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Category: Series

“Jane Bites Back” by Michael Thomas Ford

[ 4 ] July 19, 2010

Reviewed by Jennifer J.

Even 200 years after her death, Jane Austen’s works are just as influential and meaningful to readers of today as those who lived during Jane’s lifetime. Anyone who doubts that her novels could possibly mean something to today’s readers needs to look no further than his or her nearest bookstore or novelty shop where items such as Jane Austen action figures, finger puppets, and even paper dolls are sold. Austen’s works are still made into big screen movies and performed as live theatre. Her classics are re-published with an extra spice: zombies, sea monsters, and now vampires.

In Jane Bites Back, Michael Thomas Ford brings Jane back to life as the undead. Living a quiet and unassuming existence as a bookstore proprietor, Jane Austen is thinly veiling her identity as Jane Fairfax. Like any other vampire, Jane must live off of blood to survive. Instead of taking the lives of her “victims”, she only takes what she needs to get by. The abilities and limitations of Ford’s vampires have yet to be fully defined, though it is hinted that future books in this series will further explore Jane discovering just what she is capable of.

Jane wants nothing more than to publish her newest manuscript, but after 116 rejections, she is just about to give up hope. Things begin to look up for Jane when her manuscript is finally accepted for publication. As she is thrust into the media limelight, Jane attracts the negative attention of Bronte enthusiast Violet Grey. Jane’s true identity is at risk when Violet sets out to prove that Jane’s manuscript is plagiarized. And just when she thought life couldn’t be more complicated, a vampire from her past resurfaces to woo her. Will Jane get the credit for the novel she deserves? Can vampires even have a happily ever after to rival one of Jane’s own novels?

No story involving Jane Austen would be complete if it didn’t involve sweet romance. Jane must choose between two enticingly handsome men, one a vampire and one a human. The choice Jane will make is obvious from the start, but I could not help feeling that Jane chose entirely with her head rather than even a little bit with her heart. Since this is the start of a new series, complications in Jane’s love life are certain to rise and [amazonify]0345513657[/amazonify]there is no guarantee that she will end up with either of her current pursuers. Though I’m not a fan of Jane’s current romance, I’m eager to see what challenges Jane must overcome in matters of the heart.

Many of Austen’s literary works now feature all sorts of paranormal creatures, but this was my first encounter with Jane Austen herself as one. In addition to Jane, several other well recognized classical authors make their own appearances as creatures of the night. I felt the inclusion of those characters in the novel dulled the thrill of having Jane cast as one. Overall, though, Jane Bites Back is an entertaining read for those who have an affection for classical authors. Those with a more extensive knowledge of Jane Austen’s life history might find Ford’s vision of Jane just a little out of character.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She occasionally dabbles with her own fiction writing, particularly with the Young Adult and Paranormal genres. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and daughter.

This book was provided free of any obligation by Ballantine Books. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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“Insatiable” by Meg Cabot

[ 5 ] June 22, 2010

Reviewed by Jennifer J.

Meena Harper is a dialogue writer for the popular daytime soap Insatiable, whose biggest rival soap is Lust. Now that Lust features a dangerously sexy vampire played by Gregory Bane, the producers of Insatiable feel the need to raise their own ratings by also including a vampire in their cast ensemble. Meena is sick of the popularity of vampires in the media, and starts brainstorming ways to write the newest cast member out of the show and earn actress Cheryl Trent the Daytime Emmy she deserves. Mysterious and handsome Lucien Atonescu is just the inspiration she needs for the Romanian vampire slayer she hopes to write into the show. Little does Meena know that Lucien, a modern day prince, is more accurately the Prince of Darkness.

Vampires are running rampant in New York, victimizing attractive women and leaving telling evidence that vampires are indeed real. Lucien’s presence in New York has attracted the interest of a vampire slaying sect called the Palatine, who wish to rid the world of all vampires, starting with Lucien. Meena shouldn’t be so surprised that they exist, considering she is no stranger herself to the supernatural. Meena possesses the ability to see how a person will die. Part of her attraction to Lucien is because she can’t foresee his death. Unfortunately, she is already head over heels in love with him before finding out the truth of his undead nature. Now the Palatine is demanding Meena’s help in destroying Lucien, and she must decide what’s more important: retaining her mortality or joining the ranks of the undead as Lucien’s vampire bride.

[amazonify]006173506X[/amazonify]Insatiable is quite the departure for Meg Cabot, whose books are typically hilarious and lighthearted with quirky, lovable heroines and drool-worthy man candy. Insatiable is her first adult paranormal novel, containing all the trademarks I love from her previous novels and introducing a new variable: vampires. Insatiable, inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, features a strong-willed heroine, and two delectable males that encompass all things masculine and romantic. The supporting characters include her charming (but lazy) brother Jon, eccentric socialite neighbors Emil and Mary Lou Atonescu, pregnant best friend Leisha, and love-to-hate-her co-worker rival Shosona. Meena and her gang are sure to win over those who already love Meg Cabot’s novels, and will definitely appeal to readers who have already consumed just about every romantic paranormal vampire novel out there.

Though filled with darker themes and plot points, Insatiable still has plenty of Meg Cabot’s charm and humor. She good-naturedly pokes fun at recognizable vampire novels and films, while still staking her own claim in the vampire genre. Meena’s story will continue in a sequel, scheduled to be released in the summer of 2011.

Please visit the official website to learn more about Meg Cabot and her books.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She occasionally dabbles with her own fiction writing, particularly with the Young Adult and Paranormal genres. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and daughter.

This book was provided free of any obligation by Meg Cabot. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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“The Passage” by Justin Cronin

[ 15 ] June 8, 2010

Reviewed by Claudia R.

“I know that science is your god, Paul, but would it be too much to ask for you to pray for us? All of us.” Jonas Abbot Lear, PhD (USA Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases)

The Military needs a Super Soldier. A human that is not only invincible but immortal. Intelligent. Strong. Healthy. Capable of anything. Invincible.

The Military needs ‘volunteers’, people willing to be injected with this new, untested ‘super virus’.

One problem.

There are none. And previous ‘testing’ attempts have returned less than desirable results.

Enter the Twelve.

Convicts on death row, only too happy to sign over their death sentence for the promise of a eternal life. Even with limited information, each willingly offer themselves ‘for the greater good’.

Only something goes horribly and inexplicably wrong, and civilization, as we know it, as anyone has ever known it, ceases to exist. Completely.

Fast forward to First year A.V. (after virus). Some semblance of life exists in pockets across the country, and it is there, that The Passage takes it’s readers on a fast paced, exquisitely detailed, heart pounding, palm sweating journey into the lives of the kin of survivors of B.V. (before virus).

It sounds like a tale that’s been spun before. Conspiracy theory makeover ad nauseam.

Except, it’s not. At all.

The Passage isn’t just another ‘good read’, it’s a commitment and a subsequent addiction. For a week there was never a moment when I was home that I didn’t have the book with me. Justin Cronin writes brilliantly and his words bring this futuristic doomsday story to life with painstaking detail and unrivaled passion. Every character jumps off the page, vivid and real. Cronin culls emotions from his readers like a snake charmer seduces his serpents. I was laughing, crying and screaming along with Michael, Sarah, Amy, Lish, Maus, Lacey, Auntie, Hollis, Theo & Peter as they battled the ‘jumpers’ in a fight for survival.

Every time I thought I knew where Justin was about to take the story I realized didn’t. Expertly, Justin pens an other-world tale of doom and gloom that is anything but at the same time as being completely, just that. Frightening. Realistic. Edge of your seat titillation. Perfection. One word of caution, clear all and any plans for at least 4 days if you intend to read The Passage, it’s like literary heroin. No exaggerating.

If you love Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Dean Koontz or Peter Straub you will absolutely adore, adore, adore Justin Cronin. It is with baited breath that I anticipate his next literary performance. The Passage is PURE genius and one of the FEW books I hope they DO make in to a movie. Maybe Tarantino needs a new project?

Visit the official website to learn more about Justin Cronin and The Passage.

Claudia lives on Cape Cod with her husband and two children. She entertains her passion for reading in between providing services to help empower and improve the lives of low-income residents.

This book was provided free of any obligation by  Ballantine Books. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review & Giveaway: “The Silver Eagle” by Ben Kane

[ 156 ] June 1, 2010

Reviewed by Caleb S.

The Silver Eagle is the second book in the The Forgotten Legion Chronicles and was an excellent continuation of the series. We catch up with our protagonists about a year after The Forgotten Legion concludes. We are deep in Margiana (Afghanistan) with Romulus, Brennus and Tarquinius as they are standing outside a secret temple for the warrior god Mithras. Tarquinus’ ability to see the future has been very scarce for several months and he is being put on the spot by Pacorus, the military leader, to give him a believable prophecy or face death. Mithras finally grants him a vision of an immediate attack.

Every time our heroes appear to get a little ahead in life, something comes along and sets them back.  However, they stick together through thick and thin.

As gritty as The Forgotten Legion was, The Silver Eagle takes it even further and I felt as if I was in the forum during the riot. Kane once again does an excellent job of bringing the past back to life and allowing the reader to travel to the edge of India and back across the Arabic peninsula.

Overall, I enjoyed The Silver Eagle quite a bit and I am eagerly awaiting the last book in the series.  While it was a great story, in my opinion it was not quite as good as the first installment.  Parts of the book seemed to go on forever and some story patterns got a little monotonous. Despite the small negatives, The Silver Eagle was well worth my time and for anyone interested in the ancient world, it will be a fun way to visit. Make sure you begin your journey with The Forgotten Legion - you won’t be disappointed.

Check out our  review of the first installment in the series, The Forgotten Legion.

Caleb is a software engineer and amature woodworker living in southern Minnesota. He has more hobbies than he has time or money for, and enjoys his quiet time reading.

Giveaway:

I have 1 hardcover copy of The Silver Eagle to give away!

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This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Deadline to enter is midnight on June 15th.

Review and giveaway copies were provided free of any obligation by St. Martin’s Press. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

[ 7 ] May 21, 2010

Reviewed by Jennifer J.

16-year-old Claire’s poolside birthday party is a success–until a werewolf’s murder spree results in all of Claire’s guests leaving early to get safely behind doors. But who cares about werewolves when Matthew Engle has just asked Claire out? As if going through puberty wasn’t enough, Claire starts going through changes that she’s sure aren’t normal. Suddenly she is growing hair at an accelerated rate on the backs of her hands and the tops of her ears. Claire’s mother Marie finally reveals to Claire that she is turning into a werewolf, and introduces her into the werewolf pack she’s kept secret from Claire for the last 16 years–a secret that Claire must keep from all of her friends, including Matthew.

To make matters worse, Matthew is the son of a bloodthirsty scientist who will stop at nothing to rid their town from werewolves. Forbidden from dating Matthew, Claire tests her mother’s and her new pack’s boundaries as she chooses to follow the lure of her very human heart. When Claire’s mother is captured pursuing the rogue werewolf, Claire is forced to jeopardize her own secret identity to save her mother. Matthew is the only one who can help Claire, but can she trust him?

Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson is an exciting, new twist on werewolves. In Johnson’s imaginative world, only females can ever be werewolves. If a werewolf becomes pregnant with a male child, it will abort itself. Werewolves worship a Goddess, the Creator, instead of the Christian God, and participate in rituals that have something of a Wiccan feel to them. Some of the mystery behind the werewolves is taken away when the author tries to describe how the werewolf teaches herself to shift between wolf and human form. I would have preferred if the author had left this part out, however, to add to the mystery and magic behind werewolves.

I enjoyed the innocent flirtation and budding romance between Matthew and Claire, and can’t wait to see how it is developed in future novels. Both Matthew and Claire have complicated relationships with each of their parents, which will certainly add thrill and suspense to plot development. Though I didn’t care much for Marie, Claire certainly does, despite their differences. There is room for improvement in the dialogue exchanges between Claire and Marie, though some of it could be attributed to English most likely not being Marie’s first language. Though it might be premature to say, Claire de Lune just may do for werewolves what Twilight did for vampires.

For more information, please visit Christine Johnson’s website.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She occasionally dabbles with her own fiction writing, particularly with the Young Adult and Paranormal genres. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and daughter.

This book was provided free of any obligation by Simon Pulse. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane

[ 1 ] February 10, 2010
Reviewed by Caleb S.

The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane is an epic. The story takes place in ancient Rome at the time of Julius Caesar and I found it to be a great tale, like The Walking Drum or Ben Hur. We are fully immersed into Rome and its culture, and get to see it through the eyes of the slaves and the conquered.

We follow four people in this saga: Tarquinius is a free Etruscan and warrior as well as the last haruspex trained in the forgotten arts of divination. Brennus, a Gaul from the Allobreges tribe, is taken in the battle against the Roman army and he survives, only to be sold as a slave to a gladiator school. Last but not least are the slave twins Romulus and Fabiola. Shortly after they hit puberty, they are sold; Romulus goes to a gladiator school and Fabiola to a brothel.

The four individuals were apparently picked to help showcase the author’s knowledge of this period in Roman history. This fact worked to the book’s advantage since I really felt as if I was visiting with the characters. While the story was good and I could not put the book down, the plot was pretty basic and telegraphed itself in many places. Then again, I was not worried where we were going on our trip, just how we were going to get there. If I may say so, it was a rather picturesque journey.

Overall, I found The Forgotten Legion to be a fascinating read, and eagerly followed the characters through their lives as they struggled for survival, respect and if they were lucky, revenge. The Forgotten Legion is the first in a trilogy and the way it ended, I suspect that it was originally a larger novel and was later split into three parts. I can hardly wait for to get my hands on the next installment, The Silver Eagle.

Please visit Ben Kane’s website and his other stops on the blog tour with TLC Book Tours.

Caleb is a software engineer and amateur woodworker living in southern Minnesota. He has more hobbies than he has time or money for, and enjoys his quiet time reading.

This book was provided free of any obligation by St. Martin’s Press. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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