Andaira Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 (edited) Since before mid-December of 2008, I had not picked up a book in two years (it broke my heart). However, since then, the thirst for reading has returned with a vengeance (as well it should). Books Read Thus Far Nights in Rodanthe, by Nicholas Sparks Rabbit Heart, by Colleen Hitchcock Dark Lover, by J. R. Ward Lover Eternal, J. R. Ward Lover Awakened, J. R. Ward Lover Revealed, J. R. Ward Lover Unbound, J. R. Ward Lover Enshrined, J. R. Ward The Dark Queen, by Susan Carroll The Courtesan, by Susan Carroll The Silver Rose, by Susan Carroll The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova Halfway to the Grave, by Jeaniene Frost One Foot in the Grave, by Jeaniene Frost At Grave's End, by Jeaniene Frost The Rest Falls Away, by Colleen Gleason Rises the Night, by Colleen Gleason The Bleeding Dusk, by Colleen Gleason When Twilight Burns, by Colleen Gleason The Princess Bride, by William Goldman Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J. K. Rowling As Shadows Fade, by Colleen Gleason Guilty Pleasures, by Laurell K. Hamilton The Laughing Corpse, by Laurell K. Hamilton Circus of the Damned, by Laurell K. Hamilton The Lunatic Cafe, by Laurell K. Hamilton Edited April 26, 2009 by Andaira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anisia Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 What did you think about The Historian? I've been thinking of reading it but I can't make up my mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Wow, you've been certainly productive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Butter Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 What did you think about The Historian? I've been thinking of reading it but I can't make up my mind I'd give it a go. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it, but on the whole I thought it was a good story (if a trifle long). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 25, 2009 Author Share Posted January 25, 2009 What did you think about The Historian? I've been thinking of reading it but I can't make up my mind It has its good parts, but all in all it's not one of the best books that I've come across. The plot-line was not bad, and the narrative keeps one interested. But when the author started in on the historical facts (which usually keep me incredibly engrossed), she lost me. I don't believe that everyone can give one details on history and still keep them as involved in the topic as they could, and Elizabeth Kostova (for me, as personal point of view) seems to be one of those. However, it's still a book worth reading and I'm still glad that I got my hands on it. Wow, you've been certainly productive. Absolutely. I have to make up for those two years of no reading Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 25, 2009 Author Share Posted January 25, 2009 (edited) There's a good chance that books will be added, that I'll read books that are not even on this list yet, and that other alterations might be made. But as of now... TBR The Madman's Tale, by John Katzenbach Shadows, by John Saul The Good Guy, by Dean Koontz Hater, by David Moody The Horror in the Museum, by H. P. Lovecraft The Transition, by H. P. Lovecraft Whispers, by Dean Koontz Lover Avenged, by J. R. Ward A Clash of Kings, by George R. R. Martin A Storm of Swords, by George R. R. Martin A Feast for Crows, by George R. R. Martin An Early Grave, by Jeaniene Frost Sleep, Pale Sister, by Joanne Harris A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess Needful Things, by Stephen King The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, by F. Scott Fitzgerald The Time-Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger Edited April 26, 2009 by Andaira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anisia Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I'd give it a go. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it, but on the whole I thought it was a good story (if a trifle long). It has its good parts, but all in all it's not one of the best books that I've come across. The plot-line was not bad, and the narrative keeps one interested. But when the author started in on the historical facts (which usually keep me incredibly engrossed), she lost me. I don't believe that everyone can give one details on history and still keep them as involved in the topic as they could, and Elizabeth Kostova (for me, as personal point of view) seems to be one of those. However, it's still a book worth reading and I'm still glad that I got my hands on it. Thanks! I'll have to give it a go then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 That's wonderful. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it after you've read it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anisia Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 Of course I shall put it on my list and hopefully get to it soon I have a few that are "priorities" right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 Don't we all! If I keep adding to my TBR pile like I just did today, who knows when I'll finish these books. I'm now digging right back into my current one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anisia Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 Haha, ever since I joined this forum I keep adding to my list Right now I have to take a break from really reading what I want cause I'm in the middle of exams. They sort of take over my life for a few weeks Enjoy your book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 Thank you I have been enjoying it! And I am in the same predicament that you are--slightly--though for a different reason. My funds need to be given a bit of a break for now (unless I get lucky and get a bookstore gift card *crosses fingers*). Though that doesn't stop me from reading. I'll borrow books from friends, or download books online, or take out from libraries. I'm not at all picky (but I do prefer to own the books myself). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 Well, since I'm reading the third in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles at the moment, I thought I might post a little something on the first two books before I soon enough give my thoughts on the third book after I finish (most likely tomorrow). The Rest Falls Away, by Colleen Gleason Synopsis: Beneath the glitter of dazzling 19th-century London Society lurks a bloodthirsty evil... . Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long taken over the world. In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love. Review: I was a bit hesitant at first to read this book, though I love the entire historical fiction bit (it was my favorite genre until I started reading supernatural books of any sort), especially since I was not sure how the whole Buffy the Vampire Slayer-meets-Jane Austen bit was going to work (as some who've read the work have referenced to these books). However, I was pleasantly surprised. I found that I quite enjoyed the books, and found the characters and storyline far too intriguing to put aside. Victoria is quite too green in this first book to form a true opinion on her character. However, during the end, as events unfold and she finds herself in dire need to make one of the most important decisions that she will ever have to make, her character starts to grow and mature, and going on to the second book to continue finding out what occurs was impossible to resist. I took a liking to Maximilian Pesaro instantly (not mentioned in the synopsis, but very present throughout the book), and in contrast disliked Sebastian from the beginning. So far he hasn't been able to redeem himself in my eyes, even as I am on the third book, but who knows what might come to pass from here to the end of the series. Overall, I'd give the book a 9/10 rating *~*~*~*~*~* Rises the Night, by Colleen Gleason Synopsis: The glorious nineteenth-century city of Rome gives rise to a new threat from the Immortal Undead... Victoria Gardella has been a vampire slayer for just over a year, balancing her life as a peer of Society with the dangerous role that takes her out on moonlit streets, stake in hand. As Victoria races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced, she is accompanied by the unlikely Sebastian Vioget, a man as tempting as he is untrustworthy. But when Victoria discovers that she has been betrayed by one of her most trusted allies, the truth will challenge all her powers as a Venator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anisia Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Thank you I have been enjoying it! And I am in the same predicament that you are--slightly--though for a different reason. My funds need to be given a bit of a break for now (unless I get lucky and get a bookstore gift card *crosses fingers*). Though that doesn't stop me from reading. I'll borrow books from friends, or download books online, or take out from libraries. I'm not at all picky (but I do prefer to own the books myself). I'm the same, I really prefer owning the books. But I also use the library ones too cause I like older looking books, I like the way the books look really read Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Wow! Those Colleen Gleason books look fantastic Andaira! I shall definately be adding those to my wishlist! (Oh dear I feel another book buying urge coming on ..... must resist.... ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 I'm the same, I really prefer owning the books. But I also use the library ones too cause I like older looking books, I like the way the books look really read That's also, in part, why I enjoy taking out books from the library. I adore to see the worn covers and slightly faded pages of some of the books. Also, I'll confess, I like how older books smell . I don't know what it is, but the scent of ink on paper, or parchment, is wonderful (though it applies to all books if I were to be totally honest). Wow! Those Colleen Gleason books look fantastic Andaira! I shall definately be adding those to my wishlist! (Oh dear I feel another book buying urge coming on ..... must resist.... ) Oh they are. They series has been marvelous thus far and I can't wait to read through the end of the third book today and move on to the fourth one. No no! Give in to the urge for book buying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 Latest book just finished being read by me... The Bleeding Dusk, by Colleen Gleason Synopsis: The undead of Rome are racing to unravel an ancient mystery – and only one woman can stop them... As Rome prepares for its Carnivale, the new leader of the city's vampire hunters – Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy – must prove herself as never before. For, to gain access to the secrets of a legendary alchemist, Rome's vampires have allied themselves with creatures as evil and bloodthirsty as they are. Reluctantly, Victoria must turn to the enigmatic Sebastian Vioget for help, just as Maximilian Pesaro arrives to assist his fellow slayers – no matter what the sacrifice. Desire puts her at the mercy of Sebastian, while loyalty binds her to Max, but can she trust either man? Especially when a seductive vampire begins luring her into the shadows... Review: While I wasn't as keen on this book as I was by the second on in the series, it was still a fantastic addition. I think that what I keep enjoying most is the development of the characters as the story unfolds, and in this case, it was Victoria's that I was most fond of. Thankfully that overbearing quality that she had adopted in Rises the Night seems to have slipped away (if for the moment at least), to give way for some more growth and maturity to the woman that she is becoming under the position and role being played by her in life. And shockingly enough--for I did not expect it--Sebastian has managed to actually redeem himself after all. I'm still not at all fond of him (or perhaps it's the fact that I do not hold dearly the close relationship that exists between and Victoria, as I find them not at all well matched), but one must give a character a chance now and again. It was quite enjoyable coming across all the new characters that introduced in this installation, and the fact that the book leaves off at an impasse, however (more so than the other books have) only adds to the desire to continue on with the rest of the series. Now to find out what comes to pass in When Twilight Burns... I give it a 9/10 rating Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispin Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 There's a good chance that books will be added, that I'll read books that are not even on this list yet, and that other alterations might be made. But as of now... TBR Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J.K. Rowling New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer Guilty Pleasures, by Laurell K. Hamilton The Laughing Corpse, by Laurell K. Hamilton Circus of the Damned, by Laurell K. Hamilton The Lunatic Cafe, by Laurell K. Hamilton Bloody Bones, by Laurell K. Hamilton The Killing Dance, by Laurell K. Hamilton Burnt Offerings, by Laurell K. Hamilton Blue Moon, by Laurell K. Hamilton Obsidian Butterfly, by Laurell K. Hamilton Narcissus in Chains, by Laurell K. Hamilton Cerulean Sins, by Laurell K. Hamilton Incubus Dreams, by Laurell K. Hamilton Micah, by Laurell K. Hamilton Danse Macabre, by Laurell K. Hamilton The Harlequin, by Laurell K. Hamilton Blood Noir, by Laurell K. Hamilton Bitten, by Kelley Armstrong Stolen, by Kelley Armstrong Dime Store Magic, by Kelley Armstrong Industrial Magic, by Kelley Armstrong Haunted, by Kelley Armstrong Broken, by Kelley Armstrong No Humans Involved, by Kelley Armstrong Les Mis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 Yea I remember how you warned me about those by LKH. But I can't start a series and not finish it so I suppose I'll have to sacrifice myself through the last of the books *g*. And you think so about Jason, eh? Well I guess we'll see. I tend to like the character that's most disliked by every other character Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispin Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 LOL. Well Jason isn't hated by most of the other characters. Jason just has his swagger. But the most hated hm? Then that would probably have to be Richard towards the end of the series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 Well we'll see. You know I'll be sure to comment on the books as I read them, since I always tend to do that. Though I still have the Meyer books, and Rowling's, before I get to LKH's . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 After finishing... When Twilight Burns, by Colleen Gleason Synopsis: Vampire hunter Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy "stakes the undead with the best of them"*. After narrowly escaping from Rome, she returns to London, where not even sunrise can stop a vampire's carnage... Ruining Victoria's homecoming, a vampire stalks the streets of London – during the daylight. Not only is Victoria unable to detect the vampire with her heightened senses, but she's being framed as the prime suspect behind the killings. Meanwhile, her heart is still divided between the enigmatic Sebastian Vioget and her fellow slayer Max Pesaro. The battle is made even more difficult by the legacy of a vampire's touch – a vampire who left in Victoria's veins boiling blood that forces her to fight evil on two fronts: against the new breed of undead threatening London, and against the darkness within herself. Review: On one hand, this may not seem as the best book in the series by far because it's not as 'action-packed' as the other three books currently out are. But, this is a catalyst as far as emotions and character developments go. The relationships between the characters, the way in which the story is heading--and will finally conclude in the fifth book (to be released on March 3rd, 2009)--is starting to be displayed, giving the reader a clear understanding of all aspects in the book(s). I thought the book seemed a tad rushed however--during certain chapters, especially the last ones--but nonetheless Colleen Gleason did a good job of wrapping things up as nicely as possible and preparing us for the final installment. Overall, this one receives a rating of 8.5/10 by me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Happy Reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Yeah happy reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andaira Posted February 3, 2009 Author Share Posted February 3, 2009 Why, thank you very much to you both! Happy readings they shall be indeed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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