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The Watchmaker of Filigree Street
9.0
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Read our exclusive interview with the author here SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHORS' CLUB BEST...
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Rules of Magic in Books
Feb 19, 2018
So I actually didn't know that Practical Magic the movie was based on a book. But when I saw The Rules of Magic billed as the prequel to a movie I had loved, I knew I had to read it. And I'm so glad I did. The Rules of Magic is, well, magical. Magical and nostalgic and spell-binding. Most book worlds feel different than their respective movie-worlds, but this felt like a logical prequel. (It may be because I haven't seen the movie in some time - I intend to remedy that soon, and I might just have to read the book as well.)
Practical Magic, the well known movie with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, centers around the two girls and their elderly aunts. The Rules of Magic is the aunts' story. And what a story. It begins in New York, as the older of the two aunts is turning 17. On an Owens' girl's seventeenth birthday, they receive an invitation to spend the summer at the Owens home in Massachusetts. Frances, the older of the two girls, receives the invitation, and her two siblings won't let her go alone, so all three of them (yes, three, the movie doesn't mention their brother that I recall, though I suppose Bullock and Kidman's characters had to come from somewhere!) pack up and head to Massachusetts, where they meet their Aunt Isabelle. Over the course of the summer, they learn their family history, and get verification that they are indeed witches. (They'd had certain powers throughout childhood, though their mother tried to deny it.)
It was Vincent's storyline that intrigued me, since I knew where Frances and Jet ended up. There was an unexpected curveball that I won't spoil here, but I enjoyed it. It was Jet and Frances' storylines that had me crying at the end of the book, though. Not the very last chapter - it ended on a hopeful note - but the few chapters preceding it had me in tears. (It was midnight, and everyone else was asleep, so I had myself a good cry over my book, and then had to try to sleep on a wet pillow.)
If you enjoyed Practical Magic the movie, you should read this book. It's a perfect prequel.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Practical Magic, the well known movie with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, centers around the two girls and their elderly aunts. The Rules of Magic is the aunts' story. And what a story. It begins in New York, as the older of the two aunts is turning 17. On an Owens' girl's seventeenth birthday, they receive an invitation to spend the summer at the Owens home in Massachusetts. Frances, the older of the two girls, receives the invitation, and her two siblings won't let her go alone, so all three of them (yes, three, the movie doesn't mention their brother that I recall, though I suppose Bullock and Kidman's characters had to come from somewhere!) pack up and head to Massachusetts, where they meet their Aunt Isabelle. Over the course of the summer, they learn their family history, and get verification that they are indeed witches. (They'd had certain powers throughout childhood, though their mother tried to deny it.)
It was Vincent's storyline that intrigued me, since I knew where Frances and Jet ended up. There was an unexpected curveball that I won't spoil here, but I enjoyed it. It was Jet and Frances' storylines that had me crying at the end of the book, though. Not the very last chapter - it ended on a hopeful note - but the few chapters preceding it had me in tears. (It was midnight, and everyone else was asleep, so I had myself a good cry over my book, and then had to try to sleep on a wet pillow.)
If you enjoyed Practical Magic the movie, you should read this book. It's a perfect prequel.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated It (2017) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Make sure you take a pillow
Horror buffs and Stephen King fans everywhere have been waiting for this moment since 2009. It is of course, a modern adaptation of the author’s novel, IT.
Plagued with production problems from the get-go, I see a pattern emerging here, IT has been in the hands of multiple directors with numerous actors in the running to play that iconic clown. I am of course, talking about Pennywise.
Fast forward to 2017, and with Mama Andy Muschietti taking over directorial duties and Bill Skarsgård hopping into that tight-fitting suit we finally have a finished product. But what is it like?Seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are about to face their worst nightmare — an ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town’s children. Banding together over the course of one horrifying summer, the friends must overcome their own personal fears to battle the murderous, bloodthirsty clown known as Pennywise.
Let’s start off by saying this is much, much better than last month’s The Dark Tower. Stephen King adaptations can go one of two ways and it was feared that IT would follow in the aforementioned film’s footsteps. Thankfully, this isn’t the case.
IT is frankly, an incredible interpretation of King’s iconic novel filled with exceptional performances, stunning cinematography and an emotional heart not normally seen in the genre. It’s unlike anything you will have seen before.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, Pennywise. Tim Curry played the hell out of that character in the 1990 miniseries and it would be senseless for 27-year-old Bill Skarsgård to follow too closely in his footsteps. At 6ft 3”, Skarsgård is certainly an imposing presence and his Pennywise is much more menacing than Curry’s, but to compare them too much would be unfair to each.
Elsewhere, all the members of the Losers’ Club are brilliant. I have never seen this calibre of acting from such a young group. Jaeden Lieberher as Bill in particular is astonishing. The scenes in which they all work together without the threat of Pennywise are a treat and give the film an uncharacteristically poignant style.
Moreover, the shot choices that Muschietti uses are striking. He rightly stays away from confining the horror to dimly lit corridors and alleyways and whilst this does feature more towards the finale, Derry makes a fine location bathed for the most part in gorgeous sunlight.
Whilst not being completely faithful to King’s novel, Muschietti’s film features all of the iconic scenes that you would expect. The opening sequence from the book in which little Georgie is confronted by Pennywise in the storm drain is shockingly brutal and sets up the tone for the rest of the picture.
This is a truly frightening film, speckled with just enough gore to keep it realistic and whilst it’s true there are one-too-many jump scares, the brilliant source material stops them from feeling too cheap. In the back of your mind, you’re well aware that this is very similar to the book indeed.
Overall, IT is better than anyone could have hoped. It’s scary, deeply emotional, funny and beautifully filmed with an exquisite score by Benjamin Wallfisch. If you’re a horror fan you must watch. If you’re a film fan, you must watch – just take a pillow with you, for protection purposes of course.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/09/09/it-review-make-sure-you-take-a-pillow/
Plagued with production problems from the get-go, I see a pattern emerging here, IT has been in the hands of multiple directors with numerous actors in the running to play that iconic clown. I am of course, talking about Pennywise.
Fast forward to 2017, and with Mama Andy Muschietti taking over directorial duties and Bill Skarsgård hopping into that tight-fitting suit we finally have a finished product. But what is it like?Seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are about to face their worst nightmare — an ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town’s children. Banding together over the course of one horrifying summer, the friends must overcome their own personal fears to battle the murderous, bloodthirsty clown known as Pennywise.
Let’s start off by saying this is much, much better than last month’s The Dark Tower. Stephen King adaptations can go one of two ways and it was feared that IT would follow in the aforementioned film’s footsteps. Thankfully, this isn’t the case.
IT is frankly, an incredible interpretation of King’s iconic novel filled with exceptional performances, stunning cinematography and an emotional heart not normally seen in the genre. It’s unlike anything you will have seen before.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, Pennywise. Tim Curry played the hell out of that character in the 1990 miniseries and it would be senseless for 27-year-old Bill Skarsgård to follow too closely in his footsteps. At 6ft 3”, Skarsgård is certainly an imposing presence and his Pennywise is much more menacing than Curry’s, but to compare them too much would be unfair to each.
Elsewhere, all the members of the Losers’ Club are brilliant. I have never seen this calibre of acting from such a young group. Jaeden Lieberher as Bill in particular is astonishing. The scenes in which they all work together without the threat of Pennywise are a treat and give the film an uncharacteristically poignant style.
Moreover, the shot choices that Muschietti uses are striking. He rightly stays away from confining the horror to dimly lit corridors and alleyways and whilst this does feature more towards the finale, Derry makes a fine location bathed for the most part in gorgeous sunlight.
Whilst not being completely faithful to King’s novel, Muschietti’s film features all of the iconic scenes that you would expect. The opening sequence from the book in which little Georgie is confronted by Pennywise in the storm drain is shockingly brutal and sets up the tone for the rest of the picture.
This is a truly frightening film, speckled with just enough gore to keep it realistic and whilst it’s true there are one-too-many jump scares, the brilliant source material stops them from feeling too cheap. In the back of your mind, you’re well aware that this is very similar to the book indeed.
Overall, IT is better than anyone could have hoped. It’s scary, deeply emotional, funny and beautifully filmed with an exquisite score by Benjamin Wallfisch. If you’re a horror fan you must watch. If you’re a film fan, you must watch – just take a pillow with you, for protection purposes of course.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/09/09/it-review-make-sure-you-take-a-pillow/
160 Easy-to-Make Craft Projects: A Compendium of Stylish Objects, Gifts, Furnishings and Decorative Keepsakes for the Home
Book
This is a compendium of stylish objects, gifts, furnishings and decorative keepsakes for the home....
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated The Draughtsman's Contract (1982) in Movies
Jan 28, 2021
Quite often more interesting in theory than practice, the films of Peter Greenaway can be inaccessible, oppressive and pretentious in the worst way. He himself would say his work is half film, half art, without apologising for it, and why should he? Looking at his CV, I can say there have been some I have enjoyed, or at least marvelled at: The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover being the obvious one. Drowning by Numbers being another – ambitious and ingenious constructions that are startlingly effective if in the mood for such conceits. Whereas things like Prospero’s Books and The Pillow Book cross the line of pomposity and pretentiousness just too far. So it was with trepidation I approached this one, expecting that the wigs and costumes would far outshine the content of the story. I was quite wrong.
The Draughtsman’s Contract is still difficult to engage with, especially on first viewing, as the plot is dense and often hidden within the trivialities, as it unfolds, however, it becomes an ingenious murder mystery with all the clues hidden in plain sight under the artifice of surface detail. The things that are happening are not the story, the story is underneath, much as the real humanity of these people is hidden under ostentatious wigs and skirts. Familiar British actors of the time such as Anthony Higgins, Janet Suzman and Hugh Fraser serve Greenaway as consummate storytellers in a borderline theatre style throughout. It shouldn’t work or be half as compelling as it is, but there is magic at work here of some kind. Unique and marvelous if not always easy. But that is Greenaway!
The Draughtsman’s Contract is still difficult to engage with, especially on first viewing, as the plot is dense and often hidden within the trivialities, as it unfolds, however, it becomes an ingenious murder mystery with all the clues hidden in plain sight under the artifice of surface detail. The things that are happening are not the story, the story is underneath, much as the real humanity of these people is hidden under ostentatious wigs and skirts. Familiar British actors of the time such as Anthony Higgins, Janet Suzman and Hugh Fraser serve Greenaway as consummate storytellers in a borderline theatre style throughout. It shouldn’t work or be half as compelling as it is, but there is magic at work here of some kind. Unique and marvelous if not always easy. But that is Greenaway!
NP
New Pizza: A Whole New Era for the World's Favourite Food
Book
While Italy, and more precisely Naples, is pizza's spiritual home, it's fair to say it has become...
I'm an avid, some might even say obsessive, crocheter. I love looking through crochet books for new patterns and inspirations. Paging through Crochet with One Sheepish Girl, I noticed the book had a nice, clean, and attractive look with a crisp and easy to read layout. The contents has not only the project and page number, but a picture of the project as well. There's a nice use of color that's classy and shows off the projects well. Looking further, I saw a lot of useful projects, i.e. coasters, placemats, baskets, a cowl, a clutch, an apron, and a darling hook case, among many others. Sure, there are some purely decorative items, like a pillow, a stuffed latte and muffin, bunting, crocheted edges and frames for cards, tags, and art, etc. However the bulk I would describe as useful and cute.
The yarn used is given, as is the weight so an alternative can be utilized instead, which I always appreciate that addition. There does seem to be a decent amount of bulky yarn used, but worsted can always be doubled or tripled up as a substitute. The instructions are fairly clear and detailed, although there were times I wish for a picture or illustration to clearly show proper execution. This mainly came up with the turban earwarmer. I'm pretty sure I made it accurately but it took more time figuring it out with only the written instructions. The bow brooch also seemed a bit more difficult than it needed to be and I think I could figure out a way to make it easier in the future. The gift boxes are cute, but the use of sugar water to stiffen the yarn? I don't think so, I'll find an alternative, thank you. There is a few pages of artwork that can be scanned to add the crocheted edges to the tags and cards. The artwork is by Oana Befort and is pretty darned adorable, I especially love the snowman made of yarn balls, crochet hooks, and a thimble and the kittens playing with yarn (yarn and crochet hooks make up the designs on the cards). I'm not so fond of flattening a book to scan the images and would have preferred a link to a specific webpage, pdf file or something like that instead.
Overall, the book is mostly well done and I really enjoyed it. The bulk of the projects would best be described as cute and kitschy, so if that's not your thing, than this book isn't for you. I happen to love those type of items, so will be making many projects from the book. I'd recommend this to someone who isn't a complete newbie to crochet unless supplemented by online videos, otherwise it has many fun, fast, and easy projects.
<i>Received for review through Amazon Vine.</i>
The yarn used is given, as is the weight so an alternative can be utilized instead, which I always appreciate that addition. There does seem to be a decent amount of bulky yarn used, but worsted can always be doubled or tripled up as a substitute. The instructions are fairly clear and detailed, although there were times I wish for a picture or illustration to clearly show proper execution. This mainly came up with the turban earwarmer. I'm pretty sure I made it accurately but it took more time figuring it out with only the written instructions. The bow brooch also seemed a bit more difficult than it needed to be and I think I could figure out a way to make it easier in the future. The gift boxes are cute, but the use of sugar water to stiffen the yarn? I don't think so, I'll find an alternative, thank you. There is a few pages of artwork that can be scanned to add the crocheted edges to the tags and cards. The artwork is by Oana Befort and is pretty darned adorable, I especially love the snowman made of yarn balls, crochet hooks, and a thimble and the kittens playing with yarn (yarn and crochet hooks make up the designs on the cards). I'm not so fond of flattening a book to scan the images and would have preferred a link to a specific webpage, pdf file or something like that instead.
Overall, the book is mostly well done and I really enjoyed it. The bulk of the projects would best be described as cute and kitschy, so if that's not your thing, than this book isn't for you. I happen to love those type of items, so will be making many projects from the book. I'd recommend this to someone who isn't a complete newbie to crochet unless supplemented by online videos, otherwise it has many fun, fast, and easy projects.
<i>Received for review through Amazon Vine.</i>
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines, #3) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted at <a title="The Indigo Spell" href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/10/review-the-indigo-spell-by-richelle-mead.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Original Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Owls
<i><b>Note:</b> Formatting is lost due to copy and paste</i>
I'm developing a "bad" habit with making lists as reviews now... and have no clue why. Maybe it's the fact that it's usually concise and straight on? O_o
I'll let you guys be the judge. Oh, and this won't be a listyish review.
Well, I can't take us down memory lane, because unfortunately, despite the fact I recently did a skim-a-refresh-a-thon with both Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series, I still don't remember half the things that happened in the prior books.
The really unfortunate part is the fact I can't go do another one because I'm pretty much piled high on books. And this isn't the ever so famous TBR.
But keep the tomatoes to yourself, fandom peeps. Really. I'm probably asking for mercy from my friend on a daily basis already (oh, and if the anonymous friend is reading this... well. Hi. Forgive me? :D?).
That friend might also murder me for forgetting, which is why I'm asking for a spare of life... O_o
So basically throughout the entire course of the book, I was practically wondering how in the world I didn't remember the little details for some books... but I do for others. And I was making a lot of ">_<." (I have Booknesia?! :o)
The thing is, I'm extremely glad Sydney's taken some advice from a fifteen-year-old. And if my tiny fragments of memory will allow me to remember, Sydney's also changed quite a lot from the prior two books throughout the course of The Indigo Spell.
I may have also been warned of a major cliffhanger. I was bracing myself for the last words.
Pillow? Check. Music? Check. Book? Check-ity-check. And then I basically tucked myself in and braced for the "worst" that might get thrown at me.
This might get a nice tomato thrown at me, but...
It wasn't so major. I am totally eh about it.
But do I still want to read the fourth book when it comes out?
Why yes. Yes, I am.
And I would love to have a callistana. I picture it as cute and adorable...
Original Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Owls
<i><b>Note:</b> Formatting is lost due to copy and paste</i>
I'm developing a "bad" habit with making lists as reviews now... and have no clue why. Maybe it's the fact that it's usually concise and straight on? O_o
I'll let you guys be the judge. Oh, and this won't be a listyish review.
Well, I can't take us down memory lane, because unfortunately, despite the fact I recently did a skim-a-refresh-a-thon with both Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series, I still don't remember half the things that happened in the prior books.
The really unfortunate part is the fact I can't go do another one because I'm pretty much piled high on books. And this isn't the ever so famous TBR.
But keep the tomatoes to yourself, fandom peeps. Really. I'm probably asking for mercy from my friend on a daily basis already (oh, and if the anonymous friend is reading this... well. Hi. Forgive me? :D?).
That friend might also murder me for forgetting, which is why I'm asking for a spare of life... O_o
So basically throughout the entire course of the book, I was practically wondering how in the world I didn't remember the little details for some books... but I do for others. And I was making a lot of ">_<." (I have Booknesia?! :o)
The thing is, I'm extremely glad Sydney's taken some advice from a fifteen-year-old. And if my tiny fragments of memory will allow me to remember, Sydney's also changed quite a lot from the prior two books throughout the course of The Indigo Spell.
I may have also been warned of a major cliffhanger. I was bracing myself for the last words.
Pillow? Check. Music? Check. Book? Check-ity-check. And then I basically tucked myself in and braced for the "worst" that might get thrown at me.
This might get a nice tomato thrown at me, but...
It wasn't so major. I am totally eh about it.
But do I still want to read the fourth book when it comes out?
Why yes. Yes, I am.
And I would love to have a callistana. I picture it as cute and adorable...
The Cardinal's Whores
8.0
Rate It
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Blackmail. Betrayal. Lust. Just standard fare in the court of Henry the Eighth. Joan Larke...
Historical Romance Suspense
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Faerie War (Creepy Hollow, #3) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
I find I actually enjoyed <i>The Faerie War</i> despite its differences to the first two books in the <i>Creepy Hollow</i> series. <b>The third and final book in Violet's story happens approximately a month after the events in <i><a title="The Faerie Prince" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-the-faerie-prince-by-rachel-morgan"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Faerie Prince</a></i>, telling it from both Ryn's and Violet's view.</b>
<i>The Faerie War</i> is... different, per say. Since Violet doesn't have her memories this time around, <b>Morgan seems to write in an entirely different way that I somehow find really weird.</b> Violet isn't the same as she is in the first two books her memories are obviously gone, but <b>I didn't find much of Violet's snarkiness, sass, and sarcasm</b> that I find when I look back to the first books in the series. There are hints of the old Violet, but other than that, <b>Morgan writes in a formal way that makes Violet seem quite distant, aloof, and empty.</b>
<b>Reading from Ryn's view was a little confusing at first.</b> It's completely different from Violet's as his side of the story goes way back when just before the faerie world flips upside down and everything goes straight to hell. <b>It took a while to actually figure out when his story started taking place</b> and how it all worked, but after putting the pieces together, <b>I actually enjoyed Ryn's side of the story.</b>
I was pretty disappointed when we went back to Violet's part, knowing that Violet was going to be just as distant and aloof as she was when we first meet her in the third book. To my delight, she does become a more sassier and has a bit more sarcasm when we meet her once more, which fortunately doesn't make her sound like an empty glass of milk.
<blockquote>Does that mean you agree with me? Youre not angry with me? You think my bony ankle makes a good pillow?</blockquote>
The ending to <i>The Faerie War</i> and Violet's story isn't exactly mind-blowing. <b>Violet's confrontation with Draven seemed to mainly consist of Draven threatening Violet</b> not exactly my cup of tea. <b>I still enjoyed the entire happily ever after aspect, but like with most endings these days... I'm just not feeling it.</b>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-the-faerie-war-by-rachel-morgan/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
I find I actually enjoyed <i>The Faerie War</i> despite its differences to the first two books in the <i>Creepy Hollow</i> series. <b>The third and final book in Violet's story happens approximately a month after the events in <i><a title="The Faerie Prince" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-the-faerie-prince-by-rachel-morgan"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Faerie Prince</a></i>, telling it from both Ryn's and Violet's view.</b>
<i>The Faerie War</i> is... different, per say. Since Violet doesn't have her memories this time around, <b>Morgan seems to write in an entirely different way that I somehow find really weird.</b> Violet isn't the same as she is in the first two books her memories are obviously gone, but <b>I didn't find much of Violet's snarkiness, sass, and sarcasm</b> that I find when I look back to the first books in the series. There are hints of the old Violet, but other than that, <b>Morgan writes in a formal way that makes Violet seem quite distant, aloof, and empty.</b>
<b>Reading from Ryn's view was a little confusing at first.</b> It's completely different from Violet's as his side of the story goes way back when just before the faerie world flips upside down and everything goes straight to hell. <b>It took a while to actually figure out when his story started taking place</b> and how it all worked, but after putting the pieces together, <b>I actually enjoyed Ryn's side of the story.</b>
I was pretty disappointed when we went back to Violet's part, knowing that Violet was going to be just as distant and aloof as she was when we first meet her in the third book. To my delight, she does become a more sassier and has a bit more sarcasm when we meet her once more, which fortunately doesn't make her sound like an empty glass of milk.
<blockquote>Does that mean you agree with me? Youre not angry with me? You think my bony ankle makes a good pillow?</blockquote>
The ending to <i>The Faerie War</i> and Violet's story isn't exactly mind-blowing. <b>Violet's confrontation with Draven seemed to mainly consist of Draven threatening Violet</b> not exactly my cup of tea. <b>I still enjoyed the entire happily ever after aspect, but like with most endings these days... I'm just not feeling it.</b>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-the-faerie-war-by-rachel-morgan/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>