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gheraldinetaping

gheraldinetaping

Books have always been my life. I can't even leave the house without one. Books + notebook & pen + music = happy me. I'll read anything I want. It doesn't matter what. If I like it, I read it.
SPOILER ALERT!

Finished: Lothaire by Kresley Cole

Lothaire (Immortals After Dark, #12) - Kresley Cole

I finished this book a few days ago but because of work I am only now able to write about it. I’ve been following Kresley Cole’s work on the Immortals After Dark series since my early college days and with every mention of the titular character, Lothaire, I grew more and more curious of him and I often wondered when Cole would write his story. For those who know me well enough you’ll be able to picture my absolute joy when I finally got my hands on a copy.

 

It took me a while to get to reading it. I was previously engaged in reading George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones, so Lothaire was stuck in my reading list limbo. When I did manage to start reading it, I found it really hard to put it down and loathe anything that would keep from reading. But of course I had other things to accomplish so I had to squeeze reading breaks in between work and responsibilities at home.

 

The book tells the story of the Enemy of Old, Lothaire. A master at manipulation and deceit, Lothaire has been seeking revenge against those who have wronged him, plotting to take over the Horde and the Daci (two factions of vampires within the series). He seems to have found the key to realizing his vendetta in Saroya, vampire goddess and his Bride, but with one dilemma – Ellie Pierce, Saroya’s mortal host.

 

In reading the series, I’ve wondered who Lothaire’s fated Bride would be. I’ve guessed that it would be a number of female characters mentioned in the series but the conundrum that was Ellie and Saroya was actually more than I expected.

 

I like Ellie. Her nerves of steel and her strong-headedness made her a character to admire. I liked that she never backed down from Lothaire and that even if she had so much to take in with the new world of immortals she was thrust into, she kept an open mind and held her own. Even in the face of death, she was determined not to go down without a fight. She took the fact that people underestimated her and made it into her advantage which kept Lothaire reeling and I think that’s what made Lothaire fall for her despite his blindness to the truth of his Bride and despite his need for revenge.

 

Lothaire is a ruthless male but I liked how the book showed more than that. He was a vampire who, as a boy, was forced to bear the demise of his mother while unable to do anything to save her. He has been forsaken by his father and betrayed many times. In order to become more powerful and exact his revenge, he willingly spiraled downward to the gaping mouth of insanity. It was enlightening to finally know what made Lothaire tick and why he does what he does.

 

Let’s talk about Nix now. First of all, I was really excited to read about the valkyrie’s relationship with Lothaire. It was truly unexpected but I adored it. The book was particularly illuminating on how big a role Nix and her soothsaying plays in the grand scheme of the series. As I had done with Lothaire, I am just clamoring for even a sliver of detail as to who Nix will end up with. When will her book come out and will it be soon, Kresley Cole? Until then I will be waiting with bated breath.

 

This book is by far Cole’s more sensual (sexual) work. Love scenes depicted were on the really steamy side which I thought was appropriate for a character like Lothaire. It would only make sense that sex with this vampire would be raw and animalistic with some (a lot) of biting.

 

I’m very interested in reading more about Lothaire’s relatives, the Dacians, and what role he and Ellie will play in their stories. I know that one book from the Dacian’s spin-off series has already come out but I haven’t managed to get a hold of a copy. This one called Shadow’s Claim and it’s the story of Trehan Daciano and I will be remedying my lack of the book soon enough.

 

This post can also be read at my personal blog, The Purple Madhouse.

SPOILER ALERT!

Finished: Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward

Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 9) - J.R. Ward

Today I finished J.R. Ward's Lover Unleashed which tells of Payne's story. From the author's previous book from the series, Lover Mine (John Matthew's story), we were introduced to Payne, the Brother Vishous' twin sister. After a sparring session with Wrath gone awry, Payne ends up paralyzed from the waist down. Enter Manuel "Manny" Manello, M.D., surgeon extraordinaire.

 

Though the book is about Payne and Manny, I was much more interested in Vishous and Jane's storyline as their book, Lover Unbound, was my favorite. I always liked that Ward writes in a continuing arc with her books and having her delve more into Jane and Vishous' relationship post-Lover Unbound had me turning page after page just so I could read more about my favorite couple in this 'verse. Also, reading more about V and Butch's bromance was another highlight in the book.

 

I also liked reading Qhuinn's storyline. It was poignant reading on Qhuinn's struggle with his love for Blaylock but I couldn't help but think that he was getting in his own way. He fears so much that he is inadequate - damage done by his family, no doubt. He is trying to find his way to something better though and even that is a struggle. I'm looking forward to getting my read on when his and Blay's story come out.

 

The introduction of new characters gives me hope that there will be more to come for the series. I am excited to know if Xcor and his bastards will have their own stories. I'm crossing my fingers on this one.

 

 

Rereading Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone  - J.K. Rowling

To continue the magic that is Harry Potter, whilst subsequently extending my childhood, I decided to reread all the Harry Potter books and watch it movie counterpart after finishing every book.

 

I think Harry Potter will never lose its appeal for me. I will be reading this series over and over again. Always.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom My very first foray into the world of Mitch Albom and it did not disappoint. The story of a man who, with his experiences in life, has lost his sense of living and through out the journey of his death, relives his memories through the eyes of the people who touched his life. It was very easy for me to love this book. So many lessons learned and echoed in real life. It was difficult for me to put the book down once I started reading it and I hated to stop just to do something or other. The book touches on connections; how our lives are connected to one another, be it small or big ways. We affect each other. Our actions can have little to monumental effects to another being. Each action is a ripple, touching others, maybe even hurting them. We may not know it and we may not mean to, but all that is part of living in the world. I like to think that the book is also telling us that life goes on even after death. We must live our lives, not simply existing. Though people we love may fade, we owe it to ourselves to move forward and realize that death is not the end.