Catching Fire Film

For the record, I never made it past the first book, The Hunger Games. Only book I ever read that left me numb, and not in oh my shock numb. Only saw this movie because it was my sister's birthday choice. I did see The Hunger Games and it was one of the worst films I have ever seen. I had hoped for better.

This film, thankfully was better than the last. It was a bit too long. Could have developed characters a bit better, and spent less time on other things of not so much importance. Costumes were great, as well, of effects. But I kind of wanted more time in the arena, that's where things move a bit better, get more interesting. Not bad, but to me, not worth the money, thought maybe 3-D especially in the scene with the Baboon, and Katniss in the water, would have been so much more in 3-D. I could take this film or leave it, but then again. I'm not a book fan, though so if you love the books, you'll probably love the film.

The Monster's Corner : A Story Collection

This is story collection focused on the point of view of the monster. It does have one author I love but I might have made an exception because I loved the idea of monster point of view. I just wish it stayed focused on the paranatural or supernatural, an average collection of tales, but worth checking out if you’re looking for a change or break from series or single tales.

1.       The Awkward Age by David Liss.      Had the feel like a Ghoul Lolita. A little disturbing and could have been more if the reason why she chose to be ghoul was looked at.

2.       Saint John by Jonathon Maberry.      Human monster tale. At the end of days, a monster becomes a hero.

3.       Rue by Laura Goff.     A re-envisioned Rapunzel.

4.       Succumb by John McLiveen.     Lackluster succubus tale. Why not have teen succubus falls in love. Succubus’ first time. Could have been much more.

5.       Torn Stitches, Shattered Glass by Kevin J. Anderson.     Frankenstein’s monster in WWII.

6.       Rattler and the Mothman by Sharyn McCrumb.     One of my favorite tales. Enjoyable characters. In this tale Mothman has his say on things.

7.       Big Man by David Moody.     Reminiscent of the science experiment tales, like The Fly or The Incredible Hulk, with a slight twist.

8.       Rakashi by Kelley Armstrong:     One of my favorite writers. Live an evil life. Die and be transformed into a demon warrior. Have the chance for redemption, but can a monster truly change?

9.       Breeding the Demons by Nate Kenyon.     A morbid, disturbing tale of art and creation, the monster within.

10.   Siren Song by Dana Stabenow.     Didn’t like the end at the start. Made it harder to follow. Had some issues with this tale, about three sisters who kill a pimp, and become the “angels” of the community. All this trouble, to get away from a really bad family situation. For a girl that was so smart, there are other ways, to get out of this situation besides murder. Felt fake, and left one wondering if maybe they weren’t human, real Sirens.

11.   Less of a Girl by Chelsea Cain.     Disturbing. Weird. Creepy. About the monster under the bed.

12.   The Cruel Thief of Rosy Infants by Tom Piccirilli.     Interesting tale. A twist on the changeling story in Fairy Tales.

13.   The Screaming Room by Sarah Pinborough.     One should not assume that all possible readers of the story know how Medusa came to be. Should have started from her point of view there and added the rest of the story. Not bad though.

14.   Wicked Be by Heather Graham.     Loved the use of Salem and the Witch Trials in the tale. Loved the idea of a witch just wanting to have a normal life.

15.   Specimen 313 by Jeff Strand.     A tale that gives voice to man eating mutant plants.

16.   The Lake by Tananarive Due.     Liked the twist on the don’t go in the water tale. Thought at times the teacher was border pedophile.

17.   The Other One by Micheal Morghall Smith. Why was this story in the collection? One sort of human monster, in it. Confused ending. Time travel? Doppleganger? Shapeshifter?

18.   And Still You Wonder Why We Our First Impulse Is To Kill You: An Alphabetized Faux Manifesto Transcribed, Edited, Annotated,(under duress and protest) by Gary A. Braunbeck.    Huh? Confusing. Tripping, weird.

19.   Jesus and Stan Go Jogging in the Desert by Simon R. Green.     From Satan’s perspective of course. A bit strange at points but not a bad tale.

Worth checking out if you want change or break from the normal serial or novel.

 

 

Blood Bond by Jeanne C. Stein

This book is part of a series, Anna Strong series, and needs to be read in order. The first is The Becoming.

     I wonder if this is the last book. It had that feel, and I know she is working on a new series. But one could write more if wanted.

     Though this installment had a lot less action, then some of the others in this series, it was still a good, entertaining read. The story focuses more on peronal growth and changes in characters lives. Anna and Frey get engaged. Anna's mother is dying. A potentional threat surfaces from the European Vampires, and a myth is proven to be reality.

     If this is the end of Anna, it was worth the ride, and her story was beautifully, naturally, tied up in a way, that leaves the reader contented.

The Eye of God by James Rollins

     This is part of The Sigma Force Series. Much better if you read it in order, trust me. Sandstorm is the first in the series.
     The last book in this series wasn't one of my favorites. Eye of God is what made me fall in love with James Rollins writing. The right balance of action, history, science. Twist and turns. One of those books in a series that has some major changes in characters lives.
     I found it hard to put the book down when I hit the last five chapters or so. Typical Rollins rollercoaster. The tell tale of a good story, is when it's really hard to put it down. Rollins is back, and in prime form with this tale.
     What more could one want in a tale: a dash of romance, a comet that could end life on Earth, a race to discover the truth before it's too late, a good sprinkling of character conflict. Perfectly balanced for am entertaining read.
     If you haven't been following The Sigma Force missions, it's never to late to start.