Saturday, November 9, 2024

Book Review - Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron


Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron is about a woman, Jana, who goes on vacation unexpectedly with her ex, Anil.  Jana Suleiman is known for being perfect, strict, and rule-following. She rarely has fun. She feels that she never quite fits in and rather spends time by herself. The one time Jana let herself go, she ended up with a broken heart and a baby born out of wedlock.


Jana has learned her lesson and has kept her heart (and having fun) under lock and key. She was recently invited to be a bridesmaid for a close friend. The wedding is a destination wedding that takes place in the Serengeti National Park. Jana was looking forward to the break until she realized that practically everyone she knows will be there, including a potential new boss. Surprisingly, her lying ex-boyfriend will also be there.


While Jana doesn’t trust Anil romantically, she knows he is a great dad. She still hasn’t forgiven or trusted him after lying to her. Jana is determined not to let him get to her and prove to him that she is over him. Jana’s friends want her to let loose and have a fun time, so they create a plan of fun out-of-the-box things for Jana to do. While crossing everything off her list, Jana finds herself letting go and enjoying herself. However, while she is having fun, she finds herself getting attracted to Anil again. 


The romance novel is a fun and easy read. It did have a few funny moments and some raunchy humor.  I did like the novel but at times, found the characters to be annoying. Jana was upset and betrayed by Anil’s lies but instead of talking to him, she would address the issue with someone else. Anil seems to want to have a better relationship with Jana even if it’s platonic, but he could have also communicated better. I did find it weird that Jana was so concerned about how sociable and what she does outside of work, would affect her job. This is the third romance I've read that was written by an Asian novelist where the protagonist is highly encouraged to be more social in their personal time for work. Previously, I never read a book with this storyline and I found it weird to have it so prominent in a novel. Overall, I did enjoy the book and would be open to reading more books by the author.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Book Review - Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

 


 Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle is about a young woman, Rose, who notices these weird demonic creatures following people around. In Neverton, Montana, the people are God-fearing and it’s also home to Camp Damascus. The camp claims to be very successful with gay conversion and is one of the most effective ones in the country. They promise that attendees will be able to live free of their “sinful past”. Rose has no memory of attending Camp Damascus, but she has been seeing weird creatures and flashbacks from the camp. Will she be able to figure out what is causing the creature to follow her?

The novel is marketed as an adult horror novel, but I thought this would have been more appropriate for young adults. The gore and some scenes might be too graphic but, the protagonist acted more like a teenager than an adult at times. The writing felt stilted and awkward at times. And some of the behaviors of some characters were confusing. I thought the camp would have a heavier focus in the novel but, it was mostly the after-effects of attending the camp. The novel was an interesting read, and I would be open to reading more books by the author.

 

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Book Review - Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen


 Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen is about two opposite people who fall in love.  Rooney Gao believes in signs, especially when it comes to love and art. She is an adamant believer in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their true love by the red string of fate. She believes that if two people are meant to be, they will find a way to be together even if their string gets tangled along the way.

The legend has not only influenced her love life but also, her art. She is also known as the anonymous Red String Girl. She creates large-scale art installations using red string. Rooney is sent tumbling into artist’s block when one of her latest installations doesn’t work out as she expected it to. She feels unmoored and begins to question everything. When she least expected it, she crossed paths with the perfect guy.

Jack Liu is the perfect person for Rooney. He is smart, successful, driven, and handsome. After running into him twice on the same day, the pair decided to spend some time together before Jack heads back to California. They spent a wonderful evening together and they just didn’t want to part ways. Rooney finds herself drawn to Jack and believes fate brought them together. However, Jack is skeptical and believes that it was random luck. After their magical evening, they lose contact with each other until they are given one more chance to reconnect. Rooney is desperate to prove to Jack that they belong together. Will she be able to change his mind?

The book was an okay read. I didn’t notice a spark between the characters when we were first introduced to them. Their interactions and jokes seemed a bit weird. However, as the book progressed, I could see a better bond building. I didn’t understand why Jack was so hesitant, at times, to date Rooney when it seemed that they got along so well. I felt like it was his hang-up with his parents that was introduced later but it seemed more like an excuse than a reason, especially since he admits that he likes Rooney and finds himself changing around her. Overall, it was a cute slow-moving rom-com, and I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Friday, November 1, 2024

Book Spotlight - DEATHSTALKER: THE DAMNED BLOOD by Slash, Tim Seeley, Steven Kostanski, & Jim Terry


About The Book:

Title: DEATHSTALKER: THE DAMNED BLOOD

Authors: Slash, Tim Seeley, Steven Kostanski, & Jim Terry (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: October 8, 2024

Publisher: Headshell (Vault Comics)

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 208

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/DEATHSTALKER-THE-DAMNED-BLOOD 

Swords, sorcery, and mad science square off as the cult-cinema hero DEATHSTALKER bursts into comics with an all-star lineup of creators featuring SLASH (Guns N’ Roses) in this action-packed adventure!

The cult-cinema hero Deathstalker bursts into comics from an all-star lineup of creators including Slash (Guns N’ Roses), writer-director Steven Kostanski (The Void), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash) and Jim Terry (West of Sundown).

Hired to escort a perfect priestess and her to a celebration of purity, Deathstalker’s journey doesn’t go as planned (damn those good looks and big sword). Once again, Deathstalker is on the run caught between forces larger than himself, including the virgin-worshipping cult, a sorcerer hell-bent on saving the world through mad science, and the pissed-off army of the Abraxeon kingdom…not to mention his ex-lover, Princess Evie.

Monsters, magic, and mayhem abound!

Can’t a guy just swing his sword anymore?

Slash Presents: DEATHSTALKER: The Damned Blood

Written by Tim Seeley (Vampire: The Masquerade, Money Shot, West of Sundown, Hack/Slash, Revealer), Steven Kostanski (writer/director of The Void and Psycho Goreman), and Slash (Guns N’ Roses).

Illustrated by Jim Terry (West of SundownHeavy Metal, Come Home, Indio)

Cover Art by the legendary fantasy artist Boris Vallejo and modern master Nathan C. Gooden (BarbaricBrandon Sanderson’s Dark One).

The Deathstalker Kickstarter (for exclusive hardcovers) was fully funded in less than 12 hours, sported the much-coveted “Projects We Love” label, was a “Featured Project of the Day!,” and overfunded 150%!

The DEATHSTALKER: The Damned Blood trade paperback is the prequel to the upcoming movie reboot of DEATHSTALKER (by director Steven Kostanski) and includes the entire 3-issue miniseries and the BARBARIC vs. DEATHSTALKER crossover one-shot (written by Michael Moreci (Barbaric, Wasted Space, Revealer, The Plot, Spree) and Tim Seeley, illustrated by Nathan C. Gooden)! The super special one-shot features the cursed barbarian Owen and the warrior- king Deathstalker as the two most reluctant heroes of all time to square off in a clash of steel. It’s Axe vs. Sword in this epic crossover!

For fans of:Conan the Barbarian, Barbaric, theDeathstalkermovies, Head Lopper, Rumble, Spawn, Hellboy, God is Dead, I Hate Fairyland, Red Sonja, Little Bird, Hack/Slash, Queen of Swords: A Barbaric Tale,and Dark Knights of Steel.


Slash Presents DEATHSTALKER:


 

About Slash:

Slash is a founding member and guitarist for legendary Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame rock band Guns N’ Roses, as well as the supergroups Slash’s Snakepit, Velvet Revolver, and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has stars on the Rock Walk of Fame, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Slash is a self-described “film buff” who is a fan of horror movies. He is a co-founder of Slasher Films, a film production company specializing in the horror genre.

https://linktr.ee/slash

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

 


About Tim Seeley:

TIM SEELEY is one of those “slash” people…a writer-slash-artist. He has drawn a number of different comic book series including G.I JOE, HALLOWEEN, WILDCATS and ANT-MAN & WASP. His writing work include NIGHTWING, MONEY SHOT , INJUSTICE v. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE ,the critically acclaimed REVIVAL, and the NY TIMES bestselling HACK/SLASH. He resides in Chicago, Illinois with his wife, daughter and 80s action figure collection.        Hometown:  Chicago, IL

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Jim Terry:

JIM TERRY is a Native American comic book artist who’s memoir Come Home, Indio was a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and the Ignatz, as well as the artist on such titles as THE CROW, HACK/SLASH, HEAVY METAL and more. He is currently working on WEST OF SUNDOWN from Vault Comics. He lives in Chicago with his 4 cats.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 




About Steven Kostanski:

Steven Kostanski is a writer / director / producer/ creative special FX wizard /makeup artist who is best known for his work on the horror movies The Divide (2011), The Void (2016), and Psycho Goreman (2020). 

Instagram

 

 




Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive finished copies of DEATHSTALKER: THE DAMNED BLOOD, US Only.

Ends November 5th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/7/2024

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

10/8/2024

Edith's Little Free Library

IG Post/TikTok Post

10/9/2024

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

10/10/2024

Daily Waffle

Excerpt

10/11/2024

Fire and Ice Reads

Excerpt/IG Post

10/12/2024

Lady Hawkeye

Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two: 

10/13/2024

Sudeshna Loves Reading

Excerpt

10/14/2024

@callistoscalling

IG Post

10/15/2024

Lifestyle of Me

Review

10/16/2024

@evergirl200

IG Review

10/17/2024

Comic Book Yeti

Excerpt

10/18/2024

GryffindorBookishnerd

IG Review

10/19/2024

Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Review/IG Post

Week Three: 

10/20/2024

@sparks_books

IG Review

10/21/2024

TX Girl Reads

Review/IG Post

10/22/2024

The Real World According to Sam

Review/IG Post

10/23/2024

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

10/24/2024

jlreadstoperpetuity

IG Review/TikTok Post

10/25/2024

@thebookishfoxwitch

IG Review

10/26/2024

@alexandriavwilliams_

IG Review/TikTok Post

Week Four:

10/27/2024

@enthuse_reader

IG Review/TikTok Post

10/28/2024

ilovebooksandstuffblog

Review/IG Post

10/29/2024

Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's

Review/IG Post

10/30/2024

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

10/31/2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

11/1/2024

Two Points of Interest

Review


Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Book Spotlight - BARBARIC Vol. 4: BORN IN BLOOD by Michael Moreci & Nathan C. Gooden + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: BARBARIC Vol. 4: BORN IN BLOOD

Authors: Michael Moreci & Nathan C. Gooden (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: October 8, 2024

Publisher: Vault Comics

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 176

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/BARBARIC-Vol-4-BORN-IN-BLOOD

As one of Entertainment Weekly’s “10 Best Comics,” BARBARIC – featuring Owen the Barbarian and his bloodthirsty companion Axe – begins again … back in blood and badder than ever with BARBARIC Vol. 4: Born in Blood!

Voted as one of the best comics by Entertainment Weekly, Thrillist, and Screen Rant, bestselling BARBARIC is back and ready to spill some secrets – along with a lot of blood – in Barbaric Volume 4: Born in Blood!

A new era of Barbaric begins!

We did it! You know, the thing everyone says they’re doing, even when they’re lying through their teeth: a genuinely good jumping on point. How, you ask? Well, it all starts with a compelling new bad guy.

Meet the new big bad: Orrick, the tortured barbarian now turned master torturer, will take us deep into Owen’s past, revealing secrets that should have stayed buried…like Axe in a chest cavity slurping up that sweet, delicious blood. Will the cursed-to-do-good barbarian finally do some actual good? Probably not! But some much worse guys will almost certainly lose their heads. Yummy!

For fans of BRZRKR!, The Witcher, Conan the Barbarian, Red Sonja, Heathen, Rat Queens, Kings of the Wyld, and Dungeons and Dragons!

BARBARIC Volume 4: Born in Blood collects the entire fourth, completely beserk, 3-issue miniseries!

It’s just … BARBARIC!

From writer Michael Moreci (Wasted Space, The Plot, Spree, and Revealer) and artist Nathan C. Gooden (Brandon Sanderson's Dark One, The RUSH, Vampire: The Masquerade)!


Own a whole lot of Owen, Axe, and the BARBARIC universe with:
Barbaric Vol. 1: Murderable Offenses 
Barbaric Vol. 2: Axe to Grind 
Barbaric Vol. 3: Hell to Pay 
Queen of Swords: A Barbaric Tale 
Barbaric Vol. 4: Born in Blood 

PRAISE FOR BARBARIC

"Deadpool meets Game of Thrones." - Deadline

‘One of the “10 Best Comics of 2021…” Barbaric took only three issues to establish itself as a first-rate comic.’ - Entertainment Weekly

‘One of the “Best Comics of 2021…” It's a funny, gory, weird comic with stunning art in muted colors.’ – Thrillist

‘One of the “Best Comic Books and Graphic Novels of 2021…” the “excellent…violent, expletive-filled fantasy epic Barbaric never holds back… It’s bloody spectacular.”’ - Screen Rant

"This book is seriously great. Do not miss out!"- Darick Robertson (Artist, Co-Creator of The BOYS, Co-Exec Producer)

"A visually stunning, incredibly funny, action-packed bloody tale." - Comic Book Yeti


About Michael Moreci:

Michael Moreci is a bestselling comics author, screenwriter, and novelist. His original comic works include The Plot, Curse, Barbaric, Wasted Space (all for VAULT COMICS), the upcoming Creepy the Snowman Middle Grade graphic novel – with his two sons – for WONDERBOUND, Roche Limit, and more. He's also written canonical stories for Stranger Things, Star Wars, Hack/Slash, and the DC universe. Additionally, Moreci ‘s first movie, Revealer, premiered in Fall 2021 and he's in pre-production on a second film.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 



About Nathan Gooden:

An award-winning illustrator and sequential artist, Nathan C. Gooden is Art Director at Vault Comics. Nathan studied animation at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and worked in film production, before co-founding Vault Comics. Nathan’s previous works include Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One (Vault), Barbaric (Vault), Zojaqan (Vault), and  Killbox (from American Gothic Press). He lives in Southern California, where he plays a lot of basketball and hikes constantly with his wife. 

Instagram

 

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive finished copies of BARBARIC Vol. 4: BORN IN BLOOD, US Only.

Ends November 5th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/7/2024

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

10/8/2024

Daily Waffle

Excerpt

10/9/2024

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

10/10/2024

Edith's Little Free Library

IG Post/TikTok Post

10/11/2024

Sudeshna Loves Reading

Excerpt

10/12/2024

@callistoscalling

IG Post

Week Two:

10/13/2024

Fire and Ice Reads

Excerpt/IG Post

10/14/2024

Lady Hawkeye

Excerpt/IG Post

10/16/2024

Lifestyle of Me

Review

10/17/2024

GryffindorBookishnerd

IG Review

10/18/2024

Comic Book Yeti

Excerpt

10/19/2024

@sparks_books

IG Review

Week Three:

10/20/2024

@enthuse_reader

IG Review/TikTok Post

10/21/2024

The Real World According to Sam

Review/IG Post

10/22/2024

TX Girl Reads

Review/IG Post

10/23/2024

jlreadstoperpetuity

IG Review/TikTok Post

10/24/2024

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

10/25/2024

Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Review/IG Post

10/26/2024

@thebookishfoxwitch

IG Review

Week Four:

10/27/2024

Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's

Review/IG Post

10/28/2024

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review.LFL Drop Pic/TikTok POst

10/29/2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

10/30/2024

Two Points of Interest

Review

10/31/2024

Rajiv's reviews

Review/IG Post

11/1/2024

Brandi Danielle Davis

IG Review/TikTok Post