Wednesday 26 January 2011

Rachel Vincent's Shift Mini Review

Shift
Title:  Shift  
Author:  Vincent, Rachel
Publisher:  Harlequin  
Imprint:  Mira  
Pub Date:  03/01/2010  
ISBN:  9780778327608

author's web site : click here
                        imprint web site : click here

Looking for something to get your girlfriends pulse racing?
Well look no further.
Rachel Vincent's Shifter series is an emotional roller-coaster ride and Shift definitely does not disappoint.
With Faythe, our heroine torn between the two men she loves the tension and emotion in this novel are at an all time high. One things for certain these two definitely make you want to have your cake and eat it! Move over Vamps and Wolves I for one am definitely Team Werecat!

Saturday 8 January 2011

2010 Favourites

Before moving on to the start of this year, a quick look at what I enjoyed in the past year.

But remember all that glitters is not gold! Everyone has their own personal likes and dislikes and just because you don't necessarily agree with me, doesn't mean I'm wrong (Or you for that matter).

Games


Ok, I will happily admit that gaming is one of those things I can take or leave, I just like to dip my toes into the pool occasionally and in all likelihood everything I enjoyed playing in the last year probably isn't current, but it is still a representation of what I enjoy so here goes.

1. Bioshock How had I managed never to play this game until this year? Visually this game is stunning, it is atmospheric (creepy) and completely immersive.  If you haven't played this game and I'm going to assume that I'm probably not the only one, then beg, borrow or steal (well don't steal cause that's just wrong) a copy as soon as you can.

2. Heavy Rain I played the demo of this and absolutely loved it and had to buy the full game. Again this game is fully immersive, every choice you make, every action determines what happens throughout the game. If you're after mindless violence and action then this game probably isn't for you, but if you want something a bit different that is completely engrossing, then go for it.

3. Final Fantasy XIII Now I am completely aware that are lots of you out there that really dislike this game and feel it is not up to the usual Final Fantasy standard but, I actually quite like it. Yes it has faults, it's a bit linear, free roaming seems to be a thing of the past and the fight scenes seem to be made up of pressing the x button repeatedly but the movie sequences are just beautiful and that makes up for all the faults in my eyes. Visually the game is stunning, the storyline is understandable and interesting and all in all definitely worth trying out.

Movies


1. Alice in Wonderland All I really have to say about this is, Tim Burton & Johnny Depp.....Really people what could possibly be wrong with it.  I love it and if you don't tough!

2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Based on the graphic novels, this movie is basically a geeky love story, Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil exes in order to win her heart. It is definitely not some kind of cinematic masterpiece nevertheless it is a fantastic film. Visually stunning, packed full of pop culture references and a great soundtrack.


3 Micmacs A man and his friends come up with an intricate and original plan to destroy two big weapons manufacturers. This quirky French film from Jean-Pierre Jeunet who gave us Amelie, Delicatessen and The City of Lost Children all of which are favourites of mine, is almost perfect in every way.  If you haven't seen it why not?


TV Shows




1. Dr Who It took a few episodes to get used to Matt Smith as the new Dr  but it's amazing how quickly  you forget the previous incarnation. My darling daughter on the other hand has decided that she is no longer going to watch the show, in her head David Tenant is and should be, the only Dr Who (who say's we get more inflexible as we get older!). Anyway, Doctor Who has been shortlisted in two categories for this year's National Television Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony later this month with Matt Smith nominated for Best Performance for his role as the Time Lord and Doctor Who up for Best Drama.


2. Sherlock The BBC did it again with another stunning drama adaptation. Co-created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch starred as the new Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his loyal friend, Doctor John Watson. Brought bang up to date this was fast paced and amusing. It too has been nominated for two National Television Awards, in fact the same two as Dr Who. It's a close call and we'll just have to wait and see.


3. Big Bang Theory The series follow four geeks named Sheldon, Raj, Howard and Leonard, plus Penny a pretty blonde across the hallway. This is just incredibly funny, brilliantly scripted and well delivered by all the cast. 


I  was going to take a look at my favourite reads of the year as well but, I think that will have to be another post.

Friday 7 January 2011

Launch of YA Imprint Mira Ink

On the 1st January Harlequin Mills & Boon imprint Mira launched a teen imprint  - Mira Ink. 

The launch titles were the first book in the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent and Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder.
 Mira Ink will publish all books in its list simultaneously with the e-book versions, which form part of an online campaign to promote the list with a Mira Ink  Facebook fan page and YouTube channel.
The You Tube channel has  trailers for Inside Out, Inntertwined and The Iron Fey (this is the one I'm desperate to get my greasy little mitts on) and they are worth a wee watch.
Anyway, here is what Editor Maddie West has to say about what we have to look forward to:

My name is Maddie West and I am obsessed with YA books. Luckily for me, I’m the editor at MIRA INK, a new imprint devoted to all things YA.
We’re launching MIRA INK at the start of 2011 with some amazingly exciting books! We’ve got completely thrilling stories of forbidden love and dark secrets. Banshees, faeries, vampires, werewolves and zombies have battled for my attention and I’m still struggling to pick a favourite.
I hope I’ve whetted your appetite for some of the great things coming from MIRA Ink this year. I know I’ve had the best time ever reading them! 
Maddie
Sounds great and it looks like its not too long a wait until,

The Iron King


Julie Kagawa

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined… Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Dr Who New season Trailer

I hadn't realised that this was available, so obviously I'm living in a little bubble all of my own.
Anyway, here it is, something to make me smile today as I countdown my last few day's before I head back to work.
I personally love the Stetson but hey!

Thursday 6 January 2011

Here we go Again!

Just over a year ago I did a post about it being a New Year and a new decade and how I was going to be good about posting, however, it turns out that was complete nonsense as this blog hasn't been updated since the 18th of January 2010.
Now I could reiterate those sentiments again however I have decided just to take things as they come and give the blog a chance to grow at it's own speed.