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David McK (3180 KP) rated Moon Knight in TV
May 8, 2022
If you'd asked me ion the 90s to name a Marvel superhero, I'd probably been able to name you Spiderman. Maybe Captain America.
In the 00's? Expand that to include Daredevil before the MCU came into being, then (once it did) the likes of Iron Man, Thor, The Incredible Hulk (may have been able to name him in the 90s due to the 70s TV show).
2010s? Even further to include Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, The Guardians of the Galaxy.
Basically, as MCU films with those characters were released.
At no pint prior to late 2021, however, would I have been able to name 'Moon Knight'.
That changed with the release of this 'limited series' on Disney+ in 2022, with Oscar Isaacs taking the lead role of a character suffering from Dissociative identity disorder (DID) - a mental disorder where a patient has two or more personalities - who also becomes a superhero after making a deal with an Egyptian god.
And he's actually very good at portraying which identity is in control at any one time, all down to mannerisms, accents and body language.
Unusually for an MCU project, there's no end credit stings until the very last episode (where it is worth staying for that sting).
In the 00's? Expand that to include Daredevil before the MCU came into being, then (once it did) the likes of Iron Man, Thor, The Incredible Hulk (may have been able to name him in the 90s due to the 70s TV show).
2010s? Even further to include Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, The Guardians of the Galaxy.
Basically, as MCU films with those characters were released.
At no pint prior to late 2021, however, would I have been able to name 'Moon Knight'.
That changed with the release of this 'limited series' on Disney+ in 2022, with Oscar Isaacs taking the lead role of a character suffering from Dissociative identity disorder (DID) - a mental disorder where a patient has two or more personalities - who also becomes a superhero after making a deal with an Egyptian god.
And he's actually very good at portraying which identity is in control at any one time, all down to mannerisms, accents and body language.
Unusually for an MCU project, there's no end credit stings until the very last episode (where it is worth staying for that sting).
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Irrational Man (2015) in Movies
Sep 20, 2020
Murderous Woody Allen >> Romantic Woody Allen. Not quite sure why this monstrously clever rush is relegated as slight while just cute fluff like ššŖš„šÆšŖšØš©šµ šŖšÆ šš¢š³šŖš“ gets BP noms but hey, more for me. I was initially turned off by this movie's writerly cynicism but soon realized that it was necessary to play into the whole, and reflexively appreciated it more immediately upon realization. Found this to get more and more lusciously beguiling as it went along, pretty much everything you'd want from a story about a philosophy professor who gets embroiled in a crime plot - complete with all of the knowingly self-satisfied dialogue and exploratory (but ultimately [intentionally] bullshit) ethical/moral dilemmas one could hope for. Phoenix and Stone are next level and this is rich with atmosphere without ever being even the slightest bit gaudy. Mainly just an incredibly good idea with a proper execution to back it up, I'm sure I'm alone in this one but this pretty much had my heart pounding more and more with anxiety as it went along - including multiple prolonged sequences where it wanted to burst right out of my chest the whole time - allowing me only to breath a sigh of safe relief upon the first sting of the end credits. Adored it, no doubt one of Allen's best.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Keeper of the Bees (Black Birds of the Gallows, #2) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
<h2><strong>I enjoyedĀ <em>Black Bird of the Gallows</em>, but if I had to choose between the first and the second, I loved the second so much better than the first.</strong></h2>
<em>Keeper of the Bees</em> is Meg Kassel's second novel, the companion novel toĀ <em>Black Bird of the Gallows</em>. We're brought back to the world of harbringersĀ and beekeepers in a smol town in Missouri (hey, look, my home state!) and their roles in death.
<h3><strong><em>Keeper of the Bees</em>Ā is a bit of a villain story.</strong></h3>
HarbringersĀ flock to where death happens and "absorb" the energy emitted. Beekeepers usually cause the death by using their bees to sting someone, resulting in them reaching their destruction (aka death).Ā <em>Keeper of the Bees</em> tells the story of Dresden, a boy cursed for eternity, and Essie, a girl who eats peppercorn to discern real from unreal.
<h3><strong>Dresden is a precious onion with layers despite being EvilĀ.</strong></h3>
Most villains are evil and pure evil, but Dresden is a precious little onion who isĀ <em>cursed</em> to be evil. He doesn'tĀ <em>want</em> to be evil andĀ <em>shows</em> that he doesn't want to be evil. Throughout the novel, he's struggling to not sting Essie despite the bees inside wanting him to do so.
<h3><strong>Aunt Bel is amazing, and I just want to hug her.</strong></h3>
Essie is part of the Wickerton family, a family with members who are cursed to lose their sanity and eventually end up at Stanton House. Essie's curse is not being able to tell what is real and unreal, at least without the help of peppercorns. Both her and Aunt Bel are in a constant battle with her father and psychiatrist when it comes to her mental health and sending her to Stanton House with other members. Aunt Bel is such a strong advocate for Essie and her Grandma Edie, and she refuses to give in to what Essie's father and psychiatrist want for Essie.
<h3><strong>Reece! Angie! References to the first novel!</strong></h3>
Do youĀ <em>have</em> to read the first novel? Nawh, you don't have to since Kassel gives the 411 on her world for those who haven't read the first, so you're safe to dive intoĀ <em>Keeper of the Bees</em> without worrying about being totally lost,Ā <em>but</em> you should definitely readĀ <em>Black Bird of the Gallows</em> first.
<h2><strong>Overall, <em>Keeper of the Bees</em> was a delight to read! I loved seeing from the other side of things where the supposed "villain" is in a constant battle to be a better person.</strong></h2>
<a href="http://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/keeper-of-the-bees-by-meg-kassel/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<h2><strong>I enjoyedĀ <em>Black Bird of the Gallows</em>, but if I had to choose between the first and the second, I loved the second so much better than the first.</strong></h2>
<em>Keeper of the Bees</em> is Meg Kassel's second novel, the companion novel toĀ <em>Black Bird of the Gallows</em>. We're brought back to the world of harbringersĀ and beekeepers in a smol town in Missouri (hey, look, my home state!) and their roles in death.
<h3><strong><em>Keeper of the Bees</em>Ā is a bit of a villain story.</strong></h3>
HarbringersĀ flock to where death happens and "absorb" the energy emitted. Beekeepers usually cause the death by using their bees to sting someone, resulting in them reaching their destruction (aka death).Ā <em>Keeper of the Bees</em> tells the story of Dresden, a boy cursed for eternity, and Essie, a girl who eats peppercorn to discern real from unreal.
<h3><strong>Dresden is a precious onion with layers despite being EvilĀ.</strong></h3>
Most villains are evil and pure evil, but Dresden is a precious little onion who isĀ <em>cursed</em> to be evil. He doesn'tĀ <em>want</em> to be evil andĀ <em>shows</em> that he doesn't want to be evil. Throughout the novel, he's struggling to not sting Essie despite the bees inside wanting him to do so.
<h3><strong>Aunt Bel is amazing, and I just want to hug her.</strong></h3>
Essie is part of the Wickerton family, a family with members who are cursed to lose their sanity and eventually end up at Stanton House. Essie's curse is not being able to tell what is real and unreal, at least without the help of peppercorns. Both her and Aunt Bel are in a constant battle with her father and psychiatrist when it comes to her mental health and sending her to Stanton House with other members. Aunt Bel is such a strong advocate for Essie and her Grandma Edie, and she refuses to give in to what Essie's father and psychiatrist want for Essie.
<h3><strong>Reece! Angie! References to the first novel!</strong></h3>
Do youĀ <em>have</em> to read the first novel? Nawh, you don't have to since Kassel gives the 411 on her world for those who haven't read the first, so you're safe to dive intoĀ <em>Keeper of the Bees</em> without worrying about being totally lost,Ā <em>but</em> you should definitely readĀ <em>Black Bird of the Gallows</em> first.
<h2><strong>Overall, <em>Keeper of the Bees</em> was a delight to read! I loved seeing from the other side of things where the supposed "villain" is in a constant battle to be a better person.</strong></h2>
<a href="http://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/keeper-of-the-bees-by-meg-kassel/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated 7UP - Single by Boy In Space in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Boy in Space is the artist moniker of Robin LundbƤck, a youngster who hails from AlingƤs, Sweden. Not too long ago, he released an emo-pop tune, entitled, ā7UPā.
āā7UPā is very simply about how love isnāt easy. The lyrics portray this feeling in the context of your everyday neighborhood house party. Sometimes, we can get so caught-up with being in love that we let someone hurt us.ā ā Boy In Space
ā7UPā is a heartbreaking tune which feels incredibly personal and has searching qualities that will see you looking inwards and feeling all existential.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and warm instrumentation scented with an emo-pop fragrance.
āItās the courage to depart the familiar to a destination unknown. The āSpaceā is the intensity of youth. The cold sting of heartbreak. The suffocation of betrayal. The Fiery passion of young love.ā ā Boy In Space describing aspects of his stage name
The āIn Spaceā aspect of Boy In Spaceās name isnāt as cosmic as it sounds. Instead, itās about the state of being āin-betweenā. Itās about being neither at the start nor being anywhere towards the end of a life journey.
Also, itās about recognizing those who havenāt found their glove-like fit in a conventional sense, and recognizing difference as special.
Boy In Spaceās musical influences include Blink 182, A$AP Rocky, Khalid, Post Malone, LAUV, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gorillaz, Outkast, The 1975, and The Weeknd.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/boy-in-space-7up/
āā7UPā is very simply about how love isnāt easy. The lyrics portray this feeling in the context of your everyday neighborhood house party. Sometimes, we can get so caught-up with being in love that we let someone hurt us.ā ā Boy In Space
ā7UPā is a heartbreaking tune which feels incredibly personal and has searching qualities that will see you looking inwards and feeling all existential.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and warm instrumentation scented with an emo-pop fragrance.
āItās the courage to depart the familiar to a destination unknown. The āSpaceā is the intensity of youth. The cold sting of heartbreak. The suffocation of betrayal. The Fiery passion of young love.ā ā Boy In Space describing aspects of his stage name
The āIn Spaceā aspect of Boy In Spaceās name isnāt as cosmic as it sounds. Instead, itās about the state of being āin-betweenā. Itās about being neither at the start nor being anywhere towards the end of a life journey.
Also, itās about recognizing those who havenāt found their glove-like fit in a conventional sense, and recognizing difference as special.
Boy In Spaceās musical influences include Blink 182, A$AP Rocky, Khalid, Post Malone, LAUV, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gorillaz, Outkast, The 1975, and The Weeknd.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/boy-in-space-7up/
Kristina (502 KP) rated The Pawn (Endgame, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
The Pawn, a book that reminded me of several other books, but was uniquely its own in so many ways. Mythical tales, love, loyalty, and betrayal are just some of the elements Skye has included in this story. From the very beginning, it's impossible not to root for Avery as she does what's necessary to take care of her ailing father. With a strength that should be admirable by everyone, she chooses to sell herself in order to keep her dad alive and pay, not only for his care, but for bills. When she's bought at an auction by Gabriel, as a reader, I didn't know whether to be relieved - I mean, isn't it safer to stay with the devil you know than the devil you don't? - or worried. Not only because Gabriel is buying her body and buying her virginity, but because her father had betrayed him. Does Gabriel want more than just her body? Does he plan to use her as a way to extract even more revenge from her father? Or does he want to humiliate Avery even more to prove he is a man not to be messed with? These uncertainties haunt each moment the two of them spend together. With each turn of the page, I learned more secrets, which only lead to more questions. By the end, the unforgivable sting of betrayal and the promise of revenge are what makes me desperate to read the sequel. I loved every moment of this book - Skye, a job well done!
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated My Lovely Wife in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
In Samantha Downingās book āMy Lovely Wifeā, Millicent has designed her life just how she wants it. Nice house. Good job. Two kids. And a husband, she has been able to manipulate throughout their fifteen years of marriage- even to the point of sharing the same delightful hobby.
Murder.
Now, deaf āTobiasā as heās known to a few select and unlucky few, (when he is scouting around for their next victim), is beginning to see how what they do is starting to affect their own kids. His daughter is scared of this āserial killerā in their home town, and his son is learning to be as manipulative as his mother. But this is nowhere near his biggest issue.
Of course, āTobiasā the husband is no saint, but heās been so well-trained in the art of doing what his wife Millicent tells him, he just gets on with his part of the job of victim selection, and letās her do the rest. This his how they get their kicks. Heās never even questioned it.
Until the last woman they drugged, kidnapped and Millicent ātook care ofā turns up dead in an abandoned building. Sheād kept her alive for over a year and never even told him. What was Millicent doing with her all this time? Why didnāt she keep him updated? After all, they were partners in crime, werenāt they?
This is a creepy book about a couple with some very strange habits. On the outside they look like the average family, but together, in private they hold secrets that theyāll take to the grave. At least hope to. But when murder becomes a dangerous game for life, and not everyone is playing by the rules, things are not always as black and white. And that, dear reader, is the deadly sting in this tale, which will have you reading until the sun comes up the next morning and the truth is revealed.
I couldnāt read this fast enough! What a thrilling book this turned out to be!
Murder.
Now, deaf āTobiasā as heās known to a few select and unlucky few, (when he is scouting around for their next victim), is beginning to see how what they do is starting to affect their own kids. His daughter is scared of this āserial killerā in their home town, and his son is learning to be as manipulative as his mother. But this is nowhere near his biggest issue.
Of course, āTobiasā the husband is no saint, but heās been so well-trained in the art of doing what his wife Millicent tells him, he just gets on with his part of the job of victim selection, and letās her do the rest. This his how they get their kicks. Heās never even questioned it.
Until the last woman they drugged, kidnapped and Millicent ātook care ofā turns up dead in an abandoned building. Sheād kept her alive for over a year and never even told him. What was Millicent doing with her all this time? Why didnāt she keep him updated? After all, they were partners in crime, werenāt they?
This is a creepy book about a couple with some very strange habits. On the outside they look like the average family, but together, in private they hold secrets that theyāll take to the grave. At least hope to. But when murder becomes a dangerous game for life, and not everyone is playing by the rules, things are not always as black and white. And that, dear reader, is the deadly sting in this tale, which will have you reading until the sun comes up the next morning and the truth is revealed.
I couldnāt read this fast enough! What a thrilling book this turned out to be!
JT (287 KP) rated American Hustle (2013) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Thereās a lot of love for American Hustle and with a cast such as this it is easy to see why. Itās a film that oozes glitz and glamour and has a slick sense of stability with shades Scorsese as an attempt at a crime caper.
Bale is top draw, an opening shot that requires no dialogue sees Baleās stomach bloating Irving Rosenfeld carefully craft a balding comb over. Then in walks his partner throughout this initial sting, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) with a beautiful perm ā and this is just the male cast.
The film is loosely based on a true story. Baleās con man falls for Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) and the pair look to collude together before being nabbed by the FBI and forced to help bring down a circle of corrupt politicians as a way to avoid prosecution. This is no heist from the Soderbergh play book, but a slow churning plan that involves fake sheikhs and mafia bosses and is the brainchild of agent DiMaso who targets Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) as one of the many poor unfortunates looking to make change in a growing 70s society.
Supporting cast are exceptional, none more so than Jennifer Lawrence, as Rosenfeldās long suffering wife who during proceedings threatens to blow the whole plan wide open. Thatās not to say that Amy Adams isnāt well worth her role, but the wardrobe department must have been short on ideas for her if all that was around were dresses with plunging necklines.
Overall it plays out well but does suffer confusion as you wonder who is playing who during the whole affair. All the way through I felt that something wasnāt quite right with it. For me it didnāt have the lasting impact that The Fighter had or even Silver Linings Playbook, but as a film that wants to capture everything the 70s were about it does a stupendous job.
Bale is top draw, an opening shot that requires no dialogue sees Baleās stomach bloating Irving Rosenfeld carefully craft a balding comb over. Then in walks his partner throughout this initial sting, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) with a beautiful perm ā and this is just the male cast.
The film is loosely based on a true story. Baleās con man falls for Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) and the pair look to collude together before being nabbed by the FBI and forced to help bring down a circle of corrupt politicians as a way to avoid prosecution. This is no heist from the Soderbergh play book, but a slow churning plan that involves fake sheikhs and mafia bosses and is the brainchild of agent DiMaso who targets Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) as one of the many poor unfortunates looking to make change in a growing 70s society.
Supporting cast are exceptional, none more so than Jennifer Lawrence, as Rosenfeldās long suffering wife who during proceedings threatens to blow the whole plan wide open. Thatās not to say that Amy Adams isnāt well worth her role, but the wardrobe department must have been short on ideas for her if all that was around were dresses with plunging necklines.
Overall it plays out well but does suffer confusion as you wonder who is playing who during the whole affair. All the way through I felt that something wasnāt quite right with it. For me it didnāt have the lasting impact that The Fighter had or even Silver Linings Playbook, but as a film that wants to capture everything the 70s were about it does a stupendous job.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This was a very interesting concept for a book series. The nations and the struggle between them was based on the Greco-Roman time period when Rome was conquering most of Europe and the Mediterranean. Many of the ties to both appearance and even some of the cultures of these two rival nations were scattered throughout the first book.
I have got to say, I really enjoyed this book. It was a very quick read, something I appreciate as I am attempting to read 27 books in about two and a half months. The characters were very compelling, especially when I hated them. I obviously loved the two main characters, Kestrel and Arin, Kestrel's best friend, Jess, and her brother, Ronan. Even though I hated Irex (even his name is grating) I was intrigued by him and his motivations behind everything he did.
I loved how Kestrel was such a schemer. A lot of the time in YA books with female protagonists, if she is even slightly good at battle plans, she is passed off as being arrogant or is completely ignored by her male counterparts forcing her to execute her plan behind the scenes and be scolded for the rash behavior afterwards. Not in this book. No, Kestrel is actually praised for her tactical mind, something I think anyone with this skill should get. It was refreshing to see other characters lifting a female character up in her strengths instead of downplaying them, forcing her to use them for their own gain, or taking credit for it themselves. Other males in YA books, take note of this!! (Also, I love how badass she is at Bite and Sting. I want that game to be real and learn how to be just as awesome at it!!)
The relationships between the characters were well developed, but I think they could still use improvement. I wanted to know the motivations behind each of the relationships, especially between Kestrel and Ronan. Yes, he likes her, but why and for how long? And we all know about Irex, but why is he like that? Plus, how did Jess and Kestrel become friends?
I enjoyed how everything played out in the plot and was setting up for the next books without being only about world building and plot set up. It had a life of its own.
Overall, I really liked the book and I can't wait to pick up the next two!
I have got to say, I really enjoyed this book. It was a very quick read, something I appreciate as I am attempting to read 27 books in about two and a half months. The characters were very compelling, especially when I hated them. I obviously loved the two main characters, Kestrel and Arin, Kestrel's best friend, Jess, and her brother, Ronan. Even though I hated Irex (even his name is grating) I was intrigued by him and his motivations behind everything he did.
I loved how Kestrel was such a schemer. A lot of the time in YA books with female protagonists, if she is even slightly good at battle plans, she is passed off as being arrogant or is completely ignored by her male counterparts forcing her to execute her plan behind the scenes and be scolded for the rash behavior afterwards. Not in this book. No, Kestrel is actually praised for her tactical mind, something I think anyone with this skill should get. It was refreshing to see other characters lifting a female character up in her strengths instead of downplaying them, forcing her to use them for their own gain, or taking credit for it themselves. Other males in YA books, take note of this!! (Also, I love how badass she is at Bite and Sting. I want that game to be real and learn how to be just as awesome at it!!)
The relationships between the characters were well developed, but I think they could still use improvement. I wanted to know the motivations behind each of the relationships, especially between Kestrel and Ronan. Yes, he likes her, but why and for how long? And we all know about Irex, but why is he like that? Plus, how did Jess and Kestrel become friends?
I enjoyed how everything played out in the plot and was setting up for the next books without being only about world building and plot set up. It had a life of its own.
Overall, I really liked the book and I can't wait to pick up the next two!
Darren (1599 KP) rated The Sand (2015) in Movies
Oct 24, 2019
Characters ā College students, well we love them being the characters in horror films because even with their education they shouldnāt make panic filled decisions. Kaylee is the smartest and most responsible of the students who is looking forward to her final exams, Gilbert the big guy who gets wedge in a trash can, that is about his character rounded up, Ronnie is the one that just shouts out what could be causing the sand to react the way it is, we donāt really learn too much about any of these characters to be honest.
Performance ā Looking at the performances you canāt help but laugh because due to the awfully written script the actors donāt stand a chance in this film, the reactions from all are terrible, one character says they are in 1000x more pain than a jellyfish sting and it sounds just like they kicked their toe. The performance all around are terrible and you canāt see a single good thing about them.
Story ā After trashing the script and performances this part will be strange, I did like the idea of the group of friends trapped on the beach with something waiting to eat them in the most painful way possible. I feel this compares to the Creepshow short with the friends trapped on the wooden island with the blob dissolving anything that comes into the water. The problem with the story comes from the characters involved who donāt make normal decisions, the logical ones are clear here and nobody bothers to take any of them one.
Horror/Sci-Fi ā The horror does come from the fate the students will face if they touch the sand which dissolves anyone that touches it. The sci-fi side comes from just what could be in the sand is not of this world.
Settings ā The beach does make for a wonderful setting for this film because it is a normal location people go to and the new threat adds to something people could experience there.
Special Effects ā This is a low budget film so the CGI isnāt going to be great and you can see it through ever scene it is used in.
Scene of the Movie ā Barrel of laughs.
That Moment That Annoyed Me ā The dialogue between the characters is so bad, it is either you slept with my boyfriend or is X alright just after they are dissolved.
Final Thoughts ā This film does have a good concept but it fails to use this idea to the full extent due to awful performance and dialogue between the characters.
Overall: Fails to use what is has, to become great.
Performance ā Looking at the performances you canāt help but laugh because due to the awfully written script the actors donāt stand a chance in this film, the reactions from all are terrible, one character says they are in 1000x more pain than a jellyfish sting and it sounds just like they kicked their toe. The performance all around are terrible and you canāt see a single good thing about them.
Story ā After trashing the script and performances this part will be strange, I did like the idea of the group of friends trapped on the beach with something waiting to eat them in the most painful way possible. I feel this compares to the Creepshow short with the friends trapped on the wooden island with the blob dissolving anything that comes into the water. The problem with the story comes from the characters involved who donāt make normal decisions, the logical ones are clear here and nobody bothers to take any of them one.
Horror/Sci-Fi ā The horror does come from the fate the students will face if they touch the sand which dissolves anyone that touches it. The sci-fi side comes from just what could be in the sand is not of this world.
Settings ā The beach does make for a wonderful setting for this film because it is a normal location people go to and the new threat adds to something people could experience there.
Special Effects ā This is a low budget film so the CGI isnāt going to be great and you can see it through ever scene it is used in.
Scene of the Movie ā Barrel of laughs.
That Moment That Annoyed Me ā The dialogue between the characters is so bad, it is either you slept with my boyfriend or is X alright just after they are dissolved.
Final Thoughts ā This film does have a good concept but it fails to use this idea to the full extent due to awful performance and dialogue between the characters.
Overall: Fails to use what is has, to become great.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I said yes to reviewing this book because even though I have not yet read the Jane Austen classic that this book is based on, I was curious about the Mormon aspect of the book and how the author would modernize it. I know some about Mormon customs and traditions, but it was still interesting to read the book from the perspective of a practicing Mormon and see how this specific religious sect influenced the main character in her daily life.
I am sure other reviews will compare and contrast in detail this book with the original Persuasion, but I will write about this book from the perspective of someone who has not read Persuasion by Jane Austen, though I have read some of her other works and I am a fan.
The book as a whole was an enjoyable romantic read with a bit of suspense and drama thrown in to create conflict. While I was reading some of the situations, I did often wonder how Jane Austen would have written them were she still alive today, such as Lily's jellyfish sting or Anne's stalker. The use of modern technology, such as computers and cell phones, also contributed to the modernization quite obviously.
The characterization that Jamison employs closely resembles Austen's skill, with personality traits that translate across any era, such as the ones' whose main concern was about money and what it can buy. There were the females whose only concern was obtaining a husband, as well as the mother who had little regard for disciplining her children. Matchmakers also abounded and many of the characters were related - either by blood or marriage.
The Mormon influences are easy to pick out, such as Anne's avoidance of alcohol and caffeine, and sometimes these little changes did not blend well with the plot, likely because I did not always understand what the terminology referred to, such as references to a "Fireside." I believe the book would have benefited from more explanation of the Mormon practices woven into the background details.
Ironically, my favorite characters were not the main characters, Anne and Neil. I had more interest in the ones that seemed to have a smaller part, such as Jay, who lost his wife after only 8 months of marriage. Anne's character seemed to fall a bit flat, and even when she was supposed to be in a highly emotional state, such as when she gets angry at Will, I had a hard time believing it. I also would have liked more emotion from Neil, as he always seemed to be too cool and collected for the events that were unfolding.
I did enjoy the book, though, and any fan of Jane Austen would enjoy this modernized tale, as well.
I am sure other reviews will compare and contrast in detail this book with the original Persuasion, but I will write about this book from the perspective of someone who has not read Persuasion by Jane Austen, though I have read some of her other works and I am a fan.
The book as a whole was an enjoyable romantic read with a bit of suspense and drama thrown in to create conflict. While I was reading some of the situations, I did often wonder how Jane Austen would have written them were she still alive today, such as Lily's jellyfish sting or Anne's stalker. The use of modern technology, such as computers and cell phones, also contributed to the modernization quite obviously.
The characterization that Jamison employs closely resembles Austen's skill, with personality traits that translate across any era, such as the ones' whose main concern was about money and what it can buy. There were the females whose only concern was obtaining a husband, as well as the mother who had little regard for disciplining her children. Matchmakers also abounded and many of the characters were related - either by blood or marriage.
The Mormon influences are easy to pick out, such as Anne's avoidance of alcohol and caffeine, and sometimes these little changes did not blend well with the plot, likely because I did not always understand what the terminology referred to, such as references to a "Fireside." I believe the book would have benefited from more explanation of the Mormon practices woven into the background details.
Ironically, my favorite characters were not the main characters, Anne and Neil. I had more interest in the ones that seemed to have a smaller part, such as Jay, who lost his wife after only 8 months of marriage. Anne's character seemed to fall a bit flat, and even when she was supposed to be in a highly emotional state, such as when she gets angry at Will, I had a hard time believing it. I also would have liked more emotion from Neil, as he always seemed to be too cool and collected for the events that were unfolding.
I did enjoy the book, though, and any fan of Jane Austen would enjoy this modernized tale, as well.