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Showing posts with label Lara Adrian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lara Adrian. Show all posts
Friday, July 19, 2013
Review: The Midnight Breed Series Companion by Lara Adrian
The Midnight Breed Series Companion
Author: Lara Adrian
Release Date: May 29, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Midnight Breed Series
ISBN: #978-1939193926
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (332 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author/Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Part human, part otherworldly, the Breed has lived among humankind in secret for thousands of years . . . and now fans of the popular, best-selling Midnight Breed Series can delve deeper than ever before into this hidden, seductive race of vampires and the dark, thrilling universe they inhabit.
A book that's been years in the making, the Midnight Breed Series Companion includes insider info on all of the novels, author notes on the creation of the story world and how the eleven-book (and counting!) series has evolved since its beginning as a contracted trilogy, a complete character guide, series trivia, questions from readers and more.
This special series companion also includes "A Touch of Midnight"--an all-new, never-before-published, original novella featuring Gideon and Savannah, which finally reveals the story of how this reader favorite couple met and fell in love, and answers many questions that fans have been curious about since the series began!
What I’m talking about:
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I’m going to put this out there - I adore the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian. Ms. Adrian has created a world with a unique vampire mythology filled with exciting action, intricate storylines, and passionate romance. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend you pick up the first book, Kiss of Midnight, and get to know the males of the Breed Order.
With that said, The Midnight Breed Series Companion is NOT for newcomers to Ms. Adrian’s series. It contains a wonderful introspection of the first ten novels, and therefore, contains numerous spoilers for anyone that has not yet read the first ten books.
For series fans... This is a MUST buy. The Companion is an excellent go to guide for fans! Ms. Adrian does a marvelous job breaking down her initial series thoughts, and added a number of details now that she is eleven books in (she did cover a little of what happens in the eleventh book, Edge of Dawn.) I loved reading her preliminary write up of the mythology. The book by book synopsis section was a great look back. I didn’t realize how much I’d forgotten. After the synopsis of each book, Ms. Adrian treats us with a new novella featuring Order techie, Gideon, and his Breedmate, Savannah.
A Touch of Midnight
A Midnight Breed Prequel novella
Boston, MA, October 1974. Savannah is an art history major at Boston University where she is working on an extra credit project helping to log and analyze a recent donation. Savannah hides her ability to see an object's history when she touches it. In a back room she discovers a sword, and when she accidentally touches it, she witnesses a valiant warrior. Then she sees the deaths of two small boys at the hands of a monster.
Gideon works with the Breed Order, attempting to eliminate all Rogues from existence after his two young brothers were murdered by rogues long ago.
Like most of the other Breeds in the Order, Gideon does not meet his Breedmate-to-be in a calm, safe setting. Because of what she has seen via her ESP talent, Savannah is targeted by a powerful Breed bent on destroying Gideon. The peril forces a quick lesson in the paranormal for Savannah and opens the doors for a speedy courtship.
At times I felt the romance was rushed, and even a little creepy in one scene when Gideon is overcome with lust as Savannah is freaking out. But this is a novella and things need to move quickly. If I didn’t know the pair from reading the full series, I may have let this be a factor, but I adore this couple, so I let it slide.
Overall, even though the "I love you's" came fast, and I was a little bummed that Gideon needed to lie to Savannah for a while, I understand the need for speed in the shorter-length setting. It's a novella, and it was entertaining to get their backstory. The novella itself is a well-written story. In the end, it made me happy and I enjoyed it.
Rating for the novella: 3.5 stars: Liked it - recommend (B+)
After the novella was a VERY DETAILED character list. Again, it is a great reference tool for fans of series... And I will use it when reading books and trying to recall who someone is! I felt like I was looking at an old yearbook - fun to reminisce.
Next came the reader/fan submitted questions, which are entertaining. I had the surprise pleasure of seeing a question that I submitted in the Companion! I enjoyed all of the questions submitted, both those for Lara and those for her characters.
Following the questions was a trivia section. I read through some of the trivia, but the questions were hard (I have horrible memory), so I didn't actually test myself.
Overall, I enjoyed The Midnight Breed Series Companion, and it is a terrific read for fans of the Midnight Breed series. It's not really for newcomers, and as Ms. Adrian points out in the beginning of the book--it's full of spoilers.
I would rate 3.5, B+ and a fun read for fans of the series. And even if you don't read right away, it's a great resource to have as the series grows.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Monday, February 18, 2013
Review: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian
Edge of Dawn
Author: Lara Adrian
Release Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Midnight Breed #11
ISBN: #978-0345532602
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Hardcover (300 pgs)
Book Source: Author/ NetGalley
About the book:
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Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn-when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them-the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.
Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior's code of swift-and even lethal-justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order's hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.
Kellan didn't think he would ever see Mira again-or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides-between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.
What I’m talking about:
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After leaving readers with one hell of an ending in last year’s Darker After Midnight, Ms. Adrian revamps (pun intended) and restarts her wonderful Midnight Breed Series with the eleventh installment, Edge of Dawn. Long-time fans of the series are thrusted twenty years into the future, to a world where humans have discovered the Breed, and a tenuous peace keeps the planet from more years of war. First-time readers to the series will find this an appropriate place to start since so much is new (but really, it’s an awesome series - go back to the beginning!)
Our story opens in Boston, with the (new) Order back in the original Breed’s stomping ground. The reader quickly gets a taste of what life is like after “First Dawn,” when the world learned that vampires (aka Breed) do exist. We are reacquainted with a weathered and roughened adult Mira and several new Order recruits, included the offspring of some of the original Breed characters. Although Mira is technically human, she is a Breedmate (human female capable of long-term mating with a Breed male) and after being raised by Breed, thinks of herself as one. She’s got a huge chip on her shoulder, and still carries the weight of losing her best friend and love, Kellan, over eight years ago.
It is evident from the start that Mira is a loose cannon and has been disciplined for aggressive and reckless behavior. After messing up yet again, Breed leader Lucan Thorne assigns her to accompany a high-profile, young inventor from the Boston area to Washington, DC for an award. Unfortunately, before even leaving his home, Mira and Jeremy Ackmeyer are kidnapped by human rebels lead by none other than the presumed deceased Kellan Archer.
Ah! Where do I even begin with this review?! First of all, I completely love the direction that Ms. Adrian has taken her series. I will admit that it was hard to adjust to and read for the first parts of the book. It was good, but there was a lot of information to digest. Also, I was actually sad to know that I’ve missed all the battles and development of the current Breed/Human accordance. But mostly, I was sad that I missed seeing the next generation grow up into adults.
The overall storyline dealing with inventor Jeremy Ackmeyer and whether or not he willing helped create technology to kill Breeds is a good one. I was constantly wondering what the truth was and where the real power lies. The multi-layered plot was reminiscent of those involving Drago from earlier Midnight Breed stories.
I really liked Mira. She’s tough, misunderstood and has a heart of gold. She feels like so much as gone against her, but tries to maintain true to the purpose of The Order. She has a lot of integrity, and I admired how she dealt with all of the changes around her.
On the other hand, I was not a big fan of Kellan. Let’s face it... the guy was a jerk. He pretended to be dead for eight years, but stayed close enough to Mira to keep tabs on her. He saw how sad she was and how her life was going downhill, yet he continued to lead the human rebels and work against The Order. I didn’t find his reasons worthy nor his passion to help the humans justified.
Based on my feelings about Kellan, it was difficult for me to buy into Mira and Kellan’s relationship and love for one another. Also it didn’t help that we missed their early years together, growing up and falling in love. These disconnects prevented me from jumping into their relationship with two feet.
My heart broke when Mira came face-to-face with Kellan after those long years apart, and I was upset that he didn’t just let her walk away - pulling her into his world for his own selfish reasons. Their reunion sex was hot, but I couldn't get into it emotionally. The scene was well written, but my heart and head couldn’t get past the fact that he walked away, and he left her to suffer for eight years. It didn’t matter to me that he missed her or that he didn't take another. Then, once reunited, he kept giving her pieces of himself and then shutting the door on her. I understand that Mira allowed it all to play out as it did, but emotionally, I was upset.
With that said, I did eventually come about on my feelings towards Mira and Kellan. As the pair spent more time together, I began to fall for the couple as well. There was one scene in particular when Mira did something that put her own health in danger, that was well written and expertly played on my emotions. And as Kellan came to terms with the path ahead of him, my heart melted.
I enjoyed several of the new characters, but most particularly, Nathan, who isn’t technically new, but is part of the new Order. His passion for doing what is right and the emotional turbulence he experienced as he discovered the truth was marvelous. His friendship with Mira was touching. I’m hoping his book will be next, especially after that kiss he shared with Jordana!
Finally, the story has a pretty interesting twist at the end that I didn’t necessarily see coming. This twist sets the direction for the upcoming books, and I am excited to learn more about the exciting mythology that Ms. Adrian has developed.
Overall, Edge of Dawn is a thrilling and wonderful story, with a good but not great romance. Although Kellan and Mira as a pair grew on me as the story developed, the fact that Kellan left Mira and let her think he was dead for so long, then planned on leaving her again after their reunion, just made it hard for me to love him. I enjoyed the new mythology and introduction of new characters and future bad guys. I am very hopeful and excited to see how Ms. Adrian will reinvent and enhance one of my favorite paranormal series.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, December 28, 2012
Year in Review - 2012
Here we are at the close of another year. This year my goal was to focus more on reading and less on the mechanics of blogging, and I’m happy to report it was a success! Emotionally and mental I was in a much better place, finding time to read and enjoying writing the reviews. I am happy to report that the total number of books read this year was 97 books, up 33 books from last year! My original goal was to read one book per week, but up’d the goal to 65 books (one more than 2011). I blew that goal out of the water!
I had also challenged myself to read new-to-me authors this past year. Originally, I thought about one new author per month, for a total of 12 in the year, but when I realized I would exceed that rather quickly, I up’d that goal to 24 new-to-me-authors. I ended up reading 30 new-to-me authors! I am really proud of this accomplishment and plan to try and get at least 12 more new-to-me authors in 2013.
Having the more relaxed mental attitude also helped with blogging. I am pleased to report that I published over 460 posts in 2012, up over 100 from 2011! My review team kept me busy! We added a new feature in late September called Saturday Conversations, a place where we take the time to chat about the things going on in our lives. On the downside, I finally said goodbye (for now) to my long-running Sunday Snippets weekly post back in October 2012, after the 124th post!
I really have enjoyed blogging and discussing books with all of you. Although visitors were down in 2012, I know I have a great group of loyal readers, and I thank you each of you from the bottom of my heart. My blog is a labor of love, and I’m happy to share it with you all! Below is my TOP TEN for 2012... How did 2012 go for you? What were your favorite reads during the year?
10) My friend and sometime guest reviewer, Ang, came on board as a permanent member of the That’s What I’m Talking About review team. Ang enjoys reading historicals and contemporaries - creating a better balance of romance here at the blog.
9) I enjoy doing giveaways here at That’s What I’m Talking About, and the discovery of Rafflecopter has made giveaways so much easier for me! I love that it manages the entries and picks the winner/s for me, but I also enjoy all of the options, like tweeting about the giveaway.
8) Did anyone else notice the increase in Self-Published Authors this past year? I had the opportunity to read and showcase both newbie authors, but also some of my long-time favorites went the route of self-publishing in 2012. Whether by choice or due to circumstances, the decision to self-publish was a-okay with me. I enjoyed books from Shiloh Walker, Carolyn Crane, Jill Myles and Allyson James - all self-published. And this trend to self-publish was at the center of a question I asked at the Lori Foster’s Reader-Author Get Together, bringing a true cricket moment, but many laughs for my friend Dren and myself!
7) It seems that every year there is at least one big book in a long-running series, one that everyone can’t wait to read (can anyone say Qhuay 2013?!). In 2012, there were two such books for me. First was the climatic conclusion to the (first story arc of) Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian, and a book for the long-tormented hero, Chase. We finally got to read his book, Darker After Midnight, and it did NOT disappoint! Not only did the book chronicle Chase’s journey of redemption and love, it also ended with an amazing twist that will completely reboot the series when it returns in February 2013. 2012 also was the year that Paris finally finds love in The Lords of the Underworld! Gena Showalter’s keeper of Promiscuity, Paris, has been pining for Sienna since the beginning of the series, and in The Darkest Seduction, Paris finally finds peace.
6) Reading so many New-to-Me Authors in 2012 was not only a huge accomplishment, but also such a joy. I found some great new series that have now become “auto-buys” for me. As I mentioned earlier, I hope to continue adding new authors to my bookshelf, but I won’t do it at the expense of giving up books and series I currently read. I think I will be able to squeeze in a few more - because that’s the best way to discover new favorites!!
5) URBAN FANTASY! When I look back at 2012, I realize that I have been reading a lot more urban fantasy titles and really enjoying them (even a bit more than PNR!). My favorites are ones that have a strong heroine, who may be flawed but believes in herself and those around her, coupled with some romance. Long-time favorites like Kate Daniels (and her partner Andrea, who was the main character in one of my favorite books, Gunmetal Magic), Janet Begay (Stormwalker series), Victory Vaughn (Deadtown series) and Madeline Black (Black Wings series), were joined this year by new-to-me characters like Gin Blanco (Elemental Assassins), Kit Colbana (Colbana Files), Drusilla Jaco (Sentinels of New Orleans), and Justine Jones (The Disillusionists).
4) In 2012, I said good-bye to three of my “auto-buy” series. First, Jill Myles ended her wonderful Succubus Diaries series with Succubi Are Forever in April. In November, Larissa Ione released the fourth and final book in her sexy Lords of Deliverance series. Rogue Rider may have the final chapter for the Horsemen, but the world of Demonica will live on when she returns to UGH in 2013 with Reaver’s book! Finally, December saw the final book Alyssa Day’s Warriors of Poseidon series. Long-time readers FINALLY got Alaric and Quinn’s story in Heart of Atlantis.
3) I finally made time to read The Disillusionist series by Carolyn Crane. What. An. Amazing. Series. I cannot not say enough great things about this trilogy which centers around a group of misfits who learn to use their phobias and insecurities to “cure” true bad guys of their vices. The third book in the series, Head Rush, was one of the best books I read this past year and earned a spot as one of my all-time favorites!
2) It is hard to pick a favorite book for 2012... There were several great reads that came out this past year. My top 3 new releases for 2012 are: Riveted by Meljean Brook, Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews, and Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian.
1) Getting to hang out with some of the most wonderful women and fellow book lovers at both Lori Foster’s Get Together and Authors After Dark NOLA. Not only did I have to opportunity to check in with some of the friends I’d met in 2011, but I finally got to meet in real life several more of my online tweeps. Plus - meeting and hanging out with some amazing authors. I think I went a bit fangirl several times. Connecting with gracious people and making friends with those I have something in common is truly a blessing! I look forward to doing more of the same in 2013!
Thank you all for stopping by and supporting me and That's What I'm Talking About. Joyous New Year and Happy Reading!! Be sure to check back in January when I’m planning a HUGE book giveaway blow out for my 3rd Blogiversary!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Summer Lovin' Reads ala VampBard
It's been a GREAT summer for reading! Besides the titles that she's reviewed for That's What I'm Talking About, VampBard has read many other books. To cap off this summer of reading, she’s put together a summary of some of the titles she’s read, but didn’t review. VampBard has enjoyed most, awarding them high ratings and bestowing a quirky award or two. We hope you enjoy this end-of-summer treat!
A Shiver at Twilight (Halloween-themed novella)
Erin Quinn. October 26, 2011, Books We Love.
Wow! This one definitely fed my Stephen King factor! Psychological horror with some romance added in. Pulls together my past reader and my present-day reader. Perfect!
Award: Best Horror/Ghost Story
Darker After Midnight (Midnight Breed 10)
Lara Adrian. January 24, 2012, Dell.
I can't believe this is the end of the series! Ms. Adrian did a really great job tying up loose ends. I hope to see more of the Breed from her in the future...I'll miss them!
Award: Best Series Ending EVER!
EDITED TO ADD (by Twimom): This ISN’T the end of the series! Edge of Dawn, the 11th MB book is set to release in January, 2013.
A Taste of Midnight (Midnight Breed 9.5)
Lara Adrian. December 5, 2011, Dell.
I think that reading this novella increased my experience in reading the series-culmination, Darker after Midnight. I think it's definitely a MUST READ, for fans of the Midnight Breed series.
The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld 9)
Gena Showalter. February 28, 2012, HQN Books.
I adored Paris' book. I thought that it was a great addition to Ms. Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series, one of my absolute favorites.
Award: Best Title from Long-Standing Series
Magic Mike starring Channing Tatum
This was the best movie to attend with one of your Girls that actually GET your penchant for smut & eyecandy! I was lucky enough to attend with Twimom!
Award: Hottest (Chick) Flick of the Summer
Butterfly
Katherine Harvey. 1989, Guild.
I NEVER predicted the outcome of this story! Great read for the lover of suspense and psychological thrillers.
Award: Best Romantic Suspense
The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1)
Tarryn Fisher. November 14, 2011, Self-Published.
This was a great story...especially from one of my first ventures into reading a self-published author.
A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy #1)
Deborah Harkness. February 8, 2011, Viking.
What I loved the most about A Discovery of Witches is that Ms. Harkness wrote about something with which I was familiar. Researching. Her description, while not overboard, made me feel as though I was right there!
Award: Best New-To-Me & Breakout
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
Gennifer Choldenko. September 1, 2007, Harcourt Books.
Great read for 8-12 year-olds. Provides a unique and realistic perspective to get these kids asking the all-important 'Who am I?' question.
Award: Best Young Adult in a LONG time!
All That Bleeds (Etherlin #1)
Kimberley Frost. January 3, 2012, Berkley Sensation.
This initial book of Ms. Frost's Etherlin series integrates paranormal and mythology in a seamless manner, without hiding the paranormal from the human population. Unique approach. Superior execution.
Award: Best Integration of Paranormal Elements
50 Shades of Grey
E.L. James. May 26, 2011, Vintage.
Pop lit for Summer 2012. I've read better 'mommy porn'. Tugged at my Twilight heart-strings.
50 Shades Darker
E.L. James. September 15, 2011, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
50 Shades Darker was my favorite book in the 50 Shades Trilogy. I think it was my favorite because we learned the most about Christian, and saw his character evolve so much.
50 Shades Freed
E.L. James. January 19, 2012, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
The ending of the 50 Shades Trilogy was definitely a let-down and felt like a cop-out. I was definitely hoping for something more than sunshine, flowers, rainbows and unicorns.
Award: Lamest Ending to a Series
So what was on your summer reading list? Were there any breakouts for you? What about disappointments?
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Meet Brock at GraveTells...
Hi there! Just a quick note to tell you I'm over at GraveTells.com and participating in their Midnight Breed (by Lara Adrian) Week.
I am introducing one of my FAVORITE Breeds... BROCK! He is tall, dark and handsome! Come meet Brock and enter to win! Click the image above or HERE to meet Brock!
Happy Reading!
What is Midnight Breed Week, you say? MBW is a special week-long event hosted by GraveTells that will introduce… or RE-introduce… the heroes of Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series to all of you guys, then tell you a little more about each warrior and his spotlight book.
Why do an event for a whole week for one series? Well, they found that that had a box full of promotional copies of Kiss of Midnight (the first book in the series) and wanted a creative way to give them away!
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What Makes a Good Gateway Book?
In case you haven’t heard any of the recent online and on-the-air discussions surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, this isn’t one of them! I will tell you, I have not read the book and honestly, I don’t intend to. This isn’t a commentary on Fifty Shades nor a discussion on whether or not one should read the book... I’m in favor of books that get people reading, and that is what this book is doing.
What I am here to talk about is what I hope Fifty Shades of Grey will be for many individuals... a GATEWAY book: a book that brings new readers into a genre. That’s what The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer was for me and so many other women. It was my gateway into romance - specifically paranormal romance. Before Twilight, I’d never read a romance in my life. The series was the pathway for (I’m guessing) thousands of women to paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
So I wonder... will Fifty Shades of Grey do the same for some of the so-called “fringe” romances? I’ve had girlfriends that wouldn’t give my blog the time of day ask me about the book because of all of the hype. I’ve been asked for recommendations for more “erotic” or “BDSM” reads. This makes me happy!
A twitter discussion about both Fifty Shades and Twilight with @CarolynCrane and @KatiD prompted the question of what makes a good gateway (or introductory) book? You need something that is well-written and easy to follow. A gateway/introductory book should epitomize the genre without being too hard core. You don’t want to scare away a potential fan before they get used to the genre!
When people ask for recommendations in the paranormal romance genre, I always start with the Psy-Changeling Series by Nalini Singh. I feel that this series is hands down one of the best out there. It’s well-written, the stories are exciting, the romance sexy but not overly erotic, and the amount of paranormal is “just right.” And for folks looking for a vampire-centric story, I refer them to the Midnight Breed Series by Lara Adrian.
For Urban Fantasy, my go-to series is the Kate Daniel Series by Ilona Andrews. It’s just amazing! And after railroading through the Disillusionists Series by Carolyn Crane earlier this year, I’ve added that to my “gateway” books list.
If someone is looking for a little bit of “fringe” in their romance, I recommend the ACRO Series by Sydney Croft. This series is one of my favorites! The sex is definitely more erotic than the average paranormal romance, and the stories showcase both m/m romance and (in one book) BDSM.
Now I’m looking to my readers out there... what books do you recommend to friends that want to try out a new-to-them genre? I’d love to get some ideas for contemporary, historical, and m/m romance. What about outside of the romance genre all together? What makes a book a good GATEWAY book for you?
I look forward to reading all of your answers! Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading!
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