Following my heart, one book at a time...
Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
It’s time to delve into reviewing the wonderful world of the Twilight Saga. This series was my initiation to the Vampire Paranormal Romance world, and my most memorable reading experience in ages. I indulged in this series, escaping the real world for almost 3 weeks straight. Everyday, I’d recount the latest “Twilight” escapades I had read from the night before, to my colleagues (and thankfully, they humored me by seeming interested).
The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall
I finished this one a couple of days ago, and while I loved the first half, the 2nd half left me somewhat bewildered (I couldn’t always tell if I was actually following the story correctly). I often found myself having to re-read sections just to understand the current situation that i was reading about.
Quick synopsis: Elena is back in what we expected to be “human” form, however she has actually regressed into “new spirit baby”. She is purely angelic, emanating a wholesome radiance. She is frustrated however, as she can think adult thoughts, but is unable to read, write, has forgotten how to speak, is obliged to communicate through basic sign language, and telepathy of images and feelings. She also has to rely on her basic “good vs. evil” instincts to understand her surroundings.
If you are new to the Vampire/Paranormal romance world, and have just ended the last book of the “The Twilight Saga“, I’m certain that you are dying to immerse yourself into something similar.
Here are my recommendations (as per what I have read so far).
After reading the entire Twilight Saga, I immediately went onto the “Sookie Stackhouse” novels by Charlaine Harris (this is the series that the HBO show “True Blood” is based off of). This was a GREAT series, and while not exactly in the same “atmosphere” as the Twilight books (you know…the dreamy, deeply emotional, never-ending possessive love feel), there is a ton of romance, adventure, betrayal and an ongoing “love triangle” that just gets better as better, as the series continues. I was hooked and realized, that while this was not “Twilight”, I liked the series just as much.
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion
CAREFUL!! Slight spoilers ahead if you haven’t read the first book! Do not read this until you have read the first one!
I have finished The Fury and Dark Reunion, and had a blast reading it. This one was actually more of a “paranormal mystery” (even a little on the scary side) than a romance novel, but still well worth the ride!
Elena is now a vampire (since she had shared blood with both Damon and Stefan, it appears she has accidentally “changed” and has come back to life). The first part of the book is a look into the struggles Elena faces with having to cope with her new “undead” status, while she tries to hide from society (her friends and family think she is dead). Both Damon and Stefan have to put their feelings for her (and each other) aside while they protect her, and try to solve the issue of the dominant Power that continues to terrorize the town.
THE DRAKE SISTER SERIES
GHOSTWALKER SERIES
Shadow Game (GhostWalkers, Book 1) Mind Game (GhostWalkers, Book 2) Night Game (GhostWalkers, Book 3) Conspiracy Game (GhostWalkers, Book 4) Deadly Game (GhostWalkers, Book 5)Predatory Game (GhostWalkers, Book 6)
