The Passing of A Great Writer

Michael Crichton passed away on Tuesday due to a battle with cancer. It is a sad day for anyone who enjoyed books such as Next and Prey, or movies from his books like Jurassic Park and Sphere. He also created the popular TV series ER. His writing and creativity will be sorely missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with the ones closest to him.....Michael Crichton lived from 1942-2008. He was a notable author, producer, director, and medical doctor.

Monster of Florence Review

I am not a true crime reader, but I love Douglas Preston so when I saw this on the shelf, I knew I just had to read it. Thus began an adventure that would rival that of Jack the Ripper. Liken to Jack, the Monster of Florence is the Italian legend who, instead of slaying prostitutes, would prey on young couples. With gun in hand, he would kill the man and woman before cutting into the woman's body. The description here is taken out because of the graphic nature of what the Monster did. It is something I would rather not explore in word. You must read the book to find out.

Preston handles this story as he does so much of his writing. He is very descriptive and thorough. He paints a picture of every scene and takes you there whether you want to or not. During his investigation, he also caught the attention of the local authorities of where he is still under the scope. Strangely, all of this started because he lives very close to the grove where one of the several double murders happened.

Again, I am not a true crime fan. I do read many of the books about Jack the ripper so I knew what to expect here. Monster of Florence is a great book for those who love gruesome history and a well written criminal investigation. I will not tell you whether they solved the Italian legend, but I will say it is definitely a page turning marvel.

The New KITT

Okay, I have been watching the New Knight Rider, since I was a BIG fan when the original was out. I loved the chemistry between Michael Knight and KITT and of course, I was only about five at the time, I just loved the whole talking car thing. What little kid wouldn't, so when the new one came out, I was ready for it.

First big difference is KITT is a mustang, which is not a real big deal. The Trans Am is not really made any more and he has to be a state of the art vehicle so allowances are made. Second, Val Kilmer is doing the voice. Now, I like Val, but to me, his voice lacks the emotion that William Daniels had, or to those who loved Boy Meets World, Mr. Finney. It was a killer blow for me picturing this tough car with the voice of a middle aged pincipal either. LOL!!

I will say on the plus side, the new Michael Knight played by JustinBruening is hot. Of course, back in the day, David Hasselhoff was the lady killer. Now, you watch and he's kind of a big permed baboon. I will say that he and Daniels though had the chemistry that Justin and Val lack.

I do like the new series. It has some very strong points and still has the appeal the old one did, I just miss the KITT of yore. He had that wit and charm the mustang lacks and the personality that brought us back for more. For anyone interested, Knight Rider is on NBC on Weds at 8pm est/7pm cst. The original can be purchased on DVD in seasons or dowloaded instantly on Netflix.

Knight Rider website on NBC...watch episodes now!!!

http://www.nbc.com/Knight_Rider/

For Young Men Only Review

I won this from a great blogger, which I will post at the bottom of this article, please please go visit her today. She is quite awesome. Anyway, on with this review...do you have an up and coming teenage boy in your life, who has no idea what women his age want and even his father is at a blank and you are in desperate need of guidance?! There is help and the answer lies in this book.

When I began to read FYMO, I could only nod my head at the wonderful insight these writers had. From everything to what a girl sees in a guy to the dreaded whether a girl wants to 'do it' is in this book and handled beautifully. Now, for even you older men, it can be an eye opener as well. My husband read it, mostly because I asked him, and even he couldn't believe some of the things he read. Even casting an eye to me and saying 'Is that Really how you all think?" and then"Wish this was out when I was younger."

I have a young boy who is all of two, but believe me, this will be waiting for him when he gets older. It will be a mandatory read before he begins dating and a reference when there are things he needs help understanding. If you are a young man and are in the dating scene or a mom with a son heading there, you NEED to read this book. And for all you others out there, the series has For Women Only, For Young women Only, and For Men Only. I am buying all of them to add to my shelf.

Connie Mishali's Weblog

http://seewhykinsman.wordpress.com/

Vampire Academy Review

So many people talk about Twilight and miss this super great book......

I liked Twilight, but I had a hard time dealing with Bella. I thought she was just too...girly for some having with vampires. I wanted someone that could stand with them in a fight and not cower behind....Enter Rose. She is the bodyguard to Lissa, a vampire princess that must attend school and keep out of the clutches of the dark side. Rose is aggressive and hard headed, sometimes risking Lissa while trying to prove she is strong, but all the while terrified to let anyone else in.

To make her stronger, her elders bring in the hot and ever so delicious Dimitri and with fists and kicks a flying, Rose's world gets a might more interesting.

This is one killer book for anyone who loves Vampires and is looking for a good young adult book. I strongly urge anyone, not just teens to pick it up because once you start it, you won't put it down or the second and third. LOL!!

So get past Edward and Bella, not that I don't love them, and sink your teeth into Rose and Lissa's often dangerous lives

Wicked Review

I am a Wizard of Oz fan and this book is definitely NOT your movie with the cute little munchkins running around singin about the lollipop guild. So be warned...

This is the story about the Wicked Witch of the West and how she became so 'misunderstood'. A big warning here..this book is very political in nature and if you are again the one who watched the movie because you thought Toto was cute and Oz was such a fairy tale land, DO NOT read this book.

Now on with the review.. Like I said before I am a really big fan of Oz and all that Frank Baum put into it, but what Maguire does is make you actually 'feel' for the Wicked Witch, whose name is actually Elphaba. She is born green skinned and completely misunderstood. While I read this, I couldn't help, but picture Wednesday Adams.

You continue on in her life of how her family never quite understand her and how her little sister is her mother's favorite. We meet a few of the more familar characters in the novel as well from Dorothy, who is the love interest of Elphie's son and of course, the cute littl Munchins, who are not really all the cute in the story.

I won't go into any further detail except to say, if you truly are a die hard Oz fan, you should really read this book and its sequel. I also know that the story of the Lion comes out soon. So, in closing, the Wizard might be wonderful, but this book truly is an Oz masterpiece.

The Way of Shadows Review

I love great books about assassins and this one is no exception. Book one of the Night Angel Trilogy,The Way of Shadows had wonderful characters, a great setting, and a storyline that kept me glued to my chair for the duration of the book.
Azoth(Kylar) is the main character, who goes from guild rat to assassin in this action packed novel. Trained as a master assassin by the best in the game, Durzo Blint, Azoth must give up everything to accomplish the unexpected.
The fight scenes are brilliantly handled and smooth, fitting in with the dialogue. Mr. Weeks does a wondeful job with the flow of the book, which in my opinion, is key to a good strong story. I really can't wait for the next one.

You can read the first chapter here.

http://www.orbitbooks.net/the-way-of-shadows/

It's defintely not me? At least I think it's not....

The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

Want me Some 'Castle'

The cast....

Coming in 2009 is a new series on ABC called Castle. The premise behind it is a crime novelist that gets recruited by the police when people are being murdered in the same way as his novels. For us writers and those who love a good murder mystery, it sounds killer. For those who just want to stare at a hot guy, well, I can't think of many more sexy than Nathan Fillion. So stay tuned to ABC and here when I can find out more.....

Nathan as Rick Castle

http://castletv.net/ Here is the link to the web site.

http://www.duckydoestv.com/2008/10/06/preview-nathan-fillions-castle-abc-promo-video/ here is the link to the promo spot.

Check out both!!!