The second book in the Penryn and the End of days series starts off from where the first book ended. Penryn is stung by half scorpian half human abomiThe second book in the Penryn and the End of days series starts off from where the first book ended. Penryn is stung by half scorpian half human abomination and is paralysed (for a short time). She is considered dead by all including her schizophreniac mother and Raffe, the archangel Raphael who now has demon wings.Paige for whom Penryn risked her life is now a stranger with super human strength and an unnatural craving for human flesh. Penryn has her hands full but that doesn't stop her from heading into situations without even a wisp of a plan. After all it is the World After and suddenly it has got much more darker than what was thought possible....more
Once in a while you come across books that are gems like this one. I started this book without much expectations but it is suffice to say even of I haOnce in a while you come across books that are gems like this one. I started this book without much expectations but it is suffice to say even of I had expectations this book would have surpassed it. I loved Jo even though at times I though she was a bit stupid for a girl who is portrayed a very intelligent girl. I loved all the supporting characters especially Willy. Most of all I loved the fact that this story has a heart that would make you rejoice and cry along with it. Definitely a good read....more
I love Arabian Nights. Aladdin, Alibaba and Sinbad are stories that I grew up hearing and fueled my childish imagination. However for some reason the I love Arabian Nights. Aladdin, Alibaba and Sinbad are stories that I grew up hearing and fueled my childish imagination. However for some reason the back story of Arabian nights have fascinated me more that the actual stories themselves. The story of a wife who prolonged her execution by telling stories to her husband for a Thousand and One nights. "The Wrath and the Dawn" bring this back story into perspective. By adding substance to a folktale Renee Ahdieh has transformed a backstory into a full fledged novel that would keep you hooked till the very end. It is a story of vengeance, magic and romance.
When Shasi marries Khalid her only mission is vengeance. Vengeance for the death of a best friend who was more than a sister. Vengeance for a life cut short. So what if Khalid is an Emperor who murders his wives after one night of marriage Shasi will get her revenge. However her plans are waylaid when the instead of the blood thirsty tyrant she was expecting Shasi's new husband turns out to be tortured soul who has his own stories to hide. When she starts caring for him things take a turn for the worse.
The characters are well developed and interesting to read about. However I found the romance to be a bit bland which is why I have reduced a star. The story overall is refreshing and the attention to detail has to be commended. The book is good for a one time read. ...more
I was tired of reading books that ended in cliffhangers. So I waited till the last book of the series released before I started on this one. Turns outI was tired of reading books that ended in cliffhangers. So I waited till the last book of the series released before I started on this one. Turns out it was a good decision as this one also predictably ends in a major cliff hanger. I loved Mead's VA series but Bloodlines books are turning out to be even better. Mead always gives us strong female characters to root for and Bloodlines Sydney Sage is one of my favorite characters in YA literature. She is smart, sophisticated, keeps a level head even in direst of situation and a breath of fresh air for readers who are tired of TSTL females whose whole world centers around the male lead. Does he look at me ?Does he think about me? Does he love me? I am feeling a little bit strongly on that point cause I recently had to stop a book halfway through as I couldn't take this sort of inner monologues anymore even though the premise was promising. I am deviating a bit from the point here but I am emphasizing this character of Sydney because the book is worth reading just for it. So you are star crossed lovers. What do you do? Sit around and moan or try to do everything possible to make it happen? This is were the character of Adrian failed.
This book begins with Sydney in Alchemist re-education centre and Adrian o a quest to find her. Sydney is being brainwashed constantly to turn against the Vampire kind even the Morois and Adrian is giving into the lure of spirit, but the difference is while Sydney stays strong Adrian is going more under the influence. At one point I felt frustrated by the choices he made but he managed to redeem himself towards the middle of the book. A lot of hide and seek follows and I was surprised by some turn of events. However I really enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to reading the next one in the series soon. All in all Sydney and Adrian fans won't be dissappointed. ...more
Finally finished the book and it took me only a day. Exciting and Entertaining.... It has everything I could ask for in a finale book. Lot of chase, pFinally finished the book and it took me only a day. Exciting and Entertaining.... It has everything I could ask for in a finale book. Lot of chase, puzzle and mystery.Bring all the elements from previous books together to deliver a surprising climax. Adrian and Sydney are great characters and Richelle Mead has yet again delivered a master piece ...more
As far as time travelling themed books go this book is a discovery. Having read my share of books with the same theme I was expecting Ruby Red to be aAs far as time travelling themed books go this book is a discovery. Having read my share of books with the same theme I was expecting Ruby Red to be a redundant read. Suffice to say that I was pleasantly surprised to find my self thoroughly enjoying this book.
The story as you might have already guessed is about time travelers. The protagonist Gwen belongs to a family of time travelers. Each generation has a tie traveler and in Gwen's generation that time traveler was expected to be Gwen's perfect cousin Charlotte. Of course things doesn't happen as planned and instead of Charlotte, Gwen time travels causing her to be a part of an ancient legacy she was not prepared for. If that is not enough she also has to work with Gideon another time traveler who is as infuriating as he is handsome. Forced into a life she did not expect Gwen has to deal with her new found powers, a powerful count and a devastating secret.
The writing style is engaging and the characters likable. As expected the Gwen falls for Gideon and there is a lot of Elizabeth and Darcy kind of romance going on. Supporting characters add richness to the story and the attention to detail makes the writing all the more enjoyable. The writer has tried to be authentic in her description of the historic time periods. Altogether a good read that should not be missed....more
Not a bad book but was a it confusing at times. The story revolves around our 14 year old protagonist Carey who was abducted as a child by her meth adNot a bad book but was a it confusing at times. The story revolves around our 14 year old protagonist Carey who was abducted as a child by her meth addicted slightly insane mother and raised in a forest among the wild. In a life full of abuse and constant struggle for the next meal the only bright spot in Carey's life is her younger sister Nessa. Trying to be content with their familiar life in the middle of the forest Carey's conviction are shaken to the core when their mom leaves them and the child protection services hands their custody over to her father. A man according to her mom is the reason for them hiding in the first place. Trying to adjust for the sake of younger sister Carey can't quiet let go of the past and the secrets of one starry night that haunts her and turned her sister mute. Will that secrets of that night be powerful enough to shake Carey's new found happiness? Or will she be able to overcome the traumas of the past?
The writing style is engaging but I wouldn't say the voice of Carey fresh. She is a captivating heroine but nevertheless is too mature for her age. I got tired of her constant ramblings regarding her kid sister but that is acceptable since for a very long time they only had each other to rely on. The story and the climax is predictable but never turns to a bore. Try it for a one time read....more
First off the book did fall short of my expectation though it was an interesting read. I still don't get the need to turn the character beautiful. So First off the book did fall short of my expectation though it was an interesting read. I still don't get the need to turn the character beautiful. So you have a plain jane, plus sized heroine who is a doormat. Trampled by her husband, parents and pretty much every one she meets and she takes it in good stride because.....she is not attractive..believable. Then she is targeted by some mysterious gang which ends up killing her husband and daughter whom she really adores and damages her face beyond recognition. A perfect set up for a revenge story. Then you have this hero who also has a scarred past and score to settle going on a guilt trip because he was unable to save the woman and child he just met decides to fly in the world's most renowned plastic surgeon and get the woman's face fixed. So the good doctor gets creative and decides to give our plain Jane a face better than that of Helen of Troy. The hero decides to fake the women's death and give her a new identity to eliminate threats while the Plain Jane turned Helen of Troy wants to do the same but KILL BILL style. Till this I was completely with the author and was pretty sure going to give this one a four star but then as the story progressed I realized there was no particular reason for the face change. What was the author trying to prove. I get it if she used the face to gain information from her former acquaintances or act as a double agent or something but that is not the case. She still goes into hiding, she still needs to train and she still does every thing the way it should be done. The whole time I kept thinking she could have done all this things with her plain self why set up this elaborate plastic surgery ruse if you are not going to use the idea. The writer seems to be saying a pretty face gives more confidence and strength but I think anyone has gone through what she has would become strong irrespective of the face. Which still brings me back to square one. Why the face???It is not as though the villains would recognize her like that..She had more luck blending in as her former self. So there you have it, I have reduced one star for not adequately exploiting the premise but other than that the book is an enjoyable read that should be given a try ...more
A light promising historical read that dealt with one of the formidable queens of Scotland. This book was entertaining as well as informative. I admitA light promising historical read that dealt with one of the formidable queens of Scotland. This book was entertaining as well as informative. I admit that before starting this book I knew very little about the period. I knew about the reign of William the Conqueror but most of the books I have read has shown him in a favorable light. Reading about his reign from the point of view of the Scottish people and the Saxons was a different experience. The book follows the life of Margaret the eldest daughter Edward the Exile who would have been the rightful King of England if not for his early demise. Her marriage to the Scottish King Malcolm which began as a political alliance turning into marriage of understanding and caring along the way. Her successful attempts in reforming the Scottish court and its people and her continuous need to help all those around her. Truly the life of this queen is praise worthy and that is brought to the attention of the readers through the view point of a third character, Eva the Bard, princess of Moray and granddaughter of the Lady of the North or Lady Macbeth. Brought to the Royal Household as a hostage and charged to be a spy Eva forms an unlikely friendship with the foreign queen whose charitable nature and faith wins her over. Set to betray two women who loves her and she loves in return Eva has to choose were her loyalties lie and Margaret has to come to terms with the fact that the person she trusts the most may not be a person worthy of that trust.
Set in the year 1066 the author through her writing skills have successfully achieved the trick providing information without boring the readers with endless accounts of facts. The story moves in a fast pace and the characters are all portrayed in a likable manner. The character of Eva is outspoken, strong and proud the author has developed her in such a realistic light that I found it difficult at some points to believe that she was not actually a part of that history. The MC queen Margaret was engaging for most part. AT first she was a princess who craved nothing more than peace and quiet in her life. From there she turned into this Queen who was strong and stubborn while at the same time has this unquenchable need to do penance. She is described as a religious queen who worries for the soul of her subjects and her husband. Her flaws are the ones she creates for herself while everyone around her sees her as a paragon of virtue. Her husband adores her and gives into her whims albeit however unreasonable. She obtains the admiration of everyone around her with her deeds. Though I did enjoy reading about her I did find some elements lacking. The antagonism of the Sottish people to their foreign queen is not adequately portrayed. You cannot really see the disapproval of the Scottish people towards the Queen or her King except for a few lines in the book that say it is so. Margaret though a saint like characters at times felt a bit irritating with her endless vows and her need to give things away. At times her constant need for prayers and fast gave an impression of instability and was highly repetitive. Her going into fast and the concerns of everyone around her is continuously pointed out. Her need for perfection also bordered on crazy. But all these are characters traits of Queen Margaret that have been uncovered so far, hence credit has to be given to the author for staying true to it. All in All a very enjoyable read for history buffs ...more
Recently while surfing through channels way past midnight I came across a program in Nat Geo that talked about some kind of a covert operation.
IntriguRecently while surfing through channels way past midnight I came across a program in Nat Geo that talked about some kind of a covert operation.
Intrigued I sat and watched the whole show. It was about a human trafficking crime ring in Bangkok where women where transported from eastern Europe on the promise of respectable jobs and forced into sexual slavery. The whole show was focussed on the Bangkok police and an American investigating teams effort to bring down an international crime ring and the undercover operations they have undertaken to save the victims. I watched the show way past one in the morning to see how they fared. In the end they conducted a raid in one of the houses convinced two girls to talk only to have them retract their statement in court. So the perpetrators after months of operation are set free with a pat on the back and I was left feeling dumbfounded and disappointed.....I just couldn't believe that it was the end. After months of planning the whole team failed. Since reality was such a disappointment I decided to delve into the fictional world with the same motif and hence came up with the decision to read this book which was in my TBR pile for a long time.
Even in this fictional world I couldn't really shake of the feeling of helplessness that grasped me as I wrestled with pages after pages. Sometimes when writing books of such nature the authors often tend to be a bit dramatic so as to make you feel more sympathetic towards the characters. More often that not such efforts only end up making the book a pretentious read. But that is not the case here. As the author himself has said there is no need to over dramatise the concept of human trafficking and sexual slavery. It is what it is and shocking in the most basic of its forms. Being held against ones will and denying a life of dignity is outlawed in every civilized nations in the modern world. But it is in this very civilized nations underbelly that we find the most heinous kinds of crime taking place. While this book has gives us an insight into the enormity of the particular issue it also makes you aware that the war continues as long as the mindset of the people remain the same.
What this book ultimately made me realize is the fickle nature of our circumstance. While you are content living your life as a frog in a pond even the slightest change in circumstance can bring you face to face with the harshest of realities. That is what happened to the two main protagonist in this boo,. Ahalya and Sita. When we are introduced to them are two sisters growing up in a well to do family with loving parents and a bright future ahead of them. It took only a second for everything to change. A Giant Tidal wave and everything they loved and knew was taken from them. Their parents, their home, their life everything. From there on the two sisters are taken to Bombay by some strangers who promised to help them and forced into a life of prostitution. At the same time a young lawyer across the globe is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his daughter. Circumstances force him to come to India and cross his path with the two sisters who are currently facing a fate worse than death. Will a broken man be able to save the life of two innocents who are the victims of circumstance or will the challenge prove too much for him?
The book takes us through the initial part of the protagonists life at a fast pace. There is not much character building going on their as immediately after their introduction the crisis strikes. I admit at first I was kind of annoyed at the naivety the two displayed being 15 and 17 year old girls but then I realized what they went through and tried to understand the story from that point. But once the story takes off you could feel the characters and their anguish through the pages of this book. Not just them but all the others around them also make a striking impression. As the girls are exchanged from one to another as though a commodity I found myself cringing. Then they came face to face with other women even children who had it worse than them and the whole thing just felt sick. If it were the movies you could believe with absolute certainty that the good will prevail but here that is not the case here. The author has written his characters as grounded personalities. One with limitation and weaknesses, not as super heroes. Yet there is still the factor of luck and creative writing involved to obtain the kind of outcome that was expected. But in the real world problem is still at large and no amount of creativity can bring about the necessary outcome. The book has its ups and downs but for the most part it keeps you at the edge of the seat. It makes you think and that is one of the most important quality that a book of this nature can strive to achieve. A walk across the sun is a must read for those who like fiction rooted in reality. ...more
I really wish it was June 2014 already. Even though I will be a year older I don't care as I am more interested in knowing what will happen to Sydney I really wish it was June 2014 already. Even though I will be a year older I don't care as I am more interested in knowing what will happen to Sydney and Adrian. I will admit that when the author first introduced Adrian and Sydney as a potential couple in the Bloodlines series I hadn't much hope. After all she was an alchemist and him a Moroi so I thought she was setting the stage for a whole new level of "We can't be together" drama. Though there was some (Three books worth some) the author managed to surprise me by writing a whole book devoted to the relationship between them. Cause lets face it this book did not move much forward story wise but relationship wise it went much further than I expected.
It goes without saying that Adrian is an engaging lead because anyone who have read VA would not say otherwise. As for Sydney I am liking her character more than that of Rose. She is strong, determined and not the sort of wimpy female you would expect to wallow in confusion. I was surprised to learn she was the one with no doubt about their relationship while Adrian was a constant worrier. But this book was special in a lot of ways than one. The Dual POV, the introduction of witchcraft, the danger and intrigue, the book is a definite page turner. As for the other characters we get glimpses of Dimitri, Rose. Lissa and Christiam from YA. Jill is less annoying, the most annoying characters role is taken up by Zoe, Angeline is a delight. So is Eddie, Nick , Trey and Mrs T. Fans of Bloodlines and VA will not be disappointed. ...more
I have finally finished this book. It is not that I have not read big books like "The Passage" before but it is the first time I really felt the lengtI have finally finished this book. It is not that I have not read big books like "The Passage" before but it is the first time I really felt the length of the book taking its toll on me. It gives you the feeling of being trapped in a movie you just want to run out of but couldn't because the movie came to you highly recommended, praised by the critics and running out makes you feel all the more a fool. I don't remember exactly when I came to know about this book. But I do remember that I felt intrigued enough by the whole thing that I made it one of my nominations for a GR. But as it happened when I actually started reading the book I felt trapped just like in the movies. I never leave books unfinished once started and I was really afraid "The Passage" is going to be my first. The beginning of the book was engaging enough the introduction of the MC and the mystery surrounding the narrative was worth reading ahead. Then after a couple of chapters I realized the story isn't moving any forward the first 200 to 300 pages of the book is describing in detail what I have already surmised from the GR summary. Then the big question arose
When does the real story begin??
After a 400 pages I realized a story has begun but not the one I came to expect or not the one I was familiar with but a completely new story that had me disoriented for a while. That being said I have to give credits for the author's imaginative style of writing. Giving a glimpse into the story through newspaper clippings and piece by piece narratives or diary entries of some of the characters. The broken characters add to the desolation of the world post apocalypse but the world before was not different. All the characters in this book are broken one way or story progresses in a way that makes it seem like all obstacles that face are rites of passage for them. In fact more that a dystopian thriller the book would pass for a philosophical outlook on to a world on the brink of destruction. The ultimate end of all vices, the loss of identity, consciousness and all humanity. "The Passage" is a thought provoking book with some thrilling sequences. The struggle for survival is etched realistically within its pages but in the end the Passage is like an award movie appealing only to certain kind of audience. ...more
While reading this book one of my friends asked me how good the it was and I replied that it was a combination X-Men, Dexter and End of Days. On furthWhile reading this book one of my friends asked me how good the it was and I replied that it was a combination X-Men, Dexter and End of Days. On further reflection I realized that pretty much sums up the whole book and answers her question. With such a winning combination that the book is bound to be good but Libba Bray has gone one step further and has delivered a master piece.
To start with the book is not what I expected after reading the GR synopsis. For one the book is set in the late 1920's and the atmosphere created itself is enough to keep you hooked. While the synopsis does give us a mistaken impression that the story is about a girl named Evie with some kind of powers. Although it is true that is not all there is to the story. It is far more sinister than I expected. It has a serial killer on the loose, with the ritualistic murders and body mutilation all up his alley. A storm waiting to happen and discoveries about to be made. May be I should have also added HELLBOY to the mix but since HELL BOY is almost paranormal X Men you can catch my drift. I really wish I could have written an much better review for this book which seems an impossibility at the moment without divulging much of the story line and ruining the book for future readers. But I will divulge this much about characterization and writing style. Loved all the characters especially Evie. Her Devil may care attitude all through the book was enchanting and she really does deliver some great one liners. Sam a hustler and Jericho the brooding, bookish guy make for engaging love interest. I am truly grateful for to the author not for getting sidetracked by romance stories that are inevitable in YA and focusing more on the plot. Theta and Memphis also makes for interesting side characters. This book is definite recommendation and should not be missed by anyone who loves a thriller with a hint of supernatural ...more
I never expected this. To be frank despite the fact that this book had been in my TBR shelf for a very long time I wouldn't have picked it up if not fI never expected this. To be frank despite the fact that this book had been in my TBR shelf for a very long time I wouldn't have picked it up if not for the NBRC Group read. As the pattern usually goes if I am not able to catch up with the rest of the group with in a reasonable time I usually drop the book. But surprise, surprise...I not only didn't drop this one but also finished it before the group did. My hesitancy for a part in reading this book can be blamed on the GR synopsis because I was lead to believe that this was one of those star crossed love stories that would just end up filling the pages with "I love you but can't be with you" kind of things. If you have not already caught on this book is not anything like that. In fact it is so much more...History, mythology and mystery are all blended in to this one in equal measure that you feel awed at the shear imagination that has gone into its making. It is very hard to believe that this was the same author that gave you books like the "Wolves of Mercy Falls" series which is one of my abandoned series books. The author has done a complete about turn. There is no similarity with her other books and the characters are completely original even if they may seem a bit improbable.
The GR summary lead you to believe the base story of this book is the tragic love story that would take place between the main lead Blue, a non psychic belonging to a family of psychics who is prophesied to kill her one true love with a kiss and a boy whose spirit she sees on St Marks day about whom she knows nothing about accept for his name which is Gansy (This book is full of funny names). But that is not all Blue is not the main character here. All the other Raven boys also get their say and their story is different. Gansy for one is out on a quest to find the tomb of the "Raven King" of Whales along with his friends Adam, Noah and Ronan who have problems of their own. While struggling with the quest they also know they have started something that would change history and none of them are aware of the enormity of the mission they have chose to follow. As they say if a non seer sees a spirit on St Marks Day the person is either her true love or she is going to kill him and that inevitable puts Blue into the path of these Raven Boys and towards a destiny that may be more that she had bargained for.
Mystical, Magical and absolutely fantastic. This book has a way of crawling under your skin. You feel magic in the air, the subtle mystery surrounding the things that are yet to be explained and the over all awarness that the story is just beginning. It is one of those magical treasure hunt stories with a sinister note to it that had me wishing that this was a movie. I loved all the characters and you can honestly say that they are not caricatures. They are unique in their own way and loved the main character of Gansy. He was cool, composed and above all felt sensible and self less without making much of an effort. It was a delight to read his part of the book which is another point in favor of the author because she decided to write this in multiple POV's. She did not confine herself to just Blue or even Gansy for that matter but gave us insights into all the main characters that helped you sympathise with them. If you have not yet started on this one I highly recommend you do it now because you wouldn't want to miss this gem for any reason ...more
After dabbling with books that believed that there is no other love than star-crossed ones I found going back to an old fashioned love story an enjoyaAfter dabbling with books that believed that there is no other love than star-crossed ones I found going back to an old fashioned love story an enjoyable experience. Of course you can say this one also was star crossed but the reasons where not supernatural or unbelievable but realistic which brought it under an entirely different league of novels. Heart ache aside this book has character development and in a way gets you too invested in the characters. The emotions you feel on behalf of them also feel real.
The story is one of friendship and love. When Alix from a respectable meets Nick the son of the town drunk when she was eight she knew she had to save him. Over the years their feeling for each other blossoms in to love and Alix thought nothing could separate them until that fateful day when Nick is accused of murdering his abusive father and he abandons Alix pregnant and heart broken. Left to pick up the pieces Alix marries her child hood friend and moves on with her life only to be divorced 15 years later. Now she is free and for the first time things are looking up when Nick re enters her life. And he will stop at nothing to have her back.
The book is an emotional roller coaster. It has a number of poignant moments that can leave you in tears. The characters are well thought out and I loved the way the author wrote them starting from their childhood to the adults they have become. Just when I was getting tired of all the "instant love" phenomenon that was going around in most of the popular books this second chance love story was like a breath of Fresh Air. This is definitely going into my re read pile. ...more
If any of you have ever watched the movie Mr & Mrs Smith you will get a drift of what I am about to write down. It is that movie where Brad Pitt and AIf any of you have ever watched the movie Mr & Mrs Smith you will get a drift of what I am about to write down. It is that movie where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolene are a married couple but secretly international assassins. Take that and substitute the character Brad Pitt with a watered down version of Bella from "Twilight" . What do you get? YOUNG LOVE MURDER.
This is a book that has taken love hate relationship to a new extreme. What more can you expect from a book about assassins? The concept is good I will give them that. A 17 year old Female assassin out to seduce the son of her next target only to fall in love with him. However it would have been much more likable if only the female lead was not that heartless. I get that she kills only the bad guys and in a completely Bane kind of way believes herself to be a "necessary evil". Yet you can't help flinching every time she jokes about the kills she make. She is believable for most part and I do enjoy reading about a strong female character. But she also suffers from the same disease which I am being increasingly made aware of after every YA venture that I have been making recently known as "Instant Love". She doesn't even see the guy in person before the attraction kicks in. When they finally meet she falls for him and he for her. Why? you might ask. Because she is the only girl that doesn't get jealous when other girls start paying attention to him and that too on the first day of their meeting. Here is the kicker though. Deep down the girl is really jealous about the guy she just met. Then the instant attraction takes its course and both of them are head over heels in love with each other within one week. True, obsessive and stalker kind of love...But the fates are not kind to the young lovers because she has an assignment to finish and that involves killing her true love's father and disappearing. Talk about more drama. The book then takes use through many anguish filled, confusing story lines were you have to sit with your fingers crossed hoping that the assassin and lover find each other and can carry on with their twisted love affair while killing people on the side, which I must confess I found despite of my incredulity very entertaining.
The writing style of the author is good. She knows how to take a story this common and spin it in to a very unconventional sort of entertainment. However she does need a lesson in writing romantic lines cause the dialogues were really grating on my nerves. Before this book I had no idea that love sick couples have to finish each and every sentence with the word "BABY". "I am fine Baby", "Are you comfortable Baby?", "Do you want me to get that Baby?","Can you pass the bullets so that I can shoot the guy Baby" and many more. I never realized "Baby" was such an ugly word. The guy Gabriel as I have said is a male version of Bella. There is no logic in his devotion to Anna. He actually makes Bella look kind of good and with a backbone. His kind of obsession is actually unhealthy and I couldn't find much redeeming qualities for him. The book is very fast paced. You will be glued to the book during the first 100 pages and then it looses steam and you will feel the need to abandon it. But if you stick with it the story again picks up and then again looses steam coming to a whirlwind conclusion. That is another thing, this book could have been a couple of pages short. I was never a one to call a 389 page book a long one but this one sure does feel like it. It is one endless cycle. If you are into to those kind of love stories were the guy and the girl are out to kill each other on the basis of an obsessive kind of love then this is the book for you. Else you will be disappointed ...more
Have you ever read a book that made you feel an array of emotions at the same time? Thrill, Disgust, admiration, disbelief and satisfaction being some Have you ever read a book that made you feel an array of emotions at the same time? Thrill, Disgust, admiration, disbelief and satisfaction being some among them. Because that is what "Gone Girl" is all about. It is one of those rare books that you can't help liking but at the same time you feel surprised that such a twisted story even appealed to you in the first place. Yes, the book is a definite mind bender. At first the author reels to you in with her unique writing style. A type of style which paints and image of a normal, everyday type of story but deep down gives you the feeling that all it not right, there is something very wrong here but try as you might you can't put a finger on it. The book begins with the 5th wedding anniversary of the couple introduced as Nick and Amy Dunne. After 5 years of marriage they have reached a point where there love has finally run out and each are left with version of the other that is a complete stranger to them. Then Amy goes missing and all signs indicate that she was kidnapped. Having no idea where his wife is or what happened to her Nick is faced with the dilemma of finding out who wants to get her. But the task cut out for him is not easy. Especially since all signs point to Nick. Strange searches on Nick’s computer, mysterious credit card purchases and a neighbor/ Amy’s best friend saying that Amy was terrified of Nick, are not helping his cause much. Now Nick has really done it...Everyone believes him to be a wife killer. But is he one? When more and more facts about Amy come to surface Nick realizes that he may have married a stranger after all or does he know his wife better than anyone else?
The author has amazing writing skills that much I will admit on the outset. She knows how to keep a reader entertained and intrigued at the same time. Even in the direst of circumstances you may feel the need to laugh out loud. We are given both Nick's and Amy's POV. Nick's after kidnapping and Amy's before. You get to see two very different people but the more surprising fact is how different they see each other. When you read Nick's POV you get a picture of him and Amy completely different from Amy's POV. Now here you may be faced with the choice on who to believe. In my experience in most thriller novels you have a guy or a girl in the lead. They investigate, they listen to accounts and they have to make a choice on who to believe based on the facts and circumstances. But in Gone Girl you have two main characters and it is up to you to decide which story you would consider. Who is telling the truth? It is a complete puzzle. Then the author delivers shocking twists one after another. Ones you would not have anticipated with all your speculation but yet when it comes to surface makes absolute sense. I loved a number of things about this book. But the thing I loved the most is the way it made me think and the way it ended leaving me in complete shock. I don’t want to disclose much of the plot but for those of you who does give this book a chance all I can say that you won’t be left disappointed. Disbelief�. maybe, astonished�. Definitely but Disappointed�.Never. ...more
As far as paranormal romancee books go this is not the best I have read. In fact I don't think I will read anymore books from this series or this genrAs far as paranormal romancee books go this is not the best I have read. In fact I don't think I will read anymore books from this series or this genre for the time being. This may have been good book if not for the fact that it fail to engage is so many levels. Sometimes too much suspense and waiting can kill your interest.
We are all familiar with stories in which the hero hiding behind a mask falls in love with a beauty. Then we know how frustrating it is to deal with the heroes inner conflict once he has made up his mind to get the heroine. Which is why I liked the Phantom of the Opera character. Don't get me wrong I am not a big fan of stalkers either. It is just that at least the Phantom had the guts to go for the girl he wanted which not something I can say for Archer here. He hides behind a mask, gives an impression that he is hideously scared behind it. After practically forcing Miranda to get married to him he has second thoughts and he doesn't want to bring Mirand into this (Now you think he should have thought of that before bringing her into this mess. But still acceptable given he might have felt selfish for a sec. Not acceptable is the fact that he bored the readers with his continuous indecision). If he is so opposed then he should have removed the mask and scared her off but no we get his ramblings on why they should not be together. Miranda the fire starting protagonist is intrigued by Archer on moment and the next moment she is in love with him. Aside from that she has these cool powers that she tries to hide from her masked husband because she fears it will scare him off. Would it kill you guys if you communicated a little more?.
With all its flaws the paranormal aspect of the book was intriguing. It was dark, sinister and perfectly capable of keeping you on tether hooks. Sad that the author failed to exploit it in all the Miranda Archer drama. The author introduces riddles upon riddles only to give everything up in the end and the identity of the killer was not even a big surprise. This book could have been great but ended up short of being good. Read it if you don't mind brooding heroes....more
This book takes of where the first book left off with Harry being accused of First degree murder that he did not commit because of taking on the identThis book takes of where the first book left off with Harry being accused of First degree murder that he did not commit because of taking on the identity of a fellow comrade. He meets a lawyer who promises him a reduced sentence only to be cheated and end up in prison. At the same time Emma Barrington is trying to come to terms with the loss of Harry. But she like the others is not ready to accept the fact that Harry is no more. After seeing Harry's handwriting on a letter sent by a Tom Bradshaw to Harry's mom Emma is convinced that Harry is alive and she will do anything to bring the father of her son back to where he belongs.
The book is engaging and has all the elements that are particular to Jeffrey Archer novels. But like the first book this one also is not his best effort. Unlike the previous one Harry is not the central character here. His mother and best friend also has equal importance. But apart from the first book which had to searching for the second one minutes after reading it. I am less compelled to start up with the next book Despite the fact that the book has ended in a cliff hanger. However it is an enjoyable read as long as you don't go into it expecting much....more
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