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Archive for the ‘Fantasy literature’ Category

Wrath or Titans Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , on April 2, 2012| 2 Comments »

 Wrath of the Titans directed by Jonathan Liebesman and starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fienness is the sequel to the 2010 remake Clash of the Titans.  The action adventure movie takes place ten years after Perseus defeats the deadly creature the Kracken unleashed by Hades.  Now a widower Perseus continues his life as a single father fisherman.  Determine to live life as regular human Perseus is soon approached by his father Zeus.  A humbled Zeus explains to his son that the Gods are  in danger of extinction and only a few survive within the shadows of the underworld.  The demigod quickly realizes that the world he lives in is in danger of destruction and his father is now a prisoner of the underworld.   Betrayed by his other son Ares and his brother Hades, Zeus’s immortality is at risk.  Hades and Ares band together to resurrect the ultimate power Cronos.  Perseus embarks upon the adventure of  a lifetime to save his father from death, and to save humanity from destruction.

The hour and twenty-nine minute movie moves pretty fast and is filled with lots of action, theatrics and really cool creatures and monsters that makes this movie a must see.  The weakness that Perseus shows throughout the movie is a disappointment to me.  At this point in the franchise the writers should have given Perseus some kind of active powers that reflect that he is a demigod.  I don’t think that his strength should just come from a weapon forged for the Gods.

The overall storyline is very interesting. It shows the evolution of the main character and how his life has changed and been impacted by being a father himself.  The movie ties a lot of loose ends together concerning the relationship between Perseus and his father Zeus.  It also explores the difficult past among Hades and Zeus and follows the transformation of their brotherhood.  It eventually turns into a heartfelt reconciliation that starts with the reoccurring theme of teamwork and forgiveness.

The movie was visually intriguing and is must see, but make sure you see Clash of the Titans first.  I give this movie four stars.

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The World of Fantasy

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , on March 29, 2012| 2 Comments »

What attracts so many people to the world of fantasy?  There are so many different worlds of the genre, so many different aspects of the genre.  It is something that must be a part of you as the creator and the reader.  I feel that the world of fantasy is a place and time where you can escape the reality of everyday life.  You are transported  to a place where you can be and live as anything you want to be.  The imagination, your imagination is infinite.  Every story within the world of fantasy is an out of this world adventure.  The words created are waiting for you to experience the literary journey in what ever way your mind will take you.  The world of fantasy gives off its own illumination.  It is a light that shines brightly upon the dreamers of this world.  It our personal refuge, it reflects our uniqueness and our ability to see beyond the stars of our imagination.

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The Walking Dead episode review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , on March 13, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Image Last Night’s episode of The Walking Dead was just as shocking and intense as last week’s episode.  I thought that I was never going to get over the death “Dale”.  I was really expecting another character from the cast to die.  I guess at this point no one is really safe.  Carl’s interference with adult matters is really getting on my nerves.  I hate to point fingers but it was his fault that Dale was killed.  He should have reported that he spotted the Walker.  With that aside he just didn’t want to get into trouble.  The whole idea of him being so close to Shane scared me.  He must have thought that since Shane was outsider he wont be judged and criticized  like he would be by his parents.  Confiding in Shane was not a good idea on Carl’s part.  And what the heck was Lori thinking when she approached Shane to express her feelings about the whole situation between them?  At first I thought that was going to be the revelation that Shane needed to turn his life around but instead it was the breaking point.  For a second Shane appeared as if he had a soul.

I knew something was up with him when he took the young man from the barn.  Shane really lost his mind by the time he attacked the guy. (Sorry I can’t remember his name.)    At that point I still could not believe Shane convinced the others to follow him into the woods to track down their guest.  I was on the edge of my seat waiting for something to happen.  I was not surprised when Shane killed him.  The show proceeded in a fast paced manner and by the end I could not compose myself.    When audience members were being taken on Shane’s wild goose chase I knew that Rick was not falling for his crap.  I just can’t believe that Shane was that bold to lure Rick off of the property with the intention of killing him.  With Rick’s fast hand Shane was on the ground before he even realized it, with a deadly stab wound.  I must admit that I was happy to see Shane’s demise.  He has been a major threat to the survival of the group since day one.  The appearance of Carl was annoying but actually worth it when Shane rose as a Walker that had not been bitten.  The first incident happened when T-Dogg and Darryl first encountered their farm guest as a newly turned Walker without any sign of being bitten or scratched.  Carl saved his father by taking out Shane with one bullet to the head.  I believe that part was the most cringing for me.  What in the world happened?  How can you become a Walker and not have suffered a bite or scratch?  This is amazing and makes me think of many reasons why and how this is possible.  Now the farm land is about the be over run with Walkers.  I guess Hershel was thinking pretty clearly when he told Rick that he had enough food and water for them to survive for three days in the basement.  It looks like that is not going to be enough.  This episode was just as wild as a season finale.  Next week’s episode is going to be insane.  It’s shows like this that make me wish that the network had a two hour air time for the show.  It was wonderful.  Extremely entertaining.  I give it five stars. Stay tuned for next week.

Happy Reading and Writing, LL

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The Walking Dead episode review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , on March 12, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Image Last Night’s episode of The Walking Dead was just as shocking and intense as last week’s episode.  I thought that I was never going to get over the death “Dale”.  I was really expecting another character from the cast to die.  I guess at this point no one is really safe.  Carl’s interference with adult matters is really getting on my nerves.  I hate to point fingers but it was his fault that Dale was killed.  He should have reported that he spotted the Walker.  With that aside he just didn’t want to get into trouble.  The whole idea of him being so close to Shane scared me.  He must have thought that since Shane was outsider he wont be judged and criticized  like he would be by his parents.  Confiding in Shane was not a good idea on Carl’s part.  And what the heck was Lori thinking when she approached Shane to express her feelings about the whole situation between them?  At first I thought that was going to be the revelation that Shane needed to turn his life around but instead it was the breaking point.  For a second Shane appeared as if he had a soul.

I knew something was up with him when he took the young man from the barn.  Shane really lost his mind by the time he attacked the guy. (Sorry I can’t remember his name.)    At that point I still could not believe Shane convinced the others to follow him into the woods to track down their guest.  I was on the edge of my seat waiting for something to happen.  I was not surprised when Shane killed him.  The show proceeded in a fast paced manner and by the end I could not compose myself.    When audience members were being taken on Shane’s wild goose chase I knew that Rick was not falling for his crap.  I just can’t believe that Shane was that bold to lure Rick off of the property with the intention of killing him.  With Rick’s fast hand Shane was on the ground before he even realized it, with a deadly stab wound.  I must admit that I was happy to see Shane’s demise.  He has been a major threat to the survival of the group since day one.  The appearance of Carl was annoying but actually worth it when Shane rose as a Walker that had not been bitten.  The first incident happened when T-Dogg and Darryl first encountered their farm guest as a newly turned Walker without any sign of being bitten or scratched.  Carl saved his father by taking out Shane with one bullet to the head.  I believe that part was the most cringing for me.  What in the world happened?  How can you become a Walker and not have suffered a bite or scratch?  This is amazing and makes me think of many reasons why and how this is possible.  Now the farm land is about the be over run with Walkers.  I guess Hershel was thinking pretty clearly when he told Rick that he had enough food and water for them to survive for three days in the basement.  It looks like that is not going to be enough.  This episode was just as wild as a season finale.  Next week’s episode is going to be insane.  It’s shows like this that make me wish that the network had a two hour air time for the show.  It was wonderful.  Extremely entertaining.  I give it five stars. Stay tuned for next week.

Happy Reading and Writing, LL

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Publishing Plans and Changes

Posted in Fantasy literature on February 28, 2012| 6 Comments »

Well Winter break is over, and I am still getting used to the idea of being back at work.  While I was off I finished my third round of re reads and edits.  Now I going for a fourth round.  My original editor went up on her price just as I was ready to submit my manuscript which put a strain on my finances.  I had to make changes on my original editing plans.  Meanwhile I am still working on my PR strategies in addition to planning so many other aspects of book promotion.  I had to push back my release date, so now “Swept into the Darkness” book one will be released in March.  That is not long, but I was hoping that it would already be officially part of the published books world.  The deeper I get into this, the more I really understand that it is extremely difficult to do everything on your own.  The new thing for me is trying to find reviewers that only review Ebooks since my paperback will not be released until way later.  That has been quite a challenge for me.  I stumbled upon a  site that has a list of e-book reviewer so as soon as I finish with this I will check out those sources.  I already  have one professional that will be reviewing my book, which really put me in a good mood earlier today.  I will continue to post updates as I reach my goals.

Happy Reading and Writing

LL.

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Publishing updates

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , on February 16, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Everything has been so crazy lately.  But crazy in a good way.  I am moving along with my final rounds of edits of my debut novel Swept into the Darkness.  I am working on my final chapters and then finally I will be ready to send it to my editor.  I am going over the book with a fine tooth comb so that I can give her a clean manuscript without her having to do too much editing.  I am so excited to be at this point in my work.  I am also more than half way done with book two Swept into Revenge.  I completed my press release and will be ready to officially send it very soon.  I really see that publishing your own work comes with a long list of responsibilities especially if you are taking it as a serious new career move like me.  The list makes me even more motivated and focused on what I really want as a published author.  My husband and I found out that we are having a baby boy, which excites me greatly, so I have also been busy with making plans and getting myself more organized for the baby.  I havent seen any other good movies lately but I think within the next week I will make it to the theater.  I am still reading History is Wrong.  It’s taking me a while but I find it hard to read at night sometimes, I’ve been so tired that by the time my head hits the pillow I am out.  Some times I don’t even realize I dozed off until I hear the book fall to the floor.  Lol and sorry for all the “I’s”

Happy reading and writing!!!!!

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The Woman in Black Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , on February 5, 2012| 2 Comments »

The Woman in Black Directed by James Watkins and starring Daniel Radcliffe is a story about a young lawyer who is plagued with the grief of his wife’s death.  Now a single father Arthur Kipp must do everything he can to keep from falling apart.  He is sent on a job to a small village to retrieve paper work for a house that must be put back on the market.  Little does he know that this job would open him up to a world of paranormal activity and capture him upon the border between life and death.

This Spiritual Horror is based on the novel written by Susan Hill.  Set in the late 1800’s in a dreary England, the slow-moving beginning opens with the scene of three young girls playing happily.  Their happiness soon turns into despair when they suddenly stop playing and make their way over to the window to jump out.  Obviously not in their right minds,  This scene does not do too much for movie goers but we were all eager to take the theatrical journey.  After the suicide the movie proceeds to introduce the main character and his purpose.

On the verge of loosing his job, Arthur arrives at the remote village to begin his work.  He finds that the towns folk are very distant and unwelcoming.  There is something terribly wrong with the atmosphere of this town, and there is no doubt that Arthur feels the tension that the town is giving off.  He eventually settles in and makes his way over the house.  Transported by horse and carriage he arrives at the eerie mansion.  All alone he is left with his thoughts and the work he must do.  Once he settled in he, familiarized himself with the property and automatically is distracted by suspicious sounds and the visions of ghostly apparitions.  The subtlety of the activity up to this point is not impressive to me.  Creepy bumps, and other noises just makes Arthur feel like he must investigate the house and property.  What is interesting about this part is that Arthur learns some valid information about the owner of the house and her family history.    Fortunately by the time things slightly intensify he is picked up and must return to the village for the night.

At this point in the movie things really start to pick up as the director fully takes you into the story deeper.  A child ends up dead and Arthur’s presence sets off a chain of events that makes the towns folk more fearful than ever.  The ghostly superstitions that the town holds slowly surfaces  and turns real the longer Arthur works in the house and stays in the village.  Determined to get his work done to provide for his four-year son he decides to spend the night in the house to get more accomplished.  This night is the most chilling and is the turning point where the director and writers as a whole step it up in their cinematic delivery.  The woman in black makes her presence fully known as this thriller now officially turns into a horror.  Things go pump in the night and the haunting of this woman deeply intensifies.  Screams heard near and far, the movie is filled with suspense and action and keep you interested.

I do not want to provide any more spoilers but The Woman in Black for me was a fresh take on an old recurring theme.  It was not the traditional hunted house movie, despite some of the traditional elements, such as the screams, or the anticipation building music, and the parts where you think something is about to jump out but it is something totally non threatening.   Daniel Radcliffe preformed very well considering this is his first on-screen movie role since Deathly Hallows part II.  It was hard to not see Daniel as Harry.  I felt like his glasses and wand were missing in some parts, but I feel that taking on new and exciting adult roles will be great for his career.

Over all I think that the movie was quite thrilling and the director  and crew did a wonderful job with creating and drawing you into the authentic element of the original novelist’s vision.  I give this movie a B+ rating.  I cant wait to see what Radcliffe has planned for his next project.

 

 

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Swept Into the Darkness Updates

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , on January 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »

As January comes to a close, and winter officially sets in, So has so many other things in my life.  On a sad note, I lost a friend from High School to Cancer.  Molakia Motley was a dear friend to many.  My heart goes out to her family and those who were extremely close to her.  We went to grammar school together and high school.  She was truly a bright light and the world lost a very special person.  I know she is in Heaven at Peace.  It’s so hard to think that she is no longer on this Earth.  It leaves an emptiness.  Almost feeling like a gap or a hole in your body and spirit.

My pregnancy is going pretty well, but I came down with a terrible cold last week.   I have been sick in bed since last Tuesday Night.  I was not even able to make it to Molakia’s services.  I am struggling to get over the hump and expect to make a full recovery within the next few days.  I guess the cold just had to play it self out.  Now I have to watch everything, I got the ok to take over the counter meds that are safe for the baby, but it is sill on a limited basis.  Which is annoying.  I am so used to just running to CVS and grabbing a bottle of Vicks Ny Quil and boom Im back on my feet  within two days.  During that time I was not in the mood to do any type of writing, but I tried to push through it when the urge came along.  Of Course that is the reason why I didn’t get the chance to see Underworld Awakening last weekend.  I hope to be able to take a trip to the theater sometime this weekend.

I just finished reading and editing the last chapters of Swept into the Darkness, and will be doing one more read through before I officially submit it to my editor.  After I send the manuscript to her and everything goes smoothly with all the finalizations, the book will finally be available for purchase on Smashwords and several other e-book formats.  I am not rushing to have the paperback released, but it will be released in time for readers to enjoy it for the Spring or Early summer months.  As I go though the third dose of rereading my work I will be looking into advertising packages and also preparing and setting up a Midwinter Book tour.  Right Now I will be hosting two book tours.  One in Midwinter to present my debut Novel to the Publishing world and the Second in the Summer to garner all the attention and attract readers to experience an unforgettable journey.

I am extremely proud of my self and have over come lot of challenges along the way.  Once Swept into the Darkness  is on book shelves I will resume with writing book two Swept into Revenge.  I can’t express how excited I am about this project and look forward to a bright successful future in the Publishing industry.

Happy Reading and Writing!!!

 

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“The Devil Inside” Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , on January 8, 2012| Leave a Comment »

 “The Devil Inside” Directed by William Brent Bell and starring a cast of relative unknowns, tells the story about a young girl that suffers from a tragic past that resulted in her being separated from her mother.  Plagued by an illness that is believed to be demonic possession by some, Maria Rossi is transferred to a mental hospital in Rome.  Her daughter Isabella travels there twenty years later searching for answers and the hope that she can reconnect on some level with her mother.  Isabella enters the world where the paranormal and spirituality collide.  She is introduced to a team of exorcists and believes that she can finally get the answers that she seeks about her mother’s condition.  Maria was exposed to the idea of exorcism when Isabella was a child.  The result was a deadly one which was the contributing factor in Isabella growing up without a mother.

The fast-moving film is shot in the form of a documentary which disappointed me greatly.  Overall there were a few good scenes, like when the Priests first wanted to expose Isabella to a real exorcism.  That was pretty intense.  The scene when the Priest was possessed, was interesting and of course the final scene when Isabella herself was possessed and the demon took control of her and her film partner that was driving.  The movie ended too abruptly and made movie goers upset that they invested time and twelve bucks into a movie ticket.  Honestly there was nothing new or different that this film contributed to the genre.  I always give movies a chance and hate that I gave this one the time of day.  I think that too many production crews are coping off of the orignal idea of “Documenting” as seen in “The Blair Witch”.  It is ok to see it every once in a while but now I feel that writers for films are coming up dry with fresh new ideas.  Another thing that bothers me is that they feel that they can slap up the phrase “based on a true story, or inspired by true events” and that is supposed to make us flock to the theaters.  I know a lot of you are real fans of exorcism movies like me, and I can truly say that the last really good one was “The Rite” starring Anthony Hopkins.

I think that as a whole community Hollywood and Film better their acts together if they plan on continuing to entertain us in the years to come.  I see that there are a lot of small and independent film companies that are producing some really good stuff out there.  As of now going to the movies is at an all time low.  I would think that since people are cutting back in other aspects of their lives they would indulge in going to the movies at least once a month, but If we don’t have anything good to watch then me might as well stay home.

The next movie I will see is the upcoming Underworld film.  I know that is not going to be a disappointment especially since Kate B is BACK!!

I give “The Devil Inside” a C-

Happy Reading and Writing!!!

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American Horror Story

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , on January 6, 2012| Leave a Comment »

  Well I know I am a little late but I finally had the chance to see the final two episodes of American Horror Story.  Thanks to OnDemand being so late with posting the season finale, I watched episode eleven and twelve last night.  Wow what a great season for a debut show.  It had me on the edge of my seat just as much as “Ringer” but that show is for a another post at another time.  I was shocked that Vivian went into labor so early in her pregnancy and ended up loosing both her babies and her life.  I could not believe that the doctor, nurse and some of the other ghosts made an appearance.  I could not get over the fact that Ben allowed them to touch his wife and deliver the babies.   Mother and daughter are together in death, which made me feel more comfortable knowing that Violet was no longer alone.  I was actually happy that she confessed to her dad Ben that she killed herself and that she was a ghost.  Constance and her storyline got stranger and stranger as the season proceeded.  I see now that she was not trying to change and really help out the Harmon family.  She has her own twisted agenda.  But at this point I have no idea what her plans are.  Now that Vivian is officially a ghost I was surprised that she took it so well but I really did want her to embrace her new life more directly after she died.  I guess the writers were waiting for that perfect moment after Ben joined the deathly gang.  Finally adhering to the warnings of Constance and even his dead wife and daughter Ben makes an attempt to flee the house but not in time to save himself or the baby.  His whore of an ex mistress bands together with other malevolent ghosts and hangs the poor man  above the main stairwell in the home.  The living twin goes missing and Ben is now a dead man.(This is the twin that is fathered by Tate)  The Harmon family are trapped in the house with other ghosts but it actually makes them closer as a family.  Vivian finds that her dead baby can be part of the family. (This is the twin that is fathered by Ben)  They openly accept their current condition and I guess there is no “unfinished business” when it comes to the three of them.  I was thrilled when Violet learned the truth about Tate and dismissed him.  And I found it quite interesting that the Harmon Family planned on driving out the new owners of the house.  For a second I thought that Tate was really going to make another kill.   Shocked that Tate went to Ben with a so-called apology.  I fully agree with Violet that Tate is the darkness.  He is one of the darkest entities that dwell in that home.  I think that Violet should go to her parents and seriously propose a full cleansing of the house to rid the property of all the other evil spirits.  During the Christmas scene I noticed that the Harmon family was the dominate group in the home.  With them displaying their strength now they have  the power to control whats goes on in that house.

Towards the end of the episode they fast forward to three years in the future.  Constance comes home from a hair appointment to find blood all over the place.  She discovers that the child she believes is her grandson has just murdered the babysitter.  I guess the apple does not fall from the tree. We all know what Constance is going to do, bury the body somewhere and clean up the blood.  I just want to know what is she going to do with this child?

American Horror story is a great show and I am curious to find out what the writers have planned for next season since the main characters  are all ghosts.  Personally I feel that the writing style and plot is somewhat similar to something  Steven King would do.  When I sit and watch the show I think of him.  I appreciate the creativeness that goes into making a show like this.  I get extremely excited and I am eager to see what else AH has in store for its fans.  For those of you who have not seen the show, I suggest you check it out as soon as you can.

Until Next time

Happy Reading and Writing!!

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