Book Review: Spook House

There are some places in this world that go far beyond any normal definition of “haunted.” These places are so evil, so diabolical, that they become gateways to Hell itself. The Fuller Farm is one such place.

It is said that old man Fuller conducted unspeakable acts, blood rituals and human sacrifices, all in an attempt to gain the ultimate knowledge, the ultimate power. And then, he was killed–horribly murdered on his own lands, leaving the house to stand as a vacant monument to his wickedness. But once a door is opened, it can never really be closed.

Now, the stars are right. The gateway is ready to once more unleash unspeakable horror upon the town of Harmony, Indiana. And this will be one Halloween that they will never forget!

Spook House
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 265 (ebook)
Part of Series: Harmony Indiana #3
Purchased: Review for tour
Rating: 4/5 stars

REVIEW:
Woohoo!!! Okay okay..need to get my thoughts straight here... I think i will be starting with the book cover saying it's pure awesomeness? Easily my favorite cover from Seventh Star Press. And it could totally be a poster for a horror movie which leads us to the second part...the story.

I'm new to the horror genre as i am known for being easily scared. Still i wanted to try the book so here i am. Michael West starts by giving you some interesting facts about horror houses and starts with a "classic" scene at the horror house of our story. It spooks you literally from the first moment and keeps you at the edge of your seat the whole time. It's creepy, violent (monster violence that is), excited and full of mystery. It's exactly what that kind of stories need, written or live action, and as a result you have a really great read at your hands.

You follow the POV of various characters and see the story and their beliefs of what's happening. Each small part different than each other, giving you insight but still leaving you in the dark. It's funny how you also see characters doing things, that when you watch the movie you say "nooo don't do it" and they actually know they are about to do the certain action. But it's human nature and there are some things we can't say no. And maybe that's why it's so easy to get in the story and connect with them in a way.

In the end it was a book that gave me the chills and made me wanna try more of the both the genre and the author. And if you worry, about being 3rd in a series no worries. You can read it alone too.

P.S: I think that fans of Supernatural might like it. It was like its first seasons but darker and more violent and spooky.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for review from Seventh Star Press author as part of a virtual book tour. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: First Light (+Giveaway)

What do you do when you've always dreamed of a hero; your knight in shining armour, only to find when he arrives he isn't a hero at all? ... He's a killer.

Ronnie Rose is trying to cope with the loss of her father; now it looks like she might lose everything else that's dear to her too. Huge debts threaten to destroy her family, her childhood home and her future. Only one person cuts through her pain. Kalen Smith has just moved to town. He's trouble and everyone knows it. He and his mysterious friends keep to themselves and the town likes it that way. But when Kalen mourns at her dad's funeral, Ronnie wants to know why and her investigation plunges her into a dangerous world of murky government secrets, with deadly consequences. Ronnie knows she should walk away from Kalen before it's too late. Problem is, she's falling for him...

Can we choose who we fall in love with?

First Light
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 342 (paperback)
Part of Series: Project Five Fifteen #1
Purchased: Review for tour
Rating: 5/5 stars
Buy: Book Depository || Amazon (US) || Amazon (UK)

REVIEW:
I couldn't really say no to a plot like this. Killers and secret governments. I haven't read something like that since Alex Rider. Not that they are the same, but still the prospect of reading something conspirasy-like, and have an opportunity to leave the paranormal world just a little bit, was acceptable.

The story is well written. It's simple and understanding. The author chooses the first person and Ronnie's point of view, which is good, because that makes you understand Ronnie's pain and all her other feelings, but she also uses the third person when she wants to describe something outside Ronnie's life, something that happened in secret, which is also good, because it makes us understand better the situations. It may sound complex,  but it actually was really good and harmonised, very thoughtful of the author.

As for the characters I couldn't really related with anyone, because so many things were going through. Obviously, I couldn't understand Ronnie's pain, because I've never lost someone that close to me. As for the rest of the story, I cannot really say much, because I'll ruin it for you, all I can say is that I was really anxious to see what will happen all the time.

The awesome part was that the author provided me with a printed copy of the book. The book is separated in two parts and there are titles in each chapters, related to the story following, mostly telling you more or less what you were going to read. I like it when there are titles, not that I have a specific problem when there are not.

Bottom line, I loved it. I think that it's the author's first novel, and I have to say that she nailed it. It was anxious and fast pacing and I cannot wait to read the next one. I'm very happy that I was able to read it.

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Movie Review: Brave

Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin, surly Lord Macintosh and cantankerous Lord Dingwall. Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it's too late.

Brave
Released: 2011
Runtime: 100 mins
Rating: 4/5 stars
Buy: Amazon.co.uk || Amazon.com

REVIEW:
I can't even explain how much i waited for this movie. Finally i got to watch it and it was better than i expected.

Brave is one of the few Disney movies that doesn't concentrate on the "love story" of the main character. Instead it shows the relationship between a mother and a daughter and how you can change your life. It's funny, cute and sad at the same time. Keeping you at the edge of your seat and even though Merinda is a fantasy person, you can actually relate to her life.

The animation is beautiful with Pixar doing an amazing job. They also taking their time showing more of the world with landscapes,etc something that i've last seen in animated Disney movie with Pocahontas. It gives an entirely different vibe and feeling to the movie.

Another change is the absence of the songs. There are barely 2-3 songs, and are all used as a background music. Still, it has an awesome soundtrack.
And as for the voice acting i believe it's was chosen really good. It's like every voice is the real voice of the character and you can feel the actors living through the story.

For another time Disney is giving us a good story. Taking a different step and leaving the girly animation movies behind and going into something more adventurous and generic.

"10 Sci-Fi Fantasy Characters I Would Be Proud To Cosplay As"

The following is a guest post by Sci-Fi Bloggers. Sci-Fi Bloggers is an online magazine covering all things science fiction and fantasy: movies, TV, books, video games, comics and more.

Lets take the concept of role-playing a step further shall we. “Costume-play,” or more commonly known by science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts as “cosplay,” is a form of aesthetic expression where you have the opportunity to become your wildest adoration or greatest abhorrence. In this colorful list I give you my personal top ten favorites for the coolest characters that I would be proud to portray at any convention. Before you read on, note that this list is entirely personal and is absolutely not a list of the most professional or legitimate cosplay costumes across the globe. Mostly inspired by video games and anime, maybe you’ll be able to gain some inspiration to gear up for your next convention!

Spartan from Halo


With Halo 4 just a couple of months away, why not don your own custom Spartan armor. This is the perfect costume for those who prefer to remain incognito behind an awesome looking helmet (and holding your favorite weapon) or for those simply in love with the Halo series. Either way, dancing to Lady Gaga is a must!



Alucard from Hellsing

Easily one of the most popular cosplay characters. Without a doubt Alucard is one of the most depraved and sadistic vampires ever to appear on screen and that’s precisely why we love him.





Solaire of Astora from Dark Souls

Look, if you don’t feel good about wearing this then just find another covenant. Solaire of Astora (“sunbro”) also known as the warrior of sunlight is an interesting yet bizarrely lovable NPC from the critically acclaimed Dark Souls. Imagine running around the convention constantly raising your arms to fans. Praise the sun!

Ezio Auditore da Firenze from Assassin’s Creed

It’s a simple equation that the brilliant minds of renaissance Italy developed:

High fashion + High flying free running = Win

Start your own brotherhood (or sisterhood) with a deadly and polished Ezio Auditore costume. Pay attention to the small details on his costume and you’ll be worthy of leading the pack.

ANBU Member from Naruto

An opportunity to become part of the Special Assassination and Tactical Squad? Not even a question. With more than ten masks to choose from or design, an ANBU member just has costume appeal and a mysterious personality that reeks deadly but cool.



Stormtrooper from Star Wars

Sure it isn't original, but it is definitely a classic and I would be proud to join the ranks of the 501^st.

Kurosaki Ichigo (Final Getsuga Transformation) from Bleach

Lets face it. I can’t stop talking about Bleach! Get a white haori, pick your favorite squad or join Aizen’s army to cosplay as a notable captain, squad member or a cunning espada. There are endless fantastic Bleach cosplays but after seeing Ichigo’s final form, I just could not resist. Lets finish this, Aizen.

Shockwave from Transformers

Despite the undesirable criticism about Transformers: Dark of the Moon, it's one saving grace was the epic CGI that went into polishing the Autobots and Decepticons. Not many are up for the challenge to create a robot costume but after seeing the movie, Shockwave is worth the effort.

Snake eyes from G.I. Joe

Enigmatic, masterful and a covert mission specialist, who doesn’t want to wield a katana like Snake Eyes? He is all win and no mercy plus the sleek black armor will generate some fear in the audience.

Dante from Devil May Cry

The gaming industry's demon exterminator is back. Given a choice between Dante, Nero, and the new Dante, I would always side with the classic Dante. I fully approve of the long crimson leather coat, white hair and dual wielding a gun and sword. Bring it on.

Thanks for sticking to the end; maybe I’ll see you or your alter ego at a cosplay convention near you.