SciFiChick.com

Courtesy of A&E, I have a DVD copy of Ancient Aliens: Season Three for one (1) lucky winner.

Contest is open to US residents only. To enter, just fill out the form below. Contest ends March 2. I’ll draw a name on March 3, and notify winner via email.

Good luck!

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Being Human – Airs – Monday, February 6th at 9/8c on Syfy
‘(I Loathe You) For Sentimental Reasons’ – Sneak Peek

Lost Girl – Airs – Monday, February 6th at 10/9c on Syfy
‘Faetal Attraction’ – Sneak Peek

Tribulations by Ken Shufeldt

Fleeing the destruction of Earth by an asteroid, the remaining survivors are aboard starships searching for a new planet to inhabit. Billy and Linda West are the genius couple responsible for the ships and saving those they could. In attempt to improve their chances, Billy has an idea for light-speed travel. But accident occurs, leaving the Genesis stranded from the rest of the fleet but near a livable planet. But the planet is already inhabited by two kingdoms at odds. The Wests and the rest of the Genesis’ crew must find a way to survive, as history may repeat itself again as a looming meteor is headed for this new planet.

Tribulations is the sequel to Genesis, which I have not read. Thankfully, there is an intro that summarizes everything that happened in Genesis. And I was able to easily catch up. Shufeldt’s dark future follows the remains of humanity on a wagon train to the stars. The Wests are the protagonists of the story, unique human/alien hybrids with special gifts besides their genius intellects.

I was hooked on the story as soon as they landed on the alien planet. The inhabitants are oddly human-like, with cultures that mirror ancient ones from Earth. These fascinating cultures, with little technology and too much superstition, are brutal with a thirst for revenge. And this time, humanity are the alien invaders – albeit somewhat peaceful invaders. The only thing that gave me pause was Shufeldt’s choppy style when it comes to the passing of time. Days, weeks, months, would pass in briefs mentions that didn’t seem to flow very well. Yet it was convenient to move the story along. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this science fiction adventure and found it completely enthralling. Complex and full of adventure, action, and suspense – I will definitely be following this series.

Merlin – Airs – Friday, February 3rd at 10/9c on Syfy
‘His Father’s Son’ – Sneak Peek

Vampirates: Immortal War by Justin Somper

Having discovered their dhampir natures, Connor and Grace Tempest’s unique abilities continue to grow. Connor receives a surprising gift and continues as a pirate in the war. Grace resumes work as a healer, and finds herself torn when familiar faces show up at the Sanctuary. Meanwhile, a war is in full force as Sidorio’s Vampirates have successfully amassed a fleet and continually “recruit” new forces against the Alliance of Pirate Federation and Nocturnals.

The Vampirates saga concludes with this sixth installment. This epic series has amassed a vast amount of characters, stories and relationships. Characters have developed in unexpected ways. And a looming prophecy finally comes to fruition.

I finished this novel with mixed emotions. I’ve grown to love the individual Pirate and Nocturne characters. And though the changes have been difficult, the future still looks bright. Somper has taken his readers on a wild, swashbuckling ride through pirate (and Vampirate) infested waters. This unique series is a fantastic fantasy adventure for all ages, though the darkness and violence does increase throughout the series. Full of high seas adventure, magic, romance, and action – Immortal War is a strong and satisfying ending to an amazing series.

The following are the books, DVDs, and Blu-Rays I received in January for review and/or giveaways:

TV/Movies:
Merlin Season 3
Primeval Volume 3
Ancient Aliens: Season Three
Frozen World: The Story of the Ice Age

Tor Books:
Immortal Hope by Claire Ashgrove
Halo: Primordium by Greg Bear
Tribulations by Ken Shufeldt

Daw Books:
Alien Diplomacy by Gini Koch
Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed

Square Fish / Holtzbrinck Publishers:
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Phoenix Pick:
Reboots by Mercedes Lackey

Scholastic / Point:
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
Predator’s Gold by Philip Reeve
Perception by Kim Harrington

Thomas Nelson:
Alienation by Jon S. Lewis

Little, Brown Young Readers:
Vampirates 6: Immortal War by Justin Somper

Harper Teen:
The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
Emily the Strange: Piece of Mind by Jessica Gruner

Ace Books:
Undone Deeds by Mark Del Franco
Black Wings by Christina Henry
Black Night by Christina Henry

Orbit Books:
Seven Princes by John R. Fultz
The Dread by Gail Z. Martin

Hachette Publishing / Grand Central:
Kiss of the Vampire by Cynthia Garner

Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers / Simon Teen:
Under the Moons of Mars: New Adventures on Barsoom by Peter S. Beagle

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group:
Castle of Shadows by Ellen Renner
Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Roc Books:
The Order of the Scales by Stephen Deas

Harper Voyager:
By the Blood of Heroes: The Great Undead War by Joseph Nassise
The Taken by Vicki Pettersson

Kensington Press / Zebra:
Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead

St. Martin’s Griffin:
The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

Pyr:
The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack by Mark Hodder
The Falling Machine by Andrew P. Mayer
The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith
Lightbringer by K. D. McEntire
Planesrunner by Ian McDonald

Pocket Books:
Star Trek: The Rings of Time by Greg Cox

Solaris Books:
Greatshadow by James Maxey