Vaesen – Review

On By The Past Due ReviewIn Book review, Writing3 Comments

Vaesen by Johan Egerkrans

Illustrated by Johan Egerkrans

Published in 2013; English translation published in 2017

Susan Beard Translation

Pages: 127

Genre: Scandinavian Folklore

“All over the world and throughout the ages, people have been convinced that we are not alone on this earth.”

Humans have always been in touch with nature, but there is a strange wildness that eludes us, so it makes sense that our cultures would believe in some fae creatures that are somewhere between ourselves and nature. Vaesen, by Johan Egerkrans, focuses on the Scandinavian variety of spirits, fairies, and other mystical folk found in the legends of the world. Using his unique style and drawing from an impressive amount of sources for information, Egerkrans creates a fantastical tome for anyone seeking to familiarize themselves with the fae folk.

1. Intro Continue reading “Vaesen – Review” →

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Music Monday: Radical Face – The Family Tree: The Roots

On By The Past Due ReviewIn Music, Writing1 Comment

Album: The Family Tree: The Roots by Radical Face

Album Cover
The Family Tree: The Roots

Released: October 4th,  2011

Band Info:

Radical Face is the stage name of musician Ben Cooper who released his first official studio album in 2007. His music is noted for the use of acoustic guitar, soft and layered vocals, and storytelling within the lyrics. He has released four studio albums, all of which carry concepts within their songs and the last three are part of a single story called The Family Tree. An independent artist, Radical Face primarily tours outside of the United States due to the popularity of his music in the rest of the world; however, he does play some isolated shows and went on a more extensive North American tour in 2013. His most recent work has been on a film score, another full-length record, and a series of EPs.

Band Photo
Ben Cooper a.k.a. Radical Face

Continue reading “Music Monday: Radical Face – The Family Tree: The Roots” →

American History X (1998) – Review

On By The Past Due ReviewIn Film, Film Review, Writing8 Comments

American History X (1998)Poster

Directed by Tony Kaye

Written by David McKenna

Cast: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Avery Brooks, Stacy Keach, Fairuza Balk, Ethan Suplee, and Elliott Gould

Length: 1 hour and 59 minutes

Genre: Crime, drama

MPAA Rating: R

Description from IMDB:

“A former neo-Nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path that he did.” Continue reading “American History X (1998) – Review” →

Dune – Review

On By The Past Due ReviewIn Book review, Writing26 Comments

Dune by Frank Herbert

Illustrations by Sam Weber

Published in 1965; 2015 Edition by The Folio Society – Fourth printing 2016

Pages: 576

Genre: Science fiction

 

Disclaimer: This review will be different from the norm in that it is split into two parts: a standard, albeit shorter, book review and a specific review of this Folio Society edition. I am endorsing this product through my own volition and belief in its high quality.

 

Part I: The Story

“In the week before their departure to Arrakis, when all the final scurrying about had reached a nearly unbearable frenzy, an old crone came to visit the mother of the boy, Paul.”

There are books in every genre that surpass their contemporaries and create a new threshold that transcends the general attitude toward genre stories; Dune, by Frank Herbert, is one such book. A heroic tale that carries elements of Greek tragedy, the hero’s journey, politics, philosophy, and a myriad of other topics, Dune is well-renowned for the impact it has had not only on science fiction, but literature as a whole. Following the fiery downfall and phoenix-like rise of Paul Atriedes and his family, Dune mixes together stories of survival, religious zealotry, and prescience to create a tale like no other. Continue reading “Dune – Review” →

Wayne’s World (1992) – Review

On By The Past Due ReviewIn Film, Film Review, Writing8 Comments

Wayne’s World (1992)Poster.jpg

Directed by Penelope Spheeris

Written by Mike Meyers, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner

Cast: Mike Meyers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Kurt Fuller, Tia Carrere, Chris Farley, Frank DiLeo, Robert Patrick, and Ed O’Neill

Length: 1 hour and 34 minutes

Genre: Comedy, music

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Description from IMDB:

“Two slacker friends try to promote their public-access cable show.” Continue reading “Wayne’s World (1992) – Review” →

Anno Dracula – Review

On By The Past Due ReviewIn Book review, Writing11 Comments

Anno Dracula by Kim Newman

Published in 1992; novel published in 2011

Pages: 424

Genre: Fantasy, historical fiction

“Dr Seward’s Diary (kept in phonograph)

17 SEPTEMBER.

Last night’s delivery was easier than the others.”

So begins the diary entry of a methodical killer. Taking place three years after the events of Dracula, by Bram Stoker, Kim Newman’s Anno Dracula takes the premise of its predecessor and asks the question, “what if Van Helsing had failed and Dracula was able to go through with his plans for England?” Filled with Victorian intrigue, vicious vampire fights, and a mystery begging to be solved, Anno Dracula blends fiction with the real. Continue reading “Anno Dracula – Review” →