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

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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

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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

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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

Image result for galaxys edge #7 by mike resnick
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

Image result for galaxys edge #6 by mike resnick
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

Image result for galaxys edge #1 by mike resnick
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.