Art of the Day: Jubilee

Artwork: Jubilee by beanclam

Currently Reading: Star Wars: Dark Lord

I love Star Wars, been a fan since I was a little kid. Although I'm a huge fan, I have only read a few books and those have been hit or miss with me. I heard that this was a good one and hopefully it will be.


Book: Star Wars: Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars: The Dark Lord Trilogy book #3) by James Luceno

Description:

Throughout the galaxy, it was believed that Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker–the Chosen One–had died on Coruscant during the siege of the Jedi Temple. And, to some extent, that was true. Anakin was dead.

From the site of Anakin Skywalker’s last stand–on the molten surface of the planet Mustafar, where he sought to destroy his friend and former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi–a fearsome specter in black has risen. Once the most powerful Knight ever known to the Jedi Order, he is now a disciple of the dark side, a lord of the dreaded Sith, and the avenging right hand of the galaxy’s ruthless new Emperor. Seduced, deranged, and destroyed by the machinations of the Dark Lord Sidious, Anakin Skywalker is dead . . . and Darth Vader lives.

Word of the events that created him–the Jedi Council’s failed mutiny against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, the self-crowned Emperor’s retaliatory command to exterminate the Jedi Order, and Anakin’s massacre of his comrades and Masters in the Jedi Temple–has yet to reach all quarters. On the Outer Rim world of Murkhana, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak and Padawan Olee Starstone are leading a charge on a Separatist stronghold, unaware that the tide, red with Jedi blood, has turned suddenly against them.

When the three narrowly elude execution–and become the desperate prey in a hunt across space–it’s neither clone soldiers, nor the newly deployed stormtroopers, nor even the wrath of the power-hungry Emperor himself they must fear most. The deadliest threat rests in the hideously swift and lethal crimson lightsaber of Darth Vader–behind whose brooding mask lies a shattered heart, a poisoned soul, and a cunning, twisted mind hell-bent on vengeance.

For the handful of scattered Jedi, survival is imperative if the light side of the Force is to be protected and the galaxy somehow, someday reclaimed. Yet more important still is the well-being of the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, the children of Anakin and his doomed bride, Padmé Amidala. Separated after Padmé’s death, they must be made safe at all costs, lest the hope they represent for the future be turned to horror by the new Sith regime–and the unspeakable power of the dark side.

Comic Book Wednesday: Sept 16th Picks

Happy Comic Book Wednesday!

A book that I hope will be at the comic book store is Payback, a new series by Dark Horse Comics that follows a repossession group of heroes who go after deadbeat superheroes who didn't pay their bills. It sounds funny.

Another book I can't wait to pick up is the special one-shot issue of Agent Carter, I guess that will tide me over until season two starts (not sure when that will be).

What books are you picking up this week?


Archie Comics

Book: World of Archie Comics Double Digest #52

Description:

Archie, Betty, Jughead and Ethel are excited for another fun Halloween bash that Veronica's throwing-and this time, she's pulled out all the stops to make it a memorable one! From a secret location with creepy dolls and clowns, the gang is sure to be frightened... just one question: where is the woman of the hour? And why do those dolls seem to be following them wherever they go? Find out in the frightfully fun "Scary, Scary Doooo," the brand new lead story to this comics double digest!

Book Review: The Witch of Napoli

Book: The Witch of Napoli by Michael Schmicker

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication Date: Available now

Publisher: AuthorBuzz: Palladino Books

Description:

Historical fiction with a paranormal twist, set in Italy and England in 1899.Italy 1899: Fiery-tempered, seductive medium Alessandra Poverelli levitates a table at a Spiritualist séance in Naples. A reporter photographs the miracle, and wealthy, skeptical, Jewish psychiatrist Camillo Lombardi arrives in Naples to investigate. When she materializes the ghost of his dead mother, he risks his reputation and fortune to finance a tour of the Continent, challenging the scientific and academic elite of Europe to test Alessandra’s mysterious powers. She will help him rewrite Science. His fee will help her escape her sadistic husband Pigotti and start a new life in Rome.

Newspapers across Europe trumpet her Cinderella story and baffling successes, and the public demands to know – does the “Queen of Spirits” really have supernatural powers? Nigel Huxley is convinced she’s simply another vulgar, Italian trickster. The icy, aristocratic detective for England’s Society for the Investigation of Mediums launches a plot to trap and expose her. The Vatican is quietly digging up her childhood secrets, desperate to discredit her supernatural powers; her abusive husband Pigotti is coming to kill her; and the tarot cards predict catastrophe.



Rating: 1 star (Did Not Finish)

Review:

The writing was one of the reason why I did not finish reading this, it's flat and unengaging. The story was set during the late 1800s to early 1900s but the writing makes it seems more like the mid 1940s or later. At times it appeared too modern.

I couldn't get into the story, the characters really lacked a personality. The Witch of Napoli was told from reporter Tomaso Labella's point of view, but I found him to be a terrible narrator there are a lot of details missing. The story focused on the life of medium Alessandra Poverelli who is both mysterious and seductive (well that's how Tomaso saw her).

There was nothing in this story that held my attention, it was boring. Why is the description more interesting than the book?

Book Review: Batman '66 vol #1

Book: Batman '66 volume #1 (issues #1-5) by Jeff Parker with illustrations by various artists

Edition: Single print issues

Publisher: DC Comics

Description:

Put on your go-go boots and get ready to "Batusi" back to the Swingin' 60s as DC Comics reimagines the classic Batman TV series in comics form for the first time! These all-new stories portray The Caped Crusader, The Boy Wonder and their fiendish rogues gallery just the way viewers remember them.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Oh, this was such a fun read, it was just like watching an episode of the Batman TV series.

These first five issues featured a collection of stories that had the dynamic duo going up against many of their notorious villains.

The first issue began with the Riddler (just as it had with the TV series) as he attempts to steal artwork created by Oskar Villkoop. He first disrupted an awards ceremony in Gotham Park by use of a plane to pick up a statue. But thankfully millionaire Bruce Wayne and his youthful ward, Dick Grayson were in attendance.

As the Riddler zips around the sky taunting Commissioner Gordon and Chief O'Hara that left time for Batman and Robin to pursue him. Despite the heroics of Batman, the villain still got away leaving behind a riddle.

The clue to the riddle led the dynamic duo to a nightclub owned surprisingly by Catwoman (Julie Newmar). Two more surprises had them trying to save everyone in the club from Riddler's bomb. And also having Catwoman join them in tracking down the Riddler who had already stolen another statue. Will the trio be able to find out what the Riddler's next move is and stop him? Also, can they really trust Catwoman?


Aside from the first issue, the rest of issues contained two stories, in issue #2 the first story "Emperor Penguin" focused on Batman and Robin trying to stop the Penguin and Mister Freeze from their latest scheme. They were extorting money from ship captains in exchange for letting them pass through Gotham Harbor since the iceberg they were on was declared a sovereign nation. When Batman tried to stop them he was captured and placed in jail. Will the Boy Wonder be able to not only rescue Batman but also figure out a way to thwart the Penguin and Mister Freeze's plan?

In the second story "Chandell's Chanteuse", Brue Wayne while on a date with Kathy (I'm pretty sure last name is Kane) attended a performance by Chandell. However, the great musician was joined by a special singer, Lorelei Circe. Lorelei quickly used her magical voice to ensnare the men in the audience to steal all the valuables not only from themselves but from the women as well. Bruce due to quick thinking was able to sneak away before Lorelei starting singing and returned as Batman. During the time Lorelei had been away at prison, Batman had been using a technique to lessen the affects of her voice. But she had a surprise that was going to make it difficult for Batman to stop her and without Robin there to assistant him, will he be able to stop Lorelei?.


Issue #3's first story "The Joker Sees Red" had the dynamic duo willing to work with the Joker to stop the latest villain the Red Hood. The new villain had been terrorizing Gotham as a way to seek revenge against the Joker, he demanded that the Clown Prince of Gotham be turned over to him by midnight or he will continue his reign of terror on the city. There was an interesting twist to who was underneath the hood. This issue also had a cameo appearance by Dr. Harleen Quinzel or Dr. Quinn as she's called in this story.

The second story "Scrambled Eggs" found Batman and Robin captured by Egghead. It left the duo in a dire situation as they try to escape the trap that they were in and find a way to stop the egg obsessed criminal.


The first story in issue #4, "The Hatter Takes The Crown" had Batman, Robin and Alfred Pennyworth traveling to London, England to stop the hat crazed villain the Mad Hatter. The Hatter had plans to steal the Crown Jewels but will Batman and Robin be able to ruin his plan?

In the second story "The Clock King Strikes!", Batman remembered something during his action packed chase through London in his attempt to capture the Mad Hatter. It was something that had him, Robin and Alfred showing up at Big Ben at night to investigate and what they found was the Clock King who seemed to be fascinated with the famed clock but he had ulterior motives for being there.


Issue #5's first story "The Sandman Says Good Night" follows Batman and Robin who were trying to stop the Sandman's plan to put the entire city to sleep. Unfortunately, they fell under the Sandman's spell and was in danger of revealing the secret location of the Batcave. Can Batman figure out a way to keep the Sandman from finding out their secret?

The last story "Tail Of The Tiger Topaz" was a treat because with Batman and Robin out of the country, it was up to Batgirl to stop the villainous Catwoman (Eartha Kitt) from robbing the Gotham Museum of Science. While Barbara Gordon was getting an early look at the exhibits with her father Commissioner Gordon she became suspicious of the new exhibit designer Madame Kugar. Returning later that evening as Batgirl to investigate, she found Catwoman in the act of stealing the Tiger Topaz. Will Batgirl be able to stop the Princess of Plunder or is it too late?


It stands repeating that this was a fun group of issues, as a fan of the TV series I thought Batman and Robin were just as they appear on the show. Batman is the ever so calm, composed and wise crime fighter while Robin was his enthusiastic plucky sidekick and Batgirl was equally awesome. This was well written and a joy to read. 

Art of the Day: Green Lantern (John Stewart)

Artwork: Lantern Stewart by John Catalano

It's not hard to see who the inspiration was for this artwork of Green Lantern John Stewart, actor Idris Elba. And that is exactly who I would cast to play John Stewart in a Green Lantern movie, I think he would be so awesome in that role.

Currently Reading: Vows, Vendettas and a Little Black Dress

It's been a while since I've read a Sophie Katz mystery book and this is the only one that I have not read. With only six books in this series, I was hoping the author would make more but so far it doesn't look like it. I guess fans will have to be content with just these few.


Book: Vows, Vendettas and a Little Black Dress (A Sophie Katz Murder Mystery book #5) by Kyra Davis

Description:

Overjoyed at Maryanne's engagement, amateur sleuth Sophie Katz can't wait for the wedding vows and party toasts to begin. But then Dena—best friend, bridesmaid and all-around vixen—is mysteriously shot just after the announcement. Leave this to the authorities? No way. Dena may never walk again, and Sophie vows to marry her fists with the shooter's face.

Problem is, the number of suspects is off the charts—from jaded lovers to anti-free-lovers to just plain old haters. Dena's made plenty of enemies thanks to her popular sex shop—and, yes, she's no saint—but really, who deserves to be shot?

With an überlogical almost boyfriend condemning her vigilante quest, and a wedding planner going vicariously bridezilla over the dream princess wedding, Sophie's barely thinking straight. But if she can keep her cool (and avoid all errant taffeta), she just might nab her man and save the (wedding) day.

Art of the Day: Naruto and Sakura

Artwork: Our Little Haven by ChaoticRabbit

Book Review: Chocolat

Book: Chocolat (Chocolat book #1) by Joanne Harris

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Vianne Rocher has always lived a life of freedom from all the time she spent with her mother traveling from one place to another never staying in one place for long. However, now as a mother, Vianne thought the little town of Lansquenet could be home to her and her young daughter Anouk. But Lansquenet is a town built on staying the same and running off anyone or anything that disrupts that.

Vianne quickly settled in and opened a chocolate shop and coupled with no desire for her and her daughter to attend church that only seemed to enrage the local priest Francis Reynaud even more. He seemed to believe she was there to destroy the town and worked hard to try to get rid of her. Her store seems to have awoken some of the townspeople, they are enjoying themselves and changes seem to ensue.

She's used to feeling as if she doesn't belong but Vianne wanted a more stable life for Anouk and hoped that Lansquenet would be the place they could build a life in. But with opposition from the church and some of the townspeople it doesn't look as if she has yet found that one place to stand still in.

Vianne isn't the only one the priest wants gone, there is a gathering of people who have shown up in their boats and have take up residence near the river. There is growing animosity between the townspeople and those they call "river people".

With so many changes happening throughout the small town the priest believes Vianne is the cause. She's befriended the "river people" and have some how meddled in the lives of the townspeople including: 1) Armande Voizin a cranky older woman who may finally get to know her grandson Luc thanks to Vianne, 2) an abused woman Josephine Muscat rethinking her life with her overbearing husband and 3) former teacher Guillaume may have to learn to let go of a dear friend.

I loved reading this book because Vianne is a free spirit but she so wants to find a permanent place to call home. There is magic in this story but it's hinted at as it's weaved throughout. You see the everydayness of magic from friendship, love, enjoying a good meal and living life to the fullest. 

As much as I loved this book there is a small part of me that loved the movie just a little bit more especially with the connection and attraction between Vianne and Roux was shown better in the movie. But with that aside, this left me interested in wanting to read the sequels to this. I really want to know how Vianne fared and how her life changed. I will be adding the sequels to my wishlist as soon as possible.

Art of the Day: Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yūhi-Sarutobi

Artwork: Asuma and Kurenai by Edward-Oldwall

Super Best Friends Forever Short: Time Waits For No Girl

Since I'm taking a reading break for the day, I thought I would post something fun, a Super Best Friends Forever short.

I still don't understand why DC Comics didn't take advantage of how popular the SBFF shorts were and turn it into animated series.

Fashion Meets Comics: Lois Lane's Briefcase (Superman Returns)

Preparing this post was an eye opener, I had no idea briefcases were so expensive. Since I don't use one, they are not something that I usually go out and seek. So, the high prices never occurred to me. I guess this is what the fashion experts call an investment piece.

For this Fashion Meets Comics, I was inspired by the briefcase Lois Lane carried in Superman Returns. That bag fits Lois perfectly because like her it has a tough no nonsense look to it but it also has a nice blend of femininity and masculinity.

For a reporter on the go, her bag needs to not only look professional but be strong and durable to withstand all of her harrowing adventures. Not to mention carry all of her necessities such as a phone, computer/tablet and old school reporting tools such pens, notebook and recorder.

When I was selecting bags I wanted to make sure each bag had a shoulder strap because I can't imagine Lois carrying her bag in her hand. That's an opportunity wasted to either be taking notes (pictures) or holding her recorder.

Book Review: Yours All Along

Book: Yours All Along (Loving on the Edge book #7.5) by Roni Loren

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication Date: Available now

Publisher: PEGUIN GROUP Berkley: InterMix

Description:

The new Loving on the Edge romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Nothing Between Us turns on the heat between two men who wonder how much they’re willing to risk in the name of love.

Four years after an accident tore their friendship apart, Hunter and Devon are living separate lives. Hunter is now the all-America hero—a congressman’s son and a pro pitcher in Houston preparing to marry his beauty-queen girlfriend. Devon is in Dallas running a new restaurant.

But when Hunter unexpectedly shows up in Devon’s bar, Devon can’t turn him away. Damn it if the man isn’t still gorgeous. But engaged? Hell no. All he’s doing for Devon is bringing back memories of their college-roommate days, and the night their relationship went too far. Turns out Hunter has never forgotten it either.

Now Devon can’t help but be drawn in all over again by the only guy who’s ever gotten close enough to break his heart. Maybe one more night together would be enough for both of them to finally move on. Or maybe one night will change everything…



Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

Yours All Along is a stand alone novella from the Loving on the Edge series, although this is the only book of the series that I've read. It focused on the college friendship turned romance between Hunter Riley and Devon Crowe that abruptly ended but the two eventually meet again years later.

The story begins with Hunter sampling wedding cakes with his fiancée Macy but his heart doesn't seem into it. Everything seems to be moving too fast for him and he's stressed out. His fiancée noticing this, decides he needs a vacation to unwind. She books him a room at a luxury hotel and spa in Dallas so he can get away for a few days. Although Hunter is a professional baseball player he is use to the attention of the media since his father is in politics.

With his trip set, Macy suggested he look up his old fraternity brother Devon to ask him to be his best man, since Hunter still has not picked one yet. 

The story then switched to Devon who manages an upscale restaurant dealing with all the problems associated with the job. He was taking a small break but it was cut short when he was needed to go speak with a customer. He was shocked to see Hunter sitting in the booth, especially since they have not spoken in years.

It wasn't hard for Devon to see that Hunter was drunk and in no condition to drive. By the time the restaurant closed, Hunter was still in no shape to drive and not wanting his former friend to possibly get into an accident he decides to drop him off at the hotel.

As Hunter was riding in the car, he flashed back to memories of when he was in college in California and of how him and Devon as members of a fraternity met and became friends. It began with Hunter offering to share a room at the frat house with Devon who is openly gay. Hunter figured that most of the other guys were perhaps not too eager to share a room with Devon so he decided to step up and be a friend. Things started out well between the two of them. It quickly turned into an easy friendship where they learned a good deal about each other such as learning that Devon was disowned from his family after he came out while Hunter's strict and conservative father controls nearly every aspect of his life.

However, as the story moved along their friendship was starting to change into something more but neither one was sure what that meant but they wanted to see. But everything changed once Hunter got into a car accident and that brought his high profile father down from Texas who quickly issued out an ultimatum which included breaking all contact with Devon. Not able to stand up to his father, Hunter went along with all his demands.

Which brings the story back to the present, is it even possible for Hunter to restore a relationship he let fall to the wayside years ago? Should he follow his heart to the love of his life even if might be too late or continue on with the "perfect" life that is expected of for him? Hunter's life is "perfect," he's a professional athlete, handsome and rich yet his life is turning into something he hates. He's not happy and planning the wedding brought up all of his problems.

Although a majority of this novella is set in flashback it gives the reader a good sense of who Hunter and Devon were so you can understand who they are now and what they've been through. This was a good story, there are a few steamy scenes with a some cheesy dialogue here and there but all and all this wasn't a bad read. 

I have only one problem with this story, it wasn't long enough. Too bad it wasn't a full length novel I wanted to read more. It was a story filled with friendship, romance and colligate Greek life. I really liked the characters and their romantic drama.