A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 52

The Other Side of Eve by Paul Ikin

     Every person needs a form of escape from life.  For Eveline Boots, she actually creates a life1  Full of magic, adventure and the craziest of situations, The Other Side of Eve, by Paul Ikin, is a book of stories of two different people- but the same person, finding self and a cure for what bothers one the most.  

     I found the novel while causing Youtube.  The book's trailer was so amazing, I reached out to Ikin, via Goodreads.com.  He sent me to book and I began a journey, akin to Alice in Wonderland, but so much more in originality.      This story was a simple, yet complicated read for obvious reasons.  You don't understand that Eveline is both herself and Princess Belleny until you're into the story a bit, but you find the worlds bleed into one another. You're dealing with depression and anxiety, and knowing without knowing, but when you see the fragments come together, it's fantastic!  There's literally two genres going on in this tale and they work in a sort of synchronicity, allowing each to flow separately, then mesh with control of the reader's mind- into a superb ending.

     Eveline suffers anxiety and Princess Belleny Vera has a version of agoraphobia.   Both have to go on their own journey's, finding a way to come out of their shells.  Eveline, in the real world, finds herself through a friend/boss, who's a curious character, while the Princess has an evil witch to conquer and a quest that has her traveling with a variety of friend-like things.  In the end, they find out who they are- who Eveline is and how the world can be taken on, without losing yourself.

     I liked The Other Side of Eve, though it was a bit slow to read.  If found myself engulfed in Belleny's tale- because there was so much more going on.  I understood Eveline- especially since it was her story, but there was more meat in the fantastical side.  The illustrations were phenom and made the story even more beautiful.  OH and I can't forget the awesome map!

Map of Mare-Marie
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​     The Map of Mare-Marie shows the mysterious world in, black and white.  It's a great job for an SAHD.  Ikin does it all, while juggling life with his toddler son, Vincent.  The guy is totally talented, doing all of it, but editing.  From cover to cover, he writes, illustrates, formats, etc.  He's even in the process of writing the prequel to TOSOE.  Can't wait to read that one too!  

     So go check out the book and his website.  I think you'll enjoy it.  I'm off to the next read! The Other Side of Eve
Paul Skin
Independent Publisher
March 2015

Johnny Frank Garrett's The Last Word

*Movie Review      A fiction movie with non-fictional facts makes for a creepy, horrific thriller. Taken from Amarillo, TX headlines, the story of Johnny Frank Garrett is brought with a supernatural flair in
     The semi-fictional tale begins with a young Garrett in the courtroom, accused, tried and convicted for the brutal rape and strangulation of Sis. Tadea Benz inside the St. Francis Convent. Though one of the jury members feels there’s not enough evidence to convict Garrett, he’s swayed to convict anyway. The day of Garrett’s execution, he lets everyone involved with his death know they’ll pay, and so will their their children …

     The movie was superb entertainment. From the merging of fact and fiction, to the startling special effects (Adam’s arm), I was captured by the storyline. The realism of the story is what actually made the paranormal flick so unnerving.  Ninety-five minutes of solid acting, instead of jump scares and gore, made it a pleasant change of pace.
 
Johnny Frank Garrett’s Last Word is due to release March 14, 2017.  Be sure to catch it. Johnny Frank Garrett’s Last Word
Written by Ben Ketai (screenplay) and Mark Haimes
Directed by Simon Rumley
Produced by Peter Facinelli, Robert DeFranco, and Frank Mancuso
Actors: Mike Doyle, Erin Cummings and Sean Patrick Flanery
March 14, 2017

Cochina by Jaime Martinez

     Okay, so I'm approached by Marbro Enterprises on creating some hype for Jaime Martinez's Cochina.  I'm happy, as always on being approached by author's and their reps.  What I didn't not imagine was how Cochina [which, by the way is derogatory for 'dirty girl' and worse...] was unreal!  Oh my goodness!

     The story focuses a set of siblings: Lola, Marisol and Josephina Valdez.  They're from Little Mexico, in Chicago and so are their husbands - except for Marisol, who's unwed.  They fought to go from broke to ballers, but that's not enough.  From name dropping on anything material, to eyeballing every hot and hunky man on two legs, these made women seem hungry but only want real love.

     But there are secrets that divide them.  Some of the secrets are so deep (the ones they know of) that it pains them whenever there's a family get together.   A few secrets are just un-freaking-real and should be deal breakers...      I can honestly say, Martinez puts together some calamitous situations.  From the background of the sisters, to the creeping of the family members, this story is dirty, Dirty, DIRTY and befits the title!  Every last characters has issues, but dang if they just didn't handle things right at all.  Nah, that fight scene in the Player's Box was epic!  I just wish Lola had some pugilistic skills.  Ha!  But seriously.

     Every time I thought a situation was going to come to some sort of solution, something else would hit that would make me drop my jaw even lower!  Or with Marisol, her final mistake before the book ended...   The story was wild but good.  I can't lie, I was hooked.  Urban fiction and I normally don't get along, because the genre is too much like real life, but I couldn't put this book down.  It was raunchy, culturally inspiring (though not my culture), and unlimited, sexual liberation.

     There's just three things I was not happy with: the cliffhanger ending, the lack of translation and the editing.  The ending I felt, needed a bit more of a... well, an ending.  There was no sort of closure, offering up a curt, door slam to the face, that left me dumbfounded more than hanging.  I felt as though the climactic rage I was looking for was about to begin, but suddenly the line just went dead. (more reason to move on to the next book?)

     Now because I am from California, I knew many of the phrases used in Cochina, by  Mexicans.  My issue is that I am not fluent in Spanish, Mexican or Portuguese.  So when I'm reading, my flow is flustered by having to use my iPhone/iPad translator to figure out what someone said.  I love that Martinez shared the natural lingo, but for the average morena like me, it's a bummer not knowing what's being said.
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      Lastly, I was irked by the many end quotes(") in place of apostrophes (').  There are also periodic words missing from sentences.  I know how that happens because, I too am known for being on such a roll, my fingers hit the wrong key, or leave a word or two from a sentence.  The flow can leave you breathless, and in near arthritic pain from the speed.  Not one time did the quotes hurt the story; they were just distracting.  

     Anyway, check out Cochina.  The story will surprise you in so many ways, you may see some situations coming, but dang!  
​I'm off to the next read!

*A Guest Blog is next.
Cochina
Jaime Martinez
J. Martinez Books
April 21, 2015

Guest Blog: Tracee Lydia Garner

Why Do I Write? Why do I write?

This is a good question and can say I knew only one answer to it years ago and as I’ve aged and grown, other reasons have presented themselves to me. The first reason was simply, back in college, struggling as I was with my academic coursework, I decided that I need an alternative and for it, I prayed. I asked God for a gift. Honing the gift He gave and uncovering that gift is really also passion and purpose, I’ve come to discover other reasons I must write. Let’s see if you agree and what’s cooler is, you may find some things that resonate with you and end up being YOUR WHY for doing whatever it is you do. 

It’s just plain fun. I have always loved the written and spoken word. Before poetry slams (today's “spoken word”, it was simply a teacher or the author his/herself reading aloud to whichever ears were piqued for listening. I have been reading for as long as I can remember. I used to sit under my teacher for circle time and when he read Judy Blume, I was riveted. I could imagine every word and my imagination was satiated with a great story and an awesome storyteller. I want people to be drawn into the drama just as much as I was way back then. 
Secondly, I feel a sense of responsibility, duty, and honor and yes, I realize how heavy this sounds for someone who makes things up in their fiction but even in that, I count it all joy and moreover, I count it an important opportunity to portray, more times than not, the best that humans have to give. So a story  where a heroine that’s stranded on the side of a snowy, dark road and contemplating the woes of life and the choices that have led her to this very moment, can then be approached by a charismatic, (and of course), handsome stranger, that is out to ensure her safety and perhaps that of the child he didn’t know was in the backseat- soon develops into an opportunity to debunk a stereotype played out too often in today’s media and how lucky am I to not only go against stereotypical fanfare and wrap all of that into a way toward eventual happiness. We need positive imagery and images of all people.

Lastly, even though I’m writing to give something of myself and what’s on my heart to others, I will admit that writing can be for me, a completely, private way to ensure I remain sane. ☺ It is my OT and my PT and my spiritual exercise. By that I mean, I’ve never been one to talk on the phone much, I don’t have a great multitude of girlfriends (outside my head) and thus to ensure I remain emotionally and spiritually healthy and lay out some of my own desires through my characters, ultimately, God gave me the written word to express myself and it is with tremendous personal joy that I must do so.  And every reader I hope, benefits. How cool is that?

I write for love, sanity, and purpose. 
Why do you write? 

Logan

*Movie Review      I've been in to Marvel comics, as well as DC, all my life.  My dad was a comic guy, and I was for a while, into comics- not a guy! Anyway, I knew movies like this one were coming to an end, sooner than later, but that's okay. Everything good thing comes to an end, but when you BRING the end in such a powerful way, there's truly no end.  The action, emotion and memories "Go on and on"...      There's something wrong with Logan.  The Wolverine has come to a realization, and he's good with it.  What he can't do is   leave Professor Charles Xavier to his own demise.  He's got issue too!  There's so much in Logan's third, and final movie, that touch you before it even really begins! Then this girl shows up outta the blue- ready to handle Logan's life!  He's not ready and doesn't deal with change well, as we all know, so it's made to raise the fun and action. I can't say much more about the plots of the movie without giving information away.  What I can say is- this was a true Wolverine movie.

     This is a Rated-R movie.  There's a little nudity (limo scene), but the F-bomb... oh my goodness.  About 50 times I think? And so many other words, but it was like real life.  Who doesn't curse when the chips are down?! I'm a Christian and my hand is raised.  Anyway, then there's the amazingly awesome, gratuitous gore- one scene a guy's head was removed with so much speed and force, it spun on the stump before falling away.  That's COOL! And don't let me even get in to Laura's kills.  The movie was vicious and full of expectance. If you don't know the story and the history of The X-Men, then you won't enjoy the movie.  It's not peaches and cream and lives are taken.  

     Personally, I loved it and will own it, once iTunes picks it up. Only true fans will appreciate this flick. Logan
Directed by James Mangold
Screenplay by Michael Green and David James Kelly
Starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen and Boyd Holbrook

The Missing Loved Ones by TNae Wilcox

     First of all- check this book cover!  I love it.  It's mystery lies in its ability to create illusion.  I don't know if it's just me but this book plays with me- like vertigo!  Not in a bad way, but it's different and you know me- I love different.  The Missing Loved Ones, by TNae Wilcox is a collection of short stories that plays with your mind as well.  From prankster boxes to stealthy aliens in the night, this book does the job when it comes to campfire stories!      The stories are bits and pieces, strewn together, producing a sweet collection of the macabre, mysterious and deadly.  The author found a way to place some more than serious situations all in one book, keeping you page turning until the very end.  And then, at the very end, is another surprise!  Yes, but I'll save that for the end.

     Out of the 8 stories, one was multiple chapters long, I think He's You and What About Her were the best.  I have to admit though, I didn't read The Gift, because I was 'gifted' with the  (review posted on 2/27/17) audiobook!  He's You was about a boy who'd been in a terrible accident, resulting with him in a coma.  With his parents thinking he'll not recover, they decide to clone him.  YES- clone him!  Well, the problem is, their real son, the first son, recovers  100%, leaving them with two of the same child Uh-oh...

     What About Her was pretty good too, about aliens.  A girl in a home ruled by a stank-acting mother, is given the responsibility of caring for her grandfather.  The man's a mess, but he's not as inept as all would believe.  When a strange visitor comes calling, the girl may only survive because of the old man who never speaks.

     All of these stories were fun to read.  I was only confused by one: Prankster In The Box, but I still enjoyed.  If you're looking for spooky but more like Tales From the Darkside, so you won't be terrified or grossed out, this book is for you. Check it out, directly from the author herself or anywhere books are sold.  I'm off to the next read!

The Missing Loved Ones
TNae Wilcox
Tnae Wilcox with Amazon Digital Services
February 29, 2016

Skunked (The Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series) by Jacqueline Kelly

     Every now and then, my son and I come across one of the books delivered to me that are a real laugh of a read!  I say this in a positive way about Skunked by Jacqueline Kelly.  This book is part of the Girl Vet series and it's a fun, short read for elementary readers and to read to the young'ns!

     The story is about an only girl, in a large family of boys.  Because they live on a farm, she carries a great interest in caring for animals of all sorts.  So does her youngest brother, Travis.  As a matter of fact, it's Travis who gets her into a situation where they end up caring for a baby skunk.  With the mother nowhere nearby, they take the kit home and Callie (short for Calpurnia) is on the job.  Finding out what's best in the caring for a baby skunk, they set off on keeping the little critter a secret.  But skunks have a way of making themselves known...

     The story is so cute and funny.  Though we're past picture books, the line drawings are unique and fit the story to a "T".  I think we loved the ending the most because that's when somehing HUGE happens that's über-funny.  We laughed for quite a while, during our discussion.  The book is also great in that it brought up quite a bit for us to discuss, concerning animals and care.  Also- we had no clue baby skunks were called kits!.  We won't get the other books, because it's below our reading skills, but for anyone who's got a child in 4th grade or below, this is one they'd enjoy!

     I'm on to the next read.  Check out Skunked!

White Sand, Vol. 1 by Brandon Sanderson & Rik Hoskin

*A Graphic Novel Review      Whenever I get graphic novels, I'm looking for three features: (1) an awesome cover, (2) images that captivate me, and (3) a story that will hold from beginning to end.  Graphic novels are superior than the average novel we read.  They're the closest things to movies of a story as we can get, so they have to reign darn near supreme!  White Sand is almost there.  Brandon Sanderson and Rik Hoskin made this a graphic novel worth the read.      Kenton is the son of a Sand Master, but unlike his father, he struggles to manipulate the sand.  Neither he nor his siblings are able to advance the way others can; it's been blamed on his mother, who's supposedly tainted the bloodline.  So Kenton has to fight to prove himself worthy.

     With limited powers, but a cleverness that allows him to be just as strong, he has to work harder to be the best.  But when Kenton finds his people slaughtered, he fears he may be the only one.  He ends up going out, working against a conspiracy that will affect everyone!

     This is my first Sanderson read, and I have to admit it was pretty cool.  The cover photo looks like something out of a Japanime flick.  It shows a lot of action, almost too busy. I liked it, but I was looking for a bit more clarity on the inside.  The inner photos were a match to the outside. I'm used to inner photos being more bright, deep and vivid.  And since the words were small and scattered about the pages, It was really hard on my degenerating eyes.  The pics weren't grainy, but just not as rich as I'd hoped.  

     The story was great!  I also loved that with this being my first Sanderson novel, I didn't know the world.  Thankfully, there was a trusty box, off to the side, explaining a reference, like 'slatrification'. when mentioned, Kenton's mind gave the definition, making all easy for me as I traveled through the storyline.  

     As a whole, I'm not sure I can read the other books.  The pictures, though fantastic, were tough for me to view and read.  The colors were more of a hospital setting: soft and light, where as I'm used to bold colors in a graphic novel.  I'm used to seeing a great deal more with the words leaping from the pages inside the white bubbles.  But still fun.

I'm off to the next read!

White Sand, Vol. 1
Brandon Sanderson & Rik Hoskin
Dynamite Publishing
June 29, 2016

Saga, Volumes 1-6 by Brian Vaughan

*A Graphic Novel Series Review      This review covers six volumes of an epic, graphic novel.  Saga, by Brian Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples, takes you on a journey so rich, so violent and mystical- you have to read it if you love comics!  Below I have reviewed each volume in its own tab for easier display.  Ain't it cool?  Okay- I just used ain't so let me get on with this!

     I hope you enjoy my thoughts on Saga and while you peep these, I'm off to the next read! #element-2f141843-831f-4cc7-95fe-993d3f04e250 .waddons-animation-block { visibility: visible;} #element-790de26e-19db-4edf-99be-b322641e3095 .border-box { -moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -ms-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box;}#element-790de26e-19db-4edf-99be-b322641e3095 .tabbed-box { position: relative; margin: 20px 0;}#element-790de26e-19db-4edf-99be-b322641e3095 .tabbed-box-tab-group { font-size: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0; float: left; list-style: none; height: 60px; width: 100%; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -ms-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; white-space: nowrap;}#element-790de26e-19db-4edf-99be-b322641e3095 .tabbed-box-tab { margin: 0; cursor: pointer; height: 60px; display: inline-block; min-width: 19%; position: relative; background-color: #F7F7F7; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; 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-moz-box-shadow: 0px 0px 30px 4px #f5f5f5; box-shadow: 0px 0px 30px 4px #f5f5f5;}#element-790de26e-19db-4edf-99be-b322641e3095 .tabbed-box-tab .paragraph { padding: 0px; line-height: 60px !important; text-align: center !important; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px !important; margin: 0 20px;}#element-790de26e-19db-4edf-99be-b322641e3095 .tabbed-box-content .paragraph { padding: 0; line-height: 30px;}#element-790de26e-19db-4edf-99be-b322641e3095 .tabbed-box-tab:last-child .w-delete-outer { display: none; position: relative; float: right;} Volume 1 Volume 2 Volume 3 Volume 4 Volume 5 Volume 6 < > Whenever a graphic novel starts out on another planet, showing a woman giving birth, you know it's going to be busy!  I found Saga through Instagram and I'm so glad I did!  It's a fast paced read, with EXCELLENT graphics and a story that's focused while bringing various elements into the fold.  

I love Alana and Marko already.  They're likable and cool, because their in a- Oh, I don't know... an interplanetary relationship?  They're born of warring planets, yet there's something that convinced them they need to be together.  That didn't stop them from falling in love and marrying- and conceiving a child.
Told through the memories of their unnamed daughter, the story takes you on an adventure of a couple on the run, and many groups wanting to see them dead, to possess their special child.      The adventure continues with Marko's parents tagging along.  There's a secret that will devastate, while the good guys are hiding from all parties. They come across a planet that's hatching, gain a corporeal babysitter and find they're trapped!

     This story is just as amazing, because you gain tons of background information into Hazel's family past, as well Prince Robot IV.  He's got a lot on his plate and refuses to lose his job as a privileged bounty hunter.  Also, The Will isn't happy with a personal loss.  It's not until he's visited by someone from Marko's past that he finds his purpose... even a little gift

     This installment was just as awesome!       From robotic princes with facial screens, showing erotic videos, to halucogenic fruit on a planetary paradise, the action never stops!  In this volume of the epic Saga, Marko and his Mom, Alana, Hazel, and their ghostly babysitter finally make it to Quietus, but so have a few others.

     Gwendolyn finally finds what she's looking for, and something she was not - but it's all about her main mission: To Find Marko, her EX-fiancé.  It's rather comical, this volume, but just as action packed, with illustrations that blow you away!  This isn't your regular comic.  This graphic novel snatches you up and leaves you hungry for more.  I'm diving in to Volume 4 now!     Volume Four's theme was on Division.  A lot of serious play came in to action, but the end result was division, especially for Marko, Alana and little Hazel. On another note, friendships are forming out of some strange circumstances.  

     Our favorite family are living quietly, and  incognito, through The Circuit.  Trying to support a child, while on the lam, is difficult when no one can know who you are.  Plus, a secret is blown, sacrificing more than anyone could have ever expected.

     The price was high in this volume and I can't get over the photos! I'm going to dread waiting for the next volume! Wow was this segment AMAZING!  Volume 5's theme was sacrifice and man, there was a lot of it!  Marko and Prince Robot IV go through a thing, where they aren't mates, but work together to find their families,  Yuma makes up for her betrayal and Sophie makes a move that costs someone their life- to save The Will.

     With each volume of Saga, I find myself totally blown away and dying to get into the next volume.  Sadly I have to wait a few days for Volume 6 to get in, but just know this:  Volume 5 has a double paged photo that is freaking- UNREAL!  It's like, Gross-wow!  No lie!  It's gross, but wow...      OH man, joy to the family of Marko and Alana- but I can't tell you why!  Are you reading Saga?  It's a fab comic series that I don't wanna read every week.  I want to read every volume!  With each collection, I find myself immersed from beginning to end.  The story, the graphics, the action, I feel as though it's all written for me!

     This read, Marko and Alana team up with Prince Robot IV, who's been sent into exile by his father and now a criminal.  We also discover, The Will is back in action and out for revenge.  Also, Hazel's teacher wants to  help her get to freedom.  Will anyone's plan work or will it too fall through... like so many previous exploits?  I won't tell; you just have to buy the books.  Available everywhere! Saga, Volumes 1-6
Brian Vaughan
Illustrated by Fiona Staples
Image Publishing

Multiples: A Fictional Rendition of Reality by Aja LaGrand Blount

     Today's review, by Aja LaGrand Blount, is adebut novel.  Multiples: A Fictional Rendition of Reality, is a tale of secrets, murder, and the boomerang effect.  The notion that people unknown to you are thoroughly involved in your life, without you knowing it is played well, along with discovering the people you thought you knew, you really don't!  Here's the blurb:

Multiples is derived from the premise that a person doesn't know those they think they know. Based on that analogy, certain events take place in Multiples that change the fates of many people leaving them destined to face a number of precarious situations. Due to those uncertain circumstances, the will to survive the treacherous road ahead of them places a greater desire to obtain the truth, while seeking to exploit it. However, when the truth of the matter takes shape, another series of affairs arise shattering that predetermined truth into oblivion, leaving the once so clear reality of the situation up in the air. When those playing the game expect everything to come full circle, their enclosure disappears, forcing them to abandon their very idea of what could be and presenting them with new options to explore. Multiples is a high-flying roller coaster from start to finish taking readers down a winding road only to end up just as confused as the characters seeking answers for themselves.      I appreciated the cover very much.  It was a true telling of the story- there's a lot of killing going on. And multiples refers to the notion of knowing people, only to not know them, so the cover fit nicely.

     Multiples is full of twists.  Many!  You find one in the very beginning of the tale, when DP, the main character, is conducting a hit on someone he knows and is betraying for the Almighty Dollar.  Then when he gets home, his girl finds out a secret that is directly affected by her boyfriend, DP- Oops!  The story is full of this, making it a non-stop turnabout on who the characters really are. Overall, the idea of the story was pretty cool, but there are issues throughout the entire book that made the read difficult.

     The story is hindered by the editing. The story is full of grammatical errors, which made any attachments to the characters near impossible. I found myself rereading sentences because words were missing or misused. I was able to obtain what the author was saying, but the flow was disrupted. The book has potential, but it will have to be reworked first.

     Check out Multiples, anywhere you purchase books- grab it on Amazon here.  I'm off to the next read.
Cheers!  Multiples: A Fictional Rendition of Reality
Aja LaGrand Blount
Trafford Publishings
2016