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FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated 806 in Books
May 23, 2018
Reads Like a Pop Song
Fast, funny, and frequently surprising (even in spite of its contrivances), Cynthia Weil's rollicking YA road trip novella 806 centers on a trio of very different high school students who discover that they share the same unknown sperm donor father.
A contemporary teen fairy tale penned in a light, dialogue heavy style with clever hooks and twists to circumvent the narrative's overall predictability, 806 reads like a summer pop-song, which is only fitting considering Weil's background as a Grammy award winning, Oscar nominated songwriter.
Although it relies a little too heavily on cliches – never delving beneath the surface of its relatively one-dimensional characters long enough to give us a greater sense of who they are beyond some Breakfast Club-like introductions – 806 is inventive everywhere else.
Entertaining if ultimately forgettable, Weil's sophomore work is a wildly infectious read you can flip through at mix-tape speed in order to join the band and road trip along.
Note: I rounded up but (if able) would give this one 3.5 stars.
A contemporary teen fairy tale penned in a light, dialogue heavy style with clever hooks and twists to circumvent the narrative's overall predictability, 806 reads like a summer pop-song, which is only fitting considering Weil's background as a Grammy award winning, Oscar nominated songwriter.
Although it relies a little too heavily on cliches – never delving beneath the surface of its relatively one-dimensional characters long enough to give us a greater sense of who they are beyond some Breakfast Club-like introductions – 806 is inventive everywhere else.
Entertaining if ultimately forgettable, Weil's sophomore work is a wildly infectious read you can flip through at mix-tape speed in order to join the band and road trip along.
Note: I rounded up but (if able) would give this one 3.5 stars.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Hunt (2012) in Movies
Feb 24, 2019
Dark and disturbing
This is definitely not an easy film to watch, but it really is very good. It's a stark and difficult to watch tale about the repercussions of lies in a close knit Danish tale. It deals with some very heavy topics and yet doesn't shy away from the subject matter in question, to the point where it's almost too difficult to watch. But this is why this film is so good, it hasn't Hollywood-ised such a difficult subject and instead you can really believe everything that happens.
It's helped of course by a brilliant performance from Mads Mikkelsen. His quiet mild mannered Lucas is a million miles away from what he gets accused of, and Mads' performances itself is very restrained, which is exactly what this film needed. This paired with a subtle score and well done cinematography make for a very haunting watch.
This really has a stark point to make about the judgemental nature of society, and it makes it very well, even if it is disturbing to watch.
It's helped of course by a brilliant performance from Mads Mikkelsen. His quiet mild mannered Lucas is a million miles away from what he gets accused of, and Mads' performances itself is very restrained, which is exactly what this film needed. This paired with a subtle score and well done cinematography make for a very haunting watch.
This really has a stark point to make about the judgemental nature of society, and it makes it very well, even if it is disturbing to watch.
Sam (74 KP) rated The School For Good and Evil in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I started off really confused as to what the genre was supposed to be. The cover seemed YA, but the plot was more MG. It seemed to be trying to be both at the same time which was a bit confusing.
I liked that it was a new take on fairytales that I hadn’t read before and it definitely made it stand out to me – five years on and I still haven’t read anything quite like it, which is quite an achievement.
It’s full of action from the beginning, but I feel like it may have taken it too far and there was actually too much plot. Sophie and Agatha had to escape a few too many times and in places it just felt like the plot was going around in circles to bulk out what was already quite a heavy plot.
I’m not sure that I would read this one again, and I never actually read any of the other books in the series because I just didn’t get myself invested enough in the story.
I liked that it was a new take on fairytales that I hadn’t read before and it definitely made it stand out to me – five years on and I still haven’t read anything quite like it, which is quite an achievement.
It’s full of action from the beginning, but I feel like it may have taken it too far and there was actually too much plot. Sophie and Agatha had to escape a few too many times and in places it just felt like the plot was going around in circles to bulk out what was already quite a heavy plot.
I’m not sure that I would read this one again, and I never actually read any of the other books in the series because I just didn’t get myself invested enough in the story.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Star Inspector (Zvyozdniy inspektor) (1980) in Movies
May 26, 2019 (Updated May 26, 2019)
Borderline-unwatchable Soviet-era sci-fi film, also known as Space Cop (according to the subtitles on the version I saw, anyway). The reappearance of a ship thought lost in space, and an attack on Space Police HQ, results in a patrol spaceship being sent to investigate, the search leading to one of those planets which looks suspiciously like a quarry. What ensues there is a joyless, repetitive trudge.
Feels like one of those films made by people who've had sci-fi explained to them over the phone, but who have no first-hand familiarity with the genre, or indeed much familiarity with storytelling in general. This is before we get to the primitive production values, the aspects of the story which don't travel well (the villains are a trio named Doug, Marge, and Steve), or the heavy reliance on technobabble plot devices. Has the general feel of an episode of Space 1999. There are some interesting psychedelic visuals on display, and the special effects are often amusing (this was not the intention), but this is grim stuff for the most part.
Feels like one of those films made by people who've had sci-fi explained to them over the phone, but who have no first-hand familiarity with the genre, or indeed much familiarity with storytelling in general. This is before we get to the primitive production values, the aspects of the story which don't travel well (the villains are a trio named Doug, Marge, and Steve), or the heavy reliance on technobabble plot devices. Has the general feel of an episode of Space 1999. There are some interesting psychedelic visuals on display, and the special effects are often amusing (this was not the intention), but this is grim stuff for the most part.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Everealm (Everealm, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little confused going into this novel because I wasnt sure what to expect. From what I have researched, this is supposedly young adult. While the writing style makes it seem YA, there themes not appropriate for that age range. I guess new adult would be more appropriate?
Regardless, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and reflect the feel of the novel. As a fan of fantasy and fairytale retellings, Everealm was a novel I didnt even know I was looking for. The world and creatures she paints with her words are nostalgic of old childhood fairytales. While it still has many [cliché] themes that seem to be found in all YA novels (love triangle, etc.), the author added her own touch. It is a guilty pleasure feel good novel, free of heavy complexities that makes a novel more work than pleasure.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel and the feel that accompanied reading it. It is nothing groundbreaking, but the author has a lovely style that could be great.
I was a little confused going into this novel because I wasnt sure what to expect. From what I have researched, this is supposedly young adult. While the writing style makes it seem YA, there themes not appropriate for that age range. I guess new adult would be more appropriate?
Regardless, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and reflect the feel of the novel. As a fan of fantasy and fairytale retellings, Everealm was a novel I didnt even know I was looking for. The world and creatures she paints with her words are nostalgic of old childhood fairytales. While it still has many [cliché] themes that seem to be found in all YA novels (love triangle, etc.), the author added her own touch. It is a guilty pleasure feel good novel, free of heavy complexities that makes a novel more work than pleasure.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel and the feel that accompanied reading it. It is nothing groundbreaking, but the author has a lovely style that could be great.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Dark Lord of Kismera (Knights of Kismera, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rarely have I found such a nicely balanced novel that grabs my attention from page one. I wasnt expecting this novel to be as amazing as it was nor can I find words to adequately describe it. It fits into so many genres with ease. It is listed as romance and fantasy, but it has a heavy dose of action as well. You would think that this would subtract from characters and story, but the novel is well written. The world is developed and as someone who enjoys fantasy, I loved the authors interpreted world, creatures, and mythology. The characters are also multidimensional and dynamic.
While I am a huge fan of fantasy, the romance is what really completed this novel for me. The author really knew what she was doing. Bottom line, if you are looking for a well-rounded fantasy romance with enjoyable characters and a fantastical world, this is definitely a novel for you.
Rarely have I found such a nicely balanced novel that grabs my attention from page one. I wasnt expecting this novel to be as amazing as it was nor can I find words to adequately describe it. It fits into so many genres with ease. It is listed as romance and fantasy, but it has a heavy dose of action as well. You would think that this would subtract from characters and story, but the novel is well written. The world is developed and as someone who enjoys fantasy, I loved the authors interpreted world, creatures, and mythology. The characters are also multidimensional and dynamic.
While I am a huge fan of fantasy, the romance is what really completed this novel for me. The author really knew what she was doing. Bottom line, if you are looking for a well-rounded fantasy romance with enjoyable characters and a fantastical world, this is definitely a novel for you.
Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) rated Xia: Legends of a Drift System in Tabletop Games
Mar 8, 2018
So Much Sand in Space
A board game billing itself as a ‘sandbox’ is always going to be a little bit clunky, and Xia Legends of a Drift System is no exception. There are plenty of different systems for new players to learn and you will have to be patient when teaching the game. Xia Legend sof a Drift System isn’t particularly heavy, but there are many moving parts. A smarter person than me might have been able to figure out a way of sanding down Xia’s rough edges to make a more elegant experience, but I can’t honestly recommend better ways to implement its systems.
Ultimately, Xia’s dice rolling and the inherent meanness of blowing up your rivals and disrupting their turns, will be deal breakers for some. But if you invite people into your sandbox that won’t take themselves too seriously, there are plenty of toys to go around. I highly recommend you pick up Xia Legends of a Drift System.
Original Score: 4.4/5
Reviewer: John Severn
Read the full review here: https://www.gamesquest.co.uk/blog/xialegendsofadriftsystem/
Ultimately, Xia’s dice rolling and the inherent meanness of blowing up your rivals and disrupting their turns, will be deal breakers for some. But if you invite people into your sandbox that won’t take themselves too seriously, there are plenty of toys to go around. I highly recommend you pick up Xia Legends of a Drift System.
Original Score: 4.4/5
Reviewer: John Severn
Read the full review here: https://www.gamesquest.co.uk/blog/xialegendsofadriftsystem/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2488 KP) rated A Girl's Guide to Landing a Greek God in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A Girl’s Guide to Landing a Greek God by Bill Fuller (Mythmaker’s Trilogy #1) – 4
After running out on her own wedding, Angie takes a trip to Greece with a request from her grandmother to go to one particular island. What she doesn’t know is that on the island is Milos, a man who has been in love with Angie for years. Oh, and he also happens to be a Greek god. What will happen when she arrives?
Fantasy and romance – not my normal genres at all, and this book was heavy on the romance early on, which meant I was a little bored. Once the fantasy began to play a bigger factor in the book in the second half, I got much more interested in the book. So interested, in fact, that I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next to these characters.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-girls-guide-to-landing.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
After running out on her own wedding, Angie takes a trip to Greece with a request from her grandmother to go to one particular island. What she doesn’t know is that on the island is Milos, a man who has been in love with Angie for years. Oh, and he also happens to be a Greek god. What will happen when she arrives?
Fantasy and romance – not my normal genres at all, and this book was heavy on the romance early on, which meant I was a little bored. Once the fantasy began to play a bigger factor in the book in the second half, I got much more interested in the book. So interested, in fact, that I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next to these characters.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-girls-guide-to-landing.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Marrow of Tradition in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book was an interesting read and another book I had to read for one of my classes. It was full of historical events that were easily pointed out. The Plessy versus Ferguson case, the Wilmington Massacre, and the obvious ties to the racial tensions in the newspapers of the South at the time. It was interesting to get the viewpoints of so many different characters in this novel. It gave a lot of insight into the minds of the people at the time this was written and throughout the period after the Civil War. There are a few points that are slow, but that is to be expected of any book published so long ago. There are some heavy dialect aspects to the book that, at first, can be more difficult to read, but as you go along, you get used to it and it will go by much faster. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about what went on around the late 1800s and early 1900s in the South.
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Shakespeare Stories: Henry V, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Hamlet by Andrew Matthews presents four of William Shakespeare’s famous plays in an easy-to-digest format for kids. Accompanied by Tony Ross’ illustrations, Matthews re-imagines these Shakespearean plays as short stories more akin to classic fairy tales.
Matthews manages to take some of the most plot-heavy and confusing Shakespeare plays and break them down to their most basic elements. The language is easy to follow without lacking intellect or wit, and he stays true to Shakespeare’s concepts and characters. Illustrated short stories for kids are a no-brainer for getting children interested in William Shakespeare, and Matthews was smart to dive into the genre. He isn’t reinventing the wheel, but he is making the wheel accessible to a wide range of audiences.
I like how it has pictures, gives the cast and a quote from the original play. Then it tells the story and finishes up with an explanation of what just happened and some history of Shakespeare and the play.
Matthews manages to take some of the most plot-heavy and confusing Shakespeare plays and break them down to their most basic elements. The language is easy to follow without lacking intellect or wit, and he stays true to Shakespeare’s concepts and characters. Illustrated short stories for kids are a no-brainer for getting children interested in William Shakespeare, and Matthews was smart to dive into the genre. He isn’t reinventing the wheel, but he is making the wheel accessible to a wide range of audiences.
I like how it has pictures, gives the cast and a quote from the original play. Then it tells the story and finishes up with an explanation of what just happened and some history of Shakespeare and the play.