I'm not a true crime guru, but what's interesting is interesting. Ann Rule didn't come across as a particularly adept writer, but she provides needed I'm not a true crime guru, but what's interesting is interesting. Ann Rule didn't come across as a particularly adept writer, but she provides needed backstory on the Bundy puzzle....more
Dawn was an excellent book when I was younger - now not so much. I will always remember that I kept reading the beginning of the book, enchanted by hoDawn was an excellent book when I was younger - now not so much. I will always remember that I kept reading the beginning of the book, enchanted by how Andrews wrote. She was a likeable character pushed into some strange situations, classic Andrews....more
I can see now why so many reviewers said they disliked the ending. If I didn't have the next book ready, published, and nearby, I would have went miniI can see now why so many reviewers said they disliked the ending. If I didn't have the next book ready, published, and nearby, I would have went mini-ballistic Erin. Cliffhangers just suck.
Again Saintcrow pumps up the action almost non-stop - this time the gloves are off and Perry has finally revealed his full deck. Twists around all sorts of corners, a plot that leads Jill around on a frantic leash as she tries to stop an incoming hellbreed and find her beloved before it's too late. The villains are even bigger and badder than before in this one.
Jill...well, I just don't like her. I'm convinced now that Saintcrow can't write likeable heroines. That's it. I hated Dante much more, but Jill I don't care for much either. At least she's a lot more passable. Her emotions are dragged through the ringer in this one as she finds out a startling revelation about her former teacher, and has to face the possibility of being without Saul for good, to now having to face the inevitable about herself. Honestly, as weird as this sounds, I don't see why she would deserve much redemption. I think she's been corrupting herself a long time, so much so that I find it hard to believe how she can care for random strangers like she claims to. I see her wanting to protect the city more like a territorial, pride dispute by this point.
I still find some of the major story confusing, but I guess that's just me. Overall I dig the world the author has built, it's multi-layered, realistic to fit this kind of Urban fantasy, dark, gritty, twisted. She writes action scenes well, although I shudder at some of the dialogue. I think she writes supporting characters well and makes them more fascinating and likeable than her mains. I also think she has really overdone the description and updates on the rubys, hair sparkles, and scar effects now. Every action scene - well, almost every other page - has them doing something.
The new apprentice is promising, although I don't care much about that side storyline at this point, as I keep looking forward to seeing the wrapups for the main players who have been here since book one. I'm guess his introduction may possibly give her the ability to take a well-deserved break after everything is resolved.
There is the return of most major players, although Saul has a very short scene only as he complains about them again. Perry is twisted and fascinating on page, definitely a true villain. I would have been curious about darker elements if not for the ending, which ruined that possibility. But then again, there's a final book to read, and I'm not sure where it will go from there. Having an instinctual feeling I'm not going to be crazy about it. Don't know why, but as Jill always thinks, instinct is important....more
“But when a girl's motivated, miracles are possible.”
Even if I don't love these books, for some reason they're pretty much impossible for me to put do “But when a girl's motivated, miracles are possible.”
Even if I don't love these books, for some reason they're pretty much impossible for me to put down. This one involves a demonic circus that has come to town to drain the suicidal and the hopeless. It must be allowed and is a rule of coordination between hunters, the lead hellbreed of the city, and the cirque. Strange - but interesting - stuff.
Saul is back this time, but there is trouble in the air with their relationship. That's kept up for the entire back until the end, where the resolution seems a little slight and silly. With that being the reason, it kind of seems invented to throw something in without enough backbone. Still, it makes interesting reading and I couldn't wait to see what was going on.
Jill seems more exhausted than before, but this is likely from the relationship struggles weighing in with her ridiculously busy, stressful job. She's still not totally likeable, but in a way can be - there are some small flashbacks to her thinking about her mother, which I found interesting. She certainly had a rough life. I do wish she could stop and listen to her man some, she's on a constant rollercoaster and I think that without Saul, she would likely have lost it or been dead by now.
Perry is in the book a lot more - thankfully. His scenes are riveting. I'm curious how Saintcrow will wrap that up, although I'm imagining it will probably be violent (sadly.) The villains in this one have a twist and Jill has to seek help, voodoo shops, and all sorts of things to solve this mystery. As far as stories go for the series, it's a pretty good one. The circus is dark and carries that depressing vibe I can easily picture. When Jill was experiencing the music, I could almost hear it myself.
Sometimes the action grows too monotonous to where it wouldn't hurt to let it up and breathe some, but at least with these shorter novels a lot of punch is delivered in events and twists.
Saintcrow is beyond talented with created dark and gritty Urban Fantasy worlds. Her violent characters are forced to dive over the gray lines and make Saintcrow is beyond talented with created dark and gritty Urban Fantasy worlds. Her violent characters are forced to dive over the gray lines and make connections with the purely evil. She crosses grim lines other Urban Fantasy authors don’t cross, which is what makes her books so ridiculously addictive to me.
Unfortunately her other series, Dante Valentine, made me hate – hate – hate the protagonist. Jill Kismet is more likeable but she shares some of the dislikable strands. She gets on my nerves more here than the first book but still stays relatively appealing. Her actions don’t always add up in my book, but plots have always been pushed forward by unsavory actions by senseless characters.
Saul is present and kind of just there – there’s something flat and almost false about him this time around. Saintcrow did an annoying jump years into the future (she did that twice with the Valentine series too, must be something she likes to do, ugh.) Perry was fascinating as usual, can't really get what he's after fully.
The story for this one is more urgent, dark and twisted than its predecessor. I loved the ending, nice twists and it’s certainly a large battle that even Jill herself can’t win by herself. Dark stuff. Overall it was just okay. I expected more because I was ready to leave off on the relationship pitfalls from the first book, but the jump ahead in time squashed that. The story is good but a little muddy sometimes. Not as good as the first, but the series still remains strong and addictive. ...more
After how much I hated Dante in the last book, I was pleased to see she’s mainly – and I mean, mainly – decent in this one. She does come across at thAfter how much I hated Dante in the last book, I was pleased to see she’s mainly – and I mean, mainly – decent in this one. She does come across at the end as the very unlikeable protagonist again. Seriously, I dislike her so much. With her IQ and personality, don’t see how she can keep anyone in her life. The ending really irritated me until the epilogue. Dante is a rage filled, moronic, selfish person who does so much without thinking about it first and the blindly accepts kindness from people around her who are actually more decent than she is.
This book is a bit better than the other because the story is a good one, some of the angst is shaken off to deal with plot and story. Tension is high and stakes are driven up. There is an epic ending battle. I just wanted to laugh in Dante’s face and say haha! See, everyone knew this very obvious thing in all the books except YOU, it was SOOOO obvious. Grrrr.
And finally at the last page you see there really isn’t much left for her to know about what she’s become – the thing she’s been whining about for three books almost non-stop. She knew everything already so we had all that unneeded angst for nothing. For the love of reading, WHY did the author put me through that then, WHY?
Why a decent rating then? Well, this book was hard to put down. I have invested in all the books so I wanted to finish it to the finale, which was a good one. The ride in this book was decent with discoveries, travels, and trials. Angst is slightly less so this is a pleasant surprise. Well, until the last half (sigh)
Overall the ending is nice and this is worth it to finish the series if you’ve read it thus far. I’m glad I read the series overall but ended up disliking it much more than liking it when it was all said and done. The first book or so filled me with excitement, but the last three filled me with annoyance and frustration. Weird mix from a book series. ...more
Sure, this book isn't true. Sure, it's based on lies. But I read it as a teenager several times, finding it fun, a little creepy in certain parts, andSure, this book isn't true. Sure, it's based on lies. But I read it as a teenager several times, finding it fun, a little creepy in certain parts, and intriguing. It's cheesy and not perfectly written - there are slow parts, too - but it's still a good one to try on for size if you're a haunted fan....more
The first one I snatched was 'Son of Rosemary' - yes, if you're thinking as in with Rosemary's Baby?, you're correct. The official sequel was written The first one I snatched was 'Son of Rosemary' - yes, if you're thinking as in with Rosemary's Baby?, you're correct. The official sequel was written years ago and read by me when I was a teen. Another reread where I remembered liking the story but couldn't remember what happened in it.
It'd be hard to make a sequel that worked but Levin manages, the guy's a great author with a strangely serious themed style. His wording is short and to the point, being slow and psychological but never without action or importance of some sort. Told all through Rosemary's POV again, the reader is left in the air as to what is really going on with the son Andy. Is he really bad as the devil's son should be? Or are his words convincing and he's turned in the right direction as he's said?
Rosemary herself is fun to read through, although a little grating. You would think she'd be more remorseful for longer on how she lost 28 years of her life, but perhaps Levin just wants to keep it action-filled and not dwell on the past. Still I would have liked to see her reflect more, and I couldn't held find it odd how quickly she became wrapped up with not only Joe, but with the whole Andy campaign and welcoming arms with the public. It's obvious she'd want to be proud and supportive of her offspring, but with her former life having so little to do with the general public, didn't she accept the spotlight a bit too easily? Her character, from it's clothing and strangely lighthearted manner, was certainly eccentric. Andy himself was fascinating characterization, not only because you didn't know what to think of him, but he was charismatic in his own way, strangely repugnant - yet disturbingly not at times - with his incestuous cravings.
Either way, the two together were interesting to read about, even if at times they didn't make a whole lot of sense. Their weren't too many other main characters to concentrate on, although there were plenty scattered around, just none that took too much spotlight off the two who mattered most. In the beginning I was hooked with the unsettling opening, carried along speedily through the juicy middle to find my questions answered, but let down harshly at the ending. I've seen debates between readers on there perhaps being a cop-out of sorts to wrap the story up. I'm not sure on that, but I didn't like the last pages either way. The ending annoyed because it felt cut off, leaving me wishing it had remained Andy as the focal point. Some parts of the finale weren't surprising, such as the candles, but other parts I didn't expect (which were, ironically, the parts I didn't like.)
I will say I think I disagree with why some have an issue with the ending. I disagree it was a dream that was granted to her, but (view spoiler)[ that they were all in hell, yet she was granted a saving grace fantasy of living forever young, while Guy would go on to get his big breaks. That's how the bargain was fulfilled, a twist there. Or else she was alone in her head like it didn't happen as part of her private hell. Andy would have known this - staying topside would be a continuation of the destruction. The elevator going down, and it getting hotter, makes it even more clear. She realizes it and stares when she hears that line on the mules. (hide spoiler)]
I wouldn't say the book makes 100% sense , it's frilly and slightly silly, guilty pleasure sort of read. If you're a big fan of the film or original book, this one isn't the sequel you're expecting. The story isn't the best, but there's something about the characters that glued me. But, egad, the ending gets some cheese....more
The ardeur is amazingly annoying and, in my opinion, what led to the decline and ultimate death of this series. Sure, the books are still being made, The ardeur is amazingly annoying and, in my opinion, what led to the decline and ultimate death of this series. Sure, the books are still being made, but the original characters are so different, the story and themes are alien, the original series really is dead. This one steps a foot back in the right direction but still falters, including too much reliance on sexual play, too much melodrama, and the angst of the ardeur is a swift nail in the coffin....more
The Hollows series has remained my favorite series for several years– it has everything I want in a conti
Warning – there are spoilers in this review.
The Hollows series has remained my favorite series for several years– it has everything I want in a continued world – darkness, humor, the supernatural done right, exciting plotlines that are focused on, amazing characterization, and addicting dialogue. Pretty much all my fangirl buttons are pushed. To say I was excited to read this book is an understatement. Just like last year, I made sure I had the day off from work to sit all day and read this the day of its release. Like last year, I ordered some sort of special food I’d been craving and hardly get to eat. I do nothing else but read and relax during a Hollows reading day, treating myself to the newest release of my favorite series.
The book is about 430 pages, and in its paper walls there is a lot of action (at first, and at the ending). The first part of the book is especially charming, opening up with a golf scene and the inevitable dating that comes with Trent and Rachel. The bowling scene was sweet, awesome, and a perfect first date. The fight scene which followed rocked with Rachel showing how many tricks she has developed up her sleeve under Al’s direction and her own study.
I dug how much Jenks was in the book, flittering around from scene to scene as a friend, partner, and relationship encourager. He teased with his typical raunchiness, provided some of the best lines of the story as usual - where would we be without Jenks? I was a bit bothered by a line he says to Rachel at the end about picking her new partner to watch her back, but I like to think he’s not being replaced, but sees changes coming. So many of his kids have grown and left, so there is a change of emptiness while reading those scenes. There’s still plenty of them flying around to provide pixie fun.
The main storyline with the goddess and mystics was intriguing and creatively done. I applaud Kim for her originality and how complexly layered the details. The scene with the 'summoning' and the bodies was simply creepy *shiver*. I do hope the goddess plot is done with and that the next book focuses on resolving its roots, but it was cool to have it in this one. I personally never had an issue with Rachel being a pure demon and a powerful one at that, so I do hope it’s not mellowed further by having to add more of the elven stuff into her. I always liked our itchy witch fine the way she was the other books – demon, witchy, independent.
David has been seen little in several books but makes a comeback here often. He has always been an enchanting character. We get to see Eden again, which is awesome. I always loved his father-figure, protective character.
Rachel finally says goodbye to a role that I feel she should say goodbye to. Letting go here makes sense and is how I figured it would happen.
Ivy is a focus in the story. In some of the previous books she has been around a little less, but here she’s present in the first half quite a bit. She also seems calmer and to be changing because of her relationship with Nina. There are still signs of the tough vampire we all know and love, but overall she has really started mellowing out. A change that’s been obviously coming is spelled out in this book. I did have an issue with how often Rachel kept mentally repeating why they can’t work and would work better apart, because really this isn’t true. They wouldn't work as a romantic relationship, but I always thought they always worked so well together as friends and partners. I’d like to think they always stay close and active in each other’s lives, helping each other when it’s needed. I don’t see why it keeps getting so clearly pointed out about them not working out romantically when that was resolved so many books ago.
The Undead Pool as its title and the beginning focusing on vampires made me think this installment would focus more on the fanged fiends and lead the way towards resolving a main plot element (Ivy) present from book one. Instead the vampires are there in mention sometimes, but it mainly focuses on the elves and their goddess. Eventually the vampire angle basically disappears besides brief mention to be overshadowed by all things elvish.
This is where I started to get bugged. It’s making it clear again that all things Elf are superior (I disagree, but the series has somehow become elf obsessed because of Trent) – their magic is now superior, they are superior, their cultures (never saw that from the other books, but since Trent is making the spotlight, it’s being focused on now.) For a book of this length, so much time is spent on the angst and buildup in Rachel’s head of her and Trent’s relationship.
For once the plot of the Hollows takes too much of a backseat to just have relationship speak. It becomes more of a paranormal romance when it’s always been a straight Urban Fantasy series. She repeatedly – and I mean, repeatedly – keeps mentioning the lines of Trent’s backside and body as he walks by. His smell is in every scene he’s in, mentioned often. And now that he is here, it seems almost everyone else is taking a backseat – either pushed out of the way entirely or replaced. I know things change, that’s to be expected, but I see no reason why her other relationships can’t still exist and keep evolving too. Just getting a man in her life should not replace all that and strip Rachel down to such a simplistic character.
Al, my favorite, is in a few scenes at the beginning, but never to be seen again until the end, where a heartbreaking scene makes it way for about two pages. I really hope this is resolved in the next book, and resolved well, otherwise I will feel haunted. To me one of the main aspects of the series has been Rachel finding out what she is and exploring that side, and evolving into the teacher/student/friend bond with Al. Through that she learns more about the demons.
His reaction at the end was harsh and I disliked the end wrap-up. I felt hollow afterwards and cheated. His reaction was based on fear, protection of self, and betrayal. I would have liked a different ending for the book but we shall wait and see for the next book what is resolved. I also thought the scene with another character at the very end was a bit silly.
I disliked the backset and again feel that since Trent is here, almost everyone else is seeming less important. I see no reason why that would happen. Rachel never fit that stereotype. She always had such an interesting, layered life. Seeing her bared down to Trent’s side raising his children and riding horses in fields never fit into the picture as all she is and all she can be. Cool if she does that too, but I like the excitement before that she kept around, other people she would relate to, outside interests that were her own. She was always independent.
At least we know what happens with Nick.
Newt was epic in this book. Her tea party scene was priceless and she gives good advice on the Trent situation. Her ending scene was focused on the elves a bit more as well, but she was severely needed in the book. Her advice was sage. I do keep wondering, with how wise she has always been and how true her words turn out, if her words during the tea scene about Rachel wanting to do something (avoiding spoilers) herself will come true in the future. I can’t see how the betrayal would happen as it doesn’t fit into character we know, but with all the foreshadowing perhaps one day it will. I really doubt Kim Harrison will end the series with a betrayal as she is just building up a relationship and has to tie the races together, so there wouldn’t be plausibility or time to have that happen. I guess it is something the reader is supposed to wonder about happening off-page in the future.
With only one book left, I worry about so much still needing wrapped up and solved. We have a major story with Ivy left to get fixed, the demon/elf thing, fixing of a relationship (I pray anyway!). These are all big things, but with Kim being such a talented author who has created such a brilliant series, I’m sure the last book will do everything well.
Overall there were issues I had with the book, but being a Hollows book of course I loved it too. I worry about some of the regulars seeming a little sanitized this time around and bothered by such a surprising series relying on a few predictable developments. I think a little magic has been dampered as a few relationships, especially the new ones, seem forced and a bit dull. Despite these issues it was another excellent story with a creative development, a major fighting battle where everyone shone in their roles, some wonderful scenes I will re-read often, and is an enjoyable book that is well on its way to wrapping up an epic world that will cause misery to me when it ends.
At least the Hollows can always be kept alive in the minds of fans and by re-reads. But still, thank God for another book next year :) ...more
Even though I didn’t wow and wed myself to the first book, it’s pages still filled my mind with a unique, chilling alternate world full of villains onEven though I didn’t wow and wed myself to the first book, it’s pages still filled my mind with a unique, chilling alternate world full of villains on every street corner. The ending was an especially powerful push to continue the series with a secretive change coming over the devilishly dark Arturo.
Unfortunately this somewhat sanitized sequel dampened the original’s spark. There’s a lot of emotional drama and the sexual tension doesn’t strike me as believable. Think of historical romances where they accidentally touch each other and lightning strikes. There was a scene in the middle where this especially annoyed me (pre-drink) where she gets uncontrollably turned on just by touching his back slightly in a room full of people. All of this was during a dangerous time where they’re not supposed to show any interest in each other. I mean, seriously – are you a mindless animal? The saving grace of this soon is it soon actually gets twisted and hot.
Pacing is slightly lackluster since much time is spent discussing consequences of the ‘big bad’ catching them and a massive villain fight, but that doesn’t even happen in this book. Thankfully the book gets better within the last 60 pages or so, but reading up to that point wasn’t an enjoyable as it should have been. Cliffhangers should be handled delicately, and this one’s TV season finale form was a turn off. The abrupt cut off is just strange and frustrating.
Arturo was a sexy, flawed guy in the original. Now in order to redeem him and make him more classically likeable, the author has stripped him of his mysterious nature, making him more generic to the masses. Now he resembles about every Tom, Dick and Harry out there in Paranormal Romance. He spends most of the book trying to prove himself to Quinn. At least in the first book, where he was half hero but half villain, I was kept on the edge of my seat. Quinn is likeable, although her obsessive caring about her brother is a bit hollow. Watching her discover and develop her newfound abilities intrigued me. I did adore the newcomer vampire friend.
The clichéd Paranormal Romance elements have been upped, and the tone is less dark. The werewolf scene was particularly brutal, though – mean, nasty, nasty creatures. I do totally dig the author’s invented world and the differences between Emoras and the rippers. Awesome imagination.
Overall this book disappointed me. It’s still a chilling, dark tale, but it’s less so than before and the stakes aren’t set as high. Sensual scenes are hot enough but the hero lacks as much of a mysterious aura and doesn’t deliver as much excitement. Besides ending on a big cliffhanger, this second book doesn’t even really propel the main story. ...more
I don't fully understand this book's transition from the blockbuster film.
The more infamous scenes were removed from the book altogether, or 3.5 stars
I don't fully understand this book's transition from the blockbuster film.
The more infamous scenes were removed from the book altogether, or they were told after the fact, or quickly fast-forwarded through. Huh? Everything else is covered slowly in painstakingly clear detail. Examples: Kay's revelation to Michael about the baby (mentioned months after the fact), the kiss of betrayal with Fredo (removed), the attack on the house (after the fact, covered briefly...)
The story is divided heavily by five time-lines, which to me was a bit overwhelming. There is a substantial amount of space devoted to Fredo, especially a "certain secret." The invention of this secret isn't that plausible - even if it were, what big thing does it add to the story? This unusual invention between Michael and Fredo adds up to little.
Unfortunately, the glamour easily experienced with the first was somewhat lacking here. The drama, pizazz, and glitz from the first was seldom felt. While the first emphasized family structure as an in-depth, psychological intrigue, this book has the family fallen apart. Michael Corleone inherited his father's finesse and business acumen, but it's clear from the story's events that he doesn't have the talent to keep family together as his father could.
Winegardener did a neat trick introducing some new characters (like Francesca, although the ending with her felt a bit contrived). The book falls short when it comes to Micheal's inner expression. Tom Hagen comes across dullish and predictable when compared to the inner diggings Puzo introduced with the first.
He does an admirable job emulating Puzo's style, even though of course imitation isn't always flattery. Unfortunately the glamor from the first is mainly absent from this book's reading, but it's still enjoyable in a different way - internal struggles among those who climb in the mafia and the bizarre exploration of a brother who can never live up....more
A decent mystery that doesn't involve a current body - rather, it involves a discovered skull that's years old, and the book waits to discover this unA decent mystery that doesn't involve a current body - rather, it involves a discovered skull that's years old, and the book waits to discover this until after page 45. The story is focused heavily on the protagonist's life and struggles, as well as the small town residents. It's entangled especially with her father, who left them when she was younger because he was gay, and his struggling business. There's also the side-story involving her mother, a woman who never quite let go of the past. The nursing home story was a little confusing and seemed to be thrown in either as a wrench to the reader guessing what's going on, or else the author was originally going to do something else with that storyline and then changed her mind.
The ending offers a convenient wrap-up, with the murderer but also with a personal problem involving a job renovation. As far as mysteries go, it's semi-decent but it's hard to feel invested. I couldn't care about the victim since I never met them, they weren't introduced until much later in the story, and the motives were all old ones that didn't become clear till the end. Hard to care much about it, other than the worrying about the protagonist's father being unreasonably indicated. Still, it's clear he would never have charges stick long since there was no evidence at all, only suspicion from a paranoid cop.
While the mystery part wasn't strong, it was intriguing how the author put so much controversy in the personal lives of the characters. As a series, this would hold promise for future installments. The writing style is well-done and focused, characterization realistic enough, but there's not much warmth here other than some brief insights into April's life. The set-up with the love interest is rather obvious from the start, and I didn't care much about what happened with it.
The townsfolk are okay - the parents are not typical, so that's a refreshing change. It was funny how everyone kept treating her differently since she had previously been living in San Francisco. She even compared it to being compared to a Martian. I also liked the author's ballsy move to throw in the husband woes - she left a bad marriage with a gambler, not something touched upon enough for this kind of story. They usually get something more direct and clean, here it was realistic without being melodramatic or wishy-washy.
Nothing original really - and stamping isn't my idea of fun for a cozy theme - but it was not a bad book. The sequels will probably be better now that the introductions are out of the way....more
This is the third book in a surprisingly layered young adult series. Each book has held oodles of charm and lasting appeal on my bookshelf. This one tThis is the third book in a surprisingly layered young adult series. Each book has held oodles of charm and lasting appeal on my bookshelf. This one takes off where the second left off, with Zara desperately hoping to rescue Nick while struggling with her feelings for Astley in the midst of a war.
Zara pretty much risks everyone and everything to save Nick. A few deaths even occur - it almost gets selfish. I especially disliked the death of an under-used character. The death scenes were at least dramatically awesome, all the death scenes were epic and memorable. I can picture them clearly due to the author's writing technique. Like an epic fantasy movie. Valhalla and the story with that- well, more far-reached than I wanted this story to go - but certainly unusual and well done for what it's worth.
This book brings the series more into an epic adventure/type rather than UF/fantasy.
Zara isn't as likeable to me. She's...different. I missed some realism she had before. To me she's becoming too much like any other "kick-ass UF Chick" and losing some of her originality. While Astley was a cool, introduced player in the first and second, my dial has gone backwards a bit as to me he's become a little too clingy and emotional. He's now the cliche nice guy with little mystery. There are some strong bonding moments between them, though.
Even if the characters don't dazzle me as much now, the warm and fuzzy glow is well-written dramatic scenes that kick out hell of an impact. The wording, pacing and talent make it a cerebral movie.
Overall a must read for series fans, even if it's less enjoyable than it's predecessors. It stretches itself admirably, clearly growing to encompass more than one town and one group....more
When you have an incredibly unique, strong, and ambitious series such as this, it deserves only a killer ending that keeps up the magic. Does this fouWhen you have an incredibly unique, strong, and ambitious series such as this, it deserves only a killer ending that keeps up the magic. Does this fourth book end the series with a grand enough finale?
Well, yes...but also no.
By this point what's at stake is clear - put aside entanglements of the heart and put saving the world first. Zara's thankfully adept at this too. There's genuine ouchness with Nick but she forces an emotional compartmentalization so that what she needs to get done, gets done. Each book has grown on a grander scale of story. If I go in expecting it on say, a large fantasy scale, it's acceptable. Or, if the series has more books to where such a large turnabout would be realistic maybe.
I have to gives kudos to Jones for imagination and stretching wings in the name of creative effort, but a small part of me disagrees that this strong foundation can convincingly stand.
Many areas work - I loved Hel (even if the idea of redeeming by it is playing things a little safe,) and I couldn't be more happy to see some returning faces. Again groovy, powerful fight scenes skirt across the pages, and the gang stands firm against every obstacle thrown at them.
The ending starts losing itself, however. Sure, I know Google is the encyclopedia for teens of the modern age, but good grief. And the lore kept growing and growing. I started finding it confusing, all over the place, and making little sense. In addition the very, very end was not how I could ever envision the pair settling down. Zara would want it this way but considering her new position, it seems unlikely she could keep living as normal and how would the new male lead be able to fit in there with a normal life and forgo other responsibilities?
Still not liking the mom much. The 'relationship' has been established once and for all, and the results what I and everyone else figured and knew. Thing is, is either man a prize in this book? I loved Nick before but anymore he's lacking many positive attributes. Astley made an impressive entrance in the second story, but to me he's now become too cliche as a nice, everyday guy who's predictable. Issie will forever be adored by me - she's bubbly, memorable, and outright fun.
Zara's still feisty and compassionate, but to me, as I thought with the third book, she's less special. She's supposed to play a role in the apocalypse now (albeit a flimsy one as it turns out), so that should make her SUPER special already, right? But to me her personality now blends together to stand out less. Even if I don't find her as cool as before, she's still cool though. =)
Jones has the ability to invent fascinating characters that stand out. I think as the stories grew larger than life, the characters lost a little of theirs.
This novel, while enjoyable on several respects, feels uneven at times and sometimes misses the climactic mark. Series fans should be pleased overall....more
A mixed bag of short stories - not as good as the first volume, but most of the stories were still impressive.
Unfortunately the first short story, DrA mixed bag of short stories - not as good as the first volume, but most of the stories were still impressive.
Unfortunately the first short story, Dread, wasn't too my liking. Strange since I usually love the book of blood stories, but it was weird and just kind of pointless. A man obsessed with fear trials takes it too far to make his point.
Hell's Event was my favorite of the group. A charity race held every hundred years where the contest winnings could literally mean the end of the world as Hell unleashes its fury - but all the contestants don't know that. Some of the key players have it rigged to turn out demented, of course, but the main character is a diverse individual who comes across fresh and well-rounded. It's dark and demented and twisted but awesome and well-written to boot.
Jacqueline Ess was an interesting take on a woman who comes into her own power and then takes it to a demented level. Told with multiple shifts from a man who became obsessed with a woman he shouldn't and the woman herself. Filled with blood-drenched sexual scenes and bizarre twists on a traditional love story, the ending is a disturbing twist that imprints on the mind.
The Skins of the Fathers started a little slow and hard to get into but ultimately was satisfying. Creatures have come out to attack but there is not a horrible and monstrous backstory with them, but with humans instead. It became fascinating and of course sad.
New Murders in the Rue Morgue may pay homage to the original story and involves a primate, but it didn't hold my interest as much as some of the others. Still well-done and imaginative enough.
Even if the first was a bit better, Clive Barker just rocks with short fiction and all the Books of Blood installment are recommended....more
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*
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Books:
3-star
(492)
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