The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born (2007) by Peter David, Stephen King, Robin Furth, and Jae Lee

Description: Bringing the history of the Gunslinger into chronological order for the first time, the tale begins with a reckless act of courage that gains Roland his first set of guns and earns him and his friends, Cuthbert and Alain, a mission to Hambry on behalf of "the Good Man," a monster named John Farson. Meant to be a safe expedition, the mission becomes instead Roland's first experience of the evil forces he will encounter again and again, in a myriad of guises. When he meets the beautiful Susan Delgado, he discovers the power and pain of love. More than anything, he learns that things worth killing for...

Review: I was absolutely blown away with this book. I couldn't put it down. The story was outstanding and I was totally sucked into the world of the Gunslinger from the start. The artwork is just absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. The story of the Gunslinger has come to life. I had not read Stephen King's Dark Tower series, but now I feel that I have to. I am so into this story that I would love to see what happens. Although, I am more than willing to wait for further installments of this series. The combination of Marvel and King is fantastic. I most definitely recommend this book.

Score: 5 out of 5

Twilight Watch (Sumerechniy Dozor)

Twilight Watch (Sumerechniy Dozor) (2007) by Sergei Lukyanenko

Description: Living among us are the "Others," and ancient race of humans with supernatural powers who must swear allegiance to either the Dark or the Light. A thousand-year treaty has maintained the balance of power between the two sides, but when a renegade Other absconds with a fabled book of spells and appears intent on using it to alter the course of humanity, the forces of Light and Dark must cooperate to stop him.

Anton, the hero from Night Watch, is back, but when the culprit turns out to be an old friend, the race against time becomes more urgent than ever. In a world where reality and magic commingle, and where different degrees of existence are layered one atop the other, nothing is ever quite what it seems.

Review: This book continues where we left Anton and Sveta in Day Watch. They are now a family with the daughter they were destined to have. Although things can never go to easily for them. Mysteries abound and a fabled book is found once more. When their daughter is captured and her life is at stake, they bend the rules a bit, but do find an ally from an enemy. I was completely captivated by the story. I just couldn't put it down. Lukyanenko has definitely created a most intricate world with very specific rules. Sometimes I have to remember back to the other books to remember some detail. In this installment, we get some answers to questions that have been looming, but the ending is ready for another book. I think this series is great and that if you love science fiction, you really should give it a try.

Score: 4 out of 5

Day Watch (Dnevnoi Dozer)

Day Watch (Dnevnoi Dozer) by Sergei Lukyanenko (2007)

Description: The second in a blockbuster series of novels from Russia's most popular science fiction author, Day Watch brings us back into the hyperimaginative world of Sergei Lukyanenko and continues the dramatic battle between good and evil, light and dark, day and night.

Set in modern-day Moscow, the epic saga chronicles the eternal war of the "Others," an ancient race of humans with supernatural powers who must swear allegiance to either the Dark or the Light. The agents of Dark - The Day Watch - keep an eye during the day, while the agents of Light keep watch over the night. For a thousand years a treaty between the two sides has maintained an uneasy balance, but when a very potent artifact is stolen from the Inquisition - an impartial group of Others who keep watch over all - the consequences are dire for both sides.

Day Watch introduces the perspective of the Dark Ones, as it is told in part by a beautiful but troubled young witch.When she falls in love with a handsome young Light One, the balance is threatened and a death must be avenged. Replete with thrilling action and intricate plotting of the first tale, Day Watch is fueled by cunning, cruelty, violence, and magic. It is a fast-paced, darkly humorous, haunting world that will take root in the shadows of your mind and live there forever.

Review: What a great second novel by Lukyanenko. I found myself completely sucked into this world he has created once more. In similar fashion, the second book in the series is comprised of three separate stories that all tie together... and directly to the first. I am completely hooked to this story and can not wait to start the third novel, Twilight Watch. It was great to see the perspective of the Dark Others and see their take on the whole situation. Everything is not as it seems and the decisions are very complex. This was also a refreshing read. It is great to take a break and read some fresh material from another different voice. I am interested to see if anything else by Lukyanenko is translated into English, otherwise I may have to learn Russian just to read more of his work. I highly recommend these novels.

Score: 5 out of 5

Additional Information: Although the second movie in this series by Timur Bekmambetov carries this name, it is actually the story from the first novel, Night Watch.

Fool Moon

Fool Moon (Book 2 of the Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher

Description: Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is Chicago's only openly practicing wizard. He is also dead broke. His vast knowledge and magical skills are unfortunately matched by his talent for making powerful enemies and alienating friends.

With little more than his integrity left, he accepts an offer of work from Lt. Karin Murphy of Chicago's Special Investigation unit. He wants to redeem himself in Murphy's eyes and make enough money to quiet his rumbling stomach.

Soon he finds himself pinned between trigger-happy FBI agents, shape-shifting motorcycle gang members, a threatened mobster boss, and an heir to an ancient curse along with his primal fiance. Throw in environmental activists and a pair of young werewolves in love and you have something of FOOL MOON.

Review: Another great story from Butcher! I listened to the audio version of the story and it was really great. James Marsters, better known as Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, really was the voice of Harry Dresden. Right from the beginning, I was captivated by the story and just had to keep on reading. The story itself was really interesting. Werewolves in Chicago? I guess stranger things have happened. Just when you thought the story was heading one way, Butcher took you another way. I enjoyed the entire ride and recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a fun, short read.

Score 4.5 out of 5

Blue Bloods

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz (2006)

Description: Within New York City's most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. Its members are the powerful and the wealthy - and, in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.

Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapidated mansion. Schuyler is a loner... and happy that way.

But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler's life changes dramatically. She discoverers a mosaic of blue veins on her arms , and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school is showing a sudden interest in her.

Schuyler wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Review: This was sort of The Devil Wears Prada and Buffy's love child. As a sci-fi/fantasy fan, it was not the greatest. There are far better vampire novels out there. That said, there was something to the story that makes me want to find out more. To be honest, I was having a hard time stomaching the constant designer name drops. I get it... they are young, powerful, and dressed to kill. Do I need to know that she is wearing Chanel boots? Hell no. As for the history part, it was almost hard to take. I'll give De La Cruz some points for originality; however, to anyone who knows anything about history, its going to be difficult to read. I guess it is one way to get girls who like "chick lit" into fantasy. I really wouldn't recommend this book unless you are really a De La Cruz fan.

Score: 3 out of 5

The Dark is Rising

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper (1973)

Description: On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift - that he is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated throughout the ages to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. He is plunged at once into a quest for the six magical Signs that will one day aid the Old Ones in the final battle between the Dark and the Light. Thereafter, for the twelve days of Christmas while the Dark is rising, life for Will, although outwardly normal, is strangely wonderful as he is drawn through terror and delight.

Review: The story follows Will Stanton on his journey and discovery of his skills as an "Old One". At first, it was difficult to get into the story. I do not think it is the fault of the author, but my own. Once I started reading though, I just couldn't get enough. I found the story to be very interesting and well made. The wording was so colorful, I felt the world was read. I could really picture everything. It was also very enjoyable to read. I would definitely recommend this book to sci-fi fans and/or youth/young adult readers.

Score: 4 out of 5

Movie Connection: David L. Cunningham brings Susan Coopers book, The Dark is Rising to the big screen. After reading the plot synapsis, it appears that Hollywood, once again, has butchered a good story. I will reserve my final opinion until I see the final product, of course. However, it doesn't look so good.

The Seeker: The Dark is Rising (2007)

Night Watch (Nochnoy Dozor)

Night Watch (Nochnoy Dozor) by Sergei Lukyanenko (1998)

Description: Others. They walk among us, observing. Set in contemporary Moscow, where shape shifters, vampires, and street-sorcerers linger in the shadows, Night Watch is the first book of the hyper-imaginative fantasy trilogy from bestselling Russian author Sergei Lukyanenko. This epic saga chronicles the eternal war of the "others," an ancient race of humans with supernatural powers who must swear allegiance to either the Dark or the Light.

The agents of Light - the Night Watch - oversee nocturnal activity, while the agents of Dark keep watch over the day. For a thousand years both sides have maintained a precarious balance of power, but an ancient prophecy has decreed that a supreme Other will one day emerge, threatening to tip the scales. Now, that day has arrived. When a mid-level Night Watch agent named Anton stumbles upon a cursed young woman - an uninitiated Other with magnificent potential - both sides prepare for a battle that could lay waste to the entire city, possibly the world.

Review: What an interesting novel from Russia. It was really refreshing to read something from another country (although it was translated). I really like the whole light vs. dark scenario going on. It almost makes the light (or good) side seem like the real bad guys. I also like how each person actually chooses if they are light or dark and if one is dark, it doesn't make them evil. I almost have to wonder if Lukyanenko ever read Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising. After reading Rising, I found some similar themes. I know they are all taken from mythology, but I found them to be very close, which fascinated me. The book is long and is actually three stories in one. However, it went really fast and I couldn't wait to continue on the story. I highly recommend this book to sci-fi fans.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Movie Connectrions: Timur Bekmambetov brought this book to the big screen in Russia. Most of the story elements were left alone, but an important one was really changed. In the book, Anton is just a friend of Egor, not his father (as in the movie). I'm not exactly sure why they did that, but perhaps it was just to create some additional conflict. Honestly, I haven't seen the movie in a while, so I would need a refresher. I do remember being absolutely blown away. I thought it was really original and glad to see something of this quality coming from Russia. This movie should most definitely be seen by all.

Nochnoy Dozor (2004)

The Lake House

The Lake House by James Patterson (2003)

Description: Six extraordinary children are trying to lead normal lives in the Rocky Mountain countryside. They live in different homes, with different families, but there is something powerful that connects them. Something that puts them in terrible danger.

The only time they've ever felt safe was when they were together in the waterfront cabin they call the Lake House. And the only people they've ever trusted are Frannie and Kit, the couple who rescued them from unimaginable evil once before.

When that evil resurfaces, the kids reconnect with Frannie and Kit and set off on an astonishing adventure. They flee to the Lake House, but even that haven may no longer be safe.

Dr. Ethan Kane is chief of surgery at Liberty General Hospital, one of the most esteemed hospitals in the nation. It is here that terrible secrets lie, secrets that will change the world for all of us.

Review: I only read this as it is the sequel to When the Wind Blows. What it really was, was the first book all over again... but a twisted version of it. We catch up with the kids and Frannie and Kit during this huge custody battle. Not long after we are back on the run with them in an all too familiar sinario. Then, the book takes a somewhat twisted change. Its like Patterson forgot that these kids were kids. They were talking and acting a lot older than 12 year olds. I would most definitely pass this book over.

When the Wind Blows

When the Wind Blows by James Patterson (1998)

Description: Frannie O'Neill is a young and talented veterinarian living in Colorado. Plagued by the mysterious murder of her husband, David, a local doctor, Frannie throws herself into her work. It is not long before another bizarre murder occurs and Kit Harrison, a troubled and unconventional FBI agent, arrives on her doorstep.

Late one night, near the woods of her animal hospital, Frannie stumbles upon a strange, astonishing phenomenon that will change the course of her life forever...

Her name is Max.

With Heartbreaking energy, eleven-year-old Max leads Frannie and Kit to uncover one of the most diabolical and in human plots of modern science.

Review: I decided to check this book out after reading Patterson's Maximum Ride, as it is based on When the Wind Blows. For whatever reason, Patterson decided to take his characters from When the Wind Blows and The Lake House and revamped them into the story of Maximum Ride. I have to say, I think I like the revamped characters. This book was a decent book with an interesting concept. Basically, there is this big government conspiracy with biotechnology. Nothing new, really. These bad scientists decided to splice human with avian DNA. So we get these bird-children. We also have a rouge FBI agent frequently referred to as "Mulder" and a softy veterinarian as their protectors. Once they all find each other people start dying and other mischief ensues. While it was interesting, it was a bit too dramatic at times for me. On the whole, not a bad beach read, but if you are looking for a good read, I would check out one of Patterson's Alex Cross books.

Score: 3 out of 5

City of Ember

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (2003)

Description: This novel by Jeane DuPrau takes place in the dark city of Ember, a decaying place with no natural light surrounded by the vast Unknown. Although ancestors had arranged for information on leaving Ember to be made available after the inhabitants have spent 200 years there, a corrupt mayor lost the information many years before the novel begins. Two hundred and forty-one years later, Ember's electrical lighting frequently fails, supplies are dwindling, and the populace is growing increasingly frightened. Twelve-year-old Doon and his acquaintance Lina are intent on finding a way to save Ember. After Lina finds a mysterious and fragmented paper titled "Instructions for Egress," they think they have a way out. Can they escape from the villainous mayor and his soldiers? Can they figure out the missing letters and words in the message? Do they find their way out of Ember and up to a post-apocalyptic Earth?

Review: This novel takes you on a journey with Lina and Doon as they discover things are not what they seem in the city of Ember. Doon knows things aren't right but no one really wants to acknowledge that. Then Lina makes a great discovery - instructions on how to leave the city. We are taken along for the ride as the duo make it out of the city. Overall, this book was good. I did think that it was slightly depressing. Children start working at the age of 12 and the city itself is falling apart. There are several blackouts and their supplies are running out, fast. However, there are really great morals taught to the young readers this book was intended for. So even though it may be a bit dark (no pun intended), I think it is a great book for the younger kids to read.

Score: 3 out of 5

Movie Connections: I didn't know, but there is a movie adaptation coming out in October of 2008 for this book. It is directed by Gil Kenan and starring Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, and Martin Landau. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

City of Ember (2008)

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson (2005)

Description: (From Booklist) Fourteen-year-old Max (short for Maximum Ride) leads an usual group of children, escapees from an institution that designed them by grafting avian DNA onto human genes. Yup, these kids have wings. When Angel, the smallest of the group, is kidnapped by mutants and taken back to the school, Max and her family determine to get her back--no matter what.

Review: This is Patterson's first attempt at young adult fiction. I think he did a pretty good job. The book follows this group of genetically altered teens on a cross-country trip of self discovery. I found the main character, Max (a.k.a. Maximum Ride), to be very enjoyable. I loved her sarcastic replys and attitude. Once I started to read it, I had a hard time putting it down. I thought it was a very enjoyable read and a great young adult book.

Score: 3.5 out of 5.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (1995)

Description: Moments before Earth is destroyed, Ford Prefect, an alien who's been incognito for 15 years while researching a newer edition of THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, rescues his friend, Arthur Dent. The two stow away on a passing spaceship, and their adventures begin. Ford and Arthur encounter ex-hippie Galaxy President Zaphod Beeblebrox; Marvin, the morose robot; and a slew of otherworldly weirdos populating Douglas Adams's cult classic.

Review: I have read that people either love this book or hate it. I can see why. The humor is not for everyone. I personally loved it. I laughed out loud so many times. As for the narrator, Stephen Fry was outstanding. I don't think I could hear anyone else but him read this book.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Movie Connections: Garth Jennings brought this classic book to the big screen in 2005. I found the movie to be a fairly good adatptation of the novel. There were some things added, however, it was all done in the style of Adams. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling (2007)

Description: The final installment in the Harry Potter saga. This book ties up most of the unanswered questions and lets us know what happens to all of the characters that we have come to know and love.

Review: Wow. What a completely awesome book. I was one of the crazy people at the midnight release party to get the book at midnight. I just had to know what happened. I could not put it down. It was so full of action and of course, drama. I did have to read it with a box of tissues. In a way, this last book did strip away the wonder of magic that we saw in the first two books (especially towards the end). However, I think the end was just beautiful. I will admit that the epilogue was a bit cheesy, but it was a nice way to wrap up the series and get a glimpse as to the futures of the survivors. I think this may be my favorite of the series.

Score: 5 out of 5

Storm Front

Storm Front by Jim Butcher (2000)

Description: Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things--and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a--well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put int mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get... interesting.

Review: I finally gave this series a shot and was pleasantly surprised. I absolutely loved Butcher's style. I was laughing out loud at Dresden's sarcasm. It was a complete delight to read this book. Another reason I like this book so much is that it takes place almost at home for me. I know the area so it really feels like home. Storm Front is action packed from beginning to end and a fabulous story. I highly recommend it.

Score: 5 out of 5

Television Connection: In 2007, the SciFi Channel came ouut with a television series based on Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. I haven't personally seen this series, but am interested to see how close to the books it follows.

The Dresden Files (2007)

Stardust

Stardust by Neil Gaiman (1999)

Description: In the sleepy English countryside, at the dawn of the Victorian Era, life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall, so named for an imposing stone barrier that divides the village from an adjacent meadow. Armed sentries guard the sole gap in this wall, in order to keep the curious from wandering through. Only once every nine years to they relax their vigil, when a market fair unlike any other comes to the meadow.

Here in Wall, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to beautiful Victoria Forester. But Victoria is cold and distant-as distant, in fact, as the star she and Tristran see fall from the sky on a crisp October evening. For the coveted prize of Victoria's hand, Tristran vows to retrieve the fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends the lovelorn swain over the ancient wall, and propels him into a world that is strange beyond imagining.

But Tristran is not the only one seeking the heavenly jewel. There are those for whom it promises youth and beauty, the key to a kingdom , and the rejuvenation of dark, dormant magics. And a lad compelled by love will have to keep his wits about him to succeed and survive in this secret place where fallen stars come in many guises-and where quests have a way of branching off in unexpected direction, even turning back upon themselves in space and in time.

Review: This was my first time reading a book by Gaiman. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It took me no time at all to finish this book. The words just flowed and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I really enjoyed the world that Gaiman created. It was a great fantasy from beginning to end. The characters were wonderful. The only thing I do have to complain about is that some relationships were not as developed as I thought they could be. But all in all, a fantastic read.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Movie Connections: In August, the movie version of the book will be coming to a movie theater near you. I personally can't wait to see it. From the pictures that I've seen it looks absolutely beautiful. The only thing that I've noticed from the trailers is that much has been added, but that is to be expected. I will have to wait to make a full analysis of the movie until it comes out.

Stardust (2007)

Dragonfly in Amber

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Description: (From Publishers Weekly) This immensely long, compulsively readable sequel to Outlander follows time-traveler Claire Randall and her 18th-century Scottish husband, James Fraser, to the court of Louis XV in 1744, as they seek to forestall the disaster due to overtake the Scottish Highlands at the battle of Culloden Moor the following year. Having learned from Claire about the forthcoming disaster, James, the son of a Highland chief, gains Prince Charles's friendship in order to subtly sabotage Jacobite efforts to raise funds for an invasion of Britain. When James is banished after dueling with his nemesis, Jack Randall, ancestor of Claire's modern-day husband, he and Claire leave France convinced they have accomplished their purpose. They settle back in Scotland, looking forward to peace, only to learn of Prince Charles's landing in Scotland and his signing of James's name to a declaration of the Stewart right to rule, effectively forcing the couple to the Jacobite cause and a fate they are unable to prevent. Portraying life in court and hut and on the battlefield through the eyes of a strong-minded, modern participant, Gabaldon offers a fresh and offbeat historical view, framed by an intriguing contemporary issue of Claire's daughter's paternity.

Review: What a great book. I seriously could not put it down. Yes, it was very large and kinda scary to look at (size wise), it went really quickly. I think I finished this one in three days. The story was really great but heartbreaking. Gabaldon has me totally engrossed and I need to read more. I am now waiting on the next book in the series, Voyager to come to the library. I will not be satisfied until I have read them all. I will admit that Dragonfly is not really a romance, but regular fiction. I think the Outlander series is really worth a look at. I know I'm glad that I did.

Score: 5 out of 5

Those Left Behind (Serenity)

Those Left Behind (Serenity) by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad

Description: (From Back of Book) That’s how it is – in a universe filled with hearts and minds as cold and dark as the reaches of space, one small Firefly-class starship names Serenity takes its ragtag crew of mercenaries, outlaws, and fugitives in search of a job, any job, that’ll earn them enough cash to afford that most elusive commodity – peace.

Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, unveils a previously unknown chapter in the lives of his favorite band of space brigands in this prequel to the serenity feature film – the blockbuster follow-up to Whedon’s cult-hit TV show Firefly.

Review: This was a nice story in additon to the TV series and movie. I felt it was just another episode to the show. I loved the artwork as well. My hope is that they do not stop there and continue to create more stories. Very well done.

Score: 5 out of 5

Benighted

Benighted

Description: (From Booklist) The world of Benighted is familiar, but not its populace. The vast majority is lycanthropic; its members "fur up" under the full moon and become unreasoning beasts. A small minority is disdainfully called "barebacks" and despised as "cripples." The laws are strict about luning, or roaming freely, while transformed, however, and all non-lycos are conscripted into the Department for the Ongoing Regulation of Lycanthropic Activities (DORLA), which enforces the full-moon curfew by hunting roamers and bringing them to justice. Whitfield's well-limned protagonist is angst-ridden DORLA attorney Lola Galley. After a friend's hand is bitten off in a lyco hunt, and he is subsequently murdered, she takes a course of action that leads to extreme danger and shocking discoveries about herself and society at large.

Review: This book was definitely worth the wait. I began to read it before I left Borders and had to wait to get it from the Library. The night I got it, I read it all to the end. I couldn't put the book down. I found the world that Whitfield created to be interesting. As a first novel, this is indeed a good start for the former Random House editor. I did, however, find some parts to drag on. I think that some of the story could have been edited out. The ending wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. It was what I call the "anti-ending". We are left with more questions than answers, which left me a little miffed. All in all, I think this book is definitely worth a read.

Score: 4 out of 5