Book Review for 'The Lost Symbol' by Dan Brown

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown was published by Random House in 2009. Let me first say that I have been a fan of Dan Brown since The Da Vinci Code first appeared on the scene, but I really did not enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed the movie. I started reading Angels & Demons but got mired in the details and have never finished it. When I started hearing about the release of The Lost Symbol, I knew I wanted to read it and review it here for you all, but I was not sure if I would be able to get through it. I am aware that Dan Brown writes allot of fact into his fiction and I thought that I may not be able to finish the book if I again got too far into the details. So, in a word, I was skeptical. I received my copy of The Lost Symbol last weekend and waited a day or two before I started reading, as I and was really rather dreading getting into it.
Let me tell you, that from the minute I picked it up, it has been difficult to put it down. I truly believe that this is Dan Brown's best effort to date. I loved this book!!!
The Lost Symbol once again pits Harvard symbologist Dr. Robert Langdon against the bad guys, or in this case the bad guy...one man. The book is set in Washington, D.C., amid the hidden world of the Masonic secret society that has had such a great influence on the history of our country. Langdon is asked to lecture at the US Capitol building by his mentor and old friend, Peter Soloman, a philanthropist, who happens to be a thirty-third degree Mason, the highest attainable level of the Masonic Society. Moments after Langdon arrives at the capitol, a startlingly gruesome discovery is made and Langdon is plunged into a life-and-death situation that only he can unravel. Langdon, along with Katherine Solomon, Noetic Scientist and Peter's sister, are being pursued by the CIA and a mad man who is seeking The Lost Word. Mal'akh, as he calls himself, believes that The Lost Word is buried in the ground at the bottom of a long, spiral staircase, a secret location which the Masonic Society has hidden for years. He believes that if he finds The Lost Word, he can use it to become a God in his own rite, and he will do whatever is necessary to find the clues that lead to the Ancient Mysteries which contain The Lost Word.
Langdon and Katherine are forced to participate in a frightening chase through the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples of Washington, D.C., to save Peter and the vary existence of the United States of America as we know it.
Dan Brown has outdone himself with this story. His uncanny ability to weave fact with fiction, and the secretive nature of the ancient Masonic Society, are blended together to bring us a spell-binding and riveting story that will compel you to read it from front to back in one sitting. The clues are divulged one by one, and you will be holding your breath, as each one falls into place and the clock ticks toward a single, inconceivable discovery of truth. This is one of those books you will read over and over and Dan Brown will become one of your new favorite authors.
I gave The Lost Symbol a 5-spider rating and it earned every single one.
DJ Weaver

Book Review for 'Dream State' by Robert Crull

The as-yet unreleased novel by Robert Crull, 'Dream State', is to be published by Eloquent Books and will be out soon. I feel very lucky to have gotten a 'first read' on this one. Remember the name...'Dream State'. Write it down because your going to want to read this one. Believe me...this story is much more twisted than it appears to be on the surface.
We follow the inner workings of the mind of Mr. Drew Sovern; a wealthy, handsome man who is a control freak of the deadliest kind. He kills women! This is how he proves to his inner voice that he is in control and can do anything to anyone and get away with it. As he befriends women and then murders them, his mind feeds off his victims' last dying fears and regrets, proving his superiority to himself and to his mind's voice. But is this how Drew really wants to spend his remaining years?
At times, we see a Drew that struggles to have a loving relationship with the women of his dreams, but at other times, we see a Drew that only wants to control, and who is in turn, controlled by the voice in his mind that will never let him get too close to anyone.
Robert Crull has woven an tale of murder and control and the entangling deceptions of the mind. He is the new master of the surprise ending and I can guarantee that it will take reading the entire book before you get to see what's coming next. Mr. Crull gives us good characterizations and vivid descriptions of the players, but he only gives them to us a little at a time, making us want more at every turn. You will be flipping the pages as fast as you can to find out what happens next. I loved this shocking, surprising book and recommend it to you all, knowing that you'll be just as surprised as I was. A 4-Spider rating for this one...you're going to love it! Please go to http://robertecrull.blogspot.com/ for information and release dates.
DJ Weaver

Movie Review For 'X-Men Origins Wolverine' - Rated PG-13

X-Men Origins Wolverine was released in theatres on May 1, 2009, available on DVD September 15, 2009, and directed by Gavin Hood. Starring Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston and Dominic Monaghan, X-Men Origins Wolverine is the story before X-Men. It charts the beginnings for Wolverine also known as James Logan.
When Logan, played by Jackman, accidentally kills his own father in a fit of rage and is looked upon as a freak by his mother, he leaves home to find his place in the world. With the help of his half-brother, Victor, better known as Sabertooth (Schreiber), Wolverine embarks on a journey through wars and time to fight the forces of evil. Sabertooth soon becomes consumed with bloodlust and in disgust, Wolverine sets out on his own.
Years later, a mutant killer is on the loose and the government needs Wolverine's help to stop him. The indestructible Wolverine is then created. Inevitably, Wolverine is betrayed by those closest to him and he is then forced to take revenge & free the other enslaved mutants.
I absolutely enjoyed this movie. It was in-your-face exciting and the fight scenes were amazing and well choreographed. Wolverine was action-packed from start to finish and it answered so many questions about where Wolverine came from before joining the X-Men.
I would recommend this movie to all ages, young and old. You will be on the edge of your seat and hungry for the next installment of this fantastic series. If the astonishing action scenes don't keep you utterly enthralled then the story line will!
I had a hard time deciding on the WebbWeaver rating I would give Wolverine...it is that good! Pick up this flick today; you will not be disappointed. I am giving X-Men Origins Wolverine a 5- spider rating.
C.K.Webb

Music Review For Third Eye Blind - Ursa Major

Ursa Major was released on August 17, 2009 by Third Eye Blind's own label Mega Collider. It is their first studio album in over 6 years. The album debuted at #3 on Billboard's 200 list and sold over 49,000 copies in its first week alone.
An alternative band that formed in 1993 in San Francisco, Third Eye Blind consists of members Stephan Jenkins (lead vocals, guitar), Brad Hargreaves (drums, percussion) and Tony Fredianelli (guitar, vocals). Original bassist Ario Salazar is currently not performing with the band and his future with Third Eye Blind is unclear. The band has issued an 'open door policy' regarding his return. In his absence, bassist Abe Millet of Inviolet Row, has been filling in with the band on stage.
Ursa Major was originally scheduled for a 2007 release date but was pushed back by lead singer Stephan Jenkins, who felt the album wasn't ready. Ursa Major is due to be followed up by another album entitled Ursa Minor.
I must be completely honest in saying, I had no idea these guys had another album released and when I found out, made a bee-line to obtain it. Turns out, a song I knew all the words to and had been singing for months but could not quite place the artists, was indeed Third Eye Blind's single debut Don't Believe a Word. The single had been released on June 5, 2009.
If you were a fan of the band in the 90's, you will remain a fan today. If you have never heard of Third Eye Blind, I urge you to pick up this CD...You will not be disappointed. From tracks like Sharp Knife, Why Can't You Be and One In Ten (my personal favorite), the band delivers. There is something beautiful and profound in Jenkins' writing style and the songs range from funny and quirky, to fast paced and exciting. Toss in a couple more emotional tunes and Third Eye Blind delivers a well rounded CD that you can pop in the player and walk away from, feeling confident you will love every song. I have acquired a new favorite from this disk and am very excited to see Third Eye Blind back on the stage, and to hear them on the airwaves.
Third Eye Blind will also be giving a free concert to benefit the United Way in Starkville, MS on September 25,2009. Not only are they a great band but they give back and show their appreciation to a great cause and to their loyal fans. Six years was a long wait. I hope we never have to wait that long again, but it was well worth it. This CD is great and I highly recommend it to all who love feel-good music. I am giving Ursa Major, 4 spiders, and when you take a listen you will know why.
C.K.Webb

Book Review For 'Vigilante' by Claude Bouchard

Claude Bouchard is a Canadian born author and artist living and working in Montreal. His book 'Vigilante' is the first of four novels written and published by Mr.Bouchard.
A child is raised under horrible circumstances and witnesses heart-wrenching atrocities daily. He vows then to never again sit idly by, while others suffer at the hands of their aggressors.
Years later a Vigilante is on the loose in Montreal, Canada, and he is cleaning up the streets, one lowlife at a time. Gang bangers, murders, rapists and abusers are all the same to the Vigilante and he brutalizes each one just as they have done to their victims. When a woman is nearly raped by two seedy businessman and then rescued by the Vigilante, local Investigator Dave McCall gets a hunch that the woman has seen more than she is willing to admit. McCall then initiates the help of Chris Barry, the Chief Operating Officer of CSS Enterprises, one of the largest and fastest growing corporations in the computer intelligence industry. The two become fast friends and work together to trace the origins of the Vigilante's computer transmissions and to track, identify and put him away for good!
This book is a roller coaster ride, kick in the pants! Just when I thought I had it all figured out...Wham! Claude hit me with a twist that I never saw coming. I would recommend 'Vigilante' to anyone who loves a great, thrilling mystery ride. I am very excited to watch Claude Bouchard's career unfold onto page and anxious to read his three other books, 'The Consultant', 'Mind Games' and 'The Homeless Killer'. If you think you have a clue who the Vigilante is...Think Again!
I give this book a 4-spidar rating.
C.K. Webb

Book Review for 'The Dark Path' by Luke Romyn

'The Dark Path', written by Luke Romyn and published by Wild Child Publishing, is the story of Martin Roberts who, having watched his wife and daughter die cruel and tortured deaths right before his eyes, becomes the accomplished assassin Vain. Also referred to as The Dark Man, Vain is an absolute expert at the killer-for-hire game and the reason he is so good is because he unquestionably enjoys his work. No longer caring about himself or his previous life, he becomes an expert in death, dolling out punishment for the highest bidder. He is so accomplished at his profession that his name is only spoken in whispers and anyone who meets him and lives to tell about it, also lives in fear of the evil that emanates from his very soul.
That is, until he meets Priest, who finds the The Dark Man and aids him when he is left for dead. But Priest has a mission for Vain; one that will literally take him on a journey to Hell and back. Vain will have to do battle with the ages-old and unbelievably powerful Empath; leader of The Souls of Sordarrah, and all his evil minions. All this to save the life of the Avun-Riah, a young boy named Sebastian, who, if sacrificed to the Sordarrah, would bring about the fall of mankind and allow the dominion of Evil to reign forever more on earth.
Luke Romyn has descriptively brought to life the most gruesomely evil-incarnate harbingers of Hell while also bringing forth the most Divine visions of Heavenly entities in this imaginative and gripping story of a man turned evil by hatred and then redeemed by caring. Mr. Romyn's sprawling vistas of unholy places and unnatural beings will make you glad you live in the normal world and may make you a little afraid to turn out the lights. This story is wonderfully written and excitingly powerful from beginning to end. I absolutely enjoyed this book and will be anxious to pick up another Luke Romyn masterpiece in the very near future.
I give this book a 4-spider rating.
DJ Weaver

A Twitter Community of Literary Friends...

We want to touch base on the blog posted by Winslow Eliot, regarding our wonderful friends on Twitter. My co-writer DJ and myself, have recently joined the ranks of aspiring novelists. In doing so, we ventured further into social networking by joining Twitter and have never had a dull moment since. We have met with nothing but honest support and friendship from the literary community.
How can you call someone a friend having never laid eyes upon them. The answer for us came, surprisingly, 140 characters at a time. Friendship comes as a word of encouragement, a suggestion or lead to help with our career and in an honest outpouring of love and support for our endeavors. Toss in a little humor, be it literary or otherwise, and you have found something in the most unlikely of places.
Authors, editors, publishers and others, have reached out to us and extended their hand and in blind faith, we have accepted it. We are thankful for having taken that leap of faith, and thankful for the friends we have found in doing so.
To the right, we have listed the links to web sites and blogs of friends we've met on Twitter, and everyday we are adding more. You all mean so much to us and we look forward to sharing this journey with you, our new-found friends.
Thanks for everything you do, say and give. Your simple tweets provide us with insight, passion, inspiration and of course humor. It is truly our honor to call you all friends.
Sincerely,
CK Webb & DJ Weaver

Movie Review for 'State Of Play' Rated PG-13

'State Of Play' available on DVD September 1, 2009, and starring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdams, was directed by Kevin Macdonald.
After a woman appears to have committed suicide by jumping into the path of a speeding D.C. subway train, married Congressman Stephan Collins, played by Affleck, is linked in a romantic relationship with the dead girl. Collins institutes the help of long time friend Cal McCaffrey, played by Crowe, to find out the truth behind the girl's death and help clear his name.

Cal goes on an all out hunt with the help of D.C. reporter Della Frye, played by McAdams, to discover the truth, which in politics is never, ever what it seems. Helen Mirren plays a wonderful supporting role as Cameron Lynn, the newspaper editor that Crowe and McAdams work for.

'State Of Play' is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. It is racy with an ever constant government conspiracy theory looming over its story line and characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I was never able to decipher the 'conspiracy' until the end. I recommend 'State Of Play' for anyone who loves a fast-paced thriller and who has ever questioned just how deeply involved politicians and players become on Capitol Hill.

I give this flick a 3-Spider Rating.

C.K.Webb

Music Review for Chevelle - Sci-Fi Crimes

Chevelle's newest CD, Sci-Fi Crimes was released on August 31, 2009. The CD is the fifth in line from this Chicago trio and the follow-up from their 2007 CD, Vena Sera. Sci-Fi Crimes was recorded in Nashville,TN, this year with Brian Virtue and Chevelle as co-producers. The CD was released under the Epic Records label. Chevelle consists of Pete Loeffler- lead vocals/guitar, Sam Loeffler- drums and Dean Bernardini-bass.
I must confess first off, to being a major fan of the band but I will try to give an unbiased review.
Sci-Fi crimes is a heavy hitting, dark, full-on-assault of all the senses! Pete Loeffler gives it to his fans in pure 'Chevelle' form once again, using metaphors in the lyrics that are deep and thought provoking. I heard a little of every previous Chevelle CD, in Sci-Fi Crimes and was very pleased with it as a whole. It took me back to that world I love so much...the world of alternative music. If you have never given these guys a listen, you definitely should. The band works really hard to satisfy and never disappoints! Being a fan myself, I can tell you that once you get these guys in your system be warned...There will be no getting them out. This CD was worth the wait and it will only make me run faster to grab tickets to their next venue. Keep in mind these guys are not for the faint of heart, so consult a physician before you start a 'Chevelle' regimen for the first time. ENJOY!
C.K.Webb