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They Stay (They Stay #1)
They Stay (They Stay #1)
Claire Fraise | 2021 | Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well, that was a bit of a rollercoaster!!

An emotional read that has plenty of turns that lead you on a fantastic journey. Fear and anxiety are a constant throughout, not only for the characters but it was for me too. The thought of going through what these children/teenagers go through is mind blowing for me, the strength they show is brilliant.

I'm so glad it's part of a series as there's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end!
I would definitely recommend this awesome book, not for children though, as there are a few graphic descriptions that could upset them.
  
Ascent of the Aliomemti
Ascent of the Aliomemti
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A good solid start to a series
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Aliomenti village is in ruins, destroyed by one of their own, its population nearly eliminated in the calamity. From the ruins, the Aliomenti rise to international prominence, influencing buyers and sellers, warriors and bureaucrats, as they patiently and invisibly expand their empire.

Will Stark serves as the driving force loop behind that expansion. Whether he's directly creating their innovations or offering subtle hints to others, few of their revolutionary progressions are made without his influence.

But Will is dealing with his own private heartache. Even as he watches his fellow Aliomenti ascend to heights few of them imagined possible, his long journey becomes one he'll make very much alone. He's also haunted by the knowledge that what enables him to make that journey will also prevent him from seeing his most important mission to its completion.

Will must persevere, fighting through his own gloom, an organization that threatens to tear itself apart, and a reunion with old friends at a most inopportune time. And he'll come to realize that his own decisions, his own inability to understand even those he knows not to trust, have enabled a tyrant to seize control of the Aliomenti in the aftermath of an explosive crisis.


Having gotten to book 3 I'm a confused still as to whether it's sci-fi or supernatural or maybe a little bit of both. I'm enjoying this serious either way I love the dynamic of all the characters we come across. Watching Will jump Through so much to save his family while still helping to build the one thing he ultimately wants to destroy. All 3 books flow nicely into each other and I'm looking forward to finding out what has happened to Eve and what will become of the villages now Will has been kicked out! Also as will and Hope sail into the distance where their journey will lead.



Recommended!!



  
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JT (287 KP) rated 1917 (2020) in Movies

Mar 3, 2020  
1917 (2020)
1917 (2020)
2020 | Drama, War
Brilliant cinematography (2 more)
Great score
Fantastic central characters
A stunning film which hits hard both physically and emotionally
particular emphasis on cinematography. The World War I film is made to look like one continuous shot by director Sam Mendes whose one-shot opening of Spectre gave us a taste of things to come.

The film swept awards season with the film winning Best Drama Motion Picture at the Golden Globes, not to mention cleaning up at the BAFTAs. This was a strong indication that Mendes might have a hand on a couple of Oscars.

1917 tells the story of two Lance Corporals, Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) who are tasked with hand-delivering a message to another battalion who are inadvertently walking into a trap – Blake’s brother among them. If they fail then 1,600 men will lose their lives.

Blake and Schofield have been through a lot. When we first meet them they are relaxing beneath a tree, taking a break trying to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Without so much as a thought the pair salute General Erinmore (Colin Firth) and start the first part of their harrowing journey crossing no man’s land. The film is gripping in every sense of the word and you feel as if you are making the treacherous journey with them.

The scenery is devastatingly realistic, particularly the trip across no man’s land where charred bodies are buried deep in bombed-out craters of mud, their faces starring out in a look of shock.

The cast is limited to a few big-name cameos which aren’t blink and you miss them. Joining Firth is Andrew Scott, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch who make a significant impression in key scenes. The film flows incredibly well and never takes a back step, quite literally.

This is a journey that rivals Saving Private Ryan for it’s impactfulness, and why the memories of those who fought in the great war should always be forever remembered as true heroes.