VIDEO GAME NEWS: Zombie Wedding Extension Date from Deep Silver

 

Hail Guy's and Ghouls,
We know that you're feeling the love in your undead hands out there today (mainly because of that heart you've just ripped out of the nearest blood bag), but we wanted to let you know that our friends at Deep Silver have extended their Zombie Wedding Dead-line for a little while longer.

Here's what they had to say:
"Deep Silver today announced that it is extending the closing date for applications for the Dead Island Riptide zombie wedding to 14 March 2013.

In return for becoming the official Dead Island Riptide zombie couple, Deep Silver will host a Dead Island Riptide-themed zombie wedding ceremony and send the winning undead couple on a luxury Caribbean honeymoon.

Deep Silver has been overwhelmed by the entries from engaged couples looking to be zombified for a Dead Island twist on a traditional beach wedding ceremony. Standout entries so far include Emma and Ivor who filmed a mini-zombie apocalypse:

a slideshow charting the long-distance undead relationship of Megan and Jason 
and an audition featuring some hilarious blood-swallowing outtakes from Harri and James 

Applicants are encouraged to post a message or record a short video message to YouTube explaining why they are the ideal undead candidates for the ceremony, and to share the link via the official Dead Island Riptide Zombie Wedding page on Facebook

For a guide on how to apply, Deep Silver has put together this YouTube video: 

A panel from Deep Silver will then review all applications and contact a shortlist of candidates to see if they have what it takes for the ultimate undead accolade. The new closing date for applications is 14th March 2013, with the winning couple being announced at the beginning of April.

For further information and full terms and conditions, go to the official Facebook page:

Gamers will be able to take on the zombie hordes once again when Dead Island Riptide is published by Deep Silver in UK on 26 April 2013 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for Windows PC."

So just to recap, here's you chance for a zombie wedding, so if you were in the Caribbean and some devottee of Baron Samedi has ripped out your heart before the wedding, this should be a walk in the park for you to win.  

(Incidently if you somehow forgot that its Valentines Day, you can visit Dead Island Riptides Facebook page and send an E-Card, with a selection to choose from appearing throughout the day.)

Best of luck,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

SCIENCE FICTION STEAMPUNK REVIEW: The Emperor of All Things - Paul Witcover

Release Date: 14/02/13

SYNOPSIS:

"Tempus Rerum Imperator: Time, Emperor of All Things" 1758. England is embroiled in a globe-spanning conflict that stretches from her North American colonies to Europe and beyond. Across the Channel, the French prepare for an invasion - an invasion rumored to be led by none other than Bonnie Prince Charlie. It seems the map of Europe is about to be redrawn. Yet behind these dramatic scenes, another war is raging - a war that will determine not just the fate of nations but of humanity itself...Daniel Quare is a journeyman in an ancient guild, The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. He is also a Regulator, part of an elite network within the guild devoted to searching out and claiming for England's exclusive use any horological innovation that could give them an upperhand, whether in business or in war. Just such a mission has brought Quare to the London townhouse of eccentric collector, Lord Wichcote. He seeks a pocket watch rumoured to possess seemingly impossible properties that are more to do with magic than with any science familiar to Quare or to his superiors. And the strange timepiece has attracted the attention of others as well: the mysterious masked thief known only as Grimalkin, and a deadly French spy who stop at nothing to bring the prize back to his masters. Soon Quare finds himself on a dangerous trail of intrigue and murder that leads far from the world he knows into an otherwhere of dragons and demigods, in which nothing is as it seems...time least of all.


REVIEW:

I love a book that blends big plotlines, cracking prose and rounds it all off with a principle character that you just can’t help but get behind. What Paul Witcover produces in this book is nothing short of miraculous considering the influences and hype behind it, but when you blend top notch action with a new take on peril, all round really generates a lot of interest.

Yet for all the praise I give this, readers have to be aware that this is a little of a slow starter leaving the reader wondering what they’re in for. But please, trust me, stick with it. Its definitely worth your time and when you reach that final page, you’ll be clamouring for more. All in a right little cracker.

DYSTOPIAN THRILLER: Pure 2: Fuse - Julianna Baggott

Release Date: 14/02/13

SYNOPSIS:

The second book in the PURE trilogy for fans of THE PASSAGE, THE ROAD and THE HUNGER GAMES. When the end came, the world was divided. Those considered perfect, the Pure, sheltered inside the controlled Dome. Outside, the Wretches struggled in a destroyed world, crippled by the fusings that branded them after the apocalypse that changed everything. Partridge, a Pure, has left the safety of the Dome in search of the truth. Pressia, a Wretch, is desperate to decode the secret that will cure her people of their fusings forever. Together, they must seek out the answers that will save humankind, and prevent the world's annihilation. But the betrayal of Partridge's departure has not been forgotten. As the Dome unleashes horrifying vengeance upon the Wretches in an attempt to get Partridge back, Partridge has no choice but to return to face the darkness that lies there, even as Pressia travels to the very ends of the world to continue their search. Theirs is a struggle against a formidable foe, and it is a fight that will push them over boundaries of land and of sea, of heart and of mind. They can only hope for success because failure is unimaginable...


REVIEW:

Having read and enjoyed Pure last year, I was more than interested to return to Juliana’s world to see what else would occur for our protagonists as the story developed. So having stocked up on supplies I opened the first page and prepared to embark on a pleasurable read, or rather what I thought would be one.

What unfurled at the beginning was a story that left me wondering if I’d imagined the review I gave the original, it was confusing, it was convoluted and to be honest left me in the what the hell situation for quite some time yet having worked my way past that, I found a story I could sit down and enjoy, the characters were refreshing and whilst this is an adult title, it is one I’d recommend to Teen YA readers as it has all the ingredients that they’d love.

Add to the mix emotional turmoil, some wonderful twists and an author who knows where they’re going and all round it was a title I could (and will) reread again. However if you’re the type of reader that gets put off by a book that takes a while to straighten out this may not be the one for you.

SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORY COMPENDIUM REVIEW: Adam Robot's Short Stories - Adam Roberts

Release Date: 24/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

Gathered together for the first time from a major publisher are the short stories of Adam Roberts. Unique twisted visions from the edges and the centre of the SF genres. Stories that carry Adam Roberts' trademark elegance of style and restless enquiry of the genre he loves so much. Acclaimed stories, some that have appeared in magazines, some in anthologies, some appearing for the first time. Stories to make you think, to make you laugh, to make you wonder, to make you uneasy. Stories that ask questions, stories that sow mysteries. But always stories that entertain.


REVIEW:

There are times when you’re reading that you really want stories that you can dive into during journeys, or something a little different for your lunch break and that’s where short stories really weave their magical influence, or in the case of Adam Robots, programme you with their influence as his own brand of Sci-Fi short stories comes to the fore in this publication by Gollancz.

Each have their own moral, their own wonderful twist which when blended with the authors ability to weave a tale that really drags you in does exactly what the reader wants out of these types of story. Add to the mix a cracking sense of wonderment, some great twists as well as characters that will stay within your memory and all round you’re in for a treat.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Injustice Gods Among Us Fan Fight Votes - Warner Brothers Interactice

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our Friends at Warner Brothers and DC have asked us to remind people to join in and vote for their favourites.

This time its the second round and the match ups are:

Joker Vs Lex Luthor
The Flash Vs Shazam.

You can vote for your favourite at:
Injustice Battle Arena

Here are the results for Round One:

 Batman Vs Bane

Wonder Woman Vs Harley Quinn        So remember, get your votes in now, Gareth and Lady Eleanor  

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Commissar - Andy Hoare

Release Date: 17/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

Deployed to the prison planet of Furia Penitens to quell a violent uprising, the 77th Vostroyan Firstborn regiment of the Imperial Guard find themselves in a precarious position. The rebels are in a fortified prison-hive, all but impenetrable. A disgrace suffered by their forebears haunts them. And they hate their new commissar... Can Commissar Flint bring them victory and restore their reputation, or will the 77th fail again?


REVIEW:

The guardians of faith for the Imperial Guard bring a new hero to the fore in Commissar Flint as he seeks to save an imperilled world from its own stupidity as familial ties conflict against the edicts of the God-Emperor. It’s definitely something pretty hard core and if you love a story of troops on the ground slogging their way through dirt, blood, guts and other body parts facing huge odds whilst seeking their own redemption then this is the book for you.

Andy really brings the grunt work to the fore in this outing and with a Commissar like Flint, its definitely a hero I’m more than prepared to follow who believes in getting stuck in amongst the troopers regarded as Cannon Fodder by their superiors. Add to this cracking battle sequences, some wonderful turns of phrase, solid politicking and mix it all up with a real kick ass story and you’ll be gasping for more. Add to the mix some additional characters who you feel will help make up Flint’s personal dirty dozen which blended with a touch of Sharpe and all round you’ll; be in heaven. Great stuff.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K Short Story E-Book: Battle Brothers - Gav Thorpe

Release Date: 17/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

As the battle-brothers of Fifth Company struggle to keep the Chaos-worshipping forces of the Unworthy at bay in the warrens of Port Imperial, it falls to the elite warriors of the Ravenwing to hunt a mysterious traitor, one of the Fallen. What awaits Sergeant Cassiel and his Black Knights squad in the depths of the corrupted space station?


REVIEW:

Whilst I love short stories, there are some that just don’t hit the spot for me and sadly that was the case with this outing from Gav Thorpe as his Biker marines tale felt not only convoluted but sadly unfulfilled with characters which didn’t leap from the page to my imagination. Whilst the story had a lot of high octane action and of course a huge body count, the overall effect felt more about getting one line out at the tales end rather than delivering something special to add to the marine mythos.

All round, whilst it was OK, it didn’t excite me in quite the same way as other BL short stories have done and whilst it is quite cheap I’d advise saving the money and going for something more hard-core like Andy Hoare’s Commissar. That really was something epic.

FANTASY REVIEW: Gotrek and Felix Short Story: Berthold's Beard - Josh Reynolds

Release Date: 21/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

When Gotrek and Felix agree to help an impoverished nobleman reclaim his birthright, they are thrown into a battle for survival against a creature from their darkest nightmares.


REVIEW:

Whilst there are stories that you just love to devour in single sittings there are quite a few that really need more attention that your journey time can give, which is why Black Library’s short stories are so wonderful. Here in this one readers get to spend time with the unstoppable combination of Felix and Gotrek as they seek to aid an Heir come into his fortune. Its quirky, it’s short and to the point but when added with a writing style that works wonderfully to get to the meat of the story it all round works. Back that up with a feeling of nostalgia as you return to the original format for these heroes (as written by Bill King) and all round you’re in for a treat.

SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORY REVIEW: Horus Heresy: Dark Heart - Anthony Reynolds

Release Date: 28/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

When the Word Bearers launched their surprise assault on Calth, it marked the beginning of their righteous campaign of vengeance against the hated Ultramarines Legion. But for one young acolyte of Kor Phaeron, it is not the sons of Guilliman that he seeks to bring low - through infernal pacts and daemonic power he strives to carve out a destiny for himself in the midst of the greatest war that the galaxy has ever seen. The name of Marduk shall be spoken with awe for millennia still to come...


REVIEW:

The Forces of Chaos are at the forefront of this short story by Anthony Reynolds as he takes the darker path giving the reader the opportunity to see how those Acolytes of the Ruinous Powers see to not only raise their own standing but demonstrate that no man will stand in their way.

Back this up with solid prose, some great combat that demonstrates how brutal the war is between the Warriors of Man and those of Chaos and all round it’s a short story that will give you that dark chilling edge as you sit there travelling to your destination.

URBAN MILITARY FANTASY: Shadow Ops 2: Fortress Frontier - Myke Cole

Release Date: 31/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

The Great Reawakening did not come quietly. Suddenly people from all corners of the globe began to develop terrifying powers - summoning fire, manipulating earth, opening portals and decimating flesh. Overnight the rules had changed...but not for everyone. Alan Bookbinder might be a Colonel in the US Army, but in his heart he knows he's just a desk jockey, a clerk with a silver eagle on his jacket. But one morning he is woken by a terrible nightmare and overcome by an ominous drowning sensation. Something is very, very wrong. Forced into working for the Supernatural Operations Corps in a new and dangerous world, Bookbinder's only hope of finding a way back to his family will mean teaming up with former SOC operator and public enemy number one: Oscar Britton. They will have to put everything on the line if they are to save thousands of soldiers trapped inside a frontier fortress on the brink of destruction, and show the people back home the stark realities of a war that threatens to wipe out everything they're trying to protect.


REVIEW:

OK, I spend quite a bit of time jumping between genres but one title that grabbed me last year was Myke Cole’s Control Point where he brought Urban Fantasy and the Military into one blend of high tension, hard fought action adventure that took you in a completely bizarre and yet unique direction. As with the first the second continues following this vein with the addition of a new character that took another aspect of the tale in a different direction.

The story is sharp, has some rough edges but all the while maintained your interest with some snappy comebacks and of course a plot that just wouldn’t let go of your mind after you’d put it down for the night. Add to this some reasonable prose a wonderful turn of phrase backed up with solid characterisations and all round it was a satisfactory read.

NEWS: Angry Robot Reboot Lee Harris with new Purpose

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Angry Robot have fed us secret communications about Lee Harris, here's their feed:

"It was a dark day in the Angry Robot Fortress of Doom. The greatest robo-minds in the global organisation had gathered, with but one purpose:
 
“We need to talk about Lee.”
Silence. Grim, quite possibly foreboding silence.
“Er, why?”
“Well… he knows things. Lots of things. Things that, if brought into the harsh light of public scrutiny, could have massive and far-reaching consequences for our mission. We need to decide what to do about him.”
More silence. This time of a more ruminative, speculative kind.
“We could…”
“Yes?”
“…promote him?”
Silence again. But of the lightbulb-going-on variety.
“Hadn’t thought about that. Not a bad idea. Right then, stand-down the grinders, issue a public pronouncement on all channels. The Lee Harris Unit is hereby promoted to…”
“Senior Editor?”
“Yep, that sounds about right. Senior editor. Good idea. Make it so.”
“Please, no Trek clichés.”
“Sorry. Just get on with it, then. And put the kettle on, someone. I’m gasping for a brew.”
Silence once more, as the greatest robo-minds in the global organisation vacated the Chamber of Contemplation, to return to their own dreams and schemes of imminent and inevitable global domination.
True story."

We'd like to say congrats to Lee but hey, we wouldn't want to be probed for supporting him.  LOL

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Dead Island Riptide Zombie Killing Truck - Deep Silver, Koch Distribution

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Deep Silver, have let us have a sneaky peak at their kickass Zombie Killing Truck (zombie not included).  

Built by Fabricators, Xquisite, the team has taken a completely standard Ford Ranger pickup truck and transformed it into a fully fortified zombie killing machine. Featuring fully armoured windows, rear mounted mini-gun, lethal spiked wheels and a menacing front end barricade.
      
“The truck is the perfect tool to help us push the Dead Island Riptide brand,” stated Nick Turner, Product Manager at Deep Silver. “Pickup trucks play a large role within the Dead Island series and we’ve brought this to life by building our own fortified truck.”

You can watch the trucks two part creation through this link:

Hopefully you're as excited as we are and we'll look forward to seeing you on the new island as Lady Eleanor slaughters her way around the inhabitants. Gareth and Lady Eleanor

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Countess Dracula - Guy Adams

Release Date: 07/02/13

SYNOPSIS:

You can do anything in Hollywood and be forgiven, anything except grow old...It's the 1930s and cinema stands at the dawn of a new age, the silent era is all but dead, talkies are here and Technicolor is on its way. The whole world loves movie icons Frank Nayland and Elizabeth Sasdy, lapping up each new picture and following their romantic life story both on and off the screen. But all is not as perfect as it appears. Not only has the advent of talkies meant torturous sessions with a vocal coach to try and remove Sasdy's Hungarian accent but she's starting to spot the first few grey hairs, and the lines on her face get deeper every day. If she loses her looks she'll lose everything, but even a woman as powerful as Elizabeth Sasdy can't fight nature. Can she? A chance accident reveals the solution. But just how far is the Queen of Hollywood prepared to go to stay beautiful forever?


REVIEW:

To be honest I’m a reader that’s old enough to remember the BBC showing seasons of Late Night Hammer Horror that coincided with me coming home from my part time job of Waiter at a restaurant with something nice to eat in tow. So to be blunt I have very fond memories of those times, so much so that I definitely recall catching Countess Dracula (featuring the attractive buxom Ingrid Pitt.)

So when Hammer brings a new book out from a film that I enjoyed way back when, I tend to like to read to see what they’ve done to bring it not only bang up to date but also to bring a touch of the nostalgia back. Within this book Guy Adams, brings it to the modern reader by setting it in an idealised 30’s Hollywood, It has a lot of the same twists but to be honest with the story following the original pretty closely I could definitely see that it was more than a little dated and didn’t really add anything new to the genre.

Its clichéd, the characters were more than a little flat and for me, the story really didn’t travel or do anything other than produce a book that wouldn’t have taken much to tame it down enough for the YA market. It disappointed, didn’t take me anywhere in my imagination and to be brutal was sadly lacking in so many ways. If you have to read this book borrow it from the library or wait for it to hit a cheap book shop near you as sadly I suspect a great many will be upset at the cost and lack of pay off.

NEWS: Evil League of Evil Authors Fundraiser for Crestline Elementary

Hail Mighty Readers,
A few days ago we hard about a school that went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that each of thier pupils were accounted for.  How do we know?  Well Lilith Saintcrow (longtime friend of the blog) told us:

"This is the school where the office staff knows every student’s name and the teachers pour their souls–and most of their paychecks–into every kid in every class, not just their own. This is the school where any adult that’s not known on sight AND carrying a red volunteer badge or sticker is clustered by very polite but inflexible staff and volunteers, to be escorted to the office to sign in. It’s the school a ten-year-old boy loves so much he’s excited on Sunday night because Monday means he can go back. The place was held together by the steady commitment of teachers and office staff, who made it work with spit and baling wire some days, and volunteers who pitched in where they could even after their kids went on to other schools. 

This is the school where nobody goes home until all the kids are accounted for at the end of the day."

Sadly the school was razed to the ground due to fire on the 3rd of Feb but Writers are banding together under the Evil League of Evil Writers to help raise funds.

So what can you do?

Firstly take a look at their online site (Here) and see if there's any items on the auction list that you fancy, then bid (in US Dollars) an amount that you can commit to.  Auctions close on Friday 15th Feb.

There's tons of stuff and this is just the first wave:

Books & Swag 

Collection of Adrienne Jones Books (signed) from Adrienne Jones [Ending February 15] 

Kiss of Death by Seleste deLaney (signed) from Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]

Magic Bites: Special Edition by Ilona Andrews (signed) from Ilona Andrews [Staring February 8; Ending February 15]
Magic Bites: Special Edition by Ilona Andrews (signed) from Ilona Andrews [Staring February 8; Ending February 15]

Magic Bites: Special Edition by Ilona Andrews (signed) from Ilona Andrews [Staring February 8; Ending February 15]

Misdirection by Melinda Skye (signed) from Melinda Skye [Ending February 15]

Nameless by Lili St. Crow (signed) from Lilith Saintcrow [Ending February 15]
Nameless by Lili St. Crow (signed) from Lilith Saintcrow [Ending February 15]
Nameless by Lili St. Crow (signed) from Lilith Saintcrow [Ending February 15]
Small Favor by Jim Butcher (signed) from Julie Butcher [Ending February 15]
To Trust a Thief by Michelle McLean (ebook) from Michelle McLean [Ending February 15]
Winner's Choice of All Wounds or Light in a Dark World by Dina James (signed) from Dina James [Ending February 15]
Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert (signed) from Katee Robert [Ending February 15]

Query & Manuscript Critiques

Critique of the Law in Your Manuscript by Melinda Skye [February 15]
Critique of the Law in Your Manuscript by Melinda Skye [February 15]
First Chapter Critique by Dina James [Ending February 15]
First Chapter Critique by Frances Pauli [Ending February 15]
First Chapter Critique by Melinda Skye [Ending February 15]
First Chapter Critique by Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
First Five Pages Critique by Aubrie Dionne [Ending February 15]
First Three Chapters Critique by Julie Butcher [Ending February 15]
Query Letter and First 5 pgs Critique by Katee Robert [Ending February 15]
Query Letter Critique by Melinda Skye [Ending February 15]
Query or First Chapter Critique by Michelle McLean [Ending February 15]
Query Letter Critique by Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
Query Letter and First 10 pgs Critique by Skyla Dawn Cameron [Ending February 15]
Synopsis Critique by Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]

Mentorships

ELEW Mentorship Slot #1 (3 months) [Ending February 15]
ELEW Mentorship Slot #2 (3 months) [Ending February 15]
Mentorship with Christine Belle (3 months) [Ending February 15]

Other Items & Services

Aussie Snack Pack from Danielle Kendall [Ending February 15]
Beaded Bracelet by Betty Winslow [Ending February 15]
Celtic Knotwork Art Print by Becky Hitchin [Ending 15]
Crochet Dragon by Frances Pauli [Ending February 15]
Custom My Little Pony by DraggonLaady [Ending February 15]
Drink and Chat at the Up in the Aether Convention with Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
Drink and Chat at Romantic Times Booklovers' Convention with Katee Robert [Ending February 15]
Drink and Chat at Romantic Times Booklovers' Convention with Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
Drink and Chat at RWA with Katee Robert [Ending February 15]
Evil League of Evil Writers Guest Post from Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
Evil League of Evil Writers Guest Post from Skyla Dawn Cameron [Ending February 15]
Knitted Evil: Horizontal Ugly Scarf by Dina James [Ending February 15]
Name a Character in a Dina James Novel [Ending February 15]
Name a Character in a Frances Pauli Novel [Ending February 15]
Name a Character in a Katee Robet Novel [Ending February 15]
Name a Character (who dies) in a Skyla Dawn Cameron Novel [Ending February 15]
T-Shirt (SM) from Shane and Amy Bugbee [Ending February 15]
T-Shirt (XL) from Shane and Amy Bugbee [Ending February 15]
Tea Junkie Parcel from Dina James [Ending February 15]

We hope you'll join in,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

STEAMPUNK REVIEW: A Conspiracy of Alchemists - Liesel Schwarz

Release Date: 07/02/13

SYNOPSIS:

When dirigible pilot Elle Chance accepts an unusual cargo in Paris she finds herself in the middle of a deadly war between the Alchemists and Warlocks. The Alchemists will stop at nothing to acquire the coveted carmot stone and its key, and Elle must do everything in her power to thwart their diabolical plans. Embarking on a perilous cross-continental adventure with the mysterious Mr Marsh, Elle is forced to question everything she ever knew about herself to fulfil her destiny and prevent a magical apocalypse..."A Conspiracy of Alchemists" is a superb adventure, combining the best elements of 19th century gothic fiction with contemporary Steampunk and supernatural themes.


REVIEW:

I love a bit of Steampunk that takes me away from the real world, I love the mechanisation of clockwork, the feeling that these things really should work and when thrown in with a writers imagination with solid prose, great outline and a kick ass lead character really works on so many levels for me.

Add to this a vulnerability to the character that allows a fully roundedness and all round its more than hits the spot. Back this up with a solid plot, some wonderful twists and all round I was more than glued to the adventure from the opening paragraph to the last sentence. Great stuff.

SCIENCE FICTION DYSTOPIAN THRILLER REVIEW: Osiris Project 1: Osiris - EJ Swift

Release Date: 07/02/13

SYNOPSIS:

Nobody leaves Osiris. Adelaide Rechnov Wealthy socialite and granddaughter of the Architect, she spends her time in pointless luxury, rebelling against her family in a series of jaded social extravagances and scandals until her twin brother disappears in mysterious circumstances. Vikram Bai lives in the Western Quarter, home to the poor descendants of storm refugees and effectively quarantined from the wealthy elite. His people live with cold and starvation, but the coming brutal winter promises civil unrest, and a return to the riots of previous years. As tensions rise in the city, can Adelaide and Vikram bridge the divide at the heart of Osiris before conspiracies bring them to the edge of disaster?


REVIEW:

To be honest with you, in recent times there seems to be a hell of a lot of dystopian science fiction making the rounds and for me there’s only so much you can take unless the author does something different to set them apart from the others out there. In the case of EJ Swift, its a city is sailing on the ocean in a post-apocalyptic future where political machinations vie against personal goals as well as beliefs through the eyes of two principle characters Vikram and Adelaide.

Each brings a different viewpoint to the concept and each has to learn to adapt to the way that the city works within as strong world building battles against human nature in a battle for the upper hand. It is cleverly scripted, the character poles apart and for many this title will more than satisfy due to the hard graft that the author has put in to help you adapt to the situation.

But for me when you’re going through with two main characters they need to have traits that really stand out and have to have a hook that allows the reader to care. Whilst this works very well with Vikram, it really got my goat when I was spending time with Adelaide who I couldn’t associate as to me she came across as nothing more than a dislikeable spoilt brat. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with that and I suspect that the author has a few shocks in store in the future to knock some of that out of her, but for a first novel when you’re trying to get a reader hooked you need at least one facet that appeals to the reader.

All in a solid enough start and definitely one I’m going to stick around but purely because I had trouble sticking with the chapters where Adelaide leads, I didn’t like this book as much as I should have done.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Injustice Gods Among Us Fan Votes - Warner Brothers Interactive

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Warner Brothers have let us know all about the ultimate battle of superhero supremacy for the upcoming fighting game, Injustice: Gods Among Us.

For the next 10 weeks, the roster of legendary DC Comics characters will enter the Injustice Battle Arena. Each week, a new pair of challengers will enter the arena, as fans are given the opportunity to vote on who they believe would come out as champion.

Every Monday, combatants will be revealed in weekly match-up videos. Detailing the skills, attributes and technology of the week’s competing DC Comics warriors, the videos also include man-on-the-street and celebrity experts explaining which character in the battle has earned their vote.

All votes and submissions must be submitted by Thursday night, and the results will be announced in a final fight video, showing the all-out battles and ultimate victor of that week's match-up.

The teaser video that explains the campaign can be watched by clicking on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egEQYRBAkZs

Fans can also view the first match-up video of the campaign here:   http://youtu.be/wgfmwK9X104

For participating in these show-downs, fans in the UK will be rewarded with an Injustice avatar item when they register on the site and an exciting piece of DLC content when they first vote. Voice your opinion via Facebook, YouTube or Twitter and join the debate!

To vote on each week’s battle, visit: http://injustice.dccomics.com

All the best and may your hero win,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Caiphas Cain: The Greater Good - Sandy Mitchell

Release Date: 17/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

When the world of Quadravidia comes under attack by the insidious tau, only one man can defeat the aliens and save the planet in the Emperor's name: the legendary Hero of the Imperium, Commissar Ciaphas Cain. When the aliens call for a ceasefire, Cain expects the worst, and his fears are answered in the form of the dread menace of the tyranids. As a hive fleet approaches Quadravidia, Cain must try to forge an alliance between the Imperium and the tau - but can he truly trust the inscrutable xenos?


REVIEW:

The Warhammer 40K Worlds most enigmatic and perhaps best known Commissar returns in his latest outing as he faces down the “Nids” whilst battle not only the enemy but those purporting to be on his own side as well.

As usual the story is peppered with some lighthearted moments and with a careful mix of self-debasing heroism, some stark choices all told from a future view point all adds to a wonderful story all round. Add to the mix the usual sneakiness of the Tyranids, some wonderful twists and of course an author’s writing style that really keeps you glued and all round I was more than happy with this excursion.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Checquy Files 1: The Rook - Daniel O'Malley

Release Date: 01/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

'The body you are wearing used to be mine.' So begins the letter Myfanwy Thomas is holding when she awakes in a London park surrounded by bodies all wearing latex gloves. With no recollection of who she is, Myfanwy must follow the instructions her former self left behind to discover her identity and track down the agents who want to destroy her. She soon learns that she is a Rook, a high-ranking member of a secret organization called the Checquy that battles the many supernatural forces at work in Britain. She also discovers that she possesses a rare and deadly supernatural ability of her own. Filled with characters both fascinating and fantastical, The Rook is a richly inventive, suspenseful fantasy. An astonishing debut from a brilliant new voice.


REVIEW:

Debut authors really are a joy and whilst some may not like to try them due to them not having a lot of experience with getting their idea’s out there are some that just transcend what is expected and take the reader on not only one hell of a journey but one that leaves them short of breath as each facet is carefully revealed to give the reader something special.

Such is the case with this Urban Fantasy Debut by Daniel O’Malley who utilises amnesia wonderfully as the principle character is thrown into a world that they not only have no clue existed but one that has one hell of a lethal bite if you take a wrong turn. Its entertaining, has some great turns of phrase and with a book back that just demands your time you know that you’re in for a treat.

Finally add to the mix a wonderful use of story arc, a great lead character and an unusual as well as inventive world which all round make this a title that you really can’t ignore. Great stuff.

DVD REVIEW: Hotel Transylvania - Adam Sandler, Andy Sambery, Selma Gomez - Sony Home Entertainment

Release Date: 04/02/13

SYNOPSIS:

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up and no humans are allowed. One special weekend, Dracula (Adam Sandler) has invited all his best friends – Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, and more – to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis’s (Selena Gomez) 118th birthday. For Dracula catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem
but the party really starts when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and changes everything!


REVIEW:

OK, so I wasn’t exactly working in my lab late one night but this definitely was an eerie sight when I opened the package to discover this cracking CG Anime from Sony. Featuring all the great monsters of the movies, this title had a simple premise but a lot of fun added to make it something that is not only unique but something that I had a lot of fun watching. Yes, the casting worked very well but whilst I was sat there, I was waiting for a few things that didn’t happen. First off I expected Monster Mash in there somewhere (which didn’t materialise and with a name like Hotel Transylvania, they could have rewritten a certain similar sounding song by the Eagles.)

But even that didn’t detract from the laughs as human meets monster in a nicely turned concept as the fears and predjuces of their kind comes to light. Add to this some wonderful vocal work from some big names, some emotional turmoil and a certain special birthday which all round left it as a fun piece to view.

Perhaps not something for the kids straight away but I know that this is something that my nephews will get a real blast from pretty soon. (One of them is Monster Crazy.)


If you’d like to win some Hotel Transylvania goodies, check out the MONSTER ME Facebook competition. You could win a Micro Scooter for the kids by uploading a video of them doing monster impressions from the film, enter if you dare!

CRIME REVIEW: Watch You Die - Katia Lief

Release Date: 31/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

If he can't have you no one will...

Darcy was just trying to be friendly to the new boy in the office. But it's gone horribly wrong. At first it was just unwanted invitations but now Joe is sending her abusive emails, calling her late at night, unwilling to take no for an answer.

And every step, Darcy takes to distance herself from him is just adding fuel to Joe's obsession. And now he knows where she lives...


REVIEW:

Writing can, at times be as subtle as a brick when hard combat is meshed with the battlefield, yet when you read a crime novel, you sometimes want that manipulative whisper that penetrates deep into the readers subconscious so much so that when aspects of the plot are revealed fully you end up wondering why you didn’t spot it before.

In this new title by Katia, it is perhaps her best to date with some wonderful subterfuge, some great writerly sleight of hand and when blended with solid prose as well as great story arc really keeps you glued until the last page it is turned. Add to this some wonderfully realistic characters that the reader wants to spend time around which when blended with some great dialogue really adds up to one solid crime title that will haunt your mind for some time to come. Great stuff.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Shadow Prince - Terence Morgan

Release Date: 17/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

Perkin Warbeck is an ordinary young man in fifteenth-century Tournai. The son of a port official, he loves nothing more than swimming, singing and fishing with his father. But Perkin has a secret. His real name is Richard, and he is the rightful Prince of England. Thought to have been murdered with his brother, Edward, in the Tower of London, he was covertly taken to the continent and placed with an adoptive family under an assumed identity. But when his enemies seek him out he must flee, and embarks on a new life of derring-do, sailing the high seas with the era's greatest adventurers. But Richard cannot avoid his fate forever. He knows he must return to England, to assume the throne that is his birthright. But what for Richard is a homecoming, for the new king, Henry Tudor, is nothing less than an invasion, and 'Perkin' slowly comes to learn that the price of his goal is the blood of innocent men. Based on painstaking research, and peopled by some of the most extraordinary characters of an extraordinary period, Perkin's tale is a vivid, authentic, and hugely entertaining historical adventure.


REVIEW:

I love a story where an author interweaves a story that takes on a life of its own through an authors answering of the infamvous “What if” question. Here within the second book by Terrence that I’ve read, is a story that not only grabs you from the opening page but one that really does keep you guessing throughout as well as wondering what the outcome will be. It’s cleverly woven, has a real feel for the time period and when added to solid prose and great pace really makes it a book that for me was hard to put down.

Throw into the mix a wonderful lead protagonist (who featured as part of the cast in Master of Bruges) and all round I was more than satisfied with this book. A great read all round and I’ll definitely look forward to Terence’s next outing.

NEWS: Tor UK to take E-Submissions from Writers

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Tor UK have let us know that they're opening the door's to writers E-Submissions from you the writing public.  Yes, that's right, a chance for your book to be read by one of thier editors without having to worry about a whole load of rigmarole or having had to secure an agent.

Here is a copy of what they've said (taken from their blog:

What sort of books is Tor UK looking for?
For direct submissions we only consider complete and unpublished science fiction, fantasy and horror novels, written in English of between 95,000 – 150,000 words.
We don’t publish non-fiction, poetry, short stories or novellas. If your work falls into any of these categories we regret we are unable to help.


How should I send you my novel?
Only emailed submissions can be considered (please see below for the email address). The email must include the novel’s title in the Subject line. The body of the email should contain a short synopsis and biographical note (including details of any previously published work), and the entire novel should be attached to the email as a single standard word-processing file, preferably Microsoft Word. Please do not send typescripts as individual chapter files, or as ‘compressed’, ‘zipped’ or password protected files.

Can I send more than one novel at a time?
If you wish to send multiple novels for consideration please send each one as a separate submission.


Do you accept hardcopy (printed) submissions, or submissions on disc or CD?
No, and unfortunately we are unable to return any typescripts sent to us in this way.

Will you consider incomplete novels or proposals for as yet unwritten novels?
No, we can only accept finished novels.

Do you accept submissions from authors whose work has previously been self-published, ‘vanity’ published or published electronically/online?
Yes as long as they follow the guidelines set out above, including the provision concerning word extent.

Does Tor UK accept submissions from outside the UK?
Yes. But again, they will need to comply with the above guidelines.

Will Tor UK consider translations?
No. I’m afraid we’re only, at this time, looking for full and complete works written in English.

How long will you take to decide if you want to publish my novel?
If we would like to publish your novel, we will let you know within twelve weeks of receipt. 

Unfortunately, due to the large number of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to unsuccessful submissions. 
If you have not had a response within twelve weeks please assume that we have, regretfully, decided not to publish your novel.

How should my manuscript be formatted?
We prefer 12-point, Times New Roman, double line-spaced.

Can I resubmit a novel which has been declined by you in the past but which has been revised?
No, regrettably a decision to decline must be final.

To whom should my submission be addressed?
There’s no need to address it to a specific individual: if it is eligible and sent to the email address below it will be read and assessed by one of our team of editors.

I am a literary agent. Can I send you my client’s novel?
Yes, please follow the submissions procedure described above.

Where should I send my novel?
Please email it to: TorUKSubmissions@macmillan.com

So best of luck writing people and who know's maybe we'll be reading your work over the next few years.




Gareth and Lady Eleanor

CRIME REVIEW: The Sixth Soul - Mark Roberts

Release Date: 01/02/13

SYNOPSIS:

Six women. Six abductions. Six souls in peril...London is in the grip of a barbaric serial killer, dubbed Herod by the tabloid press. Four pregnant women have been abducted in quick succession, their bodies mutilated and dumped. When a fifth pregnant woman, Julia Caton, is taken from her home in the dead of night, DCI David Rosen knows that time is running out to save her...Then Rosen gets a mysterious phone call from Father Sebastian Flint, an enigmatic priest who seems to know rather too much about the abductions. When it emerges that Father Flint was once the Vatican's leading expert on the occult, the investigation takes an increasingly disturbing turn. But it isn't until Rosen discovers the existence of an ancient text - said to be the devil's answer to the bible - that the true horror of Herod's plan begins to unfold. Rosen is drawn inexorably to the killer's lair, where he will discover a terrible truth - that Herod's retribution is absolute, and that there are far worse things than death...


REVIEW:

I love a debut from a new author as it’s a giant leap into the unknown and perhaps no genre is better suited to that fearful leap than crime. What Mark Roberts presents to the reader is a story of murder, intrigue and of course the hunting of a sadistic killer named Herod by the tabloids.

Whilst not a novel that is a blockbuster it is a solid enough book among the many and when you take into consideration that it’s a debut you really have to make note of this as an author tends to get better with each successive release. All in if you want a reasonable paced Crime Thriller, with solid prose alongside some sleight of hand thrown in then you may well enjoy this book.

Deja Review: January 2013

Hail Mighty Readers,
New Year, slightly new look for the Deja Review Section, whilst the titles featured don't necessarily have the up to date covers they've been reviewed prior to thier newest incarnation so each titles will link back to when we originally tackled it.

We hope you like the new look and enjoy this months selections:




Lady Eleanor and Gareth

FANTASY REVIEW: The Twyning - Terence Blacker

Release Date: 08/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

This is the story of Efren, a young ratling born into the Court of Tasting, in the kingdom of rats below the city streets. The kingdom is in turmoil after the death of the old king, assassinated by a human scientist, Dr Henry Ross-Gibbon. Obsessed by an ambition to exterminate all rats, the doctor is assisted by Dogboy, an abandoned thirteen-year-old with a gift for understanding animals. Soon a war to the death rages between the rat kingdom and its mortal enemy: humankind. Hurt and alone, Efren finds shelter with Dogboy and his friend Caz, a runaway eleven-year-old girl. And between these unlikely allies a spark is ignited - first of communication, then of hope. This tumultuous story of creatures caught up in a pitiless war transcends the barriers between animals and humans. What Watership Down did for rabbits, THE TWYNING will do for the kingdom of rats.


REVIEW:

I love a book that is different to the norm and to be honest that is exactly what this is, as a tale told from two perspectives being that of our human lead, Dogboy and that of rats. Yes you read that right, rats. Its definitely something quirky and whilst the author has made both come across in an easy to understand manner it’s a book that reminds me of films like “Phase IV” being so off the wall that there’s really nothing else like it out there.

Add to the mix subtle direction by the author, some wonderful turns of phrase and a novel that really makes you think and I was more than pleased that I took the time to read this. All round a solid enough book that will make me seek out other titles by this author.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Iron Druid 5: Trapped - Kevin Hearne

Release Date: 29/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

After twelve years of secret training, Atticus O'Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the number of Druids in the world. But on the eve of the ritual, the world that thought he was dead abruptly discovers that he's still alive, and they would much rather he return to the grave. Having no other choice, Atticus, his trusted Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and Granuaile travel to the base of Mount Olympus, where the Roman god Bacchus is anxious to take his sworn revenge - but he'll have to get in line behind an ancient vampire, a band of dark elves, and an old god of mischief, who all seem to have KILL THE DRUID at the top of their to-do lists.


REVIEW:

Having fallen for Kevin’s Iron Druid series since the first book it’s been something of a must read each time a new one comes out. Here in the latest is a book that really keeps up the momentum that has been built up over the previous four excursions, the characters crisp, the prose sharp and when added to a kick ass plot with huge underlying arcs and historical payback, really makes this a book to savour.

Add to this a wonderful sense of familiarity with the characters that you care about, some wonderful turns of phrase as well as a great authorly directorial style and all round another tick in my happy reader box. Great stuff.