A moving epic, can't be missed!
582273
This is by far one of the best movies that I have ever seen.  Russel Crowe definitely earned his Best Actor award in this movie.  Joaquin Phoenix is also excellent in this movie, his performance was underrated.  The story itself is moving and gripping, you actually feel something for the characters.  Many 'historians' criticise this movie because of the innacurate events that take place in the movie.  It is clearly stated at the end of the movie that it is based on events in history that have been altered, and it is a work of fiction.
Ther story itself does not drag, and is very moving.  Maximus Desimus Meridias, a general in Emperor Marcus Aurrelius' Legion is betrayed when the son of the Emperor finds out that he wants to pass his powers to Maximus when he dies.  Commodus(Joaquin Phoenix) gives an exemplary performance as the son of Marcus, who in jealousy kills his father to prevent him from announcing the passage of power to Maximus.  When Maximus refuses to pledge loyalty to Commodus, he is ordered to be executed, but escapes.  Afterward, a horrific chain of events leaves Maximus with no more than a quest for vengeance, when he is picked up by a slave trader and turned into a Gladiator.  Describing the movie does it no justice.  It must be seen through your eyes to be fully appreciated.  Ridley Scott once again directs a maserpiece.
The acting is great, and this can definitely be the movie that made Russel Crowe.  Joaquin Phoenix also gave a memorable performance, and it was very disappointing not to see him win the award for best supporting actor.  Wonderful movie, do not miss this, whatever you do.  You will NOT be disappointed.
2051545
The Sleeping Dictionary by Sujata Massey is a wonderfully epic tale. The book pulls the reader in from the very beginning with the sudden loss of the main character's entire family to a cyclone. I found it hard to put down as we learn about both Kamala's fate and the history of India during the British occupation. Please read this book. You will not be disappointed!
3309497
Dean Wilson creates a lavish landscape of fantasy, which has deep roots in a universe not unlike the Greek mythologies, the Biblical record, and even the works of Tolkien and Lewis. This very well could be the beginning of something epic, as I found it to feature some incredibly thematic moments. The characterization and complexities of relationships presented here are very much in the same family of epic tales from the past, only this is a whole new page in many ways.

Mixing mortals with gods, and present legacy, honor, battles, and isolation all within the narrative is done well here. Wilson treats the characters very nicely, and you truly feel the fantasy world come alive. A journey begins, and friends are made along the way, creating a cast of characters that will rival even Final Fantasy in my view. From the onset you can relate to Ifferon as hes written well, and while it is fantasy, there are aspects of human compassion found here, which makes you root for the cause towards the journeys onset and as the bigger picture gets illustrated, you continue to cheer on the moments.

There is tension, conversation, and intimacy in friendship, honor and a passion for legacy sewn into the pages. I found Wilsons narrative to be captivating, and intrepid. Taking on the classics in a whole new manner, without leading you down a boredom movement is a testament to the writers talent. I found it fun, easy to pick up, and hard to put down. Theres something for everyone where, thats for sure. Check it out as this is definitely the start of something so much bigger.
859244
Nothing has been more helpful to my personal and spiritual life than understanding that my life is a small part (but a crucial part) in an ancient story, a grand drama, an EPIC! And John Eldredge paints a portrait of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in words that makes my soul soar and causes the deep desires of my heart to come to the surface where I realize everything my heart truly loves is found in being caught up in something, more specifically, Someone much bigger than myself. I encourage everyone who has ever cried during a movie, or found themselves wanting to jump off the couch and go do something during their favorite film to read this book and let your heart be moved by the most adventurous, dangerous, emotionally gripping story ever told, the great story that all other good stories borrow from. At the heart of it all, you'll find the Hero all of us have ever wished we could know and wanted to be like.
3095157
The over-sized paperback copy of "Cutting for Stone" was passed onto me by a friend.  What a friend!  At first I didn't think I'd like the book, didn't know if I wanted to spend 650 pages with the subject and the location, but how happy I am that I did stay with this amazing story, for after just a short while, the book becomes impossible to set aside.  The word "epic" has been used to describe the scope of Abraham Verghese's story...and epic it is.  "Grand enough for the movies" is another description offered...and I'm sure plans are in the works to develop this book for film.  But most of us know that books we've loved immersing ourselves in are seldom ever dealt with as adequately and in as satisfying a manner when translated to film.  Here, one owes it to oneself to just sit down and be pulled into a story that will leave you wanting to wrap your arms around the author, offering a big "thank you" for the experience of time spent with Shiva and Marion.  I spent the last seventy-five pages of reading in tears, so emotionally moved was I by the book's conclusion.  And what a renewed respect I have for medicine and those who practice within it, in particular those who, like the author, give themselves so unselfishly to its practice and the care of patients, who seek new and better ways of getting to the source of a problem as attempts are made to save lives.  Put "Cutting for Stone" on your "must read" list.  You will not be disappointed, and you'll find yourself seeking others who have read the book just to share a remarkable reading experience; you'll find yourself passing the book along, as it was passed to me.
2132631
PRINCESS MONONOKE is no children's fairy tale. It is in fact, the highest grossing film ever produced in Japan. But it was barely even seen in American theatres, because of a problem we have in accepting anything animated as adult entertainment. But for those of us who have managed to break free of this mental barrier- the reward is great!
Set in medieval Japan during the advent of gun warfare, PRINCESS MONONOKE is a tale of intrigue -featuring vivid mythology and timeless themes. Prince Ashitaka finds himself cursed after defending his village from a vicious demon. As a result, he is banished from his village until he can rid himself of the curse and defeat whatever evil has brought the demon upon them. His quest brings him far from home, to a town where the Tatara clan is quickly growing -thanks to new technology and the guidance of Lady Eboshi. But in their expansion they have devastated much of the great forest around them causing the gods of nature to fight back. Can Ashitaka prevent them from destroying each other?
This is not a simple movie- it is a monumental epic. It is not merely animation- it is a breath-taking masterpiece. Every aspect of this classic film has been given tremendous detail and attention with a fabulous cast of voice actors, Joe Hisaishi's sweeping soundtrack, flawless translation by Neil Gaiman, and of course- the immaculate story and design of Hayao Miyazaki and his team. Very enchanting...
1776227
This is a book that I have been recommended countless times and always declined reading. I can no longer really remember why, except that the first page always seemed a stiff and confusing. But this year, upon seeing the number of pages the book was (1200 pages in mass market paperback) and being recommended it one more time I decided to give it a shot.

All I can say is wow! This is one of those historical epics that ranks right up there with&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Gone-With-the-Wind/dp/068483068X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Gone With the Wind</a>&nbsp;in terms of scope, romance, and underlying issues. It's just an amazing novel.

This is the story of Ashton, who is raised from birth by a Hindu foster mother while his father treks around Indian on linguistic missions. When his father dies and the sephoy mutiny happens, his foster mother Sita (a women with real courage) discuses the already dark skinned Ash as her own son and takes him to a remote state where the violence against the British has yet to spread. Here he becomes the servant/playmate of the heir to the throne and the boy's half-sister, Juli. But the heir is in danger from his wicked stepmother who wants him dead so her own son will be heir and when Ash prevents this one to many times he and Sita must flee for their lives. It is then that Sita revels Ash is really British and sends him off to find his own "people."

Of course later Ash will find Juli again-when he is assigned to escort her and thousands of others to her wedding in a far away state. You can guess what kind of turmoil this turns up.

While a great deal of this book is a romance, an adventure, a war story and a exploration of a culture, it is also about the search for identity for poor Ash, who is really neither British no Indian but "two men in one skin-which is an uncomfortable thing to be."

There's also fantastic (and quite sensitive towards Indian considering it was written by a Brit) descriptions of the imperialism of the British and the stupidly of them in some situations (like the Afghan wars.) and a truly touching sentiment about finding a place in the world free or prejudice or danger where you can just be whatever you turn out to be.

Anyway, this is an amazing book. The absolute only thing I didn't love was the ending, which seemed a little out of place with the main plot, but the last few pages tied it back in and then it was just perfect.

Five stars. I should have read this long ago, and look forward to reading others by the author.
3351156
TL;DR> A true Epic Fantasy, with all the strengths and barriers that represents, "In Siege of Daylight" will reward your time with an intricate plot, interesting characters, an immersive world, and all the swordplay & magic you could want.

If you like sprawling, multi-character epic fantasy, "In Siege of Daylight" belongs on your shelf (whether of the physical or digital variety). Author Gregory S. Close manages to take many of the traditional elements we're familiar with and combine them in new, interesting ways for something that's refreshingly original. He accomplishes this partly through giving pretty much everything a different name than we're accustomed to, which has the effect of making it all seem very specific to this time and place, and partly through smart plotting and pacing.

I grew fond of the characters he gives us, from the irascible and foul-tempered man at arms to the pleasant main protagonist. Each stands out on his or her own, clearly drawn and easy to remember.

Where I think the book shines the most, however, is in the presentation of some of the characters from non-human races. Each is given enough flavor and time to give the reader the feeling of a vast history without overwhelming with details. Each had their own unique aspects that set them apart, and because we have to feel our way towards how they might map to traditional races, we have time to take them as they are and not as our preconceptions might want them to be. From the underkin to the aulden and more, you get a distinct impression for each that you really appreciate.

Thankfully, no kin were tossed at any point, an approach it would be nice to see in some of our filmed high fantasies.

Although occasionally the prose became a bit more purple than I personally prefer, overall the writing is exceptionally strong and definitely the equal or better than the vast majority of books published by the big houses. And while the naming conventions ultimately have a great payoff in terms of letting the world be its own creation, the first third to half of the book can be a struggle of sifting through unfamiliar pronunciations and definitions. As usually happens with epic stories like this (think "Dragonriders of Pern" or "Dune"), however, ultimately you get to a point where the terms are comfortable, becoming their own complete entities so your brain can relax into the story. I found the second half of the book riveting, and for the first time in a long time I stayed up well into the night to finish.

If you're one of those people (like me!) who sometimes wrestles with the decision of whether or not to buy an independently-published novel, set your mind at ease and click the purchase button for "In Siege of Daylight". You'll be rewarded with a rich, satisfying, thoroughly professional novel that will leave you eager to read the next installment.
1672133
Strong and moving compositions that will remind you of an excellent, epic movie.  Much better than listening to junk on the radio!
4536726
HAVING just finished reading the novel, I have promptly picked it up once again to recapture the drama in this powerfully and BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN tear-jerker of an story! The vivid descriptions on life and in love kept me  throughly entertained and left me incapable of putting it down for a  moment! THE ENDING, although sad was in reality the only way it could  really have been finished! Any other way would simply have ruined this epic  tale!  TOP marks to N.Evans! I'll be out buying 'THE LOOP' next week and  will be keeping up to date with any future releases!
3125729
Fabulous, intriguing page turner, and by far one of the most epic stories I have read. A MUST READ for fantasy lovers!!
4492667
As alive to me as watching a movie, Rae Carson continued to amaze in the third installment of the epic Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy.  The characters were given added depth and we grasp in the end a deeper understanding of who they are individually.  New lovable characters were added in this installment as Eliza, the Queen, embarks on yet another thrilling adventure taking us through wild winter storms in the mountains to a maze of underground mining caverns.  The thrills never end and all the questions regarding who the magical Inverno people are, are finally answered.  A truly epic tale full of love, deep friendship, magic, mystery, lush landscapes, and a plot with so many twists and turns you won't be disappointed with this series!
2860530
"To Suffer the Crown" is captivating. It is rich in the depth of culture and "languages" within the storyline...much like Tolkien. The story itself continues to delight with unexpected anecdotes within the over-all adventure...much like both Tolkien and Lewis. I was thoroughly facinated by the wonderful mysticism underlying all elements of the story. It drew me in. Challenge, conflict, battles, sacrifice, humorous comradery, bold action, gentle awareness, love unexpected, mystical miracles, wrestlings with calling...what a story! The reader will live the epic. A must read!
488582
History roars and rages alive in this striking epic where the past and fiction entwine so perfectly that I couldn't stop turning the pages or believe my good fortune of stumbling on to this incredible saga and cant wait to sit down soon with the rest of this series. I was a little hesitant at first with all of the negative comments on this title but to this starving reader who has been questing for tales with true historical merit and another literary challenge, this was the feast I have been hoping to find for quite some time. The Lion Wakes (Kingdom Series #1) has it all and in this game of kings, legendary places and names advance throughout vivid pages and it becomes nearly impossible look away or deny you hear roared oaths from the past or thundering hooves of war pounding rainy misted ground. I don't know about you but this is what I call excellent storytelling and if the potential reader has been searching for a no quarter, one of a kind experience that can serve as a much needed challenging storm of history and fiction- you can join me in proudly announcing, you found it!
3661495
What a thrilling, epic adventure! Immediately, I was drawn into this mythical tale of love, loyalty and endurance of a dog faithfully awaiting his master to return .Masterfully written, the emotions are strong and palpable, leaving me thinking about this book for days after I've finished it. The trials and pain that this poor dog has had to go through have left me having feelings for him that I've never quite felt for an animal in a book. With plenty of adventure and twists, some light-hearted parts and parts that made me almost cry, this book was wonderfully emotional- but in a good way! This was a stunning, epic adventure that I'd recommend to anybody and everybody!
*I received a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
2835148
I could not do this work justice with a review. It was breathtaking in its scope and shear magnitude of detail. The amount of research involved in this book makes the story feeling almost plausible in its way. You can easily visualize each scene as it unfolds in front of your eyes. I'm over 3/4 done with the second book in the series, and I cannot wait to read the third book and find out the conclusion to this epic story.
3232686
This novel is nothing short of epic. You can't put it down. I will read it many many times.