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Sword of Secrets (Heroes of Asgard #1)
10.0
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Gavyn’s no hero. In fact, after a group of psychos claiming to be Sumerian gods resurface in a...
David McK (3248 KP) rated Thor (2011) in Movies
Sep 12, 2021
One of the earliest movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), - I think it's the 4th - way back in Phase 1, with what was seemingly an odd choice of director in our very own (I'm from Northern Ireland, as he is) Kenneth Branagh.
However, you can soon see why he was chosen, with this film - in particular - having a very Shakespearian feel to it, what with the whole plot of two brothers to the throne (as an aside, also the first film to leave Earth for large portions) and the whole familial drama going on ...
I also remember, prior to this, that my whole recollection of the character came from the old 70s/80s 'The Incredible Hulk' tv show and mini movies, where Thor was more-or-less somewhat similar to Jekyll and Hyde, in that he shared a body with the lead character ('who-so-ever be so worthy') of the crippled doctor Donald Blake - a name dropped in this movie as an Easter egg, as Jane Foster's ex boyfriend, and - temporarily - borrowed by this version of Thor.
Unlike many of the later MCU movies, this has a surprisingly small finale, and the scene with Thor breaking into the SHIELD camp in his attempt to recover Mjolnir is still the best bit of the whole thing.
However, you can soon see why he was chosen, with this film - in particular - having a very Shakespearian feel to it, what with the whole plot of two brothers to the throne (as an aside, also the first film to leave Earth for large portions) and the whole familial drama going on ...
I also remember, prior to this, that my whole recollection of the character came from the old 70s/80s 'The Incredible Hulk' tv show and mini movies, where Thor was more-or-less somewhat similar to Jekyll and Hyde, in that he shared a body with the lead character ('who-so-ever be so worthy') of the crippled doctor Donald Blake - a name dropped in this movie as an Easter egg, as Jane Foster's ex boyfriend, and - temporarily - borrowed by this version of Thor.
Unlike many of the later MCU movies, this has a surprisingly small finale, and the scene with Thor breaking into the SHIELD camp in his attempt to recover Mjolnir is still the best bit of the whole thing.
Paper Palace
Book
A magnificent literary debut about the myriad loves that make up a life. Before anyone else is...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Daughter of Auschwitz in Books
Oct 1, 2022
“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” ELIE WIESEL
This is an extremely hard book to read but one I feel necessary so the past is not forgotten.
Tova was born just prior to the start of World War II; her earliest memories being of living in the ghetto her family and parents were sent to by the Nazi's. From the ghetto, she and her parents are sent to a labour camp; Tova is 5 years old. At the age of 6, Tova and her mum are separated from her dad for the first time as they are placed in different cattle cars and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Tova describes her experiences from the eyes of an innocent child trying to make sense of the horrors she hears and witnesses every day. How someone, let alone a child, can survive what went on in that hell and come out the other side and live even close to a 'normal' life is beyond me. It is testament to the strength of her mother and the lessons she taught Tova that she survived and became the woman she did.
Many thanks to Quercus Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this powerful, heart-breaking but uplifting book. This should be required reading for all school children and adults alike.
This is an extremely hard book to read but one I feel necessary so the past is not forgotten.
Tova was born just prior to the start of World War II; her earliest memories being of living in the ghetto her family and parents were sent to by the Nazi's. From the ghetto, she and her parents are sent to a labour camp; Tova is 5 years old. At the age of 6, Tova and her mum are separated from her dad for the first time as they are placed in different cattle cars and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Tova describes her experiences from the eyes of an innocent child trying to make sense of the horrors she hears and witnesses every day. How someone, let alone a child, can survive what went on in that hell and come out the other side and live even close to a 'normal' life is beyond me. It is testament to the strength of her mother and the lessons she taught Tova that she survived and became the woman she did.
Many thanks to Quercus Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this powerful, heart-breaking but uplifting book. This should be required reading for all school children and adults alike.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Alpha's Moon (Dirigo Pack #1) in Books
Jun 23, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
ALPHA'S MOON is the first book in the Dirigo Pack series and what a start!!!
Sheridan is a hybrid - wolf father and witch mother, accepted by neither 'camp'. After her parents die, she is left alone in the world but survives. She doesn't trust easily, especially if they are in one of the two camps mentioned above. So what is she to do when her friend's brother says they are mates?
I loved this book! Although the instant mate connection was there, Kane and Sheridan worked their way through it, allowing their relationship to grow. I adored how Kane was determined to give Sheridan the space she needed, even going against his parents and the Pack to do so. It's easy to fall back on old habits, but Sheridan and Kane learn from them and move forward.
There's a bit of something for everyone here, with betrayal, mystery, and political machinations. I thought the whole story was bound together brilliantly, and I would LOVE to see more of Isaac.
An amazing start to the series and I can't wait for more. Absolutely 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!
Jun 23, 2021
Sheridan is a hybrid - wolf father and witch mother, accepted by neither 'camp'. After her parents die, she is left alone in the world but survives. She doesn't trust easily, especially if they are in one of the two camps mentioned above. So what is she to do when her friend's brother says they are mates?
I loved this book! Although the instant mate connection was there, Kane and Sheridan worked their way through it, allowing their relationship to grow. I adored how Kane was determined to give Sheridan the space she needed, even going against his parents and the Pack to do so. It's easy to fall back on old habits, but Sheridan and Kane learn from them and move forward.
There's a bit of something for everyone here, with betrayal, mystery, and political machinations. I thought the whole story was bound together brilliantly, and I would LOVE to see more of Isaac.
An amazing start to the series and I can't wait for more. Absolutely 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!
Jun 23, 2021
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated A Heart's Danger (A Journey of the Heart, #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
A Heart's Danger by Colleen Coble Things get even more strange as the story continues. Ben and Jessica both want Sarah away from Rand for their own reason. Ben has a little bit of a different plan for his himself. There seems to be something going on and Sarah hear a part of the plan that Ben is talking with Jessica. She could not figure out what they are talking about. Ben wants to get back at Sarah for what she did to save a friend. He got a plan to get rid of Rand for good. Jessica finds Sarah and invites her and Amelia with her and her mother to a picnic. Sarah feels like something is up with Jessica but needs to get out of camp for a bit. There a stage while Rand is out for a few days to get wood for the fort. What do the Indians want with him? Rands see an Indian that looks like his younger brother and he does not shoot. What do they want with Sarah when they got her. Will they save Sarah and Rand or what will they do with them? A Heart's Danger is quite an adventure and Colleen put it together quite well. Will Rand and Sarah see that their love is still strong? Will Rand goes on with his wedding with Jessica? Will Ben and Jessica's plan work?
Mike Wilder (20 KP) rated The Thing (1982) in Movies
May 30, 2018
A true classic.
Contains spoilers, click to show
This is probably one of the best horror films ever made. A true classic.
The film is filled with great moments and incredible effects. Undoubtedly some of the best pre CGI effects ever filmed. The tension the film creates is perfect. The characters are believable and acted well. The story line starts off confusing as a helicopter with a passenger is seen shooting at a dog as it runs away. The dog runs into the camp and is rescued by a group of American scientists. The scientists head over to a nearby Norwegian research station where they discover that it has been abandoned and there are signs of death and destruction throughout. From there the story quickly progresses to one of terror as the scientists are killed off by a mysterious creature that can imitate them.
For those of a squeamish nature beware, the mutations in this film are expertly done giving a real feel of authenticity. It is a very bloody film with many violent deaths. But this is a horror film after all and you really get your money's worth here. It doesn't go too over the top like many creature films do. The direction of John Carpenter draws us in and along with it the terror felt by the characters.
In 2011, a prequel to this film was released showing what happened to the Norwegian team.
The film is filled with great moments and incredible effects. Undoubtedly some of the best pre CGI effects ever filmed. The tension the film creates is perfect. The characters are believable and acted well. The story line starts off confusing as a helicopter with a passenger is seen shooting at a dog as it runs away. The dog runs into the camp and is rescued by a group of American scientists. The scientists head over to a nearby Norwegian research station where they discover that it has been abandoned and there are signs of death and destruction throughout. From there the story quickly progresses to one of terror as the scientists are killed off by a mysterious creature that can imitate them.
For those of a squeamish nature beware, the mutations in this film are expertly done giving a real feel of authenticity. It is a very bloody film with many violent deaths. But this is a horror film after all and you really get your money's worth here. It doesn't go too over the top like many creature films do. The direction of John Carpenter draws us in and along with it the terror felt by the characters.
In 2011, a prequel to this film was released showing what happened to the Norwegian team.
Necole (36 KP) rated The Last Time I Lied in Books
Oct 12, 2018
Two Truths and I Lie is a theme throughout this book and I will never play or look at the game in the same way ever again!!!
Have you ever played two truths and a lie?
Emma has. Her first summer away from home, she learned how to play the game. And she learned how to lie. And she learned from the best and biggest B**** of them all Vivian. But Vivian was a true friend, wasn't she?
Then her 3 new friends and bunk mates went into the woods and never returned . . . Was Emma behind their disappearances or is their something more sinister behind it all?
Emma is an artist now and can't help painting the same subjects over and over in different hidden ways but they all have something in common! Intrigued on what Emma paints, then pick up the book and read!!!
Now, years later, Emma has been asked to go back to the newly re-opened Camp Nightingale and you won't ever guess by who. She thinks she’s laying old ghosts to rest but really she’s returning to the scene of a crime. What happens in the second part of the book will shock you and take you for yet another thrilling ride.
Because what is true and what is a lie????
A fun twisting, turning thrill ride that will keep you guessing all the way til the end ...
Have you ever played two truths and a lie?
Emma has. Her first summer away from home, she learned how to play the game. And she learned how to lie. And she learned from the best and biggest B**** of them all Vivian. But Vivian was a true friend, wasn't she?
Then her 3 new friends and bunk mates went into the woods and never returned . . . Was Emma behind their disappearances or is their something more sinister behind it all?
Emma is an artist now and can't help painting the same subjects over and over in different hidden ways but they all have something in common! Intrigued on what Emma paints, then pick up the book and read!!!
Now, years later, Emma has been asked to go back to the newly re-opened Camp Nightingale and you won't ever guess by who. She thinks she’s laying old ghosts to rest but really she’s returning to the scene of a crime. What happens in the second part of the book will shock you and take you for yet another thrilling ride.
Because what is true and what is a lie????
A fun twisting, turning thrill ride that will keep you guessing all the way til the end ...
JT (287 KP) rated The Dinosaur Project (2012) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
More found footage, this time of the prehistoric persuasion, there really is nothing new here and nothing to get excited about in all honesty. The opening sees a boat pick up a backpack floating in the river which in contains tapes showcasing the efforts of a group of explorers who get a little more than they bargained for when they head into the Congo jungle.
Luke Marchant desperate to please and win over his intrepid father sneaks on board the plane taking the group to the jungle, once there they are guided to where it is believed dinosaurs once roamed. The footage is all shot from the POV of the film crew while Luke sets up mobile cameras in and around the camp site, even managing to attach one to a baby dinosaur giving us quite a unique view point.
The film moves through the gears, but at the end of the day it’s no Jurassic Park. There are some nice scenes and the CGI is pretty good, but that is as far as it goes. The cast of relative unknowns don’t do enough to make the film anywhere near as tense as it probably should be, and we’re better off waiting till a dinosaur appears on screen to get any real enjoyment out of it.
It certainly won’t be the worst film you’ll ever see, but you won’t miss anything should you choose to avoid it.
Luke Marchant desperate to please and win over his intrepid father sneaks on board the plane taking the group to the jungle, once there they are guided to where it is believed dinosaurs once roamed. The footage is all shot from the POV of the film crew while Luke sets up mobile cameras in and around the camp site, even managing to attach one to a baby dinosaur giving us quite a unique view point.
The film moves through the gears, but at the end of the day it’s no Jurassic Park. There are some nice scenes and the CGI is pretty good, but that is as far as it goes. The cast of relative unknowns don’t do enough to make the film anywhere near as tense as it probably should be, and we’re better off waiting till a dinosaur appears on screen to get any real enjoyment out of it.
It certainly won’t be the worst film you’ll ever see, but you won’t miss anything should you choose to avoid it.