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Sunday, August 11, 2013

The psychological science of entertainment




Entertainment has several dimensions and will be personal/private or additional general and public varieties of amusement. we tend to|once we|after we} play with our mates that's a private kind of amusement and after we sit and watch a motion picture on the screen that's a additional general kind of amusement as we square measure sharing the expertise with several others. There square measure some variations in our perception of personal and public varieties of entertainment as personal amusement can continuously be supported personal experiences, our personal worldview and can be determined by personal interactions.

The additional general and public varieties of entertainment square measure less interactive and there looks to be this basic contradiction as all personal varieties of entertainment square measure additional interactive and public varieties of amusement square measure additional personal and personal. This state of affairs has been dynamical with tv programs increasing audience participation within the program but interaction patterns between entertainers and viewers in any public entertainment state of affairs stay inside strict limits and bounds.

Entertainment takes United States to a special world associated feeds our would like for fantasy and an shake real world. this is often very true for entertainment that's additional public or provided by the media and amusement provided by films, theatre, music, and every one varieties of inventive art. Films and theatre transposes United States to a world of fantasy and grabs our attention therefore we tend to stay engrossed as nearly a vicinity of this various reality. entertainment might even be within the kind of magazine stories and gossip or maybe celebrity culture conjointly the} psychological science of entertainment might also justify the acute craze of celebrity culture that we've got within the present time.

Celebrities appear to open up a world of fantasies and for a few folks knowing each move of celebrities might bring vast satisfaction because it would nearly mean taking part in fantasies. Fantasies facilitate in overcoming frustrations and function therapeutic as they aid within the shake realities of life. Real emotions and real world square measure nerve-racking and amusement helps United States to maneuver on the far side real world and moments of stress to participate in fantasies that square measure soothing as we tend to don't have to be compelled to be directly concerned in these fantasies and however as spectators we are able to still participate during a understood or passive manner.

Participation in any book, film or inventive art is nearly like sitting on a recliner that has the technology to appease your muscles whereas you relax. within the case of amusement we tend to participate nearly in an exceedingly} passive manner and though we tend to is also very alert and awake within the method of look a motion picture, entertainment provides United States the illusion of non participation as we do not have the chance to urge voluntarily concerned within the state of affairs. something offers|that provides|that offers} United States some kind of pleasure {could be|might be|can be|may be|may we tend toll be} thought-about as entertainment though entertainment might additionally give United States pain as after we cry after we get showing emotion involved characters whereas we watch a motion picture.

Entertainment might trigger emotional involvement and emotional reactions like happiness, sorrow, anxiety, concern and despite these robust emotional participation, there's very little or no physical activity necessary on the a part of the viewer. This active-passive method is that the main attraction of entertainment as entertainment allows United States to be each active (in terms of emotion) and passive (in terms of physical or voluntary mental involvement). entertainment means that like films square measure prestigious however they influence subtly instead of sharply and this delicate influence looks to figure higher on the human mind than any aggressive varieties of influence. we tend to see work as duty and amusement as pleasure though each involve some kind of emotional involvement. work on constant time needs voluntary participation, deciding and physical involvement in conjunction with emotional involvement.

Yet why is figure perceived as one thing serious and entertainment as ways of relaxation? the solution is unpredictability. just in case of entertainment, in most cases we tend to might not even understand what to expect from a motion picture or a music video. This unpredictability triggers our interest as we tend to square measure unable to predict what emotional states would be induced throughout this mental journey. amusement is sometimes a kind of mental and emotional journey. In cases wherever we tend to do understand what a motion picture is regarding, it's the sensation of emotional familiarity that drives United States to expertise what we tend to already understand. Suppose a computer game gave United States an enjoyable feeling or induced aggression and aggressiveness in United States, we tend to return to feel constant feeling because it was enjoyable or exciting. Stretched too way these varieties of entertainment might simply become habit-forming.

Coming back to the excellence of labor and entertainment or play, work involves responsibility and despite the emotional involvement in entertainment, aside from being a passive participant, we tend to don't have to be compelled to be accountable for something, there's no drawback determination or deciding which is however entertainment altogether its type is therefore enjoyable because the right hemisphere activities of deciding and also the animal tissue regions of the brain aren't activated utterly however the pleasure sensations and emotions like the neural structure and left hemisphere activities square measure typically activated therefore we tend to tend to associated amusement with emotions instead of drawback determination and deciding.

We humans square measure rational beings and however emotions still appear to rule our lives and type the core of our existence as emotions still draw United States to try and do things which will be irrational. entertainment being primarily feeling agitating instead of reason agitating includes a major impact on people's lives. Appreciating any varieties of amusement might switch from the stages of interest to emotional involvement and at last addiction. The celebrity culture could be a direct results of the last stages of appreciation for amusement.

An interest in celebrities comes from emotional involvement with characters in movies and there is also substantial lack of differentiating fantasy and reality therefore fans of celebrities square measure additional enamored with the characters these celebrities play or the traits they project instead of the temperament of celebrities. The celebrity culture looks to require folks to a persistent phantasy and people square measure seen as discussing all aspects of celebrities from their shoes to their hairstyle to the cars they possess. this type of culture might but be explained with individual have to be compelled to escape reality and determine with somebody during a phantasy and would be a very important part within the study of fantasy.

The study of entertainment brings out several psychological aspects of active-passive participation in emotional or mental journey and these may well be

1. Identification - Viewers usually determine with characters in movies or figures in art and this robust identification helps justify the worth of entertainment. Young kids have seen to imitate film stars as they start distinguishing with motion picture characters.

2. Fantasy - entertainment feeds on the necessity for fantasy in folks associated provides an escape route from the $64000 world. Addiction to entertainment may well be the idea of reality anxiety in folks.

3. Projection - people tend to project their own emotions or state of mind on to a painting or a song and will fancy from this

4. Regression - entertainment might usually cue people of their past or a vicinity of their own life they'll have forgotten and in some cases bring out the kid in them. for instance once older folks get pleasure from video games, it brings back their childhood and that they could become obsessed on this type of entertainment.

5. Sublimation - entertainment is additionally a kind of sublimation of our impulsive needs and this very true after we participate in amusement as within the interpretation of art

6. Displacement - In non participative and passive varieties of entertainment, people tend to flee from reality and displace their emotions from real folks to characters in movies. for instance a youngster enamored with woman|a woman|a lady} World Health Organizationm he cannot attain could fall enamored with a personality of a motion picture who could have similarities together with his dream girl.

All of the on top of processes square measure ego defense mechanisms delineated  by neurologist and also the interaction of such a big amount of defense mechanisms in amusement recommend that entertainment is quite merely a supply of enjoyment and will trigger complicated psychological processes within the human mind. additional analysis would be needed during this field of psychological science for an entire understanding of the benefits or disadvantages of entertainment in trendy society.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Painted Hands

  I've always been a fan of multicultural and immigrant reads. When I read the synopsis to Jennifer Zobair's Painted Hands, it hit close to home and I knew I had to read it. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read an advanced reader's copy of the book.

Description (from the Publisher): Muslim bad girl Zainab Mir has just landed a job working for a post-feminist, Republican Senate candidate. Her best friend Amra Abbas is about to make partner at a top Boston law firm. Together they've thwarted proposal-slinging aunties, cultural expectations, and the occasional bigot to succeed in their careers. What they didn't count on? Unlikely men and geopolitical firestorms. 
    When a handsome childhood friend reappears, Amra makes choices that Zainab considers so 1950s--choices that involve the perfect "Banarasi "silk dress and a four-bedroom house in the suburbs. After hiding her long work hours during their courtship, Amra struggles to balance her demanding job and her unexpectedly traditional new husband. Zainab has her own problems. She generates controversy in the Muslim community with a suggestive magazine spread and friendship with a gay reporter. Her rising profile also inflames neo-cons like Chase Holland, the talk radio host who attacks her religion publicly but privately falls for her hard. When the political fallout from a terrorist attempt jeopardizes Zainab's job and protests surrounding a woman-led Muslim prayer service lead to violence, Amra and Zainab must decide what they're willing to risk for their principles, their friendship, and love.

Review: Marketed as The Namesake meets Sex in the City, Jennifer Zobair's debut novel Painted Hands is thankfully much of the former than the latter book. Though the story follows three different women's journeys, at its very heart, Painted Hands, is an exploration of what it means to be a Muslim woman in the post 9/11 world. Though I was drawn to the subject matter because I closely identify with the characters given my own personal background, I was also a bit concerned on how the characters would be written and how the tricky subject of religion is discussed. I'm happy to say that the book went beyond my expectations. I loved and cared for the characters so much that I compulsively read it in one sitting. 
  Zobair creates a cast of characters that give a wide ranging and for many a new look at Muslim-American culture from a female perspective. Within her story about navigating love and life while balancing Muslim religious and cultural beliefs with an American way of life, Zobair provides an array of characters covering the spectrum between devout followers of Islam and those who reject the beliefs of family and childhood.
   The story is very simple as it follows a group of friends for more than a year as they juggle careers, political differences, the trials and tribulations of love and prejudice. Zobair deftly captures the conflict all women face between the desire to be true to themselves and their own beliefs and the struggle to meet the expectations of family and friends. I think it's super important that Zobair made these women intelligent career women who think critically and logically for themselves and are assertive. While I may not agree with some of their decisions and/or actions, I felt the characters were authentic and not caricatures that I've met over and over again in other multicultural reads.
  Even though I was wrapped up in the lives of her characters, what kept me glued to the pages is how Islam is explored, defended, and supported in the book. Zobair's characters aren't afraid to raise questions and think outside of the traditional box. It gave me a lot to ponder. I also very much appreciated on how the characters varied in their devoutness to Islam without any suggestions of whether they are good or evil, which probes the reader to think about the Muslim identity.
  Painted Hands balances a story of women without overdoing it on the politics and religion. It allows readers to be exposed to the lesser known and good side of Muslim-American culture and the politics of being Muslim in America. Ultimately, I think the book shows that no matter the differences we share, we all are trying to achieve the same goals.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and sexual situations discussed. Recommended for mature teens and adults interested in exploring contemporary literature featuring Muslim protagonists.

If you like this book try: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee by Meera Syal

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

My Ex from Hell (Blooming Goddess #1)

  In approximately two weeks, summer is officially over and the new school year begins, which means my posts will be a bit sporadic. Sorry! I did finish a charming and light book called My Ex From Hell which is perfect for a breezy, lazy summer day. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy.

Description: Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she'd been taught the following:
a) Bad boy's presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl's brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.
   Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behavior  Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world. Literally. This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie's true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She's key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed. Plus there's also the little issue that Sophie's last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.
  Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone's would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe ... and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

Review: If you have been following my blog, you will already know that I'm a big fan of Greek Mythology. The synopsis above, which has a new take on the famous Hades and Peresphone, caught my eye. Unlike the other YA books with the similar theme, My Ex From Hell is very light and humorous which made it very easy to read and get into the story. 
  Sophie Bloom is quite the character. She is a bit ditsy, blunt, and has a lot of sass. She's just like any sixteen year-old girl; she goes to school, has her fair share of family problems, belongs in a tight group of friends, and has a knack for getting into trouble. The thing that I liked the most about Sophie was her voice- she was snarky, sarcastic, and quite often overly dramatic. She becomes alive to the reader and you feel as if she's really present telling you all the events in her life. One downside to Sophie's voice is that she can become annoying very quickly, kind of a like a summer song that you liked a few times on the radio but now it's played constantly that make you want to switch radio stations constantly (Yes, I'm talking to you "Call Me, Maybe) and make you so thankful for Pandora/satellite radio. 
  I really got a kick out of the world Tellulah created for My Ex From Hell, both the Greek mythology and boarding school aspects of it. It's not very far from the setting of Percy Jackson and other quest types of stories. I'm glad that Tellulah's decided to use other lesser known characters and places based on the Greek myths. One thing that sets My Ex From Hell apart from other Persephone books that I have heard of is that Tellulah doesn't pair off Persephone/Sophie with Hades but with Hades' son Kai. I also liked how current pop culture is brought into the story for current young adults without being too distracting.
   My Ex From Hell lost a bit of its steam somewhere in the middle. Some things felt a bit too forced and important events that I would have liked to know more about were a bit rushed. The humor was getting a bit old and I just wanted the characters to be a little bit more serious especially when their lives at stake.  If the characters weren't sixteen, the language, and mention of drinking weren't present, the book felt very much like a middle grade novel. While I enjoyed reading the book, I'm not entirely sure whether I will be picking up this series, but I will definitely will be interested in what the author is planning next.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: My Date from Hell by Tellulah Darling (Oct. 2013), Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones,

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Children's Picture Books: Swirl by Swirl, One, and Brothers at Bat

  I got another great batch of picture books from the Monarch Book Awards.  The Monarch books are a great way to highlight some terrific books for K-3 readers. Today I'll be reviewing Swirl by Swirl, One, and Brothers at Bat.

Description (from Goodreads): A Caldecott medalist and a Newbery Honor-winning poet celebrate the beauty and value of spirals.What makes the tiny snail shell so beautiful? Why does that shape occur in nature over and over againbut also celebrate the beauty and usefulness of this fascinating shape.

Review: Swirl by Swirl is a wonderful introduction to natural science for young readers. The text is very simple, usually containing descriptive words to explain how nature has different spirals and the many ways it is used. The illustrations are amazing- eye catching, colorful, and full of such detail and color that I lingered on the pages much longer just to capture everything on the page. Fun and educational, Swirl by Swirl has now made me aware of the many spiral shapes around me after reading this book.

Rating: 4 stars

Curriculum Connection:
Science

Words of Caution: None.
Recommended for Grades K-3.

If you like this book try:
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, A Butterfly is Patient by Dianna Hutts Aston



Description: Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand — until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, and count.

Review:
One is a deceptively simply book that can be read on many levels. On the surface, young readers can learn about colors and counting. If you take a closer look, however, the book has a powerful message on the subject of bullying- how it feels to be bullied, actions to take to stop bullying, etc.
  The art in One is very minimalist. There is basically a dot and/swirls of watercolor paint to depict the characters in the story. Though the artwork isn't much to look at, the antibullying message will resonant with readers much longer.

Rating:
4 stars

Words of Caution:
None. Recommended for Grades K-2.

If you like this book try:
Zero by Kathryn Otoshi




Description (from Goodreads): The Acerra family had sixteen children, including twelve ball-playing boys. It was the 1930s, and many families had lots of kids, but only one had enough to field a baseball team . . . with three on the bench! The Acerras were the longest-playing all-brother team in baseball history. They loved the game, but more important, they cared for and supported each other and stayed together as a team. Nothing life threw their way could stop them.

Review:
Compared to today's standards, I come from a large family but I can't imagine living in a house of 15 other siblings. That's insane! Brothers at Bat is an engaging story that details the lives of the Acerra brothers who all played their favorite sport, Baseball, until the World War II in which they served the army and later when on with their lives. Based on a real family, I was unaware of the Acerras story and I liked how the book pulled me in since I'm not really a fan of baseball and gave a true sense of how closely knitted the family was. The illustrations definitely has a retro-feel that perfectly fits to the stories historical context. I'd definitely would recommend this book to young readers who enjoy sports.

Rating:
4 stars

Words of Caution:
None. Recommended for Grades 1-3.

If you like this book try:
We are the Ship by Kadir Nelson, Hey Batta Batta Swing! by Sally Cook

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Forbidden Reads: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes


Welcome to my new feature called Forbidden Reads! Join me in celebrating your freedom to read. My goal for this soon-to be- regular monthly feature is to highlight challenged and/or banned books from each literary audience: children, YA, and adult. Not only will I be doing a review of the book, I will also include information as to where and why the book was challenged/banned. Today I'll be reviewing Chris Crutcher's controversial, hard hitting YA novel, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, which was published in 1993.

Description: Sarah Byrnes and Eric have been friends for years. When they were children, his fat and her terrible scars made them both outcasts. Later, although swimming slimmed Eric, she stayed his closest friend. Now Sarah Byrnes -- the smartest, toughest person Eric has ever known -- sits silent in a hospital. Eric must uncover the terrible secret she's hiding, before its dark currents pull them both under.

Review: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes is a heart-wrenching story of loyalty, friendship, and courage. A social outcast in junior high due to his excessive weight, narrator Eric Calhoune found a kindred spirit in Sarah Byrnes, whose face and hands were hideously disfigured in a childhood accident. Now a slim senior thanks to competitive swimming, Eric remains fiercely devoted to Sarah by standing up for her. Unlike Eric who uses physical exercise who fight his bullies, Sarah uses her sharp tongue and whit.
  For Sarah to remain silent and committed to a mental ward, is alarming to Eric. Eric is compelled to take action to help her, but quickly finds that he is in over his head. He risks their friendship by breaking his vow of secrecy and enlisting others' aid--help that comes from such unlikely quarters as a former bully, Eric's swim coach and, most surprisingly, his mother's seemingly wimpy boyfriend. Crutcher emphasizes throughout his story that none of the characters are what they appear to be on the surface.
    I really enjoyed Eric's voice. Self deprecating and humorous, Eric's voice is memorable. We applaud him for taking on a huge task of helping his friend and standing up for what he believed in. Sarah was a tough character to connect to at first. Her abrasive nature is a defense mechanism she uses to prevent anyone to see her weakness. Her emotional strength is admirable.
  Like many of Crutcher books, there are lots of other serious topics addressed from religion to abortion in Eric's philosophy elective. While the discussions are interesting, they do came across a bit heavy handed especially with very conservative characters. Though I appreciated Crutcher allowing teens to talk about important subject matter, I did feel that it slowed down an otherwise tightly paced novel. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy gritty realistic fiction with a hopeful ending.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Why it was challenged: In 2011 the Belleville (WI) School Board decided to keep a book that's required reading for high school freshmen in the curriculum despite a parent's complaint that the book was "pornography" and its language was "pervasively vulgar." Published in 1993, the novel has been read by ninth-grade students at Belleville Hish School for eight years. Source: Marshall University

Words of Caution: After reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, I can see why some people would want to challenge it. Topics such as emotional and physical abuse, abortion, suicide, and religion are hard topics to discuss. It's important to remember that Crutcher offers a discussion on these topics, a chance for the characters to exchange their opinions and not attacking on another nor preaching his own ideas. I really don't see how different these topics are from a class doing a debate/speech unit.
  As for the "pornography" comment, there is a small scene of Eric flipping to HBO late night and seeing, briefly describing what's going on in an Adult program, but he doesn't indulge in it. He is trying to test and make his mother's boyfriend uncomfortable. There is not much strong language in the book. In fact if you had to rate it like a movie, I think it very much lies on the PG scale. Due to the mature topics discussed in the book, I would recommend this book for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer, Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going

Monday, July 29, 2013

Manga Monday: Black Butler Vol. 10

  Welcome to Manga Monday! Manga Monday is a meme hosted by Alison over at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers.This past weekend I was able to check up on the super popular Black Butler manga series.

Description: With his royally sanctioned dinner party a shambles and a murderer on the loose, Earl Ciel Phantomhive is a veritable prisoner in his own home, alongside those of his guests who still live. And in the most shocking of turns, the young earl now finds himself without his indispensible manservant, Sebastian. But as the mystery deepens, there arrives upon the young earl's doorstep an odd vicar, wearing an insolent smile and an Inverness cape that flaps and splashes behind him... Is this mysterious thirteenth guest the perpetrator of the crimes that have bloodied the halls of Phantomhive Manor?

Review: Black Butler, Vol. 10 continues with the murder mystery plot set-up from the last volume and paying homage to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, I found this volume extremely enjoyable. Toboso captures the attention to details and the scientific process that Sherlock uses to solve his mysteries. As we follow the clues and members of the Phantomhive Manor, the suspense and intricate artwork enhances the enjoyment of reading.
  While I was not surprised twist at the end of the story, I'm not convinced on how the mystery was solved. I detect that Ciel has something up his arms. Sebastian is a very complex character. On the one hand, he is terrifying when you know his real identity, but his human characteristics of being a perfectionist at his work as a butler and love for cats always manage to make laugh every time. I'm very excited to see what is the next plot arc for this series.


Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong violence and some crude sexual humor. Recommended for older teens.

If you like this book try: Black Butler Vol. 11 by Yana Toboso, Pandora Hearts by Kazue Kato

Friday, July 26, 2013

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson #4)

 I just got my copy of Fifth Grave Past the Light, the fifth book in the highly entertaining Charley Davidson series, from the library and just realized that I didn't put up my review for Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet!

Description: Sometimes being the grim reaper really is, well, grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple of months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above . . . or at least get dressed. It becomes clear something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. But the more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.
  In the meantime, the sexy, sultry Reyes Farrow is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved.


Review: After the big events in the last book, our girl Charley is going through some rough times. She is not sleeping, barely coherent, and spending most of her money buying random stuff from the home shopping network. Thank goodness Cookie, Charley's best friend, and for a new client to come snap Charley out of her funk. 
  Like the other books in the series, there are many story lines happening at the same time. I'm always amazed on how Darynda can keep these events straight when she's writing! Some of the mysteries are easy to solve while the questions surrounding Reyes, the sexy and insufferable love interest, always has me puzzled. I was surprised a few times in this book and was happy to come upon a couple of nice twists too.
 Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet gives us a little more insight to the relationship and personalities of Charley and Reyes. The tension and sexual chemistry is what makes us turn the pages faster. While they do snap, crackle, and pop, the huge cloud of doom that lingers above them when the key of darkness is inserted into the locket of light is pretty frightening. We finally get to know the meaning behind Reyes's nickname for Charley, Dutch, even though it was a bit of a let down.
  Reyes still has me frustrated and confused. He was a major jerk for most of this book, but there are moments when he's sweet and vulnerable. I enjoyed the parts where the green monster reared its ugly head for both Charley and Reyes.
It was nice spending time with the secondary characters, but I was a bit sad that we didn't get much time with Swopes and Ubie as much as I would have liked. We also got to meet a new character named Quentin which I liked and am looking forward to more of him in future books. Of course I would be remiss if I didn't mention the special addition of a lovable yet ferocious dog named Artemis. I can't wait to make some time in my busy schedule to revisit Charley and company in her latest adventures.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language, crude humor, some strong violence, and a few sexual situations. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson #4), Accidental Friends series by Dakota Cassidy, Peper Martin series by Casey Daniels, Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson, and the Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neill