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Showing posts with label Kresley Cole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kresley Cole. Show all posts
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Saturday Conversations 09/29/2012
Magnificent Misfits
Looking at the rather insane collection of books that line the shelves above my desk, it occurred to me that almost all of them have a good bit in common. One of those things is the use of that most relatable underdogs: the misfit. Be it the hero, heroine, or sidekick (especially when the sidekick gets their own book the next time around!!), a misunderstood protagonist makes for a yummy read. From John Matthew in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood to Nucking Futs Nix in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark, and Mina Wentworth in Meljean Brook's The Iron Seas, misfits rock.
Let's chat... Who are your favorite literary misfits and why?
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Friday, June 17, 2011
IAD Discussion: Dark Desires After Dusk (#6)
Hello friends and welcome to this month’s Immortals After Dark 2011 Reading Challenge Discussion. The idea is for this to be an “open thread” to discuss the sixth IAD story (fifth book):
Dark Desires After Dusk
About the book:A ruthless demon mercenary. A lovely young halfling. In the dark, there's no escaping desire.
A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can't resist...
Cade of the rage demons will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.
A tormented warrior she should fear, but can't deny...
Raised as a human, Holly Ashwin never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.
Surrender to dark desires...
Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs—and claim his heart?
Discussion:
I’ll list a few questions to kick it off, then please follow with your own points, additional questions and general comments. PLEASE keep the discussion to this book or the prior five stories and NO future stories.
ALSO - IF YOU HAVE A REVIEW for Dark Desires After Dusk, please include a link below in the comment section! My review is under a separate post HERE.
Lastly... Note to those that have not read Dark Desires After Dusk: Spoilers *may* be listed below, so beware!
1) What was your favorite part of this book? Least favorite?
2) Did you enjoy the courtship between Cade and Holly more/less/indifferent to those in the earlier books? Why?
3) We see lots of stories where the lead character is forced to choose between love and obligation, many times this leads one character to lie to the other. Sometimes it works and others times it is annoying... what is your opinion for this book?
4) This one was FULL of action, with a bit of violence. Did the blood and guts work for you? Do you feel there should have been more, less or indifferent?
5) What unanswered plot line are you most looking forward to reading about in a future book?
Thanks and Happy Reading!
Review: Dark Desires After Dusk
Dark Desires After DuskAuthor: Kresley Cole
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Publisher: Pocket Publishing
Immortals After Dark #6
ISBN: #978-1416576754
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pages), e-book
I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure!
From the author’s website:
A ruthless demon mercenary. A lovely young halfling. In the dark, there's no escaping desire.
A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can't resist...
Cade of the rage demons will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.
A tormented warrior she should fear, but can't deny...
Raised as a human, Holly Ashwin never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.
Surrender to dark desires...
Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs—and claim his heart?
What I’m talking about:
OH... this is my favorite IAD book so far! We’ve seen demon prince, Cadeon (Cade) admire and long for his one true mate, Holly, from afar in previous stories. Knowing that he could never be with her, yet remaining loyal to her was romantic and a bit heartbreaking, and it helped shape Cadeon’s Heroic Persona. Also adding to this is the fact that Cade is weighed down by a massive guilt complex, believing he is responsible for losing his brother Rydstrom’s, kingdom to an evil sorcerer (Omort). So when Cade is told that he can help win back the kingdom’s crown for his brother by finding and turning over the female “vessel” to said evil sorcerer’s brother (Groot), Cade is ready to hunt for her. A Vessel is a female from Lore (the so call “mythological” creatures), who will give birth to the ultimate good or bad guy during the upcoming Accession (read “World War” for the Lore). So what a surprise to both Cade and Holly when they find out that sweet human Holly is actually part Valkyrie and the Vessel.
Right from the start this book is screaming with action and amazing sexual tension. Maybe it’s because Cade’s desire for his Holly has been mentioned in earlier stories, but I felt the spark between this pair right from the get go. I loved how the book opened with Holly transforming into a Valkyrie and that she is forced to jump into a world she knew nothing about. Holly maintains a wonderful balance of her old human self and new Lore female - clinging to her fears and O/C tendencies, while slowly allowing her Valkyrie nature to take root and develop. Ms. Kole does a marvelous job with Holly’s character - giving her time to freak out, accept the changes, then slowly shed the past, realizing that her Valkyrie self was actually there all along.
The pair is on the run from other Lore factions that want to impregnate Holly (the Vessel) for themselves. Cade misleads Holly into believing she could reverse her transformation so that he can take her to Groot. While Cade protects Holly because she is a commodity, he knows in his soul that it’s more because she is his mate. As the two continue their journey to Groot, they begin to fall in love. But it’s not a smooth road - especially since Cade has been lying to Holly. While I’m usually not a fan of the “I’ll hide the truth and use you, but then I fall in love and oops, I’m an ass” storyline, it really works in Dark Desires After Dusk. The tension doesn’t feel forced or insurmountable. Both characters have an underlying honesty and goodness that shines through and creates a wonderful Hero and Heroine combination.While this story could be read stand alone, I feel that there is more emotional impact from reading the series as a whole. Ms. Cole carefully plants seeds in each book that blossom as time progresses. I am now understanding why everyone has been recommending the IAD Series to me for so long. The series is exciting, sexy, and fun...and Dark Desires After Dusk is a solid A in my book!
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
And be sure to stop by later and join in this month's IAD Reading Challenge Discussion!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday Snippets #60
No Rest for the Wicked
Pocket Star Publishing
October 2006“I know the ways a man looks at a woman.” Her voice was sensual, a voice from dreams. It seemed to rub him from the inside. “You’re not merely admiring me.”
No, he was thinking at that moment that he wanted to rip open her shirt, pin her shoulders to the ground, and suck on her stiffened nipples till she came. Pin her shoulders hard and lick her --
“How dare you play with me, vampire!”
“What do you mean?” He met her gaze. Her eyes flicked over his face as though she were attempting to read his thoughts. Could she begin to guess the battle inside him? That in one instant the idea of being gentle was replaced with the impulse to cover her on the ground?
What is happening to me?
“I know you can’t feel this... this...” -- she made a sound of frustration -- “you can’t feel what you are appearing to. It’s impossible, unless --” She gasped. “Your eyes... they’re turning black.”
Black? His brothers’ eyes had turned black with sharp emotion. He hadn’t known his did as well. Was it because he’d never felt anything so sharply as his desire for this mysterious female?
He felt like he’d die if he didn’t act on that desire.
A sudden explosion of sound made him swing his head around, his body tensing. “What was that?”
She took a quick glance around her, eyes alert. “What are you talking about?” she demanded.
“You do not hear that?” Another shaking like that, and the castle would collapse. He had to get her away, even into the morning daylight outside. The need to protect her had suddenly become critical, undeniable.
“No!” Her eyes went wide, her expression aghast. “It can’t be!” She backed away from him, moving gingerly, as if he were a snake about to strike.
Another explosion. He traced to just in front of her, and her sword shot up in a blur. He snatched her wrist, but she struggled. Christ, she was strong, but he seemed to be stronger than usual himself, more powerful than he ever could have imagined. “I don’t want to hurt you.” He pried the weapon from her hand and tossed it to his low bed. “Do not fight me. The roof is about to fall --”
“No... no!” She stared at his chest -- at his heart -- in horror. “I am not a... Bride.”
Friday, May 20, 2011
IAD Discussion: Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (#5)
Hello friends and welcome to this month’s Immortals After Dark 2011 Reading Challenge Discussion. The idea is for this to be an “open thread” to discuss the fifth IAD story (fourth book):
Dark Needs at Night’s Edge
About the book:
Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina in the early 1900s, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with powers, but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away any trespassers--until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.
To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. There only Conrad can see the dancer with wild raven hair--who seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature inflames him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.
Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi and claim her completely, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?
I’ll list a few questions to kick it off, then please follow with your own points, additional questions and general comments. PLEASE keep the discussion to this book or the prior four stories and NO future stories.
ALSO - IF YOU HAVE A REVIEW for Dark Needs at Night’s Edge, please include a link below in the comment section! My review is under a separate post.
Lastly... Note to those that have not read Dark Needs at Night’s Edge: Spoilers *may* be listed below, so beware!
1) What was your favorite part of this book? Least favorite?
2) Did you enjoy the courtship between Conrad and Neomi more/less/indifferent to those in the earlier books? Why?
3) Neomi was the first “mortal human” heroine. Were you satisfied with her “transformations” into the Lore world?
4) I felt this book had quite a bit less action than earlier stories – what is your opinion?
5) What unanswered plot line are you most looking forward to reading about in a future book?
Thanks and Happy Reading!
Review: Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Release Date: April 2008
Publisher: Pocket Star
Immortals After Dark #5
ISBN: # 978-1612580234
Genre: paranormal romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pgs), e-book
I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure.
From the author’s website:
Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina in the early 1900s, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with powers, but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away any trespassers--until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.
To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. There only Conrad can see the dancer with wild raven hair--who seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature inflames him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.
Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi and claim her completely, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?
What I’m talking about:
The story opens with the history of Neomi’s brutal murder by her ex-fiancé while she was in the prime of her life. Next, forward ahead eighty years and Neomi is stuck as a ghost in her beautiful home. This is the same home that the vampire brothers Murdoch, Sebastian (from No Rest for the Wicked) and Nikolai (from “The Warlord Wants Forever”) have purchased with the intent of using it to hold their blood-hungry brother, Conrad while they attempt to rescue him. Unlike his brothers, Conrad has lived the past 300 years of his vampiric life feeding off “live blood” (direct from the source) causing madness and he should be executed on sight. Yet the Wroth Brothers believe that they can save Conrad and stage an intervention of sorts – holding him prisoner and forcing him to change his “evil” ways.
As Conrad slowly emerges from his madness, he begins to realize that he isn’t alone in his room. Neomi sits with Conrad day after day and watches the Wroth brothers undetected, learning about the Lore (paranormal world). Finally, Conrad sees and begins to communicate with Neomi – the first and only living being to do so. Soon, the two are left alone for several days which allow them to forge a friendship and develop strong feelings for each other. Now, if only they could actually touch one another and be together as a real couple…
Ms. Cole has another winner with this the 5th story in her wonderful Immortals After Dark series. Although this story takes place shortly after the previous book, Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night, it is pretty much a stand-alone feature that I feel can be enjoyed without reading the earlier books. Unlike the previous books, this one primarily focuses on the two central characters and the development of their relationship. There isn’t a whole lot of action, and the secondary characters really take a back seat. There also seems to be some plot development that will be carried over into future books.One thing that is remarkable about this book is how Ms. Cole portrays the madness of Conrad through her writing style. In the beginning, Conrad’s POV sections are written in present tense with clipped segments and abrupt language while he is still under the influence of the blood lust. She then makes an amazing transition to Conrad’s lucid train of thinking with this simple section “Feels… feels… felt.” Powerful writing that sets the tone for the book. I felt like I was experiencing Conrad’s frustration and confusion.
The fact that Neomi is a ghost limits the corporeal contact that can take place between the primary couple, yet Ms. Cole manages to create a hot and heavy romance. The lack of physical intimacy in the beginning makes room for focus on the “getting to know one another” phase. This allows the reader to really fall for the couple and become emotionally involved. So when Neomi finally gets her chance at reclaiming her human body, it is all the more exciting.
Unfortunately, the story started to drag a little during the last quarter of the book. They went from an open and honest relationship to keeping secrets in the name of protecting the other. I also wasn’t impressed with Neomi’s continued transformation from ghost to human to… But even with the weakness of the final sections of the book, I feel that this story is still one to read, even if you haven’t read the earlier books. I thoroughly enjoyed the transformation of Conrad and the love story with Neomi.
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Review: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s NightAuthor: Kresley Cole
Release Date: October 2007
Publisher: Pocket Star
Immortals After Dark #4
ISBN: #978-1416547037
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pgs), e-book
From the author’s website:
Her breathless kiss haunts him.
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible.
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.
No deed is too wicked for her seduction.
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
What I’m talking about:
Hmmm... I have to say that the book summary on Kresley Cole’s website (above) isn’t what I would have said to summarize and describe the book. Anyhow...
Wicked Deeds opens during the Hie competition, the focus event of the the third story, No Rest for the Wicked (review HERE) Lykae Bowen MacRieve (Bowe) was the “runner up” of the Talisman’s Hie, a “deadly, immortal version of The Amazing Race.” The story backtracks a bit in the timeline to tell the reader about Bowe’s run-in with Mariketa the Awaited (Mari), the witch that cursed him with mortality during No Rest for the Wicked. The story quickly moves forward to events that occur immediately after the end of the Hie competition. (NOTE: I strongly recommend reading No Rest for the Wicked prior to reading Wicked Deeds.)
Mari is a fiesty girl and it is enjoyable to watch her mature in this story. At the beginning of the book, she is 23-years-old and still mortal - that’s right... she entered the deadly competition and isn’t even immortal! Mari is predicted to be the most powerful witch in centuries, but it seems she cannot get a spell straight without blowing up something. She hides her true self, afraid she will be claimed by an immortal as his mate and forced to give up her magic. At times she is childish and acts out in haste. But she is open to the counsel of others, including Bowe, and fairly quickly calms down, displaying a maturity beyond her years.
Bowe has been around for a very long time. He entered the Hie in hopes of winning the prize of a magic key that allows the user to travel back in time. He lost his mate 180 years ago, and has been obsessed with bringing her back ever since. (Lykae’s only get one mate in their immortal existence.) He is rough around the edges and completely ALPHA!
Mari and Bowe are dynamite together. They are explosive (literally) and sexy. But their relationship is so much more than their physical actions and play. They are refreshingly open with one another, and even when they do keep secrets, the secrets don’t hijack the progress of the developing love. When mistakes are made (and Bowe makes a HUGE one when he calls Mari the WRONG NAME!), the situation is quickly addressed and the story moves forward.
There were a couple new world-building terms that were not mentioned in earlier stories. I have to admit, I was a bit put off by the use of the Lykae’s Instinct. It’s this really important “inner-voice” all Lykae have, yet it was never mentioned in A Hunger Like No Other, which focused on the Lykae king! I know it’s a small thing - but it bugged me!
I have to mention a fantastic supporting character, Rydstrom. He’s a demon with an amicable history with Bowe. He is gentle and kind - caring for Mari and the other members of their group. But he also imparts great wisdom to Bowe in a supportive and logical way - making Bowe assess his true situation and feelings. LOVE HIM! and can’t wait to read his book down the road.
Overall another great story in the Immortals After Dark series, and my favorite so far. Ms. Cole keeps the story moving along with her smart writing, exciting action and sharp wit. Mari’s friend Carrow had me laughing out loud at times. I adore that Ms. Cole doesn’t draw out misgivings and misunderstandings between characters, but rather addresses any issues straight on so the story can move forward. The conclusion was extremely satisfying and even had a few twists I wasn’t expecting. I cannot wait to read the next story in a month!
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Friday, April 15, 2011
IAD Discussion: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (#4)
Hello friends and welcome to the this month’s Immortals After Dark 2011 Reading Challenge Discussion. The idea is for this to be an “open thread” to discuss the fourth IAD story (third book):
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night
About the book:
Her breathless kiss haunts him.
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible.
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.No deed is too wicked for her seduction.
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
So... Who knew that starting this book Monday night, on a week when my husband is out of town, and I had 3 meetings (for the 2 days I am in my office) would result in me NOT finishing the book by Thursday night so I could write and post my review?! *head desk* I am sorry folks...
IF YOU HAVE A REVIEW for Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night, please include a link below in the comment section. I will be posting my review soon.
I am about halfway through the book and I am really enjoying it so far. I would like for those that have finished the book to please discuss the story. What did you like? Dislike? Which of the new characters is your favorite? Where there new pieces of the “mythology” that you liked/disliked?
Okay folks... discuss away... I’ll be back soon with my own discussion and review! Thanks and Happy Reading!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Review: No Rest for the Wicked
No Rest for the WickedAuthor: Kresley Cole
Release Date: October 2006
Publisher: Pocket Star
Immortals After Dark #3
ISBN: #978-1416509887
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pgs), e-book
From the author’s website:
A vampire soldier weary of life…
Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire—a nightmare in his mind—against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.
A Valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him…
When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow—accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings—particularly lust—emerge multiplied. For the first time, she’s unable to complete a kill.
Become competitors in a legendary hunt…
The prize of the month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity--as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world--to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?
What I’m talking about:
Picking up just after the end of the previous book, A Hunger Like No Other, this story opens with Valkyrie Kaderin the Cold-Hearted hesitating to kill a vampire. Something that she hasn’t done in over a thousand years. But as she looks into the eyes of the once-human-turned-vampire, Sebastian Wroth, she sees something more than vampire. Within minutes, Sebastian’s heart is beating and both realize that Kaderin is Sebastian’s destined Bride. Desire overtakes Kaderin - the first feelings she has experienced since the death of her sisters a millennia ago.Ashamed by her lustful indiscretion with Sebastian, Kaderin quickly leaves and heads for her London flat to prepare for the Talisman’s Hie, a “deadly, immortal version of The Amazing Race.” Kaderin is reigning champ 5-times running. Upon arriving at the games, she is shocked to see Sebastian. He also enters the competition with hopes of wooing Kaderin. The two begin a love-hate relationship, working their way through the challenges of the Hie.
The third installment of the IAD Series is an action-filled roller coaster ride! With the setting of a deadly immortal adventure game, this story has a quick pace and full of intense action. Having so many paranormal species together also gives the reader further insight into Ms. Cole’s exciting world.
At the heart of the story are Sebastian and Kaderin. He is one of the long-lost warrior brothers of Myst’s husband, Nikolai (“Warlord Wants Forever”). She is a cold-hearted Vampire assassin who has been “blessed” with a curse that leaves her void of all emotion. Their initial meeting right at the start of the book set the stage for a powerful attraction and romance. I enjoyed the “lust at first sight” aspect - that they were destined to be, but then the couple took time finding their way. The development of their relationship and love was well paced. They both had much to overcome: her fears, his frustrations, so the pace of their connection seems “natural” for a paranormal setting. They had many “little moments” that made my heart leap or my eyes tear up.
One of the things I like about Ms. Cole’s mythology is that it isn’t a “good” thing when your destined mate is from a different paranormal species. The fact that both Myst (first story) and Kaderin have to overcome ridicule and embarrassment, and that they are willing to do that once they realize that they are in love, creates an added dimension to the story lines. Kaderin is conflicted, and how she deals with it is well played out. I shed a tear or two as I read this book.
The action in this book made for a fast-paced story. I loved the humor and bits of lore presented during the Hie competition. I am very interested in where the overall story is going - especially what will happen to Bowen.
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Friday, March 18, 2011
IAD Discussion: No Rest for the Wicked
Hello friends and welcome to the this month’s Immortals After Dark 2011 Reading Challenge Discussion. The idea is for this to be an “open thread” to discuss the third IAD story (second book):No Rest For The Wicked
I’ll list a few questions to kick it off, then please follow with your own points, additional questions and general comments. PLEASE keep the discussion the this book or the prior two stories and NO future stories.
ALSO - IF YOU HAVE A REVIEW for No Rest for the Wicked, please include a link below in the comment section! I will be posting my review either later today or over the weekend.
Lastly... Note to those that have not read No Rest for the Wicked: Spoilers *may* be listed below, so beware!
1) Sebastian and Kaderin... what do you think? Did you like how they met? Their “courtship?” Treatment of one another? Did they have an emotional impact on you?
2) How did you like the action in this book? What did you think of the Hie?
3) What was/were your favorite and/or least favorite parts? What open-ended question or character are you most looking forward to reading about coming up in the series?
4) Anyone else wonder about the mythology... The mothers of the Valkyrie were warrior women that died in battle, brought back to life by gods, then have a daughter(s) who are immortal. What about the moms? What happened to them?
5) Another “general” thought I had when reading this book... Vampire’s and their Brides: in the first story, Myst claimed that she had been the Bride to several vampires before she killed them. And in this book, Nikolai jumped to the conclusion that Sebastian was going to claim Myst as his Bride... Does it “bother” anyone else that a vampire can “fall” for a Bride that isn’t his destined mate?
Okay folks... discuss away... I’ll be back to answer the questions later!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Review: A Hunger Like No Other
A Hunger Like No Other Author: Kresley Cole
Release Date: March 28, 2006
Publisher: Pocket Star
ISBN: #978-1416509875
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pgs), e-book
I purchased this book with my own money.
From the author’s website:
A mythic warrior who'll stop at nothing to possess her…
After enduring years of torture from the vampire Horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he's waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.
A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy...
Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents--until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae--and their notorious dark desire--ebb as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.
An all consuming desire...
Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be...?
What I’m talking about:
The second story in the IAD Series runs in a concurrent timeframe to the first story, “The Warlord Wants Forever.” It focuses on the youngest Valkyrie: the half vampire, timid Emma. Emma has lead a sheltered life for 70 years, protected fiercely by her aunts at the Valkyrie manner. When she is alone (for the first time) in Paris, the Lykae King, Lachlain, takes her captive because he knows she is his destined mate.
Their journey to his ancestral home is filled with fear and anger. He hates all vampires for his hellish almost 200 hundred-year captivity/torture. After waiting to find her for over a thousand years, Lachlain cannot believe fate brought him a vampire for a mate. His inner-beast is both mortified and attracted, and he treats Emma with minimal respect. Meanwhile, she is afraid and longs to go home, but she cannot continue to deny her attraction to Lachlain.
The first half of the book moved slowly for me. I enjoyed getting to know Emma and Lachlain, but they both were a bit too stubborn. Although the journey was important, I felt it went on a bit too long. Lachlain treated Emma poorly, even taking advantage of her at points.
But then, just before the midway point in the book, things took a turn for the better. When Emma faced danger from a group of other vampires, Lachlain realizes
The problems between them weren’t because he’d been given the wrong mate. They were because he couldn’t adapt.
From this point forward, the book moved and was full of action. I love when Lachlain makes a call to Emma’s Valkyrie aunts, and he goes all alpha and stands up for their relationship. He begins to treat Emma with kindness and we see get a worthy male. Yet, the fool continues to make some stupid mistakes... not telling her all of his secrets and trying to get her drunk. But he continues to keep his word to her and doesn’t force himself on her. I enjoyed learning more about the Lykae castle and Lachlain’s history.
One highlight to the story is the eldest Valkyrie, Nix. She ROCKS in a big way. Emma refers to her as “Nucking Futs Nix,” and describes her as a female with “supermodel good looks but saw the future more clearly than she did the present.” She’s both comic relief and provides moments of insight and clarity in the form of riddles.
I enjoyed reading the second intallment of the IAD Series and look forward to finding out what is going to happen with the looming Accession (paranormal smack-down) and the potential shift in power do to the events that happened in A Hunger Like No Other.
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Friday, February 18, 2011
IAD Discussion: A Hunger Like No Other (Book #2)
Hello friends and welcome to the Second Month of the Immortals After Dark 2011 Reading Challenge Discussion.
This is the “open discussion thread” for chatting about Kresley Cole's second IAD story:
This is the “open discussion thread” for chatting about Kresley Cole's second IAD story:
A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER
Unfortunately, I have not yet finished reading the book. *hangs head in shame* I have decent excuses - major bomb dropped on me at work and then I left for vacation... I know, a real sob story. LOL.
According to my Kindle, I am 30% completed with the book. My goal is to have it done and the review posted over the weekend. But I don't want my failures to halt the Reading Challenge Discussions... SO please go on without me.
FIRST - if you have read the book and have a review - PLEASE POST A LINK in the comment section.
SECOND - Please discuss what you liked and disliked about A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER in the comment section. How did you like Lachlain and Emma? What do you think about the Lykae race? How do you like the direction of the overall mythology? Etc, etc. Since I have only read a third of the book, I can't supply thought-provoking questions for discussion. So please, add your own!
I humbly apologize for failing you all this early in the reading challenge. I hope that next month I make up for it! Happy Reading!
According to my Kindle, I am 30% completed with the book. My goal is to have it done and the review posted over the weekend. But I don't want my failures to halt the Reading Challenge Discussions... SO please go on without me.FIRST - if you have read the book and have a review - PLEASE POST A LINK in the comment section.
SECOND - Please discuss what you liked and disliked about A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER in the comment section. How did you like Lachlain and Emma? What do you think about the Lykae race? How do you like the direction of the overall mythology? Etc, etc. Since I have only read a third of the book, I can't supply thought-provoking questions for discussion. So please, add your own!
I humbly apologize for failing you all this early in the reading challenge. I hope that next month I make up for it! Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
IAD Reading Challenge... Coming Soon!
Hi Friends!
Just a reminder that THIS FRIDAY January 21, 2011 is the first installment of my Immortals After Dark Reading challenge. The wonderful (so I hear) series is written by Kresley Cole. For more info on the challenge, click the image below.
Just a reminder that THIS FRIDAY January 21, 2011 is the first installment of my Immortals After Dark Reading challenge. The wonderful (so I hear) series is written by Kresley Cole. For more info on the challenge, click the image below.
I will be discussing the first story in the IAD series: "The Warlord Wants Forever" in the anthology PLAYING EASY TO GET. I hope you will join me!
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