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Book Review – Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith

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The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle
Well, I must admit I am slightly behind in the times when it comes to these books. I’m a recent convert to the Paranormal Romance categories, so I find myself reviewing books that most of you have already read months or even years ago!

Lucky for me, reading these books well after they’ve first been published allows me to fully immerse myself in a week or two of an entire series (books are like chips to me, I can’t read just one!).

I was introduced to this author last week when I halfheartedly picked up her Volume One of “Night World” (to be reviewed shortly in a separate post). Although I loved the Twilight series, I mostly stayed away from the whole “Young Adult” novels as I wasn’t sure I could relate much to that style. I did enjoy Night World, so I decided to look her up, and was thrilled to discover a slew of other works.

I want to thank L.J. Smith and her publishing crew for allowing me the opportunity to read the entire book “Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle” online for free! (Limited time, but luckily, I was JUST in time!).

This story is set in a high school, with the typical “clique” atmosphere. The “Heroine” (Elena) is the beauty of the school, but unlike most other novels I have read (where the main character is the most beautiful girl in the world but doesn’t know it yet), Elena seems quite full of herself. She knows how she looks, and she uses it fully to her advantage. Also introduced, are her two best friends (Bonnie the “psychic” & Meredith), and her ex-best friend, now turned enemy (Caroline – also a beauty but cruel down to the bone).

A new guy (Stefan) shows up in school (fully equipped with brooding good looks), and Elena is determined to snare him in her web. Much to her dismay, she discovers he never bothers to speak to her, doesn’t even glance at her in the hallways, in fact, he brushes her off coldly when she tries to approach him. This has never happened to Elena in the past, and she becomes fairly desperate to repair her “now challenged” ego. Her scheming ways even go so far as to ask her recent ex-boyfriend, (who also seems like the perfect high school hero), to help her, in her plans to attract Stefan.

During all of the “fun to read” high school drama storyline, a second storyline is forming. There appears to be a dark power hovering in the normally safe little town. People are being attacked, their throats being torn out, and apparently Stefan has been spotted at each of the scenes. Stefan, himself questions whether he could possibly be at the center of each of these attacks (perhaps he is blanking out during the “paranormal power surges” that everyone is feeling). You see, he is a vampire (albeit, a sweet and gentle one who tries to deny his primal violent urges by feeding only on animals). He comes from Italy, and has his own sad story to tell, involving the love of his life, and his biggest rival (his brother Damon). We find out how Stefan became a vampire, why he is so sullen, and, through the introduction of his brother (who becomes an integral part of the story), why he limits his vampiric abilities.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of each character, and found that most of the storyline kept me captivated. While we get a nice blend of modern day life and “paranormal darkness”, I preferred the storyline involving Damon (the evil brother). Yeah yeah…I’m a sucker for bad boys! Why do I always find myself rooting for the villain?

“I’m going to have you in the end, you know,” he said softly. It was the voice he used at the party, when he’d said “Easy, easy”. There was no mockery or malice now; he was simply stating a fact. “By hook or by crook, as you people say-you’ll be mine before the next snow flies.”

This was good clean fun, and I am off to buy the rest of the series (good strategy HarperTeen) – ya got me!!

4 stars!

Book Review – “Blood Noir” by Laurell K Hamilton

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Blood Noir (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter)

Book #16 – Quick Note: CAREFUL! Do not read this review if you are not that far into the series please. I love experiencing the character development through a series, and there is a *slight* spoiler here in that sense.

This was a nice easy read. Nothing too traumatic, and not too much of a whirlwind of male characters (at least not compared to her last few books). This one is slightly reminiscent to some of her older books, (a slight mystery, some danger, etc…)

It is based mostly on the deep friendship of Anita and Jason (somewhat like the “Micah” book in terms that it is more of a one on one concentration). Jason’s father is dying, and although they are not on good terms, he agrees to see him before he dies. Anita accompanies him, for moral support, and to give the illusion, to his father, that they are a couple.

When they arrive in Jason’s hometown, they discover that someone in his family is having a wedding, and due to their political standing, there is a whirlwind of media attention awaiting. Unfortunately, Jason is almost identical in looks, to the cousin in question, and is mistaken by the media (and other bad guys) as the actual cousin (who is also the Governor’s son). This one was kind of interesting!

Anita does encounter yet another wereanimal trying to break free of her, and again finds a potential “assistant” in this issue that I feel might become a frequent character in the future. I actually liked this new character. Another sweet and gentle “male stripper” that is almost reminiscent of Nathaniel.

Crispin put a hand on the side of my face, and the touch helped, quieted my pulse. he leaned over me and spoke just before he kissed me. “I hear the lady’s call and I answer.”

A pretty good chapter with Richard (a new and interesting development that I hope will continue to be played out in more stories to come). What surprised me was how Richard and friends, (or should I say not friends), in the last book, “finale -ied” (I know, I know, it’s not a word – but it’s my blog, and I’ll make up words if I want to!). However, in this one, he seems to be right where he always is with Anita? Am I missing something?

Unfortunately, there was barely any Jean-Claude (again). Since he is my favorite (as a “one on one” character), I was disappointed, that he has been portrayed lately, as a “Busy Master Vampire”, and his character is delivered mostly via the conversations of other characters.

Luckily, we did get one of his gentle phone conversations, so at least, there was that:

“You are not thirty and he is twenty three. You are both so very young, ma petite. You will go away to his hometown and be very young together. It is something I cannot be with you. I cannot be young and naive and uncertain.”

“You wouldn’t be you if you were any of those things. I love you the way you are, Jean-Claude.”

“Did I sound like I needed to hear that, ma petite?”;

“Yes,” I said.

…”I find myself strangely conflicted. Jason is my pomme de sang, and is precious to me. That my human servant is taking care of him in such a caring way is a lovely thing. It will make other vampires think me a very kind master, but I know that you do it because you care for him. He is young and handsome and charming.”;

“You cannot be insecure.”

“Why can I not be?”

“Because you are beautiful and amazing in bed, and I love you.”

“But Jason can be one thing for you that I cannot, ma petite.”

“What’s that?”

“Mortal….”

All I can say is “Awwwwwwwwwww”. Someone undead most certainly needs a *hug*

3 stars

Check out the entire series reading order guide right here ——> Laurell K Hamilton – Anita Blake Series Reading Order

Book Review – “The Harlequin” by Laurell K Hamilton

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The Harlequin (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 15)
Book # 15 of the series. This was definitely not one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten some of the story since it has been a week or so since I’ve read it. I usually retain almost every bit of a book that I’ve loved, but with this series, I don’t know if it is because there are so many of them, that they are simply running into each other in my own memory, or if it’s that I am a little more bored with this series.  However, since I have followed the “Anita Blake” crew from the start, I still appreciate my time with this set.

A quick overview: This is about a group of Vampires called “The Harlequin” (almost like a “secret vampire policing agency”) that investigates, and has the right to “dispose of” other Vampires that are not abiding by the Vampire laws. Unfortunately, they set their sights on Jean Claude, Anita and their entourage, but as time progresses, our Heroine discovers that “The Harlequin” are also not abiding by the rules, and yet again, another metaphysical fight for their lives ensue.

What I liked? Some touching scenes between Anita and her men (Richard in particular). Richard, like usual has some clearer, more accepting, moments of the situations at hand. One particular scene is when Richard, one night, decides to take comfort in Anita and her entourage.

“Ok I love Anita. I’m trying to learn to love all of her, even the part that wants to live with two other men.”

I also thought Edward’s character (he’s back in a big way!) was very human in this novel. We also see a new side of Micah, although, it is somewhat shortlived, as he is not prevalent in this installment.

Of all the people in the room,I hadn’t expected problems from Micah. From the look on Rafael’s face, him either. “I meant no disrespect Nimir-Raj”.

“Yes you did”, Micah said,

“Micah…” I said

He shook his head at me. “No Anita, we can’t let an insult like this go. We can’t.”

What I did not like as much: Richard has his “fits” again (so the constant push-pull is prevalent in this novel). We have a TON of characters in this book, and therefore nobody gets real one on one time. It’s just a constant whirlwind of conversations, love declarations and angst (lots and lots of angst)! I like angst in books, but more so when there seems to be some sort of happy resolution and completion in the end.

One of the softer “angst” moments:

Requiem squeezed my hand and gave me one of his rare smiles. “I take no offense my evening star; he hates what I am, many people do”…

He stopped closer to the door and Edward, away from Dolph, but turned to the big man. ” ‘Darkling I listen; and, for many a time I have been half in love with easeful Death, Call’d him soft names in many a mused rhyme.”

“Are you threatening me?” Dolph asked in a voice gone cold.

“Not you,” I said. “I don’t think he was threatening you.”

“Then what did he mean by that?”

“He’s quoting Keats. ‘Ode to a Nightingale,’ I think,” I said…

“I don’t care what he’s quoting, Anita. I want to know what he meant by it.”

“What it means,” I said, meeting Requiem’s blue blue gaze, “at a guess, is that he’s half-wishing you’d pull the trigger.”

In the Anita Blake series, I never get that sense of relief. Perhaps that’s why I keep coming back for more. I am bound and determined to see it through until true love finally shows. Yes, I know that the concept of this series is that “true love” exists amongst the whole group and Anita (not one is more loved than the other), but my own socially conscious mind, cannot wrap itself wholeheartedly around this concept. Come on…she’s got to have a favorite!!! I know who I vote for! What about you?

3 stars

Check out the entire series reading order guide right here ——> Laurell K Hamilton – Anita Blake Series Reading Order

Working on a weekend…

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No rest for me! I am attending a trade show all weekend, and these are usually very hectic with barely any time to breathe (let alone eat!).

Not much time to start a new book until my regular schedule get’s back into gear. I DID finish “The Harlequin” and while there was somewhat of an interesting story line, I really had a hard time getting into it (I did not “feel” the main characters so much in this one)…

More in a future review to follow.

See you later 🙂

Book Review – “The Laughing Corpse” by Laurell K Hamilton

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WARNING: Although this is just a synopsis, some of the information given, may be considered spoilers…My review in no way gives away the ending, and there is MUCH to read about!

 

The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 2)

Anita Blake is on a case to solve the recent murders of humans by a supernatural being (appearing to be a murderous Zombie). She is lead to “Dominga Salvadore” (the most powerful Voodoo Priestess in all of the Midwest) through a fellow colleague, that believes Dominga might be able to help in solving the identity of what, exactly, is killing everyone. Anita soon learns about the true power of magic (and evil), in the likes of this Voodoo Priestess.

You see, Dominga, had discovered a way to manipulate the souls of the dead, removing and replacing their souls from their bodies, at will, thus delaying any decay. She intends on using this power to create “sex slaves”, (by selling the dead/alive zombies) and not ever allowing their souls to pass on.

Dominga recognizes the true power Anita possesses and the potential of what Anita could become. She offers to teach Anita how to develop her abilities (and not just her voodoo skills that she limits herself to), and wants Anita to partner with her on this project. When Dominga is refused, she causes a world of torment for Anita, and Anita (all on her own) learns to use her powers to their maximum potential for the fight against evil.

Anita also has a smaller battle to deal with in her private life, in resisting the irresistible Vampire “Jean Claude”. In the recent onslaught of battles, the results of his protecting Anita have also bonded them together via “Vampire Marks” which allow her to heal quickly, be stronger than most humans, and allow each other to communicate in ways unspoken. In the Vampire world, she is now considered his “Human Servant”. However, in the real world, Anita is nobody’s servant, and refuses to attach herself to anyone, let alone a VAMPIRE, in such a way. Despite being seriously attracted to Jean Claude, she is a devout Christian,  and fears damnation by allowing herself to succumb to a Vampire).

Her struggle with her spiritual beliefs

“How do you know what compromises my soul? You don’t have one anymore”

Her struggle with her attraction to Jean Claude:

“I feel your desire for me, ma petite, as I desire you”

I shrugged. What could I say? “It’s just a little lust, Jean Claude, nothing special”. That was a lie. I knew it even as I said it.

While most Vampires would force the issue with their power and through fear, Jean Claude’s affection for Anita is stronger than his desire to control her, and he allows her to fight him, while gently easing his way into her heart.

Problem is, now that he is the Master of the City, he may appear somewhat weak to the other Vampires, as he is unable and unwilling to control his “Human Servant”.

“By fighting me, you make me appear weak. I cannot afford that ma petite“

Anita again, is thrown into a whirlwind of deadly magic, murderous monsters, and fights for her life multiple times throughout this book (she has three different evil villains to contend with – the murderous monster, the Evil Voodoo Priestess, and one of her own clients, who threatens her life if she doesn’t perform his request in raising a certain dead). The tensions run high, the events always frightful. Her strength, skill and strong mind almost always keep her a step ahead, but not without the deadly close calls always nipping at her heels.

Believe me! The end will leave you breathless and wanting more (despite the possible nightmares that you may experience)…

4 stars!

Check out the entire series reading order guide right here ——> Laurell K Hamilton – Anita Blake Series Reading Order