Book Review: I am Number Four (Pittacus Lore)

In the beginning we were nine.

We left when we were very young, almost too young to remember. Almost. And now . . .

Three are gone.

We are here to keep our race alive, which was almost entirely obliterated. We're just trying to survive.

Six are left.

But we are hunted, and the hunters won't stop until they've killed us all.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England.

And Number Three in Kenya.

I am Number Four.

I know that I am next.

I was right to be excited and downright giddy for I am Number Four because it totally rocks my sock. No wonder it's been optioned for film even before the book has been published. It's so brilliant it has got to be epic.

I was in awe with the concept of the Lorien Nine. Sent to hide on Earth after the destruction of their planet Lorien, they are hunted by the destroyer of Lorien, the Morgadorians. A Loric charm protects these nine so that they may only be killed in order. The first three are now dead, and Number Four - otherwise known as John Smith-, being the next target, hides in Paradise, Ohio with his guardian Henri. The danger that surrounds both John, Henri and their every move creates tension of the best kind. That lurking, dangerous feel of the unknown is well depicted by this book, and culminates in an action sequence so intense reading it drained me afterwards, as if I myself was part of it!

Though not a usual fan of sci-fi, I found it hard not to be amazed by the Loric way of life. Reading about it felt like a discovery of a rich culture I wanted to indulge in, and the Lorien Nine in particular had me reading in slack jawed fascination. Everything that binds them together and all that they share are completely mersmerising - their legacies, the loric charm, their fight for survival against the Mogadorians. It's fascinating, and it was so very difficult not to indulge in exploring more about Lorien and its people!

Our Hero, Number Four, is one swoon-worthy alien. His voice is authentic, characterised by the brief, punctuated sentences. His narrative intensifies the tension and works particularly well in the fast-paced action scenes. Despite his otherworldly roots, the book takes some time showing just how human John is. He is an alien with a heart, and one easy to adore. Like any typical fifteen year-old boy, he gets into fights, vies for female attention, and makes some genuine mistakes.

Despite his otherwordly roots however, John's battles are not only of extra-terrestial origins, but are also comprised of those which he has wielded for himself and for those whom he has grown to care. In particular, for his love interest Sarah and best friend Sam. The sense of brotherhood and friendship is also strong in I am Number Four - in John's closeness to Henri and his friendship with Sam's. Relationships are at the heart of this book and it was a delight to read bout Henri and John in particular. I adore and admire Henri as a character - his selflessness shines in this book and his affection for John unforgettable! Of course, I must also note the romance. Sarah and John share something innocent yet moving, one I'm sure readers will root for.

I am Number Four is one brilliant book. With an epic concept, a heart-stopping action sequence, a wonderful romance and an emotionally charged resolution, this sci-fi thriller is unmissable. It's gripping, it's exciting, it's bloody brilliant. Like I said, epic!

Five Stars.

Did you know? Pittacus Lore is actually James Frey. I am Number Four is currently being filmed for a movie release on February 2011 and it stars Alex Pettyfer (sigh!) as John Smith. Yes, I am one very happy gal :)

I am Number Four will be out in the UK on 26th August 2010. Visit the official website here to find out more.

* I received this book from Waterstones for review.

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.
Here's what we got this week:

* For Review

Scarlett Dedd (Cathy Brett)

* Bought

Catching Fire (Suzanne Collins)

I stuck to my book ban! *throws confetti* I still bought one book more than what I had in mind but still.

I'm reluctant to start reading the Hunger Games trilogy as I don't want to wait long for Mockingjay  (I know some people are almost dying for it and it isn't a good feeling, right?) but itching to have a stand on the I am Team Peeta - Team Gale debate :)

Anyway, so much for that - What did you guys get on your IMMs this week? Will check later after I read I am Number Four (which is brilliant, by the way).

Author Interview: L.A. Weatherly (part II) + Giveaway!

Here's part II of the interview I held with L.A. Weatherly, the wonderful author of Angel. If you missed part I check it out here.

Don't miss my Angel giveaway at the end of this post too!

6. Why did you choose to have a combination of a first-person and a third-person point of view for the narrative instead of just one of them?

It wasn't really a conscious choice - it's just that I heard both characters so strongly in my mind that I knew right from the start that I wanted to let them both 'speak'. And, I do think that the story benefits from it - if we only had Willow's viewpoint, we'd miss out on a great deal of tension which is possible from hearing Alex's POV, too, as of course he has a very different slant on things than she does. Interestingly, although I think I could probably write Willow's voice in third person, I doubt that I could write Alex's in first. I have no idea why; it's just how I 'hear' him! This sort of thing just happens, sometimes; who knows why. For instance, I wrote a Barrington Stoke novel called Wasted last year that for some reason wanted to be in the present tense, which I've never done before. It was right for that particular story, as it turned out. So I don't question these things too deeply; I just trust the story and go with it!

7. Can you tell us more about Alex and Willow's road trip? Is it inspired by a personal experience? Which stop was your favourite?

When the story first came to me, I just sort of knew, instantly, that Willow was from upstate New York and that Alex was from New Mexico, and that a lot of the book was going to be a journey from one place to the other. Although I've travelled a fair amount in the US, that particular journey wasn't one that I had done before I wrote Angel - though I did do it earlier this year, retracing Alex and Willow's route as part of my research. I LOVED the panhandle of Texas, which they pass through. I didn't expect to - all I had ever heard about it was that it's hot and flat - but it turned out to be the most amazing countryside: so incredibly flat that you get these sweeping expanses where you can literally see for miles, out to the unbroken line of the horizon. There was something really hypnotic about it; it felt so pure, and peaceful. I also loved New Mexico, where Alex is from. We spent several days there, and it's such rugged countryside - this incredible mix of mountains and desert.

Why didn't you take me on this roadtrip? Why?? :D My favourite was Arkansas!

8. Since you've lived in both the US and the UK, can you tell us which one you prefer? Why? (I'm sure a lot of us would like to know...*drum roll*)

Oh, the UK, of course. ;-) (And if this were a US interview, my answer would be ... 'Oh, the US, of course!') No, in all seriousness, I love them both. I feel very at home in the UK; I've lived here for 15 years now. I love the English countryside, and the English people with their wry sense of humour. And in the US, I love the sense of space, and again the people themselves - who do tend to be quite different from the English, particularly in their immediate openness with people; there's something very endearing about it. Though as a US ex-pat, I'm always conscious of never quite belonging to either country, now - the Brits always know, immediately, that I'm American (actually I'm a dual citizen) - and Americans tend to think I'm English. So I'm sort of betwixt and between the two identities, belonging to both and neither at the same time - which isn't really a bad thing for a writer, as we're primarily observers anyway.

Of course, I just read the first sentence. UK, whoohoo! :D

9. Will there be any major differences between the advance and the finished copy? Can you tell us what they are?

Yes, there are differences, but nothing too major - mainly just minor rewrites to some scenes. The most significant difference probably comes in chapter fourteen. I won't say any more than that, though - it might be fun for readers who saw an ARC to play 'spot the difference' when the time comes!

10. Can you share with us your plan for the second book in the trilogy?

I am almost insanely secretive when it comes to works in progress, so I won't say very much. What I will say is that it's going to have an urban setting, and that we'll see a lot of the same characters from Angel (including Alex and Willow, naturally!) along with some new ones. And both Alex and Willow are going to be tested in ways that they never expected, which will also test their love for each other. I can hardly wait to start writing it (which will be very soon!) - it's going to have some really tense, exciting moments, as well as of course the continuing romance.

Isn't she a darling? I adore her. Thank you Lee! :)

Excited about Angel? You can find out more about Angel on Angel Fever, where you can read the first 45 pages of this amazing book, listen to the playlist, follow Alex and Willow in their road trip, win a signed advance copy and so much more!

I'm insanely impatient for Angel Fire, but I will enjoy spotting re-reading Angel when it comes out October 1st and comparing it with my ARC!

Don't forget to also follow Lee on twitter @LA_Weatherly and Angel book @Angel_book for more news about this trilogy! :D

***
Rules.

• Open to wherever Book Depository ships. That now includes Brazil, Mexico and Philippines!
• Deadline for entries will be on 22nd August, 12MN BST.
• Winners will be drawn by random.org
• Winners will be contacted via e-mail, and will be given 48 hours to response. Otherwise, a new winner will be drawn.
• Any details will be deleted after use and will not be passed on to any third party.

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesdays is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.
Today's pick is:

Amelia O'Donohue Is So Not a Virgin (Helen Fitzgerald)

At this boarding school, even the wildest rumors don't measure up to what's really going on...


Rachel Ross is asthmatic and "more bottled up than ketchup," but that's fine. Nothing will prevent her from graduating at the top of her exclusive new boarding school and getting into Oxford.


Rachel refuses to be distracted by the present until she uncovers a shocking secret on campus. She realizes that someone is in desperate need of help and that she actually has something to share-and more friends than she knew.


With an utterly original, hilarious, and honest voice, Amelia O'Donohue delivers a sexy new boarding school tale with true heart-and a surprise ending you won't forget.


This sounds so cute! A boarding school setting sounds fun to, everyone trapped in one place and all that :D
What do you think? I'll check out your WoW picks too!

Book Review: Kiss of the Highlander (Karen Marie Moning)

A laird trapped between centuries...

Enchanted by a powerful spell, Highland laird Drustan MacKeltar slumbered for nearly five centuries hidden deep in a cave, until an unlikely savior awakened him. The enticing lass who dressed and spoke like no woman he’d ever known was from his distant future, where crumbled ruins were all that remained of his vanished world. Drustan knew he had to return to his own century if he was to save his people from a terrible fate. And he needed the bewitching woman by his side....

A woman changed forever in his arms...

Gwen Cassidy had come to Scotland to shake up her humdrum life and, just maybe, meet a man. How could she have known that a tumble down a Highland ravine would send her plunging into an underground cavern — to land atop the most devastatingly seductive man she’d ever seen? Or that once he’d kissed her, he wouldn’t let her go?

Bound to Drustan by a passion stronger than time, Gwen is swept back to sixteenth-century Scotland, where a treacherous enemy plots against them ... and where a warrior with the power to change history will defy time itself for the woman he loves....

This is by far the most engaging novel in the series, and one of, if not my favourite in the whole series. While the first three couples have been perfect for each other in the classical sense, our hero Drustan and our heroine Gwen engaged in a romantic play with unconventional roles. In general I prefer the latter, but in a novel where the protagonists are centuries apart, the female being in the later century, I expected a fiesty heroine and Gwen is exactly that! Which is why I love the role reversal in The Highlander's Kiss so very much.

I always love Karen Marie Moning's characters and both Gwen and Drustan have a special place in my heart. I admire Gwen's firmness in her stance, her persistence and her bluntness. Despite her inexistent love life, rift with late parents and tumbling career, she can still spare Drustan a piece of herself. Drustan MacKeltar is a persistent man himself, but with a more stubborn, arrogant edge. First born, laird and with an ego the size of Scotland, waking up beneath Gwen in the middle of the twenty first century is one hell of a surprise for him. Despite the challenge, he takes everything in his stride and maintains his dazzling charm. Drustan also comes up with seriously funny things in this book, and that alone should be read by anyone! There are no limits to masculine pride and testosterone in Kiss of the Highlander, so prepared to be charmed!

The Highlander's Kiss is a plot-driven novel, really. It has dramatic irony, so part of it is predictable from that viewpoint. However, it's still such a real roller coaster ride; just when I thought I knew the plot, it twists and turns and surprises me. More than once too! Out of all the books in the series, this one has more intellectual motifs as Gwen is a physicist. She analyses the plot in her own terms and produces academic explanations of her adventures. In a way, her scientific reasoning adds colour to the plot and explains the sudden twists well. Of course, need I mention how romantic it is? Especially the oath and the ending? Well heck, it's romantic!

Like the rest of the highlander series, The Highlander's Kiss has vibrant secondary characters bound to recur in the succeeding books. It ends perfectly to set up the next book, which revolves primarily around Dageus, Drustan's brother. Although it closes the Gwen and Drustan's chapter well, it also leaves a gripping cliffhanger which will have readers demanding the next book.

Besides, don't you just love those sexy, luscious lips on the cover ?

FIVE STARS.

* I received this copy for review. 

Author Interview: L.A. Weatherly (part I)

Today I'm very pleased to have the author of ANGEL, one my favourite books, for an interview! This woman is a genius.

Watch out for part deux tomorrow - For the rest of you lot who haven't read ANGEL yet, I'm giving away two copies (pre-ordered) with the next installment, so watch out for it!

Shall we start?

1. How did the idea for Angel come about?

I've known the characters of Alex and Willow for a long time; they were both originally characters in a fantasy novel of mine which was never published. But they refused to go away, and I began to play with the idea of putting them in a contemporary setting, with a totally different storyline. I knew early on that Willow was psychic, and that Alex had been hired to kill her - and that instead, they fall in love - but for a long time, that was all I knew. Then about a year ago, I was looking at a non-fiction display of angel books in a bookshop, and thinking about the fact that all of these titles seemed to be about angels as friendly human helpers, rather than the more religious aspects that we historically identify with angels. And I started wondering...what if angels aren't really good and kind, like we think? What if they have their own agenda - and are really beings to be feared? Suddenly the two story ideas came together, and I knew that I had my novel. Angel wrote itself very quickly after that!

2. Name a book that you wish you'd written:

Well, the obvious answer is Harry Potter, so that I could live in a castle with an indoor swimming pool and have a fleet of cars and swan about wearing loads of bling, etc, etc. ;-) But presumably you mean a book that I wish I'd written for more than just greedy reasons! (And I do love Harry Potter, actually, but I wouldn't quite put it in that category.) One that comes instantly to mind is Tabitha Suzuma's new book, Forbidden, which I thought was amazing - she turns all of your ideas about a very taboo subject completely upside down as you find yourself falling in love with the main characters, and longing for them to be able to be together. Really, really beautifully done - I imagine that this is the one that's finally going to win Tabitha some major awards. (I should mention, though, that it's not for younger readers - and be warned, it's a real tearjerker!). Another is Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines, which I think must be one of the most brilliant concepts ever - the sort that when you hear it, you immediately think, oh, I WISH I had thought of that!

You greedy... I agree, I wish I wrote the HP books and pocketed all the royalties. :D

3. If you were not a writer, what would you be?

I would want to work in film in some way - I think I'd be great in the editing room! But as to what I might actually be doing, that's a different story. I'd probably be a teacher. I teach a lot of writing courses, and really enjoy getting concepts across to people.

4. Why did you choose to have teenage protagonists rather than adult ones?

Well, I'm a children's writer, so for better or for worse, the story ideas that come to me are almost exclusively ones for children's or teenage fiction - somehow, it's just the way that my mind works (not to mention that I love reading children's fiction!). It never really even occured to me to have adult protagonists in Angel. In a way, I think it's a very teenage story in its themes and issues, simply because of that sense of isolation that many teenagers feel. This is heightened in Angel, whose protagonists really are incredibly isolated from the rest of the world - Willow because of what she is, and Alex because of how he was raised. In a very real sense, they're perfect for each other in a way that nobody else could ever be - and because of their age, you also get that great, all-encompassing love; the kind that just sweeps you away and devours you when you're young. So the age of the protagonists probably gives Angel a greater sense of passion and romance than might have been possible otherwise. (Which is never a bad thing!)

5. What is the best and most difficult aspect of developing the plot?

I tend to work my storylines out before I start to write, so I suppose the best aspect is that feeling of 'Ha! I've got it nailed before I've even started!' And then, of course, the most difficult aspect is getting 70,000 words into the story and realising that despite all your planning, the mid-section isn't even remotely working and is all going to have to be redone (as happened with the first draft of Angel). A lot of my career has been spent doing series fiction for younger children - titles of around 15,000 words - and it's possible to plan those out pretty precisely, with little deviation from your plan once you write it. So when Angel refused to play the game at first, that was a bit of a shock! What I learned is that such a long novel (Angel is over 100K) is really totally different from shorter stories. You can plan all you like, but you're just not going to know everything before you start; it's a process of discovery, and of letting the characters lead you. So with book 2, Angel Fire, although I've planned out the rough spine and know the general events and how the story ends, I haven't tried to control it as much as I did Angel - I'm just going to trust that the characters will lead me in the right direction when the time comes.

Isn't she a darling? I adore her. Watch out for part II tomorrow!

Excited about Angel? You can find out more about Angel on Angel Fever, where you can read the first 45 pages of this amazing book, listen to the playlist, follow Alex and Willow in their road trip, win a signed advance copy and so much more!

You can add Lee at twitter (@LA_Weatherly) and Angel Book (@Angel_book) too!

Thank you Lee :)

Book Review: City of Bones (Cassandra Clare)

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

If book can give hang-overs then City of Bones can give the best and worst kind of it. Best, because I'm completely intoxicated with this book; and the worst - because I am utterly and completely going insane over it! This is one hell of a book. It's simply superb!

I think I am one of the remaining few still new to Cassandra Claire's Mortal Instruments series. I regret not reading City of Bones sooner, as it turned out to not only exceed all my expectations, but gave me a thrill that I had not quite experienced since the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books! I will probably inevitably repeat all the gushing reviews given to this book, but there's no way around it. It's just that good.

City of Bones stars Clary Fray, an ordinary girl who discovers a world beyond any she knew existed. In the Shadow world, prominent figures include demons, warlocks, witches, werewolves, vampires, shadowhunters and a certain Jace Wayland. The author's description of this world is impeccable. In rich and with great detail, strong imagery and letter-perfect writing, City of Bones just lures the reader into its world. Clary's adventure I don't often wish I belong to a book world, but I certainly did with this one.

Clary is an amazingly strong heroine. I love her perseverance and her will to fight, her selfless concern for others and even her sarcasm. She's a fiesty heroine, one I totally cheered on. She handles trials with grace and is firm in her stand. Secondary characters are not less note-worthy. They are colourful and their vibrance give this book life. Isabel for instance, is as just as tough as Clary - I really adore her. Alec, Simon, Luke, Hodge - the variety of characters is amazing. All of them are fully-developed and important in their own rights. And of course, I think this review would be incomplete if I don't mention how hot the heroes are. I love both Simon and Jace, but damn. Jace Wayland? Yes please.

City of Bones has the markings of a great classic and so much more. It's exhilarating, intoxicating and every bit gripping. Expect a whole lot of suspense, tension, thrill, drama, you name it! There were twists in every corner, new characters to delight readers, adventures that would give anyone an adrenaline rush and a romance that will leave you gaping. As more secrets are uncovered, more truths laid bare and more of the Shadow World discovered, the more this book hooks you. It was slightly draining to read as it really engages the reader; I felt as if I was in one adventure myself!

And the ending? The bomb. The profanities the flew out of my mouth after I found out the great revelation was unbelievable. Like I can wait a second for City of Ashes?

Five stars.

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

Seriously, a sack?

Well yes, apparently. Full of these.

It's pretty weird this week. I was not expecting a lot, but they came anyway. Mr postman sent me this on Friday, and I didn't know if I should hate him or love him. Like hello, wake me up with a sack?

* For Review

Castle of Shadows (Ellen Renner)

City of Thieves (Ellen Renner) 

Guardian of the Dead (Karen Healey) - from Int'l Book Tours

Torment (Lauren Kate) - from UK Book Tours

* Won

Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptions (Terry Deary)

The Great Space Race (Joshua Mowll)

The Spellman Files (Lisa Lutz)

Curse of the Spellmans (Lisa Lutz)

Revenge of the Spellmans (Lisa Lutz)

Some very cute nail files too! :) - All Thanks to The Book Chick City:

* From Read it Swap it

Poison Diaries (Maryrose Wood)

Claire de Lune(Christine Johnson)

City of Ashes (Cassandra Clare)

* From Rhiana @ Rhiana Reads - thanks love! :)

The Other Countess (Eve Edwards)

* Bought

13 to Life (Shannon Delaney)

The Highlander's Bride (Michele Sinclair)

I will be more faithful to my book ban next week. This week has been disastrous for my for-the-love-of-God-don't-buy-any-more-books' rule.

Since the rest of you don't have any book bans whatsoever (right?) link me your IMMs too, and I'll check it out.

Happy reading!

Book Review: Two Way Street (Lauren Barnholdt)

There are two sides to every breakup. This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet. It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care. But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot. Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

I keep wondering what I missed when reading this book because I have heard a whole lot about it and majority of what I did were positive reviews. It's not that I dislike this book or anything, it just wasn't as good as I have heard.

I loved the premise of a road trip between an ex-couple who I knew still loved each other. It's incredibly romantic, despite the tension and the pain of the break-up. In many ways the book lived up to that. It was romantic - Jordan's gestures convey all his feelings for Courtney, and Courtney's hurt was palpable in her thoughts and actions. There was a great plot build up in Two Way Street, complete with the flashbacks that support and explain the couple's past. It also explains hook up, the break-up and everything in between. Towards the end there was such a rush of tension that I pretty much just raced through he book.

Unfortunately, I somehow found the twist pretty obvious from the beginning, as Jordan gives abundant clues in his narration. From then on it was just a matter of seeing where it will all lead to, which was not very fun at all. There was also the lack of individuality in the narrative voices. Both Jordan and Courtney share the same idiolects (for instance, the tendency to say 'I mean this, not that') which I wasn't sure if I were to take as their connection or just a lack of differentiation in their voices.

I found myself enjoying secondary characters more. B.J. is my favourite character, and despite his antics I thought he was great company. Unfortunately, I fiercely disliked the adults in this book. Selfish, condescending and callow. I could have dealt with that, had the book not made me feel like it was Courtney who had issues and had to change to accommodate the adults. I felt as if the adults were tolerated and Courtney was at fault for being kept in the dark. Thankfully, I liked the resolution between Courtney and Jordan, and what the roadtrip meant for their relationship.

Three stars.


* I received this copy for review. Thanks Mel!

Book Review: The Highlander's Touch (Karen Marie Moning)

A Warrior Of Immortal Powers

He was a mighty Scottish warrior who lived in a world bound by ancient laws and timeless magic. But no immortal powers could prepare the laird of Castle Brodie for the lovely accursed lass who stood before him. A terrible trick of fate had sent her 700 years back in time and into his private chamber to tempt him with her beauty—and seduce him with a desire he could never fulfill. For this woman he burned to possess was also the woman he had foresworn to destroy.

A Woman Caught In The Mists Of Time

When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling...into another century. But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her was only too real...and too dangerously arousing. Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war. How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her...plans that would save her from a tragic fate? Or that this man who had long ago forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own...

Third in Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series, The Highlander's Touch is the most complex of the three I've read. Each of the book in the series has a very different feel to them, with different strengths and weaknesses, and this one is particularly infused with extra twists. Funny enough, all of them are connected - for instance The Highlander's Touch, which occurs a century prior, is connected to the first two by its characters.

Let me begin with the characteristics that it shared with its predecessors: it's hilariously funny, it has a drop dead gorgeous hero and the chemistry between the protagonists sizzles (swoon!). It has very loveable secondary characters - and as always, there are some seriously drool-worthy male foils.

I adored (or more like drooled over) Sidheach 'Hawk' Douglas from Beyond the Highland Mist, and Circenn Brodie is much like Hawk in this book. Devastatingly sexy and domineering, Circenn is a man of honour, a natural born leader who lived by his rules. (Un)fortunately for him, his curse on a religious relic misfires and transports the twenty-first century lass Lisa Stone into his lap - literally. She turns his world upside down; makes him break his oaths, lie and deceive. I had a good laugh at this, which saved what would have been a boring characterisation. Circenn, despite his allure, is a slightly inadequate character and much overshadowed by a foil, Duncan Douglas.

However, Lisa is a wonderful character. Strong, vivacious and determined, she works not for herself, but for her mother dying of cancer. She is understandably devastated when she finds herself in a war-torn country in the fourteenth century, her life threatened by the very person who can tempt her into staying. Again, while I like her character, she doesn't seem to have adequate focus, and less-developed characters are a boon in novels, really. Not good.

What makes this stand out in the series are these: several sub plots never fulfilled, a twist that is hard to foresee in the end, and an ending too polished for its own good. The first is annoying, because one of it involved Duncan Douglas, which is the superior character I found in this book. The twist is satisfying as I never could have seen it coming! Finally, the ending is such a classic. I thought it took happily ever after to the extreme, but I can't deny that I didn't like it. My inner child is forever screaming for a happy ever after in all of the books I read and was extremely satisfied with The Highlander's Touch.

Not the best in the series (or at least the three I have read so far), but pick this one up if you're looking for a sexy warlord to drool over, a happy-go-lucky protector to admire and to enjoy the company of the Knights of the Templar.

Three stars.


* I received this e-book for review. Thank you Mel!

Book Review: Single White Vampire (Lynsay Sands)

A romance you can sink your teeth into.

S.W.M. - "Lucern." Successful biographer of family, books recently categorized as "paranormal romance." Something of a recluse. Hates crowds, aggressive women. Doesn't like sunbathing, garlicky dinners or religious symbols. Likes old-fashioned values; spicy Mexican dishes; warm, nice-smelling neck; and plump red lips. Stronger than ten men and can vanish in the blink of an eye. Currently unaware he's seeking a woman to share eternity.

S.W.F. - "Kate C. Leever." Newest editor of Romance at Roundhouse Publishing. Perky, fun. Has recently discovered a legacy author just dying to be broken out. In fact, her career could take off from it. (The tall, dark, handsome writer just needs to be taken to several romance conventions and introduced to his fans . . . and stopped from acting so strange in public.) Dislikes "difficult, rude, obnoxious, pig-headed writers." Currently she's met the man of her wildest dreams.


Oh dear.

There is something in the dysfuntional Argeneau family that is strongly magnetic, and I doubt it's solely due to the fact that they are centuries-old vampires. They are so fun to read, so entertaining to spend a sunny afternoon with and so devastatingly hilarious I find it hard to part with them everytime I finish reading an Argeneau book. Single White Vampire (SWV), the third in the series, is my current favourite.

I have read and reviewed its predecessor, Love Bites, and that revived my thirst for reading and for more Argeneau moments. I have wanted to get my hands on SWV since I first read its prologue, which consists of the funniest correspondence I have ever come across!

This book is still to be beaten at the top of 'most hilarious book' list. Combine an independent, aggressive and slightly bossy twenty-first century editor with a grumpy, obnoxious, reclusive vampire writer, sprinkle them with the melodramatic Argeneau clan (spearheaded by the match-making matriarch) and dump them in a romance conference, and there is neverending hilarity. I love it.

The characters are so distinct and expertly perfected. Lucern Argeneau, our grumpy vampire, is the autobiographer of the family. A published writer loved by many women, he is reluctant to embrace his fame. He dislikes television, day dreams of sucking some juicy neck and dislikes his bossy editor, Kate Leever. The said Kate is forcing him to attend a romance conference, and he sure as hell isn't going to. Their tug of war romance is full of everything nice, of seduction and of stolen 'necessity-driven' moments. Fun.

It's hard to dislike a book this funny - but, there are some flaws that, if corrected, would give this book an edge over many. Lynsay Sands' vampire lore is already solid; it's the plot in each book that makes a difference. Firstly, though the romance in SWV was fun to read, it seemed a little abrupt to me. Nothing major, but there was no gradual change of heart (at least for Lucern, but really he's an oldie, so...), that slow transition from hate to love that I crave for in a romance novel. There was not much action sequences in this book, but heck, it totally failed when it did come up. Made the book a lot more hilarious.

Overall, the perfect paranormal romantic comedy. Of course, if you love the Argeneau family as much as I do, it's totally unmissable!

Read it when you're looking for a book that's funny as hell.

Four Stars.


* I received this book for review. Thank you publishers!

Book Review: The Pace (Shelena Shorts)

Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.

Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.

The Pace is a very peculiar book. It was an interesting read, romantic and intriguing with it's fresh new take on conventional plots. However, while I enjoyed this book very much, I felt it lacked the sparked that I was looking for in its pages.

The Pace is fundamentally about Sophie Slone's relationship with Weston Wilson (III). After crashing into him and finding herself with a very odd young man, she becomes drawn to his chivalrous ways and gentlemanly behaviour. She finds Wes intriguing and every bit mysterious. When Sophie starts seeking answers, that's when the story really unfolds. From hence the readers are taken into a journey of finding and seeking, of understanding Wes and his real connection to Sophie.

Unlike other male protagonists, Weston is gentle, physically strong but emotionally vulnerable. Sophie is really the character that stood out in this book, and the stronger of the two. She is also more action and less thoughts; hence, Sophie's narration focuses a lot more on actions than on her reflections. I did not mind at all, and Sophie is a very comfortable character do spend some time with. It's fine with me, but I'm not sure it won't drag for other readers. I'm not sure there were other very substantial characters, as another peculiar trait of this novel is the tendency to surprise you with the importance of a passing character.

I have to admire the author for her creativity in the age-old concept of immortality. It has been made clear from the description that Wes is indeed immortal; so my reading experience consisted mostly of attempting to seek the answers to Wes' immortality. I was surprised about how it was handled in the book; it is a very scientific explanation and though I found it very intriguing, I was not sure I followed thoroughly. It was both understandable and slightly vague. I would have liked a lot more elaboration.

I found The Pace saturated with romance and tender moments, but sadly lacks suspense. It gets better towards the end, but as it stands, I did not particularly think that there was enough suspense built up within the previous pages. Because I was looking eagerly for one, I found several subplots that is not accomplished fully towards the end. There was also a sense of predictability in the romance, although like always, Sophie surprises me.

Just a note, the ending had me scratching my head, because it did not make any sense to me at all. No matter, it seems the sequel will fill in all the gaps. Despite the flaws of this book, I really can't let go of it and am itching to get my hands on The Broken Lake.

Three Stars.