Search

Search only in certain items:

Rise of the Superheroes (2018)
Rise of the Superheroes (2018)
2018 | Documentary, Fantasy
6
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Rise of the Superheroes is a "good enough" look into the history of comic book movies if you have a couple of hours to kill.

It covers a lot of ground from the 40s Batman serial series, all the way up to 2018s Black Panther, and has some notable comic book alumni amongst the interviewers, including the likes of Chris Claremont, Chuck Dixon, Scott Beauty, and Neal Adams.

The problem is however, a genre as big as comic book movies needs a big budget documentary to go with it. It would be nice to see some of the actors involved in the interviews, it would benefit from flashier graphics, it would benefit from a longer run time or even a series to properly explore the ever growing number of properties making the jump from page to screen.
The boom of comic movies from X-Men (2000) onwards is all crammed into the last 30 minutes as the feature rushes to wrap up, and as a result, Rise of the Superheroes doesn't feel that comprehensive, and offers nothing new to an audience who will likely already know what is talked about here.

It's an easy and casual watch if you have an interest in the subject, but nothing more.
  
TT
The Trip to Jerusalem
7
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
175 of 250
Book
Trip to Jerusalem ( Nicolas Bracewell book 3)
By Edward Marston

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

For Lord Westfield's Men, every high road leads to death. When the deathly horrors of the Black Plague decimate the audiences in London's theatres, the acclaimed troupe of players called Lord Westfield's Men take to the high road to seek out fresh audiences. But wherever they go, they are thwarted by misfortune, and are baffled by mysteries. Their scripts are stolen, their players abducted. A dead man walks, and a beautiful woman hears the voice of God. Only one man is clever enough to match swords with the troupe's burgeoning troubles. Upon Nicholas Bracewell, the company's bookholder and mainstay, falls the burden that may cost him his life - as they head for an ancient inn called the Trip to Jerusalem, where the last act of a bloody drama is about to begin.


Ok this is the 3rd book in the Nicolas Bracewell series and was not to bad. Another instalment of Nicolas saving the Westfield group while having a few stories in the background! I do like this series it’s fun read.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2190 KP) rated Intrigue in Istanbul in Books

Mar 29, 2023 (Updated Mar 29, 2023)  
Intrigue in Istanbul
Intrigue in Istanbul
Erica Ruth Neubauer | 2023 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Racing to Find Her Father
Jane Wunderly has returned home to Boston with her new fiancé, Redvers. However, when they come home, they discover that Professor Wunderly, Jane’s father, has left town, following a lead to an ancient artifact that he’s been hoping to find for years. Since something in Boston needs his immediate attention, they head to Istanbul only to find that he’s vanished. Not knowing if anyone they are meeting is friend or foe, they try to figure out where he is. Will they find him before it is too late?

It was wonderful to be back in 1926 with Jane and Redvers. Fans will be delighted to find that Aunt Millie is back as well. While there are some murders in the book, there is plenty of story to keep the reader entertained before they happen. I was hooked right away and always had a hard time putting the book down. The time period comes to life wonderfully as well. I enjoyed the new characters we met, and I liked watching Jane grow as a result of what she learned. If you are new to the series, you could jump in here. Whether new to the series or already a fan, you’ll find this book enjoyable.
  
Blood Flame (Flame #1)
Blood Flame (Flame #1)
Caris Roane | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
In the first of a new series, we enter the world of the alters - where those that have gone through a paranormal change have to live. Their lives are irrevocably changed in more ways than one. To go back to the human world, you need a passport!

Connor and Iris are both obsessed with each other but neither will act upon it as they are 'enemies'. Vampires and Witches are basically distrustful of each other and with good reason. This doesn't stop the feelings that they are both fighting though. Circumstances push them together when it becomes clear that they are both being played and their lives are at stake.

This is a fast-paced and action-packed book that will delight and titillate! I loved the relationship that grew between Connor and Iris, even with the darkness that enveloped them both. The levels of trust go up as they spend more time with each other and learn the secrets of their past.

An excellent start to a new series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 21, 2015
  
Dark Flame (Flame #3)
Dark Flame (Flame #3)
Caris Roane | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the third book in the Flame series and can be read as a standalone, but really, why would you? All of these books are simply amazing, with storylines that will wow you with their intricacy and detail.

Dark Flame is about Brann and Juliet. They met in 'real time' just once, but have been meeting up in Dreamglides since then. When they meet in real time again, Brann starts to remember things that he's sure never happened. Well, they did but in their Dreamglide.

Roche is an evil piece of work that even the Drug Cartels are miffed at. The Shifters hate him as too many of their females are taken and killed, so they are more than happy to assist Bran and Juliet when the time comes.

There is a little side story of Mary and Fergus that we have snippets of, and I really can't wait to learn more about them both.

Well-written and action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the Flames series. Highly recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 2, 2015
  
40x40

Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Books

Jan 19, 2021 (Updated Jul 13, 2022)  
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
J.K. Rowling | 2014 | Children, Fiction & Poetry
10
9.1 (271 Ratings)
Book Rating
I had forgotten just how much I loved reading the Harry Potter series until I picked this book up again.
Following Harry after losing his parents, finding out he is a wizard and then all of his antics at Hogwarts took me right back to my first time reading this as a child. Although very similar to the films, the book (as is the case most of the time) was so much better and had a few changes and scenes that weren’t in the film, which would have been amazing to see on screen.
Harry, Ron and Hermione are the lovable Golden Trio of my childhood. But I was amazed at just how long into the book Harry and Ron became friends with Hermione, I didn’t think it was that long! I loved the introduction to magic that we had and all of the different basic classes that young witches and wizards have to be taught before they can start practising magic. Hogwarts is such an amazing place and this fictional castle has always held a special place in my heart!
This has only strengthened my love of Harry Potter and I will be reading through the rest of the series in the next few weeks to see what else I have forgotten!!
  
Victoria & Violet (Royal Maids #1)
Victoria & Violet (Royal Maids #1)
Rachel Brimble | 2022 | Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
VICTORIA & VIOLET is the first book in the Royal Maids series and what a start this is! We see Victoria in her early years, a free-spirited and strong-willed young lady. We also meet Violet, a maid in the queen's service and firmly under the thumb of her social-climbing, manipulative, abusive mother. When Violet starts her service to Victoria though, she becomes her own person - through trials and errors.

This novel is perfectly paced and full of amazing characters, brought to life by Ms. Brimble's writing style. The story is genteel, full of hope and love, and yet simultaneously shows how hard life can be in certain situations and circumstances.

Each of the characters is interesting and intriguing in their own ways - whether you like them or not! I loved the epilogue giving us an insight into how their lives are turning out, and I can't wait to read more in this series.

An excellent start and highly recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* 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!
  
40x40

Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Aug 19, 2022  
Sneak a peek at the cozy mystery THE FLOWER ENIGMA by Breakfield and Burkey on my blog. If you like what you see, the eBook is only $0.99. Be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win an autographed copy of the book - two winners!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2022/08/book-blitz-and-giveaway-flower-enigma.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Imagine a romantic getaway in the Texas Hill Country

JJ, a cyber guru, whisks his girlfriend, Jo, away for a vacation. No paparazzi. Magnolia Bluff is the perfect destination. Flower B&B is prettier than the pictures on the website.

The evangelizing podcast creators are demanding answers about the town’s newest resident, Mateo Hernandez. The enormous wall he erected has convinced the ladies he’s hiding nefarious activities behind a dubious attorney. Local authorities don’t believe laws are broken and discount the women as meddling gossips.

When the couple checks in to Flower, the podcast show-in-progress is interrupted by a cyberattack. JJ, the techno-geek, can’t resist helping. At each subsequent event in the series, he uncovers more serious issues than cyberwarfare.

JJ and Jo can’t avoid this roving series maelstrom. It gets personal when they’re attacked and warned to leave town. No one can conceive the depth of the crimes behind Mateo’s walls.
     
The Undine's Tear (Rise of the Grigori #1)
The Undine's Tear (Rise of the Grigori #1)
Talena Winters | 2019 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Calandra is a powerful merfolk healer who is related to royalty, she just doesn't know how powerful she is. Zale is an attraction at a travelling show what could the two possibly have in common?


This is the first book in the rise of the Grigori series and oh my goodness what a book. I was completely captivated by it from the first page! I found myself struggling at one stage not because it's been badly written it hasn't, but I felt like I was missing out on bits of information and it was only because I was that taken with everything going on in the story I was speed reading to find out what was happening next. I was so gripped by the book that I ended up burning my dinner at one stage. There is so much love and tenderness in this tale it's warming to have it happen between 2 of the characters.


The plot is not on I would expect but I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be reading the next one in the series. I need to know what happens and how everything is going to be resolved.


Kudos to Talena. Please read I think you will enjoy the adventure