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Shaun Collins (3 KP) rated Lethbridge-Stewart: Moon Blink (#5) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Moon Blink is a great start to the new "season" of LS books. There are some great ideas in here, and a few truly golden nugget scenes. Unfortunately, the book doesn't coalesce quite as well as it should, particularly when it reaches the final act. The villain (and thus the climax) never reach full potency after a great set up, which was frustrating.
Once again, Anne Travers takes the lead in the proceedings while Lethbridge-Stewart is relegated to the background, but for this story, that dynamic not only made sense, but was essential. Sadie Miller exhibits a natural knack for writing these characters, and has a strong voice with which to do it.
It may only be a three an a half star book, but because it was so enjoyable to read I have it the benefit of the extra star. Can't wait to read more!
For more detailed thoughts, you can listen to our full review at www.travelingthevortex.com
Once again, Anne Travers takes the lead in the proceedings while Lethbridge-Stewart is relegated to the background, but for this story, that dynamic not only made sense, but was essential. Sadie Miller exhibits a natural knack for writing these characters, and has a strong voice with which to do it.
It may only be a three an a half star book, but because it was so enjoyable to read I have it the benefit of the extra star. Can't wait to read more!
For more detailed thoughts, you can listen to our full review at www.travelingthevortex.com
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Star Trek Beyond (2016) in Movies
Jul 19, 2017
Great villian (5 more)
Exciting
Well directed
Crew chemistry
SFX
Soundtrack
A thrillride all the way through
I have no idea why this movie opened to mixed reviews, as it is actually my favourite of the three reboot Star Trek Movies. All of the characters are great, the chemistry that is seen between the cast members due to the circumstances of the plot is fun and well written, the movie is exciting and very well directed by Justin Lin. The stakes are high and the villain is complex and a truly frightening threat. The special effects are beautiful, the tone and the soundtrack are refreshing and the script is well written. I came out of this one having enjoyed it way more than I thought I would going in. Also, it is full of Easter eggs and call backs for long time Trekkies, while also being easily accessible to anyone that isn’t familiar with the franchise.
Samantha (67 KP) rated Yellow Brick War in Books
Jul 9, 2017
The new villain in this book seemed to be added to the story to continue the series rather than being relevant to the plot (1 more)
A lot of time is spent in Kansas rather than in Oz but still the Kansas plot line seems underdeveloped and clouded
'War'
I'm uncertain on how I actually feel about this novel. To me, there was a lot left un-clarified, with there being certain chapters and scenes that could have been better utilised by developing backstory and deepening knowledge of particular characters and their histories. Although there was some action in this novel it did not feel enough for a novel with the word 'war' in its title. It was good to see characters that had small roles in the first and second novels become more pertinent and important in the series throughout this instalment. I valued this as it provided some variety from the depictions of Amy and the 'Wicked' ones.
MissCagey (2652 KP) rated Wonder Woman (2017) in Movies
May 2, 2018
I really don't understand all the great reviews this film is getting. I am not a comic book hero fan in general but this was one I was so excited to watch as I LOVED the Wonder Woman tv show when I was younger. I wanted to be Wonder Woman, I dressed as her for a fancy dress....I thought she was AMAZING! When she spun around into her costume, the primary colours, the excitement....just brilliant. And then we have this shambles of a film to honour her, oh dear.
Her costume is drab, the cinematography is drab (other than Themyscira), the story is boring, Gal Gadot can't pick an accent she wants to use the whole way through, the villain is crap, her morals flip flop- she hates war and cries about it and then brings down a church (which contained one sniper) not caring if there are any civilians around, blah blah blah. So disappointing.
Her costume is drab, the cinematography is drab (other than Themyscira), the story is boring, Gal Gadot can't pick an accent she wants to use the whole way through, the villain is crap, her morals flip flop- she hates war and cries about it and then brings down a church (which contained one sniper) not caring if there are any civilians around, blah blah blah. So disappointing.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Meridian (Fenestra, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Well-written, evenly paced, with a likable and realistic protagonist in the title character, Meridian came alive in my mind quite easily. The writing is engaging, the dialogue well-done, and overall, the author did a great job creating the concept of angels who usher the dead into heaven, nirvana, enlightenment, or whatever you want to call it. Meridian does falter with the character of a typical cookie-cutter villain and at the end where there's a bit of confusion in what's happening, but it's understandable, yet slightly vague.
Amber Kizer has some interesting ideas about death and how it works. However, I do believe that the book is more suited to those who are open-minded, no matter their religion or beliefs. Meridian does well as a stand-alone, but if this does turn into a series, it will be interesting to see where Ms. Kizer takes us next. I'd recommend this for an easy, interesting and fairly fast read.
Amber Kizer has some interesting ideas about death and how it works. However, I do believe that the book is more suited to those who are open-minded, no matter their religion or beliefs. Meridian does well as a stand-alone, but if this does turn into a series, it will be interesting to see where Ms. Kizer takes us next. I'd recommend this for an easy, interesting and fairly fast read.
Awix (3310 KP) rated For Your Eyes Only (1981) in Movies
May 10, 2019
First of the 80s Bonds takes a step back from the camp excesses of the previous couple of entries and tries for a more Connery-esque, down to earth style; the results are impressive if perhaps a little too bland for this to really qualify as a Great Bond Movie.
Roger Moore's search for a missing component of a missile defence system (it's a Maguffin) takes him all around the Med and up into Italy; highlights include various inventive chases and other set pieces - everyone seems to be trying hard to do something original, which is nice. Also includes a scene where Bond rebuffs a hot young blonde who turns up in his bed, possibly the most out-of-character moment in the entire series. The lack of a really memorable villain also counts against it, but this is still possibly the best of the Moore Bonds, and the best of the decade.
Roger Moore's search for a missing component of a missile defence system (it's a Maguffin) takes him all around the Med and up into Italy; highlights include various inventive chases and other set pieces - everyone seems to be trying hard to do something original, which is nice. Also includes a scene where Bond rebuffs a hot young blonde who turns up in his bed, possibly the most out-of-character moment in the entire series. The lack of a really memorable villain also counts against it, but this is still possibly the best of the Moore Bonds, and the best of the decade.
Lukas Griffith (3 KP) rated Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016) in Movies
Jan 22, 2018
I was a huge fan of the original and Jean-claude Van Damme, the original is an classic martial arts film. The reboot will never be as good as the original but I can say its not bad. Its awesome to see that Van Damme was able to return as the mentor and pass the torch on, his performance was the best out of the whole cast. Bautista playing the villain Tong Po was fierced and brilliant. The fight scenes were crafted exceptional and some were intense and exciting. The story in my opinion was a tad bit jumpy and drug out compared to the original but I did like how they twisted it and tried to make it more original. This movie might not be the best ever reboot, low budget but it was entertaining and Van Damme was brilliant. Hopefully the sequel will be even better.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Justice League (2017) in Movies
Feb 7, 2018 (Updated Mar 24, 2018)
Wonder Woman (3 more)
Aquaman in the water
Aquaman out of the water
let's be real just Jason Momoa
I am so glad I didn't end up wasting my money to see this.
I demand they give me back the two hours of my life I wasted watching this piece of utter garbage.
Following the absolute success that was Wonder Woman, I had such high expectations for this movie since it seemed that DC finally got their shit together when it came to their cinematic releases but low and behold they just couldn't go a second round.
Even though I sat through this entire freaking movie I can not tell you what the actual plot was or who the villain even was...I honestly don't even remember what happened at the end because I found myself so bored throughout the entire movie. I really wish they would have built up all the other characters The Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman just felt slapped together.
Following the absolute success that was Wonder Woman, I had such high expectations for this movie since it seemed that DC finally got their shit together when it came to their cinematic releases but low and behold they just couldn't go a second round.
Even though I sat through this entire freaking movie I can not tell you what the actual plot was or who the villain even was...I honestly don't even remember what happened at the end because I found myself so bored throughout the entire movie. I really wish they would have built up all the other characters The Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman just felt slapped together.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Author's Definitive Edition in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I've enjoyed every Brandon Sanderson book I've read, and Elantris was certainly no exception. This was a beautiful mix of religious and political intrigue, magical mystery, and just a touch of romance. The ultimate answer to the mystery was so elegantly simple, but discovered so late, that consequences still had to be faced even when the main problem was fixed. (I'm trying to be vague so I don't spoil it!) I loved both Raoden and Sarene, and in a way, Hrathen too. He was a wonderfully written villain - one of those villains whose motivations you get to see and understand, so you end up sympathizing with him even as you don't want to see him succeed. Sanderson definitely has a talent for unusual fantasy novels, with elaborate plots and complex, well thought-out worlds.
In short, yet another amazing book from Brandon Sanderson.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
In short, yet another amazing book from Brandon Sanderson.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Don't Look Back in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Eve Hardaway takes a trip to the jungles of southern Mexico in order to rediscover herself. Instead, she discovers something truly horrifying, a mad man bent on killing her and everyone else at the remote camp where she is staying. With the weather conspiring against them, will they be able to get out to safety?
The book took a little while to set up the story, introducing us to the characters and the landscape we’d spend the rest of the book in. But once it gets going, this is another page turner from a talented thriller author. The villain was a bit over the top early on, but he became more human as the book progressed – not that I ever liked him. The rest of the characters are interesting to watch as they rise to the challenge or cave under the pressure.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-review-dont-look-back-by-gregg.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The book took a little while to set up the story, introducing us to the characters and the landscape we’d spend the rest of the book in. But once it gets going, this is another page turner from a talented thriller author. The villain was a bit over the top early on, but he became more human as the book progressed – not that I ever liked him. The rest of the characters are interesting to watch as they rise to the challenge or cave under the pressure.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-review-dont-look-back-by-gregg.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.