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.