Book Title: On the Edge of Humanity (a Vampire SEAL novel)
Author: S. B. Alexander
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/Mystery/Action/Young Adult
I read the title "A vampire SEAL novel" and thought "gimme a break". Since this was a Freebie from Book Basset, I figured I'd read it just because it gave me something to do.
Josaphine "Jo" and Sam Mason who are fraternal twins, have been in the Foster Care system for years. Their Mother died and their alcoholic father abandoned them. Jo is shy, with beautiful silver eyes, flawless skin and shiny hair. Sam has girls fawning all over him, but he sees nothing but baseball and trouble, usually because he's protecting his sister. She is always being picked on by one person or another, and he has the wrap sheet to prove it.
At their latest Foster Home, Jo is pretty much seen as a "slave" to the "foster mom" so she can go out, or sew or whatever. Her "foster father" has already tried one time to molest her in the short time they've been there, but his wife walked in and nothing happened. Tonight feels different though. She's looking for something to protect herself, because Sam isn't home from baseball practice yet, and finds a wine opener. She pricks her finger trying to see if it's sharp enough to cause harm. She sticks her bleeding finger in her mouth and finds that it tastes like watermelon candy. That freaks her out a bit, but it doesn't stop her from going to her room. As she's getting ready to go to sleep Cliff, her "foster father" enters, drunk, smelly, and tells her she's not getting away this time. Her fear level is spiking, and she tries to protect herself, but it doesn't work, he has a knife and he's using it. In comes her brother, bat at the ready. Cliff puts the knife to his beautiful sister's face, and tells him not to do it, she'd be scarred for life. He does, and Jo has a slash on her face. She and Sam both end up with Cliff's blood all over them and in their mouths. Then she blacks out from the amount of blood she's lost from her stab wounds.
The story from here, gets frenetic at times! Sam and Jo must escape the hospital because for some reason, there's some big burly guy with FANGS chasing them. When back at school some military people show up, they bring Jo to the office to talk to them, but Sam's missing. This is when Jo finds out the truth. She's a vampire going through "adolescence." As it's explained to her, she's also told her father is a member of an elite SEAL team, the same one they're members of, and her father disappeared around the time Jo was attacked.
And now we know how the SEALS are involved... kinda. To get the rest of this intriguing story, you'll have to read it. I'm gladly looking for the second installment. This one had me on the edge of my seat, a lot. But we also find, Jo isn't as powerless as she thinks she is. There were a few strings left hanging at the end of this book and I hope they're covered in the next book... I also hope Sam's best friend and Jo's savior, finds a way to become part of the team he's been wanting to be on since he was a kid. He deserves it. Thank you S. B. Alexander for an entertaining read that left me wanting to see someone serve justice by a Father's Love, and for leaving us some very interesting things to think about for the next book in the series!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Book Review: The Bite That Binds by Suzanne Wright
Book Title: The Bite That Binds (The Deep In Your Veins Series)
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
The war is over. Jared, being The Heir, as well as Co-Commander of a Legion of the best army of vampires, has decided to change his ways and in a move so uncharacteristic of him, laid a claim, loudly, visually and without regard to the outcome. Even if he can no longer be The Heir to the "vampire throne". All for the love he never thought he could never feel for someone.
She took him by surprise. Never before did someone NOT fall at his feet, begging to be "The Heir's Consort". Never before has his authority been questioned. Never before has he gotten so angry, yet so excited in the same breath. Never before was he so scared to loose anyone as much as his brother, or Antonio. All he can think about, is her.
Sam doesn't take much. She's a born fighter. She had to be, in order to survive, let alone become a member of the Legion, and now, prove she is worthy of a love like she's found, because she's a Svente, the weakest vampire in the vampire world. Regardless of her standing within the Legion or even with the Grand High Vampire, Antonio, she must fight and claw to constantly prove she's worthy to go through a binding ceremony to a vampire of higher status.
Dreams... Sam keeps having the same dreams... over and over again. Waking up in her living room. She's informed there is a Svente gift known as "dream walking", and because of who she is, someone may be reaching out to her for help. The Legion Squad she Co-Commands is sent to investigate, and yes, something is terribly wrong. Vampires are being used as medical experiments. The squad gets in, and talks to the Svente who sent for Sam. Then, while fighting Sam is hit, and someone says, "You'll be glad we did it." And they leave. Just when Sam needs her gifts the most, they go on the blink. No one is sure what they did to Sam. All Sam knows, is it hurt.
There are other stories going on as well... Suzanne Wright has added to her first book, "He Be Sexist Vampires", and expounded on what she's already created and made it better than it was. Impressive. The first book had me happy at the ending, this book had me feeling fear, anger, happiness. I laughed, I cried... and it takes a damn good author to take you through a story and make you FEEL what the characters are feeling. To be able to write so well that you're literally in the room watching and feeling the density of the air with the characters.
Sam is an extraordinary character, and I can't wait to read more about her exploits! Write on Suzanne, WRITE ON!!!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
The war is over. Jared, being The Heir, as well as Co-Commander of a Legion of the best army of vampires, has decided to change his ways and in a move so uncharacteristic of him, laid a claim, loudly, visually and without regard to the outcome. Even if he can no longer be The Heir to the "vampire throne". All for the love he never thought he could never feel for someone.
She took him by surprise. Never before did someone NOT fall at his feet, begging to be "The Heir's Consort". Never before has his authority been questioned. Never before has he gotten so angry, yet so excited in the same breath. Never before was he so scared to loose anyone as much as his brother, or Antonio. All he can think about, is her.
Sam doesn't take much. She's a born fighter. She had to be, in order to survive, let alone become a member of the Legion, and now, prove she is worthy of a love like she's found, because she's a Svente, the weakest vampire in the vampire world. Regardless of her standing within the Legion or even with the Grand High Vampire, Antonio, she must fight and claw to constantly prove she's worthy to go through a binding ceremony to a vampire of higher status.
Dreams... Sam keeps having the same dreams... over and over again. Waking up in her living room. She's informed there is a Svente gift known as "dream walking", and because of who she is, someone may be reaching out to her for help. The Legion Squad she Co-Commands is sent to investigate, and yes, something is terribly wrong. Vampires are being used as medical experiments. The squad gets in, and talks to the Svente who sent for Sam. Then, while fighting Sam is hit, and someone says, "You'll be glad we did it." And they leave. Just when Sam needs her gifts the most, they go on the blink. No one is sure what they did to Sam. All Sam knows, is it hurt.
There are other stories going on as well... Suzanne Wright has added to her first book, "He Be Sexist Vampires", and expounded on what she's already created and made it better than it was. Impressive. The first book had me happy at the ending, this book had me feeling fear, anger, happiness. I laughed, I cried... and it takes a damn good author to take you through a story and make you FEEL what the characters are feeling. To be able to write so well that you're literally in the room watching and feeling the density of the air with the characters.
Sam is an extraordinary character, and I can't wait to read more about her exploits! Write on Suzanne, WRITE ON!!!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: Here Be Sexist Vampires
Book Title: Here Be Sexist Vampires (The Deep In Your Veins Series)
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
I was nicely surprised by this book, and I now will concede there are a million and one ways to write about vampires and werewolves and all other things preternatural, and not write about the same thing twice. Unless, of course you're talking about what essentially MAKES them a vampire, the consumption of blood.
Suzanne Wright has written us a world where there are three breeds of vampire. Each vampire is "born" with a "gift" or preternatural ability. Some of these "gifts" are breed specific. There are some very, very rare "gifts" that happen so infrequently people are simply astounded by them and are willing to do anything to have control over the vampire who has such "gifts", if control is possible.
The breeds ; Pagori, are the strongest in physicality and they're gifts as well as the breed are considered Superior in the order of things. They are, however, prone to strong blood lust that can, at times, be uncontrolable. Keja are the second strongest in physicality and are the basis for where the belief that vampires can "glamor" someone with their looks come from, as they are quite ethereal and beautiful. They too suffer from having a rather strong blood lust, yet not as strong as the Pagori. Then we have the Svente, who are regarded as the weakest, not as "pretty" and they aren't even blessed with fangs. The things they have in their corner are that they are the most agile and they have the most controllable blood lust.
The story begins with a young Svente Vampire, both in human and vampire years. Her sire is abusive, going as far as having her watch him kill small children if she does not do what he wants her to, including being his consort. He's cruel and vindictive, he has her guarded day and night and users her to fight while he gambles on her, knowing she will win. She inherited the "gift" of being a "feeder" when he turned her. This means, she can at will take the energy from the Earth or from those around her and bend them to her whim. This is usually a Pagori gift, a very, VERY rare gift, and most who have it, die from it because they cannot control the amount of energy they wield. Samantha "Sam", can control it without difficulty, and because of the way she was turned, the way her sire uses her and the way she chooses to deal with life as a fighter, rather than a victim, she's learned to control what she can, which is her "gift", and she learned that quickly.
As she's coming home from the market one day, she smells a vampire she doesn't know in her house. Yet her sire's guards don't seem to have a problem with whoever it is, so she doesn't say anything. She then meets Sebastian, a Master Vampire, and personal assistant to the Grand High Vampire and Leader of all things Vampire, Antonio. He offers her the chance to try-out to join Antiono's elite Legion, his "Personal Army", who not only serve to protect Antonio, but does his bidding as well, when someone breaks the rules/laws. Sam explains that her sire would never let her go, and Sebastian explains that he's watched her for some time, and that if she were to make it into the Legion, her sire would have nothing to say about it because Antonio "trumps" her sire. She figures, what harm could it do, and she'll be back before her sire even knows it.
The try outs include several Pagori and Keja males, at which time she's told that there are NO females in the Legion let alone SVENTE! The commanders include three people Jared is the one charge and he puts her down and tries to talk her out of trying out, as do the other men who are also trying out. She continues on, persistent to show them not to take her lightly. The fighter in her is coming out. She's strong willed and knows her agility out performs the breeds. She's very smart and her unique ability as a "feeder" will help her. Then she smells blood. Lots of different kinds of blood. She has no problem smelling them and controlling her blood lust, but the Pagori's eyes are glowing, their fangs are distending. The Keja's are a little better. Some vampires are falling already. The second test is speed. She's not the fastest, but she passes the second test, with flying colors. The third test is to use their powers in a duel. This is where they find, she's a "feeder". She's SURE she's made it to the Legion. When she finds Jared and the other commanders have not accepted her. She gets angry and tries to leave, when Antonio calls her to him and she is appointed as Co-Commander to Jared's new Legion. There is a war coming and he thinks with her special abilities the new trainees need to use their powers quicker and better, before all hell breaks loose.
And thus begins the relationship and the saying "here be sexist vampires"!
The story is compelling and I found myself smiling, laughing, and really liking all but a couple people. I liked the book so much I finished and bought the second book in the series and finished that right away. I loved the gullibility of the characters, and the way each play off each other. I loved the genuine character flaws, the way the feelings of "gifts" being used, and the way this particular world of the vampire was imagined.
Also, the writer of the story is from the UK, and Sam is written as being from the UK whereas others in the book are written as being from other places, like California. I adored the fact that Sam is written as a British Character and Jared, being a Californian didn't use the same colloquialisms that Sam did, though there were a couple places where, being a California Native myself, I can tell the writing was off a little, for the most part, Suzanne did a wonderful job! Everyone has the correct use of language for their ethnicity and for the part of the world they come from, be it the UK, the US, Greece, etc. It was nice to have someone write a book with that in mind. I also enjoyed and learned a few bits of UK slang, I didn't know before! LOL
I truly look forward to more books in this series.
4.5 bookmarks out of 5
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
I was nicely surprised by this book, and I now will concede there are a million and one ways to write about vampires and werewolves and all other things preternatural, and not write about the same thing twice. Unless, of course you're talking about what essentially MAKES them a vampire, the consumption of blood.
Suzanne Wright has written us a world where there are three breeds of vampire. Each vampire is "born" with a "gift" or preternatural ability. Some of these "gifts" are breed specific. There are some very, very rare "gifts" that happen so infrequently people are simply astounded by them and are willing to do anything to have control over the vampire who has such "gifts", if control is possible.
The breeds ; Pagori, are the strongest in physicality and they're gifts as well as the breed are considered Superior in the order of things. They are, however, prone to strong blood lust that can, at times, be uncontrolable. Keja are the second strongest in physicality and are the basis for where the belief that vampires can "glamor" someone with their looks come from, as they are quite ethereal and beautiful. They too suffer from having a rather strong blood lust, yet not as strong as the Pagori. Then we have the Svente, who are regarded as the weakest, not as "pretty" and they aren't even blessed with fangs. The things they have in their corner are that they are the most agile and they have the most controllable blood lust.
The story begins with a young Svente Vampire, both in human and vampire years. Her sire is abusive, going as far as having her watch him kill small children if she does not do what he wants her to, including being his consort. He's cruel and vindictive, he has her guarded day and night and users her to fight while he gambles on her, knowing she will win. She inherited the "gift" of being a "feeder" when he turned her. This means, she can at will take the energy from the Earth or from those around her and bend them to her whim. This is usually a Pagori gift, a very, VERY rare gift, and most who have it, die from it because they cannot control the amount of energy they wield. Samantha "Sam", can control it without difficulty, and because of the way she was turned, the way her sire uses her and the way she chooses to deal with life as a fighter, rather than a victim, she's learned to control what she can, which is her "gift", and she learned that quickly.
As she's coming home from the market one day, she smells a vampire she doesn't know in her house. Yet her sire's guards don't seem to have a problem with whoever it is, so she doesn't say anything. She then meets Sebastian, a Master Vampire, and personal assistant to the Grand High Vampire and Leader of all things Vampire, Antonio. He offers her the chance to try-out to join Antiono's elite Legion, his "Personal Army", who not only serve to protect Antonio, but does his bidding as well, when someone breaks the rules/laws. Sam explains that her sire would never let her go, and Sebastian explains that he's watched her for some time, and that if she were to make it into the Legion, her sire would have nothing to say about it because Antonio "trumps" her sire. She figures, what harm could it do, and she'll be back before her sire even knows it.
The try outs include several Pagori and Keja males, at which time she's told that there are NO females in the Legion let alone SVENTE! The commanders include three people Jared is the one charge and he puts her down and tries to talk her out of trying out, as do the other men who are also trying out. She continues on, persistent to show them not to take her lightly. The fighter in her is coming out. She's strong willed and knows her agility out performs the breeds. She's very smart and her unique ability as a "feeder" will help her. Then she smells blood. Lots of different kinds of blood. She has no problem smelling them and controlling her blood lust, but the Pagori's eyes are glowing, their fangs are distending. The Keja's are a little better. Some vampires are falling already. The second test is speed. She's not the fastest, but she passes the second test, with flying colors. The third test is to use their powers in a duel. This is where they find, she's a "feeder". She's SURE she's made it to the Legion. When she finds Jared and the other commanders have not accepted her. She gets angry and tries to leave, when Antonio calls her to him and she is appointed as Co-Commander to Jared's new Legion. There is a war coming and he thinks with her special abilities the new trainees need to use their powers quicker and better, before all hell breaks loose.
And thus begins the relationship and the saying "here be sexist vampires"!
The story is compelling and I found myself smiling, laughing, and really liking all but a couple people. I liked the book so much I finished and bought the second book in the series and finished that right away. I loved the gullibility of the characters, and the way each play off each other. I loved the genuine character flaws, the way the feelings of "gifts" being used, and the way this particular world of the vampire was imagined.
Also, the writer of the story is from the UK, and Sam is written as being from the UK whereas others in the book are written as being from other places, like California. I adored the fact that Sam is written as a British Character and Jared, being a Californian didn't use the same colloquialisms that Sam did, though there were a couple places where, being a California Native myself, I can tell the writing was off a little, for the most part, Suzanne did a wonderful job! Everyone has the correct use of language for their ethnicity and for the part of the world they come from, be it the UK, the US, Greece, etc. It was nice to have someone write a book with that in mind. I also enjoyed and learned a few bits of UK slang, I didn't know before! LOL
I truly look forward to more books in this series.
4.5 bookmarks out of 5
Book Review: The Warrior's Bride by Gerri Russell
Book Title: The Warrior's Bride (The Stone of Destiny Series)
Author: Gerri Russell
Genre: Historical Romance
First and foremost.. yes be stunned... it's not vampires or werewolves!
OK, After reading this book, I actually had to think a couple days about what I wanted to writet in this review. This is one reason why, when I read a book or books, I have a nice spiral notebook next to me and/or I make notes in my Kindle at certain spots to go back and look at things to remind me about what point I wanted to think about. As I took my notes I thought about the story in and of itself. I thought about the historical aspect of it. I thought about the way people spoke in the time that the story is suppose to take place and more importantly WHERE. I thought about the beliefs of people in this particular time frame and whether or not what was going on was plausible. Because if it's not plausible, your story isn't quite believable then, is it?
Being of what I believe to be an Irish/Scottish heritage (I say "believe to be" because I'm adopted and that's what's on my birth certificate. My Birth Mother is also adopted and therefore, hers says the same thing!) Lending to my belief is the superficiality of my red hair, temper and just a connection I feel with anything Irish or Scottish. Therefore, I read a lot about Scotland, it's history and Ireland and it's history. I'm pulled especially towards Scottish things. I even have a Celtic Knot-work tattoo on my leg that one of my daughters designed for me, as it includes artwork that each of them have on their backs. So, when I read the summary of this book, I was really relishing the thought of reading another great Scottish history love story.
I have a few authors I adore. But I really love Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series. I say this for a specific reason. In her books, the way she does her historical research, she literally brings history to life entwining it with her ability to tell a fictional story of love and loss, while giving you the impression of being there, listening to... again listening to SOMEONE SPEAKING WITH A SCOTTISH LILT! The certain way that "R's" are rolled... the cadence of the speech pattern. The actions of those towards someone who is of a higher station of life than themselves.
As I read this story by Gerri Russell, I learned that not everyone can tell a story like Diana. I also realized, the stereo-typical way that someone can write about some who they're trying to claim is Scottish, but so obviously not. Why do I say this? This author used the phrase "aye" to a fault. Like that's the only real Scottish word that mattered and proved the subjects of the story were Scotch. OK... Let's get over my feelings about this and get to the meat and potatoes.. the story.
The story is begins on the Island of St. Kilda. The King has taken his bride and locked her in a tower, just waiting for her to die, but with their marriage, the greedy sod was given ownership of things her family gave as part of a dowry. This "King", however, knows she's a "seer", she uses a stone and can see things that are yet to happen. She still has her stone when she's thrown into the tower. What the King doesn't know, is she's pregnant. She gives birth to a little girl, but as the wife continues to use the stone, simply to escape her entrapment in the tower, she goes insane. Her daughter therefore thinks that using the stone will cause her pain and suffering. After her mother's death, she's given to a local family as their slave. Now dear reader, you've just walked into your own "Scottish version" of the Cinderella story.
One day, out of the blue, a man shows up looking for our little princess. His father, a King, who has never done anything but use him and his brother, has given and edict that his brother will come to harm if he does not marry this girl. He is not told any information about her, just her name and where she can be found. He finds her, and takes her and her only possession in life, a chicken. She's very shy, dirty, dressed in rags, etc. He gets her to the boat and makes a run for home to save his brother. He's made a deal with her that by marrying him, she has the protection of marriage without actions of marriage. He can tell she's pretty young and not wise of things marital. However, after trying to hide and convince herself (along with her chicken) to take the long boat and take her chances at open sea, she's having anxiety... it's a dark place, dark places are scary after being locked in a tower since you were born and abused by your keepers ever since. So, when she tries to make a run for it, just as dusk comes (she can't move while it's dark) our young prince, has, of course figured her out and knows where she is. She falls overboard, he dives in after her and oh my, sparks fly. One of the crew inflicts harm on her, and he gets a beat down too.
OK... she's obviously not used to sticking up for herself, or her....chicken. As life goes on, she's become fond of the prince, doesn't know why she's feeling the way she is... yada yada... you've heard this before....
They arrive at his castle and he's all the sudden VERY protective of our little dirty princess. His Consort, dressed as regally as any queen would be assumes she's just another servant and starts to order her around... gets put in her place and told our little princess is to be his wife. Jealous consort....I think you get where this is going.
It all comes down to the stone though. The Princes best friend (not even labeled his Best MATE like the Scots would call him.) is a seer too, and has a stone. Every time he uses his, his gray streak in his hair gets bigger, even though he's the same age as the prince.
There's going to be problems with both sides of the daddy's now.. the Kings are fighting over land and other things, especially the fact that the stones see the future, AND the sons are expendable as is the princess.
As in every Cinderella story, the prince and princess are together... but somehow our little quiet mouse finds the guts to one day don weapons, chainmail, and gets a horse, to save the one she now so desperately loves (who has also ditched said consort). She rides to her husband's surprise and pride and becomes 'THE WARRIOR'S BRIDE'.
There... now you don't have to read the story. I of course left out quite a bit, but with any Cinderella story, you pretty much get it. There's always going to be a little change-up here and there, especially since it's about the stones (as is indicated in the titles parenthesis') But I really found it wanting. There was really not a lot of growing time for the princess to go from quiet abused, grew up half her life locked in a tower, slave and hardly dressed properly, to grandiose seer with the guts to, while dressed in her new handmade frock fit for a princess, to go to the aid of her prince without so much as a flutter in her stomach. It was like all the sudden she became Xena Warrior Princess or something, trying to speak Scottish! "Oh Aye sir!"
Yes, love stories are all pretty much the same. But when you're trying to incorporate historical facts into your fiction, and do so in a place whose English has a very recognizable BURR and LILT to it, then at least try to treat your readers with more respect than to write a story, with the history wrong, timetable off, and your characters lacking form and actual believability. There aren't many times I get to the point where I will not continue with a series unless fundamental changes are made. This would be one of those. My reasons are simple. I'm ticked. I feel like someone took my heritage, and completely disregarded what fundamentally makes the SCOTTISH. So really... what was the point of placing the story there in the first place?
2 out of 5 bookmarks (and I'm trying to be nice after a not-so-nice review.)
Author: Gerri Russell
Genre: Historical Romance
First and foremost.. yes be stunned... it's not vampires or werewolves!
OK, After reading this book, I actually had to think a couple days about what I wanted to writet in this review. This is one reason why, when I read a book or books, I have a nice spiral notebook next to me and/or I make notes in my Kindle at certain spots to go back and look at things to remind me about what point I wanted to think about. As I took my notes I thought about the story in and of itself. I thought about the historical aspect of it. I thought about the way people spoke in the time that the story is suppose to take place and more importantly WHERE. I thought about the beliefs of people in this particular time frame and whether or not what was going on was plausible. Because if it's not plausible, your story isn't quite believable then, is it?
Being of what I believe to be an Irish/Scottish heritage (I say "believe to be" because I'm adopted and that's what's on my birth certificate. My Birth Mother is also adopted and therefore, hers says the same thing!) Lending to my belief is the superficiality of my red hair, temper and just a connection I feel with anything Irish or Scottish. Therefore, I read a lot about Scotland, it's history and Ireland and it's history. I'm pulled especially towards Scottish things. I even have a Celtic Knot-work tattoo on my leg that one of my daughters designed for me, as it includes artwork that each of them have on their backs. So, when I read the summary of this book, I was really relishing the thought of reading another great Scottish history love story.
I have a few authors I adore. But I really love Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series. I say this for a specific reason. In her books, the way she does her historical research, she literally brings history to life entwining it with her ability to tell a fictional story of love and loss, while giving you the impression of being there, listening to... again listening to SOMEONE SPEAKING WITH A SCOTTISH LILT! The certain way that "R's" are rolled... the cadence of the speech pattern. The actions of those towards someone who is of a higher station of life than themselves.
As I read this story by Gerri Russell, I learned that not everyone can tell a story like Diana. I also realized, the stereo-typical way that someone can write about some who they're trying to claim is Scottish, but so obviously not. Why do I say this? This author used the phrase "aye" to a fault. Like that's the only real Scottish word that mattered and proved the subjects of the story were Scotch. OK... Let's get over my feelings about this and get to the meat and potatoes.. the story.
The story is begins on the Island of St. Kilda. The King has taken his bride and locked her in a tower, just waiting for her to die, but with their marriage, the greedy sod was given ownership of things her family gave as part of a dowry. This "King", however, knows she's a "seer", she uses a stone and can see things that are yet to happen. She still has her stone when she's thrown into the tower. What the King doesn't know, is she's pregnant. She gives birth to a little girl, but as the wife continues to use the stone, simply to escape her entrapment in the tower, she goes insane. Her daughter therefore thinks that using the stone will cause her pain and suffering. After her mother's death, she's given to a local family as their slave. Now dear reader, you've just walked into your own "Scottish version" of the Cinderella story.
One day, out of the blue, a man shows up looking for our little princess. His father, a King, who has never done anything but use him and his brother, has given and edict that his brother will come to harm if he does not marry this girl. He is not told any information about her, just her name and where she can be found. He finds her, and takes her and her only possession in life, a chicken. She's very shy, dirty, dressed in rags, etc. He gets her to the boat and makes a run for home to save his brother. He's made a deal with her that by marrying him, she has the protection of marriage without actions of marriage. He can tell she's pretty young and not wise of things marital. However, after trying to hide and convince herself (along with her chicken) to take the long boat and take her chances at open sea, she's having anxiety... it's a dark place, dark places are scary after being locked in a tower since you were born and abused by your keepers ever since. So, when she tries to make a run for it, just as dusk comes (she can't move while it's dark) our young prince, has, of course figured her out and knows where she is. She falls overboard, he dives in after her and oh my, sparks fly. One of the crew inflicts harm on her, and he gets a beat down too.
OK... she's obviously not used to sticking up for herself, or her....chicken. As life goes on, she's become fond of the prince, doesn't know why she's feeling the way she is... yada yada... you've heard this before....
They arrive at his castle and he's all the sudden VERY protective of our little dirty princess. His Consort, dressed as regally as any queen would be assumes she's just another servant and starts to order her around... gets put in her place and told our little princess is to be his wife. Jealous consort....I think you get where this is going.
It all comes down to the stone though. The Princes best friend (not even labeled his Best MATE like the Scots would call him.) is a seer too, and has a stone. Every time he uses his, his gray streak in his hair gets bigger, even though he's the same age as the prince.
There's going to be problems with both sides of the daddy's now.. the Kings are fighting over land and other things, especially the fact that the stones see the future, AND the sons are expendable as is the princess.
As in every Cinderella story, the prince and princess are together... but somehow our little quiet mouse finds the guts to one day don weapons, chainmail, and gets a horse, to save the one she now so desperately loves (who has also ditched said consort). She rides to her husband's surprise and pride and becomes 'THE WARRIOR'S BRIDE'.
There... now you don't have to read the story. I of course left out quite a bit, but with any Cinderella story, you pretty much get it. There's always going to be a little change-up here and there, especially since it's about the stones (as is indicated in the titles parenthesis') But I really found it wanting. There was really not a lot of growing time for the princess to go from quiet abused, grew up half her life locked in a tower, slave and hardly dressed properly, to grandiose seer with the guts to, while dressed in her new handmade frock fit for a princess, to go to the aid of her prince without so much as a flutter in her stomach. It was like all the sudden she became Xena Warrior Princess or something, trying to speak Scottish! "Oh Aye sir!"
Yes, love stories are all pretty much the same. But when you're trying to incorporate historical facts into your fiction, and do so in a place whose English has a very recognizable BURR and LILT to it, then at least try to treat your readers with more respect than to write a story, with the history wrong, timetable off, and your characters lacking form and actual believability. There aren't many times I get to the point where I will not continue with a series unless fundamental changes are made. This would be one of those. My reasons are simple. I'm ticked. I feel like someone took my heritage, and completely disregarded what fundamentally makes the SCOTTISH. So really... what was the point of placing the story there in the first place?
2 out of 5 bookmarks (and I'm trying to be nice after a not-so-nice review.)
Book Review: Renegade by Donna Boyd
Book Title: Renegade (The Devoncroix Dynasty)
Author: Donna Boyd
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal
What a different read! I was explaining the back-story of the plot to my husband when the "oh please not another werewolf or vampire story" look came across his face once the word "werewolf" escaped my lips.
But, as I went on his interest was piqued. (That or his back hurt him from adding some stuff to our deck!) When I told him about twists and turns that this book was taking, along with the back-story, I got to the ending and the one thing slapping ME in the face was "always treat others like you'd like to be treated." He just smiled and said, "I'm glad you like your books dear." MEN.
The premise for the werewolves is also a "out-of-the-box" thought process. Actually making you second guess some things as actually plausible. This author takes us all over the world through time, giving an account of the species. Explaining how historically werewolves have impacted human life. The way the author has intertwined history into this book was outstanding. The characters are very cool as well. I loved the way it was told through the eyes of someone that was not normally accepted into the world the werewolves made for themselves.
I also really like when someone can throw actual historic occurrences into a book flawlessly incorporating them into their own fictionalized story, making for a more believable work of fiction. This shows, to me, how well thought out the author is, before even writing the first word.
I really enjoyed this book and at the end hoped there was more... that's why I love the word "series".
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Donna Boyd
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal
What a different read! I was explaining the back-story of the plot to my husband when the "oh please not another werewolf or vampire story" look came across his face once the word "werewolf" escaped my lips.
But, as I went on his interest was piqued. (That or his back hurt him from adding some stuff to our deck!) When I told him about twists and turns that this book was taking, along with the back-story, I got to the ending and the one thing slapping ME in the face was "always treat others like you'd like to be treated." He just smiled and said, "I'm glad you like your books dear." MEN.
The premise for the werewolves is also a "out-of-the-box" thought process. Actually making you second guess some things as actually plausible. This author takes us all over the world through time, giving an account of the species. Explaining how historically werewolves have impacted human life. The way the author has intertwined history into this book was outstanding. The characters are very cool as well. I loved the way it was told through the eyes of someone that was not normally accepted into the world the werewolves made for themselves.
I also really like when someone can throw actual historic occurrences into a book flawlessly incorporating them into their own fictionalized story, making for a more believable work of fiction. This shows, to me, how well thought out the author is, before even writing the first word.
I really enjoyed this book and at the end hoped there was more... that's why I love the word "series".
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: Blood Family by Mark Knight
Book Title: Blood Family
Author: Mark Knight
Genre: Young Adult/Supernatural/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
Yes, ANOTHER Vamp Book! ;)
I got this one because the main character was on a quest to save his biological mother, after finding out that he's adopted.
It was a fast paced, interesting new take on what a vampire really is. How they really work and what they're really like. (By this author's version.) I'm so happy to find yet another unique take on the vampire.
The story leads us through personal tragedy and takes us to several different continents, searching for the "key" to Daniel's "Blood Family". It's fun and faster when we meet a paranormal investigator/Vampire Hunter trying to fill her father's shoes and avenge the death of her parents.
This was a good book with a good cliffhanger. I think the target audience will truly enjoy this, there are no scenes that are too graphic for the target audience either.
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Mark Knight
Genre: Young Adult/Supernatural/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
Yes, ANOTHER Vamp Book! ;)
I got this one because the main character was on a quest to save his biological mother, after finding out that he's adopted.
It was a fast paced, interesting new take on what a vampire really is. How they really work and what they're really like. (By this author's version.) I'm so happy to find yet another unique take on the vampire.
The story leads us through personal tragedy and takes us to several different continents, searching for the "key" to Daniel's "Blood Family". It's fun and faster when we meet a paranormal investigator/Vampire Hunter trying to fill her father's shoes and avenge the death of her parents.
This was a good book with a good cliffhanger. I think the target audience will truly enjoy this, there are no scenes that are too graphic for the target audience either.
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: The River by Cheryl Kaye Tardiff
Book Title: The River
Author: Cheryl Kaye Tardiff
Genre: Sci-Fi
I read the summary for this book and hoped it was as good as it sounded, since, as I'm sure you've noticed I seem to want to read Supernatural, Sci-Fi things, it can kind of repeat itself. LOL It was so much better than the summary!
In The River, we meet an anthropologist/archeologist Professor named Delila Lawrence. Her life is normal as a professor and she has her little phobias like everyone else. She has health issues as well, which is what keeps her in the classroom most of the time. Her father, Dr. Lawrence has been missing and presumed dead for many years.
Then one day, in a split second, everything changes.
The characters in this book are mindblowingly believable, likeable, hateable and in some ways, just simply disgusting. You easily relate to them and grow attached very quickly.
The setting is a Canadian National Park and is beautifully described by the author. You can close your eyes and visualize it.
The mystery evolves, and suspense get deeper and you become so engrossed in the book and it's quick movement, that you just simply don't want to put it down.
THERE ARE SO MANY QUESTIONS LEFT UNANSWERED!!!! I looked and looked for a second book, hoping these questions would get answered. But, I just can't find anything. If YOU do, please let me know... I'd love to find out what happened to the characters whose lives were just... left to the imagination! I really do hope there is another book though.
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Cheryl Kaye Tardiff
Genre: Sci-Fi
I read the summary for this book and hoped it was as good as it sounded, since, as I'm sure you've noticed I seem to want to read Supernatural, Sci-Fi things, it can kind of repeat itself. LOL It was so much better than the summary!
In The River, we meet an anthropologist/archeologist Professor named Delila Lawrence. Her life is normal as a professor and she has her little phobias like everyone else. She has health issues as well, which is what keeps her in the classroom most of the time. Her father, Dr. Lawrence has been missing and presumed dead for many years.
Then one day, in a split second, everything changes.
The characters in this book are mindblowingly believable, likeable, hateable and in some ways, just simply disgusting. You easily relate to them and grow attached very quickly.
The setting is a Canadian National Park and is beautifully described by the author. You can close your eyes and visualize it.
The mystery evolves, and suspense get deeper and you become so engrossed in the book and it's quick movement, that you just simply don't want to put it down.
THERE ARE SO MANY QUESTIONS LEFT UNANSWERED!!!! I looked and looked for a second book, hoping these questions would get answered. But, I just can't find anything. If YOU do, please let me know... I'd love to find out what happened to the characters whose lives were just... left to the imagination! I really do hope there is another book though.
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
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