Tapestry of Treason
10.0
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Book
Her actions could make history – but at what price? 1399: Constance of York, Lady Despenser,...
Historical Fiction
Awix (3310 KP) rated Viy (Spirit of Evil) (1967) in Movies
Sep 21, 2021
Not the longest of films, which is just as well as the pacing may require patience on the part of the viewer; after a very eerie sequence early on, there's a long wait until the stuff with the protagonist's vigil in the second half. Nevertheless, it's worth it, mainly because the special effects are remarkably good, well up to the standard of equivalent western films of the same period (and probably better). Not particularly scary or graphic by modern standards, but the climax has a creepy sort of power to it and the overall impression is of a classy and well-made film; if there's a political subtext to it, it's very well-hidden.
Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
7.0
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Tabletop Game
In Brian Boru: High King of Ireland, you strive to unite Ireland under your domain, securing control...
Dean (6927 KP) rated Dune (2021) in Movies
Nov 11, 2021 (Updated Nov 11, 2021)
It's visually stunning and on a grand scale, with many wide angle shots to to get a good effect of scale. The design, look and feel of the film, along with Zimmer's score are all quality.
Then to the story which feels like a mix of The Matrix, meets Game of Thrones with a Star Wars setting. For new comers like myself it might be difficult keeping track of who is in alliance with who, as a lot of various faction names appear. The political side of things doesn't get too bogged down though. I did expect bigger and longer action scenes for a film of this scale. What action you do see is very good and the SFX are great.
So to those who are new to Dune it might be a bit of a mixed bag but there is no doubting the quality overall. Roll on part 2.
Wandering Souls
10.0
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Book
One night, not long after the last American troops leave Vietnam, siblings Anh, Thanh and Minh flee...
Asia Historical fiction political vietnam
PIPKAT (4 KP) rated Married by Monday (The Weekday Brides #2) in Books
Mar 4, 2022
<b>Descriptive Sex:</b> Yes. <spoiler>Not super descriptive, but there are steamy scenes.</spoiler>
<b>OW/OM:</b> No.
<b>Separation:</b> No.
<b>Content Warnings:</b> mention of rape and murder.
<b>★★★★</b>
I've been craving a hidden identity / witness protection romance, and this has satisfied that need. It's exactly what I wanted with the added bonus of marriage of convenience. There were one or two parts that I skimmed over because it was not of interest to me <spoiler>(particularly the political speeches and the scene with Agent Anderson, but that's really a me problem not a book one)</spoiler>, but Carter and Eliza are everything I want in a couple. The banter, the reassurances, and the trust. It was a pleasure to read.
This was my first time reading Bybee, but it will not be my last.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated A Test of Wills (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #1) in Books
Jun 30, 2022
I’ve heard about this series for a long time. I suspected it would be too dark for me, but I decided to try it anyway. Sadly, this is definitely darker than my normal choices. Rutledge and several other characters are dealing with some serious consequences of war. It’s realistic, but dark. On the other hand, Rutledge is an interesting character, partially because of this darkness. Where the novel really fails is the plot. After a good start, it bogs down in the middle before giving us a whiplash climax. It is logical, but too abrupt. I’m glad I gave the series a try, but I doubt I will be back.
Face of Greed (Detective Emily Hunter #1)
Book
Greed, corruption, and betrayal—no murder is as simple as it seems When a prominent Sacramento...
Thriller Police Procedural
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Jilo ( Witching Savannah #4) in Books
Jan 18, 2023
Kindle
Jilo ( Witching Savannah #4 )
By J.D. Horn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aged Mother Jilo is wise in the ways of magic...but once upon a time, she was just a girl.
1950s Georgia: King Cotton has fallen. Savannah is known as the "beautiful woman with a dirty face," its stately elegance faded by neglect, its soul withering from racial injustice and political corruption.
Young Jilo - fiercely independent, intelligent, and ambitious, but thwarted by Savannah's maddeningly genteel version of bigotry - finds herself forced to embrace a dark power that has pursued her family for generations, an ancient magic that may prove her salvation...or her undoing.
This was just what we needed! I love Jilo and it was so good to get her story and the back story of the Taylor’s too. This book was just creepy as hell in some parts and I’m referring to Poppy if you’ve read it the hairs on the back of my neck stood up! I’m sad to see this all wrapped up as the series was so good. I think I may have to start over.
The Shadow Network (WW2 Secret Agent #2)
Book
One woman must sacrifice everything to uncover the truth in this enthralling historical novel,...
Historical Fiction Thriller WWII