Christopher C. Payne's Blog, page 15

Unraveled

Title: Unraveled (Intertwined #2)

Author: Gena Showalter

Publisher: Harelquin, August 2010

Genre: Paranormal YA

Format: Ebook and Print

ISBN: 0373210221

For the first time in his life, Aden Stone feels like his life is worth living. The foster home he lives in for once isn't half bad, and the guy (Dan) who took him in actually seems to care about him.  But the things that make life worth living the most are things he can't tell Dan about. Why? Because everyone would think he was crazy.

Well, crazier than they already think he is.

His girlfriend is a vampire princess and his best friend is a werewolf. His other friend, Mary Anne, is different too, somehow muting the abilities that Aden has. She also mutes the abilities that the four, -oops, I mean three souls living inside Aden have as well.

Did I forget to mention that Aden has some souls living inside him?

I did?

My bad.

One can time travel, one can raise the dead and possess other people's bodies, oh yeah, and one can also tell the future. Which happens to be Aden's least favorite ability these days.

Because they have predicted Aden's death. More precisely a knife through the heart. And what's worse? It appears that Aden's death is coming a lot sooner than he had planned.

But before he can even think about saving his own life, he has to navigate through a war that is brewing among the creatures of the dark (witches, fairies, vampires and werewolves) and also be crowned king of the vamps. While still human.

Good thing he has all these new found friends that have his back.

This book totally rocked my world. I remember when I finished reading Intertwined, the first book in the series, and I was totally bummed that I was going to have to wait, like, forever to read this one. (Don't you hate when you have to wait sooo long in between books? It's like torture.) So I went up to Barnes and Noble with a friend of mine and there sat Unraveled. At first I didn't realize what I was looking at because I read Intertwined on a Nook and didn't know what the cover looked like, so I just thought I was seeing the print version. Well, I picked it up (Hey, I had to show my fav new book some love. What? Like you don't hug books too. Gheesh.) and read the back and realized that this was the second book!! I didn't have to wait!! I about died right there in the aisle. My friend laughed her butt off. She said she thought it must be Christmas.

Indeed.

You can guess what happened next.

I bought the book and went home and ate it. No, not literally. That would be gross and very filling considering the thickness of the book. It was a feast for my eyes and mind. I read this monstrous book in, like, two days.

I loved it. Riley is fantastic. If he was real I would ask him to marry me. (Yeah I'm already married, so what?) He is the werewolf, and he's totally in love with Mary Anne. He is also the guardian of Victoria, the vampire princess. He is loyal and strong and totally hot. He also has two brothers that make their debut in this book. Two brothers that are cursed! I cannot wait 'til the next book to hear more about these two hottie werewolves.

Riley and Mary Anne's story line was really great and kept me reading. We find out some secrets about Mary Anne (well, more like abilities) that endanger her future and Riley's as well. (No, I am not going to tell you what they are – read the book!) I was left wondering what on earth is going to happen.

Aden. Ah, Aden. Where do I begin? This kid has had a rough life, for sure. And in this book he gets royally roughed up. I mean how many times can a guy almost die? Wow. The fact that he gets up and brushes himself off and keeps fighting is awesome. He is made of some tough stuff. And then he becomes Vampire King. That's right and he's still human. If that doesn't tell you all you need to know about him then shame on you. (For real, you should be ashamed.)

I really like Aden, he is resilient and he is totally strong, but you know there is this human side to him. Yeah, I know he IS a human. But in a paranormal/supernatural world, humanity is sometimes lost. He always does what he thinks is best for everyone around him and even the souls trapped inside him – even if doing what's best hurts him. I like that.

Victoria is a good character is well; she is a nice balance to Aden. I think so because she is a lot less human. She doesn't really understand human feelings but she really begins to try because she loves Aden. And at the end she totally risks everything for him.

About the end. OMG. When I finished the book, I was like NOOOO! But it was a good no. I gotta hand it to Gena Showalter she has woven quite a tale here. The book is fast paced and has a lot going on. You are never bored and the twists and turns in the story keep you turning the page. All the characters are likable in their own way and you want to know more about them.

I would recommend this book to any serious paranormal lover. This book has something for everyone: fight scenes, witches, vamps, werewolves, romance and adventure. And it's a long book, so you really have time to get into it.

I cannot wait to read Twisted. Sadly, it is not sitting at the book store waiting to be found. It won't be out 'til next year. But no worries, I will be waiting. 

So there you have it. My opinion.

Dolphin Tale

Title: Dolphin Tale

Format: In Theaters Now

Genre: Family, inspirational, Based on a True Story

Rating: PG

Director: Charles Martin Smith

Starring: Harry Connick Jr., Ashely Judd, Winter (the dolphin!), Morgan Freeman, Austin Stowell, Nathan Gamble (as Kyle)

The ocean is vast and beautiful, untamed and free. The wildlife that call these waters home are just as free as the sea itself and spend their days swimming and exploring. Unfortunately, these days in the sea aren't as carefree as they could be.

While out swimming a young dolphin was caught in a crab trap and was severely injured. The dolphin washed ashore and was lying helpless in the surf when a young boy happened by and helped her. Using a pocket knife he cut the rope away from the dolphin and talked to her. The dolphin whistled her thanks as a Marine rescue group rushed to the scene.

The dolphin is Winter and the boy is Kyle. Both lost for different reasons. Winter, facing the amputation of her too-damaged tale and possibly death and Kyle facing summer school, an absentee father and a cousin going off to war. They were unlikely friends, but exactly what the other needed.

With the expertise of a brilliant marine biologist and a prosthetic doctor and the unwavering faith of a boy, Winter slowly begins to heal. But Winter isn't the only one that's healing. She inspires hope to everyone that hears her name.

I saw a sneak peak of this movie a few weeks ago on the military base my husband works at (yes, I am late in getting this review up) and I will say that I only went because my son loves anything about sea life. I think he might be a marine biologist in the making.

Yes, I know you are thinking, Why wouldn't she want to see this movie? It's so wonderful and inspiring. To that, I agree, one hundred percent. But allow me to tell you this: I'm a big baby.

Yup, that's right. This kind of movie makes me cry and I don't like to cry. Lol. But, my son wanted to see it and so off we went.

It was a great movie. I would recommend it to all ages, to anyone who wants to feel inspired and feel good. At first I dreaded the whole "accident" scene fearing it would go into detail, but it didn't. We saw Winter lying on the beach, clearly hurt, but nothing too dramatic.

This is a wonderful tale, it teaches a lot of lessons that children (and adults!) can learn from.  It teaches never to give up, patience, friendship, love, and dedication.  It is a good reminder that miracles can happen.

I can see why Winter is such a symbol of hope to those who have been faced with any kind of rehabilitation.

So did I tear up in the movie?

Yeah, I did. But not because it was sad, because this movie isn't sad. It's hopeful and happy.

The actors in this movie did a wonderful job. Nathan Gamble, who played Kyle was great. He had an easy chemistry with Winter (who played herself), and he seemed at ease in the water and on camera. Harry Connick Jr. did a great job playing the Marine biologist who cares for Winter, he was convincing and fit right into the movie.

Frankly, there isn't anything I didn't like about the movie. It's worth the time to see it and is great for families.

So there you have it. My opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

Shakespeare In Love

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year released 1998

Universal Studios

Directed by John Madden

Rated A+

I know a lot of you are probably asking yourself this very question: What's to love in Shakespeare In Love? Well I'm here to tell you that you'll love…everything. Well I know I did! I've seen this film countless times and each time as the credits roll I want to cry tears of sadness and joy. I know that might sound strange, but it's true. I love Shakespeare In Love. Its such a very moving piece that by the end you want more and more – you never want it to end.

I thought the story was spectacular! Its a spin-off of a true story and fiction all at the same time. While you watch this movie you feel as if you're there as some invisible bystander: no one sees you, but you see all. You watch as the story progresses. You get to watch over and over again as the hero and heroine fall in love. I can tell you right now I shall never grow tired of Shakespeare In Love. To me it is a classic and needs to be remembered forever.





Acting – The acting was done great! I loved Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench, and Ben Affleck in this film. I thought that they all did a wonderful job acting in this movie. I couldn't think of a better cast than this one. What I loved most was you could feel the emotions: passion, love, hatred, loathing, misery, loneliness, and a utter, utter sadness that you can't help but love. You find yourself wanting to cry, laugh, scream, jump for joy, and cry again all in very short notice.

Direction – The direction was done very well. I couldn't have asked for it to be any better, or any different. A film is not a film without proper direction, and this film had it and much, much more.

Visuals – I was happy that the visuals were as they should be for the time period. I enjoy the wardrobe of the cast, the props, location, the people of thats time way of doing things, and the emotions of the characters. You can feel

everything from laughter, tears, love, happiness, sadness, joy, sorrow, and many others by the facial features of the characters and how they are feeling in that very instant.

Overall I give this film a A+ I can't think of anything remotely wrong with this film. It is a classic to my eyes and it always will be.





Review by Lura

Paradox – The Angels Are Here

War changes everything. 900 years ago, my world was a different place. Today, Grace's strange but idealised world is turned upside by a visitor – The Angel of Death. And as Grace struggles to survive with her loss, she is also forced to endure haunting visions of the brutal and untimely deaths of others. Juliette.
My Thoughts:



The definition of Paradox:

A seemingly illogical or self-contradictory statement or suggestion, that may, in fact, be very true.

As the book opens we are introduced to Abaddon, a handsome man with yellowish eyes, and an extremelly cruel soul and blood that bleeds black, as do all the Grigorians in his family. Siena, his cousin and Theria, his sister. Now we have not yet met his brother Cerebrus who is High Ruler, but he is mentioned quite a bit as Abaddon loathes him and wants everything that is his brothers…even his sister-in-law. A war is in progress, this war is between the the fallen House of the Grigorians and the House of the Bulguardians, in the ancient city of Altair, in Aquila Constellation.

We then move onto Grace and the start of her story, Juliette, an angel who starts as the narrator of the story, and Grace, a human child with strange nightmares and angels constantly flocking to her, Hope is one of the first Angels that come to oversee the protection of Grace, and Grace, unaware just thinks Hope is an imaginary friend. Her father is aware of what's going on and is happy to see Hope as Grace has no real friends at school or at home and knows Hope will protect his daughter.

After the huge loss of Graces father, Hope is no longer able to help Grace, and along comes Graces second Angel to help her, Angela, and the Police Officer that broke the news about her fathers death to her Mother and to Grace.  Now I haven't quite figured out wheither or not if he is an Angel, or something else, Angela knows, but is not revealing yet, I am hoping book 2 will give me more of him as I really like his character.

The book flips back and forth from Grace, to the war, and the Grigorians and family, I don't feel it confused me, but you have to read very carefully, it is a read that makes you think outside the box and take a look at what you always thought, or believed in.  I love how we get to grow up with Grace, as it starts when she is little and ends off when she is eleven or so years old, and has come to have a great friend in Angela. I laughed out loud in parts at the interaction with Grace and Angela, as Angela is not your everyday average little girl, a little weird at times, but Grace never noticing. I teared up when Grace lost her father, as I also have lost my father, not at such a young age, just 4-years ago so I could relate to her pain and grief. The way Patti described both Grace's grief and Kate's (Grace's Mom) grief it was hard for me to read, it brought up a painful time in my life.

While having some questions, I also kept in mind knowing book 2 is on its way soon, and like all good books that have more than one book, all will be revealed in good time, and that is why I am so super excited to read the next book. I absolutely loved this one, I wish it was a bit longer, but knowing more is to come it only has made me anticipate the next book even more. It sets my imagination to wonder, what will be revealed next, will we find out more about the Police Officer, will Angela reveal who he is? Will we figure out why Grace keeps traveling in and out of her body to different times and people? And lets not forget that cliffhanger at the end OMG I closed the book and said to myself, "I have to have more right now" LOL. I love Patti's style of writing, it is a book you have to read slowly and carefully, but only so that you don't miss anything, Patti does such a phenomenal job at describing every detail, and I am dying to figure out how a war 900-years ago revolves around a little girl and her Angel friend.

The book is 115 pages, and is an introductory to much more to come, it was meant to give the reader a chance to get to know Grace a bit better, and what a wonderful job Patti did with that. I have to thank Patti for allowing me to read her novella and I would recommend this book to all. It is a superb book and I think you will all enjoy it as much as I did.

This review was written by Natalie Hillier.

Jokers Club

Jokers Club by Gregory Bastianelli

ISBN: 9781936564309

Expected Publication Date: Nov  4, 2011 by JournalStone (e-book available now at www.journal-store.com)

Available in e-book, hardback, paperback

Ever do something you were not proud of as a child?  Did you ever dream that one blunder would haunt you for the rest of your life?  Ever think a mistake you made as a child could leave you paying the debt with your life years later?  I made more of my share of mistakes growing up, I'm just happy I wasn't a part of the Jokers Club.

Once upon a time, there was a group of pleasant, young boys.  They had meetings trying to decide how to better their community, how to help their fellow man, and how to lift the self-esteem of all those around them.

This is NOT their story.

The Jokers Club had a different agenda.

Instead of planting  flowers, walking  the old lady across the street, and smiling at the dork in class, the Jokers Club is smoking (oh no!), removing  dead bodies from the grave (NO JOKE!!), and something much, much worse (DUN DUN DUN!!!).

The group of young men disband, as most do as they grow up (or until something tragic happens), and years later a reunion is underway.  Each of the members has their own agenda when attending the get-together.  One wants to rekindle old friendships, one wants to regain lost inspiration, one wants to borrow money, and yet another wants to show how powerful he has become.

The sleepy little town they come from is not too happy to see the return of these fellows, and when tragedy strikes the Jokers Club once again, the police are more than happy to keep an eye on these known troublemakers.  But is it fair to judge these men based on their past?

Just in time for Halloween comes a brilliant horror novel that keeps you guessing the end until the very last page.  When I started reading this, I was instantly drawn in by the rich detail and a clever introduction.  I kept reading because of the characters, the plot, and the never ending twists and turns.  The events that unfold in this book are truly horrifying, heartbreaking, and disturbing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horror.  This horror is good for everyone, it leaves you knowing what happened but without the extreme gore and icky bits flying all over.  You can add in as much or little detail in your own head as you want.  The author gives you enough to paint any kind of picture you want.   Like a bit of mystery with your horror?  This provides 110%.  I KNEW what was going to happen.  I KNEW who did it, who the terrible nightmare was. This is one of the only times I will say I was perfectly okay with being DEAD WRONG.

This Halloween season, or anytime you want a good spine-chilling thrill, grab a copy of this and settle in.  You will not want to get up until you have finished.  (Keep a flashlight handy and maybe  a favorite teddy?)

The Pentacle Pendant

The Pentacle Pendant

By:  Stephen M. DeBock

ISBN:  9781936564279

Expected Publication:  October 14, 2011

Available Format:  Hardcover, Paperback, ebook

My Rating:  ★★★★☆

In the throes of passion, Claire doesn't take her lover seriously when he confesses he is a werewolf and asks if he can change her.  When she awakes, it isn't such a joke to her any longer.  Claire manages to somehow adjust to her new life.  Soon, however, her lover is led astray by another woman who wants his gift as well as his loyalty.  When she realizes his heart belongs to Claire, she vows to destroy both their lives forever.  Now, Claire is pursued by agents who wish to protect her and the evil that wishes to end her life.  Who will succeed, and will Claire's humanity survive the heartbreak and loss she must endure along the way?

Don't let the synopsis fool you.  This isn't really a romance novel.  There are werewolves and vampires and big, burly military guys…okay, so that doesn't help much does it?  Well, how about a kick ass protagonist who is after the next righteous kill and a nasty vampire that mutilates her boyfriend?

I love the way Claire's character was introduced as cruel and vicious.  It makes the reader want to hate her initially.  Then, we get to go back and hear her story and see how she got to that point and what is driving her to be so vicious.  We see her in a whole new light and can't help but have sympathy.

I'll probably get labeled a prude again, but all the sex in the first half or so started to get on my nerves a bit.  I get what the author was putting across, but at some point, I really wanted more content and less bedroom. I was also a teensy bit put off by the art teacher's intro to the story.  At first, if felt like he was interrupting the plot…but as things continued to develop, it was easy to see exactly what a very pivotal purpose his character served.  And, in a way, the interruption fit perfectly with his character (i.e. irritatingly persistent).

Overall, this is a great take on the darker side of werewolves and especially vampires.  It's nice to step away from the young adult interpretations of these creatures now and then.  This story evoked so many reactions and emotions while being satisfyingly entertaining.  What more could you ask for?!?

Review by Cassie McCown

The Juliet Spell

The Juliet Spell

By:  Douglas Rees

ISBN:  9780373210398

Expected Publication:  September 27, 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Available Format:  Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Miranda has waited her whole life to be Juliet, and her chance is finally here.  Instead of depending on fate, and the judgment of the director, Miri puts together a fame spell that will ensure she snags the role.  Much to her surprise, a handsome young man appears in the middle of her table—a young man that says he is Edmund Shakeshaft, the younger brother of none other than William Shakespeare himself!  Miri finds this might be a bit more than she bargained for, and the balance of time and history has been seriously disrupted.  She and her friends have to find a way to make things right even if it means breaking Miri's heart.

I have to say, Douglas Rees is pretty in tune with the teenage girl.  Miranda is an entertaining female character, and thank goodness she isn't angsty or whiney!  I think some of the things she has had to face in her life have made her a stronger girl, and she handles this new adventure with grace and flair (as does her mother!).  Conjuring up this crazy spell in the middle of a table with a volcano of salt was brilliant—absolutely something I could have seen myself doing once upon a time, just for kicks.  And, I probably wouldn't have been too upset if some handsome, charming guy just happened to show up, even if he was from the sixteenth century and needed a good bath.

This little novel is full of wit and charm, and you really can't go wrong with a bit of Romeo and Juliet.  I especially love the banter between the brothers, Edmund and William.  I also love the fact that Miri's dad is a psychologist who has gone away to "find himself"—priceless!  My favorite part of the book was where they performed the play at the outdoor mall. I could picture every bit of it, and I WANTED to be there!

This book isn't going to make you contemplate the meaning of life or run for president. There are things that are simply unbelievable or unrealistic, so don't try to read too much into the plot. It is purely a fun, YA (mostly chick) lit that will most definitely make you smile.

I'm just wondering why I haven't read any of Rees' other work yet??

Review by Cassie McCown

The Marked Son (Keepers of Life #1)

The Marked Son (Keepers of Life #1)

By: Shea Berkley

ISBN:  9781937044015

Published August 2, 2011 by Entangled Publishing

Available Format:  Paperback, ebook

My Rating:  ★★★★★

All his life, Dylan Kennedy has been an outcast, forgettable.  With no father and a fraction of a mother, he's learned to live life the only way he knows how, expecting nothing but disappointment.  When his mom suddenly dumps him on his grandparents and runs, it's just more of the same for poor Dylan.  But, on his grandparents' sheep farm, something starts to change.  Dylan sees a ghost that he has dreamed of his whole life, a young woman in white roaming the nearby forest.  Pretty soon, Dylan learns there is much more to his troubled past than he even knew, and he is thrust into a war in a world he never even knew existed.

I really, really loved this book.  I love how the author switches between Kera and Dylan's POV, though I was a little distracted that Dylan spoke in present tense while Kera's part was past.  But, this story was fantastic!  Berkley did an awesome job weaving little details in and bringing the lives and worlds of both these young people to life.  The characters were so well rounded and the scenery was so rich; I felt I was right there in the middle of it all. It transported me like a really great book should!

This was also a fairly unique plot—no vampires and werewolves.  There were lots of magical and mysterious creatures, and each and every one had their own distinct characteristics.  I love how the author uses the pure vs. half-blood as the major conflict and how completely despicable Navar is throughout the story.  My favorite character is a tie between Jason and Bodog—both strong with big hearts underneath.  I was very pleased with the way Dylan matured during the story as he learned more and more about himself.  He grew to accept who he was, and that is a big lesson for the target audience.

There is the slight love triangle, and it was completely unrealistic how quickly the two main characters fall in love.  BUT, it really makes sense in this story because they have "known" each other their whole lives and they were really destined to be together.  I am also impressed that Kera is a pretty strong heroine even though Dylan is really the focus of this book.  She is forced into things she does not want, but she does fight for herself and works very hard to get Dylan to be a part of her world.  Sometimes accepting the hand you are dealt is harder than trying to fight back, and I respected Kera for how well she handled the challenges she faced.

I'll say it again—I loved this book!  I cannot wait for this story to continue…

Dragon's Oath

Dragon's Oath (House of Night novella #1)

By:  P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

ISBN:  9781250000231

Published July 12, 2011 by St. Martin's Press

Available Format:  Hardcover, Paperback, ebook, audiobook

My Rating:  ★★★★★

Long before he was Dragon, professor at the Tulsa House of Night, he was Bryan, a typical, unruly young man full of spirit and mischief.  After his father banishes him to America, Bryan is marked as a vampyre on the docks and given a choice to remain in London or build a new life across the ocean.  Choosing the new life, Dragon quickly becomes Sword Master and favored by all in his new home.  When young Anastasia becomes Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, Dragon is faced with a new challenge:  love.  Dragon must ward off a dark power while protecting his beloved Anastasia.  Will he rise to the challenge or will they both be destroyed?

I'm definitely a House of Night fan, although some of the later books were a bit on the bland side.  I was thrilled to get this extra glimpse into Dragon Lankford's life.  This novella starts as Dragon is mourning his bride's untimely death at the hands of the dark power that has been unleashed in Tulsa.  He recalls his memories of his early life—being disowned by his father, marked, coming to America, and meeting Anastasia.  Through this part of his story, we learn the full impact of his oath to the beautiful professor and what it means when he breaks that oath to avenge her death.  How will the darkness lead him from there?

It is great to be able to go back and see Dragon as a human and a younger more stubborn fledgling.  He is very much like the main characters we meet throughout the House of Night series, and like those characters, he learns many important life lessons very early and very quickly.  Anastasia is a pivotal part of his life, bringing him a new understanding and leading him down a new path to help him become the wise and respected professor he is later in life.

P.C. Cast has such a beautiful, imaginative talent with storytelling.  I am always drawn completely into her stories and sad when it is over.  Kristin is able to add that extra element of youth to the House of Night series, and it is once again obvious in this telling of Dragon's early life.

Dragon's Oath is a great way to get a quick House of Night fix for those who are anxiously awaiting the next installment of the series.  If you have never read any of these books, this is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the story and style.  Try it out!  You just might love it as much as I do…

Review by Cassie McCown

No Money Marketing, All You Need is Like

Title: No Money Marketing, All you Need is Like

Author: Angela Yuriko Smith

Format: Ebook

Publisher: By Angela Cato August 2011

Genre: Marketing Strategies

In this super informative book, author Angela Yuriko Smith, walks us through her tested marketing plan so that authors everywhere can amp up the sales of their book. But you don't have to be an author to benefit from this book. Got something to sell? Want to get your name out there for future projects? You need this book. It will help you in ways you never imagined.

There are some great strategies mapped out here and Angela already did the work for you! It's a no brainer! Before publishing this book she wrote End of Mae (a paranormal book) and self-published it. Then the real work began. She used all her marketing strategies to sell her book and she paid close attention to what worked and what didn't.

So don't think that this book is just some author telling you what to do. She put her money where her mouth is and did her research. She knows these strategies work, because she used them, and was successful!

They can work for you too.

So what kind of strategies does she suggest?

My favorite was to dress up like a monkey and wear a hula hoop out on the street! If that doesn't get sales, then nothing will!

JUST KIDDING. LOL.

A very real suggestion that she makes is to make this book (or whatever your selling) your baby. That's right. You be the mommy. Because you know that no one loves a baby like its mother. It's this kind of devotion that will get you the sales you want.

She also talked in depth about a virtual world Single Life and how to take it and use it to your advantage. There are whole worlds out there that are just waiting to be taken advantage of. Personally, the one tip that really caught my attention was how she sent out virtual press releases to like 500 bloggers and reviewers and it cost less than $1.

How awesome is that? I want to do it. You know you want to do it too.

What are you waiting for? Buy this book and put it to good use. The attention that you gain and the exposure your books gains from these strategies will pay for the cost of the book tenfold. (By the way the book is very low in cost).

I urge you to get this book and benefit from someone else's work. Lol. In fact, I might go ahead and say that NOT reading this book could be the one thing that costs you money and sales.

So there you have it. My opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert.