A visual or graphic representative of great books even if you have lost interest in the book...a great treat i tell you. Presenting House of Night: L...moreA visual or graphic representative of great books even if you have lost interest in the book...a great treat i tell you. Presenting House of Night: Legacy (House of Night: The Graphic Novel #1) by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast, Kent Dalian, Joëlle Jones, Karl Kerschl.
Here is the summary of the book:
Until recently, Zoey Redbird was an average high-school student worrying about grades, boys, and breakouts. But priorities have a way of changing when you're Marked as a vampyre, enroll in the vampyre academy House of Night, and have to figure out a whole new social hierarchy, affinities for elemental magic, and physiological changes that make you crave blood Based on the international bestselling series of novels by mother/daughter duo P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, House of Night: Legacy follows Zoey and her group of devoted friends as they turn to The Fledgling Handbook, a historical vampyre tome, in hopes of better understanding this big, new world of vampyrism.
Before I begin I would like to mention that when House of Night series began I absolutely loved it. It had a new concept, it presented vampires very differently than was known. But my interest began to wane around the fourth book as the quality of the story began to decline so much so that it felt like I was reading an amateur fiction not a well published book but this graphic novel puts a new spin to things. I'm particularly partial to graphic novels and read them even if they are on books and series I don't like anymore.
So here goes my views on this. It was marvelous. It was totally amazing. The artwork was just to the point. The artists have given each and every character the perfect sketch. Zoey and her friends turn to the fledgling handbook, the historical vampyre tome to better understand why Goddess Nyxmarked Zoey to lead. Divided into five sections: Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Spirit, the book through them gives us a glimpse of the history of the House of Night following the lives of famous and well known vampyres. A definite new spin to all things House of Night.
The graphic novel is actually much more better written and sketched than anything from the series. Every story served to teach Zoey an important life lesson on her way to better understand Nyx's choices but yes coming from someone who has long since left the series (ME)....it was a good read.
"A much better edition to the otherwise gone stale House of Night series"
A sense of belonging in life, that is what we all want most of all. Presenting Dark Companion by Marta Acosta.
Here is the summary of the book:
Orphane...moreA sense of belonging in life, that is what we all want most of all. Presenting Dark Companion by Marta Acosta.
Here is the summary of the book:
Orphaned at the age of six, Jane Williams has grown up in a series of foster homes, learning to survive in the shadows of life. Through hard work and determination, she manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy. There, for the first time, Jane finds herself accepted by a group of friends. She even starts tutoring the headmistress’s gorgeous son, Lucien. Things seem too good to be true. They are. The more she learns about Birch Grove’s recent past, the more Jane comes to suspect that there is something sinister going on. Why did the wife of a popular teacher kill herself? What happened to the former scholarship student, whose place Jane took? Why does Lucien’s brother, Jack, seem to dislike her so much? As Jane begins to piece together the answers to the puzzle, she must find out why she was brought to Birch Grove—and what she would risk to stay there….
A sense of belonging, family, sensibility and love. A luxury that is not affordable to many. It is this need for a sense of family that pushes many to do things that are not really good or not bad in the sense. It is on this desire for a family that Dark Companion is based on.
Getting a full scholarship from the elite all girls school Birch Grove Academy, our protagonist Jane William seizes this opportunity for a second chance at life away for the violet slum areas of Helmsdale where she had lived her entire life. For the first time Jane feels accepted by a group of friends. That's not all...she goes and falls for the boys who live near. Life seems good for JW, she has a good life at school, she is living in a cottage and tutoring the headmistress' son Lucien...but it does not remain so, there is a reason Jane is brought to the academy....there is a reason she is there and it is more sinister and dark than anyone ever thought of.
Going onto a deeper level than just the paranormal Gothic feel, its about family, chance at a second life. An 'ok' in my books. I definitely like Jane and Jake's character. Jane because she is a strong yet vulnerable character. Strong in the sense that despite her abysmal background she works hard to overcome her current life and go on to a new & better one. But vulnerable too..because she is alone and the promise of family draws in. I like Jake because one he is a good person, two he is dashing and three, he has Jane's best interest at heart and it is clear enough that he loves her. I definitely like Jane's friends though....
But the only character that I didn't like...well its a given....Lucien "Lucky" Radcliffe, Jake's younger brother. While he sounds very likable at first but little by little all the layers to him are peeled off and the darkness in unveiled. He is one of those guys, who are the unattainable - playboy sorts, using girls here and there but never belonging to anyone. Throughout the better half of the book, I was disgusted at Jane for succumbing to his charms and dancing to the 'Lucky' tune.
With a simple and easy to follow narrative, Dark Companion is a fast read. Marta Acosta did a wonderful job, with layering out all the characters and all their dark like layers to be peeled off as we readers proceed. You will definitely feel sick at all the things these people, the "family" can do to achieve what they want. A good read!
"Dark Companion, instills in us in its own dark ways, the sense of family & belonging...and how some of us are much more lucky at it than others"
Presenting The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #6 The Compelled.
Here is the summary of the book:
The story arc of Stefan's Diaries continues in this...morePresenting The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #6 The Compelled.
Here is the summary of the book:
The story arc of Stefan's Diaries continues in this sixth installment. Control or be controlled . . .Stefan and Damon thought they knew evil. But nothing compares to Samuel, the ruthless vampire hell-bent on avenging Katherine's death by destroying the Salvatore brothers. Reeling from Samuel's latest attack, Stefan and Damon find help in the most unlikely of places—a secret coven of witches. Together they discover Samuel's plan is more sinister than they ever could have imagined. Their only hope is to stop him before he secures the power to control humans and vampires alike. If they fail, not only Stefan and Damon but all of London will fall victim to Samuel's spell.
Again beginning right after the previous one ended, the compelled takes the story in a whole new tangent. One brother...only one more to go. Henry is dead, Damon is taken by Samuel and Stefan and Cora are at their wits' end not knowing what to do next. Things are difficult but truths are revealed about why the heck is Samuel turning the streets of London into a blood-bath with all the skewered murders he had committed of girls and since vampires are subtle about the way they drink blood from live victims, by just puncturing two holes not scream bloody murder and pull out all their body parts....so that's a little thing that is suspicious in there.
But Stefan, Damon and Cora get help from an unlikely source, a secret witch coven. Together they hope to stop Samuel in this war path and prevent both Humans and Vampires alike from being controlled....or compelled more like....
Both line I think this is supposed to be the final book.....maybe they'll extend it....i don't know yet but if they i'll definitely read it even I like this book less than the previous one. Only the plus side Elijah was mentioned in here so it was totally awesome.....The action scenes were very well done and the dynamic relationship between Stefan and Damon were the core of the book.
The cover isn't really that amazing (sorry I really don't like it) but don't let it fool you, this next installment in the series is as intense if not...moreThe cover isn't really that amazing (sorry I really don't like it) but don't let it fool you, this next installment in the series is as intense if not much more than the first one. Presenting The Clann #2 Covet by Melissa Darnell.
Here is the summary of the book:
Dangerous to be together. Painful to be apart.Savannah Colbert knows she broke up with Tristan Coleman for the right reasons. Most of all, to keep from killing him with her new vampire abilities. But try telling her heart. Now, lost in a sea of hostile Clann faces, Sav tries to come to terms with what she's becoming and what that means for her future. And that someone is doing their best to bully her into making a terrible mistake. Tristan can't believe Sav won't even talk to him. If being apart is her decision, fine. Just don't expect him to honor it. But even as he prepares to fight for the girl he loves, forces beyond their control take them both in directions neither could have foreseen or prepared for. A reckoning is coming…and not everyone will survive.
Crave ended with disastrous consequences, Covet proves the aftermath of those consequences. In Crave, Savannah comes into her vampire side struggling with all the changes taking place in her body. She suffers from all sorts of feeling throughout. But she remains strong and fast and in her love for Tristan. Never once does she give up on her belief over Tristan and nor does he.
Covet follows the action and the consequences of Crave, Savannah and Tristan may have broken up but Tristan still holds on. As sweet and intense as ever Tristan, does every thing he can to rekindle what he and Sav had (not that it was lost). But it is rather fun to see the transformation that had taken place in Savannah.
In Crave, Tristan is the one protecting Savannah but in Covet it is Sav who grows stronger and does all she can to keep the people around her safe. But it is not enough anymore there is an inter-racial war game going on and the peace treaty between the Clann and the Council may well be on a dangerous ground. Much more than Savannah and Tristan is on the line here. Melissa Darnell produces this perfect! perfect! book. There is nothing in here that can in any way prove that this can in any way prove that this is just a mere second book in the Clann series (i'm willing to overlook that horrendous cover). What I really loved about Covet apart from the author's excellent penmanship is the fact that she fleshes out her characters more. The development in the relationship between Savannah and her dad is also a major point in her book. Savannah really proves her worth in Covet, staying strong and inspiring. This book had enough action and drama that it kept me anchored throughout till the end....and OMG! that cliffhanger-ish ending....I WANT 'CONSUME' NOW NOT IN 2013!
"Amazingly fantastic - Covet takes the story up another level keeping us anchored in a world where witches and vampires are treading war again"
Presenting The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #3 The Asylum.
Here is the summary of the book:
The hunters become the hunted. . . .Driven from their...morePresenting The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #3 The Asylum.
Here is the summary of the book:
The hunters become the hunted. . . .Driven from their hometown of Mystic Falls, both Stefan Salvatore and his brother, Damon, arrived in Europe looking for a fresh start. But Samuel, a wealthy and cunning vampire, has other plans for them. First he ruined Stefan’s peaceful existence and now he’s framing Damon for the most gruesome murders London has ever seen. United against their common enemy, Stefan and Damon are stunned when they realize that the source of Samuel’s rage lies in their past—tied up with the woman who forever changed their lives. Haunted by the memory of Katherine, the brothers find that their uneasy alliance is tested. Can they overcome their rivalry to defeat Samuel before he exacts his final revenge? Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan’s Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.
Starts right after The Ripper ends, the Salvatores with Cora are fervently seeking out Samuel to get Damon cleared of being accused of being Jack The Ripper and disrupted Stefan's peaceful life. As they stand united against a common enemy - the hunters being the hunted - they are shocked to know that the reason of Samuel's hatred towards them lies in their past and tied to one woman who changed them all, Katherine. Haunted and tested the boys turn to all sorts of lows to get their revenge from Samuel but every time he outsmarts them.
Titled the Asylum, in this chapter of Stefan's Diaries we find the Asylum to be the center piece of the narrative. The brothers finds out that Samuel and his brother Henry are big benefactors of this asylum which houses wayward girls and bring them on the right track.....but things are far worse than they seem to be. And what of Violet now....she is definitely not a human anymore, very much a vampire that may actually not even hesitate to drink from her own sister.....how can they save her....One thing is for certain though they need a colossal effort and strategy if....yes IF they want to achieve anything.
The Asylum, sees the Salvatores paired up together against Samuel and Henry, try to get Violet back and exact their revenge. But its not always easy. Stefan is careful while Damon is impulsive and with such big differences it is always hard to get along with the other. On the whole like the previous parts this is also a very fast and an easy read, and there is lots of action in here. And you actually need to keep it in mind that this is a spin-off of the tv series whenever some sort of errors come up but needless to say I find the Stefan's diaries actually a much better read than the original vampire diaries books, as this is much closer to the tv series.
Its an upcoming movie and its about the the secret life and otherwise unknown life of President Lincoln. Presenting my views of Abraham Lincoln: Vamp...moreIts an upcoming movie and its about the the secret life and otherwise unknown life of President Lincoln. Presenting my views of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith.
Here is the summary of the book:
Indiana, 1818. Moonlight falls through the dense woods that surround a one-room cabin, where a nine-year-old Abraham Lincoln kneels at his suffering mother's bedside. She's been stricken with something the old-timers call "Milk Sickness." "My baby boy..." she whispers before dying. Only later will the grieving Abe learn that his mother's fatal affliction was actually the work of a vampire. When the truth becomes known to young Lincoln, he writes in his journal, "henceforth my life shall be one of rigorous study and devotion. I shall become a master of mind and body. And this mastery shall have but one purpose..." Gifted with his legendary height, strength, and skill with an ax, Abe sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House. While Abraham Lincoln is widely lauded for saving a Union and freeing millions of slaves, his valiant fight against the forces of the undead has remained in the shadows for hundreds of years. That is, until Seth Grahame-Smith stumbled upon The Secret Journal of Abraham Lincoln, and became the first living person to lay eyes on it in more than 140 years. Using the journal as his guide and writing in the grand biographical style of Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough, Seth has reconstructed the true life story of our greatest president for the first time-all while revealing the hidden history behind the Civil War and uncovering the role vampires played in the birth, growth, and near-death of our nation.
So I first heard of it when the movie trailer released, then found out that it was based on a book...well the trailer looked promising enough so I got it ordered from book depository and viola, I absolutely loved it... This is a review from a non-American and completely book based point of view (since I hate politics, so this review again will be politics free, even if the protagonist is one of the greatest leaders of the world). It was one hell of a ride though.
This is how it goes like - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter fashioned as an auto-biography complete with excerpts and pictures tells the story of President Lincoln before he enters the political arena and till his assassination. Meaning this story is fashioned behind the supposed secret diaries of Abe Lincoln which states that honest Abe hunted vampires with a burning vengeance and also the fact that the creatures of the night played a much bigger role in the civil war than what is originally known.
The book begins in present day with the author unhappy with his mundane life and then this stranger, Henry who is a regular of his store seeing something in him, drops off a package saying to tread with caution and maybe turn it into a tale worthy of the ages. And this is how the story begins. From infancy, to his first kill, to his first encounter with a vampire, his mother's death, meeting Henry, taking up the axe, hunting the vampires, entering the political life, to meeting his wife and playing a great role in the civil war. This book touches every facts and facets of honest Abe's life otherwise known or shall I say unknown with a grain of truth. For even if vampires play a great role in here, it simply cannot be denied that the book has all the historical facts right. (so you may have noticed by now i'm not following the usual pattern of review writing because simply this is an autobiography(like) and i'm not good with dates)
Abe here is of course the protagonist. He is strong-willed, virtuous, and hates the fang bearers for what they took from him. He wields that axe of his over the heads of the vampires like a samurai wields their sword. Seth Grahame-Smith had wonderfully placed all the characteristics of Mr. Lincoln rather well. Henry is the other prominent character here. He plays the unbidden role of the supporter and teaches all there is about vampire hunting to Abe. A calm and collected person (or vampire), Henry can turn very well vicious in the face of a battle.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire hunter, proves a twist in a major part of American history with the much appreciated (from me!) inclusion of vampires. While many may not agree with what is being done here but they shouldn't be taking this seriously, this is purely a work of fiction and just a form of entertainment.
And the best part is the way the vampires are depicted here (that GOD no sparkly business). The action is also very palpable and hair raising with anticipation whenever Abe is on the hunt for vampires. From the most part I'm definitely excited for the movie now and know what to except.
"An interesting turn to the American history - Hair-raising vampire killing action"
I blame circumstances for making me wait to read this beauty....but goodness me it was worth the wait. Presenting The Mortal Instruments #5 City of L...moreI blame circumstances for making me wait to read this beauty....but goodness me it was worth the wait. Presenting The Mortal Instruments #5 City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare.
Here is the summary of the book:
The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.Can the lost be reclaimed? What price is too high to pay for love? Who can be trusted when sin and salvation collide? Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.
The book begins just where City of Fallen Angels ended. Jace is still connected to Sebastian and all Clary had done had been for naught. But hope is still there that somewhere inside the new Jace the old Jace still lives and Clary will do all she can to get him back even if it means breaking the Clave rules. It is now upto Clary to get to Jace and Sebastian before it is too late....and for Team Good find out a way to severe the unholy connection before it is too late.....because a war is coming upon Raziel's children....a war they simply cannot loose.
My first thoughts after finishing this book was....."OMG! TOTAL AWESOMENESS" and "THANK GOD THIS DOES NOT END IN A CLIFFHANGER". To tell the truth including the gorgeous cover I definitely liked this book better than City of Fallen Angels. That book felt like a bridge between the first three and this where slowly things are getting unveiled and the true stakes are realized.
The characters are as strong as ever. Jace and Clary remain to be the best characters of the lot and it is strange to see the difference in Jace from strong and quick witted one to this someone who follows Sebastian without question. And while his love for Clary still remains the same it is still rather jarrimg to see this all played out. Clary on the other hand is as determined as ever to see her Jace back and literally goes to the end of the world to do just that(now that is devotion). While Simon, Maia, Jordan, Izzy, Alec and Magus, while secondary characters, deal with problems of their own all the while trying with all their might to prevent apocalypse.
But the most gruesome part? is Sebastian who is point to be noted a great villain (don't flame me its just an observation.....a certain Tom Riddle still occupies the position of the greatest villain)....he is convincing, rather very persuasive and very ruthless. MY GOD!! Ms. Clare sure has some great characters here and maintains the same while positing her chapters with the changes in perspective. Now after finishing this goodness.....I so want to get my hands on the next book and I definitely can't wait to get it (also so excited to see how the movie will come out as!)
"Intense, aggresive and passionate...Ms Clare spins the penultimate story with the utmost perfection as always"
Edicts or new experiences ..... what is more important? What has been said and strictly followed for a long time or what you see for yourself? ..... P...moreEdicts or new experiences ..... what is more important? What has been said and strictly followed for a long time or what you see for yourself? ..... Presenting Bloodlines #2 The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead.
Here is the summary of the book:
The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series. Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought. Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.
In Bloodline, book 1 of this spin-off series, Sydney puts a stop to Keith's farce of an alchemic services in Palm Springs, California. In the Golden Lily, we delve into the deeper layers of the alchemist's lair. We see the deeper meaning behind the Golden Lily tattoo and what it takes to be an alchemist. We see Sydney observe her odd group of Moroi, Dhampirs and humans and begins to question long standing beliefs. Long buried alchemist history comes out the forefront...and maybe friendship and love to come into play.....
All the original characters return with the addition of new ones. Sydney in particular growing into her current under-the-radar high school life. We see her shredding the hesitance at being in a room with the vampires and the dhampirs. We see her comforting both Moroi and Dhampir...aka Adrian, Jill, Eddie and the lot when they are feeling low. We see her with her normal human classmates who give her dating advice and would do all sorts of mindless chatter. In other words, she does all sorts of things that a normal Alchemist wouldn't even think of doing. While Sydney is the lead Alchemist of Palm Springs now and her superiors are commending her...she is still beginning to question her beliefs.
Then there is Adrian....HOT without a doubt....you got to feel for the guy. First Rose chooses Dimitri over him, then because of his Shadow Bond with Jill he flies to Palm Springs to keep near and help protect her from assassination attempts. He is really trying to change his ways and Sydney sees that....and while she still has some hesitance she treats him like a person.....never judging him. And this is where it gets interesting. With the amount of time Sydney spends with the motley group of beings, she start to care for them - starts to see that not all vampires are the same.
The Golden Lily, was by and by a filler book....but A BLOODY GOOD ONE AT THAT. And its wholly based on Sydney's point of view. Which gives us a very intuitive peak into her thoughts about her current locations. There are no set villains, so the main focus is on how Sydney adjusts to her undercover life. She also finds herself a on-paper-perfect boyfriend, who is very intelligent, but with him she doesn't get the feeling of love. For Adrian, her understanding grows over time.....she begins to see him as a potential friend and maybe more.....
Richelle Mead, kudos to you for creating such compelling and dynamic characters....who have no qualms about doing what is right and even reckless in the face of danger and passionate when in love. But the ending......MAN I REALLY REALLY FEEL SORRY FOR ADRIAN....POOR GUY.....hoping that The Indigo Spell will come out soon.
"Compelling and Dynamic - Richelle Mead polishes her perfect brood of characters in this act"
What would you do when the one person your told by your elders not to commune with is actually the one to whom you are attracted to? That definitely c...moreWhat would you do when the one person your told by your elders not to commune with is actually the one to whom you are attracted to? That definitely complicates matters don't you think? So without wait let's see how they do it in The Clann #1 Crave by Melissa Darnell.
Here is the summary of the book:
Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail. For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences...
First book of the series and this is how it goes like. The Clann, the founding families of Jacksonville have strictly warned warned their younger descendants to have next to no contact with Savannah Colbert, but a certain younger descendant, Tristan Coleman can't seem to avoid her even if he tried. Even in a crowded hallway neither Tristan nor Savannah can ignore each other at all, even if they tried.
Then there is the question of what the Clann really is and why don't they want their children mixing with the Colbert girl. Its easy they are witches and warlocks and who would be their enemy? Well the vampires. Savannah belongs to the vampire sect of the story (of what kind? that you need to read to find out...but thank God she doesn't sparkle....sorry couldn't resist). But when Tristan and Savannah start to get closer again (they used to be friends when they were kids) and realize their love for each other all hell breaks loose and the tentative peace treaty between the Clann and the Council is on tenterhooks.
Crave is the first book of the Clann series and saying that it did take me a little while to get into it, like it does for me everytime I start reading something new but i was easily drawn into its chasms and relish every moment in it, all the cravings, joy, saddness, loneliness, love and affection and everything the characters feel within these pages. The plot can be considered fairly close to that of the classic pair Romeo & Juliet (pardon me but they are not really my favourite...too many inconsistencies for my liking) but they thankfully are not like them and rather grounded in the reality and supernaturality of the situation.
Savannah really tries to stay away from Tristan and ignore him but situations in her life make it very hard to do that. She is an easy person to love and her transition from the one being bullied to the one learning to look after herself is very nice to see. Tristan is the typical southern boy who we easily fall for, he is strong and handsome and rather very much of a 'knight in shinning armor'.
The plot on the whole was fairly something very familiar, you'll find a paranormal romance like this in many stories but what makes it unique is the setting of the plot and the way it is presented to us, altering between Savannah and Tristan's point of views. As well as the level of intensity of the love they share strives to melt even the coldest of hearts. I'm definitely looking to read the next book...what about you guys?
The one compelling reason i picked up this book was this cover and i was glad cause this was different and although there may be a lot of books like t...moreThe one compelling reason i picked up this book was this cover and i was glad cause this was different and although there may be a lot of books like these today but this one was great, The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark.
Here is the summary of the book:
I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh. Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name. But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.
Callie gets a job as an assistant professor in Fairwick College in upstate New York and gets in a teensy wit of trouble in her relationship. Her boyfriend and they had decided to get job in the new york together not be hundreds of miles apart where only Thanksgiving or Christmas where they might be able to see each other but there is also a small pesky problem Callie has a demon lover - an incubi - visiting her dreams and all the desires. This starts to be a problem and when the local witches intervene to put a stop to the incubus, not only Callie must get together with them and try to banish him from the area but also banish her demon lover from her heart.
Juliet Dark is the pseudonym of Carol Goodman. She writes historical gothic fiction and literary mysteries. This is her first romantic paranormal fantasy and she succeeds beautifully. Now the prose is really a thing to die for. The way she compares and writes is marvelous. It shows her literary penmanship. Also every scenario shows Callie as she struggles with life, its meaning, her new role in society and maybe try to banish this mysterious lover who visits her dreams. Secrets are revealed - twists are present and the erotic needs are there too. Not to mention all the traditional witchcraft, the folk-lores and the old Gods. All the details and information very intriguing indeed.
An extremely easy and exquisite read.(Warning sexual content!) The Demon Lover will take you in and shows you wonders. (less)
So, finally read the next book in the vampire diaries spin-off series and here are my views. Presenting The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #3 The...moreSo, finally read the next book in the vampire diaries spin-off series and here are my views. Presenting The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #3 The Ripper. Again this series is not written by L.J. Smith and while the book cover mentions her name and the TVD head honchos Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson but it is not written by them also, maybe its a collaboration between the three or someone commitioned by them wrote these books...
Here is the summary of the book:
Haunted by the past . . .The year is 1888, and the scent of blood lingers heavy in the London air. Stefan Salvatore thought he could escape his violent origins by settling in the peaceful countryside of England, but when a heinous murderer named Jack the Ripper surfaces, Stefan fears darkness will always follow him. Drawn into the investigation, Stefan assumes the worst: This is the work of a vampire. And the more he learns, the more he becomes convinced that the killer is someone close to him—and that he can never outrun his past. Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan’s Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.
With the title of the book an instance comes to mind remember Stefan's alter-ego, the one with no emotions what so ever was called "the ripper" in season 2. But this ripper is definitely not that what you all are thinking. For its 1888 and Stefan is in London this time and sure enough Jack The Ripper is reeking havoc and somehow or the other the estranged Salvatore brothers find themselves into it.
The story goes something like this - Stefan has made a little life out of London. He knows this peace won't last and sure enough a certain trip to London does just that. When he finds Damon's alias in the society pages and a horrific murder on the front page. He knows he needs to stick around and find who this murderer is and save London and this girl he has become fond of. Stefan suspects its his brother Damon who is killing people and by people I mean specifically girls.
But an ominous message in blood prompts him to change his perspective about things. Is it really Damon? But if not then who? Is someone after him and Damon? (Well you need to read the book to find out the answer, cause i'm not giving away anything)
The Ripper is short and an easy read. The plot is good enough. It was a very fast and entertaining read. If you like the show you will enjoy this series. The point of Jack the Ripper was cleverly put in the plot. And for the first time we see Stefan's thoughts about the always being in the shadow of his older brother. A heartfelt thought that comes in the minds of every younger brothers and sisters around the world.
"Fast and entertaining - Stefan is traipsing around Jack the ripper's London"
Our beloved characters from a different view-point...don't we just love spin-offs! Anyways I present before you all my much awaited review of Bloodli...moreOur beloved characters from a different view-point...don't we just love spin-offs! Anyways I present before you all my much awaited review of Bloodlines #1 Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, a spin-off series of the bestselling Vampire Academy series by the mentioned author.
Here is the summary of the book:
The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy. When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.
As I already mentioned the Vampire Academy is finished so Bloodlines can be explained as a continuation of the same settings albeit with a new point of view. Easy enough to understand that while the Vampire Academy series focuses fully on the moroi vampires and the Dhampirs; Bloodlines focuses its centrifugal point a.k.a. POV on the alchemist, Sydney Sage.
It begins with Sydney who is well in hot waters regarding helping the ex-convict (not any longer) Rose escaping with Dimtri. She knows that an alchemist's job is not an easy life and you would be bogged down by a lot of prejudices prevalent in this business regarding the dhampirs or the moroi, which Sydney has come to realize are ill founded and baseless after spending so much time on the run with both Rose and Dimitri. She just wants her little sister Zoe to stay out this and keep her safe.
So in order to save her skin from punishment as well keep her sister Zoe out of this, she reluctantly agrees to a new mission alongside her enemy Keith Darnell. It can be sufficiently explanatory that there is no love lost between these two (no great past dealings if you ask me). The mission - help protect Jill Dragomir, whose life is in danger as she is the half sister of Queen Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir and it is customary that the ruling party has at least one family to support its rule...so queue the trouble from the opposed party. So Sydney, Eddie and Adrian must do all they can to keep a low profile over Jill in sunny Palm Springs. Well easier than done, too many problems and not only that but maybe Palm Springs is not all bright and sunny as it feels.
Bloodlines can be be seen as a tie-up-loose-ends type. We all know Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian and the others got their happy ending but not Adrian (our hearts go out to him) so although bloodlines doesn't need the help of Vampire Academy series to help it stand cause it is good enough on its own. Also we see a lot of our favourite characters from Vampire Academy to sate our desires.
Sydney, is our protagonist here and she is as strong and brave as ever. She is very professional, she sees the horrors of society and well as of her job. She knows that in her line of work sometimes unholy alliances must be made in order to make things work.
Then, there is Adrian, we all know his vices, we know he loves Rose but sadly it is not possible and he must also do everything he can in order to grow out of it and help keep Jill safe. Adrian although is mostly seen as a careless royal who knows nothing but having fun and attacking liquor cabinets, also has his own moments. He can also be rather protective when he wants to be.
This book is a definite hit in my dictionary. Richelle Mead has laid out a perfect beginning for this wonderful series. And now I'm definitely excited for the next book "The Golden Lily".
"Exciting and surreal..... Bloodlines marks the beginning of a fabulous series"
definitely loved this rendition of the novel......hope we get to see the whole series converted to graphic novel front.....i'll post a bigger review l...moredefinitely loved this rendition of the novel......hope we get to see the whole series converted to graphic novel front.....i'll post a bigger review later!!!(less)
Finally I get the book, the final installment in the TVD tie-in series Stefan's Diaries #3 The Craving. You definitely can't pass it up.
Here is how t...moreFinally I get the book, the final installment in the TVD tie-in series Stefan's Diaries #3 The Craving. You definitely can't pass it up.
Here is how the summary goes like:
Blood brothers . . .After his brother, Damon Salvatore, betrays him in New Orleans, Stefan starts over in Manhattan. Vowing never to harm another human, he roams the streets, trying to disappear into the city’s chaos. But just when he thinks he’s left his past behind, Stefan discovers that he can never escape his brother. Damon has grand plans for the vampire Salvatore brothers—whether Stefan likes it or not. Together, they take New York by storm. When their exploits end up on the society pages, an old enemy resurfaces—one hell-bent on revenge. Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan’s Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.
Again I remind you all that although the book cover mentions L.J. Smith, Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec but their is no concrete authors mention a.k.a a 'ghost writer'. Enough about the ghost writer lets see what we can discuss about the book without giving out any spoilers.
After the disastrous events of the #2 Bloodlust where Stefan literally "tears-out" through New Orleans and Damon not wanting to have any part of this new life but ultimately the tables turn and viola we get the Stefan and Damon that we see today on the tv series. Stefan has embraced his new life and with renewed hope starts out in the 'big apple', more specifically Manhattan, New York. Trying to control that bloodlust by hunting small animals in the central park where he has made his home.
When he stumbled upon a blood-ridden young girl out in Central Park, where after saving her he brings her to her house for safety. What might have been seen as a good deed by a young man turns into something quite differently. Stefan soon finds himself getting involved in this girl's family whether he likes it or not, and he did because he yearned for some company and a sense of family.
The longer he seems to be around this new family, Stefan soon discovers that not everything it as it seems, and he comes face to face with Damon, whom has been masquerading himself off as an Italian Count and making mischief around the town. Coincidence? Or is one maybe planning on toying with the other? Stalking the other? They do both end up connected to a high society family - surely that is a coincidence? And as always they end up wondering if they are really each others biggest problems or if they need to play nice with each other -- if there are things out there so much bigger and badder they are, so maybe they at least to pretend to be friends again if only long enough to figure out what in the heck is happening around them.
It is clear enough the Damon is all too fond of his younger brother(not!) for making him a vampire. Stefan also knows that he should not have forced his brother to finish his transformation but it also shows that Stefan was the insecure one and was throughly not looking forward to an eternity alone. It is human nature to do things like this we can't really fault Stefan for that.
Damon and his goals aren't the only thing they need to worry about, as a new enemy comes to town in search of revenge. This enemy is strong maybe even stronger than the two brothers together. Klaus's minion. Not the big boss himself. Now this is where the book takes a u-turn from the tv series. In the TV series Damon and Stefan have no knowledge of Klaus or his relationship with Katherine. So why in the book does Klaus send someone after them? It just doesn’t make any sense! If you’re going to have these as companion novels to the TV series then at least get them factually correct!
Another problem the Stefan’s Diaries version which has the brothers born and raised in 1864 Mystic Falls, but then the events that happen both in Mystic Falls and after bear almost no relation to those that occur in the TV series.
I have no problem with books and TV series being different, I love the original Vampire Diaries books and I love the TV series, partly because of the differences. But something like this that just keeps getting things wrong – for example the original meeting between Katherine and Stefan, which was shown so early in the TV series, that the author must have seen it, is just infuriating.
Once you get past that the books are alright. The writing standard has definitely improved and this book is the better of the three. The voice still is very modern, but at least the facts are correct. The plot is much better, the events were much more interesting, and it was a portion of Damon and Stefan’s lives that we’ve known nothing about prior to this.(less)
After a tantalizing read that serves the prelude for the Stefan's Diaries a.k.a the beginning for the Vampire Diaries through the eyes of Stefan, I no...more After a tantalizing read that serves the prelude for the Stefan's Diaries a.k.a the beginning for the Vampire Diaries through the eyes of Stefan, I now proceed to the next book in the trilogy #2 Bloodlust. And it was I dare say even better than its predecessor.
Here is how the summary for the book goes like:
A new beginning . . .When Stefan Salvatore's first love turned him into a vampire, his world—and his soul—were destroyed. Now he and his brother, Damon, must flee their hometown, where they risk being discovered . . . and killed. The brothers head to New Orleans, looking for safe haven. But the city is more dangerous than they ever imagined, full of other vampires—and vampire hunters. Will Stefan's eternal life be forever damned? Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan's Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.
After going along the ride with the Salvatore brothers as they fall in love with Stefan and Damon and destroy their perfectly calm and peaceful lives in book 1. Vol. 2: Bloodlust, leaves off just days after Stefan and Damon Salvatore are murdered by their father and awaken newly undead.
The book is bloody. Right away it’s bloody. And while that is the only way I like my vampire stories, this time it was a bit unsettling. Our darling Stefan Salvatore, a century and a half away from becoming the hoodie-clad martyr we’ve grown to know and love, is thirsty. And in this time and place a bunny just will not do. The first of his victims we meet in this telling is a girl he once crushed on. It is easy to picture a sinister leer behind his sweet smile as he callously flirts with her before ripping open her jugular. It was enough to give me chills and cause an audible “yikes!!” to escape my mouth. Watching Stefan take his short walk down the human blood path after the events of Let The Right One In left me ill-equipped to witness the kind of vampire Stefan is capable of being. This Stefan Salvatore is truly terrifying.
Unfortunately Stefan’s old flame is not the last of his unwilling and quickly dismissed victims as he and the still death wish-laden Damon make their way to New Orleans. As an avid watcher of The Vampire Diaries television series, it is disconcerting at best to know that there was a time when Damon not only abstained from drinking, nearing the point of starvation, but asked Stefan not to as well. Not that Stefan listened. (Why does this sound familiar?) And after watching Stefan spend his first hours in New Orleans draining as he pleases, Damon has had enough and leaves Stefan to his own thirst.
And while this is all, as I said, unsettling, it is also very exciting. It is our first peek into this part of the brothers’ lives. Not a bit of it had even been hinted at on the television series, let alone shown in flashbacks. Not yet anyway. My favorite part of the story comes not long after Damon takes off on his own when Stefan comes face to face with the girl who will become his best friend: Lexi. Although we don't see Lexi as the same way in season 2 Let the right ones in, when Stefan accounts to Elena that Lexi came to Mystic Falls not the other way round.
It was thrilling to read how she helped Stefan get his bloodlust under control, teaching him how to exist in his new life, much in the way Stefan has done with Caroline in season 2 of the series. Seeing this through Stefan’s eyes makes it that much more heart-crushing to know that she is eventually taken from him. She was written well, her tone and movements easy to envision being brought to life by Arielle Kebbel.
Another character written exceptionally well was Damon. I found it to be highly believable that being captured and kept as a caged animal would put him over the edge in his hatred for Stefan. Having to fight for survival at the hands of barbarian humans could make anyone ready to unleash the monster within. His biting sarcasm and devilish smirk came across as if being watched on screen rather than read from the page. And while savage and violent, the cold-blooded way in which he murdered and drank Stefan’s latest love felt very in character for the Damon we first met on television in the Pilot.
It really tugged at me to see him still dreaming of Katherine and feeling lonely without her despite his hatred for what she had done to him and his family. Yet while feeling it was a great deal more shallow than his falling for Katherine, his quick love for Callie was a strong reminder that even though now a cold-blooded killer, he is also still a 17-year old boy. His end statement after losing Callie that he would never again fall for a human girl made me both squeee and groan.
Stefan goes through a lot of character development in this book. He starts off as a monster, but because of what happens during this story, he changes and grows. Stefan is in a new city, and is forced to face a myriad of new challenges. Damon goes through his own tough times, but his character doesn't grow much. And don't go thinking that you could go through a whole Vampire Diaries novel without any romance, oh no there is plenty in this book.
Even though L.J. Smith isn't the true writer of these books, nor is Kevin Williamson or Julie Plec, the ghostwriter for this series is doing a tremendous job. I like to think of Stefan's Diaries as a separate entity from the show or the original novels by Smith, and I advise anyone interested in this series does so as well, if you are looking to enjoy them fully.
Bloodlust has a very interesting storyline. Within New Orleans, readers get to experience the nightlife of the city, a circus that may just be the end to the Salvatore brothers, and a house filled with vampires. Suffice to say, the story was quite unlike anything I've read before.(less)
Now we all know how The Vampire Diaries tv-series and the novels are different from one another.....with major proportions so yes this book that i'm a...moreNow we all know how The Vampire Diaries tv-series and the novels are different from one another.....with major proportions so yes this book that i'm about to write about i.e., #1 of the Stefan's Diaries: Origins is actually a prequel for the show not the books.Stefan's Diaries trilogy comprises of these following books in its catalogue - #1 Origins, #2 Bloodlust & #3 The Craving. Interesting enough the Stefan's Diaries trilogy does not mention an author on the cover page just "based on the novels by L.J. Smith and the tv series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec". Who knows who the writer is but I definitely devoured this book.
So without much further ado this is how the summary goes like:
Set during the Civil War, against a backdrop of grand estates, unimaginable riches, and deadly secrets, three teenagers in Mystic Falls, Virginia enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity. Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore are inseparable until they meet Katherine, a stunning, mysterious woman who turns their world upside down. Siblings turned rivals, the Salvatores compete for Katherine's affection, only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together-forever.
TV show tie-ins can often be hit or miss, especially if they don’t stay true to cannon or the spirit of the characters. However, “Origins” manages to do both. We’ve seen bits and pieces of Stefan’s birth as a vampire throughout various flashbacks on the show, but this new book really fills in the blanks. A lot of familiar characters also appear throughout its pages, including Damon, Katherine, Jonathan Gilbert, Stefan’s father and vampires Pearl and Anna. A bit of the history of Pearl and Anna is also revealed. There are a few inconsistencies between the show and the details in the book, but they’re not really glaring enough to detract from the enjoyment.
Although a large number of errors can be found in the book if one decides to look but overall a great work of literature by the 'ghost writer'.......we don't really know the writer for this trilogy so its not exactly against the rules to give an obvious name to the one who penned it. The book gives us the backdrop or more specifically the origins of the series........of how the Salvatore brothers who were notably inseparable but were driven apart for the love of the mysterious and elegant Katherine Pierce.
Origins details out Stefan's history. Prior to becoming a vampire he had been forced into an engagement to a woman named Rosalyn by both of their fathers. He didn’t love her, but wanted to follow his father’s wishes, no matter how much he wanted to rebel like Damon did. The book takes place over several weeks (possibly even a few months), where Katherine arrives in Mystic Falls and starts getting under Stefan’s skin, even with his engagement. When tragedy strikes, Katherine is there to ease Stefan’s pain. Because the story is told from Stefan’s point of view, the story between Katherine and Damon is somewhat limited. We only really know what Stefan knows.
Going over some of the errors some would think that this series will not appeal to the fans but I believe that this new series could easily stand on its own (as I believe L.J. Smith’s original series does) and be heartily enjoyed by those not even watching the show.
Despite its errors there were a few question that kept popping up.
What happened to Emily Bennett? Was she playing both sides throughout the events of 1864 or was Katherine aware of/insistent upon all she did to help the Founders entrap the vamps? Somehow her grimoire ended up in Giuseppe Salvatore’s coffin who, according to the book, was buried a week after the death of his sons and the fire at the church. Did she die shortly thereafter? Did those she help with taking down the town’s vampires kill her and take her book by force? Where were the children Damon swore to protect?
Where on heaven or Earth did “Uncle” Zach Salvatore come from? I had hoped that this book might hint at another relative either in Mystic Falls or residing somewhere else. Though he’s been gone from our TV screens for at least a year, I can’t stop wondering about him (and the other “uncle” they mention being killed in 1953). Perhaps this is something that will be explained later with the construction of the Salvatore Boarding House.
While all this is completely mind-boggling to comprehend , there were enough things done right to make me jump up and down with impatience and excitement, waiting for the next installment. And, as a tried and true member of Team Stefan, I could not help but smile throughout as his voice was so true to character that it felt like Paul Wesley himself was reading the book aloud to me. The love doesn't end there, of course. In Bad Moon Rising, we heard Stefan tell Caroline a bit about his human self in an effort to explain the way one’s personality becomes more pronounced when he or she is turned. In Stefan’s Diaries, we get to see first hand why in present day he can hardly go more than an hour without a bit of self-flagellation. Evan as a human he was prone to send himself on long and torturous guilt trips over his feelings for Katherine, his perceived duty to his father and, though mutually exclusive, his struggle to remain loyal to both his brother and his town.
Another highlight as I have already mentioned above was finally getting a peek inside Stefan’s head while in the act of what I believe to be one of the most cringe-inducing moments on the show thus far. The book allows the reader to not only watch Stefan walk home to his father in mid-transformation but to walk with him – to feel his desperation as he begs his father for understanding, to feel his hurt and anger as he learns the truth of his own murder. And, finally, to feel his bloodlust as he gives in to drinking his father’s blood right from his own hands. Truly chilling and heartbreaking at the same time.
While I don't believe it is the best book I have ever read, as a fan of the Vampire Diaries series(i actually find the tv series much more appealing than the original series). I loved reading the details of how Stefan and Daemon became what they are in present day Mystic Falls.(less)
Aparajitabasu
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