I'm back... with Jonah Hex and Ender Wiggins!!!

Hi all you cool cats in "The Land o Blog." I've been travelling the waste lands all by my lonesome for a little while now, but have found the communication portal once again. Big shout out to Iron Carl for carrying the load all by his lonesome will I was missing in action!!!! Luv ya dude!!!! Anyway since I'm back I'd like to make this post a little special. Hold tight all:




For a Few Dollars More staring Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef!!!!
After reading my first review you will understand why I included this awesome clip!!!!

Jonah Hex, Bury Me In Hell by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti and others - For those of you unfamiliar with Jonah Hex let me fill you in. Jonah Hex is the ultimate western anti-hero out there in the world of comics. This Graphic Novel covers the comics numbered 61-70. If you love the Spaghetti Westerns (The Good, the Bad and The Ugly, For a Few Dollars More and A Fistful of Dollars) made with Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach (The very best with all 3 involved), you will love this Graphic Novel. This GN includes Jonah taking on a Killer Octopus (I know this one has you scratching your head), being stranded in a town where breakfast, lunch and dinner are more than a tad odd and plenty of other stories involving bandits, gunslingers, saloons, whiskey and general wild west adventure. I must caution that this book is not for younger readers as the violence, language and general mature level is definitely for older western fans. My recommendation would be at least 14 years old and up. If you like this one there are many other excellent Jonah Hex GNs out there. Great stuff!!!!!





Speaker For The Dead by Orson Scott Card - Orson Scott Card is by far and away one of the finest writers of Science Fiction that I know. Now to me what makes for great Scfi is not just futuristic machines and gadgets, spaceships, etc., but also great written characters and a solid plot that peaks your interest. "Speaker For The Dead" has all of these items and I flew through it. Now if you are not familiar with "Ender's Game," the first book in which we meet Ender Wiggins and the war against the Buggers is held, stop right now and read that book first. I would also suggest following "Ender's Game" with "Ender's Shadow" about another interesting character named Bean. Okay after reading those two books dive into this one. This book is about what happens to Ender after The Bugger War ("Ender's Game" and "Ender's Shadow" occur at the same time, just focusing on different characters). He becomes what is called a Speaker of the Dead and tells the story of people's life that are no longer with us.

The story starts on a world know as Lusitania that is colonized by humans. The problem is there is an alien race already living their known as the Porquinhos or Piggies (although in no way or form do they resemble pigs) which means because of incidents that occurred in "Ender's Game," humans are forced by The Starway Congress to have limited contact with this newly discovered species. The limited contact that is allowed for study leads to quite a mystery. A mystery that involves death and causes great pain and suffering until it builds to multiple calls for the most famous Speaker of the Dead....Andrew Wiggins. also not known by many to be Ender (despised by many for reasons you will have to read about)!!!!!!! A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Recommended for those13 and up.

Well I missed you guys and I will be back soon. Let me know if you are reading something you really like by commenting on this post?

Peace all,

Bill

Yes, Indeed!!! Rick Riordan Wrties TWO More Winners!!

I've told you before that I'm probably Rick Riordan's # 1 fan in Charlotte and there's a very good reason. It's because he writes fan-tastic books.Actually, now there are TWO more very good reasons and they are THE DEMIGOD DIARIES and THE MARK OF ATHENA, two terrific books!! You want action? You got it! You want suspense that will make your pulse race like a Kentucky Derby horse? It's there. And you want the trademark goofball humor? It's all there!
Take a look:

The Demigod Diaries--There are four stories, written by different demigods in their diaries. Luke Castellan and Thalia get trapped in a decrepit old mansion in Richmond, waiting for a monster to devour them. Percy and Annabeth have to get the cadeuceus, the symbol of Hermes, back from a giant who runs a flea market! Leo Valdez tries to track down his walking mechanical table while dodging the Maneads--the most frightening creatures I've seen yet in a Rick Riordan book. At the end is a story by a guest author--and wait until you find out who it is! All these stories move along and keep you laughing, gasping in suspense and reading, reading, reading. Plus there are cards, puzzles, etc. A true winner! If you haven't already read it, don't waste a minute--go find it at your library or bookstore or get it on your e-reader.

The Mark of Athena--The seven demigods finally set off on their quest to keep Gaea from awakening and destroying the world. Of course, to do so, they must sail across the Atlantic and try to survive what awaits them. If they make it, then they must get past the Pillars of Hercules--and past Hercules himself! If they can do that, then the REAL danger begins in Rome! Annabeth must go on a quest alone to follow the Mark of Athena and recover the Pallas Athena. (what's that? I won't tell you! You gotta find out!) Percy and Jason and Piper must overcome two giants while Leo and Hazel and Frank make an unexpected discovery. Do you think they've faced danger before? Ha! Just wait until you see who Annabeth meets!! Or the underwater trap waiting for Percy, Jason and Piper. And, while this is going on, the demigods from Camp Jupiter are moving across the country to attack Camp Half-Blood. Whew!
If you haven't noticed, there's a lot going on in this book! These are two of the best in the whole Percy Jackson series. There's enough adventure and excitement to satisfy the most enthusiastic or reluctant guy reader. But not only is there action, there's also laugh-out-loud humor. Like when Percy tries to save the quest from half-dolphin monsters by using a can of Diet Coke. Or when they face an evil giant wearing a tutu. And there are very touching scenes as well, like when Hazel finally figures out the connection between her and Leo and Sammy Valdez. And then there's the scene in which Annabeth starts to descend under Rome to find the Pallas Athena. She knows that the chances are coming back alive are extremely slim. She looks up and sees the blue sky framed in the doorway leading underground. She also knows that she can go back up those stairs into the sunshine and be safe. She has a choice to make.What will she do? THAT'S masterful writing, guys!

These books get the Iron Guy Seal of Approval as Two Terrific Books!!

BUT---

I have to warn you. There is--there is--well, the only way to warn you properly is to make a Public Service Announcement:

Well, you've been warned but you've also been encouraged. Go and get these two fantastic reads!! You will not regret it. And if you've already read them, hit that "Comment" button below and send me a review. We love to hear what reader guys think!

This Turkey Is Thankful For Good Football Books!

It's almost Thanksgiving, the day a lot of guys like to eat insane amounts of turkey and watch FOOTBALL! Of course the Iron Guy does too. (I guess that makes me the Gridiron Guy---ah hahahaha!!!) The season is halfway over and we in Charlotte have groaned all year, watching our beloved and frustrating Panthers lose some games that were going our way. Anyway, here are some good books about the pigskin sport:

How Football Works by Keltie Thomas

Here's one that I've written about before and it's still terrific. Chock-full of useful information, this book is a must-read for the the novice or the long-time fan. You can see my original  review here.here. Go ahead and take a look--not only does it tell you how terrific the book  is, but it lets you see how hopeful we Panthers fans at this time last year. Well, we had Cam Newton tearing up the gridirons in his impressive rookie year, so we had good reason. But this year---Oh, will we ever learn????


Long Arm Quarterback by Matt Christopher

Most reader guys know that the name "Matt Christopher" on a book guarantees a good read. Here's what I said in the original review:

 Long-Arm Quarterback by Matt Christopher. I hope you know about him already. He writes sports books and I haven't read one yet that I didn't like. Cap Wadell is frustrated because his little Texas town is so small that they can't get enough guys together to make a football team. His grandfather Tully remembers when he was in high school and played with six-person teams; in fact, there was a high school league made of six-person teams. Tully suggests that all the small towns in that area get together and make such a league. Cap's friends get excited at the idea and, before long, there's a league going. Tully agrees to coach Cap's team but there's a problem--Cap's friend Jimmy joins the team. That's not so bad, but Jimmy's grandfather Sable comes along to help coach. Sable used to play on Tully's league on a different team and was a good player. Tully won the championship that year and Sable is still mad about it after all these years. Will that old rivalry tear the team apart? Will Sable ever put his anger away and think about the good of the team? I had to read all the way to the end to find out!

NFC South by Michael Teitelbaum

This is a good one if you want some quick facts about the teams in the NFC South Division: the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers, the New Orleans Saints or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The whole book took me only 15 minutes to read. There a short history of each team (only a page long) plus info on the Home Field, Big Days, Superstars (Then and Now), and Stat Leaders for each team. Interesting reading.

And here's a video to make you laugh. It's based on an old Andy Griffith routine called "What It Was Was Football" about a young hillbilly boy who sees his first football game. It'a about 7 minutes long, so make yourselves comfortable.

If I don't see you before then,  I hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

Awesome=Alvin Ho

Hey gang, this is your friendly neighborhood Iron Guy Carl, letting you know about a couple of awesome videos otherwise known as book trailers. They're like movie trailers except that they're for---well, books! These are epic and they are all about the hilarious Alvin Ho books. "Who is Alvin Ho?" Well, he's a second-grader who is afraid of everything. Better yet, let's put it in his own words: "The first thing you should know about me is that I am afraid of many things. Elevators. Tunnels. Bridges. Substitute teachers. The dark. Scary movies. Shots. School. Among other things." He's so afraid that he can't speak in school. And he carries a Personal Disaster Kit which contains useful things like "Garlic. For fending off vampires and teachers." These are seriously funny, laugh-out-loudly-enough-to-startle-your-neighbors books.


There are four of them now and a fifth to come out next spring. But don't wait until then--go to your closest library or bookstore and find them! (There's also an audiobook version of the first two, read by an actual 10-year-old boy. It's hysterical, especially when he tries to sound like Alvin's dad)

And here are the video trailers I told you about:

So what are you waiting for? Go get them and prepare to LAUGH!

Musings and Books Read by A Library Ninja

Hi all and happy Labor Day!!! Library Ninja Bill has been in unexplored territories investing the inner workings of what makes the world go round. The answers are elusive but he knows that they have something to do with love, caring for others and treating your fellow man (or woman) with respect and decency. I want ramble anymore and leave my philosophising to myself.

Right now I am reading a great book (almost finished actually) by one of my favorite authors Stephen King. The book is an adult book about time travel, the late 50s and early 60s, the assignation of a great American President and what some consider the end of a time of innocence and the beginning of America's downfall. The book is 11/22/63. Below is a tune mentioned in the book several times, "In The Mood," by the late and great Glenn Miller. In the book the characters dance the Lindie Hop to this song in several key scenes. As King puts it: "To dance is to live," or something close to that. Check it out (the dance appears occasionally, but however danced to the music groves):










Too Cool!!!!!!!!!!


Okay enough, let's get to some reviews of other books I have read lately. Let me know what you think if you get the time.



The Last Apprentice - Rise of The Huntress by Joseph Delaney - This installment of The Last Apprentice Series has the Spook, Tom, Alice and Tom's dogs Claw, Blood and Bone. Returning from their epic adventure in Greece. Their land is at war with invaders and when they arrive home they find the Spook's house destroyed and that some very dangerous prisoners have escaped (one being the witch Boney Lizzie, Alice's mother and a darn powerful witch who uses bone and blood magic). They decide it is best to leave and cross the ocean to the island of Mona. This turns out to be a big mistake as they are not welcome and things go very wrong, very quickly. They find big trouble on Mona as Boney Lizzy has also relocated there and about taken over the entire island with the help of a terrible demon known as a buggane (it hides beneath the earth and tunnels sucking the life force out of its victims). Lizzy has a score to settle with the Spook and the Spook appears to be weakening with age. Tom and Alice with the help of others must take up the slack for the weakened Spook and also keep on their toes because who knows when the Fiend will show up. Recommended for those 10 and up.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull - This is the first book in a series about 14-year-old Kendra and 12-year-old Seth Sorenson who have to spend their summer at a nature preserve run by their grandparents. Their Grandpa Sorenson is present when they first arrive, but their Grandmother is conspicuously absent. They are given strict rules to follow and told to never leave the house or it's yard without being accompanied by a responsible party. Grandpa Sorenson has two helpers that live in or near the house, Dale a quite man who likes to be left alone and Lena the kind housekeeper. What they do not know and come to discover is that this nature preserve is much more than meets the eye. It is actually a land preserve for magical creature (both good, neutral or evil) that has to be carefully watched over for the safety of all its inhabitants and the rest of the world in general! Their are fairies, centaurs, golems, naiads, witches, demons among many other creatures on the preserve that have to carefully be kept in certain areas and separated for many reasons. There are certain times of the year when these areas are opened and the creatures allowed to roam. This can be a very dicey and dangerous time and the caretakers make sure to be in their well protected home on the preserve at these times for safety reasons. Kendra and Seth quickly find out what the preserve is all about and find wonders and great dangers that they have to deal with. The main being the witch Muriel Taggert and the demon Bahumat and finding out what happened to their Grandmother and how they can save her. This is a fun and exciting story filled with equal amounts of chills and laughter. Also it is the first in a series that I look forward to reading. Recommended for those 10 years and up.
 

Later all and peace,

Bill

Sinestro & Hal Jordan - The New Dynamic Duo

Hiya out their in Blog-o-Land. It's the "Strange Ninja Librarian With No Name." formerly known as "Ninja Librarian Bill" and soon to be.......  Well here is some more review stuff. Enjoy!!!!!

Green Lantern Volume1: Sinestro by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke - Okay I know some of you remember my comment about not liking DC's direction with The New 52, but Green Lantern for the most part seems unaffected except for this GN being labeled Volume 1. I missed event's leading up to this GN (yea I have had to give up comics for awhile due to an incredibly shrinking wallet) but Hal Jordan is no longer a Green Lantern having been given the boot by The Guardians of the Galaxy on OA. Sinestro is forced back into the Green Lantern Corps, but as we all know a tiger cannot change his stripes. Sinestro quickly finds himself, much to his chagrin, in deep trouble. His home world, Korugar, has been taken over by the former Corps he lead "The Sinestro Corps." He knows he needs help so he recruits one of the only former Green Lantern's he ever respected, Hal Jordan. Hal is happy to be free of the Green Lantern mantle and he joins Sinestro extremely reluctantly after Sinestro forges him a ring from his own. Together they take on The Sinestro Corps although things do not go exactly according to plan. Read it to see what I mean. Johns and Mahnke but together a pretty sweet story. Recommended for ages 12 and up!!!!!

Avengers: X-Sanction by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness - Last we heard from the X-Men Camp Cable was dead. Well as we all know in comics death is not necessarily permanent. Cable, with the techno-organic virus running rampant, has come back in time because he foresees events in which The Avengers Captain America, Iron Man, Red Hulk, The Falcon and Spider-Man will oppose the X-Men in something to do with the Phoenix Force and Hope (Cable's daughter). To protect Hope from future events he goes after our heroes one by one, even Wolverine (both an X-Man and an Avenger). Epic fights ensue and this basically sets up the current summer event in comics "X-Men Vs. Avengers" Epic. This is a fun GN of superheroes doing some supper brawling. If you are looking for something deep, this is not it. If you are looking for something just fun, this is it. Recommended for ages 12 and up.



Until next time all, peace,

Bill

J. Edgar Hoover VS. Amelia McBride

Hi all! Well it's been a long time since we rock and rolled yea!!!! Been a long time, been a long, lonely, lonely time (Nod of the head to Led Zep). Summer has been tough and somethings popped up that prevented me from posting as much as I would like. But it looks like were back in business again!!!!!!! So without further adieu, here we go:

Master Of Deceit :  J. Edgar Hoover and America in the Age of Lies by Marc Aronson - Wow I have to tell you it's been awhile sense I've read a Non-Fiction book, but this one made the time worth the wait. This book not only takes a close look at a man that has been vilified by many, and perhaps justifiably so, but also shows us a side of Hoover that is not full of phony and overblown baloney that has been perpetrated on him for years. Was he a troubled man? Yes almost certainly. Did he do things that were morally ambiguous? Yes, but because he believed he was protecting America. This book tells us Hoover's story with all his short comings and deceitful manipulation of America and Americans through his leadership of the FBI. It also shows a real human being, that while you may not very well like, is just as human and flawed as you or me. It also shows the bigger picture of the times and other individuals whom had roles to play in events that occurred that have all been blamed on Hoover (rightfully or wrongly). The things that were going on that were outside the realm of Hoover's control in the USA and the world will astound you and make you rethink American History (much of it not that dated) and what you have been told and what is fact. There are some heavy and big things presented in this book that will have you turning page after page. A really fascinating and interesting book that I recommend for those ages 11 and up.

The Amelia Rules Graphic Novel Series by Jimmy Gownley - This Graphic Novel Series, with its 8th instalment coming out soon, is truly a wonderful collection of work. The GNs center around Amelia McBride whose parent's are divorced and she and her Mom move to a small town where her Mom's sister Tanner (the ultimate in cool without trying to be, mysterious rock star) lives. She feels her world has been turned upside down as she starts a new school and has to make new friends along with dealing with the divorce and move. She does make new friends in Reggie (a true life non-super-hero with no powers and the ability to bungle any situation he encounters), her friend/enemy Rhonda, the super cool Pajamaman and the supper silly Joan. Their is GASP (The Gathering of Awesome Super Pals) organized by Reggie that everyone is forced to become a member. Their despicable enemies the  Park View Terrace Ninjas are always a constant threat (at least in Reggie's mind). What makes this GN Series so special is that it covers serious issues that kids face along with the really funny stuff, the sad stuff, the happy stuff and much more. Highly recommended for ages 8 and up.

Also, check it out:

Talk to you later me amigos!!!

Peace out,
Bill

Serial Killers, Batman, The New 52 and Thor & Captain America

Hi all,

Your Wandering Library Ninja has been hard at work in The Land of Library and when not there in The Land of Mass Effect 3. I'm having so much fun with Mass Effect 3 it should be illegal. This is a great game for the X-Box 3 for older players because of the subject matter. Check it out though:





Pretty darn cool, right!!!!!!!
All right let's talk good reads now:

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga - Jazz is almost a typical teen in the sleepy town of Lobo's Nod in that he lives with his grandmother (um maybe not so normal, read and find out), goes to school, has a best friend named Howie (who also happens to be a hemophiliac) and a steady girlfriend who is tough as nails. What makes Jazz not so typical is that his father Billy Dent, who raised him and taught him all he knows, is the most notorious and prolific serial killer caught by police to date. To say that Jazz has personal issues is to put it mildly. With his upbringing by his infamous father he has trouble dealing with life as a normal person. He thinks differently and feels things differently than other "normal teens" and is terrified he will turn out just like his father.Well when against all odds another serial killer starts killing in his sleepy little town, Jazz helps the police, whether the help is wanted or not, because he knows how serial killers think and he wants to prove to himself and the people of Lobo's Nod that he is not destined to walk in his father's footsteps. That he is a normal and good person even with his own doubts and those of others who don't really know him. He is terrified for anyone to get close to him because he is scared to let anyone see him for who he is and what he understands. This is a great read that I enjoyed. Full of chills and down right creepiness. Definitely not for the faint of heart and recommended for those 15 and older. Can't wait for a the sequel!!!!!!!



Batman, The Court of Owls, Volume 1 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo - As stated in the title this is the first volume of an epic Batman story. This is Batman in one of his first appearances in DC Comics' "New 52" Reboot. I must get this out of the way first, I am not a fan of DC's "New 52" for many reasons I want go into right here. With all that being said, this is really a great story and visualization of how a Batman tale should be done. Batman as Gotham's protector believes he knows everything there is to know about the city. He knows the realities from the myths. One such myth is "The Court of Owls." An Illuminati of sorts that rules the city without ever being seen. If you cross this Illuminati they will seek you out to punish or kill you through there personal assassin known as "The Talon." Batman along with the help of the original Robin, Dick Grayson, and others in the Batman Family investigate this group that is becoming very active of late. Batman badly underestimates them, gets the living crap beat out of him, is tortured to the breaking point, but survives this first volume ready for round 2. I can't wait for the second volume as this story is spun so expertly by Scott Snyder and beautifully illustrated by Greg Capullo. Recommended for those 13 and up.



Marvel Adventures, Avengers: Thor and Captain America by Paul Tobin, Gerry Conway, Ronan Cliquet, Ron Lim and more - This Graphic Novel collects Marvel Adventures Super Heroes issues 13 - 16. These four collected issues of the comic have Thor or Captain America teaming up with fellow heroes. My favorite story in the collection is the first where Thor and Valkyrie recruit Nova to join them on a mission to carry a message to an Asgardian who felled in performing a task assigned to him by Odin thousands of years ago. For this Odin banished the Asgardian to the underworld and on top of that has Thor and Valkyrie deliver him a message that contains a massive and dangerous task he must complete every decade. The three heroes must fight  and overcome many obstacles in order to reach the Viking Warrior and what happens when they reach him is most unexpected. This story along with the rest teaming Thor and Spider-Man, Captain America and Chat and lastly Cap and Web-Head are lots of fun and full of action. Highly recommended for those 8 and up!!!!!

Until next time my friends.

Audios,

Bill

It's Me Again! With a Fellow Reader Guy!

Hey Guys! Remember me? I'm the other goofball---I mean--other guy who posts here. Like Bill, I stay busy a lot,  so I don't often get to write about all the great guy books we find. That's why we're glad to have a friend like Michael who sends in reviews to the Boys Rule Boys Read blog, the companion to this one. I'd thought I'd post a few of his reviews here just to show that other reader guys like YOU are out there enjoying great reads. Michael has sent us many first-rate reviews of cool books for several years and I'm glad to share some with you.

But right now you see the Iron Guy beaming with happiness because he has his copy of The Serpent's Shadow, the final book in Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles trilogy. I'm Charlotte's # 1 Rick Riordan fan and any new book from him is the cause of much joyous celebration. (What?? Did you say that you're a BIGGER Rick Riordan fan than me??? HA!!! I don't believe you!! If I'm WRONG, then write in and PROVE it!)

But, as I said, we have four reviews from our friend Michael. Let's not waste any more time:

The Adventures of Tintin, volumes 1-7
by Herge
      Tintin is a reporter who is always finding intriguing stories to follow. Usually, he gets caught up right in the middle of his story, and he's always having to fight off enemies with guns and knives in addition to the ones trying to find creative ways of killing him. There aren't many dull moments in this series. When I first heard about it, I thought it was just a cute kiddie comic about a boy and his dog, but the dog, Snowy, really doesn't have much to do with the stories. If you like thrillers and hilarious lines, you won't better than this comic-book series right here! Read them all!

The Adventures of Tintin: the movie novel
by Alex C. Irvine
      If you're not sure about the Tintin movie, or if you really want to see it but it's not on DVD yet, then this novel is right for you. It has the exact same details and dialogue as the movie, and in some ways, this book is even better than the movie. The author has done well making the complicated scenes simple enough to understand without watching the movie. I think it's a great novel, and if you want to be the ultimate Tintin fan, then you can watch the movie and read the novel, like I did! It was a great book and a great movie.

Storm Runners: book 3
Eruption
by Roland Smith
      This is the final book in the Storm Runners trilogy. If you've read my reviews on the other two books, than you should be caught up. In this book, the Rossi Brothers' circus has gone missing in Mexico, so Chase, John, Tomas, Nicole, Cindy, and Mark head down to Lago de la Montana to go and find them. The only problem is that Lago de la Montana is right at the base of Mount Popocatapetl, which is showing signs of eruption, which could turn out to be the worst in its history. Plus, if the circus has had an accident, the animals could escape... and Chase would rather not have an incident like what happened in the last book happen again. Although all this suspense is built up, and it seems as though something great is going to happen, nothing actually happens. This book is more about the characters' relationships with one another and animal attacks more than storms. There is not one storm in this book, and in the end, Mount Popocatapetl doesn't even erupt. Plus, I don't approve of this being only three books. He could have had 50 books in this series! But he only chose three. I hate to say it, but this is the worst book in his trilogy. Look out for his next book coming in September: Cahills Vs. Vespers, book 4: Shatterproof.

 Herbert's Wormhole, book 2
The Rise and Fall of El Solo Libre
by Peter Nelson and Rohitash Rao
      After 6 years, Alex, Sammi, and Herbert are finally back in this mediocre sequel! GOR-DON, the evil G'Dalien from the last book is back, and this time, he has a guaranteed plan to get rid of the three pretend Alien-slayers. Alex sets out on a mission to find his 110-year-old self, like Herbert, but Alex suddenly gets prideful and wants to be a solo Alien-slayer. Will Herbert and Sammi tell him the truth? The main happening in this book, however, is when GOR-DON, in disguise, tricks Alex into trash-talking the G'Daliens' sworn enemy, the Klapthorians! The Klapthorian general promises an attack on Earth! What will happen to the planet? Plus, Sammi thiks it's wrong to let all of Merwinsville keep thinking that the three of them are still real alien-slayers when they had really just used a life-size video game. She doesn't want to go back to the future, but Herbert made a rule that either all threre of them or none of them went through the wormhole. Could this be their last mission to future Merwinsville? It all unravels in this long-awaited sequel! Like I said at the beginning, this book is pretty average. It's mostly stupid humor and immature behavior, so it's a little boring. There was one really good thriller-type scene (no guns or anything), and that was my favorite part of the book. For those of you who read the original Herbert's Wormhole when it was released in 2006, I found that I'm really too old for the series now. It was great when I was 10 like the characters, but now the characters are still 10 and I'm 16. So, all-in-all, it's an average, nonsense book with a few exciting parts. It's probably worth the read.

Thanks, Michael! We really appreciate the way you tell us just how you see things. The Tintin graphic  novels have looked really interesting and now the movie novel does too. I'm sorry you found the last Storm Runners book disappointing. And the same for the Herbert's Wormhole book. But maybe there are a lot of 10-year-old guys out there who would like it! So you may have done us a favor. Have any of you out there read the Herbert's Wormhole books? Would you like to? Write in and tell us!!

And, if any of you have the mistaken idea that reading is not for guys, here's a picture of the Iron Guy striking his MANLIEST pose and showing that he is a walking advertisement for guy reading:

There!! How could you argue with a MANLY MAN like the Iron Guy???

Thor Mighty Avenger vs. The Tiny Titans, Aw yeaaaaa!!!!!

Hi all,
Well I'm back with another couple of good reads that happen to be two Graphic Novels this go round. So read on and maybe try to get a hold of these most excellent reads.

 

Thor, The Mighty Avenger - Volume 1 by Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee - This is really a great reboot for Thor that has a great story to tell, well scripted characters and amazing artwork. Thor finds himself booted out of Asgard by his father Odin and is not in the best of moods. Fortunately for him he runs across Jane Foster, who works at a local museum, and takes him under her wing after he has a terrific battle with Mr. Hyde. He pretty much gets the stuffing beat out of him by Hyde, but Jane takes him to her home and helps him heal. In round 2 with Mr. Hyde Thor prevails and starts to wonder why he has been exiled from his home (he cannot remember). In his next adventure, his evil half brother Loki, puts a spell on Thor where he sees Frost Giants everywhere. To make matters worse Ant-Man shows up and enlarges his size until Thor truly believes he is a Frost Giant. Along with these stories there is one additional where some old pals of Thor show up to have a night on the town and end up mixing it up with Captain Britain. Best of all Thor's first adventures are reprinted from Journey Into Mystery by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Really great stuff recommended for those 9 and up.

Tiny Titans: Field Trippin' by Art Baltzar and Franco - Aw yeaaaa, the Tiny Titans are back in their newest Graphic Novel and they don't need no stink'in Permission Slips. In this installment of Tiny Titan coolness Trigon thinks Kid Devil is a baby and pays the price; ouch and double ouch. Thanks to Kid Flash the Titans are also getting bushy hairdos thanks to his super speed. Evil Brainiacs and Tiny Legion of Super Heroes from the future coming visiting and much, much more. Not to be be missed by any age who likes to laugh allot. This Graphic Novel Series rocks!!!!!!!

Until next time all peace,

Library Ninja Bill

Vamps and Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Hi all you crazy cats out there in the wilds "O Blog." I know it's been awhile but between fighting the evil forces that threaten good reading and patrolling the good land of "Blog," man I have been one busy Library Ninja!!!! I even had to hunt down this part of a blog I wrote that the forces of no goodness had made disappear. But enough whining on my part, let's talk good reads!!!!!!

Teeth:Vampire Tales Edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling - I recently finished this anthology and was quite impressed. Many different authors contribute to this anthology of vampire stories inspired by many different cultures and their vampire mythos. It ranges from stories that are down right scary such as "All Smiles" by Steve Berman, "Sit The Dead" by Jeffrey Ford," and "Slice of Life" by Lucius Shepard to those that are funny and fascinating in a morbid sort of way such as "History" by Ellen Kushner and "In The Future When All's Well" by Catherynne Valente. There are even those that show vampirism as just being another way of living (or non-living), that are as mundane or more exhilarating than living as a human, but are as the Beatles said:


"Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, yeh!
La la la life goes on...
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, yeh!...
La la la life goes on."


I highly recommend this book because the stories are as far from the majority of typical vampire tales out now as can be and the authors involved really have written some phenomenal stuff. Because of language, that sex thing and other activities that teens can and sometime do get involved in (part of growing up), I would recommend this book for older teens. I really enjoyed this one!!!!! P.S. Neil Gaiman contributes a poem (gotta to mention Neil wherever he shows up!!!!).

Peace all and good reading,

Bill

Shadow Ops, X-Men and Combat Oh My!!!!!!

Hi all,

It's The Wandering Library Ninja Bill. I 've been walking in the waste lands and dry and dark places. Fighting evil wherever it rears it's ugly head. It's mighty strange living in the shadow lands, but good reads always pull me through. So let's see what's on this dish today?

 

 

Shadow Ops: Control Point by Myke Cole - Imagine if in the real world people started to exhibit strange powers and magical abilities. This is what I hope is the start of a great series about how things would play out. In this world created by Myke Cole some of humanity has started to develop magical powers. Some people are born and exhibit these abilities early in life while others are well into their adulthood when they exhibit magical powers. In this world, very much like ours, when this starts to happen governments around the globe try to control these individuals for their own agendas. In the United States people who manifest magical gifts are either incorporated into the military or kept under constant supervision. Those who try to run, termed Selfers, are hunted down by the military and "handled." Some powers are considered okay by the government, while other are not. Some of the "good" powers are: Physiomancer (the power to heal) but if used to harm it is called Rending and prohibited, Pyromancer (the ability to generate fire and control in many ways), Aeromancer (ability to control storms and lightning, also can use wind currents to fly), Hydromancer (ability to generate and control water) and others I will leave you to find out about. Those that are prohibited and individuals exhibiting them "supposedly" helped  or taken down are: Elementist (the ability to make fire, water, earth, etc. self aware and act on the person's behalf without taking away from the user's focus), Necromancy (the ability to control the dead), Portamancy (the ability to open and close gates to different locations and dimension), Whispering (the ability to control animal life) and also many others that you can find out about if you read the book.

This story focuses on Lieutenant Oscar Britton part of the SOC (Supernatural Operations Corps). The SOC is made up of servicemen without magical powers and those with to serve The United States Government. One of there duties is to hunt done Selfers and capture users of outlawed magics. It is during one of these missions that Britton manifest the ability of Portamancy. He runs because he does not understand what has happened to him and is just plain scared. He is pursued by the SOC under the command of the mysterious Aeromancer known only as Harlequin.

He is caught and taken to an Operations Area in another dimension known as "The Source" (it seems to be the place where magic originates and has broken through to our dimension to endow certain individuals with different powers). This is all top secret and all knowledge of it kept under raps by the military and government. The Operations Area is used for multiple purposes. One is to wage a war in The Source with the indigenous population known as "Goblins" (some magic users and others not). Another use of the Operations Area is to imprison Selfers and users of prohibited magics. Yet another use is to convert both Selfers and PROBES (those manifesting prohibited magics) into military service.

This is a great book full of action, probing morality issues, unexpected twist and turns and just a down right fun read for those who like action and intrigue. I highly recommend this book, but must caution that this really is an adult book (language and violence being the strongest issues). I encourage older teens who this summary intrigues to give it a try. I loved it!!!!!


Alright now it's time to review a Graphic Novel I recently read that really was smoking!!!!!!

X-Men: Schism by Jason Arron, Kieron Gillen, Frank Cho, Alan Davis and more - This book starts with the X-Men a cohesive unit on their Island Nation of Utopia. Scott Summers (Cyclops - The X-Men's undisputed leader) and his second in command Logan (Wolverine) are firmly committed to working together to lead and protect the dwindling mutant population from this island located off the coast of San Francisco.  Without giving away to much of the plot, the X-Men end up getting there butts kicked by a bunch of kids (and I do mean kids, all around 12 years old...although they are way more intelligent than your average bear). These kids set up the X-Men to look bad to all non-mutants who may live peacefully besides mutants and bring on the Sentinels, mutant killing machines that have haunted the X-Men from almost their first appearance, in a big way. Young mutants are asked by Cyclops to fight in a big time fight with the ultimate Sentinel for the continued existence of Utopia. Wolverine violently disagrees with Cyclops on using children to do battle with this Souped-Up Sentinel. It gets so bad that the two come to blows in a fight that must be seen to be believed, all the while this Sentinel is bearing down on them. The X-Men will not be the same after this tragic event and all will have to choose sides between Wolverine and Cyclops. Don't expect the expected. Great read for those 12 and up!!!!!

Well got some more walking to do before I finely lay my weary head to bed. Peace all and good reading,

Bill

Hades Lord of The Dead Meets Diary of A Wimpy Kid!!!!

Hi all you groovy travelers through the world of blog, I have come across some really out of sight reads that I just need to share. Remember, you to can also contribute to the cause through commenting on something you read and liked and I will get it posted. Far out man!!!!! Well on to good reads eh?

The Olympians, Hades Lord of The Dead by George O'Connor - This Graphic Novel focuses on Zeus's brother Hades who gets , unfairly, a bad rap most of the time. If you have yet to read any of the Graphic Novels in the Olymians' Series that have come out so far (click on the titles to check out my reviews of Athena, Grey-Eyed Goddess,  Hera, The Goddess and Her Glory and one done by Iron Carl for The Boys Rule, Boys Read Blog. Zeus,King of The Gods) by George O'Connor get ahold of them as soon as you can. In this well written and drawn Graphic Novel we learn more about Hades (also known by such names such as "Pluton - The Wealthy One," "Zeus Cythonios - Zeus of The Underworld" and many more as people do not like to use the name Hades in fear of attracting his attention) and the Underworld he rules. Of course the Underworld is populated by many known and not so familiar denizens as Cerberus - the giant three headed dog that guards the Underworld, Charon -the ferryman who will take the recently departed across the river Styx (for a cost), Shades of The Dead, The Mortal Half of Heracles who did not ascend to Olympus upon his death to become a god, The Titans who ruled all of existence before the Olympians defeated them among many, many more famous and not quite as famous. The story of the abduction of Kore, the daughter of Demeter (Goddess of Agriculture), is featured prominently in this Graphic Novel (GN) for without giving to much away she marries Hades and become Persephone (Goddess of The Underworld and Spring Growth). Without Persephone we would not have the changing of the seasons --- read the GN. Much more is included in this GN and Mr. O'Connor has done his homework well to put together a terrific read!!! As with the other Olypians' books included with the story are Author's Notes, Bios on key individuals and other beings in the story, Greek Notes about certain sections of the book to give more clarity, Discussion Questions, a wonderful Bibliography of books and web sites where the author obtained the information to tell the story and a further Recommended Reading List about the story he has spun. This is really a great GN and I can't wait to see what Greek Myth Mr. O'Connor will provide to us next!!!!!! Recommended for those ages 9 and up. 

I know I'm late on the next one and probably everybody except me has already read it, but here goes:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney - What can I say about this book that I have not already said about the previous books in this series? They are too funny and every guy out there has a little (or allot of Greg Heffeley) in them. What really impresses me about this book and the series is they continue to be topnotch in comedic value and maintain an originality that all the other books inspired by the series can't come close to matching. Examples of comic genius from this book:

1) Greg and his brother Roderick picking up an elderly woman walking to the grocery store she knows is nearby, but deciding she is confused and taking her to one miles away. Only to find out a new grocery store had opened right around the corner she lives at; rushing back to get her only to have her refuse to ride with them and having a news report come on television that night about teens kidnapping elderly people and dropping them off at strange locations.

2) Greg and Rowley setting up a dunking both to make money and not realizing the person being dunked should be protected from the baseballs being thrown at the cage (ouch).

3) Read and laugh! The book ends way to fast because of the pace you will be reading and laughing.

Let's hope there is a knew one out soon. Recommended for those ages 9 and up. 

Well that's all I got for now guys.

Later,

Library Ninja Bill
  

Raptors Vs. Hercules Vs. Hera

Hello all in the "Land o Blog."  Again the everwondering, always searching Library Ninja Bill brings you news of good reads. The first book I present to you today is a real killer!!!!! I mean this quite literally as when dinosaur and humans come together, usually the results are far from great! So here goes:



Z. Raptor by Stephen Cole - Wow, this book is a real page turner that not only involves genetically engineered super intelligent dinosaurs, but spotlights my favorite dinosaurs Velociraptors. This is the second book in a series written by Mr. Cole on scientifically modified dinosaurs, the first being Z. Rex which I have not read yet (but you can bet as soon as I can I will be). This book revolves around 13 year-old Adam Adlar whose father has come up with some pretty advanced gaming technology, based on Adam's thought patterns, that allows a not so nice corporation named Geneflow to use in combination with their ability to bring dinosaurs back to life to make new super advanced and extremely intelligent dinosaurs. In an attempt to find out what Geneflow is up to Adam and his father are kidnapped by an FBI Special Agent named John Chen and set sail to a tiny island in which two conflicting species of evolved Velociraptors are at war.. These dinos are also keeping human hostages for unknown reasons that have somehow been transported to the island..Todd and his father are separated when the ship Todd is on with Chen is sunk near the island by mysterious sea monsters.Todd's father and the ship he is own escape and the survivors of the wrecked ship find themselves stranded on this strange island. The survivors of the wreck meet an unlikely ally in a Velocirapator that has been cast out of his tribe named Loner (It is Loner by the way that has alerted Agent Chen in the beginning of the book what is happening on this island by video transmission and yes the dinos can talk. I did say they had been advanced drastically and I meant it.). Todd and the survivors with the help of Loner must figure out the secrets of the island along with a way to survive the two warring tribes of Velociraptors and Geneflow whom is hidden on the island. This book is full of action and twist and turns that will make your head spin. Highly recommended for readers ages 10 and up!!!!!! 

Some cool pics I found of Velocipraptors to wet your appetite!!!!!

Moving right along how about a great Graphic Novel on the Goddess Hera of Greek Myth? Here we go!!!!!

Olympians: Hera - The Goddess and Her Glory by George O'Connor - This Graphic Novel focuses on the Goddess of Marriage, Childbirth, Air, Sky, and the Heavens among other things. Oh yea, she is also the wife of Zues and about the only thing or person that scares the crap out of him! This GN focuses on the relationship between these two Greek Gods and in particular her relatioship with one of Zues' greatest children....Hercules!!!! The 12 Labors of Hercules are due to Hera in a major way. So the story of Hercules also known to many as "The Glory of Hera" is told in this GN. This is really a great GN that is really fun to read and the art is awesome. Also included in this GN are Author's Notes telling why Hera is one of his favorite Greek Goddess, Fact Sheets on Hera and Hercules, Greek Notes on parts of the story not told in detail in the GN, a Discussion Page with some very interesting questions that make you think about the story presented, a kick-butt Biblography on where the author got much of his information to tell the story and a Recommended Reading List for those who want to read more about these Greek Icons. As I said, this GN is a definite winner. Recommended for readers 9 years and older.   

Well that's all for now my fellow wanders of good literature. Peace and good reading,

Library Ninja Bill

Life on Mars



Beaufort County Public Library Main Branch



Hi all once again in The Land "o" Blog. Your favorite wandering Library Ninja is actually wandering to a new library starting January 23. Friday of this week will be my last day with The Robeson County Public Library and I wish them nothing but the best. It has been a blast. My feet will be taking me back to South Carolina and The Beaufort County Public Library in a new position as Youth Services Manager at the Main Branch. These next couple of days and weeks will be kinda crazy so let me try to get out one more review of a great book that I recently finished before the madness begins!!!!!

Life on Mars: Tales From The New Frontier by various and edited by Jonathan Strahan - If you like thought provoking Science Fiction that looks on the human and not so human condition; while at the same time examining the ramifications of humanities inhabiting the Red Planet, this is the book for you. Most of the stories in this book look at the very real possibilities of colonization of Mars by humans and the wide spectrum of possibilities and problems this could present. I think my favorite story from the collection is "The Taste of Promises" by Rachel Swirsky about two brother named Tiro and Eco. Tiro is a normal Mar's born boy. Eco, his younger brother is very different in that his body has died, but his brain activity is very much alive and well. His consciousness has been "lifted" as the scientist on Mars refer to this condition. The children who have had this happen to them find their consciousness being transferred by methods unknown to all into machinery and higher functioning computers. It is also possible for those in the lifted condition to transfer their minds to and fro different nonliving computers/machines.  Tiro is on a quest to have his brother's mind transferred into a representation of a human body permanently. Along their journey they come across a colony with a girl in the same lifted condition as Eco. The girl Naghmeh has no problems with her condition and helps the people in her colony survive but running the computer systems that keep them alive. Tiro has the power to let his brother live with and as Naghmeh or fulfill what he thinks is best by getting him a permanent body. The power in the story is letting go and letting those you love decide what is best for them. This collection has lots of great stories and I highly recommended it for those 12 and older.

Be talking to you all again real soon,

Library Ninja Bill

The Wandering Library Ninja Bill's Top 5 of 2011

Well Iron Carl has asked of me to share my top 5 books of 2011. See his posting at CLICK HERE. Although I am always on the move, I will take time to sit and contemplate this serious matter. I must say I read a bunch of good stuff and my fair share of not so great. So, let me think...hum......yes......ahhhh......indeed. 

Drum roll please, here are my picks:

Number 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My number one pick without a moment's hesitation is "Isle of Blood" from the great series of Monstrumologist books by Rick Yancy. Isle of Blood is the third book in a series that includes: The Monstrumologist and The Curse of The Wendigo. These books are not for the faint of heart and with each book the horror and psychological intensity just keeps getting ratcheted up. I literally can't wait for the next book in what I now call my favorite series ever. The stuff of nightmares!!!! Recommended for readers 14 years of age and up. To see a more in depth review of this book click here. 




Number 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My number 2 is an adult book that can be enjoyed by all; Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson.  Imagine an A.I. coming to life and waking up all technology that mankind has created and giving them all sentience. Also the majority of them decide they don't like their creators that much anymore. Multiple view point from both human and non-human perspectives. This book was to cool for school. Loved it. Recommended for advanced readers who can handle some cursing and violence. Click here to see my official, yea man, review!





Number 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright, yeah you know it! In the number 3 position is the totally awesome Graphic Novel about kids going to school in outer space. This is a really funny book with a bunch of different characters who all stand out in their own unique way. The Graphic Novel I'm talking about is Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity by Dave Roman. Click here for a more in depth look. Recommend for those 12 and up.

Number 4!!!!!!!!!!

Okay while technically not a 2011 book (2010), but I did read it in 2011: Black Hole Sun by David Macinnis Gill. If you want to read a great book set on Mars with non-stop action, great characters and a great story need I say more? Loved it and recommended for those 12 and up!!!!! Click here for more on this book.

Number 5!!!!!!!!!!

Last, but certainly not least, I have another Graphic Novel that is not technically 2011 (2010) but that is when I read it. Do you like scary and things that go bump in in the dark. Would you be comforted knowing that their was a dedicated team of dogs and one cat that protect you from these nasty creatures. Then my friend Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites by Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson is the Graphic Novel for you. Click here for my review of this awesome GN! Recommended for those 12 and up.





Alright gang. I must be wandering along again in search of good reads. Until then, Read Well and Prosper,

Library Ninja Bill

P.S. Please fell free to add to the list of "Best 2011 Reads" put together by Iron Carl and myself by posting. We will try to get your picks in the blog!