Freedom vs. security, the basic human dilemma. Can heroes really protect both? Two iconic figures, two living symbols whose choices make them superheroes and leaders, come to completely opposite conclusions.
Read MoreContinuing some time after the first book, Keno and Samojirou are firmly in their relationship and Keno is more comfortable living under his persona as Sakura - a female consort - in order to hide his identity; as Keno is the incarnation of Samojirou's former lover who imprisoned Samojirou in the dreamlands in the first place. In addition, different players in the Dreamlands are hatching plans with the Trust for total control of the Dreamlands; sending Mason, Wolf, and McGann there again with the mission to form an alliance. It's all a lie, of course, and the three humans are stuck in a land under siege.
I'm glad we get to learn more about the Dreamlands and how they work in this book. Ivey has a real talent for world building so the setting is compelling. Tamazusa is an awesome character and I liked hearing from her. She is the one who tells the majority of the story and takes focus off os Keno and Samojirou's relationship. It's there, complete with smutty details so grownups only for this book, but the focus really is on the impending war and how they all will deal with it. Even though the book drags a little in some places - usually because the characters themselves are stuck - and there are a lot of unanswered questions when the book is over. I'm assuming it's because these answers will be in the following book and it is more interesting (in my opinion) if not every book in a series has a nicely wrapped up ending.
If you're expecting more of the male/male romantic elements and less fantasy, I can see why you may be disappointed here. Two other relationships are introduced, but the crux of the novel really is the deceptions, the battles, and whatever overall plans the Trust has for the Dreamlands. Otherwise, this book had me hooked and I look forward to seeing what happens next. 4 out of 5 for me.
For more reviews and writing, check out Lenni's blog.
Shudder is the diabolical new streaming service devoted exclusively to things that go bump in the night.
Read MoreGaro: The AnimationSeason One
Genre: Action, Adventure, Super-Natural
Synopsis: The story revolves around a young man (Leon Luis), his father (German Luis), taking place in a medieval setting. It begins with a king, his queen and son alongside his advisor (Mendoza), took watch from the top of their castle down towards the town's center. Where an pregnant woman had been tied to a pole, and the constant chants of 'burn the witch' radiated from the townsfolk. She was accused of the many disappearances of other villagers and also of the ailment that the king himself had. As the grotesque execution began, the queen and son was chided inside into the castle. It was then, they set her ablaze. In that very moment, an armored knight clad is a dark grey appeared from behind the King and with a great leap ended up soaring over the King's head and landing before the woman-- whom while being burned gave birth to a child. Shielded by some magic aura. The Knight proceeds to take the child into his arms and leap off onto an metallic horse and strode out of the city. . The story takes place seventeen years later, as the witch hunts continued.
As an avid anime watcher, one who constantly watches shows new and old in search for gems. This show was one of those shows that had the potential to become one of those very gems to stumble upon. To begin with the animation quality had been something of a treat to watch, as you soon discover that the witch hunts were really unjust and the 'witches' were really good people called Makai Knights. Who pride themselves on destroying these monsters call horrors; and the man known as Mendoza, had been the catalyst in hunting them down for reasons unknown. And let me tell you one thing; the Makai Knight transformation sequence is swift, to the point and flawless in my eyes. Shifting from 2d to CGI 2.5D seamlessly and naturally; as the mixture of the two manages to fit well in the anime. The fight scenes are something that just gradually gets better, but of course with great fight scenes comes a lot of spaces that seem lacking throughout the anime.
One of these spaces, in my opinion. Are the characters; The father is a lecherous old man cliche type. The one who gets drunk and goes after any woman that is remotely attractive-- and is not shy to go after prostitutes. While the son, was so blindly edgy that it began to cause me great annoyance. As it reminded me of edgy characters like a certain character from Naruto. [Sasuke, I'm looking at you]. The odd combination makes for some light hearted and comical scenes, but not cohesive enough to keep me entertained by it. But then, the prince comes into play. A character you knew would eventually return does so, and does so in a way you do not expect. I do not enjoy doing spoilers, as you do not really see the prince until a few episodes in. But lets just say the prince quickly became a character I enjoyed more on screen then Leon. And honestly, the prince saved the entire show from falling into obscurity (In my eyes).
Overall-- The plot, while being something that is almost cookie cutter. Gets developed in a manner over the episodes that it becomes very interesting; but the beginning half of the series was extremely lacking in luster in my eyes. It couldn't keep my attention for too long, as many of the situations were predictable. It was towards the later half that the it started to really pick up on me, and the scenes and plot became more pronounced. So, while this was only a review for Season One (Episodes 1 - 12) I will say this! After watching the last episode I wanted to watch the second half, which says a lot with the bumpy start. So to say the least, I feel like this was just a prologue season; backstory to where the plot 'really' begins. So because of this, I have high hopes season 2 will not disappoint.
Final Score: 3 out of 5
Meet Favaro Leone, professional bounty hunter and casual scoundrel. When he’s not crossing swords with his arch nemesis and former best friend, Kaisar Lidford, he can be found at the local tavern spinning tall tales to anyone who will listen.
Read MoreLife Goes On: Done to Death is a comically-morbid platformer where you guide heroic knights to their demise and use the dead bodies to solve puzzles. Wanting to live forever, a mighty king sends his army of knights to find the Cup of Life.
Read MoreConvinced that his buddy Nardo (Thomas Middleditch) is making the mistake of a lifetime by marrying Tracy (Shannon Woodward), Jason (T.J. Miller) puts a dramatic end to their wedding.
Read MoreHaruaki Yachi has seen his fair share of curses, but despite his familiarity, even Haruaki is out of his element when his father mails him a cursed torture cube with the humanoid figure of a cute young girl named Fear Kubrick (no relation). Now, he’s got to help her break her curse and leave behind her homicidal past before dangerous forces get ahold of her deadly powers. Sassy loudmouth Fear has a hard time keeping a low profile, but with the help of Haruaki’s other cursed comrades, maybe this cubed cutie can find her place in the human world—IF she can break her curse.
Read MoreAkira Takizawa wakes up naked outside the White House with no memories. He’s got a gun in one hand, a cell phone in the other, and doesn’t know if he’s a good guy or one of the worst. He doesn’t remember the phone gives him instant access to ten billion yen and a woman who can make his most outlandish requests a reality. He doesn’t recall his connection to the ongoing missile attacks terrorizing the Japanese people. Or the part he played in the sudden disappearance of 20,000 shut-ins. He doesn’t even remember he’s supposed to save Japan and will be murdered if he fails. Whatever it is he’s tangled up in, Takizawa’s definitely in deep – and that’s not even scratching the surface. A Premium Edition featuring the complete TV series plus movies and exclusive pack-ins, including a gorgeous collectible art box with belly band, art cards, stickers, paper craft, and an exclusive numbered certificate of authenticity.
As the sun sets over Atlantic Island Park, you must explore its dilapidated rides in search of your son, Callum. As darkness falls, you will experience panic and paranoia.
Keno Inusaka is a hacker who stumbled into the computers of a secret organization called The Trust. This organization prides itself on hunting demons so they kidnap Keno and keep him prisoner, letting the world think he's dead. When the facility he works in is breached, Keno finds himself in the Dreamlands; living among the same sort of creatures The Trust kills. He is given as a gift to Samojirou Aboshi, a demon, who treats Keno with more respect than anyone at The Trust ever did. When a team of soldiers come to bring him back, Keno isn't sure if he wants to go, having found a place where he is safe and loved. But The Trust doesn't want to let him go.
This is a pretty awesome first outing for a fantasy series. It's well developed with fun world-building, interesting characters, and an engaging story. Keno and Samojirou are a cute couple and their relationship develops slowly over time. They don't jump into bed right away because Keno's past abuse is addressed and worked through with patience and care; so there isn't much in the way of out and out smut. There are some steamy love scenes so this book is for mature audiences.
If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that the story is terribly short on decent human beings. A lot of fantasy or science fiction stories have "the monsters are more human than the humans" angle but I found myself thinking too often that there are too many assholes in this book. It made me kinda depressed! Other than that, 4.5 out of 5 for this book! I look forward to the next one!
For more reviews and silly things, check out Haunting Hypatia.
Tome of the Sun brings an action MMO experience to mobile with an anime-influenced art style.
Read MoreThe mission titled; World of Tomorrow enlists Agent 47 to target Silvio Caruso, a brilliant but troubled bioengineer employed by the Ether Biotech Corporation who is reportedly working on a DNA-Specific virus able to infect anyone anywhere in the world. 47 must eliminate Caruso and his lab head Francesca De Santis as well as destroy the yet unfinished virus prototype
Read MoreIf there is one thing every otaku must experience at least once is a Hatsune Miku concert. The Vocaloids have been around for a while and once again they make their rounds to the United States. This time they stop at the Wamu Theater for once again a spectacular show. If you never experience this unique show let me fill you in a little bit about it. The Vocaloids are holographic images who perform with voice synthesizer. One of the most famous of all the Vocaloid is Hatsune Miku. The show kicked off with the introduction of each Vocaloid with surrounding applause. The atmosphere was electrifying fans of all ages were in attendance. Die hard Miku fans with cosplay, accessories and t-shirts. One thing that was amazing to see beyond the performances was the reaction of people who never seen the show. Otakus & Geeks reached out to those in attendance and you can read comments some below.
"This was my first time actually going to a Miku concert. I've follow her since I saw a cosplay of her at San Diego Comic Con a few years ago. I asked the cosplayer about who she was dressed as and the rest was history. I started listening to every single album I can import or find and really got into the music. The concert is everything I thought it will be. What really struck me was the use of lighting, the sound quality and how well Miku moves. I'm definitely going to be seeing this again if they come back." - Debra Winston
"I must confess I don't follow the anime stuff or any of this so I didn't know what to expect. I know my girlfriend is really into this so I got her tickets for our 1 year anniversary. I have to admit that I was surprise oh how good it was. My girlfriend didn't pitch show very well to me when we arrive. The songs were catchy, the energy in the theater was positive and the movement of these holograms was life like. If you're a fan I will strongly recommend it." - John Kessler
Fans have spoken and our own friends have also enjoyed the show. Each Vocaloid gets there time to shine in the spotlight with a set piece of music for each one. If you love Vocaloid and are a big of Hatsune Miku this something you might want to check out. For more details on upcoming concerts visit here http://org.mikuexpo.com/na2016/
Shido and his assembly of adorable aliens are back in the second season of this sci-fi rom-com romp! Itsuka Shido was a once a normal high schooler. But after a spacequake started by an armored girl rocked his world, life was never the same.
Read MoreThe sudden retirement of the famous idol Yuka Kusakabe from the entertainment business shocks the world and devastates her biggest fan, a teenager named Kosaku Hata. His classmates at the Tamo Agriculture School manage to get him out of his depression and bring him out of his room to attend his classes.
Read MoreLuffy’s impulsive attack on Gecko Moria ends up costing the rubber-man something he can’t 5live without – his shadow! When Zoro and Sanji find themselves in the same boat, the three fierce fighters must find a way to recapture what was lost, or face the possibility of death by sunlight.
Read MoreThe new edition of the classic action epic from the Shonen Jump imprint covers a fan-favorite story arc of the series and will be presented in a vivid, full-color volume at a larger 6 5/8" x 10 ¼” trim size.
Read More"Behave" is a fictional biography of Rosalie Rayner Watson; the wife and assistant of John B. Watson. Together they carried out The Little Albert Experiment; which studied classical conditioning in human beings. The novel starts with her time at Vassar and goes through Rosalie meeting John, becoming involved with him, and the experiment itself.
Though lovingly written, it was difficult to get fully into this book. The feel of it is poetic and lush but the main character seems so distant and cold it's hard to relate to her. It is not the writing at all because some of the descriptions are very detailed; even beautiful at times. But yikes, it was hard to pick this book back up if I put it down. And if Rosalie was distant, John was flat out unpleasant. You don't have to love babies but his flippant attitude towards his test subjects was grating. Despite being a pair of smart, capable characters; reading about them experimenting on these kids was distressing. Or maybe that's just me, I'm not a fan of making babies cry.
Overall, if reading about what Rosalie may have been like interests you and you are a fan of good writing, this book will please you. It's a solid 4 out of 5 since I just couldn't get over my dislike of the two main characters.
For more reviews and various hi-jinks, check out Lenni's blog at Haunting Hypatia.
BAD RAP follows the lives and careers of four Asian-American rappers trying to break into a world that often treats them as outsiders. Sharing dynamic live performance footage and revealing interviews, these artists make the most skeptical critics into believers.
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