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Dark Force Rising (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, #2)
Dark Force Rising (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, #2)
Timothy Zahn | 1993 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The mid-part of Timothy Zahn's 'Heir to the Empire' series, which many - myself included - feel should have been used for the basis of the sequel trilogy. Mainly because this has the one thing that trilogy lacked: an over-arching plot!

Now considered non-canon, this series is set five years after the events of 'Return of the Jedi', where Coruscant has now become the seat of the New Republic rather than of the Empire, and where Leia and Han are expecting twins, just as Grand Admiral Thrawn - a character who has made the jump to canon - returns from his mission to the Outer Rim for The Empire and launches a campaign against the forces of the New Republic.

In this mid entry to the series, Leia has to convince the Noghri that The Empire are not who they say they are, whilst Luke hears rumours of a Jedi Master C'Boaoth who has come out of hiding (and is secretly working alongside Thrawn and co) and hopes to learn more about the ways of the Force from said Master.

Meanwhile, Hand and Lando find themselves seeking down the location of the legendary Katana fleet: a fleet of dreadnaughts that went missing during The Clone Wars (here, 50 or so years prior), and that may swing the balance of power in the Galaxy ...
  
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Dean (6927 KP) rated Reminiscence (2021) in Movies

Sep 2, 2021 (Updated Sep 2, 2021)  
Reminiscence (2021)
Reminiscence (2021)
2021 | Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi
6
5.7 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Rebecca Ferguson (1 more)
The score
Misses the mark in a few areas (0 more)
You are going on a journey...
A strange film in many ways. I haven't seen much publicity for it, yet the trailer I saw last week gave me high hopes.
A noir style film set in the near future of a world that's largely flooded, including the location of Miami. Where the rich have built huge dams to keep their area dry while the poor are in flooded areas. So people pay to relive their memories of happier times to experience again with the technology available. The owner of this technology then tries to track down a mysterious woman who has gone missing.
Huge potential which in the main part is not explored at all. Some nice Sfx in places and sets of the flooded Miami but even the setting could have been used more.
The script is basic and what starts as quite an intricate plot becomes rather simple before the ending. The cast is pretty good, although Cliff Curtis is miscast as a tough guy, villian. It's stylish in places and fans of noir, detective films will enjoy it more but others may find it very slow going especially at the start.
A missed opportunity overall, one that might be more popular once available on the small screen. Although not a film many will reminisce about.
  
The Guardians (Gargoyles Den #1)
The Guardians (Gargoyles Den #1)
Lisa Barry | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
You just have to love a book about gargoyles! There are few of them about and I do enjoy them. This one is slightly different which makes it all the more enjoyable. Sloane sees colours around people and also understands what those colours mean. She has learnt not to speak to anyone about this as she fears being put away in an institute.

Through happenings and occurrences, she finds a group of people who not only accept her for who she is but also recognise and appreciate the talent she has. However, things are not all sunshine yellow as Guardians are going missing. Different aspects of this book all tie together to give a thrilling ride and satisfying conclusion.

One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book is that it is action/adventure with a hint of romance. Really, the romance is only alluded to and really does play second fiddle to the main story.

I loved the ending, complete with Liam's choice, which I thoroughly understood and approved of! Can't wait to read more in this series. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 15, 2015
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2336 KP) rated The Lessons We Learn in Books

May 21, 2022 (Updated May 21, 2022)  
The Lessons We Learn
The Lessons We Learn
Liz Milliron | 2022 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Betty Must Clear Her Friend
As winter reluctantly gives way to spring in March of 1943, Lee Tillotson’s father goes missing. Betty Ahern is surprised that her friend isn’t more concerned, but Lee keeps pointing out how much better his family’s life is without Mr. Tillotson around since the man had become a drunk. That comes back to haunt Lee when his father’s body turns up in the Buffalo River. The police are looking at Lee as a suspect, and Lee is clearly hiding something, even from Betty. Can Betty figure out what is going on?

Since Lee’s family situation has been a subplot in the first two books in this series, this book is able to jump right into the action. The result is a story that never waned. I was hooked from the first page and never wanted to put the book down. I enjoyed getting to see more of the supporting characters in this book, and the development that came with their expanded page time. Likewise, I enjoyed seeing some of the relationship growth from the previous book stick around. I hope it continues in future books. The writing helps pull us into the story, and the historical details are fantastic, as well. This is the strongest book in the series to date, and I can’t wait to visit Betty again.