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Book Review: Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, Vol 2

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, Vol 2

Author: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu     

Publisher: Seven Seas

American release date: May 17, 2022

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/LGBTQ+/Fantasy Romance/412 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Cultivators Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan are seeking to solve the mystery of the left arm that wreaked so much havoc at the Mo Estate. To that end, they are traveling together. They find themselves in Yi City, a strange place that seems largely uninhabited. They have been led there by a blind female spirit. To their surprise, they encounter a group of young cultivators , including Wei’s nephew Jin Ling.  Circumstances force them to seek shelter in an inhabited building. Wei makes them eat congee that he cooks for them, in order to combat the effects of the poisonous fog that has overtaken the town.

They are joined by another living person. When Wei sees his sword, he recognizes it, and realizes this is none other than Xiao Xingchen! But how has he become blind? There must be quite a story here, indeed! Xiao Xingchen was once a highly regarded cultivator who wished to start a sect with his best friend Song Lan. But he had disappeared mysteriously a long time before, never to be seen or heard from again. Unfortunately, as they soon learn, this man is not Xiao Xingchen at all, but Xue Yang! He flees, with Lan Zhan in hot pursuit.

Wei and the young ones follow the blind spirit to the charitable mortuary, where they discover a body in a coffin. Could this be the real Xiao Xingchen? Wei decides to use Empathy on the girl in hopes of learning their stories, and how they all came to be here, including Song Lan and Xue Yang.

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan present their suspicions of who is behind the dismembered corpse to Lan Xichen, but naturally he doesn’t wish to believe them. So they must investigate further on their own. Wei projects himself into a little paper doll and sends it to enter the private rooms of Jim Guangyao, but he seems more than he bargained for, and almost fails to escape capture. Their suspicions are confirmed, but can they prove the man’s duplicity? A confrontation takes place, during which Wei Wuxian’s identity is revealed. He is forced to run, but is surprised when Lan Zhan chooses to go with him.

Even as we travel with Wei and Lan Zhan in the present, we take deep dives into the past lives of other people, as well as our heroes. The intricate tale told by A-Qing, involving Xiao Xingchen, Song Lan, and Xue Lang is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Also the story of how Meng Yao became Jin Guangyao. Everything is told so well, it’s hard to put the book down. I especially loved the story of Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian and the headband. Although I saw it in the series, I didn’t realize the significance of what happened, and it opened my eyes even wider to Lan Zhan. Still waters run deep indeed.

Great volume, already loving the third one!

Wednesday Briefs: October 11, 2023

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Here is a list of all the authors flashing this week, along with a brief snippet from their latest free work. Click the link after the snippet to be taken to the complete story on the author’s home page.

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #90 (19.2) by Julie Lynn Hayes

I admit that there are times when I can be somewhat oblivious to the world around me, especially when I’m with Ethan. But even I couldn’t help but notice that we were not headed in the direction I had assumed we’d be traveling. I shot Ethan a confused glance. “Aren’t we going home?”

Ethan didn’t answer immediately, which sent a chill creeping down my spine. Was something wrong that I was unaware of? What now? Hadn’t we

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Saturday is Horror Day #134 – The Sadness

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Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

The Sadness

After a year of combating a relatively mild pandemic, known as the Alvin virus, citizens are skeptical and become careless in taking precautions. Kat (Regina Lei) and Jim (Berant Zhu) had planned a week-long get-away, and Kat becomes upset when Jim tells her he has to work a shoot that week. He is sorry, but work is hard to get.  A discontented Kat heads to work.

Thanks to people’s negligence, the virus unexpectedly mutates, and the result is catastrophic. Blood and

violence erupt as those who are infected begin to rampage, the virus escalating the need for violence, including sexual assault.

While riding the subway, Kat is harassed by a businessman who won’t leave her alone. And as the virus begins to affect those around them, he becomes one of the casualties, releasing inner demons. And he is determined to have Kat. After great bloodshed, Kat escapes the subway and heads to the nearest hospital with a wounded young woman, Molly (Ying-Ru Chen). It’s closed but the two women are admitted so Molly can get treatment.

Jim and Kat text one another, and Kat gives Jim her location. He vows to get to her, to protect her. The question is, will she survive until he can arrive? And can he reach her in one piece with blood and mayhem everywhere?

The Sadness is a different take on a zombie film, with the infected having their limbic system invaded, crossing violence and sexuality in a horrific way. I have to warn you, this is not for everyone. There is a great deal of blood and sexual violence. Some may be triggered. It is riveting, as you wonder how it will turn out, and will this couple find their way to one another? Also, how will this carnage end? I think it was worth watching. I’ll give this film 4 Stars.

Book Review: Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, Vol 1 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, Vol 1     

Author: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

Publisher: Seven Seas

American release date: December 14, 2021

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/LGBTQ+/Fantasy Romance/396 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Wei Wuxian once had it all. He grew up at Lotus Pier, having been found abandoned on the streets and taken in by Jiang Fengmian. Wei, whose birth name is Wei Ying, was raised alongside siblings Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli. Handsome and intelligent, Wei was taught the ways of the cultivator, learning to not only use his sword, but how to manipulate qi and how to use his flute as a weapon. He was also fun-loving and irreverent, and he was wont to speak his mind, a habit which did not sit well with all. Especially a certain member of the Lan clan of Gusu – Lan Zhan, also known Hanguang-jun. Lan Zhan is highly renowned among cultivators, and greatly esteemed, as well as also being very handsome and talented. But as far as temperament, he is the opposite of Wei, being very reserved and somewhat stand-offish.

Wei and Lan Zhan are thrown together when the clans send their young cultivators to Cloud Recesses, the home of the Lan clan, for training. Wei is easily bored by the tedious studies and the many clan rules, especially the no liquor rule. He doesn’t hesitate to break those rules when he sees fit, and never seems to take his studies seriously. It comes as no surprise he would come into conflict with Lan Zhan.

However, due to circumstances not of his making, Wei, also known as the Yiling Patriarch becomes notorious for his demonic cultivation, and when he is killed, no one seems to mourn his passing. There has been too much water under that bridge, so to speak. Well, perhaps one person mourns. Sixteen years pass, and a tortured young man named Mo Xuanyu, whose life has been one of torment because of the circumstances of his birth, decides to exact a steep revenge. His plan is to call down the soul of a dead villain into his body and have it carry out that revenge on his horrible family. But for this to happen there is a terrible price to be paid, one which he willingly accepts – he sacrifices his own soul.

And so Wei Wuxian awakes to find himself in the body of Mo Xuanyu – and with a job to do. Assuming he can navigate this new world without being discovered and killed again. What if he runs into people he once knew, a not unlikely possibility. Will anyone recognize him? Will he be killed again? And will one person in particular know who he really is?

The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation books are the inspiration for the Chinese drama The Untamed. It is beautifully written and very compelling. Having already seen the Untamed and fallen in love with it, I was excited to learn about the book, which only fleshed out the characters in ways the series was unable to. The books themselves are beautiful, and contain many wonderful illustrations. At the back of the book is a great deal of useful information, including characters, locations, pronunciation of certain words, and more.  Now that I am up to volume 3, I have started to rewatch the series again.

What this comes down to is a romance between two souls. Twin flames, if you will, who seem forever drawn to one another no matter the circumstances. Now I see more clearly how Lan Zhan is able to recognize Wei Wuxian, even after sixteen years of thinking him dead, and despite a sixteen year search for him. Wei has much to learn of what transpired during his absence, and the repercussions of some of his actions. He has a nephew he’s never met, and a brother who hates him. Then there is the Ghost General, Wen Ning, who will respond whenever Wei calls him.

As Wei and Lan Zhan investigate the mysterious disembodied left arm that wreaked havoc at the Mo Estate, they wind up in the mysterious Yi City. Much occurs there, but this volume ends on a cliffhanger, to be continued in the next. This is such a riveting tale, and so universal. How can you not love it? I certainly do.

Wednesday Briefs: October 4, 2023

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Here is a list of all the authors flashing this week, along with a brief snippet from their latest free work. Click the link after the snippet to be taken to the complete story on the author’s home page.

Broken Path, Starless Tail: Chapter Twenty-six by Cia Nordwell
 
The one-eyed-winking windbag, as Beckett dubbed him in his mind, looked like a tube that had been unrolled, then inflated partway. Lumpy, with no real defined shape, it still filled the entire archway that appeared to have a set of stairs leading down into a squat stone building. Every time the thing breathed out of holes on either side of its eye, it emitted a cloud of… something foul into the air with a greenish tinge. The mix of cooked broccoli and three week old gym socks made Beckett gag and then have to swallow down a thin stream of
 
 

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Saturday is Horror Day #133 – The Eternal Daughter, Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort

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Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

The Eternal Daughter

Julie Hart (Tilda Swinton) and her elderly mother return to an eerily almost deserted hotel which was once their former home in order to find answers to unanswered questions. The hotel receptionist (Carly-Sophia Davies) is unpleasant at best, and not very cooperative. It doesn’t take long for the hotel to get to Julie, and she isn’t sure how much of it she can take.

I normally don’t read reviews before I watch something so that I can make up my own mind about a film.

In this cast, I wish I had made an exception to that rule. This is not a good movie, despite having Tilda Swinton in a double role, as both Julie and her mother. I suspected the truth from the outset and was proven correct at the end. What came in between beginning and end was not very scary nor interesting. In fact it wasn’t much of anything at all. My advice is to avoid this at all costs. I’ll give it 1 Star, just for Tilda.

Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort

An unexpected inheritance of a resort hotel in the middle-of-nowhere West Virginia brings Danny (Anthony Ilott) and his friends to investigate the windfall. The resort is being managed by Jackson (Chris Jarvis) and his sister Sally (Sadie Katz), who welcome their newly found kin with open arms. There is some confusion as to the relationship between Jackson and Sally, since she slides between calling him brother, husband, and cousin. But hey, it’s West Virginia, so some people have a different definition of family.

Danny’s girlfriend Toni (Aqueela Zoll) isn’t sure she likes this place, nor Danny’s new kinfolk. Especially Sally.  But if she could read Sally’s mind, she would like her even less. Strange things began to happen and people are getting hurt. And they begin to discover that maybe there are other people here who are, let’s say less than normal. Toni wants to leave, but Danny is adamant that he wants to get to know his family better, and they him (especially Sally). But at what price?

Well, I managed to finish watching this one, which is more than I can say for the three that came before it, which should tell you something. I sit great cinema? No, but it’s done fairly well considering the writing and the horrible plot. I think part of the reason it is better is that there are fewer of the inbred freaks, and the two family members with the most interaction appear deceptively normal. Jackson is even considered by some of the older female guests as very charming and attractive and they like to attract his attention in silly ways. Even if that attraction turns deadly.

Once again, I could have done without the gratuitous sex scenes, but whatever. If that’s your cup of tea, so be it. If you like cannibalism and gore, you might enjoy this. There is one more in the series (as of this writing0 and I read somewhere it was good, so I guess I’ll let you know when I watch it. In the meantime, I’ll give this film 2 Stars.

Book Review: Skip Beat!, Vol 18 by Yoshiki Nakamura

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Skip Beat! Vol 18       

Author: Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date:  May 5,  2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/shojo manga/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

It’s been a while since Kyoko was given a job from the Love Me Section. What with her continuing success in obtaining acting roles, she’s a little surprised to be chosen for just such a job. Especially when she learns she’ll be helping a Japanese actor who moved to the States and went Hollywood years ago, but has returned. Koo Hizuri is his name. She also doesn’t know that he is Ren’s father. But Lory knows that. What is the President up to?

That’s the same question Ren is wondering when Lory told him Koo was coming back to Japan. President knows the state of their relationship, or rather lack thereof. Although Kyoko tries her best (she thinks she was requested because Koo wants a certain style of cooking), the actor is difficult, to put it mildly. But when he disrespects Ren, he’s gone too far and Kyoko lashes out (Koo played the original role that Ren is playing in Dark Moon). But the next day, Kyoko returns and apologizes, determined to do her best to carry out her assignment, no matter what.

When Kyoko receives a call about possible job offers, she hesitates, not wanting to be typecast in bully roles because of the way she played Mio. But Koo quickly sets her straight and lets her know the proper way to handle things. He tells her she needs to challenge herself, make each role different even if it’s similar. To stretch herself as an actress. He gives her an assignment and sends her home to work on it. She is to create a character, one that is completely alien to her…she’s going to play his son! How diabolical is that?

Ren, having learned that Kyoko has been assigned to Koo, runs into her as she is in a funk about how she is going to play a boy. Ren is already concerned, wondering what Lory is playing at, but her demeanor only gives him more to worry about. Not one to complain, she assures him all is well, because she doesn’t want to stress him out by leaning on him. She shows up the next day, ready to do as asked, and using the name Koo gave her to use – Kuon. The plot thickens indeed!

Ren phones Lory to ask what he is about, and he plays innocent. But things go from bad to worse when Ren and his manager run into what appears to be a young person, only to discover it’s Kyoko. At least they think it is. She looks nothing like herself. And she is acting nothing like herself. What the heck is going on? And then, the moment Ren had dreaded, arrives…

This volume of Skip Beat! is really really awesome. So much going on here. The father who abandoned Ren for his career is back. Not that Ren wants anything to do with him. But the President has embroiled Kyoko in this mess. Why? Because he has told Koo that if he attacks Kyoko enough, she will eventually break and go to Ren. And when she does, Ren will come out in full force! That’s the only way he will get to see his son and he knows it.

I just love this series so much. Character development is off the chain! I love how Lory stresses out playing a dating sim game lol Kyoko is displaying so much more talent than when she began. She is definitely going places. My question is – when will she learn the truth about Ren, what will she do with the knowledge that he and Corn are the same and he’s always known it… and can they get past it?

Another great volume, can’t wait for the next!

Saturday is Horror Day #132 – Skinamarink

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Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Skinamarink

Kevin (Lucas Paul) and his little sister Kaylee (Dali Rose Tetreault) find themselves suddenly alone in the middle of the night, their parents nowhere to be seen. To make matters worse, the doors and windows of the house have all vanished.

Skinarmarink is an atmospheric horror film by writer/director Kyle Edward Ball. Everything takes place within the confines of one family’s home. No lights are turned on, so the action is perceived through the darkness. The children have to cope with their new reality, especially after they realize they are not alone.

This movie is not necessary for everyone. Not a great deal happens, in that the children try to go about

their lives. At the same time, it is totally creepy, especially as the disembodied voice begins to show its control of and dominance over the children. Themes regarding childhood fears of abandonment and helplessness are brought to the fore. Ball has a unique voice and style, and I would like to see more of what he can do. I’ll give this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: September 20, 2023

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Here is a list of all the authors flashing this week, along with a brief snippet from their latest free work. Click the link after the snippet to be taken to the complete story on the author’s home page.

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #87 (18.3) by Julie Lynn Hayes

That night I dreamed about Eva June. Probably the of Chip, not to mention the baby gator, had brought everything to the forefront of my mind in a jumbled cachopany of memories… with a little extra embellishment.  In my dreams, Ethan and I were back where we’d found her lifeless mangled body behind the restaurant where we’d been supposed to meet her. But in my dream, when we threw open the car door, she floated out from the driver’s seat, cackling in a most hideous manner.

“Are you happy now?” she said to me in an accusary tone. “I know you never liked me, did you? You were always so mean to me. Can’t a girl have a little fun without your making fun of her?”

I turned and tried to run,

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Saturday is Horror Day #131 – Saw II

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Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Saw II

Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg) has a troubled relationship with his son Daniel (Erik Knudsen). The rebellious boy is acting up and getting into trouble. Eric Matthews gets mad at him and yells at him to leave if he wants to so the boy does. Eric finds himself investigating a murder with his partner Kerry (Dina Meyer), but there’s a twist – the killer has left a personal message for the detective. What is going on?

The victim was someone Matthews knew, although facial recognition was impossible due to the way the

man died. But he recognized his unique tattoos and knows he was someone he once put away. Matthews reaches out to his son, to no avail, but soon finds himself immersed in the case as it becomes obvious the killer is none other than Jigsaw. Acting on certain evidence, they locate John Kramer (Tobin Bell), and it seems like a slam dunk…but, of course, it isn’t. The detectives discover a bank of monitors which reveal several people on camera who are trapped together somewhere…including Matthews’ son Daniel. Kramer explains about the nerve gas that is slowly killing them if they don’t get out within a certain period of time. But he says if the detective is patient and waits, he will get what he wants. Of course, Matthews chooses otherwise. Let the games begin…

The second installment of the Saw series is every bit as bloody as the first, maybe more so. And there are definite twists you won’t see coming, including a previous location. The first death in this film was memorable to me, as I looked at what needed to be done and realized I would just have to die too, I couldn’t do what it would take to get free.

I absolutely love this series, but I know it isn’t for everyone. The scene with the pit filled with needles made me cringe. I don’t think I would have the nerve to go into that. Looking forward to rewatching the rest and also the tenth Saw that is coming out at the end of September. I give this film 4.5 Stars.