shartyrant

Just finished removing a lot of spam comments and adjusted my settings to hopefully cut down on those. Geez. :::dusts off blog::; Now to play catch up on my reading. :D 

Was going to go see Men in Black 3 at the theater, but the crowds would be heavy because of it being a night before a holiday where everyone is off (for the most part and Spider-man I think is debuting tonight) so we decided to stay in and rent movies. The good is spending the amount of money for one ticket on 4 movies with no crowds. The bad was which movie we chose to watch first up was Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance with Nicolas Cage (who I enjoyed in the first Ghost Rider movie despite some flaws with the villains and fight scenes being a tad week).  I was expecting a sequel to the original Ghost Rider movie, but it is actually a "reboot" with Nicolas Cage playing the same role which is a strange idea in my opinion. The original writer of this film, David S. Goyer, (known for his work on Blade and Batman Begins)  had stated it was to be set in Europe 8 years after the original. He lied or the other script writers decided to dump that idea of it being a sequel. 

Basic overview of the story: Johnny Blaze is now in Europe (I can't remember if it supposed to be Turkey or Romania though it was shot in both places) and is sent on a mission by Irdis Elba's priest/fighter to save the son of Satan from his "destiny" that was foretold. The boy and the mother are on the run from those sent by Roarke a.k.a. Mesphisophele a.k.a. the Devil. to bring the boy to meet said "destiny" with only a secretive church group, the fighting priest and Ghost Rider to stop them. 

Okay, I will admit, I had various people warn me from watching this, but I am stubborn as I enjoyed the first film so much and enjoyed Cage in it that I did not listen. I am an idiot. Luckily, I rented this instead of buying it or going to the theater. Cheaper, but still not worth the rental price. The script was bad. VERY bad. It had a few cool ideas, but someone decided to monkey around with it to the point where it was just dumb. The logic of it made no sense. I mean you have (yes slight spoiler, but really not ruining it) Ghost Rider knocked down by grenades then later he is shot with an anti-tank missile, but is totally fine. WTH? Must have been awesomely super powerful grenades then. :P Beyond the obvious predictable big "surprise/twists", the dialogue was weak with a few one-liners that were hard to make out in the new "ghost rider voice" they used. And while the penance stare was used in a cool fashion in the first movie, in this film, I never could figure out if he had the penance stare or was just giving people dirty looks for daring to make him play in such a weak film. I mean seriously, was he using it? Also, in the comics and the first movie, he doesn't kill as that is what the penance stare is for to punish worse than death. This one...he does a lot which I found odd. 

The concept of madness I found interesting and the way Cage would/could play it could've worked. The angelic angle theory was workable and interesting. The rest...uninteresting and dull. How the hell can you make a being who is supposed to scare even demons dull? Frankly, I think Cage got to the point where he didn't care and just decided to run with the role to have some fun with it as much as possible. The only cool thing about the movie other than Ghost Rider/Nicolas Cage was Idris Elba as Moreau who seemed to have lots of fun with his role. To be honest, he seemed to be the only one who was enjoying himself. I mean he was hamming it up and just going with it. Made me like him in spite of myself of knowing what his character was and what was going to happen with him plot wise. I like him in Prometheus (oh...god that movie...conflicting feelings regarding that and you want a rant session on illogic and lousy science?...do not start me on it) and I liked his acting in Luther (the TV series). I was surprised to see Anthony Head and Christopher Lambert in it and trying to figure out WHY they were in it along with Irdis. The budget was extremely low so they were all very obviously cheap CGI which I could've handled as long as the story and acting was decent. However, it wasn't. The other actors/actresses were just local talent that for me needed more lessons or experience or directing or something or they were the type who didn't seem to care and was barely there. The mom was annoying and I think the story could've worked without her. The kid was okay, but again, there was not much there for him (or his mom) to really do to make them worth caring about as they were stereotypical trope characters that were barely there. The villains were weak despite the "devil" having a more involved interest in it. 

 And the big bad "devil" you had running away in a SUV? WTH?  :::takes the scriptwriters and the producers and shoves them over to watch the beginning stages of Supernatural TV series...now THAT had some cool, scary evil bad guys. This? WTH? And christopher lamber (nothing but love for the dude), but him with a sword and the head chop off scene made me start yelling out "there can only be one". Don't mix the fandoms dude. The script had some potential ideas that could have been built into a cool story idea (the angel thing..yeah..the crazy...yeah....the devil driving a SUV??? seriously?? I love Ghost Rider and I actually enjoyed the first movie despite the weak villains, but this movie should make Marvel/Arad ashamed. I am beyond disappointed. If they do Ghost Rider again, I hope they keep everyone involved in this film far away from it. Geez...I know with a low budget that they probably did the best they could with the costuming/special effects and such, but a bad story is a bad story and that has no excuse including having a low budget. 

cross posted from my Facebook because I am testing out a theory and everyone in the world is my test subject. 

I finished up Once Burned by Jeanine Frost, which is the first book in the Night Prince series (which is a spin-off from her popular Night Huntress series).

Book description from author website: 
"She’s a mortal with dark powers…

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…

He’s the Prince of Night…

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

ONCE BURNED is the start of a new series set in the Night Huntress universe featuring Vlad as the hero and a new character named Leila as the heroine."

( click here for my rambling thoughtsCollapse )

Overall, on a rating scale of 5, I would give it a 2.5. It would get 3 stars but the fact it just ENDS with no real resolution and I have to wait a friggin’ year to find out (if I can be bothered to care by then because I hate that type of resolution where I don’t feel satisfied in some fashion regarding the story, but that is a personal pet peeve of mine).  It is a quick and easy read for the summer as long as you go in prepared not to have a full closure ending. Recommend more for those who like paranormal romance, ongoing relationship drama and Dracula written in a "he is really a good guy...deep down...despite his fondness for killing and torturing" fashion (which I found amusing in a morbid way as I am sure Vlad Tepes would be horrified by the novel considering...).  The book is available at any amazon/barnes and nobel etc. online bookstores, independent stores, brick-and-mortar stores and even stores like wal-mart/target and the grocery store and also in digital e-book format.  

Next up: Shadow Ops: Control Point by Myke Cole which is action/fantasy/science fiction. 

I am currently reading the second book in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by E.L. James. It is labeled erotica romance. Actually, it was originally fan fiction based on the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers with the paranormal aspect removed and the characters and story more focused on the relationship and the more intimate moments that Ms. Meyers had no desire to display in the book or the movies. It was written under the pen name Icedragon Snowqueen under the title "Master of the Universe" and has some "BDSM" in it so many find it kind of controversial to be in the mainstream "limelight". To be clear, the subject matter BDSM or erotica romance does not bother me when I read it so I was kind of bemused to see such a fever develop over it when my friends talked about it. To them, this is something "new" and "exciting". For me, I am wondering where they have been for the last 10 years, especially as i know many of them read romance and urban fantasy. 

 I struggled through the first book and skimmed the fan fiction it was originally written as. Why? Because I am a curious sort and had various friends and family members tell me how "hot" it was. I am obviously not the target audience for this as I find it pretty repetitive and annoying. Personal preference on what I expect out of a female lead and male lead may be my problem. Or it could be that I keep seeing Bella and Edward in the story (though the names are changed they still read like the characters from the series) who I disliked in the Twilight series. I was more interested in the supporting characters and the Native American/Wolf mythology built into the series so I kept hoping Bella would finally keel over and Edward would explode into a mist of sparkles. Yes, I am a bit of a violent person when I am bored while reading and annoyed with the leads.

Book description from book one (from Amazon): "When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.
 Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires."

(I am hesitant to post the book description of the second book as it spoils the ending of the first book so just go to amazon or the official site to get it if you are curious)

Honestly, I am not sure what the fuss is over as I have read paranormal romances and urban fantasy that has more explicit scenes than this Grey series. And to be honest, they were a lot hotter too. In my opinion, the writing is below what I would expect from most fan fiction writers in that fandom with the focus on the relationship/sex that I would expect (though this has greatly improved from the original fan fiction version first posted by the author online). I find the female lead's constant referring to her "inner goddess" annoying as hell. Her constant wishy washy changing of her mind on what she wants is confusing and misleading (and annoying) so I find it weird that the male lead is willing to put up with it considering his personality type. As for the male lead, I might have found it more interesting to read it more from his point of view instead of the female lead, but the reader only gets glimpses of that. There is a constant repetitive usage of certain phrases and words that threw me out of the story. I hesitant on commenting too much on the book here so as not to spoil it for those who are fans of the books and are planning on reading the rest. I just had to wonder about how the repetitiveness did not distract from the story for others. 

Overall, the story is implausible with how it is set up and how it is written with the supporting characters that try to interfere with the 'grand romance". I can see where some would find the relationship aspect interesting (especially if they were fans of the original Twilight series books), but for me, I find it below most fan fiction level quality that I have encountered. I will admit, I am not overly familiar with the Twilight fandom fan fiction. I prefer to read more science fiction fan fiction that has a bit more character and meat to it. Nothing wrong with having a bit of sexuality or intimate scenes, but make the characters more plausible and likable. Again, this is just a personal preference. I am curious to see how the third book goes, but I am not in a great hurry to read it. I have several other books I should read first to clear the palate a bit I think. Anyone else read it and have thoughts? Disagree or agree or indifferent? 

Also, if anyone comes across Stephanie Meyer's reaction to this series, please let me know. It is one thing that the series is based originally off of hers, but now it is a bestselling series and a movie is coming out of it. The legalities of makes my head spin. Definitely curious to see how she views it all, especially as it is focused on an area that she seems to be willing to go to extremes to avoid revealing. 

Originally posted by jpsorrow at Interview: Alyx Dellamonica Interivew Me!

This has been the weirdest year and weirdest week. Will post another blog entry regarding that later once I finish processing all of it (and catching up on sleep). 

Haven't posted a lot because I had so many papers I wrote last semester that it killed all interest in typing or writing a blog entry. Burn out? Yep. I am finally starting to get inspired again to write so I should be posting a tad more. Especially as I am coming across more books that interest me. I am also listening to audio books on the drive to campus and any other time I can get away with it. After finishing The Devil's Colony by James Rollins on audio (as I lost the book to a family member before I finished it), I decided to give audio a try again. So far, I am doing pretty well with it. Lately, I have been on a Doctor Who kick. Tenth and Ninth Doctor stories respectively as still not a fan of the new Doctor (still trying to get used to the new actor and not fond of the stories so far that I have heard about from the TV series with him).

In regards to the audio books, I got a tad upset when I found out that I paid a lot more for an audio book than I would for the book and that the audio was (the horror!) abridged! I am not usually a fan of having books "abridged". However, for the stories below, they work well enough so I can't complain...too much. I will later try one of the print books to compare to the audio to see how much was cut out and if it would be considered vital or not on the way the story plays out when I can find said print books (or more likely download it to my iPad in kindle format from amazon as they are cheaper usually). All audios are available on B&N website, amazon and audible website for those who wish to purchase them. 

I do like the David Tennant narrated "books". He is the actor who played the Tenth Doctor on Doctor Who. He also played the stage magician on the new Fright Night movie (which I found him hilarious in). He does an awesome job of narrating the stories including coming up with wonderful voices for each character. I especially loved his "Kevin" from Doctor Who: The Resurrection Casket. We listened to that one on a recent car trip to Indiana (8 hour drive! gah!!) and even the minions enjoyed it while the husband actually laughed at parts that were supposed to be humorous. 

So far, of the stories I have listened to on audio, I would recommend Doctor Who: The Stone Rose by Jacqueline Rayner, Doctor Who: The Feast of the Drowned by Stephen Cole and of course Doctor Who: The Resurrection Casket by Justin Richards which is probably my favorite out of all of them. 

Currently listening to Doctor Who: Only Human by Gareth Roberts. This one features the Ninth Doctor, Rose and Jack (from Torchwood for fans of that show). I am about half way through this one as we listened to this one as I drove BACK from Indiana yesterday ( 8 hours again! wobbly legs afterwards). Only Human is narrated by Anthony Head (better known for his portrayal as Giles the Watcher from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series). He does a good job except for one character, Daz, which I don't know if that is him or the way the character talks in the book, but it annoys the hell out of me. Can't say how the story is as it is too early in the story, but so far, it has kept my husband's attention (which is hard to do with most audio books) and I am definitely planning on finishing it as i want to see what happens next. 

If you are a fan of the Ninth Doctor, you can also try the Doctor Who: The Deviant Strain by Justin Richards. I wasn't as fond of the narrator Stuart Milligan as he does a great job of narrating the Russian and Jack characters, but lacks a bit with the Doctor and Rose for some reason. It is also probably a bit the most graphic on gross factor of descriptions considering the subject. I loved the story though. I am going to try some of Justin Richards other books to see if the stories are just as good. 

If your a fan of Katherine Tate (who portrayed the Donna Noble character in the Doctor Who series), she narrates Doctor Who: The Forever Trap by Dan Abnett. This is also one I have not finished so I cannot say how the story is as I am halfway through it as well. I do know I love the actress/narrator as she has a lovely voice, does great character voices and keeps my attention. Will have to look for more stories narrated by her. I notice the better the plot or story is, the more likely they have David Tennant read them. I wonder if the same is true for her? 

After the cut is the story summaries for all the audio/books of the titles mentioned above with my ratings (of ones I have completed). All story summaries ganked from various online bookstores and publisher sites or the back of the book.
( click for story summaries and ratingsCollapse )( click to read summaries of each story and my rating of eachCollapse )

Grimm Fairy Tales by Zenoscope entertainment....good story, decent covers, hit and miss interior artwork. Also, lots of the T&A is not needed as the stories are decent and the boobs and butt gets distracting as some just don't fit with the story arc. Then again, the comic publisher is probably catering to the idea that all comics have to have that in them to get guys to read them (which is dumb). Just read the first 6 graphic novels in the series and really like the horror twist on the fairy tales. Awesome idea. Hope it continues with hopefully better artwork in the interior. 

New Sherlock episode...AWESOME. Not totally crazy of the way Irene Adler was done, but it is a lot better than the first Sherlock movie with Robert Downey Jr. that had Irene not as smart. The whole love romantic hinting gets old. I prefer Sherlock written asexual or even preferring guys or heck even gals just not the "typical" romance as I figure that would bore him. A lot. 
Still, the episode was very cool and kept me interested. The whole scene of John and Watson with the request to hit was my favorite of course. And Lestrade's advice to a police colleague dealing with a mysterious murder and Holmes at the same time. Or the infamous sheet scene. Good times. 

Been watching a few TV series to play catch up before school/work starts again. Vampire Diaries I read as pre-teen. Can't really get into the sequels that came out after the original quartet. The first 2 episodes of The Vampire Diaries is very different from the books. Personally, I prefer the books, but that might be because I find the actors/actresses not that great (except for the aunt and the teacher). I REALLY do not like Damien's actor so far. I am sure he is a fine fellow in real life, but he is just not hitting it for me. Neither is Stefan. Elena...indifferent to as well. I thought it was humorous how my husband commented after watching it with me how everyone playing in it except for Elena's brother all look wayyyy too old to be playing high school teenagers. The way the make up is done is not helping on disguising wrinkles or age. Heck, might be aging some. The narration style between Stefan and Elena also is annoying at times. Too much teen angst I think that is hard to take serious. Plus, Elena is
reminding my husband and I of Lana from the TV series Smallville with the obsession of losing her parents and how all should pity her. I lost my parents around the same age and I do not remember any teachers, friends or strangers treating me differently or allowing me to get away with stuff or pitying me to the level made in this show. You mourn, but you don't dwell on it constantly to where it defines everything you are (least I don't think that would be healthy, but what do I know?) and everything you do and all your interactions. 
Honestly not sure if I will watch anymore of it. 

I did watch Being Human up to episode 8. It took until episode 3-4 that got me really interested. The husband and I are both pleasantly entertained with it. It has angst, but not so contrived as The Vampire Diaries. The characters are already growing and figuring out things before the end of episode one. It is a tad predictable for me, but that is okay. And I like the humor (the family reunion was hilarious). So I will keep watching it. 

Next up is to watch Once UPon A Time and Grimm (which I think is on Hulu or the official channel sites as they are not on netflix). 

Take over the universe and then all other alternate realities. What? It is a legitimate answer! It is the one thing I would love to accomplish. Just think of what I can do with any of those. The mind boggles at the possibilities. 

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett....introduced me to the discworld author whose work I usually adore.
Taught me that it is okay to eat an apple. ;) 

Buddhist for beginner's as it introduced a new philosophy to my way of thinking of doing things. It also was the best book on making something that sounds unattainable into something that is possible. Laymen terms...works for me.

The book my eldest minion wrote me as it made me laugh to see how she sees her parents and her sister as well as very revealing on the way she thinks. :)

*sigh* I am so ashamed at how I have neglected my livejournal. Been so busy with college (full time student) and my new permanent position (which means full time on 40 hours) that I have not had the time. I am still here (obviously) though I get a tad behind on reading the blogs. Pathetic, no? 


I am attempting to streamline my social networks and blogs to make it a tad easier. I still do reviews, but got swamped with training and other personal matters. I will be posting only on the weekends now (unless I give up sleep on the weekdays). I am posting now because I got out of class early tonight. Yay! Things are going well and I have been accepted in the "honors" program at my new university.


I have also started the PARASOL PROTECTORATE series by Gale Garriger and having a blast with it. One of the guys at work actually stopped me at break and told me he loved the first book and wanted to read the rest. Surprised me as he is not the type to read urban fantasy or paranormal romance books. Good stuff. Go forth and give some of the samples at her site a whirl to see what you think. http://gailcarriger.com/alexias_london.php


I have two books to post reviews for author justine gustainis. I have Hardspell posted and now need to work on the third book in the Quincy Morris and Chaistain series. Go here for a sample:  http://www.justingustainis.com/books.htm