Book Title: Tegan's Blood (The Ultimate Power Series # 1)
Author: L.H. Cosway
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Tegan's Blood was a freebie and I'm glad I got it. Not only could I truly NOT put it down once I started it, it was a "quick read" for me, which helps when you're dealing with things that life throws at you.
I found the character of Tegan to be very real, going through a very emotional time, suffering the loss of a loved one. It didn't seem contrived to me, what she is feeling is real. Her friends characters are also as real. They act the same way anyone would given the situation that Tegan is currently living through.
I found the story emotionally engaging and I have to say, I was thrown by the character of Ethan. I'm just not understanding him at all. Ethan is not as well written as the other characters, other than knowing his age, looks, and that he "explains" this version of how this author believes that vampires are "made" and dhamphirs are "made". Ethan also comes from a well respected Vampiric family, and this is basically all you get, except that his moods are mercurial. I understood a body guard's character better than Ethan, who is suppose to be a "main" character.
There was quite a bit of mystery, which was fun and I enjoyed the bits and pieces of magic thrown in for good measure. Starting the second in the series... so obviously, I liked it enough to purchase the second... ;)
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
A MODERN WITCH SERIES BY DEBORA GEARY
I don't think I've ever commented on the Modern Witch series simply because sometimes, I like to read something and just enjoy it, without having to make notes, or be as vigilant to the "necessaries" for my review.
But, I HAVE to say something about Debora's latest in the series, A Lost Witch. If you're not familiar with the series, I suggest you start it as soon as you can with A Modern Witch. You'll meet a wonderful family of witches and non-witches, loving, open, warm and accepting.
With A Lost Witch, the family has a bit of "lost witch" on their hands. I cried so hard throughout this book, because of the love emanating off the pages for the characters of this book and the characters that have been in the series since the beginning. Debora has such a gift with not only this series but she's got companion series as well that work within the Modern Witch series itself.
You will become so wrapped up in the Sullivan family, as well as the aunts, uncles, cousins, friends... that you will literally feel like a member of the family. I LOVE the series, and I just can't keep it to myself anymore. If you like a little whimsy, some fantastical beliefs of a little witchcraft, and well told story of not only individuals but of an accepting family who takes everyone in, and showers them with acceptance and love, go get the first in the series, A MODERN WITCH. If you've already been reading it, Go get A LOST WITCH now... You'll fall in love with the series even more than you already have!
The series for me is 5 out 5 bookmarks.
But, I HAVE to say something about Debora's latest in the series, A Lost Witch. If you're not familiar with the series, I suggest you start it as soon as you can with A Modern Witch. You'll meet a wonderful family of witches and non-witches, loving, open, warm and accepting.
With A Lost Witch, the family has a bit of "lost witch" on their hands. I cried so hard throughout this book, because of the love emanating off the pages for the characters of this book and the characters that have been in the series since the beginning. Debora has such a gift with not only this series but she's got companion series as well that work within the Modern Witch series itself.
You will become so wrapped up in the Sullivan family, as well as the aunts, uncles, cousins, friends... that you will literally feel like a member of the family. I LOVE the series, and I just can't keep it to myself anymore. If you like a little whimsy, some fantastical beliefs of a little witchcraft, and well told story of not only individuals but of an accepting family who takes everyone in, and showers them with acceptance and love, go get the first in the series, A MODERN WITCH. If you've already been reading it, Go get A LOST WITCH now... You'll fall in love with the series even more than you already have!
The series for me is 5 out 5 bookmarks.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Book Title: Slaves of Valhalla (The Prometheus Wars - Book 2)
Book Title: Slaves of Valhalla (The Prometheus Wars - Book 2)
Author: Luke Romyn
Genre: Historical/Sci-Fi/Mystery
Slaves of Valhalla leaves off directly where Beyond Hades leaves off.... kinda. ;) We still have Greek Mythology, however Norse Mythology is now added as well. The characters are as loveable/laughable as they were in the first book. The ability to laugh and cry in five minutes while reading, is a major feat.
As a woman, in both books I can tell, Mr. Romyn was a "Mr." and not a "Ms.". As I've said before, I do not read the name of the author until I'm finished reading the book. In my Kindles I have books listed by NAME only. I find a title I like, and start reading. Mr. Romyn seems to really like his guns and toys. He really goes into some detail about all the guns and toys, names, makes, models, etc. I mean, in some cases that's necessary. But to the layman... I don't care. You shoot a GUN. It has bullets. I don't need to know when it was made, the model of it and how it fits in your hand. I need to know if it's a pistol or a rifle, simply because I know how each shoots. The caliber of the gun might be good to know, because that indicates the damage the gun might inflict as well as being automatic or semi-automatic. However I really don't like hearing a paragraph about how this gun makes you feel _______ (fill in the blank). I've read a couple other books that go into some really deep detail about the weapons used, and yes, they were written by men too. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying, I can tell the difference. Moving on...
I was able to tell through this book (which was much shorter than the first) that Mr. Romyn's knowledge of Norse Mythology was not as well versed as his knowledge of Greek Mythology, which leads me to wonder why Norse Mythology was used. There were so many other ways the book could have gone, interspersing the Norse Mythology within the story, given the superstitions and Celtic/Pagan Beliefs of the time. Instead, some token comments were made, and had people in the book not mentioned certain things that were indicative of the time and beliefs, you wouldn't have a clue Norse Mythology was even the back drop for the story.
The ending, for me, was a shocker. At first I just sat there, going, "no way". Then after thinking on it, it made sense to me. The "series" seems pretty much finished by the end of this book though. So, I'm wondering why they're marketed as a "series" instead of just "Books 1 & 2" but I'm not the author nor am I the publisher. Unless of course, there's more coming, and I'm thrilled if there are. I just hope the setting under which they're suppose to be has as much detail as the first book, rather than the second book. When you're talking Mythology of any kind, and intertwining it in a story, really put it in there, don't just stick your toe in the water and find it's too cold to jump in all way. If more research is needed, then do it. If you can't get the characters to meld in that time frame, you another time frame. But don't let the book and story suffer because there just isn't enough meat to go with the potatoes.
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks (Because I really liked the ending.)
Author: Luke Romyn
Genre: Historical/Sci-Fi/Mystery
Slaves of Valhalla leaves off directly where Beyond Hades leaves off.... kinda. ;) We still have Greek Mythology, however Norse Mythology is now added as well. The characters are as loveable/laughable as they were in the first book. The ability to laugh and cry in five minutes while reading, is a major feat.
As a woman, in both books I can tell, Mr. Romyn was a "Mr." and not a "Ms.". As I've said before, I do not read the name of the author until I'm finished reading the book. In my Kindles I have books listed by NAME only. I find a title I like, and start reading. Mr. Romyn seems to really like his guns and toys. He really goes into some detail about all the guns and toys, names, makes, models, etc. I mean, in some cases that's necessary. But to the layman... I don't care. You shoot a GUN. It has bullets. I don't need to know when it was made, the model of it and how it fits in your hand. I need to know if it's a pistol or a rifle, simply because I know how each shoots. The caliber of the gun might be good to know, because that indicates the damage the gun might inflict as well as being automatic or semi-automatic. However I really don't like hearing a paragraph about how this gun makes you feel _______ (fill in the blank). I've read a couple other books that go into some really deep detail about the weapons used, and yes, they were written by men too. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying, I can tell the difference. Moving on...
I was able to tell through this book (which was much shorter than the first) that Mr. Romyn's knowledge of Norse Mythology was not as well versed as his knowledge of Greek Mythology, which leads me to wonder why Norse Mythology was used. There were so many other ways the book could have gone, interspersing the Norse Mythology within the story, given the superstitions and Celtic/Pagan Beliefs of the time. Instead, some token comments were made, and had people in the book not mentioned certain things that were indicative of the time and beliefs, you wouldn't have a clue Norse Mythology was even the back drop for the story.
The ending, for me, was a shocker. At first I just sat there, going, "no way". Then after thinking on it, it made sense to me. The "series" seems pretty much finished by the end of this book though. So, I'm wondering why they're marketed as a "series" instead of just "Books 1 & 2" but I'm not the author nor am I the publisher. Unless of course, there's more coming, and I'm thrilled if there are. I just hope the setting under which they're suppose to be has as much detail as the first book, rather than the second book. When you're talking Mythology of any kind, and intertwining it in a story, really put it in there, don't just stick your toe in the water and find it's too cold to jump in all way. If more research is needed, then do it. If you can't get the characters to meld in that time frame, you another time frame. But don't let the book and story suffer because there just isn't enough meat to go with the potatoes.
3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks (Because I really liked the ending.)
Book Review: Beyond Hades (The Prometheus Wars- Book 1) by Luke Romyn
Book Title: Beyond Hades (The Prometheus Wars - Book 1)
Author: Luke Romyn
Genre: Sci-Fi/Historical/Mystery
This was yet another Indie Freebie. I'm so glad there are so many independent authors finding their way into my Kindle! I'm getting to read MANY different authors and MANY different genres, though I'm sure in the "genre" category it doesn't seem like it on the blog. LOL
I really liked this book.. REALLY liked this book. The characters, wow... The characters are interesting, deeply thought out, funny and inspiring. The bad guys... well, they are GREAT bad guys! Luke Romyn has taken Greek Mythology, a bloke from Australia and a Paleontologist and made a fast paced, emotion packed, rollercoaster ride! Then on top of that, you also get a lesson in history. I LOVE BOOKS THAT DO THIS!
This is a unique book, in many senses of the word. I mean, what would you do if you met Prometheus? How about Zeus? Hades himself? Are they even real? Could our own government know of an existence beyond where they DO exist? Such an intriguing book I had to immediately buy the second book in the series! So, first one's free... second one I actually paid for. I think those that like Greek Mythology, mysteries, and a ticking time clock you have to beat, this is definitely a good read for you!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Luke Romyn
Genre: Sci-Fi/Historical/Mystery
This was yet another Indie Freebie. I'm so glad there are so many independent authors finding their way into my Kindle! I'm getting to read MANY different authors and MANY different genres, though I'm sure in the "genre" category it doesn't seem like it on the blog. LOL
I really liked this book.. REALLY liked this book. The characters, wow... The characters are interesting, deeply thought out, funny and inspiring. The bad guys... well, they are GREAT bad guys! Luke Romyn has taken Greek Mythology, a bloke from Australia and a Paleontologist and made a fast paced, emotion packed, rollercoaster ride! Then on top of that, you also get a lesson in history. I LOVE BOOKS THAT DO THIS!
This is a unique book, in many senses of the word. I mean, what would you do if you met Prometheus? How about Zeus? Hades himself? Are they even real? Could our own government know of an existence beyond where they DO exist? Such an intriguing book I had to immediately buy the second book in the series! So, first one's free... second one I actually paid for. I think those that like Greek Mythology, mysteries, and a ticking time clock you have to beat, this is definitely a good read for you!
4 out of 5 Bookmarks
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Book Review: On the Edge of Humanity by S. B. Alexander
Book Title: On the Edge of Humanity (a Vampire SEAL novel)
Author: S. B. Alexander
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/Mystery/Action/Young Adult
I read the title "A vampire SEAL novel" and thought "gimme a break". Since this was a Freebie from Book Basset, I figured I'd read it just because it gave me something to do.
Josaphine "Jo" and Sam Mason who are fraternal twins, have been in the Foster Care system for years. Their Mother died and their alcoholic father abandoned them. Jo is shy, with beautiful silver eyes, flawless skin and shiny hair. Sam has girls fawning all over him, but he sees nothing but baseball and trouble, usually because he's protecting his sister. She is always being picked on by one person or another, and he has the wrap sheet to prove it.
At their latest Foster Home, Jo is pretty much seen as a "slave" to the "foster mom" so she can go out, or sew or whatever. Her "foster father" has already tried one time to molest her in the short time they've been there, but his wife walked in and nothing happened. Tonight feels different though. She's looking for something to protect herself, because Sam isn't home from baseball practice yet, and finds a wine opener. She pricks her finger trying to see if it's sharp enough to cause harm. She sticks her bleeding finger in her mouth and finds that it tastes like watermelon candy. That freaks her out a bit, but it doesn't stop her from going to her room. As she's getting ready to go to sleep Cliff, her "foster father" enters, drunk, smelly, and tells her she's not getting away this time. Her fear level is spiking, and she tries to protect herself, but it doesn't work, he has a knife and he's using it. In comes her brother, bat at the ready. Cliff puts the knife to his beautiful sister's face, and tells him not to do it, she'd be scarred for life. He does, and Jo has a slash on her face. She and Sam both end up with Cliff's blood all over them and in their mouths. Then she blacks out from the amount of blood she's lost from her stab wounds.
The story from here, gets frenetic at times! Sam and Jo must escape the hospital because for some reason, there's some big burly guy with FANGS chasing them. When back at school some military people show up, they bring Jo to the office to talk to them, but Sam's missing. This is when Jo finds out the truth. She's a vampire going through "adolescence." As it's explained to her, she's also told her father is a member of an elite SEAL team, the same one they're members of, and her father disappeared around the time Jo was attacked.
And now we know how the SEALS are involved... kinda. To get the rest of this intriguing story, you'll have to read it. I'm gladly looking for the second installment. This one had me on the edge of my seat, a lot. But we also find, Jo isn't as powerless as she thinks she is. There were a few strings left hanging at the end of this book and I hope they're covered in the next book... I also hope Sam's best friend and Jo's savior, finds a way to become part of the team he's been wanting to be on since he was a kid. He deserves it. Thank you S. B. Alexander for an entertaining read that left me wanting to see someone serve justice by a Father's Love, and for leaving us some very interesting things to think about for the next book in the series!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: S. B. Alexander
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/Mystery/Action/Young Adult
I read the title "A vampire SEAL novel" and thought "gimme a break". Since this was a Freebie from Book Basset, I figured I'd read it just because it gave me something to do.
Josaphine "Jo" and Sam Mason who are fraternal twins, have been in the Foster Care system for years. Their Mother died and their alcoholic father abandoned them. Jo is shy, with beautiful silver eyes, flawless skin and shiny hair. Sam has girls fawning all over him, but he sees nothing but baseball and trouble, usually because he's protecting his sister. She is always being picked on by one person or another, and he has the wrap sheet to prove it.
At their latest Foster Home, Jo is pretty much seen as a "slave" to the "foster mom" so she can go out, or sew or whatever. Her "foster father" has already tried one time to molest her in the short time they've been there, but his wife walked in and nothing happened. Tonight feels different though. She's looking for something to protect herself, because Sam isn't home from baseball practice yet, and finds a wine opener. She pricks her finger trying to see if it's sharp enough to cause harm. She sticks her bleeding finger in her mouth and finds that it tastes like watermelon candy. That freaks her out a bit, but it doesn't stop her from going to her room. As she's getting ready to go to sleep Cliff, her "foster father" enters, drunk, smelly, and tells her she's not getting away this time. Her fear level is spiking, and she tries to protect herself, but it doesn't work, he has a knife and he's using it. In comes her brother, bat at the ready. Cliff puts the knife to his beautiful sister's face, and tells him not to do it, she'd be scarred for life. He does, and Jo has a slash on her face. She and Sam both end up with Cliff's blood all over them and in their mouths. Then she blacks out from the amount of blood she's lost from her stab wounds.
The story from here, gets frenetic at times! Sam and Jo must escape the hospital because for some reason, there's some big burly guy with FANGS chasing them. When back at school some military people show up, they bring Jo to the office to talk to them, but Sam's missing. This is when Jo finds out the truth. She's a vampire going through "adolescence." As it's explained to her, she's also told her father is a member of an elite SEAL team, the same one they're members of, and her father disappeared around the time Jo was attacked.
And now we know how the SEALS are involved... kinda. To get the rest of this intriguing story, you'll have to read it. I'm gladly looking for the second installment. This one had me on the edge of my seat, a lot. But we also find, Jo isn't as powerless as she thinks she is. There were a few strings left hanging at the end of this book and I hope they're covered in the next book... I also hope Sam's best friend and Jo's savior, finds a way to become part of the team he's been wanting to be on since he was a kid. He deserves it. Thank you S. B. Alexander for an entertaining read that left me wanting to see someone serve justice by a Father's Love, and for leaving us some very interesting things to think about for the next book in the series!
4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: The Bite That Binds by Suzanne Wright
Book Title: The Bite That Binds (The Deep In Your Veins Series)
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
The war is over. Jared, being The Heir, as well as Co-Commander of a Legion of the best army of vampires, has decided to change his ways and in a move so uncharacteristic of him, laid a claim, loudly, visually and without regard to the outcome. Even if he can no longer be The Heir to the "vampire throne". All for the love he never thought he could never feel for someone.
She took him by surprise. Never before did someone NOT fall at his feet, begging to be "The Heir's Consort". Never before has his authority been questioned. Never before has he gotten so angry, yet so excited in the same breath. Never before was he so scared to loose anyone as much as his brother, or Antonio. All he can think about, is her.
Sam doesn't take much. She's a born fighter. She had to be, in order to survive, let alone become a member of the Legion, and now, prove she is worthy of a love like she's found, because she's a Svente, the weakest vampire in the vampire world. Regardless of her standing within the Legion or even with the Grand High Vampire, Antonio, she must fight and claw to constantly prove she's worthy to go through a binding ceremony to a vampire of higher status.
Dreams... Sam keeps having the same dreams... over and over again. Waking up in her living room. She's informed there is a Svente gift known as "dream walking", and because of who she is, someone may be reaching out to her for help. The Legion Squad she Co-Commands is sent to investigate, and yes, something is terribly wrong. Vampires are being used as medical experiments. The squad gets in, and talks to the Svente who sent for Sam. Then, while fighting Sam is hit, and someone says, "You'll be glad we did it." And they leave. Just when Sam needs her gifts the most, they go on the blink. No one is sure what they did to Sam. All Sam knows, is it hurt.
There are other stories going on as well... Suzanne Wright has added to her first book, "He Be Sexist Vampires", and expounded on what she's already created and made it better than it was. Impressive. The first book had me happy at the ending, this book had me feeling fear, anger, happiness. I laughed, I cried... and it takes a damn good author to take you through a story and make you FEEL what the characters are feeling. To be able to write so well that you're literally in the room watching and feeling the density of the air with the characters.
Sam is an extraordinary character, and I can't wait to read more about her exploits! Write on Suzanne, WRITE ON!!!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
The war is over. Jared, being The Heir, as well as Co-Commander of a Legion of the best army of vampires, has decided to change his ways and in a move so uncharacteristic of him, laid a claim, loudly, visually and without regard to the outcome. Even if he can no longer be The Heir to the "vampire throne". All for the love he never thought he could never feel for someone.
She took him by surprise. Never before did someone NOT fall at his feet, begging to be "The Heir's Consort". Never before has his authority been questioned. Never before has he gotten so angry, yet so excited in the same breath. Never before was he so scared to loose anyone as much as his brother, or Antonio. All he can think about, is her.
Sam doesn't take much. She's a born fighter. She had to be, in order to survive, let alone become a member of the Legion, and now, prove she is worthy of a love like she's found, because she's a Svente, the weakest vampire in the vampire world. Regardless of her standing within the Legion or even with the Grand High Vampire, Antonio, she must fight and claw to constantly prove she's worthy to go through a binding ceremony to a vampire of higher status.
Dreams... Sam keeps having the same dreams... over and over again. Waking up in her living room. She's informed there is a Svente gift known as "dream walking", and because of who she is, someone may be reaching out to her for help. The Legion Squad she Co-Commands is sent to investigate, and yes, something is terribly wrong. Vampires are being used as medical experiments. The squad gets in, and talks to the Svente who sent for Sam. Then, while fighting Sam is hit, and someone says, "You'll be glad we did it." And they leave. Just when Sam needs her gifts the most, they go on the blink. No one is sure what they did to Sam. All Sam knows, is it hurt.
There are other stories going on as well... Suzanne Wright has added to her first book, "He Be Sexist Vampires", and expounded on what she's already created and made it better than it was. Impressive. The first book had me happy at the ending, this book had me feeling fear, anger, happiness. I laughed, I cried... and it takes a damn good author to take you through a story and make you FEEL what the characters are feeling. To be able to write so well that you're literally in the room watching and feeling the density of the air with the characters.
Sam is an extraordinary character, and I can't wait to read more about her exploits! Write on Suzanne, WRITE ON!!!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Book Review: Here Be Sexist Vampires
Book Title: Here Be Sexist Vampires (The Deep In Your Veins Series)
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
I was nicely surprised by this book, and I now will concede there are a million and one ways to write about vampires and werewolves and all other things preternatural, and not write about the same thing twice. Unless, of course you're talking about what essentially MAKES them a vampire, the consumption of blood.
Suzanne Wright has written us a world where there are three breeds of vampire. Each vampire is "born" with a "gift" or preternatural ability. Some of these "gifts" are breed specific. There are some very, very rare "gifts" that happen so infrequently people are simply astounded by them and are willing to do anything to have control over the vampire who has such "gifts", if control is possible.
The breeds ; Pagori, are the strongest in physicality and they're gifts as well as the breed are considered Superior in the order of things. They are, however, prone to strong blood lust that can, at times, be uncontrolable. Keja are the second strongest in physicality and are the basis for where the belief that vampires can "glamor" someone with their looks come from, as they are quite ethereal and beautiful. They too suffer from having a rather strong blood lust, yet not as strong as the Pagori. Then we have the Svente, who are regarded as the weakest, not as "pretty" and they aren't even blessed with fangs. The things they have in their corner are that they are the most agile and they have the most controllable blood lust.
The story begins with a young Svente Vampire, both in human and vampire years. Her sire is abusive, going as far as having her watch him kill small children if she does not do what he wants her to, including being his consort. He's cruel and vindictive, he has her guarded day and night and users her to fight while he gambles on her, knowing she will win. She inherited the "gift" of being a "feeder" when he turned her. This means, she can at will take the energy from the Earth or from those around her and bend them to her whim. This is usually a Pagori gift, a very, VERY rare gift, and most who have it, die from it because they cannot control the amount of energy they wield. Samantha "Sam", can control it without difficulty, and because of the way she was turned, the way her sire uses her and the way she chooses to deal with life as a fighter, rather than a victim, she's learned to control what she can, which is her "gift", and she learned that quickly.
As she's coming home from the market one day, she smells a vampire she doesn't know in her house. Yet her sire's guards don't seem to have a problem with whoever it is, so she doesn't say anything. She then meets Sebastian, a Master Vampire, and personal assistant to the Grand High Vampire and Leader of all things Vampire, Antonio. He offers her the chance to try-out to join Antiono's elite Legion, his "Personal Army", who not only serve to protect Antonio, but does his bidding as well, when someone breaks the rules/laws. Sam explains that her sire would never let her go, and Sebastian explains that he's watched her for some time, and that if she were to make it into the Legion, her sire would have nothing to say about it because Antonio "trumps" her sire. She figures, what harm could it do, and she'll be back before her sire even knows it.
The try outs include several Pagori and Keja males, at which time she's told that there are NO females in the Legion let alone SVENTE! The commanders include three people Jared is the one charge and he puts her down and tries to talk her out of trying out, as do the other men who are also trying out. She continues on, persistent to show them not to take her lightly. The fighter in her is coming out. She's strong willed and knows her agility out performs the breeds. She's very smart and her unique ability as a "feeder" will help her. Then she smells blood. Lots of different kinds of blood. She has no problem smelling them and controlling her blood lust, but the Pagori's eyes are glowing, their fangs are distending. The Keja's are a little better. Some vampires are falling already. The second test is speed. She's not the fastest, but she passes the second test, with flying colors. The third test is to use their powers in a duel. This is where they find, she's a "feeder". She's SURE she's made it to the Legion. When she finds Jared and the other commanders have not accepted her. She gets angry and tries to leave, when Antonio calls her to him and she is appointed as Co-Commander to Jared's new Legion. There is a war coming and he thinks with her special abilities the new trainees need to use their powers quicker and better, before all hell breaks loose.
And thus begins the relationship and the saying "here be sexist vampires"!
The story is compelling and I found myself smiling, laughing, and really liking all but a couple people. I liked the book so much I finished and bought the second book in the series and finished that right away. I loved the gullibility of the characters, and the way each play off each other. I loved the genuine character flaws, the way the feelings of "gifts" being used, and the way this particular world of the vampire was imagined.
Also, the writer of the story is from the UK, and Sam is written as being from the UK whereas others in the book are written as being from other places, like California. I adored the fact that Sam is written as a British Character and Jared, being a Californian didn't use the same colloquialisms that Sam did, though there were a couple places where, being a California Native myself, I can tell the writing was off a little, for the most part, Suzanne did a wonderful job! Everyone has the correct use of language for their ethnicity and for the part of the world they come from, be it the UK, the US, Greece, etc. It was nice to have someone write a book with that in mind. I also enjoyed and learned a few bits of UK slang, I didn't know before! LOL
I truly look forward to more books in this series.
4.5 bookmarks out of 5
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT
I was nicely surprised by this book, and I now will concede there are a million and one ways to write about vampires and werewolves and all other things preternatural, and not write about the same thing twice. Unless, of course you're talking about what essentially MAKES them a vampire, the consumption of blood.
Suzanne Wright has written us a world where there are three breeds of vampire. Each vampire is "born" with a "gift" or preternatural ability. Some of these "gifts" are breed specific. There are some very, very rare "gifts" that happen so infrequently people are simply astounded by them and are willing to do anything to have control over the vampire who has such "gifts", if control is possible.
The breeds ; Pagori, are the strongest in physicality and they're gifts as well as the breed are considered Superior in the order of things. They are, however, prone to strong blood lust that can, at times, be uncontrolable. Keja are the second strongest in physicality and are the basis for where the belief that vampires can "glamor" someone with their looks come from, as they are quite ethereal and beautiful. They too suffer from having a rather strong blood lust, yet not as strong as the Pagori. Then we have the Svente, who are regarded as the weakest, not as "pretty" and they aren't even blessed with fangs. The things they have in their corner are that they are the most agile and they have the most controllable blood lust.
The story begins with a young Svente Vampire, both in human and vampire years. Her sire is abusive, going as far as having her watch him kill small children if she does not do what he wants her to, including being his consort. He's cruel and vindictive, he has her guarded day and night and users her to fight while he gambles on her, knowing she will win. She inherited the "gift" of being a "feeder" when he turned her. This means, she can at will take the energy from the Earth or from those around her and bend them to her whim. This is usually a Pagori gift, a very, VERY rare gift, and most who have it, die from it because they cannot control the amount of energy they wield. Samantha "Sam", can control it without difficulty, and because of the way she was turned, the way her sire uses her and the way she chooses to deal with life as a fighter, rather than a victim, she's learned to control what she can, which is her "gift", and she learned that quickly.
As she's coming home from the market one day, she smells a vampire she doesn't know in her house. Yet her sire's guards don't seem to have a problem with whoever it is, so she doesn't say anything. She then meets Sebastian, a Master Vampire, and personal assistant to the Grand High Vampire and Leader of all things Vampire, Antonio. He offers her the chance to try-out to join Antiono's elite Legion, his "Personal Army", who not only serve to protect Antonio, but does his bidding as well, when someone breaks the rules/laws. Sam explains that her sire would never let her go, and Sebastian explains that he's watched her for some time, and that if she were to make it into the Legion, her sire would have nothing to say about it because Antonio "trumps" her sire. She figures, what harm could it do, and she'll be back before her sire even knows it.
The try outs include several Pagori and Keja males, at which time she's told that there are NO females in the Legion let alone SVENTE! The commanders include three people Jared is the one charge and he puts her down and tries to talk her out of trying out, as do the other men who are also trying out. She continues on, persistent to show them not to take her lightly. The fighter in her is coming out. She's strong willed and knows her agility out performs the breeds. She's very smart and her unique ability as a "feeder" will help her. Then she smells blood. Lots of different kinds of blood. She has no problem smelling them and controlling her blood lust, but the Pagori's eyes are glowing, their fangs are distending. The Keja's are a little better. Some vampires are falling already. The second test is speed. She's not the fastest, but she passes the second test, with flying colors. The third test is to use their powers in a duel. This is where they find, she's a "feeder". She's SURE she's made it to the Legion. When she finds Jared and the other commanders have not accepted her. She gets angry and tries to leave, when Antonio calls her to him and she is appointed as Co-Commander to Jared's new Legion. There is a war coming and he thinks with her special abilities the new trainees need to use their powers quicker and better, before all hell breaks loose.
And thus begins the relationship and the saying "here be sexist vampires"!
The story is compelling and I found myself smiling, laughing, and really liking all but a couple people. I liked the book so much I finished and bought the second book in the series and finished that right away. I loved the gullibility of the characters, and the way each play off each other. I loved the genuine character flaws, the way the feelings of "gifts" being used, and the way this particular world of the vampire was imagined.
Also, the writer of the story is from the UK, and Sam is written as being from the UK whereas others in the book are written as being from other places, like California. I adored the fact that Sam is written as a British Character and Jared, being a Californian didn't use the same colloquialisms that Sam did, though there were a couple places where, being a California Native myself, I can tell the writing was off a little, for the most part, Suzanne did a wonderful job! Everyone has the correct use of language for their ethnicity and for the part of the world they come from, be it the UK, the US, Greece, etc. It was nice to have someone write a book with that in mind. I also enjoyed and learned a few bits of UK slang, I didn't know before! LOL
I truly look forward to more books in this series.
4.5 bookmarks out of 5
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