What an incredibly busy year! I continue to read novels, but I have less free time. Below is the list of books that I read in 2023. The list is arranged in alphabetical order by author's last name.
In the first part, I listed the books I've read in the last two years. I explained that I've added more responsibilities to my personal life, which leaves me with little free time for blogging. I also watch movies and television shows in my spare time. The action/adventure and supernatural subgenres are my favorites. As promised, here is a list of the movies and TV shows I've seen since March 2021:
Movies
The Batman
Black Adam
Black Widow
Bullet Train
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Eternals
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
The Gray Man
Jungle Cruise
The King's Man
The Lost City
Mortal Kombat
No Time to Die
The Old Guard
Red Notice
The School for Good and Evil
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Thor: Love and Thunder
Top Gun: Maverick
Uncharted
The Woman King
Japanese Anime
Aquarion Logos (2015)
Attack on Titan (final season)
Belle (2021)
Castle in the Sky (English dub, 1996)
My Neighbor Totoro (English dub, 2005)
Night Raid 1931 (2010)
Sailor Moon Eternal (2-part movie, 2021)
Korean Dramas
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? (2018)
A Korean Odyssey (2017)
Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017)
Gangnam Beauty (2018)
Rookie Historian Goo (2019)
It's Okay Not to Be Okay (2020)
The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Mr. Queen (2020)
True Beauty (2020-2021)
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (2021)
My Roommate is a Gumiho (2021)
Alchemy of Souls (2022-2023)
Stay warm and positive as this year comes to an end. In 2023, I look forward to discovering new books and entertainment!
I am back! I still maintain this website. But I was really busy with other arrangements in my personal life. Despite the fact that I may not have updated much, I still read a lot of young adult (YA) urban fantasy and dystopian books. You may find a list of the books I've read since March 2021 below. I might write a review of at least one of these book series if I have time in my schedule.
Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews is the first novel in the Aurelia Ryder series. Below is a summary from the back cover:
Atlanta was always a dangerous city. Now, as waves of magic and technology compete for supremacy, it’s a place caught in a slow apocalypse, where monsters spawn among the crumbling skyscrapers and supernatural factions struggle for power and survival.
Eight years ago, Julie Lennart left Atlanta to find out who she was. Now she’s back with a new face, a new magic, and a new name—Aurelia Ryder—drawn by the urgent need to protect the family she left behind. An ancient power is stalking her adopted mother, Kate Daniels, an enemy unlike any other, and a string of horrifying murders is its opening gambit.
If Aurelia’s true identity is discovered, those closest to her will die. So her plan is simple: get in, solve the murders, prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled, and get out without being recognized. She expected danger, but she never anticipated that the only man she’d ever loved could threaten everything.
One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.
Blood Heir is a new spin-off series from the best-selling Kate Daniels novels. It takes place approximately eight years after the finale of Magic Triumphs. I was a big fan of the Kate Daniels novels, so I was uneasy if this new series would actually interest me. Aurelia Ryder is Julie's new name as she chose to start a new life with Kate's aunt, Erra. She is no longer the awkward teen who felt out-of-place among the shapeshifters. She is now a 20-something princess who mastered her God-like powers and honed her survival skills. With the blood of Roland in her veins, she looks completely unrecognizable to people except her family.
Returning to Atlanta is not a homecoming for Julie. Rather, she is trying to change the ominous fate of her adopted mother. If Kate sees Aurelia, Kate will die. When Julie arrives in the city, she stumbles upon a murder case that involves powerful ancient magic. During her investigation, the past collides with the present. A man that she loved and thought she would never see appears before her eyes. Despite this unexpected reunion, Julie will do anything to keep her mission--and heritage--a secret.
The first few chapters started off slowly, but the plot picked up in action and suspense as other characters from the Kate Daniels world began to appear. I am impressed with how Julie has become a mature woman with her own wits. With more experience, she will become a suitable successor to Kate. The novel also describes what happened to Derek Gaunt, a werewolf protégé of former Beast Lord Curran, after he disappeared from Atlanta. It's hard to believe he's in his early 30s at this point in time. I was caught off guard by the budding romance between Julie and Derek. In fact, I forgot that Julie had a childhood crush on Derek. The difference is they are now adults without insecurities. In other words, they know who they are and what they desire. I am now intrigued by what the authors have in store for these two characters.
Overall, I recommend this novel. Stay tuned for the next novel in the Aurelia Ryder series.
The Faerie Games is a five-book series by USA Best-Selling author, Michelle Madow. The series is part of the Dark World universe. The book titles consist of the following: The Faerie Games, The Faerie Pawn, The Faerie Mates, The Faerie Wand, and The Faerie Plague.
I’m Selena Pearce, and in the past few days I’ve been kidnapped by faeries, gifted with powerful magic, and forced by the gods to compete in a twisted game to the death.
Growing up on the magical island of Avalon should be great... but I have no magic to speak of. And my parents forbid me from leaving.
So when I sneak out to Earth for a night and meet a hottie named Julian with ice blue eyes that leave me breathless, of course I say yes to a date with him. But when Julian pulls me through a magical portal, I realize he isn’t human. He’s a half-blood fae sent to bring me to his realm of the Otherworld. Because apparently, I’m a half-blood fae, too. And I’ve been chosen to compete in the annual Faerie Games—a brutal, gladiator-like competition where half-bloods fight to the death.
Too bad I can’t get my new magic under control. But with all eyes on me, I only have two options: Die in the Faerie Games, or win and earn my freedom.
Now the other players—including Julian, who still captivates me even though I should hate him—better watch out. Because I’m determined to get home.
And I’ll fight anyone blocking my path to get there.
Selena Pierce is an inquisitive teen who dreams of exploring the world outside of Avalon. She has no magical abilities and wishes she could be fight like the warriors of Avalon. Due to the circumstances surrounding her birth, her adopted parents cannot reveal her real heritage. When she finally reaches the real world, she is lured by a mysterious handsome young man to another realm beyond her imagination--the Otherworld. To her surprise, she learns that she is a half-blood fae.
She meets her birth father and learns upon arrival that she is registered to compete in the Faerie Games, an annual event where half-blood fae contestants fight to the death. Each contestant is gifted magic from the Roman gods. It is The Hunger Games meets the Roman Coliseum. It is later revealed that her captor, Julian, is also competing in the Faerie Games. She feels a strange attraction to him, but she refuses to let down her guard. While Selena finally possesses magic, she must first survive the land of gods and legends until her friends rescue her.
So far, I have enjoyed every series in the Dark World Universe by Michelle Madow. She writes fascinating and action-packed plot twists that feature coming-of-age strong female characters. In the Faerie Games series, Madow weaves the supernatural and Roman mythology. It was a nice refresher to revisit my knowledge of the Roman gods and goddesses. Similar to Raven's transformation in The Angel Trials series, Selena also unlocks her own potential throughout the series. It was thrilling to watch her grow and use her magic. Meanwhile, the readers will uncover important details about Selena's rescue team. Overall, it is best for new readers to begin with the Dark World series. If you enjoy mythology and urban fantasy with action-adventure undertones, I recommend this series.
Stay tuned for my next review on the fourth spin-off series, The Dark World: The Dragon Twins. This series will focus on sisters who are thought to be descended from witches but discover the truth about their secret heritage.
Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020) is a South Korean television drama starring Lee Dong-wook, Jo Bo-ah and Kim Bum. The paranormal romance story is based on East Asian tales and legends of the nine-tailed fox (gumiho in Korean, kyuubi no kitsune in Japanese). The show contained 16 episodes.
In the past, Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook) is a mythical nine-tailed fox who is able to transform into human form. He abdicated his guardian position as a mountain spirit of Baekdudaega to resurrect his true love, Ah-eum (Jo Bo-ah). He followed her soul up to the Samdo River and gave her the fox bead as her mark when she is reborn again. Determined to reunite with her again, Lee Yeon enlistshis service under Taluipa, an Afterlife Judge, in exchange for Ah-eum's reincarnation. In the present day, Lee Yeon moved to the city where he is being assisted by his loyal subject and fellow gumiho, Goo Shin-joo (Hwang Hee). Under Taluipa's orders, Lee Yeon eradicates supernatural beings that threaten the mortal world. However, his real aim is to find the reincarnation of his lost first love. He has lived in his human form for hundreds of years. Throughout centuries, Lee Yeon encountered several lookalikes of Ah-eum but none had the fox bead.
Meanwhile, the mountain became unprotected as well. With its guardian gone, humans were able to set fire in the mountains. As a result, Lee Yeon's half-brother, Lee Rang (Kim Bum), exacted revenge on human beings through various killings. Lee Yeon later reunited with his half-brother, only to execute the Afterlife Judge's order to punish Lee Rang by death. Nonetheless, Lee Rang managed to escape death through the help of a mysterious man. Since then, Lee Rang developed a deep personal grudge against Lee Yeon for choosing Ah-eum over him and being the mountain's guardian. With the assistance of gumiho Ki Yoo-ri (Kim Yong-ji), Lee Rang continuously harms humans as a way of pestering his brother.
Back to the present day, Nam Ji-A (Jo Bo-ah) works as a project director (producer) of documentaries at TVC Station. She seeks out unexplained mysteries on the supernatural. Back in 1999, her parents were involved in a car accident in Yeou Gogae. Ji-A survived the accident that presumably killed her parents, though no bodies were discovered. Undaunted, Nam Ji-A believes her parents are still alive somewhere and is determined to locate them. Now, Nam Ji-A reviews CCTV footage from a wedding hall where the bride mysteriously disappeared. She sees the man who saved her as child walking out the wedding wall with a red umbrella. His name is Lee Yeon. And he is her only lead in finding her parents.
It is later revealed that Nam Ji-A is the reincarnation of Ah-eum when the fox bead appears on her. As a result, Lee Yeon vows to protect her at all costs so that she could live a longer life. Because an ancient evil is bent on repeating their tragic love story.
After the popular success of Goblin, I was delighted to learn that Lee Dong-wook (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God ~Goblin~, Hotel King) finally got his own leading role in a supernatural K-drama. He was a perfect fit for the gumiho character. Each episode kept yearning to learn what was next for Lee Yeon and Nam Ji-A as their journey to save her parents became more dangerous and suspenseful. Just when they seemed ahead of the villain, unexpected setbacks delay them and sometimes come with a price. The show's ending seemed satisfying, but audiences should embrace for an interesting twist. Furthermore, Kim Bum has come a long way from his boyish, gentlemanly charm as F4 member So Yi-jung in Boys Over Flowers days. Not only has his acting skills improved, but he also seemed to enjoy the role. Kim Bum's portrayal of the villain was excellent. Both men are on my list of Korean actors to follow! Overall, I highly recommend this K-drama. Watch the trailers below:
Below is a sample song from the original soundtrack, Moonchild Ballad by LYn.
Grave witch Alex Craft is getting pulled back into deadly fae politics in the thrilling new novel in the USA Today bestselling series.
Grave War, by Kaylana Price, is the seventh novel and final installment in the Alex Craft series. Grave witch Alex Craft has somewhat of an uneasy truce with the world of Faerie. At the same time, she wants some semblance of a normal life in the human world. She hopes the fae courts' conflicts stay contained within their borders. Meanwhile, former Winter Knight Falin Andrews is now the Winter King. He has to choose a consort from one of the other courts as well as face challengers to his crown. Falin is very protective of Alex because her planeweaving ability makes her a target for every court in Faerie.
As a result, Alex is selected to lead the Fae Investigation Bureau (FIB) in Nekros. This was an career path she clearly did not anticipate because she finds herself under-qualified for the job. More disturbing, someone is leaving blood roses addressed to "Lexi." She becomes suspicious as only two people ever called her by that name, and one of them should be dead. It has only been her first week at FIB when an explosion at the Eternal Bloom threatens to upend the fae who make their home in the human world. The doors to Faerie are suddenly bombed, which cuts off the fae from leaving the human world. To survive, Alex takes on new responsbilities as she tries to save the fae in Nekros before they start fading.
It's hard to fathom that this is the end of the Alex Craft series. I took a chance on this new series more than five years ago because I was interested in exploring the world of the fae. Kaylana Price is one of the new authors in the urban fantasy genre. Alex Craft, the protagonist, was a complex character who found herself inadverently getting involved into Faerie politics. She is a grave witch who has the power to raise shades (the disembodied spirits) and speak to the dead. The investigations were always fun to follow. The level of difficulty increased as the series progressed, causing Alex to delicately balance the customs of Faerie and survival in the human world.
Her life as a private investigator and consultant to the police turns upside down when she discovers her fae heritage. Overall, the investigations were always fun to solve as Alex battles dark magic and improves her supernatural abilities. Furthermore, she also gains the confidence, through trial and error, to deal with her relationship commitment issues. Although the pacing of the novel felt somewhat rushed towards the ending, I am satisfied with how things turned out for Alex. I hope that Price decides to explore other characters in the Grave Witch Universe. Overall, I recommend this series, especially if you are inquisitive about fae culture.
Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself.
This post focuses on the first two books in the Innkeeper Chronicles series by husband-and-wife duo team, Ilona Andrews: Clean Sweep and Sweep in Peace.
Clean Sweep is the first novel in the Innkeeper Chronicles series. Dina DeMille runs a quaint bed-and-breakfast inn in a small Texas town. Dina is the perfect neighbor: she has a Shih Tzu named Beast and serves meals for her guests. But Dina is different: her broom can turn into a deadly weapon, her dog is actually a monster, and her inn possesses magic. Her permanent guest is a retired aristocrat who has a galactic bounty over her head because she's responsible for the deaths of millions. Under these circumstances, Dina is anything but normal.
Meanwhile, a mysterious creature with sharp teeth and claws is wreaking havoc at night in her community. Dina feels fully responsible for the safety of her neighbors. She decides to get involved, even though innkeepers are expected to remain neutral outside the walls of their inns. Immediately, she stumbles upon a handsome, ex-military soldier named Sean Evans. He also happens to be an alpha-strain werewolf designed to fight and protect on the battlefield. A gorgeous cosmic vampire soldier named Arland appears on her doorstep seeking assistance. He has his eyes set on wooing the innkeeper. Despite this unexpected love triangle, Dina must face a vicious and deadly enemy unlike anything she has ever encountered. And putting herself between the creature and the neighbors may cost her entire livelihood...
Sweep in Peace is the second novel in the Innkeeper Chronicles series. Dina DeMille owns a bed-and-breakfast inn that defies the laws of physics. The magical property needs guests in order to thrive. When an Arbitrator from another galaxy shows up at Dina's doorstep and asks her to host a peace summit between three warring species, it was an offer she couldn't refuse. She jumps on the chance to improve her reputation in the Innkeeper Directory. Unfortunately, the gap between the vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the merchants of Baha-chair prove more difficult than expected. To make the peace summit a smashing success, she need to hire a master chef, remodel the inn, and shelter her guests from murdering each other. The risks are great, but she is willing to risk everything, even her life, to receive clues on her missing parents' whereabouts and to save the man she might have fallen in love with. As an Innkeeper, nothing could possibly go wrong under her watch...
Ilona Andrews are a dynamic team who produce quality novels no matter what genre. While the best-selling Kate Daniels Universe novels have a more dystopian background, the Innkeeper Chronicles is one of the few quality paranromal series weaves the complexities of science fiction and urban fantasy together so well. Clean Sweep does an excellent job in providing the backstory to the Innkeeper society and the galactic species. The action and suspense are double-packed in Sweep in Peace, as Dina must race against time to solve the dangerous mysteries inside her inn. It is the secondnovel where the authors' writing ablity shines brilliantly, reminding me of why I enjoyed diving into Kate Daniels' investigations. What is unique about this series is the illustrations to help readers envision the main characters' backgrounds and the cosmic realms. I hope that the authors continue to use the images in future novels. Overall, I highly recommend this series. Stay tuned for the next novel in the Innkeeper Chronicles, One Fell Sweep, and a bonus novella, Sweep with Me.
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:
