[Review] Lover at Last

English Hardcover

English Paperback

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‘Lover at Last’ by J. R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood #11/
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Synopsis:
Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….
Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young- just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.
Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one.  (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I’m so glad that Ward has got her will and has written this great book. We had to wait so long for it and now finally we also have the story of Qhuinn and Blay. Though I still think that Blay is quite okay, but Qhuinn is just one of my favorites in the series (beside some other characters^^). And he has broken my heart over and over again with his past, his family and also now, when he had to watch almost a whole Blay with Saxton. Particularly because he now finally knows what he wants and what he feels – of course it is still a process also in this book, but finally he confesses his feelings to himself, instead of ignoring them.
Already only for Wards courage and balls, which she has proved by writing this book, she got an extra point from me because this wasn’t as easy as you would like to think. I’ve read in a book-forum that Ward even has to swicht her agency to fulfill her wish to write this homosexual love, because it’s not quite a conservative subject and some people still have a problem with that – which I personally find really sad in nowadays. But Ward hasn’t scared away of it and I find this great! Hats off.

The writing manner of Ward was again typical ‚wardic’ with her own expressions and many swearwords, curses and the famous f*** word. But here this language doesn’t disturb me because it simply fits to the brothers of the Black Dagger. They are hard men and also express themselves in such a way, which makes them only more real and authentic. For me the characters just feel so alive because of that and I can’t explain it, but for me they are kind of feel real… not like some novel figures, but almost like friends, who are really living somewhere. And I like this thought.

In contrast to ‘Lover Reborn’, in which the plot played over a whole year, here everything happens within some days, namely in the time frame sometime in the winter. Unfortunately I’m not quite sure, when it plays ecaxtly or whether it plays after ‘Lover Reborn’ or in between. Actually at first it also was intended that Qhuinn and Blay only get a short story, as well as Bella’s and Z’s baby story, but then we have got a whole book. For which I’m really glad, but it doesn’t happen much in the background story. As said, the period is quite short and also the Lessers remain in the background, as well as the Band of Bastards. The point, that it doesn’t happen a lot – except the love story of the two main characters, which work off their past and clear it, finally get together and solve their misunderstandings and really start talking – would have disturbed me. But again I’ve read in a book forum, that this was made on purpose (to write only a little about the background story) so that people, who have a problem with homosexual couples, can simply let this book out, and start reading the series right with book # 12, so they won’t miss something important in the main story of the Brotherhood. If this should be right, I can’t reduce the rating by one point and secondly, I would find it really sad and bad in the enlightened time, in which we live – or at least supposed to live. Apparently not everybody is yet as tolerant as I’ve thought. It’s a shame.

So instead of the plot, new characters are gotten embedded or other characters, which before always were shown briefly, got more space and the opportunity to tell also their story – for example Assail, Trez or Xcor. Unfortunately I found this not so great, because thereby a lot of it plays outside the basic formation of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but because of a special twist at the end of this book, I hope that the next part deals again more with the old characters (with JM, V, Z…).
And also the turn with Qhuinn’s brother Luchas was just awesome and I’m really very curious how this will turn out and I hope there will be more about him.

For me all in all it was really a very great book and I couldn’t put it aside. What surprises even me is, although I have no problems with homosexual love, were that I really liked the scenes with Qhuinn and Blay, which again were described very visual and they could persuade me completely. *really hot hot*

And the end was of course again completely for my taste. Maybe some found it too kitschy and, yes, something so soppy even for Ward is very rare at the end, but I was happy nevertheless with it and glad that it has come so. Isn’t it about the fact that you want to finish a book with a smile on your face? I think so and Ward has fulfilled this again totally perfect! Thanks!

Cover:
Great cover and I don’t know at all which one I like more – the hardcover or the paperback. I’ve got the paperback format of Pitakus at home and find it as great and suitable as like the hardcover version, which also shows Qhuinn perfectly.

All in all:
Almost all expectations were totally fulfilled and it was again a great trip into the world of the Black Dagger, which I love to visit over and over again and leave it again only with a sad heart. Still it is one of my favorite series and I hope it still will go on for a long time.

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

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Quotes:

Qhuinn: “I think that’s Justin Bieber.”
Standing in front of a line up of Lay’s potato chips, Qhuinn looked overhead to the speaker inset into the ceiling tiles. “Yup, I’m right, and I hate that I know that.”
Next to him John Matthew signed “How do you know?”
Qhuinn: “The little shit is everywhere. I swear, that kid is proof the Antichrist is coming.”
John: “Maybe it’s already here.”
Qhuinn: “Would explain Miley Cyrus.” (*haha* )

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Vishous: “I’m sorry? I didn’t catch that.”
Qhuinn: “I left the keys in it.”
V: “That was a dumb-ass move, son.”
No. Fucking. Kidding.
V: “Listen, I gotta go. I need both hands to hold my gut as I laugh my ass off attcha. Later.”

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“You good?” Rhage prompted.
Qhuinn: “Yeah. Yeah. I’m okay.”
Rhage: “Fritz hates dead bodies in the front hall.”
“But there’s not a lot of blood with strangulation,” somebody pointed out. “Clean-up would have been easy.”
“Just a floor polish afterward,” another guy chimed in.
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Qhuinn: ‘As he washed himself, the soap wasn’t half as soft as Blay’s skin, and didn’t smell a quarter as good. The water wasn’t as hot as the fighter’s blood had been, and the shampoo wasn’t as soothing. Nothing came close. Nothing ever would.’
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Layla: “If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep. I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown.”
That last word was drawn out, until its syllable was lost in more growling. Dead silence.
Until Doc Jane said dryly, “Annnnd this is why they say the female of the species is more dangerous than the male.”

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Blay: ‘In the silence that followed, Blay knew he had something he was supposed to say. Yeah…it was right on his tongue. It was… Shit. With Qhuinn looking at him like that, he couldn’t remember his own name. Blaysox? Blacklock? Blabberfox? Who the fuck knew…’

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Qhuinn to Blay: “You guys were what got me through it,” Qhuinn heard himself say. “I lived for the night, because I could go over to your house. It was the only thing that kept me going. You were the only thing, actually. It was…you.”.

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Succession:
# 1: J. R. Ward – Dark Lover »»
# 2: J. R. Ward – Lover Eternal »»
# 3: J. R. Ward – Lover Awakened »»
# 4: J. R. Ward – Lover Revealed »»
# 5: J. R. Ward – Lover Unbound »»
# 6: J. R. Ward – Lover Enshrined »»
# 6.5: J.R.Ward – BDB: An Insider’s Guide »»
# 7: J. R. Ward – Lover Avagened »»
# 8: J. R. Ward – Lover Mine »»
# 9: J. R. Ward – Lover Unleashed »»
# 10: J. R. Ward – Lover Reborn »»
# 11: J. R. Ward – Lover at Last »»
# 12: J. R. Ward – The King
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copyright: jrward.com

About the author – J. R. Ward:
J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times and USAToday Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot. (Source: jrward.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[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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[Review] Slave of Sensation

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‘Slave of Sensation’ by Nalini Singh

Psy Changeling #1
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Synopsis:
In der Welt, in der Gefühle verboten sind, führt die junge Sascha Duncan ein Doppelleben. Sie mimt die eiskalte Geschäftsfrau, während in ihrem Inneren ein Sturm der Leidenschaften tobt. Als sie dem attraktiven Gestaltwandler Lucas Hunter begegnet, kann sie ihre Fassade kaum noch wahren. Der Anführer der DarkRiver-Leoparden ist unterwegs, um den Mord an seiner Leopardenfrau zu rächen – und weckt in Sascha tödliches Verlangen… (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
For a really long time Anna-Lisa talked me into it and constantly recommended me the author Nalini Singh because she is a huge fan of her. I don‘t know why I’ve bristled so long, maybe the length of the book series has deterred me, although I’ve already the first three books of the Guild Hunter series at home. Hence the past weekend in the evening I‘ve spontaneously decided to try one book of this author. But I’ve chosen the first book of the Psy Changeling series, because I had little desire for angels, and rather wanted something a little harder, more animalistic.

Well, what can I say – I am stocked! No idea why, but it has totally gripped me. Maybe it was also due to the fact that I was in the right mood for the book, but it has just blown me away. I couldn‘t put it aside any more and the last time I read that fast, was when I got my hand on ‘Lover Reborn’ by Ward this spring. I’ve totally overlooked the time in the first evening, so that I even read till half past three through the night and at this time I’ve almost read three quarters of the book. But I just can’t stop, because I was totally captive in the story.

At which I can’t exactly say what has fascinated me so much, because the first book of Showalter’s ‘Lords of the Underworld’ was also not bad, but it hasn’t pulled me in the spell like this book could it. I think often it‘s just a matter of feelings and here I was in it with my heart all the time. The main characters Sasha and also Lucas have made me curious from the first pages on, later I was thrilled by them. And this although Lucas wasn’t always an easy, comfortable character and here and there he was also too proprietary. Also his ‘term of endearment’ for Sasha has annoyed me, but nevertheless, I’ve loved him. Just like Sasha, who should have no feelings as a Psy. But she has them; and they blossom on and on, the more time she spends with Lucas. And he shows her not only a world beyond the cold of the psys, but also kindles her passion and her sparks for the life, full of feelings, family, friends and love. Of course now and then there are some erotic scenes in it, which I found really ‘nice’.

But not only these both figures could grab me, no – but also the other characters, which were briefly introduced. Above all Tammy, who I find awesome and just good-hearted. I would also like to have a friend like her. But I also was thrilled by Dorian, with his internal fury and hatred for the Psys, or by Hawke – for whose story I’m already looking forward dearly, although he gets his time not till book 10! *aaah*cry, baby*.

The manner of Singh’s writing is liquid and easy to read, with the right serving in explanations and excesses and also the dialogues are embedded well. She tells the story in the past in the 3rd person narrator, and changes the point of view constantly between Sasha and Lucas. What is typically and also suitably for this kind of stories.

Of course I also have to tell you briefly a few deficiencies. Although the structures of the world of the Psys and also the shape shifters were well worked out and it was shown understandably, but at the end of the story there lacked some information. For example it has disturbed me, that all the time it was pointed out to a mean murderer/ the villain (to tell the truth, who I’ve figured out at the second meeting) and then, at the big showdown, it wasn’t told a lot about it. It was only described in the renarration what has happened to the bad guy. But I would have wished for to be present and read it, when the ‘final’ happened with him. Then it unfortunately was also over too fast and I easily could still have read some more pages of it.
And now I wait impatiently for the next part and can’t wait to dive into this world again. *sigh*

German Cover:
The cover is typical for stories in this genre and, yes, it’s quite okay, but honestly, it could be better.

All in all:
It’s a great new series for me, which I will read on with pleasure very soon and my luck is, that I’ve started this series so late, that now I can read them luxurious without waiting till the next part is released, because they are already all published till book 12! Great, great, great! If you like the ‘Black Daggers’ or the ‘Lord of the Underworld’ then this series is also a tidbit – promised!

Rating:
5 of 5 points – (I LOVED it – buy it!)

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Quotes:

Sascha: ‘She wished he’d stop touching her. Not because she didn’t like it but because she liked it far too much. It made her hunger for things that could never be hers. And if someone went hungry for too long, they started to starve. Started to hurt.’

Sascha: ‘His kiss held his heart. It broke hers.’
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Succession:

0,5:   Nalini Singh – An Enchanted Season
#1:     Nalini Singh – Slave of Sensation »»
1,5:    Nalini Singh – The Cannibal Princess -> free Short Story
#2:     Nalini Singh – Vision of Heat
#3:     Nalini Singh – Caressed by Ice
3,5:    Nalini Singh – The Magical Christmas Cat
#4:     Nalini Singh – Mine to Possess
4,5:    Nalini Singh – Movie Night -> free Short Story
#5:     Nalini Singh – Hostage of Pleasure
5,5:    Nalini Singh – A Gift for Kit -> free Short Story
#6:     Nalini Singh – Branded by Fire
#7:     Nalini Singh – Blaze of Memory
7,5:    Nalini Singh – A Conversation  -> free Short Story
#8:     Nalini Singh – Bonds of Justice
8,5:    Nalini Singh – Burning Up
#9:     Nalini Singh – Play of Passion
9,2:    Nalini Singh – The Party
9,5:    Nalini Singh – Wolf School  -> free Short Story
#10:   Nalini Singh – Kiss of Snow
#11:   Nalini Singh – Tangle of Need
11,5:  Nalini Singh – Poker Night
#12:   Nalini Singh – Untitled

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(© goodreads.com)

About the author – Nalini Singh:
She was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. She also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time she took the chance to travel around Asia. She is back in New Zealand now, but she is always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of her travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page.
So far, she has worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but she calls it grist for the writer’s mill...  (Source: Goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[Review] Bayou Moon

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‘Bayou Moon’ by Ilona Andrews

The Edge # 2
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Synopsis:
Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan’s long-time rivals are suspect number one.
But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge—and Cerise’s life . William, a changeling soldier who left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation’s spymaster.
When William’s and Cerise’s missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly—but they’ll have to work together if they want to succeed…and survive. (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
Maybe some of you can remember how much I liked and how much enthusiastic I was about the first book of Andrews’ series ‘The Edge’ and therefore I hardly couldn’t wait to read the second part, particularly because I also was already a fan of William in the first book, and secondly because I read it together with a blogger-friend in a reading-circle, which meant more fun for me or both of us.
But here in spite of all that, this book has disappointed me a little, although it’s not recognizable at the first sight, because of the average rating.

All in all it’s also not bad, and also better than other books I’ve already read so far, but if I compare it to part one, here it lacked at some places.
First of all I’ve only got very haltingly in the story and it was at first also a little bit too long-breathed to me. The surrounding area was described too detailed, many new characters were introduced and to be honest, I’ve only waited for the time, when the two central characters William and Cerise meet each other. And when they finally did it, then I even haven’t really recognized it immediately, but I don’t want to say much about it, otherwise I would spoil a lot.

And although also here these two characters have fitted greatly together, I just couldn‘t feel with them, as I did with Declan and Rose in the first book. This is probably due to the fact, that both characters are very determined, stubborn and like to look out for others and rather do something to defeat the ‘bad guys’, instead of take care for their own feelings, or just identify them. Unfortunately, hence it’s also clear, that here aren’t many romantic scenes and even in the second book there is even less fun and humor in it, than in the predecessor. What I found both a great pity, particularly the abstinence of the big feelings and the pleasant prickle in the belly, when the characters fall in love with each other. Okay, yes, it was also quite nice every now and then, but the big feelings were missing.

The second point, which has led to less joy of reading, was that Andrews were very often changed between the narrative perspective, which wouldn’t have disturbed me so much, if it had been only between William and Cerise, but unfortunately many other characters also got a chance to speak. Here not only from the good figures, but also every now and then from the enemies of the story, which was for me extremely unnecessary, because these chapters revealed no important revelations, but only made the book thicker. Here it would have been better to shorten the book by some chapter and to write it exclusively from the point of the main characters – I really would have liked that more. Furthermore also the certain spark has been absent anyhow all the time and as already said, some pages in it were unnecessary and described too detailed.
Also the plot couldn’t grab me like in the first part and often the pages got filled with too many details. Added to that comes that also the description of this surrounding area in the middle of the marsh brought an unwell feeling to me and the portrayal and the world in the first part of the ‘Edge-series’ were for me much better and more pleasant.

And now we are already at the end, which has allowed me to finish this book happy and peacefully. If you haven’t read the book yet, then please stop reading now, because – SPOILER ALERT –

I namely found absolutely great, that at the end it has worked with these two, although they are both stubborn as hell, and hence it was also really sweet, as her father has helped them a little. Moreover it was very nice that I could read how the life goes on now for them in the Weird, now that they’ve settled down there. And it was even better to hear that they live close to Rose and Declan and that also the children Jack, George, Gaston and Lake spend time together. Everything sounds very peaceful and like a nice, lovely family-life with friends and exactly that, the figures have earned, after all the strains. Hence this end was perfect for me and I found it absolutely cute!

German Cover:
Also here the cover is again a feast for the eyes and I like the picture very much, although it has little relation to the plot.

All in all:
Unfortunately part two is a little weaker than the great first book, but I’m sure, that this series still has to offer a lot and that the next book will fulfill my full expectation again. Andrews simply knows how to write exciting, amorous books and therefore I remain loyal to her.

Rating:
3 of 5 points – (I liked it)

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

Egmont Lyx

 

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Succession:
# 1: Ilona Andrews – On the Edge »»
# 2: Ilona Andrews – Bayou Moon »»
# 3: Ilona Andrews – Fate’s Edge
# 4: Ilona Andrews – Steel’s Edge

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Ilona Andrews:
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade.  (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit the Website »».

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[Review] On the Edge

English Cover

German Cover

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‘One the Edge’
by Ilona Andrews

The Edge # 1
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Synopsis:
Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.
Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power)…
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
To be honest at the beginning I had a few problems with this book. Particularly the writing style was not mine and was for me a little bit too rough and intricate. In addition all the things, with the whole magic and the different worlds like the Edge or the Weird, were complicated explained at first and too much for me to comprehend all at once, so that I’ve already dreaded the worst. The fear, that the book wouldn’t be something for me, luckily changed fast and as soon as also William and Declan appeared in the story, there was no more hold for me and I just had to read on as quickly as possible, because I was so motivated!
I have read till late hours in the night and was finished with the book after 1 ½ days, because I couldn’t put it aside! *lol* And I think this fact already shows how much I’ve liked it later on and how moving and exciting it got throughout the course.

Beside the fascinating action I‘ve especially liked the matchless characters. Most of all Rose; independent and good-heart, she takes care self-sacrificing of her two younger brothers, who are rascally and ‘a sly old dog’. But Rose is also headstrong, can dish out, as well can take it and represents fiercely her opinion. To it fits perfectly the male character, called Declan, who drives her nuts over and over again and quarrels playfully with her. I’ve found them both together with each other delightful and they fit together magnificently, although they fight over and over again. Especially THIS was the right charm and has brought me often to smile.
Also the love scenes were great and suited the story and maybe I’m a little tainted, because I would have wished for more of it or for longer erotic scenes. But maybe in the next book!

Moreover the plot wasn’t foreseeable for me, like it is often for me with other books, and what has pleased me very much and has increased my reading pleasure. Also the whole points with the magic were clearly explained after the time, so that I could always follow and the plot curve grow on and on up to the end, up to the final highlight. I liked the book, the action and the characters. It was first-class and, hence it gets 4.5 points. The 0.5 point deductions are on account of the writing manner and because of the sometimes rough explanation, particularly at the beginning.

!! Little SPOILER!!

Relating to William, another important character in the story, I was glad like it has developed with him in the end. I liked it that I did not know exactly what he’ up to and on which side he stands and whether he plays on the good or the bad side. Very, very thrilling!
I found him really great and hence I’m already very glad that I know that the second part is about him and I hope that there he also gets his happy end.

Cover:
The English cover doesn’t appeal to me at all and I would also never have read it on account of that. While in comparison the German cover is really nice, but it rather looks like a YA book cover, which it’s definitely not!

All in all:
This is an exciting, magic story, which kidnapped me into a completely other world full of wonders and miracles, but also dangers. For fans of supernatural things, fantasy-lovers and for those, who appreciate a well built man’s body!

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

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

Egmont Lyx

.Quotes:

Rose: “Give me a few minutes.”
Declan: “You have time.” He sat in the grass.
“Are you just going to sit there and watch me?”
“Yes. Watching pretty peasant girls is what we poor little rich boys do best.”
“Peasant?”
He shrugged. “You started the name calling.”
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“She handed him a glass of water and two Aleve gelcaps. “They’re anti-inflammatories. They will dull the pain a little bit and keep down swelling and redness. Swallow the pills, don’t chew.”
“Well, I thought I’d stick them into my nose and impersonate a walrus, but if you insist, I’ll swallow them.”
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Declan: “You’re a prickly, stubborn, spirited woman.”
Rose: “Don’t forget crude, rude, and vulgar.”
“Only when it suits you. You’re sly when occasion calls for it, direct to the point of forgetting tact even exists, sarcastic, fierce, I did mention stubborn, didn’t I?”
“Yes,” she said dryly.
“You’re also smart, kind, gentle, beautiful, and always cling to your personal integrity, even when it’s in your best interests to abandon it.”

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Succession:

# 1: Ilona Andrews – On The Edge »»
# 2: Ilona Andrews – Bayou Moon »»
# 3: Ilona Andrews – Fate’s Edge
# 4: Ilona Andrews – Steel’s Edge

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Ilona Andrews:
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade.  (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit the Website »».

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Review: The Gathering

Hardcover

Paperback

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‘The Gathering’
by Kelley Armstrong

Darkness Rising # 1
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Synopsis:
Strange things are happening in Maya’s tiny Vancouver Island town. First, her friend Serena, the captain of the swim team, drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. Then, one year later, mountain lions are spotted rather frequently around Maya’s home and her reactions to them are somewhat . . . unexpected. Her best friend, Daniel, has also been experiencing unexplainable premonitions about certain people and situations.
It doesn’t help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret, and he’s interested in one special part of Maya’s anatomy her paw-print birthmark. (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
After I was extremely thrilled by Armstrong’s ‚Dark Powers‘ series, I absolutely also wanted to try her new YA series and I must say that also here again she could completely persuade me.

Not only Armstrong‘s writing style is again great and fluently to read, but also the characters were described well and likeable and above that I also got a female main character which I’ve really liked and was not irritated with a whiny attitude, but she was thinking rationally and has acted realistic and authentic. Also the other figures were nicely worked out, so that very soon I’ve been fond of them and the male combatant are not only physically very attractive, but also from their personality and character.

At some places the plot is partially a little longbreathed or also a bit foreseeable, but not so much that it would have disturbed me.
The only other criticism point here was to me, that the book is simply too short and it seemed to me like a prehistory, to introduce the scenery and the figures, but it is not really very much about the general story behind it.  But that doesn’t bother me much now, because on the one hand I’ll read the next part soon, and on the other hand I already know this approach of Armstrong from her first YA series. And hence, I’m persuaded of the fact that the book two and three will bubble over with tension and thrilling events that I won’t know any more how fast I should read, to get to know everything at once – and I love that!

Cover:
Unfortunately I‘ve the paperback version at home – for financial reasons – but I find the hardcover much more attractively with the illustrated face on it and the dark coloring. It’s really beautiful.

All in all:
An interesting prelude of a new book series, from where I’m persuaded that in the end, it will be one of my favorite series.

Rating:
3,5 of 5 points

Quotes:

Maya: “This is so cool,” I said loudly as Dad walked away. “Have you met the tattoo artist? Is he hot?” “He’s a she,” Mom said. “Is she hot? Cause I’m still young, you know. My sexual identity isnt fully formed.” “Your father can’t hear you anymore, Maya.” Mom sighed.

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Mom said. ‘Maybe on the weekend we can have a barbecue and invite your sister.‘
Maya: ‘Or,’ I said turning to Rafe, ‘if you want to skip the whole awkward meet-the-family social event you could just submit your life story including your view on politics religion and every social issue imaginable along with anything else you think they might need to conduct a thorough background check.’
Mom sighed. ‘I really don’t know why we even bother trying to be subtle around you.’
Maya: ‘Neither do I. It’s not like he isn’t going to realize he’s being vetted as daughter-dating material.’
Rafe grinned. ‘So we are dating.‘
Maya: ‘No. You have to pass the parental exam first. It’ll take you awhile to compile the data. They’d like it in triplicate.‘ I turned to my parents. ‘We have Kenjii. We have my cell phone. Since we aren’t yet officially dating I’m sure you’ll agree that’s all the protection we need.’
Dad choked on his coffee.

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Succession:

# 1: Kelley Armstrong – The Gathering »»
# 2: Kelley Armstrong – The Calling
# 3: Kelley Armstrong – The Rising
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(© goodreads)

About the author – Kelley Armstrong:

Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers’ dismay. All efforts to make her produce “normal” stories failed.

Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She’s the author of the NYT-bestselling “Women of the Otherworld” paranormal suspense series and “Darkest Powers” young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets. 
(Source: goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »».

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Review: City of Lost Souls

(© goodreads)

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‘City of Lost Souls’
by Cassandra Clare
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The Mortal Instruments # 5.

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Synopsis:
The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?…
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I‘ve waited long for the fifth book in the Mortal Instruments series and I’ve pre-ordered the book already months before the release date on the internet. Was it worth it? I would say YES!
Of course there were, like in every other book, a few points I didn’t like so much, because an author (almost) can’t catch the taste of the reader to 100 percent. However, the advantage with the books of Clare is that she is able to write incredibly great and her writing style is just to be read nicely and liquidly and well, what could I say except -> ‚the woman can write’ and already because of that I like to read her books with pleasure, even if I don’t go along completely with every twist in the plot of the book.

In the fifth part the story focuses more and turns around Jace and Clary again, instead on Simon, like in the fourth book. But nevertheless the other figures don’t get too short and Clare often changes the character’s POV to the next one in which also Simon, Izzy, Alec, Maia, etc. gets a chance to speak. If I’ve noted it correctly, almost all main characters are allowed this time to tell a part of the story, but unfortunately only Jace didn’t get in the row which I found sad and was a pity. Moreover, for me it was partially that there were too many changes in the perspectives and character, although it has just kept in check.

Furthermore I’ve liked in this book exceptionally well the dynamism between the couples like Jordan & Maia, Izzy & Simon, Alec & Magnus or also the sibling-relationship of Clary and Sebastian. In this book partnership, love and big feelings or also sex were capitalized, even more than in the other books before. Although I have no problem with that, I still think that it is doubtful that the age recommendation (for example on Amazon) is only 12-15 years. It seems to me that this is a little bit too young for the contents of the book. Or what do you think and which opinion do you have on this topic?

But nevertheless I found it fabulous how Clare has made it to introduce some of the new characters of the new series like for example Jules, which will be published after MI and ID.  But she was also able to let some hints of the other characters form the ID series flow into this book. Even if these were only little things or only short cross-references which a non-fan wouldn’t recognize at all, but I as a MI and ID fan loved it and it was so nice to read and has brought me often to the smile.

From here on is a SPOILER for those who haven’t read this book:

Clare has made fantastic job to present Sebastian and also to show the relation between him and Jace, but at the same time also between him and Clary. I must admit, shortly before the end before the big ‘closure’ came, Sebastian has persuaded even me and actually I’ve really liked him as a character. Certainly he was a little eccentric but by the explanation of his childhood / his past it was coherent and it has also persuaded me and I’ve also felt sorry for him. Hence, I would have liked to see that he was purified and that he would play for ‘Team Good’ how…, but unfortunately Clare has other intentions with him and therefore we still have him as our villain in the book *too bad*

What has irritated me very much at the end of the book was that Jace has now this heavenly fire in him and thereby he always has to pay attention whenever he touches somebody. I think this whole sex theme between Clary and Jace and ‚the first time’ of them is too much capitalized here and to be honest, it gets a litter annoying now after 5 books. With the other characters Clare also doesn’t make such a big theatre around it, but with these two main characters it already takes almost unnatural traits. This thing here reminds me very much of the book series ‘The Immortals’ by Alyson Noel and there it was dreadful and also here this fact disturbs me very much that they are now not able to touch each other properly. Why can’t they be happy together for at least one book and fight as a pair together against the bad ones? Is it so much more thrilling to read the book if they must work out their relationship besides the action fights? I don’t think so. But Clare does and she is already searching for problems between them since the first book over and over again and to find reasons why they can’t be together. Although I know that there will be a happy end after the sixth book (I count on it), nevertheless I find it unnecessary that Jace and Clary kept away from each other ‘come hell or high water’.

Cover:
Unfortunately I don’t like is as much as the other covers because I like it more if you can’t see the whole face. Especially here where the shown Jace doesn’t look like the described Jace in the books.

All in all:
Another good book in this fabulous great series which I’ve devoured once again, although the books become thicker and thicker. I had a big reading pleasure, in spite of some small critic points.

Rating:
4 of 5 points

My Recommendation:
to BUY!

For Fans of:
YA, Urban Fantasy, Lovestory, Vampire & Werwolves
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Quotes:

Jace: “You may have the worst timing since Napoleon decided the dead of winter was the right moment to invade Russia.”

Magnus: “Speaking of hope, did you see that shot Alec got off with his bow? That’s my boyfriend.”

Jace: “I never cared,” he said. “I wanted you anyway. I always wanted you.”

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Succession:

# 1: Cassandra Clare – City of Bones
# 2: Cassandra Clare – City of Ashes
# 3: Cassandra Clare – City of Glass
# 4: Cassandra Clare – City of Fallen Angels
# 5: Cassandra Clare – City of Lost Souls »»
# 6: Cassandra Clare – City of Heavenly Fire

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Cassandra Clare:

Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts.
(Source: Goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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Review: The Immortal Rules

(© goodreads)

(© goodreads)

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‘The Immortal Rules’
by Julie Kagawa.

Blood of Eden # 1.

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Synopsis:
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.
Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad…  (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
Is it enough if I say: ‘I LOVE this book‘???
No – this wouldn’t be hardly enough!

I must confess that I had a longer reading stagnation before this book, in which I preferred to watch TV or make something else rather than reading my books. But then I’ve got this book in my hands and everything was blown away like nothing. This book has reminded me again of why I love reading so much and how intensely one can get pulled in another world and can feel for book characters.
I don’t need to tell you again about the great writing style of Kagawa anymore, or?! It’s wonderful with enchanting descriptions of the surroundings, the feelings and thoughts of the characters but it’s never to overload and exactly properly. She catches incredibly well the emotions of her figures and hence lets the reader amazingly well be part of the events and the internal struggles. *great*
I don’t want to tell anything at all about the plot because I don’t want to ruin the tension for you, but I can say that it was a great experience to read this book. It was stirring throughout the book and an absolute page-turner which has tied me up from first to the last page.

Though some things were a little bit foreseeable, but this hasn’t disturbed me at all because Kagawa has made it nevertheless to hold always the tension and the story never let me go.

For example, the thing with Stick was without big surprise because his character was shown from the beginning to be week and easily to manipulate. The same was with Kanin, who only appeared in a short part in the beginning, but who even though has left an impression on me and also his ‚story’ at the end I’ve saw it coming before it happened.

The best in the book was that I was so enthusiastic by the main character Allison, briefly called Allie, and I’ve hoped and felt with her throughout the book and I liked her because she was strong and thoughtful all the time.

Certainly she had also her weaker sides for example when she was striving for the blood of the people around her or when she had hide from her internal conflicts and shoved them away in this part. But this hasn’t disturbed me particularly because it was understandable. Allie has grown up in a world where it’s only about the naked survival and there it is no wonder that she also rather pushes her feelings and grief and confusion aside during the plot and simply continues; one step after the other to survive. Hence I’m quite sure that the grieve work and the processing of her feelings will take an important part in the second book and I’m already looking forward to it!
The other characters in the book were many and most of them I’ve also grown fond of but which also have led to grief and emotional turmoil. Besides Allie I’ve liked the most of course the two men in the story, or also the little Taylor – he was just too cute.

With the boys or men of the story I’ve to struggle with myself to and it’s a really hard decision whom I’ve liked more or with whom I think that Allie should end up. Usually I can recognize very soon the preference of the author or often I see it coming properly who will be together at the end with the main protagonist and takes the role of the main male character. But here it is really difficult, particularly because I can’t really choose for myself. On the one hand I strongly suppose that Zeke will make it because of the way Kagawa described him and constantly wrote about his appearance – as well as she did with Ash in the Iron Fey series. This she hasn’t done at all with Kanin and I still don’t know exactly he looks like, only that he has dark eyes, not more. Moreover he presents himself rather cautiously and mysteriously and therefore the reader doesn’t know much about him, because he just tells nothing. But he has something that doesn’t let go me, and to tell the truth, also fascinates me even more than perfect Zeke, who always does everything for others, is kind and clever and looks good. Kanin is different; dark and mysterious and he shows his character only with his actions, although he has a bad opinion about himself.

Oh I just don’t know… But I think I’m a little more for Kanin, although I think that Zeke will be become the ‘jack of hearts’. *though*though*
Who of you has already read the book? What do you think with whom Allie ends up and who of them do you like more or find more interesting? I’m curious about your opinions!

© imlovingbooks.com

© imlovingbooks.com

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Cover:
A fantastic cover which is a real eye-catcher and which I always like to look at. Especially great is the bright white writing which almost glows, the red tear and also the slightly shining, reflecting border.

All in all:
A wonderful book in which story one would like to be part of, although it plays in a life-menacing world in which all hope is lost. Nevertheless, one would like to be present because the story is so thrilling and one gets fond of the characters and care for them very fast.

Rating:
5 of 5 points

My Recommendation:
to BUY!

For Fans of:
YA, Fantasy, Mystery, Vampires, Dystopias
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Quotes:

Allie: “The mighty hunter. He can take down viciousrabids and rampaging boars, but one old lady can make him flee in terror.”
Zeke: “One scary old lady. You didn’t hear what she told me when I got up— you’re so cute I could put you in a pie. Tell me that’s not the creepiest thing you’ve ever heard.” His voice climbed a few octaves, turning shrill and breathy. “Today for dessert, we have apple pie, blueberry pie and Ezekiel pie.

Kanin: “There will come a time when man is no longer concerned only with survival, when he will once more be curious as to who came before him, what life was like a thousand years ago, and he will seek out answers for a hundred years or so, but humans’ curiosity has always driven them to find answers.”

Allison: “You don’t dwell on what you’ve lost, you just move on.”.

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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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About the author – Julie Kagawa:

(© goodreads)

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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