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The Gaelic King (2017)
The Gaelic King (2017)
2017 | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
6
6.3 (6 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Fantasy set in a historical setting, but is it good?
The Gaelic King is a low budget fantasy film set in historical Scotland. An exiled king is forced to unite with his once enemies to face a larger threat, a shadow army at the command of a powerful witch.
Honestly, this is a tough one to review. It doesn't do a whole lot wrong, but it doesn't Excel at anything either, it's stuck somewhere in between.

The film has passable acting, is well paced and has a solid storyline. The effects range from ok to bad, but it doesn't compromise the film too much. The music is great but is not balanced well with the sound of the movie, often overpowering dialogue.
Overall, it doesn't bring anything new or unexpected. It won't wow you, but you shouldn't cringe too much either. It's essentially the definition of mediocre.
  
TS
Tenth Stone (A.D. Chronicles, #10)
2
2.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Thoene's bring back characters from earlier books to retell the story of the Prodigal Son. However, they turn their historical fiction into fantasy and kill the climax of what should have been a powerful book. I'm debating whether I will continue to read them or not.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-tenth-stone-by-bodie-and.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Greg Rich finds himself sucked back through time to early 1600's Paris where he must unite teenage musketeers to save his parents. A kids book that combines elements of fantasy with historical fiction, I enjoyed it, although I did find the set up a bit too long.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-last-musketeer-by-stuart.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
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Merissa (11791 KP) created a post

Jan 11, 2021  
This was a great story that kept my attention from start to finish. It has left me with questions I can't wait to see answered.

TOUR, REVIEW & #GIVEAWAY - The Foes Between Us (The Last Wizard Series #1) by J.M. Robison - @Archaeolibrary, @GoddessFish, @JMRobison, #Historical, #Fantasy, 4 out of 5 (very good)

https://archaeolibrarian.wixsite.com/website/post/the-foes-between-us-the-last-wizard-series-1-by-j-m-robison
     
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Merissa (11791 KP) created a post

Feb 15, 2021  
"I loved seeing the same events happening through Coral's eyes, giving me a much fuller idea of what was happening."

She's the One Who Cares Too Much (War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters #2) by S. R. Cronin - @GoddessFish, @Archaeolibrary, @cinnabar01, #Historical, #Fantasy, 4 out of 5 (very good)

https://archaeolibrarian.wixsite.com/website/post/she-s-the-one-who-cares-too-much-war-stories-of-the-seven-troublesome-sisters-2-by-s-r-cronin
     
The Lady and the Highwayman
The Lady and the Highwayman
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
For anyone looking for a fun, historical fiction novel that has just a touch of romance, and even some, adventure, fantasy and horror elements, Sarah M. Eden’s latest novel “The Lady and the Highwayman” set in Victorian London might be just the thing for you. If that sounds interesting, I hope you’ll read my latest #bookreview on my blog now. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/09/01/three-for-the-price-of-one/
  
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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Fawkes in Books

Jan 2, 2019  
Fawkes
Fawkes
Nadine Brandes | 2018 | Young Adult (YA)
10
9.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
A stunning masterpiece. Melding history and fantasy into an unforgettable story.

I can not get over just how much I have come to love this story! There is so much history in this story that I was shocked by how well the author was able to mingle such a rich fantasy aspect to the story as well.

This story has so much to captivate the imagination, magic, romance, battles, plots, alliances, and true history! Brandes has created such a world of Colors that makes me believe color speak is possible. I am so impressed I am in a sort of color-daze.

The bottom line, if you enjoy YA Fantasy you will fall in LOVE with this story. If you enjoy historical books but haven't been brave enough to give the fantasy genre a try yet...I have a feeling you will enjoy this one. So be brave, give it a try...You may just fall in love with a new author!

I received a complimentary copy of Fawkes from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
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B (62 KP) rated These Viscious Masks in Books

Sep 30, 2018  
These Viscious Masks
These Viscious Masks
Kelly Zekas, Tarun Shanker | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book as an advanced copy.
I was initially intrigued because the description listed it as Jane Austen meets X-Men and I'd have to say that's pretty accurate. I randomly find myself thinking about it because I feel like I don't often read too many historical fantasy novels in the YA genre. Themes are similar to those found in many other YA texts but not in a tired, over done way. Looking forward to reading the next one.
  
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Liz Phair recommended The Mists of Avalon in Books (curated)

 
The Mists of Avalon
The Mists of Avalon
Marion Zimmer Bradley | 1982 | Fiction & Poetry
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"My mother gave me this book to read in high school when I was sick with malingering cold and missing out on social events. But it was absorbing, unlike any other historical fantasy I’d read. Viewing Arthurian legend through the eyes of the female characters upended my sense of history altogether, showing me that even real world events can be viewed through many lenses. I loved identifying with the enchantress turned crusader. So dramatic! The heart strings it plucked—sexual frisson, jealousy, courage, betrayal, magic power—perfectly aligned with my turbulent emotional state as a restless young woman."

Source
  
The Winter King
The Winter King
Bernard Cornwell | 1995 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
9
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Gritty and authentic take on the Arthurian Legends (3 more)
Feels like a true historical tale
Interesting characters
Gripping first part to a trilogy worth getting into
The goriness might not be to everyone's tastes (0 more)
I would definitely recommend this Novel – the first book in the Warlord Trilogy. It retells the mythical story of King Arthur but in such a gritty and credibly realistic way, that it feels like a historical epic.
This story is told from the perspective of Derfel, a young soldier and loyal follower and friend of Arthur. There are many intriguing and complex characters that are woven into the tale. The battles are quite grisly, and things can be quite brutal at times, but I guess it would have been living and fighting through the dark ages.
As a Lord of the Rings fan, this is my next favourite ‘fantasy’ trilogy. If you liked ‘The Vikings’ or ‘The Last Kingdoms’ series on TV, I would highly recommend that you give this trilogy a read.