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Merissa (11950 KP) rated The Darkest Road (The Fionavar Tapestry #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The third and longest book in the Fionavar Tapestry Trilogy will leave you feeling emotionally exhausted by the time you finish it.
As the final book it obviously has to wrap up the whole story, including any new threads that have been introduced. GGK does this amazingly well and it will move you to tears (again).
One of the main characters and storylines of this book is Darien, the andain son of Jennifer and Rakoth and trust me when I say no punches are pulled with this. Although he ages quicker than normal children, he is still a child at heart and has the hardest decision of them all to make as he is the one that walks The Darkest Road. I won't put anything else as I don't want to spoil it for any that haven't read this book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the books of The Fionavar Tapestry and have read them all over and over. A Tapestry is the correct term for these books and they are all interwoven together, with some bright threads and some dark, but ultimately all part of the bigger picture.
As the final book it obviously has to wrap up the whole story, including any new threads that have been introduced. GGK does this amazingly well and it will move you to tears (again).
One of the main characters and storylines of this book is Darien, the andain son of Jennifer and Rakoth and trust me when I say no punches are pulled with this. Although he ages quicker than normal children, he is still a child at heart and has the hardest decision of them all to make as he is the one that walks The Darkest Road. I won't put anything else as I don't want to spoil it for any that haven't read this book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the books of The Fionavar Tapestry and have read them all over and over. A Tapestry is the correct term for these books and they are all interwoven together, with some bright threads and some dark, but ultimately all part of the bigger picture.
The final part of Veronica Roth's 'Divergent' series, this takes a different path than the previous two in that it is not solely told from Tris's point of view, but that it alternates between hers and Tobias's.
As this starts, the Factionless are now control of the city, leading Tris to think that they have simply moved from one tyranny to another. When offered the chance to explore what lies beyond the city - offered that chance, that is, by rebels since the new rulers don't want anyone leaving - Tris, Tobias and a group of others seize the opportunity to do so.
What they discover outside, however, is a world obsessed with eugenics, of which her home city of Chicago is simply an experiment: an experiment in danger of being shut down.
As a trilogy, and over-all: I have to say that, while the first entry ([b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328559506s/13335037.jpg|13155899]) did remind me quite a bit of The Hunger Games, as the series went on this seemed to get more and more its own identity. It also ended about the only way it could!
As this starts, the Factionless are now control of the city, leading Tris to think that they have simply moved from one tyranny to another. When offered the chance to explore what lies beyond the city - offered that chance, that is, by rebels since the new rulers don't want anyone leaving - Tris, Tobias and a group of others seize the opportunity to do so.
What they discover outside, however, is a world obsessed with eugenics, of which her home city of Chicago is simply an experiment: an experiment in danger of being shut down.
As a trilogy, and over-all: I have to say that, while the first entry ([b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328559506s/13335037.jpg|13155899]) did remind me quite a bit of The Hunger Games, as the series went on this seemed to get more and more its own identity. It also ended about the only way it could!
David McK (3369 KP) rated Alien Hunters (Alien Hunters, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Hmmm ... I'm not quite sure how to classify this.
Science-fiction? Certainly.
Comedy? In parts, yes.
Perhaps some classification in line with [b: The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy|372299|The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy A Trilogy in Five Parts|Douglas Adams|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322913171s/372299.jpg|42028477], or even with [b: Red Dwarf: infinty Welcomes Careful Drivers|70956|Red Dwarf Omnibus (Red Dwarf Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers & Better Than Life) |Grant Naylor|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348229137s/70956.jpg|68744].
I actually picked this up as part of a freebie the author was doing when I felt like a change of pace after reading several heavy(ish), 'serious' books in a row, more out of a sense of curiosity than anything else.
This was definitley a lot lighter fare than any of the books I had read in recent memory - I think I zipped through it in something like 2 or 3 days - raising the occassional wry chuckle, but failing to leave any permanent mark on my memory.
In food terms, like eating a biscuit rather than a full meal - tides you over, but never fully satisfies!
Science-fiction? Certainly.
Comedy? In parts, yes.
Perhaps some classification in line with [b: The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy|372299|The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy A Trilogy in Five Parts|Douglas Adams|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322913171s/372299.jpg|42028477], or even with [b: Red Dwarf: infinty Welcomes Careful Drivers|70956|Red Dwarf Omnibus (Red Dwarf Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers & Better Than Life) |Grant Naylor|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348229137s/70956.jpg|68744].
I actually picked this up as part of a freebie the author was doing when I felt like a change of pace after reading several heavy(ish), 'serious' books in a row, more out of a sense of curiosity than anything else.
This was definitley a lot lighter fare than any of the books I had read in recent memory - I think I zipped through it in something like 2 or 3 days - raising the occassional wry chuckle, but failing to leave any permanent mark on my memory.
In food terms, like eating a biscuit rather than a full meal - tides you over, but never fully satisfies!
David McK (3369 KP) rated Star Wars Omnibus: X-Wing Rogue Squadron, Vol. 1 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Generally speaking, I'm not really a comic-book guy kinda person.
However, I have read (and actually quite enjoyed) the Star Wars: X-Wing series of books, and was aware that these were also (pre Prequel trilogy) comics. However, I was unaware (until relatively recently) that the comics were not just visualizations of the novels, but were rather stories in their own right.
When I found this out, and when I came across the digital version of this Omnibus - which collects the first 3 stories in the X-Wing series [so Goodreads, should count as 3 towards my yearly challenge!] , I thought I would give it a try.
Of the 3 stories contained - Rogue Leader, the Rebel Opposition and The Phantom Affair - the second and third of these were co-written by Michael Stackpole, who also wrote the first X-Wing novels. Personally, while the story may be better in those two than in the first, I preferred the art of the first story, finding the panes easier to follow.
I haven't yet decided, but I may also pick up the next volume(s) in the series.
However, I have read (and actually quite enjoyed) the Star Wars: X-Wing series of books, and was aware that these were also (pre Prequel trilogy) comics. However, I was unaware (until relatively recently) that the comics were not just visualizations of the novels, but were rather stories in their own right.
When I found this out, and when I came across the digital version of this Omnibus - which collects the first 3 stories in the X-Wing series [so Goodreads, should count as 3 towards my yearly challenge!] , I thought I would give it a try.
Of the 3 stories contained - Rogue Leader, the Rebel Opposition and The Phantom Affair - the second and third of these were co-written by Michael Stackpole, who also wrote the first X-Wing novels. Personally, while the story may be better in those two than in the first, I preferred the art of the first story, finding the panes easier to follow.
I haven't yet decided, but I may also pick up the next volume(s) in the series.
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Dressmaker in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I have previously read Posie Graeme-Evans' trilogy based around Anne de Bohun, and very much enjoyed it. The Dressmaker was another well written book with a likeable female protagonist. I found the first half of the book a bit of a struggle to get through as so many bad things happen to Ellen, our heroine and you get a sense of how awful things are, but the lingering sense that worse is still to come! I liked the second half of the book better as it had a more positive feel to it and of course it did have a satisfying ending.
The book opens with Ellen visited by a mysterious man. We don't know very much about what is going on at this point, but she is clearly shaken by the encounter. After this, we are taken right back to the day of Ellen's birthday and see how events unfold that take her up to the moment we saw in the prologue.
Overall I did enjoy this, but especially to get through the first part I think you need to be in the right frame of mind.
The book opens with Ellen visited by a mysterious man. We don't know very much about what is going on at this point, but she is clearly shaken by the encounter. After this, we are taken right back to the day of Ellen's birthday and see how events unfold that take her up to the moment we saw in the prologue.
Overall I did enjoy this, but especially to get through the first part I think you need to be in the right frame of mind.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1) in Books
Aug 16, 2019
I've been in such a YA mood lately and determined to work on my self-imposed #readwhatyouown challenge, so I picked up this one, the first in a trilogy.
I couldn't help but compare this book to Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before series, but Belly (yes, they call this poor girl Belly) is no Lara Jean.
This is a rather predictable yet fun book as Belly returns to the beach house where she spends each summer with her Mom; her Mom's best friend Susannah; and Susannah's two sons, teenage Conrad and Jeremiah. This summer, Belly is fifteen and growing up--and it seems like everything is changing.
So I resented that Belly supposedly only deserved attention because she was now "pretty," though thankfully another boy comes on the scene who appreciates her for more than her looks. Still, I must admit, I was caught up in the book's drama, and this was pretty much the diversion and break from thrillers that I as seeking. And it definitely made me yearn for the beach. I won't lie, I'll probably check out the second book in the series out of curiosity, despite my complaints. 2.5/3 stars.
I couldn't help but compare this book to Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before series, but Belly (yes, they call this poor girl Belly) is no Lara Jean.
This is a rather predictable yet fun book as Belly returns to the beach house where she spends each summer with her Mom; her Mom's best friend Susannah; and Susannah's two sons, teenage Conrad and Jeremiah. This summer, Belly is fifteen and growing up--and it seems like everything is changing.
So I resented that Belly supposedly only deserved attention because she was now "pretty," though thankfully another boy comes on the scene who appreciates her for more than her looks. Still, I must admit, I was caught up in the book's drama, and this was pretty much the diversion and break from thrillers that I as seeking. And it definitely made me yearn for the beach. I won't lie, I'll probably check out the second book in the series out of curiosity, despite my complaints. 2.5/3 stars.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018) in Movies
Jul 21, 2019
Lackluster
I'm really not sure what prompted them to make this film. Instead of following on from the American version of Dragon Tattoo, they've instead chosen to skip the other 2 books in the original trilogy and go to what is probably the weakest book in the Lisbeth Salander series so far. And sadly, the film isnt any better.
Claire Foy is probably the only real highlight of this film as she's really rather good as Lisbeth. The rest of the cast are alright but nothing special though. There also doesn't appear to be much chemistry between Lisbeth and Mikhael and their conversations and interactions in this film are really rather dull and meaningless. And then there's the plot itself. Similar to the book, the plot is quite convoluted and a little over the top. And actually rather boring and lacklustre. There are some bits of action thrown in but not enough to hold interest and this film feels like it drags on for far too long. This is yet another unnecessary film made worse by the fact that they havent even bothered to follow the series in order.
Claire Foy is probably the only real highlight of this film as she's really rather good as Lisbeth. The rest of the cast are alright but nothing special though. There also doesn't appear to be much chemistry between Lisbeth and Mikhael and their conversations and interactions in this film are really rather dull and meaningless. And then there's the plot itself. Similar to the book, the plot is quite convoluted and a little over the top. And actually rather boring and lacklustre. There are some bits of action thrown in but not enough to hold interest and this film feels like it drags on for far too long. This is yet another unnecessary film made worse by the fact that they havent even bothered to follow the series in order.
Natacha (374 KP) rated This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1) in Books
Aug 10, 2019
I pick this book just after finishing “Shades of Magic” trilogy. I wanted to read more V.E Schwab and I like the premises of the story.
Things I like:
- The main idea of the book. Violence creates real and deadly monsters. I thought the was very unique.
-The idea of killing using something as beautiful as music create a beautiful was conflicted
-August is such a complex character. Was born from the worst act of violence, he very own nature is to kill humans that have committed crimes but his heart he just wants to be normal.
- How morally grey the whole story was and how it makes you reflect on how people think and act and how sometimes people do bad things for good reason and if they should or not being all punished in the same way.
- The relation between the two main characters. Their relationship grew in a nice and mature way.
-It does reflect some issue that we have in our society.
Things I didn’t like:
- Cliche school scene. Our two protagonists are teenagers and the beginning of the book start with a loot of overused scene.
Things I like:
- The main idea of the book. Violence creates real and deadly monsters. I thought the was very unique.
-The idea of killing using something as beautiful as music create a beautiful was conflicted
-August is such a complex character. Was born from the worst act of violence, he very own nature is to kill humans that have committed crimes but his heart he just wants to be normal.
- How morally grey the whole story was and how it makes you reflect on how people think and act and how sometimes people do bad things for good reason and if they should or not being all punished in the same way.
- The relation between the two main characters. Their relationship grew in a nice and mature way.
-It does reflect some issue that we have in our society.
Things I didn’t like:
- Cliche school scene. Our two protagonists are teenagers and the beginning of the book start with a loot of overused scene.
Peter_mark84 (59 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019
Great actors (2 more)
Amazing cinematography
Best sfx in marvel since Dr Strange
Swinging success
No spoilers. Just a quick review this time round. I really enjoyed this film, it works well with the tone of MCU post Endgame.
The cinematography is amazing and very well do. Worth paying extra to watch in IMAX. All the actors perform their characters outstanding and Jake Gyllnhall is amazing as Mysterio. Showing again another Interesting marvel character in a newer MCU light.
There are plenty of laughs as there have always been with spidey on the big screen. There is just something about Holland that makes him the perfect Spider-man, cheeky and awkward, noble and cocky. Just enough broodiness to be relatable. Unlike certain other animal theme super heroes (not Ant-Man).
Marvel however like DC do love a good old nod to the past and fans of the Raimi Trilogy will get a kick of the mid credits scene.
All I can say is bring on phase 4, on and marvel/ Disney give us the pairing we all want. Holland and Reynolds
The cinematography is amazing and very well do. Worth paying extra to watch in IMAX. All the actors perform their characters outstanding and Jake Gyllnhall is amazing as Mysterio. Showing again another Interesting marvel character in a newer MCU light.
There are plenty of laughs as there have always been with spidey on the big screen. There is just something about Holland that makes him the perfect Spider-man, cheeky and awkward, noble and cocky. Just enough broodiness to be relatable. Unlike certain other animal theme super heroes (not Ant-Man).
Marvel however like DC do love a good old nod to the past and fans of the Raimi Trilogy will get a kick of the mid credits scene.
All I can say is bring on phase 4, on and marvel/ Disney give us the pairing we all want. Holland and Reynolds
David McK (3369 KP) rated The Dark Tower (2017) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Well, that was nothing at all like I expected.
I've read the first book in Stephen King's Dark Tower series, and (honestly) hadn't really thought it was all that great or understood what all the fuss was about - for my money, David Gemmell did a far better job in his Jon Shannow trilogy of novels.
Having said that, I recognise that Gemmell's name may not have quite the same resonance, the same 'pull' as Stephen King.
I wanted to see this when it came in the cinema, and now haven't watched it on Netflix, honestly? I'm glad I didn't waste my money.
Having only read the first book in Stephen King's series, I can't say how true (or otherwese) this is to the novel(s), but I've always thought the best book and movie adaptations compliment each other: watching (or reading) one, say, would make you want to hunt out the other. This was far from the ideal: only an hour and a half long, but felling MUCH longer, I found this to be slow, plodding, and lacking any real originality or flair or excitement.
One to avoid!
I've read the first book in Stephen King's Dark Tower series, and (honestly) hadn't really thought it was all that great or understood what all the fuss was about - for my money, David Gemmell did a far better job in his Jon Shannow trilogy of novels.
Having said that, I recognise that Gemmell's name may not have quite the same resonance, the same 'pull' as Stephen King.
I wanted to see this when it came in the cinema, and now haven't watched it on Netflix, honestly? I'm glad I didn't waste my money.
Having only read the first book in Stephen King's series, I can't say how true (or otherwese) this is to the novel(s), but I've always thought the best book and movie adaptations compliment each other: watching (or reading) one, say, would make you want to hunt out the other. This was far from the ideal: only an hour and a half long, but felling MUCH longer, I found this to be slow, plodding, and lacking any real originality or flair or excitement.
One to avoid!
