Title: Witchcraft (The Witchblood Series)
Author: Emma Mills
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal
On this sophomore outing in the writing world, this second in the Witchblood Series has me scratching my head.
There are many more errors in this book, by way of grammatical and spelling. (I'm learning a lot of British words though!). There are also, unfortunately, several references to J.K. Rowlings' "Harry Potter" character and actual usage of spells from the book series and movies. I realize having my own children grow up reading the series and watching the movies, that their generation knows of and enjoy the characters, spells and other things from the world that J.K. Rowlings has so beautifully connected us to. However, using the characters and spells, to me, is just too much of a really badly plageristic move. It would have been much better to not use actual character names and spells, and instead just give hints of who and what Jessica is thinking about.
Another thing I noticed was a reference to a television show from the U.S. called "Charmed" and the use of one of the main characters' name from that show, as well as her power as a witch. I'm very familiar with this show as well (my girls, all three of them, have the symbol from the show's "book of shadows" actually tattooed on their backs, because from this series they learned the three of them are stronger together, than apart, with the power of three.), which now segues into our villains name of "Cole". In the TV Series "Charmed" he was one of the villains, in fact a main character from "Charmed". Ms. Mills is losing originality points quickly now. I'm waiting for other unnecessary references now... are we going to start calling the angels who are earthbound "White Lighters"?
Continuity errors are abundant as Jessica's father told her in a letter that when he met her birthmother, she said her name was Laurie, however as she was giving birth before she died she admitted her name was Rachel Bishop. In this book, her own family from the U.S. refers to her birthmother as Laurie. Another continuity problem when the drinks in the bar had been laced with date rape drugs, Eva (another character in the book who is also a vampire) explained that the smell of it is what they use to get rid of the people that use them from the club, as part of her "job". When Jessica asked if the drugs effected them Eva said she wasn't sure, but if they did it wouldn't be for long. No given excuse as a "fast metabolism" as is given here; in the same continuity issues Jessica says the ONLY person who called her "Jessie" was her father because he liked Jesse James. Everyone else called her "Jess". So after her father died she allowed Daniel to call her "Jessie". Now everyone is calling her "Jessie" -- CONFUSED!
Another Continuity issue, Eva never told Jessica silver was a vampire no-no yet somehow she knows and says Eva taught her. The errors go on with angels and other things.
This book has a sadder story line. The plot is well thought out, however the ending left me wishing it was different. But only the author knows where the third installment will lead us. I just hope her continuity improves. Other than that, the series is quite an interesting one and as in the first book, the Young Adult audience will enjoy it if some originality returns.
2.9 out of 5 Bookmarks
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Review: Witchblood by Emma Mills
Title: Witchblood
Author: Emma Mills
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal
This is Ms. Mills' first book, to be honest, I would have had no idea! I was drawn to this book by it's title and cover art, revealing the description sealed in the deal.
The story's characters are fun, scary, protective, loving, empathetic, and commanding. Being a Young Adult novel, as I've stated before you have to catch them quickly and keep them occupied so they don't bore easily and give up reading the rest, regardless of how good "the rest" may be.
Ms. Mills accomplishes that and more. Her American audience will probably find it fun reading, as it's written in the UK English, rather than the American with slang they're used to, which helps to put yourself within the story for the target group.
The main character is 17 year old Jessica, who is soon to turn 18. She's clubbing with friends (remember, the legal drinking age in the UK is 18!) when she meets Daniel. A series of events happen and Jessica is turned into a vampire, and she's able to block her sire bond. There are many more different things she experiences as a newborn vampire that others don't. The problem is then discovered, the title of our book, she has Witchblood!
When you read as many paranormal books as I do, you really can read the same version of the same story over and over again. I didn't feel like I was reading something I'd already read with this book.
Witchblood is written in the first person, but because it's written for UK audiences for the most part, it does seem more "adult" because of the legal drinking age. With that comes the commonalities of sexual intercourse, sexual attraction, etc. Luckily our author kept that in mind and kept it real! Good job! The audience intended will be able to have a possible lane of plausability and will thrive with it.
The story, in some stages, breaks your heart and you actually feel those emotions, as the author's ability to connect with her audience is so well written.
Luckily, there's another book in this "series" and I'm very excited to read it. One thing I would do however, is to recommend more than one proof-reader or copy editor, as I caught a few of those "spell check changed words" and some missing quotation marks.
Not bad for your first book!
3.9 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Emma Mills
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal
This is Ms. Mills' first book, to be honest, I would have had no idea! I was drawn to this book by it's title and cover art, revealing the description sealed in the deal.
The story's characters are fun, scary, protective, loving, empathetic, and commanding. Being a Young Adult novel, as I've stated before you have to catch them quickly and keep them occupied so they don't bore easily and give up reading the rest, regardless of how good "the rest" may be.
Ms. Mills accomplishes that and more. Her American audience will probably find it fun reading, as it's written in the UK English, rather than the American with slang they're used to, which helps to put yourself within the story for the target group.
The main character is 17 year old Jessica, who is soon to turn 18. She's clubbing with friends (remember, the legal drinking age in the UK is 18!) when she meets Daniel. A series of events happen and Jessica is turned into a vampire, and she's able to block her sire bond. There are many more different things she experiences as a newborn vampire that others don't. The problem is then discovered, the title of our book, she has Witchblood!
When you read as many paranormal books as I do, you really can read the same version of the same story over and over again. I didn't feel like I was reading something I'd already read with this book.
Witchblood is written in the first person, but because it's written for UK audiences for the most part, it does seem more "adult" because of the legal drinking age. With that comes the commonalities of sexual intercourse, sexual attraction, etc. Luckily our author kept that in mind and kept it real! Good job! The audience intended will be able to have a possible lane of plausability and will thrive with it.
The story, in some stages, breaks your heart and you actually feel those emotions, as the author's ability to connect with her audience is so well written.
Luckily, there's another book in this "series" and I'm very excited to read it. One thing I would do however, is to recommend more than one proof-reader or copy editor, as I caught a few of those "spell check changed words" and some missing quotation marks.
Not bad for your first book!
3.9 out of 5 Bookmarks
Review: MUSE by Susie M Hanley
Title: Muse
Author: Susie M Hanley
Genre: Paranormal
WOW! Yet again, another freebie that I am SO glad I downloaded! I'm finding quite a nice little treasure trove of new authors out there now that I can get introduced to them so much easier! (And to think I was complaining about not having an actual "book" and the tactical feel of it. This e-book era is nice... OK, I finally admit it!)
The summary is what grabbed me. The writing kept me hooked! I finished it in less than two days, immediately went looking for the next book, found Ms. Hanley on Facebook and begged for information on the release of it!
What a unique, fun, captivating read! We start each chapter learning about what a "muse" is as well as a "guardian" using quotes from non-fictional authors of antiquity to a fictional group of manuals and encyclopedias that the muses and guardians use as rules. This is so helpful when reading.
The characters are truly likeable, even believable. A young mom, whose husband just up and leaves her one day. She's trying to do the best she can and trying to sell her beautiful, insightful paintings. Then, as she's revealing one of her paintings to a client, something happens and she is surprised to find that she, of all things, is a muse. She dislikes guardians with a passion. But a guardian is the one who helped her, and he doesn't "guard" anyone so he's no "normal" guardian.
If I say more I won't be able to stop and I'll give the whole plot and storyline away! It's just that dang good! Believe me though when I tell you, this is so worth your time!!! It's fast paced, funny, scary, intriguing, and the ending leaves you with your mouth hanging open, cursing because it's over and you have to wait for the next one! AARRGGHH!!!
Get ready people, here's a first on my blog; Congratulations Susie M Hanley, you're the first to receive...
5 out of 5 bookmarks!
This book is now available for your Kindle as well as bookstores! GET IT BEFORE THE NEXT ONE COMES OUT!!!
Author: Susie M Hanley
Genre: Paranormal
WOW! Yet again, another freebie that I am SO glad I downloaded! I'm finding quite a nice little treasure trove of new authors out there now that I can get introduced to them so much easier! (And to think I was complaining about not having an actual "book" and the tactical feel of it. This e-book era is nice... OK, I finally admit it!)
The summary is what grabbed me. The writing kept me hooked! I finished it in less than two days, immediately went looking for the next book, found Ms. Hanley on Facebook and begged for information on the release of it!
What a unique, fun, captivating read! We start each chapter learning about what a "muse" is as well as a "guardian" using quotes from non-fictional authors of antiquity to a fictional group of manuals and encyclopedias that the muses and guardians use as rules. This is so helpful when reading.
The characters are truly likeable, even believable. A young mom, whose husband just up and leaves her one day. She's trying to do the best she can and trying to sell her beautiful, insightful paintings. Then, as she's revealing one of her paintings to a client, something happens and she is surprised to find that she, of all things, is a muse. She dislikes guardians with a passion. But a guardian is the one who helped her, and he doesn't "guard" anyone so he's no "normal" guardian.
If I say more I won't be able to stop and I'll give the whole plot and storyline away! It's just that dang good! Believe me though when I tell you, this is so worth your time!!! It's fast paced, funny, scary, intriguing, and the ending leaves you with your mouth hanging open, cursing because it's over and you have to wait for the next one! AARRGGHH!!!
Get ready people, here's a first on my blog; Congratulations Susie M Hanley, you're the first to receive...
5 out of 5 bookmarks!
This book is now available for your Kindle as well as bookstores! GET IT BEFORE THE NEXT ONE COMES OUT!!!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Still have TONS to review for you!
Well Friends,
I hope you and your families had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were lucky enough to have two. One at my house, with family flying in from out of state the week before the official holiday. As with any family get-together, there was our share of drama. What do you expect with a house full of estrogen and only three men? The odds were not in their favor!
My youngest granddaughter, Katherine Alene was here. She weighed in at a whooping 10 lbs 2.3 oz. My oldest granddaughter Jessi and her sister Reba (aka Rebecca) helped their Grandma (AKA Wawa) baste turkey and other fun stuff!
We also celebrated a dual birthday! My granddaughter with the red hair and one dimple, Reba, shares her birthday with me. We had a lovely little impromptu party.
After all the family left, we were invited for the actual day of Thanksgiving, to attend a dinner with friends. Nothing really beats a great atmosphere, good friends and good food! It was a wonderful evening!
I have plenty of reviews to still type up, and I'm going to be interviewing one of my soon-to-be-reviewed Indie Authors! Susie Hanely, author of "Muse" will be highlighted on my blog. So be sure to check that out! If you are an Indie Author, and would like me to read your material, give my opinion and do a short interview with you, I'd be happy to do so. Currently I'm a bit behind in typing everything up, but I'll catch up soon! I refuse to NOT be finished by the end of the year so I can start more books! YAY!
Remember to share this link with your friends, if they love reading, send them my way. I take requests from authors as well as those who simply would like a book read and reviewed.
Happy Christmas ALL!
M
I hope you and your families had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were lucky enough to have two. One at my house, with family flying in from out of state the week before the official holiday. As with any family get-together, there was our share of drama. What do you expect with a house full of estrogen and only three men? The odds were not in their favor!
My youngest granddaughter, Katherine Alene was here. She weighed in at a whooping 10 lbs 2.3 oz. My oldest granddaughter Jessi and her sister Reba (aka Rebecca) helped their Grandma (AKA Wawa) baste turkey and other fun stuff!
We also celebrated a dual birthday! My granddaughter with the red hair and one dimple, Reba, shares her birthday with me. We had a lovely little impromptu party.
After all the family left, we were invited for the actual day of Thanksgiving, to attend a dinner with friends. Nothing really beats a great atmosphere, good friends and good food! It was a wonderful evening!
I have plenty of reviews to still type up, and I'm going to be interviewing one of my soon-to-be-reviewed Indie Authors! Susie Hanely, author of "Muse" will be highlighted on my blog. So be sure to check that out! If you are an Indie Author, and would like me to read your material, give my opinion and do a short interview with you, I'd be happy to do so. Currently I'm a bit behind in typing everything up, but I'll catch up soon! I refuse to NOT be finished by the end of the year so I can start more books! YAY!
Remember to share this link with your friends, if they love reading, send them my way. I take requests from authors as well as those who simply would like a book read and reviewed.
Happy Christmas ALL!
M
Review of: The Promise - The Fallen Series (Book #4)
Title: The Promise - The Fallen Series (Book #4)
Author: Jessica Sorenson
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
The grammatical errors in this book are equal to, if not more than the last book. At times it starts to take away from your ability to enjoy the story because you're trying to figure out what the author is trying to say. 18% through the book and I've already noted 15 grammatical errors.
This book is markedly different from the previous installments. At times it gets a little confusing, because we're no longer dealing with the first person narrative we have through the last 3 books. When a new chapter begins, the characters name is shown in parenthesis, and now you're listening to the story, through their perspective. Then all of the sudden, another name is in parenthesis, and a new narrative is happening in the first person for that character. You've got to keep on your toes with this one! For three books, we are not only dealing with bad editing and mistakes, but we got two people talking and it gets a little quirky and confusing. There are also way too many questions without answers, and as your frustration grows from there, let me remind you this is a Young Adult series. If *I'm* getting frustrated and confused what do you think a 13 yr old will be feeling. I marked over 24 instances of editing errors!
There also seems to be a lot of unnecessary mentioning of songs' names and the bands that are playing the songs. Like the Author wants you to feel like she understands the youth she's writing for.
In this Young Adult series, there does seem to be a lot of sexual tensions between characters, however when the chance comes to teach the audience that the characters are consenting adults, she doesn't have them admit their love for each other, but we are left with just an idea that they were intimate and then an immature off-handed remark, lessening the importance of what the act of making love means.
The ending isn't so much as what the characters wanted as it is a platform to start a spin-off series using the same characters, which disappointed me. As the "Climactic End" came, we came to expect to see the couples enjoying their new lives, free of tyranny, in happy relationships, something they all complained about not having. Yet after the climactic end we were all left scratching our heads because it seems like we've got a "new quest".
NOT IMPRESSED! PLEASE GET A NEW EDITOR!
2.5 OUT OF 5 Bookmarks
Author: Jessica Sorenson
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
The grammatical errors in this book are equal to, if not more than the last book. At times it starts to take away from your ability to enjoy the story because you're trying to figure out what the author is trying to say. 18% through the book and I've already noted 15 grammatical errors.
This book is markedly different from the previous installments. At times it gets a little confusing, because we're no longer dealing with the first person narrative we have through the last 3 books. When a new chapter begins, the characters name is shown in parenthesis, and now you're listening to the story, through their perspective. Then all of the sudden, another name is in parenthesis, and a new narrative is happening in the first person for that character. You've got to keep on your toes with this one! For three books, we are not only dealing with bad editing and mistakes, but we got two people talking and it gets a little quirky and confusing. There are also way too many questions without answers, and as your frustration grows from there, let me remind you this is a Young Adult series. If *I'm* getting frustrated and confused what do you think a 13 yr old will be feeling. I marked over 24 instances of editing errors!
There also seems to be a lot of unnecessary mentioning of songs' names and the bands that are playing the songs. Like the Author wants you to feel like she understands the youth she's writing for.
In this Young Adult series, there does seem to be a lot of sexual tensions between characters, however when the chance comes to teach the audience that the characters are consenting adults, she doesn't have them admit their love for each other, but we are left with just an idea that they were intimate and then an immature off-handed remark, lessening the importance of what the act of making love means.
The ending isn't so much as what the characters wanted as it is a platform to start a spin-off series using the same characters, which disappointed me. As the "Climactic End" came, we came to expect to see the couples enjoying their new lives, free of tyranny, in happy relationships, something they all complained about not having. Yet after the climactic end we were all left scratching our heads because it seems like we've got a "new quest".
NOT IMPRESSED! PLEASE GET A NEW EDITOR!
2.5 OUT OF 5 Bookmarks
Review of: The Vision - The Fallen Series (Book #3)
Title: The Vision - The Fallen Series (Book #3)
Author: Jessica Sorenson
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
In this 3rd installment, emotions run rampant! Gemma is faced with many new things and people to deal with. Her friends now have problems of their own that could mean life or death, so she is forced to find and learn to use the powers she thinks she has, and confront where they came from.
Yet another fantastic cliffhanger! Though I felt the story did get slow at times, and action scenes weren't as frequent, I don't think this book holds the same interest for me as the previous books. However, I knew the information in it was necessary to take us into the next book! It keeps you guessing though, that's for sure!
This book had worse editing issues than the last two books together. I can't tell people enough that Spell Check and Grammar Check are not a great way to proofread or can do the job of a copy editor enough! If you have enough distractions, you'll lose your audience regardless of how good the story is. These mistakes got very distracting and came in clusters. But now that I feel invested in the story, there's no turning back now, and I've seen worse editing in Adult Genre books.
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Jessica Sorenson
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
In this 3rd installment, emotions run rampant! Gemma is faced with many new things and people to deal with. Her friends now have problems of their own that could mean life or death, so she is forced to find and learn to use the powers she thinks she has, and confront where they came from.
Yet another fantastic cliffhanger! Though I felt the story did get slow at times, and action scenes weren't as frequent, I don't think this book holds the same interest for me as the previous books. However, I knew the information in it was necessary to take us into the next book! It keeps you guessing though, that's for sure!
This book had worse editing issues than the last two books together. I can't tell people enough that Spell Check and Grammar Check are not a great way to proofread or can do the job of a copy editor enough! If you have enough distractions, you'll lose your audience regardless of how good the story is. These mistakes got very distracting and came in clusters. But now that I feel invested in the story, there's no turning back now, and I've seen worse editing in Adult Genre books.
3 out of 5 Bookmarks
Review of: The Underworld - The Fallen Series
Book Title: The Underworld - Fallen Series (Book 2)
Book Author: Jessica Sorenson
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
Editing issues still remain such as missing punctuation, grammar, etc. Nothing that impacts the story itself though.
This book begins where "Fallen Star" left off. The cliffhanger from the first book makes you want to run into this book, head first, and Ms. Sorenson does not disappoint! I really like that the book is started at the ending of the last book, as not all authors seem to think that necessary, telling us more sub-plots before getting to the "meat" of the story. Thank you Ms. Sorenson for not making us re-read up to two chapters of this book before the "new" stuff happens!
The Underworld as the title implies, is about "The Underworld" where Gemma's mother was sent. The goal is to get her out and hopefully stop the end of the world, quite literally.
Though we stumbled at times due to the bad editing, our author keeps us on track and leads us on a fun, scary, mystery filled, quizzical, magical ride! With Gemma becoming more and more emotional, where she had never felt emotion before and shouldn't be having any emotions at all, to her friends trying to help her in more ways than one. And of course, the twists and turns make this a great outing into the world of imagination!
I'm sure Young Adults will find this book as a fast, scary rollercoaster ride, and will be inspired to read on to find out how the world is going end on December 21st, 2012!!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Author: Jessica Sorenson
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
Editing issues still remain such as missing punctuation, grammar, etc. Nothing that impacts the story itself though.
This book begins where "Fallen Star" left off. The cliffhanger from the first book makes you want to run into this book, head first, and Ms. Sorenson does not disappoint! I really like that the book is started at the ending of the last book, as not all authors seem to think that necessary, telling us more sub-plots before getting to the "meat" of the story. Thank you Ms. Sorenson for not making us re-read up to two chapters of this book before the "new" stuff happens!
The Underworld as the title implies, is about "The Underworld" where Gemma's mother was sent. The goal is to get her out and hopefully stop the end of the world, quite literally.
Though we stumbled at times due to the bad editing, our author keeps us on track and leads us on a fun, scary, mystery filled, quizzical, magical ride! With Gemma becoming more and more emotional, where she had never felt emotion before and shouldn't be having any emotions at all, to her friends trying to help her in more ways than one. And of course, the twists and turns make this a great outing into the world of imagination!
I'm sure Young Adults will find this book as a fast, scary rollercoaster ride, and will be inspired to read on to find out how the world is going end on December 21st, 2012!!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Title: Fallen Star (Series)
Author: Jessica Sorenson
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi
This is a unique story, written well for it's target audience. There are some minor editing problems that include misspelled words, improper punctuation and grammatical errors but they in no way take away from the story.
The lead character is 17 year old Gemma with the unique quality of having violet colored eyes. The book is written in the first person so the story is being told with her thoughts and words as she is saying/thinking them. She knows hardly any emotion because she was raised with none. However, she's strangely began feeling emotions and she doesn't know why. This character as she is introduced to new emotions and characters in this book, becomes quite loveable and you just want to give her a hug and try to make things better for her.
The other characters in the book are interesting yet leave you guessing as to what their motives and feelings really are.
This story has witches, "keepers", "foreseers", "faeries", an underworld where people sent there get tortured until they go crazy enough to be no longer useful, "Death Walkers" who honestly remind me of a creature from a well known wizard series and a few other interesting "beings".
Being that this is the first book in a series, I wasn't expecting much, as we are trying to establish our characters and their relationships as well as start an interesting story that will propel us forward and leave us wanting to buy the next book. But the crux of the matter is I honestly enjoyed learning about Gemma's story, meeting the bad guys (because there's always bad guys!) and as I'm sure other people have noted with this book, just wondered who those bad guys really were, and if Gemma was trusting the right people. We were also left with a FANTASTIC cliffhanger of an ending which prompted this reader to immediately buy more books in this series.
I would say this book is perfect for the target audience and not just females as some are by nature. I think BOTH Young Men and Young Women will enjoy this read!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Jessica Sorenson
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi
This is a unique story, written well for it's target audience. There are some minor editing problems that include misspelled words, improper punctuation and grammatical errors but they in no way take away from the story.
The lead character is 17 year old Gemma with the unique quality of having violet colored eyes. The book is written in the first person so the story is being told with her thoughts and words as she is saying/thinking them. She knows hardly any emotion because she was raised with none. However, she's strangely began feeling emotions and she doesn't know why. This character as she is introduced to new emotions and characters in this book, becomes quite loveable and you just want to give her a hug and try to make things better for her.
The other characters in the book are interesting yet leave you guessing as to what their motives and feelings really are.
This story has witches, "keepers", "foreseers", "faeries", an underworld where people sent there get tortured until they go crazy enough to be no longer useful, "Death Walkers" who honestly remind me of a creature from a well known wizard series and a few other interesting "beings".
Being that this is the first book in a series, I wasn't expecting much, as we are trying to establish our characters and their relationships as well as start an interesting story that will propel us forward and leave us wanting to buy the next book. But the crux of the matter is I honestly enjoyed learning about Gemma's story, meeting the bad guys (because there's always bad guys!) and as I'm sure other people have noted with this book, just wondered who those bad guys really were, and if Gemma was trusting the right people. We were also left with a FANTASTIC cliffhanger of an ending which prompted this reader to immediately buy more books in this series.
I would say this book is perfect for the target audience and not just females as some are by nature. I think BOTH Young Men and Young Women will enjoy this read!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Book Review of "Vampire Paradox" By Elaine Waldron
Book Title: Vampire Paradox
Author: Elaine Waldron
Genre: Paranormal Romance
40% through a book, and yet again I've found a book whose it's own worst enemy.
This book, strangely enough, I PAID FOR! It was advertised on my Kindle in sleep mode. I read the summary and thought it sounded great! As I read through... I just shook my head.
I was reminded of characters from cable television series (True Blood Anyone?) and prime time television (Vampire Diaries Anyone?). Even a few from a well known series made into movies ending this winter! (Twilight, Anyone?) But I'm also seeing so many errors in the book itself... WHERE is the Editor? Did we not bother to proofread?
At one point I'd read enough about "vibrating heads" I just shook my head and thought " no thesaurus huh?" The author even calls one of her characters "Beth" instead of "Bess". Really, you don't know your own character's names? We also seem to "gafaw" a lot!
Story continuity has problems at times and the climactic ending is really a let down. Someone has a hunch, then someone else. Too coincidental. Then, it's perhaps the lack of that thesaurus that the author can't find a way to describe how vampires fight. All the sudden the book is over and you are left feeling unfulfilled, wondering why you actually paid for this, when the free books you've been getting are so much better!
Believe me when I say I've written enough here you've probably gotten the story figured out by now.
I will say this however, I am a Gold Star Aunt, having lost my nephew in 2007 to an IED in Iraq. To this day our hearts have not healed. One of the main characters is introduced as having just lost her husband in Afghanistan and has a 6 year old daughter. (Who, by the way acts and talks like she's 16!) HOW UNSYMPATHETIC AND HOW HURTFUL TO OUR MILITARY FAMILIES TO BUILD A STORY FROM A LOSS SUCH AS THIS!! EVEN AFTER SHE'S ALREADY QUOTED THE MAIN FEMALE CHARACTER AS SAYING "IT WAS TOO SOON AFTER " HER HUSBAND'S DEATH TO SLEEP WITH SOMEONE ELSE - SHE'S SO EAGER TO TURN INTO A VAMPIRE TO SAVE THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR!!!
Let's walk a little closer to reality, shall we? And if you want to refer to a killed military husband or wife, let's use some tact or think of someone who might be going through the same thing (death of spouse in war). It's not as easy to go through as this author has written it, and I'm not impressed it was used at all. Makes my tummy turn. SHAME ON YOU!
1 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Elaine Waldron
Genre: Paranormal Romance
40% through a book, and yet again I've found a book whose it's own worst enemy.
This book, strangely enough, I PAID FOR! It was advertised on my Kindle in sleep mode. I read the summary and thought it sounded great! As I read through... I just shook my head.
I was reminded of characters from cable television series (True Blood Anyone?) and prime time television (Vampire Diaries Anyone?). Even a few from a well known series made into movies ending this winter! (Twilight, Anyone?) But I'm also seeing so many errors in the book itself... WHERE is the Editor? Did we not bother to proofread?
At one point I'd read enough about "vibrating heads" I just shook my head and thought " no thesaurus huh?" The author even calls one of her characters "Beth" instead of "Bess". Really, you don't know your own character's names? We also seem to "gafaw" a lot!
Story continuity has problems at times and the climactic ending is really a let down. Someone has a hunch, then someone else. Too coincidental. Then, it's perhaps the lack of that thesaurus that the author can't find a way to describe how vampires fight. All the sudden the book is over and you are left feeling unfulfilled, wondering why you actually paid for this, when the free books you've been getting are so much better!
Believe me when I say I've written enough here you've probably gotten the story figured out by now.
I will say this however, I am a Gold Star Aunt, having lost my nephew in 2007 to an IED in Iraq. To this day our hearts have not healed. One of the main characters is introduced as having just lost her husband in Afghanistan and has a 6 year old daughter. (Who, by the way acts and talks like she's 16!) HOW UNSYMPATHETIC AND HOW HURTFUL TO OUR MILITARY FAMILIES TO BUILD A STORY FROM A LOSS SUCH AS THIS!! EVEN AFTER SHE'S ALREADY QUOTED THE MAIN FEMALE CHARACTER AS SAYING "IT WAS TOO SOON AFTER " HER HUSBAND'S DEATH TO SLEEP WITH SOMEONE ELSE - SHE'S SO EAGER TO TURN INTO A VAMPIRE TO SAVE THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR!!!
Let's walk a little closer to reality, shall we? And if you want to refer to a killed military husband or wife, let's use some tact or think of someone who might be going through the same thing (death of spouse in war). It's not as easy to go through as this author has written it, and I'm not impressed it was used at all. Makes my tummy turn. SHAME ON YOU!
1 out of 5 Bookmarks
I can't say enough...
I was so against electronic books. My daughter and I lamented about the fact that we loved the weight of a book when we read it. We loved the smell of the paper pages. The dog ears where someone had folded a corner down. We loved that we could grab it and take it anywhere, regardless of how big or small.
Then I tried an IPad2. I hated it. Absolutely hated it. For the money, it didn't do what the store employee promised, UNLESS I wanted to pay for several downloaded applications, that I of course, had to pay more for, but in the end, it WAS and IPad2, right? WRONG. I took it back, and with the money it took to buy that IPad2 I was able to buy a laptop (Toshiba), and 2 Kindles. One for reading at night (Fire) and the Touch, so I could read outside in the sun. And I still had money left in my pocket!
So, I get on Facebook, and start noticing all the "Free Kindle E-Books" advertisements. I "like" the page and start getting e-mails and things sent to me about free books. Most of them, Indie Authors. Individuals who are new to publishing their books, writing books, etc. Where I use to go browsing in my favorite bookstore with one of my kids or my husband with a Latte in my hand, and would leave having spent at least $75 in new books, I am receiving more books, at no cost. AND THEY'RE GREAT BOOKS!!!
I'm SO glad I have found Independent Authors. One thing I've noticed that I think needs pointing out though, is spell check is NOT a replacement for a good proofreader/editor. The more authors I read, the more I find that a few (like myself) tend toward a couple typos. I find those even in printed books. But I'm finding more and more authors that are writing e-books are seemingly unaware of many problems from punctuation to misspelled words and grammatical errors. I can't explain to you the impact these problems can have on your readership. Please... find someone OUTSIDE your circle to proofread/edit for you. FRESH eyes and the best eyes before you send it out. Your reputation depends on it.
Then I tried an IPad2. I hated it. Absolutely hated it. For the money, it didn't do what the store employee promised, UNLESS I wanted to pay for several downloaded applications, that I of course, had to pay more for, but in the end, it WAS and IPad2, right? WRONG. I took it back, and with the money it took to buy that IPad2 I was able to buy a laptop (Toshiba), and 2 Kindles. One for reading at night (Fire) and the Touch, so I could read outside in the sun. And I still had money left in my pocket!
So, I get on Facebook, and start noticing all the "Free Kindle E-Books" advertisements. I "like" the page and start getting e-mails and things sent to me about free books. Most of them, Indie Authors. Individuals who are new to publishing their books, writing books, etc. Where I use to go browsing in my favorite bookstore with one of my kids or my husband with a Latte in my hand, and would leave having spent at least $75 in new books, I am receiving more books, at no cost. AND THEY'RE GREAT BOOKS!!!
I'm SO glad I have found Independent Authors. One thing I've noticed that I think needs pointing out though, is spell check is NOT a replacement for a good proofreader/editor. The more authors I read, the more I find that a few (like myself) tend toward a couple typos. I find those even in printed books. But I'm finding more and more authors that are writing e-books are seemingly unaware of many problems from punctuation to misspelled words and grammatical errors. I can't explain to you the impact these problems can have on your readership. Please... find someone OUTSIDE your circle to proofread/edit for you. FRESH eyes and the best eyes before you send it out. Your reputation depends on it.
Book Review of "A Night of Secrets - The Night Series" By Lori Brighton
Book Title: A Night of Secrets - The Night Series
Author: Lori Brighton
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
This book is set in 1855, where we met Meg James, a Vicar's oldest daughter. She has a bit of an adventurous evening which leads to saving and adopting a young girl.
As sometimes happens, growing up with the father she has, and no mother, she became the de facto mothering figure, and raises her younger sisters, while the Vicar serves his community, and they are ultimately poor because of the profession. As they've moved out of the city to the country, they are given a small place of residence, so her father can fulfill his duties, but they become the butt of town jokes due to her father's drinking issues. However, all the girls are loving, giving, selfless, and pious because of Meg. But Meg notices, ever since adopting "Hanna", trouble has followed them, which led to father's drinking.
In comes one Grayson Bellamont. A well off former military man who fought for London on the new continent. His parents and sister have been murdered and his niece is come of age where bad things will happen if he can't find her. Being encouraged by his brother-in-law, his niece's father, to find his lost daughter "Collette", IF she's still alive.
I loved the sexual tension shared between the two main characters a well as the fact that even though meg is poor, she's educated, witty, loyal to a fault and strikingly beautiful.
I adored that Grayson, who after the murders of his entire family, tried to turn his emotions "off", sending mixed signals as they say, rather than Meg doing so, which is usually the standard for a period piece such as this.
These characters are fun, and to watch the relationship bounce all over the place is so original! As is the Paranormal part of it! Being a series, I can't wait to read more!
Unfortunately there were a few editing errors in the form of wrong wording, almost like spell check changed it and no one caught it. As well as some punctuation issues, but it didn't detract from the story. A definite SHARE!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Lori Brighton
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
This book is set in 1855, where we met Meg James, a Vicar's oldest daughter. She has a bit of an adventurous evening which leads to saving and adopting a young girl.
As sometimes happens, growing up with the father she has, and no mother, she became the de facto mothering figure, and raises her younger sisters, while the Vicar serves his community, and they are ultimately poor because of the profession. As they've moved out of the city to the country, they are given a small place of residence, so her father can fulfill his duties, but they become the butt of town jokes due to her father's drinking issues. However, all the girls are loving, giving, selfless, and pious because of Meg. But Meg notices, ever since adopting "Hanna", trouble has followed them, which led to father's drinking.
In comes one Grayson Bellamont. A well off former military man who fought for London on the new continent. His parents and sister have been murdered and his niece is come of age where bad things will happen if he can't find her. Being encouraged by his brother-in-law, his niece's father, to find his lost daughter "Collette", IF she's still alive.
I loved the sexual tension shared between the two main characters a well as the fact that even though meg is poor, she's educated, witty, loyal to a fault and strikingly beautiful.
I adored that Grayson, who after the murders of his entire family, tried to turn his emotions "off", sending mixed signals as they say, rather than Meg doing so, which is usually the standard for a period piece such as this.
These characters are fun, and to watch the relationship bounce all over the place is so original! As is the Paranormal part of it! Being a series, I can't wait to read more!
Unfortunately there were a few editing errors in the form of wrong wording, almost like spell check changed it and no one caught it. As well as some punctuation issues, but it didn't detract from the story. A definite SHARE!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review "The Mind Thieves - The Mind Reader Series" by Lori Brighton
Book Title: The Mind Thieves - The Mind Readers Series
Author: Lori Brighton
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi
This book in this series seriously reminds me of "Bourne" novel, but for young adults! Our heroine from the first novel, Cameron, wakes up after 6 months in a coma...
Through this book Cameron is growing as a person, turning into an adult. She's learning to follow her gut. But flash backs or daydreams keep flashing in her mind. So she's confused who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. All she really knows is those blue eyes belonging to Lewis will help her figure everything out - at least that's what her gut is telling her.
Lori Brighton packs a lot of punch into her young adult series. I'm really impressed. Her ability to make even someone my age remember the feelings of first love is a beautifully written cacophony of words that flows like a Bach musical piece. She's allowing Cameron to feel all the feelings, live all the life she's been given in a way any parent would like their child to.
This series is great for those who like lots of action, mystery, twists and turns. When I say this reads like a "Bourne Novel" I'm not lying!! Young adults of all ages will enjoy this brain teaser of a story!
I'm so excited to read the next one in this trilogy- Mind Games!
4.8 out of 5 bookmarks
Author: Lori Brighton
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi
This book in this series seriously reminds me of "Bourne" novel, but for young adults! Our heroine from the first novel, Cameron, wakes up after 6 months in a coma...
Through this book Cameron is growing as a person, turning into an adult. She's learning to follow her gut. But flash backs or daydreams keep flashing in her mind. So she's confused who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. All she really knows is those blue eyes belonging to Lewis will help her figure everything out - at least that's what her gut is telling her.
Lori Brighton packs a lot of punch into her young adult series. I'm really impressed. Her ability to make even someone my age remember the feelings of first love is a beautifully written cacophony of words that flows like a Bach musical piece. She's allowing Cameron to feel all the feelings, live all the life she's been given in a way any parent would like their child to.
This series is great for those who like lots of action, mystery, twists and turns. When I say this reads like a "Bourne Novel" I'm not lying!! Young adults of all ages will enjoy this brain teaser of a story!
I'm so excited to read the next one in this trilogy- Mind Games!
4.8 out of 5 bookmarks
Book Review "The Mind Readers" by Lori Brighton
Book Title: The Mind Readers - The Mind Readers Series
Author: Lori Brighton
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi
Again, I must give credit where credit is due.... Thank you Pixels of Ink for yet again, sending me a freebie from an author I would have never have found, in a genre that isn't usually in my sights.
A few years ago, a little series called "Harry Potter" came on the market by a never before published author by the name of JK Rowling. Adults learned that the young adult market was just as good, if at times not BETTER, than the adult market. I am so glad that happened!
Mind Readers is a story about Cameron, a 17 year old high school student, who can read minds. She's lonely, lives with her grandma who is also a mind reader. Cameron can't read her grandma's mind, because she's never shown any emotion and can somehow block her. But her grandma won't teach her how to block herself from having her own mind read. That way there are no secrets, so says her grandma.
Moving every 2 years or so, because her ability doesn't allow for many friends, and she's always reminded that trying to be a hero is the reason her father died. But she feels like she's found the perfect "BFF" for her stay in this little town. Emily is rich, shallow and gets anything she wants. So, being a mind reader is working in her favor because she always knows just the right compliment to keep her friend happy.
When a mysterious, handsome young man arrives in town, strange things start to happen. Life altering, life ending things. When this young man explains to her that he can read her mind, and she realizes she can't read his, they become "friends". He explains there are more mind readers out there, and he can take her to a place where they can train her to keep their thoughts out and hers to herself, because she's kinda broadcasting a little loudly.
But there's a life that's been lost. There's friends who may be next to die. Does she leave or does she give away her secret again? Can she do both? What will Grandma say or do? There's one more question. The young man tells her that her would be benefactor knew her father. Her father who died, trying to play "the hero" as grandma says, and she doesn't even remember him. Her mother was a druggie (so says grandma) so she's always only had grandma. So, should she leave no-emotion grandma, for a possibility to learn about the father her grandmother refuses to talk about?
Lori Brighton has written a book that will grab young minds, right from the beginning, and keep them excited through the entire book and beyond in this series. She's brought just enough high school drama, real life drama and imagination to create a story, I would have read along with to my girls when they were younger. (We all still share books and movies stemming from those books together, looking forward to the last installment of the Twilight Series and they are in their 20s now!) There's truth in many sayings, including the one of spending an evening with your family sharing a book... We read together, saw the movies together... READING was the foundation for that. Lori Brighton has built a great foundation to build from!
This is also a great book not necessarily meant for the target audience. I think just as adults found they loved other series, they'll love this one, just as much!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Lori Brighton
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi
Again, I must give credit where credit is due.... Thank you Pixels of Ink for yet again, sending me a freebie from an author I would have never have found, in a genre that isn't usually in my sights.
A few years ago, a little series called "Harry Potter" came on the market by a never before published author by the name of JK Rowling. Adults learned that the young adult market was just as good, if at times not BETTER, than the adult market. I am so glad that happened!
Mind Readers is a story about Cameron, a 17 year old high school student, who can read minds. She's lonely, lives with her grandma who is also a mind reader. Cameron can't read her grandma's mind, because she's never shown any emotion and can somehow block her. But her grandma won't teach her how to block herself from having her own mind read. That way there are no secrets, so says her grandma.
Moving every 2 years or so, because her ability doesn't allow for many friends, and she's always reminded that trying to be a hero is the reason her father died. But she feels like she's found the perfect "BFF" for her stay in this little town. Emily is rich, shallow and gets anything she wants. So, being a mind reader is working in her favor because she always knows just the right compliment to keep her friend happy.
When a mysterious, handsome young man arrives in town, strange things start to happen. Life altering, life ending things. When this young man explains to her that he can read her mind, and she realizes she can't read his, they become "friends". He explains there are more mind readers out there, and he can take her to a place where they can train her to keep their thoughts out and hers to herself, because she's kinda broadcasting a little loudly.
But there's a life that's been lost. There's friends who may be next to die. Does she leave or does she give away her secret again? Can she do both? What will Grandma say or do? There's one more question. The young man tells her that her would be benefactor knew her father. Her father who died, trying to play "the hero" as grandma says, and she doesn't even remember him. Her mother was a druggie (so says grandma) so she's always only had grandma. So, should she leave no-emotion grandma, for a possibility to learn about the father her grandmother refuses to talk about?
Lori Brighton has written a book that will grab young minds, right from the beginning, and keep them excited through the entire book and beyond in this series. She's brought just enough high school drama, real life drama and imagination to create a story, I would have read along with to my girls when they were younger. (We all still share books and movies stemming from those books together, looking forward to the last installment of the Twilight Series and they are in their 20s now!) There's truth in many sayings, including the one of spending an evening with your family sharing a book... We read together, saw the movies together... READING was the foundation for that. Lori Brighton has built a great foundation to build from!
This is also a great book not necessarily meant for the target audience. I think just as adults found they loved other series, they'll love this one, just as much!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
It's Been A Awhile...
Hello my friends!
I've not logged on here for a while. For that I apologize. My husband was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma. This is a usually benign tumor that grows on the inner workings of the ear. Usually men in my husband's age group (early 40's) don't have such things become issues, as they're usually found in older (60's) people. However, his age necessitated the removal of the tumor. MRI's and CT Scans showed, what we thought was the tumor, and my husband was feeling the headaches more frequently and losing some of his facial nerves. Once the doctors used SEVERAL drill bits to get through his cranium (which makes him CERTIFIABLY HARD HEADED!) they found the images they were seeing was the fluid within the tumor, not the tumor itself. The tumor itself was from the front of the skull, attached to facial nerves, to the back of his skull and attached to his brain stem.
5 days in ICU, and home he went! Wearing a lovely bandage reminiscent of Princess Lea. He recovered quickly and easily and has now moved on to watching what very little of the tumor was left on his facial nerves. We will watch this part for growth over the next few years. We are also proud to be the new owners of a Baja Ear Prosthetic. He went in a few weeks ago, and had his cranium "screwed" again, when then screwed in basically, an audio jack that will, after the bone and skin heal around it, be able to amplify sound from his now deaf side to his hearing side, giving him directional hearing. He is in the healing phase and will receive his new prosthetic just after Christmas, though he's hoping to beg the doctor to let him have it sooner. He's healing quickly and comfortably and I now feel like I can spend a little more time reading and discussing my books with you!
I've started communicating with the authors that I've reviewed and will be reviewing and I am hoping to get a few interviews on here with you with some of the authors! So, if you'd like to submit questions for them, please be sure to send them to me! (Melisa1168@insightbb.com) is a better way to get to me, then through the gmail account, though I do download that one on my cell. You ALWAYS reach me on Facebook as well at: Melisa S Jensen Rechenmacher
Have a great rest of the week, and please know that our hearts and prayers are with those of you who have suffered and are in need due to Hurricane Sandy. I wish I could help each and every one of you... but perhaps my prayers will help! Hugs to you all!
I've not logged on here for a while. For that I apologize. My husband was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma. This is a usually benign tumor that grows on the inner workings of the ear. Usually men in my husband's age group (early 40's) don't have such things become issues, as they're usually found in older (60's) people. However, his age necessitated the removal of the tumor. MRI's and CT Scans showed, what we thought was the tumor, and my husband was feeling the headaches more frequently and losing some of his facial nerves. Once the doctors used SEVERAL drill bits to get through his cranium (which makes him CERTIFIABLY HARD HEADED!) they found the images they were seeing was the fluid within the tumor, not the tumor itself. The tumor itself was from the front of the skull, attached to facial nerves, to the back of his skull and attached to his brain stem.
5 days in ICU, and home he went! Wearing a lovely bandage reminiscent of Princess Lea. He recovered quickly and easily and has now moved on to watching what very little of the tumor was left on his facial nerves. We will watch this part for growth over the next few years. We are also proud to be the new owners of a Baja Ear Prosthetic. He went in a few weeks ago, and had his cranium "screwed" again, when then screwed in basically, an audio jack that will, after the bone and skin heal around it, be able to amplify sound from his now deaf side to his hearing side, giving him directional hearing. He is in the healing phase and will receive his new prosthetic just after Christmas, though he's hoping to beg the doctor to let him have it sooner. He's healing quickly and comfortably and I now feel like I can spend a little more time reading and discussing my books with you!
I've started communicating with the authors that I've reviewed and will be reviewing and I am hoping to get a few interviews on here with you with some of the authors! So, if you'd like to submit questions for them, please be sure to send them to me! (Melisa1168@insightbb.com) is a better way to get to me, then through the gmail account, though I do download that one on my cell. You ALWAYS reach me on Facebook as well at: Melisa S Jensen Rechenmacher
Have a great rest of the week, and please know that our hearts and prayers are with those of you who have suffered and are in need due to Hurricane Sandy. I wish I could help each and every one of you... but perhaps my prayers will help! Hugs to you all!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Book OPINION of INCARNATION by Jason Tesar
Book Title: Incarnation
Author: Jason Tesar
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
I'm actually at the beginning of the book, which is why I've written "OPINION" instead of review. I'm finding all kinds of hyper-links to the dictionary in the back on the book, giving the definition of what I'm reading. This element is a great appreciation to the reader when we want to find the definition ourselves, but REALLY distracting and leads us away from the story, confusing the reader as we're trying simply to "get into" the book!
In previous books our author has put his maps and his things of importance in the back with hyper-links as well, and I can't tell you how many times I ended up on a map cussing, instead of turning the page. Perhaps our author and his publisher would be kind enough to leave out the hyper-links and instead place all the pertinent information he thinks is necessary for the reader to know in order to understand his sci-fi story, at the beginning of the book and simply underline the words available for definition and explanation. At least this way the reader could really READ THE STORY!
After all, the beginning is a VERY important part of story and so far, in turning my first three pages I've already hit TWELVE hyper-links, explaining what something is in the dictionary in the back of the book. And they aren't just hyper-linked once... it's every single time you see the word, it's got a hyper-link.
I just can't put into words not only how annoying it is to try and touch my page to turn it, only to end up at the back of the book and to have my reading device now indicate to me that the furthest page read is now in the darn dictionary! Not to mention I have to keep re-reading what I've already read to simply understand what's going on!!
At this point, this reader is quite tempted to throw this one back out and forget about it because it's taking too much effort to just "relax and read"! I feel like I'm in class and may be quizzed on this later and it's really making it difficult to stick with it if it's a chore.
I've had the same problems with previous books by this author who hyper-links the same thing over and over again, taking me from a wonderful story to a map drawing at the end of the book. When I began this book, I noticed the maps at the beginning and silently said "THANK YOU" because I thought the repeated hyper-link and my constantly being sent to the maps was over. Guess not. I'd love to talk about the story itself... but I keep getting sent to the a dictionary. Perhaps I'll try again later when my mind is able to calm down and READ again, for now I have demons to kill in another book!
GRRRRR >:-(
NO BOOKMARKS BECAUSE I CAN'T READ IT RIGHT NOW!
Author: Jason Tesar
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
I'm actually at the beginning of the book, which is why I've written "OPINION" instead of review. I'm finding all kinds of hyper-links to the dictionary in the back on the book, giving the definition of what I'm reading. This element is a great appreciation to the reader when we want to find the definition ourselves, but REALLY distracting and leads us away from the story, confusing the reader as we're trying simply to "get into" the book!
In previous books our author has put his maps and his things of importance in the back with hyper-links as well, and I can't tell you how many times I ended up on a map cussing, instead of turning the page. Perhaps our author and his publisher would be kind enough to leave out the hyper-links and instead place all the pertinent information he thinks is necessary for the reader to know in order to understand his sci-fi story, at the beginning of the book and simply underline the words available for definition and explanation. At least this way the reader could really READ THE STORY!
After all, the beginning is a VERY important part of story and so far, in turning my first three pages I've already hit TWELVE hyper-links, explaining what something is in the dictionary in the back of the book. And they aren't just hyper-linked once... it's every single time you see the word, it's got a hyper-link.
I just can't put into words not only how annoying it is to try and touch my page to turn it, only to end up at the back of the book and to have my reading device now indicate to me that the furthest page read is now in the darn dictionary! Not to mention I have to keep re-reading what I've already read to simply understand what's going on!!
At this point, this reader is quite tempted to throw this one back out and forget about it because it's taking too much effort to just "relax and read"! I feel like I'm in class and may be quizzed on this later and it's really making it difficult to stick with it if it's a chore.
I've had the same problems with previous books by this author who hyper-links the same thing over and over again, taking me from a wonderful story to a map drawing at the end of the book. When I began this book, I noticed the maps at the beginning and silently said "THANK YOU" because I thought the repeated hyper-link and my constantly being sent to the maps was over. Guess not. I'd love to talk about the story itself... but I keep getting sent to the a dictionary. Perhaps I'll try again later when my mind is able to calm down and READ again, for now I have demons to kill in another book!
GRRRRR >:-(
NO BOOKMARKS BECAUSE I CAN'T READ IT RIGHT NOW!
Book Review of Netherworld - Soul Guardian Series By Kim Richardson
Book Title: Netherworld - Soul Guardian Series
Author: Kim Richardson
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Fourth installment of this series by Kim Richardson. I found the characters didn't progress further than they had in previous books.
There really was no "lesson" to be learned in this particular book. Kara always seems to go totally against what her superiors tell her to do, yet only once in a previous book, did she receive punishment for her actions.
The story seemed to move slow for me and seemed to reach for an even younger audience than the last book, which I felt was darker and the characters grew as well as their friendship, again in the last book. In this book It seemed more about adjectives and tried to be "scary" but was more slow moving and predictable.
I wish the characters could grow with the their audience. But I guess instead of being a guardian angel whose just saved Horizon and fought the devil and won; Who's just been reunited with her mother (who wasn't even mentioned in this book), our poor Kara and her friends are stuck in purgatory or in the their world in Horizon... The 8th Plan of Existence.
2 out of 5 bookmarks
M
Author: Kim Richardson
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Fourth installment of this series by Kim Richardson. I found the characters didn't progress further than they had in previous books.
There really was no "lesson" to be learned in this particular book. Kara always seems to go totally against what her superiors tell her to do, yet only once in a previous book, did she receive punishment for her actions.
The story seemed to move slow for me and seemed to reach for an even younger audience than the last book, which I felt was darker and the characters grew as well as their friendship, again in the last book. In this book It seemed more about adjectives and tried to be "scary" but was more slow moving and predictable.
I wish the characters could grow with the their audience. But I guess instead of being a guardian angel whose just saved Horizon and fought the devil and won; Who's just been reunited with her mother (who wasn't even mentioned in this book), our poor Kara and her friends are stuck in purgatory or in the their world in Horizon... The 8th Plan of Existence.
2 out of 5 bookmarks
M
Book Review: Horizon -Soul Guardian Series By Kim Richardson
Book Title: Horizon - Soul Guardian Series
Author: Kim Richardson
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Horizon is the third installment of the Soul Guardian Series by Kim Richardson.
We find Kara where "Elemental" left off in the Soul Guardian Jail of Tartarus in Horizon. She is depressed and hears moans and groans all day. The Counsel put her there and told her to wait... but for how long?
In comes a voice - someone she does not know, through a crack in the wall. He tells her things that she needs to do and that her friends are coming to save her. In come her companions, David, Jenny and Peter.
She's again put through the story of good versus evil but this time the lesson is much bigger and finds more importance, at least for me. In the previous books, it was all about Kara and her "special elemental power" and how it always saved the day. This message said to me, "being yourself or having something others don't makes you an individual, with thoughts and actions only you can control". In other words, SELF CONFIDENCE! We also learn to trust our friends and there was a little "follow your gut" thrown in just for good measure.
The message in this book is timed wonderfully and compliments the previous books about "selflessness" or putting the needs of the many over the needs of the few or the one.
This book actually moved me emotionally and in the worlds of reading, you really have to be feeling like part of the story for the emotionality to arise at the proper time. I think this book will really keep it's target audience interested and above all, teach them the message the author is trying to teach.
Traitors are found in Horizon, shockingly, and a morale bubble is burst. But there is always a good guy and a pep talk that gets everyone motivated. The story continues to be a little darker through the whole book as well.
Asmodeus has made his "big move" but Kara finds her powers to now be her downfall.
Being a "Soul Guardian", or a "Guardian Angel", Horizon is what Christian's refer to as Heaven and the Netherworld would be considered Hell, where Asmodeus and his demons live. We have yet to find or meet the ultimate "big guy" of "chief" as the books refer to the Christian God. Whereas, the fallen archangel Asmodeus is so obviously cast as the Devil. So you can just image the names the child of Asmodeus would be called. This is also addressed -- Bullying. As I said the bad guys have infiltrated and when they reveal themselves, they aren't nice about it. Thus, another young adult problem is addressed but I think the message could have been better put or explained so that the target audience figure out the "lessons" to use in their own lives, especially in these days of bullying.
There are a few "PG" phrases spat out, a couple curse words here and there, but nothing the target audience hasn't already heard. To read two books to get to this one worries me though. The first two weren't as fast paced as this one, and so far, I think this is the best book by far. So if you can hang on through the first two, your reward in is...HORIZON.
3.8 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Author: Kim Richardson
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Horizon is the third installment of the Soul Guardian Series by Kim Richardson.
We find Kara where "Elemental" left off in the Soul Guardian Jail of Tartarus in Horizon. She is depressed and hears moans and groans all day. The Counsel put her there and told her to wait... but for how long?
In comes a voice - someone she does not know, through a crack in the wall. He tells her things that she needs to do and that her friends are coming to save her. In come her companions, David, Jenny and Peter.
She's again put through the story of good versus evil but this time the lesson is much bigger and finds more importance, at least for me. In the previous books, it was all about Kara and her "special elemental power" and how it always saved the day. This message said to me, "being yourself or having something others don't makes you an individual, with thoughts and actions only you can control". In other words, SELF CONFIDENCE! We also learn to trust our friends and there was a little "follow your gut" thrown in just for good measure.
The message in this book is timed wonderfully and compliments the previous books about "selflessness" or putting the needs of the many over the needs of the few or the one.
This book actually moved me emotionally and in the worlds of reading, you really have to be feeling like part of the story for the emotionality to arise at the proper time. I think this book will really keep it's target audience interested and above all, teach them the message the author is trying to teach.
Traitors are found in Horizon, shockingly, and a morale bubble is burst. But there is always a good guy and a pep talk that gets everyone motivated. The story continues to be a little darker through the whole book as well.
Asmodeus has made his "big move" but Kara finds her powers to now be her downfall.
Being a "Soul Guardian", or a "Guardian Angel", Horizon is what Christian's refer to as Heaven and the Netherworld would be considered Hell, where Asmodeus and his demons live. We have yet to find or meet the ultimate "big guy" of "chief" as the books refer to the Christian God. Whereas, the fallen archangel Asmodeus is so obviously cast as the Devil. So you can just image the names the child of Asmodeus would be called. This is also addressed -- Bullying. As I said the bad guys have infiltrated and when they reveal themselves, they aren't nice about it. Thus, another young adult problem is addressed but I think the message could have been better put or explained so that the target audience figure out the "lessons" to use in their own lives, especially in these days of bullying.
There are a few "PG" phrases spat out, a couple curse words here and there, but nothing the target audience hasn't already heard. To read two books to get to this one worries me though. The first two weren't as fast paced as this one, and so far, I think this is the best book by far. So if you can hang on through the first two, your reward in is...HORIZON.
3.8 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Book Review of "Elemental - Soul Guardian Series" by Kim Richardson
Book Title: Elemental - Soul Guardians Series
Author: Kim Richardson
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
In this second installment of this series, we find Kara being summoned back to her previously appointed position that caused her to leave Earth in the first book, "Marked".
Somethings gone wrong and they need her and her new "elemental power". Kara is promoted and not all her co-workers seem to appreciate her or her new power, so she ends up losing control and her friends come to her rescue.
Her responsibilities further advance, friends are hurt and the good versus evil game is continued. However, only Kara, it seems, can fight this fight.
Again good story for a young adult audience, perhaps even the "tweens", but I wish there would have been more interaction with Kara and David. Their relationship seems very cliche instead of "puppy love" or "first crush", which for the genre this book is for, seems a little out of step at times and awkward.
The ending is predictable, along with the cliffhanger for book three. We know there will always be a good versus evil story line. It's the author's job to change it up and make it new. In this case, this reader found it to be the usual "fight the bad guy and win" routine. And the "evildoer" leaves you scratching your head, wondering how he's managed to achieve what he has, because he's just not that smart. This leaves us with no true climactic moment, because it was so obvious. However, perhaps the "tweens" won't notice.
I'm willing the read the next book, only because I want to know how the relationship goes between David and Gabriel.
3 out of 5 bookmarks
M
Author: Kim Richardson
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
In this second installment of this series, we find Kara being summoned back to her previously appointed position that caused her to leave Earth in the first book, "Marked".
Somethings gone wrong and they need her and her new "elemental power". Kara is promoted and not all her co-workers seem to appreciate her or her new power, so she ends up losing control and her friends come to her rescue.
Her responsibilities further advance, friends are hurt and the good versus evil game is continued. However, only Kara, it seems, can fight this fight.
Again good story for a young adult audience, perhaps even the "tweens", but I wish there would have been more interaction with Kara and David. Their relationship seems very cliche instead of "puppy love" or "first crush", which for the genre this book is for, seems a little out of step at times and awkward.
The ending is predictable, along with the cliffhanger for book three. We know there will always be a good versus evil story line. It's the author's job to change it up and make it new. In this case, this reader found it to be the usual "fight the bad guy and win" routine. And the "evildoer" leaves you scratching your head, wondering how he's managed to achieve what he has, because he's just not that smart. This leaves us with no true climactic moment, because it was so obvious. However, perhaps the "tweens" won't notice.
I'm willing the read the next book, only because I want to know how the relationship goes between David and Gabriel.
3 out of 5 bookmarks
M
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Book Review: "Marked" by Kim Richarson
Book Title: Marked
Author: Kim Richarson
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Kara is our lead, David is our Male lead. We are also introduced to several other characters including angels with names that are familiar and demons.
Kara is a teenager, therefore you must remember this when reading her story, as the narrative is from her point of view.
The characters are well done, quirky, fun and scary. Something every kid needs to have to keep them involved in the a story and actually READ. For me it was a "quick read" which is also important for the some kids.
The story allows you to root for the heroine and her friends, become invested and feel like they're an actual friend of yours that may be going through the hard times, pain and puppy love crushes that Kara goes through. She has to fight to prove her innocence for something she had no idea she even had. A mark on her skin. She also gets to find out why the behavior of her mother has been so strange for many years. Just like any kid thinks... their parents are from another plant or something and have no idea what they're experiencing..... Kara gets to learn why her Mom has been so "weird" to her as she's been growing up.
The book leaves us taking a deep breath and helps you to believe in second chances.
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Author: Kim Richarson
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Kara is our lead, David is our Male lead. We are also introduced to several other characters including angels with names that are familiar and demons.
Kara is a teenager, therefore you must remember this when reading her story, as the narrative is from her point of view.
The characters are well done, quirky, fun and scary. Something every kid needs to have to keep them involved in the a story and actually READ. For me it was a "quick read" which is also important for the some kids.
The story allows you to root for the heroine and her friends, become invested and feel like they're an actual friend of yours that may be going through the hard times, pain and puppy love crushes that Kara goes through. She has to fight to prove her innocence for something she had no idea she even had. A mark on her skin. She also gets to find out why the behavior of her mother has been so strange for many years. Just like any kid thinks... their parents are from another plant or something and have no idea what they're experiencing..... Kara gets to learn why her Mom has been so "weird" to her as she's been growing up.
The book leaves us taking a deep breath and helps you to believe in second chances.
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Book Review of "The Awakened" Trilogy by Jason Tesar
Book Title: The Awakened, parts 1-3
Author: Jason Tesar
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
I got this book series on a whim. The first book in the series was a "freebie" from Pixels of Ink. There are three books in this series but I don't understand why they were separated instead of put into one fantastic novel. But that's simply semantics to me. Instead of reviewing each book though, (parts 1-2-3) I will simply review the trilogy as a whole.
As you've seen in the blogs before, I love my fantastical paranormal fictions. This is different slightly, as most good ones are. This begins with actual scripture quoting the Christian Bible, then the story begins. I didn't understand why this was at the beginning of each book until the end of the trilogy, when it's purpose is revealed and a another series is announced that starts at the beginning of the prophecy, a prequel of sorts.
The narrative in the books confused me at times, as we switch from husband to wife, to child, to mentor and as the trilogy is worked forward, we have telepathy. The telepathy portions confused me because at points, I had no idea who was talking, the hero or the villains.
The character development for the main characters is good, not great. The main character, Kael, was obviously well researched and thought out. His trials and tribulations lead you to root for him as he was going through the trials in his life. The problem with it was that the good times in his life were just too short, which in a sense, makes you want him to win even more. It left me a little depressed for him though.
His mother, the second main character, Maeryn, also sees trials in her life. I think the author wanted to show her as a woman who was pampered her while life, then thrust into a sudden change where she had to become someone she didn't even know existed within herself. Who was strong of will and heart. However, the transition from pampered to strong seemed forced in a short period of time, whereas the story gave us "months" where she should/could have been preparing for what changes in her life would transpire.
Sabe, the third main character, was well written and his mysterious life as well as his origins and age are timed well. I think this character was the best! Probably because his back story is our prequel!
The story plot, sub-plots, etc., were okay as I was reading it. Obviously I enjoyed it and it prompted me to get each book in the series, and yes, I've gotten the first one in the prequel. It took me a while after I had put the last book down, finished, and had time to think about the story, before I "GOT IT!". I knew what the author intended to convey to his reader through the story. It's like one of those movies with the saying "the more you watch, the more you see". The more I thought about the characters and the story the more I "saw" and said "interesting".
We obviously have a cliffhanger at the end of our trilogy, as our author has at least two spin offs to this series in the works.
I was left wondering about one charter, in particular, ADAIR, husband of Maeryn and Kael's father, who goes missing. Where he went, how, why... none of this is addressed. ALL of Adair's story, which obviously intertwines with Kael's, is missing! To have some ideas other than what was given, which was VERY vague, would have been an idea that makes me more interested to find out where he went rather than being left to believe... okay... that's the end of him! Now, I'm just assuming he's in the spin-off.
On the whole I liked this series, otherwise I wouldn't have continued reading it. It's interesting enough with enough realism to put it into the "anything is possible" category, and I really like that idea... just to let your imagination do all the work and enter into a new world of strange places and different species...to boldly go where no one has gone before.
Sorry about that... misquoting Star Trek and all... but there are publication issues ya know. LOL . :)
3 Bookmarks out of 5
M
Author: Jason Tesar
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
I got this book series on a whim. The first book in the series was a "freebie" from Pixels of Ink. There are three books in this series but I don't understand why they were separated instead of put into one fantastic novel. But that's simply semantics to me. Instead of reviewing each book though, (parts 1-2-3) I will simply review the trilogy as a whole.
As you've seen in the blogs before, I love my fantastical paranormal fictions. This is different slightly, as most good ones are. This begins with actual scripture quoting the Christian Bible, then the story begins. I didn't understand why this was at the beginning of each book until the end of the trilogy, when it's purpose is revealed and a another series is announced that starts at the beginning of the prophecy, a prequel of sorts.
The narrative in the books confused me at times, as we switch from husband to wife, to child, to mentor and as the trilogy is worked forward, we have telepathy. The telepathy portions confused me because at points, I had no idea who was talking, the hero or the villains.
The character development for the main characters is good, not great. The main character, Kael, was obviously well researched and thought out. His trials and tribulations lead you to root for him as he was going through the trials in his life. The problem with it was that the good times in his life were just too short, which in a sense, makes you want him to win even more. It left me a little depressed for him though.
His mother, the second main character, Maeryn, also sees trials in her life. I think the author wanted to show her as a woman who was pampered her while life, then thrust into a sudden change where she had to become someone she didn't even know existed within herself. Who was strong of will and heart. However, the transition from pampered to strong seemed forced in a short period of time, whereas the story gave us "months" where she should/could have been preparing for what changes in her life would transpire.
Sabe, the third main character, was well written and his mysterious life as well as his origins and age are timed well. I think this character was the best! Probably because his back story is our prequel!
The story plot, sub-plots, etc., were okay as I was reading it. Obviously I enjoyed it and it prompted me to get each book in the series, and yes, I've gotten the first one in the prequel. It took me a while after I had put the last book down, finished, and had time to think about the story, before I "GOT IT!". I knew what the author intended to convey to his reader through the story. It's like one of those movies with the saying "the more you watch, the more you see". The more I thought about the characters and the story the more I "saw" and said "interesting".
We obviously have a cliffhanger at the end of our trilogy, as our author has at least two spin offs to this series in the works.
I was left wondering about one charter, in particular, ADAIR, husband of Maeryn and Kael's father, who goes missing. Where he went, how, why... none of this is addressed. ALL of Adair's story, which obviously intertwines with Kael's, is missing! To have some ideas other than what was given, which was VERY vague, would have been an idea that makes me more interested to find out where he went rather than being left to believe... okay... that's the end of him! Now, I'm just assuming he's in the spin-off.
On the whole I liked this series, otherwise I wouldn't have continued reading it. It's interesting enough with enough realism to put it into the "anything is possible" category, and I really like that idea... just to let your imagination do all the work and enter into a new world of strange places and different species...to boldly go where no one has gone before.
Sorry about that... misquoting Star Trek and all... but there are publication issues ya know. LOL . :)
3 Bookmarks out of 5
M
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Book Review: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Book Title: Shadow of Night (second in the Discovery of Witches Trilogy)
Author: Deborah Harkness
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Historical Mystery
I must say in this "Kindle World" of ours, I miss walking through a store, drink in my hand, waiting and looking for that book or books that call to me. Had I not found the predecessor to this trilogy that way, I probably would have missed it completely and that's a shame!
However, after reading "A Discovery of Witches" there was no way I could NOT buy this and (sigh) *download* it and begin it as soon as I could. Boy, did it deliver!
I was not disappointed in any way. There were no lingering questions left that you didn't expect, which some others tend to do. Leave 20 questions hanging in the air and you're left bummed out. I did not feel that way, but I was still excited to know there's a third in the works and I can't wait to see what happens!
We find our main characters going back in time to find a book and for our lead female, Diana, to learn how to be a proper witch! Along for the ride is our male lead, Matthew, who has gone by several names over his 4000+ years as a vampire. There is so much history interwoven into this story that I found myself smiling through much of it. I cried when necessary, laughed out loud and made my husband suffer through my reading a particularly funny part I just *had* to share with someone!
As any reader of novels such as this, there are a few rules and one of them is that the species do not mix. So for Diana and Matthew to be in a relationship is not only Taboo, it's against the laws of the species. So there's always someone trying to get to them. However, Diana got them to the 1500s but she has no idea what kind of magic she has, which is why she traveled through time; besides the fact that she has no idea how to get them back to their own time. Matthew believes a book found in their modern time may hold the key to why the "creatures" are going extinct, but the book found in the future and then lost again, was not complete. In the past they travel to, he's hoping to find the book in it's complete form and finally figure out what it all means.
Meanwhile, Diana and Matthew are still looking into the alchemy that brought them together and Diana meets many figures that, for a historical professor from Oxford, would die to meet and have a conversation with.
Matthew meets up with ghosts from his past, that have haunted him to his modern day dilemma. He also tries to change things that his future self, finds regrettable now.
Deborah Harkness has also given us a wonderful way to explain how they've traveled back in time and how Matthew doesn't run into himself, literally! This book is such a treat, and people who love mysteries thrown in with some history, this book will scratch that itch! Highly Recommended!
4.8 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Author: Deborah Harkness
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Historical Mystery
I must say in this "Kindle World" of ours, I miss walking through a store, drink in my hand, waiting and looking for that book or books that call to me. Had I not found the predecessor to this trilogy that way, I probably would have missed it completely and that's a shame!
However, after reading "A Discovery of Witches" there was no way I could NOT buy this and (sigh) *download* it and begin it as soon as I could. Boy, did it deliver!
I was not disappointed in any way. There were no lingering questions left that you didn't expect, which some others tend to do. Leave 20 questions hanging in the air and you're left bummed out. I did not feel that way, but I was still excited to know there's a third in the works and I can't wait to see what happens!
We find our main characters going back in time to find a book and for our lead female, Diana, to learn how to be a proper witch! Along for the ride is our male lead, Matthew, who has gone by several names over his 4000+ years as a vampire. There is so much history interwoven into this story that I found myself smiling through much of it. I cried when necessary, laughed out loud and made my husband suffer through my reading a particularly funny part I just *had* to share with someone!
As any reader of novels such as this, there are a few rules and one of them is that the species do not mix. So for Diana and Matthew to be in a relationship is not only Taboo, it's against the laws of the species. So there's always someone trying to get to them. However, Diana got them to the 1500s but she has no idea what kind of magic she has, which is why she traveled through time; besides the fact that she has no idea how to get them back to their own time. Matthew believes a book found in their modern time may hold the key to why the "creatures" are going extinct, but the book found in the future and then lost again, was not complete. In the past they travel to, he's hoping to find the book in it's complete form and finally figure out what it all means.
Meanwhile, Diana and Matthew are still looking into the alchemy that brought them together and Diana meets many figures that, for a historical professor from Oxford, would die to meet and have a conversation with.
Matthew meets up with ghosts from his past, that have haunted him to his modern day dilemma. He also tries to change things that his future self, finds regrettable now.
Deborah Harkness has also given us a wonderful way to explain how they've traveled back in time and how Matthew doesn't run into himself, literally! This book is such a treat, and people who love mysteries thrown in with some history, this book will scratch that itch! Highly Recommended!
4.8 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Book Review: A Discovery of Witches By Deborah Harkness
Book Title: A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
This book caught my attention the "old-fashioned" way. In the store, while grocery shopping! I see this beautiful blue, the artwork is fantastical yet ancient looking, with a fascinating large title that just drew me to it and said, "pick me up and read my description!".
"A Discovery of Witches" had me reading non-stop for a day and a half. I literally could not put this book down. It met all the right requirements; forbidden love, damsel in distress, but in a different way!
The characters are truly very well thought out and believable in the land of "paranormal". You love them, you loath them, you think "if I met this person we would definitely be friends!".
The storytelling is fascinating, fast paced with secret societies, rules, guidelines, loyalty beyond description. Yet beneath it all you get a little bit of a history lesson as well as a lesson in DNA and it's understandable!
Our characters met each other by accident, when Diana, a history professor at Oxford checks out a book that calls to all magically beings and puts them in an uproar. Soon she realizes there are "creatures" all over the library trying to find the book she just sent back but can't check out again as it's missing. Step in Matthew, our vampire/geneticist who is trying to find the answer to the question of why the "creatures" are going extinct. He protects Diana from the less than honorable "creatures" now threatening her.
From there the plot grabs you and won't let you go. Then there is the secret society who gets involved and threatens anyone in it's way. Friends and family help to walk across the proverbial mine fields, as our Diana learns who she is and what she can do, to an extent. In the quest to answer the questions that have presented themselves, the plot thickens and the next answer... is the second book in the series, which I could not wait to get. Thank goodness it came when it did! As we Travel to the Past, to learn about our future...
I will definitely be reading and re-reading this for years to come! I've only done that with one other series so far in my life and that series is now going on to be a TV Movie, so here's hoping!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Author: Deborah Harkness
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
This book caught my attention the "old-fashioned" way. In the store, while grocery shopping! I see this beautiful blue, the artwork is fantastical yet ancient looking, with a fascinating large title that just drew me to it and said, "pick me up and read my description!".
"A Discovery of Witches" had me reading non-stop for a day and a half. I literally could not put this book down. It met all the right requirements; forbidden love, damsel in distress, but in a different way!
The characters are truly very well thought out and believable in the land of "paranormal". You love them, you loath them, you think "if I met this person we would definitely be friends!".
The storytelling is fascinating, fast paced with secret societies, rules, guidelines, loyalty beyond description. Yet beneath it all you get a little bit of a history lesson as well as a lesson in DNA and it's understandable!
Our characters met each other by accident, when Diana, a history professor at Oxford checks out a book that calls to all magically beings and puts them in an uproar. Soon she realizes there are "creatures" all over the library trying to find the book she just sent back but can't check out again as it's missing. Step in Matthew, our vampire/geneticist who is trying to find the answer to the question of why the "creatures" are going extinct. He protects Diana from the less than honorable "creatures" now threatening her.
From there the plot grabs you and won't let you go. Then there is the secret society who gets involved and threatens anyone in it's way. Friends and family help to walk across the proverbial mine fields, as our Diana learns who she is and what she can do, to an extent. In the quest to answer the questions that have presented themselves, the plot thickens and the next answer... is the second book in the series, which I could not wait to get. Thank goodness it came when it did! As we Travel to the Past, to learn about our future...
I will definitely be reading and re-reading this for years to come! I've only done that with one other series so far in my life and that series is now going on to be a TV Movie, so here's hoping!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Book Review of: "Crusader (A Ministry of Paranormal Research and Defence)" By Andrew Chapman
Book Title: Crusader (Ministry of Paranormal Research and Defence)
Author: Andrew Chapman
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Action
Crusader is book two in a trilogy. It leaves off where Pagan ended for the most part. Same characters, same fun with them, but Andrew has added some new characters for our hero Jack AKA "Pagan" to play with.
Our author is again, meticulous in describing our munitions as well as the gifts of munitions that are given between team members and significant others. But, yet again, they're meaningful so pay attention to the descriptions....to a certain point... believe me I just kinda grazed over the descriptions at times because it slowed down the story for me. But I was glad I knew them further into the story because the descriptions had significance.
This time, Pagan has a score to settle, and the Ministry has given him unlimited funds to also work with an important client and retrieve what is meant to be an important relic of some sort. Again, the story is written in way that you'd almost believe it wasn't a book of fiction. It walks a very fine line using other stories that are prevalent as fiction in our modern society yet also walk that fine line of possibility that it could be truth. Andrew has a gift with writing a story that way.
I truly like the plot of this book a little better than the original book because of the story being told and how we dabble in history a bit and we get to see the life of "the blood suckers". We also find new allies and they're pretty awesome too, and integral to Pagan's progression. The plot of the first book was interesting but it's also what sets the wheels in motion for this book, which is why I like it so much better.
I was disappointed to see this one end and am waiting... and waiting... for the next one. I really like this series as it's different and I think many others will like it for the same reason. So don't lose us now Andrew!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Author: Andrew Chapman
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Action
Crusader is book two in a trilogy. It leaves off where Pagan ended for the most part. Same characters, same fun with them, but Andrew has added some new characters for our hero Jack AKA "Pagan" to play with.
Our author is again, meticulous in describing our munitions as well as the gifts of munitions that are given between team members and significant others. But, yet again, they're meaningful so pay attention to the descriptions....to a certain point... believe me I just kinda grazed over the descriptions at times because it slowed down the story for me. But I was glad I knew them further into the story because the descriptions had significance.
This time, Pagan has a score to settle, and the Ministry has given him unlimited funds to also work with an important client and retrieve what is meant to be an important relic of some sort. Again, the story is written in way that you'd almost believe it wasn't a book of fiction. It walks a very fine line using other stories that are prevalent as fiction in our modern society yet also walk that fine line of possibility that it could be truth. Andrew has a gift with writing a story that way.
I truly like the plot of this book a little better than the original book because of the story being told and how we dabble in history a bit and we get to see the life of "the blood suckers". We also find new allies and they're pretty awesome too, and integral to Pagan's progression. The plot of the first book was interesting but it's also what sets the wheels in motion for this book, which is why I like it so much better.
I was disappointed to see this one end and am waiting... and waiting... for the next one. I really like this series as it's different and I think many others will like it for the same reason. So don't lose us now Andrew!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Book Review of "Pagan" by Andrew Chapman
Book Title: Pagan-(Ministry of Paranormal Research and Defence)
Author: Andrew Chapman
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Action
From the beginning of any book, I read the jacket cover, or in the case of "Kindle", I read the "details" given by the book seller. From there, I don't pay attention to who the author is or what sex they are. It's the content and possible draw of a good story that catches my attention and will either keep me reading or lose me somewhere along the way. I say this, because there is a point, yes.
This is my second time reading Pagan, because I just love it. It takes me from the usual human/vampire/werewolf forbidden love angle, and completely derails it to a point. So, you're reading a whole new and different take on the subject, which is marvelous! The characters are actually new ideas, the romance is new, the story has been told in a much different way... This is where I'm telling you what that first paragraph meant; after reading the book and getting into it, to the point that it could talk someone into believing, at the beginning, that it could actually be out of the realm of Fiction (which is a hard thing to do in this genre of vampire/werewolf/human/etc.). However, as I read on, I was all the sudden taken into a military world or a gun enthusiast's world because I was being given all kinds of information about the kinds of munitions being used, what they looked like, how they were used, if they were good to kill vampires with, etc. After a few instances of really detailed gun descriptions I looked at my husband and said, "I think a guy wrote this book." He says, "why would you say something sexist like that, how the hell do you know?" To which I replied by reading one of the many descriptions about a gun and how it is handled, what it felt like to load, how to load it, etc He then says to me, "OK, you're right. I think a guy wrote it too." To which, I bookmarked my Kindle, and went to see who the author was and was rewarded to see that Andrew had written it. :)
Now, once you get past the fact that the descriptions are so detailed, you realized later on through the book, you needed that information so you know who is killing who, what weapon they're using and why. It's necessary to know it, but I don't believe the detail to the point that it's given was necessary. Then again, the readership might broaden more if men actually like stuff like that, which a lot do. So... on to the reviewing...
Andrew is not only great at giving details of munitions, but he's got a wife who really knows how to help with the detailed romancing part! (Thank you Mrs. Chapman!) I just had to get that in there before I forgot it.
The characters in this book are truly believable given the story being told. As I said, it's truly like the story states, years of "feel sorry for the vampires" was just a ploy to mainstream them. Which opens the debate up for, "are there really such creatures?" It truly made you ask yourself... to a point, obviously. The characters are real, genuinely have each others backs, like a military type "family" does.
"Pagan" is actually the code name for the leader of the group of vampire hunters. He's a no BS kinda guy. Therefore, you can expect that the rest of the characters would be that way, but you'd be wrong. This book had so many twists that I thought I would get confused but I loved it, because it kept things almost plausible. I just can't say that enough!
Love does find our hero, pain finds our hero, death finds our hero.... as you know, you can't always win fighting vampires. His reputation precedes him in some cases, as the book is set in England, with the British Forces and the Ministry of Paranormal Research and Defence (sic), and the propaganda machine has got Romance Novels based on the main character out so the humans have someone or something they can believe in, and there are toys for kids, and just a bunch of stuff based on "Pagan". It kinda becomes an all inclusive kind of name, but it's just one man, on a mission to save the world from vampires.
The characters are well written... you can just imagine looks on faces, body language, laughter. The villains are well contrived and, of course, always seem to be able to out-do our hero, but he always proves to us that good will always triumph over evil. As I've already stated the story is wonderful.. The way love slaps Pagan upside the head is so true to form. The ending leaves you wanting more.... which any good book SHOULD do. This is why I love this series so much... Gifts that are given really mean something. Dates with friends, are to be relished. It helps you to remember what LIFE is really about and to treasure the good, because you never know when the bad will take it away from you.
I'd give you more... but I'm afraid I'd give the storyline away, and I really try hard not to do that. But believe me.. This book is the polar opposite of what you think a vampire/paranormal romance novel is or should be. That's why I love it so much and hope you'll give it chance... then read the second book in the series and then jump on my bandwagon and get Andrew Chapman to give us the final book in the series! So, run out right now and start reading... PAGAN!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Author: Andrew Chapman
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Action
From the beginning of any book, I read the jacket cover, or in the case of "Kindle", I read the "details" given by the book seller. From there, I don't pay attention to who the author is or what sex they are. It's the content and possible draw of a good story that catches my attention and will either keep me reading or lose me somewhere along the way. I say this, because there is a point, yes.
This is my second time reading Pagan, because I just love it. It takes me from the usual human/vampire/werewolf forbidden love angle, and completely derails it to a point. So, you're reading a whole new and different take on the subject, which is marvelous! The characters are actually new ideas, the romance is new, the story has been told in a much different way... This is where I'm telling you what that first paragraph meant; after reading the book and getting into it, to the point that it could talk someone into believing, at the beginning, that it could actually be out of the realm of Fiction (which is a hard thing to do in this genre of vampire/werewolf/human/etc.). However, as I read on, I was all the sudden taken into a military world or a gun enthusiast's world because I was being given all kinds of information about the kinds of munitions being used, what they looked like, how they were used, if they were good to kill vampires with, etc. After a few instances of really detailed gun descriptions I looked at my husband and said, "I think a guy wrote this book." He says, "why would you say something sexist like that, how the hell do you know?" To which I replied by reading one of the many descriptions about a gun and how it is handled, what it felt like to load, how to load it, etc He then says to me, "OK, you're right. I think a guy wrote it too." To which, I bookmarked my Kindle, and went to see who the author was and was rewarded to see that Andrew had written it. :)
Now, once you get past the fact that the descriptions are so detailed, you realized later on through the book, you needed that information so you know who is killing who, what weapon they're using and why. It's necessary to know it, but I don't believe the detail to the point that it's given was necessary. Then again, the readership might broaden more if men actually like stuff like that, which a lot do. So... on to the reviewing...
Andrew is not only great at giving details of munitions, but he's got a wife who really knows how to help with the detailed romancing part! (Thank you Mrs. Chapman!) I just had to get that in there before I forgot it.
The characters in this book are truly believable given the story being told. As I said, it's truly like the story states, years of "feel sorry for the vampires" was just a ploy to mainstream them. Which opens the debate up for, "are there really such creatures?" It truly made you ask yourself... to a point, obviously. The characters are real, genuinely have each others backs, like a military type "family" does.
"Pagan" is actually the code name for the leader of the group of vampire hunters. He's a no BS kinda guy. Therefore, you can expect that the rest of the characters would be that way, but you'd be wrong. This book had so many twists that I thought I would get confused but I loved it, because it kept things almost plausible. I just can't say that enough!
Love does find our hero, pain finds our hero, death finds our hero.... as you know, you can't always win fighting vampires. His reputation precedes him in some cases, as the book is set in England, with the British Forces and the Ministry of Paranormal Research and Defence (sic), and the propaganda machine has got Romance Novels based on the main character out so the humans have someone or something they can believe in, and there are toys for kids, and just a bunch of stuff based on "Pagan". It kinda becomes an all inclusive kind of name, but it's just one man, on a mission to save the world from vampires.
The characters are well written... you can just imagine looks on faces, body language, laughter. The villains are well contrived and, of course, always seem to be able to out-do our hero, but he always proves to us that good will always triumph over evil. As I've already stated the story is wonderful.. The way love slaps Pagan upside the head is so true to form. The ending leaves you wanting more.... which any good book SHOULD do. This is why I love this series so much... Gifts that are given really mean something. Dates with friends, are to be relished. It helps you to remember what LIFE is really about and to treasure the good, because you never know when the bad will take it away from you.
I'd give you more... but I'm afraid I'd give the storyline away, and I really try hard not to do that. But believe me.. This book is the polar opposite of what you think a vampire/paranormal romance novel is or should be. That's why I love it so much and hope you'll give it chance... then read the second book in the series and then jump on my bandwagon and get Andrew Chapman to give us the final book in the series! So, run out right now and start reading... PAGAN!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Review of: "Dead Until Dark: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel" By Charlaine Harris
Genre: Adult, Paranormal
Well, as stated in my previous post, the beginning of the book pretty much started out to look like the first season of "True Blood" from HBO. However, there were definitely characters that HBO added that Ms. Harris didn't. I liked that it was similar, however, because I am a loyal watcher of the show, I'm afraid it's warped my ability to properly review the book, as I'm finding myself constantly wanting to review the show instead.
I will say this; I'm *VERY* glad that Ms. Harris wrote the Sookie Stackhouse novels and continues to do so. Even though they aren't like what is on Television, I found I loved reading the material and the story line was good, if not a little slow occasionally. The book isn't exactly like TV, but when adapted, what book ever is? It's kind of nice to have all those characters to already have faces and hear their southern drawls. BUT, I don't think it will continue, thus I will read on... I will let you know if the drama changes versus the television. At some point they must become dissimilar, yes?
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Genre: Adult, Paranormal
Well, as stated in my previous post, the beginning of the book pretty much started out to look like the first season of "True Blood" from HBO. However, there were definitely characters that HBO added that Ms. Harris didn't. I liked that it was similar, however, because I am a loyal watcher of the show, I'm afraid it's warped my ability to properly review the book, as I'm finding myself constantly wanting to review the show instead.
I will say this; I'm *VERY* glad that Ms. Harris wrote the Sookie Stackhouse novels and continues to do so. Even though they aren't like what is on Television, I found I loved reading the material and the story line was good, if not a little slow occasionally. The book isn't exactly like TV, but when adapted, what book ever is? It's kind of nice to have all those characters to already have faces and hear their southern drawls. BUT, I don't think it will continue, thus I will read on... I will let you know if the drama changes versus the television. At some point they must become dissimilar, yes?
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Is Anyone Out There?
Hey y'all!
It's been vacation time for us in the Rechenmacher house. Well, for me anyway! My darling husband has been stuck at work, but I enjoyed time with my grandchildren and daughter last week. Thus, reading was not on my agenda unless it was Dr. Seuss, Disney or coloring books! Fun was had by all though, and there are some pictures on my Facebook page to prove it.
Meanwhile, back in the hotel where my hubby has to be in town, I sit by myself, re-reading books I've previously read and making notes on what my opinion is of them as I go along. Therefore, you'll have *several* updates to this blog next week.
I've also been getting some books from Pixels of Ink for my Kindles. They offer Free Books on different days in different genres and different authors, allowing one to expand their universe further without expanding their pocketbook! So, for our drive back home, I have plenty of reading material now!
If you've read "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness, you'll be glad to know the second book in the trilogy is now available called "Shadow of Night: A Novel". I've read it and will give a full report on it, after I review the previous book for you. Wouldn't want to give things out of order now, would I?
I am a fan of HBO's "True Blood", and since most movies are usually a let down from the actual books, I've decided to start reading Charlaine Harris' series which started the whole thing wondering if the series is true to the book. So far, the first book is almost verbatim to the first season, which pleases me. Because if there is one way to tick off a following of your book series, it's to have someone take it, and turn into something you didn't mean for it to be. Such as happened to my daughter's beloved "Vampire Diaries". She's lamented since the beginning about how they changed main character names, places, and how the storyline and plots veered so very off from the book series that it's simply pointless to call the series what it is on TV because that's not what the author has actually written. She's offered me her books to read, to prove her point, but I truly believe her. Such is the right of those who purchase the right from the author. However, I've not found anything I dislike yet, so I shall trudge on until I can lament with her about "True Blood", as once I buy a season and watch it, she borrows it and watches it too. Therefore, my daughter and I shall exchange books and DVDs! LOL
On the horizon, I'm going to be reviewing one of my FAVORITE authors, though don't tell him that, he might get all prim and proper with his *English* self ;) Andrew Chapman has written some very unique "paranormal" books that I actually like as they aren't your run of the mill kind of read! It was refreshing to finally get an author that thought "out of the box" when concerning the paranormal. Therefore, I'm re-reading his series and hoping upon all hopes he gets a promised third book out, and soon! I'm waiting with baited breath! As soon as I review "Pagan" and "Crusader" you'll know why!
With so many books to read I guess I should get to it! I'm making notes as I go and look forward to sharing them with you... but who are you? Are you enjoying my reviews? Is there something you'd like to see change that would help you, the reader, be able to pick your future reading material better? Let me know someone is out there so I don't think I'm just talking to the many voices already in my head!
Happy Reading Friends!
M
It's been vacation time for us in the Rechenmacher house. Well, for me anyway! My darling husband has been stuck at work, but I enjoyed time with my grandchildren and daughter last week. Thus, reading was not on my agenda unless it was Dr. Seuss, Disney or coloring books! Fun was had by all though, and there are some pictures on my Facebook page to prove it.
Meanwhile, back in the hotel where my hubby has to be in town, I sit by myself, re-reading books I've previously read and making notes on what my opinion is of them as I go along. Therefore, you'll have *several* updates to this blog next week.
I've also been getting some books from Pixels of Ink for my Kindles. They offer Free Books on different days in different genres and different authors, allowing one to expand their universe further without expanding their pocketbook! So, for our drive back home, I have plenty of reading material now!
If you've read "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness, you'll be glad to know the second book in the trilogy is now available called "Shadow of Night: A Novel". I've read it and will give a full report on it, after I review the previous book for you. Wouldn't want to give things out of order now, would I?
I am a fan of HBO's "True Blood", and since most movies are usually a let down from the actual books, I've decided to start reading Charlaine Harris' series which started the whole thing wondering if the series is true to the book. So far, the first book is almost verbatim to the first season, which pleases me. Because if there is one way to tick off a following of your book series, it's to have someone take it, and turn into something you didn't mean for it to be. Such as happened to my daughter's beloved "Vampire Diaries". She's lamented since the beginning about how they changed main character names, places, and how the storyline and plots veered so very off from the book series that it's simply pointless to call the series what it is on TV because that's not what the author has actually written. She's offered me her books to read, to prove her point, but I truly believe her. Such is the right of those who purchase the right from the author. However, I've not found anything I dislike yet, so I shall trudge on until I can lament with her about "True Blood", as once I buy a season and watch it, she borrows it and watches it too. Therefore, my daughter and I shall exchange books and DVDs! LOL
On the horizon, I'm going to be reviewing one of my FAVORITE authors, though don't tell him that, he might get all prim and proper with his *English* self ;) Andrew Chapman has written some very unique "paranormal" books that I actually like as they aren't your run of the mill kind of read! It was refreshing to finally get an author that thought "out of the box" when concerning the paranormal. Therefore, I'm re-reading his series and hoping upon all hopes he gets a promised third book out, and soon! I'm waiting with baited breath! As soon as I review "Pagan" and "Crusader" you'll know why!
With so many books to read I guess I should get to it! I'm making notes as I go and look forward to sharing them with you... but who are you? Are you enjoying my reviews? Is there something you'd like to see change that would help you, the reader, be able to pick your future reading material better? Let me know someone is out there so I don't think I'm just talking to the many voices already in my head!
Happy Reading Friends!
M
Friday, June 22, 2012
Review of "Quenched" by Z L Arcadie
Book Title: Quenched
Author: Z L Arcadie
In the previous two books to this series, we find there are seven sisters of a prophecy. To this point all but one have been found. This book finds the last sister.
As in the previous books, there's a back story. This one is lack luster to say the least. The characters seem like stiff cardboard, with very little depth when compared to the first book, and the passion it held. Sex is simply gratuitous in this book as well because it just seems like something that's being used to establish a "love connection" and do double duty as filler. There seems to be no meaning or feeling behind it other than a strong pull towards the others partner, and after a short time they've decided it's a forever thing. HOW?!?! I'm clueless.
The sister in this book meets up with someone from the previous book (The Seventh Sister) who does such a cliche job of bringing she and her male companion up to speed on everything that's been going on while she was discovering who she was, as well as her companion, that there's no reason for a good plot... we're evidently just suppose to "insert plot here" and keep it going from the last two books hoping it's enough to carry us over into the fourth book of the series.
Would I recommend it to a friend?
Again, I'm hoping the fifth book is better... if it is, I'll say yes, just so we don't lose you. If not, I'm giving up on this series!
2.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Author: Z L Arcadie
In the previous two books to this series, we find there are seven sisters of a prophecy. To this point all but one have been found. This book finds the last sister.
As in the previous books, there's a back story. This one is lack luster to say the least. The characters seem like stiff cardboard, with very little depth when compared to the first book, and the passion it held. Sex is simply gratuitous in this book as well because it just seems like something that's being used to establish a "love connection" and do double duty as filler. There seems to be no meaning or feeling behind it other than a strong pull towards the others partner, and after a short time they've decided it's a forever thing. HOW?!?! I'm clueless.
The sister in this book meets up with someone from the previous book (The Seventh Sister) who does such a cliche job of bringing she and her male companion up to speed on everything that's been going on while she was discovering who she was, as well as her companion, that there's no reason for a good plot... we're evidently just suppose to "insert plot here" and keep it going from the last two books hoping it's enough to carry us over into the fourth book of the series.
Would I recommend it to a friend?
Again, I'm hoping the fifth book is better... if it is, I'll say yes, just so we don't lose you. If not, I'm giving up on this series!
2.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Book Review: The Seventh Sister (book 2 in the Parched series)
Author: Z L Arcadie
Title: The Seventh Sister (Book 2 in the Parched Series)
This book is NOT intended to be a long book. To be completely honest, I believe it was written so The Seventh Sister was introduced in a way that her sisters were. However, because of her age, she is not part of the "adult genre" and therefore, not much can be done in her introduction.
We learn she has low self-esteem, and she's just coming into her "powers" as one of the Seven. We also learn that vampires are an ongoing theme for each sister at this point, at least it can be assumed.
The plot? I really feel the purpose was to solely give us a little back story of how she was found and came into her "power" and what her "power" is. Other than that, everything else was rather weak in comparison to the first book, "Parched".
The ending, again has a tilt of the head and a wink towards theology and the gift of "free will", yet again, it's not preachy. We find that the sisters have gone through a battle but THIS sister finds her body has changed in contrast to her sisters, which is different, because as the previous book remarks the sisters all look exactly alike except in their hair color, eye color and skin color. She has physical changes now that make her even more different than her sisters. I think, again, that's what the author intended, giving us a book just for The Seventh Sister.
I must say however, after reading the first book, I was sorely disappointed. However, knowing the author intended to "make it up" in the third book, I'm sticking with it.....Hope I don't regret it.
One more question, Does this author proof read or have an editor???
Would I recommend to a friend?
If they wanted to continue on the series yes because they found book 1 interesting, yes. If not than, no.
3 of 5 Bookmarks
M
Title: The Seventh Sister (Book 2 in the Parched Series)
This book is NOT intended to be a long book. To be completely honest, I believe it was written so The Seventh Sister was introduced in a way that her sisters were. However, because of her age, she is not part of the "adult genre" and therefore, not much can be done in her introduction.
We learn she has low self-esteem, and she's just coming into her "powers" as one of the Seven. We also learn that vampires are an ongoing theme for each sister at this point, at least it can be assumed.
The plot? I really feel the purpose was to solely give us a little back story of how she was found and came into her "power" and what her "power" is. Other than that, everything else was rather weak in comparison to the first book, "Parched".
The ending, again has a tilt of the head and a wink towards theology and the gift of "free will", yet again, it's not preachy. We find that the sisters have gone through a battle but THIS sister finds her body has changed in contrast to her sisters, which is different, because as the previous book remarks the sisters all look exactly alike except in their hair color, eye color and skin color. She has physical changes now that make her even more different than her sisters. I think, again, that's what the author intended, giving us a book just for The Seventh Sister.
I must say however, after reading the first book, I was sorely disappointed. However, knowing the author intended to "make it up" in the third book, I'm sticking with it.....Hope I don't regret it.
One more question, Does this author proof read or have an editor???
Would I recommend to a friend?
If they wanted to continue on the series yes because they found book 1 interesting, yes. If not than, no.
3 of 5 Bookmarks
M
Book Review: Parched (A Paranormal Series)
Author: Z L Arcadie
Book Title: Parched (Book 1 in Series)
As I began to read this book, I found myself a little confused and had to read sections over. When I finally "got" it, I started to like it.
The characters were interesting and evolved quickly, as did the plot. The storyline was told well, and had some interesting turns that simply were not expected.
The title of the book I feel I can indulge without spoiling the book. "Parched" refers to the way a vampire feels once he/she has been turned from their human form into a vampire. They're constantly thirsty AKA "Parched".
The relationships in this book brings into question some of the relationships in religion that may have been pondered through the years, which I find makes it more interesting. There is no pomp and circumstance in favor of or against one religion. There is definitely no dogma regarding religion at all, but somehow our author has made it a central theme to the book. I found as I got to the middle of the book, I was so entranced, I couldn't put the book down. Once I finished I IMMEDIATELY bought the second book in the series and started reading it!
The characters in this book are dynamic, interesting enigmas! The plot slowly unfolds but then turns the burners on quickly in a good way that compliments the character development. I found the ending was a little predictable, but then a twist was thrown in that I wasn't expecting, and now I look forward to finding out the outcome in book 2.
Would I suggest to my friends?
YES!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Book Title: Parched (Book 1 in Series)
As I began to read this book, I found myself a little confused and had to read sections over. When I finally "got" it, I started to like it.
The characters were interesting and evolved quickly, as did the plot. The storyline was told well, and had some interesting turns that simply were not expected.
The title of the book I feel I can indulge without spoiling the book. "Parched" refers to the way a vampire feels once he/she has been turned from their human form into a vampire. They're constantly thirsty AKA "Parched".
The relationships in this book brings into question some of the relationships in religion that may have been pondered through the years, which I find makes it more interesting. There is no pomp and circumstance in favor of or against one religion. There is definitely no dogma regarding religion at all, but somehow our author has made it a central theme to the book. I found as I got to the middle of the book, I was so entranced, I couldn't put the book down. Once I finished I IMMEDIATELY bought the second book in the series and started reading it!
The characters in this book are dynamic, interesting enigmas! The plot slowly unfolds but then turns the burners on quickly in a good way that compliments the character development. I found the ending was a little predictable, but then a twist was thrown in that I wasn't expecting, and now I look forward to finding out the outcome in book 2.
Would I suggest to my friends?
YES!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
M
Monday, June 18, 2012
Book Review: Exposed By Bonnie Lamar
Author; Lamar, Bonnie
Book Title; Exposed (Elianna Brennan Book 2)
Genre: Young Adult Historical Mystery/Action/Love Story
In this second installment of the Elianna Brennan Series,
our heroine picks up where she left off in Essence of Re.
Elianna's father is now more in the picture. He was depicted in
the first book as over-bearing and
over-protective, he now turns out to be quite laid back in the second half of
the book. Maybe that’s because our
heroine and her cohorts have decided that at the age of 17 (where of course,
here in the States EVERYONE carries a passport or has access to one and their
parents keep a credit card and cash handy in an emergency that their child can
get to. Um, NO.) they can get up and leave the country without so much as a second
glance by the adults selling them plane tickets or the TSA questioning their
age. OH…
that leaves the over-bearing parents out, now doesn’t it?
Where the first book was obviously trying to be historically
interesting, the second just confuses the reader. The plot is weak, so much so, that I was
ready to put the book down and start something else.
As I continued to read through the book, I shook my head
asking myself, “Where are the parents?”
The main characters have approached each of their houses at a reasonable
hour at night seemingly waiting for our heroine to simply say “I need you”, and
then everyone is up and ready to go, yet NO parents are awake to notice their
children leaving the country or even the HOUSE in the early night (before
midnight!). Not to mention that someone
is actively bleeding from a GUN SHOT wound and is still able to get through
airport security?!? This simply pushes
the envelope of believability.
The actions of the adults in this book, dealing with teenagers
like they’re in their 20s or even older, confounds me. The setting in is Cairo,
do they really treat teenagers like experienced 20 or 30 year olds in
Egypt? The adults there sure do put a
lot of stock in the “abilities” our heroine has without one thought about her
safety or that of her friends
Our author however, has improved her speech for our
teenagers, though at times contractions are still not used, making our
characters sound like robots. They still
speak as if they’re in their 20s as well, and rely on the experiences of the
movies they’ve watched as well as the video games they’ve played together, to
make spy like plans that rival those of ”007!”
Inconsistences are found throughout the book as well, from
the healing time of our heroine to whether or not a specific person is eating a
chicken or a turkey sandwich in the SAME paragraph. Where were the EDITORS for this version?
I found this second installment encourages behaviors in our
youth that should not be encouraged, (such as running away out of the country,
and the adults that lie to cover for them so they can avert being in trouble
with their parents.), but in the same vein doesn’t depict the teenager today
realistically. I mean, at 17 years old,
if you’re in a foreign country, in a hotel room with your significant other and
no adults around with hormones bouncing off every wall, would you not take your
relationship to the next level by taking advantage of the situation and make
love if you’ve found your “eternal soul mate”?
The next problem I have with this book is where
the climax of the plot ends up. There
are no visitors allowed at this particular “tourist attraction” at night, as
far as I know, yet a taxi driver is willing to take four teenagers, and drop
them off miles from it, out in the desert, to walk the rest of the way because
he was tipped well? Not to mention,
anyone who knows anything about the exhibits of history in Egypt knows that
there is a certain individual who watches vigorously over the antiquities of his
country. So, the plot itself is now
completely unbelievable, as well as the ending.
I can appreciate trying to influence the youth of today to
make good judgment calls, encourage them to do their homework and think out of
the box to solve problems, because let’s face it, today’s kids are constantly
looking at phone screens and computers and have the social skills to prove
it. Our heroine didn’t get a cell phone
until she was 17, whereas most kids in elementary school have one today. Her friends didn’t mention having one at
all! No laptops? Just 2 game consoles at a friend’s
house? WOW! How unique.
Finally, the author undermined her own writing by having a
conversation between characters, while still trying to explain in detail what
was going on around the characters as the conversation was happening. I had to read the conversation twice to understand
who was saying what. I then read it to my husband who said, “OK you lost me,
who’s talking?” Imagine the reaction of
the target audience if two 40 year olds couldn’t figure it out. Simply too much detail and adjectives
describing the surroundings and not enough for the conversation, which is pivotal
to the plot to take place!
Would I recommend
this book to my friends?
Nope. Don’t waste
your time.
½ out of 5 Bookmarks
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