#reivews

[sandythereadingcafe]

REVIEW TOUR

SHATTER ME Anthology with Crea Reitan at The Reading Cafe:

'great characters and story lines'

Give Me Books

[evilgoldphish]

Criminal Minds Point Key

My mummy dearest and I are big fans of criminal minds. Today we decided to rewatch the show and use our beautiful autistic nerd powers to create a somewhat logical point system to determine what are actually the best and worst episodes. 

Every episode starts with 100 points and either gains or loses points according to the following point key:

Jack appears physically in person. (+10)

Jack is heard or shown not in person. (+5)

Henry appears physically in person. (+9)

Henry is heard or shown not in person. (+4)

Victim actually does something smart or plays the long game. (+15)

Hotch/Morgan/Rossi isn't an asshole at all during the episode while being in it. (+20)

Reid’s interesting fun facts. (+5)

Awwwwwwwww that's so sweeeet (+5)

Okay, that actually made me laugh. (+5)

Hotch shows emotion. (+10)

Oooh they smexy. (+5)

Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. (+2) 

Actually wholesome. (+2)

*Jazz hands* (+10)

Someone picks up evidence using a glove without even wearing the damn glove in the first place. (-20)

There is a very obvious and easy way to do something that helps with the case but no one even mentions it. (-20)

“Why did you shoot him??? What was the point of that???” (-10)

“How in god's name are they still alive??? Are you immortal???” (-5)

Someone in the team going completely rogue. (-5)

Ruining an entire relationship with a single line of dialog. (-15)

✨Sexism✨ (-10)

✨Racism✨ (-10)

✨Homophobia✨ (-10)

That. Isnt. Possible. (-10)

A cognitive interview turning into blatant hypnosis. (-10)

Someone being immune from legal consequences. (-15)

Being insensitive to victims and/or survivors. (-15)

I understand… but still, WHERE IS YOUR WARRANT (-5)

Someone says something blatantly obvious. (-2)

This doesn't concern you! (-2)

What is that outfit??? (-1)

[adobe-outdesign]

Review of sudowoodo/bonsly?

Bonsly is one of those pre-evos that was added after the gen that its evo debuted in. Bonsly probably didn't have exist, as I do feel like Sudowoodo is strong enough to stand on its own, but it's a fun addition to the line regardless.

Visually, I like that's mimicking a bonsai tree—makes sense from a progression standpoint. The way it has a "pot", combined with the single branch of "leaves" on the head, give it a very different body shape from the much longer Sudowoodo. Also, the way its eyes become the spots on Sudowoodo's torso is a neat touch. Overall, it does a good job of visually connecting with its evo while still being unique enough as its own thing.

Another thing that's neat about Bonsly is that it sort of has a secondary form of mimicry—it sheds "tears" from its eyes that are actually just excess water (because it's a rock-type, and they tend to not like water that much).

It also isn't as good as holding still as Sudowoodo is, and has to know mimic in order to evolve—basically, it doesn't evolve until it gets better at pretending to be a plant, and I think that's neat!

And Sudowoodo itself is honestly just a classic. The idea of a rock-type—the type that resists most of a grass-type's weakness—that disguises itself as a tree is just insanely memorable and fun. I love how this is played up in the games as well—for example, it can be found in hordes with Trevenant in XY, and in PLA they freeze if you get close to them.

I also like that, visually, it kind of looks like a tree, but not really. Like, those ball-shaped "leaves" on its forelimbs look enough like stylized branches that you'd probably accept it without questioning anything, but in reality, no other grass-types have leaves shaped like that. Same thing with the spots on its torso—they kind of look like a wood texture, but most actual tree 'mons have lines or a wood grain instead of perfect yellow ovals like that. The out-of-place twig on its head also adds to this, and the lanky body shape is unique and works well with the concept. Great stuff, and super simple to boot.

So yeah, really great line. Fantastic concept and execution, memorable, simple designs, and a lot of personality. It's impossible to not like these guys.

Also, side note: we need a Sudowoodo convergent line, and it very specifically needs to be a grass-type that disguises itself as a rock. That one speaks for itself, I think.

[the-celluloid-correspondent]

Shōgun: A Historical Masterpiece.

Set in Japan in the year 1600, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.

Based upon the acclaimed novel, Shōgun is a historical retelling of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu's (Yoshi Toranaga) establishing the Tokugawa Shōgunate in early 17th Century Japan from the point of view of an English Pilot named, William Adams (John Blackthorn)Premiering on the small screen in 1980, the series received mass critical acclaim and earned an Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series. Four decades later, it returns, breathing new life into the television with its unparalleled storytelling. Breaking away from the mediocrity that often plagues the streaming industry, Shōgun stands as a monumental historical epic of a real-life struggle over the throne for Japan. 

Shōgun unfolds like a meticulously played game of Shogi, where every move, character, and line of dialogue is infused with purpose and significance. This captivating narrative takes viewers on a journey through a power struggle that shapes feudal Japan, weaving together political intrigue and human drama in a rich tapestry of storytelling. From the intricacies of Japanese society to the cunning maneuvers of rival warlords, Shōgun immerses audiences in a world where every scene serves a distinct purpose. Each twist and turn of the plot is carefully crafted, drawing viewers deeper into the heart of the conflict and revealing the complex web of alliances and betrayals that define the era. The dialogue and monologues in Shōgun are masterfully written, brimming with both context and subtext that add layers of depth to the narrative. Like beautiful lines of poetry, they flow seamlessly together, driving the story forward with precision and purpose. At its core, Shōgun captures the essence of one of the most pivotal moments in Japanese history, offering a compelling exploration of power, ambition, and the human spirit. As viewers are drawn into this world of political conspiracy and personal sacrifice, they are treated to a mesmerizing blend of drama, suspense, and historical authenticity that commands the screen from start to finish. 

Shōgun derives its true essence from its characters, each intricately woven with layers of complexity and depth, enriching the overarching drama. Among them, Cosmo Jarvis's portrayal of John Blackthorn emerges as a standout performance, deftly navigating the challenges of embodying a character whose natural loudness and clumsiness contrast sharply with the subtleties of his Japanese counterparts. While some may initially interpret Blackthorn's demeanor as a flaw in the performance, Jarvis's deliberate portrayal serves a greater purpose—to underscore the cultural abyss between him and the people of Japan. Through his portrayal, Jarvis adeptly captures the profound culture shock experienced by his character, allowing viewers to witness a compelling transformation from a brash and ambitious Englishman to a man deeply immersed in Japanese customs. It is in these quieter moments that Jarvis truly shines, infusing his character with depth and nuance.

Similarly, Anna Sawai's portrayal of Toda Mariko exemplifies the art of subtle acting. With a mere glance, Sawai effortlessly conveys a myriad of emotions, her thousand-yard stare speaking volumes about her character's inner turmoil and quiet resilience. Her performance is a testament to the power of restraint, as she deftly navigates Mariko's journey of suffering and hope, her emotions simmering beneath the surface until they erupt with raw intensity. Even in moments of despair, Sawai's portrayal radiates a glimmer of hope, underscoring the resilience of the human spirit.

The ensemble cast of "Shōgun" shines brilliantly, each member delivering performances that leave a lasting impact. From the charismatically charming yet brutal portrayal of Tadanobu Asano as Yabushige to the scheming and cunning rendition of Fumi Nikaido as Ruri, every actor breathes life into their character with skill and precision. Moeka Hoshi's portrayal of the broken yet resilient Fuji, and Takehiro Hira's power-hungry depiction of Ishido, further solidify the ensemble's strength, while Tokuma Nishioka's powerful and wise portrayal of Hiromatsu adds depth to the narrative.

However, it is Hiroyuki Sanada's performance as Yoshii Toranaga that truly stands out, marking a triumphant moment in his career. Despite being typecast and overlooked by Hollywood for years, Sanada seizes the opportunity to showcase his talents as both an actor and a producer in Shōgun. In his portrayal of the powerful and intimidating Toranaga, Sanada commands the screen with a commanding presence, embodying his character's intellect, ambition, and prowess with aplomb. What sets Sanada's performance apart is his ability to infuse Toranaga with an unpredictable nature, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they anticipate his next move. With each moment on screen, Sanada captivates audiences with his depth and nuance, delivering what can only be described as his finest performance to date. Finally given a role where he can truly shine, Sanada proves himself to be a force to be reckoned with, cementing his status as one of the industry's most talented actors.

Every aspect of this series is a visual feast. The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Feudal Japan with remarkable skill. From the intricate costumes to the meticulously crafted production design, every detail is thoughtfully considered, drawing viewers deeper into the immersive world of Shōgun.

But Shōgun is more than just television—it's an immersive journey into one of the most pivotal moments in Japanese history. With its masterful storytelling and captivating characters, the series transcends the screen, offering viewers a profound exploration of the human experience against the backdrop of historical upheaval. In a landscape dominated by formulaic narratives, Shōgun stands as a shining example of the power of the historical epic, reminding us of the importance of stories that not only entertain but also enlighten and inspire.

My Rating: A

[hadesgirl015]

Full elves don't actually need to sleep for a full rest, so what does Astarion, Minthara and Halsin do when the others sleep?

1st short little one shot of who knows how many. I'll come up with more if I can think of something good.

Story 1: No Biting Allowed: Astarion makes a mistake.

[meatsound]

i got a 90$ espresso machine for $15 >:)

[thisworldisablackhole]

The Book of the New Sun #1-4, by Gene Wolfe (1980-83) - 5/5

This one is hard to write about. If you know, you know, but I'll be honest - y'all set me up for thinking this was going to be the most difficult to understand series of all time. I was terrified. But when I finally dived in, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. The water was cool, and the current was easy to follow. This is your sign! If you are on the fence and put off by all the reviews making it sound like you need a PhD in astrophysics or a bunch of in-depth guides to understand the book; don't be afraid. Gene Wolfe will swaddle you like a little baby and whisper dark poetry in your ears.

The Book of the New Sun, underneath all of its complexities, has the wire frame of an adventure novel. In a way, it plays out quite like a video game. Severian commits a crime, gets exiled from his guild, and on his journey out into the world becomes entwined with interesting characters and gets his attention pulled by side quests and love interests that all end up being important and interconnected later down the road. I think any avid sci-fi fantasy reader who is comfortable with holding on to multi-threaded narratives and even vaguely familiar with the concept of parallel timelines and simultaneity shouldn't have a problem. The ability to be okay with confusion and trust in the author is also a requirement, which shouldn't be new to you if you're even considering this. I also have to shout out the Teixcalaan duology by Arkady Martine for priming me for the idea of assimilated memories from another consciousness that emerge in thought as well as harder to detect endocrine and nervous system responses.

So I don't mean to undersell the complexity of The Book of the New Sun at all, for it is indeed rich with high concepts. There are so many layers to be found that make you consistently look back and recontextualize older parts of the story to look for hints or signs of influence, and putting the pieces together is a huge part of the fun. The reader almost becomes the detective, and if you catch onto these things early and learn to question basically everything you read, Severian doesn't end up sounding as unreliable as people make him out to be.

Regardless, it is still not a breezy read. Gene Wolfe's prose is dense, chewy and archaic, including lots of forgotten historical words that aren't that intimidating as long as you can loosely keep track of which terms relate to position and rank and which ones are names of weapons or beasts. Like bittersweet toffee, every paragraph gets stuck in your teeth, sometimes requiring multiple jabs of the tongue just to make sure you actually grasped the bare concept. He forces you to pay attention, and that is part of what makes this such an engaging read. I read both of these in less time than I usually read a much shorter stand-alone, because I just found myself addicted to the way that Gene Wolfe paints his world - the dark, gritty, philosophical nature of the story, and all of the biblical symbolism on top of it. This also has one of my favourite settings in sci-fi that doesn't get explored nearly enough, and that is a future so far ahead that humanity has experienced a sort of rubber banding effect, doubling back on itself until the disparity and destruction creates the dichotomy of swords and space ships.

Overall though, TBOTNS is basically one big character development arc. It's a redemption story, albeit an ambiguous one with many interpretations. Gene Wolfe takes someone who is part of possibly the most depraved and morally bankrupt positions in society (in this case, a torturer and executioner), and follows him as he leaves the brutal and insular culture of his upbringing and tries to become a better person with a higher purpose. It's not a quick process. Severian is self aware of his shortcomings, often recognizing his own mistakes and noting the moments when he acts in poor judgement. But like most people, he is also sometimes unaware of when he hurts people. He’s a very real character, full of all the pitfalls of the average man. Yes this includes some rampant misogyny, and I don’t blame anyone for getting caught up on those points, but it’s important to remember that Severian is a product of his environment, and his behaviour does improve in the third and fourth books.

Severian does terrible, terrible things repeatedly throughout his journey, but he consistently intellectualizes his emotions and over time his morality becomes more guided by a desire to do good as he is haunted by his past (and by his future). There is also a noticeable tone shift in the books as this development occurs, and by the time you reach the end you will really feel as though you traversed the absolute blackest pits of humanity and climbed toward spiritual enlightenment. It's one of the most brilliant and drawn out character studies of all time. But Gene Wolfe didn't only pour his attention into Severian. Almost every character, no matter how brief, is portrayed in such a complex and ambiguous light, where their motives and history are hard to know or understand, but they are all so memorable nonetheless.

I'm just ranting at this point, but there is truly so much to discuss with these books, and I can only imagine how many more details could be illuminated by a second read. I've hardly scratched the surface as it is. I ordered Urth of the New Sun, the final book that Wolfe tacked on a few years later, and I'm very excited. This is a cult classic for a reason.

[teenageread]

Review: Fourth Wing

Initial Thoughts:

Recommended by a friend, and it was a wild recommendation worth every page. Rebecca Yarros introduces us to the world of Dragon College, where death rates and graduation rates seem to be competing. From the lengthy introduction to the map at the beginning, you can already tell this is going to be a long and epic series. Yarros grips readers not only with a captivating plot but also with well-developed characters. The story features a physically weak but mentally strong heroine, a dark and brooding bad boy love interest, dragons, and rich history. There’s so much to love about this long, dark novel, with just the right amount of smutty romance to offer hope for true love. It’s fantastic, and one I’m grateful my friend recommended. This book, which won the 2023 Goodreads Award for Best Romantasy, is definitely deserving of the praise and highly recommended.

Characters:

Violet Sorrengail is a character to fall in love with. Though physically weak—she has brittle bones and easily torn ligaments—Violet is mentally strong. She was never meant to be a Rider, but after the death of her father, her mother, General Sorrengail, forces her into this role, just as she did with Violet's older sister, Mira, and her deceased brother, Brennan. This dynamic shows just how complicated Violet’s relationship with her mother is, while also highlighting the bond between the sisters. Violet may be fragile physically, but she’s sharp, witty, and compassionate, particularly towards her friends.

Violet’s childhood best friend, Dain, becomes an unlikeable character as he constantly tells her she doesn’t belong in the Riders Quadrant, even as she proves him wrong time and again. His protective instincts go too far, and he’s unable to see just how capable Violet is. Enter Xaden Riorson, the dark and brooding bad boy with a tragic past. His father led the rebellion that Violet’s mother crushed, resulting in Xaden being forced into the Riders Quadrant to prove his loyalty to the crown or die. Despite their history, Xaden doesn’t hate Violet, and their relationship follows the well-loved enemies-to-lovers trope. As Yarros delves into Xaden’s past, you start to see his vulnerability—his heart may be dark, but it’s also big, and he’s willing to risk everything for the right cause, even if it means breaking the rules.

Plot:

As mentioned, this novel is set in Dragon College, a place where dragon riders are trained. The story follows Violet’s journey from her arrival at the college to surviving brutal training and even more brutal classmates. One of the biggest events is the Treashing, where students bond with a dragon—or die trying. But the Treashing only happens in October, and there are still ten months left in the novel after that. So, while bonding with a dragon could have been the central plot point, Yarros keeps us on our toes with other events like squad games, war games, and the challenge of manifesting a dragon’s power. Death rates at the college are high, and Violet’s survival is constantly at risk, whether from her peers or her dragon. It’s a dark, action-packed world, and it’s clear that Violet’s not meant to make it, yet she keeps proving everyone wrong.

Writing:

At over 500 pages, this novel is long, but Yarros does an excellent job of keeping the plot moving, even with the slower moments that build the world. Like most fantasy novels, there’s a lot of world-building to do, from the complex governmental system and quadrant codex to the backstories of the Sorrengail and Riorson families. This takes time, but the journey is well worth it. The writing is clear and easy to follow, even with the fantasy names and terminology. Yarros keeps things engaging through character development, interactions between friends, and the growing tension between Violet and Xaden. Big events like the Threshing keep the action flowing, and the novel ends on a cliffhanger, making it clear that this is the start of an epic series. I can’t wait to read what comes next.

Conclusion:

There’s very little that Yarros doesn’t hit with this novel. It has romance, action, dragons, and fantasy that’s off the charts. Those smutty scenes add just the right amount of tension and heat to make the long journey worth it. This is a book I would definitely recommend, as Yarros' writing completely pulls you into the world she’s created. Like Violet, you’ll want to see justice served in a world that’s seen too much cruelty—and, of course, you’ll want to root for the boy who doesn’t yet see his worth, but you know he has so much to offer.

[crehador]

the funniest thing about cosmic day 1 isn't even in the fic itself, it's in the notes i wrote at the top where i said i was going to write a "flash fic" a day. lmao. ohh i was so hopeful. so naive. some of these motherfuckers came out seven thousand words long

[reversemoon255]

SSSS.GRIDMAN THE GATTAI Full Powered Girdknight

Missed the preorder window on this one, but managed to snag the second one that popped up on Mandarake. And I'm glad I did, because this thing is great. This should be the same mold as the upcoming THE GATTAI FP Gridman, and it is a startling improvement. This isn't just some simple retool; it's an entirely new mold. Not even Gridknight is the same, overhauling him to better fit his role as the center of this robot, something the original Gridman failed to do.

The Good: Gone is the flimsy DX Full Powered Gridman. To start, Gridknight has been fitted almost entirely with ratcheted joints, meaning he can now much more easily hold the weight of all his machines. Not only that, but they took a page out of the Moderoid's book and made a stronger, more posable replacement torso, but also fixed the issue I had with it by giving it its own head, so you can display both Gridknight and FP Gridknight at the same time. But even if you choose to forgo it, Gridknight is perfectly capable of holding everything up.

Onto everyone else, this set actually comes with two Calibers of different sizes, and a handle so you can use the larger one's chest piece as a shield. Max, Borr, and Sky are functionally the same as vehicles, but Max's cannons now stop at the appropriate height so you don't have to fiddle with that during transformation.

Powered Knight Zenon may not look much different from the original, but has quite a few new tricks going on under the hood. For starters, it requires no adapters; everything is designed into the vehicles themselves, including the very impressive neck joint they added (which just blows my mind how they pulled that off). They also gave it a much better A-stance, actual ankles to accommodate it, and you can use Sky's transformation joints to give it some inward arm motion.

And Full Powered Gridknight is an impressive feat, being both taller than the original and around its scale to Dynazenon seen in the film. The transformation is also so much cleaner. Everything feels better, connects better, is much more solid, even more so than Dynazenon. They even made the cuts in Sky's wings the actual transformation joint, which several of the releases haven't done. And he is ridiculously posable. It has every joint; I don't know what else to tell you. It also comes with open and posable alternative hand. They even added dedicated engineering into Borr that allows for a brand new combination with Goldburn.

The Bad: Not everything is exactly perfect, though. While you can get the new Gridknight to work as Rouge Kaiser, the elbows are too long, meaning you have to twist the arms in a weird way to get them to fit, and Dynasoldier is less stable.

And both Zenon and FP have mediocre ankles. Like, they work, but Zenon's require a bit of fidgeting and you often have to display them on their toes. FP on the other hand just doesn't have enough rock, making more wide-legged, dynamic poses an issue. I recommend using the included stand to help with those (...which I did not take pictures of).

Overall, the difference is quality between this and the original DX are dirt and stratosphere. If you were disappointed by the original, or if you liked the Moderoid, then I highly recommend this one, or just waiting a few months for the V2 to come out.

[nightwingcouldyounot]

Batman Adventures The Lost Years

Do you want to read how the Robin mantle was transitioned in the Batman Animated Series universe? Read this.

I mean that's basically it. That summary is all you probably need to know if you want to read this comic or not.

I am a little sad that they didn't include the Nightwing name coming from Superman (seeing they do reference the other heroes in this series and have cameos every now and then and I think it's a really sweet part of the Nightwing lore). But I also understand that this is a Batman comic and as a result they might not want to include that scene. The fact they never show where Dick gets the name from means I can still imagine it did come from Clark.

But other than that one incredibly personal gripe this series is just as good as all the other Batman Animated stuff. It's just as well paced, with the same good character and same general just being a fun time.

Should you read it? You will know if it will interest you or not based on the summary at the start of this post.

[readthebookfirstpodcast]

Amanda joins us in analyzing Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. This novel has been turned into a hit Broadway play and recently a movie-musical (both will be discussed in an episode next week).

What did Maguire add to the rich world of Baum's Oz? How does Elphaba develop from a misunderstood girl to a wicked witch? Who truly decides your fate?

[hannahwatcheshorror]

KRISTY (2014) + REWATCH

😿Dog Dies💁‍♀️Strong Female Lead

Stars a Jennifer Lawrence looking motherf***er. Classic scheme of people murdering others and posting videos online (dark web). Awesome Hunter becomes the hunted scenes. You can tell the anguish of the protagonist throughout every event, even when she has the upper hand. The entire pool scene is absolutely amazing. The after credits scene was just stupid but hopefully enough people closed out before that. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

REWATCH REVIEW

I really enjoyed rewatching this, it is a lot of fun even if you remember some parts. I found myself looking forward to scenes and that movie held up well. This film is a lot of fun, I always love a “hunted becomes the hunter” story, especially with a strong female lead. Reminds me of You’re Next but with more Satan (so I guess Ready or Not?)

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Hard working college student, Justine, is targeted by a killer cult. After being pushed past the brink, the hunted turns hunter as this thrilling horror unfolds.

“Justine is dead. My name is Kristy.”

REWATCH REVIEW

All alone during Thanksgiving break, hard working college student, Justine, is mistaken by a killer cult as some blessed child of God when all she was trying to do was drown her loneliness in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. The adults are extremely incapable in this movie (and one of them was Keith from Six Feet Under!) but I don’t fully know how or why, I get that they were surprised but, still, they are quickly and quietly disposed of and it is up to our Final Girl, Justine, to stop her would-be killers. 

What I love about this movie is that they appear to have blown all their budget on getting the empty college set so the bad guys had to wear homemade tinfoil masks which made me think this movie was low budget but it is a 6.9 million dollar movie. Wack. But seriously when I thought this was a low budget indie film I liked it a lot more than when I knew it was funded out the ass. This is a good movie but certainly not perfect. 

My understanding of why the cult nicknames their victims Kristy is because it is a shortening of Christ or like his chosen one or something, the name of their game is all to upset God and yes, it is a game to them. Justine assumes the role of Kristy and takes on her attackers after they kill her boyfriend and she shows very little mercy. This film isn’t really plot heavy it just kind of goes from location to location and kill to kill but it sure is a lot of fun. Each scene feels purposeful in our heroine's journey through the night. “Justine is dead. My name is Kristy.” Damn right, girl, you don’t just murder four (4) people and not change a little bit. A worthy film for the genre.

[capncarrot]

The Spanish Prisoner

[hadesgirl015]

Here is another silly little one-shot for my Campfire Conversations series.

Story 2: Troublesome Cub

As the name suggests the Owlbear cub get into a little mischief that the elves (and drow) have to deal with.