Okay, since authors are allowed to do this, I'm rating/reviewing this book. If you look on Netgalley, you'll see more positive ratings that didn't getOkay, since authors are allowed to do this, I'm rating/reviewing this book. If you look on Netgalley, you'll see more positive ratings that didn't get transferred here. This story closely follows the fairytale The Princess's Birthmark. This was a fairytale retelling, after all, and some things had to occur to follow the storyline. This is one of the most favorite stories I've written. I added some little twists along the way, and I think I did a more than adequate job creating this tale into a modern twist. Go read the original fairy tale, and you'll see what I mean....more
I loved this book. As another reader said, I'm surprised at the low ratings. Yes, it's written in verse, but it's easy to follow. I love reading aboutI loved this book. As another reader said, I'm surprised at the low ratings. Yes, it's written in verse, but it's easy to follow. I love reading about the Salem Witch Trials, though I didn't like what happened to poor innocent people. This book really gets inside the girls' heads so you know what they are thinking. The author's notes at the end are very interesting, as well. I felt fully immersed in the story, felt like I was right there with them. Good imagery. Enjoyable and wonderfully written....more
I love horror, but this book took it to a whole new level. It mixed good old-fashioned boogers (Southern colloquial term for monsters) that are waitinI love horror, but this book took it to a whole new level. It mixed good old-fashioned boogers (Southern colloquial term for monsters) that are waiting to grab you and human primal fear of that very thing. It was a mix of Science Fiction and things that go bump in the night. The plot line unfolded, leaving one action for another, trading one conflict for another, finally wrapping everything up in a tidy bow. The writing much of the time was brisk, bold, evocative. There was only one scene that I wished would have been different, just for the sake of feminine principle, but it didn't detract from the story. I've looked briefly at the "Look Inside" through a couple other of this author's books, and they all start off with the crisp, descriptive narrative that easily pulls you in. I didn't regret making this book purchase at all!...more
Beautifully written. Rich prose jumps off the page as you read, and each author is as good as the next. In these vivid stories, the authors focus on dBeautifully written. Rich prose jumps off the page as you read, and each author is as good as the next. In these vivid stories, the authors focus on different characters for this universe, clearly showing unique perspectives, struggles, and triumphs. The stories showcase creativity and devotion to style and respect for the world they created. Collaborative publishing and writing at its best. As a reader, you’ll be pulled into each story fluidly and easily as you plunge into another adventure and experience. ...more
I don't normally review books. I'll only do it in rare circumstances, usually when I want to share an author I really like, one I took the chance on rI don't normally review books. I'll only do it in rare circumstances, usually when I want to share an author I really like, one I took the chance on reading when I have a TBR list that's a mile high. I was intrigued by the title and the description of this book, thus I even went so far as to pre-order it on Amazon--another thing I rarely do.
An ex operative with a score to settle, his past was dark, gritty, and filled with dirty business. The women he targeted and encountered were dissatisfied with their supposed lot in life, willing to take the plunge when opportunity presented itself, no matter how strange it might have seemed. Spider is the first book I've read by Michael Dalton, and I was never more impressed. I must say that I've never read so smooth an author. I never once got confused about who the characters were, and was able to keep track of them all with ease. The chapter transitions were smooth and logical; I didn't have to go back and re-read to re-orient myself. The prose was clear and contained just enough information to set the scene and characters and pull me in. No extra fluff anywhere.
The erotica in this book was enough to make it fit nicely into the genre, and blended well into the story. The author seemed to have a good handle on BDSM and some of the philosophies behind it. Total trust, surrendering that makes you truly free. There was a good balance of story with erotic elements. Nothing was overdone or lacking.
This is not a sweet story, nor does it contain cheesy dialogue and silly actions that I sometimes find in books of this nature. What I found interesting is that the author left an enticing trail of treats, pulling me in one nibble at a time, until I realized that I was halfway through the book and still didn't have a handle on just what the big picture or the goal was. What's more interesting is that it didn't matter. I knew enough chapter by chapter that I wanted to keep reading to find out. Everything made sense.
The twist at the end was amazing and all in all I enjoyed how everything came together in one seamless action and chapter at a time. Character development was concise and smooth. I knew just enough about each one so I could appreciate their past and subsequent behavior. I never grew bored and looked forward to each read until I reached the end. If you're looking for a story that's dark, mysterious, descriptive, and alluring, Spider will not disappoint....more