COMIC BOOK REVIEW: "Starblood" by Carmilla Voiez (18+)

Title: Starblood
Writer: Carmilla Voiez
Artist: Anna Dmitriveia
Publisher: Vamptasy Publishing
Release Date: May 29th, 2015

Join the Facebook Release Event on the 29th for purchase info!

Purchase the Starblood Trilogy novels: http://smarturl.it/TheStarbloodTrilogy

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/cZ69NaAhKVo

A tragic love triangle between Goth, magician and demon.
What would you do for the one you love? Satori would travel worlds and battle demons but, however much Star begs, he just cannot let her go.

I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

So, by now you guys know my love of two things: horror and comic books. I have read a few of my favorite horror novels that have become comic books (The Dark Tower series; Dracula), and I am always entranced with the art that accompanies the story I had already visualized in my mind many times.

Starblood, by Carmilla Voiez, is one Hell of a visual series! Her lyrical writing does not suffer in this comic as many novels-to-comics do. I have seen great works become vapid and empty in the transition. This comic does the exact opposite: it exacerbates the dark beauty of the words. Ms. Dmitriveia's art is lovely, some of the best I've seen in a long time. It enhances the words and brings to morbid life the scenes of sex, death and darkness that words can't capture.

Each character is detailed beautifully, and look exactly how I pictured them. The art captures the sensuality of the story, and (in contrast) the brutality. If it were possible for their to be a perfect marriage of talents, this book is it.

I will warn readers who haven't read the books, the story is graphic: both violently and sexually. But, instead of seeming to be done for shock value, it fits. I always found it difficult to not have dark magic and demons be related to sexual desires, but violence can often be overdone. While brutal, it's fitting. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like your horror bloody and hot, you can't go wrong with Starblood!

I seriously can't wait for this to be released, because this is the type of thing you read where you immediately call up your best friend and say, "You've GOT to get this yesterday!" Since I consider my readers friends, let me tell you: you've GOT to get this!

It's nice to see horror alive and well in the age of high school-attending vampires and teen werewolves!

5/5--Sexy, bloody and spellbinding

*UPDATED* ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Matt Lande

Matt Lande reveals the interaction between what is wrong and right, making his colors vast and opposing, yet relatable and fused. Visions of divine satisfaction being stolen away by earthly pain and dreams of tragedy turning into promise, swirl in your mind as you listen to his music. This is just a part of what makes up Matt's ethereal and powerful writing style. If you ask him what else might ignite his passion for writing, producing and performing, he might tell you "past demons, love, suffering and often taking a journey through the eyes of others."

​Matt is an alternative recording artist from Portland, Oregon. He has been compared to the smooth vocalist, Darren Hayes (Savage Garden) but with some extra edge. Fans of Matt are found to also be fans of 30 Seconds to Mars, Muse, HIM and David Cook. Thus far, his musical journey has brought him to tour the country on several occasions, fulfill two record deals, and perform, write, produce and record with multi-platinum artists. Starting off in his small town of Inverness, Florida, Matt grew from playing small churches, to becoming lead guitarist, writer and backing vocalist for the band StorySide:B. StorySide:B released their debut album titled "Everything and More" in 2006. Matt co-wrote the title track which became one of the band's #1 hits. After feeling that there was more to do in his musical journey, he left the Christian music industry and moved to Los Angeles to pursue the mainstream. Shortly after arriving, Matt signed an independent two album deal and released "Stories From Yesterday", followed by "Welcome Home The Child" a couple of years later. Both were adored by fans and critics alike. In 2014 he independently recorded 3 tracks that are featured with promotion of the novel "DarkStar" and also released a best of album which featured his top 15 tracks chosen by fans.

​As of late, Matt has relocated to the Pacific Northwest. He continues to work with talented musicians and within the television and film industry on shows such as NBC's Grimm & TNT's The Librarians. He is currently recording his new album "Glow", which is set to release on December 1st, 2015.

You can now listen to clips from each song on the album by clicking the video below!

Contact Matt on social media:

Facebook (friend)

Facebook (like)

Twitter

Instagram

Reverbnation
Youtube

BOOK REVIEW: "The Battle Lost: Ryder's Birth" by Richard M. Knittle Jr

An Epic Poetry Adventure that takes you on a emotional journey into one mans epic battle against the evil's of addiction and the search and fight for his son Ryder whom is not of his blood.

The Battle Lost by Richard M. Knittle Jr is a short epic poem that could be taken, in my opinion, as a literal or metaphorical read. It is meant to be taken metaphorically: demons and battles represent addiction and custody. But what I loved was that you could detach yourself from those themes if you wanted and read it from a slightly more fictional standpoint.
But it truly is a sad, loving letter really, from a father to a son. It's dark, it's heartbreaking and it's also very entertaining. It might not even take you a half hour top read, but it's words will stay with you long after the book ends.
I've always said that I don't like to criticize poetry, because it's a piece of the soul laid bare on paper for all to peruse. It shouldn't be criticized, yet it's my job to do just that. I would have liked to have read this without rhymes, just to see what the difference night actually be (if there is any).
The art that accompanies the poem is eerie, and somehow very fitting. It was a stark, cold contrast to the heated, emotional words. A wonderful medley.

5/5--beautiful!

Purchase The Battle Lost: Ryder's Birth via:

Official site (has all formats)

COMIC BOOK REVIEW/PREVIEW: "San Hannibal #5" (out 12/17/14)

Writer/Artist: Dan Schkade
Letterer/Colorist: Jesse Snavlin
Cover: Dan Schkade/Jesse Snavlin
Editor: PJ Perez
Publisher: Pop Goes The Icon

Throughout the course of San Hannibal’s five issues, writer/artist Dan Schkade and colorist/letterer Jesse Snavlin have put their protagonist, hard-luck private detective Ira Avery, through the ringer: He’s been shot at, beaten up, bombed, drugged and nearly buried alive in his search for Loy. And in the final issue of the “neon-noir” mini-series, the truth behind her disappearance is finally revealed—and so is the true face of power in San Hannibal.
San Hannibal #5 will be available on Dec. 17 in comic book stores and via popgoestheicon.com for $2.99, as well as through digital platforms such as Comixology, DriveThruComics and ComicsPlus for just $0.99 cents. To find a comic store near you, call 1-800-COMIC-BOOK or visit comicshoplocator.com.

After many long months, readers of San Hannibal will finally get the answer to that infamous question: "What's the story, Savannah Loy?"
With murders, conspiracy, elections, sex rings and deep thoughts in hospital rooms, the final issue of San Hannibal ends with a LOT of bangs! I've never read a comic book so fast in my life!
You might not believe it when you read it.
Throughout the series, I've said that the colors and art tell just as much of the story as the writing, and in the final issue, we are given an array of colors to dazzle the eyes. The writing and art are simplistic, but Jesse Snavlin's colors are anything but! They are as bright and enjoyable as the many layers Dan Schkade wrote into this miniseries. I see big things ahead in both of their respective careers!
Like I've said before, I would still prefer more narration from Ira in the book, and I think that in this final issue, that would've done well in summing up the story, but don't get me wrong: the ending was excellent and I will be rereading this over again soon!
A great comic choice if you're new to the comic book fandom and don't think superheroes are your cup of tea. And if you like mysteries, you'll gobble this up. Finally, if you just like a great story and great art, please buy this miniseries. You won't regret it!

5/5--one if today's best in the industry!

BOOK REVIEW: "The Man I Love" by Suanne Laqueur

"You never got over her. You just left." 

As a college freshman, Erik Fiskare is drawn to the world of theater but prefers backstage to center stage. The moment he lays eyes on a beautiful, accomplished dancer named Daisy Bianco, his atoms rearrange themselves and he is drawn into a romance both youthfully passionate and maturely soulful. It is a love story seemingly without end. But when a disturbed friend brings a gun into the theater, the story is forever changed. Six lives are lost and Daisy is left seriously injured, her professional dreams shattered. 
Traumatized by the experience, the lovers spiral into depression and drug use until a shocking act of betrayal destroys their relationship. To survive, Erik must leave school and disconnect from all he loves. He buries his heartbreak and puts the past behind. Or so he believes. 
As he moves into adulthood, Erik comes to grips with his role in the shooting, and slowly heals the most wounded parts of his soul. But the unresolved grief for Daisy continues to shape his dreams at night. Once those dreams were haunted by blood and gunfire. Now they are haunted by the refrain of a Gershwin song and a single question: is leaving always the end of loving? 
The Man I Love explores themes of love and sexuality, trauma—physical and mental—and its long-lasting effects, the burden of unfinished business and the power of reconciliation. Through Erik’s experience we reflect on what it means to be a man, a son and a leader. A soul mate, a partner and a lover. What it means to live the truth of who you are and what you feel. What it means to fight for what you love. 

The Man I Love is one of the deepest, most beautiful novels I have read.
You've got love, hate, addiction, death abandonment, PTSD and so much more, all gently shoved into a story about a boy and a girl. You're not reading a book when you open The Man I Love, you're entering a whole different world, filled with these wonderful, realistic and beautiful characters.
This is more than a novel about a shooting, or about two lovers. It's about heart, it's about trust and it's also about dance. Ballet is the central point, how these characters meet and where most of them work. I've never been a huge ballet fan, but reading this gave me a whole new appreciation for the art form.
The supporting characters, Will, James, Eric and Keesja, amongst others, are so amazingly there, they make the story what it is as much as Erik and Daisy do.
Sexual orientation and how it was perceived in the late 80's/early 90's is also a big part of the book, as is Erik's acceptance of it. He goes from a boy who has a bit of a bad taste in his mouth about it to allowing Will and Keesja to slap his behind and make lewd jokes.
That's what, I think, is the biggest thing in The Man I Love: growth. Erik, Daisy and the others do a lot of growing during the decade this novel spans, and it's wonderful to watch in your mind.
This novel was excellently executed with a lot of care. Readers will know this and they will appreciate it so much more because of it.

5/5--a beautiful masterpiece!

Purchase The Man I Love via:

Amazon

Add it on Goodreads!

COMIC BOOK REVIEW: "Spring Heeled Jack #1)

Tony Deans (writer), Martha Laverick (artist), with lettering by Joshua Cozine.
Spring Heeled Jack is being published by New York Times Best Selling Publisher Alterna Comic and can be purchased online via Comixology and Drive Thru Comics.

There is panic and fear on the streets of London as more and more victims are claimed by Spring Heeled Jack, a figure supposedly able to breath fire and leap buildings in a single bound. The police are left stumped and so call on a young Arthur Conan Doyle and his mentor Joseph Bell to take charge of the case and to bring the culprit to justice once and for all. However, they'll find that Spring Heeled Jack is unlike any man they've encountered before and that they'll have to push themselves to the extremes to be able to stop a threat that may just be unstoppable...

Vampires and Arthur Conan Doyle. What could be better? Combining them in a comic book? Yes, that's better!
Spring Heeled Jack is a great comic, and the first issue will hook you and drag you in whether you want it to or not!
The art is very simplistic and perfect for the type of comic this is. It's light, feathery and the colors catch your eye, duller tones with vibrant red in spots.
The writing is superb, and makes you feel like you're reading something that was actually written in this era, not the 21st century. It's part horror and part mystery; nothing like your typical comic book. I really enjoyed reading this and am excited for issue two!

5/5--a great first issue!

Find Spring Heeled Jack online via:

Official site

Twitter

Facebook

BOOK REVIEW/AUTHOR INTERVIEW: "My Little Book of Randoms" ny Joanne Marlowe

IREVIEW:

Sometimes, when you're down, you will have the desire to read a 50 chapter self-help novel that, in the end, well offer no real help at all.
Other times, you'll sit down and write a quick little book that has a strong sense of what you're going through abd well ease your own mind. That's what Joanne Marlowe did with My Little Book of Randoms.

Containing a little art and a lot of heart, Ms. Marlowe wrote down what was on her mind during a personal time of hardship. It just so happened to be poetry.
If you're going through a difficult time in your life, pick up My Little Book of Randoms and take a few minutes to read through it.
I just did. I have had a very difficult time as of late and reading this made me feel that she knew how I was feeling just an hour ago!
Great little thing to always have nearby fit those moments you want to take a breath and remember: someone else gets it. Even when it seems no one in your personal life does, Joanne Marlowe does!

5/5--loved it!

INTERVIEW:

1. When/why did you decide to become a writer?

I always wanted to write.  When I was a little girl, I had journals and diaries but every time I wrote something, I immediately thought it was stupid and would throw it away.  As I got older, I wanted to write movies.  I always would create things in my head (movies) but never had the confidence in myself to write anything and keep it until last year.  I thought, it's now or never because I am not getting any younger and what am I doing with myself?

2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? What books do you enjoy reading today?

I am not an avid reader at all.  I really only enjoy reading books while on vacation and on a beach when I am relaxed and can read a book in one shot.  I have a small attention span and I am not someone who can read a few pages/ chapters a night.  I will end up reading the same pages over and over again if I did that. Plus, it's a time thing...I don't have much time to sit down and read. I do really like Nick Hornby novels and I like reading books after they become a movie.  Let's face it, books are almost always better than the movie....however there is the odd one that makes a better movie. 

3. Can you tell readers what inspired you to write My Little Book of Randoms?

The first social media I joined was Hitrecord.org which is Joseph Gordon-Levitt's website for artist contributions.  On the site, there were artist collaborations that turned into 3 published books called "Tiny Stories."  These were usually one or two liners and I found myself really enjoying reading them and than writing them.  I didn't get published through the site but that's because I didn't contribute to the collaborations!  I didn't remain on the site for long but met some really great people and artists.  I ventured on my own and compiled a small collection and put together "My Little Book of Randoms," just to see if I could do it.  And I did.  I learned so much a long the way and I loved the process and even more so that I did it all myself.

4. Will you write another book of poetry?

Absolutely!  I am already working on a second one entitled "This One Hurt."  I am venturing out a bit more with this book.  Longer poems, not so many quotes, short stories and maybe some more artwork....we'll see how it goes.  Maybe a collaboration with someone to do some artwork to go along with some of my stories...but I want to finish putting it together first, the written part.  I already have an idea for the cover art, something I have pictured in my head.  I want to take my time with it as I want to get my first book out there and generate some sort of buzz.

5. You mentioned that you don't look like you'd listen to Maroon 5. What kind of music do you usually enjoy? 

I listen to various music.  I love The Cure and The National and everything 80's, hair metal (Motley Crue), 90's shoegazer music (Swervedriver, Lush, Slowdive, MBV, Ride), Brit pop (Depeche Mode, Blur ), classic rock, goth-rock (Siouxsie, Sisters of Mercy), soul music (Al Green, Marvin Gaye). I still love Madonna.  I love Tori Amos.  I love the Bee Gee's. I am really into music with lots of keyboards and men with deep voices.  I love White Lies, Editors and a band called the Foreign Resort is my new obsession.  I love a lot of bands from France for some reason...Daft Punk, Phoenix, Alcest, Air, Ivy (although I  think they are NY based but orig from France).  I really like the Raveonettes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and I think my list could go on forever.  Maybe I do look like someone who listens to Maroon 5....I mean I guess I don't really know what someone who listens to them looks like. 

6. Would you ever write a fictional novel? If yes, what kind of novel?

That's a good question.  I don't know.  I suppose I could turn one of my screenplays into a novel or novella.  You know, I don't think I would do a fictional novel.  I don't know if I would be capable.  I like to keep things simple and short and sweet and to the point.  A novel would be long and it is very different than script writing and poetry.  Perhaps if I read more novels, I would be more inclined to write one.

7. You mentioned that you are writing screenplays. What actors would you love to star in something you've written?

I am so proud of my script entitled "Just Jane" and there was an inspiration behind that movie.  His name is Jonah Hill.  I think he is funny and seems sweet and when I wrote the character Ethan, I really had him in mind.  A total long shot for sure and getting Maroon 5 to perform in this movie would be as well.  You never know though.  As far as the other scripts, I really haven't pictured anyone specifically.  I wrote like a chick-flick comedy and I am thinking maybe Drew Barrymore or Anna Kendrick.  For my script "Strangegirl" I flip flop all the time on the male lead.  That script took like 15 years to write and I am still changing it. 15 years ago, I wanted Jimmy Fallon now I picture Matt Berninger who is the singer for the National and dozens of different actors in between (Ryan Gosling...I mean who wouldn't?).  I think I just change to whomever my Man Crush is that week!  But crushes aside, I believe that this one should be made with someone just starting out to make it a true indie film.  I love this one too much as it is something I have envisioned in my head forever and it took forever to write and I am still not 100% satisfied with it...but I know soon I will be comfortable with it and I really believe that it will make a great indie flick.

8. What are some of your favorite films?

Here is another list that could go on forever but I will try to limit it and just list them sans explanation because I think they speak for themselves....Annie Hall, The Exorcist, Some Like it Hot, Casablanca, Lost in Translation, Shopgirl, 500 Days of Summer, Mosquito Coast, It's a Wonderful Life, Blue Velvet, Manhattan, Say Anything, No Country For Old Men, Pulp Fiction, Grease, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Family Stone, Mask, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rocky, Happiness, A Fish Called Wanda, Garden State....

9. The cover artist for My Little Book of Randoms is also your tattoo artist. What tattoos do you have and would you recommend getting one to readers who are vacillating on the idea? (I'm curious about this because I've got a few sentimental tats as well!)

I have two half sleeves that have various things on them. One arm has the cherubs from The Cure's Japanese Whispers album, hearts, diamonds, stars, water & flowers.  The other sleeve has bats, some lettering which is a Cure song called "To Wish Impossible Things," a gramophone, a mirror, a cupcake, dice and cherries, stars and a butterfly.  I also have a piece on time on one of my thighs which consists of an hourglass and a burning candle.  My other thigh is a work in progress which is a dagger and bird skull with a Strangegirl banner.  I have a couple small ones in other places as well.  If people want to get a tattoo, obviously I would say to go for it.  I am glad I waited until I was a little bit older though.  My first tattoo was a spider that I got when I was 16 which has since been covered and another one I desperately want to cover.  I think when you are young, you are anxious and want to be cool and fill your body with a lot of crappy stuff that eventually you end up getting covered up or regretting.  If people want to get tattoos, that's great but really think about what you want and finding a really good tattoo artist is key.  I am lucky that I have a great artist and I love colourful tattoos and mine are definitely bright.  I think his work speaks for himself.  

10. Thank you for participating in the interview. Can you please leave the readers with three things that may surprise them about you?

Oh dear....
I am very sensitive.  I love the Golden Girls.  I like board games.

Find Joanne Marlowe online via:

Website:  http://www.jomarlowe.net/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/strangegirljo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanne.marlowe.73

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/strangegirljo/

GRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEW: "Angel Falling" by Jeffrey Kaufman

If you read my blog way back in June, you'll recall my review for the comic book The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys. I did not write that because I love [writer] Gerard Way's music (though I am a My Chemical Romance fan), but because since I could read, I have been obsessed with comics.

I grew up with Archie, Sonic the Hedgehog and then went on to read nearly everything DC Comics released in the past 10+ years.

So, when Malena Public Relations asked if I could review two graphic novels, I jumped at the chance!

While about 98% of the comics I read are superhero-based, I do enjoy the efforts of those who write truly original work. It takes a lot of talent, vision, drive, determination and balls. Jeffrey Kaufman, creator/writer of Angel Falling (also of Whore and Terminal Alice TA) has all that and more!With a team of talented artists (Kevin West; Justice League of America), colorists (Tom Chu; X-Men), and inkers (Mark McKenna; X-Men, Batman), Mr. Kaufman created a genius, moving, action-packed and surprising graphic novel, one that gives me hope that the comic industry (original comics in particular) isn't going down the toilet completely.

A woman wakes up on top of a dumpster, half naked and with amnesia. The reader learns along with her that she is no ordinary human, as she easily dispatches the rowdy men who try to rape her. Since she doesn't know who or what she is, she has to trust the young man with autism to help her survive being hunted by people she can't remember ever knowing?

But is it wise to run from who she is, especially since she herself doesn't know? And is Connor really her best option?

Jeffrey kaufman of Big City Comics is a talent I highly suggest all readers check out now, because, if I were a betting gal, I'd bet his popularity will only continue to grow with this graphic novel full of intrigue and plenty of surprises!

If you were concerned that maybe you won't enjoy a comic book, fear not, and give Angel Falling a try.

5/5--genius!

Purchase Angel Falling:

Amazon

Facebook

BOOK REVIEW: "Jazz Baby" by Beem Weeks

Emily Ann (AKA "Baby") Teegarten is a teen with a dream: she wants to go to New York to sing jazz, but first she needs to get out of Mississippi and her little one-horse town. The only way to do that is to trust her papa's best friend, Tanyon Thibbedeaux, who can get her into New Orleans to get her start.
But her start is rocky as her first attempt at singing in Frank Rydekker's jazz club ends in a riot and a rape and then a family tragedy: Emily Ann's mother killed her father and is now sitting in prison.
Baby wants to have fun and make her dreams come true. She doesn't want to live with her cranky old aunt in Mississippi, surrounded by temptations (her aunt's young African-American maid Neesie, Emily Ann's secret desire; the preacher's son Jobie Pritchett, who wants to marry her but yet claims she isn't his "type"; Audie, the girl everyone thinks is the town lesbian; Billy Blood, the Native American young man who is a daily temptation to nearly every young girl in town, including her beloved Neesie).
How can she when life keeps taking turns for the worse every day?

This is a coming-of-age story showing the trials and tribulations of being a small-town white girl who wants to play what was then the music of the African-American community. The novel deals with race, sexual promiscuity, confusion about sexual orientation, rape and murder, not to mention the drug and alcohol problem of the 1920's. It is written in the dialect of the era, which was new to me, but made the whole story seem more genuine.I wasn't really sure what to expect when I opened this book on my ereader. I enjoy stories from the late 19th to the early 20th century but rarely can you find anything written in this decade about those times that really strikes as original and accurate.

Jazz Baby is both.

Beem Weeks may have taken a decade to write this novel, but it was worth it. He created an emotional roller coaster of a novel with characters you will love, hate and relate to in a time when being bad felt so good and music could be heard on every corner, luring in even the most innocent and pious of souls.
Like jazz, this novel also lures you in, making you love Emily Ann as a friend or daughter and want to know if she ever is able to achieve her dreams.
I never give away endings (though I admit to using spoilers every so often), but I will say that, when you finish this novel, you will want a sequel, as Emily Ann's story is one you will want to know until the end!

Really excellent first novel, with social commentary on drugs, sex and the human conscience. I give it a 4/5.

Purchase Jazz Baby via the following:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Direct from the publisher, Fresh Ink Group

Stay tuned tomorrow for an exclusive interview with the author, Beem Weeks!