Netflix Adventures #NeoYokio Review
“While attempting to distance himself from his demon-slaying past, Kaz Kaan, a wealthy magistocrat, is forced to question everything he knows about Neo Yokio.”
Let’s talk about Neo Yokio, the American-made Japanese series on Netflix.
I admit it; I saw the preview and I was instantly sold on this show. I knew I would love it! How could I not? Not only did it have an anime vibe to it (You guys know I love anime), and a supernatural flair in the storyline (Hello, paranormal romance writer here!), it starred a person of color (Boom, baby!).
Win—win, right? *deep sigh* Wrong. Oh so wrong.
There were some positive components in the show, but they were overshadowed by the not so engaging storyline and stilted voice-acting by the lead actor. I forced myself through the 6 pilot episodes because I got this thing about completing something I start. It wasn’t horrible, it was just difficult to finish.
I will say that I appreciate what the writers tried to accomplish with this series. Deliver something new and fresh. Granted, the story was indeed new and fresh, it was just poorly executed. And that’s just my anime-loving opinion on that.
I must say the art was nice, bubbly and fun. Some of the characters even made those goofy expressions you sometimes see in anime. Many people in the FB comic groups complained about the art style, but I think the style went well with the theme of the show.
Jaden Smith portrayed Kaz Kaan, an aristocrat demon slayer. I love Jaden, I really do, but he may have to take an “L” for this one. His voice acting was detached, lacking that special pizzazz that would make him desirable to listen to. Perhaps, that’s how it came off because the character is pretty monotone and removed from emotion, unless the situation involved his ex-girlfriend. I’m sure he’ll get better with more practice.
Jude Law, Susan Sarandon and Steve Buscemi did great as their characters! I expected nothing less from them.
But the shining light for me, and quite possibly the reason I kept watching, was Arcangelo Corelli. He was one of the comic reliefs as well as the antagonist. That being said, he was the jewel of the show, which is unfortunate for Jaden, because his character was supposed to be the star.
I also enjoyed Kaz’s friends whenever they were on screen. They were amusing.
What really bothered me about this show was the lack of representation of women of color. We simply didn’t exist in the high society created on the show, unless we were cronies to an uppity white girl or a masked performer who received no less than 5 seconds of screen time. Ah, I forgot to mention the episode when Kaz’s best friend jumped into a pool full of cursed water and was turned into a woman for the day. I guess we can count that as a WOC sighting. How disappointing. The main character is a person of color, but the writers couldn’t be bothered to give a woman of color a slot in the main cast.
Needless to say, if Neo Yokio gets a second season, I won’t be watching.
★★ out of 5 stars
The Devil and Me #RockMyWorld #ScorpionTail #ASMSG #FadeToBlack
Spotlighting A Friend @TakeiaMarie @BlackGirlNerds #BlackArtistsCollective #Art #ASMSG
I’m ecstatic today!
A good friend of mine is featured on the Black Girl Nerds blog in their Black Artist Collective Spotlight!
Her name is Takeia Marie.
Those of you who have followed my writing and the Dragon Queen Series know I adore this woman. She was the first artist to bring the characters from the DQ series to life in her art. She’s not only insanely talented, she’s highly underrated and one of the coolest people I have ever met; not to mention the sweetest. 😉 I am so happy for her!
Congrats, Takeia!
Click the link below to check out her interview with Black Girl Nerds:
http://blackgirlnerds.com/black-artists-collective-takeia-dunlop/
Takeia Marie’s Contributions to THE DRAGON QUEEN SERIES
Are you ready to #TouchTheDark? #paranormal #anthology #ASMSG
He lingers in the shadows, eager to caress your soul.
Hushed whispers call out to you, luring you toward the darkness.
Beneath the wavering fear, a fever rises within. Lust, ecstasy…
Don’t be afraid. Before death, pleasure is guaranteed.
Close your eyes, reach out to the unknown…
And touch the dark.
An artist at his best! #FanArtFriday #FantasyArt
Happy Friday, friends! Thank you for swinging by.
Some weeks ago, I promised to post the progress photos, showing how Kyle “K-Boogie” Chaney created the image of Rayne in her full transformed form. I got wrapped up with writing and editing and totally forgot my promise. Sorry about that.
Better late than never, aye? 😉
Now, for your viewing pleasure…
Sharayna ‘Rayne’ Piers from The Dragon Queen Series
**This drawing was inspired by an image drawn by Paolo Pantalena.**
Want to see more work from Kyle Chaney? Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kylesart.page.7?fref=ts
Devil’s Heart from Scattered Flames #ASMSG #SaturdaySnippet #ParanormalRomance #Erotica
Happy Valentine’s Day, Lovers! Here’s a little snippet from my upcoming release, the 3rd book in The Dragon Queen Series, SCATTERED FLAMES. Enjoy!
Latching onto her flailing arm, Maurisio grumbled, “I see those wings are gonna be a problem.”
Rayne wasn’t sure how to use them yet, but they clearly responded to her emotions. The pain he’d blocked out came back full blast. Her head whirled. For a moment, she couldn’t breathe. The anger growing within tripled in size. It joined forces with the desperation crawling under her skin.
Jerking back, she growled in a fit of rage. She felt like an animal, trapped, bounded against her will. Gotta get away. Gotta get to him. “Let me go!” Her wings flapped with her motion. “Get your damn hands off me!” Wind gathered beneath her feathers, giving her the force she needed to pull away from him.
“Stop!” Sliding across the pavement, he held her firm by the arms. “Stop struggling, Rayne. I’m not letting you go.”
“I know what you’re doing,” she hissed, her voice deepening as she spoke.
“Don’t you see I’m trying to help you? I’m not your enemy!”
“You’re trying to keep me away from him.”
“Away from who?”
The question seized her. There was a hidden meaning behind his words, a meaning she didn’t like.
“If I let you go, who would you go to?”
Frozen in place, she blinked a few times. Her lips parted. Instead of an answer, a shaky sigh left her body. Who would I go to? The answer was clear in her mind, yet at the same time, smudged in the black abyss of her thoughts.
Maurisio’s gaze darkened, tears welled beneath his lids. He lifted her off her feet and yanked her against him, where their faces mere inches apart. “You have no idea where my brother’s being held ‘cause you can’t feel his location. He doesn’t exist in this realm anymore. His soul link has been severed, which is the only way our family bond could’ve been broken. So, what name lingers on your mind? Tell me, Rayne! Who does your demon desire?” His venomous words stabbed her in the heart as his fangs lengthened. “In his absence, who would you go to?”
Lucius. The name crept into her thoughts like a sly serpent. Lucius. Ice cold need rushed through veins and stilled her heart. Lucius! She needed Demetri with every fiber of her being, but somewhere deep inside… I want Lucius!
Fangs clenched, she spat out, “Fuck Lucius!”
Copyright © 2015 by Yvonne Nicolas
Get your first bite of the steamy, edgy tale that will leave you wanting more.
Available at your favorite ebook vendors
#FanArt for the #DragonQueen Series #FanArtFriday #FantasyArt
Happy Friday, people!
Remember this stunning image of Rayne, created by the amazing artist—Takeia Dunlop, who is now known as Takeia Marie? This image was drawn by Takeia, BUT colored by my awesome friend, Kyle “K-boogie” Chaney.
Impressed? His talent doesn’t stop here.
He created another version of Rayne from The Dragon Queen Series. This one literally blew my mind! And get this… he created it with color pencils.
This drawing was inspired by an image drawn by Paolo Pantalena.
This is Rayne in her full demonic form as the hybrid Dragon Queen.
As you can see, Kyle has an unbelievable talent, one that I’m sure I’ll continue to take advantage of. LOL!
Next week, I’ll post the progress photos, showing how he created this masterpiece, from beginning to finish.
The Dragon Queen Series
Available for FREE for Kindle Unlimited Members!
(Click on image to score your copy from Amazon!)
I hope everyone has a great weekend. ^_^
#FanArt for the #DragonQueen Series by @fabuccino #FanArtFriday #Art #Vampires
Happy Friday, my lovelies!
I am all smiles today, thanks to the talented artist Charlie Goubile! He surprised me today with this stunning drawing of Havoc from the Dragon Queen Series. Havoc is one of the strongest vampire hunters in the series. To know that my characters inspire creativity in others… well, it touches my heart and turns me into a sobbing baby. 😀 He definitely made my day with this.
Thank you so much, Charlie!!!
Sink your fangs in and get your first taste of The Dragon Queen Series
**Click on the images to score your copies of the Dragon Queen Series**
Sexy Character Drawing; #DragonQueen Series! @KiaPeya #EroticArt #ParanormalRomance
Happy Hump Day, folks!
Today, I would like to showcase a drawing from my one of my favorite artists, who happens to be my good friend, Takeia Marie. This is a drawing of Rayne and Demetri from The Dragon Queen Series.
I have to say I absolutely love this drawing!
Takeia was already incredibly talented when I met her, but during the years I’ve known her, I have watched her skills grow at an amazing rate. In this drawing, she has managed to embody Demetri’s dark beauty and strength, as well as Rayne’s powerful curves, and hidden wickedness. This drawing also displays their unrelenting passion for each other, which screams from the pages of the book.
Teaser from the Dragon Queen Series

Demetri wrapped his arms around her, palmed a breast and swayed his hips to her sultry rhythm. As her rapid heartbeat set pace with his, her body stuttered against his joined sensual assault. His aching shaft pulsated intensely between her thighs. Harsh growls rumbled within his chest as her skillful fingers and fiery sex massaged him toward eruption.
The need to bite her grew unbearable, especially while she was baring her throat to him. He raked a fang across her jugular, caressing her mind with the images of him sinking his incisors deep into her flesh and thrusting his hardened cock into her hot wet pussy.
Ooo sexy!
After Takeia completed this drawing, my boy, the color master, Kyle Chaney came along and made a drawing that was already stunning even lovelier. I know. It’s difficult to look away from. I’ve been staring at it for the last 15 minutes. 😉 Fiyah!
Kyle and Takeia are wonderful souls and great inspirations in my life. I love them both dearly and I honestly can’t imagine my life without them. I would like to thank them both for sharing their talents with me! I look forward to working with them again on the Dragon Queen project.