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BookblogbyCari (345 KP) rated Origin in Books
Aug 14, 2018
Book Review by Cari Mayhew.
This is arguably the best Dan Brown book yet! I had been a big Dan Brown fan up until I read The Lost Symbol, which is his most tedious Robert Langdon book. But The Origin has made me a fan once again!
In the prologue, an accomplished computer scientist and atheist secretly meets up with 3 religious leaders, and there are 100 pages of build up before the scientist makes his announcement public – only to be assassinated a moment before his discovery is announced.
Central character Robert Langdon and his companion, the future queen of Spain, set out to unravel the mystery and make it public. But, halfway through the book, conspiracy theorists go wild - Robert is made out to be a kidnapper and becomes a wanted man.
As you might imagine, Dan Brown enabled the scientist’s message to be revealed, and this involved a science lesson for the reader. It was 2 chapters long, and to be honest I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dan Brown’s Robert Landon books usually contain a profound, revelatory lesson, but in this book, the message didn’t feel particularly revelatory, and the nature of it could well be guessed at during the early stages of the book. (No spoilers!)
Right at the very end, however, was a disturbing twist when the identity of the individual leaking info to conspiracy.net is finally revealed. (Again no spoilers!)
I like how Dan Brown tells his tales through the minds of several of his characters in turn. It really adds depth to the story, giving insight into the bad characters as well as the good.
This time around, the best elements of the story were told in the personal sides of the events, rather than the main thread of the story, for example in the relationships between the prince and his father and the prince and his fiancé.
Sometimes Dan Brown’s scenes are done an injustice by being described in words, when the architectural pieces really belong on the big screen. Whilst I don’t find fault in the descriptions as such, I found it hard to picture the details.
Although the book has just over 100 chapters, these chapters are very brief, and you’ll likely read them in quick succession. If you decide to give the book a try, please stick it out to the end!
For more of my reviews, check out www.bookblogbycari.com
This is arguably the best Dan Brown book yet! I had been a big Dan Brown fan up until I read The Lost Symbol, which is his most tedious Robert Langdon book. But The Origin has made me a fan once again!
In the prologue, an accomplished computer scientist and atheist secretly meets up with 3 religious leaders, and there are 100 pages of build up before the scientist makes his announcement public – only to be assassinated a moment before his discovery is announced.
Central character Robert Langdon and his companion, the future queen of Spain, set out to unravel the mystery and make it public. But, halfway through the book, conspiracy theorists go wild - Robert is made out to be a kidnapper and becomes a wanted man.
As you might imagine, Dan Brown enabled the scientist’s message to be revealed, and this involved a science lesson for the reader. It was 2 chapters long, and to be honest I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dan Brown’s Robert Landon books usually contain a profound, revelatory lesson, but in this book, the message didn’t feel particularly revelatory, and the nature of it could well be guessed at during the early stages of the book. (No spoilers!)
Right at the very end, however, was a disturbing twist when the identity of the individual leaking info to conspiracy.net is finally revealed. (Again no spoilers!)
I like how Dan Brown tells his tales through the minds of several of his characters in turn. It really adds depth to the story, giving insight into the bad characters as well as the good.
This time around, the best elements of the story were told in the personal sides of the events, rather than the main thread of the story, for example in the relationships between the prince and his father and the prince and his fiancé.
Sometimes Dan Brown’s scenes are done an injustice by being described in words, when the architectural pieces really belong on the big screen. Whilst I don’t find fault in the descriptions as such, I found it hard to picture the details.
Although the book has just over 100 chapters, these chapters are very brief, and you’ll likely read them in quick succession. If you decide to give the book a try, please stick it out to the end!
For more of my reviews, check out www.bookblogbycari.com
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
For professional Bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), life is good. As an elite member of his craft, he is well paid and lives a very good life keeping high-profile targets safe the world over. When things unexpectedly take a turn we find Michael two years on having hit the skids and struggling to claw his way back to prominence in the new film “The Hitman’s Bodyguard”.
Things become complicated for Michael as a despotic tyrant named Dukhovich (Gary Oldman) is on trial for war crimes and countless atrocities, and is about to go free due to removing all those who would be able to testify against him with credible evidence. That is with the exception of one Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson). Darius is incarcerated but makes a deal to testify in exchange for his wife (Selma Hayek), being granted freedom. Darius knows he is a marked man but takes the chance and under the watch of Interpol Agent Roussel (Elodie Yung), they set off.
Naturally things do not go as planned and the two find themselves fleeing for their lives with numerous deadly assassins hot on their heels. Unsure who she can trust, Roussel calls in Michael even though they have some seriously unresolved issues about one another that destroyed their previous relationship. Further complicating matters is the history Michael and Darius share which makes them naturally hostile to one another.
Nevertheless, Michael and Darius set off to reach the courtroom but the imposed deadline and face numerous dangers and hilarious situations along the way.
Jackson and Reynolds work very well with one another and their banter and chiding comes across as very natural. The jokes come more often than I expected but the film is very much an action film, and the sequences are intense, funny, and gripping, especially and extended chase and fight sequence along the canals and shopping district of Amsterdam.
While some may say that the film is just a variation on the Buddy Cop genre of old, the strong cast and the winning mix of jokes and action make the film a very pleasant surprise and one of my more enjoyable films of 2017. It was a highly-enjoyable thrill ride and one of the best films this summer.
If you are a fan of action, comedies, and the pairing of Jackson and Reynolds, do not miss this film.
http://sknr.net/2017/08/17/the-hitmans-bodyguard/
Things become complicated for Michael as a despotic tyrant named Dukhovich (Gary Oldman) is on trial for war crimes and countless atrocities, and is about to go free due to removing all those who would be able to testify against him with credible evidence. That is with the exception of one Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson). Darius is incarcerated but makes a deal to testify in exchange for his wife (Selma Hayek), being granted freedom. Darius knows he is a marked man but takes the chance and under the watch of Interpol Agent Roussel (Elodie Yung), they set off.
Naturally things do not go as planned and the two find themselves fleeing for their lives with numerous deadly assassins hot on their heels. Unsure who she can trust, Roussel calls in Michael even though they have some seriously unresolved issues about one another that destroyed their previous relationship. Further complicating matters is the history Michael and Darius share which makes them naturally hostile to one another.
Nevertheless, Michael and Darius set off to reach the courtroom but the imposed deadline and face numerous dangers and hilarious situations along the way.
Jackson and Reynolds work very well with one another and their banter and chiding comes across as very natural. The jokes come more often than I expected but the film is very much an action film, and the sequences are intense, funny, and gripping, especially and extended chase and fight sequence along the canals and shopping district of Amsterdam.
While some may say that the film is just a variation on the Buddy Cop genre of old, the strong cast and the winning mix of jokes and action make the film a very pleasant surprise and one of my more enjoyable films of 2017. It was a highly-enjoyable thrill ride and one of the best films this summer.
If you are a fan of action, comedies, and the pairing of Jackson and Reynolds, do not miss this film.
http://sknr.net/2017/08/17/the-hitmans-bodyguard/
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Tammy (2014) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Life for Tammy (Melissa McCarthy) is a struggle in frustration. She is an outspoken individual who is not shy about speaking her mind and acting out which is often as trouble seems to follow her everywhere.
Following one particularly bad morning, Tammy decides to move away from Illinois once and for all and when her mother offers her no real encouragement, Tammy takes to the road with her grandmother (Susan Sarandon).
Despite her health issues and love for the bottle, Tammy is happy to have the company as she admires the free spirit of her grandmother who wants to have an adventure and live life to the fullest at all times.
Of course trouble seems to find Tammy and before long she has to deal with a slew of problems as well as the increasingly self destructive behavior of her grandmother.
Complications arise when a farmer named Bobby (Mark Duplass), and his father Earl (Gary Cole), enter into the picture to provide distractions to the ladies and to make them start to see the consequences of their action.
Throw in short but solid supporting work from Kathy Bates and Dan Aykroyd, and this film should have been a laugh filled riot. Instead it stays in the bittersweet range far more than it does comedy, as many of the best jokes in the film were shown in the trailer.
I credit McCarthy, who along with Ben Falcone wrote the film, for trying to move beyond the manic comedies that she has done prior. The film is marketed as more of the same but it is not. The film drags in places as you keep waiting for the laughs to come and when they do it is very sporadic. Instead the focus in on emotions, life, and being accountable as well as other heady topics it is just a shame that McCarthy keeps having to play the lovable loser parts as to be honest they are starting to get old. I joked to my wife that a prison in the film looked much like the one in “Identity Thief”.
The film attempts to combine a buddy road trip with some deeper human issues but this is not “Thelma and Louise”, and it does seem that despite the best efforts of all involved, we have seen this trip many times before and it is one that did not need to be taken again.
http://sknr.net/2014/07/02/tammy/
Following one particularly bad morning, Tammy decides to move away from Illinois once and for all and when her mother offers her no real encouragement, Tammy takes to the road with her grandmother (Susan Sarandon).
Despite her health issues and love for the bottle, Tammy is happy to have the company as she admires the free spirit of her grandmother who wants to have an adventure and live life to the fullest at all times.
Of course trouble seems to find Tammy and before long she has to deal with a slew of problems as well as the increasingly self destructive behavior of her grandmother.
Complications arise when a farmer named Bobby (Mark Duplass), and his father Earl (Gary Cole), enter into the picture to provide distractions to the ladies and to make them start to see the consequences of their action.
Throw in short but solid supporting work from Kathy Bates and Dan Aykroyd, and this film should have been a laugh filled riot. Instead it stays in the bittersweet range far more than it does comedy, as many of the best jokes in the film were shown in the trailer.
I credit McCarthy, who along with Ben Falcone wrote the film, for trying to move beyond the manic comedies that she has done prior. The film is marketed as more of the same but it is not. The film drags in places as you keep waiting for the laughs to come and when they do it is very sporadic. Instead the focus in on emotions, life, and being accountable as well as other heady topics it is just a shame that McCarthy keeps having to play the lovable loser parts as to be honest they are starting to get old. I joked to my wife that a prison in the film looked much like the one in “Identity Thief”.
The film attempts to combine a buddy road trip with some deeper human issues but this is not “Thelma and Louise”, and it does seem that despite the best efforts of all involved, we have seen this trip many times before and it is one that did not need to be taken again.
http://sknr.net/2014/07/02/tammy/
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Lighthouses are a thing of beauty. Yet they are also to be feared and respected. The dangers of being a lightkeeper are known all too well to Patrick Garraty.
Emma Chambers has longed for nothing more than to settle down and have a home and a family. When her and her brother Ryan are stranded in Burnham's Landing, a little fishing village on Lake Huron, her dream becomes reality. Patrick Garraty, the head keeper at the Presque Isle Lighthouse, has recently lost his wife and is need of someone to help run the lighthouse as well as raise his son Josiah. Circumstances couldn't have worked out better, except when Patrick's past literally comes knocking at the door. Will his past crimes and sins destroy all that Emma has come to love? Will she be able to forgive him for his mistakes? Will they ever be able to cherish the unexpected love that has come into their lives?
Jody Hedlund has done it again! She sucked me into this story until all I could think about was what was going to happen next? I have to admit I was quite anxious the whole time I was reading Love Unexpected. Not only because I was constantly hoping that Emma and Patrick would be able to work things out, but because of the realness of the past coming back to haunt us. I believe that a lot of people have things in their past that they would prefer to be left forgotten. But as Jody touched on so accurately, when we ask the Lord's forgiveness he forgives, and forgets. Tossing our sins into the swirling waves of grace where they are dissolved and never brought back up. The only thing left for us to do is forgive ourselves and walk forward. Trusting in Him and letting Him lead our steps. Then, if our past does try to resurface, we can rest in God. Knowing that that is no longer who we are or what we do. We have been forgiven, cleansed and are His holy children. I look forward to the release of the second book in Beacons of Hope series Hearts Made Whole.
As part of their Blogger Review Program I received a free digital copy of Love Unexpected from Bethany House Publishers through Net Galley.
Check out the prequel to Love Unexpected for free! Out of the Storm
Emma Chambers has longed for nothing more than to settle down and have a home and a family. When her and her brother Ryan are stranded in Burnham's Landing, a little fishing village on Lake Huron, her dream becomes reality. Patrick Garraty, the head keeper at the Presque Isle Lighthouse, has recently lost his wife and is need of someone to help run the lighthouse as well as raise his son Josiah. Circumstances couldn't have worked out better, except when Patrick's past literally comes knocking at the door. Will his past crimes and sins destroy all that Emma has come to love? Will she be able to forgive him for his mistakes? Will they ever be able to cherish the unexpected love that has come into their lives?
Jody Hedlund has done it again! She sucked me into this story until all I could think about was what was going to happen next? I have to admit I was quite anxious the whole time I was reading Love Unexpected. Not only because I was constantly hoping that Emma and Patrick would be able to work things out, but because of the realness of the past coming back to haunt us. I believe that a lot of people have things in their past that they would prefer to be left forgotten. But as Jody touched on so accurately, when we ask the Lord's forgiveness he forgives, and forgets. Tossing our sins into the swirling waves of grace where they are dissolved and never brought back up. The only thing left for us to do is forgive ourselves and walk forward. Trusting in Him and letting Him lead our steps. Then, if our past does try to resurface, we can rest in God. Knowing that that is no longer who we are or what we do. We have been forgiven, cleansed and are His holy children. I look forward to the release of the second book in Beacons of Hope series Hearts Made Whole.
As part of their Blogger Review Program I received a free digital copy of Love Unexpected from Bethany House Publishers through Net Galley.
Check out the prequel to Love Unexpected for free! Out of the Storm
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Hearts of Stone in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Simon Scarrow brings to life the horrors of World War II in his latest novel <i>Hearts of Stone</i>. In 2013, Anna Thesskoudiss, a history teacher is contacted by a German research student, Dieter Muller who is interested in talking to her grandmother Eleni. He explains that he is the grandson of Peter Muller who was friends with her grandmother whilst staying on the Greek island of Lefkas until the war made them enemies.
Dieter Muller’s introduction implies that the story is going to be about the relationship between Eleni and Peter, which gets destroyed when Peter returns to the island as an enemy intelligence officer. The blurb for <i>Hearts of Stone</i> also implies this. However, the majority of the book focuses on their friend Andreas’ experience of the Navy and his role in the resistance. Scarrow goes into detail of every dangerous situation Andreas finds himself in, but this is not what the reader was expecting to learn about. Eventually the final chapters turn to Peter’s role in the war and the reason Eleni and he could no longer consider themselves friends.
Despite being full of action and war horrors, it gets a little boring reading about Andreas’ life. Although this narrative leads to what happens with Peter, it occasionally felt unnecessary, as it was the final stages that appeared to be the most important.
From an historical point of view it is refreshing to read a war story that is not focused on either Britain or Germany. <i>Hearts of Stone</i> reveals how Greece was affected even though they were not one of the main fighting bodies. It is shocking how many innocent people were killed purely for the Nazi’s to invoke fear in the hopes the natives would submit to their rule.
Hopefully the vast amount of mistakes and grammatical errors would have been corrected before the final – I read an uncorrected proof – publication. Admittedly <i>Hearts of Stone</i> was a bit of a disappointment as it was not exactly what it appeared to be. However it has educational value as well as entertainment for readers who enjoy war stories. Scarrow has also included maps of the Greek island of Lefkas and the Mediterranean during WWII as well as a character list to benefit readers as they take in the story.
Simon Scarrow brings to life the horrors of World War II in his latest novel <i>Hearts of Stone</i>. In 2013, Anna Thesskoudiss, a history teacher is contacted by a German research student, Dieter Muller who is interested in talking to her grandmother Eleni. He explains that he is the grandson of Peter Muller who was friends with her grandmother whilst staying on the Greek island of Lefkas until the war made them enemies.
Dieter Muller’s introduction implies that the story is going to be about the relationship between Eleni and Peter, which gets destroyed when Peter returns to the island as an enemy intelligence officer. The blurb for <i>Hearts of Stone</i> also implies this. However, the majority of the book focuses on their friend Andreas’ experience of the Navy and his role in the resistance. Scarrow goes into detail of every dangerous situation Andreas finds himself in, but this is not what the reader was expecting to learn about. Eventually the final chapters turn to Peter’s role in the war and the reason Eleni and he could no longer consider themselves friends.
Despite being full of action and war horrors, it gets a little boring reading about Andreas’ life. Although this narrative leads to what happens with Peter, it occasionally felt unnecessary, as it was the final stages that appeared to be the most important.
From an historical point of view it is refreshing to read a war story that is not focused on either Britain or Germany. <i>Hearts of Stone</i> reveals how Greece was affected even though they were not one of the main fighting bodies. It is shocking how many innocent people were killed purely for the Nazi’s to invoke fear in the hopes the natives would submit to their rule.
Hopefully the vast amount of mistakes and grammatical errors would have been corrected before the final – I read an uncorrected proof – publication. Admittedly <i>Hearts of Stone</i> was a bit of a disappointment as it was not exactly what it appeared to be. However it has educational value as well as entertainment for readers who enjoy war stories. Scarrow has also included maps of the Greek island of Lefkas and the Mediterranean during WWII as well as a character list to benefit readers as they take in the story.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Dragon Age Inquisition in Video Games
Jan 28, 2019
Incredible characters (4 more)
Writing and dialogue well written
Beautiful and varied locations
A great tactical mode
Fun party banter
A couple of glitches (1 more)
I spent too long in the first area
1 of the best games of tnis generation
This is by far my favourite Dragon Age so far. The first game had the amazing story, the 2nd had the fun combat and this i felt combined the 2. The combat is fun and fast paced but a welcome addition was the tactical mode where you can just put a pause on everything and analyse your surroundings, tell companions where to go and what to do and then watch your work unfold.
It has a beautiful score but the environments are breathtaking. Every location felt unique and the size of each was insane. With so much to do and see, you can easily spend over 100 hours in this game. I did. The only problem i had with a location was the Hinterlands. It contains so many fetch quests and grew boring over time but what the game doesnt tell you is this is basically a tutorial location for you to practice. You should leave when you can. You wont regret it. I did keep going back because i am a completionest but thats just me.
The characters are so well written and fun and great partybanter when your out travelling. My favourites by far are sera, iron bull and cassandra and their interations with each other made me laugh. To this day i have played this game 4 times to listen to the various combinations of companions and i have not gotten bored once.
Once i started following the story, i found i was just being pulled in and blown away. There is so much humour and shocks that i would play this for hours and hours each day. There are a few glitches here and there but since i played it they have been fixed but i have to judge this on when i played it. This is a typical bioware game and thats a great thing. You have the usual pick your own path and romance who you want and that is what keeps you invested and makes you fall in love with this world and with these characters.
It has a beautiful score but the environments are breathtaking. Every location felt unique and the size of each was insane. With so much to do and see, you can easily spend over 100 hours in this game. I did. The only problem i had with a location was the Hinterlands. It contains so many fetch quests and grew boring over time but what the game doesnt tell you is this is basically a tutorial location for you to practice. You should leave when you can. You wont regret it. I did keep going back because i am a completionest but thats just me.
The characters are so well written and fun and great partybanter when your out travelling. My favourites by far are sera, iron bull and cassandra and their interations with each other made me laugh. To this day i have played this game 4 times to listen to the various combinations of companions and i have not gotten bored once.
Once i started following the story, i found i was just being pulled in and blown away. There is so much humour and shocks that i would play this for hours and hours each day. There are a few glitches here and there but since i played it they have been fixed but i have to judge this on when i played it. This is a typical bioware game and thats a great thing. You have the usual pick your own path and romance who you want and that is what keeps you invested and makes you fall in love with this world and with these characters.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated A House at the Bottom of a Lake in Books
Jan 31, 2019
I’m a big Josh Malerman fan, with the exception of Unbury Carol which, if you read my DNF on it, was absolutely horrid. That said, when I came across A House at the Bottom of a Lake on Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited, I was a bit leery. Despite being a Malerman fan, I hadn’t heard of this title and… well, it was on KU. That alone struck me as a red flag. Nonetheless, I grabbed it and spent the night reading it. It wasn’t awful, but it’s definitely not Bird Box level great.
A House at the Bottom of a Lake is a coming of age story, one of those ones where the reader experiences the final moments of the main characters’ innocence. The house itself symbolizes the imaginative youthfulness and innocence of the more childlike mind, while the canoe represents the path to adulthood and the obstacles that must be overcome. Just like life experiences change us, the events leading up to the conclusion of the story change the canoe in ways that cannot be undone: paint chipping, dents, scratches, etc. I’d provide another example to support this theory, but that would, unfortunately, mean giving away a major spoiler to the story–so I won’t.
As far as the characters go, I found Amelia and James to be your stereotypical awkward teenagers. There is a bit of a disconnect between their age and their assumed behavior, leaning to the idea that these two kids are well-behaved and normally aren’t risk takers. Because of this, there are several moments where the story is dull.
There’s no doubt that this is a piece of work by Josh Malerman; it has his style all over it. That is, it’s meant to be suspenseful. However, the manner in which Malerman writes A House on the Bottom of a Lake struck me as a bit more jarring than edge-of-your-seat, ohmigawd what is happening!? This is probably because Malerman is a little too friendly with the parentheses in this book.
A House on the Bottom of a Lake is a great one-time read. It’s enjoyable and it has its moments, and the bond shared between Amelia and James feels realistic. It’s definitely something I’d recommend to a Malerman fan, though it isn’t worthy of a pedestal of its own.
A House at the Bottom of a Lake is a coming of age story, one of those ones where the reader experiences the final moments of the main characters’ innocence. The house itself symbolizes the imaginative youthfulness and innocence of the more childlike mind, while the canoe represents the path to adulthood and the obstacles that must be overcome. Just like life experiences change us, the events leading up to the conclusion of the story change the canoe in ways that cannot be undone: paint chipping, dents, scratches, etc. I’d provide another example to support this theory, but that would, unfortunately, mean giving away a major spoiler to the story–so I won’t.
As far as the characters go, I found Amelia and James to be your stereotypical awkward teenagers. There is a bit of a disconnect between their age and their assumed behavior, leaning to the idea that these two kids are well-behaved and normally aren’t risk takers. Because of this, there are several moments where the story is dull.
There’s no doubt that this is a piece of work by Josh Malerman; it has his style all over it. That is, it’s meant to be suspenseful. However, the manner in which Malerman writes A House on the Bottom of a Lake struck me as a bit more jarring than edge-of-your-seat, ohmigawd what is happening!? This is probably because Malerman is a little too friendly with the parentheses in this book.
A House on the Bottom of a Lake is a great one-time read. It’s enjoyable and it has its moments, and the bond shared between Amelia and James feels realistic. It’s definitely something I’d recommend to a Malerman fan, though it isn’t worthy of a pedestal of its own.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated the PC version of Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville in Video Games
Oct 24, 2019
The latest game in the popular Plants Vs Zombies series has arrived with Plants Vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. The game continues the recent trend of the Third Person Shooter style of recent games vs the tactical strategy of the earlier games in the series.
Set in a vibrant and highly-detailed theme park; players go through various tutorial missions which provide instruction on everything from combat to customization as well as upgrades and all aspects necessary to survive the Zombie hordes.
The game cleverly divides gameplay between campaign and multiplayer by allowing players to use Launch Pads to access the Multiplay area of the park where you can battle with or against other online players.
The campaign is a fun and whimsical adventure where players have to do things such as increase their cool by gaining a new look in order to access a specific area.
Moving around a large open-world area complete with all sorts of characters, main, and side quests. From the Suburbs to the beach, and downtown, players will battle all kinds of dangerous and funny Zombies. There are the traditional ones, as well as ones who use traffic cones and window panes in order to block your attacks and absorb more damage. There are also more dangerous Zombies and players will be happy to see some old favorites like the Football Zombie.
Picking the right characters is key as I started with a Pea Shooter but upgraded to a large ear of corn that I dubbed “Colonel Corn” for my gameplay. There are other plants and customizations but I liked the rapid-fire attack that works better for me. There are also special abilities such as being able to flip a large distance which is key in avoiding combat and also firing a corn rocket to take out large hordes.
This is where the customization really shines as players can not only update their look and class; but also their abilities which is key to gaining the upper hand in the game.
Players who have been fans of the prior games in the series will see much to like in the game as the world is fun, visually appealing, and inviting and lots of fun to play.
The graphics and sound in the game are great and even after playing the previous games; this one blends old and new in a winning formula.
Set in a vibrant and highly-detailed theme park; players go through various tutorial missions which provide instruction on everything from combat to customization as well as upgrades and all aspects necessary to survive the Zombie hordes.
The game cleverly divides gameplay between campaign and multiplayer by allowing players to use Launch Pads to access the Multiplay area of the park where you can battle with or against other online players.
The campaign is a fun and whimsical adventure where players have to do things such as increase their cool by gaining a new look in order to access a specific area.
Moving around a large open-world area complete with all sorts of characters, main, and side quests. From the Suburbs to the beach, and downtown, players will battle all kinds of dangerous and funny Zombies. There are the traditional ones, as well as ones who use traffic cones and window panes in order to block your attacks and absorb more damage. There are also more dangerous Zombies and players will be happy to see some old favorites like the Football Zombie.
Picking the right characters is key as I started with a Pea Shooter but upgraded to a large ear of corn that I dubbed “Colonel Corn” for my gameplay. There are other plants and customizations but I liked the rapid-fire attack that works better for me. There are also special abilities such as being able to flip a large distance which is key in avoiding combat and also firing a corn rocket to take out large hordes.
This is where the customization really shines as players can not only update their look and class; but also their abilities which is key to gaining the upper hand in the game.
Players who have been fans of the prior games in the series will see much to like in the game as the world is fun, visually appealing, and inviting and lots of fun to play.
The graphics and sound in the game are great and even after playing the previous games; this one blends old and new in a winning formula.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Patient Seven (2016) in Movies
Oct 24, 2019
Characters – Dr Daniel Marcus is the man trying to learn about six disturbed patients at a mental hospital, each story needs to be broken down in a different way, he is doing research for his book, but leaving us wondering what his motives are is the biggest mystery in this film. we do meet the different patients which all have different stories and we follow the events of their stories each different from the rest. We do meet the doctors, but as the film is an anthology we just don’t get enough time to look into their characters.
Performances – Michael Ironside is the star of this film with his calming presence while interviewing the patients that can turn on them in a heartbeat. We have a couple of known names in the supporting cast with Alfie Allen in the second story being the highlight of the rest of the performances, while no one is bad in their roles here, they just don’t get the time they deserve.
Story – The story here is told like an interview process to give us seven short horror stories, the fact each one goes in a different direction helps the audience find one they can enjoy even if the previous one isn’t for them. Vampires, ghost, spirits, serial killers and zombies are the main topics each one feels short enough to be entertaining, even if one did make me want to see a feature film about that character. For a horror anthology this does check the boxes well and is one that can be enjoyed.
Horror – The horror in the story comes from the different stories, while we don’t always get the best build up to the horror moments, we do follow the horror guidelines well.
Settings – Each story does take us to a new setting which helps make the film feel fresh, though I don’t quiet understand how the crimes from England, New Zealand and Iceland ended up in an American mental home.
Special Effects – The effects in the film across the different stories are great and make you feel like you are part of them.
Scene of the Movie – The second story.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Some of the stories are slightly too short though.
Final Thoughts – This is a good horror anthology even if the ending feel slightly flat, we get plenty going on and can enjoy the different ideals of horror.
Overall: Horror anthology does correctly.
Performances – Michael Ironside is the star of this film with his calming presence while interviewing the patients that can turn on them in a heartbeat. We have a couple of known names in the supporting cast with Alfie Allen in the second story being the highlight of the rest of the performances, while no one is bad in their roles here, they just don’t get the time they deserve.
Story – The story here is told like an interview process to give us seven short horror stories, the fact each one goes in a different direction helps the audience find one they can enjoy even if the previous one isn’t for them. Vampires, ghost, spirits, serial killers and zombies are the main topics each one feels short enough to be entertaining, even if one did make me want to see a feature film about that character. For a horror anthology this does check the boxes well and is one that can be enjoyed.
Horror – The horror in the story comes from the different stories, while we don’t always get the best build up to the horror moments, we do follow the horror guidelines well.
Settings – Each story does take us to a new setting which helps make the film feel fresh, though I don’t quiet understand how the crimes from England, New Zealand and Iceland ended up in an American mental home.
Special Effects – The effects in the film across the different stories are great and make you feel like you are part of them.
Scene of the Movie – The second story.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Some of the stories are slightly too short though.
Final Thoughts – This is a good horror anthology even if the ending feel slightly flat, we get plenty going on and can enjoy the different ideals of horror.
Overall: Horror anthology does correctly.
Merissa (13382 KP) rated The Artist's Touch (Book 1 of The Artist's Touch Books) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
There is so much going on in this book, I honestly don't know where to start! Okay, deep breath, here we go.
First of all, Rissa - she is feisty, sassy, honest, truthful and forthright. I love her. When she literally tumbles into the lap of Spencer, she knows that she wants to know him more so goes for it. I loved this bit about her and, to be fair, Spencer was a real grump at this point in the book so when she refused to take his **** and met him head-on, I was cheering for her.
Spence - wow, there is so much more to this guy than you originally thing. The quiet, geeky, artist man is just a façade. Trust me, as you read through this book, you will be amazed at the 180 he pulls, and you will be swept away with it just like Rissa was/is.
There are lots of supporting characters in here too that each deserve a mention, but this isn't the Oscars, so I won't. What I will say is that each do their job very well, allowing you to get to know the main characters in different situations, without being overpowering.
Our two main characters are 'real'! They have their faults, their ups and downs. One of my favourite bits of the book is when Rissa is curled up due to her monthly onslaught. I could so relate to this, I'm sure most women could, but it's not something usually written about. Spencer has a temper but Rissa isn't afraid of it. She knows that Spencer wouldn't hurt her, so gives him the space he needs to regain his equilibrium.
The levels of mystery and suspense layer on as you read through. I think I know who the mysterious voice is, but I'm not saying as I'm sure I'll be wrong! There are just too many twists, turns and possibilities right now.
Exceedingly well-written, with an intricate, interesting plot, smoothly paced and HOT, this was one enjoyable read! I can't wait for book 2 to come out already.
Please note that no dogs were actually forced to listen to a Justin Bieber CD in the making of this book!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
First of all, Rissa - she is feisty, sassy, honest, truthful and forthright. I love her. When she literally tumbles into the lap of Spencer, she knows that she wants to know him more so goes for it. I loved this bit about her and, to be fair, Spencer was a real grump at this point in the book so when she refused to take his **** and met him head-on, I was cheering for her.
Spence - wow, there is so much more to this guy than you originally thing. The quiet, geeky, artist man is just a façade. Trust me, as you read through this book, you will be amazed at the 180 he pulls, and you will be swept away with it just like Rissa was/is.
There are lots of supporting characters in here too that each deserve a mention, but this isn't the Oscars, so I won't. What I will say is that each do their job very well, allowing you to get to know the main characters in different situations, without being overpowering.
Our two main characters are 'real'! They have their faults, their ups and downs. One of my favourite bits of the book is when Rissa is curled up due to her monthly onslaught. I could so relate to this, I'm sure most women could, but it's not something usually written about. Spencer has a temper but Rissa isn't afraid of it. She knows that Spencer wouldn't hurt her, so gives him the space he needs to regain his equilibrium.
The levels of mystery and suspense layer on as you read through. I think I know who the mysterious voice is, but I'm not saying as I'm sure I'll be wrong! There are just too many twists, turns and possibilities right now.
Exceedingly well-written, with an intricate, interesting plot, smoothly paced and HOT, this was one enjoyable read! I can't wait for book 2 to come out already.
Please note that no dogs were actually forced to listen to a Justin Bieber CD in the making of this book!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!