Film Premier - Ink

The independent film Ink, by Double Edge Films, will be premiering at the Santa Barbara Film Festival at the end of this month. If you're in the area stop by and see it! Here are the dates and times:

Ink 23 Jan (Fri) 10:15pm Metro 4 Theatre IV
Ink 29 Jan (Thu) 10:00pm Lobero Theatre
Ink 30 Jan (Fri) 10:15pm Metro 4 Theatre IV

Ink - Synopsis
As the light fades and the city goes to sleep, two forces emerge. They are invisible to us except for the power they exert over us in our sleep. These two groups battle for our souls through our dreams. One force supports our hopes and gives us strength through good dreams. The other force leads us toward desperation through our nightmares.

There are other forces in the world we don’t know. One of these is the brutal mercenary named Ink. Ink is on a mission for those who give the nightmares though he has his own unknown purposes.

Tonight as the city sleeps, the 8-year-old Emma awakens in the dream world. Before she can catch her breath, she is ripped from her sleeping body by Ink.

The fight is on for Emma’s life, as Ink pulls her through the many dimensions of the dreamworld. To save her, the dream-givers marshal all their resources. They focus in the real world on winning back the soul of Emma’s tragically broken father, trying to pull him out of his ever-increasing downward spiral.

The motion picture Ink is the allegorical story of good and evil and those trapped in between. No matter how safe you feel, evil may find you. But no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible.

Crew:
Writer/Director - Jamin Winans
Producer - Kiowa K. Winans
Director of Photography - Jeff Pointer

Cast:
Chris Kelly -as- John Sullivan
Quinn Hunchar -as- Emma Sullivan
Jessica Duffy -as- Liev
Jennifer Batter -as- Alliel
Jeremy Make -as- Jacob
Eme Ikwuakor -as- Gabe
Shelby Malone -as- Sarah


Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Evil Ways by Justin Gustainis

Evil Ways
Morris and Chastain Investigations, Book 2
Justin Gustainis
Solaris
December 30, 2008
ISBN# 978-1-84416-593-3

Book Blurb:
Supernatural investigator Quincey Morris and his partner Libby Chastain, investigate a series of murders where white witches are being hunted and killed - and Libby may be next on the list. From Iraq to America, a trail of clues is pointing to eccentric billionaire, Walter Grobius, a man fascinated with a devastating evil that can be traced back to biblical times. Morris and Chastain find themselves in their most epic case as they look to prevent the apocalypse from being released.

Evil Ways continues the electrifying new series of supernatural thrillers following the exploits of investigators Quincey Morris and Libby Chastain.

My thoughts:
Quincey Morris is about to find out that his recent investigation is tied to a much larger problem, and the evidence that was destroyed may have been a help in solving it. FBI agents Fenton and O’Donnell need Quincey’s help. Refusing is not an option.

Libby Chastain is in trouble of the deadly kind, because someone has sent their thugs to kill her. It’s soon apparent that white witches across the country are being targeted, and the trail leads in the same direction as the FBI’s case. The evil that’s growing has special plans, and Libby is at the top of its list.

This is the second installment in the Morris and Chastain Investigations series. Mr. Gustainis does a fabulous job of drawing the readers in with a solid storyline and likeable characters. Evil Ways has a fast pace, steady action, and a climax that’s worth every word read to reach it. The duo of Quincey and Libby has a chemistry that will keep fans eagerly awaiting their next investigative adventure.

To learn more about Evil Ways, please visit the website of Mr. Gustainis: HERE

You can read a recent Q & A with Mr. Gustainis: HERE

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts by Laura Benedict

Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts
Laura Benedict
Ballantine
December 30, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-345-49769-7

Book blurb:
Alice, Roxanne, and Del have been best friends since childhood-a childhood full of silly games, growing pains, and a hint of the kind of cruelty that only young girls know. Now, Alice's marriage is over, her husband having a child with another woman. Roxanne, an artist, is losing touch with everyone who cares for her-and perhaps with reality. And Del is soldiering through, but her friends see a dark cloud gathering in her eyes.

The instrument of their destruction is a single enigmatic man-Varick. Seemingly summoned from the air, the strikingly handsome Varick is a lonely woman's dream come true. But as Varick seduces the women in turn, their lives become unrecognizable to them. But where has he come from? And what does he want? His secret lies buried in their shared past. One simple, childish act has brought them, all these years later, to a place where not only their lives are at risk, but so are their souls. For once upon a time, the three friends agreed to tell a lie-one that ruined the life of a young priest. Defrocked, destitute, and ruined, he hoped with the whole of his shattered heart that he would get revenge. And in that hope he shook hands with the one who promised it. The devil himself. Varick. And now they all must live with the consequences. . . .

My thoughts:
The lives of Alice, Del and Roxanne are coming undone. Friends since school, these women have shared their ups and downs in life, as well as a few dark secrets. Now the things they did as young teens are coming back at them with a vengeance so strong that one by one their lives will be destroyed. A dark presence from the past pulls the strings, and once he’s begun nothing will stop him.

Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts is a dance with the devil that lands on the side of horror. From taboo elements to dark action in the storyline, Ms. Benedict blurs reality and keeps readers enthralled with deadly revenge until the surprising end. This book is not the paranormal romance you may mistake it for, and should appeal to readers who enjoy escaping with a bit of horror.

To learn more about Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts, please visit Ms. Benedict’s website: Here

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Night Huntress by Yasmine Galenorn

Night Huntress
Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon, Book 5
Yasmine Galenorn
Berkley
January 6, 2009
ISBN# 978-0-425-22546-2

Book Blurb:
We're the D'Artigo sisters: sexy, savvy operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But being half-human, half-Fae means our supernatural talents always go haywire at the wrong time. My sister Camille is a wicked good witch who attracts men like honey attracts flies. Menolly's a vampire who's still getting the hang of being undead. And me? I'm Delilah, a werecat who's been marked by the Autumn Lord as one of his Death Maidens. And wouldn't you know it, Karvanak--the demon general who stole the third Spirit Seal--is back. And this time, he's out for blood...

The Hags of Fate enjoy seeing me squirm. First, my boyfriend, Chase, mutters another woman's name in his sleep. Then I discover the Autumn Lord has a very special plan for me. But things go from bad to deadly when Karvanak--the Rāksasa--returns. In order to get his greedy hands on both the fourth Spirit Seal and his former associate, Vanzir, he kidnaps Chase. Now, we have to find a way to rescue the man I love without risking the safety of both Otherworld and Earth...

My thoughts:
Delilah D’Artigo has a lot on her mind, and more so after her lover Chase says another woman’s name at the worst possible time. As a werecat, and the only living subject tied to the Autumn Lord, she’s gained some new gifts she has yet to master.

Chase is kidnapped by Karvanak to ransom for a Spirit Seal and Vanzir, a demon who is now allied with the sisters. Delilah will learn to rely on her instincts and stand with her sisters and friends in their latest battle, and hope that their combined strengths will bring them all home alive.

This is the fifth book in the Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon series and centers on Delilah D’Artigo. Ms. Galenorn takes the meekest of her trio to a new level as the werecat discovers her strength and lets nothing stop her from reaching her goal. Love and betrayal play large roles in Night Huntress, and as the story unfolds the action will sweep fans along for this fast-moving ride. While each sexy story in the Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon series is focused on one of the sisters, it’s best read from the beginning.

To learn more about Night Huntress, please visit Ms. Galenorn’s website: HERE

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Grasping for the Wind (The LinkUp Meme Song)

If you haven't already had a listen, you really should stop by the Sci Fi Songs blog and see what John Anealio has done. :)

You'll find Grasping for the Wind (The LinkUp Meme Song) on the Sci Fi Songs Blog: HERE

How awesome is that?

You can see the Book Reviewers LinkUp Meme by visiting the Grasping for the Wind website: HERE

See the Crochety Old Fan blog reviews of review blogs/sites: HERE

Review - Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Veil of Midnight
The Midnight Breed, Book 5
Lara Adrian
Dell
December 30, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-440-24449-3

Book Blurb:
Bound by blood, addicted to danger, they'll enter the darkest—and most erotic—place of all.

A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man—vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability—a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence—a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness…and pleasure beyond imagining.

A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed—and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond—and a passion that could save or doom them both forever.…

My thoughts:
Renata is a Breedmate working for Sergei Yakut, a Gen One vampire who makes his own rules. In addition to her psychic ability that can render even the mightiest of warriors defenseless, Renata has combat skills that were hard earned on the streets. Now she finds that she has more to protect than herself, a young girl with an amazing psychic ability that the wrong men with power are willing to pay to possess.

Nikolai is a warrior for the Order, and is searching for Yakut when he first meets Renata. He hopes to gain Yakut’s cooperation in discovering who is killing off the Gen One vampires, but it’s clear from the beginning that Niko’s presence is far from welcome.

When Niko finds himself in a dire situation, it’s Renata he’s forced to rely on. In turn they must trust each other in order to save young Mira and to ensure that each of them survives.

This is the fifth installment in the Midnight Breed series and tells the story of Niko and Renata. Ms. Adrian shares a tale that clearly defines the good and bad in her world of vampires. Veil of Midnight is a well-told addition to the series, and mixes the introduction of new characters with continued contact with those whom readers have previously become familiar with. The suspense and mystery are well-paced, and a new romance adds just the right chemistry to keep fans coming back for more of the same from this engaging storyline.

To learn more about Veil of Midnight, please visit Ms. Adrian’s website: HERE

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Happy New Year

Review - One More Bite by Jennifer Rardin

One More Bite
Jaz Parks, Book 5
Jennifer Rardin
Orbit Books
January 5, 2009
ISBN# 978-0-316-02209-5

Book Blurb:
It's Jaz Parks. I've already smoked the guy who was the pain in the CIA's you-know-what for the past few years. But now, in the power vacuum left by the death of Edward "The Raptor" Samos, a struggle for supremacy has begun between his former allies: The Flock, The Valencian Weres and the Coven of Inverness.

The CIA feels the balance must be maintained. So when an agent planted among the Weres discovers a plot to assassinate the Coven's leader, I and my vampire hottie (and boss), Vayl, are brought in to take out the woman hired to do the deed, a killer who might be as wily and Gifted as ourselves.

So it's off to the Scottish Highlands for some twisted fun among murderers, demons and half-crazed relatives. Sometimes being a top-secret CIA assassin isn't all it's cracked up to be.

My thoughts:
After ridding the world of The Raptor, the team finds that one of the groups he had allied himself with is making a play to gain power over another. Jaz Parks, along with Vayl and Cole, are sent to Scotland to prevent a hit on the Inverness coven leader from taking place.

With little to go on but a name, the team arrives just in time for a ghost convention and uses it for their cover. Little did they know that in the midst of their investigation, ghosts would become the biggest threat around.

This is the fifth book in the Jaz Parks series, and quickly became a favorite for me among them. Ms. Rardin adds more to the complexity of emotions between her characters and to their world with each book. One More Bite offers a fast paced paranormal adventure that travels to the castles of Scotland and leaves readers with a whole new outlook on ghostly possibilities. For a good understanding of the Jaz Parks series, readers should start with book one. You really don’t want to miss a word.

To learn more about One More Bite, please visit Ms. Rardin’s website: HERE

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews