Destined (House of Night #9) by P.C and Kristin Cast.

Book Info:

Hardcover, 352 Pages,

Published: 25th October 2011 by ATOM

Series: House of Night series

Setting: Oklahoma (USA)

Synopsis:

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what is destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Review:

P.C and Kristin Cast has once again written a very griping book following where the past 8 have left off. The main characters continued to develop throughout the story. However, I find that the main characters of what they describe as the 'original nerd herd'  developed rather slowly compared to other titles in the series. The second circle of characters in the group seemed to  develop in a faster speed.

New characters are introduced within Destined,  however, out of the three new characters  only two of them are developed past the introduction and a slight look into  their background. The newest of the red vampires is introduced to have the gift of true sight, a very rare gift to vampires. However, P.C and Kristen Cast rarely involve her in the story lines or mention her as much as the new human servant who Neferet has hired to help Lenobia with the horses. This introduces parts of Lenobia's past which is unknown to the readers' in previous books. Lastly the 'vessel' that was gifted to Neferet is also beginning to form a very interesting character and I look forward to discovering how the events revealed in relation to him develop in this what seems like never-ending series.

All in all i think this book provides alot of drama in a quick and snappy speed. I just wish that the authors would develop characters more quickly and not repeat events and story lines which should be left gone. It seems to me that they are trying to force us into liking certain storylines by continually bring it back into play.

Overall i give this book a :

 3/5



Currently reading...

Lord of Misrule

by Rachel Caine

(The Morganville Vampires #5)

Blurb:

In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans coexist in (relatively) bloodless harmony. Then comes Bishop, a master vampire who threatens to abolish all order, revive the forces of the evil dead, and let chaos rule. 

But bishop isn't the only threat.

Violent black clouds promise a storm of devastating proportions. As student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend Morganville against the elements - both natural and unnatural - the unexpected happens: Morganville's vampires begin to vanish one by one. Discovering why leads Claire to one last choice: swear allegiance to Bishop... or die. 

Book Specs:

Pages: 348

Chapters: 14

Publisher: Allison and Busby

ISBN: 978-0-7490-0757-7

Setting: USA, Texas.

My thoughts on the UK book cover is that it is flows throughout the series of a model posing with a pale face and red lips. 

First impression of the book is that there is yet again another catch up of the story which is quite short and to the point unlike the House of night series which repeats the situation at the house of night  at the beginning of every book. 

Attracted to Fird by DiAnn Mills

Attracted to Fird 

by DiAnn Mills

The first book I have read by DiAnn Mills. My first opinion when reading the book was that it was a very inspiration romance novel. The two main characters Meghan and Ash were developed very well, Mills has also developed some solid supporting characters within this book. The storyline itself was interesting and moved in a fantastic pace which compelled me not to put the book down.I am glad that I was able to read this Netgalley ARC. 

Meghan was a Secret Service Agent who was sent to Texas to provide protection for the troubled and threatened daughter of the US Vice President.  After encountering problems from the second main character, Ash, a leader of the team of six agents, she attempts to maintain her professionalism. However, the situation with the Vice President's daughter becomes worrying and she and her team fights to keep the daughter safe and find who wants to hurt her. 

My opinion on the main character Meghan is that she was a great character which Mills has written in very well her mannerisms  and how she won over Ash can be seen to be a positive influence on Vice President's daughter, Linsdey. 
I think the plot in this book was very interesting and will be looking out for more books by this author.

I give this book a .....

Currently reading...

I am currently reading.....

Attracted to Fire

by DiAnn Mills

Netgallery ARC.

Paperback

384 pages

75 Chapters.

Expected release date: October 1st 2011.

Publisher: Tyndale House Publisher

Blurb:

Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

First opinion on book ...

The cover is rather bland and could do with a more interesting and eye catching cover to make me want to pick up the book in shops. Looking forward to what happens.. From the blurb it seems like a book I'm going to enjoy

Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine (The Morganville Vampires # 4)

Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine 

(The Morganville Vampires # 4)

Another fantastic book from Rachel Caine! As always Caine continues to story from the previous book right in the middle of the action. Caine ends Midnight Alley introducing yet another vamp into the town of Morganville. Mr. Bishop. enters the town causing trouble throughout his visit. Bishop, Amelie's 'father' isn't like the vamps in Morganville and brings trouble wherever he goes worrying all the vamp who are 'in the know'.

On top of everything Claire is having to deal with her parents moving into town unknowing of the vampire residents risking their safety at all times. Along with her worries of her parents safety and attempting to convince them to allow her to stay at the Glass house- her work with Myrnin is of high priority along with her classes. 

As the books continue throughout the series I am finding myself not only being engrossed into the constant trilling action within this vamp infested town but becoming impatient to when Shane and Claire's relationship is going to develop. Something needs to happen as the building of this much tension it has to go one of two ways. they give in to their desires or they give up and move on... 

Along with Mr. Bishop being in town, Jason seems to be changing his actions from threatening and stalking to trying to notify Eve of some family news and making amends. Monica is back to her vile hating others self after her experience with Myrnin's medication. So it seems that things are calming down or in Monica's  case going back to normal.

Feast of Fools have certainly upped its tempo and I am thoroughly looking forward to the next book 'Lord of Misrule'

I give this book... 

Currently reading...

I am currently reading.... 


Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine ( #4 in Morganville Vampires Series)

Blurb: 

'In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans have learnt to live in relative peace. Still, Claire Danvers knows that after dark, her homework can take a backseat to staying alive. But this tenuous harmony has turned on its head with the arrival of Mr. Bishop.

Bad to the bone, the ancient old-school vampire cares nothing about keeping the peace; staying at the top of the food chain is enough. What he wants from the town's living and dead is unthinkably sinister. It's only at a formal ball attended by vampires and their human dates that Claire realises Bishop's plan - and the elaborately evil trap he's set for the warm- blooded souls of Morganville...'

Book Specs:

Chapters: 13

Pages: 367 pages.

Date Published:February 23rd 2009

Publisher: Allison and Busby

Setting: Morganville, Texas. 

Cannot wait to begin reading this book. The book begins with  a prologue of the story so far. good way for Caine to refresh the readers memory for the last 3 books. 

Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride 

by  

Sandra D. Bricker

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: October 28th 2011 by Abingdon Press

ISBN

1426731604 (ISBN13: 9781426731600)

Sandra D. Bricker has wrote a fantastic book.  The only problem with this book I can find is that it is very focused on religion running along a beautiful love story  with the natural twists and turns of events which occur in any realistic relationship. I am impressed how Brciker hasn't gone down the road of fairy tale love stories where nothing goes wrong and everything is perfect. 

The twists and turns of events/plots throughout this book has made me continue reading wondering what will happen next to the characters and the relationships created.  Brciker has built up the characters backgrounds effectively and I love the secret past about Sherilyn which let my imagination go wild throughout the story before it comes out to the readers. 

All in all I think this book was fantastically written and I am looking forward to reading the next book Brciker writes. 

I give this book ....

Sarah Court by Craig Davidson.

Sarah Court by Craig Davidson.

Kindle Edition

Published September 13th 2010 by ChiZine Publications

ASIN

B0042X99W6

The story Sarah Court are based through five families who all live within the Sarah House block in a neighbourhood near Niagara  Falls. Davidson has used each of the five families residing in Sarah Court  to create five short stories which are interlocked to create a larger outlook on the lives and events at Sarah Court. 

Davidson's development of the characters within this book have been fantastic. From the start of the book you are thrown into the lives of the families residing in this neighbourhood. Davidson ingeniously includes a former boxer who now works as an enforcers for the American Express, a boy who believes that he is in fact Dracula. An  unwilling power lifter, a doctor who has been disgraced for unknown reasons and a strange women who are constantly fostering children. 

Each short story about the five families in Sarah Court have hits of corruption and deceit which gives an interesting twist to what will happen to each other the families. Davidson causes havoc on his characters by creating realistic events and troubles. Sarah Court is is surrounded by realistic troubles and events which hinders the book from flying off into the unrealistic weird area. throughout all the book there are underlying paranormal elements which give the book the horror and thrilling moments as his characters are causing realistic destruction. Davidson has cleverly used the idea that within families there are secrets and personality traits which can corrupt and infect people around them. No one at Sarah Court  will come out untouched.    

during the first few pages of this book I had lost interest rather rapidly the amount of errors and rapid change in writing style sent me off into the uninterested, however I battled on and I am glad I did this book has intrigued me and hooked me in no end. 

Overall the book after the first few pages has gripped me. and give this book a ....

 

 

  

Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine

UK Cover

Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine   (Morganville Vampires #3)


0749079223

ISBN

365 pages, 13 Chapters.


Midnight Alley begins from the cliff hanger left in 'Dead Girls Dance' (Morganville Vampire #2). It's beginning to appear that The Morganville Vampire series are not books that stand on their own and cannot be picked up mid series. In order for this series of books to make sense you need to start at the beginning. 


The four main characters; Michael Glass, Claire Danvers, Eve Rosser and Shane Collins seems rather immature in their character build up. In defence of the character Claire Danvers this can be seen as her real age shining through. However being as she's an advanced admittance to College at the age of sixteen, you would think that her spoken English and attitude to life- as well as academic studies- would also be portrayed in a mature way. I am hoping these characters are developed through the next 7 books. 


The book continues story lines from book 2, giving you more insight to the problems which occurred during 'Dead Girls Dance'. I think Rachel Caine has cleverly carried on the story which gives us the illusion that the series of books are not separate but flowing throughout each other. 


There is an important new character that we are introduced to in this book. Myrnin, is an old vampire who at the beginning of the book was given Claire by Amelie to assist him with his studies. Towards the middle of the books we find out the relation of Myrnin and the Alley by Granma Day's house. He is infact the 'trap door vampire' who can switch moods within moments. Caine described this ancient  vampire as 'sick' and the twist in events will entice me to read the next books in this series.


The relationships between Eve and Michael, Claire and Shane are developing nicely. Caine really portrays the different emotions of the love relationships effectively. However, Shane's attitude of any problem he doesn't like or cannot deal with is rather annoying. Shane and Michael's relationship and friendship within the past books has been best friends I dislike how now that Michael has turned into a vampire that Shane has a prejudice against him, especially since he claims to have been his best friend. Hopefully in the future books Shane will be developed into a calmed and a less hot headed character. 


All in all any review on this book does not do it justice. This book is amazing and I thoroughly look forward to the future books in this series. 


 I give this book ........

/5