I have only read one story of Marjorie's thus far, and while I loved it, I haven't been able to find all the books in the series and the time to read them back-to-back. After reading this book, I will make the time!
This book was sent to me through Dorchester's buzz campaign, so please pass this review on to anyone you think might like to know more.
Kit and M'cal both come from blended relationships and this helps to bind them. Kit is a musician who can see murders, but is otherwise human. M'cal is part merman who is bound to a witch.
Kit is anguished by her powers and with the loss of hr grandmother, she's spinning out of control. She can't come to terms with her helplessness. She reaches out in desperation to help a young woman and falls into a very dark side of humanity.
M'cal is sent to destroy Kit, but he doesn't want to kill her. The compulsion may take away his free will.
This book barely missed out on being a five star read, and I rarely rate anything that high (maybe one in seventy-five books, if that). The characters are vibrant and brilliant, they jumped off the page with the talent of Ms. Liu's pen. Their conflict is real and the suspense adds to the story instead of detracting from it. Ms. Liu is a wonderful new talent, a budding super-star and this book shows why in bright color.
Kit's anguish and M'cal's emotional distress add so much to the story, the subtle layers bringing this story to a level I rarely see in romance. Every thread is neatly tied off and the ending is satisfying beyond reason.
I had to put this book aside and collect my thoughts before writing this review. I also didn't want to read anything else for a few days. This is a story to savor and muse on. Ms. Liu is a bright shining talent in the romance field.
Showing posts with label paranormal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paranormal. Show all posts
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephenie Meyer, and Lauren Myracle-4 stars
Prom Nights from Hell
YA
http://www.harperteen.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=006125309X
4 stars
I am an unabashed YA fan, and when I saw that Kim Harrison wrote a story for this anthology, I had to get it. As with most anthologies, the stories were a mixed bag, but there was only one that I didn't care for as much as the others.
The Exterminator's Daughter by Meg Cabot
My second favorite story in this anthology. Mary is the daughter of a turned vampire, and makes her way as a vampire hunter. She is very protective when her friend dumps her long-time boyfriend and hooks up with someone very alluring and not quite human.
Mary's story is readable and wonderfully paced. Meg Cabot is a natural writer and I'd love to see more paranormal YA from her.
The Corsage by Lauren Myracle
Frankie and her friends go to a fortuneteller and end up getting a magical corsage. Frankie just wants her best friend to ask her to the prom, but she sets into motion terrible things instead.
This story is twisted and the most classical horror story of the lot, but I found it a bit unsatisfying in the end. The story has great technical merits, but it wasn't the right story for me.
Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper by Kim Harrison
Madisonis humiliated at her prom and impulsively takes off with a msterious boy and gets a great deal more than she bargained for, with life-long complications.
This story was a surprise. I did enjoy it, but it was quite different from what I expected. This story twisted in different ways fom Ms. Myracle's but the twist worked very well for me,
Kiss and Tell by Michelle Jaffe
Hands down, this is my favorite story in the anthology. I am new to Ms. Jaffe's work, and this story is enough to make me a fan.
Miranda is "special" in ways that make her stand out from the rest of her class. She manages to hide most of her abilities. One day, she meets up with Sibby, who is also much more than she appears. Miranda will have to use every one of her extra abilities to help Sibby.
The author's writing style and voice, the characters, the plotting, were all just great. I hope we'll see much more of Miranda and Sibby as well. The dialogue in particular was witty and snappy without being overly cutesy or trendy.
Hell on Earth by Stephenie Meyer
A prom is supposed to be a happy occassion, but for Gabe, misery surrounds him. Can that amazing looking girl be part of the problem or a solution?
A wonderful fresh voice in Ya, Stephenie Meyer delivers with this short story that packs a tremendous punch. I have been hearing about this author for quite some time and now I understand her appeal.
These stories are all bound by the prom theme, but it is so interesting to see where the various authors went with their entries. I have discovered some new authors and my fandom has been reaffirmed for others. Though I liked some stories more than others, none disappointed me.
YA
http://www.harperteen.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=006125309X
4 stars
I am an unabashed YA fan, and when I saw that Kim Harrison wrote a story for this anthology, I had to get it. As with most anthologies, the stories were a mixed bag, but there was only one that I didn't care for as much as the others.
The Exterminator's Daughter by Meg Cabot
My second favorite story in this anthology. Mary is the daughter of a turned vampire, and makes her way as a vampire hunter. She is very protective when her friend dumps her long-time boyfriend and hooks up with someone very alluring and not quite human.
Mary's story is readable and wonderfully paced. Meg Cabot is a natural writer and I'd love to see more paranormal YA from her.
The Corsage by Lauren Myracle
Frankie and her friends go to a fortuneteller and end up getting a magical corsage. Frankie just wants her best friend to ask her to the prom, but she sets into motion terrible things instead.
This story is twisted and the most classical horror story of the lot, but I found it a bit unsatisfying in the end. The story has great technical merits, but it wasn't the right story for me.
Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper by Kim Harrison
Madisonis humiliated at her prom and impulsively takes off with a msterious boy and gets a great deal more than she bargained for, with life-long complications.
This story was a surprise. I did enjoy it, but it was quite different from what I expected. This story twisted in different ways fom Ms. Myracle's but the twist worked very well for me,
Kiss and Tell by Michelle Jaffe
Hands down, this is my favorite story in the anthology. I am new to Ms. Jaffe's work, and this story is enough to make me a fan.
Miranda is "special" in ways that make her stand out from the rest of her class. She manages to hide most of her abilities. One day, she meets up with Sibby, who is also much more than she appears. Miranda will have to use every one of her extra abilities to help Sibby.
The author's writing style and voice, the characters, the plotting, were all just great. I hope we'll see much more of Miranda and Sibby as well. The dialogue in particular was witty and snappy without being overly cutesy or trendy.
Hell on Earth by Stephenie Meyer
A prom is supposed to be a happy occassion, but for Gabe, misery surrounds him. Can that amazing looking girl be part of the problem or a solution?
A wonderful fresh voice in Ya, Stephenie Meyer delivers with this short story that packs a tremendous punch. I have been hearing about this author for quite some time and now I understand her appeal.
These stories are all bound by the prom theme, but it is so interesting to see where the various authors went with their entries. I have discovered some new authors and my fandom has been reaffirmed for others. Though I liked some stories more than others, none disappointed me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)