Comics Wrap-Up - You're Second Hand Smoke

Graphic Novels

Ok, so I've been on a bit of a graphic novels binge... but that's ok, right...? (Shhhh, it's fine!)

I've reviewed two graphic novels this week:

The first is Limbo, Volume 1 (UK - US) - a trippy book with a unique style and layers of both plot and world. Def. worth checking out if you're looking out for something a little different.

You can read my review of Limbo here.

The other is Malice in Ovenland by Micheline Hess (UK - US) an all-ages book about a girl from Brooklyn who finds herself in the middle of a fantasy world... in her oven!

You can check out my review for that right here.

So onto the graphic novels that I've read this week.

Which is actually like 5 graphic novels. Because that's just how I roll sometimes.

The first four all belong to the same series, because this week, my dearest nerdlets, I took a walk on the wild side and read Stjepan Sejic's Sunstone, Volumes 1-4.

Amazon links:

Vol 1 (UK - US)

Vol 2 (UK - US)

Vol 3 (UK - US)

Vol 4 (UK - US)

This is a series about two girls in a BDSM relationship. It sounds a lot dodgier than it is.

It's actually a really sweet series about love, friendship, and relationships, with a background of some excellent artwork. (And I totally got the Blood Stain references - Vlad online gaming. I laughed so hard!)

Yes, it moves into porn territory - but it never gets visibly (ahem) down to the business; at least, not in frame. I'm not gonna lie though - there is nakedness, and there is explicit sexual content in a BDSM setting.

There is spanking, bondage, and many many other references, alongside more nudity than... I was gonna say than you can shake a stick at, but that sounds dodgy in this context... let's just say there's a lot of nudity. 

But none of this is done in a lurid or cheap way (which somehow actually makes it sexier. #JustSaying,) and many (though obviously not all) of Sunstone's fans aren't into BDSM, or a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

It really is a testimony to just how good this series is that its fan-base is not restricted to any particular niche and/or group of people.

That said: there is much sexy-times. 18+ only please guys (right, done my bit for adult responsibility and all that!)

The other graphic novel I read this week is a lot tamer, by far.

This week, I read Disney Kilala Princess Volume 1 (US) a re-release from Tokyo Pop of a popular 2006 series which was out-of-print, but now is back! :)

This is impossibly kawaii, and I'll be reviewing it soon. :)




Single Issues


More of Stjepan Sejic's work here (but not a premise of sexy-times for this series): this week I read Switch #1 (UK - US) and #2 (UK - US).

This is a series about a girl - Mary - who ends up being bonded with a Witchblade, and stuck in a battle between the light and the dark (neither of which are acting all that nice at the moment, in honesty.)

The first issue was great, but felt a bit like: dude, sit down, we have some stuff to go through.

I preferred the second issue 'cos that's where the characters and the whole fantasy-deal-y really start to develop :)









Like this post? Try these:

• Comics Wrap Up - Gallons of the Stuff
• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Limbo, Volume 1
• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Malice in Ovenland by Micheline Hess

Review Time! (Woop!) - Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Landline

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Contemporary, Chick Lit, Magic Realism, Romance* (*ish)

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

I saw a copy of this at the library... and it had a pink cover. Like, a bright pink cover.

So yours truly obviously had to borrow it. Because I'm that easily distracted. True story.

Also, I'd reviewed Carry On (UK - US) previously, and enjoyed it a lot.

(And Rainbow Rowell liked one of my tweets of that review, and I nearly fell off the sofa in shock.)

So I figured that I'd try another book by Rowell, and see how it went.

Premise:

Georgie McCool's marriage is in trouble. Sure, she knows that.

But her husband's just gone home for Christmas.

He hasn't left her.

Yes, Neal took the kids. No, he hasn't answered any of her calls... but he hasn't left her...right?

But then there's the phone. Ah, yes, the phone.

As time-machines go, it's pretty useless - all she can do is call 1998-Neal. It's 2013-Neal she needs to deal with, right?

So why does she keep calling?

Best bits:

I love Rainbow Rowell's wit and quirkiness - she can make normal conversations hilarious. And that's a talent worth having.

(Believe me. Everyone could do with that talent at some point in their lives...)

This book is incredibly readable - light-hearted and fun, it's one you just sort of... keep reading.

(And then you're like - I had stuff to do book! You win this round!)

I love Heather, Georgie's sister, she's great. She rocks in the 'sarcastic, but will defend her sister to her last breath,' kind of way.

Oh, and the name Georgie McCool? Dude, it's just fab. :)

The main crowning glory of this book though is that IT SOMEHOW MANAGES TO AVOID THE AWKWARD CLICHES!

Seriously, it could've gotten so cringey, but Rowell manages to side-step most of that and plump instead for realism and originality - and I always love me some originality. ;)

Not so great bits:

I guess I was maybe expecting a little more drama here than there ended up being.

This is probably my fault - I'm far too used to violent deaths and supernatural creatures in my books, and this doesn't have that.

I found the kids, Noomi and Alice, annoying. But that's mainly because Naomi was pet-named Noomi, and also because kids often bug me.

I also wasn't sure I wanted Neal and Georgie to work things out. I kind of felt at various points that she'd be better off with Seth.

But then, Georgie isn't sure whether she wants to work things out with Neal - so maybe it's just the tone reflecting the character's indecision.

Oh, and there's swearing here - which I found pretty hilarious in its usage, but I will warn you about as part of my blogger-ly duty (*salutes smartly*).

Verdict:

Despite the Christmas time-frame, this is equally suited to a hot summer's day, maybe even the beach.

It's light, it's fun, and it will definitely keep you reading.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

Liked this post? Try these:

• Review Time! - Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
• Review Time! - Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult

Mini-review! - Life Blood by V M Black

Title: Life Blood

Author: V M Black

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Novella

Series: Cora's Choice #1

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

I picked this book up because free e-books are my kryptonite. Particularly paranormal romances. They're like alcopops or junk food to me, honestly.

So yeah... this went on the e-reader!

This is one of those 'get-you-hooked' series-starter novellas. Like a drug dealer who gives you the first hit for free.

(Reading is an addiction - I keep telling you people this.)

As such, it's pretty short, and is series-foundation-setting rather than a full-blooded (ha! Blooded. Vampires. I just noticed that,) romance in and of itself.

The sexy-times only start to appear near the end, and aren't all that graphic (but I still don't want you young 'uns reading this! It does get a li'l steamy.)

And I'm not entirely sure I'm sold on the love-interest/s.

Luckily, the main romantic-al feller/vampire is more a lust-interest at this stage, so has time to develop in other books into (potentially) something deeper before everyone starts declaring undying love, or whatever.

Oh, and personal-safety-wise? It was nice to see Cora being careful to tell people where she is... even if some of her other decisions are a little ill-advised to say the least.

At least someone would be able to find the body if she was murdered and left in a ditch. Better than what most heroines manage, Cora - 10 points to Gryffindor!

(I don't know if she's in Gryffindor... I just kind of assumed...) (No, I actually haven't had coffee - which is more worrying than having it to be honest...)

This, then, is a short and very readable para-romance novella. If vampire romance is your thing, you'll probably devour this. :)

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

Liked this post? Try these:

• Pleasure, Not Guilt
• Mini-Review! - Omega Beloved by Aiden Bates

Month in Review(s) - May 2016

And so another month is well on its way to faffing off into the sunset.

I actually haven't reviewed any graphic novels this month (I know - who am, and what have I done with Cee?)

I'm probably making up for last month, which had graphic novels falling from the ever-loving rafters.

I've been on a bit of a contemporary YA binge lately - which led to me reviewing 3 contemporary YA titles this month.

'The Art of Being Normal' was beautiful, 'One' was unique, and 'Boy Meets Boy' was your favourite rom-com in book form.






My stand-out book this month, though? 'Swan Boy.' Wow. Just wow.





Kids




Swan Boy by Nikki Sheehan - Contemporary, Magic Realism








Young Adult

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson - Contemporary, LGBTQ+
One by Sarah Crossan - Contemporary, Poetry* (*novel in verse)
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance (M/M)









Adult




alt. sherlock. holmes - Anthology, Novellas/Short Stories, Crime, Contemporary*, Historical Fiction*, LGBTQ+* M/M* (*one or more stories.)







Non-fiction




Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig

Review Time! (Yay!) - Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Title: Boy Meets Boy

Author: David Levithan

Genre: YA, LGBTQ+ and Drag Queen, Contemporary, Romance (M/M)

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

This was on 'My Contemporary YA TBR.' I honestly can't remember why I put it on there, or how I heard about it in the first place. But there you have it! ;)

Anyhow, I decided to give this and shot and hope for the best. Which I did. And I really enjoyed it!

Premise:

It's a variation on an old theme; boy meets boy, boy falls in love... etc.

Paul might have a shot with Noah. But everything seems determined to get in the way.

Between friend-drama and ex-boyfriends, will Paul get his man?

Best bits:

'Boy Meets Boy' is like a rom-com in book form. Only without the things I hate about rom-coms, and with the things that I actually like about rom-coms.

This is sweet without being too smushy, quirky without being over the top. And it made me smile. A lot.

The 'minor characters' are complex.

COMPLEX CHARACTERS ALL THE WAY THROUGH. WOOOO!!! (Sorry, I'll calm down.)

I adore Infinite Darlene - the school's quarterback and Homecoming Queen.

(A quarterback is like the star? Right? Like a top striker in football (soccer)? Hope I've got that right. I also assume that a Homecoming Queen is of some importance? Going by what I've gathered from American TV, that is.)

Darlene is witty, bouncy, and takes no b**lsh**. Therefore, she rocks and should've been given more page-time (like screen-time, only, y'know, on pages...)

And the icky-sticky 'please let this work; what if it doesn't work?' -ness of the plot is fab.

A simple plot executed with real feeling, and no insta-love - what more can I ask for, really?

A special mention has to be made of the wacky, quirky, and wonderful town - so well-developed, and with so much random and fun detail in throw-away comments. :)

Not so great bits:

More Infinite Darlene, PLEASE!!!!!!

Right, now that we've got that dealt with, down to business:

There's some swearing (including one use of 'f****t,') and the vaguest of vague references to sex.

Doesn't bother me at all, but some people dislike such accoutrements (I'm in such a random mood today... sorry.)

In terms of issues which are potentially distressing, we've got: some homophobia from family members, friendship issues, and relationship issues (including obsessiveness in places.)

My main issue - and this really is nit-picking, but it so bugged me - is I kept changing my mind over whether to pronounce 'Joni' like Johnny or like Joanie. It's probably meant to be something else entirely.

I also felt like there was an undertone of 'everyone has to be paired off to be happy' in some places. Which is irritating and untrue.

Verdict:

This book was fun, fresh, and well-worth the read.

I enjoyed its quirkiness, and the characters were complex and largely likeable.

And Infinite Darlene rules. :)

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

Liked this post? Try these:

• My Contemporary YA TBR
• Review! - The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
• Mini-Review - One by Sarah Crossan

Month in Review(s) - April 2016

Lots more reviews this month! Especially of graphic novels.

There've been some truly rocking graphic novels out this month - my faves are probably Blood Stain and I Hate Fairyland.

Check out all the lovely reviews! :)

Kids

Eliza Rose by Lucy Worsley - historical fiction



New Adult

Growing Up by Tricia Sol - contemporary, LGBTQ+, short stories, romance (m/m)



Adult

Play Hard by J T Fox - LGBTQ+, romance (m/m,) short stories, contemporary
Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult - contemporary, crime*, witches*, magic realism* (*ish)



Graphic Novels

Golem by Lorenzo Coccetti - dystopian, sci-fi, manga
Paper Girls, Vol 1 by Brian K Vaughan - sci-fi
Blood Stain, Vol 1 by Linda Šejić
Echoes by Joshua Hale Fialkov - horror, crime
I Hate Fairyland, Vol 1: Madly Ever After by Skottie Young - fantasy, fairies/fae, humour

Conversations - Is 15 Years Old Too Young To Be Reading Fifty Shades of Grey?

Conversations is a meme from Geraldine @ Corralling Books and Joan @ Fiddler Blue.

Basically, 'Conversations' is a bunch of topics to discuss at set times - and you know I me, I like a discussion.

I figure I'll just put in my two-pennies if/when I feel like jumping in on a topic. Because that's how I roll guys ;)


This week's topic is:

Is 15 Years Old Too Young To Be Reading Fifty Shades of Grey?


My first response to this question was a knee-jerk one, and it was this:

15 YEAR OLDS SHOULDN'T BE READING FIFTY SHADES. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD?!?!?!

via GIPHY

 

 

Then I calmed the hell down and decided to think about things logically.



Now, I haven't read Fifty Shades, so this is going to be a general erotica/sexy-times-related discussion.

I'm pretty sure the points will also relate to Fifty Shades - because I haven't been living under a freaking rock, and I have a basic understanding of what Fifty Shades is about.

Just to be clear - what we're dealing with here is graphic sex scenes and BDSM.



15 years old is below the age of consent in most countries.

I would never EVER actively encourage 15 year olds to read erotica.

Because that would be giving porn to a minor, and apart from being hugely creepy *shudders*, it's probably bordering on illegal.

Well...maybe not. I don't know - it ain't right to encourage you anyhow! So I'm not going to.

via GIPHY

What is erotica?


A difficult one to define - but let's be honest: erotica is a book that is written with the sole purpose of sexual arousal.

via GIPHY

 

 

It always has graphic sex scenes. Usually more than one sex scene, dependent on the length of book.

I'm sure the argument can be made that a lot of romances border on erotica, or even are erotica. But there's always going to be fuzziness between genres.

I think intention is important - sure, you can have a steamy romance, but if it's more focused on the relationship than the sex then it's probably still a romance.

If the only reason for the relationship stuff is clearly to get the characters (ahem) together in the bedroom-sense, then you're probably dealing with erotica.

Again, there's no definitive here - but if you're dealing with a lot of graphic descriptions of the (ahem) mechanics of the bedroom, then it's probably erotica.



Why do people read erotica?

I'm sure there a lots of reasons - but at it's heart, erotica is a way of exploring sex, sexuality, and ultimately what (ahem) appeals to you... without placing yourself in dangerous or inappropriate situations.

For a discussion on the appeal, and the pros and cons, of erotica in general - and BDSM erotica also - take a look at Hans M Hirschi's excellent blog post.



The 15-year-olds perspective...

Remembering back to the dim and distance time in which I was fifteen, I'd say that the majority of fifteen-year-olds believe they're mature enough for this, but actually aren't.

At the same time, you aren't going to stop kids from getting hold of Fifty Shades and the like if they really want to.

Obviously, don't encourage them.

But, if they are reading this stuff, then hopefully their parents/relevant adults are approachable enough to make sex a topic that's not forbidden, but not so approachable that it starts to get a little weird.

(Talking to your parents about sex is uncomfortable at best. Let the kid know you'll talk about it if they want, then wait for them to come to you. And try to give off the general aura of believing in safe, sane, and consensual, sex.)

via GIPHY

The Internet exists, and the genie's out of the bottle

Ignoring the sheer amount of live-action and 'traditional' porn on the Internet, there's also a lot of pornographic fanfiction and fanart.

I know this, because I read fanfiction. And there are some things I just will never be able to un-see *fanfiction flashbacks here.*

What worries me the most though is that most fic writers, and readers, are under 16. This is some pretty heavy sh** to be writing and reading when you're so damned young.

And how do you even know this level of detail at that age?!?! I didn't know about lube at 16, but apparently the teenagers of the Internet are experts in the subject. (*Further fanfiction flashbacks.*)

Fifty Shades of Grey actually came from Twilight fanfiction, on the Internet. Yes, this is the typical level of sexy-times that is available to most movie, book, and TV franchises and fandoms on fanfiction sites.

via GIPHY

 

To be honest, Fifty Shades is tame compared to some things I've read *more flashbacks.*



So, what was my point again?

In an ideal world, no 15-year-old would be reading erotica.

We don't live in an ideal world - we live in the real world (*sigh*  I'm gonna find Narnia someday, honest.)

In the real world, teenagers are curious about sex, and porn is readily available. You do the metaphorical math.

The way forward, my dear friends, is not to expect 15-year-olds to be angels, but to be ready to talk to them if and when they have questions.

And to place emphasis on respect, safety, and consent.




Like this post? Try these:

• Pleasure, Not Guilt
• Friday Fics Fix - There Is Omegaverse (And I'm Taking You All Down With Me)

Review Time! - Growing Up by Tricia Sol

Title: Growing Up

Author: Tricia Sol

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult/NA, LGBTQ+, Romance (m/m,) Short Story/Novella

Release Date: 13 April 2016

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

I received a free digital review copy of this book from the publishers, Less Than Three Press, via NetGalley. NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair and honest reviews.

Something about this one caught my eye - I don't know why.

I guess I was interested in where the premise was headed, and whether the author would be able to pull it off without it going wrong somewhere along the lines.

So I requested it for review, and was happy to have my request accepted by the ever interesting Less Than Three Press.

It's quite short: about 74 pages, depending on what e-reader you're using.

And I read it in a day (partly because I wanted to know what happened, dammit!)

This book is in ebook format only.

Premise:

Kelly is back in his hometown, Glenn.

Although it's just a few hours away from his college, he tries not to go back too often - not least because no-one back home knows he's gay.

And then he runs into his former high-school teacher - Mr Bastion.

Except he wants Kelly to call him Luke now. And Kelly has had a crush on him since forever.

But Mr Bastion - Luke - he couldn't be interested in Kelly at all, could he?

Best bits:

Sol got this oh-so-right where it could've gone oh-so-wrong. Kelly is an awesome character - you 100% feel for him, and feel with him.

The awkward moments? The tension? The worry over his unaccepting family? You can totally feel the emotion in those paragraphs.

And those moments are where Sol truly excels - those moments are real.

I also liked the way this was a book about a guy who falls in love - not a book about love and sex that happened to have characters in it.

Kelly has a life outside of Luke - and there's a real sense of him trying to find his way in the world as an individual.

The love-scene is no less steamy for all that (fans self profusely,) but it's sex with real love and intimacy, not just porn for the sake of porn.

The balance of love, everyday life, character, etc. is pretty spot-on. It doesn't get overly-gooey, or overly-trashy. Which is great - and shows a potential for thoughtful plots on the part of Sol.

And the writing? Sol is a debut author, but she clearly has some talent. And I hope she keeps writing.

Not so great bits:

There is explicit sex here. Which isn't going to be to everyone's taste, no matter how well it's done.

There's also some swearing - again, not for everyone.

And there's some domestic violence and threats of sexual violence which may be distressing to some people. I personally, though, thought the subject was handled quite well.

The writing does get clumsy in places. Overall it's fine... but there are moments when it clunks instead of chimes.

Not the end of the world, but it's slightly jarring when you're reading.

I also felt like some places were a bit sketchy on detail. Some points could've been expanded and explored more.

We really could've done with Sol zooming in on the detail - the emotional detail, rather than buttons and carpets - particularly in terms of Kelly's ex, who sometimes feels more like a plot device than a flesh-and-blood character.

And if Kelly could stop going on about how inexperienced in love/sex he is at 21, that would be great.

21 is not old. Sex is not the meaning of life. Get over it.

Verdict:

This could've gone so wrong - it could've come across creepy, or over-sentimental, or overly-trashy.

Instead we have a story with heart and complex characters that I really enjoyed, and managed to give real moments of emotion and the complexities of life.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Tricia Sol's Author Profile

Liked this post? Try these:

• Review! (Yaaaay!) - The Invisibles by Francis Gideon
• Mini-Review! - Play Hard by J T Fox