Book Review: Spy x Family: Family Portrait (Spy x Family Family Novels) by Aya Yajima

Spy x Family: Family Portrait (Spy x Family Novels     

Author: Aya Yajima

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 20, 2024

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/YA Light Novel/Comedy/208 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

The best spy in Westalis is the secret agent whose code name is Twilight, his real name unknown. He is indeed a master of disguise. His new assignment concerns a high-level minister in Ostania, Donovan Desmond, who is believed to be a warmonger. Twilight must find out what Desmond’s plans are before they can come to fruition. But the man is elusive, and rarely goes out among other people. The only sure way to get to him is through the prestigious Eden Academy, which his son attends. But to do so, Twilight needs a wife and child, neither of which he possesses!  And so Twilight has become Loid Forger, and he finds a wife and child – Yor and Anya – both of whom possess skills he is unaware of. The mission is on.

Mission 1:  Anya’s class at Eden Academy is going on an overnight camping trip! While Yor is apprehensive, as Anya hasn’t been anywhere overnight before, Anya realizes this could be very important for her Papa (Anya is a telepath, unknown to both Loid and Yor, and knows about Operation Strix). Anya comes up with her own plan, calling it Operation Camp Friends. But she is also a bit scatterbrained and, by the time they arrive at camp, the plan is forgotten. Everything Anya does seems to irritate Donovan Desmond’s son, Damian. The worst comes when they are assigned to partner for a task and, thanks to Anya, they get lost in the woods!

Mission 2: Yuri Briar is Yor’s younger brother. Yuri adores Yor, who raised him since he was little and sacrificed much for him. He’d do anything for her and is very unhappy with her marriage to Loid Forger, which he doesn’t realize is fake. He also isn’t especially fond of Anya, but he really hates Loid. When Yor asks him to come over, he is overjoyed… until he discovers the reason. But he can’t turn her down, which is how he ends up babysitting Anya.

Mission 3: Franky is in the spy business, an associate of Twilight, who provides him with intel, equipment, and whatever else he might need. But he resents that Loid treats him more like a personal assistant and assumes much, including having Franky walk the family dog, Bond (who can see the future, by the way, unknown to everyone but Anya, who can read his mind).  Franky (who Anya calls Scruffy) finds himself seeing a doctor at the hospital after his last interaction with Twilight. But leaving the hospital, he gets lost and ends up in a courtyard where he hears someone singing. He follows the voice to find a beautiful young woman. Afraid to talk to her at first, he discovers that she is blind, so he grows bolder, and they begin a friendship. Considering the nature of what Franky does, though, can their relationship last?

Mission 4: Loid has to make sure his family looks like a normal family to outsiders, so sometimes they have to do typical family things. Today he is taking them to the park for a picnic. While there, they are approached by a young art student, who wants to paint them. When he tells Loid his name, Loid recognizes it at once. This young man is actually a famous artist! Loid is afraid that any painting of the fake Forger family might end up in a very public place, seen by many people, and someone just might be able to blow their cover. What is he to do?

Short Story: In a quaint restaurant in Ostania, some of the staff discuss their feelings about the customers they serve, and how appearances can be deceiving. One of those regulars just happens to be the Forger family.

This book is a novelization of the Spy x Family manga/anime.  As such, I was skeptical but I bought it anyway because, well, it’s Twilight and he is amazing (I have a little Twilight figurine by my laptop 😊) And yes, there is a lot of exposition, because the author couldn’t assume everyone has read the manga and would know everything. Novelizations don’t tend to be as good as the original by nature of being written by someone other than the author. But as I was reading, I found myself slipping deeper and deeper into the way she portrayed the characters. These are not stories we saw in the manga, so it’s fresh material, and I enjoyed them greatly, especially Mission 2, which is saying a lot because I am not a fan of Yuri Briar. Mostly because he wants to kill Loid lol  If he only realized that Loid is Twilight, well…

At any rate, I ended up really liking this book a lot and I hope they do more of these. I understand there are novelizations of other series, such as Demon Slayer and Blue Exorcist, both of which manga I’ve read. I might have to look for those. I do recommend this if you are a fan of Spy X Family. 

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #5 (2.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Dracula is off to church - but not to worship! He is meeting a married woman there, with whom he has been having relations. That won't be a problem, will it? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their link follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #5 (2.1)

Compared to other Orthodox churches throughout Romania, the church in Bistritz was smaller and less elaborate. Built of stone during the thirteenth century, it lay on the outskirts of the village, and served as the town’s spiritual center until a second church was built some years later, nearer to the town center. The villagers referred to the original church as the Old Church, while the newer edifice was simply the Church. The Old Church was unusual in that pews had been installed, a feature not common in traditional Orthodox churches, as it was considered disrespectful for people to sit during sermons. Dracula’s ancestors had graciously donated the pews for not altogether altruistic motives—namely their own comfort. The first pews had been built from sturdy European beech, which was plentiful in the area. But sometime after the Americas were begun to be colonized, the Dracula family had replaced two of the beech benches—the ones closest to the altar, naturally—with seats made of beautiful Brazilian rosewood. The villagers were impressed with the reddish-brown color of the expensive wood, which contained streaks of a darker chocolate brown. It was tacitly understood that anyone could avail themselves of these pews, but when the family was in attendance, their presence took precedence. Nobody complained. Not surprising, considering the reputation the family had even then, which only grew darker and more sinister over the years. No one wanted to be on their bad side.

Now Count Dracula was the last of the lineage and he had lost his faith in religion many years ago. The last time he’d attended a mass or made confession was well before any of the present residents were even born, and probably several generations before them. But he remembered the beautiful pews with fondness, and he remembered that they were always well cared for. He therefore had no hesitation in availing himself of them while desecrating them with carnal knowledge of the blacksmith’s wife. Access to the church was easy, as the parish priest, Father Gunther, never locked the building, believing it should be kept available to everyone at all times. During the evenings, the good father—when he wasn’t tending to the members of his flock— was generally to be found at the local alehouse, downing pints with the other villagers, and having a generally good time, blissfully oblivious to what was happening behind his back in his church.

Dracula paused just outside the door of the church and listened. Only one heart beat inside. Not surprising, as their trysts heretofore had always been uninterrupted. He quietly pulled open the heavy oaken door. As a child, he had once marveled at the images of the saints carved into the wooden panels, but he no longer saw them, having long ago grown enured to them. Tonight he was intent on what lay inside—the church as a place of worship no longer held any interest for him.

He passed swiftly through the narthex—the vestibule of the church, where worshippers would commonly pause to refocus their energies on matters of the spirit as well as to light a candle—and then on into the nave. He spied her at once, kneeling before the altar in the position of a supplicant, head bowed and hands clasped before her as if in prayer. She had lit several candles in anticipation of his arrival. The flames flickered in the eternal draft that blew through the church like an ill wind. He noticed she’d worn her best fota for him, one he’d seen several times before. The white wool wraparound skirt decorated in elaborate geometrical designs in red and blue concealed the suppleness of the limbs beneath. On her head a white marama embroidered with white designs covered her dark brown hair, so soft to the touch.

Foolish girl.

Dracula frowned, momentarily annoyed with her, perhaps because he’d told her more than once how much he disliked such posturing before a non-existent deity. But her religious upbringing was apparently too strong to be set aside, even for him, despite the fact she was committing the cardinal sin of adultery within the very walls of her god’s house of worship. Both ironic and erotic. He would have to remind her of his wishes… but not right now. Such matters as his contempt for the church he had once embraced could wait. His desire for her was stronger than his displeasure. When he grew tired of her and ceased to want her, then he would end the relationship and obliterate her memory of him. But, in the meantime…

He glided smoothly down the aisle between the pews and reached her before she was even aware of his presence. She gasped as he lifted her easily into his embrace and carried her to the front pew.

“Draga mea,” she murmured. My sweetheart.

“Floare frumoasa,” he responded. Beautiful flower. He brushed his lips lightly across hers and felt her quiver. He distributed small kisses upon her cheeks before running his tongue along her jaw and around the sensitive outer shell of her ear. She was very tactile and responded ardently to his every touch as if she’d never been touched in that way before. Not surprising, considering the brute she was wed to. In the brief time of their intimacy, he had shown her pleasure such as she had never experienced before, and sadly would never again, once he removed himself from her life.

With his heightened senses, he could smell the tanginess of her arousal. She shifted beneath him, her hand pressing against his hardness. She’d become rather bold in letting him know what she wanted, and he was more than happy to give it to her, although he was also careful not to spend himself inside of her. The last thing he wanted was to procreate—with her or anyone else— knowing that any child of his must of course be fated to die, and that would be a difficult burden to bear.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #154 - The Mimic, Silent Night (2012), The Midnight Meat Train

 The Mimic

The Jangsan Tiger is an urban legend of South Korean, a creature that lures its prey by mimicking sounds such as a woman's wail. Hee-uyeon (Yum Jung-ah) and her husband Min-ho (Park Hyuk-kwon) are unaware of this. All they know is their son has been missing for five years and they feel the might to get away.; They take their daughter Jun-hee (Yu-sul Bang) and Hee-yon's mother Sun-ja (Heo Jin) to the countryside in an effort to get away from their troubles. But new troubles arise, including Jun-hee's growing dementia. Min suggests the woman needs care, as in a home, but Hee-yon won't hear of it, unwilling to lose another family member.

Their new home is near an old forest, and in that forest is a cave...

The Mimic is a horror story, but it's also about loss and grieving - the woman who mourns the son who disappeared and won't accept that he is probably dead, as well as the loss of her mother as she has always known her. The movie has an interesting opening, involving a couple who are up to no good at the cave, foreshadowing what is to come.

Everything clicks in this film, acting, writing, direction... It has a tremendous tension and suspense that only grows as the film goes on. The little girl is very cute too. I thought it was very well done, and I recommend it. I'll give this film 4 Stars

Silent Night (2012)

Twas the night before Christmas in a small Wisconsin town, but all is not well. Deputy Jordan (Brendan Fehr) is missing, so Aubrey (Jaime King) has to come even to cover his shift despite having plans with her family, to her dismay. But Sheriff Cooper (Malcolm McDowell) has decreed it, so she has no choice. She hopes it will be a peaceful night, but no such luck.

Her first call concerns a Santa that is telling kids disturbing things. Santa Jim (Donal Logue) is rather 

disgruntled and quite the cynic. After that, her next call leads her to a dead body... and suddenly the town is faced with the knowledge that someone dressed as Santa is on a murder spree. Trouble is, there are a lot of people dressed as Santa tonight, since it's Christmas Eve. And this guy is an equal opportunity killer - men, women, or children, he kills them all.  Ho, ho, ho... Merry Christmas!

This was touted as a remake of the original Silent Night, Deadly Night, but they might as well have called it Silent Night Deadly Night 6. To be honest, it was better than I expected, given the last few films. But not great. I wasn't bored, and it didn't drag. Lots of violence and gore, which is what you expect from these films. Malcolm McDowell was wasted, though, as I never did buy him as a small town Midwestern sheriff. Should have saved the money and gone with someone else. The high point of this film, in my opinion, was Donal Logue, who improves anything he is in. He does every character he plays well. Also, listen for the line "what is this, garbage day?" That's a reference from Silent Night, Deadly Night 2, spoken by Eric Freeman as Ricky (no, there's no Ricky in this one). Just gonna plus Eric's website, https://www.theeericfreeman.com/, where I bought a magnet with a photo of Garbage Day, and it was signed by Eric to me. For these two things, I'll give this film 2 Stars.

The Midnight Meat Train

Leon (Bradley Cooper) is a photojournalist with big dreams, but so far he isn't getting anywhere. An art gallery owner (Brooke Shields) suggests he isn't really "getting it", that he needs to go deeper. So he begins to wander the streets at night, desperate to achieve something, taking photos of random people, to his girlfriend's (Leslie Bibb) dismay. He comes upon a gang of young men harassing a young woman in the subway station late one night and photographs the interaction before convincing them to leave her alone. He thinks he understands now, but when the woman turns up as missing, he is shocked. He begins to haunt the late night trains, not sure what he is looking for. But then he finds it...

This film is based on a short story by Clive Barker. What is odd is that until I started to watch it, I had 

forgotten that I already watched it years ago, maybe when it came out in 2008. It's not a bad story and not a bad film, but it's also forgettable. Obviously, I forgot about it. I couldn't seem to care about any of the characters, and I found the photographer's obsession with the man on the train not just unsettling but stupid and not worth risking his life over, much less his girlfriend's life. And then the ending.... it was like I said to my kid after I watched it - it was all about the destination, not the journey. I think the ending was meant to shock, but it was more like, Really?

If you like Clive Barker, do yourself a favor and stick to Hellraiser (just the first two) or Nightbreed. Like I said, it's not a bad film, I just think it could have been done better. Maybe find the story and read it first before you decide to watch it. I'll give this film 2.5 Stars

Book Review: Kiyo Sato: From a WWII Japanese Internment Camp to a Life of Service by Connie Goldsmith with Kiyo Sato

 

Kiyo Sato: From a WWII Japanese Interment Camp to a Life of Service     

Author: Connie Goldsmith with Kiyo Sato

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books

American release date: September 1, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Hardback/Historical Biography/136 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

December 7, 1941 was a traumatic occasion for all Americans, with the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, but especially for those Americans of Japanese heritage. The government, in its overly suspicious infinite wisdom, decided the best thing to do in order to avoid having subversives inside the country, was to round up these citizens and send them to places where they could be closely guarded. For the safety of the nation.

Kiyo Sato was one of nine children of Shinji and Tomomi Sato. Her parents came from Japan and started not only a farm, but a family, in the Sacramento area.  President Franklin Roosevelt signed two executive orders in 1942, ordering the internment of the Japanese Americans on the West Coast.  Perhaps the reasoning was that they were closer to Japan and more likely to be spies. The Satos were sent to a camp in Poston, Arizona. This is their story, as related by Kiyo Sato, the oldest of the nine siblings, to Connie Goldsmith.

Looking back from a great distance, it sems inconceivable that American citizens could be treated this way simply because of their heritage. Many of them had never even been to Japan and couldn’t speak Japanese. Because they had to leave most everything behind, many of them lost their homes, their livelihoods and most of what they owned, including beloved pets. They were only permitted to bring one suitcase per person. One internment camp was an abandoned racetrack, where people slept in the former horse stalls under very unsanitary conditions.

This is a heartbreaking story, and yet it’s also a story of hope and resilience of spirit, and how one family endured and thrived.  The Japanese have a saying: shikata ga nai – accept what cannot be changed. However, it is appalling to me that this ever happened, and year s later the courts agreed that there was no need for this to take place.  The survivors were awarded reparations, but no amount could change what happened or give them that time back. This country should be ashamed of having their version of the German concentration camps, call them what you will. Hard to take the high moral ground after that.

I am privileged to know the niece of Kiyo Sato, Pamela Sato, who is the person who told me about the book. I think all Americans should know what their country is/was capable of – think Guantanamo Bay. I highly recommend this book. Also, Kiyo wrote a book in her own words, Kiyo’s Story, which I intend to read.

 

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #4 (2.0)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Dracula has a date to keep in the village! See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #4 (2.0)

A midnight breeze blew warm across the Carpathians, carrying the familiar scent of Norway spruce and Scots pine to the lone figure making his solitary way down the mountain toward the village below. Dracula loved the night above all other times. He felt that darkness possessed a certain serenity not to be found during the daylight hours. A peace of mind that was lacking beneath the sun’s fierce rays. He drew strength from the night and preferred the solitude of his castle to the cacophony of human life. Of course, his predilection for human blood demanded that he exercise extreme caution in its acquisition, especially so close to home. Unfortunately, at times of pecuniary necessity, a certain amount of social interaction was required of him. But sometimes, as was the case tonight, a clandestine rendezvous was simply a matter of pleasure.

He could have had Avram drive him to Bistritz in a carriage… if he still possessed one, which he currently did not. The previous carriage had been very ornate and surprisingly comfortable, and Dracula had enjoyed driving it down the mountain in the dead of night at breakneck speeds calculated to test the courage of any passenger, had there been one, Avram clinging precariously to the driver’s box beside him. But Avram had found it prudent to sell that vehicle along with most of the magnificent stallions that had drawn it. He claimed the expenditure on their upkeep was an unnecessary drain on their limited resources and they could utilize other forms of transportation when they went abroad. The vampire couldn’t argue with such logic, as he disliked concerning himself with such mundane matters. Someday, Dracula swore, he would have another coach, the finest that money could buy. But alas, when there is little money, one must… economize, as Avram liked to remind him. Far too often, for his taste.

Apparently Avram had read some such nonsense in a book he had recently acquired (interesting how money was found for such a purchase). He tried to explain to Dracula what the author—what was his name? Oh yes, Adam Smith—wrote concerning the subject of economics. But Dracula found the entire matter to be very dull and he didn’t bother to retain anything he was told. However, he did understand the necessity to raise more money when existing funds grew low in order that he be maintained in the lifestyle to which he would like to stay accustomed. After all, he was going to live a long and richly wonderful life. No reason to live it in poverty.

He left the one horse that remained of the set he’d previously possessed for Aram’s use. Being merely human, Avram didn’t possess the same abilities his master did. Dracula had vampiric strength and speed and could travel quite easily from the castle to the village. Not that he did so very often. Avram had convinced him that dining on the villagers would, in the end, not be in either of their best interests. Dracula reluctantly saw his point and agreed to hold himself in check—providing that his very reliable factotum, i.e. Avram, saw to all his culinary needs. Liquid, that is. While he could and did eat human food on occasion, it did not provide him with what he required to survive. How Avram acquired blood was up to him, and Dracula asked no questions.

But Dracula also had other needs that blood would not suffice to meet. So sometimes he found himself going to the village for a little bit of fun.

Bistritz had originally been settled by Saxon immigrants, well before Dracula was born. Through the years, many Germans made the village their home, as well as a number of Romanians and Hungarians. At one time, there had been a good-sized Jewish community, but that had been largely decimated through ignorance and prejudice and mindless acts of violence. Many of those who were not killed were either forcibly converted to the Orthodox Church or they chose to leave for more hospitable environs. Unfortunately, Avram’s family had been among those who did not survive the persecution. In these current times, however, anti-Semitism had receded, which made it easier for Avram to conduct business in the village. He got along well with most everyone he met. Dracula knew he spent some of his evenings there, at times when they were not traveling abroad, and considered these to be diplomatic excursions that would benefit them both. His own expeditions into the village tended to be stealthier… and more seductive.

Dracula was well aware that Doina was a married woman, and that her husband was the rather well-muscled village blacksmith. But she was a pretty thing, and Dracula enjoyed her… company. Unbeknownst to Avram, he also liked to sip her blood. Not enough to harm her or turn her, for that would serve no useful purpose. But a little drink after sex never hurt anyone. To keep her from remembering, and possibly spreading the information to those who might not take it well, he clouded her mind a little, just enough to forget the bloodletting while remembering what a wonderful lover he truly was.

When he’d first decided to bed her, the question of where they should do so was of major concern. He firmly rejected her first suggestions, not willing to lower himself to using the filthy earth for their assignations and unwilling to take a room at the inn. The first was injurious to his delicate sensibilities, while the latter ran the risk of their being seen by too many people, some of whom might just inform Bogdan, her husband. Naturally, her home was similarly out of bounds, although a tempting and cheaper solution. But then he had a truly marvelous idea, one which was deliciously wicked and fun.

The church.

 to be continued

Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Saturday is Horror Day #153 - Lake Bodom, Marrowbone

 Lake Bodom

Atte (Santeri Helinheimo Mantyla) is a young man who is obsessed with his country's greatest unsolved mysteries - the fate of four young campers who were brutally knifed while sleeping in a tent on the shore of Lake Bodom. Only one person survived the onslaught, and he was in no condition to remember what happened. Many years have passed since then. Atte and his friend Elias (Mikael Gabriel) persuade two girls who are friends of theirs and attend the same school, Ida (Nelly Hirst-Gee) and Nora (Mimosa Willamo) to come camping with them. But they never mention they are going camp on the very shore of Lake Bodom.

Ida is not doing well, having become the target of scorn by her fellow students for nude pictures of her 

that have been circulating. She thinks maybe Elias is the person who took those pics, but she has no proof.  That doesn't keep her from going off alone with him, leaving Ida and Atte in the tent. Suddenly, someone grabs them through the tent. Atte goes to investigate, but he is stabbed. Nora and Elias come running back, but it is too late. Now the three survivors can only run and escape whoever has targeted them.

Inspired by but not based on the Lake Bodom murders, this is a well-done, and very chilling horror/mystery. Everything seems fairly normal at the beginning, until it's not. From then on, things go downhill fast. I never saw the twists and turns coming. It keeps you guessing until the end, and even then, one can't be sure. Well worth the watch, I recommend seeing this. I'll give this Film between 4 and 4.5 Stars.

Marrowbone

A mother (Nicola Harrison) flees England with her four children to America to have a new life. But sometimes fate is cruel and the mother dies from illness. But not before she tells her oldest son, Jack (George MacKay) to keep her death secret until he turns twenty-one, for fear of the family being broken up by child welfare. As if that wasn't bad enough, there is something sinister in that huge house. The three older children tell young Sam (Matthew Stagg) that he is hearing the screams of a ghost, and that is also why they keep the mirrors covered. 

Jack, Billy (Charlie Heaton) and Jane (Mia Goth) have a friend in Allie (Anya Taylor-Joy), although she 

is not privy to their secret. She and Jack are especially close. But when a lawyer named Porter (Kyle Soller) arrives at the library where she works, it turns out he is sweet on her himself and none too pleased with Jack's presence. However, he learns something he thinks can benefit him financially and he isn't afraid to use it.

I thought this was a very well written, acted, and directed film, with twists and turns you wouldn't expect before the truth is arrived at. You might remember Charlie Heaton as Jonathan from Stranger Things, and Kyle Soller from Andor. The little boy who plays Sam is terrific. It's scary, spine-tingling, and also sad. If you haven't heard of it, I would definitely place Marrowbone on your radar, it's well worth the watch. I'll give this film 4.5 Stars

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #3 (1.2)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

As Dracula prepares to go out, Avram is clearly uneasy, but what can he do? Maybe things will work out well. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

Dracula #3 (1.2)

“Ah, but what does that even mean? The definition of a sinner lies in the eyes of the beholder,” Avram responded, playing devil’s advocate. “Some might even say you are more sinned against than sinning.” He smoothed out a small wrinkle in the vampire’s mauve coat, then glanced up into the mirror. Their gazes locked in the reflection, Avram’s warm brown eyes meeting his master’s hazel orbs. “They say vampires have no soul and therefore cannot see their image in a mirror. But clearly that is not the case.” Avram stepped back to take in his master in his entirety and was satisfied with what he saw. “But are they sinners? That question is open to debate.”

“Then perhaps I am evil.” The Count laughed as he spun about in a playful pirouette. His long wavy hair swayed with his movement. It flowed down his back, tied with a leather queue fastened by an intricately carved ivory hairpin. When caught by the sunlight, his glossy tresses appeared to possess blue undertones, but that was merely a trick of the sun’s rays. At night, his locks seemed to sparkle, much like their owner.

“Evil is relative, Nico,” Avram replied, the nickname springing from his lips with practiced ease. Admittedly, their relationship was a complicated one, unintelligible to outsiders. More than a mere servant, Avram was often a confidante to the vampire, as well as the voice of reason. A co-conspirator in their life journey, such as it was. He also managed their finances and did his best to save the nobleman from his extravagances.  And as many foolish decisions as he could, although he was not always successful in that regard. “As Exodus tells us, sometimes it matters whose ox is being gored. Should I explain to you this allegory?”

Dracula rolled his eyes. “I stopped believing in that book a long time ago. And no, I understand what it means.”

Avram removed the stopper from an elaborately decorated glass bottle, bought during their last visit to Paris, and handed it to the Count. He poured some of the fragrant oil into one hand and used one slender finger to dab it at various points of his body—behind both ears, at the base of his throat, and on the inside of each wrist. Notes of bergamot filled the air, along with something a little muskier.

“You know, Avram, I remember reading some years ago a sermon that had been written by one of the colonists in America. I forget his name or which religion he represented, but I remember his words. He basically said that we are all sinners, dangling like a spider from the hand of the all-powerful, angry God, and that it was at his forbearance we are suffered to live. Furthermore, he has the power to cut those strings and cast us down into the flames at any time. For any reason or for no reason whatsoever, at his discretion.”

“Such a delightful image,” Avram quipped. “I’m glad my people don’t really believe in the concept of Hell. Sounds like a horrible place.”

Dracula made no immediate response. Sensing a change in his demeanor, Avram replaced the perfume where it belonged, then dared a glance at him. No longer smiling, his handsome face seemed peaceful enough. But Avram knew better. He sensed storm clouds brewing beneath the deceptively calm exterior, as if he had inadvertently touched a nerve, or reopened an old wound.

“I may not believe in God,” the vampire said quietly, “but I hope there is a place like Hell. Some people deserve such a Fate.”

Wishing he could recall his ill-chosen words, Avram could only imagine which people his master was referring to, and he had to agree with his statement. They both fell silent.

Suddenly, Dracula withdrew his skeletonized pocket watch from its resting place within his coat and glanced at the face. Avram was well familiar with this device. It was unique in that where most watches in the vogue were elaborately decorated and engraved, this one was styled in such a way as to view the working mechanisms of the timepiece itself.

Another expensive bauble. But at least this one served a useful purpose. And could probably be sold for a goodly sum, should that ever become a necessity. Although how he would be able to wrest the object from the grasp of its rather strong owner was a matter for another day. One that would hopefully never come.

“One must not keep a beautiful woman waiting, Avram.” The potential storm had passed. Dracula was once again in high spirits, no doubt in anticipation of the carnal delights awaiting him in the village below. Avram was less sanguine.

“As you wish, milord.” No sense in arguing. All he could do now was monitor the situation as well as he could. Which meant spending time in the same dreary alehouse where the unwittingly cuckolded blacksmith could be found.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Ana Maria and the Fox (The Luna Sisters) by Liana de la Rosa

 

Ana Maria and The Fox (The Luna Sisters)    

Author: Liana De la Rosa

Publisher: Berkley

American release date: April 4, 2023

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Mulicultural & Interracial Romance/352 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

The French occupation of Mexico as ordered by Napoleon III -  a pale imitation of famous uncle -  has been disastrous The United States is in no position to enforce the Monroe Doctrine, caught up as they are in their own Civil War. Outside help is crucial to provide aid to the Mexicans, under the leadership of Juarez. To the end, the three Luna sisters – Ana Maria, Gabriela, and Isabela, have been sent to London on a mission of diplomacy, representing their country in the hopes of eliciting assistance from the English. However, they do not reveal everything about themselves, including their relationship to the Mexican rebels.

Ana Maria and her sisters have not been close, more antagonists than friends. The journey across the Atlantic was not without its challenges. But in London, Ana Maria finds a freedom she could never have under the tight reins of her domineering father. And she has never truly appreciated her sisters for the individuals that they are.

Gideon Fox is the grandson of a woman who escaped slavery in America, cross the Atlantic and married a Scotsman. Gideon has always had his eye on the prize – the ending of the abhorrent institution of slavery. By dint of hard work, he has become a member of Parliament and is working to abolish the Atlantic slave trade. Despite being greatly attracted to Ana Maria when they meet, he cannot afford to let his feelings interfere with his purpose. At least not until, danger threatens Ana Maria, and Gideon has to make a difficult choice. Or maybe his choice isn’t so difficult, after all.

This is my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. I especially am looking forward to the next book in the series. She writes very well, bringing all her characters to life while painting a portrait of 1860s Victorian London.  She has clearly done her research, and it shows. The historical details are amazing. My only quibble is the appearance of Prince Albert, as the Prince Regent died in 1861 and the book takes place in 1863.

The romance between Ana Maria and Gideon is breathtaking, and the action toward the end had me on the edge of my seat, feverishly turning the pages. The cover by Tiffany Estreicher is beautiful. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next volume of The Luna Sisters.

Saturday is Horror Day #152 - The Keeping Hours, Silent Night Deadly Night 5: The Toymaker

 The Keeping Hours

Mark (Lee Pace) and Elizabeth (Carrie Coon) are a loving, laid-back with a son named Jacob (Sander Thomas) whom they both adore. But tragedy strikes and Jacob is taken from them. The couple fall apart and divorce. Years later, Elizabeth has remarried and is a stepmother to two daughters who she loves, while Mark is single and a successful lawyer. He still owns the house where they once lived, and rents it out. After a pair of tenants trash the place, he goes there to clean it up, and encounters something he totally didn't expect to see - his dead son. Except he doesn't look dead. And he hasn't aged a day since he died. A startled Mark runs to tell Elizabeth about this, although they have nor relationship any more. At first, she is furious and refuses to listen, but gradually, she comes around. How is this happening...and why?

While the Keeping Hours is a ghost story, it isn't necessarily one in the traditional sense in that it isn't 

spooky or horrifying. Rather it's evocative and emotional. It's a story of loss and love, but also of forgiveness. I was really moved by this film. I have to say I am a huge Lee Pace fan, and he is terrific in this. So is everyone else, including the young boy playing Jacob. I am including it here both because it is a ghost story but also because I don't feel enough people know about it, which is a shame.

I will give this film 4 Stars

Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toymaker

Derek (William Thorne) is a little boy whose world goes silent when he witnesses his father being killed by a toy that mysteriously arrived at the house on Christmas Eve. His mother Sarah (Jane Higginson) is trying to help her son while dealing with the loss of his father. She takes him to a local toy store owned by a toymaker named Joe Petto (Mickey Rooney), but there is something odd about Petto and his strange son Pino (Brian Bremer). And then there is a mysterious guy who hangs around both the toy store and the Quinn home. What does he want?

I'll start by saying that the fifth installment in the Silent Night Deadly Night series is better than the one before, but honestly, that's not hard to be. Again, it doesn't have the Santa Killer theme, but t does have a sort of horror take on Pinocchio and Gepetto.. Clint Howard returns as Ricky, and his only scene involves him and the mysterious lurker, who are both seasonal Santas. If you didn't look at the credits, you'd have no idea he was playing Ricky, and one wonders why bother. I guess to preserve the somewhat shaky continuity. Also, how did they talk Mickey Rooney into doing this film? One has to wonder.

 

The acting is still pretty lousy and so is the writing and plot. Wait until you find out who the mysterious stranger is and how quickly he is accepted into their lives. Seriously? The good news is that this is the last in the series, as the next one is actually a reboot of the first film. I have requested that. Also, I hear that another film is going to be made. I assume that it's part of the reboot, not the original franchise.

I'll give this film 1.5 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #2 (1.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

I started a new story last week, it continues. Right now, it's Dracula and Avram. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Like I said, working title. If anyone comes up with an idea for a real title, I'm open to suggestion lol  Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #2 (1.1)

Being a fastidious man, the Count—or Nico, as he was known to his more intimate acquaintances—insisted on bathing prior to any evening’s activities. His porcelain-coated cast iron tub was the only one in that region and had been imported many years before, at great expense, from China. He loved to immerse himself in the warmest water Avram could provide, as he found it to be a panacea for his poor circulation. The Count was unique in his desire for personal cleanliness as bathing was not exactly held in high regard by most people.  Members of the upper class seldom bathed and only occasionally washed their faces and hands, while the lower class limited their acquaintance with water to a scant few times a year.  This was but one reason why the Count enjoyed great popularity among ladies of all stations and in many countries. They appreciated his attention to hygiene and delighted in the variety of scents he used on a regular basis at a time when many people wore perfumes merely to mask offensive body odor. As for Avram, he liked to avail himself of the master’s tub during the master’s absence, being very particular himself when it came to cleanliness. As a Jewish man, it was not a choice—it was a commandment.

Once Dracula had eased himself into the blessedly warm water, Avram handed him a soft sea sponge and an irregularly shaped pale orange wash ball. Coriander provided an almost earthy citrus scent, augmented by hints of vanilla and cloves.  Dracula inhaled the ball appreciatively before he began to apply it to his body.

“Would milord perhaps wish to enjoy a game of cribbage tonight?” Avram ventured.

Dracula gave him a pointed look from beneath arched eyebrows. “Did you seriously think I have nothing better to do than engage in a card game with you?”

‘Of course not, milord. Merely a suggestion.”

Avram hadn’t thought his ruse would work, despite the fact that they often did play cards together of an evening, but neither was he offended at his master’s words. He’d been in service to him for too long not to know better. Besides, there were times when he was able to turn his attention by such methods, but alas, tonight was not going to be one of those nights. Avram was only too well aware of his master’s destination this evening, despite his pretense to the contrary, for the Count was never reluctant to discuss his love life, such as it was. Perhaps love was not the right word to be used in regard to his sexual conquests—male or female— for that particular emotion was never involved, at least not on the part of Dracula, although such could not always be said for his partners. Perhaps more direct tactics were called for.

“Do you think it’s wise to continue this dalliance with the blacksmith’s wife?” Avram attempted to be more diplomatic than crude. This particular obsession had been going on for nearly two months now. At least six weeks too long by Avram’s calculations. Not to mention, too close to home. A situation exacerbated by the blacksmith being well-known throughout the village for his nasty temper. The only reason Dracula had not encountered said bad temper heretofore was because the blacksmith was considered by most to be what Avram would term a schlemiel. Not only did he not have a clue as to what his wife was up to while he was occupied in filling his belly with beer at the local alehouse, he also didn’t have the sense to fear Count Dracula, despite the many stories in circulation about him. None of them good. Avram also knew Dracula had no fear of the man, either, for obvious reasons. Still, getting into an altercation with him would not be good for either of their well-being. Not if they wished to live a peaceful life without constant fear of revolting peasants. Dracula was what he was, without a doubt, but he was not invincible, and neither was Avram.

The Count didn’t answer Avram’s question immediately, rising from the tub instead. Understanding the unspoken command, Avram took up a pewter pitcher filled with pleasantly warm water and rinsed the soap from the vampire’s body, back and front, head to toe. Once that was done, he took a pestamel—a long looped strip of cotton that had been acquired during a trip to the Ottoman Turkish Empire—and dried his master’s body and hair. The cloth, which was also sometimes made of linen or bamboo, was becoming popular outside of Turkey. Some referred to these as bath towels.

Dracula stepped from the tub, onto a small soft blue rug and stood there patiently as Avram assisted him to dress in his chosen garb. At last, he spoke. “You worry too much, Avram. She is a diversion, nothing more. A pleasant way to pass the time.”

But will her husband understand that?  Avram reluctantly held his tongue and followed his master back into his bedchamber. He realized that arguing with him, especially when he was in such a sanguine mood, would be as productive as rabbit hunting with a dead ferret—at the end of the day, the ferret would still be dead, and the rabbit would remain free to carry on with its life.

Dracula paused to examine his reflection in the very expensive Venetian mirror he preferred to those made by the English. He twisted and turned, as if to ensure he looked good from every angle.

No wonder we are hard-pressed for money, with such foolish purchases.

“Avram, I am considering ordering ano—”

“Not at the present time, I’m afraid,” Avram said firmly.

Dracula turned toward his servant and sighed. “So it’s like that, is it?”

“It is. Not to mention, one mirror suffices, does it not? You are only one person. And is not vanity a sin?”

Dracula’s lips twitched in a brief smile. “Then consider me a sinner.”

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Ada's Algorithm by James Essinger

 

Ada’s Algorithm      

Author:  James Essinger

Publisher: Melville House

American release date:  September 28, 2015

Format/Genre/Length: Hardback/Computer & Technology Biographies/272 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★

 

George Gordon, Lord Byron, is well-known for being the foremost Romantic poet of his time. But few people appreciate that he had another great achievement – he was the father of a remarkable daughter named Ada (his only legitimate daughter) who is considered to be the first computer programmer at a time when computers did not even exist!

Ada’s Algorithm is the story of Ada Lovelace, who was unquestionably a genius and well ahead of her time as far as computers are concerned. James Essinger delves deeply into her background, through contemporary accounts and existing correspondence, to draw a portrait of a brilliant woman. She had at times a difficult relationship with her mother, and none at all with her famous father, which Byron lamented. It is her friendship with Charles Babbage and her insights into his Analytic Engine, inspired by the Jacquard Loom and its use of cards, that gave rise to her interest in and development of computer programming.  It’s fascinating to consider just how far ahead of her time she was.

This book discusses the people in her life in depth, as well, especially Lord Byron, Lady Byron, and Charles Babbage. It’s a very interesting read, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about our first computer programmer.

 

Saturday is Horror Day #151 - Saw VI, Saw: The FInal Chapter

 Saw VI

Agent Strahm learned the truth about Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor), but the knowledge didn't help him as he let his own arrogance get in the way and he died, while Hoffman lived to see another day.  FBI agent Erickson (Mark Rolston) is getting closer to the truth himself. Will he survive the knowledge, once he finds out? Meanwhile, the game continues, beginning with two co-workers at an insurance company who must give up the proverbial pound of flesh in order to save themselves... or should I say, save one of them, for only one can win this game.

The sixth installment in the Saw series continues where the fifth left off. Hoffman has been acting as Jigsaw's accomplice, but it seems as though the FBI might be closing in, having realized the voice on the tape isn't John Kramer's. What if their analysis is successful? Will they unmask Hoffman? Why does Agent Erickson focus so heavily on Kramer's ex, Jill (Betsy Russell)? She was an innocent pawn in all of this... wasn't she?

In this installment, the game centers around employees of an insurance company who have long defrauded their customers, including John Kramer. Despite being dead, he had everything planned, and he intends to show these people the consequences of their actions. It's easy to make a decision about someone's life when you don't know that person and never will. But what if it's someone you do know, whether friend, co-worker... or loved one?

I find the character of Mark Hoffman to be very intriguing. I think he is a better assistant than Amanda. The series continues to be very interesting. I like the acting, the plot, the direction. It's still very enjoyable, and I went ahead and watched the next one, which I am going to review next. I will give this film 4 Stars.

Saw: The Final Chapter

Jill Tuck (Betsy Russell), John Kramer's (Tobin Bell) ex, seeks protective custody, but will she give up Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) in order to get what she wants? Detective Matt Gibson (Chad Donella) is counting on it. Meanwhile, Jigsaw survivor/self-help guru Bobby Dagen (Sean Patrick Flanery) is making a living by assisting other survivors to cope with the aftermath of their torturous time with Jigsaw. But his own dark secrets threaten to overwhelm him and he is forced to fight to protect his family and friends. Will he succeed?

As in the other installments of this series, the emphasis is on how actions have consequences, the same 

thing John Kramer has said from the beginning. The people he targets all have something to atone for, and they all have choices to make. Hoffman is carrying on Jigsaw's legacy, despite being hindered by Jill.  

I know others think the series went downhill after the first film, but I disagree. And despite being labeled the final chapter, spoiler alert - it isn't. I know of three more, and another one is coming out this year. So it's far from dead. The games are good good, as well as gory. I am especially looking forward to Saw X, since it takes place earlier in the series and we'll see more of John Kramer. Bobby Dagen deserves what he gets, trust me. I did like this one too and I'll give it 4 Stars.