TV Series Review: Deadly Class (SyFy 2019-) spoiler-free

Deadly Class

TV Series (2018– )
First episode date: January 16, 2019

Creators: Miles Orion Feldsott, Rick Remender
Stars: Benedict Wong, Benjamin Wadsworth, Lana Condor
Network: Syfy
Based on: Deadly Class; by Rick Remender & Wesley Craig
Production location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
TV-MA | 1h | Action, Crime, Drama
Based on the graphic novel of the same name comes an unlikely coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of unsanitized 1980s counterculture. A homeless, disillusioned teen named Marcus is recruited into Kings Dominion, a secret academy for the Deadly Arts, where he struggles to find his place among a community of the deadliest characters in the world -- literally fighting every day for survival. It is in this struggle he tries to find purpose and family in an unlikely group of outcast misfits who plan to use their skills to really change the world for the better... by breaking every rule there is.

I hadn't read Deadly Class from Image Comics before. Unfortunately, I decided to jump in at issue #36 which just released...DON'T DO THAT! I spoiled the big ending of the first story arc. And it's a big one...smh. But if you've read all the issues up to #36 then you're gonna love it.

Back to the TV show... I absolutely love this show for many reasons. First, I'm an 80s child. As in I graduated from high school and college in the 80s. You don't get any eightier than me. Deadly Class is set in the 80s and they got it right. So they got me with the nostalgia angle.

Bonus, the creators of the comic have made sure the TV show stays as true to the story as possible. As we all know, most adaptations, while still entertaining, are barely recognizable to the original material. Ask any Venom fan. Not only do they keep to the story, but they also do flashbacks in the show in animation with the same artwork used in the comic. Cool creative decision.

The story is pretty simple. Assassin school for kids. This is where parents who are part of mafia organizations, cartels, syndicates, white supremacy groups, CIA send their kids. Each year Head Master Lin recruits some street kids with no ties to a group or family if they seem like they could do well in the program.

I don't know why they show has grabbed my attention so quickly, but the dark humor mixed with drama is definitely part of it. There are many themes and social issues addressed as a group of misfit rejects try to survive in this school.

My husband and 17 year-old-daughter are also hooked. There have been three episodes so far (airs Wed. 10pm on SyFy) so there is plenty of time to catch up.

5 "Don't read comic book issue #36 first" Sheep

SharonS

Book Review: Marked (Alex Verus 9 Book) by Benedict Jacka

Marked (Alex Verus 9 Book)

by Benedict Jacka

July 3, 2018

320 pages

Publisher: Ace

Mage Alex Verus is hanging on by a thread in the ninth urban fantasy novel from the national bestselling author of Burned.

When Mage Alex Verus ends up with a position on the Light Council, no one is happy, least of all him. But Alex is starting to realize that if he wants to protect his friends, he'll need to become a power player himself. His first order of business is to track down dangerous magical items unleashed into the world by Dark Mages.

But when the Council decides they need his help in negotiating with the perpetrators, Alex will have to use all his cunning and magic to strike a deal--and stop the rising tension between the Council, the Dark Mages, and the adept community from turning into a bloodbath.

*This will be as spoiler free as possible

Marked is the 9th book in the Alex Verus series, and Alex is still going strong. Alex is on the council of Light Mages, and it's still a difficult uphill climb dealing with the light mages, especially after the incident that happened at the end of Bound.

Alex is put in charge of gathering the artifacts that were stolen, and he is learning the old adage of "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" being stuck having to deal with Onyx and still trying to figure out what Drahk is pulling, and why he wanted the artifacts in the first place.

Along with dealing with a very polarized council, Alex is trying to figure out Morden’s game while being locked up.

Alex and Anne are the main focus of this book, along with dealing with the council and the artifacts, Alex is put in a situation where he needs to confront "Evil Anne" and help Anne realize that she needs her dark side to help balance her out, despite Anne locking "Evil Anne" away a long time ago. This is in a world were dark and light mages are both good and evil. The two main protagonists are in a world where their very survival is at stake.

The way this left off, there really needs to be a 10th book.

review: Cursed (Alex Verus #2)
review: Choosen (Alex Verus #4)
review: Hidden (Alex Verus #5)
review: Veiled (Alex Verus #6)
Review: Burned (Alex Verus #7)
Review: Bound (Alex Verus #8)4.5/5

Danielle D

About the Author:
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Benedict Jacka became a writer almost by accident, when at nineteen he sat in his school library and started a story in the back of an exercise book. Since then he's studied philosophy at Cambridge, lived in China, and worked as everything from civil servant to bouncer to teacher before returning to London to take up law.

Sheep Movie Review: Deadpool 2 (2018) Spoiler-free

Deadpool 2 (2018)

May 18, 2018
Directed By: David Leitch
Written By: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Ryan Reynolds

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, T.J. Miller

Rating: R (for strong violence and language throughout, sexual references and brief drug material)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy
Runtime: 119 minutes
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox

After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Miami's hottest bartender, while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor - finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World's Best Lover.

Went to see Deadpool 2 with my daughter Holly and one of her Marvel loving friends. We had a blast! The whole theater had a blast. I haven't laughed that hard for that long at a movie...ever. There are so many in-jokes and references to other superhero movies I couldn't keep up with them.

Yeah, it was kind of predictable in parts, but there are a few WTF moments that will have you laughing and screaming with disgust and joy. I haven't had so much fun at the movies in a while. Of course you have to have a pretty sick sense of humor, but that goes without saying...this is Deadpool.

Josh Brolin is a good-looking man and I refuse to make any jokes about laying Cable...

#NCDEADPOOL hung out in front of the theater before the movie. We all got pics with him. He even corrupted my daughter!


There are two after-scenes right after the initial end credits. At the end, end...there isn't visual after-scene, but there is an audio one!

If you liked the first Deadpool movie then you will love this one. I think it was funnier than the first, or I could just be immature ;)

Holly and I give it 5 Holy Sheep balls
Her friend Carlo gave it 4... *rolls eyes*

SharonS

Book Review: High Voltage: A Fever Novel Book 10 by Karen Marie Moning

High Voltage: A Fever Novel Book 10

by Karen Marie Moning
March 6, 2018
Pages: 477
Immortal Faerie and ancient feuds, secrets and sacrifices—a thrilling new chapter in the bestselling Fever series begins, featuring Dani, Ryodan, and other beloved characters, as they battle to save Dublin from the rising of a terrifying evil determined to enslave the human race.

There is no action without consequence.

Dani O’Malley was nine years old when the delusional, sadistic Rowena transformed her into a ruthless killer. Years later, Dani is tough and hardened, yet achingly vulnerable and fiercely compassionate, living alone by her own exacting code. Despite the scars on her body, and driven by deeper ones carved into her soul, no one is more committed to protecting Dublin. By day she ensures the safety of those she rescues, by night she hunts evil, dispensing justice swiftly and without mercy, determined to give to those she cares for the peace she has never known.

There is no power without price.

When the Faerie Queen used the dangerously powerful Song of Making to heal the world from the damage done by the Hoar Frost King, catastrophic magic seeped deep into the earth, giving rise to horrifying, unforeseen consequences—and now deadly enemies plot in the darkness, preparing to enslave the human race and unleash an ancient reign of Hell on Earth.

There is no future without sacrifice.

With the lethal, immortal Ryodan at her side, armed with the epic Sword of Light, Dani once again battles to save the world, but her past comes back to haunt her with a vengeance, demanding an unspeakable price for the power she needs to save the human race. And no one—not even Ryodan, who would move the very stars for her—can save her this time.

I never want to give something away with a review, so I want to start out by saying that many times throughout this book I just wanted to scream! Scream with happiness, scream in anger, scream in frustration, just scream! Another thing I never do is share a quote from a book but I need to break that rule as well. A shout out to Moning on this quote from High Voltage: 

“One kiss and two days later, BOOM – I was untouchable. If I were a character in a novel, I’d snipe the bitch who wrote my life this way.”

The picture that Moning paints with her stories is so real. I must remember sometimes that I have never seen BB&B or Dani or any of the Nine which makes the love, the fear, the anger and the pain, all the more real for the reader to experience. The depth of her characters is real, her worlds are another part of her soul which makes her books some of the best I’ve ever read. In High Voltage, the real Dani is front and center. We learn more about the different layers of her than we ever have before. This book touched me more than any of her other stories. I absolutely can’t wait to see what comes next in this explosive series.

I Smell Sheep reviews of previous Fever series books

Giving this 5 sheep.

DeniseB

About the author:
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Karen Marie Moning is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the sizzling Urban Fantasy FEVER Novels set in Dublin, featuring MacKayla Lane and Jericho Barrons, and the paranormal romance HIGHLANDER Series, with fifteen books in print in thirty-six countries.

She is a winner of the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award, and multiple RITA nominee. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Society & Law.

*Sign up for Karen's email newsletter to receive the latest book release updates, as well as info about contests & giveaways ( www.karenmoning.com/kmm/press/newsletter-signup.html)

Book Review: Blood Fury (Black Dagger Legacy) by J.R. Ward (no spoilers)

Blood Fury (Black Dagger Legacy)

by J.R. Ward

January 9, 2018
Ballantine Books

Pages: 432

A vampire aristocrat, Peyton is well aware of his duty to his bloodline: mate with an appropriate female of his class and carry on his family’s traditions. And he thought he’d found his perfect match—until she fell in love with someone else. Yet when his split-second decision in a battle with the enemy endangers the life of another trainee, Peyton has to face the idea that his future, and his heart, actually lie with another.

Novo, as a female in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training program, feels like she has to prove herself to everybody—and she has no interest in being distracted by falling in love. But when Peyton proves to be so much more than a rich playboy, she is forced to confront the tragedy that has broken her soul and closed her off from love.

As the two grapple with Novo’s past and Peyton’s present, another couple must contend with a connection that is unparalleled—and potentially scandalous. Saxton, who has had his heart broken, discovers in himself a deep-seated attraction to Ruhn, a new member of the household. But will the other male explore the connection? Or will he close his mind and his heart to what could be true love . . . and cost Saxton everything?

amazon

Peyton has always been a rich playboy that has never taken anything serious even when he joined the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training program. Peyton was sure he had found a perfect love until she mated with someone else. Even though he knows that he can’t have her, he still pines away and puts another trainee in danger due to his actions.

Novo is a strong female who feels like she needs to prove herself to everyone and does not want to be distracted by things like love. When she catches Payton’s attention she is sure they can just use each other to scratch and itch and both find themselves in unchartered territory.

Saxton, the solicitor for the King had his heart broken and is absolutely sure he will never love another until he notices a connection between himself and Ruhn. Saxton is sure Ruhn is not gay and tries to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself.

This was more of a romance novel than Ward’s other books. Usually there is a good dose of romance, sex and passion that goes along with the main story and fighting but this was pretty much just two romance stories. The writing was still excellent and the book was good but not the what I normally expect from a book from this series.

Review: Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1)
Review: Blood Vow (Black Dagger Legacy #2)

Getting 4 sheep

Denise B

About the Author:
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J.R. Ward is the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series of vampire books. She is a winner of the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award for Best Paranormal Romance and is a multiple RITA nominee. A graduate of Smith College, she was a double major in History and Art History with a medieval concentration in both and she still longs at times for a return to those days sitting in dark lecture halls, looking at slides of old triptychs and reliquaries. Prior to becoming a full time writer, she was a corporate attorney, serving for many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard Medical Schools premier teaching sites. Her idea of absolute heaven is a day filled with nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot and the Brothers, of course.

   

Sheep Movie Review: Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) Spoiler free

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Directed By: Rian Johnson
Written By: Rian Johnson
Cast: Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Benicio Del Toro, Mark Hamill 
December 15, 2017

Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi action and violence)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Runtime: 152 minutes
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

In Lucasfilm's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.

I went to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi with my 16-year-old daughter. The theater was full and when the Star Wars logo appeared on the screen everyone clapped and had a nerdgasm. It was a fabulous moment.

It was everything a Star Wars film should be and by this, I mean like the original trilogy cheesy scene transitions and all! So many unexpected things happened in The Last Jedi. You could even call Star Wars: B*itch You Though!

You don't even have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy The Last Jedi. My 16 year has only seen the last two Star Wars movies and loved the movie...a shirtless Adam Driver might have had a little to do with it...or a lot.

There are new characters as well as the old as the franchise transitions toward the new generation of the resistance. If you are a scifi movie fan then this is one you want to catch on the big screen.

Holly and I give it 4 1/2 "roasted porg eating" Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: The Justice League (2017) Spoiler-free

Justice League (2017)
Directed By: Zack Snyder
Written By: Chris Terrio, Joss Whedon
Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa
In Theaters: Nov 17, 2017 Wide
Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi violence and action)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Runtime: 110 minutes
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes--Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash--it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Justice League was entertaining. Went to see it with my husband and 16-year-old daughter. My husband liked it more than Thor: Ragnarok, but I think that has more to do with Wonder Woman. 

Gotham City is just such a sad and dark place and the movies reflect that. Ezra Miller's Flash was the one bright spot. He was so freaking cute and had all the best lines. I was surprised at how much I liked Cyborg and the way they handled his backstory. Really hits you in the feels. I was a little disappointed with the depiction of Wonder Woman compared to the Wonder Woman movie. There were a lot of shots that focused on her butt...I mean, it is a nice one, but there was more emphasis on her looks in this movie. The Amazons wore two-piece armor so their bellies were exposed. But to be fair, Aquaman was shirtless so it kind of balances out. I like Ben Aflack as Bruce Wayne, but I'm not a fan of the Batman costume. It has no flexibility. I'm not sure he can even sit in that thing. He moves around like an action figure without any movable parts.

There were lots of great action scenes between the villain Steppenwolf (He has mommy issues.) and our Superheros. Thor: Ragnarok set the superhero movie bar kind of high for me and Justice League didn't quite reach it. But it looks great on the big screen so it is worth seeing.

*There are two extra scenes! Stay till all the credits are over :)

Don gives it 5 Sheep

Holly give is 4 Sheep

I give it 4 "REALLY competitive ice-dancing" Sheep

SharonS

KATIE'S REVIEW

I didn't get all the same warm fuzzes Sharon and fam did. Not at all. I wanted to. It just didn't happen. That really does make me sad too. I may not be a big DC fan BUT I do love heroes and hot guys with their shirts off. *swoon for Aquaman!*

This movie was missing a ton of pieces when it came to story-line. The Amazon gals looked weak sauce, acted weak and fought weak which that right there really bugged me. The team overall just did not work for me, Batman was totally different in this movie as in any other movie I have ever seen the character. Even Val Kilmer did a better job. The new Flash was cute but got annoying just as quickly. Cyborg was the only one I actually liked and was invested in.

The CGI left much to be desired, what the Hades happened! Overall, the movie was middle of the road. I wanted better. Expected better. Didn't happen. That's how it goes sometimes. 

Getting 2 and 1/2 Sheep 

KD  

Sheep Movie Review: Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) Spoiler-free

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

Sep 22, 2017
Directed By: Matthew Vaughn

Written By: Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn

Cast: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong (II), Halle Berry, Elton John

Rating: R (for sequences of strong violence, drug content, language throughout and some sexual material)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy
Studio: 20th Century Fox

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" introduced the world to Kingsman - an independent, international intelligence agency operating at the highest level of discretion, whose ultimate goal is to keep the world safe. In "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," our heroes face a new challenge. When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents' strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that's becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy.

Went to see Kingman: The Golden Circle with my husband and 16-year-old daughter. We all saw and loved the first movie and looked forward to this one. We weren't disappointed. While not a necessity, I suggest seeing Kingsman: The Secret Service before The Golden Circle. There are a few inside jokes that you won't get unless you do.

One problem with sequels is the need to out-do the first one. If a little is good, then more is better seems to be the studios' answer. And The Golden Circle does suffer from this a little. Especially with the quick changing camera angles during fight scenes. More is not better! But that is a minor complaint. The rest of the movie was campy, over-the-top fun like the first movie.

People forget Kingsman is a 2012 UK comic written by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, published by Icon Comics...an imprint of Marvel! And the movies keep the outlandish comic book feel. It has a super spy theme like James Bond, but with a strong roll-your-eyes comedy aspect. That is part of its charm.

Don't want to spoil, so not plot talk. But so many twists and surprises! Unfortunately, the trailer ruined one of the biggest. Oops!

The movie was made for the 3-D experience, but we saw it standard. It is worth catching on the big screen.

The whole family agrees on 4 1/2 "Golden" Sheep
(actually I wanted it to be: 4 1/2 best sheep I've had in three weeks)

SharonS

Movie Review: Wonder Woman (2017) No spoilers

Wonder Woman (2017)

Jun 2, 2017 Wide

Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of violence and action, and some suggestive content)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Directed By: Patty Jenkins
Written By: Allan Heinberg, Zack Snyder, Jason Fuchs
Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis 

Runtime: 141 minutes

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

An Amazon princess (Gal Gadot) finds her idyllic life on an island occupied only by female warriors interrupted when a pilot (Chris Pine) crash-lands nearby. After rescuing him, she learns that World War I is engulfing the planet, and vows to use her superpowers to restore peace. Directed by Patty Jenkins (Monster).

Well, that was awesome! DC has a winner with this one and those few that think a female superhero can't be a lead...there is the door.

Went to see this with my 16-year-old daughter (she actually turned 16 during the movie) and a school friend of hers. We all agreed the movie was worth seeing.

I was a little skeptical of DC's casting choice for Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot is absolutely beautiful, but not very Amazonian looking. She does an amazing job and I have no problem seeing her as the new Wonder Woman.

Going into the movie, the only things I knew about Wonder Woman's origin story I got from the Linda Carter TV days. I've never read a Wonder Woman comic. So I went in without any expectations, plot-wise. I love the mythos and the way it was presented. The little girl who played the young Diana was freaking adorable! And you really can't go wrong with Chris Pine. 

The subject matter (Nazis) is pretty heavy stuff and they don't shy away from showing the horrors of war, but it is handled well and there is well-written humor...much like the Marvel movies.

The special effects are fun and the movie is action packed and then some. There were some CGI fight scenes that could have been done better...it looked too much like a video game.

This is a must see for superhero movie fans.

P.S. The Justice League trailer has me foaming at the mouth! Just saying...Aquaman *drool*

All three of use give it 4 1/2 "Terrified and aroused" Sheep

SharonS

Book Review: The Chosen (Black Dagger Brotherhood #15) by J.R. Ward (no spoilers)

The Chosen (Black Dagger Brotherhood #15)

by J.R. Ward
April 4, 2017

Ballantine Books (Random House)
Pages: 544

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.

Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.

As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.

Layla knows that she can’t love Xcor, but can’t seem to help herself. She doesn’t know what to do to save him from a horrible death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Layla puts everything on the line to try and help him.

The chemistry between Xcor and Layla is incredible. You can’t decide whether you should hate him or cheer for him. Beware, there are some shockers ahead in this installment that you won’t believe! Ward’s books are so well thought out and written, it makes reading them such a pleasure. If you are a fan of this series don’t miss this installment. If you’ve never read the Black Dagger Brotherhood I highly suggest you do, you won’t be disappointed.

There were at least three side stories started in this book that didn’t go anywhere. My guess is that Ward was laying the groundwork for future stories, but it was slightly distracting since it pulled the focus from the main story and left you wondering what was going on with each of them. Hopefully, some of these stories will come sooner rather than later and won’t leave us hanging for long.

Getting 5 sheep

DeniseB

About the Author:
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J.R. Ward is the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series of vampire books. She is a winner of the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award for Best Paranormal Romance and is a multiple RITA nominee. A graduate of Smith College, she was a double major in History and Art History with a medieval concentration in both and she still longs at times for a return to those days sitting in dark lecture halls, looking at slides of old triptychs and reliquaries. Prior to becoming a full time writer, she was a corporate attorney, serving for many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard Medical Schools premier teaching sites. Her idea of absolute heaven is a day filled with nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot and the Brothers, of course.