Rena McGee
Rena McGee has been writing about books, manga and anime and other topics since 2002.
Associate of Applied Science, Web Graphic Design
She has also taken classes related to criminal investigation and psychology.
She has been previously employed in retail support, market research and office work/quality control at an electronic parts shop.
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Associate of Applied Science, Web Graphic Design
She has also taken classes related to criminal investigation and psychology.
She has been previously employed in retail support, market research and office work/quality control at an electronic parts shop.
...
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- 35,801
- Content
- 375
- Fans
- 8
- Contributor since
- 4/9/2009
Education/Experience
Associate of Applied Science Web Graphic DesignInterests
writing, books, reading, fantasy, science fiction, feminism, racism, world building, imagination, gender issues, manga, anime, web graphic design, cooking, fiction, poetry, paranormal, esoteric, mythology, humor, snark,Affiliations
A Wicked Convergence of Circumstances (Reviews and Essays), Rena on Facebook, Rena on Twitter, Near Life Experiences
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Basic Layout Considerations for Your BlogA few things to consider if you are starting your own blog or website.
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Job Hunt Log the Second: In Which I Collect a Lot of “Sorry You’re Not What We’re Looking For” EmailsSo far, I have been collecting a lot of "sorry you're not what we're looking for" emails. Sometimes these letters also contain a "but we'll keep your resume on file/please keep coming to us as jobs appear," factor.
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Things You Think of After the FactSo, I will get started on writing projects, and then belatedly realize that I should have organized things differently, or I should have had an idea of how I wanted something organized to begin with.
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Reading: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs Part ThreeThe third part of my A Princess of Mars re-read. In which John does a little exploring and makes a few discoveries.
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Skip Beat! Episode Six “Invitation to the Ball” --RecapIn this episode, Kyoko struggles with keeping her temper in the face of Ruriko's hostility and Ren's passive aggressive kindness.
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A “Girl Thing”This is something I call that thing where a woman does not believe that women and men can be just "friends." A woman who does the * "girl thing" will become increasingly unhappy if her boyfriend, husband or significant other has friends who are women.
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Job Hunt Log the First: Intentions and IntroductionPart One of my Job Hunt Log, in which I discuss my current situation and my intentions for the series.
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Reading: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs Part TwoThe second installment of my re-read of A Princess of Mars. In which John discovers that the low gravity of Mars makes him Superman.
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Web Comic Review: Kagerou by Luka DelanyKagerou is an ongoing web comic that takes a number fantasy tropes, throws them in the blender and sets it on disintegrate.
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GBE 2: Blog on -- Week #47: “Home”This was a post for GBE2, the prompt was "home." In which I discuss the kind of home I would like to have.
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Skip Beat! Episode Five “Danger Zone” --RecapKyoko learns more about the Love Me! division. Her first assignment however would try the patience of a saint.
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Manga Review: Mugen Spiral Volume Two, Mizuho KusanagiIn the second volume, we discover that Ura and Yayoi have a much closer relationship than either of them realize. Meanwhile, they try to find a way to save Ura's brother from himself.
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Toradora! Episode Eleven: “Oobashi High School Festival Part One”--RecapIn this episode, Ryuji and Taiga's class attempt to come up with an activity for the school cultural festival. Meanwhile, Ryuji tries to convince Taiga to contact her father.
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In Which My Cat is ShyI recently had to move. My cat is not adjusting well to the change.
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Moribito Episode Twenty “Hunter’s Cave”--ReviewAfter Torogai and Shuga exchange information about the Rarunga, Balsa and company head up into the mountains to winter in the cave where Balsa grew up.
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Book Review: Heartless by Gail CarrigerAlexia and Conall have mended their fences, but the vampires are still out for blood. Meanwhile, Allexia discovers a dreadful secret concerning the betrayal that led to Conall becoming the leader of his current pack.
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Manga Review: Tena on S-String Volume Two, Sesuna MikabeIn this volume, we're introduced to a new Tuner from an important family, and a way is found to conceal Kyosuke's "soul score."
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Outline of Crystal Singer, by Anne McCaffreyCrystal Singer is a great book when you're fifteen and/or know nothing about music. That is if you like the main character, which I didn't.
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In Which There Are CollisionsA few stories about some close calls and accidents I have had. A prompt for GBE2.
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Reading: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs Part OneThe first part of my re-read of A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs. In this installment, John is chased into a cave by angry Native Americans.
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Book Review: Imager by L.E. Modesitt, JrA young artist discovers that he has an extremely dangerous magical talent.
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Book Review: Imager’s Challenge by L.E. Modesitt JrIn which Rhenn continues to dodge assassination attempts. Can he prevail when his enemy has all the advantages?
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Book Review: Blameless by Gail CarrigerOur Heroine decides travel to Europe would be a good idea after her husband kicks her out of the house. Her Husband meanwhile, wallows in self pity.
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Book Review: The Trouble with Demons by Lisa ShearinRain continues to fend of beings who are trying to get control of the Saghred. This time around, it is an army of demons.
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A Bride’s Story Volume Two, by Kaoru Mori--ReviewAmir and Karluk continue to have problems with her family. Problems of the "kidnap Amir and raid the village" variety!
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Toradora! Episode 10: “Fireworks”--RecapKitamura joins in on the prank Ryuji and Taiga are planning. Meanwhile, Ami seems to have feelings for Ryuji.
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SimplicityWhen I was a teenager, I did not care very much about my appearance. Not much has changed since then. A prompt for GBE2.
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Top Five Fantasy SeriesThis is a short list of a few of my favorite fantasy series.
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Book Review: The War God’s Own by David WeberBahzell learns there is more to being a Champion than just being heroic. He also learns that he should have read the fine print.
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Book Review: The High King of Montival, by S.M. StirlingIn The High King of Montival, Rudi has gained the Sword of the Lady, been declared High King by his companions. Now he is ready to build an army and make alliances with the groups he has encountered on his quest.
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Natsume Yujin-cho Episode Five “Heart-Colored Ticket” --RecapNatsume finds an old train ticket, which leads him to help two friend reconnect after years of separation.
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Moribito Episode Nineteen “Chagum’s Escape” -- ReviewChagum is understandably traumatized by the revelations of the previous episode. Meanwhile, the imperial agents get ready to confront Balsa and company.
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Skip Beat! Episode Four “The Labyrinth of Reunion” --RecapKyoko renews her determination to get into show business after a brief encounter with Shotaro.
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Five Reasons People Who Promote “Natural Remedies” Drive Me Up the WallA list of reasons why I am highly skeptical of "natural remedies" and the people who promote them.
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Manga Review: Mugen Spiral Volume One, Mizuho KusanagiA powerful young exorcist defeats a powerful demon, who vows revenge, revenge that mostly takes the form of childish pranks.
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Book Review: Oath of Swords by David WeberOur Hero would much rather be left alone, thanks. Unfortunately, he stumbles into altruism when he breaks his word to rescue a young woman.
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Manga Review: Tena on S-String Volume One, Sesuna MikabeIn which a young man acquires the ability to see music and encounters a mysterious girl who is looking for "viral notes."
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Manga Review: Kamisama Kiss Volume One, Julietta SuzukiOur Heroine ends up homeless when her father skips town. Her life become extremely strange when a stranger offers to let her stay at his home--which is an abandoned shrine.
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Moribito Episode Eighteen “The Ancient Village”--ReviewBalsa reaches the village that will hopefully have the information she's looking for. Meanwhile, the imperial agents are on her trail.
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Toradora! Episode Nine: “Let’s Go to the Ocean, You Say”--RecapThe kids all go to Ami's beach house. Taiga and Ryuji cook up a plan to "haunt" Minori so Ryuji can play hero. Things of course do not go as planned.
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Moribito Episode Seventeen “Water Mill in Flames”--ReviewIn this episode, very little goes well. The agents locate Balsa's hideout with Toya's unwitting assistance. Meanwhile, Shuga has an encounter with Chagum.
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Toradora! Episode Eight: “For Whose Sake?”--RecapTaiga and Ami hold a swimming competition to decide whether or not Ryuji will be going on summer vacation with Ami.
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Book Review: Armed and Magical by Lisa ShearinOur Heroine's continuing adventures with an evil soul-sucking gem that she just can't be rid of.
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Book Review: Shadow Heir by Richelle MeadOur Heroine accepts a gift that allows an enemy kingdom to cast a spell of winter on her lands. Whoops.
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Book Review: The Sword of the Lady by S.M. StirlingIn which Rudi and his companions complete their quest while making friends and influencing people.
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Natsume Yujin-cho Episode Four “Shigure and the Girl” --RecapThe class president has discovered Natsume's ability to see yokai--she attempts to enlist his help in contacting a spirit who helped her when she was in middle school.
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Toradora! Episode Seven: “Pool Opening”--RecapThe pool opens and everyone is excited except Taiga, who has some body image problems in the swimsuit department. Ryuji to the rescue!
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Moribito Episode Sixteen “Just Pursuing Doggedly”--ReviewShuga is determined to locate Prince Chagum, meanwhile, Balsa gets ready for the trip to distant Toumi village.
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Book Review: Mirror Sword and Shadow Prince by Noriko Ogiwara Translated by Cathy HiranoIn which Our Heroine must gather a number of magical stones in order to defeat her foster brother, a prince who wields a very powerful, very dangerous sword.
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Skip Beat! Episode Three “The Emotion She Lacks” --RecapKyoko makes an impact during her audition and receives new motivation to succeed in "show business."
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Natsume Yujin-cho Episode Three “The Mysterious Person at the Eight Fields” --RecapNatsume is nagged into helping a group of yokai do something about an overly enthusiastic exorcist.
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Book Review: Magic Lost, Trouble Found, by Lisa ShearinOur Heroine stumbles across a powerful magical item that two governments would kill to possess.
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Natsume Yujin-cho Episode Two “The Dew God’s Small Shrine” --RecapNatsume's latest project is to return the name of a yokai living in a shrine. He also meets an elderly woman who has a relationship with the yokai, though she's only seen him once.
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Book Review: Dragon Sword and Wind Child, by Noriko Ogiwara, Translated by Cathy HiranoOur Heroine is caught in an eternal war between the forces of light and darkness. The only way she can break free, is if she can regain the sword that was stolen from her people.
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Book Review: Changeless by Gail CarrigerOur Heroine gets a rude awakening that leads to domestic entanglements when her husband rushes off to Scotland on family (read: werewolf pack) business.
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Skip Beat! Episode Two “The Feast of Horror” -- RecapKyoko is clueless about how you get "discovered" by a talent agency, and an actor finds her motivation to enter showbiz to be extremely questionable.
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Natsume Yujin-cho Episode One “The Cat and the Book of Friends” --RecapNatsume Yujin-cho is about a young man with the ability to see spirits who inherits a very dangerous book from his grandmother, a book many spirits would like to get their hands on.
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Book Review: Soulless, by Gail CarrigerOur Heroine is one Alexia Tarabotti, a young woman with a great deal of intelligence and an equal lack of soul. She is a preternatural and this lack of soul enables her to nullify the characteristics or abilities supernatural entities.
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Book Review: Echoes of Betrayal by Elizabeth MoonIn this book, Dorrin has to deal with suspicion and anger when two of her squires are severely injured. Meanwhile, Kieri gets ready for his wedding, and Arvid gets nagged into changing alignment.
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Book Reveiw: The King of Attolia, by Megan Whalen TurnerEugenides has to deal with being king when all he wanted was to marry the queen. Meanwhile, a young guardsman gets in way over his head.
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Book Review: A Conspiracy of Kings, by Megan Whalen TurnerIn which a young king attempts to take back his throne, with a little help from his friends.
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Book Review: The Bell at Sealey Head by Patricia McKillipA mysterious bell is linked to a house where a woman is dying. A house with doors that occasionally open into another world ruled by a mysterious ritual.
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Book Review: Intruder by C.J. CherryhBren continues his efforts to settle a major political dispute. Meanwhile, Cajeiri finds himself in the middle of a domestic dispute as his parents hit a rough spot in their marriage.
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Book Review: Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuireThe first in a new series by Seanan McGuire. Our Heroine attempts to combine monster hunting with ballroom dancing, with limited success.
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Skip Beat! Episode One “And Then the Box was Opened” --RecapWe are introduced to Our Heroine, a sweet kid in love named Kyoko. Unfortunately, her "prince" is a complete jerk.
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Moribito Episode Fifteen “Premature Death”--ReviewShuga continues his research despite being trapped. The crown prince accepts increased responsibilities despite being sick and Torogai further explains what she learned at the Knot.
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Toradora! Episode Six: “True Colors”--RecapKitamura asks Taiga and Ryuji to overlook Ami's two-faced behavior and be her friend. We also discover the reason Ami transferred to a different school.
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Movie Review: John CarterOur Hero is a former Confederate cavalry officer who accidentally finds himself on a strange and alien world called Barsoom. A planet also known as Mars.
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Movie Review: How to Train Your DragonHiccup is a kid too smart for his own good, living in a remote Viking village that is nightly besieged by dragons. So of course Our Hero befriends one.
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Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland (2010)Alice is now 19 and not very interested in growing up the way people want her to. When she spies the white rabbit again she decides to follow him down the rabbit hole and back to Underland.
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Book Review: The Queen of Attolia, by Megan Whalen TurnerThe Queen of Attolia seeks and gets revenge. Eugenides struggles to cope with the aftermath and his feelings.
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Book Review: Second Grave on the Left by Darynda JonesOur Heroine does not like being kept in the dark. Friend and family continue to do so, much to her annoyance in this sequel to First Grave on the Right.
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Moribito Episode Fourteen “Knot”--ReviewTorogai and Shuga both come to the same conclusions using different resources. Both also get in over their head.
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I Don’t See a Hood when I See a HoodieA sarcastic reaction to Geraldo Rivera's "Trayvon Martin Would Be Alive But For His Hoodie" article.
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The Alternate Universes of Police Chief Bill LeeIn another universe, Trayvon Martin is not dead. This is not one of them, but Bill Lee feels that things would have gone differently if different choices had been made.
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Book Review: Dark Inside by Jeyn RobertsIn this young adult apocalyptic thriller, a group of young people are gradually drawn together as society falls apart. Fair warning: I did not like this book.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Ten “Phantom Score”--RecapHuey and Dalian encounter a famous violinist and two musical scores with mysterious powers.
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Book Review: Honor’s Paradox, by P.C. HodgellJame completes her training at Tentir despite active opposition to her presence, and the usual disasters that tend to follow her around like puppies.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Twelve “Song for the Unwritten Future”--RecapHuey and Dalian encounter a dangerous Phantom Book that has been deliberately weaponized by the mysterious Professor. Huey may not get out of this episode alive.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Eleven “Bibliotheca Razielis Archangeli”--RecapIn this flash back episode, we meet Huey back when he was a pilot during the Great War. We also discover more about the creation Phantom Books.
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Requite the CrushDave has a crush on a girl he's never spoken to. Today is the day he's going to. Really. Really, really. -
The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Eight “Book of Equivalence/Book of Relationship”--RecapIn which Camilla goes looking for the best possible present to give Dalian and Armand turns up in need of rescue from his latest romantic disaster.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Seven “The Perfumer”--RecapIn this episode, Dalian and Huey run into a young woman with an unusually keen sense of smell.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Nine “Book of Twilight”--RecapDalian and Huey journey into another world and enter the story of a young apprentice shaman named Ira.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Twenty Five “Time, Stop”--ReviewIn the final battle, Yukio, Rin and their friends work together to defeat Satan. The epilog hints at new adventures in the future.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Twenty Three “Truth”--ReviewIn this episode discovers the exact extent to which his grandfather has been lying to him.
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Blue Exorcist Episode 24 “Satan’s Spawn” --ReviewIn this episode, Rin and Shura attempt to get the drop on Satan, and rescue Yukio. They are mostly successful, but the battle isn't over yet.
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Book Review: The Thief by Megan Whalen TurnerA thief is recruited to steal a magical artifact. If you think you've heard this story before, you probably haven't.
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Book Review: After the Golden Age by Carrie VaughnOur heroine is a forensic accountant. Her parents are famous superheroes. Family stress hits an all time high when she works on a case involving her parents' arch-nemesis.
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Book Review: The Snow Queen’s Shadow, by Jim C. HinesIn this book, Snow accidentally frees a demon and goes on a rampage. Can Danielle and Talia stop her in time?
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Book Review: First Grave on the Right by Darynda JonesOur Heroine is a private detective who is also literally the angel of death. An entertaining if shallow paranormal romance.
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Book Review: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom RiggsA boy learns that his grandfather's fanciful tales are possibly not fanciful at all. An interesting novel based around surreal trick photographs.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Twenty Two “Demon Hunting”--ReviewIn this episode, Yukio's grandfather puts his plans for all out war against Gehenna into motion. The price however may be too high to pay.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Six “Libricide”--RecapIn this episode we meet a mysterious "Libricide Officer" and his strange companion, Flamberge, the Silver Biblioprincess.
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Moribito Episode Thirteen “Neither Human nor Tiger”--ReviewIn this episode, Balsa is pushed by an enemy into breaking her oath to refrain from killing.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Twenty One “The Secret Garden”--ReviewRin demands explanations, Shiemi makes a friend, and Yukio meets his grandfather.
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Moribito Episode Twelve “Summer Solstice Festival”--ReviewChagum is challenged to a fight by the son of a merchant, a fight to take place during the Summer Solstice Festival, which he is not allowed to attend.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Five “The Magician’s Daughter”--RecapAfter receiving several requests for Phantom Books, Dalian and Huey seek out the person responsible--a mysterious young woman with no past.
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Moribito Episode Eleven “Flower Wine for Tanda”--ReviewTanda attempts a dangerous spell in order to save Saya's life.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Twenty “Mask”--ReviewRin and Yukio rush to the rescue when they hear that the monastery where they grew up has been attacked.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Four “Book of Soul Exchange”--RecapIn this episode Huey receives a letter from a writer asking for his help. The problem is, the writer is supposedly dead.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Nineteen "An Ordinary Day"--ReviewShiemi and the class decide to arrange a surprise birthday party for Izumo. In classic sitcom style, Izumo jumps to the wrong conclusion.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Eighteen "Friends"--ReviewKonekomaru succumbs to his fear of Rin while under a demon's influence. Rin meanwhile, has a hard time convincing his classmates of his good intentions.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Seventeen "Temptation"--ReviewIn the aftermath of the trial and the revelations about his background, Rin has to face his friends, who are now afraid of him.
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Moribito Episode Ten "Soil and Heroes"--ReviewToya is recruited by Balsa to give Chagum lessons on how to fit in as a commoner.
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Book Review: Wraith by Phaedra WeldonIn Wraith Our Heroine, a tragically inept investigator stumbles across a murder in progress during an investigation. Things go downhill from there.
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Book Review: War for the Oaks, by Emma BullIn which our Heroine is a singer drawn into a deadly war between the Seelie and Unseelie courts.
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Book Review: Snuff, by Terry PratchettIn which Vimes is forced to go on vacation, and stumbles into a murder mystery.
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Moribito Episode Nine "Shuga’s Thirst"--ReviewShuga conducts experiments and does research in an effort to discover why the drought sign hasn't disappeared. Meanwhile, Balsa and Tanda discuss parenthood.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Sixteen "The Wager"--ReviewRin is out of control, and certain secrets are revealed. Rin is put on trial, and his friends attempt to save him before it's too late.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Three “Book of Wisdom”--RecapDalian and Huey's encounter with some eerie children in possession of a Phantom Book that confers ultimate knowledge to the reader is somewhat anticlimactic. Things get more dangerous later when thieves come looking for a rare book.
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Book Review: The Demon’s Covenant, by Sarah Rees BrennanIn this book, Mae has to try to deal with her very complicated life, a life made complicated by not only teen romance but by magicians.
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Book Review: The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees BrennanAlan and Nick Ryves have been on the run from magicians for as long as Nick can remember. When he and his brother find themselves helping two siblings with a similar problem, Nick discovers that his brother has been lying about their past.
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Moribito Episode Eight “The Swordsmith”--ReviewIn this episode, Balsa goes to get her spear repaired. The swordsmith however, won't do a thing until he hears both sides of the story.
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Book Review: Changes, by Mercedes LackeyIn the third book of the Collegium Chronicles, Mags continues to be stalked by enemy agents navigates through his friend's family problems.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Fifteen “Act of Kindness”--ReviewThe camping trip continues as the kids find themselves facing off against Amaimon who is extremely interested in another match with Rin.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode Two “Book of Fetus”--RecapIn this episode, Huey attempts to assess the value of a book collection for a young woman who lives on an isolated estate, a woman whose family has been "cursed" by a series of murders.
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Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor--Book ReviewIn this young adult fantasy, American-born Sunny is living in Nigeria and having trouble fitting in. She makes friends with children with magical abilities and discovers that she has abilities of her own.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Fourteen "A Fun Camping Trip"--ReviewThe kids go on a field trip to the woods. Rin is warned not to reveal his powers by Shura. Will he succeed? Most likely not.
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Gosick Episode Twenty Four, "Looking at Infinity Over the Reaper’s Shoulder"--ReviewA recap of the final episode, where Kuji and Victorique try to find their way to the happy ending of this convoluted fairy tale.
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One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire--Book ReviewToby has to try to stop a war between the Land and the Sea while attempting to settle into her new role as the Countess of Goldengreen. Things happen.
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Spirits Who Walk in Shadow by Nina Kiriki Hoffman--Book ReviewJaimie Locke is going to college to learn about the world outside her insular (and magical) community. Kim is going to college in an attempt to escape from her depression which has been caused by a supernatural entity--Jamie decides to help.
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The Mystic Archives of Dantalian Episode One "Turn-up Book"--RecapSet post World War One, a young man inherits his grandfather's estate, a key to a supernatural library, and a responsibility.
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Ghost Story by Jim Butcher--Book ReviewIn which Harry finds himself in a metaphysical situation that involves finding his own murderer before something horrible happens to his friends.
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Gosick Episode Twenty Three "Announcing Checkmate at Dyed-Gray Chess" --ReviewVictorique's father puts his plans into motion. What he doesn't realize is that Cordelia is also putting plans into motion.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Thirteen "Proof"--ReviewWhen a slacker classmate turns out to be an investigator and a former student of his adoptive father, Rin finds that he may be in some very hot water.
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Moribito Episode Seven "Chagum’s Determination"--ReviewChagum makes some important discoveries about the value of money, Shuga makes a more disturbing discovery and Balsa demonstrates "hiding in plain sight."
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The Silent Strength of Stones by Nina Kiriki HoffmanIn which a young man runs into a family of magic users who are less than pleased by his Peeping Tom habits.
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Moribito Episode Six "Perish in Aogiri Mountains" --ReviewIn this episode, Balsa's complete strategy is revealed. Meanwhile, Tanda would like everyone to know that he is not in fact Balsa's wife.
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Gosick Episode Twenty Two "A Christmas Carol Decorates the Windowsill’s Happiness"--ReviewA Christmas carnival at the school reveals yet another fairytale that Victorique is connected to. A fairytale with dangerous repercussions for both Kujo and Victorique.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Twelve "A Game of Tag"--ReviewThe class investigates a haunting at a theme park. Rin meanwhile finally meets up with Amaimon.
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Gosick Episode Twenty One "The Bells of Christmas Eve Toll at the Heels of Time"--ReviewVictorique continues to investigate Coco Rose's murder. Meanwhile, Victorique's father continues to be deeply sinister.
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Moribito Episode Five "Secret Plan, the Blue Hand"--ReviewIn this episode, Balsa makes a dangerous business transaction in order to create a diversion so she can escape her pursuers.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Eleven “Demon of the Deep”--ReviewRin, Renzo and Izumo encounter a sea monster that periodically attacks a small fishing village. Meanwhile, Izumo has a series of confusing encounters with a boy.
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Naamah’s Blessing, by Jacqueline CareyIn Naamah's Blessing, Moirin travels to the new world to rescue a prince and to make friends and influence people in her own special way.
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Moribito Episode Four "Torogai’s Letter"--ReviewTanda takes the severely injured Balsa home. Meanwhile, the magic weaver Torogai continues her investigation concerning the spirit possessing Chagum.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Ten “Black Cat”--ReviewRin is lectured in responsibility, and attempts to assist Yukio on a mission. Rin reveals an unexpected talent for talking down emotionally distraught felines.
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Gosick Episode Twenty "Led by the Phantom of a Phantom"--ReviewVictorique's father puts a great deal of pressure on Victorique to solve the case. With the trail long gone cold, she'll need Kujo's help to investigate.
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Kingyo Used Books Volume One by Seimu Yoshizaki--ReviewVolume one of a nostalgic, warm-hearted series centered around a used manga book shop.
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My Girlfriend is a Geek Volume Two by Rize Shinba and Pentabu --ReviewIn volume two, Our Hero continues to suffer at the hands of his geeky girlfriend. (It's a good thing he doesn't seem to mind!)
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Blue Exorcist Episode Nine "Memories" --ReviewRin and Yukio must deal with a teacher who blames Rin for the events of the Blue Night.
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Gosick Episode Nineteen "The Rose Colored Life is Buried Under Fresh Snow"--ReviewIn this episode, we learn some disturbing secrets involving Victorique's father and the crimes he committed against her mother.
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Welcome to Bordertown, Edited by Holly Black and Ellen Kushner--ReviewThe return of one of an extremely formative (and hard to find) urban fantasy anthology series.
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Gosick Episode Eighteen "The Jet Black Train Carries Many Lies" --ReviewIn this episode it seems as if Kujo and Victorique are surrounded by the feuding agents of the Science Academy and the Ministry of the Occult.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Eight "Now a Certain Man was Sick" --ReviewAs the "boot camp" continues, Izumo works through her issues, and Yukio tries to get everyone to work together.
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The Thread that Binds the Bones, by Nina Kiriki Hoffman--ReviewIn this book, two people are drawn together and end up dealing with an extremely dysfunctional community of magic users. For one it's a family reunion. For the other it's a journey of self discovery.
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Unnatural Issue by Mercedes Lackey is Unnaturally Stiff--ReviewThis part of the Elemental Master's series borrows from the Allerleiruah fairytale, but the darkness of this fairy tale falls flat in this rendition.
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Travel Horror Story: Unexpected Trip to the Grand CanyonA short story about a spontaneous trip to the Grand Canyon.
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Another Favorite Writer: Steven BrustA short article about another favorite writer, Steven Brust.
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Morning LightHave a haiku.
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My Girlfriend is a Geek Volume One, by Rize Shinba and Pentabu--ReviewOrdinary Boy meets Geek Girl and is utterly confused. Can love get around the culture clash?
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A Bride's Story Volume One, by Kaoru Mori--ReviewA Bride's Story is a historical romance manga set in Central Asia during the early nineteenth century. Our heroine is a young woman named Amir Halgal who has recently married.
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Pig Bride by KookHwa Huh and SuJin Kim--ReviewPig Bride is a five volume Korean comic with a fairytale plot and a rich kid high school setting. The plot is encumbered by cliches, but over all this is a sweet, comic fantasy romance.
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Moribito Episode Three "Fight to the Death"--ReviewIn this episode Balsa fights off imperial agents, and is severely wounded. We also discover a little of her backstory.
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Salmon CakesThis is a modified recipe I came up with because the recipe on the package involved mayo, which I don't like very much. -
Egg Toast with MushroomsThis is a variation on French toast which is savory instead of sweet. -
Blue Exorcist Episode Seven "A Flock of Plovers" --ReviewShiemi tries to make friends, unfortunately she ends up being a stooge for one of her classmates: Rin is not pleased.
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Gosick Episode Seventeen "The Box Lies in the Spiral Labyrinth"--ReviewVictorique and Kujo must find a way to escape, but are trapped in a conflict between the agents of two feuding organizations.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Six "The Phantom Chef" --ReviewRin makes an unexpected friend when he accidentally insults the dorm cook by invading his territory.
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Moribito Episode Two "The Hunters and the Hunted"--ReviewIn this episode, Balsa takes steps to protect her charge. Meanwhile, a star reader named Shuga tries to get some answers concerning princes and politics.
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Gosick Episode Sixteen "The Felling Maria Has a Fly's Head"--ReviewWhen Victoria's father sends her off to a very strange psychic fair being held at a convent, Kujo rushes off to the rescue.
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Cicadas in SummerNo, serious, you can't hear that metallic buzzing noise coming from that bush?
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My Cat Thinks Books Are PillowsWhat it says on the tin. A Tanka. -
Moribito Episode One "Balsa the Female Body Guard"--ReviewBalsa returns to the place she grew up, and immediately gets into trouble over her head when she rescues a young prince.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Five "A Boy from the Cursed Temple"--ReviewIn this episode, Rin locks horns with a boy who is a lot like him, only a better student.
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Gosick Episode Fifteen "Two Monsters See Eye to Eye"--ReviewVictorique solves Leviathan's mystery. Kujo tries to get answers out of Brian Roscoe, but this doesn't go nearly as well.
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Shell Pasta with PeasA super simple and tasty recipe! Great as a side dish or a main course. -
Recipe: Cashew Tea EggsA vegetable stirfry featuring tea eggs vegetables and cashews. -
Recipe: Tea EggsTea eggs are extremely tasty and easy to make. -
From Outlines to Mind Maps: Finding the Right Note Taking Style for YouThis is a description of a few note-taking methods. -
Research Tips and StrategiesA few suggestions and tips for doing research. -
Recipe: Twice Baked Potato with BroccoliA short slideshow presentation on making tasty calorie boats. -
Recipe: Mushrooms and PastaThis recipe barely qualifies as a recipe. Tasty, though! -
A Few Notes on Taking NotesA few tips on taking notes for school or for a specific research project.
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Recipe: Vegetable CurryI made some vegetable curry and thought I'd share. -
Godstalk, by P.C. Hodgell, One of My Long Time FavoritesGodstalk has been one of my favorite fantasy novels for years. It's a funny, slightly sideways sort of epic fantasy.
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MockingbirdA haiku for a mockingbird. -
Variable Star, by Spider Robinson and Robert a Heinlein--ReviewA young musician narrowly escapes a matrimonial fate worse than death by joining a colony ship. This somehow fails to solve most of his other problems.
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Black Swan Rising, by Lee Carroll--ReviewAn artist discovers that she's one in a long line of magic users. Unfortunately for our heroine, she is not genre savvy.
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Dark Descendant, by Jenna Black--ReviewA P.I. discovers she's descended from Artemis, goddess of the hunt. She also discovers she's caught between two rival groups of god-children.
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Steelflower by Lilith Saintcrow--ReviewSaintcrow should probably stick to urban fantasy. This Sword and Sorcery novel puts the hack in hack and slash.
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Phoenix in the SummerA poem about summer, and the monsoon. -
Diane Duane: One of My Favorite NovelistsTrying to pick just one novelist I like is not easy. I chose Diane Duane because I've liked her writing the longest.
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Gosick Episode Fourteen "A Malicious Frill Denounces a Farting Newt" --ReviewKujo is less than happy that Avril and Victorique can't seem to get along.
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Gosick Episode Thirteen "The Fool Designates His Own Mouthpiece" --ReviewVictorique is challenged by the memoir of a dead alchemist to become the representative of a fool.
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Gosick Episode Twelve "The Cicadas Are Heard on Summer Afternoons" --ReviewIt's summer break and Victorique is preemptively grumpy at the thought that Kujo might have other plans for the summer.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Four "The Garden of Amahara"--ReviewRin meets Shiemi, a young girl haunted by the death of her grandmother.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Three "Brothers" --ReviewRin and Yukio arrive at True Cross Academy. Unfortunately, Yukio is unhappy about something, and refuses to talk about it to Rin.
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Blue Exorcist Episode Two "Gehenna Gate" --ReviewRin learns more about his parentage than any kid should have to deal with in one night.
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Dealing with Dysfunction in Your FamilyThe focus should be on working on your own problems first, and limiting your stress.
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Against the Stream by Noah Levine--ReviewA basic no nonsense guide to Buddhism by Buddhist writer and counselor, Noah Levine. My review.
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Kings of the North, by Elizabeth Moon--ReviewIn this sequel to Oath of Fealty, Dorrin continues to find literal skeletons in her closet while, Kieri continues to straighten things out in his kingdom.
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Late Eclipses, by Seanan McGuire--ReviewToby needs to find a murderer. The problem is, the queen and the daughter of her boss have already decided she's guilty.
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Blue Exorcist Episode One "The Devil Resides in Human Souls"--ReviewA slightly disreputable but good at heart boy discovers that a)there really are demons and b) He's the son of their king.
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Mahou Shojo Madoka Magica Episode Twelve "My Best Friend"--ReviewMadoka makes a wish and becomes a magical girl. Can she avoid the inevitable fate of a magical girl?
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Gosick Episode Eleven, "That Drill Speaks Eloquently of Love"--ReviewKujo learns the story behind Grevil's pompadour and Grevil takes his angst and low self esteem out on his half sister Victorique.
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Tiassa by Steven Brust--ReviewIn which Vlad meets a man with a tape recorder, and various parties encounter the figurine of a tiassa, a magical object with an agenda of its own.
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Betrayer, by C.J. Cherryh--ReviewBren latest mission lands him in a lot of hot water, his ex manages to be somewhat helpful, and Cajeiri resolves some of his difficulties from the previous book.
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Mahou Shojo Madoka Magica Episode Eleven "The Only Path Remaining"--ReviewHomura gets ready to battle Walpurgis Night while Kyuube helpfully explains the situation to Madoka.