Lenni Reviews: "Pathogen" by Jessica L. Webb

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is recommended 18+

In this second entry into the Kate Morrison Mystery Series, Dr. Morrison is tapped to solve a mystery surrounding a deadly viral outbreak in a rich little town called Hidden Valley. Working with her girlfriend; Sargent Andy Wyles, Kate scrambles to simultaneously treat her patients, find out how to stop the virus, deal with demanding rich people, and navigate her new relationship with Andy.

This is not the type of book I usually pick up as medical thrillers just aren't my thing but this time I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. I found the collection of smart, capable people to be a relief. There are ill meaning characters and a pretty annoying bully but nobody working to solve this problem is grossly incompetent. Sometimes a stupid character will be used for plot purposes but not here.

Andy and Kate are a true power couple; quick thinking, intuitive, and well-developed but I do feel I would have needed to read the first book to get the full impact of what happens between them. This is especially evident in the ending (which I will not spoil) where the combined events and stresses of both books impact the ending. And as this is an LGBT novel, there is a little smut but the soul of this book is the medical mystery. It may not be my usual fare but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 3.5 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "Taproot" by Keezy Young

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review

Hamal works at a flower shop but the owner and customers think he's crazy because he can hear, see, and speak to ghosts. This ability is bitter sweet as the ghost, Blue is his best friend and Blue is in love with Hamal. But lately, Blue has been unexpectedly vanishing and all the ghosts are afraid of what's going on.

I am such a fan of all these calm, multi-cultural, creative, and beautiful graphic novels I'm seeing these days. The cool, soft color palette and relaxed writing make this story about an accidental necromancer an amazing and wonderful read. Even when dealing with death, reapers, and ghosts, Taproot never takes itself too seriously; remaining sweet and grounded the entire time. I was a little confused because the terms 'necromancer' and 'ghost hunter' are used interchangeably when I'd always believed them to be very different things. Perhaps if given more time to develop, we could get Hamal's powers clearly defined, learn where they came from, and get some backstory on the other ghosts around him. As it stands, this book was an overall pleasure. 4 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "Tea Dragon Society" by Katie O'Neil

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review

When she finds an injured tea dragon in the marketplace, young Greta - who is a blacksmith's apprentice - returns the magical creature to its owner and learns the nearly forgotten art of crafting tea from the delicate leaves growing from the tea dragon's bodies.

I found this to be the most refreshing fantasy comic I have read in a long time. The story Greta through 4 seasons as she meets Minette; a seer who has lost her memory, Hesekiel; one of the last remaining tea masters, and his partner Erik; a former adventurer who is now a paraplegic.

There are no grand adventures, no epic battles; just a little girl who finds a dragon and makes some friends. A delightfully progressive slice of life story with simple and beautiful art, about the only thing I can legitimately complain about is there isn't enough of this. If this was a webcomic or a series, I would be reading it all the time. It's very rare for me to find something so lighthearted yet well done and I find it perfect. 5 out of 5.

The Hard Place #1 (Review)

Reviewed By Justin D Williams

After five years in prison, AJ Gurney, a legendary wheelman in Detroit, has decided it’s time to go straight. He returns home to work in his father’s garage and disappear into anonymity. But during a visit to the bank, AJ is recognized by two violent bank robbers, and they demand AJ be their getaway driver. To ensure his compliance, they take a young female hostage; unfortunately, she happens to be the daughter of a Russian crime lord. AJ now finds himself pursued by a bitter police department and hunted by every asset of the Russian mob. Without a doubt, he’s in a very hard place. 

The Hard Place was a pleasant surprise from start to finish. It is a comic book grounded in reality and this could literally be anybody who has taken the wrong side of the law. One thing I like about The Hard Place is the main character AJ Gurney. AJ has just finished serving a five year sentence and is really trying to get his life in order. He feels regret and remorse about his decisions and really wants out of the life. Issue 1 gives enough characterization on AJ for you to actually cheer for him. He is a likable guy who just made some really poor decisions and is trying to own up to them. However the life is a very hard thing to avoid as he is thrown back into by unfortunate circumstances. Issue 1 was an enjoyable read with some great character moments. The art style fits the tone and I like the use of color. One thing that has me waiting for issue 2 is the gangster that AJ owe a debt too. We don't get much of him but the what we do see is he is vicious and wants respect. I'm curious to see where this arc will lead.

Final Grade 4 out 5 Stars. 

Fathom Events Batman And Harley Review

Hey O&G fans, we got a chance to check out fathom eventsscreening Batman and Harley Quinn with a Harley Featurette after the movie. The NYC 14th Street Regal Union Square was packed with both Batman and Harley Quinn fans.

There are legions of DC Animated movie fans and Batman and Harley Quinn did not disappoint! The film features a stellar cast with  The Big Bang Theory star Melissa Rauch voicing Harley Quinn for the first time. THE VOICE of Batman, Kevin Conroy  reprising his role from Batman the animated series and Loren Lester as Nightwing rounding out our cast of heroes. Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds) and Kevin Michael Richardson (The Cleveland Show) provide the voices of the villainous duo of Poison Ivy & Jason Woodrue. Sam Liu (Batman: The Killing Joke) directed the film from an original story by Bruce Timm (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) with a teleplay written by Timm & Jim Krieg (Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox). Co-Producer is Alan Burnett (The Batman). Executive Producers are Sam Register and Bruce Timm. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are Executive Producers.

FILM REVIEW

This was a more comedic take on DC Animated movies and for me it was done very well. Melissa Raunch was an awesome Harley Quinn! She really bought out the Brooklyn in Harley's voice while keeping true to the character. Batman is always voiced brilliantly by Kevin Conroy, but this film showed more of his comedic side while still trying to be the normal serious brooding Batman.

The story centers on Poison Ivy (Paget Brewster) and the Floronic Man (Kevin Michael Richardson) teaming up to transform all life on Earth into plant hybrids by using the research that Alec Holland created before he became Swamp Thing. This is more of film about Harley trying to change her life and be a bit more heroic. It also reinstates the deep friendship that Harley and PIOSON IVY have. The film if filled with a lot of crude humor and fart jokes (and literal farts). We also get a musical number from Harley in what looks like a Batman 1966 hideout with villain henchman included.

Over all the movie was pretty good with a few bumps in the story, but definitely a film true Batman and Harley fans should go see. I want to again thanks Fathom Events for the Invite and a Chance to see this DC animated movie.

by Sean Tucker

Lenni Reviews: "Jackass" vol 1 by Scarlet Beriko

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Keisuke lives with his sister boisterous sister, Akiko, and walks to school with his best friend Katsumi. Katsumi is openly gay and scandalously dating the school nurse and Keisuke finds this out when he accidentally stumbles upon them kissing in the nurses' office. Akiko's pantyhose had gotten tangled up in Keisuke's school uniform so Shinoda, Keisuke's best friend, offers to cover for him by taking him to the nurses' office but when Shinoda sees Keisuke's runner's legs in the pantyhose, he can't help but touch them. But what starts off as simple touching turns to more for Keisuke.

This is a very sexy friends to lovers story with asides to some other relationships; including a boy who bullies Katsumi for being gay who of course is doing so because he has a crush. All the conflicts are handled logically and nothing ever blows up into horrid dramatics; like the whole school turning on Katsumi because he's in a relationship with a staff member. And for an uke, Katsumi is a strong, assertive character. He may be young and sweet but when backed into a corner, Katsumi doesn't wait for a savior. Things play out in ways where you can see real people making these decisions.

The art is well done and all the sex scenes are so detailed you will blush while reading. And all the encounters are CONSENSUAL! So, you actually can connect with these pairings and want to see them happy. Great manga, despite being a little confusing when it starts out. 3.7 out of 5 and keep em coming!

This title is scheduled for release on October 10th, 2017 from SuBLime.

Lenni Reviews: "Lost Boys" vol 1 by Tim Seeley

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is best for mature audiences

In the follow up to the 1987 movie, we meet the Emmerson Brothers Sam and Michael. After defeating the vampire monster, Max and his buddied, the brothers thought their lives would go back to normal. But a coven of female vampires calling themselves the Blood Belles targets them for revenge and their lives are once again overturned with blood and violence.

Before we get into it, I have to admit I was not the biggest fan of the original movie. I didn't dislike it but I didn't feel the need to watch it more than once; which always shocks people who learn I write vampire fiction. After refreshing my memory, I found this book enjoyable. It picks up right where the movie left off, ups the stakes (no pun intended) and tells an entertaining story. The color palette and art are perfect for this genre to keep the mood haunting and dark. The character Believer had me rolling my eyes with his over the top speeches but otherwise, this book is cool. If you like vampires and love the movie, I think this is worth the read. I give it a solid 3.8 out of 5.

Armed Response Review

Reviewed by Justin D Williams

A team of special forces soldiers approach the designer of a high-tech military compound to investigate the disappearance of another team guarding the facility. The compound, known professionally as a Temple, is an artificial intelligence powered facility designed for interrogating high level prisoners. Upon entering the Temple, the soldiers quickly find the earlier team horrifically slaughtered but no evidence as to who is responsible. Almost immediately, the crew begins to experience strange and horrific supernatural phenomena as they attempt to uncover who killed the previous team. Soon enough, they find a lone survivor, a dangerous terrorist who may hold the key to who killed the soldiers. But as the story goes on, we'll learn that there's more to it than we've been told and a dark secret the soldiers share may hold the key to surviving The Temple.