Fringe: Beyond the Fringe

Authors:  Joshua Jackson, Jhonen Vasquez, et al

Artists: Jorge Jimenez, Becky Cloonan, et al

Publisher:  DC Comics

Year: 2012

Pages: 144

Goodreads Synopsis:
Collecting the entire original, digital-first series never before in print! A tale from Fringe star Joshua Jackson explores key events between seasons 3 and 4, Jhonen Vasquez and Becky Cloonan tell the story of Nina Sharp’s robotic arm, and five more tales from beyond the Fringe!

So there's not much description there, is there? And, really, there's not a common theme that runs through these collected comics. But, they are lots of fun. The story written by Joshua Jackson connects season 3 and 4 of the TV show and is very interesting. I could tell that Jackson loves the show and the mysteries surrounding it. It had that Fringe-ness to it that I love about the show. Most of the other stories are "what if" scenarios where we see a world where Walter's a rock star, Walter outlives the rest of the world, Astrid is a kick-butt spy, the team is a group of art thieves ala Oceans 11. But my favorite what if story in the group has Peter as a playboy crime fight like Batman. It's great! I found these comics to be a fun addition to the Fringe television show.

Masque of the Red Death

Author: Bethany Griffin

Series: Masque of the Red Death, Book 1

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Year: 2012

Pages:  319

Goodreads Synopsis:

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population, and those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery makeup . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club--in the depths of her own despair--Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club, and Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find not just something to live for, but something to fight for--no matter what it costs her.

Around page 50, I was talking to my sister about this book and telling her that this book better pick up soon or I might quit on it. (There's just way too many books in my stack for my to waste my time on a book I'm not enjoying). A little bit later, I was on page 103 and I knew I was going to be up until I finished the book. Somewhere in between, the action and story had caught up and got to going good and I was loving it. The mystery is so convoluted in this book. What is the plague? How did it come to be? Who can be trusted? Who can't be trusted? (And the answer to that question will surprise you). When I finished Masque of the Red Death, I was ready to start the next book. So I say give this book a try and STICK IT OUT! I know it starts off slow but it definitely picks up and is not the same old story that's being told over and over. It's new and refreshing.

One Foot in the Grave

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Series:  Night Huntress, Book 2

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis:

You can run from the grave, but you can’t hide…

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around Bones awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline rush of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head – wanted: dead or half-alive – means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard Cat tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever … and Bones won’t let her get away again. Original.

So this book was way better than the first. I'm addicted to this series and can't wait to keep going. I loved some of the turns the series took with this installment and there was definitely some stuff there that I wasn't expecting. These books are making for wonderful entertaining on my daily commute. Again, my main complaint is with the voice the narrator uses for Bones. Isn't just not masculine enough. But I do recommend these books for anyone that likes some urban romance. Just beware there are very long and detailed sex scenes in the books.

Spell Bound

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Series: Hex Hall, Book 3

Year: 2012

Publisher: Hyperion

Pages:  327

Goodreads Synopsis:

Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

My Thoughts:

The synopsis describes this series as "impossible to put down" and I'd have to agree with that. I read each of the three books in one sitting a piece. They're just fun, humorous and exciting. The wit and sarcasm was laugh out loud funny at times. I can tell that Rachel Hawkins is probably a bit of a geek just from some of the jokes. Also, I loved both Archer and Cal. They were both great guys and impossible to choose between. Luckily, though, the author doesn't  make the romance the center of the story. Instead the story focuses on defeating the evil that has come to Hex Hall and the love interests take a back page to the greater purpose. If you like fun, magical books, I suggest giving the Hex Hall series a read. Just make sure it's a night you can afford to stay up late.

The Elephant to Hollywood

Author:  Michael Caine

Year:  2010

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Narrator:  Michael Caine

Audible Description:

Charming, engaging, and surprisingly forthright, Michael Caine gives us his insider's view of Hollywood and the story of his brilliant second act.

When he was in his late 50s, Michael Caine believed his glamorous, rags-to-riches Hollywood career had come to an end. The scripts being sent his way were worse and worse. When one script really disappointed, he called the producer to complain about the part. The producer said, "No, no, we don't want you for the lover, we want you for the father."

Salvation came in the unlikely form of his old friend Jack Nicholson, who convinced him to give acting one more shot. What followed was not only an incredible personal transformation but also one of the most radical comebacks in film history. Learning to accept his new role both on camera and in his own life, Caine went on to win his second Oscar, be knighted by the queen, and deliver some of his best performances to date.

Now he shares the spectacular story of his life, from his humble upbringing in London's poverty-stricken Elephant and Castle, his military service, touching marriage and family life, and lively adventures with friends, to legendary meetings with fellow stars, forays as a restaurateur, and hilarious off-screen encounters from his glittering five-decade career. Caine brings his gift for storytelling and his insider's view to a tale that is funny, warm, and deeply honest.

My Thoughts:

So, I really stepped out of my usual reading with this audiobook but I heard an interview with Michael Caine talking about this memoir and he's just such a joy to listen to that I thought I'd give it a shot. It was definitely worth the credit. Caine is such an engaging person. He doesn't get mean or ugly with any person and I'm sure with as long as he's been in Hollywood, he could tell some stories that would  make people look bad. He's a class act and exactly how I imagine a real knight would be in his elder years. On top of that, Caine does a wonderful job narrating the story. It's like you're sitting in his living room, drinking tea and eating scones and he's telling  you stories. I loved it.

Carnival of Souls

Author: Melissa Marr

Series:  Carnival of Souls, Book 1

Year: 2012

Publisher: Harper Audio

Narrator:  James Marsters

Audible Description:

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures - if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father - and every other witch there - fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable.While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

From Melissa Marr, bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely series and Graveminder, comes a brand-new tale of lush secrets, dark love, and the struggle to forge one's own destiny. 

My Thoughts:

I am totally surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I didn't finish Marr's Wicked Lovely series just because they couldn't hold my attention. I didn't feel they were original and that they were pretty boring. I stuck with them as long as I did because the covers were amazing. So, I was a bit leery about picking up Carnival of Souls. But, it was narrated by James Marsters (Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and I had some Audible credits so I decided to give it a try. Am I glad I did!

This is a dark novel with risky topics. It's a cruel and violent world that Marr has thrown some wonderful main characters in the middle of. Mallory's totally clueless about her heritage but everyone around her knows the truth. I spent the whole audiobook yelling at my ipod - - just tell her already. Then there's Aya. I can't figure out what her agenda is but I know she's got one. She's deceptive and cunning and I can't help but cheer for her. Kaleb lives a horrible life yet he can't help dreaming of a better life. 

Let's not forget James Marsters' narrating. He's amazing! I think he greatly carried the book and make it much more likable than it would have been if I was reading a physical book. I'm actually pretty sure that there were a couple of spots where I might have decided I couldn't handle this and just put the book down. But Marsters is such an excellent narrator that I was entranced and kept listening. I am going to listen to each and every book narrated by this guy. 

This book ends on a horrible cliffhanger so I suggest waiting until next year to read it.

Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict

Author: Laurie Viera Rigler

Series: Jane Austen Addict, Book 2

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Year:  2009

Narrator: Kate Reading

Audible Description:

Laurie Viera Rigler's nationally best-selling debut novel, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, took 21st-century free spirit Courtney Stone into the social confines of Jane Austen's era. Now, Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict tells the parallel story of Jane Mansfield, a gentleman's daughter from Regency England who inexplicably awakens in Courtney's overly wired and morally confused modern L.A. life.

For Jane, the modern world is not wholly disagreeable. She relishes the privacy, independence, even the power to earn her own money. But how is she to fathom her employer's incomprehensible dictates about "syncing a BlackBerry"? How can she navigate a world in which flirting and kissing and even the sexual act itself raise no matrimonial expectations?

Even more bewildering is the friend named Wes, who is as attractive and confusing to Jane as the man who broke her heart back home. It's enough to make her wonder if she would be better off in her own time, where at least the rules are clear---that is, if returning is even an option. 

My Thoughts:

This is a fun, light-hearted listen - - especially if you're a Jane Austen fan. Rigler writes time travel stories where the time travel isn't the main plot point in the book. Instead it's a device for getting two women to the men they'll fall in love with. This book was especially fun watching a girl from Austen's time deal with our modern day conveniences.

These aren't spectacular books. They're just fun, clean listens. Reading is a great narrator. If you're an Austen fan, you'll enjoy these books.