The Lost Expedition (Poptropica #2)

author: Mitch Krpata
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/28
date added: 2016/08/28
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'The Lost Expedition (Poptropica #2)' by Mitch Krpata with art by Kory Merritt continues the adventures from the first volume.

Oliver, Mya and Jorge are still on the run from Octavian. They just want to get home, he just wants the map they have. They try to use the map to get home and find themselves on an island of Amazons, in Shakespeare's England, buying fruit from William Gunn on Treasure Island, and finally to the heart of the story in the frozen Antarctic. They escape a polar bear only to find themselves amidst a group of explorers on a boat that is frozen in the ice. Will they be safe here or is there lurking danger? Can they get home? And what does the name Poptropica even mean?

It's a fun young reader series. The travels seem to be taking them through history and literature. The Treasure Island reference is vague, but it's there. I liked the first book in the series a bit better, but this was a fun read.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Complete "Masters of the Poster": All 256 Color Plates from "Les Maitres de l'Affiche"

author: Stanley Appelbaum
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1990
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/28
date added: 2016/08/28
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Complete "Masters of the Poster:: All 256 Color Plates from "Les Maitres de l'Affiche' edited by Stanley Appelbaum is a gorgeous collection of art from an earlier age.

Starting with an introductory foreword by the editor, the history of the collection is given. There is an extensive bibliography giving translations for the posters. Then the posters follow. Who knew ads for magazines and chocolate milk could be so elegant? Certainly this is a lost era which valued the beauty in things as simple as advertising. The majority of the collection is in French, but there is English and German as well. Jules Cheret seems to be the most prolific artist in the collection, but there are lots of other artists, including Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec.

It's wonderful collection to feast your eyes on, and I certainly enjoyed getting the chance to read it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Roche Limit Volume 2: Clandestiny

author: Michael Moreci
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/28
date added: 2016/08/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Roche Limit Volume 2: Clandestiny' by Michael Moreci with art by Kyle Charles is a truly strange story. It falls into the genre of weird fiction and reminded me of the work of Jeff Vandermeer.

75 years after a ship has been sent out to colonize a planet, another ship is sent out after them. No one has heard a thing from the original mission, but when the current mission crash lands on the planet, they find that not all is as it appears. There are hostile alien life forms and a strange forest that would seem to give you your dreams, but perhaps that is the last thing you want on a planet like this. Solving the mystery of the previous mission takes second place to just surviving the planet and each other.

The story is as strange as it sounds. I enjoy this sort of story where basic perceptions and senses may not be relied on. This seems like a horrifying thing to happen. The art by Kyle Charles is good, but it seems a little muddy at times, and it's a bit hard to sometimes figure out what is happening. That may be intentional, but it didn't feel like it. Still I liked this bizarre story of survival and loss.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Image Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Worry Doll

author: Matt Coyle
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/28
date added: 2016/08/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Worry Doll' by Matt Coyle is worrisome indeed. Not because it's not any good, but because the content is quietly unnerving.

Presented as a child's picture book, with the text on one page followed by a full page illustration, I can tell you this is no child's fable. A group of strange looking dolls witnesses a brutal murder scene. They are then left on their own in the world to meet up with strange and terrifying people.

It's a creepy black and white world with brilliant photo-realistic drawings by Matt Coyle. The text at times seems disjointed with what is happening, almost as if the narrator is trying to create distance from memory. The dolls are rather creepy in the context of the story, but it's hard to tell if they are the perpetrators or the victims. I'll leave that for you to figure out. There is a foreword by Shaun Tan (The Lost Thing) that praised the brilliance of the precise art. The art almost seems like woodcut, but apparently is pen and ink drawing. There is a great unease to be found in this strange tale.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Boys of Sheriff Street

author: Jerome Charyn
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/28
date added: 2016/08/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Boys of Sheriff Street'by Jacques de Loustal with an introduction by Jerome Charyn is a masterful crime comic with unique and unusual illustrations for a graphic novel.

Max and Morris are twin brothers, although they are different. Morris is tall and Max is short and has a humpback. They hang out in Mendel's Cafe with their gang and run quite a protection racket on Sheriff Street. When a woman named Ida Chance shows up, Max and Morris are at odds with each other and start a war with a rival gang leader named Leo Whale.

It looks and plays out like a noir drama with Ida Chance playing the femme fatale and Max forever being the chump. The colors are darker brown based and rich. The drawings tell the story nicely. There is sudden violence and tragedy in this world, and I'm glad I got to read it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Sixpack and Dogwelder: Hard Travelin' Heroz (2016-) #1

author: Garth Ennis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/28
date added: 2016/08/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sixpack and Dogwelder: Hard Travelin' Heroz #1' by Garth Ennis with art by Russ Braun was my introduction to this group (also known as Section 8). It's a weird corner of the DC Universe. That's for sure.

Dogwelder spies on his old life and sees his kids getting a puppy. Meanwhile, the remainder of the group is hanging out at a bar. Bueno Excellente and her husband Guts are having problems, so Bueno is getting some advice from some more famous female heros. Meanwhile, Sixpack and the rest of the group wonder if this is the end, as Sixpack tries to keep his beer down. Can it really be the end if this is issue #1?

What an odd, odd story. One character is just a pile of entrails, one character likes welding dogs to things, and one just likes to drink, although he does have a problem keeping it down. The writing was satirical and light as was the art. I'm not sure I liked it, but I'm glad I gave it a try.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Blue Beetle: Rebirth (2016) #1 (Blue Beetle: (2016-))

author: Keith Giffen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.42
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/27
date added: 2016/08/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1' by Keith Giffen with art by Scott Kolins is an interesting concept. A sidelined hero and a reluctant young protege must learn to fight as one unit.

The issue starts with a Blue Beetle fighting Rack and Ruin, the flashes back to earlier in the day when Jaime Reyes is just trying to get to school on time. He gets a call from Billionaire Ted Kord and he has to be late, again, to school to fight for the greater good. Jaime has been melded with the scarab that makes him the Blue Beetle and Ted acts as a kind of back up and mentor to him. This time someone has painted a target on the Beetle's back and sent in Rack and Ruin.

I like this character and that Keith Giffen has a hand in it. I've been a fan of his for a while and seeing his name on a title means it's going to be a fun ride. I like Jaime Reyes, and it's nice to see some diversity in characters. Maybe this will spread out a bit to other titles. I'm not sure what Ted Kord will do, but I guess that remains to be seen.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Batgirl (2016-) #2

author: Hope Larson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.15
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/27
date added: 2016/08/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batgirl #2' by Hope Larson with art by Rafael Albuquerque continues the Beyond Burnside story. I haven't read a lot with this newer version of the character, but it's a really fun book.

Batgirl finds herself in Singapore, tracking down a lead that will lead her into a ring of MMA style fighting. She's also staying in a posh hotel with her friend Kai. As she investigates the fighting ring, things between her and Kai seem to take a natural course, but Babs isn't sure that's what she wants. She also gets a invite to train and fight, which will lead her closer to the trail she's on.

I'd like to call out the absolutely wonderful cover by Francis Manapul. It's a stunner! The writing and art in the issue are good too. Like I said above, it's a fun book, and I really like this character.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Deathstroke (2016-) #1

author: Christopher Priest
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.60
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2016/08/27
date added: 2016/08/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Deathstroke #1' by Christopher Priest with art by Carlo Pagulyan is not be confused with 'Deathstroke: Rebirth #1' by the same team, but having two number 1 issues debut so close together with pretty much the same title is a bit on the confusing side.

This issue does closely follow after teh other one, but it feels like we missed something in the meantime. Slade was finishing a mission and starting another one. Now it's and one of his friends has shown up. Also, the word Kenilworth shows up along with some more flashbacks. The back story begins to make a bit more sense, but the forward momentum seems disjointed.

I like the art. I want to like the story. I think I need a bigger picture. More importantly, I'd like a less fragmented story. In a story arc, this all might begin to make sense. Here it's just confusing so far.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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The Hellblazer: Rebirth (2016-) #1

author: Simon Oliver
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/27
date added: 2016/08/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Hellblazer: Rebirth #1' by Simon Oliver with art by Moritat doesn't have the classic art or author for this title, which may be tough for some, but I found it to be not too bad.

The book starts with a flashback to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and the start of World War I, then moves forward in time where John C. is paying back a favor to an unusual friend. John is back where he wants to be and all would seem right with the world. Except to another old acquaintance who is none to happy to see Constantine. Then there is the matter of 8 million lives on the line...

The art is an interesting choice for this, but I like it. It's definitely not the same as when it was on Vertigo. I'm okay with that. Things do change. There are different eras and writers for characters. This one is just getting started. Not much happens here, but I'm willing to give it a chance.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Werewolves: A Hunter's Guide

author: Graeme Davis
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/08/26
shelves:
review:



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Supergirl: Rebirth (2016) #1 (Supergirl (2016-))

author: Steve Orlando
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/26
date added: 2016/08/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Supergirl: Rebirth #1' by Steve Orlando with art by Emanuela Lupacchino is another first issue where the story begins somewhere else. It seems the DC Rebirth is a new beginning of sorts, but follows prior storylines.

In this case, Superman is gone. His cousin Supergirl has lost her powers, but she now works for a strange organization called D.E.O. in order to have them restored. This means she is set up with an Earth mother and father, and goes on missions whenever her handlers want. Which is all good until Lar-On from Krypton shows up. He's a frightening and disoriented werewolf kind of creature and it will take all of Kara's powers to stop him.

I liked it. The art is really good. Lar-On is drawn especially well. I don't know much of what went on before this, but it looks promising and interesting.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Kaptara, Vol. 1: Fear Not, Tiny Alien

author: Chip Zdarsky
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/25
date added: 2016/08/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:



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Batgirl and the Birds of Prey (2016-) #1

author: Shawna Benson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.37
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/23
date added: 2016/08/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1' by Shawna Benson and Julie Benson with art by Claire Roe is a really fun start to a series.

Batgirl and Black Canary are trying to track down someone who has stolen the name of Oracle, which was used in Barbara Gordon's past. They run into Huntress who is also looking for Oracle, but while Batgirl and Black Canary want to find and question the suspect, Huntress would rather just end Oracle's life. It's the uneasy beginning of a team up, but will it last?

I've been a Birds of Prey fan since the TV series, which I alone probably liked. This issue worked on a lot of levels. I love the new Batgirl and her humor works here in spite of the more serious things going on.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Rat Queens Deluxe Edition Volume 1

author: Kurtis J. Wiebe
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.58
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/23
date added: 2016/08/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Rat Queens Deluxe Edition Volume 1' by Kurtis J. Wiebe, Stjepan Sejci, Tess Fowler and Roc Upchurch is a funny irreverent comic about 4 adventurers and the trouble they get in. I've read some before, but this book represents a pretty complete story arc,

The Rat Girls are Hannah the Rockabilly Elven Mage, Violet the Hipster Dwarven Fighter, Dee the Atheist Human Cleric and Betty the Hippy Smidgen Thief. They are just one group of adventurers in the town of Palisade, a city named after a short defensive wall. Other groups include the Four Daves, Peaches, Brother Ponies and Obsidian Darkness. There are a lot of gangs, so the city decides to send them out on tasks. Any group that doesn't complete the task will be forced to leave the city. It all seems fine for the Rat Queens, but they discover that it's a set up and all of the city's gangs fall into it. This leads to a bigger investigation and a very large problem. Before it's over there will be epic battles and parties, flashbacks and monsters. Along with the main story, there is a back up story about Braga.

It's a really fun series. It blends a lot of things that I've seen not work together in other things, but here the writing and pace keeps it all running along nicely. There is a modern sensibility that could be out of sync in a fantasy series, but it just clicks here. Included is a cover gallery and some fun shorter comics featuring individual characters. There is a hilarious recurring character named Gary ("shut up, Gary") and he even gets a nod at the very end of the book, kind of like the scene you get at the end of the credits in movies. Just a fun series all around.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributor and Image Comics in return for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The After Party: Poems

author: Jana Prikryl
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.89
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2016/08/23
date added: 2016/08/23
shelves:
review:
I've been trying to read more poetry as part of my reading, so that means I'll try lots of different things. 'The After Party: Poems' by Jana Prikryl was something I tried. Unfortunately it left me a bit cold.

I've read amateur poems by war veterans and professional poetry by classic authors. That being said, I'm not an expert on what makes poetry good. I just know what I like. This felt jarring and disjointed. It lacked a sort of flow. There were things that I liked, but lots of times, the phrases just felt like words stuck together. Perhaps I've read too much classic poetry.

The author has some good publishing credits in book review publications like the Paris Review and the New York Review of Books. The poetry seems a bit experimental in nature. I like experimental film and art and music. Perhaps I should give experimental poetry another try.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Harley Quinn (2016-) #2

author: Amanda Conner
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/21
date added: 2016/08/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Harley Quinn #2' by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti with art by Chad Hardin is a bit of a chaotic mess, but that's exactly what you want from a story about her.

This story is 'Die Laughing' part two and picks up from the first issue. A zombie plague has broken out on Coney Island and seems to be centered around some famous brand of hot dog. Harley's friend Red Tool has been bitten and in the previous issue, she cut off his arm to stop the spread of infection. This issue is about getting him help and killing some zombies.

Harley Quinn has a group of brightly colored friends. I'm not as familiar with this series, so I don't know what they do. The issue is crazy and chaotic and the zombie killing is more in line with films like 'Zombieland' or 'Shaun of the Dead.' I thought it was a lot of fun.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Suicide Squad (2016-) #1

author: Rob Williams
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.77
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/21
date added: 2016/08/21
shelves:
review:
'Suicide Squad #1' by Rob Williams and Jim Lee seems to be a reboot with characters that look a bit like they do in the current movie. It's an interesting setup, but the whole first issue feels a bit like a set up.

With the discovery of a strange item falling from space, the Suicide Squad is activated. These are bad guys who are completely expendable and have decent fighting skills. They are all equipped with a device to be used in the event they decide to act bad or try to escape. On the current team are Deadshot, Killer Croc, Boomerang, Enchantress and Harley Quinn. Managing them in the field are Rick Flagg and Katana. Things start to go sideways from the beginning when their insertion into a foreign country goes haywire. Can the mission succeed?

There is also a second short story with an origin type story of Deadshot. This felt a little more coherent than the main story, which, as I mentioned, feels a lot like a set up for future things to come. The Jim Lee art was good. The story was just kind of there, but I enjoyed reading it.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Batman/TMNT Vol. 1

author: James Tynion IV
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/21
date added: 2016/08/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1' by James Tynion IV with art by Freddie Williams bring us a crossover I never thought I'd see. I also thought it was a pretty good one, with art that took me back to some of the early days of the Turtles.

Batman is on the trail of some missing high end scientific equipment. Due to a portal, two very different New Yorks have been linked and Batman is about to run across some strange beings. When he first encounters the Turtles, he thinks they are at odds with his investigation. They aren't sure who he is, but he's got cool gadgets! The Turtles break into the batcave and are impressed (huge batcomputer and a giant T-Rex!). The problem is that the longer they stay in this New York, the more something bad is happening to them. Also, Shredder is in this New York and making the wrong kind of connections with Batman's foes in his bid to rule both worlds.

This was a lot of fun. Tynion makes it work by making Batman a bit lighter and making the Turtles a bit darker, neither of which feels out of character. The arty by Freddie Williams had a kind of Eastman/Laird feel to it which I really liked. I just had a silly grin on my face the whole time I read this. I really enjoyed it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Infinite Loop (The Infinite Loop #1-6)

author: Pierrick Colinet
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2016/08/20
date added: 2016/08/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Infinite Loop' by Pierrick Colinet with art by Elsa Charretier seemed to have elements of a story I should have liked. A strong lead character and time travel as a device. Unfortunately, I felt beat about the head by it's message.

Teddy has a cool job in time travel. Her job is to correct paradoxes in time travel that she finds since she lives in a future where time travel is possible. Somewhere along the way, she may have run into the love of her life. She is cautioned by some of her other alternate selves to not pursue this illicit relationship, but then convinces herself to "pride up" and not let conventional people, like the co-workers who want to track and kill her lover. And that's about all I got out of it.

It's fine to have a message. It's fine to have a platform to tell it in. It's really not so much fun to read such a message if it's so heavy handed that it diverts from the story. I just felt like the story got completely derailed by the author's simple and massively repeated message. Which is too bad, because I liked the strong protagonist and her partner on the job, and I liked the art as well.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Deathstroke: Rebirth (2016) #1

author: Christopher Priest
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.08
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/20
date added: 2016/08/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Deathstroke: Rebirth #1' by Priest with art by Carlo Pagulayan seems to be an attempt to humanize the character. I haven't read a ton of things with Deathstroke, but every time I've run across him in a book, he seems to be a bit of a one note character.

The time shifts between Slade Wilson on a job and flashbacks to a time with him and his two sons. Being the son of Deathstroke isn't easy, and he is harsh with them. It is clear one son just doesn't measure up. On the job, he has just finished and is immediately on to another one. He finds something out that changes his trajectory. Whether it has to do with the past or something else, we don't find out this time around.

It's a #1 issue, but it's a bit confusing. That may clear up over time, but this may not be the best place to become a new reader like I am. These issues are supposed to be resets or retcons, but they seem to still be heavily dependent on previous events. I would like to read more and I thought the art was pretty great. I would read the next issue to find out what happens.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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The Little Red Fish (#4)

author: James Moffitt
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/20
date added: 2016/08/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Little Red Fish #4' by James Moffitt with art by Bizhan Khodabandeh continues the allegorical retelling of the 1979 Iranian revolution of 1979. I felt like this issue faltered a bit, but I still think the overall story is well done.

In this issue, the little red fish has finally decided to fight back against the herons, but he has his own misgivings. He is so small and the herons are so big. With a strategic mind, he comes up with a plan, but can he find the courage to fight?

This time around, there isn't a lot besides the impending battle. I felt like the art quality has been slipping. It's still good, but I remember how much more in awe of it I was in the first couple issues. That doesn't mean I don't think this is a great series, and in the form of a graphic novel, this would just be another chapter. It's still better than some graphic novels I read. I just was a bit disappointed in this issue.

I received a review copy of this issue from Rosarium Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Alternative Movie Posters II: More Film Art from the Underground

author: Matthew Chojnacki
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.59
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/20
date added: 2016/08/20
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Alternative Movie Posters II: More Film Art from the Underground' by Matthew Chojnacki is a second collection of amazing art for different movies. Some have been used for film festivals, some have been printed and sold at shows, and some have been done just for this book.

Current Hollywood movie posters seem to lack something. They seem to be driven by photoshopped pictures of the stars, but there was a time when a movie poster was something that fueled the imagination. The almost 100 artists in this book know this and are trying to bring those times back. Each artist feature has two works displayed. There is a short bit of text with information about what is behind the posters, the artists favorite film genre and medium to work in. They also share the first movie they remember seeing, and the artists who influence and inspire them. The work leans a bit more towards the horror genre but just about every genre is represented.

The work is beautiful and interesting. In some cases, the work might represent spoilers in obscure ways by showing striking images from the film. In some cases, the artists have been hired by Hollywood . I would love to see this sort of work representing movies today. It would be much more interesting than what is normally done these days. Photoshopping celebrities is much less interesting than what is represented here.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Red Queen (The Chronicles of Alice, #2)

author: Christina Henry
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/16
date added: 2016/08/16
shelves:
review:
'Red Queen' by Christina Henry is the second book in the Chronicles of Alice. I didn't read the first book, but I had no trouble getting in to this book at all. Based on how I feel about this one, I think you should start with the first book though.

To start, this is not a gentle Alice tale for children. It is a rough tale for adult readers. When we meet Alice, she has escaped a mental hospital with the help of a hatchet wielding man named Hatcher. Alice has escaped abuse and Hatcher is looking for his missing daughter. Even though he is dangerous, he is not to Alice. They escape into a wasteland, but then find themselves in a forest. An empty village offers them food and a trap. When Hatcher is transformed into a beast by the White Queen, Alice finds an unusual ally. She also finds a village with no children because of the White Queen. Her path is apparently set to confront the White Queen, but will she have enough courage and magic to do what needs to be done?

I really, really liked this book. It's got some fairy tale feel to it, but some blisteringly harsh real world things too. It's grim and yet seems hopeful. The writing was really good. Now I have to go back and read the first one.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Berkley Publishing Group, Ace, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Rot & Ruin, Vol. 1: Warrior Smart

author: Jonathan Maberry
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/04/28
date added: 2016/08/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Rot & Ruin Vol. 1: Warrior Smart' is based on the book series by Jonathan Maberry. This story is about a group of teenagers trying to make it during the z-poc. This is part of the series, and not a retelling of the first book, so it does kind of dump you right into the action.

Benny, Chong, Lila and Nix are on the run. They are trying to track down a jet that flew overhead. They are also foraging for supplies, which is getting pretty picked over. When their scavenging takes them to an abandoned hospital, they find themselves running from zombies. They stumble across something really weird and disturbing, but before they can decide what to do about it, they have to make a break for it. This leads them to a walled farm where everything seems to be normal life. Plenty of food, and walls and traps to keep the zombies at bay. What could possibly be wrong with settling down and staying for awhile?

If you are familiar with post-apocalyptic zombie stories, you know that groups of humans living safe behind walls are almost as dangerous as the zombies are. Maybe even more dangerous. It's a good thing these kids have some mad fighting skills.

The story is pretty good. Perhaps a bit disturbing when they get to the heart of what the humans are doing, but if teens can handle a book series about zombies and zombie killing, I suppose this is just more of the same. The art was a bit uneven. Sometimes the characters looked Asian, sometimes they didn't. I don't know that it matters, but when I read a graphic novel, I like decent art. It's still a good quick ride, and I'd like to read more about these characters.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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All-Star Batman (2016-) #1

author: Scott Snyder
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/14
date added: 2016/08/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'All-Star Batman #1' by Scott Snyder with art by John Romita Jr. is the beginning of a series where the villains of Batman are reimagined. In this issue, it's Two-Face.

The issue starts with Batman on the run, and two hired killers, Firefly and Killer Moth out to catch him. We then flashback to recent time, 22 minutes earlier to a scene that will be referenced later in the issue. Then we get a flashback two hours before that. There has been an acid rain attack on Gotham and Batman is about to enact a crazy plan with Two-Face. Most of the rest of the issue cuts between Batman and Two-Face on the run and people trying to catch Batman.

The flashback within a flashback within a flashback was an interesting device. I loved an unusual choice of weapon that Batman makes at one point. The art is just brilliant. I like the look of this Batman. He's got substance to the way he looks. This is a man who has trained and is not going to go down easy. Two-Face is a great character and how he is portrayed here is good.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Hal Jordan and The Green Lantern Corps (2016-) #2

author: Robert Venditti
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/14
date added: 2016/08/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #2' by Robert Venditti with art by Rafa Sandoval feels like a huge story, and I really liked it.

Something has happened to the Green Lantern Corps and their numbers are rapidly dwindling. Sinestro is trying to gain control. Guy Gardner gets sent out on a mission to face potential pain and suffering, but he's crazy enough to do it (I've always kind of liked Guy Gardner). Hal Jordan is still alive and word of this gets to Sinestro and his daughter Soranik.

I love the feel of this book. An overrun Green Lantern Corps putting up what looks like a final stand against incredible odds. A big story that almost feels like the page can't hold it. I loved the story and the art. Hal Jordan especially looks completely up to the task of fighting this alone if he has to.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Superwoman (2016-) #1

author: Phil Jimenez
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/14
date added: 2016/08/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Superwoman #1' by Phil Jimenez is a number 1 in the DC Rebirth series, but it kind of has a feeling that there is a lot that has gone on before. It's not the best place to start if this is your introduction to Superwoman.

Superwoman is Lois Lane. That's not a spoiler as it's established on the first page as she is talking to Lana Lang and lifting a tractor over her head. She has received the powers of Superman after something has happened to him. But she's not the only one. Lana is her confidante and helper as she tries to figure this all out.

Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is claiming the title of Superman with a fancy robotic suit, but that isn't going as well as he'd hoped. When an aircraft carrier is mysteriously pushed, Lex is helpless and Lois has to try to figure out how to stop it. She's still new to the powers, but she has an unexpected ally in the fight.

It's a confusing place to begin a series. There is some explanation and some flashbacks along the way, but I felt like there were things that I was really missing, like the events leading up to Lois getting these powers, and why are there suddenly so many Supermen and Superwomen?

I suppose it will become clear, and I also know it's a case of a lot of these books being linked together rather than linear in and of themselves. You end up getting a part of the story by only reading one title, instead of 4 or 5.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this issue.


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The Painter's Secret Geometry: A Study of Composition in Art

author: Charles Bouleau
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.22
book published: 1980
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/13
date added: 2016/08/13
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Painter's Secret Geometry' by Charles Bouleau is a reprint of a book first published in 1963. I'm glad Dover republished it, because I really enjoyed reading it.

The book is all about the composition of art and how geometry came to claim a big part in how pictures were composed. The books chapters build on concepts like paintings on monuments, how pictures are framed within things like friezes and altar pieces. We move into geometry in the Middle Ages, then learn about the musical consonances that inform paintings. Eventually we see how modern painting tries to move away from geometry and how, even with those attemps, there are examples.

The book is full of paintings showing overlays of the geometrical lines. I've known some of this but to see how completely pervasive it is was just amazing. The planned orderliness of the figures is something you sense, but when you see it laid out, it's grand and a bit breathtaking. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the amount of planning went in to these works of art.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Red Hood & The Outlaws: Rebirth (2016) #1 (Red Hood & The Outlaws (2016-))

author: Scott Lobdell
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/12
date added: 2016/08/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
In 'Red Hood and the Outlaws #1' by Scott Lobdell with art by Dexter Soy, we get a lot of Red Hood, and not so much of the Outlaws, but I'm sure they will be along soon.

Jason Todd, who I remember having been killed by the Joker once, has been back as the Red Hood. In this reboot, we go back to Jason's beginnings at Ma Gunn's School for Wayward Boys and the day Batman came to visit. We return to the present where Red Hood is rescuing Ma Gunn, but we aren't sure why at first. Jason still plays rough, but we see that he learned a few things during his time with Batman.

I haven't read any Red Hood before, so I found the character interesting. I would definitely try more. I liked the writing and the art. He's a bit of a brooding character, but his flaws make him a bit intriguing.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this issue.


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The Flintstones (2016-) #2

author: Mark Russell
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.25
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2016/08/12
date added: 2016/08/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Flintstones #2' by Mark Russell with art by Steve Pugh left me feeling a bit like the most recent Muppets update on television. Why reinterpret something that works?

With the advent of television, the citizens of Bedrock are told that they need to buy Crap, so they head out to Bone Depot and Tarpit to go consumer crazy. In order to afford all this new stuff, Fred takes a second job. Meanwhile, their local church is having a crisis of faith when the god they worship turns out to be a record player (of sorts).

I get that it's a parody and satire of modern culture, but the characters are so idiotic that I don't feel anything for them. They are all lunkheads. When the television broadcasts a gruesome image of someone's death, I also get that there is a send up of television news, but the gratuitous violence just doesn't fit with what I know of this property. Fred and Barney had their dumb moments, but their wives were pretty savvy. The art was interesting, and made the characters a bit more realistic looking, sort of, but overall, I didn't like this much. It didn't feel like the Flintstones I grew up with.

I received a review copy of this issue from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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The Flash (2016-) #4

author: Joshua Williamson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/11
date added: 2016/08/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Flash 4' by Joshua Williamson with art by Neil Googe is part of the recent DC Universe Rebirth. Some characters get fresh starts or don't even seem to be the same. Some seem to be just carrying on as usual. That seems to be the case here.

Barry Allen is the Flash, but he's also a forensic scientist. This issue finds him training other people who have the same ability he has at S.T.A.R. Labs. There are a lot of people that seem to be tapped in to the speed force, but there may be something at work to weed that number down. He's also helping to investigate a case involving Godspeed who has somehow tapped into the speed force.

There are some good surprises in the book, but it almost felt a little overly busy. Like there are a lot of plot threads happening and they don't all get wrapped up or even moved along in some cases. But the story is interesting and the art is pretty cool.

I received a review copy of this comic book from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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New Super-Man (2016-) #2

author: Gene Luen Yang
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/10
date added: 2016/08/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'New Super-Man #2' by Gene Luen Yang with art by Viktor Bogdanovic was an odd story, but it grew on me.

This is "Made in China" part two. The story is set in China and Kenan Kong finds himself with the powers of Superman. He also meets the Chinese Batman and Wonder Woman. This Superman is a bit crude and makes jokes about his fellow heroes. To his credit, Batman is a bit on the thicker side. Kenan's powers are a bit unstable and unreliable, which is a bad thing, because there is a new threat on the horizon.

I really liked this alternate version of familiar heroes. The characters don't necessarily act or dress like their counterparts. There is a little more humor here than in a traditional Superman comic. I also like the youth of this team. It gave the team more energy.

I received a review copy of this comic book from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Wonder Woman (2016-) #4

author: Greg Rucka
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/10
date added: 2016/08/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Wonder Woman #4' written by Greg Rucka with art by Nicola Scott doesn't necessarily bring us anything new for this particular Rebirth, but the art is simply spectacular.

Just like in other WW origin stories, a man has been found in this land of all women and he brings them possible danger from the outside. It is decided that he must go back, but how and will he be sent alone?

It's a familiar beginning, but it's still told with drama. I can't say enough about the art and colors. The drawing is detailed and the colors bring it all to life. Based on this issue, I'd love to see where this series goes.

I received a review copy of this comic book from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Detective Comics (2016-) #938

author: James Tynion IV
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/10
date added: 2016/08/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Detective Comics #938 is part five of "Rise of the Batmen." I'm coming in late, but I like what I see.

It starts with a flashback of Colonel Jacob Kane, then cuts to the action. Batman has been training the next generation of vigilantes along with Batwoman and they find themselves taking on the Colony on their own turf. The team includes Red Robin, Spoiler, Orphan and Clayface. Last time they met the Colony, they lost, so can this team become cohesive and effective in this chaotic environment?

I like the characters and the action. James Tynion IV has a good storyline going with some wonderful art. I loved the art, especially the cover. This book was fun to read.

I received a review copy of this comic book from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Action Comics (2016-) #961

author: Dan Jurgens
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/10
date added: 2016/08/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Action Comics #961' by Dan Jurgens with art by Stephen Segovia shows me it's been a while since I read Superman. A lot has happened to him but some things are still the same.

The action picks up right from the first page. Doomsday is wrecking the city and a Lex Luthor wearing power armor is fighting him off. Superman draws him away from the city, but that puts his wife, Lois, and son, Jonathan, at risk. He gets some unexpected help from a friend as well as some people he doesn't know.

Superman has learned some things since the first time he fought Doomsday and it's good to see that intelligence working here. At 21 pages, it's a really quick read with lots of action. I enjoyed the chance to read and review this comic.

I received a review copy of this comic book from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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Zodiac #1

author: Stuart Moore
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2016/08/10
shelves: children-s, graphic-novels
review:
'The Zodiac Legacy #1' by Stuart Moore and Stan Lee with art by P.H. Marcondes is a comic book version of the book series. In the series, the Chinese Zodiac is embodied in people, giving them strange powers related to zodiac animals.

The character we follow is Steven Lee. He finds himself caught in the struggle. Some of the Zodiacs have good motives and some don't. They have divided into two sides. Steven is the tiger and he is with dragon, ram, rooster, rabbit and pig, with skills like invulnerability or teleportation or information processing. Opposing them is dragon (apparently, the dragon power got split in two pieces), dog, horse, monkey, ox, rat and snake. Steven's team is looking for a new base on a place called Tiger Island and they are visiting a city there called Mediterra. It's a beautiful place, but it won't be tranquil for long. The bad guys attack by controlling animals and forcing them to attack innocent people. The team has their hands full subduing the animals and keeping everyone safe.

I think more familiarity with the series is probably needed, but the book starts with a lead in intro. There are also some creator bios at the end. The art is bright and engaging. Since there are so many characters, it can get a bit confusing and a lot of time is spent telling what the superpowers are. That kind of pulled me out of the book a few times, but it's a pretty good young reader graphic novel.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Papercutz and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Tito the Magician

author: Guido Van Genechten
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.92
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 2016/08/09
date added: 2016/08/09
shelves: children-s
review:
'Tito the Magician' by Guido van Genechten is a cute picture book for toddlers with a story about trying your very best.

At Circus Rondo, Manu, the magician is the best. Tito looks on in admiration. Manu can sprinkle some magic powder and wave his wand and things happen. When Tito tries, it doesn't work so well. One day he goes to Manu for advice, and Manu tells him to try again. What he doesn't tell Tito is that try will be in front of a crowd at the circus. Will Tito succeed this time?

It's a colorful picture book. The story is simple and the drawings are simple in nature. I'm not sure why Tito looks like a clown, but it works. This would be a fun quiet time book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Clavis Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

author: Mike Johnson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/08
date added: 2016/08/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' by Mike Johnson and Ryan Parrott with art by Derek Charm tells a pretty good story of Starfleet cadets and has really cool art.

There is a wrapping story that goes back to when Uhura was in the academy. She finds a strange distress call that may go all the way back to the reason the academy was founded. She tries to investigate, but finds that the information is classified. Spock won't help her, but perhaps rule-breaker Kirk will.

The main story follows a group of cadets as they prepare for their final tests at the academy. One is a Vulcan woman named T"laan who doesn't want to finish school, but wants to head out to help re-establish New Vulcan. She is convinced to stay with her strange group of classmates. They all have their strengths and weakenesses. The tests that face them will lead them into unexpected danger and they will have to use all their strengths to survive.

I really liked the story. There are a few familiar characters, but the new ones that are introduced are very much of a Star Trek universe. I love the art style. It's very clean and well done. I can definitely see the reboot Uhura, Spock and even Admiral Marcus in the art but it does it with a more minimalist style. I like a good Star Trek story and this definitely hit all the right notes for me.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Captain Perseverance: How I Became a Superhero

author: Brod Bagert
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2016/08/07
date added: 2016/08/07
shelves: children-s
review:
'Captain Perseverance: How I Became a Superhero' by Brod Bagert with illustrations by Cam Aitkenhead will teach you everything you need to be a superhero. I really liked this book.

We learn that this superhero started out just like us. He struggled with reading and math and science and music. He conquered all those things and more. He tells us his secret, but I won't spoil what it is, although you can gather what it is from his name.

This book was lots of fun to read and had a really positive message. I loved the illustrations, full of color and action. I loved the text with a rhyming meter that is perfect. I've read a lot of non-flowing rhyming kids books, so this one gets extra marks for actually succeeding. The message is perfect. You can do just about anything you want as long as you persevere. It's not easy. It's often not fun. But it's an important lesson.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Juliahouse Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Time Traders (Time Traders/ Ross Murdock, #1)

author: Andre Norton
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published: 1958
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2016/08/07
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Time Traders' by Andre Norton is a time travel book. I'm usually a sucker for those sort of stories, but this one felt a bit too tied to the time it was written.

It's the Cold War, and the US and Russia have discovered time travel. The race is on to find out what the Russians are doing with it. Ross Murdock is recruited to be part of a team that goes back. After being trained, he is sent out with a small team posing as Beaker traders. From that point on, things go sideways, including things that the team could have never anticipated.

Murdock is the action hero who never fails. He is like James Bond who never gets shot even though armies of people are firing at him. He never gets lost even though he gets lost. Even though he is beat up, he continues to prevail.

The "Russians" are shadowy bad guys who we barely see. The whole Cold War setting of this book just seemed to place it in a specific time, and the novel felt a bit too much like a men's adventure novel from the 1970s. Perhaps the problem is that I've read other better time travel stories lately.

This was a book club pick, but I know there are better Andre Norton books out there and I'd be willing to try a different one.


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How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe

author: Charles Yu
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2011/01/15
date added: 2016/08/07
shelves: favorites, sword-and-laser
review:
I really give this a 4.5. It started a bit rocky for me, but thanks to positive reviews elsewhere, I stuck it out, and I'm so glad I did.

A brain-bender with occasional quirky humor, this book deals with how we try to relive moments of our lives, even the most painful ones, to the point where we can get stuck in loops of time.

Having gone through some immensely painful changes over the last few years, I could relate to the sadness and the type of pointless journey our protagonist takes.

I found this very thought provoking, very literate, and not at all what I expected it to be.

Thanks to my son Tristan who gave me this book for Christmas.


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Bedtime for Batman

author: Michael Dahl
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/06
date added: 2016/08/06
shelves: children-s
review:
In 'Bedtime for Batman' by Michael Dahl with illustrations by Ethen Beavers, we follow the parallel stories of a young boy going to bed and Batman. It's a wonderful picture book for toddlers and would make a good bedtime book.

We see Batman getting a signal and getting ready to go out at night and fight crime. We see a young boy get the signal that it's bedtime and he has to get ready for bed. The pictures parallel what Batman is doing with the young boy. Batman cleaning up Gotham while the boy brushes his teeth. We see Batman putting away criminals and the young boy putting away his toys.

The art is really great and I think any little superhero fan would love this story. I liked it too.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Capstone Young Readers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge

author: Monica Kulling
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/06
date added: 2016/08/06
shelves: children-s
review:
'Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge' by Monica Kulling with illustrations by Bill Slavin is a picture book telling part of the story of Nikola Tesla.

We learn that Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia, and came to America with only 4 cents in his pocket. He came hoping to work for Thomas Edison and he gets a job fixing the motor on a ship called the SS Oregon. We also learn of the rival thoughts about electricity, alternating and direct current. Tesla was a champion of alternating and Edison had already invested a lot in direct, so he set out to sabotage Tesla's ideas. Tesla eventually gets to fulfill a promise he made to his father when he builds a generator at Niagra Falls with George Westinghouse.

And then then book kind of abruptly ends. It's a review copy, so I thought that might be why, but the page count matches what Amazon shows. Before that abrupt ending, I found it completely engaging and I loved the art, but the ending left me feeling like I got thrown out of the story. If nothing else, this book successfully attempts to show a different side of Tesla and Edison.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Taco El Gato #1

author: Candy Briones
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.60
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2016/08/06
date added: 2016/08/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Taco El Gato #1' by Candy Briones is the first issue in a new series. I was pretty much lost and confused through the whole thing, but the art was at least unusual enough to keep me turning pages.

Taco Fluffy is an adopted cat who thinks he is a dog, or at least acts like one. He finds himself constantly in situations that go from bad to worse. We learn about the world he is a part of and how he was adopted. There are lots of seemingly not very nice people in this world. We don't learn how Taco got his name, but we do learn he is an uncle.

Story wise, it's kind of a mess. It doesn't feel very linear, and most of the time, I felt like there was more story I was missing somewhere. A non-linear plot can work, but you have to clue the reader in a bit more. As an introduction to a series, it's difficult to say I'd want to read more. The art is also a bit of a mess, but I found it at least more interesting. With a bit more development, this could be interesting, but as it stands, I have a hard time recommending it.

I received a review copy of this comic book from Rosarium Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this comic book.


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The Dementia Diaries: A Novel in Cartoons

author: Matthew Snyman
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/06
date added: 2016/08/06
shelves: young-adult
review:
'The Dementia Diaries' by Matthew Spyman interweaves the stories of four young people who have grandparents with dementia. As with most books from Jessica Kingsley, it seems to be a good resource for people who need to understand something more.

We meet the four kids and their respective grandparents in a series of chapters that interweave the stories. There are stories of the relationships before and after. The news they got about the onset of dementia. How they have to cope with living with a person with dementia and how things are different and yet the same. Sam likes dancing with his Nanny. Brie's Granddad was a pharmacist. Fred's Gramps moves in and forces him to move into his brother Simon's room. Sarah's Grandpa is a local celebrity, only because he's lived in the local town for over 50 years. As the dementia gets worse, the kids have to adapt to different circumstances, but they do it because they love their grandparents.

The book is fictional, but the situations seem very real. Having a beloved elder go through something like this can be frightening and this book attempts to make it less scary. The book is divided into chapters with each chapter ending with some activities to help with things that were discussed in the chapter. My grandfather had Parkinson's disease, which is more a disease of the body than the mind, but I remember feeling similar things to the kids in this story. It would have been helpful to have a resource like this to help process how I was feeling.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Pay The Ghost

author: Tim Lebbon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/06
date added: 2016/08/06
shelves:
review:
'Pay the Ghost' By Tim Lebbon is a short story about grieving parents and what they will do to get his daughter back. The story packs a lot into it's 27 pages.

Little Moll was 6 when she went missing last Halloween. It's now a year later and her father keeps remembering her asking "Will you pay the ghost?" He doesn't know what it means, but he will soon find out as he and his wife go in search of their daughter in some dark and haunted places. Whether they succeed I will leave up to you to find out.

This book was turned into a movie with Nicolas Cage. I didn't see it, but I watched the trailer. It looks like they add a lot that isn't in the book and change Moll to a boy named Charlie. It seems to me the book has a tighter pace just based on the length of the story. Everything you need is in these 27 pages. A father's grief. A missing child. A chilling hunt for answers. I liked it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Endeavour Press, Venture Press, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Django/Zorro: The Official Sequel to Django Unchained

author: Quentin Tarantino
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/08/06
date added: 2016/08/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Django/Zorro: The Official Sequel to Django Unchained' by Quentin Tarantino and Matt Wagner joins two unlikely people in a fight for justice, and it works pretty well.

At this point in his life, Diego de la Vega, aka Zorro, is getting older. He is travelling to Arizona when he runs across Django, who is walking and carrying a saddle. Though wary at first, Django is kind of interested in this unusual man and takes a job with him as a bodyguard. What unfolds next is a story of deception and greed with the ARcthat Django and Zorro find themselves at the heart of concerning a wealthy land owner in Arizona and his young bride.

Django's style is more brutal than Zorro's, but both men find mutual respect. Django learns that racism extends beyond the world he knows, and he even dons the black mask to help Zorro.

These characters seemed so different to me that I wasn't sure how this would work, but I liked the story a lot. The art by Esteve Polls worked well. I enjoyed reading this one.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dynamite and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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