Hot Off The Press

John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) [Review!!!]

 in Adult / Hot Off The Press / Movies by

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Starring

Keanu Reeves – John Wick
Riccardo Scamarcio – Santino D’Antonio
Ian McShane – Winston
Ruby Rose – Ares
Common – Cassian

John Wick: Chapter 2

From comingsoon.net

Summary

“Legendary hitman John Wick is forced back out of retirement, and this time, he must face off against a shadowy international assassins’ guild and more of the world’s deadliest killers.”

-From Amazon.com

Review

Holy. Cow.

Okay, so Keanu Reeves is probably one of my favorite actors, just because how much he dedicates to his movies (more coming on that), so this has replaced my all time favorite movie, 47 Ronin. Don’t worry, it’s still in my top 5, but this movie, and probably the first John Wick are now my favorite movies.

One of the first things that gets me in the series is the music. It fits so well as to what the scenes are, they remove all forms of music during an intense fight scene so it doesn’t distract you from the pure talent of the actors, and it all a little different the music. Since this movie had bits based in Rome, some of the fight music had an Italian kind of chord structure, one example being the track La Vendetta. It really has an old Italian feel. However, when you go to club scenes, they’re avant-guard kind of club music, which then transitions into the fight scene club music, as seen in the track John Wick Mode (all of which I love to listen to as it’s great music to have as background music, or workout to even.)

Now on to the movie itself. Visually, it was absolutely stunning and outdid the first John Wick in every way possible. There was more action (if that is even possible) and even though it was a 2 hour movie, I wasn’t bored during a single moment of it. There were explosions from start to finish and it kept you guessing as to who was going to turn against who and who was next to die. Also, I really do like how Mr. Wick isn’t invincible. There were times that he was shot, and had the life beaten out of him, and came close to death. However, he always just survived. So he didn’t always get away without injuries which is nice to see. Makes it more realistic. I was quite impressed with the pencil scene, where you were able to see Mr. Wicks skills with a pencil, and see the talent of those choreographing the fight scene. That brings me to my other point.

The choreographing of the entire movie was completely out of this world. One of the reasons I like Keanu Reeves so much is his dedication to his movies. He doesn’t just fake it ’til he makes it. He really learns everything and all of those fight styles. He doesn’t do his own stunts, like falling out of buildings or being hit by cars, but all of those hand-to-hand combat scenes are really him, and that impresses the hell out of me. According to one source, The Seattle Times, he went into 3 months of “John Wick boot camp” which included “intensive training in martial arts, gun work, fight choreography and stunt driving.” His fighting styles are extensive and he becomes the best at them, in all the movies he’s been in, and this one was no exception. He went through months of gun training so all of that action that you see in the movie with him using dozens of types of weapons, un-clipping the mag and reloading it in about 2 or 3 seconds is really him. Now that’s skill and part of the reason I respect him, and his movies, so much. And hats off to the choreographing team. They were incredibly impressive and choreographed some beautiful fight scenes.

And there was a large amount of weapons in this movie for you weapon buff people. It was another thing which really impressed me because the amount of weapons which Keanu Reeves can use is extensive. From his traditional array of Glocks, to dessert (knives), to something with a little more flare (Benelli M4) and beyond, he is able to anything in his reach from non-ballistic to explosive. That shows talent and ability to improvise.

John Wick: Chapter 2

From indiewire.com

 

As for the movie itself, it did have a lot of similarities to the first movie in story, so while it may have been slightly lacking in the story (lacking I’m using loosely as I know some people look for a unique story), it most certainly made it up in action. And stunt driving. So I personally don’t see the lack of new and original story as a big issue. It had it’s own uniqueness and wasn’t too similar to the first movie, especially with some of the events happening through the movie.

As for the violence, it was through the roof. I mean, it was R, so there was a LOT of blood. With the shooting, it wasn’t people just going down. There was realistic splatter which was impressive as well. It all looked realistic. Not like Expendables 2 where it was clear that it was fake blood. This looked 100% genuine and it was quite impressive. Of course, there was language as well however that’s really the least of your concerns.

I’ve seen this movie twice in theatres, once the day after it came out and again a few days later. I generally never do that as most movies, I feel, don’t deserve paying twice to see. However, this movie I wanted to support and really did truly want to see again in a threatre and was willing to pay for.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is, by far, the best action movie out there that has ever been created. If you enjoyed the first movie, then you will definitely love this one more. As for those who haven’t even become part of this series, if you love ass-kicking, good driving (his baby 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 >cries at what happens to it<), and a bad-ass story, then this is for you.

I do recommend seeing this movie in theatres and not waiting…because this contract may just run out.

Today is “a new day to kill”, so you might as well start it off well.

Happy Watching!

New York Night (The 7th Jack Nightingale Supernatural Thriller) Book Tour!

 in Adult / Books / Hot Off The Press / Interesting / Older Readers by

Stephen Leather's headshotPraise for Stephen Leather’s Jack Nightingale series: 

“Another great thriller from Stephen Leather but this time with a devilish twist!”
– James Herbert 

“Written with panache, and a fine ear for dialogue, Leather manages the collision between the real and the occult with exceptional skill.”
– Daily Mail

“A stunning masterclass in darkness from a ferocious talent who excels in putting the devil in the details”
– Daily Record

Book Information

New York Night by Stephen Leather

Title: New York Night (The 7th Jack Nightingale Supernatural Thriller)
Author: Stephen Leather
Book Genre: Supernatural
Author Website/Blog Link: www.stephenleather.com
Blurb/Synopsis: Teenagers are being possessed and turning into sadistic murderers. Priests can’t help, nor can psychiatrists. So who is behind the demonic possessions? Jack Nightingale is called in to investigate, and finds his own soul is on the line. New York Night is the seventh novel in the Jack Nightingale supernatural detective series. Jack Nightingale has his own website at www.jacknightingale.com
Amazon Link: www.amazon.com/New-York-Night-Nightingale-Supernatural/dp/095662037X/
Apple Link: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/new-york-night-7th-jack-nightingale/id1057762247
Barnes & Nobel Link: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/new-york-night-stephen-leather/1122933866
Kobo Link: store.kobobooks.com/ebook/new-york-night-the-7th-jack-nightingale-novel

This book promotion was hosted by BookBear.

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Trapped (The Condemned Book 1) by Alison Aimes

 in Book Events / Books / Fantasy / Hot Off The Press / Interesting / Older Readers / Otherworldly by

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure here.

Trapped book cover

Summary

“When Bella West crash lands on prison planet Dragath25, the only thing standing between her and a mass of brutal criminals is one of their own, a ruthless loner known only as 673. But what starts out as a desperate trade based on protection and raw lust soon blossoms into a scorching need that will push them both to the edge….

Cadet Bella West has one simple objective when she joins the scientific mission to Dragath25, the notorious penal planet housing Earth’s condemned. Earn the credits necessary to save her family from starvation. But when her shuttle crashes and the majority of her crew perish, her simple mission becomes complicated fast. Now, to stay alive she’ll have to depend on one of Dragath’s own. But such protection doesn’t come free.

Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, 673 has become more beast than man after eight grueling years on an unforgiving, hazardous planet of dirt and rock—and even more treacherous inhabitants. He doesn’t look out for anyone but himself and he certainly never grows attached. So when the bold female offers him pleasure in return for protection, he takes the deal without hesitation. He never expects how her touch will alter him. Or the growing realization that saving her may be the key to his own salvation.

But as dangers mount and their ‘simple’ deal unravels will he prove to be her surprise savior or her ultimate downfall? Because caring for someone on Dragath25 may prove the greatest hazard of all.

A tale of unbridled desire, stunning sacrifice, and unwavering love, Trapped is an action-packed, sexy sci-fi romance that takes you to the brink of oblivion on a prison planet where only the strong survive.

The first book in the Condemned Series, Trapped has a HEA [happily ever after] and can be read as a stand-alone.”

-From Amazon.com

Review

One of the exciting things about being a book blogger, who has been around for quite a few years and is slowly getting recognized, is that people come to you asking you to review their books and promote books as well and this was one of them and I’m quite happy that I received an ARC to review ! Trapped was actually a really good book and I didn’t expect it to be as I usually don’t read main stream romance stories. This is, once again, considered to be an erotic romance novel and I never would have picked it up if I wasn’t contacted to ask to review the book and I have to say it was quite enjoyable. While there will be other books in the series, I don’t know if I’ll check them out as while the book was good, it isn’t my kind of story exactly and I’m happy with the HEA, but it was a decent novel to read and easily fitted into the bodice ripper category.

While there was the romance going on, there was a whole other story there too as it was set on another planet, which was also kind of cool too. Not many romance stories have that quality in them. Sure, maybe vampires or some fantasy creatures, but not based on another planet. But all of the people in the story were human, save for some of the animals which the main male protagonist fought.

The whole scene that the book was set in was interesting as well. The planet was actually where criminals were sent and so it was an extremely harsh planet, like lots of sand and hot and dangerous. Except 673 found some nice oasis’ that had water and nice plants. I did feel that there could have been more to the story, like maybe a little more character development because 673 kept going forward and then regressing back to his old ways but in the end he was suddenly different, but it still worked for the story so it wasn’t a down side. I just always like character development as you all probably have figured out by now.

Based on the picture of the cover, which is usually used to represent a character, I did have a different visual of the guy in my mind. I was thinking of more Conan the Barbarian kind of feel but like much much bigger, like 7 feet tall, but he apparently was more like 6 or so and more of a normal guy. I just felt he had a bigger than life quality which was kind of cool and he was sooo badass.

I also really liked the female, Bella, because she was a strong female character and attempted to kick some ass and was stubborn and strong-headed which I really like. I hate when the main characters are simpering females (as you all know) and I liked how she would go head-to-head with this guy who was a lot stronger than her and she wouldn’t back down which was awesome.

This is definitely mature literature so not for 18 and under, but if you’re looking for something a little steamy and a quick read (I read it in only a few hours), this is definitely what you’re looking for. It fits the bill perfectly.

It comes out in March of this year and I do recommend that you check it out and I hope that more books will be coming out because I would love to see how this story develops.

Happy Reading!

Raining Embers (Order and Chaos Book 1) by Jessica Dall

 in Book Reviews / Books / Fantasy / Fiction / Fun / Hot Off The Press / Interesting / Young Adult by

Raining Embers (Order and Chaos Book 1) by Jessica Dall Cover Summary

“Palmer Tash always follows the path of least resistance. He has an unusual disability involving his hearing. But in theocratic Latysia, being different isn’t a good thing, so he conceals his problem.

Brier Chastain’s malady is even more debilitating, and she often must take to her bed for long periods. Her days are spent in meaningless pursuits as she awaits an arranged marriage.

When Palmer and Brier are kidnapped on the same night, they meet and discover that their so-called disabilities are actually budding powers. They are the incarnations of Order and Chaos. With their country on the brink of war, the two must step into their predestined roles and learn to take control of their own destinies.”

–From Jessica Dall’s Website

Review

So Jessica Dall contacted me asking me to read her book for her and get a review done as her book is brand-spanking-new and I’m really glad that she did. It was a fantastic book and I am curious as to how the other books in the Order and Chaos series are going to be now. I will start off by saying that it is an e-book which can be purchased from here for $2.99 and was quite worth it in my opinion.

So the story followed two teens and how their abilities were essentially that of order and chaos. My one confusion was ages as I kept viewing the two protagonists more as like 15 year old kids but then they would mention that they were closer to 19 or 20 years old and I kept getting so confused at moments, but that was probably more of a personal thing. I always felt, during the story, that how they reacted to certain situations, was that more of a younger child than of an adult, but that’s not a complaint. More of just a personal feeling while reading.

There was nice character development as well. You got quite attached to the two protagonists, Brier and Palmer and it was nice to see how they developed as characters as well as they developed with each other. This book definitely did have a romance aspect to it, though it was definitely not the main theme. It was just a nice way to make the story interesting and engaging and adding a new dynamic to the story.

My only one complaint about the book was the aspect of Palmer’s hearing. It was stated that he had a hearing issue, only being able to hear one thing at a time if he concentrated on it, but as the story continued to progress, I got the feeling that that issue went away, and I think that was due to the expanding of his abilities which was kind of interesting, but that was my only one complaint/confusion. Where the hearing issue went and why it was significant in the first place. But, once again, that is more of a me complaint as I’m sometimes extremely picky with stories.

The ending of the book was quite good as well. It was fast paced although a lot was crammed into the last 100 pages. It was about 200 pages of set up and then the last 100 pages was a lot of stuff happening in a very short period of time. Now this is a writing style, and a lot of YA books do it, and it’s extremely common, so I’m once again not saying it is bad, but I’ve always been into books where the action scenes are a little more dragged out, or the build up to the action scene doesn’t take place in only about a chapter or so. Although I do know a lot of people who like the fast build ups because instant-gratification is a thing now a days. The quick ending was nice though because you did have quite a few questions towards the end and you got a lot of them answered really fast which is always nice because you can breathe and go ‘Ohhhhhh! I get it now!”.

I also really do love the cover. The mixture of the light blue/teal with the yellow and fire design is a really nice combination, it really caught my attention. It was the first thing that I noticed before I started to read the book and I love that quality about it.

It wasn’t a difficult read at all, only about 280 pages or so and didn’t take me that long to read. Only reason it took me a ‘while’ was because I was busy and had to keep stopping but I was easily able to get through the last 100 page or so in an hour or two, so it wasn’t difficult. It was typical YA writing so it fits perfectly into the genre.

Overall I really did enjoy the book. It was unique, giving Order and Chaos bodies and abilities and making them become part of the world. I’m certainly intrigued as to how this series is going to be taken and would definitely be interested in reading the follow up book(s).

Check out this book and let me know what you think of it as well.

Happy reading!

 

To Read ASAP For Me!

 in Books / Fiction / Hot Off The Press / Interesting / Young Adult by

It turns out one of my good friends has recently written a novel and to say I was shocked was an understatement. I know many people who love to write, but to actually get to the level where you can publish is a definite achievement and I am honestly so proud of her.

I haven’t read the book yet but I just found it on Amazon.com and I will be reading it really soon as it looks like exactly what I like to read.

The book is titled The Unknown by G.A. Viva! (Click to link to go to Amazon.)

I will definitely be reading it ASAP and getting a review out there. She has absolutely inspired me to try to get some of my writings published when I can finish them off, and I definitely will be trying to now.

So go check it out and let me know what you think. I’ll be reading it as soon as possible so look out for the review!