Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

YA Review: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Review: Glass Houses
Series: Morganville Vampires – Book 1
Author: Rachel Caine
No of Pages: 239
Release Date: 3 October 2006

WELCOME TO MORGANVILLE TEXAS. DON’T STAY OUT AFTER DARK.

It’s a small college town filled with quirky characters. But when the sun goes down, the bad comes out. Because in Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows – one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. The popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks on the school’s social scene: somewhere less than zero. And Claire really doesn’t have the right connections – to the undead who run the town.

When Claire heads off campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don’t show many signs of life. But they’ll have Claire’s back when the town’s deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood...

My Thoughts:

I had high hopes for Glass Houses, but it didn’t really live up to my expectations.

Claire is a nerd, she’s sixteen and already in college. She moves to Morganville which is the closest college she is willing to go to that’s near her home, because she also wants to escape her parents, but what teen doesn’t?

When she gets to Morganville though Claire is faced with more than just being top of the class; extreme bullying, violent abuse and vampires are added to her list of worries. Claire can never seem to catch a break. One thing after another after another seems to be going on and it’s only until she moves into the Glass House that she finally is able to make a few friends that things can start to mildly resemble normality.

Claire for me wasn’t very interesting. Trouble follows her everywhere she goes it seems and at the start I felt sorry for her but it got old really quickly to the point where I was thinking “not again”. Caine wrote some cringe worthy stuff when it came to the extent of the bullying Claire faced at the hands of the cheerleaders.

Eve was probably my favourite character in the entire novel, purely because she was the rocker chick that didn’t want anyone to know she cared. She is the epitome of cool because she has a heart to go with her smarts.

Glass Houses also introduces us to some traditional vampires, and by traditional I mean blood-sucking, evil, human controlling fiends. These vampires are very similar to the mafia, expecting protection money so the humans can feel safe.

What detracted from Glass Houses for me was the intense bullying situation. Claire was nearly set on fire in the back of a van at one stage and no one does anything! A few school girls held her down as someone held a lighter to her clothes. Who does that? What kind of people are these? It was infuriating for me to visualise not because of the situation, but what kind of teenage girls would set someone on fire and not face any repercussions? What was the response to this atrocious act? That Claire needs to stay out of her way. She was pushed down a flight of stairs and laughed at, not helped because of the fear of this teenage girl. Even her over-protective parents who came rushing to see her when she didn’t answer their phone call just dismissed it.

For me Monica had too much power. It was more than just Queen Bee she was getting away with things that are illegal. Beating people is illegal, soliciting hit-men is illegal, ordering policemen to shoot people is illegal, and arson is illegal. Not just mean, but against the law and she was just getting away with it. It was unrealistic and it annoyed me that it was the only thing interesting about this book but also the most far-fetched.

I think I will continue this series, just to see where it goes and to find out what happens after the major cliff-hanger at the end, but I am not going in with high-hopes.

3/5

Monday, June 13, 2011

Adult Review: Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

Review: Dead to the World
Series: Sookie Stackhouse – Book 4
Author: Charlaine Harris
No of Pages: 321
Release Date: 3 May 2005

Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. She’s pretty. She does her job well. But she has only a few close friends, because not everyone appreciates Sookie’s gift: she can read minds. That’s not exactly every man's idea of date bait - unless they’re undead; vampires and the like can be tough to read. And that’s just the kind of guy Sookie’s been looking for. Maybe that’s why, when she comes across a naked vampire on the way home from work, she doesn’t just drive on by. He hasn’t got a clue who he is, but Sookie has: Eric looks just as scary and sexy – and dead – as the day she met him. But now he has amnesia, he’s sweet, vulnerable, and in need of Sookie’s help – because whoever took his memory now wants his life.

Sookie’s investigation into what’s going on leads her into a battle between witches vampires and werewolves. But there could be even greater danger – to Sookie’s heart – because the kinder, gentler Eric is very hard to resist.

My Thoughts:

Another dive into the world of Sookie Stackhouse, and now that Bill is out of the way, it’s getting interesting.

Sookie once again is just getting better, taking Eric in after he suffers amnesia to help keep him safe to me is just so good for her and her growth in this society. Sookie still remembers her place in the supernatural society, but she also is starting to come into her own. Things aren’t quite as scary anymore and when Sookie finds out about witches actually existing she doesn’t freak out like she would have in earlier books.

Eric is just getting hotter as far as I’m concerned. Suffering from amnesia at the hands of the witches Eric has forgotten that he is a 1,000 year old Viking vampire that people bow to and cower in fear from as soon as he enters a room. Eric’s tender side in Dead to the World made me fall even more in love with him than before, because it proves that he’s not just an evil overlord, but that he may have a sliver of humanity left.

Eric is a little bit of an odd character for me, I don’t want him to be gentle; I want him to be hard hitting, evil and funny. But in Dead to the World, his tender side was just so perfect; it didn’t even seem like Eric. So although I missed witty Eric, I absolutely loved gentle Eric and although it fits him I can’t see the two sides of him ever reconciling into one being and if I had to choose it would definitely be evil Eric.

Alcide and his wolves also play a major part again in this book and with the addition of Alcide it once again adds more of a plot mover to the story.

I was so glad that Bill barely made an appearance in Dead to the World, as in Club Dead because I really don’t like him. Sookie doesn’t need the distraction that Bill causes and I am hoping that the series continues on this broader path of the extended set of characters.

Dead to the World also introduces witches, which for me wasn’t that big a deal. They seemed more like the hippy Wiccans rather than full blown cackling witches for most of the story. They made for an interesting dilemma for Sookie to deal with though.

Dead to the World was yet another excellent instalment in this fabulous series.

4/5

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Brightly Woven

Brightly WovenI have had this in my to read pile, and during this vacation I finally read, this book is a little gem of a book.


Sydelle lives in the desert with her family. She get asked to go with North Wayland to the capital to stop a war from happening. Sydelle is a weaver of fabrics and makes beautiful tapestries for the people in her town.


She dislikes North so much , and learns more about the wizards and magic that she wasn't even aware of in her world. Sydelle is also one of kind, and prays to goddess. There along the way they both learn about each other, and help each other with their problems. He has a curse, and she has some issues that she didn't know about it til she met North.

North has family issues , and loved his friend who will stand by til the end. I enjoyed this book very much , and love the cover of it. North has a wit, and he is so funny with Sydelle . I stayed up very late to finish this book.


Best Lines: He's just like a stallion. Wild and kicking on the outside, but a heart soft as satin on the inside. Just waiting for the right girl to break him in


Well, have you ever thought of bathing?' I asked, turning away. 'No one wants to hire a wizard who smells worse than their outhouse. And who knows what creatures are living in that hair?"


There is only Kissing through out the book.


Book Review=B

Won this book and this is my Honest Review

Thursday, January 13, 2011

When a Mullo Loves a Woman-Freatured Reviewer @My 5 Monkeys

When a Mullo Loves a Woman
Pearl is a student at College . There have been some murders happening around the town.  She has been seeing a mysterious man following her. When her boyfriend cancels on her she wanders around near a club and finds a book shop. At this shop she finds a necklace, and book.

Celeste is her room mate , and has some secrets from her too.

A Mullo is Psychic vampire who steals a Gypsy's power. Pearl is part gypsy and learns more about her mother.

This story takes place in the Monterrey Bay, and with all the locations. I remembered being down in that area with my family.

Celeste and Pearl hold a seance and Mr. M is there video recording the whole event. While there Pearl has another vision while having her necklace nearby. Pearl is able to into the past and learn more about her mother.

Pearl doesn't know much of her family history, and slowly comes to term with her destiny and knowing more about herself. Peal has an on /off again relationship with Evan . He plays a bigger role than what I thought.

I loved Adam and how the relationship slowly grew from him being Mr. Mysterious to more than a friend. He has been watching over her for some time. They are able to communicate telepathically . Adam doesn't want to fall in love with Pearl.

Best Line: Have you ever met someone for the first time, but in your heart you feel as if you have met them before.

Pearl and Celeste figure out who has been hurting their friends and save the day.

This was an interesting story , but I found sad that Pearl didn't know about her family history or her mother. Pearl learned some history from Adam, who has some secrets too. It seemed easy that her room mate knew about Mullo and magic. All the friends trying to figure out who was killing the students, reminded me of the scooby gang. I liked the story.




Book Review =C
BWB 2/4

Thanks to the author for the story and this is my Honest review

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

HBIC Review: Yours, Mine and Howls by Kinsey Holley

Yours, Mine & Howls by Kinsey Holley
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Paranormal Element: Werewolves
Stalk the Author: Web | Twitter
eBook provided by author

PJVs QUICKIE POV:
I was sucked right into Holley's latest shifter filled masterpiece. From the start I was engrossed in Ally and maybe became a little obsessed. It was great. I can't wait to read more of this series!


REVIEW:
At the young age of 18, Allison finds herself in a trailer park in Lake Charles, Louisiana, alone, except for a five year werewolf named Dylan that she tends regularly for her inept cousin. As the boy sleeps in her room a fight breaks out between her cousin and her husband and it leads to her cousins death and the man barging into Ally's trailer...and ending her life. From there Ally's life is never the same.

Thirteen years later, Ally is in charge of an almost grown Alpha werewolf and has two Beta wolves along for the ride. She has to do something about Dylan and soon...and she also has to do something about a little tussle she got into with a man half her size that she happened to leave near death. Too many questions and too little time lead Ally to Colorado an Alpha Werewolf with a new pack and a lot of extra baggage. She plans on not liking him, she plans on leaving as soon as she can work up the nerve, but one look at Mr. Alpha Werewolf, Cade, Ally's insides turn to butter and her self-resolve melts away. Yet, with both of them lugging around enough emotional baggage to keep Southwest busy for days, can they dump it all to form some semblance of a relationship, or will testosterone and tough chick syndrome dash any hope of them being together?

I expected a great read from Kinsey Holley, after reading her novella Kiss & Kin, but I have to say, I think this one exceeded my expectations. It was the small things that made this into a very entertaining read. It was the description of Ally & Cade's reactions that just seemed so real. It was the cute behavior by Cade's child, Becca. I thought it was adorable that she believed she was a cat. It was the subtle play and hints of the world - without lengthy descriptions of hows and whys. The story assumed you already knew this, that you were a part of this world already and gave you enough information to figure it out yourself, but didn't narrate at you like you needed to be introduced to the world. It was subtle and made me feel like I was even more a part of the story. Ms. Holley can definitely tell a story and I'll be delighted when more of her work is released. Can't wait.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Adult content, descriptive sexual encounters. Fans of shifters and paranormal romance fans should enjoy. Could be a good transition novel because, while it is about werewolves the paranormal elements are that intense.







4/4 BWB rating






1/20 books

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Dead Until Dark Review by Parajunkee

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Series: Sookie Stackhouse, Southern Vampire
Paranormal Element: Vampires
Order Online:  Amazon.com | BookDepository.com
Stalk the Author: Web | Blog

PJVs QUICKIE POV:
The power house that is Charlaine Harris might not need much introduction to most of my readers, but for those of you that have snubbed your nose to the popularity that is the Sookie Stackhouse series...I ask you why? Popularity does not necessarily mean crap. It means that a lot of people like it, and there is a reason. The books are great. Erase the monstrosity that is the HBO series from your mind...the books and the show might have characters with the same names, but frankly they are two totally different beasts. I sometimes I wish I can go back, go back and read these for the first time, because the experience of introducing myself to Sookie, Bill, Eric, well it is just one of those rare book moments..when you know you've found some new playmates.


REVIEW:
Sookie Stackhouse, is a small town cocktail waitress that dreams of a little excitement in her life. Treated like a freak for her odd behavior and her inexplicable ability to read minds, her friends and neighbors know something is off about her and hold her at arms length, thinking she might be a little mentally challenged. Hooking up with Bon Temps only vampire resident doesn't do much for her reputation either. When one of her coworkers shows up on the wrong side of dead, prejudices start to arise and Sookie might just be next on the killers list.

Harris' writing style is quirky, fun and light. Her books have a dark flavor conveyed in a cotton candy voice. The subject matter is murderers, vampires and deep seated prejudice but her tone keeps the story flowing and the reader involved, it is truly a gem to read. Her characters are well formed and you find an instant affinity towards them. Even the most vile of her characters that are introduced you can understand. There is a reason why book after book of this series tops the charts.

Sookie is a powerhouse of her own. She is strong willed, assertive and amusing. She makes a ton of mistakes, but her actions are things you can relate too, instead of leaving you scratching your head. At first you think she's a bit daft, or missing a few slices of cheese from her cracker...but you soon realize that this isn't true at all and the transition is exceptional.

Harris embraces the small-town mentality and brings to life Louisiana life so well that I really believe that I might run into one of her characters on the streets of New Orleans one day.  This is a great series and it is recommended that you start at this book instead of skipping ahead. Have fun and read them up, for there are a few of them!

RECOMMENDATIONS:
This is an adult read, their is a bit of violence, a bit of language and a bit of sexual fun. Fans of the Anita Blake Series and Rachel Morgan Series should enjoy.

4/4 BWB Rating








Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Featured Reviewer- The Iron Duke ( Julie@My5Monkeys)

The Iron Duke (A Novel of the Iron Seas)Mina Wentworth  is a Detective  Inspector and takes care of the dead for the police. Rhys Trahaearn is a pirate and man of class and power now. Mina is horde and Rhys is metal and has nanoagents in his body. Its a steam punk romance and loved all the new words , and descriptions of this new world.


Mina family is debt with Blacksmith . Her brother Andrew is on the Terror and she will do what ever it takes to rescue him.

This is great romance and loved the location ,and that Marriage is topic on hand along with many others. What I didn't like was there one scene of rape , but they are both attracted to one another. When a Mina says stop even in the heat of the moment, but the pirate doesn't listen..made me question the relationship . It reminded me of the Luke/Laura relationship from General Hospital. I did like that they did talk about afterwords and that he knew he was wrong and shouldn't have done it. I did that they did continue to have a relationship and explore their love/lust for one another.

This was a different book and loved that it had zombies, family , and friends on the seas or airships.

I did like that this book touched on some very social issues with race, class, relationships, and war. This book did have me thinking about all these issues in relation to the characters.

Yasmeen & Scarsdale-- I did love the supporting characters as much as I loved the main characters.


Book Review=C
BWB=2



I bought this book and this is my honest review

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Featured Review: Halloween Fantasies by: Katie Salidas

Halloween Fantasies by: Katie Salidas
GoodReads
Publisher: Rising Sign Books
Author Blog

Synopsis: Touted as the sexiest party of the year, the annual Halloween Fantasy Ball is the one place a girl can let loose and succumb to her wildest fantasies. 

Disguised as a sexy vampire huntress, Sasha captures the attention of Dante, a real life creature of the night. For Sasha, meeting bona fide vampire is enough to fulfill one of her life long fantasies. She’s ready to go home a happy woman. 

But Dante has other plans. It is after all, a night of fantasies, and he has a few of his own to share. 









Review: Halloween Fantasies by Katie Salidas is the perfect example of a feel good erotic short story to get you in the mood for a holiday. After reading this story I wanted to go find a costume and my own hunky vampire. Katie Salidas writes beautifully, the story flows perfectly and it is uninterrupted by gratuitous scenes or characters.

I like the pure masculine feel of Trevor and his brother and I enjoyed the heat that they both brought the uh...bed. I think that the scenes in this story were pretty realistic (well, vampires, twins, and menage aside). This is a nice spicy short story meant to make you smile, feel good, and get into the holiday spirit and it does everything it promises and more. I will be on the lookout for more work by this author, I really enjoyed reading her work.


4/4 Rating

Monday, October 18, 2010

Beyond the Threshold of Death-Featured Reviewer



I admit I love a stories that take place in Ireland. I admit My favorite movie is PS I LOVE You for Gerard Butler, and beautiful scenery. We always have Corned Beef and Cabbage for St. Patrick's day.

This story takes place in Ireland in 1795. Deirdra is lives with her father , and is having a tough time to find a husband. Her father plays matchmaker and finds her a fiance with Brian. He lives in another town, and comes to visit when he can.

Dee comes down with an infection, and is taken to another town where she meets nurse Mylana. Deirdra is on deaths door , and is taken back to her home where Mylana tries to do all that she can to save her. Deirda reminds Mylana of someone who she once loved a long time ago. Mylana is a vampire , and Deirdra while ill is able to get visions of Mylana life before , and feels sad for the nurse. There is a connection there, and Mylana decides to turn Deirda into vampire since she so close to dying.

Once she is turned into a vampire, she turns even more beautiful , and feeds for the first time. Mylana and Deirda leave Ireland and go the new world--Boston. On the boat ride there, Deirdra feeds on animals and again is at deaths door. She needs human blood to survive. Deirda gets a job at a music shop, and they are happy there for a bit.

Mylana finally tells Dee of her woe and heartbreak. She killed Laccoix wife Jeanette , and was held captive for 7 months. They make and deal and she is able to go free. Mylana doesn't keep her end of the bargain, and makes fledgling Cyntia , and they become lovers .Laccoix comes back and kills Cyntia . Mylana is still grieving over this loss.

Deirdra goes back to Ireland to see her Dad and Brian. She is able to be there when her dad passes away. After than she and Brian start the courtship up once more , but there are times when she has to wipe his memory.She leaves him, and grieves the loss of Brian and her dad.

She then meets Brenna and finds kinship with her. She misses Mylana but wants company. When Brenna is at deaths door, she turns her into a vampire. She also feels like a mother , since she created Brenna. Meets Elijah and goes back and see Mylana. They fight someone even more worse than Laccoix .

I loved that that these vampires stuck to the cannon. These vamps were very sexual in nature with men and women, and took blood from either sex.Loved the growth of Dee through out the story because she grew and changed over time. I understood her loss of humanity and family. I also understood her desire to have a child.

Best line: Love must be tasted , but never savored. In our darkest moments, we may envy mortality but never should we aspire to it.

Book Review =4/B



Thanks to the author for the book and this is my Honest review

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Lucifer's Daughter --Featured Reviewer





When reading this story I went to this video and this story reminded me of this video. It was fun .

Muriel is the daughter of Satan, and still a virgin at 23. She runs a bar  and likes Karaoke music. She is one of many daughters of Satan and also the most tame. Murial is also very strong female and so different from her other busty beautiful looking sisters.

She meet Auric and is attracted to him on the first night. Over the course of the week , they keep running into one another and deal with some bad guys in the process. They have a fast courtship , and loved that they were both honest with each other. Auric was the perfect man , and loved that he would do what ever he could for Muriel.

Loved that Auric watched and protected over Murial when he didn't have too.
Loved the sexy scenes , and the humor of Satan. This was a novella.



Book Review=4/B

Thanks for the author for the book and this is my Honest Review




Thursday, September 30, 2010

Infinite Days--Freatured Review

Infinite Days (Vampire Queen)
Lenah used to be a vampire. Rhode who has loved her for many years, gave her wish to make her human. With this ritual and with intent, she became human.


She is 16 year old girl who has finally awakened from a long sleep. She is at a boarding school called Wickham. Her best friend is Tony , who happens to be an artist. She have lived for many hundreds of years and is afraid of her coven coming after her.

She has been in love with two men : Rhode and Vicken for different reasons.

This is a different vamp book , and like that she is smart and different from other girls. I don't why she is attracted to the hottest guy on campus. I understand that they at boarding school ( pet peeve) and we are introduced to Justin's parents before they make out.

I understand that she has never done it as a human but did it as vamp. She has been taken back to England and turned back into vamp by Vicken . She is back with the coven and appears stronger and still has her soul. She is still dreaming about Rhode. Interesting what Vicken wants to be human too and still has that vampire bond with her.

It seems that all the men/boys are all in love with Lenah. I get that she is the main character but to have Justin, Tony, Vicken, and Rhode to all be in love with her was a bit much.

I found her transformation very glossed over and that she is able to have special abilities and still retained her soul from being human.

Justin her human boyfriend was okay but I was more interested in the past loves of Rhode and Vicken.

I did like the cliffhanger on this book and will most likely read the next book.

Book Review = 3/C


I bought this book and this is my Honest Review

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

When Blood Calls --Featured Reviewer


When Blood Calls
This is my first time reading this author and this is the first book in the series.


Ryan Doyle is in the FBI in the supernatural division through Homeland security. Luke is powerful vamp in the city of LA and picks up Sara and has a one night stand with her. Sara get a promotion with the DA office and then is moved to the Paranormal division. Sara first case to prosecute is Luke Dragos for murder of a werewolf judge .


There were so many points of views --it was a bit tough in the beginning to keep track of all the characters. I had to write notes of who was who and what kind of paranormal they were in this book.

Sara was thrust into this world after one day and has to figure out if Luke is innocent or not. Through out the book she was swooning over him, and then the next minute she didn't want to be attracted to a vampire. She was sending mixed signals and I for one got tired of it. Sara's father was killed by a vampire many years ago. Luke wants to continue to have a relationship with her and is surprised when she becomes a DA. Luke seemed to have many plans in place, so clue clue if romancing the DA was part of it.

Luke and Ryan also have some bad blood between them ,and want to know more of why they so dislike each other. Luke also has a ward Tasha who isn't all there . It was interesting to see how this world is setup and all the many paranormals in this book. This book also dealt with some serious issues from killing kids or doing naughty things with them. It was interesting to get an idea of their thoughts but as a parent, its not something I want to read about in a book.

Many people through out the book are trying to keep their Daemon at bay and fight the blood lust, and hearing about it reminded me of a drinking game. I loved all the twists and turns with all the characters and talking about events being Black or White or Grey.

 I was curious of all the romancing of Sara was all of Luke's plan B. I didn't completely trust him at time and for me the reader that's good.

Overall I liked this world and loved the hot romance between Luke and Sara. I hope the next book is about Ryan.

Book Review=4/B



Thanks to the author for the book and this is my Honest Review

Raphael by: D.B. Reynolds -- Featured Reviewer

Raphael
Rating: 4/5
Origins: Provided by the Author
Format: Trade Paperback
Release Date: 15 April 2009
Publisher: ImaJinn Books
Synopsis: Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires.

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.

Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.

Review in Five: Fast-paced and Easy to Read.

Review: I love that the main characters in this book are strong willed and independent, they both have everything they already need out of life. Cyn is independent and strong in both her personal and business life. Raphael is a handsome, strong vampire who requires absolute obedience from his prodigy and his associates. I loved Cyn in this story far more than I liked Raphael, he is very distant and cold, almost as you would expect an actual vampire to be, and Cyn is actually quite clever.

The plot in this book is action-packed and fast paced. There was one thing I noticed in the story that brought up questions in my mind;  Cyn just shoots a guy for checking in with his boss, I think that was a tad bit extreme. Take the phone, punch him, throw him out the door, why shoot him? Who does that?

Anyway, this is pretty good book for a great paranormal romance lover and an action romantic suspense lover. There are some great scenes, some unique word usage, and great characters in this book. D.B. Reynolds's debut is definitely worth the read, as I am sure the other books in this series will be as well.

Series: Vampires in America: Raphael (1), Jabril (2), Rajmund (3)

Featured Reviewer: Monica from The Bibliophilic Book Blog

Sunday, August 1, 2010

White Cat--Featured Review

White Cat (Curse Workers, Book 1)

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.



Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.( Goodreads.com)

Liked this story of Cassel who is a con-man but trying to be good. He trying to con the truth from his family because some of his memories aren't what he remembers. He is also still hurting over the death of Lila. This book has some interesting family members, and the family does to keep a con going , or how to work the con. I enjoyed this story and learning about the Curse workers-- will read this series. His mom is jail because she was trying to score the big score. Cassel was at school, and we meet his brothers and find more about THE FAMILY...and trying to con them to get the truth. I loved this world and will be reading the next book in the series. What drew me to the book was the cover -- who doesn't a guy holding a cat. It was also interesting to learn all about the Curse workers and the story behind of how they have powers , or why some people hide their powers.

His mother is interesting and Cassel has lots of family issues to work out within his family and can't wait to see what happens next to him.

Book Review=4/B


Blacks characters pay a price for being powerful curse workers and
experience a phenomenon called "blowback" whenever they worked someone. If you had a superpower but knew by using it you would experience a crippling

side effect would you still use it? No I don't think so, but it all depends if my power was really good and didn't take away from it .

Family plays an important role in White Cat (Curse Workers) -- who did you like the most or the least in Cassel's family and why ?? I liked Cassel because he seems to have had a rough life and been able to turn himself around from being in the family way (mob) .

What did you think about the entire world that Holly Black built? The gloves, the curses? Can you imagine a world like this where an uncovered hand could be a dangerous weapon? I think its an amazing world and so different from other books out there.

With family like this who needs enemies right? Is blood thicker than water? Or in this case should Cassel think about getting a name change and moving far far away from his familial bonds? Right this family has many issues to work out. Not always blood is thicker than water. The saying is to keep your enemies closer and family too. But this family was amazing on the stuff that they pulled on each other to keep secrets.



Do think this book is a good set up for a sequel? If so, make your predictions Cassel has some more questions from his mom and I think also dealing with Lila family.
 

Monday, July 5, 2010

Siren's Call Book Review

a woman with a secret, lighthouse keeper Tessa Lonike savors her solitude on the island of Little Mer, off the coast of Maine. During a violent storm, Tessa spots a man thrashing in the ice cold waters and dives in to save him, using her ability as a mermaid to easily pull him to shore.


When Kenneth Randall awakens on the beach he is alone, left with the haunting memory of his beautiful, flame-haired savior. But a year later, when Kenneth meets her again, he’s determined not to let Tessa slip away. Just as the desire between them begins to burn, Tessa’s archaeologist ex-lover comes back to town with a tantalizing clue to her murky heritage.
The trio travel to the Mediterranean in search of answers, and when Tessa inadvertently opens an underwater portal they find a lost mermaid city. But in the deep, not everything is as it seems, and Tessa must decide if she wants to take her place as the royal heir, or follow the call of her heart(goodreads.com)


Thoughts: I wanted to Vlog but decided against it this time.  I wanted to like the story line and I wanted to care for the sisters and even Kenneth and Jake. But I didn't really connect to anyone.

The first part of this book was great with having no secrets between Tessa and Ken. I liked that he went back and wanted to work first , but within the couple days they do it. I liked that she saved him from death.

I liked that they had a relationship of sorts for 6 weeks and that he was honest in what and who he wanted. He also happened to rich and in love with Tessa.

I liked the sisters but didn't like that they didn't know much about their family history, and the information was okay but I had more questions. Why did it take them so long to question their history ???

Is this Romance or Science Fiction ? Couldn't tell with the portal to the other world..reminded me of Star gate the movie and tv show.

Jake the Treasure Hunter and just happens to find Mer Treasure and brings it and shows the sisters . Ken just happens to fund their quest to find it before others do. Ken happens to have lost a millionaire wife, and til now ..never needed the money. I didn't really see why the sisters even in the book..they weren't in for very much of it. Jake..I see added tension to the relationship between Ken and Tessa  and I got that they were very sexual beings..

The Other world was different and how they treated humans was different. Tessa was being punished for her families legacy of going off with humans and being in love with them. It didn't make sense ..but it did add a little drama to the story..but with the treasure hunt..the book kinda lost me and my interest to finish it. But as you can see i did finish it.

Splash (1984)
I also thought of the Movie Splash with Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah..I grew up watching that movie and wanting to be her. I know that there is kids movie

It made me think of this video.

Thanks to the author for the book and this is my Honest Review.

Aquamarine


Book Review = 3 Fins

Friday, May 14, 2010

Bitten by Kelley Armstrong - HBIC Review

Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, Book 1)
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Review copy purchased.

PJVs QUICKIE POV: What can I say? Kelley Armstrong is one of the reasons I am addicted to Urban Fantasy. Armstrong bridged the gap from Horror to Urban Fantasy, for me, thereby refining my literary tastes and setting me on the path that is -- well my Paranormal Junkeeness. Elena and Clay were my first couple loves and they still to this day have an effect on me. I usually reread Bitten every 2 years and then move on to the rest of the series. I'm actually bummed that I will not have the time to move on to Stolen after this.

REVIEW: Elena is the only female werewolf in existence.  She did not come to be this way by her own machinations and because of this she is on a mission, a mission to avoid her other "self" at all costs.  She is avoiding the Pack, she avoiding her past and trying to live as human of a lifestyle as she possibly can.

When her other life intrudes rudely into her human life, Elena must go back to the Pack, if is only to push herself further away. She'll just do this last task and then she can wash her hands on the other wolves and rejoin the humans that she wants to embrace as her own.  The problem is, Elena isn't human any more. Higher metabolism, strength, senses and a penchant for nighttime disappearances tend to be noticed the closer you get to someone and to live in the human world, you have to let the humans get close.

Going back to the Pack isn't an option for Elena, but as she gets sucked back into the fold she might just have to realize that neither is going back into the human world, especially when Clay, the man she once loved sets his mind on keeping her close.

I think I've said it all on this one. Fans of UF and PNR, this is a must read. It is also a great break-in for readers that want to be introduced to the genre. The characters are larger than life, the world is exquisitely crafted, the emotional turmoil that Elena goes through is exactly what I would believe would happen to a female werewolf.  Kelley Armstrong is a veritable titan in the Urban Fantasy genre, don't miss out.

RECOMMENDATIONS: For mature audiences, there is violence and sexual encounters.

BWB Rating 4/4







 Discussion Questions for BWB:


  1. Let's talk relationships.  What did you think of Elena's relationship with Philip? Were her feelings for him genuine? Why or why not?
    Personally I viewed Philip as a non-entitiy. Probably because I am so infatuated with Clay. When I first read Bitten, Clay was a little too much in the beginning for me - one word - feral. But then he gets under your skin and by that time I was like "Go Away Phillip!" I think her feelings for Philip were her talking herself into it. You know, that guy that is supposed to be perfect for you. Your mom likes him, your dad likes him, he has a good job, no kids, perfect - right? But you just can't get over some hump in the relationship, that last little spark that goes from really like to love. I think Elena really liked Phillip and talked herself in thinking she loved him and as soon as Clay stormed in she realized that really liking someone is nothing compared to really loving someone.
  2. Keeping secrets from someone you love, is it being true to yourself?  Elena was hiding out in Toronto and away from the Pack. Did this make Elena a stronger character or whiny?
    I really don't think either. Elena was in denial mode, much like a diabetic that is completely in denial and keeps on snacking on those chocolates - bad analogy I know - but it is similar. I don't think it makes her strong, because to be strong we face our problems head on instead of running from them. Whiny, I wouldn't take it that far, I think she was just scared, scared to let go of a part of herself that she didn't want to let go of.
  3. Kelley Armstrong's werewolves lean more towards the traditional side of the wolf legend. What "were" type are you? Do you enjoy the pain riddled, desiring human flesh werewolves like the Wolfman or the intensely scary wolves like in the movie Silver Bullet or do you prefer painless shifters that keep a majority of human emotions...ie..Twilight and other light PNR novels?
    I really liked these wolves and find myself comparing them to others in the genre. I believe Armstrong painted a very realistic picture on what could be, if they actually were to be.
  4. Could you forgive the man you loved if he were to BITE you like what occurred with Elena?
    That was a serious breach of trust and I think it would be hard to overcome, but when you break it down to the basic reason for his actions, it was love motivated, how can you not forgive that. Now you can be seriously mad at him for awhile.


The books in the series (reading order):
Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, Book 1)
 Stolen (Women of the Otherworld, Book 2)
 Dime Store Magic (Women of the Otherworld 3)
Industrial Magic (Women of the Otherworld, Book 4)



Haunted (Women of the Otherworld, Book 5)
 Broken (Women of the Otherworld, Book 6)
 No Humans Involved (Women of the Otherworld, Book 7)
Personal Demon (Women of the Otherworld, Book 8)

Living with the Dead (Women of the Otherworld, Book 9)
Frostbitten (Women of the Otherworld, Book 10)

Tales of the Otherworld
Men of the Otherworld: A Collection of Otherworld Tales



Coming Soon!