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Orphan:First Kill (2022)
Orphan:First Kill (2022)
2022 | Crime, Drama, Horror
7
7.4 (5 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The first Orphan is great for many reasons, chief amongst them being the truly infamous and batshit plot twist. Orphan: First Kill then, has some big footsteps to follow, or precede I guess. This prequel is a little worrisome at first. Although it's great to have Esther back on our screens, the first third of First Kill treads some extremely territory. It's entertaining for sure, and the violence may be a bit more savage, but the narrative threatens to be a little rinse-and-repeat. However, I found myself with egg on my face whilst thinking this, when a new, and arguably more batshit plot twist hits in the mid section, and suddenly First Kill commands more respect.
This sharp turn in proceedings ensures that we're being shown something new, an aspect that so many horror sequels seem to glaze over.
Isabelle Fuhrman returns as Esther, and honestly, she is noticeably older even though this is a prequel. However, I can't help but admire the decision to go down this route instead of using CGI. The use of make up and camera tricks do a good job of least ensuring that it doesn't look fake.

Although it doesn't quite hit the heights of the first film, First Kill is still a good time, with one of the most underrated villains of horror, and I for one want more dammit.
  
Our Dark Duet
Our Dark Duet
V.E. Schwab | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.0 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great Sequel !
***Possible spoilers below. You’ve been warned***

The plot was off to a pretty slow start in this one. Before I start, I’d have to recommend you read This Savage Song before going to this book. You would need the foundation that was set up in This Savage Song to really benefit and enjoy reading Our Dark Duet.

As mentioned before, the plot was off to a slow start. Kate and August are on both different ends of the spectrum but have changed drastically. They’ve definitely ‘grown up’ so to speak. Kate becomes monster hunter extraordinaire. August leads his own squad in the FTF. Kate’s part of the story was definitely more interesting. Despite trying hard not to warm up to people she manages to have her small group of friends (but of course, shuns them anyway despite one of them trying to reach out to her numerous times). I love this quality in Kate. It makes her so much more realistic and puts her way from the group of those ‘stone cold butt kickers that apparently have no soul’.

That being said about Kate. Oh. Lord. That ending. Kate dying with August nearby got my stomach into knots and twists. I can’t believe it. It was beautifully written though and a suitable ending for her. Kate was pretty much a pariah and a lone wolf. August was one of the few that was able to get to know Kate at a more deeper level. It was only fitting that she meets her end with that one person by her side. Beautifully done.

I didn’t really think the romance scene between Kate and August was necessary. It was a minor filler that didn’t need to be added. I never saw August and Kate that way. They were too different and didn’t have that nice ongoing chemistry together. Fighting partners, yes. Partners in love? No I don’t think so.

So more about characters dying. Am I the only one that felt a punch to the gut when Ilsa died? Ilsa was a character I really loved in these two books. She went down in a blaze of glory though (albeit, a shocked blaze of glory.)

You have to admit, Sloan is one of the better villains I have read in a long while. I like him teaming up with Alice even though villains they are, they are looking out for themselves. He’s creepy, malicious, calculating, and cunning. He’s a perfect villain.

The last half of the book, which was filled with action, blood, explosions and all the good stuff set the pace for the great ending to a wonderfully written duology. I know fans out there are asking for more, as it’s not the end of the adventures for August and Soro. For me, it’s just enough and it’s a perfect ending. Well done Ms Schwab! Now I’m off to read your other works!