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Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Camelot Shadow in Books
Jun 3, 2018
‘’I can either tell you my tale, or I can respond to your feeble witticisms. I cannot, in my mildly inebriated state, do both.’’
This is not your usual story related to King Arthur, Merlin and Camelot. This will, in fact, be quite different story and not only unusual, but one of a kind.
We go back in time when Queen Victoria was ruling over England. In a time when the author really liked to point out the fact that the characters are using trains. It was pointed out so much, that I had to do a bit of research to see if trains existed in that time. They did – apparently England had the oldest rail transport in the world. And Queen Victoria was one of the first royals to use that form of transport too.
Now, I am not even sure why I kept going on about trains… Back to the story…
The Camelot Shadow covers the story of Lord Alfred Fitzwilliam, a man whose wife is ill from an incurable illness. When an opportunity arises, giving him the chance and hope that he might save the life of his lover, he goes on a mission to find an object from the time when King Arthur was the ruler of England, and Merlin was his companion.
With a help from a group of people, Alfred digs the history and the stories of the past, only to discover that not everything he believed in was true, and not everyone that he trusted is his ally.
A story that reminded me of Dan Brown’s work. Quite similar in the sense of clues, history, what is a myth and what is a fact, though also quite distinctive, as it covers people’s characters so well, describing their personalities in a powerful way.
‘’Wealth. Status. Happiness. A perfect life. All built on an ephemeral foundation, an impossibility masking a lie that, if exposed, if openly acknowledged, would bring it all crashing down around our heads.’’
When a great disappointment comes around, and all hope is gone, people change, and people feel things. A person starts to wonder what they did wrong, what could they have done differently, what if… Alfred is one of the people where we will see his change over the chapters. For better or for worse, I’ll let you decide.
‘’It was Guinevere’s infidelity that brought down Arthur’s Camelot’’ – he said, wiping a trickle of Scotch from his chin with the back of his sleeve. ‘’It was God’s cruelty that brought down mine.’’
A book that explains good and evil in the unusual way. I thought I could explain good and evil, but sometimes my evil can do you good, and your good can do harm to everyone. And power… oh what people are capable to do for power…
‘’Power, Arthur had taught him, was not something to covet, but rather something to treat in the same manner one might handle a wild mastiff – with considerable respect, constant vigilance, and a trace of fear. ‘’
If you are a fan of history fiction, and stories about Arthur and Merlin, you would definitely want to dive in into this book and get lost into the world. And that is not the only thing that this book covers… It covers hope, faith, loss, love, good, evil, power, guilt and everything in between. Get ready for an adventure. One full of bravery and magic. And maybe… maybe some hope.
A huge thank you to the author, Sean Gibson, who was kind enough to give me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not your usual story related to King Arthur, Merlin and Camelot. This will, in fact, be quite different story and not only unusual, but one of a kind.
We go back in time when Queen Victoria was ruling over England. In a time when the author really liked to point out the fact that the characters are using trains. It was pointed out so much, that I had to do a bit of research to see if trains existed in that time. They did – apparently England had the oldest rail transport in the world. And Queen Victoria was one of the first royals to use that form of transport too.
Now, I am not even sure why I kept going on about trains… Back to the story…
The Camelot Shadow covers the story of Lord Alfred Fitzwilliam, a man whose wife is ill from an incurable illness. When an opportunity arises, giving him the chance and hope that he might save the life of his lover, he goes on a mission to find an object from the time when King Arthur was the ruler of England, and Merlin was his companion.
With a help from a group of people, Alfred digs the history and the stories of the past, only to discover that not everything he believed in was true, and not everyone that he trusted is his ally.
A story that reminded me of Dan Brown’s work. Quite similar in the sense of clues, history, what is a myth and what is a fact, though also quite distinctive, as it covers people’s characters so well, describing their personalities in a powerful way.
‘’Wealth. Status. Happiness. A perfect life. All built on an ephemeral foundation, an impossibility masking a lie that, if exposed, if openly acknowledged, would bring it all crashing down around our heads.’’
When a great disappointment comes around, and all hope is gone, people change, and people feel things. A person starts to wonder what they did wrong, what could they have done differently, what if… Alfred is one of the people where we will see his change over the chapters. For better or for worse, I’ll let you decide.
‘’It was Guinevere’s infidelity that brought down Arthur’s Camelot’’ – he said, wiping a trickle of Scotch from his chin with the back of his sleeve. ‘’It was God’s cruelty that brought down mine.’’
A book that explains good and evil in the unusual way. I thought I could explain good and evil, but sometimes my evil can do you good, and your good can do harm to everyone. And power… oh what people are capable to do for power…
‘’Power, Arthur had taught him, was not something to covet, but rather something to treat in the same manner one might handle a wild mastiff – with considerable respect, constant vigilance, and a trace of fear. ‘’
If you are a fan of history fiction, and stories about Arthur and Merlin, you would definitely want to dive in into this book and get lost into the world. And that is not the only thing that this book covers… It covers hope, faith, loss, love, good, evil, power, guilt and everything in between. Get ready for an adventure. One full of bravery and magic. And maybe… maybe some hope.
A huge thank you to the author, Sean Gibson, who was kind enough to give me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated the PC version of Evil Dead: The Game in Video Games
Jun 1, 2022
Back in 1981, Director Sam Raimi unleashed the Evil Dead on audiences and in doing so ignited his career as well as that of star Bruce Campbell. The subsequent sequels only further cemented dysfunctional hero Ash Williams into Pop Culture history as did the recent television series which returned the character to eager fans.
Saber Interactive has given fans a chance to play as Ash or several of the characters from the series with Evil Dead: The Game and take the battle to the demonic hordes and plenty of humor, horror, and action along the way.
The game is played from the third-person perspective and online players can enjoy cross-play so that players on all systems can play with one another. In the multiplayer mode, up to four players can team up to get missing pages of a text over a dark and vast map that is littered with demons and can have a player-controlled demon in the mix as well.
Players will be able to arm up by locating guns, knives, swords, and ammunition along the way as well as matches which are key to lighting up areas to keep enemies from advancing. Ammunition is in limited supply so players will have to be selective about combat as blowing away enemies is tons of fun but having to mix it up or run is not always wise when they attack in masses.
The maps are very large and there are vehicles available that are handy in running down enemies and making it to remote areas of the map. Along the way, there are shops, cabins, homes, and other locales where players can find needed objects to survive.
The longer a player operates in the dark or away from other players makes them increase in fear which allows them to be possessed and turn on their fellow players. When a player is low on health they can regain it by drinking cola that is found around the map or by being assisted by a fellow player which is not easy in the midst of combat as helping others can place you at risk.
The goal is to get a legendary dagger and take on the evil leaders which if successful wins the rounds for the players and their XP levels up. Players also have the option for a regular or furious attack as well as special moves which recharge over time.
The solo portion of the game is set in chapters and requires Ash to complete various tasks to advance to the next one. I found this to be very challenging as at times the maps are so dark it is hard to navigate or see properly and without players to help out, it can be a frustrating defeat.
The game has decent graphics and sound and the numerous clips of star Bruce Campbell offering wisdom and quips are very enjoyable and sets the tone for the game well. The attention to detail from the movies is also very enjoyable as players will want to make sure to take a good look around the cabins to get their nostalgia fix.
The game is a fun diversion and fun in groups and gives fans of the series the action and nostalgia they have come to expect. Some may cite a lack of initial depth to the gameplay and maps but I am sure as time goes on and more updates arrive, the game will continue to grow.
For now, Evil Dead: The Game offers enough action, humor, and nostalgia to keep fans happy.
3.5 stars out of 5
Saber Interactive has given fans a chance to play as Ash or several of the characters from the series with Evil Dead: The Game and take the battle to the demonic hordes and plenty of humor, horror, and action along the way.
The game is played from the third-person perspective and online players can enjoy cross-play so that players on all systems can play with one another. In the multiplayer mode, up to four players can team up to get missing pages of a text over a dark and vast map that is littered with demons and can have a player-controlled demon in the mix as well.
Players will be able to arm up by locating guns, knives, swords, and ammunition along the way as well as matches which are key to lighting up areas to keep enemies from advancing. Ammunition is in limited supply so players will have to be selective about combat as blowing away enemies is tons of fun but having to mix it up or run is not always wise when they attack in masses.
The maps are very large and there are vehicles available that are handy in running down enemies and making it to remote areas of the map. Along the way, there are shops, cabins, homes, and other locales where players can find needed objects to survive.
The longer a player operates in the dark or away from other players makes them increase in fear which allows them to be possessed and turn on their fellow players. When a player is low on health they can regain it by drinking cola that is found around the map or by being assisted by a fellow player which is not easy in the midst of combat as helping others can place you at risk.
The goal is to get a legendary dagger and take on the evil leaders which if successful wins the rounds for the players and their XP levels up. Players also have the option for a regular or furious attack as well as special moves which recharge over time.
The solo portion of the game is set in chapters and requires Ash to complete various tasks to advance to the next one. I found this to be very challenging as at times the maps are so dark it is hard to navigate or see properly and without players to help out, it can be a frustrating defeat.
The game has decent graphics and sound and the numerous clips of star Bruce Campbell offering wisdom and quips are very enjoyable and sets the tone for the game well. The attention to detail from the movies is also very enjoyable as players will want to make sure to take a good look around the cabins to get their nostalgia fix.
The game is a fun diversion and fun in groups and gives fans of the series the action and nostalgia they have come to expect. Some may cite a lack of initial depth to the gameplay and maps but I am sure as time goes on and more updates arrive, the game will continue to grow.
For now, Evil Dead: The Game offers enough action, humor, and nostalgia to keep fans happy.
3.5 stars out of 5
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Founder (2017) in Movies
Oct 16, 2017 (Updated Oct 16, 2017)
The land of finders keepers, losers weepers
The story of McDonald's pretty much sums up the American dream sadly. A crook of a salesman / businessman Ray Kroc, played by Michael Keaton, comes across two hardworking brothers Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman), who have essentially cracked the idea of how to provide fast food.
They are satisfied with their humble beginnings at a small diner in San Bernardino, but are cajoled by Kroc into franchising - who essentially steals it from under their nose by buying the land that it was based upon. It's really quite tragic because Kroc turned it from an honest operation into the greedy corporation that we have today. That being said, I love Keaton, he's versatile and can play anything from a lovable scallywag to evil incarnate.
While it's not Oscar worthy as such, it's an interesting biopic nevertheless.
They are satisfied with their humble beginnings at a small diner in San Bernardino, but are cajoled by Kroc into franchising - who essentially steals it from under their nose by buying the land that it was based upon. It's really quite tragic because Kroc turned it from an honest operation into the greedy corporation that we have today. That being said, I love Keaton, he's versatile and can play anything from a lovable scallywag to evil incarnate.
While it's not Oscar worthy as such, it's an interesting biopic nevertheless.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Sham in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Ellen Allen] in [The Sham] leaves you questioning throughout the story what is really going on. None of the characters in this book would be considered 'normal' but some are more malicious than others.
The story begins with Emily having a run in at the local park with some "mean girls", one who is her step Aunt Becky. The four girls have brought a young boy to the park and proceed to torture him. Em wants to stop them but is frozen. Out of nowhere comes Jack to stop the girls. Seems like a clear case of good vs. evil right? Not quite, Jack has his own secrets.
Soon the girls involved in the attack begin disappearing. They whole small town is in a panic. Who is to blame?
[Allen] does a fantastic job of creating a twisting story with an ending that you never see coming.
The story begins with Emily having a run in at the local park with some "mean girls", one who is her step Aunt Becky. The four girls have brought a young boy to the park and proceed to torture him. Em wants to stop them but is frozen. Out of nowhere comes Jack to stop the girls. Seems like a clear case of good vs. evil right? Not quite, Jack has his own secrets.
Soon the girls involved in the attack begin disappearing. They whole small town is in a panic. Who is to blame?
[Allen] does a fantastic job of creating a twisting story with an ending that you never see coming.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Ozark Season 1 in TV
Sep 4, 2017
Compulsive viewing
I think this has been somewhat unfairly compared to Breaking Bad. While there is a similar mix of family/day job vs criminal underworld, the lines are much more blurred and the criminality much closer to the surface.
Jason Bateman's character is nowhere near as likeable/flawed as Walter White and at times you struggle to root for him in the same way.
The true star of the show has to be Ruth Langmore - the redneck/evil genius mix that you cannot take your eyes off.
The appearance of fellow Scot Peter Mullan was somewhat unexpected, however his attempt at a Missouri accent was just atrocious. I am pretty sure he was completely over-dubbed in the pilot episode, I am guessing in favour of a better accent (God alone knows what his first attempt must have been like!).
Jason Bateman's character is nowhere near as likeable/flawed as Walter White and at times you struggle to root for him in the same way.
The true star of the show has to be Ruth Langmore - the redneck/evil genius mix that you cannot take your eyes off.
The appearance of fellow Scot Peter Mullan was somewhat unexpected, however his attempt at a Missouri accent was just atrocious. I am pretty sure he was completely over-dubbed in the pilot episode, I am guessing in favour of a better accent (God alone knows what his first attempt must have been like!).
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Devil Rides Out (1968) in Movies
Feb 26, 2018 (Updated Feb 26, 2018)
Classic Hammer horror plays it very straight with Dennis Wheatley's genteel tale of satanic goings on in the home counties. Christopher Lee gets the opportunity to play the good guy, for once, and really makes the most of it; hard to imagine anyone else playing the part better. That said, he's given a run for his money by Charles Gray in what was really a career-defining role for him.
It all seems a bit quaint and somewhat bourgeois by modern standards (they never bother to explain why devil-worship is quite such a bad idea, it's taken for granted that good and evil are quite inflexible), and there are a few amusing holes in the plot, but there are some great set-pieces and the supporting cast are also on form. Very much a film of its time, but still entertains today; not especially scary, though.
It all seems a bit quaint and somewhat bourgeois by modern standards (they never bother to explain why devil-worship is quite such a bad idea, it's taken for granted that good and evil are quite inflexible), and there are a few amusing holes in the plot, but there are some great set-pieces and the supporting cast are also on form. Very much a film of its time, but still entertains today; not especially scary, though.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Halloween (2007) in Movies
Feb 21, 2018
Great update
I thought this was a very good film and a great remake. It's not entirely scene for scene like some and gives a lot more time to Michael as a young boy and reasons for him to turn evil. Rather than just a madman on the run from the asylum. Although some key scenes are kept and a few are changed slightly for the update, why change what worked so well in the original. Some people will just rate down remakes just for the sake of it, but seriously Halloween might have been scary if you saw it in your teens but today? This builds on what was a great horror classic and adds a few touches, more of a back story, a bit more violent and sexed up a little for todays audience. Whether you have seen the original or not you should check this out.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Dead Alive (1993) in Movies
Jul 11, 2018
Have you seen the lawnmower scene? Gruesome!
Before Peter Jackson became the mega-awesome A-list director he is today, he made several small films in New Zealand including this one.
When a poisonous rat monkey gets brought to the mainland, its lethal bite causes mayhem in a young man's life. He know has to deal with the growing weirdness at his house while he pursues the girl of his dreams.
Saying this movie is over the top is one of the largest understatements of all time. If you combine Evil Dead, Dawn of the Dead and The Toxic Avenger you still wouldn't come close to the campy goodness of this film.
The gore is definitely extreme, but very cheeky and comical. The demon baby is also especially hilarious.
If you ask me nicely, you can come to my house and watch this with me!
When a poisonous rat monkey gets brought to the mainland, its lethal bite causes mayhem in a young man's life. He know has to deal with the growing weirdness at his house while he pursues the girl of his dreams.
Saying this movie is over the top is one of the largest understatements of all time. If you combine Evil Dead, Dawn of the Dead and The Toxic Avenger you still wouldn't come close to the campy goodness of this film.
The gore is definitely extreme, but very cheeky and comical. The demon baby is also especially hilarious.
If you ask me nicely, you can come to my house and watch this with me!
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The God Delusion in Books
Nov 14, 2018
_____ 5 stars
This was an intense and very thought provoking read. It's anything but light and Dawkins certainly likes to pack a punch.
I imagine with this one that Dawkins is perhaps already preaching to the converted though as I think they are the only ones that would consider picking this one up.
I was not raised in a religious family but I did attend a Church of England school, looking back on it now after reading this book I can see the brainwashing in full force.
Dawkins makes numerous fantastic arguments against the existence of God and why religion is ultimately 'evil' and at times truly 'laughable'.
If you are sitting on the fence and not sure which way to go when it comes to your faith then definitely read this book.
<img src="http://www.relativelyinteresting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/atheist-meme-mysterious-ways.jpg"; width="250" height="250"/>
This was an intense and very thought provoking read. It's anything but light and Dawkins certainly likes to pack a punch.
I imagine with this one that Dawkins is perhaps already preaching to the converted though as I think they are the only ones that would consider picking this one up.
I was not raised in a religious family but I did attend a Church of England school, looking back on it now after reading this book I can see the brainwashing in full force.
Dawkins makes numerous fantastic arguments against the existence of God and why religion is ultimately 'evil' and at times truly 'laughable'.
If you are sitting on the fence and not sure which way to go when it comes to your faith then definitely read this book.
<img src="http://www.relativelyinteresting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/atheist-meme-mysterious-ways.jpg"; width="250" height="250"/>
Otway93 (580 KP) rated Silent Movie (1976) in Movies
Dec 27, 2019
Cast (3 more)
Use of speech
Originality
Jokes
Brooks almost at his finest!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Not Brooks best, but I'd say his 3rd best, just after Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.
The film follows Brooks character, a moviemaker with an original idea, a new silent movie with some of the biggest stars of the 70s. The film is mainly based around hiring the cast and saving the studio from being bought by an evil conglomerate.
Despite the movie being completely silent apart from a single word, the jokes in the title cards are hilarious, and the return of traditional slapstick comedy is somehow very comforting.
The cast is what really makes this film. The comedic talents of Mel Brooks, Dom Deluise, Marty Feldman and Sid Caesar are brilliant, with hilarious cameos from 70s stars Burt Reynolds, Paul Newman, Marcel Marceau and Liza Minelli, this film is perfect for the whole family!
The film follows Brooks character, a moviemaker with an original idea, a new silent movie with some of the biggest stars of the 70s. The film is mainly based around hiring the cast and saving the studio from being bought by an evil conglomerate.
Despite the movie being completely silent apart from a single word, the jokes in the title cards are hilarious, and the return of traditional slapstick comedy is somehow very comforting.
The cast is what really makes this film. The comedic talents of Mel Brooks, Dom Deluise, Marty Feldman and Sid Caesar are brilliant, with hilarious cameos from 70s stars Burt Reynolds, Paul Newman, Marcel Marceau and Liza Minelli, this film is perfect for the whole family!