David McK (3663 KP) rated Lord of War (Warrior #5) in Books
Jun 3, 2023
Anyway, this actually breaks with the previous entries in that it did *not* start in Rome with the sub-plot of Caratacus recounting his experiences to a historian and hence possible bringing that historian some unwelcome attention, but instead picks up from where the last entry left off.
The main thrust of this particular story is also about a battle between the two main tribes of the Atrabates and the Catuvellaunians for control of the settlement of Lhandain, with Caratacus discovering there is a traitor in their midst but with that traitor - as the story ends - not yet unmasked.
Possibly for another series before/alongside the Roman invasion depicted in the Cato and Macro novels?
In the Shadow of the Bull (An Ancient Crete Mystery #1)
8.0
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In a world of Goddess worship, sacred snakes and sacrifice, human jealousy, resentment and betrayal...
Historical Mystery Ancient Crete
A Scape Goat for Murder
5.0
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A gourmand goat. A mysterious woman. A phone call that will change Frankie's life. Frankie...
The Empire's Bladesmen: Forbidden Relics
Book
Captain Shao Lian, a battle-hardened veteran of the Ming Dynasty’s imperial army, had become a...
historical fiction historical fantasy
Star Wars X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble (Rogue Squadron #2)
6.0
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Sleek, swift, and deadly, they are the X-wing fighters. And as the battle against the Empire rages...
Conquist
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Capitán Cristóbal de Varga's drive for glory and gold in 1538 Peru leads him and his army of...
Historical Fantasy Magical Realism Incas Conquistadors
David McK (3663 KP) rated Rebellion (Eagles of the Empire #22) in Books
Apr 4, 2024
Which, like the French with Napoleon at Waterloo, if you knew nothing about British history you might be forgiven for thinking she won (she lost).
The majority of the novel is taken up with the impact the Rebellion had on the Romans in the south of England and (in particular) in London, with Macro and Cato still separated at the start of the novel and with the former in captivity amongst Boudicca's army following the fall of the veterans colony in the former novel, and facing quite gruesome execution.
I have to say, I was actually surprised how little of this novel was spent on the final pitched battle between the Romans and the Britons, with more of it spent on describing the sense of desperation and the breakdown of law and order (well, that's what the Romans would have said) as Boudicca's horde descends on London.
Sword Brethren (The Northern Crusader Chronicles)
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1242. After being wounded in the Battle on the Ice, Richard Fitz Simon becomes a prisoner of Prince...
Historical Action Adventure Medieval
The Regression Strain
Book
Nobody’s safe when the inner beast awakens... Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the...
Medical Crime Mystery Thriller
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Iron Man 3 (2013) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Stark throws himself into his work and endlessly creates new Iron Man suits as well as system upgrades which currently have him at the Mark 42 version which is a huge jump from the Mark VII he was last seen in which was itself a prototype.
When a terrorist named The Mandarin (Sir Ben Kingsley), has unleashed a series of bizarre bombings on the world and has opening challenged the President (William Sadler), Stark is caught up in his own fears, most notably protecting his beloved Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow).
When his friend Happy (John Farveau) is caught in an explosion, Stark openly challenges the Mandarin which results in a devastating helicopter upon Stark and Potts. With the world thinking he has died, Stark sets out to stop the Mandarin at all costs and find a way to battle his inner demons and fears to save the ones he loves and do what he knows is right.
The movie is big on laughs and character as we see a more well-rounded Stark this time out. He is haunted by demons of his past yet committed to improving himself and doing what is right. The film takes a bit of time to get up to speed, but thanks to Downey’s performance you maintain your interest as you are always waiting for what he will do next as he is in total command of the character and never lets the quirks or humor of his situation overshadow his humanity or undermine his performance.
I would have liked to have seen Downey is his armor more kicking butt and taking names, but thankfully the finale is very enjoyable. The converted 3D in the film is very good as although I am not a fan of 3D conversions this was the best I have seen to date as ash, snow, and debris did seem to float into the audience the way it does in films that are shot properly in the new 3D technology.
The supporting cast for the film is very strong especially Kingsley and Guy Pearce and I enjoyed the effort that Writer/Director Shane Black put into allowing the characters time to grow. I was a bit disappointed that Don Cheadle was not given a lot to do in his role especially when playing Iron Patriot/War Machine. The battle at the end of “Iron Man 2” where he and Iron Man took on legions of bad guys had me hoping for more this time out.
That being said, this is a very enjoyable summer movie that shows the franchise is not slowing down or taking the easy road out. There has been discussion that Downey Jr. may step away after the next Avengers film but hopefully that is not to be the case as I could not imagine another actor capturing the role as perfectly as he has.
Following a bonus post credits scene, we are told in the best James Bond style that Tony Stark will return, and you can bet legions of fans will be waiting.
http://sknr.net/2013/05/03/iron-man-3/