FANTASY REVIEW: Widdershins Adventure 4: Covenant's End - Ari Marmell

Release Date: 03/02/15
Publisher:  Pyr

SYNOPSIS:

The thief Widdershins and her own "personal god," Olgun, return to their home city of Davillon after almost a year away. While Shins expects only to face the difficulty of making up with her friends, what she actually finds is far, far worse. Her nemesis, Lisette, has returned, and she is not alone. Lisette has made a dark pact with supernatural powers that have granted her abilities far greater than anything Widdershins and Olgun can match.

Together, Widdershins and Olgun will face enemies on both sides of the law, for Lisette's schemes have given her power in both Davillon's government and its underworld. For even a slim chance, Shins must call on both old friends--some of whom haven't yet forgiven her--and new allies.

Even with their help, Widdershins may be required to make the hardest sacrifice of her life, if she is to rid Davillon--and herself--of Lisette once and for all.


REVIEW:

Ari is an author who really comes up with interesting premises and whilst I may not always love the writing, I do appreciate all the hard work alongside intriguing background that goes on within. What this, the fourth outing of Widdershins brings to the table is a book that has everything a young fantasy reader could want to the table, there’s high octane action, cracking dialogue and of course characters who must face their own consequences for what has gone before.

Its definitely a book that I enjoyed and when you throw into the mix a complex lead character relationship all round makes this something that the reader will more than enjoy. However I will state that you need to read the other three prior to starting this one.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Six Gun Tarot 2: The Shotgun Arcana - R S Belcher

Release Date: 31/10/14
Publisher:  Titan

SYNOPSIS:

1870. A haven for the blessed and the damned, including a fallen angel, a mad scientist, a pirate queen, and a deputy who is kin to coyotes, Golgotha has come through many nightmarish trials, but now an army of thirty-two outlaws, lunatics, serial killers, and cannibals are converging on the town, drawn by a grisly relic that dates back to the Donner Party...and the dawn of humanity.


REVIEW:

Ah a strange and wonderful book that follows on from the cracking Six-Gun Tarot. Whilst there’s a lot of people out there that think the y have a grasp on this series, for me its one that once you pick it up all bets are off as to what will happen. Its definitely something quirky, something that I hard hitting and when you throw into the mix a virtual river of blood, top notch fight sequences which when backed with a powerful mythos set of characters all round generates something entirely unique on its own.

It really is a difficult series to explain but lets just say that if you want the biggest and the baddest knocking around in a huge conflagration of personality and action then this series is one for you. Magic.

URBAN FANTASY REIVEW: Cannonbridge - Jonathan Barnes

Release Date: 12/02/15
Publisher:  Solaris

SYNOPSIS:

Flamboyant Matthew Cannonbridge was touched by genius, the most influential mind of the 19th century, a novelist, playwright, the poet of his generation. The only problem is, he should never have existed, and recently-divorced 21st-century don Toby Judd is the only person to realise something is wrong with history. Cannonbridge was everywhere: he was by Lake Geneva when talk between Byron, Shelley and Mary Godwin turned to the supernatural; he was friend to the young Dickens as he laboured in the blacking factory; he was the only man of note to visit Wilde in prison. His extraordinary life spanned a century. But as the world prepares to toast the bicentenary of Cannonbridge's most celebrated work, Judd's discovery leads him on a breakneck chase across the English canon and countryside, to the realisation that the spectre of Matthew Cannonbridge, planted so seamlessly into the heart of the 19th-century, might not be so dead and buried after all...


REVIEW:

There are times when the world queries things that goes on around it and with so many films about certain time periods, its easy to see how some people can confuse fiction with fact and visa versa (such as the Western genre.) Here Jonathan Barnes takes it a step further and asks the reader to imagine what would happen if belief in a character were strong enough to allow them to exist, to see how events would change the world and asks the question of what if much to the readers delight in this title.

Its definitely something unique, has a Supernatural flavour (Season One Episode 17 Hellhouse) and all round gave me a story that whilst at times hard to get through, was very rewarding upon its conclusion. I loved the way that Jonathan has taken a different route and created a memorable character in Matthew Cannonbridge and when added to his “effects” on Victorian literature, all round gives readers a tale that will not only stick with them but really will leave you querying reality.

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Gotrek and Felix: Kinslayer - David Guymer

Release Date: 07/10/14
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Once heroes and companions on the greatest of adventures, Gotrek Gurnisson and Felix Jaeger have long since gone their separate ways. Felix, married and working for the family business in Altdorf, embarks on a journey north to Kislev when he hears that an old comrade has been captured by the forces of Chaos. Reunited with Gotrek, and otherol friends, Felix begins to suspect that he has embarked on his final adventure. And in the cold north, Gotrek's doom awaits him...


REVIEW:

Firstly, I’m a huge fan of Felix and Gotrek so I was more than looking forward to this, the latest outing for the duo but as I read the book, I found myself falling out with the characters. I didn’t like the way that they were coming across, hated the way that some of their actions went against what has happened before and when added to the ending, left me feeling more than flat as I felt a lot of the companionship and humour from earlier outings had been lost.

It didn’t move along with its usual zing and when added to an overall overly complex arc backed up with some heavy fighting that felt more like a “quick get some blood splashed” about to keep readers going all round left me feeling very cheated. I hope that the final book in the series doesn’t let it go to pot however I get a horrible feeling that its either going to be something super impressive or lead to a certain slayer not just wondering the wastes but perhaps even the pathways fo the chaos gods themselves.

DVD FEATURE: Luke Evan's: A Life in Pictures - Universal Pictures

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Here at Falcata Times we always love the chance to look back at things and with Dracula Untold having been released by Universal Pictures on DVD and Blu-Ray on Monday the 9th of February, we were asked by blog friend Mel to look back at the career of Luke Evan's.  So without further ado let us begin:

"The legendary actor Luke Evans was born and raised in Wales before he moved to London to harness his performing skills. He made a name for himself as a successful West End star before moving into pure acting roles on stage. When he was cast in the role of Vincent in the play Small Change at the Donmar Warehouse he gained recognition from film casting directors and this was to change his career. It was at this time when he took his chance on a Hollywood break.   

Luke Evans’ talent on screen has seen him rise from his smaller roles to fame and stardom playing lead characters such as the legendary Dracula in one of his latest works Dracula Untold.  

Clash of the Titans 

Following a successful career in the West End Luke Evans landed his Hollywood break after auditioning for the 2010 film Clash of the Titans, aged 30. He played the role of the Greek god Apollo which set him up for future starring roles. His Hollywood career had begun.  

Robin Hood 

Luke played the Sheriff’s thug in the 2010 film Robin Hood. Although he wasn’t yet the star he did work alongside big names such as Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett in this British-American epic adventure film. 

The Three Musketeers 

It was only the following year when Luke was cast as a musketeer in the film The Three Musketeers. His role as Aramis saw him working again with Matthew Macfadyen who had also worked alongside him in Robin Hood the previous year.  

Immortals 

In 2011 he played the lead role in the Greek epic Immortals, as Zeus King of the Gods. It was a 3D mythology fantasy film and was previously called ‘Dawn of War’ and ‘War of the Gods’ before the final title was officially decided. 

No One Lives 

Luke starred in the American horror film No One Live in 2012 directed by Ryuhei Kitamura. 

  

Fast & Furious 6 

Luke was cast as antagonist Owen Shaw in the sixth instalment of The Fast and the Furious franchise. This American-Spanish action film shows how the retired professional criminal gang from Fast Five, the previous film, are still wanted fugitives. A DSS agent offers to clear their names and allow them to return home if they help him take down a skilled mercenary organisation led by Owen Shaw, played by Luke Evans.  

The Hobbit Film Series 

Luke Evans was involved in all three of the Hobbit films which are based on the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. In the first film An Unexpected Journey out in 2012 Luke played the role of Giron Lord of Dale in the extended edition. For the following two films in the series  The Desolation of Smaug in 2013 and The Battle of the Five Armies in 2014 Luke played the role of Bard the Bowman.  

Luke Evans has climbed to success throughout his career and had a great end to 2014 playing the legendary character of Dracula in Dracula Untold. This gripping origin story unveils the beginnings of one of the most enduring and captivating figures of all time. This thrilling adventure, retelling the epic battle for one man’s soul, is out on Blu-ray and DVD now.     

AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL HD NOW 

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Dark Side of the Road - Simon R Green

Release Date: 30/01/15
Publisher:  Severn House Publishers

SYNOPSIS:

Ishmael Jones is someone who can't afford to be noticed, someone who lives under the radar, who drives on the dark side of the road. He's employed to search out secrets, investigate mysteries and shine a light in dark places. Sometimes he kills people. Invited by his employer, the enigmatic Colonel, to join him and his family for Christmas, Ishmael arrives at the grand but isolated Belcourt Manor in the midst of a blizzard to find that the Colonel has mysteriously disappeared. As he questions his fellow guests, Ishmael concludes that at least one of them - not least Ishmael himself - is harbouring a dangerous secret, and that beneath the veneer of festive cheer lurk passion, jealousy, resentment and betrayal. As a storm sets in, sealing off the Manor from the rest of the world, Ishmael must unmask a ruthless murderer before they strike again.


REVIEW:

OK,. I’m a huge Simon Green fan, I’ve loved stories he’s woven before from the immutable Deathstalker series through to the fun I had with his Secret History series so when I read that he had a new book out and that it had a supernatural edge I couldn’t wait to see what would occur.

What unfurled within was a story that had some solid crime mystery elements and whilst a little predictable with the overall thinking was something that entertained, that was of course until the book went its “supernatural” way that left me feeling that it wasn’t something that was required, the reveal felt flat, almost as if it had to happen at that point and overall from there on it was rushed to get to an ending that was more of a fix than an y solid real conclusion. Almost as if the author gave up 80% of the way through the writing (or was rushing to meet the deadline.) Don’t get me wrong, there will be people that will love it, but for me, I just didn’t like the way it felt that the author had to tie it all up in a nice big bow.

CRIME THRILLER REVIEW: Katie Maguire 4: Taken for Dead - Graham Masterton

Release Date: 12/02/15
Publisher:  Head of Zeus

SYNOPSIS:

It is a sunny Saturday in county Cork, and an Irish wedding is in full swing. Drunk uncles are toasting the bride. The Ceilidh band have played for hours. But the cutting of the cake will bring the wedding to a horrifying end. For there, grinning gruesomely up from the bottom tier, is the severed head of the local baker. Katie Maguire, of the Irish Garda, does not have any leads - until another local businessman goes missing in horrific circumstances. The murders appear to link to The Kings of Erin, a terrifying gang of torturers and extortionists. But these are dangerous men. And they will stop at nothing to throw Katie off the trail...


REVIEW:

Graham is one of those authors that seems to be able to turn his hand to any genre and whilst he’s mainly known for Horror, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying his crime titles from Head of Zeus. They’re full of life (and death) has a solid arc but for me the star of his work is the characterisation alongside the dialogue that feels realistic as it trips off the page into the readers imagination.

Throw into the mix some cracking sleight of hand and all round you’ll be a happy reader especially if you’re new to Graham’s work or are just looking for a series to sit back and enjoy after a hard day. Magic.

BOOK NEWS: Finding Your Favourite Authors Ebooks just got easier - Hachette Group UK.

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, 
Our friends at the Hachette Group have let us know about the ease of accessing all thier ebooks, here's the press release:

"Gateway, an imprint of the Orion Publishing Group and sister company to the UK's oldest science fiction publisher Gollancz, is an eBook publisher of classic SF and Fantasy.  It is part catalogue site, highlighting and promoting the thousands of eBooks; part gateway to online retailers from whom these eBooks can be bought; part social network for readers who wish to discuss and recommend authors.

Gateway's parent company, the Orion Publishing Group is owned by the Hachette UK Group, which also owns Little, Brown, Hodder & Stoughton and Headline publishers, among others. Little, Brown is home to one of the UK's major SFF imprints, Orbit, who publish such genre heavyweights as Iain M. Banks, Terry Brooks, David Gemmell, Robert Jordan and Elizabeth Moon. Hodder & Stoughton and Headline are also home to some hugely respected writers of the fantastic, such as Jean M. Auel, Ben Bova and Jack McDevitt, and share Robert A. Heinlein, and Harry Turtledove with Gateway.

In Gateway’s on-going efforts to make the website the ultimate source of classic SF and Fantasy, the imprint are delighted to welcome an outstanding selection of authors from Orbit, Hodder & Stoughton and Headline to the site.

The full list of new authors, whose works are live on the Gateway site from today, includes:

Jean M. Auel

Iain M. Banks

Ben Bova

David Brin

Terry Brooks

Orson Scott Card

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Celia Friedman

David Gemmell

Tom Holt

Robert Jordan

Richard Laymon

Ken MacLeod

Gregory Maguire

Jack McDevitt

Elizabeth Moon

We can't wait to go back and reread some of these classics,

Gareth and Lady Eleanor

FICTION REVIEW: Goodhouse - Peyton Marshall

Release Date: 01/01/15
Publisher:  Doubleday

SYNOPSIS:

What would happen if you could see clearly into the genetic make-up of your friends and family? America at the end of the 21st century: 17-year-old James doesn't even know what his real name is, though he feels if someone uses it one day, he'll know it's his. Kindness to others is not an option at Goodhouse, a brutally run corrective school for boys with criminal genes. Awaiting him over the barbed wires of the school are the Zeros, a religious group who aim to rid the planet of impure boys like those at Goodhouse. But for James, his greatest threat is not the fundamentalists outside. His dream of walking through the gates as a civilian may yet be destroyed by the much deadlier threat from within...A bold, visionary tale of a forseeable future where genetic profiling is meant to prevent crime, but instead becomes a tool for oppression, Goodhouse poses urgent questions about freedom and slavery and what it means to be alive.


REVIEW:

A weird and wonderful read from an author that I’d not come across before and to be honest I loved not only the idea behind the title but one that delivered on the promise within the blurb. What comes across firstly is this stark futuristic world where whilst the traits of mankind are screened genetically. It’s a book that is well written, the prose is sharp and when added to the readers concept of nature vs nurture all round generates something that was a pure joy to read.

All round a book that not only delivered but had the reader asking questions which when backed with great characterisation alongside realistic dialogue made this a read that I’ll be passing on to a good many others. Cracking.

CRIME THRILLER REVIEW: Rizzoli and Isles 11: Die Again - Tess Gerritsen

Release Date: 01/01/15
Publisher:  Bantam Press

SYNOPSIS:

"With Die Again Tess Gerritsen proves that she is still at the top of her game. I love this fantastically gripping story and can't wait for more". (Karin). SLAUGHTER THE VICTIMS - In Boston, Detective Jane Rizzoli and Forensic Pathologist Maura Isles are investigating a bizarre murder. A man has been found gutted and hanging in his home. When the remains of another victim are found, it is clear that this murderer has been at work for years, and not just in Boston. THE KILLER - Six years ago, a group of travellers set off on an African safari. None of them are seen again - apart from one woman who stumbled out of the bush weeks later, barely alive. The only woman to have seen the killer's face. THE SURVIVOR - Has the 'safari killer' resurfaced in Boston? Jane is sent to Africa to find the one link between the two cases - the only survivor - and convince her to face death once again...


REVIEW:

As a huge Rizzoli and Isles fan, I really couldn’t wait to see what would happen in their next adventure and whilst I wasn’t sure how the book would turn out with the current law suit in action against Warner Brothers, I shouldn’t have worried.

As usual with Tess the writing really speaks for itself. The prose is sharp, the action thick and when added to cracking dialogue it will more than fulfil most fans demands for their next outing. Back this up with some magical arc weaving all round made this a book that you really can’t miss. Great stuff.

FANTASY REVIEW: Chronicle of Unhewn Throne 2: The Providence of Fire - Brian Staveley

Release Date: 15/01/15
Publisher:  Pan Macmillan/Tor

SYNOPSIS:

War is coming, secrets multiply and betrayal waits in the wings...The Annurian Empire's ruling family must be vigilant, as the conspiracy against them deepens. Having discovered her father's assassin, Adare flees the Dawn Palace in search of allies. But few trust her, until she seems marked by the people's goddess in an ordeal of flame. As Adare struggles to unite Annur, unrest breeds rival armies - then barbarian hordes threaten to invade. And unknown to Adare, her brother Valyn has fallen in with forces mustering at the empire's borders. The terrible choices they face could make war between them inevitable. Fighting his own battles is their brother Kaden, rightful heir to the Unhewn Throne, who has infiltrated the Annurian capital with two strange companions. While imperial forces prepare to defend a far-distant front, Kaden's actions could save the empire, or destroy it. Book One, The Emperor's Blades, was on the list of BuzzFeed.com's most-anticipated SF/F reads for 2014 and also on the Fantasy Faction blog for most anticipated fantasy for 2014.


REVIEW:

The second title from Brian and whilst the first one blew me away, its always the second that is, for me the teller, as to whether the author can cope with the pressures of writing to a deadline. It’s a tricky hurdle to conquer and for many they fall at it, yet not only does Brian manage to clear it, but he does it with plenty of space below as the sheer quality not only exists but exudes from within the covers.

Its crisp writing, the characters outstanding and when added to an overall arc that just keeps giving the reader more and more all round leaves you with not just a glowing feeling but the type of confusion about where all the times gone. Add to this characters that you not only just want to spend time around but would love to buy a pint for all round, alongside their outstanding dialogue makes the third title a hell of a long wait.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Lego Announces Jurassic World Game - Warner Brothers Interactive

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Warner Brothers Interactive have send us the trailer for the forthcoming new Lego Game, Jurassic World, a title that brnigs all the Jurassic Park titles together.

We can't wait to get our hands on it and just to whet your appetite here's the trailer:

We hope you're just as excited,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Mortal Kombat X: Kollector's Edition - Warner Brothers Interactive

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
We're huge fans of Mortal Kombat and with the latest release coming to consoles on 14/04/15 we can't wait to start kicking butt and taking names.

Well today, Warner Brothers Interactive announced Mortal Kombat X: Kollector's Edition, and wow, there's a ton of stuff within for the Mortal Kombat fan.  Here's what they had to say about it:
"

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today revealed details of the premium product line-up for Mortal Kombat™ X, which includes Mortal Kombat X Kollector’s Edition by Coarse, Kollector’s Edition, Premium Edition and Special Edition. All premium products including the base game are available now for pre-order from participating retailers in the UK.  In addition, all who pre-order the Mortal Kombat X Special Edition from GAME, exclusively in the UK, will receive legendary fighter, Goro as a playable character.  Mortal Kombat X will release in the UK on 14th April, 2015.

 

The Mortal Kombat X: Kollector’s Edition by Coarse will include:

• Exclusive Scorpion figurine and Certificate of Authenticity, designed by Coarse. Coarse has been recognized in Collector and Designer figure communities for their artistic approach, dedication to detail, and unique storytelling through sculpture. 
• In-game Gold Scorpion Skin
• Exclusive Scorpion Skin - this skin design, inspired by the Cold War, is a collaboration between NetherRealm Studios and a fan artist from the MKKollective.com, a crowd-sourced destination where Mortal Kombat enthusiasts can upload, submit and share their MK-related art, images, cosplay, music and videos.
• Available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft
• MSRP: £99.99

The Mortal Kombat X Kollector’s Edition will include:

• Exclusive hand painted Scorpion figurine (28cm)
• Unique steel pack and serialized steel card
• Mortal Kombat X: Blood Ties Comic Book Volume 1
• In-game Gold Scorpion Skin 
• Exclusive Scorpion Skin - this skin design, inspired by the Cold War, is a collaboration between NetherRealm Studios and a fan artist from the MKKollective.com, a crowd-sourced destination where Mortal Kombat enthusiasts can upload, submit and share their MK-related art, images, cosplay, music and videos.
• Available for Xbox One entertainment system for Microsoft; and PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system
• MSRP: PS4 and Xbox One: £89.99

The Mortal Kombat X Premium Edition will be available via download only and includes the following:

• The Kombat Pack
• Available for Xbox One*, the Xbox 360* games and entertainment system for Microsoft; PlayStation®3** and PlayStation®4** computer entertainment systems and PC
• MSRP: PS4 and Xbox One - £79.98; PS3 and Xbox 360 - £64.98; Steam - £59.98 

The Mortal Kombat X Special Edition, will feature the following:

• Unique Steel Pack
• Legendary series character Goro as a pre-order exclusive. Making his first appearance in more than eight years, Goro, the feral, four-armed Shokan warrior will be available day of launch as a playable combatant to those who pre-order The Mortal Kombat X Special Edition through GAME , exclusively in the UK - http://www.game.co.uk/en/games/mortal-kombat-x
• Available for Xbox One, the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system for Microsoft; PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 computer entertainment systems
•  MSRP: PS4,  Xbox One - £54.99; PS3 and Xbox 360 - 39.99 

For more information and to pre-order the various game editions, please visit Mortalkombat.com  
Mortal Kombat X is NetherRealm Studios' next highly anticipated installment in its legendary, critically acclaimed fighting game franchise that propels the iconic franchise into a new generation.  Mortal Kombat X is scheduled for release on  the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC.

*Xbox One and Xbox 360 Premium Edition SKU’s are not available for pre-order
**Coming soon to PSN"