Lenni Reviews: "A Naked Kiss from a Broken Doll: A Giallo" by Peter Marra

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

In the style of Giallo (Italian crime thrillers), we follow Criselda, a sadistic killer as she rips and tears her way through victim after victim eventually encountering a likeminded woman, Cenci. This book follows them as they sink into a life of blood-soaked, lust-filled tales.

This book reminds me very much of Lucio Fulci movies. Visceral, gory, erotic, highly detailed, and graphic, this book will take you on a ride. The way it's written, it's almost as if you are in Criselda's head, trippy, warped, and a bit confusing at times. And while it doesn't hold back on the gore, there's a poetry to it. It sure isn't for the faint of heart but I enjoyed reading it. 3.9 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: “The Last Ballad” by Wiley Cash

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is recommended for mature readers.

Set in North Carolina in 1929, Ella works in a textile mill trying desperately to work enough hours to feed her children. Suffering with terrible hours and even worse pay, Ella is curious about the current rise in unions for textile workers but afraid of losing her job or worse.

This is a very poignant and powerful book. Sitting in my privileged 2020 mindset, it still shocks me to know there was a time where you risked your life for even associating with someone thinking about a union. My grandmother was a garment worker union member who frequently attended rallies like in the book; and she was African American working with Jewish colleagues at this time (a man even came to interview her for this book). It’s part of why I was so excited to read this. This book jumps around in time and I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had a more linear narrative. But it’s still amazing regardless. 4.7 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "The Artist and the Soldier" by Angelle Petta

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is recommended for mature readers.

In this sprawling tale, we have Max Amsel and Bastian Fisher who meet as teens in Camp Seigfried then again as adults in the thick of World War II.

First off, I dunno if I was taught this in school and forgot or just wasn't taught this but I was SHOCKED that the Nazi Camp Siegfried was a real place in NY! I honestly didn't realize such camps existed and kudos to this book for teaching me that.

This book is almost perfect. It focuses more on the war itself and how it's affecting everyone, not just our main characters. A great deal of the plot is plucked straight from history. The writing is compelling, the action is well done, and the romance did tug at my heart. If you like historical fiction with a bit of angst, I recommend this despite the ending being a bit of a drop-off. But you can tell a lot of love went into this book. 4.7 out of 5.

NYCC 2019: DCU Press Event

DCU Press Event photo by Sean Tucker

DC Universe continues to deliver new content, robust community engagement, and real-world experiences to its members. During the grand opening reception of a new, pop-up activation titled, DCU HQ, the subscription service highlighted updates to the platform and previewed new content coming in 2020.

The opening night festivities included a presentation featuring a line-up of DC executives, artists, producers and even Krypto was on hand, the fan-favorite super dog who will soon be appearing on the DC Universe original series Titans. The evening got underway with artist Jim Lee, DC’s Chief Creative Officer and Publisher, creating live art on the walls within The Fantabulous Evolution of One Harley Quinn Gallery

DC UNIVERSE: ​The Ultimate DC Membership,​ today announced a new initiative to harness the creativity and talent of DC fans  and unleash a new unscripted concept and video series for the first-of-its-kind digital  subscription service. DC UNIVERSE, in association with Ideas United, kicked off DCYou  Unscripted at its New York Comic-Con pop-up event headquarters, ​DCUHQ​, inviting emerging  creators and dedicated fans alike to submit unscripted series ideas, drawing on all things DC.  

The DCYou Unscripted project will be open for entries beginning the evening of October 3 to  November 18 to any Ideas United network member who is over 18 and a US resident. Any  creator is welcomed to easily and quickly apply to join the iU network. During the submission  process, talent and fan enthusiasts alike will be able to submit their unscripted/reality video  series ideas ranging from game shows to game play to hot food and hot takes. The top 10  entrants chosen will travel to Los Angeles, California to spend a day with industry professionals  to refine their concepts and have the chance to pitch their concepts in-person to a panel of DC  executives and entertainment luminaries. Three finalists will move on to have unscripted pilots  produced by Ideas United, with one final entrant receiving a series order which will launch  exclusively on DC UNIVERSE.

For more info go to: dcuunscripted.com

BizarroTV from Blue Ribbon Content

DC Universe announced a new anthology series, titled BizarroTV, that will feature fan favorite characters from the more obscure corners of the DC universe. This mixed media series is coming to DC Universe in 2020. Produced by Blue Ribbon Content, Warner Bros. Television Group’s digital production unit, this new show demonstrates the Television Group’s commitment to create original and compelling programs for the digital marketplace. Blue Ribbon taps into the Studio’s established creative team, while also identifying new and innovative talent to deliver cutting-edge series in the short form format. A showcase of experimental styles and creative voices and visions that will be a mix of live action and animation; deep cuts from the DC portfolio of characters such as Space Cabbie, Ambush Bug, Slam Bradley and the Creeper!

New Home Entertainment Releases

More WB Home Entertainment releases will be coming to DC Universe in 2020, particularly because the movies have been so popular with members. The most watched movie on the DC Universe to-date is the animated original Reign of the Supermen, which debuted on the service January 29, 2019. Due to its popularity, even more home entertainment movies will be coming in 2020, including Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, Superman: Red Son and Justice League Dark: Apocalypse. These original animated movies will be available on DC Universe just 90 days after their physical release date.

New Community Engagement

Many DC Universe members are familiar with Jackie Cole as the Community and Rewards Manager and oft-moderator in the DC Universe community. She provided an overview of the new features launching on DC Universe this month. New features will be available to members starting on October 23, 2019 as a part of “Community Week”, a special event for members on the service. It will include special guests and top-notch creators from comics, TV, animation, and more, who will join the fun by participating in Q&As, book club discussions, live Watch-Alongs with behind-the-scenes insights and deep dive explorations of the shows and scripts. Community week will kick off with a Q&A with Titans series star, Anna Diop.

And last, but certainly not least…….

photo by Sean Tucker

DC UNIVERSE ORIGINAL SERIES AND EXCLUSIVES

Harley Quinn Debuts on November 29!

Executive Producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker were on hand to officially announce the premiere date for the original adult-animated comedy series Harley Quinn. DC artist Amanda Conner was on hand as well to share her inspiration to create some of the art that inspired the animated series. Her art is featured within the immersive pop-up installation at DCU HQ.

Other activities at and before the event. Krypto the dog came through for a photo op and a time lapse of Jim Lee drawing Harley Quinn.

Photo by Sean Tucker

Jim Lee draws Harley Quinn at the DCUHQ at NYCC. Visit the Fabulous Gallery all during NYCC 2019 at 447 W. 36th St to see this painting and so many more original pieces.

by Sean Tucker

Lenni Reviews: “Orbit” by Leigh Hellman

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

Committed troublemaker Ciaan Gennet runs afoul of the law one too many times and ends up sentenced to probation at a spaceship port facility. He blonde hair makes her a target for bullies so she hopes to keep her head down and serve her time without incident. But when a captain with obviously suspicious cargo docks his ship, Ciaan gets caught up in a multiplanet conspiracy that puts her life in great danger.

Perhaps a little slow going until Ciaan ends up on the spacecraft but it’s still interesting. Great characters, awesome worldbuilding, and a great spin on some dystopian concepts. We have a smart woman of color as our main lead and I love reading about a motley crew of space rebels. Very cool book. 4.9 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "In the Midnight Room" by Laura McBride

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Book-ended with the life of June Stein, this novel dives into Las Vegas in the 1950's and a casino called 'The Midnight Room.'

This book feels a lot like the times where I went into a real casino in Vegas and Atlantic City; glitz, glamour, sadness, and desperation. Including June, the lives of four very different women collide together over the course of a lifetime in this book and we follow some hauntingly poetic stories. I'm not really one for historical fiction and this book managed to suck me in and I had trouble putting the book down.

I do have to say some of the point of view changed had me confused but the story managed to sort itself out in a few paragraphs; particularly in the end when it's suddenly all from June's perspective but as it's her life that frames the entire narrative, it's forgivable. An excellent period piece and I recommend. 3.9 out of 5.

Book Con/ Book Expo 2019 Recap

By Lenni

It has been an exhausting couple of days covering Book Expo & Book Con 2019. There were so many authors, panels and things to say I couldn’t see it all. One thing I will definitely was looking forward to was the panel of George Takei. George Takei was there to talk about his IDW graphic novel “They Called Us Enemy”. They Called Us Enemy is Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future. Just hearing George Takei talk about the memoir and his experiences was very moving and inspiring. After the panel, I explore the convention.

Book Review of George Takei’s “They Called Us Enemy”

I read this book with tears in my eyes the entire time. I remember learning about these camps in school and back then I couldn’t imagine people being so backward, paranoid, and inhumane.

But that was middle school me. Thirty-eight year old me has seen the news in 2019.

This book is not easy to read because people suck but much like putting myself through Maus and Irena; it does remind me that humans can also be amazing. I had to opportunity to see Mr. Takei speak about his time in the camps and I’m glad I did. I hope people realize one day, history will look back on us just as we look back now on what we did to the Japanese back then. 5 out of 5.

Pics

Overall Book Con/Expo is a must for book lovers and professionals alike. The Javitz center is the perfect place to hold all these vendors. This time I did bring my little rolling suitcase so I admittedly nabbed more than I should have. But I am super excited to read all these books.

Lenni Reviews: "The Black God's Drums" by P. Djèlí Clark

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review

Living with a goddess inside her, Creeper happens upon some valuable information about a scientist and his powerful but dangerous invention. A streetwise kid like her decides to sell this information to become a crewmember for Captain Ann-Marie of the "Midnight Robber." But the weapon in question could kill thousands and reignite the Civil War.

Other than the casual use of racial epithets typical of the South around the time of the Civil War, this was a cool take on a steampunk-like world set in an alternate universe. It's a shame it's just a novella but enough entertainment is packed into its short length, great characters, and fun action. Not enough books are written about the African Orishas and this is a highly creative and enjoyable take on that mythos. 4.5 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "Bones and Bourbon" by Dorian Graves

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Retz is tasked with bringing some escaped exhibits for Lady Delight, a lamia who runs a menagerie of captured supernatural creatures. Lady Delight is a former acquaintance of Nalem, an entity who shares Retz's body and mind so he agrees to the mission not knowing his Retz's brother, Jarrod, has been hired by the escaped funaribi to protect them from Lady Delight. Retz and Jarrod have been estranged for 10 years and their reunion occurs under the pall of their conflicting missions as well as a horde of homicidal unicorns.

With all the stuff going on, this book is difficult to pin down. I get some Supernatural vibes (I haven't watched more than a couple episodes of that but even I could see the similarities) but it is a superficial connection that didn't take away from the story as a whole.

The characters are lively, well written, and have some great chemistry; particularly Retz and Nalem. The dynamics of having to share a body with some ageless entity of dubious morals is conveyed very well. Jarrod and his boyfriend Ferris have a great relationship and Jarrod is a great character who happens to be transgender instead of being transgender being the entire focus of this existence; as it should be. And with a relentless army of killer unicorns in the mix, this is a cool dark urban fantasy. I really enjoyed it. 3.9 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: “Imitatore” by A. Rose

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Born with multiple magical abilities, Sophie knows she is destined to do great things. But when she meets Oliver, an Imitatore who has the gift to use her powers and amplify them, her destiny rushes headlong at her, upending her life and leaving her with few she can trust and the future of the world at stake.

This book encapsulates every trope of YA fiction: Very tell, don’t show, simple sentences, and a wayward protagonist. By ‘wayward’ I mean the plot seems to blow her along; not leaving her to make many decisions. I do appreciate the diverse cast; a dark-skinned main character and non-gendered costar. There’s some cool world building but this is absolutely geared for someone younger than myself. I still had fun reading it, though. 3 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "Abara: Complete Deluxe Edition" by Tsutomu Nihei

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

In a dystopian landscape, creatures known as White Gauna have awakened, threatening to devour the city's populace and destroy everything. The Observation Bureau enlists the help of Denji Kudou, a Black Gauna. But as more and more White Guana appear, Kudo may not be enough to save the city from destruction.

While the story is interesting and the art amazing - brutally awesome and detailed - you are tossed into this story without much guidance. How are these creatures bonded to people? What's the technology level of a world full of all these cybernetics and how did they learn to use them on these beings? What's the deal with the talking skeleton bird? You will not get much in the way of clear answers here.

That being said, Nihei tells a great story here. It reminds me of Battle Angel Alita with the impressive creature design and ultra-violence. This edition also includes some full-color art, pull out pages with larger art, and a side story "Digimortal." This would make a great gift or a worthy addition for a collector. 3.9 out of 5. 

This book will be released December 18th, 2018.

Lenni Reviews: "Watersnakes" by Tony Sandoval

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is suggested for mature readers

While Mila is out playing, she meets a strange but beautiful girl named Agnes who believes ghosts live in her teeth. As they spend more time together, Mila realizes Agnes is far from a normal girl as otherworldly forces spill into Mila's life.

This is what I was expecting from Likely Stories; a trippy, thrilling, scary, bloody, fantastic fantasy story that's beautiful to look at. The art takes some getting used to but if you can appreciate the likes of Roman Dirge or Dave McKean, this will be a treat to read through. If you like dark fantasy where fairy tale nightmares bleed into real life, this is a cool book to read and I'd like to see more from this creator. 4.7 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "The Obsidian Temple" (Desert Rising 2) by Kelley Grant

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

In the sequel to Desert Rising, Sulis travels to the Obsidian Temple to fulfill her destiny as part of a group charged with rejoining the gods with The One. Along with her friend Ava, she must learn the complicated moves and energy work to perform the ritual. Meanwhile, her twin brother, Kadar, is drawn up in a revolution as the Forsaken cast is fed up with being treated like slaves or worse. But the gods are not willing to let the Forsaken go or give up their power and are willing to wage war to keep what's theirs.

Sulis continues to be a strong character but to be honest, this book spent too much time on the training parts only to get to the good stuff towards the ending. I understand this was meant to be a trilogy and plot-wise, it is more realistic for the chosen ones to need to practice rather than to just be perfect from the beginning; but it made for a slow read. The inter-cutting of the Forsaken rebellion did bring up the pace, however.

Overall a great read. I'm ready to jump right into the next one. 4 out of 5.