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Books Science Fiction

Hostile Ground by Sally Malcolm and Laura Harper

Stargate SG1-25: Hostile Ground (Apocalypse Series, #1) by Sally Malcolm and Laura Harper

Hostile Ground - Stargate SG-1 - Sally Malcolm and Laura HarperThe description for Hostile Ground

In this first book in the Apocalypse Series, authors Sally Malcolm (SG1: Cost of Honor and Matter of Honor and SGA: Rising) and Laura Harper (co-author of SG1: Sunrise with Sally Malcolm – under the name JF Crane) take SG-1 on a journey to hell – and only time will tell if they can come back.

Watch your step…

It was meant to be an easy mission, a walk in the park. But SG-1’s first trip off-world after Colonel O’Neill’s return from Edora (STARGATE SG-1: One Hundred Days) proves to be anything but easy.

Tapped for a covert assignment, O’Neill must conceal the truth from his team at all costs. So when Dr Daniel Jackson is injured and the mission begins to go awry, tensions quickly reach a breaking point. Stranded on a hostile planet, and desperate to find a way home before it’s too late, O’Neill leads his fractured team on a desperate journey across a barren and forsaken world.

Faced with an enemy more vicious than anything they’ve encountered before, only SG-1’s strength as a unit will keep them alive — if the secret O’Neill is hiding doesn’t tear them apart first…

You can find Hostile Ground at most online book stores.

There’s also the complete list of the Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis books.

Categories
Books Science Fiction

Two Roads by Geonn Cannon

Stargate SG1-24: Two Roads by Geonn Cannon

Two Roads - Stargate SG-1 - Geonn CannonThe Book Description

The spoils of war

The Goa’uld have been defeated, and the Jaffa are free. In the power vacuum left behind, the dark underbelly of the galaxy is fighting over the spoils.

Among these thieves and rogues is Vala Mal Doran, on the trail of the fabulous treasure left behind by the System Lord Kali.

But Vala is not the only one seeking the hoard. Back at Stargate Command, Dr Daniel Jackson has made a horrifying discovery — a doomsday device designed to exterminate the Jaffa who have dared to defy their gods.

Kali’s treasure might provide SG-1 with the means to disarm the device, but only if they can steal it back from one of the galaxy’s most ruthless criminals. Of course, it’s entirely possible that Vala Mal Doran will get there first…

Find more of the Stargate books here.

Categories
Movies

Quick Sci-fi Movie Review: Edge of Tomorrow (aka Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow)

Edge of Tomorrow MovieI almost missed this one, even though I’ve wanted to watch it since it came out in theaters. The problem was that I thought Edge of Tomorrow was the name of the movie. I still wonder if someone changed the name as some point for some reason, because I really don’t remember the whole “Live. Die. Repeat.” being part of the title when I first saw the trailers for this film. (Ah. A quick hop to Wikipedia explains this as some kind of re-branding attempt. The movie was in fact titled Edge of Tomorrow but some retailers have it listed as Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow, and that’s exactly what Amazon has done.)

First off, let me say that I LOVED this movie. I’m a bit of a fangirl for time travel. I like it in movies, books, and television shows. Quantum Leap was one of my first fandoms and I loved the time travel aspects of that show more than anything. My favorite episodes in Stargate and Star Trek franchises tend to be the time travel episodes—and God how I love time loops. Groundhog Day is still one of my favorite movies of all time.

So, yeah, this movie was perfect for me.

Also, I don’t like what I know of Tom Cruise—I kind of think he’s an ass, although I admit to that being a complete and total gut reaction to every interview I’ve seen him do, but for some reason, I can’t deny that he’s one of the best actors around. I can totally forget that I don’t like him just because he’s so damn good at his job as an actor. I loved Oblivion and Jack Reacher. Cruise is just an all around great actor.

Edge of Tomorrow is a straight up sci-fi thriller, full of great visuals and great acting, and I haven’t watched a sci-fi movie with a better ending in years.

If you haven’t heard of this one, take a look. Edge of Tomorrow is a great movie.

Categories
Books Science Fiction

The Cost of Honor by Sally Malcolm

Stargate SG1-05: The Cost of Honor by Sally Malcolm

The Cost of Honor - Stargate SG-1 - Sally MalcolmThis is a sequel to A Matter of Honor, which was book 3 in the Stargate SG-1 book series.

A description for more info

Paying the price…

In the action-packed sequel to A Matter of Honor, SG-1 embark on a desperate mission to save SG-10 from the edge of a black hole. But the price of heroism may be more than they can pay…

Returning to Stargate Command, Colonel Jack O’Neill and his team find more has changed in their absence than they had expected. Nonetheless, O’Neill is determined to face the consequences of their unauthorized activities, only to discover the penalty is far worse than anything he could have imagined.

With the fate of Colonel O’Neill and Major Samantha Carter unknown, and the very survival of the SGC threatened, Dr. Daniel Jackson and Teal’c mount a rescue mission to free their team-mates and reclaim the SGC.

Yet returning to the Kinahhi homeworld, they learn a startling truth about its ancient foe. And uncover a horrifying secret…

Find more of the Stargate books here.

Categories
Books Science Fiction

Trial by Fire by Sabine C. Bauer

Stargate SG1-01: Trial by Fire by Sabine C. Bauer

Trial By Fire - Stargate SG-1 - Sabine C. BauerThe description for Trial by Fire

On a hidden world…

Tyros – an ancient society teetering on the brink of war. A pious people, the Tyreans are devoted to the Canaanite deity, Meleq. When their spiritual leader is savagely murdered during a mission of peace, they beg SG-1 for help against their sworn enemies, the Phrygians.

Initially reluctant to get involved, the team have no choice when Colonel Jack O’Neill is abducted. O’Neill soon discovers his only hope of escape is to join the ruthless Phrygians – if he can survive their barbaric initiation rite.

As Dr Daniel Jackson, Major Samantha Carter and Teal’c race to his rescue, they find themselves embroiled in a war of shifting allegiances, where truth has many shades and nothing is as it seems.

And, unbeknownst to them all, an old enemy is hiding in the shadows…

You can find this book at most online book stores.

Links:

More Stargate books are here.

Categories
Books Movies Reviews Science Fiction

Quick Sci-fi Movie Review: The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner Movie Poster

I saw The Maze Runner movie yesterday and the movie was better than I expected for the first in a planned series (I hear the sequel is already being planned/filmed). Although there’s the requisite non-ending that leaves us hanging a bit, the movie actually felt pretty complete—certainly more complete than a few spoilers on the web had led me to believe it would be.

The Maze Runner movie appears to be part of the dystopian sci-fi genre, although without listing out spoilers to explain why I think that, I can’t really say definitely that it’s anything more than a science fiction film.

The Maze Runner Movie
Teen Wolf isn’t the only place where Dylan O’Brien shines as a performer.

I left the theater satisfied that I’d watched a full movie and not just a piece of one. That said, I’m thinking I’m going to read The Maze Runner books because I really don’t want to wait a year and more just to find out what’s really going on. Some people say the movie had significant changes from the book; some say the changes were minor to the overall plot. I guess I’ll find out for myself.

The acting was good, the maze was clever, and the movie moved really fast, especially considering I expected it to drag in places like so many other movies based on YA books. I was surprised that the nearly two hours went by super quick.

Dylan O’Brien is a great actor. Of course, I’ve known that for a while, because I’m a huge fan of his role on Teen Wolf. But this movie really just emphasized that he has skill.

Several of the other actors stood out, but I’m not certain of their names so I’ll just use their character names: Alby, Minho, Gally. Newt was kind of bland, but the actor playing the role seemed competent—I’d watch him in something else.

Anyway, this is just my quick review of the movie, and if you’ve been on the fence about watching, like I was, go ahead. The cliffhanger is nothing to be scared of and the rest of the movie is great!

Categories
Television

Teen Wolf: Young Derek Will Be Missed

Spoilers. Although if you’re reading this, you were probably looking for them.

Young Derek = Adorable

I saved up the first three episodes of the new season of Teen Wolf so I wouldn’t have that horrible cliffhanger hangover later, and I’m so glad I did. After the plot twist at the end of the first episode “The Dark Moon,” I would have been so disappointed to have to wait for the next, “117.” By “Muted,” I already missed young Derek.

It would have been so fun to see that plot twist hang around for a few more episodes, although I admit, when it first happened, I wanted the real Derek back ASAP. But, wow, that one grew on me in like thirty seconds flat.

Using the same actor from last season’s “Visionary” was a great choice and it was cool to see him a bit more grown up looking. He’s adorable and he’s a good actor. And although I’m too old to be thinking that kid’s a hottie, my much younger daughter isn’t. :D The fact that he looks so much like Derek gave both those episodes some really awesome realism.

Teen Wolf’s second episode of season 4, “117” had some excellent moments. I love that the writers have brought some of the humor of the first season back so strongly this season. I’ve missed that. I loved season 3, don’t get me wrong, but the levity of a little humor does add something special to the show, making the episodes much more re-watchable.

In fact, I figure I’ll be re-watching “117” sooner rather than later. If you haven’t caught it yet, do as I did, and buy it on Amazon. Or watch it on MTV’s website when it’s available (link).

Categories
Television

Under the Dome Is Back! New Episodes Airing Now

I was excited to see Under the Dome return to television. I’ve been looking forward to seeing where the story goes in the second season.

Under the Dome - Instant VideoOn June 30th the first episode of season 2 aired. If you want to catch up you can see all the episodes on Amazon. If you’re a member of Prime, you can watch them for free. If not, Amazon has all the episodes of the season that have aired available to purchase.

Barbie’s fate lies in Big Jim’s hands, and the Dome presents a new threat when it becomes magnetized. Meanwhile, Julia seeks out the help of a stranger to save the life of a mysterious girl who may hold clues to origin of the Dome. The premiere episode was written by bestselling author and executive producer Stephen King, and who also makes a cameo appearance.

 

Categories
Television

Juliette: It’s time to go

Juliette - Grimm - Blonde AmbitionJuliette Silverton is Nick Burkhardt’s girlfriend/almost fiancée on Grimm. Whoever wrote her part in “Blonde Ambition” certainly doesn’t like her.

As someone who’s quite fond of Juliette most of the time, I was unbelievably disappointed to see her act so irrational, immature, and unlikeable in the Grimm season three finale.

(1) A crazy hexenbeist pretended to be Juliette and slept with Nick. What does Juliette do? She gets mad at Nick.

(2) In reaction to the news that the crazy hexenbeist has in effect raped Nick, Juliette decides that’s the time to tell him she just doesn’t know if she can handle him being a Grimm.

(3) Captain Renard called Juliette and in a very reasonable tone asked to discuss issues that were very pertinent to both their lives, but because she’d talked to the crazy hexenbeist first, she goes off on him and hangs up on him. Because, you know, the crazy hexenbeist told Juliette Sean was crazy. Even though crazy hexenbeist girl (Adelind) is crazy.

Frankly, at the moment, I just hope Juliette leaves Nick, and Portland, and doesn’t look back, because right now, I don’t like her.

Categories
Fantasy Movies

The Odd Thomas Movie

So I watched Odd Thomas yesterday and really enjoyed it! I’m a fan of the book, and I was happily surprised at how well the movie adhered to the story and how fun the movie was. The director, Stephen Sommers, directed The Mummy, another favorite of mine. Sommers did a great job, and I loved “the mummy” cameo outside the tire store.

Odd Thomas - Movie Poster

If you enjoy movies with paranormal and urban fantasy elements, Odd Thomas might be a fit, and you certainly don’t have to be a fan of the books to enjoy the movie.