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Merissa (12363 KP) rated The Summer Tree (The Fionavar Tapestry #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The first thing I would say about this book is that it is a slow burner. For probably the first third of the book, you are wondering about whether to carry on or not (the first time you read it at least!) but if you can stick with it, it does become worth your while.
The history and mythology that GGK has put into the Fionavar Tapestry are things that dreams are made of - certainly for every Fantasy fan.
One of the common complaints about this book seems to be that the five friends adjust too well to their 'new' world. My reply is that it's amazing how normal things can seem to be when you're with friends :o)
This book is an excellent introduction to the series and also sets the second book up very nicely.
This trilogy, along with Tigana by the same author, firmly remains on my Favourites shelf!
The history and mythology that GGK has put into the Fionavar Tapestry are things that dreams are made of - certainly for every Fantasy fan.
One of the common complaints about this book seems to be that the five friends adjust too well to their 'new' world. My reply is that it's amazing how normal things can seem to be when you're with friends :o)
This book is an excellent introduction to the series and also sets the second book up very nicely.
This trilogy, along with Tigana by the same author, firmly remains on my Favourites shelf!
David McK (3496 KP) rated The Gunslinger in Books
Jan 28, 2019
This is almost heresy, I know (at least, to certain sections of the internet) but I've never actually really been all that big a fan of Stephen King.
Never-the-less - and prompted, somewhat, by the upcoming movie - I thought I would still give what King himself considers to be his magnum opus a go.
And, I have to say - much like the central character of Roland Deschain is described - I found this to be somewhat slow, somewhat plodding, lacking any real sense of urgency or adventure. That's not to say there's no real striking imagery associated with it: for me, the best bit is the shoot-out in the town, but this just (as a whole) did not do it for me and has somewhat dooused my interest in going to see mthat ovie
For my post-apocayptic(ish) cowboy reading, I think I'll stick with David Gemmell's Jon Shannow trilogy.
Never-the-less - and prompted, somewhat, by the upcoming movie - I thought I would still give what King himself considers to be his magnum opus a go.
And, I have to say - much like the central character of Roland Deschain is described - I found this to be somewhat slow, somewhat plodding, lacking any real sense of urgency or adventure. That's not to say there's no real striking imagery associated with it: for me, the best bit is the shoot-out in the town, but this just (as a whole) did not do it for me and has somewhat dooused my interest in going to see mthat ovie
For my post-apocayptic(ish) cowboy reading, I think I'll stick with David Gemmell's Jon Shannow trilogy.
David McK (3496 KP) rated The Hobbit in Books
Jan 28, 2019
JRR Tolkiens classic children's(?) tale of Bilbo Baggins, and his journey to the Lonely Mountain in the company of Gandalf the Wizard and 12 Dwarves who are seeking to reclaim their inheritance from the dragon Smaug.
(According to the preface in the edition I read), this was written before his Magnum Opus of <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> trilogy, with Tolkien later going back and revising key portions of this - namely, the Riddles in the Dark sequence where Bilbo encounters Gollum, and finds the Ring of Power - to bring it more in line with those sequels.
Like <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>, while this may be (is) a good story, the prose can also be a little bit on the dry side - I did find myself occasionally skimming through some of the chapters. Not as dry, however, as I remember <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> to be!
(According to the preface in the edition I read), this was written before his Magnum Opus of <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> trilogy, with Tolkien later going back and revising key portions of this - namely, the Riddles in the Dark sequence where Bilbo encounters Gollum, and finds the Ring of Power - to bring it more in line with those sequels.
Like <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>, while this may be (is) a good story, the prose can also be a little bit on the dry side - I did find myself occasionally skimming through some of the chapters. Not as dry, however, as I remember <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> to be!
David McK (3496 KP) rated The Road to Rome: (The Forgotten Legion Chronicles No. 3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Final part in Ben Kane's Forgotten Legion trilogy, this follows the same format as the previous two books ('The Forgotten Legion' and 'The Silver Eagle') in following it's protaganist section about, ending each section on a cliffhanger.
Whereas before this could be slightly jarring (moving from Rome to, eg, Alexandria, and then back to Rome), it works slightly better in this novvel as some of the characters are working their way back to the seat of the Roman Republic eventually taking it section about within the environs of the city.
As the series has been working up to, the novel also culminates in the fateful Ides of March, with the infamous assissination of Julius Caesar in the forum by a disgruntled group of nobles.
The series as whole was readable enough, and while I may read a few more by this author, I doubt I'll be going out of my way to look for them.
Whereas before this could be slightly jarring (moving from Rome to, eg, Alexandria, and then back to Rome), it works slightly better in this novvel as some of the characters are working their way back to the seat of the Roman Republic eventually taking it section about within the environs of the city.
As the series has been working up to, the novel also culminates in the fateful Ides of March, with the infamous assissination of Julius Caesar in the forum by a disgruntled group of nobles.
The series as whole was readable enough, and while I may read a few more by this author, I doubt I'll be going out of my way to look for them.
Merissa (12363 KP) rated The Bend-Bite-Shift Box Set in Books
Dec 17, 2018
First of all, this box set is an absolute bargain. Not only do you get three full-length novels but you also get two novellas as well.
The plot is well written and well paced. The characters all have depth and oomph to them, and more than one has a hint of mystery to them. The story has one main theme which runs through all five books but then each book has it's own, more detailed story. There is enough going on that is a series that could go on for a few more books at least. I'm really hoping it does! +Olivia Hardin has written some more in the "For Love of Fae" trilogy which will have at least some characters that we have already met.
If you want Paranormal Romance with some action and mystery, with powers to 'bend' your mind at an incredible value for money price, then check out the Bend-Bite-Shift Box Set.
The plot is well written and well paced. The characters all have depth and oomph to them, and more than one has a hint of mystery to them. The story has one main theme which runs through all five books but then each book has it's own, more detailed story. There is enough going on that is a series that could go on for a few more books at least. I'm really hoping it does! +Olivia Hardin has written some more in the "For Love of Fae" trilogy which will have at least some characters that we have already met.
If you want Paranormal Romance with some action and mystery, with powers to 'bend' your mind at an incredible value for money price, then check out the Bend-Bite-Shift Box Set.
What a story
Lyra and Pan's journey, and the characters they meet along the way, ranks as one of my favourite works of fiction. The descriptions, the details and varied points of view, make this an engaging and compelling read. I have to say, it was not easy to put down.
The changes the first film made were not good (as proved by the lack of sequels) though it had some great casting. The new series looked promising, but since I read the books bacķ in 2010, I think I will have to revisit them soon!
This magical coming of age story was so lovely, I gave the hardback trilogy to my 9 year old niece who loved it, and has been loving fantasy since!
I recommend this for the hitting puberty audience, since that is a strong theme throughout, but an adult with a love of the genre would love it too!.
The changes the first film made were not good (as proved by the lack of sequels) though it had some great casting. The new series looked promising, but since I read the books bacķ in 2010, I think I will have to revisit them soon!
This magical coming of age story was so lovely, I gave the hardback trilogy to my 9 year old niece who loved it, and has been loving fantasy since!
I recommend this for the hitting puberty audience, since that is a strong theme throughout, but an adult with a love of the genre would love it too!.
Amy Norman (1042 KP) rated Queen of Nothing in Books
Apr 1, 2020
This is the final book for the trilogy of The Folk of the Air series.
I adored this book, and struggled to put it down; the culmination of a very fast paced series that delivers.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who preferred Arya's story arc in Game of Thrones but with more magic, intrigue, and scheming oh so many schemes.
Holly has built a beautiful world, that is absolutely intoxicating, and I will honestly ache for more to come from this series.
I also appreciate this book so much for the strong female characters, there were some really subtle and nuanced details that I don't believe a male writer could portray, or even think of.
It is vulnerable in a way that I think most will relate to, and might get under your skin 😉but it is not overwhelming or over the top, in fact it is extremely well balanced overall.
Please go and enjoy for yourself ☺
I adored this book, and struggled to put it down; the culmination of a very fast paced series that delivers.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who preferred Arya's story arc in Game of Thrones but with more magic, intrigue, and scheming oh so many schemes.
Holly has built a beautiful world, that is absolutely intoxicating, and I will honestly ache for more to come from this series.
I also appreciate this book so much for the strong female characters, there were some really subtle and nuanced details that I don't believe a male writer could portray, or even think of.
It is vulnerable in a way that I think most will relate to, and might get under your skin 😉but it is not overwhelming or over the top, in fact it is extremely well balanced overall.
Please go and enjoy for yourself ☺
Rodney Barnes (472 KP) rated Spider-Man 2 (2004) in Movies
Feb 23, 2020 (Updated Feb 23, 2020)
Best Spiderman in the McGuire era
I didn't think that they could do better than the first Tobey Spider-Man movie. I was proven wrong. Spider-Man 2 was my favorite one in this trilogy. The battle sequences were better and the story was good too. Peter struggling with his feelings for Mary Jane and his responsibility as Spider-Man. The only scene I thought was silly is when Aunt May was taken hostage by Doc Ock and after a battle with Spider-Man he drops her and Spider-Man saves her by throwing her up and she hooks her umbrella on a statue saving herself. Very silly. The best scene however, is when Spider-Man stops a runaway train from crashing saving everyone aboard. Overall this is a great movie. I still don't care for Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane but that's just me
The Letters of Samuel Beckett: Volume 4: 1966-1989
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This fourth and final volume, which completes the Cambridge edition of The Letters of Samuel...
Industrial Society and the Sci-Fi Blockbuster: Social Critique in Films of Lucas, Scott and Cameron
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