Search
Search results
David McK (3207 KP) rated The Serpent Sword in Books
Jul 7, 2019
The first entry in Matthew Harffy's Bernicia Chronicles series, which - I have to say - shares more than a few similarities to Bernard Cornwell's 'Last Kingdom' series in that it is set during Dark Ages Britain, with large parts in and around the fortress of Bebbanburg. Sound at all familiar?
When reading this, I had no idea which came first: this, or Cornwell's The Last Kingdom.
Thta's not to set that this novel isn't enjoyable, and that we can't have more than one story set in and about the same time period (indeed, if anything, this is set even earlier than Cornwell's novels, i.e. before the time of Alftred the Great): I did, in fact, quite enjoy this.
Throughout the course of this novel, we follow the exploits and the coming of age of Harffy's main protaganist, Beobrand of Bernicia, from his arrival at the court of King Edwin through his first taste of a battle in a shieldwall, to his time at a Christian Monastery and travels throughout a lawless land before finally settling down (at least, until the next novel!)
When reading this, I had no idea which came first: this, or Cornwell's The Last Kingdom.
Thta's not to set that this novel isn't enjoyable, and that we can't have more than one story set in and about the same time period (indeed, if anything, this is set even earlier than Cornwell's novels, i.e. before the time of Alftred the Great): I did, in fact, quite enjoy this.
Throughout the course of this novel, we follow the exploits and the coming of age of Harffy's main protaganist, Beobrand of Bernicia, from his arrival at the court of King Edwin through his first taste of a battle in a shieldwall, to his time at a Christian Monastery and travels throughout a lawless land before finally settling down (at least, until the next novel!)
Versusyours (757 KP) rated Seasons in the Sun: The Battle for Britain, 1974-1979 in Books
Nov 6, 2019
Extensive research (1 more)
Detailed storytelling
Informative journey back to when taste was yet to be invented
As a lover of British life on the 70s but to young to have lived it, this book was as good as a time machine and gave a normal and somtimes bizzare look at how Britain felt and how life was being lived. The birth of Punk and the turbulent political system were linked due to the effect on youth and this disaffection became a catalyst that is still felt today. The strikes that shaped the view still held to this day of a broken Britain with dead no longer being buried, piles of rubbish in Trafalgar Square and the miners who play a part in the next book in the series. This book is for those that have a live of detail and the writing style allows this book to be read with speed and ease.
Overall this book and the rest of the series give the reader the chance to relive or live a fresh version on the 1950, 1960s and the glorious 70s.
Overall this book and the rest of the series give the reader the chance to relive or live a fresh version on the 1950, 1960s and the glorious 70s.
Nickg24 (492 KP) rated Titans - Season 2 in TV
Dec 17, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
So after a fantastic first season I was expecting the second to raise the bar even higher,which it did in parts but also failed to do so in other parts.
This time the titans find themselves going up against a genetically modified super baddie in deathstroke.Having killed one of the original members of the titans and in turn one of them causing deathstroke to accidentally kill his own son both parties are seeking revenge.
For all the excellent action/fighting sequences, the introduction of bruce wayne (though we never see him as batman through the entire series) and superboy (half superman/half lex luthor) this second season finds itself bogged down with a lot of talk and with everyone feeling down and miserable at some point.
The titans all fall out,go their separate ways only to reunite at the end to defeat deathstroke.The killing off of wonder girl felt flat and unnecessary and the set up for the 3rd series doesnt fill me with much with much excitement but I will almost certainly tune in to watch it.
This time the titans find themselves going up against a genetically modified super baddie in deathstroke.Having killed one of the original members of the titans and in turn one of them causing deathstroke to accidentally kill his own son both parties are seeking revenge.
For all the excellent action/fighting sequences, the introduction of bruce wayne (though we never see him as batman through the entire series) and superboy (half superman/half lex luthor) this second season finds itself bogged down with a lot of talk and with everyone feeling down and miserable at some point.
The titans all fall out,go their separate ways only to reunite at the end to defeat deathstroke.The killing off of wonder girl felt flat and unnecessary and the set up for the 3rd series doesnt fill me with much with much excitement but I will almost certainly tune in to watch it.
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated The Mysterious Music Box (The Decoders #4) in Books
Mar 30, 2020
The mysterious Music box is a well-hidden game of lost and find. Though it not all easy to find the music box. There seems to be a reason for two other people trying to find this music box that belongs to a friend from school.
Though why would someone want to break in and take a music box that has nothing in it. There seem to be quite a bit of people wanting Rosa music box. Could there be something inside the box that can solve a mystery of some treasures that came from world war II Germany?
There seem to be two other people that are trying to find this music box. What could be so special about it? If you enjoy riddles and puzzles, then this book and series are for you. If you are looking for a good series or book for your children of middle-grade schoolers this is it. These books are good for them and they will learn a little bit as they read.
Though why would someone want to break in and take a music box that has nothing in it. There seem to be quite a bit of people wanting Rosa music box. Could there be something inside the box that can solve a mystery of some treasures that came from world war II Germany?
There seem to be two other people that are trying to find this music box. What could be so special about it? If you enjoy riddles and puzzles, then this book and series are for you. If you are looking for a good series or book for your children of middle-grade schoolers this is it. These books are good for them and they will learn a little bit as they read.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Magic Christian (1969) in Movies
Apr 11, 2020
Laborious satire proves that no matter how good your cast is, it can't save a film with a lousy script. Subversive multi-millionaire Guy Grand (Sellers) and his adopted son (Ringo) embark on a series of lavish practical jokes to demonstrate the venality of western society. Basically a series of too-contrived-to-be-funny sketches clumsily making fun of the sacred cows of British society in particular.
Some people (Paul Merton for one) would have you suggest that The Magic Christian has a reputation as a bad movie because it ridicules things the establishment holds dear (the boat race, high art, grouse shooting, etc). This is not true: it has a reputation as a bad movie because it is a bad movie, clumsy, smug, and not nearly as insightful as it seems to think it is. The main reason for watching is the cast list, which is eye-opening, although how well the various cameoing stars emerge tends to be in inverse proportion to the size of their role. One of those films that proves the swinging sixties weren't all that great.
Some people (Paul Merton for one) would have you suggest that The Magic Christian has a reputation as a bad movie because it ridicules things the establishment holds dear (the boat race, high art, grouse shooting, etc). This is not true: it has a reputation as a bad movie because it is a bad movie, clumsy, smug, and not nearly as insightful as it seems to think it is. The main reason for watching is the cast list, which is eye-opening, although how well the various cameoing stars emerge tends to be in inverse proportion to the size of their role. One of those films that proves the swinging sixties weren't all that great.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Mail-Order Mishaps: 4 Brides Adapt When Marriage Plans Go Awry in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Great book about using the situations God puts you in for good :)
The fisrt story in this book is about a bride who steps off the trail and finds her soon to be husband in jail. Definitely a mishap. I loved how the lead character wasn't afraid to help and go out of her comfort zone.
The second book is one of my favorite books in the series. Its about a young couple set upon by a matchmaker. A wonderful about healing families.
The third book is about a bride who was tricked and had to make her way again, a great story.
Finally the forth book, what a lovely way to end a series!!! A fiery Irish red head who needs to escape her situation and uses the opportunity God gave her to escape. When she gets there she meets a Swedish man .... so cool.
I would highly recommend reading this book :)
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing in return for my honest feed back. The opinions expressed within are my own.
#greatread
The fisrt story in this book is about a bride who steps off the trail and finds her soon to be husband in jail. Definitely a mishap. I loved how the lead character wasn't afraid to help and go out of her comfort zone.
The second book is one of my favorite books in the series. Its about a young couple set upon by a matchmaker. A wonderful about healing families.
The third book is about a bride who was tricked and had to make her way again, a great story.
Finally the forth book, what a lovely way to end a series!!! A fiery Irish red head who needs to escape her situation and uses the opportunity God gave her to escape. When she gets there she meets a Swedish man .... so cool.
I would highly recommend reading this book :)
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing in return for my honest feed back. The opinions expressed within are my own.
#greatread
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The King in Books
Jan 6, 2021
Started reading back in 2015 and lost interest. Now starting it again (26/03/18)
3.5 stars.
So I got into this a lot more the second time of trying, though it still took me a few months to finish it. I think I forgot about all the other side stories that take place in these books but after a while, I fell back into the series.
Admittedly, I have forgot a lot of the previous tales since it's been so long but I remember various Brothers like V, Rhage and Z. I think those three stood out for me a lot more and were some of my faves in this series.
One thing that did stand out to me though was the lack of hunting lessers. None of the guys seemed to be going out hunting the enemy apart from Xcor and co. But I think it was mentioned that none of them were allowed to leave? I can't remember why though.
I will be reading Trez's story at some point but I'm not in a hurry.
3.5 stars.
So I got into this a lot more the second time of trying, though it still took me a few months to finish it. I think I forgot about all the other side stories that take place in these books but after a while, I fell back into the series.
Admittedly, I have forgot a lot of the previous tales since it's been so long but I remember various Brothers like V, Rhage and Z. I think those three stood out for me a lot more and were some of my faves in this series.
One thing that did stand out to me though was the lack of hunting lessers. None of the guys seemed to be going out hunting the enemy apart from Xcor and co. But I think it was mentioned that none of them were allowed to leave? I can't remember why though.
I will be reading Trez's story at some point but I'm not in a hurry.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Torch (Unbreakable Bonds, #3) in Books
Jan 7, 2021
4.5 stars
Despite what happened to Rowe in the last book i think this is the most I've laughed/smiled at a book in this series. The tequila scene with Snow, the bit at the end with the code names just to name a few. But at the same time, i think it was hard for the authors to write something that was going to make us fall in love with this couple like we--well I--did with the previous two simply because we got to know Rowe's wife for a while and to lose her like he did was hard. But i am glad he found love again.
The other main plot to this series. Jagger. That was a bit of a shocker at the end of this and i cannot wait for our boys to kick his head in. Seriously, what an arse he is. Criminal underworld boss extraordinaire. While Ian and the cop are falling in love in the next book i want them plotting a big ruse to ruin him!
Can't wait for book 4!
Despite what happened to Rowe in the last book i think this is the most I've laughed/smiled at a book in this series. The tequila scene with Snow, the bit at the end with the code names just to name a few. But at the same time, i think it was hard for the authors to write something that was going to make us fall in love with this couple like we--well I--did with the previous two simply because we got to know Rowe's wife for a while and to lose her like he did was hard. But i am glad he found love again.
The other main plot to this series. Jagger. That was a bit of a shocker at the end of this and i cannot wait for our boys to kick his head in. Seriously, what an arse he is. Criminal underworld boss extraordinaire. While Ian and the cop are falling in love in the next book i want them plotting a big ruse to ruin him!
Can't wait for book 4!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Sin & Surrender (Demigods of San Francisco, #6) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
This is the last book in the series! How am I going to survive without more Kieran and Lexi and co?
Anyway, they are now at the Magical Summit. Kieran is hoping for his place as San Francisco's Demigod to be approved as well as his link to Alexis. In the meantime, every Demigod's minions are prowling the grounds of the ginormous estate looking for battles, including Lexi and co.
This was quite fun. It was clear to see that Lexi and the gang were some of the most skilled fighters in the place. We met some fun characters and some stuff comes out that I hadn't expected, which was great. And then that end bit with Jack. I really do love this group of people.
I don't have the words to express how much I enjoyed this.
And then that bit with the green eyed jinn and Daisy... I'm thinking she may get her own series where that bit will be explored.
This is the last book in the series! How am I going to survive without more Kieran and Lexi and co?
Anyway, they are now at the Magical Summit. Kieran is hoping for his place as San Francisco's Demigod to be approved as well as his link to Alexis. In the meantime, every Demigod's minions are prowling the grounds of the ginormous estate looking for battles, including Lexi and co.
This was quite fun. It was clear to see that Lexi and the gang were some of the most skilled fighters in the place. We met some fun characters and some stuff comes out that I hadn't expected, which was great. And then that end bit with Jack. I really do love this group of people.
I don't have the words to express how much I enjoyed this.
And then that bit with the green eyed jinn and Daisy... I'm thinking she may get her own series where that bit will be explored.
David McK (3207 KP) rated Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10) in Books
Apr 18, 2021
In this, the 10th volume of the Dresden files, Jim Butcher brings the Knights of the Cross (particularly Michael Carpenter) - first introduced in Grave Peril, and their other-worldly foe, the Order of the Denarians - first introduced in Death Masks - back to the fore, via a favour owed to Mab, Queen of the Winter Court of faerie (first introduced in Summer Knight)
I think it's fair to say that one of the defining characteristics of this novel is the notion of family, and of friendship: when does one stop, and the other start? As it relies on previous events and (some) knowledge of the characters involved, this isn't really a good jumping-on point for anybody new to the series. For those who have read the previous, I actually felt this was one of the weaker novels: I just couldn't really get into this one as much as some of the others (but, without saying more, also think it will be interesting to see how Michael's role in the series progresses ...).
I think it's fair to say that one of the defining characteristics of this novel is the notion of family, and of friendship: when does one stop, and the other start? As it relies on previous events and (some) knowledge of the characters involved, this isn't really a good jumping-on point for anybody new to the series. For those who have read the previous, I actually felt this was one of the weaker novels: I just couldn't really get into this one as much as some of the others (but, without saying more, also think it will be interesting to see how Michael's role in the series progresses ...).