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Merissa (12051 KP) rated Kiss of Forever (Shadow Creek #3) in Books
Aug 24, 2017
Kiss of Forever (Shadow Creek #3) by Leah Blake
The Shadow Creek series is one that I am loving. Kiss of Forever is the third book in the series, and this time we focus on the Alpha of Shadow Creek, Raul, and the enigmatic vampire, Victor. After reading Vuk and Ashly's book, you know that these two are intertwined somehow, but it's only once you start reading Raul's side of things that you learn just what he has done for the past 20 years to protect Victor. Yeesh, that man has a will of iron! Okay, so he had some magical help, but still...
Victor doesn't know why Raul has rejected him for so long, and now that Raul is sick, and getting sicker by the hour, he can't bear to see him in pain. Not once does Victor come across as a 'poor me' type of guy, desperately clinging onto someone who doesn't want. Instead, we see someone who has a will just as strong as the Alpha, who just wants the truth.
The story is more in-depth in this one, as we learn the twists and turns that have landed Raul and Victor in their positions. Pairs from previous stories also play a part in this story, although Vuk and Ashly get more of a mention simply due to who they are. This was exceedingly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I think there is still so much more to come, and I have no hesitation in recommending this book and the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Victor doesn't know why Raul has rejected him for so long, and now that Raul is sick, and getting sicker by the hour, he can't bear to see him in pain. Not once does Victor come across as a 'poor me' type of guy, desperately clinging onto someone who doesn't want. Instead, we see someone who has a will just as strong as the Alpha, who just wants the truth.
The story is more in-depth in this one, as we learn the twists and turns that have landed Raul and Victor in their positions. Pairs from previous stories also play a part in this story, although Vuk and Ashly get more of a mention simply due to who they are. This was exceedingly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I think there is still so much more to come, and I have no hesitation in recommending this book and the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Bite of Darkness (Shadow Creek #2) in Books
Aug 18, 2017
Bite of Darkness (Shadow Creek #2) by Leah Blake
Bite of Darkness is the second book in the Shadow Creek series. This time we focus on Vuk, who helped Devon out with a few choice words in book one. In his own story though, it's Vuk who is on the receiving end of advice as he turns into a bit of a jerk when he meets his mate. Now, to be fair, I couldn't exactly blame him. His alpha is ill, receiving a mystery transfusion, vampires are involved, the fae are involve, and no one (including Vuk) just exactly who to trust. Now, as it turns out, the vampires have their own reasons for helping out, which Vuk and Ashly get dragged into the middle of.
There is more mystery in this book, in my opinion. You know in book one that the fae wards are failing, but you're not 100% sure why. In this book, you find out more about that, and the politics of the paranormal world, but you are still left with questions unanswered. Apart from Vuk and Ashly, there is something going down with another wolf/vampire pair, but I'm hoping that will be a different story all of their own, and not just snippets given as the overall story arc progresses.
This is part of a series so I would recommend you read it in order for full enjoyment. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
There is more mystery in this book, in my opinion. You know in book one that the fae wards are failing, but you're not 100% sure why. In this book, you find out more about that, and the politics of the paranormal world, but you are still left with questions unanswered. Apart from Vuk and Ashly, there is something going down with another wolf/vampire pair, but I'm hoping that will be a different story all of their own, and not just snippets given as the overall story arc progresses.
This is part of a series so I would recommend you read it in order for full enjoyment. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, #4) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I enjoyed this book just as much as I joined the previous three in the series. Briggs can be depended upon for maintaining an exciting plot and unique characters, and this book was no exception.
This book gave me a more detailed look into the politics of the vampire culture of Mercy's world, as well as more development of the character of Stefan. Stefan does not seem to talk much, but his body language seems to say that he loves Mercy, even if he knows she will never love him back, especially with the scene on the last few pages. The discoveries that Mercy makes regarding her abilities as a Walker are interesting and can hold lots of promise for future books in the series. I also enjoy being introduced to other lesser characters in the books that often help Mercy in some small way, such as the oakman. These characters give a more well-rounded picture of Mercy's world. Mercy's panic attacks, resulting from her rape in the previous book, were very realistic and made her more believeable as a character, since they gave her a weakness and a way to be related to. Superheroes always seem to be better at their "jobs" when they have a weakness that allows them to relate to the "common man." I'm also glad that Mercy was finally inducted into Adam's pack officially, although I found the method somewhat gross and cannibalistic. I still don't understand how Mercy can be "pack" to both Adam and his pack, as well as to Samuel, without any sort of backlash in the "animal kingdom", but hopefully that will be either explained or absolved with future books.
This book gave me a more detailed look into the politics of the vampire culture of Mercy's world, as well as more development of the character of Stefan. Stefan does not seem to talk much, but his body language seems to say that he loves Mercy, even if he knows she will never love him back, especially with the scene on the last few pages. The discoveries that Mercy makes regarding her abilities as a Walker are interesting and can hold lots of promise for future books in the series. I also enjoy being introduced to other lesser characters in the books that often help Mercy in some small way, such as the oakman. These characters give a more well-rounded picture of Mercy's world. Mercy's panic attacks, resulting from her rape in the previous book, were very realistic and made her more believeable as a character, since they gave her a weakness and a way to be related to. Superheroes always seem to be better at their "jobs" when they have a weakness that allows them to relate to the "common man." I'm also glad that Mercy was finally inducted into Adam's pack officially, although I found the method somewhat gross and cannibalistic. I still don't understand how Mercy can be "pack" to both Adam and his pack, as well as to Samuel, without any sort of backlash in the "animal kingdom", but hopefully that will be either explained or absolved with future books.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Drawing Bloodlines (The Princeton Allegiant #1) in Books
Apr 4, 2019
Drawing Bloodlines (The Princeton Allegiant #1) by Deborah Garland
Drawing Bloodlines is the first book in The Princeton Allegiant, and we meet with Alexander, a young vampire of only five hundred years old or so. He is the doctor who draws the blood from our main female, Elizabeth, which is okay until she catches him drinking it.
The attraction between Alexander and Elizabeth is off the charts from the start, but I actually wished it wasn't for part of the book! Now, don't get me wrong, steam isn't a bad thing at all, but for me, it actually took away from some of the parts of the story. It all became about how often these two made the naughty, rather than anything else like, for example, maybe Alex could have told Elizabeth more of his history... say the part with Christiana in it?! I actually preferred this book once Alex was told he had to mate with Christiana, and Loren appeared on the scene. I felt there was more of a connection then, but maybe that's just me.
On the whole, this was a very good read, with plenty to get your teeth into (bad pun intended). I would love to read more about this world of Allegiants, and see how it works in greater detail. And, of course, find out more about the missing vampires. Oh, and hope Elijah gets his story!
There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, and I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Excellent start to the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The attraction between Alexander and Elizabeth is off the charts from the start, but I actually wished it wasn't for part of the book! Now, don't get me wrong, steam isn't a bad thing at all, but for me, it actually took away from some of the parts of the story. It all became about how often these two made the naughty, rather than anything else like, for example, maybe Alex could have told Elizabeth more of his history... say the part with Christiana in it?! I actually preferred this book once Alex was told he had to mate with Christiana, and Loren appeared on the scene. I felt there was more of a connection then, but maybe that's just me.
On the whole, this was a very good read, with plenty to get your teeth into (bad pun intended). I would love to read more about this world of Allegiants, and see how it works in greater detail. And, of course, find out more about the missing vampires. Oh, and hope Elijah gets his story!
There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, and I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Excellent start to the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Debbiereadsbook (1197 KP) rated Hawk's Spell (The Swamp Witch #3) in Books
Feb 6, 2018
so frustrated!
ARGH!!!! Did you ever want to pull your hair out?? Scream and shout so bad at an author??
I was ENJOYING this one far more than the other two. I WAS enjoying it. I thought, okay, this is just going to be Hawk in the first and everyone else in the third.
And then!! We get Hawk's children having a say, in the first, with no warning who was speaking, we get the vampire having a say, in the first with no warning, and even the dead wife has a say, in the first WITH NO BLOODY WARNING!!
This book was shaping up to be the best of the three, but really, it's going to bear the brunt of my frustration! I fail to see how this issue wasn't picked up by other reviewers.
I've read some reviews, AFTER I finished, and it has some amazing 5 star ratings. But when an author drives me NUTS because they can't type a single name at the head of a chapter to let us know who is speaking?? I can't rate a book so highly. I actually read a couple of chapters, without realizing WHO was speaking, til the very end!
The children, The Balance fulfill their destiny here, going their separate ways and one becoming good, and the other evil. I fail to see how the all seeing Swamp Witch didn't know about Lynne cavern under her house. Because, you know, she is ALL SEEING, ALL KNOWING, it says so in the book!
I'm sorry, I really am, I just could not enjoy this as much as I wanted to. BUT I did finish it, and for THAT reason, and that reason ALONE....
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I was ENJOYING this one far more than the other two. I WAS enjoying it. I thought, okay, this is just going to be Hawk in the first and everyone else in the third.
And then!! We get Hawk's children having a say, in the first, with no warning who was speaking, we get the vampire having a say, in the first with no warning, and even the dead wife has a say, in the first WITH NO BLOODY WARNING!!
This book was shaping up to be the best of the three, but really, it's going to bear the brunt of my frustration! I fail to see how this issue wasn't picked up by other reviewers.
I've read some reviews, AFTER I finished, and it has some amazing 5 star ratings. But when an author drives me NUTS because they can't type a single name at the head of a chapter to let us know who is speaking?? I can't rate a book so highly. I actually read a couple of chapters, without realizing WHO was speaking, til the very end!
The children, The Balance fulfill their destiny here, going their separate ways and one becoming good, and the other evil. I fail to see how the all seeing Swamp Witch didn't know about Lynne cavern under her house. Because, you know, she is ALL SEEING, ALL KNOWING, it says so in the book!
I'm sorry, I really am, I just could not enjoy this as much as I wanted to. BUT I did finish it, and for THAT reason, and that reason ALONE....
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Kristin (149 KP) rated Rock 'n' Roll Promises (Rock N Roll Paraphantasy, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an unedited ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story from the beginning. It's a new spin on vampire lore, and there are other supernatural beings, as well. We find out about Anna's past throughout the book, as she goes into a trance to "relive" part of her life from the night she was turned, to determine how Jaxson knows her (after having a pretty steamy interaction with him). Her best friend Paige and Paige's boyfriend Ozzie, a hunter, come to protect her while in her trance, and the twists just keep coming throughout the story.
I also greatly enjoyed the use of music throughout the book. I knew pretty much all of the songs mentioned, and they were each relevant and used perfectly to describe certain situations, especially the ending. And speaking of the ending, it's definitely a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what happens next! An entertaining read, and one I would recommend to those who like the supernatural and supernatural romances.
My only issue (other than wishing it was longer and/or I had the second book already) was with some of the dialogue. I thought it was stilted at times, as characters would switch back and forth between using and not using contractions within the same sentence or paragraph, which didn't seem natural to me. Also, some of the inner dialogue within Anna's or Paige's head felt a little too descriptive. I know it was used to explain things and further the story, but it struck a small chord with me, as I just didn't think it was natural. (However, I was reading an unedited ARC, so this may be changed in the final version.)
4 stars, and I really want to read the next one =)
I really liked this story from the beginning. It's a new spin on vampire lore, and there are other supernatural beings, as well. We find out about Anna's past throughout the book, as she goes into a trance to "relive" part of her life from the night she was turned, to determine how Jaxson knows her (after having a pretty steamy interaction with him). Her best friend Paige and Paige's boyfriend Ozzie, a hunter, come to protect her while in her trance, and the twists just keep coming throughout the story.
I also greatly enjoyed the use of music throughout the book. I knew pretty much all of the songs mentioned, and they were each relevant and used perfectly to describe certain situations, especially the ending. And speaking of the ending, it's definitely a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what happens next! An entertaining read, and one I would recommend to those who like the supernatural and supernatural romances.
My only issue (other than wishing it was longer and/or I had the second book already) was with some of the dialogue. I thought it was stilted at times, as characters would switch back and forth between using and not using contractions within the same sentence or paragraph, which didn't seem natural to me. Also, some of the inner dialogue within Anna's or Paige's head felt a little too descriptive. I know it was used to explain things and further the story, but it struck a small chord with me, as I just didn't think it was natural. (However, I was reading an unedited ARC, so this may be changed in the final version.)
4 stars, and I really want to read the next one =)
Sarah (126 KP) rated Flatliners (2017) in Movies
Jul 14, 2018
The casting (1 more)
Keifer Sutherland
An Unnecessary Remake
I feel cheated. I've watched the original so many times, and wish I'd just watched it again. This was a completely unnecessary remake of what many consider to be a classic film (does it count as a classic from 1990?).
I can kind of "get" the idea of a remake or a "reboot", given the progress in technology and medical science in the space of almost 30 years, so to bring a more contemporary feel for a modern audience would make sense to some extent. Instead, a film that was really thought provoking was turned into something that felt like, in parts, Final Destination.
A couple of lines tied the new version to the old, as well as Keifer Sutherland - one of the original cast of medical students - plays the part of a "House"-type doctor teaching the "Flatliners" in the new version.
The casting wasn't ideal - for instance, James Norton's American accent is kind of concerning. If he was a must-have for the film, couldn't his part have been as an international student?! Nina Dobrev played Elena from The Vampire Diaries in a lab coat. Similarly, the characters were a bit flat and one-dimensional. For instance, Ray used to be a firefighter. Great, where are we going with that? Oh, right, it never gets mentioned again!
Strangely, a lot of the film feels very rushed, with no real development of the stories of the individual characters or of how they go about the actual flatlining itself, while simultaneously feeling like very little of note actually happens.
Honestly, although the original is going to feel a little dated now, watch that instead of this. I feel like I want my money back - and we watched it on TV...
I can kind of "get" the idea of a remake or a "reboot", given the progress in technology and medical science in the space of almost 30 years, so to bring a more contemporary feel for a modern audience would make sense to some extent. Instead, a film that was really thought provoking was turned into something that felt like, in parts, Final Destination.
A couple of lines tied the new version to the old, as well as Keifer Sutherland - one of the original cast of medical students - plays the part of a "House"-type doctor teaching the "Flatliners" in the new version.
The casting wasn't ideal - for instance, James Norton's American accent is kind of concerning. If he was a must-have for the film, couldn't his part have been as an international student?! Nina Dobrev played Elena from The Vampire Diaries in a lab coat. Similarly, the characters were a bit flat and one-dimensional. For instance, Ray used to be a firefighter. Great, where are we going with that? Oh, right, it never gets mentioned again!
Strangely, a lot of the film feels very rushed, with no real development of the stories of the individual characters or of how they go about the actual flatlining itself, while simultaneously feeling like very little of note actually happens.
Honestly, although the original is going to feel a little dated now, watch that instead of this. I feel like I want my money back - and we watched it on TV...
Sarah (7798 KP) rated A Discovery of Witches - Season 1 in TV
Nov 11, 2018
Dull and cringeworthy
I knew after the first couple of episodes that this series wasn’t for me, but I persevered in the hope it might get better as it went along. Sadly it doesn’t.
The main problem is that witches, vampires etc have all been done before. And most have been done better than this. The vampires are all moody and gloomy looking dressed in black, and all of the different creatures show no potential whatsoever. The witches exhibit some powers but nothing particularly impressive, the vampires don’t do much either and the demons do absolutely nothing and don’t show any powers or supernatural abilities whatsoever. For the most part, this is just a romance with a supernatural backdrop thrown in. And even the romance aspect isn’t very good - this stinks of a slightly more adult version of Twilight. It’s cheesy, cringey and moves so quickly it beggars belief.
There are some talented actors in this, but sadly the script and the plot really lets them down. Matthew Goode’s attempts at making his vampire snarling, bloodthirsty and terrifying are laughable. The only person who really pulls off any menace is Trevor Eve but he’s sidelined in favour of more irritating characters. Even Teresa Palmer doesn’t come across well, playing so much like Bella from Twilight it’s disturbing.
The show itself is very scenic and beautifully shot, unsurprising considering some of the locations like Oxford and Venice. It’s just a shame that i found it very dull and laughable (not in a good way). I also found the cliffhanger ending disappointing, as the likelihood of me ever bothering to watch another series is slim. I only just made it through these 8 episodes.
The main problem is that witches, vampires etc have all been done before. And most have been done better than this. The vampires are all moody and gloomy looking dressed in black, and all of the different creatures show no potential whatsoever. The witches exhibit some powers but nothing particularly impressive, the vampires don’t do much either and the demons do absolutely nothing and don’t show any powers or supernatural abilities whatsoever. For the most part, this is just a romance with a supernatural backdrop thrown in. And even the romance aspect isn’t very good - this stinks of a slightly more adult version of Twilight. It’s cheesy, cringey and moves so quickly it beggars belief.
There are some talented actors in this, but sadly the script and the plot really lets them down. Matthew Goode’s attempts at making his vampire snarling, bloodthirsty and terrifying are laughable. The only person who really pulls off any menace is Trevor Eve but he’s sidelined in favour of more irritating characters. Even Teresa Palmer doesn’t come across well, playing so much like Bella from Twilight it’s disturbing.
The show itself is very scenic and beautifully shot, unsurprising considering some of the locations like Oxford and Venice. It’s just a shame that i found it very dull and laughable (not in a good way). I also found the cliffhanger ending disappointing, as the likelihood of me ever bothering to watch another series is slim. I only just made it through these 8 episodes.
The start of Bram Stokers biography?
And to think that I nearly gave up on this to begin with! At about 20% in, it just didn't seem to be drawing me in at all. So how pleased am I that I persevered?!!
This is a prequel to Bram Stokers Dracula, and is the story of Bram himself. It postulates that Dracula and vampires really do exist, Bram and his family had an intimate relationship with one (not like THAT!), and Dracula was written as a warning about the Undead. Well, I clearly don't know what to believe now!
The language used in this novel is a little more up to date than Bram Stokers original: it's written for the modern reader (as Bram's was at the time, I suppose), and is consequently much easier to read. This book is supposedly based on notes that Bram left behind - whether they were ideas for another book, or they were 'actual occurrences', we'll never really know.
Bram and his family are followed from Bram's early childhood, up until well after their encounter with Dracul. It's exciting, there's loads of action, and I had some serious worries about Bram's siblings! There's loads of historical detail (potato famine in Ireland, disease, poverty) which I rather enjoyed. But it's the encounters with the vampires that I really loved. There's always going to be someone that makes the comparison to 'that' vampire series, and so I'll be the one. There IS NO comparison. These aren't nicey-nicey vampires who sparkle. These are largely speaking, evil, dark-magic-using, killing machines. Much more fun.
I think this is probably going to be a series. Which I will obviously be reading. Obviously.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
This is a prequel to Bram Stokers Dracula, and is the story of Bram himself. It postulates that Dracula and vampires really do exist, Bram and his family had an intimate relationship with one (not like THAT!), and Dracula was written as a warning about the Undead. Well, I clearly don't know what to believe now!
The language used in this novel is a little more up to date than Bram Stokers original: it's written for the modern reader (as Bram's was at the time, I suppose), and is consequently much easier to read. This book is supposedly based on notes that Bram left behind - whether they were ideas for another book, or they were 'actual occurrences', we'll never really know.
Bram and his family are followed from Bram's early childhood, up until well after their encounter with Dracul. It's exciting, there's loads of action, and I had some serious worries about Bram's siblings! There's loads of historical detail (potato famine in Ireland, disease, poverty) which I rather enjoyed. But it's the encounters with the vampires that I really loved. There's always going to be someone that makes the comparison to 'that' vampire series, and so I'll be the one. There IS NO comparison. These aren't nicey-nicey vampires who sparkle. These are largely speaking, evil, dark-magic-using, killing machines. Much more fun.
I think this is probably going to be a series. Which I will obviously be reading. Obviously.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Twilight (Twilight, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Yes, I admit it - I'm in the Love It camp and so firmly in Team Edward it's ridiculous! The jury definitely seems out, not only this book but on the series in general. People seem to either love it or hate it with no middle ground, a bit like Marmite! What follows is my opinion, and only my opinion!
I didn't immediately read this book upon it's release due to the hype that had preceded it so I was happy to wait. When I did eventually buy it, it was because it was on offer as a paperback in my local supermarket and I was looking for something new to read. So I bought it. I read it in a couple of evenings, starting as soon my children had gone to bed and reading through until it was my turn to retire for the night.
The book has its flaws and faults just like every other book out on the market. But you either like Bella and Edward (Jacob isn't in this book much) or you don't. You know that he's a vampire from the beginning so it comes as no surprise when he admits it. I like the fact that Bella doesn't see herself as others do and is clumsy and uncoordinated.
I have since bought this in hardback and still enjoy reading it and I still fall in love with Edward every time that I read it as he is such a "gentleman" to me.
One thing I would say - whether you like it, love it, think it's ok or hate it, you are entitled to your own opinion the same as I am. Just don't knock mine because it's different to yours!
I didn't immediately read this book upon it's release due to the hype that had preceded it so I was happy to wait. When I did eventually buy it, it was because it was on offer as a paperback in my local supermarket and I was looking for something new to read. So I bought it. I read it in a couple of evenings, starting as soon my children had gone to bed and reading through until it was my turn to retire for the night.
The book has its flaws and faults just like every other book out on the market. But you either like Bella and Edward (Jacob isn't in this book much) or you don't. You know that he's a vampire from the beginning so it comes as no surprise when he admits it. I like the fact that Bella doesn't see herself as others do and is clumsy and uncoordinated.
I have since bought this in hardback and still enjoy reading it and I still fall in love with Edward every time that I read it as he is such a "gentleman" to me.
One thing I would say - whether you like it, love it, think it's ok or hate it, you are entitled to your own opinion the same as I am. Just don't knock mine because it's different to yours!