Book Review - Wrath by John Gwynne

Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Storyline - 

"Events are coming to a climax in the Banished Lands, as the war reaches new heights. King Nathair has taken control of the fortress at Drassil and three of the Seven Treasures are in his possession. And together with Calidus and his ally Queen Rhin, Nathair will do anything to obtain the remaining Treasures. With all seven under his command, he can open a portal to the Otherworld. Then Asroth and his demon-horde will finally break into the Banished Lands and become flesh.

Meanwhile Corban has been taken prisoner by the Jotun, warrior giants who ride their enormous bears into battle. His warband scattered, Corban must make new allies if he hopes to survive. But can he bond with competing factions of warlike giants? Somehow he must, if he's to counter the threat Nathair represents.

His life hangs in the balance - and with it, the fate of the Banished Lands." - Goodreads

Review- 

This was probably the best way to end a 2707 page series. It's wrapped up nicely with an epic battle that evolved all, even those from the Otherworld. The scenes were borderline artistic in their descriptions and almost made you feel as though you were standing in the middle of raging battle. While it is sad to see the end of Corban ben Thannon and his band of followers, The Faithful and the Fallen leaves you with a lust for more.
Luckily enough, A Time Of Dread will kick off a spin off trilogy which is set to be released later this year.

💜 MetalandTeacups 

Information -

Format: Paperback
Dimensions: 130 x 197 x 44mm | 511g
Published: 04 May 2017 by Pan MacMillan

Pages: 685

Movie Review: John Wick: Chapter 2

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Storyline - 

'In this next chapter following the 2014 hit, legendary hitman John Wick is forced back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins' guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world's deadliest killers.' - Rotten Tomatoes

Review- 

I'm not going to lie, I only watched the first movie less than a month ago. And that was only because the second one was coming out, but I'm glad I did.

I really enjoyed the world building in these movies, it was unbelievably in-depth for such a small franchise. There were plenty of well choreographed cringe worthy fight sequences,  some that made my balls crawl up inside me and I don't even have any! The entire movie I was on the edge on my seat, completely riveted to the screen.

I feel there's not a lot I can say without giving away a lot of movie, expect that the ending has made me completely paranoid and that if I ever go to New York city my skin will be crawling the entire time I'm there.

For me, this is a must see film.

💜MetalandTeacups 

Information -

Release Date: 10 Feb 2017
Time: 2hr 2min
Cast:

	Keanu Reeves	...	John Wick
	Riccardo Scamarcio	...	Santino D'Antonio
	Ian McShane	...	Winston
	Ruby Rose	...	Ares
	Common	...	Cassian
	Claudia Gerini	...	Gianna D'Antonio

Movie Review - Wonder Woman

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✰✰

Storyline - 

'Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when a pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers and her true destiny.' - imdb

Review- 

As an origin film I feel that Wonder Woman actually missed the most interesting aspects of Diana's and the Amazonian's history, certain things like the backstory of why the Amazonians wear the gauntlets, or why Diana wears the outfit/colours she does were overlooked. This seemingly minor details are actually fundamental knowledge to who Wonder Woman is. Most of this is covered in the animated movie 'Wonder Woman' from 2009, which I recommend watching beforehand.

For example, the relationship between Diana and her mother, Hippolyta, also strayed from what I expected. Whilst their relationship can be strained when it comes to diplomatic matters, there has never been any helicopter parenting, as the film leads you to believe, as Diana is trained as a warrior as soon as she could hold a sword.

I found there also needed to be more relationship building between Diana and Steve Trevor, it felt their time together was too brief to inspire anything outside of lust, which really bothered me.

And whilst I did enjoy the artful slow-mo fighting sequences, there were a few moment where you could see the cast pulling punches, which often ruined the intense action scenes. The lasso also had this issue, as the way it lit up was borderline cartoon-ish. In fact, I don't understand why it lit up whilst she was using it to fight. As it only light ups when it is used to interrogate someone, and she was definitely not talking to the Germans she was whipping  about.

The casting  for Ares was also bothersome, as the actors voice is not strong nor menacing enough for Ares and his role in this film. There was one subtle hint that I did appreciate, that I doubt many of you noticed. At the gala, after Diana has finished dancing Ludendorff, there is a set of bull horns hanging on the wall and Ludendorff's head a lines perfectly with them before storming off.

All in all, this movie is great for the fighting scenes but not much else. It skimps over a lot of the symbolism in Wonder Woman herself, and misses several opportunities to build on the character and her powers.

💜MetalandTeacups 

Information - 

Release Date: 2 Jun 2017

Time: 2hr 21mins

Cast:

	Gal Gadot	...	Diana
	Chris Pine	...	Steve Trevor
	Connie Nielsen	...	Hippolyta