Tag: Paranormal (Page 46 of 52)

BOOK REVIEW – Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1) by Jeaniene Frost

BOOK REVIEW – Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1) by Jeaniene FrostHalfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1)
by Jeaniene Frost
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

*4.5 Color Me Surprised Stars*


My chin stuck out. Pride or peril, take your pick.

I’m not going to say that this was the most groundbreaking and extraordinary book I’ve ever read, but it had something I have been missing for a while now-a male lead that, while undead, was still the most loyal, sweet, endearing, and attentive guy I have read about in a while. Sure, I had to substitute his platinum hair for brown immediately….a discussion that was at the forefront of the buddy read thread since we couldn’t focus on anything but that dreadful hair color for quite a bit, but Bones managed to weasle his way into my daydreams as I sat mindlessly at work attempting to finish up so I could just get home and read. And that, my friends, was all I really wanted at this moment-a sweet guy that could take my mind off of every day life if only for a moment.

Cat is half human, half vampire. See, her mother was raped 22 years ago by a vampire, therefore setting Cat up for the ‘job’ she currently holds: killing every vampire she can get her hands on. She wants vengeance for her mother’s fragile state of mind about things that go bump in the night, and also that fact that she is part ‘monster’. Then one night she approaches Bones for her latest kill, and soon her world doesn’t seem quite so black and white as she had once imagined.

You stare straight through me as if I’m not even there. You look at me…and you don’t see a man. You see a vampire, and therefore accord me less substance”

Overall, I would have to settle my inner debate that I liked Cat. At first, I loved her. Then she started to grate on my nerves, because how many times does this awesome vampire guy have to save you, treat you admirably, practically drool all over you (in a non-clingy and very passionate and sweet sort of way) before you realize that he is loyal and not the monster you think his kind to be? That he is perfect for you because he has nothing but respect for you? I just hated seeing her continually hurt his feelings, and it started to become a problem for me. I liked at first that she wasn’t quick to jump in the sack with him-it’s nice to see a heroine not go all mushy right up front, but then after about 50% of the book, I was like, ‘Dude, okay. We get it-you are strong and not easily manipulated-NOW KISS HIM, YOU FOOL!!!’. Then as the story started to wind down, she started to become pretty badass, I will admit. I started to love her again, because that strong will was necessary. So, ultimately, I respected her as a character. (PS, I TOTALLY understand where Cat gets her stubbornness-Damn, but her mother annoyed the living daylights out of me)

“I’m saying I’m a moody, insecure, narrow-minded, jealous, borderline-homicidal bitch, and I want you to promise me that you’re okay with that, because it’s who I am and you’re what I need.”

It can be said that I’m a sap, that I cry at the drop of a hat, and in real life-maybe. But for books, I do have a little backbone when it comes to the tears and hysterics. FOR MOST BOOKS. Now, I knew what was going to happen at the end, because my curiosity knows no bounds and I always research just a little too much, but I STILL started to get a little misty eyed when things unraveled at the closing of the book. And I’m so happy I did-I’m so excited that I cared enough about these characters to give a damn about their well-being. It’s an accomplishment, and I will most definitely be moving forward to the next book tonight. (It should be noted that this is under my ‘tearjerkers’ shelf-I’m getting so blurry about the lines that decipher what needs to be on these shelves….for instance, this should probably be under my ‘cliffhanger’ shelf as well, but I’ve not been accurate on that shelf for a while-I don’t even know what a mild cliffhanger is like anymore because almost every book seems to have a cliffhanger now-ARRRGHHH)

So, no, this wasn’t the most earth shattering story I’ve ever read, but it made me happy. All I wanted was an escape from reality and a fluffy story where things aren’t so complex that I need to ponder them after I’m finished with each chapter, and that’s exactly what I got. A solid, fun group (or pairing) of characters in a somewhat perilous story where no one is safe…and sometimes that’s all you need.

BOOK REVIEW – One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2) by Jeaniene Frost

BOOK REVIEW – One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2) by Jeaniene FrostOne Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2)
by Jeaniene Frost
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads


Life’s a bitch and then one stabs you.

Ya know….I think these books are like a drug. I’m currently on book three (which is the best, thus far) and I can’t seem to think about reading anything else. I’m perfectly content to just daydream about Bones (the character, not the body parts, mind you) and how much he adores Cat. There’s just something so sweet about a guy who has been around for…forever, and she is the one he fell in love with. There’s just something so sweet and romantic about that and I can’t seem to get these characters out of my thoughts. Call me cheesy, but I’m right where I want to be-dreaming about Bones all day long.

“I knew without a doubt I’d fallen in love when we met. Then I knew I’d do anything to make you feel the same way.”

*spoiler for those who didn’t read book one*

The second installment starts four years after book one where we were left in turmoil of the unfavorable events of the ending of the first story. Cat has started working as a special agent in the government and is relocated in Virginia. After being threatened by Don, the man who is now her boss, she had to choose to leave Bones behind for his own safety-and her mother’s. But I think we all know that Bones isn’t so easily deterred or left behind if we remember anything from book one: If you run from me, I’ll chase you. And I’ll find you….

There’s something to be said for living instead of just existing.

Suffice to say that they find each other again and emotions are high when they do. As things begin to unravel, it becomes clear that they will need Bones’s help, and he begins to work with Cat and her team as well. This was such a funny turn of events. Not only because of the humor that came from Bones and members of her team, but just from the idea of it all: The vampire hunters are working with a vampire. lol

I opened my mouth-and had nothing to refute that with. Damn people who argued using logic. Talk about unfair.

I don’t know that there is much more I can say that wasn’t already said in my first review, seeing as how this is the same series, but I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again-Bones is something special, and he is something that doesn’t come around that often. Sure, we’ve all seen the overprotective paranormal alpha types, but there is just something that separates him from the rest. I can’t quite put my finger on it yet, but he is unique. And I just adore reading about him.

BOOK REVIEW – At Grave’s End (Night Huntress #3) by Jeaniene Frost

BOOK REVIEW – At Grave’s End (Night Huntress #3) by Jeaniene FrostAt Grave's End (Night Huntress #3)
by Jeaniene Frost
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

I think it goes without saying that, once again, Bones stole the show. There is so much more to this series than a hunky male lead, but he’s the reason I’ve continued from book one to (at the moment) book four.

Utterly loyal and undivided attention, peril and action to boot, there was very little that wasn’t in this story. Bones and Cat are closer than ever, but no matter how happy they are, something is always coming for one of them. Living a life free of enemies is not a luxury they have experienced, but they are doing their best to make the most of their not-so-stress-free companionship.

“He’ll learn that many women can satisfy for a short period of time, but when he falls in love, only one will sustain him forever.” Awwww, Bones.

I am absolutely in love with Bones, and I have come to a strong liking with Cat. She has time and time again proven her strength and devotion to her work and Bones, and I can’t help but to identify with her when she becomes jealous because of one of Bone’s old lovers (he is JUST AS JEALOUS, by the way) because they just. Keep. Showing up. lol

So as small as this ‘review’ is, I think it goes without saying that I love this series. And maybe if I had split the stories up I would be able to write a longer review because of the lack of familiarity with the storylines, but as it is, I have read them back to back and I hate sounding like a broken record. A truly fun series and a great escape-I would suggest this to any one of my friends that doesn’t cringe at the terms blood and ‘fangs’.

Purchase on Amazon or iBooks

BOOK REVIEW – Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4) by Jeaniene Frost

BOOK REVIEW – Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4) by Jeaniene FrostDestined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4)
by Jeaniene Frost
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

“I know you do,” he whispered. “And I love you. Always.”

Ooooooh boy, did this one ever piss me off. By far the most emotions pulled from me yet in this installment, I was seething for at least 20% of this book.
I’ll admit it-I get so engrossed in a story that if, say, something terrible happens to the heroine, it happens to me as well. So when a certain something happened, I wanted to rip everyone apart in the story.

“Kitten.” His voice was thick with something I couldn’t name. “This is the part…where you don’t have a choice.”

I think it goes without saying that each review I’ve written and rating I’ve dubbed for each story in this series has been a 4 or above. This series is completely consistent, and with each new installment, there’s a new hurdle that Bones and Cat must face together-and they are hardly ever cliche.

“All I’ve got is how I live. How I’ll die? That’s the problem of the guy who kills me.” -Tate (I LOVED that line ha)

The writing remains consistent and takes me to another world where I am happy to escape reality-that’s by far my favorite thing about this series. There are no typos. There is consistency in the character development. There is no changing for the sake of the other person-they are who they are and they remain a constant in their ever changing world. I know when I pick up a Night Huntress book, I’m going to get a very loyal male lead. I know Cat is going to be sarastic, fierce, LOYAL, and protective of those she loves, and I know she would do anything for Bones no matter the cost. And finally, I know there are going to be loyal family members and friends backing both Cat and Bones, and that in any situation, they will all come out of it together if at all possible.

“Never let it be said that you’re predictable, Cat.”

I absolutely love this series, and while I’m taking a break so it doesn’t lose the magic, I know it won’t be a mere month before I find myself picking up the next book and falling helplessly back into this perilous world again. I love each character for their uncanny ability to make me laugh, and that in itself is priceless.

BOOK REVIEW – The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

BOOK REVIEW – The Scorpio Races by Maggie StiefvaterThe Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Again…I think I’m leaning towards 4.5 Stars


The water horses are hungry and wicked, vicious and beautiful, hating us and loving us. It is time for the Scorpio Races. I am so, so alive.

Man. I know I’ve been cashing out 4.5s like they are so easy to give…but this book just deserved more than a 4, but not a 5. And what’s beyond ironic, to me, is that I absolutely loathe books where an animal (namely a dog or cat) get harmed, and in this story, more than just little dogs and cats get ripped apart. But, and this is a massive BUT, I think that Maggie’s writing just makes me so happy that I just can’t help but to love everything she produces. Thus far I’d have to say that her Raven Boys series holds my heart, but with this thrilling and absolutely beautifully written novel, I still found myself falling head over heels for our two main characters, Sean and Puck (Kate).

I don’t know if I’d want to be comforted, if I’m being honest. If I’m being forced to eat soot, I want to know that somewhere else in the world, someone else has to eat soot as well.

My favorite thing about Maggie’s stories is her ability to create characters that move me, that make me eager to scan to the next page just to see what they say or what’s happening with them. I think it’s safe to say that Maggie Stiefvater is officially one of my favorite authors. Not for a while have I been moved by such beautiful story telling in not just one, but three different books by the same author. She is magnificent, and every time I have finished one of her stories, I catch myself scanning her other books, attempting to lock in another novel of hers I will read soon. I cannot express in mere words what her writing does to me, but I can assure you that it’s exponentially satisfying and I always come away happier than I was before reading one of her novels.

The truth is, I feel myself being fascinated and repelled by her: She’s both a mirror of myself and a door to part of this island that I’m not. It is like when the mare goddess looked into my eye; I felt that there was a part of myself that I didn’t know.

Puck is living her dream-she has a beautiful, loyal horse, she lives in her Mom and Dad’s home after they passed (which is unfortunate), and she lives on the island she loves. The only catch? Now her older brother, Gabe, wants to leave the island and head for the mainland…and Puck and her younger brother, Finn, are stuck with the possibility of losing their home and all their most prized possessions-namely, Dove, her horse. So when the Scorpio Races come around, Puck finds herself entering as not only the first woman to enter the races, but as the only person who can save their home, and in the process, hopefully sway Gabe to stay with her and Finn.

The island is a cunning and secretive thing. I can’t say what it has planned for me.

Sean is a four time Scorpio Race winner and the person that everyone on the island comes to for help with the water horses that emerge from the sea. They are deadly, cunning, and near impossible to contain, but Sean loves them and the sea with all of his heart, and that is why I grew to love him as a character so much. His loyalty for the horse he has grown to love is beautiful. And more than that, his loyalty to Puck, even during the race where he needed to win because this is the year it mattered most, brought me to tears. I just don’t even know what all to say about him.

“I don’t trust the ocean either; it would kill me as soon as not. It doesn’t mean I’m afraid of it.”

The romance between these two was so sweet and tender that I caught myself getting all goofy with my smiles when I thought no one was looking and highlighting more than I probably ever should lol. It gave my stomach butterflies like crazy and caused my girlie side to emerge, quickly erasing all the devastation and grime woven into these pages.

I say, “I will not be your weakness, Sean Kendrick.”
Now he looks at me. He says, very softly, “It’s late for that, Puck.”

It was gruesome, terrifying, and frightening beyond words-but not how you’d expect. There were parts that disturbed me beyond belief and had me cringing in disgust, but I just can’t fault the rest of the book for those not-so-far-and-few-between parts, because I adored these two characters and the family so much. I rarely discount these facts so easily when reviewing or rating, but I just loved the writing and Sean and Puck and Dove too, too much. Broken record, I know.

It vibrates in every raindrop, throbs in the clouds overhead. It’s a howl like venom, a paralyzing promise. This storm has driven the island mad.

I loved this story. There comes a moment at the end of a book where I have been debating for the entiiiiirreeeee time on whether I loved, hated, liked, whatever, and have to decide what and how to rate. There were two moments that sealed how I felt about this story. 1) When Puck and Sean fell for each other. It was innocent, it was the joining of two lonely people who haven’t had anyone who truly gets them ever, it was the moment when I couldn’t put the book down, and it was one of the two deciding factors on whether this was a 3.5 or a 4.5 star story. 2) The final chapter and what came of Corr and Sean. I was crying happy and sad tears (again) and I closed the book after that final, fateful page and felt peace, happiness, loyalty, and contentment. I couldn’t have been happier with that beautiful and sad final page. And that….is why I gave TSR a 4.5. It deserves every praise, despite the lack of pull towards certain readers-it never once pretends to be something it’s not, and I love it for that fact.

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2025

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑