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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Madonnas of Leningrad in Books

Feb 15, 2019

For the most part, this book bored me and even though it was short, I had a hard time picking it up to read many times. I feel like the author was trying to cram too much into such a short book and I can't quite see the whole point of it. To go back and forth between the two time periods didn't allow for much substance in either era and the only thing that connected them was one person, which for some odd reason, didn't work for me. Every time it went back to present day, I was jolted from the book and wished the Ms. Dean had stuck to the past era, as the present one detracted from it. Being as it was, I felt I never really knew anyone in the book, the characters were one-dimensional and had the book been longer, that might have been remedied. I don't think the author did a very good job of interconnecting the stories, oftentimes it was boring, and the end was abrupt and a let down. I did think that when the author was describing the artwork and Hermitage, that was when she excelled, and at times, it was quite lovely. However, THE MADONNAS OF LENINGRAD, most likely won't leave a lasting impression.

A little note on the artwork, I noticed a mistake, I know that there is no such thing as Belgium Delft. My mom has a collection that started with her mom. I grew up with it, so I know a little about it. I also did some research and Belgium was once part of the Netherlands but that wouldn't make it Belgium Delft. Now, whether Belgium now has their own kind of Delft-like pottery, I wouldn't know. This detail has made me a little weary about the author's descriptions and history on other pieces of art in this book, which is unfortunate. As I said before, the descriptions of the artwork are exceptional. With that, the author shows promise with this debut, and hope that in the future, she won't try for too much. I'm sure others will like this better than I did and not be as critical. :)

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Natari (73 KP) rated Claimed By Shadow (Cassandra Palmer, #2) in Books

Jul 19, 2019

Claimed by Shadow is a hard hitting, beautiful work of art in a novel. It continues the crazy life of Cassie Palmer, throwing the poor young lady into even more danger - be it for her life or for love.

The relationships that were started in the first book are explored in depth. Not just with love interests, but deeper understanding of Cassie's role and her interaction with those around her. Still mostly alone, her perseverence and devil-may-care-but-let's-not-be-too-hasty-because-living-is-a-nice-idea attitude really warms you to Cassie. If you weren't already won over by her speak-before-you-think and vulnerable-but-determined-to-get-through charm.

Again, we see her misadventues start with Cassie just going straight in through the front door, choosing to hide in plain sight. She is not a silly girl. And while she may let sexy casino manager Casanova take advantage of her - as in free labour - she'll be damned in anybody else gets the chance.

In book 2, Cassie finds out that she is under a powerful love spell that, if completed, will put her under thrall of the ever enigmatic but you son-of-a-b!tch master vampire Mircea. For someone who servitude is a fate worse than death, Cassie is none too pleased, even if the idea of loving and being loved by Mircea has a certain pleasant ring to it...

And in true Cassie style, which isn't her fault but a product of her natural 'luck', she ends up complicating the spell further and oh yeah has to track down a homicidal maniac who is trying to kill her.

Karen's writing is fun and non-stop action. It's an exhilerating ride, with fascinating detail of history and forethought for the plot. Where you read something in book one, expect to have those 'Oh yeah' moments as they are aplenty. Without leaving many plot holes or confusing matters, Karen has weaved a complex tale that speaks with each other back and forth spanning all books. We've only just begun the fun.