Month: March 2021

Book Reviews

Book Review: Lover Eternal by J. R. Ward (2006).

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Blurb

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war raging between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other six Vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Possessed deadly beast, Rhage is the most dangerous of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with strongest appetites. He’s the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the time when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships is unwittingly thrown into the Vamoire world and reliant on Rhage’s protection. With a life threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. She lost her faith in miracles years ago. But when Rhage’s intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves …

Review:

The second book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is Lover Eternal, by J. R. Ward. It’s been an interesting ride with this Vampire novel. There have been a multitude of issues to overcome for all parties involved, Rhage and his beast, as well as Mary and her Cancer being the most difficult. But even so the pair manage to find enough time whilst battling their own demons to find love in each other. The question is at what cost? And to who?

J. R. Ward has presented yet another fine Vampire Romance novel that takes off where the first one finished, but instead of focusing on Beth and Wrath, this time we look at life with Rhage. Mary is fortunate to get wrapped up in the whole scenario when she tries to help a young man named John, who is an adolescent Vampire, which is something that neither of them knew. Not until Mary introduced him to Bella anyway!

I have enjoyed reading the romance side of this novel. Just like its predecessor, it is full of delinquent vocabulary, which I find irritating to read at times, however it continues to be an exciting and romantic storyline. I have very much enjoyed getting to know Rhage and all of his secrets and watching the relationship grow between him and Mary. I dare say just the story of the Vampires alone, even without action scenes would be enough to keep me reading, but it was an interesting read all the same. The history behind this Vampire society is something I want to get to know better whilst taking in the Vampires character and their mates.

On the down side, I really don’t find the “lessers” very good ‘bad guys’. I find myself not concerned for the Vampires in any way due to these supposed bad guys, and their names are almost laughable. I do understand there is a reason behind their naming, but seriously, I find myself wanting to skip over the “lesser” sections of text and continue on with the novel. I just find it almost boring!

Overall, I did enjoy reading this novel, even though there are some things I would have fathered not waisted my time with. I think the author has some really great things going with the characters but needs to take another look at the ‘bad guy’s’ again! I would recommend this book to adults who enjoy romance, and Vampire genre novels. It is quite interesting once you get into it! I give this book a rating of 5.5/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Dark Lover by  J. R. Ward (2005).

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Blurb

The only purebred vampire left on the planet and the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who killed his parents centuries ago. But when his most trusted fighter is killed—orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate—Wrath must put down his dagger and usher the beautiful female into another world.

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn’t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of the Brotherhood and blood frighten her. Yet his touch ignites a dawning new hunger—one that threatens to consume them both…

Review

A great beginning to a romantic Vampire series, Dark Lover is a great read for those who enjoy Romance novels but are also interested in the Vampire genre.  J. R. Ward has put together some really unusual characters and flipped their world’s upside down to produce an enthusiastic sexually charged story that keeps readers wanting more!

The concept of Vampires is new to some characters and they are thrown in the deep end when it comes to being introduced into an entirely different world and new way of living. However harrowing this turns out to be, there is a constant undercurrent of love and loyalty, as well as strange sense of safety. There is also humour, which sets of some of the more difficult and serious situations, and comes off In a way that gives the characters depth.

Although there are some very hot sex scenes, there is always love behind it, which steers the story away from a XXX rating. The love story of Beth and Wrath Is a story that Is worth the read. Although I have to admit that it could have been written in a different story rose with a better vocabulary for the characters, but I guess without it the characters don’’t quite have the same appeal.

Overall I believe Dark Lover to be a fair beginning of what appears to be a fast paced action packed series. I would recommend it to anyone interested In Vampires, especially those who like their romance. I give the book a rating of 5/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: The Locksmiths Daughter by Karen Brooks.

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Synopsis.

What if the key to your heart lies in your enemy’s hands?

In a world where no one can be trusted and secrets are currency, one woman stands without fear. 

Mallory Bright is the only daughter of London’s master locksmith. For her there is no lock too elaborate, no secret too well kept. Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster and protector of Queen Elizabeth – the last of the Tudor monarchs – and her realm, is quick to realise Mallory’s talent and draws her into his world of intrigue, danger and deception. With her by his side, no scheme in England or abroad is safe from discovery; no plot secure.

But Mallory’s loyalty wavers when she witnesses the execution of three Jesuit priests, a punishment that doesn’t fit their crime. When Mallory discovers the identity of a Catholic spy and a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom, she has to make a choice – between her country and her heart. 

Mallory, however, carries her own dark secrets and is about to learn those being kept from her – secrets that could destroy those she loves.

Once Sir Francis’s greatest asset, Mallory is fast becoming his worst threat … and everyone knows there’s only one way Sir Francis deals with those.

Review.

This an absolutely fantastic book that keeps readers gripped to the edge of their seats throughout. A definite page turner. Karen Brooks has written an amazing novel set in Elizabethan England which richly descriptive capturing the era perfectly. The novel is written in first person and we follow Mallory Bright into a fantastic adventure.

I love how in a time of such oppression for women Mallory still fights for what she feels is right. She has to make some really difficult decisions and it is hard to tell in some places what she will really do!

The only difficulty I felt this book had was the slow pace at the start. However, once past this I found it to be something well worth reading.

Overall, I have to say that I enjoyed this novel authored by the fantastic Karen Brooks, and would recommend to adults enjoy the historical fantasy genre. I give this book a rating of 7.5/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: The Queen of Nothing, by Holly Black (2019).

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What an awesome book! The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black is the third and final book in the Folk of the Air series. And what an adventure it has turned out to be! It all begins with Jude in exhile from faerie, and living with her sister and brother in the mortal world. Since Heather moved out after returning from the faerie, and is the reason why his wife Jude remains in the mortal world. So basically there is a whole lot going on and everything is in turmoil.

This book is full of adventure and excitement throughout, and it brings together all storylines which helps to explain many unanswered questions that were brought about in the previous novels. I have found this book almost impossible to put down. The storyline has so many twists and turns that I had difficulty and other times found it impossible to predict what was going to happen. Jude has her hands full with everything going on, and her life and well being hang in the balance a lot of the time. I am actually surprised at the amount she manages to do in this novel. I guess that what happens when one is raised in the lands of Faerie.

Basically, this book ha been written in such a well established setting and with such fabulous characters that reading makes you feel surrounded by magic yourself. I found it hard not to keep reading once I started, and I feel a little sad knowing that the series is over.

Overall I would recommend this book to all fantasy lovers and to those that enjoy the magic of the faerie. I think that young adult and older age groups would definitely enjoy this book. I give this book a rating of 10/10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: The Wicked King, by Holly Black (2019).

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The Wicked Kng by Holly Black is the second book in the Folk of the Air series, and an absolutely fantastic read. The all mortal Jude has managed to crown her enemy Cardan High King of Faerie and convinced her sister Vivi to take their younger brother Oak to give him a chance at the childhood her and her sisters never had. What isn’t commonly known is that Cardan has fallen prey to a trick of Jude’s and in fact she has him under her complete control.

This book continues Jude’s quest to rule faerie using Carda until such time as Oak comes of age and is able to take over the throne. but things are so far from what they appear to be, and Jude finds a variety of challenges set in her path. Such threats include those old and new, like the threat from the Undersea and the feelings she finds herself developing unavoidable for Cardan.

As always the Faerie is full of tricks and tragedies, but also excitement and daring. Jude is atthe centre of all of these things and she manages to survive with the majority of her dignity intact. Even though those such as Locke would love nothing more to make her feel irrelevant.

Again, this book is elegantly written with prose befitting the faerie. The characters are well written and its easy to follow and understand, givin readers an opportunity to create images of them in their minds eye. The storyline remains unique and has had me wishing there wa s’more time to read!

Overall, I believe this book is a brilliant 2nd novel in the series. It is a great read and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the fantasy genre, especially if you like the idea of the faerie and all thy they entail. I give this book a rating of 9.5/10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: The Cruel Prince, by Holly Black (2018).

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The beginning of this book had me totally dumbfounded. It is the first novel that I have read authored by Holly Black, and so I was very unsure of what to expect. Jude and Taryn, twin human girls, along with their oldest sister Vivienne, are witness to a great atrocity that changes their mortal lives forever.

June and Taryn find themselves living in the world of faerie, and show readers just how difficult it is for them as mortals to fit in with the folk of faerie. Fortunately, through a strange twist of fate, Vivienne fits in flawlessly.

June becomes the central character, who wishes to become a knight and earn her place amongst the high court fold. Her twin sister decides that marrying a member of the high court would e her way of finding her place amongst the folk.

The book itself is well written and fun to read. The prose is distinguishable as the beauty of the way the faerie speak. It’s lovely to read and to listen to, and I feel gives the book a lot of character. The storyline itself is full of adventure and magic. Something I always enjoy in my books especially when told the way this one has been.

Overall I have enjoyed reading this book very much and I am eager to read the next instalment to what looks to be a very interesting series. The book has left with many questions and wondering about what will happen to my favourite characters. Recommend this book to anyone interested in the faerie. I understand that this book may not be everyone’s cup of tea although they enjoy the fantasy fiction genre. However, I do believe this book will peal to the majority I give this book a rating of 9.5/10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: Shadowless, by Randall McNally (2017).

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This is most definitely a fantastically original novel by an intriguing author. Shadowless is a clever an inventive story based on the idea that Gods are quite evil and have committed so very horrific crimes on the humans over which they preside. One heinous act is to rape mortal women, bringing about children born with magic in their blood, abilities and skills of the God who fathered them. All this bit minus the very important Shadow.

The novel is written in a way that I found to be quite confusing. In a way, it comes across as several different stories only coming together much later in the book. I am honestly unsure if this what caused my attention to drift or if I was merely confused with each tale not constantly coinciding with the last. But once the characters finally meet and unite under a single goal things start to get interesting. Amrodan may not be as genuinely good as he so fantastically portrays.

I found the storyline itself to be exciting and action packed with a number of twists that easily shocked and surprised at each turn. Ultimately the story is original and unique and so is the way it is delivered to readers. I feel that there is much more to this story and there will likely be some great tales to follow on.

Overall I enjoyed this book Shadowless and would recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy and action. Something a little different to the gods of old. I give this book a rating of 8.5/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Eldest, by Christopher Paolini (2005).

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After many dangerous feats, Eragon Shade Slayer is now able to continue his journey to finish his training as a Dragon Rider. But even though he has seemingly one the last battle there is still a war brewing. It is time for the Varden and it’s allies make a plan.

I found this second novel of the Inheritance series to be a little more confusing than the first. Especially with the storyline glittering between Eragon and his cousin Roran. Although with some re-reading it was possible to wrap my mind around the storyline. I feel that perhaps I has expected the storyline to be different to what was on the page which made it seem lacking.

I found that both Eragon and Saphira unable to find the romantic relationships they had hoped for. Although they both grow in wisdom from the experience, and become closer to one another because of it, doesn’t take away the loneliness of the storyline. But I am sure there is a reason for this to be revealed much later in the story.

Overall I found this to be an entertaining read even though I did spend some of my time confused. I recommend this book to anyone who has a love of Dragons and fantasy novels. I give this book a rating of 8.5/10 stars.

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