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Merissa (12699 KP) rated Allies & Enemies (The Immortals #2) in Books
Apr 19, 2023
The Immortals is a prequel trilogy, placing events and characters that are mentioned or appear in another series by Cheryl Mackey, the first book of which is called The Unknown Sun and is available now.
Allies and Enemies start with our Four once again on the search for something. This time it is a map, but they need to find a map to find the map! Nothing is easy or straightforward for these four. Although Ivo, Jaeger, Jadeth, and Emaranthe know and work well together, they are joined by a couple that could help or hinder them.
Full of action and enough twists and turns to keep everyone happy, this is a fast-paced Fantasy. Full of imagination and leading nicely to the next book. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 27, 2015
Allies and Enemies start with our Four once again on the search for something. This time it is a map, but they need to find a map to find the map! Nothing is easy or straightforward for these four. Although Ivo, Jaeger, Jadeth, and Emaranthe know and work well together, they are joined by a couple that could help or hinder them.
Full of action and enough twists and turns to keep everyone happy, this is a fast-paced Fantasy. Full of imagination and leading nicely to the next book. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 27, 2015
Good Golly Miss Molly
8.0
Rate It
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Mystic Beach: where the mysteries are magical and the musicians will rock your world. What's a...
Paranormal Romance Rockstar Steamy
Ross (3284 KP) rated Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015) in Movies
Dec 4, 2017
No attempt to explain the background of ... anyone really (1 more)
No Rose Byrne
"Chapter 3" is a prequel to the first 2 Insidious films and follows a young girl, Quinn attempting to contact her dead mother, who eventually calls in the help of Elise Rainier (a former psychic who since her husband passed away has become a weird cat lady, played by the weird dog lady from There's Something About Mary), a key character of the first 2 films.
Quinn thinks her mother is attempting to respond to her and wants help breaking through, but after she is hit by a car, breaking both legs, she starts to realise it isn't her mother trying to contact her.
The demon in the film clearly has a backstory (tar footprints, breathing apparatus in his mouth, hospital gown) but there is no attempt to explain this at all. One of the best bits of the second film was the exposition of the demon haunting Josh his whole life and what he had been in life. That is completely absent here. Fan theories abound on the internet but these all seem like nonsense and clutching at straws.
This in itself is a half-decent horror film, there is enough atmosphere and the acting is (in places) decent, but for me was quite a disappointment based on the first film (and to a lesser extent the second chapter). It just be me being grumpy having paid for this film (despite having Sky Cinema, Netflix and Amazon Prime) and didn't feel like I got my £3.49 worth, but I felt a little disappointed at the end.
There was an annoying little teaser at the end of the film where the main demon from the first film appears. This was a bit "Prometheus" as it kind of felt like a prequel but didn't really make sense, and Elise seeing this demon should have meant she was expecting it in the first movie, which didn't quite sit right.
There was a similar teaser at the end of the second film which bore no relation to this film, so plenty of pressure on 2018's conclusion to tie up the loose ends!
Quinn thinks her mother is attempting to respond to her and wants help breaking through, but after she is hit by a car, breaking both legs, she starts to realise it isn't her mother trying to contact her.
The demon in the film clearly has a backstory (tar footprints, breathing apparatus in his mouth, hospital gown) but there is no attempt to explain this at all. One of the best bits of the second film was the exposition of the demon haunting Josh his whole life and what he had been in life. That is completely absent here. Fan theories abound on the internet but these all seem like nonsense and clutching at straws.
This in itself is a half-decent horror film, there is enough atmosphere and the acting is (in places) decent, but for me was quite a disappointment based on the first film (and to a lesser extent the second chapter). It just be me being grumpy having paid for this film (despite having Sky Cinema, Netflix and Amazon Prime) and didn't feel like I got my £3.49 worth, but I felt a little disappointed at the end.
There was an annoying little teaser at the end of the film where the main demon from the first film appears. This was a bit "Prometheus" as it kind of felt like a prequel but didn't really make sense, and Elise seeing this demon should have meant she was expecting it in the first movie, which didn't quite sit right.
There was a similar teaser at the end of the second film which bore no relation to this film, so plenty of pressure on 2018's conclusion to tie up the loose ends!
Merissa (12699 KP) rated Kaden (The Hawks #0) in Books
Mar 15, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
KADEN is the prequel novella to The Hawks series in which you learn where the Mabin and Tarasque people come from. As the author's note says, it is also a "sexy fantasy romance with plenty of adventure, a courageous heroine, and a brooding hero." I ask you -- does it get better than that?
Kaden has kept his secret for years, knowing it is not safe for him to share. He has grown up alongside Ava and his beast loves her. Fearing for her safety if he reveals his secret, Kaden does the big, strong, silent hero thing of making a decision for her, instead of speaking with her. Now, I do understand his reasons, but I still shook my head! Kaden doesn't realise that Ava has her secrets to keep though. Secrets that aren't hers to tell. But it helps with her understanding in immeasurable ways.
I was warned by the story itself that it is a novella but that didn't help. This is a JLR book for crying out loud. I ALWAYS need more!!! It gave me everything I didn't know I wanted and more besides. It gave me a backstory to the events that lead to Tristan and co. It showed me what it was like for the last dragon. It gave me a mother's dying wish.
This is a free novella you can get by signing up for the newsletter. The question I'm asking is why wouldn't you? If you like fantasy romance, then I highly suggest you get yourself some snacks, prepare a flask of whatever your favourite beverage is so you don't have to move and get comfortable. Start with this novella and then treat yourself to Tristan and the other Hawks. You won't regret it, I promise!
A cracker of a prequel and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 15, 2022
Kaden has kept his secret for years, knowing it is not safe for him to share. He has grown up alongside Ava and his beast loves her. Fearing for her safety if he reveals his secret, Kaden does the big, strong, silent hero thing of making a decision for her, instead of speaking with her. Now, I do understand his reasons, but I still shook my head! Kaden doesn't realise that Ava has her secrets to keep though. Secrets that aren't hers to tell. But it helps with her understanding in immeasurable ways.
I was warned by the story itself that it is a novella but that didn't help. This is a JLR book for crying out loud. I ALWAYS need more!!! It gave me everything I didn't know I wanted and more besides. It gave me a backstory to the events that lead to Tristan and co. It showed me what it was like for the last dragon. It gave me a mother's dying wish.
This is a free novella you can get by signing up for the newsletter. The question I'm asking is why wouldn't you? If you like fantasy romance, then I highly suggest you get yourself some snacks, prepare a flask of whatever your favourite beverage is so you don't have to move and get comfortable. Start with this novella and then treat yourself to Tristan and the other Hawks. You won't regret it, I promise!
A cracker of a prequel and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 15, 2022
ClareR (5854 KP) rated The Rules of Magic in Books
Dec 7, 2017
How I loved this book! I’ve read it in completely the wrong order - I know that Practical Magic should have been first, but I got caught up in the heat of the moment, and ordered this from the library when it came out. I’m glad I did though. It’s a lovely story, nothing like how I expected it to be. I expected it to be more stereotypically ‘witchy’, but it was much more subtle. This prequel follows two sisters and their brothers as they grow up and recognise that they are different to their peers - they are witches. Their mother encourages them to hide their abilities, to ignore them, but they know that they can't, and when they spend a summer holiday with their aunt they are encouraged to do the opposite of their mother's instructions. They also don't follow their mothers' instructions when she tells them not to fall in love - because of the family curse they are told that it will end badly.
Well worth a read!!
Well worth a read!!
Kieran Harvey (51 KP) rated Prometheus (2012) in Movies
Jul 18, 2017
Great storyline (5 more)
Effectively creates suspense
Good action
Fantastic visuals
Great cast
Very well directed
Some bad characters (1 more)
A bit cheesy in some places
Much better than everyone thinks
Prometheus is a prequel to Alien and a lot of fans weren't happy that it didn't include alien in the title however it's just a name at the end of the day and this film is very very good in my opinion.
The acting is great specifically from Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshal Green and Charlize Theron and the action is great despite coming in small amounts. The whole atmosphere of this world is fantastic because it really feels genuine despite all coming from the mind of Ridley Scott but it is evident that he is very passionate about this series and that makes the film better as it feels honest and dark and legitimately tense. It has some scenes in which I found hard to watch because of the high gore/ horror levels but apart from that it starts well and it ends terrifically as well.
The acting is great specifically from Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshal Green and Charlize Theron and the action is great despite coming in small amounts. The whole atmosphere of this world is fantastic because it really feels genuine despite all coming from the mind of Ridley Scott but it is evident that he is very passionate about this series and that makes the film better as it feels honest and dark and legitimately tense. It has some scenes in which I found hard to watch because of the high gore/ horror levels but apart from that it starts well and it ends terrifically as well.
David McK (3547 KP) rated Specter of the Past (Star Wars: The Hand of Thrawn Duology, #1) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Back in the early 90s (round about '91 or so, so pre Special Editions), Timothy Zahn released a new Star Wars novel - <i>Heir to the Empire</i> - that would both become the first in a trilogy, and the first in the Star Wars expanded universe (EU) series as a whole.
The main antagonist of those stories was Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant strategist who believed that a species art held the their weakness. Indeed, the novels were also the first to ever name the capitol of the Empire and the Old Republic ('Coruscant').
By the end of the trilogy, Thrawn was defeated and assassinated. Or was he?
This novel was first released in the mid 90's, round about the time of the Special Editions, and before the first of the Prequel trilogy. Set 10 years after the events of <i>The Last Command</i>, this also sees the return of certain characters from Zahn's previous entries in the Star Wars canon, but (I felt) was not quite as entertaining a read.
The main antagonist of those stories was Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant strategist who believed that a species art held the their weakness. Indeed, the novels were also the first to ever name the capitol of the Empire and the Old Republic ('Coruscant').
By the end of the trilogy, Thrawn was defeated and assassinated. Or was he?
This novel was first released in the mid 90's, round about the time of the Special Editions, and before the first of the Prequel trilogy. Set 10 years after the events of <i>The Last Command</i>, this also sees the return of certain characters from Zahn's previous entries in the Star Wars canon, but (I felt) was not quite as entertaining a read.
Otway93 (580 KP) rated Star Wars: Queen's Shadow in Books
Dec 31, 2019 (Updated Dec 31, 2019)
Idea (1 more)
Captain Panaka
Characters (1 more)
Story
The most tedious entry to the Star Wars canon.
When I heard about this book I was fascinated to know she went from Queen Amidala to Senator Amidala, and what happened following The Phantom Menace. Turns out, not much.
All of this can be read on the blurb: basically her royal predecessor asked her to. That was basically it.
The book answers these questions rather pointlessly, and describes her relationship with her handmaidens. The book can therefore be summarised in a single sentence: She was very close with her royal handmaidens, and the next Queen asks her to be senator.
The book is incredibly slow, to the point you can no longer be bothered and just want to skip to the next part of the Star Wars canon, a few Age of Republic comics, which are shorter, but far more fun.
It's single redeeming feature is the inclusion of Captain Panaka, the character portrayed by Hugh Quarshie in the prequel trilogy, a rather underrated and underused character.
All of this can be read on the blurb: basically her royal predecessor asked her to. That was basically it.
The book answers these questions rather pointlessly, and describes her relationship with her handmaidens. The book can therefore be summarised in a single sentence: She was very close with her royal handmaidens, and the next Queen asks her to be senator.
The book is incredibly slow, to the point you can no longer be bothered and just want to skip to the next part of the Star Wars canon, a few Age of Republic comics, which are shorter, but far more fun.
It's single redeeming feature is the inclusion of Captain Panaka, the character portrayed by Hugh Quarshie in the prequel trilogy, a rather underrated and underused character.
The Adventure of the Busts of Eva Peron
Carlos Gamerro and Ian Barnett
Book
1975. The cusp of Argentina's Dirty War. The magnate, Fausto Tamerlan, has been kidnapped by...
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Lifeforce (1985) in Movies
Feb 16, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Lifeforce is a typical English movie, bringing together myth and Sci-Fi with a number of familiar faces and one church being blown up (really, we brits even have to blow up churches in doctor who).
Lifeforce is part Quatermas, part (gender bent) Dracula with inspiration from Alien and various Zombie movies and a space ship that looks like the inspiration for Lexx. Add nudity and you have one hell of a Sci-Fi flick.
Lifeforce actually stands up quite well, most of the practical effects hold up but the alien energy does look like the Ghostbusters containment generator has, once again been shut off.
There is a hint of a backstory to the vampires and where they came from which could have been worked on but perhaps it was meant to be a set up for a sequel/prequel that never happened.
Life force is an exiting story and well worth a watch but there is a lot of nudity if you don't like that sort of thing.
Lifeforce is part Quatermas, part (gender bent) Dracula with inspiration from Alien and various Zombie movies and a space ship that looks like the inspiration for Lexx. Add nudity and you have one hell of a Sci-Fi flick.
Lifeforce actually stands up quite well, most of the practical effects hold up but the alien energy does look like the Ghostbusters containment generator has, once again been shut off.
There is a hint of a backstory to the vampires and where they came from which could have been worked on but perhaps it was meant to be a set up for a sequel/prequel that never happened.
Life force is an exiting story and well worth a watch but there is a lot of nudity if you don't like that sort of thing.