Double Movie Review: Godzilla vs. Kong

Godzilla vs. Kong
Release Date Mar 31, 2021
Director: Adam Wingard
Producer: Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric McLeod, Jon Jashni, Thomas Tull, Brian Rogers
Writer: Eric Pearson, Max Borenstein
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González
Runtime: 1h 53m
Production Co: Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Destruction|Brief Language|Intense Creature Violence)
Genre: Adventure, Sci Fi, Action
Legends collide in "Godzilla vs. Kong" as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans--instigated by unseen forces--is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.

Reviewer: SharonS

4 1/2 "villain hair" Sheep

My husband and I have been waiting for this! I'll cut to the chase...it was worth it! The writers and director knew what we wanted, EPIC BATTLES! There are people running around to give a flimsy reason for the EPIC BATTLES.

The actors did their job, especially little Jia. That kid is awesome and her connection with Kong tugs at your heartstrings. If you are looking for the sci-fi part to make sense, don't. I mean...Godzilla makes a massive hole through the earth to Hollow Earth!

My husband and I both give it 4 1/2 sheep based on the entertainment value. We will watch it again. And I will make fun of all the plot holes again.

Reviewer: Pamela Kinney

The pandemic has been a time where theaters closed in 2020 with some opening end of the year or 2021, and Regal reopening finally on April 1, 2021. Most of us have been binging on television, and movie production companies finally realized putting movies forward might cause many films to be forgotten, so they turned to streaming. Even Disney Plus is releasing its big films not just in theaters but on their streaming service. And Warner Bros. made a deal with HBO Max. Godzilla Vs. Kong not only premiered in theaters, but it also premiered on HBO Max (a better deal in my opinion as you have it for 30 days and can rewatch it as many times you want, unlike one time seeing on the movie screen.

Godzilla Vs Kong is not a film you watch to think or for social commentary—there are art house films for that. So, this movie will not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoyed those giant dinosaur movies as a kid and watch all the Godzilla and other monsters of Toho movies, then this movie is for you. 

I was a kid when my parents dropped me off at the movie theater to see Toho’s King Kong vs. Godzilla. I sat up front and met two other kids and we had a blast. No, Toho’s King Kong was cheesy and not the more superior King Kong from 1933, but still, it’s a giant gorilla taking on a dinosaur because sorry, people, Godzilla began as a dinosaur who due to radiation, got the breath that way—I suggest not seeing the original Godzilla redone for America, but the original Japanese version which was darker.

In this latest rendition of the atomic-breath monster, Godzilla has attacked Florida, in particular, Apex Corporation. So, now it appears Godzilla no longer leaves humans alone but is out to get them. 

Back on Skull Island, it appears only Kong and a mute girl, Jia (played by Kaylee Hottle) who communicates with Kong by sign language, but also psychically, is all that is left, and the island is now a containment for Kong, where a scientist, Rebecca Hall (played by Ilene Andrews), studies him and has care of Jia. When Nathan Lind (played by Alexander Skarsgård) approaches her with an idea to take Kong to Antarctica to the entrance that leads to the Hollow Earth, she is not sure at first, but in the end, they do it, by transporting Kong by ship and guarded by Navy ships. Sadly, they must go through Godzilla’s territory and the alpha attacks. Let us just say you get your first taste of the battle we have seen some of in the trailers here. I won’t go on and spoil it for you, so you can go see it for yourself, but there are more fights, monsters, and of course, there is a bad guy (Isn’t there always?). 

Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven of Stranger Things fame) returns as Madison Russell from Godzilla King of the Monsters along with Kyle Chandler as Madison’s father, Mark Russell, now working for Monarch. Kaylee Hottle as Jia is a breakout star for me as Kong’s deaf friend. It was interesting to find she comes from an all-deaf family, spanning four generations of deaf relatives on her father's side. Her native fluency in American Sign Language has provided her with opportunities to perform in commercials and Mother’s Day.

Like I said earlier if you are looking for a movie to challenge your mind, search for art house films. Or read a book. But if you want a movie to forget the pandemic and just relax, cheer for your favorite, Godzilla Vs. Kong fits the bill. It is better than the first two films in my opinion, and even triumphs over Kong: Skull Island. Forget the humans, except for Jia, they are there to help the monsters or cause their demise, the monsters are the stars and that was what I wanted to see. Besides, you can always find some art house films on Netflix, Prime, or elsewhere if that is what you want. But I think this will be a winner, even for movie theaters. Let the clash of the century commence!

TV Series Review: Snowpiercer Season 1 (2020)

Snowpiercer TV Series (2020– )
Creators: Josh Friedman, Graeme Manson

Director: Bong Joon-ho
Stars: Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs, Mickey Sumner
Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

Network: TNT

Premiere Date: May 17, 2020

10 episodes
Seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, the remnants of humanity inhabit a perpetually-moving train that circles the globe, where class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out.

My husband and I saw the movie Snowpiercer way back when. It was kind of depressing. But the trailer for the TV series was interesting and we felt it was worth a try. Yeah, I watched it back in May and just reviewing it now.

Some people I talked to weren't going to watch it based on their feelings about the movie--like I said, depressing. The first episode did have that feel to it, but it was more to set up the dynamic on the train between the first-class and the lower. After that, it is a very different story.

We enjoyed it. There was an interesting murder mystery and I really like the characters/actors. Jennifer Connelly as Melanie Cavill and Daveed Diggs as Andre Layton are excellent as well as Mickey Sumner's Bess Francis Till. Every episode ended with a cliff-hanger to keep you waiting for more.

The second season premiers on January 25, 2021.

The movie/TV series are based on the 2013 South Korean–Czech film of the same name (directed by Bong Joon-ho) and the 1982 French graphic novel Le Transperceneige. You can read the graphic novel in English.

Snowpiercer, Vol. 1: The Escape 

January 28, 2014

by Jacques Lob  (Author), Jean-Marc Rochette (Illustrator)

Titan Comics

Transperceneige Book Series

Book Review: Razor's Traitorous Heart (The Alliance #2) by S.E. Smith

Razor's Traitorous Heart (The Alliance #2)
by S.E. Smith

Paperback, 310 pages
Published June 12th 2014 by CreateSpace
Kali Parks is a shadow in the war between two factions that are fighting to gain control of Chicago. Born and raised on the streets, she stands as a silent sentinel at her brother’s side as he battles to gain control. She will do whatever it takes to bring peace to those she has pledged her life to protect, including fighting against the creatures that came to their world almost six years before.

Razor, a councilman for the Alliance, has been sent to oversee the remaining Trivator troops on Earth and make sure the transition for the induction of Earth into the Alliance goes smoothly. He is the one the Alliance calls when they have a situation that needs to be resolved once and for all. His reputation for dealing with difficult rebels is renowned. He asks no questions and takes no prisoners. His job is to eliminate all threats to the Alliance.

He finds himself torn between duty and something he is unfamiliar with, his heart. When a shadow warrior saves his life and disappears, he discovers his world is no longer as cut and dry as he thought. The more he learns, the more he discovers he is not immune to the warrior’s passionate desire to fight to protect her people.

Forced by duty to settle the conflict, he must decide between the Alliance and his own desire to claim the unwilling warrior. When the conflict escalates, he does the only thing he can; he makes a pact with one of the factions in exchange for a prize that will surely cause a battle of a different kind – the one for his traitorous heart.

Will he be able to claim her before she escapes from him again? Or worse, will she sacrifice her life to protect those she loves before he can?

Razor's Traitorous Heart is book two in The Alliance series. In this installment we are introduced to and follow the story of Razor, a brutal Trivator Alliance councilmen, and Kali, the sister and head of security for her brother, the leader of one of the rebel Earth factions in Chicago. On route to one of the final areas of conflict in Chicago, Razor's transport vehicle is shot down. Kali being in the immediate area jumps right on in to see if there are any survivors not realizing one is an alien until she is already there. She makes the decision to rescue Razor anyway and off we go.

This second installment in the series and once again it does not have some of the world building or back-story this reader is hungry for including answers about what the Alliance really is and what prompts them to determine that Earth needs to be brought under the control of the Alliance. However the story is well written and there is a little more action to get the readers blood pumping that is wonderfully written and great fun. 

The story focuses on the primary characters' romance with some new twists and turns revealing treachery, greed, as well as brutality and heartache. The ending events of book one do become intertwined with this telling so the reader is not left hanging with unresolved questions and this flows well into the telling of this tale with the ending very satisfying. 

While there is a little more meat to this tale than was served up with book one, Hunter's Claim, once again it is more romance with a scifi bent and the story's primary focus is on the interaction between the two primary characters, their budding relationship, and struggles. The story continues to meet the needs of readers hunger for sensual story driven smexy, which is also well done. 

Overall I enjoyed Razor's Traitorous Heart and continue to look forward future installments and reading the peripheral character's stories. I also have hope that eventually my questions regarding the Alliance and Earth as we have been introduced to it will be answered. I would recommend this book to romance fans that enjoy a bit of a scifi twist to the tale and some sensual smexy going on. I received this book with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.

review: Hunter's Claim (The Alliance #1)

4 Sheep

DeniseZ

About the Author:
Website-Facebook-Twitter
Goodreads-Newsletter
S. E. Smith is a USA Today Best Selling Author and has been ranked in the top 100 Authors on Amazon with 12 books at one time in Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers in multiple genres. A prolific author with books in science fiction romance and fantasy romance, her books are full of action and adventure and focuses on the relationships and the unusual situations her characters find themselves. Susan invites you to come take a journey to romance that takes you to new worlds.

Book Review: Hunter's Claim (The Alliance #1) by S.E. Smith

Hunter's Claim (The Alliance #1)
by S.E. Smithebook, 236 pages
Published January 10th 2014 
Jesse Sampson and her two younger sisters have lived a hard life on the streets of Seattle, Washington for the past several years.

Four years before, the Earth received its first visitors from space causing mass fear.

Alone in a world gone mad with just her sisters, she has learned to use the darkness and the remains of the city to survive and keep what was left of her family alive. She has seen the savage side of human nature and finds they are not much different from the aliens who conquered Earth.

The Trivators have taken control of Earth to prevent the humans from destroying it in their fear.

A world of warriors, they are sent out by the Alliance of Star Systems to seek out new worlds. Their mission is first contact. They are to establish communications with the leaders of the new worlds they find and bring them into the Alliance.

Any resistance is to be quickly subdued to prevent unnecessary death of the inhabitants of the new worlds they find. Their payment comes from the success of their mission.

Hunter is what he is called. A hunter, one of the elite clans of the Trivators who seek out those who resist. His abilities to track, capture and eliminate those who try to harm any warrior is renowned.

He finds the tables turned when he becomes the one captured by a group of ruthless humans. Hunter is shocked when a strange human female risks her life to help him escape only to disappear into the ruins of the city.

He now has a new mission, finding the female who saved his life. He is determined to find her before she is damaged by others of her kind.

What he finds is a reward beyond comprehension to a Trivator warrior, a family.

Can he convince Jesse that he can give her and her younger sisters a better life on his world? Or will fear keep her from accepting what he has to offer?

Amazon-B&N-Kobo-Smashwords

Book Trailer

Hunter's Claim is the first installment in The Alliance, a new syfy / romance series. We are introduced to Jesse who is struggling to keep her sisters and herself alive in the face of raging apocalyptic devastation following the arrival of Trivator forces who have taken over control of the Earth. On a scouting run for food and supplies Jesse stumbles upon a hiding place that is subsequently breached by humans who happen to have an alien captive; Hunter. On hearing their plans for Hunter from her hiding space Jesse cannot stand by and not help him and off we go - the adventure begins.

We are introduced to some of the different cultural norms for the Trivator race, but there is not really a lot of world building going on as far as why all of the events unfolding occur, which for this reader kept this book from being a five sheep read. The writing is comfortable and entertaining with some really great characters even though the story is more like an installment focusing on specific characters in a long running series rather than a first book that introduces the reader to this world at the time of the events. I found myself crying at the moments of tragedy, grinning at the humor, and overall this is a great little story. While Hunter's Claim is not really a deep read or syfy experience, other than the twist of the alien characters and invasion of the Earth, it is an enjoyable tale of romance with a new little twist. There is also some sensual smexy going on that is story driven and well done for those who enjoy a little heat.

Overall I enjoyed the story and look forward to finding out more about the world as the saga unfolds, as well as reading the stories of the various adventures of the primary characters we have been introduced to including Jesse's sisters and their corresponding warrior adventures. I would recommend Hunter's Claim to those who enjoy a lighter romance with a bit of adventure, as well as a syfy twist thrown in the mix. I received this book with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.

4 sweet romantic sheep

DeniseZ

About the Author:
Website-Facebook-Twitter
Goodreads-Newsletter
S. E. Smith is a USA Today Best Selling Author and has been ranked in the top 100 Authors on Amazon with 12 books at one time in Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers in multiple genres. A prolific author with books in science fiction romance and fantasy romance, her books are full of action and adventure and focuses on the relationships and the unusual situations her characters find themselves. Susan invites you to come take a journey to romance that takes you to new worlds.

Sheep Book Review: Alien Research by Gini Koch

Alien Research (Book 8) 
By: Gini Koch
Fantasy Romance
December 3, 2013 

Plot:
When rumors of a new super-drug surface, the FBI comes to Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini for help. It becomes quickly apparent that the drug is merely the tip of a deadly iceberg and a much more insidious plan is underway involving Titan Security, Gaultier Enterprises, and YatesCorp.

As newly discovered A-Cs and hybrids begin to surface, each with expanded and deadly talents, more and more signs point to a new evil genius who’s using the A-Cs and their enemies both as guinea pigs. Then Area 51 and the Dulce Science Center go silent while Alpha Team, Airborne, and most of the worldwide A-C Security team are there for training. And if that’s not bad enough, Centaurion Division is hit with more bad, and deadly, news: Chernobog the Ultimate, isn’t a hacker myth, he’s a real person -- and he’s on the bad guys’ side.

Now Kitty and company must find the real Dr. Feelgood and stop him or her before the latest version of Surcenthumain hits the streets and more people they love are harmed, or worse. But when the inconceivable happens, Kitty’s focused on two things only: reviving the ACE entity before their enemies realize Earth’s best protection isn’t actually active…and revenge. 

I'm a long time fan of this series, the writing style, the campy dialog, sexy aliens, the plethora of animals and general political intrigue. The latest edition from Gini takes a slightly darker detour this time around. You think you know where a story is going and then BAM, you're blindsided with some twists. 

I believe in spoiler free reviews, so I can't tell you what the twist is. But by the undead gods, I want to! I will say that the never ending adventure and high stakes action are enough to keep anyone entertained and wanting more. You will not read any other book on the shelf like this. There are just none. Gini takes her unique skill to the next level. It's a gift and she uses it with gusto!

On top of all the drama is our main pair Kitty and Martini, raising a family the best way they know how. Holding onto their love and passion under the harshest of times and keeping the world safe from alien maniacs, but having a blast doing it. These books are pure enjoyment from beginning to end. 

If you don't fancy heavy dialog with snarky banter, this book wont be for you. If you don't enjoy political games and secret pelican brief scenarios, this book wont be for you. If you hate animals, see a doctor and...this book wont be for you. If you've yet to start this series, do not start here. The saga is meant to be read in order. 

My only complaint would be; keeping the characters names to either first or last. Kitty has a bad habit of calling someone by a first name and then in the next paragraph by their last. With this many characters now in the series, I'm getting lost! But aside from that, this is yet another hit from the Megalomaniac mastermind pulling the strings!

Getting 4 'magic elf' Sheep 
KD

Sheep Movie Review: Ender's Game

Ender's Game 

Directed By: Gavin Hood

Cast: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Viola Davis and Ben Kingsley 

Plot: 

In the near future, a hostile alien race (called the Formics) have attacked Earth. If not for the legendary heroics of International Fleet Commander Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), all would have been lost. In preparation for the next attack, the highly esteemed Colonel Hyrum Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Military are training only the best young children to find the future Mazer. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy, but strategically brilliant boy is pulled out of his school to join the elite. Arriving at Battle School, Ender quickly and easily masters increasingly difficult war games, distinguishing himself and winning respect amongst his peers. Ender is soon ordained by Graff as the military's next great hope, resulting in his promotion to Command School. Once there, he's trained by Mazer Rackham, himself, to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth and save the human race. Based on the best-selling, award winning novel. 

Ender's Game was the first Science Fiction book I read. In one word: EPIC. So, the tale of Ender has a very near and dear place in my heart. Needless to say, I was going into this film with high expectations, and it kills me to review this one as not meeting the bar set by the book. 

At times, it was just plain hard to sit and endure the rushed mish-mash that was being thrown at you. Having gone to the showing with someone who didn't read the book, they also complained that the story felt rushed. Immensely in the beginning, though it does get a little better toward the middle half. But by the time things get interesting, it's almost too late to plug back in. 

Harrison Ford seems to do a lot of urgent talking in this one. Urgently he tells you the threat is near, urgently he tells everyone what they must do. Urgent was to be the one trick pony. It was all very, very, urgent. Love Harrison, just hated this role. 

There are a few saving graces. You get the "gist" of the book. The main points are there. Even though the relationships with the young adult crew got fast forwarded, it's still there. I would have loved to see more development with Ender's buddy Bean. Or any of the rest of the crew. Saying that, Ender's character was well portrayed by the young Asa. He gave the best performance out of the whole cast, bravo young lad. 

The special effects were pretty amazing. They did pace well with the movie and managed to keep me from having a thumb war with my movie buddy. Sadly, it was just not enough to feel the ticket price was worth it. 

Whether you've read the book or not, this one is just plain mediocre. I'd recommend waiting for the DVD. 

Getting 2 and 1/2 'you better stay down' Sheep

KD

Sheep Book Review: Alien in the House by Gini Koch

Alien in the House (Book 7 in Alien Novels)
By: Gini Koch
Science Fiction/Romance
Published by DAW

*Spoiler Free Review*

Plot:
Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini have learned the ins and outs of Washington politics, not to mention how to prevail in intergalactic war and foil any variety of dangerous conspiracies. So when the newly elected Representative from New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District dies under mysterious circumstances while at the Centaurion Embassy, it’s up to Kitty and the rest of the Diplomatic Corps to find out how and why and stop the killer, before the rest of the U.S. House of Representatives become casualties, particularly the replacement Representative for New Mexico’s 2nd District—Jeff Martini.

With the volcanic passion that pumps gallons of lifeblood into Gini's veins, she brings us the latest edition to her Alien saga. The series as a whole, is campy at times, snarky to the tenth degree, jam packed with adventure and intrigue, all set to the pace of a hunky alien race just trying to get by on Earth. The stories are meant to be this way, as Gini see's them, and that's not a bad thing! There's a lot here to love and tons of belly laughs to have along the way.

Alien in the House is a murder-mystery dinner that takes a paranormal turn for the worst. Waiter, check please! It's 007 meets a day time soap opera that had a baby in a corny 70's sci-fi TV show. I love it. Always have and always will! 

However, characters are now starting to confuse me a bit. So many new folks mixed in with the ones we love. At times it's hard to remember who this or that person is. This is not a series you can pick up from here. If I was getting a little lost at this point in the series, a newbie wouldn't have a chance.

With the evolution of the saga, the guys and gals are taking on new roles within the fantasy world. Some of these changes are awesome to read, some not so much. If am used to reading about a character doing one thing for so long, then a change means I am unable to compute. (Must reboot, must reboot.) Add to that a constant shift in job titles and I'm about to have a Nuke moment.

Is this saga one straw shy short of weaving a basket of koo koo, sure it is. But what makes that a bad thing, I appreciate these stories for what they are. A dialog heavy, fun ride that is sure to knock your socks off! 

Getting 3 and 1/2 'Coke loving' Sheep 
KD 

Phoenix Comicon 2013: Interview Author Marsheila Rockwell + Giveaway

I Smell Sheep got the chance to meet up with the amazing author Marsheila Rockwell at Phoenix Comicon 2013. We hope you enjoy this fun interview! 

Katie: Hello Marsheila, amazing to see you again! How has life been since we met at this same time last year? 
Marcy: Hi, Katie! It’s great to see you and the I Smell Sheep crew again, too! Things have been super busy since last Phoenix ComiCon. My latest Dungeons & Dragons Online novel, Skein of Shadows, came out in July 2012. Then I had two books out in early 2013. The first, Tales of Sand and Sorcery, is a collection of my Arabian-flavored sword & sorcery stories put out by Musa Publishing, all of which center around two women warriors, Shaala and Kij. The second, Bridges of Longing and Other Strange Passageways, is a collection of short stories and poetry from the first fifteen years of my writing career, and includes multiple award-nominated pieces. I’m working on some fun collaborative stuff, and still plugging away on my paranormal profiler series. And, finally, I’ve been contracted to write the first three books in a series based on a pretty cool comic book property, the first of which will be released later this year. I really wish I could tell you more about that one, because I’m very excited about it, but unfortunately, I’m gagged by my NDA until the publisher gives me the go-ahead. Hopefully soon, though. FX! 

Katie: You sit on a few different panels at the convention; tell me a little more about the panels in general and why folks should sit in? 
Marcy: I’ll be doing my usual panels - a couple of writing advice/critique sessions, one on genre poetry, and one on writing tie-in fiction. In addition, this year I’ll be doing some panels on the mystery/thriller/suspense and horror tracks, since my writing involves a lot of those elements, especially the new stuff I’ve been contracted to do, as well as some other projects I have in the works. You should sit in because all of my fellow panelists are smart and know their stuff, and most of them are funny, too, so you will learn new things and be greatly entertained in the process. Plus we’re cute, and snappy dressers, to boot. ;) 

Katie: Do you see a lot of the same authors at these conventions and have friendships formed? 
Marcy: You do tend to see a lot of the same faces, and friendships inevitably form, so in many ways, conventions aren’t just business opportunities for writers, they are annual reunions with people who are near and dear to you that you might not get to see very often otherwise. I’ve made some incredible, life-changing friendships on the con circuit, most notably with the ever-awesome and funny Gini Koch and with the super-talented and also amazingly sweet Jeff Mariotte (with whom I am currently collaborating on some Very Exciting Things). 

Katie: If someone wanted to ask a question at a panel, is there an open mic policy or is it a sit, listen and learn experience? 

Marcy: Most panels have a Q&A period, but it sort of depends on the moderator – some will encourage questions throughout, and others prefer that questions be held until toward the end of a panel, so that the panelists have a chance to say everything they want to say. Speaking as a panelist, though, we love questions – it means you’re actually in the room to hear us, and not just getting a good seat for the panel that comes after ours, heh. 

Katie: What's the best part of coming to this convention, for you personally?
Marcy: There are so many great things about this convention, it’s hard to pick a “best.” First off, they treat authors like rock stars here – they have a wonderful con suite, liaisons that bring us food and water and will watch our tables when we’re not there, good promotion, the works. Phoenix ComiCon is definitely my favorite con of the year, for that reason alone. But I also get to see and spend time with a lot of dear friends (like Jeff and Gini), and the guests and attendees are unfailingly awesome, and the whole thing is incredibly well-run and not (yet) so crowded that my agoraphobia kicks in and I have to hide under the table, rocking back and forth and crying. So that’s always a plus, heh. 

Katie: I turn on your car stereo right now, what's the first thing I would hear? 
Marcy: Depends on whom I was chauffeuring last. If it was my eldest son, probably an All That Remains CD. If it was my two youngest, probably the soundtrack to The Hobbit (they love “Song of the Lonely Mountain” and have it memorized, to my alternating amusement and despair). If it was me, usually something from the 80’s. I think I have The Waterboys in there right now. 

Katie: Have you ever walked the floor in costume? 

Marcy: You mean aside from my author costume? Heh. No, but if I did, I’d want to go as either Wonder Woman or Donna Troy. Probably Donna Troy, because it gets cold in here! 

Katie: During the zombie apocalypse, what fictional character would you want watching your back? 

Marcy: Duh. Daryl from The Walking Dead. He can watch the rest of me, too. ;) 

Katie: Would you rather fight Neo from the Matrix or Blade from…well Blade? 
Marcy: Neo. Because I’m a writer, I’m used to manipulating imaginary worlds and characters at my whim. I’d have control of the Matrix in no time, and use it against him. I’d probably keep him in a box and make him recite lines from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure for my amusement. 

Katie: Now we move into the Rapid Fire round! Sit back, relax, and answer with the first thing that pops up! 

Katie: Lucky Charms or Fruity Pebbles? 
Marcy: Lucky Charms. Because magically delicious! 

Katie: Crest or Colgate? 
Marcy: Crest. But only the gel kind with sparkles. Because everything’s better with sparkles. (Except vampires, obviously.) 

Katie: Deep fried or oven baked? 
Marcy: Deep fried. 

Katie: Coke or Pepsi? 
Marcy: Diet Coke. With Splenda. 

Katie: Captain America or Iron Man? 
Marcy: Can’t I have both? Pretty please? 

Katie: Peach Pie or Strawberry Cheesecake? 
Marcy: CHEESECAKE!!!!!! 

Katie: Puppy or Kitty? 
Marcy: Kitty. 

Katie: Sexy Pirate or Sexy Military man? 
Marcy: This one’s easy, since it’s a well-documented fact I have a thing for guys in uniforms. Military all the way, baby. 

Katie: Thanks for sitting down to chat with me, anything you would like to add before we wrap? 
Marcy: I’d just like to a) say thanks again for giving me a chance to blather on about myself, and b) recommend to any of your readers who are at all local to the Southwest to make the effort to get to this con – it really is one of the best around, and you won’t be disappointed, I promise! 

Marsheila Buy Links: 
Skein of Shadows: http://www.marsheilarockwell.com/sos.html 
The Shard Axe: http://www.marsheilarockwell.com/tsa.html 
Legacy of Wolves: http://www.marsheilarockwell.com/low.html 
Bridges of Longing: http://www.marsheilarockwell.com/bridges.html 
Tales of Sand & Sorcery: http://www.mystgalaxy.com/book/9781619378377 

Website-Blog-FB -Twitter  

Marsheila (Marcy) Rockwell was born [redacted] years ago in America's Last, Best Place. A descendant of kings, pilgrims, Ojibwe hunters and possibly a witch or two, she spent the first few years of her life frolicking gleefully in a large backyard that is now part of one of the nation's largest Superfund sites. Perhaps that explains her early penchant for fantasy and horror - the first book she ever read (at the tender age of three) was Frank L. Baum's "Ozma of Oz."

Marcy sold her first short story to Marion Zimmer Bradley while in college and her first novel to Wizards of the Coast in 2005. She now lives in the desert in the shadow of an improbably green mountain with her Naval officer husband, their three sons, the requisite black lab, and far too many books. In odd moments stolen from her family and her writing, she can be found browsing eBay for Wonder Woman/Girl figures or Seabees sweetheart jewelry from WWII.

***GIVEAWAY***

One lucky winner will receive their choice, signed copy of either Tales of Sand & Sorcery or Bridges of Longing. 

To Enter, please leave the following in the comments below. 
1. Would you rather join Marsheila in fighting Neo or take on Blade? 
2. Do you follow us? Let me know and you get double chances of winning!
3. Your Email Address
Contest Ends June 4th at midnight

Phoenix Comicon 2013: Interview Author Gini Koch + Giveaway

INTRO: ALIEN IN THE HOUSE

Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini have learned the ins and outs of Washington politics, not to mention how to prevail in intergalactic war and foil dangerous plots. But, in the aftermath of Operation Destruction, the Gower girls’ powers are burned out, the entire A-C population has been “outed” as the aliens living on Earth that they are, and, worst of all, ACE is nowhere to be found.

Then murder and mayhem are served up at an important dinner party at the American Centaurion Embassy, and when the dust settles Alpha Team and the Diplomatic Corps have more problems than just a dead Congressman. 

Is there a single criminal mastermind—or multiple enemies—behind all the conspiracies that want Kitty dead and the A-Cs gone or co-opted to become the War Division?

The return of the best assassins in the business, the reappearance of two individuals long-presumed dead, Agent Malcolm Buchanan felled by something no one can identify or cure, and new technology that can block even the most powerful empath on Earth ... all of this means the game’s officially afoot.

Then Vance Beaumont comes to Kitty with a wild theory that someone is systematically killing off the House of Representatives….

It’s up to Kitty and the rest of the gang to find out what’s really going on and why. But will they be able to stop the killer or killers before the rest of the U.S. House of Representatives become casualties? And will the replacement Representative for New Mexico’s 2nd District, who happens to be Jeff Martini, be the next to die? 

Katie: Hey Gini, we meet again! Awesome to see you here in Phoenix! How have things been since we last met at this same time last year?

Gini: Crazed, babe. Absolutely crazed. But in a good way. Lots of books done (though not as many as I’d have liked), lots of things going on, my love affair with Nathan Fillion is still going strong, and I still have what’s left of my sanity. It’s not much, but it’s there.

Katie: You sit on many panels at the convention, tell me a little more about the panels in general and why folks should sit in? 

Gini: Well, they’re fun, they’re informative, I’m on them… Basically, panels are a way of getting to get to know the guests a little better, to see us live and in person, and to have some fun. There’s something for everyone at Phoenix Comicon, but if you aren’t sure what to go for, just try the nearest door. Or go to my panels. I guarantee a good time. (Especially my Evening Erotica panel with Jordan Summers. We GUARANTEE a good time!)

Katie: If a reader only had the time to attend one panel, which would you recommend? 

Gini: My Author Spotlight on Sunday, May 26, at 3pm. All me, all rolling. I have no filter. It will be fun. Guaranteed. (Again with the guarantee. Because I’m that darned confident. LOL)

Katie: During the panels, folks get to ask questions. What's the one question you hear constantly and what makes it so important? 

Gini: Um, the question I hear the most is “when is the next book coming out” and it’s important because it shows that readers want my books. 

Otherwise, it’s really hard to pick just one question because many get asked frequently. Aspiring authors all have similar questions – and I did, too, when I was where they are – and readers have similar questions, but there’s always some that stand out. And similar isn’t bad, similar just means that you have the same questions and interests as a lot of others.

Katie: For writers, just starting out, what does the convention offer panel wise? 

Gini: Oh, wow, tons. There’s a full author track, with more than one session going at a time. Live critique – awesome author Marsheila Rockwell and I are doing one session on Saturday, May 25, from 7:30-8:30pm – social media, how to’s, genres and humor and world building, oh my, and more. There’s just tons for aspiring authors at this con.

Katie: You're also a huge comic nerd, have you thought about writing a comic book?

Gini: Yes, I have, and I have the story idea and everything. I may have even found an artist. Now the key is one big word: time. Well, two big words: time and money. Should we ever get the time, I’ll probably do a Kickstarter to see if there’s interest in the graphic novel, but it’s totally a goal of mine.

Katie: With all these costumes walking the floor, who's the best you've seen to date? 

Gini: Last year there was a set of folks who came as some of the Avengers – Tony Stark, Black Widow, and the Hulk – and they were great. There were a couple amazing Rogues there, too. I think Phoenix Comicon’s costumes are easily as good as any I see at San Diego Comic-Con, so expect to see a ton of great cosplay going on here.

[Belle and Snow White were the best! muuuahahahaha]

Katie: What would I find under your bed? 

Gini: Cats, dust, captain’s drawers, and night clothes. It’s all glamour over here.

Katie: You get a hall pass for one night, what fictional character are you going out with? 

Gini: This is a question? Really? As if you don’t know? Wolverine. If he’s not available, Captain Mal. If he’s not available, Richard Castle. If he’s not available I’m throwing a fit and will get all three.

Katie: You know we have to do some rapid fire! 

Gini: I live for rapid fire!

Katie: Coke or Cherry Coke? 

Gini: Both! And Dr. Pepper!

Katie: Sticky or Pokey? 

Gini: My Little Pony

Katie: Hairy Back or Hairy Chest? 

Gini: Hairy chest, but I will not turn away a hair back. I love me some bears.

Katie: Bra or No Bra?

Gini: Corset  

Katie: Peeps or Mounds? 

Gini: Mounds

Katie: Cartwheels or Summersaults? 

Gini: Watching Jean-Claude Van Damme or Sam Rockwell do the splits

Katie: Warp speed or Worm holes? 

Gini: Power Cubes

Katie: Top hat or Monocle? 

Gini: Neither, I’m not into Mr. Peanut. Browncoat, all the way.

Katie: Gini, thanks so much for chatting with us yet again! You've been a part of this website from the very beginning, the friendship and love has been amazing. We send it back at ya a million times over! 

Gini: It’s always great to be here and you know I love me my Sheep!

Gini Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Gini%20Koch

http://www.ginikoch.com/authorsplash.htm

Author Bio:

Gini Koch lives in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, AZ), works her butt off (sadly, not literally) by day, and writes by night with the rest of the beautiful people. She writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, the Necropolis Enforcement Files series, and the Martian Alliance Chronicles series for Musa Publishing. As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series. She also writes under a variety of other pen names (including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch), listens to all kinds of music 24/7, and is a proud comics geek-girl willing to discuss at any time why Wolverine is the best superhero ever (even if Deadpool does get all the best lines). She speaks frequently on what it takes to become a successful author and other aspects of writing and the publishing business. She is also the Lead Editor at Raphael’s Village, an online, nonpaying ’zine. Because she wasn’t busy enough, Gini’s added on featured guest columnist, reviewer, and webcaster for Slice of SciFi and It’s Comic Book Day. She can be reached through her website at www.ginikoch.com.

***GIVEAWAY***

Gini is hooking one lucky person up with a signed, personalized copy of winner’s choice of any one of the following: Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, Alien Proliferation, or Alien Diplomacy. Plus a set of cover magnets, cover postcards, and signed flyers!

To enter:

1. Tell us the best costume you've ever seen

2. Do you follow us? If so let us know and you get double entries!

3. Your Email Address

Open internationally.

Ends June 3rd at midnight!