Oh man… people are going to hate me, but here we go.

What was that True Blood: Line on the Set special? Is it because there is no Alan Ball anymore that the show is pandering to its audience with possibly the worst pre-show known to man. Well, except for the Geraldo Rivers specials of the 80′s. We all know the actors cannot say a thing about the upcoming season, but there was something nice about seeing the actors interact with a live audience. This was a mistake team True Blood.

Synopsis: The first episode, Who are you, Really?, starts in the wake of Bill’s (Stephen Moyer) blood-soaked reincarnation, Sookie (Anna Paquin), Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), Jason (Ryan Kwanten), Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll), Tara (Rutina Wesley), Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) and Nora (Lucy Griffiths) flee the Authority compound as Sam (Sam Trammell), Luna (Janina Gavankar) and Emma (Chloe Noelle) dodge swarming guards. Now packmaster, Alcide (Joe Manganiello) discovers that the job comes with unsavory side dishes, but other major perks. In Bon Temps, Andy (Chris Bauer) deals with parenting four newborn human-faerie hybrids. Meanwhile, Louisiana Governor Truman Burrell (Arliss Howard) vows open season on vampires. Jessica returns to Compton Place as Jason hitches a ride with an eerie stranger.

My thoughts: There was just something so disjointed about this episode and I want to blame the script, the editing and dare I say it… the directing. ow, before I lay into the episode, I will tell you that there were some great scenes. The sequences with Andy Bellefleur and his kids. From accepting his fate of being a Dad to four babies to a Dad of four 5 year olds over the course of one night, hilarious. If you ever doubted Alexander Skarsgard’s ability to act, than this episode proved you wrong. Eric’s scenes with Sookie Stackhouse (in her house), with his Sister, and with Pam out-shined any scene that Bill, Jessica, or Warlow had.

Regarding the Alcide’s storyline, did we really need a threesome scene to establish who Alcide’s woman would be???? Unnecessary.

Sam’s story line started quite sadly. However, now that he is responsible for a child, I feel that this will be an interesting story arc. Right now, we are just waiting to see it where it will lead him.

Highpoint, Lafayette. Even drunk, he elevates a scene with his drunken sass. Also, in the scene between Bill, Eric, Sookie, Jessica, and Nora only Sookie’s breath was showing. Nice touch.

Overall, I’m not sure what to think… my daughter said we ere going down the Glee tunnel of self-destruction. But, we all know that show got two season pick-ups. How, I do not know. I am praying that the next episode will be a mind-blower, because if it is not than it is the first nail in its coffin.

Next time: A long-lost relative reveals himself to Jason and Sookie. After Tara is victimized by a new government weapon, Eric takes matters into his own hands in an effort to thwart Burrell’s anti-vampire initiatives. On the road to work, Sookie is drawn to a handsome stranger who shares her faerie abilities. Sam is unnerved by supernatural-rights zealot Nicole (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), and is confronted by Alcide and Martha (Dale Dickey) about Emma’s future. Bill contemplates the scope of his heightened powers.

The Fallen Prince
The Keepers of Life
By Shea Berkley
Published by Entangled Publishing, LLC
Expected publication: June 25th 2013

Reviewed by: Kelly H.

Publisher’s Blurb: There is a magical realm that exists alongside the human realm, but it wasn’t always so. The firsts are beings who were created to nurture the land. The world was split into two realms, and the firsts were allowed to redeem themselves. Sadly, the majority continued with their self-indulgent behavior to the point where one of their own, a king, became so obsessed with power, he was secretly banished by the court in hopes his absence would calm the masses. But a spark of madness was ignited and not even the lost king’s absence could curtail what he set in motion.

My Review: One day, a couple years ago, I sat by the pool on my vacation, burning to a crisp in the sun as I completely devoured an ARC I’d been sent to read. The book, The Marked Son, was the first book in a brand new series from an author I’d never even heard of before.

Now, I think the fact I allowed myself to fry pretty much says it all, but I really couldn’t put the novel down and when I did finally finish it, I was totally left wanting more.

Well, it took a while, almost two full years, but I finally got more.
And I must say; the second installment, The Fallen Prince, was just as enjoyable to me as the first had been; hence my 4 out of 5 star rating.

Despite the long break between books, I was easily able to fall right back into the wondrous and magical world Ms. Berkley created. From endearing characters to a very entertaining storyline filled with action, suspense, romance, and tons of surprises, this book has everything I look for in a book to read.

I must say, my favorite aspect of this book was the fact that even though most of the book is spent in perilous situations in the midst of a war, it was still funny. I’ve found sometimes, in the midst of all the seriousness, it’s tough to bring comedy into the mix, but Ms. Berkley did a wonderful and very realistic job of doing it.

Overall, I thought this novel was very much worth the wait and like after reading the first; I’m now excitedly awaiting the next installment in the series, The Bastard King.

Disclaimer: This book was supplied to me for review as an ARC by the publisher and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion. I have not been paid to review this book.

This is long delayed… my recap of the season finale of Game of Thrones.

Synopsis: “No more Starks to bow and scrape to.”

As Stark and Tully men are slaughtered outside the Twins, the Hound grabs a Frey banner and rides through the chaos with Arya Stark in his arms. Arya regains consciousness to see a group of Frey knights surrounding a rider: Grey Wind’s head sewn onto Robb Stark’s corpse.Â

The next morning, Roose Bolton reminds Walder Frey that the Blackfish escaped. Frey doesn’t care; with Edmure Tully as his prisoner, Walder is now Lord of Riverrun. Bolton, now warden of the North, says he will not move to Winterfell – it’s still in ruins. Lord Frey asks what happened there and Roose tells him his bastard son Ramsay has been keeping Theon Greyjoy captive.

” A good man does everything in his power to better his family’s position.”

Tyrion Lannister and his new wife Sansa are strolling the gardens at King’s Landing when Tyrion is summoned to a Small Council meeting. King Joffrey is ecstatic to deliver the news of the Starks’ deaths – he plans to serve Robb’s head to Sansa at his wedding. Tyrion defends his wife by threatening Joffrey. The King throws a tantrum in response and Tywin Lannister sends him to bed.

After the Council departs, Tywin confirms what Tyrion already suspected; he orchestrated the whole thing. Tyrion disapproves of the murders, but Tywin argues that his plan was best for the family. The Lannister name comes first, he reminds Tyrion as he reiterates his order to impregnate Sansa. Tyrion questions whether Tywin ever had to sacrifice anything and his father replies he has: He fought his impulse to kill Tyrion the day he was born. Upon returning to his chamber, Tyrion finds his grieving wife.

Balon Greyjoy receives a scroll demanding that he withdraw his men from the North, while Yara opens the accompanying box containing “Theon’s favorite toy.” Ramsay Snow promises more boxes will follow unless the Ironborn retreat. Although Balon refuses to surrender for a son who cannot further the family line, Yara resolves to rescue her little brother.

“This will never be your home, my lady.”

Varys gives Shae a pouch of diamonds to finance a new life in a distant land. He argues that her presence in the capital puts Tyrion at risk. She rejects the bribe and says that if Tyrion wants her gone, he must tell her himself.

Davos Seaworth goes to visit Gendry in his cell. The boy is surprised to learn that Davos is also from Flea Bottom. The lord explains that his title is recent and shows the missing fingertips on his right hand, Stannis’ punishment for his smuggling days. Davos says he only accepted the lordship because of his son, who is now dead.

Ramsay Snow dines on pork sausage, taunting Theon who begs to be killed. Believing his prisoner unworthy of a name like “Theon Greyjoy,” Ramsay renames him “Reek.”

“Every time we deal with an enemy, we create two more.”

Queen Cersei informs her brother that she won’t be marrying Loras Tyrell. She advises Tyrion that giving Sansa a child will make her happier. Cersei’s children – even Joffrey – are the reason she’s alive.

The Hound and Arya pass by a group of Frey men. When one boasts he helped sew the direwolf head onto Robb’s body, Arya jumps off the horse. Innocently asking to warm herself by their fire, she offers Jaqen H’ghar’s iron coin in exchange. As the man reaches for the coin, Arya stabs him repeatedly. The Hound kills the other men easily. Arya looks down at the first man she’s killed, retrieves the coin and says, “Valar morghulis.”

“The night is gathering…It’s coming for all of us.”

Bran Stark, Hodor, and the Reeds take up camp in the Nightfort. Bran tells a story about a cook in the ancient castle who was turned into a hungry rat after he killed a guest beneath their roof. “That’s something the gods can’t forgive,” Bran explains.

Later that night, Samwell Tarly, Gilly and her baby enter the castle. The Reeds are defensive, but Samwell quickly recognizes the direwolf and identifies Bran as Jon Snow’s brother. Sam is surprised to hear that Bran is venturing beyond the Wall, especially after Jojen reveals he knows about the White Walkers. Sam explains how he killed a White Walker and gives the group the dragonglass he pocketed at the Fist. He reluctantly leads the group to the tunnel to cross through the Wall.

Sam and Gilly arrive at Castle Black and meet with Maester Aemon. Seeing the baby, Aemon reminds Sam of his vows but learns that Gilly is one of Craster’s wives. Gilly names her child after Sam and is invited to stay. When Sam informs Aemon of the mobilizing White Walkers, Aemon prepares to alert the kingdom of the threat.

“What is the life of one bastard boy against a kingdom?”

At Dragonstone, Davos Seaworth practices his reading with Princess Shireen and finds a warning from Maester Aemon. Stannis Baratheon informs Davos that Robb Stark is dead and Melisandre maintains a bigger sacrifice is now necessary. Davos makes a case for Gendry’s life, but Stannis sentences the boy to death.

That night, Davos sneaks down into Gendry’s cell and helps him escape by boat. When Stannis learns of Davos’ actions, he condemns his Hand. Davos shows his king the scroll from the Night’s Watch, and argues that his military expertise will be crucial. Melisandre looks into the flame and confirms the real war is to the north. She persuades Stannis to spare his life.

“Hush now. You’re home.”

Stopping for water, Jon Snow realizes that Ygritte has drawn her bow on him. He tells her that although he loves her, he needs to return to home. Ygritte shoots him repeatedly as he rides away. He arrives at Castle Black seriously injured. Sam and Pyp recognize Jon and carry him inside.

Jaime and Brienne enter King’s Landing, but with his arm bandaged and without his white cloak, Jaime is indistinguishable. He finds Cersei alone in her chamber.

Daenerys Targaryen greets her audience of newly freed Yunkish slaves. Missandei introduces the khaleesi as their liberator, but Dany addresses the crowd herself; they must take back their own freedom, she says. In response, the crowd chants “Mhysa,” Ghiscari for “mother.” They lift her into their arms while Drogon circles above.

My thoughts: It seems like HBO has a modus operandi of ending seasons and beginning with less than stellar episodes that in hindsight only really work as set-ups for the season before them.

Case in point, Game of Thrones ended with Mhysa, which was basically an episode emphasizing the importance or lack of importance of being in a family. For Theon Greyjoy, his lack of manhood meant that his father has cut him off from the Greyjoy line. On the other hand, Theon’s sister is off to sea to retrieve her beloved brother. Theon also was forced to renounce his family when Ramsay tortured him into doing so. Jon Snow returned to his family at the Night Watch, as did Sam. Dany found a new family that worships her after she released them from servitude and we all can sense that this will not end well. There were two sequences that were very explanatory about this theme and the first was between Tywin and Tyrion, where Tywin explained that it is not the crown that gives you power… no, it is the family that gives an individual power. Then there is the scene between Shae and Lord Varys which emphasized the importance of having a last name. Overall, not only did this episode set-up a shift in the importance of a war between the family to a war with the walkers of the north, but where the main families story lines will go forth. However, I still stick to my guns and feel that the season should have ended with the Rains of Castamere.

LBP Ep. 5 of 2013 – As Always, Team Sookie Forever…

Kelly and Maria discuss the latest news and spoilers for all the shows, movies, and books that you love. As well as recap the season-enders to Doctor Who, Once Upon a Time, Grimm, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, Arrow, and Beauty and the Beast. They also give you the deets on the new shows that will be on the networks during the fall, i.e. Almost Human, Dracula, Tomorrow People, Sleepy Hollow, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

For SBLC, the ladies finally recap Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris and you find out why they give it two thumbs up. Plus, Maria explains why Iron Man 3 not only trumps Iron Man 1 &2 and the Avengers, but it also trumps Star Trek into Darkness.

You can download the podcast here or via iTunes or the Zune Marketplace a.k.a. Xbox Music!

This podcast was recorded on 05.29.2013.

Enjoy and thanks for listening!

Synopsis:While investigating a series of rage-fueled assaults, Nick learns that Eric Renard is in town. Meanwhile, Adalind is caught in the middle when Frau Pech and Stefania oppose each other.

My thoughts: So, we got to see the second half of the second season finale of Grimm and were there a lot of twists and turns in it and one jaw-dropping moment that made wish the third season would start up in the late Summer as it did last season, because we will be left wondering about what happened to the Scooby gang all Summer long.

Throughout the season we focused on a series of key story lines:

Will Juliette get her memory back? She has and she and Nick have made amends and are a fully-fledged couple.

Will Juliette learn of the Wesen and the Grimm? She has and to the chagrin of Nick, has asked to assist in the Grimm’s task to stop and save all of the “Walking Dead” in town. He allows her to do so, so they have no secrets between them. Happily, she can hold her own.

Monroe and Rosalee, will they survive the season? Yes and they and they canoodled.

Will Eric Renard’s plan come to pass? Yes… and it involved turning Nick into one of the “Walking Dead” and sticking him into a coffin as the Scooby gang run for safety. Why they are doing this makes no bloody sense and also the passport and papers that were in the coffin that listed Nick’s picture also makes us scratch our head.

Will Frau Pech get to the baby before Stefania gets her hands on the baby and will Adalind be collateral damage? Technically yes, but it did not pan out. The witch got to Adalind and with the help of a spell that used Adalind’s spinal fluid and she turned into Adalind, but Stefania was too smart for the Frau and offed her before she could do any damage to Adalind and the royal baby.

I waited a bit to post this review because a lot happened, but overall it was a great finale to a great season. Thinking back to the last episode, I have to admit that Rosalee and Monroe stuck out as a highlight. These two have become the backbone to Nick’s insane life. They not only assist him on the cases, but act like the family that he does not have. I also loved Eric, as Captain Renard’s underhanded, treacherous and devious brother, because he brings a level of tension that is highly needed.

I also loved seeing Hank on the case again, as much as he can with his bum leg, and Wu helping out. Now, I am wary of Juliette’s involvement in the Grimm/Wesen cases, but it is only because she can be used as a pawn against Nick and I do not want to keep watching that over and over again…

In hindsight, when NBC decided to give this show a shot, many of us were wondering if it was going to work. But, with clever marketing, tapping into a fan base that was craving for a Buffy-esque type of show and creating a mythos that is rich with the dark side of fairy tales and entrenching it in old world folklore… they struck gold.

The next season starts in the Fall of 2013.

Synopsis: King’s Landing hosts a wedding, and Tyrion and Sansa spend the night together. Dany meets the Titan’s Bastard. Davos demands proof from Melisandre. Sam and Gilly meet an older gentleman.

My thoughts: This episode focused a lot on the younger characters of the show for example, Sansa finally wed Tyrion, but he vowed he would keep watch over her because he knows that there will be no consummation of this union that he was forced into by his father. Sansa will need this because Joffrey was once again being  a creep and threatening to bed her. Arya was being taken to her brother, Robb, and her mother by the Hound for ransom and just in time for Robb’s wedding to the Frey. Gendry was taken to Stannis’ castle and with our hearts in our throats we expected the worst, but Melisandre only used Gendry to make a point of the power of a King’s blood. Sam and Gilly make it to a shelter and while they discuss what to name the baby a murder of crows shows up and why are they there? Well, to pinpoint where the baby is for a wandering white walker. Happily, we learn that they can be killed by stabbing the walkers in the back. I was hopping for something a bit more spectacular, but what can you do with icy zombies?

What really drew me in was Dany’s interaction with Daario Naharis of the Second Sons. He was chosen, by luck, to off Dany, but he has other plans for her… like join her and defend her to the hilt because he has the hots for her. So, he kills off his co-horts and swears to  Dany that he and his men will fight for her. Did I mention that Daario was handsome in a Conan the Barbarian kind of way? This coupling, of sorts, will have repercussions with those in Dany’s retinue, especially with Jorah. Her storyline just gets more and more interesting, doesn’t it?

Well, it was a banner episode, but we will have to wait two more weeks for the next new episode… blame Liberace for that.

Next time: The Rains of Castamere is going to air on June 2 and in it Robb presents himself to Walder Frey, and Edmure meets his bride. Jon faces his harshest test yet. Bran discovers a new gift. Daario and Jorah debate how to take Yunkai. House Frey joins with House Tully.

Synopsis: The Doctor finds himself the manipulated for once when someone abducts his friends from throughout time and space, luring him to the one place he can never go.

Oh my… I first want to say up until the new Doctor appeared I was telling all the naysayers out there, stop hating on Moffat, but then the end of the season finale happened and I was left utterly confused.

Let’s go to the beginning. So, we meet the Whispermen and they are connected to the Grand Intelligence and in order to get to the Doctor he goes after the Doctor’s friends and forced him to go to the one place he cannot go to and that is Trenzalore, which is where the Doctor is buried.

Once everyone is there, the GI tries to force the Doctor to reveal his name in order to open the Doctor’s tomb (which is the broken and enlarged version of the TARDIS). We do not learn this precious secret, but the tomb is opened with the help of River. Yes, River is back from the database that 10 placed her in, but in ghostly form that only Clara can see. Once in the tomb, they see that there is no body in it, but a time line tunnel that encases the past and present timelines of the Doctor. The GI steps into the tunnel to erase the Doctor and rewrite history. As that happens, the Doctor is writhing in pain and is slowly dying. At her wits end, Clara gets her moment of clarity and understands that the reason she is the impossible girl is that she has always been the one to save the Doctor and this is the moment that starts their epic relationship. So, she gives up her life and saves the universe, history and the Doctor.

There was bittersweet moment where the Doctor confronts the ghost of River, he has always heard her and seen her , but decided to not interact with her because it hurt too much. He said goodbye to River after a kiss that curled all of our toes because this is a side to the Doctor that we never see, the Doctor that has the capacity to love and be loved.

Now, when Clara steps in, we see her in various timelines and interacting with the other Doctors and it is a cute bit, but the Doctor cannot allow Clara to spend an eternity saving him, so he steps into his tunnel of timelines (which as he always states… causes a paradox) and finds her in a war-torn area.

And that is when all hell broke loose… we meet the Doctor and he is being portrayed by John Hurt. Now, this new Doctor is the Doctor that broke the promise that revolves around the name of the Doctor. Now, is this the Doctor that leads us to the end of the Doctor because he could be the Doctor that houses all the darkness of the Doctor? I am so weary of this Doctor.

So, how can we have these two Doctors and how does it play into the 50^th Anniversary as well as how will Clara mentally function with the knowledge that there are copies of her throughout time as the one person that gives guidance to the Doctor in his time of need.

Let me tell you, the migraine that ensued after this episode aired was a doozy and in all honesty… the next six months will be a killer. To wait that long for answers may be the undoing of many a Whovian.

Here is a bit of a behind the scenes look at the season finale:

QUESTION: Do you think the new Doctor that we met… is he Doctor #0, #9, #12 or the W….???

This was the week to say adios to a lot of your favorite shows, at least for the summer that is, and was it an awe inspiring, saddening and confusing week as we were left with cliff-hangers that made us scream at our TVs.

We are focusing on the CW’s slew of supernatural shows…

Arrow:  23^rd Ep., Season 1 –  Sacrifice – When they discover Malcolm’s plan, Oliver and Diggle try to stop him but lose Felicity to a police arrest. Meanwhile, Thea learns that Roy is in danger and goes to The Glades, endangering herself as well, while Oliver risks what’s left of his friendship with Tommy for the sake of honesty. In the past, Oliver, Shado, and Slade try to stop Fyers from bringing down a passenger jet.

For a freshman show, we were not surprised at how much of a rollercaoster of a ride this season was, especially with its past/present storylines for Oliver. Like many other shows, it was not the protagonist’s (Oliver’s) storyline that made us keep watching. It was Felicity, Diggs, Tommy, Laurel, Quentin, etc… These characters gave the show a richness that other shows of the same ilk lack. So, it was with great sadness to see not one, but two of them pass away, but we’ll touch on that in a bit.

Malcolm had his diabolical plan set and he was not letting anyone get in his way… he is so blinded by his ire that he cannot think of the smaller picture, that of his relationship with his son Tommy. But that was not the only familial story plot to come to ahead. Nope, Moira helped Oliver by not only telling her son about when the Undertaking would take place, but she also called a press conference to announce to the world about the plan that Malcolm created… it also ensured that she would pay for her participation. This forced Thea to go to the Glades to save Roy, whose heroic streak may or may not be his downfall. As Malcolm’s plan kicks in after a foiled attempt to quell it by Oliver, Felicity, Quentin, and Diggs, Tommy goes in to save Laurel. Unfortunately, like his father (who died by Oliver’s arrow) he does not make it out.

With the loss of Malcolm and Tommy, Moira’s impending imprisonment, Roy’s questionable survival, Quentin on suspension, and the destruction of the Glades, we have to wonder how these characters and Starling City will move forward.

There was a flash back sequence, my least favorite gimmick of the series, and as the group successfully stops Fyers from taking down an airplane, we see the rise of the Oliver that we’ve come to know so well.

Overall, this season ender was an example of how shows can end a storyline neatly and satisfactorily. Unfortunately, seeing Tommy die had me crushed. I said, on a weekly basis, that seeing Tommy going through the hell of playing second fiddle to Oliver and seeing the struggle in his face and actions was a highlight.

Beauty and the Beast: 22^nd Ep., Season 1 – Never Turn Back - Secrets revealed will change what Cat knows about her past. Vincent faces his downfall while Gabe goes to extreme lengths to find answers.

This episode was filled with reveals that it made us want to see Season 2 start tomorrow.

As we watched Vincent continue to stay in check with the medicine that Gabe gave him in exchange for some of his blood, things start to inevitably fall apart for Cat and Vincent.  JT finds out that Gabe wants to steal Vincent’s lymphatic system to save himself, he then destroys all of Gabe’s equipment and that forces Gabe to kidnap Cat in order to force Vincent to give in to his demands. This plan does not work out for Gabe because Muirfield shows up and kills Gabe, kidnaps Vincent and we learn the biggest secret of the season… that Cat’s father is the head of Muirfield. Yes, you heard me right.

Now, Cat does not know this, but her little sister learns that Cat is not related to their father. The only reason she finds this out is after their father is injured by a hit and run driver and Cat gives blood thinking it would assist her father in his recuperation. The nurse shows up and informs Cat’s little sister that Cat and her father are not genetically related.

Cat’s partner also learns something big after Cat hands over her father’s effects (which he was going to hand over to Cat) to be analyzed by their IT department. What she learns is that the head of Muirfield is back in town and she is goes to give a head’s up to Cat, but comes across JT, who was handcuffed by Tyler (r.i.p.).

I am actually looking forward to season 2 because Vincent is in Muirfield’s hands and Cat’s life in a tizzy, so next season will surely be action-packed.

Supernatural: 23^rd Ep., Season 8 – Sacrifice – Using the tablet half in his possession, Crowley prepares to make his final move in the grand game against Heaven. Only Dean, Sam, and Kevin can stop him. Meanwhile, Castiel and Metatron join forces and try to stop Naomi’s scheme.

Who knew that this whole time, where we spent one eye on Naomi and one on Crawley that we actually had to worry about the Messenger of God. That’s right, Metatron.

This once reclusive angel has been harboring a deep-seated resentment towards everyone for what has happened to the heaven he once called home. So, he uses Sam and Dean to close the gates of hell (happily does not happen), kills Naomi, makes Castiel a human and forces the angels to fall from heaven. Yea… yea… not good at all.

This ruse of assisting Castiel allowed Metatron to fulfill God’s desire of protecting humans. Yet, there is something infinitesimally wrong with how Metatron forced the Angels to fall and become human. Yes, this allows Humans to not become pawns in the archangel’s game of power chess. But, now he is in the power seat and with great power, comes great insanity.

I think the most worrisome aspect to this season was the declining fortitude of Sam as he prepared for the Trials. Now that it is not happening, how will he be?

There is also a big question mark with Crawley. Since the trials were not completed, will Crawley become the jerk that we all love to hate or will he become something else?

Also, what will happen to Cas? Will he still be our Cas or will he be someone else?

It is painful to have so many questions and a lengthy 3 to 4 months to wait for answers.

The Vampire Diaries: 23^rd Ep., Season 4 – Graduation – Graduation has arrived and Mystic Falls is filled with ghosts that are planning to settle unfinished business and to fulfill their destinies. Damon is in grave danger when he meets a ghost, while Matt and Rebekah work together against a ghost that is trying to reach the cure. Everyone gathers up for Graduation when help comes from someone unexpected. At the same time Caroline gets a surprising graduation gift and Bonnie is very close at closing the veil. Elena makes a decision about the Salvatores and has a showdown with Katherine. Stefan makes a horrifying discovery about Silas.

I think the beauty of the last two episodes is that it allowed us to see some much-missed faces, like Alaric, Lexi and Jeremy. It also allowed us to get much needed closure on storylines that needed to end… stat.

But, with endings, come new issues to deal with.

So, what has ended? High School is in the rearview mirror. Everyone has graduated and all of them are looking forward to the future. Well, except for Bonnie who is off to the other side and happy about it because her friends are happy and safe… or so she thinks. Remember the spell that killed Bonnie? It worked at the end of the episode and Jeremy is back.

As a graduation gift, Klaus allows Tyler to comeback to Mystic Falls and his parting words to were quite memorable, “Tyler is your first love, but I will be your last.” Le swoon Klaus, le swoon.

Elena has finally made her choice and she has chosen…. Damon. Can you believe it? I can. But, will it work out? Not really sure and that is only because Elena has given Katherine the gift of humanity and as a human she may get to Damon. Damon will also contend with Stefan, who is actually Silas in disguise. Oh wait, where is Stefan? He is at the bottom of the falls.

Now, the sweetest moment took place with Matt and Rebekah. Rebekah saves Matt from becoming pink mist, but not after describing the two of them travelling the world. When she takes his place on the pressure bomb, she urges him to go and graduate. You would think that would be end of their tale, but it is not… she goes to see him to say goodbye, but he balks and says he will go on this trip so he can finally live his life and get the hell out of dodge, I mean Mystic Falls.

I am so happy High School is over and I am so glad that we have such a meaty Stefan storyline to hook us back into this show, because with the Originals moving on to their own series…. We, as the cast, are kind of worried if the show will succeed. Yet, with the knowledge that the Originals would be floating in and out of the Vampire Diaries and that many of the cast will be back for the 5^th season, it is safe to say that we will get another phenomenal season.

Overall, the CW did a great job with their shows from beginning to end and I cannot wait to see what is to come next season, for these shows and the new ones.

Werewolves Be Damned
By: Stacey Kennedy
Published by: Entangled Publishing (2013)
My Rating: ****

Reviewed by: Denise S.

Book blurb: Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

My review: Revenge is a poison that blurs your vision. If not careful it can consume you, but what do you do when everything you’ve ever known is gone? What do you do when everyone you’ve ever loved is taken away from you right before your eyes? With the right mind and the right guides it can turn into a strength. Innocent little Nexi Jones has to find the strength to keep her sanity intact when she’s thrown into a world that was thought to be just a myth; soaking in the reality that this exists. Everything “Otherworldly,” where Guardians and witches serve to protect and vampires and werewolves roam the earth, mixed amongst the human race is something that Nexi has to come to terms with and the fact that she is one of them. Kyden, the Guardian deemed to keep Nexi safe, must show her the ways and teach her to protect not only herself but for the wellbeing of others. She must learn the ways of a Guardian and tap into her true powers as a witch.

Determined to find the werewolf that killed the ones she loved, Nexi throws herself into the face of danger with no regards to her safety. In the beginning, Nexi’s need to seek revenge was making me a bit restless. She wasn’t thinking clearly and was acting impulsively, always taking her frustration out on the people who saved her. However, I guess, this is how it is for someone who watched a murder happen right in front of them.

It was frustrating to see how immature Nexi and Kyden were in the beginning of the book, especially with the knowledge of how Kyden just wanted to keep Nexi safe. But, as it is with any book of this nature, their relationship evolves for the better. Even though Nexi and Kyden were the main characters, the one character that stood out the most for me was Valor. I absolutely loved him. When he said, “mortals need a lesson to respect the gloriousness of woman,” that’s what had me and I couldn’t help but scream a “Heck yea.”

Overall, barring the spelling and grammatical errors, “Werewolves Be Damned” was a really good read. Character-wise, I would have liked to read more about Valor and I’m hoping that there will be a Valor-centric novel in the near future.

Should you download this book? Yes, especially to those of you who are in between book series and love quick, adventurous reads.

This is a crazy week in TV because we are on the cusp of the end of the current television season. That’s right, this week we will be saying adios to some of your faves.

Tonight, Once kicked off season finale week and it was a doozy of an episode. This season had its ups and downs. I do not think we actually felt like this season was going anywhere until the midseason mark. To tell you the truth, when this show brought in the outsiders it flourished and it hooked me once again, no pun intended. With the introduction of Greg and Tamara, the tension in Storybrooke was amped up to a fever pitch and as a result we won out as viewers.

At the end of the second to last episode of the season, we knew that Tamara and Greg had gotten their hands on the trigger that would destroy Storybrooke. What we were not expecting was everyone working together to stop Tamara and Greg, and to ensure the safety of everyone in Storybrooke.

In the moments where the inhabitants felt all hope was lost, we saw Henry embrace Regina and call her Mom, we saw Emma call Snow and Charming Mom and Dad for the first time, and we saw Gold give Lacey the antidote that would enable her to regain her memories. It was well-written, well-acted, and had many of us a bit weepy.

If you follow me on GetGlue, than you know that there was a moment where I was shaking my fist at the TV when Hook, yet again, screwed over Emma. He stole the last magic bean that would have enabled Regina to toss the trigger into another universe and save Storybrooke. Then he redeemed him as he was about to sail off into the sunset when it dawned on him (thanks to a back story that showed how Hook and Bae knew one another) that he had to return to help protect Storybrooke.

By the way, seeing how Hook tried to befriend the son of the woman he loved, but then having to cast him out because Bae felt that it was Hook’s fault for the destruction of what he believed was his happy home was very intense and gave us a lot of insight into what makes Hook tick and why Bae is the way he is.

When Hook returned, he learned that Regina and Emma worked together to stop the trigger, but a new issue arose and that was Tamara and Greg had kidnapped Henry. We come to find out that Henry was the mark all along.

So, hatchets were buried as Regina, Charming, Snow, Emma, Hook and Rumple decide to work together to find Henry, who was forced to jump into a portal with Tamara and Greg. Where did that portal take them? Neverland.

Now, Storybrooke is still in existence and Rumple has given Belle instructions on how to protect the town, but to see him depart and her heart break at the thought of possibly not seeing again… well, my heart broke for them.

There was a bright moment. Neal is alive and in the Enchanted land and guess who found him??? Mulan, Phillip and Aurora!

Now, remember how I said that Henry was the mark for Tamara and Greg. Do you know who is looking for Henry? Peter Pan, of course.

This show was renewed for a third season and I cannot wait to see what insanity will occur on Neverland. Will Emma and Regina find Henry? Will Neal get back to Emma and Henry? Will Gold and Belle find one another? Will Storybrooke still be there when and if they return? What gies with Peter Pan? So many questions….

What did you think of the episode?