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I immediately fell in love with this novel from the very beginning. I couldn't explain why, it just had my attention from the start. It helped that is a Malory novel, which is among my favorite series so far. Maybe I loved this novel so much because it involved the Malorys without them being the main couple.

First, I found the characters fascinating. They had me laughing, blushing, and rooting for them at every turn. I had no idea who Richard was, a little silly of me since Lindsey didn't exactly hide, so that made the plot that much more interesting when it was revealed who he was. I have a huge soft spot for romances about childhood friends ending up in love, so it's no surprise as to why I fell in love with t his book quickly.

I also enjoyed watching the protagonists' relationship grow. It was so frustrating to watch all the bitterness from the past get in the way especially since they were attracted to each other before they knew who the other was. The ending left me so pleased that I immediately wanted to reread it. I would have to if I didn't have so many other novels to read.
  
GM
Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm fairly sure that I missed a Kate Daniels book, because I don't recall some of the events referred to in this book. That annoys me, and I'll have to go back and read whatever the last one was out of order now. It'll be worth it, though, because Ilona Andrews' writing is always fun. Gunmetal Magic is no exception.

This is the first novel to focus on Andrea Nash, Kate Daniels' best friend. Exposed as a shapeshifter, she's been kicked out of the Order. She had just chosen to obey orders from a superior officer instead of fighting with the Pack, which led to a breakup with her lover Raphael. Now she has to rebuild her life from a shattered ruin.

Andrea is a fascinating character, abused repeatedly in her terrible childhood and raised to be ashamed of and hide her shapeshifting nature. Her relationship with Raphael is informed by their bouda nature, but her human side isn't left out by any means.

I particularly enjoy the part that Atlanta plays in Andrews' books, but as a near-native Atlanta I'm bound to be biased in that respect.

This volume and the bonus novella "Magic Gifts" are definitely worthwhile reading for any fan of the Kate Daniels series.
  
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Kite Runner in Books

Jun 19, 2018  
The Kite Runner
The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.5 (40 Ratings)
Book Rating
Moving and beautifully written
I can safely say that this is hands down the best book I’ve read so far this year. This book has been on my ‘to read’ list now for years, and I’ve never been moved to read it until now, mainly because I wasn’t sure it’d be my kind of story.... how wrong could I be.

This is possibly the most moving and beautifully written book I’ve read in a long time. The narration by the protagonist Amir is brilliantly done and it hooks you in from the very start. I was never bored for a second, whether reading about his childhood in Afghanistan or his later life in America and beyond. This is a heartwarming tale in parts, but for the most it is very sad and depressing and is a very good portrayal of war torn Afghanistan. I’ve never felt so moved to tears as I have when reading this book.The story itself too is not in the slightest bit predictable and to say I was surprised at the developments over the course of the book would be an understatement.

An amazing read and one that is sure to stick with me for some time.
  
Loot Time Podcast
Loot Time Podcast
Games & Hobbies, TV & Film
6
7.9 (17 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
Great content, discussion of things most people don't discuss, brings back memories (0 more)
Hosts don't mesh too well yet, almost a one-sided conversation - just wish more interaction and back and forth conversation. (0 more)
Love the content - An 80s kids dream conversation!
So, I really enjoyed most of this - the content is awesome and the discussion is really thoughtful and thorough and different from most podcasts of this genre. I loved how it would bring up things from my childhood in the 80s. How things scared me (Ghostbusters 1 vs 2 - definitely 1 OMG!) And I love that they talk about not all the mainstream stuff - hell Bill & Ted!! I really like listening to Steven - he's solid, talks really well and is easy to follow. Kevin needs to jump in more with conversation... he does a lot of agreeing and sound effects (Yea. Right? HaHa!) it's a bit distracting (and kinda loud) and doesn't add much to the conversation (the Colossal ep specifically). Steven really does well running the conversations and his voice is pretty smooth and mellow which is why I think maybe it's just as simple as Kevin turning his mic down a bit?! I'm sure you guys will find your groove - and I look forward to seeing it happen!
  
The Mummy Returns (2001)
The Mummy Returns (2001)
2001 | Action, Horror, Mystery
7
7.0 (26 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Brendan Fraser (6 more)
Rachel Weiss
John Hannah
Oded Fehr
Arnold Vosloo
Continuity of cast
Not as good as the first one, but still better than the next....
Introduction of concepts and elements that weren't present in the first - reincarnation, Rick's tattoo and it's significance, etc (1 more)
The Scorpion King's introduction looks like a PS2 cutscene.
A solid sequel
This is a solid sequel, even if it falls short of the mark set by it's predecessor. The entire (surviving) cast returns, which I appreciate in a franchise, and the story mostly delivers. There are a few frustrating elements, such as all of a sudden adding concepts such as reincarnation (especially given that the concurring reveal would have been relevant to the story of the first film) or Rick's tattoo that he's had since his childhood, except that he didn't have it in the first movie. Where this film really falls short, though, is a couple bad animation moments. Mostly the film is a lot like the first in terms of effects - decent animation for 2002, if occasionally dated, but a couple of sequences are jarringly bad, especially the Rock's entrance as the Scorpion King. Is it enough to keep me from watching? No. But I still cringe at that point every time.
  
Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011)
Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011)
2011 | Biography, Documentary
Bob makes everyone happy!
I found this documentary on the Bob Ross phenomenon on Amazon Prime and it is worth checking out.

It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.

The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.

One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.

What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.

  
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Andy K (10823 KP) Jul 10, 2019

Sure no prob!

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ClareR (5891 KP) Jul 10, 2019

My eldest son is constantly drawing and painting, and found videos of Bob Ross on YouTube. I put the blame squarely at the door of Bob Ross for the state of my sons clothes and bedroom furniture - covered in oil paints!!! Kept him quiet and out of trouble for a while though I suppose 🤷🏼‍♀️😂 If I'm feeling brave during the school summer holidays, I’ll point him towards this if he’s at a loose end!! Oh, and I’ve ‘hidden’ the oil paints 🤫

Stranger Things  - Season 2
Stranger Things - Season 2
2017 | Sci-Fi
Another great series
I binge watched this entire series in one day, and it really was rather entertaining. The first episodes start off rather slowly, but this at least gives a chance to catch up with the returning characters and introduce some new faces. It soon picks up though, and is packed full on intrigue, humour, some rather dark moments and of course a pretty awesome soundtrack. The CGI has improved a fair bit since the last series and it was such an enjoyable series to watch. My favourite parts so far were anything involving Hopper. David Harbour is just fantastic and Hopper’s character has developed well this series, especially his relationship with Eleven. Her story and development too was good to see.

Of course it isn’t perfect. I found parts of the storyline ridiculously predictable, even if they were alright to watch (like Eleven’s storyline). I liked most of the new characters but I found Bob a little too much and sickly sweet (sorry!). And the whole childhood romance thing was a little too over the top and cringey and a bit much.

But still overall one of the best series Netflix has to offer and I’m just looking forward to catching up on series 3 now!
  
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Lee (2222 KP) Aug 5, 2019

I only watched season 2 a couple of weeks ago, before moving onto season 3. Like you, I binged it, and absolutely loved it. I'm in the minority (as usual), but I didn't think season 3 was as good as 2. Nearly there, but not quite. Interested to find out what you thought though, once you've seen it.

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Sarah (7800 KP) Aug 5, 2019

@Lee season 3 is this weekend's watch, so I'll let you know!

Eddie The Eagle (2016)
Eddie The Eagle (2016)
2016 | Comedy
8
7.6 (11 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Based on a true story, this film tells the story of Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards’s journey from childhood as he chases his dream of someday representing his home country of Britain in the Olympics. When Eddie’s dreams seemly are coming to an end he looks to defy his naysayers by becoming the first Olympic Ski Jumper to represent Britain in the modern Olympic era.

Taron Egerton (Kingsman: Secret Service) does a marvelous job playing Eddie. He portrays the good natured soul of this un-athletic and socially awkward yet endearing hero. As a result, he not only wins the hearts of the people around him, but of audiences as well. Coupled with the hard charismatic and athletic contrast of Hugh Jackman, who plays an ex-ski jump champion Bronson Peary, the two shine together in their contrast but find an unexpected friendship that provides opportunity for one and redemption for the other.

Through the course of the film, it is hard to not be inspired by someone who is whole-heartedly chancing his dream. As such, I would best described Eddie The Eagle as the “feel good movie of the year.” A clichéd and premature description this early in 2016, but appropriate nonetheless. Take the family to this delightful film.
  
    The Beginner's Bible

    The Beginner's Bible

    Book and Games

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    The bestselling Bible storybook of all time with over 6 million copies sold is now available in an...