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Willow Shadows #1
Amaranthine (Willow Shadows) (Volume 1) by Lanie Jacobs
With Graduation only weeks away, Khalida’s normal everyday boring life is turned upside down in one day. One day is all it took to change everything she ever knew. Never knowing her past, Khalida, is thrown into a world of vampires and just not any vampires, ones who will hunt to the end to kill her. Everyone around her is in danger and she must fight to protect those she loves. Thrust into the chaos, Luke, a boy whom she could never walk completely away from, one who would give his life to protect hers. And Carey, the ex-boyfriend who will stop at nothing to make sure that the darkness that surrounds Khalida succeeds in taking everything away from her. Though, Luke, would take on the world to save her, can he help Khalida save her from herself?
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First published August 7, 2015
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About the author
Lanie Jacobs
1 book26 followersI was born and raised in West Texas..I've always said one day I will move away from here but at this time I think I have gotten use to the idea that I am going to die here. lol I am a wife and mother and between the two us we have 6 kids!! Far from the Brady bunch though. I love to read and write pretty much about anything but my favorite is the Paranormal. When Im not reading or writing Im busy with my family and my lil furbabies! Ive always had dogs but here lately I have found myself with two stray kittens, my lab doesn't know what to think about them but atm I think she is okay with them as long as they leave her alone :)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 24, 2016
"Khalida was always his heart, but based on the rippling pain that scored across his heart, she was his soul."
Gripping, intense, and charged with a combination of action and mystery. This debut novel is wonderfully written. It's about a girl named Khalida who didn't know she's a hybrid vampire until she was nearing her 18th birthday and she accidentally bit the neck of her boyfriend Luke who's also a vampire.
This book started so strong that even if I was still at the beginning chapters I was already on the edge of my seat. It was fast-paced and every chapter brought out some surprises. The characters were also introduced in a mysterious and interesting way. What I greatly noticed about this book was the author's writing style which was surprisingly good for a debut novel. It wasn't Stephenie-Meyer-and-Richelle-Mead-writing-style-perfect but if this author continues to do her thing, then I guess she's on her way to becoming one of them.
I had a bit of a hard time adjusting with Khalida's attitude, though. I admit I was really annoyed with her most of the time because of her aggressive and careless decisions which led her and other people to trouble. Nevertheless, I was glad her character developed in the last few chapters and she came out strong in the end. Never too late for that! Luke, however, was a great character for me. I loved how he continued to protect Khalida and kept his patience under control in dealing with her attitude. Also, this guy's a caveman! He's very territorial with his girl, which was kind of cute. :)
I also enjoyed the romantic plot here. It's quite amazing how the author didn't exert a great effort in initiating the romance between Khalida and Luke because they're already lovers (although on and off) so the romantic build-up was already there.
The huge plot twist was the book's ultimate strength here.. WOW, I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING! Not at all. And that cliffy ending! Ugh. Why did it happen? Overall, this book was a great read. Definitely waiting for the sequel to come out. :)
(A free copy of this book was given by the author Lanie Jacobs in exchange for an honest review.)
Rating:
dnf
May 18, 2016DNF at 25%
Giving up on this one.
I'm sorry I have to say this, but I didn't like this book. With an average rating of 4.5, I was expecting something spectacular, but what I got wasn't anything worth that rating.
I am aware that this was Lanie Jacobs's debut novel and that it was self-published, so I'm trying to cut her some slack here, but it's hard for me, to be honest.
First of all, and I hate to say this, the writing was pretty bad. It felt choppy and inelegant, the dialogues seemed awkward and unrealistic to me, and it was terribly repetitive. The pacing was too rushed, descriptions of actions too vague, so I couldn't really picture anything I read. The characters were supposed to be teenagers, high school students, yet they sounded nothing like it.
Luke, in particular, sounded like any other generic cocky and bossy alpha douche out there, with his stupid nicknames and pushy attitude.
I mean, come on... what teenage boy talks like that?
Khalida actually was a total brat, so she did deserve that nickname. Right from the beginning, all we got from her was slut-shaming, bitchiness and childish petulance. Oh, and let's not forget she had the hots for Luke, whom she'd supposedly had an on-off kind of relationship with before, but we don't learn anything about that.
There was no build-up regarding Khalida's heritage whatsoever. One second she's just some horny girl sucking face with a guy she loves to hate, the next second she's a vampire. BAM. Just like that. And her reaction to finding out about it? One might think that would be the perfect timing to freak the fuck out, right? Wrong. Apparently, it makes far more sense to start bitching about not having been told and to sulkily stomp off alone in the dark. Cue psychotic ex-boyfriend.
And don't even get me started on Casey. So he was dumped by Khalida, big deal. Get over it. Was there even a reason for him being the way he was, or was it just added for drama's sake? Or will there be some kind of explanation later on in the book and I just didn't get there?
The curious thing is, I loved the first chapter, which served as some kind of prologue. After that, though...
The idea was good and original, and I liked the slightly different take on vampirism, but I'm afraid that's about all the positive I can say about this book.
No rating since I didn't even get close to finishing it.
ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Giving up on this one.
I'm sorry I have to say this, but I didn't like this book. With an average rating of 4.5, I was expecting something spectacular, but what I got wasn't anything worth that rating.
I am aware that this was Lanie Jacobs's debut novel and that it was self-published, so I'm trying to cut her some slack here, but it's hard for me, to be honest.
First of all, and I hate to say this, the writing was pretty bad. It felt choppy and inelegant, the dialogues seemed awkward and unrealistic to me, and it was terribly repetitive. The pacing was too rushed, descriptions of actions too vague, so I couldn't really picture anything I read. The characters were supposed to be teenagers, high school students, yet they sounded nothing like it.
Luke, in particular, sounded like any other generic cocky and bossy alpha douche out there, with his stupid nicknames and pushy attitude.
“You really don't want to go there with me, Love.“
„Just like I said, you look beautiful. And lose the vicious tone, Brat.“
„You're dodging my question, Doll face.“
„You look beautiful, Stubborn Ass.“
„Easy there, Toot.“
I mean, come on... what teenage boy talks like that?
Khalida actually was a total brat, so she did deserve that nickname. Right from the beginning, all we got from her was slut-shaming, bitchiness and childish petulance. Oh, and let's not forget she had the hots for Luke, whom she'd supposedly had an on-off kind of relationship with before, but we don't learn anything about that.
There was no build-up regarding Khalida's heritage whatsoever. One second she's just some horny girl sucking face with a guy she loves to hate, the next second she's a vampire. BAM. Just like that. And her reaction to finding out about it? One might think that would be the perfect timing to freak the fuck out, right? Wrong. Apparently, it makes far more sense to start bitching about not having been told and to sulkily stomp off alone in the dark. Cue psychotic ex-boyfriend.
And don't even get me started on Casey. So he was dumped by Khalida, big deal. Get over it. Was there even a reason for him being the way he was, or was it just added for drama's sake? Or will there be some kind of explanation later on in the book and I just didn't get there?
The curious thing is, I loved the first chapter, which served as some kind of prologue. After that, though...
The idea was good and original, and I liked the slightly different take on vampirism, but I'm afraid that's about all the positive I can say about this book.
No rating since I didn't even get close to finishing it.
ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2016
Read more about this review and others on my blog Freyja Eats Books
NO. Just NO. DNF at 20%
I wanted to give it a try, but about 10% I knew this one wasn’t for me, but I pushed on, thought maybe things would change.. but I had to give up at 20%.
I really disliked this book, it was so cliché and completely not my thing. The description of this story sounded mildly entertaining, but it is just another run-of-the-mill Young Adult about vampires.
I really disliked the main character, she is so confusing and mean. Of course, the book instantly starts with a big cliché, namely the slut-shaming:
“A Date? And you don’t even remember his name? You are such a harlot,” Khalida laughed at the hurt, surprised look that rolled across Vega’s face.”
And Vega is supposed to be her best friend ! Not only that, but she is very inconsistent. From what I gather, she used to date Luke, but because he was hot/cold she broke things off, but when she sees him with someone else she gets very jealous instantly. But when he tries to make up for things, she blows him off.. Be clear woman ! Either you like him and you act like it, or you don’t. Later, when she decides to give things another try, she continuously acts like a huge witch with a capital B.
“It’s because they are not used to seeing me with such a smart, intelligent beauty.”
“OH.. that’s right,” she beamed, “they are used to seeing you with dumb scuzzy twits. That’s it. They’re in shock,” she said, laughing along with a hint of sarcasm within her tone.
“What do you want for your birthday?” he said smoothly into her ear.
“You remember my birthday?”
“June twenty-second, just three short weeks after graduation.”
“I’m impressed you didn’t get it mixed up with one of the local mutss you kept around,” she turned in his arms and playfully pulled his cap to the side away from his face so she could kiss him.”
OMG. You should be thrilled that he remembers your birthday ! My own man doesn’t even remember my birthday.. And he TRIES to be a good guy and you act all childish and jealous !? I really don’t like that at all, get of your high horse. Especially when she herself dated someone else when they broke things off.. HYPOCRITE.
And just when I was thinking this book is really, really cliché, she said the following:
“What’s so funny?” he looked at her with his piercing blue eyes.”
Are you kidding me ?!?! Writers should just STOP using that phrase, it is getting ridiculous.
But for me, it was completely over when later on. It starts with them kissing, and all of the sudden she bites him (oh wow, nobody saw that coming..) and he bites her back ! Look, that would be interesting, that could be something I could get behind.. but then it gets completely ruined when he starts explaining things…
“You have to listen to me, Toot. You’re unique. There are very important things you must be aware of. I know how sudden this all is for you, but you must listen carefully and take this seriously. On the eve of your birthday, when you transformation is complete, you will receive a certain kind of power, maybe more than one. You are extremely rare. You will be sought out by other vampires, evil ones, who are seeking to attain this power, and they will stop at nothing to gain it.”
Hooray.. another special snowflake. I give up. 1 Freyja.
NO. Just NO. DNF at 20%
I wanted to give it a try, but about 10% I knew this one wasn’t for me, but I pushed on, thought maybe things would change.. but I had to give up at 20%.
I really disliked this book, it was so cliché and completely not my thing. The description of this story sounded mildly entertaining, but it is just another run-of-the-mill Young Adult about vampires.
I really disliked the main character, she is so confusing and mean. Of course, the book instantly starts with a big cliché, namely the slut-shaming:
“A Date? And you don’t even remember his name? You are such a harlot,” Khalida laughed at the hurt, surprised look that rolled across Vega’s face.”
And Vega is supposed to be her best friend ! Not only that, but she is very inconsistent. From what I gather, she used to date Luke, but because he was hot/cold she broke things off, but when she sees him with someone else she gets very jealous instantly. But when he tries to make up for things, she blows him off.. Be clear woman ! Either you like him and you act like it, or you don’t. Later, when she decides to give things another try, she continuously acts like a huge witch with a capital B.
“It’s because they are not used to seeing me with such a smart, intelligent beauty.”
“OH.. that’s right,” she beamed, “they are used to seeing you with dumb scuzzy twits. That’s it. They’re in shock,” she said, laughing along with a hint of sarcasm within her tone.
“What do you want for your birthday?” he said smoothly into her ear.
“You remember my birthday?”
“June twenty-second, just three short weeks after graduation.”
“I’m impressed you didn’t get it mixed up with one of the local mutss you kept around,” she turned in his arms and playfully pulled his cap to the side away from his face so she could kiss him.”
OMG. You should be thrilled that he remembers your birthday ! My own man doesn’t even remember my birthday.. And he TRIES to be a good guy and you act all childish and jealous !? I really don’t like that at all, get of your high horse. Especially when she herself dated someone else when they broke things off.. HYPOCRITE.
And just when I was thinking this book is really, really cliché, she said the following:
“What’s so funny?” he looked at her with his piercing blue eyes.”
Are you kidding me ?!?! Writers should just STOP using that phrase, it is getting ridiculous.
But for me, it was completely over when later on. It starts with them kissing, and all of the sudden she bites him (oh wow, nobody saw that coming..) and he bites her back ! Look, that would be interesting, that could be something I could get behind.. but then it gets completely ruined when he starts explaining things…
“You have to listen to me, Toot. You’re unique. There are very important things you must be aware of. I know how sudden this all is for you, but you must listen carefully and take this seriously. On the eve of your birthday, when you transformation is complete, you will receive a certain kind of power, maybe more than one. You are extremely rare. You will be sought out by other vampires, evil ones, who are seeking to attain this power, and they will stop at nothing to gain it.”
Hooray.. another special snowflake. I give up. 1 Freyja.
August 2, 2016
I don't mind reading about vampires and other night-crawling creature, but lately this unusual genre of literature not only suffers from a lack of originality but also from a lack of artistic quality.
Lanie Jacobs though doesn't pass unnoticed, her fresh voice and creative style make Amaranthine an interesting debut novel.
Read more on The Serial Reader Blog
Lanie Jacobs though doesn't pass unnoticed, her fresh voice and creative style make Amaranthine an interesting debut novel.
Read more on The Serial Reader Blog
November 30, 2015
I rated my own book and I'm not completely sure how or when I did this...but ofcourse I gave it 5 stars I wrote it :)
September 22, 2015
Let's welcome another great addition to authors writing about the paranormal. Always nice to find yet another author I look forward to read more from.
Lanie has a very pleasant writing style that reads with ease. The pacing is spot on. Unlike some odd glorification of teen vampires, this one seems a little bit more "realistic", as much as you can be realistic with the paranormal. It is not necessarily a new twist to the subject, but does have some nice new aspects and definitely deserves its spot in the ranks of vampire books. The plot is intricate and leaves you guessing until the end, and even then you wonder .....
Khalida, now where to begin. I admit I didn't really care for her much in the beginning of the book. She has no common sense, has a serious listening problem and just comes across as a spoiled brat. There were numerous times where I just want to shake some sense into her. I guess she had some good intentions, but if she would just think things through sometimes things would go easier for everyone. I hope she learnt that lesson. I know it is difficult for some teens to "think before doing" but some of the instances, oh my. But it does speak for the author to be able to elicit such feelings from their readers about one of their characters.
Now Luke on the other hand is absolutely adorable!!!! I couldn't get enough of him and he had a nice mix of levelheadedness as well as still being a teen. The villains in this book are also a perfect addition to the mix and well thought through. Some of the character changes were sad.
All in all this was an excellent book and I can only recommend it to people who enjoy a good vampire story. The plot had some nice twists, and some that I probably should have guessed, but didn't. That is because they were executed perfectly leading you to the information when the author wanted you to have it.
I look forward to read much more from this promising author.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review.
Lanie has a very pleasant writing style that reads with ease. The pacing is spot on. Unlike some odd glorification of teen vampires, this one seems a little bit more "realistic", as much as you can be realistic with the paranormal. It is not necessarily a new twist to the subject, but does have some nice new aspects and definitely deserves its spot in the ranks of vampire books. The plot is intricate and leaves you guessing until the end, and even then you wonder .....
Khalida, now where to begin. I admit I didn't really care for her much in the beginning of the book. She has no common sense, has a serious listening problem and just comes across as a spoiled brat. There were numerous times where I just want to shake some sense into her. I guess she had some good intentions, but if she would just think things through sometimes things would go easier for everyone. I hope she learnt that lesson. I know it is difficult for some teens to "think before doing" but some of the instances, oh my. But it does speak for the author to be able to elicit such feelings from their readers about one of their characters.
Now Luke on the other hand is absolutely adorable!!!! I couldn't get enough of him and he had a nice mix of levelheadedness as well as still being a teen. The villains in this book are also a perfect addition to the mix and well thought through. Some of the character changes were sad.
All in all this was an excellent book and I can only recommend it to people who enjoy a good vampire story. The plot had some nice twists, and some that I probably should have guessed, but didn't. That is because they were executed perfectly leading you to the information when the author wanted you to have it.
I look forward to read much more from this promising author.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review.
February 28, 2016
Khalida would be graduating High School soon . Khalida’s best friend was Jacob. Lucas/Luke was her weakness always had been but he was a player and Khally didn’t want that as she would get hurt and she was also still a virgin. But Luke was her first love. What Khally didn’t know was Luke pushed her away because she wasn’t ready for him. But now at last she was also Khally was a hybrid vampire and she was the One although she doesn’t know it and it falls to Luke to explain.Khally was was a very rare vampire that would get powers that others would come after to take the powers from her.
I absolutely loved this story and plot it had everything : action, drama, fights , unknown powers, vampires, hybrid vampire, treachery,love, secrets, and so much more . i also loved the characters absolutely over the moon especially Khally and all she went through. of course Luke also but really all the characters. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this story and plot it had everything : action, drama, fights , unknown powers, vampires, hybrid vampire, treachery,love, secrets, and so much more . i also loved the characters absolutely over the moon especially Khally and all she went through. of course Luke also but really all the characters. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
December 2, 2015
This book had me hooked from page one. The growing love (love/fight) story between Khalida and Luke is told with such passion and tension. The relationship builds with every page, pulling the reader into their world.
The action and set pieces are very detailed, with twists and turns keeping the avid reader on a knife edge.
The main character undergoes a transformation as the pages turn. From stroppy teenager to capable (stroppy) heroine, Khalida is the books heartbeat.
I await the sequel. This story has too much to give to conclude now. Author take note. Get writing.
The action and set pieces are very detailed, with twists and turns keeping the avid reader on a knife edge.
The main character undergoes a transformation as the pages turn. From stroppy teenager to capable (stroppy) heroine, Khalida is the books heartbeat.
I await the sequel. This story has too much to give to conclude now. Author take note. Get writing.
October 13, 2015
A solid start to a series by a solid debut novelist!
I don't normally read Romance novels of any sort, but made an exception in "Amaranthine" because lets face it, the cover and description are great! If you enjoy the genre, I think that you'll find that Lanie Jacobs has created not only a solid romance story, but also characters you'll connect with and a plot with a few twists that will keep you involved with the story and leave you waiting for book two.
http://wp.me/p6pena-78
I don't normally read Romance novels of any sort, but made an exception in "Amaranthine" because lets face it, the cover and description are great! If you enjoy the genre, I think that you'll find that Lanie Jacobs has created not only a solid romance story, but also characters you'll connect with and a plot with a few twists that will keep you involved with the story and leave you waiting for book two.
http://wp.me/p6pena-78
July 24, 2016
Amaranthine was recommended by a friend. This YA Vampire story sucked me in and wouldn't let go. I enjoyed Ms. Jacob's Vampire world so much that I finished it in a day. The dialogue had me laughing and telling my teenage daughter this was a must read for her, too. Sweet, suspenseful, and a just the right amount of spice for a teen.
March 13, 2016
Amaranthine by Lanie Jacobs is the first volume in a new paranormal series titled Willow Shadows. This series is definitely one to check out if you have previously enjoyed reads that follow a female lead through an awakening of sorts after being plunged into a new reality within her previously average life.
Khalida, our main chick, is in her senior year of high school and is doing what girls do at her age, hanging out with her friends, finishing up school and thinking about boys. We meet Luke, her forever crush, that has fooled her one too many times. He likes to reel her in, get her juuuust comfortable enough with their relationship and then drop her like she is nothing. We meet her best friend and partner in crime Vega and an assortment of other people that she interacts with on a daily basis including her exceptionally unsavory ex-boyfriend who is definitely this weeks prime candidate for Throat Punch Thursday. He is a REAL charmer.
One night Khalida not so smoothly discovers the existence of Vampires and she is thrown head first into a life she didn’t even know she had. Not only is this a revelation but the idea that she is who she is in this community is enough to make a girl need extra strength deodorant. The worst part about it is it seems she is the last to know. She has a good support group to help her transition and the author has really built in some comedic relief with the way her people interact.
I enjoyed the introduction of the book, it got me intrigued within the first few paragraphs but then when the story progressed it left me feeling like perhaps I missed something. I enjoyed the dialogue between Luke and Khalida and I really liked their chemistry but my inner pessimist just couldn’t understand how she could forgive so easily and jump right back on the Luke bandwagon. Then again, when you love someone I know it can make you forget all common sense and in certain situations you just do whatever helps you look at yourself in the mirror every day and get out of bed.
One thing that I wished was in this book was more focus on what being a Vampire actually meant. It was kind of like hey, this is what I am. There wasn’t the usual build up of cool powers, super strength and all around bad assery. I also didn’t understand how the characters that were up to no good were not found out before they were. I get that in order to make the story work obviously there had to be a few that slipped through the cracks but the main characters had to miss some pretty obvious clues. Like I couldn’t tell if we already knew that some people were vampires that weren’t openly spoken about or if it was a new revelation.
There was a big bomb dropped at the end of this book. I am not going to spoil it for you ( you know I am anti-spoiler) but once you read it you will understand. A huge decision was made and for me I couldn’t understand how she did it like it was nothing. Maybe I just over think everything I read ( totally a possibility).
I really did enjoy this read. I will read the second book when it comes out. The chemistry between the two leads was enough for me to be intrigued. I read the book straight through and I wanted to know what would happen next. This book is suitable for mature teenagers and YA. There is some sexual content but it isn’t explicit. The love story is cute, the story line is interesting and the ending doesn’t make you want to throw hot grease in the eye of the next person you see.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Thank you Lanie Jacobs for the chance to meet Khalida
Khalida, our main chick, is in her senior year of high school and is doing what girls do at her age, hanging out with her friends, finishing up school and thinking about boys. We meet Luke, her forever crush, that has fooled her one too many times. He likes to reel her in, get her juuuust comfortable enough with their relationship and then drop her like she is nothing. We meet her best friend and partner in crime Vega and an assortment of other people that she interacts with on a daily basis including her exceptionally unsavory ex-boyfriend who is definitely this weeks prime candidate for Throat Punch Thursday. He is a REAL charmer.
One night Khalida not so smoothly discovers the existence of Vampires and she is thrown head first into a life she didn’t even know she had. Not only is this a revelation but the idea that she is who she is in this community is enough to make a girl need extra strength deodorant. The worst part about it is it seems she is the last to know. She has a good support group to help her transition and the author has really built in some comedic relief with the way her people interact.
I enjoyed the introduction of the book, it got me intrigued within the first few paragraphs but then when the story progressed it left me feeling like perhaps I missed something. I enjoyed the dialogue between Luke and Khalida and I really liked their chemistry but my inner pessimist just couldn’t understand how she could forgive so easily and jump right back on the Luke bandwagon. Then again, when you love someone I know it can make you forget all common sense and in certain situations you just do whatever helps you look at yourself in the mirror every day and get out of bed.
One thing that I wished was in this book was more focus on what being a Vampire actually meant. It was kind of like hey, this is what I am. There wasn’t the usual build up of cool powers, super strength and all around bad assery. I also didn’t understand how the characters that were up to no good were not found out before they were. I get that in order to make the story work obviously there had to be a few that slipped through the cracks but the main characters had to miss some pretty obvious clues. Like I couldn’t tell if we already knew that some people were vampires that weren’t openly spoken about or if it was a new revelation.
There was a big bomb dropped at the end of this book. I am not going to spoil it for you ( you know I am anti-spoiler) but once you read it you will understand. A huge decision was made and for me I couldn’t understand how she did it like it was nothing. Maybe I just over think everything I read ( totally a possibility).
I really did enjoy this read. I will read the second book when it comes out. The chemistry between the two leads was enough for me to be intrigued. I read the book straight through and I wanted to know what would happen next. This book is suitable for mature teenagers and YA. There is some sexual content but it isn’t explicit. The love story is cute, the story line is interesting and the ending doesn’t make you want to throw hot grease in the eye of the next person you see.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Thank you Lanie Jacobs for the chance to meet Khalida
October 9, 2015
A very different start to this Vampire love story which went from strength to strength. There were also some unexpected twists when the evil doers are unmasked one by one. The story is a mix of amazingly hot interactions between Khalida and Luke and a rollercoaster of action all the way through. It was a stroke of genius, the identity of the growling monster (who of us hasn't imagined their sibling in such a way!).
The heroine went from being a scared and insecure teenager to a strong and capable heroine as she learned her new abilities. It's always nice to come across a heroine who can hold her own and not crouch whimpering behind the strong, georgeous hero, although Luke fits that part well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all paranormal/vampire lovers.
The heroine went from being a scared and insecure teenager to a strong and capable heroine as she learned her new abilities. It's always nice to come across a heroine who can hold her own and not crouch whimpering behind the strong, georgeous hero, although Luke fits that part well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all paranormal/vampire lovers.
April 3, 2016
A vampire story with enough unique elements and a well-organized plot that kept some suspense and romance alive throughout the story without stuffing it down readers' throats nor needing to exaggerate anything.
The down-to-earth beginning made it engaging and Khalida and her situation both friendships, on and off again relationships, and family life were average until the story unfolds of her coming-of-age half blood vampire powers that will explode on or near her eighteenth birthday (foretold in the prologue so it's an expected discovery). Then the development of the rest of the characters begin to demonstrate their knowledge and powers around Khalida that allow the larger story to unfold.
With an exotic cover and title, it's different enough to be 'not just another' vampire story.
The down-to-earth beginning made it engaging and Khalida and her situation both friendships, on and off again relationships, and family life were average until the story unfolds of her coming-of-age half blood vampire powers that will explode on or near her eighteenth birthday (foretold in the prologue so it's an expected discovery). Then the development of the rest of the characters begin to demonstrate their knowledge and powers around Khalida that allow the larger story to unfold.
With an exotic cover and title, it's different enough to be 'not just another' vampire story.
December 1, 2015
This book is so captivating! It grabbed me from the first page! It didn't let me go til the very last page, then left me hanging for more! I can't wait for the next one! Suspenseful, thrilling, more twists and turns than a lonely mountain road on a winters day! An intriguing alternate reality with relatable characters, snappy dialogue, danger, mystery, romance. Lanie Jacobs enchants, enthralls her readers surely securing her rightful place among the authors who will soon rise to the top! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
May 11, 2016
I received this book from netgalley for review.
This is a hard book for me to review. There were parts that I really liked and other parts where I just wanted the book to be done. I liked the idea of the story and loved that it was different than other vampire books I've read, but the writing wasn't the best. I also got annoyed by all the possessive "you're mine" statements by Luke. I get that it was a love and bonding thing, but it still bugged me. So I liked the book and thought it was good for the most part, but not enough to give it more than 3 stars.
This is a hard book for me to review. There were parts that I really liked and other parts where I just wanted the book to be done. I liked the idea of the story and loved that it was different than other vampire books I've read, but the writing wasn't the best. I also got annoyed by all the possessive "you're mine" statements by Luke. I get that it was a love and bonding thing, but it still bugged me. So I liked the book and thought it was good for the most part, but not enough to give it more than 3 stars.
December 19, 2015
Come to Willow Shadows... You will not be disappointed!
Absolutely amazing! The prologue alone, is better than any Vampire based HBO show. Very easy to read, and exciting from the first page. Please get Amaranthine for your reader, reluctant reader, your tweens, or anyone a little bit Vampiry!
Absolutely amazing! The prologue alone, is better than any Vampire based HBO show. Very easy to read, and exciting from the first page. Please get Amaranthine for your reader, reluctant reader, your tweens, or anyone a little bit Vampiry!
March 11, 2016
I didn't particularly enjoy this book. I thought the main character was very whiny and only thought about herself and what she wanted to do. It was only after something bad happened that she was like "oh, I can't believe I did that". The prologue was very great at catching my attention, and then it slowly went downhill from there.
Arc received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Arc received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. The love story, the twists and the ending will leave you wanting more.
did-not-finish
April 29, 2017DNF @ 22%. The prologue was super promising and had me eager to read on, but the writing after that wasn't as good. It's in 3rd person, switching from the two main characters' POVs, but sometimes it would switch in the middle of paragraphs when it wasn't meant to. The MC also calls the girls that her boyfriend (?) dates "mutts" and "dumb skuzzy twits". I mean, really? They didn't even do anything to her. Ugh. It also got a little confusing with the whole vampire premise which wasn't explained very well, and to be honest, I don't really like vampires anyway. Which is technically my bad, since I didn't read the synopsis.
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