Born in Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann

      There have been books in my past, I never finished. Three were survival island type book: Robinson Crusoe, Julie of the Wolves, and Island of the Blue dolphins. The other three: Moby Dick, The Count of Montecristo, and Crime and Punishment.

     Sad, to say this book goes on that list. I read seventy-five pages of a three hundred plus novel. A few tweaks, and I really could have enjoyed this book.

     To begin with the use of a Prologue or chapter that sets up the changes and current way of life in the U.S.A..  Set up the world for the reader, grab and pull them in.

     Next, the use of cursing. I don’t mind cursing, if it’s used in a way that is appropriate to the character, fits the situation, but it can’t slow down the narrative, like it did in this book. Anything that takes me out of the story world, is very bad.

     The final reason I couldn't get into this story, which sounded promising when I read the book summary, is that it feels like the author couldn't make up her mind whether the story should be a traditional romance, or a paranatural thriller. I have read authors who can successfully blend the supernatural with romance just fine. This one at points feels like I’m in romance novel and other times in the story advertised.

     I won’t read any other of her books. So disappointed.

There is no s on the end...

Okay, I know this might never get read but I have an issue with certain script writers of late. I realize that when people create sets and add props that sometimes things are anachronistic at times, and that;s just being human, those mistakes I understand.
     This is what bugs me, you can find a bible online, in a Hastings store. Barnes and Noble, even hotel rooms. Why, is it so hard for someone to open up a bible to the last book and see that it is The Book of Revelation. There is no s. John had one vision. Not a set of visions.
     I am sick and tired of shows such as Sleepy Hollow, The Dome, and Zero Hour, have all added the s. If set designers, and prop people spend time doing research. why can't you pick up a bible and see that it says Revelation. You obviously have done research to use verse quotes but you can't get the book name right, just plain shameful, if you ask me.

Riddick

     I have seen all films including the animated one containing the character Riddick.
         This installment was pretty good. Kind of wanted a bit more with some of the characters. But it felt more like Pitch Black, which I still think is the best. But this movie brought everything to full circle, in a way. I did see a bit of Alien, alien influence, in one of the creatures. But the variety of alien beasts was nice. Overall, a pretty good film. Moved and paced nicely, a nice balance of characters to like and others to hate. Not really worth the D-Box price though. Still worth seeing in the theater.

Kitty Rocks the House

     This book is part of a series. The first book is Kitty and the Midnight Hour. This is the type of series where it’s best to read the books in order.

     This is one of those books in a series where big changes come. There’s several big decisions made. Tests of sorts, allies and enemies coming into play. A twist involving the Long Game. Plus, a choice that could change everything.

     This was a typical, good read. Fast paced. A few twists, at points found it hard to put down. A great Kitty Norville installment. 

Closed Circuit

     It's nice to see that not all movies out there are horror, action, or comedy, with the occasional mix or drama. Don't get me wrong, I love film series to an extent, Star Trek, Iron Man, and others. But it's refreshing to have a good thriller, that something different film.
     I agree with a critic I read on the internet. This story had some threads lose in it. The overall story was promising. The kind of tale that could really happen in the here and now. The issues are with certain characters and their connections to the parties involved. I won't give away anything but there is a scene where a wise precaution is taken, but then in the end isn't followed through. Lets just say, I have never been on the run and I know you do several  things after your done with a certain item.
     In hopes of not giving anything away, I would hope the main organization involved, would have done a better job in handling the crisis. To be honest, this story should have never gotten as far as it did, if this organization really did what it could do.
     Overall though, it is a good story. A decent attempt at thriller. Needed some tweaking, but if your looking for a break from mainstream films, this one isn't a bad film to check out.

The Rising Addition

Ok, for some strange reason this book felt dejavu like. I'm sure I didn't read it, but at points felt like I had. Needless to say, it wasn't up to par with Armstrong's previous YA trilogy or other works I have read. Still said ok. I wanted more, the end was a bit of a cop out to me. Could have done much more with it. SO really nothing changes.

The Rising by Kelley Armstrong

     This is the last installment of The Darkness Rising Trilogy. The first book is The Gathering. Though it is not necessary, if you haven’t you may want to read The Darkest Power Trilogy, because it does have loose connections to this trilogy.

          Is there some rule about having three books, if your story is too long for one, but not being a series set? I would love to be a writer for a living. Isn't the purpose of having a story to tell, is that the reader enjoys it and gets lost in it? Not to make a buck? Why are publishing houses becoming more like professional athletes, wanting more and forgetting the pure pleasure of just playing the game?

          Sorely disappointed, I should have been through this book weeks ago but had a hard time wanting to read it. The reason is ninety percent of this book was taken from the previous one. So I was reading a rerun when I was supposed to have a new episode. The last ten percent was great and I got done with the book in a couple of days.

     If I wanted to reread the story, I want the choice to reread the story. I spend good money on a book, and I should get what I paid for, not a money making scheme. Two books would have been sufficient. This installment got stalled because of the reuse of work to make a buck. Buy it used, borrow it. I wouldn't have bought it new, if I had known what they had done. Not worth the cost.