Star Wars: Bloodline by Claudia Gray - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Bloodline
Author: Claudia Gray
Release Date: May 3, 2016

Synopsis: When the Rebellion defeated the Empire in the skies above Endor, Leia Organa believed it was the beginning to a lasting peace. But after decades of vicious infighting and partisan gridlock in the New Republic Senate, that hope seems like a distant memory.

Now a respected senator, Leia must grapple with the dangers that threaten to cripple the fledgling democracy—from both within and without. Underworld kingpins, treacherous politicians, and Imperial loyalists are sowing chaos in the galaxy. Desperate to take action, senators are calling for the election of a First Senator. It is their hope that this influential post will bring strong leadership to a divided galaxy. 

As the daughter of Darth Vader, Leia faces with distrust the prospect of any one person holding such a powerful position—even when supporters suggest Leia herself for the job. But a new enemy may make this path Leia’s only option. For at the edges of the galaxy, a mysterious threat is growing. . . .

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Review: Claudia Gray is so good at writing Star Wars. If you haven't read Lost Stars, her YA novel that covers the whole of the original trilogy, you need to read it now! In this book, Gray tackles the difficult task of showing Leia between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. She did a wonderful job!

Politics are very present in this novel. I enjoyed the politics of the prequels and I liked seeing how the political climate changed after the fall of the second Death Star. There are interesting parallels to our own two-party system in America. 

Gray does a great job of filling some holes and hinting at other events that have taken place in our favorite characters' lives since the Emperor's death. Marriage. Ben. 

I love when there's characters that are just casually lgbt!

Ransolm Casterfo is such a well written character. You may dislike him at first, but when you spend time with him you start to understand his perspective. 

The glimpses we get into Han and Leia's relationship just barely wets the tongue, but it is so satisfying! I want Gray to write all the Star Wars books!

This Star Wars book is about an older woman in a relationship having a friendship with a younger man. That along with the politics and perspectives really make this book a product of its time. So 2016! I can't wait for even more modern Star Wars in 2017! Hopefully written by Claudia Gray!

I give this book a 5/5! It's one of my favorite Star Wars books! So well written. Amazing complex characters. Claudia Gray is queen!




--PAUL

Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 3 (comic): The Shu-Torun War

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Title: Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 3: The Shu-Torun War
Author: Kieron Gillen
Illustrator: Salvador Larroca
Recent Release Date: August 9, 2016

Synopsis: The Dark Lord of the Sith's unstoppable march continues! The natives of Shu-Torun are revolting, and there's no way the Empire will stand for that. When Darth Vader is tasked with leading a military assault against the planet, could it be that his rise to glory has begun? But who will follow Vader into war? Would you? Then again, it's better to fight alongside Vader than against him. That's a lesson that the ore barons are about to learn.

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Review: I miss Doctor Aphra. The droids are fun. This volume finds Darth Vader dealing with a war and royal families on a supply planet. I am so over the other potential apprentices of the Emperor. They're annoying. 

Queen Trios is a really interesting character. I like the culture of glamour and dukes on this planet. An intensely courtly culture. 

I give this volume a 3/5. It continues the Darth Vader story, but nothing special happens in this volume. Hopefully the next volume picks up the pace. 


--PAUL

LOVE IS LOVE (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Love is Love
Edited by: Marc Andreyko

Synopsis: The comic book industry comes together to honor those killed in Orlando this year. From IDW Publishing, with assistance from DC Entertainment, this oversize comic contains moving and heartfelt material from some of the greatest talents in comics - - mourning the victims, supporting the survivors, celebrating the LGBTQ community, and examining love in today's world.

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Review: This comic is beautiful. It's amazing how so many different writers and illustrators came together to make this happen. The proceeds benefit victims, survivors, and their families through Equality Florida. One- and two-page stories fill this graphic novel. Some are illustrations, while others are poems or comic strips. They address different aspects of the Pulse tragedy, some directly and some more broadly. 

The Pulse incident was very close to me. I've been to Pulse many times, having gone to college less than an hour away. I even had my first kiss with my now husband there. The night of the shooting, I had friends that left mere minutes before it started. Many of the stories bring me back to that Sunday morning, trying to get a hold of any friends that may have been there. 

My eyes were wet after reading this whole graphic novel in one sitting.

I give this graphic novel compilation a 5/5. You should buy this now! Not only are there wonderful stories and reflections of the LGBTQ community, but it goes to a wonderful cause. 


--PAUL

Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from ABRAMS Amulet Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Otherbound
Author: Corinne Duyvis
Recent Release Date: June 17, 2016

Synopsis: Amara is never alone. Not when she's protecting the cursed princess she unwillingly serves. Not when they're fleeing across dunes and islands and seas to stay alive. Not when she's punished, ordered around, or neglected.

She can't be alone, because a boy from another world experiences all that alongside her, looking through her eyes.

Nolan longs for a life uninterrupted. Every time he blinks, he's yanked from his Arizona town into Amara's mind, a world away, which makes even simple things like hobbies and homework impossible. He's spent years as a powerless observer of Amara's life. Amara has no idea . . . until he learns to control her, and they communicate for the first time. Amara is terrified. Then, she's furious.

All Amara and Nolan want is to be free of each other. But Nolan's breakthrough has dangerous consequences. Now, they'll have to work together to survive--and discover the truth about their connection. 

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Review: This is a review I should have written right after reading this book. I really enjoyed it and can't remember all the details, but the emotions are coming back to me. This book has a lot of wonderful representation. The relationships are complex. This book deals with the idea of reliance on someone else to live. The idea of only being kept alive because you are helping someone "better" than you live. 

Sign language is featured in this book. It was very interesting to read about. Sexuality is also shown in a different way. Nolan is a virgin, but has experienced/seen Amara having sex.

I liked how the concept of different worlds and travelers between those worlds was seen as spirits. 

Families are portrayed well in this book. Handicaps effect the whole family. Sibling bonds are shown. 

The ending is also great!

I give this book a 5/5! It's a fantasy book with representation. There need to be more books like this in the world!


--PAUL

Star Wars Vol.3: Rebel Jail (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars Vol.3: Rebel Jail
Author: Jason Aaron
Illustrators: Mike Mayhew and Leinil Yu 
Recent Release Date: August 16, 2016

Synopsis: What comes next for the Rebels after the events of Vader Down? Find out as the adventures of Luke Skywalker and friends continue! The Rebel crew are en route to a prison base with a very important captive. But, unlucky for them, they aren't the only ones with their eyes on this prize! And, in another

tale from the journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi, journey back to the Jedi's days of exile on Tattooine. Moisture farmer Owen Lars may have taken in young Luke, but he refused to let Ben be part of the boy's life. Now, prepare to discover the reason why!

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Review: This volume is pretty thick. There are additional stories before and after the ongoing Star Wars series. Annual 1 starts out this volume.It is a story of a Rebel spy trying to take out the Emperor himself. The volume ends with another Kenobi story. Young Biggs and Luke appear. And the origin of Black Krrsantan's scar. 

I really enjoyed learning about Sana and Aphra's history together. and Nerf herding reference!

The stinger at the end is great!

I give this whole volume a 4/5, but I give the Annual 1 that starts it out a 5/5. it's a great continuation in the Star Wars ongoing comic, but nothing too special.  


--PAUL

False Hearts by Laura Lam - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: False Hearts
Author: Laura Lam
Recent Release Date: June 16, 2016

Synopsis: Orphan Black meets Inception: Two formerly conjoined sisters are ensnared in a murderous plot involving psychoactive drugs, shared dreaming, organized crime, and a sinister cult. 

One night Tila stumbles home, terrified and covered in blood.

She’s arrested for murder, the first by a civilian in decades. The San Francisco police suspect involvement with Verve, a powerful drug, and offer her twin sister Taema a chilling deal. Taema must assume Tila’s identity and gather information – then if she brings down the drug syndicate, the police may let her sister live. But Taema’s investigation raises ghosts from the twins’ past.

The sisters were raised by a cult, which banned modern medicine. But as conjoined twins, they needed surgery to divide their shared heart – and escaped. Taema now finds Tila discovered links between the cult and the city’s underground. Once unable to keep secrets, the sisters will discover the true cost of lies.

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Review: Laura Lam is awesome! If you haven't read Pantomime, you need to! Add it to the top of your tbr list right now! You have plenty of time to read it and its sequel Shadowplay before the third book comes out in March. Also, you should follow Laura Lam on twitter @LR_Lam. But I should get back to this book...

False Hearts takes place in a near future San Francisco where a drug called Verge is popular. The worldbuilding, even from the start, has so much depth and realness. It is futuristic, but plausible. Laura Lam's writing is beautiful. 

The structure of the story is done in an interesting way. Tila is in the present. Taema tells the story of the past in parallel. This is the perfect medium for this story to be told. I just am so amazed how much of an amazing storyteller Laura Lam is. 

There is so much in this book that sounds weird out of context, but comes together so well. Conjoined twins. Feelings of loss. Togetherness. Cults. Technology. Drugs. 

Obviously, I give this book a 5/5. I HIGHLY recommend it and everything else Laura Lam does. 


--PAUL

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 1
Author: Kyle Higgins
Illustrator: Hendry Prasetya
Recent Release Date: September 13, 2016

Synopsis: Longtime fans of the smash-hit show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and newcomers to this ensemble driven series, will discover a deeply compelling world packed with highflying adventure and tremendous heart. Welcome to Angel Grove. Home to the Power Rangers and weekly monster attacks. Tommy Oliver was the new kid in town when evil doer, Rita Repulsa, swooped in and made him the Green Ranger. Now, free from her mind control, Tommy struggles to find balance between the plights of high school, making new friends, and the dangers that come with being a hero. Writer Kyle Higgins (C.O.W.L., Nightwing) and artist Hendry Prasetya (Voodoo vs. Green Lantern) explore the untold story in the life of the Green Ranger as he struggles to overcome his demons and learns to trust again. This collection also features short stories from Steve Orlando (Midnighter), Corin Howell (Bat-Mite), Mairghread Scott (Transformers:Windblade) and Daniel Bayliss (Kennel Block Blues).

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Review: I've been getting back into the Morphin' mindset in anticipation of the upcoming 2017 movie. I've rewatched the original show on Netflix and wasted hours lost on Power Rangers wikipedia pages. I knew I had to read this new comic by BOOM! Studios. 

This comic takes place during the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, but some elements have been updated and modernized. One of the biggest changes I noticed was the focus on the teenage lives of the kids. Their families are mentioned and some are even seen. They discuss AP History. Trini's father has an interesting story.

Another element that is more at the forefront than in the original tv show for children is the complexities of war. It wasn't at the surface of the show, but came up in many 90's teen war stories (like my favorite, Animorphs!). Team work is an element that definitely was in the original show. Trusting in the team is a big part of this comic. 

The rangers all kept their personalities from the show, but are also made into more rounded characters. I liked seeing Trini and Billy's friendship. Kim's snarkiness.

The villains also get some depth. Scorpina and Goldar are both featured. 

 This first volume ends with a cliffhanger and I've already heard so much about the second volume that sounds amazing! This comic is a well written, modern take on the 90's Power Rangers. I did not expect to like it this much. And I want more! There's even a fun Bulk and Skull story at the end of this first volume. 

I give this first volume a 5/5! I highly recommend it to fans of the original Power Rangers, whether you still watch the recent incarnations of the franchise or haven't thought about Power Rangers since Tommy lost his green ranger powers. 

--PAUL