Archive for the ‘Book Review’ Category

If you are an adult reader who loves fantasy books, vampires and romance… these books are for you!

In “The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series” JR Ward creates a new and exciting twist on vampire rush that is currently taking the world by storm.

There are 8 books in total, so far:

The titles and book covers may give you the ‘Mills & Boon’ feeling but before that thought worms its way in too far into your head let me tell you – they are much, much more than that.

Yes, there is sex. Yes, there are really hot men who will take your imagination on a really wild ride. But there is also a very intricate and exciting story line that takes you places that are so well created that the books roll like blockbuster movies within the confines of your mind.

The series follows the lives of ‘The Brotherhood’ which is made up of ‘Vampire Warriors’ who are destined to protect their race from the evil slayers that make up “The Lessening Society”. Each book is focused around a different Brother although they are all a part of a bigger story line that follows through all 8 books. There is action, romance, adventure and depth to each and every book in the series.

You will fall in love with every single one of the Brothers (although everyone seems to have a favourite) and their stories will take you places that make you want to scream, laugh and cry. These books are 100% “unputdownable”!

*WARNING* These books are not for younger readers as there are dark themes and sexual contexts throughout the series.

If you want any more info on the series or JR Ward herself, you can visit her website here.

I don’t usually break up a series into separate reviews but seeing as it took me a little while to get ‘Eldest’, from the ‘Inheritance Cycle’ by Christopher Paolini, and because they are just that fantastic, I have decided to do separate ones while still trying not to give too much of the story a way.

Like I mentioned in my ‘Eragon’ review, the movie does not do the books justice so if you think that since you watched the movie you can start from ‘Eldest’, you are sorely mistaken. You really need to actually read ‘Eragon’ to understand everything that happens in ‘Eldest’ (and I imagine ‘Brisingr’ will be the same).

‘Eldest’ is the story of Eragon’s journey to becoming the Rider he needs to be, in order to overcome all the struggles that await him and Saphira. In ‘Eldset’, Eragon and Saphira travel to Ellesméra to complete their training with the Elves. While there, Eragon learns what it means to be a Rider and undergoes the necessary transformation in becoming the force that will save Alagaesia from King Galbatorix’s rule.

In addition to Eragon, ‘Eldest’ also follows Roran (Eragon’s cousin). Eragon had left Carvahall to prevent Galbatorix from hurting his people, but Galbatorix needs Roran for information and as bait to draw Eragon to him. Carvahall and all it’s people are in danger, will Roran surrender to save the town or will the town fight the king’s rule?

This book is filled with all kinds of twists, turns and adventures. The details and descriptions of the surroundings and the different characters leave you wishing that Alagaesia existed, even though times in Alagaesia are so tough.

The book is filled with life lessons which get you pondering ‘real’ life and where these things can be applied. I think that the ‘Inheritance Cycle’ is something that everyone who loves a good adventure, should read and own.

Now today I am definitely going to buy myself ‘Brisingr’ because there is no way that I’ll be able to wait until the next ‘Book Club’!

I know that it has taken me a while to read this, but can you blame me after the movie? It wasn’t exactly the most amazing film ever made. Actually, it was pretty boring. The only reason I did decide to read it was because, firstly, I love dragons and, secondly, my book club happened to have them

“Eragon” was the last book out of the three I chose from book club this month and I’m glad I did save it for last because it would have been an excruciating wait until the next meeting, had I read it first!

The book is 100 x better than the movie (as they tend to be) and is filled with magic and adventure. Eragon is a 15 year- old farm boy from a town called Carvahall and when he stumbles upon a sapphire, blue stone while out hunting in the Spine, his life is changed forever. Eragon becomes the first of a New Generation of Dragon Riders.

There are a lot of twists and turns in the story as Eragon is forced to go on a journey in search of revenge and purpose. During his travels he meets an interesting array of characters, good and bad, while he begins to learn about his heritage and what it means to be a Rider.

The story is one of those that captivate you from beginning to end! I mean, who is not enthralled by magical creatures and races, such as Dragons, Dwarves, Elves and even a Werecat?

As you should know by now, for me, a book does not end when I turn the last page – I have to go and find out more – So that led me to Christopher Paolini’s website.

It is there that I found something that completely shocked me. Did you know that Christopher Paolini wrote Eragon when he was 15 years old? If you’ve read the book, or once you’ve read it, you will understand why that is such a shock. It is a book you would have expected to be written by a gentle old man, the kind that likes to tell stories – someone like Brom, in fact – definitely not a 15 year-old child! I mean, to be completely honest, I used a dictionary for some of the words in that book!! Words like ‘conflagration’ (a destructive fire), ‘nigh’ (lit. near) and ‘whinnying’ (a soft neighing sounds made by the horses) to name a few. I know that a lot of that is added in the editing process but I mean, come on! This kid created an entirely new world! It’s just amazing!

So if you love myths and magic, or you’re hungry for something adventurous, this book is definitely for you! Oh and I almost forgot to mention the best part – there are another two books, Eldest and Brisingr, as well as a fourth on the way!!

A few posts ago, I mentioned that I took my friend out book shopping so that she could fulfill her role in book club Well I will definitely say that she made a good choice. That day she bought the first of the “Blue Bloods” Series by Melissa de la Cruz. It took me a while to start reading them (I was waiting for her to be finished with all four before I began because I have, like, zero patience), but on Saturday afternoon I finally decided to start.

I didn’t stop reading until Monday night. I know that is pretty normal for me, because I can get caught up into almost any fictional book, but these were special – different. One of my favourite things about the series is that each book is so well thought out and researched.

So much research goes into building a new world, we see it in all fiction books, but when you are building a world that fits into history and myth, and is so well thought out that it could almost be real… that’s where, for me, it just takes that extra step and becomes memorable within all the other enjoyable, fictional stories.

It’s hard to give a summary because it won’t come out in a way that will sound nearly as appealing and exciting as it is, so I decided that instead of a summary I would just post the awesome anime trailer that is on Melissa’s official website. Just a warning though, the video does have some spoilers but I don’t think it’s too bad, especially if you don’t know what you are looking at, but if you don’t like being spoiled then rather just buy the book and you can watch it after you’ve read all 4 books. Oh and another warning, the 5th one is only expected some time in October

Marian Keyes has done it again with this absolutely charming book about life, love, heart break and happy endings! If you have read any other Marian Keyes book you will understand when I say that she has a way with words that leave you feeling every emotion under the sun. This book is no different,except of course, for the story line – which is very different indeed.

While reading “The Brightest Star in the Sky” you will find yourself laughing out loud, many times. You will find yourself feeling like throwing the book – or some other object nearby – against a wall out of anger or frustration with the characters. You will find yourself crying, and wiping your eyes in an attempt to continue reading, and most of all you’ll find yourself feeling so good, deep down, that you won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face.

“The Brightest Star in the Sky” follows the story of the people living at number 66 Star Street. In one flat you’ll find Jemima and her dog Grudge, awaiting the arrival of her golden boy Fionn. In another you’ll find Katie, the witty, sweet and feisty girl who is turning forty and afraid of what that may mean. IN another you’ll find Matt and Maeve, a couple who seem perfect even though there are secrets and things that are unsaid lurking in every corner. And last but not least, there is Lydia, the crazy and feisty taxi driver, and her two flatmates, Jan and Andrei.

As with ‘real life’, nothing is ever the way it seems and with the arrival of a special “guest” at 66 Star Street, everything begins to unravel. In 61 days, anything can happen!

If you’d like to know more about Marian Keyes, you can visit her website here.

And if you’d like to purchase any of her books you can click on the Kalahari.net link at the top right of the page

So I finally found the soft cover version of “Burned” by PC and Kristin Cast. I have been dying to read it but seeing as my entire collection are soft covers I couldn’t get myself to buy the hardcover version. If you’ve read the ‘House of Night Series’ you’ll understand why I was dying to read it.

Anyhoo… so while we were at Irene Mall of Sunday to watch ‘Eclipse’, I decided to see what their Exclusive Books is like (okay, maybe I didn’t actually decide, per say, it was more like I as drawn in by outside forces…) and I was so happy I did because lying on the ‘Latest Books’ table was one single copy of “Burned” in soft cover J

So I took it home and finished it yesterday evening. It has been a long wait and I definitely think it was worth it. In this newest book in the series, Zoey has to find the strength to put her shattered soul back together before time runs out, otherwise the entire world is in danger. Zoey needs help though, and the only one who can help her is Stark, her Warrior. The only problem is that Stark is still in the real world and the road to the Otherworld is not an easy one!

But this book is not just about Zoey, Stark, or Heath. It’s about Stevie Rae (the first Red Fledgling High Priestess) and her strange imprint with Rephaim, the Raven Mocker, as well as her own battle with Darkness. The Red Fledglings are still wreaking havoc and it’s her responsibility as ‘The Red One’ to help them.

PC and Kristin also take this story to new heights with all the underlying messages about good and evil and how things are not always so clear cut. We are often told that love is what gives us purpose, you know, “Love makes the world go round”, but there are some little messages in this book that elude to the fact that love is not always ‘good’ as we are so often made to believe. Love also does not bring peace and happiness… those are things we find within ourselves, things that are not reliant on anyone else. But anyway… I’m sure everyone get’s their own messages out of the books they read!

This book is filled with all the gooey, fluffy stuff we love as well as enough drama to keep us at the edge of our seats so if you haven’t read it yet – go out and get it! It will definitely be worth it. And if you don’t know what ‘The House of Night Series’ is, go get “Marked”, the first in the series, and find out J

Yeah, I know. It’s another Young Adult Fiction but I can’t help it. It has become a kind of ‘dirty little secret’ addiction for me.

Although, it isn’t really much of a secret nor is it really something I am ashamed of or anything, but still… it’s not something I tell everyone  meet. Anyhoo… this month at book club I decided to borrow this book (along with “Eragon” and “Brightst Star in the Sky” so their reviews are still to come!).

Now, in case you are thinking that this is “just another ‘vampire’ book”, let me start off by telling you that it actually isn’t. Well not in the way you think, in any case.

“Dark Visions” is about psychic powers. The story follows 5 teenagers who are asked to join a “psychic Institute” which would teach them  how to control each of  their individual powers. The main character Kaitlyn, is a lonely girl who is desperate to belong. She has the gift of premonition, but does not know how to use it, as most of the time her drawings don’t make sense to even herself.

Each of the characters has something to offer to the story but one of the most interesting ones, is Gabriel. Gabriel has a dark side and an interesting story which you learn as the book goes along. Obviously, there is a love triangle of sorts (there always has to be a love triangle of sorts…lol) and there is also a bad guy – one that you will hate with a passion. I don’t want to give to much away about where the story goes but it is definitely something a little different from the burst of vampire stuff.

The book cover is a little deceiving – it says, “Not all vampires are out for blood…” And it’s true… but what she is talking about here are psychic vampires. Ones that need life energy… it’s all telepathy and transfer points. It’s a pretty interesting take on things and in my opinion, it is much more believable than actual vampires with their fangs and bloodlust.

One thing that is very much a theme through LJ Smith’s books, that is also present in this book, is this whole fairytale soulmate stuff. If you’ve read “Vampire Diaries” or “Night World” you’ll know what I mean when I say – there are also stars and sparkles in this one. I LJ Smith is definitely one of those serious romantics.

Anyway, if you are into the young adult fiction (dirty little secret or not), this is definitely something you would enjoy!

As I have mentioned before, I am a complete crazy person when it comes to books, so obviously I can’t go through a weekend without reading one. This weekend it was “hush, hush” by Becca Fitzpatrick. I have wanted to read it for a while – well since my friend, Sprucey, recommended it on the forum. I thought it wasn’t out in South Africa yet, but while searching for the newest addition to ‘The House of Night Series, “Burned”, I came across it at CNA.

I started reading it almost immediately once I got home from shopping and battled to put it down for the rest of the weekend. If you enjoy the young adult fiction (such as Twilight, Vampire Academy, House of Night series, etc.), as I do, you will love “hush, hush”.

It is also a story of the supernatural variety, but rather than vampires, we find ourselves inside a world where angels are not just spiritual or religious figures, but are real, and they are not just the good kind either. There are fallen angels, the ones that get stripped of their wings and sent to earth, as well as, the Nephilim, which are the immortal half-angel, half-human race.

The story is about a girl named Nora Grey whose father has died recently and whose mother is struggling to make ends meet. One day, in Biology class, everything changes. The class seating is reshuffled and she ends up seated next to Patch, instead of her best friend, Vee. From their first encounter, you can already tell that there is something completely off about Patch but until the end, you are never entirely sure what that is. Obviously this love story is not simple, but it is definitely intriguing. You will fall in love with Patch – he is the ultimate bad boy and we know that most women cannot resist a bad boy – but there is more to him than that and as we slowly discover what, the story and reasons for his presence in Nora’s life, unfold.

The story is filled with a rich ground work, great characters, and an interesting look into the idea of angels – of the fallen and the guardian variety.

The next book in the series is called “Crescendo” and is due out in October this year

If you want any further information about Becca Fitzpatrick or her books, you can visit her website here.

I don’t want to talk about the stupid cars that can’t drive so I shall avoid that topic and move onto other, much better, things.

I finished “Spirit Bound” by Richelle Mead on Saturday. (In case you are unaware, “Spirit Bound” is the 5th book of the Vampire Academy series and was only just released here in SA).

It was amazing. The love story between Dimitri and Rose is epic. If you’ve read the first four you will understand exactly what I mean when I say that Edward and Bella have such a simple life, in comparison. WOW.

There are still another a book to come – thank God – it will be out in December. It’s called “Last Sacrifice”. I hate waiting for books, but to me, it is so much worse when a series is over. So I can definitely handle the wait. At least there are plenty of other things to keep me occupied…

There is quite a list of books that I still need and/or want to read actually – “Burned”, “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner” , “Beautiful Creatures”, “Hush, Hush”, The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, The Oprah Biography, “Shantaram”, “Spud”…. WOW. There are actually loads because there are also the ones that are still set to release later this year like “Linger”, “Curse of the Werewolf Girl”, The last Vampire Diaries, The last Night World, “Torment”, etc. And let’s not forget all the ones, that I see with the infamous word that gets me every time, in between

Okay, that is just crazy. I never used to be this crazy… but anyway. So I got “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” Soundtrack last week and I am in love. Particularly with “Heavy in Your Arms” by Florence and the Machines.

The entire Soundtrack is great… but that is definitely on my ‘repeat over and over again’ list

There was something else I wanted to mention but now I cannot for the life of me remember what it was…
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Oh yes… HAPPY ‘TUESDAY-THAT-IS-LIKE-A-FRIDAY’ EVERYONE! Enjoy watching the game tomorrow, where ever you are, and GO BAFANA BAFANA!! You can DO IT!!

*blows Vuvuzela extremely loudly over and over again*

Yes, I am on Team Vuvuzela I love them… deal with it!

I admit that since ‘Twilight’, I have developed a fascination with Vampire stories. And not just any type of Vampire stories but rather, the ‘girly’ kind – you know, the ones that somehow revolve around a love story? And both of the above mentioned book series’ by LJ Smith are those kind of stories.

Let’s start with ‘Vampire Diaries’ – if you have watched any episodes of the TV Series, don’t be fooled. It is nothing like it. The entire story, and even some characters, are completely different. When you read the books you’ll realize just how much they’ve changed it to make the series fit into the ‘Twilight’ phenomenon. Although, I will not at all complain about this because without it, there would be no Ian Somerhalder to picture as Damon.

Do you see why this would be a tragedy?

Anyway, this series is different in that, instead of focusing on the average girl (or the really pretty yet geeky girl) in high school, the story focuses on the most popular girl in high school, Elena. She has her usual group of friends (Caroline, Bonnie & Meredith) and their lives consist of boys, school and shopping – yes, they are the incredibly shallow type. That is, until Stephan moves to Fell’s Church.

Elena sees Stephan in the halls and immediately makes it her mission to have him. Stephan, on the other hand, only wants to avoid her because she looks so much like Katherine, his former love and the girl who changed him into , yip,  you guessed it – a Vampire!

The story goes on and eventually we are introduced to Damon (Now, I do suggest watching the TV series first so that you can have the pleasure of Ian Somerhalder as Damon throughout all 7 books!).

Just incase you need another reason

The series is intricate and full of surprises – some weird, some terrible and some pleasant. I won’t give anything away, but I will say that these vampires (and other supernatural creatures) are not ‘fluffy’ (like those of the Twilight world) and the story does have it’s fair share of thriller and horror, but all-in-all, it is still a love story

Okay, *sniff* I shall move away from Damon/Ian, and all his deliciousness, and move on to the second series of books by LJ Smith – “Night World”.

“Night Word” is another series that focuses on the supernatural but it is entirely different to what we are expecting. Each book contains 3 stories which all intertwine, but are very different. The stories are all centralized around ‘The Soulmate Principle’ and although that may sound cheesy, there is a bigger picture.

These books are about ‘The Night World’ which is a world amoung our own, in which only ‘Night People’ (Vampires -made & born, witches, werewolves, shapeshifters, etc.) know about. There are two basic rules that each Night Person must follow – they cannot tell any humans about the Night World and they cannot fall in love with a human. Breaking any of these rules is a death sentence.

But there is a new generation of ‘Night People’ emerging and they no longer want to be entrapped by these rules… they do not agree with the predjudices of their world.

I have only read the first 3 books and I am hooked. LJ Smith definitely has a talent of completely engulfing you into any supernatural world she sees fit.

I definitely recommend both of these series’ to anyone who has a soft spot for love stories of the supernatural variety!

If you want to find out more about LJ Smith, you can visit her website here.

PS:

This is helping me beat the Monday Blues