Book Review - Stormrider (Rigante 4) by David Gemmell

 

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Books read in 2021 - No. 8

Hi fellow readers

Well at last I have finished the final book in David Gemmell's Rigante series!

I started it 16th July 2021, so it has took just over 5 months to read.  Although to be fair I hit a reading slump especially as all I'd read was the Rigante series but I don't like breaking off into other series unless I've finished the one I'm on. In that time I also finished a relationship, started a new one, had a few birthdays and started a new job, so I have had a hectic time and most of the time my head hasn't been in a reading or writing place.  I hope to rectify that in 2022 as well as get healthy and have more energy.

Stormrider takes place a few years after Ravenheart and the focus switches to Gaise Macon instead of Kaelin Ring. Gaise is being hunted by Walker Kay who has found the evil skull of an old God.

In this book there is more magic and ward spells than previous Rigante books, plus there are more characters and POV.  There is a lot going on in this book yet it still connects well to previous books including Sword in the Storm.

Overall - a great book although there is a lot going on and can get confusing.  This may be because of the breaks I had reading it.  I think in a few years I would like to read it again but in a shorter time.  Still enjoyable with good characters and plenty of action.

Score. -  8.5/10  - would have got a 9 if read it quicker.

Rigante Series Score -  9.5/10

The series started strong and introduced great characters and an immersive world. David Gemmell did well connecting books set hundreds of years apart. Think the last book was a bit slower but still enjoyable.

Spiderman - No Way Home - Film Review (Spoilers)

 

Hi Webheads

Took the daughter to see the latest Tom Holland/MCU Spiderman film and Wow.

This journey for me, started almost 20 years ago in 2002 when loading a disc from a PlayStation magazine onto my PlayStation. On it was a trailer for 2002 Spiderman film with Tobey Maguire and I was blown away. They made a realistic Spiderman swing and climb walls.  By those days standards it looked awesome and still holds it's own against some recent films.

I loved the Tobey Magiure trilogy - yes even Spiderman 3.  Then just as they were working on a forth film they shut production - I was gutted.

The Amazing Spiderman films came along with Andrew Garfield. I was luke warm to the first film but enjoyed Andrew Garfield as Spiderman. I really like Amazing Spiderman 2.  Yet again the follow up was cancelled. 

They then announced Tom Holland as the new new Spiderman in Civil War and again he is great in the role, although he has more help with Stark technology.  Homecoming was  fantastic but Far From Home didn't click with me as much until the bombshell ending of Mystero and J Jonah Jameson outing Peter Parker as Spiderman! 

Spiderman  - No Way Home - starts immediately afterwards as Spiderman F-bombs.  He then swings himself and MJ to the relevant safety of Aunt Mays.  His Aunt is oblivious to what's going on as she's  breaking up with Happy Hogan.

Eventually when the media helicopters arrive they find out. Peter Parker and his friends and family are taken into custody and quizzed.  Luckily this part isn't the main focal point but had a great cameo of Charlie Cox's Daredevil lawyer.

Peter being outed as Spiderman affects his family and friends life so much that him, MJ  and Ned can't get into any colleges.  This is too much so he hits on the idea of going to Dr Strange to make everyone forget he is Spiderman.

Dr Strange helps out starting the spell when Peter wants his Aunt, Ned etc to remember him but this corrupts the spell and Dr Strange puts the spell in a box.

After this with each entrance of an old school villain the crowd in the cinema went nuts.  First up is Doc Ock still brilliantly played by Alfred Molina.  He fights Spiderman until he realises it isn't his Spiderman.  Green Goblin shows up on his glider as Doc Ock and Spiderman are sent through a portal to Dr Stranges basement where he has already captured Lizard from Amazing Spiderman 1.

Peter is given a magic update to his suit to capture the rest of the villains from other universes and he brings in Electro - Jamie Foxx, Sandman and Willem Dafoe who steals the show as one minute he is a vulnerable Norman Osborn and with a flick of his features becomes the evil Goblin.

Once captured Dr Strange is going to send them back to their respective universe where it is learned most will die at the hands of their Spiderman.  Peter can't have this and having trapped Dr Strange in a mirror world sets out to cure the villains so they will go back and not be a threat.

This is going well with some funny banter between the villains.  Doc Ock has a new inhibitor chip put on his neck so he controls the tentacles.

Then it all goes sideways as the Green Goblin don't want to go and encourages the others to join him so they all leave.  There is a brutal fight with Green Goblin and Spiderman until Aunt May tries to cure him - but she is killed by Green Goblin!  This was a heart wrenching scene as you saw her in all 3 Holland films.  This is Holland's Uncle Ben moment which has him grow up. 

The film goes to Ned and MJ who are waiting with the spell box. MJ wants to activate it to send the villains back. Ned wants to see Peter and accidentally opens a portal using a sling ring Peter took off Dr Strange.

The cinema went mad when in stepped another Spiderman and the mask came off to reveal Andrew Garfield.

After convincing MJ and Ned that he too is Peter Parker they try again.  In comes Tobey Maguire.  The cinema erupted again.  It was great seeing them both onscreen and the banter and chemistry between all 3 Spidermen was great.  A funny scene was when Andrew Garfield was grossed out over Tobey Maguire's Spiderman having organic web shooters from his wrist.

After having a talk with Tom Holland's Peter Parker and developing cures for the villains they trap them at the statue of Liberty for the final fight.

Overall - the best of the Tom Holland Spiderman films which has shown the true origin of Spiderman over 3 films instead of the first one.  This is the one in which he matures and learns sadly that with great power comes great responsibility. By the end of the film it feels like the Tobey Maguire Spiderman where he is alone in his flat and making his own Spiderman suit which looked more comic accurate and hopefully the darker tone will continue in the next film.

Here's hoping Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield can either come back or get a new Sony Spiderman film. I would love to see an Amazing Spiderman 3 film.

This was a great film with 20 years of history and great performances all round.

Bels Score  -  9.5/10 - half a point knocked off for film making her cry.

My Score  -  10/10

December and Xmas Update

Hi Folks.

Well we are on December already!! This is another year that's gone quick. Think time speeds up as you get older!

It is also the start of another month where I still haven't done any writing - maybe I should just get back into it in 2022.  There is usually too much to do with Xmas around the corner.

Again reading wise has been poor and I'm still reading Stormrider by the brilliant David Gemmell - which I started in July.

Sadly as most readers will know I got hit by a reading slump, then got a new job. But I will definitely finish it this weekend and try and fit book 9 in by end of the year. I was hoping to have read 20 books at least this year!!

Let's hope 2022 brings better luck - no lockdowns - more writing - more reading - published?

Anyway enjoy December and your Xmas shopping.

Cheerio 

Neil x

York Waterstones and Book Haul

 

Hi peeps 

At the weekend I visited my favourite city, York.  Which was packed because of the Christmas Market.  

So I dipped into my second favourite Waterstones (twice), for a book browse and tea and scones - yum.

Sadly there wasn't many books I wanted as waiting on newest Joe Abercrombie and John Gwynne books to go to paperback.  Plus the sequels to Mark Lawrence Red Sister weren't there either.

There was one book that caught my eye. Plus an old school annual in WHSmiths - so a small haul this trip!

I hope to visit York again in the new year.

Well chat soon folks and what is your favourite Waterstones store?

Neil x

Eternals - Film Review

 

Hi folks

Went to see Marvel's latest film the other weekend - Eternals. A big Marvel CGI explosion.

I have to admit after Avengers: Endgame I'm not as interested in the Marvel movies that come after, except Spiderman - No Way Home and Dr Strange 2.  This film was one of those films I wasn't too eager to see as it had characters I'd not heard of before plus it is a big ensemble piece with 9 members in the team you hardly get to know.

With Avengers they introduced you to the characters slowly through they're own movies. This has made the mistake of DC's Justice League and plonking them all in one film together.

The Eternals are sent to Earth by the Celestials -giant godlike beings to protect humans from the monster Deviants.  They are immortal and don't age and the film centres on Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden - who should be the new Bond) and leader Ajak (the beautiful Salma Heyak). Others include the gorgeous Thena (Angelina Jolie).

Overall - I'm not going to give a run through of the film as it is nearly 3 hours long and has many characters and time jumps. It is standard Marvel fare with action set pieces, great CGI, an OK plot which mainly serves to set up most of Stage 4 in the MCU. There were some good stuff here but the middle slowed down and got boring.

Bels Score   -  8.5/10

My Score      - 7/10

Chat soon peeps!

November Update!

 Hi Peeps

Hope you are all well on this winter eve.

Just a quick update.

Reading - Still to read Stormrider by David Gemmell! Had a reading slump because when I get home from work I'm knackered.  Changes may be needed? I hope to finish it by the weekend as I started it in July!!

Not sure on the next book I will read.  Maybe something lighter and sci-fi. It won't be the same as my reading TBR.  So will be reading Malice by John Gywnne next year.

Writing - Again with being knackered from work, I've not had chance to write but definitely want to finish "The Cubby-hole" by year end.  Then re-start my writing journey in 2022 and write like a demon.

What are your reading and writing goals for November 2021?

Stay safe.  Blog soon.

Neil x

Hull Waterstones and Book Haul!

Hi fellow nerds

As part of my mission to visit every Waterstones there is, I visited the Hull branch a few week ago.  I was impressed as they had a good sci-fi, fantasy and horror section.  Plus it was quite big with a decent sized cafe.  Shame Hull wasn't too great.

So now I have visited a few Waterstones including Hull, Derby, Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Harrogate, York and Blackpool - the last two I want to get back to by end of year.  Then in 2022 will visit a lot more and blog my Waterstones experience. 

Got the last book in RJ Barker's Bone Ship Trilogy. Need to get to these next year.

Yum coffee and cake at Waterstones - rude not to.

 C ya x

Venom 2 - Let There Be Carnage - Film Review

Hi folks

Went to see the sequel to 2018's Venom the other week.  I have been exited to see this since the post credit scene at the end of Venom, when Eddie Brock(Tom Hardy) met serial killer Sideshow Bob. I mean Cletus Casady(Woody Harrelson).

It starts when Cletus Casady is in love, living in a care home with Screech/Frances Barrison(Naomie Harris) when they are young.  She is taken to Ravenscroft facility as she can attack people sonically and Cletus believes her dead.

Fast forward to present day and Cletus Cassidy wants Eddie Brock to interview him again before he goes on Death Row. He sees something with Eddie and bites him getting a small piece of Venom symbiote in his blood.  On Death row he escapes from prison as he changes into Carnage.

Meanwhile Eddie and Venom who have been arguing like a married couple decide to go their separate ways after a fight and Venom jumps bodies to go partying - this is a very funny scene.  Eddie is targeted by Carnage who has to find Venom,  patch up their friendship and fight both Carnage and Screech at the finale.

Overall - a very enjoyable film, with more funny moments with Eddie and Venom bickering because Eddie won't let Venom eat people's heads. There isn't too much action and the finale fight was good but I felt it could have gone longer with more interplay between Carnage and Venom. Woody Harrelson was great and creepy as Cletus Casady.  One thing bugged me is that both Venom and Carnage both were weak with sound, but I'm sure in the comics sound didn't affect Carnage.   That is why Venom and Spider-Man teamed up to fight him.

Also - SPOILERS - In post credits Eddie and Venom become transported into the MCU - probably due to Dr Strange and the events of the next Spider-Man film.

Bels Score  - 10/10

My Score    - 9/10

No Time To Die - Film Review (SPOILERS)

 

Hi Peeps

The names Walker, Neil Walker and my mission is to review the latest James Bond film, plus the last with Daniel Craig as Bond.

The film opens in the past as Safin played by Rami Malek hunts down Mr White who has gassed all his family and left him scarred for life. He kills his wife but takes pity on the girl who turns out to be Madeleine Swann played by the gorgeous Lea Seydoux.

Flash forward and Bond is enjoying retirement with Ms Swann but feels the need to visit the grave of Vespa who was his other true love. At the grave he gets injured as it gets blown up by Spectre.  After a great chase scene he sends Ms Swann away on a train as he thinks she's involved.

Another five years go by and there's a robbery at a top secret laboratory which houses a deadly DNA specific virus run by nanobots.

Bond is asked to investigate by Felix, his old CIA buddy but it goes wrong as Spectre try to kill Bond again but are infected themselves by Safin. Felix is killed and Bond goes back to MI6.

With the help of Q, they track the remaining viruses to an island where Safin is harvesting it. He has also kidnapped Ms Swann and her daughter, which turns out is Bonds.

Bond rescues his ex and daughter but has to stay and open shield doors so incoming missiles can blow the place up. He fights with Safin who shoots Bond a few times severely injuring him. He also infects Bond with the virus so he can't see his daughter or Ms Swann again. Bond kills Safin but knowing he can't see his beloved or daughter again and being unable to flee the incoming missiles, rings them to say goodbye and is obliterated by the bombs! Yes Bond dies at the end!

Obviously more than the above happens in the film as it's nearly 3 hours long but that's the main part of it.

And yes Bond dies at the end. 

We waited till the credits rolled to see if he would pick up a glass of Vodka Martini, but it just said James Bond will Return! How?

Overall - a mix bag. It is clearly a continuation of Daniel Craig's other Bond films and ties them up in a mini arc, separate to the Bonds of old. With slight nods to the classics but clearly it's own story.  Casino Royale was his early mission becoming 007 then the rest in-between till this one.

MGM or Amazon will reboot it again even more separate to the classic films and the Ian Fleming books.

It was quite engaging with plenty of action and set pieces, plus great scenery.  The acting is good and Daniel Craig puts in his best performance as Bond with more emotions. It is an end of an era sadly but Bond has entertained for 60 years. It will be interesting to see how they go from here.

No Time to Die - he fucking did though!

Bels Score  - 8/10

My Score   -  8/10

October Update!

 Hi Folks

As you can see from the photo above summer is going into Autumn with the colour of the leaves from green to brown.

October has sneaked up fast.  I'm still getting used to new job and getting up early and the regular 9 to 5.

That is why I'm still behind on my reading and writing. 

Hope to finish Stormrider by David Gemmell this week - only started it in July!!   Then I can read a spooky story for Halloween.

Writing wise, want to finish "The Cubby-hole" for Halloween too.

Blogging wise should be busy now movies in cinemas again.  Saw the new James Bond at the weekend so will review that shortly - still shocked by the ending and how bold it was.

Venom 2 is out soon so will be seeing that next.

Anyway what you all reading and writing about this October? 

Neil x

Cleckheaton Writing Group (CWG) - 10 Year Anniversary

Hi Peeps

Monday 20th September - I attended Cleckheaton Writers Group for the first time, physically in nearly 2 years.  It was great to be in the beautiful Cleckheaton Library again. A lovely old building in which I've spent many hours. The room in which the group hold their meetings had been decorated and was all shiny and white.  There were familiar faces. Karen of course, plus Alice. There was also a new member Ria.

It felt like I hadn't been away.  Although I did enjoy the Zoom meetings I joined last year and first half of this year.

I even read out aloud the first chapter of "The Cubby-hole", my haunted house story.  As I read aloud I realised that this was the first time I had read aloud in the group in 10 years. 

Yes I've been going 10 years - since September 2011!!

Sadly I haven't got as far in my writing career as older members but that's my laziness to blame.

So what adventures found me at Cleckheaton Writers Group?  Here's the timeline:-

• Summer 2011 - I start writing a few short stories, wanting to get back to writing for the first time since I was a teenager.
• August 2011 - Split from daughters mum and move back in with parents.
• Late August - attend a one day writing workshop hosted by Calderdale libraries and held in the old Halifax library.  Meet fellow writers including Karen, who invites me to Cleckheaton Library as she holds a writing group there.
• September 2011 - Attend my first CWG meeting and love it. Meet new people and find a renewed love of writing.

So what are the highlights over the 10 years attending Cleckheaton Writers Group!!

• Meeting fellow members past and present - so many to mention, but here are a few that made an impression on me. Tony(the priest), Pauline(RIP), Andy, Dawn, Laura, Martin, Amanda, Sarah, Kathy, Alice, Gemma, Steve, Martijn and of course Karen herself who puts her time and effort into it and has done a great job keeping it going so long.

• Meeting some great authors on Group nights out, including Ann Cleeves with Karen in Brighouse.  Andy Mcnab at Cleckheaton town hall with most of the group and Phillip Pullman in Manchester with Dawn.
• 2 fantastic Cleckheaton Literature Festivals we arranged in 2015 and 2016. We worked hard and the festival's were great fun.  There was a good mix of authors and events, workshops and author interviews.  We met some famous authors and made friends with them.  These included Joanne Harris, Ian C Douglas,  Justina Robson, Leigh Russell and the late Helen Cadbury to name a few.

 

• Published 2 short stories in the Cleckheaton Writers Group story anthology "Reflections".  Which included a launch event and gave us all a taste of being a published author.

What have I taken away from my experience in the Writing Group over the last decade?

Well firstly time goes too fast. I need to get moving and get back to writing as everyone is passing me by.  I need to be more confident in my writing.

Although thanks to the group's author trips and attending workshops with members, I'm now doing these alone.  I've attended a few work shops plus loads of author events - usually in Waterstones Leeds.  I have also gone to Derby to larger all day events like Edge-lit and hope to go to UK Ghost story festival in Derby in November.

I hope to continue going to Cleckheaton Writing group but due to work clashes will probably go down to around 6 times a year.

Here's to the next 10 years - where hopefully we are sharing our published work with each other and helping newer writers (for a fee).

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Film Review

 

Hi Film Geeks

Took my daughter (who's a huge Marvel nerd), to see the newest film in their huge franchise. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

As a Marvel comics fan as a child I never came across this character, who's 2nd tier maybe 3rd tier compared to the bigger Marvel icons like Spiderman, Hulk, Fantastic Four etc.  He was Marvel's answer to Bruce Lee in the seventies, and so even I was new to the character.

The film starts in the past when ten mysterious rings are found by Shang-Chi's father - the Mandarin - who doesn't age because of the Rings he wears and gives him magic powers.  His greed for world domination takes over as he wants to be the most powerful person on Earth.

This leads him to searching a powerful mystical land which he finds but is guarded by a magical woman who beats him in a fight. They fall in love and he starts to live a normal life when they have Shang-chi and his sister.  Sadly his wife is killed by people he has wronged and he takes up his Rings again and starts building his army up. In the meantime he trains his young son to fight and be an assassin.

Fast forward to the present and Shang-chi is living a normal life in the USofA with his friend Katy when his father sends his men to bring him home.

Overall - even though Shang-chi isn't a well known character I enjoyed the story, even though it seemed familiar. The action and stunts are great and were worked on by Jackie Chan's stunt team, so the fights look realistic and good. Towards the end there is a bit too much going on but still watchable and it's different to most MCU films as it delves into the magical.  There is even a dragon in the film.

The actors (even though I'd not heard of many) gave good performances and looked to be enjoying what they were doing. Simu Liu was great as the title character,  as was Tony Leung as his father, the Mandarin. 

Ben Kingsley brought some comedy to the film, returning as Trevor Slattery. Last seen in Iron Man 3. His character even more hilarious.

I would highly recommend this film as it took the MCU into different territory, and I hope there is a sequel in the works.  The special effects were very good and the film was miles better than Black Widow.

Bels Score   -   10/10

My Score     -  9/10

September Update!

 

Hi Peeps

Hope everyone is well on this Autumnal morning. Autumn being my favourite time of year of course, as it's the best time to stay in on darker days and read and write.

Reading wise still reading Stormrider by David Gemmell but hope to finish soon.  Now I'm working I haven't had as much time.  Also still getting used to being up early and working all day is tiring me out for when I get home.

Writing wise is the same as above.  Once I get into a routine and not tired I can get back to writing.

Hope your all reading and writing.

Chat soon!

Neil x

Life changes

 

Hi Guys n Gals

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've had a change or two to my lifestyle.

Well one main change really - that being I've got a new office job in Halifax!  Won't say where for now but I'm enjoying it so far.

This means no sleeping in most of the day and now I'm up and out early.  I'm knackered, but getting used to it.

Hopefully soon I will start the gym too, and once I'm in a routine I can also plan in my reading and writing.

So reading wise, I'm behind and still reading Stormrider, which I hope to finish this weekend. I'm not sure about reading Mort now. I hope to read in my lunch in winter time.

Writing wise will be as and when I'm not tired as sat at a computer all day. Maybe on weekends.

I will also try to blog fairly regularly.

Well chat soon!

Neil x

Free Guy. - Film Review

 Hi Folks

Took the daughter to see Free Guy, the new action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds.

Ryan stars as Guy whose life is one big routine, wakes up, dresses the same each day, goes to work at a bank with his security guard Buddy.

Whilst he is in his routine, chaos is happening all around the city.  It is only when he falls for a sunglasses wearer, Molotov girl, he decides he wants change.

He takes some sunglasses from a robber and finds his life view changed.  He is in a computer game and for all his life he has been a background character.

He eventually ends up helping Molotov girl, who in real life is trying to prove she is the real creator of the game and is trying to get original code which is hidden inside the game.

Overall  - this is a fun action film, with great performances from Reynolds and Taika Watiti as the bad programmer.  Some of the plot is predictable,  especially towards the end, but it is a good film if you like computer games like Grand Theft Auto.

Bel Score  -  7/10

My Score  -   8/10

August Quick Update!

Hi Folks

Just a brief update on what I've been up to, and what I hope to do in August.

Firstly I'm still job hunting but had my first face to face interview so fingers crossed.

It will be good practice anyway.

Reading - I should finish Stormrider by the fabulous David Gemmell by the end of the weekend.

Then I can start some Terry Pratchett!

Writing - started off ok, as I started a new short story for Costa Short Story competition.  Sadly after a few days my personal life took over and it came to a stand still.  I was going to try rush and finish the story a few days before the deadline, but realised it wouldn't be my best work so will finish it and send it next year.

Also it's my mum's 78th birthday in August so will be celebrating that.

Anyway hope you're all well and reading and writing.

See ya

Neil

Independent Haul + Plans

 

Hi Peeps

As a writer myself, I know how hard it is to get published, especially by the big publishers.  That is why, when I can, I support friends. Friends who are either self-published or published by small publishers.

The two authors above (Simon and Duncan), I have met at Edge-lit. A mini writer\reader Con based in Derby.  I went in 2018\2019 and both times were great where I met fellow writers and readers.

But there are other writer friends who have books out including Amanda, Steven and Robin. Also not forgetting Ian - see below.

So what I am planning in 2022 is Independent Year.  Hopefully we will be more Independent of Covid and back at Edge-lit.

I intend to read and review my independent books and hopefully have some author interviews and maybe meet one or two in person.

Then when I'm published (somehow) they may return the favour and review my work and ask for an interview.

Keep an eye out for updates!

Apologies to any author pals I've missed.

Neil x

Book Review - Ravenheart (Rigante 3) by David Gemmell

 

Books read in 2021.  -  No. 7

Hi Readers

Well this book took too long to read!  Not that it wasn't a good book, it was.  I just hit a reading slump during May/June.  Plus this novel in the Rigante series is bigger than previous books.

Set 800 hundred years after the events of Midnight Falcon, the story follows the survival of the Rigante.  They are now living in pockets and their land has now been overtaken by the Varlish. Now treated as second class citizens, the Rigante clans are by law, not allowed to carry weapons or make a profit.  The stories of Connavar are now said to be Varlish history.

This novel follows young Kaelin Ring and his uncle Jaim Grymauch, who is a skilled fighter, as they try and restore the Rigante name. Kaelin is a descendant of Connavar, and it follows his journey of joining the outlawed Black Rigante tribe who live high in the mountains. His relationship with its leader Call Jace, and his love for his daughter Chara.

Describing all what happens in this novel, and the many characters it follows will take ages, as there are more points of view characters in this novel than I've seen in a David Gemmell novel up till now.  A lot happens in this book which is why it is about 150 pages more than a usual novel of Gemmell's.

Overall -  a great book although more to keep track of.  The time gap of 800 years between books annoyed me as there wasn't much different, except more stone houses, and now there are pistols and muskets.  Yes this is flintlock fantasy.  It would have made sense just being 300/400 years between books. 

Also there is some Insta love in this novel.  It happens in a few Gemmell novels but for some reason it annoyed me. There is also some magic but not much as it is dying out because the land is being built on. A theme carried over from previous books. A fine addition to the series but not as good as books one and two.

Score. -  9/10

Cheap Book Haul - July 2021

 Hi peeps

I just wanted to share a quick, cheap book haul which I stumbled upon in HMV in Bradford.  They do an offer of 2 books for £6!  Bargain!

Well here are the books.  All Sci -fi ones. Two are classics. Two complete a collection.

I didn't realise I'd bought a full set of Alien books. One author Tim Lebbon, I follow on Facebook.  Christopher Golden I met at Edge-lit in 2019.

Well I'll post soon. Enjoy the sun and read well.

Neil x

Black Widow - Film Review

Hi Folks

Well took my daughter to see Black Widow, a delayed prequel film about a dead MCU character.  A film which should have been made about 7 years ago.  Especially as most of it is set after Captain America - Civil War, with Black Widow on the run from General Ross and his army.  

It would have made more sense and Scarlett Johansson would have had a better film because if it.  More would have been at stake and you'd have more attachment to the character, wondering if she'll survive.

The film starts off in 1995 and a young Natasha and her sister are having dinner.  Their Dad arrives and urges them to leave, which they do to an old airfield.  After a quick chase they fly to Cuba where you realise they were undercover Soviet spys.  The girls are sent to The Red Room training camp not wanting to go.

Fast forward to just after Civil war and Natasha's sister Yelena (played by Florence Pugh) is chasing another Black Widow and kills her, as she does she is squirted with red mist which breaks her Red Room programming and makes her normal.  She then takes the remaining vials of red mist and sends them to Natasha's safe house.

Long story short, they meet and are pursued by Task Master and other Black Widows as they try to find out where the new Red Room is and break the others programming with the red mist. They enlist the help of their false parents Alexei/Red Guardian (played by David Harbour) and Melina (Rachel Weisz).

Overall  -  an ok film but the action is over familiar and looks a mash up of old MCU films. It is a bit of a woke film with white males either dumb (Red Guardian)  or bad (Ray Winstone) as Dreykov.

An example is Task Master chasing Natasha in a tank veichle which reminded me of Winter Soldier.

A good thing is the eye candy of Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh and even Rachel Weiss who has aged well.

I'm hoping the stage 4 films are better. Especially Spider-Man and Doctor Strange.  This film felt underwhelming like the Disney series of Wanda-vision, Falcon and Winter Soldier and even first few Loki episodes. 

Spoilers - looks like from the post credit scene the Hawkeye show will be mainly following Hawkeyes daughter. 

Bels Score   -  8/10

My Score    -   6/10

You should all check out the YouTube channel Critical Drinker for great reviews, as he's a writer he can tell you more of what works both with this film and others.

Here's the link to his Black Widow review -

https://youtu.be/0c5ynKJxnWI

Reading and Writing Goals 2021 - July - Dec - Last 6 months!

 

Hey gang

This is my second update for 2021. Showing what I'm going to read and write in the last 6 months of 2021, as days start drawing shorter and nights become longer.

At the moment I'm behind on both.  I'm only on book 8. Ravenheart by David Gemmell has took longer than expected as I hit a reading slump end of May, into June.

I hope to speed up by years end.

Writing wise I've done some on Cubby-hole short story and blogged.  So hardly anything.

Well these are the books I've chosen to read July to December.  It could change. I will let you know.

July

Ravenheart/Stormrider

Having read the first 2 books in David Gemmells Rigante series on schedule, I hit a slump with Ravenheart, which I started on 13th May.  I'm still enjoying it but think I hit a burnout. I'm about 150 pages to read so won't take long then will read the final book Stormrider.

August

Death Trilogy

I should be reading this now, although glad I waited as I've decided to read Mort.  It will be a re-read but I can hardly remember it.  Plus now I'm older hope to understand it more as took a while getting into it.  Hope to read all 3 by end of August.  If not definitely Mort and Reaper Man.

Sci-Fi September

Transformers Exodus/Exiles

As I've not read many Sci-fi this year so far, except the Sci-fi light Doctor Who novels, I've decided to dedicate September to Sci-fi.  I have older Sci-fi novels that have sat on my shelves longer but these are short quick reads.  Plus I love Transformers!

October

Best Served Cold/ House on Cold Hill

As October features Halloween, I wanted to try a spooky book. So House on Cold Hill fits the bill.  Although I am eager to get back into the First Law books, after the excellent First Law Trilogy so chose the standalone Best Served Cold. Haven't decided which I'll read first and not sure I'll be able to read both in October as Best Served Cold is a chunky book.

November

Malice

I've wanted to get into John Gwynne's Faithful and the Fallen series since I bought the first two books in York in 2018.  I'd heard it's similar to David Gemmell books so eager to start them. Although the books are huge so reading one a month especially in November when it's my birthday and December with Xmas shopping etc.

December

Valour

The sequel to Malice will be my main book for December as will be busy with Xmas.  If it's as good as people say I may start the third book.

Wish me luck.

Writing

I hope to finish the ghost novella The Cubby Hole as well as get back to my sci fi novel.

I may also enter the Costa Short Story competition which is required for 2 August.

Google Costa Short Story for details.

Well that's my reading and writing plan for the rest of the year. Wish me luck.

Neil x