Captain Marvel Review

On March 28, 2019March 27, 2019 By AllieS.In Movie Review1 Comment

Captain_Marvel_poster Captain Marvel is the twenty-first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie set in 1995. The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes Captain Marvel when Earth is caught in a conflict between two alien worlds. For those who have watched most, if not all of the MCU movies Captain Marvel must be watched before Avengers: Endgame as it set up Captain Marvel for her potential role in the future movies.

Before going into the my thoughts and feelings about the movie, Captain Marvel is not the best MCU movie that we have gotten but it is nowhere near the worst. The movie starts out set in space and just drops the audience into the story without any background though if you’ve read the comics or follow information about the movie online you will have some idea of where the movie is going. Vers is a Kree operative sent with a team to another planet to find someone missing and during the mission they are attacked by the Skrulls, a group of shape shifting aliens. When Vers crashes on Earth the story really picks up as it becomes apparent that she is from Earth but has no memories about what happened to her or her past. Ultimately, Captain Marvel is a movie about a woman realizing that she has power, coming into her own and understanding the power that she has. Though I think that the movie is for everyone there are instances that I feel women will understand better because they speak to real life situations that women find themselves in.

The acting is great, I believed everyone in the roles that they had. The movie has funny moments it’s not as comedic as some of the other MCU movies. I personally liked the story and I loved that we get some information about how the Shield that we know from the other movies was born.

Though Captain Marvel is an origin movie set in the 90’s at this point Marvel Studios does kind of expect you to have seen at least some of the other movies as there are instances that things such as Shield are not explained as it is assumed that you know this information. However, it is a movie that can be watched without knowledge of the others since it is only the calls backs and foreshadowing to other movies that might be missed. Since the movie is set in the 90’s there are major references and jokes made about the 90’s that if you are not familiar with they might not connect. Stay through the credits as there is a scene that connects directly to the Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame.

Overall, not the greatest Marvel movie but a good story with great characters that give us something good before what I feel will be the devastation to come with Avengers: Endgame.

February Wrap Up

On March 25, 2019March 24, 2019 By AllieS.In Wrap UpLeave a comment

In February I read five books and watched series 11 of Doctor Who.

Books:

Witch Child by Celia Rees is a historical fiction young adult novel that follows Mary Newbury who escapes a witch trials in England and travels with a group of puritans to the new world. However, it becomes clear when they arrive in Massachusetts that Mary must be careful as she is an outsider who could easily be tried as a witch and she might just be one. Witch Child is a reread for me as I read the book initially when I was a teenager. I didn’t love it as much as I remember because I’m much older now.Witch Child feel more like a middle grade but I still like the book.

Artemis by Andy Weir is a science fiction novel where Jasmine lives on Artemis, Earth’s first and only lunar colony. When her get rich quick plan falls apart she learns how the colony is truly run and what she has to due to try to save her friends and family while also not getting arrested. An interesting story on how a lunar colony would be run though not as funny as the Martian. I personally liked the premise of the story more than the story that is told and I feel like Artemis would not work in reality with how everything is run.

Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant is a novella about a research ship going to the Mariana Trench to find Mermaids. When the ship gets there all the scientist think that the company sponsoring the trip is just going to film a mockumentary but they end up finding real mermaids who are not kind or beautiful. This book is technically a prequel to Into the Drowning Deep but it works as a stand alone. I didn’t connect to the characters much due to how short the book is but what is there is great. It made me want more from this world and story.

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant is a science fiction horror novel about a reteach ship going out to the Mariana Trench to find mermaids and what happened to the ship that went out seven years previously. This is a reread for me and I loved it just as much as the first time I read it. The best way I can describe it is the book is everything I didn’t know I wanted out of murderous mermaids.

The Invasion (Animorphs #1) by K A Applegate is the first in the Animorphs books where a group of teenagers are gifted the power to turn into animals to fight an invasion of aliens. I read most of the series when I was in elementary school and junior high but I never finished it so when I found the books again I want to see if I would like them enough to reread and finish the series. Though it feels much younger than I remember its probably just because I’m not the age these books are marketed to but I think its a good start to the series. The conflict is established early and the reality of the character involvement is much more harsh as these kids are going to fight a war. Though I didn’t love any of the characters they are realistic for the situation they are trust into and the books are much darker than I remember.

TV shows:

This month I finally sat down and watch the most recent season of Doctor Who with Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. For me I was not a huge fan of this season, its not bad but its not all that good either. Most of the episodes were decent but I didn’t connect with any of the new characters or story lines. Graham and Ryan were the best characters and while Yaz was fine, with so many new characters and actors fighting for good character moments none of them were given much overall. As for Jodie Whittaker, I think she is a good actor but she is not the Doctor. I felt no connection between her version of the Doctor and other actors who had played the character and I didn’t believe that she was the Doctor. I don’t blame any of the actors as they are just bring what they can to the writers work so I feel like the writing needs to get much better for Doctor Who to continue and be loved by so many. Ultimately, if the show had any other name I don’t think I would have finished the season. I will watch the first few episodes of the next season as they will have a year to hopeful fix problems from the past season but if those first episodes aren’t good then I won’t continue watching.

Witch Child by Celia Rees

On March 16, 2019March 15, 2019 By AllieS.In Book ReviewLeave a comment

803120 Witch Child by Celia Rees is a historical fiction young adult novel that follows Mary Newbury who escapes a witch trial in England and travels with a group of puritans to the new world. However, it becomes clear when they arrive in Massachusetts that Mary must be careful as she is an outsider who could easily be tried as a witch and she might just be one.

Witch Child is written as a diary so we see Mary’s story unfold through her own eyes. She believes herself to be a witch but that thought and any of her actions through out the story could easily get her in major trouble. Rees makes the story very realistic for the time period both in the use of puritan values and beliefs as well as information about the Native American’s that Mary interacts with. Mary unlike the rest of the community sees a kinship with the Native’s as they are both outsiders that the puritan community would attempt to get rid of. The tribe used in the story is the Pennacook nation which was a real Native American tribe in the Massachusetts area when white settlers arrived in the new world.

Witch Child is a reread for me as I read the book initially when I was a teenager. I didn’t love it as much as I remember because I’m older now. Sometimes I like to go back and read the books published when I first started reading Teen or Young Adult books as the Young Adult book market is much different now. I remember when bookstores called it the teen section and YA really wasn’t a big thing. Now days it feels like YA is written for an older audience than it used to be which makes Witch Child feel more like a middle grade but I still like the book.

Rating:

February 2019 Owl Crate

On March 14, 2019March 13, 2019 By AllieS.In OwlCrateLeave a comment

Owl Crate is a young adult book subscription box where every month you receive one new hardcover book and an assortment of bookish goodies connected to the monthly theme. February’s theme was Whimsical Beasts.

The bookish items this month are amazing, primarily practical items that I will get good use out of. These include a key chain inspired by Spirited Away, a travel umbrella featuring creatures and beasts from Harry Potter, a pixie dust gem soap, and a beanie inspired by Harry Potter. All of these this I will use at some point but the umbrella is the best as it has been rainy in Texas. Also I won’t be able to use the beanie just yet as it is far to warm where I live at the moment but will be great for next winter.

The books this month included an extra graphic novel, The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill which looks very cute. The new hard back is Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto which is set in a world where warrior queens rode on the back of phoenix and the bonds of sisters through a story of survival and war. All Owl Crate books have exclusive covers and are signed but this one also as stained edges and includes a letter from the author and a feather bookmark. The new enamel pins that they include in each box also is inspired by the book.

March’s theme is Murder and Mayhem. So far I’m enjoying Owl Crate and I will continue to subscribe to it.

Unravel Review

On February 23, 2019February 22, 2019 By AllieS.In Video GamesLeave a comment

Unravel is puzzle platforming game released in 2016 where you play as Yarny, a little creature made out of red yarn. The game play allows the player to interact with the world though the use of yarn to solve puzzles and find things in the environment. The game begins with an older woman picking up a basket of yarn and a ball of red yarn falling out, and then we see Yarny.

In the opening area of the game there are pictures that Yarny uses to visit and interact with the environments that were important to the owner of the home. In these environments there are glimpses of important memories which start out happy at the ocean and in the mountains but as the game continues darker memories emerge. At the end of each level, Yarny finds a badge that is put on the cover of a photo album which is then filled with photos of the memories that the player encounters in each level.

The game is beautifully designed with each level using new environments and challenges to the new puzzles. The story of Unravel is told completely though visuals and music as there is no dialogue used nor is there much written information in the levels. It’s a very fun game to play with the first level as the main tutorial and then needing to learn what each levels puzzles need from trial and error. The only thing that I had a problem with is sometimes the game is not clear which area is the next which can effect how the puzzles work and these can be more convoluted than need be. Also there are several sections that must be timed exactly right such as running from animals, falling rocks, and water sections that don’t have any check points in them. So if you mess up near the end you have to do the whole puzzle all over and for me most of them required multiple tries which got very frustrating at times. I do really like this game but the frustration that I felt does make me question if I will ever play the sequel that was released in 2018.

Overall, Unravel is a fun but challenging puzzle game that is beautifully designed and one that I feel many people will enjoy.

DNF (Did Not Finish) #1

On February 13, 2019February 11, 2019 By AllieS.In Book Review, DNFLeave a comment

I used to try to finish all the books that I started but as I’ve gotten older I’ve stopped doing that as much. I believe that life is too short and there are so many things that I could enjoy that I shouldn’t have to force myself to finish books or shows if I’m on longer enjoying it. But I still want to talk about why I stopped reading. Sometimes there’s not to say so I don’t want to write full reviews. So here is a list of the books that I’ve recently did not finish and my reasons why.

Bats of the Republic by Zachary Thomas Dodson is a dystopian novel told through letters, recordings, notes, newspaper clippings etc. and while a very cool concept not very I trusting to read. After about 60 pages I had not connect with any of the characters or story so I stopped reading.

Handbook for Mortals by Lani Sarem is famous for the fact that the author scammed her way on to the New York Times bestsellers list. When I bought the book, I knew about the story but couldn’t remember the title or author so I bought it anyway. I couldn’t even get though the first chapter. The story was boring and didn’t grab me, the first person perspective does the story no favors and makes the protagonist annoying and the descriptions make no sense. I have no idea how this book even got published.

The Last Tudor by Philippa Gregory, the fourteenth Plantagenet and Tudor Novel, follows Lady Jane Grey, who was queen of England for nine days, and her two sisters. When I bought this book I thought I would love it as I have loved some of Philippa Gregory’s other books. However, I’m learning that her book are very hit or miss for me. The book is told from Jane, Katherine, and Mary’s perspectives but I barely got through the first 50 pages of Jane’s perspective. I found Jane as a narrator to be far too pious, boring, annoying, and I felt like she hates all the other women in her life. To start the book like this made me not care about the story or any of the characters which almost always stops me from finishing a book. I feel like if you love all of Philippa Greogory’s work or Lady Jane Grey story is what you are interested in than you might like this book but it wasn’t for me.

Rogues edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois is a short story collection focusing on the concept of the rogue and how the authors featured in the book wanted to play with that concept. It is becoming clear to me that I don’t like short story collections unless all of the stories are either from the same author or from the same series (ex: Doctor Who). Even the stories from authors I like and have read other things from, I just couldn’t get though everything bored me and I’m not really sure why. I like the idea of these types of collections as a way to see if I might like the authors other works but it never seems to work out the way I want it to. I think many people will enjoy these stories and the book overall but the format did nothing for me and because of that I couldn’t get through any of it.

Parasite (Parasitology #1) by Mira Grant

On February 9, 2019February 8, 2019 By AllieS.In Book ReviewLeave a comment

13641105 Parasite is the first book in the Parasitology trilogy by Mira Grant (aka Seanan McGuire). In the year 2027 humanity no longer deals with sickness and disease due the genetically engineered tapeworms created by SymboGen that everyone now carries. The story primarily follows Sally Mitchel who nearly died six years ago but was saved by the SymboGen tape worm. However, things are starting to go wrong with the tape worms and people are not acting like they should so Sally must figure out what is going on and her new place in the world.

The story starts out very interesting seeing how the world is different from today. As I don’t think there would very be anything that would convince me to carry a tapeworm. Sal, as Sally prefers, doesn’t remember anything from before that accident that nearly killed her so she is being treated as a medical miracle even years later. It’s clear that while she understand everyone want to find out how she survived and what happened she hates being treated like a child. As a sleeping sickness starts affecting people everywhere Sal and her boyfriend start uncovering secrets that will change everything and that puts them in grave danger.

Though I’ve loved many of Seanan McGuire’s other works there is an important plot twist about halfway through the book that completely lost me. Given that the science seems very sound in the rest of the book this twist seemed to come out of left field and didn’t flow with the rest of the story. Seanan McGuire’s endings though, especially in her science fiction horror books, feel like a gut punch or that didn’t just happen, did it? Its nothing that I ever expect and it always causes me to want to read more.

If you have any anxiety or fears based around medical events or parasites/bugs I would consider not reading this series. I absolutely loved the NewsFlesh series and have loved many of Seanan McGuire’s other work so I was expecting to love this book. Though I didn’t enjoy it as much as I was hoping with the ending I do plan on continuing the series but I don’t think I will have that high of expectations for the rest of the series.

Rating:

January 2019 Wrap Up

On February 5, 2019February 4, 2019 By AllieS.In Wrap UpLeave a comment

January was not a great reading month for me, while I’ve read five books none of them I really love. I did finish Kingdom Heart this month which I’ve been playing for a while so that does make up for it some.

Books:

39330961 The first book I read this year was the screenplay of Fantastic Beast: The Crimes of Grindelwald. I love Harry Potter and I grew up with it so I know I will read and watch anything new that comes out. I just hope the next things J. K. Rowling puts out is better than this. Though I didn’t hate The Crimes of Grindelwald movie it could have been better. Screenplay on the other hand don’t really work as books as there is so much information that is not given to the reader. Though I bought it more for the pretty cover and for my Harry Potter collection. Rating:

Walking Dead Book 7 by Robert Kirkman is the collection of issues #73-84 which is part of the Alexandrian Safe Zone story arc. At this point Rick and the others have arrived at Alexandria and the story follows whether or not this could actually be a safe place to stay. I’ve been rereading the comics to catch back up and I’ve noticed this time that I don’t like certain story lines and elements more this time than in the past. Jessie was very annoying as I didn’t like the story in either the book or show and everyone in Alexandria feel very naive as they don’t fully understand the world now.I will continue with the series but as some parts I love and others drag. Rating:

Endsinger by Jay Kristoff is the last book in the Lotus War Trilogy which is a fantasy story set in a steam punk Japan where Yukiko and her father are tasked with finding the last of the Arashitoras (thunder tigers). All while the country is at war and a rebellion is brewing. I wanted to love this book as I’ve loved many of Jay Kristoff’s other works but I didn’t. I feel like this is mostly my fault as I read each book in the series too far apart. Though the characters are great and I love many of them, I often felt that the consequences of their actions didn’t have much of an impact. However, Yukiko and Buruu will always be amazing and the bitter sweetness of their story’s end is what I wish more books would strive for. Rating:

Post Secret and My Secret by Frank Warren are both compilations of postcard sent in to the Post Secret project which asked people to send in anonymous secrets though the mail as a way to release ones feelings and secret that people where hiding. It’s an interesting concept that shows that while everyone is different the fear and secrets that we keep are all very similar. In general these books are more art pieces than actual books. My Secret is aimed a little more at college student than Post Secret is but they are essentially the same thing. Rating of both:

Games:

This month I also finished one PlayStation 4 game which was Kingdom Hearts which I have a full review of. I also attempted Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories but only got though the first couple of hours before deciding that I hated the card battle system and that I would get move out of watching Chain of Memories. I love Kingdom Hearts and so glad I’ve finally taken the time to work on completing the franchise.

January 2019 Owl Crate

On February 1, 2019February 1, 2019 By AllieS.In OwlCrateLeave a comment

Owl Crate is a young adult book subscription box where every month you receive one new hardcover book and an assortment of bookish goodies connected to the monthly theme. January’s theme is Magical Artifacts. I really love this months box and the book.

The bookish items for this month include an antler bracelet inspired by Shadow and Bone. A wooden letter opener carved to look like Bilbo’s sword, Sting from The Hobbit. A pair of Harry Potter socks with the Deathly Hallows symbol on them. A zipper pouch inspired by A Darker Shade of Magic. My favorite item is the wall tapestry inspired by The Golden Compass which I need to find a place to hang it. As always there is a booklet with information about why the items were chosen and an interview with the chosen book’s author but Owl Crate has changed their monthly pins to be enamel pin instead of buttons. I greatly appreciate this change as I didn’t really care for the buttons but I love the design for this pin.

The book included for this month is The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi which I have been hearing amazing things about. In 1889 Paris the wealthy treasure hunter Severin must accept a mission from the Order of Bable to gain his inheritance. Together with a band of misfits they must hunt down the artifact the Order seeks. They might just change history if they can survive. All Owl Crate books come with an exclusive cover, are signed and come with a letter from the author. This month a luggage tag was included as swag with the book.

As I said before I really like the items in this months box and I look forward to reading the book. For the next month February’s theme is Whimsical Beasts.

December 2018 Wrap Up

On January 29, 2019January 28, 2019 By AllieS.In Wrap UpLeave a comment

During December I read 3 books and started and finished one PlayStation 4 game. Three books doesn’t sound like a lot in comparison to what I’ve read in some months but I felt good about what I read and with the holidays I spent a lot of time with my family so the numbers don’t matter.

Books:

18404173 The first book I read and finished was The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport. As a historian I try to read a few nonfiction history books each year thought I primarily read for fun these days. The Romanov Sisters follows the lives of the last four Grand Duchesses of Russia: Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia Romanov from their births till their deaths during the Russian Revolution. Helen Rappaport weaves their story in a way that makes it feel like your not reading a boring account of history which I hope more historians are able to do. She includes all the relevant information and quotes from the girls letters that show case how bright and wonderful these young women were who died to young. I feel like the reader doesn’t need to know much if anything about Russian history to enjoy the book but those who like to read history or nonfiction could get more out of it. Though an enjoyable and well researched book I did feel like it started to drag a bit when the timeline got to World War I as the lives of the Romanov’s become much more restricted and not as interesting to read about. Overall I feel like this is a history book written for everyone and I gave it 3/5 stars.

13641105 The second book I finished in December was Parasite by Mira Grant (aka Seanan McGuire) where in the year 2027 sickness and disease have been eradicated by everyone caring a genetically engineered tape worm create by SymboGen. The story follows Sally Mitchel who nearly died six years ago but was saved by the SymoboGen tape worm. However, things are starting to go wrong with the tape worms and people are not acting like they should so Sally must figure out what is going on and her new place in the world. If you have any anxiety or fears based around medical events or parasites/bugs I would consider not reading this series. I absolutely loved the NewsFlesh series and have loved many of Seanan McGuire’s other work so I was expecting to love this book. However, the book starts out strong I started to lose enjoyment while reading about half way though as there is a major plot twist that I couldn’t really get behind. Seanan McGuire’s endings though, especially in her science fiction horror books feel like a gut punch or that didn’t just happen, did it? Its nothing that I ever expect and it always causes me to want to read more. So, I do plan on continuing the series but I don’t think I will love it as much as some of her other series. For this first book I gave it 3.5/5 stars.

31014504 The final book I read was Doctor Who: Twelve Doctors of Christmas. I’ve loved Doctor Who for years now and while I don’t read many of the books there are some gems out there. Twelve Doctors of Christmas is a collection of short stories featuring each of the twelve Doctors and stories set around or on Christmas Day. The book is structured with one story and illustration for each Doctor. I feel those who have seen at least a few episodes from each Doctor will get the most enjoyment out of the stories but even if you have only gotten into Doctor Who recently there is something for everyone. All twelve stories are well written, cute stories focusing on the Doctor and Christmas that is best read during the holiday season. I gave it 4/5 stars.

Games:

unravel_cover_art I started and finished the PlayStation 4 game Unravel in December. In Unravel you play as a little yarn guy, called Yarny, through a series of adventures in different locations from a families past. The story is told only though the animation,images, and the music as there is no dialogue in the entire game. As you play thought different levels such as a beach, winter landscapes, and farmland you complete puzzles and platforming sections that show you more of the story and the emotions of what you are seeing. Though the puzzles can be changeling, its amazing how much can be done without dialogue or much of the written word. I had a great time playing the game and I think I might play the squeal.