A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 68

DC Entertainment: Essential Graphic Novels & Chronology 2015

     Honestly, I don't even know how to review this book, nor do I know where it came from.  One day, it was just there!  Seriously!  What I can say is, because I am a fan of all superheroes, I enjoyed thumbing through this baby.

     It's a catalog of all things super: where to begin, the most relevant, the ones who adapted with the cultures, and so much more.  It was DC's way of showing you the vast world of graphic novels and exactly which one fits you, the reader.  I grew up on comics, baseball cards and the very first issue of YM magazine, so I know beginnings...  (OH Dang!  YM stopped in 2004!)  Anyway, take a peek at the video to see what's inside.  

     Each year a new catalog is to be released so be looking for another some time soon!
Song: "Batman" is from Lego Movie Soundtrack.
#wsite-video-container-930261245211887623{ background: url(//www.weebly.comhttp://www.areneehunt.c... } #video-iframe-930261245211887623{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... } #wsite-video-container-930261245211887623, #video-iframe-930261245211887623{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-930261245211887623{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } I didn't place a rating on it because, honestly, I wasn't sure how to rate it.  For Goodreads and Amazon purposes, I'll place five stars, but I don't know if you can truly rate a catalog.  Cheers!

Why Won't He Look At Me? by Brandie Wiley

     This is my Facebook friend's book, written back in 2013.  Brandie Wiley is an amazing woman- I met through Facebook Pages.  Her heart's bigger than most and she carries an unequivocal love that inspires!

     Her book, Why Won't He Look At Me was written to show children of all ages and color autism is really about.  Written with her own children as characters, she places them in a fictional setting that helps to teach others about autism for understanding.  In the tale, Laura is new to Ms Donna's babysitting group.  There she meets other children-one in particular who won't speak or even look at her when she offers her friendship.  From there the story begins.

     Because I homeschool, we're always learning about things that make people different, especially since my son's biracial.  Even though he may never meet a child with autism, blindness or physical limitations, he knows that different is originality and should be cherished. This book was a wonderful read for him and he found appreciation in Laura and Koby's story. (Brandie's children, btw!)

     If you'd like to learn more on Brandie Wiley's books or even to check on her blog, where she shares her experiences as the mother of the children in this story, you can find her on her website- click here.

     Wonderful book- check her out and show to any child in your life.  Always be aware and be kind!

We're Alive (an audio drama) by KC Wayland (Seasons 1-4)

     If you LOVE audio drama, podcasts and lots of zombies that rivals The Walking Dead, this is the next listen for you!  From the very beginning to it's ending, you find yourself involved with each character, lost in the cities, seeking a family that will encourage you to do the one thing that matters most in a world gone mad with the living dead!  But this isn't just about dead folks eating the living... oh no!  There is so much more!

     As soon as you listen to the first chapter of We're Alive, (always set in three separate recordings), you are caught up in the life of military.  They're going about their every day chores and activities when something HUGE happens!  Something big sets everything off and everyone's running for their lives.  You meet some characters and the journey begins.

     You can't do anything but fall in love with the characters and the story because it feels real.  The sounds of them carrying on a conversation while driving a Humvee, with the actual sounds, radio, explosions, creature attacks- it's all so realistic- like an old radio show.  But Better!  

     I found the podcast when it originally began and listened for free before I purchased the cd's to support the crew.  I don't want to share too much, but I can say this, if you think this is just another run of the mill, zombie tale, you are wrong.  There be monsters in this here tale, of the behemoth sort!  Go to iTunes and listen for free!  They also have another series that recently ended (June 5th, 2016) called We're Alive: Lockdown.  It's awesome too! 

We're Alive (an audio drama) by KC Wayland

     If you LOVE audio drama, podcasts and lots of zombies that rivals The Walking Dead, this is the next listen for you!  From the very beginning to it's ending, you find yourself involved with each character, lost in the cities, seeking a family that will encourage you to do the one thing that matters most in a world gone mad with the living dead!  But this isn't just about dead folks eating the living... oh no!  There is so much more!

     As soon as you listen to the first chapter of We're Alive, (always set in three separate recordings), you are caught up in the life of military.  They're going about their every day chores and activities when something HUGE happens!  Something big sets everything off and everyone's running for their lives.  You meet some characters and the journey begins.

     You can't do anything but fall in love with the characters and the story because it feels real.  The sounds of them carrying on a conversation while driving a Humvee, with the actual sounds, radio, explosions, creature attacks- it's all so realistic- like an old radio show.  But Better!  

     I found the podcast when it originally began and listened for free before I purchased the cd's to support the crew.  I don't want to share too much, but I can say this, if you think this is just another run of the mill, zombie tale, you are wrong.  There be monsters in this here tale, of the behemoth sort!  Go to iTunes and listen for free!  They also have another series that recently ended (June 5th, 2016) called We're Alive: Lockdown.  It's awesome too! 

These Heroic, Happy Dead

     I usually do not like to review books on topics such as the ones shared in These Heroic, Happy Dead by Luke Mogelson.  There's a reason for it - actually a couple reasons.  And because of my reasoning, I stayed away, but once a book is given to me for review, I have to hold to my obligations.  I have to read it and give my thoughts, and so I review the thought-provoking, unsentimental shares of this debut author.

     These Heroic, Happy Dead is a compilation of stories that go deep into the lives of fictional characters, who're either on the line of war, behind the lines or awaiting those returning from the war.  Because my father and many others in my family served, I found myself with an aching heart of a mother, the loss of children and the confusion of the men who died.

     This book is real.  It hurts and it brings pride.  It allows you to travel in time and deal with an alcoholic vet who can't adapt.  The stories even come together, a sort of puzzle in the way they relate, but each tale seems to be its own.  To be all come together in such a book, made me not regret receiving this book.  I enjoyed it very much.

House of Horrors by Carole Gill

     House of Horrors, by Carole Gill is an author who seeks to bring back a style, similar to those of authors of the seventies.  Back when movies staring Vincent Price, Christopher Lee and even as far back as Bela Lugosi!  The horror is this tale was mild and implied more than described.  As a matter of fact, not much was described at all!

     The stories of House of Horrors fail to capture the true terror the word 'Horror' offers.  In Better to Die, a grandfather and and granddaughter work a lighthouse that assists sailors and steers them to safety.  Now that one- wow!  AMAZING!  The lure, then the surprise was perfect but it happened way too fast.  The story felt rushed and that's crazy for a short story, but Zombie Winter...

     Zombie Winter was a huge flop for me.  The story just drops you in the middle of, not just a zombie attack, but evidently a mega Global Warming storm!  Nothing set this story up and the way things happened, I laughed at the  progression and almost felt let down- had it not been for the fact, the ebook was free.  I didn't lose anything but time.  The other stories were okay.  They were easier to get through but the lack of detail in some was annoying.  This author will tell an excellent story in one, then follow up with one that tosses out information instead of allowing the reader to flow through.  It was off-putting.  

     I don't know if I'll be looking for anything by this author again, but I can say, the cover is TOT'S FABU!  LOL  My friends say that all the time!  As an ebook, the HD work is so engrossing, I stare at it from time to time- catching a new detail in the eyes, the trees and the teeth!  I love it!  Sadly, a cover isn't enough to make the book.  

Multiple Choice by Alejandro Zambra

Oh
My
Gosh!
     This book is so fun!  I don't remember how I managed to get in on this book, but it's by Penguin Random House Publishing - so I just knew it had to hold some substance.  I was right! 

​     Every couple of weeks, I shared a page from one of the sections in Multiple Choice, by Alejandro Zambra.  The first one I shared, on page 19 was the funniest! 

     Filled with categories like Excluded Term, Sentence Order and Sentence Completion, the book gives you questions with multiple choice answers that will either have you truly pensive or cracking up so hard, you almost pee your pants!  I loved it!  Well, except the first section.  I had fun with all but the first section.  I really had to think and a few made my brain cry!

     Check out Multiple Choice by Alejandro Zambra!

Defragmenting Daniel: The Organ Scrubber by Jason Werbeloff

**Book Launch**      Mysterious author, Jason Werbeloff is at it again!  With another book out, he's found a way to mystify and gross you out at the same time!  Today he's exploding from about thirty-five (35) blogs, his newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, Barnes & Noble- everywhere with this fantastic, new release: Defragmenting Daniel, Fragment 1: The Organ Scrubber and it's just... Wow!

     The story is of a dystopian society where those with money are seeking perfection.  If an eye goes bad, they can purchase another one.  If they broke a hip, they got a new one.  If their lungs were damaged from smoking, they got new ones!  Yeah- it's easy.
As long as there's someone out there willing to offer up their own.

     The world is broken into two societies, the Bubbles and the Gutters.  In a world where the elite can have anything they want is where you find Daniel.  An orphan who's just turned sixteen.  Instead of liking girls and getting his license, he's working in an organ plant on an assembly line.  He scrubs organs, a disgusting process, for a living.  He's been working since twelve and all he wants is a better life.  A well-rounded life, like everyone else- but he's incomplete.  He may never be whole again because in order to survive as a ward of the state, he's had to give up certain particulars, like the rest of the destitute .  These particulars are what those who dwell in The Bubble desire.  

     It's only when he sets out to find his mother that he discovers what the world is really like.  Maybe being an indentured servant was better?  Maybe finding a group of people who believe in being complete, like 'The Gods' demand, is the better way?  But how can Daniel ever find his place in the world- the Bubble, if he's literally spread all over it?      This story kept me going for a couple of reasons.  It was gross and it was good.  It put me in mind of A. I: Artificial Intelligence - you remember that movie?  About the boy android that was abandoned and sought a way to become human (Pinocchio Syndrome)?  I felt so badly for Daniel that I wanted to cuddle him.  I saw him as that little, blonde
     The story has a purpose, it's not just gore, masked by an adorable face.  There's something that spoke to me, even in the violence.  The world is an ugly place and sometimes the ugliness grows within us- coming out in a manner that's shocking but a useful tool.  Sounds insane I know, but the only way you'll come to understand is if you pick up the book.  If you're squeamish, or faint of heart, you may want to stay away.  But if you can handle Mad Max meets a weirded out Re-Animator in the setting of World War II, then this is for you.  You'll enjoy it to pieces...  Pieces!

Rating:  

The Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard

     This review is a big deal!  
I never reread a book!  I've only reread children's books and The Bible.  That's it!  Never done it before, but this book has managed to squeeze a second chance out of me and for a couple of reasons.  One: Because a second book was released- with higher accolades that the first.  Secondly: There was a book issuing a backstory on a few of the characters.  I expect a richer, more developed story and I expect a better carry-through.  Will I get it?
We shall see...
      Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard is a two story book.  Listed as 0.1 and 0.2, these books are introductions to particular situations and characters.  The first novella is Queen Song and the other is Steel Scars.  

​     Queen Song is the story of Queen Coriane, the first wife of King Tiberius   Now since I've read Red Queen already, about a year ago, I already sorta remembered who to like and dislike- which is why I don't reread books!  Anyway, because Queen Corianne wasn't in Red Queen, I didn't know her, but I guess this book gives explanation to Cal, or Crowned Prince Tiberius the 7th.  His gentle nature, kindness and desire to be free of war unless necessary.

     This story was the best of the two and a half shared in this book.  I wish it gave more into Cal's up-bringing and the integration of Queen Elara into the royal fold.  That would have given this intro so much more meat to chew!  And I probably would have hungered for the Red Queen read all over again.  Sadly, it gave none of that.  This book was partially successful in its release to me- only making me slightly regret purchasing it.

     Now, I disliked Steel Scars completely.  Yes, I saw where it brought me and I saw a few events play out from my memory of Red Queen- especially during the attack on Reds in the market place.  What caused me to dislike it were the exchanges between the factions on the... well, I can't say much without giving anything away.  But let me tell you, seeing:
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE HAS BEEN DECODED
CONFIDENTIAL, SENIOR CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Day 11 of Operation RED WEB, Stage 1.
Operative: Captain REDACTED.
Designation: LAMB.
Origin: Albanus, NRT.
Destination: RAM at REDACTED.
-ALBANUS/STILTS WHISTLE willing to collaborate w/Stage 2.
-Has eyes inside SUMMERTON/King’s seasonal palace.
-Also mentioned contacts within the Red Army at CORVIUM. Will pursue.
RISE, RED AS THE DAWN.
 repeated page after page, over and over again, in-between the story was annoying as all getup!  I wanted to throw the book against my wall!  Yes, it fed me info on Farley and how Mare fell into her plan but still- it was boring.  Eventually it leads you to Mare, but that's all I can really say.  I don't want to give anything away.  

     Did I become a bigger Aveyard fan with this book?  Nope, but I immensely enjoyed Queen's Song!  There are 208 pages in total, but only the first 54 were truly worth reading.  Thank goodness I had book one to fall in to.  I know nothing of Glass Sword.  I sure hope it's full of excitement.
Rating:  

Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls are Used for War by Jessica Dee Humphrys and Michel Chikwanine

     Before I go into the review of this book, you have to understand, this is a true account.  It is not made up and is currently happening all over the continent of South Africa.  It is a graphic children's story but there are things explained that children under the age of ten may not understand.  If you wish to share this book with your child, make sue they are of an understanding age.  Even then, it will be difficult and they will need you for explanations.       Child Soldier, by Michel Chikwanine and Jessica Dee Humphreys, tells the story of Michel and his life in the Congo.  It shows in animation (which is much appreciated) and tells of safe times for children and adults, then of the terrifying times.  It tells of conflict, governmental breakdown and the loss of childhood.

     One day, Michel and childhood friends and family were playing after school when strange men rode up in military vehicles and guns.  They harassed the children then took them far from home.  They were drugged, abused and forced to do things that no child should ever do or see.  It's a sad story, but it's also one of strength.

     One of the things I loved most about Child Soldier is that his father did his best to restore Michel's childhood, while keeping him apprised of current issues and dangers.  Eventually Michel and his family escaped the Congo and its horrors, but not in one piece.  Michel shares this story in words a child will understand and how he felt helpless.  Which goes into another wonderful feature of this book.

     At the end of the story, Michel gives definitions of some of the words he mentioned in the story, even though he explained them there too.  He tells how afraid he was and how he felt he was too small to do something.  It wasn't until immigrating to Canada and North America that found that even the youth have a voice.  He shares his experiences on learning to speak to people who didn't know of the atrocities in his homeland and how people here can do something for the people there.

     It's a powerful children's story.  One that each child should read.  Life isn't always about video games, what you hate and how parents are cruel.  There are real monsters in the world and we should all know about them.