Free Ilona Andrews? Yes, please!
For those of you who may not know, they currently have a weekly serial series going on called Clean Sweep! I’ve not read it yet myself but that’s no reason to keep everyone else out of the loop about it! Has anyone read it yet? Find out more about the series and other free books here:http://demo.ilona-andrews.com/
If you want to go straight to the story, then click here:
http://demo.ilona-andrews.com/category/clean-sweep/
I find it interesting the interplay between fanfiction writers publishing their works and authors beginning to take a fanfiction approach to their writing, posting chapters weekly or bi-weekly in the same vein.
Q&A with Danielle Trussoni, author of Angelopolis
Though I have reviewed the book and hosted a giveaway, here is a chance to find out a bit more about Ms. Trussoni and how this world came about.
Q. Which of the characters in Angelopolis do you identify with the most?
A. I have always loved Verlaine. He is a bit of an odd character, in that he fell into the world of angelology by chance and has adapted his entire existence around it, becoming not only an angel hunter, but the most promising and talented of angel hunters. Verlaine is something of an eccentric—he likes vintage ties, restored motorcycles, and the history of art. In other words, he’s not a cookie-cutter hero. I also love Evangeline, of course, and thus it was a lot of fun to write about the two of them in this book.
Q. Where do you write? Do you set hours or just put pen to paper when inspiration strikes?
A. I write every morning from 8:30 or 9:00 until I’m done with whatever part of a book I’m working on. I don’t believe in inspiration, really. I believe that inspiration finds you when you’re in the process of working, and so I’m usually there, in front of my computer, waiting for the muse.
Q. When you form characters—human and otherwise—do you ever incorporate aspects from people you know?
A. Sometimes, but most of the characters in ANGELOPOLIS are conglomerations of people I’ve met, characters in novels I’ve read, and people I’ve imagined.
Q. Who would be in your dream book club? Where would you meet and what would you talk about?
A. Colette, Haruki Murakami, Grigory Rasputin, Anais Nin, Oscar Wilde, George Sand and Joan Didion. We’d meet at Silencio, David Lynch’s club in Paris, where we’d drink Cold Cubas and talk books. I would suggest, for our first meeting, that we read Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita.
Q. Do any other writers inspire you?
A. All of the members of my ideal book club have inspired me in some way or another, but I have been most influenced by 19th century English novels, notably The Woman in White and The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. I love eccentric characters that come together in a dramatic setting due to mysterious circumstances. I love old English mansions, apparitions and puzzles. Now that I think of it, I should write a mystery novel.
Q. When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
A. I am a bit of a Francophile and have spent a lot of time in the past few years learning French. I spend a lot of time reading novels in French—I’m currently reading Marguerite Duras’s novel L’Amant de la Chine du Nord—and watching films in French.
Q. Although much of what happens in ANGELOPOLIS is the stuff of fantasy and myth, this story is rich with historical detail. How much research did you do and how did you balance the true facts with imaginary scenarios?
A. Historical figures and situations play large parts of both ANGELOLOGY and ANGELOPOLIS, and so research became a huge part of the equation when writing them. I tend to have three or four books open on my desk at any given point, and I find myself getting lost in research even as I create a new scene. For me, this series draws upon a real mix of history and fantasy, which of course brings up the question of what is history and what is fantasy and can these two things mix in a novel. My answer is, obviously, yes. It is always interesting for me to walk the line between fact and fiction, the real and the imaginary, biography and fiction. I think that creating a zone where the two mix adds another dimension to a novel.
Q. Just as World War II formed the historical spine of ANGELOLOGY, life in the Soviet era plays a significant a role in this sequel. What is your relationship to Russia and Eastern Europe and how did you decide to bring the story behind the Iron Curtain, as it were?
A. I have been drawn to Russian history for many years, an interest that came out of my love for Russian novels, notably the work of Nabokov, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. My reading has always been like this—I fall in love with a novelist and I immediately move to the culture and time surrounding the writer, reading as much as I can about the historical period in which he lived. I was extremely interested in the period around the Russian Revolution, the history of the Romanovs and the way that everything unraveled in Russia in 1917. Rasputin is a captivating character. What happened to the Romanovs—the extended family of Grand Dukes and their families—after the revolution is fascinating. And so using Russia, and Russian history, in ANGELOPOLIS was a pleasure.
Q. As a hero, Verlaine’s personality has been altered by angelology almost as much as Evangeline’s physical nature has. How did his character evolve over drafts of the novel?
A. Verlaine was initially much more quirky than he is at present. In ANGELOLOGY, he was a single man in his early thirties who taught Art History and spent time drinking beer with his friends. Everything changed for him when he met Evangeline, and when we see him ten years later, in ANGELOPOLIS, he has given up his old life completely to train with the angel hunters in Paris. Evangeline has haunted him the entire time and, when he finds her again, he experiences a kind of moral and emotional dilemma—he loves her, but he has been trained to kill creatures like her. I think Verlaine becomes a classic hero in ANGELOPOLIS and by the end it is clear that he is destined for great things.
Q. Your writing is loaded with references from the arts, history and mythology. What sort of reader did you envision for this series?
A. My ideal reader is someone who loves literature, who falls into a novel and simply enjoys the experience of it, but who also likes to be swept up in the momentum of the story. My personal interests in mythology, art and history inform my work, of course, but I have found that my readers are not always as interested in these subjects as I am. The supernatural or fantasy element of the series is appealing to many of my readers.
Q. What is your process for writing a series? What are some of the challenges and benefits of writing a sequel?
A. Writing the second book of this series was a challenge because most of the ‘world’ of angelology—the existence of angels and the mythology that surrounds them-had been built in the first book. The primary characters—Evangeline and Verlaine-had already been introduced, as well. And so ANGELOPOLIS was less about ambiance and character development and more about moving the story forward. It was so enjoyable to be able to continue Evangeline and Verlaine’s story, but I miss some of the descriptive writing that filled ANGELOLOGY.
Q. This book sits in an unusual space, crossing multiple genres. What are some of your individual and collective literary influences?
A. My first book, FALLING THROUGH THE EARTH, is a literary memoir, and all of my writing is influenced by literary fiction. That said, ANGELOLOGY and ANGELOPOLIS both have a strong plotlines, action scenes and supernatural elements-not the usual stuff of the literary novel. For me, it has been important to be able to do whatever I want in my writing, to have the freedom to write in whatever style I want, and to mix things up. What is important to me is that I create something new and challenging and enjoyable. As I mentioned earlier, my influences are largely from the past. I love the idea of Dickens writing enormous novels, sections of which were published each week as installments. I also love that writers like Wilkie Collins wrote beautifully about subjects generally considered to be ‘genre’ fictions—murder, detectives, mysteries. I’m always impressed by writers who can bring all of their interests into their novels, no matter how seemingly irreconcilable.
Q. ANGELOPOLIS ends on another cliffhanger. Can you hint at what’s next for Verlaine and Evangeline?
A. The last book in the trilogy will involve the final confrontation between angelologists and angelic creatures. Verlaine and Evangeline will be back again, this time fighting on opposite sides.
Visit:
http://www.danielletrussoni.com or http://www.angelologist.com for more information.
Giveaway Winner Selected!
Hi everyone! So the moment of truth has arrived. As always, I want to thank all of you for participating. If you posted in the comment section of the announcement thread, you were entered for a chance (or multiple chances for those following the blog multiple ways) to win. And the winner is:
Please check your email! Hope you enjoy! Thank you everyone for the continued support and I already have an extra special giveaway lined up next! And I ain’t April foolin’, it will be a good one!
Virginia Book Festival - Is anybody going?
Hi everyone. I’ll be attending the VA Book Festival on Friday, primarily to meet up with my favoritist author in the whole wide world! At this point I don’t think I need to name names ;-). But anyway, I’m just filling you guys in because:
1) If anyone is going to attend I’d love to meet up. I’ve met some of my followers at signings in the past so that’s always fun!
2) Questions for Kim! If there’s anything you want me to ask her, think it up and post it by Friday morning. I’ll be carting my tablet with me so if I have free wifi I’ll check in on comments.
I’m also hoping to meet Jeaniene Frost, especially since I currently have a copy of Twice Tempted in my mitts, but her panel is way early and I don’t think I’ll beat rush hour to make it. Rush hour in the Washington, DC area is #1 in the USA and that is a FACT!
Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson #7) - Absence made my heart grow fonder
Mercy’s adjusting to lot of changes theses days; she’s now Mrs. Hauptman, wife and mate to alpha werewolf, Adam, and stepmom to his daughter, Jesse. This level of normalcy is refreshing compared to the usual whirlwind of her life. But of course things can’t remain peaceful forever. While taking advantage of Black Friday, Mercy and Jesse are in a car accident and find that they can’t reach Adam or anyone else in the pack. And it’s not a coincidence.
The pack has been abducted and may be in serious danger. It’s a delicate time for the werewolf race as they work to gain public acceptance. Without her pack to turn to, Mercy will reach out to every ally possible to save them, including some new and unexpected faces.
This was a really great read! I breezed through it in no time. I really missed Mercy and the gang. Maybe that’s a sign that this series is inching its way into my favorites group. And that’s a pretty exclusive club! But after this book it’s earned it. Adam is a true badass here, even tied to a chair! I don’t quote Paris Hilton often, but that “that’s hott.” Seriously, he’s to die for here, especially since we get TWO chapters from his point of view!
His relationship with Mercy really is refreshing. Though they have some drama and angst, they are secure in their relationship and don’t bother with mind games. That’s become an oddity with a number of series, even some of my favorites.
The story combines events that occur in Patricia Brigg’s Alpha & Omega series. It definitely helps if you’ve read the A&O series. I haven’t yet, but I was able to keep up with no trouble. Though at first I wasn’t really planning to read the series, but after Frost Burned I think I’ll go ahead and add A&O to my TBR pile, though I likely won’t get to them until next year, maybe around the time when Mercy 8 will be released. Thankfully that won’t be two years.
This is one of my favorite Mercy novels, but I would have liked more Bran and Stefan (who I think deserves a spin-off of his own). The book wasn’t too short or long, but maybe if it were a little longer they could have had a little more presence. I hope we’ll see a good bit of them next time. This book was definitely a must read for Mercy fans.
GIVEAWAY! Autographed Copy of Angelology or Angelopolis!
I’ve got to make it up to you guys for starting my giveaways so late this year! On the heels of my review for the second novel of the Angelology series, here’s your chance to win a signed copy of Angelology or Angelopolis by New York Times Bestselling Author, Danielle Trussoni. I would enter myself, but I’m kinda the host so I’ll have to sit this one out. But good luck to you all!
Many thanks to the Penguin Group for sponsoring this giveaway. I am collecting entries through Tuesday, March 26th, release day for the novel. I will announce the winner the next day.
How to Enter (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY): My giveaways are only open to followers of Your Urban Fantasy who are 18 years of age or older. In order to enter YOU MUST COMMENT ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT POST! If you’re a new member, sign up on the right panel to follow my blog via email and/or Twitter. (Make sure you check your email to confirm your subscription. You should receive a notification immediately, so check your spam folder if you don’t see it right away). Current followers can just say so in their post and your entry will be added. Overall, there are up to 3 chances to win:
- Follow this blog via email (THIS IS REQUIRED)
- Follow me on Twitter (bonus entry)
- “Like” Your Urban Fantasy on Facebook (bonus entry)
While I do appreciate RSS subscribers, I cannot confirm your status as a follower so your entry will not count (sorry!); however, you are welcome to sign up by email and Twitter or Facebook. Once again, good luck!
Angelopolis (Angelology #2) by Danielle Trussoni
Synopsis: Hailed by USA Today as “a thrill ride best described as The Da Vinci Code meets Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Danielle Trussoni’s bestselling first novel, Angelology, wove biblical lore, the Orpheus myth, and Milton’s Rebel Angels into a present-day world tinged with the divine supernatural. The novel plunged two endearing loners—art historian V. A. Verlaine and Evangeline, a beautiful young nun—into an ancient battle between a secret society and mankind’s most insidious enemies: angel-human hybrids know as the Nephilim.
Now a decade has passed since Verlaine saw Evangeline alight from the Brooklyn Bridge, the sight of her wings a betrayal that haunts him still. The Nephilim are again on the rise, scheming to construct their own paradise—the Angelopolis—and ruthlessly pursued by Verlaine in his new calling as an angel hunter. But when Evangeline materializes, Verlaine is besieged by doubts that will only grow as forces more powerful than even the Nephilim draw them from Paris to Saint Petersburg and deep into the provinces of Siberia and the Black Sea coast. A high-octane tale of abduction and liberation, treasure seeking and divine warfare, Angelopolis plumbs Russia’s imperial past, modern genetics, and the archangel Gabriel’s famous visitations to conceive a fresh tableau of history and myth that will, once again, enthrall readers the world over.
I received this book for review though I hadn’t read the first book, Angelology. The beautiful cover drew me to it like a moth to a flame, but it was the story kept me in the fire. This definitely presented a different feel than your typical paranormal/urban fantasy. After reading it I can certainly understand the Da Vinci Code comparisons, revealing deeper meanings behind countless important figures and artifacts throughout history. While reading you feel like you’re experiencing a small slice of a much bigger picture. This is an age old fight that only appears to be heating up.
Since I hadn’t read the first book there were some things I was confused about, wondering if the confusion was due to starting with Book 2, but as the story unfolded I eventually learned that wasn’t the case at all. The questions I had weren’t revealed in the first book. That said, I do plan to go back to read the first one. I am not sure about the frequency of releases when it comes to this series. Those of us used to authors releasing 1-2 times per year may have to pump the breaks here. The first book was released 3 years prior to this one. I imagine the amount of research to write these takes a while. Even still, I finished the book already wanting to read the next one.
There were multiple point of views throughout this book, and I’m not sure if it was for the better. I found myself invested in only a few characters, so I would have liked more focus on them to add more depth. Another area where I think this series could benefit is through illustrating the angels. An appendix would be invaluable. There are a number of different angelic species and Nephilim, so it’s difficult to visualize and remember how they look since their features differ vastly from one to another.
The series has been picked up by Columbia Pictures, so it looks like a movie is in the works. It looks like these angels will be larger than life soon enough. I hope that goes well.
If you’re planning to read this series, I recommend getting the hardcover. It looks better in person than in pictures. It’s practically coffee table quality, though the content of the book certainly isn’t.
*Review copy provided by the publisher.
A Shade of Vampire (Review + Free excerpt) - Well done debut novel for Bella Forrest
Sofia Claremont gets more than she bargained for on the evening of her seventeenth birthday after she is kidnapped to a mysterious island. While perpetually nighttime, it’d be easy to assume that she’s been taken to Alaska during that time of year; but it turns out it’s an uncharted location where vampires rule. She soon learns that she’s been abducted into slavery at the mercy of vampires that can be as cruel as they are beautiful.
She may have a chance to fare better than most, as her master is the dark royal Prince himself, Derek Novak. Though blood thirsty due to a 400 year stasis he may be her best chance at survival, meaning she’ll do everything in her power to remain on his good side. However, his more sinister Novak siblings may have other plans…
I’ve been on somewhat of a YA kick lately, so this was a satisfying read for the time. The writing and world-building were very good for a debut. The characterization was adequate in that I found myself becoming invested in the cast. I liked who I was supposed to late and hated who I was supposed to hate. I think Sofia makes a few silly choices, but that’s pretty much the status quo for 99% of heroines out there. Derek is a pretty good leading man, though I would like to see him more unhinged. It would make him a little more interesting considering his age, though he looks eternally youthful.
I enjoyed the premise but I read it almost directly after another novel with a similar idea, though this novel was published first. I plan to follow both, but I definitely want to stagger them so that I don’t mix up plots. Though only a novella, Bella Forest makes it count with a tight and suspenseful story. I look forward to more, hopefully a full length novel at some point.
Though the book is currently $3.99 for 150 pages, if you’re an Amazon Prime member like myself, it can be your free book of the month.
If you’re not sure if you want to purchase it right away, feel free the read the excerpt to see if it’s your cup of tea: A Shade of Vampire - Excerpt
*ARC provided by the author.
COVER REVEAL! Tempt the Start (Cassie Palmer #6)
And there’s a synopsis too!
“Being a goddess is a lot less fun than you might think. Especially when you’re only a half goddess, and you only found out about it recently, and you still don’t know what you’re doing half the time. And when you’ve just used your not-so-reliable powers to burglarize the booby-trapped office of a vampire mob boss. Yeah, that part sucks.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for Cassandra Palmer, aka the Pythia, the freshly minted chief seer of the supernatural world. After all, Cassie still has to save a friend from a fate worse than death, deal with an increasingly possessive master vampire, and prevent a party of her own acolytes from unleashing a storm of fury upon the world. Totally just your average day at the office, right?”
This may be a spoiler for those of you who don’t read the series (or Dory for that matter) so you shouldn’t read any further, but from the synopsis it looks like she’s clearly trying to make Mircea out to be the bad choice more and more. Personally, after the Dory books (that I completely adore) I like him as a character more than Pritkin. I’m honestly just wanting this book to get over with so Dory can have her turn next and I can read about Mircea in a more likable position.
Cheap Recommends (4 of 4) - The Girl From Yesterday (The Blood Dynasty Chronicles, #1) by David L. Dawson
If you’re up for a new YA series, there are certainly worse ways to spend 99 cents. I actually quite enjoyed this novel, though I will admit there were some similar themes between this one and another one I read almost directly after it. Though I liked both, I don’t think I’d read their future books back to back because I feel like I’d mix up the stories. The cover is nice departure from the usual urban fantasy/paranormal style (and it actually reminds me of one of my favorite novels as a kid with the redhead and floral backdrop), but the story certainly isn’t. The writing could be stronger, but the story is interesting enough so I will keep up with it. If you don’t want to spend the 99 cents and you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get it for free as your book of the month! You can find it on Amazon.
Synopsis:
The planet Stoker was once home to humanity. Now it is ruled by vampires, thriving in their new utopia. The surviving humans are used as slaves and are taught that they are inferior beings.Ashlyn Fountain is brought out from cryogenic suspension in the year of 1005. She is bought as a slave by the wealthy Sublime family and given as a maid to Vienna, their eldest vampire daughter. Ashlyn quickly comes to realize that vampires are monsters, even the handsome Jensen Sublime, who bears a remarkable resemblance to the hero in her favorite vampire novel.
Cheap Recommends (3 of 4) - Sterling (Mageri Series #1) by Dannika Dark
This is probably the most expensive read at $1.99, but it shouldn’t break the bank too much. You can get this one at:
Amazon
B&N
Synopsis:
Zoë Merrick lived an ordinary life until late one night, she was brutally attacked and left for dead.Zoë didn’t just survive that night - she underwent a physical transformation and acquired unexplainable abilities. Severed from her old life, her frustration grows as she tries to comprehend what’s happening to her with the help of a stranger named Adam.
Serendipity leads her to Justus De Gradi. He’s handsome, arrogant, and not entirely human. Through Justus, Zoë learns that she is not only a Mage, but she is vulnerable until she learns how to control her power. They are not magicians, but harness and manipulate energy. The only way she will understand her power is by putting her trust in a stranger and accepting the protection that he offers.
When her immortal freedom is threatened by the one man who has a right to claim her, Zoë learns the price of freedom…and the value of loyalty.
Zoë Merrick lived an ordinary life until late one night, she was brutally attacked and left for dead.Zoë didn’t just survive that night - she underwent a physical transformation and acquired unexplainable abilities. Severed from her old life, her frustration grows as she tries to comprehend what’s happening to her with the help of a stranger named Adam. Serendipity leads her to Justus De Gradi. He’s handsome, arrogant, and not entirely human. Through Justus, Zoë learns that she is not only a Mage, but she is vulnerable until she learns how to control her power. They are not magicians, but harness and manipulate energy. The only way she will understand her power is by putting her trust in a stranger and accepting the protection that he offers.
When her immortal freedom is threatened by the one man who has a right to claim her, Zoë learns the price of freedom…and the value of loyalty.
This particular book kicks off an ongoing series, so if you’re looking for a new world to become invested in, this could be it. I started out really liking it, but as I read it it started to feel like 3 books in one, so it lost me a bit. There were a lot of drastic changes and too many characters that I didn’t connect with as well as I would have liked. The magic was pretty cool, there’s a good dose of humor, and if you like potential love triangles or polygons, you’ll get that here. I just found myself wanting more action at times. There’s a lot of human interaction which becomes boring in an Urban Fantasy/Paranormal novel. I think the next books will be better, though I’m not in a rush to get to them.
Cheap Recommends (2 of 4) - A Dark Kiss of Rapture (Renegade Angels) by Sylvia Day
Though I have yet to read one of her novels, Sylvia Day’s Renegade Angel series is currently on my TBR list, but it’s pretty far down, so when I got a chance to read this prequel for free I wanted to see if it could get a bump up to something higher. This was a decent short story, but I didn’t feel the need to bump the series up any higher at this time. I will likely get to it around 2014 if not later this year. I know Sylvia Day is pretty popular so I hope I like her writing as well. This short story is still available for FREE as an ebook on:
Amazon
B&N
Smashwords
GoogleBooks
Synopsis: Of all the Fallen, Raze’s hungers are some of the darkest and most insatiable. His brazen seductions cost him his wings, leaving him soulless and immortal, the most dangerous of seducers. He has roamed the earth for eons, hunting the rogues of his kind and protecting the humans who provide him with blood and sex. He is content with his life and the transient pleasures that flow through it… until one night and one woman change everything.
Kimberly McAdams is smart, beautiful, and wealthy. She can have any man she wants, but the moment she sets eyes on the lethally stunning Raze she knows he’s the man she needs. As one searingly erotic night burns into something deeper and far more vital than either of them expected, an adversary from Raze’s past sees a chance for revenge. Twisted by hatred, she will take from Raze what was taken from her—the precious gift of love.
Cheap Recommends (1 of 4) - Inhale (Just Breathe Trilogy, #1) by Kendall Grey
I’m a bit on the busy side and have managed to read faster than I can review! On the plus side, Vampire Academy led my poll, so I’m giving it a go. I’m on Book 3 already which is a very good thing, so thanks for the recommend everyone! In the meantime, I wanted to take a little time to share a few books I’ve recently read that I think you guys may like. I’m going to post them in a series:
Inhale (Just Breathe Trilogy, #1) by Kendall Grey
Synopsis: After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.
Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.
I nabbed this one for free, but the ebook is currently at a whopping 99 cents on B&N and Amazon. It’s the first of a trilogy which is now complete. There are 4 short stories as well centering on supporting characters. I read the first short story and was surprised to find that it was straight up erotica, with content I’m sure some readers would find objectionable, so be forewarned. For the main book, like with countless Urban Fantasy novels, there are some sex scenes but the story and world building are at the forefront. I think it walks the line between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance which may be just right for fans of both. There’s a lot to learn with this world, but I think it will all settle in for me by the second book. The concept is great and I look forward to completing the series. It’s original in a genre where it’s becoming difficult to truly stand out. Proceeds for Kendall Grey’s books and short stories go to whale education, so it’s nice to know that she peddles smut for the greater good ~_^.
Movie Review - Oz: The Great and Powerful
I was lucky enough to attend an early screening last night, so I just figured I’d share some thoughts.
The pros:
1) Excellent use of 3D. Usually movies these days tack it on for the markup value, but the 3D actually enhanced the experience quite a bit. I’m one to be disappointed in a lot of 3D versions these days. It also didn’t give me a headache which tends to happen. I got one for Alice in Wonderland (though to be fair, that wasn’t natively shot in 3D and was converted during post-production).
2) The effects were spectacular. I could see them winning an Oscar for it, especially when it comes to the china doll. Freaky out of this world.
3) The second half of the film was very strong.
4) I was surprisingly scared at times even though this isn’t a horror movie. I know (or hope) some kids will be effectively spooked per the film’s intentions. It was cool to be drawn in enough to feel suspense.
The Cons:
1) I didn’t like Mila Kunis in this at all. Her yelling grated on my nerves. I liked her even less than James Franco. I think she was supposed to be a sympathetic villain, but I didn’t buy it. And I’m someone who tends to like good villains. This could have been a signature performance for her, but it felt more like a wasted opportunity. I think she was miscast. Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams had better performances.
2) James Franco. I’ve seen stronger performances from him and I actually like him. I think he’s hott, but he didn’t have that leading man appeal for me here.
3) I wasn’t sure what to make of the first half of the film. It took me a while to become invested.
4) The soundtrack. I wish it had the same musical quality as The Wizard of Oz. It was really lacking here. There were practically no singalong songs, or at least nothing memorable. The one with the munchkins was way too short.
All in all I definitely recommend it, and I recommend seeing it in theatres in 3D. It doesn’t have the classic and epic feel as The Wizard of Oz, but for now it’s probably the best movie I’ve seen of 2013 thus far. The film releases nationwide this Friday.
Freebie Watch! The Taken (Celestial Blues #1) by Vicki Pettersson
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com
They seem to really be promoting this author recently. Considering her Signs of the Zodiac Series, which was recently on sale for $.99. I nabbed those. I’d nab this too if I didn’t already have it. I’m actually nearing the halfway point for this one myself.
Description:
“Exceptional. Mystery, crime scene drama, and more than enough romance to keep the heart pumping blend seamlessly into an enthralling read that kept me glued to the pages.”
—Kim Harrison
“A delectably dark paranormal thriller. I’ve always been a fan of Pettersson’s work, but she knocks it out of the park with this one.”
—Kelley Armstrong
Vicki Pettersson, author of the New York Times bestselling Signs of the Zodiac urban fantasy novels, breaks out with The Taken. The first book in her sexy, supernatural noir mystery series, Celestial Blues, The Taken features a former p.i.-turned-fallen angel and a beautiful, tough Las Vegas reporter—the most unorthodox pair of avengers since Jeaniene Frost’s Cat and Bones—joining forces to confront a terror that threatens to wreak murderous havoc in both the mortal and the immortal worlds. A dark and delicious mix of noir mystery, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, The Taken is a must-read treat for the insatiable fans of Nalini Singh’s angel books, and for the many, many readers who have made Kelley Armstrong, Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, and Laurell K. Hamilton fantasy superstars.
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