google-site-verification: google935433b691795853.html KRISTY BERRIDGE: 2012-03-11

Saturday 17 March 2012

Book Review: Exiled By M.R. Merrick

As an author I have certain expectations when reading a book. I like background history - some idea where the characters have come from, and why they are who they are portrayed to be at present. I like action - lots of it and in a descriptive format that puts me right in the thick of it. I like a bit of romance, or at the very least a hint of it without out the cheesiness and sometimes fast-paced and unrealistic joining of characters I've read in other novels. And, I especially like a fast paced ending with a cliffhanger that makes me want to read the next book in the series (If there is one).
Exiled ticked all the boxes for me.
The novel follows the story of Chase Williams, an excommunicated member of The Circle, a powerful group of elemental users that focus on the protection of the human race from the entry of demons and half bloods into the earth plane. At least until nefarious agenda's unfold ...
Chase has been abandoned by The Circle and his father, Riley, for his lack of elemental powers. He lives  with his mother in the slums, etching out a living where possible all the while fighting off any demons and vampires on the prowl to kill the son of the great Riley Williams.
Chase's world is turned upside down and his ideals disturbed when he meets a half demon named Willy, and later, the intoxicating Rayna. These two demons are set apart from the black and white image Chase has in his mind of good and evil. He has long upheld The Circle's ideals, but soon comes to realise that not all demons are cut from the same cloth, and that perhaps The Circle may not be as righteous as first thought.
Introducing Marcus, another elemental and ousted member of The Circle. He fights for justice alongside Rayna, judgement based only on the deeds and actions others perform, not on the dark blood that may run within. Chase finds he is slowly drawn into their world, his eyes opened for the very first time, his mind awakened to the possibilities of righteousness over arrogance and defiance. Mixing with the otherworldly creatures soon opens a lot of doors, particularly into the past which Chase must overcome in order to accept his present and future.
I found Exiled particularly easy to read, and funnily enough, in the same style of writing as my own which I'm embarrassed to say made it all the more enjoyable. The author's graphic depictions were easily translatable and vivid in detail. Characterisation was relatetable and fluid, and the overall imagery and plot were original and fast-paced.
The last few chapters were the most inviting - graphic scenes of magical depiction and violence made for a pulse racing session of reading. The exchange between characters was not overdrawn or exaggerated and the final closing scenes leave you wanting more.
Overall, I have to rate this book four out of five stars. I really liked it and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series. The only negative? The story-line didn't leave much to chance and a lot of the unfolding plot was expected. There were no twisty-turny moments where I doubted what I was reading and what possibly might follow, but otherwise - an enjoyable read.


Synopsis: Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. On his fifteenth birthday, Chase stepped up to the altar to claim his elemental power, but it never came. Elemental magic is passed down to a hunter through the bloodline, but on Chase's birthday, the bloodline stopped.
Exiled without the Circle's protection, Chase has spent two years trying to survive a world riddled with half-demons and magic. When he has a run in with a frightened and seemingly innocent demon, he learns the Circle's agenda has changed: the Circle plans to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world. Vowing to stop them, and knowing he can't do it alone, Chase forms a reluctant alliance with Rayna - a sexy with with an attitude and a secret.
In their attempt to stop them, Chase and Rayna find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, leaving one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.

Friday 16 March 2012

Follow Friday #24

Happy Friday everyone!
Yes, it’s that time of week again where bloggers unite to participate in the Follow Friday venture. The idea behind #FF is to promote traffic to your own blog, make new friends with other like-minded bloggers and discuss new and interesting topics each week.
Participating is simple. First you need to follow my blog because I’m totally awesome, then you can follow me on Twitter @kristyberridge (actually you don’t have to do this, it’s wishful thinking), but do follow my blog or assassins will get you …
Then you must follow our illustrious hosts Rachel of http://www.parajunkee.com/ and Alison of http://www.alisoncanread.com/ If you want more details on how to enter your own blog in the follow and hop, all directions are on their webpages
Now, once you’ve followed, check out my answer to this week’s questions and don’t forget to leave a comment so I can do the right thing and follow you back!

This week's question: What is the best book you've read in the last month? What is the worst book you've read in the last month?

Answer: The best book that I've read in the last month was 'Exiled' by MR Merrick. I really enjoyed his style of writing (it's so similar to my own) and the story line had me gripped. I will be posting a review on this book shortly, so stay tuned!

In regards to the worst book I've read this month, I cannot say. For one, I am an author and I have too much respect for the hard work of other authors out there to slander their efforts. Believe me, I've read some doozies in this last month, and there are some I can't even finish, but I still don't have it in me to post it for the world to see. I apologise, but that's how I feel, though I do respect other people's right to answer this question.

Tuesday 13 March 2012

The Hobbit Lets Loose - Or Does She?

You have probably often heard me refer to myself as a Hobbit, mostly on account of my lacking social skills and fear of my neighbours. I love the solitude of reading books, writing my novels, and generally staying indoors where it's dry, safe, and absent of confrontation.
Don't get me wrong, I do go out occasionally. In fact, a few months ago I was out until two in the morning at the clubs, dancing until my feet hurt and sweating so much I slid all the way home and collapsed into bed by three.
I do have fun ... when I get there.
The problem for me is getting motivated. The idea of going out seems like a lot of work and I'm more of a button pusher than a doer. I keep thinking about how long it will take to shower and put make-up on, how long it will take me to choose an outfit after I scream and cry about my thighs for a few hours. And then of course, I think about the giant waste of money spent on watered down drinks, the too loud music aimed at deflecting any and all conversation, and the dirty old men that leer at your butt when you walk on by.
Alas, a colleague of mine finished up at work the other day and he decided to have good bye drinks at a local bar. After my sorry excuse for a showdown with my thighs, I finally bit the bullet, let my brother-in-law choose my outfit to negate drama, didn't bother doing anything with my hair, and lightly re-applied the make-up I was already wearing.
Two hours later I was in the car on the way home again.
It was too bloody hot, the music was too loud, and I saw Jesus ordering drinks at the bar - that just aint right. Oh, and I stopped for ice cream ... twice.
Needless to say that leaving the house is a fattening activity with little highlight. On the upside? I got to say goodbye to my friend and give him a sqidgy before he departed. I also got my sugar rush and a quiet ride home.
Yes. I am a sorry excuse for an under thirty.

Hobbit - out. :)