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Who needs heroes when you can play the bad guys? Take up a smart, strategic position and lie in wait...
The third instalment in the Faithful and the Fallen series continues the story laid out in Malice and Valour. Again, the story is split between numerous PoV characters, which at times is a little annoying (especially as some of them really are bit-part characters barely mentioned in the rest of the story and are only there to witness events). Whereas before the story followed perhaps three different adventures with little overlap, there is now a much wider scope to the overall plot with a number of different battles, sieges, journeys, confrontations all happening at the same time and the story generally chops and changes between these.
At times in all three books now I have felt that the same thing is being told numerous times, everyone loses their father and looks for revenge, numerous people are betrayed by their brother, two interchangeable young heirs to different thrones are on the run from those seeking to end their claim to that throne etc. And the number of times groups just happen to cross paths in what is supposed to be a massive, dense, unnavigable forest, often just at the right time, is frankly preposterous.
While some of the characters and some plot devices aren't great, the story telling and world building is brilliant. Once you remember who the character is and what they were doing last chapter (sometimes 100 pages ago!) it really is very gripping reading. Now that we (and they) know who the good guys and bad guys are, the balance in strength is constantly shifting as people change sides, massive warbands are wiped out in battle or castles taken/re-taken and groups flee through the forest. There is a lot of ground to cover in the last book of the series, but with all the main groups now zeroing in on the same area I expect this to be done to a satisfactory conclusion with the same pace as shown here.
At times in all three books now I have felt that the same thing is being told numerous times, everyone loses their father and looks for revenge, numerous people are betrayed by their brother, two interchangeable young heirs to different thrones are on the run from those seeking to end their claim to that throne etc. And the number of times groups just happen to cross paths in what is supposed to be a massive, dense, unnavigable forest, often just at the right time, is frankly preposterous.
While some of the characters and some plot devices aren't great, the story telling and world building is brilliant. Once you remember who the character is and what they were doing last chapter (sometimes 100 pages ago!) it really is very gripping reading. Now that we (and they) know who the good guys and bad guys are, the balance in strength is constantly shifting as people change sides, massive warbands are wiped out in battle or castles taken/re-taken and groups flee through the forest. There is a lot of ground to cover in the last book of the series, but with all the main groups now zeroing in on the same area I expect this to be done to a satisfactory conclusion with the same pace as shown here.
Merissa (12788 KP) rated Sassing Saul (Coletti Warlords #10) in Books
Jun 14, 2019
Sassing Saul (Coletti Warlords #10) by Gail Koger
Sassing Saul is the tenth book in the Coletti Warlords series, and whilst I don't think it completely necessary to have read all of the previous books, it would probably help.
This book is a quick and easy read with plenty of action. Not all aliens are good guys, and Annie is involved in fighting the bad guys as much as she can. With her psychic powers, she is very good at what she does, and gets herself a reputation as the Grim Reaper. Unfortunately, this allows her husband to track her down and try to sell her. She makes her escape and finds her way to a different town, where she gets a new job. This has the knock-on effect of bring her to General Saul Jones' attention.
Now, this is where it lost me. Saul and Annie spend most of the book apart, and he does insist on treating her like a defenseless female, when he knows first-hand just how capable she is. There was no attraction between them either before or after the mind-wipe (which I didn't like at all.) A lot of new (to me) characters are introduced to Annie in quick succession and she immediately has an amazing bond with all of them. This was okay, but it all happened so quickly I was unable to fully 'get to know' these new females before the action kicked off again. This is where reading the previous books would help!
All in all, it was a good read that kept my attention throughout. I have no hesitation in recommending it, but I would also go to the next step and say to start from the very beginning of the series, as I think this will only help with your enjoyment.
* 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 book is a quick and easy read with plenty of action. Not all aliens are good guys, and Annie is involved in fighting the bad guys as much as she can. With her psychic powers, she is very good at what she does, and gets herself a reputation as the Grim Reaper. Unfortunately, this allows her husband to track her down and try to sell her. She makes her escape and finds her way to a different town, where she gets a new job. This has the knock-on effect of bring her to General Saul Jones' attention.
Now, this is where it lost me. Saul and Annie spend most of the book apart, and he does insist on treating her like a defenseless female, when he knows first-hand just how capable she is. There was no attraction between them either before or after the mind-wipe (which I didn't like at all.) A lot of new (to me) characters are introduced to Annie in quick succession and she immediately has an amazing bond with all of them. This was okay, but it all happened so quickly I was unable to fully 'get to know' these new females before the action kicked off again. This is where reading the previous books would help!
All in all, it was a good read that kept my attention throughout. I have no hesitation in recommending it, but I would also go to the next step and say to start from the very beginning of the series, as I think this will only help with your enjoyment.
* 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!
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Piranha (Oregon Files #10) in Books
Nov 25, 2019
Let's be honest here some of the Cussler franchises are getting a little tired and in need of some fresh momentum. Who better to take up the baton of the secret spy ship Oregon than Boyd Morrison? His characterisation and love of technology and gadgets fits perfectly with plots that require several different protagonists in play (there are 4 main 'bad guys' alone in this book, not mention a ship full of the good guys) and high-tech confrontations.
Morrison does indeed tackle this book with gusto. This is mostly action from cover to cover with very little time to catch breath between and exposition being done on the move. There is certainly no feeling that the narrative is moving from set piece to set piece without much momentum or reason.
The main plot is also interesting - what if someone always knew what you were going to do, as if they had an omniscient eavesdropping device. How would you counter that? Add in a vengeful Venezuelan Navy captain and some particularly nasty henchmen and you have the basics for a real thrill ride.
I do like Morrison's work (if you have never read any of the Tyler Locke series I recommend that you do) and expected to like this book, but it exceeded my every expectation. Our heroes are assaulted on all sides - and notably often not under the protection of the Oregon - and the only way they win through is by simply being good at what they do - there are no escapes due to fortunate circumstances.
This is definitely one of the most impressive Cussler brand books for years, probably the best Oregon Files book there is. Although mention is made in passing of various previous exploits, reading the previous novels is not required to enjoy this book.
If you like fast paced adventure with plenty of thrills then you can't go far wrong reading this
Morrison does indeed tackle this book with gusto. This is mostly action from cover to cover with very little time to catch breath between and exposition being done on the move. There is certainly no feeling that the narrative is moving from set piece to set piece without much momentum or reason.
The main plot is also interesting - what if someone always knew what you were going to do, as if they had an omniscient eavesdropping device. How would you counter that? Add in a vengeful Venezuelan Navy captain and some particularly nasty henchmen and you have the basics for a real thrill ride.
I do like Morrison's work (if you have never read any of the Tyler Locke series I recommend that you do) and expected to like this book, but it exceeded my every expectation. Our heroes are assaulted on all sides - and notably often not under the protection of the Oregon - and the only way they win through is by simply being good at what they do - there are no escapes due to fortunate circumstances.
This is definitely one of the most impressive Cussler brand books for years, probably the best Oregon Files book there is. Although mention is made in passing of various previous exploits, reading the previous novels is not required to enjoy this book.
If you like fast paced adventure with plenty of thrills then you can't go far wrong reading this
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Transporter Refueled (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The suit, the car, and the keys have been handed over to Ed Skrein (Game of Thrones) as he takes over the role of Frank Martin, made popular by Jason Statham in the first three films of the Transporter franchise. In this iteration, Frank finds himself in the center of a storm of sex, money and violence. The formula is generally the same as the other films in that, Frank is tasked to perform a job that is more than what it seems to be.
In this film, he is hired by a group of prostitutes who are seeking vengeance on their bosses by robbing them of their fortunes. Transporter: Refueled is filled with great action sequences, dramatic car chases, and exciting fight scenes which would satisfy many fans of the franchise. Unfortunately, the story lacks any depth. There is a love story between Frank and one of the girls that seems heavily out of place, not for the franchise, but with the film itself.
Much of the interchange and exchanges between the characters seems forced and you find yourself not really caring about the “good guys” or have that much of a chance to hate the “bad guys.” At times, it seems as though it would be more of an extension of the Fast and the Furious films with the club scenes, scantily clad women, and its attempt to be younger and fresher.
There is much more of a focus on the stunts, some of which seem to bend the possibilities of physics, and the car chases which will have many people running to Audi dealerships after seeing this film. Transporter: Refueled has problems in establishing its identity in being a Transporter film. In an attempt to break away from its past, it creates an uncertain future and which is something that, for once, Frank Martin is on time for with this film.
In this film, he is hired by a group of prostitutes who are seeking vengeance on their bosses by robbing them of their fortunes. Transporter: Refueled is filled with great action sequences, dramatic car chases, and exciting fight scenes which would satisfy many fans of the franchise. Unfortunately, the story lacks any depth. There is a love story between Frank and one of the girls that seems heavily out of place, not for the franchise, but with the film itself.
Much of the interchange and exchanges between the characters seems forced and you find yourself not really caring about the “good guys” or have that much of a chance to hate the “bad guys.” At times, it seems as though it would be more of an extension of the Fast and the Furious films with the club scenes, scantily clad women, and its attempt to be younger and fresher.
There is much more of a focus on the stunts, some of which seem to bend the possibilities of physics, and the car chases which will have many people running to Audi dealerships after seeing this film. Transporter: Refueled has problems in establishing its identity in being a Transporter film. In an attempt to break away from its past, it creates an uncertain future and which is something that, for once, Frank Martin is on time for with this film.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Season 1 in TV
May 28, 2019
A (mostly) enjoyable start to this MCU spin off show
Contains spoilers, click to show
Clark Gregg's Phil Coulson was a fan favourite in the MCU before his untimely demise in Avengers, so it's a pleasure to see him back, heading a SHIELD based spin off show.
The first season, for the first half at least, is pretty average, every week, Coulson and his team come across some kind of comic book threat, and swiftly put an end to said threat, rinse and repeat.
It's when the events of Winter Soldier happen when things really go up a gear.
As soon as the HYDRA plot point from the second Captain America film is put into action, the show turns into a thrilling drama, full of plot turns, good guys turned bad, and pretty solid action for the most part.
The main cast are all extremely likable and in turn, it's easy to become invested in what they do.
Add in some comic book characters here and there (Dethlok was a highlight here) and a cheeky cameo from Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, and you end up with a debut series that is pretty entertaining, even if it does take a while for it to find it's footing.
The first season, for the first half at least, is pretty average, every week, Coulson and his team come across some kind of comic book threat, and swiftly put an end to said threat, rinse and repeat.
It's when the events of Winter Soldier happen when things really go up a gear.
As soon as the HYDRA plot point from the second Captain America film is put into action, the show turns into a thrilling drama, full of plot turns, good guys turned bad, and pretty solid action for the most part.
The main cast are all extremely likable and in turn, it's easy to become invested in what they do.
Add in some comic book characters here and there (Dethlok was a highlight here) and a cheeky cameo from Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, and you end up with a debut series that is pretty entertaining, even if it does take a while for it to find it's footing.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Assassin's Creed (2016) in Movies
Jun 9, 2019 (Updated Jan 18, 2020)
What. On. Earth.
Another (IMO) failed attempt to bring a video game - in this case, Ubisofts long-running Assassin's Creeds series - to the big screen.
For those not in the know (anyone?), those games sees the player taking the part of a character reliving the memories of one of their ancestors through a device known as the animus, with a whole alt-past mysticism behind it all, and with a centuries-long war between the Templars (the bad guys, in all bit one game) and the Assassin's bubbling along in the background.
And, right there's, is why I think most of these video-game-to-movies adaptations fail: in the game, you're (as the player) are an active participant whereas in the movie theatre you're passive.
It probably also doesn't help that the film seems largely based on one of the more universally-disliked portions of the source material (i.e. the present day parts, which have more or less been completely dropped in the games that came out after this film) rather than the more-interesting past! On the plus side, however, at least they went for a new period of history to visit instead of something already covered by the games.
Another (IMO) failed attempt to bring a video game - in this case, Ubisofts long-running Assassin's Creeds series - to the big screen.
For those not in the know (anyone?), those games sees the player taking the part of a character reliving the memories of one of their ancestors through a device known as the animus, with a whole alt-past mysticism behind it all, and with a centuries-long war between the Templars (the bad guys, in all bit one game) and the Assassin's bubbling along in the background.
And, right there's, is why I think most of these video-game-to-movies adaptations fail: in the game, you're (as the player) are an active participant whereas in the movie theatre you're passive.
It probably also doesn't help that the film seems largely based on one of the more universally-disliked portions of the source material (i.e. the present day parts, which have more or less been completely dropped in the games that came out after this film) rather than the more-interesting past! On the plus side, however, at least they went for a new period of history to visit instead of something already covered by the games.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla 1985 (1985) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019 (Updated Jun 15, 2019)
A textbook example of how to take a fairly unimpressive film and make it much worse through cack-handed re-editing and intrusive inserted scenes. Godzilla reappears, somehow (the film ignores the events of all the previous sequels); a subplot about Cold War tensions only making the crisis more serious is significantly de-emphasised in favour of making the Russians into bad guys. The Pentagon (filled with Dr Pepper vending machines) call in Godzilla expert Steve Martin (not that one); he is never referred to by his first name, for obvious reasons. He and the senior Pentagon staff proceed to do exactly nothing but discuss events taking place in Tokyo.
The original movie was a laudable attempt to take Godzilla back to basics, let down by a sluggish plot, weak climax, and underwhelming monster (Godzilla appears to have had one martini too many and seems a bit unsteady on his feet). This one has all those problems too, which are only compounded by the way that all the film's interesting ideas kind of get lost in the re-edit. There are still a few decent sequences of Godzilla fighting the JSDF, including a sci-fi flying tank, but this is hard going for the most part.
The original movie was a laudable attempt to take Godzilla back to basics, let down by a sluggish plot, weak climax, and underwhelming monster (Godzilla appears to have had one martini too many and seems a bit unsteady on his feet). This one has all those problems too, which are only compounded by the way that all the film's interesting ideas kind of get lost in the re-edit. There are still a few decent sequences of Godzilla fighting the JSDF, including a sci-fi flying tank, but this is hard going for the most part.
Steph (468 KP) rated Eldritch Horror in Tabletop Games
Jul 10, 2018
One of my all-time favorites!
Eldritch Horror is a difficult, horror-themed, co-operative board game. You and your fellow teammates play as characters with different abilities and, together, you are trying to stop an elder monster from awakening and destroying the world. If you'd played Arkham Horror, Eldritch is a streamlined version of it. There are TONS of expansions (I have all of them) that really add to the game through different characters, mechanics, bad guys, etc.
I wouldn't say this game was friendly to people who don't usually play board games because of all of the different rules and elements, though because of it's co-operative nature, it's not too hard to teach to people who do usually play board games.
This game has GREAT re-playability. It scales fairly well for different numbers of players, but does not play as well with odd numbers (the difficulty is the same as the even number one higher, but you have fewer turns). Because it's co-operative, you can have some players control more than one character. This is what we usually do if we play with odd numbers. It's challenging to do this, though, if everyone is new to the game.
I wouldn't say this game was friendly to people who don't usually play board games because of all of the different rules and elements, though because of it's co-operative nature, it's not too hard to teach to people who do usually play board games.
This game has GREAT re-playability. It scales fairly well for different numbers of players, but does not play as well with odd numbers (the difficulty is the same as the even number one higher, but you have fewer turns). Because it's co-operative, you can have some players control more than one character. This is what we usually do if we play with odd numbers. It's challenging to do this, though, if everyone is new to the game.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated Lost Luggage in Books
Aug 28, 2018
Cyd’s Dream Vacation Turns Into a Nightmare
Despite working as a travel agent, Cyd Redondo has barely traveled herself. That’s why she is so excited to finally win a promotional trip that sends her to Africa. And if she can check in with some of her clients while she is there, so much the better. At least, that’s what she thinks until she lands and discovers that one couple has been arrest. And there seems to be a rash of lost luggage. What is really going on?
The book took a little bit of time with set up before the story really took off, but once it did, it was a fantastic trip. There were so many twists, I had a hard time putting it down. Cyd is a remarkable, resourceful main character, and it was easy to root for her to overcome the many obstacles in her path. There is plenty of humor to keep things going, as well. There is enough language, sex, and violence (especially against animals done by the bad guys in a couple of scenes) to keep this from being one of the cozies I normally read, but if you know that going in, you’ll be just fine.
The book took a little bit of time with set up before the story really took off, but once it did, it was a fantastic trip. There were so many twists, I had a hard time putting it down. Cyd is a remarkable, resourceful main character, and it was easy to root for her to overcome the many obstacles in her path. There is plenty of humor to keep things going, as well. There is enough language, sex, and violence (especially against animals done by the bad guys in a couple of scenes) to keep this from being one of the cozies I normally read, but if you know that going in, you’ll be just fine.