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Merissa (12943 KP) rated The Wizard's Ward (Vale #1) in Books
Aug 1, 2022 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
A twisted and intriguing story that will keep you turning the pages.
THE WIZARD'S WARD is the first book in the Vale series and we are introduced to a world divided - you have the mers, the elves, the mortals, and the witches. Only by combining these four races in equal measure, do you get a grey blood. Francis is such a unicorn, but she doesn't know it.
We start off with her life in the castle, as a ward to the wizard - in case the title didn't give it away! We learn of her friendship with X, the son of one of the military leaders, who disappears one day without saying goodbye. We learn of her role (sort of) in the castle, with those she likes and loves, and those she loathes. When Billington (the wizard) disappears, Francis is determined to find him and sets out, with X's help. Along the way, they meet friend and foe, but no one seems to be as they appear.
This is a twisted and intriguing story that will keep you turning the pages. Francis is a strong character who faces situations head-on, even if she knows she is at a disadvantage. She doesn't sit back and wait to be rescued. Instead, she forges bonds with others and does her best to help, no matter the circumstances.
X is a character that I thoroughly enjoyed. He is complex and dark, and I can't wait to see where he goes next. How he was, was NOT what I was expecting, so I loved that it caught me unawares.
I personally wish we had more details about the Rottentoes. I can see Ezrah and Cornelia, but Puck and Darwin seem to fade together. Cora is also a character with a lot of depth.
There are parts of this story that are full of world- and character-building, but there are other parts that almost seem skimmed over. I would have loved to have known more about the world itself, the elves' kingdom, and the geography.
As a debut book, I thought this was off to a brilliant start. The story is there and with great characters. I look forward to reading more by this author and continuing with this saga. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 26, 2022
We start off with her life in the castle, as a ward to the wizard - in case the title didn't give it away! We learn of her friendship with X, the son of one of the military leaders, who disappears one day without saying goodbye. We learn of her role (sort of) in the castle, with those she likes and loves, and those she loathes. When Billington (the wizard) disappears, Francis is determined to find him and sets out, with X's help. Along the way, they meet friend and foe, but no one seems to be as they appear.
This is a twisted and intriguing story that will keep you turning the pages. Francis is a strong character who faces situations head-on, even if she knows she is at a disadvantage. She doesn't sit back and wait to be rescued. Instead, she forges bonds with others and does her best to help, no matter the circumstances.
X is a character that I thoroughly enjoyed. He is complex and dark, and I can't wait to see where he goes next. How he was, was NOT what I was expecting, so I loved that it caught me unawares.
I personally wish we had more details about the Rottentoes. I can see Ezrah and Cornelia, but Puck and Darwin seem to fade together. Cora is also a character with a lot of depth.
There are parts of this story that are full of world- and character-building, but there are other parts that almost seem skimmed over. I would have loved to have known more about the world itself, the elves' kingdom, and the geography.
As a debut book, I thought this was off to a brilliant start. The story is there and with great characters. I look forward to reading more by this author and continuing with this saga. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 26, 2022
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King (The Guardians, #1) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This book was not at all what I expected but, I don't mean that to sound negative in the least. Let me start by saying that I bought 2 copies of it so I could read 1 & give the other to my nephew for Christmas. I'd seen the trailer for Rise of the Guardians & when I heard it was based on this book I had to read it.
It is written as a legend of how Santa Claus came to be well, Santa Claus! If you think though that you can read this novel & finish with an answer you are wrong. It is just the beginning to the tale of St. Nick.
It starts when a wayward moonbeam accidentally wakes up Pitch, the Nightmare King. Pitch's job was to go around the world feeding off the good dreams of people & replacing them with nightmares. He seems to be succeeding until a wise old wizard tricks a wily thief into coming to his town's aide. That swashbuckler happens to be Nicholas St. North, the man who is presumably going to end up as jolly ole St. Nick.
This is a great story & a quick read. I am looking forward to seeing the movie though I doubt it will be much like the book so be warned!!
It is written as a legend of how Santa Claus came to be well, Santa Claus! If you think though that you can read this novel & finish with an answer you are wrong. It is just the beginning to the tale of St. Nick.
It starts when a wayward moonbeam accidentally wakes up Pitch, the Nightmare King. Pitch's job was to go around the world feeding off the good dreams of people & replacing them with nightmares. He seems to be succeeding until a wise old wizard tricks a wily thief into coming to his town's aide. That swashbuckler happens to be Nicholas St. North, the man who is presumably going to end up as jolly ole St. Nick.
This is a great story & a quick read. I am looking forward to seeing the movie though I doubt it will be much like the book so be warned!!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies
Apr 5, 2019 (Updated Apr 5, 2019)
The second Captain Marvel movie in as many months is an effective piece of entertainment, although I'm not entirely sure how it manages this. Foster-child Billy Batson (Angel) is chosen by an ancient wizard to become his champion - all he needs to do is say a magic word to be transformed into a powerful superhero (Levi), known as... well, the film awkwardly dodges the issue of what his actual superhero codename is, as DC have (essentially for legal reasons) decided to stop calling this character Captain Marvel, even though that was his name for over seventy years. Lawyers, eh?
Anyway, what ensues is recognisably a Captain Marvel movie, featuring all the things you would hope to see in one, but it's also really a spoof not just of this character but of the superhero genre in general. As I say, it undeniably works, due to good performances (Mark Strong is customarily good as Cap's nemesis Dr Sivana) and a sharp script, even if I can't help thinking that a character who was once the most popular superhero in the world, bar none, deserves slightly better treatment. Let's look on the bright side: it could have been a lot worse, and the general upward trend of DC Comics movies seems to be continuing.
Anyway, what ensues is recognisably a Captain Marvel movie, featuring all the things you would hope to see in one, but it's also really a spoof not just of this character but of the superhero genre in general. As I say, it undeniably works, due to good performances (Mark Strong is customarily good as Cap's nemesis Dr Sivana) and a sharp script, even if I can't help thinking that a character who was once the most popular superhero in the world, bar none, deserves slightly better treatment. Let's look on the bright side: it could have been a lot worse, and the general upward trend of DC Comics movies seems to be continuing.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The Frights of Fiji ( Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #1) in Books
Apr 9, 2020
Well, I found a book to fall into during this strange time. That book is The Frights of Figi, it quite a good book. Once you get into it. This book is about a girl that somehow attracts magic into her life. Why this happens I do not know.
Her name is Alyssa and she lives with her Uncle and cousin. When things start happening, no one believes her. She gets into trouble. Will she get save herself and friends and family. Things get more interesting one she is kidnapped by an evil wizard.
This is good for middle-grade children and ages 8 to 12 years old. The author does a really good job with the plot of the story. The characters are developed well. If you are looking for a good fantasy book for your child or children this one is good. This one as a young girl as a hero.
This is a series. It is a good one at that. Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions. I can not wait to pick up the second book. I am wondering if her friends from the previous book are going to need to help her or if she ends up doing it herself.
Her name is Alyssa and she lives with her Uncle and cousin. When things start happening, no one believes her. She gets into trouble. Will she get save herself and friends and family. Things get more interesting one she is kidnapped by an evil wizard.
This is good for middle-grade children and ages 8 to 12 years old. The author does a really good job with the plot of the story. The characters are developed well. If you are looking for a good fantasy book for your child or children this one is good. This one as a young girl as a hero.
This is a series. It is a good one at that. Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions. I can not wait to pick up the second book. I am wondering if her friends from the previous book are going to need to help her or if she ends up doing it herself.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Ergo Proxy in TV
Jul 18, 2020
Ergo Proxy is a Japanese anime series of 23 Episodes.
Earth had become un-inhabitable and the remaining humans live in the Utopian domed city of Romdo aided in their lives by autoReiv's, androids that act as anything from butlers to children. However, things in Romdo are not as idyllic as they seem, the AutoReiv's are being infected with a virus that gives them emotions, the ruler is close to death and mysterious monster known as a proxy is on the loose . It falls to Re-l Mayer, a female detective and her friends, Vincent Law, an immigrant and Pino, an autoReiv child to go down to the the dead planet and find out the secrets of the Proxy's.
Ergo Proxy is a philosophical story that is almost always questioning what it is to be human, the story is very slow paced giving the characters time to reflect on what is happening.
There are a few times where the plot seems to contradict its self but these issues are solved by the final episode.
The characters are interesting and the story draws on inspiration from other works such as Pinocchio, the Wizard of Oz and Icarus all mixed together in a dystopian, cyberpunk future.
Earth had become un-inhabitable and the remaining humans live in the Utopian domed city of Romdo aided in their lives by autoReiv's, androids that act as anything from butlers to children. However, things in Romdo are not as idyllic as they seem, the AutoReiv's are being infected with a virus that gives them emotions, the ruler is close to death and mysterious monster known as a proxy is on the loose . It falls to Re-l Mayer, a female detective and her friends, Vincent Law, an immigrant and Pino, an autoReiv child to go down to the the dead planet and find out the secrets of the Proxy's.
Ergo Proxy is a philosophical story that is almost always questioning what it is to be human, the story is very slow paced giving the characters time to reflect on what is happening.
There are a few times where the plot seems to contradict its self but these issues are solved by the final episode.
The characters are interesting and the story draws on inspiration from other works such as Pinocchio, the Wizard of Oz and Icarus all mixed together in a dystopian, cyberpunk future.
Noel Gallagher recommended My Generation - The Very Best of The Who by The Who in Music (curated)
John Hawkes recommended The Wizard of Oz (1939) in Movies (curated)
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Books
Jan 19, 2021 (Updated Jul 13, 2022)
I had forgotten just how much I loved reading the Harry Potter series until I picked this book up again.
Following Harry after losing his parents, finding out he is a wizard and then all of his antics at Hogwarts took me right back to my first time reading this as a child. Although very similar to the films, the book (as is the case most of the time) was so much better and had a few changes and scenes that weren’t in the film, which would have been amazing to see on screen.
Harry, Ron and Hermione are the lovable Golden Trio of my childhood. But I was amazed at just how long into the book Harry and Ron became friends with Hermione, I didn’t think it was that long! I loved the introduction to magic that we had and all of the different basic classes that young witches and wizards have to be taught before they can start practising magic. Hogwarts is such an amazing place and this fictional castle has always held a special place in my heart!
This has only strengthened my love of Harry Potter and I will be reading through the rest of the series in the next few weeks to see what else I have forgotten!!
Following Harry after losing his parents, finding out he is a wizard and then all of his antics at Hogwarts took me right back to my first time reading this as a child. Although very similar to the films, the book (as is the case most of the time) was so much better and had a few changes and scenes that weren’t in the film, which would have been amazing to see on screen.
Harry, Ron and Hermione are the lovable Golden Trio of my childhood. But I was amazed at just how long into the book Harry and Ron became friends with Hermione, I didn’t think it was that long! I loved the introduction to magic that we had and all of the different basic classes that young witches and wizards have to be taught before they can start practising magic. Hogwarts is such an amazing place and this fictional castle has always held a special place in my heart!
This has only strengthened my love of Harry Potter and I will be reading through the rest of the series in the next few weeks to see what else I have forgotten!!
ClareR (5885 KP) rated In the Lives of Puppets in Books
Jan 29, 2024
I don’t know about just Pinocchio, I got some Wizard of Oz vibes as well from this wondrous book. I love a retelling, I’ve read quite a lot of them, and I’m fully prepared to read more, especially if the imagination and emotions are anything like those in In The Lives of Puppets. The ‘Found Family’ theme that runs through TJ Kline’s books is so beautiful: if people, for whatever reason, are rejected by or have lost their families, it’s reassuring to know that there are people, families, like this out there (but not necessarily robots…).
Even after discovering the truth of his origins, Victor still wants to save his father, Giovanni, and his friends want to help him and keep him safe. He is probably the last human alive. Robot society is very interesting, especially as they seem to want to mimic humans, even though they seem to be the ones responsible for their demise (although I think the humans were more than capable of destroying themselves).
Actually, I don’t want to say too much more, other than the fact that I loved reading this and I was sad to see it come to an end - it was perfect!
Even after discovering the truth of his origins, Victor still wants to save his father, Giovanni, and his friends want to help him and keep him safe. He is probably the last human alive. Robot society is very interesting, especially as they seem to want to mimic humans, even though they seem to be the ones responsible for their demise (although I think the humans were more than capable of destroying themselves).
Actually, I don’t want to say too much more, other than the fact that I loved reading this and I was sad to see it come to an end - it was perfect!