Search
Search results
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Silence of the Girls in Books
Apr 17, 2019
Good Retelling of The Iliad
This is a retelling of The Iliad - no need to read it however a bit of the basics of it would help you understand this book more, just for background information.
It can be a rather difficult read. Not to say it’s hard to understand, but more of the detailed subject matter. It’s shocking to read when these women are going through an era where war is prevalent, and the best outcome for them is to be a trophy, instead of a slave. (Although, those two terms are pretty much the same thing if you think about it) It’s scary, and eye opening at the same time. These women go through a lot of trauma and Briseis has it slightly better than the other women out there (which says a lot). They’re pretty much treated like cattle and nothing could be done with it. Unfortunately this is the norm during war.
The relationship between Briseis and Achilles was interesting. Despite the conqueror and war trophy titles, it develops and evolves as Achilles goes though life changing events through the novel. You do however, have a heart for Patroclus. He seemed more human and his friendship with Briseis is what might have kept her going through all this time in the book. In a sense too, she also benefited from being with Achilles (albeit, not her choice)
This is definitely word a read through if you’re interested in Greek Mythology and retellings this is worth the read, despite the slow but steady pace. The retelling of the Iliad from Briseis’ point of view is a good one.
It can be a rather difficult read. Not to say it’s hard to understand, but more of the detailed subject matter. It’s shocking to read when these women are going through an era where war is prevalent, and the best outcome for them is to be a trophy, instead of a slave. (Although, those two terms are pretty much the same thing if you think about it) It’s scary, and eye opening at the same time. These women go through a lot of trauma and Briseis has it slightly better than the other women out there (which says a lot). They’re pretty much treated like cattle and nothing could be done with it. Unfortunately this is the norm during war.
The relationship between Briseis and Achilles was interesting. Despite the conqueror and war trophy titles, it develops and evolves as Achilles goes though life changing events through the novel. You do however, have a heart for Patroclus. He seemed more human and his friendship with Briseis is what might have kept her going through all this time in the book. In a sense too, she also benefited from being with Achilles (albeit, not her choice)
This is definitely word a read through if you’re interested in Greek Mythology and retellings this is worth the read, despite the slow but steady pace. The retelling of the Iliad from Briseis’ point of view is a good one.
James P. Sumner (65 KP) rated Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) in Movies
Jun 4, 2019
Visuals (1 more)
Action
A true monster of a movie!
This sequel to the 2014 reboot of Godzilla is an enjoyable movie. It doesn't follow the common trend of "less is more", not wasting any time showing you the visually stunning monsters in all their glory.
The plot is simple enough: Godzilla has been absent since the last movie five years ago. More monsters (called Titans here) have been discovered around the world and the mysterious Monarch group are studying them. Needless to say, it doesn't take long for things to take a turn for the worst, and when a big, bad monster is revived and starts destroying things, our old pal Godzilla returns.
This is one of those movies where you leave your brain and the real world at the door, and just enjoy it for what it is. There's a lot of criticism aimed at modern movies for overusing CGI, but this film needs it and uses it very well. The monsters look incredible, and genuinely look massive. The battles and subsequent destruction look amazing, too. It's a real treat for the eyes, packed with many WOW! moments.
Is it perfect? No. As graphically stunning as it is, the plot leaves a lot to be desired. Riddled with tiny (and the odd large) plot holes, it's a pretty basic storyline. But then, it doesn't need to be overly complex in a movie like this one.
No one comes to a Godzilla movie expecting Oscar-worthy performances and Aaron Sorkin-esque screenplays. They come to be entertained. And you will be here. Well worth stepping away from life for a couple of hours. Don't forget your popcorn!
The plot is simple enough: Godzilla has been absent since the last movie five years ago. More monsters (called Titans here) have been discovered around the world and the mysterious Monarch group are studying them. Needless to say, it doesn't take long for things to take a turn for the worst, and when a big, bad monster is revived and starts destroying things, our old pal Godzilla returns.
This is one of those movies where you leave your brain and the real world at the door, and just enjoy it for what it is. There's a lot of criticism aimed at modern movies for overusing CGI, but this film needs it and uses it very well. The monsters look incredible, and genuinely look massive. The battles and subsequent destruction look amazing, too. It's a real treat for the eyes, packed with many WOW! moments.
Is it perfect? No. As graphically stunning as it is, the plot leaves a lot to be desired. Riddled with tiny (and the odd large) plot holes, it's a pretty basic storyline. But then, it doesn't need to be overly complex in a movie like this one.
No one comes to a Godzilla movie expecting Oscar-worthy performances and Aaron Sorkin-esque screenplays. They come to be entertained. And you will be here. Well worth stepping away from life for a couple of hours. Don't forget your popcorn!
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Aquaman (2018) in Movies
Jun 12, 2019
The underwater eye candy made it a fun watch!
I knew there was a reason a bought a 75" television. It is for movies like Aquaman. Ok fine, the screenplay isn't very good at times and I did not enjoy some of Aquaman's one liners, although I do not know if that is true to the comic character or not.
Having not known much about the character other than what has already appeared in the collective recent DCU films, I was eager to learn more about his origins and his universe.
His mother escapes her arranged marriage by coming to the surface and meeting a lighthouse keeper whom she grows to love and has their child. He will grow up to be the Atlantian who should be king but does not want the responsibility.
The film reminded me a lot of a Thor movie at times, just this time under water instead of an Asgard realm bereft with creatures big and small.
The real star of this was the underwater realm itself. The lighting, glowing and use of color was unlike any movie released to date I have seen and that says a lot. The visuals were not only groundbreaking and striking in their depth and complexity (which normally I rip on CGI puke movies), but served to compliment the actors and story in symbiosis.
I couldn't believe the number of negative reviews on IMDb for this film (although haters gotta hate everything these days). I think you can look past a little corny dialogue and let yourself get lost within the visual splendor that is Aquaman!
Having not known much about the character other than what has already appeared in the collective recent DCU films, I was eager to learn more about his origins and his universe.
His mother escapes her arranged marriage by coming to the surface and meeting a lighthouse keeper whom she grows to love and has their child. He will grow up to be the Atlantian who should be king but does not want the responsibility.
The film reminded me a lot of a Thor movie at times, just this time under water instead of an Asgard realm bereft with creatures big and small.
The real star of this was the underwater realm itself. The lighting, glowing and use of color was unlike any movie released to date I have seen and that says a lot. The visuals were not only groundbreaking and striking in their depth and complexity (which normally I rip on CGI puke movies), but served to compliment the actors and story in symbiosis.
I couldn't believe the number of negative reviews on IMDb for this film (although haters gotta hate everything these days). I think you can look past a little corny dialogue and let yourself get lost within the visual splendor that is Aquaman!
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Machete (2010) in Movies
Jan 19, 2018
Fun Watch
Machete was a bit of a miss for me. I understood the direction that directors Ethan Maniquis and Robert Rodriguez were heading for. I just didn't quite...get it. As a salesperson, I'm taught to push the "why", not the "how". For me, the "why" of this film left a lot to be desired.
It's not that I didn't like Machete, rather it didn't hook me. Half cheesy action film, half telenovela, it definitely has some shining moments. Danny Trejo (Machete) plays a tough badass as he does in most films. His hardcore attitude makes him instantly lovable and they give him more attitude than ever in this role. Not only does he destroy a lot of tough guys, he manages to find time to slay the ladies as well. Oh yes, the ladies love Machete and Machete loves the ladies.
Props to Robert De Niro as well in his role as The Senator. Hearing his country accent makes you almost forgot this was the same guy that said, "You talkin' to me?" (Taxi Driver is on my list for this October!). You're supposed to hate him as he plays a villain, but you can't help but love him at the same time.
A handful of action sequences left me with raised eyebrows. My favorite in particular was Cheech Marin in the church with the double shotgun action. Talk about money!
Fun movie and worth at least one watch. Seeing Machete seek revenge on The Senator after being double-crossed (the plot) managed to keep me entertained but not quite jumping-for-joy excited. I give it a solid 76.
It's not that I didn't like Machete, rather it didn't hook me. Half cheesy action film, half telenovela, it definitely has some shining moments. Danny Trejo (Machete) plays a tough badass as he does in most films. His hardcore attitude makes him instantly lovable and they give him more attitude than ever in this role. Not only does he destroy a lot of tough guys, he manages to find time to slay the ladies as well. Oh yes, the ladies love Machete and Machete loves the ladies.
Props to Robert De Niro as well in his role as The Senator. Hearing his country accent makes you almost forgot this was the same guy that said, "You talkin' to me?" (Taxi Driver is on my list for this October!). You're supposed to hate him as he plays a villain, but you can't help but love him at the same time.
A handful of action sequences left me with raised eyebrows. My favorite in particular was Cheech Marin in the church with the double shotgun action. Talk about money!
Fun movie and worth at least one watch. Seeing Machete seek revenge on The Senator after being double-crossed (the plot) managed to keep me entertained but not quite jumping-for-joy excited. I give it a solid 76.
ClareR (5667 KP) rated Planetfall in Books
Jan 31, 2018 (Updated Jan 31, 2018)
I couldn't put this down!
If you like your science fiction with a lot of character development, then you'll like this. Renata Ghali joins a space voyage with best friend lee Suh-Mi, who believes she has been sent a message from God that will lead humanity to him (in person, I assume). So they manage to find a multi-millionaire to finance the voyage, a ship and a ship full of people who want to come on the voyage (all with valuable skills, of course). Of course something goes wrong, and a big secret is covered up. Half of the passengers are lost during Planetfall, and even though they look for them, they can't be found. Until one of them, the last survivor, wanders up to their front door (so to speak).
We learn a lot about the main character, Ren: about the reasons why she has become the person she is (OCD is involved). There's also lots of world building and descriptions of the daily lives of the inhabitants of the colony. I don't know as the main character was particularly likeable - in fact I don't think any of them were really, but they were compelling. I honestly read this every chance I had. I was a little disappointed with the abrupt end, and I'm sure more could have been described and written here, but it seemed really rushed.
I will be looking out for the second in this series though. It isn't a sequel as such - they're separate stories, but I like Newman's style (except for that rushed end bit!).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of the book!
We learn a lot about the main character, Ren: about the reasons why she has become the person she is (OCD is involved). There's also lots of world building and descriptions of the daily lives of the inhabitants of the colony. I don't know as the main character was particularly likeable - in fact I don't think any of them were really, but they were compelling. I honestly read this every chance I had. I was a little disappointed with the abrupt end, and I'm sure more could have been described and written here, but it seemed really rushed.
I will be looking out for the second in this series though. It isn't a sequel as such - they're separate stories, but I like Newman's style (except for that rushed end bit!).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of the book!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Prince of Fools in Books
Mar 6, 2018
It's taken me a little while to get my feelings in order about this book. I loved the world-building and the characters and were developed and have clear, strong individual personalities. Prince Jalan and Snorri ver Snagason perfectly complement each other, the former being a spoilt vane coward, the latter being a strong bull-headed warrior, both end up tied to the other through bad luck and magical doings.
While the writing is enjoyable in the moment and in short bursts, I don't tend to find it too engaging and find my attention wandering off quite often and have to reread passages. I also tended to find that I didn't particularly care what was happening to the characters, I just felt I was along for the ride without a clear idea of where I was going or why. I think Lawrence has said this is how he writes, he knows who the characters are and where they are headed but a lot of the plot emerges as he writes. This seems to please a lot of fans, but I don't think I have the discipline for that sort of reading. I'm the same with open-world video games - I don't have the discipline to force myself to focus on one mission, I wander off up a mountain and get mauled by a lion after not saving for an hour. I need a degree of linearity in my life and can't deal with too much chaos. But this is about me and not a criticism of the book.
Overall I enjoyed the read but felt at times the journey was a little bumpy.
While the writing is enjoyable in the moment and in short bursts, I don't tend to find it too engaging and find my attention wandering off quite often and have to reread passages. I also tended to find that I didn't particularly care what was happening to the characters, I just felt I was along for the ride without a clear idea of where I was going or why. I think Lawrence has said this is how he writes, he knows who the characters are and where they are headed but a lot of the plot emerges as he writes. This seems to please a lot of fans, but I don't think I have the discipline for that sort of reading. I'm the same with open-world video games - I don't have the discipline to force myself to focus on one mission, I wander off up a mountain and get mauled by a lion after not saving for an hour. I need a degree of linearity in my life and can't deal with too much chaos. But this is about me and not a criticism of the book.
Overall I enjoyed the read but felt at times the journey was a little bumpy.
Dana (24 KP) rated Saga, Vol. 2 in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Here's another review that is 4.5 stars.
I love Alana's obsession with that book. I feel like that is me on the page because I do the same thing: push a book at people until they begrudgingly read it and then tell me to piss off. Well, except for Marco, he liked it, but everyone else was so exasperated with her, it was too real. I died laughing at the parts where she got over excited about it! And the backstory of how Marco and Alana met: so freaking cute, but still kinda scary in the fact that it's illegal as hell.
We get Marco's origin story! I loved seeing him as a wee little bab. SO adorable! I enjoyed getting to know Marco's past and his parents. They are very interesting because they show a lot more of the issues that are going on between the races in the war. It gives more insight into why the war is going on itself.
I also love Izabel. She is so sweet and sassy and cares about the trio. It was really cool that she got a lot more page time in this issue, which I appreciated.
I do like reading the other characters' story lines, but I'm not going to lie, I will always be more interested in the main characters, at least in this series. While everyone else is very compelling and have interesting aspects to their story, I felt like I was just trying to rush through their parts to be able to get to Hazel, Alana, and Marco.
I am still really excited to read more of the series!
I love Alana's obsession with that book. I feel like that is me on the page because I do the same thing: push a book at people until they begrudgingly read it and then tell me to piss off. Well, except for Marco, he liked it, but everyone else was so exasperated with her, it was too real. I died laughing at the parts where she got over excited about it! And the backstory of how Marco and Alana met: so freaking cute, but still kinda scary in the fact that it's illegal as hell.
We get Marco's origin story! I loved seeing him as a wee little bab. SO adorable! I enjoyed getting to know Marco's past and his parents. They are very interesting because they show a lot more of the issues that are going on between the races in the war. It gives more insight into why the war is going on itself.
I also love Izabel. She is so sweet and sassy and cares about the trio. It was really cool that she got a lot more page time in this issue, which I appreciated.
I do like reading the other characters' story lines, but I'm not going to lie, I will always be more interested in the main characters, at least in this series. While everyone else is very compelling and have interesting aspects to their story, I felt like I was just trying to rush through their parts to be able to get to Hazel, Alana, and Marco.
I am still really excited to read more of the series!
This book has a super interesting concept. With the days and nights both lasting fourteen years, you could say that I was intrigued to give this a read.
I actually received this book via a Goodreads giveaway, which was super cool!!
Back to the review. Even though the concept was interesting, I found it difficult to get attached to either the story line or even any of the characters. They did things that may have seemed motivated to certain people, but I didn't really get why.
I wish there was more of an in depth history as to why all of these things were happening. I found myself asking: Why does the day and night last so long? Why did the people come to the island of Bliss? Why is it called Bliss? How does the world even work? Why do the islanders only go to the dessert during the night time? Does the desert have night? Why are there people who stay in the desert, but not everyone?
I feel like a lot of these answers could have been explored more in the story, but were either only slightly glanced on only to have the characters brush it off or were not considered at all.
I have a lot of mixed feelings because even though it was a quick read with an interesting concept, it didn't leave me feeling anything. And though I may remember some of the plot points, they didn't strike me as particularly memorable in any way.
I enjoyed this book as I was reading it, which is good. I just wish we had gotten more of the why of everything that was happening.
I actually received this book via a Goodreads giveaway, which was super cool!!
Back to the review. Even though the concept was interesting, I found it difficult to get attached to either the story line or even any of the characters. They did things that may have seemed motivated to certain people, but I didn't really get why.
I wish there was more of an in depth history as to why all of these things were happening. I found myself asking: Why does the day and night last so long? Why did the people come to the island of Bliss? Why is it called Bliss? How does the world even work? Why do the islanders only go to the dessert during the night time? Does the desert have night? Why are there people who stay in the desert, but not everyone?
I feel like a lot of these answers could have been explored more in the story, but were either only slightly glanced on only to have the characters brush it off or were not considered at all.
I have a lot of mixed feelings because even though it was a quick read with an interesting concept, it didn't leave me feeling anything. And though I may remember some of the plot points, they didn't strike me as particularly memorable in any way.
I enjoyed this book as I was reading it, which is good. I just wish we had gotten more of the why of everything that was happening.
A Great Place to Have a War by Joshua Kurlantzick is a book about the history of Laos. The synopsis caught by eye since I lived and worked in Laos for a year as an English teacher. The book is about the conflict which occurred in Laos roughly during the same period of the Vietnam War. This is an interesting and impressive book, yet depressing. Details the rise of the CIA as a war machine during the Vietnam War, which was fought to a great extent in Laos. It looks at some of people involved in building the war to epic proportions, and then withdrawing, leaving the country to collapse into yet more suffering.
This is a fascinating look at the shadow war in Laos, staged by the CIA, during the Vietnam War. It's an extremely interesting history of the how that war came to be, some of the main people involved in that war, and the rise of the CIA as an organization conducting paramilitary operations, not just spy missions. It also relates the political intrigues of the time, and the fate of Hmong who fought for Laos, and with and for America.
I learned a lot about the history of the conflict itself, and the characters on both sides of the war. This war which has been hidden in the shadows, and the author has given the people involved a chance to have their deeds, or misdeeds aired in the light of day. As with most of the little wars that occurred during the Cold War period, there is a lot of political manoeuvring which occurs in the background.
This is a fascinating look at the shadow war in Laos, staged by the CIA, during the Vietnam War. It's an extremely interesting history of the how that war came to be, some of the main people involved in that war, and the rise of the CIA as an organization conducting paramilitary operations, not just spy missions. It also relates the political intrigues of the time, and the fate of Hmong who fought for Laos, and with and for America.
I learned a lot about the history of the conflict itself, and the characters on both sides of the war. This war which has been hidden in the shadows, and the author has given the people involved a chance to have their deeds, or misdeeds aired in the light of day. As with most of the little wars that occurred during the Cold War period, there is a lot of political manoeuvring which occurs in the background.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Disjointed Lives in Books
Jul 20, 2018
An unexpected gem
I won a copy of this in a Smashbomb giveaway (thank you @Smashbomb!) and am now giving my entirely honest and unbiased review.
This is the first time ive read any of Morgan Sheppard’s work, and I can safely say that I will be doing again going forwards. I read this in its entirety on a very long and tedious train journey for work, and I can honestly say it really brightened up my commute!
This is only a short story, but it is very well written with a surprisingly simple premise. On the surface the premise seems almost too basic, but it really works. It’s surprising how effective and interesting a story about someone reciting their past can be. The two main characters are likeable and relatable and I’m sure most readers would recognise parts of themselves in this. The situation and story itself has a lot of relevance to relationships and today’s society.
I do have a couple of criticisms but these are pretty minor. One issue is some of the dialogue comes across as a little stilted and awkward and doesn’t flow quite as well as a normal real life conversation would. My other criticism actually has a massive compliment wrapped up in it - this story is far too short! I enjoyed reading this very much and wasn’t happy when it ended as I wanted more and would happily have read more. I feel like this could have been made into a much longer and more detailed story and it still could’ve been just as good. There’s a lot of potential here!
This is the first time ive read any of Morgan Sheppard’s work, and I can safely say that I will be doing again going forwards. I read this in its entirety on a very long and tedious train journey for work, and I can honestly say it really brightened up my commute!
This is only a short story, but it is very well written with a surprisingly simple premise. On the surface the premise seems almost too basic, but it really works. It’s surprising how effective and interesting a story about someone reciting their past can be. The two main characters are likeable and relatable and I’m sure most readers would recognise parts of themselves in this. The situation and story itself has a lot of relevance to relationships and today’s society.
I do have a couple of criticisms but these are pretty minor. One issue is some of the dialogue comes across as a little stilted and awkward and doesn’t flow quite as well as a normal real life conversation would. My other criticism actually has a massive compliment wrapped up in it - this story is far too short! I enjoyed reading this very much and wasn’t happy when it ended as I wanted more and would happily have read more. I feel like this could have been made into a much longer and more detailed story and it still could’ve been just as good. There’s a lot of potential here!