|
I love Colleen Gleason's work! I have been a fan for a long time - in fact I first read this in 2011 and today I saw that it is FREE! (I am assuming for a limited time - so personally wouldn't wait!) Scroll down to read my thoughts on this book - and the series in general!
|
|
Official Blurb
Enter the Grishaverse with Book One of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy by the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Orphaned and expendable, Alina Starkov is a soldier who knows she may not survive her first trek across the Shadow Fold―a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic not even she knew she possessed. Now Alina will enter a lavish world of royalty and intrigue as she trains with the Grisha, her country’s magical military elite―and falls under the spell of their notorious leader, the Darkling. He believes Alina can summon a force capable of destroying the Shadow Fold and reuniting their war-ravaged country, but only if she can master her untamed gift. As the threat to the kingdom mounts and Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten all she loves and the very future of a nation. Welcome to Ravka . . . a world of science and superstition where nothing is what it seems. |
Standalone or series?
Book 1 in a trilogy - there are also spin off series available.
How did I get this book?
Em and I watched the show and then she wanted to read it, so we ordered the first three books during the Amazon Prime Day event as they were on sale.
Why did I choose to read this book: Having watched the show I have to say my curiosity was peaked. Goodreads shows me that I read it in 2011 - And gave it 5 stars but didn't write a review. As I remembered NOTHING - I am going to assumed that I wrong clicked something for that. As Em read the book and told me it was worth it - I read it.
And Now To The Review!
First Impressions:
Coming to a book series after seeing the TV show or Movie is always going to lead to a little bias. Many times I prefer the format I am introduced to first - but not always. In this case I immediately noticed that this was all from Alina's perspective. This is very different from the show, where you get to see several stories unfolding. It is a similar change that was adapted when The Southern Vampire Mysteries became True Blood. Let's be honest - in a magical universe a single perspective on screen would be very tough to pull off and it not be boring.
General Review
It's a well written YA (Young Adult) book. Having seen the show obviously some of the plot points were already known, but that being said, the show has a LOT more things going on. Em actually did some digging about this and it turns out that the show actually encompasses things from the spin off series, which obviously means that none of that part of the story is in these pages. Personally, as some of those characters were my favorites, I was a little disappointed BUT it wouldn't be fair to mark the book down for that. I will say that the book does a MUCH better job of explaining the Grisha colors, and abilities. By the time the TV series had ended I had about figured most of it out - but that is something that the TV series I feel lacked. For example, as it was all new to me, I didn't feel I could watch it with Greg before having watched the entire thing because it was a steep learning curve. Maybe that's because I like to know all the details - maybe they assume that the fans would be book readers. Either way that is a point to the book!
Final Thoughts
Overall this is a solid read. As I have the other two in the house, once Em has read them I will give them a read. For the most part I enjoyed it. It does as a pretty true YA book, unlike some other authors that definitely skew more toward and adult audience too, but it is a lot better than many options out there and the world building in the book is excellent!
Rating:
A fairly solid 4 stars. If you like magical fantasy - or if you watched the TV show and fancy checking it out, I don't think you would be disappointed.
Check out the trailer for the Netflix series below! Season 2 has been confirmed so you can watch without fear of it being cancelled
CODE WORD FOR THIS ARTICLE IS BONE
Book 1 in a trilogy - there are also spin off series available.
How did I get this book?
Em and I watched the show and then she wanted to read it, so we ordered the first three books during the Amazon Prime Day event as they were on sale.
Why did I choose to read this book: Having watched the show I have to say my curiosity was peaked. Goodreads shows me that I read it in 2011 - And gave it 5 stars but didn't write a review. As I remembered NOTHING - I am going to assumed that I wrong clicked something for that. As Em read the book and told me it was worth it - I read it.
And Now To The Review!
First Impressions:
Coming to a book series after seeing the TV show or Movie is always going to lead to a little bias. Many times I prefer the format I am introduced to first - but not always. In this case I immediately noticed that this was all from Alina's perspective. This is very different from the show, where you get to see several stories unfolding. It is a similar change that was adapted when The Southern Vampire Mysteries became True Blood. Let's be honest - in a magical universe a single perspective on screen would be very tough to pull off and it not be boring.
General Review
It's a well written YA (Young Adult) book. Having seen the show obviously some of the plot points were already known, but that being said, the show has a LOT more things going on. Em actually did some digging about this and it turns out that the show actually encompasses things from the spin off series, which obviously means that none of that part of the story is in these pages. Personally, as some of those characters were my favorites, I was a little disappointed BUT it wouldn't be fair to mark the book down for that. I will say that the book does a MUCH better job of explaining the Grisha colors, and abilities. By the time the TV series had ended I had about figured most of it out - but that is something that the TV series I feel lacked. For example, as it was all new to me, I didn't feel I could watch it with Greg before having watched the entire thing because it was a steep learning curve. Maybe that's because I like to know all the details - maybe they assume that the fans would be book readers. Either way that is a point to the book!
Final Thoughts
Overall this is a solid read. As I have the other two in the house, once Em has read them I will give them a read. For the most part I enjoyed it. It does as a pretty true YA book, unlike some other authors that definitely skew more toward and adult audience too, but it is a lot better than many options out there and the world building in the book is excellent!
Rating:
A fairly solid 4 stars. If you like magical fantasy - or if you watched the TV show and fancy checking it out, I don't think you would be disappointed.
Check out the trailer for the Netflix series below! Season 2 has been confirmed so you can watch without fear of it being cancelled
CODE WORD FOR THIS ARTICLE IS BONE
** Disclosure**
Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!)
Any Links To Buy On Amazon Is My Amazon Affiliate Link.(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!)
Author Nely Cab joined me to talk about books and answer some Muser Questions! Click the picture to see what we talked about!
The Code Word For This Article Is Myth! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Click the picture below to see this week's mail calls!
Click the picture below to watch this week's Forgotten Feature Friday!
The Code Word For This Article Is Post! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
|
BLURB
Desire can heal the coldest heart—or burn it to ashes. Alrik Gunn knows from bitter experience that change isn’t always for the better. From the woman who annihilated his Viking clan to the goddess who tricked him into centuries of slavery, betrayal has dogged his existence. The Goddess of Love is going to let him avenge his family, but for a price. As a Phoenix—a merchant of change—he must grant a human woman three chances to change her life. When former Irish dancer Calleigh McCarthy tosses a carved-bird statue that belonged to her ex into a roaring bonfire, she unwittingly summons an honest-to-god Phoenix. A sexy, irresistible Viking who offers her an unbelievable bonus—three get-out-of-her-crappy-life-free cards. She’ll take it, even if it means guarding her cautious heart against the dark pain behind Alrik’s eyes. Alrik has vowed never to let love sway him again, but Calleigh’s innocence and kindness throw him off balance. Yet even as his need for revenge fades and his love for her grows, he is bound to let her make her choices without interfering. One wrongly chosen word, and any chance for happiness—for either of them—will go up in flames. |
Buy Now For $3.99 OR Read For Free With A Kindle Unlimited Membership. Not a KU Member - Click the Banner To Try If Free For 30 Days!
|
|
|
Any Links To Buy On Amazon in this page may be Amazon Affiliate Links
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do)
My Review
So this book was originally released back in 2010. Whilst I didn't read it then, I got the paperback a few years later and I am thrilled that it is available again so that new readers can find it.
This is a standalone paranormal romance and has all the things that we have come to expect from a Kristen Painter novel. If you like the Nocturne Falls books then you will love this. I personally am a huge fan of the slightly more unusual creature heroes, so this one has a special place in my heart (although no, it doesn't beat out Dead Man's Hand, and yes Vampires Still Rule All). As a bonus there is talk of drinking Guinness, which really isn't too relevant in the overall scheme of things - but I LOVE Guinness so bonus marks for that!
If you want a quick, happy, read that won't leave you screaming about the evil cliffhangers (*Cough Sucker Punch Cough*) then this is one for you!
An easy 5 stars from me!
The Code Word For This Article Is Pants! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
So this book was originally released back in 2010. Whilst I didn't read it then, I got the paperback a few years later and I am thrilled that it is available again so that new readers can find it.
This is a standalone paranormal romance and has all the things that we have come to expect from a Kristen Painter novel. If you like the Nocturne Falls books then you will love this. I personally am a huge fan of the slightly more unusual creature heroes, so this one has a special place in my heart (although no, it doesn't beat out Dead Man's Hand, and yes Vampires Still Rule All). As a bonus there is talk of drinking Guinness, which really isn't too relevant in the overall scheme of things - but I LOVE Guinness so bonus marks for that!
If you want a quick, happy, read that won't leave you screaming about the evil cliffhangers (*Cough Sucker Punch Cough*) then this is one for you!
An easy 5 stars from me!
The Code Word For This Article Is Pants! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Click the picture to see this week's mail calls!
Click the video to check out my top 5 plot twists from Cruel Summer! All Episodes Now Streaming!
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is TWIST! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Click the picture to watch this week's video!
Check out the original 31 Days post here - https://www.melaniesmuses.com/31-days-of-halloween-movies1/31-days-of-halloween-movies-2020-day-8-in-the-mouth-of-madness
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is Cane! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is Cane! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
HERE .... COME .... THE .... ZOOMS!!! (To be exclaimed in true Master Fashion like "Here Come The Drums"
For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about - here's a YouTube clip - but it isn't actually relevant to this other than my fandom quirkiness - so feel free to scroll down for the important stuff!
For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about - here's a YouTube clip - but it isn't actually relevant to this other than my fandom quirkiness - so feel free to scroll down for the important stuff!
As I have mentioned before, 2021 is going to see the start of regular Zoom chats!
And I am excited to announce that Author Nely Cab is joining me for an Author Talk!
If you heard of her - you can check out her Facebook Page HERE!
We will be talking about her books, and whatever else comes up, but most importantly she will be answering some of YOUR questions!
Whilst book questions are ALWAYS welcome – feel free to think a little outside the box too! You know how this works – a Melanie’s Muses video is always a little unexpected! I can't promise we will get through all of them but you know I will do my best to get through as many as we can!!
**Questions must be posted by 11.59pm Tuesday June 22nd 2021 ET. Video will be posted at a future date*
And I am excited to announce that Author Nely Cab is joining me for an Author Talk!
If you heard of her - you can check out her Facebook Page HERE!
We will be talking about her books, and whatever else comes up, but most importantly she will be answering some of YOUR questions!
Whilst book questions are ALWAYS welcome – feel free to think a little outside the box too! You know how this works – a Melanie’s Muses video is always a little unexpected! I can't promise we will get through all of them but you know I will do my best to get through as many as we can!!
**Questions must be posted by 11.59pm Tuesday June 22nd 2021 ET. Video will be posted at a future date*
It's Monday So Time For Some Mail Calls! Don't forget to grab the code word in the video! (Click the picture to watch!)
In Case You Missed It -
Check out the AWESOME cover reveal (if I do say so myself) for Of Gods And Monsters - the epic final installment of The Ever Chace Chronicles by Susan Harris.
Scroll down to pre-order your copy now!
Check out the AWESOME cover reveal (if I do say so myself) for Of Gods And Monsters - the epic final installment of The Ever Chace Chronicles by Susan Harris.
Scroll down to pre-order your copy now!
In the time of Gods and Monsters, the end is only the beginning.......
Ever Chace has spent centuries preparing for this final battle, this one last chance at a happy ever after with her soulmate, Derek Doyle. In order to save the world, she will have to summon every single last shred of strength she has, use every weapon at her disposal, and try and figure out how you defeat a God.
The journey began with a team of extraordinary supernaturals, brought together by destiny, chosen as family, and everything that they have been through has set them on this final path.
Heroes will rise from the ashes, Legends will cement their place in history, and the world may never be the same again.
Of Gods and Monsters is the final book in the Ever Chace Chronicles.
Not started the series yet - Grab book 1 FOR FREE!
Ever Chace has spent centuries preparing for this final battle, this one last chance at a happy ever after with her soulmate, Derek Doyle. In order to save the world, she will have to summon every single last shred of strength she has, use every weapon at her disposal, and try and figure out how you defeat a God.
The journey began with a team of extraordinary supernaturals, brought together by destiny, chosen as family, and everything that they have been through has set them on this final path.
Heroes will rise from the ashes, Legends will cement their place in history, and the world may never be the same again.
Of Gods and Monsters is the final book in the Ever Chace Chronicles.
Not started the series yet - Grab book 1 FOR FREE!
|
|
|
Any Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is Epic! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is Epic! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Click the picture below to watch the zoom call I had with Greg, Author Susan Harris, and Muser Shannon Watts! The main chat is just over an hour- the rest are outtakes!!!
Scroll down for a breakdown of the Easter Eggs (References) that I noticed and talked about during the chat. (These will be updated as I rewatch if I note any others).
I also included videos for my top 10 Lucifer Episodes, the referenced Musical Number from The Magicians (note - it wasn't the same song - but it is still better), and the Season 4 musical episode from the finale!
Scroll down for a breakdown of the Easter Eggs (References) that I noticed and talked about during the chat. (These will be updated as I rewatch if I note any others).
I also included videos for my top 10 Lucifer Episodes, the referenced Musical Number from The Magicians (note - it wasn't the same song - but it is still better), and the Season 4 musical episode from the finale!
| | | |
| In the video we discuss my apparent obsession with supernatural characters having to pee. I present the Payback Board posted by Chris Rafferty on his twitter. I have circled the "Pee In Pudding" - My argument being it just says "Pee In Pudding" which implies Lucifer is going to pee in it himself - thus can pee. I win! |  |
My Easter Egg Notes From Lucifer Season 5B - These are the ones I have noticed so far - NOTE I am NOT looking at other lists!
Episode 9 -
Linda thought she had met God once - Timothy Omundson in S2 Ep 16
ZX3 – They came across it as one of the ingredients for the antidote – S2 Ep
Lucifer holding the car – S4 Ep 1
Episode 10 -
Lucifer whistles the show theme tune
Lucifer deals with fire – S1 Ep 10 -He was burned saving Chloe in the fire.
S4 Ep2 In The Cabin He Walked Away From An Explosion
Episode 11 -
Reference to preacher – S1 Ep 12
Posters On The Wall In Gym All Episode References :-
Holla Bae – The name of the rapper possessed by Squee S4 Ep 10
Lieutenant Diablo – The fake Lucifer Show S5 Ep 3
Roller Derby – Ep 3 S10 – The Sine Bin
Bobby Lowe – Name of the comedian in the One With The Baby Carrot – S3 Ep2
Top Meet – The dating app from Chloe Does Lucifer S3 Ep8
Axara – The name of the singer S3 Ep17 Let Pinhead Sing
The Cabin – The reality show in S4 Ep 2 – Somebody’s been reading Dante’s Inferno
Dan says So Smite Me – True Blood reference? Jason S2 vibes!
Episode 12 -
“Watch some HBO” ?? Another True Blood Nod??
Los X – Dan and Maze fought them S4 Ep 3
Nod to Ella talking to ghosts and that she is writing a book (S3 Ep 25 that was originally cut)
Improv Guys from S2 Ep7 and S2 Ep 18
Episode 13 - Didn't note anything but this might change on a rewatch
Episode 14 -
Yakuza Tattoos – the fighting scene throwback to S2 Ep 10
Episode 15 -
Dig at the FOX Tv Network
Chocolate Cake With Trixie
An Angel And A Detective Solving Crimes
Caleb Mayfield – the kid that Amenadiel mentored who he couldn’t say
Episode 16 -
NSYNC T-Shirt – Throw back to when Maze left Dan naked.
Ice Pick – S2 call back?
One Of Maze’s Blade - Mr Stabby (Mr Pointy in Buffy)
Is Winter Coming – GoT Shout out
“What The Fork” – The Good Place Shout Out
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is Maze! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Episode 9 -
Linda thought she had met God once - Timothy Omundson in S2 Ep 16
ZX3 – They came across it as one of the ingredients for the antidote – S2 Ep
Lucifer holding the car – S4 Ep 1
Episode 10 -
Lucifer whistles the show theme tune
Lucifer deals with fire – S1 Ep 10 -He was burned saving Chloe in the fire.
S4 Ep2 In The Cabin He Walked Away From An Explosion
Episode 11 -
Reference to preacher – S1 Ep 12
Posters On The Wall In Gym All Episode References :-
Holla Bae – The name of the rapper possessed by Squee S4 Ep 10
Lieutenant Diablo – The fake Lucifer Show S5 Ep 3
Roller Derby – Ep 3 S10 – The Sine Bin
Bobby Lowe – Name of the comedian in the One With The Baby Carrot – S3 Ep2
Top Meet – The dating app from Chloe Does Lucifer S3 Ep8
Axara – The name of the singer S3 Ep17 Let Pinhead Sing
The Cabin – The reality show in S4 Ep 2 – Somebody’s been reading Dante’s Inferno
Dan says So Smite Me – True Blood reference? Jason S2 vibes!
Episode 12 -
“Watch some HBO” ?? Another True Blood Nod??
Los X – Dan and Maze fought them S4 Ep 3
Nod to Ella talking to ghosts and that she is writing a book (S3 Ep 25 that was originally cut)
Improv Guys from S2 Ep7 and S2 Ep 18
Episode 13 - Didn't note anything but this might change on a rewatch
Episode 14 -
Yakuza Tattoos – the fighting scene throwback to S2 Ep 10
Episode 15 -
Dig at the FOX Tv Network
Chocolate Cake With Trixie
An Angel And A Detective Solving Crimes
Caleb Mayfield – the kid that Amenadiel mentored who he couldn’t say
Episode 16 -
NSYNC T-Shirt – Throw back to when Maze left Dan naked.
Ice Pick – S2 call back?
One Of Maze’s Blade - Mr Stabby (Mr Pointy in Buffy)
Is Winter Coming – GoT Shout out
“What The Fork” – The Good Place Shout Out
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is Maze! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Click the picture to check out my zoom chat with Author Aimee Shae!
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is Plot! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Click the picture below to see this week's fun mail calls!
Click the picture to watch this weeks Forgotten Feature Friday Vlog!
Melanie Here - The Code Word For This Article Is Soldiers! Make a note - Then Tune In Sunday For More Details!
Click the picture to check out my latest Mail Call video for May 31st!
Click the picture to see my vlog with MY top 10 favorite Lucifer episodes so far!
This week's Mail Call video with special guest appearance from Muser Amanda Horton!
Click The Picture To Watch This Week's Forgotten Friday Vlog - Empire Records!
The Suck Stops Here (First Fangs Club Book 4) is available for Pre-Order! This is the Paranormal Women's Fiction series I was chatting about with Kristen during our interview! If you missed the video check it out below - If you already saw it - GET READING (Or you know - Pre-Order if you are all caught up lol.
|
Official Blurb
Vampire governor of New Jersey, Belladonna Barrone has just gotten an epic offer from an unexpected visitor, but it’s not something she’s ready to respond to without serious thought. Besides, she already has a lot on her plate. The recent death of a high-ranking vampire means she and her crew of staff and friends are headed off to the funeral in the middle of the country. But travel can be tricky when it comes to moving vampires. The solution? Rent some luxury motorcoaches and prepare for a road trip that will be unlike any other. For one thing, the trip includes a stop off to meet the parents of her daughter’s boyfriend. Something Donna isn’t particularly looking forward to. After all, they’re upstanding citizens and she’s, well, the soon-to-be former wife of a mobster currently awaiting trial. For another, the dark shadow of serious allegations hangs over Donna and her human assistant, Pierce. Allegations made by her arch nemesis, Governor Fitzhugh, that will require both Donna and Pierce to appear before the vampire council. She feels certain she’ll be able to deal with the outcome of her hearing, but Pierce is a different story. The vampire council isn’t known for their mercy with humans. Protecting Pierce weighs heavy on her. There has to be a way to persuade Fitzhugh to drop the charges, but at what cost? And can she trust his word? While pondering these questions, the funeral activities get underway, and Donna makes a strong new ally. Then events take an interesting turn and Donna is left with a brand-new issue to deal with. Should she bite the bullet and say yes to the epic deal she was offered before the trip? Even when she feels inadequate to handle what’s required of her? The only thing she knows for sure is enough is enough. For once and for all, the suck stops here. |
If you haven't started the series yet - catch up here!
|
|
|
|
And check out all the awesome things Kristen and I talked about here -
Any Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Click the picture below to check out my interview with Kristen Painter!
Click the picture to watch Monday's Mail Calls for May 17th!
Click the pic to watch my attempt to recreate a look requested by Musers Amanda & Brailey!
Click the picture to watch my latest vlog about Pump Up The Volume!
Melanie's Muses
Random Musings About The Entertainment World - From Books to TV and Anything Else That Comes To Mind!
Archives
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
RSS Feed