CUISINE REVIEW: Jamie's 15 Minute Meals - Jamie Oliver

Release Date: 27/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

Following the record-breaking success of "30-Minute Meals", Britain's most-popular cookbook of all time, Jamie Oliver brings us the even-better "15-Minute Meals". This book is completely devoted to what we are asking for - super quick, tasty, nutritious food that you can eat everyday of the week. In creating these recipes Jamie's made sure they're methodical, clever, sociable, fun, with beautiful food full of big flavours. It's a classic book that will arm you with the skills to create wonderful meals, shockingly fast. He's taken inspiration from all over the world, embracing the tastes that we all love, playing on classic chicken, steak and pasta dishes, looking at Asian-inspired street food and brilliant Moroccan flavours, putting together great salads and so much more. And these are some of the quickest and easiest meals Jamie's ever done. These recipes have been tested and tested to ensure that this book is a reliable companion for you and your family


REVIEW:

In life, we tend to take a lot of things for granted, we want things done quickly and we want it ready now, so much so that we a lot of the time we reach for either the fast food menu or a micro meal from one of the supermarkets. After the success of his 30 minute meals, there were some that thought it was a little too complex and produced way too much for what the reader was really after, so now we have the 15 minute meals.

Now this builds on the success of the first and not only does that but also provides calorie counts so that you can work out a but gives you meals ready in minutes that is so quick to do that you really can’t let it go. The food tastes great, gives you options for various seasons and of course will cater to the tastes of all involved. It’s a great addition and at a time of year when we all sit there worrying about what we’re putting in, it’s a great way to make sure that we’re all getting that little bit healthier.

DVD REVIEW: Supernatural Season 7 - Warner Brother

Release Date: 05/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

This haunting series follows the Winchester brothers as they crisscross the lonely and mysterious back roads of the country in their '67 Chevy Impala, hunting down every evil supernatural force they encounter along the way. This season, something is hunting them, and they will face an enemy more canny and adaptable than any they've ever fought.

Bonus Features

3 episode commentaries
Directing the Supernatural: 7 Directors discuss the opportunities & challenges of directing Supernatural
Washboards & Tommy Guns: Scoring time after time. Composers discuss their work on the film noir homage episode time after time.
Jensen sings outtake - the unused fuller version of Jensen crooning Air Supply's I'm All Out of Love
Unaired scenes
Gag reels



REVIEW:

As huge fans of Supernatural, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on Season 7 where the Winchesters face a new major threat brought through from Purgatory in the previous series within Castiel. All emotions are gone through within this series bringing it back to a more rounded keel that for me as a viewer has been missing from some of the previous seasons

In addition to this, there’s heartache that will have the fans crying out, some light-hearted moments and a whole range of hunts that the brothers embark upon whilst dealing with their major quest.

Add to the epic 22 episodes some wonderful additions on the DVD include Jensen Singing:

A funny gag reel as well as audio commetaries which when added to a few others makes this a cracking addition to any fans collection.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: 1356 - Bernard Cornwell

Release Date: 27/09/12

SYNOPSIS:

Go with God and Fight Like the Devil. A fascinating hero and the pursuit of a sword with mythical power - this is the remarkable new novel by Britain's master storyteller, which culminates at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. The Hundred Years War rages on and the bloodiest battles are yet to be fought. Across France, towns are closing their gates, the crops are burning and the country stands alert to danger. The English army, victorious at the Battle of Crecy and led by the Black Prince, is invading again and the French are hunting them down. Thomas of Hookton, an English archer known as Le Batard, is under orders to seek out the lost sword of St Peter, a weapon said to grant certain victory to whoever possesses her. As the outnumbered English army becomes trapped near the town of Poitiers, Thomas, his men and his sworn enemies meet in an extraordinary confrontation that ignites one of the greatest battles of all time.


REVIEW:

Returning to the leading character from Bernard’s Grail Quest series, we follow Thomas of Hookton as he’s given a quest to retrieve a relic that many covet. It’s a journey that takes you on an adventure with the outnumbered English army as they try to avoid others seeking the same item as well as giving the reader a tale of combat, twists and of course the usual added detail that Bernard throws in with ease.

Add to this his usual prose, no nonsense style of combat which when backed with more light banter and character interaction allows the reader to get to know the characters again as they seek to find their answers. All in a wonderful book and one that will be reread again during my Christmas break as I journey through all the books featuring our intrepid hero. Magic.

WORLD BOOK NIGHT NEWS: The Dark Judges First Graphic Novel Chosen - Rebellion

Hail Mighty Readers,
Well, whilst its still a while to World Book Night (April 2013) we thought that we'd bring the news that may help be the salvation to not only Mega City One but to homes where reluctant readers live.  

Our friends at Rebellion have heard that The Dark Judges is to be the first Graphic novel for World Book Night.  “As one of the most iconic British brands in publishing we are absolutely delighted to be a part of World Book Night ,” said 2000 AD and Rebellion Publishing manager Ben Smith. “Not only is The Dark Judges a classic Judge Dredd story, but the role that comics can play in encouraging reading and boosting literacy is well known. I have no doubt that people who receive one of the free copies will discover a new world of amazing stories, and hopefully will develop an appetite for great British comics.”

So remember, its not so much a choice as "The Law." 

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Dorina Basarab 3: Fury's Kiss - Karen Chance

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Karen Chance continues her terrific urban fantasy series featuring the kick-ass daughter of a vampire in this sequel to Midnight's Daughter and Death's Mistress.

Karen Chance continues her terrific urban fantasy series featuring the kick-ass daughter of a vampire in this sequel to Midnight's Daughter and Death's Mistress.

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir - half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. But so far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing . . .

Dory is used to fighting hard and nasty. So when she wakes up in a strange scientific lab with a strange man standing over her, her first instinct is to take his head off. Luckily, the man is actually the master vampire Louis-Cesare, so he's not an easy kill.

It turns out that Dory had been working with a Vampire Senate task force on the smuggling of magical items and weaponry out of Faerie when she was captured and brought to the lab. But when Louis-Cesare rescues her, she has no memory of what happened to her.

To find out what was done to her - and who is behind it - Dory will have to face off with fallen angels, the maddest of mad scientists, and a new breed of vampires that are far worse than undead . . .


REVIEW:

I love books that take me on an adventure and whilst I’m fairly new to Karen’s writing I know a fair few people who have told me that I had to give her a try. And boy was I pleased that I did. Within this title you get a great leading lady, she’s feisty, she has passion and when added to a storyline that’s exploratory as we get to learn what’s happened to her we know that its going to be a serious kickass tale.

Add to this solid prose, great dialogue and a heroine that you can’t wait to get back to which all in makes this a title that has had me demanding the previous two to savour. Magical.

FANTASY REVIEW: Red Country - Joe Abercrombie

Release Date: 18/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

The First Law trilogy was Joe's take on the great epic fantasy tales. Then, in BEST SERVED COLD he took on a fantasy version of a classic revenge story, and we have a superb tale of war waged in the frozen north still to come. With this, his next novel, Joe Abercrombie is once again venturing in a new direction, and on a new adventure, with one of the most enduring, powerful and popular characters of the First Law Trilogy. It's going to be their biggest challenge yet ...


REVIEW:

Joe is one of those authors that throws caution to the wind and thrusts the reader straight into a story that is not only hard-core but gives the reader everything that they’d want in a fantasy novel. Part Western, Part Fantasy this story has elements that really make it one of his best to date. Whether it’s the dark secret at the heart of the tale or the quest to find the stolen family, it’s got all that and more with bloody combat that’s neither pretty or easy to digest, but that’s the way it should be.

Back that up with Joe’s no nonsense writing style with cracking prose and some wonderful dialogue alongside his ability to weave a story that thrills as well as fascinates and all in it’s a title that I had a hell of a time putting down. Great stuff.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Magic: An Anthology of the Esoteric and Arcane - Ed. Jonathan Oliver

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

This amazing collection of new fiction has an extrordinary list of contributors, it features an original short story from the international no.1 bestseller Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveller's Wife; alongside the NYT bestseller Dan Abnett and many more celebrated and critically applauded authors such as Christopher Fowler, Gemma Files, Alison Littlewood, Thana Niveau, Robert Shearman, Will Hill, Sarah Lotz, Storm Constantine, Lou Morgan, Sophia McDougall, Gail Z. Martin and others. They gather in darkness, sharing ancient and arcane knowledge as they manipulate the very matter of reality itself. Spells and conjuration; legerdemain and prestidigitation these are the mistresses and masters of the esoteric arts.


REVIEW:

As a huge fan of the Urban Fantasy genre, there are times when there are authors that have piqued your interest but you aren’t quite sure if it’s worth a punt with your hard earned money or whether you want to stay the course with a name that you know and trust.

So within this book is a whole host of talent from the well-known Dan Abnett and Audrey Niffenger though to authors like Storm Constantine (whom I had heard of but hadn’t the finances to try until now.) What occurs within this book that has been lovingly edited by Jonathan Oliver, is a whole host of stories all centring around magic be it plain out and out or the more subtle shades that vary within our everyday live’s. It’s cleverly crafted, full of tales to pull you in and is a great way to spend travel journey times or that lunch break when you really want to get away the real world. All in a cracking book and one I was more than happy to spend time with.

GRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEW: Tank Girl: Carioca - Alan C Martin and Mike McMahon

Release Date: 26/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Tank Girl returns again in a brand new graphic novel written by original co-creator Alan Martin with artwork by the amazing Mike McMahon (Judge Dredd)! After our heroine is rudely snubbed on a TV game show, she plots the death of the vulgar host in question — unwittingly releasing the vengeance of his embittered wife and a gang of highly trained assassins as a result!


REVIEW:

Tank Girl is a graphic novel for those of a certain age (mainly those that remember the Madchester scene) and to be honest it’s a lot of fun that gives you a laughter, huge bloodshed from the Anarchic Girl that entertains on so many levels. The artwork is bright and vibrant and whilst the images may seem childlike to a few readers, its more about the portrayal of fun that brings it all over wonderfully.

Add to this a real kick ass storyline, a whole set of twists that work from the original script and all in its going to take the reader on a journey that will keep them glued to the last page.

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Time of Legends: The War of Vengeance 1: The Great Betrayal - Nick Kyme

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Thousands of years before the rise of men, the dwarfs and elves are stalwart allies and enjoy a era of unrivalled peace and prosperity. But when dwarf trading caravans are attacked and their merchants slain, the elves are accused of betrayal. Quick to condemn the people of Ulthuan as traitors, the mountain lords nevertheless try to prevent conflict, but the elves’ arrogance undoes any chance of reconciliation and war is inevitable. Snorri Halfhand, son of the High King and no particular friend of the elves, is at the vanguard of the war with his cousin Morgrim Blackbeard. At the city of Tor Alessi a vast army stands against the dwarfs. Here Snorri will meet his destiny against the elven King Caledor as the first blow is struck in a conflict that could bring about the fall of two great civilisations.


REVIEW:

If you’re a fan of the Warhammer world, then the Time of Legend’s series is one that you have to read as they’re all set around the crucial points in history that not only shapes what is to come but in this case, brings the past to the fore in a series that has been oft hinted at but never fully explored.

Here within the opener, Nick Kyme’s writing style explodes into a politically charged epic that charts the steady decline into an age old hatred between the Elves and Dwarves. Set mainly from the Dwarf point of view this book really does get down to the bare bones as well as giving the reader original grudges to go into famed book.

Add to this solid prose, some magical combat sequences and when blended with his own particular writing style really delves into this era to bring it to life, so much so you’ll be reaching for your bow or perhaps even your grudge settler axe. Magic.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Ravenor and Eisenhorn: Bequin Trilogy 1: Pariah - Dan Abnett

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

In the city of Queen Mab, nothing is quite as it seems. Pariah, spy and Inquisitorial agent, Alizebeth Bequin is all of these things and yet none of them. An enigma, even to herself, she is caught between Inquisitors Gregor Eisenhorn and Gideon Ravenor, former allies now enemies who are playing a shadow game against a mysterious and deadly foe. Coveted by the Archenemy, pursued by the Inquisition, Bequin becomes embroiled in a dark plot of which she knows not her role or purpose. Helped by a disparate group of allies, she must unravel the secrets of her life and past if she is to survive a coming battle in which the line between friends and foes is fatally blurred.


REVIEW:

OK, you want a thriller that has great sequences within where two former allies, now enemies face off against each other whilst maintaining the balance against the forces of chaos. It has some magical twists, some political double dealings and when blended with the usual Abnett authorly skills presents a story that keeps you going from start to finish.

Add to the mix that this has a lot of scene setting (as it's the first book in a trilogy) which brings the environment to the life in the readers imagination and all in you know that its going to be something pretty special. Great stuff.

INTERVIEW: Lee Collins

Historical fantasy set in the real world presents a unique set of challenges for the author: the story has to fit with the rules of the real world as well as the rules of whatever time period is hosting the characters and events. Stories set in alternate universes or the future, on the other hand, typically enjoy a certain liberty when it comes to facts. Within reason, of course; few people will buy into a book whose main physics engine feels like they lifted it from Mighty Bomb Jack. Still, readers permit authors certain liberties when reading about how magic works in Middle-earth or how an ansible enables FTL communication. As long as the rules within the world are internally consistent, there is a lot of room to play.

With real-world historical fantasy, though, the rules and histories are predetermined. While this frees the author from the need to pull them out of thin air, it instead places them under the restrictions of actual rules and actual history. These limitations are further compounded when the chosen historical setting is familiar to the public mind through other books and movies. In some cases, the image the public has of a specific period in history and its residents can actually work against an author striving for accuracy. Popular films and books of dubious accuracy can warp the accepted perception of how past peoples lived and worked to the point that accurate reconstruction can seem wrong.

Such was the case for me when I started researching Old West life for The Dead of Winter. The environment of the Old West is nothing new to me. I grew up in a city that bears the name of the frontier fort it replaced, I regularly made trips into the mountains as a kid, and I even had to do a fourth-grade history project on the state of Colorado. One of my favorite pizza joints is a repurposed bank that still boasts a sandstone false front straight out of a John Wayne Western. Still, in spite of this (and perhaps because of it), I had some misconceptions about life in the Old West that I had no doubt gathered from those same John Wayne Westerns.

Most of all, I was surprised to learn that the word “gunslinger” was never actually used during that time period. Despite its ubiquity when talking of outlaws and cowboys nowadays, the term originated in Hollywood a good while after the last mysterious stranger had ridden into the sunset. The vernacular of the 1880’s dubbed them “gunfighters” or “gunmen,” both of which are admittedly less catchy. Having read Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series prior to writing The Dead of Winter, extracting “gunslinger” from my vocabulary took some work, but historical accuracy is not known for its mercy. Furthermore, I learned that the iconic way Hollywood gunslingers wore their six-guns (with the grips facing rearward) was never employed by actual gunfighters. As anyone who has tried to quick-draw a long-barrel Colt in such a fashion can attest, it’s a slow and awkward way to pull iron on someone trying to kill you. Although contrary to popular understanding, including such minute details can make a book feel that much more real. Also, they’re helpful for convincing yourself that the hours lost to research were not lost in vain.

Another beneficial side effect of historical research is the chance of stumbling across actual people that might fit into the story. For me, that person came in the form of Leadville marshal Marten Duggan. Duggan was the marshal of Leadville from 1878 to 1883 and was known for his love of whiskey, his short temper, and his direct method of dealing with criminals. His tendency to handle problems himself instead of waiting for judge and jury actually saw him removed from office temporarily. After a short time without him, however, the townsfolk realized he was the only man who could keep any semblance of law in Leadville, so they reinstated him. He sounded like an interesting and solid character, one of those neutral good lawmen that keep the peace through unorthodox means, so I decided to make him a character in The Dead of Winter. He ended up being one of the primary characters, which I didn’t initially expect, but it worked well with the story, so I went with it. Ironically, his character is probably the one that stands most vulnerable to accusations of being a stock Western character.

All in all, research for historical fantasy can provide both new insight into the chosen time period and culture as well as confirmation that sometimes things were exactly the way you thought. I’ve yet to attempt writing an otherworld fantasy or hard science fiction novel, so I can’t comment on how those sorts of research differ from historical investigation. I could be all wet on that account and they aren't all that different. I suppose I'll just have to wait until a solid, sustainable idea knocks me into those trenches. When that does happen, I'll be sure to report back on my findings.

URBAN WESTERN FANTASY: The Dead of Winter - Lee Collins

Release Date: 01/11/12

SYNOPSIS:

Cora and her husband hunt things - things that shouldn't exist. When the marshal of Leadville, Colorado, comes across a pair of mysterious deaths, he turns to Cora to find the creature responsible, but if Cora is to overcome the unnatural tide threatening to consume the small town, she must first confront her own tragic past as well as her present.


REVIEW:

As a fan of the Wild West and a huge fan of the Supernatural world I was really excited when I heard of this debut from one of Angry Robot’s Open Submission period last year. What occurs within is a story of two halves, with the first feeling that the two principle characters were based on Sam and Dean Winchester with one being a short hard drinker (although female) whilst the other is soft spoken as well as tall who helps keep the fighter on an even keel.

Don’t get me wrong it is fun, its inventive but getting past the preconception was quite tough. Don’t get me wrong the writing is sharp as well as crisp with the combat delivering the gun totting alongside hand to hand combat that the reader will enjoy. Back that up with an author who as the tale expands appears to become more comfortable with the world as well as a better understanding of the characters and all in it’s a lot of fun that many will enjoy.

Finally throw into the mix a whole host of chaos, a second tale that really steps out on its own and all in it’s a series that I have high hopes for in future instalments. Great stuff.

NEWS: Deja Review

Hail Mighty Readers,
Here is our monthly summation of titles that we've revieved previously that have now been released as Paperbacks with links back to their original reviews.  Whilst the covers may differ please rest assured that they are the same title.

For this month we have:
04/10/12 WARD, JR - Black Dagger Brotherhood 10: Lover Reborn
25/10/12 ABNETT, Dan - Salvation's Reach
 





Urban Fantasy Titles for Halloween
Charlotte Markham and the House of Darkling - Michael Boccacino   
Plague Town - Dana Fredsti 

We hope you enjoy them,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

URBAN FANTASY CRIME REVIEW: A Witch Hunt Novel: The 13th Sacrifice - Debbie Viguie

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

For the last twenty years Sir James Monmouth has been a gentleman adventurer, journeying all over the globe in the footsteps of his hero, the great pioneering traveller Conrad Vane. One rainy winter night, Sir James returns to London. Orphaned at five, it is now time to find out more about his family and origins, and also to learn about the early years of Conrad Vane. But at every turn James is warned off his investigation into Conrad Vane. Do these warnings explain his flashes of intense fear and feelings of being watched? And what of the boy who has started haunting his every step and the mysterious mirror with its inexplicable reflections? Eventually, Sir James' quest leads him to the old lady of Kittiscar Hall, and deep into a past that binds him to his hero in ways he never could have imagined.


REVIEW:

Whilst I haven’t always seen eye to eye with Debbie’s writing, this title more than grabbed my attention as it brought a whole host of elements to my attention that I just couldn’t ignore, after all when a tale brings crime alongside urban fantasy you know that all bets are off and that anything can happen.

What Debbie brings to the fore is a tale that has quite a few twists, brought together with solid pace and cracking dialogue. Yet whilst this all works extremely well what really made this stand out was the principle character who was a strong woman with brains, some street smarts and of course an attitude that has her facing her own demons head on. It’s definitely a book that I had fun with and one that I had a hard time putting down. All in a cracking title all round.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Mist in the Mirror - Susan Hill

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

For the last twenty years Sir James Monmouth has been a gentleman adventurer, journeying all over the globe in the footsteps of his hero, the great pioneering traveller Conrad Vane. One rainy winter night, Sir James returns to London. Orphaned at five, it is now time to find out more about his family and origins, and also to learn about the early years of Conrad Vane. But at every turn James is warned off his investigation into Conrad Vane. Do these warnings explain his flashes of intense fear and feelings of being watched? And what of the boy who has started haunting his every step and the mysterious mirror with its inexplicable reflections? Eventually, Sir James' quest leads him to the old lady of Kittiscar Hall, and deep into a past that binds him to his hero in ways he never could have imagined.


REVIEW:

With the dark nights closing in there are times when you want something to chill you as you have a sneaky read whilst wrapped up in your duvet so having had one title of Susan’s writing prior to this, I’d had my curiosity aroused enough to demand a copy of this book to settle down with.

Whilst that was my initial intention, settling down wasn’t exactly what I got as I found that reading by booklight, with a quite house and the wind blowing hard outside along with driving rain, didn’t exactly help me to relax whilst reading the chilling title that landed.

It definitely had a solid lead character, some great twists and of course did exactly what I wanted by raising the hackles on the back of my neck quite a few times as I made my way through the pages, almost relieved when dawn was creeping through my curtains as I finished off the last few pages.

All in I had a lot of fun with this book and whilst I did have a sleepless night as I couldn’t put it down I really did get what I’d wanted and was more than happy, I’ll definitely embark on another tale by Susan in the future.

LADY ELEANOR VIDEO GAME REVIEW: Assassin's Creed 3 - Ubisoft

Release Date: 31/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Assassin's Creed III is a third-person Action-Adventure game in which players take on the role of an assassin hunting remnants of the ancient Templar order, hiding in plain site against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War. The game is the fifth overall release in the Assassin's Creed franchise and the first to include significant use of firearms. Features include: an all new assassin character, a link to the modern Desmond Miles character from earlier games, gameplay spread over decades, naval combat, Native American weapons, new physics, animation and weather systems, and intense multiplayer featuring new characters.

A Revolution in Assassins
The American Colonies, 1775: A brave young warrior fights to save his homeland. But what begins as a struggle over territory turns into an extraordinary journey that will transform him into a master assassin - one that will forever change the destiny of a newborn nation.

You are Connor, warrior son of a Native American mother and British father. As the colonies draw closer to revolution, you will dedicate your life to the freedom of your clan, becoming the spark that ignites the revolution into a full blaze. Your crusade will lead you through blood-soaked battlefields and crowded city streets, to the perilous wilderness and stormy seas. You will not only witness history... you will make it. Set against the backdrop of one of the bloodiest Revolutions in world history, prepare to be drawn back into the centuries old battle between the Assassin’s Order and their sworn enemy, the Templars. Unleash lethal new skills and experience a stunningly realistic world created by Anvil Next, a new engine that redefines gaming. Welcome to an entirely new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga.
Key Game Features

A New Master Assassin - As Connor, a Native American assassin, unleash your predatory instincts to stalk your enemies and devastate them with new weapons including tomahawks, rope darts, firearms and more.
Ignite the Fires of Revolution - Fighting from Lexington to Bunker Hill, you are America's first highly trained master assassin. Incite the revolution by working behind the scenes alongside historical icons like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and more.
Explore a Brave New World - Pursue your enemies through massive environments, from bustling city streets to blood-soaked battlefields, and into the far reaches of the American frontier.
Stunning New Design - Experience the power of Ubisoft-AnvilNext, the new engine designed for Assassin's Creed III. Revolutionary physics, animation and weather systems deliver unprecedented realism, while a whole new combat system delivers more intense, gut-wrenching battles than ever before.
Conquer the Seas - Take command of your own naval warship and send your enemies to a watery grave.
Intense Multiplayer - The acclaimed multiplayer system returns with a host of refinements, including all-new characters, maps and modes to deliver the most compelling online experience yet.



REVIEW:

Lets start this out honest from the get go, I’ve been a huge fan of the Assassin’s Creed games for a number of years with the original title, starring Altair, being the thing that made me buy an Xbox in the first place. The graphics were gorgous, the gameplay addictive and there was just so much you could do including figuring out which tactics suited your style of play better whilst you were running (or riding) through a landscape that took your breath away.

So when we heard about the second title starring Ezio, I was more than up for the challenge of moving on to Renaissance Italy, they’d increased the landscape, they gave you more abilities and they also worked on giving the player more gameplay with meticulously researched buildings and the ability to swim (you wouldn’t believe how many times poor old Altair drowned whilst I was trying to get some of those flags) with steadily increasing options with additions including guilds and building up your finances through shop purchases. It was innovative, it brought a purpose to collecting money and of course tied it all up with a storyline that was hard to let go.

Then we hit the third outing, this time with Connor Kenway, (birth name Ratonhnhaké:ton) taking the player to the American Colonies during the Revolution. This time, a whole new set of skills, a selection of new weapons with the player managing their homestead to earn finances as well as my favourite part of taking to the High Sea’s in your own ship, fighting it out with cannon.

Add to this a top notch storyline, a lavish new fighting style backed up with so many choices to make and you know its something epic, but I’ve yet to mention one thing, the scale. You thought the other games were big? This one is one and a half times the size of Rome, its epic, there’s so much to see, so much to do and of course new routes to find to achieve your objectives with the simplest straight forward one not always being the best way to hit the area that you’re trying to reach.

Finally throw into the mix tree running and hunting and all round this game is one that will keep you playing for quite some time, so much so that as of the time of writing this I’ve already logged a lot of time (but I’m a girl who loves achieving each objective) and still have a huge amount of things left to do. So much so that I haven’t even looked at the multiplayer options yet that include a variety of options from hunting your friends throughout the landscape or capture and holding land. It’s definitely one of the games of the year without a question and when added to scale, playtime and graphically it’s definitely a game that holds a knife to your throat demanding that you own a copy.

CRIME THRILLER REVIEW: Mad River - John Sandford

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Bonnie and Clyde, they thought. And what's-his-name, the sidekick. Three teenagers with dead-end lives, and chips on their shoulders, and guns. The first person they killed was a highway patrolman. The second was a woman during a robbery. Then, hell, why not keep on going? As their crime spree cuts a swath through rural Minnesota, some of it captured on the killers' cell phones and sent to a local television station, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigator Virgil Flowers joins the growing army of cops trying to run them down. But even he doesn't realize what's about to happen next.


REVIEW:

If you love a crime thriller then you must have surely taken time to read John Sandford. No? Well to be honest neither had I until this title landed and to be honest whilst it was a slow starter I really got behind the lead character Virgil Flowers. He’s definitely a one off and the way that the author weaves the tale really brings it out into something unique.

Add to this a solid set of twists, logical steps as our hero seeks to catch his prey and when backed with some wonderful turns of phrase and a no nonsense point of view really keeps you hooked to the final page. All in definitely an author I’m pleased to have discovered and one that I’ll be embarking on further adventures with.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Dark Vengeance - CZ Dunn

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

In the grim darkness of the far future, mankind fights a desperate battle for survival amongst the stars. Foremost among its protectors are the Space Marines, genetically engineered superhumans, trained to be the ultimate warriors.

The Dark Angels are among the foremost Space Marines, the First Legion of old. Devastated millennia ago by a dreadful schism, the Dark Angels are constantly on the hunt for the mysterious Fallen, former brothers who have turned from the light of the immortal God-Emperor and embraced the dread powers of Chaos.

Newly ordained Company Master Balthasar of the Dark Angels leads his forces to the world of Bane’s Landing, the resting place of the ancient and powerful Hellfire Stone, in pursuit of the Chaos Space Marines of the Crimson Slaughter. Kranon the Relentless, the evil lord of the Crimson Slaughter, seeks to use the stone to summon forth his daemonic masters and usher in an age of darkness. As the Dark Angels race to stop him, the scene is set for a mighty conflict between the loyal Balthasar and the traitor Kranon.


REVIEW:

Whilst I love novella’s there are times when I feel that an author has bitten off a little more than they can chew and to be honest that’s the case with this one by CZ Dunn which for me is told from too many points of view and felt more a case of selling GW’s new range of figures rather than concentrating on giving the reader a solid example of why the worlds involved are so wonderful to spend time in.

Don’t get me wrong, the writing does move at quite a clip and when added to a huge amount of action backed with some interesting characters should have had all the elements to make this something solid but when you remember that it is a novella then you do wonder if it’s more action and less about a solid storyline other than giving it enough of a foothold to link the sequences together.

All in it is an OK book but I prefer a little more substance and a few more twists than were presented within rather than an overly linear tale told from too many perspectives.

THRILLER REVIEW: The Sentinel - Mark Oldfield

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Madrid, winter 1953: the snow lies thick on the ground and Comandante Guzman of the Brigada Especial is preparing a dawn raid. His job is to hunt down opponents of Franco's regime and destroy them. Feared by all in Franco's Spain, Guzman takes what he wants: food, drink, women. That is about to change. Guzman is going to find himself on the wrong side of Franco, and on the wrong side of history. It's not the first time Guzman has been on the wrong side. But there's no one left alive who knows about that...until he gets a message from a dead man...Madrid, 2009: Ana Maria Galindez is a forensic scientist investigating a mass grave from the Franco era. Now she is hunting for the hidden ledger of secret policeman Leopoldo Guzman - a man who disappeared without trace in 1953. But there are those who would rather the secrets of Guzman's ledger stay buried. Galindez' pursuit of the past has revealed a battle for the present...


REVIEW:

A new publisher and one that doesn’t believe in pulling punches with its first batch of releases and boy, am I glad for that. Here in this title by the author is a story that brings Spain to life for the reader, he brings the dark seedy underside into the light and when blended with the historical backdrop which the author adds in vivid technicolour really brings this story to the fore.

Add to this a cracking sense of pace, wonderful characterisation which when backed with a story that will keep you gripped from start to finish really makes this a very impressive title for me. I really hope that someone picks up the film rights to this as with all the twists and turns within backed up with the rich storytelling really makes this something that movie lovers will get a blast from.

MUSIC REVIEW: Wake the Union - Show of Hands

Release Date: 15/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

England's finest roots duo weave a touch of Folk, a hint of Blues and a tiny pinch of Country into their new studio album. Born out of a love of both English and North American acoustic and roots music, 'Wake the Union', the eagerly awaited new Show of Hands studio album takes a journey through the heart of two landscapes united by a common tongue and musical heritage. Produced by Mark Tucker, the 15 tracks feature themes and styles that alternate between the two countries. In the first three songs the Knightley/Lakeman co-write 'Haunt You' tells a tale of a tormented seafarer, whilst the new Knightley-penned track 'Company Town' shows a Tom Waits influence and the festival favourite 'Now You Know' implores a lost love to return to the West Country to rekindle a relationship. Celebrating 20 years as a unit with a 4th sell-out appearance at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this year, Steve Knightley and Phil Beer have enlisted an impressive array of guest musicians on the recording including Martin Simpson, Seth Lakeman, BJ Cole, Andy Cutting, Bellowhead's Paul Sartin, Cormac Byrne and Canadian Leonard Podolak, and as ever Miranda Sykes adds her wonderful double bass and vocals.


REVIEW:

For a number of years I’ve been following Show of Hands as I’m a huge fan of their type of music having grown up in the Lake District with a few folk clubs. So having enjoyed previous titles they’ve produced, I was looking forward to the latest one and have to say that for me its one of their best to date. That takes you through the full emotional spectrum whether you want the emotional turmoil presented within “Katrina” or “Coming Home” through to the heartache with “Cruel River” and “Seven Curse”s alongside anger in the “I Will Haunt You.”

Yet for all that the Album has its uplifting tracks and the wonderful musical talent goes within through a very unique combination of Blues, Folk and a touch of Country that brings the best of all together. All in this is a top notch album that includes tracks that you’ll sing along to as well as listen to the lamentation. Great stuff and an album that will be listened to quite a few times.

THRILLER REVIEW: Ghost Hero - SJ Rozan

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

They call him the Ghost Hero. Chau Chun is a renowned artist and controversial painter. And rumours of new work by him has the media in a frenzy - and sees Lydia Chin and Bill Smith hired to follow the whispers to their source. They soon discover that Chau has been officially dead for over twenty years, killed in the Tianamen Square uprising. Are Lydia and Bill really chasing a ghost?


REVIEW:

Unlike other thrillers out there, this tale is one that works more on the mental side of things and whilst a lot of people prefer the huge action sequences something that makes an author stand out is how they manage to engage a reader when what are thought of as key elements for any genre are removed.

Whilst the action is a little light within, it’s the characters that really shine for me within the authors writing, I can vividly imagine them, I’d like to go for a drink with some and when added to the multifaceted attributes that each has really makes this a story to make you sit up and listen to. Add to this crisp, sharp prose, a wonderful sense of pace and of course some magical sleight of hand all go together with a couple of twists to really deliver a cracking novel. Great stuff.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Red Rain - RL Stine

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

First came the hurricane. The red rain began to fall. The blood of its victims. And the twin angels emerged...

Lea Sutter is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Trapped on an island during a hurricane, she barely escapes alive.

Out of the carnage, two boys appear - innocent, angelic and thrilled to be adopted by their new mother.

But these are no ordinary children. They bring the gift of death - and they want to share it with the whole town.

What do you do when evil enters your home?


REVIEW:

To be blunt I was expecting quite a lot from this book, not only because its been a few years since RL Stine was last released but because I felt that the brand of horror he brought to people of my sisters age would have ben brought bang up to date to scare the hell out of them as adults.

Sadly this wasn’t the case as for my money this felt more like a cash in than a real attempt at getting a serious tale out there. The characters were laughable, the story one I’ve heard something similar before and when added to what appeared to be any lack of humanity within the lead character that should have exhibited some sort of intelligence and all in I felt really cheated. It’s a great shame all round and if you have to read this wait until its in a charity shop, at least that way you’ll be doing some good with your money.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Empire 5: The Wolf's Gold - Anthony Riches

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Fresh from their victory in Germania, Marcus Aquila and the Tungrians have been sent to Dacia, on the north-eastern edge of the Roman Empire, with the mission to safeguard a major source of imperial power. The mines of Alburnus Major contain enough gold to pave the road to Rome. They would make a mighty prize for the marauding Sarmatae tribesmen who threaten the province, and the outnumbered auxiliaries are entrusted with their safety in the face of a barbarian invasion. Beset by both the Sarmatian horde and more subtle threats offered by men who should be their comrades, the Tungrians must also come to terms with the danger posed by a new and unexpected enemy. They will have to fight to the death to save the honour of the empire - and their own skins.


REVIEW:

It’ll come as no surprise to many that I’m a huge fan of the Empire series by Anthony, it has everything I want in a roman historical fiction story, you want hard fought battles against the odds with blood alongside glory, you got it, you want complex characters, you’ve got that as well, but back that up with some real twisted kick ass politics and the machinations of the roman red tape machine and you really get something spectacular.

Add to that an author who makes you feel that you’re in the front line up to your neck in the brown stuff alongside the Tungarians and you know it’s going to be an adventure that is not only hard to put down but one that will have you checking carefully if “faithful” friends have made it through.

Finally throw into the mix a hidden arc underneath of the deeper fate that Mithras has in store for our Centurion hero and all in you know damn well it’s going to be a long wait for the next outing. Great stuff.

URBAN FANTASY ROMANCE REVIEW: Renegade Angels 2: A Hunger So Wild - Sylvia Day

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

From the internationally bestselling author of BARED TO YOU (Crossfire trilogy), A HUNGER SO WILD is the second red-hot paranormal romance following the sizzling A TOUCH OF CRIMSON. If you fell for Gideon Cross, wait until you meet the men who really are out of this world...Elijah Reynolds is the most dominant of lycans, a rare Alpha whose skill for the hunt is surpassed only by his primal sexuality. When the lycans revolt against the iron fist of angelic rule, he steps in to command, becoming both enemy and coveted ally in the conflict between vampires and angels. Vashti is the second most powerful vampire in the world, a lethal beauty with a path of devastation in her wake. Tasked with proposing an alliance between vampires and the lycans who killed her mate, Vash approaches Elijah, whose need to avenge the loss of his closest friend calls for Vash's death even as his passion demands her surrender. Soon, their enmity erodes beneath an all-consuming desire. Elijah has never encountered a woman whose warrior spirit and fierce sexual appetite rivals his own, while Vash is faced with the one man strong enough to be her equal. But as war looms, each must decide where their loyalty lies - with their own kind or with the enemy lover they can no longer live without...


REVIEW:

If you love hot romance, sensual tension backed up with Vampires and Werewolves then you have to read this series by Sylvia Day which, on its second outing really has set things up to sizzle from start to finish. Throw into the mix perceived vengeance, an untested alliance and of course double dealing all wrapped up in a fast paced action piece and you only really touch the surface which when backed with cracking lead characters will set your heart alight as the tale unwinds.

Back this up with smouldering looks, hot romance and of course the discovery of the unknown and all in the reader is in for a treat. However the only warning I’m going to give you is don’t pick this book up without having read the first as otherwise a lot of the details may pass you by. All in a solid read if a little abrupt on the conclusion leaving the reader in the lurch and demanding more.

ART BOOK REVIEW: The Emperor's Might - Ed. John Blanche

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Forged by forgotten science and driven by their eternal duty, the superhuman Space Marines are mankind’s foremost defence against a dark and brooding universe. Honed by years of the most rigorous training and equipped with the finest weapons and armour, the Adeptus Astartes hold back the darkness, protecting the Imperium from the alien, the witch and the traitor. Packed with previously unseen illustrations as well as a host of classic images chosen by Games Workshop’s Art Director John Blanche, this full-colour artbook provides an unrivalled look at the fighting forces of the Imperium.


REVIEW:

I was lucky enough to meet John on a tour of the Games Workshop facility a number of years ago, noticing the friendliness for all members of the company and in particular an adapted giant with las cannon on his desk. For me, it went to show that this was a guy with not only a sense of humour but one who knew the worlds of the Black Library Universe so well that he could adapt from one to another with ease.

So perhaps when compiling a whole host of artwork for the 40K Universe there would be none better than this proverbial art giant to bring it all to the fans with some classic images that help define the worlds alongside some newer pieces that really help bring new elements to life.

Its cleverly edited, the pieces each stand out on their own and when looked at collectively I don’t have a clue as to how he managed to decide what would make it in as its crammed to the rafters. Back that up with heroes of all chapters making appearances alongside some beautiful pencil sketches alongside the colour and it’s a book you’ll go back to time and again for inspiration. Cracking.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Coldbrook - Tim Lebbon

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

The world as we know it has changed forever. The reason is Coldbrook. The facility lay deep in Appalachian Mountains, a secret laboratory called Coldbrook. Its scientists had achieved the impossible: a gateway to a new world. Theirs was to be the greatest discovery in the history of mankind, but they had no idea what they were unleashing. With their breakthrough comes disease and now it is out and ravaging the human population. The only hope is a cure and the only cure and the only cure is genetic resistance: an uninfected person amongst the billions dead. In the chaos of destruction there is only one person that can save the human race. But will they find her in time?


REVIEW:

It’s time to turn on the nightlight and read long into the night with the latest offering from Tim Lebbon demonstrating why as a horror hound he’s one of the best to run you to ground and gnaw on your leg whilst the zombie horde approaches as here within this book is a story that has not only a lot of original elements but brings the best of the Zombie Genre to the reader with enough grotesquery to bring the most ardent horror fans retching to their knees.

Add to this top notch genre defying prose, some wonderful forward thinking and overall a book that feels cinematic throughout its pages as the revelations will have you glued to the final page. Back that up with an authorly style that’s identifiable alongside some cracking characters and all in I was more than sated. Great stuff.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Assassin's Creed 3: Launch Trailer - Ubisoft

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

Well in the countdown for AC3 we've managed to get our hands on the launch trailer and lets just say that the game not only looks epic, but will be the one to beat this year.

So much so that we've just watched it back to back three times just to make sure that we get a full look at all that beautiful scenary as well as the various ways that they've brought the old world to life in their one third building of the cities involved.  

Whilst we realise the temptation as well as the impatience for this long awaited game is hitting fever pitch, we hope that this will sooth your worries in time for its launch on 31st October  :

 

Hope you enjoy it as much as we have,    Gareth and Lady Eleanor

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: No Man's World 3: The Alleyman - Pat Kelleher

Release Date: 11/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

It’s been four months since the Pennine Fusiliers vanished from the Somme and found themselves stranded on an alien world.
The Tommies have been surviving on this bizarre planet populated by lethal foliage and hostile human-like insects while desperately trying to find a way back to Blighty.
In The Alleyman, while Lieutenant Everson tries to discover the true intentions of their alien prisoner, Lance Corporal Atkins and his Black Hand Gang are on the trail of Jeffries, the diabolist responsible for their predicament. And above it all, Lieutenant Tulliver of the Royal Flying Corps soars free of the confines of alien gravity, where the true scale of the planet’s mystery is revealed. To uncover the truth, however, he must join forces with an unexpected ally.
A blazing mixture of genre-shattering SF, meticulously researched history, and powerful storytelling, The Alleyman is the third in this enthralling and exhilarating series.


REVIEW:

All series have something to offer the reader and for me, this one has taken all the elements that I loved as a child in 2000AD and brought them under one compilation with a story that not only keeps me guessing to the final page but one that brings all the old Action comics back to life as the Penine Fusiliers seek to find a way to return to our own world.

Its definitely something unusual and for me there’s nothing else out there that comes close to the imagination or the scope that Pat Kelleher brings to the reader. It’s sort of Edgar Rice Burrough’s John Carter meets Flash Gordon with a solid helping of Charlie’s War thrown in. Add to this a cracking pace that won’t give you time to breath, a few novel sleight of hand twists within backed up with a variety of characters that you just can’t help but want to spend time with and all in a little piece of heaven was in my hands. Magical.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Rocksmith additional DLC Classic Rock Pack - Ubisoft

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
OK, so you've heard about Rocksmith, already own it or are getting it for Christmas so what extra things can you do?  

Well we assumed you looked at the great list of Tracks that you can learn and rock out to?  No?  



Tracklist

• Best Coast - When I'm with You
• Blur - Song 2
• Cream - Sunshine of Your Love
• Dan Auerbach - Want Some More
• David Bowie - Rebel Rebel
• Eric Clapton - Run Back to Your Side
• Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
• Incubus - I Miss You
• Interpol - Slow Hands
• Jarvis Cocker - Angela
• Jenny O.Well - Ok Honey
• Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
• Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way
• Little Barrie - Surf Hell
• Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
• Muse - Plug In Baby
• Muse - Unnatural Selection
• Nirvana - Breed
• Nirvana - In Bloom
• Pixies - Where Is My Mind?
• Queens of the Stone Age - Go with the Flow
• Radiohead - High and Dry
• Rapscallions - California Brain
• Red Fang - Number Thirteen
• Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook
• Silversun Pickups - Panic Switch
• Soundgarden - Outshined
• Spoon - Me and the Bean
• Stone Temple Pilots - Vasoline
• Stone Temple Pilots - Between the Lines
• Taddy Porter - Mean Bitch
• The Animals - House of the Rising Sun
• The Black Keys - I Got Mine
• The Black Keys - Next Girl
• The Boxer Rebellion - Step Out of the Car
• The Cribs - We Share the Same Skies
• The Cure - Boys Don't Cry
• The Dead Weather - I Can't Hear You
• The Horrors - Do You Remember
• The Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
• The Rolling Stones - Play with Fire
• The Rolling Stones - The Spider and the Fly
• The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
• The White Stripes - Icky Thump
• Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Good Enough
• Velvet Revolver - Slither
• White Denim - Burnished
• Yellow Moon Band - Chimney

Well Ubisoft have now gone one better with the announcement of thier first DLC of Classic Rock to download from your console of choice (out now for the Xbxo 360, and on the 31st October for PS3)

It contains:

Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Free Bird”

Deep Purple – “Smoke on the Water”

Boston – “More Than a Feeling”

Heart – “Barracuda”

Blue Öyster Cult – “(Don't Fear) the Reaper”

The Blues Brothers – “Soul Man”

The Police – “Message in a Bottle”

The Police – “Roxanne”

The Police – “Synchronicity II”

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Queen – “Fat Bottomed Girls”

Queen – “Keep Yourself Alive”

Queen – “Killer Queen”

Queen – “Stone Cold Crazy”

Otis Redding – “(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay”