Search
Search results
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated The Assassin's Mark in Books
Nov 5, 2018
Firstly I must thank Ebsworth not only for providing a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review, but also for having immense patience in waiting for me to provide him with that review. I must also point out how much I have enjoyed reading this book, even if I did struggle to get into the book at first.
There are several aspects which I feel to be major strengths in this book, particularly the characterisation. The assembled cast of characters are all extravagantly wonderful in their own ways, working well together and being entirely believable in the context of the text. In addition, it is worth commenting that they work as well individually as they do collectively, a great testament to Ebsworth's writing style. Jack Telford, as the main character, is a wonderful example of manhood and his cynicism in the tour breathes a breath of fresh air, prompting much thought by the reader on the matters discussed.
A further strength of this book is it's intricate and well developed plot. It is brilliantly put together, with mystery and thought provoking elements all combined with some humour and great history. I can't compliment enough the many well written twists and turns in this novel, whether it's sudden and unexpected deaths or mysterious figures appearing at odd intervals, there's always something that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats and thinking of what could be happening behind closed doors. It's a fantastic read for making you think about what you are reading, however, this is an occasional downside as it makes it a difficult book to read when you only have a few minutes spare.
Perhaps, for me, the best aspect of this book is the detailed research that shines through on every page. It is evident, even to someone with a limited knowledge of the Spanish Civil War, that there is much to learn in this book and that it has been incredibly well researched. Clearly, Ebsworth put much time into his research, and to his credit, as it adds an extra dimension to this story.
Finally, there is little else for me to say other than to recommend this book to all who enjoy history, a good mystery and a strong leading character.
There are several aspects which I feel to be major strengths in this book, particularly the characterisation. The assembled cast of characters are all extravagantly wonderful in their own ways, working well together and being entirely believable in the context of the text. In addition, it is worth commenting that they work as well individually as they do collectively, a great testament to Ebsworth's writing style. Jack Telford, as the main character, is a wonderful example of manhood and his cynicism in the tour breathes a breath of fresh air, prompting much thought by the reader on the matters discussed.
A further strength of this book is it's intricate and well developed plot. It is brilliantly put together, with mystery and thought provoking elements all combined with some humour and great history. I can't compliment enough the many well written twists and turns in this novel, whether it's sudden and unexpected deaths or mysterious figures appearing at odd intervals, there's always something that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats and thinking of what could be happening behind closed doors. It's a fantastic read for making you think about what you are reading, however, this is an occasional downside as it makes it a difficult book to read when you only have a few minutes spare.
Perhaps, for me, the best aspect of this book is the detailed research that shines through on every page. It is evident, even to someone with a limited knowledge of the Spanish Civil War, that there is much to learn in this book and that it has been incredibly well researched. Clearly, Ebsworth put much time into his research, and to his credit, as it adds an extra dimension to this story.
Finally, there is little else for me to say other than to recommend this book to all who enjoy history, a good mystery and a strong leading character.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Judge (2014) in Movies
Jan 14, 2020
Suprisingly Not As Good As I Thought
A lawyer leaves his small town to make it in the big city only to have to come back to face his past and defend his father in a murder trial. The Judge could have definitely been worse, but it struck enough cords for me to never want to see it again.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 2
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
The film is shot in different color tones representing the mood of the scene. When Robert Downey Jr. is just palling around the city, you see more lighter tones. However, during most of the court scenes, it’s shot in a darker and grainier light. It works for the most part, but is uneven in certain spots. I did appreciate overall what it was trying to do.
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 7
At one point, I wrote in my notes: “I’m not bored, but there are definitely some glaring holes I can’t overlook.” At times, this movie seemed to fight with its own self, never really deciding who or what it wanted to be. While there were quite a few scenes I really enjoyed, there were some things lacking overall.
Memorability: 4
Pace: 5
This movie is easily thirty minutes longer than it needed to be. In some spots, they are trying too hard to force these characters down your throat that they don’t focus on moving the actual story along. It drags its feet in way too many places.
Plot: 6
Decent concept that arrived DOA due to the lack of willingness to fix simple holes. I never could settle in and just enjoy the movie because there were just so many unanswered questions from the left to the right. Overall, it made sense, but it’s very easy to pick apart.
Resolution: 7
A touching finish, although, again, would have appreciated more finite answers. More often than not, the movie seemed to take the lazy way out and the ending was no exception. Based on the number of plot holes, can’t say I was that surprised.
Overall: 68
There is a scene in The Judge where the jurors are being picked for the trial. This one scene will tell you everything you need to know about the rest of the movie. These actors have done way better in their time.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 2
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
The film is shot in different color tones representing the mood of the scene. When Robert Downey Jr. is just palling around the city, you see more lighter tones. However, during most of the court scenes, it’s shot in a darker and grainier light. It works for the most part, but is uneven in certain spots. I did appreciate overall what it was trying to do.
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 7
At one point, I wrote in my notes: “I’m not bored, but there are definitely some glaring holes I can’t overlook.” At times, this movie seemed to fight with its own self, never really deciding who or what it wanted to be. While there were quite a few scenes I really enjoyed, there were some things lacking overall.
Memorability: 4
Pace: 5
This movie is easily thirty minutes longer than it needed to be. In some spots, they are trying too hard to force these characters down your throat that they don’t focus on moving the actual story along. It drags its feet in way too many places.
Plot: 6
Decent concept that arrived DOA due to the lack of willingness to fix simple holes. I never could settle in and just enjoy the movie because there were just so many unanswered questions from the left to the right. Overall, it made sense, but it’s very easy to pick apart.
Resolution: 7
A touching finish, although, again, would have appreciated more finite answers. More often than not, the movie seemed to take the lazy way out and the ending was no exception. Based on the number of plot holes, can’t say I was that surprised.
Overall: 68
There is a scene in The Judge where the jurors are being picked for the trial. This one scene will tell you everything you need to know about the rest of the movie. These actors have done way better in their time.
Yacht Were You Thinking?: An A-Z of Boat Names Good and Bad
Book
Naming a boat is as personal as naming a baby (even if few male skippers would risk telling the wife...
BookInspector (124 KP) rated My Sister, the Serial Killer in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This novel is not very long, but every short chapter carries a lot of important information. The protagonist in this novel is Korede, a nurse in a hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Korede likes everything neat, tidy and according to the rules. Her younger sister Ayoola, on the other hand, is an absolute brat, who has no cares in her life. She is addicted to male attention, good life, and I could not stand her. Ayoola is a horrible person, and I don’t see a justification for any of her actions. :/ I really liked Korede in this book, I think she is kind and strong at the same time, but even her decisions left me confused sometimes.
The narrative is told from a single (Korede’s) perspective, even though it was enough to grasp the storyline, I would’ve loved to read Ayoola’s thoughts as well. The plot is very compressed in this novel, I liked the way Korede talks not only about the present events, but brings the reader back to the past, to show what events shaped her to be the way she is today. This book analyses such topics as beauty and it’s influence, strong sisterly bond, abusive father, etc. This novel takes you on a journey, there is not many twists or turns, but it is a very enjoyable read.
Kudos to the author for her original writing style, I see it as minimalistic, It has the information I needed to fully understand the story, and spared me the details of unimportant things. I really liked the setting of this novel, I have never been to Lagos, so the atmosphere and the language used was very exotic for me. I loved the short chapters, and it was a really quick read for me. I liked the ending of this book, I think it is quite challenging and allows the reader to think of what would they have done in Korede’s situation.
To conclude, it is a very original book about an incredibly strong sisterly bond, which can withstand even murders. It is filled with very believable and interesting characters and a very creatively written plot. I truly enjoyed it, and I do strongly recommend to give this book a try if you looking for something different and fresh. I hope you will like it as much as I did. 🙂
The narrative is told from a single (Korede’s) perspective, even though it was enough to grasp the storyline, I would’ve loved to read Ayoola’s thoughts as well. The plot is very compressed in this novel, I liked the way Korede talks not only about the present events, but brings the reader back to the past, to show what events shaped her to be the way she is today. This book analyses such topics as beauty and it’s influence, strong sisterly bond, abusive father, etc. This novel takes you on a journey, there is not many twists or turns, but it is a very enjoyable read.
Kudos to the author for her original writing style, I see it as minimalistic, It has the information I needed to fully understand the story, and spared me the details of unimportant things. I really liked the setting of this novel, I have never been to Lagos, so the atmosphere and the language used was very exotic for me. I loved the short chapters, and it was a really quick read for me. I liked the ending of this book, I think it is quite challenging and allows the reader to think of what would they have done in Korede’s situation.
To conclude, it is a very original book about an incredibly strong sisterly bond, which can withstand even murders. It is filled with very believable and interesting characters and a very creatively written plot. I truly enjoyed it, and I do strongly recommend to give this book a try if you looking for something different and fresh. I hope you will like it as much as I did. 🙂
Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, child neglect, homelessness, mention of drug use, rape, suicide, homophobia, prison/juvie
Twins Storm and Lake have always been in sync growing up - until they get separated within the foster care system. Storm’s been through juvie but his current foster dad and his girlfriend are helping him find a normal life again - until an incident makes him lose control again. Lake likes girls, but her bible loving foster parents would immediately kick her out if they find out - so she and her foster sibling, Parker, must keep their relationship secret. Both twins have rough patches ahead and both fight to come out on the other side.
Sooo, I’ve never read an Ellen Hopkins book - at least that I can remember anyway. I did NOT keep track of books I read until I was in my late 20’s… That being said, I feel like I would remember the emotional damage that probably would have been done with her books, especially with how I feel after finishing this one.
Hopkins didn’t shy away from the hard topics. Doing so allowed me to feel every emotion alongside the twins as they were. I’ve recently really gotten into novel-in-verse books and it absolutely makes me understand how poetry can really hit your gut with just so few words; Hopkins didn’t have to go into detail about what things looked like for you to understand what was going on.
The ending was bittersweet because I didn’t want it to be over, but at the same time, Hopkins finished it beautifully without needing the words. God, this book is going to stay with me for quite some time. I’m going to think of Storm and Lake and hope they’re doing okay.
Overall, this book will grab your heart and twist it tight, absolutely leaving an imprint when it finally releases you on the last page. Even though it’s a 400+ page novel, it reads quickly and one could probably finish it in one setting. The only reason I hadn’t was because I started it super late at night and then had plans the following morning.
*Thank you Nancy Paulsen Books and BookishFirst for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Twins Storm and Lake have always been in sync growing up - until they get separated within the foster care system. Storm’s been through juvie but his current foster dad and his girlfriend are helping him find a normal life again - until an incident makes him lose control again. Lake likes girls, but her bible loving foster parents would immediately kick her out if they find out - so she and her foster sibling, Parker, must keep their relationship secret. Both twins have rough patches ahead and both fight to come out on the other side.
Sooo, I’ve never read an Ellen Hopkins book - at least that I can remember anyway. I did NOT keep track of books I read until I was in my late 20’s… That being said, I feel like I would remember the emotional damage that probably would have been done with her books, especially with how I feel after finishing this one.
Hopkins didn’t shy away from the hard topics. Doing so allowed me to feel every emotion alongside the twins as they were. I’ve recently really gotten into novel-in-verse books and it absolutely makes me understand how poetry can really hit your gut with just so few words; Hopkins didn’t have to go into detail about what things looked like for you to understand what was going on.
The ending was bittersweet because I didn’t want it to be over, but at the same time, Hopkins finished it beautifully without needing the words. God, this book is going to stay with me for quite some time. I’m going to think of Storm and Lake and hope they’re doing okay.
Overall, this book will grab your heart and twist it tight, absolutely leaving an imprint when it finally releases you on the last page. Even though it’s a 400+ page novel, it reads quickly and one could probably finish it in one setting. The only reason I hadn’t was because I started it super late at night and then had plans the following morning.
*Thank you Nancy Paulsen Books and BookishFirst for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Maris (8 KP) rated Crow Flight in Books
Jun 10, 2019
I'm very very VERY thrilled that I gave this book a chance. No mystical creatures, no royal families trying to take over the world its just a smooth read from the beginning to the very end. I could not put this book down. This is my first Susan Cunningham book I read from her and she brought it all in this lovely gem. <br/><br/>I was a bit nervous about getting into the book, I was thinking this was going to be like the Matrix with a little twist with some Crows into it. I was totally wrong and that's a good thing! The beginning of the book hooked me and I needed to know more of what was going to happen and therefore I could not wast any time with anything else besides reading the whole book to find out.<br/><br/>From the beginning, we are introduced to a very intelligent young girl name Gin. Gin has a dream to get into Harvard University. She has a talent for designing programs. Programs that help you on what to wear, what to eat, when to be social, and possibly who you should date. <br/><br/>Going to Harvard is not her only goal. Gin is taking a computer simulations class that is a college-level course. The mentor of the class is Ms. Sandlin who is offering a summer internship to the best modeler. Gin who is determined to get this internship and put her talents to the test to achieve this goal. <br/><br/>Gin meets a boy in her class name Felix. Felix is also very intelligent with computers and designing programs. They are partners where they have to work together and design models. Gin starts to fall for Felix and learns that he and his father like to train Crows as a hobby.<br/><br/>"A plane flew across the sky and for a second, she imagined the rows of people tucked neatly inside, watching movies and sipping sodas. No idea they were flying over a boy training crows."<br/><br/>For their final project, they decided to use the Crows and all the data over the years. Felix's father who owns one of the biggest tech companies is not too excited about learning that his son and his partner are using the Crows for their project. With that being said things get really interesting and a dark secret that Gin will soon discover. <br/><br/>Susan Cunningham was detailed with her writing and I enjoyed every second of it. She did a wonderful job putting this story together and the pace of the story was perfect where I just wanted to know what was going to happen. I adore Gin's and her best friend Hannah relationship (We all need a Hannah in our life's) The ending was great! Highly recommend this lovely gem. I am not big on computers or designing but this story was just too good where you don't have to be into computers or programming to have an understanding of the story. <br/><br/>Unique story, mystery vibes, a little romance! 5/5
Stop Smoking Forever - Hypnosis by Glenn Harrold
Lifestyle and Education
App
Stop smoking forever with this superb high quality hypnosis App by Glenn Harrold. Glenn is one of...
Ukulele Karaoke Ukeoke
Music and Education
App
Ukulele Karaoke Ukeoke is the fastest way to learn new songs! Easy-to-play versions for 1700+ hit...
MasterSolace (19 KP) rated Aladdin (2019) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019
The Music(it's Disney) (4 more)
The Special Effects(it's Disney)
The Atmosphere
The Cast & Characters
One last bit... in the review
Live-Action Magic
Contains spoilers, click to show
Disney has been on a kick of redoing their animated masterpieces into live action masterpieces. It worked with Cinderella... Jungle Book was flawed, but still wild... and Beauty and the Beast was simply Beautiful. So... was this reimagining of Aladdin up to par...
You are damn right it was.
Let's get this out of the way first. Live action musicals still make me feel awkward. Granted, this is Disney... but animated musicals feel just fine. That being said, the numbers were spot on for the most part, while still being slightly altered for the cast in the present. Yes, that includes slight tweaks due to Will Smith being an actual musician(as much as I love Robin Williams, he was not). And those were made(dammit... sorry for the pun)... Fresh.
Acting on point. Because Disney. Sorry, but it's true.
Was the movie perfect? No. It does have some flaws, but nothing that hinders the movie overall. And most of them for me where solely because of the musical numbers. That being said, "Speechless"... bravo Alan Menken.
There is one part of this version that does IMPROVE over the original. The City of Agrabah. The animated version felt nothing more than a backdrop, but this City felt like it was organic. Like an ACTUAL city they were fighting for.
Other changes were proper... made it more modern. Including Jasmine motivation(instead of marrying who she wants, she is made Sultan... so she can protect and serve her people... she marries Aladdin anyway)... and Jafar's true plans(he didn't just want Agrabah, he wanted to conquer the neighboring nations, as well). Jafar in the original was DRAWN menacing... live action Jafar was devious due to his ambitions. Good job, Disney.
How about the Genie? How did Will Smith do? Well... he was great. BUT Disney did something different this time. In the original, because Robin was the star, it put extra focus on how outrageous he was. Will Smith was the billed star, but they put more focus on who the story was really about... Aladdin. Will Smith served a purpose. He might've been the bigger name, but he did NOT play the biggest part. At least, that is what I feel happened.... and it was for the better.
Was it as good as the original? No. Because there is no true comparison. If you haven't seen it... please... erase the original from your mind for a moment... go see this one... then go back and watch the original. While we KNOW the comparison... there shouldn't be one. This live-action version isn't exactly the same, and it shouldn't be. Askewed focus... different delivery... it maybe Disney's remake, but this version should be approached as if you were watching it from a different perspective......
Treat it as if it were it's own movie.
And know this... the best positive of all...
Robin would've loved it.
You are damn right it was.
Let's get this out of the way first. Live action musicals still make me feel awkward. Granted, this is Disney... but animated musicals feel just fine. That being said, the numbers were spot on for the most part, while still being slightly altered for the cast in the present. Yes, that includes slight tweaks due to Will Smith being an actual musician(as much as I love Robin Williams, he was not). And those were made(dammit... sorry for the pun)... Fresh.
Acting on point. Because Disney. Sorry, but it's true.
Was the movie perfect? No. It does have some flaws, but nothing that hinders the movie overall. And most of them for me where solely because of the musical numbers. That being said, "Speechless"... bravo Alan Menken.
There is one part of this version that does IMPROVE over the original. The City of Agrabah. The animated version felt nothing more than a backdrop, but this City felt like it was organic. Like an ACTUAL city they were fighting for.
Other changes were proper... made it more modern. Including Jasmine motivation(instead of marrying who she wants, she is made Sultan... so she can protect and serve her people... she marries Aladdin anyway)... and Jafar's true plans(he didn't just want Agrabah, he wanted to conquer the neighboring nations, as well). Jafar in the original was DRAWN menacing... live action Jafar was devious due to his ambitions. Good job, Disney.
How about the Genie? How did Will Smith do? Well... he was great. BUT Disney did something different this time. In the original, because Robin was the star, it put extra focus on how outrageous he was. Will Smith was the billed star, but they put more focus on who the story was really about... Aladdin. Will Smith served a purpose. He might've been the bigger name, but he did NOT play the biggest part. At least, that is what I feel happened.... and it was for the better.
Was it as good as the original? No. Because there is no true comparison. If you haven't seen it... please... erase the original from your mind for a moment... go see this one... then go back and watch the original. While we KNOW the comparison... there shouldn't be one. This live-action version isn't exactly the same, and it shouldn't be. Askewed focus... different delivery... it maybe Disney's remake, but this version should be approached as if you were watching it from a different perspective......
Treat it as if it were it's own movie.
And know this... the best positive of all...
Robin would've loved it.