Bite Bits: And the Winner is...

... Efhi Balafoutis! Congrats Efhi, you are the lucky winner of last weeks contest for the copy of Melissa de la Cruz's Bloody Valentine. Please send your mailing address information to VampirePhile@gmail.com and the book will be sent to you, asap.

And coming up next week, there will be another contest / book giveaway. This time for copies of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's latest in the vampire Count Saint-Germain series: An Embarrassment of Riches.

In other fang-tastic news, Underworld 4: New Dawn
begins filming in Vancouver this month (by next week to be exact) and there may/will be a Lost Girl, connection. It's not as yet "officially" announced, but said LG cast member mentioned on their official page that they'll "be playing a werewolf" in the upcoming film. Those of you who follow this Lost Girl actor/actress will already know of whom I speak...Anyone else, well, you can give your guesses ;)

      

Here's a bit more to 'bite' into, check out this site for the Internet Distributed Comedy series Vampirism Bites. The entire first season of this comedy web series is available on the website: http://www.vampirismbites.com/ Thanks to creator James Fernandez for bringing it to this fang fille's attention.

 

And a bit more bite before bidding you all adieu. Anyone with an Amazon.com or Amazon.Uk account and who may be interested in contributing reviews, Nathyn Brendan Masters, author of Blackrayne would like to send you a PDF copy of the book for review. Thereafter, all you would have to do is add your review of it on Amazon.

Interested readers who wish to review, please email me at VampirePhile@gmail.com no later than this coming Sunday March 6th (reference "Amazon Book Review" in the subject line) and I will forward your email address on to Nathyn, who will get in touch with you thereafter with the PDF copy for review.

V''''V

Succub...? Well, hello 'Lost Girl' : A Series Debut Review.

   
**Caution, may contain spoilers if you have not seen the episode yet!**

"You can control people by touch... And not in a creepy, hand job sorta way." - Kenzi to Bo (Lost Girl, S1 E1)


So last Sunday night (Sept. 12th), I passed on watching the season 3 finale of True Blood!

Why?

Because there is this new Canadian show I had been reading/seeing/hearing some buzz about and I wanted to tune in to its series debut episode. The show in question was/is Showcase's Lost Girl which some of you may remember I'd mentioned about three posts ago?

I felt it was a "not to be missed" debut, and besides, I knew I could see the True Blood season 3 finale in a repeat episode (which, btw, now that I've seen it, I was not very impressed with the ending of. It was basically a non-ending. But I digress...)

Well anyway, I'm very glad that I had decided to catch the series premiere / pilot episode of Lost Girl, 'cause it was pretty damn good, in my opinion (I even went to work the next day and recommended it to a few of my genre loving colleagues).

And according to the statistics on TV, eh?, over 400,000 in Canada tuned in to its premiere, and I can count myself among them.

I'm generally a genre loving fan, esp. of most things Horror-Fantasy, Sci-fi and Supernatural. I consider myself as a die-hard, albeit not overly hardcore (No tats of my fave characters. No RPGing or LARPing) and I know what I like. 
And when I like something I talk about it (off and/or on line> as I recently did about this self same show, with sisters Suzie and Shannon from Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural on their FaceBook Page.) and I'm definitely liking the potential I'm seeing in Lost Girl. (Note: Suzie and Shannon also discuss Lost Girl beginning on section 1:25:45 of their recent podcast.)

Season 1 episode 1 titled "It's a Fae, Fae, Fae, Fae World" had a nice balance of action, drama, intrigue and story introduction and development; with some nice, sassy dialogue and witty, memorable one liners (and we all know how much of a sucker I am for witty dialogue. Can you say Blood Ties anyone? :) 

"It's like the 4th of July in my mouth!" - as said by Bo after she engages in a kiss with Dyson... and Mais Oui! I tell ya, that was indeed some HOT kiss between Bo (Anna Silk) and Dyson (Kris Holden-Reid).
I was like "Wow!" First episode and already some fierce tonsil hockey!? LoL! (albeit she was intentionally sucking some of the lifeforce out of him, as per his offering, but that just added to the "Wow!" "Hot!" factor).

I have to say here that I'm already liking the chemistry between Bo & Dyson. That scene where they both made eye contact while passing each other on the street, was intense and truly believable. And already we can see that sort of back/forth, love/hate dynamic between them (kinda like a Lois and Clark... Bo's sass and fiesty personality certainly reminds me of Erica Durance's Lois Lane on Smallville, but Dyson seems to be more than a "goody gumshoe" even for a "Light" Fae.)

And speaking (still) of Dyson (insert Soni's usual segue loving self here :) ... I couldn't not mention some cool coincidences I came upon while doing my research, regarding actor Kris Holden-Reid (who somewhat resembles another "Chris", i.e. Martin of ColdPlay) and Lost Girl in general. 

Apart from the fact that Holden-Reid had attended my alma mater University here in Montreal some time back, he also played "William Compton" on The Tudors. Of course "William Compton" is also the proper name of vampire Bill Compton on HBO's True Blood. Furthermore, The Tudors, revolves around the life of King Henry VIII. King Henry VIII was the father of Henry Fitzroy (can you see where I'm going? :) Of course, the historical persona of Henry Fitzroy was used by Canadian author Tanya Huff as a vampire in her Blood Books, which were used as the basis for the tv series Blood Ties, which was created by none other than Peter Mohan who is also one of the executive producers of Lost Girl... And/End segue scene :)


Ultimately, from what I can see, the premiere episode of Lost Girl has setup, what could no doubt be an intriguing storyline over the course of the season. As a viewer, my mind is already wondering with loads of questions, esp. as with regards to 'Bo', a succubus living among humans (although initially, she didn't know what she was ). 

Where did she come from? Who is she really? How is it that Fae live among humans? What other kinds of fae are there? How extremely do the "Light" Fae differ from the "Dark"? And why must Bo choose a side? What is Trick (as played by Rick Howland)'s secret and why is he having fellow fae Dyson observe her? And of course, how far will Bo go to find out "where or from whom she came"?

Cinematographically, I'm also liking the warm tones and deep hues in some of the scenes (my photographers' eye generally "lights" upon things like that.)

So now, as I have been pleasantly "sucked in" and "seduced" by the potential in the first episode. Here's hoping it will continue to improve. I will certainly be tuning in again tomorrow and every Sunday at 9pm on Showcase to find, Lost Girl!

V***V

"Kat Scratch Fever" Review: Vampire Diaries Season 2 debut: The Return

     **Caution, may contain spoilers if you’ve not seen the episodes yet!**

"What Happened?" / "Katherine Happened!".

Well last night we saw the highly anticipated debut of The Vampire Diaries Season 2, aptly titled The Return and OMD! (Oh My Damon!) what a RETURN it was!

Picking up exactly where season 1 had left off, with Elena returning home to the ominous threat of the fierce, Katherine Pierce having been, "invited in" her home, with the only option, as Damon quite wittingly pointed out, being: "Move!"

This Return episode was, in my opinion, chocked full of:
 
Shock - with what Damon did to Jeremy           and       
Awe - the glimpse of Stefan's potential "badassness"      and
Touching Honesty - Elena's heartfelt revelation to and observation of Damon : "I care for you!" (her revelation) / "You care" (her observation).

And not to (forget to) mention heart break - when Katerine, all but drove a stake through Damon with her revelation that "it has always been Stefan"... and it didn't help that Elena, her "dead ringer", practically told him the same thing in a later scene.
It's like I said in the past, in one of my previous posts > Sympathy for The D-Man: Damon Salvatore, it's no wonder Damon has trust issues.

Ultimately, The Return episode saw Katherine leaving her scratches on just about everyone, most notably Damon, which in turn drove the episode onward at a fever pace.

And as usual with TVD, just when you thought it couldn't get any better... the end is only the beginning, as the final scene proved... Oh, sweet Caroline-a!

Here's a preview of next weeks episode!

Movie Review: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

So, once again, I interrupt the usual "vampire themed" posts of this blog to bring you a general movie review. Albeit, the film is of the fantasy genre (with some aspects of mild horror) and one of the two lead actors did play in vampire back in 1988 (so you see, in a way, it's still "all connected" :)

So what film am I talking about? 

What film, filled with fantasy, magic AND physics, mild horror, adventure, humour, great action and special effects and an actor who once played a vampire in 1988  (the film in question being The Vampire's Kiss)?

Why it's Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice of course. Starring Nicolas Cage and hometown (Montreal/Canadian) boy Jay Baruchel.

The Sorcercer's Apprentice made its Canadian debut, as the opening film feature at the commencement of the 14th edition of the Montreal Fantasia Film Festival, hosted, as it has been for the past several years by my alma mater (and present place of employ) Concordia University.

In one of the venue's largest theaters, 700 of us (or more if you include the actor Jay Baruchel and the Disney representatives who were present) were treated to the screening of said film, in advance of its opening next Wednesday, July 14th (date on above poster is incorrect).

And what a treat it was.

After the general Festival opening announcements, Baruchel, in a state of, what can only be described as "giddy, geeky, glee" introduced the film to the happy hometown audience. Then we sat back and allowed the magic to unfold.

Without giving too much (or anything) away, I can safely say that The Sorcercer's Apprentice was indeed an enjoyable film. 

Nic Cage made good as the "just a bit" crazy master sorcerer Balthazar Blake, on the quest to find the one who could be the next  to acquire Merlin's magic and defeat the evil Morgana.

And Jay Baruchel proved to be well cast as the nerdy, endearing, reluctant hero / apprentice.

With a nice, balanced blend of action, adventure and pretty cool special effects. The film takes the viewer on a fun ride, reminiscent of classic Disney / Bruckheimer fare. And it'd also no doubt leave you laughing out loud at some unexpected moments in dialogue.

If you enjoyed The National Treasure movies, then you will certainly enjoy The Sorcerer's Apprentice.


I've to give Special Thanks to Cindy Canavan (Manager of the University's IITS Cinemas team). As well as to the Disney Reps whom I'd had the pleasure of meeting.

Bite Bits: Kyle Schmid, VampChix, Faust and Fowley.

I interrupt the general vampire themed posts of this blog, to bring you a little acting review.... Well technically, the post is still "on point" as the actor in question has played a vampire before as well.

I'm speaking of Kyle Schmid, who played the vampire Henry Fitzroy in the tv show Blood Ties and who can now be seen in the new Canadian indie film GravyTrain. (Review on the new film GravyTrain in which Kyle Schmid co-stars with April Mullen and Tim Doiron redirects > Here!)

**Warning - This post may contain spoilers**

Kyle Schmid as Lance Dancaster in GravyTrain

Ok, so I know I can't do a review of GravyTrain, without giving mention to one of the actors there in, Kyle Schmid.

After all "some" (if not all) reading this review, may count themselves to be among his fans, who, though they (unfortunately) may have to wait a bit yet to see the film, are eagerly awaiting it, and are nonetheless, probably looking forward to hearing about his performance therein.
 
Well, I shan't give too much away regarding the plot a/o his role therein, but I must say, that the character of Lance Dancaster (as compared to the other characters of which we have seen Kyle play thus far) was yet another interesting departure for Mr. Schmid. And as we fans know, each of those other characters, in turn having been equally different from the other. 

Kyle embodied the character of the geeky Lance to a "baby blue turtle neck" T, injecting his performance with the personality, humour and mannerism of a sometimes bumbling, not-quite-adept, pencil pushing desk cop dork, who continuously, albeit vainly, tries to compete with Chuck GravyTrain's more cool, #1 cop persona.   


A friend, with whom I went to see the GravyTrain flick, and who by the way is not a fan of Kyle's (in the sense of, she has not seen much of his work and only knows about him because of yours truly... thus her opinion is an "unbiased" one), she told me, totally unsolicited mind you, that, and I quote:

"I think Kyle is a good actor and has the potential to do great things. This role was very different (from playing a vampire) but it's nice to see that he doesn't take himself too seriously and can take on the role of a goofy, funny character. I've seen him in *3 different movies and he portrays someone different in all of them. I'd like to see him in a comedy again."

*The "3 different movies" of which she is referring are: Zerophilia and The Blood Ties series and now GravyTrain.

Kyle Schmid continues to "become" or "inhabit" his roles on such a chameleon level that it's wonderful to watch. It is, to quote author Gabrielle Faust in a recent interview: "as if he has been that person in real life".

But to use a quote from Lance himself as he spoke to his "potato tooth-picked people" (as pictured above): "Don't believe what you hear I tell ya..."  But rather go catch GravyTrain if/when it pulls into a cinema station near you and see for yourself.

 *

And speaking of  author Gabrielle Faust and "recent interview". Be sure to have a read of said interview which Gabrielle did recently with Raelynn Coombs of the Memphis Vampire Examiner, see Here!

There in Faust talks about Kyle (yes Faust is also a fan), her life and work including her acclaimed post apocalyptic vampire series Eternal Vigilance (which by the way, there is a petition to: Help Make Eternal Vigilance into a movie!)

For those who haven't you should consider giving the Eternal Vigilance series a read. 

It's been continuously getting great reviews & the legendary Kim Fowley (record producer & former manager of The Runaways) recently compared Ms. Faust's writing to Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling. See the Dangerous Minds interview Here (at bite bit 14:17)!

*

And speaking of vamp chicks like Ms. Faust.  One of my favourite blogs which I follow, VampChix has a new blog banner for those wishing to add to your blog or site to "show everyone you love vampires". You can find the banner Here!

*

Review of author Jacqueline Lepore's "Descent into Dust"

"And though it is many decades later, it all comes back to me; back even to those early days, when the terror was new and I was dangerously untrained.  When I was young and did not yet know I had a secret..."

*

I have recently completed my second reading of author Jacqueline Lepore's debut Descent into Dust.
Yes, you are not mistaken, you did indeed read those words correctly. My second reading.
That is how captivating a page turner of novel this is.

Set amidst the Victorian era, the novel debuts by introducing us to the heroine Emma Andrews, a young widow on her way to her cousin's home in the countryside of Wiltshire.

It all begins innocently enough with glimpses into the life and surroundings, the somewhat fractured relationship between Emma and her sister Alyssa and the bond between Emma and little cousin Henrietta.

But nevertheless, within the first few chapters, as the story progresses, Lepore manages to weave in a sense foreboding that is almost palpable, and this is maintained through the story.

As I read, I felt myself being drawn into the mystery with a multitude of questions: Who is Marius? Is he real? What does he have to do with Henrietta and the Hawthorn tree? What is Valerian Fox's secret? What was the real story behind Emma's mother's "condition"? Who can Emma trust?

Lepore's use of the first person perspective, through the eyes of Emma, proved very effective in building the moments of genuine, hair raising suspense and terror, which all played out initially, on a psychological level, then manifested itself on a level all too real for the characters in the novel... and I have to admit, at some point too (psychologically) on/for this humble reader, given that some aspects manifested in my dreams thereafter.

Descent into Dust is a novel rich with intrigue, full of flowing textured language and good old fashioned Gothic horror. It taps at the window of your psyche before it grips you by the throat.

It mesmerizes into wanting to read on to the end and then some more (fortunately there will be more in The Cyprian Queen... unfortunately we have to wait until March 2011).
Don't be surprised, if like me, you read it twice.

I'm highly recommending you give this book a read!

For more on Jacqueline, you can be sure to visit her website and you can also find her on Twitter

You can also read some interviews with Jacqueline at: VampChix, Fang-tastic Books and Suburban Vampire.

Review: The Vampire Diaries epi. 16 "There goes the Neighbourhood"

*Warning, may contain spoilers if you've not seen the episode as yet*

Oh my freaking God! Can you say more surprises than a b'day party? The Vampire Diaries aims to, and pleases, yet again.

Okay, so generally I don't do an epi. by epi review of TVD (as we so fondly refer to it on Twitter), but tonight's epi. was one of those that had me audibly gasping.

From Damon's "OUCH" (my reaction btw) moment in the beginning. To Jeremy's "Ooooh... Naughty Jeremy" (also my reaction) moment close to the end... and then his subsequent request of Anna at the very end that left me thinking: "Wait, it's April 1st, he must be joking right?"

Tonights epi. of TVD thickened the plot in my opinion, in 3 particular areas:

a) As concerning the vamps who have now wandered out of the tomb.... and dare we say Damon has met his match? 
"I have 400 years on you, little boy. I'll rip you from limb to limb, in the blink of an eye and you know it." -  tremble in awe at the power of Pearl, as she digs into Damon's eyes (There was my audible WTF "OUCH" moment).

b) The evolution of Matt and Caroline's relationship (poor Caro, I soo feel for her, and Candice Accola is so deserving of kudos for the beautiful display of vulnerability she is able to portray that allows the viewer to connect with her on that level).

c) And the (surprising to say the least) twist that now presents itself in the Jeremy / Anna dynamic. If or as you all may recall, Jeremy regained his memory (from Damon's suggestive "I'll make him forget" thrall) in an epi. sometime last Fall. 

Now Jeremy is intrigued (and a tease to boot) by poor confused Anna  - (here be another young actress, Malese Jow, who in my opinion, emoted effortlessly the angst of being a teen... and a vampire no less. After he (Jeremy) "accidentally" cuts into his palm, he attempts to tempt her with his blood. (There was my "Ooooh... naughty Jeremy" moment). 

It's only been the second half of the 1st season and already TVD has thrown more plot twists and curve balls at us viewers than ... Acrobats at a Circus? a Baseball game? a Winding road? Choose your appropriate metaphor a/o simile a/o hyperbole, whatever, - but fasten your seat belts, it's (probably) going to be a bumpy (set of) night(s) ahead of us in the weeks to come... and I for one look forward to it! ;o)

Review of author Skyler White's "and Falling, Fly"

The angel of desire is damned . . .

Olivia is a vampire bored with modernity. Tattooist,
boyfriend, black-metal singer: everyone you don’t love
tastes the same. Since the fall from Eden, she has hungered
for love, but fed only on desire. Dominic O’Shaughnessy is a
neuroscientist plagued by impossible visions.
When his research and her despair collide in Ireland’s L’Otel
Mathillide – a subterranean hell of beauty, demons and
dreams – rationalist and angel unite in a clash of desire and
damnation that threatens to destroy them both.

*

VampirePhile’s review of and Falling, Fly

I had the pleasure of reading Skyler White’s and Falling, Fly on an uninterrupted 10 hour train ride (5 hrs in each direction), and I was very glad I had had that time to delve into her world. And what an intriguing world it was.

Honestly and Falling, Fly is unlike any other vampire based genre novel I have read. A captivating concept of a world in which: “Every vampire is a fallen angel of desire, and we nourish our deathless beauty on what we fleeting inspire in mortals who live, but briefly.” (p.16).

A place where science, mythology and magic meet and create an interesting, thought provoking meld.

Skyler weaves a world that is, at the same time beautiful yet gritty, beginning in the first few chapters in America, then continuing across the Atlantic to Ireland in the hell that is L’Otel Mathillide.

Centering on the two complex protagonists, Olivia (the fallen angel of desire) and Dominic (the self medicating neuroscientist), and each ones quest for understanding, acceptance and freedom.

Dominic seeking to understand himself “mentally”: Is he crazy? Why does he have so many memories of lives previously lived? Can he erase these memories with the skills of science?

Olivia, is seeking to be understood “physically”, and once seen for what she really is (a fallen angel, now vampire) through eyes that are not blinded by her beauty, she can thereby gain her freedom from the trap of unfeeling mortal flesh.

I found that, and Falling, Fly put to question the notion of the superficiality of desire. Are we only considered desirable, if we meet the requirements of what is dictated or expected? And if one does not fit into it, are we thus damned, undesirable and unworthy?

Furthermore the language in which Skyler writes evokes a wonderful sense of lyric and poetry (that was not lost on this fellow poet). Her use of metaphor helps to drive the story along in the minds eye, conjuring images that add to the uniqueness of the novel. For example: “Tonight, I will hunt with Adam’s rage on ruined shoes, and I will feed full-tooth. Desire denied consumes.” (p.22)

As well, personally, I like Skyler’s approach with the points of view in the novel. Using the “I” point of view for the strong female persona of Olivia, yet not over shadowing (and giving equally to) the voice of the male protagonist Dominic.

To quote Julie Kenner (USA Today bestselling author): “Skyler White’s and Falling, Fly puts a unique and intelligent spin on the vampire legend… will have readers turning pages… and thinking about the book long after they’ve reached the end.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Skyler White's and Falling, Fly makes for a provocative and intriguing debut, that takes you on an intellectual ride, that's well worth reading!

*

Be sure to join VampirePhile later on this week, when author Skyler White will be stopping by for an interview.

Review: DayBreakers: Fangs, Blood, Gore and more.

Daybreakers: Willem Dafoe, blood and gore!

Okay, okay. So I know I had planned (since Dec) to do a review of New Moon. And believe me, it’s coming (or should I say “transitioning”) but some films motivate to review them post-haste, some don’t.

What can I say?

“Life’s a Bitch… then you don’t die”, that’s what I could say, but I’d leave the witty one-liners to the thrill ride that was Daybreakers.

I would admit I didn’t know what to expect from Daybreakers.

I saw the trailer. Saw that it was a vampire movie (1st check mark towards my wanting to see it). Saw that Willem Dafoe was in it (2nd check mark, as I always enjoy his performances) and there was Ethan Hawke too (3^rd check, as generally I like Ethan’s certain projected sense of vulnerability and was curious to see him as a vampire).

So it was just with a sense of those 3 things, and nothing more, that drew me to the film. 

Well who knew, that about 98 minutes later, I’d be recommending it to other horror fans and potentially wanting to see it again.

“It’s about as safe as bare backing a $5.00 whore!” 

No finer (and funnier) words could have been spoken, as were those said by Willem Dafoe in character as Elvis, the former vampire re- turned… human?

And as part of the viewing audience, safe we were not. Well at least not quite.

From the unexpected surprises that you didn’t see coming: The operation room splatter scene. To moments wrought with a touch of melancholy: Edward’s brothers’ compassion upon viewing the fiery death of one whom he turned. To the downright campy: the slow-mo, full out feast fest at the end, which solicited out right laughter from the audience at its’ sheer campiness.

I would admit I did find some parts of the plot a bit weak.

For example: it could be begged to question, as to what was the point of having the escapees and the vampire Politian as seemingly important members, only to have them all captured (the entourage) and killed (the Politian et al). I also felt a sense of lacking as pertained to the relationship between Charles Bromley (Sam Neil) and his daughter Alison (Isabel Lucas).

Nevertheless, I personally found that Ethan Hawke gave a convincing performance as the “I-didn’t-want-to-be-one” human turned vampire. The sense of abject displacement and disconnect which he projected, contrasted acutely with the others around him who gloried in being vampires and all things vampiric. For all intents and purposes, he was determined to keep what was left of his humanity and managed to maintain it. This was in contrast to his brother Frankie Dalton (Michael Dorman), who was “never any good at being human.”

Yet, it was nice to see, that, by the final chapter, this (maintaining a sense of humanity) was finally understood by Frankie and one couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment and loss, at his sacrifice.

In all, I found Daybreakers to be an enjoyably fang-tastic thrill ride – emphasis on “fang” because unlike the vamps in the Twilight Saga franchise who are “fang-less” (and there by do we consider them “impotent”?), the vampires in Daybreakers are all fangy, all the time – With enough of a balance of suspense, and dark humour (mostly delivered by Dafoe) to warrant a watch or in my case, a re-watch.

Fang-tastic Books: Blog Tour for Eternal Desire

Fang-tastic Books: Blog Tour for Eternal Desire

Roxanne Rhoads, will be doing a virtual book tour to promote her latest, soon to be released (October 7th) feature: Eternal Desire ( "a vampire story with erotic elements"), and yours truly will be among those that gets the honour to host her.

Check the site link above, for more details!

Fang-tastic Books: Wanna Join Bite Club?

Fang-tastic Books: Wanna Join Bite Club?

What's Bite Club?

Bite Club is a monthly vampire romance book club and created by the members of VampChix.

The first featured book is: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2

The rules are simple:

First rule of Bite Club, tell everyone about Bite Club.

Second rule of Bite Club, don't bleed on the freakin’ carpet!

You can find the VampChix Here: VampChix.blogspot.com

True Blood - my fave episode to date!

This 2nd season of HBO's True Blood is by far the best, and epi. 9 - I will rise up is probably my fave. Definitely worth a 2nd look! ;o)

Here is a review of said episode courtesy of EW.com

And a pic for your viewing pleasure :

Book Review: Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang

Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang

by
Katie MacAlister


This continuation to MacAlister’s Zen and the Art of Vampires (see my review) proved to be not quite as engaging. Yes, I was curious to resolve the plot twist that had left me hanging at the end of Zen, but in the end, it fell just short of expectations – a bit too sweet and cliché for this readers’ liking – anticlimactic for want of a better description.

Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang, also was not as quick and as delightful a read. Lacking was Pia’s humorous tone that had had me laughing-out-loud in the previous book. And certain characters, namely Pia’s two sidekicks Ray and Magda, hedged on annoying with their constant interruptive presence – I felt they did nothing to enhance the story.

In all, I’m of the opinion that this is a necessary read to conclude Zen, only if you don’t like being left with cliff-hangers.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? I invite you to leave your comments below!

Book Review: Zen and the Art of Vampires.

Zen and the Art of Vampires

by

Katie MacAlister

On this past Saturday afternoon I picked up Katie MacAlister’s Zen and the Art of Vampires, and almost by the same time on Sunday I was finished. Finished, yet left wanting more (and thank goodness the story will continue in Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang.)

Originally I had purchased this book as part of a Double Day introduction discount special for first time members. Among the titles on offer, this was the only one that had caught my eye, as I’m a great fan of the paranormal romance genre. And was I ever glad I did.

The main character, Pia Thomason was delightful and lovely and it was a pleasure getting to know her and going along with her mis-adventure, all from her first person point of view. As a reader, I couldn’t help but share feelings in each of Pia’s predicaments on her Icelandic journey – from the mishap of mistaken identity and the mystery of murder and myth, to her “gaggle of ghosts” (quite nosey I might add) who practically follow her everywhere. And oh yes, the vampires - unpredictable, dashing and dangerous, even whilst hiding in plain sight. Hmm, who should she choose, Kristoff or Alec?

I found this book to be a great, quick read. A hilarious (literally Laugh out Loud) page turner filled with intrigue, suspense and might I add steamy, hot sexiness.

I say definitely bite into it!

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? I invite you to leave your comments below!

A fang-tastic weekend was had by all: True Blood (season 2) Review

(caution alert: True Blood spoilers within)

It was a vamp-tastic weekend between Friday, June 12th and Sunday, June 14th, as some (two or three in particular) of Canada's TV channels broadcasted several vampire related movies. Such as: The Lost Boys (and The Lost Boys 2: The Tribe), Queen of the Damned, Interview with the Vampire and more.
I could only assume that it was perhaps in celebration of the return of HBO’s TrueBlood that was set for return on Sunday, June 14th.
And what a return.

The show picked up where it had ended last season (1st), with the body in the back of the police car (Detective Bellefleur’s no less). Thankfully it turned out NOT to be that of Lafayette (and thank goodness to, as he, in my opinion is one of the better things about the show), but rather it was that (the body) of the voodoo lady, to whom Tara and her mom had been to see, to be exorcised of their demons. She was found with her chest agape and the most ghastly expression on her face (but I guess having your heart ripped out while still alive would do that to a person).

Tara is all in a panic, relieved at first that it's not Lafayette, but troubled nonetheless that it's still someone she knows. And of course she lies to the police about it. But with Sookie around, unintentionally hearing her thoughts, her lying is short lived.

Sookie goes to seek comfort in her fang-tastic boyfriend Bill, who is having issues of his own, training his new fledging female vamp, whom he was forced to turn as part of his punishment last season for killing one of his own kind, whilst saving Sookie’s life. Needless to say, when he finally tells Sookie about her, she doesn’t take it too well and decides to take some space from Bill.

On the other hand, Jason, Sookie’s (formerly??) sex addicted older brother, is found pining away over the lost of Amy: his “intentions-were-so-deceiving”, now deceased girlfriend of last season. He goes to repent and seek solace with the Fellowship of the Sun organisation. (I’m thinking, no hoping, despite his naiveté, that Jason will uncover something about the church that will provide for further conflict.)

Tara is still a member of the house hold of Maryann. And we are privy, via flashback, to shape shifter Sam’s connection to her. There is a mystery surrounding this woman (her identity and true intentions), which is not yet revealed. So this should make for some definite, continuing intrigue as the season progresses. (Personally, I’m going out on a limb here to say that I think she too is a shape shifter, but of a wholly larger breed than Sam’s mere dog. I’m thinking – Werewolf!?)

Meanwhile, the question still remains, where is Lafayette?
We discover him to be held chained and captive, along with several other people, in a squalid, dank, dark basement. He is as disoriented and as questioning as we are, as to: HOW did he get there? Since WHEN has he been there? WHERE is he? and furthermore WHY is he there?
My first speculation was that it may be the Fellowship of the Sun who has them captive. But that theory is soon dashed by the very end of this season 2 / episode 1 – when the captor(s) is / are revealed to be vampire(s) and more specifically the blond sheriff, Norse vamp himself – Eric Northman.

In conclusion, if this S2/E1 return is anything to go by, then I’d say we’re in for quite a ride in upcoming episodes.

So what say you readers? What do you think this new season will hold?
Do you like what you’ve seen so far, including taking into consideration the events of S1? I invite you to leave your comments below.

P.S. : Seen the new Lady Gaga video: Paparazzi?
Yes, that is indeed Alexander Skarsgård (Eric Northman) from True Blood.
See:

Interview with Author Tanya Huff

Posted today @ www.SciFiGuy.ca, an interview he did with author Tanya Huff.
This past Tuesday, 2nd June, was the release of Tanya's new book: The Enchantment Emporium.
See link for more: http://www.scifiguy.ca/2009/06/interview-author-tanya-huff.html

Twi-Lite

Okay, so I had been meaning to write a review on Twilight for a while now (since having seen it 2x last Nov. '08). Well the DVD is soon to be released, so still, this review is better late than never.

As much as I had looked fwd to the film - because I had read the books (well the 1st 3 anyway, as I still have yet to read bk 4) - as much as I'd looked forward to it, I didn't have too many high expectations (nor did I have low ones). I just went in there to see what a/o how it was being brought to the screen.

So, yes. I liked it, yet I didn't like it!

On it's own, not taking into consideration it was based on a book, it was good.
But when comparing it to the book it's based upon, I would say it fell short in (some / so many) areas.

But I guess those are some of the sacrifices that are made from book to film.

Nevertheless, the cinematography of the film itself, left a lot to be desired in my opinion. The continuity issues in some scenes ( Edward and Bella when she was in the hospital. Edward in a diff. position almost each time the camera flashes to him, when he is supposed to be pretending to be asleep. The forever moving/changing breathing tube in Bella's nose, when it was supposed to be a one clean shot).

In some scenes, it was almost as if the director threw all rules that apply to cinematic continuity out the window.

In other scenes, there were the long uncomfortable silences (Bella and her father in the kitchen). This scene (as an example of one) could have used some non-diegetic background music in it.

In all, Twilight was just simply "good" as the movie it was... but in juxtaposition to its' source, i.e.: the book : Twilight , it could have been better.