhouse and her struggling actor-husband, Guy, move into the Bramford, an old New York City apartment building with an ominous reputation and only elderly residents. Neighbours Roman and Minnie Castavet soon come nosing around to welcome them; despite Rosemary's reservations about their eccentricity and the weird noises that she keeps hearing, her husband starts spending time with them. Shortly after Guy lands a plum Broadway role, Rosemary becomes pregnant, and the Castavets start taking a special interest in her welfare. As the sickened Rosemary becomes increasingly isolated, she begins to suspect that the Castavets' circle is not what it seems.
This is a book I’ve been wanting to read for so long and I finally got round to it! I think I was expecting more while I did enjoy the read it didn’t live up to expectations. It was chilling in places but fell a bit flat for me!
Book
Rosemary’s Baby ( Rosemary book 1)
By Ira Levin
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rosemary Woodhouse and her struggling actor-husband, Guy, move into the Bramford, an old New York City apartment building with an ominous reputation and only elderly residents. Neighbours Roman and Minnie Castavet soon come nosing around to welcome them; despite Rosemary's reservations about their eccentricity and the weird noises that she keeps hearing, her husband starts spending time with them. Shortly after Guy lands a plum Broadway role, Rosemary becomes pregnant, and the Castavets start taking a special interest in her welfare. As the sickened Rosemary becomes increasingly isolated, she begins to suspect that the Castavets' circle is not what it seems.
This is a book I’ve been wanting to read for so long and I finally got round to it! I think I was expecting more while I did enjoy the read it didn’t live up to expectations. It was chilling in places but fell a bit flat for me!
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Roman's Gift in Books
Aug 21, 2022
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author.
Ms Pratt has a way with words, writing contemporary, that few can master. She nails it here, she really does.
I loved that Roman is given the voice, rather than Juliette. It's been a long, LONG time since I read a book written entirely from the male's POV only, but I loved it here.
Juliette kinda annoyed me at points, and I think, had she been given a voice, I might not have enjoyed this quite so much.
Roman's PTSD is dealt with sensitively, and very well. It's hard reading, but Ms Pratt delivers it, at every level. Made me cry a time or three. I loved when he realizes those cloest to him really are his family, his found family, but still.
A not easy, but very well written and delivered, 4 stars and I thank you for my copy!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ms Pratt has a way with words, writing contemporary, that few can master. She nails it here, she really does.
I loved that Roman is given the voice, rather than Juliette. It's been a long, LONG time since I read a book written entirely from the male's POV only, but I loved it here.
Juliette kinda annoyed me at points, and I think, had she been given a voice, I might not have enjoyed this quite so much.
Roman's PTSD is dealt with sensitively, and very well. It's hard reading, but Ms Pratt delivers it, at every level. Made me cry a time or three. I loved when he realizes those cloest to him really are his family, his found family, but still.
A not easy, but very well written and delivered, 4 stars and I thank you for my copy!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Letters to Ethan: A Grandfather's Legacy of Life & Love in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Right from the beginning, I found the seriousness to which the author, Tom McQueen, approaches his role as a grandfather to his grandson, Ethan, as both endearing and worthy of my respect. What he is attempting to do with the letters found in this book is a commendable goal that not many grandparents may go through the trouble to achieve. Each "chapter" of the book is actually a four-to-six page letter and headed by a quotation that applies to the topic of the letter. Each of the letters address a specific topic, such as Heroism, Risk, Integrity, Love, and Imagination, to name a few. Some of the letters also include excerpts from other sources that McQueen finds wisdom in, such as poetry or short stories like the famous story "Footprints in the Sand." Many of the letters make references to sports and sports imagery, such as citing Wayne Gretsky's accomplishments, which is certainly appropriate for most boys. The letters are also peppered with poignant memories of McQueen's and bits of history, such as the story of George Washington Carver.
It becomes apparent in the first letter that this book has a decidedly Roman Catholic slant, and many of the letters include Catholic doctrine teachings. If the reader does not prescribe to Roman Catholicism, this can be a major obstacle to enjoying this book. The other thing that bugs me throughout the text is that I can not figure out at what age the author intended his grandson to read these letters. Some of the topics are rather mature, and they would not be appropriate for a boy that is too young to receive the advice given in the letter, no matter how well-meaning it is. I also could not decipher if McQueen's grandson, Ethan, was supposed to read these letters while his grandfather was still alive or if they were meant for after he passed - again, this would make sense if the appropriate age were given for each letter.
If I ignore the obvious bias in the letters, I found much of the advice given to be relevant and useful wisdom for a young man - or woman - attaining to adulthood.
It becomes apparent in the first letter that this book has a decidedly Roman Catholic slant, and many of the letters include Catholic doctrine teachings. If the reader does not prescribe to Roman Catholicism, this can be a major obstacle to enjoying this book. The other thing that bugs me throughout the text is that I can not figure out at what age the author intended his grandson to read these letters. Some of the topics are rather mature, and they would not be appropriate for a boy that is too young to receive the advice given in the letter, no matter how well-meaning it is. I also could not decipher if McQueen's grandson, Ethan, was supposed to read these letters while his grandfather was still alive or if they were meant for after he passed - again, this would make sense if the appropriate age were given for each letter.
If I ignore the obvious bias in the letters, I found much of the advice given to be relevant and useful wisdom for a young man - or woman - attaining to adulthood.
Cody Cook (8 KP) rated The Everlasting Man in Books
Jun 29, 2018
Part I is significantly better than part II, particularly because Chesterton is at his strongest when arguing for larger truths than when arguing for specific ones. He is quite convincing in arguing for the influence of God in pagan societies, but less convincing when arguing that God manifested Himself in Jesus of Nazareth (a belief which I do in fact hold) and even less persuasive when arguing that Jesus works exclusively through that peculiar organization known as the Roman Catholic Church. It is not all apparent to me whether Chesterton feels more comraderie with polytheists or Protestants, as his tone seems much harsher when bringing up the latter. Although this is a popular level theology book and Chesterton seems at times to be more concerned with giving a presuppositional framework than stating historical facts, I think it could have benefited from more citations to help demonstrate his points, some of which are so large as to require significant support. If the book only had consisted of the first part, I would probably have given it four stars, with the same concern about citations.