Skin Game: The Dresden Files, Book No. 15, by Jim Butcher--Now Out on Bookstands!

Jim Butcher's brand new book, number 15 in the
Dresden Files Series, is available in various
formats: Kindle (e-book), Audio (Audiobook),
CD, and Hardcover editions. [1]

Book Review by:
Sharon Powers.

     Myths and Biblical stories abound about the fall of the mighty angels from heaven, and from God's grace. The stories go that Lucifer had threatened to overthrow God; not succeeding, God cast Lucifer and his minions out of heaven. Then, bitter and resentful, poisoned by his own anger and contempt, Lucifer decided that he would punish God by wreaking vengeance on God's children, Adam and Eve. 

     Adam and Eve, tempted by Lucifer (disguised as a serpent), gave in and sinned against God...then, too, man was cast out of Paradise. The stories all say that Lucifer and his companions have continued to wander the earth seeking the ruin of the souls of the children of Adam and Eve.  So, what do the fallen angels have to do with Jim Butcher's new book, Skin Game? Before we talk about that, let's take a quick look at the book's synopsis.

SOME SPOILERS (LIMITED) WITHIN:

SHORT BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Mab, The
Winter Queen. [2]

     In previous books we learned that Harry has become the Winter Knight to Mab, Queen of Air and Darkness. He must serve her no matter what she asks of him, and this time, you know he just isn't going to like it, not one little bit. For the past year Harry has been on the Island of Demonreach trying to deal with his increasingly bad headaches as the result of an entity growing in his head. Mab puts that all "on hold" by giving Dresden an enchanted "cold" earring for one ear to help keep him alive, telling him he only has days to complete his next assignment before he will die. She, of course, will save him if he completes his assignment successfully.

This is Hades and his three-headed dog, Cerberus.
Dresden and group are headed into Hades' realm to steal
the Holy Grail for Nicodemus. [3]

     This time around, the always mysterious Queen Mab has decided to enlist Harry to help pay one of her debts. Harry's skills as The Winter Knight/Wizard are offered to none other than Nicodemus, one of Harry's arch enemies. Harry is forced to comply or bad things could happen, and by that, we mean really dire consequences. Harry wants to protect the people for whom he cares, so he caves, and agrees to help the big bad baddie break into Hades', Lord of the Underworld's treasure vault! What? Who? Yes. Hades.

The assembled team resembles the
Mission Impossible team. This
image is a little funny since Harry
gets to set off fireworks in the story
for a "distraction." [4]

     In order to accomplish this feat, a team akin to the group from Mission Impossible is assembled and plans are drawn up. To get to Hades' vault they first have to break into Gentleman Johnny Marcone's vault--so they can access "The Ways" into the "Nevernever" (alternate plane). Harry and his backup (Karrin Murphy) know that to do so will bring down unending wrath and vengeance-seeking from Marcone. Since it is the only viable location in which to create a doorway into the Nevernever, Dresden agrees.

     

Karrin is a big supporter and love
interest for Harry Dresden. She is
great with weapons, especially guns--
Karrin is a badass in her own right. [5]

     And then...he learns what Nicodemus wants to steal from Hades. None other than the Holy Grail. The real Grail that disappeared so long ago. Dresden believes that there may be a reason, not disclosed, by Nicodemus, that he wants the Grail. What is his endgame? Dresden also knows that at some point along the way, after he has completed his tasks, Nicodemus will try to get rid of Harry. Dresden suspects everyone except Karrin, his backup.  

The heist from Hades' vault is to be
a quick break in, get out operation;
otherwise known as a smash and
grab. [6]

     The team goes in for the "smash-and-grab" job, Dresden anxious and knowing that someone is a "ringer" in the group. Dresden, constantly aware that someone will try to kill him sometime during the job, has Karrin along to watch his back...but the odds all change when he suddenly loses Karrin as his backup. What happens next will have you on the edge of your seat, turning page after page, frantically, anxious to find out the outcome of Dresden's sojourn into Hades' vault.     

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE BOOK:

     WHAT WORKS FOR ME:

FIRST, THE ORDER OF THE BLACKENED DENARIUS:  

Top: Michael, Sanya & Dresden. Bot-
tom: Nicodemus and his Shadow. This
fan-inspired art was inspired from
Death Masks, Book 5. [7]

    So, what do the fallen angels that I referred to in the opening two paragraphs have to do with Jim Butcher's new book, Skin Game? In The Dresden Files Series, one of the big baddies is a character called "Nicodemus Archleone." Nicodemus is the leader of the "Fallen Angels." Being the leader of the Fallen Angels, Nicodemus is nearly invincible--made so by virtue of a very special neck tie he wears. It is the noose with which Judas hung himself. If he is separated from his talisman, he becomes susceptible to defeat. Over the series, Nicodemus has given Dresden no end of grief.

     For Nicodemus's followers, 30 of the Fallen Angels (called, The Order of the Blackened Denarius, or Denarians), their spirits reside within 30 Denarii--the same 30 pieces of silver Judas was paid to betray Jesus. The coins, in circulation from the time of Christ, become activated when an ordinary (often targeted) person picks up the coin and keeps it. The Fallen Angel then takes over the mind of the weak-willed person, causing that person to be corrupted and made to serve Nicodemus's plans. 

Dierdre, a very fierce Denarian
plays an important role in the new
Dresden Files book, Skin Game. [8]

     When going into battle, the Fallen can shapeshift to an alternate form. Nicodemus's daughter, for example, has very long metal ribbons of hair that can cut opponents to pieces. Dierdre, a member of the Order of the Blackened Denarius, plays a very important part in the new Dresden Files book. She appears as an ordinary woman until she shifts into this being with long metal razor-like hair. Another example of a Denarian shifting shape is Nicodemus, himself. Well, he doesn't shapeshift, exactly, but his shadow can fight you by grabbing, strangling, or hitting you (see the image just above, left).

[10]

     As bad guys go, the Denarians are great opponents to the good guys. You have to have someone capable of defeating the good guys, or the story just would fall flat. There has to, at least, be a contest, something that gives the good guys a run for their money. 

     Also, it is good for the plot to have the good guys lose every once in a while--and Dresden does lose, sometimes. He has lost people, objects, and even faith in himself. As a hero (or anti-hero), the good guys need to be capable of redemption or of overcoming their own failings and faults and be able to rise to the occasion when needed.

SECOND, THE TITLE OF THE BOOK:
"SKIN GAME":     

     I really love the title of this book. At first, I never thought much about the title, but as I read on I kept wondering how the title related to the story. It wasn't until I looked up, "skin game," that it all came together for me. 

     We know the definition. It is right there--I put it in the blue box with a graphic to help make the point. A rigged gambling game; a swindle. The man in the photo has an "ace" up his sleeve!

     What gambling game? Who has "rigged" it? What, "swindle?" Who has the ace up the sleeve?  Who is the one to lose at this game of chance? Ah, me. If I gave you the answers to these questions, I would have to tell all. I can't do that or it would utterly spoil the book for you. But just to say, it is soooooo delicious! You will love finding the answers out for yourself! You have got to get the book and read it to discover just how much fun reading this delightful story is.

THIRD, QUESTIONS ANSWERED AND QUESTIONS ASKED:

     I had a lot of questions after reading, Cold Days, and as I started reading Skin Game. For instance:

[11]

• What about the "thing," or "entity" growing in Harry's head? And what about the headaches?
• Will Dresden and Karrin ever get together, or will Butcher just continue to tease us with the relationship?
• Will we EVER see a new Knight of the Cross? I mean, really, I've been waiting a very long time to see at least one person get one of the swords!
• What will happen to Molly, now that she is a Winter Queen? Has she changed? What will her family say? Will Michael blame Harry? Will Charity ever get over it...or will she just be forever angry at Harry?
• What direction is Jim Butcher taking the series with the more prominent Christian themes (as seen in Skin Game)?

  

  Toot-toot doesn't appear
  in Skin Game.[12]

• What about the missing characters from this book (Skin Game) like Toot-toot, Captain Hook, and Harry's brother Thomas Wraith? With Harry off the island (Demonreach), why haven't more of his friends shown up? I love Butcher's character of Thomas Wraith--I want more, will he oblige?
• What direction will Butcher take in regards to Harry's daughter?
• And, of course, a really BIG ONE for me, how will Harry get out from under the mantle of being the Winter Knight? And, when?

Boy, does this ever sound like
Harry Dresden! [13]

     Of course, there are more questions; I'm sure you have your own; these are just the ones I find most intriguing and wish were answered. In fact, in the book, Skin Game, some of these questions are answered. I will NOT tell you which ones. You'll have to discover that for yourself. But my, oh my! Will you ever love the read! Some horrible things happen, some really wonderful things happen...it is all just sooooo delicious!

     I also have to tell you that a few new characters appear in the story (you probably figured). Anyway, there was a nice scene at the end of the book with one of these new characters (I won't say who). I really hope Butcher brings back this new character, as I'd like to see more of him.

Molly & Mouse. [14]

     Without telling you how they are involved in the book, I will tell you that we get to see Mouse, again, Bob the Skull, Fidelacchius (and Amoracchius), Harry's daughter, Nicodemus and his daughter, Dierdre, Karrin (of course), Butters, Michael Carpenter, and all the baddies I mentioned, above, Molly and Charity, and Johnny Marcone, and a few others. Some appear only in small ways, but you will definitely love all the characters.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:

     Even given all the good things I've said about the book, a couple of things could have been better. Given the surprises in the story, and some really wonderful reveals, and a few very memorable twists and turns, I would have expected more than just a "basic" story line. Here, the basic overarching journey through the story is the oh so predictable Hero's Journey. 

     The Hero's Journey begins typically, as the hero leaves home; for Dresden, it was (Demonreach), The call to Adventure (by Mab), Refusal of the Call (Dresden struggles against going), Crossing the threshold (getting on Mab's boat and leaving the island), The Belly of the Whale (The warehouse), The Road of Trials (various encounters in preparation for the underworld journey),  etc. Very predictable and staid. But, that having been said, it still is a very fun read.

Harry Dresden riding
Sue, the T-Rex. [15]

     Second criticism: Harry's injuries. I know, I know, he is the Winter Knight, and he has great recuperative powers, but, really.... Just how many injuries can he take in every book, recover, and go on to do it again in the next book. I won't tell you what injuries he gets, or where or when, just...well it just all seems a bit too much for anyone to handle. And even with his serious injuries, he fights on? Really? Really? So implausible. And, I, for one, am so used to suspending my disbelief at most things in a wild fantasy ride (especially in Jim Butcher's previous novels): for example, a reanimated T-Rex Harry can ride on (my favorite scene in all of Butcher's novels).

MY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATING:

     Yes, there is violence in the book, even murder, injuries (gunshots, blood, stabbing, broken bones, etc.), sex, and general scariness. However, I would only suggest restraint for those people sensitive to these themes and young people for whom it would be inappropriate. For the targeted audience, mature adults, this book is fine. I would even heartily recommend it to lovers of fantasy and especially to lovers of the Dresden Series.

     I do recommend to everyone that you should read the earlier books first before diving into this book; in this series everything builds upon something else. Relationships are made and sundered, old and new characters interact, and often the history of the relationship is paramount in understanding the story. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5. [16]

     For all the reasons I have given, above, I am pleased to recommend this book to appropriate readers, and give it a 4.5 star rating. I LOVED this book! I am glad to see Dresden examining his life and trying to get back to being someone of whom he can be proud. I especially liked his scene with Michael Carpenter, where he finally confesses his killing of Susan (in the book, Changes.) and his reasons for doing so. I was ready to chuck the whole series at that point, but it looks as if Butcher is bringing Dresden back from the dead (metaphorically speaking)--I hope!

[17]

     Thank you for joining me this week to look at Jim Butcher's recently released book from The Dresden Files (Book 15), Skin Game. Please join me, again, next time, as I have the wonderful opportunity to review another fun and exciting book--one that will be coming to a big screen near you. 

     In Skin Game, we had literal "backstabbing." In the real world, words can cut like knives--take the high road, don't gossip about others, or say unkind things to people that can wound them. Take care, my friends, and be kind and gentle with each other. All my love to you.

Until next time...

Double White Rose of Sharon. [18]

...many happy pages of reading.

Sharon.

_________________________________________________________
REFERENCES
[1] "Skin Game: The Dresden Files, Book 15." amazon.com. Retrieved 07-08-14.
[2] "Mab, The Winter Queen." pandorarp.com. Retrieved 07-08-14.
[3] "Hades and Cerberus." [by nemca-d5w3szb.jpg] dresdenfiles.wikia.com. Retrieved 07-08-14.
[4] "Mission Impossible." rapgenius.com. Retrieved 07-08-14.
[5] "Karrin Murphy." [deviant art] quoteko.com. Retrieved 07-08-14.
[6] "Smash and Grab, Part 1."  hellskate.com. Retrieved 07-08-14.
[7] "Death Masks v2." [by MrSinister616] deviantart.com. Retrieved 07-08-14. 
[8] "Dierdre." [by Bteir] deviantart.com. Retrieved 07-08-14. 
[9] "Cheating in Las Vegas." casinosevolution.com. Retrieved 07-08-14.
[10] "Keep Calm and Love Bad Boys." keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk. Retrieved 07-09-14.
[11] "Do You Have More Questions." morrisontheweb.com. Retrieved 07-09-14.
[12] "Toot-toot."  dresdenfiles.wikia.com. Retrieved 07-09-14.
[13] "Scumbag Brain." quickmeme.com. Retrieved 07-09-14.
[14] "Molly and Mouse." [by C.J.Kennedy] deviantart.com. Retrieved 07-09-14.
[15] "Harry Dresden and Sue, the T-Rex." [by DSillustration] Retrieved 07-09-14.
[16] "My Final Rating for Healthy Affiliate." passionequalssuccess.com. Retrieved 07-09-14.
[17] "Be Kind to One Another." [by Andi Bird] redbubble.com. Retrieved 07-09-14.
[18] "Pictures From my Garden." sparkpeople.com. Retrieved 06-18-14.

A Most Wanted Man by John Le Carré [Book-to-Movie Edition]--Philip Seymour Hoffman's Last Film Role! Now Available on Blu-ray & DVD!

"A Most Wanted Man" by John Le Carré.
This is the book-to-movie paperback
edition from Amazon.com. [1]

Book Review by:
Sharon Powers.

     Philip Seymour Hoffman. In one of his last films before his death, we were privileged to see him portray Mickey Scarpatto in God's Pocket. (Click here to see my book-to-movie review and trailer.) God's Pocket, by Pete Dexter, came to the big screen May 9, 2014, in limited release.

God's Pocket by Pete
Dexter. [2]

     When the movie came out, it didn't come to the area where I live, so I rented the movie from Amazon to see one of his last performances. Though the film was a little dark and a bit grainy, I am happy I was able to view that film. 

Child 44 by Tom Rob
Smith [4]

     In another film, Hoffman had been cast in the book-to-movie best-seller, Child 44, by Rob Tom Smith; Hoffman has since been replaced. Since filming started in June, producers needed a last minute fill-in--Hoffman's part in the movie will be filled by Vincent Cassel (of Black Swan, Ocean's Twelve, and Ocean's Thirteen fame). It is our great loss that we will not see Hoffman in the role in which he had been cast.  [3]

Mockingjay: The Hunger
Games by Suzanne
Collins [5]

     And then, we all loved Hoffman in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire last fall. Hoffman was also suppose to reprise his role for the final film of the trilogy, The Hunger Games: The Mockingjay, Parts 1 and 2. According to GMA News Online, all of Hoffman's scenes for Part 1 had been captured on film, but he, apparently, still had about one week's filming to do for Part 2. GMA has indicated that what was left to film of Hoffman may be cured by utilizing CGI. Part 1 is currently scheduled for release on November 21, 2014 and Part 2 November 20, 2015. [6]

A Most Wanted Man,
the movie, opens in
theaters 07-25-14. [7]

     A Most Wanted Man, book by John Le Carré, coming to the big screen as a book-to-movie, is currently scheduled for release to theaters on July 25, 2014. So, whether you count The Hunger Games or A Most Wanted Man as Philip Seymour Hoffman's last film role is up to you. What is important is that we will no longer have the on-screen presence of Mr. Hoffman. Since this is one of his last films, I wanted to take a look at the book that will come to the big screen starring a wonderful actor in a great supporting role: that of Gunter Bachmann. But, before we talk more about the upcoming film, let's get to the reason we are all here, today...the book review of the very popular book, A Most Wanted Man, by John Le Carré.    

[8]

SHORT BOOK SYNOPSIS: 

    The back of the paperback edition indicates that a young Russian man, recently smuggled into the German city of Hamburg in the middle of the night, wears a "long black overcoat" which conceals a purse, of sorts, around his neck--inside the pouch is a large amount of money. Issa, the smuggled man, claims to be a very devout Muslim. The reader can hardly believe the young man's improbable story; is Issa really who he claims to be?

[9]

     Issa enlists the aid of Annabel, a young civil rights lawyer who soon becomes determined to keep Issa from being deported. Issa's very survival is at risk, but Annabel risks her own career and safety to keep Issa safe. Enlisting the aid of Tommy Brue, an aging Hamburg banker, the two strike a bargain and soon are working to dig up Issa's "mysterious" past. Adding to the mix of complications, authorities, in their fight in the "War on Terror," become aware of Issa and are soon trailing him and investigating the mysterious young man. 

Hamburg, Germany showing the
location of the surrounding
countries. [10]

     Soon, as Germany, England, and America "sense a sure kill," they begin converging on the small, intimate group of people working to help Issa. Does Issa really want to go to medical school to become a doctor or has he come to Hamburg for a different more nefarious purpose? Are Anabel and Tommy Brue dupes, or are they part of a more sinister plan? What do all these people have to do with the post 9/11 War on Terror? How will the uncovering of Issa's story change the lives of all involved?

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE BOOK:
       WHAT WORKED FOR ME:

     The spy or espionage genre are neither my favorite nor my least favorite of genre's to read. I only read from this genre sporadically and only when I see something really worth while come along. That is one of my major reasons for selecting today's book review book. I also loved the idea of seeing Philip Seymour Hoffman, a wonderful actor, on screen in a film. 

     I found an interview of John Le Carré where he explains a few of his thoughts about his book, A Most Wanted Man. I think the interview is worth watching and is only 8:51 minutes long. I enjoyed watching the author being able to show his enthusiasm for his work as well as various locations from the book. Also apparent is Le Carré's love for Germany, and Hamburg, in particular, which he uses as a backdrop for his novel. Watch this short interview and see what you think. [11]

     The tension in the novel between the, as le Carré calls it, "political imperative," and personal morality plays itself out in the relationships among the characters in their tangled web of interactions. We see the impersonal and destructive actions of spy agencies forcing moral choices on targets of state action. I think this is writing at its best, and John Le Carré has certainly cornered the market in the spy/thriller/mystery genre.

This social meme points out that
sometimes decisions that need to be
made become "moral dilemna[s]" (ob-
viously, the decision that needs to be
 made is: "what is the correct spelling
of "dilemma?").  A real moral dilemma
is one in which a difficult choice has
to be made between two (or more)
equally undesirable alternatives. [12]

     We also see just how destructive agency actions can be in leveraging specific conduct for the benefit of agents and their governments. When the target is left with no real choice, either submit and betray yourself and another or be destroyed, the toll becomes apparent. It is a huge moral dilemma for the people involved. Problematically, the effect is that these choices are coerced behind the scenes and away from the viewing public, so no outcry can damage governmental or agency goals. I really enjoyed the tension created by the "politcal imperative," and personal morality of the characters. The struggle in the reality of the situations really brings home the internal suffering and damage to the character of a person in that situation.

     The post 9/11 political climate and dramatically increased fear of continued terrorists' attacks is beautifully exemplified in Le Carré's novel. As of the time of the setting for this novel we had, yet, to hear about human rights violations and the magnified fear that many refugees felt when fleeing one country and emigrating into another--out of the frying pan and into the fire, for some.

[13]

     The fact that Le Carré showcases the plight of some refugees and the "between a rock and a hard place" that some find themselves in as regards to being seen as an espionage threat, is dramatic. Also, that agencies, in general, and the spy world, in this fictional novel, fail to have a moral compass is an indicator of what may have been going on in the "real" world. 

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:

[14]

     First, the characters. Issa, the immigrant about which the action centers, is pretty flat as a character. I realize the point was to keep him mysterious and to not know what he was all about, but I felt like I really didn't care about him the way I seemed to about others in the book. Likewise, Tommy Brue, had potential; he just didn't have anything striking or unique about him. For example, he wasn't a great lover (apparently, his wife wasn't satisfied), he wasn't a great banker (his bank was slowly failing), and not much good at helping Annabel. So, he, too, is flat for a character.

Philip Seymour Hoffman (on right),
stars as Gunter Bachmann; Charlotte
Schwab (on left) as Martha. [15]

     The most interesting of the three major characters is Annabel, the human rights lawyer whom everyone seems to like. She is faced with a moral dilemma that goes against everything she works for in her career. And finally, Philip Seymour Hoffman's role, that of Agent Gunther Bachmann, is one I look forward to seeing in the movie to see just what Hoffman does with his supporting role.

     Second, I understand that the pacing is one in which the tension builds until we hit the climax, but here, it is just too slow in the beginning. We are introduced to Max (a fighter) and led to believe he will be an important part of the story, but after devoting a good amount of time in the opening pages to Max, we leave him behind. He never becomes anything important in the story other than a way to introduce Issa. Too much time was spent on Max; so much so, that I ended up caring more about Max than I did the other characters in the story.

[16]

     Third, the ending. The ending was so abrupt and shockingly fast that I didn't even have time to take it in that it was the end. I had to go back a few pages and reread to try and understand the final moments of the characters interactions. And, while I doubt the story could have ended much differently, the abruptness of it was shocking. The harsh realities of the espionage world are seen in the light of day, so to speak. It is brutal and sad, but there it is.

THE MOVIE:
     As I indicated above, this movie is one of Hoffman's last roles on screen. Let's take a look at the trailer to try and get an indication of what the viewing audience is in for with this potentially exciting movie. Please enjoy this trailer from YouTube. [17]

   
     Directing the mystery/spy thriller is Anton Corbijn with writing credits going to John Le Carré (novel) and Andrew Bovell (screenplay). Starring with Phillip Seymour Hoffman (who plays Gunther Bachmann), will be Rachel McAdams as Annabel Richter, Robin Wright as Martha Sullivan, Willem Defoe as Tommy Brue, Grigoriy Dobrygin as Issa Karpov, Daniel Bruhl as Max, Nina Hoss as Erna Frey and Mehdi Dehbi as Jamal. I am greatly looking forward to seeing this movie, admittedly, because of Philip Seymour Hoffman's appearance as Gunther Bachmann. I will be there on July 25, 2014, to see the film.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATING:

Because of the inclusion
of the topic of torture in
the novel, I would caution
highly sensitive people and
the young to consider the
impact on themselves
 before reading. [18]

     The MPAA rating for the movie is "R" for language. I would rate the book similarly, but for slightly different reasons. The topic of torture is one that for sensitive people, or the young, would not be appropriate for reading. To the general adult reading population, this book would be not only acceptable, but one that should be read...the timely topics are critically important for all mature adults to understand and consider.

[19]

     For all the reasons I have given above, I would say that I am glad that I read A Most Wanted Man and would do so, again. I would recommend this book to the appropriate audience, mature adults not of a sensitive nature. Weighing the positive and negative attributes of the book, I, therefore, rate this book 3.0 stars out of 5.

     Thank you for joining me this week as we looked at the exciting thriller, A Most Wanted Man by John Le Carré. Please join me again, next week, as we leave behind the serious and bleak world of espionage and take up a book with a much lighter flare and much more fun. Please don't forget to pick up a book and read a little bit each day, even five to ten minutes, will refresh your mind.



Until next time...

A Double White Rose of Sharon. [19]

...many happy pages of reading!

My very best to you all!

Sharon.
______________________________________________________

REFRENCES
[1] "A Most Wanted Man." amazon.com. Retrieved 07-01-14.
[2] "God's Pocket." amazon.com. Retrieved 07-04-14.
[3] "Vincent Cassel Replacing Philip Seymour Hoffman in 'Child 44.'" deadline.com. Retrieved 07-04-14.
[4] "Child 44: The Child 44 Trilogy." amazon.com. Retrieved 07-04-14.
[5] "Mockingjay: The Hunger Games." amazon.com. Retrieved 07-04-14.
[6] "CG Model To Replace Philip Seymour Hoffman in Hunger Games." gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 07-04-14.
[7] "A Most Wanted Man..." ohhword.com. Retrieved 07-04-14.
[8] "Synopsis." scriptgodsmustdie.com. Retrieved 07-04-14.
[9] "The War on Terror." facebook.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[10] "Hamburg: Location." kids.britannica.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[11] "A Most Wanted Man by John Le Carre Extended Version." youtube.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[12] "Imperfections of Moral Choice." venturebeat.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[13] "Kucherena: US Pushing Russia Towards Double Standards, Human Rights Violations." kyivpost.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[14] "Character Development and Plot Tension...." pinterest.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[15] "A Most Wanted Man Picture 5." aceshowbiz.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[16] "The Best Ending to the Christian Story: Series Wrap." experimentaltheology.blogspot.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[17] "A Most Wanted Man Official Trailer #1." youtube.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[18] "Torture Blood Word." masterfile.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[19] "Three Stars." uncyclopedia.wikia.com. Retrieved 07-05-14.
[20] "Pictures From My Garden." sparkpeople.com. Retrieved 06-18-14.

Hercules: The Thracian Wars by Steve Moore [Book-to-Movie Staring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]

This is the cover image for the graphic novel,
Hercules: The Thracian Wars by
Steve Moore [cardstock ed.]. [1]

Book Review by:
Sharon Powers.

     He had seduced the woman through trickery, taking on the likeness of her husband; he slowed time...to further enjoy his debauchery with her. Then, the woman's husband returned catching the two in the act. The seducer, Zeus, fled, leaving the hapless woman, Alcmene, pregnant and alone, to face the wrath of her husband. Hera, Zeus's wife, became furious at Zeus's infidelity, and she took her revenge out on Hercules, the son born from Zeus's trickery with Alcmene, when Hercules had grown into a man.  

     Hera caused all manner of trouble for Hercules while he was yet a mortal. Probably the worst thing she did was to make Hercules crazy for a while--confused and angry, Hercules killed his own wife and children. After he awoke from the "temporary insanity," Hercules was devastated and prayed to Apollo for guidance. Apollo's oracle told Hercules to serve King Eurystheus for twelve years, which included the twelve labors he would have to perform.

These twelve impossible tasks
were appointed to Hercules by
King Eurystheus. [3]

     Hercules was first tasked with bringing back the pelt of the lion of Nemea that was wrecking havoc on the population of the area. He tracked the lion and shot at it with arrows, but the arrows only bounced off the lion. Regrouping, Hercules considered another approach: he blocked one entrance to the lion's cave and then came at the lion through the other entrance. 

     Grappling with the lion, Hercules used his great strength in his arms to first grab and then choke the lion until it died. Hercules skinned the lion and returned to King Eurystheus, but the king wouldn't see him, opting instead to communicate with Hercules through a herald. Hercules thereafter wore the skin of the lion, the pelt protecting him; thus, the lion skin became one of his trademark images as you can see on the book's cover. [2] 

One of Hercules many adventures:
Hercules: The Knives of Kush
by Steve Moore. [4]

    The legends surrounding Hercules abound. Stories tell of him sailing with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece, and numerous other adventures and military campaigns. This book, Hercules: The Thracian Wars, tells one of those stories.

SHORT BOOK SYNOPSIS
(The Sword & Sandle Comeback):

     Hercules and his seven companions [(1) Amphiaraus (a Seer from Argos); (2) the woman, Atalanta, from Arcadia; (3) Tydeus of Calydon, The Brutal; (4) Iolaus; (5) Meleager; (6) Meneus; and (7) Autolycus (son of Hermes)] receive a request from King Cotys of the Odrysae Tribe in Thrace to provide mercenary services for gold. Hercules and his comrades hire on to train King Cotys' soldiers to be the greatest fighting force of all time. To achieve this goal, Hercules and his band must train Cotys' soldiers to be as bloodthirsty, fierce and ruthless as Hercules' band.

Hercules and his companions. I'm sorry the photo is not
better, as you can see, my book is falling apart. But at
least you can get an idea of how his companions appear.
Amphiaraus the Seer,  is far right, Atalanta next to him
and Hercules in the middle (right), Tydeus The Brutal
[who, by the way, eats human flesh--yucch!] (center,
straddling both pages), Iolaus (with the beard) stands
left of Tydeus in the center, next to him is Meleager
[with blond hair and a spear] (he has a big crush on
Atalanta),  Meneus with a short sword, and Autolycus
in a white cloak and hood far left.

     But nothing is as simple as it seems. Hercules and his band's only desire is to work and earn their money, but others have hidden agendas and secret plans that may well, indeed, interfere with Hercules' plans.

     Greece, his beloved country, may, well be at risk as well as his life and the lives of his companions. Who is working behind the scenes to cause such devastating consequences? What do they hope to accomplish? It seems blood will flow and men will die, but whose blood and whose lives?

THIS BOOK AND WHAT I THINK ABOUT THIS BOOK:

     Several different editions of the Hercules: The Thracian Wars by Steve Moore exist. The edition I am reviewing today is the paperback edition (cardstock cover); the two other editions are (1) the Kindle edition and (2) the hardcover edition. I want to make clear that I am NOT reviewing all three of these editions, only the one that I purchased, the paperback edition.

[5]

THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

     As I have indicated in other blog posts, but it bears repeating, a graphic novel is, in form, a book bound with material similar to full novels. Also, graphic novels can also be viewed on e-readers. They can be hardcover or card stock paper and may include topics of non-fiction as well as fiction, or even anthologies. The graphic novel is distinguished from comics or comic books even though the bulk of material consists of drawings.

[6]

     Comic books are published on inexpensive bulk paper whereas graphic novels paper quality is much higher, some are truly beautiful with glossy pages and beautiful illustrations. Moreover, comics contain advertising whereas graphic novels do not. Also, graphic novels invariably contain a story line that has a beginning, middle, and end, a complete story arc. Comic books, on the other hand, tend to be episodic in nature. Comic books are much, much shorter than graphic novels (some graphic novels I've seen approach 150 pages and one I have is over 200 pages).

[7]

     Some graphic novels merely call themselves graphic novels but are nothing more than bound comics with an inflated price. It is so disappointing when a title is described and billed as a graphic novel and you spend your money expecting to get a graphic novel, but end up with a glorified comic book. One example of this is All You Need is Kill (Edge of Tomorrow) by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. I reviewed the novel in May of this year (2014). As a Bonus part of that review, I also reviewed the graphic novel (click here to see that review). On the other hand, Vampire Academy, A Graphic Novel is a perfect example of what a great graphic novel can be (click here to see that review).

     Hercules: The Thracian Wars has a complete story arc with a beginning, middle and end; it is not episodic like a comic book. It is a bound book, with a card stock cover (see the image at top of page.) So far, so good. The paper is a nice quality paper with a glossy finish and beautiful illustrations; again, not the pulp paper of comic books. The pages number 144, so it is far larger than a comic book; the quantity of pages, here, also put it in the graphic novel category. Unfortunately, the back of the book contains seven pages of advertising; still, this alone, since it is placed in the back of the book and no advertising is in the middle of the book, would not, of itself, prevent it from being a graphic novel. So, my CONCLUSION is that it meets the elements of being a graphic novel. To find out whether or not it is a good graphic novel, let's continue.

     CONTENT: I've already given you the short synopsis, above, but there is a bit more to say about the story. First, the reason I purchased the book was because I had learned that the book was being made into a movie. Dwayne, "The Rock" Johnson, has been cast in the leading role. The adaptation of a book to a movie is a very interesting process--it can have widely unpredictable results. Sometimes the story bears little semblance to the book, other times a real effort has been made to be true to the book. Let's take a look at the YouTube trailer to see just what we are in for. [8]

     

     Joining Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the movie is John Hurt as King Cotys, Irina Shayk as Megara, Rufus Sewell as Autolycus, Ingrid Bolso Berdal as Atalanta, Ian McShane as Amphiaraus, Reece Ritchie as Iolaus, Aksell Hennie as Tydeus, Adrian Bouchet as Zeus and Rebecca Fergueson as Ergenia. Writing credits go to Steve Moore (book), Ryan Condal (screenplay), Evan Spiliotopoulos (screenplay), with Brett Ratner doing the directing.

     The story is action-packed, full of twists and turns and "Crazy Ivans." No. No submarines in this story. But it is full of intrigue and hang-on-to-your-seat suspense, betrayal, cannibalism, ill-fated love, death-wishes, tragic deaths, deserved punishments, psychotic killers, monsters, heroes, prophecy and sex. It literally, has it all. Most of all, it has gratuitous violence of every sort: blood, guts, and brains, everywhere. To me it seemed to be more like Conan the Barbarian than Hercules Son of Zeus. If the movie follows the book, be ready for a bloodfest.  As of today (06-27-14), the movie does not have an MPAA rating. According to IMDb, it most likely will be rated PG-13 due to "violent fantasy action, frightening images, some sexuality, and brief nudity." [9]

WHAT I REALLY LIKED:

     Really, there is only one thing that I really LOVED. It is the beautiful art of Admira Wijaya (Artist). Don't judge the artwork by the book's cover, because I just don't think the cover does it justice. Here is a close up from my book showing a face on one side and on the other clouds and sun in a backdrop. Just look at the subtlety in the art. I think it is really beautiful. It really is a shame, because, as I said, the art is about the only thing I liked about the book.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
     The most horrible part of the book is the poor workmanship in constructing the book. Here are several photos showing how the book fell apart after reading it once. And for those of you who don't believe me, go to amazon.com and look up the reviews of the paperback (or card stock) edition of this book. It has happened to others.

     I love my books and handle them gently. I never over torque a spine and don't fold pages. This book, literally, fell apart in my hands as I carefully turned the pages. It is the worst constructed book I have EVER purchased. I pur- chased mine for $9.99 + 3.99 sh/h, almost a year ago. Amazon.com now lists the books from sellers starting at $34.16 (used) and $34.99 (new). So...even at $9.99 I feel I got ripped off.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

From Amazon.com.  It looks like the four people who got the hardcover
edition were happy with the book, bringing in 4.5 stars avg. [10]

     As I said, above, I am not reviewing the other editions of this graphic novel. Even so, I would like to share with you a couple of things. First, it appears that those who bought the hardcover edition (or the Kindle edition) are quite happy with their book. They do not have the disastrous falling apart problems with which card stock editions seem plagued.

     Second, as you can see from the image (just above, right), the hardcover editions are much cheaper, now, than the paperback edition. Available from second party sellers, they start at $18.89 used, and even new, it still is almost $5.00 cheaper than the paperback. What's up with that? Don't they want anyone to buy the paperback editions, now?

Yes, I can still read the book in this condition, but what happens if I lose
a page or a section of the book because it has fallen out? The extremely
poor quality craftsmanship of assemblage has ruined the book's readability.

    Finally, I'm not sure what prompted the Sword and Sandle comeback this year. We have had Pompeii (Milo played by Kit Harrington); Hercules (starring Kellan Lutz as Hercules); 300: Rise of an Empire, and now we have Hercules, starring "The Rock." It seems that the first two movies did abysmally at the box office and in the ratings while 300: Rise of an Empire received mixed ratings but did well at the box office. We can only guess what will happen with "The Rock's," Hercules. Well, I for one, will be waiting to see it. [11]

MY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATING:

     The MPAA rating should be at least a PG-13 (or stronger). The book is rife with violence, blood, killing, and horrible images such as cannibalism. Sex is also present, and some quasi-nudity. This book should not be read by children or the sensitive person. I advise the same about the movie. While the movie looks to be very violent, it will probably be more palatable than the book. For adults who like fantasy themes that include violence, this book should be acceptable.

[12]

     For all the reasons I have stated, above, I give this book 2 stars out of 5. I'm sure the rating would be different had I purchased the hardback book for myself. However, I did not. I am rating this card stock edition and find it to be one of the worst books I have ever purchased. I give the 2 stars only for the sake of the beautiful art work of Admira Wijaya. 

Get ready for a Thriller/
Mystery/Suspense
Novel next week! [13]

     Thank you for joining me this week as we looked at the graphic novel that is the basis for the upcoming movie, Hercules--Hercules: The Thracian Wars. Please join me again next week when we will look at something very different from a graphic novel. We will look at a thriller/mystery/suspense novel, sure to please the reader in you. You have to wait for the big reveal until next week, but it should be fun. Don't forget to pick up something and read it this week while you're waiting for next week's book review! I send my love to you all!

Until next time...

This is a Double White Rose of Sharon. [14]

...many happy pages of reading!

_________________________________________________________
REFERENCES
[1] "Hercules: The Thracian Wars." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[2] "The Nemean Lion." perseus.tufts.edu. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[3] "The Labors of Hercules." perseus.tufts.edu. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[4] "Movie News Monday." thefocusedfilmographer.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[5] "Graphic Novels." ipl.org. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[6] "All You Need Is Kill." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[7] "Vampire Academy." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[8] "Hercules: The Thracian Wars." youtube.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[9] "Hercules."  imdb.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[10] "Hercules: The Thracian Wars." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[11] "Brett Ratner's 'Hercules' to Hit Theaters in August 2014." radicalpublishing.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[12] "Tee Set Rating." teesetgolf.wordpress.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[13] "Mystery Crime Scene." mysterycrimescene.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.
[14] "Pictures From My Garden." sparkpeople.com. Retrieved 06-27-14.

A Long Way Down: A Novel by Nick Hornby--This Book-to-Movie Comes to the Big Screen in U.S. 07-11-14 [Limited Release]!

This is the paperback edition of Nick
Hornby's, A Long Way Down. [1]

Book Review by: Sharon Powers.

NOTICE: THIS BOOK AND BOOK REVIEW DEALS WITH THE TOPIC OF SUICIDE.

     Phil and Rita are sitting in the diner at their regular table. They have a discussion about death and life and Phil tells Rita that he has just survived a horrible car wreck and that he is a supernatural being.

     Phil is a famous weatherman and on-screen personage who goes to Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day and gets stuck in a time loop living the same day, the exact same day, over and over again. Phil moves through various emotions, at first disbelief of his situation, then he feels elation, and finally despair and weariness and dread. They drive him to attempt to commit suicide but he always wakes up the next morning exactly as he did the day before.

[3]

   Back at the table in the diner, Phil tells Rita that he's survived more than just a car wreck. He says, "'I've been run over, drowned, crushed, stabbed, shot, electrocuted, poisoned, frozen, burned, and asphyxiated. [RITA says] 'Really?' [And the waiter looks at him like he's nuts.] [PHIL responds,] '--but I always wake up the next day without a scratch, without even a headache. I'm telling you, I'm immortal.'" [2]

     Here is a short film clip of Bill Murray as Phil Connor going through his series of suicide attempts. This video clip is from YouTube. Please enjoy:

     The one suicide attempt Phil doesn't mention is jumping from a tall building--but we see that he does attempt suicide this way. Jumping from a tall building is exactly what four people plan on doing in Nick Hornby's novel, A Long Way Down. The four people, however, are not stuck in a supernatural time loop. Their first jump would be their last--and that is, indeed, what they intend.

SHORT BOOK SYNOPSIS:

     Four people, all leading separate lives and not knowing each other, come to one fateful decision that brings them all together on the same night at the same place and time, the top of a very tall building in London, called Toppers. Ironically, as each arrives on that New Year's Eve, they, in turn, discover they are all there for the same purpose: to jump to their death from the rooftop. 

The irony of their agreement
to delay their suicide until
Valentine's Day may, or may
not have escaped the group's
notice. [5]

     The four begin talking and eventually agree to a moratorium on their suicide jump until Valentine's Day. Periodically the individuals, Martin, Maureen, Jess, and J.J., meet and the reader gradually gets to know more about each person. Their personalities and lives are disparate: Martin, is a television personality, convicted of having sex with a fifteen-year-old, and, having been in prison, is separated from his wife and daughters; Maureen is a single mother of a profoundly handicapped boy; Jess is an out-of-control teenager who uses drugs, drinks alcohol, and misses her sister who suddenly disappeared one day; and J.J. is an ex-band member who recently broke up with his girl friend and is stuck delivering pizza's for a living. 

     And then the fateful day arrives--Valentine's Day. The group has gathered on the top of the building for a second time. In a shocking turn of events, we are witness to a suicide. But what of those that remain behind? Nick Hornby pulls out all the stops and lets everyone have it. But what will be done with what is left? Will the group all eventually jump to their deaths, or will they find a way to live?

[6]

MY FAVORITE QUOTE:

     When you get yourself in that place, the place I was in on New Year's Eve, you think people who aren't up on the roof are a million miles away, all the way across the ocean, but they're not. There is no ocean. Pretty much all of them are on dry land, in touching distance. (p.324)

     This is my favorite quote because I like the concept that we all aren't really so far apart from each other. Of course, if you read closely, you'll realize that J.J., the speaker, is really saying that everyone else is on the roof with him and not so far away from being suicidal, themselves.

A LONG WAY DOWN, THE MOVIE:
     The movie is scheduled for limited release, only, on July 11, 2014. After having watched the trailer, I have to say, I think the book adaptation to movie seems to change the tone of the book. Watching the trailer, it seems like four desperate people meet, help each other, and everything ends well. The music is up beat and cheerful, laughing and giggling included--anything but what you would associate with suicide. Watch the trailer and see what you think. [7]



     Pierce Brosnan will star in the movie as Martin, Toni Collette as Maureen, Imogene Poots as Jess, Aaron Paul as J.J., with Sam Neil as Chris, Rosamund Pike as Penny, and Josef Altin as Matty. Pascal Chaumeil is the Director and writing credits going to Nick Hornby (novel) and Jack Thorne (screenplay). Ratings have given the movie 6.5 stars out of 10 (2,705 Ratings users), and the metascore is 28 out of 100. The MPAA Rating is R (for language). [8]

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THIS BOOK:

[9]

     Oh, my, my, my. We are down to it now, aren't we? First, just to let you know, I've had a family member who committed suicide, so I don't think that suicide is funny--even in a black humor kind of way. This book has been out long enough for almost everyone to know that it is supposed to be "hilarious" and that it has "comical snap." I just don't think so. I never laughed once, or chuckled, or even smiled at any point while I was reading the book. Others may think it humorous, I don't. I will not apologize for feeling this way.

[10]

     Second, moving down to the more literary analysis, we have four characters, all so very different. Yet, I didn't really find anyone with whom I could identify OR that I could say I liked. I just didn't really care about them the way they were written. Too many protagonists, I think, makes it difficult to get to know any of them. And we had numerous supporting cast members, too (I actually liked some of them better than the characters themselves--like the orderlies from the care home.). Conclusion: character development just failed to inspire.

[11]

     Third, too much of the book jumped back and forth without any direction--like the man on the left, here, not quite sure which direction to go. I was just getting to try to understand one person and we switched to another. And we also had chaotic themes running through the book, one about falsifying a vision of an angel, starting and quitting a book club, getting involved in music, etc. I felt like a bouncing ball, or whiplash with all the changeups. It just wasn't compelling.

[12]

     Finally, I thought the ending sucked. Here is a short quote that might be illustrative for you: [Martin is speaking, and we are on page 261] "That's the thing with the young these days, isn't it? They watch too many happy endings. Everything has to be wrapped up, with a smile and a tear and a wave. Everyone has learned, found love, seen the error of their ways, discovered the joys of monogamy, or fatherhood, or filial duty, or life itself." "[O]r life itself[?]" Really? Discovering the joy of life is a bad thing?

[13]

     And that just about sums up the book. Nothing has been learned. We don't know, for sure, if they will continue to choose life. In fact, on the last page of the book one says, "So how about we give it another six months? See how we're doing?" (p.332) It just is like a slice of life with no end, just a piece out of the middle. And that seems to be what Hornby was going for, here. It may be successful in that Hornby achieved his goals in giving the reader this little slice of four people's lives, but I just don't think it worked well. Perhaps the movie adaptation will be more successful in giving the viewer a more palatable story; after all, we do see them having fun and laughing in the trailer.

     What did I like? Well, even though the premise is implausible, I liked the way Hornby used it to start the book. I also liked Hornby's writing style. It is easy-going and off-handedly casual and graceful. Some of the dialog was very pithy and well-done. What I liked, I liked very much, so it seems to balance out some of the negative elements of the book.
_________________________________________________________
NOTICE: IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING COMMITTING SUICIDE, PLEASE CALL SOMEONE FOR HELP. HERE IS ONE PHONE NUMBER YOU CAN CALL IN THE U.S.:

Search Results

1. 

   Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255                                        [14]

   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline FOR INTERNATIONAL HELP THIS WEB SITE LISTS PHONE NUMBERS FOR MANY COUNTRIES HOT LINES: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

_________________________________________________________

MY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATING:

     The MPAA rating for the movie, A Long Way Down, is R, based on language. I, too, would rate the book R, but not just for the bad language. We have a very violent scene, a suicide, that everyone present sees. So, anyone who is young or of a sensitive nature should be aware of the MPAA rating from the movie.

     I'm glad I read the book, but admit I put it aside several times and had to force myself back to reading it. I probably won't read it ever again. I wanted to give it a lower rating, but felt that three stars was a fair valuation for the book. So, based on all the reasons I have given above, I give this book 3.0 stars out of 5.

[15]

 
     Thank you for joining me this week as we looked at the serious topic of suicide as addressed in Nick Hornby's book, A Long Way Down. This serious topic touches us all in profound ways.

[16]

     The internet can be so very impersonal. The subject of suicide is deeply personal and yet, touches us all. I may not know who you are, what your name is, or anything else about you, but every day I think about everyone of you who reads my blog posts. I try to give you a little bit of myself in the blog posts, through our mutual love of books. I feel like we are all connected. I keep you all in my prayers. And...I send you my love. The world is a better place for your being here! Stay alive. Be kind to each other.

     Please join me next week for a much, much lighter book review--we will be looking at the book and the book-to-movie, Hercules starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson that is slated for release to the big screen, July 25, 2014. [based on Steve Moore's, Hercules: The Thracian Wars]. I hope that will be more fun for you. And in the meantime, read something uplifting.

Until next time...

[17]

...many happy pages of reading!

All my love,

Sharon.


________________________________________________________

REFERENCES
[1] "A Long Way Down." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-18-14.
[2] "Groundhog Day." imsdb.com. Retrieved 06-21-14.
[3] "Groundhog Day [Movie]." amazon.com. Retrieved 06-21-14.
[4] "Groundhog Day - Suicide Scenes." imsdb.com. Retrieved 06-21-14.
[5] "Forever and Eternity." saxjazman9.blogspot.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[6] "My favorite quote is...." fitnessgurusam.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[7] "A Long Way Down Official International Trailer #1 (2014)." youtube.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[8] "A Long Way Down." imdb.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[9] "Suicide Isn't Funny." martianmeerkat.deviantart.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[10] "This Crazy Thing." pardontherandomness.tumblr.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[11] "...The Right Direction." usatoday.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[12] "...Consensus Regarding the Ending It Sucked." quickmeme.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[13] "I Have 6 Months to..." knowthymoney.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[14] "Need Help?" google.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[15] "These Broken Stars Review." read-reread-repeat.blogspot.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[16] "Sending You My Warmest Hug." joannelogatoc.wordpress.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.
[17] "Top 28 White Roses Pictures for Free Download." funstock.com. Retrieved 06-22-14.