Book Review: Lover Mine by J.R. Ward

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward
In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. Long divided as a terrifying battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lover Mine was my least favorite of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (BDB) series. Not because of bad writing or the plot/characters weren't satisfactory. The reason I felt a little disappointed after reading it was because, as a reader, there were a couple of things I wanted to happen that didn't come to fruition. However, there were some surprising revelations that were weaved within the book's storyline.

I gave the book a four-star review purely for one bias reason: I'm a huge J.R. Ward fan. (As you can see from My Favorite Authors on my Goodreads profile). I'll read anything she writes because, in my opinion, she brings it every time with good character-driven/plot-driven stories that always leaves me entertained.

So I hang on with the hope that, while the Warden has said she always "listens to her Rice Krispies when plotting," maybe, just maybe, my nosy desires about John Matthew will be fulfilled in future BDB books.

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Book Review: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So far Laini Taylor is two out of three with me. This book was just as engaging and compelling as the first of the trilogy. As the storyline progressed, I felt myself on the edge of my seat, anticipating how Karou and Akiva were going to get out of each predicament closing in around them.

I also love Zuzana and Mik's relationship. It's fresh, realistic, and not angsty as many young adult authors have a tendency to write teen relationships. As if their feelings for each other have to always be at a do-or-die level.

Selfishly, I'm satisfied Days of Blood & Starlight's plot was closed off the way I'd hoped. It left me eager and wanting for more. However, I have to admit I'm a bit apprehensive about the final book. Much too often I've been disappointed by a less than lackluster finish in a series. Nevertheless, I can't wait to read the finale of this trilogy. No pressure, Ms. Taylor. No pressure.

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Book Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first of the trilogy. For me, it took a little longer than I would've liked to get the story moving. However, it was a great read with great worldbuilding, believable characters, and emotional intensity. I'm looking forward to reading the second book of the trilogy.

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