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Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Elemental (Elemental, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
The first book in the <i>Elemental</i> trilogy is set in a futuristic United States colony where people called Guardians have powers over the elements: water, wind, earth, and fire. For years, sixteen-year-old Thomas believed that he doesn't have powers like everyone else in the colony, until pirates kidnap the Guardians and the remaining colonists fight for a survival on an abandoned town.
<b><i>Elemental</i> has its good elements that worked out well in favor, but it had some elements that just didn't work out too well</b> it just had more elements that didn't work out really well.
The book is <b>primarily a survival book, but there's a mysterious aura surrounding the book that kept it somewhat interesting. However, the mysterious aspect? Antony John overdid it.</b> You're immediately thrown into action when the book starts and it doesn't actually stop. A huge chunk of the beginning is dedicated to surviving from the pirates who kidnapped the guardians and Thomas and his friends trying to survive on this mysterious Skeleton Town.
<b>There's not much about this Plague the Guardians keep talking about or how their elements work what, precisely, is an echo?</b> It's obviously a side effect, and it seems to leave a negative remnant on the person, but what is it <i>exactly?</i>. <b>I'm confused on how this Plague works or how it started, even with that newspaper-esque clip</b> it sounds like an experiment gone absolutely awry and blew up not only in the experimenters' faces, but the entire world. No one appreciates an experiment gone awry inside and outside the lab, but the dead can't complain.
<b>There's this "solution" the pirates are looking for, but Antony jumps between Griffin and Thomas intermittently</b> I'm still not too sure who the "solution" is. <b>I'm not sure about this whole Guardians thing</b> sounds like an experiment similar to the one done to Captain America in a different style even with Thomas and his companions coming across things in Skeleton Town that make them question the origins of the Guardians.
<i>Elemental</i> is also <b>heading into highly awkward love triangle it's in absolute danger zone</b> and I'm not sure I want to stick around for two girls pining for Thomas' attention. It's not noticeable yet <b>it's very subtle and certainly doesn't disturb anything going on in the story or the overall plot.</b>
By the end, <b>Antony John leaves you with curiosity and perhaps a need to continue the series, but he leaves more questions and confusion with loose ends than a solid answer or two.</b>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-elemental-by-antony-john/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<b><i>Elemental</i> has its good elements that worked out well in favor, but it had some elements that just didn't work out too well</b> it just had more elements that didn't work out really well.
The book is <b>primarily a survival book, but there's a mysterious aura surrounding the book that kept it somewhat interesting. However, the mysterious aspect? Antony John overdid it.</b> You're immediately thrown into action when the book starts and it doesn't actually stop. A huge chunk of the beginning is dedicated to surviving from the pirates who kidnapped the guardians and Thomas and his friends trying to survive on this mysterious Skeleton Town.
<b>There's not much about this Plague the Guardians keep talking about or how their elements work what, precisely, is an echo?</b> It's obviously a side effect, and it seems to leave a negative remnant on the person, but what is it <i>exactly?</i>. <b>I'm confused on how this Plague works or how it started, even with that newspaper-esque clip</b> it sounds like an experiment gone absolutely awry and blew up not only in the experimenters' faces, but the entire world. No one appreciates an experiment gone awry inside and outside the lab, but the dead can't complain.
<b>There's this "solution" the pirates are looking for, but Antony jumps between Griffin and Thomas intermittently</b> I'm still not too sure who the "solution" is. <b>I'm not sure about this whole Guardians thing</b> sounds like an experiment similar to the one done to Captain America in a different style even with Thomas and his companions coming across things in Skeleton Town that make them question the origins of the Guardians.
<i>Elemental</i> is also <b>heading into highly awkward love triangle it's in absolute danger zone</b> and I'm not sure I want to stick around for two girls pining for Thomas' attention. It's not noticeable yet <b>it's very subtle and certainly doesn't disturb anything going on in the story or the overall plot.</b>
By the end, <b>Antony John leaves you with curiosity and perhaps a need to continue the series, but he leaves more questions and confusion with loose ends than a solid answer or two.</b>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-elemental-by-antony-john/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
You never know what kinds of books you'll find when you take your time at the library.
<i>The Winner's Curse</i>, to say the least, is perhaps one of the best, if not <i>the</i> best, book I've read so far in 2015. The characters, the writing, the world, the plot – I loved it all (or most of it, but technically it's still all of it).
Kestrel may be one of my favorite characters – I just love how she resists (flouting them may be more accurate) her father's and society's rules, values, and expectations throughout the entire book, and even how she resists being bossed around by Cheat near the end.
<blockquote>"If a woman can fight and die for the empire, why can't a woman walk alone?"</blockquote>
Frankly, it's fantastic. It's fantastic how she doesn't really care too much about what society thinks of her relationship with Arin, despite the fact the rumors weren't true at the time. And it's even more fantastic how loyal Jess and Ronan are to Kestrel – they stick around even while Kestrel's reputation is obviously going down the drain with each action she takes that society looks down upon (though Ronan may be questionable).
<blockquote>"It doesn't matter what they think. Dance with me."</blockquote>
Then there's the writing – it's beautiful. The parallel structure the author uses occasionally throughout seems almost poetic, or if not poetic, then there seems to be a rhythm every so often.
<blockquote>She would have stopped him. She would have wished herself deaf, blind, made of unfeeling smoke. She would have stopped his words out of terror, longing.</blockquote>
I'm also not typically a fan of authors revealing what really happens through another character (while another character hears differently), but with <i>The Winner's Curse</i>, I find I rather enjoy Rutkoski revealing what really happens through Arin while Kestrel hears something else. Perhaps it's just the character itself, as Arin <i>is</i> an intriguing character and seems to have an air of mystery about him right when he is first sold to Kestrel – the author reveals that there's something up with him, but is vague enough not to give too much away.
The ending to <i>The Winner's Curse</i> is full of tension – with the second book already released or being released soon, I <i>really</i> want to read the next book, in hopes the sequel is as wonderfully written and unpredictable as the first to the <i>Winner's Trilogy</i> is.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-the-winners-curse-by-marie-rutkoski/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<i>The Winner's Curse</i>, to say the least, is perhaps one of the best, if not <i>the</i> best, book I've read so far in 2015. The characters, the writing, the world, the plot – I loved it all (or most of it, but technically it's still all of it).
Kestrel may be one of my favorite characters – I just love how she resists (flouting them may be more accurate) her father's and society's rules, values, and expectations throughout the entire book, and even how she resists being bossed around by Cheat near the end.
<blockquote>"If a woman can fight and die for the empire, why can't a woman walk alone?"</blockquote>
Frankly, it's fantastic. It's fantastic how she doesn't really care too much about what society thinks of her relationship with Arin, despite the fact the rumors weren't true at the time. And it's even more fantastic how loyal Jess and Ronan are to Kestrel – they stick around even while Kestrel's reputation is obviously going down the drain with each action she takes that society looks down upon (though Ronan may be questionable).
<blockquote>"It doesn't matter what they think. Dance with me."</blockquote>
Then there's the writing – it's beautiful. The parallel structure the author uses occasionally throughout seems almost poetic, or if not poetic, then there seems to be a rhythm every so often.
<blockquote>She would have stopped him. She would have wished herself deaf, blind, made of unfeeling smoke. She would have stopped his words out of terror, longing.</blockquote>
I'm also not typically a fan of authors revealing what really happens through another character (while another character hears differently), but with <i>The Winner's Curse</i>, I find I rather enjoy Rutkoski revealing what really happens through Arin while Kestrel hears something else. Perhaps it's just the character itself, as Arin <i>is</i> an intriguing character and seems to have an air of mystery about him right when he is first sold to Kestrel – the author reveals that there's something up with him, but is vague enough not to give too much away.
The ending to <i>The Winner's Curse</i> is full of tension – with the second book already released or being released soon, I <i>really</i> want to read the next book, in hopes the sequel is as wonderfully written and unpredictable as the first to the <i>Winner's Trilogy</i> is.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-the-winners-curse-by-marie-rutkoski/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) in Movies
Mar 26, 2020
Let's be honest, Solo was getting un-earnt hate from the minute it was announced. "No one asked for this" was thrown around often. "It's not Harrison Ford" was another one, and as a result, it was met in release with a fair amount of vitriol, and underperformed at the box office (apparently, still made shit tons of money...)
This is a great shame in my opinion. Solo isn't a perfect film by any means but it's still a fun and enjoyable sci-fi adventure.
Seeming as the plot revolves mainly around Han Solo, who of course is a huge staple character in the original trilogy, set after this one, the stakes are relatively low, and this gives the film room to relax a present us with what is essentially a heist movie, just one thats set in the Star Wars universe.
Alden Ehrenreich is fine as the titular Solo. He isn't trying to just copy Harrison Ford, but still provides something that feels familiar, whilst giving his own take on the character.
Donald Glover is pitch perfect as a young Lando Calrissian, and is arguably the highlight cast member.
It's great to have the likes of Thandie Newton and Woody Harrelson involved as well.
As I've said in my GoT reviews, I've always struggled to full get on board with Emilia Clarke, and it's no different here. She's just kind of there, and I honestly feel that the film wouldn't have suffered to greatly without her character.
My main gripe with Solo is the constant need to over explain everything - ever wondered how Han got his blaster and jacket? No? Well tough shit because we're going to tell you! Ever wondered where he got those dice that hang in the Millennium Falcon for like two seconds in one of the films? No? Shut up and watch dammit. Ever wondered why Han's second name is Solo? No? Well fuck you, because you're about to find out (and it's horribly cringey) Ever wanted to see what the Kessel Run is that Han spoke about once in the history of Star Wars? Well, maybe, kind of, but surprise, ITS A BIG CGI SQUID HAHAHA.
Any mystery and intrigue that you may have about Han Solo is explained away in incessant detail to the point where it becomes quickly tiresome. Not everything needs a back story dammit.
Honestly though, Solo could have been soooo much worse, but as it happens, it actually decent. It's not perfect as I mentioned, but I would happily take it over episodes 8 and 9. If you're one is those fans who have just straight up refused to watch it for some reason, stop being a silly goose and give it a go.
This is a great shame in my opinion. Solo isn't a perfect film by any means but it's still a fun and enjoyable sci-fi adventure.
Seeming as the plot revolves mainly around Han Solo, who of course is a huge staple character in the original trilogy, set after this one, the stakes are relatively low, and this gives the film room to relax a present us with what is essentially a heist movie, just one thats set in the Star Wars universe.
Alden Ehrenreich is fine as the titular Solo. He isn't trying to just copy Harrison Ford, but still provides something that feels familiar, whilst giving his own take on the character.
Donald Glover is pitch perfect as a young Lando Calrissian, and is arguably the highlight cast member.
It's great to have the likes of Thandie Newton and Woody Harrelson involved as well.
As I've said in my GoT reviews, I've always struggled to full get on board with Emilia Clarke, and it's no different here. She's just kind of there, and I honestly feel that the film wouldn't have suffered to greatly without her character.
My main gripe with Solo is the constant need to over explain everything - ever wondered how Han got his blaster and jacket? No? Well tough shit because we're going to tell you! Ever wondered where he got those dice that hang in the Millennium Falcon for like two seconds in one of the films? No? Shut up and watch dammit. Ever wondered why Han's second name is Solo? No? Well fuck you, because you're about to find out (and it's horribly cringey) Ever wanted to see what the Kessel Run is that Han spoke about once in the history of Star Wars? Well, maybe, kind of, but surprise, ITS A BIG CGI SQUID HAHAHA.
Any mystery and intrigue that you may have about Han Solo is explained away in incessant detail to the point where it becomes quickly tiresome. Not everything needs a back story dammit.
Honestly though, Solo could have been soooo much worse, but as it happens, it actually decent. It's not perfect as I mentioned, but I would happily take it over episodes 8 and 9. If you're one is those fans who have just straight up refused to watch it for some reason, stop being a silly goose and give it a go.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Killer Elite (2011) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
It’s your friendly neighborhood freelance photographer and fellow movie junkie with my take on of the VERY late summer movie release “Killer Elite” starring Jason Statham, Robert DeNiro, Clive Owen, Yvonne Strahovski, and Dominic Purcell.
First off, I’m just going to say that the cast alone warrents giving this movie a look. If you know at least one name on this list, you also know it’s worth watching once.
“Killer Elite” stars Jason Statham (The Transporter Trilogy) as Danny Bryce. A retired speical forces soldier who is lured out of retirement when is mentor Hunter (Robert DeNiro) is held hostage by a mysterious Middle-Eastern sheik. With the help of his former comrade Davies (Dominic Purcell Of Blade:Trinity And TV’s Prison Break), Bryce must complete the task of killing three assassins who are reponsible for the deaths of all but one of the sheik’s sons. Which also means going up against retired SAS comando Spike (Clive Owen Of Sin City, Children Of Men, And The Bourne Identity).
Despite less-than-stellar buzz, when I saw this line-up amongst the cast, I knew the movie had to have some potential and for me it did NOT disappoint. Honestly, I don’t get the beef some critics have with the movie. “Killer Elite” is a an action movie. Typically, action movies concentrate on a basic plotline or little to no plot. Action movies are all about ACTION coupled with good actors/actresses. Killer Elite is not just an action movie … it’s a GREAT ACTION MOVIE.
(Sidenote: The 1975 film of the same title, starring Robert DuVall and James Cann has a similar story line, but the movies are based on entirely different events. Both movies are worth checking out though).
“Killer Elite” is based on a book entitled The FeatherMen written by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, which he claimed to be based on true events to much controversy. It follows the assassinations of members of the British Special Air Services, by a hit squad known as The Clinic. The FeatherMen was a group of retired/vigilante special forces members who went head to head with the hitmen of The Clinic to protect members of the regiment.
Look, if you like action movies, this is one for the books. Even the flashbacks with Statham and his love interest are good. There’s even a litle bit of comic relief provided courtesy of Dominic Purcell who looks alot like Lemmy from Motorhead in this movie, just 30 years younger. There is NOT a dull moment int the movie. Pay the cash. Whether it’s in theaters or DVD or other digital medium. An excellent movie for a Friday night!
First off, I’m just going to say that the cast alone warrents giving this movie a look. If you know at least one name on this list, you also know it’s worth watching once.
“Killer Elite” stars Jason Statham (The Transporter Trilogy) as Danny Bryce. A retired speical forces soldier who is lured out of retirement when is mentor Hunter (Robert DeNiro) is held hostage by a mysterious Middle-Eastern sheik. With the help of his former comrade Davies (Dominic Purcell Of Blade:Trinity And TV’s Prison Break), Bryce must complete the task of killing three assassins who are reponsible for the deaths of all but one of the sheik’s sons. Which also means going up against retired SAS comando Spike (Clive Owen Of Sin City, Children Of Men, And The Bourne Identity).
Despite less-than-stellar buzz, when I saw this line-up amongst the cast, I knew the movie had to have some potential and for me it did NOT disappoint. Honestly, I don’t get the beef some critics have with the movie. “Killer Elite” is a an action movie. Typically, action movies concentrate on a basic plotline or little to no plot. Action movies are all about ACTION coupled with good actors/actresses. Killer Elite is not just an action movie … it’s a GREAT ACTION MOVIE.
(Sidenote: The 1975 film of the same title, starring Robert DuVall and James Cann has a similar story line, but the movies are based on entirely different events. Both movies are worth checking out though).
“Killer Elite” is based on a book entitled The FeatherMen written by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, which he claimed to be based on true events to much controversy. It follows the assassinations of members of the British Special Air Services, by a hit squad known as The Clinic. The FeatherMen was a group of retired/vigilante special forces members who went head to head with the hitmen of The Clinic to protect members of the regiment.
Look, if you like action movies, this is one for the books. Even the flashbacks with Statham and his love interest are good. There’s even a litle bit of comic relief provided courtesy of Dominic Purcell who looks alot like Lemmy from Motorhead in this movie, just 30 years younger. There is NOT a dull moment int the movie. Pay the cash. Whether it’s in theaters or DVD or other digital medium. An excellent movie for a Friday night!
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******************** Dragon Quest IV, the first instalment in the Zenithian Trilogy, is now out on...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Mister in Books
Sep 1, 2019 (Updated Sep 3, 2019)
I'll start by saying that I enjoyed the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. Yes, the sex scenes got a little repetitive after a while but I skipped a lot of it anyway because BDSM is not one of my favourite subgenres. BUT for the romance aspect, that's the bit I enjoyed.
So now I'm trying The Mister and let's see...
So Maxim Trevelyan has just inherited a noble title after the death of his older brother, a job he never wanted or expected to hold. Maxim has been a bit of a playboy up until this point, never having a proper job, sleeping with a new women almost every other day...and now he has responsibilities. He struggles with it all. And then he meets his new daily--his illegal immigrant cleaner/home help--and has an instant fascination with her that just grows every day.
The romance was slow going--a little too slow since it took nearly half the book before they slept together. I'm not sure about Albanian customs and stuff but Alessia seemed very prim and proper, very innocent having never even kissed a man. Her thoughts got a little annoying after a while when she kept thinking of her disapproving parents back home.
I also wasn't a fan of the constant switching between viewpoints. We could have one or two paragraphs--yes, paragraphs!--from Alessia's POV and then we'd switch back to Maxim for a few pages and then we'd switch back and forth for each others view on whatever was happening. It got a little tiring after a while.
Honestly, I struggled to get to the half way point but I flicked through waiting for Alessia's traffickers to find them again or for something to happen that didn't involve sex and luckily it was only about 70 pages away. And then it got a little more exciting. We had a little showdown or two but it wasn't enough to truly get my attention. I think the book could have been half as many pages if the beginning had been shortened where he's a bit of a man-whore and the middle with all sex.
On a side note: I loved how British this was, seeing familiar swearing like "f*ck a duck", "f*cking hell" and "b*llocks". Most of the books I read tend to be set in the US so this was a nice change in that respect. Cornwall seems to be a popular setting for books lately, with The Last Piece of My Heart being set there too.
If E.L. James releases another book, I'm not sure if I'll be reading it.
So now I'm trying The Mister and let's see...
So Maxim Trevelyan has just inherited a noble title after the death of his older brother, a job he never wanted or expected to hold. Maxim has been a bit of a playboy up until this point, never having a proper job, sleeping with a new women almost every other day...and now he has responsibilities. He struggles with it all. And then he meets his new daily--his illegal immigrant cleaner/home help--and has an instant fascination with her that just grows every day.
The romance was slow going--a little too slow since it took nearly half the book before they slept together. I'm not sure about Albanian customs and stuff but Alessia seemed very prim and proper, very innocent having never even kissed a man. Her thoughts got a little annoying after a while when she kept thinking of her disapproving parents back home.
I also wasn't a fan of the constant switching between viewpoints. We could have one or two paragraphs--yes, paragraphs!--from Alessia's POV and then we'd switch back to Maxim for a few pages and then we'd switch back and forth for each others view on whatever was happening. It got a little tiring after a while.
Honestly, I struggled to get to the half way point but I flicked through waiting for Alessia's traffickers to find them again or for something to happen that didn't involve sex and luckily it was only about 70 pages away. And then it got a little more exciting. We had a little showdown or two but it wasn't enough to truly get my attention. I think the book could have been half as many pages if the beginning had been shortened where he's a bit of a man-whore and the middle with all sex.
On a side note: I loved how British this was, seeing familiar swearing like "f*ck a duck", "f*cking hell" and "b*llocks". Most of the books I read tend to be set in the US so this was a nice change in that respect. Cornwall seems to be a popular setting for books lately, with The Last Piece of My Heart being set there too.
If E.L. James releases another book, I'm not sure if I'll be reading it.
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