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Ross (3284 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Feb 20, 2018
Black Panther exploded into the MCU during the Captain America: Civil War and was a breath of fresh air for the franchise. Finally someone to rival Wolverine for fighting skill and claws. This film follows on from there where Prince T'Challa looks to be crowned as the new king of Wakanda. Wakanda has long hidden its true riches and technological worth from the world and is thought of as a nation of poor farmers. King T'Challa must choose whether to continue the selfish tradition or help the world by sharing their natural resources and technology.
The Black Panther is backed up by an excellent cast of sidekicks and helpers as he looks to crack down on illegal trade of Wakanda's vibranium and retain the throne from a worthy challenger.
My main gripe was some of the CGI. Like with Spiderman, I feel at times there is too much detail, eg when flipping over a car his legs sway around like he's in space. To my mind, he would be more focused and all his limbs would be exactly where they need to be. Also in these instances the feeling of which way up is the right way up got a little lost, which shouldn't happen.
I also felt that Andy Serkis was a little under-used in his role as Claue, similar to CrossBones in Civil War.
I am seriously looking forward to Infinity Wars now!
PS - I don't think the post-credits scene is worth the long wait.
The Black Panther is backed up by an excellent cast of sidekicks and helpers as he looks to crack down on illegal trade of Wakanda's vibranium and retain the throne from a worthy challenger.
My main gripe was some of the CGI. Like with Spiderman, I feel at times there is too much detail, eg when flipping over a car his legs sway around like he's in space. To my mind, he would be more focused and all his limbs would be exactly where they need to be. Also in these instances the feeling of which way up is the right way up got a little lost, which shouldn't happen.
I also felt that Andy Serkis was a little under-used in his role as Claue, similar to CrossBones in Civil War.
I am seriously looking forward to Infinity Wars now!
PS - I don't think the post-credits scene is worth the long wait.
Rickey A. Mossow Jr. (689 KP) rated Overlord (2018) in Movies
May 21, 2019
Good gory fictional historical events that could have been shorter.
Been looking forward to this one for a while. While I enjoyed the film overall. the story took too long to develop in some spots. Characters felt a little hollow and depended on the World War II setting to get the viewer to understand them. That being said, once the story hit its mark, the action was fast and furious. Some truly amazing visual effects. Not for the weak stomached in the least. A good, gory fictional take on historical events that could have been helped with shorter run time.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Princess Elizabeth's Spy (Maggie Hope Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Maggie Hope gets her first assignment for British secret service - go to Windsor Castle and act as Princess Elizabeth's tutor all while looking for any evidence that there is a plot on her life. Maggie has hardly arrived when someone is murdered. Was the princess the target? Once again, this was a fun World War II spy novel, and I enjoyed spending time with Maggie. However, some editing glitches and a very familiar sub-plot did bother me some.
My full review at <a href"http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-princess-elizabeths-spy-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
My full review at <a href"http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-princess-elizabeths-spy-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Wallace Shawn recommended Topsy-Turvy (1999) in Movies (curated)
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Kiss of Vengeance in Books
Mar 3, 2020
Too much slow burn for my taste
3 1/2 Caffeinated Stars
Kiss of Vengeance is the second book in the True Immortality series by S. Young. As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of Samantha Young & I thoroughly enjoyed War of Hearts. When I received this book in exchange for an honest review, I was extremely excited to dive into it, but it just wasn't my favorite. It had many of the elements I love, but at times it fell flat.
This book was a slow burn with an enemy to lover trope feel. Unfortunately, it was indeed a slow burn. There was nothing more than one-sided flirting for over 50% of the book. When I'm reading a romance, I want it to be the focal point, and it didn't feel like a focal point until 70% into the book.
Though the slow burn romance wasn't my favorite, I loved the world that S. Young created. The fantasy aspects were what kept me going. Learning about the fae & seeing their abilities kept me thoroughly entertained. I enjoyed seeing Rose learn her skills, and it was fun to see her interact with Fionn as her mentor. I do have to say that at times, her fixation on Fionn and flirting felt like her sole personality trait.
I would have loved to see more of Rose's interaction with any character that wasn't a "hot guy." When Rose wasn't flirting, I loved her strength and determination. Her joy for her abilities was something I loved about her. Fionn was a complex character. I loved learning about his background & seeing his struggle.
Even though I didn't enjoy the book as much as I liked, I'll be continuing on in the series. The fantasy and world-building were fantastic, and I can't wait to see how the rest of the series goes.
Kiss of Vengeance is the second book in the True Immortality series by S. Young. As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of Samantha Young & I thoroughly enjoyed War of Hearts. When I received this book in exchange for an honest review, I was extremely excited to dive into it, but it just wasn't my favorite. It had many of the elements I love, but at times it fell flat.
This book was a slow burn with an enemy to lover trope feel. Unfortunately, it was indeed a slow burn. There was nothing more than one-sided flirting for over 50% of the book. When I'm reading a romance, I want it to be the focal point, and it didn't feel like a focal point until 70% into the book.
Though the slow burn romance wasn't my favorite, I loved the world that S. Young created. The fantasy aspects were what kept me going. Learning about the fae & seeing their abilities kept me thoroughly entertained. I enjoyed seeing Rose learn her skills, and it was fun to see her interact with Fionn as her mentor. I do have to say that at times, her fixation on Fionn and flirting felt like her sole personality trait.
I would have loved to see more of Rose's interaction with any character that wasn't a "hot guy." When Rose wasn't flirting, I loved her strength and determination. Her joy for her abilities was something I loved about her. Fionn was a complex character. I loved learning about his background & seeing his struggle.
Even though I didn't enjoy the book as much as I liked, I'll be continuing on in the series. The fantasy and world-building were fantastic, and I can't wait to see how the rest of the series goes.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Feb 11, 2020 (Updated Feb 11, 2020)
Dinosaur Biddding War
Fallen Kingdom- i like better than Jurassic World. Yes its predictable and a villian that is perdictable. But its still a jurassic park movie, the fifth one. Yes their should of stopped at the first one, but two sequels and a reboot, and a six one coming in 2021. This franchise isnt stopping any time soon. Which i want it to stop, please stop hollywood. Anyways it has action and adventure. It does have Chris pratt in it so thats a plus.
The Plot: Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.
So should you watch it, if your a jurassic park fan than yes. If your not than just skip it.
The Plot: Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.
So should you watch it, if your a jurassic park fan than yes. If your not than just skip it.
Maggie is trying to deal with what she saw and learned in Berlin while training future spies to help England during World War II. But when a friend gets in trouble, Maggie snaps out of her depression to help. Meanwhile, Japan and the US are not finding any common ground in November of 1941.
Fans of the series will appreciate the character development we get here with Maggie and some other series regulars. It feels like a slower book than normal, but it was needed and I never felt my interest waning. Maggie and the others take a back seat to the lead up to Pearl Harbor at times, but I found that part just as interesting, and I don't know how the author could have played it any differently for this series.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-prime-ministers-secret.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Fans of the series will appreciate the character development we get here with Maggie and some other series regulars. It feels like a slower book than normal, but it was needed and I never felt my interest waning. Maggie and the others take a back seat to the lead up to Pearl Harbor at times, but I found that part just as interesting, and I don't know how the author could have played it any differently for this series.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-prime-ministers-secret.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated His Majesty's Dragon in Books
Nov 13, 2019
A Magisterial Read
This first book came free when I pre ordered another book, and at first, I paid it no attention. One day, I found it, and I have not looked back.
The series gives something different in each book, and the first gives all the info to the world, without playing the excessive exposition game.
This universe is set in the Nepolionic war, but in this reality, alongside the Marines and Navy, there is also the Arial Corp, where the men fight from the back of massive dragons!
They have a hyerachy on bord, with captains bonded strongly with their dragons, who are themselves, strong characters.
There is a rich mythology within this series, and includes topics like political strife, religion, slavery and historical events, adapted to include it's scaly new additions.
Both a great read for fantasy and history lovers alike, give this book a go, and see if you read all 9.
The series gives something different in each book, and the first gives all the info to the world, without playing the excessive exposition game.
This universe is set in the Nepolionic war, but in this reality, alongside the Marines and Navy, there is also the Arial Corp, where the men fight from the back of massive dragons!
They have a hyerachy on bord, with captains bonded strongly with their dragons, who are themselves, strong characters.
There is a rich mythology within this series, and includes topics like political strife, religion, slavery and historical events, adapted to include it's scaly new additions.
Both a great read for fantasy and history lovers alike, give this book a go, and see if you read all 9.
Merissa (12950 KP) rated Dragon Speaker (The Shadow War Saga #1) in Books
May 21, 2019
Dragon Speaker (The Shadow War Saga #1) by Elana A. Mugdan
Dragon Speaker is the first book in The Shadow War Saga, and we have DRAGONS, people!!! You know how I love me a dragon, and Thorion is just perfect. I want him for myself, which sucks because he's already bonded with Keriya, and he's fictional! Still, you know what I mean!
This is classed as young adult, but to be honest, I think 'some' young adults might be a bit confused as this world is complex, to say the least. Personally, I loved it, but then I'm as far from a young adult as you can get!
Keriya is fourteen, and hasn't had an easy time of it. Her village is superstitious, to say the least, and she has no magic, which makes her lower than low to them. When she goes on her vision quest, she is helped by Shivnath, their Dragon God. Shivnath tells Keriya what she must do, but gives no clues as to how to do it. This leads to an amazing story as Keriya tries to figure just who she can trust, and what she should do. She is helped by Fletcher, her best friend, and Roxanne, someone who got dragged into it by accident. It was great to see these relationships change and alter as the story went on.
There are romantic elements to this story, but it definitely takes second place behind the main part of the story. Plus, she's FOURTEEN!!! This was an amazing story that I devoured, and I can't wait to read more. Absolutely 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!
This is classed as young adult, but to be honest, I think 'some' young adults might be a bit confused as this world is complex, to say the least. Personally, I loved it, but then I'm as far from a young adult as you can get!
Keriya is fourteen, and hasn't had an easy time of it. Her village is superstitious, to say the least, and she has no magic, which makes her lower than low to them. When she goes on her vision quest, she is helped by Shivnath, their Dragon God. Shivnath tells Keriya what she must do, but gives no clues as to how to do it. This leads to an amazing story as Keriya tries to figure just who she can trust, and what she should do. She is helped by Fletcher, her best friend, and Roxanne, someone who got dragged into it by accident. It was great to see these relationships change and alter as the story went on.
There are romantic elements to this story, but it definitely takes second place behind the main part of the story. Plus, she's FOURTEEN!!! This was an amazing story that I devoured, and I can't wait to read more. Absolutely 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!
ClareR (5890 KP) rated Two Women in Rome in Books
Jun 15, 2021
Two Women in Rome is a truly captivating story set in two time periods. In the present day, Lottie is an archivist working in Rome who comes across a painting once owned by an English woman called Nina who died in the late 1970’s. The painting appears to be valuable, painted in the fifteenth century.
Lottie also finds Nina’s journal in her personal effects, and the more of it she reads, the more she wants to find out about her life.
I loved the details about Rome in both timelines - I’ve visited Rome and loved it. The strong female characters were also a big plus point for me. Lottie is a head archivist, she really knows what she’s doing and is confident in her abilities. Nina is also an assertive woman - she is often in new situations that many would find themselves floundering in (Ok, that sounds really vague, but I don’t want to give anything away!)
This is a book about secrets: about keeping them, and what happens when they are revealed - both good and bad. This isn’t a book that goes fast and hard in its revelations. Quite opposite in fact, and probably why I liked it so much. I love a well told story, and I really felt that I knew the women in this because of that feeling of not being rushed through the story.
There’s a fair amount of Italian politics in this, some of which I had never known about, so that was another plus point. I hadn’t realised that Italy had had quite such a tumultuous political life for so long after World War Two. The novel has a great mix of themes, actually: secrets, history, politics, life in Rome, betrayal, guilt. I think I’m becoming a bit of an Elizabeth Buchan fan because I really enjoyed her last book The Museum of Broken Promises, as well. Both books are set in Europe, with the aftereffects of great political upheavals, ostensibly going back to World War Two. This book is well worth reading - I’d definitely recommend it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and NetGalley for my copy of this book.
Lottie also finds Nina’s journal in her personal effects, and the more of it she reads, the more she wants to find out about her life.
I loved the details about Rome in both timelines - I’ve visited Rome and loved it. The strong female characters were also a big plus point for me. Lottie is a head archivist, she really knows what she’s doing and is confident in her abilities. Nina is also an assertive woman - she is often in new situations that many would find themselves floundering in (Ok, that sounds really vague, but I don’t want to give anything away!)
This is a book about secrets: about keeping them, and what happens when they are revealed - both good and bad. This isn’t a book that goes fast and hard in its revelations. Quite opposite in fact, and probably why I liked it so much. I love a well told story, and I really felt that I knew the women in this because of that feeling of not being rushed through the story.
There’s a fair amount of Italian politics in this, some of which I had never known about, so that was another plus point. I hadn’t realised that Italy had had quite such a tumultuous political life for so long after World War Two. The novel has a great mix of themes, actually: secrets, history, politics, life in Rome, betrayal, guilt. I think I’m becoming a bit of an Elizabeth Buchan fan because I really enjoyed her last book The Museum of Broken Promises, as well. Both books are set in Europe, with the aftereffects of great political upheavals, ostensibly going back to World War Two. This book is well worth reading - I’d definitely recommend it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and NetGalley for my copy of this book.