Review of Iron Crowned - Richelle Mead

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I was a big, big fan of the Dark Swan series. I loved the idea of Eugenie getting lured away by Dorian, and Richelle Mead daring to take on the sensitive issue of rape in the previous book, Thorn Queen.

After reading this book, eugenie markham just shot straight to the top of my most disliked heroine characters list(from urban fantasies/romances).

eugenie Markham is one flawed lady.

Honestly, she's unbelievably selfish, shortsighted and delusional, not to mention a closet nymphomaniac.

I think Richelle Mead made a really bad decision keeping the love triangle alive and kicking, particularly since it makes little sense to break them up, bring them back, and repeat.

The novel's overall pace is very quick, it doesn't bog you down with things you do not want to read about. The writing style, as with all Richelle Mead's narratives, are simple and straight to the point. Sometimes it works when you have got strong, well written characters like Georgina Kincaid to move the storyline along, but I think this book failed in this aspect.

Yes, Eugenie is super tough, but she's so emotionally unstable its probably best if she's committed to an institution (okay this is probably taking it too far. but you catch my drift).

This installment took the storyline in a darn awkward direction.

The way Richelle Mead ended the book is not a cliffhanger. It is the general direction for the next 10 (?) books, or so. The only way I see this cliffhanger resolved is a storyline extending decades into the future.

Overall, a disappointing addition to Ms Richelle Mead's resume. But then since I didn't like the vampire academy series (except for the first book) either, I would say Ms Mead's works are probably not my cup of tea any more.



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Review of Dreams of a Dark Warrior - Kresley Cole

Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Honestly, the best book I have read so far this year.

Such well crafted and vivid characters. Kresley cole had whetted our appetite with hints of this story every since the first book of the IAD series, a Hunger Like No Other. It has taken 11 books for her to finally get the story out. And boy, she doesn't disappoint.

This story features a hero darker than that from any of her previous books. This follows the recent trend of paranormal romance books featuring dark, haunted and scarred heroes. Notably from the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Larissa Ione's Demonica, etc etc.

But I daresay that Kresley Cole did better in this book than any of the other authors have managed in crafting a believable romance between a heroine and the dark, dark hero.

Dreams of a Dark Warrior narrates the 'thousand year' romance between the antagonistically immature Regin, and Berserker reincarnate Declan Chase/Aidan the Fierce. Regin is one spunky character capable of uttering the most inappropriate comments that greatly lightens the mood of the book. She's the strong, arrogant and utterly fearless female warrior that can only be one of Kresley Cole's creations.

Kresley Cole was very brave to add such a dark intensity to Regin and Chase's interactions (people who has read the book will understand what I am talking about). Many people would probably Chase's treatment of Regin a turnoff, but in this case, I think it worked very well because it helps to emphasize Chase's internal struggles later on. It was these scenes that left me cringing with horror and heartache and sympathy all at the same time.

This is one powerful romance. In the course of one book, one manages to feel sorrow, joy, pain, humor, sympathy. Most importantly, the romance was believable, as both Regin and Chase fit together so well. I perceive no age problems, and their love is made genuine by the thousand year experience. In my opinion, Kresley Cole's best work so far yet.

A must read for all paranormal romance fans.



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Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Pt2

3 words.

OH,

My

GOD.

I am rarely ever shocked by sex or violence in movies or TV shows anymore. This is probably a fact well known by a few friends. I have gained the ability to remain very detached from a piece of entertainment while critically analyzing whatever adult elements it may contain.

But Starz Network's Spartacus just redefined the shock value of American cable television.

Simply said, Spartacus is softcore porn with extremely well written scripts and thought-out plots. The only thing separating Spartacus from porn is probably close up scenes of the genitals during intercourse. But even then, Spartacus pushes the envelop by showing frontal nudity of both female and male extras.

A friend of mine recently observed that Spartacus caters very well to the tastes of both straight and gay viewers. Personally I have never realised the part about the gay viewers. But now that she has mentioned it, it does make a lot of sense. Very honestly speaking, EVERYTHING happens on this show.

In fact, EVERYTHING happened on the latest episode, the 2nd episode of the prequel season to the original Spartacus. Let me see what happened during the episode. Well we have the camera focusing on men in loincloths training under the sun (and swinging their swords around, both literally and metaphorically speaking), a pair of gay gladiators making out, an important Roman fondling a male gladiator to ensure his 'qualifications' at the upcoming (gladiatorial) games he is organising, then the male gladiator (a slave) was forced to have sex with the wife (another slave) of his best friend (another gladiator) for the said Roman's entertainment. OMG.

And in the final scenes we have the threesome of Batiatus and his wife AND GAIA. Watching 3 middle-aged people getting it on is not usually this disturbing. But if you consider the 3 are Lucy Lawless (Xena), John Hannah (the punkish bro from The Mummy) and Jaime Murray (always the slutty woman on cable), 3 well known and respectable actors, it's VERY DISTURBING. I hereby vote this scene for the WORST sex scene of both seasons. I don't understand why the ending scenes of both episodes this season is a sex scene involving Gaia and Batiatus' wife. It is getting old (pun intended).

It is also true that these shock factors are what makes Spartacus, well Spartacus. It is so unique and braver than even True Blood. Anyway I would like to end this post on the note that Season 2 is really very enjoyable.

Dustin Clare's Gannicus? Yummy (: ->

Book Review: The Name of the Wind

What a fantastically written debut fantasy novel!

Despite being an author's debut, The Name of the Wind is definitely one of the finest fantasy works I have the fortune to encounter.

This is book 1 of the trilogy titled, The Kingkiller Chronicles, a series that is actually a biography of Kvothe, a person who will eventually become one of the most famous magicians in that world, a person who people will come to see as 'the Arcanist', 'the Bloodless, and 'The Kingkiller'.

I loved this book's pace, the world, and the main character. Most of Kvothe's history as retold in the first person narrative in this book revolves around his journey from childhood to becoming a student at the University, the leading institution of all major areas of study in the world. In some ways, this book is a throwback to Harry Potter and The Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canavan. In other ways, it has a much darker and grittier tone than either of the preceding series.

I absolutely love this kind of coming to age novels, particularly with the main character learning magic in an institution. It is similar enough to the reader's own experiences with the education system so that he can identify with some of the events narrated in the book, yet different enough due to the magical element present. His learning journey and interaction with fellow students are so deliciously recounted that the reader feels completely immersed in the world. (BTW, this was something i felt missing from Tavi's story in The Codex Alera. The emphasize on armed conflicts in that series made it feel more like a war story)

Another great aspect of The Name of the Wind is the writer's humor. If you check out his blog posts, you can find plenty of the same wry humor. Reading it brought back the same happy feeling The Elenium had inspired, and what Harry Dresden manages to achieve sometimes in its better moments. The main character, Kvothe is mightily smart. It is a joy to read his witty remarks and how he manages to maneuver out of tight spots.

Rothfuss defines himself by creating a character that is genuinely brillant and flawed at the same time. Kvothe is not perfect. Despite his intelligence, it is apparent from the story that he is extremely reckless and prideful. While courage and pride could be applauded in characters, Kvothe possesses too much of both that he repeatedly gets into trouble. Yet, you can't help but love the character for all his flaws.

Fortunately, while the first book was published in 2006, the next book is already scheduled to be published in March. yay! Lets hope that book3 wouldn't take as long as the 2nd book did (:

Book Review: Princeps' Fury (Book 5 of the Codex Alera)

Princeps' Fury by Jim Butcher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jim Butcher had done a very good job building up the excitement in the first half of the book. In fact, his writing does excel in highlighting despairing situations. Like all other codex alera books, I greatly enjoyed the first half (or third) of the book more so than the rest put together.

There is plenty of action and plot twists all around the book. But by now, the twists have been used to prevalently throughout the series that they now come as expected. I pretty much felt that whenever the characters deign to plan anything, chances are it will somehow go wrong or something will change.

Somehow, the author just failed to deliver according to the anticipations built up in the earlier portions of the book. The book, like the rest of the series, suffers from some major issues in the plot. The most obvious ones lie with the ultimate villian - Why was the vord so insistent on killing them down to the last person? What will they eat then? Why would such a strong opponent seek an outright war with them if they seem most effective in a war of stealth? I still find the Takers more frightening than the rest of the Vord capabilities. As powerful as the Vord may be, they do not seem particularly frightening except for the sheer volume of numbers. In fact, they yet had to rely on human technology to keep their human victims in check. How then, were they able to defeat both the Canim and the Marat(before) just by their own strengths before? The Vord's reliance on human furycrafting seems to suggest human superiority that contradicts the notion about how each race is complicated yet equally valuable.

The main character, Tavi, was also described to be so brave and selfless (to the extent he completely lacks self-preservation) that he is almost unbelievable. Lets face it, realistically a person like him would have long expired if not for the ever trustworthy sense of instinct or the combination of luck and ingenuity turning events into his favour. Aside from this characteristic flaw to consistently put himself in the harm's way, there is a lack of a genuine character flaw that marks him as human, and therefore, a more relatable character.

I find this series' another main problem is its inability to maintain my level of excitement and interest when the armed conflict starts. Something is just missing from Jim Butcher's narrative when it comes to large scale conflicts, perhaps a sense of detachment in his narrative. I have read fantasy books that draw me in during large scale battles, and Jim Butcher simply failed to meet these expectations. In fact, the legion battles are about the most boring parts of the book.

All in all, I still rate 4 out of 5 because the author has managed to do a very good job with the first half of the book. Any less would be too harsh because I honestly did enjoy reading it. My review simply highlighted some problems the book suffers from, but perhaps disparate attention was paid to the good aspects of it. I am very unsatisfied with how Jim Butcher resolved the conflict in this book, and hopefully the next in the series would do a better job.



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Blinded by Incumbents, and Deaf to New Talents

The 2011 Golden Globes nominations have just been released and I am interested in just 3 categories. Best Actress - Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole, Best film, and Best Original Score.

Needless to say, I am 100% behind HHTYD for Best original score. Sadly speaking, not going to happen.

Imagine my utter horror that it was not even NOMINATED.

I CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES.

WHAT THE FUCK!?

I'm so frigging pissed! In order to even get nominated for the Oscars, it is crucial to get as much pre-oscar buzz as possible. I felt that the Golden Globes nominee results is a terrible blow to the HHTYD OST's chances. Damn it! Doubtlessly, many netizens agree with me that HHTYD's soundtrack is the best in the year so far! I really felt that the awards groups are DEAF and BLIND.

Blinded by incumbent composers, and deaf to new talents.

So the nominees are....

Rahman (127), Desplat (the King's Speech), Zimmer (Inception), Elfman (Alice in Wonderland), two composers for The Social Network.

HONESTLY, THE SOCIAL NETWORK AND ALICE IN WONDERLAND?! I have read reviews of Alice in Wonderland, and i assure you that talk about the soundtrack is practically non-existent. I felt that the only true contender against HHTYD had been Zimmer's Inception score. But The Social Network and Alice in Wonderland!? REALLY!? Did they even hear the stuff?

IMO, the best music is not about how innovative it is. It really is about how it fits with the movie. In this aspect, HHTYD beat them all hands down. The track is like another character to the entire film. HHTYD has got the 4th D from its music that the others in that list lacked.

To be honest, I have no seen 127 nor The King's Speech yet. But I assure you, they will not beat the bar set by HHTYD.

HOLLYWOOD YOU SUCK. PERIOD.

(ALICE IN WONDERLAND?!?)

Rabbit Hole (2010/2011) film

Somebody give Nicole Kidman the Oscar for Best Actress please.

The Rabbit Hole's poster may not look like much. It invites to mind a plot concerning a romantic thriller esp with the sensual middle portion and the tension-filled images towards the periphery. Its one sentence summary on IMDB does not also seem like much either:

Life for a happy couple is turned upside down after their young son dies in an accident. Based on a play by David Lindsay-Abaire.

Really, how is anybody supposed to get excited about this film based on this description and a poster that looks like any other old romantic, sensational thriller? But therein lies the deception.

Surprisingly, this movie is very, very good. Several factors point to its winning formula:

1. Just the right pace: great story and direction

Perhaps it is wrong to credit merely the director and the writers. But these are the most observable elements for the moment. The film is structured like a snippet into a couple's lives 8 months after tragedy struck the family.

It started with a seemingly normal married couple going about their lives in the suburbs. Before long, cracks in their relationship and individual character begin to appear over the course of time as the audience looks into their everyday lives. It was never once specified in a complete sentence what tragedy the couple went through, it was left to the audience to pick up the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle along the film. This is a very clever structure for a film as it invites the audience to question what was presented to them, and continuously hints that things are not as they seem. It also presents an excellent opportunity for the actors to portray multi-faceted characters to great advantage. This leads to the next point...

2. A relatively nondescript but high performance cast.

Other than Nicole Kidman, and perhaps Aaron Eckhart after his turn in The Dark Knight, the rest of the actors in the cast are not famous in any means. However, they put up an amazing performance. Especially commendable are Nicole Kidman's character's sister and mother, played by Tammy Blanchard and Dianne Wiest respectively. This film is a very strong reminder that you do not need high budgets to get in good actors and actresses that can act. In fact, there are so many talented actors out there in Hollywood just waiting for the right opportunity, whereas so many stars and mega-stars havn't got even half the acting chops of these indie-film actors.

3. Nicole Kidman + Aaron Eckhart

Both Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart are terribly good, veteran actors, with enough star power just to take this film mainstream. The two also have amazing chemistry, and during the scenes together, they built a couple whose love is so tangible that the audience could not help but be awed and yet appalled by what they have to suffer. Separate, they are able to demonstrate so well the agony each of them have to endure for their collective loss.

Most notable, however, would be Nicole Kidman's powerful turn as Becca. I can't describe how good she is, or pretend to write as if I am one of those veteran film reviewers. If I say that I saw her portray a character whose tightly controlled exterior masks a deeply affected psyche, I would be lying. The strength of her performance cannot be accurately described in words. For the first time in my film watching life, I have felt an Oscar-worthy performance.

For ages, I have seen crappy Nicole Kidman films like Cold Mountain and Australia. Australia in bold please, as an emphasize on how bad it was. Well, not to mention The Golden Compass and The Stepford Wives. And countless unmemorable others. Just plain... meh.

My impression of her has always been a plastic surgery frankenstein creation who can't act/pick the wrong script/make the worst movie. A bit harsh, but hey, i'm being honest.

How wrong I was after this film. I discovered Nicole Kidman has some serious acting chops. One particularly memorable scene was her second conversation with the teenage boy who accidentally knocked down her character's son in the movie. As the boy was speaking, the pain that she exudes is so, so real. You see her, you feel her, you hear her. There is no makeup, no special effects, no costumes. It is just a woman who lost her son, and gradually trying to come to terms with it.

Perhaps it is not easy to do comedy, but it is much, much harder to portray grief realistically and believably. This is probably, wait, scratch that, definitely why no actor/actress has ever won an Oscar for a comedic role.

I felt this film was in fact, quite similar to Inception. Not so much that the similarity lie with the effects, the story, or the characters wise. In fact, they are wildly different. But that simplistic story lines of both films mask a truly intriguing movie. As one reviewer of Inception wrote, it is not half as much fun in knowing the conclusion, as knowing the process through which one gets to the conclusion. In this case, no words can do the exact impact of the film justice.

I can only say, please watch it. You will not regret catching this phenomenal performance of actors, director and writers.