Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont - Hunters of Reloria

Hunters of Reloria

Best kids' movie of 2019: Abominable #childrens #movie #abominable #magic

10/12/2019

When it comes to children's movies, sadly, I have learned to go in with low expectations. Many seem to have the same rehashed plot with predictable characters and leave me falling asleep in the cinema recliner.

Hubby must have drawn the short straw these school holidays, as he took our halflings to see Angry Birds and thought it was boring and predictable with nothing to inspire or make you think.

Thankfully it was my turn today and I found Abominable a breath of fresh air.
The characters had interesting backstories that were uncovered through the film and developed during its course. Yi was the one who found the Yeti, then her neighbours, Jin and Peng become caught up in the adventure. The Yeti was unpredictable and refreshingly unique. I had imagined this was going to be quite similar to the Small Foot movie we saw last year, but the 2 movies had very little in common.

I thought it was great that cultural customs were included, such as the Chinese extended family unit (granny was awesome), family responsibilities and delicious food. Yi's violin is almost a character on it's own.

I don't want to spoil the movie's surprises, but a quick look on Google will show you there's something fantastically magical about this movie (see this pic > ).

The animation is everything we've come to expect from Dreamworks and more. Just stunning!
Go, see for yourself. 5 stars from the kiddies and I.

Movie review: Captain Marvel. The latest Marvel comic hero to score a movie. #superhero #CaptainMarvel

3/17/2019

Hubby and I headed off to the cinema yesterday for the latest instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Captain Marvel. The opening credits are dedicated to the late Stan Lee, which we thought a fitting and somewhat emotional touch. It is always special to see Stan's cameos in the movies and he will be missed.
Captain Marvel is one that even my comic fan of a husband hasn't read, so it was nice to go into it with no pre-conceived ideas. On a scale of Wonderwoman (my fave super hero movie ) down to Iron Man 2 (one of the worst for me), I would put Captain Marvel somewhere in the middle on the ranking pack.
It sits somewhere for me between the Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy science fantasy realms. It was pretty good, but not amazing.

Are we becoming desensitised to these kind of movies? Quite possibly. Several super hero movies are being released each year to saturate the market. Stay tuned for the Avengers: Endgame next month, followed yet another Spiderman movie due out in July. Seriously, I couldn't even tell you how many Spiderman movies there have been.

Was Captain Marvel made to ride off the coat tails of Wonderwoman (the hugely popular female superhero movie that broke records? Seems too much of a coincidence to say no.

Did I enjoy Captain Marvel? You bet your Nelly I did. She's independent, has to work through some major trust issues with her boss and she has a mysterious past which is uncovered through the course of the movie. I like the space scenes and rubber faces aliens (yeah, one has a cool British accent of course). This is where my Trekkie fangirl side was in heaven. There's plenty to love, including some fight scenes with cool music tracks as homage to Guardians of the Galaxy.

Is Captain Marvel overpowered? Hmm...maybe. We only get a glimpsed of her full powers, but they are pretty awesome.
It will be interesting to see what she gets up to in Avengers: Endgame. I have heard a rumour that she gets Thor, but let's wait and see on that one. Colour scheme-wise, she looks like the perfect partner for Captain America and they're both captains. Back to her with Thor, I quite like Natalie Portman's Jane Foster, so maybe a love triangle could be on the cards. BTW: don't I get my Loki fix in Endgame? He is half the reason I watch these movies. ... But I digress ... Captain Marvel, go and see it for yourself. 4 stars from me.

Remembrance Day. Try this story of forgotten war heroes by R. Grey Hoover #Historical #War #Novel @rgreyhoover

11/9/2018

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we will remember them. November 11 is forever marked as Armistice Day, when the treaty was signed to end the World War in 1918. Today we celebrate 100 years of remembering the great sacrifices of our ancestors.

I have chosen a military story as a way of honouring the fallen. This story, Kicker, the Forgotten Front by R. Grey Hoover sheds light on our forgotten veterans of the China-Burma-India theater. Kicker (The Forgotten Front) is a tribute to those veterans and is available via Amazon for free on November 9, 10 and 11.

Synopsis:
World War II is raging. A young father must choose between his family and duty to his country- a decision that could cost him everything.
Based on actual experiences of United States veterans and official military aviation history records from World War II, this is the thrilling story of a family’s journey into war. While his loved ones struggle with shortages and rationing at home, Sam endures relentless Japanese attacks against his unarmed aircraft over the treacherous mountains and torrid jungles of Asia. His job is to drop supplies to Merrill’s Marauders and over 750,000 allied soldiers fighting in the perilous jungles of Burma. If the enemy is not stopped, the American way of life will end.
If you like non-stop action with a touch of humor and romance and the chance to learn about the “forgotten front” of WWII, then this is the book for you.

Amazon Link https://www.amazon.com/KICKER-Forgotten-Front-hardships-territory-ebook/dp/B0777TFVC4

About the author:

R Grey Hoover is an Air Force veteran with a family tradition of military service that dates back to the American revolution. He wrote his book “Kicker the forgotten front” to honor his father and the other veterans of World War II who fought in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre. During the war, the European and Pacific theatres got most of the supplies and media attention leaving the CBI theatre with the leftovers. Even in today’s media coverage of World War II the CBI theatre is never mentioned. The author’s book is an attempt to correct this gross oversight.

R Grey Hoover’s social media links:
Website https://rgreyh.wordpress.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/rgreyhoover
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rgrey.hoover
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/rgreyhoover/
Amazon URL for Kicker http://mybook.to/Kicker

Two for the price of one. Meet the Dragon Authors @DragonAuthors #FSFNet #interview

7/14/2017

Always introduced as Erin and Steven, so I'm turning the tables and introducing Steven Brown and Erin Michelle Sky to you. Together this talented writing duo is known as the Dragon Authors and they have popped in to say Hi.
Erin confesses to being a keen fan of llamas and Anne McCaffrey.  Steven began writing at a young age when his supply of books to read ran out. A love of writing and illustration was born.

The other day I interviewed this dynamic duo for the Fantasy Sci Fi Network.
Here are a few of my fave snippets:
*   They have a new book called The Intuitives available for order
*   They work on something until they have agreement. Kudos to their patience.
*   Their next work sounds like a very exciting and creative piece of fan fiction
*   They do book reviews with a twist: video stick figure reviews
*   I love Steven's idea of writing music
*   Ice cream comes in neon colours - wow!

For all these cool insights and a whole lot more, check out the full interview on the FSFN website.

New release: The Intuitives
Genre: YA contemporary fantasy
Publisher: Trash Dogs Media LLC
Release Date: July 25, 2017

IMAGINATION JUST BECAME OUR GREATEST WEAPON.In Egypt, an archaeological team discovers the lost tomb of Alexander the Great. Seven years later, every public school student in America takes a strange new test, but only six are chosen to attend a summer program at the mysterious Institute for the Cultivation of Intuitive Cognition, where nothing is as it appears to be, including the students themselves.

Review: Wonder Woman. The best super hero movie for a long time #WonderWoman #movie #review

6/18/2017

So much has been said about a female super hero lead and a female director, girl power yada yada. Seriously folks, who cares? I sure don't. A good movie is a good movie and I reckon this one is mighty fine. Sure it has some world-building plot and character development which may seem a little slow in places to the adrenaline junkies, but I found it well done.
There is plenty of eye candy for all with gorgeous Gal Gadot and hunky Chris Pine wearing nothing but a few drops of water. The scenery and cinematography are visually splendid.
I went with my 15 year-old comic reading son and he said it was regrettable how much they differed from the comics, especially with the Gods and Chris Pine's character. He thought her powers weren't quite true to the comics, such as her forcefield or telekinetic powers. He also said that the action scenes were awesome, so I'm pleased he came along with me and enjoyed it. I also saw it with hubby who said much the same thing.

For me, it was a great all-rounder with lots of heart, relatable characters and really cool action. I found the backstory of Diana (Gadot) growing up with the Amazons on the hidden isle of Themyscira (I hope I spelled that correctly) all quite wonderful and it brought a cool fantasy edge to the movie for me. I guess she's a bit like a female version of Thor. I'll just step back and let the DC and Marvels fans argue that one out LOL.
I've been a Gadot fan for years from the Fast & Furious movies. I was pleasantly surprised at her emotional depth in the role and such a lovely chemistry with Chris Pine.
Also the battle scenes and horsing riding action were fantastic. The lasso work was well done. 5 stars from me.

Gee..I hope you all get this meme. It's a good one

Until next time, happy days, from Kasper :)

Review of Cherry Pickers sci-fi by Bonnie Milani @homeworldnovel #amreading #scifi

5/12/2017

My review of Cherry Pickers: On the women's penal colony of Sisyphus, 17 year old Nikki has a one-track mind and that is to get her gun licence to impress her mother. The only way to do this is to lure a man from a passing space ship, to pick her cherry. Not quite a romantic coming of age, but a promising synopsis for a speculative fiction novel. Being a penal colony, it's a kill-or-be-killed world, in which having just a machete is really not conducive to survival.

An interesting concept from author Bonnie Milani, is the house bugs, AKA giant hairy spiders, which can be quite the docile type, but can also be aggressive and murderous. There is the whole Black Widow, death-after-mating thing going on here, so it's no wonder there aren't many guys hanging around. Another Sissy planet nasty is the man-eating Nosher plant with its deadly tendrils.
The most enjoyable character for me was Sam, the spider who lives with Nikki, kinda like an eight-legged creepy-looking brother type. Sam is actually really sweet, loyal and noble. He is the only person who is nice to Nikki in the whole story. Unfortunately his future is pretty bleak, with him likely to be mated and eaten in the near future.
The story begins with Nikki searching the house for the book of Grimms, the only book on the entire planet. I didn't really get hooked in by this beginning and ended up having to re-read the first chapter to take in all the alien world-building. There is plenty of information at the start as Milani draws you into her world. Once I got into the story, I found it well-paced and enjoyable. Other interesting concepts included the click speech of the house bugs and the chron implant, which was mentioned briefly. There is action aplenty and a few surprises to keep you guessing. I did find it a little tricky to figure out who was a human and who was a spider, as the personalities seem rather similar. On the whole, I enjoyed Cherry Pickers and would recommend it to new adult readers.
I bought this book on Amazon and this is my honest opinion of the novel.

Book review: Morphids by K. Alexander-Hall #FSFNet A new fantasy classic

12/14/2016

A new favourite fantasy story
Is Morphids really the author's first novel? I was so impressed with the intricate plot weaving and world-building. This book has everything: action, adventures, surprises, twist and turns, multiple storylines and relatable characters. Hey, I can't reveal any of Morphids secrets here, but safe to say that I was laughing, crying and reading late into the night as I eagerly devoured this exciting tome. It's a sizable tale of George R.R. Martin proportions, which might explain why there's only one so far. I have contacted the author and am reassured there are more works in progress. Yay!

My favourite characters are Atesh the female warrior, and also Ciaran, the dragonelle who is her companion. I really enjoyed their relationship and can't wait to hear what will happen in the next instalment.
Well done to Kerry Alexander-Hall for this fantastic new addition to the fantasy genre.

Morphids was published in December, 2016
Book blurb: The Prophet Lailoken sighed. This would be his last vision to share. The last words he would speak. The vice like grip tightened around his heart. Wait a little longer, they must know; remember and prepare. On the world of Cerahya, nature’s harmonious balances and checks have been disturbed; interfered with. She rails against such abhorrent intrusions and struggles to regain order. Unfortunately re-establishing control unleashes deadly, calamitous events on the island continent of Sofala, catching the inhabitants of the western kingdom unaware. The High King, Gareth Beaumont calls for assistance from the Ashmourne Academy of Magic. They respond by sending their infamous 'Pace Alastriona Knights', led by Commander Atesh and Captain Ballard. Their first battalion of magic-enhanced, ale-swilling, knuckle-busting, gag-pulling, sword-dancing, fierce warrior misfits join forces with the King's personal regiment. Together with mystical allies, they race to reduce the fallout to life, love and liberty upon their homeland. As they search for the source behind the malevolent machinations at work, they uncover truths so repugnant, it will send them reeling. Will interpreting the strange riddles and finding the ancient prophecy hold the key to the game of life; playing out before their eyes?

Author interview with FayeAnna Jones from the #FSFNet #fantasy

10/22/2016

This lovely young lady is FayeAnna Jones, who has already published two books: The Princess and A (Assassin Trilogy) volume 1.
FayeAnna lives in the United States of America and is studying to be a Veterinary Technician. She also works at Burger King and spends her free time writing, drawing, reading and watching anime.

FayeAnna boarded the FSFNet interview shuttle for an author interview with me.
Here are some of the highlights:
* She wrote her first short story in the 9th grade. I'm impressed.
* She's an action girl and loves to write fight scenes. I'm imagining James Bond meets fantasy here.
* FayeAnna says ideas can start out cheesy but often turn out well in the end.
* With 30+ book ideas, her writer's block doesn't last for long
* I love her idea on who to be stuck on a desert island with
* Her fave holiday spot sounds fun

Check out the full interview on the FSFNet website

Here is FayeAnna's latest release:

A (Assassin Trilogy) volume 1.

Gai Nightseed. The average run-of-the-mill teenager. Doesn't cause problems. Doesn't get into trouble, and is one of the rich kids. Seems okay. To the outside world. Only ONE person knows his secret. That he is the deadliest person alive. He is the feared assassin, ABC. He's killed many, but never children, not even his own age. What will happen when he's supposed to take care of his friends? What will he do?

Talented author, artist and composer D.M. Stoddard joins me for an interview @kingdomtorrence #FSFNet

7/12/2016

D.M. Stoddard's love of the fantasy genre was developed at an early age. He was writing fantasy stories as a teenager and all rose in the gaming ranks to Game Master in role-playing (ah yes, we love a bit of that alright).
This early experience of world building and designing campaigns adds depth and believability to his Kingdom of Torrence book series.

Other life experience which enrich D.M.'s novels include martial arts, horse riding, archery, hiking, fishing and camping.
In particular, I am a fan of D.M.'s collaborations with his son in writing and composing for his books.
D.M. Stoddard galloped in to the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network to do an interview with me. Here are some highlights:
*   D.M. has a backlog of non-fiction writing in his repertoire as well as his fantasy writing
*   He likes the same books as me. What can I say? good taste!
*   D.M. talks about Amanda's Quest and also briefly about his next book in the series
*   After writing a song for The Legend of Jerrod, D.M. and his son composed a musical score which you can listen to on his website
*   I'm impressed with his extensive list of hobbies
*   I think D.M. is quite the romantic, judging from his last two answers....so sweet :)
You can read the full interview here.

The 2nd novel in the Kingdom of Torrence series is Amanda's Quest

Synopsis:
Leaving her friends behind to ascend Mount Thoradan, Amanda journeys alone towards the northern realm to “recover” the legendary Horn of Valhalla and bring it to the Guild of the Crimson Pommel. With less than a year remaining she races through the barbaric lands of the followers of Odin to complete her blood-debt, promised as payment for healing the half-Elven druid princess. Only the completion of her debt will save her and her friends, but Amanda’s quest holds challenges beyond her comprehension. As events escalate, wizards, druids, knights, and warriors become entangled in deadly conflicts and two dragons become bitter enemies.

Getting to know magical author Meredith Mansfield @mansfieldmj #fantasy #author

5/1/2016

Looking a little shy with her closed eyes and blissful smile, Meredith Mansfield is an author I was keen to learn more about...and I'm pleased to say that her interview didn't disappoint.
With a diverse career including paralegal, programing and financial analysis, writing has been a constant of Meredith. This lovely lady has also spent time as a carer for her mother and no doubt her fantasy ideas have been bubbling away for many years.

With an impressive 15 titles available on Amazon, Meredith is a great author for those looking for a good fantasy series.

As luck would have it, I scooped an interview with her this week for the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network.
Here are some highlights:
* Meredith has some great titles, but finds it hard to name her creations.
* She discusses the plot of her latest series: Dual Magics
* Meredith herself has created the great artwork on her covers
* Check out the photo of her cute furry companions
* She enjoys reading one of the lesser-used writing styles
* I think her super-power is quite splendid

You can check out the full interview here at the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network.

Here is Meredith's latest release: The Shaman's Curse

Vatar risked his life to try to save his friend--and failed. Now he has an implacable enemy in the vengeful shaman, who blames Vatar for the death of his only son. Vatar finds some comfort in daydreams. He knows the strange girl he sometimes imagines is just that--a dream. She’d better be.
Because, if she’s real things could get even worse for Vatar. The accepted magic of Vatar’s plains tribe wouldn’t enable him to see or communicate with a girl he doesn’t even know--or know where to find. That would be more like the magic passed down in certain, closely-guarded bloodlines among the ruling class of the coastal cities. And that’s bad. Very bad.