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David McK (3801 KP) rated Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur in Books

Jan 30, 2019

If I'm honest, I'm not really that much of a graphic novel/comic book kinda guy: I usually prefer to let my imagination do the work rather than have it 'shown' to me (which is also why I don't always like TV/movie adaptations).

Having said that, I thought I would give this one a go anyway. A retelling of the Arthurian legend, this takes in pretty much all the main characters and events of that legend, but not necessarily all how I was familiar with them (it involves the seelie/unseelie (i.e. faeries) which I don't remember ever having been part of the legend before).

Starting with Arthur's conception and ending with his 'death' at Badon Hill, the novel also glosses over some of the less savory actions that Arthur is supposed to have carried out (ref Tristan and Isolde).

An OK read, and while yes, I may pick up some of the others in the series, this failed to really change my perception of graphic novels as a whole.

Kudos

Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Foul Is Fair in Books

Nov 26, 2019 (Updated Nov 26, 2019)

Foul Is Fair

Hannah Capin | 2020 | Contemporary, Young Adult (YA)

9.0

(3 Ratings)

Book Rating

Sweet Revenge Tale for the Modern Era

Loved how this book didn’t mess about and just got into the action. Straight off the bat, it gave me a whole Cruel Intentions vibe and added a touch of The Craft for good measure - all teen girl kick ass. In a world that gave us the Brock Turner farse, we deserve this over the top revenge book.

When a group of prep boys choose the wrong girl to target at a party we are taken along for an all-consuming journey of revenge and it’s a delightfully dark ride. For such a disturbing tale it’s beautifully written. I don’t tend to like things with any sort of retelling of Shakespeare hints Macbeth in this case) or girly teen YA but this is in its own league of powerful storytelling that sets it apart. I had a strong feeling of where it was going but I wouldn’t have missed the ride for anything.

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kudos

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Hercules (2014) in Movies

Aug 6, 2019

Hercules (2014)

2014 | Action, Sci-Fi

6.2

(9 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Dwayne “no longer the Rock” Johnson shares his acting skills with the world again.

Action star, sure; drama star, not so much.

In this graphic novel adaptation Hercules is made out to be a questionable

demi-god. With a spectacular retelling of his legendary labors, the story begins

showing Hercules as a sword-for-hire. His band of mercenaries helps him use the fame

to intimidate enemies and garner business.

Haunted by his past, the loss of Alcmene and 3 children, Hercules is offered his

weight in gold to save a kingdom from a tyrant.

Hercules sets off on his quest, hoping soon to be done with it all and retire on a

remote island to live out his days.

This star studded cast lends some great acting skill, Johnson withstanding, to the

big screen. The action will entertain, and the humor will grant a chuckle.

I found the story compelling, but I also feel like humor and the main actor were

Worth seeing but probably better suited for an at-home viewing.