Search
Search results
Guillermo Del Toro recommended Häxan (1922) in Movies (curated)
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Stardust Destinies I: Variate Facing in Books
Apr 11, 2021
One word.....Epic!
I'm reminded of medieval times right from the start. Courage, valiance, swordsmen, magic and so much more.
Niome is about to embark on an awe-inspiring mission accompanied by four friends and family......not just any mission but one that had long been foretold. The personal journeys are no less important, not only on an individual level but as a group.
This is an epic journey that leads to new friendships, strong alliances and surprises. The only thing I've struggled with is when the characters speak in their native tongue.....I'll be honest I didn't even attempt to pronounce any of it ha ha!
That aside this is a brilliant read that is ideal for teens onwards to enjoy.
I'm reminded of medieval times right from the start. Courage, valiance, swordsmen, magic and so much more.
Niome is about to embark on an awe-inspiring mission accompanied by four friends and family......not just any mission but one that had long been foretold. The personal journeys are no less important, not only on an individual level but as a group.
This is an epic journey that leads to new friendships, strong alliances and surprises. The only thing I've struggled with is when the characters speak in their native tongue.....I'll be honest I didn't even attempt to pronounce any of it ha ha!
That aside this is a brilliant read that is ideal for teens onwards to enjoy.
Tom Turner (388 KP) rated Malice: Book One of the Faithful and the Fallen in Books
May 6, 2021
Words are going to fail me in describing how much I love this book! I've been a major fan of the works of David Gemmell, and ever since his tragicly early death in 2006 the world has been desperate for a worthy successor. I believe we have found such a man in John Gwynne. In this book he weaves incrediblly nuanced characters with awe inspiring world building and intricate action scenes and plotting. Sure, it is your big standard medieval fantasy world. But with all the other authors doing fantasy differently today, there is enough room for the more traditional stance. As you can probably tell, I love this book. I just hope it's follow ups don't let me down!
Sjon recommended Stranger Magic in Books (curated)
David McK (3233 KP) rated A Knight's Tale (2001) in Movies
Mar 16, 2021
While the late Heath Ledger may always be remembered for his portrayal as The Joker in The Dark Knight, and speaking personally, that's actually NOT the first film I remember seeing him in.
This is.
Starring as William, the peasant squire of a Knight who partakes in the medieval sport of jousting - which is restricted to the nobility - and who, just as the film starts, impersonates said Knight (who has passed away), this is very (very) loosely based on Chaucer's 'The Knights Tale' in the Canterbury Tales.
Indeed, Chaucer himself is one of the key characters in this film, portrayed by a pre-Vision (from the MCU) Paul Bettany.
Yes, the soundtrack is completely anachronistic (Queen? David Bowie?) but also actually works in the context of the film!
This is.
Starring as William, the peasant squire of a Knight who partakes in the medieval sport of jousting - which is restricted to the nobility - and who, just as the film starts, impersonates said Knight (who has passed away), this is very (very) loosely based on Chaucer's 'The Knights Tale' in the Canterbury Tales.
Indeed, Chaucer himself is one of the key characters in this film, portrayed by a pre-Vision (from the MCU) Paul Bettany.
Yes, the soundtrack is completely anachronistic (Queen? David Bowie?) but also actually works in the context of the film!
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Alfred: The Boy Who Would Be King in Books
Nov 20, 2019
Alfred is a mostly ordinary boy, going to school, playing video games, and reading books about medieval history. His mother is a bit eccentric but all in all, he is living the regular life of an 11-year-old. That is until a mysterious man shows up one night and Alfred suddenly finds himself in a fantastical, medieval kingdom. What is even more strange, Alfred soon discovers he has families ties to this strange land and is the only heir left to the kingdom’s throne. Thrust in the middle of a country cursed by a witch, a dark lord, terrible creatures, and famine, Alfred has his work cut out for him. But thanks to the help of a few new friends, his medieval video game, and book knowledge, he is up for the challenge.
Alfred is a determined, hopeful, excited kid living out a child’s fantasy. He manages to stay strong through horrible circumstances and uses his knowledge of the period along with that of his own time to try and make things better for his people. The mashing together of periods offers plenty of hilarious moments as Alfred tries to explain things like TV and pro-wrestlers. His knowledge of things like agriculture and battle defenses quickly become lifesavers for the peasants who have accepted the return of the king.
This fantastical adventure is a beautiful story that balances the dark, harsh realities of 6997428survival against both enemies and natural, the struggle of the weight thrust upon Alfred’s shoulders, while also remaining lighthearted, funny, and fun. The story unfolds like a puzzle before the reader, much like it does for Alfred, as you discover more about his family, magic, and the politics of this magical world. Author Ron Smorynski has done an incredible job of creating an extraordinary world and characters that you can become invested it. The story captures the pure adventure and action so longed for in fantasy adventures while also tackling growing up, history, and family struggles. To me, it brings to mind such classics as Narnia and The Castle in the Attic.
The book is an excellent beginning. While the story itself is well rounded in itself, the real magic is in the story that it has left to tell. Throughout the book, we get the beginnings of magical rules, political struggle, villains powers, and the complicated history of Alfred’s family and those that knew them. The book leaves you with as many secrets as it answers and simply begs for a sequel. I am excited to see more from this author and continue my journey with Alfred and his friends, hopefully soon!
Alfred is a determined, hopeful, excited kid living out a child’s fantasy. He manages to stay strong through horrible circumstances and uses his knowledge of the period along with that of his own time to try and make things better for his people. The mashing together of periods offers plenty of hilarious moments as Alfred tries to explain things like TV and pro-wrestlers. His knowledge of things like agriculture and battle defenses quickly become lifesavers for the peasants who have accepted the return of the king.
This fantastical adventure is a beautiful story that balances the dark, harsh realities of 6997428survival against both enemies and natural, the struggle of the weight thrust upon Alfred’s shoulders, while also remaining lighthearted, funny, and fun. The story unfolds like a puzzle before the reader, much like it does for Alfred, as you discover more about his family, magic, and the politics of this magical world. Author Ron Smorynski has done an incredible job of creating an extraordinary world and characters that you can become invested it. The story captures the pure adventure and action so longed for in fantasy adventures while also tackling growing up, history, and family struggles. To me, it brings to mind such classics as Narnia and The Castle in the Attic.
The book is an excellent beginning. While the story itself is well rounded in itself, the real magic is in the story that it has left to tell. Throughout the book, we get the beginnings of magical rules, political struggle, villains powers, and the complicated history of Alfred’s family and those that knew them. The book leaves you with as many secrets as it answers and simply begs for a sequel. I am excited to see more from this author and continue my journey with Alfred and his friends, hopefully soon!
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Hidden Rebel (Changed Heart Series Book 3) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
What a dream come true!
This book was so good, it was like the secret fantasy we all wish we could play brought to life. This book is the third in her Changed hearts series, however, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Michelle Janene’s main character (Lady Aria) was fierce, independent, and the most amazing ninja/sword warrior ever! She also had great faith and because of that God blessed her. While her other main characters were well developed, they had lessons to learn and were always by Lady Arias’ side ready to help when things went awry. I really liked the overall character development, some of them didn’t have the best reactions to events though. I truly did like them anyway. <br/> This plot was definitely one right out of a medieval fantasy. Castles, knights, horses, and sword fights… totally a truly medieval fantasy come to life. The plot moved at a great pace, keeping me interested and wanting to know what would happen next. The was one thing I didn’t like about the plot; however, I will not tell you about it as it is a spoiler.
Overall this was a great story that I could totally imagine myself in. Michelle Janene wrote a great book that I loved reading. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the great Lady Aria, the amazing description and attention to detail given in the sword training dialogues, and for just the hint of romance given with the happily ever after ending. I truly enjoyed this book and will go back and read the others in the series
*I did receive this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This book was so good, it was like the secret fantasy we all wish we could play brought to life. This book is the third in her Changed hearts series, however, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Michelle Janene’s main character (Lady Aria) was fierce, independent, and the most amazing ninja/sword warrior ever! She also had great faith and because of that God blessed her. While her other main characters were well developed, they had lessons to learn and were always by Lady Arias’ side ready to help when things went awry. I really liked the overall character development, some of them didn’t have the best reactions to events though. I truly did like them anyway. <br/> This plot was definitely one right out of a medieval fantasy. Castles, knights, horses, and sword fights… totally a truly medieval fantasy come to life. The plot moved at a great pace, keeping me interested and wanting to know what would happen next. The was one thing I didn’t like about the plot; however, I will not tell you about it as it is a spoiler.
Overall this was a great story that I could totally imagine myself in. Michelle Janene wrote a great book that I loved reading. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the great Lady Aria, the amazing description and attention to detail given in the sword training dialogues, and for just the hint of romance given with the happily ever after ending. I truly enjoyed this book and will go back and read the others in the series
*I did receive this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Beckie Shelton (40 KP) rated Duty (Rhynan #1) in Books
Feb 8, 2018
I received a e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Can I just start by saying I absolutely loved this book one of my favourite reads in a while and reminds me of the books I avidly devoured when first dipping my toe into the romance genre.Duty is a lovely medieval read where we become attached to the to main characters from the start Brielle and Tomas , they were both such strong characters with amazing positive attributes, I loved travelling the journey of there love story and was sad to finish a thoroughly engaging tail that kept me captivated from start to finish.on a final note I absolutely hated the king he was vile and I felt like giving the little brat a kick up the derrière while reading.but even with that little gripe this is a fab read.
Can I just start by saying I absolutely loved this book one of my favourite reads in a while and reminds me of the books I avidly devoured when first dipping my toe into the romance genre.Duty is a lovely medieval read where we become attached to the to main characters from the start Brielle and Tomas , they were both such strong characters with amazing positive attributes, I loved travelling the journey of there love story and was sad to finish a thoroughly engaging tail that kept me captivated from start to finish.on a final note I absolutely hated the king he was vile and I felt like giving the little brat a kick up the derrière while reading.but even with that little gripe this is a fab read.
David McK (3233 KP) rated The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) in Movies
Feb 26, 2022
The Sword in the Stone.
Excalibur.
I always thought they were two different blades, but not according to this movie, which transplants the action from ye-olde medieval England to modern-day times, with young Alex discovering the sword and setting off on a quest (alongside his best friend Badders, and two of his former bullies Lance and Kay) to stop the evil Sorceress Morgana from reawakening.
So, yes, it does follow pretty much the standard quest trope, complete with enemies who become friends and the battle against evil. I also found it to drag somewhat, and was sitting - for large portions - watching it with my mouth hanging open.
Unfortunately, that's not in a good way - just at the sheer plain ridiculousness of it all!
Then again, that may be simply because I'm not really it's target audience ... ?
Excalibur.
I always thought they were two different blades, but not according to this movie, which transplants the action from ye-olde medieval England to modern-day times, with young Alex discovering the sword and setting off on a quest (alongside his best friend Badders, and two of his former bullies Lance and Kay) to stop the evil Sorceress Morgana from reawakening.
So, yes, it does follow pretty much the standard quest trope, complete with enemies who become friends and the battle against evil. I also found it to drag somewhat, and was sitting - for large portions - watching it with my mouth hanging open.
Unfortunately, that's not in a good way - just at the sheer plain ridiculousness of it all!
Then again, that may be simply because I'm not really it's target audience ... ?
Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) rated Zombicide: Black Plague in Tabletop Games
Mar 8, 2018
On the Table: ‘Zombicide: Black Plague’ Board Game Review
The fourth standalone board game in CoolMiniOrNot and Guillotine Games’ hit zombie killin’ franchise is finally here! This time, things get more than a little medieval in what may very well be the best ‘Zombicide’ adventure yet.
I’ve heard good things about ‘Zombicide’ for a few years now, but since I had already owned a couple of other zombie-themed board games, I didn’t really feel the need to add one more to my collection. But when I saw the ‘Zombicide: Black Plague’ Kickstarter campaign launch last summer, I just couldn’t stop myself from jumping in and making a pledge. I’m glad I did because this is a fun and tension filled game that really captures the essence of a zombipocalypse.
Reviewer: Tom Landy
Read the full review here: https://www.highdefdigest.com/blog/zombicide-black-plague-board-game-review/
I’ve heard good things about ‘Zombicide’ for a few years now, but since I had already owned a couple of other zombie-themed board games, I didn’t really feel the need to add one more to my collection. But when I saw the ‘Zombicide: Black Plague’ Kickstarter campaign launch last summer, I just couldn’t stop myself from jumping in and making a pledge. I’m glad I did because this is a fun and tension filled game that really captures the essence of a zombipocalypse.
Reviewer: Tom Landy
Read the full review here: https://www.highdefdigest.com/blog/zombicide-black-plague-board-game-review/