Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Eclipse [Meyer]

Book: Eclipse
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Reason for Reading: I couldn't stop after reading New Moon..I have to finish all the books again!
Genre: YA: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: I love to think of the first three books like this:
Twilight = falling in love
New Moon = losing love
Eclipse = choosing love

Rekindling her romance with Edward, Bella Swan is torn between her love for him and her friendship with Jacob. Tensions run high with vampires and werewolves alike when an army of new vampires is on the hunt for Bella. Fun and exciting-another addictive read!

Book Junkie's Grade: A-

New Moon [Meyer]

Book: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Reason for Reading: I want all the details fresh in mind before the movie!!
Genre: YA: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After her vampire boyfriend Edward breaks up with her, Bella Swan sinks into a deep depression. When she discovers that risky activities trigger Edward's voice in her head, she can't stop putting herself in dangerous situations. She also reconnects with Jacob Black, who quickly becomes her best friend and helps her recover from the breakup.

Do you remember your first "real" breakup? I remember it clearly-you feel like your life is over: you can't sleep (and if you do, you have nightmares), you can't eat, there is a huge void in your life and you are certain you'll never get over it. Of course-no one can possibly understand what you are going through. The emotion following the breakup is the essence of this book-while exaggerated, it feels very true to how a teenager girl would react. Most girls can relate to Bella, especially when she rebounds (emotionally at least) with Jacob and sends him mixed signals while justifying her actions as 'he knows we are just friends and this means nothing.' I cringed at many parts..because I was guilty of the same things at one time.

The second book in the Twilight Saga-this was another home run. I know this is the least favorite book in the series for most people, but I found the emotions strong and real, while the developing friendship between Bella and Jacob interesting.

Seriously, is there anyone out there that hasn't read this series yet? (this is my second time..I'm re-reading so everything is fresh for the movie)

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Dark Lover [Ward]

Book: Dark Lover [Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 1]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: When his brother Darius is murdered, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (Wrath, the only purebred vampire left on earth) must help Darius' half human daughter enter the secret world that he belongs too. They battle danger at every turn while falling in love in the process.

Once you get beyond the ridiculous names of the Brothers, this was a decent romance novel. The characters were fun and while Wrath was not a great romantic lead, his brothers are colorful characters and may be more interesting.

Recommend: My girlfriend has read the whole series and says they get better and better, so I'll give at least 1 more a try. Stay tuned!

Book Junkie's Grade: C+

Wild Jasmine [Small]

Book: Wild Jasmine
Author: Bertrice Small
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Princess Yasamin lived a charmed life in India until her brother's quest for power and dominance resulted in the death of her husband. Realizing her father, the ruler of India was ill and unable to protect her much longer, Yamasin flees to England to the safety of her English mother's family. Anglicizing herself as Jasmine, she forms a special bond with her dynamic grandmother Skye O'Malley, and begins a journey of love, heartache and scandal.

Almost written as two books (part one being India, part 2 as England) this was an interesting although not entirely engrossing. Jasmine is an interesting, strong willed heroine yet after over 500 pages, I still didn't feel like I "knew her." Small had the potential to incorporate plot points from Jamine's time in India yet missed the opportunity. As a result-the ending was mundane.

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Monday, November 16, 2009

Necroscope II: Wamphyri! [Lumley]

Book: Necroscope II: Wamphyri!
Author: Brian Lumley
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Harry Keogh and his fellow British E-Branch operatives team up with Russians to combat a half vampire/half human on the loose in book 2 of the Necrosope trilogy. Fast paced and exciting, this book was a more interesting and 'edge of your seat' read than book 1. Although the ending was reminiscence of the first Necroscope, the rest of the book was pure fun.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+