Book Review: Catwoman Novelization

Book: Catwoman by Elizabeth Hand
Screenplay: John Rogers, Mike Ferris and Brancato

Edition: Paperback

Description:

There’s a new Catwoman in town—a feline adventuress unlike any you’ve seen before. Discover all her sizzling secrets as she cracks her whip and sinks her claws into her most petrifying, death-defying adventure yet.

Patience Philips is a shrinking violet, not exactly a career booster at competitive Hedare Beauty, the huge cosmetics corporation where she’s a graphic designer. Self-conscious and easily unnerved, she hasn’t a chance of escaping detection after she uncovers a dirty little secret in Hedare’s top-secret research laboratory. Discovery means death, but the real shocker is what happens afterward.

In the blink of a cat’s eye, the meek designer is gone, replaced—through an ancient twist of fate—by a sleek, self-assured woman with dark, dazzling powers: Catwoman. She has scores to settle, rooftops to roam, and a sinister underworld to prowl, as she stalks her destiny like a feral feline. She also has a good-looking detective on her trail, someone who has fallen for Patience, but is drawn to Catwoman.

As two mighty forces gear up for the ultimate showdown, the fur will fly. . . .

Currently Reading: Catwoman Novelization

It's so interesting what you will find searching through your book case or shelves. I was looking for something to read when I found this Catwoman novelization by Elizabeth Hand. I totally forgot I had it and I'm not sure how long it's been sitting on the shelf but it's been some time. It's also been a while since I've watched the Catwoman movie, which may have had mixed reviews but I enjoyed it for what it was. It was a movie about a woman embracing life after being treated as if she was invisible for so long. She just became a bit of a superhero in the process. I'm interested to see if there is anything new such as scenes or information added in this novelization.

Side note, I've really been trying to read through my continuously growing To Be Read list, I buy so many books that I sometimes forget what I have. Right now, I've been reading through some of my older books but I'm going to read some of my new or newly published books as well.

Book: Catwoman by Elizabeth Hand

Description:

There’s a new Catwoman in town—a feline adventuress unlike any you’ve seen before. Discover all her sizzling secrets as she cracks her whip and sinks her claws into her most petrifying, death-defying adventure yet.

Patience Philips is a shrinking violet, not exactly a career booster at competitive Hedare Beauty, the huge cosmetics corporation where she’s a graphic designer. Self-conscious and easily unnerved, she hasn’t a chance of escaping detection after she uncovers a dirty little secret in Hedare’s top-secret research laboratory. Discovery means death, but the real shocker is what happens afterward.

In the blink of a cat’s eye, the meek designer is gone, replaced—through an ancient twist of fate—by a sleek, self-assured woman with dark, dazzling powers: Catwoman. She has scores to settle, rooftops to roam, and a sinister underworld to prowl, as she stalks her destiny like a feral feline. She also has a good-looking detective on her trail, someone who has fallen for Patience, but is drawn to Catwoman.

As two mighty forces gear up for the ultimate showdown, the fur will fly. . . .

Book Review for Tackle Your TBR Read-a-Thon book #6: Batman Returns

Book: Batman Returns by Craig Shaw Gardner

Edition: Paperback

Description:

Batman versus the criminal element. In Gotham City, evil never sleep not even for Christmas.

Today, a new danger is born—in the guise of a villainous figure with an umbrella full of savage tricks. He's the Penguin and he's out to take over the city. And he has an ally, she's sinuous and mysterious. And she's got nine ways of evading death. She's Catwoman. This time, Batman faces the showdown of his life.

Currently Reading for Tackle Your TBR Read-a-Thon book #6: Batman Returns

I know it's been a while but yes, I'm finally back to reading. I'm going to put Star Wars: Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams to the side. Because despite how good it is, for some reason I have yet to finish it. What I'm going to do is read it from the beginning again since it's been quite some time since I've read it. Anyway, until then I'm going to start reading the novelization of one of my favorite Christmas movies Batman Returns by Craig Shaw Gardner.

I love reading novelizations because the story usually gets a chance to be expanded on and you get a little more insight into the characters. I bought the Batman Returns novelization several years ago after I read the novelization for the Batman movie which was also written by Craig Shaw Gardner. Anyway, I can't wait to get started reading this.

Book: Batman Returns by Craig Shaw Gardner

Description:

Batman versus the criminal element. In Gotham City, evil never sleep not even for Christmas.

Today, a new danger is born—in the guise of a villainous figure with an umbrella full of savage tricks. He's the Penguin and he's out to take over the city. And he has an ally, she's sinuous and mysterious. And she's got nine ways of evading death. She's Catwoman. This time, Batman faces the showdown of his life.

Book Review: The Cabin in the Woods

Book: The Cabin in the Woods Novelization by Tim Lebbon

Edition: Paperback

Description:

YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE STORY

Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods.
Bad things happen.
If you think you know the story, think again.

Man of Steel's 7th Anniversary

It's the seventh anniversary of the Man of Steel movie. Despite being a big Superman fan, I admit I'm not the biggest fan of this movie and my list of reasons is long. Here are a few: I was disappointed with the story, this version of Clark Kent and Superman, the lack of chemistry between Clark and Lois Lane (which improved in the follow up movies), the terrible take on Jonathon Kent and the equally terrible ending.

Although I didn't enjoy the movie, I did enjoy the Man of Steel novelization by Greg Cox. I found it to be a much better version of the film, so if you didn't like the movie maybe think of giving the book a read.

Book: Man of Steel Novelization by Greg Cox

Description:

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers, and that he is not of this Earth. As he approaches adulthood, he journeys to discover where he came from, and what he was sent here to accomplish.

But then the world faces an unimaginable threat—an invading force the likes of which has never been encountered before. When this occurs, the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation, and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

Four Sci-Fi Books of Interest: After Earth, Ignite the Stars, Star Wars: Queen's Peril and The Fifth Season

I love watching sci-fi movies and TV shows, from adventures in a galaxy far, far away to new discoveries in alternate universes. I just love it. But that just made me realize as much as I love watching the movies and shows, I'm surprised I don't read more sci-fi books.

Well, I'm going to have to change that. Here are four books I want to read and I'll add them to my new Sci-Fi Reading List.

Book: After Earth by Peter David

Description:

Experience the vast tapestry of After Earth in a novelization unlike any other: a thousand-year saga featuring original content from the mind of Peter David, the veteran sci-fi author who helped develop the richly imagined universe. This is the complete, never-before-seen chronicle of the extraordinary family that’s been across the universe and back—from humanity’s last days on Earth through the events of the epic film!

RAIGE RUNS IN THE FAMILY

General Cypher Raige of the United Ranger Corps is only the latest in a long line of heroes. For a thousand years, ever since the globe was engulfed by environmental apocalypse, the Raiges have been instrumental in humanity’s survival. They led the way as the survivors abandoned Earth, settled an uninhabitable planet called Nova Prime, withstood an onslaught from a mysterious alien force, and carved out a new home in the farthest reaches of the galaxy.

Now Cypher has returned to his family after an extended tour of duty. For his thirteen-year-old son, Kitai, tagging along with his famous father is the adventure of a lifetime—and a chance to salvage their relationship. But when an asteroid collides with their craft, they make a crash landing that leaves Cypher seriously—perhaps fatally—wounded.

Kitai Raige has always wanted to prove that he has what it takes to live up to his illustrious name. Now, all too soon, he gets his chance. With his father’s life on the line, Kitai must venture out into the strange, hostile terrain of a new world that seems eerily familiar: Earth.

New Release Tuesday: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Novelization

The novelization for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is out today! Yay, aren't you excited? Okay, probably not especially since not a lot of movie fans buy novelizations which I wish they would. The writers generally add in additional information to the story.

I know there's a health crisis right now, which means we are not to go out unless necessary and buying a book is not a priority. Plus, I highly doubt there are many bookstores open anyway. So I'll ask, how many of you are going to order this today? Since, I didn't pre-order it, I'm going to try to order it today. I want to read it and see what new information was included in the story.

Book: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Novelization by Rae Carson

Description:

Witness the epic final chapter of the Skywalker saga with the official novelization of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, including expanded scenes and additional content not seen in theaters!

The Resistance has been reborn. But although Rey and her fellow heroes are back in the fight, the war against the First Order, now led by Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, is far from over. Just as the spark of rebellion is rekindling, a mysterious signal broadcasts throughout the galaxy, with a chilling message: Emperor Palpatine, long thought defeated and destroyed, is back from the dead.

Has the ancient Lord of the Sith truly returned? Kylo Ren cuts a swath of destruction across the stars, determined to discover any challenge to his control over the First Order and his destiny to rule over the galaxy—and crush it completely. Meanwhile, to discover the truth, Rey, Finn, Poe, and the Resistance must embark on the most perilous adventure they have ever faced.

Featuring all-new scenes adapted from never-before-seen material, deleted scenes, and input from the filmmakers, the story that began in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and continued in Star Wars: The Last Jedi reaches an astounding conclusion.

Book Review for the Star Wars Book Club for January: Star Wars Trilogy

Book: Star Wars Trilogy by George Lucas, Donald F. Glut and James Kahn

Edition: Paperback

Description:

Luke Skywalker dreamed of adventures out among the stars and alien worlds. But when he intercepted a message from a beautiful captive princess, he got more than he had bargained for—and that was how the adventure of his life began. . . .

Book of Interest: The Adventures of Indiana Jones

For some reason Indiana Jones has been on my mind lately, I love watching all four movies and Indy is definitely one of my favorite characters. He's a professor and an archaeologist who goes on magnificent adventures trying to recover important artifacts, what's not to love about that. I have been thinking of getting this Indiana Jones novelization trilogy, I love reading novelizations because the authors tend to add a little something extra to the story along with giving the reader more insight to the characters.

I have the novelization for the fourth movie, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull by James Rollins but I don't have the first three. Which is why I want to get this so I can enjoy all of Indy's adventures from the beginning but in book form.

Book: The Adventures of Indiana Jones by Campbell Black, James Kahn and Rob Macgregor

Description:

With bullwhip in hand, Indiana Jones has unearthed a wealth of ancient treasures. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, the fearless archaeologist journeys from Nepal to Cairo to the Mediterranean, dodging poisons, traps, and snakes, battling rivals old and new–all in pursuit of an ancient artifact that holds the key to dazzling, invincible power. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom finds our intrepid hero in a remote village in India, where a mysterious old shaman tells him that his arrival has been foreseen–and that he must retrieve a stolen mystical stone. And finally, in The Last Crusade, Indy must face the most challenging and personal endeavor of his life: rescue his estranged father, the eminent professor Dr. Henry Jones, from a Nazi’s lair, and recover the legendary Holy Grail. Yet Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade doesn’t mean the adventure is over. . . .

Book Club Picks for January: Brownies and Broomsticks, Batman: Year One and Star Wars Trilogy

I have been waiting until today to make this exciting announcement, I am starting a Star Wars Book Club. I have always wanted to start one but I never got around to doing it but it's a new year and I figure if not now then when. For the book club, I picked Star Wars Trilogy by George Lucas, Donald F. Glut and James Kahn. Although I've read it before, I figured we should start this club with newbie Star Wars fans in mind by beginning with the original stories of the saga.

Starting this new club doesn't mean I have forgotten about my other two book clubs, not at all. I'm still equally excited about them as well. For The Book Girl's Book Club, I picked the magical mystery, Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates and for the Comic Book Club, I picked Batman: Year One by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli.

Here's to a new year, a new month and many more new book club picks.


The Book Girl's Book Club Pick:

Book: Brownies and Broomsticks (A Magical Bakery Mystery book #1) by Bailey Cates

Description:

Katie Lightfoot's tired of loafing around as the assistant manager of an Ohio bakery. So when her aunt Lucy and uncle Ben open a bakery in Savannah's quaint downtown district and ask Katie to join them, she enthusiastically agrees.

While working at the Honeybee Bakery—named after Lucy's cat—Katie notices that her aunt is adding mysterious herbs to her recipes. Turns out these herbal enhancements aren't just tasty—Aunt Lucy is a witch and her recipes are actually spells!

When a curmudgeonly customer is murdered outside the Honeybee Bakery, Uncle Ben becomes the prime suspect. With the help of handsome journalist Steve Dawes, charming firefighter Declan McCarthy, and a few spells, Katie and Aunt Lucy stir up some toil and trouble to clear Ben's name and find the real killer.

Book Review: Man of Steel Novelization

Book: Man of Steel Novelization by Greg Cox

Edition: Paperback

Description:

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers, and that he is not of this Earth. As he approaches adulthood, he journeys to discover where he came from, and what he was sent here to accomplish.

But then the world faces an unimaginable threat—an invading force the likes of which has never been encountered before. When this occurs, the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation, and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

Patreon Poll: Do You Read Novelizations?

Last month, I created a Patreon account for The Book's Girl's Book Blog and I'm still in the process of getting it going and promoting it. The reason why I started an account because of my I love of reading and I want to share my love and interest for books and other bookish and geeky stuff.

Anyway, I created a poll about novelizations, I know I love reading them and I wanted to know if anyone else does as well. If anyone is interested in taking the poll, please click here.

From Page to Screen: Men In Black International Novelization

I've been seeing a lot of people say they're going to see Men In Black International and that's so good to hear because I know can't wait to see this movie. I've always loved the sci-fi world of the MIB and International looks like a fun addition to the franchise.

Which brings us to today's Books to Film post, the Men In Black International Novelization. I know technically novelizations are not Books to Film but they go with the category since they are film adaptations. I don't know if this novelization will include any additional scenes but it will include a prequel short story, I wonder which characters it will focus on.

Anyway, can't wait to see the movie and get this book.

Book: Men In Black International Novelization by R. S. Belcher

Publication Date: June 18

Description:

The Men in Black have expanded to cover the globe, but so have the villains of the universe. When aliens that can take the form of any human arrive on Earth, H and M embark on a globe-trotting adventure to save the agency -- and ultimately the world.

From Page to Screen: Godzilla: King of the Monsters

I keep hearing that Godzilla: King of the Monsters is really good which is great to hear since I'm really looking forward to seeing it. However, until then I wanted to let you know there's a novelization for the movie.

With novelizations, do you prefer to read the book before or after seeing the movie? I guess it depends because most of the time I like to read the book after the seeing the movie. But if I missed the movie while it was in theatres, then I'll probably read the book then watch the movie when it's out on DVD/Blu-ray.


Novelization

Book: Godzilla: King of the Monsters Novelization by Greg Keyes

Description:

Godzilla: King of the Monsters follows the heroic efforts of the cryptozoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and its ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity's very existence hanging in the balance.

From Page to Screen: Aladdin

The trailer for Disney's live-action Aladdin is beautiful and I'm sure the movie will do well at the box office. However, I want to highlight a couple of books that are related to the movie. The first is Aladdin, the novelization and the second is Aladdin: Far from Agrabah, a media tie-in original story. I wonder if the novelization will include additional scenes? Regardless I still would like to read it.

So, if you're going to see the movie don't forget to pick up one of these or any other Aladdin books.


Novelization

Book: Aladdin Novelization by Elizabeth Rudnick

Description:

A beloved classic comes to life for a new generation in the upcoming Walt Disney Studios live action Aladdin film, and this thrilling novelization invites fans to revisit Aladdin's tale in the pages over and over again.

Book Review: The Dark Knight Rises (Novelization)

Book: The Dark Knight Rises by Greg Cox

Edition: Paperback

Description:

EVERY HERO HAS A JOURNEY...EVERY JOURNEY HAS AN END...

Eight years have passed since Batman was last seen in Gotham City. Bruce Wayne's alter ego is hunted by the law, and nothing -- it seems -- can bring him back. Not even a brazen theft committed by the enigmatic and seductive cat burglar Selina Kyle -- inside the walls of Wayne Manor itself.

But then a deadly new threat appears, as if out of nowhere. Bane. Huge, powerful, and terrifyingly methodical, Bane is bent on spreading chaos and death. Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD are unable to stop him and have nowhere to turn. But after so many years, can the Dark Knight once again save Gotham from its gravest threat yet?

Book Review for The Book Girl's Book Club for October: Ghostbusters (Novelization)

Book: Ghostbusters by Nancy Holder

Edition: Paperback

Description:

THEY AIN'T AFRAID OF NO GHOSTS....

After Dr. Erin Gilbert is disgraced at a job interview for her belief in ghosts, she is roped by her former colleague Abby Yates and Abby's new co-worker, Jillian Holtzmann, into investigating a haunting. The three scientists soon discover that some specters do far more than go bump in the night.

MTA employee Patty Tolan finds that New York City's subway tunnels are becoming a hive of ghostly apparitions. She calls on Erin, Abby, and Jillian to investigate, revealing that paranormal activity across New York City is swiftly becoming a disaster of near biblical proportions.

Together these four would-be paranormal investigators are determined to find out what's going on, save their city, and maybe make a profit while they're at it. The team must stop a mysterious evil, known only as Rowan, from destroying the barrier between this life and the next and turning Manhattan into a literal hellscape.

The Book Girl's Book Club Pick for October: Ghostbusters (Novelization)

Good Morning, it's the first day of October and that means it's 31 days of Halloween. And it also means it time for a new book club pick. I wanted to pick something that would be perfect for such a spooktacular month and I couldn't think of a better pick than the Ghostbusters novelization. I love this movie and still wish it had gotten a sequel but reading this book should make for a fun read.

Book: Ghostbusters by Nancy Holder

Description:

THEY AIN'T AFRAID OF NO GHOSTS....

After Dr. Erin Gilbert is disgraced at a job interview for her belief in ghosts, she is roped by her former colleague Abby Yates and Abby's new co-worker, Jillian Holtzmann, into investigating a haunting. The three scientists soon discover that some specters do far more than go bump in the night.

MTA employee Patty Tolan finds that New York City's subway tunnels are becoming a hive of ghostly apparitions. She calls on Erin, Abby, and Jillian to investigate, revealing that paranormal activity across New York City is swiftly becoming a disaster of near biblical proportions.

Together these four would-be paranormal investigators are determined to find out what's going on, save their city, and maybe make a profit while they're at it. The team must stop a mysterious evil, known only as Rowan, from destroying the barrier between this life and the next and turning Manhattan into a literal hellscape.

Book Review: City of the Dead (Resident Evil)

Book: City of the Dead (Resident Evil book #3) by S.D. Perry

Edition: Paperback

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

City of the Dead is a fast paced horror story that follows as Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy do their best to survive the terrifying conditions of an overrun Raccoon City which is crawling not only with zombies but various mutated monsters.

Claire had traveled to Raccoon City looking for her older brother Chris who is a member of the Raccoon Police Department's S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) unit and she was worried because she had not heard from him in a while. Meanwhile, Leon was a newly hired police officer on his way to Raccoon City to start his first day of work.

As Leon drove through town he immediately noticed that something wasn't right because it was eerily quiet and there was no one to be seen either walking down the street or driving down the road. It didn't take long before he found out the reason when he was surrounded by a horde of zombies. Claire found herself in a similar experience when she stopped at a diner and had to make a quick escape where she ended up running into Leon.

The duo were able to escape and made a plan to head to the police station but a zombie attack caused them to be separated. They were still going to continue on with their plan except now they had go it alone which is not an easy task with zombies roaming the streets.

Things escalated quickly in this story because every step of the way was one horror after another. Going to the police station didn't change things but Claire was able to help Sherry Birkin, a 12-year-old girl who had been hiding in the station. Sherry believed a monster was after her but Claire thought it was just in the girl's imagination. However, an encounter with two different monsters instantly changed Claire's mind and she knew she had to get Sherry and herself out of the station. But she still needed to find Leon.

The rookie cop had found his way to the station where he unexpectedly met Ada Wong, a woman who claimed she was in town trying find her friend. But Ada wasn't as she appeared, she was really in the city because she was hired to steal the deadly G-Virus that Sherry's parent had created.

The separate set of duos eventually found themselves at the Umbrella Corporation with hopes of finding a way out of Raccoon City but lots of complications were making it extremely difficult. And not to mention Ada was still set on trying to get her hands on the G-Virus but with Leon by her side he was complicating her mission. There was an attraction that was starting to form between Leon and Ada even as she was trying to pretend that it wasn't happening and he was starting to doubt her story of why she was in the city.

Despite being a Resident Evil fan, I had never read any of the books that is until now and I'm glad I picked this one. It was an interesting read, the book vividly captures the terror Claire and Leon were experiencing during the zombie outbreak as they try to figure out a way to escape the city. You will get drawn into the drama and suspense and all of the harrowing incidents that never seem to stop.