Bonded Book Review

Title: Bonded

Author: Mande Matthews

Published Dec 2011

Pages: 286 Kindle

I hadn't gotten to the book store and was dying for something to read (and by that I mean truly desperate to get into another world ...dying!) If you're a reader you get it ;) 

Anyway, I was looking through Goodreads (A gift from the gods btw;) and I happened upon a free book prequel by the name of The Light Keepers.

 Looking at the cover, it was obviously fantasy and after reading the description, appeared to have a strong female lead...usually a good thing ;) Also... I'm not gonna lie, free is always worth a shot ;)
 So I took a chance.......and I really enjoyed it :D

The only thing was, it gave me a preview of the next book, Bonded...which (not unexpectedly) left me hanging. So  of course I purchased it (Only $3.99 btw, quite a steal if you ask me  ;)

Aaaaaand here's what I thought of it :D

Bonded is the first installment of the ShadowLight Saga series. This book introduces us to a young man named Hallad Avarson. He's the son of Avarr Godhi the village chieftain and has a younger sister named Emma. Two other important characters are Erick Sigtrigson, Hallad's sworn blood brother who is in love with Emma, and Ericks brother. Rolf.

One night a mysterious young woman appears before them and Hallad feels an instant unexplainable connection to her. Shortly after she appears a shadow seeps in, and when it clears....it takes Emma with it. That night is the turning point in this story.
It changes everything, and none of their lives will ever be the same.

Lots of mystery, adventure, hardship, deceit...and also comedy in this one :D It was a quick read because I never wanted to put it down. The Norse mythology aspects of this book were a risk in my opinion, but the author added them fairly seamlessly and they worked :D There were no real lulls. Bonded kept me engaged and entertained throughout it's entirety. A definite recommend :D  Can't wait till the next installment ;)

Also, there's a fun little quiz on Mande Matthews website
"Are You Touched by the Shadow or by the Light?"

Apparently I'm a Shadow Walker ;)
What a great touch :D

Book Review Under The Dome

Title: Under The Dome

Author: Stephen King

Pages: 1074

Let me start by saying that I have adored Stephen King for many....many years ;) Some of my favorites are Misery, Salem's Lot, Night Shift and The Tommyknockers. However, it has been quite some time since my last King experience. 

The characters in this book were many (35 at my last count) but the most notable were Dale Barbara...aka Barbie, Big Jim Rennie, Junior Rennie, and Julia Shumway. 

For myself, the lasting impression awards go to...Insert drum-roll... 

Rusty Everett, a Physician assistant who reluctantly takes over the hospital after the town doctor dies. He bucks the system...I like that ;)

Sammy Bushey, a young single mother doing the best she is capable of doing to take care of Little Walter, her son. 

 And Scarecrow Joe, 13 year old boy genius. His questioning mind uncovers the secret of the dome ;)

The story explores how the "average" small town might react if cut off from the outside world and placed under extreme environmental duress. Doubtless what our own environment could become, but at a much faster pace. All of which takes place in a fictional little place called Chester's Mill and as you may have guessed, under a transparent impenetrable dome.

Kings ability to describe the depths and heights human beings are capable of reaching if given the chance has always been one of my favorite things about his writing. And in this he did not disappoint. He covers the gambit. Drug abuse, murder, even necrophilia. All of which are not gone into so deeply as to be disturbing. King also has a tendency to lighten the heavy subject matter with humor. 

At times I didn't feel I needed to know every thought that every character was thinking. I wanted to cut to the meat of the story. If I wasn't so damned obsessive I probably would have skimmed, but who am I kidding? It completely goes against my nature and therefore....can not happen ;) But I also found there were moments I could not put this book down. Chunks of pages that flew by until I finally found myself at page 1074. 

And as I closed the cover I felt that pull that tells me I've enjoyed a book. The one that makes me a little bit sad I had to leave the people of Chester's Mill behind to go on with their lives and I with mine.....

Chrome Shelled Regios Anime

Directed by Itsuro Kawasaki

Written by Mamiko Ikeda

Studio Zexcs

Licensed by  Funimation Entertainment

Original run January 11, 2009 –June 20, 2009

Episodes 24

As we begin this series Layfon Wolfstein Alseif, our main man, gives the impression of being kind, innocent...even a bit goofy. And although he is all of those things, he is also....so very much more ;)

Some Background: 

Layfon lives in a post-apocalyptic polluted world filled with mutated monsters called Contaminoids.

Humans live in cities called Regios which are controlled by, and named after Electronic Spirits. Most regios travel around of their own volition avoiding the contaminoids.

 Humans skilled in the military arts learn to use weapons called DITE in conjunction with an inner power called Kei to defend themselves and their cities from the contaminoids. 

 

Layfon, Felli and Nina, to me, are the most important characters in the series, although arguably there are several other players in this game that the story-line simply would not work without. 

There is something terribly wrong with Zuellni, the Electronic Spirit that controls the academic regios they are living in. She is directing them towards the contaminoids and if they can't discover why, the city and all of it's inhabitants will be destroyed.

Zuellni

There are so many wonderful things to say about this series. I am seriously amazed that they were able to include soooo much character background in 24 episodes...and believe me...there are a lot of characters. 

It was done through the use of flashbacks and it was perfectly done through those flashbacks ;) 

Visually striking?...Yes, because I am all about the eye candy ;) 

The creators even managed to add a mini series within this series that also drew you in. How amazing is that?! 

I didn't want to offer any spoilers so I left out about fifty thousand things but trust me...there's a lot more to this.

The beautifully meshed use of emotional and physical darkness and light truly set this series apart.

The mystery...the timing...the comedy and camaraderie...it all makes for one of the best series I've ever had the pleasure to watch ;) 

Legon Trilogy Book Review

Legon Awakening (Legon, #1) 2010

Legon Ascension (Legon Series #2) 2011

Legon Restoration (Legon Series #3) 2012

By Nicholas Taylor

Published by Createspace

I started reading this trilogy because the first book was free on Goodreads and the story-line sounded interesting...and come on....it was free ;) The cover also caught my eye because...well.... I love me some dragons!

The story revolves around a young man named Legon and his sister Sasha. They aren't actually related by blood but have a symbiotic connection that is gradually explained throughout the series. Things are not as they seem in the quiet town of Salmont where they have been raised. When the treachery of the Iumenta ruler forces them to flee, their journey evolves them both mentally and physically into something far beyond their wildest imaginations.

My thoughts: 

The not so good:

I must start out by saying I don't know if these books were edited...even a little bit. The spelling and grammatical errors are abundant...and that's coming from a dyslexic ;) The characters express themselves in very childlike ways...often. It was like adolescent flirting...no lie. The world building was confused and lacking and the antagonists were seldom heard from. Details, details, details...not enough.

Also, on the about the author on Goodreads he states, "I didn't want to write until October of 2007. While I was driving around with a friend and said "hey, I wonder if I can write a book." So he thought he would try and write outline and see what happens." 

I don't really know how I feel about this statement. I'm not sure if it's pretentious or immature or just an innocent (if thoughtless) thing to say. I'm not a writer, but I would imagine it would intail hard work, long hours and blood, sweat and tears to be successful at it. 

The things I enjoyed: 

The history of the races...Elves, Humans and Iumenta. How they became what they are, the previous war, and their connection to the Dragons. The plot twists (although not all were fully explained) The childlike qualities of the characters, It was endearing at times. 

Call me crazy, but with all it's flaws I still enjoyed the story-line and the characters. I gave this trilogy a 3 on Goodreads.

These books had the potential to be great...they weren't...they settled for ok to good...but the potential was there. 

Fairy Tail Anime

The anime, Fairy Tail is directed by Shinji Ishihira, and premiered on TV Tokyo on October 12, 2009

Lucy Heartfilia is a 17-year-old celestial wizard who wants nothing more than to join a wizarding guild named Fairy Tail.  She meets Natsu Dragneel, a boy who is traveling the land of Fiore with his partner Happy, a blue flying cat, and that is where her adventure begins.

This anime has a big cast of very entertaining characters. Consistent with many series, they have a deeper, darker past that takes an episode or two or three to cover ;) It builds an understanding of, and connection with these characters that gives me that warm comfortable anime vibe I've become so accustomed to :D Erza is definitely my favorite. I love a strong female lead, and her backstory really drew me in ;)

Hiro Mashima is the Japanese manga artist that created Fairy Tail. I've also discovered he was responsible for the series Rave Master which I enjoyed even more! If you've seen as much anime as I have you'll probably notice a slight aesthetic similarity to One Piece. Yes, I see it too ;) And I have read quite a few spats about it on several threads so I'm not inclined to jump in on it....lol

Overall I really enjoyed Fairy Tail. It had everything I expected, and a surprise or two thrown in to boot! As I often do, I watched it in Japanese and English and found both to be very entertaining :D I would absolutely watch it again. 

Iron Man!!!

Mass Effect 3: Take Earth Back Cinematic Trailer!!!

My apologies if you received multiple posts from me. Blogger was torturing me :o

6.....more.....days!!!!!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am about the release of Mass Effect 3...

No really......HUGE excitement!!

Mass Effect 3 is an amazing action RPG developed by BioWare and published by EA. It is scheduled for a March 6, 2012 release, and will be available for PS3, 360 and PC. 

Have I mentioned multiplayer??? Yes indeed :D ME3 will have a multiplayer co-op mode called "Galaxy at War"...squeeeeeeee!!! To girly?? 

Oh well, back on topic...the multiplayer will offer a series of missions that will have an effect on the single player campaign. Completing these missions, will give you a better chance of attaining a...."perfect ending" (rays of sun beam down on you, breaking through the dark foreboding clouds) in the single player campaign.

The bad news...  You have to create your own character...can't use any from the spc, (single player campaign) Although I can't say I mind creating the perfect Krogan ;) You also have the option to go with asari, drell, salarians, and turians.

Mass Effect 3's music will be composed by Golden Globe-nominated composer Clint Mansell, Christopher Lennertz, Cris Velasco, BAFTA-nominated composer Sam Hulick and Sasha Dikicyan....you can't really go wrong with that combo.

Voices will include, Commander Shepard (male) Mark Meer, and (female) Jennifer Hale. Other members of the cast will be returning, including Yvonne Strahovski (Miranda), Tricia Helfer (EDI), Seth Green (Joker), Martin Sheen (The Illusive Man) and Keith David (Admiral David Anderson). And also some new members, such as  Jessica Chobot (Diana Allers) and Freddy Prinze Jr. (James Vega)

            

From what I've seen, it's going to be as incredibly life-like as its predecessors. For me at least, that's a really.....really good thing ;) ME2 has been one of my all time faves and I seriously doubt that this newest installment will disappoint :D 

It's Meme Time!

I was tagged by the lovely Pat over at Here, There, and Everywhere 2nd edition
 Haven't done a meme...or much of anything else...lol, in quite a while. (says the very guilty blogger) So here we go!

 Post the Rules : And the rules are!
1. Answer the eleven questions that were asked of you by the person who tagged you
2. Make up eleven new questions and tag eleven new people to do the meme!
3. Let them know you tagged them!


1. What are your most favorite books that you have read more than once. (name at least two)

I'll do two more recent, and two that I haven't read in a bit, but have been read to the extent of being worn out :)

Enders Game by Orson Scott Card

The Obsidian Trilogy by Mercedes Lackey, James Mallory 

1979 Golden Anniversary AKC The Complete Dog Book

A Horse Around The House" by Patricia Jacobson and Marcia Hayes

Oh, and I have to add Mad Maudlin by Mercedes Lackey, Rosemary Edghill, James P. Baen...much love to that one and Music to My Sorrow, also by the aforementioned <3

  

2. Who is your favorite male character from a book? 

Ahhh, just one? No can do. Must.....add......more! Kellen Tavadon, (The Obsidian Trilogy) Harry Dresden, (Dresden Files) Masterharper Robinton, (Pern!!) and I'm also lovin Kvothe , (The Name of the Wind)

3. Who is your favorite female character from a book? 

Unfortunately, there aren't as many but...Lessa, (Pern!!) and Karigan G'ladheon, (Green Rider series)

4. What is the last book that you read that is out of your comfort zone, and did you enjoy it? 

I'd have to say of Blood and Honey by Stina Leicht, I know, I know...not much of a stretch because it did have some fantasy elements to it, but it was mostly historical fiction and that's not really my thing. Especially since the actual events were pretty horrific :o Enjoy?....yes and no....But I did learn a lot from, and because of it :) and that I always enjoy.

5. If you could have gone on the movie sets of any movie and watched it being made, which movie would you choose, and why? 

The Lord of the Rings...Fellowship. Oh so many reasons...The shire, Rivendell, the actors, the horses!!!! What a dream <3

6. What food is your most guilty pleasure? 

Ok, guilty pleasure would have to infer high cal, high fat yes? So I would have to say, long-hots stuffed with Prosciutto and Gorgonzola. Add a big loaf of Italian bread and some extra virgin olive oil and I'm a very happy girl ;) And maybe definitely a nice Cabernet :D

7. If you could travel somewhere (money is no object) where would you go? 

Oooooo, this is a tough one because I am really....really...boring. Disney World, that's always my first pick, but I would soooo love to see the sequoias in California...seriously. I just can't imagine the enormity of them and how peaceful it would be there.

8. If you could change one thing in our world, what would it be? 

Wow, this is an incredibly difficult question. There are many things I would change point blank. I would definitely change the fact that not all people in this world have equal rights and freedoms. All people are entitled to an education, All people should be able to marry the person they love, All people should be able to own property, choose their religion, their clothing, their job, their lifestyle, and all people should be able to retire comfortably...not on poverty level.

9. What is something that you’d like to accomplish this year? 

I have two more businesses that I need to get up and running this year. If I can accomplish that, and my home projects...I will be ecstatic!

10. What are 3 things that are very important to you? 

My family, my pets and my friends...if I have all of them, nothing else matters.

11. If you could go back in time, where and when would you be?

I would never be able to live in another time, but to visit, hmmmmm...alright here's the geek in me coming out...i'm of a mind that if I were to go back to any point in time it would alter things...I know, I know, i'm over thinking it, but it's what I do...lol Gotta tell ya though, I wouldn't mind seeing Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire dance in the flesh :D

I do not know 11 people who have not been tagged already, but I'll try a few. Mind you if you've already been tagged just ignore mine ;)

Tracy over at Pen and Paper

Vivienne at Serendipity Reviews 

Novia at Polychrome Interest

Melissa at Books and Things

Carmen at Whoopidooings

Theresa at Fantasy & SciFi Lovin' News & Reviews

Chelle at Tempting Persephone

Laura at Scattered Figments

Ok, that's all I know that haven't already been tagged. However this is open to all, so feel free to participate whether you've bee tagged or not! I've kept my questions light...just fun :D

Here are your 11 questions.

1. If you could describe your life in a color, what would it be and why?

2. Do you have any pets? If so, what are they, their name/s and why do they fit your personality?

3. Where did you fit in in high school...jock, band geek, popular crowd...etc?

4.How do you react in an emergency...fight or flight, go get help, the calm one???

5. If they were making a movie of your life, who would you chose to play you... why?

6. Why is your best friend your best friend, what makes them so special?

7. If money was no object, and you were going to buy yourself soothing completely frivolous, what would it be, and why?

7. Three words that describe your personality?

8. Who was your favorite teacher and how did they influence you?

9. What do you consider true strength?

10. What is your favorite game? (video, board, card...any kind)

11.What season do you love the most, why?

Afro Samurai

Studio Gonzo  2007

 5-episodes

 Funimation Entertainment

Music score : RZA from the rap group Wu-Tang Clan

Creator: Takashi Okazaki

Voice:  Afro and  Ninja Ninja, Samuel L. Jackson

Justice,Ron Perlman


Based on the manga written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki, Afro Samurai was originally published in the self-funded Nou Nou Hau dōjinshi magazine. 


Afro's story: The tale centers around a set of numbered headbands. The person to hold the number one band is said to be the most skilled fighter and also to possess God like powers. As the story begins, Afro's father is that man. 

The only fighter who can challenge him, is the wielder of the number two head band, however the unfortunate number two can be confronted by any other fighter eager to prove his worth.

Initially we see a very young Afro walking with his father while holding his hand...enter the number two, a gun slinging, sword wielding samurai by the name of Justice. It suffices to say that Justice becomes number one, and that, that single instance puts Afro on a path of vengeance from which he can not escape, no matter the cost.

Accompanied by his ever so entertaining sidekick Ninja Ninja, he battles through both foe....and friend for the ultimate prize, finding and defeating the number one and avenging his father...

The way I see it: This is one of the most visually striking, artistically rendered anime series I have ever viewed, and believe me....I have seen A LOT of anime ;) The use of light and shadow and the effective minimal use of color is simply captivating. It literally takes on a life of it's own...have I gushed enough??

The young characters of Afro's memories are beautiful, innocent, light and pure... yet as the story returns to his present life they become ugly, tainted and dark. To the point of being disturbing, a reflection of what life has made of them.

                                                            Justice

The bad, the bad, and the ugly:I think they overdid it a bit on the T&A, although, in all honesty, I think it added to the whole degenerate, grungy vibe ;o 

Also, be warned, if you're offended by sex scenes this is not the anime for you...lol

Love it or Leave it: Love it! This series fits an entire storyline from beginning to end into five episodes and does it effortlessly, completely and satisfyingly. Even if you just watch it for it's artistic merit alone, I would highly recommend it :D

                                                         Ninja Ninja

Z.E.O. A Zombie's Guide to Getting A(Head) in Business

R.I.P VI Challenge  (R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI Challenge) Is hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings

Peril The First

Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (my very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature. It could be Stephen King or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming or Edgar Allan Poe…or anyone in between.

Written By: Scott Kenemore

Copyright: 2009

Publisher: Fall River Press

Hard Cover Pages: 254

Illustrated By: Adam Bozarth

Z.E.O. is a personal guide to getting a(head) in business...Zombie style ;) Upon seeing the cover at my favorite bookseller, I instantly thought it would R.I.P appropriate. The price was right, the time was right, so I picked it up. 

It's divided into two sections...Business Tactics of Zombies, and Your Quarterly Guide to Becoming a Z.E.O. in One Year, along with an introduction and the authors final thoughts. 

Chapters range in topic from Zombie Time Management, to Crisis Control, to Self Motivation and I must say...everything in between. Comprehensive, would be the word I'm looking for...and It's loaded with kick a$$ Zombie illustrations!!! ;)

Believe it or not, this book is also loaded with sound business advise. If you've ever read a "Getting Ahead in Business" book before, you'll certainly get a familiar vibe from Z.E.O., but presenting those ideas in a way that compares business tactics to a Zombie's technique for acquiring brains puts a whole new twist on it, don't you think?

The way I see it: Z.E.O. is a quintessential spoof on so many duuuuull, boooooring business books. It offers a feast for the brain (valuable information) aaaaand a feast for the eyes (lots of bloody zombie illustrations), who could ask for more?

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: Unfortunately, (if you posses a sense of humor like mine) this is NOT a book to read in public places. My laughing out loud caused many a stare in the waiting room at the doctors office...be warned :o

Favorite Bits: 

"A zombie is a successful leader because it never looses sight of it's ultimate goal, and it never compromises (like by eating just part of a brain, or a monkeys brain if no humans are handy)"

Number 35 of the 48 "Laws of Power" Master the Art of Timing- "Knowing when to strike is key to being powerful and getting ahead. Zombies provide copious examples of exactly when and where to strike. You can sneak up and eat the brain of the dedicated cop anytime during his beat, but if it's on the night he just proposed to his girlfriend and found out he got into law school, then trust me, his brain is going to taste even sweeter." 

Sun Tzu's The Art of War, "Attack him where he is unprepared--appear where you are not expected." "Zombies are masters of popping up where people don't expect them and (more importantly) aren't equipped to deal with them. Zombies climb through holes in masonry and shuffle into houses where defenseless humans are waiting. They walk underwater (occasionally fighting sharks), and decimate weaponless tourists on tropical islands. Zombies take "business" to people, even if people aren't expecting it."

Love it or Leave it: I may not be quite right in the head, but I Looooved this book. It was delightful and incredibly funny. Be aware that I am partial to off color humor, but I have to say, I highly recommend this book :)

Ga-Rei -Zero- Anime Series Review

R.I.P VI Challenge  (R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI Challenge) Is hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings

Peril on the Screen:

This Peril was added last year and proved to be popular, and so it returns. This is for those of us that like to watch suitably scary, eerie, mysterious gothic fare during this time of year. It may be something on the small screen or large. It might be a television show, like Dark Shadows, or your favorite film. If you are so inclined, please post links to any R.I.P.-related viewing you do on to the book review site as well.

Will you kill someone you love, because of love?

Ga-Rei-Zero

Studio: Funimation Prod Inc

Creator: Hajime Segawa

This anime series serves as a Prequel to the manga, Ga-Rei by Hajime Segawa. It depicts the life of Yomi before....well lets just say, before she had been attacked....and her strong sisterly bond to Kagura.

After the death of Kagura Tsuchimiyas' mother, she's sent to live, and train with Yomi and her adopted father. Kagura is destined to be a guardian protector, and will be part of an organization that  exists to protect Japan from the demons that wish to terrorize, posses, and destroy it's people. She most grow strong enough to inherit and control the most powerful of spirit beasts. 

Yomi Isayama, also a guardian, is a bit of a prodigy. Her adopted father has decided that she will one day be head of the family, and has prearranged an advantageous marriage for her, as well as bequeathed to her his most valued spirit beast. 

As they train, she and Kagura become like sisters who would do anything for one another.....that is.....until things go terribly wrong. 

The way I see it: This series gives me the same vibe as The Black Chalice (previous review). It has that very dark, twisted feel about it. Having not previously read Ga Rei, I was totally taken off guard by how the events unfurled.

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: Just a tiny bit of cheesiness...but certainly not enough to have a negative effect on the series.

Love it or Leave it: Oh so loved it. The characters were full of inner turmoil, It was visually feast worthy, and there's action to spare :) Ya just can't go wrong with that.

Malory's Knights of Albion-The Black Challice

R.I.P VI Challenge  (R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI Challenge) Is hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings

Peril The First

Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (my very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature. It could be Stephen King or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming or Edgar Allan Poe…or anyone in between.

Written By: Steven Savile

Copyright: 2011

Publisher:  Abaddon Books

Paperback Pages:  293

Malory’s Knights of Albion appears to be a series of stories found in an old church as it had been cleared for renovation. It is claimed to be the Second Book of King Arthur and His Noble Knights, with a different author translating each separate story. It comes complete with appendixes illustrating the story of how the second book was found, and also more about the adult life of the main character. It's very believable, and intended to honor Sir Thomas Malory.

This is the story of Alymere, a young boy on his way to Camelot to become a knight, and pledge his loyalty to King Arthur. Alymere is a beautiful innocent boy, but he is also very hurt...and very angry with his uncle whom he believes has usurped his fathers title and taken all that should have belonged to him. Alymere becomes a pawn in a game much greater than he comprehends, and the players are the very dark and scary kind. In the end he must decide between great evil, or ultimately... redemption.

The way I see it: This story revolves around choices, and the aftermath of those choices. When my daughter recommended it, I pictured cookie-cutter King Arthur and the Knights of the round table. I couldn't have been more mistaken. It's dark and manipulative, yet keeps you clinging to the chance there may still be hope....just a little bit of light still lingering. 

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: If I told you my idea of the BBU (bad bad ugly) It would be a terrible spoiler...so alas...I will not. Let's just say that the ending was not what I wanted to happen, but it' what had to happen.

Love it or Leave it: Despite myself I loved this story. I loved Alymere and all of his flaws. He was tragically beautiful. As far as the book goes, I have to say this is a very fast read...even for one so literarily challenged as I...lol Plus, the chapters are on the short side and many of them end in mini cliffhangers! But keep in mind...Alymere's story is very RIP appropriate ;) 

Oh, and I also learned a new term...pastiche, An artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period.

Love it when that happens :D

Blood Lamp...Creeeeeepy

This doesn't really fit into any of the perils, but the creepy factor just screamed (no pun intended) R.I.P

R.I.P. Is a yearly event hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings...go check it out :D

       

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher

Peril The First

Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (my very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature. It could be Stephen King or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming or Edgar Allan Poe…or anyone in between.

Written By: Jim Butcher

Copyright: 2011

Publisher:  ROC

Paperback Pages:  477

Book one in Peril the first :D

"Life is hard. Dying's easy." That's how Harrys story begins this time around. You see he's dead...or is he? As with all good Dresden Files, things are not always what they appear to be. After waking up in a semifamiliar Chicago Harry soon realizes that he is not in the world of the living. After some debate, he is tasked with going back to the mortal world to track down his own "murderer". The only thing is, he doesn't have his wizarding abilities, aaand no one can see or hear him. Good stuff right?...I know ;)

The way I see it: Classic Dresden, and then some. All of my beloved characters...save one, were included in this newest installment, and Butcher was kind enough to give me an acceptable explanation as to why one of my faves wasn't in attendance....kinda necessary to the story unfortunately. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. I can't tell you the glory I felt when it all clicked into place, although I must say...Jim Butcher makes you work for it. I was a bloodhound hot on a scent, and every time I thought I had found the source....bam! a river washed it away, leaving me to start searching in yet another direction. 

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: Ummm, I tried to drag it out as long as I could, but as always It wasn't long enough for me ;)

Love it or Leave it: Loooove it!!! I've read so many of these I probably wouldn't need a map to find my way around Chicago, but it's simply not a series I ever tire of. They're stories that kinda sneak up on you. They seem simplistic but are actually the complete opposite. 

I've always said these books are easy reads, so I thought it only proper to define what I mean by that. This is it in a nutshell... have you ever had to try to get yourself involved in a story or try to find ways to connect with a character.... Well I don't have to try at all with this series. It's effortless, It just flows and once I start, I'm immersed without even realizing it.  

Oh, one more thing about Ghost Story in particular, I believe I laughed out loud more often then with any of the series so far. The Star Wars and Star Trek references get me every time...read it, you'll understand ;)

Her...An Indonesian Short Story Review

      This will be my first time participating in Indonesian Short Story Month. It's hosted by Novia at Polychrome Interest and you can review your own short story through the month of August.

"Once you have finished reading any short stories by Indonesian writers, please kindly share what you think about the story either in the comment form or in your blog (leave the link in the comment form or pingback this post)."


Her, Is a story of woman whose husband decides he's not happy at home and remedy's this by marrying an additional woman ...simplistic right...wrong. The complexity of the emotions this "Perfect wife" goes through are so realistic, to be quite honest I wanted to give her husband a good wallop. 

Her own anger, the anger and embarrassment of their children, the realization, and then finally acceptance that no matter how exceptional a wife she is, her husband will never truly love or be devoted only to her, and the turmoil she feels in regard to "Her". These are things that anyone could relate to, regardless of culture.


This story had me putting myself in the main characters position time and time again, and wondering how I would react if it were me. Would I be as self sacrificing? I'm not sure I could. I've seen women...and men in my own country staying with their spouse for similar reasons. In the beginning of the story I thought I might not be able to respect the first wife, but I found that by the end I did. She was much stronger than I had anticipated and I was thankful for that. I myself would not be able to make the same choices, but I found that I was happy she had some closure and understanding at the end of this story.

I've added some snippits and a link to the intire story as well as author info

               Her...By Titis Basino 

"Just like that I let him leave. I listened to the steadily fading sound of his car as he drove away. The motor grew fainter and fainter until it was finally drowned out by the children’s voices. At moments like that I felt that he accepted the freedom I had given him with too obvious relief."

".On the nights when my husband was with me and talked about 

"her," I listened to him with an odd mixture of patience and dejection. Deep down I begged that he would become tired of "her," but he never did".

" I appreciated her where I had once feared her. Had I met her earlier I would have been impressed with her cunning at capturing a husband; now I was impressed with the graceful manner in which she protected her rival’s feelings."

Sending a big thank you to Novia. I really enjoyed this story and am grateful to have participated :D