Caroline Greyling (Author of Five: Maor book one)

Charming characters

Revisado: 02-01-16

Lady Beth Ackerley, made suddenly respectable in the eyes of society by the substantial inheritance left to her by her employer, is ready to take the plunge and marry again. She’s accepted the suit of a gentleman and plans to live out the rest of her life in peace and quiet with him.
Until she meets Lord Ian MacKenzie and he reveals some unpleasant truths about the man she is betrothed to, then promptly declares his own intention to marry the widow. Beth feels inexplicably and scandalously drawn to Lord Ian MacKenzie, but soon finds out that the gossip mongers are more than a little right. Ian MacKenzie is mad, in more ways than one, and he’s got some very dangerous secrets too. Can Beth see past his madness and learn to love again?

What a charming story this was! As historical romances go, this one ticks all the boxes. The characters are charming with rich back story. The romance is steamy. The setting accurate. Ashley took a risk with the character of Ian MacKenzie, and her gamble paid off handsomely. While most historical romance novels feature brawny, rich, handsome men, very few of those heroes have serious flaws, other than the typical arrogance and womanizing. Generally, readers of historical romances are looking for the perfect man for their heroine to tame. Ian MacKenzie is anything but perfect. His madness, which in today’s terms I would probably categorize as some for of autism, makes him flawed and very real. Ashley’s descriptions of his behavior are heartbreakingly accurate, and yet she manages to retain his independence and heroism. The vulnerability of Ian’s character is offset quite wonderfully with the independence of Beth, and together, their love story is beautiful!

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Wonderful series

Revisado: 12-23-15

Seventeen year old Layla has a tough choice to make between the Warden she has been crushing on her whole life and the sexy Demon who recently swept into her life. Then there is also the matter of the Lilan, the evil step-brother intent on bringing about Armageddon. And Layla is the only one who can stop him.

Action-packed and steaming, the third installment of The Dark Elements series lives up to the high expectations set by the first two books. The story resolves the relationship issues and turns to more internal struggles as Layla faces her fears and discovers her inner strengths. Further questions are raised surrounding the true nature of ‘evil’, and Layla’s moral mettle is tested to the fullest extent, bringing her character development to a mature and sweeping end.

I do feel that the novel would have been a 5 star and not a 4 star if it had ended slightly earlier than it did. I’m a reader who likes to know that the conflict has been resolved, but still wants a little room for dreaming up my own ending. Armentrout really tied double knots on this ending though, and it ventured a little too far into the soppy soap for my tastes.

But, I still loved this book and adored the series!

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Feeling flustered

Revisado: 12-08-15

Roth is gone, relegated to the deepest recesses of hell, but no matter how Layla tries to, she cannot forget about the demon who sacrificed himself for her. Each day is a struggle to come to terms with her loss. Then, out of the blue, Roth returns. But he’s not the demon she remembers. The new Roth is cold and cruel, and brings with him bad news straight from hell. Now, Wardens and Demons must work together to protect humanity against one of the biggest threats they have ever faced. But things are more complicated than ever for Layla. On the one hand is the Demon Prince’s who confuses, rejects and yet thrills her. Then there is Zayne, the Warden she has always wanted but thought she could never have…

This series is fast becoming one of my favorites. It’s one of those that have you itching to shirk your duties just to find out what happens next. The action is fast-paced and will keep you at the edge of your seat. But it is the dynamic within the love triangle that really makes this series stand out. Armentrout has mastered the art of anticipation when it comes to the physical aspects of Layla’s interactions with both Roth and Zayne. There is only one word to describe this installment, and that is HOT! Thumbs up to this author who can make any reader flustered without resorting to an 18 + PG rating. I’m officially in love with a demon (and a Warden)! If Layla can find place in her heart for both of them, I certainly can!

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Sexy without smut

Revisado: 11-23-15

Layla doesn’t really fit in anywhere. Half demon, half warden, she’s the only known one of her kind. Raised by the wardens, she believes that the other, darker side of her is evil and must be hidden from all she loves. Especially Zayne, the gorgeous warden she’s been crushing on her whole life. That is, until she meets Roth. The tattooed, sinfully hot demon is nothing like she expected. Soon, Layla is questioning everything she’s been raised to believe, and uncovering secrets the likes of which could bring about the end of the world.

Jennifer Armentrout has done it again. She’s created larger than life, passionate characters that are unique and charming in their own rights. She knows how to sexy it up - without the smut, and this novel is steaming! Roth is incredibly hot with his wit and cocky attitude. This is one author who knows how to create the perfect BBBB (bad boy book boyfriend)! Zayne is sweet and protective. Layla is strong, unconsciously hot and yet a little bit of a damsel in distress.

The fantasy world Armentrout has created is intriguing. She’s put a spin on the good versus evil premise and managed to make me fall in love with both sides, creating the perfect amount of inner reader conflict in this fantastic love triangle. The action was fast-paced and had me on the edge of my seat for most of the story.

I LOVE this series and can’t wait to find out what happens next!

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Crescendo

Revisado: 11-16-15

It was Celaena Sardothien who left for Wendolyn but not she who returns. Forged by fire and friendship, a new woman - a queen - returns in her place. Will Aelin Galathynius finally defeat the evil King of Adarlan? Will she free her friends from their torture? Will she finally take her rightful place as Queen of Terrasen?

The first few chapters of this, the fourth installment in the ‘Throne of Glass’ series had me worried. After having journeyed with Celaena through the first three books, the beginning of this novel felt like a step back in terms of her character development. The woman who had shed blood, tears and fire to become a queen, seemed to have shriveled back into the shell that was Celaena Sardothien.
And then Rowan arrived…
The action snowballed into a crescendo, characters bloomed, and the plot reached a magnificent high. One of my favorite things about this particular novel is the way Maas has tied up the strings in the last few chapters. She knows exactly how to round off the story and leave a reader satisfied, while still creating excitement for the novels to come.

Once again, the fantasy aspects were thrilling and I loved the inclusion of magic. The witches added a darker dimension, but this time, with a hint of hope. The love angle was a little disturbing at first because of the expectations created in the first few novels around the characters of Chaol and Rowan, but Maas paced the relationship development well.

I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

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A little disappointed with the ending

Revisado: 10-15-15

Derek and Sofia are deep in the heart of hunter territory. Her father, the leader of the hunters, wants nothing more than to kill the man Sofia loves, and her mother wants her dead. Back at the Shade, Derek’s father is brewing rebellion and the vampire clans are threatening war. Then there’s also the fact that Sofia is immune, and Derek has had a taste of her blood. Will the two star-crossed lovers ever find true sanctuary?

I had this one pegged as another five star, brilliant addition to the series…until around about the last chapter. The entire scene with Boris knocked the series down a rating or two for me. Every book has been building Derek into the warrior who would give his life to protect Sofia - and then he just stands back and let’s her get taken and beaten…This was completely out of character and disappointed me. The introduction of the ‘original’ seemed so haphazard and last minute too, like the author needed to quickly insert a reason to write the next novel.

The rest of the novel was quite good, actually. I enjoyed the mind games and detailed backstories of the supporting characters, especially Ingrid. The various POVs, once again, provided a unique and effective way to tell this story. I love the fact that Ms Forrest does not just allow you to write the villains off as ‘bad’. She provides enough backstory to make it difficult to hate any of the characters, no matter how devious they may appear.

There was a definite move ‘outwards’ in this novel from the nucleus of Derek and Sofia’s relationship. Many of the ‘minor’ characters evolved, and there was still some lovely character development, most notably with Claudia and Gregor. The theme of ‘good wins out over evil’ was nicely carried with these two characters.

I’ve loved this series from book 1, but must admit that the last chapter really put a spoke in the wheel for me. I’m honestly not sure if I will continue the series.

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Keep it going

Revisado: 10-08-15

Sofia knows that what she has with Derek Novak, the Prince of the vampires, is precarious, at best. No matter how in love they may be, the fact remains that they’re world’s apart, and there are people everywhere who don’t believe they belong together. Like Derek’s father, who is furious that his son would put a mere human above his people and his family. Or Sofia’s best friend, Ben, who has joined the hunters and wants nothing more than to kill every vampire in the Shade. Or Sofia’s father, the head of the vampire Hunters, who is determined to rescue Sofia from the clutches of the evil vampire race.
Can Sofia and Derek overcome the challenges, or will their sandcastle fall?

The third installment of the series has a decidedly darker edge to it. Ms Forrest, while still focussing at heart on the relationship between Sofia and Derek, has taken more time in this novel to develop the plot. There’s more intrigue, cruelty and action - and I love it!
One of the things that really makes this series stand out is the different POVs. It’s unusual to use so many POVs to tell a story, but it just works so well here. It provides deeper insight into the characters and forces you to see the motivating factors behind the villains.

I must admit that there were times when I started to feel annoyed with Sofia’s character when described by Derek’s POV. Sometimes she just seems so ‘wilting damsel in distress’. I suppose this heightens his warrior image, but I did prefer the stronger Sofia as described from her own POV.

Overall, another well-written, fun, sexy, romantic installment that’s great enough to keep me reading the series!

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So invested

Revisado: 09-22-15

James Fraser has come back, presumably from the dead, to find that his wife has married his best friend. William has discovered that he is really the illegitimate son of General James Fraser. Oh, and did I forget to mention that they’re in the middle of the American revolution? But at least they know their only daughter is safe, back in the twentieth century…or is she?

If there was ever a cliffhanger in the Outlander series, ‘An echo in the bone’ was it. I’ve been dying to find out what happens to Jamie and Claire. The story picks up right in the thick of the action, and the blunders, misunderstandings and consequences make for entertaining reading. Once again, I found the war and camp scenes tedious at times, but that really just made it more authentic.

The storyline with Roger was fun, but I’m not sure it really added much to the story. The plot with Brianna was understated. I was a little surprised by this, as Gabaldon is not one to shy away from what could have been a seriously thrilling encounter. It was a little too vague for my liking.

I enjoyed seeing a more ‘human’ side to Claire in this installment. She’s been through so much and always appears so strong and put together. Sometimes she can come across as hard because of her efficiency, so this softer side was endearing.

I’ve never before stuck with a series for so long. Usually by book four, I find the story begins to repeat and the characters start to annoy me, but I can honestly say that I’ve never been more invested in a set of characters as I have been - and continue to be - with the Frasers. Another pearl from Gabaldon!

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Action-packed start!

Revisado: 09-03-15

Rowan, only heir to Queen Prisma of the Fire court has spent most of his life in the mortal world, training and perfecting the art of fire. When he receives the call to return to Avalon, Rowan is intrigued and also hesitant. Queen Prisma has decided to abdicate her throne to her son, but Rowan knows that where the cruel Queen is concerned, there have to be ulterior motives at play. And he is right. Queen Prisma has set one task for Rowan to complete before he ascends the throne, to kill the innocent halfling daughter of the Air court King. Can Rowan complete his evil task and can he face the consequences of his actions?

It’s short, but if this novella is any indication of the rest of the series, I’m very excited! O’Neale has created a wonderfully complex, vivid world in a few short pages, an outstanding achievement for any author. Rowan’s character is swoon-worthy romantic, with just the right amount of ‘boyishness’. I absolutely loved the banter between Rowan and the Hound. It revealed so many parts of his character without ‘telling’ and was humorous and very ‘male’ at the same time. The creation of the world was unique, the plot fast-paced, the writing superb.

This author is one to watch out for!

The narrator was spot on too!

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Great characters

Revisado: 09-02-15

After the drama with Rose Hathaway, Sydney knows she’s skating on thin ice. Her fellow Alchemists have accused her of being a ‘vampire lover’ and she’s living under the very real threat of being sent away to a ‘re-education centre’. Worse yet, her actions may cause her sister to be dragged into the unsafe work of alchemy.

So when Sydney is apprised of a new assignment, she fights tooth and nail to be the one sent in place of her young and inexperienced sister, even though it means she’ll have to live with one of the ‘unnatural monsters’ she’s trying to protect the human world from. Secretly, Sydney knows that the gap between the Moroi and humans is smaller than she’s been led to believe. Living with Jill, the royal Moroi she’s been assigned to hide won’t be as bad as she thinks. It might even be fun, going to school and making friends. And nothing really happens in Palm Springs anyway…

After the Vampire Academy series, I think I expected Sydney to be similar in character to Rose, but I was pleasantly surprised. Don’t get me wrong, Rose is one of my favorite young adult characters, but a new series needs to have something fresh and exciting. Sydney is all that. She’s not your expected heroine. She doesn't fight, she wears suits and she’s altogether quite lady-like. Some would say, she’s a ‘good-girl’, perhaps even a ‘walk-over’…Yet there is a hidden strength in her blood. Sydney is the girl who can get her own back without breaking a nail or lowering herself to her opponents level. She’s all business on the outside. On the opposite end of the scale is Adrian: bad boy and party animal. United by their concern for their young charge, the two opposites team up, to make a surprisingly great team. The character development on the part of both characters is definite and heart-warming. It’s probably my highlight in this novel.

I enjoyed this story, and would like to find out what happens next, but I have to admit that it didn't enthrall me the way the Vampire Academy series did. Perhaps it was the lack of chemistry (excuse the pun!), the slower pace or the cliched feel of some of the interactions. Still a great read!

I wasn't a huge fan in the beginning of the narrator. She seems a little too forced, but she grew on me towards the end!

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