The Art of War by Sun Tzu

This version of the world's oldest military treatise is translated and annotated by Lionel Giles. Giles provided not only a translation but also included the different interpretations of various commentators in explaining the passages.

This version begins with an introduction of Giles' work. Sun Tzu, the commentators of his work, and The Art of War's influences are also included.

The comments from the translators may be a bit distracting but without them, some parts will probably not make sense to the modern readers. Moreover, the commentators also give their interpretations of Sun Tzu's maxims as well as cite examples of battles and historical figures.

The Art of War is divided into thirteen chapters. In the introduction of the book, there is a mention of speculations on how many chapters the original manuscript was made up of.

The following are the 13 chapters of The Art of War:
I. Laying Plans
II. Waging War
III. Attack by Stratagem
IV. Tactical Dispositions
V. Energy
VI. Weak Points and Strong
VII. Maneuvering
VIII. Variation in Tactics
IX. The Army On the March
X. Terrain
XI. The Nine Situations
XII. The Attack By Fire
XIII. The Use of Spies

The contents of the chapter may be unclear to the reader, however, the translator and the commentators provide interpretations. Although Sun Tzu is fond of figures of speech, his statements are straightforward. Readers might also find repetitions but keep in mind that they are usually for emphasis or  support a closely connected statement.

I'm giving The Art of War a 10 out of 10 rating.

Our Babies

Manu. Born December 9, 2005. We named after Manu Ginobili of San Antonio Spurs. Very sweet and smart... and maybe a bit spoiled. Eldest of late Timmy's (she was one of our dogs too) litter and the only surviving descendant.

                                                 

Tonia. Born June 14, 2012. We named her after Tony Parker of San Antonio Spurs. She has huge appetite and loves to snuggle. She looked starved and lonely when we bought her from a guy selling half-breed puppies on the street.

Hachi. Born May 29, 2012. Named after Hachiko of the movie of the same name. Extremely energetic (and a bit destructive if left alone at home) and loves to kiss and snuggle family members. We got her from my sister's friend who breeds dogs.

History of the Incas by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa

History of the Incas is a product of the collaboration of the author's research and interviews and the natives' cooperation. The author made it clear in the first part of the book that the contents have been verified and are considered authentic by the natives. Although the book discusses the mythical origin, movement and settlement, succession of rulers, and the wars of the Incas, its goal is to prove to the then King of Spain, Philip II, that the lands occupied by the Incas belong to the King and not to the natives. This will be explained in the later part of the book after describing the downfall of the last Inca ruler.

The first few chapters describe the peopling of the continents after the Flood. The descendants of Atlas divided the lands amongst themselves. This part may be irrelevant but I don't suggest skipping this. There is however an account of the mythical origin of the land of the Incas and its people that was provided by the native correspondents.

Next is the description of the division of the provinces and the first rulers. The rest of the book is a chronological account of the rulers and their deeds. The native terms used in the books are explained. The author also included his opinions of the rulers and their "barbaric ways."

This volume has plenty of information if the reader ignores the colorful comments of de Gamboa and the first five chapters. Keep in mind however that this was intended for a particular audience.

The accounts of the rulers are detailed and written very well. It almost reads like a novel. The myths are limited only to the chapters describing Viracocha and the origins of the Incas of Cuzco.

Rating: 7 out of 10

*The copy I have is a translation of Sir Clements Markham, KCB

Bushido, The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe

The book can be divided into several parts which discuss the sources, application, and influence of Bushido. According to Nitobe, Bushido is a "code of moral principles which the samurai were required or instructed to observe." It is made up of maxims which are discussed thoroughly in the book.

Before proceeding to the discussion of the maxims, Nitobe cited the possible influences in the development of the codes. He then goes on to tell the reader of the maxims by citing examples and comparisons.

There is also a section on the education and training of the samurai, the samurai's sword, and the training and position of the samurai woman. The first two are just overviews and do not elaborate the training of the knights.

Finally, Nitobe contemplates the status of Bushido and its uses in the future.

The book is very easy to understand, however, Nitobe cites names and events that may not be familiar to the average reader. Still, his other examples will suffice. Although there have been plenty of movies and books describing the Japanese life, this book provides surprising insights about gestures and practices we often find insignificant when observing them.

This is not a book about the martial training of the samurai or the history of that institution. This presents the Japanese way of life and thinking that will be easily understood by readers through a comparison of its similarities and differences to Western thought and code of ethics.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Anting-anting Stories and Other Strange Tales of the Filipinos by Sargent Kayme

A collection of mystery and adventure stories, Anting-anting Stories and Other Strange Tales of the Filipinos, takes the reader into the colorful world of Filipino folk beliefs and superstitions. The word anting-anting's closest English equivalent is talisman, which is an object that gives supernatural abilities and protection to its owner. The anting-anting, however, is mainly for protection and it can be anything from a pendant to a piece of paper.

Although most of the stories are set in some regions in the Philippines, the majority are told from the perspective of non-Filipino characters. As a Filipino, it is interesting to read what other people think of some of our beliefs. The following are the stories included in this volume:

The Anting-anting of Captain Von Tollig
The Cave in the Side of Coron
The Conjure Man of Siargao
Mrs. Hannah Smith, Nurse
The Fifteenth Wife
"Our Lady of Pilar"
A Question of Time
The Spirit of Mount Apo
With What Measure Ye Mete
Told at the Club
Pearls of Sulu

I don't recommend this as an accurate account of the belief and uses of anting-anting. Although the author appeared to have been impartial in portraying the natives, the Filipino characters are mostly stereotypes. What is most interesting about these stories are the places they are set in. This book, although entertaining, should not be used as a reference for any study of Filipino folklore.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Froth Wolf

This is how I visualize Froth Wolf, Tavore's flagship. I was going for Silanda but I forgot it didn't have sails.

Jubei Yagyu of Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny

Jubei Yagyu of the Onimusha 2 game. I'm not happy with this drawing. His eyes look weird.

Bowl and Jar

I'm having art lessons with my youngest sister as my instructor. This is the first still life  lesson we had.

Ehecatl and Huitzilopochtli

My drawing of the Aztec gods Ehecatl (left), one of Quetzacoatl's forms, and Huitzilopochtli (right). I didn't make up their appearances. I based these on the drawings I found from various sources.

Deities and Mythical Beings of the Davao Tribes

Note: I don't claim to be an expert in the mythology and religion of the six tribes featured here. My source for this information is Fay-Cooper Cole's The Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao. This entry is solely a list for future references.

The deities and mythological creatures here are from Fay-Cooper Cole's The Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao. This is a list of the gods, goddesses, and spirits/spirit classes of the Bagobo, Bila-an, Kulaman, Tagakaolo, Ata, and Mandaya. I retained the spelling of the names found in the book. For full accounts of the myths and customs of the tribes, I recommend reading the book.

BAGOBO

Eugpamolak Manobo/Manama/Kalayagan  - first and greatest creator whose home is in the sky. Offerings for him should be white.

Tolus ka balakat - name means "dweller in the balakat"; loves blood but not the flesh of humans and is one of the three deities for whom the yearly sacrifice is made.

Mandarangan and Darago - husband and wife who look after the fortunes of the warriors and demand yearly sacrifice in return.

Taragomi - owns all the food and is the guardian of crops.

Tolus ka towangan - patron of workers in brass and copper.

Tolus ka gomanan - patron of smiths.

Baitpandi - taught the women to weave and presides over the looms and weavers.

Toglai/Si Niladan, Maniladan and his wife Toglibon - first man and woman; gave the people their language and customs.

tigyama - a class of spirits that look after the family.

diwata - a class of spirits who serve Eugpamolak Manobo.

anito - a name applied to a great body of spirits some of whom are formerly people; it is from them that the mabalian secures her knowledge and power.

buso - mean, evil spirits who eat dead people and sometimes injure the living.

tagamaling - evil spirits dwelling in big trees.

tigbanua - evil beings inhabiting rocks and cliffs in the mountains.

tagareso - low spirits who cause people to become angry and do evil deeds or cause insanity.

sarinago - spirits who steal rice.

tagasoro - cause sudden anger resulting to quarrels and death.

Balinok and Balinsogo - husband and wife who love blood and cause people to run amok.

siring - spirits inhabiting caves, cliffs, and dangerous places and who also impersonate family members.

*****

BILA-AN

Melu or Meie - used his skin to create earth and the two beings like himself. He created Tau Tana (Funtana) and Tau Dalom Tana. These two angered Melu when they had a child.

Melu and Fiuweigh, Dwata and Sawegh (or Sewe or Seweigh) - another version of the creation myth relates that these two pairs created people first out of wax (which failed) and then dirt. This time it was Fiuweigh who had an argument with Melu about the position of the nose. The couples also created the earth out of the things that the bird Baswit brought to them. Baswit brought earth, fruit of rattan and trees.

They made Adnato and Andawi. These two had children, namely; Tapi/Mastafi and Lakarol (in other versions the offspring were Mesa, Lakbang and Mangarang). Their descendants were Sinudal, Moay, Limbay, Madinda, Sinnamoway, Kamansa, Gilay, Gomayau, Salau, Slayen, Baen, Kanfal, and Latara.

Melu and Sawegh live below while Dwata and Fiuweigh lived in the sky.

In still another version Melu and Dwata created Fiuweigh and Seweigh. The  first people made were Otis and Lakbang who were the parents of Mastafi and Lakarol (Landol). The Bila-an were descended from Mastafi and Lakarol.

Duwata (Duata, Dwata, Adwata, Diwata) - identified with a female spirit called Kalalokan and is generally considered Melu's wife.

Lamot ta Mangayo/Mandalangan - patron spirit of warriors.

busau - class of spirits living in the mountains. To this class belong Bakay the owner of the deer and pig; Bawi, who owns the rice; and the flau, the spirit of an unborn child whose mother died in pregnancy.

*****

KULAMAN

Tomanen and wife Diwata - are considered above all the other spirits.

Mandalangan/Siling/Manobo Siring - the god of war.

magintalonan - spirits that inhabit rocks and trees.

Tama - owns the deer and wild pig.

maniokan - generally evil spirits that resemble snakes.

*****

TAGAKAOLO

Lakbang, Mengedan and wife Bodek - Mengedan and Bodek are the parents of Linkanan and Lampagan.

Linkanan and Lampagan - parents of kalau and sabitan (birds). They were sent to look for bits of soil which their parents used to form the earth.

Diwata and Timanem - watched the creation of the earth.

Siling - confuses travelers through the forest.

mantianak - spirits of unborn children or busau.

Tama - owns the deer and wild pig.

Mandalangan (Mandangan) - closely interwoven with Timanem.

kawe - shades of the dead.

*****

ATA

Manama - made the first men from blades of grass, weaving them together. He made eight people who became the ancestors of the people.

A flood drowned the people but two men and a woman were saved by an eagle and brought to Mapula.

Mandarangan - god of war.

Malalayug - god of agriculture.

Mabalian - spirit who presides over childbirth.

Tarasyub and Taratuan - guardian spirits of brass iron workers.

Boypandi - guardian of weavers.

*****

MANDAYA

Moon and Sun - They were married but later quarreled. Moon left and soon after their children died. Moon cut their bodies and threw them away; those that fell into the water became fish while those that fell on land became snakes and animals; those that 'fell' upwards became stars.

In another version the children were not cut. One of them was a giant crab named Tambanokaua who causes tides, high waves, lightning, and eclipses when he devours his mother.

Other versions:
(1) Only one great star with the appearance of a man existed. He wanted to usurp the sun and succeeded. He cut his rival into small bits and scattered them over the sky.

(2) The flat earth was pressed up into mountains by Agusanan. It rested on the back of an eel that caused earthquakes.

(3) A woman survived the flood which killed all the inhabitants of the earth. She gave birth to Uacatan who married her. From the sprung the Mandaya.

(4) From the limokon's eggs were born Mag and Begenday from whom came all the Mandaya (also Mag/Manway and Begenday/Samay). The limokon bird is considered a messenger of the spirit world.

wakwak - a bird which foretells ill fortune.

Diwata - a good spirit who aids against evil beings.

asuang - a class of malevolent spirits that inhabit trees, cliffs, and streams. They trouble or injure the living. The most powerful asuang are Tagbanua, Tagamaling, Sigbinan, Lumaman, and Bigwa.

Busau/Tuglinsau/Tagbusau/Mandangum - looks after he welfare of the bagani (warriors).

Omayan/Kalaloa Nang Omay - spirit of the rice.

muntianak - spirit of a child whose mother died while pregnant.

Magbabaya - the name given to the first man and woman who emerged from the limokon eggs.

Likedanum - creator and chief spirit.

Dagpudanum and Macguliput - gods of agriculture.

Manamoan - a female spirit who works the soil and presides over childbirth.

Ebu - made all the people from the hairs on his head.

Other deities: Mangkokiman, Mongungyahn, Mibucha, Andepit, and Mibuohn.

The Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao by Fay-Cooper Cole

This volume is a record of Cole's study of the six tribes from Davao District, namely; Bagobo, Bila-an, Kulaman, Tagakaolo, Ata, and Mandaya. Each section describes the laws and customs, religion, arts and crafts, physical appearance and measurements, warfare and medical practices, and the mythology, religion and accompanying ceremonies of the tribes. There is also a section concerning human sacrifice which was observed in almost all the tribes mentioned.

The important chapter on the Bagobo is the most extensive and also serves as the point of comparison with the other tribes. All six tribes have a lot in common and differ only in specific details. Of their similarities, the most prominent is the appearance of the deity Mandarangan/Mandalangan in the myths of the tribes and the importance given to the warrior class and the medium/healers/midwives.

There are separate sections on the creation myths and lists of important deities and spirits. A description of the soul and its role is most insightful. Factions of some of the tribes have different versions of the story and the concept of the soul, death, and afterlife.

Overall, this is a good source of information about the major tribes in Davao because this study was done in the early 1900s when the Christian tenets did not yet taint the native beliefs and customs; the government also has very little influence on the said tribes. Cole was able to converse with the natives and had access to legal documents and reports from other sources.

As for the spelling of the names, I have no way of verifying his accuracy but the Filipino words and names are usually pronounced as they are spelled.

Rating : 10 out of 10.

Note: I made a separate entry listing all the deities of each tribe mentioned in this book.

The Crimson Witch by Dean Koontz

Jake Turnet is stuck in a world destroyed by nuclear holocaust after an overdose of PBT, a psychic chemical that opened the doorway. This world, unlike his own is populated by warlocks and witches and all manner of mythical creatures. He has to find a way to get back to his worldline but he would have to get past an ambitious ruler and his minions with the help of witches, Kell and Cheryn, and a vegetarian dragon, Kaliglia.

This book, published in 1972 (now out of print), is a mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance.

It wasn't stated how Cheryn, the Crimson Witch of Eye Mountain, met Jake. How their relationship developed wasn't explained either but Cheryn finds herself madly in love with Jake and ended up helping him.

The battle scenes using magic weren't bad but repetitive. The best part of this book for me was when Jake, Cheryn, and Kaliglia passed through the gate to get to Jake's worldline.

The ending seemed like it was rushed. Cheryn suddenly gained so much power near the end of the story that she was able to solve all the problems for Jake right away.

The story could have been improved especially if Koontz cut down on the sexual references to Cheryn and if they didn't manage to defeat King Lelar so easily by suddenly turning Cheryn into a very powerful witch.

Rating: 6 out of 10

Early Bardic Literature, Ireland by Standish O'Grady

This book gives an overview of the Irish myths and legends and the existing problems in the  study of this field. O'Grady proposes the creation of a book that will cover both epic and annalistic/genealogical literature. He claims that although bardic literature constitutes the glory of early Irish history, it is also the stumbling block in its appreciation.

There is a short introduction to bardic history as well as an overview of the five ages that should make up his proposed book. He also gives an account of the evolution of the pantheon and how important it is to include the cycles in the proposed book. A section on the deification of heroes and kings is informative.

The mythological record of the bards according to O'Grady is as follows:
Age of Keasair
Age of Partholan and the Earliest Fomorian Gods
Age of the Nemedian Gods and Second Cycle of the Fomorians
Firbolgs and Third Cycle of the Fomoroh
Last Cycle: Tuatha de Danan

I don't recommend this as a complete source of the five cycles but only as an overview of bardic literature. Although it provides a lot of information most are summaries and the author focuses more on the problem of recording, classifying, and analyzing the myths.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition of the Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life and the Glories of Gods and Kings by Dennis Tedlock

This volume can be divided into two parts. First is the introduction of the Popol Vuh; second, the translation of the work itself. It is important to read the introduction as it provides a detailed background of the work of the author and the explanation of the events mentioned in the Popol Vuh. The translation, although not a very difficult read, wouldn't make sense without the exhaustive work of the author.

The Popol Vuh highlights the following: (1) The creation stories, (2) the exploits of Hunahpu One and Hunahpu Seven and Xbalanque and Hunahpu, and (3) the first four men and the stories of their descendants. There is a section describing how the Popol Vuh might be used either as a historical narrative or a store of myths that will provide insights into the life of the Quiche Maya.

Readers need not be versed in Maya mythology to appreciate this book. The writing is easy to understand and the author did a good job in providing additional information about difficult episodes and passages.

I'm giving this book a 10 out of 10 rating.

New Prince of Tennis

Ryoma Echizen and the rest of Seigaku are back and go head to head with the best middle and high school tennis players in the country in the U-17 selection camp. The middle schoolers, which includes most of Seigaku's rivals from other schools, soon find that U-17 is full of talented players and wily coaches who want to test their limits.

Players are grouped in several courts depending on their abilities. Shuffle matches let courts move up or down the ranks. In the preliminary matches, several players are eliminated while Ryoma is disqualified for not showing up when he goes looking for Tokugawa, a player from court one, for a match. He has to leave the camp along with the losers.

They were not leaving however. They are sent to a drunkard coach, Nyudo, and undergo extensive and difficult training. Meanwhile, the middle schoolers who won, are slowly moving up the court ranking, led by the powerful Jujiroh Oni. It seems like the middle schoolers can't get along with the coach and the high schoolers who were also eliminated. Near the end of the 13-episode series, they realize that Nyudo's tactics are working. They were soon given a chance to go back to camp.

The series is too short. The last few episodes seemed like they were rushed and there is no way of knowing what the result of the training and final matches would be.

I didn't like how some teams were snubbed but at least all the Seigaku players had enough screen time.

Despite all that, it also has some good points. One of the things I noticed immediately is that Ryoma got cockier and more confident but also more mature especially while he was training. Although it was not an official match, Ryoma lost to Tokugawa. Ryoma has always seemed unbeatable but he's running out of tricks. This proves that he can still get stronger.

I loved the funny episodes too especially the one with Ryoma, Tanishi, and Kenya sneaking into U-17 camp to get supplies for Coach Nyudo.

As a fan of Prince of Tennis, this is a bit disappointing for me but it's still well-done even if it's too short.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Here are the titles of episodes 1 to 13:
Episode 1: Return of the Prince
Episode 2: The Gatekeeper of Hell
Episode 3: Friendly Fire
Episode 4: The Captain's Choice
Episode 5: Winners and Losers
Episode 6: Cliffs of the Heart
Episode 7: Start From Zero
Episode 8: Special Mission
Episode 9: Evolution and Change
Episode 10: Farewell, Kunimitsu Tezuka
Episode 11: Promise
Episode 12: The Start of a Revolution
Episode 13: Toward Your New Brilliant Selves

Ao no Exorcist

A troublemaker with seemingly extraordinary physical abilities named Okumura Rin finds the source of his unusual gifts. He and his twin, Okumura Yukio are the spawn of Satan and a human woman. This discovery came at a price when Satan possessed their foster father, Shiro Fujimoto, a priest, exorcist, and to Rin's surprise a paladin. Shiro's death made him decide to train as an exorcist to defeat Satan. His twin already knew about their parentage and this caused a misunderstanding between the brothers. Nonetheless they both have the same goal in mind: to protect the people they care about, and decided to work together.

Rin and Yukio

The pace accelerates near the end of the story and the mystery behind their parents, how they were conceived and why thy ended up in the care of a priest were explained.

The supporting cast helped in Rin's training and the refining of his character as well. His short temper and recklessness was complemented by Ryuji Suguro's and Shiemi Moriyama's determination, and Shura Kirigakure's experience.

I liked the portrayal of the demons. As far as I'm concerned there wasn't any moral implications in the story. The Satan here acted more like a troublesome imp than a lord demon of a religious nature. Mephisto Pheles' and Amaimon's playful and manipulative nature is also consistent with Satan's character. Regardless of what might have been the result of the merging of Gehenna and Assiah, it was just another adventure for Satan. There was no indication that he had a grander scheme in mind. Their mother, although reckless and somewhat crazy for allowing a demon to use her was portrayed as an open-minded, strong woman.

Although Rin is a typical troublesome protagonist, the mystery of the twins' origin and the outcome of the mastery of their powers will keep you entertained.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Dean Koontz's Frankenstein Series

Dean Koontz's take on the aftermath of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus novel takes the reader into the darkest corners of one man's insane and grand design to rid the world of humanity. Two hundred years after Victor Frankenstein's death, his first creation who now calls himself Deucalion, sensed that Victor was still alive somewhere and that he must stop him. His worst fears were confirmed when he finds out that Victor has been working secretly for many years refining his techniques and perhaps had achieved immortality.

Prodigal Son introduces Deucalion who has changed profoundly through the years. Calmer and wiser now he nevertheless feels that he is still the monster Victor created him to be. But he learned that he has gifts which made him question the purpose of his existence. His discovery of Victor's whereabouts strengthened his conviction that he survived because his mission is unfinished.

He is not alone in this quest. Carson O'Connor and Michael Maddison have discovered events which they thought were the work of a psychopath. They were right, but some of the more bizarre murders were someone else's work.

In City of Night, Deucalion, with the help of the two detectives, were unlocking more information on the New Race that Victor has been sending out to replace key positions in the government, law enforcement, and others. Victor believes his plans are working perfectly but something has gone wrong in several of his creations. It seems like the empire he has been building is starting to fall apart. 

At this point, most of Victor's creations have started to show signs of defects. They're out of control. The trio however will discover unlikely allies. Erika 5 and Jocko, also Victor's creations (the latter a former tumor), decided they wanted to oppose their creator. Some of the New Race also had a change of heart, claiming that they felt Dead and Alive. Victor would never have imagined what was waiting for him when they finally got him cornered. But Victor had a plan in case this happens...

Victor is still alive. They saw him die at the landfill and thought everything was over. But he's back, stronger and more persistent than ever. This time he's determined to seed out the inhabitants of a seemingly peaceful town and unlike the New Race, his Communitarians and Builders are faster and more efficient. A few people noticed the peculiar actions of some of the residents and must now fight to survive the onslaught. But first they have to alert the rest of the town and find Victor.

Lost Souls introduces new characters who will play key roles in stopping Victor's scheme. 

In The Dead Town, Victor seems to be progressing well in his plans. By now they know that Victor created a clone in the event that he dies. They know too that although not nearly as strong as the New Race, the Communitarians and Builders are proving to be deadly opponents. 

Lyss and Nummy have been trying to escape from what they thought were aliens after they saw what the Builders did. Bryce and Travis have already escaped from the hospital and its weird employees and went to find Bryce's friend Sully for help and all three are now looking for Travis' mother. A few residents have set up resistance as well. They were still no match for the Builders however. As these characters discover the horrors left by the Builders, they find that they must rely on each other's strengths and hope their friendship and trust will keep them sane and alive. 

***

This is one of the few series that you won't stop reading until you get to the last page of the last book. This is a nice mix of old school (mad scientist plus his creation) and contemporary horror/suspense (new technology/science gone bad, conspiracies).

I like the balance of power among Victor, Deucalion, and the other characters. Although faster and stronger than his creator, Deucalion still had vulnerabilities. And Victor despite his creations and cunning mind was not immortal after all. Deucalion's abilities are equal to or greater than the New Race and Communitarians so the humans involved are not really that helpless in the fight.

Koontz wrapped up the series really well. The last book had flashbacks of the previous books and Shelley's book. The final confrontation between Deucalion and Victor was significant too. I agree with what Deucalion said about Victor's 'suffering' in reference to the events in Shelley's book. They both suffered, yes, but Victor's was exaggerated and insincere.

Unlike the original Victor, the clone lacked qualities that enabled the latter to survive for so long. He refused to acknowledge that he can make mistakes, unlike the human Victor who had contingency plans in case everything goes wrong. Nonetheless, they were both arrogant; confident of their intelligence and invulnerability. 

Despite his success for so many years Victor's work was insignificant compared to what other real people have done in history. His creations were known to only a few people. Still, part of what Victor said about humanity was true. Even if we're part of the same species, we hurt and kill each other. We don't need monsters and mad scientists to see evil in this world. Some people have done worse than Victor.

Rating: 10 out of 10.

Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Instead of just focusing on the narration of events, this classic horror highlighted instead the emotional and psychological trauma of the characters. Victor Frankenstein went on a frenzied creative episode and lived to regret it. His creation (he didn't have any name) was so hideous that even the hands that created him found him so repulsive. The creature left. Since then Victor wallowed in misery and found nothing joyful in life although he came from a loving family and had good friends.

After a while he forgot about his creation but every time he felt happy, he is reminded of what he did. He could not tell anyone about it too because it would be like admitting a crime and he did not want to put his loved ones in danger or reject him when he confessed. He felt like the victim of what he did.

The creature, according to his version of the story in the later part of the book, does not seem like he is the monster that Victor made him up to be. Yes, he had reflexes and strength not matched by any man but he had a gentle side. His face and the nature of his birth prevented him from interaction with anyone. Like Victor, he felt alone in his misery.

When he had an opportunity to become part of the family however, something went wrong.

Eventually a confrontation had to happen. The creature asked Victor to create a wife for him so that he will have a companion, an equal. When Victor changed his mind, the creature retaliated, determined to make Victor's life as lonely as his.

Although Victor regretted his actions, it seemed to me like he was exaggerating his suffering. He acted as if his misfortune was made by the creature and that he was a victim of that creature's existence. He distanced himself from his family and friends and acted as if he's purposefully hunted and persecuted. I think in his obsession to act like a tragic hero he forgot that it was his maniacal episode that started it all. How can he claim to not know that he wasn't aware of the possible outcome when he had been researching and working so passionately? Even if he didn't know what the result would be, he still did not have any valid reason to start the project in the first place. Was it ego or was he just insane?

If there was a victim, it was the creature he made. It was given life yet he was rejected from the very beginning. Compared to a pampered, wealthy young man, an ignorant and deformed creature stands no chance in a society that values appearance and power.

Rating: 10 out of 10.

The Legendary Past: Aztec and Maya Myths by Karl Taube

This volume presents the history and mythology of the Aztecs, Maya and the surrounding communities and their predecessors in writing that is easy to understand. Even within just a few pages the author was able to explain the records and artifacts existing at the time of the book's publication very clearly.

He begins by providing the common cultural traits of the peoples occupying the areas in what is now Mexico to the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. He also gives brief accounts of the Olmecs and Zapotecs and an outline of the different periods of Mesoamerican history.

There is a separate chapter about calendrics which is important in religion and sciences. Then he provides and compares the various sources of what we currently know of the customs and religion of those people. Finally, the two separate sections for Aztec and Maya mythology.

The similarities and differences in the myths are provided early in the last two chapters before the recounting the stories. I didn't need to read the same passages twice because the author explained himself precisely.

I especially recommend this book to anyone who has not read anything yet about Aztec and Maya myths. The recommended reading section is helpful too because the author provides an overview of the contents of the books.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Toradora!

Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka ended up helping each other win their love interests when Taiga made a mistake by leaving an empty love letter in Ryuji's bag. Ryuji is in love with Taiga's energetic friend Kushieda Minori, while Taiga likes the student council vice president who loves to parade his body, Kitamura Yusaku. The situation is further complicated by Minori's dodgy attitude, Kitamura's other love interest, and the arrival of Kitamura's childhood friend Kawashima Ami who likes Ryuji.

Ryuji and Taiga got used to having each other so often they don't notice their feelings have started to change. It seems like chasing Minori and Kitamura has become a habit; but having each other seems to have become a habit that is hard to break.This romantic comedy shows that falling in love with your closest friend and sacrificing your feelings for someone else's happiness still isn't out of style.

This 25-episode series did seem like all the others of the same genre but this one had some spice. I'd give it a perfect rating if only Taiga didn't bully Ryuji too much. Other than that, I think this is a great series. The characters are memorable and easy to like. There are plenty of funny scenes and a few romantic (in a funny way) scenes towards the end.

The ending is no surprise however. The title already hints at which characters will end up together.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

National Epics by Kate Milner Rabb

This is a collection of 17 epics each of which is condensed into its simplest form making them accessible to readers who do not have enough time or resources (or have difficulty reading some of the translations)reading or finding the epics. Each epic is introduced by providing the background of the author and the story and why it is included in this volume. The following is the list of the epics included:

THE RAMÂYÂNA


THE MAHÂ-BHÂRATA of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa


THE ILIAD of Homer


THE ODYSSEY of Homer


THE KALEVALA, collected by Zacharias Topelius and Elias Lonnrot


THE AENEID by Vergil


BEOWULF


THE NIBELUNGEN LIED


THE SONG OF ROLAND


THE SHAH-NAMEH of Firdusi


THE POEM OF THE CID


THE DIVINE COMEDY of Dante Alighieri


THE ORLANDO FURIOSO of Ludovico Ariosto


THE LUSIAD of Luis de Camoens


THE JERUSALEM DELIVERED of Torquato Tasso


PARADISE LOST of John Milton


PARADISE REGAINED of John Milton

The epics are contracted and the author left only the narration of the events. The author did a good job with this. Although shortened, I enjoyed reading all of the stories. It was almost like reading the full-length versions. However, I'd still recommend the full versions if the reader finds anything interesting here. This serves as a good introduction to the epics and is also a great substitute to the translated versions that others might find too tedious too read (I recommend this to non-native English speakers having difficulty reading Old English).

The author also provides selections from each epic. The reader will be able to read a slice of the longer version of some of the chapters or episodes.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

The series is set in the events that followed the aftermath of Ryoma Sakamoto's assassination. The hero of the series, Akizuki Yujiro, carries a sword which glows when it is near its supernatural quarry. The target which is known by the name of the "Lord's Head" apparently has something to do with the conflicts at the close of the Bakumatsu era. It is Akizuki's task to seal this head using the sword. Along the way he meets a theatre group led by Yuyama Kakunojo. The group's quest for revenge against one man inevitably ties up their destiny with Akizuki. Their playwright, Ibaragi Soutetsu, plays a key role in the series when he reveals his true motives.

The series is riddled with historical events that might confuse viewers who are not knowledgeable about this period in Japanese history. Granted, there is a narrator and the events don't weigh heavily on the outcome of Akizuki's quest. The building up of the tension is slow (for me at least) and Soutetsu's motives become obvious towards the middle of the series. Both Akizuki and Yuyama remained mysterious so there was no time for me to sympathize with their cause.

Akizuki's skills are overplayed. Confrontations are delayed and he couldn't live up to his reputation.  The concept of an vengeful spirit isn't bad but the series lacked something. I'm giving this 26-episode series a 6 out of 10 rating.

Literature of the Ancient Egyptians by E.A. Wallis Budge

The book is divided into 15 chapters discussing the literature of ancient Egypt, or at least those still extant. The bulk of the material here are writings related to the afterlife and the legends of the gods.

The first part introduces the forms of writing (hieroglyphic, hieratic, and demotic). Most of the texts are taken from inscriptions in and the scrolls from the tombs. The Pyramid texts, which has spells to ensure the deceased lives in the Tuat, are discussed.

The other chapters include the following: stories of magicians, the book of the dead (the objective of which is to help the deceased reach Sekhet Aaru and Sekhet Hetep), books of the dead in Graeco-Roman period (substitutes for book of the dead), historical literature, autobiographical literature, tales of travel and adventure, fairy tales, hymns to the gods, moral and philosophical literature, poetical compositions, and miscellaneous (mostly about the other world, spells and magic, etc.).

Two important chapters are also included: story of creation and the legends of the gods. The former retells how Nebertcher came into being and created the world while the latter comprises five stories about the gods and goddesses. These are: the flood, Ra's real name, Horus of Behutet and the winged disk, Khnemu and seven years' famine, wanderings of Isis, and Khensu-Nefer-Hetep and the princess of Bekhten.

Most of the selections are translations instead of condensed versions of the stories and which can sometimes be tedious. I recommend this to those who are already familiar of the cosmogony of Egyptian mythology or at least its major deities. This is a good introduction but it's not quite reader-friendly especially to those who are only moderately interested in myths and folklore.

I'm giving this book a 7 out of 10 rating.

Blade of the Immortal

Manji and Asano Rin are unusual companions. Nicknamed Killer of 100, Manji possesses a technique that makes him nearly invincible, thus the title of the series. While Rin, though strengthened by her will to avenge the murder of her parents, has no combat skills and always finds herself in trouble. She's seeking for the leader of the Itto-ryu Kagehisa Anotsu.

Rin is admirable enough in her determination to kill although several scenes tend to portray her as a sexual object when she's overcome by her opponent.

The fight scenes are not bad and at least they try to show the movements of the fighters instead of just blurred, one-hit, slow-mo encounters. Manji however isn't exactly a skillful fighter. He loves to boast and provoke the enemy but unfortunately, he can't always back up his words. He's still lucky though because he's almost impossible to kill.

The outcome of their quest seems uncertain so I don't recommend this to those who don't like cliffhanger endings.The story in itself is interesting and their enemies are formidable. I enjoyed their tandem although they're not exactly the most skillful pair you'll ever encounter. There's plenty of gore and sexual hints for those who are into anime of this genre.

I'm giving this 13-episode series a 7 out of 10 rating.

The Book of the Dead by E.A. Wallis Budge

This book discusses briefly the contents of the "doors" or chapters of the Book of the Dead. The descriptions of the 190 chapters are just overviews however. Readers who want to read them will find this book helpful only as an introduction.

Before the summaries of the contents are given, Budge introduces the reader to the Egyptian belief in the afterlife and judgment. There is a chapter describing what goes on when the deceased is given judgment by Osiris (the weighing of the ab or heart and interview with the gods) as well as a chapter about Thoth and his many functions.

Budge's writing is very easy to understand and the chapter on the Judgement of Osiris is the most interesting. I recommend this book to those who are interested in mythology in general and as an introduction to the Book of the Dead.

Myths of Babylonia and Assyria by Donald Mackenzie

This is not exactly a collection of stories and can instead be treated as an introduction to Babylonian and Assyrian history, culture, and religion. Several important subjects are covered which the student or casual reader might find useful in understanding the myths of the people sustained by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.

In summary, the book discussed the following: the peoples and movements in the area collectively called Mesopotamia, these include emphasis on the Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites, Kassites, Egyptians, and the Hebrews; possible origins and ancestry of the different peoples and their customs and laws with emphasis on Hammurabi's laws; summary of the wars and succession of kings in different regions; evolution of the pantheon from "monsters" to anthropomorphic deities and their parallels in other myths; nature of ghosts, fairies, and other minor creatures; and the development of astrology and astronomy.

There are separate chapters as well for the following: worship of the heroic patriarch and the mother goddess; creation legends; deluge legends; Etana and Gilgamesh; and the god Ashur. These subjects will help the reader understand the myths. The heroic patriarch and mother goddess worship for example will explain why some deities are more prominent in certain periods depending on the dominant group of people. Mackenzie gives comparisons of the creation and deluge legends with their parallels. In the chapter about the Deluge Legend, the author also discusses the burial rites and customs and the idea of the afterlife. Summaries are given for the stories of Etana and Gilgamesh. While a chapter dedicated to Ashur discusses his possible origins through the symbols that represent him and the available data.

Mackenzie's writing is easy to understand although I must warn the reader that the volume of information in this book, especially the chronicles about the wars and succession of rulers, might be too much to handle.

I'm giving this book a 10 out of 10 rating.

The Babylonian Story of the Deluge as Told by Assyrian Tablets from Nineveh by E.A. Wallis Budge

Two versions of the Deluge Legend is given in this book. One is taken from Berosus' account in which the name of the survivor is Xisuthrus. The other version is related to Gilgamesh by Utnapishtim and was included in the tablets of Epic of Gilgamish.

The circumstances do not differ much but the details vary. The Utnapishtim version, for example, gives the number of days it took for the water to recede.

The introduction given by Budge is sufficient for casual readers and students alike. He gives an account of the discovery of the tablets; description of the palaces of Nineveh and the library; physical description of the tablets; and a brief introduction of Ashur-bani-pal, to whom the famed library was credited. Budge's writing is easy to understand.

The Gilgamish epic is also retold here in the last part of the book. He does not give a transliteration of the tablets but divides the story by tablet and informs the reader which parts of the narrative are undecipherable. The glossary is helpful for first-time readers who are not familiar with some of the Babylonian and Sumerian deities and heroes mentioned in the Deluge Legends and the epic.

I recommend this to any reader who is interested in reading about the Deluge Legends and the Epic of Gilgamish. I'm giving this a 10 out of 10 rating.

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