viernes, 22 de julio de 2016

MercatorNet: Predictable plot fails to impress [ONLY FOR THOUGHT - NEW SECTION OF LOST IDEAS] while adding value

MercatorNet: Predictable plot fails to impress

Predictable plot fails to impress



Predictable plot fails to impress

Young queen communicates with the dead.
Jennifer Minicus | Jul 20 2016 | comment 
Shadow Magicby Joshua Khan
written for ages 9-12 | recommended with reservations
published in 2016 | Disney-Hyperion | 336 pages


Thorn knows he should not have run away from home. Determined to find his missing father, he left home only to be captured by a slave-trader. Now he can help neither his father nor his mother and younger siblings whom he left behind.
As though his luck could not get any worse, he is soon bought by Tyburn, the executioner of Castle Gloom in the land of the undead. He is pleasantly surprised, however, to find that Lady Lilith Shadow of Castle Gloom is not a vampire, but a young girl, the lone survivor of the House of Shadow. After the recent assassination of her family, she became ruler of Gehenna and is engaged to Gabriel Solar, son of Duke Solar. The arranged marriage purports to bring peace to the warring lands, but Lily wants no part with this arrogant young man.
Thorn is supposed to work in the stables, but after an attempt on Lily's life and a confrontation with Gabriel, he becomes Lily's confidant. Now they must try to prove that Gabriel is the would-be assassin before the wedding takes place.
A fast-paced, superficial and predictable plot makes this fantasy story a quick summer read for children who enjoy action and dialogue. Not much new here, including the glorification of dark magic and communication with the dead. Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles would make a much more substantive alternative for fantasy lovers.
A former teacher, Jennifer Minicus is currently a full-time wife and mother.
MercatorNet
For your weekend reading we have a very important article on the science of addiction -- to pornography in this case -- and how it can be overcome, plus a short interview with the author, psychiatrist Kevin Majeres

We continue to hear how increasing numbers of men, mainly, are exposed to porn and become hooked on it. Dr Majeres, who used cognitive behavioural therapy with people who want to break with addictive behaviours and he teaches the method at Harvard Medical School. But he has also just launched a website to reach more people and has another site in the pipeline. What is most important about his approach is its optimism: it is possible to overcome these cravings, he insists.


Carolyn Moynihan
Deputy Editor,
MERCATORNET



The science behind pornography
Kevin Majeres | FEATURES | 22 July 2016
How to break the momentum.
Read more...
Homophobia, masculinity, and violent young men
Zac Alstin | CONJUGALITY | 21 July 2016
Are anti-gay hate crimes motivated by hate?
Read more...
Mary Magdalene, her true story
Carolyn Moynihan | ABOVE | 22 July 2016
Beloved disciple. Apostle of apostles. But wife?
Read more...
Purity is possible: hope for those hooked on porn
Kevin Majeres | FEATURES | 22 July 2016
A teaching psychiatrist goes online to help people with addictive behaviours.
Read more...
William Shakespeare and the Socratic-Christian Heritage
Joseph Hebert | FEATURES | 22 July 2016
Exposing folly and fanaticism wherever he finds them.
Read more...
How do you speak politely to 60 different genders?
Michael Cook | CONJUGALITY | 22 July 2016
A German politician shows how
Read more...
Predictable plot fails to impress
Jennifer Minicus | READING MATTERS | 21 July 2016
Young queen communicates with the dead.
Read more...
MERCATORNET | New Media Foundation
Suite 12A, Level 2, 5 George Street, North Strathfied NSW 2137, Australia

Designed by elleston
New Media Foundation | Suite 12A, Level 2, 5 George St | North Strathfield NSW 2137 | AUSTRALIA | +61 2 8005 8605 

No hay comentarios: