The Avengers (2012): Movie Review

Marvel’s The Avengers is a box office hit, topping The Dark Knight’s midnight premier

The Avengers (2012 film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

records and emerging as #1 opening weekend at $207,438,708 [1] in the United States and Canada alone. However, is this highly acclaimed film worth the hype? Or is it simply another blockbuster blown out of proportion? Even many of the staunchest critics agree – The Avengers is a superhero masterpiece.

Incorporating elements from the previous films, The Hulk, Iron Man, Iron Man II, Thor, and Captain America, The Avengers embodies a fantastic medley of the Marvel Universe’s greatest heroes and villains, all the while, paving the way for the next installments. It is highly comedic and intensely action-packed, superior to the Transformers series which attempts a similar plot-line in Dark of the Moon.

The Avengers opens up with a most ominous, alien voice, rambling on about some plot which entails the power-hungry Loki, banished of Asgard, like something produced by Garage Band’s “deeper vocals” voice modifier. Following this singular introduction, we find SHIELD agents and scientists (some from Thor) working diligently at unlocking the secrets of the divine Tesseract, a source of seemingly ultimate and limitless power. Albeit, as one might expect of the suspenseful setting, their experimentation goes terribly wrong. The Asgardian device suddenly reacts with a violent burst of light and generates a portal, which may be likened to the destructive force which presumably annihilated the Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger, sending forth the vengeful Loki who is bent on conquering Earth with an army given him in return for the Tesseract. The available SHIELD agents surround the self-proclaimed “god,” albeit are disposed of by a few blasts of Loki’s newly acquired staff. Nick Fury arrives on the scene, shooting a few rounds in vain, whilst Loki uses his staff to mind-control the mercenary Hawkeye and Dr. Erik Selvig to aid in his escape. The next few moments are without respite – the SHIELD complex sinks underground, collapsing inward as a maelstrom, due to the effects of the Tesseract. Fury and company give chase, although lose their quarry and are forced to flee.

On less dramatic grounds, fan-favorite Tony Stark and his girlfriend Pepper Pots, are debating who deserves the most credit for Stark Tower – a top of the line, self-sufficient complex inspired by the reactor core. Amusing quarrel aside, SHIELD Agent Phil Coulson -promptly arrives with a briefing for Iron Man, in preparation for the “Avengers Initiative” – it would appear the world is once again in peril and only the aforementioned team of heroes can save it.

In another part of the world, Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow), after dispatching with a Russian general, is sent to extract Dr. Bruce Banner (The Hulk), and Director Fury introduces Steve Rogers (Captain America) to the Initiative. The team slowly comes together as the peril grows greater, and there is much dissonance among the members, as they fight to recapture Loki, and then amongst themselves (Thor vs. Captain America & Iron Man) to retain him. All the while, the preparations for Loki’s army is nearly complete… will the team be able to come together and save the world, or will the alien apocalypse fall upon them?

The Avengers is a barrel of fun, with enough intrigue to keep the audience guessing until the end and a good portion of comedy to provide the necessary balance. It introduces [to the series] the developmental process of a team, rather than a single protagonist. The villain is likewise in control of a massive army and it is evident another power is pulling the strings at the start, adding depth. In this way, it separates itself from its superhero predecessors outside of the animated realm, attaining the claim by some that it is “the best superhero movie ever.”

Family Perspective

This time around, the violence gets a little bloody, with the death of a great number of characters (as opposed to those scenes which are given little reflection), some more evident than others which are merely suggested.

Language is fairly minimal, albeit a few curse words are used in the course of the film.

Natasha Romanoff, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, remains a source of eye-candy, albeit not as overt in as in the Iron Man films and much more of an independent protagonist. Her top, during the Russian interrogation, is low cut and gratuitous during fighting scenes, yet the “buck stops there” so to speak, in that the female form is not exploited for the vast remainder of the film (note: at the beginning, Pepper Pots wears “short-shorts,” she, however, plays a minor role in the film and takes up only a small fraction of screen time), aside from the skin tight suits.

The Avengers is better suited to teen and adult audiences, especially on account of much more mature conceptions and visuals.

Notable Quotations

“Earth’s mightiest heroes type-thing. / Yeah. Takes us awhile to get any traction, I’ll give you that one. But let’s do a headcount here. Your brother the demigod, the super soldier living legend who kind of lives up to the legend, a man with breathtaking anger management issues, a couple of master assassins, and you, big fella, have managed to [anger] every single one of them.” -Tony Stark to Loki

“You miss the point, there’s no throne. No version of this where you come on top.” -Tony Stark to Loki

“I’m in the middle of an interrogation, this moron is giving me everything.” -Black Widow

“I’m bringing the party to you. | I don’t see how that’s a party.” Iron Man | Black Widow

“How desperate are you? You call on such lost creatures to defend you. / It burns you to have come so close. To have the tesseract, to have power – unlimited power. And for what? A warm light for all mankind to share, and then to be reminded of what real power is.” -Loki

“Well, let me know if real power wants a magazine or something.” -Nick Fury

Christian Perspective

The Avengers delves deep into what it means to be a hero, as clashing egos and selfish motives are put aside for teamwork and integrity.

Captain America, Steve Rogers, stands for traditionalist, Christian America, when, after a remark is made about Loki and Thor’s “godhood,” retorts “I mean no disrespect ma’am, but there’s only one God, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t dress like that!” All the while calling for team to unite and realize their duty.

References are made to the macro-evolutionary theory, as Loki jokingly states he had thought “humans were more evolved” than they were behaving. Loki, furthermore, observes the depravity of man and the hopeless nature therein (without a remedy).

The Parisian Experience

A few days ago I published a photography sampler eBook entitled, The Parisian Experience,

(Copyright © 2012) For the cover, I used one of my favorite photographs, which was well liked in its original posting on this blog. The composition depicts a Normandy harbor beautifully covered in a blanket of sunlight.

as a precursor to the full-length book I am developing.

This free edition features some of my most well-received photographs which have appeared on the Adventure Writer’s Blog, including Louis XVI, Omaha Beach, Notre Dame de Paris, and multiple others.

The book is currently being reviewed by B&N and Apple’s respective quality assurance teams.

On a different note – tomorrow I hope to post my comprehensive Hunger Games review, as well as an audio edition for the AW Blog YouTube channel.

The Crashing Waves

Over the course of a few days I developed a soundtrack for a mini-movie which I will be presenting before an English class representing the poem, Dover Beach. This is the soundtrack in question, with shooting for the video in progress:

This video is made legally using Apple Co. loops provided with the application, Garage Band, in accordance with Terms of Use.

Ever heard of the calm before the storm? Well this is the calm... AFTER the storm.

Free Publications: Updates Available

In January of this year, I provided the manuscripts for my short story publications on this blog, without

The annotated version of War At Our Doorstep delves into the story, uncovering important details and casting light upon the story's various ambiguities. The story provided in this post is the original, unannotated version.

the extras provided by their ninety-nine cent counterparts, and developed my Literary Feedback page to gather the opinions of my readers and subscribers.

Since then, months have passed, and I’ve updated my publications. War at Our Doorstep has had punctuation errors and an imagery [literary] device was altered. 400 Years of Silence was extended to include additional background about the character Manasseh, and pave the way for the potential novel to come.

These new additions are available on their old posts:

http://adventurewriter.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/400-years-of-silence-six-hundred-word-story/

http://adventurewriter.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/war-at-our-doorstep-2/

If you’re looking for a quick read, these should do the trick, and as always, I’d love to have feedback (that’s why I changed “Leave a Reply” to “Share Your Opinion” – much more welcoming).

Kid Icarus: Uprising – Review

Kid Icarus: Uprising is the latest Nintendo 3DS game released by Nintendo and designed by Masahiro Sakurai, creator of the hit Smash Brothers series.

Introduction

You play as the angel Pit, following the orders of Palutena, the goddess of light and protector of

Kid Icarus: Uprising (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

humanity, as you fight against the resurrected Medusa. Your journey takes you from towns to spaceships, futuristic landscapes to ‘natural’ wonders – each equally captivating, with an added vibrancy due to the extra dimension of 3-D. The story, however, does not end after your primary objective, taking an unexpected turn and extending gameplay exponentially as a result. Chapters may also be replayed at different intensity levels, from practically effortless to an infernal onslaught which may pose a challenge for even the most experienced of players.

Gameplay

Ease of gameplay has been disputed among players, however, it is certainly do-able. Albeit more suited to right-handed players, lefty’s should by no means be deterred, as only simple swipes of the stylus are required of their right hand. As a left-dominant player myself, I found the game to be difficult at first, albeit much easier after the first few missions had accustomed me to the configuration – no adjustment of the controls was necessary, albeit Nintendo has provided that as an option in addition to the circle-pad pro.

Sound

The soundtrack of Kid Icarus: Uprising is incredibly beautiful and uniquely assorted. From soothing orchestral, violin accompanied tracks, to simple ditties which serve but a momentary purpose – all serve to heighten the enjoyability of the game and immerse the player within the world of Greek myth. Not to mention, each piece is made available as an unlockable, by the completion Treasure Hunt achievements (which also reward hearts, weapons, idols, etc).

Dialogue is a key characteristic of the game, seemingly present without ceasing. Albeit, it rather serves as a compliment to gameplay, once a player is acquainted with the controls and may appreciate the witty repartees and mindless jabber with comprehension. Otherwise, they are aggravations at best. Once, however, this condition has been met, the dialogue maintains interest in a seemingly empty world (aside from the attacks of underworld minions), where there is little character interaction, aside from these exchanges.

Content

Defeated! Visual depicts an AR Card idol battle captured with in-game camera applications.

The content of Kid Icarus: Uprising is truly abundant. With 25 chapters, unlockable back-to-back boss battles, dozens of weapons (to be bought with hearts, the KI:U currency) and power customizations (and a land + battle practice range to try them out on), three treasure hunts with one-hundred twenty achievements each, collectible in-game and paper-card “idols” (digital figures with descriptions and AR Card capabilities), streetpass-spotpass enabled, online / local multiplayer, and much more. Albeit some features are more engaging and useful than others.

Multiplayer is a competitive challenge, although there are no overall leaderboards, which is a letdown. Players accumulate points during the process of each match and are ranked according to their totals at the conclusion. Wins are saved and exchanged via streetpass.

Playable characters include:

• Pit (primary): chief angel of Palutena, the goddess of light and protector of humanity. He is persistent, passionate, and often quite silly.
• Pittoo: Pit’s Doppelganger, created by Pandora’s mirror, often an antagonizing force, albeit (highlight spoiler > ) linked with Pit in life force and becomes an ally due to necessity and a slight change of heart.
• Magnus: powerful human mercenary, dedicated to fighting against underworld forces.
• Little Girl: details unknown, resident of a ruined city.
• Dog: details unknown, resident of a ruined city. Can sniff out and locate food in garbage, runs without tiring.

Family Analysis (E10+ [ESRB])

The characters within KI:U aren’t exceptionally frightening, albeit some are notably grotesque, such as the lord of the Underworld – with pointy fangs, red eyes, and whatnot. There is no blood, and most combat is against the forces of the underworld, in the form of giant eyeballs, frog-like beings, and other odd but otherwise inhuman creatures. There are, however, a few human / god encounters where a character will make known they have been defeated and may even make a corresponding exclamation of defeat. However, deaths are seldom, often with enemies returning to fight again unscathed. Albeit, this does not dismiss the violence in itself. The game is likely more suitable for tweens, teens, and older, than ten year-olds, unless families take care to monitor their child’s gameplay and discuss plotline implications. There are a few  sexual references – in one instance, Palutena jokingly tells Pit she can read minds and that he “better not be thinking anything naughty,” to which he exclaims in surprise, as if he had been contemplating unsavory matters. Some characters, such as a Nature-Force leader is flirtatious, while Amazon Pandora takes it a step further, emphasizing her appearance and is overtly coquettish.

Christian Implications

The fact that there are collectible “idols” should be telling in itself of the game’s religious affiliations. Rape, murder, and other mature concepts of Greek mythology are not mentioned, however, spiritual references are made. Pit “prays” for Palutena’s safety, at which point another goddess remarks he is a very confused angel, since he has no god/dess to pray to at the moment. A reincarnation of Helios, Hades, Medusa, and Poseidon (as well as others) make appearances, with a few original gods and goddesses exclusive the Kid Icarus realm. Pit is the protector (by extension of Palutena) of the helpless humans who are referred to as selfish and greedy, the gods are also revealed in their folly (often warring against one another and causing trouble).

A Reader’s Request: The Hunger Games Analysis (TBW) & Mii Update

A Reader’s Request*

To Be Written*

This afternoon I received a request to review the Hunger Games trilogy – I did some form of this before

Getting "Kreative" with Kirby!

the box-office craze had begun, mainly focusing on the final book, Mockingjay, which I had found to be well-written, albeit with quite a graphic nature. In the next few days, however, I will begin developing a comprehensive post for the purpose of my reader’s request (readers are always welcome to make requests for posts. I realize I haven’t posted my reviews for MI:GP, or the full review for H.O.S., however, anticipated posts [even by one person] gain higher priority]).

Publication Progress

In relation to the literary realm, my free publications (War at Our Doorstep & 400 Years of Silence) have steadily been gaining popularity on retail markets (iBookstore / NOOK) and the Lulu store, with their ninety-nine cent (retail) counterparts making progress as well. If you have read any of these stories, feel free to post your feedback on my blog! It helps me grow as a writer, knowing what I’m doing right and where I can improve.

Nintendo Celebration

In the world of video game technology, it is the Nintendo 3DS’ one-year anniversary and spotpass-enabled users will receive a visit from Reggie (President and COO of Nintendo of America) in the Mii Plaza app, in celebration of the event. One may note the COO’s recently played game is “Kid Icarus: Uprising,” the latest release by Nintendo.

Tech (Pre)Review – Kid Icarus: Uprising

Kid Icarus: Uprising (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kid Icarus: Uprising is the latest Nintendo 3DS game released by Nintendo and designed by Masahiro Sakurai, creator of the hit [Super] Smash Brothers series.

General Review:

• Graphics
  • Kid Icarus: Uprising has spectacular, immersive graphics which are heightened to their utmost by the extra measure of depth provided by the 3DS.
• Storyline
  • Simple and humorous, with a few twists and turns to keep things interesting.
• Music
  • As numerous modern video games, the soundtrack of Kid Icarus is a masterful, orchestral blend which may be enjoyed by even the most discerning listeners.
• Spiritual & Family
  • The world of Kid Icarus is loosely founded upon Greek mythology.
  • Mention of “empty souls”
  • Similar to Metroid & Zelda in that a battle is being waged against monsters, sometimes humans are involved, such as in one of the early battles. There is however, no gore or impact effects.
• Gameplay
  • A widespread complaint from left-handed users has been prevalent in discussions of the game and its criticisms. However, being left-handed myself, I find no problem with gameplay, except for a slight takeaway. The left hand controls the circle pad and L-button, while the right hand makes simple movements on the touch screen. Up, down, side-to-side – as this game does not require handwriting, and so long as one may move their hand in the proper direction, there shouldn’t be too much of a problem, only discomfort.

Full-Length Review Coming Soon…

400 Years of Silence: Duet Play

400 Years of Silence

Photography Gallery Available at the Bottom of the Post

Scene I

Manasseh (exclaiming):Brother Naaman! What are you doing reading that old thing? It’s

been four-hundred years since that God of yours proclaimed anything to his people – resign this insanity of yours!

Naaman: Insane I may be, but these prophesies that Isaiah speaks of…

Manasseh (aggravated): Forget the prophesies! Those were simply lies devised by the old kings of Israel.

Naaman (reasoning): If that is so, why would the kings seek their own destruction? It is by God alone that…

Manasseh (exasperated): I relent brother, I relent! (off-stage) I leave you to this self-ordained madness!

Naaman (to himself): My brother may not believe, but I feel the spirit of the Lord is strongly manifested on this night. God will not be quiet forever, He will come after His lost sheep.

Scene II

Narrator: Today was the day of Caesar Augustus’ fateful decree – the census of the entire Roman world, and everyone in town had left their homes to register themselves (Luke 2:1). Naaman had gone, his brother Manasseh with him, to register at the same time of Joseph and Mary.

Naaman (cheerfully): Ah, what a day is this.

Manasseh: Always the cheerful one brother. What is it you find so worthwhile in life?

Naaman: Unlike yourself Manasseh, I find joy in the coming of a savior.

Narrator: As they approached the place of registration, Naaman noticed a pregnant woman among the crowd. With her was a descendant of David, the man named Joseph. Manasseh followed his brother’s eyes and saw an opportunity to torment him in his superstition.

Manasseh (exultantly): See here brother! This couple, claiming to be followers of God, have committed a great sin against the commandments of the Great Creator! Engaging in that which is sacred to marriage. What would you say in defense of your fellow brother’s and sister’s grievous reproach?

Naaman: Man is inherently sinful Manasseh, who can know the bounds of depravity? Yet even a Godly man or woman may fall into the bounds of sin. Yet my God is a merciful one, as seen with David and Bathsheba.

Manasseh: Hypocrite! How may one be the follower of a perfect God when they themselves are imperfect?

Naaman: For this very reason God gave us repentance through sacrifice. Though in my heart, stirring within my spirit, I am confident that God will do away with this ritual and bring us to Him through a most glorious and perfect way.

Manasseh: An ultimate sacrifice I suppose? That would only be possible by the death of God himself.Naaman: God will find a way.

Narrator: And God did find a way – on the most glorious day that has ever been known to man, God became manifested in a pure, and altogether perfect, baby boy named Jesus – the Savior of humanity and God’s only begotten son.

-Scene III

Narrator: Many years passed since the birth of Jesus Christ & the accompanying John the Baptist, and soon the inhabitants of Bethlehem learned of the news and saw the Man Himself. Many were in disbelief, others saw the event as a long-awaited miracle from God. From the cry of the Baby boy on that seemingly average night, the four-hundred years of silence from God had ended.

Naaman: It is as the prophets attested! God has come to us!

Manasseh (solemn): You have become greater the fool in your old age than in our youth, my poor brother. There is no Messiah, the world is as it has always been. The fishermen go forth to catch the bounty of the oceans, and the tax collector eternally devises another method to cheat us of our earnings. You have no cause for joy.

Naaman: Oh my brother! How I wish the curtain over your eyes would be torn away, as the barrier between us and God will soon be removed.

Manasseh: I refuse to believe that this man – a mere carpenter from Galilee, is the son of God. It is a most ridiculous supposition.

Naaman (pleading): I request brother, that you will come just one day to see this Man. When you hear his teachings, you will believe as I.

Manasseh: If only to see what drives this ailing passion of yours, I will go on this journey with you, and you will see for yourself the reason in my disbelief.

Author’s Note: I have considered to make a full-length novel out of  this play, expanding upon the transitional period between scene three and four, entailing the various sermons which Manasseh and Naaman attended and Manasseh’s drastic transformation of character therein. Whether I will do this, however, will depend upon the will of God.

Scene IV

Narrator: So it was, that the two brothers journeyed to Galilee and were among the multitude present at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) and when the Lord Jesus had healed the sick (Matthew 4).

Naaman: We have seen many things brother, and do you still remain obstinate in your disbelief?

Manasseh: I had accompanied you Naaman, desiring to make a mockery out of something unreasonable. Now I am uncertain of the very ground beneath which I stand. We have indeed seen many things – all of which I had not, in all my imaginings, sought to be believe possible. Yet here is this Man who calls himself the Son of God, doing those things which are impossible – making everyday life a miracle! I believe now brother that… (pauses for reflection) I rather incline to say, I do indeed believe what you have spoken about the Christ, and what He himself has spoken. In my old age, almost certainly my last year in this world, I give myself to Christ, and the Father who, I attest, loves me so dearly.

Naaman: Amen. For now we are brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and our lives, or what remain thereof, shall testify of that fact. Forevermore, praise the Lord Almighty.

NOOK Notice: This material is protected by copyright. 

Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved

You may recall my 400 Years of Silence (Short Story) post a while back, which was introduced as such:

Today I’m posting a copy of my short story, 400 Years of Silence, based upon the historical period between the Old Testament prophets and New Testament birth of Jesus Christ. In that time, there was no word from God, until the cry of a baby broke the silence on that glorious night when the savior of the world was born. For those who are not avid readers, I’ve also provided [photographs] which [are] related to the story. The Apple Co.’s iBookstore recently accepted my eBook for distribution, as well as Barnes & Noble with their NOOK.

Above is the original version of my story, in duet play form.

Positive and civil constructive criticism is welcome.

Gallery

Rouen, France {Notre Dame}

I designed this graphic for the purpose of one of my paperbacks. The candles were within Le Notre Dame of Rouen and were beside a statue of Mary and baby Jesus. I cut out the candles, altered them, and ensured they were a proper size. I'm, overall, quite pleased with the results.

Writing, Baking, Developing, and Photographing: Occupés, occupés!

I’ve decided to make the Nutella Cheesecake tomorrow night and let it sit for a day in order that the

Far off in the distance you may spot Pont du Hoc, a key location for the Germans in World War II. As the Allied Forces charged up the beaches, the Axis Powers had a sufficient advantage with their turrents which had deadly accuracy, even from such a distance.

flavors may properly blend together before serving. I’ll likely be feeding around 25-30 people, so I’m sure to get plenty of feedback!

In the world world of writing, I recently submitted a manuscript for publishing (finally with all the formatting kinks worked out) and chose to make it available for free. The story, or duet play rather, came about when I was asked to creatively portray Biblical events through some sort of artistic medium, and for me, the natural choice was writing. I prayed to God for inspiration, to lead my efforts lest I stray from His Word, and I found 400 Years of Silence come forth as a result. After writing it, I was told (by a colleague of mine) that I should write a full book-length version of the tale , which I am certainly considering. If you have an iOS device, you can download the free play on the iBookstore. In the future I hope to post the play on this blog, once I figure out how to get the formatting as I like it.

Something I haven’t mentioned much on this blog is the documentary which I have been developing with footage I shot while in Normandy, France. Once completed, I’ll provide it to a Geography class at a nearby school and perhaps post it on this blog.

In addition to these life updates, there’s also the reviews I mentioned coming up. The House of Silk review and Mission Impossible review should be posted quite soon.

 

War at Our Doorstep

The annotated version of War At Our Doorstep delves into the story, uncovering important details and casting light upon the story's various ambiguities. The story provided in this post is the original, unannotated version.

The frailty of life is a lesson learned by experience – the likes of our daily existences. Every day, when the fading crimson and golden-hued light gives way to the blackness of night, the menacing drone of bombers and the shrieking alarm which announces their coming brings fear into the heart of the community, and although all do their best to find safety in their homes, their shelters often become their prison unto death.

It all started three weeks ago, when the first HWK-325 emerged from the night’s sky followed by a score more of its kind. The residents of our humble town knew little of the ways of war and were unprepared for the onslaught to come. Many lives were taken that first day, mainly of those who did not heed the alarm. Since then, many of us have not dared to set foot out into the now foreboding pastures of our country which holds such terrors in the night. Our storehouses we have filled with what sustenance we may until the bombers pass (which is our one last hope). Those who have lived to see the bombers firsthand, such as myself, have reported many great wonders, such as the arrival of the AGL-435’s, great white bombers of extraordinary size which fought against the HWK-325 in a war of unknown causes. Perhaps they warred for control of our land, for every day they would annihilate a few of our land’s kind residents in their destructive conflict.

One night, following the death of my only son, I decided it had to end. I didn’t know how, but I would

This is an image I've used previously for various video projects related to War at Our Doorstep.

end this once and for all and bring peace to our land. I gathered my family together into our living room and held, perhaps (for I felt a great foreboding), our one last meeting. My wife was the first to speak.

“Honey, you can’t go!” she said with fear and anxiety upon her face. “Nobody has ever left their homes at this time of night and come back alive. Think of your family! Your –” she indicated with a movement of her hand our precious babies, all now teens but for our child of three. “Our children! You can’t leave them without a father. There’s no chance of success; you can’t reason with a bomber! How do you expect to fight them?”

Doubts filled my mind for a moment, but I cleared them away with a shake of the head. “Something must be done,” I said resolutely. “If I die, at least I will be an example for the community – to stand up for our families and fight. We have no hope cowering in our homes, we alone have the power to conquer this plague to our land. I’m certainly no David, but I will stand before many Goliaths. You can’t deter me from this; we must take a chance. Have I ever not returned? I will come back… and I pray with tidings of peace.”

Here is the enhanced version of a photograph I took some time ago of this bird of prey which ascended upon our porch. One of my revisions entailed increasing the level of detail in this graphic in order to accentuate the pattern upon the wings, sharp eyes, talons, etc.

I embraced my children and wife one last time, and journeyed out into the darkness. However, I saw at once my mission was a futile one, as a dozen bombers descended from above, their sights no doubt set upon my now quivering form – it was now too late to turn back. With one fell swoop, one swift action, my soul was carried unto heaven. What would become of my family and our town? Was there any hope to be had?

“Mommy, mommy!” a little girl’s voice sounded in the distance. “A hawk just caught a bunny!”

NOOK Notice: This material is protected by copyright.

[ Coming soon to the iBookstore ]

Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved