Thursday, November 17, 2016

Review: The One that got Away



After a nasty fall, Abbey's dream of riches comes true. She wakes up married to Alex Van Holt, a congressman who once approached her for a date, with her ''real'' children (the ones she had before the fall) by her side. This paranormal universe lasts for days, and pretty soon Abbey stars moving on as Alex's wife, forgetting Jimmy her ''real'' husband and adapting to nannies, fake friends and picking up dry cleaning. But when she realizes how many problems being rich brings (bratty children for one) Abbey begins to miss home.

Himes did a good job at demonstrating the dark side of living with money. Abbey's family in law is not easy to bare, her husband is either never home or constantly tired, plus other women chase him because of his status. If that isn't enough to worry about, her daughter slaps her in front of a class filled with children. Although it's sad to see Abbey stuck in a life she no longer wants, she needs the life lesson desperately so she can stop daydreaming so much about 600$ purses and understand the real treasures in life.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Review: The King Slayer



''There are different kinds of strength. The kind that wields swords and slays monsters but there's another kind too; one that comes in quiet but in the end is stronger and harder and more powerful. The kind that comes from within.''

While trying to save her love, John, Liz transfers to him the one thing that makes her a powerful witch: her stigma. But now that Blackwell has claimed the throne of Anglia, the consequences of that action haunt her. Is she willing to sacrifice her own life to stop him?

I felt like this book was written in two parts, the preparation and the war itself. There was no character growth and the interesting love quadrangle had to stay on pause due to the pressing political matters (this is why I dislike politics). Having said that, Boecker still gave us the one thing that we desire when we open an action book, that's right, trills. The story was packed with revenants, jealous bickering, gruesome fight moves and the motivation to remind us that sometimes we have to do what is right despite, of who gets hurt in the process.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Review: Future Chefs



This cook book, featuring teen chefs (mostly bloggers aged 10-15), took me by surprised. With shows like Master Chef Kids on the television, it shouldn't be a shock that young people can cook. But I was still surprised by the healthy variety that these chefs offered. Even the desserts were gluten free. 

I considered the short biographies a plus, as it was interesting to note their different background and how they started down this path. But my novice self would have loved more how-to illustrations.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Graphic Monday: Fairest vol.2



Rapunzel fights dirt. In a boxing ring, my money is on her.

Once again, the series changed the Disney image I had of a princess. This time Rapunzel isn't only a survivor, but an entrepreneur who sells hair extensions for a living. But behind that peaceful exterior, Rapunzel suffers. Her newborn babies were stolen from her and she cannot miss an opportunity to find them, even if it means risky her life.

The action was fast-paced, introducing a change of scenery as we traveled with her to Japan. What I found less attractive, was the seductive covers on both sides. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with erotica, but it makes it very hard to read on a subway near children or seniors. Sadly, my hair isn't as long as Rapunzel to hide the covers and read in peace. 


Monday, October 17, 2016

Graphic Monday: Revival


Should we overlook the abundant cuss words?

Dana is a well-regulated cop (never reaches for her gun) and a part-time mom due to her workaholic tendencies. But we shouldn't judge her. After all she works in a world inhabited by revivers (disfigured revenants). These creatures aren't contagious and, unlike zombies, they don't bite. When a biologist, Ibrahaim, arrives in town to study them, the revenants start to rebel, killing their loved ones without realizing it. What exactly are they? 

First off, I'm no saint. During frustrated situations I can cuss like a road-raged driver. But this is a comic, and when everyone cusses all the time, it's difficult to discern the characters personalities. Frankly, it gave the impression that Seeley was doing it to make the writing more aggressive as a whole, which he didn't need to since the action was constantly on fast-paced mode. There are lots of characters with their own interesting backgrounds, four love affairs, media/religious crazed characters -- all in all a good gory show