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Gareth Michael Lewis (6 KP) rated Storm Front: The Dresden Files, Book 1 in Books
Jan 20, 2018
An exellent introduction into Harry Dresden's world
My lowest score for a Dresden novel ad it's only because I read this book after watching the short-lived TV series The Dresden Files. My perception of Harry was skewed by the excellent Paul Blackthorn portrayal and this book suffered because of it, in my eyes.
I went back to reread this book after the second novel came out and realised my error. The book was so much better than I remembered. Harry as a flawed individual but he is very human in that regard and we can identify with him, despite his magical powers.
Give it a read and dive into the world that keeps getting better with every new book, short story and graphic novel.
I went back to reread this book after the second novel came out and realised my error. The book was so much better than I remembered. Harry as a flawed individual but he is very human in that regard and we can identify with him, despite his magical powers.
Give it a read and dive into the world that keeps getting better with every new book, short story and graphic novel.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Designated Survivor - Season 1 in TV
Feb 15, 2018
Right from the first episode we are thrown into the thick of it as Tom Kirkman, an architect appointed to the US cabinet, is the appointed "designated survivor" - a member of government securely housed elsewhere during important events in case of a large scale attack. As he is watching the State of the Union Address, the unthinkable happens and the capitol building, with every other serving member of government inside, is blown up.
The first few episodes show Kirkman try and acclimatise with his new role and the task of reassuring citizens and finding those responsible. The series quickly adds a 24-style anti-terror task force to the mix, and the action flows thick and fast from there.
This is one of the more interesting, gripping and original series of recent years. A few annoying little plot holes in the last episodes (no CCTV in the white house?!, security checkpoints fail, boats vanishing) but otherwise excellent.
The first few episodes show Kirkman try and acclimatise with his new role and the task of reassuring citizens and finding those responsible. The series quickly adds a 24-style anti-terror task force to the mix, and the action flows thick and fast from there.
This is one of the more interesting, gripping and original series of recent years. A few annoying little plot holes in the last episodes (no CCTV in the white house?!, security checkpoints fail, boats vanishing) but otherwise excellent.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Paying Guests in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I had high hopes for this book, hearing that Sarah Waters was an excellent storyteller, however for me this book didn't go very far in expanding my imagination. I found the plot slow and uninteresting, by the middle of the book I was ready to put this down but I powered on through in hopes of it going somewhere exciting, only to be utterly disappointed to find that it didn't.
Finishing this book I exhaled 'Thank God for that!' and threw it into the back seat of the car (I was a passenger at the time, don't worry!) and it remains there today.
Even a close friend of mine, who absolutely loves Sarah Waters was bored by this book, I don't even think she finished it.
If you're interested in a long winded story about unconventional love and murder then by all means have a go, but I wouldn't suggest this for any thrill seekers like me.
Finishing this book I exhaled 'Thank God for that!' and threw it into the back seat of the car (I was a passenger at the time, don't worry!) and it remains there today.
Even a close friend of mine, who absolutely loves Sarah Waters was bored by this book, I don't even think she finished it.
If you're interested in a long winded story about unconventional love and murder then by all means have a go, but I wouldn't suggest this for any thrill seekers like me.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Legend (2015) in Movies
Jun 12, 2018 (Updated Jul 12, 2019)
Krays-y
Yet another movie glamourising the vicious real-life gangster siblings, with the principal gimmick of Tom Hardy playing both Krays through the wonders of something-or-other. Hardy is excellent as Reggie, the merely-psychotic brains of the outfit, but way over the top as Ronnie, who is portrayed as a slightly thick criminal maniac, and arguably played for laughs too. A friend of mine came out thinking this was intended to be a black comedy; she may not have been wrong.
There's a good supporting cast and it's quite well made, but the film seems much too keen to cut the Krays some slack, presenting them as roguish anti-heroes rather than the brutal thugs they actually were. The 1990 Peter Medak telling of the Krays' story was arguably more balanced - this is an uneasy combination of a 'those quaint old Brits' period drama and a modishly violent modern gangster film.
There's a good supporting cast and it's quite well made, but the film seems much too keen to cut the Krays some slack, presenting them as roguish anti-heroes rather than the brutal thugs they actually were. The 1990 Peter Medak telling of the Krays' story was arguably more balanced - this is an uneasy combination of a 'those quaint old Brits' period drama and a modishly violent modern gangster film.
Chelsea (166 KP) rated The Last Time I Lied in Books
Jul 11, 2018
15 years ago at Camp Nightingale three girls vanish without a trace, leaving one girl, Emma Davis, to question everything and constantly think about what happened. The camp closes down, forcing all to go their separate ways. 15 years later, Emma is contacted by Franny, owner and operator of Camp Nightingale, who says she plans to reopen, and would love Emma to be the art teacher. Emma, determined to find out what happened to her friends all those years ago, reluctantly agreed and vows to discover the truth. What she finds points her in many different directions, but doesn’t deter her from trying to get answers. Then a few days into camp history seems to repeat itself, this time clouding Emma in suspicion.
I seriously could not put this book down. There are twists and turns and everyone seems suspicious so it keeps you guessing who did it and what really happened. The ending is unexpected and leaves you wanting more! Excellent book, I highly recommend.
I seriously could not put this book down. There are twists and turns and everyone seems suspicious so it keeps you guessing who did it and what really happened. The ending is unexpected and leaves you wanting more! Excellent book, I highly recommend.
Anna Marie Green (7 KP) rated the Xbox One version of Prey in Video Games
Jul 15, 2018
Excellent Graphics (4 more)
Character
Puzzle Challenge
Game Difficulty
Fun Mechanics
Can be Predictable (1 more)
Wonky Objective Icons
Don't Turn Away
Prey is the sequel to half-life that we'll never get from Valve.
Whether you want to sneak past a Thermal Phantom or atrack a Technopath head-on (which I do not recommend), Prey packs a flexible and versatile gameplay experience with difficulty levels that make you feel like a champion. The maze of Talos is bound to hold dark secrets, tragedies, and ridiculous jokes that will keep you entertained when you're lost for the 18th time.
With a great soundtrack that keeps you on you toes, monsters that scare the living daylights out of you, and that Bethesda charm that causes cups to vibrate (it's definitely more of a feature in this game— you'll see what I mean) Prey is one of the best games of 2017 and deserves some love in 2018.
Mooncrash is a terrifying and equally enrapturing DLC.
Whether you want to sneak past a Thermal Phantom or atrack a Technopath head-on (which I do not recommend), Prey packs a flexible and versatile gameplay experience with difficulty levels that make you feel like a champion. The maze of Talos is bound to hold dark secrets, tragedies, and ridiculous jokes that will keep you entertained when you're lost for the 18th time.
With a great soundtrack that keeps you on you toes, monsters that scare the living daylights out of you, and that Bethesda charm that causes cups to vibrate (it's definitely more of a feature in this game— you'll see what I mean) Prey is one of the best games of 2017 and deserves some love in 2018.
Mooncrash is a terrifying and equally enrapturing DLC.
David (771 KP) rated Lust (Lust, Money & Murder) Book #1 in Books
Jul 4, 2018 (Updated Jul 6, 2018)
Excellent addition to the espionage thriller genre
You share the feelings of the main characters like you're their friend in the book. This is a fast paced book and never a dull moment. You can tell Mike Wells did his research when it came to the main premise of the book which is the secret service and counterfeiting of currency. Plenty of twists and turns like any good spy thriller which keep you guessing and glad it all wasn't wrapped up in one book.
It makes a change that the espionage genre has a woman in the lead who is strong willed but still has some weaknesses which makes her more believable as a character.
I recommend you read this book even if you don't read this genre, it flows well and doesn't blind you with too much tech jargon which can put some people off. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
It makes a change that the espionage genre has a woman in the lead who is strong willed but still has some weaknesses which makes her more believable as a character.
I recommend you read this book even if you don't read this genre, it flows well and doesn't blind you with too much tech jargon which can put some people off. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Google Maps - GPS Navigation in Apps
Aug 25, 2018
I don't know where I'd be without my Google Maps app - literally, I'd probably still be driving round Wigan trying to get home from soft play 3 days ago haha! It's invaluable, when trying to find a specific address, or an ATM in an unfamiliar place.
Recommendations for places to go when you're in a new place can be so helpful. Similarly, the time estimates for arrival at the destination are excellent; far more accurate than previous GPS/Sat Nav type apps and devices I've used, as are the information on incidents and accidents on the route.
I only wish it could be easier to try to get a detour; sometimes you can end up stuck in a loop trying to get around a temporary road closure, meaning you need to pull over and amend the route manually. Of course, there will always be limits to what technology can do, and this really is an outstanding app.
Recommendations for places to go when you're in a new place can be so helpful. Similarly, the time estimates for arrival at the destination are excellent; far more accurate than previous GPS/Sat Nav type apps and devices I've used, as are the information on incidents and accidents on the route.
I only wish it could be easier to try to get a detour; sometimes you can end up stuck in a loop trying to get around a temporary road closure, meaning you need to pull over and amend the route manually. Of course, there will always be limits to what technology can do, and this really is an outstanding app.
B (62 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale - Season 1 in TV
Oct 6, 2018
Excellent adaptation
I really loved what the creators of this show have done with The Handmaid's Tale. The amount of relevancy that the social commentary still has on today's society blows my mind. I also really like how they've developed a lot of the characters. For example, in the book Serena Joy is mostly made out to be a villain, but her portrayal in the show is sympathetic. Much like in real life, the line between good and evil is blurred. I've found that while watching June is actually one of my least favorite characters. I've come to really love Nick although I feel intensely sorry for him in his predicament. I wish that they had put in some of the original narrative framing devices with the studying of the society of Gilead because I found that to be an interesting way of looking at it in the book and I hope they figure something out to keep it in the future.
Brilliant insight into Bram Stoker's life
*** Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review ***
This book stays true to the format of Stoker's Dracula, being written in the form of a compilation of diary entries, letters and newspaper reports. This allows some of the main characters to embed their own voice and to give their view of events, the narratives interweaved to give a good, suspenseful story.
Bram Stoker was not well as a child, pretty much bed-bound until the age of 7. Then he suddenly recovered and went on to become a successful athlete and University graduate. This book takes that life story and layers on a brilliant prequel to Dracula, suggesting that vampires very much impacted on Stoker's life and he himself did battle with Count Vlad.
Excellent, atmospheric story with plenty of suspense and action, and a few twists and turns along the way. A perfect read for this time of year.
This book stays true to the format of Stoker's Dracula, being written in the form of a compilation of diary entries, letters and newspaper reports. This allows some of the main characters to embed their own voice and to give their view of events, the narratives interweaved to give a good, suspenseful story.
Bram Stoker was not well as a child, pretty much bed-bound until the age of 7. Then he suddenly recovered and went on to become a successful athlete and University graduate. This book takes that life story and layers on a brilliant prequel to Dracula, suggesting that vampires very much impacted on Stoker's life and he himself did battle with Count Vlad.
Excellent, atmospheric story with plenty of suspense and action, and a few twists and turns along the way. A perfect read for this time of year.