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GameCritics (290 KP) rated Tyranny: Bastard's Wound in Video Games
Sep 13, 2017
Endearing new characters (1 more)
New quests centered on Verse, Barik, and Lantry Gameplay tweaks favoring non-violent solutions
Tyranny: Bastard's Wound builds upon the excellent world-building and writing of the main game to offer a compelling side-story filled with engaging characters and twists where players choices matter as much as ever before.
Critic- Francesco De Meo
Original Score: 7.7 out of 10
Read Review: http://wccftech.com/review/tyranny-bastards-wound/
Original Score: 7.7 out of 10
Read Review: http://wccftech.com/review/tyranny-bastards-wound/
Ross (3282 KP) rated Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen in Music
Jul 8, 2020
Rolling Stone's 18th greatest album of all time
Decent Springsteen album, vying with Born in the USA to be his best. This listen was poisoned a little for me as some of my neighbours have had occasional parties during lockdown where the title track has been played at full volume with accompanying drunken "singing" at 2am (though this was annoying, it was followed by the sound of utter confusion when they next played the album version of Bat Out of Hell, with the piano solo and several minutes of extra avant garde music and an extra verse they weren't expecting). A decent listen.
Audra McDonald recommended track Move On by Stephen Sondheim in Sunday In The Park With George by Stephen Sondheim in Music (curated)
6.0
Album
Favorite
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The You I've Never Known in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Ariel has spent her entire life drifting from place to place with her Dad, Mark. Abandoned by her Mom as a baby, Ariel and her father move often, leaving Ariel unable to form relationships and always feeling as if the latest place they touch down is just the next in a series of temporary stops. They've been living in Sonora long enough for Ariel to finish an entire year of school, and she's finally formed a few friendships. One of them is to her closest friend, Monica, to whom Ariel feels a deep friendship-- and attraction. Their friendship and potential relationship is complicated somewhat when Ariel meets Gabe, the nephew of her father's girlfriend, Zelda. Ariel is attracted to Gabe, too, and she isn't sure exactly what that means.
Meanwhile, Maya is trying to escape her hateful mother, and the only out she can see is Jason Ritter, an older man in the military. But now Maya is pregnant, and married life with Jason is turning out to be scary and lonely.
Told in both prose and verse, there's no doubt that Hopkins' story is often beautifully done. My biggest issue with the novel wasn't the book itself, but that the plot description reveals, in my opinion, a major spoiler that doesn't actually occur until past page 350. If you ask me, that's far too deep within the tale to reveal in the description, and I would have enjoyed figuring that twist out myself and getting there on my own. The story itself, as I mentioned, is told in various ways, and you need to be prepared for the verse, as it does take some getting used to. I haven't read many of Hopkins' books (in fact, Goodreads tells me I've just read [b:Tilt|11133791|Tilt|Ellen Hopkins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1346263814s/11133791.jpg|16057047], which I'll confess I don't recall at all), and I probably had to go at least 75 pages until I was sort of in the swing of the verse "thing." The book is told from both Ariel and Maya's point of view (though mostly Ariel) and most of Ariel's pieces are in verse.
So, combine the verse/prose aspect and the fact that I was constantly waiting for this plot twist to happen while reading, and it took a bit to get into the book. There's definitely a lot going on this novel, but it was nice that at least Ariel's sexuality wasn't always the main focus. It was also refreshing to find a bisexual teen heroine. Overall, the book seemed to handle it fairly well, too, without so much of the usual stereotyping you can find in other novels and/or the media. I think a teen struggling with similar issues could find some comfort in this book, and that's important. For me, I wasn't completely sure that all the threads of the book were truly fully formed. I'm not completely sure how to explain that fully; it's not that I expected resolution to everything, but there were some serious topics dealt with in in the novel (beyond Ariel's sexuality) and it sometimes felt like they all got glossed over or moved past rather quickly. Bisexuality, rape, abuse... those are serious topics, and I'm not sure they got the ultimate focus they always needed.
So, in the end, I find myself a bit stumped by THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN. I was certainly intrigued by the book and enjoyed it. As a bisexual female, I greatly enjoyed the character of Ariel and welcomed finding her in literature. While parts of the book went on a bit for me (though perhaps that was the verse format, I'm not sure, or waiting for the aforementioned spoiler), I found it interesting. Still, in the end, something felt a tad off for me. However, much of the writing was lovely, and the storyline different and often engaging. Overall, I'd probably give this one 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 01/24/2017.
Meanwhile, Maya is trying to escape her hateful mother, and the only out she can see is Jason Ritter, an older man in the military. But now Maya is pregnant, and married life with Jason is turning out to be scary and lonely.
Told in both prose and verse, there's no doubt that Hopkins' story is often beautifully done. My biggest issue with the novel wasn't the book itself, but that the plot description reveals, in my opinion, a major spoiler that doesn't actually occur until past page 350. If you ask me, that's far too deep within the tale to reveal in the description, and I would have enjoyed figuring that twist out myself and getting there on my own. The story itself, as I mentioned, is told in various ways, and you need to be prepared for the verse, as it does take some getting used to. I haven't read many of Hopkins' books (in fact, Goodreads tells me I've just read [b:Tilt|11133791|Tilt|Ellen Hopkins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1346263814s/11133791.jpg|16057047], which I'll confess I don't recall at all), and I probably had to go at least 75 pages until I was sort of in the swing of the verse "thing." The book is told from both Ariel and Maya's point of view (though mostly Ariel) and most of Ariel's pieces are in verse.
So, combine the verse/prose aspect and the fact that I was constantly waiting for this plot twist to happen while reading, and it took a bit to get into the book. There's definitely a lot going on this novel, but it was nice that at least Ariel's sexuality wasn't always the main focus. It was also refreshing to find a bisexual teen heroine. Overall, the book seemed to handle it fairly well, too, without so much of the usual stereotyping you can find in other novels and/or the media. I think a teen struggling with similar issues could find some comfort in this book, and that's important. For me, I wasn't completely sure that all the threads of the book were truly fully formed. I'm not completely sure how to explain that fully; it's not that I expected resolution to everything, but there were some serious topics dealt with in in the novel (beyond Ariel's sexuality) and it sometimes felt like they all got glossed over or moved past rather quickly. Bisexuality, rape, abuse... those are serious topics, and I'm not sure they got the ultimate focus they always needed.
So, in the end, I find myself a bit stumped by THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN. I was certainly intrigued by the book and enjoyed it. As a bisexual female, I greatly enjoyed the character of Ariel and welcomed finding her in literature. While parts of the book went on a bit for me (though perhaps that was the verse format, I'm not sure, or waiting for the aforementioned spoiler), I found it interesting. Still, in the end, something felt a tad off for me. However, much of the writing was lovely, and the storyline different and often engaging. Overall, I'd probably give this one 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 01/24/2017.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated This Little Prayer of Mine in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This Little Prayer of Mine is a beautiful prayer book that every kid—and parent—should read and pray. It gets down into the heart, disclosing what's really there and how we all really feel. I was surprised how much I as an 18 year old related to this book. I pray the same prayers—though not in such beautiful verse—as this prayer.
It targets just about everything: the biblical command to be joyful: "help me to be happy," the search for the God's will: "show me what the right path is and help me follow you," and even loneliness and depression: "please let me know you're here with me and everything's alright," and then our end path, what really matters: "but most of all I'm grateful for your love that never ends." I had shivers running down my spine while I read this prayer.
Not only is it a wonderful prayer in itself, but the rhythm of the verse is enchanting and perfectly smooth. The illustrations are beautiful, and instantly reminded me of Max Lucado's children's book You Are Special (those of you who don't know, another highly recommended book and author).
This Little Prayer of Mine may be short, but it's a prayer that needs to be read by the big and the small.
Recommendation: Ages 4+
It targets just about everything: the biblical command to be joyful: "help me to be happy," the search for the God's will: "show me what the right path is and help me follow you," and even loneliness and depression: "please let me know you're here with me and everything's alright," and then our end path, what really matters: "but most of all I'm grateful for your love that never ends." I had shivers running down my spine while I read this prayer.
Not only is it a wonderful prayer in itself, but the rhythm of the verse is enchanting and perfectly smooth. The illustrations are beautiful, and instantly reminded me of Max Lucado's children's book You Are Special (those of you who don't know, another highly recommended book and author).
This Little Prayer of Mine may be short, but it's a prayer that needs to be read by the big and the small.
Recommendation: Ages 4+
365 Encouraging Verses of the Bible for Women: A Hope-Filled Reading for Every Day of the Year by Barbour Publishing is an encouraging devotional. It is encouraging, uplifting, and hits on the deep questions. This book hits on faith, love, family, hope, patience.
The devotions are picked to suit the day or season. Each starts with a verse, then the devotion, and followed by a prayer. The devotions are typically on one page per day. The reader may start any day of the year or start from January 1 and read to December 31.
I received this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The devotions are picked to suit the day or season. Each starts with a verse, then the devotion, and followed by a prayer. The devotions are typically on one page per day. The reader may start any day of the year or start from January 1 and read to December 31.
I received this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Craggus (360 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies
Oct 3, 2018
I guess you just can't polish a turd, no matter how windy it is... Venom (2018) #Review
The most puzzling thing about “Venom” is that if Sony was determined to make this film, this exact story, they already had a movie they could call it a sequel to without pissing away yet another of their Marvel IPs that look increasingly like hostages rather than assets. I’m talking about “Life”, and it would have provided a better foundation for the story than this clumsy and inept attempt which sees Sony's would-be Spider-Man-less Spider-Verse telling Universal’s Dark Universe to hold its beer....
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusVenom
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusVenom
David McK (3251 KP) rated The Genesis Fleet: Triumphant in Books
Aug 4, 2019
Third entry in Jack Campbell's (or should I say John G Hemry, to give him his real name?) 'Genesis Fleet' series, and I've lost count of how many novels there are now in what I'm going to call the various Geary-verse series.
(That's those in 'The Lost Fleet', 'The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier', 'The Lost Stars' and now 'The Genesis Fleet')
All of which, I have to say, I've enjoyed, even if they are now getting a little bit formulaic: 'real time' space battles, last stands against seemingly impossible odds and politics all rolled up into one.
If it ain't broke, however …
;-)
(That's those in 'The Lost Fleet', 'The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier', 'The Lost Stars' and now 'The Genesis Fleet')
All of which, I have to say, I've enjoyed, even if they are now getting a little bit formulaic: 'real time' space battles, last stands against seemingly impossible odds and politics all rolled up into one.
If it ain't broke, however …
;-)
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Flash (2023) in Movies
Jun 18, 2023
The Best DCEU Film Since the original WONDER WOMAN
At this point in time, the average movie-going public is suffering from “Super-Hero” fatigue, and (more than likely) “multi-verse” fatigue because the latest entries in this genre all are tapping the same type of experience (in order to pull in properties/characters from other films). It’s a smart strategy from a Movie Executive point-of-view as they can bring in other, generally liked/loved characters from previous films/entities.
Sometimes it works Excellently (SPIDER-MAN ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE), sometimes it works “Well Enough” (DR. STRANGE IN THE MULTI-VERSE OF MADNESS) and sometimes it is just plain boring (the latest ANT-MAN movie), so expectation is that the DCEU will find a way to screw this up and make dull and boring a premise (and characters) that should be exciting and fun.
And…with THE FLASH, the DCEU got it right (for once) and it is the most fun DCEU film since the first WONDER WOMAN film.
Based on the FLASHPOINT comics series and Directed by Andy Muschietti (IT and IT, Part II), THE FLASH Isn’t (really) a “multi-verse” story, it’s a time travel tale (that causes multi-verses). An important distinction for the Fanboy - but rather unimportant to the regular movie-going person. This tale brings a bunch of fun (and humor!) to the DCEU as well as touching on the fondness nerve for by-gone characters (and the actors who portrayed them).
Central to this film is, of course, THE FLASH, played by Ezra Miller. Your enjoyment of this film will swing on whether you find Miller’s performance “fun” or “annoying” for it strides that line between the two. For the BankofMarquis, Miller’s performance was a ton of fun - which added to the enjoyment rather than taking away from it.
He is joined by a bevy of cameo appearances - to name any would be to spoil them - but (since it is in the trailer), Miller does spend much of this film interacting with his younger self and he succeeds (more than he fails) during this part of the film. The 2 Millers are also joined by Michael Keaton, reprising his role as Batman from the 1980’s (again…not a spoiler - he’s in the trailer). Keaton brings starpower - and star energy - to this film and he lifts the middle portion of this movie.
Muschietti conducts this orchestra of multiple-cameos, multiple versions of the same character and multiple special effects professionally and cleanly, never letting the audience get lost and (most certainly) never letting the camera (or the film) linger too long on any plot device (which hides the holes that, inevitably, show up).
A fun, enough, installment in the DCEU - with some heart and a large portion of nostalgia - THE FLASH is a positive way to say goodbye to the DCEU.
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Sometimes it works Excellently (SPIDER-MAN ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE), sometimes it works “Well Enough” (DR. STRANGE IN THE MULTI-VERSE OF MADNESS) and sometimes it is just plain boring (the latest ANT-MAN movie), so expectation is that the DCEU will find a way to screw this up and make dull and boring a premise (and characters) that should be exciting and fun.
And…with THE FLASH, the DCEU got it right (for once) and it is the most fun DCEU film since the first WONDER WOMAN film.
Based on the FLASHPOINT comics series and Directed by Andy Muschietti (IT and IT, Part II), THE FLASH Isn’t (really) a “multi-verse” story, it’s a time travel tale (that causes multi-verses). An important distinction for the Fanboy - but rather unimportant to the regular movie-going person. This tale brings a bunch of fun (and humor!) to the DCEU as well as touching on the fondness nerve for by-gone characters (and the actors who portrayed them).
Central to this film is, of course, THE FLASH, played by Ezra Miller. Your enjoyment of this film will swing on whether you find Miller’s performance “fun” or “annoying” for it strides that line between the two. For the BankofMarquis, Miller’s performance was a ton of fun - which added to the enjoyment rather than taking away from it.
He is joined by a bevy of cameo appearances - to name any would be to spoil them - but (since it is in the trailer), Miller does spend much of this film interacting with his younger self and he succeeds (more than he fails) during this part of the film. The 2 Millers are also joined by Michael Keaton, reprising his role as Batman from the 1980’s (again…not a spoiler - he’s in the trailer). Keaton brings starpower - and star energy - to this film and he lifts the middle portion of this movie.
Muschietti conducts this orchestra of multiple-cameos, multiple versions of the same character and multiple special effects professionally and cleanly, never letting the audience get lost and (most certainly) never letting the camera (or the film) linger too long on any plot device (which hides the holes that, inevitably, show up).
A fun, enough, installment in the DCEU - with some heart and a large portion of nostalgia - THE FLASH is a positive way to say goodbye to the DCEU.
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) in Movies
Apr 30, 2020
I honestly think this is one of the best films ever made. Not only is the animation super cool but the story, the characters, the actors in the film, all of it. Magnificent. My favorite thing about this film is the clashing of the worlds, you could say. What I love so much about Marvel is not only the movies but the shows too. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Agent Carter, they're all great - but in reality, they live in their own bubbles. Obviously the Netflix shows interact, and S.H.I.E.L.D is somewhat important when talking about the MCU. Into the Spider-Verse merges bits that you see in the comic books, not only in the animation but the characters. We have seen Green Goblin over and over again in the live-action films - both Toby McGuire's and Andrew Garfield's. But we don't see Kingpin. Plus, if you've watched Daredevil, you get a good idea of who Kingpin is and what his backstory is so you know why he's doing what he does in Into the Spider-Verse.
There are just layers to this film that are missing from some of the other films that have been done. The only ones to compare it to are those in the MCU, but even still, those are planned and minute if you don't pay attention. I just really love this film and I'm super pumped for the second one.
There are just layers to this film that are missing from some of the other films that have been done. The only ones to compare it to are those in the MCU, but even still, those are planned and minute if you don't pay attention. I just really love this film and I'm super pumped for the second one.