I have fantastic news! Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal has released new promos this month. The Sailor Moon Crystal series, which consist of three seasons, will release two films in Japan that are adapted from the Dream Arc of Naoko Takeuchi's original manga, Sailor Moon. In this story, Sailor Moon battles new powerful enemies from another realm, the Dead Moon Circus. Part 1 will be released on January 8, 2021, and Part 2 will be released on February 11, 2021.
Much to fans' delight, the original character designer, Nazuko Tadano, from the original 1990s franchise will return to provide new character designs in both films. The first promo video includes more scenes of our favorite romantic duo, Usagi and Mamoru (or Serena and Darien for North American 90s fans). The dual film project is a joint production between Toei Animation and Studio DEEN. The image is one of the first official movie posters featuring Sailor Moon and Queen Nehelenia.
There is no specific date on when the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal films will become available in North America. According to SailorMoonNews.com, there is a good chance an English dubbed version of the films will be streamed on Netflix.S tay tuned for further updates!
In just a few days, something spectacular is about to appear in the night sky this Christmas season. Jupiter and Saturn will draw closer together, heading into a "great conjunction" after sunset on December 21, 2020. It will mark the closest alignment of the two planets in nearly 800 years. CNN reports:
The two largest planets in our solar system are coming closer together than they have been since the Middle Ages, and it's happening just in time for Christmas -- hence the nickname of the "Christmas Star."
While it's not an actual star, the two planets will certainly make a bright splash in the night sky.
On the night of December 21, the winter solstice, Jupiter and Saturn will appear so closely aligned in our sky that they will look like a double planet. This close approach is called a conjunction. The fact that this event is happening during the winter solstice is pure coincidence, according to NASA.
What is a planetary conjunction? According to NASA, it means that the two planets, Saturn and Jupiter, will come together in close alignment. And both planets will be visible from Earth like a bright star. It is called a “great conjunction” because Jupiter and Saturn are the two largest planets in the solar system.
What makes this year exceptional is that the two planets have not aligned this close together in the night sky since the year 1226 A.D. This incredibly rare event will showcase a special Christmas around the world. Some sources believe this planetary conjunction was the same fabled Star of Bethelem, or "Christmas Star," that is said to have revealed the birth of Jesus Christ in the town of Bethlehem (Israel) nearly two millennia ago. For those who are unfamiliar with the famous biblical story, see the excerpt of the Three Wise Men (Magi) in Matthew 2:1-2:
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Between tonight and December 25, look for the Jupiter-Saturn pairing in the western sky for about 45 minutes to an hour after sunset. The sky must be dark enough to see the two planets. While the cosmic event can be seen with the naked eye, it is recommended for individuals to use binoculars or a telescope to enhance the viewing, especially if you're interested in seeing Jupiter's four large moons. Although these two planets may appear close, they are still hundreds of millions of miles apart. While planetary conjunctions typically occur every 20 years, the next sighting of Jupiter and Saturn will not appear this close again from Earth until 2080.
The Lowell Observatory's YouTube Channel -- Flagstaff, Arizona (The observatory will host a program beginning at 7 p.m. ET, showcasing live views through its telescopes.)
A seductive spy. An alpha vampire. A traitor in their midst...
This post focuses on the third and fourth novels in A Hill Vampire series by Jenna Barwin: Dark Wine at Dusk and Dark Wine at Death.
Dark Wine at Dusk is the third novel in the A Hill Vampire series. The series picks up from the events in the previous novel, Dark Wine at Sunrise. When a a rogue vampire group attacks residents of the Hill, Dr. Cerissa Patel must set aside her romantic relationship and focus on her mission.Her lover, vampire Henry Bautista, would do anything to help his beautiful spy capture the conspirators who are determined to enslave mortals. But as Henry’s secret past rears its ugly head, it not only threatens their mission, but risks their love—and their very lives.
The search area widens as does the complexity of the investigation. Cyberattacks and subterfuge are just the tip of the iceberg. Meanwhile, mortal mates are campaigning for equality. Even more so, Cerissa discovers that the Lux have secrets of their own, causing her to doubt things. With the pressure mounting on the Hill, Cerissa and Henry must identify who is targeting the vampire founders for true death.
But the heartbreaking demons from Henry’s past—demons he must confront before he can tie his life to Cerissa’s forever—threaten to distract him from their mission and, in the process, could cost the life of a loved one… Meanwhile, secrets that some characters want to remain hidden are slowly revealed. Find out who is behind the murders in the conclusion of this spellbinding, thrilling mystery.
Jenna Barwin is a new author in the urban fantasy genre. I have enjoyed how Barin was able to weave a complex, intriguing story that captivated the audience so seamlessly. I love how Cerissa and Henry's relationship evolves, illustrating both the ups (chemistry, teamwork) and the downs (mistrust, doubts). These moments felt often felt intense and realistic, which gradually strengthened their love for each other. The suspense, romance, and mystery among the characters (vampires, mortals, and the Lux) got me hooked, making the reading experience both well-rounded and satisfying. It was a lot of fun to read.
I can't wait to learn what's awaiting Cerissa and Henry in their next investigation. If you like the worlds of Deborah Harkness, Charlaine Harris, or Jeaniene Frost, then you will love this latest installment in the Hill Vampire series. It is best to start from the beginning with Dark Wine at Midnight. Overall, I highly recommend this series.
Stay tuned for the next novel in A Hill Vampire series, Dark Wine at the Circus, which will be released in the spring of 2021.
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches comes a novel about what it takes to become a vampire.
Time's Convert, by Deborah Harkness, is the fourth novel in the All Souls Universe. This passionate love story provides an in-depth look on the backgrounds of Marcus de Clermont and Phoebe Taylor. Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont, the protagonists in the best-selling All Souls Trilogy, also appear throughout the book from Diana's point of view. The setting takes place between colonial America (Marcus' past recollections of his childhood and service in George Washington's army) and contemporary Paris (Phoebe's transformation into a vampire and the agony of being a reborn supernatural). From the book excerpt:
On the battlefields of the American Revolution, Matthew de Clermont meets Marcus MacNeil, a young surgeon from Massachusetts, during a moment of political awakening when it seems that the world is on the brink of a brighter future. When Matthew offers him a chance at immortality and a new life free from the restraints of his puritanical upbringing, Marcus seizes the opportunity to become a vampire. But his transformation is not an easy one and the ancient traditions and responsibilities of the de Clermont family clash with Marcus's deeply held beliefs in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.
Fast-forward to contemporary Paris, where Phoebe Taylor--the young employee at Sotheby's whom Marcus has fallen for--is about to embark on her own journey to immortality. Though the modernized version of the process at first seems uncomplicated, the couple discovers that the challenges facing a human who wishes to be a vampire are no less formidable than they were in the eighteenth century. The shadows that Marcus believed he'd escaped centuries ago may return to haunt them both--forever.
Initially, I held off on reading this fourth addition to the All Souls Universe for over two years because I saw mixed reactions to the release. With more than 400 pages, the novel required a deep time commitment. Nonetheless, I am so glad that I finally added the novel to my reading list for the fall of 2020. The timing could not be more perfect. The three characters-Marcus, Phoebe, and Diana--turned out to be an interesting and funny in their own way.
The story largely follows Marcus' tumultuous childhood in colonial Massachusetts and how he met Matthew de Clermont in the battlefields of the American Revolution. The flashbacks focus on Marcus' life as a vampire in the late eighteenth century. He witnesses advanced developments in medical practice, yet the call for revolution continues to fascinate him. In the present, Phoebe is separated from Marcus for the majority of the novel as she adjusts to her development as a vampire. It is not without its mishaps, but she does remarkably well. Meanwhile, Diana and Matthew have settled into parenthood. As a weaver mother and vampire with blood rage, their twins are rare Bright Borns with supernatural abilities. Since limited information is available about Bright Borns, they aim to find the right balance that allows for freedom and restraint. I believe this decision was, in part, to not repeat Diana's childhood where her own powerful magic was blocked. I also love how Diana has finally embraced her weaver side, considering she used to avoid magic in A Discovery of Witches.
Overall, this novel was a pleasure to read. While it lacks the twist-turning action and thrilling suspense in the All Souls Trilogy, it spends more quality time unpacking the backgrounds on our favorite characters. Harkness was able to skillfully weave three separate storylines together without interrupting the flow of the story. I also have a better impression of Marcus. While his personality may come across as passionate and idealistic, he is also bound by honor and duty--he was a product of the American Revolution. The historical lessons piqued my interest to revisit early American history. I highly recommend this book for fans of the All Souls Trilogy. As for news, there are rumors that Harkness's next project will focus on another popular supporting character, vampire Gallowglass (keeping my fingers crossed!). I can't wait to read that one! Additionally, check out the first season of the television series by the same name.
Stay tuned for more updates on the All Souls Universe.
He's back! Things are about to get serious for Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard ...
Peace Talks, by Jim Butcher, is the sixteenth novel in The Dresden Files series. As Chicago's only professional wizard, life seems relatively stable for professional wizard Harry Dresden and his daughter. He has settled into Mollys' apartment. One day, Thomas Raith, his brother, updates him that his lover, Justine, is pregnant. He also receives a mission assignment to join the White Council's security team at the upcoming peace negotiations to end hostilities between the Fomor and other signatories of the Accorded Nations in Chicago. As the Winter Knight, Harry Dresden is contacted by the Winter Queen to serve as her envoy.
Nonetheless, things start to stack against Harry very quickly. Unexpectedly, Thomas attacks the King of the Svartalfars, fails, and is imprisoned for his crime. Lara Raith uses her favor with Mab to force Harry to rescue her brother. Before they can leave Chicago, Harry must fight his wizard grandfather, Ebenezer McCoy, and finally reveals that Thomas is his grandson, much to his anger and disgust. Dying from his hunger, Thomas is safely trapped on the island of Demonreach to prevent his death. To make matters worse, there are rumors that the Senior Council may convene to expel Harry from the powerful wizard guild.
Battle Ground, by Jim Butcher, is the seventeenth novel in The Dresden Files series. The events pick up immediately after the conclusion of Peace Talks. After Lara and Harry escaped the meeting, the King of the Fomor declares war on humanity and unleases the last Titan, who is in possession of the Eye of Balor. Additionally, she will posssess an army that aims to oblierate Chicago. The various signatories and present parties realize this threat will certainly create a genocidal war against the supernatural and the extinction of humanity. After the Titan Ethinu declares war against humanity, Harry Dresden attempts to stop the being from destroying Chicago.
Upon their return from Demonreach, Harry and his lover Karrin Murphy rush to warn their friends in the Paranet about the upcoming supernatural war. Harry also returns to Castle Marcone, where the Accorded Nations are ready to defend the city from the Titan and her Fomor army. They will face more powerful and dangerous beings never seen on earth in over a millennia. Furthermore, Harry must survive an apocalyptic battle at a magnitude that will test his odds. While he attempts to save the city and defeat the Titan, he may not be able to save all of those he holds dear.
Harry Dresden has returned! Author Jim Butcher finally released these back-to-back novels with action-packed suspense. Fans will not be disappointed by the plot details. I thought that Harry Dresden's smackdown performance in Changes was epic, but these novels, particularly Battle Ground, take the adventure to a whole different level. Butcher always find a creative opening for Harry to outwit his powerful enemies. In particular, the Titan's powers seemed formidable and destructive. In this case, however, the war comes with a major price for Harry and the survivors that will leave psychological scars for years to come. The climatic ending also signals that the series may finally come to a close in the next subsequent novels. As I understand, this series was originally scheduled for 20 novels. Time will tell what will await for Harry in his next mission. The final chapters do leave a big clue on of his next investigation. I highly recommend reading both novels sequentially because they complement each other.
Stay tuned for the next novel in The Dresden Files series.
In/Spectre (2020) is a Japanese fantasy thriller anime series. The show contained 12 episodes.
When she was eleven years old, Kotoko Iwanaga was kidnapped by the spirits and asked her to become the Goddess of Wisdom, a mediator between the human and supernatural worlds. The price fot this power comes with a cost: the loss of an eye and a leg. Over the years, she spends her days solving problems for the spirits and fighting yokai (literal translation: monsters). Meanwhile, a young man, Kuro Sakuragawa, is struggling to get past his break-up with his girlfriend, Saki Mihara. During her visit at a hospital, Kotoko becomes infatuated with the young man. She asks him to go out on a date with her. Yet, Kuro is someone feared by all supernatural creatures. Initially, he doubts her intermediary role until a fateful encounter with a yokai in a library. There, they revealed to each other their true identities. In return, Kuro agrees to help Kotoko solve mysterious incidents involving the supernatural. The second arc of the series investigates the legend of Steel Lady Nanase.
Truthfully, I was indiffernet to this series because the protagonist came across as clingy and annoying. Imagine the Goddess of Wisdom as a prebubescent teenage girl engaged in a one-sided love affair with her crush. Despite this odd pairing, Kotoko and Kuro made a dynamic duo in solving dangerous unsolved mysteries. The show reveals the aftermath of Kuro and Saki's breakup and the backstory to Kuro's secret identity. The strength of the show was the nemesis who was a work of fiction wreaking havoc in the city. How Kotoko handled this mind-blowing case was worth watching for the suspense. While the plot was intriguing, I recommend binge-watching this show on a rainy day.
Opening theme: "Mononoke in the Fiction" by Lie and a Chamelon
The prince is in prison for a murder he didn’t commit—or did he?
This post will review three books in the Royally Hitched ~Dark Fae~ trilogy series by G.K. DeRosa: The Fae Prince, The Fae Twins, and The Fae Princess. The plot takes place in the world of Azar, so I highly recommend reading the books in order: 1) Hitched and 2) Supernatural Academy).
The Fae Prince is the first novel in the Dark Fae series. Twin sisters Arabella and Tempest lived a normal human life until their warlock father appears and enrolls them in a school for supernatural training in Azar. After their graduation, Garrick assigns the twins on a secret mission: If they can survive eight months on the new reality show, Royally Hitched, then they will earn their freedom and one-way ticket home to the human world. Fae girls are pitted against each other in a fierce competition to woo the Spring Court prince, Drake. All the sisters have to do is play nice with the other girls and impress the ice prince -- which is easier said than done. As the girls are eliminated, the stakes become higher and things take a lethal turn. Someone wants the ice prince dead, and both sisters unexpectedly are terrified of losing him.
The Fae Twins is the second novel in the Dark Fae series.Arabella and Tempest were never supposed to fall for the ice prince. However, they closer they get to Drake, the more dangerious it becomes for the both of them. As Drake is framed for murder, it becomes more difficult to trust anyone. the palace is on high alert. As more girls are eliminated, tensions rise within the palace and beyond. The lesser Fae are out for blood, and it’s not just Drake’s they’re calling for. When an attack on the castle proves deadly, an unexpected secret about their past is revealed that could change everything. Between battling Fae mean girls and keeping their hearts intact, the competition is going to be brutal. Because not only are the twins fighting for survival, one of them may actually win Drake's heart.
The Fae Princess is the third novel in the Dark Fae series. When the twin sisters first started the competition, they had no idea what they would encounter. Not only did both end up falling for the prince, but they also discovered they may have Fae heritage after all. Now that Drake knows the real identity of the twin sisters' father, he is not sure who to trust anyone. Even if he does forgive them for their secrecy, will the king's council even allow Drake to choose his own bride? The murderer is still on the loose, along with the lesser Fae rioting outside the palace. The compeition in the Spring Court is coming to a close, and the attempts on Drake's life are becoming more brazen. One of the twin sisters decide to take matters into their own hands, which changes everything. Despite the turmoil inside the palace, the biggest question still remains: Who will become the next Fae princess?
When I first heard about this new series, I wasn't sure what to make of it. I was definitely heartbroken when Drake was not the man that Luna ultimately chose to marry in the Darkblood Academy series. Luna's decision and feelings made sense at the time: Drake was duty-bound as a prince of the Winter Court. His older brother, King Elrian, assigned him to be bethroed to the Spring Court for political reasons. Nearly five years later, the story revealed the lingering effects of Luna's rejection on Drake's mental state. Following the tragic death of his wife, Drake found himself living in a foreign court and surviving the hostile behavior of the King's council. These events, along with growing tensions with the lesser Fae, cast a shadow over his ability to rule. No longer is he the carefree playboy of his Supernatural Academay youth. Drake has grown into a mature young man with the responsbility of governing and protecting his kingdom.
Thus, the idea of Royally Hitched was pitched to find a Fae bride for Drake and improve Fae relations in the Spring Court. It had similar qualities as the first Hitched series with games and dating scenes, except Drake is the Bachelor. Twin sisters Arabella and Tempest prove to be a funny duo with their polar opposite personalities. Yet, they worked well together as a team using each other's strengths to solve dangerous situations, particularly in the Fae world. As the story unfolds, Drake learns to open up his closed heart and find true love. The ending provides an unexpected clever twist that will satisfy Team Drake fans. This series effecitvely closes Drake's chapter with a happy ending. I highly recommend this series.
Stay tuned for the next series in the Hitched Univesre, the Supernatral Prison Squad. The series features Luna's daughter, Azara.
My only "superpowers" are that I turn into a thirty-five-pound coyote and I can fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.
Smoke Bitten, by Patricia Briggs, is the twelfth novel in the Mercy Thompson series. Coyote shapeshifter Mercy Thompson and the Columbia Basin Wolf Pack are recovering from the aftermath of the black witches in the previous novel, Storm Cursed. The trouble is over, but problems later emerge within the Hauptmann household. Mercy is concerned with the distance built between her and her husband, Adam, the alpha of the wolf pack. Their magical mating bond has been shut down for weeks, which prevents her from sensing Adam's feelings and thoughts.
Meanwhile, Mercy has more urgent problems to resolve. Underhill, the ancient world of the fae, has manifested a door literally in their backyard. Tilly, who oversees the underworld, opened the door from Underhill, allowing a particularly dangerous body-snatching creature to escape. The smoke monster has the power to bite and take over the will of its victims until they are no longer useful. Their bodies generally end up dead. The chaos it has created has everyone, human and supernatural, terrified for their lives.
When Mercy is bitten by the smoke monster, the psychotic vampire-witch-sorcerer Wulfe miraculously saves her life. As a result, Wulfe has taken on a peculiar obsession with Mercy's abilities, stalking and spying on her movements. To make matters more complicated, a rogue werewolf pack moves into the Tri-Cities area. They are willing to challenge Adam's authority and control of his territory.
The smoke monster has taken notice that Mercy is not under its control. At the same time, Adam's withdrawal from the mating bond has revealed an unexpected side effect. With limited time to spare, Mercy must use her wit and ingenuity to save her husband, friends and the community she has sworn to protect.
This installment was fun to read. Patricia Briggs never ceases to amaze me. She always bring in new and interesting characters to the Mercy Thompson Universe. The Pack characters will grow on you over time, and their different personalities is what captivates me to continue this beloved series. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Portland, Oregon for the firs ttime. I recalled the books and my journeys with Mercy Thomason as I toured the Columbia River region.
I won't spoil the ending, but it will be helpful to brush up on your Grimm fairy tales knowledge. I was ecstatic that I was able to guess correctly the real identity of the villain. I also like how the plotlines are based on events in earlier books. As a result, it is highly recommended that new readers start this series from the beginning, Moon Called. Furthermore, it is one of the first books (I could be mistaken) that has a cameo appearance from her other book projects set in a similar timeline, the Alpha and Omega series. It has sparked my interest to consider picking up her other book series for review next year. While this story felt lackluster to the previous two installments (the plots in Silence Fallen and Storm Cursed were marvelously epic, leaving readers on the edge of their chairs), Patricia Briggs is one of the best shapeshifter urban fantasy writers in the business. Her storytelling skills are outstanding; I hope this novel will set the stage for a bigger plot twist. Overall, I recommend this novel.
Stay tuned for the next novel in the Mercy Thompson series. The next release will be in 2022.
The Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015) is a Korean historical fantasy drama. The series contained 20 episodes. It starred Lee Joon Gi, Lee Yu Bi, Shim Chang Min, Lee Soo Hyuk, and Kim So Eun.
Set in an alternate Joseon dynasty in ancient Korea, the plot tells the story of a young nobleman and scholar (Lee Joon Gi) who is a close companion to the former Crown Prince. The same scholar, Kim Sung Yeol, discovers the truth of an evil vampire who controls the royal palace. It is revealed that Gwi sits above the King and decides the next heir in the royal line. In their fight against Gwi, however, the secret plan gets thwarted and Sung Yeol is turned into a guardian vampire. His predecessor warns him that he must protect the enchanted black cloak, which enables him to walk in the daylight and live among humanity. Due to the failed attempt to overthrow Gwi, the former Crown Prince and the nobleman's family are executed for treason.
A hundred years later, scholar Kim Sung Yeol now works at the Hongmungwan (Joseon dynasty's administrative offices). Although he is a vampire, Sung Yeol continues to be haunted by the death of his first love, Lee Myung Hee. Nonetheless, he vows to keep his promise to his deceased best friend. He works as a scholar during the daytime, and hunts evil and rogue vampires at night. He is still searching for a way to take down Gwi. The problem is his best friend's journal has been lost, along with the original secret plan to defeating Gwi. Sung Yeol has two loyal human followers to help him in this quest.
Meanwhile, Yang Sun (Lee Yu Bi) is the daughter of a nobleman whose family loses everything when her father is wrongfully framed. To make ends meet, Yang Sun begins cross-dressing and masquerading as a male bookseller. She is an expert in finding the impossible and most rare books in the kingdom. Her delivery services lead her to the mysterious scholar Sung Yeol. But he learns that the bookseller is not a boy but a young woman. While she learns that he is a vampire, Yang Sun is nonetheless determined to find the former Crown Prince's lost journal. Feeling optimistic, Sung Yeol agrees to help her on the search. For the first time in more than a hundred years, Sung Yeol begins to give into his human feelings of love. However, he is both speechless and astonished when he meets his first love's doppelganger, Choi Hye Ryung (Kim So Eon), in the city streets. But the maiden is not what she appears, having no recollection of Sung Yeol or her former past life.
Meanwhile, the evil vampire Gwi (Lee Soo Hyuk) resides underground in the royal palace and uses his powers and political influence to prevent the current Crown Prince Lee Yoon (Shim Chang Min) from ascending the throne. At the same time, Lee Yoon tries to take down the Gwi. A romantic triangle emerges with Crown Prince Lee Yoon becomes romantically infatuated with Yang Sun. As the plot progresses, the main cast will face numerous challenges in their quest to defeat the evil empire. The question becomes what sacrifices (and hidden secrets) will the trio--Sang Yeol, Yang Sun, and Lee Yoon--encounter in the process.
This is my second review of a Korean drama on my blog. I enjoyed this series so much that it was worthy of a review. The pacing was reasonable, and the acting from the main cast was brilliant, especially from Lee Joon Gi (who made his American debut in the film, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter) and Lee Soo Hyuk (who played the handsome yet seductive Gwi). I emphasize Loo Hyuk because he got the evil villain persona on point! I could sense a creepy feeling whenever his character appeared on screen; his performance was so stunning because the audience could understand how Gwi is conflicted by his vampire nature and his longing to understand humanity. In contrast, Sung Yeol held onto his humanity in spite of becoming a guardian vampire to uphold his best friend's wish. Overall, The Scholar Who Walks the Night has got to be one of the most romantic vampire dramas of all time, which is not something you often see in Asian cinema. The plot got more epic as the series progressed. I won't spoil the ending, but it will please fans who watched this series faithfully. I highly recommend this vampire drama.
I would be remiss to not mention that the drama's original soundtrack included several great song selections! I provided a few samples with English lyrics from Korean artists below:
Some promises are meant to be broken...some vows are forever...
Wicked Bite, by Jeaniene Frost, is the second novel in the Night Rebel series. The story picks up shortly right after the ending in the previous book. Ian and Veritas are no longer together. Veritas made a deal with the keeper of the Underworld: to erase Ian's memories of that epic battle with a powerful ancient demon. In return, she loses her immortality in the process. Nonetheless, she is committed to searching all the lost souls that escaped in order to save Ian. But there is one major problem. Ian does remember his final moments with her--even if those memories are fragmented. He does not want to let Veritas go. After all, the promiscuous playboy is married! And he likes being married.
Ian begins immediately looking for Veritas. He summons the vampire Law Guardian Council, which requires Veritas to appear before Ian. She is unhappy with this latest development, but she cannot deny the burning passion she feels for Ian and how much she missed him. Meanwhile, Ian isn't about to be left behind by the woman who entranced him, bound herself to him, and then disappeared mysteriously. The two eventually find themselves traveling around the world (and uncovering major surprises along the way) to track down the ancient demon and his allies. But time is running out, and the stakes are high. If Veritas' true identity is revealed, she could lose her job as a Law Guardian.
This book exceeded my expectations. Veritas experienced the most change in character development. Readers get to learn more about her lineage and better understanding of her worldview. She transformed from a dedicated Law Guardian to a feisty demi-goddess. The plot delved on the theme of otherness and living as an outcast in the supernatural community. Because mixed-race species are frowned upon (and killed) in their society, it was impossible for Veritas to be herself and live freely. So, she repressed her power which led to unresolved emotional issues. Nonetheless, the turn of events compels Veritas to confront her own fears and embrace her "other" power in the final chapters.
As for Ian, his personality has evolved tremendously since his introduction in One Foot in the Grave. Ian is full of surprises as he gradually reveals his real personality. Surprisingly, Ian acts charming and protective around Veritas. But his cunning combat skills also illustrated why enemies continue to underestimate him. In addition to being a master vampire who dabbled with forbidden magic, Ian has demon abilities that surprise even his companions. It was also ironic that he, like Bones did for Cat, is looking for the love of his life. I didn't think it was possible, but I am starting to like Ian and Veritas' backstory. Frost provided a convincing reason to look forward to more of their adventures.
Overall this was a fun ride and a great addition to the series. Frost's writing was totally engaging and captivating. Readers will be pleased to get a little humor from the other major characters: Cat and Bones, Mencheres, Vlad and Leila. Make sure that you read the first novel and previous novels in the Night Huntress Universe. Stay tuned for the next novel in the Night Rebel series, Wicked All Night.
My magic isn’t just a curse – it’s an addiction. I crave it the way some people crave chocolate. But, chocolate doesn’t kill – my magic does.
This post focuses on the first three novels in the Raven Cursed series by McKenzie Hunter: Fireborne, Silverfall, and Nightsoul.
Fireborne is the first novel in the Raven Cursed series. Erin Katherine Jensen is a retrieval specialist who collects rare artifacts for clients in Chicago. Her identity is classified as a death mage within the supernatural community. She can borrow magic from someone, and temporarily use it as her own. If she takes too much, they will die. In other words, she has a magic addiction that she carefully tries not to feed--for she is still monitored by law enforcement. That’s always been the case—until she met her devilishly handsome and enigmatic client, Mephisto. He has his own brand of unique magic and a mysterious past. Erin requests his assistance anytime a curse goes wrong, a magical object is lost, or a rogue supernatural needs apprehending. So Mephisto offers a trade. He’ll give her some of his magic, and in return, she accepts a job from him.
It seems like a simple deal until all hell breaks loose. The duo have to team up to stop a god from unleashing destruction upon the city. Distrustful of Mephisto despite the growing attraction, it leaves Erin to wonder: can she battle a god with the devil at her back?
Silverfall is the second novel in the Raven Cursed series. Erin is still struggling with her magic addition. It seems difficult to control that urge to take magic from others. She is trying to lift the curse of her magic, when Asher gets her the supposedly extinct ancient book of spells, Mystic Souls.
She might not need Mephisto's deal any longer.
When she gets together with Corey and Madison to go over the book, Corey decides to try an illegal spell. It unleashes something, but they don't know what.
When working on a job for Victoria, she comes across the person that Corey accidently released. A powerful supernatural from another realm is after the Fae and using the shifters to attack. He’s wreaking havoc, and everyone wants to know who let him out. Meanwhile, Erin is avoiding the possibility that the parents who raised her are not really her biological parents. The person that could be scares her of the possibilities of her true magic. Suddenly, being Raven Cursed doesn’t seem so bad. She has drawn the attention of Mephisto, a mysterious fae, and a god. And now, saving her best friend’s life isn’t her only problem.
Nightsoul is the third novel in the Raven Cursed series. For years, Erin thought that she was Raven Cursed—only to discover she was something much worse. The past comes back to haunt her as she learns the truth about her real parents and why her magic was blocked since birth. But nothing about her life is as shocking as what she discovers about Mephisto's background. However, her curse and Mephisto’s secrets have to take a back seat when the most powerful vampire in the city of Chicago hires her for a job. It seems simple enough: negotiate the acquisition of a weapon that can kill vampires faster than a stake to the heart. In her line of business, there are rules that a retrieval specialist never breaks—or if you do, you make damn sure no one finds out. First, never betray a client. Second, never piss off a vampire, especially the Master of the City. Somehow, Erin managed to break both rules. Now, Erin has less than seventy-two hours to fix her mistakes, or the Master will claim her life as payment for her failure—and he’s made it clear there won’t be any renegotiations.
I enjoyed reading Mckenzie Hunter's previous novels in the Legacy series. As a result, I was excited to learn about her newest series on the Raven Cursed. Erin Katherine Jensen feels empty without magic, even though she grew up among the supernatural community. As the younger adopted sister of Madison, Erin created a confident personality to prove that she can succeed on her own as a private citizen after the childhood incident. It is a taboo topic that Erin struggles to outgrow -- from the lost memories to perception as a murderer. As a result, she vowed to never kill on the job. Fireborne started slow with the character development, but the pacing picks up speedily in Silverfall with a lot of suspense and action. We finally get a detailed description of the alternate realm, the Veil. Secrets among the major cast are finally revealed in Nightsoul. I won't spoil the plot, but the persistence was worth the wait. I also love the humor and banter among the characters. While there are elements of a love triangle (Who will Erin choose: Asher or Mephisto?), Hunter leaves the readers guessing on whom Erin favors. Both men have their own unique strengths (and annoyances). I can't wait to read what Hunter has planned for Erin after unlocking her magic.
Stay tuned for the next novel in the Raven Cursed series!
The Angel Trials is a seven-book series by USA Best-Selling author, Michelle Madow. The series is part of the Dark World universe. The book titles are The Angel Trials, The Angel Hunt, The Angel Trap, The Angel Gift, The Angel Island, The Angel Secret, and The Angel Test.
Below is a description from Goodreads:
Raven Danvers is a typical student… until a demon attacks her on the night of her birthday. Luckily, she’s saved by Noah—a mysterious, sexy wolf shifter who appears and disappears before she can ask him any questions.
Then Raven's mom is abducted by the same demon who came after her. And who turns up at the scene of the crime again? Noah. He’s hunting the demons who are taking humans, and he’s ultimately heading where Raven needs to go to save her mom—the mystical island of Avalon.
Now Raven’s joining Noah’s demon hunting mission whether he wants her there or not. Which he doesn't. But nothing stops Raven, so she and Noah will have to learn to work together—if they don’t kill each other first.
More importantly, she has to survive his crazy demon hunt. Because surviving is the only way to get to Avalon and save her mom’s life.
Raven Danvers is your typical college student until she is attacked by a demon on her 21st birthday. She is rescued by Noah, a werewolf shapeshifter, who is seeking as a form of redemption from the catastrophic events that unfolded in the finale of the Vampire Wish series. Demons have been released from their prison in the Underworld. A greater demon, Azazel, is dead set on ruling the world. Noah is on a hunting mission to kill 10 demons so that he can enter the enchanted Avalon and join the Earth Angel's army--nephilim soldiers chosen to fight evil. When Raven's mother vanishes, Raven must set aside her normal life and put her trust into the wolf shapeshifter. They are joined by other powerful characters, Sage Montgomery (sister of the alpha of the Montgomery pack in Los Angeles, CA) and Thomas Bettencourt (vampire prince based in Chicago), on their journey to Avalon. Together, the team will encounter numerous challenges that will test their resolve and unlock their deepest feelings for each other.
I liked how the seven-novel series build upon each other and expands the spectrum on the different species in the Dark World Universe. Vampire Wish focused primarily on vampires and witches. The Angel Trials focused primarily on werewolves and nephilim (category of angels). Raven's character grew on me as I adored her dogged determination that allowed her to survive and rescue her mother. As a result, she undergoes a major transformation on this mission that awakens her warrior spirit. Reoccurring characters from the Vampire Wish series also make cameo appearances in The Angel Trials; thus, I recommend new readers to start from the beginning. I also loved Sage and Thomas' side story, which got me hooked (Team Sage-Thomas!). Madow also incorporates some medieval legends in the storyline that will excite fans. If you enjoy fairy tales and urban fantasy with a dramatic twist, I highly recommend this series.
Stay tuned for my next review on the third spin-off series, The Dark World: The Faerie Games. This series will take a deep dive into the mythological realm of the fae.
Snow White With the Red Hair~ Akagami no Shirayuki-hime ~ (2015-2016) is a Japanese anime series that takes place in an alternate medieval period. The series contains 24 episodes plus one special OVA in Japanese with English subtitles.
Shirayuki, whose name means "snow white," is a cheerful herbalist (apothecary) living in the kingdom of Tanbarun. She diligently operates her own herbal shop tending to the health needs of the citizens. However, she has one unique feature: her beautiful red hair. Due to her unusual hair color, Shirayuki was raised to always be careful of her hair in new surroundings. However, her hair gets her noticed by Prince Raji, who orders her to become his concubine. Unwilling to give her freedom, Shirayuki cuts her long hair and leaves it behind as part of what he wanted. Her life changes drastically when she escapes into the forest to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines.
She meets and befriends Zen Wistalia and his two aides, Mitsuhide and Kiki. When Zen is poisoned by an apple meant for Shirayuki gifted by Prince Raji, Shirayuki returns to Tanbarun to retrieve the antidote. Upon her arrival, she discovers unexpectedly that Zen is the second prince of Clarines. Hoping to repay her debt to Zen, she decides to accompany the trio to Clarines. Shortly thereafter, Shirayuki passes an exam for a position to train as a court herbalist. Meanwhile, Zen becomes determined to become a prince worthy of his title. Over the course of the story, Zen and Shirayuki learn to support each other as they pursue their own paths and begin to fall in love with each other, in spite of opposition due to their difference in social status.
Snow White with the Red Hair was an adorable PG-friendly anime for families. While there were several romantic scenes, they were relatively tamed as the storyline places a lot of emphasis on Shirayuki's independence, resilience, and compassion for others. Unlike the traditional adaptation of Snow White, Shirayuki is determined to become a career woman-- in this case, a very talented court herbalist. This determination is due to her social status as a non-aristocrat and her willingness to pursue her own destiny. Despite the dangers lurking in her new environment, Shirayuki refuses to yield to societal norms of (aristocratic) women. I was curious to see how her relationship with Zen would turn out: would Shirayuki give up her freedom to become a princess or pursue her own passion? Zen falls in love with Shirayuki for this very reason -- her cheerful yet independent personality is her strength, and even encourages him to take his royal duties seriously. Despite their growing romantic feelings for each other, they also learn to respect each other paths. The audiences will not receive the typical happily-ever-after finale, but it will satisfy those who appreciate a self-determined protagonist in this adaptation of the classic tale.
Opening Theme: ""Yasashii Kibō" (Gentle Hope) by Saori Hayami
Ending Theme: "Akagami no shirayukihime" (Placing on Bonds) by eyelis
A seductive spy. An alpha vampire. A deadly assassin after them both...
This post focuses on the first two novels in A Hill Vampire series by Jenna Barwin: Dark Wine at Midnight and Dark Wine at Sunrise.
Dark Wine at Midnight is the first novel in A Hill Vampire series. Research scientist Cerissa Patel is given her first field assignment to go undercover as an envoy for another vampire. Her mission is to acquire investors at the Hill, a vampire-controlled town in California. She is finding the field assignment more difficult than she expected. An assassin is trying to kill the town's co-founders, and everyone is a suspect--including herself. She has to protect humanity from the vampires and becomes an unlikely ally to the town co-founders. Because she is also working as a double agent for her own undercover agency.
However, Cerissa has a growing attraction to the town's vampire co-founder, Henry Bautista. He's rich, dangerous, and as complex as the wines he makes. And Henry will do anything to stop her from hurting the community he built. With Henry watching her every move, she must uncover who's behind the rogue vampires and stop the assassin before Henry discovers that she's not human at all...
Dark Wine at Sunrise is the second novel in A Hill Vampire series. Research scientist Cerissa Patel has been assigned to investigate the vampire town, The Hill, to determine if the leaders are planning to return to the old ways and rule over mankind. When vampire Henry Bautista is injured from a surprised attack, Cerissa investigates who is targeting the town co-founders. As their sexual attraction intensifies, Cerissa desires to become Henry's bloodmate. Eventually, their romantic relationship becomes public but not without opposition. Since their relationship violates a century-old law, the town council wants her banished from the Sierra Escondido community.
With the unknown assassins still on the loose, tensions are brewing between vampires and humans. Meanwhile, the Lux are growing increasingly impatient with Cerissa's lack of information and indifference to their goals. With the walls closing in, Cerissa must track down the vampires behind a ruthless movement to enslave mortals. And she must find a way to bond with Henry, who holds her heart, and do so without paying the ultimate price – the loss of her wings forever...
A Hill Vampire series is seductive, compelling, and full of action. I discovered this series through a recommendation on Amazon. Since Barwin was a new author, the plot intrigued me enough to give this series a chance. I became instantly hooked just on what was going to happen next, who is beyond the murders, and whether Cerissa would truly find love. For nearly two centuries, Cerissa's life has been mission-driven to appease her superiors (especially the Lux community, an alien race who serve as protectors of humanity on Earth), but The Hill investigation begins to challenge those long-held beliefs. For the first time, she decides to follow her heart's desire, which uncovers new things about herself both emotionally and sexually. The mysterious attacks constrain Cerissa to reveal her true identity at a cost. Overall, I look forward to more mysteries (and romantic moments) between Cerissa and Henry. If you enjoy the worlds of Deborah Harkness, Charlaine Harris, or Jeaniene Frost, then you will love this new series by Jenna Barwin. Stay tuned for my review on the next two installments in the Hill Vampire series, Dark Wine at Dusk and Dark Wine at Death.
Brief Cases (2018) is the second anthology of short stories by Jim Butcher, a fantasy author of The Dresden Files series. The first anthology, Side Jobs, was released in 2010. Brief Cases contains a collection of 12 short stories in the world of wizard Harry Dresden. The table of contents includes the following:
Harry Dresden is Chicago's only professional wizard, but he has encountered many missions that venture into the dark side of justice. Many of the short stories in this collection take place since the release of Turn Coat (Book #11). Currently, Changes remains my favorite novel in the series by far. First-time readers should start from the very beginning with Storm Front. I recommend this anthology to Jim Butcher fans who need a refresher just in time for the highly-anticipated release of Peace Talks in the summer of 2020.
Darkblood Academy by G.K. DeRosa is a spin-off teen romantic-action fantasy series that is set after the events in the Hitched series. It is advisable to read that series first. There are four books in the Darkblood Academy series: Half-Blood, Supernatural Slayer Squad, Demons, and Prophecies.
Half-Blood is the first novel in the Darkblood Academy series. The supernatural community came out of the closet on primetime television after the success of the Hitched series. Luna Hallows, an 18-year-old oprhan, discovers that she is one of them as well. Only she is a half-blood--and the daughter of a powerful dark warlock as well. She enrolls at Darken Academy, an elite training school for the supes: fae, shapeshifters (dragons and wolves), vampires, and witches. Her father insists that she may have inherited some of his magical abilities. Upon her arrival, Luna learns three rules about her new school:
Do not talk or even look at The Seven, the uber-powerful supes that rule the academy.
Never go into the Fae forest on a full moon… or else.
And most definitely do not fall for one of the extremely hot and unattainable instructors.
Despite this shift, the merging of the supernatural and human realms isn't going smoothly as planned. Luna is signed up to join a fighting squad who will protect humans from evil supernatural creatures. If word gets out that humans are no longer safe from the supes, the worlds will once again be closed off. It’s up to Luna and her friends to stop that from happening.
Supernatural Slayer Squad is the second novel in the Darkblood Academy series. Luna is getting the hang of her new school, and making progress with her classmates in training. Dubbed the Supernatural Slayer Squad, their task is simple: Kill all the evil demons before they wreak havoc on the human realm and destroy the fragile peace between the two worlds. Unfortunately, a surprise attack brands Luna with a devil's mark on her chest. If it is not removed, the demons won't stop coming for her.
Then there's Luna's love life -- she has totally fallen for her demon instructor. This kind of romantic relationship is strictly forbidden in the school. To make matters worse, the dark lord of the Underworld has set her sights on Luna and her unique powers. She’s dead set on making the human world her evil minions’ playground. Can Luna and the Supernatural Slayer Squad stop this plan before it's too late?
Demons is the third novel in the Darkblood Academy series. Luna's heart is shattered when her lover vanishes. She has barely survived her first year at Darkhaven Academy. But the dark lord and her evil minions are around the corner, waiting to kidnap Luna to the Underworld. The Supernatural Slayer Squad continues their training in their instructor's absence. Meanwhile, Luna's father is obsessed with unlocking her super powers. As the first female warlock ever, he wants to harness her abilities, even her darkest ones. The problem is, after months apart, Luna can’t focus on any of that when all she wants is her lover to return safely.
Prophecies is the fourth and final novel in the Darkblood Academy series. There are three things that Luna learns during her time at Darkhaven Academy: 1) Always make sure a demon is dead before walking away from the body. 2) All magic comes with a price. 3) Nothing stays buried for long—not secrets, not feelings and definitely not dark lords. Just when Luna believes her struggles with Luxora were finally over, the dark lord decides to rise from the ashes. She's back with a vengeance. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the Coven Council has discovered Luna's warlock secret. And they’re pissed. Meanwhile, Luna's love life is in the flux. So what is a poor, human-warlock, half-blood supposed to do?
I really very excited to learn that G.K. DeRosa, who is also the author of other fast-paced young adult fantasy novels, Vampire Prophecy and Angel and Vampire War, was continuing the Hitched series. The original installment focused on Kimmie-Jayne, a young adult in her 20s from the Midwest, who was invited to become the Bachelorette for an innovative project that would shock the nation. G.K. DeRosa did a good job in introducing the audience to the two different worlds. This spin-off series focuses on her half-sister, Luna, who is an teen aging out of foster care with untapped warlock powers. Luna is shipped to another realm to become the first half-blood to train along with supes. How's that for an adventure? Several bachelors from the original Hitched series, such as Ryder and Cillian, also have reoccuring roles, much to the fans' delight. We also get to learn more information about their warlock father's background and ambitions. Furthermore, Darkblood Academy involves a great love triangle storyline that would leave some fans satisfied and others heart-broken (I won't spoil the finale, but I was definitely in the latter group).
Overall, I enjoyed reading this series from Luna's perspective as a half-blood teen at a supernatural training school. I also like the fact that DeRosa is taking cues from writers such as Michelle Madow and Leigh Walker to expand their novels across different supernatural species. One benefit is that we get to read a different point of view from cast members across the supernatural community.
Stay tuned for my next review on the third installment in the Hitched universe by G.K. DeRosa, The Dark Fae series.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God ~Goblin~ (2016-2017) is a Korean fantasy-romance television series. Also known as Goblin, the hit series was broadcast by tvN and consisted of 16 episodes + 3 special behind-the-scenes episodes. In addition to the unique storyline (written by popular drama writer, Kim Eun-sook), the drama starred a lot of popular and talented actors and actresses, including Gong Yoo as Kim Shin, Kim Go-eun as Ji Eun-tak, Kim Dong-wook as Grim Reaper, Yoo In-na as Sunny, and Yook Sung-jae as Yoo Deok-hwa. Such an all-star cast had an influence on the quality of the drama. Every one of Goblin‘s episodes was full of twists and surprises, and the setting took place in South Korea and Quebec City, Canada. The hit series received critical acclaim and became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea.
Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) is a victorious military general during the Goryeo period. But the young king is jealous of Kim Shin and frames him as a traitor, amounting to a death sentence. Years after his execution, Kim Shin is cursed by the almighty to wander the earth as a goblin (dokkaebi) for 900 years as a protector of souls. In Korean mythology and folklore, goblins are nature deities that possess extraordinary powers and abilities. This new life is both a gift and a punishment. Kim Shin must forever stay immortal and endure the pain of seeing his loved ones die for the kills he committed in the wars to protect his country. As centuries pass, Kim Shin becomes a kind man who uses his extraordinary powers to help people in spite of his grieving past. Finding his own peace comes with a huge price. It is told that only a human bride can remove the sword piercing his chest. Once the sword is removed, Kim Shin can finally move onto the afterlife.
In the present day, Ji Eun Tak is a high school senior who remains optimistic and cheerful despite her tragic upbringing. Due to the circumstances of her birth, she sees ghosts and hears them whisper that she's the goblin's bride. On her nineteenth birthday, she summons the goblin by chance and their fates begin to entwine. At that time, Kim Shin suddenly appears in front of her. Kim Shin does not know why, but he can hear her voice and appears in front of her against his will. Goblin's rebellious but kind-hearted nephew Yoo Deok-Hwa (Yook Sung-jae) leases the Goblin's house to an amnesiac grim reaper (Lee Dong-wook) and the two end up living under the same roof. Sunny (Yoo In-na) is an attractive and charismatic young lady who runs a chicken shop in which Ji Eun-Tak works as a part-time server.
Ji Eun Tak tells Kim Shin that he is a goblin and and she is his bride. Kim Shin initially denies this possibility, but later discovers that Ji Eun Tak is immune to the goblin's powers. Things get complicated when he starts to actually fall for her, and in turn, finds a new reason for wanting to stay alive. Meanwhile, Grim Reaper has no memory of his own past lives. But he develops a strong friendship with the goblin ("bromance"). Deok-hwa--a third-generation chaebol heir and only grandso of the Yoo family, who has the responsibility for taking care of the goblin--eventually learned of their true identities. As the lives of Kim Shin, grim reaper, Ji Eun-Tak and Sunny interweave, a deeper story unfolds as they are not just strangers who met-by chance but people with deep-rooted relations.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God was one of the best television series I have ever watched. I have no doubt that Goblin will go down as one of the most epic Korean Dramas of all time. The plot was excellent and straightforward: Kim Shin, former Gorygeo general turned immortal god, needed to remove the sword from his chest and repent for his sins. I thought no other k-drama could affect me so deeply like my other favorite, My Love from the Star. The CGI visuals and cinematography (along with the on-point acting and OST selections) were beautifully embedded in telling the story right from the first episode. The flashbacks to the historical period of Goryeo provided necessary context on how Kim Shin became a goblin and how those memories will play a major role in the present with Eun Tak, Sunny, and the Grim Reaper. Even the original soundtrack was surprisingly wonderful in Goblin, featuring a lot of top South Korean singers. My favorite song was the opening theme, "Round and Round" by Heize and Han Soo-ji, whose lyrics provide a good overview of the series.
Opening Theme: Heize - Round and Round (Feat. Han Soo Ji)
Ending Theme: Chanyeol (EXO) and Punch - Stay With Me FMV (Goblin OST Part 1)
For two weeks, I binge-watched this 16-episode series, feeling the excitement, melancholy, and sense of grief and loss among the main cast. I felt so many emotions as we watched the goblin wrestle with the gift and punishment that immortality bestowed upon him. I also loved how the romantic relationship blossomed beautifully between Ji Eun Tak and Kim Shin. Some people might complain about the age gap between the main actor and actress (Eun Tak is 19 and Kim Shin is in his mid-30s), but I thought the pair displayed good chemistry as soulmates. Their fateful love was meaningful and impactful. No matter what obstacle was thrown against them, it was their fateful love that vanquished the centuries-long evil. They promised to love each for eternity.
Drama writer Kim Eun Soo did not disappoint. The writing for this series was superb. Each episode was difficult to predict and full of surprises--making us sad, angry, and happy. What I enjoyed about this drama was the bromance between the goblin and the grim reaper. There are scenes where they fight, scold each other, and support each other when they are involved in a problem. Besides the comedic banter between the grim reaper and the goblin, I also liked how the plot focused on the themes of forgiveness and healing. As much as I would like for a sequel (more Gong Yoo please!), I was satisfied with the finale in episode 16. We must remember Kim Shin is a lonely and immortal god, and he volunteered to put himself into a purgatory-like state because he loved Eun Tak too much to leave her -- thus the signed contract he held onto for ten years so that he could grant her wish. I thought the final episodes brought closure and relief to both couples (Eun Tak and Goblin; Sunny and Grim Reaper). This story is about death and second chances, illustrating that what started as a tragedy and betrayal that spanned centuries eventually evolved into redemption and atonement.
If you are unfamiliar with Korean dreams (more popularly known as K-Dramas), I will provide a very brief overview. K-Dramas are television series in the Korean language and made in South Korea. Since the late 1990s, K-Dramas have become popular worldwide, partially due to the South Korean government supporting its creative industries (e.g., radio, television, film, music, and fashion) and their widespread availability via popular online video streaming services (e.g., DramaFever, Viki, Netflix, and Hulu), which offer subtitles in multiple languages. As Japanese culture became a cultural phenomenon through anime (e.g., Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z) in the 1990s, Korean culture (hallyu) gained global recognition through K-Dramas in the 2000s and beyond (for examples of K-Dramas, browse The New York Times'Starter Guide to Great Korean Dramas for more details).
I was introduced to K-Dramas in 2010 during my graduate studies (browse my list of favorite K-dramas here). I discovered the online streaming service, Viki, which gave me access to live-action Asian dramas that were both entertaining and high-quality in plot development. In particular, I noticed K-Dramas covered genres that I typically looked for in Japanese anime -- romance, fantasy, mystery, and paranormal. As a long-time fan of Japanese anime, I was thrilled to add K-Dramas to my collection. Over the years, I tend to follow the work of several talented actors (Gong Yoo, So Ji-sub, Lee Min-ho, Lee Dong-wook, and Kim Soo-Hyun) and actresses (Jun Ji-hyun, Park Min-young, Yoo In-Na, Kim Go-Eun, and Kim Tae-Hee). Overall, I believe the release of Goblin represents the best aspects of the South Korean entertainment industry. Watch the trailer below:
Midnight Occult Civil Servants ~Mayonaka no Occult Kōmuin~ (2019) is a Japanese fantasy anime. It contains 12 episodes plus 3 OVAs.
The Nocturnal Community Relations Division is a team of officials who specialize in solving cases involving occult creatures of the night unseen by ordinary humans. Arata Miyako is a new government worker who has been newly assigned to the Shinjuku Ward Office of the department, where he meets his fellow members Theo Himezuka and Kyouichi Sakaki. Each of Tokyo's 23 wards has one such department, which were established to solve paranormal and occult-related events. Arata is unsuspecting that he's walking into a highly specialized team that secretly deals with the paranormal.
On his first night, Arata discovers to his surprise that not only does every night creature he once thought to be fictional actually exist, but also that he can understand their non-human speech. The team will later learn that Arata has inherited the Ears of Sand. This is revealed when Arata meets a legendary creature (yokai) called a Tengu that refers to him as the famous Heian-era exorcist and diviner, Abe no Seimei. Nonetheless, Arata pays no attention to this reference and continues to utilize his unique ability to assist the team in solving cases.
Many occult creatures refer to Arata as Abe no Seimei because of his special ability during his work. Eventually, Arata becomes curious of his origins and invests himself more into solving cases regarding occult creatures he encounters once he learns of a certain connection between himself and the exorcist.
Midnight Occult Civil Servants was an interesting series. It covered a wide range of supernatural activities in Japanese mythology and Western culture. Arata is the only human, given his lineage, to be able to communicate clearly with the occult creatures. In the series, the audience becomes sympathetic with the occult creatures -- they have everyday emotions like romance, grief, and loneliness like ordinary humans. Since Arata can understand them through his Ears of Sands, he is able to tell his team how to delicately handle the cases. The OVAs go into the background of the team members, and how they got involved in the Nocturnal Community Relations Division. The show is worth binge-watching on a rainy day, but the plot overall is forgettable. I recommend the series.
Opening Theme: "dis-communicate" by Jun Fukuyama
Ending Theme: "Yakusoku no Overture" by Shunichi Toki
