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The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix (1999)
1999 | Action, Sci-Fi
Put simply, The Matrix is almost the perfect action/science-fiction/mind fuck movie. It has a deliciously dystopian concept that leans into the state of the real world today (well, 1999 to be exact but it still works now). It has an aesthetic style that still looks incredible, and was unarguably ahead of its time. This includes some truly inspired set pieces. It has a fantastic cast of actors playing well realised characters, from the tranquil nature of the good guys, to the uncomfortably sinister Terminator-esque agents. It has an instantly recognisable music score. Everything about it just flows, and two+ hours fly by in no time.
Sure, The Matrix was the catalyst for countless copycats and IRL edgelords (I remember seeing this back in 2000 as a humble 12 year old, thinking it was the coolest fucking thing ever, before having my perceptions unceremoniously shattered by the influx of middle aged men walking around my tiny countryside hometown in leather dusters) but it did it first, and looked good doing it. I can even get past the blaring breakbeat music, because it's The Matrix dammit.
All these years later, a fair chunk of the dialogue is cheesy as all hell, and occasionally a little cringey, but other than that, it still stands the test of time.

Also, Rage Against the Machine.
  
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ClareR (5681 KP) rated The Sin Eater in Books

Oct 5, 2021  
The Sin Eater
The Sin Eater
Megan Campisi | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Sin Eater is set in an alternative Elizabethan England, with so much attention to detail that it could be true! I mean, there WERE Sin Eaters, but in reality I don’t think their diets were as varied and rich-sounding. I had a google, and it seems as though some bread was left on a coffin for a Sin Eater to eat. Until, that is, the Church got involved. Sin Eating had to many Pagan connotations.

Each sin in this book has a different food, which is how 14yr old May Owens learns that something sinister is going on in the Queen’s court.

May can’t tell anyone what she knows. It’s a terrible punishment for a young girl: sentenced to a life of silence and ostracised by everyone - all because she stole bread to eat. Ok, she’ll never go hungry, but some of the combinations are pretty grim!

I really enjoyed reading about the travelling entertainers, and the homeless people who decide that living with a walking, breathing curse (May) is worth the risk when it’s cold outside.

This is a really atmospheric book, steeped in the sights, sounds and smells of a 16th Century England-type-place, and it ticked a lot of boxes for me as a historical fiction, occasional fantasy fan (amongst the other types of fiction!!)
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Collective in Books

Jul 31, 2022  
The Collective
The Collective
Alison Gaylin | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A very satisfying tale of revenge that I raced through in quick time.

Unfortunately, we have all heard of cases where a child is abused or found dead, murdered or killed by someone else and the person thought to have committed that atrocity walks free. We all feel for the parents but what would you do if that parent was you? Would you want revenge and how far would you go?

Camille is that parent; her only child is gone and her marriage has ended.

Grief has no time scale and after five years, the pain is still as raw, if not more so as the person she believed murdered her beautiful daughter is walking free and getting on with their lives. She has to do something but what?

Enter the collective ... a secret online group of mainly mothers who will help you get the justice you feel you deserve by working together.

Camille now has purpose but how far will she go?

With a great plot and interesting characters written at a pace that was quite slow at first but increased as the story developed, this book is a great thriller and certainly had me gripped from the start waiting to see how it all turned out.

Thank you must go to The Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Collective and share my views.
  
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Merissa (11953 KP) rated King of Blades (Two Thrones #4) in Books

Nov 12, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)  
King of Blades (Two Thrones #4)
King of Blades (Two Thrones #4)
Nicola M. Cameron | 2020 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
King of Blades is the fourth book in the Two Thrones series and we return to Matthias and Danaë. She is well into her pregnancy with twins and has her own concerns which she hides from Matthias. He brings friends along with him on his 'Royal Visit' but doesn't stop to think how Danaë is feeling. Add to that Darius and Lars are reconciling but have their own issues going on too.

As always, this was excellently written with Danaë's worries being perfect for a first-time mother, especially with twins. There were no unnecessary dramatics or hysterics. It's a wonder she was even walking and talking with everything that was going on. Talk about stress!

I loved Darius' story and the whys and wherefores of what was happening. Bless him. He picked the wrong person, that's for sure. I hope we see more of him and Lars in future books. Plus the fact, I want to meet Giles!

I am loving this series and this book is no exception. A brilliant story and one highly recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 12, 2020
  
Christmas Cocoa and a Corpse
Christmas Cocoa and a Corpse
Maddie Day | 2022 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder Leaves Behind Spilled Cocoa
It’s the week before Christmas, and business is booming at Robbie’s restaurant, Pans ‘N Pancakes. However, not everyone is in a festive mood. Local businessman Jed Greenburg is found dead on the sidewalk while he was out walking a Chocolate lab puppy, the spilled contents of a mug of Robbie’s special hot chocolate blend next to him. What happened?

It’s no surprise to me that I enjoyed this novella. Several of the series regulars are away for the holiday, which actually works out very well since this is a novella. We are able to focus on the characters important to mystery. Robbie’s boyfriend’s family are actually key to the events as they unfold, and it was great to get to know them a little better. The mystery was strong, and I enjoyed watching it unfold. As always, the scenes in the restaurant made my mouth water, and I am now craving breakfast foods. Fortunately, the novella includes a couple of recipes, including a special hot chocolate recipe.

NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.