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Tantalize review

Posted : 2 hours, 58 minutes ago on 16 May 2008 07:38 (A review of Tantalize)

It's always so nice to find a paranormal/supernatural gem that few people have heard of. It sort of makes the great story that much sweeter, thinking you're the only one who gets to enjoy it... Though this is one that should be shared.

Smith has created a rather interesting world where vampire and weres are enemies... and some weres don't even associate amongst themselves. I've always loved stories that didn't stick to just werewolves and scoff at the idea of people shape shifting into other animals. And really, what's cooler than a were-possum?!

While the story rolls smoothly and there's enough interest piqued that you begin to wonder what's happening, I almost felt bad for Bradley at the end of it all. Sure things don't turn out the way we except, but at least he had some honour!

But seriously, the novel is at times twisted, and occasionally funny. The whole restaurant idea is great fun! The only disappointment? Not knowing if there's more of this in the works!

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Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto review

Posted : 1 day, 2 hours ago on 15 May 2008 08:31 (A review of Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto)

I think GQ's line really said it best: "sometimes exasperating but almost always engaging."

Occasionally, it's difficult to get past Klosterman's ego to what he's actually trying to communicate. But when you can, he's got some interesting things to say and they're the kind you want to share. While reading this, I often found myself reading parts of it out loud to anyone who would listen, sparking plenty of debate and arguments. I figure if that's the best I can get out of the novel, then that's pretty darn good.

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An Inconvenient Truth review

Posted : 1 day, 13 hours ago on 15 May 2008 09:29 (A review of An Inconvenient Truth)

One of the few things that could have made this documentary better would have been the lack of ulterior motives.

The stats, graphs and images of global warming are fascinating, while simultaneously heartbreaking. It's difficult to watch and realize, that as a people, we are in the process of annihilating ourselves. For an advanced species, we certainly have backward thinking.

Gore also has a wonderful speaking voice and is an excellent presenter.

What I could have done without was the less-than-thinly-veiled pot shots at the current president and all the "Boo hoo! I was scammed and did not win." While I admit that things might have been different/better without Bush in power, I refuse to believe that having Gore in office would have made things a trillion times better, as he seems to want us to believe. The *documentary* would have served better if it had stuck to the issues and not been a political smear campaign.

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Marked (House of Night, Book 1) review

Posted : 3 days, 3 hours ago on 13 May 2008 07:13 (A review of Marked (House of Night, Book 1))

Such an interesting novel, though it appears to be trying a little too hard to appeal to the young adult crowd.

I was a little disappointed when reading it to see that the main character, Zoey, was rather judgmental. There were a few too many comments in the book that struck me as being rather condescending about other people's habits or vices (or "Okie-ness" - do the writers have a prejudice against country folk?) Maybe it's that I found it occasionally a little hypocritical that the character longed so much to be accepted, but thought the actions of others were hideous when it was probably motivated by their own insecurities and desire to fit in. This was most prevalent in Zoey's interaction with Heath and Kayla.

In the spirit of playing devil's advocate, Zoey's impressions of the religious zealousness of her step-father are surprising once we see her get sucked into almost the same situation at the House of Night. Though she loved what was occurring, it seems to me that an outsider might see those as actions of a cult. Again, that speaks to the hypocrisy and slight arrogance; "My worship is better than your worship."

Outside of those irksome points for me, the novel and lore is strong. The vampires are chosen, and the idea of growing or becoming a vampire after a second puberty is creative. Mixing that with elementals, ghosts, and teen angst (see also: "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead) adds lots of fun and suspenseful moments.

I truly think the novel is a great addition to the urban fantasy genre for Teens and look forward to future adventures (and saucy moments with Erik!).

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Frostbite (Vampire Academy, Book 2) review

Posted : 3 days, 12 hours ago on 13 May 2008 10:27 (A review of Frostbite (Vampire Academy, Book 2))

The Vampire Academy kids certainly transfer into some very dark moments in this novel. It might be way difficult for some readers depending on their age... but if they've watched most supernatural shows in TV, it won't be any shock to them.

Truthfully, the twist to the end of this novel is heartbreaking for Rose, but I loved how Mead handled it. She wrote Rose with such honour and grace that you really cry with her and feel her drastic actions and anger are more than justified.

The interaction between her and Dimitri leads into some troubled waters and I'm not sure I am comfortable with this idea. Dimitri himself is an excellent character but the age thing grates simply because Rose is under age. Either way, Mead introduces Adrian, who could potentially stir things up. As a reader and from Rose's point of view, there's some intensely sketchy about this character but who doesn't love those complicated, dark leads?!

Between this novel and the second, I find I'm really beginning to enjoy Mead's take on vampiric lore. The idea that there are different royal families, that there are class distinctions between sub-races of vamps, that each vamp has special skills with certain elements; this all makes things rather interesting. It's quite different from the traditional vamp stories but there's history added there and you can see where this might create some great plot points in the future.

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City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments) review

Posted : 5 days, 7 hours ago on 11 May 2008 03:12 (A review of City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments))

Such a fantastic read. Clare has continued the misadventures of Clary in this second novel with just as much sass and drama as the first one.

What I love about this is that it's a good versus evil story but at heart really just a fight against racism and bigotry. There's plenty of character growth and most importantly, a lot of them that become less narrow minded and appreciative of people for who they are, and not just their "race."

There are also lots of similarities between the Mortal Instruments series and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. Those are quite obvious but don't overly detract from the story. You can see the homage, but at the same time Clare's created a very unique universe populated with outspoken and colourful characters.

The character I found shone the most in this novel was really Simon. His character, seemingly just a secondary one in the first story, becomes more necessary this time around for Clary.

I look forward to the third installment and this has definitely fallen under an author I'd recommend to any young reader.

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Michael Clayton review

Posted : 5 days, 7 hours ago on 11 May 2008 02:55 (A review of Michael Clayton)

This is really one of those movies that makes you go "What? What's all the fuss about?" It really is "just another lawyer movie" with a "go green!" conscience.

It might have a far more entertaining movie if it hadn't been for the execution. It's almost as if someone took the plot, chopped it up into tiny pieces and threw them up into the air. Wherever the scenes landed, that's the order they were sequenced. I don't mind a plot being revealed in layers but for the majority of this movie you spend your time wondering who the hell everyone is, what's their relation, and why the hell is this long and useless scene important? (Seriously? Clooney in an elevator for two minutes?)

The ending definitely brings it all together... but for the first two hours you're so confused that it's just irritating. That isn't entertainment, regardless of whatever message the movie is trying to put across.

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Rogue review

Posted : 1 week, 4 days ago on 5 May 2008 02:02 (A review of Rogue)

In my review for the first novel in the Werecats series, I was really hard Vincent... but in my defense, I did say that I was looking forward to the next novel. I'm glad to say that my expectations were met.

Vincent delivered a very strong second novel in her series with Faythe. I found Faythe's insecurities and need to prove herself against those you do not completely believe in her to be incredibly refreshing. A lot of times the heroines in the supernatural world are already completely put together, strong, and overly-determined. It's nice to see a sort inner conflict in Faythe that mirrors what a lot of the readers can also feel.

The story itself is an interesting one... and definitely one that throws Marc and Faythe's relationship for a loop. I find myself too often bored by "perfect" happy relationship so when that doesn't particularly transpire in this novel, it's comforting. I like that Faythe is still that same person who was determined to make it on her own... despite the agreement she's made with her father.

All in all, a quick and pleasing read and I can safely say (yet again!) that I am anticipating the next segment with bated breath.

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All Together Dead review

Posted : 1 week, 6 days ago on 3 May 2008 04:35 (A review of All Together Dead)

My first thought for the novel overall is that it might be a tad bit considered filler. It was really just a sort post-Bill/Eric, pre-Eric/Quinn. With that being said, if you're a fan of the series or characters and you've read this far, this won't pose a problem whatsoever.

What I did adore about the story was Harris' continuation of her world of vampires. It's a great look at the traditions and ceremonies that the undead have, sort of like any race or culture might. It was lots of fun reading that stuff.

As far as character progression goes, Sookie seems to have a knack for irresistible threesomes! Quinn is entirely too hot in this novel and it's nice to see the poor mind-read finally get to be with someone who doesn't seem to have an ulterior motive. The tension with Eric continues though a new kink in their relationship is introduced in this story that could spice things up quite a bit.

It'll be fun to see what Harris takes all this.



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Kidnapped review

Posted : 2 weeks, 2 days ago on 30 April 2008 10:07 (A review of Kidnapped)

The best part of this show was that it was a drama that wasn't overly dramatic. I loved that there was not of the popular sexual tension between lead characters, and people didn't have emotional outbursts that viewers felt were melodramatic or unjustified. I think there was a great on-screen chemistry with the whole cast and the action flowed so well. It's a shame that this never took off.

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