Tiger & Bunny, 2011 - anime

Title: Tiger & Bunny
Genre: action, comedy, mystery, (b)romance
Length: 25 episodes
Format: anime

Oh boy. Where do I start? It was the title that got me. I was wondering what sort of show could have a name that cheesy and initially thought it would be full of tiny characters with overly cute features, or something having to do with animals and life lessons. Instead, I got the brain child of the Power Rangers, Marvel and DC, and every other western superhero/mutant-based comic or show that's out there.

T&B is littered with western comic book superhero influences, including but not limited to The Avengers, TMNT, X-Men, and Batman. But unlike our normal western superhero drama, T&B puts a twist on the classic by giving it a sports-like atmosphere. We don't just have superheros or people with superpowers, they're contracted to major multimillionaire companies, sponsored by popular consumer products like Pepsi and Bandai. They compete with each other to earn the most points by capturing criminals and saving citizens.

I must say, the game spin caught me off guard, as well as the full blown CG that's used on the characters' costumes. More often than not I shy away from such obvious shows of CG because I don't like how it meshes well with the 2D art that's notorious in anime/cartoons. I prefer to have CG being used as cinematography aids rather than key factors in the show.

However, I managed to put my prejudice aside for this show. After getting past my initial shock and discomfort, I found I didn't really mind it because of the type of action scenes the characters engage in. For those who share the same discomfort as me, I think you'll be able to enjoy this show anyway.

Of course, to enjoy this show, you have to first be familiar with western superheros. Not just Superman and Batman, but even the other branches as well. The organizations and the affiliations. You don't have to be a major geek to understand it all, but it helps to be familiar with the main trademarks and characters of each series.

It is this knowledge that will help you pick up the cues that are peppered all throughout the show. Characters in T&B have been designed with one or more western super' in mind. To give you a hint, one of Wild Tiger's handy gadgets is reminiscent of Spiderman's web. I could tell you more, but some key factors are spoilers. I'm sure if you watch you'll see what I mean.

Now, apart from the homage to western comic book heroes, the show if very lively and dramatic, touching on almost every major genre. You've got a bit of action, a bit of adventure, a bit of family drama, friendship drama, mystery, and romance -- though that one takes a backseat to the action and drama.

I added bromance to the genre because this show deals heavily on the partnership of Wild Tiger and Barnaby/Bunny. They have a partnership that begins in adversity and grows into something powerful and indestructible at the end. Their teamwork and trust helps them to overcome obstacles both in the crime fighting world and on a personal level. They are a dynamic duo.

If you want to have a few laughs and indulge in something that brings you back to your childhood days of fantasizing about Superman and Wonderwoman and whatnot, I think this series is right for you. It's fun and suitable for various types of audiences.

Overall: 4 out of 5

Noblesse: Season One by Son Jae Ho

Title: Noblesse (Season 1)

Author: Son Jae Ho

Format: webcomic

My brain's a little muddled, but let's see how well I can do this. To start, Noblesse originally is a Korean webcomic. Manhwa, if you prefer. Since then, it's progressed quite well, and I believe the creators have published the story into volumes. (Don't quote me on that.) 

Noblesse is a complex story that revolves not necessarily on one protagonist, but a group of them. We first meet the core of the "group" within the first few pages of the first chapter: Rai. His name doesn't get revealed until a little later, by which we as the audience finds out that "Rai" is more like his nickname, bestowed upon him by three Korean high school students who are right away added to our protagonist bunch. 

Though the story does seem to center around the school environment at first, as Rai explores a world he has -- until now -- been oblivious to, it is not really a high school based story. Noblesse doesn't focus on classes or school drama, etc. that's often seen in Japanese manga/anime. In fact, the school is merely a starting point and neutral meeting ground for some of the series' main characters to come together. 

Speaking of characters, another person to add to the bunch is the handsome principal: Frankenstein. Franky is the loyal servant of Rai, who has a mysterious past that whispers of the immense power he holds. For years upon years, Franky has been looking for Rai, uncertain of what happened to him after he disappeared from their mutual home. 

While there are many questions about what happened and why Rai was missing, very few get answered as events take a dramatic turn. Of course, if you have protagonists, you have to have antagonists. For Season one (which happens to consist of 92 chapters total), these villains come in pairs, in two waves. 

We learn a little bit more about the world that these characters live in and get a hint of the powers that they hide from the public, human eye, as supernatural people come to cause havoc. The first pair, who only go by code names M-21 and M-24, seem to be searching for something. There is suspicion that they're looking for Rai. 

This spells trouble, not just for Rai and Franky, but also those who they associate with. The innocent will always get dragged into dangerous situations whether they like it or not, and the unfortunate coincidence of their acquaintance with Rai and Franky lead the three high school students (Yoona, Ikhan, and Shinwoo) to become victims of circumstance. 

When the three students get into trouble, Rai and Franky take a step forward to save them. The battles and confrontations that take place as the students run into trouble again and again give light to the powers that Rai and Franky have, making it clear they are anything but normal humans. If humans at all. 

Noblesse is full of action and fighting scenes that raise the tension with every progressive chapter that takes place. As a webcomic, it's expected that scenes will take a while to finish, but if you're reading the season all at once, it's hard to notice. 

The colors and dramatic actions that are drawn out are wonderful to stare at. The artists do a fantastic job using a blend of lights and darks to represent day and night, as well as adding a unique flare to certain powers. The lines are very delicate as well, precise and detailed with every frame that is drawn and colored. 

Despite the comic being full of pretty people, masculinity is not lost on the men, and the women are not overly sparkly or beautified. Take, for example, Franky. He's very pretty for a man. Long flowing blond hair and a perfect smile worth plastering on a poster. But even though he's got a pretty face, he has nasty secret that makes his personality very twisted. I wish I could say more, but that would be spoiling. 

I have to say, my favorite character in Season One is Frankenstein. He's complex and very dark. He has many layers and wears many faces. At times, you can't help but laugh at him. At other times, you want to take a step back and shudder at the things he can do and the things he says. 

Season One barely scratches at the surface of this universe. It's a fairly good setup and introduction to what Noblesse will be like later on down the road, and leave the reader curious and hungry for more. More knowledge, more action, just simply more more more. I give it two thumbs up. 

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Title: Mark of the Demon
Author: Diana Rowland
Format: book

Mark of the Demon opens up with our main heroine, Kara Gillian, performing her main talent: summoning demons. Right away we see how capable she is at the task, and get a feel for what sort of atmosphere the book is. For those thinking this is more on the Wiccan side, you would be off. If you're thinking religious, that's wrong too. But that's not to say the description of the demons therein aren't too far from classic imagery: leather wings, horns, molten colored skin, et cetera.

But that's not all she can do. Kara is also a detective, and a newbie at that. She hasn't been in the business of investigating violent crimes for long, and it shows in the way she interacts with her coworkers, and vice versa.

Kara doesn't have an especially friendly relationship with the men at the station. She doesn't think too highly of their unanimous port bellies and attitudes, and they all think she doesn't belong. Very few people take her seriously, and don't think she slept her way through the ranks to get where she is now.

But Kara shows attitude of her own that says she can be just like them. She's not wishy-washy, and she has the skills to pull off her job.

The underlying theme that Kara isn't a complete failure pretty much lasts throughout the whole book. It is what drives her into action in the first place (part of the reason, anyway), and what keeps her going when others challenge her knowledge and authority. It's also what leads her to the final battle scene when the mystery is solved and the pieces all come together.

Speaking of pieces, the methodology Kara uses to solve her case is rather unconventional. This isn't necessarily a compliment. It shows that Kara is indeed a novice in her field of work, because the way she collects her evidence is more by luck and happenstance than actual critical thinking. Despite working the field as a policewoman before she got transferred, the only skill she seems to have gained during those times is a social skill to talk with the street thugs and social questionables for help.

Her way of talking isn't the most polite either. Be prepared for frequent drops of the F-bomb throughout the book, not only by Kara but other characters as well. It seems that there is no barrier or limit to how many times cuss words can be put on a single page during a single conversation. The more shocking an event, the more gets dropped.

This startled me. I didn't expect to be faced with that much foul language, least of all by a female character. Not to say that women don't cuss. I'm well aware they do, but in this case it seemed to be used in excess. I don't know if the author was trying to make Kara seem more rough around the edges by having this added quality to her personality, but if that's the case, I think the execution fell short of the goal.

Something else that also fell short, in my opinion, is Ryan. Ryan's character started out strongly, playing the role of a man who's hard to understand and worth all amounts of wariness when discussing delicate topics like demon summoning and anything else not considered "normal." He's the handsome, dangerous type that is supposed to rival Rhyzkahl. But when he finally gets close to Kara and Kara opens up to his advances, the personality that shows through as they interact is sorely disappointing.

It's as if Ryan got swapped with a prepubescent teen. I can understand if the previous image he wore is supposed to be a facade of sorts, but the truth that lies underneath that mask is not what I expected it to be. I don't feel attracted to Ryan's boyish behaviors, or the way Kara responds to them in turn.

Rather than seeming like a pair of adults, somewhere near their thirties, the pair of them seem like a couple of high school kids messing around. Like if Harry Potter suddenly got dropped into the mix. Except Kara is no Hermione, and Ryan is no Harry. Or vice versa. Ryan's intelligence about the situation is lacking, and his assistance even more so. As he starts to serve as a sidekick to the whole investigation, it seems he becomes more of an accessory than asset. I don't think he even serves as a strong enough counterpart as a male to her female.

Likewise, Kara doesn't seem to collect her thoughts in a concise and productive manner that makes me, as a reader, believe she deserves to play the role that she does. I'm not sure what Rhyzkahl sees in her that makes her so special, when she comes off as too mediocre.

I find myself struggling to pinpoint what makes Kara unique. Generally, you/I should be able to name at least one thing that makes a heroine worthy of her title. For Kara... is it her luck? Maybe it's just coincidence. She doesn't seem to do much until the very end when everything comes together and all the wandering around finally pays off.

And, of course, all she has to do is something she should have done in the first place. It would have been easy if only she had done it, but we all know that would just make it too easy. Still, she could have saved herself some hardship, and prevented some deaths if she had done it right the first time around.

(By the way, I think the wrong people died in this book. Maybe I'm just being spiteful, but some of the people who survived this major ordeal should have died instead of those who did.)

I'm not too sure if I'll be reading the next book in this series. I was kinda disappointed with how it turned out. It started out strongly, and had continued to interest me for a while, but up to a certain point I became irritated and confused by the way the characters were going about their business. I know there are some plot holes and character slips where certain people kinda get lost in the background and then suddenly found again. I would have liked a bit more consistency with the events, a bit more intellect from the main people involved in solving the mystery, and stronger connection with the characters as a reader.

The writing itself was okay. It wasn't garish, but it wasn't the smoothest I have ever read. Some dialogues were a little frustrating to get through since there were times when descriptions were lacking or there was too much being said. Sometimes people talked too much, said too much, when instead the information should have been inferred through thought and reader drawn conclusions. There are also times when I have trouble visualizing the scene in front of me, because the characters I'm imagining don't match what's being portrayed in front of me. Perhaps there is a lack of cohesiveness between the reader's imagination and the story being told.

This is my experience with it. It's not a bad book. Could it use a bit of polishing? Certainly. But I don't think this book is horrible. Maybe the sequel is a vast improvement on this first one of the series. I'll probably never know, because I don't plan on making any serious effort to read it. Not now anyway.

Overall: 3 out of 5

Alien Tango by Gini Koch

Title: Alien Tango
Author: Gini Koch
Format: book

Now I'm not familiar with formal dances, apart from the fact that I can't do them, but I do know that the tango is very sensual and emotive. It's a dramatic and romantic dance between partners which tells a story between movements.

Alien Tango is very much dramatic and romantic. If there is one thing I've learned, the cover tells all. Well, not all all, but it hints well enough about the major events of the book to tease the reader about what to expect. We see Jeff carrying Kitty, which he happens to do quite a bit of in this sequel. For good reason too. Setting aside the romantic factor for a bit, this book is full of action and mind-blowing terror that's too much for one person to handle.

Kitty has never taken the backseat when it comes to missions, and she definitely shows this all throughout the book. Her ideas never fail to shock and amuse those around her, especially the reader. I've never heard of a marketing major being this creative, but there's a first for everything, and Kitty is definitely unique. She's one part ingenious, one part crazy, one part sympathetic, and one part brassy. Some people might want to keep her on the other side of the planet for safety's and sanity's sake. Others want to keep her at the hip just to make sure she doesn't do anything too insane.

She shows she's one of those infectious characters you kinda wish you never knew, but once you do, you can't forget. I'm sure Jeff and the other boys of Alpha can agree to this to some degree or another. It's not hard to sympathize with them a little when they have to deal with her antics, especially during dire situations.

And how dire the situations get in this book. So much is going on, it seems like there's no stop to it. Lots of books like to steamroll through the action and go ear-bleeding fast towards the end for a definite massive explosion. This series, however, doesn't follow that method. Like general events in life, not everything gets dumped on you at once. Sometimes it does, or it feels that way, but there are lulls every once in a while too.

Kitty and the gang get their wild moments, and their quiet moments, and run through a roller-coaster of events that surprisingly gets a whole lot more accomplished than you realize. Issues that are introduced in the beginning of the book are solved in stages, almost in an unintentional manner. A lot of what Kitty does appears/feels like it's a spur of the moment, and her shotgun method of making decisions often leaves those around her (and the reader) with little preparation for what's to come. There is no time for anticipation or warning, no time to brace yourself for whatever bomb she has to throw next.

This makes for the events that take place so special and thrilling. It doesn't feel premeditated. It's very much "flying by the seat of your pants."

I'm starting to wonder if Koch or Kitty loved going to amusement parks as kids because that's what I feel like I've stepped into when I read this series. I'm sure I'll continue to have fun with this series as I search for the next installment of the series. Now that Kitty and Jeff are on the right track, I'm sure things are bound to get a lot more interesting. As if they weren't interesting enough!

Overall: 5 out of 5

Clan Rathskeller by Kevin Hearne

Title: Clan Rathskeller
Author: Kevin Hearne
Format: ebook; short story (link)

Oh, Atticus. There is nothing like a little short story to remind us of what makes you so hilarious and awesome. For anyone familiar with The Iron Druid Chronicles but not quite familiar with this story, Clan Rathskeller takes place ten months prior to the first book (Hounded). We see Atticus in Tempe, just strolling through a mall with his witty sidekick, Oberon, when he runs into trouble.

Well that's not new. Attitucs has a trouble magnet strong enough to would make the North/South Poles jealous. It's how he gets himself out of trouble that makes him such an entertainment to read about. Atticus never fails to make a reader laugh, or want to slap a hand over their face and cry "Oi!" This adventure is no exclusion.

This short story delivers a hard punch in the guy that has us tearing up right away, and it's not from pain (though some parts might make you wince in embarrassment), but from too much laughter. Now, don't get me wrong, Atticus isn't slap-stick funny. He's witty, sarcastic, and unconventional at times. He finds creative ways to solve problems that get the job done, even if it means he has to be indecent in public along the way.

Oh yes, we get to see Atticus in all his glory, as he works his Druid magic and as he waves his meat and two veggies out in the open air. Who can't laugh at such a scene? There's nothing like a naked man streaking right past your eyes to make you stop and do a shocked double take.

Clan Rathskeller is fast-paced and charged with equal parts action and humor. If you're looking for something to make your day better, this short story will definitely do the trick. If you want to refuel on your Atticus/Oberon loving, this will top you off nicely too. It probably even makes for an excellent "introduction" to the whole Iron Druid series for someone who has never read the books before. There's just enough of all the major elements that make Atticus and Oberon so lovable to let a new reader get a good taste of what the series it like.

Overall: 5 out of 5

Better Off Undead by D.D. Barant

Title: Better Off Undead
Author: D.D. Barant
Format: book

So far, we've seen Jace tackle the challenge of going home. She was brought to Thropirelem against her will and employed to find and take down the bad guys. After doing that, she pursued the task of trying to get herself home via hunting down the man responsible for bringing her to Thropirelem in the first place. After having failed that, what's next?

Why, struggling with the challenge to keep her humanity intact while chasing after a mentally unstable man in power. As if a girl doesn't have enough to deal with simply being the only illegal alien on the whole planet. 

Better Off Undead brings a chapter to Jace's life and opens her up to a new question. Her identity. What is she? Who is she? What is her place on Thropirelem? What is her place amongst the people she works with/for? Yes, she's an agent, an employee, an asset and fighter for the greater good -- but what else? When the one thing that makes her unique in NSA gets taken away from her, what is left? 

Jace battles more than just the threat of becoming non-human in this book. Something more personal, more psychological, rears its head as she does her work. And dealing with it isn't easy when her work is just as difficult to handle. 

We haven't seen the last of Tair, or his devilish antics. He's the Joker in the card deck and plays his part well. Jace doesn't get a break while Tair interferes with her personal and professional life. 

I believe that the events in this part of Jace's story are part of a turning point. A new step that sets her up for something greater. Something more complicated than we've seen so far. The shift in character dynamics isn't hard to miss, and it leads me to wonder how things will progress from this point onward. Especially after coming to the end, and witnessing the newest development in Jace's life, I think it's safe to say her life is slipping into another interesting curve. 

So what next? What now? What sort of challenge will she be faced with now? Who knows. But I'm very interested to learn the answer. This feels like it's just the beginning. Just a milestone. There's still much for Jace to do and settle. Her life on Thropirelem has truly just begun.  

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

One Foot In The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Title: One Foot in the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Format: book


SPOILER ALERT!

I'm not entirely sure where to begin. I suppose I should tell how I felt about it. Simply put, it was disappointing. What I expected out of the book didn't exactly happen, and the progression of events left much to be desired. 


Cat isn't a stupid girl, but sometimes I wonder how she managed to kill all those vampires. Bones may have trained her, and sure she might have a nice body, but her general approach to situations aren't exactly intelligent. (I suppose you can excuse her that since the previous trend of vampires who got close to her didn't really care for her smarts, only the potential for sex and blood. She didn't really need to be super smart to get by.)


But still, I was hoping being associated with a secret governmental organization would... I dunno, do something. Tap into her inner intellect and let it free. Or something. Gain a few wrinkles in her brain. But Cat doesn't really do that. She doesn't think too extensively on a situation. She's more a do and damn the consequences type of person. While that's all good, some situations call for a bit of smarts.


And apart from that, I wish her method of dealing with some situations weren't so... rash? helter-skelter? selfish? I'm having trouble finding the word for it. But the point is, she doesn't seriously consider those around her or their situations. There is no compromise. It's my way or the highway. Because of her position and her value in the organization, she likes to slam her foot on the breaks whenever people mention something she doesn't like. 


i.e. The time when the boys find out she's fraternizing with Bones. Or the time when she figures out Don is related to her. 


Another thing that bothered me was some of Bones' powers. I suppose it's just a way that it was described in the book, since it's all from Cat's POV, but it really threw me off. Like the flying. Some people might see levitation, slow gliding through the air, etc etc. I see Superman in black, minus the body suit, add the dyed hair and fangs. For the life of me I couldn't get it out of my head. Bones + flying = Superman. It wasn't a very elegant imagery. I grimaced very hard and found it hard to read past that point. 


In fact, I struggled through the rest of the book like I was chewing on nails. I'm not entirely sure why, maybe the flying was just the final straw for me while I stumbled through the earlier parts of the book, but after that I couldn't progress past a few pages without putting the book down and waiting out an hour or two before I could come back and continue. (Rinse and repeat.)


I don't think I'll be picking up the next book. This book left a sour taste in my mouth. Someone else might not think so, but my experience was not so pleasant.


Overall: 2.5 out of 5

Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter

Title: Raven Cursed
Author: Faith Hunter
Format: book


Faith Hunter does it again. This series just keeps getting better and better. Ever since reading Mercy Blade when it first came out, I've been waiting impatiently for this one. I'm glad I finally got to read it.


The questions that were left at the end of Mercy Blade and even Blood Cross have been answered. We also get to see Jane in a different sort of environment. In the past three books, Jane has been housed in the good ole' Cajun South with the exception of few small trips. This time, we get to visit Jane's hometown and learn a bit more about her childhood relations while we dive into the blood and mayhem. 


There is so much going on in this book, I daresay it's the most explosive adventure Jane has ever had yet! Loose ends are being brought together. Unexpected people are playing surprising roles. And Jane has to struggle more than ever to keep a level head. 


With so much chaos erupting around her, it's only a matter of time before she snaps. Seeing Jane's internal battle with her feelings and certain morals she holds close to her heart is truly moving. Even as someone not overly religious, I can appreciate the moments when Jane goes back to her spiritual roots and asked for a bit of guidance during dire times. 


I can also appreciate that, despite the pain Jane experiences, both physically and psychologically, she still manages to truck on. That's our girl, Janie. Like a steamroller. She might complain, she might be afraid, she might cry, but she always pushes forward. Some characters are known for breaking down when faced with aversion too great for them to handle. Jane, no matter the size of trouble, dares to conquer it anyway. I've always enjoyed that hard edge about her, and even more so as I read through this book. 


I had a hard time putting it down. As soon as I started reading, only food and sleep got me to stop. The way Faith Hunter tells the story, sprinkling in details throughout the chapters, giving purpose to all the things that Jane does despite what they look like on the surface, captivated me and got me trying to play detective. It wasn't easy. Or maybe I'm not a good detective. Regardless, I had a blast trying to figure things out as all the clues slowly came together. 


Imagine my surprise when I finally figured out what was going on. Faith Hunter threw us a major curveball this time. She definitely knows how to hit a homerun and hit it hard. Jane hasn't had an opponent like this before, and you have to sympathize with her when she is forced to make a confrontation. 


One thing I also liked was Evan and the coven. I haven't read enough books who detail on the magic that takes place amongst witches/wizards. Well, books that aren't solely focused on their kind, anyway. Seeing the coven take a step up and seeing them in action was surprising -- delightfully so. I warmed up to Evan as I was able to see him from a different light -- he was a big gruffy bear for a reason, and this book makes me want to give the guy a hug and a fist-bump. 


And, of course, what gives this series the cherry is the cliffhanger. The question that never gets answered. The one problem that never gets resolved. As in the rest of the books, there is no solid conclusion at the end, and the piece of meat that is left dangling is a juicy one. Mercy Blade left me screaming to know what was going to happen next. Raven Cursed leaves me stroking my imaginary beard and concocting half-baked theories as I try to figure out where Jane will take us next. I'm really eager to know what's going to happen next. I can't wait for the next installment of this series to come out. 



Overall: 5 out of 5

An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire

Title: An Artifical Night
Author: Seanan McGuire
Format: book


I enjoyed this story more than the previous one (A Local Habitation). We see more of the fae side of Toby's life, as opposed to the small snippets from the previous books in the series. Though Toby has a knack for stumbling on the answer rather than intentionally discovering it, we don't quite get stuck and dragged through the events as much as in her previous adventures. 


And oh the adventures. There was more going on this time around, and no time to stop and think things through. Toby gets shuttled from one spot to the next, and no one gives her enough time to ponder. It's do or don't, and there's no room for don't. She has to keep moving forward whether she likes it or not, because the more time she wastes, the more dire the situation becomes. 


I enjoyed reading through a few of the fast-paced scenes, namely the car ride. To avoid spoilers, let's just say I sympathized with all of the passengers. 


One thing I did find a little distracting throughout the book was the repetitive mention of "heroes." Toby has this stubborn fixation on not being a hero, while everyone else seems to believe she is. The flip-flop about what she is or isn't can be a little dull, but I think I understand the reasoning for it. Toby doesn't want to be a hero, but she is. Whether she likes it or not, she does things that makes people think highly positively of her. Well, when she's not doing stupid things, that is. (I have to agree with Luidaeg, sometimes, when she comments about Toby's intellect.) 


Another little mark that often gets mentioned a lot is the rule against directly thanking fae. Though this too can be redundant and stale after a while, I'm less bothered by it because it shows how greatly moved the fae is. Whether it's Toby saying it to another fae or vice versa, it reminds the reader that these characters think highly of each other, and were it not for the rule, a greater show of gratitude would probably take place. Something more humanly common. 


Apart from that, I enjoyed Toby's encounters with Blind Michael. He was a character and creature that had an interesting little spin. The way he functions, the way his powers work, the reason he is such a menace is vastly different from the previous "villains" that Toby's had to face. This has nothing to do about old love or changelings with grudges. This is strictly fae. It hearkens back to the tales we used to know as kids, and reminds us of a world we left behind. 


Which makes Quentin's role in the story the cherry. I'll avoid spilling any details, but let's just say even though his active role isn't huge, the symbol he represents, the internal journey he takes, sums up this story in a nice little nutshell. It's ace, and if you're not paying attention to the cues, it's easy to miss under all the drama. 


Overall: 4 out of 5

A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire

Title: A Local Habitation
Author: Seanan McGuire
Format: book

Compared to the first book in the series, I found this one to be more enjoyable. Though I managed to figure the villain out within the first few chapters of meeting them (I use the term "them" vaguely to keep the identity a secret for those who haven't read yet), the method of killing they used and the reasons for it were more of a mystery. The need to know why these killings were happening and how the pieces all came together kept me attached to the book until the end.

I must say, if there's a way to stump a Daoine Sidhe, it's mess with their trump card. The world of faerie is convoluted and complex, and McGuire tries to work around these rules to make the game of detective more interesting. I liked the attention to detail and the explanations for why certain things could/couldn't be done. I kinda wished Toby had a few more aces up her sleeves to help her solve the mystery a little more efficiently. I think it would have made her failures that much more damaging.

The more tools we have, and the less of them that work, the more helpless we feel. I suppose for what supplies she did have at her disposal, we can see how her efforts were exhausted and can still connect with her on some level.

Also, what surprised me was the ritual. Not the method, the result. Kinda creepy and "eww."

There are a few questions that popped up throughout the book, small details that made me pause and ponder, and the answers for them never came. I wonder if these details were meant to be forgotten, or if it was a mistake on the author's part not to answer them. Or maybe I missed something along the way that would have explained it all. Either way, there's still something left to be desired after finishing the book, but for now I am satisfied.

Overall: 4 out of 5

Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire

Title: Rosemary and Rue
Author: Seanan McGuire
Format: book

Fae. Faerie. Fairy. However you spell it, this it what the whole book is about. In many of the paranormal series I've read, when the fae are involved, you also get a dose of vampires and/or werewolves and/or ghosts, etc. This series, however, is purely Fae.

Only familiar with some versions of how the Fae work, I found this in depth explanation of the Fae world to be interesting. The way some of the magic works is unique, and takes a twist on some of our favorite bedtime stories.

But while we get such a detailed view on the world October lives in, perhaps it's a little too detailed. There is so much explaining going on on why certain rules are in place, I found it a little too easy to forget why October brought me (the reader) to that location or item in the first place. I think I spent more time thinking about the world surrounding October than what she was doing or why.

While that isn't necessarily a bad thing -- to be able to get a full grasp of the character's world is good in most cases -- it made me lose momentum with the action. Dramatic scenes didn't quite seem dramatic enough in certain places, or startling facts didn't seem startling enough.

Apart from that, though, the way the reader is kept out of the loop and guessing about the answer was sufficient enough to keep me turning the pace. While I could've used a bit more suspense and punch, the lack of answers and constant wondering made me want to finish the book. I felt akin to October at times, frustrated by how people kept getting in the way or how rules made things too complicated when bluntness was better.

Faerie world is complex and built on so many layers of traditions and rules that it's no wonder October prefers the simpler way of doing things. Alas, she much find a happy medium between human and fae before she can hope to make any progress with either company.

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Hammered by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hammered
Author: Kevin Hearne
Format: book

This series grows more and more complex with each successive book. The simple life that Atticus once knew is now no more, and everything that started in "Hounded" has now created a domino effect of disaster.

"Hammered" in particular is chock full of events, and not just for the funnies either. Reappearances from key characters in "Hexed" are stirring the pot of Trouble for Atticus and Co. It seems like the man just can't get a break, and he likely won't get to anytime soon.

One thing I really liked was the complicated backstory of some of the secondary characters, like Gunnar and Leif. In the previous books, they didn't play a major role in Atticus' life. Yes, Gunnar helped with the Evil Witches Part 1, and Leif likewise helped take care of Evil Witches Part 2, but they each played a background role in helping Atticus complete his mission. This time, it's much the opposite.

Atticus takes the back seat and he gets to learn more about the men he has befriended this past decade or so in the Tempe area. For their sake, he lets them drive and dictate how the events of the book play out. How it all ends... well, it's rather explosive and gripping. I just about bled my lip from biting it as I read through the main battle scenes.

The end took me for a loop and I find myself aching to read the next installment of the series. I look forward to its publication and hope to add it to my list of well liked read books.

Overall: 5 out of 5

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hounded
Author: Kevin Hearne
Format: book


As a fan of mythology, I found this book to be rather creative. Usually school teaches about Greek and Roman gods/goddesses, and maybe Norse if you're lucky. But Celtic? That's a whole different cookie that many of us do not get to taste. Seeing such a rarely studied universe come to life is both refreshing and exciting.

Hearne inspires me as a reader to dig a little deeper into the world of Celtic Mythology and Druidism. It's a world not often explored, not as thoroughly as Greek or Roman. Hearne (via Atticus) gives the reader enough insight to intrigue, yet keeps secrets to feed curiosity.

The interaction between characters is definitely humoring, and I found myself snickering quite often at Atticus' relationship with his dog: Oberon.

But funny or mysterious isn't the only factor that keeps me attached to this book. As someone driven by action, Hearne delivers his punches without fail. And oh how they sting with triumph. Hoping for Atticus to succeed, to win, to survive -- it's a fun rollercoaster ride.

He's a different sort of hero, and the usual gun-totting or sword-swinging doesn't make its appearance. Atticus' magic is different, which makes for creative and interesting ways to battle.

If you're looking for a book that's out of the box, this is it. Do I recommend this book for anyone willing to get a lick of something different in the urban fantasy world? Yes, yes I do. I can't wait to read more about Atticus' adventures in the next additions to the series.

Overall: 4.5 out of 5