Saturday 24 December 2016

ROMANCE NOVEL: DOM OF LAS VEGAS SIN CITY #1 BY TRICIA OWENS

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Dom of Las Vegas Sin City #1
Author: Tricia Owens
Publisher: Amazon Media EU
Pages: 169
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Synopsis:
To have the man of his dreams, he may have to give up his own...

Ethan Winter has known since he was a kid that he wants to work for the FBI. Until then he's stuck modelling underwear and photographing cheating spouses for a private investigator.

But when a trip to Las Vegas for a security conference brings him into contact with the magnificently dominant Maxmillian Poole, Ethan finds himself faced with a dilemma: pursue his childhood dream or become the partner of a man who seems to know him inside and out and who offers a life any submissive would crawl for.

Friday 23 December 2016

BOOK REVIEW: ANDROMEDA'S WAR BY WILLIAM C. DIETZ

Andromeda's War
William C. Dietz
Publisher:Titan Books
Pages: 368
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

In this the third novel in the series of prequel books to the Legion of the Damned novels there are several parts that stand out to most readers. The strength of the Naa is mentioned in a sequence when Eatbig, a Naa soldier sparred with Larkin, though what Larkin does later proves to be effective in case her opponent looked like he would win. They are perceived to be stronger than the humans, yet can be dealt with effectively in the right situation.

BOOK REVIEW: ANDROMEDA'S CHOICE BY WILLIAM C DIETZ


Andromeda's Choice
William C. Dietz
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 336
ISBN -10:1783290323
ISBN-13:978-1783290321
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

This is the follow up to William C. Dietz's Legion of the Damned series . The basic idea is if readers liked Andromeda's Fall, this continues the story of Andromeda McKee who wants vengeance over her family being killed by Ophelia. As she thinks she is the only surviving member until she discovers her uncle Rex, the leader of the resistance wants the same as her. William C. Dietz hasn't just written a few novels in the Legion of the Damned series, he's written several going up to 2015; The Final Battle, By Blood Alone, By Force of Arms, For More Than Glory, For Those Who Fell, When All Seems Lost, When Duty Calls and A Fighting Chance. He has gone a long way to create a gritty, realistic story where Ophelia doesn't understand that there are those who can get to her from the outside if they want to, and being surrounded by armed men can be a disadvantage if you are her.

BOOK REVIEW: BY FORCE OF ARMS BY WILLIAM C DIETZ


By Force of Arms
William C. Dietz
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 304
ISBN-10:1783290420
ISBN-13:978-1783290420
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

In By Blood Alone, Colonel Bill Booley got sent down to Earth as punishment for not changing his testimony about another officer. His feeling on his betrayal have to be kept aside though as there are more pressing matters to deal with. Now he is General Booly and his men have to save every person in the universe as a killer technology threatens to destroy them.

BOOK REVIEW: A STAR SHALL FALL BY MARIE BRENNAN


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A Star Shall Fall by Marie Brennan
Known for her A Natural History of Dragons series, Marie Brennan has created another series; The Onyx Court, starting with Midnight Never Come, In Ashes Lie and third in the series, A Star Shall Fall.

Wednesday 21 December 2016

BLU-RAY TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE LIMITED EDITION, 30TH ANNIVERSARY STEELBOOK


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Transformers  the Movie Limited Edition, 30th Anniversary Steelbook
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: PG
Running Time: 84 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: Out Now!
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Classic 80s and 90s animation has had a resurgence lately, and no less with Transformers as it was every kid's dream to watch the series. Here the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS are fighting it out for supremacy, while another enemy is coming to take over, UNICRON.

BOOK REVIEW: HARSH GODS BY MICHELLE BELANGER


Harsh Gods by Michelle Belanger

Synopsis:
The last thing Zack Westland expects on a frigid night is to be summoned to an exorcism. Demonic possession, however, proves the least of his problems. Father Frank, a veteran turned priest, knows Zack’s deepest secrets, recognizing him as Anakim, an angel belonging to that hidden tribe. And Halley, the girl they’ve come to save, carries a secret that could unlock a centuries-old evil. She chants an eerie rhyme, and she isn’t alone…

“HANDS TO TAKE AND EYES TO SEE.
A MOUTH TO SPEAK. HE COMES FOR ME.”

As Zack’s secrets spill out, far more than his life is at stake, for Halley is linked to an ancient conspiracy. Yet Zack can’t help her unless he’s willing to risk losing his immortality—and reigniting the Blood Wars.

BOOK REVIEW: ROBIN HOOD DEMON'S BANE 2: THE TWO TORCS BY DEBBIE VIGUE AND JAMES R TUCK


Robin Hood Demon's Bane 2: The Two Torcs by Debbie Viguie and James R Tuck

Synopsis:
Furious at the opposition that has risen against him, and wielding the weapons of dark sorcery, Prince John prepares to tighten his grip on the land left in his care by King Richard.

But Robin Longstride has lost everything—his family, his land—so all that remains is his mission to free England from the evil that has descended upon it. He and his allies must find a way to defeat creatures whose very nature defies understanding.

Monday 19 December 2016

FANTASY REVIEW: THE EMPRESS GAME - CLOAK OF WAR BY RHONDA MASON

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The Empress Game by Rhonda Mason

This is the second in the Empress Game trilogy that set up Kayla Reinumon as a serious heroine who is caught up in the politics of the Sakien Empire and the Empress Game Tournament. Thankfully, the tournament is over, but for Kayla, her mission has only just started. If she wants to free the people from occupation and slavery, she must do the ultimate thing - continue working undercover after her win at the tournament.

Saturday 17 December 2016

DEATH NOTE COMPLETE SERIES AND OVA COLLECTOR'S EDITION BLU-RAY



Death Note Complete Series and OVA Collector's Edition Blu-Ray
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating:15
Running Time: 840 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: 19/12/2016
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes


It's hard to believe that when the manga was released in some Asian countries, it was banned for being too controversial. The antagonist of the story is Light Yagami, an A student with a bright future ahead of him. This all ends when he finds a black note book outside his school. He thinks nothing much of it until he opens it, finding it blank, but attached to it is a shinigami (death god) who advises him how to use the book.

ANIME REVIEW: THE PERFECT INSIDER BLU-RAY + DVD COMBO PACK

 Image result for f the perfect insider   dvd cover animatsu
The Perfect Insider Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack
Released By: Animatsu
Rating:15
Running Time: 840 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: 19/12/2016
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Professor Saikawa and Nishi want to meet Shiki Magata, a programmer and genius who has isolated herself from everyone else at a research facility on an island - the rumour is she could be a murderer, but they want to be convinced. At the start we get to see two men in a room, one from the past and the other from the present, a man writing in a diary, while the other works at home on his computer and this is where it gets complicated.


Sunday 11 December 2016

ADVANCE REVIEW: RELICS BY TIM LEBBON

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Advance Review: Relics by Tim Lebbon
Due for release: 21st March 2017

The Silence was the last book of Tim's I read, though I do remember the movie version of 30 Days of Night did well at the cinema. Also responsible for The Cabin in the Woods, the Alien-Predator trilogy "The Rage War," and Coldbrook he has won four British Fantasy Awards, A Bram Stoker Award, a Tombstone, a Shocker and been a finalist for the International Horror Guild and World Fantasy Awards.

THE DETONATORS: A MATT HELM NOVEL BY DONALD HAMILTON

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The Detonators: A Matt Helm Novel by Donald Hamilton

Matt Helm's history with women isn't as good as he'd hoped. They give him a hard time when he's dating them, and now Amy Bartlett is proving too prim and proper for their own good after her father is about to spend time in jail for drugs offences - she wants to set him free, but Matt wants the whole story and doesn't buy the fact she says she's prim - she must have some vices, surely.

Saturday 10 December 2016

ANIME MOVIE REVIEW: POKEMON MOVIE COLLECTION 1-3

Image result for pokemon movie collection 1-3 manga entertainment  dvd cover
Pokémon Movie Collection 1-3
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: PG
Running Time: 218.2 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: Out Now!
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

It's the first time ever the three Pokémon movies can be collected in a special three disc DVD edition. For those of you who remember when these movies first came out, it will be a special moment, however, for those who are young right now, you have some fun to catch-up on.

Friday 9 December 2016

LGBT REVIEW: COMRADES IN ARMS BY RITA OAKES

Comrades in Arms
Author: Rita Oakes
Publisher: Lethe Press
Genre: Gay Stories
ISBN: 1590210506
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Synopsis:
Long before ''Don't ask don't tell,'' gays served in the military--sometimes openly--more often in secret. In this volume the author imagines what their lives might have been like. Within, you will find tales of historical fiction mixed occasionally with supernatural horror, including: a French fusilier fighting guerrillas and growing disillusionment in Napoleonic Spain; soldiers encountering unnatural horrors during the 1812 occupation and retreat from Moscow; a good-natured Wiltshire man finding companionship and courage amid the muck and misery of the Western Front; a downed American airman realizing everyone is not quite as they seem as he takes refuge with a band of Polish partisans during World War II; and more. Comrades-in-Arms offers tales of battles and the aftermath, of comradeship, loss, duty, and discovery.

FUTURISTIC REVIEW: NEW POMPEII BY DANIEL GODFREY


New Pompeii by Daniel Godfrey

For readers of Michael Crichton and Robert Harris, this novel, one of a series (the second instalment out on June of 2017) gives thought to the issues of both past and present, gibing them a sense of history, but also as Nick Houghton finds out is room for studying the real Romans he has in a replica of Pompeii dubbed New Pompeii.

BOOK REVIEW: THE INFILTRATORS BY DONALD HAMILTON

Image result for the infiltrators by donald hamilton titan books
The Infiltrators: A Matt Helm Novel by Donald Hamilton

As we saw in The Detonators before, Matt Helm has to deal with people he knows in a personal way. Here he wants Madeline Ellershaw to help him in a case he might not be able to solve without her. Matt remembers the young woman she used to be over ten years ago, bright, happy, a successful lawyer after passing her bar but Madeline who had been ready for a career she had waited so long for ended up in jail for a crime she might not have helped commit.

NOVEL REVIEW: THE RACE BY NINA ALLAN


The Race by Nina Allan

In the future there are many possibilities, this could be one of them. Sapphire is a place, much like the outskirts of London where it had been a beautiful place to live - before the fracking took place. As a once idyllic holiday resort it had been a part of the good old days, ones where Jenna can only see on photographs. Now there is nothing about Sapphire that is great or beautiful. Instead, the land became polluted and no one in their right minds wants to live there unless they are being paid danger money to do so. Jenna only remembers the now, how floods of immigrants were sent there and illegal dog racing took over the town.

BOOK REVIEW: INDEPENDENCE DAY: CRUCIBLE BY GREG KEYES

 Image result for independence day crucible by greg keyes
Independence Day: Crucible by Greg Keyes

What was arguably one of the most iconic sci-fi movies of the 90s has seen a resurgence, not only as a new movie, but in spanning another series of tie-in novels. Previously, I reviewed the Independence Day: Omnibus which was a three story explanation of what happened during , then after the original movie.

Saturday 3 December 2016

GOODREADS REVIEW: SILENCE IS GOLDFISH BY ANNABEL PITCHER

Silence is GoldfishSilence is Goldfish by Annabel Pitcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Silence is Goldfish by Annabel Pitcher

I was sent this book for the Goodreads Giveaways.

By the author of Ketchup Clouds and My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, Silence is Goldfish is about fifteen-year-old Tess who discovers her father isn't her real father. She starts out by realising what has happened, that she feels she has been living a lie for the past few years, deciding she will pack a few of her things and go looking for her real father, regardless. Tess would love nothing more than to tell her mother how she feels about her recent awful discovery, but she instead holds her disappointment inside, letting it fester away at her.

Tuesday 29 November 2016

ADVANCED REVIEW: BOOK REVIEW: PAINTED DOLL AN ONLY IN TOKYO MYSTERY BY JONELLE PATRICK

Image result for painted doll by jonelle patrick
Advanced Review: Painted Doll An Only in Tokyo Mystery
Author: Jonelle Patrick
Publisher: Bancroft and Greene
Pages: 348
ISBN 10:0997570938
Rating: *****
Release Date: 5/12/2016
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Synopsis:
When Tokyo Detective Kenji Nakamura's phone rings with the news that his mother's death ten years ago wasn't an accident, his world begins to unravel. New evidence links her to a young woman, whose body was found dolled up like a movie star and tossed in the gutter like an abandoned plaything. With the help of part-time English translator Yumi Hata, Kenji begins to piece together what really happened the night his mother died. But the closer he gets to discovering who killed the Painted Doll, the more he fears that the truth will destroy all that's left of his fractured family.

Saturday 26 November 2016

ANIME MERCHANDISE ARTICLE: BLACK BUTLER DAKIMAKURA (BODY PILLOW)


 Image result for black butler body pillow
Black Butler Dakimakura (Body Pillow)

You're watching your fave anime, let's imagine it's Black Butler and it's at the end of the disc and you want to see more of butler, Sebastian's sexy face, but it's too late. It's time for bed, and you'll have to wait until later the next day to see him again - or will you?

GALAXY'S EDGE #18 BY MIKE RESNICK


Galaxy's Edge #18 By Mike Resnick

A review by Sandra Scholes

This issue is quite a milestone for Mike as this is the third  year Galaxy's Edge has been in publication at a time when many might have thought it had had its day. Thankfully, the magazine is still so popular due to the volume of quality stories and editorial inside. With two Hugo nominations and a Campbell nominee in 2015, there is plenty to enjoy in this issue with stories by Laurie Tom, Lou J Berger, Jennifer Campbell-Hicks, Robert T Jeshonek, Rene Sears, Dantzel Cherry and Robert J Sawyer.

In The Editor's Word, Mike Resnick continues his third of four columns he wrote for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction as his "Forgotten Treasures," novels he thought worthy of mentioning. His reason for this is that he thought it a good idea to tell the readers of science fiction novels that had been published in paperback cheaply as they are well worth getting. His interest is for readers to "buy out the Dealer's there at the next WorldCon," and when I've been to cons before, it's been my experience that I've had to get the latest ones, hopefully at a low cost price. The books he mentions are ones written by some featured in Galaxy's Edge that I understand persuaded him to create a magazine full of captivating stories of the unusual and at times, humorous in science fiction and fantasy.

The stories are a mixed bag of long and short this issue with The Bone-Runner by Jennifer Campbell-Hicks setting us off. Hicks's story is set after a war and the Fall where all that is left is a deserted city, rubble and polluted air unfit to live in or around. A scavenger ponders his life with his lion who hunts with it bone-runner. Bone-runners look for scrap metal or old things of value left around before the Fall. These he can sell in order to keep on living. He recalls the times before he was alone, when he had Skip running with him, but after his betrayal, he has never felt more alone. Only the discovery of an old book could help him and save him from death. Hicks is great at creating atmosphere and her blast from the past memories are perfect for the chosen character.

In Full Skies, No Water by Lou J. Berger a guy sent to Persephone to get back the projectors that help rain water get to the surface of the planet after their people couldn't keep up with their payments. In one region, he does the same. One day he gathers them up, and a family ask him to have dinner with them.  This might be their last as their water source is quickly running out, but this time he could help them out. When people and planets are held to ransom by large corporations, this could well happen and Berger writes it in a believable way.

The Second Person Unmasked by Janis Ian is a story with a twist, the sort of tale that could find its way as being made into an episode of a new series of the Outer Limits. Here a guy is sent on a mission to a seedy bar to have a little fun with the girls, complete his mission, and get out, back to where he came from. Not everything works out as planned, however, but as he figures it's better than working the mines in the hope of working up the system after years of back-breaking toil. Singer Janis Ian weaves an excellent tale of what happens to one man who feels his luck might just be in.

The Little Robot's Bedtime Prayer by Robert T. Jeschonek has Occam-657 who serves his master. He believes in him like men would worship a god and the other robots also have their own gods to pray to and adore. This, of course is a lie as these gods are only men and the robots have been programmed to worship and do their chores like slaves with total obedience. It is hard not to feel for Occam-657 as he tries so hard to please his god, but strangely enough, things might be looking up for him later.

Love Your Wolpertinger by Dantzel Cherry is a diary entry style story with it being comprised of notes by a fictional creature called the Wolpertinger. He signs his name W and from being young, Andrew thought he believed in W's existence, but now that he has grown-up, and has a wife, he doesn't understand why he still gets the notes. Dantzel's simple story is a fun read, but as you will see, not so fun for Andrew.

Coward by Todd McCaffrey introduces the disgraced General Cowan, called the Coward of Corair, but is he really the coward he has been painted by others? After arriving in the dropship to be taken into custody, pending court marshal. Not everyone agrees he deserves this treatment as some think the facts are wrong. McCaffrey delivers a cautionary tale of what it's like to serve in a time of war and how bad it can get at the aftermath.

Reviews for the latest sci-fi novels are from Bill Fawcett and Jody Lyn Nye of A Crucible of Souls by Mitchell Hogan, Senior Year Bites by J A Campbell, Interstellar Net: Enigma by Edward M Lerner, Dogs and Dragons edited by Joy Ward and a reprint of Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey. The columnists are the usual with Scandals: Being True to Our Own Imaginations by Gregory Benford is of Physics by the Zonerunner of much of modern science and about how we should technically have seen the big bang coming. Barry N. Malzberg's In the Heart's Basement is Fifty Miles of Bad Road where he discusses how it is fifty years since he sold his first story, and promptly tells us all about other writers and how they sold to magazines of the day. The Galaxy's Edge Interview this time around is with Joy Ward for Joe Haldeman. This month's serialization is for The Long Tomorrow Part 1 by Leigh Brackett. Overall, Galaxy's Edge shows the versatility of the writers, reviewers and columnists working on t he managing. The writers who have impressed me the most are; Jennifer Campbell-Hicks, Lou J. Berger, Janis Ian and Dantzel Cherry. The cover art is brighter than other issues and for a look at the contrast, take a look at No. 19 as an example. Those who like reading sf and fantasy are going to enjoy this latest issue.

GALAXY'S EDGE #17 BY MIKE RESNICK

 
Galaxy's Edge #17 by Mike Resnick

A review by Sandra Scholes

This issue takes a slightly darker turn from the look of the cover with a wraith like figure stood in a church among other wraiths, armed with a sword. The reason I like it is due to the face an part of its body seems robotic and sinister. Moving swiftly to The Editor's Word, Mike looks favourably on Galaxy's Edge's stint at WorldCon and takes a look back at a column he wrote for the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction some twenty years ago he thinks is still relevant today as it is on the amazing gems found on the dealers' rooms many have overlooked at cons. By this he means the books on sale there.

Saturday 19 November 2016

GALAXY'S EDGE #14 BY MIKE RESNICK


Galaxy's Edge #14 Edited by Mike Resnick

A review by Sandra Scholes
In The Editor's Word, Mike welcomes readers to the latest issue of stories, articles and reviews of the latest novels, discussing at length about a book called Seriously Funny by Gerald Nachman who wrote on the stand-up comedians from his youth, Henry Youngman and Milton Berle. The book itself mentions the new wave of comedians like Mort Sahl, Tom Lehrer, Lenny Bruce, Mike Nichols and Elaine May who were never very famous, but were humorous at a time before it felt forced and in some ways, humour has changed since then. He also talks about The Compass, by Janet Coleman in the Compass Players, a comedy group with an impressive line-up that stood the test of time. Compared to today's comedians, it is questionable as to whether these comedians will be remembered while the ever newer ones will entertain us with jokes that result in many profanities.

Friday 18 November 2016

ARTICLE: BEHIND THE STORY OF FALLEN ANGEL BY JONELLE PATRICK

Behind the Story of Fallen Angel

Article by: Sandra Scholes

All images supplied courtesy of Jonelle Patrick


In Fallen Angel, the second of Jonelle Patrick's Only In Tokyo Mystery series, cafes play a small part in her story, and the investigation of a young woman found dead outside her apartment.

SF REVIEW: GALAXY'S EDGE #12 BY MIKE RESNICK


Galaxy's Edge # 12 by Mike Resnick

A review by Sandra Scholes

To think I remember reviewing issue #1 of Galaxy's Edge like it was yesterday. How time can fly and it's not just me who thinks this, editor Mike Resnick is just as delighted as much as he is amazed the magazine has lasted so long. As long as twenty-four months and it's still got plenty of editorial and stories to show off to eager readers. Indeed, Galaxy's Edge is popular around the world, including China, of which there is a translated version of it. Talking of popularity, there is also The Best of Galaxy's Edge on e-book and trade paperback. I can see the reason for its being so well received by readers, the majority of  its content is short stories that are written by already established writers, which means the stories have been for the most part previously published elsewhere and have been snapped up but the editor.

Thursday 17 November 2016

GALAXY'S EDGE #11 BY MIKE RESNICK

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Galaxy's Edge #11 By Mike Resnick


A review by Sandra Scholes

Galaxy's Edge number #11 takes our editor Mike Resnick reminiscing that the publication has been running for two years already - it's a surprise to everyone I suppose, especially me, but judging by the amazing cover image of a craft and a burning planet, this is going to be a really good one. Mike's The Editor's Word announces that before the year is out they will be releasing an anthology of what they have published over these past two years; The Best of Galaxy's Edge. Here we have new stories by James Aquilone, Ralph Roberts, Lou J Berger, Leena Likitalo, Marina J Losteter, while other well-known writers have returned with other interesting works; Robert Silverberg, Maureen McHugh, Jack Skillingstead and Jack McDevitt.

YURI REVIEW: FOR PEACE BY ALEXIS COOKE

Image result for for peace by alexis cooke e manga cover
For Peace
Writer/Artist: Alexis Cooke
Publisher: Chromatic Press
Book Type: Ebook
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Synopsis:
Bebe and Lillie met on an online forum for truckers, and have been internet dating for several months...when Lillie declares that she wants to finally meet in person! But Bebe, as confident and cool as she is in her professional life, turns out to be a total wreck when it comes to meeting her lady-love face-to-face. And that's only the start of their evolving relationship...

A story in three parts, by fantastic newcomer and creator of Dinner Ditz, Alexis Cooke!

Assistant: Cassandra Feijo

Wednesday 16 November 2016

MANGA REVIEW: LETTERA VOL: 1 BY STUDIO KOSEN

Image result for lettera by studio kosen cover
Lettera Vol: 1
Writer/Artist: Studio Kosen
Publisher: Chromatic Press
Book Type: Ebook
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Synopsis:
Garnet Rune is a powerful witch with a bad attitude. After ticking off the wrong person, she is cursed so that whenever she uses her magic, a poisonous tattoo is etched into her flesh--enough tattoos, and the poisonous ink will kill her. Of course, instead of taking this as an opportunity to right past wrongs and fix her behavior, Rune sets off on a quest to find the witch who cursed her and make her pay!

Studio Kosen's comedic fantasy series is now available in English for the first time, with new pages every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

BOOK REVIEW: IDOLMAKER (AN ONLY IN TOKYO MYSTERY) BY JONELLE PATRICK

 Image result for idolmaker jonelle patrick bancroft and greene
Idolmaker (An Only in Tokyo Mystery)
Author: Jonelle Patrick
Publisher: Bancroft and Greene
Pages: 388
ISBN 10:099757092X
Rating: ****

Synopsis:
A Japanese pop star is swept away in the tsunami following a devastating earthquake, and her fans erupt in a frenzy of mourning. In the wake of the disaster, Detective Kenji Nakamura is sent to investigate a death at a local shrine, but amid the rubble he finds evidence that suggests the impossible: How could the head priest have been murdered by the dead idol? It doesn’t help that the star’s body is still missing, and Kenji’s childhood friend Yumi Hata refuses to believe that her favourite artist is dead. She launches her own investigation to convince Kenji he’s on the wrong track. But by the time their race for the truth lands them backstage at a sold-out memorial concert for the dead guitarist, the one thing they’ve both learned is just how quickly the hunters can become the hunted.

Saturday 12 November 2016

GALAXY'S EDGE #10 BY MIKE RESNICK

 Image result for galaxys edge #10 magazine
Galaxy's Edge #10 Mike Resnick

So far the issues up to this one have had some major talent within the pages, this time around sci-fi great Larry Niven author of Red Tide with Brad R. Torgerson and Matthew J.Harrington has his Draco Tavern story, Mercedes Lackey, Eric Flint, Tobias S.Buckell and Robert J. Sawyer all have their part to play in entertaining readers with their tales, but one special feature and an interview with world-famous Hugo award winner Game of Thrones author George RR Martin.

Tuesday 8 November 2016

CHILDREN'S PRESS RELEASE: MY ALIEN PENFRIEND BY FAIZ KERMANI


My Alien Penfriend by Faiz Kermani

I have penfriends of my own and Faiz Kermani and me started out as penfriends - that was until I found out he was a writer - and he found out I was a reviewer! They do say coincidences happen, or was it just fate? I previously reviewed his The Frog in The Skyscraper and found that a fun and entertaining read. This looks like it could be a hoot too with Zmod and Darius an alien and earthling telling each other about their lives and how different they are.

CHILDREN'S PRESS RELEASE: THE FROG WHO WAS BLUE BY FAIZ KERMANI


The Frog Who Was Blue by Faiz Kermani


When I got sent this press release for one of Faiz's newest books, I was, can we say ecstatic about reading it as I'd previously reviewed The Frog in the Skyscraper and found his work to be witty, funny, and above all of interest to children. We all like to read about the adventures of animals who have human characteristics we find endearing and this one is just as good as his other adventures.

Monday 7 November 2016

GALAXY'S EDGE #9 BY MIKE RESNICK

Image result for galaxys edge #9 by mike resnick
Galaxy's Edge #9 by Mike Resnick

A review by Sandra Scholes

In the previous issue of Galaxy's Edge, editor Mike Resnick offered readers an in-depth look at his new magazine, well it's considered new at seven issues with his eight I reviewed, now at the ninth issue, he has a lot more to offer. They are now considered an official SFWA-approved market and selling paper subscriptions. Mike always has his own topics he can discuss in his The Editor's Word slot and this time around  it's about science fiction fandom, claiming his own fandom as 'oldphart' who has collected all the information needed to pass onto the next generation of fans so they have a clearer idea of the fandom. Here, Mike goes into the history starting with The Immortal Storm by Sam Moskowitz way back in 1954 and chronicles the history of American science fiction fandom from "the first World Con in 1939." The thought that most science fiction fans have is that fandom is relatively new can be rubbished by this revelation.

ANIME REVIEW: WHEN SUPERNATURAL BATTLES BECAME COMMONPLACE

 When Supernatural Battles Become Common Place - Complete Season Collection DVD
When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: 12
Running Time: 300 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: Out Now!
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Chuunibyou - "8th Grade syndrome" which describes a person with an overly fantastical view of the world.

The girls can't understand him when he's in chuuni - mode, but Ando thinks there might be a time when he or others develop super powers. Day after day, Ando lies in wait for his female classmates to enter a deserted classroom to watch him pretend he has an evil entity in his arm. He's only playing, though but he wishes it would happen so he could gain superpowers!

ANIME REVIEW: MY TEEN ROMANTIC COMEDY SNAFU TOO!

My Teen Romantic Comedy Snafu Too! (episodes 1-13) Blu-ray/dvd Combo BLU-RAY
My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Too!
Released By: Animatsu
Rating: 12
Running Time: 325 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: Out Now!
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Hikitani always looks bored with high school. He can't help it when the only thing he looks forward to is the school service club. he might seem a bit of a cold fish, but he has hidden depths. Hikitani has a jaded view of life that stems from his being persecuted when he was younger by guys in his class. As a result, he is standoffish and doesn't make friends easily, in fact he would be happier if he didn't have to make new ones.

Sunday 6 November 2016

BOOK REVIEW: A STUDY IN SABLE BY MERCEDES LACKEY

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A Study In Sable: The Elemental Masters by Mercedes Lackey


One of ten novels in the series that looks at Dr.John Watson, who is an Elemental Master of water and takes the sort of occult cases his dear friend, Sherlock Holmes refuses to even consider. Though Holmes appears uninterested with the occult and those cases, he does vet Nan and Sarah for him as he wants to work with them on difficult or near impossible cases. Nan is a psychic, while Sarah is a medium and together with their birds, Neville the raven and Grey the parrot, they are four of the most talented investigators around. They even surprise Watson and Holmes with their skills and use of their talents.

ANIME REVIEW: WISH UPON THE PLEIADES

Wish Upon The Pleiades Complete Season 1 Collection Blu-ray/dvd Combo Pack BLU-RAY
Wish Upon the Pleiades
Released By: Animatsu
Rating: 12
Running Time: 300 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: Out Now!
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Subaru gets to school bagging her telescope (her most treasured possession) but when she gets there she finds out she ahs unlocked the very door into a magical realm she's not supposed to enter, or even know about.

GALAXY'S EDGE # 7 BY MIKE RESNICK

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Galaxy's Edge #7 by Mike Resnick

A review by Sandra Scholes

After six other issues, Galaxy's Edge is officially a year old, so in order to celebrate it, here's another review from yours truly. If readers missed out on some older stories they have no doubt heard how good they are from their friends, here is a chance to read them as they are reprinted here.

Saturday 5 November 2016

GALAXY'S EDGE #6 BY MIKE RESNICK

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Galaxy's Edge #6 by Mike Resnick

A review by Sandra Scholes

The sixth issue of Galaxy's Edge comes with an interesting range of science fiction stories from both known and unknown writers. Of the known; Andre Norton, Harry Turtledove and Barry Malzberg caught my eye even before I opened the magazine. In Mike Resnick's The Editor's Word column, he also introduces the newer writers featured in here; Gio Clairval, marina J. Losteller, Brian Trent, Tina Gower and Jean-Claude Dunyaoh.

GALAXY'S EDGE #1 BY MIKE RESNICK

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Galaxy's Edge #1 by Mike Resnick

A review by Sandra Scholes

Galaxy's Edge is a new science fiction magazine that will be coming out every two months and mixes new stories, reprints, reviews and columns. Of the reprints, they will be written by well-known authors, just as the new fiction will be penned by the not so well known writers. As would be expected, these authors have the same level of talent no matter how well-known or not well known they are. Mike Resnick's The Editor's Word takes readers into the intricate world of the science fiction magazine, starting with Amazing Stories back in 1938 which  had published many of the science fiction greats; Heinlein, Vogt, de Camp, Simak and Sturgeon. His seven pages make interesting reading, especially if you do not know the history of some of the best magazines in their early days.

Wednesday 26 October 2016

BOOK REVIEW: DEFENDER BY GX TODD (ADVANCE REVIEW)

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Defender by G.X. Todd (Advance Review)
Publication Date: 12 Jan 2017
Publisher: Headline
Type: Paperback/Hardback/eBook
Pages:
Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

Synopsis:
Defender by G X Todd is an imaginative thriller that draws on influences from Stephen King, Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman to create a new world - where the biggest threat mankind faces is from the voices inside your own head. If you loved The Stand, you'll love Defender, the first in a four part series.

Monday 24 October 2016

BOOK REVIEW: NEW POMPEII BY DANIEL GODFREY

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New Pompeii by Daniel Godfrey

For readers of Michael Crichton and Robert Harris, this novel, one of a series (the second instalment out on June of 2017) gives thought to the issues of both past and present, gibing them a sense of history, but also as Nick Houghton finds out is room for studying the real Romans he has in a replica of Pompeii dubbed New Pompeii.

BOOK REVIEW: #WHAT IS HYPNOSIS? BY TOM FORBES MAYER

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#what is hypnosis? by Tom Forbes Mayer

When we think of hypnosis, we imagine a tall, dark stage presence who somehow manages to get people to do odd things for his own amusement and the amusement of the audience. But here, Mayer inform us there is much more to hypnosis that could benefit people if they could only brush away the preconceptions of what they think hypnosis is.

SCI-FI REVIEW: THE RACE BY NINA ALLEN

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The Race by Nina Allen

In the future there are many possibilities, this could be one of them. Sapphire is a place, much like the outskirts of London where it had been a beautiful place to live - before the fracking took place. As a once idyllic holiday resort it had been a part of the good old days, ones where Jenna can only see on photographs. Now there is nothing about Sapphire that is great or beautiful. Instead, the land became polluted and no one in their right minds wants to live there unless they are being paid danger money to do so. Jenna only remembers the now, how floods of immigrants were sent there and illegal dog racing took over the town.

Friday 21 October 2016

CHILDREN'S REVIEW: BOB'S MYTHOLOGICAL GARDEN BY FAIZ KERMANI

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Bob's Mythological Garden 
Author: Faiz Kermani
Pages: 18
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Synopsis:
No one believes in unicorns, trolls, elves, pixies, or other imaginary creatures! At least that’s what Bob keeps telling his boss at The International Chronicle. Unfortunately, Bob’s boss remains convinced that Bob’s journalistic talents are best suited to writing about these weird subjects. Why would Bob want to write about politics and economics when readers love his strange articles about dragons and other freaky creatures? One day, Bob finally manages to escape his nightmare of a job—or does he? The charming, relaxing cottage he has found shelter in ends up attracting the oddest visitors. His ridiculous stories might have some truth to them.