Though Fall of Giants seemed to me at first, for a book of 850 pages, a title that indicated that the story contained in the pages was going to be a heavy and forced combination of melodrama, fantasy and suspense. Another stereotyped book from another ‘sell-out’ author. But despite that, I got the book, sat down and read it. And it blew me away.
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Thank you for viewing my blog. I hope that you will enjoy going through the posts and don't forget to comment on them. My blog's focus shifted recently, from anime in to many other things like music and books and certain other things i want to blog about. I hope you all talk and comment about things on my blog or anything at all here too! :)
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Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Friday, June 3, 2011
Fall of Giants Review
Filed under
Fall of Giants,
Ken Follett,
review
Monday, September 20, 2010
A Thousand Suns II
All right, so I am not a musical genius, but i did realise that Linkin Park's A Thousand Suns is a concept album. I have heard like two-three times by now, and frankly, where is the story?
I mean, out of the 15 tracks, I hav even started liking some more that I did the first time, but I can't figure out the concept of the album.
Its just this thing they are singing and A thousand Suns, I think, failed achieve the depth it could have. Just a bit of modifications, and this album could really have done well for me.
Anyways, I still think 'Wretches and Kings' is the best track so far.
-mystic
I mean, out of the 15 tracks, I hav even started liking some more that I did the first time, but I can't figure out the concept of the album.
Its just this thing they are singing and A thousand Suns, I think, failed achieve the depth it could have. Just a bit of modifications, and this album could really have done well for me.
Anyways, I still think 'Wretches and Kings' is the best track so far.
-mystic
Filed under
A thousand Suns,
Linkin PArk,
review,
song
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A Thousand Suns
Linkin Park's new album A Thousand Suns was released on September 14 and I was in high hopes that day about how great it was going to be and everything but now there is just one thing that keeps coming to mind.
I finally heard the album today and it completely stripped of Linkin park-ness. Hybrid Theory and Meteora but both amazing, Minutes to Midnights was still entertaining, but this album really did it.
It has like 15 songs out of which I think 3 are just famous-people-quotes, the opening song (The Requiem) Was Something like what Green Day did to 21st Century Breakdown's Song of the Century, but they (Green Day) did it much better. Even the lyrical style was different. Linkin Park was all about life and human perception (that's how i see it), but this album has just a hint of it with political and social opinions being more prominent. Frankly, I don't mind it one bit, if they would have done it in the same style.
Most of the songs simply didn't make it to the bar I had set. I think Wretches and Kings was the one song i actually liked, but the rest kinda hung between nu metal and rock. That Linkin Park thing was missing.
All in all, it was a big disappointment. Though the cover really got me. One word for it: Beau.ti.ful. Love the way its done and and the title interpreted.
Rating - 2.5/5
-mystic
I finally heard the album today and it completely stripped of Linkin park-ness. Hybrid Theory and Meteora but both amazing, Minutes to Midnights was still entertaining, but this album really did it.
It has like 15 songs out of which I think 3 are just famous-people-quotes, the opening song (The Requiem) Was Something like what Green Day did to 21st Century Breakdown's Song of the Century, but they (Green Day) did it much better. Even the lyrical style was different. Linkin Park was all about life and human perception (that's how i see it), but this album has just a hint of it with political and social opinions being more prominent. Frankly, I don't mind it one bit, if they would have done it in the same style.
Most of the songs simply didn't make it to the bar I had set. I think Wretches and Kings was the one song i actually liked, but the rest kinda hung between nu metal and rock. That Linkin Park thing was missing.
All in all, it was a big disappointment. Though the cover really got me. One word for it: Beau.ti.ful. Love the way its done and and the title interpreted.-mystic
Filed under
A thousand Suns,
Linkin PArk,
review,
song
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Review - "Fallen" by Lauren Kate
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.
RATING- 2.5/5
MY MUSINGS- The book was good enough, but was mostly plot-driven. There was no force in the characters. Luce was just a whiney teen with no idea what to do with her life. I mean, seriously, how can she love Daniel one moment and not love him another. I guess it was simply forced into it. And that's exactly why the writing style was horrible. It didn't make me feel the way Luce did. I forced myself to think like her, and when I finally accomplish it, she changes her mind! And that was so irritating. Her erratic mood and character was frustrating in a way that pulled the book downwards.
And the one thing what I totally didn't get was why did Lauren Kate have to write in 3rd person from Luce's perspective?
FINAL SAY- It's an okay-okay book, and I would reccomned it for those who want to read something princess diary-ish.
Filed under
books,
fallen,
lauren kate,
review
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
World Book Fair Delhi
Hey,
On Sunday, I visited the World Book Fair in Pragati Maidan, Delhi. The fair was simply HUGE (and that's when I only visited 2 out of 8 halls). Almost all the publishers whose books I wanted were there. Random House, Om Books House, Pan Macimillian, Roli Books, Hachette, Harper Collins, Frank Brothers and a lot more (except Simon and Schuster (I wanted Hush, Hush by Becca FitzPatrick really bad)). I got quite a bit of books. Some books (like hush hush) were ones I wanted and couldn't find, but probably Though probably one book shouldn't cloud my experience. All in all, it was great, and all book--lovers are reccomended to go there next time.
-mystic
p.s.- I'll review the books around mid-March
On Sunday, I visited the World Book Fair in Pragati Maidan, Delhi. The fair was simply HUGE (and that's when I only visited 2 out of 8 halls). Almost all the publishers whose books I wanted were there. Random House, Om Books House, Pan Macimillian, Roli Books, Hachette, Harper Collins, Frank Brothers and a lot more (except Simon and Schuster (I wanted Hush, Hush by Becca FitzPatrick really bad)). I got quite a bit of books. Some books (like hush hush) were ones I wanted and couldn't find, but probably Though probably one book shouldn't cloud my experience. All in all, it was great, and all book--lovers are reccomended to go there next time.
-mystic
p.s.- I'll review the books around mid-March
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Review - Ronin by Frank Miller
Ronin is a comic by the American writer and artist Frank Miller. First publish
ed in 1983, its still as appealing as it was when first released. Not much of a manga, but the colourful images and American esscence make this story very enthralling.
ed in 1983, its still as appealing as it was when first released. Not much of a manga, but the colourful images and American esscence make this story very enthralling. Synopsis:
A dishonoured, masterless 13th-century samurai- a ronin- is reborn into the corrupt and computerised New York City on the 21st Century with one last chance for redemption. It is here, on the bleak and decaying battleground, that he will at last come face to face with the reincarnation of his former master's killer-the ancient demnon Agat-settle past debts, and fight for the soul of a dying civilisation.
Critical Appreciation:
- Story: The story was completely engrossing. The complexity and complications that develop through out the story are amazing. They are able to engross the reader to depths that might be unreachable by other stories. The way Miller fuses the past, the present and the future is keeps the reader hang on to the story. Moreover, it the pace of the story can rip the paint of a spaceship. This beauty of the story, merged with modern technology and ancient legends absorbs the reader into a world where technology and magic are one.
- Style of Writing and Drawing: The intensity of the plot has light -hearted humor at places, capable of not burdening the reader of the characters' desires, hopes and experiences. The dialogues are witty, but the seriousness of the situation is kept intact by the brilliant and appealing graphics.
As a concluding statement, this comic is a must for those adventure-loving, superhero fans out there. If you think you loved Batman, then this is sure to be on your list by the same author!
Filed under
American Comic,
Frank Miller,
review,
Ronin,
superhero
Friday, April 24, 2009
Review for FMA:B ep 2 and 3
HI ALL!
This is my review for the episode 2 and 3 of Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood (पुर्ण धातु कीमियागर: ब्रदरहुद)
Overall, both were equally good, compared to the first episode of FMA:B. Obviously, Yasuhiro Irie has changed the script a little, that is the way the identity of Father Cornello is revealed to the people and the way he dies and some minor changes here and there. However, episode 2 was much, much better as compared to the first production. The past of the 2 brothers is better defined and doesn't leave a mark of doubt. But yeah, in the first production, doubt was well used. The description of the gate is better. There were also enough number of hilarious scenes to make things lighter. But what I really liked was how God was shown right before Ed saw the truth. That was really amazing that Ed sort of met God and still doesn't believe in his existence. That part is really catchy. The facial expressions of Ed weren't as appreciable as earlier, but it was good enough. I guess Yasuhiro Irie will prove to be a better director that Seiji Mizushima!
All in all, the first 3 episodes show signs of a good anime ahead of us. So be on the watch out for this one!
This is my review for the episode 2 and 3 of Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood (पुर्ण धातु कीमियागर: ब्रदरहुद)
Overall, both were equally good, compared to the first episode of FMA:B. Obviously, Yasuhiro Irie has changed the script a little, that is the way the identity of Father Cornello is revealed to the people and the way he dies and some minor changes here and there. However, episode 2 was much, much better as compared to the first production. The past of the 2 brothers is better defined and doesn't leave a mark of doubt. But yeah, in the first production, doubt was well used. The description of the gate is better. There were also enough number of hilarious scenes to make things lighter. But what I really liked was how God was shown right before Ed saw the truth. That was really amazing that Ed sort of met God and still doesn't believe in his existence. That part is really catchy. The facial expressions of Ed weren't as appreciable as earlier, but it was good enough. I guess Yasuhiro Irie will prove to be a better director that Seiji Mizushima!
All in all, the first 3 episodes show signs of a good anime ahead of us. So be on the watch out for this one!
Filed under
Animax,
Anime,
Full Metal Alchemist,
Full Metal Alchemist:Brotherhood,
review
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Review-FMA:B episode 1
HI ALL!
These are my views on Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood's episode 1 which in Japan on April 5, and on April 10 in Asia. Read the Complete schedule here.

SUMMARY:
When the regenade Ice Alchemist runs amok inside Central, Führer King Bradley puts Roy Mustang in charge of his capture. Edward and Alphonse Elric are taking part in the operation as well, and they manage to corner the guy. Edward’s automail right arm and the fact that he doesn’t use a transmutation circle make the Ice Alchemist realize that Edward is the Fullmetal Alchemist. Regardless, the two manage to capture the Ice Alchemist, but he promptly escapes from the soldiers who come to take him away. The two brothers then return to headquarters where they get lectured by Mustang. The Flame Alchemist explains that the Ice Alchemist is Isaac McDougall, a former state alchemist who participated in the Ishbal extermination war but had given up his state alchemist title afterward and had joined an anti-establishment movement. Mustang prioritizes his capture but knows that they might have to kill him, and that’s something Ed doesn’t want to do. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Maes Hughes who meets Ed and Al for the first time, and he invites them to stay over at his house. This gives Hughes the chance to show off his wife Gracia and daughter Elicia, and the family treats the brothers to dinner. Not wanting to reveal the reason why Al can’t eat, Ed claims that Al is in the middle of alchemist training.
Meanwhile, at Central Prison, Isaac has gone to see Kimblee, the Crimson Alchemist, to convince him to join forces to overthrow Bradley and the military. Isaac points to how Kimblee had killed high ranking military officials, but Kimblee claims that he just killed them because he wanted to, so Isaac leaves him there. Back at Hughes’s home, he’s up late thinking about how the Elric brothers are seen as dogs of the army at such a young age. Ed and Al, on the other hand, are talking about dinner and how Al wants to get his original body back. The search for Isaac continues the next day until Alex Louis Armstrong is able to find him in an alley, and the commotion attracts Ed and Al. Isaac manages to escape though, and he evades capture yet again when he gets cornered by Mustang and some troops. He returns to the same alley later that night, but he’s found again by Ed and Al. Instead of running away this time, he activates multiple red-hued transmutation reactions at once across the city, causing the brothers to think of the Philosopher’s Stone. Isaac feels that Ed would understand what he’s trying to do if Ed knew what the country was trying to do, but what Ed cares about now is how Isaac might have a Philosopher’s Stone.
Isaac then forms a giant block of ice and rides on top of it, and Ed and Al realize that Isaac is trying to bury headquarters in ice. Ed thus decides to go after Isaac and has Armstrong take care of the transmutation circles that Isaac set up. The two brothers climb onto the block of ice and fight Isaac, and when Isaac tries to blow Al’s head off, he realizes that he’s fighting an empty suit of armor upon which a soul was affixed. This combined with how Ed lost his real arm leads Isaac to figure out that the two brothers committed the taboo of human transmutation. This really angers Ed, and together with Al, he beats up on their opponent. Isaac, however, still has a few tricks up his sleeves, and he freezes his blood to stab Ed in the shoulder. This gives him a chance to escape again and make his way into a dark alley, but he finds Bradley waiting there. Isaac tries to take down Bradley with a spear of ice, but Bradley kills Isaac in one quick motion. By the time Ed and Al arrive on the scene, everything is already over, and the two still don’t know if a Philosopher’s Stone was involved. Unbeknownst to them, the Homunculus Lust is on the phone with someone about Isaac’s death. She thinks that Isaac used the Philosopher’s Stone too much, and she reports that things in Lior are going well. With Gluttony nearby, she feels that it will start soon.
[from Random Curosity]
MY VIEWS:
For the first episode, the opening is relly. It is a good introduction to the story and shows the basic theme of The story well. What I really liked about it was it is different from FMA 1. The first production was more serious and had more of a philosophical inclination. This production seems to have more of hilarious animation. As we can see in most parts of the episode. This doesn't really lie on the negative or positive side, just that the story is told in the more "manga" style. As Hiromu Arakawa states in one of her interviews that she thinks manga is ment for entertainment and should be funny. Anyways, so this is a good sign for FMA 2 as it is ment to be closely following the story of the manga. Though as far as I understand, the character Issac is not in the manga, was ment specifically for the introduction of this anime. The Opening and the Closing were relly good, though the closing Uso [lie] bi SID is more catchy. But I have started to like Again by Yui the more and more I listen to it. Overall, Yasuhiro Irei has given a good opening for the whole series and I hope he keeps up the good work.
The second episode was telecasted in Japan today and will be telecasted in Asia on 17th April.
These are my views on Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood's episode 1 which in Japan on April 5, and on April 10 in Asia. Read the Complete schedule here.

SUMMARY:
When the regenade Ice Alchemist runs amok inside Central, Führer King Bradley puts Roy Mustang in charge of his capture. Edward and Alphonse Elric are taking part in the operation as well, and they manage to corner the guy. Edward’s automail right arm and the fact that he doesn’t use a transmutation circle make the Ice Alchemist realize that Edward is the Fullmetal Alchemist. Regardless, the two manage to capture the Ice Alchemist, but he promptly escapes from the soldiers who come to take him away. The two brothers then return to headquarters where they get lectured by Mustang. The Flame Alchemist explains that the Ice Alchemist is Isaac McDougall, a former state alchemist who participated in the Ishbal extermination war but had given up his state alchemist title afterward and had joined an anti-establishment movement. Mustang prioritizes his capture but knows that they might have to kill him, and that’s something Ed doesn’t want to do. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Maes Hughes who meets Ed and Al for the first time, and he invites them to stay over at his house. This gives Hughes the chance to show off his wife Gracia and daughter Elicia, and the family treats the brothers to dinner. Not wanting to reveal the reason why Al can’t eat, Ed claims that Al is in the middle of alchemist training.
Meanwhile, at Central Prison, Isaac has gone to see Kimblee, the Crimson Alchemist, to convince him to join forces to overthrow Bradley and the military. Isaac points to how Kimblee had killed high ranking military officials, but Kimblee claims that he just killed them because he wanted to, so Isaac leaves him there. Back at Hughes’s home, he’s up late thinking about how the Elric brothers are seen as dogs of the army at such a young age. Ed and Al, on the other hand, are talking about dinner and how Al wants to get his original body back. The search for Isaac continues the next day until Alex Louis Armstrong is able to find him in an alley, and the commotion attracts Ed and Al. Isaac manages to escape though, and he evades capture yet again when he gets cornered by Mustang and some troops. He returns to the same alley later that night, but he’s found again by Ed and Al. Instead of running away this time, he activates multiple red-hued transmutation reactions at once across the city, causing the brothers to think of the Philosopher’s Stone. Isaac feels that Ed would understand what he’s trying to do if Ed knew what the country was trying to do, but what Ed cares about now is how Isaac might have a Philosopher’s Stone.
Isaac then forms a giant block of ice and rides on top of it, and Ed and Al realize that Isaac is trying to bury headquarters in ice. Ed thus decides to go after Isaac and has Armstrong take care of the transmutation circles that Isaac set up. The two brothers climb onto the block of ice and fight Isaac, and when Isaac tries to blow Al’s head off, he realizes that he’s fighting an empty suit of armor upon which a soul was affixed. This combined with how Ed lost his real arm leads Isaac to figure out that the two brothers committed the taboo of human transmutation. This really angers Ed, and together with Al, he beats up on their opponent. Isaac, however, still has a few tricks up his sleeves, and he freezes his blood to stab Ed in the shoulder. This gives him a chance to escape again and make his way into a dark alley, but he finds Bradley waiting there. Isaac tries to take down Bradley with a spear of ice, but Bradley kills Isaac in one quick motion. By the time Ed and Al arrive on the scene, everything is already over, and the two still don’t know if a Philosopher’s Stone was involved. Unbeknownst to them, the Homunculus Lust is on the phone with someone about Isaac’s death. She thinks that Isaac used the Philosopher’s Stone too much, and she reports that things in Lior are going well. With Gluttony nearby, she feels that it will start soon.
[from Random Curosity]
MY VIEWS:
For the first episode, the opening is relly. It is a good introduction to the story and shows the basic theme of The story well. What I really liked about it was it is different from FMA 1. The first production was more serious and had more of a philosophical inclination. This production seems to have more of hilarious animation. As we can see in most parts of the episode. This doesn't really lie on the negative or positive side, just that the story is told in the more "manga" style. As Hiromu Arakawa states in one of her interviews that she thinks manga is ment for entertainment and should be funny. Anyways, so this is a good sign for FMA 2 as it is ment to be closely following the story of the manga. Though as far as I understand, the character Issac is not in the manga, was ment specifically for the introduction of this anime. The Opening and the Closing were relly good, though the closing Uso [lie] bi SID is more catchy. But I have started to like Again by Yui the more and more I listen to it. Overall, Yasuhiro Irei has given a good opening for the whole series and I hope he keeps up the good work.
The second episode was telecasted in Japan today and will be telecasted in Asia on 17th April.
Filed under
Anime,
Full Metal Alchemist:Brotherhood,
review
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
LaMB review
HI ALL! The LaMB movie was telecasted for the last time on Animax yesterday. Here are my views about it.
STORY
The story of the movie had been highly compressed and was not at all elaborated. The first half was stretched a lot. It was only about how Jack comes to Cerra and in terms with Eve. It doesn't convey much except for Jack's past. He doesn't even get to know the real truth abot lamination.
As far as the second part is concerned, its even shorter! There simply is a conference about Jack's progress of making the planet green, Sara's past and a fight between Eve 1135 and laminated Keiko. The latter did not relly convey anything much. It was not shown why did the two fight. Pretty brief, huh? Then in the end, Sara and Jack come together and the planet has turned green.
Nothing was shown about theor fight against lamination, nothing was known about the other characters-Keiko Suzuki and Rita Golberg. In fact, Keiko was shown against lamination, then why did the two fight against eacch other? And what about her revenge against Sara?
The story did not relly answer any of these questions. The solution to this would have been to make the movie a little longer.
ANIMATION
This was something that was relly looked forward to in the movie. But it was really not very precise. Even though the robots were well-aniamted, the humans and LaMBs' animation could be worked upon. All in all, the animation could hav ebeen better.
MUSIC
The music was something that really was good, irrepective of the other lackings. Not only 'Summertime' and 'I Can Wait Forever', but even the background music, the opening and the ending were good. I wouldn't mind if they bring out a soundtrack CD of it!
CONCLUSION
The movie lacked in several phases which could be worked upon, but if expanded a little, it will turn out to be a good movie. The music should be kept and animation should be made more elaborate.
NOTE: Know more about LaMB here.
STORY
The story of the movie had been highly compressed and was not at all elaborated. The first half was stretched a lot. It was only about how Jack comes to Cerra and in terms with Eve. It doesn't convey much except for Jack's past. He doesn't even get to know the real truth abot lamination.
As far as the second part is concerned, its even shorter! There simply is a conference about Jack's progress of making the planet green, Sara's past and a fight between Eve 1135 and laminated Keiko. The latter did not relly convey anything much. It was not shown why did the two fight. Pretty brief, huh? Then in the end, Sara and Jack come together and the planet has turned green.
Nothing was shown about theor fight against lamination, nothing was known about the other characters-Keiko Suzuki and Rita Golberg. In fact, Keiko was shown against lamination, then why did the two fight against eacch other? And what about her revenge against Sara?
The story did not relly answer any of these questions. The solution to this would have been to make the movie a little longer.
ANIMATION
This was something that was relly looked forward to in the movie. But it was really not very precise. Even though the robots were well-aniamted, the humans and LaMBs' animation could be worked upon. All in all, the animation could hav ebeen better.
MUSIC
The music was something that really was good, irrepective of the other lackings. Not only 'Summertime' and 'I Can Wait Forever', but even the background music, the opening and the ending were good. I wouldn't mind if they bring out a soundtrack CD of it!
CONCLUSION
The movie lacked in several phases which could be worked upon, but if expanded a little, it will turn out to be a good movie. The music should be kept and animation should be made more elaborate.
NOTE: Know more about LaMB here.
Filed under
Animax,
Animax Movie LaMB,
Animax Movie LaMB-The blogging Contest,
Anime,
review
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