The Arrival

This film is based on a book, A Day In the Life. I haven't read it.

     This is not a high action alien film. It is a first encounter film, more on the lines, of E.T. than Independence Day.
     The story was interesting take on alien first contact. It was pretty good, and since it has aliens, the theater helps to draw in the audience, and makes the aliens, well, more grand.
     It is a film that you have to pay attention to, but if you're looking for something that is more story less action, or crime mystery. This is a good pick.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

I have seen most of the Harry Potter films, but never read any of the books. I liked the films that I saw, and when I saw the trailer for this film, I was interested.
     What I like about this film is you don't have to know much of Harry Potter to watch this film. The film is based on a text book that Harry Potter had to read at Hogwart's.
     I will admit, that there are a few times when knowledge of Harry Potter, adds a bit more to the character's lives and world, but it isn't necessary to get lost in this magical world.
     The casting was great. Especially Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, who is the author of the book, the title of the film. He makes Newt a lovable, memorable, geekish, wizard that you wouldn't mind hanging out with.
     The characters and story was a beautiful blend of beasts, magic, and a some twists thrown in by the end. I really enjoyed it, and if the four other films, do get made, I will like to see each one.
   The only issue is I liked Colin Farrel's character, and not to spoil anything, there's a twist I'm not so sure of that happens to him. I guess the next film will prove if that change was for the better or not.
     I saw this in IMAX 3-D. It was worth the cost. Pulled you into the story much more than just seeing it on dvd would. This is one of the films that is best seen on the big screen.

Empire of Night by Kelley Armstrong

This is the second book in the Age of Legends Trilogy.

     Like the first book in this series, it doesn't take too long for story to take off. Even when there are "quiet " times in the story, things keep you engrossed in the characters and their adventure and by the end, there are few twists that I never saw coming.
     Not disappointed at all. Leaves one wondering how the story will end.

The Bone Labyrinth by James Rollins

This is part of The Sigma Series and is best read in order. The first book is Sandstorm.

     Again, Rollins does his magic. A wonderfully balanced blend of historical and science fact blended into the fictional world of Sigma. A perfect ride of adventure and action, flowing wonderfully with the characters old and new in this tale.
     The paper back edition has the bonus first chapter of the next book on the series, The Seventh Plague and the bonus short story, The Midnight watch.
     A hard to put down read, tends to garb the reader and not let go.

Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews

This is a book from the Kate Daniels series which needs to be read in order. The first book is Magic Bites.

     This is one of those pivotal books in a series, where there is a major twist that can and could change everything.

     All Kate wants is a life with her made family, as normal is for them. But when a friend from the pack goes missing, and as usual Kate’s life gets turned upside down when she and Curran step in to find Eduardo.

     As usual, Ilona Andrews does a wonderful job of balancing action, drama, and character growth. Again, one enters Kate’s world, and has a wonderful ride through out. And this installment hooks you and never lets go.

     There is one thing I really found as an intriguing with this book. Every author has their own twists when it comes to supernatural and Para-natural creatures. Some stay closer to the original. Some blend the classic with the new, and others just take a creature and bam, create something completely out there. I won’t spoil it, but I would have never come up with the idea in this book, loved the unexpected twist.

Goldilocks Dilemma (Original Poem)

Do not steal this work without given proper credit. I don't care if you share it, as long as credit is given. Copyrighted on October 3, 2016.

     Am I so hideous to behold, a Frankenstein or Quasimodo, that causes men to flee in fear and disgust?
     Am I too young or too old to share my life, my whole self. Body, emotions, and thoughts with someone.
     Too dumb? Too smart?
     Too fat? Too thin?
     Too bookish? Too shy?
     Too Brash?
     Not fashionable enough?
     Not friendly enough?
     Wrong eye color? Or hair color?
     Over educated? Under educated?
     What is wrong with me that I can't find someone just right for me?

Brazen by Kelley Armstrong

Sorry this is posted so late.

This is a quick read novella from Kelley Armstrong’s The Otherworld Series. The first book in the series is Bitten. It’s a better read if you've read the series.

     Nick Sorrentino’s life has changed. He now has two surrogate sons, which have changed his life for the better. But now there is a part of him that wants to take a bigger role in Pack life, and when the opportunity presents itself, he steps up to the plate, even when it involves an old, too familiar enemy.

     Even for a fast read the story was well developed and interesting. Another wonderful peek into the supernatural Otherworld, and even leaves the opportunity for more adventure with Nick and Vanessa.

     It even has some well done illustrations. 

Cibola Burn by James S.A. Corey

Sorry, this is so late in posting.

Cibola Burn is a book from the Expanse series and needs to be read in order. The first book is Leviathan Wakes.

     Since man had discovered a way to travel at least from Earth to Pluto, the human race has prospered and colonized as far as it could reach. But now, the game has once again changed, the gates left by an unknown alien race, has given the opportunity for humans to inhabit numerous new Goldilock planets.

     A small group of humans break the rules, take a ship and unlawfully inhabit a planet that was designated for a group of scientists to explore before any settlement. Well, in steps the crew of The Roci, to keep the peace between the between the two parties, and as usual, the crew ends up knee deep in trouble.

     I love the way this series shrinks the universe once again as several other characters, from previous books become prominent players in this installment. Again, I am not disappointed, another great ride, perfectly woven tale, of science fiction. Didn’t disappoint, not that any of the books of these series have, science fiction done well.

     There is a series that started last year on SyFy based on this series, The Expanse. It was how I found out about this series, and it does respectfully to the spirit of the series. To me , it’s worth checking out if you enjoy the books.

     A little side note: Science Fiction has become science fact. A boy recently was born with DNA of two females and one male. The extra DNA was used to replace the DNA that could carry a genetic and deadly disease, one step closer to James Holden on reality.

    

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (audiobook) by George R.R. Martin

This book wasn't disappointing but it felt like it could have had been more to the story. It kind of had a feeling like a short story. I wanted more. It was still a good story, but I wanted more character development. The two main characters were great, but I felt like I missed out on how they really started to mesh with each other and why hint of going to a place and then jump passed that adventure, and then take a decent leap into the future.

     To be honest I expected a bit more, even one of the novella’s I read in Dangerous Women had a bit better balance to the characters, I’m not saying they have to have in depth development, just the right balance of past and present revelations and growth to the characters. It just seemed like a bit was missing between Egg and Dunc.

     I do like these characters and hope to read of their further adventures. It was good audio book listen. Narrator was good, but nobody seems to beat Royce Daltrice when narrating a Martin book.

     If you haven’t read The Song of Ice and Fire series, aka Game of Thrones. Then this book is a decent introduction to that world, though it’s a century before the series takes place.

     The first book in The Song of Ice and Fire is Game of Thrones. The series, Game of Thrones is also a really good watch, though it respectfully veers from the series from time to time. What I mean is, any changes are things I could see the author doing, if he went a different direction.

     Worth checking out.

Autumn Thorns by Yasmine Galenorn

     This is the first in a new series by the author. I first got hooked on Galenorn's stories through her Sisters of the Moon series, which starts with Witchling.
    Once Whisper Hollow decides it needs you, there's no where to run.
     Kerris fled Whisper Hollow and started a new life. For fifteen years, she was her own woman, as much as she could be. But then she is called home, and saying no is not an option.
     So Kerris returns to Whisper Hollows, and accepts her destiny, her birthright, and as she accepts her place in the town, she begins to unravel some hidden secrets about her past, and in doing so, begins to reveal her new enemies.
     This book grabs the reader, and swings them around, tosses them in the air, and sends them tumbling through a wonderful tale of mystery, discovery, and the right amount of character interaction in a well balanced tale, that really keeps the reader hooked.
     I can't wait for book two. A series worth checking out if you like supernatural thrillers.

Independence Day: Resurgence

This sequel was not one of those that I thought, yeah, I want to see this. At least my expectations weren't high. Rotten Tomatoes low score wasn't a surprise once I saw it.
     It wasn't awful, it was just missing what made the first Independence Day a great film. The story was minimal because you just get dropped into this new future, twenty years from the first story. There's no connection point with the characters, like in the first one.
     I little time using effective flashbacks, or start soon after the first film ended, and see character relationships form and grow a bit would have helped pull the audience into the story.
     The action was good, but most of the film tries to pull the watcher in, like the first with the human side of things, and fails, because one hardly cares about the characters, new or old.
     It just sadly fell flat. I have seen much better sequels of many films, and sadly, this one is not one of my favorites. It may not have burned as film, but the story should did crash.

The Legend of Tarzan

     I will admit when I first found out they were making another Tarzan film, I wasn't that interested in seeing it.
     The film was better than I thought, though it was much more action over a interwoven  story line with better character interaction and developments of sorts.
     I would have liked the film better if you had the more traditional Tarzan and Jane first meet film, and then maybe had this one later.
     Overall, it wasn't a bad film. I did have doubts at first with the choice to play Tarzan, but after I watched the film, I was proven wrong, plus, he had great on screen chemistry with his Jane. The storyline wasn't bad, and the cation was good.
     Characters were likable, and the past was blended nicely into the story line without feeling forced. Probably better to see it in the theater, given the gorillas and such in the film.

Panther Prowling by Yasmine Galenorn

This is a book in The Sisters of the Otherworld series. It needs to be read in order. The first book is Witchling.

     This story is told from the perspective of Delilah. Again, Galenorn does not disappoint. This installment involves a cursed sword; ghost Vikings, and the sisters cousin Daniel.

     As always the story is a well balanced blend of character drama and everyday life, intricately woven with the right amount of action and chaos. Plus, several major revelations, and character changes that perfectly make another good read in the series.

Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey

     This is the third book in The Expanse series and needs to be read in order. The first book is Leviathan Wakes.

     This third installment doesn't disappoint. The line of dominoes that was pushed by the release of the Protomolecule,  has given the opportunity for someone to put Holden once again in the cross-hairs, setting a secret plan in motion, one that needed what the Protomolecule Gate inn order to pull Holden into the right place, at the right time. But this time the threat isn't just The Protomolecule and the humans who have been playing God, and trying to manipulate things to their favor, it’s not even the player with grim intentions for Holden and his crew, the worst threat was already brought within them to the Gate.

     By the end, again, one is left wondering where the humans of The Expanse will end up next. 

Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews

     Clean Sweep is the first book in The Inn Keeper Chronicle series. It’s a shorter novel, 227 pages, or about 60000 words. The collector edition contains drawings of some of the characters.

     This wasn't the type of story I was expecting, since Ilona Andrews usually writes a lot about magic, dark urban fantasy to be more exact. At least that’s where I put it.

     But I was surprised to find a world of science fiction and magic blended well together in a world where aliens come to Earth, and go about their business, and leave. Usually, leaving only myths about them, if that, and it’s all because of the Inn Keepers and their Inns, neutral ground for visitors of the unearthly sort.

      Dina, an Innkeeper, decides to take matters in her own hands when a string of gruesome dog attacks affect her neighbors.

     I really liked this story, though the Inn seems to be the Cousin version of Doctor Who’s TARDIS. I sometimes over think things, just a little bit. But the reinvention of vampires and werewolves, was interesting and creative, not to mention the aliens, and places they came from.

     This story is worth checking out, a good balance of interesting characters, and a good story with just enough drama and action to keep a reader enjoying the ride.

Kitty Saves the World by Carrie Vaughn

This is the last book in The Kitty Norville series. The first is Kitty and the Midnight Hour. It has to be read in order.
When I first read the basic summary for this series, I thought, this is just weird, but I gave it a chance. I fell in love with the series, I am sad to see it end, but as Carrie Vaughn says, its good to end on a high note and nothing lasts forever. Though I hope to see stories or maybe character novels, form this world from time to time.
Every book in this series has led up to this ultimate test for Kitty and her friends, the showdown with Dux Bellorum, and the fate of the world. For the most part I enjoyed this final tale. It was a good rollercoaster of a ride. Though on occasion, I knick pick things. 
This is one of those times. Some series or stories balance the angel and demon story lines well. They seem natural additions to that particular world, in Norville’s world, seems a bit off in my opinion. A would have loved a twist from the obvious the Devil was behind it all.
You have a world of magical creatures, have alluded to more being out there, and it just seems she took the easier way out. Though I am happy Kitty, gets her family, I am slightly disappointed with the obvious copout but it was still a good end to the series. 

Captured by S.J. Harper

In one of Jeanne C. Stein’s Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles series, at the end it had a preview for Cursed. So I read it, and was interested enough to mark it as a check out this book in the future.

     Well, it took a while to get to Cursed and I discovered there was a novella that was released after Cursed. A novella is a wonderful way to get a look into a series potential, so I got it first.

     Not disappointed at all. This novella is well written, giving the reader a glimpse into The Fallen Siren Series. This novella tells about the missing child case that first brings Emma, the titular character of the series, meets Zach, a werewolf and F.B.I. agent.

     The story flows nicely, though there isn’t much adventure, or drama one isn’t bored. The reader follows the case as it is revisited by Emma, who is consulting for the F.B.I. A creative way to have the mystery laid out, without becoming confusing to the reader.

     This novella is worth reading, even if you have read Cursed.  

The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher (audio book edition)

Jim Butcher is one of my favorite author’s. I was first introduced through the short lived SyFy TV series based on the on his Dresden Files series. That’s how I found out about his books. So I got interested in checking out his new series, The Cinder Spires.

     This is his envisioned world of Steam Punk. Ok, I’ll be honest, I heard the term before, but really had no idea what it is. Classic steam punk are stories like H.G. Wells and the Time Machine, or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne.

     Traditionally it took place in Victorian England or The American Wild West. A combination of those eras with sci-fi tech and steam power used for instance in flying ships.

     Butcher has created a world encompassed with mist and the surface of the world is a very dangerous place to be. A place where cats are much more than the rodent hunters and humans can be more animal or something else entirely.

     The start of this series doesn’t disappoint. I don’t like to spoil anything, I try not to give detailed book reviews, but I will tell you this : A mix match group of heroes are assigned to find out if there is a double agent helping the leak information to the enemy. As the tale progresses, one is on a wonderfully built rollercoaster, a tale with right amount of character development, back stories, and dangerous adventure.

     I listened to the audio book version of this story. Once in a while I find it nice to have someone tell me a tale and I loved the narrator’s voice.

     Besides the Dresden Files: series about a wizard detective, the first book is Strom Front. Codex Alera is his more traditional fantasy series, it starts with The Furies of Calderon.

     I can’t wait for the next Cinder Spires book.

Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey

     This is the second book in The Expanse series. One could read this as a standalone novel, but the story is richer if the first book, Leviathan Wakes, is read.

     I first learned about this series through The SyFy show Expanse. Fell in love with the show, and thought I’d give the books a try. Not disappointed. I am addicted to this series.

     On Earth not all is as is seems. Someone is playing God…One of its creatures nearly starts an all out war between Earth and Mars. One politician does all in her power to discover the truth and keep the fragile peace.

     The Rocinate and her crew decided to help a man find his daughter. But again they discover that not is all as it seems.

     This installment is well balanced as the first. Enough political intrigue, action, and character drama that is wonderfully weaved together in a rich tapestry of a beautifully made tale.

     And again, the ending of this one makes one anticipate the next. Just enough of a tease, to keep one hooked.

     Definitely worth checking out.     

Dangerous Women Edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois

1.       Some Desperado by Joe Abercrombie : A gal bank robber proves that she can hold her own. One of the better tales in this collection.

2.       My Heart Is Either Broken by Megan Abbott : A child goes missing, a mother accused, and the man who stands by her no matter what. Reminded me a bit of Casey Anthony case. Alright tale.

3.       Nora’s Song by Cecelia Holland : A young princess grows up a bit, and does a bit of her own subtle rebellion. Good start, but fell short from what I thought it could be.

4.       The Hands That Are Not There by Melinda Snodgrass : Alien Conspiracy? Not a bad tale.

5.        Bombshells by Jim Butcher : One of my favorite authors. This tale is from the world of The Dresden Files. A wizard apprentice takes a job she can’t turn down and discovers its more than it appears to be.

6.       Raisa Stepanova by Carrie Vaughn : A Russian female pilot strives to become an Ace.

7.       Wrestling Jesus : Two wrestlers compete periodically for the affection s of a woman.

8.       Neighbors by Megan Lindholm  : Even an old dog can still have bite. An elderly neighbor goes missing, and that’s when things start to get strange when the fog rolls in. Liked this tale.

9.       I Know How To Pick’Em by Lawrence Block : A woman seeks a man for more than just a fling. Didn’t like this tale at all, disturbing to me.

10.   Shadows For Silence In The Forests Of Hell by Brian Sanderson : A woman will do whatever it takes to keep her Inn, and family safe. Liked this tale.

11.   A Queen In Exile by Sharon Kay Penman : A queen far from home has her life turned upside down when her brother passes. A good historical fiction piece.

12.   The Girl In The Mirror by Lev Grossman : An alright tale based on the world of The Magicians trilogy. A student sets out to get even with a fellow student and discovers that not every short cut is as it seems.

13.   Second Arabesque, Very Slowly by Nancy Kress : An ok tale. How far will one female go to create beauty in a post apocalyptic world. I had problems seeing how a virus that made 99 percent of the women in the world infertile, would cause the civilized world to collapse. Zombies, disease wiping out a large population I could see ending civilization.

14.   City Lazarus by Diana Rowland : A woman does anything she can to bring her beloved New Orleans back to life.

15.   Virgins by Diana Gabaldon : Two Scottish lads are assigned to escort a bride to his groom and soon discover that a should be simple trip is much more complicated. Alright tale.

16.   Hell Hath No Fury by Sherrilyn Kenyon : A curse, a treasure, and an angry ghost.

17.   Pronouncing Doom by S.M. Stirling : Not bad but I thing a prologue to set things up would have made the tale better. A post apocalyptic tale where machines no longer function, and civilization as it once was is gone.

18.   Name The Beast by Sam Sykes : A bit confusing to me. Prologue could have helped. A female huntress comes to understand her daughter, and kill the beasts that threaten their land. Ok tale.

19.   Caretakers by Pat Cadigan : Two sisters discover that tier mother’s nursing home has more going on than what it seems.

20.   Lies My Mother Told Me by Caroline Specter : A world changed by a virus that has altered some people with powers and others mutations. One special woman is terrorized by an unseen enemy who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

21.   The Princess And The Queen by George R.R. Martin : A battle for the iron throne started by two woman, and fought by men and dragons.

     I would give this a two star rating. Most stories weren't that terrific, though a few I did like. Worth the time to read it, not so sure, though I usually pick these because they have an author or two I really like. This was Jim Butcher and George R.R. Martin in this collection. Though Brian Sanderson is a possible new author to check out. Otherwise no one caught my attention.

Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

This is the first book in The Age of Legends trilogy.

     I am a fan of Armstrong. I fell in love with her stories, when I started reading Bitten, book one of her Otherworld series. So when I love or like an author, I usually give their new work. I was not disappointed.
     This story reads pretty fast. This installment has a lot of action, with some twists in it, and characters that one enjoys following. I just wish the world they inhabited was richer. One gets glimpses on how things are run in the society but I wish for bit more on the society and some of the history pertaining to the twins power, and how that came to be. Perhaps, in one of the other parts of this trilogy?
     Otherwise, the tale is an enjoyable read from start to finish. A wonderful fantasy read.

Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey

This is the first book in The Expanse series.

    I had never heard of this series and after seeing a teaser for The Expanse on the SyFy channel, I did some digging on the show and found out it was based on a book series. I decided to give the t.v. series try, and watched the four episodes on demand before the premiere and was hooked, so I thought , why not check out the book.
     I am glad I gave this book a chance. Its a wonderfully crafted tale that is more than traditional sci-fi. Its a mix of mystery, with a nod to classic noir, a tad of horror thrown in, and a eclectic cast of characters, who are a perfect fit in this space tale.
     It all starts with a missing gal, and the cop assigned to her case. In space, a crew of ice haulers come across a secret that could change the universe, a secret worth killing for, and the beginning of an story worth the time exploring.
     P.S. The t.v. series respectfully represents the world of The Expanse series. I enjoy series where you can see the author utilizing additions or subtractions if they rewrote the tale. Not all adaptations are good, but this one is worth seeing.
   
   
   

Blackness Poem

Feel free to share this. Just please give credit when credit is due. Written August 4, 2015

Blackness

     When will this endless falling stop.

     Ever spiraling endlessly in the pitch black darkness.

     Every now and then finding my grip, a brief moment of normality, stillness, security.

     But as I pull myself ever higher, reaching for and seeking the light, something pushes me and I

 struggle to maintain my hold but fail.

     Miserably, once again falling, spiraling forever in the darkness.

     Wondering, hoping for that small rung to cling to.

     To finally pull myself out of this gravity well of nothingness.

     To stand on my own two feet and truly feel human once again.

Release Poem

Please feel free to share, just give credit where it is due. That's all I ask.

Written May 16, 2015

Release

     Why don't you just let me go.

     Quit stringing me along, leaving me to hope and dream of things that will never be.

     Let me go, rip the band-aid off quick and painless.

     Don't keep leading me on.

     Let me be.

     Let me realize the harsh reality that I have better odds of being struck twice by lightning than ever

being with you.

     Release from the torment of the limbo you have created.

     Let me know the truth, so I don't live the lie anymore.

     Let me go.

     Free me from this eternal misery.

     Just please release me.

Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

This is an installment in the Kate Daniels series and needs to be read in order, the first book is Magic Bites.
     This story starts out with Kate and Curran dealing with their daily, normal troubles. Then things begin to get interesting when Kate goes to the usual monthly Pack and People keep the peace meeting. A navigator ends up dead by the claws of a shape shifter, and Kate has to find out who and why before all war breaks out.
      I won't spoil this story but its a roller coaster of a ride, and by the end, some major changes occur, some affect a few and some affect a lot.
     Another great installment in this series.

Seconds Away by Harlan Coben

This is the second novel in the Mickey Bolitar series. It needs to be read in order. The first book is Shelter.

     I am not familiar with Harlan Coben's adult books, I started this series partially out of curiosity and the need to try reading something besides my usual genre of urban fantasy. I enjoyed Shelter, and its refreshing to find a young adult book with a good story, and characters that seem like you could meet them walking down the street.
     Seconds Away takes place not too long after Shelter ends. It all starts with a bang, another mystery of sorts to solve. More teenage daily drama, and several big secrets revealed. Plus, a few twists and life threatening danger all beautifully spun together into a hard to put down tale.
     Out of the few YA or Young Adult books I've read, this is one that is worth the read.

Star Wars : The Force Awakens

I have seen all of the Star Wars films, prequel, and Ewok too.

    I would never call myself a fanatic of Star Wars but I do enjoy the universe it inhabits, its characters, creatures. But when I saw the previews for this, I was thinking I don't know about this. About thirty years after The Return of the Jedi.
     But after a while, I thought I'd give it a chance. Well, I really was pleasantly surprised. There were some surprising plot twists, but as I watch I saw nods to episode IV, time and again, not including story arc connections, like The Storm Troopers.
     To me, this was a bit disappointing, but I ignored it and focused on the story. I will credit where it is due and though I think this could have been a bit more creative with the story instead of sampling from A New Hope, it was a very respectful, more to the original, Star Wars universe, then the prequel was.
     Not bad, but not episode IV through VI. Those never felt too long to me, The Force Awakens did feel a tad too long, But it wasn't a bad trip to the theater. I will most likely see Episode VIII. As for any other tales in the Star Wars verse, well, time will tell.
     I don't think it was worth all the hub bub it got, but if you want to see it, Star Wars is always best on the big screen in a dark theater.