Nerd Church - Books Matter

Hey guys, and welcome back to Nerd Church - that part of the week where I get all moral and philisolophical (known by normal people as philosophical) in relation to all things nerdy and book-y.

This time I'm going to announce a simple effing truth that I think we forget far too often in today's topsy-turvy society:

church image courtesy of debspoons at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Books Matter

I know that a lot of people will know this already - but clearly not everyone. Because if everyone knew and understood that books matter, then the state of affairs that we have in the UK at the moment, with library closures and the downgrading of library services, would not be happening. People had to work so hard in the past to ensure free library services for poorer communities - and with a callous sweep of their destructive fingers, the Tory government is taking away every mode and method of support for communities which need them the most.

It's actually possible that councils throughout the country are breaking the law via the downgrade of library services, and foisting off libraries onto community groups and volunteers.

Guys, books are what can take people from poverty to prosperity - they give hope, magic, knowledge, and inspiration. If we just stand by and let the government erode the things that make Britain a country we would actually want to live in (and don't even get me started on their other poverty-creating measures, as well as their erosion of worker's and individual rights,) then pretty soon the country will look like a Dickens novel - and I don't mean the Christmas celebrations, I mean the workhouses, the starving poor, and the arrogant and unseeing upper classes. We're dangerously close to it as it is. Books matter. People matter. Don't forget it.

Friday Fics Fix!

Just one fic for your Friday fix this week! (Oh no, how will we carry on my dear Reading Addict, without your recs! Ah, never fear erstwhile reader, there is plenty of fan-fiction on the internet, and feel free to look over my past posts for more ridiculous ficcy goodness!)

So, this week's fic is (duh-diddle-uuuhhhh!) -

Ripple Effect by Cyhyr.

Mahoosive warnings! There's domestic abuse, references to rape, flashbacks, references to childhood trauma and abuse, murder, and a sh** load of feels! M only.

This is an Avengers College AU (an Alternate Universe where the Marvel's Avengers characters are faffing about in college,) which involves some Steve/Tony and Tony/Loki elements. It's a long one-shot (stand-alone one-part story,) with many, many feels, in which Steve Rogers is a complete douche-bag. Perhaps it goes off on one a bit at the end, but all in all it's pretty good (well, I thought so, but I've been reading fan-fiction for weeks now and no longer know which way is up.)

Reviewing the Evidence Again! - Through the Ever Night

Title: Through the Ever Night (US Link)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Genre: dystopian, ya, sci-fi
Series: Under the Never Sky

A few starting notes:

As this is the sequel to the awesome Under the Never Sky, my basic rule for reviewing sequels applies - no spoilers for previous books beyond what is in the blurb of this book. With that said and done, I was really looking forward to reading this because I enjoyed the first one - and #2 didn't disappoint.

Premise:

In a world split in two - the pods of Reverie, and the harsh reality of the Outside - Aria and Perry have been trying to find a way to walk the delicate line between the worlds. With things heating up, and both societies in danger, it's going to be a bumpy ride...

Best bits:

I love Aria, one of our protagonists. What we have here my friends is a realistic and imperfect dystopian female protagonist with her own ideas and motivations - I know, what is this???? Is this a strong but flawed female character????? In a dystopian YA novel????? I may have to lie down for a while!

As with the last book, the strength of Rossi's complex world really impresses me. The hardships of both the once-proud Reverie and the dangerous Outside are both painted with confidence and deft skill - it's believable, and the imagery is vivid.

We also have a non-love-interest male friend. I know! And it works so freaking well! Just one of the ways that Ms Rossi takes the well-worn path and adapts the living sh** out of it to create something which manages to feel fresh in a heavily-laden genre.

Not so great bits:

I didn't like Kirra - once you get there, you'll know. But then, I don't think we were supposed to like Kirra - she's mainly there, in conjunction with Brooke, to show how awesome Aria is, I just wish there could've been another way to show the levels of awesomeness in the main character without resorting to creating characters which exist purely to provide contrast.

There are also a few, but noticeable, moments when you want to physically shake either Perry or Arya by the shoulders and tell them to stop being so freaking stupid - but then, I suppose that real people are also pretty damned stupid, and in comparison to other YA protagonists, these two are freaking geniuses. And they do have some apocalyptic dystopian sh** to deal with, so I'll cut them some slack.

Verdict:

I love this book. It's fresh, well-written, and involving, bringing a breath-taking dystopian novel without diving too far into the loony end of the pool. I will definitely be on the look out for the next book.

Girls 'n' books

Lately I've been thinking about the representation of female characters in novels - please, don't groan, I'm going to refrain from tub-thumping as much as possible.

No, I haven't been thinking about it in a totally obsessive-because-I-have-nothing-else-to-do kind of way - more a gentle meandering of my thoughts into this general direction. And why wouldn't I think about it? I am a woman after all - it's sort of natural to consider how women are portrayed in novels.



Image courtesy of taesmileland at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Which brings us to that most dreaded of topics - the Bechdel test - first used to gage the levels of female representation in films. That isn't to say that if a film - or a book, TV show, whatever - fails the Bechdel test then it's sexist. That's simply untrue. Going back to films for example, Avengers: Assemble is generally thought to have failed the Bechdel test - but it rocks. And Black Widow rocks - she is a complex female character and a f**king inspiration! And if anyone calls this film, or Black Widow, sexist, I will have to subject them to a re-education process that will be long and arduous.

I personally don't like using Bechdel to gage individual films or novels because it reduces things which may be totally beautiful and meaningful in so many ways to a simple arbitrary test. But, I think that it is important to use the Bechdel test over a range of data - so long as we understand that this is just one of a variety of tools we can use for analysis. This is because it shows the bigger picture - yes, it's fine for an individual book or film to fail the Bechdel test, but if they all fail it? Perhaps it says something, perhaps it doesn't - but it raises the point, and the point probably needs to be raised.

So, what about the books that I've reviewed in the last six months? How do the novels and graphic novels (non-fiction is a different kettle of fish, they're slightly restrained by fact,) fare against Bechdel?

The Bechdel test has three parts:

1. Are there two or more named female characters? (The waitress who takes an order and does nothing else, for example, doesn't count.)

2. Do they ever speak to each other?

3. Do they ever speak to each other about something that isn't a male character, or boys/men/male characters in general? (In other words, do they have their own motivations, or are they just there to complement the men?)

Here's how the (fiction) books I've reviewed since about March hold up (although, in fairness, I couldn't remember all the details so I apologise for any mistakes or vagueness):

Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine

Two or more female characters? Yep, definitely.
Do they talk to each other? Check.
About something other than blokes or male characters? If they do, I can't remember it. I'm not saying they didn't... but they can't have had too many conversations that were non-dude-related.

Genju No Seiza vol 1 by Matsuri Akino

 Two or more female characters? Umm... I can remember one... was there? I remember one female character, but couldn't honestly tell you whether there were any more. Maybe there was a female ghost? I don't know.

The Shape Stealer by Lee Carroll

Two or more female characters? Yes, there were.
Do they talk to each other? Yep.
About something other than dudes? Urrrmmm, they might've talked about fairies? Or music? Or musical fairies? Ooh! Yeh, there was a fairy-themed discussion, some talk of time-line shenanigans, and questions about a female lover (extra points for diversity!) Bechdel safely passed.
 
NOS4R2 (NOS4A2) by Joe Hill

Two or more female characters? Yes, definitely. And they rocked.
Do they talk to each other? Yep, quite a lot.
About something other than dudes? Yep, I can think of several conversations. Bechdel test passed with flying colours.

Love is Blind by Kathy Lette

Two or more female characters? Yeh.
Do they talk to each other? Yep.
About something other than blokes? Ummm... not really. Not that I remember anyway. They talked about moving to Australia... but that was to meet dudes...

Cross by James Patterson

Two or more female characters? Yep.
Do they talk to each other? They might... maybe.
About something that isn't men? Probably not - though they might've snuck in a request for coffee or something somewhere.

The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston

More than one female character? Yeh, quite a few actually.
Do they talk to each other? Yep, a lot.
About something that isn't blokes? Yeh - they definitely talk about magic and things like that. Bechdel test fully passed.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

More than one female character? Yes
Do they talk to each other? Yup.
About something that isn't men? I think they talk about music... and there may've been one or two other conversations... so yes. Bechdel passed.

A Dreadful Murder: The Mysterious Death of Caroline Luard by Minette Walters

More than one chick? Yup.
Talk to each other? Ummm... I think they might've once... not sure... couldn't confirm or deny to be honest.

Diary of a Wimpy Vampire by Tim Collins

Two or more female characters? Yes.
Do they talk to each other? I think they do.
About something other than men? Possibly. There may've been something about chores or school, but I'm not positive.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

Two or more female characters? Yep, practically falling from the rafters compared to a lot of novels.
Do they talk to each other? Again, there's no shortage.
About a topic which isn't dudes? Yes - and often. Bechdel test thoroughly passed.

Bloody Valentine by James Patterson

Two or more females? Yes.
Do they talk to each other? Uhhhhh... yeh actually, they do.
About something that isn't men? A murder investigation. Check. Bechdel (surprisingly) passed.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Two or more chicks? Check.
Do they talk to each other? Yeh, they do.
About something that isn't blokes? Gallery openings, dinner, school, taking a trip together... yup and yup. Bechdel passed easily.

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Two or more females? Yeh, can think of at least four or five.
Do they talk to each other? Yes, throughout.
About something other than men? Angels, demons, nuns, nail polish... I'd say that covers it. Bechdel swum through with ease.

Printer's Devil Court by Susan Hill

Two or more girls/women? Yes, I can think of two.
Do they talk to each other? No, they never actually meet. Bechdel failed.

Diary of a Wimpy Vampire: Prince of Dorkness by Tim Collins

More than one female? Yes, there are.
Do they talk to each other? ...I think they might once or twice.
About something other than men or a male character? I don't actually think so. Bechdel failed (unless my memory is tricking me.)



I'm actually quite surprised at how well some of these novels did - 8/16 passed outright, 6/16 probable but unconfirmed fails, 2/16 confirmed fails.

That's a 50% pass - I was expecting a lot worse! That's not to say that this says anything about the quality of the novels, or the way that women are portrayed in them - but it certainly makes for some interesting data! What about your recent reads? You may be surprised by the results you come up with.

Nerd Church - Look At All That Pain

Hello my dear darling lovely internetty-type peoples! Welcome back to Nerd Church - that part of the week where I attempt to be deep and meaningful by taking a look at books and other such nerdy stuffs with my moral-eyes firmly plugged in. (Yes, I have had coffee. Yes, I have been listening to MCR. Yes, I'm ready to f**king DO this!!!)

My rambling topic this week is dystopia. Yep, dystopia - you know the kind of thing: Hunger Games, The Running Man, 1984, Divergent, Under the Never Sky. It's particularly popular amongst the YA genre-peoples right now. Well, why? Here are some of my theories (in a handy-dandy 5-point list - yay! Ok, maybe less coffee before I post next week.)

Church image courtesy of debspoons at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

#1 - Things can always get f**king worse.

Ok, so we live in a sh**ty world - pretty much everything is either broken or breaking. But we don't live in any world Suzanne Collins created, so it gives us an opportunity to count our (albeit limited) blessings.


#2 - Young people have a voice when the world goes to hell.

Have you noticed this? Somehow the teenagers and 20-somethings can make an honest-to-goodness difference in these dystopian societies. That means we've got a chance - if Katniss can do it, then we can too. I think we really cling to this because, lets face it, if you're young, you feel pretty powerless with the world as it is - and it's us who'll have to mop up the mess of previous generations.


#3 - Back to basics

We kind of feel like society has its priorities arse-backwards - who cares if you have a f**king new iPod - there's a kid f**king dying over there! This is an attempt to redress the balance. What matters to the poor souls in dystopian novels is their survival, the survival of other people, and fixing the corruption and injustices around them.


#4 - Come the revolution!

These worlds usually have some problem which we see in our own - injustice, inequality, even climate change. This inspires us to do something about it, and consider what these things may lead to if left unchecked. It also allows as to explore deep moral and ethical sh** without having to actually stand there with a knife in our hand.


#5 - Look at all that pain

The characters in these novels have been through utter hell, and, let's face it, at some point in our lives so have we, and so will we again in the future. Dystopian characters offer us hope in a world that seemingly has none (metaphor for modern life anyone?) and inspiration to keep fighting for what we believe in. They also offer us a chance to empathise with people who may be in very extreme situations, and take a look at our own lives and priorities.



See you next week for more Nerd Church. Happy reading!

Friday Fics Fix! - Fic-ception Edition

For this week's Fics Fix I've kind of got a theme going for my recs (recommendations, for non-fandom speakers,) - fics where the characters find fanfiction of themselves on the internet, and pretty much get scarred for life. It's a little bit fourth wall meets Inception, with a huge helping of gay porn. I'm going to blanket rate these fics M - Ok, kids - no reading these! The reason why I'm blanket rating is because the internet is a terrifying place and if there is anything left of your innocence, given the amount of weirdness on the web, please do RUN; RUN FAST. Seriously, if you're still somewhat normal, find something else to read (and stay in school, don't do drugs, stealing is wrong...there, I tried.)

Oh, and these are all MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) fics, mainly Avengers-centric - not because I was aiming for that, just because it turned out that way. And thanks to my friend Miss Lottie for the Fic-ception phrase ;)

Midgardian Smut by Lula Madison

OK, this is perhaps a bit, well, crack (which, as I explained before, is a fan-fiction that you would need to be on crack to come up with) but it's actually really funny. Basically, Loki finds the Internet - complete with smutty fanfics - and torments Steve, Tony, and Thor. What I really like is that slowly the Internet warps everyone's brains - because that's what I feel. So, so, often. Particularly when writing posts about fanfiction. (Warning: there is Stony (Steve and Tony) and Thorki (Thor and Loki) relationships.)

The Joys of the Internet by turnthemusicupnow

This time it's Tony who finds the dirty stuff on the internet, and then passes it on. Doesn't fully descend into porn, but the inference is most definitely there. This includes ThunderShield (where Steve and Thor have the hots for each other,) and a bit of Science Bros flitting in at the end (where Tony and Bruce get more snuggly than the studios would allow in the films.)

Don't Ever Call Me Stevie and Food Play by Unoriginality

These are fab. I mean really, fantastic. Essentially, Bucky traumatises Steve with internet (and it doesn't even morph rapidly into gay porn - I know, how weird? They don't end up kissing and doing naughty things, and it's still funny!)

The day Loki discovered Frostiron by Majinie

OK, this is Frostiron - where Tony Stark and Loki have a little something going on romantically. I'm more than a little worried that that sentence is no longer weird to me. I may need a fic detox soon. Anyway, Loki finds Frostiron porn on the internet - and you can pretty much guess where it ends up from there.

Blogger Recognition Award

The lovely Mimi Syabani nominated everyone who read her post for the Blogger Recognition Award (thanks Mimi!) so, I couldn't resist, could I?

My Story

Once a book nerd was bitten by a radioactive librarian... Sorry, I've either had too much or too little coffee this morning, I'll be good now *serious face, trying not to giggle.*

No, my story is simply that I love books. Like really love books. I love books so much that I figured if I inspire even one person to read something in the course of this blog, then I'll have done my job. The other inspiration was that I love writing (I know, I know, clichéd as all hell,) and wanted to have something to egg me on to write, get me back to being a productive member of society and all that jazz.

I'll let you in on a little secret, I have had a really crappy few years. As the result of which, I got whammied by depression on top - because obviously, when the world's going to hell you need your brain to rebel against you. I'm a millennial, working self-employed, who had to pick herself up and dust herself off after gut convulsions (pretty much as fun as they sound) and labyrinthitis (definitely not as fun as it sounds) put pay to going to university.

Then my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I acted as her carer until (fingers crossed) she was all clear. Trying to care for my mother was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, and I ended up believing I was worthless, that everything was my fault - I started blaming and criticising myself for things that I had no control over.

Eventually, everything came to a head - and I ended up doing what is one of the other hardest things I've ever had to do, and went to the doctor. My life has certainly not run smoothly since then - far from it, I lost both of my grandparents within four days of each other over Christmas - but I learnt to get back up and carry on going. And throughout it all, I've had books - I've had reading. Without it I have no idea what I'd be like right now - so, yeah, books are kind of a big deal to me. And if I can show someone else the way to that magic... yeah, so that's why I ended up starting this blog.
 
My Advice

Don't do anything just to become rich and famous. Most bloggers will never have recognition beyond a small circle of followers - and even that is beyond the reach of some. No, if you want to blog - do it for the love of your subject, you'll be a lot happier in the long run.

Never allow yourself to be shamed for what you enjoy - if you like a book and everyone else hates it, say that you like it. No-one should be made to feel ashamed of what they like or dislike.

So, yeah, have fun... be true to yourself... all that stuff. Just, enjoy your life guys - happiness is more important than whether you drive a sports car or have the latest apple product, honestly.

I'm going to copy Mimi and nominate everyone reading this!

Reviewing the Evidence - Diary of a Wimpy Vampire: Prince of Dorkness

Title: Diary of a Wimpy Vampire: Prince of Dorkness (US Link)
Author: Tim Collins
Genre: humour, paranormal, vampire, ya
Series: Wimpy Vampire (#2)

A few starting notes:

This is the sequel to the funny and entertaining 'Diary of a Wimpy Vampire' - since I enjoyed the last one, I decided to give the second book a go. As it's a sequel I'll go by my general rule of thumb for reviewing sequels - the blurb dictates the level of spoilerage for previous books. This means that the only plot details for previous books that I divulge are of the same nature as those found in the blurb for this book - it just seems fair to me.

Premise:

Nigel Mullett, the wimpy vampire, records a second year of life as the undead. Things are never plain-sailing when it comes to being stuck at the awkward age of 15; no matter how long you've been in school for, it all comes around again. And there's his barmy family, girls, and weird school-mates to deal with - nothing is ever easy.

Best bits:

This has the same tongue-in-cheek humour as the first book, focussing on the melodramas of teenage life, which don't go away simply because you're undead. The tone is great because Nigel is so grimly serious about the most ridiculous of things.

I personally really liked the addition, in this book, of the topic of vampire romances - which Nigel even tries his hand it! It's that sly, satirical humour that Brits do so very well, and made me smile.

The book is quick and readable, with funny cartoon-like illustrations and a diary format that splits the entire thing into short sections. Again, if you have one of those bizarre creatures, a tween or teenage boy, to force books into, it might be worth sticking the wimpy vampire series under their nose nonchalantly - might work, you never know.

Not so great bits:

I did find some parts - relating to new school-mate Jason in particular - quite predictable, but then I live on a constant diet of paranormal novels, so might have warped my brain to the point where nothing really surprises me anymore.

I can't help but feel like there's more potential for hilarity in Nigel's family, and his long past, than Mr Collins has unlocked. An opportunity missed perhaps.

Verdict:

This is fun and funny - a light-hearted take on the vampire craze that made me smile at more than one off-hand comment. Might even tempt the reluctant reader.

It's alive! :)

Hello the lovely peoples of the interwebs! Just thought I should let you know that the 'Victor Frankenstein' trailer, released by 20th Century Fox, has landed - complete with a winning combination of Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. Looks like it might actually bring something new and fresh to the Frankenstein story (and if you haven't read Mary Shelley's original, then I highly recommend it,) - here's hoping it'll be a good 'un!

Reviewing the Evidence! - Printer's Devil Court

Title: Printer's Devil Court (US Link)
Author: Susan Hill
Genre: Horror, historical fiction, ghost story

A few starting notes:

This is a novella from modern master of the period ghost story, Susan Hill - author of similarly spoopy (I'm sorry purists - I, of course, mean spooky) tale, The Woman in Black.

Premise:

Hugh Meredith is a medical student at the turn of the last century (I think - it's never made all that clear to be honest,) when his fellow students suggest something which usually ends so well - raising the dead. Cue poop hitting fan and ghostly goings-on.

Best bits:

The atmospherics are pretty damned awesome here - this is something that Susan Hill can do. Gothic setting? Check. Shiver down my back? Check. Ghosties? Check.

It's also illustrated - giving it an authentic-style old-timey feel in its mimicry of the old plate illustrations in Victorian/Edwardian books/periodicals.

The entire thing is inherently readable - short, illustrated, and gothic. Awesomeness.

Not so great bits:

There's no excuse for the degree of typos folks, there's just not. You say there are two other doctors and then name three? It will jar you right out of the story. It's just not on, and I hope it's different in other editions.

The time-frame is never made all that clear - and I have some time perception issues that would've benefitted from clarity. Also, what level of technology and setting are we supposed to be imagining? Time period makes a difference when you're writing historical fiction - you can't leave it all fuzzy-wuzzy and up in the damned air!

Also, given the subject matter, I would've expected some mention of Mary Shelley - whose book Frankenstein was definitely in print at the time in which this is set; bit of an ever-loving heffalump in the room.

Verdict:

I enjoyed this - if it wasn't for the practical problems (typos, fuzzy time-periods, etc.,) I would've looked on it far more kindly, but it is inherently a very good book. Any fan of gothic horror and/or ghost stories will love it.

Nerd Church time!

Hello my lovely nerdy peoples! For this week's edition of Nerd Church I will just leave you with this beautiful quote:

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

Words to live by, if ever there where some. Keep looking for inspiration in the pages bookworms, and happy reading!

Original image courtesy of debspoons at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Friday Fics Fix! - Poetry Edition!

For this week's Fix of the Fics you crave, I decided to select some poetry fics - just because I felt like it, to be perfectly honest with you lovely people. I like poetry. I (cautiously) like fan-fiction. Why not explore a smooshing of the two?

I'll try not to let it get too disturbing.

So, your Fics...

The White of Winter by Bucky da Bae Barnes

OK, so this is a little dramatic. But it's pretty cool, all in all. I like people who are brave enough to write a sonnet about Bucky Barnes (Avengers/Captain America fandom) and his conflict with identity issues - write on dear author! Write on!

Always by SuzanneSuperFan

This is a love poem from the Harry Potter fandom. As you may imagine, it's about Snape and Lily and makes use of two of the most beautiful lines in English literature. (Potter fans know what I mean.)

For You by Darth Soror

This is a poem based on the beautiful film Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (one of my favourite films from now until forever.) The poem is actually quite well-written - not a literary prize-winner by any means, but not to be sniffed at all the same.

I Believe by StorySongs

OK, at first glance this is perhaps nothing special. But read it again. And again.

Do you see it? Maybe you don't but I think it's actually bordering on brilliant. But then, poetry is a very subjective thing (and Sherlockians are notoriously odd...let's face it.) I think it's actually really good this one - a battle cry merging urban betas with poetic tradition. Still just me? OK...I'll shut up now.

And, just because it made me smile, I give you a Pirates of the Caribbean poem entitled My Peanut by Scotland's Fiery Rose. I shall be back next week with more fan-fiction to keep you insane!

Reviewing the Evidence Time! - Sweet Evil

Title: Sweet Evil (US Link)
Author: Wendy Higgins
Genre: paranormal, romance, ditzy, angels, ya
Series: The Sweet Trilogy (#1)

A few starting notes:

So, this was a random library haul selection - according to the blurb there were angels and much ditzy goings-on, according to the cover there was a freaking huge red dress and a bloke staring moodily over a girl's shoulder, so I decided to give it a shot.

Premise:

Anna Whitt is a girl from Georgia (the state, not the country,) who is a little quirky. She's the ultimate good-girl, a rule follower to a T. Except she also sees other people's emotions - and can remember being born...and the time before she was born. Inevitably, she meets a dude that's a little bit quirky like her - bad boy Kaidan Rowe - and everything turns into this whole angels/demons complicated thing.

Best bits:

Anna is actually likeable - something not to be sniffed at in YA paranormal romance. Sometimes she can be a little stupid - but she is 16, and does require plot-points to happen, so we can excuse her the slip-ups. Although I have to admit, I would've attempted to get in touch with my biological parents at about the point where my senses got hyper-charged - not several years later. She's worryingly un-curious about herself.

The whole angels and demons set-up is quite interesting, and managed to keep me reading - which is what you want really.

The whole book is entertaining and enjoyable, and I read it in a couple of days. It draws you on through the story, and doesn't require any deep levels of attention to enjoy.

Not so great bits:

Anna's modesty bugs me. I don't like her statement about dressing modest because she understands how difficult it is for teenage boys to deal with their hormones. Let them deal with them. Dress however the hell you want - it's for you, not them. Women should not have to consider what blokes think of their clothing - it doesn't matter.

There's a bunch of issues that are touched upon or referenced: abortion, drinking, drugs, adoption, suicide, lust, sin, rape, etc... Because it's angels and demons based there's a lot of pondering the nature of sin etc. etc. It's also religious in places (no big surprise,) which may not be to everyone's taste. I personally found the preoccupation with Anna's 'virtue' more than slightly annoying - particularly as for a book that's so prude-y in its attitude, it never seems to stop mentioning sex.

I also think the romance would've been better off more subtly nuanced and that demons weren't blamed for everything that could possibly go wrong, but that would be asking a bit much I suppose.

Verdict:

It's enjoyable, it's different - it does (occasionally) make you think. It's also an easy read for the train. I liked it - I may even consider reading something by this author again - but it's a take-it-or-leave-it kind of book.

Nerd Church is in Session...

...let me talk to you about Luna Lovegood.

Original image courtesy of debspoons at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Luna as a Harry Potter character is a fan favourite - and I adore her. Because she taught us that what makes us different can make us such incredibly beautiful people. She's the dreamer, the lover, the pure soul - and she remains so even through all the s**t that Hogwarts throws at her. She doesn't sweat the small stuff, and is unflinchingly loyal and a shoulder whenever anyone needs her.

In the films, Luna is played by the equally beautiful Evanna Lynch - who has battled through anorexia to become one heck of an actress, and an inspiration. Her accent is also really pretty :)

So, amongst the other many, many things that Harry Potter taught us, is that the weird kid? She rocks, has been through hell (Luna saw her mother die when she was a little kid,) and is still one of the most observant and naturally incredible people you will ever meet. Luna is a symbol for all of the dreamers and the different ones, the ones who don't quite fit in (even in a school full of witches and wizards) - you are beautiful, and people will see that eventually.

Hope you enjoyed this week's small slice of Nerd Church - finding the deep and meaningful stuff in the books and stories that we all love :)

Friday Fics Fix!

It's time again for Friday Fics Fix!

Something a little different this week - I've decided to highlight only one Fic. (What?! Only one fic!!! How will we survive without your recs????)

Luckily though this is a WIP (work in progress) and currently sits at a lovely 7 chapters long - with (hopefully) more to follow. This is very much an M - there's rape, drugs, torture, etc. - do not read this if you are under 18 (and don't break the law, stay in school, don't do drugs, always brush your teeth, etc. Please don't pretend I didn't warn you.) Also, don't read this if you get deeply affected by issues such as these - to be honest, any issues. They're probably all in there somewhere.

On the plus side - despite somehow managing to get more heart-breaking with every chapter and putting the characters through hell - this is suitable for the fandom-blind (those who aren't familiar with this specific fandom) as it's set in an AU (alternate universe) which takes the characters from Thor in the Marvel Cine Universe and completely re-writes their history into a regular human family - well, maybe not regular, but human.

Carry Home My Wayward Soul by wbss21 is one of those fics which you come across every so often and just go - wow.

Ok, so there's some extreme s**t going down (remember kids, no-one under 18 please,) and there are some grammar and spelling mistakes (the bane of fan-fiction everywhere) but it has heart and there really is some good-quality prose in here. No, really - there's some writing here that the author should truly be proud of. Either that or the amount of fan-fiction I've been trawling through lately has actually completely warped my brain - which is a possibility, and I wasn't completely normal to begin with.

Honestly though, the interplay between characters is awesome - wbss21 has got the relationships down, and, with encouragement, who knows what they could do? (I say they because I don't know the gender of the author, it is possible that they are male, but you will find that fangirls make-up (anecdotally) the vast majority of fanfic writers.)

So, I hope you enjoy this one - again, just one this week (it's so long I felt like it would be mean to pile more on you,) but if you're easily upset you might want to give it a miss. Some very bad things happen to Loki. And, for the last time I'm giving you a warning - no-one under 18, no-one struggles with these issues.

Deadpool trailer review!

OK, unfortunately my people this review is going to be for the 'green-band' - i.e. not 18+ - trailer. If you want to watch the red-band trailer you're going to have to convince Youtube you're over 18 (and be over 18, don't do drugs kids, stay in school, etc...) The red-band trailer has more of the Deadpool-ness: much swearing, adult jokes, and a brief sexy moment (plus mentions of bits of the male anatomy - can't have that in green-band, of course not.) Red-band is essentially the green-band extended to include the naughty bits, so I'll review the green-band and hope to get enough of the Deadpool-spirit over to you.

So, here's the green-band trailer...

 

Wait, did he say cancer?

 

Yes, yes he did. See, that's the thing with Deadpool - never lets something like a terminal illness get him down, or make him serious, or shut his mouth...

 

Ooh, drama!

 

I know, it starts out pretty normal for a superhero origin story. Then Wade gets into the script...and we're treated to that excellent brand of Wade Wilson humour.

 

They left in the overpass from the test footage!

 

Yep, I was soooo happy. And he's drawing his own fanart!!!!!! Yes, it's altered from the test footage - but it kept the awesome Deadpool-humour of that first beloved footage that made us all hope again after they sealed his f***ing mouth shut in Origins: Wolverine.

 

Was he talking to the camera? Did a bullet go through him?

 

Let me clue you into a few things about Deadpool: 1) He can't die. 2) He's aware that he's fictional, and breaks the fourth wall - a lot. That's part of the reason we love him - he literally talks to us. Plus, none of the other characters know their fictional and it just gets so very, very awesome.

 

Wasn't that Spider-man's quote? Only, different?

 

Wade Wilson is all about the references - and the irresponsibility. And in the comic-book world he and Spidey are hilarious together - in the fandom world they have sex a lot (it's called Spideypool.)

 

Violence!!!!!

 

Deadpool is more an anti-hero than a superhero. He's a mercenary. He also likes violence - maybe a little too much! It wouldn't be a Deadpool movie without a high body count.

 

Did he just encourage us to find the red-band trailer (and call us munchkins)?

 

Ladies and Gentlemen - Wade Wilson!

 

So...the Verdict...

 

This movie is not going to be for kids. But that's the point. He's pretty much the darkest Marvel canon (official) that you're going to get. But he still has one wicked sense of humour.

 

Deadpool is a psycho - and one we totally love. He's the part of us that says 'f**k this' and goes and does whatever the hell we want. That is Deadpool. When you ain't got much left, you just decide to go full-frontal and go for it - that's the Deadpool spirit. He's like the love-child of every Internet meme you ever saw and thought 'Huh...?' And, particularly if you see the red-band trailer, the studio might actually do right by him this time; fingers crossed.

 

Deadpool Sneak Peek!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any Deadpool fans will probably have already seen the official sneak peek teaser trailer, complete with swearing and general Deadpool-mania, but in case you haven't (or just wanna see it again) ....

Hoping to do a trailer review when the trailer's released tomorrow, so keep posted. Oh, and for those who are completely unaware of the most wonderful, Marvel canon, self-aware, fourth-wall-breaking, completely insane, merc with a mouth, Deadpool, here's a link to the Wikipedia page. Be warned folks, Deadpool is never going to be like other characters - he's twisted, and that's why we love him so very, very much.

Welcome to Nerd Church

Ladies and Gents - I give you Nerd Church!



Original church image (before edits) courtesy of debspoons at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I figured that after all the stuff I've been talking about recently, what with the stories being passed down through mythology and generations, and the comments about worshipping with the DC congregation with the Suicide Squad trailer, it would be best to provide a small weekly space of deep thinking for the nerd community. I say weekly, I will aim to make it weekly but it might be fortnightly, or just whenever I remember. But the intention is that I'll release a dedicated Nerd Church post weekly.

Also, I may on more than one occasion go off on one completely. Usually this will be because of either too much or too little coffee, but if you read this blog a lot then that won't exactly be much of a surprise to you. I probably come off as really caffeine-crazed in most posts. I assure you that I'm calmer in real-life (well, ish.)

So, as an intro for you lovely people...

Just a thought for the week ahead. Think of the stories that we still cling to from childhood - The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, pretty much anything in the Marvel back-catalogue, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Artemis Fowl, etc... What are the similarities here? Is there a common thread calling to us? Of magic maybe, and possibility; of extraordinary things happening to seemingly ordinary people, who were never quite as ordinary as they thought themselves to be.

There's also a common thread of dead or absent parents - Harry Potter and the Baudelaire children (A Series of Unfortunate Events) are orphans; the Pevensie children from the Narnia books are sent away from home; Artemis Fowl's parents are usually out-of-action for at least part of the books. And let's face it, superheroes are notorious for dead, abusive, or neglectful parents.

Now, that doesn't mean that we all secretly hanker to be neglected or orphaned - it simply means that the heroes have to make do on their own. They have no fall back of 'I'll call dad to pick me up,' and they have to learn to rely on their own wits and skills. So, we look up to self-sufficiency, to bravery and survival in the face of vulnerability and challenges. We yearn to make heroes of those who've managed to make their own way in an often hostile world, the way we all feel like the world can be hostile to us as we do our best to make our way through it.

And, as one final thought - what the hell were the parents in Enid Blyton books doing?!?! It's like, hey group of small children, of course you can go faffing around the country alone in a caravan. You don't need supervision, it's not like your average age is like eleven or anything! And the first time my kids caught a load of smugglers and/or were kidnapped and/or injured, would be the very last time I let them do anything on their own. But next holidays, the parents are back to being like - 'you want to go on a tour of haunted houses? Yeh, go ahead.' Dude, really?!?!