Friday, December 28, 2012

Review: Sweet Venom


Sweet Venom
Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Awesome book! Really! I got this for free on Amazon by chance and I can honestly say that it was a very good download. It's fast-paced, funny and compelling. I read it in a day! The sisters are so different from each other yet so much alike. The supporting characters are very interesting. I really loved Grace's brother Thane. Milo and Nick, although seemingly cute, are somewhat strange. I don't trust them. Their timing showing up in the sisters lives can't be a coincidence. I also think it was Nick on the phone warning Gretchen. I know. He saved their lives...Still. I'm surprised Gretchen doesn't suspects anything...Maybe I'm just naturally suspicious. Anyway I was pleasantly surprised by all of it. I'm so anxious to read the next one!



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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Review: Walking Dead


Walking Dead
Walking Dead by C.E. Murphy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Meh. Better than the others I guess but still hasn't achieved all of its glorious potential...The main character is evolving but still makes so damn many mistakes. At least she agrees with me that she's not a bright girl!

Anyway I liked this one better probably just because the lord master of the Wild Hunt graced us with his presence...He also kicked Jo's jaw as an hello but hey that's what one gets when one smiles when confronted with the Master Of the WILD HUNT! I mean, really? The guy is a GOD. Raw power. Wild. Immortal. And she just smiles! One either gets into a fighting stance or hides behind something sturdy...ONE DOES NOT SMILE! Specially when he tried to kill you, what, three or four times already! I'm really surprised she survived this long...honestly. It's like defying the rules of nature...in this case I guess those don't apply but like...rules of good writing? I don't know.

In any case, it means something is wrong when a reader actually wants to kill a main character right?



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Monday, December 17, 2012

Review: Coyote Dreams


Coyote Dreams
Coyote Dreams by C.E. Murphy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



It's getting better...I think. I'm actually confused. The main character seems to be confused too. She gets better and then suddenly she's somehow worse than before. But then she's better again...I don't get it. I was hopeful Mark was someone trustworthy and not some crazy bad guy. I guess I was wrong...She just seems to draw to her all the craziness in the world. I would like her to actually solve a problem that she didn't directly caused but that seems unlikely. How many problems can she cause by the way? The woman can be so damn dumb that it's actually becoming ridiculous! Ridiculous!

I don't know if I can keep this up. The good seems to balance the bad out but the line is becoming more thin by the minute. Really.



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Review: Thunderbird Falls


Thunderbird Falls
Thunderbird Falls by C.E. Murphy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



So...remember those mistakes I pointed out in my review of the first one? Yeah they are all here. And kinda gets worse because, this time, I didn't had the story to keep me busy.

I was so completely annoyed with Jo most of the time. How can she be so dense? It was so obvious Virissong was a bad guy. And that something was amiss when Coyote stopped answering her calls. C'mon! The "guy" (don't know what he is hence the quotation marks) was always there for her. Even when she didn't know she'd called him! So damn obvious! Uhh!

I'm surprised she survived! Oh wait! She's the main character! She always has to make it no matter how stupid she gets! Oh lord master of the hunt! (Yes I missed him in this book! At least he's hot and always manages to sidetrack me. It would have been a good thing in this one!)



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Review: Urban Shaman


Urban Shaman
Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



The Good:

The characters were well written. It was easy to get a sense of personalities without getting too much overwhelmed with info. Also some characters are very interesting indeed.

Jo, for instance, isn't your average urban fantasy heroine either. She's a single police mechanic with a kid she gave to adoption. She has a somewhat traumatized past but doesn't show it to anyone. She's also magical since birth but always kept that side of her leashed and concealed. She's a smart-ass. Ok. She does have that in common!

The Bad:

Some of the writing is...I don't know. There's some misuse of English. I let a lot slide by because it's not my first language but it must irks a lot of people! In my opinion this should not deter anyone from reading this!

Jo is kinda dumb sometimes and it pissed me off. Not very noticeable at first but there nonetheless.

Overall:

I enjoyed it very much but I admit I have a tendency to ignore a lot of mistakes made by authors when I like a story. I hope it gets better!



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Sunday, December 16, 2012

Fang Girl by Helen Keeble

Fang Girl by Helen Keeble - September 11th 2012 / HarperTeen 
Things That Are Destroying Jane Greene’s Undead Social Life Before It Can Even Begin:

1) A twelve-year-old brother who’s convinced she’s a zombie.
2) Parents who are begging her to turn them into vampires.
3) The pet goldfish she accidentally turns instead.
4) Weird superpowers that let her rip the heads off of every other vampire she meets.(Sounds cool, but it doesn’t win you many friends.)
5) A pyschotic vampire creator who’s using her to carry out a plan for world domination.

And finally:
6) A seriously ripped vampire hunter who either wants to stake her or make out with her. Not sure which.

Being an undead, eternally pasty fifteen-year-old isn’t quite the sexy, brooding, angst-fest Jane always imagined....

Helen Keeble’s riotous debut novel combines the humor of Vladimir Tod with Ally Carter’s spot-on teen voice. With a one-of-a-kind vampire mythology and an irresistibly relatable undead heroine, this uproarious page-turner will leave readers bloodthirsty for more.

1) A twelve-year-old brother who’s convinced she’s a zombie.2) Parents who are begging her to turn them into vampires.3) The pet goldfish she accidentally turns instead.4) Weird superpowers that let her rip the heads off of every other vampire she meets.(Sounds cool, but it doesn’t win you many friends.)5) A pyschotic vampire creator who’s using her to carry out a plan for world domination.
And finally:6) A seriously ripped vampire hunter who either wants to stake her or make out with her. Not sure which.

*For a chance to win some goodies enter this awesome giveaway here! It's open internationally! Good luck!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Review: Be Careful What You Wish For


Be Careful What You Wish For
Be Careful What You Wish For by Alexandra Potter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Surprisingly light with a dab of morality. Like the title indicates (not very subtle is it?) the story is centered in wishes. Small little things one can't help thinking when something goes wrong or could simply be better: I wish my computer was a little faster, I wish my mom would stop nagging me...those kind of wishes. The main character, Heather, is like most people. She wishes stuff automatically without a second thought. Until a gipsy gives her a lucky heather and all her wishes start coming true. At first glance, Heather thinks this is wonderful news! Who wouldn't want to meet the man of her dreams? Or not having to stand in line or be stuck in traffic? It's bloody perfect!

Soon the warning signs appear: what good is having the man of your dreams in love with you if you're not in love with him? what good is having all your wishes coming true if your father has a heart-attack and almost dies? After all was your life really that bad before?

I admit I ended this book quite happy. It's funny, entertaining and delivers a serious message with a lightness I haven't seen in others. Overall is wonderfully written and I recommend it fiercely.



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Monday, December 3, 2012

Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance: Release Day Review & Giveaway: Make Believe (Antho...

Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance: Release Day Review & Giveaway: Make Believe (Antho...:   Make Believe By J.A. Belfield , Jennifer M. Eaton , J. Keller Ford , Terri Rochenski , Lynda R. Young , and Kelly Said.

Publisher: J. Taylor Publishing (Dec. 3rd, 2012)
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Format: eBook (Anthology)
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble             

Summary
Sacrificial Oath by Terri Rochenski
An impetuous act unwittingly makes Alesuela the fulfillment of the Sovereign’s Blood Oath to their Goddess. In five days, she’ll be forced to make the greatest choice of her life: become the virginal sacrifice already promised, or force the man she loves most to die in her place.

With an impossible choice in front of her, she searches for ways to undo the oath, and in her quest, finds not everything in her life is as she expects.

The Amulet of Ormisez by J. Keller Ford
There is only one way to save Elton Fletcher’s brother from an insanity-ridden death.

After years away from home, fighting for his people, Elton returns to discover his only sibling, Cayden, possessed by greed and malice, and responsible for malicious, unthinkable deeds. Cayden, though, isn’t the only one afflicted by the Amulet of Ormisez, and Elton finds himself in yet another battle, where the price of failure could be his own life.

Birthright by Lynda R. Young
Christa can mask the pain and hide the scars, but running from a birthright is impossible.

She’s tried to escape her grief by fleeing to a small town in Florida. Much to her frustration, the locals think they recognize her even though she's never been there before. To make things worse, a man named Jack spouts outrageous theories about her.

Both spur Christa to bolt, to start fresh yet again, but there’s something about Jack that intrigues her enough to stay. The only problem? Someone else wants her to leave, and they won’t stop until she’s dead.

Petrified by Kelly Said
A mysterious storm has replaced summer with winter, devastating crops and smothering Castle lands in snow. Prince Sterling August stands alone as a leader, lost in personal grief as well as a desire to help his people but with an inability to do either.

The answers he needs await him, but without Lochlyn, a woman who’s just as isolated as Sterling, he’ll never see what stands before him, cloaked in illusion.

Last Winter Red by Jennifer M. Eaton
Emily is a Red, a woman whose sole purpose in life is to produce offspring. When her husband dies and leaves her childless, she risks her life and forsakes the safety of Terra—a disease-free city born after the nuclear holocaust. Beyond its boundaries, she knows, survives a man with whom she can be properly paired.

The Outside, though, holds secrets the government struggles to keep, and what Emily discovers on her quest for a mate will change her life forever.

Escort to Insanity by J.A. Belfield
From a charity auction, to a stroll in the park, to the craziest night of her life. Nicole Harrington can’t help but wonder how a simple event went so drastically wrong.

Of course, the male escort she booked is wholly to blame. Not only charming but shrewdly intelligent, Benjamin Gold drags Nicole into a platoon of unimaginable problems—ones from which she’ll have to find the courage just to survive.

Enter for a chance to win the fantasy/paranormal ebook Make Believe. This is an international giveaway. Just click the link to be taken to it directly: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9bb6a849/

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Review: Shadowland


Shadowland
Shadowland by Karen Chance

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Karen Chance keeps suprising me! This short is written a little differently. Seems to be more agressive and more imaginative. It would be, perhaps, a little intense for the novels but worked perfectly in this! It's exciting and heart-stopping! And there is so much Pritkin! For me, that's simply ideal! Rosier is also a nice addition! John and Rosier have such a complicated relationship that it's always interesting to see even the smallest interation between them.

This short however makes me miss John and Cassie so much! I can hardly wait for the next book!



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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Review: Bloodstone


Bloodstone
Bloodstone by Nancy Holzner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Better...oh so much better. I'm finally starting to connect with these characters! Alas! Miracles do happen! I understood Vicky better this time around. It was also nice seeing so much of Kane even if he spent most of that time in wolf form. His presence comforts me and makes Vicky more human. I also love Mab! She was such a strong presence even when she was dying! The action scenes still don't do much for me. Vicky almost always annoys me at those. I can't really put my finger on it but there's just something missing when she fights...Maybe, like her, I seem to think her wins are mostly just dumb luck. For someone who spent seven years training...she seems to flail around a lot. I'm pleased to say this one passed most of my criteria for a good book:

There's plenty action but it's mingled with sweet family moments.
The characters are more relatable and approachable.
The bad guys seem to become more and more evil and stronger.
The writing style is enjoyable


Anyway, overall it's a better book than the other two.



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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Review: A Family Affair


A Family Affair
A Family Affair by Karen Chance

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Wonderful! Although I have to admit anything that has Pritkin gains a 5 star rating instantly! How awesome is he? He makes a deal with his father to hunt and kill a bad ass demon in turn of Rosier not trying to kill Cassie ever again. It works..sort of. While Prtikin is away fulfilling his part of the deal, Rosier is trying to kill Cassie one more time before the deal takes effect. Demons are tricky that way! I loved to read the last pages of this short...Cassie in Pritkin's arms was breathtaking!



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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Review: Hellforged


Hellforged
Hellforged by Nancy Holzner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Better but still something missing...I still can't relate at all with the main character. I read about her feelings, about her life and her friends...but I can't care enough about her to actually feel anxious when something happens to her. Usually I really enter the main character's life but I simply cannot connect with Vicky. I read about her almost getting killed and I don't care. I understand it would be pretty bad since she's the main character but I'm not sorry either. The same with the other characters.
I was more upset when Daniel (who dated her for 3 months and kissed her breathless when she was leaving for Wales) traded her for a news reporter while she was gone than when she got stuck in the demon realm and was beaten almost to death.
That's how the main story fascinates me. And if you're thinking that the romance it's actually the best part of this book...sorry but you're wrong. It's what? Ten/Eleven pages max? Not much romantic either.

Overall it continues to disappoint me.



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Monday, November 26, 2012

Review: Deadtown


Deadtown
Deadtown by Nancy Holzner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Overall I liked it but was not much impressed. The story didn't grip me, the main character is likable but not relatable and the romantic interests aren't much better. It felt somewhat incomplete for a first novel. I think it should have been more. More interesting, more action-packed and heart-stopping. Only one thing that this book had in spades...prejudice. Against the so-called monsters and even against norms (humans). The rest actually fades from my mind as I write and that's never a good sign. A good book stays with you for hours, even days sometimes. It's entertaining enough for me to continue this series with the books I already own but probably not good enough to keep me interested in waiting for the next book to come out.



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Friday, November 23, 2012

Review: Divine Misdemeanors


Divine Misdemeanors
Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Less action than the other books. No court business either. A lot of sex but not as much. Overall it seems much less intense.
It's still a good book but it didn't catch my attention like the others. It also felt kind of unfinished. The whole book was about the murders of lesser fey and in less than two paragraphs the killers were dead and everything solved.
Barithus's attitude was also unsettling. He seems to want more power and be in charge. He doesn't like Merry's choice about giving up the crown either. I'm guessing Merry will still see a lot more of this recent behavior in the next book. Mistral is kinda of a let down too.
Of all the babies fathers, Mistral seems to be the only one not actually worth keeping. I didn't liked him much before and the feeling keeps growing.
Sholto and Rhys seem to be getting higher on my list. Sholto was already king and although he is supposed to actually have more rights than the others because he's actually married to Merry he's nice and shares well. It's a nice surprise. I like him more and more. Also hope to read about him more often.
Rhys is wonderful. He doesn't crowd her much, shares well and you can see plainly that he loves her in all the small gestures. He's not bossy unless he absolutely has to and that's a nice change from Doyle and Frost.
Galen is growing up. I love seeing him come into himself. He's more powerful but doesn't let it get to his head. He's still overprotective of Merry but he's nice so it's actually sweet to watch.

Bottom line is I'll probably read the rest of this series if the author actually bothers finishing it. Considering that this book was published 3 years ago...it's likely she'll take many more years to present us with another Merry Gentry book.



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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Review: Swallowing Darkness


Swallowing Darkness
Swallowing Darkness by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



The best book of this series so far. I haven't read the last one published but this one is very good. The ending is great, Frost came back, Merry's men are all alive and well and Cel is finally dead. Ash and Holly are not so bad after all. That was refreshing...I was kinda thinking they were going to be brutes but they ended up being sweet.
I didn't expect her to have to give up her crown to save Frost but I'm not surprised she did. It's good to have him back. I missed him.
War is brewing in Faerie. I can't say I'm excited. I'm more stressed than anything else.
I hope everything ends well but I'm not really sure I'll get my wish...Seems like this situation is too messy to end perfectly.



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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Review: A Lick of Frost


A Lick of Frost
A Lick of Frost by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Good points for the pregnancy. Very bad points for Frost's disappearance. I am not happy with that! And I am so sorry for Rhys. He tries so hard but seems so lonely. I pity him. I think that if he was a real person he would kick my ass for this but it's true. It's obvious Merry really loves Darkness. Frost seems to be second in her heart. Galen is her teenage crush and they love each other even if it's a different love but Rhys really did get the short straw on this. It's kinda awful because he knew her as a teenage and even asked for her hand to her father. Seems like Rhys and Galen were the only ones who saw her as woman instead of a princess or a way to the throne. In a way they loved her first but were relegated to a secondary role with the appearance of Darkness and Frost. Mistral being one of the fathers of her babies kinda shocks me. I don't dislike him exactly but I don't really like him either. Sholto, even if they were together only once, I understand. She needs strong men around her but also one's who are ultimately delicate. Galen and Sholto are good in that aspect. Rhys is always trying to make her laugh. Doyle, Frost and Mistral end up being the strong ones. They seem to balance each other out and that's good for her. I am however very afraid for the rest of her men. Let's hope all ends well.



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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Review: Mistral's Kiss


Mistral's Kiss
Mistral's Kiss by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Well that escalated quickly. WTH was that with the Wild Hunt? Freaky! And the incident with Meredith's men in the dead garden? Way too intense for me.

Most importantly...Cel is free. Let the games begin. This should be fun. There certainly weren't enough attempts on Meredith's life. It was getting boring. NOT.

It's actually getting a little repetitive but she's back in LA with a lot of new guards. Let's see some change!



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Review: A Stroke of Midnight


A Stroke of Midnight
A Stroke of Midnight by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



It gets freakier and freakier. It's probably a bad sign that I really like it, right? I didn't know I had it in me. Threesomes, love, pain, voyeurism, torture...I could say you have a little for everyone and it's partly true but I think one more sensible can't exactly stomach the creepiest parts. I know I have some hard time with it and I've grown accustomed.

The magic part of it all though...now that's overwhelming in it's beauty and power. It's my favourite parts of the books along moments with Darkness, Frost, Gale and Rhys. The others while lovely don't exactly meet my standards while they have been there from the beginning and are all so sweet and complex.

The Queen is still oh so creepy and oh so evil. I really dislike her. I understand her role in the books but it bothers me so much to have Merry at her beck and call. Sometimes I just wish Merry could kill her and be done with it.

Cel. What to say about him. Probably the most evil presence I felt in a book. He's been chained since the 1st or 2nd book but his presence is so noticeable. Every attempt on Merry's life comes from him. Makes one really wonder what will happen when he is actually released from those chains.





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Monday, November 19, 2012

Review: Seduced by Moonlight


Seduced by Moonlight
Seduced by Moonlight by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ok these books get weirder and weirder but I don't seem to be able to stop reading...I'm addicted! But it really does bother me all the trades of blood, sex and flesh the main character does. It's her main bargain coin, I understand, but it's kinda creepy. It does take a lot of courage to have sex, one of the most intimate acts shared, with creatures that she doesn't know and doesn't even like sometimes. I shudder to think about this but I think I would have died in her world a long time ago. I'm glad she manages it but also sad she has to.



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Sunday, November 18, 2012

Review: A Caress of Twilight


A Caress of Twilight
A Caress of Twilight by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This series is so weird and so cool at the same time. I'm laughing my a** off most of the time! It's so damn entertaining!

The sex scenes are...wow. Erotic and exciting. Then suddenly something weird and sometimes even upsetting happens. Looks almost like a damn roller coaster.

I could spend half an hour trying to explain it but one just has to read it to understand what I'm talking about.

Again I advise: this book is not recommended for people who can't stomach explicit sex. Blood also appears. Sometimes in sex, sometimes not.



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Saturday, November 17, 2012

Review: A Kiss of Shadows


A Kiss of Shadows
A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Way more sex that I'm used to. Literally! And weird. So damn weird. But entertaining. And the main story is good enough to maintain one's interest. I'm curious about what will happen next. The magic concept is unexpected. I like it a lot.

Not recommended for people who don't like explicit sex. There is a lot of it!



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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Review: Grave Memory


Grave Memory
Grave Memory by Kalayna Price

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Here I was all happy about the fact this series didn't had the now obnoxiously normal love triangle like other YA books...and surprise! Obnoxious love triangle! Thank you for proving me wrong!

I am so pissed with Falin, the Winter Queen and ultimately Alexis. Yes, I know Falin is only following orders from the Queen but I really hate him right now.

The Queen...well she's just cold and scheming so I don't expect much from her. Hell I just want her to go away!

Alexis is becoming an idiot! At first her inability to do anything about Falin and the Queen was understandable. She didn't know what to expect, she was caught off guard and she didn't even knew she was fae. But NOW? Wake the hell up! Do something! So much talk about not wanting to be a pawn to anyone and she lets herself be moved as one. I don't get it. It's so frustrating!

I don't even...

Uh.


After all the tragedy, the suffering and struggle Alexis and Death went trough to save each other and be together...Death and Alexis get separated again!


AND THEN.

Alexis gets home and Falin just moved in by the Queen's orders.

WOW

I spent the whole book with my heart in my hands. The only happy time for me was when Death and Alexis were together. I just love him. They are so amazing together!

Suddenly Falin is there and everything went to hell for me again. Thank you.



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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Review: Necrophilia Variations


Necrophilia Variations
Necrophilia Variations by Supervert

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



I admit I only read one sample chapter but I just couldn't bring myself to read it all. I can stomach a lot of things but...Eww.

Excerpt 1:

- a pediatrician started telling a story that had happened to him during his residency. A teenaged boy had been brought to the emergency room after trying to castrate himself. "Unfortunately," laughed the pediatrician, "he didn't understand that castration is not, in the technical sense, amputation."

An oncologist held out a bone from a turkey leg and let it drop into some cranberry sauce. "Did you reattach it?"

The pediatrician grimaced. "I couldn't. The boy's mother didn't bring it along. She couldn't bring herself to pick it up."

"She could have used a Pooper Scooper," said the radiologist.

"Or a pecker picker-upper," a male nurse suggested.

"Better yet," said the oncologist, picking the turkey bone out of the cranberry sauce, "she could have used shlong tongs to put it in a cock sock." He rolled the turkey bone inside a cocktail napkin and held it up.


Excerpt 2:

I don't know how to say it exactly. After I had necrophilia for the first time? After I did necrophilia? After I engaged in necrophilia for the first time? After I became a necrophile? But is one time enough to transform a man into a necrophile per se? If I did it with another male just once in my life, I wouldn't be considered a homosexual -- would I? So why should I be considered a necrophile if I did it with just one you-know-what? Then again, you only have to kill one person to be considered a murderer. Maybe necrophilia is like that. It only takes once.

I don't know. But I do know that the next day everything was different. It was like losing your virginity all over again. I felt changed. If having sex for the first time makes you feel more like a man, what does having sex with a you-know-what make you feel like? More alive. You can't hold an inert thing in your arms without experiencing a rush of pure vitality through your own system. It heightens your awareness of who and what you are. You feel strong, alive, and grateful -- grateful to have this portion of life that is yours and will soon be gone, like the object of your affections. That's how I felt, really, though I know it's not what you'd expect. You have this caricature of the grave-robbing pervert, a creepy nerd who is either too weird or too shy to do it with "real" girls. But that's not what it was like at all. It was very moving and emotional. There were tenderness and sympathy, if not love. I felt sorry for her, and I felt like just maybe she'd be grateful to me for providing her with a little warmth at a time when the rest of humanity had abandoned her.



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Review: Grave Dance


Grave Dance
Grave Dance by Kalayna Price

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Overall Story

The world building in this book was much more clearer. The character development was better and we got to see a lot more about fae and their world(in my honest opinion they are mostly crazy!)

Most of the previous problems disappeared or are barely noticeable.

The Good:

Her family. Like I mentioned earlier, the author attacked with gusto the previous problems and Alexis lineage is much talked about. There is still some mystery though.

Her friends. I just love her friends! How they always try to keep her safe even when they have absolutely no idea what is going on, which let's be honest, it's pretty much all the time.

Death and Falin. Alexis chemistry with them is amazing. Falin annoyed me at first because he's way too bossy for me but I ultimately liked him. I'm actually surprised by this fact!

The Bad:

The Winter Queen. I think I was pissed at her pretty much throughout the whole book. Not that she's worse than any other fae queen I've read about. She isn't. But...Ah. She really gets under my skin!

Falin's Deception. I was expecting something like this since I found out he was fae. Sorry Alexis but it's true. Your own damn fault for not demanding more answers! (It's in this column but I'm not much upset I admit).


The murder plot really got to me. It's disgusting but so very sad. An impossible love story really carried to the limit! Wow. It kinda puts a damper on her romance with Death





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Review: Grave Witch


Grave Witch
Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Overall Story

I liked it. It's intriguing and the world building is average. There are a lot of details but not nearly enough explaining for me to actually view it as good. The author seems to only expand our knowledge of the world when she absolutely has to for the story to move. It's not a bad thing, per se, just more like an annoying trait. However the little that appears is very good indeed. Makes us want to sweep these little things under the rug and just move on.

The Good:

The main character. Alexis is a powerful and strong-willed grave witch. What does that mean? Means she's a witch with the power to raise the shades of people who died and talk to them. She's also way too stubborn and reckless when it comes to save her friends lives. Fortunately she seems to be careful with who she trusts so not every thing is lost! and she's also feykin. How cool is that?

Romance

Despite having two major love interests for our Alexis, in my opinion, this book does NOT have a love triangle. Which is such a good thing!
I don't really know what to make of them: Death and Falin. They both have good and bad things I guess but they are mostly unknowns yet.
Way too many secrets for my liking.

The Bad:

The story ends somewhat abruptly. Death and Falin are not much talked about and it's given the idea that Alexis is more powerful that she even suspects but no more is revealed. Her family, for instance, is a complete mystery. We spend half the book guessing motives and the characters past.






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Friday, November 9, 2012

Review: A Sliver of Shadow


A Sliver of Shadow
A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I was so happy with this book that I didn't even paused to write a review when I finished it yesterday. I simply grabbed the 3rd book and continued reading into the wee hours of the night.

This review is after reading the whole third book in what? 8 hours? Maybe less. I was so anxious to read what happened next. This book is awesome in that field. It amazes me how there's no time to take a deep breath between action scenes. One gets completely immersed in the story, the passion, the shining beauty of pretty much everything but also the dark side, the daemons, death and duplicity. Its richness of details overrides reality and it feels like you're there witnessing everything.
It's somewhat breathtaking.

And then there's the little disappointments...Things the author disregarded or simply overlooked. Abby's constant cowardice, as she called it, was somewhat expected and boring. Ion never went very far from what was expected of him as an incubus. Who actually surprised me was Talivar but even him was predictable at times. Phin too obnoxious in most situations...I don't know.

After reading the 1st book, one expects to always see better in the 2nd doesn't it? The level of writing was the same. Just not much sparkle the 2nd time you see it, you know? The story however was much addicting! It is worthy of one's time!



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Review: A Trace of Moonlight


A Trace of Moonlight
A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



So...my first thought after reading this book is something like: What the hell? Seriously? That's the best ending you could come up with? Abby spent the last two books saying she loved them both and you have her pregnant with Ion but still hand-fasted to Talivar? Really? What kind of ending is that?

She chooses to be human and not make a life in Faerie therefore refusing to become Talivar's Queen. The Seelie Queen (who's batshit crazy in my modest opinion) says that's impossible to ever break her connection with Faerie because she's pregnant(too bad she just assumes it's Talivar's kid not Ion's!). Abby returns to the mortal plane apparently without even talking to her father and reopens the market. Talivar comes with her. Ion shows up in her Dreaming, tells her she's having a little girl and he's the father. And BOOM it ends.

I'm sorry Ms Pang but I do not care one bit for that ending. She still doesn't ultimately chooses one of them. Seems like she's still somehow having them both. A woman who never talks once about having children suddenly gets pregnant and no more explanations are in order? No talking about if there's a shift of power or not? If she really is staying human with her child while the father is immortal? What exactly is the child anyway? Has a protectorate been chosen? Is Abby still supposed to be the Protectorate's TouchStone considering she's still working at the Pit and opening the market for Moira? Nothing actually is explained dammit!

The Tree is growing. The Paths have been re-established. Talivar is the Unseelie King and Moira is being groomed to replace her mother as the Seelie Queen. Ok but there are so many questions yet to be answered!

I'm rambling I know but I'm so damned unhappy right now! I think there are even more questions now then when I read the first book honestly!



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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Review: A Brush of Darkness


A Brush of Darkness
A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I don't think I've ever seen such a damaged main character before. Emotionally crippled yes but also physically challenged? not so much. And before someone starts throwing tomatoes at me...I'm not saying it's a bad thing. Just something I'm not used to. I usually stay clear of those kind of stories. They always end badly and make me cry like a baby. Also her incapabilities don't seem much because she almost never lets herself be affected by them.
It's actually interesting seeing Abby fall in love with a man (I'm using the word man loosely) who looks so perfect at 1st glance but ends up being having as many problems as her. It's romantic but also somewhat tragic. Especially after finding out he lied and betrayed her. And then almost died to save her. Much like a sappy love story except for the end because they don't get to be together.
The rest of the story is pretty awesome. It's exciting and complex. It also portraits an uncommon approach to the myth of angels, demons and faeries. For instance there is no Armageddon. Almost every book with angels and demons tend to have it or some semblance of it. This doesn't. Angels seem to vary from good to bad without the whole fallen concept. Lucifer and God don't seem to appear or even be mentioned. And apparently a fairy getting involved with an angel and having a baby is not very important.
I took a while to get used to it but after the adjustment period was over...I just let it roll. It's new and interesting and that's all one wants right?
I am surprised however to see our main character pass for so much in a 1st instalment, emotionally and physically. The woman is betrayed by the one she loves, gets kidnapped and almost killed. You almost expect to find the couple finally coming together to live happily ever-after. If that's the kind of ending you're expecting...yeah not gonna happen. It doesn't end badly. They both live. Just not like a couple. I am anxious to get my hands on the second book! Let's see how well it plays out, shall we?

PS: Sorry for the brief review but I don't have my notes and I have to go to work. I know it's just a jumble of thoughts but it's morning and that's the best I can do half asleep!



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Monday, November 5, 2012

Review: Firecracker


Firecracker
Firecracker by Charles R. Verhey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



So the first thing to say here is: I liked it. A lot. It may not look like it in the rest of this review but I am glad to have finally read this. I found myself reacting all the time to this book and that my friends is rare. And when I say this I mean it in a good way...not when we feel like grabbing the book and throw it out the window or something.

The Good:

I felt a real connection with Li and Cass (in my mind I'm always calling her Cassie, sorry!). Not that I'm either a _______ (whatever Li is) or a pyro like Cass but for some unfathomable reason I liked them both very much. Miyuki is also very interesting but hey she's 600 years old. I'd probably be interesting too in those circumstances.
What I really liked though was the action! It was just so exciting all the time. Loved it!

And Cass is so insecure. I felt sorry for her and couldn't help wonder if all her bubbly exterior was just for show. I don't know. I feel anxious to read more about her and Li. I also connected to Voss. There isn't much to begin with but his presence was somewhat more felt than those of Kevin and Dr. Sheridan for instance. Doc and Kevin appear more but there are so little details about them one simply can't feel them.

The Bad:

I thought this damn book was a stand alone! I grew suspicious by the last 50 or so pages but went along anyway. So yeah. It's not a stand alone and no, there is no next installment of yet. I hate it when it's like this...I need a warning people! So I can mull this over and prepare myself for the inevitable boring wait. So thanks!

I also understand the whole mystery about, well pretty much everything, but it still pissed me off constantly throughout the book. Hell I was feeling an idiot and I had way more information than Cass. BUT after hearing the whole story from Miyuki I do think it was a good idea. Point more than taken after Toby's betrayal and death.

The ending was somewhat upsetting. From the author's point of view it made perfect sense. It raps things up with a nice little bow but leaves enough unfinished stuff to make a second installment. I get it. But it truly is a pain in the a** for the readers.

And now I'm gonna go to my little corner berating myself for not checking if there was a second book before reading this one!



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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Review: The Case of the Missing Blahnik


The Case of the Missing Blahnik
The Case of the Missing Blahnik by Christine DeMaio-Rice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Not much into chick-lit but it was interesting. Very Sex and the City. Very short. Not much development just a little something between books. Characters seem funny and charming.



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Review: Blindsight


Blindsight
Blindsight by Kait Nolan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Free short-story. Never read the other previous novellas. Really enjoyed the writing and storyline. Characters actions were realistic and the romance wasn't overdone. Nice female lead. Will probably give it a shot with the rest of the series.



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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Review: Dream Chaser


Dream Chaser
Dream Chaser by Sherrilyn Kenyon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



So...I liked it enough to give a 4 star rating and not regret reading it but not enough to actually try to read the rest of the series by this author.

I find Sherrilyn Kenyon an awesome writer. And if insta-love and early sex scenes didn't bother me so much I think I might actually enjoy her books a lot more.

Now you ask how I can know about her style of creating stories if this is my first book from her...true. What I can tell you is that my sister is a huge fan of Kerrilyn and has most of her series. I was warned about these characteristics but I'm not one to refuse a challenge so I decided to go forward, read one and be done with it. Enabling me to fully mature my previous idea of her.

Honestly is not so bad as I thought. I was thinking it was all about romance and sex in less than 100 pages. It was a welcome surprise to find it was more like 400 pages. But it still has that component of insta-love. I just can't ignore that. I am so incredibly tired of this! I would have given it a 5 star rating otherwise.

For those who do not have a problem with insta-love and sudden sex scenes, please do take the time to read this book and perhaps the rest of these series. They seem to be worthy of your time.



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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Review: Charmed Thirds


Charmed Thirds
Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I still liked it but it's honestly starting to tire me a lot. I find myself thinking that all that amazed me in the previous two books is now actually somewhat boring. My drama-meter just reached it's limit.

It's not that the book is much different from the others...it's more like...together this series becomes overwhelming. And Oh so repetitive.

Not to mention how all the crap from Marcus really pissed me off. And my memory is apparently much better than Jessica's because she forgot everything with just one word. How idiotic is that?



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Review: Second Helpings


Second Helpings
Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Wow I'm actually impressed at the amount of crap the main character had to go through this book...most of it her own fault, I must say!

Like Jess, I once liked a boy who I thought didn't like me back. Somehow I ended dating his best friend. Like Jess. The difference being that I broke up with him. Precisely why Jess wanted to broke up with Len but never managed to. Anyway I remember my story didn't end that well for me. Because despite the humiliation, ultimately Jess and Marcus ended together. So it was worth it! All of it!

In my accounts, if after all the crap that is thrown your way, you somehow end up better than before? Yeah that's a win. Some people would say it's not realistic...most things in real life don't end well. True but that's exactly why I like reading fantasy so much! I have my own crappy finishes! I honestly don't need to be further upset by seeing it happen in my books!

My point being: Yes. Jess is agonizingly pessimistic. She has spontaneous bouts of brilliance and wit but it's mostly just an overworked mind trying in vain to control life. I like it. Even when I seem to be in my downtime, my mind is always un-fucking-believably working non-stop. I get tired just thinking about that right now! All her small wins make up for all that though. And having her be with Marcus in the end of this book? Awesome. Having him go away to college 6 days later? Yeah. I feel sorry for her too.

See you in my next book's review "Charmed Thirds".



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Monday, October 29, 2012

Review: Sloppy Firsts


Sloppy Firsts
Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I am so surprised! I never cared much for the so-called chick lit. I usually stay well away from any book/author that even glances that way.
I prefer fiction, paranormal and/or urban fantasy. If it doesn't have any of the above it probably won't work for me. But a month ago or so a friend bought me a copy of "Can you keep a secret?" by Sophie Kinsella. I liked it a lot.
One thing about me: if I like something about a book/author I always try to find other similar books.
I found this book somewhere...probably recommended by amazon due to my latest purchases. I don't know. I know I bought the whole collection right then but never read it. Other urban fantasy books got in my way, most likely, but after taking a pause over Jennifer Estep's Assassin Series, I just knew I needed less magic for a while and more mundane problems. What better than high school drama?

Very wise choice apparently! I simply loved this book! I find that I totally see myself in the main character's shoes! Oh not the part about their "crew" because I really liked my friends. We really did get each other and I never felt alone like Jessica. But the drama about the rest of the school? The drama about boys? Yeah. Been there. Done that.

Hell. I went to college. Came back to town and sometimes I still think nothing's changed! There's still drama about boys that's for sure!

Anyway. I felt everything Jessica went through like I was there with her. I can't say I would've done things the same way because I was always a loner...but I felt sorry for her and I cheered her! I cringed with her awkwardness and laughed with her wit! The story is gripping and seems to just play itself out amazingly. I'm starting "Second Helpings" right now!



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Wednesday, October 24, 2012





FREEBIE for awesome fans! Yup - that's you! Halloween Horror, "Stone Prison" is a gruesome fairy tale. 
Free until November 1st on Smashwords w/ Coupon:JH47H 

You  can read on your phone, computer, kindle, nook, etc... Happy reading!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/165764

Monday, October 22, 2012

Review: The Princess's Dragon


The Princess's Dragon
The Princess's Dragon by Susan Trombley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Before I decided to read this book I read a lot of the reviews...I struggled with some of the concerns voiced like the stereotypes, the poor world building and the shift between overly flowery and normal language. But I also liked it a lot. I'm partial with books on dragons. I'm the 1st person to admit such fault. Even as a kid, I always preferred a good book about dragons than one about faeries or other magical creatures, perhaps because of their size. I don't know for sure. What I do know for sure is that, even now as an adult, I still prefer dragons to vampires or werewolves. It's a pity there aren't many YA books about them anymore. Only children seem to appreciate dragons now.

Anyway. I really enjoyed this story. It is such a chichéd idea but I simply loved it! A princess who doesn’t believe in magic (or magical creatures) goes and insults a wizard and gets turned into a dragon. The rest of the story, however, is not as simple or much viewed. Most authors would put her back as a princess, made her marry her prince charming and live happily ever-after while being best-friends with the dragon.

Susan Trombley was not only bold enough to make the princess fall in love with the dragon but also opted to make the princess love the dragon in his dragon form instead of the human form he could take. This was definitely a wonderful surprise and the main reason why I ended liking this book despite the before mentioned faults.

I would have liked to learn a little more about their lives together but won't be reading the next book " The Child of the Dragon Gods ". I liked Derek well enough but was a little put off by the shown rage in the end of this book.



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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Review: Tangled Threads


Tangled Threads
Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I'm excited to see that Gin is starting to trust more in her magic. I'm rooting for her! I understand why she's so afraid of it since she thought she'd killed her sister with it...But I want to watch her come into all her potential just like Jo-Jo is always hinting at. I was so anxious when she finally told her sister, Bria, about herself. Even if it was kind of a rush decision. I hope Bria can get past her fear.

Now I'm definitely happy to see more and more about Owen. He seems to be such a sweet guy to Gin. Letting her take her time, never arguing with her or trying to change her. I like him a lot. Much better than Donovan who liked to have sex with her but never seemed quite capable of even admitting to himself that he liked her much less accept her for who she is.

I hope Owen continues to make her happy and vice-versa. I'm so intrigued about Bria and Finn together - now that would be something!

Now about Mab and her minions (like Gin calls them), I just love to see Gin kicking everyone's ass! The other parts of the book are wonderful of course...even the romance. But I'm always itching for more fight and bodies, blood and guts.

It's the main reason why I like these series so much. The author manages to balance perfectly all the death and horror with sweet family moments.



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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Review: Venom


Venom
Venom by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Wonderful. I'm so addicted to this series! It's actually stunning because it's not very normal for me to be this delighted about a series. I have my favourite books and series but one where I like every single turn and twist? Not so much. I can't remember a single thing to dislike.



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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Review: Wasted


Wasted
Wasted by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Amazing learning more about Finn. Very cool. I'm always interested in him. Specially because Gin talks about his training with his father but we never get to see Finn use much of that training.



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Review: Web of Lies


Web of Lies
Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I can't help thinking how much I like this series more and more. Just love all of it. If there's any bad things to point out in this book I haven't noticed them....It's so interesting see Gin's evolution! I'm sorry about the cop. Like Gin, I had some hope that he would overcome his internal struggles and at least give their relationship a real try. Too bad but not unexpected. In fact I thought it would be over sooner. Never saw him leaving town though. Anyway I'm still looking forward to the next book!



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Review: Web of Death


Web of Death
Web of Death by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Nice short. Complements the main story. Well written like the books.



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Review: Spider's Bite


Spider's Bite
Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Loved it. Solid first book. One deadly main character. Weird family dynamic. Lots of bodies. One hot cop chasing our heroine (I'm using the term heroine loosely people. Trust me) and one villain hard to catch. Great book. Couldn't have asked more.

Better review to come later. Maybe. I'm too anxious to start the next one to write a proper one now!



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Monday, October 15, 2012

Review: Spider's Bargain


Spider's Bargain
Spider's Bargain by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ouch. That small detail after the cop's death was a little creepy even if deserved. Which it was. But still loving it! Now on to the first book!



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Review: Web of Deceit


Web of Deceit
Web of Deceit by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Not as good as the other short but interesting nevertheless. Can't help admiring this author's writing. It's very good and seems to flow wonderfully.



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Review: Poison


Poison
Poison by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Deadly and cute! If for some reason I hadn't thought about reading the elemental assassin series I definitely would now... Beautifully written and captivating.



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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Freebies #4


*Family Affair by Mary Campisi
*Insight by Jamie Magee
*The Last Call by George Wier
*The Awakened by Jason Tesar
*Her Mad Hatter by Marie Hall
*Murder On The Mind by L.L. Bartlett
*Dodge The Bullet by Cristy Hayes
*Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory
*Falling Star by Diana Dempsey
*Stained by Ella James

Freebies #3


*A Job From Hell by Jayde Scott
*Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
*Chosen by Denise Grover Swank
*A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter
*Branded by Keary Taylor
*The Charmer by Autumn Dawn
*Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand
*Her Dark Angel by Felicity Heaton
*Gravity by Abigail Boyd
*Vamp Yourself For War by Christin Lovell
*The Fallen Star by Jessica Sorensen
*UnEnchanted by Chanda Hahn
*The Soulkeepers by G.P. Ching
*The Rock Star's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy
*Prince Of Wolves by Quinn Loftis
*The Mind Readers by Lori Brighton



 Don't know for how long they're free so enjoy while you can!

Review: Refúgio


Refúgio (Trilogia do Elfo Negro #3)Refúgio by R.A. Salvatore
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It was kind of a torment for me to finish this. So much death. Every friend the main character, Drizzt, made pretty much ended dead sooner or later. Of all the friends he made only two survived for long in this book, the panther that was by his side until the end and Belwar, who returned to his city after a few months. There may be other friends, like Catti-brie (mentioned in the epilogue) but they did not appear in this trilogy. Drizzt appears in other series but I haven't read any and honestly don't intend to.

The other books were reasonable. This one was ok. (I think it actually hurt saying that!).
Initially it was easy to read and it complemented very well the others but it became tiresome after 100 pages or less. There was nothing new in this book. I mean there are some new characters. The story evolves somehow but I didn't see a point to it. Usually I give up in books like this but I managed to finish. I'm actually proud of myself. Given the chance again I wouldn't do it. I considered it a waste of my time despite liking Drizzt. Creating a character with such a dark and complex past is very difficult and often tricky. Personally, this author didn't achieved it very well here. Amazingly all the death and desperation becomes quite dreary after awhile and oh so predictable.

In the last 70 pages, I just wanted to shoot myself. The panther didn't die like I suspected so I can't really burn the book but I'm still considering it. Oh well. I guess not. But I'm definitely putting this book in some faraway shelf...




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PS: Like I said before, Drizzt appears in other books. The Crystal Shard (The Icewind Dale Trilogy #1) is actually the 1st tittle published about Drizzt but the events are after this trilogy. Overall there are 9 books: The Dark Elf Trilogy (reviewed here), The Icewind Dale Trilogy and The Legacy of the Drow Trilogy.