The KINGDOM is Coming...Are You Ready for It?

Working for a newspaper has its perks. Like snagging a couple of 2-for-1 movie premiere tickets to watch some of the latest blockbusters before others can watch it. It's like beat-the-box-offfice, only this one you don't have to stand in line overnight just to get tickets; it's given to you sometimes a day or two in advance or, in my case with the free premiere ticket passes I got this evening, it was announced by our receptionist over the PA system just before 5 o'clock this
afternoon.

SPOILER WARNING!!!! If you haven't seen this movie yet, don't bother reading past here if you don't want to find out what happened in the movie.

The Kingdom movie premiere ticket passes

Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman -- what an ensemble. Now really, this movie could've been done without Sydney Bristow (aka Jennifer Garner), but I think they needed to get a woman in on all the action since, hey, this is the FBI.

OK, before I go way off tangent here, here's a brief synopsis of what the The Kingdom is about (info courtesy of The Kingdom site and Universal Pictures):

When a terrorist bomb detonates inside a Western housing compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an iternational incident is ignited. While diplomats slowly debate equations of territorialism, FBI Special Agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) quickly assembles an elite team (Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner, and Jason Bateman) and negotiates a secret five-day trip into Saudi Arabia to locate the madman behind the bombing. Upon landing in the desert kingdom, however, Fleury and his team discover Saudi authorities suspicious and unwelcoming of American interlopers into what they consider a local matter. Hamstrung by protocol-and with the clock ticking on their five days-the FBI agents find their expertise worthless without the trust of their Saudi counterparts, who want to locate the terrorist in their homeland on their own terms. Fleury's crew finds a like-minded partner in Saudi Colonel Al-Ghazi (Ashraf Barhoum), who helps them navigate royal politics and unlock the secrets of the crime scene and the workings of an extremist cell bent on further destruction. With these unlikely allies sharing a propulsive commitment to crack the case, the team is led to the killer's front door in a blistering do-or-die confrontation. Now in a fight for their own lives, strangers united by one mission won't stop until justice is found in The Kingdom.

I came in to the theater not knowing the full extent of what this movie was about, but I had a gist of it having seen a preview of it once (can't remember exactly when I saw it as I rarely go out and watch newly released movies in theaters). But all I needed to know (aside from the obvious pull that was Jamie Foxx helming the lead) was that this movie was promised to be action-packed, edge-of-your-seat kinda movie. And besides, I wanted to see how western movie makers will show Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

For someone who lived and went to school in Riyadh (I spent one year studying in Al-Khobar and two and a half years studying in Riyadh before my family emmigrated) and know what knda country it is -- not a lot of westerners get the chance to actually live in Saudi Arabia unless they're a.) contract workers or b.) they're military.

I was expecting the filmmakers to pepper each scene with the stereotypical Arabian desert kinda feel, like what they did in The Three Kings or in recent Gulf War-based movies; all of those movies were shot mainly in the desert, so really, there was no need for the filmmakers to justify the look and feel of the place aside from the obvious fact that everyone was in an open desert with the sun beating down on them.

I was impressed with the opening scene after all the blurb explaining the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. It was a nice bit of history lesson there, capping it off with the 9/11 attack in New York.

Director Peter Berg handled running the two scenes (one in Riyadh and one in DC) flawlessly. People were enjoying an afternoon game of baseball in the park at a Western compound while the terrorists were plotting their demise. Meanwhile across the Atlantic, Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) was in a show-and-tell session at his son's school. It was a serene, typical quiet school day affair; no worries wrinkling everyone's day. Then all of a sudden boom! Chaos ensued over in the Middle East, a distressed phone call came to Fleury's phone and that started the rollercoaster ride that was the 110 minutes of movie.

At one point during the movie I turned to my companion (who was my Mom and since we both know what life was like in KSA, I know she'd appreciate and empathize with some of the characters and situations there) and asked: Do you think they'll release this in Saudi?

Her answer?

Mom wasn't sure, but she said most probably not.

The movie depicted both a pro and anti Saudi alliance, depending on how you view it when you watch the movie.

I, on the other hand, agreed with her. The situation in the movie cut too close to home and, in as much as a lot of people these days are into watching movies about terrorists and good triumphing over evil, the ending of the movie only explained the root of the whole "war": REVENGE, plain and simple.

Now I don't want to spoil too much of what happened in the movie; it's up to you (if you choose to watch it) to figure out what I meant and how I figured it was all about revenge and what fuelled the said revenge.

I walked in to the theater, sat down and waited a few minutes before the movie started rolling. When the movie first started it was 7:00 pm; when it ended it was ten minutes to 9 in the evening. I didn't even know the movie was that long. It was a fast-paced movie and you might get bored with the yakkity-yak at the beginning, but pay close attention to what was being said and exchanged -- especially when Fleury and his team first set foot in Saudi soil -- as some of it will play out in the end regardless of you understanding what the dialogue was (it was delivered in Arabic with no subtitles).

I was told by a co-worker of mine that the last 20 minutes of the movie was the best. And she was right! I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. And the dramatic scene nearing the end was something I was already anticipating (and nope, I wasn't forewarned of what was to happen, but the way the character was played up and moulded throughout gave it sorta away IMO).

I recommend you go and see this movie. Just make sure you sit at the very top and very back of the theater. And hopefully you don't have motion sickness coz the camera kept on moving around a lot, giving the audience the feeling that they were really there running, ducking and whatnot along with the actors.

Nothing So Demonic

Lately I've been reading books centering around the paranormal: vampires, lycans, witches, demons, angels -- you name it, I'm reading it! Well, unless it doesn't fall under the "romance" category then I wouldn't give a damn about it.

It just so happen that while I was waiting patiently for the release of Susan Sizemore's latest vampire novel, I happen to come across this banner ad on AdultFanFiction. I don't know what made me click on the banner; maybe it was the author's name and I was always intrigued in finding out stories written by other unknown (as far as I'm concerned anyway) authors. I thought I'd be directed to another slash (male-male) site, but 'lo & behold, I was directed to an author's web site featuring her published books about Demons and Guardians and Angels. I started reading all her books that were published and I was intrigued, especially after reading an excerpt from her Demon Angel novel.

I quickly went to Barnes & Noble and started searching for Meljean Brook's novels. After I found them on sale, I quickly put it in my shopping cart and paid for them! That was how fascinated I was (not to mention antsy) to read her books.

The first book I read was the compilation Hot Spell. It was written by four talented authors, but I only enjoyed the second one, by Lora Leigh entited The Breed Next Door. That one was a fun read. Falling for Anthony was the story written by Meljean Brook. I didn't like it much, but it introduced me to two characters that I ended up falling for -- and they were the minor characters in this story! -LoL-

Now if you think that a few centuries' worth of foreplay ain't worth it, well, you'll have another think coming after you read Demon Angel, the story of Hugh and Lillith that spanned from the year 1200's all the way to 2007!

After I read Falling for Anthony, which was included in the Hot Spell compilation, I wasn't really too happy about the way it was written nor was I all for Anthony & Emily (the lead characters in the book). I was, however, more intrigued about its three minor characters, namely Hugh, Lillith and Colin. I knew after reading Falling for Anthony that a second book was already out and it was the story of the Guardian, Hugh, and the Demon, Lillith. I was elevated to Cloud 9 when Colin made more than minor appearances throughout the book. The humour and banter between Hugh and Lillith were well written; Colin's snotty, aristocratic demeanor was just...well, I say he'd be damn irritable if ever you meet him, but his character was written in a way that you'd fall in love with him even though he was soooooo vain!

It took me a while to finish reading this book, but I started it as soon as I finished reading Hot Spell and now...well, now I can't wait to read about Colin and Savitri's story. And I already have it on hold and ready to be shipped out from Barnes & Noble in case I don't find it in any of the bookstores here.

Alex Archer's ROGUE ANGEL

I became a fan of Alex Archer by chance, actually. You see I was (and still am, actually) a huge fan of Harlequin and Silhouette books for years now, and it was in the back pages of one of the books I was reading for either publication that I saw an ad for a new series. I barely remembered the title of the series, but I knew it had the word "angel" there somewhere and the first book in the series was coming out in late 2006.

I read the synopsis for the first book in what I didn't was to become a series; I just thought it'd be one long novel that has a beginning, middle, and conclusion. When September or October came, I wanted to read the book; I can't recall who the author was and the series' title eluded me, until I found the book I was reading at the time when I saw the ad in the back and remembered.

It took me a while to hunt down the very first book in the series written by Alex Archer. The series was called Rogue Angel and the first story in the series was entitled Destiny.

Now I was no action-adventure reader girl. Like what I said I was into Harlequin, Silhouette, Mills & Boons and the likes. I read stories about vampires and werewolves and other supernatural/paranormal stuff, but all genres had one thing in common: romance.

Yes! I love reading romance novels. It was my drug, something that spurred me on to this whole new other world of...well, romance, what else?! -LoL-

Needless to say as soon as I began reading Destiny I had a gut-feeling that it wouldn't be the romantic action-adventure type I had in mind. Sure the heroine (Annja Creed) was a gorgeous, athletic, intelligent woman who grew up an orphan with some issues of her own (c'mon, a flawless heroine was just too good to be true to be written) and was destined to be the carrier of St. Joan of Arc's ancient sword, and Mr. Archer did introduce a possible love interest for Annja in the middle of the book in the form of an immortal crusader and Joan's guardian's protege, Garin Braden, still Mr. Archer steered it away from that part.

To say I was dismayed would be a lie.

I was hooked on the series right away and was thankful that by the time I found the first book, the second book in the series was already released and I bought both Destiny and Solomon's Jar at the same time so by the time I finished the first book, I was all ready to read the second one, which didn't disappoint me either.

Mr. Archer had a way of writing about Annja's relationships with the opposite sex and how she got drawn towards a certain member of the opposite sex she happened to work with. Although my fave guy for her, Garin, barely made any appearances in the books, still, a part of me wanted him to get it on with Annja.

I've read about Annja's relationships and dealings with the opposite sex in all 8 books released in the series, but it wasn't until I read the 7th book (God of Thunder) that I read about an all-too-brief smooch between Annja and Garin, which was caused by Garin being his usual mischievous self.

And speaking of Garin Bradin, something about this blond German would irk the reader's interest, making them wonder exactly what was Garin's role in Annja's life: was he an enemy or a possible future love?

I, as you already know, am all for the latter, but it wouldn't be bad to see them argue and fight and let their pent-up emotions build up for the climactic outcome, which I hope would be in favour of what I had been hoping for since Garin was first introduced in book 1.

I'm not trying to sell this book to you if the genre is not your cup of tea. But if you're a wide reader, I'm sure you'll be willing to broaden your horizons, per se, and pick up the first book in the series and try check it out; let me know if it sucks you in to the world of archeology and wonder like what it did to me...

ROGUE ANGEL series:

Destiny

Archaeologist and explorer Annja Creed's fascination with the myths and mysteries of the past leads her to a crypt in the caves of France, where the terrifying legend of the Beast of Gevaudan hints at the unimaginable. What she discovers is shattering: an artifact that will seal her destiny; a brotherhood of monks willing to murder to protect their secret; and a powerful black-market occultist desperate to put his own claim to centuries-old blood money. Annja embarks on a high-tension race across Europe and history itself, intent on linking the unholy treachery of the ages with the staggering revelations of the present. But she must survive the shadow figures determined to silence her threat to their existence.

Solomon's Jar

Rumors of the discovery of Solomon's Jar--in which the biblical King Solomon bound the world's demons after using them to build his temple in Jerusalem--are followed with interest by Annja Creed. An archaeologist intrigued by the arcane, Annja pursues the truth about the vessel and its ancient origins. Her search leads her to a confrontation with a London cult driven by visions of a new world order; and a religious zealot fueled by the insatiable desire for glory. Across the sands of the Middle East to the jungles of Brazil, Annja embarks on a relentless chase to stop humanity's most unfathomable secrets from reshaping the modern world.

The Spider Stone

In the crumbling remains of a tunnel that was part of the Underground Railroad, a mysterious artifact reveals one of the darkest secrets of Africa's ancient past. Intrigued by the strange, encrypted stone, archaeologist Annja Creed opens a door to a world--and a legend--bound by a fierce and terrible force. She is not alone in her pursuit of the impossible. A bloodthirsty African warlord, and an international corporate magnate exploiting a land, a culture and a people, are equally anxious to stake their claim on the relic's unknown power. Annja's odyssey deep into the primeval jungles of Senegal becomes a desperate race to stop those eager to unleash the virulence of the Spider God….

The Chosen

Archaeologist Annja Creed believes there's more to the apparitions of Santo Niño - the Holy Child - luring thousands of pilgrims to Santa Fe. Other sightings of strange and anomalous creatures in the area indicate a mystery more profane than sacred - with links, perhaps, to Annja's own fate. But she is not alone in her quest to separate reliquaries from unholy minds who dare to harness sinister power. A dangerous yet enigmatic Jesuit, sworn to protect the Vatican at any cost, a brilliant young artist whose genius portrays a truth too potent for words and a famed monster hunter with a terrifying agenda are the keys to the secrets that lie in the heart of Los Alamos - and unlocking the door to the very fabric of time itself...

Forbidden City

A stunning artifact holds the key to an untapped power of global destruction-- While working on a dig in the California wilderness, archaeologist-adventurer Annja Creed uncovers evidence of a tragedy that's linked to Chinese miners during the days of the Gold Rush. A sudden attack on the site by shadow if gures drives Annja to if nd the connection to a mysterious buried city in China. Lured by legends of gold, betrayal and the vengeance of a Han Dynasty overlord, Annja travels on the Orient Express, battling avaricious treasure hunters and a modern-day descendant of an ancient league of assassins. Her adversaries will stop at nothing to stake their claim on the fabled lost city, where a Han leader's dark past promises doom for those who dare to reveal its evil power.

The Lost Scrolls

Ancient papyrus scrolls recovered among the charred ruins of the Library of Alexandria reveal astonishing texts that detail the wonders of Atlantis--knowledge that could shatter the blueprint of world energy. Archaeologist Annja Creed confronts shadow figures determined to preserve empires built on power, greed and global manipulation, finding unlikely allies in a mysterious American with connections in high places, and a young linguistics prodigy with attitude. Dodging a petroleum conglomerate and their pet killers on a high-speed chase that leads from Egypt to the North Sea oil fields to the urban battlegrounds of China, Annja becomes an unwilling conspirator in a bid for power to control the beating heart of the world's energy.

God of Thunder

Archaeologist Annja Creed narrowly escapes an attack by unknown fi gures when she tries to collect a package near her loft. She later learns that the sender—an old colleague named Fellini—has been brutally murdered. Fellini had been researching the Hammer of Thor, the Norse god of thunder, and had linked it to a Viking warrior and a twelfth-century Latvian village. A coded message in Fellini's package leads Annja on a wild chase along the canals of Venice to Latvia for more clues to an ancient treasure. Rumored to be hidden deep in the forests of Latvia for nine hundred years, this fabled prize is also sought by a ruthless corps of mercenaries. And they will do anything to fi nd it. Including killing Annja Creed.

Secret of the Slaves

When archaeologist Annja Creed is hired to find the lost city of Promise in Brazil, she is more than intrigued. Legends abound of a magical place where slaves were rumored to have discovered the secret to eternal youth and life. But strangers are not welcome in Promise. Annja soon learns that the residents have gone to extreme lengths to guard their precious secret. Making her way from the steamy port of Belém to the brutal slums of Northeast Brazil, Annja faces unexpected peril, from poisoned arrows to Amazonian anacondas. As she navigates through a land where spirituality collides with the material world, Annja must distinguish between what is real and what is imagined for fear of making a wrong move. Because anyone or anything could be her enemy. And she's getting too close….

Warrior Spirit -- COMING SOON, NOVEMBER 2007

Eclipse...a Not-So-Final Chapter IMO

I just finished reading Eclipse and I have to admit, this is the LONGEST it took me to finish a book in a series that I am really in to, especially since I already have the copy with me a few days after the book was released, but I was on a 2-and-a-half-week holiday and we were driving so my reading the boo was on and off.

But before I go on any further with my review of this third and final (I believe) installment of the story of Bella and Edward, I must WARN YOU that I'll be mentioning instances in the book
that will spoil the whole book for you if you haven't read it yet or if you haven't finished the book yet. So before you continue on further, consider yourself warned about the possible spoilers (I can't really review without pointing out certain events in the book, can I now?)

Anyway, I finally finished reading the book and I must say I am both happy and sad at the same time.

As usual Ms. Meyer delivered the way she did in the first two books, but I couldn't help but root more for Edward in this book and right from the very beginning Bella was starting to grate at my nerves. It didn't help matters that Jacob was being impossibly difficult as well.

Both Bella and Jacob were stubborn and poor Edward being the patient, understanding vampire that he was. I could empathize with Bella's frustration, which was what I believe Ms. Meyer wanted to achieve, and with Jacob being madly in love with her, it didn't help matters for her nor did it ease things up between her, Edward and Jacob.

I, however, loved the banter especially when the three of them are together. I still didn't understand why Jessica all of a sudden became friendly with Bella. It was never really explained, but her attending the after-grad party thrown by the Cullens as a joint party for Alice, Edward & Bella, I accepted the reason that she was friendly with Bella for the sole purpose of getting a glimpse of the inside of the Cullens' household.

I'm at least glad that the werewolves and the vampires found a civilized way to work together, and that common link was Bella. If you ask me about my most favourite chapter in the book? It was nearing the end, when Bella, Edward and Jacob were camped out somewhere in the middle of nowhere and there was a huge snow storm that ripped through the place. As usual Jacob and Edward couldn't stand each other's 'scent' so Jacob, being furry and running a temperature of one-oh-eight (or something close to those digits) chose to remain outside where the cold doesn't bother him the least in his wolf form while Edward remained inside. In the end the tent was too cold and Bella was frozen.

The argument Jacob and Edward had was ridiculously funny, especially when Jacob transformed back to his human form and entered the tent, muttering something about fetching a space heater. (MystykRaine's Note: make sure to read this chapter, you won't be disappointed!) They argued, but it was because they both cared for Bella. And the conversation they had while Bella was in-between sleep gave us an insight into the fears of both male characters. Of course Jacob's was more on the selfish side, taunting Edward of some of the benefits he could give Bella that Edward couldn't, but at least we were given an insight on Edward's real feelings about the situation.

To me that was the main highlight of the whole story; the climax, if you like to call it. But I'm still miffed 'coz even though Jacob knew Bella wouldn't be his, he was insistent and Bella was easily swayed. Of course she loves Jacob, but will her love for him the kinda love she has for Edward or something along the lines of friendly-brotherly love? She admitted it earlier in the book that she loves Jacob, but as a brother. But in the end...I have to say I waited with baited breath for the moment when Bella would turn an about face and run away with Jacob into the sunset, leaving Edward with a broken heart!

Thank goodness that didn't happen, but the epilogue left me wondering IF Ms. Meyer would write a book centering on Jacob Black's character.

In as much as Jacob annoyed me in this book, I still liked him. I couldn't help but picture him as this really cool, big teddy bear of a guy.

I guess in real life things like Bella's situation happens. But that's one crappy situation to be put in, don't you think so?