No cool meme this time around. I am however contemplating a mid year 'Best of' LIST since it is July.
I'll make a decision come July LISTs.
This month we see a new Golden RAVE owner (other than the obvious) crowned and I am happy to give them their flowers. Without more to say.
21. A Phoenix First Must Burn by Various: 7 - OKAY
I so badly wanted to like this anthology of stories. It had a lot of elements I like, black culture, mixture of genres and a very cool cover. Unfortunately this book is the definition of a mixed bag it swayed more towards meh then good. Sure, I found some new authors I would like to look into and I was surprised to see R'n'B singer Amerie is also a good writer as well as a singer. Some other stories did hit but as stated above, most of them were misses.
I feel some of the authors took the subtitle of 'black girl magic, resistance and hope' and had some good ideas but in the end, a lot of the stories became very samey with little variation. In this tale a girl is in love with vampires, now a girl is a mermaid, now a girl wants to be the sun (no lie, that one was cool). I understand embracing the theme but I did wish for some better execution and some surprises. As it stands, it was good enough to read the whole collection but I can't recommend it.
20. Predator Vs Black Panther: 7.5 - OKAY
After a promising start with Predator vs Wolverine, writer Benjamin Percy is back with another versus. This book takes a great concept (two of the universes biggest hunters of their respective universes colliding) and makes it... boring. Granted I read this book at the beginning of the month but I can not recall anything really memorable happening in this book. Maybe one or two scenes but nothing worth the price of admission. It is disappointing because as I said, Percy did great previously but that book also embraced the concept that Wolverine is also age-less so their war was able to be drawn out. This book embraced a tired, aliens invade Wakanda and BP is able to send them on their way. This story was done so much better, in Jason Aaron's Black Panther 'Secret Invasion' tie-in.
Also a personal gripe is the artwork really did not work for me at all. The predators looked okay but all the Wakandan scenes looked very basic and deserved better. The artwork is actually what brought this books final score down a full point.
19. Run on Red by Noelle W. Ihli: 8 - Rave
After killing it with Ask for Andrea (see my April's LIST), I decided to dive back into the dark world of Noelle W. Ihli. However this book didn't resonate as well as Ask for Andrea did for me. It is titled a thriller and it definitely was but weirdly I actually wished that the pace was always so fast and insane ALL the time. 50 chapters of non-stop action was a bit much and I wished this books pacing gave some scenes more time then it got.
The main characters were like-able enough to be worth cheering for, the plot was good and the execution was there if a bit by the numbers. It also had a surprisingly good ending despite all the insanity to get to that point. I enjoyed this book and I'll keep reading Noelle's work but I did wish this book gave me the same highs Ask for Andrea did.
18. Spring Fever (Kdrama): 8.5 - Rave
After the intensity of Bloodhounds season one and two, me and wife need a chaser from all that craziness. We found it in the form of Spring Fever. This was a very cute k-drama filled with some funny moments. Ah Bo Hyun and Lee Joo Bin have a warm chemistry that makes them worth cheering for. The secondary couple which in this show was a young couple also had some ups and down and fun to follow. Also the main couple early adoption of a cute dog called Bom-Shik and Bom-Shik becoming a reoccurring character sold me as well. He was so dang cute.
My only gripes was when the drama focused on some boring side characters and what I felt was the main conflict got resolved a bit quicker then I wanted. Also Bom's father being a non-character was a bit disappointing too when he could have been much more and help his 'beloved' daughter. However the show was still worth watching and it had a very good conclusion with a cute happy ending.
17. Water, Mirror, Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America by Jeff Chang: 8.5 - Rave
Picking up this book I was expecting a nice Bruce Lee biography mixed with some social commentary about being Asian American. What I was not expecting was it was more than just a little. It ended up being 70% Bruce's story, 30% commentary and as I got deeper and deeper into the book I realized what I really wanted from this book was a Bruce biography and the asides became less exciting to read and lessened my enjoyment of the book. Now I know, the title plainly states it not just a Bruce Lee biography but still I just wished I went in knowing it'll have so many non-sequiturs with loose connections to Mr. Lee. This book was also very large (400 pages plus) and I felt it was a bit bloated because of afore-mentioned constant additions.
The book itself was written well and well researched, I enjoyed the insights and it was filled with a lot of BTS personal pictures (from the BL family archive). I especially enjoyed learning more about Bruce's struggles in Hollywood and his drive to become the first major Asian movie star and how despite the walls put up in front of him, he was able to rise above.
16. Shadow Force: 8.5 - Rave
It is funny, as mentioned in the previous entry, Bom-Shik stole the show for me in Spring Fever and in Shadow Force, it was the son of the main couple. Not saying Omar Sy and Kerry Washington were not draws, they also did a great job. I appreciate the movie allowing Omar to occasionally go back and forth into his natural French language, it made it more realistic.
This movie was fun, action packed (tho some of the fight scenes relied too heavily on editing and weird angles) and filled with the right amount of genre tropes but enough to keep watchers on their toes. It was cool seeing the role reversed with who was looking after the kid versus who was hunting the bad guys. A good popcorn flick worthy of your time if you want a fun spy flick.
15. A Pslam of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown: 8.5 - Rave
Concluding Roseanne A. Brown's duology, A Pslam of Storms and Silence was just as compelling as the first book, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. I still enjoyed the setting, magic systems and the characters. The characters especially are the biggest draw because they are so real and relatable, flaws and all.
I have a few gripes with this book tho. I did not like the need to add more worldbuilding when this was the last book in the series, adding more characters just to have more bodies didn't seem necessary when I felt it should have just focus on finishing strong and the finish is why Pslam is at 15 and not higher despite my earlier praise. The ending for this book was just okay. Ms. Brown decided to go with a 'the story is not over' and I understand it plays into the theme that is a story that is being re-told and most stories like that seldom have neatly tied up endings but I won't lie, I wanted more. Neverless I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in a African inspired fantasy epic.
14. Mr. Church: 8.5 - Rave
I remember seeing this trailer ages ago and I was always interested in it. This was around the time where Eddie Murphy had semi-retired from the industry and his first comeback film after 4 years away. He also decided to take a serious role and definitely not his normal type of role. This film was good y'all. Eddie kills it as Mr. Church, perfectly playing the role like it was written for him (which surprisingly it was not). His co-lead Britt Robertson also brought her A game and combined with Mckenna Grace, who already shows a lot of promise even at such a young age, made the entire cast have an easy chemistry which was enjoyable to watch.
The story was a bit clique but it had a good heart and I did tear up at one point. I wish we got a bit more understanding about who Mr. Church was but I understand it was part of his mystery. Learning that the film is based on the film writer's real history was also heart-warming and you could tell this film was made with love.
13. The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass by Stephen King: 8.5 - Rave
Continuing my path towards the Dark Tower (audio books this time) has been an interesting one. I recall reading Wizard & Glass when I was much younger and it is interesting to re-read it again. One of King's more divisive books, this book really resonates with you if you wanted more information on Roland because the main ka-tet (his destined companions) takes a big break during this book.
Me personally, after reading the whole series, to go back now and learn more about Roland felt different this time around. I enjoy getting more insight into what made the gunslinger as harden as he is. I also enjoyed how the original ka-tet truly became a real unit this book and really getting 'The Stand' references this time around was a treat as well.
12. Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer: 8.5 - Rave
After a first book that caught me interest and a second one that really pulled me in, the third book in the Assistant series was more of what I liked. It still has the quirky humor, the characters as well as the unique setting. I have also enjoyed that over time, more POVs have been added and the story is getting much more intriguing.
However, I won't lie, this book was good but I lost my interest a couple times and only really picked up for me near the end and that's when I was all-in again. This book suffers a bit from the sagging middle book syndrome for me and it felt long just to be long. I still enjoyed it and I am very invested how the story concludes.
11. Predator Versus Spider-man: 8.5 - Rave
Compared to Predator vs BP this was a much better showing. A much more clearer conflict, feeling like it was pulled straight out of a Predator movie, shady government types included. There was one additional character, a police officer who's story never really went anywhere but on the other hand, I appreciate the inclusion of Kraven and his arc. The action was also pretty nuts and I surprised how much blood and gore Marvel/ Fox was able to get away with.
The art was hit and miss for me, some good scenes, the violence was suitable over the top and the predators look much better again compared to Predator vs BP. However some of the main character models, Peter and MJ for example left a bit to be desired. On an end note I am now actually looking forward to finishing out this quartet of Predator versus series by Benjamin Percy which I can say I was not after Predator Vs BP.
10. Run Away (Netflix): 9 - RAVE
After loving the book by Harlan, (see my January's LIST for my review) me and wife was very excited to see the TV adaption of Run Away. This film had all the hallmarks of a Harlan show but somehow it still pushed the enveloped much better than some of the recent adaptations we have seen. The source material helps but the actors were also on point, especially James Nesbitt who showed a father's desperation and rage with such nuance you had to feel for him.
My only real gripe with this show was the need to add extra elements originally not in the book (Elena's side story which painted her in a much less sympatric light and was added for no real reason because the book already had enough twists and turns). However the show was still able to handle the deep subject matter and that twist was still amazing even though we knew it was coming.
9. Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning: 9 - RAVE
Wow. Now I have been a fan of the MI movies for awhile and every since the 4th one me and my
wife have watched them pretty faithfully if we have the chance to watch them. However I do not recall a MI movie being as action packed, plot driven but with as much heart as this one.
This film was long but I did not want the ride to end. The train sequence alone is worth the price of admission. Maybe it was because they were writing with an endgame in mind but they pulled out all the spots for this one and I loved it. I am actually looking forward to how they will wrap this up and hopefully they don't drop the ball.
8. The Uncanny X-Men/ Marvel Masterworks Vol. 1: 9 - RAVE
As a big fan of the X-Men, I can honestly say I have never explored the classics. Now when I say the
classics I mean the Claremont/ Cockrum era, one of the most influential X-Men eras ever. Like I know the stories but I have never read them. Thanks to the Masterworks series. I have now experience them first hand and man, it truly was a different time but what a time. Seeing the next generation of X-Men, the ones I grew up loving getting their sea legs and coming together as a team is a sight to see. Claremont really understands these characters as he has proven over many years.
Speaking of characters, Cockrum's costumes established in this era were also amazing and their is good reason why they have stuck around for so long (Nightcrawler for example has not changed much from his initial design because it is that dang good). The art is also clean and storytelling was perfect. Seeing this art compared to some of the artwork I previously bemoaned in the Predator Versus series is a breath of fresh air. I have the second volume of this era ready to go and I won't lie, I am excited to read it.
7. XO Kitty Season 1: 9 - RAVE
A surprise for sure is how high XO Kitty places on this LIST. After hearing about this show for ages we
decided to give it a try. A classic story, girl falls in love, travels to be with him and all the chaos that ensues however it is not formulaic at all and XO Kitty nails the Western influence but Korean setting that so many shows are trying to obtain (and normally not doing as well).
XO Kitty feels like a kdrama but at the same time, it is its own thing and I like that about it. The cast is like-able, the story and the twists and turns it took was interesting and it had the right amount of sweet without it being too much. The soundtrack is amazing, especially as Kpop fans with lots of popular artist contributing to it. Sure, the show did the original main couple Kitty and Dae dirty and Kitty doesn't did as many entanglements as they put on her in this ONE season but it was still an enjoyable show which we will keep watching.
6. The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros: 9 - RAVE
This book was amazing and Rebecca continues to grow as one of my favorite romance authors but man can the woman write heartache. In fear of spoiling it I won't say much but when I say this book will pull and tear out your heart I am not lying.
I pre-write some of my thoughts before putting them on this LIST and no lie, The Last Letter's pre-write has been blank up until now because I still can not process the insanity Ms. Yarros put us readers through. Just be prepared to cry, yell but also at the same time, feel the healing power of love. That is all I am going to say.
5. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson: 9 - RAVE
Okay, the endless armies of Sanderson's fan were right. This book is amazing and worth the hype. Everything about this book hit for me, understandable detailed magic systems? Yep. A dark but also very lively setting. Got it. Amazing, deep characters who make you cheer for their wins. Yessir. I really enjoyed this book and what added to the enjoyment is how this book can be read as a standalone and you'll still get a completed story which is a rare feat in fantasy.
Needless to say, I am all in for Cosmere universe now and I will definitely keep exploring his worlds. I am legit excited to what other stories are in it.
4. Darkglass Mountain # 3: The Infinity Gate by Sara Douglass: 9.5 - RAVE
I love Sara but man I wished she stuck the landing better with this one. I am happy we got a conclusion but this stings because of the lost potential. Our main characters finally get their Happy Ever After and we got to see an epic showdown and a lot of threads finally paid off. However it is sad that we are introduced to a lot of characters who are important for a while and then just become background characters, Salome and Zeobrath come to mind. Also SPOILERS: What was the point behind Hereward and her eventual death? Also after hating the big bad's sidekick Elannon and all the evil he has done, we don't get a scene where his nemesis Axis gets his revenge? I wanted much more pay-offs and I went away a bit disappointed. END SPOILERS
However, I did enjoy this book immensely and I consumed it in record time and loved being back in the world of Tencendor. It is sad but I am stuck with a 'what if'. I think Sara wrote the ending this way to create future trilogies/ stories but she never got the chance which is a real shame.
3. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E Schwab: 9.5 - RAVE
As I mentioned above, I sometimes pre-write my thoughts for these LISTs so I am not overwhelmed when it comes to writing it all up, I also want to make sure I do not forget any great moments as well. I, however have not been able to perfectly verbalize how much I enjoyed this book until now and I can recall so many moments without needing to write it down, it was that memorable. Knowing its booktok history and its importance to V.E, I went in with high expectations and if anything this book was able to exceed them in the best way.
This book is not just a book, it is an experience. V.E takes an amazing concept and delivers with thrills, chills and complex nuance. The main characters feel like real people, with real problems and how V.E effortlessly destroys our emotions and rebuild us needs to be studied. Her prose is poetic and at the same time hypnotic and that ending? That ending is so satisfying. I had no idea how she would write herself out of the hole she put us in but the way she did it? Chef kiss. This book is highly recommend even if you don't like fantastical realism books. I love her Shades of Magic series but so far, this is V.E best book for me.
2. Darkglass Mountain # 1: The Serpent Bride by Sara Douglass: 9.5 - RAVE
I was so ready to start this trilogy and I am so happy I did. After doing my homework and reading the
prequels previously (Threshold and Beyond the Hanging Wall respectively) I was ready to dive back into Sara's Wayfarer Redemption setting (one of my favorite fantasy settings growing up) again. For her to effortlessly combine all her universes and even introduce new pieces to the tapestry was amazing. I was always a bit bummed that both Threshold and Beyond... just 'ended' and it was nice to see the direct continuation of their stories.
When I say this book had me hooked, it had me hooked. I consumed this massive book within days and this trilogy is the only trilogy where I wanted to read the whole story within one month (hence all the reviews in this LIST). Outside of Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty I have never wanted to be consumed by a book as much as this one and to believe, she even upped the ante even more with its sequel. This book is a masterclass in the fantasy I love.
1. Darkglass Mountain # 2: The Twisted Citadel by Sara Douglass: 10 - RAVE
Man am I happy I can finally give this honor to one of my favorite authors and my favorite Australian
author of all time. The Twisted Citadel was a rollercoaster ride and I love every moment of it. I consumed this big book (500 + words) within days and I regret nothing. Everything I enjoyed about The Serpent Bride is enhanced in this book. The battles are more epic, the betrayals more heart-rendering, the victories more sweeter because we know the characters and their motivations now. This book's description of the raising of Elcho Falling castle still exists in my mind as one of the best 'Wow' moments I have read in recent memory and our main characters Isabel's revenge against the people who betrayed her husband and the aftermath? Those scenes was amazing and lives rent-free in my mind.
I always knew when I started re-reading Sara that she would get a moment like this. I felt a bit of it in Threshold and Beyond the Hanging Wall had potential but this... this was epic in all the right ways. So many fantasy epics experience the sagging middle syndrome but not Darkglass Mountain. This book effortlessly has risen to the same level I viewed Wall of Storms by Ken Liu in how an author takes something amazing and just takes up even more notches.
In a month where the 9's started in the Top 10. Where Brandon Sanderson planted his claim as a new fave, Rebecca broke my heart and V.E delivers what might be her best book yet, to claim the number one spot is a lofty height but Ms. Sara Douglass, the queen of Australian fantasy, deserves it. Cheers to you.
What a month eh? So next up we have July and a possible middle of the year round up? I guess we shall see. Till then.
AV
