[Review] The Eternity Cure

(© goodreads)

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‘The Eternity Cure’
by
Julie Kagawa

Blood of Eden # 2

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Synopsis:
In Allison Sekemoto’s world, there is one one rule left: Blood Calls to blood.
Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire, Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie’s birthplace in New Covington, what she finds there will the change the world forever – and possibly end human and vampire existence.
There’s a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago – deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries. If Allie can get to him in time…..  (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I’m just speechless and that doesn’t happen very often
But after the end I don’t know whether I should be glad about the hopefully soon released next part or should cry because we don’t know what is going to happen next…

However, better I start right with the beginning:
Some months after Allie’s and Zeke’s ways have separated at Eden, she is still following the psycho-vamp Sarren, who has Kanin in his catches and torments and massacres him over and over again – Allie can feel this, because of her blood connection with Kanin. But instead of him, Allie hits in further results other old friends. At first by some of them, I immediately would have liked to turn around again and by others I’ve been enormously glad!! ♥
But about that I’m going to write more of it, further down.

Now to the writing style of Kagawa, which I find simply brilliant, admirable and desirable. Though she sometimes stretches her descriptions a little, but she makes the surroundings-descriptions so special and fantastic that it don’t disturbs me and so I’m just even more enthusiastic about it – whether it is about a fantastic fairy kingdom or like here about a cruel, somber area in tunnels or in wastelands, in which hope stands shortly before the end. *great*

Without any problems Kagawa also could create characters which got me, carried me away and with which, I simply fell in love with and I constantly worried about them. Even with Jackal I had this feeling, although I only wanted to strangle him at the beginning – but he could persuade me with his cheeky, unabashed behavior and change my opinion about him. (To tell the truth, he reminds me a little of Grimalkin from the Iron Fey series ^^)
But also Kanin was one of my favorites – and now that where I’m okay with the idea, that there will be no romantic incident with him – I’m glad about his fatherly behavior and for me he is a little like a grumpy bear, on which you also can lean on or is able to give you a good advice.

Now to the two main characters: Allie was just great once again and totally great. I like her even more than back then Meghan in the Iron Fey series, because she sorts things out and doesn’t hesitate long, doesn’t whine and in addition, she still has feelings and tries to hang on to her humanity. Alas, she is awesome and we could use more such female main characters in books.

And ZEKE – what I should say more about Ezekiel than that I’m absolutely in love with him! ♥ Although, in the first book I already liked him, but there he was sometimes too blue-eyed for me and was too nice for this sad, dreary world, which he lived it. BUT now he has grown up and has become more masculine and a fighter. That sounds stupid, but it is like that! Moreover I buy everything from him and he is in the right mood, he is still sensitive, sweet and caring, like in the first part. He virtually had a tuning, which made him a lot better and yeah – now, I’m in love! xD

So – and now to the end – which has totally got me down and made me cry like a little baby! Therefore, now I would like to address only those, who have already read the book – because I would like to know your opinion on this subject and what you think, how it goes on now in the third part … because on the internet I can’t find any info about when part three is going to be published or how it will be titled, never mind a synopsis! *whine*

So from here -> SPOILER!!!

I saw it coming when Allie has said goodbye in the evening to Zeke, especiallay because she saw Stick lurking around in the shadows … this was just soo evident! And then when Zeke was really gone and we hear the tortures and the screams – oh god, I’ve cried like a baby and also yet, when I think back of it, it’s killing me. It was really very hard and sad and I felt so sorry for Allie. :’-(

Now to my questions: What do you think after this prologue – do you think he has also become a vampire? Which I liked, to be honest – or do you think, Sarren just let Zeke live as a human? But this would be too easy for me! Moreover, then he could be together with Allie – be together for a long time, because they both would be immortal. Of course he didn’t wanted this, and hence, I think, the third part will be focused on the fact that Allie has to find her humanity again and Zeke has to master his existence as a vampire and to try not to perish – and yeah, they also have to find a cure against rabidsm and to kill Sarren – this psycho-asshole. Okay, do you think my opinion is right or is my supposition totally wrong? What do you wish for in the last part?

Cover:
Once again it fits perfectly to Allie, but I liked the cover from the first part a track better.

All in all:
An emotional rollercoaster, which though gets starting a little slowly, but then takes up such a rapidly drive and doesn’t stop up till to the end, until you are breathless when you read the last page. *wow*

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points (soo aswesome!)
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Quotes:  (Between Allie and Zeke)

Allie: “Promise me you’ll keep fighting, for as long as it takes. We’re not dead yet.”
Zeke gave me the smallest of grins. “Technically, you are.”

Zeke: “You haven’t changed. You’re still beautiful and dangerous and incredible. and I’ll keep telling you that for as long as is takes you to believe it. But right now, all I want to do is kiss you, except I’m terrified that if I try you might throw me off this balcony.”

Zeke drew back, looking a little dazed. Gazing down at me, he gave a wry smile, licking his lips. “That… didn’t have anything to do with him over there, did it?” he asked, sounding suspiciously amused, and a little breathless. I bit my lip.
“Does that bother you?”
“If it involves kissing you? Please, use me to prove a point anytime.”

His hand framed my cheek, brushing my skin. “No one who fights so hard to do the right thing is evil.”

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Succession:

# 1: Julie Kagawa – The Immortal Rules »»
# 2: Julie Kagawa – The Eternity Cure »»
# 3: Julie Kagawa – Untitled

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Julie Kagawa:
Julie Kagawa was born in Sacramento, California. To pay the rent, Julie worked in different bookstores over the years, but discovered the managers frowned upon her reading the books she was supposed to be shelving. Then she worked as a professional dogtrainer for several years, until her first book sold and she stopped training to write full-time.
Julie now lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She lives with her husband, two obnoxious cats, one Australian Shepherd who is too smart for his own good, and the latest addition, a hyper-active Papillon puppy.
(Source: juliekagawa.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[Snapshot] Notes from Ghost Town (engl)

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Snapshots are short- reviews, to give you a little insight of my opinion of some books.

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‘Notes from Ghost Town’
by Kate Ellison

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(© goodreads)

Synopsis:
They say first love never dies…
From critically acclaimed author Kate Ellison comes a heartbreaking mystery of mental illness, unspoken love, and murder. When sixteen-year-old artist Olivia Tithe is visited by the ghost of her first love, Lucas Stern, it’s only through scattered images and notes left behind that she can unravel the mystery of his death. There’s a catch: Olivia has gone colorblind, and there’s a good chance she’s losing her mind completely—just like her mother did. How else to explain seeing (and falling in love all over again with) someone who isn’t really there? With the murder trial looming just nine days away, Olivia must follow her heart to the truth, no matter how painful. It’s the only way she can save herself.
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My opinion:
I don’t know where I should start. In this book there were shed many tears, not only by the protagonist, but also by me while reading it. It begins immediately there – as it is described in the synopsis – with the death of Stern, who I immediately took to my heart at the first encounter, and with every other appearance of him, I fall more and more in love with him, but always with the knowledge that he’s damn dead and just a ghost…

Of course the book wasn’t only about the processing of the grief or about the releasing of Stern, to let him go – the BFF of Liv and almost boyfriend. No, because Liv’s schizophrenic mother is accused of the murder and the negotiations stand in a queue within the next seven days.
Seven days, in which together with Stern, Liv tries to find the true murderer of Stern also the reason for it. Hence, it is really very exciting and criminological and what I’ve liked was that I also could guess who the murderer was or not. And I must admit that up to three quarters of the book I had no clue. Hence, this guessing game and dissolving of the mysterious occurrences was made really well and has tied me up throughout the whole book.

And adding to this whole criminological background, there are of course the whole big feelings and emotions, which Liv has to go through. Not only the heartbreaking ‘letting go’ of Stern, but also the strength to stand to her mother, to fight for her, even if others put themselves in Liv’s way and make it harder for her and, also at the same time, to find the courage to let herself fall into a new love.

I’ve liked Liv really very much and she was a tough character and she was very likeable to me right from the beginning, during the prologue and before destiny let her life fall apart. Though she was almost already too strong for her sixteen years, but I prefer this much more than these irritating, naive girlies. Moreover Liv was also emotionally cold, especially at the beginning and reserved to the others, except towards her stepsisters, but after what has happened to her, it’s just logical and understandable.

And now to Stern … Man, how can an author create such a great, charming, amusing, gifted and hot guy, just to let him die in the beginning – to let him be a ghost? Still, when I think back to the book, tears fill my eyes always when I think of him, of Liv’s longing for him and also of mine. That was really painful!
But I also found Austin quite okay, even if for a long time it wasn’t clear, which role/ game he played. Nevertheless, he had a mistake … namely -> he just wasn’t Stern.

Though I haven’t liked the writing manner of the author by hundred percent and here and there I also had difficulties with her English, but nevertheless she could conjure a great atmosphere here and therefore I’m sure, that I’ll read a book of her again sometime.

Even if some other readers think that the end was too corny in a way or too rose-colored, for me it was great and I was totally happy with it and have no problem with how it has ended. But I’m a happy-end-fan, as you know, and therefore it was exactly my taste and I hope, if some of you decide to the read this book too, that you all will feel like that as well. Therefore I like to recommend it and I wish you all a lot of fun with the book! But before you start reading, procure a big pack of handkerchiefs for it!

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Quotes:

Liv: ‘When her fingers glide across the keys and what results is the kind of music that makes you stop where you are and notice every beautiful thing around you. His fingers can do this, too.’

Liv: ‘… Before we knew that we were not permanent, and that a good, easy life is not something the universe is contractually obligated to grand you.’

Liv: ‘… And I ace, as much as I have since the day Stern and I kissed, for a person beside me who understands exactly what I need without me ever having to say it.  Even if the world stays gray forever, I just don’t think it would be so bad if I knew I could have Stern, permanent, solid, for real.’

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

© netgalley.com

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[Snapshot] Dearly Beloved (eng.)

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Snapshots are short- reviews of my already read books, which sould give a litte insight of how I liked the books, if I think it’s worth reading and for which taste it would fit..

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‘Dearly, Beloved’  by Lia Habel.

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(© goodreads)

My opinion:
I‘ve really tried to like this book, more than part one, with which I already had my problems, but again it hasn‘t worked. If I had to use two words to describe it, I can only say ‚too long‘ or ‚boring’. Honestly, you just have to read the synopsis of the book to recognize that here is somebody, who has immense problems to be brief – and it’s like this in the whole book. I‘ve read more than 500!! pages, with a slow, tough course, which could also be written in 250-300 pages, and everybody would have been happier with it.

The plot ran incredibly slow without building up a great tension and it was a too much unnecessary gossip in between. As annoying was also the fact, that again with every chapter the narrator view changed from one character to the other. Of course this happened primarily between Nora and Bram, the main characters of the story, but nevertheless, many others figures also got a chance to speak, like the best friend Pamela, or also they ‚bad persons’ in the story, what I found absolutely unnecessary, because it didn’t interested me what they thought or felt. For me it’s enough to get a summary at the end, where I can read why they have done this or that.
Furthermore at the beginning were too many info and characters, so that it was hard to picture every character or to classify them properly.

In the second part, it was positive, that I’ve better got along with Pamela, because she appeared more realistic and authentic and also in spite of her big problems to handle all the things with the zombies, she didn’t duck her head, but instead admitted her weakness. But not in an annoying way, but it felt real, as one could imagine react, in such a situation. Hence her chapters were almost my favorite ones and I found her development with this Lord very interesting and this is also the reason, that I wanted to read on – and that I’ve got the second book on netgalley
Here I was also more thrilled by Nora than in the first book, though I found her sometimes a little too outstanding and too fearless, but then I also liked her cheeky, independent behavior. Whether her character fits in this described background of the story or not, because on the other side everything in the story is presented very strict and prude.

Moreover, I find it – sorry to all fans – disgusting, how Nora could make out with Bram. I mean, this guy is a zombie! Okay, sure – he is one of the zombies, who haven’t rotted yet in a strong way, like the others, and he also still looks rather nice …, however, but he’s still a zombie, damn! He has scars, his body is already patched up several times and he virtually rots away during the story … and Nora smooches with him! *gag*  – Here for example an extract from the story – this just doesn’t work for me at all!:

His lips found my brow, the sensation instantly identifiable due to the bit of thread that stitched his broken lower lip together. I loved his every scar.

After the second part I’ve decided to break up this series. But because I’m still a little curious what will become of the zombies (–I count on a healing, so that Bram don’t has to die), and I would like to know how the relationship of Pamela and this Lord develops in the next book. Therefore I simply plan to read the reviews from the last book. But not more, that’s really enough. .

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Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

© netgalley.com

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[Review] Air

(© goodreads)

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‘Air‘ by
Terra Harmony

The Akasha Serie # 2

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Synopsis:
She carries more than just elemental powers. In ‘Air’, the sequel to ‘Water’ of the Akasha Series, Kaitlyn has a secret. One she won’t be able to hide much longer. As the strongest Gaia the planet has ever seen, she must face mankind’s greatest enemy as he campaigns for ‘One Less: Depopulation’. Everything depends on Kaitlyn fully embracing her role as Gaia. Her family. The Seven. The Earth. Something has to give, and it won’t be Kaitlyn.
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
After the great first part which could persuades and inspire me completely, I just had to read the next part. And I’ve been glad about the continuation, because there was a little cliffhanger at the end of the book ‘Water’. When I finally get my hands on ‘Air’ to start reading the book, I was a little disappointed, because it was different than I had expected.

To one side the plot starts some time after the events from part 1, but without much of important thing happened in the world or with the characters. What I find extremely odd, if one remember which relation Kaitlyn and Micah had almost at the end, before the thing with Shawn happened, and that Micah has saved her afterwards.
After that you think that they would talk about it afterwards, or not? But Kaitlyn didn’t and she still couldn’t tell him or the others, that she is pregnant. And funnily enough she holds particularly to Micah an emotional, as well as a physical distance, which was never so big, as in this time.

Also Micah reveals only too little about him or he didn’t makes obvious steps toward Kaitlyn, what I found a great pity. And then suddenly there came the big revelation and from one second to the other, there also came the big, inexplicable turn in their love relationship; when the action all around Shawn and his bad underground organization tapers to a point and the quick and above all complete turnabout of the relationship of Micah and Kaitlyn takes place, which was for me too quickly and also a little illogical.
For weeks there was no real conversation between the two main characters and suddenly Micah is a completely other person and devote all love to Kaitlyn, with all consequences and relations. And what is Kaitlyn doing? Of course not the right thing! And this happens not only in this situation, but also throughout the whole book and particularly at the end, I wanted to punch or shake her so long till she comes to her senses again. Unfortunately a reader can’t intervene in the events of books and thus I was left watching her decisions silently and despairing.

Of course in this part there aren’t only bad things between Micah and Kaitlyn, but there were also really some good, very romantic and crackling scenes of them, which could also score with eroticism. But nevertheless, I’ve not liked the end at all. I almost wanted to start crying or scream or smash something – which on the other side, however show here, that I was completely taken by the characters and that I’ve felt and suffered with them. And that characters not always act like we readers wishes for, is natural, because people also often don’t act like they should. Therefore you could say that the characters and the plot course were realistic and authentic; with people, which make mistakes, act illogically or aren’t perfect and learn from it – hopefully!

What has disturbed me also, beside these points, was the fact that the middle section was to be read a little tenaciously. For me the part with Alex was too extended and drown-out, and in overall the second part couldn’t hold the same tension and speed, like ‘Water’.

As I’ve already mentioned, I’m not happy with the end of the second book at all, and the only bright spot is, that I hope and know, that the author will give us a positive and reasonable end after the fourth part – so, at least we still have two more books, for which we can looking forward to and I really hope sooo much, that after all the up and downs, we’ll get our deserved happy-ending!

Cover:
The cover is again just beautiful and is limited on what is important in the book and what it is about – the element and the ability of handling it.

All in all:
A must-read for all fans of fantasy books which deal with the strength of the elements and which have already read book 1 – it goes on interesting and we still can be glad about two more parts, which will bring us more tension and sizzle.

Rating:
3 of 5 points (I liked it)

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Succession:

# 1: Terra Harmony – Water »»
# 2: Terra Harmony – Air »»
# 3: Terra Harmony – Fire
# 4: Terra Harmony – Earth

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Terra Harmony:
Terra is a debut author, and currently has her first full length novel, ‘Water’, published. Water is a contemporary eco-fantasy and the first book of a four book series called ‘The Akasha Series’. The next book, ‘Air’ will be released mid-February in 2012.
Terra also has a vampire short story anthology. The first two books of ‘The Kindred Curse Anthology’, ‘Gleaming White’ and ‘Streaks of Red’ are self-published as e-books. Three more short stories will follow to complete the anthology. Terra was born and raised in Colorado but has since lived in California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina and Virginia. Terra has served a 5½ year enlistment in the Marine Corp, has earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree and presently runs the language services division of a small business.
Terra currently lives in a suburb of Washington, DC with her husband of 13 years and three children. (Source: Goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[Review] Shadow and Bone

English Cover

German Cover

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‘Shadow and Bone’
by Leigh Bardugo

The Grischa # 1...

Synopsis:
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart? (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I don’t know where I should start – I found the book absolutely beautiful and incredible and was completely surprised by this ingenious, wondrous world, which Bardugo has created here. It’s of full miracles, mythical beings and fantastic magic!

This is also reflecting in the manner of writing of the author, who uses a wonderful, gorgeous language, which at the same time isn’t too overload, but which feels like a light snowflake, and it’s like one of this writing styles which usually appears in fairy tales and which kidnaps the reader just in such a story.

I don’t want to tell much about the plot, because otherwise something in tension gets lost, but so much can be said: it happens a lot in it! In principle there is a constant ‘up-and down’, and there also happens things, which I couldn’t foresee by myself and hence, I’ve found very great!
For me Bardugo has created with this story something independent and completely new, which I would like to see as a movie with great pleasure and I’m already looking forward desperately to the other parts. (I just read a few days ago, that the movie rights are already sold – so we can be happy, there is going to be a movie!)

Also the characters could inspire me and I found Alina’s behavior, as well as her feelings on the relevant circumstances, authentically, understandable and I would have quite often reacted the same way or I would have had the wish as she – to belong to others. Who wouldn’t?
Moreover, it was interesting how Bardugo has created the figures Mal and the Darkling – really fantastic, inscrutable and suspenseful.

The end could satisfy me, after a small dropout and shock, and allowed me to finish the first book positively and also leaves me behind waiting tensely for the next part.

German Cover:
It’s really a felicitous cover, and as well as the story, with an own, unique charm. *splendid*

All in all:
I quickly got pulled into the story, into the characters, Grischas and the magic of this world and then I couldn’t free myself anymore from it. Great first part of a magnificent new series and I already wait anxious for the next book!
The 0.5-points deduction is there because I feel that, nevertheless, it’s still enough space upwards and because in the book were also short passages, which were a little bit long-winded.

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points – (soo awesome!)

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

© Bittersweet  &

© Carlsen Verlag

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Quote:

Darkling: “How did you fare with the Queen?”
Alina: “I have no idea. Everything she said was perfectly nice, but the whole time she was looking at me as if I were something her dog spit up.”

Mal: “I missed you every hour. And you know what the worst part was? It caught me completely by surprise. I’d catch myself just walking around to find you, not for any reason, just out of habit, because I’d seen something that I wanted to tell you about or because I wanted to hear your voice. And then I’d realize that you weren’t there anymore, and every time, every single time, it was like having the wind knocked out of me. I’ve risked my life for you. I’ve walked half the length of Ravka for you, and I’d do it again and again and again just to be with you, just to starve with you and freeze with you and hear you complain about hard cheese every day. So don’t tell me why we don’t belong together.”

.Succession:

#0,5: Leigh Bardugo – The Witch of Duva (Short Story)
# 1:     Leigh Bardugo – Shadow and Bone »»
# 2:     Leigh Bardugo – Siege ans Storm
# 3:     Leigh Bardugo – Ruin and Rising
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(© goodreads)

About the author – Leigh Bardugo:
Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, raised in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University. These days, she hides out in Hollywood and indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls, and costuming in her other life as makeup artist L.B. Benson.
Her debut novel, Shadow & Bone (Holt Children’s/Macmillan) is now a New York Times Best Seller. (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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© Indigo Fierce Fiction

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Review: A Clash of Kings

English Cover

German Cover 2.2

German Cover 2.1

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‘A Clash of Kings‘
by George R. R. Martin

A Song of Ice and Fire # 2
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Synopsis:
A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. Two great leaders—Lord Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon—who hold sway over an age of enforced peace are dead, victims of royal treachery. Now, from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war. It is a tale in which brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside. Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory may go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel…and the coldest hearts. For when kings clash, the whole land trembles.    (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
‚Epical‘– that’s probably the word, which describes best the entire book and the story behind it, with all his unbelievable facets and heroic characters.

It happened so much in this book, that I don’t know at all where I should start!
The best would be to begin with the writing style of Martin, which is, as well as in the other books, to be read well and fast. He doesn’t exaggerate it with his descriptions, although everything is decorated nicely and vividly and a movie is running off before the inner eye. Unfortunately he talks sometimes a little bit too much and too exactly about all the family-stories of the single clan and their origin and their background stories – though not so exaggerated as Tolkien with Frodo’s related ones -  however, it quite scratches on the border and this is partially also unnecessary in my eyes and too exactly for my taste.

Otherwise there isn’t much which I could criticize. It was a constant up-and down for the characters in the books and I couldn’t really decide from which character I wanted to read more. Everybody has suffered many strokes of fate and the main characters came in this book only from a misfortune to the next and most times I’ve often been worried with them and have hoped for them that they don’t die. Since the end from ‘Game of Thrones #1’ we know that Martin doesn’t hesitate for long to kill and let also main characters die. Which I think is very extreme, because one never knows whether it goes well or an important character dies again, though on the other side, at the same time there’s more tension and thrill, just because one doesn’t know whether a favorite character comes out again healthy from an emergency or not.

My favorites in the books are still Jon Snow – he is and remains my absolute hero in the story, even if he shows sometimes too much heroism and gets himself because of that in dangerous situations, only to prove that he is good guy, that he can be more than just a bastard. Sometimes it breaks my heart and sometimes I only want to shake him, so that he gets a clear head again and not risk his life.
And it’s also very alike with Arya to me. These two are and act very similar in my opinion, with their stubbornness, as well as their power of endurance and ability to go on and on, no matter how precarious or hopelessly it may seem. Moreover Arya is cheeky and has a loose tongue and such figures can always conquer my heart easily.
Though Sansa and Catelyn got better in these books, they still don’t belong to my favorite characters. Now it has developed to the fact that I tolerate them, because they also have experienced a lot of awful things, but I don’t really feel for them and therefore their chapters also weren’t my highlights.
In return the dwarf Tyrion could persuade me once again and I also like Shae and I‘m curious how it will develop with him or maybe together with her.
Unfortunately in this book wasn’t really of a lot of positive or very interesting things with Dany, who I’ve liked particularly at the beginning of the series very much. But here she loses somewhat of her sympathy and sometimes works also to dogged and recalcitrant, although she must be it, because now she’s a ruler of a Khal, but nevertheless, I preferred her before and I hope this change again in the next part.

!!! SPOILER Alert from here on!!!

And I must confess that I‘ve also lost a few tears at the end. Though I’ve been glad to read again a chapter of Bran and to find out that he and Rickon are fine and high-spirited, but it was also sad to read how it ended with Winterfell. Also for me Winterfell is, since I started to read this book series, a small place to retreat and has become the ultimate home of the main characters and it has hurt me, to see them leaving everything behind deadly and lost. Also I found it very sad that so many characters had to die again. Although I always expected it and was prepared, it was awful and really a bad surprise.

German Cover:
Unfortunately I don’t really like the covers in this series and for me they are also absolutely not the reason why I read the books. So I’m happy I’ve encountered them another way and not with a catchy cover.

All in all:
Another masterpiece of Martin which I recommend to everybody who loves to read books like ‚Lord of the rings‘, or likes high-fantasy or is a fan of stories of medieval times, knights or bloody fights and which are also heroic and with big feelings.

Rating:
4 of 5 points (Great, great, great)

Quotes:

“People often claim to hunger for truth, but seldom like the taste when it’s served up.”

Jon: “There’s no shame in fear, my father told me, what matters is how we face it.”

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Succession:

# 1 : George R. R. Martin – A Game of Thrones »»
# 2 : George R. R. Martin – A Clash of Kings »»
# 3 : George R. R. Martin – A Storm of Swords
# 4 : George R. R. Martin – A Feast of Crows
# 5 : George R. R. Martin – A Dance with Dragons
# 6:  George R. R. Martin -  The Winds of Winter
# 7:  George R. R. Martin -  A Dream of Spring

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(© goodreads)

About the author – George R. R. Martin:

George R.R. Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin’s first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: “The Hero”.

In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979.

Martin’s present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers’ Guild of America, West.    (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit his Website »»

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Review: Renegade

English Cover

German Cover

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‘Renegade’
by J. A. Souders

The Elysium Chronicles #1
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Synopsis:
Since the age of three, sixteen-year-old Evelyn Winters has been trained to be Daughter of the People in the underwater utopia known as Elysium. Selected from hundreds of children for her ideal genes all her life she’s thought that everything was perfect; her world. Her people. The Law.
But when Gavin Hunter, a Surface Dweller, accidentally stumbles into their secluded little world, she’s forced to come to a startling realization: everything she knows is a lie. Her memories have been altered. Her mind and body aren’t under her own control. And the person she knows as Mother is a monster.
Together with Gavin she plans her escape, only to learn that her own mind is a ticking time bomb… and Mother has one last secret that will destroy them all…   (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
First of all – the cover is absolutely beautiful and it partially also shows greatly the contents of this underwater town. I’ve been totally glad when I’ve got the book and also after the first shock, I’ve liked it really much. Why a shock? The first pages were written very easy, the statements and thoughts of the central figure Evelin, or briefly called Evie, were childish and very irritating, because they sounded like rehearsed texts and they’ve also confused me, to be honest. I already thought ‚oh no’ – what is this for a weird person and the book probably won’t be right for me. Moreover I had the feeling to be stucked in the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ and I was already expecting the worst.

But there I have judged a little too rash, because Evie has entirely changed and transformed and then her ‚true-self’ appeared and there is also a reason for her first weird behavior and thinking, which got explained and solved throughout the story.

Of course at this point you ask yourself what has happened to start this abrupt change, in a society which lives completely isolated and self-sufficiently in a built world below in the sea – in the so-called ‘Elysium’. The people of Elysium fled from the war, which has ruled some decades before on the surface, to live in this refuge and come to peace. Of course they are ready to do everything for this peace and for the protection of their town in the deep ocean, some more than others. Particularly ‚mother’ – the leader in Elysium – has prescribed her life for this town and for the backup of the future. Evie is her adopted daughter and therefore she is trained in all to become the next leader in the Elysium.

But her destiny changes, after a surface dweller succeeds in breaking into Elysium. He gets arrested by the guards and now Evie should try to receive special answers from him. How did he find them? How did he get in? Whether there are even more, which will follow? etc. But Gavin – this is his name – doesn’t let himself get into this questioning so easily and involves Evie in a questions–answers-play and with that he not only lures her slowly from her reserve and win her for himself – but also the readers and above all me

I also liked Evie, because she’s a figure which can also sort things out and stands up for herself and for other people or important values. I found that great – no matter which consequences she may gather from it. But Gavin, Gavin, was simply great! Slowly I’ve fallen in love with him together with Evie more and more, also although he had bright hair and I have pictured him at first dark-haired. He is the typical warrior, with a gentle side and a bright mind. He only could have had quietly some more rough edges, but I think, we will see them in the next part.

Otherwise, according to other characters in the book, it was quite thin. Primarily it was about these two figures, or also about ‘mother’, the remaining ones were just minor characters and thus they also appear neutral in the action.

There we would be at the story of the book, which has increased greatly, with a slow entrance – to describe the situation in Elysium – with growing tension, which tapers almost at the end to the final highlight. Sometimes it was a little bit nerve-wracking for me and particularly the second part – at the end – it was also a little fierce. So the also appears blood – a lot of blood – dangerously, also terrible scenes for the head cinema and though here it hasn’t disturbed me, I even found it super-duper. But I think that the recommended age for the book is too young with 13-17 years, and I think it should be raised to 15+.

I have liked the end very well and I was glad about how it has gone out. For me it was a ‘true end’ and if you ask me, this book also wouldn’t need a second part, but could also stand alone. It even would be refreshing to read once again an independent stand-alone book in the fantasy/ YA book genre. But of course a few threads and questions stay open and point to another, second part and I’m curious on the further ideas, Souders still has to offer here.

German Cover:
Really wonderfully and it reflects perfectly the story of the book (except the hair color^^)

All in all:
A gripping book which didn’t leave me cold and it’s to read virtually like by itself. *great*

Rating:
4 of 5 points – (Great, Great, Great)
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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

© Piper ivi

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Succession:

#1: J. A. Souders – Renegade »»
#2: J. A. Souders – Untitled
#3: J. A. Souders – ??
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Success.

(© goodreads)

About the author – J. A. Souders:
J.A. Souders was born in the heartland with an overactive imagination and an over abundance of curiosity that was always getting her into trouble.
Because she never grew up, she decided she’d put her imaginary friends to work and started writing. She now lives in the land of sunshine and palm trees with her husband and their two children and is an active member of the RWA, SFWA, YARWA and SCBWI.
(Source: goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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Review: The Lost Prince

(© goodreads)

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‘The Lost Prince‘
by Julie Kagawa

The Call of the Forgotten # 1

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First Sentence:
“‘My name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday.”

Last Sentence:
“And for the first time, I wasn’t afraid.”.

Synopsis:
Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.
That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’s dare to fall for.
Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myths and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I was back again in the Nevernever and I have enjoyed my visit! Particularly, because it was already a certain time ago that I’ve read the ‘Iron Fey’ series and I’ve missed the world and some characters in it so much.

I’m aware that I’m prejudiced and that I can’t rate the books of Kagawa any more objectively because I am simply just so a big fan of her and her world full of fairies. Other readers might like this book not so much than I did, because I also see the weak spots in the story and within the characters, but nevertheless, I was totally enthused – I think it’s always like that when you’re in love, as well as I’m with her stories. And also her writing style is as usual always just indescribable magnificent, with wonderful and dreamlike descriptions of the scenery – picturesquely like a famous painting.

This book now is about the younger brother of Meghan, Ethan Chase, who isn’t so small at all and nice, like we have got to know him in the ‘Iron Fey’ series, but he has become stubborn, recalcitrant and tall– also built very well and attractively. (You only have to look at the incredible cover! ^^)

Ethan is able to see the fairies since he was born, but he dissimulate this secret because the fairy only gets him in trouble, in big trouble, what leads to the fact that Ethan is reserved and therefore also lives a more or less lonesome, dreary life. The only ones, who know about his ability, are Meghan – who left to life with the fairies – and his mother, who doesn’t speak of these things, because she fears them. So he is totally on his own. Hence it’s understandable that he is quite a sourpuss, at least at the beginning. Of course this changes after his acquaintance with Kenzie, where we are already by the female main character.

I have really liked both, Ethan and Kenzie, and I could get involved with them very well and fast. They were also a great couple and they showed a nice see-saw. And I also must confess that Ethan reminds me a little of Ash, with his often rotten mood and his constant humming. But in return Kenzie is completely different than Meghan! She is a disobedient, headstrong, cheeky and strong personality and has whined not once, although she also has to deal with some hard things. I also think now for me she is one of my newest favorite characters and I find them both great, really great and I’m already looking forward to read more about them in the next part. To be honest – I can’t wait and I’m dying here while waiting for the second book. :/

But unfortunately I couldn’t completely feel with in the same way like I did with the first series (with Meghan and Ash) what is probably due to the fact, that Ethan is telling the story from his POV and therefore it’s clear that there are mentioned less feelings and emotions, which rules in him (but otherwise it also would be a little unsexy ^^). Often I also felt that he brooded constantly and too often over the same problem, although it was already discussed and I fear that this will also go on in the next part.
But nevertheless I’m really looking forward to the second part, because I want to read more about them and I also want to know how it goes on with the other characters. Particularly with Keeiran and Annwyln.

However, I think it’s a little pity that though Ash, Meghan or Puck showed up, they only were present for a very short time and hadn’t an important role in it. For me that would be okay, if it was just Meghan and Ash, but that also Puck and Grimalkin were very absent, has surprised me. I’ve really hoped for Puck that he gets a nice part again and gets this time also his happy-end, but unfortunately no. And instead of Grimalkin,  these Razor got the steadier role beside the main characters and though it was also funny when he has chirped the first time ‘bad Kitty’, it become dull after the third time.

Also the plot wasn’t so very surprising  in the story, because I’ve foreseen parts of it, which were also confirmed later on, for example the thing with the queen or with Kenzie. There Kagawa has probably already pointed to it too early, as well as the thing with the mysterious ‘Forgotten’ was no surprise for me. But I think that I see that rather fast in such a way, because I’ve already read all the other books from her. For somebody who doesn’t know ‘The Iron Fey’ series, the book offers more new things and surprise. However then the joy of seeing all the other characters from the first series again, is missing, which I really liked . So everything has his own advantages.
But I think, one can also read this book without having read ‘The Iron Fey’ series before. Everything is explained and one can follow the story also without foreknowledge.

Cover:
This is an amazing cover which shows Ethan matchless at it. It’s really brilliant and there you only want to start reading the book immediately, right?

All in all:
Not as good as ‘The Iron Fey’ series, because in my opinion there were many similar things in it, but nevertheless still a highlight and Kagawa writes for me the best and most fantastic fairy stories.

Rating:
4 of 5 points – (Great, Great, Great) (

Quotes:

 Kenzie: “No need to be nasty,” she said, seeming unconcerned with my aggressiveness. “I’m not asking for a date, tough guy, just your name.”

Grimalkin: “Well, well,” answered a cool, amused voice from somewhere above us. “And here you are again. Ethan Chase, your family does have a knack for getting into trouble.”

Ethan: ‘The cat trotted briskly ahead, neither slowing down or glancing back to see if we were still there, and we had to scramble to keep up. I wondered if Meghan hat this same problem when she first came to the Nevernever.’

Puck to Ethan: “Sit down. Geez, kid, do I look like a nurse? Why are you always bleeding whenever I see you? You’re worse than ice-boy.”..

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A huge Thanks for the eBooks to:

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Succession:

# 1: Julie Kagawa - The Lost Prince »»
# 2: Julie Kagawa - The Traitor Son
# 3: Julie Kagawa – Untitled

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© goodreads.com

About the author – Julie Kagawa:
She was born in Sacramento, California. But nothing exciting really happened to her there. So, at the age of nine she and her family moved to Hawaii, which she soon discovered was inhabited by large carnivorous insects, colonies of house geckos, and frequent hurricanes. She spent much of her time in the ocean, when she wasn’t getting chased out of it by reef sharks, jellyfish, and the odd eel. (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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