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Showing posts with label richelle mead. Show all posts
Showing posts with label richelle mead. Show all posts

Sunday, 8 September 2013

Book Review: Crossroads by JJ Bonds

If you've read the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, then you're going to enjoy Crossroads by JJ Bonds. Why? Because Crossroads is a school full of vampires, studying, feeding, and training to excel among the elite of their own kind. There's no pretense about what they are or where these teens stand in the food chain - Vampires are simply the diamonds among the rough of humanity.
Katia is a vampire transfer, an unpolished diamond uncertain about her new surroundings at Crossroads. In fact, she's uncertain about a lot of things - her foggy past as well as the nefarious dreams taunting her night after night, a red-eyed man chasing her endlessly. Katia's been able to temper that fear in the past, thanks to the comforting embrace of an uncle she didn't know she had until a year ago. Money and prestige has protected Katia, but now that she's at Crossroads, her uncle's influence can't protect her from adolescent petulance, unwanted male affection or even the dead bodies piling up outside of town.
What I liked about Crossroads? Everything. The novel is well executed with concise language, matched by an even paced plot that finishes with an action-packed, gripping final chapter. Droplets of information are littered consistently throughout the novel, building each character's construct and offering the reader ideas about where this series may progress.
There's also a touch of romance, though nothing overly amorous to throw you off the point of the novel. Sexual tension does weave its way through the pages, but the focus is entirely on Katia's growth, her ability to determine her dreams, tamper her blood lust and uncover the secrets of her past.
Crossroads rates four out of five fangs - a great start to a series, though I hope for more action in the next few novels.

Synopsis:
When Katia enrolled at Crossroads Academy she knew things weren’t exactly going to be easy. The sole heir to the worlds’ most powerful vampire, her presence was bound to cause a stir. But nothing could have prepared her for this. Whispers follow everywhere she goes. So does trouble.
Bodies start turning up in nearby Rutland and Katia is sucked into a twisted web of danger and deceit. Haunted by nightmares she can’t explain and a thirst for blood that is never sated, Katia will do whatever it takes to keep her past buried.
Nothing at Crossroads is what it seems and Katia’s secrets may be the darkest of them all.

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell is the third book in the Bloodlines series by this supremely talented story-teller, Richelle Mead. Once again I was drawn into the crazy, non-stop action-driven world of Sydney Sage, a rebellious Alchemist torn between duty and the the vampire Moroi that she's been drafted to protect.
The Indigo Spell, as with all Richelle Mead's novels, crafts multiple sub plots throughout. Thankfully in this installment we focus specifically on Sydney and her moral struggle with performing magic, her questionable feelings for a playboy vampire, and the hefty price splitting her loyalties may bring.
Tasked with uncovering a youth-stealing witch while simultaneously deciding whether or not to trust in a indigo-tattooed, ex-alchemist with a similar agenda, and Sydney has her hands full. Avoiding magic has been a doctrine of her upbringing, but to master it may mean saving her life and those she cares about. Also finding a way to link unsavoury Alchemist activities offers Sydney a chance to explore areas previously forbidden - her growing love for Adrian Ivashkov.
The Indigo Spell is filled with non-stop drama and enough tension-riddled moments of romantic angst to make you throw the book at the wall. Imagery, as always, is sufficient and succinct and the words cleverly crafted to keep motion within the plot. I was especially drawn to Adrian in this novel, Richelle mead offering up just a few new snippets of sensitivity that make you unexpectedly swoon.
With nothing negative to report, other than the fact the writer in me was supremely excited to find two technical errors via the editing in a professional writer's book - a lesson we are all human - and I can happily rate this novel four out of five fangs.

Synopsis:
In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Book Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

As you all probably know, I am a massive fan of Richelle Mead's writing. I suspect it's mostly because her style is succinct, descriptive and generally highly entertaining. Even her YA novels like this one don't need the flamboyance of violence-riddled action scenes or a series of heavy petting from the pining youths of more gritty, romance-driven novels. Clear structure and an interlaced back story are often cleverly woven within her plots, and thus I find I continue to turn the pages of her novels in desperation to discover the ending.
The Golden Lily is the second book in The Bloodlines series. Again, I was not disappointed to follow the uptight Sydney Sage as we delve back into her recent activities as the head Alchemist protecting a small group of Moroi vampires and Dhampir protectors. 
Taking cover at the Amberwood preparatory school, Sydney continues to clean up the mess of her vampire friends whether personal or professional and hide the Moroi princess known as Jill Dragomir. But a new and seemingly unexpected mission to uncover human vampire hunters as well as balance a personal life presses on the tightly constructed walls Sydney has erected to prevent osmosis of feeling and unsanctioned decisions.
Challenged by the misconceptions of the Alchemists and conflicted by her emotional pull to a certain, entertaining and endearing vampire know as Adrian Ivashkov, Sydney soon sees herself stepping outside the bubble of rigidity her upbringing demands, and branching out into new endeavours.
As always, Richelle Mead does not disappoint. The story carefully follows on from Bloodlines - the protection of Jill and the consistency of their undercover illusion is teamed with all the original characters. Consideration to continue the ongoing research explored between Moroi and Strigoi vampires in the previous novel and this one for me makes the story replete, especially with the introduction of a softer, more flexible Sydney. I will happily rate this book four out of five fangs - another great read.

Synopsis:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.
Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.
But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.
When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.
Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Friday, 15 June 2012

Follow Friday #33


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!

Okay, so this week's question is weird for me. I'm an Aussie and we celebrate Father's Day in September. But in the spirit of wanting to know who my favourite father figure in a book is, well, it's only fair to participate.


Answer: Roland from Richelle Mead's Storm Born Series. He may be a step-father figure, but this guy crosses spiritual planes in order to protect what he deems is his daughter - Eugiene Markham. He fights demons, he kicks ass, and he defends her honor - he sounds a lot like my dad (minus the completely unrealistic plot).

On another completely unrelated note- I just thought I'd drop a quick mention too for those of you that have been following The Hunted's progress. It is now officially selling on Amazon for $4.99 to celebrate the up and coming release of The Damned. So if you've been wanting to dip into this awesome supernatural fiction practically dripping with untamed violence, sexy vampires, and wild werewolves, then now is your chance! Follow this link for more information!

Kristy :)

Friday, 27 April 2012

Follow Friday #30


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: Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then 'broke up' with later in either a series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her.


My answer: Kudos, Parajunkee for picking Anita Blake. Talk about a whiplash of hypocrisy, I couldn't agree more! Anita Blake was empowerment for women, serious vampire killer, and extremely choosey when it came to her men. Now she's forgotten her natural talents in lieu of metaphysical ones, sleeps with vampires rather than staking them, and still spends far too much time arguing with anyone who'll listen about her sex life! 


But, although this is definitely my pick too, I will say in Richelle Mead's Succubus series I was mad keen for Seth for a while. I backed that mortal through thick and thin, and then I fell for Roman, the bad boy half angel introduced early on into the series. For a while I was totally barracking for him, but I suspect more than anything for a change of pace and to tickle my fancy. Naturally, I came back around to Mr.Right (Seth) again, but it still didn't stop me from wanting the bad boy. Typical.







Have a great weekend everyone!


Kristy :)

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Book Review: Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead

Book reviews seem to be my bag lately, particular as here I am, yet again, reviewing the last book in a series that I can honestly say I did enjoy.
Shadow Heir is the culminating book in the Dark Swan series by Richelle Mead. It does not follow the young adult genre as some of her more popular series portray. These novels are most definitely adult in nature, filled with sexual content and referenced violence and themes that may not necessarily be suitable for the younger reader.
But what would I know? Kids are getting pregnant at thirteen these days and are experienced by twenty, so this could just be light reading for some.
Jokes aside, this series follows the story of Eugenie Markham, born and raised in Tuscon, she has been trained to protect the mortal realm from the supernatural elements intent on crossing over from the land of faerie. A shaman-for-hire under the teachings of her adoptive father, Rolland, she has since discovered that her natural connection to the other realm is just a strong as her human interests. Curiosity, love, and fate drive Eugenie back into the land of Faerie to uncover her true origins and her natural connection to the land that she has fought so hard to avoid for the most part of her adult life.
Now knowing that she is the legendary Storm Kings daughter and that her powers over the weather were not merely coincidental, she has since accepted the blood that runs within, taken her place among her faerie brethren, claimed two kingdoms as her own, and tried to change the prophecy that has plagued her family for years.
Shadow Heir concludes this small series of four. Eugenie finally begins to respect the natures of both her worlds, her current and previous lovers, as well as her role as the Queen to both lands established via her powers. With acceptance comes a great deal of responsibility, and without ruining the plot line, there is a lot of personal sacrifice on her part. However, with great power, enemies also flourish, and despite strong alliances with other kingdoms and her never ending quest to protect the ones she loves, the push of the prophecy unveils evil potential in others, leading to a somewhat expected but nevertheless entirely satisfying ending.
Richelle Mead's writing style is as always ... flawless. I'm never jarred by her conversations and her flow of description is elegant and easy to read. With plenty of action, sex, consistent plot and characters, it was easy to get involved in the story. However, there were moments when I wanted to reach into the pages and kill some of the characters myself, but this was through no error of the author. I was merely engaged in the descriptive text and character creation - a great example of a successful story telling.
This series was not the best series I have ever read. Although the story did enthrall me, a lot of the outcomes through every book were not unexpected. I was not left guessing or wondering about anything. The writer consistently wrapped everything in a tidy bow. Perhaps this is my only criticism. I'm going to give this book three out of five stars - I liked it, but I liked some of the other books in this series more.

Synopsis: Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld ...
The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Faerie King Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't - or won't - reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon - and risk the ultimate sacrifice ...


Kristy :)