Review: Adulthood Is a Myth by Sarah Andersen

May 18, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 2 Comments

Adulthood Is a Myth: A “Sarah’s Scribbles” Collection by Sarah Andersen

Are you a special snowflake?

Do you enjoy networking to advance your career?

Is adulthood an exciting new challenge for which you feel fully prepared?

Ugh. Please go away.

This book is for the rest of us. These comic document the wasting of entire beautiful weekends on the internet, the unbearable agony of holding hands on the street with a gorgeous guy, dreaming all day of getting home and back into pajamas, and wondering when, exactly, this adulthood thing begins. In other words, the horrors and awkwardnesses of young modern life. Goodreads – Booktopia – Bookdepository

* * * * * * My Thoughts * * * * * *

Oh Sarah Anderson how I love you, your Instagram account always puts a smile on my face and so did this humorous and adorable collection of fantastic comic strips! And the cover is furry! 🙂

Sarah just about touches on everything there is to touch on in life and this book would be a great addition to every woman’s pick-me-up-crappy-day-solutions collection.

Seriously I’m not going to say anything else. If you don’t believe me go check out her Instagram.

Review: The Sidekicks by Will Kostakis

May 11, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 7 Comments

The Swimmer. The Rebel. The Nerd.

All Ryan, Harley and Miles had in common was Isaac. They lived different lives, had different interests and kept different secrets. But they shared the same best friend. They were sidekicks. And now that Isaac’s gone, what does that make them?

Will Kostakis, award-winning author of The First Third, perfectly depicts the pain and pleasure of this teenage world, piecing together three points of view with intricate splendour.

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Paperback, 256 pages. Published February 29th 2016 by Penguin Australia.

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Goodreads – Website – Twitter – Facebook

Amazon AU – Booktopia – Amazon US – Book Depository

* * * * * * * My Thoughts * * * * * * *

Set in northern Sydney The Sidekicks is the story of three very different boys. While on the verge of manhood they suffer the loss of a mutual friend. We follow each of the boys as they go on to deal with their friend’s death. The trauma initially separates them, but by the end of the book it has brought them together with a closeness they never had before. This is a story of love, loss, friendship, sexuality, homophobia and just wanting to fit in.

The Boys:

“The Swimmer” I was immediately drawn to Ryan (Thommo). His character straight up felt kind hearted and genuine. My heart wanted to reach out and hug him. The poor boy not only had to deal with the loss of his best friend, but with coming out to the world.

“The Rebel” Scott (Harley) is bloody adorable. Harley was the kind of boy I swooned over in school, and rightly so, thanks for proving me right Harley. Harley really grows up after losing his mate and he does everything he can to put things right. I outwardly applauded him (seriously my husband looked at my like a was mad clapping at a book) as he ran off to find and support Ryan.

“The Nerd” I was most afraid for Miles after the loss of Isaac. He really ends up in a dark place, but thankfully that big beautiful dastardly brain of his sees the light and lets the other two boys in. I wasn’t as drawn to Miles as the other two boys at first, but seeing the world through his eyes and his projected vision of the future, was a really strong and brilliant way to finish the story off.

Review: Klaw by Antoine Ozenam

May 4, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

A population of secret were-animals hide among us, and young Angel Tomassini is about to learn just how widespread — and dangerous — it is! Beautifully illustrated by Joel Jurion, best known throughout Europe and the worldwide animation industry for his gorgeous and dynamic character design, written by Antoine Ozenam, this exciting young adult series explores a world of ancient conflict hiding just under the surface of modern life as we know it. With identifiable coming of age themes overshadowed by thrilling action sequences and a deep, enthralling mythology, this book will introduce readers to a world unlike anything else on shelves today.

Klaw: The First Cycle byAntoine Ozenam(Writer), Joël Jurion(Illustrator), Yoann Guillé(Colorist), Mike Kennedy(Translator).

Collecting the first three chapters of this original ongoing series — AWAKENING, TABULA RASA, and UNIONS — this book comprises “THE FIRST CYCLE” in the epic, hidden universe of KLAW!

Pre-order from Book Depository or Booktopia

* * * * * MY THOUGHTS * * * * *

Firstly, I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

When we first meet Angel Tomassini he is getting beaten up my bullies, he is set up to seem like an underdog but he came off more like a spoiled rich kid to me, but Angel redeemed himself.

The reader follows Angel as he finds out about the power that resides within him, learns who his allies and who his enemies are, finds out the truth about his father and goes on to become the vigilante/superhero known as ‘The Klaw’.

This graphic novel chucks at lot at the reader at rapid pace; Bullying, Friendship, First Loves, Shape-Shifting, Mythology, Astrology, Super Heroes, Mafia Men, Super Villains and Paranormal Government Agents.

I’m giving it THREE “I enjoyed it” STARS. The premise of the story was interesting, but I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. As a whole the story felt a bit rushed and I would have liked more time spent on character development.

I really enjoyed the scenes showing Angel’s relationship with both his mentors, watching them train, the banter between them etc. Actually Angel and Dan hiding out in the warehouse training was my favorite part of the story, shame it didn’t last longer.

All in all, I’m glad I read it, but It didn’t blow me away.

Review: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina

April 27, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 2 Comments

“There will come a day when a thousand Illegals descend on your detention centres. Boomers will breach the walls. Skychangers will send lightning to strike you all down from above, and Rumblers will open the earth to swallow you up from below. . . . And when that day comes, Justin Connor, think of me.”

Ashala Wolf has been captured by Chief Administrator Neville Rose. A man who is intent on destroying Ashala’s Tribe — the runaway Illegals hiding in the Firstwood. Injured and vulnerable and with her Sleepwalker ability blocked, Ashala is forced to succumb to the machine that will pull secrets from her mind.And right beside her is Justin Connor, her betrayer, watching her every move.

Will the Tribe survive the interrogation of Ashala Wolf?

* * * * * MY THOUGHTS * * * * *

The last few Dystopian novels I’ve read have been let downs, so I was holding off starting this series as it is labelled a Dystopian. I saw it at my local library when I was there last and my interest in the Author’s Bio caused me to borrow it and boy am I glad I did.

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is the first book in The Tribe series by Australian author Ambelin Kwaymullina. Within the first few pages on a coffee fueled Sunday morning this story had reeled me. I didn’t put it down until I finished it later that night! Devouring a book in one sitting doesn’t happen to me very often.

This story felt fresh and exciting. The story is action packed, high danger with just the right about of young romance. Ashala is amazing, in fact so are all the Tribe members and Ashala’s connection to natural world is truly beautiful.

I think the dystopian world, set 300+ years into our future, that Ambelin Kwaymullina has created is brilliant and enthralling. I love the terrifyingly possible way the earth was destroyed by our toxic behaviors and the way humans have evolved because of it. In this future earth there isn’t enough humans left to be concerned with the colour of someone skin, but as we humans are horrible creatures who fear anything different from ourselves, the future government hunts down anyone showing any signs of extraordinary abilities; Ashala and her tribe all have these extraordinary abilities.

Thought-out this story we see the world as Ashala sees it. We meet allies and enemies and experience some vivid dreaming scenes and painful memories as she does.

While I was really enjoying the first half of the book, there was a twist half way though that I didn’t see coming that for me turned the second half of the book into a frenzy. I was running a mad race with myself to find out how the book ended.

Ambelin Kwaymullina writing flows beautifully and is filled with powerful energy. This book was a real pleasure to read. I’m off to get my hands on book number two!

Ambelin Kwaymullina loves reading sci-fi/fantasy books, and has wanted to write a novel since she was six years old. She comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. When not writing or reading she teaches law, illustrates picture books, and hangs out with her dogs. Links: Website | Goodreads | Amazon AU | Amazon US | Book Depository

Review: The Complete Alice in Wonderland by Carroll adapted by Moore & Reppion

April 20, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 2 Comments

Take one politely stubborn and opinionated young girl. Add an overactive imagination. Shake in a heavy mix of puzzling and bizarre guides. Reduce all morals and lessons to the nonsensical degree and send it all on a journey to nowhere…

These are the ingredients that Lewis Carroll combined to create a fairy tale unlike any another. Dynamite is proud to present for all ages The Complete Alice in Wonderland; the most vivid adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s genre bursting tale of young Alice and her adventures in Wonderland. It contains Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and the LOST chapter form Looking Glass “The Wasp in a Wig!”

Join Alice on her whimsical journey down the rabbit hole. From her initial meeting with the White Rabbit in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to her final dinner party with the entire (and outrageous) Through the Looking Glass cast, every moment of Alice’s adventures in that astonishing landscape is captured in gorgeous detail. With old favorites like the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter joined now by a long-forgotten Carroll creation, The Wasp, in one of the book’s latter chapters, children and adults alike can rediscover the complete Alice tale and fall in love with Wonderland all over again!Published on the 19th April 2016, The Complete Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll adapted by Leah Moore and John Reppion, illustrated by Erica Awano. GOODREADS

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for a an honest review, THANK YOU.

* * * MY THOUGHTS * * *

Lech Moore, John Reppion and Erica Awano have adapted Lewis Carroll’s super famous work and pulled off a marvelous job. Ah, The wonderfully ridiculous adventures of Alice. The adapted story follows well and nothing feels like it is missing. I could see this adaptation appealing to the younger readers much more than the penguin classic version.

The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that while the pictures are extremely beautiful, they weren’t vibrant enough for me. I remember Wonderland as an over the top adventure land filled with ridiculousness and flamboyant colors.The copy I own of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a penguin classic, text only. So I assume I just imagined everything to be super bright and colorful. I found myself thinking; is it because of the movie adaptions that I assumed it was a bright and colorful world? At the back of this book there is an interview with the authors talking about how they purposely used original Alice illustrations as references. Oops, my imagination was off.

I love Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but felt like Though The Looking Glass wasn’t quite as good. I don’t think that’s because of the adaptation, I think that is because of the original. Admittedly I’ve never read Though The Looking Glass, but I’ve read in multiple reviews that it doesn’t stand out like the first book and that it’s a little bit darker and even stranger. I do intent to read the original Through The Looking Glass one day.

I think this edition would be a wonderful way to introduce someone to Alice in the written word and for anyone who wants to enjoy Wonderland without the long poetry pieces.

Review: The Beauty Volume 1 by Jeremy Haun & Jason A. Hurley

March 23, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

* New Release *

Modern society is obsessed with outward beauty. What if there was a way to guarantee you could become more and more beautiful every day? What if it was a sexually transmitted disease? In the world of The Beauty, physical perfection is only one sexual encounter away. The vast majority of the population has taken advantage of it, but Detectives Vaughn and Foster will soon discover it comes at a terrible cost. Now, they’ll have to find their way past corrupt poiticians, vengeful federal agents, and a terrifying mercenary out to collect the price on their heads. The Beauty Volume 1 collects the first six issues of the critically acclaimed series by writer/artist JEREMY HAUN (Constantine, Batwoman) and co-writer JASON A. HURLEY.

“A high concept that is, frankly, genius.” MultiversityComics.com

“This is absolutely a book to check out.” All-Comic.com

“One of the strongest introduction to a series in a long time.” ComicBookResources.com

MY THOUGHTS

I received a e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, THANK YOU.

My thoughts on first coming across this comic; “that blurb, oh hell yes, I’ve got to read this”. My thoughts upon finishing it, in one sitting without getting up to pee or get a drink, yes it had me that engrossed; “Dammmmmn, that was awesome”.

We follow Detectives Kara Vaughn and Drew Foster as they stumble upon a cover up with deadly consequences and meet unlikely allies. The beauty disease and its ticking time bomb plot is brilliant and keeps you turning the pages.

Both main characters are likable and by the end of this volume both of them have proved themselves worthy of being called comic book heroes.

The sixth issue ends on a cliff hanger that will make you shout out loud. After all the hell Vaughn and Drew go thorough during the six issues, to find the truth and a cure, the side effects of the cure set up some serious drama to come. Bring on the next issue ASAP I say.

More Info & Buy links: The Book Depository | Booktopia | Goodreads | Image Comics

Review: Faith by Jody Houser

March 9, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

FAITH #1 (Faith) by Jody Houser

Orphaned at a young age, Faith Herbert – a psionically gifted “psiot” discovered by the Harbinger Foundation – has always aspired to greatness. But now this once ordinary teenager is taking control of her destiny and becoming the hard-hitting hero she’s always known she can be – complete with a mild-mannered secret identity, unsuspecting colleagues, and a day job as a reporter that routinely throws into her harms way! Well, at least she thought it would… When she’s not typing up listicles about cat videos, Faith makes a secret transformation to patrol the night as the City of Angels’ own leading superhero – the sky-soaring Zephyr!

But flying solo is going to be tougher than Zephyr ever thought when she uncovers a deep-rooted alien conspiracy. Two-bit burglars and car thieves are one thing, but when the world needs a hero to stave off a full-blown extraterrestrial invasion, will Faith find herself in over her head…or ready for her biggest challenge yet?

FAITH #2 (Faith) by Jody Houser

Just as she uncovers a conspiracy in the Hollywood Hills that threatens the lives of her fellow psiots and new friends alike, Faith must also deal with the return of her ex-boyfriend and one-time teammate Torque…and a volatile new alien threat that nobody saw coming!

Be here as all-star creators Jody Houser (Orphan Black), Francis Portela (Green Lantern), and Marguerite Sauvage (DC Comics Bombshells) continue the groundbreaking, first-ever solo series for the Valiant Universe’s most extraordinary hero…the high-flying Faith!

“A superhero we can all admire.” -People Magazine

Faith on Goodreads

* * * * M Y T H O U G H T S * * * *

Thank you Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a partial galley (Issues 1 & 2) of Faith Volume 1: Hollywood and Vine.

Faith Volume 1: Hollywood and Vine will be released on the 26th July and it will contain FAITH Issues 1 – 4.

I loved Faith! None of the other characters stood out to me in the two issues, but I loved Faith after the first ten pages or so.

In the first two issues we met super hero Faith and her secret alter ego Summer, find out why she is out on her own and get a sneak peek at what looks to be an exciting world.

Oh Faith! You are my kind of woman!

The first two issues were slow burning and things were only starting to heat up as the second issue finished. I’m hanging out now to see if the pace picks up in the later issues *Fingers Crossed* as this series could be brilliant! So far it feels like this is a series where you want to collect a few issues and read them in a binge, that way you get a bit of action with the fantastic world building.

Three “I liked It” Stars for my enjoyment of these two issues, but with the likely hood of an improvement to Five Stars with the addition of issue 3 and 4 and some bad guy butt kicking. I mean did you read that synopsis! BRING IT ON!

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

March 2, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon #1) by Cressida Cowell

Hiccup Haddock Horrendous III was a truly extraordinary Viking hero.

The warrior chieftain and awesome sword fighter was known as ‘the Dragon Whisperer’, on account of his power over these terrifying beasts.

But it wasn’t always like that, and this is the story of his rise to fame, in his own words.

* ~ * My Thoughts * ~ *

Book Toothless and Movie Toothless are very different creatures. The only book characters who remotely resemble themselves in the movie are Hiccup and Gobber. And the way the young Vikings come to have their dragons is completely different.

Hiccup is still the Outsider wanting to fit in, the unlikely hero, the underdog etc. Astrid and Ruffnut are no where to be seen, no girls are – I love Astrid and Ruffnut so that was a little disappointing.

All that said this book was adorable! The book series is listed for ages 6 to 10 – I would have devoured this series at around eight years old.

We follow hiccup as an initiate competing for the right to become a full member of his father’s tribe or be banished from the isle of Berk forever. We see hiccup along with all the other boys go off to catch a dragon that they must then train and use to compete. Obviously Toothless does not cooperate in this matter and what follows is humorous tale of mishaps and triumphs.

There is still a enormous dragon showdown with Hiccup and Toothless still getting to be the heroes of the story.

After I had bought the paperback I found out that David Tennent voices the audio books. If I had to pick one thing that would have made me enjoy this book more, it would be having David Tennent read it to me! As is i’m going to give it Four Stars.

If you want to know more: Cressida’s Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

I hope all the photos I took hid the fact my brain is mush at the moment and I couldn’t write a decent review 😐 Did it work? LOL.

DEATH LOVE LUST Anthology

February 11, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 4 Comments

by Aurelia Fray, Catherine Stovall, Lily Luchesi, Emma Michaels, Michael Cross, Iskra Ryder, Patrick Tumblety, Libby Bishop, Charlotte Ondac, Jenn Nixon, Jaclyn Osborn, Jen L. Joyal, Victoria Kinnaird, Olivia Harper

DEATH LOVE LUST.

Death is definite. Love is infinite. Lust is eternal.

In the end, death always wins. And what of the threads that remain? Love? Lust? The desire to feel both? The desire to return to the living and feel again? Because, despite death, the heart will forever pine for the love that once was; the love that was once tangible but now is reflected back only in memories and photographs. Both love and lust are stronger than death and will always linger long after life is pulled from us. Because of this we will always remain definite, infinite, and eternal.

Published February 4th 2016 by Hot Ink Press.

GOODREADS – AMAZON AU – AMAZON US

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My Thoughts ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I received an ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review, THANK YOU :-).

As I normally review teen appropriate YA books I better stress the fact that this anthology is for 18+ Adults Only!

I love anthology’s! I think they are great for getting a little peep at different authors ‘voices’ and finding new favorites.

The Death-Love-Lust Anthology is a collection of adult poems and short stories exploring, you guessed it, death love and lust, featuring both hetero and homosexual couples – oh and delicious demons and righteous reapers.

The poems are absolutely beautiful, I read them all multiple times.

The stories range from dark and mysterious to sexy and sinful, with beautiful deep everlasting love shining through.

Normally I’d stay away from erotica that dabbles with death, but as the lovely Lily Luchesi was a part of it and given how I really enjoy her Paranormal Detective series, I gave it a go. I was pleasantly surprised! This is a collection of well-rounded pieces connecting life, death and love. Obviously there were some stories I preferred over others, but as a whole it was a really enjoyable, engaging and entertaining read.

Cover Reveal Demonic Pact by Majanka Verstraete

February 5, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

Sixteen-year-old Halfling Angel of Death Riley Scott is on a dangerous mission. To save her friend’s life, she must make a pact with the man who just tried to kill them both and break him out of the Celestial Prison, guarded by Angels of War—fearsome warriors who can squash her like a fly. If caught, she’ll be sentenced to eternity in that impenetrable prison. Riley will have to make deals with demons and her number one enemy, turn her back on her most loyal friends, and risk losing her family forever. Worst of all, her very existence is in the hands of her devious new allies.

Title: Demonic Pact
Author: Majanka Verstraete
Series: Angel of Death, Book Two
Publication Date: March 2016

Majanka’s Website | Majanka on Goodreads

If you missed the first book >>

23168992 The Soul Thief (Angel of Death Series #1) by Majanka Verstraete

When sixteen-year-old Riley is injured in a car crash and sees a girl stealing a boy’s soul, she’s convinced she’s hallucinating. But when she sees the same girl at the hospital later, she knows she wasn’t dreaming. That’s when Riley learns her secret heritage and who she really is: a halfling Angel of Death.

Riley must come to terms with her new reality and supernatural abilities, but before she can do this, girls her age start dying in mysterious circumstances. It’s up to Riley to figure out why, what the innocent victims have in common, and what she can do to stop them.

For My Review of Book One Click HERE

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