Ceridwen's book lounge

Giveaway: The Space Between ARC

2011-10-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

The Space Between (Coming Soon!)

November 15, 2011, Razorbill/Penguin Group

Everything burns in Pandemonium, a city in Hell made of chrome and steel, where there is no future and life is an expanse of frozen time. That’s where Daphne lives.
The daughter of a demon and a fallen angel, she wonders what lies in store for her. Will she become a soulless demon like her sisters? Or follow in the footsteps of her brother Obie, whose life is devoted to saving lost souls on Earth? All she wants is to find a place where she belongs.
When Obie saves a bleeding, broken boy named Truman from the brink of death and then suddenly goes missing, Daphne runs away to Earth to find him. But on Earth, everything is colder and more terrifying, and Daphne struggles between her demon instincts and her growing—yet achingly unfamiliar—feelings for Truman. As Daphne and Truman search for Obie, they must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in their way. But Daphne also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

I was going though my SDCC swag for something to read and I found that I have two advanced copies of The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff. I decided this was the perfect opportunity to do my very first giveaway. Use the Rafflecopter form bellow, US entrants only for this one.

Thursday Tee Party #2

2011-10-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday all! This is my second edition of Thursday Tee Party, where I bring you awesome shirts that I have fallen in love during the week. I have three fun tees for you today from various sites. To check them out further just click on the pic :)

I love this little ramen mummy. Ramen'ses Return is from Threadless and is currently part of their Halloween sale!

Penny Arcade always has great stuff. This is one of their newest, Gamer Crest.

Unstealthiest Ninja from Woot is so cute I cant get over it!

ARC Review: Trance by Kelly Meding

2011-10-19T10:53:00.010-07:00

Synopsis: Kelly Meding’s war-ravaged Los Angeles is ground zero for the ultimate Meta human showdown in this sexy, action-packed new series.

Fifteen years ago, Teresa “Trance” West was a skilled telepath and a proud member of the Ranger Corps. But ever since the Rangers were inexplicably rendered powerless at the climax of the devastating Meta War, she’s bounced from one dead-end job to another. Now her powers have reappeared just as mysteriously as they vanished— only they’re completely transformed and more potent than ever. And they’re threatening to destroy her.

Trance heads to Los Angeles to track down the surviving Rangers and discover who restored her powers—and why—but a phantom enemy is determined to kill them before they can reassemble. As they dodge his deadly attacks and come to terms with their new role as heroes, Trance and the rest of the team set out to annihilate the sinister madman . . . only to discover their own powers are his greatest weapons.

I was so excited when I won this ARC from Kelly. This book was not what I expected...it was better. From the very start this book is emotionally heavy. Following little Teresa though the first chapter I could totally relate to her feeling of uselessness in a hopeless situation. It brought tears to my eyes. Fifteen years later she has become a cynical hot tempered young woman whose life has gone though the ringer. I really enjoyed her and the others in the cast of characters. Though I would caution not to get too attached to anyone our dear author has no problem killing people off and that is a good thing as far as I am concerned. The story kept me guessing and at the end someone I had long before crossed off my suspect list ended up being the villain. I love a story that I cant guess the ending within the first few chapters! Bottom line it is a great book with plenty of action, drama and well written characters. The book comes out next week 10/25 and I highly recommend picking it up.

My Rating: 5/5

Star Wars The Old Republic: Deceived

2011-10-17T13:52:00.006-07:00

If you don't already know about the new Star Wars MMO coming out later this year from LucasArts and BioWare you have clearly been living under a rock. Deceived by Paul S. Kemp is a tie-in novel for the game featuring in game characters such as Darth Malgus. The book is so closely linked that there is in fact a game trailer of one of the scenes which I happily present to you now.

Deceived follows three different characters throughout the book, the Sith Lord Darth Malgus, Jedi Knight Aryn Leneer and my personal favorite, smuggler Zeerid Korr. The book pretty much starts off at the scene in the trailer above bouncing back and forth between the characters who are not all present at the attack on the Jedi temple. From there we see how Empire's attack effects all involved as their individual stories unfold. Personally I found both Malgus and Aryn's stories to be a bit predictable and wasn't able to fully connect with them. Zeerid was a different story, I fell in love with his character and was rooting for him though the whole book. While reminiscent of the scruffy nerf herder we fell in love with in the original SW he is a character all his own. Overall the book is very enjoyable with a good mix of action and story. Whether you plan to play the game or not if you are a Star Wars fan I highly recommend giving it a go.

My Rating: 4/5

My year in review part 1

2011-10-14T07:42:00.016-07:00

This is my year in review part 1. So far this year I have forty books under my belt, which is sadly very low for me but it has been a super busy year. I’ll just have to kick butt the rest of the year :) So below I have the first five books I read for the year with ratings and a little blurb with my thoughts.

1) The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana oliver

Rating: 3/5

Overall I liked this book and wanted to know what was going to happen to Riley next. That being said I felt that there were some world building issues. I got this as an ARC from librarything where a more indepth review is posted.

2) Right Hand Magic by Nancy Collins
Rating: 3/5

This was a nice light read. Though it was a bit predictable I liked the main characters Tate and Hexe and their buddign romance. There is a good mix of comedy and action and I look forward to reading the next book Left Hand Magic due out this December.

3) Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison

Rating 4/5

I love Kim's Hallows serise and this book was no exception. The only negitive for me is that the book felt a little crowded with too many players on the feild at times. Rachel remains a great character real in her actions and imperfections.

4) Pale Demon by Kim Harrison

Rating: 4.5/5
I was a little worried because the last book Black Magic Sanction to me felt like there were too many players on the field. Pale Demon took it back to a simpler story and it totally worked for me. Rachel is finally coming to grips with who she is and it was fun seeing her spend more time with the demons. The end of the book leaves Rachel open to think about what she wants and I'm interested to see where the story will go from here.

5) Poltergeist by Kat Richardson
Rating: 4/5

A nice followup to Greywalker as Harper continues to navigate her newly complicated life. This story was bit bogged down with detail compared to the first with the connection to the Philip expiriments but it was interesting enough that it didnt put me off. So overall while a little more action would have been good I enjoyed the book and will continue with the serise.

Thursday Tee Party and other news

2011-10-13T12:01:00.010-07:00

Its been a while but I want to come back with a vengeance. I have had amazing luck lately with getting new books and ARCs and I want to pay forward that good Karma. I'm going to be posting a quick overview with ratings and some comments on books that I have read this year. My first full return review will be on Star Wars the Old Republic: Deceived by Paul S. Kemp which I should be finishing up tomorrow.

But now for something new I want to start doing called Thursday Tee Party where I will share with you my favorite T-shirt finds of the week. I have two for you this week both are great shirts for some Halloween fun.

This first one is called Acquired Taste and is available from Shirt.Woot.com. Click on the pic to go directly to the site.

Second we have Haunted Housework also from Woot.

That's it for now. Thanks for stopping by.

Awesom spring giveaway

2010-04-21T06:44:00.002-07:00

Hi Guys one of my friends from Library Thing is having a great giveaway on their blog. Check it out and become a follower :) Just click on title to link to her Blog.

Mari Mancusi and Melissa Walker contest

2009-02-20T19:39:00.003-07:00

Mari Mancusi author of Gamer Girl (review) and the Blood Coven series and Melissa Walker author of the Violet series are both having contests to spread the word about their work. Both authors appeared in a segment on Better TV talking about their latest works and why they write YA. Check out the video below and be sure to stop by their sites for info on joining their contests. Mari will be giving away a total of four prizes the grand prize winner getting to pick a signed copy of any of her works while Melissa is giving away a copy of Erin Dionne's Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies.

Evermore by Alyson Noel

2009-02-18T13:52:00.002-07:00

"Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.

Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him. " From the author

This book kept popping up on my radar, so when my Fiance asked me for a favor I took the opportunity to secure a trip to the bookstore to pick it up. I'm glad I did! Evermore is a very promising start to Alyson's Immortals series. This book fits right in with the YA paranormal books that have been hitting the shelves but is a completely unique read.

Ever is a very well written character, completely believable in the way she handles teen life and her interesting gifts. The guilt she holds on to for her family is truly heartbreaking. Her relationship with Riley was so like mine and my sisters, despite its special circumstances, it was so fun to read. Damen is quite an interesting character and through almost the whole book he keeps you guessing. That was one of my favorite aspects of this book, it kept me guessing!

I most certainly recommend this book.

Melange needs some new friends!

2009-02-16T10:42:00.003-07:00

Hi Guys,
We have another new blogger in our ranks that needs some more followers and is holding a contest. So check out Melange's blog and spread the love! Please let her know I sent you, I think its going to be a great blog :)

Fade by Lisa McMann

2009-02-12T19:02:00.003-07:00

"For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open--but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.
Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability. And it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared... " From the author

Let me just say wow! I read this book in another nonstop session just like the last. The sequel outshines it predecessor hands down. With Fade we start digging into some heavier issues as opposed to the first. With potential rapists among the school faculty and the hard reality facing Janie in her path as a Dream Catcher. We also get a lot more character development with the main pair Jamie and Cabel. This time we also see a lot more of Captain and from the development of this book my guess is she will also be a large part of Gone, the third instalment due out next year.

I really enjoyed the turn this book took. While Wake seemed to focus mostly on Janie and her coming to tums with her ability and opening up to someone, Fade gets a little meatier dealing with Janie's new "job", her learning and growing her abilities as a Catcher and her and Cabel growing and straining their new found relationship. My only complaint is that I have to wait until next year for more!

As I said with Wake, pick it up you wont be disappointed!

Wake by Lisa McMann

2009-02-12T09:47:00.004-07:00

"For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.

She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.

Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant...." Fom the author.

I meet Lisa at an author panel event at one of our local book stores Monday night. Let me tell you she is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Before the event started she was walking around and introducing herself to everyone there waiting and after she spent a generous amount of time taking with a very excited group of young girls. Being thoroughly impressed with the author herself I picked up both books in her current trilogy Wake and Fade.

I started Wake last night and devoured it in one sitting. At first I will admit I was a little thrown by the style of the book as it is written is a diary entry type style, complete with dates and times, but from an outside perspective. This was totally unique to me in my reading experience and that is one of its many appeals. Its is extremely refreshing to pick up a book that is nothing like what you have read in the past. Then before I knew it I was hooked and to my dismay the book was over.

Janie and Cabel are great characters that I found very relatable even never having been in similar situations. You just wont be able to help rooting for them! Janie is strong in spite of her ability and lot in life which I love. Although Cabel is not always cast in the greatest light at points I found myself wanting to belive the best and not the worst of him.

Pick it up you wont regret it!

Laura's Review Bookshelf

2009-02-10T19:47:00.005-07:00

Hi Guys
Laura is looking for some new friends so head on over and check out her blog and become a follower! You wont be disappointed she has a great page going on. If you do please be sure mention that I sent you over.

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

2009-02-10T19:16:00.004-07:00

"Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her hybrid-werewolf first love threatens to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. And just as she and her uncle are about to debut Austin’s red hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef.

Can Quincie transform the new hire into a culinary dark lord before opening night? Will Henry Johnson be able to wow the crowd in fake fangs, a cheap cape, and red contact lenses? Or is there more to this earnest fresh face than meets the eye?

As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms and the line between predator and prey begins to blur. Who’s playing whom? And how long can Quincie play along before she loses everything?" From the author

I have to say that I was not Tantalized by this book. This was actually my third attempt at reading this novel. I did like the Hybrid werewolf angle and I wished the book had dealt more with that. For me this book was very reminiscent of Thirsty by M.T. Anderson in that I found the book quite slow moving and the end utterly depressing. If you were a fan of Thirsty I say go for it if not I would look elsewhere for my werewolf and vampire fix.

Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop

2009-02-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

Dreams Made Flesh is a collection of four short stories set in the Black Jewels world. Including Weaver of Dreams, The Prince of Ebon Rih, Zuulaman and Kaleer's Heart.

Weaver of Dreams is the shortest story out of the four and gives us insight into the beginning of the Arachnid weavers that later become Janelle's friends and teachers of weaving tangled webs.
It goes back and forth between the perspective of the spider and the dragon that passed on its power to weave dreams. This was one of my least favorite out of the four due to its length and style.

The Prince of Ebon Rih tells the tale of Lucivar and the evolution of his relation ship with Marian the Eyrien hearth witch. I really enjoyed this story and for fans of the trilogy you will as well. This was always something I had wished was part of the origonal three books since it seemed like one day Lucivar was single the next minute he had skilet flinging wife. This short takes you through from the Janelle's rescue of Marian to the wedding with quite a few laughs in between.

Zuulaman is a story dealing with Saetan before the birth of both Deamon and Lucivar. This is a rather depressing short but does give great insight into Seatans past and who he is. At the same time it tells alot about why people view Deamon the way they do as he is the son of Seatan's soul. This was one of my lesser favorites because of the drepressing factor.

Kaleer's Heart is what all fans of the first three books were wishing for and waiting for at their conclusion. I don't want to give to much away but all the players are present for this Janelle, Deamon, Lucivar and Surreal giving it all the intruigue and action we saw played out in the courts before. It also gives us some insight into Janelle's new place in life and her powers now that she no longer wears the Ebon but Twilight's Dawn.

For fans this is a must read and for those of you new to Annes work I would highly recomend starting back at Daughter of the Blood to fully understand whats going on.

Contest for The Season

2009-02-10T10:26:00.002-07:00

Hi Guys

I just found out about a contest for a signed copy of The Season by Sarah MacLean. Check out Sharon's blog for details.

Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi

2009-02-06T09:07:00.005-07:00

After Maddy's parents divorce, she's stuck starting over at a new high school. Friendless and nicknamed Freak Girl, Manga-loving artist Maddy finds refuge in the interactive online game Fields of Fantasy. In that virtual world, she reinvents herself as Allora, a gorgeous elfin alter ego, and meets a true friend in Sir Leo. Maddy can't hide behind Allora forever, especially as a real-life crush begins edging in on her budding virtual romance. But would anyone pick the real Maddy, gamer girl and Manga freak, over the fantasy?

This fresh, geeky/cool novel includes online chats and exciting gaming, and features Maddy's Mangastyle artwork. (synopsis from B&N)

I went to the book store last night to pick up Bone Crossed. I'm on kind of a tight budget as far as extra spending at the moment so I typically go straight to the section my book is in looking at nothing else so I don't end up buying ten extra books and getting that exasperated look from my fiance. Last night however I could not help but pursue the YA section as it happens to be right in front of the escalator. I loved the art and title of this book and had to pick it up. After reading the synopsis I was unable to put it down being a gamer girl and manga fan myself I felt I would relate to the character really well.

I really enjoyed this book and I was right in my assumption of being able to relate to the character. Mari I think did a good job in her environment creating of a newly divorced family having gone through it myself. All the characters fit nicely into the story and develop well. The illustrations at the begging of each chapter are a cute little added bonus letting you know what Maddy's mood will be at some point during the chapter. The story is a bit predictable but it was written well enough that I didn't care. The pop culture references are great and for old school anime fans you will love the Voltron bit.

Final verdict is that this is a fun light read that will entertain.

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

2009-02-05T15:22:00.004-07:00

"Moon Called is the beginning of the story of Mercedes Thompson a coyote shapeshifter who is also a pretty decent mechanic. Mercy's world looks a lot like ours except that the Otherworld is beginning to be forced out of hiding by our modern technologies. Mercy shares her back fence with the local Alpha werewolf and works evenings on the vampire Stefan's VW bus. She's safe and content -- which doesn't make a very story, does it? So, of course, matters begin to change on the first page. In this book Mercy faces trolls and gremlins, old boyfriends and older vampires. I hope you enjoy her story. " Notes from the author.

Patricia hit it out of the park again with this book. I actually went a little backward reading her first Alpha and Omega book before this one. It actually doesn't really matter and events in the books actually correlate with each other making it very interesting reading them back to back. Moon Called is excellent with no downtime or slow parts. Much more action I think than Cry Wolf.

Mercy Thompson is a very intriguing character. I actually bought the book with the assumption that she was a werewolf but she is something else entirely, a walker. Patrica does a great job with all her characters and you cant help but be drawn in and be left wanting more at the end. Luckily I have three more book to wet my appetite.

Same as with Cry wolf this is a must read so add it to you TBR piles!

Once Dead Twice Shy Kim Harrison writes YA!

2009-02-05T13:51:00.003-07:00

Woohoo! I love it when one of my favorite "adult" authors forays in to the young adult audience. Kim's Once Dead Twice Shy is due out May 26th. This is a take off from her novella in Prom Nights from Hell. Click on the cover to link to Kim's page for info and an upcoming excerpt. I know HarperTeen will be putting together a tour for the release and I will post a link once they anounce dates and locations.

Things to look out for!

2009-02-03T15:01:00.003-07:00

Hi guys,
There are so many great books coming out this year that I'm looking for ward to I thought i would share them here with you as I find out about them. Below are a few I have had on my calendar. clicking on the cover will take you to the authors page for release information and any extras they have up.

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

2009-02-03T14:42:00.004-07:00

"Cry Wolf is the first novel in the Alpha and Omega series. The series itself is set in the same world as the Mercy Thompson series and is loosely connected. The first story in this series was the novella from On the Prowl, "Alpha and Omega". The protagonists of the Alpha and Omega books are Samuel's brother Charles and his newly acquired mate Anna." comments from the author.

I have never really been that into werewolves, and I picked up this book and the first book of Patty's Mercy Thompson series only because I needed werewolf books for my Paranormal 999 challenge. I'm so glad that I did. I loved this book. The characters are well developed and you cant help but find yourself rooting for Anna in hopes that she can get past her past and come together with Charles. And its not just the main characters that are intriguing. You get just enough of everyone's past that you understand their part in the story but also want more. The book leaves lots of room open for its sequel due out in August and I cant wait to pick it up.

If you are a fan of Kelley Armstrong or the genre in general I would highly recommend picking this up!

Elisha's Bones by Don Hoesel

2009-01-28T14:30:00.006-07:00

Every year, professor of antiquities Jack Hawthorne looks forward to the winter break as a time to hide away from his responsibilities. Even if just for a week or two. But this year, his plans are derailed when he's offered almost a blank check from a man chasing a rumor.

Billionaire Gordon Reese thinks he knows where the bones of the prophet Elisha are-bones that in the Old Testament brought the dead back to life. A born skeptic, Jack doesn't think much of the assignment but he could use the money, so he takes the first step on a chase for the legendary bones that will take him to the very ends of the earth. But he's not alone. Joined with a fiery colleague, Esperanza Habilla, they soon discover clues to a shadowy organization whose long-held secrets have been protected ... at all costs. As their lives are threatened again and again, the real race is to uncover the truth before those chasing them hunt them down. From the publisher www.bethanyhouse.com

I want to start with the fact that I did like the story that was told in this book. That being said it took me almost a week to finish the just under 300 page ARC. While the story was enticing I unfortunately struggled with the authors writing style. Good characters and lots of action over all I would recommend this book for those that are into The Da Vinci Code type works.

The Summoning Possible Spoiler Warning

2009-01-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

The Summoning is Kelley's debut into the YA section. This was the first book I read by Kelley Armstrong, and I ended going out and getting the books from her "Adult" series. Here is a quick blurb on the book from the authors site.
"Chloe Saunders sees dead people. Yes, like in the films. The problem is, in real life saying you see ghosts gets you a one-way ticket to the psych ward. And at 15, all Chloe wants to do is fit in at school and maybe get a boy to notice her. But when a particularly violent ghost haunts her, she gets noticed for all the wrong reasons. Her seemingly crazed behaviour earns her a trip to Lyle House, a centre for 'disturbed teens'. At first Chloe is determined to keep her head down. But then her room mate disappears after confessing she has a poltergeist, and some of the other patients also seem to be manifesting paranormal behaviour. Could that be a coincidence? Or is Lyle House not quite what it seems...? Chloe realizes that if she doesn't uncover the truth, she could be destined for a lifetime in a psychiatric hospital. Or could her fate be even worse...? Can she trust her fellow students, and does she dare reveal her dark secret?" www.kelleyarmstrong.com/aSummon.htm

I had a little trouble getting into the book in the beginning finding it slightly slow an issue I also found with her first published work Bitten. Don't let this put you off the read. Once you get into the heart of what is going on it draws you in and the ending leaves you wanting more. I suspect that the slowness in the beginning was the author feeling her way out in her new audience. I can also gather from her earlier works it wont happen in the upcoming squeal The Awakening, you will walk straight into the action.

In this first installment you already find yourself with plenty of dilemmas to keep you busy. What is Chloe, what are the others around her and what is Lyle House really up to? As you can tell this is very much a setup book and it does its job. By the end you know and understand the main players in this game. While Chloe herself is an interesting character I found my self wondering about Simon and Derek past up to this point. Lucky for me and those of you who find yourself in the same position Kelley will be writing an online story about them according to the newsletter she just put out.

Overall I give the book two big thumbs up.

The Lady Elizabeth

2008-07-11T14:21:00.001-07:00

I read Alison's first venture in to fiction Innocent Traitor when it first came out and it is one of my favorite books. Naturally I was ecstatic when I learned of her new book and rushed out to get it. Although I enjoyed this book I have to say it was a small let down after her previous work. While IT was written in a 1st person diary type account across various women's point of views Elizabeth is a done in an outside perspective. The story is still engaging and a must read for any fan of the Tudor empire.

In contrast to most books I find on Elizabeth this starts at the death of her mother Anne Bolyn and ends at the death of her sister Mary as she becomes Queen. I found this aspect of the book to be quite origonal as most people tend to focus only on her reign. Elizabeth was one of the greatest leaers of England and I can see why peoples focus tends to be that time span, but the journey her life took before she made it to the throne is just as important as it shaped the ruler that she would become. I think Alison does a very good job at presenting captivating story while staying true to historical fact.

Evernight Beware Spoilers

2008-07-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

I have always loved Vampires in books and my interest in them was kicked up again after reading the Twilight series. That being said I was disappointed with Evernight big time.

The first half of the book presents the main character, Bianca, as a normal teenage girl and then about halfway through the book you come to find out that she is a vampire when she out of the blue bites the guy she likes. I knew ahead of time about this little twist from a review I had read prior to reading it and knowing that info there were little comments made here and there that elude to her not being so normal. This doesn't however change the fact that it feels like the first half of the book just doesn't jive well with the second half. I have to wonder how this lack of continuity made it past the editor.

I have no issue with the Vampire falling for vampire hunter scenario though others have found it cliched. I think however that if the reader knew from the beginning that this girl is a Vampire that it may have made the story a bit stronger and there could have been more focus on the other things going on at the school. At the end I find myself much more interested in the reason Lucas had been sent to Evernight which is in my opinion just glossed over at the end with no real follow up. Why now has Evernight opened its doors to humans? This to me is far more interesting and potentially sinister than the star crossed romance being pushed.

To spite my feelings of this debut book I will pick up the sequel when it hits stores. There have been many series I have found with a week opening title but the follow ups have become increasingly better.

Twilight By Stephenie Meyer spoiler warning

2008-06-16T14:37:00.002-07:00

I really wanted to hate this book. Unfortunately the author has thwarted me on my mission. I guess should explain my reason for wanting to dislike this book so much. There are a few reasons for the animosity I held towards Twilight and to be fair I did the same thing with Harry Potter. I don't like to buy into hype and in the literary circles I run in this series was getting just as much attention and HP, so I did the same as before an flat out refused to read the book. My second aversion to this book was the teen romance between a human girl and a vampire. All I could picture in my head was Buffy the Vampire Slayer, need I say more? However as I sat through the previews at Kunf Fu Panda last week the first trailer for the Twilight movie was shown and it was a lost battle. In my own little craziness I can not go see a movie based on a book if I haven't read the book.

Now I suppose I will skip to the part where I tell you I finished the book in under 24 hours. This is not an unusual feat for me but I have to be glued to the story to do it. I still can't quite put my finger on how this seemingly ridiculous love story became so captivating. To be quite honest nothing really seems to happen in this first volume other than the discovery that Edward is a vampire and the budding romance. There is a little excitement towards the end but nothing that at this point will be important in future volumes of the series. I guess for me, and this is the biggest win or loss for a book that I'm reading, was that she made me truly care about the characters and what would happen to them. I didn't care necessarily about the romance but relationship between all the players involved. To often lately have I found myself having to force the will to finish a book because I'm not emotionally involved. It was easy to relate to Bella having divorced parents myself, and feeling that I didn't really fit in where I was when I had been in High School. Though she did start to irritate me towards the end of the book as she becomes a little whiny.

Meyers interpretation of vampires in her book is very interesting to me as well. While so far they seem practically invincible there still seems to be so much emotional vulnerability you cant help but be intrigued by them. You can also start to see the hinting of religious theme when Edward tells Bella a bit of "family" history. When I read Interview with the Vampire that was to me one of the most interesting facets of the book and I am interested to see how it will play out in this series.

I think that is it for now as I head into the second book New Moon. Stay tuned for new book reviews.