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Lee (2222 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Apr 29, 2019
For me, this was just a perfect movie
After the intensity and shock of Infinity War, I was certainly expecting some kind of epic payback and a plan to try and correct or alter the devastating effects of the snap, but I had no idea how that would all play out and wrap things up for us. Marvel have perfected the art of producing trailers which either give very little away, or hint at something which then doesn't even play out the way you expected. Not only did the trailers for Endgame follow that trend, there were parts of the trailers that weren't even in the movie! The result is something which gave me everything I hoped for, and a lot more.
Endgame also manages to include pretty much every single MCU character to date, including characters who you would never even imagine seeing in this movie. And it expertly and effortlessly juggles every single one of them too, weaving multiple plot threads and themes, paying homage to and referencing much of its back catalogue of movies. It rewards an audience that has been invested in these movies all the way, and it does this all perfectly. These are characters that we've followed and loved for over 10 years, experiencing their highs and their lows right there with them. We've laughed with them, felt their pain and their suffering, felt empowered and inspired by them. Endgame is the closing chapter to what has been one hell of an incredible journey and was always going to provide us with heightened levels of all of those emotions. Once again, I certainly wasn't expecting it to do that quite as perfectly as it did, and in as many ways as it did too. For me, it was the perfect conclusion to an incredible saga, and it completely blew me away.
Endgame also manages to include pretty much every single MCU character to date, including characters who you would never even imagine seeing in this movie. And it expertly and effortlessly juggles every single one of them too, weaving multiple plot threads and themes, paying homage to and referencing much of its back catalogue of movies. It rewards an audience that has been invested in these movies all the way, and it does this all perfectly. These are characters that we've followed and loved for over 10 years, experiencing their highs and their lows right there with them. We've laughed with them, felt their pain and their suffering, felt empowered and inspired by them. Endgame is the closing chapter to what has been one hell of an incredible journey and was always going to provide us with heightened levels of all of those emotions. Once again, I certainly wasn't expecting it to do that quite as perfectly as it did, and in as many ways as it did too. For me, it was the perfect conclusion to an incredible saga, and it completely blew me away.
Ande Thomas (69 KP) rated Foundation in Books
May 30, 2019
I'll admit. I didn't get it the first time. I found it lacking in more ways than one. I wanted a universe full of history and activity, rich with politics and intrigue. What I got...was actually just that. It just took me a second read through to appreciate it. I think that more than anything, I want a series that values society more than the individual. I want an acknowledgement that a single character isn't necessarily more important than any other, because in the grand scheme of the universe, life is far too fleeting to be of importance. Foundation fits the mold.
No character in Foundation really elevates to the unrealistic heroics one might expect in a sci-fi epic, save for possibly Hari Seldon. And though he get's all the credit, he did have a team of psycho-historians behind him. Every era throughout has its hero, to be sure, but they all identify within the confines of Seldon's prophecies. They recognize the Seldon crises, and they act, but only because they see what must be done. It's probably my favorite thing about the book and also the most frustrating. If a single person can set in motion the solution to a Seldon crisis, then how could Seldon have accounted for the variables of a single, powerful king or advisor? I'm no psycho-historian, so presumably his models give room for one rogue actor to deviate, causing another to react in a way that would guide the trajectory back on target. Who knows. All I know is it's fun. It's fun and frustrating, and despite my initial reservations, I can't wait to continue the series. I was wrong. There, I said it.
No character in Foundation really elevates to the unrealistic heroics one might expect in a sci-fi epic, save for possibly Hari Seldon. And though he get's all the credit, he did have a team of psycho-historians behind him. Every era throughout has its hero, to be sure, but they all identify within the confines of Seldon's prophecies. They recognize the Seldon crises, and they act, but only because they see what must be done. It's probably my favorite thing about the book and also the most frustrating. If a single person can set in motion the solution to a Seldon crisis, then how could Seldon have accounted for the variables of a single, powerful king or advisor? I'm no psycho-historian, so presumably his models give room for one rogue actor to deviate, causing another to react in a way that would guide the trajectory back on target. Who knows. All I know is it's fun. It's fun and frustrating, and despite my initial reservations, I can't wait to continue the series. I was wrong. There, I said it.
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Jurassic Florida in Books
Jun 20, 2018
Chomp'n'stomp!
Did you know you needed to read about man-eating gigantic iguanas? I have to admit, I hadn’t really thought of them when I thought of creature features. However, when a fellow reviewer turned me on to Jurassic, Florida, and I saw the cover, I knew I had to read it. The fact that it was just under 125 pages? Pure bonus.
As I’ve come to expect, Hunter Shea delivers the chomp’n’stomp in epic fashion. Almost all of the residents of this tiny little town are going to die. You know that just from the cover. The only question is are they going to die via chomp…or stomp? Or people being idiots. Because people being idiots always kills a few people in these types of books and movies. This is a book to read only if you want to turn your brain off and indulge in ridiculousness. A low-budget creature feature on silent, as it were.
Now, there was some stuff that seemed to be added in here either for convenience or to up the silliness factor. I’m really not sure which one. Primarily the 18 year old mayor. That one was a bit of a head-scratcher.
My biggest gripe (only real one) about Jurassic, Florida is the ending. The ending felt rushed and anti-climactic. I kind of wonder if he was just tired of writing it and decided to end it as quickly as possible.
Overall, while it isn’t my favorite Hunter Shea book, I think Jurassic, Florida is just the type of silly read we all need to indulge in on occasion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.
As I’ve come to expect, Hunter Shea delivers the chomp’n’stomp in epic fashion. Almost all of the residents of this tiny little town are going to die. You know that just from the cover. The only question is are they going to die via chomp…or stomp? Or people being idiots. Because people being idiots always kills a few people in these types of books and movies. This is a book to read only if you want to turn your brain off and indulge in ridiculousness. A low-budget creature feature on silent, as it were.
Now, there was some stuff that seemed to be added in here either for convenience or to up the silliness factor. I’m really not sure which one. Primarily the 18 year old mayor. That one was a bit of a head-scratcher.
My biggest gripe (only real one) about Jurassic, Florida is the ending. The ending felt rushed and anti-climactic. I kind of wonder if he was just tired of writing it and decided to end it as quickly as possible.
Overall, while it isn’t my favorite Hunter Shea book, I think Jurassic, Florida is just the type of silly read we all need to indulge in on occasion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.
Isabel Smith (34 KP) rated Wicked River: a novel in Books
Jun 24, 2018
A true fight for survival...
My, oh my! What a breathtaking, multifaceted joyride of a novel! Containing elements of the horror, action, mystery, psychological suspense, adventure, coming-of-age, and even romance genres, Jenny Milchman’s latest novel Wicked River is a true genre-blending powerhouse.
The story is told from the point of view of three different individuals: the newlywed Natalie, her ambitious niece Mia, and a primitive outdoorsman named Kurt. Natalie and her husband, Doug, experience a honeymoon from hell when their exciting backcountry trek through the beautiful, vast Adirondack Park in New York morphs into a sinister fight for survival. When her aunt Natalie and new uncle Doug are gone longer than expected, Mia notices right away and suspects something is amiss. She’s young, but she’s got good instincts because her aunt and uncle are indeed in grave danger – they face the triple threat of being lost in the treacherous wilderness, running out of food and water, and being hunted by the madman named Kurt who lives amongst the woods. Blood is shed, allegiances are tested, and the body count is on the rise as multiple missing persons investigations and an epic search and rescue operation are launched.
There is a little something for everyone in Wicked River. I loved everything about it. Jenny Milchman has a knack for using the right metaphor at the right time to create such vivid imagery it feels as if the reader is alongside the characters in the picturesque yet hazardous Adirondack region. This is the first novel I’ve read by her, but she is now on my radar and I will have to catch up on her other works as well as keep a lookout for upcoming projects.
The story is told from the point of view of three different individuals: the newlywed Natalie, her ambitious niece Mia, and a primitive outdoorsman named Kurt. Natalie and her husband, Doug, experience a honeymoon from hell when their exciting backcountry trek through the beautiful, vast Adirondack Park in New York morphs into a sinister fight for survival. When her aunt Natalie and new uncle Doug are gone longer than expected, Mia notices right away and suspects something is amiss. She’s young, but she’s got good instincts because her aunt and uncle are indeed in grave danger – they face the triple threat of being lost in the treacherous wilderness, running out of food and water, and being hunted by the madman named Kurt who lives amongst the woods. Blood is shed, allegiances are tested, and the body count is on the rise as multiple missing persons investigations and an epic search and rescue operation are launched.
There is a little something for everyone in Wicked River. I loved everything about it. Jenny Milchman has a knack for using the right metaphor at the right time to create such vivid imagery it feels as if the reader is alongside the characters in the picturesque yet hazardous Adirondack region. This is the first novel I’ve read by her, but she is now on my radar and I will have to catch up on her other works as well as keep a lookout for upcoming projects.
Mothergamer (1549 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Assassin's Creed: Odyssey in Video Games
Dec 10, 2018
Great Game
Odyssey is definitely a bit different from the games before it, but that's not a bad thing. The story hooks you in right from the start and the game mechanics work well. You can play as either Alexios or Kassandra and it doesn't change the story at all; it's just a matter of preference. The world map is huge to the point where it can be a little overwhelming, but you can take it a little at a time since each area shows you what level you need to be. There are a ton of side missions, legendary hunts, and mythological monster fights as well as the main story quests. There are epic naval battles and conquest battles as well which are a lot of fun. Half the fun for me was just exploring all of ancient Greece. There is so much to see and do. The game is not completely perfect. There were game breaking bugs. The biggest one is the game dropping frames and freezing completely while in enemy forts. The only solution to it is to close the game completely and restart it. There are also audio sync issues sometimes in the game where the voices are not synced with the character talking. Other than that, the game is great. It's a lot of fun to play, the story and characters are interesting, and it offers a variety of things to do in the game like crafting better armor and weapons for yourself. Once the main story is done, there's still tons of things to do and with the upcoming DLC there will be even more to do. Overall, it's a great game.
David McK (3496 KP) rated Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The New Republic, Vol. 2 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
One of the biggest casualties to come out of Disney's acquisisiton of LucasArts back in 2012 was the abolition of the old 'Expanded Universe' content: suddenly, all those connected stories, comics and video-games were no longer considered in-canon; no longer relevant.
While understandable in light of their plans to create new movies (of which we have had one so far - 'The Force Awakens' - with another off-shoot to come this year in 'Rogue One') my sense is that there was a bit of a back-lash to this (hence the reason for these 'Legends Epic collections'): I'm even guilty of it myself a bit, in that I would quite have liked to see a movie based on either [a: Timothy Zahn|12479|Timothy Zahn|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1215545810p2/12479.jpg]'s [b: Heir to the Empire|216443|Heir to the Empire (Star Wars The Thrawn Trilogy #1)|Timothy Zahn|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1398253847s/216443.jpg|1133995] trilogy, or even on any of the X-Wing books/comics.
It's those comics that comprise this collection, which consists of the following stories:
X-Wing: Rogue Leader 1-3
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron: The Rebel Opposition (1-4)
X-Wing: Rogue Sqaudron: The Phantom Affair (1-4)
X-Wing: Rogue Sqaudron: Battleground: Tattoine (1-4)
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron: The Warrior Princess (1-4)
X-Wing: Rogue Sqaudron Special
as well as some content from 'Star Wars Tales' #12 and #23
As this is a compilation of such, the art style is not consistent throughout (although it is consistent in-story: I found some tales to have better, clearer art than others. I'm also somewhat surprised that the left out those stories connected to Baron Soontir Fel in this collection!
While understandable in light of their plans to create new movies (of which we have had one so far - 'The Force Awakens' - with another off-shoot to come this year in 'Rogue One') my sense is that there was a bit of a back-lash to this (hence the reason for these 'Legends Epic collections'): I'm even guilty of it myself a bit, in that I would quite have liked to see a movie based on either [a: Timothy Zahn|12479|Timothy Zahn|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1215545810p2/12479.jpg]'s [b: Heir to the Empire|216443|Heir to the Empire (Star Wars The Thrawn Trilogy #1)|Timothy Zahn|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1398253847s/216443.jpg|1133995] trilogy, or even on any of the X-Wing books/comics.
It's those comics that comprise this collection, which consists of the following stories:
X-Wing: Rogue Leader 1-3
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron: The Rebel Opposition (1-4)
X-Wing: Rogue Sqaudron: The Phantom Affair (1-4)
X-Wing: Rogue Sqaudron: Battleground: Tattoine (1-4)
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron: The Warrior Princess (1-4)
X-Wing: Rogue Sqaudron Special
as well as some content from 'Star Wars Tales' #12 and #23
As this is a compilation of such, the art style is not consistent throughout (although it is consistent in-story: I found some tales to have better, clearer art than others. I'm also somewhat surprised that the left out those stories connected to Baron Soontir Fel in this collection!
Marylegs (44 KP) rated No Man Can Tame (The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, #1) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So, I have been in a bit of a book slump this year. I work hard. I have a two year old. I just don't have the time or the brain power for the types of books I used to read. 800 page epic novels are just too taxing on my time presently. Until I have the time like I use to, I want instant gratification from the books I read.
Now when I say this book is trash, I don't mean the story is rubbish. Far from it I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What I mean is it isn't 'high' fiction, its probably not going to win any awards. What is is though, is a simple to read, quick paced, sexy book. I am not going to drag out descriptions about the characters and any flaws they may have had in character development (there were some, if I am to be anyway critical). I have read much much much worse books by 'high quality' authors. This was at it's simplest form a book that I have enjoyed reading. I enjoyed it so much that i will most likely read any future novels.
I also feel like it actually wouldn't take too much for this story to actually become 'high' fiction. but when a book it this short there is only so much character and world building that can be done. If it were ever re-edited to be expanded, would I read it again.... yes. The skeleton of the story is very good. but it is at present definitely a book written to get as quick as it can to the juicy (sexy) parts. some good shameless smut is included. So if you aren't into that, this is not the book for you.
This book well and truly got me out of my reading slump.
Now when I say this book is trash, I don't mean the story is rubbish. Far from it I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What I mean is it isn't 'high' fiction, its probably not going to win any awards. What is is though, is a simple to read, quick paced, sexy book. I am not going to drag out descriptions about the characters and any flaws they may have had in character development (there were some, if I am to be anyway critical). I have read much much much worse books by 'high quality' authors. This was at it's simplest form a book that I have enjoyed reading. I enjoyed it so much that i will most likely read any future novels.
I also feel like it actually wouldn't take too much for this story to actually become 'high' fiction. but when a book it this short there is only so much character and world building that can be done. If it were ever re-edited to be expanded, would I read it again.... yes. The skeleton of the story is very good. but it is at present definitely a book written to get as quick as it can to the juicy (sexy) parts. some good shameless smut is included. So if you aren't into that, this is not the book for you.
This book well and truly got me out of my reading slump.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Children of Hurin in Books
Nov 11, 2019
One of the key things that makes The Lord of the Rings so enduring is that it sits on thousands of years of history and stories all plotted in detail by Tolkien before he even conceived of his epic trilogy. This is one of those stories, an outline of which appears in the Silmarillion, and familiarity with that book is advised before reading this one.
Set in Beleriand at a time when Morgoth ruled over the land from his fortress of Angband, this is a tragedy on the scale of Hamlet. Principally telling the tale of Túrun son of Húrin it follows his life as he becomes the leader of an outlaw band leading the fight back against Morgoth, the elves and dwarves having essentially retreated to their core lands and given up. His actions motivate the races into action and give hope that Morgoth can be defeated.
But this comes at a cost. Túrin is cursed and doomed to ultimate failure. The last third of the book is pretty grim as everything he has worked for and everything he holds dear is destroyed by his own actions, taken in good faith at the time. There can be no happy ending.
The tone, therefore, is a shade darker than the darkest passages of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's deep knowledge of his invented folklore is still to the fore and it is good to see how the world of elves looked in its prime rather than the faded and jaded view we get in the tales of the War of the Ring. It is not an easy read by any means, but it is a worthwhile one for anyone who wants to know more about the tales of Beleriand.
Set in Beleriand at a time when Morgoth ruled over the land from his fortress of Angband, this is a tragedy on the scale of Hamlet. Principally telling the tale of Túrun son of Húrin it follows his life as he becomes the leader of an outlaw band leading the fight back against Morgoth, the elves and dwarves having essentially retreated to their core lands and given up. His actions motivate the races into action and give hope that Morgoth can be defeated.
But this comes at a cost. Túrin is cursed and doomed to ultimate failure. The last third of the book is pretty grim as everything he has worked for and everything he holds dear is destroyed by his own actions, taken in good faith at the time. There can be no happy ending.
The tone, therefore, is a shade darker than the darkest passages of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's deep knowledge of his invented folklore is still to the fore and it is good to see how the world of elves looked in its prime rather than the faded and jaded view we get in the tales of the War of the Ring. It is not an easy read by any means, but it is a worthwhile one for anyone who wants to know more about the tales of Beleriand.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Hidden Face (Fifth Unmasking #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2019
After a period where it became quite tired and unimaginative, fantasy writing over the last decade or so become a good vehicle for interesting story telling. The Hidden Face is no exception for this, being in the epic fantasy mould but with some fresh ideas thrown in.
The premise is that every few hundred years the god Akhen manifests in human form and reveals (unmasks) itself, resulting in a huge shift in the balance of power between nations. If someone could know ahead of time who was the vessel for Akhen then whoever controlled them would wield enormous power. And there are certain parties who want that power at all costs.
Standing in their way are Dayraven, former hostage and son of a famous hero, and Sunniva, daughter of a scholar and archaeologist. Between them they must solve scattered clues and prevent their enemies discovering the secrets that they know.
There is a lot that is conventional here, but there are some nice twists that avoid the usual fantasy cliches. It is also refreshing for there not to be some all pervading evil that must be defeated. Here the simple lust for power is enough to create entirely suitable adversaries. Also there a lot of factions, all with their own motives and allies, some of which change of the course of the book.
The writing is strong, with some great characters. Special mention must go to The Twister, one of the most interesting personalities I've come across with his own internal logic for his often bizarre actions.
A terrific start to a new fantasy series that looks to be something well worth reading. There are certainly plenty of mysteries still to be revealed in this fascinating world.
The premise is that every few hundred years the god Akhen manifests in human form and reveals (unmasks) itself, resulting in a huge shift in the balance of power between nations. If someone could know ahead of time who was the vessel for Akhen then whoever controlled them would wield enormous power. And there are certain parties who want that power at all costs.
Standing in their way are Dayraven, former hostage and son of a famous hero, and Sunniva, daughter of a scholar and archaeologist. Between them they must solve scattered clues and prevent their enemies discovering the secrets that they know.
There is a lot that is conventional here, but there are some nice twists that avoid the usual fantasy cliches. It is also refreshing for there not to be some all pervading evil that must be defeated. Here the simple lust for power is enough to create entirely suitable adversaries. Also there a lot of factions, all with their own motives and allies, some of which change of the course of the book.
The writing is strong, with some great characters. Special mention must go to The Twister, one of the most interesting personalities I've come across with his own internal logic for his often bizarre actions.
A terrific start to a new fantasy series that looks to be something well worth reading. There are certainly plenty of mysteries still to be revealed in this fascinating world.
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