Breaking Dawn

Nov 282011

I was a bit on the shelf (as was the book for a while!) about this novel.  I’d heard both extremely good and bad things and it was very dependant on who was talking to me about it.  It’s a terrible cliche, but I wondered if Breaking Dawn was a Marmite type of book – maybe you either loved it or you hated it.

I finally decided to read it with the film coming out and while I won’t watch it until it’s released on DVD, I still wanted to know how the series ended.  I’d read the previous books some time before but hadn’t really found myself in the right mood to read this one until now.

Having finished it, I’m surprised to say… its not terrible.  That’s not to say it’s a great book either, just my expectations were low and it surprised me.  If anything, it was the book I enjoyed the most in the series; less angst, more signs of Bella taking control of her ‘life’, Edward being less of an idiot and Jacob becoming less selfish.

I felt the writing in this book was a lot better than the previous novels, whether that was down to a different editor or Meyer getting better at her craft I can’t say but it was a much smoother read.  It could have done with being shorter in my opinion but there weren’t many scenes that I felt could or should have been cut completely so that was a big plus for me.

The plot was decent and I liked how some story threads from previous books had prepared the reader for a big one here.  That it got straight down to the story without preamble was another positive for me, I didn’t have to force myself to keep reading until it caught my interest.  I did have to suspend disbelief on a few major events but in the context of the book, they fit and I could accept them.  The pace was well judged by Stephenie Meyer and unlike previous books wasn’t stop/start and that was some of what kept me reading.

The characterisations seemed much stronger and less annoying, and perhaps that is because the cast have matured from big decisions and events previously, but I just liked them a lot more.  There was humour to balance any angst and I found new respect for Bella in the decisions she made in this story, likewise the antagonism between Edward and Jake lost its childish and hard edge and became almost a familiar teasing thing.  The Cullen family as a whole I’d always liked, and their role in Breaking Dawn didn’t change that opinion, if anything, it cemented it.  Alice was a star and her part in it all was really well thought out and planned.  The end results of her actions were a bit ‘TA-DA!’ but I liked it all the same.

The big finale didn’t ruin the series for me but I did feel after all the build up and preparation that had gone on, it fizzled out a bit like a damp squib.  Since the book wasn’t just about that moment, the rest of the story carried it through and when I finished I was surprised to find not only had I enjoyed it but I was happy with the outcome (yes I am a hopeless romantic!).

Not an amazing book but a decent fantastical read and while I now understand why some people either love it or hate it, I find myself in the middle – I just liked it.

Rating: ★★½☆☆ 

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Angel’s Blood

Sep 302011

Nalini Singh is a new author to me, I picked this up on the fierce recommendation of two fellow bloggers (Looking at YOU Book Chick City and Literary Escapism)!

The Archangels and their brethren have lived for so long, that they have become inhuman, shedding their humanity millennia ago.  The story revolves around The Cadre of Ten, Archangels that rule territories, and they are very different from each other, some so far removed from the world that they have become something else entirely. Elena Devereaux hunts rogue vampires; servants created by the angels who then try and cheat on their hundred years of service. The Guild Elena works for hunts them down and returns them to their owners.

I found the story a bit hard to get into at first. I liked the female protagonist Elena Devereaux well enough, and could easily empathise with her. Nalini made it easy to admire Elena, despite the horror in her past she didn’t give in to her father’s ultimatum to be a good girl and toe the line.  I liked that Elena’s talents are natural and it costs her a great deal personally to use them in her Guild Hunter role, that personal sacrifice really added something to her character.  I love that she was written as a snarky, sarcastic but likeable character with flaws that made her seem much more human.

The main problem I had at the start, was with Raphael, the Archangel of North America. He was detached, demanding, even a little cruel and he just didn’t gel with me.

Then I realised that was the point to his character, and was hooked. I credit Nalini Singh’s ability to create a character that isn’t instantly likeable but starts to sneak in to your heart anyway. But, it is risky, because had I not persevered, it could have put me off entirely.  His interactions with Elena were often funny and very well written, her snark against his implacable logic and the heat that builds between them was seriously sexy.

The writing is crisp, clean and very easy to read and one facet that I really liked was that Singh didn’t try to explain why there were angels in the world.  They have always been there, some very much in the public eye, so in her version of our world, it is a natural, if still wondrous thing.

I liked the plot a lot; seemingly simple but with several layers.  One of the ruling Archangels with the Cadre of Ten has gone rogue, and they need Elena’s unique talents as a Guild Hunter to be able to track him.  Of course it’s never that simple and Nalini Singh takes us through some pretty gritty and macabre scenes along with fierce action, and some truly heartrending moments.

By the end I was firmly in love with Singh’s world and her characters, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.  I wholeheartedly pass on the recommendation that this is an author to love!

Rating: ★★★★½ 

Bloodlines

Aug 272011

When I finished reading the Vampire Academy series, I knew Richelle Mead had created something very special.  She put her own original slant on the vampire mythos and blended Moroi, dhampir, humans and the evil Strigoi together in a common world.

Bloodlines focuses on the human Alchemists, the main character being someone we met in the last series.  It was great seeing Sydney Sage again, I already liked her despite her professional bias, and I’m glad Mead decided to explore this character more.  The book is from Sydney’s perspective and picks up after she’d returned home in disgrace for helping Rose Hathaway and Lissa Dragomir.

What follows is a touching story of Sydney doing her best to overcome years of instilled prejudice, trying to do the right thing and finally stand up for herself.  She’s not quite there yet but she comes a long way in this novel.  She is a brilliant character, well written and likeable; more so than in the last series, as we finally see the world through her eyes.

I loved the cameo from Rose Hathaway, as Sydney embarks on her mission.  It made me want to cheer and I understand why she couldn’t actually be a part of this story, as she wouldn’t have let anyone else get a word in!

There were other familiar characters that were part of the story and it was good to see them again and in more depth than before.

Adrian Ivashkov; my favourite Moroi playboy.  It was really good to see him again and I loved his role in the book.  He is a complex and interesting character and while his excesses might not be quite a thing of the past, this series is hopefully the start of something better for him.

Jill Mastrano is such a sweetheart and in the unenviable position of being Queen Lissa’s sister.  I think her emotions and actions are spot on for a fifteen year old girl and my heart aches for her as she struggles to find her own purpose and self worth, rather than just being the reason Lissa can hold her Throne.

Eddie Castille is along as Jill’s Guardian and it was great to see him play a larger role after everything he went through in the first series.  He is a solid, dependable character although I get the feeling there will be a bruised heart ahead for him.

The new characters are just as interesting.  The majority of the story is set in a human boarding school, and both friends and enemies are to be found there.  Although it’s not too different from St. Vladimir’s it has the added element of the major cast having to hide who and what they are.  The other Moroi and Alchemists we’re introduced to added yet another facet and I definitely had a love/hate feeling about them.

The actual story was well crafted and brought together several different elements, including how the human and vampire worlds interact or clash.  There is also a bit of a magical mystery in there too which was very nicely done, and I didn’t see the resolution of that coming until it was ultimately revealed.  The crime that Sydney just couldn’t ignore was the big shock and Mead hid several hints along the way that I can now only see, looking back.  The pace is fairly steady throughout, with a few exciting action scenes breaking up the tension the characters feel as they just try and stay safe.

I started reading the book this evening and it was so engaging, I couldn’t put it down.  Now I’ve finished, I just want more; I absolutely call Richelle Mead out as a tease with the very last line of the novel.  Especially when it causes me to make very undignified squealing noises for a woman my age!

A wonderful start to the new series and a book to be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Book Information

Cover reveal Bloodlines – Update!

Jul 202011

As I reported in the blog post here the cover for the UK edition of Bloodlines had been revealed.  The publisher has since decided to go with the same cover as the US edition for a more global series look, so… here for the final time is the Cover reveal for the UK edition of Bloodlines!

I loved the original cover but I have to say, this does give a great visual of who the main character might be ;)

 

Lover Unleashed

Jun 082011

With Payne paralysed in a freak accident sparring with Wrath, only the best surgeon can give her the chance to walk again.  Dr Manuel ‘Manny’ Manello, is the best in his field and agrees to give Payne that chance.   Discovering a whole hidden world he never knew about he finds a bond he certainly wasn’t looking for, and an old friend he never thought he’d see again.

This book is a little odd in that it doesn’t just focus on Payne and Manny.  Vishous and Jane have their story continued as well which was good, as it was obvious that there were still issues left unresolved in previous books.  It could have ruined the story and been better being released as two books but there is such a close link between Vishous and Payne and the fact they are twins that it worked, and worked well.

I am always amazed at the quality of Ward’s writing, the emotional depths to which she goes for the much loved brotherhood, and Lover Unleashed is no different.  One facet that was different from previous books is that the Lessening Society were more of a footnote than a cause and we are introduced to another set of warriors that have their own agenda.  It was really interesting and opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

I didn’t expect to like Payne as much as I did.  When we first got to know her in Lover Mine, I found her a bit annoying, but here she really comes alive as a character in her own right.  She is a complex mix of the grace and sweetness of the Chosen but with the ability to fight with the best of the Brotherhood.  As the twin of Vishous but with a completely different and sheltered upbringing, she is nothing like him yet has a bond that is purely him.  I had been waiting for the story with Dr ‘Manny’ Manuel Manello since Lover Unbound and Vishous had the word ‘brother’ sound in his head.  I knew there would be something big for him and it was great to see that come to life.  He is very much like Butch, in attitude and personality but with the skills and abilities of  a top class surgeon.  Adding another human to the mix could have caused a lot of problems and weakened the group as a set, but I thought Ward worked him in beautifully.  As for the surprise at the end, that was just brilliant!

Vishous and Jane, oh how I love thee both.  The problems they experience in this book were both sad and sweet.  Vishous had never really dealt with his issues, he was just able to bury them when Jane came along.  Having his sister there and then Manny kicked up a lot of memories and the outfall could have been very bad.  It’s a testament to the couple and how well they are written that they affected me emotionally as well.

The hints with Blay and Qhuinn are so tantalising and Qhuinn’s realisation was agonising, knowing he still wasn’t going to do anything about it, even with a solution staring him in the face so to speak.  I’m really hoping they will have their own story because I love their characters a lot.

Lover unleashed is definitely a book about the characters and less about fighting, although it couldn’t be about the Brotherhood if there wasn’t at least a little combat.  It is a powerful story, emotionally engaging with some very hot scenes.  And it’s very, very good.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a firm favourite and J. R. Ward is simply a genius in the genre.

Rating: ★★★★★ 

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Poltergeist

Mar 292011

Trying to come to terms with the changes in her life,  Harper Blaine continues to make a living as a private investigator, but finds not all of her clients are of the human variety.

Hired to investigate who could be the saboteur in an experimental seance team at a University, Harper is quickly sure of one thing after the death of one of the team members.  There may be a human at the source, but the phenomenon is definitely not natural.

After enjoying Greywalker so much, I was a little worried how the second book in the series would match up.  I was really pleased to find it matched very well.  Harper is just a great character; feisty, determined and capable of being as big a pain in the ass as she needs to be, to get the job done.

She is a rare character that feels very real, rather than larger than life.  She has flaws, isn’t infallible and flounders as she is learning about the Grey and what impact that has on her.  There is no great source she can go to, learn it all and become an expert.  I love that she gets some guidance from her friends Mara and Ben, but even that is sometimes hypothetical guesswork.

The plot in Poltergeist is actually quite simple but very good and the seance experiment itself is fascinating, especially with the research that Kat Richardson did to back it up, then adapt it to her ‘world’.

I’ve mentioned Mara and Ben already but they really are great secondary characters.  Quinton I’m liking a lot and hoping he becomes part of the regular cast, there is just something about him.  Will doesn’t play as big a role in this book, mainly because he is out of the country and doing the long distance relationship with Harper.  As he doesn’t know about the other side of her life, it will be interesting what happens when he does find out.

A great follow up to Greywalker and can’t wait to see what is in store for Harper next!

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

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Greywalker

Jan 062011

Harper Blaine is a private detective in seattle, just trying to make a living.   Her life changes forever when a client attacks her and she dies for two minutes.  Those two minutes were long enough to make her a Greywalker, someone who can see things from the Grey, the space in between life and death where monsters and creatures of myth exist.  Now they can see her too.

Having already read and enjoyed Vanished (book four of the Greywalker series), I had been meaning to get the first three, so I could find out what had happened to make Harper a Greywalker in the first place.  Thanks to the kindness of friends and some tokens for christmas, I have them now!

I was really glad to see my impressions of Harper in Vanished were begun in this first book.  She starts off as an ordinary if gutsy woman, making a living being a private investigator.  Her life is changed forever after a client attacks her and she dies for two minutes.  What she comes back as, is something more than human.

She is a fantastic character and I love that while she can kick ass if she is in a situation she knows, throughout the book she is thrown more and more off balance, trying to deal with her world changing drastically around her.  She reacts how I imagine a normal person would.  Fear, denial and anger are just a few of the dominant emotions that she has in abundance and yet she is tenacious enough to try and do her job to the best of her ability in spite of what is happening to her.  Her guts and intelligence are what get her through it all at the end of the day, not supernatural strength, speed or powerful abilities.

The supporting cast were really good too, well created and written.  They matched Harper for her ‘realness’, even if they aren’t all human either.  In particular Mara, Ben, Will and Cameron were the best for me, as emotional and solid as they were funny.  The not so nice guys were also well done, often scary and creepy, which you mostly felt through Harper.

The plot was quite intricate and there wasn’t really a need for a big reveal as you knew what was going on as soon as Harper did.  The intricacies came as different characters were brought into play and not all of them were good news for Harper.  Finding herself in situations not always of her own making, that were very difficult to get out of, let alone survive and her guts and intelligence (and excellent writing) are what made the story as good as it is.

I’m a sucker for a reluctant hero and was also pleasantly surprised that the story’s main focus was on action and plot rather than taking time out for sex scenes (not that I dislike those in general).  In my experience, however, it’s unusual from a female writer in this genre over the last few years.

Definitely belongs in the urban fantasy section and a book I believe men as well as women would enjoy.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Last Sacrifice

Dec 102010

Rose’s story is told across six books in the Vampire Academy series.  You can read all the reviews I’ve done for them before reading this one if you should so desire: Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound.

To say life is complicated for Rose Hathaway would be an understatement.  She is imprisoned and awaiting trial for a murder she didn’t commit, her father insisting she will not face trial and inevitable execution.  Abe seems to have something up his sleeve and all Rose’s friends seem to be in on it,  but they are determined to keep her out of it.  Once the plan is underway, she goes on the run with her ex-Strigoi ex-boyfriend Dimitri, and much to her surprise, Sydney the Alchemist.  Firm instructions are given for Rose to stay safe and hidden until the others can figure out who framed her and why, but safe and hidden aren’t in Rose’s vocabulary, especially not when her loved ones are at risk.  She has a plan of her own, one that could see Lissa’s royal family name restored.  Now she just has to convince Dimitri to go along with it, convince herself that Adrian is the one she wants to be with and convince everyone else that she hasn’t gone completely off the rails.  Simple really.

So here we are, on the last book to finish Rose’s story.  In the Vampire Academy series, we’ve watched her grow in just a few short years, from a young and impetuous teenager into a formidable and fiercely loyal guardian with no qualms about her duty to Lissa.  She’s known love, loss and rejection, she’s travelled the world to try and save the man she loves.  While she wants to be Lissa’s guardian she knows with some of the choices she had to make to keep the people she loved safe, that she would be deemed unsuitable to guard a Princess of Lissa’s stature.  Now she is on trial for a crime she is innocent of, but someone has gone a long way to make sure she will be found guilty.

Lissa has truly come into her own as a spirit user, being able to cure Strigoi and turn them back into their former selves.  Something that was once thought impossible, but her love for Rose and affection for Dimitri gave her the strength to fight for them.  Her confidence has increased with Christian’s love, the unwavering support of her friends and her shadow kissed bond with Rose, meaning the last of the Dragomir royal line is never really alone.

It’s been quite a journey and one I’m so glad I made.  Right from the first book, Vampire Academy, Rose has been an outstanding character; funny, determined, loyal and fierce and she has fast become one of my favourite heroines.  I love the fact that she isn’t perfect, she makes wrong choices, she gets confused by her hormones but she does her utmost to ultimately do the right thing.  Those she loves mean everything to her and she would do anything for them, especially Lissa.

While the point of view is always from Rose’s perspective, that she can see through Lissa’s eyes because of the bond, is a unique way of letting the reader know what is going on with her.  It works really well and as they spend a lot of time apart in this book but is essential you know what is happening back with Lissa, it was a clever way to achieve this.

The writing, as it has been all the way through the series, is consistently crisp, clean and easy to read.  The characters have always been consistent, their personalities solid and very real.

The plot in Last Sacrifice is simply outstanding.  I knew there would be a twist at the end but for the life of me, I didn’t see it coming.  I even went back and re-read to see if I’d missed any clues but no, nothing.  It was very well done.

The plot arc that connects all the books was also very good, often coming to full circles on a couple of issues.  Again, I thought it a very nice touch.

When the real action kicks off in this last book, it doesn’t let up til the end, carrying you with it until it’s inevitable conclusion.  That unseen twist, Lissa’s surprise and the last sacrifice pretty much finished me off and I had to break out the tissues.  I can give no higher praise than that.

While Rose’s Story may have ended with Last Sacrifice, there will be more from Vampire Academy to come and I can’t wait to see who it will be about next.  They will however have big shoes to fill to be comparable to Rose.

There is only one negative thing I have to say about Last Sacrifice and that is the Author’s note at the start.  Just one line took away any mystique as to whether Rose would survive.  I understand why the author’s note is there and for the most part, it’s appropriate, but maybe putting that part at the end with the acknowledgements would have been better.

That doesn’t stop it from being an incredibly engaging and exciting book, even so.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Book Information

Spirit Bound

Dec 092010

Please be aware this review may contain minor spoilers.

For Rose Hathaway and Lissa Dragomir, it’s time to graduate and be let out into the real world.  A real world that has many dangers – Dimitri intent on hunting Rose down and if he can’t turn her, kill her.  A Queen that has her own plans for the last royal Dragomir and several people who resent Rose’s influence with Lissa.  When a chance to save Dimitri and potentially turn him back into the dhampir he once was is discovered, Rose and Lissa must break more laws than they ever dreamt to free someone who they helped imprison.  With friends and family willing to do what they can to help, what they set out to do, could be life changing for dhampir and vampire alike.

Given her experiences in Blood Promise, Rose feels like a much more mature character.  That’s not to say she has suddenly become a model student else she wouldn’t be the Rose we know and love.  Her wit is still sharper than any knife and she will bend as many rules as she needs to, to protect those she loves.  I expect nothing less!

Lissa has grown up quite a lot as well, I think being without Rose for a lot of the last book, even as difficult as it was for her, helped her be aware she isn’t without talent of her own.  Of course that goes along with realising how vulnerable she can be, but maybe being aware of that isn’t such a bad thing, losing that naivety only creates more strength in her.

I loved the run up to Rose’s graduation and her final trial.  I wanted to cheer as she went, proving to her teachers and peers, just how formidable she has become.  I was a little disappointed that not much was made of the vampire side of graduation but I guess since it’s Rose’s story and being a dhampir it made sense.

Now they are out in the real world, at the royal court and no longer students.  Lissa is the Dragomir Princess, the last of her royal line which makes her extremely valuable, and Rose has the unfortunate record and reputation of being a troublemaker but with excellent and proven guardian skills.  I wanted to protest every time someone wanted to pull the two apart which seemed to happen a lot.  Admittedly not all of Rose’s choices have been good ones but no one could doubt her devotion to Lissa.

The action starts as they realise Dimitri is still obsessed with either turning or killing Rose.  A chance comment in the last book leads to a real possibility of saving him, but the only way to get the information they need is to do something unthinkable and highly illegal.  Break out the man who kidnapped and tortured Lissa in the first book, who they also testified against to put him in prison in the first place.

The pace of the story really picks up as they need to get things moving and in place before Dimitri can catch up with them and take any chance of saving him out of the equation.  Rose being torn between Adrian and Dimitri is quite sad as Adrian is a great character and I believe Rose does love him, just in a different way to what she feels for Dimitri.  She may be a lot more mature now but she is still an 18 year old dhampir.

Where Lissa really comes into her own is when she defies Rose and learns some combat skills to be able to carry out her plan to save Dimitri.  Christian does as well to a certain extent, and their interplay as ex-lovers was funny and heartfelt. I just wanted to tell them to get back together already!

What follows is just simply breathtaking.  Lissa’s empathy and determination, Christian’s love for her and both of them prepared to do anything to help Rose.  That whole section of the book had me on the edge of my seat and hoping for the best but fearing the worst.  Outstanding emotional and heartbreaking writing, and I wish I could say more about it but that would be a major spoiler and I am struggling enough with the minor ones.

Mead has a real talent for putting in a whammy at the end of her books that leaves Rose imprisoned and on trial for High Treason.  A crime that the punishment for isn’t imprisonment, it’s execution.

And so the story remains utterly engaging and enthralling as we go into the final book in Rose’s series; Last Sacrifice.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Book Information

Blood Promise

Dec 062010

Please be aware this review contains a few minor spoilers.

The time has come for Rose Hathaway to make a choice.  After the attack on St. Vladimir’s Academy left so many dead, injured, or missing, Lissa needs her more than ever.  Rose is frantic after Dimitri was taken and with her worst fears confirmed, needs to find him and give him the peace they both said they would have wanted, if the worst should ever happen.  Does Rose have the strength to leave the Academy and say goodbye to her best friend?  To cross countries in search of Dimitri and if she can, kill him for the final time.  In doing so, can she survive it.

Blood Promise has so many heartbreaking moments, I’m not even sure where to begin.  I thought Shadow Kiss was emotionally charged but this one is just on a whole new level.

Rose is such a wonderful character.  The amount of strength she has, the pain she has to go through and the determination to see someone she loves find peace is just amazing.  She is so well written she feels like a real person and I feel for her with everything she has to endure.  And she really does get put through it in this book.

I found Lissa’s feelings of abandonment very sad and it didn’t surprise me when she started to go off the rails.  You knew all wasn’t right with her, when new character Avery seemed to be trying to take Rose’s place.  I felt nothing good could come of it.  I did think Avery’s character was well written, just little hints but it was only really when you knew what she was up to that it added up.  It was also hard knowing Rose could see some of what was happening and it was just adding to the guilt she already felt about leaving.

A new organisation and character was introduced and I liked the concept.  It did seem strange that even though the living vampires and dhampirs kept themselves out of human society as much as possible, there needed to be something that allowed them to cross paths without too much trouble.  Enter the Alchemists.  Sydney is an interesting character and I thought the way her dislike of dhampir’s and vampires started to change over the course of the story was well done.

Dimitri.. aaah.  Those sections were the hardest for me to read, to see Rose come so far, so determined then almost give in and become what she dreads the most.  Dimitri as a Strigoi is just plain scary.  A nice touch, however, is that even undead he still feels a strong connection to Rose, even if it is now a broken and twisted thing.

The real strength of character in Rose came to the fore, when she realised Lissa was in serious trouble and she had to finish what she came to Siberia to do.  She still has a place in the living world, however tormented she felt about it, and that she still wanted to find peace for Dimitri through love and not hatred was very powerful.  It still wasn’t easy though.

Managing to save Lissa, even though she was thousands of miles away was brilliantly done.  Using her shadow kiss bond along with another spirit user, to do what she always promised; to protect her.

Rose’s last moments with Dimitri are the most heartrending and what she was prepared to do rather than be turned reduced me to tears.

An emotional, engaging and thrilling read.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

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