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Awix (3310 KP) rated Viy (Spirit of Evil) (1967) in Movies
Sep 21, 2021
Soviet horror movie from the 1960s rather unexpectedly turns out to be a close spiritual cousin of the kind of films that Hammer et al were making in the west at the same time. A trainee priest finds himself compelled to spend three nights reading prayers over the body of (supposedly) a wealthy landowner's daughter - but the corpse bears a striking resemblance to that of a witch he earlier killed...
Not the longest of films, which is just as well as the pacing may require patience on the part of the viewer; after a very eerie sequence early on, there's a long wait until the stuff with the protagonist's vigil in the second half. Nevertheless, it's worth it, mainly because the special effects are remarkably good, well up to the standard of equivalent western films of the same period (and probably better). Not particularly scary or graphic by modern standards, but the climax has a creepy sort of power to it and the overall impression is of a classy and well-made film; if there's a political subtext to it, it's very well-hidden.
Not the longest of films, which is just as well as the pacing may require patience on the part of the viewer; after a very eerie sequence early on, there's a long wait until the stuff with the protagonist's vigil in the second half. Nevertheless, it's worth it, mainly because the special effects are remarkably good, well up to the standard of equivalent western films of the same period (and probably better). Not particularly scary or graphic by modern standards, but the climax has a creepy sort of power to it and the overall impression is of a classy and well-made film; if there's a political subtext to it, it's very well-hidden.
David McK (3642 KP) rated Exile (The Last Roman #1) in Books
Feb 12, 2023
Well.
That was unexpected.
I actually came across this via an ad on FB (marketing does work!), where it was described as 'Jason Bourne' meets Highlander.
That's actually not all that bad a description.
This is presented chapter about with the 'present day' portion of the tale and the historical parts, with the main character of Marcus - the soldier who put his spear into the side of Jesus Christ whilst he was on the cross - cursed with immortality as a result.
He's not the only immortal: there's also another group, all with links to the same 'original' period of time (I don't want to say too much and give stuff away) living through history as well.
Well, when I say immortal they're not quite immortal: they can be killed for good, but it has to be extreme: a shooting won't do it, say, but being burnt at the stake would ...
Anyway, perhaps the best compliment I can give this is that, after reading it through Kindle Unlimited, I then actually went back and purchased the ebook 'proper', as well as the next in the series.
That was unexpected.
I actually came across this via an ad on FB (marketing does work!), where it was described as 'Jason Bourne' meets Highlander.
That's actually not all that bad a description.
This is presented chapter about with the 'present day' portion of the tale and the historical parts, with the main character of Marcus - the soldier who put his spear into the side of Jesus Christ whilst he was on the cross - cursed with immortality as a result.
He's not the only immortal: there's also another group, all with links to the same 'original' period of time (I don't want to say too much and give stuff away) living through history as well.
Well, when I say immortal they're not quite immortal: they can be killed for good, but it has to be extreme: a shooting won't do it, say, but being burnt at the stake would ...
Anyway, perhaps the best compliment I can give this is that, after reading it through Kindle Unlimited, I then actually went back and purchased the ebook 'proper', as well as the next in the series.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated The November Girl in Books
Dec 11, 2017
A Well Written Story with Stunning Characters
The November Girl is beautiful and yet a dark and eerily haunting story. I felt both a warm and cold embrace as I found myself falling into this tale that kept me second guessing myself not only with Hector but also with Anda as well. I would often stop reading so I could close my eyes and envision what Anda would look like and many times I scared myself because I could see her raw power as she was a force to be reckoned with. Hector brought out the motherly side of me and I just wanted to put my arms around him and reassure him that he was safe.
This was a well-written story with absolutely stunning characters and this tale will haunt me for a very long time.
This was a well-written story with absolutely stunning characters and this tale will haunt me for a very long time.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Never Let You Go in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Having never read any of Chevy Stevens books before, I didnt know what to expect but having read the description, I thought I would give it a go and I wasnt disappointed.
This is a fast paced, chilling read with twists that are well-thought out, well developed and believable. Domestic abuse is a difficult subject to write about sensitively and without sensationalism and Chevy does this very well whilst not losing any of the suspense, darkness and fear that comes with living in a very poisonous and controlling relationship.
With great characters and a great story-line, I found this a highly addictive read from start to finish and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
I want to thank the publisher (Little, Brown Book Group UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
This is a fast paced, chilling read with twists that are well-thought out, well developed and believable. Domestic abuse is a difficult subject to write about sensitively and without sensationalism and Chevy does this very well whilst not losing any of the suspense, darkness and fear that comes with living in a very poisonous and controlling relationship.
With great characters and a great story-line, I found this a highly addictive read from start to finish and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
I want to thank the publisher (Little, Brown Book Group UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
saheffernan (157 KP) rated Slayer (Slayer #1) in Books
Feb 18, 2019
As someone who grew up watching and loving Buffy and the spin off series Angel. I also re-watched it about 4 years ago when it was on Netflix so I'm very tied to the Buffyverse. This book definitely kept the Buffy humor which is so it's own brand and it was on point so that contributes to the higher rating. I feel the last 1/4 of the book really picked up as well by the end I was left wanting the next book to come. The first half of the story kind of leaves Buffy as the villian and (for good reasons in Nina's view) that just did not sit well with me. Otherwise, I believe the writting was great and the Buffyverse was left in all it's glory and so well reserved by Kiersten.
Auburn (57 KP) rated Star Wars: Lando's Luck (Flight of the Falcon, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
Like the cover suggests this one follows Lando on an adventure that is perfect for all ages. My younger sons enjoyed the plot and the simplicity of the read. While it seemed like it went on a bit at the end overall the characters were a great addition to the greater star wars world. Lando acted like you would expect from his younger self and created good humor and good interactions. It felt great to see him by himself doing his own adventures without needing the more major characters.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves Star Wars as well as parents who wish to get their children into the fandom as well as reading. Perfect middle grade chapter book for school as well. I think any age would enjoy this even if they are an adult.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves Star Wars as well as parents who wish to get their children into the fandom as well as reading. Perfect middle grade chapter book for school as well. I think any age would enjoy this even if they are an adult.
Auburn (57 KP) rated Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
The good: Romance, twists, turns, brooding Kyle, and damaged Faye. The plot to this book is wonderfully well written. It brings you into the Kennedy family and makes you care for not just the main characters but the other boys in the family. Add on the forbidden cousin relationship and you have a story you won't want to put down. The bombshell cliffhanger insures you will be heading to the next book ASAP to find out what will happen.
The bad: I had a hard time with the whole cousin thing for a lot of the book. But if you can get past that the steamy push pull is pretty well done.
The epilogue: This book is for fans of the Royals series as well as anyone who enjoys a good angst ridden push pull relationship.
The bad: I had a hard time with the whole cousin thing for a lot of the book. But if you can get past that the steamy push pull is pretty well done.
The epilogue: This book is for fans of the Royals series as well as anyone who enjoys a good angst ridden push pull relationship.
Jay Wright (4 KP) rated Captain Marvel (2019) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Stan Lee tribute (3 more)
Brie Larson as Captain Marvel
Young Nick Fury
GOOSE
Forget what the review bombers say. This movie was fantastic, an excellent and well planned out entry to the MCU. First off, excellent tribute to Stan Lee at the beginning, well done. Brie Larson was absolutely stunning as Carol Danvers, managing to capture and show the brooding and serious side of Captain Marvel, as well as the witty and humourous side to her. I loved young Nick Fury way more than I do the present day Nick Fury. Ben Menhdolsen, Jude Law, and Annette Bening were absolutely fantastic as their characters. The real star of the show though: GOOSE THE CAT. OH MY WORD, GOOSE. STOLE EVERY SCENE HE WAS IN. The Agents of SHIELD fan in me wanted more Coulson, but I was okay with his screentime.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Tomorrow and Tomorrow in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book at first because of the subject matter. The story is somewhat more disturbing than what I normally read, but it is a murder mystery as well as sci-fi, so you have to expect some unpleasantness. There are some terrible people doing terrible things. There are also some not so terrible, everyday people accepting, and occasionally even enjoying, terrible things. The worst (or best depending on how you look at it) part of it all is how believable everything is. In the end though, I did enjoy the book and decided that it deserves 4 stars. It is a very well thought out and well-written story that kept me listening every minute I could until it was finished.
See full review at <a href="http://booksthething.com">The Book's the Thing</a>
See full review at <a href="http://booksthething.com">The Book's the Thing</a>
The story follows Paisley Parker in her journey through the lifestyle and blackmail. Paisley was down to earth and raw. She gave zero clucks about what anyone thought of her. She loved women and men.
Calvin was ok he didn’t do anything for me. Don’t get me wrong he was very attractive but he lacked that dominance I love in male characters.
This book wasn’t to my liking but it was a ok read. I learned somethings about myself. I don’t mind reading lifestyle stories because let’s face it w/w is hot. But I could never be in that type of relationship.
Both characters turned out really well and I am glad I had the chance to read this story. The author captured their personalities really well. I look forward to her next book. Because this one was well written and interesting.
Calvin was ok he didn’t do anything for me. Don’t get me wrong he was very attractive but he lacked that dominance I love in male characters.
This book wasn’t to my liking but it was a ok read. I learned somethings about myself. I don’t mind reading lifestyle stories because let’s face it w/w is hot. But I could never be in that type of relationship.
Both characters turned out really well and I am glad I had the chance to read this story. The author captured their personalities really well. I look forward to her next book. Because this one was well written and interesting.