google-site-verification: google935433b691795853.html KRISTY BERRIDGE: 2012-05-20

Saturday 26 May 2012

Book Review: S.P.I.R.I.T Firestorm by Dawn Gray

First of all, let me start off by saying that I wasn't particularly eager to read this novel, mostly because the cover image doesn't speak to me. There's nothing about it that jumps out and says, 'pick me up and read me'. The monotone wash of grey and the old creepy house feel a little generic, as do the unstylistic font and general lack of 'wow' factor. But alas, after reading the novel, the image is in fact the essence of this very story, and I now understand why the author chose such imagery.
S.P.I.R.I.T follows the story of Samantha and Zander, two seemingly ordinary people thrust together under the strangest of circumstances. As they learn of developing gifts, past connections, and an unsettling truth that the supernatural realm is very real and very present, it forces them to uncover the mystery surrounding their coupling and the double layered reality crossing paths in the most unimaginable way. Ghosts, demons, and lies from the past see them struggling to unlock the reasons for their current endangerment but it also sees the strength and abilities within each of them grow - their blossoming love forging a connection stronger than even death itself.
S.P.I.R.I.T, despite the non-stop revelation of mystery, followed by battles with the unseen, or tangible crossovers from past encounters, was heavily littered with romance. The interaction between Samantha and Zander bordered on the fast-pace unrealistic connections of Mills & Boons characters. I did however appreciate Samantha's initial reluctance to trust anyone given the situation thrust upon her. She seemed to take a little longer to warm to heavy petting rather than her male protagonist that basically shadowed her every footstep.
The characterization was good, however, there was a lack of descriptive text on other minor characters. Alas, when something unfavourable occurred, I found that I cared little for their welfare as I was given no reason to embrace these minor characters as anything other than props to continue the story of Zander and Samantha.
What I did enjoy was the overall story, a thoroughly interesting concept that straddled just the right amount of supernatural element and action sequences. I also didn't mind the romance, bar the pet names and it's actual relevance to the story as a whole.
What I didn't like were the grammatical errors. I'm an author, and I make mistakes too, and usually I do overlook these knowing how hard an author works to produce any novel, but unfortunately there was one every couple of paragraphs - often very distracting.
Overall, S.P.I.R.I.T Firestorm was an enjoyable read with a little bit of something extra to your standard paranormal romance. With a carefully unfolding plot and an expected, yet satisfying ending, it was easy to give this book three out of five stars.

Synopsis:

When Samantha Ricketts finds herself in a town half-way across the country, her only worry is how did she get there, but when her life is saved by a handsome and mysterious man, the connection they feel is almost more than she can stand.
Zander Smith was only acting on his instincts and training when he moved the dark-haired woman to safety but what he got from his heroics wasn't the distressed woman that he thought he was helping but a fireball of fury that sparked a storm within himself.
Together they tap into the supernatural to uncover the mysteries surrounding the strange town they were slowly growing fond of before they became a part of its history.

Kristy :)

Friday 25 May 2012

Follow Friday #32


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!
Ben Barnes


This Week's Question: Activity! Dream cast your current read.


My Answer: I'm currently reading "Dead Radiance" A Valkyrie Novel by T.G. Ayer. It's an interesting read with the most beautiful imagery and well crafted, descriptive structure that I've read in a really long time. The protagonist is Bryn, essentially a re-birthed Valkyrie. I don't really imagine her as anyone in particular, but I guess she would resemble Emily Browning, and her love interest Aidan, I think looks like Ben Barnes. Then again, any dark-haired gorgeous guy resembles Ben Barnes in my mind while I'm reading. Weird.
Anyway, here they are!

Emily Browning

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Alien in my Belly

So as you already know, I'm on a massive fitness kick at the moment and I've managed to rope in buddies to keep the process fun and promote success. One of those buddies is my dad, his enthusiasm for weight loss and body toning only equal to that of my own. We've been training four days a week, calorie counting, and pushing each other to achieve.
Anyway, last night we were fitting in some last chance training due to dad's weigh-in and measurement day today (success all round by the way). We were working through an abdominal session and that's when we noticed the alien. 
We had a moment, thought about calling in Sigourney Weaver to bust a cap in its ass but how can you kill it if it hasn't reared it's ugly head yet?
Confused?
During a roll up crunch pushing a pretty impressive weight of 45kg's, I noticed my dad's stomach had a spine. When I pointed this out to him, he casually informed me that he had an alien in his belly. So, whether it turns out to be fact, fiction, medical condition, or some weird-ass muscle, we all have something weird and unexplained. 
For one, when I finish my workout and take my shoes off, veins practically explode from the top of feet like bloody octopus tentacles. I often look at them and wonder if I could launch off the end of a jetty and start an undersea adventure - my own inbuilt pulsing flippers. My fingers also bend like bananas, my belly button frowns at me, and I sweat mostly from my kneecaps. Yes, I actually have to wipe those bad boys down with a towel so my socks don't get wet. It's insane.
So alas we all have alien's inside of us, and if not, please don't tell me that you're perfect because I don't want to know that my family are the only bearers of the freak flag. But, if you have ears like an elf, a nose like Pinocchio, or an ass like J-Lo, let me know. I can't be the only one out there with octopus feet.

Kristy :)