Thumbs down - I still can't stand Meghan. I hate reading books when two awesome males are in love with a sucky chick (see Twilight). The book is also...moreThumbs down - I still can't stand Meghan. I hate reading books when two awesome males are in love with a sucky chick (see Twilight). The book is also predictable and at times very cheesy.
Thumbs up! - I actually cried a bit in the end. This one scene was very sad, I suppose it's my love of anything horse. I still adore Puck and I wish just once the Underdog would come out on top. What happened to the ages where the heroine realized that her true love WAS her best friend! Ash is amazing and brooding and everything I usually love in a male, but it's Puck who gets that silly smile on my face.
I'll read the next book in February, if only to see what happens with 'Charles'. (less)
I loved reading the Interview's, survey's, and Ward breaking down each book into what she loved and didn't love.
I read most of the deleted scenes (wit...moreI loved reading the Interview's, survey's, and Ward breaking down each book into what she loved and didn't love.
I read most of the deleted scenes (with the exception of Phury's).
I loved Nalla's story.
I skipped the 'how to get published section. I skipped the letter and section that showed what she submitted to publishers...
Overall I'm glad I have it, and I'm glad I read it.(less)
I thought it was excellent. John Matthew and Xhex were awesome. Ward spent so much time building Xhex up over the course of the book that I felt that...moreI thought it was excellent. John Matthew and Xhex were awesome. Ward spent so much time building Xhex up over the course of the book that I felt that we had two well rounded characters. Normally I feel like the brothers histories and personalities are more extensive then their shellan's. Not in this book, we've known Xhex almost since the beginning.
I adore Tohr, and I thought it was beautiful how the book drew out his relationship with John.
Most important of all, Blay and Qhuinn, my favorite story. They broke my heart. All those missed signals, and Qhuinn not just taking what he wanted. Every time I ended one of their scenes I had to put the book down because it was just too emotional. I hope that Blay and Qhuinn will find their way to each other, or I should say that I hope Qhuinn finds his way to Blay because I'm not sure how much more of this heartbreak I can take.
Man, this series is just so absolutely cheesy. But in such a goooooooood way.
I was really nervous that I would have a hard time liking Rehvenge. On on...moreMan, this series is just so absolutely cheesy. But in such a goooooooood way.
I was really nervous that I would have a hard time liking Rehvenge. On one hand, he's got the mini-Mohawk and amethyst eyes... his hair is jet black. Yeah, yum, sounds great. But then he's in a Sable fur coat with a cane, and he's a pimp and drug lord.
But they have an explanation for that. There is a reason for these things, and it isn't a fashion statement. This reason made it acceptable to me and now I think it's hot.
Once I was acclimated to the clothes, I went fast. I'm a sucker for the tortured, brooding, miscreant with the heart of gold. It is no surprise that my other favorites were Zsadist, Rhage, and Vishous. Rhev tugged on all the right heartstrings. He was incredible. Ehlena was a bit dry for me, but unfortunately most of the girls in this series are. Ward herself admits that she puts such an emphasis on the brothers that the girls don't tend to be as well rounded.
Actually, Xhex is the exception to that. She's developed beautifully over the course of these books. I feel as invested in her as I do about any of the brothers. I love that her and John have been drawn out, it makes me that much more excited to start Lover Mine tomorrow.
On another note, I really like Trez and iAm. I'm hoping that if Ward continues they will get stories of their own.(less)
This book was probably my least favorite. If it weren't for Qhuinn, Blay and John this book would only have 3 stars.
I could have read about them all b...moreThis book was probably my least favorite. If it weren't for Qhuinn, Blay and John this book would only have 3 stars.
At first thought I hated the fate that Jane and V were given. At the same time, the more I think about it the more I find it...more**spoiler alert** Wow...
At first thought I hated the fate that Jane and V were given. At the same time, the more I think about it the more I find it perfect.
If Jane and V had just found each other and fallen in love, if V could just give up being Primale and live happily ever after with Jane, then what transpired between him and the Scribe Virgin would never have happened. And that relationship was the heart of this book.
Vishious hated his father (of course), and when he found out who his mother was he hated her too. He believed that she was cold. He hated her for her apparent abandonment of him as a baby. He refused to think of her as his mother.
The Scribe Virgin's sacrifice for her son made this book for me. She gave up what she loved in order to give her son back his. V realizing that The Scribe Virgin had given up her birds as the balance to bring Jane back was beautiful. When V came back with the parakeet and swore to the Chosen that he would refill her tree, and that she should know it was from her son. I cried. He knew that she loved him, and it was his way of acknowledging it.
Honestly, if Jane's death and becoming a ghost hadn't been for such a beautiful ending between a mother and her son I would have hated it. But those last moments made everything else worth it.
While Zsadist is still my absolute favorite brother, I think that this was my favorite book.
(I will admit that I would have liked it better if The Scribe Virgin's sacrifice had given Jane back her life, not as a ghost but as a woman. That would be my only complaint.)(less)
Butch is the brother that sneaks up on you. You don't realize how much you're going to love him until you read his book. Then you'...more*3rd reread 2/27/12*
Butch is the brother that sneaks up on you. You don't realize how much you're going to love him until you read his book. Then you're a goner.
*2nd Read 2/24/11* I just reread this for the second time and upped it to five stars.
I feel like Ward has done such an amazing job of making these brothers so unique and special. The way V says 'true' and Butch calls Marissa 'baby'. They all have their own characteristics and that's why they feel so real when you read them.
The second time reading I still cried when Butch told Marissa what happened with his family. It was such an emotionally charged scene.
I just love Butch, whether it's an emotional scene with V or Marissa he's just such a realistic character. From his chipped tooth to his gravely voice everything about him just feels so honest.
*1st Read 12/1/10*
This one was good. It wasn't Zsadist good, it wasn't even Rhage good, but it was up there.
I liked Butch and he even made my eyes water once. Marissa is okay, it was nice seeing her get strong. The biggest draw for in this book was the insight we got into Viscious, and into Butch and V's friendship. He made my stomach flip over and my heart pound. He also made my heart break a little bit as you near the end. It made me eager to read Lover Unbound, which I started last night.
THis book is more than those 4 lines. I've read this now for the 3rd time, and every time I pick it up it just...moreUm, that review down there SUCKS, lmao.
THis book is more than those 4 lines. I've read this now for the 3rd time, and every time I pick it up it just consumes me like very few books have before. I don't sleep well when reading this book, I can't conecntrate... all I want is to read more about Rhage and Mary. Every scene between them just... there are no words to that can express it.
From the moment he finds her in the training facility, to Mary rubbing ice cream on his burns, to the cherry stem... Rhage held the moon in his palm! I mean, this is one incredible book. Worth more then these words. I guess this is just one of those books that I just can't review well, because nothing seems good enough.
The only Romance novel that holds a spot in my soul.
*First read 1/20/2011+
There is a chance that I will lower this a star after a few days, but right now I'm enthralled.
I wish that I could reach into the book and bring Rhage out into my world. He is DEFINITELY a man of worth!!!!! (Nov 27th, 2010)
UPDATE - Read this a second time and STILL loved it. (Jan 20, 2011)(less)
Wow! I read this almost a year to the date! I didn't even realise it had been a year since I last read this book.
Pretty much my original review still...moreWow! I read this almost a year to the date! I didn't even realise it had been a year since I last read this book.
Pretty much my original review still stands.
I just want to add that you know, time goes on. You read more brothers, and you create new connections (for me it's Qhuinn) and it's easy to get caught up in the heat of the other books. But here's the thing, I love Z-as I said in my second reread. There's something about him that is just so touching. He gets under your skin. From the first time I picked up Wrath's book I knew there was going to be more to this Male, and I was totally not let down at all.
Zsadist is a contradiction. He's an agressive Male, you expect him to be harsh and rough, but when he finally finds a way to touch Bella it's only with tenderness and reverence. His anger and his hatred for everything just stands to make his sweetness so much better.
"I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came... and I was awakened."
Is there anything more to say?
*Second Read 2/14/2011*
Update, I love Zsadist.
*First read 10/28/2010*
oh my god... I feel like I'm a drug addict and the brothers are my fix. I'm not sure if I should thank the people who conviced me to read this series or curse their name.
I can't believe how fast I'm flying through these. I want to be in a Rhage Zsadist sandwich. They were my two favorites from Dark Lover and their stories did not let me down in the least.
The only downside is I don't want it to be over. I want to read more about these specific brothers. The problem is that the theme seems to be that the brothers are all over the books up until their story happens and then they're barely in it... it's not fair. I'm going to go through Rhage/Z withdraws. (less)
It was okay. I'm going to continue reading the series, but I'm glad it's on my Kindle and not taking up space on my house bookshelf.
The best part abou...moreIt was okay. I'm going to continue reading the series, but I'm glad it's on my Kindle and not taking up space on my house bookshelf.
The best part about this book was/is Puck. Ash is sweet but Puck really gets me. He's mischievious and playful but sweet and protective.
The worst part about this book was/is Meghan. She's unbelievably self-absorbed. **Spoiler coming** Puck is her best friend, the only person she's felt comfortable around, but when he gets turned into a Raven and held in a cage because he helped her come to Nevernever Meghan just basically shrugs and moves on. When he tosses her into Grims tree she is angry because she thinks he abandoned her, not that he was trying to save her. Or when Ash goes with her to the Iron Kingdom and his life is draining away, Meghan gets worried that he'll 'die and leave her all alone'. I mean, she's almost impossible to like. It feels reminiscent of Bella Swan.
I just hope as this progresses she wises up and stops acting like a self-centered child.(less)
This was one intense book. The whole book is written over a 200+ mile walk. Anyone who drops below 4 miles per hour gets 3 warnings. The fourth time t...moreThis was one intense book. The whole book is written over a 200+ mile walk. Anyone who drops below 4 miles per hour gets 3 warnings. The fourth time they drop below they are gunned down, 'given a ticket'.
I'll admit it was very hard to read about boys younger then 18 who sign up to do this. It wasn't Hunger Games. They weren't forced by some evil man. These boys chose to do this walk because of the prize at the end, (Any thing they want in the world, plus tons of money).
The longer they walk the deeper the conversations get. Friendships are forged, and because there can only be one winner, they are lost.
The bottom line: would I read it again? Probably not. But not because it wasn't really good, but because it was so desolate that reading it leaves you in the depths of despair.(less)
The whole story is told through a letter to her kidnapper, Ty. The narrater's name is never revealed....more**spoiler alert** This book was very compelling.
The whole story is told through a letter to her kidnapper, Ty. The narrater's name is never revealed. She is just 'I'. She retells the whole abduction and her feelings. It isn't one sided, it is blunt and honest. She reveals the scary parts of her time with Ty, and she tells the tender parts.
As a reader you feel as she feels. You hate him, you want her to get away. However, the more the story progresses the more you care about Ty. The less you want something bad to happen to him.
By the end of the book you are convinced that you have Stockholm Syndrome along with the girl. You love him.
In the end I was sad. While I understood the realism of the ending, and knew that wanting something different was wrong, I couldn't help myself. I loved Ty and I wanted a happy end for him.
Third read through and still feel as strongly about this book as I did the first time I read it. The writing is breathtaking.
This is one reader who willingly gives up her hard earned money for anything this author writes. Genius.
SECOND READ 11/2/2011 -
3 Amazing aspects of Finnikin
I've always seemed to have a powerful reaction to story archs that contain strong loving fathers. I really love reading stories about amazing dads. Trevanian is an amazing dad. The intensity of his love for Finnikin was enviable. I wish I had a father like this.
The fact that Finnikin struggled with the realization that Evanjalin was always just one step ahead. She outthought him at every turn. Talk about a book with a strong heroine.
Lastly, I touched on it already but Froi was the perfect balance of wild but vulnerable. His actions in the beginning and his growth throughout the book was beautiful. Rereading this again was perfect, because it really reminded me of how much I loved Froi, and made me really excited to read the next book.
Gimme more Froi!
FIRST READ 11/1/2010 - 11/2/2010 This book caused me to clutch it to my chest when I finished it. I had a hard time breathing and I had a huge smile on my face.
Finnikin was frustrating and wonderful. Evanjalin was obstinate and strong. All of the supporting characters added perfect nuances. I adored Froi, the chapters from his perspective tugged on my heart. I ached for him.
I started and enjoyed it, but the more I read the more I could feel my adrenaline pounding.
Absolutely wonderful! I loved this! I want to read it all over again immediately.(less)
I don't even know where to start with this book...
It is jumbled in the beginning, alot of information, but almost instant...moreFirst read completed 11-24-10
I don't even know where to start with this book...
It is jumbled in the beginning, alot of information, but almost instantly I empathised with Taylor. Every chapter made me feel a strong emotion and I cried the first time half way through, then again multiple times until the end.
The pain that all these characters are in, either past or present, hits you. It wasn't depressing by any means, what it was was heartrending and poignant.
I will definitely be pressuring everyone I know to read this book and I have absolutely no qualms about putting this in my favorite's list.
The only warning I have is not to finish this book before you go to sleep at night. I was so emotionally attached that I barely got any sleep. Every time something woke me up all I could see, think and feel was Taylor, Jonah, Narnie, Webb, Fitz, Tate, and Jude.
Jellicoe Road = AMAZING!
--Reread Update--
Reading this for a second time only enhanced the experience. Because you know things that were a mystery the first time, you were able to pick up more of the subtle clues that you maybe didn't put together the first time.
Jellicoe Road is up there, tied with Outlander for my favorite book ever. Please, please, read this book!(less)
Okay, so I've read this book 2 1/2 times now, so I suppose that I have to say that that pretty much disproves my ori...moreReread to prepare for Lover Reborn
Okay, so I've read this book 2 1/2 times now, so I suppose that I have to say that that pretty much disproves my original review of this book below.
While I still don't necessarily like Wrath's look, I've since discovered Jason Momoa and fallen in love! So I now not only picture him as Wrath, I now have a new appreciation for that long haired masculine look.
I also still thought parts of it were cheesy. I mean, it follows the same outline most PNR's do. Badass man meets strong woman, fall in love but fights it, asks her to marry him, kidnapping, big battle, reconcile, I love you, then end.
BUT, the Brothers are amazing and this book really sets the ground work for the best PNR or Romance novel that I've ever read. Plus, it has some of the best most funny lines ever.
I'm actually taking it up one star this time, because I'm finding that I like it more then I thought.
*First read 11/19/2010*
This book started off pretty cheesy, and I didn't think the description of Wrath was hot at all. I'm not big for the long black hair, with widow's peak. Then he was huge and his jaw was firm, add the 'cigarello' and it just didn't do it for me. However about half way through it hit its stride and I couldn't put it down.
I already ordered the 6 box set of this series and I'm eager to read about Rhage, as he was one of my favorite brothers in the first one.
I'll recommend it... but only to those who I think will appreciate this type of urban fantasy/romance.(less)
I actually liked this one less then the first. Maybe it was because I read it right after finishing Mockingjay, but it just felt flat. The only charac...moreI actually liked this one less then the first. Maybe it was because I read it right after finishing Mockingjay, but it just felt flat. The only character I liked in the first was Cam and he was barely in this one. The ending was surprising, I'll be interested in seeing how it plays out.(less)
**spoiler alert** I thought it was really good. I loved the introduction of Cole, he was definitely my favorite character so far (in this series). The...more**spoiler alert** I thought it was really good. I loved the introduction of Cole, he was definitely my favorite character so far (in this series). The only thing that I felt was redundant and silly was Grace shifting in the end. After everything we went through with Sam in Shiver it just seemed way too obvious. (less)
These books are so good... and so horrifying. The things that happens to these characters, and you spend the whole time going they're ALL 15 or younge...moreThese books are so good... and so horrifying. The things that happens to these characters, and you spend the whole time going they're ALL 15 or younger. It's absolutely awful, and at the same time watching them try to survive is also amazing. I have been recommending these to everyone I can.(less)
I'm marking this as 'it was okay' because while I loathed and despised the book itself, I recognized that it is truly a good book. I found the whole t...moreI'm marking this as 'it was okay' because while I loathed and despised the book itself, I recognized that it is truly a good book. I found the whole thing to be beyond depressing, and while I've read other sad books they also had moments that felt good. This works to make me not only care about the characters, but to feel the pain more acutely. There was nothing but misery in the book, culminating in bigger misery. The only true happiness happened on literally the very last page.
Update - I dropped this down to one star. I hated it. I do still recognize that the story was well written, however the rest still stands. However, as time passed I realized that I wish I hadn't read it. So, I had to be honest with myself. I hated it.(less)
**spoiler alert** I about crapped my pants at the end of this book! (Yes I said crapped my pants!) This series is definitely a must read and, dependin...more**spoiler alert** I about crapped my pants at the end of this book! (Yes I said crapped my pants!) This series is definitely a must read and, depending on how Mockingjay ends, may just end up in my favorites shelf!
To think that the whole time they were only keeping Peeta alive because they knew that Katniss would just give up if anything happened to him. Finding out that they were all fighting for the good of the revolution.
This series took me right into the story. By the end I was sobbing. It will definitely be moved into my favorites shelf, and I'll definitely be readin...moreThis series took me right into the story. By the end I was sobbing. It will definitely be moved into my favorites shelf, and I'll definitely be reading it over and over.
I thought this book was good! All secrets were revealed, and they even left a story open for the next three books.
Still not a favorite, and it's possi...moreI thought this book was good! All secrets were revealed, and they even left a story open for the next three books.
Still not a favorite, and it's possible that as I sit on it they may move down a star but I definitely couldn't stop reading them. At the end of the book I was caught up and breathing hard...
I'll pass it on to others who might like YA.(less)
**spoiler alert** This book was better then the first, except for one thing... I want Clary and Jace to find out they are not brother and sister! I wa...more**spoiler alert** This book was better then the first, except for one thing... I want Clary and Jace to find out they are not brother and sister! I was hoping that they would find out in this book so that as I read City of Glass I get to read about how things play out with them actually in a relationship!
BUT, other then that one gripe it was fun and action packed. The characters are intriguing and as I've said in other reviews... if a book can make me cry then it gets one extra star... well I cried! So in this case it got one extra star but I was irked about Clary and Jace so then it lost a star. It's on punishment...
Oh, and I read another review of this series and the reviewer questioned why everything smelled, tasted and sounded like metal... it is so true! Everything is coppery, silver, gun metal, or just plain ole metal. It's very funny.
Bottom Line: Fun fast read, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely worth passing on to others, but not hitting that Favorite shelf...(less)
It was slow to get started but by halfway I was hooked. I just finished it and I'm sitting here with a smile on my face. AND I kinda already knew the...moreIt was slow to get started but by halfway I was hooked. I just finished it and I'm sitting here with a smile on my face. AND I kinda already knew the end.
Absolutely loved it! Big surprise. It was amazing, Katniss was strong and smart, and sometimes she was frustrating. Peeta was brave but not macho, and...moreAbsolutely loved it! Big surprise. It was amazing, Katniss was strong and smart, and sometimes she was frustrating. Peeta was brave but not macho, and he was romantic... I can't wait to start Catching Fire.(less)
Loading...
