Joseph Baneth Allen's Blog, page 89
January 8, 2022
Rick and Morty Season 5
Just finished watching "Rick and Morty - Season 5" released by Warner Brothers.
It's hard to describe the fifth season of Rick and Morty. It does have some intriguing moments and introduces some more of Rick's back story and further moves the separate stories of Birdman and Evil Morty along and ending the season on an intriguing cliff hanger. The fifth season fails when it decides to throw in woke elements.
A Solid Season.
Recommended.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Rick-Morty-Com...
It's hard to describe the fifth season of Rick and Morty. It does have some intriguing moments and introduces some more of Rick's back story and further moves the separate stories of Birdman and Evil Morty along and ending the season on an intriguing cliff hanger. The fifth season fails when it decides to throw in woke elements.
A Solid Season.
Recommended.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Rick-Morty-Com...
Rick and Morty Season 5
Just finished watching "Rick and Morty - Season 5" released by Warner Brothers.
It's hard to describe the fifth season of Rick and Morty. It does have some intriguing moments and introduces some more of Rick's back story and further moves the separate stories of Birdman and Evil Morty along and ending the season on an intriguing cliff hanger. The fifth season fails when it decides to throw in woke elements.
A Solid Season.
Recommended.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Rick-Morty-Com...
It's hard to describe the fifth season of Rick and Morty. It does have some intriguing moments and introduces some more of Rick's back story and further moves the separate stories of Birdman and Evil Morty along and ending the season on an intriguing cliff hanger. The fifth season fails when it decides to throw in woke elements.
A Solid Season.
Recommended.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Rick-Morty-Com...
The Last of Sheila
Just finished watching "The Last of Sheila" released by Warner Brothers.
"The Last of Shelia" is n intriguing cat and mouse murder mystery that was written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins. After it's initial release by in 1973, Sondheim and Perkins won and Edgar Award for the screen play.
Opening with the hit and run death of Shelia after she leaves a late night Hollywood party, the movie fast forwards one year later when the late Shelia's husband hits upon a rather unique way to unmask the killer by inviting everyone he suspects to a game filled mystery cruise among ports in the Mediterranean. Only what he thinks is a clever game turns out to be a more complicated when a killer decides to take over the game and starts a body count. Survival will depend on everyone putting their cards on the table and revealing their secrets - secrets that someone is willing to kill for.
A great classic murder movie mystery.
Highly Recommended.
Ten Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Sheila-bl...
"The Last of Shelia" is n intriguing cat and mouse murder mystery that was written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins. After it's initial release by in 1973, Sondheim and Perkins won and Edgar Award for the screen play.
Opening with the hit and run death of Shelia after she leaves a late night Hollywood party, the movie fast forwards one year later when the late Shelia's husband hits upon a rather unique way to unmask the killer by inviting everyone he suspects to a game filled mystery cruise among ports in the Mediterranean. Only what he thinks is a clever game turns out to be a more complicated when a killer decides to take over the game and starts a body count. Survival will depend on everyone putting their cards on the table and revealing their secrets - secrets that someone is willing to kill for.
A great classic murder movie mystery.
Highly Recommended.
Ten Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Sheila-bl...
January 5, 2022
First Light
Just finished reading "First Light - Switching on Stars at the Dawn of Time" by Emma Chapman, released by Bloomsbury Sigma.
One of the leading researchers into the formation of Population III stars in the early years of the universe, Emma Chapman, who also won the Institute of Physics Jocelyn Bell Burnell Prize, has written a fascinating account of how astronomers and astrophysicists are searching for the first stars in the universe. Chapman's account is also filled with her own journey into searching for the first stars.
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/First-Light-Sw...
One of the leading researchers into the formation of Population III stars in the early years of the universe, Emma Chapman, who also won the Institute of Physics Jocelyn Bell Burnell Prize, has written a fascinating account of how astronomers and astrophysicists are searching for the first stars in the universe. Chapman's account is also filled with her own journey into searching for the first stars.
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/First-Light-Sw...
December 31, 2021
City Under The Sea
Just finished reading "City Under The Sea - A Voyage To The Bottom of The Sea Adventure" by Paul W. Fairman, released by Pyramid Books back in 1965.
Confession time, this original "Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea" novel has been setting among my unread books for nearly two decades now. I honestly don't remember where I bought it from. If I bought it at Chamblin's Book Mine, there isn't the usual store stamp on the front page. I may have bought it on eBay, or I may have gotten it at the now defunct Black Sheep Books. I believe I probably got it from eBay. I can not be sure.
"City Under The Sea" reads like a typical episode from "Voyage To the Bottom of the Sea" as I remember. Admiral Nelson and Captain Crane stumble into a generation spanning conspiracy where a family is collaborating with aliens to steal all of Earth's oceans and effectively killing off any surviving humans. While "City Under The Sea" does not break any new ground in the "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" universe; it does contain a rather odd scene that begins as a gay pick up of one of the Seaview's crewmen but than does a complete one-eighty when the guy of the sister who is hitting up the crewman comes into scene and he disappears. It's a choppy scene that suggests it was rewritten or something was deleted. The brother never makes another appearance in the novel. It's an odd scene that lasts about a half-a-chapter.
Not a bad story, not a great story. I think "City Under The Sea" was written with Fairman only having a bare bones understanding of the series.
Recommended for fans of the television series.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Seaview-Strang...
Confession time, this original "Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea" novel has been setting among my unread books for nearly two decades now. I honestly don't remember where I bought it from. If I bought it at Chamblin's Book Mine, there isn't the usual store stamp on the front page. I may have bought it on eBay, or I may have gotten it at the now defunct Black Sheep Books. I believe I probably got it from eBay. I can not be sure.
"City Under The Sea" reads like a typical episode from "Voyage To the Bottom of the Sea" as I remember. Admiral Nelson and Captain Crane stumble into a generation spanning conspiracy where a family is collaborating with aliens to steal all of Earth's oceans and effectively killing off any surviving humans. While "City Under The Sea" does not break any new ground in the "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" universe; it does contain a rather odd scene that begins as a gay pick up of one of the Seaview's crewmen but than does a complete one-eighty when the guy of the sister who is hitting up the crewman comes into scene and he disappears. It's a choppy scene that suggests it was rewritten or something was deleted. The brother never makes another appearance in the novel. It's an odd scene that lasts about a half-a-chapter.
Not a bad story, not a great story. I think "City Under The Sea" was written with Fairman only having a bare bones understanding of the series.
Recommended for fans of the television series.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Seaview-Strang...
City Under The Sea
Just finished reading "City Under The Sea - A Voyage To The Bottom of The Sea Adventure" by Paul W. Fairman, released by Pyramid Books back in 1965.
Confession time, this original "Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea" novel has been setting among my unread books for nearly two decades now. I honestly don't remember where I bought it from. If I bought it at Chamblin's Book Mine, there isn't the usual store stamp on the front page. I may have bought it on eBay, or I may have gotten it at the now defunct Black Sheep Books. I believe I probably got it from eBay. I can not be sure.
"City Under The Sea" reads like a typical episode from "Voyage To the Bottom of the Sea" as I remember. Admiral Nelson and Captain Crane stumble into a generation spanning conspiracy where a family is collaborating with aliens to steal all of Earth's oceans and effectively killing off any surviving humans. While "City Under The Sea" does not break any new ground in the "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" universe; it does contain a rather odd scene that begins as a gay pick up of one of the Seaview's crewmen but than does a complete one-eighty when the guy of the sister who is hitting up the crewman comes into scene and he disappears. It's a choppy scene that suggests it was rewritten or something was deleted. The brother never makes another appearance in the novel. It's an odd scene that lasts about a half-a-chapter.
Not a bad story, not a great story. I think "City Under The Sea" was written with Fairman only having a bare bones understanding of the series.
Recommended for fans of the television series.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Seaview-Strang...
Confession time, this original "Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea" novel has been setting among my unread books for nearly two decades now. I honestly don't remember where I bought it from. If I bought it at Chamblin's Book Mine, there isn't the usual store stamp on the front page. I may have bought it on eBay, or I may have gotten it at the now defunct Black Sheep Books. I believe I probably got it from eBay. I can not be sure.
"City Under The Sea" reads like a typical episode from "Voyage To the Bottom of the Sea" as I remember. Admiral Nelson and Captain Crane stumble into a generation spanning conspiracy where a family is collaborating with aliens to steal all of Earth's oceans and effectively killing off any surviving humans. While "City Under The Sea" does not break any new ground in the "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" universe; it does contain a rather odd scene that begins as a gay pick up of one of the Seaview's crewmen but than does a complete one-eighty when the guy of the sister who is hitting up the crewman comes into scene and he disappears. It's a choppy scene that suggests it was rewritten or something was deleted. The brother never makes another appearance in the novel. It's an odd scene that lasts about a half-a-chapter.
Not a bad story, not a great story. I think "City Under The Sea" was written with Fairman only having a bare bones understanding of the series.
Recommended for fans of the television series.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Seaview-Strang...
December 28, 2021
Spawn by Donald F. Glut
Just finished reading "Spawn" by Donald F. Glut, published by Laser Books back in October 1976.
For those who have come in late, several years back I decided to launch what I've dubbed my "Great Re-Reading Project of Favorite Books I Enjoyed When Younger" project.
I first came upon "Spawn" when it appeared on the shelves in the New Arrivals section for Science Fiction and Fantasy books at Michelle's Bookstore in Jacksonville, North Carolina. [Alas, Michelle's closed it doors for the last time nearly 30 years ago.] I think it was the first book published in the Laser Books Science Fiction Series by Harlequin Books. All Laser Books were edited by Roger Elwood and all the cover art for all Laser Books was done by the late great Kelly Freas.
I got my reading copy from Chamblin's Book Mine, the greatest bookstore on the East Coast.
I can't remember what drew me to purchase this book at the time. I think it was the cover art which depicts a woman in the clutches of a dinosaur who is being shot with a rifle - very 1950ish in concept. And of course the concept of intelligent dinosaurs on another planet plotting the demise of humanity by playing on their desires for a theme park was too tempting to resist. What can I say? I still love schlock - just ask Zack, Selma Franz, and Jeff H. [Your birthdays are coming up Zack and Jeff.]
So when a mission to the distant world of Erigon is successful in its goal of bringing dinosaur eggs back to earth for a Dino-World theme park, Captain Gene Bishop thinks he's on easy street - with retirement, a job as the administrator of the new park, and newly married to Leea, the native woman he rescued from being eaten by a dinosaur? What more could a man want? Well, unfortunately the dinosaurs have other plans and humanity is on the menu.
Now this is a fun novel.
Yes, it's a bit dated, but it's still a fun read.
Recommended.
Four Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Spawn-43-Donal...
For those who have come in late, several years back I decided to launch what I've dubbed my "Great Re-Reading Project of Favorite Books I Enjoyed When Younger" project.
I first came upon "Spawn" when it appeared on the shelves in the New Arrivals section for Science Fiction and Fantasy books at Michelle's Bookstore in Jacksonville, North Carolina. [Alas, Michelle's closed it doors for the last time nearly 30 years ago.] I think it was the first book published in the Laser Books Science Fiction Series by Harlequin Books. All Laser Books were edited by Roger Elwood and all the cover art for all Laser Books was done by the late great Kelly Freas.
I got my reading copy from Chamblin's Book Mine, the greatest bookstore on the East Coast.
I can't remember what drew me to purchase this book at the time. I think it was the cover art which depicts a woman in the clutches of a dinosaur who is being shot with a rifle - very 1950ish in concept. And of course the concept of intelligent dinosaurs on another planet plotting the demise of humanity by playing on their desires for a theme park was too tempting to resist. What can I say? I still love schlock - just ask Zack, Selma Franz, and Jeff H. [Your birthdays are coming up Zack and Jeff.]
So when a mission to the distant world of Erigon is successful in its goal of bringing dinosaur eggs back to earth for a Dino-World theme park, Captain Gene Bishop thinks he's on easy street - with retirement, a job as the administrator of the new park, and newly married to Leea, the native woman he rescued from being eaten by a dinosaur? What more could a man want? Well, unfortunately the dinosaurs have other plans and humanity is on the menu.
Now this is a fun novel.
Yes, it's a bit dated, but it's still a fun read.
Recommended.
Four Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Spawn-43-Donal...
Tales of the Five - Volume One
Just finished reading "Tales of the Five - Volume One" by Diane Duane, released by Lionhall Press.
It has been at least a couple of decades since Diane Duane has released any new stories in her Middle Kingdoms series - which began back in 1979 with Dell Books publishing her first novel in the series "The Door Into Fire" in paperback.. I did buy "The Door Into Fire" when it appeared on the shelves in the Science Fiction/Fantasy New Release Section at Michele's Bookstore back in Jacksonville, North Carolina and I was so glad that Mom had firmly put Mr. Branch in his place over his rather bizarre "concern" over my reading habitats. Back in 1979, a minor reading a book about a fantasy world where polygamous family units existed and were a crucial part of the society would have gotten me in some rather hot water at Camp Lejeune High School - not to mention scuttling my Father's career. Yes readers, there once was a time in the military when a child's behavior could scuttle a parent's career - not so much nowadays I understand.
"Tales of the Five - Volume One' consists of two stories: "The Levin-Gad" and "The Landlady" which features separate outings of Herewiss and Segnbora as they set out on separate quests to defeat the still resurgent whispers of the Dark that threaten their family and the world, only to find help in unexpected places and that sometimes the thing you think is most evil has changed and deserves a chance at a fresh start.
I greatly enjoyed these tales, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next three tales which are supposed to be released sometime in 2022, and afterwards, the final volume in Duane's Middle Kingdoms series "The Door Into Starlight."
Diane Duane has kept us waiting long enough.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Five-1-D...
It has been at least a couple of decades since Diane Duane has released any new stories in her Middle Kingdoms series - which began back in 1979 with Dell Books publishing her first novel in the series "The Door Into Fire" in paperback.. I did buy "The Door Into Fire" when it appeared on the shelves in the Science Fiction/Fantasy New Release Section at Michele's Bookstore back in Jacksonville, North Carolina and I was so glad that Mom had firmly put Mr. Branch in his place over his rather bizarre "concern" over my reading habitats. Back in 1979, a minor reading a book about a fantasy world where polygamous family units existed and were a crucial part of the society would have gotten me in some rather hot water at Camp Lejeune High School - not to mention scuttling my Father's career. Yes readers, there once was a time in the military when a child's behavior could scuttle a parent's career - not so much nowadays I understand.
"Tales of the Five - Volume One' consists of two stories: "The Levin-Gad" and "The Landlady" which features separate outings of Herewiss and Segnbora as they set out on separate quests to defeat the still resurgent whispers of the Dark that threaten their family and the world, only to find help in unexpected places and that sometimes the thing you think is most evil has changed and deserves a chance at a fresh start.
I greatly enjoyed these tales, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next three tales which are supposed to be released sometime in 2022, and afterwards, the final volume in Duane's Middle Kingdoms series "The Door Into Starlight."
Diane Duane has kept us waiting long enough.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Five-1-D...
Purgatory's Shore
Just finished reading "Artillerymen - Purgatory's Shore" by Taylor Anderson, released by ACE.
With "Purgatory's Shore," Anderson explores one of the key conflicts in his alternative Earth that features an eclectic mixture of military men from various alternative Earths and dropped into a world where dinosaurs are not the only dangers that soldiers from the United States from the 1847 Mexican-American War find themselves in. Anderson wisely never explains the purpose the green mist that transports units between universes.
If they are to survive they must do so by navigating through the perils of their new surroundings and defeat the bloody and unyielding forces of the Holy Dominion.
A Highly Recommended Alternative Military History Adventure.
Ten Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Purgatorys-Sho...
With "Purgatory's Shore," Anderson explores one of the key conflicts in his alternative Earth that features an eclectic mixture of military men from various alternative Earths and dropped into a world where dinosaurs are not the only dangers that soldiers from the United States from the 1847 Mexican-American War find themselves in. Anderson wisely never explains the purpose the green mist that transports units between universes.
If they are to survive they must do so by navigating through the perils of their new surroundings and defeat the bloody and unyielding forces of the Holy Dominion.
A Highly Recommended Alternative Military History Adventure.
Ten Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Purgatorys-Sho...
Purgatory's Shore
Just finished reading "Artillerymen - Purgatory's Shore" by Taylor Anderson, released by ACE.
With "Purgatory's Shore," Anderson explores one of the key conflicts in his alternative Earth that features an eclectic mixture of military men from various alternative Earths and dropped into a world where dinosaurs are not the only dangers that soldiers from the United States from the 1847 Mexican-American War find themselves in. Anderson wisely never explains the purpose the green mist that transports units between universes.
If they are to survive they must do so by navigating through the perils of their new surroundings and defeat the bloody and unyielding forces of the Holy Dominion.
A Highly Recommended Alternative Military History Adventure.
Ten Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Purgatorys-Sho...
With "Purgatory's Shore," Anderson explores one of the key conflicts in his alternative Earth that features an eclectic mixture of military men from various alternative Earths and dropped into a world where dinosaurs are not the only dangers that soldiers from the United States from the 1847 Mexican-American War find themselves in. Anderson wisely never explains the purpose the green mist that transports units between universes.
If they are to survive they must do so by navigating through the perils of their new surroundings and defeat the bloody and unyielding forces of the Holy Dominion.
A Highly Recommended Alternative Military History Adventure.
Ten Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Purgatorys-Sho...
