HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: THE BERNICIA CHRONICLES 1-3: The Serpent Sword, The Cross and the Sword, Blood and Blade - Matthew Harffy

RELEASE DATE:  04/05/17
PUBLISHER:  Aria

SYNOPSIS:
Beobrand is a young man with a shadowy past. As an outsider in the kingdom of Bernicia, he is compelled to join his brother, Octa, as a warrior in the household of King Edwin. He must learn to fight with sword and shield to defend the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria.
In a period of great upheaval for Dark Age Britain, all he finds is death and war. Men and women strive to seize control of their destinies in a time of despair, and the land is rife with danger as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. Amongst the blood and the betrayals, Beobrand learns of his brother's near-certain murder. Inexperienced but ruthless, Beobrand must form his own allegiances and learn to fight as a warrior with sword and shield.
Driven by a desire for vengeance and a relentless pursuit of his enemies, he faces challenges which transform him from a boy to a man who stands strong in the clamour and gore of the shieldwall. As he closes in on his kin's slayer, can Beobrand mete out the retribution he craves without sacrificing his honour... or even his soul?


REVIEW:
I love books that take me on an adventure and when they coincide with a landscape to which I'm familiar its not only easy to visualise but also helps you get your bearings but brings the tale to life as you can walk the landscape with the heroes of old.

The book is a solid treat for fans of Historical fiction and gives enough action to keep your heart in your mouth as this tale of vengeance alongside honour keeps the pages turning. Back this up with cracking prose, top notch sequences alongside an overall arc that furthers the characters development all round makes this a book that is hard to put down.

Finally throw into the mix the second title The Curse and Cross coming from Aria in November and you know that the wait won't be too long to see what else happens in our heroes timeline. Magic.


 

RELEASE DATE:  16/11/17
PUBLISHER:  Aria

SYNOPSIS:

AD 634.
ANGLO SAXON BRITAIN.
Confusion and conflict continue as warlords battle across Britain to become the first King of the English.
After a stunning victory against the native Waelisc, Beobrand returns to a hero's welcome. His valour is rewarded by wealth and land by Oswald, King of Northumbria.
Exhausted, he retires to his new estate with his bride only to find himself surrounded once again by enemies old and new. With treachery and death on all sides, Beobrand fears he will lose all he holds dear.
On a quest for revenge and redemption, he accepts the mantle of lord, leading his men into the darkest of nights and the bloodiest of battles.
The Cross and the Curse is the second gripping, action-packed instalment in The Bernicia Chronicles.

REVIEW:
Following on from The Serpent Sword, this the second book works wonderfully well, with emotional drama, top notch action sequences, character growth and of course consequences for actions taken.

Throw into this a pace that gives you just enough space to grab a breath and all round I was a more than happy reader.  A pure joy to read.

RELEASE DATE:  03/05/18
PUBLISHER:  Aria

SYNOPSIS:

Oswald is now King of Northumbria. However, his plans for further alliances and conquests are quickly thrown into disarray when his wedding to a princess of Wessex is interrupted by news of a Pictish uprising.
Rushing north, Oswald leaves Beobrand to escort the young queen to her new home. Their path is fraught with danger and uncertainty, Beobrand must try to unravel secrets and lies if they are to survive.
Meanwhile, old enemies are closing in, seeking brutal revenge. Beobrand will give his blood and blade in service to his king, but will that be enough to avert disaster and save his kith and kin from the evil forces that surround them?
Blood and Blade is the third gripping, action-packed instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles.


REVIEW:
The third book in the series and one that continues to build the principle character wonderfully as events from the previous novel are still taking their toll physically and mentally.  As with the previous the world building is wonderfully done, easy to visualise and when you throw in cracking combat alongside a kickass plot line all round makes this a book that is, like the previous hard to put down.

Add to this, lessons that have been clearly learned with some well done authorly tricks alongside a cracking understanding of prose all round make this a series that I've thoroughly enjoyed.  I now have the fourth part to look forward to in December but for me, a re-read will be happening prior to that.  Provided I can half hitch my books back from my Dad who is getting just as much fun from them.

CRIME THRILLER REVIEW: Ragdoll 2: Hangman - Daniel Cole

RELEASE DATE:  22/03/18

PUBLISHER:   Trapeze


SYNOPSIS:

The new thriller from the bestselling author of Ragdoll
A detective with no one to trust
A killer with nothing to lose
18 months after the 'Ragdoll' murders, a body is found hanging from Brooklyn Bridge, the word 'BAIT' carved into the chest.
In London a copycat killer strikes, branded with the word 'PUPPET', forcing DCI Emily Baxter into an uneasy partnership with the detectives on the case, Special Agents Rouche and Curtis.
Each time they trace a suspect, the killer is one step ahead. With the body count rising on both sides of the Atlantic, can they learn to trust each other and identify who is holding the strings before it is too late?

REVIEW:
I love a crime novel that delivers not only on high octane thrills but also delivers characters that you want to spend time around and whilst thats what happened for me with Daniel's first book, Ragdoll, this one felt that it was a bit flat compared to it, with sadly poor character development for me and a plot line that whilst Ok, wasn't up to the standard I was expecting.

Whether this was due to the second book syndrome that some authors suffer I don't know but for me, without that development, I don't have the hook with the character and don't really care as to what happens to them.  That takes a lot of the thrill and of course endorphins away from the reader as they make thier way through the book. 

All round, Daniel is an author that I will spend more time with in the future but for me, with this book being more of an OK title, its not one that will hit my top recommendations for the year and stand out from the competition like his original did.  A great shame.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Sond of the Shattered Sands 3: A Veil of Spears - Bradly Beaulieu

RELEASE DATE:  22/03/18

PUBLISHER:  Gollancz


SYNOPSIS:

The Night of Endless Swords nearly saw the destruction of Sharakhai, and since then the Kings have come down hard on the rebelloious Moonless Host. Hundreds have been murdered or given to the Confessor King for questioning. Hundreds more have fled. Including Çeda, who has discovered that Onur, the King of Sloth, has returned to the desert to raise an army and challenge the remaining kings.
The Moonless Host - who have taken to calling themselves the Thirteen Tribe - will be trapped between Onur's growing influence and the considerable might of the kings who, with Sharakhai firmly back under their rule, are turning their attention to the desert once more.
Çeda knows that the asirim are the key. If she can lift their curse and free them from their bondage, then they can save Thirteenth Tribe from the the squabbling kings . . . and perhaps the kings themselves are no longer as unified as they once were. As they vie against each other for control of the city, could Çeda make an ally of one of them? And which one, when any of them could betray her as easily as they would their fellow kings.
Whatever the solution, the end is coming: as Çeda focuses on freeing the asirim and weaken the kings' hold on Sharakhai, the kings' forces, the scheming queen of Qaimir, Hamzakiir the ruthless blood mage, and the thirteenth tribe all prepare for a grand clash that may decide the fate of all who sail the desert.

REVIEW:
The third book in the series and remembering that the second jumped straight in from where the original left off I pretty much expected the same with this the conclusion to the trilogy.  Which to be honest was just as well I did as from the start, the book never let up with its top notch pace and plot lines that you had to pay attention to.

However the best bit about the book, is the way that the principle characters have changed over time, they've grown, they've expanded and been affected by previous choices which feels not only organic but a sign that the author has really worked hard to keep the book not only consistant but developed in such a way that you can't help but care as to their fates.


All round a wonderful read and an author I'll be returning to in the future with pure joy.  Magic.

CINEMA RELEASE REVIEW: Avengers: Infinity Wars - Marvel/Disney

RELEASE DATE:  26/04/18
PUBLISHER:  DISNEY

SYNOPSIS:
An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.



REVIEW:
OK, I'm going to try and avoid spoilers here as if there's one thing I hate myself its having a film ruined by others being careless.  After all with it being out today, I was one of the lucky people who've managed to get to see it early and have time to process my thoughts as to the events within.

The first thing I really want to say about the film is that i loved Thanos, rather than being a 2d villain like you may have come to expect, Josh Brolin gave him depths and an ideology that did make sense and also brought emotional context to the fore really making him a joy to watch on the big screen, and whilst a certain amount of the film was bringing together all the heroes from across the universe, a fair few of them suffered from lack of writing and depth almost as if it was give them screen time rather than any real purpose.

The acting was pretty solid with Robert Downey Jr bringing Tony Stark into a future he dreaded, a good performance from Tom Holland as Spidey who acted as a foil to the seriousness of the situation and to be honest a fair few of the others were overshadowed by these two.

Throw into a mix an especially huge battle for the fate of the universe, with many sacrificing themselves for the greater good and the fans are in for a treat.  All in the writing was OK and followed a formulaic plot line but the one thing I will say is if the second part to this film (released next year) has a "And then they woke up" type of scenario I'm going to be more than peed off.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Everything About You - Heather Child

RELEASE DATE:  26/04/18

PUBLISHER:  Orbit
EXTRACT

SYNOPSIS:

A missing girl. Dangerous new technology. Perfect for fans of Black Mirror and Gone Girl, discover this year's most cutting-edge thriller - before it discovers you.
Think twice before you share your life online.

Freya has a new virtual assistant. It knows what she likes, knows what she wants and knows whose voice she most needs to hear: her missing sister's.
It adopts her sister's personality, recreating her through a life lived online. But this virtual version of her sister knows things it shouldn't be possible to know. It's almost as if the missing girl is still out there somewhere, feeding fresh updates into the cloud. But that's impossible. Isn't it?

With twists and turns you'll never see coming, Everything About You is a thrilling debut showing a chilling vision of a future that's just around the corner. You'll never look at your privacy settings in the same way again . . .
The world of Everything About You is closer than you think:
* Right now, the average child features in over 1,500 online photographs by the age of five
* By 2025, you will interact with connected devices nearly 5,000 times per day
* Today there are already companies who will collect your data so that your relatives can interact with your 'digital doppelganger' after you die.

REVIEW:
This is a book that is not only quite freaky in its premise but does get the reader to ask themselves a lot of questions about what exactly is out there about themselves.  Its well written, has a great arc and above all else is a story that is built around a realistic feeling character that you not only want to associate with but get to know.



Its a definitely a title of today's modern media world and with us each using it more and more each day, giving trust easily as well as information, its a theme that I feel is going to become more popular disguising the ease of use alongside convenience against your own identity and freedom.

The author really works the premise alongside the questions well into the overall arc and with a good use of pace alongside dialogue makes this a book that will stay with me for quite some time.  Cracking.

FANTASY REVIEW: Swords and Fire 2: The Defiant Heir - Melissa Caruso

RELEASE DATE:  26/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Orbit
EXCEPT

SYNOPSIS:
Across the border, the Witch Lords are preparing for war. But before an invasion of Raverra can begin, all seventeen Witch Lords must gather to agree a course of action. Lady Amalia Cornaro knows that this conclave might be her only chance to stifle the growing flames of war.
Amalia and her warlock Zaira must go behind enemy lines, using every ounce of wit and cunning they have to avert the coming conflict. If they fail, it will all come down to swords and fire.


REVIEW:
As a reader, I love it when a book takes me on a journey and does something a little different and having read the original book in this series, The Tethered Mage, I was wondering what the author would do with the cast and how the events that were portrayed previously would effect them.  After all with so much having happened, its not like those involved could carry on as they were and the events certainly shaped changes not only in the world but in the characters themselves.

What Melissa did well was carry on with the expansion of her creative world, the magics, the cultures and perhaps best of all, the characters as we got to see how they'd not only changed in thier relationships but personality based on what they'd done.

Back this up with cracking prose, delightfully written plot and of course a pace that gives you chance to breath and think about events as they play out.  Finally throw into the mix, new cast introductions, political intrigue and this YA Fantasy shows that it offers a lot to readers of all ages.  Magic.

YOUNG ADULT FACTUAL REVIEW: So You Think You Know About... Tyranosaurus Rex, Diplidocus, Triceratops - Ben Garrod

RELEASE DATE:   08/03/18

PUBLISHER:  Zephyr


SYNOPSIS:

Biologist and TV scientist Ben Garrod's fun, funny, informative and collectable series about dinosaurs, launching with T. Rex, Diplodocus and Triceratops. Ben Garrod's So You Think You Know About . . . Dinosaurs? is fun, funny and informative. This highly collectable, pocket-size series is the most up-to-date in 66 million years, featuring Tyrannosaurus Rex, Diplodocus, Triceratops, and introduced by Steve Backshall. The series continues with Velociraptor, Stegosaurus and Spinosaurus in September 2018.
Did you know that not all dinosaurs were green and scaly, some were ginger and feathered, or that they didn't all roar, they cooed like pigeons, or that the ultimate prehistoric predator was actually not a dinosaur?
TV scientist, Dr Ben Garrod, is proud to be a geek as he mixes hard science and humour to prove that science is for everyone. All children know their dinosaurs but Ben encourages them to think differently, revealing how new discoveries and breakthroughs occur in science every day. By looking at the evolutionary arms race, prey, predators, place, time, groups and species, Ben reveals new-look dinosaurs. Palaeo art by Scott Hartman and Gabriel Ugueto and cartoon illustration by Ethan Kocak. Also available in audio download, read by the author.

REVIEW:
I have a nephew who is absolutely fascinated by Dinosaurs, he's read books about them, retains facts and figures like no one else I know and loves them so much that he has tons of Dinosaur stuff around his bedroom. 

So having spotted these books by Ben, I knew that someone would probably like them, but I didn't have a clue on how much he would be glued to various titles in the series.  Each book is written in a kid friendly way and whilst some of the chapters might sound the same in each title they're all written differently so that the reader can gain as much knowledge as they want. 

There's weird facts, easy to follow illustrations that explain timelines and sizes and above all else the sheer pleasure and fun that the author has with the subject is brought across for the reader and allows them to geek out as much as they want.

This, the first book in the series was a wonderful introduction and having seen the Chris Packham documentary on this fearsome beast, I was wondering how a lot of that information would be translated to the younger reader, it's been done with careful illustrations, humour and of course in such a way that it doesn't feel dumbed down in any way.  All round this is a truly wonderful read, and as the popular "Dinotastic Uncle" who found these books for my nephew, I'm under strict orders to get as many as I can for him. 

RELEASE DATE:   08/03/18

PUBLISHER:  Zephyr


SYNOPSIS: 

Biologist and TV scientist Ben Garrod's fun, funny, informative and collectable series about dinosaurs, launching with T. Rex, Diplodocus and Triceratops. Ben Garrod's So You Think You Know About . . . Dinosaurs? is fun, funny and informative. This highly collectable, pocket-size series is the most up-to-date in 66 million years, featuring Tyrannosaurus Rex, Diplodocus, Triceratops, and introduced by Steve Backshall. The series continues with Velociraptor, Stegosaurus and Spinosaurus in September 2018.
Did you know that not all dinosaurs were green and scaly, some were ginger and feathered, or that they didn't all roar, they cooed like pigeons, or that the ultimate prehistoric predator was actually not a dinosaur?
TV scientist, Dr Ben Garrod, is proud to be a geek as he mixes hard science and humour to prove that science is for everyone. All children know their dinosaurs but Ben encourages them to think differently, revealing how new discoveries and breakthroughs occur in science every day. By looking at the evolutionary arms race, prey, predators, place, time, groups and species, Ben reveals new-look dinosaurs. Palaeo art by Scott Hartman and Gabriel Ugueto and cartoon illustration by Ethan Kocak. Also available in audio download, read by the author.


REVIEW:
The second book in this series and like the first (the one about the T-Rex) its full of fun facts, a witty writing style and anecdotes from the author about his discoveries on the Dino trail.  It celebrates the sheer pleasure of loving a subject and not being afraid of being labeled and of course is full of tons of facts that will keep your young paleontologist glued to the pages and reciting all the info when out and about. 

As with the original, it has easy access chapters, explains things in an easy to understand manner and really helps bring these giant beasts to life.  A truly magical experience.

RELEASE DATE:   08/03/18

PUBLISHER:  Zephyr


SYNOPSIS:

Biologist and TV scientist Ben Garrod's fun, funny, informative and collectable series about dinosaurs, launching with T. Rex, Diplodocus and Triceratops. Ben Garrod's So You Think You Know About . . . Dinosaurs? is fun, funny and informative. This highly collectable, pocket-size series is the most up-to-date in 66 million years, featuring Tyrannosaurus Rex, Diplodocus, Triceratops, and introduced by Steve Backshall. The series continues with Velociraptor, Stegosaurus and Spinosaurus in September 2018.
Did you know that not all dinosaurs were green and scaly, some were ginger and feathered, or that they didn't all roar, they cooed like pigeons, or that the ultimate prehistoric predator was actually not a dinosaur?
TV scientist, Dr Ben Garrod, is proud to be a geek as he mixes hard science and humour to prove that science is for everyone. All children know their dinosaurs but Ben encourages them to think differently, revealing how new discoveries and breakthroughs occur in science every day. By looking at the evolutionary arms race, prey, predators, place, time, groups and species, Ben reveals new-look dinosaurs. Palaeo art by Scott Hartman and Gabriel Ugueto and cartoon illustration by Ethan Kocak. Also available in audio download, read by the author.


REVIEW:
The third and final book in the series for now (although three more are out in September, the Spinosaurus, the Velocorapter and the Stegasaurus) and whilst my nephew was disappointed that he'll have to wait for more, I've found out that he keeps reading them and spouting facts at the dinner table (for which my name is being cursed apparently.) 

As a huge reader myself, finding books that not only entertain but enthuse children to read is a real pleasure and for me, this series is going to be one that is a must buy for anyone wanting to help get their children into books.  The fact that these have wonderful humour, solid illustrations and of course are info packed make them ideal all round.  Finally throw into the mix that we also have the new Jurassic Park film to look forward to this summer as well as other dinosaur attractions (such as Jurassic Kingdom and Dippy the Diplidocus on tour) you know that you can back these up with a real summer of fun. 

FANTASY REVIEW: Winternight Trilogy 2: The Girl in the Tower - Katherine Arden

RELEASE DATE:  25/01/18

PUBLISHER:  Del Rey

SYNOPSIS:
For a young woman in medieval Russia, the choices are stark: marriage or a life in a convent. Vasya will choose a third way: magic...

The court of the Grand Prince of Moscow is plagued by power struggles and rumours of unrest. Meanwhile bandits roam the countryside, burning the villages and kidnapping its daughters. Setting out to defeat the raiders, the Prince and his trusted companion come across a young man riding a magnificent horse.

Only Sasha, a priest with a warrior's training, recognises this 'boy' as his younger sister, thought to be dead or a witch by her village. But when Vasya proves herself in battle, riding with remarkable skill and inexplicable power, Sasha realises he must keep her secret as she may be the only way to save the city from threats both human and fantastical...


REVIEW:
I love a book that presents you with a story that is not just well written, but done in such a way that its more visual like a photo rather than painted on the readers imagination.  This is what Katherine has done not only in the previous novel but also this, the second book in the series. 

It has solid plotlines, cracking prose and perhaps best of all, characters that have evolved from the previous excursion as events have shaped them and for me, as a reader, I just loved to spend time with them as the vivid landscape helped ground them.  All round a cracking book and one that was a pure joy to read.

SCI-FI/FANTASY REVIEW: Terra Ignota 2: Seven Surrenders - Ada Palmer

RELEASE DATE:  05/04/10
PUBLISHER:  Head of Zeus

SYNOPSIS:

The Year is 2454.
The sun is setting on a hard-won golden age. For three centuries, humanity has enjoyed peace and prosperity fuelled by technological abundance, oracular data analytics, careful censorship... and just a little blood.
In a world dominated by seven factions, or 'Hives', the price of peace has been a few secret murders, mathematically planned to ensure political and economic balance. But now the secret is out, the balance is slipping and war beckons.
Convict Mycroft Canner knew this war was coming – he committed his terrible crimes to forestall it. Now, he has just one card left, a wild card no degree of statistical genius could have predicted: a thirteen-year-old child with the power to work miracles. Turning thought into matter, matter in life, this child has the power to save the world, or to doom it.

REVIEW:
When an author comes to the table with quite a unique tale you'll find that they either capture the reader or that they're thrown into a wary state of never going near it as the reviews can be can overly complicate a tale with all the hidden meanings and contexts that can  be drawn between the authors musings and the real world, but there are times when a book has such complexities that it raises more questions for the reader than it answers as well as gets them to question thier own standings and ethics.

Such is the case with this, the secon dbook from Ada Palmer.  Within its rich tapestry of world building, political intrigue and machinations are never far from the fore front with sequences that make you question life as well as how people act alongside seeing it through new eyes as he characters within seek to find thier own way and moral compass.  Its definitely a series that is quite deep philosophically and whilst its a fantasy in some respects, for others its more of a Sci-Fi epic.

Back this up with characters that make the world feel alive, dialogue that takes you from various points with ease alongside an overall arc that whilst at first appearing a little messy is full of little nuggets of info that will later come back to haunt you, so much so that a reread of the both books in the series after completing this, will allow you to pick up details that truly herald something pretty epic for the third outing.  Magical.

FANTASY REVIEW: Blades of the Fallen 2: Nightblade's Honor - Ryan Kirk

RELEASE DATE:  10/04/18
PUBLISHER:  47 North

SYNOPSIS:

In the riveting sequel to Nightblade’s Vengeance, the nightblades must choose a side, and the Kingdom will either rise again…or shatter into pieces.
With the realm on the brink of war, the once-celebrated blades have become an easy target for the rage of its devastated citizens. The nightblade warrior Asa’s lifelong quest for vengeance is over, but now she finds herself on the run from the people she sought to protect. As Asa forges a new course of action in an uncertain world, her path crosses with that of a young noblewoman.
Mari knows that great opportunity lies in the heart of chaos. If the Kingdom is to rise again, Mari will need support, and she can think of no group better than the nightblades. But the nightblades have been betrayed before, and gaining their trust will not be easy.
Mari wants to save the Kingdom. Asa wants to save the people. Both are willing to risk everything. But do their quests make them allies… or enemies?

REVIEW:
As a reader I love it when an author brings characters who are valued for their skills and abilities over their gender and delivers characters that are fully rounded to face the trials and tribulations that the author has them face. 

Here in this tale by Ryan, are characters who jump from the page into your imagination as a feudal style system faces its darkest time where all the warriors have to fall back on is their honour.  Its well written, it has some solid twists and for me the action sequences really delivered as I made my way through the plotline.

Add to this solid dialogue and all round I was a satisfied reader when the final page turned.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Planetfall 3: Before Mars - Emma Newman

RELEASE DATE:  19/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Gollancz

SYNOPSIS:

After months of travel, Anna Kubrin finally arrives on Mars for her new job as a geologist and de facto artist-in-residence. Already she feels like she is losing the connection with her husband and baby at home on Earth--and she'll be on Mars for over a year. Throwing herself into her work, she tries her best to fit in with the team.
But in her new room on the base, Anna finds a mysterious note written in her own handwriting, warning her not to trust the colony psychologist. A note she can't remember writing. She unpacks her wedding ring, only to find it has been replaced by a fake.
Finding a footprint in a place the colony AI claims has never been visited by humans, Anna begins to suspect that her assignment isn't as simple as she was led to believe. Is she caught up in an elaborate corporate conspiracy, or is she actually losing her mind? Regardless of what horrors she might discover, or what they might do to her sanity, Anna has find the truth before her own mind destroys her.

REVIEW:
The third book in Emma's Planetfall series and one that is a standalone that takes the reader on a journey of mystery, of paranoia and discovery as the principle character has to uncover a mystery with successive clues that make no sense to her and the crushing realization that no one else can be trusted.

Add to this a delightfully written story, that takes you on a journey of discovery for both the reader and character independently with the feeling of being stuck in a small space with too many people cunningly crafted with delightful twists and turns alongside psychological stresses that really help you feel, all round make this a book that was nigh impossible to put down.  A cracking read.

SCIENCE FICTION CRIME: From Darkest Skies 2: From Distant Stars - Sam Peters

RELEASE DATE:  19/04/18

PUBLISHER:  Gollancz

SYNOPSIS:

Inspector Keon has finally got over the death of his wife Alysha in a terrorist attack five years ago. The illegal AI copy of her - Liss - that he created to help him mourn has vanished, presumed destroyed. His life is back on track. But a deadly shooting in a police-guarded room in a high-security hospital threatens to ruin everything. Who got past the defences? Why did they kill the seemingly unimportant military officer who had been in a coma for weeks? And why did the scanners pick up the deceased man the next day on the other side of the planet, seemingly alive and well?
As Keon digs into the mysteries he begins to realise that the death was connected to a mysterious object, potentially alien, discovered buried in ice under the north pole. Someone has worked out what is hidden there, and what its discovery will mean for mankind. Someone who is willing to kill.
And another player has entered the game. Someone who seems to know more about Keon than is possible.
Someone who might be using Liss's information against him.
Or who might be Alysha, back from the dead.

REVIEW:

The second book in the series and one that continues to develop the principle character we met in the original novel.  As you'd expect if you read the original, the authors brings all of his skills to the fore giving and melding a cracking crime story alongside science fiction in such a way that it will appeal to readers of both genres.

Add to this top notch dialogue alongside a principle player you just love to spend time round generates a story that is hard to put down with "one more chapter" becoming a frequently uttered phrase within your home.  Just make sure you've got a sick day available as once you start you won't stop until that final page is turned.  Magic.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Mad Blood Stirring - SImon Mayo

RELEASE DATE:  19/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Doubleday

SYNOPSIS:
1815: The war is over but for the inmates at Dartmoor Prison, peace - like home - is still a long way away.

On the eve of the year 1815, the American sailors of the Eagle finally arrive at Dartmoor prison; bedraggled, exhausted but burning with hope. They’ve only had one thing to sustain them – a snatched whisper overheard along the way.

The war is over.

Joe Hill thought he’d left the war outside these walls but it’s quickly clear that there’s a different type of fight to be had within. The seven prison blocks surrounding him have been segregated; six white and one black. As his voice rings out across the courtyard, announcing the peace, the redcoat guards bristle and the inmates stir. The powder keg was already fixed to blow and Joe has just lit the fuse.

Elizabeth Shortland, wife of the Governor looks down at the swirling crowd from the window of her own personal prison. The peace means the end is near, that she needn’t be here for ever. But suddenly, she cannot bear the thought of leaving.

Inspired by a true story, Mad Blood Stirring tells of a few frantic months in the suffocating atmosphere of a prison awaiting liberation. It is a story of hope and freedom, of loss and suffering. It is a story about how sometimes, in our darkest hour, it can be the most unlikely of things that see us through.


REVIEW:
A different type of book from this author and one that takes the reader on one hell of a journey and whilst I'm not as familiar with the time period as I'd like to be, I did like the way that the tale brought to the fore with some believable characters living in limbo surrounded by atrocious conditions as arguments were forged as to their fate.

What Simon does well is give the people a voice and with the key characters feeling rounded, I did feel a fair few of the supporting cast were more 2d personalities rather than fully fleshed people.  This took me out of the story and when you're removed like that, it does take you a while to get back into. 

Add to this dialogue that at times felt forced rather than organic and all round its more of a mediocre title rather than the star it could have been with a bit more background fleshing.  A shame but overall, a book I did feel showed a lot of promise and here's hoping that future outings will allow the author to make the adaptation from YA to Adult more smoothly. 

SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN REVIEW: Blackfish City - Sam J Miller

RELEASE DATE:  19/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Orbit
EXTRACT

SYNOPSIS:
After the climate wars, a floating city was constructed in the Arctic Circle. Once a remarkable feat of mechanical and social engineering it is now rife with corruption and the population simmers with unrest.
Into this turmoil comes a strange new visitor - a woman accompanied by an orca and a chained polar bear. She disappears into the crowds looking for someone she lost thirty years ago, followed by whispers of a vanished people who could bond with animals. Her arrival draws together four people and sparks a chain of events that will change Blackfish City forever.
Disturbing, powerful and fearlessly imagined, Blackfish City is a mesmerising novel from a remarkable new voice in science fiction.


REVIEW:
To be honest this is a book that I wanted to love and whilst it was a real hard slog at the beginning due to the infodumps, I was pleased I persevered until the end as the characters developed well within their own isolated world where political greed and corruption seemed to have the winning edge in their society.

OK it is a dystopian Sci-Fi tale but it does feel that there is a lot of social commentary to be had from within the book that truly allowed the reader to see a world that many of us wish to view through blinkers.

All in, it was a solid enough read but for me all that information at the beginning made it a tale that I could easily have put down as I felt for quite a while that it wasn't for me.  Many will do and whilst that is a shame I suspect that future outings won't need to be quite as heavy on that side as all the leg work has been done which will allow Sam to concentrate more on the story and character development.  All in a solid start to a possible series.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Conan Exiles Console Reiease - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Here at Totally Pawsome we're getting pretty excited to return to the Hyborian Age and play our own Cimmerian who fights monsters, builds their own city alongside destroying everyone elses.

(Or to put it another way: "To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women!")

With Conan's Exiles having been released early last year of the PC, they're now bringing it to console where you can play as a single player or as part of a group.  We can't wait to embark but there is one thing that you have to do before that, work out which version you want.  Whilst the game on its own is currently priced at £36.99 ($49.99) here in the UK we get the chance of the Collectors Edition for £64.99.

This does include a lot of extra's which as you can see look pretty sweet:

• COLLECTOR'S EDITION CONTENT:
• FIGURINE: 15 cm / 6 inch Conan the Barbarian polyresin figurine, modeled after Conan from the Conan Exiles cinematic trailer.
• CUSTOM COMIC BOOK: Full-color print comic book created in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics. The comic book tells the story of Conan on one of his adventures in the Exiled Lands.
• SOUNDTRACKS: Three soundtracks featuring the music from Conan Exiles as well as the music from Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures and Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer.
• ARTBOOK: Go behind the scenes and discover some of the incredible production artworks developers used to guide their vision for the game in this full-color, print artbook.
• WORLD MAP: Full-color printed map of the world of Conan Exiles.
• DIGITAL COMIC BOOKS: Code to unlock six full-color digital comic books from Dark Horse Comics, featuring the entire "A Witch Shall Be Born" story arc.

• DIGITAL RPG BOOK: Code to unlock the 368 full-color digital rule book created by Modiphius for their Conan pen and paper role-playing game. Everything you need to play!
• EBOOK: Code to unlock the "Coming of Conan" eBook. Collected in this 496-page eBook volume, illustrated by Mark Schultz, are Robert E. Howard's first thirteen Conan stories

All round, we hope to see you in the world of Conan on 8th May 2018.


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

REAL LIFE REVIEW: Autism: How to Raise a Happy Autisic Child - Jessie Hewitson

RELEASE DATE:  22/03/18

PUBLISHER:  Orion Spring


SYNOPSIS:
The definitive guide for parents of autisic children, written from the perspective of neurodiversity.
Written by Jessie Hewitson, an award-winning journalist at The Times, Autism is the book she wishes she had read when her son was first given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
It combines her own experiences with tips from autistic adults, other parents - including author David Mitchell - as well as advice from autism professionals and academics such as Professor Simon Baron-Cohen. Autism looks at the condition as a difference rather than a disorder and includes guidance on:
· What to do if you think your child is autistic
· How to understand and support your child at school and at home
· Mental health and autism
· The differences between autistic girls and boys


REVIEW:
Having recently learned that my nephew is undergoing testing for Autism I picked this book up as I felt that as an Uncle I needed to understand the condition and how the brain works so that I can help get him toys that he will love, books that appeal and  find a way to adapt outings for his needs.

Its well written, explains each point succinctly, uses examples to help back up the authors arguments and gives advice on what you can and can't do and how to obtain what they need in thier education to help them develop.

Its a book I'll be reading multiple times and I've passed it onto my Mum and Sister for them to have a read to help them understand too.  I have to give the author praise for this title as its easy to follow, easy to understand and gives you plenty of points of access to help you in your own daily struggles.  I can't sell this book enough.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Books of Babel Trilogy 1 and 2: Senlin Ascends and Arm of the Sphinx - Josiah Bancroft

RELEASE DATE:  18/01/18

PUBLISHER:  Orbit


SYNOPSIS:
DISCOVER THE EXTRAORDINARY DEBUT THAT HAS GOT EVERYONE TALKING
Mild-mannered headmaster, Thomas Senlin prefers his adventures to be safely contained within the pages of a book. So when he loses his new bride shortly after embarking on the honeymoon of their dreams, he is ill-prepared for the trouble that follows.
To find her, Senlin must enter the Tower of Babel - a world of geniuses and tyrants, of menace and wonder, of unusual animals and mysterious machines. And if he hopes to ever see his wife again, he will have to do more than just survive . . . this quiet man of letters must become a man of action.


REVIEW:
If you want a book that not only breaks the rules but smashes them to pieces in its own creativity that will lead others to follow in this new set of foot steps then you need to start this series from Josiah.

Its beautifully woven selection of worlds (as each layer brings new cast, dangers, contexts and environments) situated around one mans plight to find his beloved.  It has great prose, great twists with manipulations and above all demonstrates what our hero will undergo to be reunited with his wife.

Add to the mix a good solid understanding of dialogue and pace that allows you to take brief breaks in order to catch your breath before the next revelation and all round its the start to a series that if it continues in this vein is going to be epic.  Cracking.

RELEASE DATE:  15/03/18
PUBLISHER:  Orbit



SYNOPSIS:
Forced by necessity into a life of piracy, Senlin and his eclectic crew struggle to survive aboard their stolen airship as the hunt for his lost wife continues. But the Tower of Babel is proving to be as difficult to re-enter as it was to escape.
Hopeless and desolate, they turn to a legend of the tower, the mysterious Sphinx. But help from the sphinx doesn't come cheaply and, as Senlin knows, debts aren't always what they seem in the Tower of Babel.




REVIEW:
The second book in the Books of Babel series and one that really does help expand not only the world but also allows the reader to get more personal with Senlin's crew of characters as they not only fill out a bit more but add complex layers to the story which not only leaves you wondering whats going to happen but how events will twist and turn their goals and beliefs.

Its a delightful read, one that helps add additional depth to the worlds within but also give you mythos that feels like this is an epic quest for the ages as events weave their way where tricks and twists leave you wondering which way is up.

Back this up with a stellar authorly voice that stands out from others alongside great plotlines and use of prose alongside pace and the wait for the final tale will be a long time coming.  Cracking.

SCIENCE FICTION CRIME: One Way - SJ Morden

RELEASE DATE:  10/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Orbit


SYNOPSIS: 
EIGHT ASTRONAUTS. ONE KILLER. NO WAY HOME.

Andy Weir's THE MARTIAN meets Agatha Christie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE.

* * * * *

There's a murderer amongst them, and everyone's a suspect . . .

Frank Kittridge is serving life for murdering his son's drug dealer, so when he's offered a deal by Xenosystems Operations - the corporation that owns the prison - he takes it.

He's been selected to help build the first permanent base on Mars. Unfortunately, his crewmates are just as guilty of their crimes as he is.

As the convicts set to work on the frozen wastes of Mars, the accidents multiply.

Until Frank begins to suspect they might not be accidents at all . . .

* * * * *

A murder mystery set on the frozen red wastes of Mars, by rocket scientist Dr S.J. Morden.


REVIEW:
 As a reader I love to be taken on a journey within the tale and whilst in some of the crime stories out there its kept to a murder in a mansion, this tale takes murder to a whole other planet, in this case Mars,  as a group of convicts are allowed to serve their sentences building a livable environment on the red planet.

As people die off in accidents, suspicions are arisen and then a murder investigation is underway as one man tries to unravel it all before he's next on the murderers list.  The fact that Mars is uninhabitable helps give you a feeling of a small environment where characters are tripping over each other with very little privacy which when backed with a load of sciencey facts give this story a feeling that it could be grounded in reality.

Whilst in some parts I found the science side a bit heavy going with the explanations it did fulfill a job by helping you get to grips with the  planet and topography, this helps immensely in helping you suspend your disbelief and allowing you to full immerse.  All round a fun read and a book that a good few others will get a kick out of.  Cracking.

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: The Keeper - Kim Chance

RELEASE DATE:  30/01/18

PUBLISHER:  Flux

SYNOPSIS:
When a 200-year-old witch attacks her, sixteen-year-old bookworm Lainey Styles is determined to find a logical explanation. Even with the impossible staring her in the face, Lainey refuses to believe it—until she finds a photograph linking the witch to her dead mother.

After consulting a psychic, Lainey discovers that she, like her mother, is a Keeper: a witch with the exclusive ability to unlock and wield the Grimoire, a dangerous but powerful spell book. But there’s a problem. The Grimoire has been stolen by a malevolent warlock who is desperate for a spell locked inside it—a spell that would allow him to siphon away the world’s magic.

With the help of her comic-book-loving best friend and an enigmatic but admittedly handsome street fighter, Lainey must leave her life of college prep and studying behind to prepare for the biggest test of all: stealing back the book.


REVIEW:
 A YA title that takes the reader on a journey of discovery as the principle character discovers that there's more to her life than she thought and that some secrets have consequences.  Its well written, the principle player is believable and above all else its a book that has twists and turns that will keep you guessing from the start as to which way the domino's will fall and how the consequences will play out.

Add to this some dialogue that works well, a good use of pace and prose and all round its a cracking book to keep you YA reader going.  As a series opener its solid and I for one can't wait to see what occurs next.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Voices 2: Hunted - GX Todd

RELEASE DATE:  31/03/18

PUBLISHER:  Headline

SYNOPSIS:
Hunted by G X Todd is the second novel in the Voices series, highlighted as being 'of a piece with Stephen King's The Stand' in the Independent. The battle between Good and Evil continues to play out in a world where the Voice in your head can save or slaughter you. A must-read for fans of Neil Gaiman and Joe Hill.

'Compelling, suspenseful and altogether extraordinary' Lee Child

The birds are flying. The birds are flocking. The birds sense the red skies are coming.

One man is driven by an inner voice that isn't his - this Other is chewing at his sanity like a jackal with a bone and has one purpose.

To find the voice hiding in the girl.

She has no one to defend her now.

But in an inn by the sea, a boy with no tongue and no voice gathers his warriors. Albus must find the girl, Lacey . . . before the Other does.

And finish the work his sister Ruby began.

Hunted is the second book in the acclaimed Voices series, where the battle between Good and Evil holds you in its vice-like grip.

#HearTheVoices


REVIEW:
As with the first book in the series this story is hard hitting, fast paced and gives the reader a whole set of questions to ask not only of  the book but of themselves.

The characters are gripping, fresh and above all else relatable and when blended with a cracking story arc really helps to deliver something that will stay with you after the final page is turned.  All in, in my opinion this series could become a modern classic so get on board before the hype hits. 

Add to the mix, great use of dialogue alongside a solid understanding of pace and how to utilise it within the pages, all round make this a cracking offering.  I can't wait to see what happens next.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Witches of New Orleans 1: The King of Bones and Ashes - JD Horn

RELEASE DATE:  23/01/18

PUBLISHER:  47 North

SYNOPSIS:

From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Witching Savannah series comes the story of a young witch’s quest to uncover her family’s terrifying history...
Magic is seeping out of the world, leaving the witches who’ve relied on it for countless centuries increasingly hopeless. While some see an inevitable end of their era, others are courting madness—willing to sacrifice former allies, friends, and family to retain the power they covet. While the other witches watch their reality unravel, young Alice Marin is using magic’s waning days to delve into the mystery of numerous disappearances in the occult circles of New Orleans. Alice disappeared once, too—caged in an asylum by blood relatives. Recently freed, she fears her family may be more involved with the growing crisis than she ever dared imagine.
Yet the more she seeks the truth about her family’s troubled history, the more she realizes her already-fragile psyche may be at risk. Discovering the cause of the vanishings, though, could be the only way to escape her mother’s reach while determining the future of all witches.

REVIEW:
Having read the blurb for this book on Netgalley, I was pretty excited to read it, however upon starting it, it turned out to be a book that took quite a bit of time to get into especially when you have quite a bit of backstory that kept interupting the flow as well as the pace which left me as a reader feeling a little cheated wanting to find out more about the principle players rather than having extra elements added which didn't feel required at that point.

It is a story that does have a hell of a lot going for it, trading in the wonderful sense of macabre of the city of New Orleans alongside bringing the culture of magic and hoodoo to the reader that really grips them as events wend their own direction which does give a great creole flavour to the whole piece but for me as a reader, I did feel that perhaps the author needed to break the tale up between characters and would have been better concentrating on fewer with others to add their own dimensions further down the line in a seperate own title.

All round it is a strong start but in my opinion it will leave a number of readers not so sure about trying future outings which from the feeling I've picked up here would be a great shame, especially if the author simplifies some of the arcs within and keeps the pace moving without having to dive back into further pre-story information. 

BLU-RAY/DVD REVIEW: Blade Runner 2049 - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

RELEASE DATE:  05/02/18
PUBLISHER:  Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

SYNOPSIS:
Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.

REVIEW:
I have extemely fond memories of the original Blade Runner film with Rutger Hauers final speech being one of my favourites from any film (see clip.)  So hearing that they were making a sequel left me feeling a little cold, worrying that it was going to be a modern cash in detracting heavily from the original with poorer writing and characterisation leaving the viewer with an overly effected title with very little other than 2d cast members.

What unfurled was a film that will probably be controversial and split people into two camps in much the way marmite is, you'll love it or hate it.  Personally I got a lot out of it.  I liked the way we saw Deckard return, older and much wiser and the way that he and Ryan Goslings character played off of each other.

The script was solid and whilst it wasn't wall to wall action, I was more than happy with what I saw.  OK, so in places it did drag but for me, the pace needed to be worked carefully in order to do justice and bring something that many people could easily switch into having watched the original.

All round, for me, a good bit of fun and a title that will be a firm favourite earning a spot of honour on my shelves. 

HISTORICAL FANTASY REVIEW: The Sisters Mederos - Patrice Sarath

RELEASE DATE:  05/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Angry Robot

SYNOPSIS:
House Mederos was once the wealthiest merchant family in Port Saint Frey. Now the family is disgraced, impoverished, and humbled by the powerful Merchants Guild. Daughters Yvienne and Tesara Mederos are determined to uncover who was behind their family's downfall and get revenge. But Tesara has a secret - could it have been her wild magic that caused the storm that destroyed the family's merchant fleet? The sisters' schemes quickly get out of hand. Gambling is one thing, but robbing people in the night is another… Together the sisters must trust each another to keep their secrets and save their family. 

REVIEW: 
An historical fantasy that delivers mystery, double dealing and murder in a tale of vengeance alongside redemption. 

Well written with two extremely likeable female lead protagonists who probably wouldn't be out of place in a Charlotte Bronte tale, which when blended wtih a solid supporting cast (some of whom felt like I wanted to spend more time around to see what they got up to, yes Uncle this means you)  and hopefully they'll be explored a bit more in future outings.

Add to this acceptable dialogue and a dash of romantic banditry which when accompanied with well laid plans that allow you the chance to escape into a brand new world full of opportunites.  A fun read and one that will break the monotony of some of the heavier tomes out there.  Cracking.

BLU-RAY/DVD REVIES: Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

 

RELEASE DATE:  01//01/18
PUBLISHER:  Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

SYNOPSIS:
Johnny Rico is back! C'mon you apes, you wanna live forever?! I have only one rule. Everybody fights, no one quits. The bugs have breached Mars and the Federation's Fleet is too far to help. It's up to us to save the planet. On the bounce, Troopers! The only good bug is a dead bug! Oorah! Casper Van Dien and Dina Meyer return as the voices of Johnny Rico and Dizzy Flores alongside comedian and Starship Troopers superfan DeRay Davis in an all-new military adventure from the writer of Starship Troopers and Robocop, Ed Neumeier.
Special Features

    "Traitor of Mars: Inside the Music" featurette
    "Traitor of Mars: Inside the Performance Capture" featurette
    "Traitor of Mars: Inside the Bugs and Powered Suits" featurette (exclusive to Blu-ray)
    "Expanding the Universe" featurette (exclusive to Blu-ray)
    "A Look Inside: 20 Years Later" featurette (exclusive to Blu-ray)


REVIEW:  
As a fan of the original film, I've kept up with the other releases in the series and to be honest some have been shockingly bad which sadly left me feeling quite let down, so to be frank, I wasn't expecting to much from this.

Thankfully I'm pleased to say I was more than pleasantly surprised at the whole thing.  I loved the fact that they'd brought back the original actors (although for some reason Dizzy is back when she was killed in the first film) with a solid script giving the mobile infantry the chance to do what they do best, fight and die to free Mars from an unexpected Bug Invasion.

The animation is solid, the script work fitting well and when blended with good voice acting, all round allows you to become fully immersed.  All round a very happy viewer and when you throw in the additional features, it allows you to get so much more from the whole thing.  Cracking.

BLU-RAY/DVD REVIEW: Britannia - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

RELEASE DATE:  26/03/18
PUBLISHER:  Sony Home Entertainment

SYNOPSIS:
Kelly Reilly, Zoë Wanamaker and David Morrissey star in this British drama series set in AD43. As the Roman Army prepare to destroy the Celtic land of Britannia, rival warrior women Kerra (Reilly) and Antedia (Wanamaker) find themselves working together to fight off the monstrous Aulus Plautius (Morrissey), the leader of the Roman invasion.

Special features:

    "Rome's Pagan Nightmare" Featurette
    "Bloody Birth of Britain" Featurette


REVIEW:
 I missed this series when it was originally on Sky however upon finding out about the Blu-Ray I was more than happy to indulge as I was quite impressed with the cast that they had assembled.

Whilst this isn't a true historical drama, I loved the way that they wove magic into the tale against the might of the Roman Empire.  The way that each character came across as seeking to make their own mark was also delightful with the first episode proving that the show was playing for keeps and that be you a peasant or a king/queen, everyone has to face their own reckoning.

The script was definitely interesting and whilst on the whole it worked well for me, I was a bit at a loss at times when it seemed to move quite quickly from the morose to the comical which on the whole didn't work too well for me.  Yes I could see the need to bring levity to it, yes I could see how they had to use pace to help slow things down or to pick the audience up after a brutal scene but there had to be better ways to do it.

All round, it was a series that I got into the more episodes I watched and with actors bringing their individual characters to life I was left wanting to know more, especially with the cliff hanger that the series was left on for season 2 (which as of the time of writing this has yet to be confirmed as no viewing figures have yet to be released.)  I can but hope.

FANTASY REVIEW: Echoes of the Hawk 3: The Hyena and the Hawk - Adrian Tchaikovsky

RELEASE DATE:  05/04/18

PUBLISHER:  Tor UK

SYNOPSIS:

They face a hunger that could consume the gods themselves
From the depths of myth an ancient enemy has returned: the Plague People, whose very presence obliterates whole villages; whose terror destroys minds. In their wake, nothing is left of the people, not their places, not their ways.
On the plains, the warriors and the wise of all tribes gather to confront the aggressor. Loud Thunder leads his great war-host south, even as Tecumet and Asman head north with the Sun River army. With Maniye Many Tracks, they plan to forge a new unity between the tribes such as the world has never seen. But will it be enough to stave off an oblivion that might devour even their gods?
Their adversary’s presence is like a wound in the world, and wakes all the old terrors and evils from the peoples’ stories. But before they can deal with the enemies without, they must conquer their demons within.
The Hyena and the Hawk is the third book in Adrian Tchaikovsky's epic fantasy trilogy, Echoes of the Fall, following The Bear and the Serpent.

REVIEW:
Adrian's always been an author who has not only delivered story arcs interwoven with complex relationships but also given readers cracking prose, action sequences that leave you short of breath and wrapped it all up with believable characters.

Its a cleverly woven set of skills that within its rich tapestry not only gives you a story that is fun for a single read but will pay dividends as you seek to find the little nuances that led events to shape the way that they went.  Add to this good character development and all round I was a more than happy reader.  Cracking.

BLU-RAY/DVD REVIEW: The Dark Crystal - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

RELEASE DATE:  05/08/18
PUBLISHER:  Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

SYNOPSIS:
In another time, The Dark Crystal was the Balance and Truth in the Universe, but was destroyed dividing the world into two factions: the wicked Skeksis and the peaceful Mystics. Now as the convergence of the three suns approaches the Crystal must be healed or darkness will reign forever. It is up to Jen, the last of his race, to carry out the prophecy that a Golfing will return the missing shard of crystal and destroy the Skeksis’ evil Empire. But will Jen be up to the challenge of battling the unknown?
Special Features:

    ALL-NEW: “The Myth, Magic and Henson Legacy” featurette: Go behind the scenes of this iconic film with stories from Lisa Henson and Toby Fraud.
    Deleted Scenes
    Commentary with Brian Fraud
    Picture-in-Picture Storyboard Track
    Original Skeksis Language Scenes with Introduction by Screenwriter David Odell
    “The World of The Dark Crystal” Documentary
    “Reflections of The Dark Crystal: “Light on the Path of Creation” & “Shard of Illusion”” featurette
    Photo Galleries
    Theatrical Teaser & Trailer


REVIEW:
 OK, I have to admit my age here, but I remember seeing the trailer for this when I was young and being a Jim Henson film, thought WOW, whens it out and will my Dad take me to see it.

Well luckily for me (and my twin), he was a huge fantasy fan, had seen the trailer previously to us and made sure we saw it to gauge our reactions to see if we wanted to go (probably so he had an excuse to go like he did with all the Disney films.)

I remember the viewing with great fondness and of course whilst seeing the rich backgrounds, beautifully done puppets alongside a musical score that just transported me away to the world left me with goosebumps from beginning in to end.  But with it coming out on a Blu-Ray Anniverary Edition recently would I still be reminded of the child in the theatre or would it show its age and be something that was better left as a film seen through rose tinted glasses?

Setting down one night, with pizza, ice cold soft drinks and some Ice-cream, I prepared myself to enjoy it all over again, however I wanted to share the experience with fellow blogger Lady E, who after watching the trailer said "No way, the Skeksis are too scary."  (This coming from a lady who was raised watching Video Nasties and Romero Zombie films from the age of 8.)

So whilst she did some reading I got down to business.

When starting I was transported back to this imaginative world and whilst you can tell its an older film the clarity of the picture was wonderful, delightfully presented which when presented with equally good upgraded sound really gave me the whole experience.  OK, so the story was a bit linear and simplistic but it wasn't just about that for me.  It was the way that it brought you in, it was the magic that made you think other worlds were possible and the way that good triumphed over evil even though it seemed like a fruitless quest at the beginning.  I loved it and was pleased that my memories didn't let me down.  I can't wait to share this with my nephews and niece.

Finally add to this a whole heap of other features that will leave you wondering at not only how immersive the world was but also how they managed to achieve so much with the tech at the time and you'll have a disco to treasure that will bring joy time and again.

On a side note, if you are a huge fan of this film Netflix is promising their own Dark Crystal prequel series in 2019 which I hope will be just as good.  (Trailer below.)

GUEST BLOG: Writing is Who You Are - Steve McHugh

I’ve wanted to be an author since I was about 13 and I read David Gemmell, Terry Pratchett, and Stephen King for the first time, but I didn’t really know exactly how to go about becoming an author and life usually got in the way, so it was always just that dream that was just out of reach.

When I was 25, my first child was born. Her name is Keira and she’s now 13, a thought that is frankly terrifying for me for several reasons. At 38 I’m the parent of a teenager, and there’s very little that makes me feel older, but I digress.
It was a very exhausting time for her mum and me, but it was also the spur I needed to want to become an author. I didn’t want to be that person who said, “one day” and never actually did anything about it. So I started writing, taking it seriously, and practicing wherever I got the chance.

I joined an online writing group that was part of Kelley Armstrong’s website, and over the next few years I honed my craft and wrote a book. It wasn’t good. At all. Oh at the time, I’m sure it was probably the finest piece of writing the world had seen, but there’s a reason it remains on a USB drive somewhere. So, with that failed attempt at being any good, I started again.

It took me 7 years to write a book I was proud of, and get it published. 7 years of working, of seeing what I wanted to attain and not letting anything stop me. I self-published my first book, Crimes Against Magic, and I will always remember having sold 28 copies on opening day. 28. I was thrilled. That entire
first month of April 2012, I sold 72 copies. I will always remember those two figures.

I got a good professional cover, got it professionally edited, and it had paid off. Not monetarily, but in terms of just being able to know that people had bought my book and had left a good review, or had messaged me to tell me they loved it. It was exhilarating. And then the sales increased, and kept increasing, and to this day I think it was part work from me, and part incredible luck. By that December, I launched book 2, Born of Hatred, and had sold thousands of books.
The following year, my current publisher contacted me and asked if I’d like to work with them to republish the first 2 books, and the rest of the Hellequin Chronicles series. I said yes.

Things got blurry from that point on. I’ve now published 8 books and 1 novella in 6 years, and by the end of 2018 it will be 10 books. And every single time I get an email or a message from a fan, it’s still exhilarating. It’s a beautiful thing to have people love the frankly bizarre stuff that happens in my head, and there’s nothing else quite like it.

And all of this started because I wanted to be the person who said, “I did that,” and not, “I will do that.” I became a bestselling author because I worked like mad and put in the hours, and days, and months, to get better and better at something I’m passionate about. Becoming an author is the best thing I’ve ever achieved professionally.

So, if you have a notion to be an author don’t put it off. Doing it might well be the best thing you ever did.

(Steve's Hellequin series is already out and available on Amazon.co.uk  His brand new series "The Avalon Chronicles" is on the following release dates:
The Avalon Chronicles 1:  Glimmer of Hope: 1st April 2018
The Avalon Chronicles 2:  A Flicker of Steel: 3rd July 2018
The Avalon Chronicles 3:  A Thunder of War: 23rd October 2018)

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Hellequin Series 7: Scorched Shadows and The Avalon Chronicle 1: A Glimmer of Hope - Steve McHugh

RELEASE DATE:  01/04/18
PUBLISHER:  47 North

SYNOPSIS:
Layla Cassidy has always wanted a normal life, and the chance to put her father’s brutal legacy behind her. And in her final year of university she’s finally found it. Or so she thinks.
But when Layla accidentally activates an ancient scroll, she is bestowed with an incredible, inhuman power. She plunges into a dangerous new world, full of mythical creatures and menace—all while a group of fanatics will stop at nothing to turn her abilities to their cause.
To protect those she loves most, Layla must take control of her new powers…before they destroy her. All is not yet lost—there is a light shining, but Layla must survive long enough to see it.


REVIEW:
The first book in a new series by Steve set in the same Universe as his Hellequin tales.  As you'd expect its full of action, has a great cast (some of which will be familiar to fans) that you'd like to go out drinking with and brings a whole new fresh angle to what has gone  before.

Back this up with dialogue that flows smoothly, cracking pace as well as an arc that shows a lot of thought so that it flows smoothly and delivers with some great gut punches, all round demonstrates that this is an author with a hell of a lot to bring to fans.  Magic.

RELEASE DATE:  19/12/17

PUBLISHER:  47 North

SYNOPSIS:

In the final chapter of the Hellequin Chronicles, secrets will be revealed, friendships tested, and destinies fulfilled.
Avalon is under siege. A shadowy cabal, headed by a mysterious figure known only as “My Liege,” has launched a series of deadly attacks across the globe, catching innocent human bystanders in the crossfire.
Emerging from the debris of battle, Nate Garrett, the sixteen-hundred-year-old sorcerer also called Hellequin, and his friends must stop My Liege once and for all. But powerful forces stand in their way. To save Avalon, they will need to enlist the help of Mordred, once Nate’s greatest nemesis, now his most formidable ally. But Mordred is grappling with a dark prophecy that could spell Nate’s doom…
The fate of the world hangs in the balance. Even if Nate can halt the war, will there be anything left worth saving?

REVIEW:
Ah a delight on my reading calender, a new Steve McHugh's novel who I was pleased to say I discovered luckily through a writing forum hosted by another author.  His writing brings wonderful myth and mystery together as we have stories with Arthurian enchantments blended with otherworldly creatures in the modern world that just sings of originality and for me its a series that keeps giving with each new outing.

I love the characters, the way they all feel realistic and each have their own individual voice to bring to the fore as their efforts have consequences in their world that may be quite unforseen.

Add to the mix a great understanding of pace, some wonderful turns of phrase alongside cracking action sequences and all round I was a more than happy reader.  I can't wait to see what Steve's new series has in store for me.