From the Earth's Core to Outer Space
Book
From the Earth's Core to Outer Space focuses on four themes: (1) Evolving Earth's crust, (2)...
Nesbo has done a really good job of moving the setting from medieval Scotland to modern Scandinavia (I think! That's what it felt like as I was reading anyway). The names of the towns in the original are the names of the casinos; the Queen of the witches, Hecate, is the main dealer and leader of organised crime in the town; Lady (Macbeth) is the owner of the most exclusive of those casinos.
Like Shakespeare's play, this book is grim, oppressive and ultra-violent. The body count is high, the murders committed without thought, or at least the only thought in Macbeth's head is that he will gain more power in the eradication of his 'enemies' and their families.
The description of the city portrays a poverty stricken, unemployment plagued, drug addicted, polluted northern town. These people seem to be accustomed to the corruption of their police and government officials, which is how the door opens to allow Macbeth to step through with Lady, his wife (who isn't his wife in this, but his girlfriend). Lady is the one who guides Macbeth's hand in everything he does, and then pays the ultimate price when guilt drives her mad.
I really do think that this is an excellent retelling. Five hundred pages went by in a flash for me, and I have to admit to a feeling of satisfaction as the story was wrapped up at the end.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book - and this is a totally unbiased review, people!
500 Pastry Recipes: A Fabulous Collection of Every Kind of Pastry from Pies and Tarts to Mouthwatering Puffs and Parcels, Shown in 500 Photographs
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This is an incredible selection of recipes using every kind of pastry: shortcrust, puff, rough puff,...
The Megalithic Architectures of Europe
Luc Laporte and Christopher Scarre
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Megalithic monuments are among the most striking remains of the Neolithic period of northern and...
No Idle Hands: The Myths & Meanings of Tramp Art
Laura M Addison, Leslie Umberger and Eric Zafran
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Tramp art describes a particular type of wood carving practiced in the United States and Europe...
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Ritual in Books
Nov 17, 2017
Yeah that’s basically what you get throughout the book. It could be similar horror elements like Blair Witch Project, only you do find out what it is towards the latter part of the story. (And it’s still pretty creepy to figure out and picture).
I really do enjoy the horror aspects in this book and the feelings it invokes. You can really feel the desperation, frustration, and anguish felt within the characters. Tempers flare and understandably fights happen from within the group. You feel Luke’s anger and his highs and lows as you follow him throughout this horror journey.
There’s not many twists or blindside moments in this book it’s pretty much standard that you would see in horror books but the setting is very well done. A remote forest in Scandinavia while there’s something big and bad out there provides great atmosphere for the dark and scary.
It does drag out through the last third of the novel where you just have to feel for Luke and you wonder how much the human spirit can take. The ending really should have ended about 50 pages ago and there is repetition through the novel that some may find a trial to go through when reading. It’s manageable most of the time but I was close to losing my interest towards the end of the novel but powered through. It was still an enjoyable read, and recommended for those that want a good solid horror.
I’ll be reading more of his books for sure. I enjoyed the thrill and can only imagine what his other books will be like.
Lonely Planet Finland
Lonely Planet, Andy Symington and Catherine Le Nevez
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#1 best-selling guide to Finland* Lonely Planet Finland is your passport to the most relevant,...
Beyond the Northlands: Viking Voyages and the Old Norse Sagas
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In the dying days of the eighth century, the Vikings erupted onto the international stage with...
Rooftop Garden Design
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This richly illustrated book provides a comprehensive guide to contemporary trends in rooftop garden...