Author: JD Tyler
Title: Primal Law (An Alpha Pack Novel #1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Signet Eclipse (Imprint of Penguin)
ISBN: 9780451234346
The Romance Author's Verdict: 3.5/5 Stars
Founded by a team of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers tasked with eliminating the most dangerous predators in the world. But the gift of their abilities comes at a price…
After a massacre decimates half his team and leaves him crippled, Jaxon Law must relearn how to fight—and must defeat the anger and guilt threatening to overwhelm him. But when he rescues a beautiful woman who reawakens his primal instincts, Jax is unprepared for the dangers that lie ahead.
On the run from her employer, brilliant lab assistant Kira Locke escapes with disturbing evidence that leads the Alpha Pack team on a hunt for someone targeting human civilians with Psy abilities. And as Jax and Kira circle both the killer and each other, Jax will have to decide if the deep connection he feels with Kira is worth breaking the ultimate shifter rule—because bonding with Kira means putting his abilities at risk, and they might be the only tool he has to keep his mate alive…
Another run-of-the-mill werewolf/paranormal creatures romance I'm afraid. It wasn't bad, I'll give you that, in fact it seemed pretty darn good after the last disaster of a paranormal romance I didn't even finish reading. At least I did read this one to the end, though it was a bit of a drag.
The writing itself is quite good and easy to get into, it was the characters and storyline that lacked any real substance to hold it apart from the million other paranormal romances out on the market.
I felt like Kira accepted the whole "werewolves are real" thing a bit too easily, and oh yeah, now you have to go live in a secret government compound because you know the truth. She was kind of just like "okay then!" What about her life, family, friends before that? There was no thought process of her coming to terms with the fact she had to leave everything behind.
Also, she made a really big deal of the fact that she didn't want the mate-bond between her and Jaxon to dictate whether or not they stayed together, so she put off the decision, even knowing that Jaxon could die if they didn't mate (pretty typical of this sort of romance). Except in the end, he was pretty much on his death bed and it happened anyway. I felt kind of cheated, that in the end she did it to save him, but she supposed she loved him as well. It was like this big build up of resistance, only to cave. I think perhaps the author needed to either not make such a big deal of it, or find a way that meant Kira clearly made the choice to commit on her own without the threat of Jaxon dying hovering over her.
Throughout the book, we were introduced to different characters who will most likely get their own stories at some point. Also, it seemed that the government the Alpha Pack works for is actually betraying them (also, seen it done many times before in these types of books, so that was nothing new either) and this theme will no doubt carry on to link the books together.
Overall, it was an okay read and I will be getting the next one whenever it comes out, because I think the author has real potential to take this from good to really great. I'll be interested to see if Tyler can improve and wow me.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Two Star Review
Genre: paranormal romance
Published by: Pocket Star Books
The Romance Author's Verdict: 2/5 Stars
I recently read a book -- no, let me rephrase that. I recently started a book, that was so full of cliches, I couldn't get past page 80. The only person I'm naming and shaming in this case is the publisher, because I honestly believe the author must want to do better than the drivel I read.
Now, you may think it unfair to post an anonymous review, to not say what this book was and name the author responsible so others can avoid reading the book. But I for one, would not want to see a one or two star review for my own books, so I am not willing to say such about fellow authors. In the end, mine is only one opinion. I checked on Goodreads.com and some readers have loved this book.
Instead, I'm going to talk in general terms so other authors can take a lesson from this.
The book is a debut title in a new series by a new author. I truly felt like this had been written as a romantic suspense and then at some stage, some brilliant person (be it author, agent, or editor) said "I know, let's make the hero a vampire! Maybe people won't notice the glaring over-use of bad cliches and words used in incorrect context."
Okay, as a reader, maybe this book was pretty good. The idea was a bit different considering the hordes of vampire books on the market. But as a writer, I could see so many examples of why this manuscript wasn't ready for publication.
Many writers will have heard the expression "you're only as good as your last book." Readers can be unforgiving. Look, we all make mistakes, we're only human. I've found errors in my own books after they've gone to publication and cringed over every single one of them, waiting to be ripped to shreds by a reader on Goodreads.com, or Amazon, or by a negative reviewer (luckily it hasn't happened yet, though I have had some 3 star "meh, it was okay" reviews).
Here's a couple of easy lessons for wannabe writers.
For god's sake, don't use cliches. Ever. Well, unless your characters are making a joke out of the fact its a cliche. But don't use them seriously. And definitely don't use them on every other page. The last straw in this book? When the hero said "I'm your worst nightmare." And meant it.
Lesson number two from this book... make sure your words are being used in the right context. Some words have similar meanings, but subtle differences. Play around with your vocab, see if something fits better. Don't use something just because you saw it somewhere else and thought it sounded cool. Definitely don't use it if you're not one hundred percent certain you know what it means.
And the last lesson from this book? When in doubt, just use "he/she said." At the most, you could also use "reply." I don't want to see "rejoinder," "snarled," "retort," "riposte," (DEFINITELY not that one) and a million other things tacked onto the end of sentences that often do nothing for the character's speech. Be a stronger writer. If your character is "retorting" make his/her words short and sharp. Show through their actions that the comeback was snappy. When I see these now, it makes me think the writer lacks strength or couldn't be bothered coming up with anything different.
Because this was a debut author, I want to give her the benefit of doubt, I want her to improve and become a better author. But after my experience with this book, I might have to wait a couple of years before I can bring myself to read another one of her titles.
Published by: Pocket Star Books
The Romance Author's Verdict: 2/5 Stars
I recently read a book -- no, let me rephrase that. I recently started a book, that was so full of cliches, I couldn't get past page 80. The only person I'm naming and shaming in this case is the publisher, because I honestly believe the author must want to do better than the drivel I read.
Now, you may think it unfair to post an anonymous review, to not say what this book was and name the author responsible so others can avoid reading the book. But I for one, would not want to see a one or two star review for my own books, so I am not willing to say such about fellow authors. In the end, mine is only one opinion. I checked on Goodreads.com and some readers have loved this book.
Instead, I'm going to talk in general terms so other authors can take a lesson from this.
The book is a debut title in a new series by a new author. I truly felt like this had been written as a romantic suspense and then at some stage, some brilliant person (be it author, agent, or editor) said "I know, let's make the hero a vampire! Maybe people won't notice the glaring over-use of bad cliches and words used in incorrect context."
Okay, as a reader, maybe this book was pretty good. The idea was a bit different considering the hordes of vampire books on the market. But as a writer, I could see so many examples of why this manuscript wasn't ready for publication.
Many writers will have heard the expression "you're only as good as your last book." Readers can be unforgiving. Look, we all make mistakes, we're only human. I've found errors in my own books after they've gone to publication and cringed over every single one of them, waiting to be ripped to shreds by a reader on Goodreads.com, or Amazon, or by a negative reviewer (luckily it hasn't happened yet, though I have had some 3 star "meh, it was okay" reviews).
Here's a couple of easy lessons for wannabe writers.
For god's sake, don't use cliches. Ever. Well, unless your characters are making a joke out of the fact its a cliche. But don't use them seriously. And definitely don't use them on every other page. The last straw in this book? When the hero said "I'm your worst nightmare." And meant it.
Lesson number two from this book... make sure your words are being used in the right context. Some words have similar meanings, but subtle differences. Play around with your vocab, see if something fits better. Don't use something just because you saw it somewhere else and thought it sounded cool. Definitely don't use it if you're not one hundred percent certain you know what it means.
And the last lesson from this book? When in doubt, just use "he/she said." At the most, you could also use "reply." I don't want to see "rejoinder," "snarled," "retort," "riposte," (DEFINITELY not that one) and a million other things tacked onto the end of sentences that often do nothing for the character's speech. Be a stronger writer. If your character is "retorting" make his/her words short and sharp. Show through their actions that the comeback was snappy. When I see these now, it makes me think the writer lacks strength or couldn't be bothered coming up with anything different.
Because this was a debut author, I want to give her the benefit of doubt, I want her to improve and become a better author. But after my experience with this book, I might have to wait a couple of years before I can bring myself to read another one of her titles.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Review: Warrior by Angela Knight
Author: Angela Knight
Title: Warrior (Time Hunters series, #1)
Genre: Futuristic Romance
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 9780425220849
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Blurb:
In the 24th century, anyone can leap through time at will. To police the time jumpers, the Temporal Enforcement Agency has established a precinct in time. Galar Arvid is a genetically altered warlord and agent who’s been sent back to 2008 to save a pretty Atlanta artist from a Xeran time traveler who intends to kill her for profit. What Galar doesn’t count on is the powerful desire Jessica Kelly ignites in him. But could a romance between them work? A three-hundred-year chasm separates them and, even if they dart through time, there’s still a maniacal killer on their tails.
I've heard mixed things about Angela Knight, some people really love her and others have said she's only so-so. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I was looking for something sci-fi-ish so decided to give it a go.
I think this book could have been fantastic. It is good, I'll give you that, but it was like a really great idea got mushed together with a cliche romance and the result was something that swung back and forth between "wow, I can't put this down" and "eh, what a surprise, they're having sex. *skipping pages*"
The story was what kept me going, the b-grade romance I could have done without. Galar (and I had a real issue with his name, that partly put me off) was a bit stereo-typical. He was all tough and warrior-like (hence the title) and had a bad-ass reputation. He'd been burned by a previous girlfriend and carried all the usual issues of an Alpha-Male-Betrayed-By-Ex-And-Now-Only-Wants-Sex-With-No-Strings-Attached. Of course he decided that the heroine he'd been tasked with protecting, Jessica, wouldn't be around for all that long, so he was going to scratch his itch and then send her on her way. And we all know how that always ends up turning out. Surprise! He started having feelings for her so things became complicated.
In this book's defense, the Time Hunter element really intrigues me, so I will be off to read the next books in the series, and some of Ms. Knights other books such as Warfem and Jane's Warlord. I'm just really hoping next time I get a better romance element out of the story.
Title: Warrior (Time Hunters series, #1)
Genre: Futuristic Romance
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 9780425220849
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Blurb:
In the 24th century, anyone can leap through time at will. To police the time jumpers, the Temporal Enforcement Agency has established a precinct in time. Galar Arvid is a genetically altered warlord and agent who’s been sent back to 2008 to save a pretty Atlanta artist from a Xeran time traveler who intends to kill her for profit. What Galar doesn’t count on is the powerful desire Jessica Kelly ignites in him. But could a romance between them work? A three-hundred-year chasm separates them and, even if they dart through time, there’s still a maniacal killer on their tails.
I've heard mixed things about Angela Knight, some people really love her and others have said she's only so-so. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I was looking for something sci-fi-ish so decided to give it a go.
I think this book could have been fantastic. It is good, I'll give you that, but it was like a really great idea got mushed together with a cliche romance and the result was something that swung back and forth between "wow, I can't put this down" and "eh, what a surprise, they're having sex. *skipping pages*"
The story was what kept me going, the b-grade romance I could have done without. Galar (and I had a real issue with his name, that partly put me off) was a bit stereo-typical. He was all tough and warrior-like (hence the title) and had a bad-ass reputation. He'd been burned by a previous girlfriend and carried all the usual issues of an Alpha-Male-Betrayed-By-Ex-And-Now-Only-Wants-Sex-With-No-Strings-Attached. Of course he decided that the heroine he'd been tasked with protecting, Jessica, wouldn't be around for all that long, so he was going to scratch his itch and then send her on her way. And we all know how that always ends up turning out. Surprise! He started having feelings for her so things became complicated.
In this book's defense, the Time Hunter element really intrigues me, so I will be off to read the next books in the series, and some of Ms. Knights other books such as Warfem and Jane's Warlord. I'm just really hoping next time I get a better romance element out of the story.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Review: Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead
Author: Richelle Mead
Title: Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid series, #1)
Genre: Urban Fantasy (with romantic elements)
Publisher: Zebra Fantasy (Imprint of Kensington)
ISBN: 9780758216410
The Romance Author's Verdict: 5/5 Stars
Blurb:
Succubus (n.) An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men. Pathetic (adj.) A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid.
When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?
But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven't stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess getup complete with whip and wings. And she can't have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy's life. At least there's her day job at a local bookstore--free books; all the white chocolate mochas she can drink; and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't.
But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny...
I've had this book sitting on my To-Be-Read pile for about a year, if not longer. I've looked at it a number of times and considered whether or not to pick it up. You see, I've read all of Ms. Mead's Vampire Academy books and absolutely loved them. I had high expectations when it came to Succubus Blues and I was scared of being disappointed. It happens often enough.
But finally this week I thought "suck it up, princess!" and grabbed it down from the shelf. And the verdict, you're wondering? Well, you can already see I've given it 5/5 stars, so that should answer your question!
Seriously, though, I am impressed that Ms. Mead's writing style can lead itself so well to both Young Adult and Adult fiction. I could see the similarities that marked this as a Richelle Mead book, as well as the differences in voice between the two singular markets. I've read a lot of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Ms Mead's world in Succubus Blues was a refreshing change to the usual parade of vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters. I also loved the complexity of her world. There's no hard line between good and evil. In fact, in this book, an angel and a demon are best-buds and they regularly hang out with two vampires, an imp, and of course Georgina, the succubus.
Speaking of Georgina, she is the kind of heroine I love to read. Outwardly she's beautiful and confident, yet inside she is a mess of confliction and confusion. Though she is a succubus, she was also very human, I suppose because she once was one.
I think this is one point authors often miss with characterization. Its the flaws in a character that we as readers, as people with feelings, connect with. Sometimes a character will have virtually no flaws, or their flaws are superficial and thus make the character seem shallow. I've said on this blog a few times that I want the nitty-gritty, I want to see the deep dark inside the character. How else are we going to get to know them, to form a bond that will keep us turning page after page? Georgina hid nothing, held nothing back. She had insecurities, she obssessed over her past mistakes, she grappled with regret, she often didn't know what the best course of action was, doubting and questioning herself and the motives of those around her. But she also had moments of real heart, of love toward others and kindness of spirit, despite being a servant of hell.
Okay, maybe I'm rambling a bit. But writers, if you want a study in forming a successful character your readers will connect with, then read a Richelle Mead book. Readers, if you want a fantastic urban fantasy, then Succubus Blues hits all the right notes. I'm off to the library to find the next book in the series...
Title: Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid series, #1)
Genre: Urban Fantasy (with romantic elements)
Publisher: Zebra Fantasy (Imprint of Kensington)
ISBN: 9780758216410
The Romance Author's Verdict: 5/5 Stars
Blurb:
Succubus (n.) An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men. Pathetic (adj.) A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid.
When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?
But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven't stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess getup complete with whip and wings. And she can't have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy's life. At least there's her day job at a local bookstore--free books; all the white chocolate mochas she can drink; and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't.
But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny...
I've had this book sitting on my To-Be-Read pile for about a year, if not longer. I've looked at it a number of times and considered whether or not to pick it up. You see, I've read all of Ms. Mead's Vampire Academy books and absolutely loved them. I had high expectations when it came to Succubus Blues and I was scared of being disappointed. It happens often enough.
But finally this week I thought "suck it up, princess!" and grabbed it down from the shelf. And the verdict, you're wondering? Well, you can already see I've given it 5/5 stars, so that should answer your question!
Seriously, though, I am impressed that Ms. Mead's writing style can lead itself so well to both Young Adult and Adult fiction. I could see the similarities that marked this as a Richelle Mead book, as well as the differences in voice between the two singular markets. I've read a lot of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Ms Mead's world in Succubus Blues was a refreshing change to the usual parade of vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters. I also loved the complexity of her world. There's no hard line between good and evil. In fact, in this book, an angel and a demon are best-buds and they regularly hang out with two vampires, an imp, and of course Georgina, the succubus.
Speaking of Georgina, she is the kind of heroine I love to read. Outwardly she's beautiful and confident, yet inside she is a mess of confliction and confusion. Though she is a succubus, she was also very human, I suppose because she once was one.
I think this is one point authors often miss with characterization. Its the flaws in a character that we as readers, as people with feelings, connect with. Sometimes a character will have virtually no flaws, or their flaws are superficial and thus make the character seem shallow. I've said on this blog a few times that I want the nitty-gritty, I want to see the deep dark inside the character. How else are we going to get to know them, to form a bond that will keep us turning page after page? Georgina hid nothing, held nothing back. She had insecurities, she obssessed over her past mistakes, she grappled with regret, she often didn't know what the best course of action was, doubting and questioning herself and the motives of those around her. But she also had moments of real heart, of love toward others and kindness of spirit, despite being a servant of hell.
Okay, maybe I'm rambling a bit. But writers, if you want a study in forming a successful character your readers will connect with, then read a Richelle Mead book. Readers, if you want a fantastic urban fantasy, then Succubus Blues hits all the right notes. I'm off to the library to find the next book in the series...
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Review: The Last Warrior by Susan Grant
Author: Susan Grant
Title: The Last Warrior
Genre: Science fiction / fantasy romance
Publisher: HQN (imprint of Harlequin Mills & Boons)
ISBN: 9780373775422
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
As a decorated soldier, the young General Tao knows only one kind of honor—to his people. But when his own king betrays him, he discovers that his sacrifices, his successes, may not have been for the good of the country at all.
Fate—and his enemies—throw him together with Elsabeth, a red-haired beauty who has served as the royal tutor. Her loyalties, though, remain with her father's people, the rebellious Kurel, who worship the old ways, even harboring the forbidden arks that brought the Kurel to this planet ages ago. When a threat greater than their peoples' war looms, intent on destroying the world they both know, the fierce warrior and the sensitive scholar must unite. Together, they must fight for their planet, for their world and for their love.
The first Susan Grant book I ever read was The Legend of Banzai Maguire, book one in the 2176 series. It was a great book, so I went out and got some other Susan Grant books. Unfortunately, I feel the other books I read by Ms. Grant haven't been quite as good. I'm not saying her other books aren't good -- they are, she's a talented writer. And so I keep buying her books on the hope another story will capture me like that first one did. Obviously so far, Banzai Maguire is my favorite.
But I'm supposed to be talking about The Last Warrior. Though this is a romance published by HQN, I felt the relationship between Tao, a General falsely charged with treason, and Elsabeth, took a backseat to the world building and story of Tao's fight to clear his name -- also not necessarily a bad thing. I quite enjoyed this world, the different factions, and the history of how the current situation on the planet came to be. While I found it a bit slow going at the start, the story built into a really great ending, with a character acting very unexpectedly to tie everything up fairly nicely.
There aren't that many big name sci-fi romance authors around, though slowly we are starting to see more into the mainstream romance publishers (though not enough for my liking!), but Ms Grant has certainly made a name for herself as a successful SFR author.
If you're looking to venture into this genre, or already love it and haven't tried Ms. Grant yet, then I can definitely recommend picking up one of her books. The Last Warrior is a satisfying read.
Title: The Last Warrior
Genre: Science fiction / fantasy romance
Publisher: HQN (imprint of Harlequin Mills & Boons)
ISBN: 9780373775422
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
As a decorated soldier, the young General Tao knows only one kind of honor—to his people. But when his own king betrays him, he discovers that his sacrifices, his successes, may not have been for the good of the country at all.
Fate—and his enemies—throw him together with Elsabeth, a red-haired beauty who has served as the royal tutor. Her loyalties, though, remain with her father's people, the rebellious Kurel, who worship the old ways, even harboring the forbidden arks that brought the Kurel to this planet ages ago. When a threat greater than their peoples' war looms, intent on destroying the world they both know, the fierce warrior and the sensitive scholar must unite. Together, they must fight for their planet, for their world and for their love.
The first Susan Grant book I ever read was The Legend of Banzai Maguire, book one in the 2176 series. It was a great book, so I went out and got some other Susan Grant books. Unfortunately, I feel the other books I read by Ms. Grant haven't been quite as good. I'm not saying her other books aren't good -- they are, she's a talented writer. And so I keep buying her books on the hope another story will capture me like that first one did. Obviously so far, Banzai Maguire is my favorite.
But I'm supposed to be talking about The Last Warrior. Though this is a romance published by HQN, I felt the relationship between Tao, a General falsely charged with treason, and Elsabeth, took a backseat to the world building and story of Tao's fight to clear his name -- also not necessarily a bad thing. I quite enjoyed this world, the different factions, and the history of how the current situation on the planet came to be. While I found it a bit slow going at the start, the story built into a really great ending, with a character acting very unexpectedly to tie everything up fairly nicely.
There aren't that many big name sci-fi romance authors around, though slowly we are starting to see more into the mainstream romance publishers (though not enough for my liking!), but Ms Grant has certainly made a name for herself as a successful SFR author.
If you're looking to venture into this genre, or already love it and haven't tried Ms. Grant yet, then I can definitely recommend picking up one of her books. The Last Warrior is a satisfying read.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Review: Break Out by Nina Croft
Author: Nina Croft
Title: Break Out (Blood Hunter series book #1)
Genre: Science fiction / paranormal romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN: 9781937044046
The Romance Author's Verdict: 3/5 Stars
Blurb:
Irreverent. Irresponsible. Insatiable. Who says immortals can't have any fun?
The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.
Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun.
I wanted this book to be fantastic. I wanted it to blow me away. The cover is to die for. Plus someone took two of my favorite genres and mushed them together. Vampires in space? Come on, how could that not be brilliant? This book had raving 5 star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. When I finished reading the last page, I wondered what on earth all those people could have been taking to think Break Out deserved a five star review.
Okay, maybe that sounds a bit harsh, maybe I just set my expectations too high when I saw this book compared to the likes of Sherrilyn Kenyon's League series or Ann Aguirre's Grimspace, both of which I love. I'm sorry to say, Break Out doesn't quite live up to either of those titles.
Rico is a vampire, but he's about as cliche as vampires come. Skylar is meant to be a tough warrior-type woman, but to me it felt like she was all talk and no action. The sci-fi aspect felt flimsy at best and there wasn't enough depth with either character to get me involved in the story. I felt like both character's point of view were interchangeable, there wasn't a real 'voice' to differentiate one from the other, leaving them both seeming a bit cardboard.
I think part of the issue in terms of that was because the writing style was very narrative. There was a lot of telling, not showing going on, more than I can ever remember reading in a published book before. If I had of been judging this as a competition entry, or critiquing it, I would have been highlighting passages worth of telling and suggesting the author refine their skill when it came to that particular craft.
However, all that being said, I want to give Ms. Croft the benefit of doubt, because she has books published with Harlequin's Nocturne line. Maybe she was just having a bad day at the office when she wrote this book. So I am going to have a look over her books and pick something else to read.
Its not the worst thing I've ever read, its just lacking depth. If you want a story about vampires in space and don't get your exceptions too high like I did, if you're after a light romp (because the sex scenes were pretty good, I'll give Ms Croft that) then Break Out is an easy afternoon's read.
Title: Break Out (Blood Hunter series book #1)
Genre: Science fiction / paranormal romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN: 9781937044046
The Romance Author's Verdict: 3/5 Stars
Blurb:
Irreverent. Irresponsible. Insatiable. Who says immortals can't have any fun?
The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.
Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun.
I wanted this book to be fantastic. I wanted it to blow me away. The cover is to die for. Plus someone took two of my favorite genres and mushed them together. Vampires in space? Come on, how could that not be brilliant? This book had raving 5 star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. When I finished reading the last page, I wondered what on earth all those people could have been taking to think Break Out deserved a five star review.
Okay, maybe that sounds a bit harsh, maybe I just set my expectations too high when I saw this book compared to the likes of Sherrilyn Kenyon's League series or Ann Aguirre's Grimspace, both of which I love. I'm sorry to say, Break Out doesn't quite live up to either of those titles.
Rico is a vampire, but he's about as cliche as vampires come. Skylar is meant to be a tough warrior-type woman, but to me it felt like she was all talk and no action. The sci-fi aspect felt flimsy at best and there wasn't enough depth with either character to get me involved in the story. I felt like both character's point of view were interchangeable, there wasn't a real 'voice' to differentiate one from the other, leaving them both seeming a bit cardboard.
I think part of the issue in terms of that was because the writing style was very narrative. There was a lot of telling, not showing going on, more than I can ever remember reading in a published book before. If I had of been judging this as a competition entry, or critiquing it, I would have been highlighting passages worth of telling and suggesting the author refine their skill when it came to that particular craft.
However, all that being said, I want to give Ms. Croft the benefit of doubt, because she has books published with Harlequin's Nocturne line. Maybe she was just having a bad day at the office when she wrote this book. So I am going to have a look over her books and pick something else to read.
Its not the worst thing I've ever read, its just lacking depth. If you want a story about vampires in space and don't get your exceptions too high like I did, if you're after a light romp (because the sex scenes were pretty good, I'll give Ms Croft that) then Break Out is an easy afternoon's read.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Review: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
Author: Rachel Caine
Title: Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, book #1)
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: NAL Jam (Imprint of Berkley)
ISBN: 9780451219947
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Blurb:
From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.
College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.
After I finished reading this book, I couldn't decide whether or not I liked it. One thing is for sure, I wasn't impressed with the ending. The book didn't finish, it just stopped. Okay, I understand how that might entice your readers into picking up the second book, but I found it annoying and unsatisfying.
It also took me a bit to get into this book, I couldn't connect with Claire. I didn't understand her motivations in wanting to stay in college, within striking distance of those who wanted to seriously hurt her, though her reasons for needing to stay in town did become clearer later on.
This book was an interesting read, which is why I gave it four stars, but you can probably tell from this review I'm still conflicted over it. All of the main characters were interesting and I enjoyed learning their stories and even the threads revealed that will no doubt be dealt with in later books. I also enjoyed the hint of romance, which obviously has the potential to become something big later on.
On the other hand, it is also just another take on teenagers and vampires, I didn't find anything to set it too far apart from other teen-vamp adventures. One other point, I found the writing kept me disconnected from the characters. Much of the writing was very narrative, when I wanted (like usual) to get into the dark depths of the character's thoughts and feelings.
Overall, its not a bad read, which is why I gave it four stars. If you want another teen-vamp romp, and light writing you won't get too sucked into, then the Morganville Vampire books fit the bill. I haven't decided whether or not I'll read any more in the series. If I do, it will be more out of an interest to see if the writing and characters develop any farther, than wanting to know what's going to happen story-wise.
Title: Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, book #1)
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: NAL Jam (Imprint of Berkley)
ISBN: 9780451219947
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Blurb:
From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.
College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.
After I finished reading this book, I couldn't decide whether or not I liked it. One thing is for sure, I wasn't impressed with the ending. The book didn't finish, it just stopped. Okay, I understand how that might entice your readers into picking up the second book, but I found it annoying and unsatisfying.
It also took me a bit to get into this book, I couldn't connect with Claire. I didn't understand her motivations in wanting to stay in college, within striking distance of those who wanted to seriously hurt her, though her reasons for needing to stay in town did become clearer later on.
This book was an interesting read, which is why I gave it four stars, but you can probably tell from this review I'm still conflicted over it. All of the main characters were interesting and I enjoyed learning their stories and even the threads revealed that will no doubt be dealt with in later books. I also enjoyed the hint of romance, which obviously has the potential to become something big later on.
On the other hand, it is also just another take on teenagers and vampires, I didn't find anything to set it too far apart from other teen-vamp adventures. One other point, I found the writing kept me disconnected from the characters. Much of the writing was very narrative, when I wanted (like usual) to get into the dark depths of the character's thoughts and feelings.
Overall, its not a bad read, which is why I gave it four stars. If you want another teen-vamp romp, and light writing you won't get too sucked into, then the Morganville Vampire books fit the bill. I haven't decided whether or not I'll read any more in the series. If I do, it will be more out of an interest to see if the writing and characters develop any farther, than wanting to know what's going to happen story-wise.
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