Bitten by Books

Screen Bites: Surprises, Spiders, and Clowns: A Fun Week in Genre Televison

Carol — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:02:28 +0000

Watchers, our shows are continuing to bring us great episodes, but it takes a few days to get through them all. I am still not yet caught up on The Walking Dead, but will make an effort towards that soon, and should be caught up with The Secret Circle by next week.

Once Upon a Time, Sunday 8:00 EST, ABC

Wow. This episode was my favorite so far. Dark and emotional, and full of surprises – that’s how I like them. Jane Espenson wrote this one (former Buffy writer/producer who still writes for lots of good shows).

First off, I loved that Belle’s Beast was Rumpelstiltskin, a fact which the show apparently worked very hard to keep under wraps. That was unexpected, at least to me. It was great to see Emilie de Ravin back on television, also, and from the end, I imagine we may see her again.

We also got the answer as to whether or not Mr. Gold remembers who he really is. One big question for me surrounds the exchange between Gold and Regina, when she asked him his name, and he replied that the only one he had ever had “on this earth” was Mr. Gold. Then Regina asked him about “elsewhere.” What do you think this means? It seems to suggest something other than just alternate worlds or realities.

On a lighter note, it was fun to see the girls together on their night out, having fun.

What did you think of this episode? Did you love it as much as I did?

Fringe, Friday 9:00 EST, Fox

I also really enjoyed Fringe this week. Once they figured out what was going on in the town, things got even more interesting. How did you like the guys with two faces?

As they have been working together and getting to know one another, it certainly seems that Walter does not really want Peter to leave now. And the end – that got me, too. So, do we think that Peter is wrong about there being another timeline for him, or is he in the right place?

Did you have a favorite scene this week?

Being Human, Monday 9:00 EST, SyFy

I loved Josh’s line in the beginning, “I thought we were all too tortured to have fun.” By saying that, they are sort of poking fun at the genre’s penchant for tortured heroes, while at the same time addressing the real issues for the three main characters. Aidan faces a true addiction, Josh must deal with the fear of loss of control of his beast, and Sally fears losing herself. The three do really provide a support system for one another, and the scenes with the three of them together are typically the best on the show, I think.

We also learn that Nora sort of likes being a werewolf, of feeling powerful and not being a victim. I really am curious to see where they go with this aspect of her character, and how it will affect the relationship between Nora and Josh.

What are your thoughts on the show this week?

Grimm, Friday 9:00 EST, NBC

Amy Acker! It was great to see her again, even if she was a creepy spider lady. I thought her anguish over what she must do juxtaposed with her compulsion to do it was very well-done. Was anyone else surprised that she was married? Ultimately it was a very sad episode, I thought. What do you think happened to the husband and daughter? Would the girl take after mom or dad?

When they are in the bathroom at the house, and Nick finds the skin in the trash, why did he call Hank over? At that point, he knows positively what is going on and that this is going to be one of his supernatural cases, so why bother to point out what he found to Hank? Maybe it’s habit, and of course it’s protocol, but in that instance it just struck me as odd.

How did you like this episode?

The show returns 2/24.

Supernatural, Friday 9:00 EST, The CW

Despite some gruesome deaths (this is “Supernatural,” after all), this episode fell into the “fun” category, and had the added advantage of no Leviathans. I really do hate those guys. Sam’s interrogations of the suspects were a hoot, and I’m sure the writers had fun with that scene.

My favorite quote this week was Dean saying to Sam, “You spawn a monster baby and see how quick you want to dive back in the pool.” Anything that can traumatize Dean enough to stay out of the bar for the purpose of meeting women had to have been pretty bad, right?

In the last episode we had the papers being moved around, and a while back we had the situation with Dean’s beer. I am wondering if we will find out what those incidents really mean. What do you think it is? I think it has to be one of two people.

Lost Girl, Monday 10:00 EST, SyFy

I really do love this show, and did after watching the first episode. The good news is that the series is in its third season in Canada, meaning it won’t be going away anytime soon.

Kenzie gets the best lines, and I have two favorites from this past week. First, “This really puts the suck in succubus,” and second, “For a bunch of far-out fairy folk, you guys are pretty judgmental.”

I also really enjoy the scenes between Dyson and Kenzie. They do have a common goal.

The big news is that we find out that Bo’s mother is still alive, which of course creates more possibilities.

Did you enjoy the show this week?

*The BBC version of “Being Human” returns to BBC America on 2/25. I will be watching – will you?

Movie Review: The Woman in Black (2012) (PG-13)

Carol — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:21:04 +0000

Lawyer Arthur Kipps struggles to come to terms with the death of his wife four years earlier in childbirth, and despite his devotion to his young son, finds it difficult to focus on his job. Arthur’s boss gives him the chance to redeem himself by sending Arthur to an isolated village to go through the papers of the recently-deceased owner of Eel Marsh House. The local man that the firm has been corresponding with has not been particularly helpful, so Arthur sets off on his business trip with plans for his son and the nanny to visit at the end of the week after the he completes his task.

Once he arrives in Crythin Gifford, Arthur finds himself without a room reservation but ends up with the seldom-used attic room, which viewers know, via the opening scene of the movie, was the site of an eerie suicide by three young girls sometime in the past. Though the local solicitor tries to send Arthur on his way back to London the next day after handing him a small stack of papers, Arthur determines to complete the job he was sent to do and manages to get the carriage driver to take him to Eel Marsh House instead of the train station. While at the disturbing deserted house, Arthur catches a glimpse of a woman dressed all in black outside but cannot find her when he goes to look. The townspeople wish him to leave, believing that his presence is stirring up a dark force affecting the children of the village.

This terrific movie perfectly captures the feeling of dread as well as provides many jump-in-your-seat moments (and, it must be admitted by this reviewer, a few vocal reactions). The atmospheric setting of late nineteenth/early twentieth century England receives careful attention to detail, drawing viewers in completely. Daniel Radcliffe manages to pull off the unthinkable—allowing us to forget about Harry Potter for the duration of the movie. Those creators behind the movie truly understand eerie and what it means to be scared without gore. This reviewer highly recommends this excellent movie and plans to get the book by Susan Hill, the source material for the film.

Dead Iron by Devon Monk

Carol — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:12:30 +0000

Dead Iron, the mesmerizing first installment in the Age of Steam series, grabs the reader with its opening sentence and holds them captive until the very last word. Cedar Hunt feels like an outcast in the small town of Hallelujah, Oregon, but prefers to keep to himself so the situation suits him just fine. On a visit to town to get supplies, Cedar learns that the four-year-old son of the blacksmith disappeared from his house during the night. On his way home, Cedar discovers the three Madder brothers following him. It turns out that they have a watch that belonged to Cedar’s dead brother, Wil, and after striking a bargain, Cedar leaves with the watch, in a hurry to get home before the full moon and his cursed state as a wolf.

Restraining himself with a collar and chain, when he wakes the next morning, Cedar gets paid a visit by a local woman and witch, Mae Lindson, who has come to seek his aid in tracking the person responsible for the death of her husband. Cedar refuses, as he has determined to go hunt the missing child, one he feels certain has been taken by the Strange, evil spirits somehow made flesh, though for what purpose remains unclear. Cedar’s path, and Mae’s, proves difficult given the machinations of the powerful, otherworldly Shard LeFel, whose mysterious and frightening machines and devices serve a dark purpose, and they rely on the aid of one another as well as some unexpected allies.

Monk strikingly depicts a world where some have the power to construct machinery and mechanisms for either good or ill, making the place so real that readers worry that they may indeed be there. The story serves up many chills in a plot that never flags. Chapters shift between the perspectives of different intriguing characters, yet never once do the threads get dropped or become unclear, ensuring that the suspense level remains tight throughout the narrative. Cedar remains a fascinating protagonist in every scene in which he appears in this fabulous novel with its Old West setting.

This reviewer cannot recommend this stunningly original and unique novel highly enough, and very much looks forward to book two, Tin Swift, due in July 2012. Readers may never view mechanical toys or devices in quite the same way again.

Book Stats:

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Roc Trade; 1 edition (July 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 045146396X
ASIN: B006QS1G4E

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Books in the Forgotten Goddesses series in the order they should be read
Dead Iron
Tin Swift

How to Worship a Goddess by Stephanie Julian

Aymee — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:44:22 +0000

The forgotten goddess of the moon is in fear for her life. She has a demon on her tail and has no idea how to shake him. One stumble and he will have her—and her powers—for his own. With the help of a town of werewolf-worshipers and the unlikely ally of a minor league hockey player, she will fight to the end if she has to—anything to keep from being banished to the land of the dead for all eternity…

Lucy was once the Etruscan goddess of the moon. However, as her worshipers forgot her, her powers waned. I loved that she didn’t fight it and just found a way to settle into her lesser role in the modern world, content to sing and surround herself with the few worshipers she had left to her. I found it funny that she passed her time singing in her bar, raising her kids, and never missing a local minor league hockey game. It made her into a real and relatable character. Her schoolgirl crush on John Stevenson, one of the hockey players, only made her more adorable.

Brand has played hockey for as long as he can remember. It’s his life and he loves it. However, he has a secret he’s hiding—unintentionally—that will both change his life and quite possibly save Lucy’s, too. I liked Brand from the moment I met him. He’s very unassuming and yet confident in himself and his skills at the same time. It’s an odd combination to find in a man like this but very attractive as well. He’s humble while still knowing he has what the job requires. Brand is the perfect complement to Lucy’s fiery nature.

How to Worship a Goddess is a strong follow up to What a Goddess Wants. While still filled with the sexiness and humor of the first novel, this sequel brings much more to the table. The author was able to add an additional layer of story to the book, giving it more depth and drawing the reader in that much farther. When you add in the unexpected twist near the end, you find yourself completely hooked. If this second novel is any indication of how the series is going to grow, then I have faith that it’s only going to keep getting better book by book!

Book Stats:

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (December 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402251505
ISBN-13: 978-1402251504

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Books in the Forgotten Goddesses series in the order they should be read
What a Goddess Wants
How to Worship a Goddess

Clipped by Samantha Potts

Lacy — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:56:14 +0000

Evan Williams is a small town teenage girl who dreams of escaping from her miserable life in Rainwater, Mississippi. Her mother is an alcoholic, with a revolving door of men, and her father is an absentee dad. Her only hope for escape is getting a scholarship to attend college far away.

Accepted to Yale with her tuition paid for by a mysterious benefactor, she leaves to start a new and, hopefully, better life with no idea just how dramatically her life is about to change. She finds herself at the heart of a prophetic battle between angels and demons, good and evil, and Heaven and Hell. Will she make the right choice?

Evan is smart, resourceful, strong, and loyal. She experiences a lot of terrible, horrifying things but keeps right on fighting. But too often she rarely takes the time to look beyond the surface of much in in her life, particularly the people and the strange things that happen to her or around her.

Layland Justice is the fantasy hero who is almost too good to be true. He’s handsome, rich, intelligent, and generous, but there’s a lot more going on with him than appears. His backstory is intriguing and makes him an interesting character who definitely draws you into the novel, but he needed more development, particularly considering who he turns out to be.

Clipped is an imaginative take on fallen angels, demons, and the apocalypse with a fair amount of potential to be an original and captivating read. The plot is interesting and creative, but may not necessarily be suitable or appealing to all readers. Unfortunately, Clipped is full of repetitive, distracting, and frustrating grammar, spelling, usage, and content errors. The language for the entire novel has serious issues. Things like the misspelling of words (i.e., Santa Claus, bawling, decent, etc.) and the misuse of words like hear/here, your/you’re, and there/their/they’re over and over again is a huge and unnecessary distraction. Random changes in viewpoint in the middle of a scene from the main character Evan to her friend Alex and back to Evan again, both in first person, are confusing and distracting. While some of these can be viewed as rookie mistakes, they are still unnecessary and unacceptable throughout an entire novel because they are fairly easy to resolve by proofreading and researching words and things that are unfamiliar.

At times, the expression of the ideas and development of characters and plot interferes with the story. Some of the characters’ reactions, actions, and dialogue are inconsistent with the serious and horrible things that occur and happen to them, especially Evan and Alex. Perhaps it might be viewed as normal behavior for teenagers, but it didn’t ring true for me. A number of things occur and characters do things that don’t fit the story or the character but are used solely to drive the story. The dialogue at times is forced, stilted, and awkward sounding.

It’s really disappointing when a book has promise but is brought down by things that even one good proofread could resolve. Unfortunately, Clipped is one of those books where all of the grammar, spelling, and usage errors made it difficult to follow and appreciate the story because they were distracting and frustrating interruptions. This is book one of the Wing Clipper Series.

Book Stats:

Paperback: 274 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (December 2, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 145633431X
ISBN-13: 978-1456334314

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Legacy of the Bear by Lori K. Johnson

Storm — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:15:08 +0000

The long winter is nearly over and Marin, Guardian of his Bearwalker Clan, awakes from his hibernation to the arms of his human lover, Lindy, and the almost insurmountable problem of rebuilding his clan. After the disastrous revolt of his clan against Marin’s guardianship led by the cruel Lucien (later thought to be a Devil Bear), the clan numbers are so small that the only hope of survival is to join with another clan. Although a nearby clan shows interest in joining with his, there are huge obstacles to overcome. Humans are the ENEMY, and Marin’s lover is both human and a Protector of the clan. Marin has to ease their fears and their hatred of humans. In addition, it is expected that as the strongest of his clan, he will mate with the Guardian of the other clan—at the cost of his lover’s heart and trust.

While Marin and Lindy struggle with these issues, they also finally have a chance to read his great-grandmother’s journal, a human woman who bore twins fathered by the Guardian, Marowin. Clan legend has it that Marowin was a traitor to the clan, and Marin has carried the stigma of both his human blood and that legacy. The journal holds surprising news and perhaps the answers he needs to solve present-day problems. Past and present weave together and perhaps there is hope for the future.

Legacy of the Bear is the third book in the Bearwalker series and Ms. Johnson has really found her voice. The characters are engaging and multi-dimensional and the scenario is believable. She did an outstanding job weaving past and present together (always a tricky writing device). This book was a really enjoyable light read about a unique species, the Bearwalkers. This is the book where I felt I understood the world they lived in and truly cared about the characters. It can be easily read as a stand-alone.

Book Stats:

Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Mundania Press LLC (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606592807
ISBN-13: 978-1606592809

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Books in the Bearwalker Trilogy in the order they should be read:
People of the Bear
Heart of the Bear
Legacy of the Bear

High School Heroes by James Mascia

Lori — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:48:33 +0000

[/amazon_link]Christine is only a few months from turning sixteen and she has been saving up for a car. Finally, she will not have to rely on her mother for rides anymore. Her biggest problem is getting up the nerve to talk to her crush, football hero Ethan Everett. Until one morning, she wakes up and hears what her mother is thinking. When she gets to school, she hears what her classmates and teachers are thinking. Afraid she’s losing her mind, Christine does not tell anyone. Then she overhears Ethan’s thoughts and realizes she is not the only one with a special gift. Ethan can run faster than is humanly possible. She confides in Ethan who decides they should use their powers for good, become superheroes. Christine is not sure that’s a good idea, and when playing superhero nearly gets them killed, she is more sure than ever that they should just lay low. But hearing what people are thinking leads her to discover that they are not alone. There are more kids like them who are discovering extraordinary abilities. What is going on at her school and whom can they trust?

[amazon_link id="1603182527" target="_blank" ]High School Heroes is a fast-paced, engaging story. Think Fantastic Four meets Mean Girls. Dealing with the typical teenage angst is hard enough without throwing newly-discovered superpowers in the mix. Christine is a smart, likeable heroine who isn’t concerned about what people think of her. She is a refreshing change from the boy-crazy, fashion-obsessed teenagers that seem to dominate so much of the media today. James Mascia has created a story that will appeal to readers of all ages. Comic book meets the paranormal romance genre—an unlikely combination but it works.

Book Stats:

Paperback: 298 pages

Publisher: L & L Dreamspell (August 29, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1603182527

ISBN-13: 978-1603182522

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Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Lori — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:21:43 +0000

Lily is not your typical girl next door. Sure she has an unrequited crush on the captain of the swim team and she worries about her grades and her looks just like any other high school girl. But Lily is also a mermaid and not just any mermaid; Lily is a princess and heir to the throne of Thalassinia. Lily only has until her 18th birthday to find her bond-mate and she is sure she has already found him. You guessed it; captain of the swim team AKA Brody Bennett. But how can she possibly tell him her secret when she can’t even find the courage to ask him to the school dance? It doesn’t help that her obnoxious neighbor, biker-boy Quince, seems to find a way to sabotage any chance she has with Brody at every turn. Lily is running out of time because without a bond-mate, she will be forced to give up the throne. When Quince agrees to help her land her crush, she foolishly goes along with his plan, never realizing the chaos that will ensue.

Forgive My Fins is the classic tale of unrequited teenage love with an underwater twist. Tera Lynn Childs gives us a heroine who is endearingly flawed which makes her easy for teenage girls to relate to. Lily learns that things are not always as they appear and that people can surprise you if you just give them a chance. A fast and fun romantic read which will leave you holding your breath for the sequel, Fins Are Forever.

Book Stats:

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books; Reprint edition (June 28, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061914673
ISBN-13: 978-0061914676

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Books in this series in the order they should be read
Forgive My Fins
Fins Are Forever
Just For Fins

Bloody Valentine By Melissa De la Cruz

Lori — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:12:52 +0000

Bloody Valentine is a collection of three short stories focusing on some of the main characters in Melissa de la Cruz’s critically acclaimed Blue Bloods series. The first story focuses on Oliver Hazard-Perry. Still reeling from letting Schulyler Van Alen go, Oliver is lost. As a human familiar, he is doomed to never love another but Schuyler for his entire life. Then he meets a bartender named Freya who sees into his very soul and Oliver begins to hope that maybe, with Freya’s help, he can move past the pain and finally heal. But Freya is not just a bartender, and a future with Oliver is not at all what she has planned.

In the second tale, we go back in time to the 1980s and discover how Schulyler’s parents met and fell in love. The final story picks up where Misguided Angel left off. Jack and Schuyler are desperately trying to avoid the Venators who are hot on their trail just long enough to complete their bonding ceremony. They know they have little time together before he must return to New York City and she must fulfill her grandfather’s legacy. When her best friend, Oliver, is kidnapped on his way to their bonding ceremony, Schuyler and Jack are forced to put their bonding on hold to save Oliver’s life.

If you haven’t read the Blue Blood series, while these short stories can stand on their own, you may find them a little confusing. For those who have read the series, they are wonderful filler until the next book, Lost in Time, is released in October 2011. Finally we get a glimpse of the romance between Allegra, Schuyler’s mother, and her human familiar. And fans of Oliver will love the first story that introduces us to one of the characters in Ms. De la Cruz’s new series Witches of East End due out this summer. Bloody Valentine is a quick, enjoyable read and an absolute must for fans of the Blue Blood series.

Book Stats:

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (December 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1423134494
ISBN-13: 978-1423134497

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Night Prey by Tara Nina

Hannah — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:54:29 +0000

Sir Alessandro Pantera is a Black Night for King George III. He still questions why he was granted such an honor. The King was disappointed that he turned down an opportunity to be the next Duke of Dartmouth. Alessandro felt he would please the king by becoming a Black Night. Though he did it to please his King, he also wanted to give back to his loyal men. He did wonder why his new village needed protection. He possessed many secrets, all used to protect his men and village. Alessandro was a shapeshifter. In Black Panther form, he was brilliantly fast, powerful, and always several steps ahead.

Rose Smythe appears to be a mute young woman. She was traveling with her father when they were attacked by a group of assailants. Their horse and cart were stopped, vandalized, and the two were personally attacked. Luckily, Alessandro was on duty protecting Dartmouth Pantera Manor’s grounds. In panther form, he was able to sense the danger and intervene to save them both. Transforming from panther to human form, he rescues Rose. Unsure why he feels an overwhelming desire to protect her, he carries her back to the Manor. He ensures they are both cared for, injuries attended to, and makes arrangements for rest. He is unable to leave her side.

Rose awakens startled to find a black panther sleeping at the end of her bed. Confused, she quickly recalls the events of the attack, the naked man who rescued her, and familiarity of the magnificent animal in her bed. She slowly approaches the panther, all the while feeling desires that any proper girl should not feel. Ashamed, she stops, but only for a moment as curiosity wins over. The arousal was instantaneous between the two. He knew he should not be in this situation either with a young woman in his quarters, but he was lured by her scent. Unable to give into desire, he ensures no other panther would try to mate with her. He was about to discover Rose, though mute, had many secrets as well.

Alessandro and his men quickly learn from Rose’s father that the King is in danger. The two have information that must be dealt with at once. The king’s life was at stake. In the midst of discussing the threats, Rose decides to share her most sacred secret with Alessandro.

Tara Nina’s Night Prey is a story that takes place in the 1800s. Nina is able to ravel the traditions of that time period with a world of shapeshifters. The desire that Alessandro possesses for Rose is palpable and enticing for the reader. Rose’s innocence is refreshing yet offers many surprises along the way. The author offers the reader an interesting mixture of drama, adventures, sexual desires, and still is able to add a comical edge.

Book Stats:

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 260 KB
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave (October 22, 2010)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004ASOR4S

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