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One Missed Call (2003)
One Missed Call (2003)
2003 | Horror
Ah, okay - so it's like 𝘗𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘦 without any of the themes (or at least more reductive ones in their place) or terrifically written characters, trying to cash in on the exact same story premise/structure as 𝘙𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘶 and 𝘑𝘶-𝘰𝘯: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘨𝘦. Seemed doomed from the start, but enter reliable workhorse Takashi Miike - who manages to make this a terrifying masterclass in what a good horror movie should look and sound like. My fifth film of his down in my ill-fated quest to watch as many films from his gargantuan filmography that can reasonably be acquired on physical media, and stylistically it's my favorite by a mile thus far. Even his better films I confess tend to look a little flat to me but this is just *drenched* in dread: unnerving music, ripper practical effects, and gripping cinematography among many other positives. The opening ten minutes are flawless and the entire last act (end credits included) is fucking outstanding, had me glued to my seat begging for more. Stuff in the middle rocks too, go figure (the third death in particular is not only perfectly anticipated, but a real screamer too). Like a lot of Miike, scenes here can go on for a little too long - but when the final product is otherwise put together this expertly it's impossible to argue with. I'm sure the American remake sucks ass as much as this kicks it.
  
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Prison of Hope ( Hellequin Chronicles book 4)
By Steve McHugh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Long ago, Olympian gods imprisoned the demon Pandora in a human—Hope—creating a creature whose only purpose was chaos and death. Remorseful, the gods locked Pandora away in Tartarus, ruled by Hades.

Now, centuries later, Pandora escapes. Nate Garrett, a 1,600-year-old sorcerer, is sent to recapture her and discovers her plan to disrupt the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, killing thousands in a misplaced quest for vengeance.

Fast forward to modern-day Berlin, where Nate has agreed to act as guardian on a school trip to Germany to visit Hades at the entrance to Tartarus. When Titan King Cronus becomes the second ever to escape Tartarus, Nate is forced to track him down and bring him back, to avert a civil war between those who would use his escape to gain power.

I love love love this series! This has to be the best one yet. I really like the way the author uses the Greek gods and mythology as well as bringing all the myths and legends into the story without it getting silly. Nate is just brilliant I love his relationship with Tommy and other characters. I like the back story of Nate’s life that runs along with whatever he’s facing in current times. It’s such a good series.
  
MASK OF THE ETERNAL MOON is the second book in the Legends of Elessia series and should be read in sequence as this one starts not long after the other finishes.

With the characters now known to me, I was looking forward to getting back into their story. There are multiple storylines going on in this book, and it took a while for me to get them straight in my head. Lucius and Oskar are still together, searching for Memphala. Donata and Hilda go on their own quest. Gotthilf and Helga are at home, and Memphala has her own story too. Not only that but Silas and Frida are new characters that are introduced and they play a big role. So, yep, there's a lot going on!

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book, with all of its twists and turns. Nothing is as expected and the surprises come from every direction. There is action on every page and the pacing moves it along perfectly. There are now slumps in the writing that I found. A brilliant ending that definitely leaves you wanting more.

An amazing story that I am thoroughly enjoying and have no hesitation in recommending!

** 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!