Jessica
Oh Kristin Ashley. I know I only have myself to blame for not trusting in the darkness roiling under the blurb, but I'd foolishly put my trust in you after the Rock Chick and Colorado Mountain series. I just don't understand. Why make Lucien...the way he is?
I get some parts. If we're running with the realism line, he could've lost his mind after losing his dear mate. If something like that were to happen to the hero and heroine of a romance novel I love, I know sanity, blood, and morals would go flying. But then there was the option to make Lucien...not certifiable. When Leah first very clearly rejected him, he should've patiently coaxed her to the realization that she wasn't getting pimped by her mother to some celebrity vamp. He should've courted her. But no. What he did was bordering rape and I will never be okay with that, no matter how much her body may have “wanted” it. This wasn't even one of those cases where her no's are teasing and clearly mean yes. This was her emphatically putting her foot down only to be steamrolled. Yes, he could've gone insane with the 20 year wait and his obsession must've festered to obscenely dark levels. But no means no.
And then he cheats on her. Yes, he didn't have sex and he didn't even enjoy feeding from Kitty. But feeding is clearly taken seriously among what is continuously dubbed as “his people.” It's described as an intense, arousing, and breathtaking experience. Grand spaces have been built for mass feedings. You're allowed to kill if you so much as touch someone else's concubine. So yes, he cheated on Leah by feeding on the-slamp-which-shall-not-be-fucking-named. AND THEN HE COMES BACK AND HAS THE FUCKING GALL TO TOUCH LEAH. TO KISS HER WITH THAT SLAMP'S TASTE IN HIS MOUTH. TO USE THE SO-CALLED ENDEARMENT, “pet,” ON LEAH WHEN HE'D ALREADY USED IT ON SOMEONE HE DOES NOT HAVE A HIGH OPINION OF. It's already a propriety and demeaning term to begin with. But then he goes and proves that he uses it on anyone expendable. I will never be ok with that and I will never be ok with him. I don't know why he got so mad at Leah when she expressed her disgust at him because he is just that: disgusting.
But Ms. Ashley tried to smooth things over. It seemed like she was saying, “Oh! The Stockholm's Syndrome is OK to stick, y'all! They're LIFEMATES!” The notion that the status of concrete soulmates can take consent out of the question has never crossed my mind before. So I thank Ms. Ashley for that; this book got me thinking.
That and the fact that I was on the edge of my seat throughout this book is what prompted me to give 2 stars rather than 1 star. I was hooked and that screams of the writing and plot's master levels even if all I was gagging for was the scene where Lucien would certainly get hit by a truck or Leah would finally flee her prison.
What...was that ending? ;-;
I'm christening a new shelf just for this and it's called “you-make-me-so-confused.”
This book had nearly everything:
You are about to embark on a nonstop, flowery parade exalting this masterpiece. If you don't reciprocate, then I suggest you find a different genre.
So let's get the facts down:
- I started this book around 12:22 AM on 8/23/2019 and I finished around 5:36 AM 8/23/2019.
- The MCs' trials were my trials; my blood pressure can't take much more of this.
The rest is just me gushing:
- As a woman who took a personality test stating that she's only compatible for long-term relationships with only 1/3500 people, I've got to say I find it hard to believe that Max is perfect. But look no further, for the perfect specimen has descended upon the smut realm.
- The plot twists whipped me so hard that I've got mental scars.
- This book has shattered me. Rory is my new role model...
Honestly, my mind is so scrambled right now that I can't effectively sing all the praises that this novel deserves; but I suppose that says all that you need to know.
I'll keep this short. I just want to list all the good points this book demonstrated throughout its course:
- Likable heroine — she had her flaws and moments of idiocy, but they were mostly all logical, given her situation and limited experience, and they were eclipsed by her continuous shows of acuity.
- Good chemistry — the sexual tension might kill me and that's ok.
- Plot twists galore — maybe it's just been a while since I've read a spy-ish book, but I couldn't see many of these lil' surprises until they slapped me in the face. Then they slapped me again for good measure.
- Humorous — the homage to 99 cents romance novels will forever warm my cockles and hurt my nonexistent abs from indulging in their sheer hilarity.
- More “real” (as real as a spy-ish novel can get) — the attention to the more graphic areas of the book grabbed my attention and kept me from coasting through
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
(Shield your eyes if you're absolutely smitten with this book!)
It started out fine. The beginning was deeply engaging and full of excitement and justified teen (sorry, YA) angst. I'm impressed with the world that the author has thought up: set in our regular, 21st-century realm, with the exception of a secret society of supernaturals. This secret society has its own political structure and race classifications. Our heroine is of the rarest kind of supernatural, a Fluidus. Sadly, her powers aren't really expounded on in this book, so she doesn't get to show off her competence very much; however, there is hope in the other books, in which she will undergo further training of her newfound powers.
Now, on to my own opinion. (Again, you read on at your own risk!) I didn't really like the main character. Or anyone, for that matter. At first, I was impressed with how reasonable Sierra is, reluctant yet accepting of the fact that she must leave her whole old life behind in order for her and her grandmother to survive. After a while, though, the luster faded. Instead of coming off as a strong young adult who stands up for herself, she seemed more petulant and lacking in any other redeeming characteristic. The petulant part I got from how she was constantly telling Gavin and her grandmother to stop treating her like a child, hiding matters that personally dealt with her. Yes, I realize that that's her right and all, but it kept happening so often that it just felt like she was complaining. The part about how she's lacking in any other redeeming characteristic was from...everything else. She wasn't very witty; her intellect didn't make an appearance often. And she didn't seem capable of helping herself, even though she's escaped more than one hairy situation. But this personal issue of mine with her lack of self-protection will probably be rectified once she learns how to control her powers better in the next books.
Let's see. And then there's the romance part. I just...didn't get it. I'm sorry. I feel like I should be apologizing. It was all really weird between Gavin and Sierra. There was no insta-love, yet, a few pages or chapters later, with nary an important event or hormone-inducing conversation in between, they were mutually unable to stop thinking about the other in a romantic manner. Maybe I missed something, but it didn't feel very well developed. Then the rest of the time, Sierra was just mad at Gavin for supposedly treating her like a problem child while Gavin was being...reticent.
Speaking of developing relationships, yeah, it didn't just not apply to Gavin and Sierra (again, this is just my opinion. I can just feel the indignation from fans). I didn't really feel anything for any other character. (Be warned, I'm trying to phrase this in a way that doesn't spoil anything from here on.) When something horrific happened to one of the important side characters, it didn't make me shed a tear or anything. Not that I'm dying to have an emotional breakdown or anything, but I should feel something, right?
And finally, there's the mystery. I feel like everything was just crammed in the end. Yeah, you should save the climax and big reveal for then, but it didn't feel like the investigation team did much to lead up to that point. So when they were fitting all the pieces together, it seemed more like luck than actual thinking. Up to the end, the investigation team kept hitting roadblocks via a loophole in the supernatural database search engine. (To have progress be blocked by technology–darn!) I also suggest adding more liable suspects if the author's thinking of doing another mystery in her other books. It was kind of too predictable. (Sorry. Again. >> <
So, all in all, I see a lot of potential. There's characters with backgrounds that could make them grow into so much more, power and personality-wise. The author obviously knows what makes for an interesting YA read: a murder, a heroine with kickass powers (still hoping to see more of this!), and lots of enemies to keep the readers and the main characters on our/their toes. With more development and unpredictable surprises (redundant, I know, but there's a minute difference between that and just “surprises”), this series could be on my, and many other readers', “more-please” shelf.
4.5 brilliant stars
This book was certainly not what I thought it would be: a typical love story between a nerdy quiet girl and an angsty playboy content with sex 24/7 who doesn't handle responsibility well.
First, I would like to thank Emma Chase very much for not filling the book with typical seductresses all vying for Henry's attention. Certainly, there were a couple with their constant overt propositions. But Chase ensures that, according to Henry's character in the beginning, he is interested for but a split second until he lays eyes on Sarah. Sure, it sounds cliche, but Chase does it right, somehow managing to find the silver lining between overdone cliche and disheartening disgust at Henry's debauchery and “cheating” on the main female lead.
Next, I start my rave on the character development. It was...just amazing. How, Emma Chase, how did you pull it off? It was to be expected that Henry would have a change of heart and demeanor once he fell in love with Sarah. But. This is just. This is a piece of art. An act of mastery. I don't want to reveal too much or else I'll have to slap a spoiler alert on this, but suffice it to say, Henry's redefinition of duty, honor, and love, as foretold in the summary, are put into action in ways that anyone could hardly predict. Sarah's character development wasn't anything to scoff at, either. Henry obviously changes her for the better, letting a bit of his wild side rub off on her so that she comes out of her shell a tad. However, the real surprise was that there was more to her than a stereotypical quiet librarian content with her little bubble of a world. I'll stop here so that I don't give too much away. But to all the potential readers of this book, do not for a second write off Sarah. There is more to her history than simplicity and comfort.
4.5 stars
I feel like I should've hated this book. I mean, the crux of the conflict was just one little misunderstanding that turned into more misunderstandings, which turned into full-blown PTA-
parents-spurning odd things happening. And it could've all been resolved with one mature, straightforward conversation. Obviously, given my rating, I basically want to hug this book and leave it under my pillow so that its awesomeness may saturate in my brain via osmosis.
This book is the king (queen?) of funny. It was ridiculous without being completely annoying to the point you just want to deck someone with your Kindle. It went into some fairly relatable problems that unmarried parents go through, from hellion children to relationship miscommunication cliches 101. Definitely a nice fun short read.
3.5 stars!
I'll try to keep things short. First of all, it should be known that I am not at all a fan of “old” literature. I'm more of a modern-times-fantasy/romance/humor sort of book gal. So when I first started this book...it hurt. It actually physically hurt. Things were moving so slowly. I did NOT like the main character; I found him rather annoying. I found his whole surrounding situation tiresome and frustrating, and waited ever so patiently (not) for his situation to surely change for the better. And when it finally did, I was still rather irritated with the main character: he spent money unrepentantly, he was heedlessly rude and ashamed of Joe and Biddy, and he still loved that WITCH Estella (this review shall decidedly be PG, but I have called Estella worse in my real life rants).
However, things started to become increasingly interesting around the half mark of the book (thank the heavens). Mystery was abound. Some new noteworthy comrades were made. The character himself finally seemed mildly tolerable (however, Estella and Miss Havisham...never changed).
Then things REALLY picked up towards the end. Villains were popping up. Pip was in 24/7 stress due to everything basically falling down around him. So when he eventually returns home with the intent of settling down and living a more peaceful and satisfying frugal lifestyle...what basically amounts to a literary bomb exploded in his face. It was astounding! It left me, using local vernacular, HELLA SHOOK, BRO. And just when there were only 10 pages left, and I thought things just HAD to get better for Pip...and then there were only 7 pages...and then 5...which was basically when my meltdown started. I simply could not bear for the title to deceive me so fully. However, Charles Dickens saves the day. I did a background check on Dickens prior to reading this. Perhaps it was because Dickens could relate with Pip's poor background or his despairing situation. Either way, it seems he could not bear for Pip's story to end so tragically. Dickens thus finishes on a mildly maddening note which makes the audience question whether or not Pip ever achieved his one true wish.
However, that ending just cannot make me forget about those agonizing first 270 pages where things were moving as quickly as glaciers. Yes, I suppose Dickens may have done intentionally so that everything gradually (very, VERY gradually) builds up, but...this was just too much. I'm sorry (not really).
This is the story of a witch who is trying to rise to the position of an apprentice in order to escape from her overly protective uncle's grasp. In order to become an apprentice, she must pass a potions making test. By passing, she will also be fully inducted into her town's coven and be allowed access to the townspeoples' secrets. However, Cassandra Booth realizes that joining the coven will not be as easy or satisfying as she believed.
The author tries to depict Cassandra as a powerful witch amidst people who have been brainwashed by the coven's unorthodox practices. However, Cassandra ends up coming off as a contrary girl who makes trouble for everyone with her decisions that do not change the end result of her “predicament.” Instead of a powerful witch, she seems more like someone extremely lucky with potions at the most pivotal moments.
Beyond simply the main character, the plot was somewhat tepid. Only a few noteworthy scenes occurred. The book mainly consisted of the main character complaining about having her lifelong wish being granted, and pining for her aunt to come home to save the day. This monotony was expounded by the small range of settings. The budding love triangle had potential but did not impact the plot much.
This book introduces the reader to an interesting and unconventional world but does not exploring it enough.
Going by my rating, I absolutely adored this book. That said, I still had a few problems with some of the things that happened. For example, the beginning filled me with so much suspense and tension that I was about to keel over from anxiety, waiting for the main characters to finally meet! And then, I don't know, maybe I was just a little bit pissed at the situation in general. Of course, that said situation couldn't have been helped and only added something specific [good or bad, I'm not telling, since I don't want any cries of “Spoiler!” directed towards me] to that ending. However, all in all, I stand by my rating that this book was fantastic; I wish I could go back in time and reread it all over again. Yes, including that infuriating beginning. Yes, through all the heartbreak and drama [though, really, that's the real reason we're all reading this right?]. A thousand times yes.
Although Rick Riordan eased up on all the Percy Jackson allusions (my blood pressure thanks ye), that ending...it...it was so...AKSEILDFHAGSKDHFLJAHSGJDFKLASDF. I think it's safe to say that the ending was my most favorite part of the whole book. The contents weren't terrible or anything. And there were certainly plenty of adrenaline-pumping adventures to spare. However, none of that compared to the shock I received upon...that fated ending.
Obviously, I absolutely adored this book. Nikolas's thoughts and worries were a tad redundant, though that is to be expected since he's a bonded male with a one-track mind: to protect Sara. Just goes to show how much he loves her. In fact, all the short scenes never before seen in previous three books surely make up for any unenlightening repeats. And that epilogue...mmmm.
HOWEVER. The ending of this book means NO MORE SARA AND NIKOLAS. NO MORE ROLAND AND PETER. NO MORE REMY. NO MORE REASON LEFT TO LIVE.
Sure, there are plenty of other books in the bookstores, publishing establishments, and in the minds of upcoming authors. However, this book and this series will forever have a special place in my heart.
To whom this may concern,
Of COURSE the book was good. The bickering between Knox and Harper...I gobbled it all up. NO, it's not possible for me to be professional and give a formal review; I'm fangirling too much to remain calm and collected. Something new readers should note is that the relationship between Knox and Harper in this book is gushier than the first book...WHICH I ABSOLUTELY LOVED. And I sincerely hope (and demand) that whoever's reading this loves this as much as I do. Another notable wonderful thing about this book is that the ending foreshadows more conflict...WHICH MEANS MORE BOOKS. :D So READ IT.
I have this say, this book is by far the farthest from Sherrilyn Kenyon's norm. I'm not saying that it was incredibly horrible compared to the other stupendous books she'd written. However, it does break a certain pattern she'd developed in her writing. At first, I wasn't very disgruntled by how Kenyon replayed the whole Cadegan and Jo adventure and put it in Illarion's point of view. After all, I hadn't read that book in a while and it was certainly entertaining and likeable. However, by the time Maxis (Illarion's brother, for any of you who don't remember, not that I blame you since there's so many different characters and it's been a while since the last book came out) entered the story, I felt somewhat annoyed. After all, this book is supposed to be about Illarion and his lost love, which was mentioned in Cadegan and Jo's book, so no this is not a spoiler. However, vast portions of it didn't even star Illarion and his love, Edilyn. In fact, Edilyn wasn't in barely half of the book! At this point, I'm just ambivalent to how Kenyon skimmed over numerous portions. On one hand, of course I'd want to get to the point quickly and see what happens next in the plot. On the other hand, the details. The DETAILS. I'm so conflicted. And on the other OTHER hand (aye, I need a third hand to make my point; I need an extra limb!), the way Kenyon told Illarion and Edilyn's story was somewhat satisfying...in a way. Oh the conflicted emotions that swirl within me, and in other fans of Kenyon.