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Monère: Children of the Moon #2
Mona Lisa Blossoming
Mona Lisa has finally accepted what she really is-a Mixed-Blood of the Monère, the children of the moon. Stronger, faster, and more beautiful than any human, they are the origins of Earth's darkest legends-and Mona Lisa is their newest Queen.
Accompanied by her loyal cadre of warriors and kin, Mona Lisa is entering her territory of Louisiana for the first time. She slowly learns the erotic and savage customs of the Monère elite-though some of her new subjects are uneasy at being ruled by a half-human. Her reign is threatened by enemies old and new, and she is ensnared in the thrall of dark forces she cannot deny. In a hidden world of animal passions and unrelenting lust, Mona Lisa soon grasps the tremendous power she must command if she is to hold her realm together-and if she is ever to come into her own.
Accompanied by her loyal cadre of warriors and kin, Mona Lisa is entering her territory of Louisiana for the first time. She slowly learns the erotic and savage customs of the Monère elite-though some of her new subjects are uneasy at being ruled by a half-human. Her reign is threatened by enemies old and new, and she is ensnared in the thrall of dark forces she cannot deny. In a hidden world of animal passions and unrelenting lust, Mona Lisa soon grasps the tremendous power she must command if she is to hold her realm together-and if she is ever to come into her own.
246 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2007
28 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
Sunny
95 books651 followersA family practice physician and Vassar graduate, Sunny was finally pushed into picking up her pen by the success of the rest of her family. Much to her amazement, she found that, by golly, she actually could write a book, and that it was much more fun than being a doctor.
As an author, Sunny has been featured on Geraldo at Large and CNBC, and has won many awards including the prestigious PRISM Award. When she is not busy reading and writing, Sunny is editing her husband’s books, literary novelist Da Chen, and being a happy stage mom for her young actor son.
As an author, Sunny has been featured on Geraldo at Large and CNBC, and has won many awards including the prestigious PRISM Award. When she is not busy reading and writing, Sunny is editing her husband’s books, literary novelist Da Chen, and being a happy stage mom for her young actor son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
August 11, 2011
Before I begin, let me just say that I bought this book and its predecessor, Mona Lisa Awakening, back in the summer. They were being sold at Barnes and Noble online for $1.99 each, so I figured “Hey, why not buy this. I have no idea what its about, but that’s okay.” Oops, probably shouldn’t do that again. Let’s just say I was pretty suprised when I actually started reading the first book a few months ago. This is most definitely under the erotica category. Expect in-depth sex scenes every thirty pages or so. There's also quite a lot of violence.
Oh yeah, I guess I should actually start talking about this particular book now:
I basically started reading this because I remembered it was on my book shelf and I hadn't read it yet. I read the first one back in the summer, and it was so forgettable that I didn't even remember owning this. I suppose I'm happy I did give this book a chance, since it's a slight step up from the first one. This book still has its major annoyances, but it was a slight step up nonetheless.
Let's start out with the cons.
1. The striking similarities between the Anita Blake novels and this series. There were times when I was expecting Jean-Claude or Richard to fly into the pages for a quick hello. The writing styles in particular is the main thing I noticed. This has been addressed by many other reviewers before, however, so I won't dwell on it.
2. The really awkward and unecessary similies. It's almost as if the author threw them in there to say "Hey! Look! I know how to use figurative language! Hehe!" Things like "I blinked my eyes and it was if I suddenly saw clearly what was before me, like a blind man regaining his vision" (34). Was that really necessary? I don't think so.
3. The tedious, long descriptions of eyes and facial movements are in plenty. These things worked well in the Anita Blake books, simply because Laurell K. Hamilton has been doing it all along. In this book, not so much. Expect things like "his eyes blazed like liquid fire as his beast swam through his pupils, leaving soft, rolling ripples." For the record, I did make that up, but that isn't too far off from what you'll read.
4. The whole "embracing the beast" concept. Again, worked well in the Anita Blake series, simply looks like plagarizing here. The parts of the story when Mona Lisa is trying to fight off and welcome her beast at the same time reads as if the author copied and pasted paragraphs of Hamilton's book into her own.
5. Mona Lisa's and Gryphon's love affair. Or should I say lust affair. Is there really any love there at all? Mona Lisa goes on and on about how much she loves Gryphon, but when they're actually together they just seem to fight. She just seems to want him for his, well, you know. Even when Gryphon comes in and is like "Uh, hun, you seem to hate me except for my body, so I think I'll just leave," she responds, "Oh no! I love you so much! Your body and soul! ...but let's have some mind-blowing sex anyway."
Okay, and now on to the pros.
1. Mona Lisa's speaking abilities. I know that sounds really stupid, but I'll continue. In the first book, she spiraled in and out of "Monere talk" (really long, fancy-sounding words peppered into regular sentences) and talking with an overwhelming amount of slang words. In this book, the author throws out both and just lets her talk like a human being. With some F-bombs thrown in as well.
2. The storyline. While it was not that strong, it seemed a little more put-together than the previous one. Mona Lisa Awakening just kind of threw in random things as it went along, such as having the Prince of Hell show up. This one seemed to have a little more flow. The actual conflict (Mona Lisa vs. Mona Louisa) was a little more pronounced. While there's some loose ends (Wild Boy? Was he just there to fill pages?) it's still not that bad.
3. The end of chapter seventeen. Enough said.
Overall, I give this book a low three stars. And now that I've written a review that is probably longer than the book itself, I'll end this here.
Oh yeah, I guess I should actually start talking about this particular book now:
I basically started reading this because I remembered it was on my book shelf and I hadn't read it yet. I read the first one back in the summer, and it was so forgettable that I didn't even remember owning this. I suppose I'm happy I did give this book a chance, since it's a slight step up from the first one. This book still has its major annoyances, but it was a slight step up nonetheless.
Let's start out with the cons.
1. The striking similarities between the Anita Blake novels and this series. There were times when I was expecting Jean-Claude or Richard to fly into the pages for a quick hello. The writing styles in particular is the main thing I noticed. This has been addressed by many other reviewers before, however, so I won't dwell on it.
2. The really awkward and unecessary similies. It's almost as if the author threw them in there to say "Hey! Look! I know how to use figurative language! Hehe!" Things like "I blinked my eyes and it was if I suddenly saw clearly what was before me, like a blind man regaining his vision" (34). Was that really necessary? I don't think so.
3. The tedious, long descriptions of eyes and facial movements are in plenty. These things worked well in the Anita Blake books, simply because Laurell K. Hamilton has been doing it all along. In this book, not so much. Expect things like "his eyes blazed like liquid fire as his beast swam through his pupils, leaving soft, rolling ripples." For the record, I did make that up, but that isn't too far off from what you'll read.
4. The whole "embracing the beast" concept. Again, worked well in the Anita Blake series, simply looks like plagarizing here. The parts of the story when Mona Lisa is trying to fight off and welcome her beast at the same time reads as if the author copied and pasted paragraphs of Hamilton's book into her own.
5. Mona Lisa's and Gryphon's love affair. Or should I say lust affair. Is there really any love there at all? Mona Lisa goes on and on about how much she loves Gryphon, but when they're actually together they just seem to fight. She just seems to want him for his, well, you know. Even when Gryphon comes in and is like "Uh, hun, you seem to hate me except for my body, so I think I'll just leave," she responds, "Oh no! I love you so much! Your body and soul! ...but let's have some mind-blowing sex anyway."
Okay, and now on to the pros.
1. Mona Lisa's speaking abilities. I know that sounds really stupid, but I'll continue. In the first book, she spiraled in and out of "Monere talk" (really long, fancy-sounding words peppered into regular sentences) and talking with an overwhelming amount of slang words. In this book, the author throws out both and just lets her talk like a human being. With some F-bombs thrown in as well.
2. The storyline. While it was not that strong, it seemed a little more put-together than the previous one. Mona Lisa Awakening just kind of threw in random things as it went along, such as having the Prince of Hell show up. This one seemed to have a little more flow. The actual conflict (Mona Lisa vs. Mona Louisa) was a little more pronounced. While there's some loose ends (Wild Boy? Was he just there to fill pages?) it's still not that bad.
3. The end of chapter seventeen. Enough said.
Overall, I give this book a low three stars. And now that I've written a review that is probably longer than the book itself, I'll end this here.
April 15, 2010
MONA LISA NO LONGER SMILES!!!
Let me say this, the series of the Monere (children of the moon) is a gem so unlike many works in the category of paranormal/supernatural etc. This was the second book in a series of four and I am just hanging on barely by my excitement.
Mona Lisa has always felt different from those around her. Not completely fitting in with the people surrounding her, she always knew she was something more, something more than human. Her answer comes in the form of the breathtaking Gryphon, a man that she felt an unnatural pull to and with him came the answers she’s been searching for a her whole life. She is a Queen, a descendant of the children of the moon. Powerful individuals who are ruled over by Queens and get their power directly from the moon in a ritual called basking. With these answers will come heartbreak and a fight to prove herself as a woman and as a Queen, because Mona is half human and there are those who feel she is unworthy because half-breeds are looked down upon, yet they can’t deny her power.
Now she has claimed her own territory, and people to rule over. What will she do with no previous experience and how will she gain the trust of those around her. Mona is surrounded by armed guards whom have sworn on their lives to protect her and with them she feels confident enough to rule. Yet the territory that she claimed was taken from another Queen as punishment for trying to kill her, and you know women sometimes we can’t just let things go, because Mona is about to be dealt some serious blows and final act will leave her broken. No one wants someone so powerful around who can change everything that the Monere has ever known and bring a race into a new beginning.
The supporting roles are also pretty awesome. Amber the gentle giant lover of Mona Lisa, Gryphon the beautiful another lover of Mona, you interested yet. The two men of her heart, who because of mating with her has gained some powers of their own, and loves her unconditionally and irrevocably. Also my fave demon prince ruler of hell Halcyon, man do I love him. It is common for a Queen to take many lovers but Mona only wants her two, but the pull to mate with others is still there, but the human part of her cannot just give in to their Monere ways. It’s her human emotions that might possibly lead to her downfall in the end. Everyone wants a peice of Mona Lisa, a Monere who can walk in sunlight, a healer, able to summon silver to her and can take the abilities that others have if that is her wish talk about hot commodity.
If you want an escape from your vampires and wolves then I advise you to take a look in to this series. So wonderfully written and seductive, unlike any other series out there. This group of powerful individuals will capture your heart and leave you begging for more. Sunny has truthfully done a wonderful job of creating a world filled with evil and pure love. I am looking forward to the next instalment of this highly addictive series, because I really want to see Mona Lisa smile again.
Let me say this, the series of the Monere (children of the moon) is a gem so unlike many works in the category of paranormal/supernatural etc. This was the second book in a series of four and I am just hanging on barely by my excitement.
Mona Lisa has always felt different from those around her. Not completely fitting in with the people surrounding her, she always knew she was something more, something more than human. Her answer comes in the form of the breathtaking Gryphon, a man that she felt an unnatural pull to and with him came the answers she’s been searching for a her whole life. She is a Queen, a descendant of the children of the moon. Powerful individuals who are ruled over by Queens and get their power directly from the moon in a ritual called basking. With these answers will come heartbreak and a fight to prove herself as a woman and as a Queen, because Mona is half human and there are those who feel she is unworthy because half-breeds are looked down upon, yet they can’t deny her power.
Now she has claimed her own territory, and people to rule over. What will she do with no previous experience and how will she gain the trust of those around her. Mona is surrounded by armed guards whom have sworn on their lives to protect her and with them she feels confident enough to rule. Yet the territory that she claimed was taken from another Queen as punishment for trying to kill her, and you know women sometimes we can’t just let things go, because Mona is about to be dealt some serious blows and final act will leave her broken. No one wants someone so powerful around who can change everything that the Monere has ever known and bring a race into a new beginning.
The supporting roles are also pretty awesome. Amber the gentle giant lover of Mona Lisa, Gryphon the beautiful another lover of Mona, you interested yet. The two men of her heart, who because of mating with her has gained some powers of their own, and loves her unconditionally and irrevocably. Also my fave demon prince ruler of hell Halcyon, man do I love him. It is common for a Queen to take many lovers but Mona only wants her two, but the pull to mate with others is still there, but the human part of her cannot just give in to their Monere ways. It’s her human emotions that might possibly lead to her downfall in the end. Everyone wants a peice of Mona Lisa, a Monere who can walk in sunlight, a healer, able to summon silver to her and can take the abilities that others have if that is her wish talk about hot commodity.
If you want an escape from your vampires and wolves then I advise you to take a look in to this series. So wonderfully written and seductive, unlike any other series out there. This group of powerful individuals will capture your heart and leave you begging for more. Sunny has truthfully done a wonderful job of creating a world filled with evil and pure love. I am looking forward to the next instalment of this highly addictive series, because I really want to see Mona Lisa smile again.
August 29, 2015
Mona Lisa Blossoming is a major step up from the first book, Mona Lisa Awakening, so anyone who (understandably) stopped after that one might want to consider giving the series another try.
The protagonist, Mona Lisa, is a completely different character. So much so that it was like she had been written by a different author. And in this instance, that's a really good thing. I loved the new Mona Lisa. She was gritty and far more authentic than in the previous books.
Rather than the overwrought and out of place formal language of the first book, this Mona Lisa's voice was earthy, modern and expletive ridden, and it made for far more enjoyable reading.
Mona Lisa Blossoming sees Mona Lisa in her new territory of Louisiana, where she meets her new people and and asserts her authority with some substantial help from Amber as he is forced to meet and fight a bloody challenge on their arrival.
We also get to spend more time with Halcyon, an intriguing character and one of my favourites. It was surprising and interesting to take a trip into hell and meet his father (I know. I'm fully aware of how ridiculous this sounds, but it works in this book). Now we know where Halcyon gets his mystique.
The suspense element involving Mona Louisa was well done, and I was both gratified and wary about the ending of this book. I know it seems wrong to say, but I was almost happy that . That was a positive for this series in my mind. But then the author tempered my enthusiasm by having Mona Lisa . That part actually made me sad.
I like that the author has done the unexpected, and that makes me look forward to the next book with far more anticipation than I felt going into this one.
The protagonist, Mona Lisa, is a completely different character. So much so that it was like she had been written by a different author. And in this instance, that's a really good thing. I loved the new Mona Lisa. She was gritty and far more authentic than in the previous books.
Rather than the overwrought and out of place formal language of the first book, this Mona Lisa's voice was earthy, modern and expletive ridden, and it made for far more enjoyable reading.
Mona Lisa Blossoming sees Mona Lisa in her new territory of Louisiana, where she meets her new people and and asserts her authority with some substantial help from Amber as he is forced to meet and fight a bloody challenge on their arrival.
We also get to spend more time with Halcyon, an intriguing character and one of my favourites. It was surprising and interesting to take a trip into hell and meet his father (I know. I'm fully aware of how ridiculous this sounds, but it works in this book). Now we know where Halcyon gets his mystique.
The suspense element involving Mona Louisa was well done, and I was both gratified and wary about the ending of this book. I know it seems wrong to say, but I was almost happy that . That was a positive for this series in my mind. But then the author tempered my enthusiasm by having Mona Lisa . That part actually made me sad.
I like that the author has done the unexpected, and that makes me look forward to the next book with far more anticipation than I felt going into this one.
November 27, 2023
First Book Is Great. Second Book Not As Great. And Third Book…You’ll Have To Read The Review :)
To start off…I thought the first book by Sunny, Mona Lisa Awakening was really terrific. Yes, it rushed at a lightning like speed once Mona Lisa is told that the sadistic queen Mona Sera is her mother - talk about an awful “family tree!” But the entirety of the book was set up well, detailed, romantic, thrilling and lovely (in its own bloody weird way). Mona Lisa Blossoming however…let’s just say it’s not as good as its predecessor, and definitely lacking in the romance department…considering it’s a “dark romance.” Oh the dark is there…but the light…the light (no matter how hard the author tries to portray it) is totally gone!
***SPOILERS/recap***
Queen Mona Lisa is now fully acknowledged as a full queen and given her own territory with a few “random” half-bloods that she has “acquired,” (think a little like stray animals that someone takes in, but treats better) she leaves the High Court for her new domain - but not before giving her beloved Gryphon and her lover Amber, Warrior Lord Status. This status is huge!! And it is revered among the men, both full-blooded, and definitely half-blooded, because it gives the men (who are at the “mercy” of their usually sadistic queens) a position that is almost as high as their own. They are allowed freedom no other Monere man would ever dream of having AND they are given the RIGHT TO THEIR OWN LAND, a domain without a queen lording over them (often torturing and raping them). Mona Lisa (we’ve already established she’s the best of the bunch - heck IT IS her story after all) gives her men “freedom” even though her heart is breaking, and is thrilled when they both deny wanting their own domain…declaring themselves forever in her service!! Mona Lisa loves all her people and adores Amber, her lover, but is IN LOVE WITH, Gryphon, the first Monere she met, the one that taught her about the moon, the one she SAVED, the one she bonded with and made into her world. She would do anything for him.
Frankly, one of the things I thought was ridiculous was the entire fiasco of Gryphon giving himself over to the horrible Mona Louisa for the “cure” to his sickness in exchange for four warriors of her retinue to watch and take care of his queen, his love, Mona Lisa. He broke her heart right there and then (for her own good. Why do these idiots always do things they tell themselves are for their lovers - usually the FMC’s, own good??!!) it’s high handed, selfish, and most definitely stupid on their part! Of course if Gryphon hadn’t “sacrificed” himself (that’s what he was doing in his mind since, hey he was dying, right? Didn’t think that his incredible queen, first of her kind, might actually be able to cure him given enough time?? Nope, no, Niet. He was a total idiot). Anyhoooo…he sacrifices himself, leaving behind 4 of Mona Louisa’s men (like, why in the world did he imagine these men would ever be loyal to his beloved queen?? They’d serviced Mona Louisa forever, for F’s sake AND not many Monere men were like Gryphon or thought like Gryphon, many wanted/want power only!). In doing so he leaves Mona Lisa completely despondent and wasting, not to mention surrounded by traitors.
When Mona Lisa finally comes out of her “funk” due largely in part to Prince of hell, Halycon (my actual favorite character! Yes I liked him better than even Mona Lisa who I thought could be as childish and annoying and idiotic as her men, at times. Yes she’s a very young queen, but she still does truly asinine things sometimes). She goes about business readying herself for her “coronation” of sorts, and the announcement of her lands. Before any of this can happen, though, she’s betrayed by Mona Louisa’s men (big shocker here, right) and almost raped, then taken by force to a dungeon to await a lifetime of rape, and being bred and used like an animal for the pleasure of Rogue Monere Men (some Lords). The leader, Sandoor, turns out to be her lover Amber’s totally deranged father who has been keeping his former queen prisoner forever. Mona Carlisse, the imprisoned queen has been continually raped, tortured and used, and has one daughter that she gave birth to under horrible circumstances-Amber’s half sister, Corsio.
Well, as the reader has already determined, Mona Lisa is no “ordinary” Queen (not only because she bears the Goddesses tears in her palms) but because she’s a “modern” Queen with modern intellect, and with her man (Amber still alive) she’s more determined than ever to free herself AND the poor imprisoned queen, Mona Carlisse.
Of course, she does. She makes it back to the High Court and brings her “evidence” (Mona Carlisse, her daughter, and some traitors with her) and tells the High Court what she and the other poor queen have endured under Sandoor and the rogues hands. There she comes face-to-face with Gryphon for the first time since he abandoned her (because that IS what he did, reasons notwithstanding). She’s furious, he’s being chained like a pet on a leash by Mona Louisa, and decaying quickly from the poison in his system. Despite the fact that Gryphon left her to the wolves, or should I say, the rogue Monere scum, she LOVES HIM, and she FIGHTS FOR HIM! When Gryphon is released and both he and Amber are acknowledged as Warrior Lords, they pick up like NOTHING HAPPENED, collect their raggedy band of misfits and head off to Mona Lisa’s new domain…New Orleans, which was once overseen by Queen Mona Louisa (yup I’m sure we all know that this is going to go over well - NOT!).
The book “Mona Lisa Awakening” just got steadily worse as each page was turned. The title is Mona Lisa AWAKENING, however I didn’t feel as if Mona Lisa awakened at all!! She was still waaaay too ignorant of the ways of the Monere, her men continually kept trying to “protect” her instead of TEACHING her (like skills that would actually help to keep her alive, especially if they weren’t there for her) just because she has a shyte load of power doesn’t mean she’s indestructible and it doesn’t mean she knows how and when to use her new powers. She’s like a baby bird just learning (and falling a lot) how to fly.
It’s clear as day that she’s madly in love with Gryphon (even though my estimation of him had gone greatly down by this point) and her love borders on obsession, but apparently so does his, and Amber, and the other Monere men she has acquired - well, the ones who aren’t spies and/or traitors that is. In the midst of all this crazy we have Halycon, poor, beautiful, incredibly powerful, scary, LONELY, Halycon, who has now become “friends” with Mona Lisa. His clearly wants more from her than friendship, and she does too, but she can’t “shed” herself of the human concept of monogamy and faithfulness, and feels like being with Halycon would be like cheating on Gryphon (Amber too, in a way). Halycon is wonderful, and declares that he’ll take whatever he can get from her…and wait for her forever, if need be…after all he’s The Prince Of Hell and will live/die forever eternity, since he’s bound to the afterlife! More crazy drama ensues. More abductions occur. More torture, blood, maiming, decapitating, and all around insanity happens, leaving Mona Lisa completely “stunned” and actually, rather “numb” depressed, and somewhat “pathetic.” Yes, definitely did not like this book as much as the first one.
**MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS**
Does our heroine survive? Of course she does, this is her twisted tale after all!! But she loses much in “awakening” herself. Gryphon is murdered, and he becomes demon dead, which mean, somewhat like Halycon he’s confined to the afterlife and Hell. He doesn’t want to see Mona Lisa because he’s too “freshly dead” and it’ll impede his transition into Demon Dead. But while he’s transitioning and actually GETTING BETTER (while dead, no less) Mona Lisa is withering away so depressed that Gryphon is dead to her that she gives up. Yup. Our impetuous, young, powerful (albeit stupid at times) queen just gives up the will to live - even though she has an entire retinue COUNTING ON HER! Halycon comes to her rescue once again and gets her “living again,” and even brings up the prospect of love again.
Soooo you may be asking yourself what was so wrong with this book. There was actually a lot of poorly thought out story arcs (IMO) and mismanaged subplots in “Mona Lisa Awakening,” I also didn’t like the 180 some of the characters went through!!
Mona Lisa seems to lose ALL OF HER BACKBONE (not that she had much to begin with. Oh I know a lot of you will disagree with me, but seriously, think about it. She only grows her spine in the presence of one or more of her men) otherwise she truly leaves the caretaking of the domain/house/land etc to others, mostly “servants,” though she calls them family, and other random half-bloods that we know reside on her property but don’t really get to know. Her whole “life” revolves around her men…and some would say that’s the point of the books and the point of queen’s, but Sunny set up Mona Lisa to DEFY these norms and stereotypes…so why is she playing into them. And for all the intense grieving she does for Gryphon, the MAIN MALE CHARACTER from the first book and some of the second, she sure does “get over him quickly!” So she says she’s not really over him, but knowing she’ll be with him one day makes her happy…in the meantime to can declare her love and devotion to those men who are still ALIVE. I felt like Sunny set us all up for a huge fall. Gryphon’s death WAS NOT NECESSARY AT ALL. The plot development could’ve occurred in a different manner. It’s really head scratching that in a REVERSE HAREM that Sunny KILLS OFF her male main character, leaving the reader scrambling to “find” the next male main character. That is one of the reasons I loved Halycon…that, and he’s just completely wicked cool 😉🥰 Halycon remains a CONSTANT THROUGHOUT THE SERIES, and even when circumstances change, HE DOES NOT. His love, obsession, devotion sheer and utter worship of Mona Lisa endure throughout all the shyte that happens.
I honestly also thought book two wasn’t as good as book one, and a huge let down, because it felt as if Sunny was trying to SHOVE brand new story arcs our way by eliminating and/or tossing “older important threads” away, or setting them on the back burner, so to speak. We keep getting introduced to new Monere men, and yes this is a RH and Mona Lisa will have AND NEEDS multiple men, but the way Sunny introduces them to us, the reader, often doesn’t seem to make sense…and completely disconnects the reader from the main point of the story…heck by the end of the book I’m not even sure WHAT the main point of the story was! Are we supposed to learn about loss? Maybe love? Triumph over tragedy, all of the above? Who knows. All I know is that Mona Lisa gets a new man or new men every new book AND the reader is obviously supposed to accept these guys are her “new” devoted loves (like the others didn’t exist) and just keep on reading. I mean, even Amber, who was with us from the beginning, much like Gryphon is given his OWN DOMAIN, and although it’s a great honor and all that, it keeps him out of the book AND Mona Lisa’s life for like 95% of the book!! Again, we have NEW guys to get to learn to “love.” Did it not occur to Sunny that when you write a RH you don’t have to “toss aside” some of your harem members i.e. kill them off or “banish them,” or, oh, make them go insane, lose their minds and run off never to be seen again?? Again, one of the big reasons I adored Halycon - not only did he stay, his character DEVELOPED, and molded around Mona Lisa’s character so well. He also was written in a BELIEVABLE WAY. Like the reader can “see” the progression that Mona Lisa and Halycon’s love takes. And frankly, they make the best, cutest couple, lol! Yup I ❤️ Them!!
In conclusion, the rest of the series doesn’t fair much better (although you’ll need to read my reviews on those books if you want my opinions on them, lol) and once again, these are just my personal opinions. Heck, you might adore how everything plays out and think Mona Lisa is the best queen since sliced bread. I just happen to like Halycon the best, and found Mona Lisa lacking in the kickass department. Yes, when the time called for it, she was always blood, gruesome, fierce and kickass. But it always took some monumental occurrence for her to show any true fight, grit and sheer badassery!! I’ve read books where the FMC is just like inherently badass, lol, and I felt as if that wasn’t the case with Mona Lisa (even moreso in very disturbing ways) in the later books!! Again a review for another time.
Frankly I wish these books (like Lucinda’s books - now THERE’S a kickass character) were Halycon’s books, starring Mona Lisa, and not the other way around. Or perhaps I’ve read too many books where the heroine can stick up for herself, kickass on her own, or alongside ALL HER MEN, and still show love, tenderness, quiet soothing calm, softness, and devotion . With Mona Lisa it felt as if she was constantly battling with herself to manage these sides to her personality. And instead of her “growing into them” and evolving, Sunny wrote her as if she had a multiple personality disorder! It just didn’t work. Plus it was difficult to get “attached” to any member of her Harem EXCEPT FOR HALYCON because the rest kept dying, running away (sometimes to return) betraying her, kidnapping and abusing her etc. so how can she have a harem with no TRUE harem members. It was just not a very romantic dark romance.
I was definitely NOT impressed with this offering, even less so with the next few! But…if you read the first book (which was quite good, and exciting) you may find yourself unable to resist picking up the rest of the series. And if that is the case, I hope my reviews and opinions are helpful in either your decision…or just as a discussion starter.
P.S. If you REALLY want a totally awesome badass character, and interesting history and storyline, pick up Sunny’s “Lucinda Darkly.” Lucinda, Halycon’s crazy as F (lol) sister is over the top amazing!!
To start off…I thought the first book by Sunny, Mona Lisa Awakening was really terrific. Yes, it rushed at a lightning like speed once Mona Lisa is told that the sadistic queen Mona Sera is her mother - talk about an awful “family tree!” But the entirety of the book was set up well, detailed, romantic, thrilling and lovely (in its own bloody weird way). Mona Lisa Blossoming however…let’s just say it’s not as good as its predecessor, and definitely lacking in the romance department…considering it’s a “dark romance.” Oh the dark is there…but the light…the light (no matter how hard the author tries to portray it) is totally gone!
***SPOILERS/recap***
Queen Mona Lisa is now fully acknowledged as a full queen and given her own territory with a few “random” half-bloods that she has “acquired,” (think a little like stray animals that someone takes in, but treats better) she leaves the High Court for her new domain - but not before giving her beloved Gryphon and her lover Amber, Warrior Lord Status. This status is huge!! And it is revered among the men, both full-blooded, and definitely half-blooded, because it gives the men (who are at the “mercy” of their usually sadistic queens) a position that is almost as high as their own. They are allowed freedom no other Monere man would ever dream of having AND they are given the RIGHT TO THEIR OWN LAND, a domain without a queen lording over them (often torturing and raping them). Mona Lisa (we’ve already established she’s the best of the bunch - heck IT IS her story after all) gives her men “freedom” even though her heart is breaking, and is thrilled when they both deny wanting their own domain…declaring themselves forever in her service!! Mona Lisa loves all her people and adores Amber, her lover, but is IN LOVE WITH, Gryphon, the first Monere she met, the one that taught her about the moon, the one she SAVED, the one she bonded with and made into her world. She would do anything for him.
Frankly, one of the things I thought was ridiculous was the entire fiasco of Gryphon giving himself over to the horrible Mona Louisa for the “cure” to his sickness in exchange for four warriors of her retinue to watch and take care of his queen, his love, Mona Lisa. He broke her heart right there and then (for her own good. Why do these idiots always do things they tell themselves are for their lovers - usually the FMC’s, own good??!!) it’s high handed, selfish, and most definitely stupid on their part! Of course if Gryphon hadn’t “sacrificed” himself (that’s what he was doing in his mind since, hey he was dying, right? Didn’t think that his incredible queen, first of her kind, might actually be able to cure him given enough time?? Nope, no, Niet. He was a total idiot). Anyhoooo…he sacrifices himself, leaving behind 4 of Mona Louisa’s men (like, why in the world did he imagine these men would ever be loyal to his beloved queen?? They’d serviced Mona Louisa forever, for F’s sake AND not many Monere men were like Gryphon or thought like Gryphon, many wanted/want power only!). In doing so he leaves Mona Lisa completely despondent and wasting, not to mention surrounded by traitors.
When Mona Lisa finally comes out of her “funk” due largely in part to Prince of hell, Halycon (my actual favorite character! Yes I liked him better than even Mona Lisa who I thought could be as childish and annoying and idiotic as her men, at times. Yes she’s a very young queen, but she still does truly asinine things sometimes). She goes about business readying herself for her “coronation” of sorts, and the announcement of her lands. Before any of this can happen, though, she’s betrayed by Mona Louisa’s men (big shocker here, right) and almost raped, then taken by force to a dungeon to await a lifetime of rape, and being bred and used like an animal for the pleasure of Rogue Monere Men (some Lords). The leader, Sandoor, turns out to be her lover Amber’s totally deranged father who has been keeping his former queen prisoner forever. Mona Carlisse, the imprisoned queen has been continually raped, tortured and used, and has one daughter that she gave birth to under horrible circumstances-Amber’s half sister, Corsio.
Well, as the reader has already determined, Mona Lisa is no “ordinary” Queen (not only because she bears the Goddesses tears in her palms) but because she’s a “modern” Queen with modern intellect, and with her man (Amber still alive) she’s more determined than ever to free herself AND the poor imprisoned queen, Mona Carlisse.
Of course, she does. She makes it back to the High Court and brings her “evidence” (Mona Carlisse, her daughter, and some traitors with her) and tells the High Court what she and the other poor queen have endured under Sandoor and the rogues hands. There she comes face-to-face with Gryphon for the first time since he abandoned her (because that IS what he did, reasons notwithstanding). She’s furious, he’s being chained like a pet on a leash by Mona Louisa, and decaying quickly from the poison in his system. Despite the fact that Gryphon left her to the wolves, or should I say, the rogue Monere scum, she LOVES HIM, and she FIGHTS FOR HIM! When Gryphon is released and both he and Amber are acknowledged as Warrior Lords, they pick up like NOTHING HAPPENED, collect their raggedy band of misfits and head off to Mona Lisa’s new domain…New Orleans, which was once overseen by Queen Mona Louisa (yup I’m sure we all know that this is going to go over well - NOT!).
The book “Mona Lisa Awakening” just got steadily worse as each page was turned. The title is Mona Lisa AWAKENING, however I didn’t feel as if Mona Lisa awakened at all!! She was still waaaay too ignorant of the ways of the Monere, her men continually kept trying to “protect” her instead of TEACHING her (like skills that would actually help to keep her alive, especially if they weren’t there for her) just because she has a shyte load of power doesn’t mean she’s indestructible and it doesn’t mean she knows how and when to use her new powers. She’s like a baby bird just learning (and falling a lot) how to fly.
It’s clear as day that she’s madly in love with Gryphon (even though my estimation of him had gone greatly down by this point) and her love borders on obsession, but apparently so does his, and Amber, and the other Monere men she has acquired - well, the ones who aren’t spies and/or traitors that is. In the midst of all this crazy we have Halycon, poor, beautiful, incredibly powerful, scary, LONELY, Halycon, who has now become “friends” with Mona Lisa. His clearly wants more from her than friendship, and she does too, but she can’t “shed” herself of the human concept of monogamy and faithfulness, and feels like being with Halycon would be like cheating on Gryphon (Amber too, in a way). Halycon is wonderful, and declares that he’ll take whatever he can get from her…and wait for her forever, if need be…after all he’s The Prince Of Hell and will live/die forever eternity, since he’s bound to the afterlife! More crazy drama ensues. More abductions occur. More torture, blood, maiming, decapitating, and all around insanity happens, leaving Mona Lisa completely “stunned” and actually, rather “numb” depressed, and somewhat “pathetic.” Yes, definitely did not like this book as much as the first one.
**MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS**
Does our heroine survive? Of course she does, this is her twisted tale after all!! But she loses much in “awakening” herself. Gryphon is murdered, and he becomes demon dead, which mean, somewhat like Halycon he’s confined to the afterlife and Hell. He doesn’t want to see Mona Lisa because he’s too “freshly dead” and it’ll impede his transition into Demon Dead. But while he’s transitioning and actually GETTING BETTER (while dead, no less) Mona Lisa is withering away so depressed that Gryphon is dead to her that she gives up. Yup. Our impetuous, young, powerful (albeit stupid at times) queen just gives up the will to live - even though she has an entire retinue COUNTING ON HER! Halycon comes to her rescue once again and gets her “living again,” and even brings up the prospect of love again.
Soooo you may be asking yourself what was so wrong with this book. There was actually a lot of poorly thought out story arcs (IMO) and mismanaged subplots in “Mona Lisa Awakening,” I also didn’t like the 180 some of the characters went through!!
Mona Lisa seems to lose ALL OF HER BACKBONE (not that she had much to begin with. Oh I know a lot of you will disagree with me, but seriously, think about it. She only grows her spine in the presence of one or more of her men) otherwise she truly leaves the caretaking of the domain/house/land etc to others, mostly “servants,” though she calls them family, and other random half-bloods that we know reside on her property but don’t really get to know. Her whole “life” revolves around her men…and some would say that’s the point of the books and the point of queen’s, but Sunny set up Mona Lisa to DEFY these norms and stereotypes…so why is she playing into them. And for all the intense grieving she does for Gryphon, the MAIN MALE CHARACTER from the first book and some of the second, she sure does “get over him quickly!” So she says she’s not really over him, but knowing she’ll be with him one day makes her happy…in the meantime to can declare her love and devotion to those men who are still ALIVE. I felt like Sunny set us all up for a huge fall. Gryphon’s death WAS NOT NECESSARY AT ALL. The plot development could’ve occurred in a different manner. It’s really head scratching that in a REVERSE HAREM that Sunny KILLS OFF her male main character, leaving the reader scrambling to “find” the next male main character. That is one of the reasons I loved Halycon…that, and he’s just completely wicked cool 😉🥰 Halycon remains a CONSTANT THROUGHOUT THE SERIES, and even when circumstances change, HE DOES NOT. His love, obsession, devotion sheer and utter worship of Mona Lisa endure throughout all the shyte that happens.
I honestly also thought book two wasn’t as good as book one, and a huge let down, because it felt as if Sunny was trying to SHOVE brand new story arcs our way by eliminating and/or tossing “older important threads” away, or setting them on the back burner, so to speak. We keep getting introduced to new Monere men, and yes this is a RH and Mona Lisa will have AND NEEDS multiple men, but the way Sunny introduces them to us, the reader, often doesn’t seem to make sense…and completely disconnects the reader from the main point of the story…heck by the end of the book I’m not even sure WHAT the main point of the story was! Are we supposed to learn about loss? Maybe love? Triumph over tragedy, all of the above? Who knows. All I know is that Mona Lisa gets a new man or new men every new book AND the reader is obviously supposed to accept these guys are her “new” devoted loves (like the others didn’t exist) and just keep on reading. I mean, even Amber, who was with us from the beginning, much like Gryphon is given his OWN DOMAIN, and although it’s a great honor and all that, it keeps him out of the book AND Mona Lisa’s life for like 95% of the book!! Again, we have NEW guys to get to learn to “love.” Did it not occur to Sunny that when you write a RH you don’t have to “toss aside” some of your harem members i.e. kill them off or “banish them,” or, oh, make them go insane, lose their minds and run off never to be seen again?? Again, one of the big reasons I adored Halycon - not only did he stay, his character DEVELOPED, and molded around Mona Lisa’s character so well. He also was written in a BELIEVABLE WAY. Like the reader can “see” the progression that Mona Lisa and Halycon’s love takes. And frankly, they make the best, cutest couple, lol! Yup I ❤️ Them!!
In conclusion, the rest of the series doesn’t fair much better (although you’ll need to read my reviews on those books if you want my opinions on them, lol) and once again, these are just my personal opinions. Heck, you might adore how everything plays out and think Mona Lisa is the best queen since sliced bread. I just happen to like Halycon the best, and found Mona Lisa lacking in the kickass department. Yes, when the time called for it, she was always blood, gruesome, fierce and kickass. But it always took some monumental occurrence for her to show any true fight, grit and sheer badassery!! I’ve read books where the FMC is just like inherently badass, lol, and I felt as if that wasn’t the case with Mona Lisa (even moreso in very disturbing ways) in the later books!! Again a review for another time.
Frankly I wish these books (like Lucinda’s books - now THERE’S a kickass character) were Halycon’s books, starring Mona Lisa, and not the other way around. Or perhaps I’ve read too many books where the heroine can stick up for herself, kickass on her own, or alongside ALL HER MEN, and still show love, tenderness, quiet soothing calm, softness, and devotion . With Mona Lisa it felt as if she was constantly battling with herself to manage these sides to her personality. And instead of her “growing into them” and evolving, Sunny wrote her as if she had a multiple personality disorder! It just didn’t work. Plus it was difficult to get “attached” to any member of her Harem EXCEPT FOR HALYCON because the rest kept dying, running away (sometimes to return) betraying her, kidnapping and abusing her etc. so how can she have a harem with no TRUE harem members. It was just not a very romantic dark romance.
I was definitely NOT impressed with this offering, even less so with the next few! But…if you read the first book (which was quite good, and exciting) you may find yourself unable to resist picking up the rest of the series. And if that is the case, I hope my reviews and opinions are helpful in either your decision…or just as a discussion starter.
P.S. If you REALLY want a totally awesome badass character, and interesting history and storyline, pick up Sunny’s “Lucinda Darkly.” Lucinda, Halycon’s crazy as F (lol) sister is over the top amazing!!
March 28, 2011
This was the second book in Sunny’s Monere series, about a race of shape shifters that have been exiled from the moon and force to live on earth. I wish I would have paid more attention before starting this one, and started with the first, as I was a bit lost thru the first two thirds of the book, as I fumbled through learning the cultural aspects of the Monere race, and how Mona Lisa became the queen of a US territory, even though she is only half Monere.
All in all the book has a great balance, as there is not too much violence like the trap some Urban Paranormal writers can fall into. She balances this with some of very well written erotic scenes, which she writes extremely well. This saves the books because her narrative and dialogue tend to be quite clumsy, that and the climax of the book was very anti-climatic. But, she is an excellent world builder, and has in interesting take on shape-shifting.
I would read more of Sunny’s books, provided I found them on a bargain table or a friend lent them to me, but I would not rush out to buy more of them. Her writing will not put her on my must read author list, but makes some entertaining filler when I do not have other books pending.
All in all the book has a great balance, as there is not too much violence like the trap some Urban Paranormal writers can fall into. She balances this with some of very well written erotic scenes, which she writes extremely well. This saves the books because her narrative and dialogue tend to be quite clumsy, that and the climax of the book was very anti-climatic. But, she is an excellent world builder, and has in interesting take on shape-shifting.
I would read more of Sunny’s books, provided I found them on a bargain table or a friend lent them to me, but I would not rush out to buy more of them. Her writing will not put her on my must read author list, but makes some entertaining filler when I do not have other books pending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2012
I picked this up because I needed something to read at work, and it looked like a swift mind-candy urban fantasy. Awkward... Let's be clear: this is porn. I have nothing against porn (in book form). In fact, if you're looking for good smut this will likely fit the bill. It is about one third sex, one third ZOMG Crisis!, and one third odd transitions between the two. To me it read as straight up Anita Blake fanfic. It was sort of weird actually. I kept waiting for characters from that series to show up. The voice, pacing, characters...all of it, really, was so straight up Laurel K. Hamilton it actually made me sort of miss that series. So if you want to read something super steamy and you dig LKH this will make you happy. If you want more story than sex, don't go here.
December 31, 2014
I love Sunny. She is probably one of the most brain stimulating writers I have red in a long time.
The only thing i didn't like about this was the way they took out Gryphon. Also, Amber is my favorite male in this book (makes me wish he was real. All big and manly-like hahahaha) and now they've totally lessen his role. Hopefully he'll make a comeback in the later books.
Halcyon's scene with Mona Lisa in the Suburban after he was bitten was breathtaking, mind-blowing, and extremely tasty.
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!!!!
The only thing i didn't like about this was the way they took out Gryphon. Also, Amber is my favorite male in this book (makes me wish he was real. All big and manly-like hahahaha) and now they've totally lessen his role. Hopefully he'll make a comeback in the later books.
Halcyon's scene with Mona Lisa in the Suburban after he was bitten was breathtaking, mind-blowing, and extremely tasty.
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!!!!
March 22, 2010
Okay, I really like this series...Sunny has done an excellent job in creating this world. I love her characters like Mona Lisa, and her merry men...and of course I hate the evil, ill, and sick bastards that appear. Mona Lisa is a compassionate, loving and strong women with way to much responsibility dropped in her lap...but she does not let her men and family down, no matter the cost to her...This book made me happy and sad and made we want more. Highly recommend this book. And yest the characters carry over from previous books.
January 26, 2009
Another great delve into the Monere world. Sunny takes you for a ride right from the beginning as Mona Lisa is welcomed into her knew territory.
A couple things about this book...
I wonder about Wiley. What purpose will he eventually serve in future novels, since there is a good bit devoted to him. Interesting that he is 3/4 Monere as well -- 3 in one household, now.
I was happy that Gryphon died. Maybe I'm the only one, but he had too many character flaws.
A couple things about this book...
I wonder about Wiley. What purpose will he eventually serve in future novels, since there is a good bit devoted to him. Interesting that he is 3/4 Monere as well -- 3 in one household, now.
I was happy that Gryphon died. Maybe I'm the only one, but he had too many character flaws.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2009
Spicy & hot sex. Tragic violence. Great book.
Favorite quote: "She'd said that revenge was not sweet, that it was bloody. She was wrong. It *was* sweet. For one fleeting, glorious moment you felt incredible satisfaction. Then it was gone, empty, and you had to go on living. The power high that filled me with her light had faded, and all I tasted now were bitter ashes."
Favorite quote: "She'd said that revenge was not sweet, that it was bloody. She was wrong. It *was* sweet. For one fleeting, glorious moment you felt incredible satisfaction. Then it was gone, empty, and you had to go on living. The power high that filled me with her light had faded, and all I tasted now were bitter ashes."
July 13, 2009
I absolutely loved this book. I love Amber and I love the High Prince of Hell. They are characters I would love to be stranded on a desert island with :)
I cannot wait to read the third book. They keep getting better and better.
I cannot wait to read the third book. They keep getting better and better.
October 11, 2013
A pattern seems to develop so that the outline becomes predictable, though specific events can still surprise. The main character seems to almost too powerful, but the story is easy to get into and fun a distraction.
September 16, 2011
Very sad ending... I wasn't ready for that.
November 29, 2025
Pues a mí no me parece bien, con lo guay
que estaba siendo que fuera la Reina más poderosa y ahora su hermano que es hombre también tiene el poder de la luna de llamarla, que gracía tiene. Al hermano le faltan dos tuercas, en la situación en la que se encuentran y se pone a recitar la arquitectura de la casa.
Todavía no me lo he terminado pero creo que me va a gustar más que el otro si es cierto está todo el rato en el otro secuestrándola amenazandola casi velándola y de todo pero es que este mmm hola la única diferencia que había sido el inicio que sí que inframundo y luego se vuelve al castillo este nuevo pero me refiero o sea están todo el rato en el mismo sitio transcurriendo todas las cosas y bueno sí que es cierto que hay mucho sexo y todo lo que tú quieras con amber y con grifo pero me refiero no sé o sea como que parece que no avanza la historia todo el rato es lo mismo, lo de vale encontró a su hermano, perfecto gg, y ahora la lucha con la mona luisiana o lourense o como cojones se llame y todo el rato que lo está puteando o intentando secuestrarla o cualquier cosa y su atención con el príncipe del inframundo no sé cómo acabar no me queda todavía tampoco mucho por leerme y de momento pues sin más ya veremos a ver.
Pero que hijo de puta está hecho el Domain este, que asco de verdad que se pudra. Después de cuidarme darle el puesto de ns que de Armas así lo agradeces. Encima es el cabecilla de un plan para sonsacar información al príncipe proponiendo violarla delante suya flipo. Como que "tengo que hacerlo" pero eres tonto, si eres al que se le ha ocurrido esa idea que cojones.
Muy bien Dontaine siempre confíe en ti, claro que todo era un plan para poder liberarla, al final sí que es leal. Diciendo que libera "a su reina" bravo así si.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados si este es el final del libro me pongo a llorar ahora mismo después de todo lo que ha pasado como va a acabar así tío. Por qué acabo de ver que hay un siguiente libro porque sino te juro que rompo en llanto. Es que la historia todavía tiene que desarrollarse. Por lo menos la pesada de Louisa está muerta porque como no lo este voy a acabar tirándome por un acantilado.
Vale que tiene otra 6 putos libros, hoy es mi día de suerte jajajaja, que dices?. Encima aparecen nuevos "personajes"😏, tú ya me entiendes o es lo que entiendo yo al menos vamos.
que estaba siendo que fuera la Reina más poderosa y ahora su hermano que es hombre también tiene el poder de la luna de llamarla, que gracía tiene. Al hermano le faltan dos tuercas, en la situación en la que se encuentran y se pone a recitar la arquitectura de la casa.
Todavía no me lo he terminado pero creo que me va a gustar más que el otro si es cierto está todo el rato en el otro secuestrándola amenazandola casi velándola y de todo pero es que este mmm hola la única diferencia que había sido el inicio que sí que inframundo y luego se vuelve al castillo este nuevo pero me refiero o sea están todo el rato en el mismo sitio transcurriendo todas las cosas y bueno sí que es cierto que hay mucho sexo y todo lo que tú quieras con amber y con grifo pero me refiero no sé o sea como que parece que no avanza la historia todo el rato es lo mismo, lo de vale encontró a su hermano, perfecto gg, y ahora la lucha con la mona luisiana o lourense o como cojones se llame y todo el rato que lo está puteando o intentando secuestrarla o cualquier cosa y su atención con el príncipe del inframundo no sé cómo acabar no me queda todavía tampoco mucho por leerme y de momento pues sin más ya veremos a ver.
Pero que hijo de puta está hecho el Domain este, que asco de verdad que se pudra. Después de cuidarme darle el puesto de ns que de Armas así lo agradeces. Encima es el cabecilla de un plan para sonsacar información al príncipe proponiendo violarla delante suya flipo. Como que "tengo que hacerlo" pero eres tonto, si eres al que se le ha ocurrido esa idea que cojones.
Muy bien Dontaine siempre confíe en ti, claro que todo era un plan para poder liberarla, al final sí que es leal. Diciendo que libera "a su reina" bravo así si.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados si este es el final del libro me pongo a llorar ahora mismo después de todo lo que ha pasado como va a acabar así tío. Por qué acabo de ver que hay un siguiente libro porque sino te juro que rompo en llanto. Es que la historia todavía tiene que desarrollarse. Por lo menos la pesada de Louisa está muerta porque como no lo este voy a acabar tirándome por un acantilado.
Vale que tiene otra 6 putos libros, hoy es mi día de suerte jajajaja, que dices?. Encima aparecen nuevos "personajes"😏, tú ya me entiendes o es lo que entiendo yo al menos vamos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
Round 2 lets do this.
The book immediately opens with a note about how traumatic hurricane Katrina was and that the author‘s “heart goes out to all whose lives were affected by this disaster.” Oh this is gonna be a bumpy ride.
Here we go:
“alabaster purity of his skin.“ We get it you like white people. “haunting sadness swam like a living thing in his sky blue eyes…done too much…those crystalline depths.” We get it you like to pad your book. “introductions flowed forward like fast streaming water, filling the vessel of my mind with a general feel for the whole, but slipping away if I grasped for much detail.” You REALLY like to pad your work, that or you don’t really know how to mix in creative writing properly.
The desire to remove the rape law is mentioned immediately. Great start to a book that’s supposed to be about lust and romance. Also there’s blood play in this. Oh speaking of rape there’s a rape survivor who learns to “love again”, and there’s another character who straight up threatens Mona Lisa with rape and she is proud that he doesn’t do it??? But then he mildly threatens to one day?? This book isn’t just bad it’s trash.
She still “loves” Gryphon. In fact “our tongues swirled, danced, mated.” Ftttt. “Between [his thighs] rose his sex, heavy and proud.” Cool to see you still can’t spell the word penis.
Her brother Thaddeus is here too, I’m worried some line will be crossed. A healer named Janelle appears. More people appear who come and go (ba dum tiss) and the main character gets kidnapped again. “my womb tightened, my sheath shivered” dear CHRIST do people REALLY get off on these types of books and their writing? I wouldn’t be surprised if a sentence just said “my ovaries exploded from his pipe.”
Anyway, Gryphon dies. Mona Lisa declares revenge and kills Mona Louisa relatively quickly. Also she has some kind of special ability called mortal draining. It ends with Gryp being in hell and Amber comforting her.
This series was donated to my local library bookstore and I this is all I intend to read.
The book immediately opens with a note about how traumatic hurricane Katrina was and that the author‘s “heart goes out to all whose lives were affected by this disaster.” Oh this is gonna be a bumpy ride.
Here we go:
“alabaster purity of his skin.“ We get it you like white people. “haunting sadness swam like a living thing in his sky blue eyes…done too much…those crystalline depths.” We get it you like to pad your book. “introductions flowed forward like fast streaming water, filling the vessel of my mind with a general feel for the whole, but slipping away if I grasped for much detail.” You REALLY like to pad your work, that or you don’t really know how to mix in creative writing properly.
The desire to remove the rape law is mentioned immediately. Great start to a book that’s supposed to be about lust and romance. Also there’s blood play in this. Oh speaking of rape there’s a rape survivor who learns to “love again”, and there’s another character who straight up threatens Mona Lisa with rape and she is proud that he doesn’t do it??? But then he mildly threatens to one day?? This book isn’t just bad it’s trash.
She still “loves” Gryphon. In fact “our tongues swirled, danced, mated.” Ftttt. “Between [his thighs] rose his sex, heavy and proud.” Cool to see you still can’t spell the word penis.
Her brother Thaddeus is here too, I’m worried some line will be crossed. A healer named Janelle appears. More people appear who come and go (ba dum tiss) and the main character gets kidnapped again. “my womb tightened, my sheath shivered” dear CHRIST do people REALLY get off on these types of books and their writing? I wouldn’t be surprised if a sentence just said “my ovaries exploded from his pipe.”
Anyway, Gryphon dies. Mona Lisa declares revenge and kills Mona Louisa relatively quickly. Also she has some kind of special ability called mortal draining. It ends with Gryp being in hell and Amber comforting her.
This series was donated to my local library bookstore and I this is all I intend to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2022
I was let down by this book. Thaddeus seems to be really Monere in that he doesn't really care about relationships. His parents were killed in the last book. Now that he's settled in, he should be in deep, deep grief that only a teenager can have. Instead, he's perky. He's excited about his new life and new friends and doesn't care that his parents just died a couple of days ago.
Meanwhile, more and more people just keep hating on Mona Lisa because she's half-blood and different while the men just keep loving/desiring/craving Mona Lisa for the same reasons. She plays at being all monogamous for a while but then decides "what the hey!" and has more sex with a new guy.
Gryphon is shallow. So is Amber. And Halycon. And... get the picture?
There are signs of interesting but there's a lot more development needed.
Meanwhile, more and more people just keep hating on Mona Lisa because she's half-blood and different while the men just keep loving/desiring/craving Mona Lisa for the same reasons. She plays at being all monogamous for a while but then decides "what the hey!" and has more sex with a new guy.
Gryphon is shallow. So is Amber. And Halycon. And... get the picture?
There are signs of interesting but there's a lot more development needed.
August 16, 2022
Mona Lisa Blossoming blows the first book out of the water!
This was another reread for me but there was a lot of things I had forgotten in this book, mostly how much I love Halcyon! He is definitely my favorite character along with Amber.
But speaking of characters, I felt that Mona Lisa’s character got much stronger in this book. Her voice was much more consistent and I enjoyed her a lot more than I did in Mona Lisa Awakening.
And the steamy scenes in this book really raised the bar too, especially that mirror scene!
I’m so glad I found these books again and I’m excited to reread the whole series!
This was another reread for me but there was a lot of things I had forgotten in this book, mostly how much I love Halcyon! He is definitely my favorite character along with Amber.
But speaking of characters, I felt that Mona Lisa’s character got much stronger in this book. Her voice was much more consistent and I enjoyed her a lot more than I did in Mona Lisa Awakening.
And the steamy scenes in this book really raised the bar too, especially that mirror scene!
I’m so glad I found these books again and I’m excited to reread the whole series!
January 30, 2021
La historia está avanzando bien, por el momento. Lo único que me frustra es que Mona Lisa no está acabando de salir de un peligro e inmediatamente aparece otro, déjenla descansar, por Dios!! Me gusta como se van desarrollando las relaciones con otros personajes como Halcyon, por ejemplo, me duele que Gryphon haya "muerto", osea, se que está en el infierno, pero algo me dice que ya no será el mismo de antes. La trama es emocionante, no es empalagoso ni demasiado vulgar o sexual, sólo lo necesario y eso me gusta. Me muero por saber qué sucederá después.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2017
You can't write a sex scene and use the words tree and rod to describe the male interests penis. Oh wait.. Apparently you can. And it's awful.
Also, Mona Lisa is getting really annoying. We get it, you're not like a regular queen, you're a cool queen.
The combination of bad sex scenes and annoying has thrown me off this series.
Later, queenie
Also, Mona Lisa is getting really annoying. We get it, you're not like a regular queen, you're a cool queen.
The combination of bad sex scenes and annoying has thrown me off this series.
Later, queenie
April 11, 2023
So after I got suckered into reading book one, I felt the need to read book two lol. It continues our story of the newest queen as she fights to find her place in this new world. Seems like the majority of her time is really spent getting attacked and then trying to get out of the attack and then having sex. All of which is very entertaining and has you turning the pages quickly.
July 21, 2020
Louisiana
Mona Lisa Blossoming is book two in the series Monere: Children of the Moon/ Novel of the Monere by author Sunny. Bittersweet tale that will capture your heart and inspire your senses.
Enjoy!!
Mona Lisa Blossoming is book two in the series Monere: Children of the Moon/ Novel of the Monere by author Sunny. Bittersweet tale that will capture your heart and inspire your senses.
Enjoy!!
September 18, 2022
A classic!
This book is so well written I still cry at the ending, even though I have reread it a couple times over the years. The story is fast paced and the characters are unforgetable.
This book is so well written I still cry at the ending, even though I have reread it a couple times over the years. The story is fast paced and the characters are unforgetable.
November 22, 2022
Well done erotic fantasy where an er nurse discovers why she is different than other people around here and enters an exotic world of pleasure and responsibility to her family of friend, lovers and dependents.
September 5, 2017
Love this series! It's just too bad that the author has discontinued being a writer, so the series was left hanging. I was rather upset that one of the male love interest got killed. Good thing he didn't stay dead for long, though! The last arch of the series was fantastic!
June 3, 2020
My new favorite author . Now on to the craving
August 19, 2020
I read the first one (Awakening) and I'm totally in love with it, I have been looking for the other ones seens GREAT WORK Sunny.
July 27, 2022
Surprisingly I enjoyed this more than the first one. Yes its not for everyone but I loved it.
July 2, 2023
I was glad Glyphon died.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2011
In broad terms, there are three types of "reminds me of".
The weakest level is when you don't think about another story while reading, but you see comparisons when trying to review the book. Of my recent reads, comparing Ann Aguirre's "Grimspace" series with Sara Creasy's "Scarabaeus" series would fall into that level.
The middle level is when you see elements of one story in the other story. If the writing is good, this level of "reminds me of" tends to fade as you read the books. Linda Robertson's "Persephone Alcmedi" books reminded me of Laurell K. Hamilton's "Anita Blake" books at this level. By the third book, any "reminds me of" faded away and the series stood completely on its own.
The most intense level of "reminds me of" tends to never fade. It includes such strong comparisons that you are regularly kicked out of the story. I'm afraid these books are going to remain in this level, for me.
In the author's notes for the first book, the author mentioned being influenced by Anne Bishop and Laurell K. Hamilton. Having read two books, so far, I think her mimicry of Anne Bishop will eventually fade into the background, but her mimicry of Laurell K. Hamilton seems as intense as ever.
I should mention that Laurell K. Hamilton's "Anita Blake" series is probably the series I've re-read more than any other. I'd guess at least a half a dozen times with the early and middle part of the series (through say "Blood Noir").
I could go through and list each specific plot point, or ways a character behaves, that kicked me out of the story. I'll try, but I'm sure I'll be missing some. In the first book, the "Merry Gentry" allusions were stronger, but here I was seeing more "Anita Blake".
Mona Lisa having sex with Amber, had elements of Anita/Richard and Richard's confession that he has to hold back (because of his strength) with anyone else, for fear of hurting them. It also had illusions of Anita/Nathaniel and the office scene where Nathaniel controlled Anita's beast by biting her on the back of the neck. (Mona Lisa and Amber are both kitty cat shifters.)
I've decided Gryphon's gift doesn't remind me of Jean-Claude's ardeur, it reminds me of Requiems gift of metaphysical foreplay.
Oh, and Mona Lisa has a gift like the one Anita Blake inherited from Obsidian Butterfly - the ability to drain another preternatural creature.
There were a lot more, but I'm blanking on specifics.
It feels like Sunny is trying to mimic Laurell's lush description style and her one to many female to males setup. It also feels like she's pulling lots of specific character traits and preternatural abilities. It's not a one to one ratio, but a case of breaking up and scattering puzzle pieces throughout.
I think the one to many female to male setup alone would fade with multiple books. The style comparison, not so much. But the irony about it, is that it's not working for me.
Laurell is most know for her "walk off the stage" characters. None of Sunny's characters feel that real to me. There was a particular character death that should have had me crying (and I'm certainly hormonal enough to be crying) and I didn't. I don't think the characters have become real for me. Maybe they never will.
As a result, the sex scenes are falling short for me. They're boring, because I don't care about the characters. Like I mentioned in my progress note, people who try to mimic Laurell's sex-charged style seem to forget that with "Anita Blake" it came after many books of charged foreplay. All the characters I care about in that series had to wait 5-7 books before getting sex with the main character. We knew them, and loved them, before seeing more on stage.
So yeah, after all that, I'm still vaguely curious as to where she'll take the story. Haven't decided if I'll continue this series, or not. My 3 star rating may be high, considering my complaints, but the fact that I'm still intrigued is bumping it from 2 stars.
The weakest level is when you don't think about another story while reading, but you see comparisons when trying to review the book. Of my recent reads, comparing Ann Aguirre's "Grimspace" series with Sara Creasy's "Scarabaeus" series would fall into that level.
The middle level is when you see elements of one story in the other story. If the writing is good, this level of "reminds me of" tends to fade as you read the books. Linda Robertson's "Persephone Alcmedi" books reminded me of Laurell K. Hamilton's "Anita Blake" books at this level. By the third book, any "reminds me of" faded away and the series stood completely on its own.
The most intense level of "reminds me of" tends to never fade. It includes such strong comparisons that you are regularly kicked out of the story. I'm afraid these books are going to remain in this level, for me.
In the author's notes for the first book, the author mentioned being influenced by Anne Bishop and Laurell K. Hamilton. Having read two books, so far, I think her mimicry of Anne Bishop will eventually fade into the background, but her mimicry of Laurell K. Hamilton seems as intense as ever.
I should mention that Laurell K. Hamilton's "Anita Blake" series is probably the series I've re-read more than any other. I'd guess at least a half a dozen times with the early and middle part of the series (through say "Blood Noir").
I could go through and list each specific plot point, or ways a character behaves, that kicked me out of the story. I'll try, but I'm sure I'll be missing some. In the first book, the "Merry Gentry" allusions were stronger, but here I was seeing more "Anita Blake".
Mona Lisa having sex with Amber, had elements of Anita/Richard and Richard's confession that he has to hold back (because of his strength) with anyone else, for fear of hurting them. It also had illusions of Anita/Nathaniel and the office scene where Nathaniel controlled Anita's beast by biting her on the back of the neck. (Mona Lisa and Amber are both kitty cat shifters.)
I've decided Gryphon's gift doesn't remind me of Jean-Claude's ardeur, it reminds me of Requiems gift of metaphysical foreplay.
Oh, and Mona Lisa has a gift like the one Anita Blake inherited from Obsidian Butterfly - the ability to drain another preternatural creature.
There were a lot more, but I'm blanking on specifics.
It feels like Sunny is trying to mimic Laurell's lush description style and her one to many female to males setup. It also feels like she's pulling lots of specific character traits and preternatural abilities. It's not a one to one ratio, but a case of breaking up and scattering puzzle pieces throughout.
I think the one to many female to male setup alone would fade with multiple books. The style comparison, not so much. But the irony about it, is that it's not working for me.
Laurell is most know for her "walk off the stage" characters. None of Sunny's characters feel that real to me. There was a particular character death that should have had me crying (and I'm certainly hormonal enough to be crying) and I didn't. I don't think the characters have become real for me. Maybe they never will.
As a result, the sex scenes are falling short for me. They're boring, because I don't care about the characters. Like I mentioned in my progress note, people who try to mimic Laurell's sex-charged style seem to forget that with "Anita Blake" it came after many books of charged foreplay. All the characters I care about in that series had to wait 5-7 books before getting sex with the main character. We knew them, and loved them, before seeing more on stage.
So yeah, after all that, I'm still vaguely curious as to where she'll take the story. Haven't decided if I'll continue this series, or not. My 3 star rating may be high, considering my complaints, but the fact that I'm still intrigued is bumping it from 2 stars.
May 31, 2013
was disappointed with this book :( I was hoping for a lot more than Sunny gave to us. the book started good and I thought goody straight into the story like in the first and it seemed like the characters were growing more. but the story didnt really take off and get to the point until almost 3/4ths into it. but at least in this book she seems like a new queen unlike in book 1 where she's told she's a queen and just starts acting like she's been one her whole life. I have some qualms with this story. not so much I cant find some enjoyment in it but enough to make me say wtf seriously and keep reading. its not the best series out there but I give her kuddos for introducing like 50 characters and not confusing herself or us, keeping everyone straight, writing with delicious detail and keeping things interesting. I still have probs with the way her first person pov is written with the feel of a third person pov. it got a little better with this story but not much. and I did not like how this book ended. she crammed so much info that couldve been 1/4th of a new book in the last chapter and epilogue. so many big things made to sound like no big deal and leaves u thinking what the hell is going. I know u need to draw ur readers in for tge next book in the series but the way she did it really turned me off. and how she did her characters during it was awful. I liked what I was reading till that and now the only reason im reading the next ones is because we are reading them for our book club, I cant stop a series once ive started it and inwant to know about halcyon and gryfon. I dont even like mona lisa at this point anymore. eeeeek wow I surprised myself with that one. guess I really dont like this series as much as I wanted to. oh well. only a couple books left. heres hoping I dont want to blow my brains out by the time im done.
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