Christopher C. Payne's Blog, page 19

The Shadowing: Hunted

The Shadowing:  Hunted

By: Adam Slater

ISBN:  9781606842614

Expected Publication: September 13, 2011 by EdgemontUSA

Available Format:  Hardback, paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Callum Scott is an ordinary teenage boy with some extraordinary abilities.  Not only can he see ghosts, everywhere, but he also has some precognitive talents.  When Callum starts to realize even the ghosts are frightened, he knows something strange is happening.  Something dark and perilous is hunting him, and even more danger lies just around the corner.  There is more to Callum than he thought, and the fate of the entire world may soon rest upon his shoulders.

I received a copy of Hunted through netGally for review.

I really loved this book.  I loved the characters.  I loved the plot.  I loved it!  My only complaint is there wasn't more…

This is a fantastic YA horror/paranormal read.  It is scary, but not too scary.  It is gruesome, but not too gruesome.  There's a fantastic balance between the human relationships and the cold creepiness of the ghosts and the hunter.  The story itself is a great twist on ghosts and demons.  Slater has a nice, easy writing style, and the story is paced wonderfully.  It's also a very quick read, which is always nice!

Callum seems like just your ordinary teenager, and he handles his abilities so well, without seeming too nonchalant about them.  Gran is a fantastic supporting character.  She is so completely normal, but still has that little edge to her so you know there is something else going on.  This is where I could have used a little more—I want to know ALL about Gran and Callum's family and how they got to this point!  I am really hoping the next book in the series, Skinned, delves a little deeper.

This is a good YA that will appeal to male audiences as well.  There is enough horror and gore involved, and there really isn't any romance, certainly no swooning, silly girls.  The hunter is downright gross and evil, and it is great!  The horror genre is really growing on me again, so I was fascinated with how this character played out.  Even Jacob and Doom gave me the creeps, but I love how their part in the story developed.

Hunted will make your skin crawl, and you might even have a few nightmares, but you will love every second of it!

Review by Cassie McCown

 

Seers

Title: Seers

Author: Heather Frost

Publisher: Cedar Fort

ISBN: 9781599557

Format: Hardcover

 

Kate is an 18-year-old Senior in High School who survives a horrible car accident that her parents don't.

Having been close to death, Kate comes back being able to now see auras.

The only person that she confides in is her quirky and lovable best friend, Lee.

Kate has lost her parents, gained a new power that she tries to hide until she meets Patrick O'Donnell.

Patrick is a Guardian sent to help her.

Why does she need help?

Because Demons want her!

I found Seers to be an interesting enough read.

I thought Foster's views on Heaven to be something new and refreshing.

In this story, when an infant dies, the child goes to Heaven and stays a baby until the parents can join the child and raise it together.

Heart warming, right?

In Heaven, the perfect age is considered 25.

No matter how old you are when you die, you go to Heaven at age 25 and stay that way forever.

17 was my favorite year, personally, but I didn't write the story.

On to the review……

Foster uses what seems to be the normal formula for writing a paranormal story with romance.

There is the proverbial love triangle, quirky side-kick friends, good vs. evil and the, "Woe is me," for having these darned powers.

What she does address, that most stories don't, is that Patrick is over 200 years old.

200-year-old guy falling for an 18-year-old…..CREEPY!

Foster addresses this issue and explains it (Finally!) so that it doesn't seem so creepy and seems almost believable.

One thing that really bothered me in the story is the sometimes lack of common sense of the characters and the predictability at times.

I'm at a cross roads with this story, I enjoyed how she wrote her characters for the most part as they are likeable.

I was interested in her new take on age old story lines but I felt that the book lacked a little more action.

Foster does have some little surprises in store for her readers in this book but not enough for my personal liking.

I believe what she was trying to do was set the stage for the next book in the series.

I guess it all comes down to this, will I read the next installment?

Yes, I believe that Foster shows promise, so when the next one comes out, I will read it, review it and let you know if I was right or wrong….

 

Review written by: Jenn P

Reign of the Nightmare Prince

Reign of the Nightmare Prince

By:  Mike Phillips

ISBN:  9781936564118

Published July 8, 2011 by JournalStone

Available Format:  Paperback, ebook

My Rating:  ★★★★☆

Supernatural beings with powers of destruction are invading and destroying Rakam's world.  Rakam and his great-grandfather, Mabetu, must lead their people in a fight for survival.  Survival means defeating an enemy with superior weapons and a thirst for blood. Although it seems like a fight he's destined to lose, Rakam is willing to die to save his world from certain annihilation.

I received an advanced copy of Reign of the Nightmare Prince from the publisher for proofing and review.

When I began reading this manuscript, I have to say I was a bit unsure about where it was taking me.  At times, I was a bit distracted because it was jumping from one scene to another.  I was having a difficult time imagining the characters and setting for a while.  I was immediately reminded of the European settler's invasion which eventually drove out the American Indians, but I knew that wasn't quite right either.  Finally, it is obvious the "Europeans" are far more advanced than I was visualizing, and they are indeed form a future Earth.  I think a few illustrations within this story would go a long way in tying some of the elements together for the reader.

Rakam is an extremely likable and well-rounded character.  You can tell from the very beginning he has a kind soul, and he will be able to accomplish great things.  Of course, I absolutely adore Betu (given my fondness for animals in literature).  The way Rakam takes Betu in and the bond they share just further demonstrates his true character.  My favorite character is Mabetu for his humor and downright spunkiness!  One of my favorite quotes of the story is by Mabetu:

"You had better be delusional," said Mabetu gruffly. "Or does your wife feel like a hairy old man?"

I think Mike does a great job developing his characters.  I love how the Shaitani are both barbaric and destructive, yet they still possess some redeeming qualities.  It makes it more difficult sometimes to decide whose side you should be more supportive of, because, essentially, we would be the Shaitani if anything were to happen to our world.  How exactly would we behave in a desperate situation?  How have we behaved in our past?  (I'm pretty sure we know the answer to that).

I understand that some may find this book a little difficult to get into, and if you aren't much of a sci-fi/fantasy sort of person, you may not have the patience to stick with it.  Those of you who do, I believe, will easily be able to find something to love and/or relate to in the story.

Mike Phillips will be interviewed on JournalStone's Blog Talk Radio show, JournalJabber, co-hosted by yours truly, on Tuesday, August 9 at 8PM CST.  Tune in to learn more about Mike and Reign of the Nightmare Prince (like where exactly did that title come from?)—and who knows what else!

Review by Cassie McCown

Blood Heavy

Title: Blood Heavy

Genre: Paranormal

Format: Ebook

Daniel "Jerry" Jericho is your average teenage guy.

Well, if you consider his blood to equate to toddlers and Kool-Aide to what it is to vampires, that is.

Jerry's blood has the ability to give vampires even more wicked strength than they already have and

cures them of their weaknesses to sunlight, silver and stakes.

You know, the usual.

However, his blood could also contain the cure to vampirism as well.

Needless to say, both "good" and bad vampires are out to get him for their own reasons.

Let me first address the cons…….ummmm……Oh!, I got it, Shortt has some mis spelled words and the

cover could use a little work.

And, that's about it for me.

This book was nothing short of outstanding.

Shortt covers all his paranormal bases in this extremely fun read.

He includes, witches, psychics and, of course, vampires.

This story is chocked full of quick wit, snappy comebacks and sarcasm.

Being obviously written by a male, Blood Heavy also has an abundance of action, twists and bombshells both literally and figuratively.

Once again, don't get too attached to a character because they might just bite the dust in this story.

However, it also has heart; you feel the love and comraderie between Jerry, his uncle and his friends that he will do everything and anything to protect.

Shortt acknowledges that his influences came from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, Firefly and

The Avengers and though they are his influences, he is able to make this story his own.

This is Shortt's first novel he self-published- the reason why I wish I were a publisher myself.

I believe this book is phenomenal and deserves to be showcased!

This book has easily become one of my favorite books of all time because of the ability of the author to

give you both an engaging read and one that is also extremely entertaining.

And of course, for my undying love of good, sarcastic quips.

Blood Heavy is book one in a series that as of right now will have 8 more books to come.

If you are a lover of paranormal, I encourage you to give this book a try.

If you are a lover of action, suspense, and sarcasm, this is definitely the book for you.

Either way, buy it, read it, share it with your friends and tell everyone how much you loved it.

I know I did!

Review written by: Jenn P.

Katie's Hellion

Title: Katie's Hellion

Author: Lizzy Ford

Genre: Paranormal

Format: Ebook

ISBN: 1463542828

Katie thinks she's going crazy when a baby immortal and death's personal assistant show

up at her door.

No one believes that this very precocious child is not Katie's and calls her a horrible, unfit mother, not that she wasn't already considered an outcast by her own family anyway.

Katie isn't crazy, everyone's minds have been toyed with to make them believe this is her child.

She was to believe this as well, because she doesn't, her life has now been put at a risk.

Katie is immune to powers of the Immortals.

Cue the battles for Katie as her immunity is a rare commodity that both good and bad

want to duplicate in order to fight the other side.

She is captured by a rogue immortal and thrown into Hell where she's meets Rhyn.

Rhyn is also considered an outcast among the immortals because the poor guy can't control his

own powers.

Once they escape Hell together, Rhyn must protect her from both the good and the bad

Immortals who want to use her gift.

Rhyn is surly from his experience in hell, to say the least, being cast there by his very own brothers. He's angry and unforgiving and sees Katie as a necessary evil to regain his place in immortal society.

She has to try to find a way to trust him in order to survive.

I love this book to put it mildly.

Lizzy Ford has a knack for writing paranormal fiction with real characters and real life problems,

making the story much more believable.

By that I mean her female lead is snarky and doesn't fall in love the moment she meets Rhyn. Rhyn is no knight in shining armor.

No one is perfect in this book, relationships must be worked on like they are in real life.

Okay, so there may be way more action and unrealistic events that real people don't deal with,

but it's called fiction for a reason.

Ford writes characters that are relatable, she gives you twists and turns to keep you turning the pages and cliff hangers that have you counting the days until the next installment.

You may call me sadistic on this point, but I warn you, watch who you get attached to her in her stories as she has a tendency to drop a bomb and kill them off.

I LOVE that!

Why?

Because it makes for a great, unpredictable read.

If you are like me and sick of "bubble gum" romances and predictable story lines,

this book is a MUST read.

Review written by: " Jaded" Jenn P.

Cowboys and Aliens

Cowboys and Aliens

Directed by: Jon Favreau

Released in theaters July 29, 2011

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of western and sci-fi action and violence, some partial nudity and a brief crude reference.

My Rating: ★★★★★

It's 1873 in the Wild West of the Arizona territory.  You've got cowboys.  You've got Indians.  You've got….aliens…

Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) wakes in the desert, injured, with no clue who he is or why he's there. He also wears some fancy bracelet which he cannot seem to remove.  Moseying back into Absolution as a stranger, he is soon recognized as a wanted man and apprehended.  When the local head honcho, Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) comes to retrieve his delinquent brat of a son, he also discovers Jake who previously stole from him.  Suddenly, strange lights are on the horizon manifesting into peculiar flying vehicles that begin snatching the town's citizens.  The enemies, Lonergan and Dolarhyde have to work together to learn exactly what these demon creatures are and how they can rescue their loved ones.

While this film is based on the graphic novel Cowboys and Aliens by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, from what I gather, the only thing they really have in common is the idea of cowboys fighting an alien invasion (and maybe a couple other points that could possibly be spoilers).  Just skimming through the comic, it really focuses on comparing the alien invasion with the immigration and migration of the first white settlers in America, while the movie only occasionally mentions war between whites and Indians.  One screenwriter, Roberto Orci, did point out that while they did take many elements from the comic, the screenplay was completely edited and adapted for live action.  It was also interesting to find out this film has been in process since 1997 when Universal bought the film rights on Rosenberg's proposed story.

Personally, I loved this film.  It might have something to do with Harrison Ford—who knows?  But, really, the story is interesting.  They knew how to get the essence of the West and then throw in the aliens without it being too cheesy.  (They actually researched and handled this very carefully).  Daniel Craig makes a perfect lead, with his James Bond lethalness contrasted with his humanity and vulnerability.  I was disappointed that Ford wasn't present for a large part of the beginning of the film.  One supporting character that I felt made a huge impression on the film was Doc (Sam Rockwell).  He added some extra wit and complexity to the story.

The aliens themselves were appropriately creepy.  Their appearance was influenced by the creatures from Predator and Alien, and they were loosely based on the Anunnaki gods of Babylonian religion, who have a distinct interest in gold.  They also used the tried and true method from the 1980s films, revealing the creatures bit by bit and using lighting, camera work, and music to enhance the experience.  I feel it was quite effective, and I commend everyone involved for successfully combining the western and sci-fi genres in this way!
This is definitely one to own; my son was even asking when we could watch it again…

Captain America: The First Avenger

Captain America: The First Avenger

Directed by: Joe Johnston

Released in theaters July 22, 2011

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action.

My Rating:  ★★★½

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a wisp of a man, is sick of being rejected by the military.  When Dr. Erskine (Stanley Tucci) overhears a discussion between Rogers and a friend and he proves himself morally worthy, Erskine gives him a chance at Project Rebirth, which enhances Rogers' weak body into the epitome of maximum human potential.  As Captain America, Rogers must defend his country against an evil threat who feels he has harnessed the power of the gods, the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving).

I really wanted to love this movie.  I just couldn't help it.  There was something missing, something that would have given it that bit of oomph it needed to be really great.  The build-up seemed to take forever; my six-year-old almost couldn't take it (he's an action sort of guy).  The action scenes either felt forced or were far too short.  The romance was even downplayed too much.  The power source was never even explained, unless I missed it somehow.  I spent most of the movie slightly confused.

My favorite part of the whole film was the ending.  I promise I'm not being facetious.  The twist at the end was genuinely the most exciting part of the whole story.  Hopefully the next installment, which I am almost positive will happen, will be much more entertaining!

Thank God for Tommy Lee Jones' and Stanley Tucci's humor and Chris Evans' and Haley Atwell's pretty faces!  Hugo Weaving makes a pretty convincing Red Skull.  I also love the take on World War II and Hitler's rule (though it was not focused on that at all).  The comic provides a great story line with tons of potential, but I think maybe a different screenwriter or even director might have been helpful.

Check it out sometime and let me know what you think!

Review by Cassie McCown

The Vampire Stalker – Allison van Diepen

Publisher: Scholastic, Incorporated
Date: June 01, 2011
ISBN13: 9780545283755
ISBN: 0545283752
BINC: 3267221
Age:12 and up

Available format: ebook, hardcover

 

The Vampire Stalker – Allison Van Diepen

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world–and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

 

If my favorite fictional character came to life.

 

I'll die? I'll faint? I'll shriek? No, it will be that altogether.

 

Amy was practically in love with Alexander Banks, a dark, mysterious vampire hunter from the Otherworld series written by the awesome author Elizabeth Banks. What were the odds that one day she would actually bumped into him? A million to one! When her favorite fictional character came to life, she doesn't know what to make of it. But one problem, with the characters coming to life, the vampire killings thereby arises too. How would they handle it all?

 

I thought the idea of this book will pull readers in, considering this book relates to readers of all age! Who wouldn't want to see their favorite book characters become alive? Therefore, I had really high hopes for this.

 

4/5

 

He's alive! – Why I loved it.

 

1. I actually love the story plot, and the Otherworld series certainly perked my interest to read it in the real world, now only if there is a real Elizabeth Banks, and I could actually search for Otherworld series in Goodreads. Wait maybe I should do that. Or maybe there is such series???

 

2. I love the story plot! It's fast paced and quite a quick read too. I finished it in a merely couple of hours and I didn't even put it down once. And I would say it wasn't really boring, I was pretty glad that it had a quick start!

 

3. I came to fall in love with the characters, when I was reading it, I was having glimpses of the book I once read – Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors (another worthy book). In sense of writing, they are quite similar, and I had fun reading both.

 

I wished…………-Why I don't rate it a 5.

 

1. Well, for one, although the writing was pretty good, I thought the characters were not sufficiently developed and properly elaborated. I couldn't really absorb the 'love connection' between Alexander and Amy, and I thought they were a bit rushed. I wish they had more…emotions in them though.

 

2. It was quite odd that the characters that originated from the classic time adapted to modern civilization so well in such a short period of time. Although they are curious in basically everything, and occasionally asks weird but funny questions, I do find it too unnatural that they would accept 'Our Chicago' with such open arms. I hope that they presented more of a challenge though.

 

Conclusion

 

This is a great book to curl up with for a light read, and I recommend it to all the readers out there who wished for their favorite book characters to come to life! I certainly did enjoy it and was secretly hoping that Damon(Vampire Diaries), Dimitri (Vampire Academy), Patch (Hush Hush)…..oh you wouldn't want to be bothered with my girl rambles. XD

 

Reviewed by

Natasha Anne

Limitless

Title: Limitless

Director: Neil Burger

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Format: DVD released July 2011

Rating:  PG-13

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbey Cornish

Eddie Morra is a writer with a book contract. But he has writer's block. What's a little writer's block you ask? Well, it isn't little when you haven't even written one word.

Eddie's girlfriend dumps him (well, he is a lazy bum) and he has really bad hair. (I mean seriously dude, do something with yourself!)

But his life changes when he runs into an old friend on the street. A friend who happens to be a drug dealer. (Now that's a guy with connections!!)

Yeah, 'cause drugs just make everything better. But this time, it actually might.

Eddie is introduced to NZT a little clear pill that has the ability to awaken the huge chunk of brain that no one uses. He's skeptical but being that he is already a lazy bum he doesn't have much to lose, so he takes the pill.

And his life changes.

Suddenly he is able to recall everything he has ever read or watched on TV. He can learn any language in one day, outtalk anyone in an intelligent conversation and suddenly has the drive for self improvement (Yes- finally he gets a haircut!). He also sits down and pounds out that novel. His editor can hardly believe her eyes.

In short, his abilities are limitless.

So he takes himself off to Wall Street where he begins to make millions of dollars. He catches the eye of a prominent and powerful business man and is offered a job. Everything is going great.

Until his supply starts to run low…

Surprise! Taking the wonder drug of the century has side effects.

Eddie soon learns that if he doesn't take the drug he won't be able to function and eventually he could die. So he has to figure out a way to never run out while keeping his new boss in the green. But there are some bad guys that find out Eddie's secret to a limitless life. They want him to share his miracle drug, and they aren't taking no for an answer. He is also being stalked by some creepy stalker and the police are hot on his tail.

As everything around Eddie unravels will he be able to hold onto his supply and his life long enough to find a way to get more?

What would you do if the potential for your life was limitless?

This movie was super interesting. For some reason I found myself relating to Eddie (played by Bradley Cooper). No, I am not a bum who lives in a filthy apartment, and I get my haircut regularly. And it is far beyond me how he got a publishing contract for a book that he didn't even have one page written. But I am a writer too. And I recognized the "yeah, right" looks he got when he told his friends he was writing a book. In the beginning I got those looks too.

When an old friend offers him a pill and the possibility to beat his writer's block, I'll admit, I was curious just like he was. (Note: I have never done drugs, nor do I plan to) Well, except for that one time but I didn't inhale… just kidding J. When he took the pill I found it fascinating the way everything in his way of thinking shifted. He seemed to take in every detail of his surroundings and he was lit from within with motivation to clean, write and better himself.

Frankly, sometimes I wondered how be able to process so much in such a short amount of time didn't make him insane. But then again, I guess in some ways it did.

I thought Bradley Cooper did a good job portraying a guy who suddenly had full access to his brain. He did a lot of things and acted to the way I would think a lot of people in his position would. He was both parts full of himself over his new money and popularity but there was still part of his old self in there too. I liked the way that he was in awe of what NZT could do for him but he was also a little afraid of it. He had to make a lot of choices during the movie and I think I would have done a lot of the same things he did.

 The movie didn't have things blowing up and giant robots or anything like that, but it did have really good special effects. When he took the NZT sometimes the viewer would feel as though they were looking through his eyes and seeing the world as he did. There was one part where things seemed to be in fast forward for him and he would walk from street to street, go from place to place and it seemed real and disorienting. When he 'came to' in the morning I really felt like I had been through what he had (without the guilt and hang-over effect).

The plot of this movie was really well thought out. While the idea of drugs isn't unique, I think the idea of one that can open up your mind is. I think most people would be tempted (especially people like Eddie) to try the drug and of course, it is no secret that drugs are highly addictive.

I also think that it isn't a stretch that people would want what he has especially when they see how rich and successful he is becoming. I find it intriguing that it isn't just drugs that can bring you down and make you stupid, but any kind of drug (even ones that make you smart) has the ability to mess with your life. I mean, really, do you think that a drug like NZT would be worth the risk?

Would you risk your safety, your health, the safety of those you love for a drug that may make you rich but will most likely kill you before you can spend the money?

Limitless is as thought provoking as it is entertaining. Even my husband (who sleeps through almost every movie we watch) stayed awake. The movie keeps you guessing, leaves you wondering what Eddie will do next and how he will get out of the situations he finds himself in. The movie is face paced and a lot happens and you won't be bored.

So tell me…what would you do if your potential, your life, suddenly became Limitless?

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

Family Ties

Title: Family Ties

Author: Ottilie Weber

Publisher: Bucks County Publishing, 2011

Genre: Young adult/Fantasy

Format: Paperback, Ebook

ISBN: 0982981694

Once upon a time Abby's great-grandmother was a handful. She lived in Germany and her family was rich. It wasn't as great as people might think though because Emma was sold off into a marriage that she didn't want. Rather than stay and live a life sure to be torture, she runs away to America where she can be the master of her own destiny.

Fast forward many years later to Abby. She had heard the tales of her great granny since she was a small child, and she thought she knew everything there was about Emma until her boring, ordinary summer was interrupted.

By her being kidnapped.

Turns out the least of her problems were that her BFF Cory was checking out the other hottie waitresses where they both waited tables.

She is forced into a car and then onto a private plane where her life is hi-jacked by some dude in Germany who thinks she needs to own up to ol' great granny Emma's mistakes.

And how exactly will she repay Emma's debt?

By marrying the descendant of the man Emma was supposed to marry.

She is taken to a beautiful castle in Germany and given gorgeous dresses to wear. Correction: she wants jeans but is ordered to wear the gowns. Ugh. And to top it off when she steps out of line or even appears to be thinking for herself she is punished.

Meanwhile, back home, Cory is eaten up with guilt over his lost friend and her parents are wondering what happened to their little girl.

Family Ties is a light, fun read. It's a new twist on a classic tale for anyone who enjoys a fairy tale.  I really enjoyed the POV shifts between Abby, Emma and Cory. I think that writing the story in that way made it possible to really get to know the three main characters very well in the story. I also enjoyed the parallel between Abby and Emma. How very much alike these two women were. Sometimes genetics just don't lie. They were both strong characters that had the guts to stand up for what they believed in and not shrivel every time a guy did something they didn't like.

To that I say, You go girl! (Or girl's in this case)

Cory was your typical teenage guy trying to figure out girls and himself. I liked how he seemed to learn about his feelings gradually (or come into them) about Abby. And even though he was just a kid, he still went after Abby to get her out of that castle.

Way to man up, Cory!

There was some repetitiveness to the writing that sometimes threw me off but the enjoyment of the story was not lost. I would say that it is a good summer read. A happy ending amongst bad stuff and two really kick ass girls.

Grab the book and take a break from life, isn't that what fairy tales are made for?

So there you have it. My opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert