Comic Adventures Issue #22

I read a lot of comics and rarely review them here on the blog. That's because I really don't have a lot to say for an entire post.  So I thought I would review several comics on one post.  I will still review graphic novels on their own now and then, but this is where I will talk about super-hero type comics (DC/Marvel) or sequels to some that I have already reviewed.

This issue I talk about Fables Vol. 19 Snow White,  Catwoman Race of Thieves DC, Fables Vol. 20 Camelot, and Batman Vol 6 Graveyard Shift.

I am still sad that Fables is coming to an end.  In Volume 19 we get a wrap up on many characters and the story starts to lead to what will happen to these characters when the season ends.  One of the main characters of the series is killed off in this issue!  I don't even know why.  Ughh... I suppose someone big had to die again before the end of the series.  I did feel like this character's death was kind of... blah.  The death should've been epic and out of this world. The OZ chapters that have been happening in this series are off to me a little.  Like they don't fit in.  OZ is odd... so of course these story arcs are odd.  Just not my favorite but I think we are done with this part of the Fables stories now. 3 out of 5

 Yeesh! You can tell that Catwoman comics are not doing well when there are no other reviews on goodreads for it except mine! A new writer took over and so the comic is all over the place now. Half the time when comics have different story arcs through out I always wonder if there is a comic out there I missed that had the story ahead of this one. For example, there is a story in here about Catwoman's fall from the head of the crime family in Gotham. When did she even become in charge of it???? I wasn't even sure if there was going to be a vol. 6 but I googled it and apparently there will be one. I think I am done with the Catwoman comics now though which is really too bad. 2 out of 5

Typically I don't review two of the same comics in a blog post. But Fables vol 20 came into the library and I had to read it.  This comic really brings back what I love about Fables.  A very good story!!  The name of this comic is Camelot.  I was super excited when I read that name!  Though... it turns out the comic wasn't exactly about Camelot.  It was about Rose Red trying to bring together Fables who needed second chances.  These Fables would become the Knights of the Round Table.   I am not exactly sure where that story line is going for the final issue.  I just can't wait for that issue, though I am sad these comics are ending.  It is just crazy to me! I like that this issue allows us to re-visit with some characters we haven't seen mentioned in the comics for a while now.  I'll admit I skipped a short comic at the end.. all about music.  I guess I am kind of tired of these little spin off stories (like the OZ one in the previous volume).  I just want to read the main story line.  Check out the cover on this issue!  Great art work 5 out of 5

Finally let's chat about Batman Vol 6, Graveyard Shift.  I received this from Edelweiss and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. So this issue follows up what is going on with Batman after Damien dies.  I didn't realize I hadn't read Vol 5 yet.. but I only have a few more days to read this on Edelweiss so I went ahead and read it.  Vol. 5 I have on hold at the library and it is more about Batman's past so I think it was OK to read this one without reading Vol. 5 first. I think Volume 6 is a collection of stories from other comics.  Including Batman Eternal.  I had stopped reading all the Batman comics, I just felt like there were too many going on.  So I am missing some of the story ARCs.  We did get a story with Clayfact, and one with Superman.  I liked the one with Superman because he is trying to help Batman deal with the death of Damien.  Also... we are introduced to a new Robin.. a SHE! She called herself Bluebird.  Which I liked.  4 out of 5. 





This counts for 16 comics towards my 2015 Graphic Novels Challenge!!

Dewey 24 Hour Readathon

I am excited to be participating for the second time in Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon.  This is going to be quite an adventure. There are all kinds of fun things happening today. .  I will update here all day so if you want to see how I am doing click on this blog post.  I just don't want to spam everyone all day... but who knows.. maybe I will??  Let me be honest... I slept in today.  I am more of a night owl so I would prefer to read late and sleep late.  I was supposed to start at 6 am!!  This time around I am also a cheerleader so I need to get started stopping by all your blogs and twitter accounts cheering you on.  I am team JO so be on the lookout.

Update 1:


Currently Reading:  Dust Lands by Moria Young
Books Finished: None
Pages Read: 60
Amount of Time Spent Reading: 1 hour
Snacks: None yet
Where are you reading:  In my favorite recliner!

I will  be updating a lot on Twitter.  My Twitter handler is @Kingmod


So far participating in the opening meme:

 1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?  In reading from Colorado!
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?  Honestly I am most looking forward to getting through a few of the ARC comics I have from Netgally. 
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?  Cheetos Puffs.  Yum so Yum!
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!  My name is Angie.. I have been blogging here for almost five years now!!  I love it. This is actually my second time participating in this readathon.  Surprising.  I just never thought there would be any way that I could read for 24 hours.  We will see right? 
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?    I think I would like to meet a few more bloggers this time around going through the same thing.  I remember last time I was still reading at 1 am and a cheerleader stopped by and kept me going even thought I wanted to sleep.

Fairest by Marissa Meyer-Review

Title: Fairest
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 272
Published: January 27th 2015 by Feiwel & Friends
Source: Library
Links: goodreads, MarissaMeyer.com

In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told. Mirror, mirror on the wall, Who is the fairest of them all? Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now. Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

Eek! I love this series so much. So when I found out that Meyer was writing a short book that Takes place in between Cress and Winter I was super excited. We get to learn all about Queen Levana's back story.  We learn she grew up in a non-loving home with a crazy sister.  I almost wonder if there isn't too much inbreeding in the family.  I am most impressed with the fact that Meyer wrote this in National Writing Month.  Which is an event a lot of writers participate in, usually not big writers.  So it was surprising to me that she did this.

I like that the villain was evil through and through.  Levana may have been good as a little child but she was evil not too long after.  We learn why Levana wears her veil, where Winter came from, even Cinder's back story.  Really Levana's story is sad... the fire tragedy that gives her her scars is probably what set her to really the wrong direction.  The fact that she does practically the same thing to Cinder is shocking to me since you would think Levana would not want anyone else to go through something like that.

I don't think that you have to read the first three books in order to enjoy this story but you will be more familiar with the characters if you do read the other three books.  I just love Meyer's writing and world building.  The sad thing is I have actually recommended this series to two people and neither one of them liked it.  WHAT!   I am like.. is it just me who loves the series but then I see the love all over the blogs and goodreads.

This is a must read if you love this series.

5 stars

Cinder

Scarlet

Cress
Winter
Stars Above

Top Ten Tuesday- Favorite Authors

It’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! This week's topic is top then favorite authors.  I read such a variety of books that I really only have a few top ten authors.  Ones that I love sooo much that I would buy anything from them.    So let's get started:

1.  Stephen King is hands down my favorite author.  He got me into reading.  I've been to a book signing of his and it was such a great night. 

2.  Charlaine Harris.  This is another author who got me into reading.  The Sookie Stackhouse books are so fun to me.  Though I have to admit I haven't read any of Harris' other books.  Though I should!

3.  George RR Martin.  Even though I get very annoyed with the fact that it takes Martin forever to write a book... I love his writing.  I also love how involved he is with his fans.  His blog is fun to read.

4. Janet Evanovich.  I really enjoy her fun writing style.  I could probably read her book in one day, but I love how fun and carefree her writing is. I wish she would go on a book tour near me.  It would be so fun!

5. Marissa Meyer.  She is the author of the Lunar Chronicles and I really just love her writing so much.  After the Lunar Chronicles are complete I can't wait to read what book she has coming out next!

6. Rainbow Rowell.  I really like the books this author puts out.  So meaningful.  She writes books for the everyday person going through everyday problems.  I love her instagram account too!

7. Laini Taylor.  This is another author I have really grown to love. She only has one book series out right now but I can't wait to read more from her.  I am curious what she will write about.

8. The Oatmeal.  I love this comic and will read anything this man writes!! 

9. Jane Austen.  I really love her books.  They make me feel like I am in another time and place.  The romance, the way people talk and dress.  I sometimes wish I lived in this time.

10. RA Salvatore.  Such a great fantasy writer.  I just love love his work.  He builds a huge world around a few characters that I just grew to love.

Might as well add #11!  JK Rowling.  I have only read her Harry Potter books but they are amazing.

What about you this week??  Who are some of your favorite authors??

Trailer Madness!

As most of you know.. I watch a lot of movies.  Geeky movies really.  I get excited when summer movies come out. I get excited  about movie trailers (well not as excited as my husband who is going to IMAX tonight to check out the Batman vs Superman trailer on the big screen). I thought I would share some of the new trailers with you and see what you are most excited about that's coming out soon.

Fantastic Four:

Not sure how I feel about this one. I didn't like the original movies and I am just not that into their story. I haven't read a Fantastic Four comic so that might change my mind about being excited. Looks like a totally different take on the story then the previous movies and for that I am glad.

Jurassic World This looks interesting. Though I can tell it's going to be a loud movie and we will probably see it in IMAX. Perhaps I need ear plugs for this one. Apparently Chris Pratt is friends with the Rapters?????


 Batman VS Superman Super excited about this one. Please don't fail us DC! Marvel seems to have the movie market... while DC has a bunch of great TV shows. Hopefully this one will launch DC in the movie market with some better films.

Halo 5 (for my video game readers) Getting excited about this new game... though I am really into the game Destiny. So will this game give me something new to play??? We'll see. Halo 4's multiplayer really wasn't that great to me. Though the story line was perfect.

 Star Wars: The Force Awakens This is my favorite trailers that I have seen! I have loved Star Wars since I was a little girl. I am hoping this launches the franchise into something amazing.

There are plenty more trailers out there right now... Terminator, Ant Man... should be some good movies coming out.  What are you excited for???

Follow Friday

This is the day of the week where we get to know each other better by answering a question devised by our lovely hostesses Parajunkee & Alisoncanread.   Thanks to those bloggers for hosting! Be sure to stop by their blogs to see the featured blogger of the week and to see the list of blogs who are also participating.   And now for this week's question....


Here is $100,000.  What would you do with it?


Ok to be honest I would invest it.  But since this is make believe and for a book blog...  I would maybe buy a library like the one in Beauty and the Beast, and build a fantastic home theater in my house.  Right now I just googled library/home theater together and I found some amazing looks!!  So I'll build them together!!

What about you???

Comic Adventures Issue #21

I read a lot of comics and rarely review them here on the blog. That's because I really don't have a lot to say for an entire post.  So I thought I would review several comics on one post.  I will still review graphic novels on their own now and then, but this is where I will talk about super-hero type comics (DC/Marvel) or sequels to some that I have already reviewed.

In this issue I talk about the Final Jack of Fables Vol 9 The End,  Green Arrow Vol 2,  Fables Cubs in Toyland, and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Vol3.

I made it!!  I finished the Jack of Fables comics.  It was a ruff ride at times but since there were only 9 issues I knew I could do it.  Jack of Fables was a comic that was kind of all over the place.  This last issue wraps up a lot of the story.  The ending was unexpected to me though.  It was just wrapped up super fast... meaning spoiler- they killed everyone off-.  WHAT??  I don't know why I finished this series.  Jack of Fables isn't that great so I would say skip it.  It was like I just needed to finish it though.  Someone pointed out that Jack Frost only has his eye patch on for the last half of the comic!!  Well I didn't notice that but I supposed that's how you can really tell they were tired of writing this comic.  It's just too bad Jack doesn't get to stay in the world of the original Fables comic.  This comic gets 3 out of 5.




Green Arrow has really turned out to be a disappointing series, and I am only on volume 2.  I didn't even finish it though I got pretty far.  The story line is confusing, all over the place.  The art is not my style at all.... I want to see Oliver Queen a little more manly and he looks boyish to me. There is this odd story.  Ollie finds these triplets... or i should say they find him.  He goes with them to where they abduct him... but then he escapes somehow. There is a huge monster bear ... then more girl stuff... his sidekicks don't know what to do because Ollie never keeps them informed... all of a sudden at the end of the book BOOM Hawkman.  Umm... WHAT?  I had so much hope for these comics because of the show Arrow and seeing Green Arrow in Smallville.  Both are fun to see Green Arrow in so check those out instead of this comic series.  1 out of 5





I am getting so far in the Fables comic series.  Almost finished with it.  This issue was creepy.  It was all about a dark and evil Toyland.  The whole issue is dedicated to the cubs of Bigby and Snow White.  Three parts of the prophecy that Ozma gave Ambrose have been fulfilled.  We also get a little side story about the Fables back at Mr. Dark's (the boogieman) castle. That is the story I really want to read about hopefully we will see more in the next issue.  I can't believe I have only 3 volumes left and then I will be done with the Fables series.

I am loving these DC He-Man comics so much!!!  I have loved He-Man and She-Ra since I was a little girl.  I still have the action figures and all that jazz.  This comic really does carry the series further. She-Ra is finally re-introduced to the series here.  I love it.  The artwork is amazing too.  I saw that as of right now the series only goes up to volume 5, so I'll be bummed if the series only goes that far.  I like how we are pretty much being reintroduced to the He-Man universe.  I don't remember much of it.  I did go to someone's house over Thanksgiving who had an ENTIRE bedroom dedicated to He-Man figurines.  The ENTIRE room people!!  It was nuts.  But it was also amazing. 

This counts for 12 comics towards my 2015 Graphic Novels Challenge!!

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor Review

Title: Dreams of Gods and Monsters
Author: Laini Taylor
Pages: 613
Published: April 8th 2014 by Little, Brown & Company
Source: Ebook Library,
Links: goodreads, lainitaylor.com/

By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz. Common enemy, common cause. When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people. And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love. But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world. What power can bruise the sky? From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy. At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?

Another series complete. One of my big reading goals this year is to finish all these trilogies I've started so I am glad to get another one down.  I started Dreams of Gods and Monsters last year but am not sure why I ended up putting it down and not finishing it.  So when I restarted reading it recently I just started back at the beginning.   It took me a while to get into it.  It's been a long time since I read the first two books so I had to try to remember what was going on.  The story finally got going though and I was sucked back in.

The author kept the same tone throughout the series.  Never once did I think that the plot was filler.    I even learned a new term for the plot of this book, deus ex machina.  Where gods come in the scene of a tragedy! Yeah for new words. There were a few new characters added in this book.. and though at times it almost got to be too many I enjoyed reading new perspectives that were happening. The only think I really didn't love about the book was the final chapter.  I don't know why but it was boring to me and I found myself scanning the whole thing.  Maybe it was the fact that it was late at night... but I think it's because it went into so much minor detail that I just was over it. 

This series is a great fantasy series. It's the type of book that makes me wish I was the type of person who highlights passages in books so I could write them here for you to enjoy.  But alas... I don't.  I wish I had read all three books together .. I can't stand waiting so long in between series anymore.   I just love how the conclusion of this story is pretty satisfying.   I would recommend this book to everyone looking for high fantasy. 

“It was not a happy ending, but a happy middle—at last, after so many fraught beginnings. Their story would be long. Much would be written of them, some of it in verse, some sung, and some in plain prose, in volumes to be penned for the archives of cities not yet built. Against Karou's express wish, none of it would be dull.”

The end of the book gives us a look into a future that I am hoping Taylor writes more about.  Maybe in a short story, or in a spinoff book??  I can only hope.

5 stars!

My review of the other books in the series:
 
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Sunday Post

Let's chat about what's going on this week... on my blog.. on other blogs... on the internet... and just everywhere!    I link up my post to Sunday Post hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Reader.

Hello!  Another busy week here.  Lots of stuff going on at home, one thing includes watching Daredevil on Netflix and it's pretty good.  Binging my first show on there.  Usually I binge shows from the library since I only have the disk like 2 weeks. I like how Netflix releases all the shows at once.  But... I suppose once the binge is over then I have to wait forever till the next season.  I am also super excited about Game of Thrones premiering tomorrow night.  We have 9 people coming over so far to watch all the epicness.  For real... some of these friends need to get some HBO because we are running out of room for all those who are getting hooked on the show.  Maybe we aught to start charging and entrance fee!

I haven't been able to play a lot of different video games lately because my local Redbox still hasn't started renting out PS4 or XboxOne games so I am sorry about no video game reviews lately.  It's quite annoying, it's not like I live in a small town.  My library won't loan out rated M games and that seems to be what's been popular lately.  I might actually have to buy a new game soon!

Dewey's Readathon is coming.  I really need a readathon.  I have been lagging in reading and blogging because March was so busy.  So I am really excited about this. I signed up to be a cheerleader and perhaps this would be something you would be interested in.  There are usually 1000 participants so it is really great to have as many cheerleaders as possible.  I can't wait to get started reading.

How was your week?

Furious 7 Movie Review

Furious 7

Yeah... I finally saw a movie in the theater.  I've been so busy with friends and family visiting the past two weeks so I haven't been able to get much reading done or movie seeing.  So it was nice to get out tonight and see this in IMAX.  I like this movie franchise.  Yes it's kind of out there... but I enjoy seeing crazy car chases and big explosions.  It's a great start to the summer movie season.. though technically it's spring.  

I love the Rock.  Love love love him.. so any movie with him in it has me headed to the theater.  I was also curious as to what they were going to do with Paul Walker's character and I like that they did a little tribute scene at the end of the movie to him. The movie magic does a good job of using CGI and Walker's brothers to complete the film with him in.  There were some great stunts in the movie and seeing Jason Statham added to the franchise really added some spice.  One stunt scene includes cars parachuting out of a plane and landing on a mountain. What was really enjoyable about this part of the movie is that it was filmed in my hometown.  I've driven on that road in the mountains though not in the same manner as the stunt team. 

It's hard to believe how old the first film is in this series.  I was just married really.. I remember buying the DVD!  It was like one of the first ones I owned. My only problem with the movie is that the Rock isn't in it more.  When he is in it ... he makes the movie.  OK maybe I'm just saying that because I love him.  But it was super fun when he is on screen. To be honest this is a crazy over the top action film but that is what I was expecting.  No one would live through half the things happening to characters .. hopefully people know this. 

I hear there is going to be an 8th movie.  I don't know how I feel about that.  I almost feel like the film should go in another direction.  Maybe a new crew???  I don't know.  We'll see what the future holds. 

B+