A place to find out author interviews along with book reviews of thier works in the following genres:
science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, crime, horror, history, arts and crafts, hobby, true life, real life, autobiography, zombie, paranormal, demons, vampires, religion and spirituality, thriller, mystery, psychological thriller, spy tory, techno thriller, humour.
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, Our friends at Samsung, have sent us this information in conjunction with Marvel: Avengers: Age of Ultron: "There is so much more to a Super Hero than just using superpowers, as intelligence and technology make up the definitive formula discovered by Samsung as part of its collaboration with Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Researchers found that the ultimate formula for a Super Hero is:
(Strength + Intelligence + Technology + Speed + Likeability + Superpowers + Morality = Super Hero) The formula was developed in line with the launch of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, which recently recorded the biggest opening weekend of 2015, in which Samsung technology including the brand new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge smartphone, features heavily. The study of 2,000 Brits found that strength (79%) and intelligence (71%) were both rated more highly than actual super powers, showing that being a Super Hero is not all about flying and x-ray vision. Similarly morality (57%) and likeability (45%) both make the formula ahead of traditional Super Hero traits like a Super Hero outfit or a catchy name, with more women (51%) than men (39%) valuing likeability in their hero. When it came to the super powers we would like ourselves, it was invisibility that topped the list for both men and women, with 23% of the vote, followed by time travel (19%). Technology features highly in the make-up of a Super Hero, with Super Hero cars (30%) topping the list of “super gadgets” Brits would most like to have, followed closely by Virtual Reality headsets (17%). Conor Pierce, Vice President IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, said: “Super Heroes have fascinated us for generations, with some of Marvel’s originals remaining firm favourites for decades. What is really interesting is how they have developed as society has developed, seeing technology and morality up there in the list of what makes the ultimate Super Hero is a real testament to that. “Samsung’s collaboration with Marvel is a perfect example of how the real world interacts with the fantasy world of Super Heroes. In fact, if you look at the elements of the formula such as strength, speed and intelligence these can be applied to our Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge handsets – they’re the Super Heroes of smartphones! “The collaboration is designed to bring together two of the world’s most iconic multi-media brands, and means we’re able to bring unrivalled content, products and experiences to fans around the world.” The formula can also be applied to “real life” Super Heroes, with nearly 60% of respondents saying that firemen most fit that combination of speed, strength, morality and technology. The Samsung and Marvel collaboration gives consumers extraordinary exclusive content coupled with an unrivalled visual experience. As well as creating one of a kind mobile technology for the movie Samsung has developed a range of exclusive accessories featuring Marvel favourites for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge handsets."
Release Date: 07/05/15 Publisher: Ravenstone (Rebellion) SYNOPSIS:
Seventeen-year-old Maggie Cunningham is tough, smart, and sassy. She's also not like other girls her age, but then, who would be when the family business is monster hunting? Combat boots, ratty hooded sweatshirts, and hair worn short so nothing with claws can get a grip, Maggie's concerns in life slant more toward survival than fashion or boys. Which presents a problem when Maggie's mother informs Maggie that she can't get her journeyman's license for hunting until she loses her virginity. Something about virgin blood turning vampires into pointy rage monsters. Maggie's battled ghosts and goblins and her fair share of house brownies, but finding herself a boy - fitting in with her peers - proves a much more daunting task than any monster hunt. Did you know normal girls don't stuff their bras with holy water balloons or carry wooden stakes in their waistbands? And they care about things like "matching" and "footwear." Of course, they also can't clean a gun blindfolded, shoot a crossbow, or exorcise ghosts from a house. Which means they're lame and Maggie's not. Because Maggie's awesome. The Awesome, in fact. Just ask her. She'd be more than happy to tell you. After she finds herself a date.
REVIEW:
This was a bit of a strange book for me as whilst I acknowledged that there would be sex in it before I began, I did find that the way that the character was being callous with her “first time” in order to be able to improve in her career, I felt that it was something that should have had a more realistic feel.
Yes she “did the deed” and the author was pretty good with the descriptive, however the one thing that really annoyed me was that it was the usual unbelievable orgasmic sex that populates fiction when for a lot of ladies their first time is anything but. That said, the tale did weave a solid story, the action sequences were well written and for me, the principle character had a believablility that will work for many readers of the target audience (late teen.)
All round a solid opening title and a book that left me asking questions so much so that I will definitely be reading future outings to see what the author has in store for this unusual if intriguing family.
Release Date: 06/03/15 Publisher: Titan SYNOPSIS:
From pulp adventures such as Edgar Rice Burroughs's Carson of Venus to classic short stories such as Ray Bradbury's "The Long Rain" to visionary novels such as C. S. Lewis's Perelandra, the planet Venus has loomed almost as large in the imaginations of science fiction writers as Earth's next-nearest neighbor, Mars. But while the Red Planet conjured up in Golden Age science fiction stories was a place of vast deserts and ruined cities, bright blue Venus was its polar opposite: a steamy, swampy jungle world with strange creatures lurking amidst the dripping vegetation. Alas, just as the last century's space probes exploded our dreams of Mars, so, too, did they shatter our romantic visions of Venus, revealing, instead of a lush paradise, a hellish world inimical to all life. But don't despair! This new anthology of sixteen original stories by some of science fiction's best writers - edited by #1 New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin and award-winning editor Gardner Dozois - turns back the clock to that more innocent time, before the hard-won knowledge of science vanquished the infinite possibilities of the imagination. Join our cast of award-winning contributors - including Elizabeth Bear, David Brin, Joe Haldeman, Gwyneth Jones, Mike Resnick, Eleanor Arnason, Allen M. Steele, and more - as we travel back in time to a planet that never was but should have been: a young, rain-drenched world of fabulous monsters and seductive mysteries.
REVIEW:
As a reader who spends a lot of time with their head in a book, I do like it when I have a collection of short stories just to dive into when I have either a quick break or to utilise on travel time. Edited by two well established authors, the host of authors demonstrates an ability to bring the best of the genre to the fore as so many big names have contributed.
Its full of adventure, has different tales for every Sci-Fi taste and when added to a one off price for readers to try names they may not have had chance to yet, also gives you chance to add more names to your TBR pile (of which mine is already huge.)
All round a cracking set of fun and one that was a pure joy to devour and whilst every story may not be for all readers, theres enough options here to allow you to find something special.
Release Date: 09/01/15 Publisher: Mattel PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Once, every 1,300 years, the Corpse Flower blooms. Following mons-tradition, the bad seed of the Corpse Flower, Amanita Nightshade, will wake up too. Making every other flower in the garden look like a weed, she is sure to grow on the ghouls of Monster High. Her pretty dress creates quite a stink designed with her cultivated style and in her signature colours of green and purple. Garden-inspired skelements include ruffles, pleats and sheer fabric.
Flowers and leaves of poisonous plants decorate her flowing skirt and vibrant accessories that include jewellery, a hair-raising headpiece, scary sweet bag and to-die-for shoes that have creepy cool climbing vines for heels. And the fingerless gloves really grow on you. A model/fashion designer, Amanita Nightshade, comes with her modelling portfolio (with signed headshot) and a diary with extra-gory details about her unique un-life. Able to turn photosynthesis into photo-genius, girls will love adding this character to their Monster High collection for monster play and display. Includes doll wearing fashion and accessories, portfolio/headshot and diary. Colours and decorations may vary. Doll cannot stand alone. Ages six and older.
REVIEW:
Whilst a lot of people tend to think of Dolls as something for young girls to play with, Lady Eleanor has always been a lady who loves the different, something that breaks from the mould and celebrates the differences for children of all ages. So when Monster High burst onto the scene a few years ago, she was right at the forefront of the queue as she’d seen and fallen in love with the original Draculaura, a Vampire Vegetarian whose dress sense alongside sense of fun seemed to echo her own outlook on life.
Since picking up her first doll she’s gone on to collect quite a few with each having something that just jumps out at her whether its their sense of fun, their hair or even something as simple as stunning shoes. Each doll has something different for her and whilst she just won’t add any doll to her collection, each one is unique for her and can always put a smile on her face as she shares her collection with visitors.
Her latest addition is the wonderfully dark and totally planterrific Amanita Nightshade who has a lot to offer everyone who see’s her and as such I’ll let Lady Eleanor take you through what makes this gore-gous doll so must have.
Amanita Nightshade is a special type of doll, she has an absolutely terrific look with her purple and blue hair accompanied with her black flower hairpiece and glittering ebony earrings. They stand out straight away and when added to her purple and blue eyes (with a surrounding of leaves due to her plant heritage) really allows her to facially stand out from any other doll.
Throw into the mix a dress of purple and black tulle that highlights her green skin as well as heels that accentuate the flowing, growing feel as the “vines” climb her legs, for me makes her something entirely special. Finally add to this packaging that differs from the original box feel to a clear plastic that allows the doll to stand equally beautifully either on her own or still wrapped makes this a definite must have.
Release Date: 03/03/15 Publisher: Orbit SYNOPSIS:
The Alpha and Omega novels transport readers into the realm of the werewolf, where Charles Cornick and Anna Latham embody opposite sides of the shifter personality. Now, a pleasure trip drops the couple into the middle of some bad supernatural business ...For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles's role as his father's enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal - or at least it starts out that way ...Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae's cold war with humanity is about to heat up - and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire. DISCOVER THE NEW CHARLES AND ANNA NOVEL - FROM THE NO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PATRICIA BRIGGS. The Alpha and Omega novels: Cry Wolf Hunting Ground Fair Game Dead Heat
REVIEW:
OK, I have to admit that I’ve not been the biggest fan of the Alpha and Omega series, however this latest outing really won me over with a title that was not only gripping but one that really brought a whole new level to the fore. It’s a fun UF read, has great characters and when you add Patricia’s brand of snarky dialogue to the book as well as a top notch high octane storyline all round gives me a book that was nigh impossible to put down. Top notch.
Release Date: 05/05/15 Publisher: Hodder SYNOPSIS:
Fletcher was nothing more than a humble blacksmith's apprentice, when a chance encounter leads to the discovery that he has the ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, he must travel with his demon to the Vocans Academy, where the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. The academy will put Fletcher through a gauntlet of gruelling lessons, training him as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire's war against the savage orcs. Rubbing shoulders with the children of the most powerful nobles in the land, Fletcher must tread carefully. The power hungry Forsyth twins lurk in the shadows, plotting to further their family's interests. Then there is Sylva, an elf who will do anything she can to forge an alliance between her people and Hominum, even if it means betraying her friends. Othello is the first ever dwarf at the academy, and his people have long been oppressed by Hominum's rulers, which provokes tension amongst those he studies alongside. Fletcher will find himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with nothing but his demon Ignatius to help him. As the pieces on the board manoeuvre for supremacy, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of an empire is in his hands ..
REVIEW:
A new Young Adult fantasy title that brings a number of elements to the fore feeling like its part Harry Potter, part Pokemon but on the whole its so much more.
The writing is a joy to read. Its to the point, keeps the reader glued and when added to an arc that has such huge scope, leaves this as a wonder that just doesn’t let up from start to finish. Back this up with a cracking cast (both supporting and prinple) and all round your Young Reader is going to be in for a treat.
Release Date: 19/03/15 Publisher: Orion SYNOPSIS:
Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A green Early Reader is a first factbook. It's never too early to find out about...THE DEEP DARK SEA. Did you know that there are more living creatures in the sea than there are on land? Or that Lantern fish have glow-in-the-dark bodies to tell other lantern fish that they are nearby? Or that the viperfish has such big teeth that it can't close its mouth? Discover a world of incredible sea creatures in this brand-new full colour non fiction Early Reader from bestselling Horrible Sciences illustrator Tony De Saulles.
REVIEW:
Getting a young reader started on books is always something that can be quite difficult, however when you can find something that they love as the content you’ll find that it becomes an item that will not leave their hands. With a nephew who can’t get enough of sea creatures, this book was an absolute cracker to find. Its got some weird and wonderful animals in it (some of which I hadn’t heard of.) is something that I know he’s going to love.
The language is simple and whilst theres a lot of text it will allow your young reader the joy of making their own way through it as well as having some magical illustrations that will stay with them for a long time. A huge thank you to Orion Childrens Books for this as I know its going to see a lot of use. Magic.
Release Date: 19/03/15 Publisher: Orion SYNOPSIS:
Belinda lives in Honeybear Lane with her mum and dad. The house next door is empty ...until, one day, The Three Bears move in. Their house in the woods has been knocked down to make way for a motorway, and now they need Belinda's help to cope with the outside world. After all, bears can't live on porridge alone. Kaye Umansky's new series for Early Readers is just as warm and delightful as her Algy's Amazing Adventures books. Every page is illustrated in full colour by Chris Jevons.
REVIEW:
A young reader story that has a lot to offer as a certain fairy tale gets a reworking to delight readers of today. Its quirky, easy to follow and when added to some cracking illustrations is a book that your young reader will want to read more than once. All round a fun read and one that I had a lot of fun when I sat down with my niece who thoroughly appreciated it.
Release Date:12/03/15 Publisher: Hatchette Childrens Group SYNOPSIS:
The next three Horrid Henry joke books - HORRID HENRY'S HILARIOUSLY HORRID JOKE BOOK, HORRID HENRY'S PURPLE HAND GANG JOKE BOOK and HORRID HENRY'S ALL-TIME FAVOURITE JOKE BOOK - collected together in one outrageously funny bumper volume. Horrid Henry fans will laugh their heads off!
REVIEW:
Ah with nephews and a niece, I’m the type of guy who has problems finding new jokes for them. (Well to be honest most of the ones I know are not age appropriate for which I blame my Dad. LOL) So to have one of their favourite book/tv series do this for me is an absolute gem.
It has loads of jokes that are funny, some cringeworthy to an adult and of course some with a bit of a twisted sense of humour which suits me down to the ground. The only problem I’ve had with this book is that a certain “Grandad” has been caught trying to steal this from me so that he’s going to be the funniest around his grandkids. Cracking.
Release Date:14/04/15 Publisher: Warner Borthers Interactive SYNOPSIS:
Mortal Kombat X is NetherRealm Studios' next highly anticipated installment in its legendary, critically acclaimed fighting game franchise, which propels the iconic franchise into a new generation. The game combines cinematic presentation with all new gameplay to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever, offering a new fully connected experience that launches players into a persistent online contest where every fight matters in a global battle for supremacy.
For the first time, Mortal Kombat X gives players the ability to choose from multiple variations of each character, impacting both strategy and fighting style. Players step into an original story showcasing some of the game's most prolific characters including Scorpion and Sub-Zero, while introducing new challengers that represent the forces of good and evil and tie the tale together.
New and Klassic characters
Featuring Klassics such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden and Kano, as well as new characters such as Cassie Cage, Kotal Kahn, Ferra-Torr and D'Vorah, the roster will include fan favourites where both good and evil must battle it out.
Character variations
Mortal Kombat X offers three different versions for each playable character, all of which have their own fighting style, special moves, abilities and strategies. The variation that players choose affects the style and overall strategy by which the game is played.
Epic cinematic storyline
A deep story mode continues up to 25 years after the events of 2011's Mortal Kombat and advances the dark tale, introducing new characters such as Cassie Cage, daughter of fan favourites Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage.
Visceral kombat
Mortal Kombat X introduces the next evolution of fighting with the return of X-ray and finishing moves that showcase brutal battles like never before with enhanced graphics and animations.
REVIEW:
OK, this is the first time I’ve played Mortal Kombat, my other fighting experience mainly comes from Tekken and whilst I feel like Tekken had become a little stale, I was more than intrigued about MK as I’ve seen a few of the filsm. So thinking that I had nothing to lose I picked it up and cracked on to see what all the hype was about.
OK, lets keep this simple, the graphics are simply stunning, the moves incredibly smooth and whilst at times when playing Tekken I just mashed all the buttons to see what would happen, this one is more strategic as you have to try and plan what you’re doing and have a strategy to try and break the combo’s of your opponent.
Tis definitely a lot of fun and whilst a number of people can just jump in, I do suggest that you go through the tutorial first so you can find out what works for you. All round, I loved the way it looked, had a lot of fun beating the snot out of the console (and in turn trying to not get whupped by Lady Eleanor) and when added to a whole range of characters alongside solid storytelling generates something that you’ll play for quite a while. Great stuff.
My only real complaint is having to buy some of the “classic” characters separately as ti felt a bit cheeky especially when you’ve already [aid a good amount to start with. If they’d come as a separate DLC late in the year I could maybe understand it but to have them ready from the beginning, that’s a bit off in my opinion.
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Callused Thumbs, We've had the trailer land for an epic gaming event at London's Alexandra Palace in September. Tickets are now available from thier website here.
Visitors will get the chance to get thier hands on some top stuff as well as getting access to the latest and greatest titles. We can't wait to see what comes of out of this gamer friendly event and we wish them all the best, Gareth and Lady Eleanor
Release Date: 19/02/15 Publisher: Gollancz SYNOPSIS:
Among the scattered islands that make up the water world of Windhaven, no one holds more prestige than the silver-winged flyers, romantic figures who cross treacherous oceans, braving shifting winds and sudden storms, to bring news, gossip, songs and stories to a waiting populace. Maris of Amberly, a fisherman's daughter, wants nothing more than to soar on the currents high above Windhaven. So she challenges tradition, demanding that flyers be chosen by merit rather than inheritance. But even after winning that bitter battle, Maris finds that her troubles are only beginning. Now a revolution threatens to destroy the world she fought so hard to join - and force her to make the ultimate sacrifice...This early collaborative novel from George R. R. Martin and Lisa Tuttle is a masterclass of fantasy and storytelling.
REVIEW:
OK, this is a book that was originally printed in the early eighties and whilst it is showing its age, it’s a title that still works remarkably well. It’s quirky, has something a bit different for fantasy fans and when added to prose that’s reasonable alongside characters that more than keep the readers interest, all round generates a title that was a fun read.
All round, a novel that I think is trading more on George’s current fame (due to the Game of Thrones TV series) rather than giving the readers the very best but it’s a solid enough book to keep you going.
Release Date: 26/02/15 Publisher: Hodder SYNOPSIS:
*The Sunday Times TOP TEN BESTSELLER*. For fans of C J Sansom and S J Parris, HOLY SPY features the Queen's Intelligencer John Shakespeare in the latest of Rory Clements' acclaimed and bestselling series of Tudor spy thrillers. Clements, winner of the Ellis Peters Historical Fiction Award, 'does for Elizabeth's reign what C.J. Sansom does for Henry VIII's' Sunday Times In London's smoky taverns, a conspiracy is brewing: a group of wealthy young Catholic dissidents plot to assassinate Elizabeth, free Mary Queen of Scots - and open England to Spanish invasion. But the conspirators have been infiltrated by Sir Francis Walsingham's top intelligencer, John Shakespeare. Shakespeare, however, is torn: the woman he loves stands accused of murder. In a desperate race against time he must save her from the noose and the realm from treachery. And then it dawns that both investigations are inextricably linked - by corruption very close to the seat of power ...
REVIEW:
I’ve really been enjoying Rory’s John Shakespeare series, and with this being the seventh in the series, the reader has come to expect certain things from each new release. Firstly they want to see the principle character tested, then they want a cracking plot and tied all up with great prose.
All that you get within this book but when you add the scale of research that has been done to keep the reader immersed in the world which when backed with an arc that keeps you guessing all round generates a story that is another great addition to the series. Magic.
Release Date: 19/02/15 Publisher: Gollancz SYNOPSIS:
Among the scattered islands that make up the water world of Windhaven, no one holds more prestige than the silver-winged flyers, romantic figures who cross treacherous oceans, braving shifting winds and sudden storms, to bring news, gossip, songs and stories to a waiting populace. Maris of Amberly, a fisherman's daughter, wants nothing more than to soar on the currents high above Windhaven. So she challenges tradition, demanding that flyers be chosen by merit rather than inheritance. But even after winning that bitter battle, Maris finds that her troubles are only beginning. Now a revolution threatens to destroy the world she fought so hard to join - and force her to make the ultimate sacrifice...This early collaborative novel from George R. R. Martin and Lisa Tuttle is a masterclass of fantasy and storytelling.
REVIEW:
As a fan of Paul’s writing, I always look forward to his new title landing, so when this one did, I pretty much finished up a couple of others quickly and moved this to the top of my TBR list. OK, I perhaps should have read some other books first but hey, I felt like I needed some guilty pleasure time.
What unfurls within, sadly is a book that for me would have worked a lot better had it been either a short story or perhaps a novella rather than a full blown novel as it felt to me like there was too much filler added which not only slowed the pace but also dragged the whole book down leaving me as a reader disappointed.
The characters didn’t strike a chord with me, the prose sadly lacking and when added to characters that I really didn’t care about all round left me feeling quite cold.
Release Date: 26/02/15 Publisher: Ebury Press SYNOPSIS:
Nyx is back, alongside the bel dame sisterhood of assassins. Although the centuries-long war is over, civil unrest is rife, and the fate of one kidnapped politician could be the catalyst for a bloody regime change. With aliens in the sky and a hint of revolution in the air, Nyx and her team of mutant shape-shifters, torturers and bio-tech magicians have a new mission: save a life to save a country.
REVIEW:
Ah, a cracking crime novel featuring old friends, new mystery and of course a crime that keeps you guessing throughout set for the festive period. It has some solid twists and when added to her identifiable writing style really keeps you going throughout. Add to this great prose and of course cracking dialogue and all round you’ll be a more than happy reader. However please be aware that this is the 39th book in the series, so whilst you can read it without having read the others, you’ll really be missing a treat.
Release Date: 15/02/15 Publisher: Headline SYNOPSIS:
The legend of King Arthur lives on...It is several years now since Arthur, the Last Dragon of Britain, has set foot on home soil. Roaming the Land of the Denes, he has not only engaged in brutal and bloody conflict with the barbaric Geats but he has also unearthed the most evil force within the royal court of Heorot. And, under the guidance of Stormbringer, the mighty Sae Dene king, he has honed his skills as a commander. Now the time has come for Arthur to brave the dangers of the frozen north as he and a band of daring sea-faring warriors prepare to embark on his ultimate voyage - to return to Britain and to create a kingdom of his own...
REVIEW:
Marylin is an author who when I read her debut became a name that I instantly added to my TBR pile with each successive release. I loved her writing style, the way that she brings not only the Arthurian period to life (yes its historically recognised historical time)) with great characters, top prose and of course an overall arc that really adds life to the piece.
I love the way that she brings the characters to life, the way that she makes it accessible and when added to a writing style that is not only approachable but something that feels like you’re getting a secret storyteller whispering in your ear, really generates something unique. All round a cracking read and another hit for this author that, if you’ve not picked her up yet, do so, you’ll have not only a good time but also be amazed at how she manages to keep to schedule with her work. Cracking.
Release Date: 03/03/15 Publisher: Little Brown SYNOPSIS:
The kitchen knife jammed into his cold heart pinned a cardboard sign to his well-toned chest. It read: Santa Says You've Been Bad!!! Ho, Ho, Ho! It's Christmas, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas is in no mood to celebrate. While her charismatic husband Roarke plans a huge, glittering party, Eve has murder on her mind. The victim - personal trainer Trey Ziegler - was trouble in life and is causing even more problems in death. Vain, unfaithful and vindictive, Trey had cultivated a lot of enemies. Which means Eve has a lot of potential suspects. And when she and Detective Peabody uncover Trey's sinister secret, the case takes a deadly turn. Christmas may be a festival of light, but Eve and Roarke will be forced once more down a very dark path in their hunt for the truth.
REVIEW:
Ah, a cracking crime novel featuring old friends, new mystery and of course a crime that keeps you guessing throughout set for the festive period. It has some solid twists and when added to her identifiable writing style really keeps you going throughout. Add to this great prose and of course cracking dialogue and all round you’ll be a more than happy reader. However please be aware that this is the 39th book in the series, so whilst you can read it without having read the others, you’ll really be missing a treat.
Hail Might Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, Our friends at Warner Brothers, DC and Rock Steady Games have sent us the latest trailer for the forthcoming, Batman: Arkham Knight (released until 23rd June 2015.)
Having seen it, we're really getting pretty excited for June as there's going to be a hell of a lot out there to keep gamers going for quite some time so how will you choose?
Like us you'll probably be glued to each of the trailers for the titles being released for this month and lets be honest here, with this latest, how can this title not be one of your top choices? Just take a look:
Batman has his hands full hanging on and always needs the help of his friends.
Stay tuned for more Batman News, same bat time, same bat channel...
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, OK, so if like us you were lucky enough to get Beta Access this weekend then you’ve probably had a hell of a lot of fun this weekend as we have (Lady Eleanor has been bashing the living hell out of everything with her Dragon-Knight as I was sneaking around with my Nightblade.) It’s a game that graphically is on par with Skyrim, however what makes it so different is the sheer volume of other players also charging around. Whilst we’ve only got 10 hours of gameplay (mission wise) it’s a title that really gives a lot to the gamer. The area to explore is huge with each landscape per Group being different to suit the various races. However the one thing that we really noticed was that it was one hell of a steep learning curve , getting used to updating of skills and assigning them was tricky but with the difficulty of having to find the crafting materials alongside learning how to utilise the new creation of various weapons, clothes etc taking time, it’s going to be something that will have a lot of gamers scratching their heads initially as they figure out what skills to upgrade first. And that’s on top of learning which race suits your playing style alongside the benefits that each brings to your chosen profession. It is a lot of fun and being able to join up with a US friend made it even better, but there were some drawbacks as far as we were concerned. Firstly you have to create a character before you can utilise the Explorers/Adventurer’s pack. Yes this may seem a bit silly especially if you want to do the whole game with friends as you’ll be limited to the races but characters from one server do not carry over to the other. (There’s a European Server and a North America Server.) It does make it tricky but with the huge learning curve there will be quite a few stutters and starts for a good number of players. All round, the game looks like its going to be mega. We love the idea of charging round with our specially tailored characters as well as having friends to trade and create new items with. In addition to this, if you have friends that each specialise in a type of crafting all round means that together you’ll be a powerhouse to watch on the titles console release date 9th June 2015. We really can’t wait to embark and we’ll see you in Cyrodiil.
Release Date: 05/03/15 Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books SYNOPSIS:
Tristia is a nation overcome by intrigue and corruption. The idealistic young King Paelis is dead and the Greatcoats - legendary travelling magistrates who brought justice to the Kingdom - have been branded as traitors. But just before his head was impaled on a spike, the King swore each of his hundred and forty-four Greatcoats to a different mission.
Falcio Val Mond, First Cantor, with the help of fellow Greatcoats Kest and Brasti, has completed his King's final task: he has found his Charoites - well, one at least, and she was not quite what they expected. Now they must protect the girl from the many who would see her dead, and place her on the throne of a lawless kingdom. That would be simple enough, if it weren't for the Daishini, an equally legendary band of assassins, getting in their way, not to forget the Dukes who are determined to hold on to their fractured Kingdoms, or the fact that the heir to the throne is only thirteen years old. Oh, and the poison that is slowly killing Falcio.
That's not even mentioning the Greatcoat's Lament...
REVIEW:
The latest book in Sebastien’s Great Coat series and one that continues to work the authors magic in his not only imaginative world but one that is very well built. The characters are crisp, have a believability about them and when added to a plot that is not only thoroughly engrossing but also needs you leaving more all round generates a title tha tis nigh impossible to put down.
All round a cracking series and one that really gives the reader what they want in a fantasy world. Another serious hit for the Jo Fletcher stable. Cracking.
Release Date: 01/01/15 Publisher: Headline SYNOPSIS:
EMPIRE is the follow-up to CONQUEST in the epic Chronicles of the Invaders trilogy by John Connolly and Jennifer Ridyard. As captivating as Pittacus Lore's I AM NUMBER FOUR; as vividly realised as Veronica Roth's DIVERGENT. She is the trophy of a civilization at war with itself. He is its rebel captive. Separated by millions of light years, they will fight to be united. And they will risk everything to make their world - all worlds - right again.
REVIEW:
The new novel in the Chronicles of the Invaders series and whilst I loved the original I’m always a little apprehensive of the second outing purely for the fact that with most novels being part of a trilogy, its usually the second that not only lacks pace but also loses things a little in order to give the third and final part a real kickass plotline.
So what do you get from this title?
Whilst it is a little slow to start with and with what felt like something that was out of sorts with what occurred within the original, the reader is treated to an overall arc that not only adds new life to the world with characters but also one that helps to build upon what’s gone before. It has a solid arc, and whilst the pace does suffer within in parts, the overall pieces go on to make a greater whole that really does bring you in. It is a reasonable enough release and whilst it will leave you wanting more, the wait for the third instalment is going to keep you guessing which for me is a good part of the fun.
Release Date: 12/02/15 Publisher: Head of Zeus SYNOPSIS:
She's only alive because he thinks she's already dead...Everyone in the quiet Jersey Shore town of Silver Bay knows the story: on a Sunday evening in September 1991, Ramsey Miller threw a block party, then murdered his beautiful wife and three-year-old daughter and disappeared...But everyone is wrong. Ramsey's daughter got away. Meg, now known as Melanie, has lived in isolation, protected by her adoptive aunt and uncle. Now she is nearly eighteen and sick of hiding. Melanie's determined to confront her father, but can she find him before he finds her?
REVIEW:
I do love some time with a cracking crime thriller and whilst some titles can be hit or miss, this one at the completion of the read, left me feeling meh!. It was a title that was an OK read but it really didn’t deliver much for me as a reader, yes I liked the concept, yes I liked some of the characters, however the book’s pace sadly didn’t do much for me. I found it a lacklustre and when added to an overall plot that really didn’t deliver (in much the same way that some films have a way better trailer than the actual product) all round left me feeling that it’s a middle of the road book. Sadly, I’d recommend borrowing this from your local library, however if you’re at a loss for something to do, there are worse titles out there.
Release Date: 10/03/15 Publisher: Gollancz SYNOPSIS:
Justina Robson (acclaimed author of NATURAL HISTORY, LIVING NEXT DOOR TO THE GOD OF LOVE and the Quantum Gravity series) is back with a cutting-edge novel of science, adventure and ideas. On a world where science and magic are hard to tell apart, a stranger arrives in a remote town with news of political turmoil to come. And a young woman learns that she must free herself from the role she has accepted. Always vivid, always full of stunning ideas and imagery, Justina Robson is the ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD shortlisted author of some of our most exciting, yet philosophical SF. A new novel from her is a major event in the SF calendar.
REVIEW:
I’ve been a fan of Justina since I read her Quantum Gravity series which was not only slick but well thought out with some cracking characters and of course a real kickass plot. So that’s pretty much what I expected from this, her brand new novel.
What unfurls within is a book that has a cracking overall arc, a solid plotline and whilst I was more than surprised with the opening sequences (oh my, so much sex), overall the book worked very well on the whole. As expected the pace was decent, the characters (whilst they took a while to get used to) became friends and overall, I was left wanting more. I really can’t wait to see what Justina hits with on the second title in this series.
Release Date: 26/12/14 Publisher: Gollancz SYNOPSIS:
In her 35th novel, science fiction master Sheri S. Tepper boldly weaves together the storylines of eleven of her previous works - from KING'S BLOOD FOUR (1983) to THE WATERS RISING (2010) In FISH TAILS, two of Tepper's beloved characters - Abasio and Xulai (A PLAGUE OF ANGELS and THE WATERS RISING) - and their children travel from village to village scattered across the sparsely populated land of Tingawa. They are searching for others who might be interested in adopting their sea-dwelling lifestyle. Along their journey they encounter strange visitors from the far-off world of Lom, characters from Tepper's nine-book True Game series of novels - Mavin Manyshaped, Jinian Star-eye, and Silkhands the Healer - all of whom have been gathered up by an interfering, time-traveling, rule-breaking do-gooder to do one last good dead on earth before its metamorphosis is complete. For the waters are rising and will soon engulf the entire planet, transforming it utterly and irrevocably.
REVIEW:
The latest outing for a number of characters from previous tales and sadly for me, one that left me feeling pretty flat as I felt that a lot of potential wasn’t met within. The prose was flat, the pace missing and overall when you add characters that felt more like bare bones than what has gone before, all round left me feeling very disappointed. If you feel the need to read this, then I suggest borrowing from your library or waiting until it hits the cheap book shops.
Release Date: 19/03/15 Publisher: Atom SYNOPSIS:
ON BEHALF OF QUEEN, COUNTRY ...AND THE PERFECT POT OF TEA When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Crumpet and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?
REVIEW:
The new book in the delightfully addictive Viral’s series that has had me glued (as well as my Mum) from the very beginning.
Ah the latest title from Gail Carriger and one that more than hits the spot for readers who have loved her previous work under the Parasol Protectorate. Here within this title is a brand new heroine for a new time and one that more than meets the match of any set against her. She’s quirky, she has brains and above all else, with a different time, the world flourishes anew.
Add to the authors deliciously dark and delightful humour breaking through alongside some cracking dialogue as well as a top notch support cast and all round I was a more than happy reader. Cracking.
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, We're huge fans of Mortal Kombat here and whilst we're fighting it out at the moment, the review is going to have to wait for a short time as both Lady Eleanor and I fight the good fight with our Faction.
OK, so with five to choose from, you're probably wondering which way we went, so we thought we'd have a bit of fun and reveal our own choices and why. So who did we go with? Well today, we're proud to announce that Lady E and I are:
Lin Kuei. After all, if you're going to get such a cool name as Forest Demons how can you not go with them? In all honesty, we loved the idea from their mini ad, after all how can you not?
Anyway, hope to see you on the battlefield and if you're not with us, you're against us. Prepare to fight. Prepare to die... Mortal Kombat style. LOL Gareth and Lady Eleanor
Release Date: 26/03/15 Publisher: Cornerstone Publishing SYNOPSIS:
Boxing day, late shift. On duty: Flub, Dullas, Vince and Thrush. The new guy: Sergeant Martin Finch. What begins as a routine shift policing a football match rapidly descends into chaos. But how far will new guy Martin go to fit in? One thing is for certain: the lives of everyone on the Ugly Bus - and the life of a young woman drawn into their orbit - will change for ever.
REVIEW:
The new book in the delightfully addictive Viral’s series that has had me glued (as well as my Mum) from the very beginning.
If you want a crime novel that’s very different then you have to take a ride on Mike’s quirky and delightfully dark “Ugly Bus.” It has some great characters, top notch prose and when added to the humour alongside an overall arc that really does keep the pages turning generates a book that is hard to put down.
All round a thoroughly enjoyable title that was a pure joy to read and one that has really turned me on to Mike’s writing so much so that future titles will move up the TBR pile very quickly. Cracking.
Release Date: 26/03/15 Publisher: Conerstone Publishing SYNOPSIS:
This is a terrifying new Virals adventure for Tory Brennan - great niece of Dr Temperance Brennan - and the Virals team as they come face to face with their greatest enemy. From the producer of the hit TV series Bones and No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the Temperance Brennan series. Tory Brennan and the Virals are forced to confront the existence of a rival pack - The Trinity - who wants them off the scene - declaring war by engraving 'One Territory. One Pack' on a local landmark. What's more this pack's powers seem stronger and their eyes glow red rather than golden when they flare. Chance Claybourne, who now owns his father's pharmaceutical company, shares The Trinity's powers - he accidentally infected himself and his ex-lab tech Will Speckman. Chance claims he's on Virals' side but can they trust him? And if Speckman is one of The Trinity, who are the other two? As the tension mounts between the two packs an even greater threat looms. Covert government agents are closing in on them, determined to find out exactly how their powers work, to experiment on them. Have The Trinity pack given them Virals to save themselves? Or are both packs at risk?
REVIEW:
The new book in the delightfully addictive Viral’s series that has had me glued (as well as my Mum) from the very beginning.
As you’d expect the plotline is fast moving, the characters a sheer joy to hang around and when added to a story arc that really does keep on giving for the reader will leave you in no doubt that Kathy’s UF series has serious legs for readers.
Back this up with some great dialogue, a few twists and all round, you’ll have a great time. Just don’t blame me for lost sleep or for a sick day due to exhaustion. LOL
Release Date: 14/08/14 Publisher: Ebury Press SYNOPSIS:
Everybody loves a ghost story...The heir to Axton House and his companion are delighted to find themselves living in one. With it come nightmares, a secret society and a curse. A ghost may soon be the least of their worries. Part ghost story, part cerebral mystery, this is a dazzling and wholly original supernatural adventure.
REVIEW:
This is a book that I’ve had on the back burner for quite a while and whilst I’ve been reading away like a demon, its one that whilst I liked the idea, I always felt that I had something better to sit down with so it just stayed pretty much where it was in the TBR pile.
Finally I’ve managed to make my way through to it and upon starting, thought that my initial retisense to start was fully justified as I had a bit of trouble picking up the prose and getting into it. That however was until after a few chapters when I found that I couldn’t put it down. I loved the quirky characters, the twists that the author threw at you and when added to some cracking dialogue that kept you fed alongside some top notch “factual” pieces to back up the information all round generates a book that was a sheer joy to read. I’ll have to make sure that I don’t make this mistake again.
Release Date: 14/08/14 Publisher: Rebellion SYNOPSIS:
New York Times best selling author Dan Abnett is to write an original novel set in the world of his hit 2000 AD comics series Kingdom. Co-written with Nik Vincent, Fiefdom is set one hundred years after the events of Kingdom, in which a genetically-engineered dog-soldiers fought giant marauding insects in a post-apocalyptic future. Kingdom took us to the isolated wastelands of the southern hemisphere, where Gene the Hackman and his fellow Aux listen to the voices of The Masters as humanity hibernates, awaiting the destruction of the alien Them. In Fiefdom the action moves into the northern hemisphere, where Them are now a folk memory and the Aux war with one another in the ruins of what was once Berlin. Inspired by the legends of Gene, young Evelyn War begins to question the Aux's situation as she hears the first rumours about the return of Them...
REVIEW:
If you want a dark futuristic novel that brings war, a bleak outlook and of course kickass characters to the fore, then the odds are you’ve read Dan Abnett’s work before. Here within this title it brings all that and of course an arc that brings fantastical elements to the fore as a world struggles to find itself after shattering events.
Its definitely a title that gives you food for thought, it’s one that keeps you guessing and when added to an overall arc that has plenty more to keep you fuelled all round gives you a series to become glued for.
Release Date: 28/09/14 Publisher: Random House Children's SYNOPSIS:
Ghosts and ghouls beware! London's smallest, shabbiest and most talented psychic detection agency is back. Life is never exactly peaceful for Lockwood & Co. Lucy and George are trying to solve the mystery of the talking skull trapped in their ghost jar, while Lockwood is desperate for an exciting new case. Things seem to be looking up when the team is called to Kensal Green Cemetery to investigate the grave of a sinister Victorian doctor. Strange apparitions have been seen there, and the site must be made safe. As usual, Lockwood is confident; as usual, everything goes wrong - a terrible phantom is unleashed, and a dangerous object is stolen from the coffin. Lockwood & Co must recover the relic before its power is unleashed, but it's a race against time. Their obnoxious rivals from the Fittes agency are also on the hunt. And if that's not bad enough, the skull in the ghost-jar is stirring again...
REVIEW:
If you have a young reader that loves a good scare, cracking Urban Fantasy and a mystery then you really have to let them loose on Jonathan Stroud’s Lockwood and Co series. Whilst this is the second outing for the company, it gives readers cracking prose, top notch characters and of course a mystery that keeps you glued from the first page to the last.
Its definitely a series that has generated a lot of fun in my house and whilst its mainly meant for readers in the double digits, I read this to one of my nephews just before bed each night. He couldn’t wait for the sessions, so much so that he quickly ran upstairs to get ready without any cajoling and for me, that’s a sign of a great read.
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, Its Fantasy sports with less of the sports and more of the gore, pustules, mutilation and of course deaths, so what are you going to do?
That's right sports fans, find your team, cheer them on and let the mayhem commence as the Warhammer World once again takes to the astro-turf for a bit of vengeance, scoring and of course glory as old rivalries are settled under the banner of sportmanship.
Of course its never going to be nice, its not going to be pretty but hey, when you see the opponents team mangled into the dirt (and as you dance on thier faces with your spiked boots) you can't help but get enthused.
Back this up with dirty tricks, hugely bribable refs, some real hard hitters and of course a team for all tastes, you know that its going to be a bloodbath.
We hope you'll celebrate with us (on the 29th May 2015 when its released) as we bathe in our foes tears (be they due to defeat or the pain we inflict.) Gareth and Lady Eleanor
