Carl Alves's Blog, page 20
September 16, 2017
Antrax by Terry Brooks
I started reading this book immediately after Ilse Witch, and I’m glad to see that Terry Brooks is following his familiar pattern. In the first novel, he puts together a large group of people to go on an epic quest to find some powerful magic treasure and/or defeat a powerful foe (in this case there is both of these things). The group is now splintered into about five or six smaller groups. What I like about this trilogy is how Brooks has departed from the typical magical entity that has to be destroyed and is instead using an artificial intelligence system from the old world (our world) as the bad guy in this novel. It tests the characters in ways they haven’t been tested in the past, and forces them to dig deep to solve a problem that is far out of their comfort zone. It ties back into the start of Brooks’s Word and the Void series, and I enjoyed the symmetry.
I think I may have enjoyed this perhaps a bit more than the Ilse Witch. The story branched off in a lot of different areas. Out of all the different storylines, I think I like the one with Bek and his sister the most. I could see where the story is going to head. She is going to finally realize that Bek and Walker have been telling the truth and she truly is Bek’s sister. I also think that she will switch sides and help Bek and company against Morgwahr in the final installment of the trilogy. I like how in this trilogy, there isn’t one but three different powerful enemies for the good guys to combat, and all three are very different. Although, Brooks is following his typical formula, he’s also giving enough different wrinkles to keep it interesting.
I think I may have enjoyed this perhaps a bit more than the Ilse Witch. The story branched off in a lot of different areas. Out of all the different storylines, I think I like the one with Bek and his sister the most. I could see where the story is going to head. She is going to finally realize that Bek and Walker have been telling the truth and she truly is Bek’s sister. I also think that she will switch sides and help Bek and company against Morgwahr in the final installment of the trilogy. I like how in this trilogy, there isn’t one but three different powerful enemies for the good guys to combat, and all three are very different. Although, Brooks is following his typical formula, he’s also giving enough different wrinkles to keep it interesting.
September 12, 2017
Movie Review: It
The last time the Hollywood folk tried to adapt Stephen King’s epic masterpiece, the result was a slightly better than mediocre major broadcast television mini-series. There was nothing wrong with it, but it was far from awe-inspiring. Many years later (so much so that the part of the story that takes place in the past in the movie was roughly when King wrote the novel), It has finally made it to the big screen. The scope of this novel demands two movies, and there will be a sequel which takes place in present day. The verdict—this movie delivered in a big way.
The movie had much of the same feel as Stranger Things television show, and even borrowed one of the actors (Finn Wolfhard who plays Richie Tozier). It was most certainly scarier and had coarser language—and odd thing considering how young that cast is—but had many of the same elements that made the Netflix series succeed. Although the movie wasn’t entirely faithful to the source material, it was adapted very well. One of the things that made the novel great also worked for the movie, and that was the characters. Even though it’s been a while since I read the book, the characters were so memorable that it did not take long for me to get into the groove with them. Considering that the cast is large, it was very easy to distinguish one from the other since they had such distinct personalities. Pennywise the clown was also portrayed well in this movie and was one of the scarier villains in a horror movie in a long time. I didn’t like every element of the plot, but by and large it was riveting and had some good scare elements to it. This was the best horror movie I’ve seen since The Conjuring and I would highly recommend it.
The movie had much of the same feel as Stranger Things television show, and even borrowed one of the actors (Finn Wolfhard who plays Richie Tozier). It was most certainly scarier and had coarser language—and odd thing considering how young that cast is—but had many of the same elements that made the Netflix series succeed. Although the movie wasn’t entirely faithful to the source material, it was adapted very well. One of the things that made the novel great also worked for the movie, and that was the characters. Even though it’s been a while since I read the book, the characters were so memorable that it did not take long for me to get into the groove with them. Considering that the cast is large, it was very easy to distinguish one from the other since they had such distinct personalities. Pennywise the clown was also portrayed well in this movie and was one of the scarier villains in a horror movie in a long time. I didn’t like every element of the plot, but by and large it was riveting and had some good scare elements to it. This was the best horror movie I’ve seen since The Conjuring and I would highly recommend it.
September 10, 2017
Ilse Witch by Terry Brooks
Some might say that Terry Brooks’s work is formulaic, and they might be right. His series usually go something like this: There is a treasure/magic/evil thing that must be stopped. A druid holds special knowledge on how to do this. He gathers a group of people to carry out this mission. This group must include elves, a member of the Leah family, a dwarf, some humans, and an Ohmsford or two. Use of magic is dangerous and takes a toll on the user. There is a powerful and evil person who is trying to stop them. This novel has all of those things I mentioned with a new wrinkle. In the future, men have developed the use of airships—not quite steampunk but close enough. Despite this formula, and the fact that I was able to figure out the big reveal at the end of the book very, very, very early on, his novels are like wearing a pair of comfortable shoes. You know you’re going to enjoy the journey, so sit back and relax.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this novel. The airships were certainly different, but mostly it’s because Terry Brooks is a master of the epic quest. His characters are compelling and he puts them in very difficult situations, which tests their abilities, fortitude, and ingenuity. Yes, there is a certain level of predictability, but I didn’t mind it a bit, and there is a good level of mystery in this series involving a powerful ancient entity which is guarding some powerful old magic—or is it technology from our modern world? I’ll have to continue reading the rest of the series to find out, and that’s certainly not a bad thing.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this novel. The airships were certainly different, but mostly it’s because Terry Brooks is a master of the epic quest. His characters are compelling and he puts them in very difficult situations, which tests their abilities, fortitude, and ingenuity. Yes, there is a certain level of predictability, but I didn’t mind it a bit, and there is a good level of mystery in this series involving a powerful ancient entity which is guarding some powerful old magic—or is it technology from our modern world? I’ll have to continue reading the rest of the series to find out, and that’s certainly not a bad thing.
September 6, 2017
Movie Review: Annabelle Creation
Annabelle: Creation was a compilation of horror movie clichés all wrapped up into one movie. It befuddles me that this movie was positively reviewed since I don’t see any redeemable value to it except the final scene. It had a thin and weak plot. It had the double whammy of having both weak characterization, and characters that continually made one stupid decision after another—another horror movie cliché. Basically, what this movie tried to accomplish was to go really slow and quiet and then all of a sudden have a jump out of your seat scare moment where someone got dragged quickly or something popped out of nowhere. This movie was shallower and thinner than a communion wafer or a flatbread pizza for the non-religious folk out there.
It aggravates me that they took the best horror movie of the past twenty years—The Conjuring—and are trying to squeeze every last dollar out of it by making lousy spin-off movies. The very existence of this movie sullies The Conjuring. The basic premise here is a group of orphan girls from a Catholic charity live with a couple whose daughter had died in a tragic accident. Except the daughter hasn’t gone away completely. Her spirit or whatever is possessing her is wreaking vengeance on the orphans in an attempt to possess one of their souls. The only interesting thing that happened in this movie was that the final scene of the movie leads into the opening of the Annabelle movie. Skip this movie. Even for bad horror movies, this stands out.
It aggravates me that they took the best horror movie of the past twenty years—The Conjuring—and are trying to squeeze every last dollar out of it by making lousy spin-off movies. The very existence of this movie sullies The Conjuring. The basic premise here is a group of orphan girls from a Catholic charity live with a couple whose daughter had died in a tragic accident. Except the daughter hasn’t gone away completely. Her spirit or whatever is possessing her is wreaking vengeance on the orphans in an attempt to possess one of their souls. The only interesting thing that happened in this movie was that the final scene of the movie leads into the opening of the Annabelle movie. Skip this movie. Even for bad horror movies, this stands out.
August 22, 2017
Game of Thrones: Beyond the Wall
Since Game of Thrones began running, the second to the last episode of the season has always been the massive jaw-dropping, eye-popping, life changing (okay I may be getting carried away) episode. Although this was a big episode with big implications, I don’t think it was as impactful as The Red Wedding, Ned’s beheading, or The Battle of the Bastards to name a few. That being said, there was a game changing moment (one that was heavily rumored) now that the White Walkers have a zombie dragon.
Sansa and Arya Stark
Although for the most part, I like Arya’s character and her ninja skills, and I’m certainly not a fan of Sansa, I think Arya is going off the rails just a bit. A letter written by Sansa under extreme duress when she was about thirteen is certainly excusable. And although Arya has been through some turmoil, Sansa’s journey was the more treacherous. Basically, she should get a pass, and Arya isn’t being remotely reasonable. I get where she’s coming from, but she’s way out of line and she ought to concentrate her fury on more deserving targets.
Daenerys Targaryan
I thought the conversation with Tyrion in this episode was total filler and didn’t add much to the show. She lost one of her dragons (I’m not sure which) and didn’t seem as broken up about it as I thought she would. The end of the episode definitely seals my ongoing prediction—Jon and Dany are going to wind up a couple. Mark it down
The Dirty Dozen
The grouping of Jon, Tormund, the Hound, Gendry, Beric, etc. is the Game of Thrones version of the Dirty Dozen. They created a motley group of rugged warriors out on a deadly mission where the draw is really the gathering of this group of men. I like the opening where they had a lot of banter before they got onto the fighting. There was some good back and forth between these characters. For me the MVP of this scene, and the MVP in every scene he is in, is Tormund Giantsbane. I especially enjoyed how he was opining to the Hound about Brienne of Tarth.
Although I liked this Dirty Dozen gathering, their commander needs to be fired, because the concept behind the mission was so utterly flawed and ridiculous. They were going to rush into a horde of zombies to steal one as proof of their existence so that Cersei, who doesn’t care about anything other than her own power, in order to convince her to join the fight? As they were swarmed on all sides by wights and White Walkers, I’m sure Jon Snow realized the folly of his plan.
But that was far from what was truly wrong about this. The truly utterly ridiculous part of this was sending Gendry to send a raven to Dany. It’s not like they had a squadron of military helicopters an hour away. Dragonstone is far, far away from beyond the wall. For Gendry to get back to Eastwatch, dispatch a raven, and then have Dany fly back with her dragons would take at least a week. This took like less than twenty-four hours. I’m only willing to suspend my disbelief so much and this stretched my disbelief like an old, ratty rubber band that’s ready to snap. And for me it soured all of the cool fighting scenes and the cool visuals with Dany swooping in with her dragons and laying waste to the wights.
The big climactic action here, the Night King killing Dany’s dragon, was fundamentally flawed. First, the Night King knew absolutely what to do to slay the dragon even though there is no lore in the annals of Westeros of dragons facing White Walkers. I would imagine this was the first time the Night King ever saw one. Second, if it could kill her dragon so easily, and this was about as easy as shooting a single arrow and hitting your mark, then the forces of Westeros are truly screwed. Now the White Walkers have an ice dragon (something that has been long rumored), and realistically they should be able to crush the living based on their numbers, supernatural powers, and their dragon (and maybe a giant).
The whole Uncle Benjen Stark character saving Jon from the wights is a bit shaky as well. They never explained how his works, since Benjen himself is a wight, but he somehow isn’t controlled by the White Walkers. I’m not sure how he’s capable of free thought when the other wights are basically mindless zombies.
The finale brings a gathering of all the relevant forces to Kings Landing, where Cersei will undoubtedly lay a trap to kill her enemies. After all, this is how Cersei rolls. She’s not going to care about White Walkers, zombies, ice dragons, or anything else. She cares about her throne and her power. If her enemies aren’t smart enough to see that, then they certainly aren’t smart enough to defeat the White Walkers.
Sansa and Arya Stark
Although for the most part, I like Arya’s character and her ninja skills, and I’m certainly not a fan of Sansa, I think Arya is going off the rails just a bit. A letter written by Sansa under extreme duress when she was about thirteen is certainly excusable. And although Arya has been through some turmoil, Sansa’s journey was the more treacherous. Basically, she should get a pass, and Arya isn’t being remotely reasonable. I get where she’s coming from, but she’s way out of line and she ought to concentrate her fury on more deserving targets.
Daenerys Targaryan
I thought the conversation with Tyrion in this episode was total filler and didn’t add much to the show. She lost one of her dragons (I’m not sure which) and didn’t seem as broken up about it as I thought she would. The end of the episode definitely seals my ongoing prediction—Jon and Dany are going to wind up a couple. Mark it down
The Dirty Dozen
The grouping of Jon, Tormund, the Hound, Gendry, Beric, etc. is the Game of Thrones version of the Dirty Dozen. They created a motley group of rugged warriors out on a deadly mission where the draw is really the gathering of this group of men. I like the opening where they had a lot of banter before they got onto the fighting. There was some good back and forth between these characters. For me the MVP of this scene, and the MVP in every scene he is in, is Tormund Giantsbane. I especially enjoyed how he was opining to the Hound about Brienne of Tarth.
Although I liked this Dirty Dozen gathering, their commander needs to be fired, because the concept behind the mission was so utterly flawed and ridiculous. They were going to rush into a horde of zombies to steal one as proof of their existence so that Cersei, who doesn’t care about anything other than her own power, in order to convince her to join the fight? As they were swarmed on all sides by wights and White Walkers, I’m sure Jon Snow realized the folly of his plan.
But that was far from what was truly wrong about this. The truly utterly ridiculous part of this was sending Gendry to send a raven to Dany. It’s not like they had a squadron of military helicopters an hour away. Dragonstone is far, far away from beyond the wall. For Gendry to get back to Eastwatch, dispatch a raven, and then have Dany fly back with her dragons would take at least a week. This took like less than twenty-four hours. I’m only willing to suspend my disbelief so much and this stretched my disbelief like an old, ratty rubber band that’s ready to snap. And for me it soured all of the cool fighting scenes and the cool visuals with Dany swooping in with her dragons and laying waste to the wights.
The big climactic action here, the Night King killing Dany’s dragon, was fundamentally flawed. First, the Night King knew absolutely what to do to slay the dragon even though there is no lore in the annals of Westeros of dragons facing White Walkers. I would imagine this was the first time the Night King ever saw one. Second, if it could kill her dragon so easily, and this was about as easy as shooting a single arrow and hitting your mark, then the forces of Westeros are truly screwed. Now the White Walkers have an ice dragon (something that has been long rumored), and realistically they should be able to crush the living based on their numbers, supernatural powers, and their dragon (and maybe a giant).
The whole Uncle Benjen Stark character saving Jon from the wights is a bit shaky as well. They never explained how his works, since Benjen himself is a wight, but he somehow isn’t controlled by the White Walkers. I’m not sure how he’s capable of free thought when the other wights are basically mindless zombies.
The finale brings a gathering of all the relevant forces to Kings Landing, where Cersei will undoubtedly lay a trap to kill her enemies. After all, this is how Cersei rolls. She’s not going to care about White Walkers, zombies, ice dragons, or anything else. She cares about her throne and her power. If her enemies aren’t smart enough to see that, then they certainly aren’t smart enough to defeat the White Walkers.
August 18, 2017
Game of Thrones: Eastwatch
It would be easy to write off this episode as a letdown after last week’s The Spoils of War, but Eastwatch had a lot going for it, albeit in more subtle ways. This was another table setter of an episode. The reunions are coming fast and furious. This time we had Gendry and Davos meeting again, and later Dany and Der Jorah Mormont, but far more dramatically Jaime and Tyrion Lannister saw each other for the first time since he murdered their father. Some people may complain of reunion overkill, and there is some validity to it, but with eight episodes left, all of the important characters have to be positioned for the conclusion.
Jaimie Lannister
Surprise, surprise, surprise. Jaime survived the escape through the water, and Bronn was the one who saved him. Like anyone really thought he would die. In reality, given that heavy armor he and Bronn were wearing, I can’t imagine how they possibly could have survived. Bronn set him up with his reunion with Tyrion, one in which Jaime wanted no part of, but it seems as if he, in fact, reached him. Jaime seemed to believe him about Dany’s intentions and the existence of the White Walkers. That led to the big reveal, where Cersei told him that she’s pregnant with Jaime’s child. Feel free to cringe. Ah yes, another child borne of incest in Westeros.
Daenerys Targaryan
Despite Tyrion’s best efforts, Dany wasn’t hearing any of it when it came to burning Randyll Tarly and his son to a crisp. I don’t see what the big deal was. Beheading, getting incinerated by dragons. They’re dead all the same. Dany had a tender reunion with her old buddy, Ser Jorah, and then a bittersuite goodbye with Jon Snow while the sexual tension grows between them by the episode.
Sam Tarly
Sam said ‘hasta la vista, baby’ to the crusty old maesters at the Citadel. I don’t blame him. They’re the typical career academics who think they know everything about everything, but don’t squat about the real world. Happy trails, Sam.
Jon Snow
There was a great scene in this episode when Dany lands back in Dragonstone right in front of Jon Snow, and low and behold, Drogon lets Jon pet him. This sets Dany’s heart afire with newfound admiration for the man who can tame her dragon. If she was a bit more introspective, she might come to the conclusion that it’s because, like her, he is also a Targaryan. Meanwhile, Jon puts together a motley crew of misfits in order to capture a member of the army of the dead, which is fairly pointless since Cersei only cares about her own power. At any rate, I liked this formation of men who have many reasons not to like or trust each other, but as Jon insightfully points out, they’re all on the same side since they’re breathing.
Arya Stark
I love it when the show gets characters who are convinced of their awesomeness only to be matched up with a character who outduels them. Arya thinks she’s very clever. She can spy on Littlefinger, break into his room, and still his private missive. Except that Littlefinger is playing her like a fiddle in this case, growing distrust between her and Sansa. I still stand by my prediction that Sansa will align with Littlefinger and betray Jon. Perhaps Sansa and Littlefinger will be the next two people on her list.
Next week’s episode will prove to explosive since the second to the last episode always is. Stay tuned.
Jaimie Lannister
Surprise, surprise, surprise. Jaime survived the escape through the water, and Bronn was the one who saved him. Like anyone really thought he would die. In reality, given that heavy armor he and Bronn were wearing, I can’t imagine how they possibly could have survived. Bronn set him up with his reunion with Tyrion, one in which Jaime wanted no part of, but it seems as if he, in fact, reached him. Jaime seemed to believe him about Dany’s intentions and the existence of the White Walkers. That led to the big reveal, where Cersei told him that she’s pregnant with Jaime’s child. Feel free to cringe. Ah yes, another child borne of incest in Westeros.
Daenerys Targaryan
Despite Tyrion’s best efforts, Dany wasn’t hearing any of it when it came to burning Randyll Tarly and his son to a crisp. I don’t see what the big deal was. Beheading, getting incinerated by dragons. They’re dead all the same. Dany had a tender reunion with her old buddy, Ser Jorah, and then a bittersuite goodbye with Jon Snow while the sexual tension grows between them by the episode.
Sam Tarly
Sam said ‘hasta la vista, baby’ to the crusty old maesters at the Citadel. I don’t blame him. They’re the typical career academics who think they know everything about everything, but don’t squat about the real world. Happy trails, Sam.
Jon Snow
There was a great scene in this episode when Dany lands back in Dragonstone right in front of Jon Snow, and low and behold, Drogon lets Jon pet him. This sets Dany’s heart afire with newfound admiration for the man who can tame her dragon. If she was a bit more introspective, she might come to the conclusion that it’s because, like her, he is also a Targaryan. Meanwhile, Jon puts together a motley crew of misfits in order to capture a member of the army of the dead, which is fairly pointless since Cersei only cares about her own power. At any rate, I liked this formation of men who have many reasons not to like or trust each other, but as Jon insightfully points out, they’re all on the same side since they’re breathing.
Arya Stark
I love it when the show gets characters who are convinced of their awesomeness only to be matched up with a character who outduels them. Arya thinks she’s very clever. She can spy on Littlefinger, break into his room, and still his private missive. Except that Littlefinger is playing her like a fiddle in this case, growing distrust between her and Sansa. I still stand by my prediction that Sansa will align with Littlefinger and betray Jon. Perhaps Sansa and Littlefinger will be the next two people on her list.
Next week’s episode will prove to explosive since the second to the last episode always is. Stay tuned.
August 10, 2017
Game of Thrones: The Spoils of War
This episode brought another reunion of the Stark children. They have been coming fast and furious of late. We also saw Daenerys Targaryan, tired of her defeats in recent days, take matters into her own hands and reduce the Lannister army to ashes. Game on.
Jon Snow
In the last episode, we had Jon Snow and Dany finally meeting. This time, the romantic tension between them (something that Davos noticed) got turned up a notch. I’ve been predicting that Dany and Jon will wind up being husband and wife, as well as aunt and nephew, and that relationship seems to be progressing well. I liked the story of the Children of the Forest and the First Men banding together despite their differences to battle the White Walkers, but Dany wasn’t having any of it, demanding that Jon bend the knee. By the way, how is Theon still alive. He’s like a cockroach that can’t ever seem to die. Out of all of the characters they have killed in this show, why haven’t they killed him yet?
Sansa and Arya Stark
Sansa must be having an inferiority complex these days. First, Jon is risen from the dead and has taken over as King of the North. Then Bran returns as the omniscient Three Eyed Raven. Now, Arya is back showcasing her ninja skills. Sansa is the only Stark child without superpowers. Oh wait, her superpowers are her sharp cunning. I keep seeing the looks that she has been exchanging with Little Finger and I’m convinced that she is conspiring with him to betray Jon Snow. Mark it down. Speaking of Little Finger, he’s got to be sweating talking to Bran. With all of the awful, despicable things he has done throughout the years, and Bran knowing them all, he can’t be liking the new Bran Stark. There is some thought among fans that he was the one who tried to have Bran killed. I’m not so sure about that. In the books, it was clearly established that Joffrey was the one who tried to have him murdered. That was hardly a warm reunion between Sansa and Arya, but they were never really that close. Arya was closest to Jon Snow growing up, so that should be a better reunion. Arya meanwhile showcased her new fighting skills. I think it stretches believability that she could go toe-to-toe with Brienne like that. Brienne is one of the most accomplished warriors in Westeros as seen when she dueled with The Hound. Arya has been training for a year or two.
Jaime Lannister
I liked the interchange between Jaime and Bronn about his desire for a castle and his insight into Jaime being pricked one last time by the Queen of Thorns. I had the strong feeling with the focus on Bronn and his complaining about not getting a castle that he would be dying in this episode. The prequel to the battle itself where you hear the Dothraki marching and the dragons in the background was perfectly ominous. The ensuing battle was magnificent. Of all the things that Game of Thrones does, their battle scenes might be where they shine the most. This fight was awesome. Dany swooping in on her dragon and burning Lannister supply lines and soldiers was tremendous. That final charge by Jaime was also spectacular. My guess is that it was Bronn who saved Jaime, and I don’t think he will perish from drowning.
Daenerys Targaryan
Dany really needs a new military advisor. As good as he is at political maneuvering, Tyrion Lannister obviously doesn’t have a mind for war. I think that Ser Davos will be the one to serve in this role as he stays behind when Jon leaves. Dany kicked some butt in this episode as she rode her dragon into battle, and now she knows to be wary of Cersei’s new weapon.
Another great episode. Sadly enough, this season is more than half way done. I believe Dany will have dispatched Cersei by the end of the season and will be the new queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Jon Snow
In the last episode, we had Jon Snow and Dany finally meeting. This time, the romantic tension between them (something that Davos noticed) got turned up a notch. I’ve been predicting that Dany and Jon will wind up being husband and wife, as well as aunt and nephew, and that relationship seems to be progressing well. I liked the story of the Children of the Forest and the First Men banding together despite their differences to battle the White Walkers, but Dany wasn’t having any of it, demanding that Jon bend the knee. By the way, how is Theon still alive. He’s like a cockroach that can’t ever seem to die. Out of all of the characters they have killed in this show, why haven’t they killed him yet?
Sansa and Arya Stark
Sansa must be having an inferiority complex these days. First, Jon is risen from the dead and has taken over as King of the North. Then Bran returns as the omniscient Three Eyed Raven. Now, Arya is back showcasing her ninja skills. Sansa is the only Stark child without superpowers. Oh wait, her superpowers are her sharp cunning. I keep seeing the looks that she has been exchanging with Little Finger and I’m convinced that she is conspiring with him to betray Jon Snow. Mark it down. Speaking of Little Finger, he’s got to be sweating talking to Bran. With all of the awful, despicable things he has done throughout the years, and Bran knowing them all, he can’t be liking the new Bran Stark. There is some thought among fans that he was the one who tried to have Bran killed. I’m not so sure about that. In the books, it was clearly established that Joffrey was the one who tried to have him murdered. That was hardly a warm reunion between Sansa and Arya, but they were never really that close. Arya was closest to Jon Snow growing up, so that should be a better reunion. Arya meanwhile showcased her new fighting skills. I think it stretches believability that she could go toe-to-toe with Brienne like that. Brienne is one of the most accomplished warriors in Westeros as seen when she dueled with The Hound. Arya has been training for a year or two.
Jaime Lannister
I liked the interchange between Jaime and Bronn about his desire for a castle and his insight into Jaime being pricked one last time by the Queen of Thorns. I had the strong feeling with the focus on Bronn and his complaining about not getting a castle that he would be dying in this episode. The prequel to the battle itself where you hear the Dothraki marching and the dragons in the background was perfectly ominous. The ensuing battle was magnificent. Of all the things that Game of Thrones does, their battle scenes might be where they shine the most. This fight was awesome. Dany swooping in on her dragon and burning Lannister supply lines and soldiers was tremendous. That final charge by Jaime was also spectacular. My guess is that it was Bronn who saved Jaime, and I don’t think he will perish from drowning.
Daenerys Targaryan
Dany really needs a new military advisor. As good as he is at political maneuvering, Tyrion Lannister obviously doesn’t have a mind for war. I think that Ser Davos will be the one to serve in this role as he stays behind when Jon leaves. Dany kicked some butt in this episode as she rode her dragon into battle, and now she knows to be wary of Cersei’s new weapon.
Another great episode. Sadly enough, this season is more than half way done. I believe Dany will have dispatched Cersei by the end of the season and will be the new queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
August 1, 2017
Game of Thrones: The Queen's Justice
This episode featured the long awaited meeting between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryan. Given the buildup and anticipation of this long awaited meeting, I’m not sure if there was anything that could live up to the buildup, but I found the scene satisfactory. Meanwhile, the grandiose plans of Tyrion and Dany seem to be going up in flame. Oh well. They seemed so well thought out on a chessboard.
Sam Tarly
Sam has shown his mettle in curing Ser Jorah Mormont of his grayscale. Jorah still looks pretty gnarly, but they proclaimed him cured, so now he will be returning to Daenerys. Sam isn’t getting enough respect from the Arch Maester, and I’m not sure where he’s going from here, but I’m guessing in all of those stacks of papers he has to copy, there will be nuggets of information that will help defeat the White Walkers.
Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryan
Jon seemed to be at a loss about how to handle Daenerys’s rejection of his notion that they need to form an alliance to stop the Night King. She wanted him to bend the knee and become the warden of the North, but he sees all of that as folly. These petty squabbles are irrelevant when the White Walkers invade from the North. Tyrion showed his wisdom when he talked Jon off the ledge to not give up in his quest to get Dany on his side, which resulted in her allowing him to mine Dragonglass and bring it back to Winterfell. I did like the line about bringing together ice and fire, which is the name of the George R.R. Martin series. Both Dany and Jon were playing hard to get, but I think they will ultimately be reciting wedding vows. After all, incest is the way of things in Westeros.
Cersei Lannister
Speaking of incest, Cersei no longer seems to care who the hell knows about her sexual relationship with her brother. Jaime, on the other hand, was far more reluctant about it. I was expecting Cersei to accept Euron’s proposal of marriage, but it looks like the naval captain/pirate is going to have to wait a little longer. Cersei seems to be thriving in her new role as the queen. She has proven to be very resourceful, outmaneuvering Tyrion at every turn this season. While the Unsullied took over Casterly Rock (a bit too easy), she had diverted the Lannister army to take down the Tyrells. The closing scene between Jaime and Lady Olenna was exceptional. I liked how she accepted her fate without a fuss, but not before rubbing it in to Jaime’s face about her being responsible for Joffrey’s death.
Sansa and Bran Stark
There was a Stark reunion in this episode, but it wasn’t the one I was expected. When there was a visitor at the gate, I was expecting Arya, but instead it’s Bran, the new Three Eyed Raven. At first, this was an emotional reunion for Sansa, but before long it was clear she was freaked out by his new persona, and the fact that he knows everything, including how Ramsay raped her on their wedding night.
This was another strong episode. It had a lot of the wheeling and dealing and outmaneuvering that I enjoy in this show. It’s hard to believe that this season is almost half way over. Before long, we are going to see the White Walkers in earnest as they fight against the Wildlings up north. Dany will ultimately prevail against Cersei, but it won’t be as easy as it once seemed.
Sam Tarly
Sam has shown his mettle in curing Ser Jorah Mormont of his grayscale. Jorah still looks pretty gnarly, but they proclaimed him cured, so now he will be returning to Daenerys. Sam isn’t getting enough respect from the Arch Maester, and I’m not sure where he’s going from here, but I’m guessing in all of those stacks of papers he has to copy, there will be nuggets of information that will help defeat the White Walkers.
Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryan
Jon seemed to be at a loss about how to handle Daenerys’s rejection of his notion that they need to form an alliance to stop the Night King. She wanted him to bend the knee and become the warden of the North, but he sees all of that as folly. These petty squabbles are irrelevant when the White Walkers invade from the North. Tyrion showed his wisdom when he talked Jon off the ledge to not give up in his quest to get Dany on his side, which resulted in her allowing him to mine Dragonglass and bring it back to Winterfell. I did like the line about bringing together ice and fire, which is the name of the George R.R. Martin series. Both Dany and Jon were playing hard to get, but I think they will ultimately be reciting wedding vows. After all, incest is the way of things in Westeros.
Cersei Lannister
Speaking of incest, Cersei no longer seems to care who the hell knows about her sexual relationship with her brother. Jaime, on the other hand, was far more reluctant about it. I was expecting Cersei to accept Euron’s proposal of marriage, but it looks like the naval captain/pirate is going to have to wait a little longer. Cersei seems to be thriving in her new role as the queen. She has proven to be very resourceful, outmaneuvering Tyrion at every turn this season. While the Unsullied took over Casterly Rock (a bit too easy), she had diverted the Lannister army to take down the Tyrells. The closing scene between Jaime and Lady Olenna was exceptional. I liked how she accepted her fate without a fuss, but not before rubbing it in to Jaime’s face about her being responsible for Joffrey’s death.
Sansa and Bran Stark
There was a Stark reunion in this episode, but it wasn’t the one I was expected. When there was a visitor at the gate, I was expecting Arya, but instead it’s Bran, the new Three Eyed Raven. At first, this was an emotional reunion for Sansa, but before long it was clear she was freaked out by his new persona, and the fact that he knows everything, including how Ramsay raped her on their wedding night.
This was another strong episode. It had a lot of the wheeling and dealing and outmaneuvering that I enjoy in this show. It’s hard to believe that this season is almost half way over. Before long, we are going to see the White Walkers in earnest as they fight against the Wildlings up north. Dany will ultimately prevail against Cersei, but it won’t be as easy as it once seemed.
July 30, 2017
He Who Walks in Shadow by Brett J. Talley
I thought That Which Should Not Be was a Lovecraftian novel that was written better than any story I ever read by H.P. Lovecraft. He Who Walks in Shadow was a worthy successor to that novel. Although this was a sequel to That Which Should Not Be, it was very different in presentation. The first novel was a series of tales told by four individuals that tied into an overall story, while this was two different stories mostly told through journal entries and newspaper accounts in a non-linear fashion going back from the current story to the backstory that led up to it.
Taking place roughly forty years after the first novel, Professor Carter Weston has disappeared and is presumed dead, except by his friend, Henry Armitage. He convinces Carter’s daughter, Rachel, that they must look for him. This leads them in a journey to Germany and then to France. It does not take them long to find that Carter is indeed alive and is being used in a plot to bring back Nyarlothotep so that he could raise his father and the great old ones back to life where they will take back the world and usher in a new era of darkness and dispose of humanity. These three, along with some allies they pick up along the way, are the only ones to stand against the darkness.
I’m not sure that I liked this better than the first novel. In fact, I would probably have to give That Which Should Not Be a slight edge, which in no way diminishes this novel, since they were both excellent, well-written, well-crafted novels. Talley is a serious talent in today’s world of horror fiction. If we were in a climate that was more hospitable to horror authors—say the early eighties—Talley would be a superstar. One thing is certain, his talent is undeniable and he consistently produces some of the highest quality fiction today. This novel is no exception. I found it riveting from beginning to end, and I couldn’t wait to find out how it was going to end. The characters are memorable and the concept is really cool. If only H.P. Lovecraft wrote as well as Brett Talley, I would probably be a fan of his instead of wondering what all the fuss was about.
Taking place roughly forty years after the first novel, Professor Carter Weston has disappeared and is presumed dead, except by his friend, Henry Armitage. He convinces Carter’s daughter, Rachel, that they must look for him. This leads them in a journey to Germany and then to France. It does not take them long to find that Carter is indeed alive and is being used in a plot to bring back Nyarlothotep so that he could raise his father and the great old ones back to life where they will take back the world and usher in a new era of darkness and dispose of humanity. These three, along with some allies they pick up along the way, are the only ones to stand against the darkness.
I’m not sure that I liked this better than the first novel. In fact, I would probably have to give That Which Should Not Be a slight edge, which in no way diminishes this novel, since they were both excellent, well-written, well-crafted novels. Talley is a serious talent in today’s world of horror fiction. If we were in a climate that was more hospitable to horror authors—say the early eighties—Talley would be a superstar. One thing is certain, his talent is undeniable and he consistently produces some of the highest quality fiction today. This novel is no exception. I found it riveting from beginning to end, and I couldn’t wait to find out how it was going to end. The characters are memorable and the concept is really cool. If only H.P. Lovecraft wrote as well as Brett Talley, I would probably be a fan of his instead of wondering what all the fuss was about.
July 25, 2017
Game of Thrones: Stormborn
Whereas last week’s episode was a table setter, Stormborn had a battle at sea that popped out of nowhere. Not only that, but it will have major ramifications going forward. Euron Greyjoy got his revenge on his family members and reeked some serious havoc in the process.
Sam Tarly
Sam was practicing amateur surgeon, trying to rid Ser Jorah Mormont of his greyscale. Undeterred by the fact that the maester who had tried this procedure may have cured his patient but wound up dying of greyscale, he got down to some serious surgery. This was one nasty, revolting scene as Sam had to chisel through the scale into a milky, pus-field interior. Yum.
Arya Stark
Arya meets an old friend in the form of Hotpie. She is vastly changed from the last time they met, but Hotpie hasn’t changed much and is still making pies. When Arya hears that Jon Snow is the King of the North she reverses her course from her poorly thought out journey to kill Cersei. I was surprised to find her old dire wolf reject her, but it makes some sense since Arya tossed the dire wolf to the curb way back in season one.
Jon Snow
Against advice to the contrary, Jon decides to take up Tyrion’s offer to go to Dragonstone to meet with Daenerys, but not before foolishly threatening Little Finger. Jon’s pretty awesome but he’s not in Little Finger’s league as far as cunning, and Sansa is a big girl who should be able to fend for herself. Jon’s looking for dragon glass and allies. Dany wants him to bend the knee. There’s no way that will happen. I can only imagine how the scene will go. “Hello, Aunt Danerys. Thanks for the invite.” Dany: “Hi nephew. Check out my new castle. How about we get married?” Jon: “Sure thing. Incest is pretty common here in Westeros.” Yes, my prediction is that aunt and nephew will wind up getting married. Hey, it’s a Targaryan tradition.
Cersei Lannister
Cersei is trying to recruit the lords of Westeros to fend off the eunuchs and savages that threaten their shores. Sam Tarley’s dad isn’t buying that. Meanwhile, Cersei has a new weapon to fight the dragons—a spear that she tested out on a dragon’s skeleton. Yeah, I’m not buying it. Good luck using that against real dragons.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion proves to be a sound strategist as he devises a plan that will bring down Casterly Rock, while taking King’s Landing with a minimal amount of bloodshed and casualties. It looks good on paper, but it’s all thrown for a massive loop in the climactic battle scene.
Euron Greyjoy
I really didn’t see this coming at all. Just when Allaria Sand is about to get it on with Yara Greyjoy, much to Theon’s disgust, all hell breaks loose when Uncle Euron pays a visit. This battle was a flat out slaughter. Just when it looked like Theon would get some redemption, he turns complete coward. Theon is my least favorite character on the show along with Sansa, and I was vindicated in my assertion that he is a complete coward and a worm. I’m not sure where they can possibly go with his character because he is beyond redemption. With this, Euron will finally get his wish—Cersei’s hand in marriage.
The pirate battle scene throws a major curve into Tyrion’s plans as he has to go back to the chess board and arrange his pieces now that they no longer have Dorne or a fleet. At least they still have dragons.
Sam Tarly
Sam was practicing amateur surgeon, trying to rid Ser Jorah Mormont of his greyscale. Undeterred by the fact that the maester who had tried this procedure may have cured his patient but wound up dying of greyscale, he got down to some serious surgery. This was one nasty, revolting scene as Sam had to chisel through the scale into a milky, pus-field interior. Yum.
Arya Stark
Arya meets an old friend in the form of Hotpie. She is vastly changed from the last time they met, but Hotpie hasn’t changed much and is still making pies. When Arya hears that Jon Snow is the King of the North she reverses her course from her poorly thought out journey to kill Cersei. I was surprised to find her old dire wolf reject her, but it makes some sense since Arya tossed the dire wolf to the curb way back in season one.
Jon Snow
Against advice to the contrary, Jon decides to take up Tyrion’s offer to go to Dragonstone to meet with Daenerys, but not before foolishly threatening Little Finger. Jon’s pretty awesome but he’s not in Little Finger’s league as far as cunning, and Sansa is a big girl who should be able to fend for herself. Jon’s looking for dragon glass and allies. Dany wants him to bend the knee. There’s no way that will happen. I can only imagine how the scene will go. “Hello, Aunt Danerys. Thanks for the invite.” Dany: “Hi nephew. Check out my new castle. How about we get married?” Jon: “Sure thing. Incest is pretty common here in Westeros.” Yes, my prediction is that aunt and nephew will wind up getting married. Hey, it’s a Targaryan tradition.
Cersei Lannister
Cersei is trying to recruit the lords of Westeros to fend off the eunuchs and savages that threaten their shores. Sam Tarley’s dad isn’t buying that. Meanwhile, Cersei has a new weapon to fight the dragons—a spear that she tested out on a dragon’s skeleton. Yeah, I’m not buying it. Good luck using that against real dragons.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion proves to be a sound strategist as he devises a plan that will bring down Casterly Rock, while taking King’s Landing with a minimal amount of bloodshed and casualties. It looks good on paper, but it’s all thrown for a massive loop in the climactic battle scene.
Euron Greyjoy
I really didn’t see this coming at all. Just when Allaria Sand is about to get it on with Yara Greyjoy, much to Theon’s disgust, all hell breaks loose when Uncle Euron pays a visit. This battle was a flat out slaughter. Just when it looked like Theon would get some redemption, he turns complete coward. Theon is my least favorite character on the show along with Sansa, and I was vindicated in my assertion that he is a complete coward and a worm. I’m not sure where they can possibly go with his character because he is beyond redemption. With this, Euron will finally get his wish—Cersei’s hand in marriage.
The pirate battle scene throws a major curve into Tyrion’s plans as he has to go back to the chess board and arrange his pieces now that they no longer have Dorne or a fleet. At least they still have dragons.
