Poll and Discussion: Series Serials
I am noticing a growing trend where instead of releasing a full novel, authors’ works are now being published chapter by chapter as they are writing their story; this is in a similar vein of fanfiction. I used to be a major manga reader (Japanese comics) and while I’m used to a story being piecemealed for years at a time with 17-40 pages (in either weekly or monthly installments), I’m not so sure of how I feel about that translating to novel format.
I recently read and immensely enjoyed The Immortal Circus, which initially was released in serial format. I was glad to read it as a final product. The second book is now out, but it will be released the same way. Though I’ve purchased the book I sort of want to hold off until it’s all finished. It only takes me a few days to read a novel, but I want to be fully engrossed in it until it’s done. At the same time, my TBR list is very long and it will take years for me to read everything I want at my rate. Serials would be a good change to get more of a taste of everything.
Interestingly enough, with the growing popularity of services like Netflix and On Demand, even when it comes to television I find that I enjoy marathoning a show as opposed to watching one episode at a set time on a set day every week. Books seem to be going in the opposite direction. How do you feel about this evolution in reading habits?
Loading ...Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk #1) by Bec McMaster
Synposis: Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it’s the last safe haven. But at what price? Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It’s been said he faced down the Echelon’s army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood-craving he’s been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal. When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She’s so…innocent. He doesn’t see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he’s been seeking.
Review: I’ll start off by saying that the cover is gorgeous and I think this was a pretty good start for this series. Wicked as They Come (The Blud Series) by Delilah Dawson truly turned me onto the steampunk vampire genre so I’m always eager to read more. I think the writing was well done and it captured the steampunk/period style perfectly. I think the plot was well-paced and the relationship between Honoria and Blade developed nicely. They both have tremendous responsibilities and hardships, so it’s easy to sympathize with them in their own ways.
One gripe for me was the choice of name “Blade” for the leading man. I constantly found myself thinking about another vampire (or dhampir rather) anti-hero made famous for Marvel comics and Wesley Snipes.
Though the book was good, I’m not sure if I want to continue right away based on my personal tastes. I’m just not sure if I like the brand of vampire that she has to offer. As overdone as it may be, I will always prefer that they have fangs. I understand that authors want to make their creatures unique and she accomplishes this to an extent, but I still have my preferences.
I think the story will been enjoyable for many of you. Though it will be like usual paranormal romances and focus on one couple per book, I don’t believe Honoria and Blade are finished with their contribution to the series.
Lying Season (Experiment in Terror #4) - A game changer
Synopsis: Amateur ghost-hunter Perry Palomino has battled ghosts, fought off skinwalkers and skirted the fine line between life and death. But can she survive bunking down in Seattle for a week with her partner (and man she secretly loves) Dex and his perfect girlfriend, Jennifer? And can she do so while being tormented by a malicious spirit from Dex’s increasingly shady past? With love and life in the balance, Perry must discover the truth among the lies or risk losing everything she’s ever cared about.
Review: I read the first three books back to back and then took a break. It was a good break because returning to this one unveiled a whole new level of drama! Based on the synopsis, get prepared for a huge dose of awkwardness. We can finally put a face to the name for Dex’s girlfriend, and it was great seeing the layers gradually peel back on their relationship as the book progressed. It felt more real that way. While I enjoyed the book, a few revelations were pretty predictable, but I was glad to see them resolved.
Dex and Perry both experience a bit of growth in this one, even though the novel ends on a cliffhanger. This series is considered horror, but character development is at the forefront this time around. Thankfully each book provides enough revelations to keep me coming back. Often times when a book tries to do too much (ie: spending more focus on the book’s mystery rather than the overarching plot), I find it lacking. Even though character relationships are probably the most important aspect, I prefer when it ties into the series storyline, and I don’t want the revelations to feel like breadcrumbs. Some ongoing series have a habit of doing that to the point of where I give up because there’s too much filler and not enough meat.
I really enjoyed the introduction of rival ghost hunters. They were such tools. I kind of wish more happened there, but I also think we haven’t seen the last of them. I do like this series for the horror and I found this book very enjoyable. I honestly wasn’t bored for a second and I found myself laughing a bit too. Karina Halle does a great job with humor. I just wish there was more horror like Dead Morning Sky (book 3) where things were even scarier for me when some real life creepy things were happening while I was reading it.
This book is an absolute must read if you’re a fan of the series because things are never going to be the same from here on out. Halle has made it clear that she is not going to take the easy road for Dex and Perry, but that makes things all the more interesting.
Movie Reviews! World War Z and Man of Steel
World War Z
United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself. I just returned from a screening for it this evening and I have to say it was very good. I have not read the novels purposely so as to not have any bias toward the movie (positive or negative), but after seeing it I plan to read the novels very soon, though I know it will be different. For the movie though, they tailor it towards people who haven’t read the novel so I don’t think you’ll feel like you’ve missed something.
For me it felt like I Am Legend meets Contagion meets 28 Days/Weeks Later in a number of instances (primarily due to the behavior of the zombies), and there were some pretty stupid moments, but every horror film has those I guess, though this wasn’t THAT scary. It was more suspenseful than anything. I was a little annoyed by how the zombies primarily responded to sound as stimuli. There were instances where the environment was very chaotic and the zombies were naturally loud themselves with their grunts, so it was hard to buy that they could hear the slightest of noises made by their potential prey. I do think I would have liked it more had it been rated R. It was very clear to me that they were holding back and just about every zombie film I’ve seen (including those of the comedic variety such as Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland) have been rated R so I’m conditioned to expecting more blood, guts, and gore. Overall though, if this film piques your curiosity I do think it’s worth a watch.
Man of Steel
A young itinerant worker is forced to confront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race. Man oh man oh Superman. This movie completely exceeded my expectations and at this point it’s my favorite big budget film of the year (yes, even over Fast 6 which is my guilty pleasure and I’m sticking to it). I know that the last Superman film, Superman Returns left a sour taste in the mouths of many people. But they went back to the drawing board and found to way to reboot the franchise in a way that it would need for 2013 and beyond.
It just makes the old ones look downright cheesy now, especially the suit. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about them deciding to ditch his red undies (distraction much?), but the suit looks pretty sweet (and so does the wearer). Henry Cavill is perfect and I’ve been a fan of his since Count of Monte Cristo some years ago. Who’da thunk at that time that he’d be the new Superman? I’m definitely a fan of super hero movies and this one is up there with my top favorites. I’d even say it’s top 3. I really liked the heavier incorporation of the sci-fi aspect. It really makes sense considering that he’s an alien. It adds more depth and realism, as much as you can expect for a supernatural hero anyway. I know that rubs people the wrong way to see Superman flawed by something other than kryptonite, but if they are going to keep retelling this story for the next set of decades I think that something’s got to give. This managed to feel fresh to me, which had to be a difficult task for the creators.
I do think the chemistry is severely lacking between Henry Cavill and Amy Adams as Lois Lane, but it didn’t ruin the film for me. It did make me miss Christopher Reeve/Margot Kidder and Dean Cain/Teri Hatcher.
The film certainly has flaws, especially when it comes to a couple of silly character decisions that led to consequences that could have been avoided, but I was glued to the screen from start to finish. The CGI and effects and fight scenes are probably among the best I’ve ever seen, especially from Faora-Ul (Zod’s right hand woman) who spends a lot of time serving Superman his ass on a platter. I’m all about girl power. So what if she’s got no love for us puny humans?
I could honestly see this one twice…
POLL! HOLLOWS NEWS! The Undead Pool (Book 12) has a synopsis!
Loading ...Earlier we got a title announcement and I polled you guys asking how you liked it. Now we know what it’s about!
Source is goodreads:
Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan has managed to save the demonic ever after from shrinking, but at a high cost. Now strange magic is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong, and the truce between the races, between Inderlander and human, is shattering.
Rachel must stop the occurrences before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war. However, the only way to do so is through the ancient elven wild magic, which carries its own perils.
Can. Not. Wait!
And for those of you who REALLY can’t wait, you can pre-order it now on Amazon! Though I would happily pay full price for these if I had to (they are worth every penny), I think I’m going to wait until the pre-order goes down a little. I plan to own this one in all formats, so I’ll try to save where I can!
So what are your thoughts? Think this book will top Ever After or any other favorite?
Kiss of Blood (Vamp City #2) by Pamela Palmer
Quin Lennox found herself lucky last time, managing to escape the alternate world of Vamp City. But that world isn’t quite done with her. They need her powers to restore the magic of their world and free the vampires currently bound there. Vampire Arturo Mazza is sent to bring her back, and Quinn has learned her lesson than to trust him again after his betrayal. However this time Vamp City has some leverage, her brother. She has to return to save him, and Arturo’s all she’s got. Has he learned the error of his ways? Or is she setting herself up for disappointment once again.
The first book was one of my favorite reads last year, so the sooner I could get my hands one, the better. Palmer’s morbid imagination really makes this series a standout to me, though I think certain dynamics of the first book didn’t sit well with everyone. For this novel I think it has more mass appeal, but I had a gripe or two. I guess the pace of the book was a bit of a problem for me. They spend quite a bit of time talking about the final adversary and yet we don’t even see that stand-off in this book. Cliffhanger enthusiasts should love it, but I can’t say the same for those of you who don’t. I just wish it would have wrapped up the novel in a more serial fashion because towards the end I was anticipating a conflict I didn’t get. The book just kind of ended and that was that.
I do like her efforts to redeem Arturo. I mean, sometimes the graphic and horrific things he endured got a little hard to stomach, but he had a lot of ground to make up and I think he did that. Tish was okay. I never really had a problem with her, though her over protectiveness of her brother, while noble, got a little annoying after a while. The chemistry between Tish and Arturo was s still immensely strong which certainly adds to their appeal.
I liked the history and backstory about the vampires and other supernaturals that live in Washington, VC, learning of their gradual deterioration into what they have become and why. It was thought-provoking and I was often conflicted about the best course of action to fix everything.
At this point I am sort of wondering if Palmer plans to make this a trilogy or if it’s an ongoing series. If it’s a trilogy it certainly feels like a middle book. I feel as if all the issues presented can certainly be resolved in one more.
*ARC provided by the publisher.
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