 Hey Musers! I have some Rebel Racers News! As you might remember, Susan Harris has joined "Vella" - which is a new serialized story app where you get a bit of the story each week. Her first story Adrenaline Junkie (Rebel Racers Book 1) concluded last week (which means ALL episodes are now available to read!), and NOW she has started BOOK 2 - All Or Nothing and you can read the first episode FOR FREE! The sad thing about Vella is that right now it is U.S. users only BUT next month Adrenaline Junkie WILL BE AVAILABLE to buy as an eBook OR Paperback ANYWHERE you can get Amazon delivered. (So probably still not to Susan lol)
Click the "All Or Nothing Picture or CLICK HERE to read! Each "Episode" is only about 5000 words so they are quick reads. So how can you help? 1. Click the picture and go take a look in the app. If Susan is one of your favorite authors click to follow the story! 2. If you see the "Read Ep 1 for Free" we would LOVE you to read it! 3. If you like what you read "favorite it" (That option is at the end of the episode). 4. And finally TELL YOU READER FRIENDS! PLUS For a bit of extra fun - and an excuse to use the wheel with the super fun music - sign up for a chance to win some Auction tickets! Full details about that AND the wheel spin on the 2nd part of Sunday's show! And that's it! Pineapple Word For This Article Is Vella Rules
** Disclosure** Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!)
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!
Now, this series based on books I had never even heard of until Mel’s mentioned that they were making a show. So, as we usually enjoy the same things, I asked her what it was about, and boy did she tell me. Witches, vampires, love and betrayal. You know I’m in, especially if you just mention vampire or witches. I can never turn them down, and boy am I glad that I didn’t because "A Discovery of Witches" is just one of those shows that you fall for immediately. Now I’ve never read the books so I’m leaving those to Mel’s, though they’re in my long to be read pile. That seems to never stop growing.
Anyways, this story follows Matthew Clairemont, a vampire, and Diana Bishop, a witch, on their journey to locate a book that could change everything if it falls into the wrong hands. Diana is one of those heroines that you just love immediately. You know the kind. Strong, powerful and doesn’t take crap from anyone. She knows what she wants, and nothing or no one will stop her from getting it. That also happens with who she chooses to love. You may be wondering who that is, but no spoilers because this is one magical journey that you need to take for yourself. I would have been mad if it had been ruined for me so I don’t want to do that with you, now if you read the books, you already know what’s going on as the show stays pretty true. Well except for a few aspects but I promise you that you won’t miss those little titbits, now sit back and enjoy because trust me this binge won’t take you long to get through. Melanie -
I originally read "A Discovery of Witches" back when it first released in 2011 and I really enjoyed it. It was different, and intriguing - and you can read all my thoughts on the book series by click the picture below from when I originally reviewed the trilogy in 2015!
When I heard they were doing a TV adaptation I was really excited but also a little nervous. I could see how this could be fabulous on screen, but with everything these days it would all come down to what choices were made. In this case all the decisions, I feel, have been fabulous. The forced constraints of story telling on screen actually work in favor with this series, allowing for many things to be shown that take up wordy descriptions in the book. As always there are cuts in the story, but personally I feel the televised version allowed for better pacing and the story moves more fluidly. Of course the casting they chose really helps too. The characters (for the most part) really fit with how I imagined them. (I am saddened that they had to recast one major character for S3 due to covid restrictions - but I'm dealing lol). This is one of the shows I rewatch often. Whereas the second book was my least favorite - the second TV series may be my favorite (although 3 hasn't finished yet). If you haven't taken the plunge yet I really hope that you do. If you like magic, then this really is a must watch! 
Check out the trailer for the series! Seasons 1 & 2 are streaming with your AMC+ Subscription, Shudder, or Sundance - plus are available on DVD & to purchase by episode.
Season 3 now streaming weekly episodes with your AMC+ Subscription, Shudder, or Sundance subscription in the US. The Book Trilogy - plus follow up book Time's Convert (All Souls Book 4) are available to purchase. The first 3 books are available with original OR TV Tie in covers! Code Word For This Article Is - Discovery
And Now For The Giveaway!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Discovery of Witches" Prize Pack featuring a box set of the All Souls Trilogy from Jennifer and Melanie!
For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Which would you want to be ... Vampire, Demon, Witch, or Human?
Jennifer - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Horror movies. If you know me by now, you know I’m not a fan. I ended up getting dragged to "Halloween Kills" and I realized I’m not scared by them anymore. I’m annoyed. Well all except for Chucky. Don’t know why but I love Chucky. I still wouldn’t own a Chucky doll because dolls creep me out, and yes Barbies did too. Anyways, here to talk about "Halloween Kills", and the famous slasher Michael Myers who, honestly, his movies I think should of ended a while back. But what can I say for these movies except easy money because they know huge horror fans won’t miss it. I say pass pass pass, unless of course you’re huge into horror. Then, unlike me maybe you won’t be so annoyed by it and it’s continued repetitiveness. I’m not going to go into the plot because honestly in my opinion if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all. Well until they decide to change the rules up which thanks to Mels (Melanie here - Not even a little sorry) has started to annoy me as well. But whatever. To each their own I guess. I’m not telling you to not go see it. Some may enjoy it but I want something original! Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"Haddonfield will never be the same again. It will never live down the legend of Michael Myers, even if some don't believe it/don't remember it. Remember this is slightly newish version of the story. Not the reiteration where Michael has a slashing spree every couple years. In this version, he has only killed 5 people and has been locked up for 40 years. OK, so 5 people is still bad but since he has had so many movies erased from the timeline, he has alot of making up do. You can't be the king of the slasher genre with just one movie and handful of kills under your belt. Jason will be taking that belt and rocking you to sleep. Get to work, Myers. You have a body count to build on. Picking up where the 2018 "Halloween" left off, "Halloween Kills" brings back some original survivors from the 1978 original. Michael is still on the loose from a transfer attempt. Not the first time he escaped during a transfer. Oh wait, since the others don't exist now, I guess it is. Right, I'm still learning to separate the 37 timelines in Halloween World. Of course everything gets convoluted in the story too. Laurie thinks Michael is dead. Some think they saw him. Others did see him but aren't around to tell anyone they actually saw him. Most of all, since this isn't the end yet, people have to make stupid choices and decisions. You'll see what I mean when you get there. This the second in the "new" trilogy of Halloween movie with "Halloween Ends" coming next year, which should prove interesting. This movie had an original ending that will be featured on the extended cut blu ray. But it seems like it will be more of a deleted scene that took place after this and they decided this was a better ending/picking up point. There is also a revelation at the ending, which kinda seems like a shot in the dark with only 2 killing sprees, 40 years apart, under his belt, that they know of. But again, you'll see what I mean there. This will set up the next movie but it will also be setting the bar pretty high. I'll be expecting big things. It will have to go above and beyond what any other "Halloween" movie has done-- whether they still exist or not. Melanie here - For the record I am with Jenn on this one and didn't even bother to watch it even though I LOVE horror movies. Don't forget to let us know what you think. Here's the trailer - and it was available to watch on several streaming services at the time of posting. Code Word For This Article Is - Halloween
Melanie -
I LOVE the Scream movies - All of them - yes including 4 that people seem to like to hate on, and I am looking forward to Scream 5 ...... or for some unknown reason as it is now branded "Scream". Can someone PLEASE explain the logic there? It's not new... It's not a reboot or a remake ... it has the original cast .... AND IT IS A LITERAL CONTINUATION OF THE STORY! I am getting really annoyed that people can't read and think it's a "remake" - but WHY marketing people - WHY DID YOU DO THIS? Did you think because "Halloween" did it earlier you have to copy them. They had a REASON - they were trying to LITERALLY ERASE A BUNCH OF STORY!! UGH OK enough about that ...... as Dave is breaking down each movie in his part - I am focusing on the original, general thoughts, and the upcoming new release. Ready? Cos here we go .....
I remember being one of the people going to see this in the movie theater and expecting, well something completely different. All the set up for your average teen slasher movie were there in the preview (and on the poster), it was directed by horror legend Wes Craven himself, but I don't think any of us expected what we saw AND IT WAS BRILLIANT! To this day it remains one of my all time favorites and I re-watch it at least once a year. Little did I know then that Scream was penned by Kevin Williamson, who has gone on to write some of my favorite stories including The Following and Vampire Diaries. His twisted mind it nothing short of genius, and he doesn't mind having the movies move meta (always a favorite with me) and laugh both at themselves, and at the genre in general, whilst STILL providing great watching. Scream 5 (I am refusing to call it "Scream" is releasing this week and I can't wait. It's been over 25 years since this franchise started and it is crazy to think it is still going strong. I do wonder how the film will stand being that this will be the first time Wes Craven can't work his special blend of magic, but I am very hopeful it will be fabulous! Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"
If I told you a movie only pulled in $6 million at the box office opening weekend, there is a pretty good chance that is going to be an epic failure and never to be talked about ever again, except maybe for a Razzie Award. But Scream defied the odds and rose against that, gaining popularity through word of mouth. Each week after the initial release, it kept increasing its box office intake. The masterminds behind it, Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson, had a bona fide hit on their hands.
FYI, if you haven’t seen the movie or know the twists, avert your eyes. I'm dropping spoilers!)
SCREAM - On with the story. Scream is credited with resurrecting a dead genre. Or at least nearly dead. The last couple of outings from slasher heavyweights Freddy, Jason, and Michael had less-than-stellar results and hadn’t the slasher been just about done? An original, fresh idea brought it back to life. Scream has been called meta and self-referential, poking fun at typical horror ploys without being an actual spoof. The first surprise of the movie is the biggest star (Drew Barrymore) is killed off first letting you know that you are for a wild ride. The killer seemed to be everywhere all at once, moving at lightning speed from one end of the house to the other without being seen or heard. Typical of your horror villains but the unexpected part is there are 2 killers! Wow! No one expected that! They usually stick with a single killer, superhuman strength, or so it seems. But this just have 2 average guys.
SCREAM 2 - Reigniting the flames and grossing over $170 million of course meant a sequel was the works. It didn't take a lot of convincing since Williamson already had a 5-page outline for Scream 2 when he was pitching the first one. While I was sitting in the theatre for Scream 2, I found myself wondering if they would stick with the 2 serial killers or make the twist be that there is only one this time. The script had to be changed since the original ending was leaked while in production, chopping down from 4 killers (might have been a little overkill) back down to 2.
SCREAM 3 - Continuing to kill at the box office, they set to round out the trilogy a few years later. Unfortunately, Williamson had other obligations and couldn't finish the script so the script polishing duties were handed off to Ehren Kruger. A few more changes in the script stages as this one originally also had 2 killers but then changed to just one for a twist. Funny thing is this was the end. Or was supposed to be. I decided to re-watch the commentaries when Scream 4 was about to be released and Wes said something like "this is it unless we decide to do Scream 4 in 10 years". And 10 years later Scream 4 was coming out!
SCREAM 4 - Scream 4 gets a lot of flack. Some of it is just, some of it is not, at least in my opinion. I try to keep an open mind to remakes, reboots, and the like. Even as I sat in the theatre opening day on this movie, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Is it time to finally kill off Sidney? Or any of the other original returning characters? In this case, this "screamake", as the dubbed it in the movie, was very familiar. It was repeating the screamake tone, pulses and echoes of the original, which is admittedly cringe-worthy. But in the final act when the killer and motivations are revealed, it makes sense that has to be that way. The whole point of the movie to be an echo, a shadow of Sidney so it had to duplicate everything that was happening to her.
SCREAM 5 - (NOW BEING RELEASED SIMPLY AS SCREAM) Scream 5was announced with Sidney returning once again for 2022 release that is actually happening this week. Without the magic of Wes Craven behind the camera, I'm not sure if it can capture the feel. Williamson is still writing so that may hold a little hope. Guess we will just have to wait and see.
Code Word For This Article Is - Scream
And Now For The Giveaway!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Scream"" Prize Pack featuring Scream 1,2,&3 on DVD, A pair of Ghost Face earrings, and a Horror Movies Heart Pin from Dennifer, plus stickers From the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard!
For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Do You Like Scary Movies? (Feel free to share your favorite!)
Dennifer -When it comes to Star Wars shows recently, honestly, I’ve been hugely disappointed. "Bad Batch" didn't really grab my attention. "Visions" was good in concept but the trailer failed to lure me in. But now here comes "The Book of Boba Fett". I mean if I’m being honest, it’s a lot better than "The Mandalorian" and it just has the story the others seem to be missing. Well at least to me anyways. It was interesting when I found out that our so-called hero, well kind of hero of this show is still alive. If you remember he fell into the pit on Tatooine in "The Return of the Jedi", but I guess in some instances dead just doesn’t always mean dead. The first episode starts off by giving us the backstory of how he just so happened to escape the pit. Now some might find that boring but not me. I think I would have been mad had that not been explained, but luckily it was. So, the first episode does go a little slow, rich in the backstory of how we got to this point but it sure doesn’t stay that way for long. We also learn a little more about the Sand people and see a different side of them. This isn't the same old boring storytelling method, rehashing what we already know. We are learning as we go. The second episode zooms by and dashes bits of "Return of the Jedi" along the way leaving you wanting so much more, unlike its predecessor. I guess I just don’t get what that show has and in my honest opinion, I’d say skip "The Mandalorian" and go straight to "Book of Boba Fett", but again that’s just my thoughts. You might like both and that’s alright as well. Melanie here - The code word for this article is Boba! Check out the trailer below and then click the picture to watch free with your Disney+ Subscription.
** Disclosure**
Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!
Check out my review for Portal - then Grab your copy (or read for free with Kindle Unlimited) and don't forget to scroll down for the Giveaway details!
Blurb (From Amazon)
Sometimes, getting what you want is the worst thing that can happen. Dell Eckhart lives on the wrong side of the portal. The side where the ruin and devastation left behind by the war makes everyday life harder than it’s ever been. More than anything, he wants to win a ticket for passage through the portal. He’s running out of chances, but he’s not going to let that stop him. He needs that ticket. It’s the only way to save the one person he truly cares about. There’s just one problem. That person is actually an android. And androids aren’t allowed through the portal. Doesn’t matter. He’ll figure it out. Because life on the other side of the portal is perfect and easy, and she’ll be safe there. At least, that’s what he’s been led to believe…
REVIEW
Standalone or series? Total Standalone How did I get this book? I am lucky enough to Kristen's alpha reader. Why did I choose to read this book: Because I will literally read anything with Kristen's name attached! Genre Post- Apocalyptic And Now To The Review! First Impressions: I've read short stories written by Kristen Painter and Bruno Miller before, but right off the bat this felt a little different. General Review Generally post-apocalyptic stories are not on my to read list but there are a couple that I make exceptions for and stories by Kristen Painter and Bruno Miller are one of those. I've read (and enjoyed) 2 previous short stories from this collaboration, so was surprised to find that this was in fact a full length novel. And that could be the problem, at least for me. The story idea is fabulous (even if it did take me over half the book to realize K8 was "Kate" not K-Eight - that's totally on me). It has vague Douglas Addams type vibes and will feel familiar, I am sure, to many science fiction fans. That being said the story itself is original. Where it fell down a little for me was that because I know Kristen's writing so well, I could sometimes spot the change in voice, something that wasn't apparent in the previous short stories. Any time 2 authors write a book together, especially when they both normally write such different genres, this can be an issue. It might honestly be a Melanie issue but as this is my review I am counting my issues as relevant, especially as it stopped it from getting 5 stars. Final Thoughts My favorite story from this collaboration remains Creeper (which if you haven't read you can get here or read free with Kindle Unlimited) but as a long time Kristen Painter fan I am always excited to explore new options! Rating: 4 Stars! As always let me know what you think in the comments - and scroll down for the giveaway! Code word for this article is Portal And Now For The Giveaway!
This giveaway is a little different because I want to hear what fellow Muser readers think! So for you chance to win the Mystery Prize - you need to read Portal (either through purchasing or KU) and then leave a review! Reviews preferred on Amazon BUT links excepted from Goodreads or Bookbub reviews too.
To give people time to read this giveaway will be open until January 29th! Once your review is posted EMAIL THE LINK FOR YOU REVIEW TO - melaniesmuses.scavhunt@gmail.com Winner will be announced during the Live show on January 30th (and then posted here on the blog as well on January 31st if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! I'm really excited to read those reviews! Rules
** Disclosure**
Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Who you gonna call? Now I’m sure you’ve heard this popular movie phrase said over and over. Yes, it’s Ghostbusters, and yes, we already did one article on the movies but now I want to just talk about "Ghostbusters: Afterlife". And yes, I know if something is a classic, they should just leave it alone, but I didn’t know that I needed this movie until I actually saw it. It wasn’t a remake because I know we can all get tired of those, myself included. Instead, it continued the story of the original Ghostbusters but just added one of their families into the mix. That’s right it’s the grandchildren’s turn to shoulder the proton packs. There’s also a lot of nods to the original and a few surprises that will have you screaming happily. I know I sure was. Now I’m not going to get into the plot of the movie because of spoilers. Since this is rather new you really should go watch and enjoy it for yourselves, trust me you won’t regret it and like me you may even find that you enjoy it more than the first two. Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"Over the last 15 years or so, a 3rd "Ghostbusters" movie had several ideas, scripts and false starts. It was finally brought to the screen in November 2021. There are several call-backs and Easter eggs from the previous movies, especially the original. I like it when things are tied together. The events in "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" are linked to the events in the first movie. Inheriting her fathers farm, a single mother call-back moves her family to the middle of the nowhere and strange occurrences are afoot. Lucky for her, her daughter Phoebe is the only one smart enough to know what’s going and get the right equipment working. That’s about all I can really say without giving too much away. Beware, there are 2 credit scenes. So, whenever you see it, stay tuned for those. The substance of the movie is there. After the first view, I really liked it. I still don't think it could touch the originals yet. But I will see after more viewings. To me, this one did take a little bit to get going after the intro scene. It was like a brand-new franchise instead of the 3rd film in the series. Which brings up another thing that bothered me. One-part references years of bad things in history and hits 1984, when the first movie came out and in the infestation of ghosts but then skips to 2021. There was a 2nd movie with bad things that it skipped over. Is it eliminating the sequel? Or is it just because those events weren't really plot related to the first? And the mini–Stay Puts that are all over the previews! No explanation to how they even came into existence. I need answers! This blu ray release better have a commentary for me or a deleted scene to explain these things. That being said, I found it very enjoyable and looking forward to repeat viewings....and of course loads of bonus features on blu ray. Melanie - Check out the trailer below. Ghostbusters Afterlife is available to purchase on streaming platforms at the time of posting (Click the picture to purchase via Amazon). The DVD and BluRay are scheduled to release February 1st! Code Word For This Article Is - Ghost
** Disclosure** Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways! And Now For The Giveaway!  Melanie's Muses will be giving away an "Ghostbusters"" Prize Pack featuring Ghostbusters 1&2 on DVD, A Ghostbusters Lanyard holder, and Mini Stay Puft figure from Dennifer plus a Temporary Tattoo sheet and a copy of Haunting Zoe From the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard! For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Would you go Ghost Hunting? (Or if you have did you enjoy it?) Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on January 16th (and then posted here on the blog as well on January 17th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
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