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.

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.

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.

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

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

It's the long awaited return of Harry Potter, yet to my dismay (admit it, you were nervous too) Rowling isn't the only writer on board. Albus Severus, Harry and Ginny's son, has grown and must now face the shadow of his father's name. The fact that he is placed in Slytherin or that his best friend is a Malfoy only adds to the list of things that differs him from Harry. How can he possibly win his father's love and make him proud? The Potter series always carried a touch of sentimentality. Whether it was Lily's sacrifice for Harry, Snape's unrequited love, and who can forget Dobby!! Of course, this play had to be emotional as well as filled with action and plot twists. Not only did Rowling bring us back to Hogwarts, but she (and the other authors) found a way to include the majority of our beloved characters. Soulfood for the fans, but I just don't see this as a movie.