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Awix (3310 KP) rated The Avengers in TV
Mar 4, 2018 (Updated Mar 4, 2018)
Iconic British cult adventure series. Very few shows change as much as The Avengers did over its seven season run; what started off as a gritty thriller about Ian Hendry's crime-busting doctor gradually transformed first into virtual science fiction (the Diana Rigg episodes feature mind-swapping machines, killer robots and a brain-controlling alien plant) and then a much more whimsical fantasy show for its final year or so.
Many of the early episodes are quite hard work now, but the two seasons where Macnee is paired with Diana Rigg are classic TV, and the sometimes-maligned final season with Linda Thorson also contains many neglected gems (the episode with the murderous clowns, for instance). Even when the show is not quite firing on all cylinders, there is always Patrick Macnee's inimitable performance as Steed to enjoy.
Many of the early episodes are quite hard work now, but the two seasons where Macnee is paired with Diana Rigg are classic TV, and the sometimes-maligned final season with Linda Thorson also contains many neglected gems (the episode with the murderous clowns, for instance). Even when the show is not quite firing on all cylinders, there is always Patrick Macnee's inimitable performance as Steed to enjoy.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Star Trek: Discovery - Season 1 in TV
Feb 16, 2018 (Updated Feb 16, 2018)
Not as we have known it
Knockabout SF action series that's strong on bonkers pulp fiction ideas - mushroom-powered star drives, evil duplicates, 'species reassignment surgery', and so on - but less impressive when it comes to narrative cohesion or actually resembling anything previously released under the Star Trek banner.
Theses could and probably have been written about the myriad ways in which Discovery cheerfully ignores or rewrites continuity from previous series and movies; a more serious problem is the generally dark tone, emphasis on military conflict, and absence of humanistic optimism. Effects are okay; Doug Jones is the best thing in it as peril-averse first officer, though pushed hard by Jason Isaacs as loose-cannon captain of the ship. Not actively bad on its own terms, I expect, but very disappointing as an actual piece of Star Trek.
Theses could and probably have been written about the myriad ways in which Discovery cheerfully ignores or rewrites continuity from previous series and movies; a more serious problem is the generally dark tone, emphasis on military conflict, and absence of humanistic optimism. Effects are okay; Doug Jones is the best thing in it as peril-averse first officer, though pushed hard by Jason Isaacs as loose-cannon captain of the ship. Not actively bad on its own terms, I expect, but very disappointing as an actual piece of Star Trek.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit in Books
Feb 24, 2018
This book was randomly found by my wife who does not read lesbian fiction but she suggested it to me. We live in Georgia so it was really a no brainer. The struggle to come out in the South is real for most kids. This is not the most accepting region especially when you throw religeon into the mix. Brown did an amazing job of showing that struggle in a funny and compassionate way. Her characters were amazing and their relationships did not seem contrived. Everything developed as it should. It was an well written and thought out coming of age/coming out book that left me wanting more. I even messeged the author and asked if there would be more. So, obviously, I highly recommend this book. Also it is YA so safe for younger people.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Called to Justice (Quaker Midwife Mystery #2) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Called to Justice is as much historical fiction as it is cozy mystery, and I found both aspects of the story to be riveting. A young, unmarried woman confides in Rose that she is expecting a child, and then ends up being murdered during the Independence Day fireworks celebration. Determined to find justice for the girl and her unborn child, Rose manages to squeeze in a little investigating, between birthing babies and checking on the well-being of her clientele of local women waiting to deliver.
There was a lot of attention to detail and historical accuracy where the births in the story were concerned. See what author Edith Maxwell has to say about midwives and the birthing process on <a href="https://booksthething.com/2017/04/06/called-to-justice-by-edith-maxwell-guest-post-and-giveaway/">my blog</a>.
There was a lot of attention to detail and historical accuracy where the births in the story were concerned. See what author Edith Maxwell has to say about midwives and the birthing process on <a href="https://booksthething.com/2017/04/06/called-to-justice-by-edith-maxwell-guest-post-and-giveaway/">my blog</a>.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated The Nightmare Stacks: A Laundry Files Novel in Books
Feb 23, 2018
Another fun entry in the Laundry Files series, this one is narrated by Dr. Schwartz, from the previous novel. Poor Alex is trying to come to grips with his sudden career change and living life as a PHANG (vampire, to the rest of us). He has also fallen into social interactions with an actual female person, which is vastly unusual in his life. In fact, having a social life is rather foreign.
There are a fair number of cringe-worthy scenes, if you (like me) are embarrassed when anyone else is. Of course, this is a comedy/horror/science fiction/fantasy series, so there are the requisite horrid things in the plot. If you've gotten this far in the series, I shouldn't need to warn you about that. I really wouldn't choose this volume as an entry point if I were you.
There are a fair number of cringe-worthy scenes, if you (like me) are embarrassed when anyone else is. Of course, this is a comedy/horror/science fiction/fantasy series, so there are the requisite horrid things in the plot. If you've gotten this far in the series, I shouldn't need to warn you about that. I really wouldn't choose this volume as an entry point if I were you.
Milleen (47 KP) rated How to Stop Time in Books
Nov 14, 2018
Matt Haig has written a variety of books for children and adults as well as a memoir that topped the bestseller list for almost a year. Now he has delved back into adult fiction and delivered a delightful novel that will leave you pondering. Tom Hazard may look like an ordinary 41-year-old, but owing to a rare condition, he's been aging slowly over centuries. From Elizabethan England to 1920s Paris and further afield, Tom is forced to change his identity to stay alive. He is forced to abide by one rule, to not fall in love. Tom finally gets the ‘ordinary’ life he craves and finds work as a history teacher in a modern London comprehensive but how much longer can he keep this secret? ‘How to Stop Time’ is a bittersweet story about life, loss and change.
Courtney (149 KP) rated Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime in Books
Nov 28, 2018
Brilliant for forensic lovers
First I should say, I’ve never been a fan of non-fiction. It’s for this reason that this book has been sat on my shelf for around a year just waiting to be read. I finally got around to reading it and I have to say, this really dug into the depths of my interest in crime and the forensic aspect of this.
I loved how this book was set out, going through in the order in which events take place when a real life crime is committed and dedicating a chapter to each stage, providing real life examples along the way which really keeps you engrossed.
I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in the slightest interested in crime in general or just specific aspects such as fire scenes, toxicology and pathology.
I loved how this book was set out, going through in the order in which events take place when a real life crime is committed and dedicating a chapter to each stage, providing real life examples along the way which really keeps you engrossed.
I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in the slightest interested in crime in general or just specific aspects such as fire scenes, toxicology and pathology.
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated Black Mirror - Season 5 in TV
Jun 19, 2019
Absolute poppycock
Contains spoilers, click to show
This has nothing to offer, usually black mirror pulls you in and you feel fearful.
With this I just felt bored.
In Ashley too episode there was nothing on offer at all, cyrus's acting was wooden and unconvincing, the story was throughly unbelievable, and yes some fiction can be unbelievable. But this was just too mainstream in a way.
Striking vipers was just weird in the wrong way, virtual cheating i mean come on are we supposed to think that's all good.
Smithereens was probably the best of them all but that's not saying much.
Essentially enforcing the idea that social media is to blame for all the worlds evils.
They need to do much better for season 6 and bring black mirror back to its terrifying best.
F for effort
With this I just felt bored.
In Ashley too episode there was nothing on offer at all, cyrus's acting was wooden and unconvincing, the story was throughly unbelievable, and yes some fiction can be unbelievable. But this was just too mainstream in a way.
Striking vipers was just weird in the wrong way, virtual cheating i mean come on are we supposed to think that's all good.
Smithereens was probably the best of them all but that's not saying much.
Essentially enforcing the idea that social media is to blame for all the worlds evils.
They need to do much better for season 6 and bring black mirror back to its terrifying best.
F for effort
Gripping Scandinavian Crime
This is Dean's second novel featuring reporter Tuva Moodyson.
Set in the northerly town of Gravik, death arrives in the shape of suicide: the owner of the town's main employer - a liqourice factory - throws himself to his death one morning.
It's solid piece of crime fiction with a plot that weaves around and throws out plenty of misdirection, keeping the reader on their puzzle-solving toes.
What gives this book edge is the characters. Dean has delivered some of the most believable female characters I have ever read, and chief amongst them is Cece. That old woman is an absolute delight and should have books all of her own. I don't know if she is modelled on a flesh and blood person, but Will gets full marks just for writing her in.
Set in the northerly town of Gravik, death arrives in the shape of suicide: the owner of the town's main employer - a liqourice factory - throws himself to his death one morning.
It's solid piece of crime fiction with a plot that weaves around and throws out plenty of misdirection, keeping the reader on their puzzle-solving toes.
What gives this book edge is the characters. Dean has delivered some of the most believable female characters I have ever read, and chief amongst them is Cece. That old woman is an absolute delight and should have books all of her own. I don't know if she is modelled on a flesh and blood person, but Will gets full marks just for writing her in.
David McK (3425 KP) rated The Eagle in the Sand (Eagle, #7) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Last book (so far) in Simon Scarrows Macro and Cato series to include the use of the word 'Eagle' in the title - before the series as a whole was rebranded - and the first book to be set in the Eastern provinces (unlike the earlier novels, set in and around Europe).
The events of this one, instead, take place in Judea, mainly centring around a small fort on the outpost of the Roman Empire. While its not essential to have read the earlier novels, it may help, with the occassional passing reference to earlier events.
I also have to say that it could be easy to take offence at the way certain famous historical personages - one in particular - are portrayed, but at the end of the day, this is only a work of fiction and doesn't purport to be anything but.
The events of this one, instead, take place in Judea, mainly centring around a small fort on the outpost of the Roman Empire. While its not essential to have read the earlier novels, it may help, with the occassional passing reference to earlier events.
I also have to say that it could be easy to take offence at the way certain famous historical personages - one in particular - are portrayed, but at the end of the day, this is only a work of fiction and doesn't purport to be anything but.