Book of Interest: Another Castle: Grimoire

I've read enough stories over the years where an abducted Princess had to be rescued but it looks like Another Castle: Grimoire breaks that cliché with Princess Misty saving herself.

From the sample pages I read, Princess Misty wants more than the typical Princess life of going to parties and she's certainly not ready to get married. What she wants is the excitement and the adventures that the knights and Princes get to enjoy. I like what I read so I added it to my wishlist.

Book: Another Castle: Grimoire by Andrew Wheeler with illustration and color by Paulina Ganucheau and letters by Jenny Vy Tran

Description:

We are thrilled to invite you on a journey of courage, friendship, and rebellion—Another Castle: Grimoire! This volume gathers all the issues from the hit comic book series centered on the adventures of Princess Misty of Beldora, whose courageous spirit leads to her capture, and ultimately, to a heroic adventure that spans two kingdoms.

Our tale begins when Princess Misty of Beldora, who longs for a more exciting life, gets more than she bargained for when she is captured by Lord Badlug, the ruler of the neighboring kingdom of Grimoire. He intends to marry her and conquer Beldora, leading the land into ruin and chaos. The people of Grimoire already suffer under his rule and desperately need a hero... luckily, Badlug has just kidnapped one! Together with the citizens of Grimoire and a certain bumbling prince, Misty must fight to protect her kingdom and free both realms from Badlug’s tyrannical rule. Misty is determined not to be another damsel in distress; and with her new friends to protect, she'll discover just what it takes to be the hero of the story.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #222: Fresh Romance vol #1

I'm happy Fresh Romance is finally available in print, as the description states it's an anthology based comic filled with a variety of romance stories. I'm a total romantic and would love to read this. I didn't buy it before because it was only available in digital. Although I'm more of print kind of girl, I'll buy digital comics if it's the only option available (i.e. Life with Kevin).

Book: Fresh Romance volume #1 by various writers and artists

Description:

The critically-acclaimed anthology FRESH ROMANCE is finally available in print! Have you been wondering what the fuss is all about? FRESH ROMANCE is an exciting collection of romance comics from some of comics’ most talented creators, including Kate Leth, Arielle Jovellanos, Sarah Vaughn, Sarah Winifred Searle, Sarah Kuhn, Marguerite Bennett, and Trungles. From unhappy historical marriages to covert teenage romances, there’s something for everyone in FRESH ROMANCE.

Book Review: Bad Machinery vol #3

Book: Bad Machinery volume #3: The Case of The Simple Soul by John Allison

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: December 10, 2014

Description:

The Tackleford gang is back with a new case that demands solving! When Tackleford's derelict barns begin going up in flames, Linton and Sonny are on the case with a moderately mysterious new friend. Paths cross, however, when Lottie and Mildred meet a terrifying yet misunderstood creature living beneath a bridge! Throw in an overly enthusiastic Fire Brigade, a transforming skate ramp, and a new French teacher and you've got the kind of charming genius that can only be found in John Allison's bad machinery.


Rating: 4 stars

Review:

In the small British town of Tackleford, strange and supernatural things occur but it's just a normal part of life there. As summer break approaches, mysterious barn fires are being set, Linton and Sonny are attempting to solve the case. But with their friend and third member of their group Jack sidetracked by his new relationship with Shauna, the two guys reluctantly join up with new kid Colm who may be more trouble than the mystery. Colm also has a crush on Charlotte and he thinks he may know who is setting the fires, a troll.

Speaking of the troll, Charlotte and Mildred are trying to help him find love. Armed with advice from women's magazines the two girls set out to pair the troll up with one of their teachers. Shauna tried to talk Charlotte out of the troll situation but it didn't work. After getting the troll ready they take him a round to the local pub which is where the teachers go after the last day of school. Let's just say that experiment didn't work out for the best seeing how it caught the eye of a reporter and now the whole town is after the troll thinking he may be behind the fires.

Now that summer break has started and the towns people have gone troll hunting crazy it doesn't look like the fire starter mystery is any closer to being solved. But a culprit may be found, after one of Colm's romantic attempts to woo Charlotte went wrong, he was accused of being the fire starter, leaving Linton and Sonny to try to prove his innocence.

Meanwhile, Charlotte and Mildred were trying to make extra money but when one more barn fire is set this time with both Colm and the troll inside the mystery solving girls and boys are heading to the scene.

This book was hilarious, I couldn't stop laughing at it. These kids are crazy and their whole town is crazy. Mystery solving might not be what these kids are best at because only two of the kids solved the fire mystery but one won't tell on the suspect while no one believes the other one.

So not the best mystery solvers but it's a funny book. This is the first time I've read anything from this series by this author, I'm glad I gave this a read.

Book Review: Orphan Blade

Book: Orphan Blade by M. Nicholas Almand with illustration and color by Jake Myler

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: December 3, 2014

Description:

Hadashi is a boy with simple dreams... but his life changes when a horrific accident maims his hand! Unable to hold a sword, he's kicked out of his dojo home. But the Orphan Blade is no ordinary sword. When Hadashi comes across the abandoned blade, he finds that not only is he able to wield it - the sword seems to be wielding him! He's not the only one interested in the Orphan Blade, though, and his ownership draws the attention of the Five Fingers of Death - a deadly group of mercenaries who have their own magical and deadly weapons.



Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Review:

In this fantasy adventure, 14 years old Hadashi found himself with new friends and a new adventure after getting kicked out of the dojo following an attack by a deadly monstrous creature. The attack left Hadashi's right hand severely injured and although it healed he was unable to do any of the exercises properly.

After being kicked out he became friends with 17 years old Soyako and 15 years old Katze who introduced him to Dr. Africa. The Doctor is the one who starts off this story, when monsters attacked he found a way to help destroy them by creating weapons from the monsters.

On a job from the Doctor to gather special fish, Hadashi stumbled upon a group, The Five Fingers of Death as they went up against Funkei The Headcutter to acquire a special sword the Orphan Blade (one of the weapons the Doctor had created). While they were fighting, Hadashi found the sword but soon had the deadly group after him as well as his two new friends.

To escape the trio were going to the Doctor but that's only if they can stay ahead of the deadly five.

This was interesting, funny and definitely fast paced but it's also graphic in the violence department. So don't let the cover fool you into thinking this is some kids comic because there is plenty of action in this.

Orphan Blade is book that's more suited for young adults and older.

Book Review: Princess Ugg vol #1

Book: Princess Ugg volume #1 written and illustrated by Ted Naifeh with color and letters by Warren Wucinich

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: November 26, 2014

Description:

A new series from Courtney Crumrin creator and New York Times Best Seller, Ted Naifeh!

Princess Ülga isn't your standard princess, but her royal lineage goes back for generations.

At her mother's bequest, Ülga travels to the city-state of Atraeska, where the prestigious Princess Academy lies, so that she can learn about things like diplomacy — hopefully for the benefit of her rough and tumble people.

But Ülga will learn that she's more behind in her studies than she realized, and that when you're a princess, you're bound to have a few enemies.


Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

I hope the Princess Ugg series will be a huge success. This series feels like Thor meets Mean Girls meets Sophia the First with Princess Ulga on the advice from her dying mother takes off on a journey to find a way to bring peace between her people and the giants. Her journey takes her to the Princess Academy where of course she doesn't fit in with the other Princesses.

Everyday is a struggle for Ulga who is constantly teased and treated as if she doesn't belong there not only by the students but also by many of the faculty. After one trying day, Ulga decided she was going to give up and go back home, that is until she talked things over with one of her teachers who after finding out her reasons for being there, decided to help her.

One of the first things he told her that she needed to do was to find a way to get along with her snooty roommate Princess Julifer. And Ulga did just that by trying to help Julifer deal with her unicorn. But Ulga soon found that both Julifer and the unicorn were harder to deal with than she thought.

For me, diplomacy should not equal being a doormat and that's what made me mad about this story when Princess Ulga followed her professor's advice to practice diplomacy with her roommate Princess Julifer. I felt like Ulga turned into Julifer's little hand maiden and I kept waiting for her to finally stand up and say she's not going to keep doing all the work. She had Ulga doing all the menial chores in regards to that unicorn and without any thanks.

Aside from that I did really enjoy reading this first volume and look forward to reading more. It was fun and interesting. A nice take on the whole Princess themed books that are so popular.

Book Review: Courtney Crumrin vol #6

Book: Courtney Crumrin volume #6: The Final Spell (issues #6-10) by Ted Naifeh

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

On the run from the Coven with her former teacher Calpurnia, Courtney Crumrin is quickly learning just how sinister the witches and warlocks of Hillsborough can be — but she never thought she’d see the day when Uncle Aloysius turned on her as well.

It’s a lot harder to fight a battle when the only family you care about is against you, and Courtney’s only salvation may lie in the Twilight Kingdom — and away from the mortal world.

But Aloysius won’t give up his niece so easily, even if he has to fight the night creatures to do it!


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I don't know if this is the complete end to Courtney's magical adventures but if it is this was great. Volume #6 picks right up where the last one ended with Courtney and Calpurnia evading capture from the witches council. And to makes things even worse for Courtney, was her Uncle Aloysius has joined the council and with his powers it won't be long before Courtney is apprehended.

There is more going on than Courtney being pursued, the council is up to something and their plan could be very dangerous for the world.

This was a wonderful ending to the series. The author did a good job tying up all the loose ends and I think fans of the series will enjoy this final story.

Book Review: Meteor Men

Book: Meteor Men by Jeff Parker with illustrations by Sandy Jarrell with color by Kevin Volo

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: October 15, 2014

Description:

On a summer night, Alden Baylor sits in a field watching the largest meteor shower in human history. What begins as teenage adventure becomes something more — the celestial event brings travelers who will change the world completely, and Alden discovers a connection to one of them.

How does a young man who had to grow up fast handle the invasion of his planet?

Can Alden keep humanity from oblivion?

From writer Jeff Parker (Aquaman, Hulk) and artist Sandy Jarrell (Batman '66) comes this story of adolescence, friendship, and hard decisions.



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Meteor Men was an exceptional read. The writing was very good and the story had me completely engaged. I really like the artwork. It goes perfectly with the story.

The story follows Alden Baylor as he along with several other towns people observe a meteor shower. However, they were not expecting to see one crash in a nearby field. The next morning Alden with his Uncle and his uncle's friend go and take a look at the meteor. They are surprised by the fact that it's split open and hollow inside. It wasn't long before reports from all over the world start coming in about hundreds or perhaps thousands of meteorites being found following the shower.

No one thought much about why the inside of the meteorite was hollow until reports of aliens were being seen. At first everyone thought the reports were a hoax but then Alden runs into one while checking out his property. Even though Alden was frightened he was curious enough to help which created a bond with him and the alien. I wouldn't call it a friendship but there was a sort of symbiotic connection.

This story has a Close Encounters of the Third Kind/E.T. with maybe a little dash of Independence Day (just a tiny bit) because although the appearance of the aliens may have been frightening for the people they were not what they seemed.

Although the story mostly focused on Alden I did like the other characters. Their behavior seems realistic given everything that was happening in the story.

I really enjoyed reading this. It was smart and entertaining and fun.

Book Review: Letter 44 vol #1

Book: Letter 44 volume #1: Escape Velocity (issues #1-6) by Charles Soule with illustrations by Alberto Alburquerque

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

On Inauguration Day, newly elected President Stephen Blades hoped to tackle the most critical issues facing the nation: war, the economy, and a failing health care system.

But in a letter penned by the outgoing President, Blades learns the truth that redefines "critical": seven years ago, NASA discovered an alien presence in the asteroid belt, and kept it a secret from the world.

A stealth mission crewed by nine astronauts was sent to make contact, and they're getting close — assuming they survive the long journey to reach their destination.

Today, President-elect Blades has become the most powerful man on the planet.

This planet!


Rating: 2 stars

Review:

This wasn't as good as I heard it was. Maybe it was the hype that surrounded this that had me eager to read it. But once I did, the story wasn't very engaging as I thought it would be.

There wasn't really anything new or inventive in this story. I've found some of the crazy theories on the Ancient Aliens TV series to be more entertaining than this.

In the Letter 44, the newly elected President Stephen Blades read a letter addressed to him from the outgoing President detailing an alien base that was spotted by NASA seven years ago. The base was situated near the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. There is also a team of nine scientists and military personnel already out in space attempting to investigate the alien base.

The acknowledgment of the aliens wasn't the only thing the outgoing President mentioned. He also wrote about the reasons why he started the current and ongoing two wars. Which really make no sense at all.

So besides the political espionage happening on Earth, the crew up in space between hooking up with each other were trying to figure out what the aliens were up to.

The situation with the space crew really annoyed me because I felt like the reason the two women were even on the team was for the guys to pass them around like appetizers at a dinner party. Despite being smart the women were just there for the men to fight over and have sex with.

To me this was not a good read. It was just okay and I really don't plan to read the second volume when it's available.

Book Review: The Bunker vol #1

Book: The Bunker volume #1 (issues #1-4) by Joshua Hale Fialkov with illustrations by Joe Infurnari

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: August 19, 2014

Description:

On their way to bury a time capsule, five friends — Grady, Heidi, Natasha, Daniel, and Billy — uncover a metal bunker buried deep in the woods. Inside, they discover letters addressed to each of them... from their future selves!

Told they will destroy the world in the very near future, the friends find themselves, over the next few days, growing further and further apart.

Though they've been warned against making the wrong choices, how do they know what the right ones are?

Can the future really be changed, or will an even darker fate engulf the world?


Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I will admit this is one of those mind trippy books that will have you wondering what to believe.

The story follows five friends who take a trip into the woods to bury a time capsule but when they start digging they inadvertently find a bunker. But that's not the strange part, inside were letters addressed to four out of the five friends. Still not strange enough how about that each of those letters were written from their future selves telling them that the world is going to end and one of them is to blame.

I found the characters to not be that likeable but I figure that's part of the story because they're all jerks but somehow they have to find a way to change the future and maybe even fixed their messed up friendship along the way.

The trippy thing is I'm not sure if they should believe what they're reading because I feel like there is more going on and as the story continues I'm sure they will have to figure out who to trust and how to go about changing the world.

This was better than I expected.

Book Review: I Was The Cat

Book: I Was The Cat by Paul Tobin with illustrations and color by Benjamin Dewey

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: August 5, 2014

Description:

Allison Breaking is a talented journalist with her own blog and a lot of bills to pay.

So when she receives an offer from a mysterious stranger named Burma to write his memoirs, it's an offer she can't refuse, not even with all the red flags popping up.

But Burma is quite literally unlike any man Allison's ever known — because he's a cat!

And this cat has stories to tell about how he (over the course of a few lifetimes) has shaped the world — and another, darker story that Allison must risk all to uncover... a story of what this particular cat has been doing with the LAST of his nine lives.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This was a fantastic blend of history, politics, humor, action and story telling.

I Was the Cat takes place in London as the story follows Allison Breaking, a writer who runs the blog "Breaking News". She was hired by the mysterious Burma to write his memoir and since she could use the extra money she gladly accepted the job. However, her good friend Reggie didn't think it was a good idea. She didn't think Allison was making the right decision especially since she didn't know a thing about this man.

And boy was Reggie right, turns out Allison's new client was a cat. Yes, a cat but a talking cat. He wanted her help with writing his life story. And since he's already lived eight lives that was going to be a rather interesting book.

As Bruma told his stories to both Allison and Reggie, you could see a theme emerging that Burma had high ambitions to take over the world. He has been associated with royalty, crooks, politicians and even movie stars all to try to achieve his end goal.

But that's all in the past or is it? Allison and Reggie were quickly finding themselves wondering if Burma's past and present were one and the same.

I really enjoyed this, the stories and the mystery all make this very riveting. It's a wonderful and very unique story.

The author did a great job with all the characters and I also love how the artist drew the clothes for Allison and Reggie. They were very cute and fashionable.

This story was so unexpected because when you think about a reporter going to interview a talking cat you expect the story to be a bit wacky and crazy but this was very smart, funny and witty.

Book Review: The People Inside

Book: The People Inside by Ray Fawkes

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: August 13, 2014

Description:

A new original graphic novel from the Eisner-nominated cartoonist of One Soul!

This ground-breaking new book looks at the lives and relationships of 24 individuals in a way only the medium of sequential art could.

Relationships change, grow, and end, but the one thing that always remains is the people inside who define both ourselves and our liaisons.



Rating: 1 star (Did Not Finish)

Review:

This is the second time that I have not finished reading a comic book. For some reason, I just couldn't connect with this.

The book takes you into the lives of 24 couples but it's told through poetry that goes across each picture.

I like poetry and stories that make you think but I found it a little confusing following all the couples especially with the art where at times it was hard to figure out what was going on.

As for this book I'll pass on it but I noticed on Goodreads it's received a lot of good reviews. So, I guess it just means this wasn't for me.

Book Review: Archer Coe

Book: Archer Coe: The Thousand Natural Shocks by Jamie S. Rich with illustrations Dan Christensen

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: June 10, 2014

Description:

Archer Coe is a performing hypnotist with the stage name “The Mind's Arrow.” When his nightly shows are over, he moonlights as a special consultant for the rich and powerful.

His latest client is a woman who claims to know him, but whom he swears he's never met.

Things take a strange turn for the worse when her husband ends up dead, and police suspect
Archer of not just killing him, but also of being a sinister killer nicknamed “The Zipper.”

Archer has no memory of any of this, but it's making him doubt whether or not he's got
blood on his hands.

Could the master of other people's minds be losing his own?



Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

I really like this. The mystery was filled with interesting twists and turns and it had me wondering who was really behind what was going on. This follows hypnotist Archer Coe as he was hired by Mr. Midland an extremely wealthy businessman to see if there was something wrong with his wife, something perhaps she was hiding from him.

But once Archer showed up at the couple's home, the situation didn't feel right. Maybe he should have listened to those cats that tried to warn him not to go in. Yes, I said cats, Archer can hear and talk to cats. And he definitely should have listened to them.

There was also a rash of murders being committed and somehow Archer wound up on the radar of the police who place him as their prime suspect. 

This noir inspired tale was really enjoying to read and I also like the artwork. The simplistic style  went quite well with the story.

I wonder if there will be any more Archer Coe stories because I would be interested in reading more.

Book Review: Courtney Crumrin vol #5

Book: Courtney Crumrin volume #5: The Witch Next Door (issues #1-5) written and illustrated by Ted Naifeh and color by Warren Wuci

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: April 30, 2014

Description:

Holly Hart is new to Hillsborough and witchcraft.

When her family moves in next to Courtney, the two girls quickly become friends. But as Courtney watches Holly making the same mistakes she once made, she begins to have second thoughts about teaching the girl magic.

And when Holly sees the aftermath of the other children's "adventures" with Courtney, her suspicions cause her to make a dangerous decision.







Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Creepy and enchanting. This is a fun and eerie read that had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. This five chapter volume starts with a story in flashback via a journal that Courtney Crumrin was reading. The story focuses on a coven of witches as they try to trick Courtney's uncle Aloysius in an attempt to beat the curse that surrounds the town.

In chapters 2 through 5, a new girl Holly Hart moves to town and ends up befriending Courtney who is known as the creepy kid that all the other kids try their best to avoid. Thinking it's nice to finally have a friend, Courtney ended up showing Holly a few things about the magical world and some of her spell books. But it seemed like just knowing about the magical world wasn't enough, Holly started to use a few spells to "better" her life but that has Courtney feeling as if Holly was abusing what she showed her.

As Holly was immersing herself in her new town she found out a few things about Courtney from some of the other kids. What she learned had her thinking up a plan against Courtney. Holly's plan didn't work and it left her and Courtney trying to escape from Goblin Town as a pack of magical wolves were after them.

While all this was going on Courtney's uncle was dealing with health problems and trying to set his affairs in order before he dies.

This was a very good story that ended with a cliffhanger but it sets you up for what's to come and it definitely had me ready to read the next volume. I thought Courtney was a strange yet interesting girl who although enjoys being a loner does seem to be a bit lonely so when she thought she had a chance at having a friend she took it.

I enjoyed reading this it was strange, funny and engaging. I also thought the artwork fit the story it was colorful and dark at the same time just like the story. I can't wait to pick up the next volume when it's available.