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Cody Cook (8 KP) rated The Everlasting Man in Books
Jun 29, 2018
Part I is significantly better than part II, particularly because Chesterton is at his strongest when arguing for larger truths than when arguing for specific ones. He is quite convincing in arguing for the influence of God in pagan societies, but less convincing when arguing that God manifested Himself in Jesus of Nazareth (a belief which I do in fact hold) and even less persuasive when arguing that Jesus works exclusively through that peculiar organization known as the Roman Catholic Church. It is not all apparent to me whether Chesterton feels more comraderie with polytheists or Protestants, as his tone seems much harsher when bringing up the latter. Although this is a popular level theology book and Chesterton seems at times to be more concerned with giving a presuppositional framework than stating historical facts, I think it could have benefited from more citations to help demonstrate his points, some of which are so large as to require significant support. If the book only had consisted of the first part, I would probably have given it four stars, with the same concern about citations.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated What Child is This in Books
Jan 1, 2019
Simple, Heart Warming Short Story
The story opens on Christmas Eve in London in 1940. It's the middle of the blitz, and rationing is in full effect, so it is looking like a very dismal Christmas for Maggie and Jack Harris. But then what little they do have is taken from them suddenly, and they find themselves on the streets. Jack goes looking for shelter and finds what looks like an abandoned house. Is it abandoned? What will Christmas day bring?
While I rarely read short stories, I had to grab this story from Rhys Bowen. Best known for her historical mysteries, this is more of a glimpse at tragedy and triumph during 24 hours. As such, it doesn't have the twists or shocks you might expect, but it is a very heartwarming tale. Jack and Maggie really shine, although I did find Maggie annoying at times. Believable, but annoying. A quick read (I read it in about an hour), this is a good way to hold on to the Christmas spirit just a little bit longer.
While I rarely read short stories, I had to grab this story from Rhys Bowen. Best known for her historical mysteries, this is more of a glimpse at tragedy and triumph during 24 hours. As such, it doesn't have the twists or shocks you might expect, but it is a very heartwarming tale. Jack and Maggie really shine, although I did find Maggie annoying at times. Believable, but annoying. A quick read (I read it in about an hour), this is a good way to hold on to the Christmas spirit just a little bit longer.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Behemoth (Leviathan, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
As the world plunges into The Great War, the Leviathan travels to the Ottoman Empire in hopes of keeping the peace with the Emperor. Follow Deryn and Alek as they travel around the world. These books abound with secret missions, new beasts and machines, hidden lies and truths that are (FINALLY) revealed and many historical figures encountered. As you may have guessed, I have a problem with binge reading. When I find a series that I am IN LOVE with, I won't stop until I am finished! However, most of the time I need to wait six months to a year before the next installment. Thankfully that was not the case with Mr. Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan Trilogy. My favorite beastie by far is the perspicacious loris. I want one!!! It was so much fun reading this alternate history of WWI. Learning a few interesting details about the war that did in fact happen along the way. Although Mr. Westerfeld has made some definite changes to history in this book, it was very entertaining and engrossing. I love the whole idea behind this series.
David McK (3600 KP) rated Marston Moor (Civil War Chronicles, #6) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Regarded as the turning point of the English Civil War, the battle of Marston Moor was the largest of the Civil War and saw a combined force of English Parliamentarians and Scottish Covenanters defeat the Royalist force under Prince Rupert of the Rhine.
As befitting any historical soldier protagonist of the ECW, it's also one in which (now) Major Stryker gets caught up (fighting for the Royalists). As the author states in the author's note at the end of the story, he'd originally intended to write the story just around the battle itself; however found the story needed the campaign to give it context. To my eyes, that was a good call - starting with the sack of Bolton and leading through the siege of York to Rupert's lightning march to relieve the same, this all leads into the reason for the battle (which itself takes up, say, roughly the last third of the story), providing more flavour and understanding to the reader of what is occurring than just diving headlong into said battle.
As befitting any historical soldier protagonist of the ECW, it's also one in which (now) Major Stryker gets caught up (fighting for the Royalists). As the author states in the author's note at the end of the story, he'd originally intended to write the story just around the battle itself; however found the story needed the campaign to give it context. To my eyes, that was a good call - starting with the sack of Bolton and leading through the siege of York to Rupert's lightning march to relieve the same, this all leads into the reason for the battle (which itself takes up, say, roughly the last third of the story), providing more flavour and understanding to the reader of what is occurring than just diving headlong into said battle.
David McK (3600 KP) rated The Book of Ultimate Truths in Books
Jan 30, 2019
When reading books, I go through phases of genres, where I might read 3 or 4 of one type before switching to another. Recently, I'd been reading a lot of historical fiction and felt it was time to switch it up, moving on to comedy instead, hoping this would prove to be a hit.
Unfortunately, it wasn't. :(
Perhaps I should have known: I had read some Robert Rankin before and had found him (generally) to be more miss than hit, with this novel only serving to reinforce that opinion. IMO, I found this rather surreal and just not that funny with it rarely raising a smile, never mind a laugh! Indeed, what humour there is I found to be rather childish, almost infantile. Doubt I'll be looking for any more in this series: the only reasons this doesn't get 1 star is because A) a book has to be really, REALLY bad for me to give it that and B) because it was free (but now I know why!) from Amazon.
Unfortunately, it wasn't. :(
Perhaps I should have known: I had read some Robert Rankin before and had found him (generally) to be more miss than hit, with this novel only serving to reinforce that opinion. IMO, I found this rather surreal and just not that funny with it rarely raising a smile, never mind a laugh! Indeed, what humour there is I found to be rather childish, almost infantile. Doubt I'll be looking for any more in this series: the only reasons this doesn't get 1 star is because A) a book has to be really, REALLY bad for me to give it that and B) because it was free (but now I know why!) from Amazon.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Mary Queen of Scots (2018) in Movies
Dec 23, 2018
I finally saw this film yesterday, and I'm not going to nitpick the historical inaccuracies that much. The only one that really bothered me was Mary having a Scottish accent when she was raised in France. I did roll my eyes at some of them, but honestly, I'm not going to b about it.
The costumes were absolutely beautiful, and I really liked the general story line. Though, I can live my entire life without seeing another damn birth scene in a film. They're all the same, please cut it out film industry.
All of the actors were well suited to their roles, and I did overall enjoy it. The film starts out with the execution scene (not a spoiler alert, it happened in the 1580s), and I was slightly confused as to why Mary hadn't aged at all, but it's definitely explained in the end. It was very effective story telling. This film definitely had the aim of rehabilitating Mary's image, and I believe it was mostly successful. I would definitely see this film again.
The costumes were absolutely beautiful, and I really liked the general story line. Though, I can live my entire life without seeing another damn birth scene in a film. They're all the same, please cut it out film industry.
All of the actors were well suited to their roles, and I did overall enjoy it. The film starts out with the execution scene (not a spoiler alert, it happened in the 1580s), and I was slightly confused as to why Mary hadn't aged at all, but it's definitely explained in the end. It was very effective story telling. This film definitely had the aim of rehabilitating Mary's image, and I believe it was mostly successful. I would definitely see this film again.
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Viking's Touch (Victorious Vikings #2) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
The Viking's Touch appears to be a sequel to an earlier book by the same author, but it can be read as a standalone novel - I know because I hadn't read the previous story!
My usual historical romances tend to tend to be set mainly in the Regency period, so this was a bit of a change for me. It took a little while to get into, but overall I thought it was a good story with strongly drawn characters. A bit more violent and bloodthirsty than your average Regency, I have to admit, but as a change I did enjoy it.
The protagonists, Anwyn and Wulfgar were both sympathetic characters, but carrying a great deal of emotional baggage from their pasts. Ignvar is maybe a character who is a bit too black to be real as he doesn't appear to have a single redeeming feature, but on the bright side you do feel like cheering when he finally gets his comeuppance, and this sort of book is really about making you feel good, so I guess that van't be a bad thing!
My usual historical romances tend to tend to be set mainly in the Regency period, so this was a bit of a change for me. It took a little while to get into, but overall I thought it was a good story with strongly drawn characters. A bit more violent and bloodthirsty than your average Regency, I have to admit, but as a change I did enjoy it.
The protagonists, Anwyn and Wulfgar were both sympathetic characters, but carrying a great deal of emotional baggage from their pasts. Ignvar is maybe a character who is a bit too black to be real as he doesn't appear to have a single redeeming feature, but on the bright side you do feel like cheering when he finally gets his comeuppance, and this sort of book is really about making you feel good, so I guess that van't be a bad thing!
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated A Silken Thread in Books
Jul 1, 2019
I love the fact, that A Silken Thread is mostly a historical fiction book with a little bit of romance. The author does a really good job of telling a story though three main characters. The story is based around the Cotton Exposition of 1895. We learn a bit about what life a bit after the civil war and what life is like for southerners.
Their a story about African American and whites though out the story. Though we have a bit of story with a fourth character as well. Laurel is looking for someone to love her and find maybe find love along the way. She applies to be a weaver in the silk room.
Willie applies to the Cotton Exposition for he want to help pay for his fathers hospital bills and to help him get better. Willie friend Quincy has gotten a job their as well. We also have Langdon. What the author show though out the book is how world is viewed between each character. She does a well job of it.
Their a story about African American and whites though out the story. Though we have a bit of story with a fourth character as well. Laurel is looking for someone to love her and find maybe find love along the way. She applies to be a weaver in the silk room.
Willie applies to the Cotton Exposition for he want to help pay for his fathers hospital bills and to help him get better. Willie friend Quincy has gotten a job their as well. We also have Langdon. What the author show though out the book is how world is viewed between each character. She does a well job of it.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated How to Hang a Witch (How to Hang a Witch, #1) in Books
Jan 24, 2019
Great mix of history and fiction.
I kept saying this around Halloween and I finally got around to reading it. I got to be honest I wasn't expecting much sounded a little trophie but I got to be honest I really did enjoy it from start to finish. The author is apparently related to the actual guy in the book which was a really cool take I really love the setting of Salem the author really got the detail down great and made for really interesting story. I got to be honest the plot was probably my favorite part it was a great mix of historical fiction and YA high school drama with the perfect amount of a good old myster novel.
Really my only complaint was the really tired love triangle storyline I really didn't feel like it was needed she could have easily have just been friends with one of them but that's just my personal opinion because I honestly I absolutely hate love triangles.
I'm definitely going to be chexking out book 2.
Really my only complaint was the really tired love triangle storyline I really didn't feel like it was needed she could have easily have just been friends with one of them but that's just my personal opinion because I honestly I absolutely hate love triangles.
I'm definitely going to be chexking out book 2.
David McK (3600 KP) rated Sharpe's Devil (Sharpe, #21) in Books
Mar 5, 2020
The final (*sniff*) of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books, this is set 5 years after the battle of Waterloo (so, in 1820) and sees Richard Sharpe - now happily settled and living with Lucille in Normandy, and his particular friend Patrick Harper (now running a bar in Dublin) off to Chile in a quest to find an old friend (from all the way back in Sharpe's Rifleswho is missing, reported dead - a report his wife refuses to believe.
While at first it seems that the 'pit-stop' in Saint Helena to meet/gawk at the defeated Emperor Napoleon - pretty daring of Cornwell to put such a famous historical personage in the novel! - is just that, this actually later proves to be an essential part of the plot: I'm not going to give anything away by saying how!
Bit sad that the series is finished now; I guess I'm just going to have to go back and (re)read them all again, as I have been doing over the last couple of years!
While at first it seems that the 'pit-stop' in Saint Helena to meet/gawk at the defeated Emperor Napoleon - pretty daring of Cornwell to put such a famous historical personage in the novel! - is just that, this actually later proves to be an essential part of the plot: I'm not going to give anything away by saying how!
Bit sad that the series is finished now; I guess I'm just going to have to go back and (re)read them all again, as I have been doing over the last couple of years!