Lenni Reviews: Clashing Tempest by Brandon Witt

                                                                         (Image Source)

This book by Brandon Witt may be superficially marketed as 'gay fiction,' it is more like a sprawling fantasy where some of the characters just happen to be gay. This is also the third in a series called Men of Myth.

If you are coming to this book looking for some man-love fluff piece, you will be disappointed. Prepare to get invested in the fantasy of this world. There are merpeople, werewolves, vampires, and witches; which all have a unique take on the mythos of each species. Since I haven't read the first two, I cannot tell you how the story arcs connect from them but I can tell you that the arcs built up in this book are lovingly and fantastically done and carried to the end with enjoyable creativity. Witt's writing will immerse you in this world to the point where you will feel damp swimming with mers or in deep trouble with the vampires. 

The characters can get a tad whiny sometimes and on a personal note I found myself skipping the smutty scenes to get back to the main conflict of the story (yes, be aware there's hot stuff in this book). But that's just me. I found the fantasy riveting enough. However, if you do want an interesting LGBT fantasy that doesn't drive the plot with smut, Witt does a great job. Totally worth 450 pages.

Cant get enough of Lenni's writing? Check out her site At The Quills Mercy.

Lenni Reviews: The Geeky Chef Cookbook by Cassandra Reeder

                                                                       (Image Source)

The Geeky Chef Cookbook by Cassandra Reader has everything you'd need for your geek cooking needs. The "trouble" with reviewing cookbooks (in quotes because honestly, it was fun) is that you must try some of these to properly get a sense of the book. It's got some fantastic recipes for non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, main dishes, and all sorts of desserts. And since my kiddo's birthday was coming and we are Portal fans, the first was the Portal Cake!

The only modifications we made were the lack of cherries and regular vanilla frosting. This cake was amazing and so a perfect birthday was had!

But of course, Mama had to try something for the grownups and as a Trekkie, the Romulan Ale was a must. 

Again, a modification was made because the mixers were sweet enough for me and thusly, I eliminated the blue soda and used plain seltzer. This was a good call as I think the soda would have been too much but feel free to try it out for yourself!

In this book there are dishes and drinks from Star Wars to Silent Hill, to Deadly Premonition (Sinner's Sandwich made me nerd-squee) so there's something for everyone here. Some of these require some decorating skills (that I do NOT have) so if you have skill with a blade and fondant, you'll have some fun here. 

I am so glad I got a chance to review this book and I look forward to trying out more from it. So if you're a geek and you like to cook, go ahead and nab this book. I don't think you'll regret it!

Lenni Reviews: Evolution by Lissa Kasey

                                                                        (Image Source)

After seeing the sheer number of hits on my review of In These Words forever ago, I'm pleased to continue to review more m/m romances for you all!

Gene Sage wants to be a singer and hit it big one way but his band, Evolution, is virtually unknown. That is until a vision of ghost while he's driving causes Gene to hit a man with his car. But he's no ordinary man. Kerstrande is an undercover vampire and former rock star, and Gene's idol. One stray paparazzi catches them together and before Gene knows it, Kerstrande is managing his band and fighting an obvious desire for the young singer.

It is a nice male/male paranormal romance that's light on the heavy smut. The dynamic between Gene and Kerstrande is very much like Gravitation (between Shuichi and Yuki); the older jaded man and the younger more idealistic man. Yet Gene is a street smart, capable person with a likable personality and it's easy to see how his light and Kerstrande's darkness are attracted to one another. Kerstrande however, can be obstinate to the point of frustration; rightly fearing his more bestial nature will put Gene in danger yet unable to stay away. But if they wrapped everything up too tightly, the ending wouldn't have been nearly as satisfying or make sense for the characters. And I always say if a character annoys you; the writing is strong enough to illicit an emotional reaction.

The ending leaves you wanting more and I look forward to seeing how this couple will manage Gene's growing fame and abilities and Kerstrande's growing hunger. In the world Lissa Kasey has created, the public knows supernatural beings exist and there is a backlash against anyone not fully human. Evolution is a quick read but a fun one, and I can see this series having potential

Lenni writes more than reviews! Check out her site here.

Lenni Reviews: Veiled Empire by Nathan Garrison

                                                                        (Image Source)

Sinking your teeth into a rich fantasy world can be like taking medicine or eating a decadent dessert. Veiled Empire by Nathan Garrison is most definitely the latter. You take the first bite and, wow. This world is well crafted, tense, beautiful, and of course filled with magic. 

The number of different races, characters, and places had me bouncing from text to glossary and my inability to remember large numbers of characters was blatantly apparent (why I never could finish Game of Thrones), but the gist of it all is The Empire is at war with rebels who are tired of magic only being for the ruling class and subjugating everyone else. The plot of this sword and sorcery epic (clocks in at 550 pages) is finely woven and smartly executed with battles that call back to Lord of the Rings; vivid and exciting. As it is the case with these types of novels, the ending is satisfying yet open and you want to know more. 

Over all, this book is a wicked ride and I had a lot of fun reading it. If sword and sorcery fantasy epics are your speed,  you will not be disappointed. If there ever is more, I'll be on the lookout for it!

This title will be released on July 7, 2015.

UDON announces Dark Souls II: Design Works

With its renowned difficulty and gripping gameplay, Dark Souls is the action-RPG franchise that gamers love to hate! While most games reward your successes, Dark Souls punishes you for your failures, making for a grueling yet intensely rewarding experience like no other. Despite most adventurers barely surviving the original game, players clamoring for more got their wish with the equally challenging sequel, Dark Souls II. Now, UDON Entertainment is also following up its hugely successful Dark Souls: Design Works art book with another equally gorgeous artwork collection – DARK SOULS II: DESIGN WORKS!

Dark Souls II: Design Works collects all the chilling and haunting fantasy artwork behind the critically-acclaimed game in a prestigious hardcover tome. Featured inside are armor and weapon designs, character concepts, enemies, locations, rough sketches, an exclusive interview with the game's creators, and more. Completing the book is a bevy of concept material from all three chapters of the game’s DLC trilogy, “The Lost Crowns”.

With Dark Souls III just announced at E3 for an early 2016 release, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the chilling artwork behind this landmark series.

Dark Souls II: Design Works will be available in stores in October 2015. 

The Walking Dead Hardcover Ruled Journals

Based on AMC’s hit original series, The Walking Dead ruled journals embody the thrills and excitement of The Walking Dead. Each journal is themed around a popular character, including Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon and Michonne, and the Walkers who threaten the survivors’ existence. Along with debossed covers, the journal interiors also feature full-color photography from The Walking Dead. 

Along time ago before people put their thoughts on social media. There was something we did in the 90's and and years before that. We used something that is rarely used today and that's journals. Insight Editions is bringing back the journals in a big way with The Walking Dead. The cover and material is amazing in great detail. I got the Darryl Dixon journal which comes with pics of the character and  great design of his signature logo on his vest. The journal has a pages to make you're own story book. At a fair price of 18.00 dollars this is a great gift for kids, family and friends. Great things you can do with a journal. Practice creative writing, put your innermost thoughts instead on social media, even use as a data entry log. With The Walking Dead you can even think of making your own fan fiction. This is a great journal to pick up.