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Merissa (13979 KP) created a post
Apr 13, 2026
Xavier Dolan recommended Forbidden Games (Jeux interdits) (1952) in Movies (curated)
Xavier Dolan recommended The Cranes Are Flying (1957) in Movies (curated)
Merissa (13979 KP) rated A Whisper of Claws (Steel Vanguard #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2026
A WHISPER OF CLAWS is the first book in the Steel Vanguard series, set in the same world as The Hawks series, but in a different land.
And I made a mistake! A huge one! I had all weekend to read this book, and I started it on Friday night. I also finished it on Friday night. Well, technically, it was Saturday morning, but either way... I should have known better. I really should have. It's a JLR book, which means I'm never going to be able to put it down once I start.
Anyway, in case you haven't already been able to tell, this was a fantastic story that gripped me from the very beginning. There is no slow build-up to this story. It starts with a death and continues on from there, giving the backstory in a natural way as the story progresses.
The characters are all great, although some need to get their heads out of their a$$es. Yes, I'm looking at you, Luke and Shane! Okay, so Luka kinda did, but still... it took long enough. Izzy deserves a medal for putting up with him. She is a strong, independent character who was a delight to read.
You don't have to have read The Hawks series to enjoy this one. There is enough backstory and world-building for anyone. Plus, the overall story arc is going to be a good one, and I can't wait to read more in this series. The Steel Vanguard are bound to have a multitude of adventures, with love and loss along the way, and I am here for it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 10, 2026
And I made a mistake! A huge one! I had all weekend to read this book, and I started it on Friday night. I also finished it on Friday night. Well, technically, it was Saturday morning, but either way... I should have known better. I really should have. It's a JLR book, which means I'm never going to be able to put it down once I start.
Anyway, in case you haven't already been able to tell, this was a fantastic story that gripped me from the very beginning. There is no slow build-up to this story. It starts with a death and continues on from there, giving the backstory in a natural way as the story progresses.
The characters are all great, although some need to get their heads out of their a$$es. Yes, I'm looking at you, Luke and Shane! Okay, so Luka kinda did, but still... it took long enough. Izzy deserves a medal for putting up with him. She is a strong, independent character who was a delight to read.
You don't have to have read The Hawks series to enjoy this one. There is enough backstory and world-building for anyone. Plus, the overall story arc is going to be a good one, and I can't wait to read more in this series. The Steel Vanguard are bound to have a multitude of adventures, with love and loss along the way, and I am here for it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 10, 2026
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated the PC version of Chivalry 2 in Video Games
Jun 13, 2021
Gamers looking for some blood-soaked fun in a Hack and Slash game will be thrilled with the release of Chivalry 2. The game allows up to 64 players to battle in a series of battles to create as much carnage as possible.
After an optional tutorial that goes over everything from lunging, blocking, throwing, and special moves and abilities; players will select from various classes and wade into battle. There are the Archers who attack from the distance and have a blade for up close and personal attacks. While they do not have the armor or impact of a Knight; they can do damage with a well-placed shot and when they upgrade their Bow or earn a Crossbow; can be deadly.
There are also the Knight, Vanguard, and Footman classes who can use weapons ranging from swords, axes, and pikes to take down the enemy. Weapons can be thrown in some instances and players can gain times power-ups to use things such as flaming pots or enhancements that can turn the tide of a battle.
Missions are in stages as players usually have to push a cart, storm a fortress, steal an item, destroy an item, etc. in order to advance to the next stage. Victory or failure is determined by completing or stopping a task within the given timeframe.
Should a player fall in battle which is a frequent hazard; they will have the option to change classes or continue with their current one and return to the battle after an amount of time has passed.
Maps offer players weapons at times from Catapults, Ballistas, Fire, and other weapons ranging from tools to even fish to help turn the tide of battle.
The game has some Gallows humor in it as the blood liberally flows all over characters and the ground as it is not uncommon to see multiple players on a team hacking away on a player.
While the graphics may be a bit dated for gamers; being able to improve your characters and their weapons as you advance in rank and skill is key as aside from an overall rank, each class has its own skill levels so players will have to work their way up in a class to advance rather than succeed in a class they are stronger in to build up one that they are weaker in.
There is a nice mix of maps, missions, and weapons and while some may wish for a bit more variety; I am sure that additional content and features will be coming down the line.
While the game can be frustrating at times as getting killed is a frequent event; as your skills grow and you find new ways to eliminate enemies and creative ways to hone your skills; the game becomes an ideal diversion.
The sound in the game is great as the clash of metal combined with screams and other ambient noises gives the game fun and immersive quality.
While it is not going to be for everyone; Chivalry 2 won me over with its fun and immersive gameplay and irreverent humor.
4 stars out of 5
After an optional tutorial that goes over everything from lunging, blocking, throwing, and special moves and abilities; players will select from various classes and wade into battle. There are the Archers who attack from the distance and have a blade for up close and personal attacks. While they do not have the armor or impact of a Knight; they can do damage with a well-placed shot and when they upgrade their Bow or earn a Crossbow; can be deadly.
There are also the Knight, Vanguard, and Footman classes who can use weapons ranging from swords, axes, and pikes to take down the enemy. Weapons can be thrown in some instances and players can gain times power-ups to use things such as flaming pots or enhancements that can turn the tide of a battle.
Missions are in stages as players usually have to push a cart, storm a fortress, steal an item, destroy an item, etc. in order to advance to the next stage. Victory or failure is determined by completing or stopping a task within the given timeframe.
Should a player fall in battle which is a frequent hazard; they will have the option to change classes or continue with their current one and return to the battle after an amount of time has passed.
Maps offer players weapons at times from Catapults, Ballistas, Fire, and other weapons ranging from tools to even fish to help turn the tide of battle.
The game has some Gallows humor in it as the blood liberally flows all over characters and the ground as it is not uncommon to see multiple players on a team hacking away on a player.
While the graphics may be a bit dated for gamers; being able to improve your characters and their weapons as you advance in rank and skill is key as aside from an overall rank, each class has its own skill levels so players will have to work their way up in a class to advance rather than succeed in a class they are stronger in to build up one that they are weaker in.
There is a nice mix of maps, missions, and weapons and while some may wish for a bit more variety; I am sure that additional content and features will be coming down the line.
While the game can be frustrating at times as getting killed is a frequent event; as your skills grow and you find new ways to eliminate enemies and creative ways to hone your skills; the game becomes an ideal diversion.
The sound in the game is great as the clash of metal combined with screams and other ambient noises gives the game fun and immersive quality.
While it is not going to be for everyone; Chivalry 2 won me over with its fun and immersive gameplay and irreverent humor.
4 stars out of 5