Serial Killer Sunday - Red Dragon Review

My favorite fictional serial killer is Hannibal Lecter. This was  his debut, Thomas Harris' Red Dragon.

Red Dragon  

Author: Thomas Harris

Publisher: Berkley (reprint, originally Dell)

American release date: January 6, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/Thriller/464 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: NR

Overall Personal Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Similar series or titles to check out: Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, Hannibal Rising

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what FBI agent Jack Crawford wants of Will Graham—especially with the headlines blaring about the two murders; one in Atlanta, the other in Birmingham. More than enough reason for Crawford to come down to Florida, to get the consultant’s take on the killer. The choice of locale is deliberate—when he shows Will the photos of the deceased families, children included, he can’t help but contrast that with his own wife and stepson. How can he refuse to help catch someone who hurts children?

Synopsis:

Will hasn’t been with the FBI since before he met Molly, leaving the Bureau after his unfortunate encounter with a particular serial killer by the name of Hannibal Lecter—an encounter he almost didn’t survive. Nonetheless, and against Molly’s wishes, he agrees to help the FBI find the killer the media has dubbed the Tooth Fairy. First he travels to Atlanta, to the house the Leeds family had lived in. Everything is still in place, waiting for them, as if expecting them home at any moment. Will looks at their life, in situ, trying to piece together what happened to them so he can determine what sort of person did this and create a profile for the FBI to use in order to look for him.

It’s the little things that speak to him, cause him to ask questions. He tries to make sense of the bloodstains, figure out what happened when. Why did the killer move the family around? Was there a purpose to his madness? And by any chance when he did, did he leave a fingerprint behind?

The murders each took place during the full moon, which surely isn’t coincidence, and which means they only have less than a month til the next one. Before the next full moon, they not only have to figure out who this guy is but who his next victims will be, before it’s too late. Will gets more and more engrossed in the chase, while somewhere in the Midwest a man is planning his next move—and his Becoming. Will decides he needs to consult with someone, the only person he knows that can shed some light on this killer—Dr. Hannibal Lecter himself. Will this encounter end better than the last one? And will the good doctor deign to cooperate?

Add to the mix a sleazy tabloid reporter with a penchant for stirring the shit so it hits the fan, and a killer with a deep seated admiration for Dr. Lecter—you’ve got a sure fire recipe for death and mayhem!

Commentary:

In this first volume of Thomas Harris’ Hannibal series, we get a glimpse of his extraordinary character, Dr. Lecter. I think he is undoubtedly one of the greatest characters ever created, with a great deal of depth and far more to him than meets the eye. There are things we won’t even learn about him in this volume; it’s just a teaser for what comes later. This book is Will Graham’s story and how he deals with having met Hannibal in the past and his need to consult him in the present. It’s about his desire to preserve his way of life balanced against the desire to save innocent lives from a deranged madman. Which side will win?

It’s brilliantly written, fast paced and well executed. The character of Francis Dolarhyde is well drawn, and not above eliciting sympathy for what he cannot help. His unraveling is fascinating to behold—and he does not go down alone.

This is a must read introduction to the world of Hannibal Lecter—it sets the stage and sets it well for what comes after. Not to be missed at any price.

Winter Demon volume 4 Review

Winter Demon, Volume 4   

Author:  Yamila Abraham

Distributor:  Yaoi Press

American release date:  2008

Format/Genre:  Manga/Yaoi

Publisher/Industry Age Rating:  Mature

Overall Personal Rating:  ★★★★

Similar series or titles to check out:   9th Sleep

Ever since Lord Ryuuto took mortal form to help Doctor Takuma heal the soliders, they have been growing closer, even though the timid Doctor will go no further than kisses with the demon.  He is so afraid of what will happen, that he tries to keep his last patient as long as he can, but Ryuuto dismisses him, so now they are alone, other than for Takuma's ill sister.  Their solitude is broken by the approach of a demon- it's Fuyu, bearing Hakuin in his arms, begging the doctor to please heal him.  And as Takuma does so, two couples are left to take the measure of one another, to observe - to watch and to learn, one couple from the other.

Synopsis:

Takuma observes the tender relationship between Fuyu and Hakuin and wonders can he and Ryuuto have the same thing?  Fuyu, aware now of the purification of himself that has been practiced by Hakuin without his knowledge, wants to ascertain that even without it, he would love and cherish the monk.  Both demons have fears of losing themselves somehow by being less demonic, and both fear hurting the ones they care about.

Ryuuoto and Fuyu have a demon to demon talk, and Ryuuoto decides to try the purification thing.  But somehow it doesn't go quite as planned.  And Fuyu has Hakuin cease with his purification treatments- with its own backlash.  To further muddy the waters, Priest Shidan informs Fuyu that he really needs to service Figaru - he has this once a month need to be sexed up thing going on.  But Fuyu, who is happy in Hakuin's love, doesn't want to mess with that.  Although, now that he's not purified, things aren't running quite as smoothly as before.

Will Figaru be the monkey wrench that bolluxes everything up, or the savior that is just what everybody needs?

 Commentary:

And now we complete our journey in this fourth volume of Winter Demon.  There is a great deal going on here, much to think about, lessons in love that everyone can take to heart and consider.  If there is an underlying theme here, I think it is that of partnership - one person cannot do and be everything for another, but together, the sum is greater than the individual parts.  Fuyu, when he loses Hakuin's purification, is not himself, but when he has it, the two of them have it all.  It has to be the purity of their love that makes it so, not just the spell itself.  And after all, is that such a bad thing?  Takuma and Ryuuto too must face their own personal demons, and learn from them - Takuma learns trust, and Ryuuto learns temperance, and taking it slow and easy.  Together, I think they can make it.  If Ryuuto can explain the Figaru thing, that is.

The last volume of the series is a very satisfactory one, leaving you to bid a fond farewell to these two couples, with great hopes for their future together.  If you've read this far, for heaven's sake, don't stop now.  This is a gotta read volume.  If you're just starting, go back to the beginning, or you'll miss out on a great journey.  I still am not totally enamored of the artwork, but I've gotten used to it, and although it doesn't showcase the writing as well as I'd wish, it's adequate for what it's meant to do.  For after all, the story's the thing.  And the story is well told.  So simply enjoy.

Serial Killer Sunday: Double Dexter Review

 Double Dexter  

Author: Jeff Lindsay

Publisher: Doubleday

American release date: October 18, 2011

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/Horror/352 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Dexter Morgan is very meticulous and very good at what he does, making sure to follow the Code of Harry in picking whom to focus his attentions on. Steve Valentine certainly fits the mandatory profile—subhuman, pedophilic killer of innocent boys. He never sees it coming. Dexter has planned everything to the nth degree for Valentine’s demise. What he hasn’t counted on is being witnessed in the act.

Synopsis:

From the moment that Dexter realizes he’s been spied on, things in his life take a downward spiral. A policeman has been found dead—completely bludgeoned to death, horrifically so, the killer apparently having broken every bone in his body while he was still alive. The corpse is virtually unrecognizable, until Deborah manages to identify him by his bald spot. Rita is acting strangely, even for Rita, and Dexter notices she’s drinking a lot of wine. And giving him strange looks for no apparent reason. Astor needs and receives braces, and proceeds to moan about them every chance she gets. And Brian begins carting the family around on real estate tours, as Rita is convinced that they need a bigger home. And yet she finds problems with every single house they look at. And her cooking, the staple of Dexter’s existence, is becoming more and more non-existent.

Can things get any worse? 

Yes, and they do. Dexter is determined to discover the identity of his unwanted witness, especially once the guy in question begins to taunt him with the knowledge of his actions. According to Dexter’s instincts, this guy’s gotta go, but he has to find him first. When Dexter unexpectedly becomes a suspect in the continuing cop killers, he has no one to turn to—Doakes is hot on his case, along with his newest bestest buddy, Detective Hood.

When did Dexter’s life get so complicated? Can he bring it all back to normal again, before he’s indicted and convicted for murders he didn’t actually commit?

Commentary:

Another fine entry in the Dexter Morgan series. I still think it’s a shame that the Showtime series diverged from the books, because I like having brother Brian around at times, and Rita too. This time we find Dexter less than in charge of the situation, and getting a little bit flustered, revealing more of his human side. But being Dexter, we can’t help but know that he’ll find a way out of it somehow. Even if he has to ask for help to do it.

One thing that bothered me in this, and kept my attention long after it was necessary, was the issue with Astor and the braces. She didn’t want them, abhorred the idea of having a mouth full of metal, which is understandable, especially in a child of her age. But I kept asking myself—why don’t they get her invisible braces? Plastic ones? Braces have come a long way since the days of the metal monsters, and Dexter takes place in modern times. It’s a minor point, I know, and the only reason I can see for it is to make Astor crankier, but I kept asking myself: Why metal braces? And I still have no idea.

If you’re enjoying the series, you’ll like this addition to it. And if you like to read more about serial killers, give Thomas Harris’ Hannibal Lecter books a try. They’re sure to please.

Steampunk Sunday - Hugo Review

Good morning and Happy Steampunk Sunday! Yesterday, Sarah and I went to see Hugo at the theater. Let me tell you about it!

  

Hugo  

Director/Studio/Author: Martin Scorsese/GK Films/John Logan

American release date: November 23, 2011

Format, Genre and length: Theatrical Release/Fantasy/127 minutes

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: PG (for mild thematic material, some action/peril and smoking) 

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

At the age of twelve, life is difficult for Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), and all he is allowed to see of it is what he spies from behind the scenes of the clockworks in the Paris train station. Taken in by his drunk uncle (Ray Winstone) on the death of his inventor father (Jude Law), Hugo is stripped of everything he’s known, including school, and friends, and forced to work, keeping the clocks running. All that remains of his father is an automaton, and a notebook filled with his notes. In order to fix the automaton, which his father had been in the processing of restoring before his death, Hugo steals parts from the toy store in the station, that is owned and operated by the crotchety Ben Kingsley. When he catches Hugo stealing from him, he takes the notebook away from him and threatens to burn it.

Synopsis:

A desperate Hugo goes to the man’s house, where he enlists the aid of his goddaughter Isabella (Chloë Grace Moretz). He bravely approaches George and strikes a deal with him—he’ll work around the shop to make up for what he’s stolen, and maybe he’ll give him the notebook back. He’s still going to take care of the clocks, as his uncle has disappeared, and he knows what happens to orphaned children who are caught by the Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen)—they end up in an orphanage!

Solving the mystery of how to fix the automaton draws Hugo and Isabella into a greater mystery, one that might lead to dire consequences, as he tries to cling to his father’s legacy.

Commentary:

Right off the bat, let me say—bring Kleenex. If you’re like me, you’ll need it. This might be considered a children’s film, but it’s of interest to all ages, as evidenced by the various age groups of the people in the theater. It’s a beautifully done film, and even though the pace isn’t breakneck, and almost slow at times, it most certainly works. Asa Butterfield did a wonderful job as Hugo. I last saw him in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, another tearjerker. Sacha Baron Cohen as the Station Inspector was wonderful. During the course of the film, he spends a lot of time chasing after Hugo, along with his Doberman Pinscher Maximillian, determined to catch him. He’s as stiff as his leg, which is encased in a mechanical device, courtesy of the Great War. He has a crush on the flower girl (Emily Mortimer) at the station, and doesn’t know how to talk to her, but receives advice from Madame Emilie (Frances de la Tour of Harry Potter fame, Madame Maxine). Also from the Harry Potter films is Richard Griffiths (Harry’s Uncle Vernon), who would like to get to know Madame Emilie, but her dog seems to have taken a dislike to him.

Look for Christopher Lee as a kindly book store owner as well. I’d know him anywhere by his voice, and I have to say he’s looking great. Speaking of books, pick up the book by Brian Selznick.

Hugo was produced by Johnny Depp; it has quite the pedigree. The look of the film is amazing. It has a definite steampunk feel to it. The special effects are wonderfully done. This is sure to become a classic, and well worth acquiring on DVD when it comes out. In the meantime, go see it at the theater to get the total experience. I did not see it in 3D, by the way, so cannot comment on that. 

 Don't forget to check out Sui Lynn's blog, 2 Cents, and my own Full Moon Dreaming!

Til next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Winter Demon Volume 3 Review

Winter Demon, Volume 3  

Author:  Yamila Abraham

Distributor:  Yaoi Press

American release date:  2008

Format/Genre:  Manga/Yaoi

Publisher/Industry Age Rating:  Mature

Overall Personal Rating:  ★★★★

Similar series or titles to check out:   9th Sleep

Hakuin and Fuyu deliver the healed girl to her home, which is in the monk's village of Morikoku.  Fuyu wishes to spend the night, to get a chance to fondle Hakuin in privacy now that the girl is gone, but the monk insists they  need to get to Priest Shidan to fix the demon whip, so Fuyu contents himself with telling Hakuin, in very graphic language, just what he would like to do to him, as they go on their way.    As they near the priest's house, they run into another demon - one who has eyes for Fuyu!  It turns out to be none other than Figaru.  It seems that Shidan cannot fix the weapon, he must take it to his mentor, who cannot abide demons, so only Hakuin  may accompany him.  Which leaves Fuyu alone with the horny incubus!  Although Shidan does contain him in a magic circle, the only concession he is willing to make to Fuyu's safety.  Thanks a lot, Priest Shidan!

Synopsis:

Alarming news arrives the next morning, and the two demons set off after Hakuin and Shidan.  Which is just what Shidan's mentor wants, for this is a trap she has laid purposly for the Winter Demon - she has a score to settle with him for some past wrongs.  In the aftermath, Hakuin broaches a rather delicate subject - that Figaru needs Fuyu to heal.  To what lengths will the demon go in order to please his little monk?  And what of his new knowledge, of things he wasn't meant to know?  Hakuin isn't healing properly, he needs to see a doctor, so he asks Fuyu to take him back to Morikoku, to Doctor Takuma.

In the Epilogue, we meet Doctor Takuma, who is searching for a particular medicinal leaf he needs to help heal his sister; his supply is out so he is searching in a dangerous area, as there is said to be a demon there.  But he is determined to help his sister.  He is discovered there by the demon, Lord Ryuuto, who takes him to help his ailing wife - but he wishes her taken out of life, not brought back!  (As a healer, he could cure her himself, but he cannot kill her)  When Takuma eases her from her pain, Ryuuto says he can use the spring whenever he likes, but he won't agree to heal Takuma's sister.  The doctor returns to avail himself of the wonderful hot spring, and he finds himself fascinated by the conversations he has with the demon. Ryuuto realizes that the doctor feels an attraction for him, and he is certainly attracted to the human,  so he makes him a rather unusual proposal - of marriage!  The confused doctor returns home to think.  But his ruminations are interrupted by news of a battle - there are wounded coming, lots of them.  And he receives assistance from an unexpected source!

 Commentary:

By now, the story of the Winter Demon has wrapped itself about my curiousity and my need to know.  The character development is good, as we follow these two in their courtship.  I hope that Fuyu's newfound knowledge won't queer things for them - no pun intended.  And I hope tha the will be able to overcome his past.  To err is human, to forgive divine.  Does this go for demons too?  There are some interesting questions brought into play in this volume about relationships, intimacy, and sex versus love.  This is probably the same school of thought used by those who seek out sex therapists, the rationale being that it's medicinal, not sexual.  You'll have to decide that for yourself.  But there's certainly stuff to mull over in this volume.

The addition of Doctor Takuma is an interesting one - now we have a potential new couple on our hands, and a rather comely one at that.  Ryuuto seems to have promise, but at the same time he's a bit of a bad boy; automatic turn-on for a lot of women.  I am curious to see how this thing with him and Doctor T works out.

Winter Demon has not only founds its pace, Yamila Abraham is hitting her stride, and hitting it well.  The action flows smoothly, with a good balance between action and introspection, never leaving out that element of heat, in the form of the demon's narrated fantasy (with visual aids, of course!), which is pretty damn hot.  I, for one, hope Fuyu gets his way, I'd surely like to see that.  At the end of the volume there is a preview for Volume 2 of another Yaoi Press offering, Dark Prince. 

We're almost to the finish line, enquiring minds need to know - will Fuyu prove that his love for Hakuin is genuine, and will the purification mumbo jumbo prove to be just that, and not the glue that binds them together?  Stay tuned, yaoi lovers, for the last exciting volume!

Sci Fi Sunday - Leviathan Review

According to the bard, "Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust  upon them". Young Alek is one of the latter.  Although born to a royal lineage, his claim to the throne is disreputed because of the lowborn status of his mother.  Which means nothing in the scheme of things, life simply going on as it invariably does,  until his parents are unexpectedly assassinated when they travel to Sarajevo, all hell breaks loose and nothing can ever be the same again, as he finds himself the object of an intense manhunt by the Germans and Austrians both, and all that he now possesses is one Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men between himelf and  certain death - and his own strength and intelligence!  Having been awakened in the middle of the night by his fencing master and his master of mechaniks on the pretext of a training mission, he is now in a deadly race to the Swiss border and the freedom of that country's neutrality in the face of impending war - a war which will change not only the shape of Europe but the whole world forever, a war of global proportions and magnitude never seen before.  Meanwhile, a young British girl named Deryn Sharp has disguised herself as a boy named Dylan in order to enter the British Air Service, finding herself upon the whale airship Leviathan, the most magnificent beast in the entire fleet, engaged upon a secret mission to the Ottoman Empire.  And thus we enter the world of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan.

Highlights

When Deryn begins her quest to enter the royal air service, she only wishes to serve as best she can, to be as useful as any lad, and not forced into what she considers to be the lame world of women, with their skirts and their cooking and their,  to her,  inability to do anything exciting.  Assisted by her older brother Jaspert, who is himself a member of said service, and who helps her to train toward her goal, she becomes a recruit and now must pass the midshipman's test, which is being given at the airship field at Wormwood Scrubs.  Her brother hints that the recruits will be tested on a sense of "air sense", but Deryn puts that down to his trying to rattle her cage, when lo and behold they find themselves shown an actual Huxley ascender - a tentacled creature, the first fabricated creature designed, a far cry from the modern giant living airships of the day, with their gondolas, engines and observation decks.  The Huxley, also known as a medusa, is formed from the life-chains of jellyfish and other venomous sea creatures, and is not an easy beastie to deal with.  When Deryn sees the pilot's rig which hangs beneath it, she has an idea what is going to happen, and when the Flight Captain thins their ranks of the Monkey Luddites - who wish nothing to do with the beast - and seeks a volunteer to be first to take the ride with the Huxley, Deryn does not hesitate to step up!  And what a glorious experience it is, until she is aloft and spots a storm coming their way which those on the ground cannot see, and she finds herself and the Huxley in a perilous situation, which only her quick wits and natural abilities prevent from becoming tragic!  In the course of her adventure, she is blown far off course, over the English Channel itself, and ends up being rescued by none other than the Leviathan!  She thinks she is dreaming when not only does she become Midshipman Dylan Sharp, but is assigned to duty on the very vessel which rescued her!

Meanwhile, Alek is finding it difficult to come to grips with the swiftly drastic changes that have occurred in his life, beginning with his parents' deaths, and his leaving his home in the middle of the night,  and even briefly wonders if he is being kidnapped for some reason.  When he first espies the six-legged majesty of the machine that is S.M.S. Beowulf, his first thought is that they have been searching for him, in order to effect his rescue, an idea which is quickly dispelled when they open fire upon Alek and his stormwalker, and he and his people are forced to flee for their lives!  Luckily, Count Volger is a resourceful man and has had an escape plan in place for a very long time.  When Alek asks, he confesses that he began planning it when Archduke Ferdinand married Sophie, a commoner, as they hole up in a ruin of a castle high in the Alps. In the meantime, Deryn is learning the ropes as a midshipman on the Leviathan, and their current mission has begun with the unthinkable - they have landed the huge ship in the middle of Regent's Park to pick up a boffin and her mysterious cargo, and are to take her to the Ottoman Empire for reasons unknown!  Because of the weight of this cargo, all but two of the middies are let go, and Alek ends up as almost a personal attendant for the boffin, Dr. Barlow,  who turns out to be a woman!  The woman is too sharp, by far, and Deryn fears for a moment that her secret is revealed, but she finds herself safe for the moment - just as German aeroplanes hove into view, and force the Leviathan into a snow mountain landing!  From his protected fortress, Alek espies the crash, and wishes to  help, but Volger refuses to allow him to do so, fearing for his safety.  A stubborn Alek slips out in the middle of night, taking first aid kits with him, in case they are needed - or is it just a curiousity to see what has happened?  As he nears the wreck of the strange beast/airship, he discovers the half frozen body of a young boy - none other than Deryn Sharp!  And in assisting Deryn, he finds himself a captive of the Darwinists, the avowed enemy of the Clankers!

Overall

Steampunk is a genre which contains elements of fantasy and sci-fi along with speculative fiction, and is generally set in an era where steam power is predominant, such as the Victorian era, and  often involves inventions being put into place before their true time, such as those found in the fertile imagiinations of HG Wells and Jules Verne,  or alternative realities where history has taken a different path.  It came to some prominence in the 1980's and 90's,  and enjoys a secure niche in the loyalty of its readers even today, and has even made the transition to the big screen in such films as The Wild Wild West and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.  Leviathan is set just on the cusp of World War I, and draws on actual events and people, interweaving them cleverly with the author's own imagination.  The British Darwinists have discovered the `life chains which make up all life, and have learned to combine the best of various species into entirely new creatures.  For example, the Leviathan itself is a symbiotic system which involves not only the whale but a host of other animals.  The bats, which feed on insects and fruit and  metal flechettes, are used as weapons, excreting the flechettes onto the enemy.  And bees have been bred which do not sting!  It is a natural system, as opposed to the world of the German and Austrian Clankers, which involves steam engine machinery and hydraulics.  The two words are clearly at odds with one another, so it is no wonder that a global conflagration is in the works.  And, as usually is the case, each sides believes their way to be right, while the other is totally wrong.  But when the two forces meet via the Leviathan, forced to become allies in the face of the common enemy that seeks to destroy them both, then there are indeed lessons to be learned, lessons in cooperation, and friendship and compromise.  By the end of the book, Deryn's secret identity is intact, but how long can that last when she had begun to have strange feelings about Alek?  What is she to do with those?  And how long will Dr. Barlow be clueless as to her actual gender?  And what is so important about the cargo that Dr. Barlow carries, that she is taking it to people who are professed Clankers?  Leviathan is categorized as teen fiction, but I think it possesses the same sort of universal appeal that the  Harry Potter  series does, and no one should be discouraged from reading it for that reason.  Teen Fiction is not what it once was, it has certainly grown, welcoming many excellent writers into its fold,  and certainly shouldn't be overlooked.  Scott Westerveld draws us into his characters' stories from the very beginning, and the skillful way he makes use of history is fascinating, bringing it very much to life.  After all, the things we do today are what the students of tomorrow will learn as history, and those who think it is a dead subject are sadly misinformed!   And lest I forget, the book is richly illustrated by Keith Thompson - his drawings take  my breath away, as he so wonderfully portrays the world which Scott Westervelt writes about!   I look forward to further installments of this series!

I wholeheartedly give Leviathan ★★★★★

Sci fi Sunday - Gail Carriger's Heartless

 Hello and happy Sci Fi Sunday! Today, I want to complete the reviews of the Parasol Protectorate with my own review of Heartless, the fourth book in the series. The fifth book, Timeless, releases in February of 2012, and trust me, I shall review it then.

Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4)  

Author: Gail Carriger

Publisher: Orbit Books

American release date: July 1, 2011

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/Paranormal Steampunk/374 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: NR/Suitable for teens and up

Overall Personal Rating : ☆☆☆☆☆

It seems that Alexia’s unexpected (and hitherto considered impossible) pregnancy has thrown the supernatural world into something of a tizzy (now that her husband has removed his head from his nether regions long enough to realize that the child is indeed his and none other’s). But it seems they have a plan. Lord Maccon, Lord Akeldama, and Professor Lyall, that is. They’ve been hatching their idea for five months, and have decided that now’s a good time to let Alexia in on their little scheme. (Nice of them, considering it’s her child they’re talking about). In light of the fact that Alexia has become the target of numerous annoying and inconvenient assassination attempts, she must give the child up. To Lord Akeldama;s care.

Men!

Synopsis:

Not surprisingly (except in the minds of the three gentlemen in question), Alexia does not fall in with their plan with handclapping and enthusiastic cheers. Rather, she’s totally against it. What mother would wish such a thing, to give up her child from birth? Really, gentlemen, be serious! But, with time to think, she, as always, has a better plan, one that will have the same result and not get her thrown out of her child’s life at one and the same time.

Alexia’s idea is to relocate herself and her husband into the townhouse next to Lord Akeldama’s, and to have a secret access to his home whereby they actually will live in his home, near their child, but for appearance’s sake, their address will be next door. Simple, eh? The hive’s fear centers around the child and what he or she may be capable of—namely their destruction. They feel that if said child were to be under Lord A’s tutelage, said crisis could be averted. However, just because a decision is reached doesn’t mean everyone has gotten the memo, and for now the attacks continue. Including one involving zombie hedgehogs.

Nothing in Alexia’s life is ever easy. Young Biffy, formerly one of Lord Akeldama’s drones (and the love of his life), now part of the Woolsey pack, is not adapting to his new condition well, and causes a great deal of trouble around the time of the full moon. Alexia’s sister, Felicity Loontwill, has taken it into her head to espouse women’s suffrage, and decides now, of all times, that she must be independent and free—while living with and dependent upon her sister. Madame Lefoux seems troubled to Alexia, but she isn’t sure why and the inventor isn’t confiding. Perhaps it is because her beloved aunt, Formerly Lefoux, the ghost, is about to end all existence at any time. But what is that derby-shaped contraption in Genevieve’s basement all about?

Then there is the ghost who shows up unexpectedly with a message for Alexia, warning of danger to the queen. Just when Alexia is in need of her wits the most, she finds that her advanced pregnancy has addled them, not to mention her increased bulk makes getting about fairly difficult at times. Especially when under fire. But that doesn’t keep her from impersonating a cook in search of unemployment, as she and Floote scuttle about the neighborhood, searching for clues.

Can anything else possibly go wrong in Alexia’s life?

Of course it can…

 Commentary:

The fourth volume in the Parasol Protectorate series is every bit as engaging as its predecessors, filled with the wit, the action, the suspense and the manners which we’ve come to expect from Gail Carriger. I have to say that as a mother, the solution which the gentlemen proposed at the beginning of the book set my teeth on edge. I understand why Alexia compromised as she did, but I would never be happy with such an arrangement, and I’d fight tooth and nail to keep my child. That being said, I have hopes that something will happen in the final volume to allow the family a normal life. That’s a relative term, by the way, as we are talking about a preternatural and a werewolf here, and who knows what the child will be?

My next consideration of ponderance is why on earth Biffy and Lord Akeldama can’t still be together, even if they are different species? Alexia and Conall manage quite well. It’s a matter of the heart, and if they work at it, I don’t see why it can’t be done. Perhaps the answer will lie in the next book.

Gail Carriger has drawn her characters superbly. Each and everyone pops out at you distinctly; there’s no mistaking one for another. Even the annoying ones, such as Felicity (whom I wish to beat down on a regular basis). At least we are spared the presence of Alexia’s insipid Mama and the rest of her mindless brood. Please let that last!

Carriger has given new meaning and depth to the steampunk genre, combining it with paranormal romance and coming up with one whale of a tale. Alexia Tarabotti Maccon is one of the best heroines ever. Were I ever to find myself in a fight, I’d definitely want her on my side. And her hubby certainly gives new meaning to the phrase sexy beast!

I read somewhere that there’s been a bit of dissension regarding the novel’s cover. I must say that I quite like the colors, and think they are rather fitting. I also like the backdrop of Woolsey.

I highly recommend this series to everyone. I’m greatly looking forward to the next volume; I’m sorry that it will be the last. However, take heart. Another series is about to begin—The Finishing School. I’m sure it shall be great fun too! Rest assured, I shall review that as well.

Join us next week for another episode of Sci Fi Sunday! Don't forget to check out Sui's blog, 2 Cents, and my blog, Full Moon Dreaming!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie and Sui

Sci fi Sunday - Gail Carriger's Blameless

Happy Sci Fi Sunday! Continuing with our steampunk theme, I offer you my daughter Sarah's review of Gail Carriger's Blameless, the third book in the Parasol Protectorate Series. Enjoy!

Blameless: Parasol Protectorate book 3   

Author: Gail Carriger

Publisher: Orbit Books

American release date: September 1st 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/Fantasy/374 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Older Teen

Overall Personal Rating: A

Similar series/titles to check out: the Sookie Stackhouse series; Kieli; Last Exile

Alexia Tarabotti thinks her life is hard enough living as a preternatural socialite in steampunk Victorian England - but when her werewolf husband kicks her out of their home, she loses her position in the Shadow Council, and there are evil mechanical ladybugs trying to kill her, things go from bad to unbearable. There's only one option left to Alexia if she wants to stay alive - road trip to Italy, anyone?

Synopsis:

After finding herself in a most delicate condition—something that should be impossible given that Lord Maccon's supernatural state disallows breeding of any type—Lady Alexia Maccon-Tarabotti now finds herself kicked out of Scotland and her husband's familial home and back into the not-so-loving arms of her own family, who have no qualms about letting Alexia know how they feel about having such a scandalized individual under their roof. Angry at Lord Maccon and now unceremoniously cut off from the protection of both the clan and the Shadow Council due to a curt dismissal from the Queen herself, Alexia turns to the usually comforting presence of her vampire best friend Lord Akeldama—only to find the man missing, leaving behind only a vague message about looking after his cat. When a mini-plague of mechanical ladybugs, along with practically all the vampires in London, force Alexia to protect herself in a most unladylike fashion, England starts looking less and less safe for a pregnant preternatural. With her father's faithful butler Floote and the French inventor Madame Lefoux at her side, Alexia embarks on a road trip of steampunk proportions with the final destination being Italy: an ultra-religious country openly hostile towards supernatural beings and filled with Templars and delicious pesto galore. Who would ever guess such a place would be the best sanctuary for Alexia Maccon to seek answers about her preternatural state? But even the very orange landscape of Florence conceals some of the greatest dangers that Alexia has ever faced.

As Alexia and her jolly 'parasol protectorate' find themselves getting deeper into a whole mess of mysteries in Italy, back in London the arrogant and heartbroken Lord Maccon has decided to treat his state of mind by getting thoroughly hammered, much to the chagrin of his beta, Professor Lyall, who is forced to hold together the Woolsey werewolf pack in his elective absence - which means handling everything from challenges from lone wolves to dealing with the pressure of an irate Shadow Council. But when the Woolsey pack find itself being pulled into the inner political business of vampires, mainly the disappearance of Lord Akeldama, Lord Maccon will have to sober up quick if he wants to help find his wife's good friend as well as get back into his beloved's good graces (if Alexia will still have him). That is, if Maccon can stop acting like an arrogant buffoon long enough to realize the worst kind of truth there is: that he was totally and utterly wrong.

Commentary:

Do you like fantasy books in alternative Victorian England where the technology and fashion of steampunk is part of everyday life? Do you like your werewolves and vampires and other supernatural things to wear fancy dress and follow the old fashioned rules of etiquette, usually to humorous effect? Do you like reading about a well-read half-Italian woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind and wields a parasol like a weapon (because it is)? And . . . you're not reading the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger, now at three books and ongoing? For shame! Right now, there hasn't been a better time to jump into this excellent series, especially since the third book kicks off so many plots and subplots that will continue the story through several more volumes - all of them wickedly interesting and sure to make great reads in the next year. Plus, more Alexia Tarabotti! And that can never be a bad thing.

In the third book of the series chronicling Alexia's adventures in both the abnormal and the mundane, Blameless, she finds herself in a bigger pickle than ever before: her husband has deserted her; there's an impossible baby on the way; she has to live with her odious family yet again; her vampire BFF has gone AWOL with no clear reason why; it seems like everyone is pretty much out to kill her - including, of all things, mechanical ladybugs with very dangerous antennae. As usual, the amount of paranormal nonsense Alexia must go through on a daily basis is always strange and vastly interesting - as well as the fact that Alexia is less scandalized by these things happening to her as much as the fact that protecting herself from them means ruining all her best skirts and gowns in the process. In this volume, however, she has one more thing to worry about - she's pregnant. Her conversations with the 'infant-inconvenience' growing in her body are terribly amusing, and it makes one wonder what kind of mother Alexia will make if/when the child is born - or for that matter, what kind of father Lord Maccon might be.

Another new thing in Blameless is the new attention on Lady Tarabotti's preternatural soulless state, now more curious than ever seeing that she's with child by a werewolf, and such a union is rare if not impossible. As readers, we have spent two books following Alexia's life without a soul and have gotten used to her 'condition', so seeing characters like the German scientist Mr. Lange-Wilsdorf (who insists on addressing Alexia as the 'Female Specimen') and the church's preceptor (who in turn calls Alexia 'My Soulless One', capital letters and all) examine her like a slide underneath a microscope's gaze is unsettling in the strangest of ways. It's a good sign that Alexia's soullessness is going to become part of the ongoing story in a big way and I look forward to seeing how everything is resolved, if anything is. Add to this the dynamics of werewolf packs and vampire hives as well as the inner workings of England's high society set against a very gears-and-cogs world and it's plain to see that all the world-building and details built up in the first book are greatly paying off.

So, let's add it all up, shall we? In this book alone, a fearlessly stubborn and pregnant soulless female lead is dodging killer insects and odious vampires currently swarming a most steampunk London set in the Victorian age before being forced to flee with her stiff upper lipped butler and French inventor female friend to the land of tasty green sauce and dementedly religious Templars while her husband skulks around drunk on 'pickling' liquid and his beta is forced to pick up the pace of running the pack - and somewhere in the English countryside a fabulously distressed vampire is looking for his favorite drone and a research center disguised as a hat boutique is being overrun by ugly headgear by an unwitting Ivy Hisselpenny and her board-treading husband. With all theseawesome exciting things going on, you'd be demmed foolish to not give this book a whirl.

Overall Grade: A

The Alexia Tarabotti books continue to bring it in terms of adventure, humor, and stylish steampunk - whether in Victorian England or Templar-infested Italy.

In the Radius: Fans of Parasol Protectorate's steampunk-styled action should check out the anime series Last Exile, a sci-fi show created by Studio GONZO which has also been reviewed on the Anime Radius site.

Until Next time, take care!

♥ Julie