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E. A Solinas reviewed:
Prince Caspian Movie Tie-in Edition (rack): The Return to Narnia by C. S. Lewis
 Back into Narnia, March 31, 2008 Well, since the movie adaptation of "Prince Caspian" is about to come out, it seems appropriate to revisit C.S. Lewis's classic novel, the sequel to his even more classic "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." While it has some drippily allegorical moments near the end, Lewis does a pretty good job with what must have been a difficult sequel. When his aunt gives birth to a baby boy, young Prince Caspian finds himself on the run from his usurping uncle Miraz -- and in the hands of Narnia's secret army of dwarves, centaurs, talking animals and nature spirits. Soon Caspian has an army backing his claim to the throne, but in a moment of desperation, he is forced to blow the magic horn of the legendary Queen Susan -- and subsequently pulls the Pevensies back into Narnia. But while only a year has passed on Earth, centuries have passed in Narnia, and the kids find that it's no longer the place they left -- they and Aslan are distant memories, and their castle lies in ruins. And as they are led by a very skeptical dwarf to help Caspian, Lucy keeps glimpsing Aslan along the way -- a sign that things are about to change drastically in Narnia, both for the human and magical inhabitants... The Chronicles of Narnia were probably the first books to feature what is now standard in the fantasy genre -- an ordinary person gets dragged into another world. Just take a look at successful, unique authors like Diana Wynne Jones and Garth Nix to get an example of how Lewis' stories have influenced the entire genre. If you don't like allegory (religious or otherwise), then steer clear of "Prince Caspian," especially the second half. While Lewis's beliefs are presented in a more complicated and subtle manner in his other fictional works, here the parallels to basic Christian beliefs are very obvious. Reportedly even Tolkien, one of Lewis's best pals, found the allegory annoying. But if you can get past the slightly ham-handed treatment, it's a lovely little read. Lewis interweaves mythical elements -- dwarves, nymphs, talking animals, witches -- with the chatty, slightly precious style of traditional British storytelling. But this one is a bit darker and more action-packed than "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe," with some unexpected twists in the middle of it all. The scene with a strange witch and a werewolf is downright chilling, in fact. But Lewis' plotting does sag near the end, during a drippy scene where Aslan wanders around fixing life for Narnian subjects. Fortunately after that, he gets back to a mystery that hangs over the whole book -- just where did all these humans come from, if they were such a rarity in the previous adventure? Peter seems a bit more jaded than before and Edmund a bit more mature, but sadly the girls don't get enough to do this time around. But Caspian is a likable and believable prepubescent king-in-waiting, and surrounded by a bunch of unique Narnians -- a gentle yet fierce badger, a hostile dwarf, a fiery mouse, and the delightfully skeptical Trumpkin, who doesn't believe in lions. Despite a few rough spots, "Prince Caspian" is a slightly darker, more intricate story, and its finale marks a turning point in the Chronicles of Narnia. Definitely give it a read before you see the movie. |
| March 31, 2008 |
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E. A Solinas reviewed:
Electronic Projects for Musicians ~ The Apples in Stereo
| Rockin' at the rock'n'roll show, March 31, 2008 And while these songs -- mostly bonus tracks from past releases -- aren't quite the Apples at their best, "Electronic Project For Musicians" is still plenty of fun, and shows how the band has grown since their last B-sides/rarities collections. Lots of loopy, colourful little pop tunes with a certain retro sixties pop flavour. It kicks off with the rapid guitar of "Shine (In Your Mind)," a sunny little pop tune with equally upbeat lyrics ("Here I come/a marigold/for you to hold!"), and oozing with the Beach Boys vibe. They don't get any darker with "Thank You Very Much," a lazy summery little ballad riddled with piano, acoustic guitar and Japanese phrases. Not terribly complex, but nice. Then they venture into grittier turf: the rough-edged riffs and bouncy melody of "Onto Something," an angular little pop tune with a ringing guitar, a drawling rocker shimmering with organ, and a wide-eyed little acoustic ballad that reflects on how "this moment's so sweet/I will live until my life's complete/the world may be a range/I won't forget this day... I can't believe you're moving... today." But they haven't abandoned the psychpop -- sunny little oasis songs, rippling little blobs of ringing cycling synth, distorted powerpop, and the dreamlike violin-led psychedelica of "Dreams." And they really bust out the childlike fun with the delightful "Stephen Stephen," and the gloriously effervescent "The Apples Theme Song" ("We are the Apples in Stereo/you hear our records on the radio/we are the Apples in Stereo/you hear us rockin' at the rock'n'roll show...") For the record, these songs are from a variety of albums and sources -- you've got a bunch from bonus tracks and discs, singles, compilations, split EPs, the Colbert Report, and one that was even the theme song intro to their website. So don't expect to find any kind of flow or cohesion here -- it's a patchwork of enjoyable little pop songs, and no more. But don't worry. While a few are rough around the edges, all these songs are peppy and bright -- every song is graced with either gentle acoustic guitar or energetic cycles of grimy-edged guitar'n'bass. Around those core melodies, the Apples inject some gentle piano and the occasional string section, and a wobbling layer of synth that distorts and envelopes the songs in a colourful shell. Robert Schneider's boyish voice adds to the fun, bouncing through the sometimes absurd lyrics with upbeat abandon ("I like the hair that grows out of your head/if you dye it red, it's okay"). A few are too simplistic ("Domo arigato baby/thank you, thanks for listening to me"), but most of the others don't have that problem, especially the wistful one ("And some of us will go on/and some will leave before our glow is gone/some people will pine/for the people they have left behind..."). "Electronic Projects for Musicians" shows how far the Apples in Stereo have come since their last collection of B-sides and rarities. Fragmented, but sunny and fun. |
| March 31, 2008 |
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Harriet Klausner reviewed:
Getting Away Is Deadly: A Mom Zone Mystery (Mom Zone Mysteries) by Sara Rosett
 entertaining amateur sleuth , March 31, 2008 Ellie promise her cousin Debbie that she will meet Jay MacInalley, who served in the military with Debbie's father who died in Korea. Her family will not talk about him and she needs to know why. She also goes to see her sister- in- law Summer who works for a powerful K Street lobbyist. Before hooking up with either person, Ellie is in the Metro when a man falls down and dies. The police look at security tapes that show he was pushed. Summer knows the man who was killed and the tapes show her or her someone who looks almost exactly like her next to Jorge. Obviously the prime suspect, Ellie believes Summer is innocent and investigates to prove her assertion. Fans of amateur sleuth mysteries will relish GETTING AWAY IS DEADLY as the tale contains a delightful whodunit that serves as a tour of Washington DC. Debbie's quest and Summer's legal problems are subtly indirectly linked while spunky Ellie waddles from one clue to another resolutely trying to solve both cases with a killer watching her DC tour ready to coldly guide her to a non-tourist site, the morgue. Harriet Klausner |
| March 31, 2008 |
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Harriet Klausner reviewed:
Lost Souls by Lisa Jackson
| chilling thriller, March 31, 2008 At the school Kristi learns that four female students have disappeared in the past two years. The police believe they are runaways, but Kristi thinks they are dead. Her former roommate mentions a vampire cult whose members wear a small vial of blood around their necks. The four who vanished were in the same classes in the English Department and also had in common parents who disowned them. Kristi, being a chip off the old block, investigates with the help of her professor and ex-lover Kay McKnight; not realizing that a clever killer has marked her for death. Lisa Jackson writes another chilling thriller filled with action and fully developed characters, but refreshed by going to the next generation, the daughter of New Orleans Detective Rick Bentz (partner of Detective Reuben Montoya). A romantic subplot between Kristi and Jay grows slowly and more significantly does not intrude on their investigation making it feel real. Whereas the police with one exception assume the coeds are runaways, ironically readers know otherwise. With twists including who had an inkling of what was going on and spins, fans will appreciate LOST SOULS. Harriet Klausner |
| March 31, 2008 |
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Harriet Klausner reviewed:
The Beast in Him (Pride, Book 2) by Shelly Laurenston
| amusing paranormal second chance at love, March 31, 2008 Sixteen years later in New York former SEALs Smitty and his partner were-lion Mace Llewellyn run a security firm. They are currently providing protection to a wild dog pack of computer geeks, Kuznetson Security Systems. The CEO and alpha dog turns out to be Jessie Ann. She pretends she does not remember much about Smitty, who is upset by her action and subsequent behavior towards him. Smitty and Jessie go for coffee where he tells her she is afraid because she wants him. Jessie says she hates him. Jessie sees Walt Wilson, a cousin to the notorious Smith clan. He means trouble for her pack as his teenage daughter Kristin and her mother Maylin are part of the group. He never cared about them before so she knows he wants something besides Kristin. As she hides how much she loves Smitty from him, he works on keeping her safe and making her his, but fears wildly marking her as a wolf is so much bigger than a dog. The sequel to THE MANE EVENT affirms that in the Laurenston world, the various breeds of shapeshifters come across as genuine. The lead couple is a nice pairing as both are likable protagonists who have a misinterpreted history, a confusing present, and a potential future as soulmates. Although the climax is too soft, fans will enjoy this lighthearted amusing paranormal second chance at love. Harriet Klausner |
| March 31, 2008 |
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Harriet Klausner reviewed:
Don't Tempt Me by Sylvia Day
| brilliant historical romantic suspense , March 31, 2008 In 1780 Paris, Irish mercenary Simon Quinn recognizes Lysette as someone he sold out three years ago to Desjardin. However, although she looks the same she behaves radically different from the tough women he dealt with as she seems girly. Mistaking Lynette for Lysette, she learns that her sister has been an English assassin and is alive in France. She plans to find her sibling to bring her home, but Desjardin has plans for his stubborn pretty captive whom he must break. His chance of succeeding while crossing the Channel with a still confused Simon looks excellent. This is a brilliant historical romantic suspense as Sylvia Day blends several subplots into a powerful thriller. The story line is fast-paced from the moment that Quinn sees Lynette and never slows down as she changes from girly girl to superhero trying to rescue her twin. The heated asides between her and Quinn feel right as this is one author who will make the readers' day and night with this strong tale of courage and love in France, a decade before the Revolution. Harriet Klausner |
| March 31, 2008 |
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Harriet Klausner reviewed:
Mulberry Park by Judy Duarte
| strong character study, March 31, 2008 One evening as she runs, a pink envelop falls from a nearby tree. Claire picks it up to see a note inside written "To God From Analisa". The seven year old child begs God to care for her parents who are in Heaven with him. Although she no longer believes, Claire writes back hoping to help Analisa with her faith in the Lord. Soon they become pen pals although the child thinks God is responding to her; ironically the correspondence helps Claire return to life. As she comes back, Claire befriends the Mulberry Park regulars, whom she ignored since her son's death as she realizes they need kind words, mental and physical hugs, chess opponents and more just like she does. There are several other fully developed characters in the superbly written MULBERRY PARK that will touch the readers' hearts as much as Analisa and Claire do as all needing companionship. The elderly chess player Walter is a great example of this as he plays by himself, but would love tutoring others in the game. With a heavenly nod that God does not need snail; or e-mail to read what is in one's heart, readers will appreciate this strong character study that affirms people need people. Harriet Klausner |
| March 31, 2008 |
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Harriet Klausner reviewed:
She's On Top (The Awesome Foursome) by Susan Lyons
| fun Canadian Awesome Foursome tale , March 31, 2008 Now a music video director, Giancarlo has never forgotten the lovely Rina. When she calls him, he is ecstatic as he wonders if reality will match his fantasies. Both will soon know whether they belong together as each still dreams of what they had but let go due to career choices ten years ago. The third Canadian Awesome Foursome tale is a fun entry like its predecessors can stand alone; though the first two stories are entertaining. Rina is fabulous as she is encouraged by the magic of love that has touched her pals Suzanne and Anne so she hopes to make music with the one she never forgot. Giancarlo is her equal when it comes to passion, intensity, intelligence, talent, and love. However will they be able make their relationship permanent or wait another decade as each has issues to overcome. Susan Lyons provides an awesome British Columbia second chance at love romance. Harriet Klausner |
| March 31, 2008 |
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Harriet Klausner reviewed:
Divorcing Dwayne: A Novel by J. L. Miles
| fun "grit-lit" story , March 31, 2008 Francine thinks nothing of her murdering the bed as little disturbs her since an alligator crashed her wedding except the love of her life cheating on her. However the county's District Attorney Warren Wilson plans to use criminal prosecutions of dangerous felons like Francine to get elected as the next governor. However, not one to sit idly by and be used by a political a-hole, Francine and her best friend Ray Anne Pickles conducts their own inquiries into the town of Pickville Springs, the Greenwich Village of North Georgia; that is in between her courtroom trial. This amusing regional tale is a fun "grit-lit" story (per J.L. Miles) that readers will appreciate. Francine and Ray Anne go from the frying pan into the fire with each inquiry they make. The heroine's asides provide the audience a deep humorous look at Northern Georgia as her insight is fun to follow especially when Hollywood invades Pickville Springs. Zany and over the top of the still recognized southern end of the Appalachia trail that actually extends into Alabama, fans will enjoy the antics of Francine as she is DIVORCING DWAYNE again. Harriet Klausner |
| March 31, 2008 |
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Harriet Klausner reviewed:
Sins Of The Night by Devyn Quinn
| exciting fantasy thriller , March 31, 2008 Loathing himself he plans to destroy Kynn chieftain Devon Carnavorn and the vampire's new wife Rachel in what the former Shadow Stalker knows is probably a suicide mission. However, as he begins his quest, Adrien meets human Cassie Wilson, who somehow reinvigorates the soul he thought the Kynn killed when they brutalized and changed him. As they fall in love, he wants to come out of her shadows into the light of her warmth, but obstinately refuses to give up his quest for vengeance as he targets the Mystique Goth nightclub in Warren, California. This exciting fantasy thriller returns the lead characters of SINS OF THE DEVIL, but this time they are the objectives of the lead male who sees them as his revenge and redemption. The story line is character driven as Adrien, already feeling somewhat schizoid between his former occupation and his current status, struggles with the thirst for bloody vengeance and love. Although some of the erotic scenes will turn off some readers especially when violent force is applied to a disinclined individual who says no. Devyn Quinn provides an interesting erotic vampire romantic suspense as fans will wonder whether Devon chooses Cassie or suicide. Harriet Klausner |
| March 31, 2008 |
