by Bram Stoker
You'd think with all the vampire books I read, I would have read Dracula before this. In a way, I'm glad I hadn't.
Dracula is in no way the romantic figure that the media has made him out to be. He was evil, pure and simple, with not a redeeming quality in sight.
The book was still interesting though. It was written as a series of journal entries by the various characters; a very effective way of handling it. I can easily see why it's considered by many to be a classic.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Lover Unbound
by J.R. Ward
Wow, this book was so totally worth the wait.
I'm not going into too much detail - you need to read the book for yourself. But I was glad to see the author included a few hints about what's to come. I just hope she writes fast because the suspense just might kill me.
We learn more about the traditions of the Brotherhood, and gain more insight into the Scribe Virgin, who pretty much brought the vampires into existence.
One of the Brothers is chosen to become the Primale; he is to live in the otherworldly realm inhabited by the Scribe Virgin and her Chosen, and propagate the species.
I think my payday treat will be the rest of the series.
Wow, this book was so totally worth the wait.
I'm not going into too much detail - you need to read the book for yourself. But I was glad to see the author included a few hints about what's to come. I just hope she writes fast because the suspense just might kill me.
We learn more about the traditions of the Brotherhood, and gain more insight into the Scribe Virgin, who pretty much brought the vampires into existence.
One of the Brothers is chosen to become the Primale; he is to live in the otherworldly realm inhabited by the Scribe Virgin and her Chosen, and propagate the species.
I think my payday treat will be the rest of the series.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Black Dagger Brotherhood
by J.R. Ward
There are four books so far in this series, the fifth is due out in September.
Buy them, read them, you won't be disappointed.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a band of 6 kick ass vampires (and one human). Their duty is to protect the younger vampires from a group of slayers known as the Lessening Society. They do it efficiently and with style.
It is hot reading, and the sex ain't bad either!
There are four books so far in this series, the fifth is due out in September.
Buy them, read them, you won't be disappointed.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a band of 6 kick ass vampires (and one human). Their duty is to protect the younger vampires from a group of slayers known as the Lessening Society. They do it efficiently and with style.
It is hot reading, and the sex ain't bad either!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Hot Spell
Anthology
What can I say about this anthology except it was well named!
The Countess's Pleasure by Emma Holly
This story is historical fantasy, set in Emma Holly's alternate Victorian England where Yama, or demons, are known to exist. A widowed countess pays for a single night with a Yama dancer and certainly gets her money's worth.
The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh
The hero for this story is a genetically enhanced feline/human hybrid. He is the perfect man - tall, strong, handsome, and he cleans up after himself.
Falling For Anthony by Meljean Brook
This one was set in historic England. In it we have a young woman's misguided attempt to deal with the pain of disillusionment, a guardian angel, and a vampire. I think what surprised me the most was that it had a happy ending.
The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker
Normally I'm a big fan of the blood-suckers, but I can't say I cared much for their king in this story. Nor did I like the archaic way he treated the women of his clan, especially his own daughter. The king of the werewolves however . . . HOT!
What can I say about this anthology except it was well named!
The Countess's Pleasure by Emma Holly
This story is historical fantasy, set in Emma Holly's alternate Victorian England where Yama, or demons, are known to exist. A widowed countess pays for a single night with a Yama dancer and certainly gets her money's worth.
The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh
The hero for this story is a genetically enhanced feline/human hybrid. He is the perfect man - tall, strong, handsome, and he cleans up after himself.
Falling For Anthony by Meljean Brook
This one was set in historic England. In it we have a young woman's misguided attempt to deal with the pain of disillusionment, a guardian angel, and a vampire. I think what surprised me the most was that it had a happy ending.
The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker
Normally I'm a big fan of the blood-suckers, but I can't say I cared much for their king in this story. Nor did I like the archaic way he treated the women of his clan, especially his own daughter. The king of the werewolves however . . . HOT!
Once Upon A Kiss
Anthology
If there's one thing that irks me, it's when stories are recycled for more than one anthology. And once again, Nora Roberts is the culprit.
A World Apart by Nora Roberts
It's not that I didn't enjoy this story the second time around, but it's really going to bug the crap out of me until I figure out where I read it before. It spans two very different dimensions, ours and one of demon infested jungles. And it brings together to very different people: Kadra the Demon Slayer and Harper Doyle, P.I.
Impossible by Jill Gregory
When I started reading this story I was all set to not like it. The evil bad guy kidnaps the princess has never been a favorite with me. But this story turned out to be my favorite in the whole book. The princess isn't a useless ninny and the bad guy isn't so bad after all. The whole thing was very well done.
Sealed With A Kiss by Ruth Ryan Langan
This scenario is another I'm tired of - beautiful untouched daughter is being sent to wed old, but powerful, man as part of a deal her father made. But again, this one was better than I thought it would be. Arianna had an interesting way of dealing with her problem and the results were even more interesting.
Kiss Me, Kate by Marianne Willman
What would you do if you inherited a fully furnished English Manor? Yeah, I'd be on the first plane to England too. If you've ever thought of kissing a frog to see if he'd turn into a handsome prince, this story is for you. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
If there's one thing that irks me, it's when stories are recycled for more than one anthology. And once again, Nora Roberts is the culprit.
A World Apart by Nora Roberts
It's not that I didn't enjoy this story the second time around, but it's really going to bug the crap out of me until I figure out where I read it before. It spans two very different dimensions, ours and one of demon infested jungles. And it brings together to very different people: Kadra the Demon Slayer and Harper Doyle, P.I.
Impossible by Jill Gregory
When I started reading this story I was all set to not like it. The evil bad guy kidnaps the princess has never been a favorite with me. But this story turned out to be my favorite in the whole book. The princess isn't a useless ninny and the bad guy isn't so bad after all. The whole thing was very well done.
Sealed With A Kiss by Ruth Ryan Langan
This scenario is another I'm tired of - beautiful untouched daughter is being sent to wed old, but powerful, man as part of a deal her father made. But again, this one was better than I thought it would be. Arianna had an interesting way of dealing with her problem and the results were even more interesting.
Kiss Me, Kate by Marianne Willman
What would you do if you inherited a fully furnished English Manor? Yeah, I'd be on the first plane to England too. If you've ever thought of kissing a frog to see if he'd turn into a handsome prince, this story is for you. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Once Upon A Star
Anthology
Yes, I know it appears that I'm on an anthology kick at the moment. What can I say? I love anthologies.
Ever After by Nora Roberts
I know I've read this story somewhere before, but I haven't a clue where. It features a magical star pendant that helps a woman find her destiny. It takes place on the Irish coast, always a magical place for romance.
Catch A Falling Star by Jill Gregory.
I don't normally like the whole "innocent beauty forced in marriage to hulking brute" type storyline. Probably because it's usually the woman who's forced to do all the changing and compromising. This time there was compromising on both sides. The hulking brute had his reasons for being that way and for being over protective of his princess bride.
The Curse of Castle Clough by Ruth Ryan Langan
I really enjoyed this story. Though it's set in modern times, the castle is old and so is the family name. There's even a ghost lurking about to help with the mystery that needs to be solved before time runs out.
Starry, Starry Night by Marianne Willman
This was my other favorite in the book. A ghost story that's not really a ghost story. A shifting in time that can't be anticipated or depended on. And a very satisfactory ending.
Yes, I know it appears that I'm on an anthology kick at the moment. What can I say? I love anthologies.
Ever After by Nora Roberts
I know I've read this story somewhere before, but I haven't a clue where. It features a magical star pendant that helps a woman find her destiny. It takes place on the Irish coast, always a magical place for romance.
Catch A Falling Star by Jill Gregory.
I don't normally like the whole "innocent beauty forced in marriage to hulking brute" type storyline. Probably because it's usually the woman who's forced to do all the changing and compromising. This time there was compromising on both sides. The hulking brute had his reasons for being that way and for being over protective of his princess bride.
The Curse of Castle Clough by Ruth Ryan Langan
I really enjoyed this story. Though it's set in modern times, the castle is old and so is the family name. There's even a ghost lurking about to help with the mystery that needs to be solved before time runs out.
Starry, Starry Night by Marianne Willman
This was my other favorite in the book. A ghost story that's not really a ghost story. A shifting in time that can't be anticipated or depended on. And a very satisfactory ending.
My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding
anthology
Most anthologies have a theme and this one was, of course, weddings.
There are 9 short stories in this volume, which to me is too many to mention individually. It pretty much covers the whole supernatural realm. You've got vampires and werewolves and demons, there's ghosts and curses and wizards, there's even an Elvis impersonator.
If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Dead Man's Chest, by Rachel Caine. It features a bewildered bride, a too good to be true bridegroom and a cursed pirate ship. And let's not forget the pirate captain who, if this were ever to be made into a movie, would definitely be played by Johnny Depp.
I shelled out for a hardback version of this book and it was worth every penny.
Most anthologies have a theme and this one was, of course, weddings.
There are 9 short stories in this volume, which to me is too many to mention individually. It pretty much covers the whole supernatural realm. You've got vampires and werewolves and demons, there's ghosts and curses and wizards, there's even an Elvis impersonator.
If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Dead Man's Chest, by Rachel Caine. It features a bewildered bride, a too good to be true bridegroom and a cursed pirate ship. And let's not forget the pirate captain who, if this were ever to be made into a movie, would definitely be played by Johnny Depp.
I shelled out for a hardback version of this book and it was worth every penny.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Wild Thing
Anthology
The thing I like about anthologies is I get three or four stories for the price of one. And an individual story is quicker to read, which means when I'm riveted by a particular tale, I don't end up awake until 3 a.m. trying to decipher the last couple of pages because my eyes stopped working a hour ago.
Animal Magnetism by Maggie Shayne
This is the story about a vet who can share the thoughts of her patients, and the police officer she teams up with to catch a rapist. In between chasing down clues they find the time to indulge in a few fantasies.
Paradise by Meljean Brook
Here's another thing I like about anthologies. Discovering new authors. This story is about a vampire and his guardian angel and it was a great read! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more of Meljean's work.
Hunter Kiss by Marjorie M. Liu
At first I thought this was going to be a Buffy knock off - there's only one Hunter, the task is passed down from mother to daughter, etc., etc. - but Hunter is a far cry from Buffy. First of all she hunts demons, and second of all, her companions in the hunt are demons that spend the daylight hours sleeping on her skin. Then they meet up with an ex-priest who makes magic with his flute . . .
Wild Hearts in Atlantis by Alyssa Day
This is another author I'd never read before. This is an Atlantis that I would surely love to visit. The story itself takes place mostly in our world, but a world populated with vampires and shape shifters, and where a warrior of Poseidon must team up with a half-human shape shifter. Definitely another author for my list
The thing I like about anthologies is I get three or four stories for the price of one. And an individual story is quicker to read, which means when I'm riveted by a particular tale, I don't end up awake until 3 a.m. trying to decipher the last couple of pages because my eyes stopped working a hour ago.
Animal Magnetism by Maggie Shayne
This is the story about a vet who can share the thoughts of her patients, and the police officer she teams up with to catch a rapist. In between chasing down clues they find the time to indulge in a few fantasies.
Paradise by Meljean Brook
Here's another thing I like about anthologies. Discovering new authors. This story is about a vampire and his guardian angel and it was a great read! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more of Meljean's work.
Hunter Kiss by Marjorie M. Liu
At first I thought this was going to be a Buffy knock off - there's only one Hunter, the task is passed down from mother to daughter, etc., etc. - but Hunter is a far cry from Buffy. First of all she hunts demons, and second of all, her companions in the hunt are demons that spend the daylight hours sleeping on her skin. Then they meet up with an ex-priest who makes magic with his flute . . .
Wild Hearts in Atlantis by Alyssa Day
This is another author I'd never read before. This is an Atlantis that I would surely love to visit. The story itself takes place mostly in our world, but a world populated with vampires and shape shifters, and where a warrior of Poseidon must team up with a half-human shape shifter. Definitely another author for my list
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Ghost Girl
by Torey L. Hayden
I read this book pretty much in one setting. Given the subject matter I hesitate to call it "good", but it was certainly compelling.
Torey Hayden is an Educational Psychologist who works with emotionally disturbed children. This is the story of one of the children she worked with, Jadie.
Jadie is an elective mute, which means she has the ability to speak, but chooses not to. In the course of the book, Torey works with Jadie to get her to speak again. But there's more to Jadie's story than just her decision not to speak. Jadie shows signs of abuse and although she confides in Torey, she will not speak to anyone else about it. Torey must convince Jadie to speak out before it's too late for her and her younger sisters.
I read this book pretty much in one setting. Given the subject matter I hesitate to call it "good", but it was certainly compelling.
Torey Hayden is an Educational Psychologist who works with emotionally disturbed children. This is the story of one of the children she worked with, Jadie.
Jadie is an elective mute, which means she has the ability to speak, but chooses not to. In the course of the book, Torey works with Jadie to get her to speak again. But there's more to Jadie's story than just her decision not to speak. Jadie shows signs of abuse and although she confides in Torey, she will not speak to anyone else about it. Torey must convince Jadie to speak out before it's too late for her and her younger sisters.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Catching Up
As fast as I read I'm probably not going to doing multiple revews very often. This one is really just to get me started.
BITE ME IF YOU CAN - Lynsay Sands
I have yet to come away from a Lynsay Sands vampire book disappointed. Not only are her characters and stories great, I love the way she handles the whole vampire thing. In her world, vampirism is a blood disorder caused by nano technology dating back to Atlantis. Buy the book - you won't be disappointed.
HARD DAY'S KNIGHT - Katie MacAlister
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. I love her vampire books - they're funny and sexy and very hard to put down. But this one has nary a vampire, it's not even historical, as the name might suggest. But it was funny and sexy and very hard to put down. It takes place at a Ren Faire where the heroine falls hard (literally and figuratively) for the knight of her dreams, sort of.
DEAD SEXY - Amanda Ashley
I'm going to tell you a secret. Amanda Ashley is really Madeline Baker's evil twin. Okay, so it's just the name Madeline uses when writing the about the darkside. There's a vampire hunter, a vampire, a werewolf and a choice to be made. Very good reading!
DARK NEED - Lynn Viehl
I did not realize when I first picked up this book that it's part of a series. Normally that wouldn't matter, but in this case it would have helped me figure out what was going on. I understood enough to enjoy the book. This was another take on the vampires, this one being the Darkyn, or Kyn. I didn't like the main character, Lucan, at first, but he redeemed himself in the end.
BITE ME IF YOU CAN - Lynsay Sands
I have yet to come away from a Lynsay Sands vampire book disappointed. Not only are her characters and stories great, I love the way she handles the whole vampire thing. In her world, vampirism is a blood disorder caused by nano technology dating back to Atlantis. Buy the book - you won't be disappointed.
HARD DAY'S KNIGHT - Katie MacAlister
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. I love her vampire books - they're funny and sexy and very hard to put down. But this one has nary a vampire, it's not even historical, as the name might suggest. But it was funny and sexy and very hard to put down. It takes place at a Ren Faire where the heroine falls hard (literally and figuratively) for the knight of her dreams, sort of.
DEAD SEXY - Amanda Ashley
I'm going to tell you a secret. Amanda Ashley is really Madeline Baker's evil twin. Okay, so it's just the name Madeline uses when writing the about the darkside. There's a vampire hunter, a vampire, a werewolf and a choice to be made. Very good reading!
DARK NEED - Lynn Viehl
I did not realize when I first picked up this book that it's part of a series. Normally that wouldn't matter, but in this case it would have helped me figure out what was going on. I understood enough to enjoy the book. This was another take on the vampires, this one being the Darkyn, or Kyn. I didn't like the main character, Lucan, at first, but he redeemed himself in the end.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
