I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
To see the review with all the Glitz and Glam drop by Disclaimer
I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
To see the review with all the Glitz and Glam drop by and check it out.
My Review
When I requested this book at NetGalley, I did it solely because of its blurb. Who could turn down the chance to see our favorite classical monsters adjust to modern day times? That they feel that they need to have a support group in order to be able to deal with all the changes that come with centuries of human evolution was just the icing on the cake. Based on that premise I was expecting to have a grand time while reading the story; and I’m so glad to say that the novel delivers.
Although the story is mostly mystery and horror, none of the deaths that occur throughout the narration are described as they are happening. No, these occur behind the scenes and we later find out about their gruesomeness alongside the characters. In a story about monsters that is quite a refreshing approach, so my hat tips to Ms. Petersen.
Aside for the obvious conflicts, the story keeps a lightness that is very welcomed. Not to mention that I was smiling like an idiot as I was reading it. The story has a good balance between the comedy, the horror and the humanity of both the characters and their surroundings.
Although the file that I received through NetGalley had a little over 233 pages, the story is addictive enough that it reads pretty quickly.
The characters are as far away from humans as you can imagine. We have Natalie, Frankenstein’s daughter (one of his many creations); Alec, werewolf extraordinaire; Drake, Dracula of course; Dr. Henry, both Jekyll and Hyde; Linda, a swamp monster (but please don’t call her a monster); Bob, the blob; Ellis, the invisible man; Rehu & Kai, your run of the mill dehydrating mummies. And a special appearance of none other than� hmm, nope, won’t spoil it for you. ;D
To be honest, often times I have problems with books that tackle the classical monsters because I usually end up feeling like they weren't truly made justice. I’m happy that this book didn't take that particular turn. The characters might share their monstrous characteristics with their classical counterparts but they are also so removed from their original concept that they avoid the stereotype, which is quite a challenge when you have Dracula walking down New York City while wearing a cape.
There is romance in the story, but there are no overly descriptive sex scenes, but there is a good amount of tension between the main characters. Speaking of the main characters in the story, can I keep Alec for myself? He is such a sweet and hot werewolf. He is perfect for our heroine. Which as Frankenstein’s daughter you’d normally will picture her as some clumsy brute, but she is quite possibly the most ‘normal� of all the characters. A girl that tries to do the best she can with the circumstances she’s been given. Natalie is my favorite character of the book.
The bottom line, this isn't your average paranormal novel, which is what makes it so brilliant. The characters have their wacky moments but they also show great humanity. This is a book that I definitively will recommend....more
When I finished the book: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That ending....!!!! Review to come after I unscrambWhen I finished the book: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That ending....!!!! Review to come after I unscramble my brain!
The Review: (Added on April 1, 2013)
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reading Copy (ARC) of this book free through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
To see the review with all the Glitz and Glam drop by and check it out.
The Eternal Cure picks up a few months after the events of The Immortal Rules. Allie has been hunting Sarren, following the pull she feels toward her sire, Kanin. She’s getting close, she can feel it; her objective is to free Kanin from the evil hands of “crazy Psycho Vampire� as she calls Sarren. Unfortunately for her, things do not go quite as she envisions them.
There are so many great moments to this book that it’s extremely hard to choose one without risk giving away a major plot point or twist. Slowly, progressively, and often indirectly, we catch up with the characters from the original story, only to then concentrate on the real reason that has brought them together: a new outbreak of an even tougher strain of Red Lung, the virus that spawned the rabids.
There are some impressive character development and even more surprises. Allie might still be technically a teenager, but she has proved time and time again that she is strong enough to fend off against the best and the worst of her world. This book is no exception, her core remains the same, but she is slowly accepting her nature:
“This is what I am, I thought, walking forward to join them. This is where I belong, in the darkness. We’re vampires.� �Allie (Kindle Location 4611)
In contrast, Jackal was one of the characters that simply kept me laughing throughout the whole story. He plays a major role on this book and he is so good at it that by the end of it you will both love and hate him; that I promise you.
“No problem, little sister.� The leer returned, making him look normal again. “Comment number one—how much do you weigh to snap the bridge like that? I thought you Asians were supposed to be petite and dainty.� �Jackal (Kindle Location 684)
Kanin just fortifies himself as the overall father figure with his ever present calm demeanor (he is after all Allie’s sire).
“…it would be a pity if you became just another monster. If you abandoned everything you’ve fought for until now.� �Kanin (Kindle Location 4595)
Then there is Zeke, oh my lord Zeke! He is the perfect boyfriend, I swear, I see many teen girl fawning and fighting over him. Throughout the story he cements himself as Allie’s White Knight and true Paladin.
“You’re still beautiful and dangerous and incredible, and I’ll keep telling you that for as long as it takes you to believe it. But right now, all I want to do is kiss you, except I’m terrified that if I try you might throw me off this balcony.� �Zeke (Kindle Location 2819)
This is one of those series that only gets better after each publication. Definitively a must read and one of my favorite books of this year!...more
This is my first book by Julie Kagawa (author of the Iron Fey Series) and I love to find such a strong female as the lead character.3.5 stars out of 5
This is my first book by Julie Kagawa (author of the Iron Fey Series) and I love to find such a strong female as the lead character. Allie is a tough, no nonsense, 17 year old survivor that begins the story as a badass individual and ends it as a poster child for kickass heroines. Although brave and selfless, Allie is far from perfect, which helps grounds the character as well as helps the reader connect with her. As proven by her headstrong and rash tendencies that, at times, become downright infuriating.
A great pull, especially for teenage readers, is Allie’s constant struggles to reconcile who she used to be with her new self as well as her progressive change in perspective towards her surroundings, especially the people around her. These struggles and moral dilemmas, become the core of the story pushing Allie to, more often than not, act without thinking things through endangering herself and those around her. But also showcases her nature and convictions; her resilience to conquer her fears is commendable.
The story is divided into the various phases which Allie goes through. What this does is that it keeps a fresh set of scenarios and characters to interact with. It also helps tracking Allies progress as she is developing throughout the story. The environments� descriptions give off a constant sense of desolation and deterioration throughout the narrative. There are no major differences between the vampire cities and the abandoned ones other than the amount of population. The biggest differences are marked by the humans that either live them or hide from them.
Allie is not the only strong player among the pages of the book, although she sure seems to be one of the very few representing women. Other major characters are Lucas (briefly), Kanin, Jeb, Jackal, and Zeke. Their strengths are as varied as their roles on the tale with Kanin, Jeb and Zeke figuring prominently. Kanin becomes the father figure for Allie; he is a vampire outcast and Allie’s maker. Jebbadiah “Jeb� Crosse is a stern and zealous leader of a group of humans living outside the vampire cities in the hopes of finding Eden; a vampire free, rabid free, human only city. Ezekiel “Zeke� Crosse is a 17 year old, handsome and dreamy boy and Jeb’s adoptive son. As the second in command, Zeke steps up as the kind, goodhearted boy who prefers to see the good in people even in the treacherous times. As Allie’s major love interest and human, Zeke is one of the major struggles for our lead character.
The bottom line is that I liked the book overall. Even though the story places a straining scenario over the shoulders of relative kids, it is easily enjoyable and quite a page turner. It is predictable at times, yes, but in the end it poses a good question on the table: what it is that which differentiate us humans from mindless beasts?
At the end of the galley there is an excerpt for the new Iron Fey Trilogy, chapter 1 of The Lost Prince, an Iron Fey Spinoff featuring Meghan Chase’s brother, Ethan.
Actual Rating: ★★½☆☆� (2.5 out 5 stars)
Lena, as the female heroine and main character of the story, was –for me� a bit disappointing; she began as a sActual Rating: ★★½☆☆� (2.5 out 5 stars)
Lena, as the female heroine and main character of the story, was –for me� a bit disappointing; she began as a strong character and somehow was replaced halfway through the story. I like my heroines to be strong. Lena’s insecurities were so deeply rooted on her need to be accepted that she let others dictate her actions instead of taking ownership of her situation. She is constantly just waiting to be rescued and relies on others to be able to do anything. Strangely, that is not the character that we meet at the beginning of the book. From the get go Lena seems to be ready to find out her father and just try to make it on her own. However, as soon as she arrives at the first point on her destination she completely develops the damsel in distress syndrome. Even when she ‘takes matters into her own hands� she is just ignoring the evidence right in front of her and letting other characters� decisions and actions determine her moves and her path.
I have to say, Lena aside, the world created by the author is beautifully rendered. Zephyr House, where a good chunk of the action takes place, is a magnificent home that I truly wish I could visit and I would have like for the characters to had the chance to explore it better. It is here that we see the major aspects of steampunk come to life. The description of the people and the peculiars are great and it helps the mood of the story. Of all the characters my favorite is Ms. Mumbles a very tough and even more loyal Scree cat.
The tone was, for the most part, very slow. I like stories that have a good combination of action and reflection. Action doesn’t have to be limited or solely relied upon high adrenaline pumping scenarios, but I believe that once the scene is over, the reader most feel like something was accomplished or discovered. Either by learning something or reaching a goal, the reader most feel like the story is progressing. Unfortunately there are many scenes where the characters are just sitting around doing things but accomplishing very little very slowly.
The bottom line is that I enjoyed parts of the story while others felt like they were dragging. The world was amazing, but I couldn’t connect or relate to any of the characters. It plays with the notion of what it is that which differentiates us from mindless, soulless creatures. The story is good, just not my style; it was a bit too slow for my taste.
At the end of the book there is a small appendix by the author dedicated to elucidate the fact from the fiction within the story. For example, one –very minor� character arrives via The Pony Express to deliver some important news; in the appendix the author explains how real The Pony Express was already out of use during the time that the story takes place (late 1800s) but that she took some “liberties� and not only was The Pony Express working, it also reached farther than the real one. This appendix was a nice surprise at the end that I actually enjoyed (I usually just bypass them). ...more
Grave Mercy has become a double first timer for me. It is the first historical fiction that I read as well as my veI think I found myself a new genre!
Grave Mercy has become a double first timer for me. It is the first historical fiction that I read as well as my very first ARC galley (thank you NetGalley). To be honest, this being my first ARC I had no idea how things would unravel; I am pleased to say the book did not disappointed me at all. It is a breathtaking story, and although action is not the main feature (even though it has its moments) it is an amazing tale of self-discovery and independence. It takes place in Brittany, circa-late Middle Ages.
Ismae was 14 years old when her abusive farmer father sold her into marriage to an even more abusive man from her home village. But soon after she is whisk away to be taken to a convent that prays to Saint Mortain; pagan god of Death. There she discovers the reality behind her birth and hope springs anew.
Fast forward three years, and in her new life as handmaiden of Death, Ismae has been inducted and instructed in all things assassin. Have any of you ever played either of the Assassin’s Creed games? I’ve tried the first one, and although I never got to finish it I have watch my boyfriend play through the ones that came out for PS3. Why I bring this up? Because there is a similar feeling to both stories. You can feel Ismae’s emotions as she wrestles with what she has been taught at the convent vs. what she witnesses developing right in front of her.
The truth is I that like Ismae. Having a story being told only from the main character’s POV can be daunting. But Ismae is a smart, careful, observant young woman whose inexperience gives her a nice touch of realism. She is a strong character, a survivor.
The one person she is supposed to distrust the most is the same person she feels inexplicably drawn to. Duval’s character is a great counterweight to Ismae as well as an equally strong force. Telling you more about him will unfortunately give away too many plot points and I always like to try to avoid ruining the surprises for you guys (~.^).
The world around Ismae is both beautifully built and complex. I enjoyed the contrast between life at her home village vs. life at the convent vs. life at court. I can’t wait to read more about the other girls as well. Both Annith and Sybella are intriguing characters and I wish there was more of them in the story.
The plot of the tale has enough twists and machinations that all the possible outcomes kept me glued to it. If not for my classes I would have finished the book sooner. Bottom line is, I love this book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fiction, be it historical or otherwise. I mean, who would not enjoy the story of a farmer raised, convent trained young female assassin?
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