REVIEW: Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

   Elena Michaels lives in Toronto with her partner, Philip, and just happens to be the only female werewolf in existence.

   The book thrusts us into a combination of realism and the fantastical from the very first chapter as we see Elena transform into a wolf in an alleyway. Like a wolf, she yearns to run with her pack, and so we are introduced to a collision of worlds: the life Elena has made for herself, and the life she has run from.

   Throughout the novel, written from Elena's perspective, we gain insight into the Werewolf hierarchy/Elena's adoptive family that is the Pack. Armstrong has created a society within society itself, making new rules for werewolves - if you're not a member of the Pack, you're considered a 'Mutt' and doomed to live like a vagrant, never allowed to settle or encroach on Pack territory. In a way, their society runs much like a real Pack of wolves; any threats to them are eliminated, but unlike real wolves only one pack is allowed. It is also revealed how werewolves are created, through being bitten or being the son of a werewolf, and how it has come to be that Elena is the only female.

   Elena's character is highly enticing. She has had a troubled upbringing, but unlike some characters in other novels, she doesn't use that as a reason not to make the most of her lot in life. She is certainly a strong female protagonist, and fiercely loyal. Throughout the novel it is clear she is evolving as a person, she has her flaws, and ultimately her journey guides her to her true place in life which involves her more-than-slightly complicated relationship with ex-fiance, Clay. He's another fantastic character - it is clear he is more wolf than human (having been bitten as a child), something Armstrong handles brilliantly, but deeply in love with Elena. Famed for his brutality when enforcing Pack law on Mutts, unlike most 'heroes', he is not considered to be misunderstood or wanting to change and be a better person; he knows who he is and is staying that way, which is what makes him such an interesting character.
   
   The plot remains consistent throughout. Elena seems to be prized in a potential Mutt uprising, and Armstrong certainly isn't afraid to kill off characters. This isn't a novel where all of the 'good guys' miraculously remain unharmed and some death scenes are certainly graphic. And of course, not all the 'bad guys' get killed, Armstrong shows a higher form of Werewolf society in the Pack's ability to negotiate.

   All in all, it's a fantastically well-written book with strong characters and plot-line. There are good moments, tense moments, and moments that will make you blush wherever you are.

REVIEW: The Pretty Reckless - Going To Hell

   Back with a bite: The Pretty Reckless drop their second full length, and what an album it is. New label, new tracks and music you can really sink your teeth into.

   Its been a while since Light Me Up, but The Pretty Reckless certainly have not been sitting around procrastinating for four years. The album with 'Follow Me Down', and sets the tone for the whole album. Momsen's vocals have retained their rawness which makes them so appealing - this sure isn't an autotuned, pop rock album. The main riff is certainly descended from the metal genre, complimented nicely by Momsen's voice, and this same vibe is continued into the album's title track. Accompanied by a ballsy bassline and lyrics that only belong in a metal song, this album will certainly have anyone hooked within the first two songs.

   Continuing the darker theme, in 'Heaven Knows' the band have included a children's choir. Yes, it does make you question what their teachers thought when they returned to school singing 'oh Lord, heaven knows we belong way down below', but that's an entirely different matter. The song is extremely catchy, and is definitely a good live song. To be honest, the entire album would be fantastic to see live. This sort of theme continues throughout, as the lyrics and music reach new places that show how the band are moving forwards and defining themselves within the rock/metal genre.

   Less instrument-heavy songs, such as 'Burn', show a different side to the band and really give Momsen's vocals chance to shine. Not only is her singing unique, but it's clear that it also excels within the context of 'normal' vocals. She clearly has a much wider range than previous TPR songs have let on, and it's a real treat to see the full extent of her talent throughout the album.

   Bottom line? If you want interesting, decent music with a real kick, and tempo changes in songs that for any other band would seem jarring but The Pretty Reckless work with ease, you should definitely invest in this album. The band have progressed majorly since Light Me Up and it really shows, and is certainly enough to keep any fan on their toes wanting more.

Feeling Useless: Final Year Stress

   The final year of uni is a terrifying thought, and it's only just really hit me that I have 2 weeks left of official term time before the exam period. 2 weeks. Am I panicking? Perhaps a little. And how's my dissertation going? Well, I've hit a block.

   There comes a stage for every final year student when you have what I imagine to be the university equivalent of a mid-life crisis. You ask yourself all the questions that it is, quite frankly, too late to answer. Asking 'is this really what I want to do with my life, or should I quit and do something irrelevant?' is probably the dumbest question to ask oneself, yet it still happens. Eventually, most will come to the conclusion that unless you enjoy pointless debt, then yes, this is what you want to do. But what about after university?

   These past few weeks, I've noticed a significant rise in the amount of booked slots for the careers advisors. To most students, you have a number of choices: further study, internships/postgrad schemes, employment. For most, it's making this choice that is the first hurdle, which all contributes to the third year break down. Suddenly a question that seemed so simple when you were younger, 'what do you want to be when you grow up?', is more difficult to answer that being asked to single handedly create world peace; it would seem 'Angelina ballerina' is no longer an adequate response.

   On top of having to consider life after uni without that safety blanket of a regular loan, it's dissertation period for most students. After writing, scrapping, and re-writing thousands of words a few times, finishing seems like mission impossible. And it's always now that the library has decided to stock only one copy of the book everyone seems to need (cough cough How Fiction Works) so it's near impossible to get hold of. Unless you buy it, spending more money that, by now, you really don't have. But if, like myself, you miraculously do know what you want to do after graduation, there's the added stress of applications and interviews. Managing time becomes an enigma, and before you know it deadlines are catching up. 

   The main question is, should we be worried? Well, yes. This is real life. But at the same time, whether it feels like it or not, we'll all get there eventually. A full scale freak out is bound to happen to everyone at some point. I think it's important to think of it not as a break down, but as stress release - it'll seem better tomorrow.

Bitten: Book vs. Series

In January, new TV series Bitten was introduced based on Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series (more specifically, her first book of the same title).  Having read the first two books in the series (review of Bitten coming soon), then discovering the TV adaptation, I decided to give it a go - after all, nothing says procrastination like catching up on an entire series in a matter of days, right? Having read a minor synopsis of the TV version, I gathered that the first series at least was only based on the first book in Armstrong's series, so I'll be briefly comparing the series to the novel.

Plot

The first episode opens very much like the book; we are introduced to Elena - played by Laura Vandervoot - undergoing a change in Toronto. So far, so good. In fact, the series maintains a closeness to the plot of the novel, but this can also be bad because it's not exactly the same. First of all (plot spoiler here for anyone who hasn't read the novel) Logan is very much alive and features in a lot of the episodes. Rather than being a voice on the phone, he is firmly in Toronto and in Elena's life. Instead of killing him off, Antonio is killed off later in the series, and the Mutt situation gets way more out of hand than the events in the novel.

Casting

As far as casting goes, it was never going to be exactly how I imagined it - after all, everyone imagines the characters differently. In my opinion, all the characters are fairly accurate to their descriptions in the book, with a few very minor exceptions (like Clay's hair not being as blonde as it should. Like I say, we are talking very minor). Their choice of Greg Bryk as Jeremy Danvers is, in my opinion, perfect. All the actors are clearly talented and take on the roles brilliantly - you get a clear sense of the emotion intended in the script. Which brings me to my next part...

Characters

As a standalone series, Bitten is really great. But in comparison to the book? So e of the characters seem a little off. My main qualm is their portrayal of Clay. Don't get me wrong, Greyston Holt plays the part brilliantly, but the Clay scripted in the series lacks some of the key traits as the Clay in the novel. Rather than being the almost primal being he is in the novel, failing to engage with human emotions simply because he doesn't want to, he is portrayed in the series as a lost romantic hero who wants to change to win back Elena. This is fine, if you've not read the book. If you have, not so good. There are a few other minor details as well - Jeremy doesn't seem nearly as level-headed as he does in the novel, and Elena only seems to get ballsy around the fifth episode - again, works well as a standalone series just not if you've read the book. Nick, however, is a perfect match on his book character, however I'm worried he may change now that they have killed Antonio.

Final Thoughts

As a series by itself, Bitten is absolutely fine for anyone who likes supernatural dramas. If you've read the novels and don't like the idea of them being changed, don't watch the series. That's not to say anyone who has read the novels shouldn't watch the series, but it's important to keep an open mind and see them a separate from each other. Otherwise, if you're as pedantic as me, it'll drive you crazy. Perhaps I'm too picky, but these are my thoughts. And I will probably continue to watch the series.

What's in a name?

   A lot, as it happens. Recently, after departing from label Fueled By Ramen, Sierra Kay and Blake Harnage (formerly of VersaEmerge) embarked upon a new journey under the name VERSA. Obviously, there is a clear connection between the two names - after all it's still the same people behind them - but are they really the same band?

   VersaEmerge were an alternative band, and many people consider VERSA just to be a regeneration of this. However, VERSA's music is entirely different. Listening to songs such as 'The Authors' alongside 'Neon' show a complete musical progression and change. It would be wrong to say 'VERSA formerly known as VersaEmerge' because they are a different band. If you wikipedia VERSA (such a reliable source of information, I know, but do try to bear with me) you still get directed to VersaEmerge's page. But how can this be right, if VERSA are an entirely new band? 

   Kay and Harnage's decision to begin a new project under the name VERSA is still referred to as another form of VersaEmerge. However, it is wrong to say 'I like their old stuff better' because VERSA have no 'old' stuff. Harnage recently confirmed in an interview on tumblr that VERSA is an entirely new project for himself and Kay, and so it's clear that the comparisons between the two bands are misguided. They both have different musical styles and are entirely different bands. There is no 'old VERSA', because they've only just started out, and if the Neon EP is anything to go by they're certainly worth a listen.

One song can make a moment

   No matter where we go, we are never far from music. Whether it's someone with headphones in, or a radio in a car or shop, or just birds tweeting each other, it's always close. The most curious thing about music is how it can change things.

   Music is used most effectively in films. A soundtrack can make or break a movie - use the wrong track at the wrong time and a whole scene could fall apart. Some of the best soundtracks usually tend to be instrumental; Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings have some of the most iconic and effective soundtracks. However, other songs are associated with certain films, too. Hear AC/DC? Think Iron Man. Hear 'Love is All Around'? Think Bill Nighy in Love Actually. 

   Music affects us in ways we don't even realise at the time. When we are in a self-pitying mood, some people seem to deliberately gravitate towards sad music. After a few club hits, all I want to do is go out. Music can change our mood regardless of how we think we're feeling. For example, Christmas Eve I found myself walking home in the dark, through my 'nothing-ever-happens-here' village, down the same roads I've walked since I can remember. Even in the dark, I've felt particularly threatened or edgy about the walk. But this time was different. This time, I put my headphones in and listened to VersaEmerge 'Lost Tree'. I came across no other people or cars, as you'd expect at 11pm, yet for the first time it felt eerie. I found myself speeding up, and after the build up in the middle, I found myself running home. All because of the music.

   I often wonder how people can not care for music - it's such a part of everyday life. If you don't think it can change you, I recommend taking a familiar route at night with 'Lost Tree' playing.

There's nothing like a new set of strings

   Admittedly, my old guitar strings have been on old Val since I bought her 2 years ago, mostly because I was so scared of changing them, but today I bit the proverbial bullet and it's wonderful!

   After much google-ing, I settled on D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze strings. I use light gauge because Val's an electro-acoustic APX500, and they're much easier on my fingers.  Many reviews say that the phosphor bronze lasts longer than standard bronze or steel strings, and with my phobia I sure hope they're right. The strings themselves are colour coded - which I'm sure isn't the case with all brands - so it was easy to change them. They look beautiful too: it's only once you have new strings that you realise how dull the old ones were getting.

   Once I'd changed them, it was time for a sound test. If anything describes 'music to my ears' best, it's new strings. They sound very bright, and unplugged compliment the acoustic vibe perfectly. Until now, I hadn't realised just how sad my old strings sounded. The sound is far more rounded and she sounds every bit as new as when I first got her. I'd highly recommend these strings to anyone with an electro-acoustic, and they only cost £5.10 for a single set off amazon.
  
   I don't play my instrument that often as it's a hobby for when I have the time, so although some people may be horrified at how long I left it to change my strings it really isn't too bad when compared to usage. The only thing I can say is I understand why musicians change them more frequently. Val sounds glorious!