~Weave's World Of Books 2010~

[Weave]

Good review Weave, it has made me want to read this.

 

Thanks Alison, its a lovely wee read

[ladymacbeth]

What age group is this book aimed at Weave. is it YA or an adult book? Ta.

[Weave]

What age group is this book aimed at Weave. is it YA or an adult book? Ta.

 

 

Hi ladymacbeth, how are you? Its an adult book

[Weave]

Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan ~ Started: 26.10.10 ~ Finished: 02.11.10

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Up in the house that sits on the hill, a strange spell is brewing...

 

To Meridia, growing up with her father Gabriel, who vanishes daily in clouds of mist, and her bewitching mother Ravenna, the outside world is a refuge. So when as a young woman her true love Daniel offers her marriage, it seems an escape to a more straightforward existence.

 

Yet behind the welcoming façade of her new home lies a life of drudgery and a story even stranger than that she left behind. Aged retainers lurk in the background; swarms of bees appear at will, and of course, there’s her indomitable mother-in-law, Eva, hiding secrets that it will take Meridia years to unravel. Surrounded by seemingly unfathomable mysteries, can Meridia unlock the intrigues of the past, and thus protect her own family’s future?

 

An epic tale of two families told by an unforgettable voice. A modern fable, a gothic page-turner, but most of all, a passionate story about the power of love to conquer all that comes its way.

 

'Of Bees and Mist' tells the story of Meridia, the lonely daughter of Ravenna and Gabriel. Meridia was conceived and born in love but sometime during Meridia's first year, Ravenna and Gabriel stopped loving each other and that is when everything change, their home of glass and steel surrounded by an ivory mist becomes a house full of mystery, magic, sadness, claustrophobic and scary where Meridia is left to the care of her nurse while her parents exist in their own bubbles, Ravenna cooks constantly and lives as Meridia calls it behind 'her veil of forgetfulness', whilst Gabriel hides in his study, to leave in the evening under the yellow mist which appears and returns in the morning under the blue mist which quickly disappears. Meridia's world is surrounded by lies, ghosts in the mirrors and parents who seem cold hearted. Meridia believes she has finally find happiness when she meets Daniel, who she eventually marries and for a time is happy but Meridia quickly finds out that Eva, Daniel's mother is a formidable character, she is mean, cruel, manipulative with two different faces and as the story progresses, Meridia suffers greatly due to Eva and her bees which come from Eva but Meridia is stronger that Daniel and Eva realise, Meridia starts to fight back.

 

I enjoyed 'Of Bees and Mist', it is individual and I loved how the story progressed and the characters are well written especially Meridia and Ravenna both very private women but are ultimately forces to be reckoned with. The story is not set in a specific place so it is opened to interpretation and you imagine this lovely place, which make the story special. This is Erick Setiawan's debut and I think he will be definitely be an author to watch out for and I am looking forward to his next book.

 

A different kind of read.

[Weave]

The Small Hand by Susan Hill ~ Started: 02.11.10 ~ Finished: 06.11.10

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Returning home from a visit to a client late one summer's evening, antiquarian bookseller Adam Snow takes a wrong turning and stumbles across the derelict old White House. Compelled by curiosity, he approaches the door, and, standing before the entrance feels the unmistakable sensation of a small hand creeping into his own, 'as if a child had taken hold of it'. Intrigued by the encounter, he determines to learn more, and discovers that the owner's grandson had drowned tragically many years before. At first unperturbed by the odd experience, Snow begins to be plagued by haunting dreams, panic attacks, and more frequent visits from the small hand which become increasingly threatening and sinister ...

 

'The Small Hand' is the story of Adam Snow, an antiquarian who on the way home from a client's house becomes lost and finds a house called 'The White House', the house is dilapidated as are the gardens surrounding the house, in the vain hope that someone lives in the house Adam explores the grounds looking for an occupant, instead he finds something ominous and frightening, he feels the presence of a small invisble hand holding his hand. As the story continues, this feelings occurs more and more and become more deadly as Adam feels he is being led to his death.

 

This is the second book I have read by Susan Hill, the first one being 'The Woman in Black' which I enjoyed immensely. 'The Small Hand' is just as good, there is a edge to Susan Hill's writing, you do not really know what to expect next, which I love in a book, a definite must read on a cold night in front of the fire.

 

[Ooshie]

The Small Hand looks a great read, Weave, thanks for that review. I have read four of Susan Hill's Simon Serrailler mysteries, and really enjoyed all of those; I would like to try one of her stand-alone novels, and that looks like a good one to start with

[Weave]

The Small Hand looks a great read, Weave, thanks for that review. I have read four of Susan Hill's Simon Serrailler mysteries, and really enjoyed all of those; I would like to try one of her stand-alone novels, and that looks like a good one to start with

 

Thanks Ooshie, I got 'The Small Hand' as part of alison's book ring ~ Here

[lexiepiper]

That sounds pretty creepy, would you say it is?

[Weave]

That sounds pretty creepy, would you say it is?

 

Hi Lexie, how are you? Oh I definitely found it creepy, just the idea of this small hand and nothing there to be seen.

[Peacefield]

The Small Hand does sound creepy, Weave! I've added it to my wishlist .

[Nollaig]

This sounds pretty good, and I had heard good things about the other novel you mentioned too, I must keep and eye out for her. Thanks for you awesome reviews as always, Weave, if I want a good opinion on a book I know I can always come here!

[Weave]

Thanks peacefield and Noll, thanks for your lovely comment

[ladymacbeth]

Hi Weave. You seem to enjoy the same genre of books as I do. I look through your list and don't know which to choose.

Any top picks for me?

[Amesy]

I've seen the Theatre adaptation of The Woman In Black 3 or 4 times now and I believe that is adapted from Susan Hill's book. The Small Hand certainly sound very interesting. Great review Weave.

[lopeanha]

The Snall Hand sounds pretty good and I put it on my wishlist. The cover is quite lovely, too.

[Weave]

Hi Weave. You seem to enjoy the same genre of books as I do. I look through your list and don't know which to choose.

Any top picks for me?

 

Thanks ladymacbeth, my top picks are ~

 

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (but you read 'Shiver' first)

Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada

 

 

The Snall Hand sounds pretty good and I put it on my wishlist. The cover is quite lovely, too.

 

I hope you get the chance to read it, there is book ring for the book by alison ~ Here

 

I've seen the Theatre adaptation of The Woman In Black 3 or 4 times now and I believe that is adapted from Susan Hill's book. The Small Hand certainly sound very interesting. Great review Weave.

 

Thanks Amesy, you are right, the theatre adaptation is adapted from the book by Susan Hill, I would love to see it at some point, what did you think?

[Amesy]

Thanks Amesy, you are right, the theatre adaptation is adapted from the book by Susan Hill, I would love to see it at some point, what did you think?

 

Truly outstanding. You'd never think that a theatre production could actually scare you as much as it does. I couldn't recomment it highly enough. especially as it's one of the cheaper shows in London as well.

[Weave]

Truly outstanding. You'd never think that a theatre production could actually scare you as much as it does. I couldn't recomment it highly enough. especially as it's one of the cheaper shows in London as well.

 

Good times, thanks Amsey

[Charm]

Great reviews Weave, as usual my friend! You've read some crackers this year and you were right of course, I adored 'Linger' So you think I would like Susan Hill's stuff? I was in two minds whether or not to join The Small Hand bookring, but then The Woman In Black sounds good too

[Weave]

Great reviews Weave, as usual my friend! You've read some crackers this year and you were right of course, I adored 'Linger' So you think I would like Susan Hill's stuff? I was in two minds whether or not to join The Small Hand bookring, but then The Woman In Black sounds good too

 

I think you would enjoy 'The Woman in Black' and 'The Small Hand', they are both creepy and full of atmosphere, great reading hen

[Weave]

Pleasure Unbound (A Demonica Novel ~ Book 1) by Larissa Ione ~ Started: 06.11.10 ~ Finished: 08.11.10

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

She's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

 

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul . . .

 

 

'Pleasure Unbound' is the first book in the Demonica series.

 

Pleasure Unbound is the story of Eidolon, a doctor who runs Underworld General along with his brothers, Shade and Wraith, the hospital was created to care for all supernatural beings like the brothers themselves, who are all demons. There is an ongoing battle between supernatural world and The Aeysis, human warriors who have dedicated themselves to protecting the world from evil but not all supernatural beings are evil as Tayla Mancuso, demon slayer and an member of The Aeysis finds out after she is wounded and taken to Underworld General and treated by Eidolon. Tayla finds herself questioning everything about her life and her past as she becomes more attracted to Eidolon, a man she has been taught to hate.

 

It was our very own Charm who kindly loaned me 'Pleasure Unbound' and the next two books in the series and I thank her for it (Thanks Charm!), if you like 'The Black Dagger Brotherhood' series or any supernatural series out there, you will enjoy 'Pleasure Unbound', its a fun read with a interesting story.

 

****

 

Desire Unchained (A Demonica Novel ~ Book 2 by Larissa Ione ~ Started: 08.11.10 ~ Finished: 09.11.10

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Shade is a demon with heart, but like his brothers he's harbouring a dark secret, one that brings him, and his lovers, to their knees. Runa succumbed to Shade's charms a year ago, and she thought he was the perfect guy - until she found him in bed with two other women. Runa shows up at Shade's apartment looking for him, and revenge, but finds herself kidnapped by Roag, Shade's enemy. In Roag's dungeon, Runa and Shade find themselves forever changed, and forever bonded as lifemates. As they make their escape and race to warn others about Roag's evil plans, Runa and Shade must find a way to save themselves before their destiny, and Roag's vengeance, destroys them all.

 

'Desire Unchained' is the second book in the Demonica series.

 

'Desire Unchained' is the story of Shade, a paramedic who along with his brothers, Eidolon (from 'Pleasure Unbound') and Wrath run Underworld General, a hospital created for the treatment of supernatural beings. Shade and his brothers (Wrath is also half vampire) are all Seminus demons and they all have their own power. Shade's power helps to heal people by being able to see into their body on a cellular level, he also unfortunately has a curse, he cannot fall in love with anyone, if he does, he will disappear into nothing, living as a shade, always hungry and thirsty but never able to sate them.

 

Shade avoids meaningful relationships at all costs, he indulges in brief affairs, one brief affair being with Runa, a woman he meets, begins to have feelings of and rather than face the curse, he hurts Runa cruelly but even though he may not want to admit to himself, he feels badly about and he also expects never to see Runa again, but he does see Runa again in the most unlikely of places, in a dungeon, both of the captives of someone from Shade's past, despite Runa's very clearly disgust towards Shade, they must work together to escape.

 

'Desire Unchained' was just as good as 'Pleasure Unbound', its a fun and interesting story with characters that you will care about, there are some similarities to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series but they are only small similarities, enjoy it for what it is, a fun read.

 

Passion Unleashed (A Demonica Novel ~ Book 3) by Larissa Ione ~ Started: 09.11.10 ~ Finished: 10.11.10

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Serena Kelley is an archaeologist and treasure hunter-and a woman with a secret. Since she was seven, she's been the keeper of a powerful charm that grants her health and immortality . . . as long as she stays a virgin. But Serena isn't all that innocent. And when a dangerously handsome stranger brings her to the brink of ecstasy, she wonders if she's finally met the one man she cannot resist.

 

Wraith is a Seminus demon with a death wish. But when an old enemy poisons him, he must find Serena and persuade her to give him the only known antidote in the universe-her charm. Yet, as she begins to surrender to his seductions and Wraith senses the cure is within his grasp, he realizes a horrible truth: He's falling for the woman whose life he must take in order to save his own.

 

'Passion Unleashed' is the third book in the Demonica series.

 

'Passion Unleashed' is the story of the youngest of the brothers, Wraith, who is half demon and half vampire (his mother was a vampire), he is also the most reckless of the brothers, there is nothing he enjoys more than fighting and the never ending pursuit of women, he helps at the hospital by requiring certain artefacts, some for medical use and some to be sold on the black market. Wraith also has issues from his past, specifically childhood with his mother who tortured him on a regular basis with has left him with a death wish. During one of his man fights, Wrath is poisoned and now the only person that can cure him is Serena Kelley, who has her own secrets.

 

'Passion Unleashed' was another fun in the series, you find out more about Wraith who up to this point has been an minor character, so 'Passion Unleashed' shows you another side to Wraith and how his character changes. They are definitely not books to take seriously or will in fact change your life but they do have a certain edge to them which makes for some good reading. Plus at the end there is a glossary of all the characters and a short story about Wraith, which is also good.

 

****

 

Edited November 13, 2010 by Weave

[Weave]

How do you manage to read a book in a short space of time.

 

I'm not working at the moment and I am not the best sleeper

 

Ecstasy Unveiled ((A Demonica Novel ~ Book 4) by Larissa Ione ~ Started: 10.11.10 ~ Finished: 13.11.10

 

 

Lore is a Seminus half-breed demon who has been forced to act as his dark master's assassin. Now to earn his freedom and save his sister's life, he must complete one last kill. Powerful and ruthless, he'll stop at nothing to carry out this deadly mission.

 

Idess is an earthbound angel with a wild side, sworn to protect the human Lore is targeting. She's determined to thwart her wickedly handsome adversary by any means necessary-even if that means risking her vow of eternal chastity. But what begins as a simple seduction soon turns into a passion that leaves both angel and demon craving complete surrender.

 

Torn between duty and desire, Lore and Idess must join forces as they battle their attraction for each other. Because an enemy from the past is rising again-one hellbent on vengeance and unthinkable destruction.

 

'Ecstasy Unveiled' is the fourth book in the Demonica series.

 

'Ecstasy Unveiled' is the story of Lore,a half breed Semimus demon who is also a assassin, his next target is a close friend of the brothers, Eidolon, Shade and Wraith (who are all full Seminus demons), Lore has the same desires as the brothers, he must do certain things to keep his demon side in check. Unknown to Lore, his next target is protected by an earthbound angel called Idess.

 

Idess and Lore both carry guilt from their pasts and now they have to help each to come to terms with their guilt.

 

I enjoyed 'Ecstasy Unveiled', the great thing about the Demonica series is that it is never boring, they are very entertaining.

[Peacefield]

Looks like some fun entertainment with a high steaminess factor, Weave! Excellent

 

 

[Weave]

Looks like some fun entertainment with a high steaminess factor, Weave! Excellent

 

Heck yeah!

[Charm]

So glad you enjoyed the demonica series Weave!! Nothing like a bit of pure escapism to perk up one's mojo