Graphic Novel Review: Gotham High

Before they became Batman, Catwoman, and the Jokey, they were Bruce, Selina, and Jack. Just a couple of high school students who would do whatever it took to get the job done.

After being kicked out of boarding school of fighting, Bruce Wayne returns home. Everything has changed, except the fact that he's still haunted by his parents' murder. 

Selina, the girl next door, rules the school. But she has troubles of her own that she's not sharing. 

Her best friend is Jack, the class clown. Both of them can't wait to get out of Gotham.

Jack invites Bruce to a party where things start going downhill. When a student's kidnapped, Bruce's curiosity gets the better of him. But the more he digs, the more he uncovers truths he wish he left buried...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel from Melissa de la Cruz. I've always enjoyed her books, so I was happy to see her expand into graphic novels. I liked seeing the three main characters as teens. I like that each teens has his/her/their own issues and problems. I enjoyed the kidnapping plot, the secrets, the double crossing and betrayals, and the love triangle. I loved the art. Once again, I'm hoping that this the start of a new series.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your teen graphic novel collection.

Book Trailer:

Blog Tour: Batman Nightwalker

About the Book:

Title: BATMAN: NIGHTWALKER (DC Icons #2)

Author: Marie Lu

Pub. Date: January 2, 2018

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Pages: 272

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, BN, iBooks, TBD

Before he was Batman, he was Bruce Wayne. A reckless boy willing to break the rules for a girl who may be his worst enemy.

The Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne is next on their list.

One by one, the city's elites are being executed as their mansions' security systems turn against them, trapping them like prey. Meanwhile, Bruce is turning eighteen and about to inherit his family's fortune, not to mention the keys to Wayne Enterprises and all the tech gadgetry his heart could ever desire. But after a run-in with the police, he's forced to do community service at Arkham Asylum, the infamous prison that holds the city's most brutal criminals.

Madeleine Wallace is a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope.

In Arkham, Bruce meets Madeleine, a brilliant girl with ties to the Nightwalkers. What is she hiding? And why will she speak only to Bruce? Madeleine is the mystery Bruce must unravel. But is he getting her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees? Bruce will walk the dark line between trust and betrayal as the Nightwalkers circle closer.

My Thoughts: What's not to love about this book? Familiar characters, dangerous outings, new technology, a new threat, and a con. I really loved the action and the danger in this novel. I loved Bruce - mostly when he was hanging out with his two best friends. But I also loved the way his mind worked. The way he questioned everything. The way he felt about the world.  I liked the mind games and the plot twists; they kept me on my toes. If you're a batman fan, you're going to want to read this book - immediately!  I hope there are more books about batman coming soon.

Cover Thoughts: Brilliant
Source: Book sent for review

About Marie:

Marie Lu is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Legend trilogy and The Young Elites trilogy. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, working for Disney Interactive Studios as a Flash artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing Assassin’s Creed, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles, California (see above: traffic), with one husband, one Chihuahua mix, and two Pembroke Welsh corgis.

Website | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |Pinterest | Goodreads

Tour Schedule for Week One:

1/1/2018- Pen and Parchment- Review

1/2/2018- Margie's Must Reads- Review

1/3/2018- YA Book Nerd- Review

1/4/2018- Mary Had a Little Book Blog- Review

1/5/2018- A Gingerly Review- Review

You're going to want a copy of this book and luckily, you're in luck! You can win one of three copies! (US only please)

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Picture Book Review

The Science Behind series features
Superman's Flight, Superman's Sight, Superman's Speed, Batman's Ground Vehicles, Batman's Uniform, Batman's Flying Machines, and Batman's Tools

These books are super fun, with short chapters, lots of pictures, fun facts, and a glossary they tackle  questions on kids' minds and relate them to the real work. Perfect for learning about science and engineering, these books will be a hit. 

While they are technically, nonfiction, I'm placing them in our favorites Superhero bin because I think they will circulate more there.

I only hope they make more in the series with Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and more. 

Library Recommendation: Buy these now for your library!

Graphic Novel Review: Study Hall of Justice

Bruce Wayne just started a new school and he's pretty sure there's something strange going on there. He's determined to figure it out. But he can't do it alone.

Then he realize that both Clark and Diana could help. The three of them aren't friends - exactly. But they have the same ideas and they too want to uncover the truth.

My Thoughts: This one is aimed at younger readers, mostly tweens. I really liked the first installment of this series. I like how the three characters came together and each of them have their strengths. I like how Bruce tried to become the mastermind, but several of his plots failed. The art was cool - and mixed up with sketches, journal entries, and ideas. Looking forward to more in this series.

Sunday Matinee: Dark Knight Rises

I was super excited to see this movie as my husband and I both loved the first two movies. Yes, they're dark. Yes, they're long. But yes, they're brilliant.

After watching it, I fired several questions at my husband about logistics with the plot - but overall, I just took it with a grain of salt. There were times characters did things and I didn't understand the reasoning behind it. Somethings we debated and somethings I just let go and enjoyed my overall feeling.

I liked that it came 8 years later. I liked how Bruce Wayne became a reclusive and a cynic after the ending of the previous movie. 

I love that everyone came back for the movie. I adore both Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.

I loved that Liam Neeson had a small role. 

I thought that Joseph Gordon-Levitt was perfect in his role. He was determined and relentless in his hope to save Gotham. I hope to see more of him.

Anne Hathaway was awesome as Cat Woman - she was clever, manipulative, and adorable. She had great outfits, which reminded me of the old Hollywood style

I loved the the cameos from some of my favorite TV shows and movies:
Jamie from Blue Bloods (also played a cop)
Franki Rizzoli Jr  from Rizzoli and Isles
Ranger from One for the Money
Tom Conti from Louisa May Alcott's Inheritance.

I liked the fact that there was no mention of the Joker - which I read in EW was done out of respect.

I loved the climax twist.  I never saw it coming. The ending of the trilogy was brilliant, absolutely perfect. I admit that I teared up at the ending, but it was followed by a smile. 

What did you think?

Trailer Thursday: Dark Knight Rises

I can't tell you how happy I am to see this movie - but I'm a little sad that it's the last one, wrapping up a trilogy.