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Awix (3310 KP) rated Third Reich Victorious: Alternate Decisions of World War II in Books
Feb 24, 2020
There's been a certain tension when it comes to military history, pretty much since not long after the Second World War ended: pretty much everyone agrees that the Nazi Party was as close to evil incarnate as we will hopefully ever see, but many academics (amongst others) still harbour a sneaking admiration for the quality of the German war machine and its leadership. That tension is basically at the heart of this book; it's telling that several of the German victory scenarios outlines here are predicated on Hitler either being replaced or being markedly less of a genocidal bigot.
The what-ifs vary: what if Hitler served in the navy in the First World war, what if the Russians pre-empted Barbarossa and attacked Germany first, what if Turkey joined the Axis, what if the Germans got the atom bomb in 1944, what if Rommel defeated the D-day landings, deposed Hitler, and the war devolved into a one-front struggle with the Soviets? Most of these are interesting and seem to have been written with the general reader in mind; a few do suffer from getting bogged down with detail. On the whole it is engaging stuff, if recent military history is your thing, and you do come away with an improved awareness that the Second World War was a closer-run thing than most people realise nowadays.
The what-ifs vary: what if Hitler served in the navy in the First World war, what if the Russians pre-empted Barbarossa and attacked Germany first, what if Turkey joined the Axis, what if the Germans got the atom bomb in 1944, what if Rommel defeated the D-day landings, deposed Hitler, and the war devolved into a one-front struggle with the Soviets? Most of these are interesting and seem to have been written with the general reader in mind; a few do suffer from getting bogged down with detail. On the whole it is engaging stuff, if recent military history is your thing, and you do come away with an improved awareness that the Second World War was a closer-run thing than most people realise nowadays.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Wakenhyrst in Books
Oct 10, 2020
Well done gothic horror
Gothic horrors can be hugely enthralling reads when done right, and I've read quite a few of these over the past few years. And Wakenhyrst is definitely one I'd add to the list.
This is a very intriguing and entertaining read. It's well written with a powerful female lead, which you wouldn't expect considering it's early 1900s setting. Maud is a very imperfect yet endearing character that you can't help but root for. The writing really helps build the the atmospheric setting and helps you visualise everything, which definitely helps with the horror and tension. I wouldn't say this is packed full of horror or scares, but rather an underlying tension and unease that builds for the entirety of the novel and rather gives you the creeps.
The problem is that this build up is spoilt a little by the ending, which isn't entirely unpredictable (considering how the book starts) and feels like a bit of a letdown. It's not a bad ending, but it just plays out exactly the way you'd expect and some of the twists or reveals that were likely intended to shock and surprise don't quite hit the mark.
Overall though this is a great example of a gothic horror and despite being quite lengthy, kept me hooked an entertained throughout.
This is a very intriguing and entertaining read. It's well written with a powerful female lead, which you wouldn't expect considering it's early 1900s setting. Maud is a very imperfect yet endearing character that you can't help but root for. The writing really helps build the the atmospheric setting and helps you visualise everything, which definitely helps with the horror and tension. I wouldn't say this is packed full of horror or scares, but rather an underlying tension and unease that builds for the entirety of the novel and rather gives you the creeps.
The problem is that this build up is spoilt a little by the ending, which isn't entirely unpredictable (considering how the book starts) and feels like a bit of a letdown. It's not a bad ending, but it just plays out exactly the way you'd expect and some of the twists or reveals that were likely intended to shock and surprise don't quite hit the mark.
Overall though this is a great example of a gothic horror and despite being quite lengthy, kept me hooked an entertained throughout.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Bait (2019) in Movies
Oct 2, 2020
Blow the man down
Bait is a beautiful disorientating gem of a movie about how we failure to understand and communicate with each other on a daily basis. Set in an old fishing village that's having to change with the times while leaving its locals struggling to make a living. bait is loaded with conflict and tension as tourists and locals cross paths and confront each other on a daily basis. Watching bait is a constant visual treat it's scratchy, jumpy, weathered and seemingly missing vital scenes giving it not only a sense of nostalgia but great authenticity too. Dialog is stiff, seemingly mismatched and layered in an almost hazy dream like way adding brilliantly to the overall atmosphere, harsh themes and knife point tension. Acting is tip top too with every single character seething with realistic portrayals of frustration, jealousy, anger and #hatred these along with close up shots of clenched fists and faces showing eyes of sheer boredom add superbly to a film that feels so relatable and incredibly British. Bait is by no means a happy watch with its intense close up imagery, pulsing scratchy film reel and defining silence that accompanies all the constant drama and conflict but theres something so pure, heart warming and nostalgic in all it's damn fine riveting hopelessness that rewards all that stay till it's haunting and mezmerising conclusion.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated This Is How It Ends in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I don't have a tremendous amount to say about this book. I liked the characters a lot, I liked the tension and the curiosity of what would happen, I liked the story. I didn't love it, I don't have a lot of criticism about it. It's a like-able book. It doesn't merit my re-read shelf, but I enjoyed the story. I wasn't satisfied with the ending, but it did keep me thinking for days. All in all, 3 stars for enjoyment but for not being everything I like in a book.
Content/recommendation: Some mention of sex, no erotic scenes. Some occasional language. Ages 16+
Content/recommendation: Some mention of sex, no erotic scenes. Some occasional language. Ages 16+
Jessica Cashen (1 KP) rated Ash Princess in Books
May 16, 2018
Superb read! Well written, with a great plot and characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. This book has action, suspense, intrigue, and tension. Theo is the rightful Queen of Astrea and she is willing to do anything to take it back. Theo is gritty, clever, determined, ready to do whatever to help her friends and her people. There are several twists and turns, and the ending is amazing. Blaise, Soren, Cress, Artemesia, Heron I fell in love with all of them. I cannot wait for the second book in the series! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.
Erika (17789 KP) rated The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) in Movies
Apr 7, 2018
I honestly don't know whether or not I actually liked this movie. The score was god awful, and the 'tension' music came at weird, non-tense times. The sex was plum bizarre and the characters did a whole lot of nothing. The beginning sequence when it's around 2 minutes of a beating heart creeped me out, and made me feel slightly ill to my stomach. Barry Keoghan (AKA the guy from 71 and Dunkirk) did well, though his American accent sounded like a mix between Ryan Gosling and Benedict Cumberbatch doing American accents. Though, as whack as it was, it kind of fit with the awkwardness of the character.
Chantal (8 KP) rated The Ritual (2017) in Movies
Jun 13, 2018
Setting (1 more)
Creative monster design
While I'm not a huge horror fan, I do have an appreciation for this movie. The tension built up very well at some parts, but the main selling point for me was the monster design. I thought it was pretty cool and something I haven't really seen before (but, of course, I'm not well versed in horror, so what is novel for me may be commonplace for you). Also, the movie had some truly beautiful scenes due to its setting.
The move did have some scenes/shots that gave off Blair Witch Project vibes, but it didn't really take away anything from the movie for me.
The move did have some scenes/shots that gave off Blair Witch Project vibes, but it didn't really take away anything from the movie for me.
Chrissie-ann (78 KP) rated Unsane (2018) in Movies
Jul 1, 2018
Creepy and unsettling
Being in the horror category I was expecting this film to be different, to me it was more like a thriller. I liked the way this film was made, it seemed at the beginning like the relationships were forced, but I think that added to tension leading to unsettleness as the film went on. From what I read I wasn't really sure what to expect, I also didn't know what was real at first. But I found it compelling but without connecting with the characters, watching from the outside. The story was good and I like the way it progressed albeit slightly slower than expected.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Operation Finale (2018) in Movies
Sep 1, 2018
I feel like this movie suffered from the same thing that Anthropoid thing, a boring build-up that doesn't really pay off in the end.
This movie felt like a 2 hours movie, which is never good. It was a long slog, and the tension wasn't built enough to actually interest me. It was a good story, but the pacing issue was bad.
Ben Kingsley was silently menacing, and tried to weasel his way out of taking the blame for anything. I felt like the movie was perhaps too kind towards his character? Oscar Isaac did well in his role, but it still wasn't enough to keep me completely enthralled.
This movie felt like a 2 hours movie, which is never good. It was a long slog, and the tension wasn't built enough to actually interest me. It was a good story, but the pacing issue was bad.
Ben Kingsley was silently menacing, and tried to weasel his way out of taking the blame for anything. I felt like the movie was perhaps too kind towards his character? Oscar Isaac did well in his role, but it still wasn't enough to keep me completely enthralled.