Albert Taylor is a man on a mission, he is a UC Berkeley professor by day and at night, he is a paranormal investigator. He battles demons, fends off Bigfoots and stops the lunatics from taking over the asylum. In short, Professor Albert Taylor is a thinking mans action hero.
Imagine if Fox Mulder had been sacked from the F.B.I. (lets face it, Mulder probably should have been sacked early on in season one) and been given a job with Lone Gunman becoming Editor-in-Chief of their newspaper, this is the type of book that would have been written about him. In The Occult Files of Albert Taylor, Derek Muk has borrowed all the good stuff from the classic Sci-Fi shows and produced a veritable melee of stonking little paranormal stories that will delight and intrigue any Sci-Fi fan.
If I have two minor criticisms of his book, one is that it is obvious that the stories were written as standalone stories (since he wrote the description of his hero verbatim almost eleven times), which can get a bit irritating and stops the reader from throwing themselves into the story completely. The other is that he has no Scully, and when you are writing stories like this, you need a Scully. You need that person, that monkey on your back, saying *it couldn't be Vampires* because when you convince them that it is Vampires, then you have convinced your most cynical of readers.
These criticisms aside, Muk's book is filled with interesting and diverse characters, and the places were the book is set are brought thrillingly and realistically to life because of the authors attention to detail. Another huge thumbs-up to the authors style of writing is the fact that no story ends as you would expect. Each has a delicious little twist, which will inevitably lead you to wanting to Google *Albert Taylor* and see if there are any more little paranormal gems floating about in cyberspace.
All in all, Albert Taylor is a Paranormal Investigator who will have a long and scary future, and I cannot wait to hear more from this Asian detective.

Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes up on a train; a beautiful woman sits opposite him telling him she has taken his advice, but Colter does not know her. He rushes into the bathroom to throw some cold water on his face and when he sees his reflection in the bathroom mirror, he doesn't recognize the face staring back at him. Within a few minutes, the train explodes and everyone on board is killed, except for Colter Stevens. Stevens then finds himself trapped in what looks to be a crashed military plane. A woman in an Air Force officer's uniform speaks to him through a console, asking him if he remembers who he is, and more importantly, if he remembers his mission.

'This is not time travel. This is time re-assignment.' (Dr. Rutledge, Jeffrey Wright)

Colter is reliving the last 8 minutes of Sean Fentress' life. Sean was killed with everyone else on a Chicago train that morning. These people are dead. This has happened and according to Colter's supervisors, cannot be changed. Colter Stevens cannot save these people.

"Any soldier I've ever served with would say that one death is service enough." (Colter Stevens)

A terrorist was responsible for the bomb and has threatened to set off another dirty bomb in a highly populated area of Chicago. Colter must relive the last 8 minutes of Sean's life, again and again, until he finds the bomber so that the second explosion can be stopped. In short, Colter must change the past to save the future.

Is it just me, or whenever you see a train in a suspenseful movie, do you think Hitchcock? The movie begins with a sweeping aerial shot of Chicago and some very Hitch-style music in the background. The director may get a bit of a criticism for this. It seems these days, everyone borrows from Hitchcock. I think if you are going to be influenced by someone, why not be influenced by the great auteur? Especially if you are given a script where a lot of the action takes place on a train. As a filmmaker, you must be practically compelled to give a nod to Hitchcock. See it not as rip'off but as a homage.

'It's the same train but different.' (Colter Stevens)

When you have repeat scenarios in a movie, they can seem dull and repetitive, and it is very hard to show the same set-up over and over again while managing to make it fresh and interesting. However, Source Code Director, Duncan Jones, and writer, Ben Ripley, have used humour and character to make the film seem fresh and interesting, and have also kept the running time to just over 90 minutes, so that the repeat scenario is not too laboured

In a quirky aside, Duncan Jones, the director, must really love Chesney Hawkes. In Moon, Duncan Jones' directorial debut, he used the One and Only, - Chesney Hawkes one-hit-wonder- as the alarm music, and in this film, he uses the song as Christina Warren's (Michelle Monaghan) ringtone for an ex-boyfriend. You would think the son of David Bowie would have more high-brow musical tastes. However, this song does fit on both occasions and hammers home what the director is trying to say ' if the song makes it into his third film, this might just be his trademark. Also, near the beginning of the movie, I noticed that Jake Gyllenhaal looks in the mirror and sees another face staring back at him. This screams Quantum Leap. So, it was nice to see the director acknowledging this by giving Scott Bakula a brief, but important, cameo. I like directors making little personal touches like this, it gives something for us movie geeks to talk about and it suggests to me that a director is not just making a film for a paycheck but it is more a labour of love.

The cast are all superb: Michelle Monaghan gives warmth and a personality to a character that is basically incidental; Jeffrey Wright is suitably callous as an 'end justifies the means' villain; and Vera Farmiga plays Colleen Goodwin, with just the right amount of stoic pathos to make you like her. But above all, Jake Gyllenhaal shines in this movie. He is beginning to garner a reputation as an actor whose movies are a cut above the rest of the usual tripe that floods the cinemas. Prince of Persia is, of course, the exception that proves the rule.

Throughout the movie a sense of doom hangs over Colter Stevens and everyone else on the train. However, the movie does not end as you would expect, and after it is over, you will either love the ending or hate it. Some people will think it is too complicated and others will blast it for being a bit of a cop-out. It is an ending that will pique your interest and give you a chance to develop your own theory as to what actually happened. It is not Inception complicated, as some people are claiming. You may need a second watch to really grasp what was going on, but that would be about it.

'Everything's gonna' be okay.' Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan)

If you like a bit of J.J. Abrams Fringe, you will like Source Code. If you have a doctorate in physics, you may scoff at the idea of it, but as far as I am concerned, Source Code ticks all the boxes as Sci-Fi actioners go. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It has wit, personality, breath-taking action sequences and an ending that you will probably want to chat to your friends about. What more do you want? Grab yourself some popcorn, suspend your disbelief, then sit back, relax and enjoy.

A wise man once said that 'nobody can write an Agatha Christie story but the authoress herself'; in her day, Agatha Christie was considered the ultimate mistress of suspense.
Where most authors of whodunits use peripheral characters to move the plot forward, Agatha did not. All her characters have vibrant life breathed into them. When you are reading one of her stories, more often than not, the characters leap off the page. The reader is lured into what seems like an idyllic world, filled with county fairs, stately homes and thatched-roof cottages, but as the story progresses the reader discovers that Agatha's world is filled with hidden grudges, timeless mysteries, secret affairs and the occasional bumbling police detective.
Miss Marple is one of Christie's legendary detectives; she combines a gentle nature with an unrelenting shrewdness and a no-nonsense attitude. And above all, her empathy for the victim is profound, as it is with all Agatha's detectives. With a combination of all these elements, Christie's chilling tales translate well to the big or small screen and this box set is no exception.
Julia Mackenzie reprises her role as Miss Marple. Unlike her predecessor Geraldine McEwan, who had a bit of a mischievous streak and a twinkle in her eye, Mackenzie plays it straight, which will please Christie purists.
In Blue Geranium, Miss Marple makes a mistake, heaven forbid, and she races against time to correct her error as the person she originally accused of murder is about to be sent to the gallows. This teleplay was adapted from a short story by Agatha, first published in the 1930s. It may represent the future for Agatha Christie adaptations, as many of her short stories have not been picked up by Hollywood or British TV. This story has a freshness to it and as it was not originally a full-length novel the teleplay writer has been given a chance to really step up the pace and flow; it is wonderfully told in a style that perhaps would not make Agatha turn in her grave.
The Secret of Chimneys is the most messed around with of all the stories. Secret passageways have been added, subplots about diamonds have been altered and, goodness gracious, even the identity of the murderer has been changed. Putting all that aside, however, it features the ultra-posh James Fox and I could listen to his dulcet tones all day. So, I still enjoyed it!
The last tale is the most famous of all the stories. It is another adaptation of The Mirror Crack'd. Unfortunately, when tackling a story that has previously received the Hollywood treatment and starred such legends as Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and Kim Novak, it's hard not to compare the British version to that original outing. In a straight comparison, most fall short. Only Victoria Smurfitt stands out because instead of playing the love-sick Ella Blunt straight, as Geraldine Chaplin did, she completely hams it up. Only the best actors can get away with this, and she does so with gusto. This retelling actually owes a lot to the big-budget Hollywood adaptation. So, the legends have been paid their due, and you shouldn't get annoyed with the writers because Agatha, the Queen of Crime, herself pinched the plot from a true life story involving actress Gene Tierney.
All in all, if you are an Agatha Christie nut and get really upset if the slightest detail is changed, it may be best not to watch as that vein on the side of your forehead may pop out several times. However, if you are slightly more chilled and, like me, love the idea of grand old English houses filled with occupants who appear on the surface to be a happy, if slightly uptight bunch, but turn out to have dark secrets and a propensity to knock each other off, then this is the box set for you. So, do yourself a favour and wait for a stormy night, settle down beside the fire, pour yourself a cup of cocoa and enjoy...

Terminator for Tweens!

Sam is your typical twelve-year-old; he's in love with a girl who doesn't know he's alive, and he is counting the minutes until school breaks for the holidays. However, Sam's humdrum life is about to be abruptly interrupted.

A war has been raging for centuries. In the future, technology will have advanced so much that it is beyond earthly control. Fearless warriors battle across timelines, to stop malevolent invaders and to curb the rapid advance of cruel technologies, which threaten life as we know it.
Along with a few friends, Sam has been thrust into this war. Sam and his intrepid schoolmates must form new alliances and battle demons, if they are to fight against the future and get back to their past.

Will Sam, Cutter, Mouse, and Breather succeed in their mission? Only time will tell....

I first became aware of Ray Le Cara, Jr. just over a year ago, when I read his first novel, The Forgotten Prophecy. I was impressed then, and I have to say, I am doubly-impressed after reading his latest book, The Torn Timeline.

The Torn Timeline is a treat for all kids, young and old alike. It is packed to the brim with terrifically terrifying arch villains and bold heroes and heroines. The novel also contains a few life-lessons for all those "loveable" preteens, but never preaches to its audience.

In this reader's opinion, The Torn Timeline is reminiscent of James Cameron's Terminator, with the fun-factor of Spy Kids thrown in for good measure. These two elements combined create a wonderfully weird and scary world, which will keep you in a state of excited anticipation until the very last page.

In short, Le Cara has struck gold again, this time with a novel that thrills and delights in equal measure.

The Torn Timeline is a must-read for any preteen, and a must-buy for any "post-teen."

Nicholas Angel is the metropolitan polices best and most commended officer. In fact he is so good that the whole of the met wants rid of him as he is showing everyone else up. The solution is that he is transferred to a quiet colloquial village. However, once there, Angel gets a bit than he bargained for as he discovers that this village has a very high number of freak accidents. Are these gruesome deaths just mere coincidence or is there something more sinister afoot.

Hot Fuzz is the much anticipated follow up to Shaun of the Dead. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright collaborate again to bring us a movie that is entertaining and wickedly funny. Hot Fuzz is full of the abstract and dark humour that we have come to expect from this pairing and unlike other British teams who have had a major hit Stateside it is not peopled with big US box office draws. It's success is due to a witty script and good performances (although it does have it share of stars - the cast list reads like a who's who in British Comedy). The only minor criticisms I would have would be that at times the humour unlike Shaun of the dead the taken to it's basest level and the running time is little bit overlong (comedies should just not be much more than 90 mins - it gets a bit dull after awhile).

All in all Hot Fuzz is a laugh out loud comedy gem with another brilliantly oafish performance by Nick Frost.

Detective Jude Foster is a man with a past. Nearly a year ago, Foster was left for dead by his friend and partner, Morgan Cross. Since then, Foster has been tormented by demons that only his mind can create. However, Foster must snap out of his self-induced malady. A series of sporadic murders are terrorizing the streets of Los Angeles. In order to catch the killer, Foster must face up to his past and stop his old partner, Morgan Cross. While Foster has been making cynical remarks in his psychiatrist's chair, Morgan Cross has transcended to a much darker plane. And, so, the ultimate battle of Good and Evil has begun. The question is, "Can the righteous win, without losing their souls?"
I have heard it said, that people under twenty-five should not write a novel. You have to have experienced a little of the world or had your heart broken at least once, in order to produce anything worthwhile. Estevan Vega is defying that convention, because at only eighteen-years-of-age, he has already written two novels. The Sacred Sin is the second of his literary efforts and, considering the author's age, it is a very impressive work of fiction.
The Sacred Sin is an engaging and fast-paced detective tale, with a wonderfully wicked, supernatural edge. Vega has striven to write a horror story that is a cut above this usually pulp- filled genre. Vega's book has quite a profound subtext. The author touches upon the nature vs. nurture argument several times, and the malevolence of complacency is well demonstrated in the pages of this novel.
Vega's characters are well drawn and intriguing, but at times, they do seem a tad clichéd. However, I am sure that time and experience will correct this tiny flaw in Vega's writing. Also, The Sacred Sin perhaps has a few too-many references to pop culture, which might sometimes alienate the more mature reader.
At just eighteen-years-old, Estevan Vega has achieved something that some writers take decades to produce. Vega is full of literary promise, and I, for one, am certain that he has a bright future ahead. In conclusion, The Sacred Sin is a thrillingly devilish, detective story that will leave you thirsting for more from this young writer.

What if pure evil was a dormant gene, carried within the DNA of all humankind? What if an extraterrestrial virus was wiping out humanity? And, what if the most powerful men in the world, more powerful than any government, had known about this virus for decades...?
The recently widowed Catherine Thorn is being hunted, pursued by the man that killed her husband. She is being sought by a man she thought was dead. James Black, the man, is dead; however, James Black, the monster, is very much alive.
James Black did not have a mother or father. He was not born; rather, he was created. He was considered a failed science experiment and was cast aside by his creator, Alan Hilter. Hilter had watched Black for years, seeing him turn from a productive member of society into a brutal killer, without remorse or conscience. Hilter has vowed to destroy what he created, but an immensely powerful, covert organisation has other plans.
Damien Lee is the most powerful person in the United Kingdom, but only a select few know of his existence. He has been charged with the task of stopping the "Reaven" from wiping out the human race.
The Reaven are the master race; they have replaced humans at the top of the food chain. Once, they were human, but they have been infected by an ancient virus, which has altered their DNA, making them near-to-impossible to kill. They survive by drinking the blood of humans. The Reaven represent the most dangerous threat to man's existence that the world has ever seen.
Who will succeed in their mission - James Black, Alan Hilter, Damien Lee, or the Reaven? Read Genocide to find out - the greatest war humankind has ever seen has only begun...!
In Genocide, Adam Shiels has combined elements of science fiction and horror with superb results. Genocide delivers the remorseless, practicably-unstoppable killer, so often seen in "slasher flicks" and pulp literature, and gives him a new, clever perspective. Shiels also revisits the old horror stalwart of the vampire and gives this theme a totally original, modern twist.
A horror writer's intention is always to shock; currently, most writers in this genre do not succeed. This is because most readers have seen or read it all before; thus, they have become inured to whatever depravity or violent act a writer can conjure up. However, Shiels takes acts of violence to a whole new level. The violence in Genocide is gruesome and extreme and strikes too close to the bone. Personally, I think he takes it a little too far, but I am sure others will revel in the macabre and disturbing events described in this novel.
In short, Genocide is not for the faint of heart. This novel will torment your mind with its disturbing voice, and it will excite your imagination with its apocalyptic vision.

"Whosoever is in possession of thy book, read thy words carefully, take a second look.... Thou shall falter if thy heart is untrue...."

Are you reeling from the loss of Harry Potter? Do you miss Hogwarts, Dumbledore, and Hagrid? Fear not! Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands has arrived!
Amber Shadows is your typical "Magia" teenager. She likes to read, she doesn't completely hate school, and she is training to be a white witch. When researching a paper on her family history for her "Magia" Session (White Magic class), she is slightly disappointed by the lack of information. She cannot find any "Shadows," past or present, who are remotely interesting. Disheartened, she ventures up into the attic - a place where she knows she is forbidden to go. While there, she finds the journal of one of her ancestors, Jocelyn Shadows. As Amber Shadows reads this journal, the secrets of her family's past are unlocked. Amber is driven by voices from antiquity to begin a dangerous quest. Amber and a couple of trusted friends must face the evil Lady Gondara. Gondara is an ancient enemy of the Shadows and of every white witch. For the sake of her family and of all the people of Magia, Gondara must be stopped. Can Amber save her family from an ancient curse? Can she return the missing wands to their rightful owners? You will have to read the book to find out!
Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands is not your typical children's book. For one thing, it does not patronise its readers. Instead, it opens up a magical world, filled with dwarfs, two- headed beasts, and talking cats. Every page enchants the reader with thrilling detail and wonderfully drawn out characters. Amber herself is heroic, courageous, and perhaps a little bit precocious. Lady Gondara is wickedly wise, but hopefully, no match for Amber. The book brings to life these fascinating characters and knits them together beautifully with a bewitching and thoroughly intriguing plot.
The problem that writers in this genre must inevitably face is a comparison to Harry Potter. Potter caused such a global sensation that most authors who write stories about teenage witches and wizards will have to put up with this. And, most books will regrettably suffer from such a comparison. Fortunately, Wendy Willett will not have to worry about this problem, as she has written a book that will stand up to any such comparison. And, as the Harry Potter story draws to a close, there is a gap in the market for another magical teenager. Amber Shadows may be just the book to fill this void.
Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands is a must-read for any fan of magical adventure. Wendy Willett's first novel will charm and enthral its readers, and will leave you wanting to hear more from these enticing, fresh characters. The only question left to ask is, "When will Book Two be published?"

For 1000 years, the people of Rheudauhism lived in a state of peaceful fragility. They tried to live in a world without magic and without the guidance of the Creator. The citizens of Rheudaushim are afraid to embrace the awesome omnipotence of the Creator. They believe that if they open links to the Creator, they will unleash the Destroyer. And, as a result, their world will plunge into darkness once again.

Belina wanted to have a life filled with children and grandchildren and to live in blissful anonymity. But this was far from the life that the Creator had chosen for her. Belina's destiny was much more momentous and dangerous than she would ever have expected.

From a young age, Belina had prophetic dreams. She could manipulate the elements and harness the power of the Creator. However, Belina must keep her abilities a secret from everyone, apart from her mother. This is because she knows that if anyone finds out what she can do, she will be put on trial for her life. But fate, as well as the malevolent hordes that surround her, force Belina to act. She must face the Destroyer and save those whom she loves. She must battle forces that are all-powerful and all-consuming. If she fails, the world will be filled with torment and suffering once more. And no one will escape the wrath of the Destroyer...

Most fantasy fiction writers these days are Tolkien "wannabes." They fill their novels with labyrinthine plots and a muddle of complicated gimmicks. All I can say to these writers is that there is only one Tolkien! Don't try and copy him, as more often than not, you will fail. This is what is so refreshing about Creator Born. Shirley Hiter has written a fantasy tale that is both original and zestful. The world that Hiter creates is one filled with rip-roaring adventure and intriguing mysticism. Her characters are well rounded and passionate. And, her story is heart-warming, humourous, and simply stated.

If I had one tiny criticism, it would be that the book ends too abruptly. But I cannot get too upset about that. It is trick that most authors use, to get the reader excited about the next book. If the first book in this series is anything to go by, Book Two promises to be one filled with apocalyptic battles and glimpses of Machiavellian intrigue.

In short, Creator Born is an exuberant piece of fiction that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

As the battle between good and evil rages, only Belina can stop the dark forces of the Destroyer. However, the Destroyer is not all she has to fear. Ignorant superstition and those closest to her may hinder Belina in her task. Will Belina succeed against all odds, or will she fall at the final hurdle? Buy the book and find out!

After his girlfriend is killed, Fox goes deeper into a unique dark world that few of us will ever experience. Haunted by his past and incapable of forming meaningful relationships, he becomes the leader of an elite, "black-ops" team. Fox and his compatriots do not fight for wealth and riches. They fight for a way of life that they believe in. But, this way of life will soon come to an end, no matter what they do.

The Cloak and Dagger Game is the second book in the Dark Secrets of Fox series. This series centres around Fox, a hardened and incorruptible soldier. Fox wages war on terrorism and traitors in the former Yugoslavia. He does not risk his life for money, and he is not a Soldier of Fortune. Rather, he risks his life to preserve his own ideals and for the people of his country.

J.D. Fox, the author, tells the story in the first person, as he himself lived it. Fox comes across as a sort of unpolished James Bond, although this story is much grittier and far more believable than any 007 outing. In the book, Fox describes, in detail, a covert operation that he was involved in. At times, the reader gets the impression that Fox and his team are being used as pawns in a deadly political game. But his beliefs and those of his men are steadfast, no matter what occurs.

The Cloak and Dagger Game is a tale that tells the naked truth about the men who really fight our wars. It is poignant, revealing, and without pretensions. In short, The Cloak and Dagger Game is just a simple tale, told by a forthright man. The author's style is brash and a little rough around the edges, but this only adds to its credibility. People who like the books of Martin Dillon will certainly enjoy The Cloak and Dagger Game.

While most of us are tucked safely in our beds, people like Fox are trying to keep our world safe from harm by playing The Cloak and Dagger Game. Whether this thought frightens or comforts you is something you will have to decide for yourself!