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
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
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
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