Back cover summary
Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she s also become queen of the Thorn Land. It s hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one--except Eugenie--seems willing to find out why.
Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren t making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty--even if it means facing the darkest--and deadliest--side of her nature...
Review (warning spoilers)-
That was incredible! Definitely one of the best urban fantasy book (if not the best) I've read this year! The plot was so well crafted, the story was weaved together so elegantly. The characters were so well layered. The dialogues were smart and witty. Thorn Queen is definitely my favorite urban fantasy book this year so far.
At the end of Storm born, Eugenie found herself queen of Thorn land. In Thorn Queen, she reluctantly comes to terms with her connection to the land, realizing that she heals it and it heals her in return. Gentry from all over still attempts to rape her to sire the son who is prophesized to rule the world. That comes to a dark climax probably changing Eugenie in the process. Throughout the book, she struggles with her love for both Kiyo and Dorian symbolizing her human and gentry sides.
Eugenie is just the perfect urban fantasy heroine. Beautiful but tough. She is quite honest with herself about her feelings. What is good is that she is not so hard headed, maybe even a little bit too indecisive. Considering that she is supposed to be conflicted between her gentry and human genes, that indecisiveness is forgivable. Her human side loves Kiyo, and her gentry side loves Dorian (who I also love). I guess that is what the series is all about, which side will win. That's why there's all that drama.
Richelle Mead was quite brilliant in her portrayal of Kiyo and Dorian. She contrasts them quite well. Kiyo is the animal male, selfish in his needs. He is selfish in bed and then have the nerve to bury Eugenie with his cats and dogs. He is all about her understanding him and never bothers to understand what she wants. He would just make her swallow what he thinks is best. Dorian is different. He is about artful manipulation. He is patient, like in tying his knots for his binding fetish. It doesn't mean he is not selfish but he is more artful about it. He takes his time in bed pleasuring her before getting want he wants. What is good about him is in the process of manipulating Eugenie, first gives her want she wants before taking what he wants. The characterization of Dorian reminded me so much of John Malkovich's portrayal of Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont in Dangerous Liaisons. Very layered, and enigmatic. Brilliant. He is the kind of character that is made to hunt dreams. At this point, I still don't know if he will turn out to be her biggest mistake (I really hope not) or her biggest treasure.
Thorn Queen is an excellent book! I am so happy that Richelle Mead is only planning on 4 installments to this series. I don't think I can handle waiting for 10 years for this series to end. I can't express in words how much I like this book.
Highly Recommended ***** Favorite!!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Storm Born - Richelle Mead
Back cover summary - Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy--one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.
Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...
Review (warning spoilers!)-
Storm born by Richelle Mead is a totally absorbing, fast paced urban fantasy. It has a strong heroin, gorgeous men and heart stopping action. Probably, this is one of the best urban fantasies I've read recently.
Eugenie was hired to rescue a girl who was kidnapped by Aeston, a fairy king. Unfortunately, to accomplish this, she needed to go to the Otherworld. In the Otherworld, she learned about her heritage and the prophecy attached to it which she found very hard to accept. During this journey, she met Kiyo, a kitsune and Dorian, a fairy king. Kiyo and Dorian of course are her main love interests. Eugenie slowly learned how to use her powers with the help of the gorgeous Dorian and killed Aeston making her queen of the land that once belonged to Aeston.
There is a plot and I found the characterizations great. All the characters are very layered and it is difficult to say who the good and bad guys are. Dorian is a very entertaining character. I can see that he is very layered and unpredictable. I enjoyed reading him. One character I also liked is the spirit Volusion. He was just hilarious! Great one liners! Kiyo was okay, I can see that he will be boring me later on in the series. I veer towards Dorian personally. Kiyo reminds me to much of Richard in the Anita Blake series.
I can't wait to read Thorn Queen (Dark Swan 2).
Highly recommended *****
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy--one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.
Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...
Review (warning spoilers!)-
Storm born by Richelle Mead is a totally absorbing, fast paced urban fantasy. It has a strong heroin, gorgeous men and heart stopping action. Probably, this is one of the best urban fantasies I've read recently.
Eugenie was hired to rescue a girl who was kidnapped by Aeston, a fairy king. Unfortunately, to accomplish this, she needed to go to the Otherworld. In the Otherworld, she learned about her heritage and the prophecy attached to it which she found very hard to accept. During this journey, she met Kiyo, a kitsune and Dorian, a fairy king. Kiyo and Dorian of course are her main love interests. Eugenie slowly learned how to use her powers with the help of the gorgeous Dorian and killed Aeston making her queen of the land that once belonged to Aeston.
There is a plot and I found the characterizations great. All the characters are very layered and it is difficult to say who the good and bad guys are. Dorian is a very entertaining character. I can see that he is very layered and unpredictable. I enjoyed reading him. One character I also liked is the spirit Volusion. He was just hilarious! Great one liners! Kiyo was okay, I can see that he will be boring me later on in the series. I veer towards Dorian personally. Kiyo reminds me to much of Richard in the Anita Blake series.
I can't wait to read Thorn Queen (Dark Swan 2).
Highly recommended *****
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Rajmund (Vampires in America Book 3)- D.B. Reynolds
 |
Rajmund |
RAJMUND GREGOR is a vampire . . . and the undisputed Master of New York City. He bows to no one but his Sire, Krystof, who is the Vampire Lord for the entire Northeastern U.S. Based in Buffalo, NY, Krystof is an old vampire—-too old, it would seem, because he’s slowly losing his mind. Summoned back to Buffalo by his Sire, Rajmund finds his master out of touch and rapidly weakening. He knows the territory will crumble if something isn’t done, and he’s the only one of Krystof’s children strong enough to seize power. But there’s also the matter of some missing women and a rogue vampire who seems to be moving in for the kill.
SARAH STRATTON has a secret, one she’s never shared with anyone–—at least not anyone who knows her now, not even her good friend Cyn. It’s a secret that could destroy her carefully constructed life, but it’s one she may have to share with a vampire, if she’s going to save the lives of the missing women.
Review (warning spoilers)-
Hmm, I didn't love Rajmund , the latest installment in the Vampires in America series by D. B. Reynolds, as much as Raphael and Jabril but not because it's not good. Probably, I am just not as impressed by the story's heroine, Sarah Stratton. I also can't shake a nagging feeling that even Rajmund, our hero, feels the same. I have a feeling that he is also not so convinced by her. She seemed schizophrenic, and unstable, totally unlike Cyn who is quite confident and self assured. I guess D. B. Reynolds succeeded greatly in differentiating the personalities of her two heroines.
Rajmund and Sarah met when Cyn and Raphael visited Sarah in New York. They accidentally crossed paths again as Rajmund started his investigation into the disappearance of several young women in Sarah's hometown. The story centered on two things: 1. the investigation into the disappearance of the young women and 2. on how Rajmund tries to resist Sarah. Coming very close to being Lord of the Northeastern territories, he felt that he doesn't need more complications in his life. Of course in the end, he solved the mystery, became the Lord and then complicated his life with Sarah.
Unfortunately, Sarah made this story weak. She seemed so unstable, insecure, and senseless that I really don't see what Rajmund could love about her. She doesn't seem to know what she was doing and why she was doing it most of the time. Truly a damsel in a distress of her own making. He also doesn't seem convinced about her most of the time. He thought of her as a weak link rather than as someone who can strengthen him. In the end, he did leave her returning to her only after she somewhat forced herself to be with him.
Even if I am not very fond of Sarah, this book is not bad. The story is quite gripping even if it's quite long, I couldn't put in down. D. B. Reynolds tells good stories. I do love Cyn and I was happy to read about her and Raphael in the beginning of the book.
Rating: ***** Recommended
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Jabril (Vampires in America 2) - D.B. Reynolds
Back cover summary-
Houston, Texas-Cowboy boots, baseball and journeys to the stars . . . right? Wrong. Because Houston is also home to Jabril Karim, one of the eight powerful Vampire Lords who control all of North America. And as Private Investigator Cynthia Leighton will soon discover, not all Vampire Lords are created equal. For Jabril is the face of evil in the new world, a vampire who values no life but his own, who enslaves those he desires, steals whatever he covets and destroys anyone who stands in his way. Running from L.A. and its seductive Vampire Lord, Raphael, Cyn sees the Houston job as a welcome refuge, a place to get away and heal her broken heart. But Texas will be no vacation. For in Jabril Karim, Cyn will confront a true enemy, one who will go to any lengths to satisfy his lusts, enrich his coffers and expand his power. Fighting for the lives of two young sisters, Cyn's journey will take her through the streets of Houston and back to L.A., where the human police are determined to bring Raphael down for the murder of one of their own. But the danger doesn't end there. For Jabril has set his sights on Cyn, and he will stop at nothing to have her.
Review (warning spoilers)-
Jabril is D.B. Reynold's second installment in her Vampires in America series. We see the continuation of Cyn and Raphael's story with a new antagonist in the vampire Jabril. I love this series! Too bad that it's not that famous. Jabril is a very good follow-up to Raphael. The story is fast, smooth and action packed. I read it in one sitting (or lying).
Cyn goes to Houston partly to forget Raphael and mostly to work for Jabril to locate his missing ward. Unfortunately, Jabril just intended to use her to piss off Raphael. Cyn realized Jabril's evil plot and foiled it. Raphael, of course, quickly comes to her rescue, not that she needed it. They kiss and make up and (hopefully) will live happily ever after.
I just have one small comment about the story. I don't understand why the vampires had to wait for Raphael to arrive to start rescuing Cyn considering that he had to take a plane and all to get to her. Other vampires of Raphael's were already on hand, so why wait? I guess it's for dramatic purposes.
I already discussed Cyn and Raphael's characterizations in my review of Raphael. In Jabril, we see an evolution as they both accept and give way so that they can be together. I guess that was their main problem as they are both alphas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one, Rajmund. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Rating: ***** Highly recommended
Houston, Texas-Cowboy boots, baseball and journeys to the stars . . . right? Wrong. Because Houston is also home to Jabril Karim, one of the eight powerful Vampire Lords who control all of North America. And as Private Investigator Cynthia Leighton will soon discover, not all Vampire Lords are created equal. For Jabril is the face of evil in the new world, a vampire who values no life but his own, who enslaves those he desires, steals whatever he covets and destroys anyone who stands in his way. Running from L.A. and its seductive Vampire Lord, Raphael, Cyn sees the Houston job as a welcome refuge, a place to get away and heal her broken heart. But Texas will be no vacation. For in Jabril Karim, Cyn will confront a true enemy, one who will go to any lengths to satisfy his lusts, enrich his coffers and expand his power. Fighting for the lives of two young sisters, Cyn's journey will take her through the streets of Houston and back to L.A., where the human police are determined to bring Raphael down for the murder of one of their own. But the danger doesn't end there. For Jabril has set his sights on Cyn, and he will stop at nothing to have her.
Review (warning spoilers)-
Jabril is D.B. Reynold's second installment in her Vampires in America series. We see the continuation of Cyn and Raphael's story with a new antagonist in the vampire Jabril. I love this series! Too bad that it's not that famous. Jabril is a very good follow-up to Raphael. The story is fast, smooth and action packed. I read it in one sitting (or lying).
Cyn goes to Houston partly to forget Raphael and mostly to work for Jabril to locate his missing ward. Unfortunately, Jabril just intended to use her to piss off Raphael. Cyn realized Jabril's evil plot and foiled it. Raphael, of course, quickly comes to her rescue, not that she needed it. They kiss and make up and (hopefully) will live happily ever after.
I just have one small comment about the story. I don't understand why the vampires had to wait for Raphael to arrive to start rescuing Cyn considering that he had to take a plane and all to get to her. Other vampires of Raphael's were already on hand, so why wait? I guess it's for dramatic purposes.
I already discussed Cyn and Raphael's characterizations in my review of Raphael. In Jabril, we see an evolution as they both accept and give way so that they can be together. I guess that was their main problem as they are both alphas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one, Rajmund. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Rating: ***** Highly recommended
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Blood of the Demon- Kara Gillian Book 2 by Diana Rowland
Back cover summary-
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL, MAN AND DEMON, SHE’S ABOUT TO FACE THE ONE THING SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SURVIVE.
Welcome to the world of Kara Gillian, a cop with a gift. Not only does she have the power of “othersight” to see what most people can’t even imagine, but she’s become the exclusive summoner of a demon lord. Or maybe it’s the other way around. The fact is, with two troublesome cases on her docket and a handsome FBI agent under her skin, Kara needs the help of sexy, insatiable Lord Rhyzkahl more than he needs her. Because these two victims, linked by suspicious coincidence, haven’t just been murdered. Something has eaten their souls.
It’s a case with roots in the arcane, but whose evil has flowered among the rich, powerful, and corrupt in Beaulac, Louisiana. And as the killings continue, Kara soon realizes how much there’s still to learn about demons, men, and things that kill in the night—and how little time she has to learn it.
Review (warning spoilers!!)-
Since I really enjoyed "Mark of the Demon", I immediately started "Blood of the Demon". The second book in this series did not disappoint but left me craving for more. Too bad the next one will only be out in January 2011. Kara, Rhyzkahl and Ryan are back with another urban fantasy, criminal homicide adventure.
The story started about a month after the events of "Mark of the Demon". Again, there were a series of murders. Even though the murders didn't seem to be related, Kara with her othersight felt the connection with the arcane and began to investigate. This central plot was further complicated by her relationships with Lord Rhyzkahl and Ryan. In this book, we learned that somehow the demons know what Ryan is and have animosity for him. Us readers will have to wait a few more books to find out what kind of creature he is. Diana Rowland's world building is smooth and we are slowly guided through how the demon world works. We also see Kara's abilities increase with her continuous contact with Lord Rhyzkahl.
In Diana Rowland's website she said that it will take 8-9 books to complete her story and she actually knows how it will all end. This is very obvious in the way she develops her story and characters. We are merely in the second book and I can already feel the build-up. I am greatly looking forward to the next books. Thankfully, this series are getting popular so I am sure that Diana Rowland will get a chance to write a satisfying conclusion.
Rating: ***** Highly Recommended
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL, MAN AND DEMON, SHE’S ABOUT TO FACE THE ONE THING SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SURVIVE.
Welcome to the world of Kara Gillian, a cop with a gift. Not only does she have the power of “othersight” to see what most people can’t even imagine, but she’s become the exclusive summoner of a demon lord. Or maybe it’s the other way around. The fact is, with two troublesome cases on her docket and a handsome FBI agent under her skin, Kara needs the help of sexy, insatiable Lord Rhyzkahl more than he needs her. Because these two victims, linked by suspicious coincidence, haven’t just been murdered. Something has eaten their souls.
It’s a case with roots in the arcane, but whose evil has flowered among the rich, powerful, and corrupt in Beaulac, Louisiana. And as the killings continue, Kara soon realizes how much there’s still to learn about demons, men, and things that kill in the night—and how little time she has to learn it.
Review (warning spoilers!!)-
Since I really enjoyed "Mark of the Demon", I immediately started "Blood of the Demon". The second book in this series did not disappoint but left me craving for more. Too bad the next one will only be out in January 2011. Kara, Rhyzkahl and Ryan are back with another urban fantasy, criminal homicide adventure.
The story started about a month after the events of "Mark of the Demon". Again, there were a series of murders. Even though the murders didn't seem to be related, Kara with her othersight felt the connection with the arcane and began to investigate. This central plot was further complicated by her relationships with Lord Rhyzkahl and Ryan. In this book, we learned that somehow the demons know what Ryan is and have animosity for him. Us readers will have to wait a few more books to find out what kind of creature he is. Diana Rowland's world building is smooth and we are slowly guided through how the demon world works. We also see Kara's abilities increase with her continuous contact with Lord Rhyzkahl.
In Diana Rowland's website she said that it will take 8-9 books to complete her story and she actually knows how it will all end. This is very obvious in the way she develops her story and characters. We are merely in the second book and I can already feel the build-up. I am greatly looking forward to the next books. Thankfully, this series are getting popular so I am sure that Diana Rowland will get a chance to write a satisfying conclusion.
Rating: ***** Highly Recommended
Mark of the Demon- Kara Gillian Book 1 by Diana Rowland
Back cover summary - Cop and conjurer of demons, she's a woman in danger of losing control—to a power that could kill....
Why me? Why now? That’s what Beaulac, Louisiana, detective Kara Gillian was asking herself when an angelic creature named Rhyzkahl unexpectedly appeared during a routine summoning. Kara was hoping to use her occult skills to catch a serial killer, but never had she conjured anything like this unearthly beautiful and unspeakably powerful being whose very touch set off exquisite new dimensions of pleasure. But can she enlist his aid in helping her stop a killer who’s already claimed the lives—and souls—of thirteen people? And should she? The Symbol Man is a nightmare that the city thought had ended three years ago. Now he’s back for an encore and leaving every indication on the flesh of his victims that he, too, is well versed in demonic lore.
Kara may be the only cop on Beaulac’s small force able to stop the killer, but it is her first homicide case. Yet with Rhyzkahl haunting her dreams, and a handsome yet disapproving FBI agent dogging her waking footsteps, she may be in way over her head...
Review (warning spoilers!!!) - I truly enjoyed this book! It is a good, solid, kick-ass urban fantasy with a realistic heroine and without much tasteless sex. There was a lot violence though and they were graphic. This is one of those books that stays with you after you have read it. Yes, maybe if it would be food, it would be junk food but then it fills you like a rich chocolate cake.
Kara Gillian is a homicide detective moonlighting as a demon summoner (or vice versa). While investigating a serial killer, she noticed that the murders are connected to the arcane. With the help of the gorgeous demon lord Rhyzkahl and and handsome FBI agent Ryan, she was able to solve the murders.
The plot is fast, well formed and plausible (as much as an urban fantasy story can be). It is a good murder mystery combined well with urban fantasy elements. The cop murder-mystery story is solid. The world building is smooth and doesn't make you go "huh?". At the end of it all, I didn't feel like I was taken for a ride.
Kara Gillian is an endearing heroine. She is a normal woman who just happens to summon demons for a past time. She admits to being lonely, and to eating too much donuts. She doesn't wear black leather and is not a know it all. She is very human and I love her.
Rhyzkahl's characterization is perfect for me as well. He is an ancient, powerful demon lord who is very true to what he is. I get that. It should be like that. For instance, I find it quite unbelievable for a 200 year old vampire to be concerned about pre-marital sex. At least, Rhyzkahl should be bad-ass and he is.
Ryan is the good boy FBI agent and he completes the love triangle. It seems we will find out more about what he is in the next books. My curiosity is tickled.
I can't recommend this book enough. This is definitely one of the best urban fantasy books I have read in a while.
Rating: ***** Highly recommended
Why me? Why now? That’s what Beaulac, Louisiana, detective Kara Gillian was asking herself when an angelic creature named Rhyzkahl unexpectedly appeared during a routine summoning. Kara was hoping to use her occult skills to catch a serial killer, but never had she conjured anything like this unearthly beautiful and unspeakably powerful being whose very touch set off exquisite new dimensions of pleasure. But can she enlist his aid in helping her stop a killer who’s already claimed the lives—and souls—of thirteen people? And should she? The Symbol Man is a nightmare that the city thought had ended three years ago. Now he’s back for an encore and leaving every indication on the flesh of his victims that he, too, is well versed in demonic lore.
Kara may be the only cop on Beaulac’s small force able to stop the killer, but it is her first homicide case. Yet with Rhyzkahl haunting her dreams, and a handsome yet disapproving FBI agent dogging her waking footsteps, she may be in way over her head...
Review (warning spoilers!!!) - I truly enjoyed this book! It is a good, solid, kick-ass urban fantasy with a realistic heroine and without much tasteless sex. There was a lot violence though and they were graphic. This is one of those books that stays with you after you have read it. Yes, maybe if it would be food, it would be junk food but then it fills you like a rich chocolate cake.
Kara Gillian is a homicide detective moonlighting as a demon summoner (or vice versa). While investigating a serial killer, she noticed that the murders are connected to the arcane. With the help of the gorgeous demon lord Rhyzkahl and and handsome FBI agent Ryan, she was able to solve the murders.
The plot is fast, well formed and plausible (as much as an urban fantasy story can be). It is a good murder mystery combined well with urban fantasy elements. The cop murder-mystery story is solid. The world building is smooth and doesn't make you go "huh?". At the end of it all, I didn't feel like I was taken for a ride.
Kara Gillian is an endearing heroine. She is a normal woman who just happens to summon demons for a past time. She admits to being lonely, and to eating too much donuts. She doesn't wear black leather and is not a know it all. She is very human and I love her.
Rhyzkahl's characterization is perfect for me as well. He is an ancient, powerful demon lord who is very true to what he is. I get that. It should be like that. For instance, I find it quite unbelievable for a 200 year old vampire to be concerned about pre-marital sex. At least, Rhyzkahl should be bad-ass and he is.
Ryan is the good boy FBI agent and he completes the love triangle. It seems we will find out more about what he is in the next books. My curiosity is tickled.
I can't recommend this book enough. This is definitely one of the best urban fantasy books I have read in a while.
Rating: ***** Highly recommended
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Angel's Blood (Guild Hunter 1) - Nalini Singh
Back cover summary-
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she is the best--but she does not know if even she is good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, Elena knows failure is not an option--even if the task is impossible. Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad. The job will put Elena is the midst of a killing spree like no other--and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt does not destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just might. For when archangel's play, mortals break.
Review (Spoilers!)-
A natural born hunter, Elena Deveraux is the best in her profession, that is why Raphael, the fearsome archangel of new york hired her to track Uram, an archangel gone mad with blood lust. Of course, it is not only Uram that Elena needs to worry about because Raphael is equally dangerous. It doesn't help matters that she is very attracted to him. At the end of course, Raphael and Elena stopped Uram's madness.
I really liked this book. It is a fresh take on the vampire story and it offers more than sexy vampires but also angels who are higher up in the paranormal food chain. Angels are beings of incredible beauty and power. Unlike vampires, they have never been human and therefore they behave with incredible cruelty and savagery. Raphael, our hero, is not an exception to this. This angle is also what makes the story refreshing because he is no whining immortal. He is a savage beast of magnificent beauty and power who is shocked to realize that he loves a mortal woman and would choose to die than live his immortal life without her. Sweet. Our heroine, Elena, is no damsel in distress. She is a warrior woman and a born vampire hunter. She is stubborn but not irritatingly so. She admitted a few times that Raphael made her feel feminine.
The story is well written and absorbing. While reading Angel's Blood, I can't help but think that it is definitely in another class. There is a plot. The world where Raphael and Elena lives is so vividly described that until now I could still see angels flying and landing in skyscrapers. Even though the romance between Raphael and Elena is central to the story is it not forced. The characters are well developed and well formulated that they are haunting. I can almost hear Raphael's wings flapping in the air and smell his scent of water and wind. Great strong hero matched with a great heroine.
Finding an absorbing new series is a real treasure. I am really looking forward to the next one.
Rating: *****
Tags: Nalini+Singh Angel\'s+Blood Elena+Deveraux Raphael Guild+Hunter
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she is the best--but she does not know if even she is good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, Elena knows failure is not an option--even if the task is impossible. Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad. The job will put Elena is the midst of a killing spree like no other--and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt does not destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just might. For when archangel's play, mortals break.
Review (Spoilers!)-
A natural born hunter, Elena Deveraux is the best in her profession, that is why Raphael, the fearsome archangel of new york hired her to track Uram, an archangel gone mad with blood lust. Of course, it is not only Uram that Elena needs to worry about because Raphael is equally dangerous. It doesn't help matters that she is very attracted to him. At the end of course, Raphael and Elena stopped Uram's madness.
I really liked this book. It is a fresh take on the vampire story and it offers more than sexy vampires but also angels who are higher up in the paranormal food chain. Angels are beings of incredible beauty and power. Unlike vampires, they have never been human and therefore they behave with incredible cruelty and savagery. Raphael, our hero, is not an exception to this. This angle is also what makes the story refreshing because he is no whining immortal. He is a savage beast of magnificent beauty and power who is shocked to realize that he loves a mortal woman and would choose to die than live his immortal life without her. Sweet. Our heroine, Elena, is no damsel in distress. She is a warrior woman and a born vampire hunter. She is stubborn but not irritatingly so. She admitted a few times that Raphael made her feel feminine.
The story is well written and absorbing. While reading Angel's Blood, I can't help but think that it is definitely in another class. There is a plot. The world where Raphael and Elena lives is so vividly described that until now I could still see angels flying and landing in skyscrapers. Even though the romance between Raphael and Elena is central to the story is it not forced. The characters are well developed and well formulated that they are haunting. I can almost hear Raphael's wings flapping in the air and smell his scent of water and wind. Great strong hero matched with a great heroine.
Finding an absorbing new series is a real treasure. I am really looking forward to the next one.
Rating: *****
Tags: Nalini+Singh Angel\'s+Blood Elena+Deveraux Raphael Guild+Hunter
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Sunday, June 20, 2010
Raphael - D.B. Reynolds
Back cover summary-
Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires. Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late. Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself. Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.
Review (warning spoilers!!)
I just finished reading Raphael by D.B. Reynolds and I have to say that I loved it! It is one of the stronger vampire books I have read lately. The plotting is sharp, the romance believable, the writing is smooth, and the vampires powerful. I read it in one sitting and wasn't even tempted to skip pages. I was quite hopeless to find another urban fantasy/paranormal romance series that I could be truly excited about until I read Raphael today.
Raphael, the title character, is one of eight vampire lords ruling the American continent. No, the book was not written from his point of view but from the third person. He is dark, strong and powerful. While Raphael was away for a vampire conference, Alexandra, a vampire he cared about deeply, was kidnapped by a trusted friend. Having heard of private detective Cynthia Leighton, Raphael hired her to help him find Alexandra. Sparks fly and romance grew in the process of her detective work for the vampire lord and of course, Cynthia found Alexandra at the end.
Cynthia Leighton is your typical urban fantasy heroine. She is a beautiful, strong, stubborn, gun-totting kick-ass woman. Raphael is also your typical vampire hero. He is strong, beautiful, powerful, dark and mysterious. What makes this story effective is these characters were written in a very believable way. Raphael truly behaves as what you would expect of a powerful vampire lord. He is confident and oozing in his power. Cynthia is as believable. She is human and weak as such but she uses her cunning to come through and save the day. She was not made to do anything that will make you go "huh?" as sometimes I feel about Anita Blake.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one, Jabril. For sure, this series goes on my list of what to read after the Sookie Stackhouse series.
Rating: *****
raphael Cynthia Leighton Vampires in America D.B. Reynolds what to read after sookie stackhouse paranormal romance urban fantasy vampire romance
Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires. Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late. Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself. Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.
Review (warning spoilers!!)
I just finished reading Raphael by D.B. Reynolds and I have to say that I loved it! It is one of the stronger vampire books I have read lately. The plotting is sharp, the romance believable, the writing is smooth, and the vampires powerful. I read it in one sitting and wasn't even tempted to skip pages. I was quite hopeless to find another urban fantasy/paranormal romance series that I could be truly excited about until I read Raphael today.
Raphael, the title character, is one of eight vampire lords ruling the American continent. No, the book was not written from his point of view but from the third person. He is dark, strong and powerful. While Raphael was away for a vampire conference, Alexandra, a vampire he cared about deeply, was kidnapped by a trusted friend. Having heard of private detective Cynthia Leighton, Raphael hired her to help him find Alexandra. Sparks fly and romance grew in the process of her detective work for the vampire lord and of course, Cynthia found Alexandra at the end.
Cynthia Leighton is your typical urban fantasy heroine. She is a beautiful, strong, stubborn, gun-totting kick-ass woman. Raphael is also your typical vampire hero. He is strong, beautiful, powerful, dark and mysterious. What makes this story effective is these characters were written in a very believable way. Raphael truly behaves as what you would expect of a powerful vampire lord. He is confident and oozing in his power. Cynthia is as believable. She is human and weak as such but she uses her cunning to come through and save the day. She was not made to do anything that will make you go "huh?" as sometimes I feel about Anita Blake.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one, Jabril. For sure, this series goes on my list of what to read after the Sookie Stackhouse series.
Rating: *****
raphael Cynthia Leighton Vampires in America D.B. Reynolds what to read after sookie stackhouse paranormal romance urban fantasy vampire romance
Sunday, June 13, 2010
What to read after Twilight
I suffered from severe withdrawal after reading the Twilight saga. I searched the internet for books that can make the longing go away. It's either I read another book or I reread Twilight Saga for an nth time. Anyway, here are the books that I found distracting:
1. Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris- Definitely less Young Adult than Twilight but it is passionating. The urban fantasy world than Charlaine Harris created is more gore than romantic but you may still find yourself swooning over vampire Bill or Eric. Of course, the TV adaptation of this series is in its third season in HBO but don't get fooled because the books are very far from the TV show.
2. Beautiful Creatures
- Beautifully written book of forbidden love by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. No vampires here but the "creatures" are interesting. Story was told from the point of view of Ethan Wake, so we know what the guy is thinking of for a change.
3. Vampire Diaries
- The original "vampires attending high school" story by L.J. Smith. Love triangle between Elena, the most beautiful girl in school, Stefan, the brooding vampire and Damon, the ruthless one. A little bit too yound adult for me but it hits all the spots.
4.House of Night
- Boarding school vampires by P.C. Cast. I would recommend it to young adult readers. The books are a little simplistic but nevertheless engrossing.
what to read after twilight house of night P.C Cast Beautiful creatures Sookie stackhouse vampire diaries elena, damon stefan L.J. Smith
1. Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris- Definitely less Young Adult than Twilight but it is passionating. The urban fantasy world than Charlaine Harris created is more gore than romantic but you may still find yourself swooning over vampire Bill or Eric. Of course, the TV adaptation of this series is in its third season in HBO but don't get fooled because the books are very far from the TV show.
2. Beautiful Creatures
- Beautifully written book of forbidden love by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. No vampires here but the "creatures" are interesting. Story was told from the point of view of Ethan Wake, so we know what the guy is thinking of for a change.3. Vampire Diaries
- The original "vampires attending high school" story by L.J. Smith. Love triangle between Elena, the most beautiful girl in school, Stefan, the brooding vampire and Damon, the ruthless one. A little bit too yound adult for me but it hits all the spots.4.House of Night
- Boarding school vampires by P.C. Cast. I would recommend it to young adult readers. The books are a little simplistic but nevertheless engrossing.what to read after twilight house of night P.C Cast Beautiful creatures Sookie stackhouse vampire diaries elena, damon stefan L.J. Smith
Undead in the City by Linda Hilburn
Amazon Summary-
Musician Tempest Moon knew the world was a rough place. Raised in the inner city of Detroit, the only way she knew to succeed was to be smarter – and tougher – than the next guy. Being a sexy, talented singer/lead guitar player with her own band was her way of being in charge of her destiny. Whether anyone else liked it, or not.
Tempest’s band was gigging in yet another downtown dive. The club was almost empty due to the arrival of the worst blizzard the city had seen in a century. With one more set to play before she and the band could escape the smoky lounge, a mystery man walked in. Even dripping wet from the relentless onslaught, Tempest could tell the man was unusual. If only because he was the most gorgeous male specimen she’d ever seen. But he was a little pale.
Malveaux had ducked into the bar to avoid having to kill anymore of the worthless minions set upon him by the local vampire territory boss. Under most circumstances, he’d have enjoyed tracking the idiots, and tearing their hearts out. He’d learned long ago to take pleasure in his work. But Malveaux wasn’t dealing with usual circumstances. A sexual obsession, passed to him by his sire and suddenly overwhelming, had changed all the rules of the game. He knew if he didn’t find an “offspring” – a female to serve his needs – he’d go mad.
When he laid eyes on the charismatic musician on stage, he knew he’d found his “child.” She wouldn’t need to know he was an assassin. But she’d find out his deeper secret soon enough when he sank his fangs into the pulsing vein in her neck.
Together they’d take on the human underworld and the undead.
Review (spoilers!)-
Malveaux is a 200 year old vampire who was hired by the human mobsters to kill Quade, a vampire trying to get the Detroit territory. Malveaux unfortunately gets a bit distracted by his sex addiction and focused instead on an aspiring singer named Tempest Moon. Well, fortunately for Malveaux, Tempest is a also quite the nymphomaniac so they hit it off very well. Quade then tries to hurt Malveaux by hurting Tempest but of course Tempest and Malveaux triumphs at the end.
I picked up this book because I liked the Vampire Shrink which was also written by Linda Hilburn. The two books couldn't be any different. True, both are dealing with vampires but that's where the similarity ends. I largely can't stand the vulgar language in which Undead in the City was written and the lack of any plot. The words cock and pussy appear probably every 20 words and all Malveaux and Tempest did was have sex. Tempest spent most of the book naked and Malveaux with a erection. Maybe this book was written for Playboy, or maybe not because it would be probably be too pornographic and vulgar for Playboy.
Rating: **
Undead in the city paranormal romance Malveaux Tempest Moon Linda Hilburn vampire romance
Musician Tempest Moon knew the world was a rough place. Raised in the inner city of Detroit, the only way she knew to succeed was to be smarter – and tougher – than the next guy. Being a sexy, talented singer/lead guitar player with her own band was her way of being in charge of her destiny. Whether anyone else liked it, or not.
Tempest’s band was gigging in yet another downtown dive. The club was almost empty due to the arrival of the worst blizzard the city had seen in a century. With one more set to play before she and the band could escape the smoky lounge, a mystery man walked in. Even dripping wet from the relentless onslaught, Tempest could tell the man was unusual. If only because he was the most gorgeous male specimen she’d ever seen. But he was a little pale.
Malveaux had ducked into the bar to avoid having to kill anymore of the worthless minions set upon him by the local vampire territory boss. Under most circumstances, he’d have enjoyed tracking the idiots, and tearing their hearts out. He’d learned long ago to take pleasure in his work. But Malveaux wasn’t dealing with usual circumstances. A sexual obsession, passed to him by his sire and suddenly overwhelming, had changed all the rules of the game. He knew if he didn’t find an “offspring” – a female to serve his needs – he’d go mad.
When he laid eyes on the charismatic musician on stage, he knew he’d found his “child.” She wouldn’t need to know he was an assassin. But she’d find out his deeper secret soon enough when he sank his fangs into the pulsing vein in her neck.
Together they’d take on the human underworld and the undead.
Review (spoilers!)-
Malveaux is a 200 year old vampire who was hired by the human mobsters to kill Quade, a vampire trying to get the Detroit territory. Malveaux unfortunately gets a bit distracted by his sex addiction and focused instead on an aspiring singer named Tempest Moon. Well, fortunately for Malveaux, Tempest is a also quite the nymphomaniac so they hit it off very well. Quade then tries to hurt Malveaux by hurting Tempest but of course Tempest and Malveaux triumphs at the end.
I picked up this book because I liked the Vampire Shrink which was also written by Linda Hilburn. The two books couldn't be any different. True, both are dealing with vampires but that's where the similarity ends. I largely can't stand the vulgar language in which Undead in the City was written and the lack of any plot. The words cock and pussy appear probably every 20 words and all Malveaux and Tempest did was have sex. Tempest spent most of the book naked and Malveaux with a erection. Maybe this book was written for Playboy, or maybe not because it would be probably be too pornographic and vulgar for Playboy.
Rating: **
Undead in the city paranormal romance Malveaux Tempest Moon Linda Hilburn vampire romance
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Vampire Shrink - Lynda Hilburn
Amazon summary-
Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight just wants a little excitement in her life. A little publishing fame and fortune. She doesn't believe in the paranormal. Especially not comic book children of the night. But when a new client pulls Kismet into the vampire underworld, and introduces her to gorgeous Devereux -- who claims to be an 800-year-old vampire -- Kismet finds herself up to her neck in the undead. Not to mention all the other bizarre creatures crawling out of Denver's supernatural Pandora's Box. And if being attracted to a man who thinks he's an ancient bloodsucker isn't bad enough, someone -- or something -- is leaving a trail of blood-drained dead bodies. Enter handsome FBI profiler Alan Stevens, who warns her that vampires are very real and that one is a murderer. A murderer who is after her. In the midst of it all, Kismet realizes she has feelings for both the vampire and the profiler. But though she cares for each of the men, the reality that vampires exist is enough of a challenge . . . for now.
Review (warning spoilers!)
Kismet Knight is a psychologist who bit off more than what she could chew when she had a brilliant idea to become a vampire psychologist. She discovered the world of "vampire wannabes" after counseling Midnight who Kismet believed to be merely a disturbed young woman. Midnight believes in vampires and wanted to be one. Kismet suddenly found herself entangled with the vampire world--even if she didn't believe in vampires---specially after she caught the interests of the gorgeous master vampire Devereux.. The villain in this book is Bryce, a vampire that Devereux made. Bryce wanted to be with Devereux but since Devereux was not interested, he planned to kill Devereux instead. Of course since Kismet is a modern woman, she got to save her man (even if she is not convinced yet that he is her man) by beheading Bryce like the Highlander.
I did not expect this book to be good. It was a pleasant surprise. I never have high hopes when the book cover is cheesy but this one turned out to be quite good. It is definitely on my list of books to read while waiting for the next Sookie Stackhouse book.
Kismet Knight is no Sookie Stackhouse or Bella Swan. She is a highly educated, pragmatic, no-nonsense woman. She is über-sensible. This is the reason why it took her a while to believe in vampires even in the face of overwhelming evidence. I admit this made everything a bit dry because the book was written from the point of view of Kismet and unfortunately, she is a bit emotionally inaccessible. Devereux is a very strong romantic lead. He is an 800 year old celtic vampire with a twist---he can do magic like Merlin! How cool is that?
Kismet is lucky. Devereux is just in-love with her by default. The result is a story with the heroin struggling to accept that a beautiful, powerful man loves her and if she could love him back instead of the usual woman is running after the man storyline.
The Vampire Shrink hits all the spots and I highly recommend it to people to likes Sookie Stackhouse.
Rating: *****
Kismet Knight Devereux Linda Hilburn what to read after sookie stackhouse paranormal romance vampire books
Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight just wants a little excitement in her life. A little publishing fame and fortune. She doesn't believe in the paranormal. Especially not comic book children of the night. But when a new client pulls Kismet into the vampire underworld, and introduces her to gorgeous Devereux -- who claims to be an 800-year-old vampire -- Kismet finds herself up to her neck in the undead. Not to mention all the other bizarre creatures crawling out of Denver's supernatural Pandora's Box. And if being attracted to a man who thinks he's an ancient bloodsucker isn't bad enough, someone -- or something -- is leaving a trail of blood-drained dead bodies. Enter handsome FBI profiler Alan Stevens, who warns her that vampires are very real and that one is a murderer. A murderer who is after her. In the midst of it all, Kismet realizes she has feelings for both the vampire and the profiler. But though she cares for each of the men, the reality that vampires exist is enough of a challenge . . . for now.
Review (warning spoilers!)
Kismet Knight is a psychologist who bit off more than what she could chew when she had a brilliant idea to become a vampire psychologist. She discovered the world of "vampire wannabes" after counseling Midnight who Kismet believed to be merely a disturbed young woman. Midnight believes in vampires and wanted to be one. Kismet suddenly found herself entangled with the vampire world--even if she didn't believe in vampires---specially after she caught the interests of the gorgeous master vampire Devereux.. The villain in this book is Bryce, a vampire that Devereux made. Bryce wanted to be with Devereux but since Devereux was not interested, he planned to kill Devereux instead. Of course since Kismet is a modern woman, she got to save her man (even if she is not convinced yet that he is her man) by beheading Bryce like the Highlander.
I did not expect this book to be good. It was a pleasant surprise. I never have high hopes when the book cover is cheesy but this one turned out to be quite good. It is definitely on my list of books to read while waiting for the next Sookie Stackhouse book.
Kismet Knight is no Sookie Stackhouse or Bella Swan. She is a highly educated, pragmatic, no-nonsense woman. She is über-sensible. This is the reason why it took her a while to believe in vampires even in the face of overwhelming evidence. I admit this made everything a bit dry because the book was written from the point of view of Kismet and unfortunately, she is a bit emotionally inaccessible. Devereux is a very strong romantic lead. He is an 800 year old celtic vampire with a twist---he can do magic like Merlin! How cool is that?
Kismet is lucky. Devereux is just in-love with her by default. The result is a story with the heroin struggling to accept that a beautiful, powerful man loves her and if she could love him back instead of the usual woman is running after the man storyline.
The Vampire Shrink hits all the spots and I highly recommend it to people to likes Sookie Stackhouse.
Rating: *****
Kismet Knight Devereux Linda Hilburn what to read after sookie stackhouse paranormal romance vampire books
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Black Magic Sanction- Kim Harrison (The Hollows Book 8)
Back cover summary-
Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, warewolves,banshees, demons and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter--and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind...until now.
Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, Rachel's best hope is life imprisonment--the worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief. It takes a witch to catch a witch but survival bears a heavy price.
Review (Warning Spoilers!)-
I was prepared for a disappointment because I read a lot of bad reviews about this latest Rachel Morgan book but I really liked it. It's true, Rachel whines a lot and it seems she didn't really evolve as a person but I do see a spark of evolution and I am hopeful that we will get that in the next book. The action in Black Magic Sanction doesn't let up, before Rachel could catch her breath from escaping a bad situation, she gets sucked up into another one. This was together a good and bad thing for the plotting.
What I liked:
1. The mystery of her past with Trent. This could be really good. I am crossing my fingers that Kim Harrison doesn't mess this up.
2. Al. He is still my favorite character. Always a true demon.
3. Kim Harrison stopped with the Ivy-Rachel thing.
4. Jenks will live! Yeepee!
What I didn't like:
1. Pierce. I hope he would get stuck in the ever-after forever.
2. Nick. Kim Harrison should come up with a less irritating villain. He is so one-dimensional that he is not interesting.
3. More elves please. Ceri just appeared to save the day like superman. Quen was nowhere.
4. Too action packed. Rachel was panting for breath and me too. I guess that is the reason why readers have a feeling that she doesn't think and is just reactive. The author just doesn't give her time to think and ponder about the things that happened to her.
I think the author lay a lot of ground for a pretty good story in the next installment. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Rating: *****
urban fantasy Rachel morgan trent al nick ivy jenks black magic sanction: The hollows book 8 kim harrison
Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, warewolves,banshees, demons and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter--and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind...until now.
Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, Rachel's best hope is life imprisonment--the worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief. It takes a witch to catch a witch but survival bears a heavy price.
Review (Warning Spoilers!)-
I was prepared for a disappointment because I read a lot of bad reviews about this latest Rachel Morgan book but I really liked it. It's true, Rachel whines a lot and it seems she didn't really evolve as a person but I do see a spark of evolution and I am hopeful that we will get that in the next book. The action in Black Magic Sanction doesn't let up, before Rachel could catch her breath from escaping a bad situation, she gets sucked up into another one. This was together a good and bad thing for the plotting.
What I liked:
1. The mystery of her past with Trent. This could be really good. I am crossing my fingers that Kim Harrison doesn't mess this up.
2. Al. He is still my favorite character. Always a true demon.
3. Kim Harrison stopped with the Ivy-Rachel thing.
4. Jenks will live! Yeepee!
What I didn't like:
1. Pierce. I hope he would get stuck in the ever-after forever.
2. Nick. Kim Harrison should come up with a less irritating villain. He is so one-dimensional that he is not interesting.
3. More elves please. Ceri just appeared to save the day like superman. Quen was nowhere.
4. Too action packed. Rachel was panting for breath and me too. I guess that is the reason why readers have a feeling that she doesn't think and is just reactive. The author just doesn't give her time to think and ponder about the things that happened to her.
I think the author lay a lot of ground for a pretty good story in the next installment. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Rating: *****
urban fantasy Rachel morgan trent al nick ivy jenks black magic sanction: The hollows book 8 kim harrison
Sunday, May 30, 2010
White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows, Book 7)
Back cover summary:
Kick-ass bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan has crossed forbidden lines, taken demonic hits and still stands. But the death of her lover struck her harder than she ever thought possible. She won't rest until his murder is solved and avenged. But a new predator is moving to the apex of the Inderlander food chain--and now Rachel's past is coming back to haunt her. Literally.
Review (warning spoilers!):
Hmmm. For sure White witch, black curse is not the best book in the Rachel Morgan series but it is definitely a must read for fans. What I didn't like about this book was that it felt contrived. It's like Kim Harrison had run out of ideas and so she started inventing stuff (fantasy of a fantasy).
Here is a list of what I did not like about this installment:
1. Ivy gave her wish from the leprechaun to a banshee? Yeah, right. This was the wish from the very first book that she was so secretive about.
2. Pierce. I don't like Pierce. He absolutely had no chemistry with Rachel. I agree with Jenks about his creepiness.
3. Marshall gave up on Rachel too easily. It's like Kim Harrison got tired of him suddenly then decided to get rid of him in the next page.
4. The big reveal about Kisten's death. Really? I was saluting her before for having the guts to kill a major character off but the big revelation about why he died is just not good enough. It was too senseless, too wasteful.
Now, this is what I liked:
1. Al. I love Al. He is hands down the most interesting character in this book, even more interesting than Rachel herself.
2. Trent. He appeared only at the end but it was interesting.
4. No more Marshall. Good riddance.
4. The flashbacks. I love Rachel's flashbacks as her mind recovered from forgetting about Kisten's death.
5. Kisten's death. I liked the "how he died" in contrast to the "why he died". I liked that he remembered loving Rachel and that he tried to save her killing himself in the process. If he died for a better reason, it would have been great dramatic moment.
I am addicted to the Rachel Morgan series and this installment was enough to make me come back for more!
Rating: *****
rachel morgan trent al Kisten kisten's death hollows hollows book 7 white witch black curse
Kick-ass bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan has crossed forbidden lines, taken demonic hits and still stands. But the death of her lover struck her harder than she ever thought possible. She won't rest until his murder is solved and avenged. But a new predator is moving to the apex of the Inderlander food chain--and now Rachel's past is coming back to haunt her. Literally.
Review (warning spoilers!):
Hmmm. For sure White witch, black curse is not the best book in the Rachel Morgan series but it is definitely a must read for fans. What I didn't like about this book was that it felt contrived. It's like Kim Harrison had run out of ideas and so she started inventing stuff (fantasy of a fantasy).
Here is a list of what I did not like about this installment:
1. Ivy gave her wish from the leprechaun to a banshee? Yeah, right. This was the wish from the very first book that she was so secretive about.
2. Pierce. I don't like Pierce. He absolutely had no chemistry with Rachel. I agree with Jenks about his creepiness.
3. Marshall gave up on Rachel too easily. It's like Kim Harrison got tired of him suddenly then decided to get rid of him in the next page.
4. The big reveal about Kisten's death. Really? I was saluting her before for having the guts to kill a major character off but the big revelation about why he died is just not good enough. It was too senseless, too wasteful.
Now, this is what I liked:
1. Al. I love Al. He is hands down the most interesting character in this book, even more interesting than Rachel herself.
2. Trent. He appeared only at the end but it was interesting.
4. No more Marshall. Good riddance.
4. The flashbacks. I love Rachel's flashbacks as her mind recovered from forgetting about Kisten's death.
5. Kisten's death. I liked the "how he died" in contrast to the "why he died". I liked that he remembered loving Rachel and that he tried to save her killing himself in the process. If he died for a better reason, it would have been great dramatic moment.
I am addicted to the Rachel Morgan series and this installment was enough to make me come back for more!
Rating: *****
rachel morgan trent al Kisten kisten's death hollows hollows book 7 white witch black curse
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Charlaine Harris on Penguin's Project Paranormal
I found this interview of my favorite author, Charlaine Harris, on Penguin's Project Paranormal. Enjoy!
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, Book 6)
Back cover summary
In the Hollows, where the natural and the supernatural co-exist--not always peacefully--desperate times often call for unorthodox measures. But bounty hunter-witch Rachel Morgan did the absolutely unthinkable to save the lives of her friends: She willingly trafficked in forbidden demon magic. And now her sins have come home to haunt her.
As Rachel hunts for the truth behind a terrifying murder, the discovery of a shocking family secret is about to throw her entire life to question. And the long-lost ancient knowledge she seeks resides in the demonic ever-after.
But there are some lines that should never be crossed--like the one Rachel Morgan's stepping over...again!
Review (warning spoilers)
The outlaw demon wails picked up after the death of Kisten in a A few demons more. I think this is the best book in the Hollows series so far. The characters that I love so much in this series are all at their best and there were even a few who became quite a revelation in this installment.
As you may have guessed, the outlaw demon is Al and he is giving everything he's got to get Rachel. In the background, there are the elves (Ceri, Trent, and Quen), the truth behind Rachel's parentage, and the quest for Kisten's killer to complicate matters. In this book also, we finally see the ever after and some progress in the relationship of Rachel and Trent.
I loved Al in this book! It's impossible to know what he will say or do. He is such a complex and unpredictable character but at the same time he manages to be charming and funny. A very good demon by definition. I can't wait to see how his character develops in the next books considering his relationship with Rachel also evolved big time in The outlaw demon wails.
Rating: *****
B6K76865HHEZ
The Outlaw Demon Wails Rachel Morgan The Hollows Kim Harrison Trent Al
In the Hollows, where the natural and the supernatural co-exist--not always peacefully--desperate times often call for unorthodox measures. But bounty hunter-witch Rachel Morgan did the absolutely unthinkable to save the lives of her friends: She willingly trafficked in forbidden demon magic. And now her sins have come home to haunt her.
As Rachel hunts for the truth behind a terrifying murder, the discovery of a shocking family secret is about to throw her entire life to question. And the long-lost ancient knowledge she seeks resides in the demonic ever-after.
But there are some lines that should never be crossed--like the one Rachel Morgan's stepping over...again!
Review (warning spoilers)
The outlaw demon wails picked up after the death of Kisten in a A few demons more. I think this is the best book in the Hollows series so far. The characters that I love so much in this series are all at their best and there were even a few who became quite a revelation in this installment.
As you may have guessed, the outlaw demon is Al and he is giving everything he's got to get Rachel. In the background, there are the elves (Ceri, Trent, and Quen), the truth behind Rachel's parentage, and the quest for Kisten's killer to complicate matters. In this book also, we finally see the ever after and some progress in the relationship of Rachel and Trent.
I loved Al in this book! It's impossible to know what he will say or do. He is such a complex and unpredictable character but at the same time he manages to be charming and funny. A very good demon by definition. I can't wait to see how his character develops in the next books considering his relationship with Rachel also evolved big time in The outlaw demon wails.
Rating: *****
B6K76865HHEZ
The Outlaw Demon Wails Rachel Morgan The Hollows Kim Harrison Trent Al
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tempest Rising
Back cover summary
Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human.
Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures that are terrifying, beautiful, and deadly---all of which perfectly describe her new "friend", Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire.
It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries ; and whatever you do, never--ever--rub the genie's lamp.
Review (warning spoilers!)
Written from the point of view of the heroin, Jane True, Tempest Rising is the first novel in the "Tempest" series by Nicole Peeler. Every element of what I like in a good fantasy book is present in Tempest Rising: A heroin who has a sense of humor, a handsome love interest, an interesting make-believe world full of strange creatures, and a dramatic location. I really don't know what my problem is because I did not find Nicole Peeler's Tempest Rising a very interesting read.
I found the romance between the leads flat, out of place and annoying. I frequently skipped through them. The heroin, Jane True, is a hybrid between Ally McBeal, Harry Potter, and Sookie Stackhouse. Where Ally McBeal is charming in a self-depreciating but "comes out the winner all the time" way, Jane True is just plain self-depreciating. Sookie is loveable as a perky, and sarcastic " I am hiding my superpowers" waitress, Jane True is simply a perky whiner. Since I have no idea what Harry Potter is actually thinking, Jane may have more in common with him. Both were out of place in the human world and found more acceptance in fantasy land. What makes Sookie and Ally effective is that women can identify with them. How they talk to themselves in their heads is sometimes exactly how we talk to ourselves in our heads. Unfortunately, I don't talk to myself like Jane True. Ally and Sookie are similar because their intelligence and strength of character always eventually save the day. Jane True is more concerned about her libido than saving any day. She comes out whiny in an air-headed sort of way. What I can commend though is the author's knack for describing food. I swear, I had to get a midnight snack after reading about what Jane and Ryu were having for a picnic by the beach.
I saw a lot of good reviews for Tempest Rising in Amazon, so I guess my problem with this book is due to personal tastes.
Rating: ****
Tempest rising Nicole Peeler Jane True Ryu
Friday, May 14, 2010
Dead in the family (Sookie Stackhouse Book 10) - Charlaine Harris
Amazon.com summary
Sookie Stackhouse has finally settled into a relationship with the Viking vampire Eric, and her errant brother Jason seems to have his life in order, too. But all the other people in Sookie’s life – Eric himself, her former lover Bill, her friend and boss Sam – are having family problems. Eric’s maker shows up with Eric’s ‘brother’ in tow, the ailing Bill can only be healed by a blood sibling, and Sam’s brother’s marriage is about to take place . . . or will it? The furor raised by the coming out of the two-natured has yet to settle; some people are just not ready to sit down to dinner with a man who turns into a dog. And Sookie herself is still recovering from her last ordeal. She’s definitely improving, physically and mentally, but she’s always going to have some dark moments now. The werewolves tell her that there have been strange and ominous passers-by in the Stackhouse woods; now Sookie is about to come face-to-face with one of her more distant relatives . . .
Review (warning spoilers!)
I waited a year for this book. Am I satisfied? Not so much. There was no plot. Halfway through the book I found myself bored. I have never been bored with a Sookie Stackhouse book before. I usually treasured every word and savored every moment of it. With this book, I was shocked to see that after 7 chapters (out of 14), nothing was happening. The story picked up only after chapter 9. I did love the beginning (before the actual chapters started) when Sookie was shown recovering from the events of "Dead and Gone". I loved the fact that a lot of things that were left unanswered in book 9 which probably kept a lot of Sookie fans awake at night for a year were answered. After that the book became blah.
The story was all over the place. Sometimes I didn't see the point of a storyline. For example, I really didn't see the point of Eric's lecture about vampire politics. That was so boring, out of place and unnecessary. Even Sookie thought it was useless. Weird. All the characters were just hanging around doing nothing. There was no binding element. There were a lot of plots that were started but left unresolved. It's like Charlaine Harris had a story in mind when she started writing the book, then changed her mind in the middle about what she wanted to write. The book felt so incomplete like it's missing half the pages.
Sookie was so aggressive in this book. She was in a very murderous mood. She wanted all her enemies dead. I read a comment in Amazon saying that Sookie was channeling Anita Blake. I agree. In fact, Eric was also channeling Jean-Claude. He was a little bit out of it. I guess it's only apt that Sookie will evolve as a person considering she has been through a lot but Eric should be more true to his Viking/Vampire self.
What I did love is the fact that Sookie and Eric are finally together (hayy, swoon). I love that they are communicating, sharing, and loving each other. Even if the dynamic of their relationship was a little bit off in this book, it was good enough to fill my heart with joy. In the next book, I would love to see them defeating Victor Madden making Eric the King of Louisiana.
The happy ending for Bill seemed so forced, so unnatural. Charlaine Harris is cleaning up her overpopulated fantasy land again. Maybe happy endings are better than killing everyone as in "Dead and Gone.
There were also some inconsistencies. In the other books it was said that fairy blood is toxic to vampires even if it is so irresistible to them. The last scene of the book have Eric drinking fairy blood without any side effects.
Rating:****
Sookie Stackhouse Charlaine Harris Dead in the family
Sookie Stackhouse has finally settled into a relationship with the Viking vampire Eric, and her errant brother Jason seems to have his life in order, too. But all the other people in Sookie’s life – Eric himself, her former lover Bill, her friend and boss Sam – are having family problems. Eric’s maker shows up with Eric’s ‘brother’ in tow, the ailing Bill can only be healed by a blood sibling, and Sam’s brother’s marriage is about to take place . . . or will it? The furor raised by the coming out of the two-natured has yet to settle; some people are just not ready to sit down to dinner with a man who turns into a dog. And Sookie herself is still recovering from her last ordeal. She’s definitely improving, physically and mentally, but she’s always going to have some dark moments now. The werewolves tell her that there have been strange and ominous passers-by in the Stackhouse woods; now Sookie is about to come face-to-face with one of her more distant relatives . . .
Review (warning spoilers!)
I waited a year for this book. Am I satisfied? Not so much. There was no plot. Halfway through the book I found myself bored. I have never been bored with a Sookie Stackhouse book before. I usually treasured every word and savored every moment of it. With this book, I was shocked to see that after 7 chapters (out of 14), nothing was happening. The story picked up only after chapter 9. I did love the beginning (before the actual chapters started) when Sookie was shown recovering from the events of "Dead and Gone". I loved the fact that a lot of things that were left unanswered in book 9 which probably kept a lot of Sookie fans awake at night for a year were answered. After that the book became blah.
The story was all over the place. Sometimes I didn't see the point of a storyline. For example, I really didn't see the point of Eric's lecture about vampire politics. That was so boring, out of place and unnecessary. Even Sookie thought it was useless. Weird. All the characters were just hanging around doing nothing. There was no binding element. There were a lot of plots that were started but left unresolved. It's like Charlaine Harris had a story in mind when she started writing the book, then changed her mind in the middle about what she wanted to write. The book felt so incomplete like it's missing half the pages.
Sookie was so aggressive in this book. She was in a very murderous mood. She wanted all her enemies dead. I read a comment in Amazon saying that Sookie was channeling Anita Blake. I agree. In fact, Eric was also channeling Jean-Claude. He was a little bit out of it. I guess it's only apt that Sookie will evolve as a person considering she has been through a lot but Eric should be more true to his Viking/Vampire self.
What I did love is the fact that Sookie and Eric are finally together (hayy, swoon). I love that they are communicating, sharing, and loving each other. Even if the dynamic of their relationship was a little bit off in this book, it was good enough to fill my heart with joy. In the next book, I would love to see them defeating Victor Madden making Eric the King of Louisiana.
The happy ending for Bill seemed so forced, so unnatural. Charlaine Harris is cleaning up her overpopulated fantasy land again. Maybe happy endings are better than killing everyone as in "Dead and Gone.
There were also some inconsistencies. In the other books it was said that fairy blood is toxic to vampires even if it is so irresistible to them. The last scene of the book have Eric drinking fairy blood without any side effects.
Rating:****
Sookie Stackhouse Charlaine Harris Dead in the family
Sunday, May 9, 2010
For a few demons more (The Hollows Book 5) - Kim Harrison
Back cover summary
Despite dating one vampire and living with another, Rachel Morgan has always managed to stay just ahead of trouble...until now.
A fiendish serial killer stalks the Hollows, and no one living in or around Cincinnati--human, inhuman, or undead--is safe.
A ancient artifact may be the key to stopping the murderer--a mysterious relic that is now in the possession of Rachel Morgan, fearless independent bounty hunter and reckless witch. But revealing it could ignite a battle to the death among the vast and varied local supernatural races.
Rachel's been lucky so far. But even she can't hide from catastrophe forever.
Review (spoilers!)
I love Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. I have to admit that I dreaded to read "For a few demons more" because I knew that Kisten would die. I started it and then put it down after a few chapters then waited a week then restarted. I really did not want to get to the page where Kisten dies.
I have to admit though that Kim Harrison wrote it in a way that even I had to admit that it was time that he makes an exit. It broke my heart but I survived. It is very seldom that an author can pull off the death of a beloved character without messing up the story.
"For a few demons more" is fast paced and page turning. The romance between and Rachel and Kisten was just enough to make your heart break when he dies. Thankfully, there is not so much of Ivy and her lust for Rachel. That's the part I don't like so much about this series. Sometimes I think that the author made a mistake of making Ivy female. Like Rachel, I guess, I am also not made that way. If Kim Harrison made Ivy's character male, I imagine that the series would be more popular because it will make such a fine love story.
Two of my favorite characters in the book are Ceri and Trent. I am glad that they were prominent in this new edition. The scene when Ceri first met Trent was priceless. As Ceri implied, Trent's character may be in for some evolution. I am hoping a little bit for a Rachel-Trent romance.
I am absolutely looking forward to read the next book to see how Rachel handles Kisten's passing and how she would grow from it.
Rating: *****
Rachel Morgan Kisten For a few demons more Kim Harrison Hollows
Despite dating one vampire and living with another, Rachel Morgan has always managed to stay just ahead of trouble...until now.
A fiendish serial killer stalks the Hollows, and no one living in or around Cincinnati--human, inhuman, or undead--is safe.
A ancient artifact may be the key to stopping the murderer--a mysterious relic that is now in the possession of Rachel Morgan, fearless independent bounty hunter and reckless witch. But revealing it could ignite a battle to the death among the vast and varied local supernatural races.
Rachel's been lucky so far. But even she can't hide from catastrophe forever.
Review (spoilers!)
I love Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. I have to admit that I dreaded to read "For a few demons more" because I knew that Kisten would die. I started it and then put it down after a few chapters then waited a week then restarted. I really did not want to get to the page where Kisten dies.
I have to admit though that Kim Harrison wrote it in a way that even I had to admit that it was time that he makes an exit. It broke my heart but I survived. It is very seldom that an author can pull off the death of a beloved character without messing up the story.
"For a few demons more" is fast paced and page turning. The romance between and Rachel and Kisten was just enough to make your heart break when he dies. Thankfully, there is not so much of Ivy and her lust for Rachel. That's the part I don't like so much about this series. Sometimes I think that the author made a mistake of making Ivy female. Like Rachel, I guess, I am also not made that way. If Kim Harrison made Ivy's character male, I imagine that the series would be more popular because it will make such a fine love story.
Two of my favorite characters in the book are Ceri and Trent. I am glad that they were prominent in this new edition. The scene when Ceri first met Trent was priceless. As Ceri implied, Trent's character may be in for some evolution. I am hoping a little bit for a Rachel-Trent romance.
I am absolutely looking forward to read the next book to see how Rachel handles Kisten's passing and how she would grow from it.
Rating: *****
Rachel Morgan Kisten For a few demons more Kim Harrison Hollows
Monday, May 3, 2010
Goodbye Twilight, hello Sookie
I am so over Twilight and Edward! I am now so addicted to the Sookie Stackhouse Novels and of course Eric Northman!
I got interested in the Sookie Stackhouse novels or the Southern Vampire Mysteries because of the HBO series "True Blood". I did not like "True Blood". I found it boring even though they made it very gore. The novels are a big revelation! The writing is sharp, funny, and witty and the stories are fast paced and action packed. Charlaine Harris' characters are interesting and endearing. The novels are truly addictive!
I am now one of a few million people people wanting to know what will happen to Sookie and Eric. Obviously, I am an Eric fan! The talent of Ms Harris lies in making readers curious, she is a mystery writer after all. Not that she is not a good romance writer, when you think about it, the Sookie and Eric thing is just a side dish in the novels' plot lines but I don't think anyone who have read this series could take it for granted or forget about the shower scene in "Dead to the World "(book 4, hayyyyyy) and the witty exchanges between Sookie and Eric. Priceless! The fact is, after reading 9 books, I am still on pins and needles about book 10! I just can't wait to sink my fangs into it!
My only fear about this series is that Charlaine Harris will drag the series on until it gets boring. She will release book 10 in May and apparently there will be 3 more after that. Seriously, I don't know if I can wait that long to find out if Sookie and Eric will be together or if I can handle it if they don't get together! The problem is with 14 books to follow (released every year, so 14 years!), there's a lot of time and emotional involvement on the readers part not to get a satisfying ending. Unfortunately for me, there is only 1 way to satisfy me.
Eric Northman Sookie Stackhouse Charlaine Harris True blood
I got interested in the Sookie Stackhouse novels or the Southern Vampire Mysteries because of the HBO series "True Blood". I did not like "True Blood". I found it boring even though they made it very gore. The novels are a big revelation! The writing is sharp, funny, and witty and the stories are fast paced and action packed. Charlaine Harris' characters are interesting and endearing. The novels are truly addictive!I am now one of a few million people people wanting to know what will happen to Sookie and Eric. Obviously, I am an Eric fan! The talent of Ms Harris lies in making readers curious, she is a mystery writer after all. Not that she is not a good romance writer, when you think about it, the Sookie and Eric thing is just a side dish in the novels' plot lines but I don't think anyone who have read this series could take it for granted or forget about the shower scene in "Dead to the World "(book 4, hayyyyyy) and the witty exchanges between Sookie and Eric. Priceless! The fact is, after reading 9 books, I am still on pins and needles about book 10! I just can't wait to sink my fangs into it!
My only fear about this series is that Charlaine Harris will drag the series on until it gets boring. She will release book 10 in May and apparently there will be 3 more after that. Seriously, I don't know if I can wait that long to find out if Sookie and Eric will be together or if I can handle it if they don't get together! The problem is with 14 books to follow (released every year, so 14 years!), there's a lot of time and emotional involvement on the readers part not to get a satisfying ending. Unfortunately for me, there is only 1 way to satisfy me.
Eric Northman Sookie Stackhouse Charlaine Harris True blood
Anita Blake
I started the Anita Blake series because it was always coming up in my recommendations in Amazon. Their software thought that since I have read and liked Twilight and the Sookie Stackhouse novels, I would also like Anita Blake. So, did I like it? Yes, I liked it but it didn't release inside myself the same amount of passion the Sookie Stackhouse series did. I don't dream about it at night. I don't think about it all day. I prefer Eric to Jean-Claude. Jean Claude's ass always needs to be saved by Anita (Eric's ass is another story...hmmm). He is supposedly a strong and powerful vampire but he just sits and waits for Anita to save him. At least Sookie and Eric save each other alternately. Anita has a very strong character which is almost irritating. She just needs to be right all the time (she reminds me of myself =)). I find a lot of characters irritating. Richard, ex fiance of Anita, whines too much for me. He is too conflicted. It drags on and on and on. There are times when I am tempted put the book down because he irritated me too much. I hate whiners both in books and in real life.Will I continue reading the Anita Blake series? Maybe. Let's see. The last books got a little bit too weird for my tastes. I like the first 7 books then it went downhill from there.
All in all, I think Anita Blake is an okay series to read to pass the time in between the Sookie Stackhouse novels.
Update- January 26, 2009
I can't continue reading this series. I am irritated with it. The last book I read was Book 7: Burnt Offerings and I can't continue reading Blue Moon. I can't stand Anita and Richard. I want to throw the book out. I have the rest of the books (I bought it in advance) but I can't continue. I read the synopsis for the rest of the books in wikipedia and I don't think I can go on reading. I don't like the way the story developed. Oh! why did Laurell Hamilton destroy the story of such a promising series?
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Crazy over Twilight
I was not at all interested in "Twilight" until last Sunday. I knew about the book but I thought that I was too old for the teenage vampire crap. Don't get me wrong, I love vampire books and movies (well, some of it). I have a collection of "The Vampire Chronicles" by Anne Rice. Throughout my teenage years and early twenties, I was in-love with the Vampire Lestat. My fascination with vampires is my guilty secret.
Not knowing how to survive a 9-hour flight from Philadelphia to Zurich, I took action. I decided to read "Twilight" because I thought it would be an easy read. I finished the book about an hour before we landed and I went out of the plane addicted. Like a vampire that thirsted for blood, I needed to get the rest of the books.
After reading the entire saga (in 2 1/2 days), it can be confirmed that I am thoroughly infatuated with Edward Cullen. Sigh.
Photo from www. starpulse.com
Even though I have several issues with the story, like how a 91 year old vampire can have issues about premarital sex, the story of the "Twilight Saga" (keeping in mind that they were written for teenagers) is engrossing. The books are very addictive because Stephanie Meyer did two things very well, first was her characterization of Edward and second how she developed Edward and Bella's love story in Twilight and New Moon.
Seriously, even though the books read very simply, Meyer was very successful in making readers fall in love with Edward. As I read Twilight, I felt like I was going through the process of falling in love with him like Bella. I felt it in my heart. Vice-versa in "New Moon", I felt the agony of a broken heart (it was just like I remembered it) as Edward left Bella.
Eclipse was okay. It was not a love story anymore. Somehow, Meyer had to kill off Victoria. Victoria could have been developed more as a character. I would have loved to know more about her. Finally in Breaking dawn, Bella and Edward consummated their relationship (after marrying, of course)and Bella was turned into a vampire.
I also read a draft of Midnight Sun which I got from Stephenie Meyer's website. Okay, it is unfinished but I hope that if she does finish it, she will develop Edward's character better. It's good that he is mysterious in Twilight but in Eclipse he should be deeper and more sensible because Midnight Sun is from his perspective.
I think the movie is terrible. It completely missed the best part: it failed to develop the part where Edward and Bella fell in love. Robert Pattinson's acting was awkward although I have to admit that he resembled how I imagined Edward to look like. Kirsten Stewart is too rough to be Bella. Bella should have been more feminine. Maybe "New Moon" would be better considering that the director is different. Let's hope so. It is sad to see a good story massacred.
Well, I don't know until when my "Twilight" fascination will last but for now, I have to admit, I am crazy over "Twilight".
Twilight Edward+Cullen Twilight+Saga Stephenie+Meyer Robert+Pattinson
Not knowing how to survive a 9-hour flight from Philadelphia to Zurich, I took action. I decided to read "Twilight" because I thought it would be an easy read. I finished the book about an hour before we landed and I went out of the plane addicted. Like a vampire that thirsted for blood, I needed to get the rest of the books.
After reading the entire saga (in 2 1/2 days), it can be confirmed that I am thoroughly infatuated with Edward Cullen. Sigh.
Photo from www. starpulse.comEven though I have several issues with the story, like how a 91 year old vampire can have issues about premarital sex, the story of the "Twilight Saga" (keeping in mind that they were written for teenagers) is engrossing. The books are very addictive because Stephanie Meyer did two things very well, first was her characterization of Edward and second how she developed Edward and Bella's love story in Twilight and New Moon.
Seriously, even though the books read very simply, Meyer was very successful in making readers fall in love with Edward. As I read Twilight, I felt like I was going through the process of falling in love with him like Bella. I felt it in my heart. Vice-versa in "New Moon", I felt the agony of a broken heart (it was just like I remembered it) as Edward left Bella.
Eclipse was okay. It was not a love story anymore. Somehow, Meyer had to kill off Victoria. Victoria could have been developed more as a character. I would have loved to know more about her. Finally in Breaking dawn, Bella and Edward consummated their relationship (after marrying, of course)and Bella was turned into a vampire.
I also read a draft of Midnight Sun which I got from Stephenie Meyer's website. Okay, it is unfinished but I hope that if she does finish it, she will develop Edward's character better. It's good that he is mysterious in Twilight but in Eclipse he should be deeper and more sensible because Midnight Sun is from his perspective.
I think the movie is terrible. It completely missed the best part: it failed to develop the part where Edward and Bella fell in love. Robert Pattinson's acting was awkward although I have to admit that he resembled how I imagined Edward to look like. Kirsten Stewart is too rough to be Bella. Bella should have been more feminine. Maybe "New Moon" would be better considering that the director is different. Let's hope so. It is sad to see a good story massacred.
Well, I don't know until when my "Twilight" fascination will last but for now, I have to admit, I am crazy over "Twilight".
Twilight Edward+Cullen Twilight+Saga Stephenie+Meyer Robert+Pattinson
Monday, April 26, 2010
Contact Me
If you have comments, suggestions, violent reactions, or if you would like to exchange links, please leave a comment or email me at the address below:
cathy@catswalks.com
Thanks a lot!
Cheers!
Cathy
cathy@catswalks.com
Thanks a lot!
Cheers!
Cathy
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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