KEEP CALM AND LOVE BOOKS: old

Pages: 393 pages

Publication Date: September 6th 2005

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

ISBN: 0451216954 (ISBN13: 9780451216953)

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

Now, What I Thought:

This whole series is amazing. Honestly, it was so different and very interesting to read Ward's words because they're not like the normal vampire books. The book opens up with some of the brotherhood in a club, and we're basically just seeing their P.O.V and mind set. Pretty much that's when I realized this wasn't going to be a fluffy twilight type of vampire story. There has explicit scenes, swearing and gore. This is not a book for children that is for sure. Each book in the series is following the story of a different brother's P.O.V and plot. So being the first book, it follows the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Wrath. After his most trusted friend and follower dies, he grants the one wish he had, find his half-breed daughter and protect her. This is when Beth comes in. A seemingly normal 25 year old women who works a middle class job. She automatically gets called, being the friend and reporter for the police, to the crime scene where her unknown father was murdered. This is when Wrath first sees Beth, and from there it's just hectic.

I did not realize how much sex was going to be in this novel. Lets just say Wrath is a .... hell of a dude... Anyways, Beth and Wrath have an immediate connection and slowly she becomes apart of her father's world and starts falling for the big intimidating leader. The way the vampires work in this story is that they can eat food just like normal people, but need blood to survive and stay strong, and that blood has to be from a vampire. There are a lot of character introductions in this book and it's a bit hectic trying to remember them, I will admit. But Ward's writing style was so easy to read and follow that it definitely helped with the remembering of the names.

If you're into vampire-erotica type of novels with lots of action, fighting and character development then this is the book and series for you! I did thoroughly enjoy this book but I wouldn't say it's my favourite in the series. Just to keep that in mind, if you do read this and want to read on there are better books in the series. J.R. Ward's book, Dark Lover, was a great introduction to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series anyways, no matter which book was better.

Adult Fiction - 9:19:00 PM

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) by J.R. Ward | Review

Pages: 393 pages Publication Date: September 6th 2005 Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) ISBN: 0451216954 (ISBN13: 9780451216953 ...

Pages: 333 pages

Publication Date: September 10th 2013 by Tor Teen

ISBN: 0765334437 (ISBN13: 9780765334435)

The Goddess War begins in Antigoddess, the first installment of the new series by acclaimed author of Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake.

Old Gods never die…
Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.
Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god.

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning.
Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out.
Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

The Goddess War is about to begin.

Now, What I Thought:

I loved this depiction of Greek Mythology! For those who know me personally, you'll know that I love mythology, and it's always been a tie between Norse and Greek. So you can imagine my excitement when this book came out by the same author as Anna Dressed in Blood. I'm very excited to say that this novel was amazing, Blake has a way of writing that is so descriptive. I can just remember the first couple of pages and how I knew right away that this was going to be a great book.

This novel is about the fight that the Gods and Goddesses never thought they'd be fighting- losing their immortality. The thing is that you'll probably need some pre-knowledge for this book, I will say. For example, you should brush up on your facts about the Trojan War, Odyssey, and Troy. Those are talked about in this book, and obviously in their own fictional depiction but still Blake uses a startling amount of accuracy. There are moments in the novel where you'll have to think back to High school english or College English and remember the relations these Gods and Goddesses have, and what their most known for. For example, Athena, our main protagonist, is the 'virgin' Goddess and cherishes Owls. Just stuff like that and you should be fine with fully comprehending and understand what is happening or rather, why it's happening. Blake does do a great job at explaining past events and the characters, which I do appreciate.

Get ready for graphic descriptions haha. I mean, Athena is pulling blood- covered feathers out of her own throat so... It is so much fun to read about the feud between Athena and Hera, her father's wife. It's pretty crazy what these Ancient Olympians will do to prolong their lives. Poseidon probably surprised me the most with his feral actions.

Anyways, this book is pretty interesting and I definitely loved the Greek Mythology knowledge we got from it. Definitely a staple in someones reading collection that loves mythology and just learning about it. Blake did a great job with this novel and her depiction of myths and legends.

Greek Mythology - 7:28:00 PM

Antigoddess (Goddess War #1) by Kendare Blake | Review

Pages: 333 pages Publication Date: September 10th 2013 by Tor Teen ISBN: 0765334437 (ISBN13: 9780765334435 ) The Goddess War...

Pages: 357 pages

Publication Date: October 30th 2012 by Henry Holt

ISBN: 0805092668 (ISBN13: 9780805092660)

Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

Now, What I Thought:

The second book in this wonderful trilogy was just as exhilarating as the first! The comedy was on point and I'll tell you why: Xemerius. I LOVE HIM..IT? LOL. Who knew Gier could make a gargoyle funny and have it actually work with the story. I also love James, I mean how fun and great was it to actually meet him when he was alive and kicking! We left the first book with Gwen and Gideon kissing and we open the book right in that same scene. Having read all the books a couple times, I can still say that the romance was the only problem I had with this series. I honestly couldn't stand Gideon or his romantic notions and crap with Gwen. Don't get me wrong, I love Gwen, she's a great, funny and so very realistic protagonist but god was the romance such a disappointment. I just didn't like their relationship and whole 'connection' between them, oh well. Still, it didn't deteriorate my opinion on the books as a whole.

We were introduced to Raphael, Gideon's little brother who takes an interest in Lesly. Nothing special there really, again, don't get wrong I love Lesly as well but they don't really contribute to the storyline much except for a certain part, but thats really it. Can I just say how entertaining and cool it is to hear and read through Paul and Lucy's P.O.V. in the epilogues?

Not much to say for this book, except that the final last book is way better and I'm pretty sure I'm going to re-read it after reviewing it haha.

18th century - 9:55:00 PM

Sapphire Blue (Precious Stone Trilogy, 2) by Kerstin Gier | Review

Pages: 357 pages Publication Date: October 30th 2012 by Henry Holt ISBN: 0805092668 (ISBN13: 9780805092660 ) Gwen’s life has...

Pages: 324 pages

Publication Date: May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt

ISBN: 0805092528 (ISBN13: 9780805092523)

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Now What I Thought:

The amount of times I have re-read this book is insane. Most of the time I have a hard time picking out new books to read because it's novels like Ruby Red that just captivate my attention over and over again. The first book is really good, it does a great job at introducing all of the characters and Gwyneth is just such a likeable person. Charlotte, her cousin, on the other hand... I mean, I do feel bad for her A LITTLE, but as for some of her actions and rude remarks towards Gwen, are just ridiculously unnecessary. The novel itself and the content is so funny. Definitely has comedic aspects in it, if not the whole thing. I will be honest, from the first time I read this till now... I never did like Gideon, 'the love interst'. Sure he's her companion and her opposite, if you will, but the guy is seriously such a git.

As for the time-travel part of the book, it was good. I loved Gier's view and representation of time-travel and was definitely enjoyable. Gwen is part of this whole dynasty and family just filled with the unknown and while she thinks she's just on the outskirts of the big whole plan, she's really smack-dab in the centre. I liked the fact that Gwen caught on fast and was a fast learner when it came to time travel, even though Charlotte would disagree. Her family on the other hand, really irked me, down to her mother. Her aunts just never believed in Gwen and her ability to do a good job and fix the problem at hand. I hated how they would make her feel insufficient and inferior to Charlotte and Gideon.

Having read this trilogy so many times, it's difficult to remember what happens in each individual book and not mush everything together, some of you will know what I mean, haha. This series was originally written in German, and even the movies that were made are in German. The translation was totally fine and I didn't notice anything too peculiar about word choice and such. Kerstin Gier has an amazing talent to write YA fantasy and I never once found myself bored, lulled etc. reading these novels.

18th century - 9:15:00 PM

Ruby Red (Precious Stone Trilogy #1) by Kerstin Gier | Review

Pages: 324 pages Publication Date: May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt ISBN: 0805092528 (ISBN13: 9780805092523 ) Gwyneth Shepherd'...

Pages: 336 pages

Publication Date: January 13th 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 0316213071 (ISBN13: 9780316213073)

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

Now, What I Thought:

This book is so... intriguing? I want to describe it as weird too because I mean, you guys read the synopsis right?? I know, as soon as I did, I had to read it! What an interesting book, definitely different than what I usually read. Now, I did only look into this book because I happened to love The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, so much that I needed to read other novels by Holly Black. Having said that, I was not disappointed as this novel was fantastic!

It was such a cool concept that the town is not only aware about the fae that habit the forest, but the fact that they practically live in peace because of it. It was funny that the fact that the town is such a hot spot for tourism is because of the infamous boy in the glass coffin. I mean, come on. If there was a town in today's day and age that had a fae-looking boy asleep in a coffin, we would not visit and gawk at it. Im pretty sure we'd break into it or atleast have it whisked away to the CIA or NASA haha. But anyways, I also strangely liked the fact that Hazel, the main character, had a gay, open brother. I LOVED THAT DETAIL. Not only that, but having Ben fall in love with the fae boy. Hazel was so quirky and cool with her real life relatable problems. The intro was a bit slow with getting to know the characters and getting used to our surroundings but then it picked up speed and we got to the fun, fae parts. I love fae books, so this book was a big plus for me just from the beginning.

I liked the little surprise we got towards the middle where we find out who the big "bad" guy is. Also the story behind that was interesting and I loved reading it. LOL I found it really funny that the townspeople were so contempt with the fact that the fae had free pickings on the tourists and could bug them as much as they want. It was a fun, creepy, fairytale-like novel and I can now declare Holly Black as a master at standalone novels that incorporate fantasy paranormal. This wasn't AS good as The Coldest Girl in Coldtown but I did rather enjoy it a lot :)

book review - 11:25:00 PM

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black | Review

Pages: 336 pages Publication Date: January 13th 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0316213071 (ISBN13: 9780316213...

Pages: 643 pages

Publication Date: May 27th 2014 by Penguin Books

ISBN: 0143126687 (ISBN13: 9780143126683)

August 30, 1975: the day fifteen-year-old Nola Kellergan is glimpsed fleeing through the woods, never to be heard from again; the day Somerset, New Hampshire, lost its innocence.

Thirty-three years later, Marcus Goldman, a successful young novelist, visits Somerset to see his mentor, Harry Quebert, one of the country’s most respected writers, and to find a cure for his writer’s block as his publisher’s deadline looms. But Marcus’s plans are violently upended when Harry is suddenly and sensationally implicated in the cold-case murder of Nola Kellergan—whom, he admits, he had an affair with. As the national media convicts Harry, Marcus launches his own investigation, following a trail of clues through his mentor’s books, the backwoods and isolated beaches of New Hampshire, and the hidden history of Somerset’s citizens and the man they hold most dear. To save Harry, his own writing career, and eventually even himself, Marcus must answer three questions, all of which are mysteriously connected: Who killed Nola Kellergan? What happened one misty morning in Somerset in the summer of 1975? And how do you write a book to save someone’s life?

Now, What I Thought:

WOW. That was an incredible ride. Seriously, I just finished that 2 min. ago and I knew I had to just rant about it! I was not expecting it to be that great! After all the reviews I had read, and there were plenty of mixed ones, I honestly thought I'd get bored but boy was I wrong.

This wonderful story is told by Marcus Goldman, the famous writer, a one hit wonder type of guy. He found his 5 min. of fame and he wanted to make it 10. The plot and story is told by switching from past and present, flash backs to the current events. I found this pretty cool and interesting. Thinking I'd for sure get confused, I was surprised that I didn't. It all made perfect sense, right down to the fast switching dates and years. Very well written in that sense.

The whole concept was so cool! It was a murder mystery yet it also indulged into Goldman's life and his mentor, Harry Quebert. The whole story definitely had this creepy factor about it, I mean the murder of a 15 year old beautiful, coveted girl, just screams creepy. Add a mysterious disappearance and that the famous master and friend of our main character, isn't all that innocent either. Hence the title. As the plot thickens, you really only see it through Goldman's eyes and well, since he's the reporter/writer of the story, not everyone is telling him the truth nor giving him the full backstory. SO we can't really rely on the information we're given, to be correct. Which, obviously having said that, is EXACTLY what happened.

The ending was a bunch of confusingness, I definitely didn't know what was going on haha but, literally the last 2 pages.. everything clicked. I WAS SO SHOCKED GUYS. I couldn't believe it. Definitely, VERY unexpected.

This book brought a whole new level of shocking endings. Definitely did not see any of that coming. Great job, Joel Dicker! I loved it!!