NEWS: Five Days of Christmas: 5 Book Genre Recommendations (from Falcata Times)

Hail Mighty Readers,
Well this is our first of our Five Days of Christmas (yes we know we’re early but we wanted to give you shopping time in case of finding something that you like) and as such we thought that it would be pretty good to do five recommendations per genre of books reviewed by Falcata Times. As such we hope that you can find a title or two of interest for the bibliophile in your life.

We hope everyone has a great holiday season and here’s our massive list of top fives:

Art and Crafts Books:
Drew Stuzan - Oeuvre
Creating Comics - Start to Finish - Buddy Scalera
Fräulein - Ellen von Unwerth
Stitch with Love - Mandy Shaw
The Songwriters Guide - Writers Digest

Crime:
The Silent Girl - Tess Gerritsen
The Dead Witness - Ed Michael Sims
A Fear of Dark Water - Craig Russell
Death Sentence - Mikkel Birkegaard
The Quarry - Johan Theorin


Cuisine:
Hawkmoor at Home - Huw Gott, Dan Lepard
PieMinister - Tristan Hogg and Jon Simon
Perfect: 68 Essential Recipes - Felicity Cloake
Hairy Bikers - Perfect Pies - Hairy Bikers
Perfect Slow Cooking - Elizabeth Brown


Fantasy:
The Heroes - Joe Abercrombie
The Straight Razor Cure - Daniel Polansky
The Fallen Blade - Jon Courtenay Grimwood
Conan's Brethren - Robert E Howard
The Crippled God - Steven Erikson


Historical Fiction:
The Clash of Empires: The Great Siege - William Napier
The Long War 2: Marathon - Christian Cameron
Agent of Rome: The Siege - Nick Brown
Outlander 7: An Echo in Time - Diana Gabaldon
Lady of Hay - Barbara Erskine


Misc:
The Spirit of the Sword - Steve Shackleford
Early Firearms 1300-1800 - Michael Spencer
Crooked Talk - Jonathan Green
Making Craft Cider - Simon McKie
Booze for Free - Andy Hamilton


Science Fiction:
Chemical Garden: Wither - Lauren DeStefano
World Wide Web 3: Wonder - Robert J Sawyer
Embassytown - China Mieville
Embedded - Dan Abnett
The Subteranean War: Germline - TC McCarthy


Thriller:
The Lion - Nelson DeMille
The Affair - Lee Child
The Nosferatu Scroll - James Becker
The Silenced - Brett Battles
Blood Counts - Robert Goddard


Urban Fantasy:
Zombie Autopsy - Dr Steven C Schlozman
Deadtown 3: Bloodstone - Nancy Holzner
Dresden Files: Ghost Story - Jim Butcher
The Iron Druid: Hounded - Kevin Hearne
Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch


Lady Eleanor Top Books:
Choices Inside Out - Robert Lasardo
Rose West: Making of a Monster - Jane Carter Woodrow
The Confessions of Catherine De Medici - CW Gortner
The Exorcist - William Peter Blatty
The Ritual - Adam G Neville


Tune in for the next few days to see other recommendations,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

DVD REVIEW: Conan - Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan

Release Date:

SYNOPSIS:

When a powerful force of supernatural evil threatens to destroy Hyboria, legendary Cimmerian warrior Conan (Jason Momoa) raises his sword against mythical monsters and treacherous enemies. Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan, Stephen Lang, and Rachel Nichols co-star in a sweeping fantasy adventure based on the character created by Robert E. Howard, and directed by Marcus Nispel (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, FRIDAY THE 13TH).


REVIEW:

OK, I love a good fantasy film so when I heard about the new Conan I had to see it. I love a film where they rely on few CG’s and whilst this wasn’t the biggest of budgets they did themselves proud with a film that will appeal to fans of not only the Barbarian but combat heavy films.

Jason Momoa works well in the title role and I have to give kudos to Leo Howard (the actor who played Young Conan) for helping to bring it to the audience. Add to this a reasonable plot, and a storyline that felt that it had a lot in common with the source material and I was a very happy movie watcher (although there are places within where it is a little patchy.) Which when added to some decent DVD featurettes and on the whole I was very pleased.

Finally please be aware that this title is full of gore and that it’s 15 for a reason. Yes there’s the odd shot of topless ladies but with the splattering of chopped off body parts it’s definitely something to be aware of, especially if you’re aware of the Conan Cartoon.

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Blood of Aenarion - William King

Release Date: 08/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

The twins Tyrion and Teclis are the greatest high elf heroes still to walk the earth. They are as different to one another as darkness and light.

Tyrion is an unparalleled swordsman, a superlative warrior and tactician from birth. He inspires courage and loyalty in those around him. Champion of the Everqueen, he is Ulthuan’s greatest protector.

Teclis’s gift is magic. The greatest natural sorcerer of the age, his power rivals that of fabled Caledor. Wise councillor of the high elves, Teclis was amongst those who first taught magic to the race of men and gave them the means to defend themselves against Chaos.

From their humble origin in the wild lands of Chrace, Tyrion and Teclis were meant for a great destiny. They come from the line of Aenarion, the first king of Ulthuan and cursed champion of that magical island.

When the Witch King Malekith learns of the twins’ existence their lives are imperilled and they are taken to Lothern for their protection and to learn the arts of war.


REVIEW:

I have to admit that I originally came across William’s writing a good number of years ago with the first Felix and Gotrek novel and fell in love with it. So when I heard that he was writing a new series for the Black Library I was not only happy but also looking forward to see what would arrive. Especially when I learned he was dealing with two of the pointy eared ones greatest heroes in the Warhammer Universe, Tyrion and Teclis.

It’s a cracking story, woven with top notch prose, solid dragon flight pace and of course gives the reader all the glory and blood that they would want in a tale. It fits the universe well, the characters are solid and approachable for the reader and when you throw into the mix heroes that have flaws alongside great courage, it’s a title that fans have been clamouring for this epic duo for years. Magical.

DVD REVIEW: The Smurfs

Release Date: 08/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours--in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down.

REVIEW:

OK, I was at a loose end today so when the Smurfs film landed I thought, that I’d give it a go, especially as I have fond memories of my Smurf House, collecting the little blue creatures, from the Petrol Station (with Tokens, yes you know you do too, LOL) and of course fond memories of the comics.


So whilst I realised that a lot must happen to help bring it to a more modern audience, I did hope that some of my favourites were present as well as giving the viewer a little something special with some of the newer cast. Well, this adaptation has something for everyone, peril, adventure and of course Gargamel trying as usual and failing miserably. Add to this the wonderfully animated cat, the usual cast of Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brains backed with Grumpy, Clumsy (our tales hero) with the cracking Kilt Clad Gutsy Smurf (who was my personal favourite, voiced by Alan Cummings.)

Whilst the story is simplistic with the moral of staying true to your heart, it’s a sentiment that works well for the modern audience and when you add peril, places that the viewer will recognise and a whole host of hilarious chaotic encounters, it’s a story that will endear itself to the younger viewer. Great fun all in and let no Smurf be left behind.

Finally to bring things up to date, here’s the link to the fun launch at Tower Bridge that we told you about last week.

SCIENCE FICTION AUDIO BOOK REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Talon and Thorn - Dan Abnett

Release Date: 08/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

Thorn and Talon is available as a two-disk CD set or as an MP3 download. It contains three separate audio dramas featuring Inquisitors Eisenhorn and Ravenor.
Master Imus's Transgression

Master Imus, a mild-mannered clerk, has a confession to make - he has unwittingly conspired in a crime. Inquisitor Eisenhorn investigates, and finds that the trail laid by this unassuming servant of the Imperium leads to unexpected places and a dangerous showdown.
Regia Occulta

On a world wracked by storms, Inquisitor Eisenhorn investigates a series of bizarre murders. Aided by local officials and using arcane methods of detection, Eisenhorn must decipher the secret of Regia Occulta and stop the bestial killer before it strikes again.
Thorn Wishes Talon

Inquisitor Ravenor travels to a distant world, summoned by a mysterious message. Attacked by vicious Chaos cultists, Ravenor's faithful companions battle to survive, to meet their mysterious correspondent and to discover the meaning behind the message: Thorn Wishes Talon.


REVIEW:

A cracking two disk Audio Book featuring stories written by Dan Abnett and wonderfully produced by Heavy Studio’s. It’s well written, the vocal talent does the job well and all in it’s a great way to spend some time with the Inquisition care of Eisenhorn and Ravenor. Add to this solid script, cracking dialogue and of course three tales that you can dip into for short periods and it’s a cracking title all round. I hope that more of these short tales are produced as it’s a great way to eke out excitement of the first listening for quite a while. Great stuff.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Alex Craft 1: Grave Witch - Kalayna Price

Release Date: 08/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

Just because Grave Witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, doesn't mean she has to like what they have to say . . .

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she's on good terms with Death himself, nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high-profile murder when she's attacked by the ghost she is raising - which should be impossible. Then, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, thwarted only by Death's intervention. You know you're having a bad day when Death is saving your life . . .

To solve this case, Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Andrews seems to be hiding something, although it's certainly not his dislike of Alex. Despite all that, Alex is going to need his help to navigate the tangled webs of real-world and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex not just her life, but also her soul . . .


REVIEW:

I love a new Urban Fantasy title, especially when its backed with a fresh face as you’re never quite sure what’s going to appear within those sleek crisp white pages. What Kalanya presented was a world of enchantment and powers, of political machinations as well as groups that I could see springing up and of course a lead character that was a lot of fun to be around, despite all the scrapes she ended up in.

It’s cleverly woven, has touches of Chalaine Harris’ Harper Connolly as well as Trent Jamieson’s Steven De Selby. Add to this crisp prose, a unique take on what its like to summon the deceased as well as the decay it brings within our own world and it was a title that I had a hard time putting down, especially with the romance element added to sizzle those pages as the two characters resisted their own attraction. All in a great bit of fun and I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

CRIME THRILLER REVIEW: Already Gone - John Rector

Release Date: 08/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

Jake Reese is an ordinary guy with an ordinary job, trying to block out the memory of his violent past by planning for the future with his new wife, Diane. But the past has a habit of refusing to stay buried...When two men attack Jake in a car park and cut off his ring finger, he tries to dismiss it as an unlucky case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But when events take a more sinister turn and Diane goes missing, Jake knows he can no longer hide from the truth. As he embarks on a mission to find Diane, Jake finds himself dragged back into the life he thought he had walked away from forever and the days ahead begin to unfold in terrifying ways...


REVIEW:

The third release by John Rector and one hell of a crime thriller as threads from the principle characters past and present come together for an explosive combination. It’s well written, the lead character, one that the reader can associate with and as the novel wends its merry way, you can see the darker half of Jake Reese reassert itself as he needs it to survive whats coming.

Its real edge of your seat stuff and the story really doesn’t let up from the start to the end. Finally add to this decent prose, cracking dialogue and a character that the reader can really get behind and its clearly demonstrates an author who clearly plots where he wants to go but allows the character enough freedom to get there their own way. Top notch.

NEWS: Gollancz Launch Two Boxed Treats for Christmas

Hail Mighty Readers,
So you've just got caught out, someones asked you what you want for Christmas and that list of yours is empty after having already passed it to friends and family. Alas that Girl/Boy/friend/Wife/Husband, has left it to the last minute and you don't know what you want.

Luckily for you our friends at Gollancz have just let us know about these two beautiful boxed editions. Yes we can hear the salivation from our bookish friends already so feast your eyes on these. Here's the publisher blurb:

The perfect gift: all ten Sookie Stackhouse paperbacks in one sexy boxset with brand new artwork. A must have for fans of HBO's TRUE BLOOD series!

The must-have novels which inspired HBO's hit series TRUE BLOOD! Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress in a little bar in Bon Temps, a small town deep in Louisiana. She's funny and pretty and well-mannered, but she doesn't have that many close friends - mind you, that's not so surprising when you consider how few people can appreciate her abilities as a mind-reader. It's not a quality that has the guys beating down her door - well, unless they're vampires or werewolves or the like… but they're not just supernatural freaks, some of them are friends, even family.

The box contains: Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas, Club Dead, Dead to the World, Dead as a Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, From Dead to Worse, Dead and Gone, Dead in the Family.

Brandon Sanderson's superb epic fantasy trilogy, available together in a great value boxed set.

A boxed set of the landmark fantasy from Brandon Sanderson, the man credited with breathing fresh life into Robert Jordan's WHEEL OF TIME.

An epic fantasy set in a world where the Dark Lord has gained dominion over the world.

A world of ash and pain. A world subjugated. But a world where magic can be drawn from metals. A world waiting for a new heroine, a new hope.

A word of mouth bestseller in the USA, Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy have now become a massive hit in the UK, introducing readers to the work of one of the genre's great talents. A master of world-building, sweeping plots, believable characters and engrossing magic systems.

We hope we've helped you out of a sticky situation.

Gareth and Lady Eleanor.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Theme Planet - Andy Remic

Release Date: 08/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

It’s better than sex! It’s better than drugs! If you haven’t been sick yet, you soon will be...

Welcome to Theme Planet, an entire alien world dedicated to insane rides, excessive hedonism and dangerous adventure. Operated by the Monolith Corporation, Theme Planet is the No. 1 destination for fun-seeking human holidaymakers Galaxy-Wide! Amba Miskalov is an Anarchy Android, an assassin/torture model fitted with a Quantell Systems v4.7 KillChip. She is beautiful, merciless and deadly, and blends perfectly with her human superiors. Sent to Theme Planet on a dangerous assassination mission, Amba stumbles upon a plot to undermine and destroy Earth’s all-powerful Oblivion Government – and its Ministers of Joy. But Amba is twisted, damaged and decadent – and this rebellion poses Amba a problem: to remain loyal to her creators and tormentors, to support the enemy – or annihilate them all.



REVIEW:

Here we have a new title from Andy where the idea originated back in 1995 which expounds not only the themes that he's become well known for but also a tale that is delivered with gusto, which, as usual with a Remic novel is accompanied by tight fully rounded characters and of course, in some cases, completely insane although their own form of logic does permeate through to the reader.

Add to this a kick ass plot, top notch twisted entertainment which when backed with Andy's spartanesque prose keeps the reader reaching for more to keep their own sanity intact. Finally add to the mix, great dialogue, a wonderfully rounded world and a title that keeps you guessing to the end and the reader is in for a real treat. Definitely a book to enjoy with a few beers.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Sisters of Battle 2: Hammer and Anvil - James Swallow

Release Date: 08/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

The Sisters of Battle are the Emperor's most devout worshippers, fierce warriors preaching the purity of the Imperium and scourging their enemies with bolter and flamer. On a distant world, the Ecclesiarchy outpost of Sanctuary 101 was wiped out by an implacable foe - the fearless, soulless necrons. Now, a mission of the Sisterhood has returned to reconsecrate the site - but the metallic nightmares still lurk in the darkness, guarding a secret that has lain dormant for millennia. A vicious battle will be fought - one that can only end in the total destruction of the unrelenting xenos, or the annihilation of the proud Sororitas.

REVIEW:

The second Sisters of Battle title and one that keeps the reader attached to the sisterhood that was first explored back in 2006. Whilst this novel is set in a similar time to the previous, when an author takes a break from the characters it can often be quite hard to reacquire let alone aquaint themselves with them in quite the same manner which sadly leads to a book that leaves the reader wondering if they’d been short changed as well as thinking that the author really shouldn’t have delved back as the characters were completely different. In the case of this title, that hasn’t been an issue which, for me, was a huge relief.

As usual with James’ writing its crisp, to the point, no added frills and like the sisters, battle hardened to keep the blood and glory brigade happy. Add to this a battle with the Necrons, as well as facing off against the double dealing machinations of other parties and it’s a title that really does keep you glued from the first page to the last. I look forward to sharing more of the sisters exploits in future titles.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Sisters of Battle 1: Faith and Fire - James Swallow

Release Date: 16/03/06

SYNOPSIS:

When a dangerous psychic terrorist escapes from their custody, the Sisters of Battle not only have to hunt down and recapture him, but also need to restore their honour in the eyes of their superiors. Armed with determination, faith and the best training and weaponry the Imperium has to offer, the Sisters will let nothing and nobody stand in their way.


REVIEW:

Whilst for many this title is a reread as it was originally written a few years ago, it’s great to go back and see one of the newer chapters emerging into the written word of the Warhammer 40K universe. They’re gutsy, they have conviction and when backed with a mandate and mantra that would cow lesser beings, it’s easy to see why this chapter is perhaps one of the most mysterious as well as enigmatic.

The book is well written, the characters stand out and when you add the thread of dealing with a heretical “witch” to the plot, it’s one that really is one hell of a journey to reach not only the truth at the heart of the matter but also of self-discovery for the characters involved. Well written and decent combat scenes continue throughout which works on so many levels for myself. Great stuff.

FACTUAL REVIEW: Breverton's Complete Herbal - Terry Breverton

Release Date: 29/09/11

SYNOPSIS:

Nicholas Culpeper's The English Physitian: or an Astrologo-physical Discourse of the Vulgar Herbs of This Nation is more commonly known as Culpeper's Complete Herbal. It was first printed in September 1653 (Culpeper died in January 1654) and immediately became a classic reference that is as fascinating today as it was over 350 years ago. Breverton's Complete Herbal is a reworking of Culpeper's classic text for a modern day audience. Arranged alphabetically, this book describes over 250 herbs and spices as well as feature entries on scented herb/medicinal gardens, the great herbalists and New World Herbs not included in Culpepper's original text. Each entry provides a description of the herb: its appearance and botanical features, a brief history of its uses in medicine, dyeing and cuisine to bizarre remedies and concoctions designed to get rid of all manner of real and imaginary ailements. As informative as it is entertaining, this incredibly diverse compendium contains just about everything you'll ever need to know about the properties and provenance of herbs and spices of the world. From amara dulcis to yarrow, all-heal to viper's bugloss, Breverton's Complete Herbal is a modern day treasury of over 250 herbs and their uses.


REVIEW:

This is a strange and unusual book as the purpose for which I’m going to be recommending it may seem a little alien to a lot of readers but before that lets take a look at it.

What this book does is bring a lot of the plants that we take for granted and explains their uses in traditional sense, it has hand-drawn images that help bring the subject to life, has a historical reference and then lets you know what it does whilst being set out alphabetically for the reader to find the plant without any real problems. What this does is educate as well as fascinate the reader and for me finding out some of this information is invaluable as it gives you a little something else trivia wise that will stay with you for a while.

For that reason, I’m recommending this title to writers. Why? Well how many times have you been writing a sequence and suddenly thought how would they fix x or y or what plants could treat 1, 2 or 3? Well if you’re me, quite a lot as its information that is useful to further the story whether its fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction or just a character stranded in the wilderness.

All in this was a fascinating book and one that if you look at it a little differently will open up a great many possibilities.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Fever 3: Faefever - Karen Marie Moning

Release Date: 10/11/11

SYNOPSIS:

Recommended by Charlaine Harris, author of the series that inspired HBO's hit series TRUE BLOOD, this new #1 Bestselling series will take readers by storm! He calls me his Queen of the Night. I'd die for him. I'd kill for him, too. When MacKayla Lane receives a page torn from her dead sister's journal, she is stunned by Alina's desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister's killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil that it corrupts anyone who touches it. Mac's quest for the Sinsar Dubh takes her into the mean, shapeshifting streets of Dublin, with a suspicious cop on her tail. Forced into a dangerous triangle of alliance with V'lane, a lethal Fae prince, and Jericho Barrons, a man of deadly secrets, Mac is soon locked in a battle for her body, mind, and soul.


REVIEW:

I’ve become a fan of Karen’s since I started the Fever series currently being reprinted by Gollancz, month by month, so when this latest title landed I couldn’t wait to get my hands upon it. Sitting down (and taking a break from Skyrim) I grabbed the title, pulled my blanket round and sat down with my tankard of mead (appropriately Bunratty) to enjoy a cracking Urban Fantasy set in Ireland.

What unfurled within was a book that took its time to get going and spent a lot of time revising the events from previous titles, which considering that I’d only read them recently left me feeling a little cheated, almost as if the author didn’t have enough material to have the full book on its own, yet as it developed we started getting additional elements that helped Mac, the principle character grow. The reminders were there so that you could see how far she’s developed and then it adds real spice and fear for the reader as the story unfurls with the choices that she makes bringing consequences that she’ll have to learn to live with.

As with the others, its cleverly done, the plot line is wonderfully inventive and when you add the authors own personal voice alongside great prose and cracking pace (for the later part of the novel) it’s a book that gives the reader a little lull before the real storm hits.

CUISINE REVIEW: Heston Blumenthal at Home - Heston Blumenthal

Release Date: 03/10/11

SYNOPSIS:

Until now, home cooking has remained stubbornly out of touch with technological development but Heston Blumenthal, champion of the scientific kitchen, is set to change all that with his radical new book. With meticulous precision, he explains what the most effective techniques are and why they work. Heston's instructions are precise and easy to follow, with lots of helpful tips, and each chapter is introduced with an explanation of Heston's approach to 1) Stocks 2) Soups 3) Starters 4) Salads 5) Meat 6) Fish 7) Sous-vide 8) Pasta and grains 9) Cheese 10) Sides and condiments 11) Ices 12) Desserts and sweets 13) Biscuits, snacks and drinks. Recipes include Green bean and radish salad; Prawn cocktail; Roast chicken; Shepherd's pie; Sea bass with vanilla butter; Liquorice poached salmon; Carbonara; The ultimate cheese toastie; Strawberry sundae; Liquid centre chocolate pudding and Raspberry sherbert. And, of course, Heston's famous Triple-cooked chips. Heston Blumenthal at Home will change the way you think about cooking forever - prepare for a culinary revolution!


REVIEW:

Heston is often seen as the mad scientist of the culinary world and yet the recipes that he comes up with work on so many levels. This book is a title about getting the best taste and flavour from each of the individual ingredients with each recipe. He has simple tests to help demonstrate his point and he also helps the reader make something spectacular out of a lot of everyday ingredients.

Add to this the use of things like thermometers whilst cooking, he states that it might seem high tech but it takes the guesswork out of making sure that the star of the meal is cooked to perfection rather than praying to the culinary gods that its done to a T.
Finally add to the mix a whole host of everyday classics as well as his own take on some special items (such as salmon fillet with a liquorice jelly, yes I know it sounds weird but it’s a beautiful combination) and the reader gets a whole new range of things that they may never have dreamed of, including great recipes for core staples of the kitchen like Homemade stocks.

All in its weird, its wonderful and it’s a book that I’ll enjoy trying things from again and again, which when added with the odd madcap science to try for yourself such as the Ice Cream made with Dry Ice (and yes Heston does let you know where to get it.) and it’s a cracking book all round. I really can’t wait to try it all, which at the end of the day, is what every chef wants.

MUSIC REFERENCE: Queen: Complete Works - Georg Purvis

Release Date: 27/10/11

SYNOPSIS:

Clashing together outrageous musical influences and extravagantly visual imagery, Queen's place in history as the greatest glam band of all is rock solid. Georg Purvis' meticulous, session-by-session, song-by-song, album-by-album, tour-by-tour record of the band's progress is the complete reference source that fans have been waiting for. If you love 'the Champions of Rock', it's all here.


REVIEW:

This is the Titan reprinted version of Georg’s 2007 book of the same name printed by Reynolds and Haim, so if you own that copy already, the odds are you won’t want this new one as there isn’t anything new to add. However if you have a Queen fan in your home that doesn’t own a copy, this one is a delightful trip through the albums as well as individual tracks so that the reader knows the bands full history and trivia in regard to the groups work together and as individuals.

Sadly there are no illustrations in this version (not even album covers) but the sheer volume of information makes this an invaluable piece for the Queen Collector. A decent book all in and one that will have pride of place on my shelves next to my own Queen albums. (Yes I’m that old. LOL)

URBAN FANTASY ROMANCE REVIEW: Lords of Deliverance 2: Immortal Rider - Larissa Ione

Release Date: 01/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to usher in Doomsday ...or prevent it. Sexy, powerful and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She's been marked as Satan's bride and her jealous fiance wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself - and everyone else - safe is to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she's kept ...or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human. Arik Wagner knows the saying 'love hurts' better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he's topside, Arik realises that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smouldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?


REVIEW:

The second book in the Lords of Deliverance series and one that continues to build upon Larissa’s success as an author as she continues to bring vulnerability, love and of course passion to the fore within her remarkable worlds. As with her previous work it is addictive, the characters have a real touch of humanity about them and whilst there’s a lot of the supernatural bounding around, it’s the human condition of the players concerned that keeps the reader glued from start to finish.

What makes this one really stand out for me is an old saying, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Well lets rewrite that, Hell hath no fury like Satan scorned and that’s just for starters as our lead heroine goes against her upbringing, her world and all for the love of one man. Finally add to this an interesting perspective for the reader to follow, characters that you just can’t help but route for and of course all tied up in a fast paced identifiable writing style and the reader will be sated by the titles end. Cracking.

NEWS: The Smurfs Invade Tower Bridge

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at DnA have let us know that they're going to have a smurftastic time at Tower Bridge on Sunday 4th December.

After all the worlds largest inflatable Smurf will be in attendance to help promote the release of the DVD. Theres going to be loads of fun, plenty of blue people (although that could be due to the cold LOL) and a whole host of fun and games to be had.

So if you're in the area and fancy hanging out with "Big Blue" then the fun begins at 12pm.

URBAN FANTASY ROMANCE REVIEW: Demonica 4: Ecstasy Unveiled - Larissa Ione

Release Date: 01/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

Lore is a Seminus half-breed demon who has been forced to act as his master's assassin. Now to earn his freedom and save his sister's life, he must complete one last kill. Powerful and ruthless, he'll stop at nothing to carry out this deadly mission. Idess is an earthbound angel with a wild side sworn to protect the human Lore is targeting. She's determined to thwart her wickedly handsome adversary by any means necessary - even if that means risking her vow of eternal chastity. But what begins as a simple seduction soon turns into a passion that leaves both angel and demon craving complete surrender. Torn between duty and desire, Lore and Idess must join forces as they battle their attraction for each other. Because an enemy from the past is rising again - one hell-bent on vengeance and unthinkable destruction.


REVIEW:

The fourth instalment and one that fans have been demanding for a little while now. Within these sumptuous pages is a rich story that takes the reader on a tale of danger, of temptation, mystery and above all else love as the two principle characters Lore and Idess undertake a mission against an enemy from the past.

It has great pace, the characters are identifiable and of course difficult to put down as the key characters sizzle against each other throughout. Finally add to this a story that will stay with the reader for quite some time, some of the errors within will be forgiven such as the annoying Sin (who returns in the next book as one of the main cast members.) Whether she’ll do well we’ll have to wait and see but so far this series has been one excellent book after another.