Book Title: Renegade (Book 3 in the Ministry of Paranormal Research and Defence)
Author: Andrew Chapman
Genre: Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Action
Because of the previous books, I will state : SPOILER ALERT!!!
This is the third installment in the series about Vampires, Werewolves, Black Ops, Defunct Politics and the list goes on.
I've been waiting for a while for this installment, and Andrew didn't fail to deliver! Our protagonist, Jack "Pagan", has taken an actual vacation from the ministry. He and his Mate, Marie are truly enjoying themselves. But something terrible happens that ensures that Jack will definitely be spilling some Vampire Blood.
As usual, Jack and his armaments are quite fond of each other, so we get lots of information about what he's using and how it's being used. We also see what happens, when Jack loves unconditionally.
The story ends up coming to the USA from Great Britain, leaving Jack with no authority of any kind. From there we're kept at a fast pace with lots of great detail about where and who we're meeting. Why we're there and who exactly is in charge of trying to do the nefarious things the Vampires are doing.
Andrew has written this book from a duel view. Usually the books are from Jack's point of view. This is written from both Jack and Marie's point of view. Therefore, we're flipping back and forth, and it was quite refreshing to hear Marie's thoughts. It was easy to keep up and understand more about werewolf pack politics. Along with the beliefs of the people in the USA vs those over the pond.
The story flows freely, as does Jack's anger, which is usually kept in check. But this, is personal. However, Andrew has done it yet again.. I'm left at the end feeling like there should be more...
I bought the book the minute it was available and had it finished the next morning. I've read it twice already, and the ending.. UGH. I hope we're not left hanging for a long time, or Jack might die.. and no one would ever know. (laugh)
Great book for the series and I look forward to many more! I wish it was longer though.
4 out of 5 bookmarks
Friday, November 15, 2013
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Book Review: Insight (The Insight Series) by Jamie Magee
Book Title: Insight (The Insight Series)
Book Author: Jamie Magee
Genre: Sci-Fi
Quite an interesting take on what people see, or... what they don't see.
As the name of the book indicates, Insight is that little peek into anything - another person, another place, another time. Is it a dream? Is it real?
This book grabs you right at the beginning. You immediately have feelings that you can identify with, and as the story progresses, the twists and turns throw your for a head spin. The characters are perfectly written so that you can "see" right away what the characters themselves are explaining to others as they go along.
The antagonist of this story will give us a nice momentum through the series. This book gives us a glimpse at that, but does more explaining and getting to know characters and forge relationships than it does to really make the guy seem like he's intimating to the point that he's explained to be.
Looking forward to more!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Author: Jamie Magee
Genre: Sci-Fi
Quite an interesting take on what people see, or... what they don't see.
As the name of the book indicates, Insight is that little peek into anything - another person, another place, another time. Is it a dream? Is it real?
This book grabs you right at the beginning. You immediately have feelings that you can identify with, and as the story progresses, the twists and turns throw your for a head spin. The characters are perfectly written so that you can "see" right away what the characters themselves are explaining to others as they go along.
The antagonist of this story will give us a nice momentum through the series. This book gives us a glimpse at that, but does more explaining and getting to know characters and forge relationships than it does to really make the guy seem like he's intimating to the point that he's explained to be.
Looking forward to more!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Book Series Review of the Elemental Enmity Series by Christie Rich
Book Title(s): Five (#1), Dark Matter (#2), Genesis (#3), Horizon (#4), all in the Elemental Enmity Series
Author: Christie Rich
Genre: Fantasy/Action/Love Story
I'm putting all the books together in one review because I think it would make for a more coherent understanding of the series as a whole, at this point.
This story is a coming of age story, mixed with the bonds of friendship, love, lies, magic, and some chivalry thrown in for good measure.
I enjoyed the series and truly hope the author is going to add on to it, as she seems to indicate she might at the ending.
There were a few problems I had. First, the author was able to aptly describe the countenance of almost every character, except for a couple, which to me, were Rayla the lead female, and Heath one of her suitors and eventually her champion at one point. All I can tell you about Heath is he has a dimple, stands a little taller than Rayla and has dark hair. For some reason I was only able to visualize him as one of the main dwarfs from Lord of the Rings, just taller, braid and all. The ability to describe the architecture and surroundings was beautiful and I was able to completely visualize it. The characters were difficult, though their personalities were defined a little better than their countenance, I was still left scratching my head at times. The characters are in their 20s, which gave their actions merit given their lack of experience at times. And there are quite a few characters to keep up with.
There were questions not answered (MANY!), especially with the final book of the series. I thought the whole "climactic end" would help answer those questions I had and then I read the epilogue, hoping IT would finish that for me, but unfortunately, I really couldn't keep up with it. There were so many questions when I got to the end and it said: "The End (Or Is It?)" I was hopeful that my answers would come in a next book.
Regardless of the "huh?" moments I had, the books had some good story telling, action sequences, tension and overall I was pleased with how the books came together as one cohesive book in total, rather than four separate books. What I mean by that, is that the transitions from one book to the other were seamless, making the storytelling so easy to follow from one book to the next. Usually in a series, the first chapter or two, we're trying to catch those who haven't read the previous books, up to where the current book begins. However with this series the next book, starts off where the last book ended. Love that.
I would definitely recommend the series, just have a better memory than I or take notes, because there are so many Kings, Queens, Lords, Under Lords and other things you may get your characters mixed up, which is what happened with me, quite frequently I'm afraid.
4 out 5 bookmarks for the series
Author: Christie Rich
Genre: Fantasy/Action/Love Story
I'm putting all the books together in one review because I think it would make for a more coherent understanding of the series as a whole, at this point.
This story is a coming of age story, mixed with the bonds of friendship, love, lies, magic, and some chivalry thrown in for good measure.
I enjoyed the series and truly hope the author is going to add on to it, as she seems to indicate she might at the ending.
There were a few problems I had. First, the author was able to aptly describe the countenance of almost every character, except for a couple, which to me, were Rayla the lead female, and Heath one of her suitors and eventually her champion at one point. All I can tell you about Heath is he has a dimple, stands a little taller than Rayla and has dark hair. For some reason I was only able to visualize him as one of the main dwarfs from Lord of the Rings, just taller, braid and all. The ability to describe the architecture and surroundings was beautiful and I was able to completely visualize it. The characters were difficult, though their personalities were defined a little better than their countenance, I was still left scratching my head at times. The characters are in their 20s, which gave their actions merit given their lack of experience at times. And there are quite a few characters to keep up with.
There were questions not answered (MANY!), especially with the final book of the series. I thought the whole "climactic end" would help answer those questions I had and then I read the epilogue, hoping IT would finish that for me, but unfortunately, I really couldn't keep up with it. There were so many questions when I got to the end and it said: "The End (Or Is It?)" I was hopeful that my answers would come in a next book.
Regardless of the "huh?" moments I had, the books had some good story telling, action sequences, tension and overall I was pleased with how the books came together as one cohesive book in total, rather than four separate books. What I mean by that, is that the transitions from one book to the other were seamless, making the storytelling so easy to follow from one book to the next. Usually in a series, the first chapter or two, we're trying to catch those who haven't read the previous books, up to where the current book begins. However with this series the next book, starts off where the last book ended. Love that.
I would definitely recommend the series, just have a better memory than I or take notes, because there are so many Kings, Queens, Lords, Under Lords and other things you may get your characters mixed up, which is what happened with me, quite frequently I'm afraid.
4 out 5 bookmarks for the series
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Tegan's Blood by L.H. Cosway
Book Title: Tegan's Blood (The Ultimate Power Series # 1)
Author: L.H. Cosway
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Tegan's Blood was a freebie and I'm glad I got it. Not only could I truly NOT put it down once I started it, it was a "quick read" for me, which helps when you're dealing with things that life throws at you.
I found the character of Tegan to be very real, going through a very emotional time, suffering the loss of a loved one. It didn't seem contrived to me, what she is feeling is real. Her friends characters are also as real. They act the same way anyone would given the situation that Tegan is currently living through.
I found the story emotionally engaging and I have to say, I was thrown by the character of Ethan. I'm just not understanding him at all. Ethan is not as well written as the other characters, other than knowing his age, looks, and that he "explains" this version of how this author believes that vampires are "made" and dhamphirs are "made". Ethan also comes from a well respected Vampiric family, and this is basically all you get, except that his moods are mercurial. I understood a body guard's character better than Ethan, who is suppose to be a "main" character.
There was quite a bit of mystery, which was fun and I enjoyed the bits and pieces of magic thrown in for good measure. Starting the second in the series... so obviously, I liked it enough to purchase the second... ;)
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: L.H. Cosway
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Tegan's Blood was a freebie and I'm glad I got it. Not only could I truly NOT put it down once I started it, it was a "quick read" for me, which helps when you're dealing with things that life throws at you.
I found the character of Tegan to be very real, going through a very emotional time, suffering the loss of a loved one. It didn't seem contrived to me, what she is feeling is real. Her friends characters are also as real. They act the same way anyone would given the situation that Tegan is currently living through.
I found the story emotionally engaging and I have to say, I was thrown by the character of Ethan. I'm just not understanding him at all. Ethan is not as well written as the other characters, other than knowing his age, looks, and that he "explains" this version of how this author believes that vampires are "made" and dhamphirs are "made". Ethan also comes from a well respected Vampiric family, and this is basically all you get, except that his moods are mercurial. I understood a body guard's character better than Ethan, who is suppose to be a "main" character.
There was quite a bit of mystery, which was fun and I enjoyed the bits and pieces of magic thrown in for good measure. Starting the second in the series... so obviously, I liked it enough to purchase the second... ;)
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Thursday, July 25, 2013
A MODERN WITCH SERIES BY DEBORA GEARY
I don't think I've ever commented on the Modern Witch series simply because sometimes, I like to read something and just enjoy it, without having to make notes, or be as vigilant to the "necessaries" for my review.
But, I HAVE to say something about Debora's latest in the series, A Lost Witch. If you're not familiar with the series, I suggest you start it as soon as you can with A Modern Witch. You'll meet a wonderful family of witches and non-witches, loving, open, warm and accepting.
With A Lost Witch, the family has a bit of "lost witch" on their hands. I cried so hard throughout this book, because of the love emanating off the pages for the characters of this book and the characters that have been in the series since the beginning. Debora has such a gift with not only this series but she's got companion series as well that work within the Modern Witch series itself.
You will become so wrapped up in the Sullivan family, as well as the aunts, uncles, cousins, friends... that you will literally feel like a member of the family. I LOVE the series, and I just can't keep it to myself anymore. If you like a little whimsy, some fantastical beliefs of a little witchcraft, and well told story of not only individuals but of an accepting family who takes everyone in, and showers them with acceptance and love, go get the first in the series, A MODERN WITCH. If you've already been reading it, Go get A LOST WITCH now... You'll fall in love with the series even more than you already have!
The series for me is 5 out 5 bookmarks.
But, I HAVE to say something about Debora's latest in the series, A Lost Witch. If you're not familiar with the series, I suggest you start it as soon as you can with A Modern Witch. You'll meet a wonderful family of witches and non-witches, loving, open, warm and accepting.
With A Lost Witch, the family has a bit of "lost witch" on their hands. I cried so hard throughout this book, because of the love emanating off the pages for the characters of this book and the characters that have been in the series since the beginning. Debora has such a gift with not only this series but she's got companion series as well that work within the Modern Witch series itself.
You will become so wrapped up in the Sullivan family, as well as the aunts, uncles, cousins, friends... that you will literally feel like a member of the family. I LOVE the series, and I just can't keep it to myself anymore. If you like a little whimsy, some fantastical beliefs of a little witchcraft, and well told story of not only individuals but of an accepting family who takes everyone in, and showers them with acceptance and love, go get the first in the series, A MODERN WITCH. If you've already been reading it, Go get A LOST WITCH now... You'll fall in love with the series even more than you already have!
The series for me is 5 out 5 bookmarks.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Book Title: Slaves of Valhalla (The Prometheus Wars - Book 2)
Book Title: Slaves of Valhalla (The Prometheus Wars - Book 2)
Author: Luke Romyn
Genre: Historical/Sci-Fi/Mystery
Slaves of Valhalla leaves off directly where Beyond Hades leaves off.... kinda. ;) We still have Greek Mythology, however Norse Mythology is now added as well. The characters are as loveable/laughable as they were in the first book. The ability to laugh and cry in five minutes while reading, is a major feat.
As a woman, in both books I can tell, Mr. Romyn was a "Mr." and not a "Ms.". As I've said before, I do not read the name of the author until I'm finished reading the book. In my Kindles I have books listed by NAME only. I find a title I like, and start reading. Mr. Romyn seems to really like his guns and toys. He really goes into some detail about all the guns and toys, names, makes, models, etc. I mean, in some cases that's necessary. But to the layman... I don't care. You shoot a GUN. It has bullets. I don't need to know when it was made, the model of it and how it fits in your hand. I need to know if it's a pistol or a rifle, simply because I know how each shoots. The caliber of the gun might be good to know, because that indicates the damage the gun might inflict as well as being automatic or semi-automatic. However I really don't like hearing a paragraph about how this gun makes you feel _______ (fill in the blank). I've read a couple other books that go into some really deep detail about the weapons used, and yes, they were written by men too. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying, I can tell the difference. Moving on...
I was able to tell through this book (which was much shorter than the first) that Mr. Romyn's knowledge of Norse Mythology was not as well versed as his knowledge of Greek Mythology, which leads me to wonder why Norse Mythology was used. There were so many other ways the book could have gone, interspersing the Norse Mythology within the story, given the superstitions and Celtic/Pagan Beliefs of the time. Instead, some token comments were made, and had people in the book not mentioned certain things that were indicative of the time and beliefs, you wouldn't have a clue Norse Mythology was even the back drop for the story.
The ending, for me, was a shocker. At first I just sat there, going, "no way". Then after thinking on it, it made sense to me. The "series" seems pretty much finished by the end of this book though. So, I'm wondering why they're marketed as a "series" instead of just "Books 1 & 2" but I'm not the author nor am I the publisher. Unless of course, there's more coming, and I'm thrilled if there are. I just hope the setting under which they're suppose to be has as much detail as the first book, rather than the second book. When you're talking Mythology of any kind, and intertwining it in a story, really put it in there, don't just stick your toe in the water and find it's too cold to jump in all way. If more research is needed, then do it. If you can't get the characters to meld in that time frame, you another time frame. But don't let the book and story suffer because there just isn't enough meat to go with the potatoes.
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks (Because I really liked the ending.)
Author: Luke Romyn
Genre: Historical/Sci-Fi/Mystery
Slaves of Valhalla leaves off directly where Beyond Hades leaves off.... kinda. ;) We still have Greek Mythology, however Norse Mythology is now added as well. The characters are as loveable/laughable as they were in the first book. The ability to laugh and cry in five minutes while reading, is a major feat.
As a woman, in both books I can tell, Mr. Romyn was a "Mr." and not a "Ms.". As I've said before, I do not read the name of the author until I'm finished reading the book. In my Kindles I have books listed by NAME only. I find a title I like, and start reading. Mr. Romyn seems to really like his guns and toys. He really goes into some detail about all the guns and toys, names, makes, models, etc. I mean, in some cases that's necessary. But to the layman... I don't care. You shoot a GUN. It has bullets. I don't need to know when it was made, the model of it and how it fits in your hand. I need to know if it's a pistol or a rifle, simply because I know how each shoots. The caliber of the gun might be good to know, because that indicates the damage the gun might inflict as well as being automatic or semi-automatic. However I really don't like hearing a paragraph about how this gun makes you feel _______ (fill in the blank). I've read a couple other books that go into some really deep detail about the weapons used, and yes, they were written by men too. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying, I can tell the difference. Moving on...
I was able to tell through this book (which was much shorter than the first) that Mr. Romyn's knowledge of Norse Mythology was not as well versed as his knowledge of Greek Mythology, which leads me to wonder why Norse Mythology was used. There were so many other ways the book could have gone, interspersing the Norse Mythology within the story, given the superstitions and Celtic/Pagan Beliefs of the time. Instead, some token comments were made, and had people in the book not mentioned certain things that were indicative of the time and beliefs, you wouldn't have a clue Norse Mythology was even the back drop for the story.
The ending, for me, was a shocker. At first I just sat there, going, "no way". Then after thinking on it, it made sense to me. The "series" seems pretty much finished by the end of this book though. So, I'm wondering why they're marketed as a "series" instead of just "Books 1 & 2" but I'm not the author nor am I the publisher. Unless of course, there's more coming, and I'm thrilled if there are. I just hope the setting under which they're suppose to be has as much detail as the first book, rather than the second book. When you're talking Mythology of any kind, and intertwining it in a story, really put it in there, don't just stick your toe in the water and find it's too cold to jump in all way. If more research is needed, then do it. If you can't get the characters to meld in that time frame, you another time frame. But don't let the book and story suffer because there just isn't enough meat to go with the potatoes.
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks (Because I really liked the ending.)
Book Review: Beyond Hades (The Prometheus Wars- Book 1) by Luke Romyn
Book Title: Beyond Hades (The Prometheus Wars - Book 1)
Author: Luke Romyn
Genre: Sci-Fi/Historical/Mystery
This was yet another Indie Freebie. I'm so glad there are so many independent authors finding their way into my Kindle! I'm getting to read MANY different authors and MANY different genres, though I'm sure in the "genre" category it doesn't seem like it on the blog. LOL
I really liked this book.. REALLY liked this book. The characters, wow... The characters are interesting, deeply thought out, funny and inspiring. The bad guys... well, they are GREAT bad guys! Luke Romyn has taken Greek Mythology, a bloke from Australia and a Paleontologist and made a fast paced, emotion packed, rollercoaster ride! Then on top of that, you also get a lesson in history. I LOVE BOOKS THAT DO THIS!
This is a unique book, in many senses of the word. I mean, what would you do if you met Prometheus? How about Zeus? Hades himself? Are they even real? Could our own government know of an existence beyond where they DO exist? Such an intriguing book I had to immediately buy the second book in the series! So, first one's free... second one I actually paid for. I think those that like Greek Mythology, mysteries, and a ticking time clock you have to beat, this is definitely a good read for you!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Luke Romyn
Genre: Sci-Fi/Historical/Mystery
This was yet another Indie Freebie. I'm so glad there are so many independent authors finding their way into my Kindle! I'm getting to read MANY different authors and MANY different genres, though I'm sure in the "genre" category it doesn't seem like it on the blog. LOL
I really liked this book.. REALLY liked this book. The characters, wow... The characters are interesting, deeply thought out, funny and inspiring. The bad guys... well, they are GREAT bad guys! Luke Romyn has taken Greek Mythology, a bloke from Australia and a Paleontologist and made a fast paced, emotion packed, rollercoaster ride! Then on top of that, you also get a lesson in history. I LOVE BOOKS THAT DO THIS!
This is a unique book, in many senses of the word. I mean, what would you do if you met Prometheus? How about Zeus? Hades himself? Are they even real? Could our own government know of an existence beyond where they DO exist? Such an intriguing book I had to immediately buy the second book in the series! So, first one's free... second one I actually paid for. I think those that like Greek Mythology, mysteries, and a ticking time clock you have to beat, this is definitely a good read for you!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Book Review: On the Edge of Humanity by S. B. Alexander
Book Title: On the Edge of Humanity (a Vampire SEAL novel)
Author: S. B. Alexander
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/Mystery/Action/Young Adult
I read the title "A vampire SEAL novel" and thought "gimme a break". Since this was a Freebie from Book Basset, I figured I'd read it just because it gave me something to do.
Josaphine "Jo" and Sam Mason who are fraternal twins, have been in the Foster Care system for years. Their Mother died and their alcoholic father abandoned them. Jo is shy, with beautiful silver eyes, flawless skin and shiny hair. Sam has girls fawning all over him, but he sees nothing but baseball and trouble, usually because he's protecting his sister. She is always being picked on by one person or another, and he has the wrap sheet to prove it.
At their latest Foster Home, Jo is pretty much seen as a "slave" to the "foster mom" so she can go out, or sew or whatever. Her "foster father" has already tried one time to molest her in the short time they've been there, but his wife walked in and nothing happened. Tonight feels different though. She's looking for something to protect herself, because Sam isn't home from baseball practice yet, and finds a wine opener. She pricks her finger trying to see if it's sharp enough to cause harm. She sticks her bleeding finger in her mouth and finds that it tastes like watermelon candy. That freaks her out a bit, but it doesn't stop her from going to her room. As she's getting ready to go to sleep Cliff, her "foster father" enters, drunk, smelly, and tells her she's not getting away this time. Her fear level is spiking, and she tries to protect herself, but it doesn't work, he has a knife and he's using it. In comes her brother, bat at the ready. Cliff puts the knife to his beautiful sister's face, and tells him not to do it, she'd be scarred for life. He does, and Jo has a slash on her face. She and Sam both end up with Cliff's blood all over them and in their mouths. Then she blacks out from the amount of blood she's lost from her stab wounds.
The story from here, gets frenetic at times! Sam and Jo must escape the hospital because for some reason, there's some big burly guy with FANGS chasing them. When back at school some military people show up, they bring Jo to the office to talk to them, but Sam's missing. This is when Jo finds out the truth. She's a vampire going through "adolescence." As it's explained to her, she's also told her father is a member of an elite SEAL team, the same one they're members of, and her father disappeared around the time Jo was attacked.
And now we know how the SEALS are involved... kinda. To get the rest of this intriguing story, you'll have to read it. I'm gladly looking for the second installment. This one had me on the edge of my seat, a lot. But we also find, Jo isn't as powerless as she thinks she is. There were a few strings left hanging at the end of this book and I hope they're covered in the next book... I also hope Sam's best friend and Jo's savior, finds a way to become part of the team he's been wanting to be on since he was a kid. He deserves it. Thank you S. B. Alexander for an entertaining read that left me wanting to see someone serve justice by a Father's Love, and for leaving us some very interesting things to think about for the next book in the series!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: S. B. Alexander
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/Mystery/Action/Young Adult
I read the title "A vampire SEAL novel" and thought "gimme a break". Since this was a Freebie from Book Basset, I figured I'd read it just because it gave me something to do.
Josaphine "Jo" and Sam Mason who are fraternal twins, have been in the Foster Care system for years. Their Mother died and their alcoholic father abandoned them. Jo is shy, with beautiful silver eyes, flawless skin and shiny hair. Sam has girls fawning all over him, but he sees nothing but baseball and trouble, usually because he's protecting his sister. She is always being picked on by one person or another, and he has the wrap sheet to prove it.
At their latest Foster Home, Jo is pretty much seen as a "slave" to the "foster mom" so she can go out, or sew or whatever. Her "foster father" has already tried one time to molest her in the short time they've been there, but his wife walked in and nothing happened. Tonight feels different though. She's looking for something to protect herself, because Sam isn't home from baseball practice yet, and finds a wine opener. She pricks her finger trying to see if it's sharp enough to cause harm. She sticks her bleeding finger in her mouth and finds that it tastes like watermelon candy. That freaks her out a bit, but it doesn't stop her from going to her room. As she's getting ready to go to sleep Cliff, her "foster father" enters, drunk, smelly, and tells her she's not getting away this time. Her fear level is spiking, and she tries to protect herself, but it doesn't work, he has a knife and he's using it. In comes her brother, bat at the ready. Cliff puts the knife to his beautiful sister's face, and tells him not to do it, she'd be scarred for life. He does, and Jo has a slash on her face. She and Sam both end up with Cliff's blood all over them and in their mouths. Then she blacks out from the amount of blood she's lost from her stab wounds.
The story from here, gets frenetic at times! Sam and Jo must escape the hospital because for some reason, there's some big burly guy with FANGS chasing them. When back at school some military people show up, they bring Jo to the office to talk to them, but Sam's missing. This is when Jo finds out the truth. She's a vampire going through "adolescence." As it's explained to her, she's also told her father is a member of an elite SEAL team, the same one they're members of, and her father disappeared around the time Jo was attacked.
And now we know how the SEALS are involved... kinda. To get the rest of this intriguing story, you'll have to read it. I'm gladly looking for the second installment. This one had me on the edge of my seat, a lot. But we also find, Jo isn't as powerless as she thinks she is. There were a few strings left hanging at the end of this book and I hope they're covered in the next book... I also hope Sam's best friend and Jo's savior, finds a way to become part of the team he's been wanting to be on since he was a kid. He deserves it. Thank you S. B. Alexander for an entertaining read that left me wanting to see someone serve justice by a Father's Love, and for leaving us some very interesting things to think about for the next book in the series!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: The Bite That Binds by Suzanne Wright
Book Title: The Bite That Binds (The Deep In Your Veins Series)
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
The war is over. Jared, being The Heir, as well as Co-Commander of a Legion of the best army of vampires, has decided to change his ways and in a move so uncharacteristic of him, laid a claim, loudly, visually and without regard to the outcome. Even if he can no longer be The Heir to the "vampire throne". All for the love he never thought he could never feel for someone.
She took him by surprise. Never before did someone NOT fall at his feet, begging to be "The Heir's Consort". Never before has his authority been questioned. Never before has he gotten so angry, yet so excited in the same breath. Never before was he so scared to loose anyone as much as his brother, or Antonio. All he can think about, is her.
Sam doesn't take much. She's a born fighter. She had to be, in order to survive, let alone become a member of the Legion, and now, prove she is worthy of a love like she's found, because she's a Svente, the weakest vampire in the vampire world. Regardless of her standing within the Legion or even with the Grand High Vampire, Antonio, she must fight and claw to constantly prove she's worthy to go through a binding ceremony to a vampire of higher status.
Dreams... Sam keeps having the same dreams... over and over again. Waking up in her living room. She's informed there is a Svente gift known as "dream walking", and because of who she is, someone may be reaching out to her for help. The Legion Squad she Co-Commands is sent to investigate, and yes, something is terribly wrong. Vampires are being used as medical experiments. The squad gets in, and talks to the Svente who sent for Sam. Then, while fighting Sam is hit, and someone says, "You'll be glad we did it." And they leave. Just when Sam needs her gifts the most, they go on the blink. No one is sure what they did to Sam. All Sam knows, is it hurt.
There are other stories going on as well... Suzanne Wright has added to her first book, "He Be Sexist Vampires", and expounded on what she's already created and made it better than it was. Impressive. The first book had me happy at the ending, this book had me feeling fear, anger, happiness. I laughed, I cried... and it takes a damn good author to take you through a story and make you FEEL what the characters are feeling. To be able to write so well that you're literally in the room watching and feeling the density of the air with the characters.
Sam is an extraordinary character, and I can't wait to read more about her exploits! Write on Suzanne, WRITE ON!!!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
The war is over. Jared, being The Heir, as well as Co-Commander of a Legion of the best army of vampires, has decided to change his ways and in a move so uncharacteristic of him, laid a claim, loudly, visually and without regard to the outcome. Even if he can no longer be The Heir to the "vampire throne". All for the love he never thought he could never feel for someone.
She took him by surprise. Never before did someone NOT fall at his feet, begging to be "The Heir's Consort". Never before has his authority been questioned. Never before has he gotten so angry, yet so excited in the same breath. Never before was he so scared to loose anyone as much as his brother, or Antonio. All he can think about, is her.
Sam doesn't take much. She's a born fighter. She had to be, in order to survive, let alone become a member of the Legion, and now, prove she is worthy of a love like she's found, because she's a Svente, the weakest vampire in the vampire world. Regardless of her standing within the Legion or even with the Grand High Vampire, Antonio, she must fight and claw to constantly prove she's worthy to go through a binding ceremony to a vampire of higher status.
Dreams... Sam keeps having the same dreams... over and over again. Waking up in her living room. She's informed there is a Svente gift known as "dream walking", and because of who she is, someone may be reaching out to her for help. The Legion Squad she Co-Commands is sent to investigate, and yes, something is terribly wrong. Vampires are being used as medical experiments. The squad gets in, and talks to the Svente who sent for Sam. Then, while fighting Sam is hit, and someone says, "You'll be glad we did it." And they leave. Just when Sam needs her gifts the most, they go on the blink. No one is sure what they did to Sam. All Sam knows, is it hurt.
There are other stories going on as well... Suzanne Wright has added to her first book, "He Be Sexist Vampires", and expounded on what she's already created and made it better than it was. Impressive. The first book had me happy at the ending, this book had me feeling fear, anger, happiness. I laughed, I cried... and it takes a damn good author to take you through a story and make you FEEL what the characters are feeling. To be able to write so well that you're literally in the room watching and feeling the density of the air with the characters.
Sam is an extraordinary character, and I can't wait to read more about her exploits! Write on Suzanne, WRITE ON!!!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: Here Be Sexist Vampires
Book Title: Here Be Sexist Vampires (The Deep In Your Veins Series)
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
I was nicely surprised by this book, and I now will concede there are a million and one ways to write about vampires and werewolves and all other things preternatural, and not write about the same thing twice. Unless, of course you're talking about what essentially MAKES them a vampire, the consumption of blood.
Suzanne Wright has written us a world where there are three breeds of vampire. Each vampire is "born" with a "gift" or preternatural ability. Some of these "gifts" are breed specific. There are some very, very rare "gifts" that happen so infrequently people are simply astounded by them and are willing to do anything to have control over the vampire who has such "gifts", if control is possible.
The breeds ; Pagori, are the strongest in physicality and they're gifts as well as the breed are considered Superior in the order of things. They are, however, prone to strong blood lust that can, at times, be uncontrolable. Keja are the second strongest in physicality and are the basis for where the belief that vampires can "glamor" someone with their looks come from, as they are quite ethereal and beautiful. They too suffer from having a rather strong blood lust, yet not as strong as the Pagori. Then we have the Svente, who are regarded as the weakest, not as "pretty" and they aren't even blessed with fangs. The things they have in their corner are that they are the most agile and they have the most controllable blood lust.
The story begins with a young Svente Vampire, both in human and vampire years. Her sire is abusive, going as far as having her watch him kill small children if she does not do what he wants her to, including being his consort. He's cruel and vindictive, he has her guarded day and night and users her to fight while he gambles on her, knowing she will win. She inherited the "gift" of being a "feeder" when he turned her. This means, she can at will take the energy from the Earth or from those around her and bend them to her whim. This is usually a Pagori gift, a very, VERY rare gift, and most who have it, die from it because they cannot control the amount of energy they wield. Samantha "Sam", can control it without difficulty, and because of the way she was turned, the way her sire uses her and the way she chooses to deal with life as a fighter, rather than a victim, she's learned to control what she can, which is her "gift", and she learned that quickly.
As she's coming home from the market one day, she smells a vampire she doesn't know in her house. Yet her sire's guards don't seem to have a problem with whoever it is, so she doesn't say anything. She then meets Sebastian, a Master Vampire, and personal assistant to the Grand High Vampire and Leader of all things Vampire, Antonio. He offers her the chance to try-out to join Antiono's elite Legion, his "Personal Army", who not only serve to protect Antonio, but does his bidding as well, when someone breaks the rules/laws. Sam explains that her sire would never let her go, and Sebastian explains that he's watched her for some time, and that if she were to make it into the Legion, her sire would have nothing to say about it because Antonio "trumps" her sire. She figures, what harm could it do, and she'll be back before her sire even knows it.
The try outs include several Pagori and Keja males, at which time she's told that there are NO females in the Legion let alone SVENTE! The commanders include three people Jared is the one charge and he puts her down and tries to talk her out of trying out, as do the other men who are also trying out. She continues on, persistent to show them not to take her lightly. The fighter in her is coming out. She's strong willed and knows her agility out performs the breeds. She's very smart and her unique ability as a "feeder" will help her. Then she smells blood. Lots of different kinds of blood. She has no problem smelling them and controlling her blood lust, but the Pagori's eyes are glowing, their fangs are distending. The Keja's are a little better. Some vampires are falling already. The second test is speed. She's not the fastest, but she passes the second test, with flying colors. The third test is to use their powers in a duel. This is where they find, she's a "feeder". She's SURE she's made it to the Legion. When she finds Jared and the other commanders have not accepted her. She gets angry and tries to leave, when Antonio calls her to him and she is appointed as Co-Commander to Jared's new Legion. There is a war coming and he thinks with her special abilities the new trainees need to use their powers quicker and better, before all hell breaks loose.
And thus begins the relationship and the saying "here be sexist vampires"!
The story is compelling and I found myself smiling, laughing, and really liking all but a couple people. I liked the book so much I finished and bought the second book in the series and finished that right away. I loved the gullibility of the characters, and the way each play off each other. I loved the genuine character flaws, the way the feelings of "gifts" being used, and the way this particular world of the vampire was imagined.
Also, the writer of the story is from the UK, and Sam is written as being from the UK whereas others in the book are written as being from other places, like California. I adored the fact that Sam is written as a British Character and Jared, being a Californian didn't use the same colloquialisms that Sam did, though there were a couple places where, being a California Native myself, I can tell the writing was off a little, for the most part, Suzanne did a wonderful job! Everyone has the correct use of language for their ethnicity and for the part of the world they come from, be it the UK, the US, Greece, etc. It was nice to have someone write a book with that in mind. I also enjoyed and learned a few bits of UK slang, I didn't know before! LOL
I truly look forward to more books in this series.
4.5 bookmarks out of 5
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
I was nicely surprised by this book, and I now will concede there are a million and one ways to write about vampires and werewolves and all other things preternatural, and not write about the same thing twice. Unless, of course you're talking about what essentially MAKES them a vampire, the consumption of blood.
Suzanne Wright has written us a world where there are three breeds of vampire. Each vampire is "born" with a "gift" or preternatural ability. Some of these "gifts" are breed specific. There are some very, very rare "gifts" that happen so infrequently people are simply astounded by them and are willing to do anything to have control over the vampire who has such "gifts", if control is possible.
The breeds ; Pagori, are the strongest in physicality and they're gifts as well as the breed are considered Superior in the order of things. They are, however, prone to strong blood lust that can, at times, be uncontrolable. Keja are the second strongest in physicality and are the basis for where the belief that vampires can "glamor" someone with their looks come from, as they are quite ethereal and beautiful. They too suffer from having a rather strong blood lust, yet not as strong as the Pagori. Then we have the Svente, who are regarded as the weakest, not as "pretty" and they aren't even blessed with fangs. The things they have in their corner are that they are the most agile and they have the most controllable blood lust.
The story begins with a young Svente Vampire, both in human and vampire years. Her sire is abusive, going as far as having her watch him kill small children if she does not do what he wants her to, including being his consort. He's cruel and vindictive, he has her guarded day and night and users her to fight while he gambles on her, knowing she will win. She inherited the "gift" of being a "feeder" when he turned her. This means, she can at will take the energy from the Earth or from those around her and bend them to her whim. This is usually a Pagori gift, a very, VERY rare gift, and most who have it, die from it because they cannot control the amount of energy they wield. Samantha "Sam", can control it without difficulty, and because of the way she was turned, the way her sire uses her and the way she chooses to deal with life as a fighter, rather than a victim, she's learned to control what she can, which is her "gift", and she learned that quickly.
As she's coming home from the market one day, she smells a vampire she doesn't know in her house. Yet her sire's guards don't seem to have a problem with whoever it is, so she doesn't say anything. She then meets Sebastian, a Master Vampire, and personal assistant to the Grand High Vampire and Leader of all things Vampire, Antonio. He offers her the chance to try-out to join Antiono's elite Legion, his "Personal Army", who not only serve to protect Antonio, but does his bidding as well, when someone breaks the rules/laws. Sam explains that her sire would never let her go, and Sebastian explains that he's watched her for some time, and that if she were to make it into the Legion, her sire would have nothing to say about it because Antonio "trumps" her sire. She figures, what harm could it do, and she'll be back before her sire even knows it.
The try outs include several Pagori and Keja males, at which time she's told that there are NO females in the Legion let alone SVENTE! The commanders include three people Jared is the one charge and he puts her down and tries to talk her out of trying out, as do the other men who are also trying out. She continues on, persistent to show them not to take her lightly. The fighter in her is coming out. She's strong willed and knows her agility out performs the breeds. She's very smart and her unique ability as a "feeder" will help her. Then she smells blood. Lots of different kinds of blood. She has no problem smelling them and controlling her blood lust, but the Pagori's eyes are glowing, their fangs are distending. The Keja's are a little better. Some vampires are falling already. The second test is speed. She's not the fastest, but she passes the second test, with flying colors. The third test is to use their powers in a duel. This is where they find, she's a "feeder". She's SURE she's made it to the Legion. When she finds Jared and the other commanders have not accepted her. She gets angry and tries to leave, when Antonio calls her to him and she is appointed as Co-Commander to Jared's new Legion. There is a war coming and he thinks with her special abilities the new trainees need to use their powers quicker and better, before all hell breaks loose.
And thus begins the relationship and the saying "here be sexist vampires"!
The story is compelling and I found myself smiling, laughing, and really liking all but a couple people. I liked the book so much I finished and bought the second book in the series and finished that right away. I loved the gullibility of the characters, and the way each play off each other. I loved the genuine character flaws, the way the feelings of "gifts" being used, and the way this particular world of the vampire was imagined.
Also, the writer of the story is from the UK, and Sam is written as being from the UK whereas others in the book are written as being from other places, like California. I adored the fact that Sam is written as a British Character and Jared, being a Californian didn't use the same colloquialisms that Sam did, though there were a couple places where, being a California Native myself, I can tell the writing was off a little, for the most part, Suzanne did a wonderful job! Everyone has the correct use of language for their ethnicity and for the part of the world they come from, be it the UK, the US, Greece, etc. It was nice to have someone write a book with that in mind. I also enjoyed and learned a few bits of UK slang, I didn't know before! LOL
I truly look forward to more books in this series.
4.5 bookmarks out of 5
Book Review: The Warrior's Bride by Gerri Russell
Book Title: The Warrior's Bride (The Stone of Destiny Series)
Author: Gerri Russell
Genre: Historical Romance
First and foremost.. yes be stunned... it's not vampires or werewolves!
OK, After reading this book, I actually had to think a couple days about what I wanted to writet in this review. This is one reason why, when I read a book or books, I have a nice spiral notebook next to me and/or I make notes in my Kindle at certain spots to go back and look at things to remind me about what point I wanted to think about. As I took my notes I thought about the story in and of itself. I thought about the historical aspect of it. I thought about the way people spoke in the time that the story is suppose to take place and more importantly WHERE. I thought about the beliefs of people in this particular time frame and whether or not what was going on was plausible. Because if it's not plausible, your story isn't quite believable then, is it?
Being of what I believe to be an Irish/Scottish heritage (I say "believe to be" because I'm adopted and that's what's on my birth certificate. My Birth Mother is also adopted and therefore, hers says the same thing!) Lending to my belief is the superficiality of my red hair, temper and just a connection I feel with anything Irish or Scottish. Therefore, I read a lot about Scotland, it's history and Ireland and it's history. I'm pulled especially towards Scottish things. I even have a Celtic Knot-work tattoo on my leg that one of my daughters designed for me, as it includes artwork that each of them have on their backs. So, when I read the summary of this book, I was really relishing the thought of reading another great Scottish history love story.
I have a few authors I adore. But I really love Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series. I say this for a specific reason. In her books, the way she does her historical research, she literally brings history to life entwining it with her ability to tell a fictional story of love and loss, while giving you the impression of being there, listening to... again listening to SOMEONE SPEAKING WITH A SCOTTISH LILT! The certain way that "R's" are rolled... the cadence of the speech pattern. The actions of those towards someone who is of a higher station of life than themselves.
As I read this story by Gerri Russell, I learned that not everyone can tell a story like Diana. I also realized, the stereo-typical way that someone can write about some who they're trying to claim is Scottish, but so obviously not. Why do I say this? This author used the phrase "aye" to a fault. Like that's the only real Scottish word that mattered and proved the subjects of the story were Scotch. OK... Let's get over my feelings about this and get to the meat and potatoes.. the story.
The story is begins on the Island of St. Kilda. The King has taken his bride and locked her in a tower, just waiting for her to die, but with their marriage, the greedy sod was given ownership of things her family gave as part of a dowry. This "King", however, knows she's a "seer", she uses a stone and can see things that are yet to happen. She still has her stone when she's thrown into the tower. What the King doesn't know, is she's pregnant. She gives birth to a little girl, but as the wife continues to use the stone, simply to escape her entrapment in the tower, she goes insane. Her daughter therefore thinks that using the stone will cause her pain and suffering. After her mother's death, she's given to a local family as their slave. Now dear reader, you've just walked into your own "Scottish version" of the Cinderella story.
One day, out of the blue, a man shows up looking for our little princess. His father, a King, who has never done anything but use him and his brother, has given and edict that his brother will come to harm if he does not marry this girl. He is not told any information about her, just her name and where she can be found. He finds her, and takes her and her only possession in life, a chicken. She's very shy, dirty, dressed in rags, etc. He gets her to the boat and makes a run for home to save his brother. He's made a deal with her that by marrying him, she has the protection of marriage without actions of marriage. He can tell she's pretty young and not wise of things marital. However, after trying to hide and convince herself (along with her chicken) to take the long boat and take her chances at open sea, she's having anxiety... it's a dark place, dark places are scary after being locked in a tower since you were born and abused by your keepers ever since. So, when she tries to make a run for it, just as dusk comes (she can't move while it's dark) our young prince, has, of course figured her out and knows where she is. She falls overboard, he dives in after her and oh my, sparks fly. One of the crew inflicts harm on her, and he gets a beat down too.
OK... she's obviously not used to sticking up for herself, or her....chicken. As life goes on, she's become fond of the prince, doesn't know why she's feeling the way she is... yada yada... you've heard this before....
They arrive at his castle and he's all the sudden VERY protective of our little dirty princess. His Consort, dressed as regally as any queen would be assumes she's just another servant and starts to order her around... gets put in her place and told our little princess is to be his wife. Jealous consort....I think you get where this is going.
It all comes down to the stone though. The Princes best friend (not even labeled his Best MATE like the Scots would call him.) is a seer too, and has a stone. Every time he uses his, his gray streak in his hair gets bigger, even though he's the same age as the prince.
There's going to be problems with both sides of the daddy's now.. the Kings are fighting over land and other things, especially the fact that the stones see the future, AND the sons are expendable as is the princess.
As in every Cinderella story, the prince and princess are together... but somehow our little quiet mouse finds the guts to one day don weapons, chainmail, and gets a horse, to save the one she now so desperately loves (who has also ditched said consort). She rides to her husband's surprise and pride and becomes 'THE WARRIOR'S BRIDE'.
There... now you don't have to read the story. I of course left out quite a bit, but with any Cinderella story, you pretty much get it. There's always going to be a little change-up here and there, especially since it's about the stones (as is indicated in the titles parenthesis') But I really found it wanting. There was really not a lot of growing time for the princess to go from quiet abused, grew up half her life locked in a tower, slave and hardly dressed properly, to grandiose seer with the guts to, while dressed in her new handmade frock fit for a princess, to go to the aid of her prince without so much as a flutter in her stomach. It was like all the sudden she became Xena Warrior Princess or something, trying to speak Scottish! "Oh Aye sir!"
Yes, love stories are all pretty much the same. But when you're trying to incorporate historical facts into your fiction, and do so in a place whose English has a very recognizable BURR and LILT to it, then at least try to treat your readers with more respect than to write a story, with the history wrong, timetable off, and your characters lacking form and actual believability. There aren't many times I get to the point where I will not continue with a series unless fundamental changes are made. This would be one of those. My reasons are simple. I'm ticked. I feel like someone took my heritage, and completely disregarded what fundamentally makes the SCOTTISH. So really... what was the point of placing the story there in the first place?
2 out of 5 bookmarks (and I'm trying to be nice after a not-so-nice review.)
Author: Gerri Russell
Genre: Historical Romance
First and foremost.. yes be stunned... it's not vampires or werewolves!
OK, After reading this book, I actually had to think a couple days about what I wanted to writet in this review. This is one reason why, when I read a book or books, I have a nice spiral notebook next to me and/or I make notes in my Kindle at certain spots to go back and look at things to remind me about what point I wanted to think about. As I took my notes I thought about the story in and of itself. I thought about the historical aspect of it. I thought about the way people spoke in the time that the story is suppose to take place and more importantly WHERE. I thought about the beliefs of people in this particular time frame and whether or not what was going on was plausible. Because if it's not plausible, your story isn't quite believable then, is it?
Being of what I believe to be an Irish/Scottish heritage (I say "believe to be" because I'm adopted and that's what's on my birth certificate. My Birth Mother is also adopted and therefore, hers says the same thing!) Lending to my belief is the superficiality of my red hair, temper and just a connection I feel with anything Irish or Scottish. Therefore, I read a lot about Scotland, it's history and Ireland and it's history. I'm pulled especially towards Scottish things. I even have a Celtic Knot-work tattoo on my leg that one of my daughters designed for me, as it includes artwork that each of them have on their backs. So, when I read the summary of this book, I was really relishing the thought of reading another great Scottish history love story.
I have a few authors I adore. But I really love Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series. I say this for a specific reason. In her books, the way she does her historical research, she literally brings history to life entwining it with her ability to tell a fictional story of love and loss, while giving you the impression of being there, listening to... again listening to SOMEONE SPEAKING WITH A SCOTTISH LILT! The certain way that "R's" are rolled... the cadence of the speech pattern. The actions of those towards someone who is of a higher station of life than themselves.
As I read this story by Gerri Russell, I learned that not everyone can tell a story like Diana. I also realized, the stereo-typical way that someone can write about some who they're trying to claim is Scottish, but so obviously not. Why do I say this? This author used the phrase "aye" to a fault. Like that's the only real Scottish word that mattered and proved the subjects of the story were Scotch. OK... Let's get over my feelings about this and get to the meat and potatoes.. the story.
The story is begins on the Island of St. Kilda. The King has taken his bride and locked her in a tower, just waiting for her to die, but with their marriage, the greedy sod was given ownership of things her family gave as part of a dowry. This "King", however, knows she's a "seer", she uses a stone and can see things that are yet to happen. She still has her stone when she's thrown into the tower. What the King doesn't know, is she's pregnant. She gives birth to a little girl, but as the wife continues to use the stone, simply to escape her entrapment in the tower, she goes insane. Her daughter therefore thinks that using the stone will cause her pain and suffering. After her mother's death, she's given to a local family as their slave. Now dear reader, you've just walked into your own "Scottish version" of the Cinderella story.
One day, out of the blue, a man shows up looking for our little princess. His father, a King, who has never done anything but use him and his brother, has given and edict that his brother will come to harm if he does not marry this girl. He is not told any information about her, just her name and where she can be found. He finds her, and takes her and her only possession in life, a chicken. She's very shy, dirty, dressed in rags, etc. He gets her to the boat and makes a run for home to save his brother. He's made a deal with her that by marrying him, she has the protection of marriage without actions of marriage. He can tell she's pretty young and not wise of things marital. However, after trying to hide and convince herself (along with her chicken) to take the long boat and take her chances at open sea, she's having anxiety... it's a dark place, dark places are scary after being locked in a tower since you were born and abused by your keepers ever since. So, when she tries to make a run for it, just as dusk comes (she can't move while it's dark) our young prince, has, of course figured her out and knows where she is. She falls overboard, he dives in after her and oh my, sparks fly. One of the crew inflicts harm on her, and he gets a beat down too.
OK... she's obviously not used to sticking up for herself, or her....chicken. As life goes on, she's become fond of the prince, doesn't know why she's feeling the way she is... yada yada... you've heard this before....
They arrive at his castle and he's all the sudden VERY protective of our little dirty princess. His Consort, dressed as regally as any queen would be assumes she's just another servant and starts to order her around... gets put in her place and told our little princess is to be his wife. Jealous consort....I think you get where this is going.
It all comes down to the stone though. The Princes best friend (not even labeled his Best MATE like the Scots would call him.) is a seer too, and has a stone. Every time he uses his, his gray streak in his hair gets bigger, even though he's the same age as the prince.
There's going to be problems with both sides of the daddy's now.. the Kings are fighting over land and other things, especially the fact that the stones see the future, AND the sons are expendable as is the princess.
As in every Cinderella story, the prince and princess are together... but somehow our little quiet mouse finds the guts to one day don weapons, chainmail, and gets a horse, to save the one she now so desperately loves (who has also ditched said consort). She rides to her husband's surprise and pride and becomes 'THE WARRIOR'S BRIDE'.
There... now you don't have to read the story. I of course left out quite a bit, but with any Cinderella story, you pretty much get it. There's always going to be a little change-up here and there, especially since it's about the stones (as is indicated in the titles parenthesis') But I really found it wanting. There was really not a lot of growing time for the princess to go from quiet abused, grew up half her life locked in a tower, slave and hardly dressed properly, to grandiose seer with the guts to, while dressed in her new handmade frock fit for a princess, to go to the aid of her prince without so much as a flutter in her stomach. It was like all the sudden she became Xena Warrior Princess or something, trying to speak Scottish! "Oh Aye sir!"
Yes, love stories are all pretty much the same. But when you're trying to incorporate historical facts into your fiction, and do so in a place whose English has a very recognizable BURR and LILT to it, then at least try to treat your readers with more respect than to write a story, with the history wrong, timetable off, and your characters lacking form and actual believability. There aren't many times I get to the point where I will not continue with a series unless fundamental changes are made. This would be one of those. My reasons are simple. I'm ticked. I feel like someone took my heritage, and completely disregarded what fundamentally makes the SCOTTISH. So really... what was the point of placing the story there in the first place?
2 out of 5 bookmarks (and I'm trying to be nice after a not-so-nice review.)
Book Review: Renegade by Donna Boyd
Book Title: Renegade (The Devoncroix Dynasty)
Author: Donna Boyd
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal
What a different read! I was explaining the back-story of the plot to my husband when the "oh please not another werewolf or vampire story" look came across his face once the word "werewolf" escaped my lips.
But, as I went on his interest was piqued. (That or his back hurt him from adding some stuff to our deck!) When I told him about twists and turns that this book was taking, along with the back-story, I got to the ending and the one thing slapping ME in the face was "always treat others like you'd like to be treated." He just smiled and said, "I'm glad you like your books dear." MEN.
The premise for the werewolves is also a "out-of-the-box" thought process. Actually making you second guess some things as actually plausible. This author takes us all over the world through time, giving an account of the species. Explaining how historically werewolves have impacted human life. The way the author has intertwined history into this book was outstanding. The characters are very cool as well. I loved the way it was told through the eyes of someone that was not normally accepted into the world the werewolves made for themselves.
I also really like when someone can throw actual historic occurrences into a book flawlessly incorporating them into their own fictionalized story, making for a more believable work of fiction. This shows, to me, how well thought out the author is, before even writing the first word.
I really enjoyed this book and at the end hoped there was more... that's why I love the word "series".
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Donna Boyd
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal
What a different read! I was explaining the back-story of the plot to my husband when the "oh please not another werewolf or vampire story" look came across his face once the word "werewolf" escaped my lips.
But, as I went on his interest was piqued. (That or his back hurt him from adding some stuff to our deck!) When I told him about twists and turns that this book was taking, along with the back-story, I got to the ending and the one thing slapping ME in the face was "always treat others like you'd like to be treated." He just smiled and said, "I'm glad you like your books dear." MEN.
The premise for the werewolves is also a "out-of-the-box" thought process. Actually making you second guess some things as actually plausible. This author takes us all over the world through time, giving an account of the species. Explaining how historically werewolves have impacted human life. The way the author has intertwined history into this book was outstanding. The characters are very cool as well. I loved the way it was told through the eyes of someone that was not normally accepted into the world the werewolves made for themselves.
I also really like when someone can throw actual historic occurrences into a book flawlessly incorporating them into their own fictionalized story, making for a more believable work of fiction. This shows, to me, how well thought out the author is, before even writing the first word.
I really enjoyed this book and at the end hoped there was more... that's why I love the word "series".
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: Blood Family by Mark Knight
Book Title: Blood Family
Author: Mark Knight
Genre: Young Adult/Supernatural/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
Yes, ANOTHER Vamp Book! ;)
I got this one because the main character was on a quest to save his biological mother, after finding out that he's adopted.
It was a fast paced, interesting new take on what a vampire really is. How they really work and what they're really like. (By this author's version.) I'm so happy to find yet another unique take on the vampire.
The story leads us through personal tragedy and takes us to several different continents, searching for the "key" to Daniel's "Blood Family". It's fun and faster when we meet a paranormal investigator/Vampire Hunter trying to fill her father's shoes and avenge the death of her parents.
This was a good book with a good cliffhanger. I think the target audience will truly enjoy this, there are no scenes that are too graphic for the target audience either.
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Mark Knight
Genre: Young Adult/Supernatural/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
Yes, ANOTHER Vamp Book! ;)
I got this one because the main character was on a quest to save his biological mother, after finding out that he's adopted.
It was a fast paced, interesting new take on what a vampire really is. How they really work and what they're really like. (By this author's version.) I'm so happy to find yet another unique take on the vampire.
The story leads us through personal tragedy and takes us to several different continents, searching for the "key" to Daniel's "Blood Family". It's fun and faster when we meet a paranormal investigator/Vampire Hunter trying to fill her father's shoes and avenge the death of her parents.
This was a good book with a good cliffhanger. I think the target audience will truly enjoy this, there are no scenes that are too graphic for the target audience either.
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: The River by Cheryl Kaye Tardiff
Book Title: The River
Author: Cheryl Kaye Tardiff
Genre: Sci-Fi
I read the summary for this book and hoped it was as good as it sounded, since, as I'm sure you've noticed I seem to want to read Supernatural, Sci-Fi things, it can kind of repeat itself. LOL It was so much better than the summary!
In The River, we meet an anthropologist/archeologist Professor named Delila Lawrence. Her life is normal as a professor and she has her little phobias like everyone else. She has health issues as well, which is what keeps her in the classroom most of the time. Her father, Dr. Lawrence has been missing and presumed dead for many years.
Then one day, in a split second, everything changes.
The characters in this book are mindblowingly believable, likeable, hateable and in some ways, just simply disgusting. You easily relate to them and grow attached very quickly.
The setting is a Canadian National Park and is beautifully described by the author. You can close your eyes and visualize it.
The mystery evolves, and suspense get deeper and you become so engrossed in the book and it's quick movement, that you just simply don't want to put it down.
THERE ARE SO MANY QUESTIONS LEFT UNANSWERED!!!! I looked and looked for a second book, hoping these questions would get answered. But, I just can't find anything. If YOU do, please let me know... I'd love to find out what happened to the characters whose lives were just... left to the imagination! I really do hope there is another book though.
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Cheryl Kaye Tardiff
Genre: Sci-Fi
I read the summary for this book and hoped it was as good as it sounded, since, as I'm sure you've noticed I seem to want to read Supernatural, Sci-Fi things, it can kind of repeat itself. LOL It was so much better than the summary!
In The River, we meet an anthropologist/archeologist Professor named Delila Lawrence. Her life is normal as a professor and she has her little phobias like everyone else. She has health issues as well, which is what keeps her in the classroom most of the time. Her father, Dr. Lawrence has been missing and presumed dead for many years.
Then one day, in a split second, everything changes.
The characters in this book are mindblowingly believable, likeable, hateable and in some ways, just simply disgusting. You easily relate to them and grow attached very quickly.
The setting is a Canadian National Park and is beautifully described by the author. You can close your eyes and visualize it.
The mystery evolves, and suspense get deeper and you become so engrossed in the book and it's quick movement, that you just simply don't want to put it down.
THERE ARE SO MANY QUESTIONS LEFT UNANSWERED!!!! I looked and looked for a second book, hoping these questions would get answered. But, I just can't find anything. If YOU do, please let me know... I'd love to find out what happened to the characters whose lives were just... left to the imagination! I really do hope there is another book though.
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Book Review: Coombe's Wood by Lisa C Hinsley
Book Title: Coombe's Wood
Author: Lisa C Hinsley
Genre: Horror/Mystery
This book begins with a date, so you can watch the dates go by, and see the time span that all of the action is taking place. I'm not one to watch those sorts of things, but there was ONE instance when I had to re-trace my steps and start at the beginning of the chapter, to note... the date. I then realized, these are important.
The summary of the story, is a widowed/remarried/divorcee mom, Lizzy, after having left her abusive husband, and lived in a shelter for some time, a one room place where she needed to share the room with her 14 year old son named Connor. They were finally awarded housing, but the social worker, in passing tells them to stay away from the woods surrounding the apartment. She does not elaborate at all.
The story moves a long quickly, taking legends and folklore and what sounds like ghost-stories being told around a campfire, but the setting is more civilized at the local pub. The unit that she is put in, is surrounded by woods, and her next door neighbor is an interesting man names "Feathers". Feathers is the one who instigating the telling of the stories at the pub.
Feathers also teaches Connor basic survival skills if she ever gets lost in the woods. Connor and another young man, adore spending time with Feathers and he becomes a father figure.
I really like the way and the plausibility in which the story unfolded. A small town can welcome you with open arms, or can shun you immediately. This time they open their arms, but there's an alternative motive. Their arriving at this place at this time, with that apartment, in that building was well executed and planned.
As the months continue to pass, the characters become closer and you finally hear the story of how Izzy ended up in the shelter. Everyone in the town, will protect her and Connor.
No matter how many times she tells her mother not to tell anyone where she's at, her mother tells someone, who tells the abusive ex-husband. And from here... I will stop. This just shows the length to which the author went into planning, down to the fine minute details, the book regarding the woods, the apartments, and the homeopathy that Feathers prides himself on.
This fast paced, story has some elements of a movie made many years ago about a fatal attraction. It also speaks to how the justice system is broken regarding those who are the victims of domestic violence and how hard it is to get them to do anything to the person who is committing the violence.
This story touched my heart, gave me hope, and led me to believe in "miracles". No matter how they small they may bed.
4.5 out of 5 Bookmark
Author: Lisa C Hinsley
Genre: Horror/Mystery
This book begins with a date, so you can watch the dates go by, and see the time span that all of the action is taking place. I'm not one to watch those sorts of things, but there was ONE instance when I had to re-trace my steps and start at the beginning of the chapter, to note... the date. I then realized, these are important.
The summary of the story, is a widowed/remarried/divorcee mom, Lizzy, after having left her abusive husband, and lived in a shelter for some time, a one room place where she needed to share the room with her 14 year old son named Connor. They were finally awarded housing, but the social worker, in passing tells them to stay away from the woods surrounding the apartment. She does not elaborate at all.
The story moves a long quickly, taking legends and folklore and what sounds like ghost-stories being told around a campfire, but the setting is more civilized at the local pub. The unit that she is put in, is surrounded by woods, and her next door neighbor is an interesting man names "Feathers". Feathers is the one who instigating the telling of the stories at the pub.
Feathers also teaches Connor basic survival skills if she ever gets lost in the woods. Connor and another young man, adore spending time with Feathers and he becomes a father figure.
I really like the way and the plausibility in which the story unfolded. A small town can welcome you with open arms, or can shun you immediately. This time they open their arms, but there's an alternative motive. Their arriving at this place at this time, with that apartment, in that building was well executed and planned.
As the months continue to pass, the characters become closer and you finally hear the story of how Izzy ended up in the shelter. Everyone in the town, will protect her and Connor.
No matter how many times she tells her mother not to tell anyone where she's at, her mother tells someone, who tells the abusive ex-husband. And from here... I will stop. This just shows the length to which the author went into planning, down to the fine minute details, the book regarding the woods, the apartments, and the homeopathy that Feathers prides himself on.
This fast paced, story has some elements of a movie made many years ago about a fatal attraction. It also speaks to how the justice system is broken regarding those who are the victims of domestic violence and how hard it is to get them to do anything to the person who is committing the violence.
This story touched my heart, gave me hope, and led me to believe in "miracles". No matter how they small they may bed.
4.5 out of 5 Bookmark
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Book Review: Synthetic Rise of the Siren By Shonna Wright
Book Title: Synthetic Rise of the Siren
Author: Shonna Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi
When I first started reading this, I really had a hard time understanding this futuristic, post-apocalyptic world that is the background for this story. There really is no explanations as to how or why it is the way it is. I think that's why I kept getting lost at times. I simply didn't get it. But I kept reading, hoping I would, and it all eventually explains itself.
The lead character is Kora. She's a very skilled, I'll call her geneticist/doctor, but it was never really explained what title she has, who has been kept a "prisoner" in a lab. When she tries to escape, they lock her in a closet. She's given only sweats to wear, and she's only given four sets at a time. She's only been given one lab coat the entire times she's been in this lab, so it's tattered and unkempt.
The only people she has contact with are "the face" of the lab. One is the owner and the second is the Doctor, in his crisp, clean, white lab coat, who, on her accolades, his reputation is made. He did win a Nobel Prize however for the very first Synthetically Made BUG. However, it's quickly pointed out that he wasn't the first to do it, implying that Kora was.
Kora gets her orders to make synthetic beings. Her side kick is a giant squid named Ishmael. He's the closest thing she has to actual human interaction with affection. He helps her clean up, do surgeries, hugs her when she needs it and gives her back bone. Her dream is to one day run away from the lab, and go north towards Washington State, where Ishmael can be free in the ocean and she can visit him on the beach. But she knows that will never happen because they'll never find a way out of the lab.
The only thing Kora CAN do is fulfill her orders to make synthetic or cloned beings. She can make anything from a dog, down to mythical creatures like mermaids, faeries, unicorns, etc. She'll make anything. Anything except VAMPIRES.
As she finishes an order, she's informed that she'll be making the delivery. The Doctor always makes the deliveries, so she's excited that she gets to go outside, let alone deliver one of the being that she's made. Ishmael is even put into a carrier of his own design, that allows him to be transferred with her.
Now the adventure begins. I still got lost a lot, because, again, the how's and why's of how the world ended up the way that it did just don't seem to be important enough to explain. So, you're kind of guiding yourself through. This is another one of those stories you shouldn't read when you're going to bed. You'll forget you read something and have to start over at the beginning of the chapter again.
The characters in this book are eclectic, both physically and mentally. They have issues living with the "lady of the house" who is having Kora deliver her newest work. Most of them have big hearts, but they're complex as well. Leading you to sometimes second guess yourself as to their humanity or synthetic being.
The mystery surrounding all the people that live in the mansion Kora is delivered makes her stay even more interesting.
The climactic ending was emotional, unexpected and for me, 'out of the box' which made it a very nice change indeed.
If you like Sci-Fi, with twists and turns, a little bit of horror and mystery to give you a psychological jolt you'll love this book. Let me know if you get lost with the time thing too though!
3.5 Out of 5 Bookmark
Author: Shonna Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi
When I first started reading this, I really had a hard time understanding this futuristic, post-apocalyptic world that is the background for this story. There really is no explanations as to how or why it is the way it is. I think that's why I kept getting lost at times. I simply didn't get it. But I kept reading, hoping I would, and it all eventually explains itself.
The lead character is Kora. She's a very skilled, I'll call her geneticist/doctor, but it was never really explained what title she has, who has been kept a "prisoner" in a lab. When she tries to escape, they lock her in a closet. She's given only sweats to wear, and she's only given four sets at a time. She's only been given one lab coat the entire times she's been in this lab, so it's tattered and unkempt.
The only people she has contact with are "the face" of the lab. One is the owner and the second is the Doctor, in his crisp, clean, white lab coat, who, on her accolades, his reputation is made. He did win a Nobel Prize however for the very first Synthetically Made BUG. However, it's quickly pointed out that he wasn't the first to do it, implying that Kora was.
Kora gets her orders to make synthetic beings. Her side kick is a giant squid named Ishmael. He's the closest thing she has to actual human interaction with affection. He helps her clean up, do surgeries, hugs her when she needs it and gives her back bone. Her dream is to one day run away from the lab, and go north towards Washington State, where Ishmael can be free in the ocean and she can visit him on the beach. But she knows that will never happen because they'll never find a way out of the lab.
The only thing Kora CAN do is fulfill her orders to make synthetic or cloned beings. She can make anything from a dog, down to mythical creatures like mermaids, faeries, unicorns, etc. She'll make anything. Anything except VAMPIRES.
As she finishes an order, she's informed that she'll be making the delivery. The Doctor always makes the deliveries, so she's excited that she gets to go outside, let alone deliver one of the being that she's made. Ishmael is even put into a carrier of his own design, that allows him to be transferred with her.
Now the adventure begins. I still got lost a lot, because, again, the how's and why's of how the world ended up the way that it did just don't seem to be important enough to explain. So, you're kind of guiding yourself through. This is another one of those stories you shouldn't read when you're going to bed. You'll forget you read something and have to start over at the beginning of the chapter again.
The characters in this book are eclectic, both physically and mentally. They have issues living with the "lady of the house" who is having Kora deliver her newest work. Most of them have big hearts, but they're complex as well. Leading you to sometimes second guess yourself as to their humanity or synthetic being.
The mystery surrounding all the people that live in the mansion Kora is delivered makes her stay even more interesting.
The climactic ending was emotional, unexpected and for me, 'out of the box' which made it a very nice change indeed.
If you like Sci-Fi, with twists and turns, a little bit of horror and mystery to give you a psychological jolt you'll love this book. Let me know if you get lost with the time thing too though!
3.5 Out of 5 Bookmark
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Book Review: Vampire Love Story by H.T. Knight
Book Title: Vampire Love Story
Author: H.T. Knight
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal Romance
I read a couple blurb sentences in review of this book that made it sound really fantastic to read. I don't usually read other peoples reviews because they tend to re-write the book, in a manner of speaking. Specifically, they tell you what is basically the whole story, so then I feel no need to read it. So for all you authors asking for reviews there are pitfalls with them. But, I digress..
I also noted high "star" reviews as well. (On Amazon, you give a rating of 1 to 5 stars towards how well you liked the book.) I'm trying to get better at going in and putting my "stars" in there. So, since this book was highly rated in the "star" department I went with it.
There are several places in the book where a sentence made no sense. Literally, I think you could see that cartoon question mark over my head! The lead character is questioning his choice, then a random sentence saying "Listen to you. This is nuts." comes in. Like someone was talking to him, and he surely wasn't talking to himself, because if he was, those two sentences at that point would have made no sense. Which is exactly what they're doing...making no sense. In another place he had said a character named Yari had red hair, later on in the book he says she's got black hair. There are several other instances where I think it's a typo - "had" for "has" etc.
Now let's get to the story. Just a couple guys, roommates, who grew up together. Our lead character's sister was his best friend's girlfriend. When she, along with her parents, were killed in a car accident, it left both of them reeling and for Josiah, the lead character, with no family, except for his best friend, who starts teaching him how to fight. They're fighters with mixed marshal arts and are going to have to get ready for the their fights, when they find out they're fighting each other. Josiah is trying to make a name for himself in the league and his best friend is trying to get a shot at the title because he's been in it longer. So, the quandry is simple, one makes it to a title or is no longer a threat in the league, or one makes a name for himself and works up through the ranks, or simply falls to the wayside as a wannabe.
Enter the damsel in distress. Josiah has known her since high school, and while out on a run, hears someone screaming for help as he runs by a Frat House. He, for some reason, runs to her rescue. The guys who were trying to do the unthinkable to her, gang up on Josiah, and being the fighter that he is, he easily takes them on. But as he starts to lose, a van pulls up full of emo-dark and mysterious people, and all hell breaks lose. The damsel in distress, tells the people in the van not to hurt Josiah, he was helping her. The guy in charge seems impressed with the fact that Josiah took on a "group" of guys at one time. Then they all get into the van and the world in about to change dramatically for Josiah.
More background for Josiah is given and then we're told about the different names for different species, which is unique. The "Tandra" are the humans. There are different names for Vampires and Werewolves as well. All these names sound like Aliens though. This is explained as: your human writers over time have taken our truths, and warped them into what they wanted to believe.
Then Josiah learns there is a prophecy. His damsel in distress, Lena, knows all about the prophecy and the species. They're hanging out together a lot. Then Josiah's best friend is murdered.
This is a fast paced thrill ride, and right up until the end you're guessing. I got emotionally invested. I quickly read to find out what happened. I'm hoping there are more books because we've got a lot of unanswered questions... WHY was there a prophecy? WHERE did certain people run off too? Just too many. So I'm expecting another book, I mean we have a back story to fulfill here! ;)
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: H.T. Knight
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal Romance
I read a couple blurb sentences in review of this book that made it sound really fantastic to read. I don't usually read other peoples reviews because they tend to re-write the book, in a manner of speaking. Specifically, they tell you what is basically the whole story, so then I feel no need to read it. So for all you authors asking for reviews there are pitfalls with them. But, I digress..
I also noted high "star" reviews as well. (On Amazon, you give a rating of 1 to 5 stars towards how well you liked the book.) I'm trying to get better at going in and putting my "stars" in there. So, since this book was highly rated in the "star" department I went with it.
There are several places in the book where a sentence made no sense. Literally, I think you could see that cartoon question mark over my head! The lead character is questioning his choice, then a random sentence saying "Listen to you. This is nuts." comes in. Like someone was talking to him, and he surely wasn't talking to himself, because if he was, those two sentences at that point would have made no sense. Which is exactly what they're doing...making no sense. In another place he had said a character named Yari had red hair, later on in the book he says she's got black hair. There are several other instances where I think it's a typo - "had" for "has" etc.
Now let's get to the story. Just a couple guys, roommates, who grew up together. Our lead character's sister was his best friend's girlfriend. When she, along with her parents, were killed in a car accident, it left both of them reeling and for Josiah, the lead character, with no family, except for his best friend, who starts teaching him how to fight. They're fighters with mixed marshal arts and are going to have to get ready for the their fights, when they find out they're fighting each other. Josiah is trying to make a name for himself in the league and his best friend is trying to get a shot at the title because he's been in it longer. So, the quandry is simple, one makes it to a title or is no longer a threat in the league, or one makes a name for himself and works up through the ranks, or simply falls to the wayside as a wannabe.
Enter the damsel in distress. Josiah has known her since high school, and while out on a run, hears someone screaming for help as he runs by a Frat House. He, for some reason, runs to her rescue. The guys who were trying to do the unthinkable to her, gang up on Josiah, and being the fighter that he is, he easily takes them on. But as he starts to lose, a van pulls up full of emo-dark and mysterious people, and all hell breaks lose. The damsel in distress, tells the people in the van not to hurt Josiah, he was helping her. The guy in charge seems impressed with the fact that Josiah took on a "group" of guys at one time. Then they all get into the van and the world in about to change dramatically for Josiah.
More background for Josiah is given and then we're told about the different names for different species, which is unique. The "Tandra" are the humans. There are different names for Vampires and Werewolves as well. All these names sound like Aliens though. This is explained as: your human writers over time have taken our truths, and warped them into what they wanted to believe.
Then Josiah learns there is a prophecy. His damsel in distress, Lena, knows all about the prophecy and the species. They're hanging out together a lot. Then Josiah's best friend is murdered.
This is a fast paced thrill ride, and right up until the end you're guessing. I got emotionally invested. I quickly read to find out what happened. I'm hoping there are more books because we've got a lot of unanswered questions... WHY was there a prophecy? WHERE did certain people run off too? Just too many. So I'm expecting another book, I mean we have a back story to fulfill here! ;)
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: the Vampire Princesses by Aiden James
Book Title: The Vampire Princesses (Dying of the Dark Vampires Series)
Author: Aiden James
Genre: Paranormal/Sci-fi/Mystery
We have our journal type entries beginning again, almost where the last book leaves off. Our heroine is bringing us up to speed on what's happened since her last "entry".
There are many more anxious moments in this book, as we are introduced to someone who is related to our heroine yet has been virtually been kept a prisoner, kept apart from the world, basically to keep her safe. Her twin sister was killed, and therefore her parents wanted to protect her. She is, however, a distant relative to our heroine, and therefore has the same enemy now.
Our characters are growing more, as the story becomes more intricate and fast paced. The antagonist is now using his growing "army" to over-come the few "civilized vampires" that remain loyal to their lifestyle so they do not become "Chupacabras". (In this series a Chupacabra is a Vampire who digresses to a more feral state in mentality and visually. Looking like a degraded human/vampire, with skin falling off, hair missing, etc. Almost zombie-ish.) The "Civilized Vampires" do not kill or feed in the usual way. They use our heroine and her blood line to stay looking the way they do, and therefore, they do not kill them. It is a symbiotic relationship.
We are meeting new and different vampires now, and we're also getting to know our antagonist and what he'll go through to kill the remainder of the people and vampires that are keeping him from ruling the world and from his physical degradation. People are now being used against our Heroine, and it's breaking her heart. People are also proving to her in so many ways that they are willing to die for her, to keep the bloodline safe.
As this series goes on, it's becoming more and more fast paced, thrilling and on the edge of your seat, FUN! It took me a while to get where I am with this series, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. I'm really loving it! I think you will too
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Aiden James
Genre: Paranormal/Sci-fi/Mystery
We have our journal type entries beginning again, almost where the last book leaves off. Our heroine is bringing us up to speed on what's happened since her last "entry".
There are many more anxious moments in this book, as we are introduced to someone who is related to our heroine yet has been virtually been kept a prisoner, kept apart from the world, basically to keep her safe. Her twin sister was killed, and therefore her parents wanted to protect her. She is, however, a distant relative to our heroine, and therefore has the same enemy now.
Our characters are growing more, as the story becomes more intricate and fast paced. The antagonist is now using his growing "army" to over-come the few "civilized vampires" that remain loyal to their lifestyle so they do not become "Chupacabras". (In this series a Chupacabra is a Vampire who digresses to a more feral state in mentality and visually. Looking like a degraded human/vampire, with skin falling off, hair missing, etc. Almost zombie-ish.) The "Civilized Vampires" do not kill or feed in the usual way. They use our heroine and her blood line to stay looking the way they do, and therefore, they do not kill them. It is a symbiotic relationship.
We are meeting new and different vampires now, and we're also getting to know our antagonist and what he'll go through to kill the remainder of the people and vampires that are keeping him from ruling the world and from his physical degradation. People are now being used against our Heroine, and it's breaking her heart. People are also proving to her in so many ways that they are willing to die for her, to keep the bloodline safe.
As this series goes on, it's becoming more and more fast paced, thrilling and on the edge of your seat, FUN! It took me a while to get where I am with this series, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. I'm really loving it! I think you will too
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: The Vampire's Birthright by Aiden James
Book Title: The Vampire's Birthright (Dying of the Dark Vampires Series)
Author: Aiden James
Genre: Paranormal/Mystery
This book leaves off where the last ended, as journal entries, and answers some unanswered questions from the last book, but also gives you more questions that need answering. The "bad" vampires are multiplying quickly and they are trying desperately to win, which would leave humanity as a slave species and food source.
This time, the author is much more descriptive about the feelings that our heroine has, though I think her friend, "Tyreen" is a little "typecast" as the "sassy African-American" friend.
We also have more emotions shown and explained much better by the other characters in the book, though sometimes they aren't really what you would expect them to be, which is nice. We also learn that the world this author has perceived for his vampires is a little different, sometimes for the good, and sometimes for the bad.
The story moves along well, and the plot is interesting. I also find it interesting that the "bad" vampire can find our heroine at her college quite easily, and kills without regard, but her family in a different state as been left completely alone and not used against her. Leaves me to guess as to when or if that will happen, which engages the readers imagination. Aiden James' world of vampires and their survivability as "civilized" or not, is interesting.
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Aiden James
Genre: Paranormal/Mystery
This book leaves off where the last ended, as journal entries, and answers some unanswered questions from the last book, but also gives you more questions that need answering. The "bad" vampires are multiplying quickly and they are trying desperately to win, which would leave humanity as a slave species and food source.
This time, the author is much more descriptive about the feelings that our heroine has, though I think her friend, "Tyreen" is a little "typecast" as the "sassy African-American" friend.
We also have more emotions shown and explained much better by the other characters in the book, though sometimes they aren't really what you would expect them to be, which is nice. We also learn that the world this author has perceived for his vampires is a little different, sometimes for the good, and sometimes for the bad.
The story moves along well, and the plot is interesting. I also find it interesting that the "bad" vampire can find our heroine at her college quite easily, and kills without regard, but her family in a different state as been left completely alone and not used against her. Leaves me to guess as to when or if that will happen, which engages the readers imagination. Aiden James' world of vampires and their survivability as "civilized" or not, is interesting.
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Just Realized....
I am a hypocrite... <smile> Here I am, on a review blog for books that I have read, and I read some of the past blogs. I'm thinking to myself, "Crap, I wrote that? The grammar sucks and.... OMG What the heck was I thinking?!?" So, evidently I too am human.
Another thing I noticed, is that when I'm really excited about a book, I mean REALLY excited, my fingers move much slower than my brain. I'm just so hyped up, that I am either leaving out words or repeating them. LOL The blond in my strawberry blond hair is showing I think.
So, I will take my own advice and start proofing myself a little better. Sheesh... how embarrassing. I will also go through and make sure things are not too badly screwed up, so my authors who would like to share my reviews aren't embarrassed to share it because I can't catch my own errors. :)
It's nice when you don't have a huge following yet... You're not as freaked out as if thousands were following you. Have a great Sunday folks! I'll be proofing and updating the latest books I've read!
Another thing I noticed, is that when I'm really excited about a book, I mean REALLY excited, my fingers move much slower than my brain. I'm just so hyped up, that I am either leaving out words or repeating them. LOL The blond in my strawberry blond hair is showing I think.
So, I will take my own advice and start proofing myself a little better. Sheesh... how embarrassing. I will also go through and make sure things are not too badly screwed up, so my authors who would like to share my reviews aren't embarrassed to share it because I can't catch my own errors. :)
It's nice when you don't have a huge following yet... You're not as freaked out as if thousands were following you. Have a great Sunday folks! I'll be proofing and updating the latest books I've read!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Book Review: The Vampire's Last Lover
Book Title: The Vampire's Last Lover (Dying of the Dark Vampire Series)
Author: Aiden James
Genre: Paranormal/Sci-Fi
Interesting Book. The setting is a college campus, the main character is a young woman with a strange birthmark on her neck.
We have "Chupacabras" and civilized vampires, who are vying for one person and her death, or life. The Vampire characters are a different take on the "vampire" however, there's still some cliche's like in coffins (really?). Who would have thought, that vampires would actually have someone to fear?
The author has written this book in the first person, as journal entries. But in this outing you can tell that the author is a male. There's just a lack of "knowledge" there as our female character, who is quite well-spoken otherwise, simply and vaguely, describes her feelings of sexual desire and the act of making love.
When describing men's behavior it's kinda cliche too.
The plot is interesting and a new spin I haven't read before. I think the target audience of the 20-something's will really like the way the story is told. Once you have read this book, you're set up for the other books in the series. This book's purpose is more or less introducing you to the characters, giving their back-stories, explaining their lives and the plot of the story itself. By the time you've finished that, you're done, and on to the second book in the series. This wasn't as great as it could have been, but stick with the series and I think you'll see it get a little better.
2.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Aiden James
Genre: Paranormal/Sci-Fi
Interesting Book. The setting is a college campus, the main character is a young woman with a strange birthmark on her neck.
We have "Chupacabras" and civilized vampires, who are vying for one person and her death, or life. The Vampire characters are a different take on the "vampire" however, there's still some cliche's like in coffins (really?). Who would have thought, that vampires would actually have someone to fear?
The author has written this book in the first person, as journal entries. But in this outing you can tell that the author is a male. There's just a lack of "knowledge" there as our female character, who is quite well-spoken otherwise, simply and vaguely, describes her feelings of sexual desire and the act of making love.
When describing men's behavior it's kinda cliche too.
The plot is interesting and a new spin I haven't read before. I think the target audience of the 20-something's will really like the way the story is told. Once you have read this book, you're set up for the other books in the series. This book's purpose is more or less introducing you to the characters, giving their back-stories, explaining their lives and the plot of the story itself. By the time you've finished that, you're done, and on to the second book in the series. This wasn't as great as it could have been, but stick with the series and I think you'll see it get a little better.
2.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: To Evil Comes a Daughter
Book Title: To Evil Comes a Daughter
Author: Allen Caraway
Genre: Mystery/Paranormal
This wasn't as much paranormal as it was a murder mystery. The author is very descriptive about the surroundings, actually making them sound more like the real thing. (In fact, I'd believe if they were!)
The main character is a likeable car magazine writer from the UK. I have a feeling our author is also from the UK, as there are lots of sentences/words used that aren't used in America the way the author has used them. At times, concerning the main character, you'd expect him to order "a pint" at a local "pub" (AKA Dive Bar) but you wouldn't expect Montana cops to say "Okay. Right, you're free to go."
The chapters are written, for lack of a better description, "strangely". You'll start "Chapter 12" get two pages in and a large space, then a number "1". Then additional writing. It's obviously part of "Chapter 12" but why are we giving the chapter "sub-numbers"? It's like we're looking at acts in a play instead of a book.
We come to the "paranormal" part of the book... it seems we have a murdered spirit. Which in and of itself is fine, given this is a paranormal mystery. Nothing makes me lose faith in an author's ability to explain the "how's" or "why's" of paranormal activity or the ability of those who perceive it, then to mention by name a television show and the "ghost psychic" or "sensitive", or "wiccan" or whoever, by name, and the character that does this just seems to automatically befriend the main character. After a weekend of knowing him (that's just TWO days!), they're like best friends.
So, as the book starts = strong characters and good mystery. By the end, the characters, storyline and climax just left me feeling "eh". Not a great book, but not quite worth paying for it either. Glad it was a freebie.
2 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Allen Caraway
Genre: Mystery/Paranormal
This wasn't as much paranormal as it was a murder mystery. The author is very descriptive about the surroundings, actually making them sound more like the real thing. (In fact, I'd believe if they were!)
The main character is a likeable car magazine writer from the UK. I have a feeling our author is also from the UK, as there are lots of sentences/words used that aren't used in America the way the author has used them. At times, concerning the main character, you'd expect him to order "a pint" at a local "pub" (AKA Dive Bar) but you wouldn't expect Montana cops to say "Okay. Right, you're free to go."
The chapters are written, for lack of a better description, "strangely". You'll start "Chapter 12" get two pages in and a large space, then a number "1". Then additional writing. It's obviously part of "Chapter 12" but why are we giving the chapter "sub-numbers"? It's like we're looking at acts in a play instead of a book.
We come to the "paranormal" part of the book... it seems we have a murdered spirit. Which in and of itself is fine, given this is a paranormal mystery. Nothing makes me lose faith in an author's ability to explain the "how's" or "why's" of paranormal activity or the ability of those who perceive it, then to mention by name a television show and the "ghost psychic" or "sensitive", or "wiccan" or whoever, by name, and the character that does this just seems to automatically befriend the main character. After a weekend of knowing him (that's just TWO days!), they're like best friends.
So, as the book starts = strong characters and good mystery. By the end, the characters, storyline and climax just left me feeling "eh". Not a great book, but not quite worth paying for it either. Glad it was a freebie.
2 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: The Earl's Inconvenient Wife
Book Title: The Earl's Inconvenient Wife (The Regency Collection)
Author: Ruth Ann Nordin
Genre: Historical Romance
The setting is the late 1800's in London during "Season" where eligible gentlemen and young women with dowry's and parents who would like to marry "up" socially, go from Ball to Ball trying to find a spouse.
After getting into the first few pages I thought this would be a fun, fast, time period read. I was wrong.
The author moves our characters and their story along at a snails pace. Then one day a character just up and decides he's been an idiot and he's going to change his ways.
There are other characters who seem quite superfluous. I understand this is a "collection" and to find out what happens to some characters you need to read MORE of the collection. However, at the rate this book moved, I'll fall asleep getting there!
The characters perplex me. It's almost as if they're Bipolar (and I can say that with a clear conscious as *I* am Bipolar!). The secondary characters start out fun and enticing, but nothing ever comes of them.
I've read much better period time pieces.
2 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Ruth Ann Nordin
Genre: Historical Romance
The setting is the late 1800's in London during "Season" where eligible gentlemen and young women with dowry's and parents who would like to marry "up" socially, go from Ball to Ball trying to find a spouse.
After getting into the first few pages I thought this would be a fun, fast, time period read. I was wrong.
The author moves our characters and their story along at a snails pace. Then one day a character just up and decides he's been an idiot and he's going to change his ways.
There are other characters who seem quite superfluous. I understand this is a "collection" and to find out what happens to some characters you need to read MORE of the collection. However, at the rate this book moved, I'll fall asleep getting there!
The characters perplex me. It's almost as if they're Bipolar (and I can say that with a clear conscious as *I* am Bipolar!). The secondary characters start out fun and enticing, but nothing ever comes of them.
I've read much better period time pieces.
2 out of 5 Bookmarks
Monday, March 4, 2013
Finally, all caught up... for now!
Well, now y'all know the reason I have no voice. I wouldn't change it though and I really enjoyed the last book I read. I'm already into a new one, but I'm also working on recipes. So, so I'll post my trials and errors from the kitchen, as well as what it's like to finally get into the WRITING aspect of something instead of the reading aspect of it.
Stay tuned for the next review.. or will it be a gripe? Night peeps! Thanks for reading!
Stay tuned for the next review.. or will it be a gripe? Night peeps! Thanks for reading!
Book Review: The Hidden Ones: Legacy of the Watchers, Book 1 by Nancy Madore
Book Title: The Hidden Ones
Author: Nancy Madore
Genre: Ancient History/Sci-Fi
WHAT A FANTASTIC READ!
I started this book while my husband was in training and I was coming down with a raging case of the flu. After the first few chapters, it was time for the very long drive home from Oklahoma to Kentucky. So to pass the time, I started to read the book aloud to my husband. (I will give you a heads up though... DON'T read out loud over an entire twelve hour road trip with the flu. Your throat will HATE you for it. But it was WORTH IT!)
I gave my hubby a quick synopsis of what had transpired so far as I had read, and then went from there. My husband loves audio books, and likes when I read books to him. So we share what we read, as it helps him get through long trips he has to make for his job. The drive home went so fast because we were both so into this book. We got to the cliffhanger end just as we pulled off the freeway for our home. So I stopped and we unpacked and ate dinner. He was so excited, as was I, to see what happened next! So, he helped in giving this review.
By the way, this was another freebie. I can't even remember when I got it or the description of it, but I'm so very glad I read it!
We have different viewpoints and time periods throughout the book. This helps to keep you riveted. The book starts with the discovery of hidden texts of Biblical worth in the caves of Qumran, when and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We are being told the story, through a sixteen year old girl named Helene, whose father is with a group of friends on the quest to find a Book of the Dead. The story is also told through Helene's granddaughter, Nadia.
We learn of loves lost, deaths and historical events that many in today's society don't see as actual "history" anymore, yet claim they've read it every Sunday, at least.
Biblical History, myth, theological debates, terrorism - this book has a little of everything. But at it's core - we are trying to save the world, literally - but we don't know from what! So, we must hear ALL of Helene's story, as it was told to her daughter Gisele and passed down to her daughter, Nadia.
My husband would surprise me every now and then by really being into the story and ask a question like, "WAIT! What happened to..." which in turn made me more excited to read it to him.
I do hope there are more of these stories as the author left it open for more. My husband does too. Mostly because I want to know what happened to Lillith - yes... THAT Lillith!
Definite read my friends (don't get too offended by the random black guy used as comic relief. He's stereotypical, but at least he's funny!)!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks!
Author: Nancy Madore
Genre: Ancient History/Sci-Fi
WHAT A FANTASTIC READ!
I started this book while my husband was in training and I was coming down with a raging case of the flu. After the first few chapters, it was time for the very long drive home from Oklahoma to Kentucky. So to pass the time, I started to read the book aloud to my husband. (I will give you a heads up though... DON'T read out loud over an entire twelve hour road trip with the flu. Your throat will HATE you for it. But it was WORTH IT!)
I gave my hubby a quick synopsis of what had transpired so far as I had read, and then went from there. My husband loves audio books, and likes when I read books to him. So we share what we read, as it helps him get through long trips he has to make for his job. The drive home went so fast because we were both so into this book. We got to the cliffhanger end just as we pulled off the freeway for our home. So I stopped and we unpacked and ate dinner. He was so excited, as was I, to see what happened next! So, he helped in giving this review.
By the way, this was another freebie. I can't even remember when I got it or the description of it, but I'm so very glad I read it!
We have different viewpoints and time periods throughout the book. This helps to keep you riveted. The book starts with the discovery of hidden texts of Biblical worth in the caves of Qumran, when and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We are being told the story, through a sixteen year old girl named Helene, whose father is with a group of friends on the quest to find a Book of the Dead. The story is also told through Helene's granddaughter, Nadia.
We learn of loves lost, deaths and historical events that many in today's society don't see as actual "history" anymore, yet claim they've read it every Sunday, at least.
Biblical History, myth, theological debates, terrorism - this book has a little of everything. But at it's core - we are trying to save the world, literally - but we don't know from what! So, we must hear ALL of Helene's story, as it was told to her daughter Gisele and passed down to her daughter, Nadia.
My husband would surprise me every now and then by really being into the story and ask a question like, "WAIT! What happened to..." which in turn made me more excited to read it to him.
I do hope there are more of these stories as the author left it open for more. My husband does too. Mostly because I want to know what happened to Lillith - yes... THAT Lillith!
Definite read my friends (don't get too offended by the random black guy used as comic relief. He's stereotypical, but at least he's funny!)!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks!
Book Review: Ahhh Ahhh Choooooo! By Sharlene Alexander
Book Title: Ahhh Ahhh Choooooo!
Author: Sharlene Alexander
Genre: Children's Book, ages 3 to 5
I downloaded this to read to my three year old granddaughter, Reba, while we had her for a few days.
She LOVED it, as did her older sister (age almost five). We learned different animals and in the back are interesting facts about sneezing. (Which Jessi, the almost five year old, loved!) It's a short, sweet and to the point book, with great illustrations and imagination stimulation for the kids in your life. Many times, I found Jessi "reading" it to her little sisters. If you can keep Jessi interested, you win!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Sharlene Alexander
Genre: Children's Book, ages 3 to 5
I downloaded this to read to my three year old granddaughter, Reba, while we had her for a few days.
She LOVED it, as did her older sister (age almost five). We learned different animals and in the back are interesting facts about sneezing. (Which Jessi, the almost five year old, loved!) It's a short, sweet and to the point book, with great illustrations and imagination stimulation for the kids in your life. Many times, I found Jessi "reading" it to her little sisters. If you can keep Jessi interested, you win!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum by Stephan Prosapio
Book Title: Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum
Author: Stephan Prosapio
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
Obviously, most of the books I've reviewed thus far are of the paranormal fiction nature. Therefore, you are safe to further assume, if I read it, I also WATCH it on TV.
The characters in this book seem to be not so loosely based on people from paranormal TV shows on cable. Even going so far as to name one of the characters "Zach" which, if you watch "Ghost TV" as my four year granddaughter calls it, is the Lead Investigator of the "WHOA DUDE!" show, again as my four year old granddaughter calls it; He's muscular, got tattoos and he and his cohorts are, what they refer to as "locked down" at an investigative site, so they can make sure the area is free of contamination. (Or is it so they can't freak and run out like they've tried to in their early days?)
Given that information, the lack of inventiveness for character building and background gives the reader, at least this reader,the chance to confuse characters, given that the character of "Zach" already gives me a mental image of that person in the above paragraph, from personality and stature to cadence of speech patterns.
The lead character as a person, without even using his name, seems to be based upon another paranormal research team founded at a well known college and was also on TV. This founder went on to write an autobiography where he admits to being bi-sexual, whereas in this book, Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum, the lead character is described as being effeminate (Which is defined as an adjective of a man, having or showing characteristics regarded as typical of a woman or unmanly.) which goes as far as one can to get as close to the TV college ghost hunter without taking the book character's self proclaimed title of "Straight" away from him.
The next main character is called "Bryce". He's as close to the Lead Investigator of "WHOA DUDE!" "Ghost TV" as you can get. In fact, in this book this character indulges in smoking pot, which would explain a lot of the actual TV show in reality, if we didn't already know THAT lead investigator has severe respiratory issues. Even down to the ritual of "pounding fists" before a "ghost hunt" is used by "Bryce" and his team. REALLY!?
I could go on and on about the lack of originality in the characters, but let's look at the story now.
The story was intriguing, and the plot was a good one, however I was even reminded of movies I'd already seen when reading this. Does "I see ghosts" mean anything to you? There are burial grounds, fires and demons and ghosts, murders and spirits who want a physical body. Good story, bad characters.
I am not Catholic, however it is THOROUGHLY pointed out that the lead character is and through the book you learn he has an "affliction" that the Catholic Church refers to as "Stigmata". However, he also shares his body with his God-Father/Uncle's Spirit who shows him and tells him paranormal things and tries to keep him and his team safe. However, through the Stigmata along with those paranormal visions (which he calls an "episode" and the longer they last, the more blood and fluids he loses, taking him close to death at times.) he tries not use his "gift" too much, relying on his research and science.
The epilogue of the book was a nice way to wrap up some of the loose ends, but was obviously taken, yet again, from the TV Shows in the way it was written and portrayed.
2.5 out of 5 Bookmarks (the 2.5 is because the story itself was decent, but I just couldn't get past the crappy characters and TV show rip-offs. If the story was as bad as the characters it would be much lower!)
Author: Stephan Prosapio
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
Obviously, most of the books I've reviewed thus far are of the paranormal fiction nature. Therefore, you are safe to further assume, if I read it, I also WATCH it on TV.
The characters in this book seem to be not so loosely based on people from paranormal TV shows on cable. Even going so far as to name one of the characters "Zach" which, if you watch "Ghost TV" as my four year granddaughter calls it, is the Lead Investigator of the "WHOA DUDE!" show, again as my four year old granddaughter calls it; He's muscular, got tattoos and he and his cohorts are, what they refer to as "locked down" at an investigative site, so they can make sure the area is free of contamination. (Or is it so they can't freak and run out like they've tried to in their early days?)
Given that information, the lack of inventiveness for character building and background gives the reader, at least this reader,the chance to confuse characters, given that the character of "Zach" already gives me a mental image of that person in the above paragraph, from personality and stature to cadence of speech patterns.
The lead character as a person, without even using his name, seems to be based upon another paranormal research team founded at a well known college and was also on TV. This founder went on to write an autobiography where he admits to being bi-sexual, whereas in this book, Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum, the lead character is described as being effeminate (Which is defined as an adjective of a man, having or showing characteristics regarded as typical of a woman or unmanly.) which goes as far as one can to get as close to the TV college ghost hunter without taking the book character's self proclaimed title of "Straight" away from him.
The next main character is called "Bryce". He's as close to the Lead Investigator of "WHOA DUDE!" "Ghost TV" as you can get. In fact, in this book this character indulges in smoking pot, which would explain a lot of the actual TV show in reality, if we didn't already know THAT lead investigator has severe respiratory issues. Even down to the ritual of "pounding fists" before a "ghost hunt" is used by "Bryce" and his team. REALLY!?
I could go on and on about the lack of originality in the characters, but let's look at the story now.
The story was intriguing, and the plot was a good one, however I was even reminded of movies I'd already seen when reading this. Does "I see ghosts" mean anything to you? There are burial grounds, fires and demons and ghosts, murders and spirits who want a physical body. Good story, bad characters.
I am not Catholic, however it is THOROUGHLY pointed out that the lead character is and through the book you learn he has an "affliction" that the Catholic Church refers to as "Stigmata". However, he also shares his body with his God-Father/Uncle's Spirit who shows him and tells him paranormal things and tries to keep him and his team safe. However, through the Stigmata along with those paranormal visions (which he calls an "episode" and the longer they last, the more blood and fluids he loses, taking him close to death at times.) he tries not use his "gift" too much, relying on his research and science.
The epilogue of the book was a nice way to wrap up some of the loose ends, but was obviously taken, yet again, from the TV Shows in the way it was written and portrayed.
2.5 out of 5 Bookmarks (the 2.5 is because the story itself was decent, but I just couldn't get past the crappy characters and TV show rip-offs. If the story was as bad as the characters it would be much lower!)
Book Review: Marked By Moonlight (Moon Chasers Book 1) By Sharie Kohler
Book Title: Marked By Moonlight (Moon Chasers Series Book 1)
Author: Sharie Kohler (AKA Sophie Jordan)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
I'm impressed by the characters in this book, and so far, the series. I've also recently found out that there are SIX books in this series and I've read them out of order. The good thing is, out of order isn't all that bad.
Gideon, at the age of sixteen, watches his parents die, and on this night his life is spared by a man named "Cooper". His mother had been turned into a Lycan and upon her turning has brutally fed upon his father. His sister, Kit, also witnesses the act, but is half Gideon's age.
Gideon devotes his entire life to destroying Lycan with Cooper. Until one night, in an alley, a young man begs him to help the woman he's just bitten, Miss Morgan, his English Teacher.
From there a story unique in nature as well as romance begins. I was impressed by how well it was written and layers of each character were explained as they go along this journey of saving her life. This is a new take on the Lycan and it's Hunter. There are emotional ups and down, but the vividness of detail helps in seeing the story fold out in your head. Also being the first book in this series, this book is setting the "tone" for the rest of series. We learn a lot of back-story to the Lycans as well as the Hunters that are all over the world. We learn how people become infected and other things about Lycans that are not only interesting but have something to do with something else down the road in the series.
Now that I realize I've read them out of order, this is indeed BOOK 1, however I need to get 2 through 4! I inadvertently read 5 and 6! So, I'll keep those reviews until later. This is one of those times though, where I would like to point out that having the number of the book in your series somewhere in the title helps the reader. I couldn't find what number I was on, and this is why I read them out of order. Had there been a clear "book 1", "book 2", in the descriptions when I was purchasing them, it would have made life much easier!
I highly recommend this book if you like Paranormal Romance. The sex scenes are definitely "R" rated, so this wouldn't be for your Y/A audience.
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: Reunion by Jeff Bennington
Book Title: Reunion
Author: Jeff Bennington
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
This was a captivating read. At time I found the rhythm slowed down, but because there were sub-plots involved, we are taken back and forth through situations that I can only assume are happening at the same time.
The author starts his book with David Ray, an 18 year old high school senior of a small town, giving us an ongoing monolog of how he feels. Going through some of the circumstances he's had to live through and why he's made the decisions he's made in his life, thus far.
We are then taken to our next characters, building fondness for some and dislike for others, while the high school seniors discuss their impending graduation, Valedictorian announcement and end of year awards ceremony.
We see all the little "cliques" that most schools usually have from the "preppies" to the "jocks", the "nerds"... all the typical groups you'd expect at any average high school.We are then privy to a very violent, heart wrenching scenario.
We then get transported to the planning of the title of the book, Reunion. They're planning a 20th class reunion, but the paranormal after thoughts of tragedy gone by have plans for them.
At times the characters (2 of them) show signs of having some psychic abilities. Each character has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and this also plays heavily into the story being told.
This survivors story laced with the paranormal is believable to a point until the end, when a character from the beginning appears virtually from nowhere, and he come off rather preachy in spirituality and psychiatry.
The epilogue of each character was nice, but lacked a lot for a couple of the characters, almost like the author couldn't think of anything that sounded appropriate for them.
All in all I found this book fun to read, interesting, tragic and for the most part believable, which is difficult for some paranormal books to pull off.
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Jeff Bennington
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
This was a captivating read. At time I found the rhythm slowed down, but because there were sub-plots involved, we are taken back and forth through situations that I can only assume are happening at the same time.
The author starts his book with David Ray, an 18 year old high school senior of a small town, giving us an ongoing monolog of how he feels. Going through some of the circumstances he's had to live through and why he's made the decisions he's made in his life, thus far.
We are then taken to our next characters, building fondness for some and dislike for others, while the high school seniors discuss their impending graduation, Valedictorian announcement and end of year awards ceremony.
We see all the little "cliques" that most schools usually have from the "preppies" to the "jocks", the "nerds"... all the typical groups you'd expect at any average high school.We are then privy to a very violent, heart wrenching scenario.
We then get transported to the planning of the title of the book, Reunion. They're planning a 20th class reunion, but the paranormal after thoughts of tragedy gone by have plans for them.
At times the characters (2 of them) show signs of having some psychic abilities. Each character has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and this also plays heavily into the story being told.
This survivors story laced with the paranormal is believable to a point until the end, when a character from the beginning appears virtually from nowhere, and he come off rather preachy in spirituality and psychiatry.
The epilogue of each character was nice, but lacked a lot for a couple of the characters, almost like the author couldn't think of anything that sounded appropriate for them.
All in all I found this book fun to read, interesting, tragic and for the most part believable, which is difficult for some paranormal books to pull off.
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: Skinwalkers - Bad Moon Rising Book 1
Book Title: Skinwalkers - Bad Moon Rising, Book 1 of 3
Author: Lorraine Kennedy
Genre: Mystery/Romance/Paranormal
A young woman named Mya is given a summer job by her uncle who is a Detective on a Navajo Reservation in Arizona, following her chosen career path of law enforcement.
The world of Navajo belief/superstition mixed with unexplainable homicides, leads to Mya meeting individuals whose belief in the stories, traditions and superstitions make her second guess her more "down to Earth and realistic" Wisconsin beliefs. That is until she falls in love with the one person she shouldn't.
Enter David Bray, with secrets and traditions of his own that are not only his but the life blood of his people who are dependent upon them and him.
We have all the workings of a great plot. The characters are interesting and engaging but the secondary characters leave you wishing a more in depth story had used them in a wiser manner, however I think the reason it's written the way it is, pertains to the upcoming volumes in this trilogy.
Lots of missing words, misspelled words and punctuation errors, effecting the story at times. I've come to the conclusion though that perhaps Ms. Kennedy means to make these errors. After all... how else to make sure someone is paying attention to the words you so lovingly spent hours of your life weaving a story into? But I stand by my guns on the missing words and misspelled words. After all the books I've read by Ms. Kennedy, we should be past those errors by now.
I liked this story so much, I started the second book already.. So...
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Lorraine Kennedy
Genre: Mystery/Romance/Paranormal
A young woman named Mya is given a summer job by her uncle who is a Detective on a Navajo Reservation in Arizona, following her chosen career path of law enforcement.
The world of Navajo belief/superstition mixed with unexplainable homicides, leads to Mya meeting individuals whose belief in the stories, traditions and superstitions make her second guess her more "down to Earth and realistic" Wisconsin beliefs. That is until she falls in love with the one person she shouldn't.
Enter David Bray, with secrets and traditions of his own that are not only his but the life blood of his people who are dependent upon them and him.
We have all the workings of a great plot. The characters are interesting and engaging but the secondary characters leave you wishing a more in depth story had used them in a wiser manner, however I think the reason it's written the way it is, pertains to the upcoming volumes in this trilogy.
Lots of missing words, misspelled words and punctuation errors, effecting the story at times. I've come to the conclusion though that perhaps Ms. Kennedy means to make these errors. After all... how else to make sure someone is paying attention to the words you so lovingly spent hours of your life weaving a story into? But I stand by my guns on the missing words and misspelled words. After all the books I've read by Ms. Kennedy, we should be past those errors by now.
I liked this story so much, I started the second book already.. So...
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
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