I think I just need to hang up the towel and admit this series is not for me. It's gruesome and dark in a way that doesn't appeal to me. The characterI think I just need to hang up the towel and admit this series is not for me. It's gruesome and dark in a way that doesn't appeal to me. The characters are either sadistic or they fall prey to other sadistic characters. I wouldn't say I'm too squeamish to enjoy any horror, but this kind of horror I don't like. I was drawn in by the story within a story format and the idea of a house between dimensions. But those things don't overshadow the unappealing aspects for me. I feel the series really jumped the shark with one event. I was like, seriously! I did kind of like the cameo though. I guess I'm going to have to say that this is the last volume I will read. My sister is tough and I'll ask her to hold me accountable not to pick any of these up. It's a shame. I want to know how things end. I suppose I'll have to do what I did with the Under the Dome show. I had my sister keep me honest! I stepped away and haven't looked back, other than drooling over pictures of Mike Vogel. I don't think that there's a hot actor in this series to tempt me to reading more of this series.
Three stars because it's not really bad quality or poorly written. It's just not my taste....more
This volume was a mix of emotions: "wow", "that's so sad", "I don't get it", and "not so much". I do have to say that Love Stories for Dead People defThis volume was a mix of emotions: "wow", "that's so sad", "I don't get it", and "not so much". I do have to say that Love Stories for Dead People definitely canvasses the theme of this collection. Love is so much more than a four letter word, with infinite potential to shape our lives for the best and worst. This volume delves into that with a dark, twisted, and often gruesome collection of stories.
I loved the backstory on Ann, who was a pirate back in the day. I am all for a kickbutt, take charge, dangerous woman, and that's definitely her. I can see how deeply she was hurt, and why love isn't something she focuses energy on. And of course, I am a pirate theme lover. As far as Miranda, once a waitress in the House and a part of the crew, what was that about??? I didn't get it! The bits about Fig and an important person from her past were interesting. I can see that she has an ability that is going to play a huge role. I didn't understand what Cress did to Simon, but I know it has something to do with her terrible luck with love. Simon reminds me of John Constantine so much, it isn't funny! I loved the fact that Cress's doctor suitor looks exactly like Peter Cushing. Anyone else pick up on that, I wonder?
I feel like I didn't understand a lot of what was going on. The whole Cain/Abel thing and the nightmares that Harry had to battle. I could use some Cliff Notes for this book, but thankfully, I did find a Wiki, and I'll read some of that and hope I don't get too spoiled.
It's hard to give a good analysis of this book because I was feeling so lost for a lot of it. I saw a mix of nightmarish images with some events that had a little more clarity. I think the best part of this book was getting more of a backstory on two of the main characters: Ann and Cress, and finding out about Harry's earlier days in the House and his decision to make it into a bar. Oh and finding more about Fig's relationship with her father.
I hope I don't feel so lost in the next edition of this series. ...more
One of the most enduring motifs of the Western genre is the town in the forsaken deserts of the West where people go to run from their past lives and One of the most enduring motifs of the Western genre is the town in the forsaken deserts of the West where people go to run from their past lives and to escape to a new one. In this novel, Golgotha is such a place, however the voice that leads travelers into its depths is a sinister, ageless one. A voice that also attracts all sort of supernatural phenomena.
Young Jim makes it to edge of this town, where the desert almost kills him and his beloved horse, Precious. His life is saved by a strange half-Indian man, Mutt, who turns out to be the town's deputy, and to have a supernatural heritage of his own. Jim gets hired to work for the Sheriff, Jon Highfather, a man who has cheated death again and again. A man who is the protector for the town from the supernatural evil always lurking in the dark.
Golgotha is full of strangeness, and also flawed humans, such as a wife and mother who has an incredible legacy. There is also a resident mad scientist, who has more interest in the dead than the living. And did I mention that Golgotha has a very large Mormon population? There might also be an angel lurking in the town. But I can't confirm or deny that.
The Six-Gun Tarot was very much a surprise find for me on the new arrival shelf at my library. I couldn't resist it, because I love the Weird West, and this book couldn't get any weirder. Many times, this book is more horrific than anything else. The deep, dark secret of this town is pretty darn harrowing, and the fact that its menace lurks behind a dark religious cult out to destroy the world as we know it.
There is a lot going on in this book. I think the author does a good job of holding it all together. The twisted threads of the story and the various character point of views come together as a cohesive whole that gave me a shuddery feeling as I read. I was glad I feverishly finished the last 160 pages during the day yesterday, trying to get it done, since it was due back at the library. It would have been a not so good thing to read before bed!
This isn't a feel good book, I must warn any who want to read it. It's dark fantasy/horror that seats itself very identifiably in the aesthetic of the Old West, where blood runs freely, and regret and prejudice are a part of the landscape. Where peoples of many heritages coexist uneasily, when they aren't at each others' throats, and the time comes to band together to face a darker, far from human threat which cares nothing for humanity, or anything right or decent. While not a feel good novel, the writing is very good and atmospheric. Belcher inspires empathy for the flawed characters in this novel. Their failures in some ways equip them for just the threat they face. There are many subtle references to works of weird fiction, such as a character who has Ashton Smith in his name, and quotes from Frankenstein by Mary E. Shelley. I want to read more stories in this town, since this threat they face in this book is neither the first, nor will it be the last.
If it's not obvious, I liked this book, even in its highly disarming moments. Good solid, weird fiction with a very credible Western setting and iconography. I'd recommend it to the brave reader who doesn't mind some tentacle, squirmy elements....more
This is a really good series for fans of angelic fiction. The angels aren't really that likable though, except for Remy. I like the insight into the AThis is a really good series for fans of angelic fiction. The angels aren't really that likable though, except for Remy. I like the insight into the Angelic War, although it's not very biblical in some aspects (others sort of). I didn't care for one aspect in the presentation of Christ, honestly. The lower rating is mainly because the pacing falls apart at the end. The cliffhanger is rather brutal too. I'll keep reading this because I really like Remy (and I'm fascinated with angels).
This was a very dark, intense vampire action horror novel. There were some blasphemous elements that I found disturbing, which knocked my rating down.This was a very dark, intense vampire action horror novel. There were some blasphemous elements that I found disturbing, which knocked my rating down. Readers who like dark vampire horror might enjoy this. But be warned. Not for the faint of heart.
This was a gusty work, quite interesting and different. Probably one of the most overtly Christian dark fantasies I've read thus far, although I don'tThis was a gusty work, quite interesting and different. Probably one of the most overtly Christian dark fantasies I've read thus far, although I don't think it will find favor with a person who is fairly fundamental in their Christian beliefs (ie. avoid anything related to the occult). I was scratching my head at some of the physics concepts, since they were over my head, also some of the occult elements. Either the author did some heavy-duty research or she has a great imagination. Even though I'm not sure it was successful on all levels, I felt impressed with this novel, even as I acknowledge that it won't be for everyone. Thus the 3.75/5.0 star rating.
This is a weak four stars for me, because there were some things I think detracted away from the book, but also things I really like. This has to be aThis is a weak four stars for me, because there were some things I think detracted away from the book, but also things I really like. This has to be a short review, so I can't get into all of that in great detail (if you really want to know, check Bitten by Books for the full review). On the whole, enjoyable. I loved the angel parts, but some of the theology was a bit muddled with bit too much of everything thrown in. Probably won't bother some readers, but it didn't sit well with me. I definitely recommend this to angel fiction fans, and for readers who want to see some cultural diversity in their urban fantasy. Ms. Banks gets an A+ for that.
Rest in Peace, Ms. Banks. The fiction world is poor for your passing.
This was a solid four star book until the last hundred or so pages, when it really turned around, and I knew it would get the highest rating from me. This was a solid four star book until the last hundred or so pages, when it really turned around, and I knew it would get the highest rating from me. I must say I think the storyline is very imaginative, artistic and surreal. Ms. Douglas isn't an overly expansive writer, but she somehow paints a very vivid picture of the sights and surroundings, emotions and actions of her characters. Dark City is a nightmarish place, and the imagery rang loud and clear as I read. Sheol has an otherworldly beauty and feeling of peace, and the images of the Fallen appeal greatly to this angel-lover, even in the dark aspects.
I don't love the theology here. Earlier on, I choose to view this book merely as fiction and divorce it from my Christian beliefs, which is the wisest choice for me. Otherwise, I think the portrayal of God would be problematic for me. As a believer in the God of the Old and New Testament, I don't think there is a disconnect between the God of the New and Old Testament, as portrayed in this book, although I know many feel this way. God is shown as a vengeful, angry, unfeeling character, which is not what I believe. I believe in a God that is equally loving and equally just. If I view this merely as characters who have their own way of processing their relationships with God and their subsequent choices and actions, I can still enjoy this book very much, and I did. Outside of my disagreeing with some of the theology, I find the storyline very interesting, and the portrayal of angels is majestic and hypnotically appealing and arresting. I feel that Ms. Douglas writes this books in a very visual and cinematic way.
Azazel is not a nice hero by any stretch of the word, for most of this book. He is almost cruel to Rachel in some ways, although his reluctant feelings (and the fact that he is not a woman-hater) holds him back from hurting her physically. He made a choice that led to something very bad happening to Rachel, and I know some readers won't be able to get past that. Although I don't condone his actions, I understand the turmoil that was behind them. I do like his sea change later in the book, and I think he proved he was worthy of her love. I like how I was able to see how he evolves in his perceptions of Rachel, and as he changes in his feelings towards her, this difference is very apparent in his physical expressions of lust and later passion/love towards Rachel. I could understand that he was angry and hurting over the loss of his latest and best loved wife, and how he wanted to blame Rachel for that because of the prophecy.
As far as Rachel, I liked her from the beginning. She starts as something of a blank canvas, and as the story continues, more and more depth and definition is evident with her character. Her latent identity is slowly and deftly revealed, and it was interesting to process this. The myth of Lilith is interesting, although I have never put much emphasis on it. It ties into that pervasive belief that Judaism and Christianity is inherently misogynistic, which I have never agreed with. More than anything this is a manifestation of the way that these beliefs have been used as a tool for control over others, and through human and societal cruelty, and not due to God disvaluing women (take religion out of the picture and people would find another tool to use against others). Having said that, Rachel is a very sympathetic character, and I liked how Douglas gives the Lilith myth a human and emotional (and relatable) feel instead of dwelling on the horrific aspects of that legend.
As I alluded to earlier in the review, the romantic aspects of the story bloom later, because initially, it's very apparent that Azazel mainly has hatred in his heart for Rachel. It was hard to see that possibility of love initially, but by the end of the book, I did see it. I think that took some skill on Ms. Douglas' part. I went from thinking Azazel was a total loss, and hoping he'd just leave Rachel alone and in peace and safety, to wanting him to prove he was worthy of her and for them to be together. I feel that this ultimately was a successful romance because I was able to arrive at the conviction that they should be together. The love scenes were well-written, showing not just the act of sex, but the emotions, good and bad that went along with it. They were integral to the story, because they revealed crucial aspects of both Azazel and Rachel's psyche, and also their healing processes from damaged emotions and hearts from their journeys in life.
Ultimately, I was very impressed with this novel. This is not just from the viewpoint of a lifelong (and therefore biased) admirer of this writer (Anne Stuart). It is because of her obvious and proven skill as a writer. To take a story that somehow shouldn't appeal and make into something that intrigues me and gets under my skin, leaving me thinking about the story long after I finish it. This book won't work for everyone. Although clearly paranormal romance, there is something very atypical about it. The writing has this flavor that puts it into a different and not always comfortable category. However, I found this to be a feast for the reader's senses. This kind of book takes me on a journey and fully rewards me for the time spent reading it. I definitely loved it.
Angel lovers beware. You should avoid this book. You will probably end up addicted to angel books after reading it. (Like I need more literary addictiAngel lovers beware. You should avoid this book. You will probably end up addicted to angel books after reading it. (Like I need more literary addictions!) As you can tell, I really enjoyed this.
I admit that the angel storyline is a huge draw, and the concept of the seraphim lurking within Remy appeals very much. I liked the different look at I admit that the angel storyline is a huge draw, and the concept of the seraphim lurking within Remy appeals very much. I liked the different look at some very well known Old Testament biblical figures, even though one was quite chilling and the other very irreverently portrayed. This is urban fantasy that jumps back and forth across the horror line, sometimes even in the same chapter. I liked it a lot, so that's why it gets a four star rating from me.
**spoiler alert** This was a powerful, gritty, very dark story. In fact, I am quite surprised that this was released as a young adult book, other than**spoiler alert** This was a powerful, gritty, very dark story. In fact, I am quite surprised that this was released as a young adult book, other than the age of the protagonist, Billi. Billi SanGreal lives a grim existence as the daughter of the leader of the very small remains of the once-powerful Knights Templar. They exist to fight the darkness and the demons that would destroy humanity. Only, Billi isn't so sure she wants to be a Templar. The cost has been too high. Her father barely treats her as his daughter, showing her no affection, only pushing her constantly to be the best warrior and to be utterly ruthless in her destruction of evil beings. She has already lost her mother to a horrendous attack by ghuls, demonic creatures who were once humans, but gave up their souls for power or possessions. Billi just wants a normal life. As if being a teen wasn't bad enough, she's considered weird because of her constant bruises and cuts, and the fact that her father was on trial for her mother's murder.
Her friend Kay finally comes back from Jerusalem where he was training to be an Oracle, or a seer for the Knights Templar. She's angry at him that he left her when she needed his friendship and support. She's also confused at the feelings she has for the handsome young man he's become.
And then, she meets gorgeous, mysterious Mike, who might be her first chance to have a boyfriend. But Mike isn't quite what he seems.
This was a very intense story. There were times I had to put this book down and take a breather. Billi's life truly is one battle after enough. Part of that is due to the struggle with her father for control of her life, and her yearning for him to show her the affection and approval she needs as his daughter. And then, there is the struggle with her feelings. She truly wants to be free from this life as a Templar that was forced her on by her father.
Mr. Chadda really knows how to pack a punch with his writing. Between the intra- and interpersonal angst and the battles between good and evil, the tension in this story never lets up. His worldbuilding is strong and compelling, and unrelentingly grim. This story has a seriousness that I appreciated, yet it challenged me to keep reading. At times, I was frustrated at Billi for her determination to rebel against her father. But it made sense. She wanted his love, and he didn't give her that very thing she needed so badly, and her rebellion was a way of letting up the pressure that she constantly lived under.
I thought the idea of a modern-day Knights Templar was fantastic. Although her father was pretty ruthless, and not very good at showing affection to Billi, I really liked and respected Arthur. He was a strong man with an unrelenting sense of duty. He was the kind of man who would fight evil to the end, regardless of the cost. He would hone his daughter into a powerful warrior who would do what was necessary in the battle against evil, if he had to make her hate him to do it. I admired him for that, although I wished that the relationship between Billi and her father was more loving.
The plot twists and turns until I really had no idea how things would end. The ending really brought things full-circle, but I won't pretend it didn't break my heart. Billi doesn't come out of this story without loss. She is like a weapon that has been tested and honed by the fires of combat and trial. And that includes painful loss.
Brutal and violent and unrelentingly dark, Devil's Kiss really involved me. I couldn't let go of this book, even though I had to put it down to regroup. I am very impressed with this author. His writing is vivid and stunning, painting a world that seems lost to the darkness. But it's not, for the Knight's Templars will continue to fight evil, until Kingdom Come. If you are looking for supernatural action with a strong heroine who has a compelling relationship with her father, you will love this book. I certainly cannot wait to read the next book.
Danielle The Book Huntress
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