Thursday DVD: X-men First Class

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Kiss of Frost

Print // Kindle // Jennifer Estep Page

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anime: Another

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Sendup 2

So here's my week...

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

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

Received/Bought:

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Princess Bride remake? INCONCEIVABLE. Seriously.

Shameless Giveaway Hop - ends Jan 27th

Thursday DVD: The Last Detective Series 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PR Special Edition (57): Regan Summers!

Poisoned Rationality Special  Edition

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

Synopsis:   Anchorage, Alaska

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Q's

cake or pie?

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

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

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

What are you reading right now?

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

Any tips for surviving in Alaska?

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

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

Book Review: Touch of Frost

Print // Kindle // Jennifer Estep Page

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

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

I really like this cover

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

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

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

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

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

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