Poisoned Rationality

Thursday DVD: X-men First Class

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Look something not British! Not fully British at least. There is a Brit, and it is James McAvoy so obviously I was going to watch this, but the important part here is to remember I am expanding my horizons.

In all seriousness though I'm a casual fan of the X-Men--enjoyed the original movie (and its sequel, the third does not exist), big fan of the 90's animated series, and X-Men Evolution and Wolverine and the X-Men (not so much the Japanese anime) and I've read the comics on and off since I was about 13. So I know enough about most (not all) the characters involved in the movie to kind of eyetwitch over some of the changes.

My expectations for this movie were basically minimum. I, like most comic book readers, have a love/hate relationship most movies based on comic books so I was really just hoping for some nice eye candy with James McAvoy. I was pleasantly surprised however that despite the changes it was enjoyable and a lot less maudlin then I was led to believe by some of the coming attractions. Even that tagline above is rather sappy if you ask me, Xavier and Magneto are more than friends or enemies. Their relationship is a bit too complex to put into those categories (though if this was High School and they were girls frenemies would be almost appropriate).

Its a pretty movie with pretty people (for the most part) and awesome powers being tested. Some of the choices for the character left me a little flabbergasted honestly. Havoc? Banshee? Angel (and not even the cool I turn into a Horsemen of the Apocalypse Angel either)? While these are interesting characters, I feel like they were chosen based more on 'Oh we need a character who has sonar and can fly' rather than actual merit.

And its pretty obvious you can't take these anywhere with the other movies as ret-conning is involved (Mystique as Xavier's adopted sister and crushing on Beast?) OVerall I have no complaints with the actors' portrayals. James did a great job as Xavier, Jennifer Lawrence was pretty cool as Mystique. Lucas Til was far more interesting as Havoc then James Marsden was in X3 as Cyclops (in the comic the characters are related). I DID NOT LIKE JANUARY JONES AS EMMA FROST (aka White Queen). Nor was I particularly happy with their portrayal of Emma Frost. Since it was the Brotherhood it was plenty clear she had to be there, but they did nothing with her really.

So did I enjoy myself? Yes. Do I want a sequel? Sure. As long as James McAvoy is not bald. Did this make up for the travesty that is the third X-Men movie? YES.

Book Review: Kiss of Frost

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Print // Kindle // Jennifer Estep Page

Logan Quinn was trying to kill me. My Spartan classmate relentlessly pursued me, swinging his sword at me over and over again, the shining silver blade inching closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes practically glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...

And my interest in the series grows. I want to say now that I liked how Estep had Gwen's powers grow, but also put a serious handicap on them. Maybe it'll change as she gets older, or more used to using her powers in a different way, but for now its gotta bite.

I admit the mystery surrounding who was trying to get Gwen dead wasn't much of a mystery after the many many warnings Gwen received from everyone at the end of the first book. My surprise was mainly in how...easily led Gwen was. Logan had her so twisted up that she would do anything to just ignore the pain he was (intentionally or otherwise) putting her through.

Estep definitely took the story to a darker level. The book doesn't end with them defeating the bad guy, instead we get to see what happens after. What happens when you push someone who is inherently peaceful to the edge by showing them exactly how evil your side is. I suspected as much, in regards to a revelation concerning a secret being kept from Gwen, mainly because it wouldn't make sense for it not to be connected in some way.

A larger picture of what's going on is painted, though most of that information is brought up in the last quarter of the book. Some things are brought up throughout the novel, the majority is really focused on three things: 1) Gwen's powers and how they are evolving, 2) Logan's asshattery* and angst and 3) Gwen trying to ignore Logan's asshattery. I wish Estep had spent more time building on that plotline and less time with Gwen mooning.

Gwen makes a new friend, and learns a valuable lesson about how the kids at Mythos go about taking care of their problems. They don't talk, no their style is much more about intimidation and deflection. It became pretty obvious what was going on with that whole plotline pretty quickly, but it ended up wrapping up nicely with the final confrontation with the actual bad guy.

I hope we see the Fenrir Wolf again! I really really do!

Dark Frost, the third book due out at the end of May, sounds like Gwen is in for even more trouble from the Reapers of Chaos (the bad guys, who work for Loki, which makes me sad as I think Loki gets such a horrific rap post-Christianity). Can't wait!!

(*)this isn't to say Logan didn't have a good reason to be angsty, or that he hasn't had a tough life, or that I'm discounting how horrible his childhood was. I'm not. I'm taking umbrage that he basically told Gwen--in actions and words--that he won't be with her because of a big secret in his past, but he can't help thinking about her and wanting ot kiss her and he doesn't like her with other guys. Meanwhile he's playing tonsil hockey with some other bimbette, often in front of Gwen.

Anime: Another

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

A new feature on Poisoned Rationality, "What I'm Watching" will cover the anime, tv shows and DVDs I'm watching each week.

Based on a mystery/horror novel of the same name by Yukito Ayatsuji, Another is about Koichi Sakakibara and the mystery of Misaki, a student who died 26 years previously. This only just began airing and it was a random choice for me to begin watching. Its likened to 'Higurashi: When They Cry', another mystery/horror series, which I didn't take to.

So far, after watching a couple of episodes, it seems less something I'll enjoy. Its just this side of creepy enough to keep my attention and the mystery surrounding Misaki's death (and how the class took that death) is certainly engaging. Incidentally the character up top there with the eyepatch is also called 'Misaki Mei' which initially leads to some confusion for Koichi. She is uber-creepy.

Interestingly a live action version of the novel will be released this summer in Japan, which I hope I get a chance to watch. The story kind of reminds me of the 'Ghost School' movies from Korea (in particular the Whispering Corridors movies), though that may be because the story is set at a high school in a town that is rather creepy and a secret that the high school students are hiding.

As I said, I'm only a couple episodes in and I'm not entirely certain how long the anime will run (I'd guess 12 episodes) nor how much it will cover of the 600+ page novel. Regardless give it a shot! And because this group must love me, Commie is also fansubbing this!

Sunday Sendup 2

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:10:00 +0000

So here's my week...

Books:
read and finished:
Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane
My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

started/continued reading:
Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams
Silence of Medair by Andrea K Host

Received/Bought:

Kindle
Emotionally Charged by Selina Fenech
Memory's Wake by Selina Fenech

Print:
Sailor Moon Volume 3
Book Girl and the Corrupted Angel by Mizuki Nomura
Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep
Meta Game by Sam Landstrom
Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle volume 21

Review:
Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Gone to Amerikay by Derek McCulloch and Colleen Doran

Gifts:
Churchisms Poster (see here)
Church Shirt (see here)

Lesson Learned This Week: Obsessively stalking the Rooster Teeth forums means I don't have time for anything else. Its so addicting! ~~join me you won't regret it!~~

Fun Stories from the Week
Brandon Sanderson's Second Law ~~obey thy GodKing~~ is a follow-up to his First Law, detailing the rules he lives by when creating magic systems.

Interview with Regan Summers, author of Don't Bite the Messenger.

Emily (of Red House Books) launches the year long NetGalley Reading Challenge.

Author Zoe Marriott posted the 4th Frostfire snippet. Frostfire is the companion novel to Daughter of the Flames, which I loved. I want the book.

Tor.com: John Scalzi on how to enjoy Starship Troopers (the movie), which I adore so no help needed here. Legend of Korra new scenes! Legend of Korra new scenes! LEGEND OF KORRA NEW SCENES!

Strange Chemistry: Who is your YA Crush? Part 2, for the record you're likely NOT to see my crush on the list as I chose a pretty far out there no one ever heard of book.

Author Kathryne Kennedy announces that Sourcebooks will be re-releasing her Relics of Merlin series AND releasing a new one! BEST NEWS EVER. I love that series. Time for re-reads and reviews!

Nerdist: Sherlock series 2 preview. Seen it all Benedict Cumberbatch I love you but for everyone else who is waiting til May! Here you go.

Ana (of The Book Smugglers) discusses the new John Green book in a pleasingly pop cultural way "10 Things I Hate About You, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green"

Should Authors and Agents Weigh in on Citizen Reviews? I guess by citizen they mean 'non-industry reviewers'. Via Publishers Weekly

In better news LOOK a teaser trailer for Resident Evil 5: Retribution! Don't judge my Milla Jovovich love.

Yet more proof that DC ~~Comics~~Entertainment doesn't deserve my love anymore. I'm breaking up our 15 year relationship!

Princess Bride remake? INCONCEIVABLE. Seriously.

Shameless Giveaway Hop - ends Jan 27th

Thursday DVD: The Last Detective Series 1

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:23:00 +0000

A new feature on Poisoned Rationality, "What I'm Watching" will cover the anime, tv shows and DVDs I'm watching each week.

I seem to be on a bit of a British show kick right now, which I blame fully on my father. I wanted him to watch the Doctor Who Christmas special with me (I didn't want to watch it by myself) and he said he would if I watched the first episode of 'The Last Detective'. I agreed, mainly because I have a soft spot for Peter Davison (the 5th Doctor in Doctor Who) and I do like my quirky British detectives.

Turns out I love it and now we're watching the whole series together (as quickly as Netflix will send us the DVD's at least). The series, of which there are 4 'seasons' and 17 episodes total, are based on a four book series by ~~Robert Crais~~ Leslie Thomas (thank you Ellen!).

The series revolves around Detective Constable 'Dangerous' Davies (Peter Davison), a middle-aged man who has a reputation for being rather ordinary. The nickname given to him, Dangerous, is really a taunt--practically everyone in his life thinks he's just so placid and nice he poses no danger. He's often given cases that no one else would touch (either because they're ridiculous or because they aren't high-profile enough) and in the first episode one such case leads him to solving an even larger case dating back a couple decades. Because of his findings of that case his boss Detective Inspector Aspinall (Rob Spendlove), mostly called 'Guv', swears to him that he will be the very last detective he ever thinks of for any job.

The first series consists of 4 episodes--3 of which appeared to have been based around the actual novels. The series focuses mainly on how Dangerous carefully puts the clues together--he's dogged about searching out leads and talking to people others wouldn't think of. He's not flashy, doesn't intimidate people or use violence--his very nature, that of a decent guy just trying to do the right thing, is what makes most of the criminals lose out in the end.

Rounding out the main cast are his two co-workers; DS Pimlott (Charles De'Ath) and DC Barrett (Bill Geraghty, his estranged wife Julie (Emma Amos) and his good friend Mod (Sean Hughes). Pimlott and Barrett spend a lot of their time teasing, taunting and playing pranks on Dangerous--its uncertain why exactly, except that Pimlott seems to resent Dangerous for being so decent and good. Barrett really only follows Pimlott's lead for the most part, and doesn't seem so bad when Pimlott isn't egging him on.

His wife is a pill--she doesn't want to be married to him, has a different boyfriend every episode (far as I can tell), but depends on him for nearly everything else. I get the feeling that she does love him a great deal, but like Pimlott can't deal with how good of a person he is (I guess it makes them feel like they can't measure up) and the fact he has no ambitions beyond his current job. He likes being a street detective--going out and getting the clues and helping people directly.

Mod is...let's just say Mod is unique. He is, far as I can tell, a professional student. He enjoys learning for the sake of it and takes odd jobs to live. Not a bad sort, but he looks like an unreliable and disreputable person.

This is, without a doubt, an engaging show. Its not dark and gritty, doesn't focus on the scum of the earth and the extreme measures cops have to take. Through careful research and thorough investigation Dangerous gets the bad guy in the end...no matter what it means.

PR Special Edition (57): Regan Summers!

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Poisoned Rationality Special Edition

Welcome to another Poisoned Rationality Special Edition! Today we have Regan Summers, author of Don't Bite the Messenger from Carina Press! She's joined us today for an interview.

Synopsis: Anchorage, Alaska

The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done…couriers like Sydney Kildare. Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six by being careful. She’s careful when navigating her tempestuous clients, outrunning hijackers and avoiding anyone who might distract her from her plan of retiring young to a tropical, vampire-free island. Her attitude—and immunity to vampires’ allure—have made her the target of a faction of vampires trying to reclaim their territory. Her only ally is Malcolm Kelly, a secretive charmer with the uncanny habit of showing up whenever she’s in trouble. Caught in the middle of a vampire turf war, Sydney has to count on Malcolm to help her survive, or the only place she’ll retire is her grave…

+++

Welcome Regan! Thank you for agreeing to the interview and approaching me to review Don't Bite the Messenger. I have to say it was a surprising treat!

Thank you so much, Lexie! I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

Can you tell us a little bit about Don't Kill the Messenger and the genesis behind it?

I live in Alaska. I was born here but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate other climates. Messenger developed because I was in the middle of a rough winter, going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark, and I wanted out in the worst way. However, moving wasn't an option and vacation wasn't possible for months. So my mind formed a character who also wanted out. Unfortunately for Sydney, it also created a bunch of people who wanted her dead. Good thing she's quick on her feet.

Sydney remarks at one point that it wouldn't make sense for vampires to live where the sun dominates the hours of the day, thus your setting is Alaska. As you live in Alaska yourself, was this an intentional decision for the setting or was it a happy coincidence that the two aligned so well?

It was very intentional! I've always wondered at the house-bound vampire, those living in locations where it's light for twelve hours a day all year. In the winter, you get a few hours of daylight in Alaska - and that's if you're in the southern part of the state. That's only a few hours of restriction, which I think these creatures would appreciate. My vampires also migrate to the Southern Hemisphere when the balance of darkness shifts.

This is the first book in your Vampire Couriers series, and the ending--which I won't spoil--ties things up nicely for Sydney. Will future books also follow Sydney on her adventures or will you be featuring other couriers? (I for one, wouldn't mind knowing what happened to Sean...)

The series follows Sydney. However, if things go according to plan, Sean Oester will make an appearance in a later story. Probably not in the way you'd expect. I also have a novella planned for a side character who is introduced in the second installment, which I'm just finishing up.

Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you read a lot or do you find you need space to unwind?

I read whenever I get a chance, which is not as often as I'd like since I have a day job and a toddler, and am occasionally required to "socialize". In the summer, I love to fish. (I refuse to fish in the winter. I believe ice fishing is a featured punishment in Hell.) In the winter, I plan elaborate trips involving snorkeling, learning foreign languages, and eating exotic fruits directly off of trees. I rarely take trips like that, mind you, but it's nice to imagine. :)

The interaction between Sydney and Malcolm is rather rocky, to say the least. They're both kind of outside of their kind, with unique talents that set them apart. Will we learn more about Malcolm and his history with Bronson?

It is rocky because, initially, they have no idea what to do with each other. This makes them a ton of fun to write.

To answer your question, yes, you will learn more about Malcolm, his history with Bronson, and his life before the master vampire clamped down on him. The next story will see Sydney far outside of her comfort zone when Malcolm's past inserts itself between them.

Quick Q's

cake or pie?

Cake, please! Preferably a vanilla pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream.

If you could live out one adventure--your own or someone else's--what would it be?

Do fictional ones count? I'd love to tag along with Indiana Jones. I'd make an excellent Short Round.

What are you reading right now?

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I found it in the laundry room of the place I'm temporarily staying at, and I'm really enjoying it.

Any tips for surviving in Alaska?

Dress for worse weather than you're having, and carry a survival kit in the car. Make lots of noise when you're in the woods. Learn to shoot. Be prepared to drop everything when something wondrous happens. And develop immunity to mosquito bites.

+++

Thank you again Regan! Wanna know more? Check out my review, Regan's homepage or her blog Impudent Hatchlings!

Book Review: Touch of Frost

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Print // Kindle // Jennifer Estep Page

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

I really like this cover

Upfront, had this and its sequel on my shelf for...well a while. Since at least the second book's release. I adore Estep's Elemental Assassin series, and her Big Time books are also pretty high on my list of enjoyable books (its superheroes of course I enjoy it) and I was excited for this series. So really I had no reason to wait as long as I did. Except maybe I was a tad bit put out that they changed out the cover I liked with the current cover it has. I had to get over that, which was completely irrational, first. Also being very ill and only being able to reach this particular book helped me get over me ill-will feelings.

Once I began the book I got into it and the world Estep had created pretty hard. The YA world is rift with plenty of boarding school paranormal shenanigan's, but Mythos Academy felt a little different. Maybe because Gwen could easily skip out to the 'normal' world and thus wasn't surrounded by the creepy 24/7, though I tend to think a lot of it rests on the fact that Gwen spends a significant chunk of time in her memories.

Comparatively speaking it hasn't been that long since her mother's death (I think 2 months?), and a huge change like what she went through, well it makes sense she would focus on the familiar. But if there's two things in Touch of Frost that bugged me the most it was her constantly saying 'And they say I'm the freak.' and her almost reliance on using her mother's death to explain her attitude and behavior. Thankfully the latter becomes less of an issue as the book goes on, but it was still irritating.

I suppose because I've always been so fascinated by mythology I couldn't quite understand why Gwen wasn't drooling over the Academy and all it had to offer. Until she began investigating Jasmine's death I didn't feel a connection with her, however I do understand the drive to know. Academically I never cared much about learning, but if something caught my interest I had to know everything. I'm still like this. For Gwen its even more puzzling because her powers seem to fritz where Jasmine is concerned.

I thought the gradual friendship(s) Gwen acquires to feel very authentic. A lot of YA's overlook it, but for a new transfer it can be downright terrifying to think about making new friends. Cliques are formed, friendships have been set in stone and in the case of Mythos Academy these kids also break off based on heritage. Gwen's the odd girl out in all ways so I thought it was clever how Estep helped her gain friends.

The whole thing with Logan is a bit more murky and a bit confusing. The reasoning is explained in Kiss of Frost, but for Touch of Frost he came across as a bipolar tool. Hot and cold from one moment to the next, sometimes in the same breath, if he didn't save Gwen so much I would have told her to tell him to sod off.

Anime: Mirai Nikki

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:32:00 +0000

A new feature on Poisoned Rationality, "What I'm Watching" will cover the anime, tv shows and DVDs I'm watching each week.

Mirai Nikki (aka Future Diary) always deserves a disclaimer, so here it is: this is some messed up stuff. Do not take lightly. Do not do this at home. Do not read this around impressionable children. And for the love of all things holy--Yuno is not to emulated. I spoke at length about this series in Night Owl Reviews magazine months ago (you can see the issue here for free, my column is 'Manga Insights')

Long before the anime came out. At the time the manga was also still on-going and there was every expectation that TokyoPop would finish the series. Que serra eh?

The anime is pretty much faithful to the manga with some minor tweaks to keep things going at a nice clip and not really let the audience or Yukiteru have enough time to think about what he's doing. I do have a gripe though--whether its because now his whining voice is vocalized or because the anime writers decided Yukiteru had to be as utterly pathetic as possible (which for the first half of the manga, he's really pathetic), he is the most annoying creature this side of ever.

The basic premise is that God [of Time and Space] is getting tired of his job (or dying, he says both at various points) so he decides to mess with people by giving them the means by which they can effectively a) kill each other and b) kill others without getting caught (or at least less likely to get caught). I can't think of any other SANE reason why he would give out the future diaries he did to the people he did. The terrorist gets the 'escape' diary, crazy bad father gets the 'Breeder' diary (and promptly creates monstrous killer dogs), crazy cult leader gets the 'all seeing' diary, the detective who just wants to beat the shit out of people gets the 'criminal diary', the serial killer gets the 'victim' diary...I mean seriously. Yukiteru's is probably the might benign of them all as the neutral observer diary.

Currently the anime is up to episode 13 and insofar as I know there isn't a legitimate resource for watching the show. GotSpeed has the best subs in my opinion (and probably the fastest) though Commie is also very good (and also does Persona 4 and Last Exile ~Fam~).

e-Book Review: Don't Bite the Messenger

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Kindle // Carina Press // Regan Summers Page

Anchorage, Alaska

The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done...couriers like Sydney Kildare.

Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six by being careful. She's careful when navigating her tempestuous clients, outrunning hijackers and avoiding anyone who might distract her from her plan of retiring young to a tropical, vampire-free island.

Her attitude—and immunity to vampires' allure—have made her the target of a faction of vampires trying to reclaim their territory. Her only ally is Malcolm Kelly, a secretive charmer with the uncanny habit of showing up whenever she's in trouble. Caught in the middle of a vampire turf war, Sydney has to count on Malcolm to help her survive, or the only place she'll retire is her grave...

I received an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

To be fair, even though I'd put this in my romance category for organizing purposes, this isn't a romance first and foremost. There is a romance, and it becomes important, but the larger emphasis is on Sydney's unique talent of staying alive in a profession that almost requires its employees to die horribly. That profession is being a 'Runner' for vampires. Sydney does have an advantage most others don't, but the fact remains she's alive and living far longer than most.

The pace of this novella, which clocks in at about 100 pages or so, is fast and doesn't give you time to enjoy the scenery (not that there's much to enjoy, snow and creepy vampires and explosions aplenty). This works to its advantage when the action scenes are the focus, but draws attention to the few 'slow' scenes when Summers is building the characters. It does help you to overlook the sometimes broad strokes given to the world development or to the characters themselves, but only until you're finished.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Sydney and Malcolm, neither were typical, but they were also not so different as to feel weird or out of place. Summers gives us sound motivation for why Sydney does what she does, but cuts the corners at bit on Malcolm's end, instead giving us a somewhat mysterious guy who showed up to save Sydney on occasion. This wide swath is also given to a few others--Bronson, a Master vampire who employs Sydney regularly; McHenry, Sydney's boss.

I give full props to Summers that instead of having her vamps be much more into land wars and legal loopholes than terrorizing the local populace (at least much of the time). It makes sense that they'd whinge at each other over clauses and contractual stipulations. There's a bit of timey-wimey hand waving given to explain vampires and their integrated existence with humanity--its an accepted truth of the current world thus no one feels a great need to dwell on the how's. Some background is given in relation to Sydney's own personal history, but otherwise small bits of info (like vamps don't live in Texas--smart fellows) are doled out at random moments.

I quite enjoyed this novella and hope there's more in the future--either set in this world or in another I'm not picky. Summers writing is fluid and easy to get into, moving you along with the action with very little problem. Definitely recommended more for the urban fantasy fan, the romance is secondary at best so this wouldn't be called a proper paranormal romance.

Sunday Sendup

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:01:00 +0000

So here's my week...

Books:
read and finished:
-Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
-Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep
-Destined Mate by Katie Reus
-Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers

started:
-Knife of the Emperor by Mazarkis Williams
-Shifters by Halli Dee Lilburn

Received/Bought:
Kindle
Sasha (A Trial of Blood and Steel) by Joel Shepard
Never Knew Another (Dogsland Trilogy) by J.M. McDermott
Here Be Monsters - An Anthology of Monster Tales
Blood Faerie (Caledonia Fae, Book 1) by India Drummond
Azuri Fae (Caledonia Fae, Book 2) by India Drummond
Existence by Abbi Glines
The Ghost Hunter (The Hunter Series) by Lori Brighton
Ruby (Dakotah Treasures) by Lauraine Snelling
Slumber by Samantha Young
Lonely Millionaire by Carol Grace
Silver Storm (The Raveneau Novels) by Cynthia Wright

Review:
River of Time series (Waterfall, Cascade, and Torrent) by Lisa T. Bergen
Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane
Witchful Thinking by HP Mallory
Spin by Catherine McKenzie

DVDs:
X: the series vols 2,3,4,7,8
Blood and Chocolate
Love Wrecked
Casanova (David Tennant version)

Graphic Novels:
Fables Deluxe Edition Vols 1-3

Fun Stories from the Week
Authors Behaving Badly Part...God who even knows: What happens when an author and agent discuss a negative review on Twitter? BAD THINGS.

Best Web Series Ever won Best Animated Web-series! Let's go Rooster Teeth and Red vs. Blue!

My friend Taschima (of Bloody Bookaholic) finally learns the love that is the Soul Screamers Series! I like it when I'm right.

Nichole (of WORD for Teens) shows off her bookcases...and she may have more Anne McCaffrey then me. I was deeply saddened ~~which resulted in me figuring out which books I needed~~

Author Lisa Mantchev showed off the shiny trailer for So Silver Bright and is holding a contest!

Author Emma Lai has a release date for her third Guardians book His Capture, Her Rescue and its two days before my birthday (April 11th!) now you all know what to buy me.

Author Diane Gaston wants to know what everyone thinks of Downton Abbey Series 2 (spoiler I've seen it all, so I can't say anything but the pay off for me isn't until the Christmas special).

Tor.com started their Reader's Choice Awards (vote for Brandon Sanderson please), made me cry because Rory isn't getting his own show, and confirmed Game of Thrones for April 1st

Entangled Publishing posted their wishlist for stories for January 2012.

Author Andrea K. Host posted the cover for what she's working on.

Clarion Workshop is now accepting applications (don't worry I'm not trying, can't afford it)

Media Blasters is rescuing Fushigi Yugi! Now if they price it affordable I'm buying it.

Winter anime preview 2012, I'm watching...only one new show. sigh

Bitten by Paranormal Books is looking for participants (author/reader/otherwise) for the 3-Star event in which folks discuss their feelings towards it. Its set for March!

God help the world if this is true, but Lionsgate has acquired Summit Entertainment ~~they can't afford themselves after Breaking Dawn part 2 comes out~~ and hints at more Twilight.

Book Review: Every Other Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Kindle // Print // Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Blog

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

I won't lie, when I first read about the idea behind this I was kind of like...really? It sounds kind of stupid on paper--a girl who is human only every other day. Literally not human. However its Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and as I enjoy her Raised by Wolves books so much I felt confident she wouldn't let me down. And for the most part she didn't.

Kali made some...risky decisions all things considered. Not that she doesn't acknowledge that she's making a bad decision--some of which cut so close to her 'human' day I grew a bit anxious (which is a good sign of the tension!)--but her timeframe is very exact and always the same. Time Management wasn't her friend honestly.

I thought it was clever on Barnes' part to make Kali's love interest, Zev, not really a physical presence in the book (not til the end at least). And while I have my qualms with the 'love at first sight' motif so popular in YA paranormals right now, Barnes gives a decent accounting for it (from a scientific perspective) and even throws in a curveball which I really wish could have been explored a little more.

One of my problems with the book was that interesting concepts would be touched upon, but almost immediately 'solved' or brushed aside for a more immediate issue. I'm fairly certain this is a stand alone novel (which is wonderful, not many of those in the paranormal genre right now) as I haven't found a reference to this being part of a series. The ending suggests there could be more however.

I'm still kind of dicey with the details and the particulars--something about...parasites.--it gets science-y on me at unexpectant moments and I didn't expect that. In my paranormal/urban fantasies I expect a whole less science and a whole lot more timey-wimey explanations. I did appreciate that Barnes was going for something different and out of the ordinary as an explanation however.

e-Book Review: Destined Mate

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Kindle // Harlequin // Katie Reus Page

Almost a century ago, Angela Lavigne and Alpha werewolf Knox had a shared passion neither could control. Then Angela was turned into a vampire and disappeared.

The last thing Knox expects is for Angela to show up on his doorstep on a rescue mission, as sexy and irresistible as ever. And he can sense how much she still wants him, too. She's gone against both their species' rules and trespassed on his land. By law he can keep her as long as he wants--and Knox doesn't intend to let her go ever again.

As their desire explodes once again, Knox is more sure than ever that he must claim her forever. But as vampire and werewolf, they are natural born enemies. Can she truly be his destined mate?

This is a short to the point novella, which is what I was craving so it fit the bill. Much of the character's tension as a couple is dispelled pretty quickly because they have a whole history together shattered by some misunderstandings. Its obvious from the first reunion that Knox wasn't going to roll over and let Angela go, and despite her protests (the lady doth protest too much eh?) Angela was more than willing to stay with him.

That sort of certainty is fine and dandy, but makes for a predictable read. It takes away some of the bite of how they'll get together, instead the focus being entirely on when. I do have to say I chuckled at their first foray into an intimate reunion, nothing like second-in-command's ruining the moment!

I would have liked to know more about Knox--he's over 900 years old, but other then some of the fun times he had with Angela back when was a human not much else is said about his past. Angela eludes to the fact they are basically immortal, but does that mean he won't age anymore? I'm also not certain if he was made into a werewolf or born as one.

There's also the question of the sudden attack on Angela from an inside source. It was surprising because other than some hostility early on in the story, when Angela was sneaking into the compound, it felt abrupt. Having it explained out why she was attacked didn't help because it still left the question of--but there's another vampire. Beyond that we knew so little of the character that going against the Alpha--and targeting his mate besides--seemed suicidal. Where was the motivation then?

I did enjoy the fact that Angela wasn't going to just roll over and fall back into Knox's arms. They were both to blame for why she ran when she was turned, as well as why it took them so long to talk things through. She made some good points; if Knox did nothing but talk about killing vampires, how then was she to trust he wouldn't turn on her? Single-minded hatred like what Knox exhibited does not engender trust.

This probably would have benefited by being a full length novel, so we could have explored the pasts of Knox and Angela, as well as the strife between the two factions. If you're looking for a quick, fast-paced read with heat aplenty however, I thoroughly recommend this.

Thursday DVD: State of Play (BBC)

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

A new feature on Poisoned Rationality, "What I'm Watching" will cover the anime, tv shows and DVDs I'm watching each week.

two reasons why: James McAvoy and John Simm

State of Play is a British mini-series that the Russell Crowe/Ben Affleck version is based upon (yes they crammed 6 episodes into a 2 hour film). I have had a supreme soft spot for James McAvoy since the 2003 SciFi mini-series "Children of Dune" and John Simm...well. You can't NOT love the Master can you? Incidentally I'm also a passive fan of Bill Nighy (he tends to show up in things I enjoy) and David Morrissey is to be commended because he was in a Doctor Who Christmas Special ("The Next Doctor"). Plus a whole host of other British actors--Marc Warren (Hustle, Mad Dogs), Philip Glenister (Life on Mars, Mad Dogs), Polly Walker (Rome, Caprica) and Kelly MacDonald (Gosford Park, Boardwalk Empire). Its almost maddening watching the show at times because I'll recognize someone and sometimes not be able to place them.

Honestly it feels like there's only a small contingent of British actors and I see them everywhere.

This is a slow moving political drama that at first doesn't seem to relate the various storylines together. There's the journalists investigating the death of a supposed gang-banger, the MP who's political and personal life is in shambles after his mistress (and research assistant) commits suicide and then the random shooting of a cop after he talks with a journalist. Characters are brought in and sometimes not seen again until the next episode, or details are introduced that aren't relevant until two episodes later. It can be an intense experience, especially if you watch the episodes back to back as I did.

There's red herrings and some surprises that crop up, though as I understand things the American movie ruins a whole host of them by introducing the elements much earlier in that version then they are in this version. How one feels about the ending probably depends on how you view the characters in the series. There aren't any 'clean' or 'innocent' sorts--everyone does something dirty or manipulative or deceitful. Arguably John Simm's character is the 'main character' (as he ties many of the storylines together), but he's a jerk, uses David Morrissey's character for his own gain and does very few redeeming things.

If you enjoy shows like The Killing or enjoyed movies like Viewpoint, you'll likely enjoy this series as well.

Sourcebook January E-book Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

As I find myself buying e-books more often, I thought I'd share some of the deals I've found around the net.

Sourcebooks has a variety of e-books deals on a monthly basis, though some books are on sale at different times.

A New Year, A New You!

Start the New Year off right with 40 fantastic titles to help make this year the best yet! For the month of January, Sourcebooks is offering a wide range of nonfiction titles for only $1.99. With great selections from categories like Business, Diet & Health, Parenting, and Self Help, no matter what your resolution, we’ve got you covered!

In conjunction with this great offer, we’re also giving away one title FREE each week in January:

· 20 Retirement Decisions You Need to Make Right Now (1/8/2012 – 1/14/2012)

· How To Unspoil Your Child Fast (1/15/2012 – 1/21/2012)

· Instant Self-Hypnosis (1/22/2012 – 1/28/2012)

Romance on Sale

Deleted Scenes from Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:10:00 +0000

In today's reviewing climate it can sometimes be...difficult to want to speak your true feelings about a book for fear of author, reader or fan backlash. Granted I've only run into this problem maybe twice, to which I didn't engage (deleted the comments on my blog) because its a losing battle for us all especially if there isn't genuine discussion about the merits vs. faults of a book (I've seen discussions on bad reviews where a commenter and the blogger discuss why she/he dislikes the book so much. This is fine. That's not the same).

As a socially phobic person I'm not huge on swaying the boat either, but I've been known to post unhappy ranting reviews from time to time (more often on GoodReads). More often I'll write a review and in the first draft put all the bitter, unhappy and sarcastic commentary I want before going back and re-writing them in a more constructive voice.

Mind you even in reviews of books I loved--by authors I adore and can do no wrong in my eyes ever--the sarcasm comes out because that's just who I am. I snark at you because I love you I swear.

I've done this before here and here. Time for a new group!

"Dear diary, I met a fabulous lady today! She's everything I always wanted in a woman--smart, brave, beautiful. I can't wait to have sex with her! Because I could never marry her since she's not as rich or powerful as me. But I'm sure she'll be okay with this even though I know the pain she went through as the bastard child of a Duke..."

:eye twitch: Its amazing how this girl's sassy friend, athletic friend, computer nerd friend and random other friends all seem to have gotten into the same elitist boarding school as her. Maybe I missed the memo but that seems a little suspicious.

"Of course teen girl who is trying to solve the mystery of her friend's disappearance, it makes complete sense to randomly make out with a different friend."

"Just because you're a badass when you get hit in the head by a hot guy who claims to be protecting you (while secretly lusting after you) doesn't mean you should actively LOOK for danger."

"Trust me when I say this, things will work out. This author might write grisly fight scenes, but is really a softie at heart for true love. After a couple of beatings first."

"But decapitating your former husband now turned zombie menace is totally a sign of true love! WHY ARE YOU UPSET WITH YOUR NEW LOVE? Your former husband not turned zombie was TRYING TO EAT YOU."

"Becoming a Zombie is not a disease that will 'run its course' you stuffed shirt bozo."

"I would shoot the heroine and save your best friend that may have betrayed you but at least never questioned your masculinity as you saved him."

"What do you mean the heroine is actually a guy and the MC is a girl? the first 100 pages of this novella says otherwise."

"This is revolutionary! I had no idea that girls who read romance novels must be in serious want of sex! With four men at once! And fantasies of a fifth!"

"HOW STUPID DO YOU THINK I AM AUTHOR PERSON?"

"Basic math states that if you're heroine started out at 25 in chapter 1, and the last chapter is set 8 years later she'd be 33 years old. Not 29. Unless you lied about a number in there somewhere."

"Dear self-pubbed author who requested this review, I took on this novel because your blurb made it sound AWESOME. What you failed to mention was that the romance was between a brother and sister who are 16. FAIL."

"I really love you [character name redacted], but sometimes I have to wonder why you put yourself in situations that expose you to public scrutiny when you're in hiding."

Anime:Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

A new feature on Poisoned Rationality, "What I'm Watching" will cover the anime, tv shows and DVDs I'm watching each week.

Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam (Fam, the Silver Wing)
The first Last Exile series focused on the fight between Anatoray, Disith and the Guild as seen through the eyes of two young vanship pilots (Lavie and Claus) as they fight to protect themselves and the young girl entrusted to their care Alvis Hamilton. This second one is set two years later, after the cast has returned to the 'Blue Star' of their ancestors' birth. The show focuses again on two vanship (Vespa here) pilots called Fam Fan Fan and Giselle "Gisey" Collette and their promise to Princess Millia to help reclaim her home from the Ades Federation.

As an ardent lover of the first show I had been hoping this show would have more to do with what happened after Claus and crew came home, but that need is fulfilled in a manga called 'Last Exile: Travelers from the Hourglass' at least. Interestingly Dio, who everyone under the sun thought was dead, pops up almost immediately as a ward of the Sky Pirates (Gisey and Fam's group) and from there characters keep popping up from the first series.

This is a gorgeous anime, Range Murata's character designs fit the show well and Gonzo spared no expense in capturing the exhilaration of being a vanship (or vespa) pilot. The action scenes are more intricate in this series I think, since the Ades Federation has massive warships and the conflicts seem to happen more frequently. Currently 11 episodes are available through Hulu subtitled and this will be released by Funimation on DVD dubbed here in the States. I recommend watching the first anime, or at least reading a primer, because as the show progresses it becomes important to understand some of the nuances, references and character histories of the original cast.

Soul Screamer Reading Challenge!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:23:00 +0000

Sooo...my love of the Soul Screamer series by Rachel Vincent has got to be pretty well known by now. Its one of my top 5 favorite YA series and one I constantly rec for readers who want to read a YA paranormal romance series that isn't afraid to take risks and ask hard questions (or have very flawed main characters).

Rachel (not the author, but the blogger who is running the challenge) has set up a nice way to draw new people in, discuss with veteran fans and have fun while doing it!

THE SCHEDULE:

My Soul to Take

1/15 - 2/14

My Soul to Keep

3/15 - 4/14

My Soul to Save

2/15 - 3/14

My Soul to Steal

4/15 - 5/14


If I Die 5/15 - 6/14

As I've already read and reviewed the books of course, so I'll be re-reading and instead posting my thoughts about the re-reads. Please note these posts will likely be spoilery for both the book itself and the series in general.

Additionally, for bonus points towards the 'Incentives' participants can read the Short Stories set between the books (My Soul to Lose, Reaper and Never to Sleep) and I'll be re-reading any from other anthologies as well (Binge, Niederwald and Fearless). Basically the beginning of the month will be the SS and the second half of the month will be the book for me.

To be eligible for the prizes participants need to post a review/discussion post for the book of the chosen month during that month and link back at the monthly link post (posted on the 15th of each month).

For the full list of details, prizes and everything else Rachel could throw into the mix visit her blog Fiktshun and I'm looking forward to the posts!

14 Sequels I Can't Wait For

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:41:00 +0000

With the new year a week past, I realized I never made a post about the books I'm looking forward to coming out this year. Listed in no particular order here are 1214 titles I can't wait for this year!

FANTASY

Necromancer Chronicles Book 3: Kingdom of Dust by Amanda Downum (March 2012)
I picked up this series on a whim at a Borders closing and ended up really liking it. no surprise really since its from one of my favorite publishers (Orbit), but regardless book 3!!

Seven Kingdoms Book 3: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (May 2012)
Aside from having waited for this for what seems like forever (but is really only a couple years), this book sounds like it'll be another rollicking fantasy adventure like Graceling and Fire. I'm eager to see Bitterblue 8 years past her first appearance in Graceling.

River of Souls Book 2: Queen of the Hunt by Beth Bernobich (July 2012)
Passion Play came out in 2010 and then there was publishing delays and cover changes and it all just turned into I had to wait until this year for this book and its sequels. I'm sad they won't be using the original coverart though.

The Lightbringer Book 2: The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks (September 2012)
The Black Prism ranks pretty high on my favorite fantasies in the last few years. And with the ending of that book as the set up for this book, and the secrets, lies and manipulations throughout the decades that could shatter a world's belief system...well. I WANT TO KNOW MORE.

Girl of Fire and Thorns Book 2: Crown of Embers by Rae Carson (September 2012)
This was another book of gushing fangirl'ing for me. I did feel as if the first book was well-contained--either as a stand alone (which is what I thought it was originally) or as a first book in a series.

URBAN FANTASY/PARANORMAL

Downside Magic Book 4: Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane (March 2012)
I love this series. I love Chessie. I wanted this book about two seconds after I finished Book 3. ~~and I have it right now~~ I want to know how things turn out. 'Course I have to catch up on my Downside Lingo again...

Alpha and Omega Book 3: Fair Game by Patricia Briggs (March 2012)
Charles and Anna's romance makes me feel warm inside. Like tender-hearted, down home sweet warm. I probably enjoy this series moreso than the Mercy Thompson books actually because I like Anna so very much.

Iron Druid Chronicles Book 4: Tricked (April 2012)
Not that surprising considering how much I adore Atticus, and now he's taking his smooth-talking self on the road! And lookee here its out the same month as my birthday.

The Lux Book 2: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout (May 2012)
Late addition mainly because I only just finished Book 1. Minor quibbles aside, I can't wait to learn more about the aliens and their enemies. Also here's hoping this does not stray near the love triangle area.

The Ghost and the Goth Book 3: Body and Soul by Stacey Kade (May 2012)
Considering my utter love for the first two books no surprises here either, but I have this sinking feeling that I'm not going to be pleased with how the romance turns out. :sobs:

Soul Screamers Book 6: Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent (June 2012)
Anyone who didn't know this would be on the list probably doesn't pay attention to me too greatly. BRING IT ON. After Never to Sleep I really really want to see that dude in action. Also I miss Tod.

Nevermore Book 2: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh (August 2012)
Like a lot of the books on this list I had hoped this book would be out last year (2011), but it got pushed to 2012 and I tried really hard not to be really disappointed. The first book snuck up on me, since I'm not a Poe fan by any stretch of the imagination, and caught me hard.

Wildefire Book 2: Embers and Echoes Karsten Knight (??? 2012)
Forgiving my fangirl'ing over the first book, I'm genuinely interested to see what happens now that Miss Wilde and Co. have an idea of what they are, what they can do and of what they're up against.

ZOMBIES

Newsflesh Book 3: Blackout by Mira Grant (June 2012)
Zombies. Socio-political commentary (during an election year!). Government conspiracy. Answers to questions. Look there's no possible way for me NOT to be looking forward to this with the passion of a thousand suns.

NOTES:

I should point out there are other sequels I'm excited for (including the final Galahad book by Dom Testa), these are the ones I've pre-ordered, marked on my calendar (except for Wildefire 2 -.- ) and set aside time to want to read. If you noted that the new Kate Daniels book (which I think comes out in the fall) is not listed, its because its been pushed back a couple of times so I'm doing my very best not to keep my hopes pinned on a specific date. Rest assured when it comes out I WILL OWN IT.

Basically the ones above are the ones I am actively and impatiently waiting for in some manner.

And on the off chance that LJ Smith actually publishes the final book in the Night World series that will automatically get bumped up high. But as I've been waiting for that book now almost 13 years (a little less than half my life) I'm not holding onto THAT hope. At this point I'm taking fan fiction as canon fact and leaving it there. We'll ignore the fact she's written a sequel to The Secret Circle trilogy. Something that didn't need it and was probably only written because of the popularity of the show...never mind how FAR OFF THE BEATEN TRACK the show has gone from the book series I swear that's not bitterness in my tone.

What's everyone else eagerly anticipating and promising their sister's soul in exchange for?

Book Review: Obsidian

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Print // Kindle // Jennifer's Webpage

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Oh my. At times this book got pretty heated--and that's not just a crack at the fact Dee, Daemon and half the town Katy finds herself living in are beings of light. I've always been a sucker for antagonism leading to heated embraces and these two blow the park with their bickering, fighting, arguing, baiting and taunting of each other.

I bought this book mainly because it kind of sounded like Roswell (the old TV show starring Jason Behr? Yeah I miss it too, oh hot alien guys) and that's never a bad thing. Mind you this is almost nothing like that show--except that Daemon tends to save Katy's life A LOT--and deserves love in its own right?

If I had one complaint its that something tended to get repeated often. The green of Daemon's eyes or the intensity thereof. Katy's obsessive book reading/reviewing (which I can't really complain about since, as a book blogger, I do the same things. But I definitely see why my friends get sick of hearing about it when they have nothing invested in it and other things to worry over. Like when Daemon's shirt will come off again). The rather absentee parenting is also troubling, especially after Incidents 1, 2 and 3 happen to Katy. Even if her mom didn't know the ENTIRE story behind those incidents, I would have thought she'd be more...concerned.

What to love about the book however is much higher. Highly engaging characters who made me care? Check. Storyline that was coherent, multi-layered and not filled with constant angst? Check. Steamy hot romance? Check/*. Armentrout doesn't pull many punches here; some of her characters start out fairly cardboard (Ash for instances and Simon, who's intentions I guessed a mile away), but as Katy got to know them so did we, which was beneficial. One of the drawbacks of first person POV can sometimes be that you only see what that person sees and we only ever saw Ash being either bitchy or sneering.

Some plot threads I hope pan out how I want them too and I want other characters to get a bit of limelighting. I'd like to know more about Adam for instance (not so much his brother Andrew) or Mr. Garrison. Definitely hope we learn more about the Lux and Arum (the bad guys who are, you guessed it, based in darkness/shadows) War in the next book, Onyx. Plus the short story coming out in Feb, Shadows, looks like its about Dawson. Which, that's all I'm saying on that.

And for bonus points (mwaha that takes on a new meaning after this book), Armentrout pays sincere tribute to the book bloggers out there. Katy is a hardcore blogger--she's in tears at one point because she can't update her blog and oh look she has that bi-polar 'Omg followers are great!/Omg why don't you comment?' thing too!. It was sweet and pretty awesome, something I haven't seen in a book before honestly (validation!).

*(which brings up the point--this is definitely an 'older' YA book. Not that I believe in censorship, but for parents who are worried about the level of sexuality in a book for their kid, shirts come off and heavy make-out sessions happen and that's about the extent of it.)

DVD Thursday: Mad Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

A new feature on Poisoned Rationality, "What I'm Watching" will cover the anime, tv shows and DVDs I'm watching each week.

Why yes that is John Simm and Max Beesley!

MAD DOGS is a show that I kind of just...fell into. I was searching for John Simm shows I hadn't seen yet (which apparently there's plenty of them) and saw this one with a whole bunch of other guys my father and I know. Max Beesly is from SURVIVORS, another UK show. Philip Glenister is from LIFE ON MARS (UK version, with John Simm), Marc Warren was in STATE OF PLAY (with John Simm) and Ben Chaplin (who I really only remember from THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS).

Its a socio-thriller dark comedy about four forty-ish guys (Glenister, Simm, Beesly and Warren) who accept an invitation from their well off friend Alvo (Chaplin) to vacation at his home in Mallorca. Things go from w00t fun vacation to OMG what the hell when during drinks one night a midget in a Tony Blair mask (the creepiest mask ever) shows up shouting in Spanish at Alvo and then blows his brains all over the table and his buds.

That's when not only do they start to learn unsettling things about their good friend Alvo, but about each other and their opinions of how they run their lives. The 4-episode series takes place over 3 or 4 days with the seemingly tight knit crew slowly unraveling as old secrets are aired, new secrets are learned and they deal with what to do with everything they learn.

I was quite surprised by how much I took to this. While I'll watch anything with John Simm in it, this is the kind of show that a few years ago I would have just suffered through and not really enjoyed. I found myself involved with finding out how the police were involved, where the money and cocaine came from, why 'Tiny' Blair (the shooter) keeps attacking them and how Alvo was caught up in it all. Plus their own lives--none of them seem particularly happy, just varying degrees of 'not miserable'. The ending was kind of a surprise, but this will be getting a new series (hopefully airing soon) and it sounds as if things only get worse for the gang.

To my knowledge this isn't available domestically unfortunately, but give it a try if you see it on BBCAmerica or if you can find a copy online.

e-Book Review: Caszandra

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000


Kindle // Smashwords // Andrea K Host Webpage Book 1: Stray // Book 2: Lab Rat One

Cassandra Devlin doesn’t know what she's for. But she knows she's running out of time.

Since Cass was rescued from the abandoned world of Muina, the Aussie teen has proven more than useful to the people of Tare. Expeditions to their home world no longer end in slaughter. The teaching city of Kalasa has been unlocked. After years of searching for answers, they are starting to make progress.

But space is tearing itself apart. Ionoth attack in ever-greater numbers. And "the useful stray" has been injured so many times that the Tarens hesitate to use her for fear of losing her.

With one particular Taren now her most important person, Cass is determined to contribute everything she can - and hopes to find some answers of her own. What is the link between Muina and Earth? Why are the reclusive Nurans so interested in 'rescuing' her? And what role in the crisis do the inhuman Cruzatch play?

Can Cass keep herself together long enough to find out?

Listen Lady Author you and me are gonna have a talk about how not right it is to make me tear up several times in the course of reading (especially as that means I had to STOP reading to clear out my blurry eyes). I said this before, but I'll say it again the Touchstone books took me by surprise by just how enthralling I found them.

Everything comes full circle in this book, for good and ill. The nature of the book is that they're in diary format so the events are told from a retrospective viewpoint, which in some ways spoils certain things (obviously if we're reading the diary entries that means Cass has survived whatever immediate issue comes up). This works well for the action scenes which could, presumably, become really confusing in real time without Cass describing who did what and giving references.

I admit even though I was rather impatient for this book's release (there may have been author stalking involved) I kept getting distracted from finishing it as quickly as I wanted. This led to a bit of confusion whenever I resumed (usually hours later) because there is a lot that happens to and around Cass--often very quickly and suddenly.

This is a much more personal book, not just for Cass, but for all the members of the Setari, Kolar and even Nura. Which, by the way, thank god there's a character listing in the back because the cast list is just...HUGE by the end of this book. I was having some trouble keeping all the Squads straight once we got beyond First, Second, Third and Fourth (and parts of Eighth and Twelfth).

Back on topic, no one is left unscathed in this book and a lot is revealed and discussed. There is a lot of soul-searching for both Kaoren (Ruuel) and Cass in this book, after the ending of LAB RAT ONE its only natural after all and they're given a whole bunch of reasons to have even more deep conversations. Plus hanky-panky, which is never a bad thing.

Surprisingly Cassandra manages to keep herself from getting too banged up in this installment. She spends a good deal of time trying to help heal emotional (and physical) wounds of those she cares about and comes to care about. Between the Lanterans and the Nurans I'm really not sure who takes the cake as having the worst citizens honestly. One group brings about the end of their civilization and the other has such elitist pigs amongst them that I wanted to strangle them so badly. Oh wait, that's both groups at one point or other.

While the book wraps up nicely, there are some leftover questions, which are neatly answered in the 'extra' "Gratuitous" novella (which I'll be reviewing separately because its long enough), but many of the questions are superfluous to the overall plot (except perhaps the fate of one of Cass' friends) and answered or not doesn't change the experience.

This would be the fourth book of Host's I read in a year, third in as many months (read the Touchstone trilogy between September-November) and she hasn't let me down yet. I'll be starting the Medair Duology soon and look forward to the next Darest book (after CHAMPION OF THE ROSE).

Book Review: Beauty Dates the Beast

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Kindle // Print // Jessica Sims Webpage

WANTED

Single human female to join charming, wealthy single male were-cougar for a night of romantic fun – and maybe more.

Me: The tall, sensuous, open-minded leader of my clan.

You: A deliciously curvy virgin who’s intimately familiar with what goes bump in the night. Must not be afraid of a little tail. Prefer a woman who’s open to exploring her animal nature. Interest in nighttime walks through the woods a plus.

My turn-ons include protecting you from the worst the supernatural world has to offer.

Ready for an adventure? Give me a call.

Vampires and doppelgangers need not apply.

I'll be thoroughly candid--I read this book because the cover is HOT. Let's list why: its blue tones. The guy looks sexy--barest hint of stubble, bedroom eyes, possessively wrapped around the female. I like the chick's 'I'm seduced despite myself' look. So yeah. The cover basically is what made me read this book. To be clear that doesn't happen often--I like covers, and some covers catch my attention, but rarely (outside of the fantasy genre) do covers make me want to read a book desperately.

Or at least to all hours of the night despite the fact I have work in the morning fairly early.

I should point out I had no idea that this was a pseudonym for Jill Myles, not until I went looking for the release date of the next book in the series and saw the pic and was like 'now wait a minute!'.

There's a couple of things I didn't care for very much; the mystery of who was hunting Bathsheba was pretty obvious and after Arabella's explosive meeting with Bathsheba I kind of even guessed at that secret. This isn't a crack at Sims' writing, I think its more a symptom that when you read as much paranormal and urban fantasy as I do, some plotlines stand out more obviously. I didn't like Giselle and I was more than happy to read of how the tables are turned on her.

What I liked--and the list is longer--was that Beau kept such a...positive attitude throughout the book. Not chipper optimistic or overly dominating, more like he had a single-minded determination to convince Bathsheba and nothing stood in his way. This didn't keep him from offering her a chance out--at least as far as that particular week went--which went a long way to marking him as a different sort of Alpha.

Bathsheba for her part didn't waffle around. She didn't give lame excuses, she didn't talk a good fight and then not back it up. She had good reason not to trust Beau's kind, despite her job, and even better reasons not to date him. Communication, as always in romances, was lacking between the two, but I felt like it wasn't just contrived. I do think it went on longer then it should have, there came a point in the story when I felt Bathsheba should have just thrown caution to the wind and dealt with the devil she knew instead of fumbling to make things better, but in the end I loved this book.

The next book is about Bathsheba's sister and let me just say it looks like she doesn't sit idly around waiting for her mate to sit up and recognize the roses.

Anime Monday: Persona 4 the animation

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

A new feature on Poisoned Rationality, "What I'm Watching" will cover the anime, tv shows and DVDs I'm watching each week.

Persona 4: the animation
Some of you on twitter may remember my utter obsession with the Persona series. I played all 3 versions of Persona 3 (Persona 3, Persona 3 FES and Persona 3 Portable) and trounced Persona 4 in about a week in my feverish need to play it. Admittedly many of my favorite characters are from Persona 3 (Akihiko-senpai!), but Persona 4 deserves some love!

This isn't an exact replication of the game. Since in the game you are the main character (Yu Narukami), and dictate his actions/friendships the show takes that control away and instead has a more general idea of what happens. The Arcana for instance seems to mean a lot less than in the show--where you can't level up or increase your friendship level with people for better Personas.

Currently there's 13 episodes available through the Anime Network (which is subbing the episodes in a simulcast on Thursdays) where you can watch the episodes online. That's roughly half of the series and it seems as if the show will cover the entire game (Narukami has just one more person to add to his coterie of friends, Naoto the detective 'boy') and we're already at August (the game is playable between April 2011 and December 2011, with the ending 'epilogue' in March 2012).

While the big details don't seem to have been changed, some of the character relationships and events have changed to compensate for the fact the viewer can't say to Narukami 'Maybe you should hang out with that person on this day!'. Having played the game I know who the bad guy is in that, so I'm waiting to see how that unfolds.

e-Book Review: 7 Folds of Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:26:00 +0000

Amazon // Carolyn McCray Twitter

The world of Strathos is in dire peril. The Winter God has gone mad, dragging the world into an eternal blizzard. Can a band of strangers fulfill a broken prophecy or will the prophecy break them and all they hold dear?

This was surprisingly enthralling. I got it as part of a promotion the Indie Book Collective was running and thought it sounded pretty awesome. And truthfully this is exactly the kind of adventure/fantasy/romance I would have gobbled up and devoted entire days to rhapsodizing about. Would have re-read it twice before moving on to a new book. Yes, 15 year old Lexie would have been very happy.

27 year old Lexie however got a little irritated by the somewhat jumbled pacing of the book. The beginning follows three story lines principally--the Hero's (Traven), the Snowy Maiden's (Crystalia) and the Way's (Ornery). Traven and Crystalia cross paths fairly quickly, but just as quickly they diverge (her town is ten shades of crazy) and thus things get even more complicated as we follow Crystalia, Traven, Ornery, Madame Hesper, the Garrison Commander (of Crystalia's hometown), a couple of demons and random characters who are important to the story at various points.

Its not that I'm adverse to such tactics--you can't be if you read epic fantasy, its a prerequisite almost to use multiple POV's--but I was starting to lose the plot at times. Especially when Traven would fall into a memory about his Granny's stories and the author would use a kind of first person outside third person perspective wherein Traven would kind of acknowledge things from a first person experience while using third person pronouns. If that makes sense.

Once you understand how things are moving, and get used to the notion that once you begin to really like a plotline it'll get torn away for a new one that you may equally want to know more about, the story is very engaging. A mad God, a world on the brink, peoples and races aplenty struggling to survive and a whole slew of prophecies suddenly converging to make a bunch of people's lives chaotic. What's not to enjoy?

Character motivations are made pretty clear throughout the story, with some being shadowy and given a good examination later on (the exception being whoever is the one pulling the strings), but character relationships suffer at times. Crystalia begins the story as a restless, but mostly level-headed girl who knows her life is rather dull and not for her. When Traven arrives, and pays her a bit of attention, well it makes sense that she'd lose her head. What makes less sense is when they meet up again later on and she's all but had them married with a brood of children and home. McCray does acknowledge the delusional nature of Crystalia's understanding of the situation (and the fact her lovesick ways are used as ways to manipulate her by both good and evil).

What becomes abundantly clear however is that once the group has met McCray has issues with making them relatable to each other. Some of this is explained away by the fact they are all part of different prophecies and were meant to exist at different times, not all at once like they are, but it makes for a lot of awkward moments and strained realism that these people would ever want to be anywhere near each other for any reason.

As I said earlier this definitely would have appealed to me as a teenager. McCray combines romance, fantasy, mystery and darkness to make for an engaging read that surprised me at times. The inconsistencies and character relationship flaws will likely be smoothed over in the next book, which I can't wait to find out more about.

TV 2012: Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Lexie) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

A new feature on Poisoned Rationality, "What I'm Watching" will cover the anime, tv shows and DVDs I'm watching each week.

When the winter hiatus is over (and thank god its almost over) I'll once again have more shows then I can shake a stick at. Surprisingly this year heralded a number of new shoes for me to enjoy--something that hadn't occurred in 2011. During the course of the week, as I get a chance to watch new episodes (which I DVR mainly) I'll post my thoughts. This post will serve as the 'catch-up' post and an introduction to everything I watch.

Sunday:

Once Upon a Time (ABC 8pm)
Premise: Evil Queen, who may or may not be getting a raw deal at times, contracts with Rumplestiltskin to screw over everyone who ever made her mad in Fairy Tale World by bringing them to our reality and screwing up their Happily Ever Afters.

Lost Girl (Showcase 9pm)
Premise: The Dark and Light Fae are at play when unaligned Bo, a succubus with no idea who or what she is, stumbles into their paths. While struggling to find out who she is, Bo takes on cases and investigates crimes. (note: I'm on season 2 of the Canadian release, America will be getting the first season on SyFy starting January 16th)

The Walking Dead (AMC 9pm)
Premise: Zombie, but not called Zombies (called Walkers 'cause the creator Robert Kirkman believes George Romero never existed, which is blasphemy) Apocalypse in Atlanta. As a group of survivors struggle to survive and find answers, we get to watch to what lengths a person would go to keep the ones they love alive.

Monday:

Being Human (Syfy 9pm)
Premise: A Vampire, a Werewolf and a ghost all live together in a townhouse trying to keep their freaky lives secret and living the American dream. At least insofar as they can considering the vamp tends to kill his dates, the wolf tends to have hot rough sex with his and the ghost likes to throw things around for fun.

Tuesday:

Ringer (CW 9pm)
Premise: Twin sisters, estranged for years because one did something really horrible to the other, reunite. Then one fakes her death, so the other takes her life to find out why she would want to kill herself (not realizing it was a fake out) and the not dead one runs off to Paris to make everyone's lives miserable from far away.

Raising Hope (Fox 9:30pm)
Premise: The life and times of Hope Chance as her father attempts to teach her life lessons...even while his parents are still managing to screw him up.

Wednesday:

Revenge (ABC 10pm)
Premise: Never scorn a little girl, have her sent to a psychatric institute and her beloved father sent to jail. The Hamptons are in for a shake-up as all their dirty secrets come out to roost.

Top Chef: Texas (Bravo 10pm)
Premise: The cheftestants battle across the Lonestar state in challenges ranging from cooking the perfect medium rare steak (for 200 guests) to making bonafide Texas chilli. This year also introduced 'Last Chance Kitchen' where those who got booted can make a stab at redeeming themselves.

Psych (USA 10pm)
Premise: Shawn is faking everyone out by saying he has psychic powers when really he's super-observant. Hilarity ensues, mostly at the expense of his friend Gus and Detective Lassiter, with the odd dash of seriousness that leaves you feeling hollow-eyed.

Thursday:

Big Bang Theory (CBS 8:00pm)
Premise: 4 uber-geeks, with a variety of social handicaps, basically dork out over pop culture things. Their neighbor, Penny (an aspiring star), puts up with them and tries to steer them in a more socially acceptable range of behavior. To mixed results.

The Mentalist (CBS 10pm)
Premise: Patrick is hunting the serial killer that murdered his family because he had the audacity to say on national TV that the serial killer was 'hurting'. Meanwhile he uses his observation skills to help the CBI solve cases because they can't do anything without him. Literally.

Additionally some other shows will crop up as they air:
Sherlock series 2
Downton Abbey series 3
Doctor Who series 7
Breakout Kings season 2
Burn Notice season I don't care the last season ended so horribly I'm not sure I'll watch this in fact