Charm Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 Evermore ~by~ Alyson Noel Synopsis Courtesy of Waterstone's: Seventeen-year-old Ever is the sole survivor of a car crash that killed her entire family. Living with her aunt in Southern California, she's plagued by the ability to hear the thoughts of those around her, and haunted by the ghost of her little sister. She tries to tune everyone out, shunning her old lifestyle as the pretty, popular cheerleader, but somehow she can't hide from Damen, the new guy at school. Stunningly handsome, clever and not a little bit intimidating, there's something about him that doesn't quite add up. Ever realises he's hiding something, but nothing could prepare her for the truth - especially when the truth involves past lives, murderous enemies, everlasting love and the secret of eternal youth. My thoughts: Ever is a popular girl who has it all, then it happens. She loses her parents and her sister in a car accident and not only did Ever survive, she survived with a talent. Now she can hear other's thoughts and is also visited on a regular basis by the ghost of her little sister. Then she meets Damen and things begin to change ... As a young adult read this book is great. The story moves along swiftly with plenty happening to keep you interested. There is a great mix of characters who each add to the story in their own way. I did find the ending a bit too convenient, but I'm intrigued to see where the author takes Ever's character in the next installment. 7/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephanie2008 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Great review Charm. I've never heard of that series before but it seems like something I would be interested in I love the young adult books because you don't have to think too deeply Sometimes easy reads are in order Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 I have been on that thought it was a bit cheesy really, wish they were real though if you had to chose which of the brothers? Oh god yeah, it's really cheesy! The books can be so corny in parts too, still can't help myself though I would be hard pushed to pick but I would think I'd go for Zadist, underneath all that menace there is definately a real softie I kinda like Rhevenge too, still no idea what exactly a sympath is though. How about you pickle? Who's your favourite? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 Great review Charm. I've never heard of that series before but it seems like something I would be interested in I love the young adult books because you don't have to think too deeply Sometimes easy reads are in order Thanks Steph Oh you would whizz through it! You're right too, easy reading, not too taxing, even Kookie read it in 2 days, she loved it and can't wait for the next Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 I liked Evermore as well, Charm, but it was nothing special but entertaining enough. I know you had Fallen on order, has it arrived yet? I read the two back to back, and preferred Fallen, so I can't wait to hear what you think of that one too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickle Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 We would be rivals for the same ones..hmmm you can but dream. You ever get the impression the author takes it all a little to seriously though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 I'm reading Fallen at the min Chesilbeach and tbh finding it a bit boring I believe it picks up about half way through, and I'm nearly at the half way point now, so fingers crossed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Evermore ~by~ Alyson Noel Synopsis Courtesy of Waterstone's: Seventeen-year-old Ever is the sole survivor of a car crash that killed her entire family. Living with her aunt in Southern California, she's plagued by the ability to hear the thoughts of those around her, and haunted by the ghost of her little sister. She tries to tune everyone out, shunning her old lifestyle as the pretty, popular cheerleader, but somehow she can't hide from Damen, the new guy at school. Stunningly handsome, clever and not a little bit intimidating, there's something about him that doesn't quite add up. Ever realises he's hiding something, but nothing could prepare her for the truth - especially when the truth involves past lives, murderous enemies, everlasting love and the secret of eternal youth. My thoughts: Ever is a popular girl who has it all, then it happens. She loses her parents and her sister in a car accident and not only did Ever survive, she survived with a talent. Now she can hear other's thoughts and is also visited on a regular basis by the ghost of her little sister. Then she meets Damen and things begin to change ... As a young adult read this book is great. The story moves along swiftly with plenty happening to keep you interested. There is a great mix of characters who each add to the story in their own way. I did find the ending a bit too convenient, but I'm intrigued to see where the author takes Ever's character in the next installment. 7/10 Great review Charm, well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 We would be rivals for the same ones..hmmm you can but dream. You ever get the impression the author takes it all a little to seriously though? Definately! I think she thinks they're real. You never know, maybe they are and it's our cynisism (sp?) that she's banking on to keep the secret! Rivals eh? We both have good taste! Great review Charm, well done Thanks Weave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fi. Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Have you been on the J R Ward website? There are interviews with each of the brothers along with snippets of their daily life! Incredible, I love it! My best friend bought me the BDB handbook for Christmas 2008 Well worth reading if you can find a copy cheap, not sure how much it is now. I'm also a member of the forum they have going, some great conversations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 (edited) Black Dagger Brotherhood Series. I thought I would do my thoughts on these books as a whole series as each book concentrates on one character out of the whole cast. I’ll start with listing the books in order with a synopsis of each courtesy of Waterstone's. Dark Lover ~ Book 1 (I have already written my thoughts on this book earlier in this thread) In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There also exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Among them, none relishes killing their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...The only pure-bred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed - orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate - Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead...Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn't there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both... Lover Eternal ~ Book 2 Possessed by a deadly beast, Rhage is the most dangerous of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover - for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships, is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant on Rhage's protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. Her faith in miracles was lost years ago. But when Rhage's intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves. Lover Awakened ~ Book 3 Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion - until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society. Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist's thirst for vengeance against Bella's tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her. Lover Revealed ~ Book 4 Now, an ally of the Black Dagger Brotherhood will face the challenge of his life and the evil of the ages. Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard living, ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world - to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, found by a miracle, the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him... Lover Unbound ~ Book 5 Dr Jane Whitcomb, leader of a cardiac trauma team, is about to leave the medical centre for the night when an emergency is brought in - a man with a gunshot wound to the heart. As she examines him, however, she begins to suspect that her dangerously sexy new patient is not entirely human.One night, while he's still in recovery, this tattooed stranger reaches out to her. He seems soothed by her presence. And she is oddly captivated by his.She will soon learn that he is Vishous - V for short - the smartest vampire in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. But his tortured past has left him avoiding intimacy. It is against V's nature to let anyone see his vulnerable side. Except Jane. He has the oddest sense that she understands. Lover Enshrined ~ Book 6 Phury, Zsadist's twin brother and a vampire in the Black Dagger Brotherhood, makes the ultimate sacrifice and stands in for a fellow brother to become the chosen - one who will save the brotherhood's bloodlines. Tormented by the love he has for his twin's mate, he devotes his passion to the higher good of his race and forbids himself from being distracted by a romantic relationship. The war with the Lessening society is graver than ever, and the brothers need the few warriors they have to fight. Phury is resigned never to divert himself with love or put his brothers in jeopardy, until he comes face to face with the only woman who can tempt his heart and make him question his chosen destiny... Lover Avenged ~ Book 7 Rehvenge, as a half-breed symphath, is used to living in the shadows and hiding his true identity. As a club owner and a dealer on the black market, he's also used to handling the roughest nightwalkers around - including the members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. He's kept his distance from the Brotherhood as his dark secret could make things complicated on both sides - but now, as head of the vampire aristocracy, he's an ally that Wrath, the Blind King, desperately needs. Rehv's secret is about to get out, though, which will land him in the hands of his deadly enemies- and test the mettle of his female, turning her from a civilian into a vigilante... Lover Mine ~ Book 8 (Not yet released) My thoughts: The Black Dagger Brotherhood is an elite group of vampires whose purpose in life is to protect the vampire race. Wrath is the only living pure bred vampire and also the vampire king who answers only to the Scribe Virgin, a kind of God. He’s also the leader of the brotherhood and is charged with keeping them in check and issuing commands. The brotherhood is built upon honour and tradition, along side fighting. Their history goes back hundreds of years and only vampire males who prove their worth, both morally and through combat, are bestowed the honour of becoming a black dagger warrior. At present there are only a handful of black dagger brothers left and each book in this series concentrates on each one. Their histories are told and how they came to be in the brotherhood, often covering details of their tortured pasts and revealing deep dark secrets which explain their menacing demeanours. We get to see them all come to terms with and deal with their inner demons, spurred on by meeting their perfect mate of course. Let’s not beat about the bush here, these books are choc a bloc with sex, full of it and extremely graphic at that! If you are in any way put off by sexual scenes, then these books are definitely not for you. All this soul searching and mating takes place while continuing with the ever present storyline of the fight against lessers, an inhuman race, made to kill and destroy all vampires. Sometimes the sexual nature of the books can dominate and obscure this fight and in fact one of the earlier books seems to get completely taken over by the brother in question’s personal story, but as the series progresses, the war with the lessers escalates making some of the later books my favourites. I loved these books. They’re not particularly well written and in fact can be quite cheesy and corny in parts, but for some reason I still loved them . I ventured on to the author’s website where she holds interviews with each brother as if they are real and it is all a huge secret, which she has been granted special permission to report on! Fantastic! I got really caught up in this series, although I can see it not being to everyone’s taste. I’m gonna give the whole series a collective 9/10. The point is dropped purely because they can get a bit corny at times. Edited February 13, 2010 by Charm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 My best friend bought me the BDB handbook for Christmas 2008 Well worth reading if you can find a copy cheap, not sure how much it is now. I'm also a member of the forum they have going, some great conversations Oh I'm so jealous, I want one! I was so tempted to go on to the forum too, might just do that now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fi. Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Go for it So come on, spill the beans! Who is your favourite Black Dagger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 14, 2010 Author Share Posted February 14, 2010 Go for it So come on, spill the beans! Who is your favourite Black Dagger? I did already on the last page! It would probably have to be Zadist for me, I don't like men to be flawless and love the way he seethes Closely followed by Rhevenge I think, or Rhage, although Rhage can be a bit too perfect. What about you then? eh? Spill! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 15, 2010 Author Share Posted February 15, 2010 The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde ~by~ Robert L Stevenson Synopsis Courtesy of Waterstone's: Everyone has a dark side. Dr Jekyll has discovered the ultimate drug. A chemical that can turn him into something else. Suddenly, he can unleash his deepest cruelties in the guise of the sinister Hyde. Transforming himself at will, he roams the streets of fog-bound London as his monstrous alter-ego. It seems he is master of his fate. It seems he is in complete control. But soon he will discover that his double life comes at a hideous price ... My thoughts: Dr Jekyll has been experimenting in his lab until he has found the ultimate potion that can release his darker side, absolutely transforming himself into an unrecognisable alter ego. Unfortunately his alter ego goes that one step too far and Dr Jekyll begins to wonder which of his egos exactly is in control ... This book totally surprised me. I had seen several adaptions over the years but after having read this I realise that they are just interpretations of the story without actually sticking acurately to the plot. It definately wasn't as gruesome as I had imagined, I guess I was thinking more of a Jack The Ripper type tale with lots of gory murders, rather than the creepy psychological thriller it was. I didn't particularly like or dislike any of the few characters, although I would have liked to have read more from Dr Jekyll's point of view. It is a short read, but there was still enough happening within the story to keep me interested. If you are interested in this tale at all, I would definately recommend you read it, at least to get the actual story and not be misled by some of the adaptations. I haven't seen one yet which sticks to the book, maybe I haven't watched enough. 7/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Great review Charm, I enjoyed reading it, have you read Mary Reilly by Valerie Martin, its the Jekyll and Hyde story from the point of view of Mary, one of the domestic staff, its an interesting story Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Great review Charm, I enjoyed reading it, have you read Mary Reilly by Valerie Martin, its the Jekyll and Hyde story from the point of view of Mary, one of the domestic staff, its an interesting story Ooo that sounds good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 16, 2010 Author Share Posted February 16, 2010 Great review Charm, I enjoyed reading it, have you read Mary Reilly by Valerie Martin, its the Jekyll and Hyde story from the point of view of Mary, one of the domestic staff, its an interesting story Thanks Weave I haven't read Mary Reilly, no, but it does sound good. Wasn't there a film about her with Julia Roberts starring? Or am I totally off the mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissy Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 I haven't read Mary Reilly, no, but it does sound good. Wasn't there a film about her with Julia Roberts starring? Or am I totally off the mark Thank You! As soon as I saw the name Mary Reilly I had an image of Julia Roberts in appear in my head! I couldn't figure out why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 16, 2010 Author Share Posted February 16, 2010 Fallen ~by~ Lauren Kate Synopsis Courtesy of Waterstone's: What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours? 17-year-old Lucinda falls in love with a gorgeous, intelligent boy, Daniel, at her new school, the grim, foreboding Sword & Cross ...only to find out that Daniel is a fallen angel, and that they have spent lifetimes finding and losing one another as good & evil forces plot to keep them apart. Some angels are destined to fall. My Thoughts: The synopsis given for this book gives way too much away I fear, but it is essentially what the book is about. However, none of this really comes into play until about 2 thirds of the way through the book. The first 2 thirds basically covers Lucinda settling into her new school and getting to know her new class mates. As for Daniel, a lot of it is speculation on her part with her 'knowing' something but not quite being able to put her finger on it. I found this very frustrating, it made the story drag for me. The plot ambled along, then suddenly took off for the last third of the book, with a pretty dramatic ending which then left a lot of unanswered questions. Is Lucinda going to die all over again? Was it her fault that Trevor died? Are Cam and Daniel just going to keep fighting over her and what does Cam want with her, does he love her? Shouldn't she get baptised to protect her soul? It appears to be the beginning of a series and I have to say I will be buying the next, (I know that seems like a contradiction to my view ) simply because this installment left me frustrated wanting to know more about the background story and if it is resolved now. I feel it was a pity that so much of the beginning of the book seemed to be unnecessary and therefore a waste, but it did end up being rather action filled at the end. Not a bad young adult read, it would pass a few hours, but I've read better. 6/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Thanks Weave I haven't read Mary Reilly, no, but it does sound good. Wasn't there a film about her with Julia Roberts starring? Or am I totally off the mark Yeah it was Julia Roberts & John Malkovich (as Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde), I have never seen it, I have the book somewhere, you are very welcome to it, as soon as I find it, I will let you know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 16, 2010 Author Share Posted February 16, 2010 Thank You! As soon as I saw the name Mary Reilly I had an image of Julia Roberts in appear in my head! I couldn't figure out why. Happy to be of service! *bows down low* nice to know I sounded like I knew what I was talking about for a change! Yeah it was Julia Roberts & John Malkovich (as Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde), I have never seen it, I have the book somewhere, you are very welcome to it, as soon as I find it, I will let you know Cool! Thanks While I've got you here, would you be ready to start The Heretic's Daughter by any chance? I'm so undecided what to read next and this just keeps calling me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Happy to be of service! *bows down low* nice to know I sounded like I knew what I was talking about for a change! Cool! Thanks While I've got you here, would you be ready to start The Heretic's Daughter by any chance? I'm so undecided what to read next and this just keeps calling me I will start it right after my current read, I will catch up with you hen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted February 16, 2010 Author Share Posted February 16, 2010 I will start it right after my current read, I will catch up with you hen Excellent! Take your time, you read way faster than me anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catwoman Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Fallen is a book I have seen around. I was really tempted to buy it in boarder but was double the price of the one I bought (Vampire Kisses) I think it will pick it up at some point especially as it seems like it is the beginning of a series. Thanks Charm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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