Review: Serpent's Storm by Amber Benson

 

In anticipation of Amber Benson’s signing tomorrow at Midtown Comics, last week, I picked up her new Calliope Reaper-Jones book, Serpent’s Storm. Then I proceeded to finish it within a few days.

I’ll admit with her first book, Death’s Daughter, it took me some time to really get into it. I don’t know if it was because there was so much information that needed to be given or something else, but while I like it, it didn’t wow me. It took a second reading for me to truly appreciate it.

With her second book, Cat’s Claw, I felt like I was popping in to see how an old friend was doing and catching up with her life. I guess because I was more familiar with the mythology, I was able to quickly get lost in the story.

Serpent’s Storm is a completely different story. This is not a quick “how are you doing?” This is “entering a convenience store to get coffee, only to find it’s being held up.” It starts off with a quick recap and update with our heroine, Calliope, and then BAM! You’re thrust directly into a story that is far darker and more twisted than the previous ones.

There is an epic feel to this story. People get hurt or die and there are betrayals. There are battles and help from unlikely sources. There’s love and broken hearts. There are also a couple of spicy sex scenes because no epic story would be complete without a few really good sexcapades.

What I love about this book is not only does Amber create a story that has a sense of largeness and could have easily spiraled out of control, but she keeps it tight and focused as Callie deals with every challenge and obstacle that is thrown at her in her clumsy, spazzy, fiercely determined, strong willed and oh so human way. Minus the special familial circumstances, Callie is someone we all know. And that is what makes her great.

What it comes down to is this – Amber Benson tells a great story. This is a story that will give you satisfying conclusions while leaving you wanting more. These are characters you can’t help but invest in. You want to follow them on their journeys and see where life takes them.

I don’t have a ratings system so let’s just say I give it two thumbs and big toes up and I can’t wait for the next book. 

Amber Benson will being signing Serpent's Storm with Anton Strout, who will be signing his book, Dead Waters, at Midtown Comics Downtown tomorrow at 1 PM. Come on down and say hi!

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Musical Friday: Whedon Edition

@Wilderowens here with a Whedon-flavored treat.  With the Dollhouse dvd coming out this week, a new music video was released as a treat for fans.  This is not the only great music coming from actors in the Whedonverse.




This is "Remains" by Maurissa Tancharoen & Jed Whedon.  This video is hauntingly beautiful and such a great tribute to the show.




This is the Macarena sung by Amber Benson, Tara Maclay from Buffy, and Common Rotation, which includes Adam Busch, who we know as skinless Warren.  This video was actually a gift to her fans for posting comments about her book, Death's Daughter.  You can learn more about Amber Benson in this interview.





This is actually a tribute video for "Do You Want to Date My Avatar?" by Felicia Day, creator of The Guild, also know as Vi from Buffy and Penny from Dr. Horrible. This is just funny.


I also wanted to include Christian Kane's new video, The House Rules, but CMT won't let the video embed properly!  You are going to have to watch our favorite lawyer here.  I am not a huge country fan but he adds a little rock in there.  His voice is great and he is so hot.




This is Adam Baldwin singing his Firefly classic, The Hero of Canton. I just love his passion and his hat.




This is Joss singing from Commentary! on This American Life. He is my master.

We got an interview with.....Amber Benson!!

Sunday, as New York Comic Con was ending, a book signing was happening downtown. We had wanted to go because we are all fans of Amber Benson, but as you might have read in our recap of day three, we couldn't due to wacky shenanigans. Instead we sent a friend of the IGH team, Faith, to cover the event. This was especially fortuitous because Faith happens to be acquaintances with Amber. So without further ado, please give a warm welcome our guest blogger, Faith, and enjoy! 

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Interview with Amber Benson

Sunday, I caught up with an acquaintance of mine at her book signing at Books of Wonder, on W18th Street in NYC. The acquaintance in question is the renaissance woman, Amber Benson.

After a wonderful panel including Amber, Mindi Scott, Laura Toffler-Corrie and many others, as well as book signing by these amazing writers, who call themselves the 10'ers, the 2010 incarnation of a community of authors debuting YA or MG novels, (The 2009 incarnation was called the Debutantes, and the 2011 writers will have a catchy nickname as well.) Amber made some time for me and was more than willing to answer my questions.

Will [your movie] Drones be coming to NYC?

Slamdance took up a lot of the promotional time for Drones, and as hard as we tried to make deals with IFC and the like, it just didn't happen. However, it's coming to mainstream theaters in March, so it isn't much of an issue.

What are you currently writing? 

I'm working on the fourth book in the Death's Daughter series. Book three will be out in March, it's with the publishers now. There's going to be a fourth and a fifth book.

Any news on Ghosts of Albion?

Oh, I would SO love to write more of that, Chris [Golden] and I would both love to write more of them, but our Editor left, so we're sort of stuck on that front at the moment... but keep your eyes open, we both love it so much.

What are you doing now? New books, new film projects, acting?

Adam and I have another film project we'd like to begin, we're working on funding right now. It's sort of a "Hard Day's Night" meets "Cinema Verte". We're definitely in the planning stages, so you heard it first!

How is Adam [Busch]?

Adam's great, he wishes he was here, actually. He's in Phoenix, for Drones, it's sort of the baby we have joint custody of, sometimes he watches it, sometimes I do. He's on diaper duty right now.

Does it bother you when people come to the book signings and are strictly Buffy fans?

Not at all. It's all part of the package, and y'know, I feel like no matter how they got here, they're still here. It's really great to be recognized in that way.

So, with how busy you are, what's your guilty pleasure right now?

Reading. Most definitely. I write so much, that it's wonderful to be able to sit down with a book. I love mysteries right now, I'm reading a book by Henning Mankell. It's really wonderful.

Amber's always wonderful to talk to, and I consider myself very lucky to count her among my acquaintances. She promised to keep me apprised of her projects, and I'll keep all of you in the loop!

~Faith Alana Alastair (@faithlessfate)

Special Events During New York Comic Con

We have less than two weeks to go and there are more and more amazing things getting announced.  As we get closer, there are many fun events happening that need to be on your radar.  As we hear of additional events, we will be updating this post, so keep checking back in!

Dave & Busters NYCC Fan Meet Up

Thursday Sept. 30th at 6pm

According to their tweet, there will be a chance to get tickets.  This will also be a good chance to meet some fellow fans.

Nicholas Brendon Meet and Greet Dinner with Fans

Saturday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 pm

This is your chance to spend time with Nick Brendon face to face without a line of screaming fans behind you!  There are still a few tickets available so get them quick!  They are available on his website here.

The New York Comic Jam
Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7pm


At this event, they gather the best from New York's indie comics community to get drunk and draw comics.  Sounds like a night to remember and a great way to kick off the con!  This event is hosted by House of 12 Comics and you can learn about them here and here.



 

CBLDF NYCC Welcome Party 
Thursday, Oct. 7 - 8 pm


Spend time with some of your favorite creators as you enjoy an open bar, free apps,  and giveaways while supporting free speech. For more information, check out the Facebook link here.


GGN Geek Tweet Up @ NYCC

Friday, October 8 · 8:30pm

Have you ever wanted to meet all of those people you tweet with?  Now is your chance!  Geek Girls Network is doing a Geek Tweet Up during NYCC and  it looks to be a great time!

Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers at Radio City

Friday and Saturday, Oct 8-9

They are showing the movie on a giant screen while playing the score live.  They did this last year with the first movie and it was a hit!  It is sponsored by NYCC and if you use special offer code of TTT to buy tickets, it includes a custom-designed poster, autographed by award-winning composer Howard Shore. Hurry, this special offer will end October 4th!

UGO & 1UP Present "Hells Yeah, NYCC!" Meet-Up 
Saturday, Oct. 9


The wacky folks over at UGO Entertainment are having the be-all-to-end-all meet ups. Kick back with a brew, hang out with friends, make new ones, dress in costume, or get into Star Trek vs Star Wars debates.... anything goes. Find out more here


iFanboys Meet Up/Party 
Saturday, Oct. 9


Meet the iFanboys. Explore Brooklyn, enjoy an open bar, and hang out with special guests GEOFF JOHNS AND FRANCIS MANAPUL! For more info check out their site, www.ifanboy.com

Rock Comic Con NYC's Nerd Rock Festival *updated

Saturday, Oct. 9 

The premiere NYC Nerd Rock Festival featuring great, rockin' nerd bands, Kirby Krackle, .H2Awesome, Fortress of Attitude & Bedlam Rock! Find out more allthingsfangirl

Dark Horse Comics Night *updated

Saturday, October 9 

Join Dark Horse Comics staff and creators for a special New York Comic Con celebration at St. Marks Comics on St. Marks Place, with the event featuring Q&A, trivia, giveaways and more!  More info here.

 
Books of Wonder Signing 
Sunday, Oct. 10


Eleven of 2010 debut tweens/teens authors will be on hand to talk about their books, take questions and do a signing. Some of those who will be in attendance are Emily Horner, Shaun David Hutchinson, Josh Berk, and AMBER BENSON. Join them and the rest at Books of Wonder and bring the kids!


Unofficial NYCC After Party *updated
Sunday, Oct. 10


A fan asked Lance Fensterman if there was going to be an after party and when Lance said no, this fan, Chris Pacicca, took matters into his own hands. Hang out at Perdition at 692 10th Ave starting at 9 until whenever.


You can check out our last post about New York Comic Con here.