Though I think what I've read most were comics. Let's check that! (Are you ready for a really long post?)
Fantasy
Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
In July I've started to read a new series of books that mix fantasy with detective sort of book. The series are called Dresden Files, and they are about Harry Dresden, wizard.
So far I'm loving it. The books aren't predictable, and they have loads of twists. I hope they keep like this way. And I've been founding out that this one of my favourite combos for books and TV shows - Fantasy + Detective/Police (like the series Grim which reminds I should keep seeing the second season)
In the Dresden Files series there are 15 books so far and are written by Jim Butcher. In August I've read/listen three of them.
Yes, I've been reading these series in the audiobook form, the english is not very hard, and the audio is read by the actor James Marsters (Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show) which has this amazing voice. When I've routine work to do, something that doesn't require me to think I like to listening to these books
I've read the 3th Book - Grave Peril, the 4th Summer Knight and the 5th Death Masks.
I've also heard that the series really get good from the 6th book on so, I'm excited to keep reading.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
I've started to read another series - Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
I've been for a long time wanting to read this series, because I love mythology and Greek Gods.
I really don't understand why I took me so long.
Easy and quick to read (since it's more of a kids book it makes sense to be easy). The story is quite straight forward.
If the Greek Gods exist? What if the heroes/ demi-gods lived among us?
Those are some of the premises of this series. Percy Jackson is son of Poseidon and with his new friends has to go on quest to recover the lightning stole from Zeus.
I know I will continue to read this series!
Romance
I wanted to read something light and quick around the middle of the month so I picked this book.
It's was ok. Definitely not my favourite book from the author, but still a nice romance.
Here's a quick synopsis of the book
"To the residents of Whiskey Beach, it's landmark and legend. To Eli Landon, it's home...
A Boston lawyer, Eli has weathered an intense year of public scrutiny and police investigation after being accused of murdering his soon-to-be ex-wife. And though there was never enough evidence to have him arrested, his reputation is in tatters as well as his soul. He need sanctuary. He needs Bluff House.
While Eli's beloved grandmother is in Boston, recuperating from a nasty fall, Abra Walsh has card for Bluff House, among her other jobs as yoga instructor, jewellery maker, and massage therapist. She is a woman with an open heart and a wide embrace, and no one is safe from her special, some would say over-bearing, brand of nurturing - including Eli."
Thriller
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
I've also read Along Came a Spider and wrote a hole post about it!
Now into the Comics
Hercules: The Thracian Wars by Steve Moore
If I hadn't seen the year of publication I would say (by the covers) that these issues of Hercules The Thracian Wars was quite older. But when you open it, you can see it's something contemporary.
I was drawn to attention of this comic book a few weeks ago, not just because of the coming film but also an interview with (another comic book writer) Alan Moore, where he talked about the film adaptation and other serious issues (if you know all about read it here http://bit.ly/1oQsRjx)
I really like the art of this comic book, it's detailed and you can have a very cinematographic feel of the era, and also of the action. From what I know about Hercules life and Greek Mythology I can tell that everything seems quite accurate and and loyal to what's known.
This is not a comic book for all audiences, it's gloomy, bloody and gory. If what you like is fluffy characters and cute comics, this might be out of your alley.
Wet Moon by Ross Campbell
I know Ross's art for years and years, since I was in deviantart, I've always love it.
At last this month I've read the most of his comics from Wet Moon series (from 1 to 5) There's only one missing.
I find the story line a bit confusing, though when you keep reading you start to understand more about the characters and their relationships. I love the art and the crazy characters, I really can't forget to read the last one.
More art by Ross Campbell
Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson
I've also read the first four issues of the Lumberjanes.
First can we talk about the art? It's awesome!
Second - the characters... SUPER fun! with so much character and this is just the beginning of the Lumberjanes Series.
Three - how cool is five girls in the woods fighting three eye foxes? Super cool! I'm super excited to keep reading these series!
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| American Virgin, Volume 1: Head | American Virgin, Volume 2: Going Down | American Virgin, Volume 3: Wet | American Virgin, Volume 4: Around The World |
What drawn me into these comics was the cover of the first issue. I've seen it a few years ago - somewhere - and it stuck in my mind. Recently I've stumble on it again and I was curious enough to actually start reading it. I have to say also that I prefer the cover of the single issues instead of the Volumes, and that I prefer the first ones that the last ones.
In this first volume are reunited the 1-4 issues.
The comic mainly focus on the character Adam Chamberlain, young adult Christian preacher promoting sexual abstinence until marriage. Adam is proud of his virginity and his engagement to his girlfriend Cassie, currently on a peace corps mission in Africa (near the border with Mozambique); he believes she was chosen by God to be his wife.
Adam can't wait for his girlfriend to come back from Africa, but for some reason not explained in the book, Cassie is murdered and beheaded by terrorists.I know the main focus on the book isn't about the situation in Africa, but I wish to understand why Cassie was there, and also the reason of the conflicts.
Adam, against his parents wishes, flee with his stepsister Cyndi to South Africa where he tries to find answers for Cassie's death.
Along that path they met a mercenary named Mel, who claims he can help him to find answers Adam wants and need.
I've really enjoyed reading this comics. Not just the covers are stunning, as the artwork inside. The story keep me going, there's a lot of conflicts between the characters believes and actions. There is a lot of hypocrisy in most of the characters, but to me that only make them feel more real. At the first sight things are presented to you in some way, but as you read along you found out there is more. For example the main character Adam Chamberlain is a virgin who preaches to other young people about sexual abstinence. You might think that people around him would actually think about it in the same way. But that's not so simple. His family, his dysfunction family is completely sex obsessed. From his teen brother, to his bully stepbrothers and his stepsister. His mother and stepfather in the other hand are more worried about Adam's talks in public than his feelings about his girlfriend died. They are more worried about him as a public figure, than about him as a person. Nasty couple.
My biggest issue with the whole series is the fact that the Chamberlain's are rich or at the least very wealthy, to the point that Adam's catches de air-plane in a heart beat to get to Africa. Everything seems so effort less, oh I want to got there, and I go. I know it's fiction, but it's still bothers me.
and last... but not least
The Unwritten, Vol. 1: Tommy Taylor and the Bogus Identity by Mike Carey
When I pick comic books the cover artwork is a turning point. I've been eyeing this comic for a while. The name is also so intriguing!!
I didn't read anything about it, so I didn't know what to expect.
It blew my mind completely!!
It not just about books, but also the possibility of a guy be a fictional character in the real world. I'm so looking forward to keep reading these comics.
Have a nice week and beginning of September.
