BOOK REVIEW: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi

 

In a possible future, anyone who is murdered ends up coming back in a confused but whole state. Taking advantage of this, the government trains people to become what is termed Dispatchers, who kill people that are in a state of inevitable death so they will come back. Tony Valdez, a trained Dispatcher, finds himself in the middle of police investigation of a friend’s disappearance.

This is an audio novella, an Audible original, narrated by Zachary Quinto. It is a testament to both the writing and the talent of Quinto that this is extremely entertaining and fully addicting. Once the play button is pushed, be ready for hours of suspense and thrills in another place and time. 

MOVIE REVIEW: Boo

 

Four teenagers decide to spend Halloween exploring an abandoned mental hospital. Little do they know that there are still residents in the building, and they want out at any cost.

This is a horror film that was originally released at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in 2018 to mainly favorable reviews. It was released on a limited basis in theaters in 2019. It is the typical teenage fright fest, with the four friends encountering the vengeful spirit of a child molester named Jacob that wants out of the hospital where he lost his life. Most of the cast are newcomers, with the delightful exception of Dee Wallace (the mom in ET: The Extraterrestrial), who plays the ghost of Nurse Russell, the one obstacle to Jacob’s escape. There is body reanimation, gory attacks, and general mayhem as one after the other of the friends is killed and taken over by Jacob. There is also humor, supplied by Dig Wayne as a former actor turned cop, who follows an old friend into the hospital to look for other missing teens. Actually, this is an extremely passable movie, as the script allows for empathy with the characters, and you find yourself actually rooting for the young people and cheering the ghost of Nurse Russell. A very good Halloween treat.

BOOK REVIEW: The False Prince by James Fuller

 

Set in a world where people born with the ability to control magic are called the Gifted, this is a story of love, deception, and loyalty. Beginning with the arranged marriage of a princess to the prince of a neighboring kingdom, it follows a group of friends through a series of events that reveals that the prince in question is not who he pretends to be, and the downfall of the kingdom that they all have given their loyalty to. A book written on a large scale, and with unexpected twists and turns, this is excellent faire for any fantasy fan. There is a small problem with syntax and punctuation, but this is probably due to the fact that the author lives in Canada, and the rules for writing may be a little different from the US. But, that aside, this is an exceptional read, and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

MOVIE REVIEW: Firestarter

 

This is the 2022 remake of the 1984 film, and, though the main events are the same, bears little resemblance to either the original movie or the novel on which they are both based. This one stars Zac Efron as Andy McGee, the father of a young girl, named Charlie (short for Charlene), who has powerful pyrokinetic abilities. In flashbacks it is learned that both Andy and his wife, Vicky, participated in a drug study in college. They were told that the chemical they were to be injected with was a hallucinogen, but was actually a compound that was being experimented with that enhanced psychic attributes. Charlie is the next generation result of the experiment. Because of this, the government is desperate to get their hands on her, with the results being that they murder Vicky, and Andy, together with his daughter, end up fugitives. After running across the country, they are finally captured. But, can anyone control Charlie’s powers, including Charlie herself?

Charlie is played in this version by the young actress Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who does an excellent job of portraying a girl who is just coming into puberty and has an ability within her that may destroy everything and everyone around her. There is also a fine performance by Michael Greyeyes, who plays Rainbird, a bounty hunter who is assigned to track down the girl and her father, and who seems to have the only chance of even getting close to teaching her how to control her powers. There are some major changes in this film compared to the original one, including the difference in the character of the older couple who take the pair of refugees under their wing and were played by Art Carney and Louise Fletcher, though Kurtwood Smith does a fine job with the version of the part he is given. There are no erotic scenes and not much strong language in this, but the violence is very substantial. Older children may be able to identify with young Charlie, but small children would not be a recommended audience.

BOOK REVIEW: Dragonquest by Anne McCaffrey

 

This is the sequel to Dragonflight, which had our heroine, Lessa, discovered and made the human companion of a female dragon named Ramoth. In this follow up, it is seven Turns (the term for years on the planet Pern) after the events in the previous book. Lessa has settled into her function as Weyrwoman of Benden Weyr and weyrmate to her partner, F’lar. Unfortunately, Pern is a little less settled. An unusual conjunction of planets has sent more lethal Thread down on Pern than anyone can remember, including the Oldtimers, the name of the dragonriders that Lessa brought forward in time to help fight the menace in the last novel. The Oldtimers themselves are a source of contention, so set in their old traditions that they try to block F’lar’s innovations to combat the constant danger dropping from the skies at any opportunity. Add to this an unlikely romance between F’nor, F’lar’s brother, and a young queen dragonrider named Brekke, and the discovery of some ancient technology that allows men to hope that it might be possible to eradicate Thread at its source. All this makes this for a novel with many twists and turns, and not a few surprises, demonstrating why McCaffrey’s work is a world that will live forever. 

MOVIE REVIEW: Goodnight Mommy

 

Twin boys come to visit their mother after she has apparently had plastic surgery. With a face covered in bandages, she presents the boys with a less than accurate image of the mother they used to know. However, her behavior is even more striking, and when they discover that her eye color has somehow changed, the boys become convinced that the woman in the bandages is not really their mother, but a mysterious impostor. The boys then have to decide if they are simply going to run, or if they are going to try to find out what happened to their real mother.

This film is actually the remake of an Austrian film of the same name. Starring Naomi Watts as the mother and the real-life twin brothers Cameron and Nicholas Crovetti as the twin boys, it is a tension filled romp through mystery, thrills, and fantasy to a stunning conclusion. There is some violence, including a scene of the mother subjecting one of the boys to a form of abuse, but hardly any strong language and no nudity. Sedate, but worth the time.

BOOK REVIEW: Lair by James Herbert

 

The second in Herbert’s series about giant mutant rats, this has the rats that survived the extermination efforts in London finding their way into a nature preserve on the city’s outskirts. There they learn to not only become more cautious and elusive, but also develop into excellent hunters. That is, until their increasing numbers and craving for human flesh resurfaces to threaten another tide of horror.

This book is written in a descriptive style that brings the rats to life in a way that will hold the reader spellbound. While not actually giving the animals emotions or intelligence equal to man’s, it still creates tension and desperation within the rats that is marvelous to behold. Add to this the dedication of a rat exterminator named Luke Pender, and his unexpected romance with one of the witnesses of the rats’ presence in the nature preserve, and this makes an excellent diversion for a long plane ride or a day at the beach. There are sexual and gory scenes that makes this a novel meant for adults, but nonetheless excellent for all that.

MOVIE REVIEW: Samaritan

 

An Amazon studios production, this 2022 film surrounds a young man who comes to suspect that a superhero who was believed to be dead is living in the apartment across from his. While watching the subject of his suspicions, an emotional attachment develops between the boy and the older man, and effects the lives of many individuals when a power-hungry madman tries to impersonate another dead superhero in a bid for control of the city.

This movie puts a new twist on the superhero genre, answering the question of what happens when those superheroes grow old and, perhaps, just tired. Starring veteran actor Sylvester Stallone, it also has two comparatively new faces to American audiences. The first is the young actor that plays the boy, Javon Walton, and the second is an alum of the Game of Thrones series, Pilou Asbaek. They all give stellar performances, with the climactic battle between Stallone and Asbaek being one of the most impressive that has been seen on film for a long time. While there is some strong language and violence present, there is nothing else in this offering that would not make it suitable for consumption by young viewers. Very entertaining streaming for family night.

BOOK REVIEW: Nutshell by Ian McEwan

 

While in her last trimester of pregnancy, a woman who has taken her husband’s brother as her lover plots with him to murder the father of her child. They believe they will never be caught because there are no witnesses to their crime. But they are wrong. There is one witness. The child that is still slumbering in the womb has heard all.

This is a novel about deceit and murder, told from the unique perspective of the unborn child of one of the perpetrators. To do this, it takes the artistic license of gifting the child with the consciousness and intelligence of an adult, albeit a naïve one. While this may be somewhat unconventional, the thing that proves really disturbing is the effect that the mother’s constant drinking has on the child, making it feel the effects of alcohol impairment before it is even in a position to have a choice on the subject. Well written, this is a book that is interesting enough to keep you turning the pages.

MOVIE REVIEW: Color Out of Space

 

While in a remote part of New England, a young hydrologist named Ward Phillips is introduced to a man that has inherited his father’s farm and the man’s family. The following night a brightly glowing meteor falls onto the farm and is promptly destroyed by lightning. Afterwards, Phillips finds that there are contaminants in the groundwater and warns the family not to drink the water coming from their well. However, strangely colored plants and animals soon begin to appear, and then the farm’s livestock, and the family themselves, begin to mutate into horrible and strange lifeforms. Can anyone be saved from the color from space?

This is a 2019 film based on the story “The Colour Out of Space” written by H.P. Lovecraft. This version brings the story into the 21^st century, but the characters and sequence of events are basically the same. Nicholas Cage stars as the itinerant farmer, with Joely Richardson (In Darkness) as his wife, Madeleine Arthur (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) as the daughter, and Elliot Knight (Life Sentence) as the young hydrologist. Though this does not have the creepy eeriness of the short story, it is a palatable horror movie with good acting and a passable script. There are scenes of violence and gore, so this is not recommended for young children.

BOOK REVIEW: The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis

 

This follows the adventures of a boy named Digory and his friend Polly as they become the victims of the experiments of Digory's unscrupulous uncle with some magic rings. They find themselves in a world brought to the brink of death by a beautiful but evil woman, and a series of events results in their unwittingly bringing this horrible being to the newly created world of Narnia. It is then their responsibility to right the wrong they have done by finding a way to save Narnia from the darkness that has entered it.

The sixth book of the Narnia to have been published, this is actually the first in the chronological history of the Land of Narnia. Written by a man considering by many to be one of the greatest Christian authors in history, this has many connotations and allusions to Christian theology. However, even if the reader has no knowledge of Christian belief, this is a great novel for young people, with main characters that the young can relate to. A fun read.

MOVIE REVIEW: War Horse

 

Set during World War I, this tells of the bond between a horse and the young man who raises him. Starting with the birth of the thoroughbred horse, which is later named Joey, he is sold to a family of farmers that actually cannot afford him. However, a trust develops between the animal and the farmer’s son, Albert. When Joey is later sold to a young military captain to aid the war effort, Albert is heartbroken, but is reassured by the soldier that he will return the horse when the war is over. The film then follows Joey’s experiences in the war, which takes him many places, even behind enemy lines.

This is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, and the stage play that was adapted from the book. The stage performance became famous for its use of mechanical horses in the action, but this film uses real, excellently trained, animals. The movie shows the deplorable conditions that the horses and their riders had to endure during the conflict of WWI, when engine technology had not caught up with artillery ingenuity, and horses were actually worked until they died to haul the huge war machines where they needed to be. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this has been produced in collaboration with Disney studios, but there is quite a bit more live action violence and dead bodies than in the usual Disney movie, so parents may want to take that into consideration before deciding to watch this on family night. However, this is an exquisite film, and deserves every award it was nominated for and won.

BOOK REVIEW: The Six Miracles of Calvary by William R. Nicholson

 

This small book takes the reader through the six miracles associated with Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. From the darkness that descended when Jesus died to the revival of the dead saints in the Jerusalem graveyard after he resurrected, this follows these events and looks at the meaning and inspiration that they can give to us in the present day. Originally written in 1927, this has been updated to today’s language by Dan Schaeffer, making it easier for the common layman to understand. While it tends to drone a little, it is an informative read and an enjoyable experience.

MOVIE REVIEW: Dredd

 

In a futuristic metropolis, an elite group of law enforcement officers called Judges are engaged to be judge, jury, and executioner to the criminals they are sent to apprehend. The best of them, named Dredd, is assigned a rookie, who also happens to be an extremely powerful psychic, on her first day. The two end up locked inside the largest housing building in the city, targets of the most dangerous and vicious drug dealer in business, a former prostitute called Ma-ma. Can they use their mixture of abilities and experience to survive?

This is a 2012 production based on a comic strip, starring Karl Urban (Lord of the Rings and Star Trek) as the main character. Though you never get to see his face (he wears an armored helmet), and he delivers his lines in a rough, grating tone of voice, the performance is stellar. Olivia Thirby (The Darkest Hour) plays the rookie, Anderson, who uses her mental gifts to confuse and control the small army sent to kill her and her partner. Full of action and suspense, this is a great effort by all concerned. Due to intense violence, including some involving children, and a great deal of strong language, this is not recommended for young viewers. 

BOOK REVIEW: Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

 

This is a story of the immigrant west, when the wagon trains were bringing white settlers by the thousands to join the gold miners in California and what would become the adjacent western states. One family of immigrants is the May family, which includes Naomi, their only and recently widowed daughter. One of the travelers in the same wagon train they have joined is John Lowry, a half-breed Pawnee driving a pack of mules to be sold to one of the forts along the way. Coming from very different backgrounds, these two find love in each other, only to have that love tested in unimaginable ways by the rigors and dangers of the journey they are on.

A product of love and research by its author, this book tells in real detail how hard life really was on the romanticized trek west for the people looking for a new life in the unconquered lands there. It also tells a little about the Native Americans that originally held the land, and their various responses to the influx of unwelcome strangers into their home. Told from the points of view of both Naomi and John, it is a tale of strength in the face of grief, resilience in adversity, and how love can provide both. Exceptional read.

MOVIE REVIEW: All the Old Knives

 

A CIA officer, Henry Pelham, is given the assignment of reopening the investigation of an eight-year-old case that involved a hijacked airliner that ended tragically when all the passengers and terrorists were killed. The mastermind of this act has been apprehended, and has indicated that the terrorists were being fed information from inside the CIA itself. So, Pelham finds himself forced to reunite with his old cronies from his station in Vienna, including the woman agent that he fell in love with. Who was the leak, and can Pelham trust himself to do what is right, even if it breaks his heart?

This is told in a series of flashbacks to the time of the hijacking and the sequence of events surrounding it. A thriller with many twists and turns, it is relentlessly intriguing and extremely entertaining. It keeps the interest with an almost hypnotic intensity, and should definitely be on the short list of all spy movie enthusiasts. Stars Chris Pine and Thandiwe Newton.

BOOK REVIEW: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

 

On a hot week in August, young Winnie Foster decides to run away from her rigid, sheltered life in the small town of Treegap. On the same day, a woman named Mae Tuck sets out to meet her sons, and a stranger comes to town. All seem very innocuous, but they are all intrinsically linked by a wood next to the Foster home, and the mysterious spring in the center of it. The meeting of these people will have effects that will reverberate through time, and maybe even decide the destiny of everyone on Earth.

This is a book for young adults that takes place in the 19^th century. The Tucks are one of the most unique families ever to grace the pages of literature. They and their experiences will be remembered as long as books exist, and perhaps even longer. For they are the first ones that truly asked, What would it be like to live forever? And they are perhaps the first ones that truly come up with an answer.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Thing Below

 

Produced in 2004, this horror movie has alternate titles that include It Waits Below and Sea Ghost. It surrounds a top secret government drilling platform that has found and brought to the surface a meteorite that holds an alien lifeform. The creature goes on a killing spree, and it is up to the crew of a supply ship that arrives shortly afterward to figure out how to kill it.

This one stars Billy Warlock, mainly known for his work on daytime soap operas, and Catherine Lough Haggquist, who has had numerous roles in television movies. It tends to be a little confusing to watch, mainly due to the fact that the alien seems to have some unusual psychic powers, and the action is relatively predictable. There is strong language, lots of violence, and some nudity. But a good vehicle for the monster movie fan.

BOOK REVIEW: The Koran by Anonymous

 

This is the sacred scriptures of the Islam religion, supposedly penned by that religion’s prophet, Muhammad. Written sometime in the 7^th century, it is claimed by Muslims to be a series of divine revelations given to the prophet by the angel Gabriel. It has become the root book of belief for all sects of that faith.

Upon studying this text, it becomes clear that its interpretations are at the heart of the violence and oppression that has predominated in the Middle East and elsewhere. It clearly states that “men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other,” and “as for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, forsake them in beds apart, and beat them” (Women 4:34). This is clearly what makes many men believe they have a right to commit domestic violence. There are also the admonitions, “take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends,” (The Table 5:53) and “those that make war against God and His apostle (Muhammad) and spread disorder in the land shall be slain or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides,” (The Table 5:31).  Also, “make war on them until idolatry shall cease and God’s religion (Islam) shall reign supreme” (The Spoils 8:36). Thus the justification of the continuing wars against those of other faiths by the various sects of the Muslim religion.

For myself, personally, I found the God described in this book to be somewhat arbitrary and capricious. Over and over it is stated that “Your Lord knows you best. He will show you mercy if He will, and punish you if He pleases” (The Night Journey 17:52). In other words, a person may spend their lifetime praying and doing good deeds, and nowhere are they given the assurance that the God they pray to loves them enough to allow them into Paradise. All in all, not a very happy thought. Give me a God who loves me, wants the best for me, and promises an eternity in a place of beauty and peace.

MOVIE REVIEW: Odd Thomas

Anton Yelchin plays a young man named Odd Thomas, who can see dead people. He can also see things he calls bodachs, evil beings that feed off death and despair. When he sees dozens of bodachs gathered around a man in the diner where he works, he comes to believe that something extraordinarily bad is going to happen to the town he lives in. With the help of the chief of police and the girl he loves, who both know about his abilities, he sets out to fend off the disaster.

This is a film based on a novel by the author Dean Koontz. It also features the talent of a young actor whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 27 in a freak accident. It is full of mystery, surprises, and supernatural happenings from the first minute right up until the last. Not recommended for very young children due to the violence, scary scenes, and some strong language, but definitely worth the time.

 

BOOK REVIEW: Old Christmas by Washington Irving

 

This short story is a treatise on the old traditions of England, where the author was invited to spend the holidays by a college friend. Full of delightful descriptions of an old country manor and its somewhat eccentric occupants, this paints a wonderfully moving portrait of Christmas as it was meant to be. Short enough to read in one sitting, but with chapters that can help stretch out the experience, this is one of Irving’s classics that continues to enchant new audiences.

MOVIE REVIEW: Bent

 

When a drug bust goes sour, a good cop takes the fall and ends up behind bars. Upon his release, he commits himself to finding out if he was betrayed by his partner or someone else. Along the way, he discovers that the case that he had been investigating has ties far beyond the drug trade.

Starring Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy in the new Star Trek films), this is a thriller with shades of the old police dramas that used to be all the rage in the 80s. Full of action, suspense, and a few good twists and turns along the way, it will definitely keep you guessing. 

BOOK REVIEW: Salem's Lot by Stephen King

 

A widowed author comes back to his hometown to find inspiration for his next book. While there, he discovers that the old, haunted house on the hill overlooking the town has been bought by a stranger, and the town's residents are falling prey to an insidious evil.

This is a vampire tale that was written before vampires became rock stars with teenage girls hanging off their coattails. The vampires in this are soulless, and often mindless, monsters. And the people who choose to pit themselves against these demons do so against their will. One of his classics, this is a must read for any King fan.

MOVIE REVIEW: Carriers

 

In a world where a pandemic has devastated the population, two brothers attempt to get a small group of friends to the place where they were happy as children. Along the way, they find a world of militant survivalists and infected victims.

Released in 2009, the producers of this film had no way of knowing that ten years later their predictions would come true, though to a lesser extent. Starring Chris Pine as the older of the brothers, this is a story of hopelessness and how different personalities react to it. As the movie travels through a landscape of despair, the effect finally ends up turning the people against each other, including the two brothers. Not a happy film with a happy ending, this is not recommended for family viewing, especially by young children. It is, however, a very good character study of how different philosophies can dictate who lives and who dies in nightmarish circumstances.

BOOK REVIEW: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

 

Owen Meany, son of the owner of a granite quarry, is a small, underdeveloped boy whose voice has never changed, but who ends up having a profound effect on, not only his best friend, who is the narrator of this tale, but on the entire town he grows up in. A child with an adult's understanding and perhaps the ability to see his own future, Owen's story is told with tender, and sometimes brash, honesty that is wonderful to behold. Intermixed with this is the soul of a town, a small, interwoven community that is largely gone in our day and age.

This is the story of a man's memories of his boyhood friend. Hilarious at times, tragic at others, it will draw you in and make you a part of the events in a way that other books fail to. A beautiful and poetic novel that will live on for years to come.

MOVIE REVIEW: Hitman: Agent 47

 

A young woman who has been on the run for most of her life is approached by two men. One is there to protect her and the other to kill her. But which one can she trust?

Though given a low reception by some critics upon its release, if one simply approaches this film as a pure action delight, it does not disappoint. While there is only enough background to justify the next scenes, and very little character development, it is extremely entertaining. Starring Rupert Friend (Homeland), Hannah Ware (Betrayal), and Zachary Quinto (Spock in the new Star Trek movies), this has excellent action sequences, some strong language, and plenty of violence. Though probably not a good idea for young children, this is fantastic for those seeking an extraordinarily well done action performance.

BOOK REVIEW: Heartbreak Bay by Rachel Caine

 

The fifth book in the Stillwater Lake series, this follows Gwen Proctor as she fights to protect her family from a brilliant and sadistic serial killer who has targeted them. With her friend Kezia, she travels to the very den of the maniac for a showdown that will decide who among them will survive.

This was the last novel that this author wrote before her untimely death from cancer. Though just a touch predictable, it is a great conclusion to this series, and a wonderful tribute to an extremely talented writer.

MOVIE REVIEW: Rise of the Guardians

 

Jack Frost, an immortal spirit of winter, is called upon to help save the world from being victimized by the Boogeyman. A loner who cannot remember his past, Jack must work with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman to restore belief and wonder to children before their nightmares become reality.

This is a CGI animated film that stars Chris Pine (of Star Trek fame) as the voice of Jack Frost. The cast also includes Jude Law (Dr. Watson in the new Sherlock Holmes movies), Hugh Jackman (best known as Wolverine in the X-Men films), and Alec Baldwin (with a totally hilarious Russian accent). Full of action and comedy, this is a great movie for families that teaches how important it is to keep a young mind and heart no matter what your age.

BOOK REVIEW: The Son of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs

 

This novel, the fourth of the series, follows the adventures of the son of the Lord of the Apes as he runs away to live in the same way as his father, with two exceptions. First, while his savage life is voluntary, he does not become the king of the beasts that his father did. Second, he finds himself guardian of a young girl that he saves from an abusive Arab and teaches the ways of the jungle. The adventures of these two young people make for a convoluted and entertaining story, though a little dated in its views of indigenous peoples, and written in a 19^th century prose that tends to be a little wordy. But it is a good read, all the same.

MOVIE REVIEW: Cell

After an electronic pulse over cell phones turns almost everyone into programmed homicidal zombies, a graphic artist goes in search of his wife and son. Along the way he meets various survivors, and watches the evolution of what could be a new race.

This is based on a novel by master author Stephen King, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Due to this, the main characters and events are basically true to the book. John Cusack stars in the main role, and his style of acting is actually well suited to the part of a sensitive man thrown into a nightmare. There is strong language and quite a bit of violence, including one extreme scene of suicide. However, this is a film that will keep the attention and gives good surprises.

 

BOOK REVIEW: Master of the Night by Angela Knight

 

Erin Greyson is an ex-FBI agent who watched the man she loved kill himself. Bent on revenge, she finds herself in the path of forces greater than anything she could ever imagine, unwitting partner of a vampire. Now she must face a world where everything she has always believed was sheer myth has come true, and prays that she can convince these powers not to kill her before they can help her.

While this book is really good in the areas of worldbuilding and action, it is also what can only be described as porn with a twist. There are several extremely erotic scenes, many of them lasting for two chapters or more. Since the story has only about twenty chapters in it, there can be little doubt about where the characters spend the majority of their time, and this actually ends up taking away from the action as they fall into bed yet again. If the sex was taken out, or at least pared down to a minimum, this would be an excellent adventure. As it is, this is something that definitely should not fall into the hands of children or young adults.

MOVIE REVIEW: Jack's Back

 

A young medical student is accused of a series of murders after he himself is killed. The police believe they have an open and shut case, until his identical twin brother shows up claiming that he saw the truth of what happened in a dream.

This movie is actually a pretty good one starring James Spader in a duel role as both brothers. His style of acting is superbly fitted to the role of the surviving brother trying to clear his twin’s name. This is not only a murder mystery but also a thriller that incorporates the psychic link between twins. One of the really nice surprises of this one is the appearance of Robert Picardo (of Star Trek: Voyager fame) as the psychiatrist working with the police on the murder investigation. A great little 80s gem.

BOOK REVIEW: Dolphin Island by Arthur C. Clarke

Sixteen-year-old Johnny has always felt like a stranger in his aunt’s house, where he has lived since the untimely deaths of his parents. So, when a large freighter makes an unscheduled stop near his home, he seizes his chance and stows away on it, only to find himself caught in a series of events that brings him to a small piece of land off the Australian coast called Dolphin Island. It is here, while working with the researchers stationed there, that Johnny finds his future.

This is a story written primarily for young adults that takes place sometime in the future. It bases its premise not only on a young man finding his way, but also on the research into interspecies communication, mainly between man and dolphins. First published in 1963, this is still an excellent book for young readers who love the sea and the creatures in it.

MOVIE REVIEW: Alien Apocalypse

 

A group of astronauts return to Earth to find that aliens have captured the planet and enslaved the human race. It is up to the doctor of the group to lead the slaves in a revolt against their extraterrestrial masters and the humans that have conspired against their own kind.

The star of this is Bruce Campbell, best known for the Evil Dead film series. Though usually presenting a quirky, sarcastic persona, Campbell actually carries this off rather well as he portrays a man who, initially interested only in his own survival, evolves into the leader of Earth's only hope for freedom. The aliens are well done, though the script is a little weak, and there is quite a bit of gore, both human and alien. However, originally written for television, there are no erotic scenes and very little strong language. Recommended for older children and sci-fi enthusiasts.

BOOK REVIEW: The Light Through the Leaves by Glendy Vanderah

 

When Ellis's baby daughter disappears on a trip to a national park, she descends into a nightmare of guilt, self-loathing, and substance abuse. Across the country in a rural home, the infant that was taken is growing into an intelligent and strong willed girl. Raised by a woman who suffers from mental illness and follows mystical naturalist beliefs, the child now known as Daughter of Raven struggles to balance the teachings of her mother with the realities of the world. Only by finding each other can these two broken and seeking women discover the love and acceptance they need to heal.

This is this author's second novel and, though very different from the first, it is no less engaging. Exploring the subjects of mental illness and substance abuse, as well as the love of nature as a healing force, this follows a woman and her daughter who, though miles apart, are bound by an inner strength and resilience that enables them to survive situations that seem insurmountable. This is another triumph for this writer.

MOVIE REVIEW: Messenger of Death

 

While investigating the merciless slaughter of a family, a journalist discovers a plot to set two feuding religious factions at each other's throats.

This 1988 movie stars Charles Bronson, who was best known for the Death Wish series of films. Known for his macho persona, this is something of a departure, but he carries it off well. The religious connotations are also well done, though somewhat sensationalized in favor of the storyline. However, for those who are fans of the "tough guy" flicks of years past, this is a great one.

BOOK REVIEW: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

 

Taking place in the 19th century, when beasts of burden were the primary means of short distance transportation, this follows a horse through his life and the many masters that he is owned by.

Though primarily about a horse, this also teaches lessons on love, kindness, and respect in the way that all creatures are treated. Written at the end of the author's life, it has become a classic, not only for its lovely story but also as a great influence in the movement against cruelty to animals. Anyone who loves horses, or just animals in general, will want to read this one.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Secret of Moonacre

 

After having been orphaned, Maria and her nanny come to live with her uncle in Moonacre Valley. While learning about her new home, Maria discovers that she is the only one who can bring two feuding families together and save the magical place she has come to love.

This is based loosely on the novel The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge. Though the characters have been somewhat changed to reflect a more modern audience, this is still a completely engaging and well done story about love and loyalty, and how things like pride and greed can get in the way of happiness. This is an excellent movie for family viewing. 

BOOK REVIEW: Intensity by Dean Koontz

 

Chyna Shepherd is a college student who is also an abuse survivor, having grown up with a mother addicted to both drugs and violence. While visiting a friend's family for a weekend, she finds herself in the middle of a nightmare when a serial killer invades the home and kills everyone but Chyna. While attempting to save herself, Chyna hears the killer talking about a girl he has imprisoned in his basement, and decides to make sure this maniac doesn't get the chance for another victim.

This is a novel that is very hard not to read in one sitting. The action is intense, the suspense never stops, and the main characters are completely engaging. The heroine is strong, determined, and unstoppable. The villain is the essence of evil and totally menacing. This one will definitely be an all-nighter, so be prepared.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Thing 2011

 

A woman paleontologist is asked to come to Antarctica to examine the remains of a creature found frozen next to what appears to be a space ship. Upon analyzing it, she discovers that it is an alien life form that can replicate whatever it kills, including humans. How can you destroy a creature when you don't know who among your comrades is a monster?

For those who know and loved the 1982 version of this story, this is a prequel to that. The special effects are quite good and there is a lot of action and surprises. In keeping with the times, the main character is a female. A scientist who seems to be the only one who can figure out anything, though there are two male doctors who are supposed to be the leaders of the expedition. The problem I had with this was, having seen the previous film and therefore knowing the fate of all the participants, it was kind of hard to watch all the effort go into what was a foregone conclusion. But, for those who don't know that destiny, this is a good horror prize.

BOOK REVIEW: Germination by Jamie Thornton

 

Mary is a 17-year-old runaway more interested in surviving on the streets than in listening to the rumors of monsters that have been floating around in the news. But, when she and one of her friends are attacked by a man carrying a human heart, and a drop of his blood flies into her eye, Mary finds out that the monsters are not only real, but she is becoming one. Now she has to run, not only from those who would imprison and experiment on her, but from her own friends as she struggles to maintain her humanity.

This is a novella that opens a series telling the story of its characters from the pint of view of the monsters. It is well written, easy to read, and with engaging personalities. A wonderful beginning to what we hope will be a great and unique series.

MOVIE REVIEW: 2149: The Aftermath

 

Taking place after World War III, this follows a young man who, having spent the last nine years of his life isolated in a survival pod, is forced to come out when the computer he relies on is shorted out by a lightning strike. Once outside, he finds a small group of people who are living in a nearby forest. They reteach him how to communicate, and he discovers that the world is not what he had been led to believe.

Originally released under the title "Darwin," this is from an independent studio in Canada. It is low key with no strong language, no erotic scenes, and no violence. Only a very creepy psychological take on what can happen when technology begins owning us and not the other way around.