Monday, December 31, 2018

Sunday Post / It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sunday Post is a weekly meme 
hosted by Kimberly @  Caffeinated Book Reviewer!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme 
hosted by The Book Date.


Good Evening, Everyone! 


What Am I Currently Reading?

Well, I have read one chapter of the thriller The Sinner by Petra Hammesfahr, which is a book that has been collecting dust for nearly a year.

 

Last Week's Reviews

(Blu-ray Review)


In The Mail

There were no new books to review in the mail last week. However, I did receive one Blu-ray and one DVD from Mill Creek Entertainment. The Blu-ray is a double feature featuring The Karate Kid Part III and The Next Karate Kid. The DVD is titled Robin Hood Origins and it features 5 classic films - The Bandit of Sherwood Forest, The Black Arrow, The Prince of Thieves, Rogues of Sherwood Forest, and Sword of Sherwood Forest. I have no idea why The Black Arrow is on this release as it has nothing to do with Robin Hood.

Friday, December 28, 2018

Book Blogger Hop: December 28th - January 3rd






Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop! 


If you want to schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

The Book Blogger Hop now has its own Facebook Group! Please join the group to get all the newest Book Blogger Hop updates. Also, you can communicate with your fellow book bloggers in the group.

What To Do


1. Post on your blog answering this question:




This week's question is submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer.


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below. Please enter your Name/Nickname @ Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Here's an example: Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading a few posts and possible become a new follower. The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

The Friday 56: The Sinner by Petra Hammesfahr




Rules

Grab a book, any book.
Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it).
Post it.
 Add your (url) post below in the Linky at: www.fredasvoice.com
Add the post url, not your blog url.


Georg Frankenberg? Something was wrong - something wasn't the way she instinctively expected. She had the same puzzling sensation as she'd had after the murder, when the blonde pushed her hand away. His wife! She felt utterly bewildered.

page 56, The Sinner by Petra Hammesfahr


  My Thoughts

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Blu-ray Review: The Shield: The Complete Series



Mill Creek Entertainment; AMAZON

Now available on Blu-ray from Mill Creek Entertainment is The Shield: The Complete Series (TV-MA; $229.98; 70 hours 23 minutes). All 88 episodes have been remastered in 4K. The 18-disc set features all the special features that were included on the previously released DVD sets, as well as brand-new special features exclusively for this release.

Created by Shawn Ryan, The Shield aired on FX from 2002 to 2008. The series centered around Detective Vic Mackey (played by Michael Chiklis), a corrupt police officer who is the leader of a Strike Team in the fictional Farmington district (a.k.a. - "the Farm") of Los Angeles. His team includes Detective Shane Vendrell (played by Walton Goggins), Detective Curtis "Lem" Lemansky (played by Kenny Johnson), and Detective Ronnie Gardocki (played by David Rees Snell). There was a fifth member of the team, Detective Terry Crowley (played by Reed Diamond), but he was killed off at the very end of the pilot episode.

Mackey tries to have a normal life, but his marriage to Corrine (played by Cathy Cahlin Ryan) is very rocky at best. After learning that both their two younger children have autism, Mackey is more than determined to give them the best care for them, which leads to him breaking the law on multiple occasions.

At work, Mackey is constantly in trouble with his superiors, Captain David Segovia, Captain Monica Rawling, and Captain Claudette Wyms (played by Benito Martinez, Glenn Close, and CCH Pounder), as well as Detective Dutch Wagenbach (played by Jay Karnes), who all would like to expose Mackey for who he truly is - a corrupt cop!

Other cast members include Catherine Dent, Michael Jace, Paula Garcés, and David Marciano.

 
Brand-New Special Features are:
  • The Shield Reunion” – cast & crew reunion special to reminisce and reflect on being a part of this landmark series.
  • The Shield: A Retrospective” – a look back at the lasting impact the series has had on TV and how its themes are still relevant today.
  • Restoring The Shield” – a behind-the-scenes look at the technological processes involved in the High Definition upgrade.
  • The Critical Response to The Shield” – how critics initially received the series and if/how their opinions changed throughout the duration of the series’ run.
  • "The Shield Writers Room" Reunion from the ATX Festival Panel.

Older Special Features are:
  • Cast & Crew Commentaries
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Season 1 Epilogue
  • Wrap Day: Season 3 Teaser
  • "Breaking Episode #315" Making-of Documentary
  • "Under the Skin" Featurette
  • "Delivering the Baby" Featurette
  • Wins and Losses - Season 6 Prequel
  • Season 6 Featurettes
    • Saturn's Sons
    • Two Directors
    • Full Circles: Franka Potente
  • Nobody Expects to Lose, Nobody Expects to Die: The Shield's Final Season
  • Last Call: The Final Episode



Final Thoughts

Monday, December 24, 2018

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme 
hosted by The Book Date.


What Am I Currently Reading?

 


Honestly, I had no plans on starting a new book this week because of Christmas, but for some reason I picked up the novel The Sinner by Petra Hammesahr and started reading a few pages yesterday afternoon. The book has been sitting on my coffee table collecting dust since January, which is when I bought the book. The Sinner was made into a USA television series which aired in the summer 2017. I missed the first few episodes, so I tried to catch up on On Demand, but sadly my cable services decided to skip a few episodes. I never finished watching the series, even though I did buy the DVD earlier this year. Last week, I stumbled upon the second season DVD at Walmart and I ended up buying it. I guess I'll be reading the book before watching the series.



Sunday, December 23, 2018

Sunday Post: December 23, 2018

Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @  Caffeinated Book Reviewer!


Merry Christmas!



What am I currently reading?

I haven't had very much free time to read lately due to my grandmother being in the hospital, a few personal life issues that I don't have time to discuss here, and of course getting ready for Christmas has stressed me out.

I'm planning on finishing the book His Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray today, which is a Christmas themed Amish story. I'll probably post my review on Christmas Day.


Last Week's Reviews

(4K Blu-ray Review)

(Midnight Horror Review)

(4k Blu-ray Review)

(Winter Reads)


In the Mail

Last Monday, I had received The Predator 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, which arrived by UPS a little damaged. The discs aren't damaged, but the slipcover has a crease and a hole in it. It's no big deal to me, as I didn't purchase it. The studio has sent the movie to me to review. (Read my review here!)

I also received The Shield: The Complete Series 18-disc Blu-ray set from Mill Creek Entertainment. It's one of the best television series releases I have ever seen. I'll be posting my review for it sometime today.


New To My Bookshelf

Saturday, December 22, 2018

What the Heck is "Saturday Takeover!"?


You're probably wondering what the heck is a Saturday Takeover!
Well, Saturday Takeover! will be a post reserved for authors and filmmakers! 

As many of you might already know, I made the decision in October 2018 not to participate in book spotlights, book blasts, cover reveals, and release day blitzes.
Why the change of heart?

There are several reasons why I no longer wanted to participate in those types of posts, but I'm not going to list them all here. Search for past "Monday Morning Madness!" posts and you can read about the many reasons why. I will say those types of posts feel a bit too spammy. All bloggers signed to book tours received the same basic information for each book and post almost the exact same thing. I want this blog to stand out from the others! 

What exactly is a Saturday Takeover! post?

Friday, December 21, 2018

Book Blogger Hop: December 21st - 27th






Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop! 


If you want to schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

The Book Blogger Hop now has its own Facebook Group! Please join the group to get all the newest Book Blogger Hop updates. Also, you can communicate with your fellow book bloggers in the group.

What To Do


1. Post on your blog answering this question:




This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews.


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below. Please enter your Name/Nickname @ Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Here's an example: Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading a few posts and possible become a new follower. The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

The Friday 56: His Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray




Rules

Grab a book, any book.
Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it).
Post it.
 Add your (url) post below in the Linky at: www.fredasvoice.com
Add the post url, not your blog url.



Grace was frightened for John . . . and then was shocked to hear that there was a rumor about the fire being set on purpose.

page 56, His Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray


  My Thoughts

Winter Reads: Girls of Paper and Fire


AMAZON
I no longer even attempt to keep up with all the new YA books that are being published, as there are just way too many new titles out there. The only reason why I even knew Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan even existed is because I happened to see it listed on author James Patterson's website. And, no, he's not a co-author of this book, but the title is published under his Jimmy Patterson children's book company, which is a division of Little, Brown and Company.

Girls of Paper and Fire (336 pages; $18.99) is set in a fantasy world that's a mixture of Malaysian and Chinese culture. The main character is Lei, a Paper Caste (a human) from the oppressed class in Ikhara. She is kidnapped by a kingdom guard that presents her as a gift to the Bull King, a Moon Caste (a full demon), so she can become the King's mistress.

Despite the cruel world she has been placed in, Lei finds the courage to fight back against the kingdom.


Final Thoughts

4K Blu-ray Review: The Predator



Walmart; Amazon
Now available to own on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Combo Pack from Twentieth Fox Home Entertainment is the science fiction action film The Predator (R; 107 minutes; $39.99).

Directed by Shane Black (Iron Man 3), the film stars Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, and Sterling K. Brown.

The film centers around Army Ranger sniper Quinn McKenna (played by Boyd Holbrook), who is attacked by a Predator while on a hostage rescue mission. After his entire team are killed, he knocks out the Predator and steals the creature's mask and arm armor, which he later mails to his home to prove to the world that aliens do exist. McKenna is eventually captured by government agent Will Traeger (played by Sterling K. Brown). He is taken to a lab where he is examined and interrogated. Also, at the this lab is the Predator, which is being studied by biologist Casey Bracket (played by Jake Busey).

Meanwhile, McKenna's autistic son Rory (played by Jacob Tremblay) receives and opens the package containing the Predator mask and armor. This when he accidentally pushes the wrong button on the armor which turns on a tracking beacon.

A second enhanced Predator arrives on Earth to hunt down and kill the capture Predator. Then it goes after Rory, who decided to go trick-or-treating wearing the mask and armor. Unknowingly, the armor contains the location to other Predator's spaceship, which is exactly what the enhanced Predator wants. Well, plus the Predator want's Rory's spinal cord!

To protect his son from the Predator, McKenna teams up with several PTDS soldiers and Dr. Casey Bracket (played by Olivia Munn).

Special Features include:
  • Deleted Scenes
  • A Touch of Black
  • Predator Evolution
  • The Takedown Team
  • Predator Catch-Up
  • Gallery 

Final Thoughts

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Midnight Horror Review: Final Exam (1981)


Yes, I'm back with another Midnight Horror Review, which I had originally planned to post weekly. However, due to a recent family emergency, I just didn't have time to watch a horror flick last week. Nevertheless, I'm back tonight to review the 1981 slasher film Final Exam.

Written and directed by Jimmy Huston, the film is set in a college campus during "finals" week. The campus nerd Radish (played by Joel S. Rice) has heard tales of students being murdered in nearby colleges and he's now a little paranoid! After witnessing a shooting and kidnapping on campus, Radish calls the authorities. Unfortunately, the whole "event" was faked by a fraternity, leaving the sheriff (played by Sam Kilman) to believe Radish is nothing but a joke. Later, when Radish reports a killer on the campus, nobody wants to believe him.

Meanwhile, Courtney (played by Cecile Bagdadi) is spending most of her free time studying for the "big exam", while her roommate Lisa (played by DeAnna Robbins) is way too busy trying to seduce her professor. Unknowingly to them, there is a real killer loose on the campus, who has targeted them for his next victims.



Final Thoughts

Monday, December 17, 2018

Blu-ray Review: Journey to the South Pacific



Mill Creek Entertainment; Amazon
Now available on 4K Ultra HD  + Blu-ray + Digital from Mill Creek Entertainment is the 2013 IMAX documentary Journey to the South Pacific (G; 40 minutes; $34.98). The 4K disc features IMAX Enhanced, which means it has a clearer & brighter picture; heart-pounding DTS audio; and more of the picture fills the screen.

Directed by Greg MacGillivray and featuring a narration by actress Cate Blanchett, Journey to the South Pacific takes us (a.k.a. - the viewers) to the tropical islands of remote West Papua, where we are introduced to a young island boy named Jawi Mayor who is joining the "floating classroom" on the 100-foot trawler called the Kalabia.

Along with his uncle (a teacher) and other students, Jawi swims under the sea to show us the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth. Under the sea the cameras capture the endangered Pacific leatherback turtle, 40-foot-long whale sharks, and many different fish species.

Special Features include:
  • Trailer
  • Making-Of Featurette
  • Webisodes
    • Film, Sweat, and Tears
    • The Floating Classroom
    • Last Stand of Leatherback Turtle
    • Swimming with Whale Shark
    • Music of West Papua



Final Thoughts

Sunday Post / It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sunday Post is a weekly meme 
hosted by Kimberly @  Caffeinated Book Reviewer!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme 
hosted by The Book Date.


Good Morning, Everyone! 


Since I had forgotten to publish yesterday's Sunday Post, I decided to merge it with today's It's Monday! What Are You Reading?.

 

What am I currently reading?


I didn't have a whole lot of time to read last week due to many life issues, which included my depression, my grandmother's recovery from hip surgery, and getting ready for Christmas. However, I have no idea why I even bother with the latter anymore. If my grandmother is still in the hospital on the 25th, then nobody is getting together for Christmas dinner, which normally only included myself, my uncle, my grandmother, and my parents. 

The only book on my reading agenda this week is Mind Games by Nancy Mehl, which I haven't started reading yet. I have several other books that have been read, but I haven't gotten around to writing the reviews for them. I'm planning on writing and posting those reviews sometime this week. 


Last Week's Reviews

(Blu-ray Review)

(Holiday Gift Guide)

(Blu-ray Review)

(Blu-ray Review) 

(DVD Review)



In The Mail

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Blu-ray Review: A Beautiful Planet


Mill Creek Entertainment; Amazon

I hate to admit this, but I've never seen to an IMAX film on the big screen. I know the AMC theatre in the city has IMAX screens, but the price for a ticket is too expensive for me.

If you own a 4K television, then you are in luck as you can now own the 2016 IMAX documentary "A Beautiful Planet" on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital combo pack (G; $34.98) from Mill Creek Entertainment, which is the first of two releases (the other title is Journey To The South Pacific) to be released with IMAX Enhanced immersive image, sound, & scale.

The 47-minute documentary is written, produced, and directed by Toni Myers. Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence, A Beautiful Planet puts the cameras in the hands of astronauts (Scott Kelly, Samantha Cristoforetti, Barry "Butch" Wilmore, Terry Virts, Anton Shkaplerov,  Kjell Lindgren, and Kimiya Yui) who are aboard the International Space Station (ISS). With the use of IMAX cameras, the astronauts shows us what Earth looks like from space. 

Special Features include:
  • An Extraordinary Vision
  • IMAX: Astronaut Filmmakers
  • ABP Computing


Final Thoughts

Friday, December 14, 2018

The Friday 56: Mind Games




Rules

Grab a book, any book.
Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it).
Post it.
 Add your (url) post below in the Linky at: www.fredasvoice.com
Add the post url, not your blog url.



Warm afternoon rain mixed with frosty November air, causing an eerie mist to cover the area.

page 56, Mind Games by Nancy Mehl


  My Thoughts

Book Blogger Hop: December 14th - 20th






Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop! 


If you want to schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

The Book Blogger Hop now has its own Facebook Group! Please join the group to get all the newest Book Blogger Hop updates. Also, you can communicate with your fellow book bloggers in the group.

What To Do


1. Post on your blog answering this question:




This week's question is submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer.


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below. Please enter your Name/Nickname @ Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Here's an example: Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading a few posts and possible become a new follower. The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Holiday Gift Guide: 365-Day Devotional Journals





Trying to come up with the perfect idea for a Christmas present isn't the easiest task in the world, especially if that particular family member or friend already has just about anything imaginable.

Today, I am recommending three 365-Day Devotional Journals from Ellie Claire. A devotional journal includes a daily Bible verse or quote from a famous person and a few paragraphs inspired by the verse or quote on each daily page. Additionally, there are blank lines which you can write down your thoughts or prayers.

The three journals are:

Peace Begins with Me
 (Retail: $18.99)

Barnes & Noble; Amazon

The Earth Is the Lord's, and Everything In It
 (Retail: $16.99)

Barnes & Noble; Amazon

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
(Retail: $16.99)

Barnes & Noble; Amazon

Final Thoughts

Monday, December 10, 2018

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme 
hosted by The Book Date.


What Am I Currently Reading?


I didn't get any reading done last week. My grandmother had fell and broke her right hip. She was admitted to a hospital in the city and had hip replacement surgery. She's doing really good. Today, she was transferred to the local hospital to begin 3 weeks of physical therapy. We haven't made the decision whether or not she should be allowed to live by herself again. She has showed signs of dementia in recent months. We're going to wait and see how her therapy goes.  

Books on my agenda this week are The Making of Mrs. Hale by Carolyn Miller and Mind Games by Nancy Mehl. Also, I would like to read more of American Mirror: The Life and Art of Norman Rockwell.





DVD Review: Stan Lee and Kevin Smith Save the World!



Mill Creek Entertainment; Amazon

Just like many other comic books fans, I was heartbroken when the legendary Stan Lee passed away last month. Shortly after learning about his death it dawned on me that I own a copy of the DVD "Stan Lee & Kevin Smith Save the World!" which was released by Mill Creek Entertainment in 2017.

The DVD includes:

An Evening with Kevin Smith (2002; Not Rated; 234 minutes) - Director/Actor Kevin Smith appeared at several American universities in 2001 and 2002 to answer questions from college students about film making. He also shares stories with them.

An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder (2006; Not Rated; 239 minutes) - Split into parts by cities, Kevin Smith heads to Toronto and London for a Q&A with his fans, where he talks about his films.

Stan Lee's Mutants, Monsters and Marvels (2002; Not Rated; 95 minutes) - Filmed in February 2002, Kevin Smith talks in-depth to comic book legend Stan Lee at a comic book store in Santa Monica, California, where Stan Lee discusses creating Spider-Man, The X-Men, The Fantasy Four, and other superheroes. The documentary is presented in two parts and features rare photos and iconic images.



Final Thoughts