Top 5 best action films ~In my opinion anyway~

I’m not usually one for shoot ‘em up, kill ‘em all and huge explosions when I’m looking for a film; but occasionally I want an action film fix. Here are my top 5 list of the best action films ~in my opinion anyway~ in no particular order

#5 The Indiana Jones Series – Lucas Films has made a gazillion dollars on this franchise because it works. University professor and Tomb Raider Indiana Jones, has done some pretty out there things so far in this 4 movie series. He’s run from large boulders, survived an atomic blast by hiding in a refrigerator and has a strong dislike for snakes and spiders.  He carries a whip and his hat almost always stays on his head. Harrison Ford (Indiana) isn’t all that bad to look at even in his aged state, and his leading ladies never disappoint.

I enjoy this one purely because there is a high level of humor, without which, the films would be just a big bunch of meh.

#4 Die Hard Series – Bruce Willis plays John McClean, New York cop, and hero when the bad guys come to town in this 4 film franchise. First in an office building, then in an airport, then they target the Federal Reserve in New York and finally the entire of the USA. He seems to always be Johnny on the spot and the catch phrases run this and fast.

The explosions are legendary, and some scenarios are very unbelievable. This really isn’t aimed at a female target audience, but it’s an okay bunch of films to watch every now and again.

#3 Gone in 60 Seconds – Originally made in 1974 but remade in 2000 this one hits all the right spots; between explosions, car chases, bad guys, hot smart chicks and the unobtainable goal. You tend to forget the highly illegal activities of a bunch of reformed car boosters, who have banded together to save the little brother of one of their own.

Angelina Jolie does what she does best and burns some serious rubber alongside Nicolas Cage. Turn the volume up if you’re a bit of a rev head to hear the engines roar.

#2 Top Gun – Tom Cruise plays Maverick, a fighter pilot… there’s jets, uniforms and a teacher to seduce. Little more need be said. *air guitar to the song Danger Zone*

#1 Fast and Furious Series – Sometimes there’s Vin Diesel, sometimes there’s not; but there is always fast cars and a race to be won.  The sixth film in this franchise looks to be in the works and I haven’t seen Fast Five yet, but the other four films go a long way to cure the action film itch.

Quarter miles, drifting, stolen goods, mobsters, and undercover police work generally cover the gist of the series so far. Give me a Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez double act and I’m in action movie heaven.

What’re your top 5 action films?

Marianne here: I’m adding one of my favourite action franchises as well!

Lethal Weapon – Mel Gibson back in the day.

by Belinda Hamilton

You know when you’re looking for something a little different, something that might cleanse the pallet in preparation for heading back into your usual reading pattern? I always look in the returns trolleys at my local library for inspiration when this happens to me. The last time I went ‘treasure hunting’ I was blessed with the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill.

I had the first five books read within a fortnight, and I’ll be keeping an eagle eye out for the 6^th book in the series due out toward the end of the year.

So what’s all the kerfuffle about? ~without massive spoilers~

Being a 27 year old undergraduate trying to make a name for herself away from her social climbing parents was a hard enough life for Caroline Merit; until an attack on campus changed her life forever. Not only was she the target of a psychotic vampire’s plans to take over the world *add evil laughter and thunder here* but she was saved, and reborn, as a vampire by the head honcho of the 4^th oldest vampire house in the world; none other than one Ethan Sullivan.

We then spend the series following Merit through her transitions into becoming an ‘all that she can be’ uber vampire while she’s working to thwart the evil elements of the supernatural community.

There are huge amounts of martial arts and dialogue that should come with a choking hazard warning, it is seriously that funny. On top of it all there is a sexual attraction between Merit and Ethan that is sure to make you blush.

You’ll get to meet sorcerers, fairies, nymphs, shifters and loads of vampires. There are rich people and socialites to make Merit feel like a fish out of water and more than enough politics to keep her brain well oiled.

Merit’s relationships with each and every character are complex but totally relatable. I’d LOVE to have a girl’s night out with the Cadogan vampires at the Temple Bar.

I would have to say my favourite parts of this series are the food scenes. Neill’s vampires use blood as a supplement rather than a solitary food source. So Merit showing Ethan what he’s been missing out on whilst avoiding the Chicago food movement, had me giggling and craving all at the same time.

If you like Laurell K Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Sherrilyn Kenyon; I guarantee you’ll get a kick out of Chloe Neill’s Chicagoland Vampire Novels.

The books in order:

Some Girls Bite Paperback, 341 pages Published April 7th 2009 by NAL Trade

ISBN 0451226259 (ISBN13: 9780451226259)

Friday Night Bites Paperback, 357 pages Published October 6th 2009 by NAL Trade

ISBN 045122793X (ISBN13: 9780451227935)

Twice Bitten Paperback, 355 pages Published July 6th 2010 by NAL Trade

ISBN 0451230647 (ISBN13: 9780451230645)

Hard Bitten Paperback, 350 pages Published May 3rd 2011 by NAL Trade

ISBN 0451233328 (ISBN13: 9780451233325)

Drink Deep Paperback, 336 pages Published November 1st 2011 by NAL Trade

ISBN 0451234863 (ISBN13: 9780451234865)

Biting Cold Paperback, 368 pages nExpected publication: August 7th 2012 by Gollancz (Orion Publishing Group)

ISBN 0451237013 (ISBN13: 9780451237019)

http://www.cadoganhouse.org/govern.html

http://www.chloeneill.com/

The days are getting shorter in the Southern Hemisphere and it’s coming up to my favourite time of year. Winter!!! Here’s my top 10 reasons why winter rocks my world.

#10 Handy Crafts – I love to knit, crochet, cross stich and candle wick. These things are usually better done in the cooler months as you’re less likely to sweat all over your work.

#9 With the cooler weather the food gets tastier – Stews, soups and slow roasted meals are far too warm to eat in summer, however they are perfect for keeping the house warmer and boosting your energy for the longer nights.

#8 Jackets – I have a fantastic collection of jackets that can really only be worn in winter. My top 3 would have to be my hoodie with devil horns (handed down by a cousin), my Martha Jones style leather jacket (Salvation Army $60 still had the price tags on 120£) and my (or should I say Mum’s) bright red ankle length trench coat.

#7 Clothing in general – You really can’t make a dramatic effort with your clothing in summer, (less is not necessarily more, if you know what I mean) but in winter you can layer it up with jumpers and long sleeved shirts and my next favourite accessory, a good steel boned corset  ~my favourite one is from Voodoo Lulu~

#6 Stockings – WOOOHOOOO I don’t have to shave my legs for 3 whole months (Sorry TMI) but with the glorious selections of hosiery getting better every year, you can pretty much get away with it all season.

#5 Boots – I am a self-confessed shoe addict, but boots are a MUST for winter. There is pretty much a style to suit every leg length and body type. Comfort is nice, but for me a spike heel is sweet.

#4 Snuggles – You really can’t get too snuggly with anyone, not even the cat, in summer. Come winter you’ll be sharing the blanket on the lounge with the furry family members and it’s even nicer to have the human loves of your life to snuggle with too.

#3 Books – I tend to have my meals a little earlier in winter which leaves more of the night to read. The print doesn’t go all over your fingers like it does in summer and a good light to read by in bed means that you can hunker down right until bed time.

#2 Hot Chocolate – Book… check. Blanket… check. Furbabies… check. Hot chocolate with extra chocolate and the little marshmallows, and a Tim Tam or two on the plate… check!

#1 Sleeping in – The winter school holidays are the best of the whole year. The sun doesn’t come up as early and you can sleep in after a late night of reading.

See… winter really is a great time of year!

What do you love most about Winter?

I’m a late-comer to this series as I don’t have cable TV. However, I saw the first season DVD on the shelf and snaffled it up lickety split. Season one was made in 2010, and in total there are (or at least will be, come the end of this year) three seasons to date. I give you “Lost Girl.”

Here’s the intro monologue:

Life is hard when you don’t know who you are. It’s harder when you don’t know what you are. My love carries a death penalty. I was lost for years; searching while hiding; only to find that I belong to a world hidden from humans. I won’t hide anymore. I will live the life I choose.

Doesn’t that just suck you right in?

Bo, (Anna Silk) is a smokin’ hot succubus in her late 20’s. She’s recently discovered she has Fae heritage and refuses to choose between the dark side and the light. This frees her up to become the super sleuth for both sides and every supernatural creature in between.

Kenzi (Ksenia Solo) is the first human woman we see Bo save from becoming a sexual assault victim, and in return, Kenzi offers to be Bo’s sidekick, housemate, friend and confidant. It is also a comedy match made in heaven.

For some drool-worth sex appeal and plenty of friction Bo is in a love triangle. Dyson, don’t mistake him for a vacuum cleaner cause this werewolf does not suck, played by Kris Holden-Reid. Then there is Lauren, the light Fae’s human in-house doctor, played by Zoie Palmer.  These two deny being competitive for Bo’s affections, but the tension is there just waiting to snap.

The fae are known for their good looks and their love of political hijinks and this series, created by Michelle Lovretta, really amps it up to a whole other level. There is more than enough visual stimulation with some rather raunchy sex scenes and the special effects aren’t to be sneezed at either. Storylines are a little unpredictable, some are funny, some are sexy, and there is a couple of creepy ones thrown in for good measure.

If you love Laurell K Hamilton’s Merry Gentry Series, Erica Hayes’ Shadowfae Chronicles and The Hallows series by Kim Harrison, I really recommend you seek out this TV series.  Lost Girl carries an MA 15+ rating and if you’d like more information here is the IMDB site… http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1429449/

Marianne and Yunyu both know the immense power music has over the world we live in; which is why they joined forces to add musical layers to Burn Bright and Angel Arias. Marianne’s words provoked imagery, setting the inspirational wheels in motion for more brilliant musical talent from Yunyu.

Yasmine Galenorn, hasn’t (as far as I know) collaborated to bring music to her books; instead listing the songs she had on her playlist while the writing process was in motion. The eclectic mix of tunes in her ear while she’s writing certainly colour her characters, her moods and the environment in which her stories take place. I haven’t had the guts to put together all the songs and listen as I re-read, but I am sure it would add spice.

Kevin J Anderson teamed up with his wife Rebecca Moesta and a troop of brilliant musicians to create not one but two entire CD’s to go with his Terra Incognita series. Sailing the seven seas must be rockin’ with a pedigree of metal and symphonic rock stars like that. I do wonder however, just how the songs would mesh with how I see the stories in my head.

Then it comes to Mercedes Lackey, who has in total twelve; yes, that’s double digits people. 12 CD’s for sale on her website and they look to all have something to do with her books. I am kinda thinking there may be more out there on Ebay and Amazon if you look hard enough. Mum had one of them back years ago and until someone she loaned it to lost it, *gasp* she devoured the lyrics, the harmonies and every moment of artistry that was poured lovingly onto each track.

Check the author’s websites to see if they are collaborating with a musician, if they use music and if so which bands influence their writing style, or if they’re completely over achieving and making their own music to complement their writing talent.

I’m sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, of authors that take pleasure in the crossover of musical and printed magic. Whether it is a killer playlist, or actually taking the time to collaborate with other musicians to build melodious bridges between the two worlds; the fact still remains, adding music to your reading time will most likely add depth and colour to an already lavish experience.

Like wine and cheese together, everyone has their own opinions as to which songs suit which books.

Who do you listen to while you read?