Book Review: Kisses from Hell

Title: Kisses from Hell
Author(s): Richelle Mead, Alyson Noël, Kristen Cast, Kelley Armstrong, Francesca Lia Block
Publisher: Harper Teen, 2010
Page Total: 272 pages
Date read: September 16th, 2010
Genre(s): Young Adult; Urban Fantasy; Romance(??)

Reviewed by Ginny

Kisses from Hell was the first anthology I've ever read. And as anthologies go, there were some good stories as well as bad ones.
In my opinion, the authors forced their stories in some kind of end just to have a complete story. Which kind of sucks, because the end doesn't feel like a real end. All of them had some kind of loose end, leaving the readers wanting for more.
Sadly, I can’t tell you much of plot without spoiling it.


Sunshine by Richelle Mead

Emma wasn’t Eric Dragomir’s first girlfriend. Nor was she likely to be his last.

It's about how Lissa Dragomir's parents -meaning Eric Dragomir and Rhea Daniels- met when they were teenagers. It was interesting to see the world of Vampire Academy through Moroi’s eyes, but it wasn’t as good as expected. Plus, if you haven't read Vampire Academy books, you wouldn't understand what’s going on.
3.5 Kisses


Bring Me to Life by Alyson Noel

I stop.

It was surprisingly good. Nothing like Evermore. At first I thought the plot was predictable, but as it turned out, it wasn't. I really can’t say anything about this book without spoiling it! If I can ever find a way around it, I’ll edit it as soon as possible.
4 Kisses


Above by Kristen Cast

Earth.
She sits in her belly, swallowed by dirt,
desolate
bruised
broken.

…. No offense, but there is a reason why I stopped reading House of Night series in the middle of the second book. I’d love to tell you what the plot is, but since I didn’t get it, I guess I can’t tell you after all.
1 Kiss, if any


Hunting Kat by Kelley Armstrong

I stretched out on the lounge chair in front of our motel room.

It was good, although I'd recommend it to the readers who have read the Darkest Powers series. It isn’t necessary if you insist on reading it, but some things may confuse you if you haven’t read the series yet. It’s about a girl who has been genetically modified when she was a baby. At the age of 16, she turns into a vampire - and the people from the Madison Group are determined to have her.
4 Kisses


Lillith by Francesca Lia Block


Paul Michael had always wanted to escape.

I think she's the kind of author who likes lots of mystery. My first acquaintance with her, and I liked her ending. There isn’t much of a plot… Just a guy meets a vampire girl and, uh, I’ll let you imagine the rest. I think the author more wanted to share the atmosphere of her story.
3 Kisses

3.5 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 = 3.1 Kisses






Quotes:
"But here’s the thing, does anyone care about you? Who worries about you or asks how you feel? Not enough people do," Eric replied. "Somehow I just… know. I can see it all over you. You don’t let people worry about you enough."
And then, doing what was probably one of the stupidest things ever, he pulled her to him and kissed her. He fully expected her to jerk away or maybe even punch or kick him. Instead she pressed closer, kissing him with an intensity that surpassed his own."
-Sunshine (Richelle Mead)

"Reminds me of the stories from Russia my grandmother used to tell me. You know any of them? Vasilisa the Brave?"
"Nope. My family’s from Romania. Never heard of any Vasilisa." Looking up, Rhea stared up at the sky thoughtfully. "But I kind of like that name."
-Sunshine (Richelle Mead)

"Can you see?" I asked.
"Well enough." He tossed the glasses aside, retrieved the gun, and held it out. “You may want to be in charge of this, though.”
"Can you still shoot?"
He shrugged. "Sure, but- "
"Can you avoid shooting figures with brown hair, blue jeans, denim jackets, and" -I looked down at my feet- "dirty white sneakers?"
A genuine smile. "I can."
-Hunting Kat (Kelley Armstrong)

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5)
By Richelle Mead
Publisher: the Penguin Group, 2010
489 pages, Hardcover
Date Finished: 8/20/2010
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

First Line of Book: "There's a big difference between death threats and love letters -- even if the person writing the death threats still claims to actually love you."

Review: First of all, I can't wait till Last Sacrifice, the sixth and final book in the Vampire Academy series, comes out (release date Dec. 14th)!! On to the review... This book was amazing. It had much more romance, all of it being with Adrian, but oh well. And then, Rose both prevails and fails in her life as anew guardian. She and Lissa get the help of Victor, and spirit-using brother Robert, to help them figure something out -- something that could possibly help them save Dimitri... A lot more action, of course; there is alsi more adventure and hardships for basically all of the characters, but especially for Rose & Lissa. This book really amazed me, and I am definitely going to ask my mom to get Last Sacrifice for me this Christmas. Recommended yo all humans -- and extraterrestrials (aliens), if possible -- that have become spirit bound with Richelle Mead's best-selling series. :D

Rating:


Quotes from the Book:

"We came to a stop before a high, barbwire fence with an enormous 'Private Property -- No Unauthorized Personnel Allowed' sign on it. The lettering was red, apparently to emphasize how serious they were. Personally, I would have added a skull and crossbones to really drive the message home."

"My hope was that he'd spread the story to Court officials when our disappearance was noticed. We'd still get in trouble, but a wild weekend was better than a prison break. And honestly, how could things get worse for me?"

"Since this fantasy would have taken place after we'd slept together, there was a strong possibility that he would have helped me take off that blindfold -- among other things."

" 'Are you saying you knew this hearing was a lost cause from the beginning?' It was what Mikhail had said, too. How nice to have such faith from everyone."




--Zakiya, the walking butterfly

Succubus Shadows (Georgina Kincaid No.5) by Richelle Mead - A Guest Review

It's Tuesday, YEAH!! This week's guest reviewer is Jessica B! I actually met Jessica over on Goodreads and believe it or not she was one of my first friends on there. She loves PNR and UF as well as Historical Romance. Please put your hands together for one of my very favorite reviewers!!!
*Jen the Bibliophile claps hands maniacally*

Title: Succubus Shadows (Georgina Kincaid No.5)
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 281 (paperback)
Published: March 30th, 2010
Rating:

Synopsis: Georgina Kincaid has formidable powers. Immortality, seduction, shape-shifting into any human form she desires, walking in heels that would cripple mere mortals—all child’s play to a succubus like her.

Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend’s wedding is a different story. Georgina isn’t sure which is worse—that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses. Still, there are distractions. Georgina’s roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension. Then there’s Simone, the new succubus in town, who’s intent on corrupting Seth.

And if that wasn't bad enough, she's started having dreams shadowy, dangerous but alluring dreams, dreams that don't want to let go. These dreams are created by the Oneroi, demons in the service of Nyx, a creature from Hell who's bent on revenge. These are dreams that can trap their chosen victim and drain their powers through nightmares. This mysterious force that’s visiting her thoughts, is trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm. Sooner or later, Georgina knows she’ll be too weak to resist. And Georgina is powerless as she watches those in the real world try to find her, she comes to understand that her freedom her fate lies in the hands of the only one who can find her soul, who just happens to be the man who s about to marry someone else. She’ll discover who she can trust, who she can’t—and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity…(from goodreads.com)

Jessica's Review:

Richelle Mead is the author of three very popular series including Vampire Academy, Dark Swan and Georgina Kincaid. The Georgina Kincaid series follows a succubus in Seattle who now goes by the name Georgina Kincaid and works in a bookstore. Her existence is slightly sad because she is a succubus who wishes she was human. The series follows her many escapades and romances. (If you could call them that)

** spoiler alert ** If you haven’t read all the books in the series proceed with caution.

The fifth installment of the Georgina Kincaid and a another fantastic read!

Georgina has been suffering without Seth and she begins to slip slowly into depression. She has moved away from Queen Anne in hopes of getting away from Seth but no matter what she can't seem to stay away from him.

When her depression gets the better of her she slips into the dream world after being coaxed over with false feelings of comfort. Once there she is imprisoned and struggles through the ...more The fifth installment of the Georgina Kincaid and another fantastic read!

Georgina has been really suffering after the events of the previous book. She tries to cut ties from the things that hurt her and she moves away from Queen Anne with her roommate in tow. Roman is back and it looks like he is here to stay. After desperately trying to avoid Seth, Georgina realizes there is no way that they are going to be able to stay away from each other.

Seth and Maddie are now engaged and Maddie has asked Georgina to be a Bridesmaid at her wedding. Georgina eventually agrees and begins to slip into a crippling depression. She experiences a dream which gives her false comfort and eventually she is trapped in the dream world by the Onerei where she experiences the worst mental torture you could imagine.

I loved how this book took us through Georgina's past and we got to see all that she had to endure. I felt we finally got to understand the real Georgina and maybe understand a little bit about why she is the way she is. I didn’t feel Seth was a worthy hero, it felt more like everyone else did everything and he was just kind of there. I wish Georgina could find a strong hero, one that might already be rooming with her at her new place...

The story was fast paced and heart breaking, two elements I really enjoy. When I was finished I felt a little sad that my experience with Georgina was over. It was like we had grown so close over the course of 5 books and now it was like she was leaving my life. I gave Succubus Shadows a solid 5 out of 5 stars and Richelle Mead has officially become my favourite author with three amazing series available.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - A Series Review

Title: Vampire Academy Series (1-5)
Author: Richelle Mead
Published: 2007-2010
Read: August 6th 2010 - August 10th 2010
(To check synopsis click on the covers above)
Overall Rating:

So as anyone knows who has been reading my crazy banter, I've been on a huge paranormal fling. Well, maybe it's more than a fling being that it's lasted for a good couple months now..... and in all honesty I don't know when it will end as I'm having way too much fun.... and damn are vamps and werewolves sexy! I mean, HELLO! I have no idea why I didn't jump into this earlier. I mean, yeah I've been into fantasy for like over a decade, but man there is just something about vamps and weres that just get me all up and excited.

Yet again, I actually read this series as a recommendation. Believe it or not I saw it on the shelf at the Barnes & Nobel when it first came out back in 2007, but it didn't really pull me in. I was worried is was going to be super korny and this book that is teaching kids how to be vamps. IT SO WAS NOT!

It may take place in a school for quite a bit of it, but a lot of it isn't. In fact, I'd say most of it takes place everywhere else. The characters are so amazing and fun and I had a hell of a time following them around for the five days it took me to read the series. I mean, there is Rose who is our main character and all around bad ass female. She is strong and snarky and says it like it is. She has no problem taking it because she dishes it out whenever possible. Plus, she is funny and her jabs are awesome. She says what you've always wanted to say in a situation and possibly never did. Apparently she has become my new hero.

Her best friend Lissa I liked as well, but she wasn't Rose and I was so glad for a strong female character who didn't like BS. Lissa was the exact opposite of Rose and I thought they complimented each other very nicely.

Our main males are Christian, Adrian and Dimitri. OMG, there is so much I could say on this note, but I won't because I don't want to give any of the good juicy surprises away, but goodness were these men hot. Christian the fire user was kind of a dick, but in a "hi, I'm hot and I don't mind treating all you hypocritical jerk offs like crap." It was refreshing.

Adrian sounded like sex on a stick and I would have been more than glad to make out with him. He was like this tall dark and sexy guy who was sweet underneath all of his smart ass comments as well as all the cigarettes and liquor he was always consuming.

Dimitri.... Oh my dearest Dimitri... Can we say SHMEXY!!!! I mean he seriously must have been like this 6'5" hunk of hotness that could put you in your place with a look. I really hope that place is wrapped around him because man he's yummy to an extensive degree. Plus, he had this side of him that was smart and thoughtful and I think that was what brought me over the edge to Team Dimitri. He was just.... AAAAAAHHHH......Dimitri. Glorious smokin' hot Dimitri. Plus, he was 24 when the book starts which was totally awesome. (*clears throat* yeah, you know you want it).

The basic basis of the series, to get back on track, is Rose and Lissa and their bond. They share a bond between each other... a one way bond more so though. To get a better explanation, read the book because the explanation would take too long.

There is so much to say about the plot, so I'm going to basically skip over and just say that it was a well written YA novel. At first it was hard for me to get into the first book because there are a ton of new terms that I'd never heard and I had to get used to those. Plus, before I read this series I had been reading Adult PNR which is written so much different from YA PNR so the switch took me a bit. After the first handful of chapters, I was addicted, hence the 5 day read. It was such an interesting concept to me, plus the author had no problem purposefully pissing me off. I thought very strongly of throwing a couple of the books across the room because of the plot. However, I didn't (as that would be a travesty to any book) and it turned out for the best. Because in all honesty, how can you read a book that is no longer in your hands. :D

I do love a book where the author makes you sweat and doesn't give too much away. This book definitely hit the mark there. Plus, with such a wonderful cast of characters and such an involved romantic paranormal plot of deliciousness, I never wanted to put it down. I mean, with hot Russians, fire, silver stakes, blood whores and all sorts of sweaty hotness, why would I.

Series Rating:

Storyline:

Writing:

Cover Art:

Favorite Book in Series:
Spirit Bound (No.5)

Immortal Love Stories With Bite Book Review

Immortal Love Stories With Bite Edited by P.C. Cast
Publisher: BenBella Books, 2008
Pages: 259
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Action, Horror
Reviewed by Kate

Review: I know, another anthology but like I said I've been reading a couple of anthologies for a while. My first experience with anthologies was very good. I really liked it. This one, however, gave me a little bit of a different experience.

Introduction by P.C. Cast: I'm reviewing the intro because I really liked it! The main point throughout it was why teens and adults alike are so into vampires these days. I usually skip intros. but I won't be anymore. I really liked her points and opinions and I found myself agreeing with many of them. Now I'm thinking of buying anthologies of essays.

Hunted Love by Cynthia Leitich Smith: This story is a love triangle involving a vampire, ghost, and girl at a haunted movie theater. First I have to say that I love the overall idea of the story. Now for the unfortunate part, I did not like this story so much. I did not like it from the beginning, I felt there was hope in the middle and it would turn around, then came the disappointing end. The end was disappointing for me at least, I personally did not like it but I think other people might. The one thing that really turned me off about this story was because the characters emotions did not seem real at all. There was one point when the main character, Cody, said that this girl brought sunshine in his life and I thought to myself "what?" It left me confused. I really wanted to like it but couldn't.

Amber Smoke by Kirstin Cast: This is a story about a vampire with Greek mythology heritage and a girl that he travels through time to save. I went into this story really excited as I love the House of Night Series which Kirstin co writes with her mom. This story also left me a tad disappointed. It's just that I was expecting more from it than I felt it gave. It just did not work for me, almost not at all but it was saved by some not-laugh-out-loud but put-a-smile-on-your-face where people may be looking at you funny wondering what you're so darn happy about humor. Again, for me a major downfall was the main character Jenna. Sometimes she was likable and relate-able but a lot of times she just seemed really snobby and arrogant. She was funny though. Something which I feel is a problem with short stories is that the author has way to much going on in the story. It's probably really hard going from a 300 page novel to a 30 page story and getting people to care about your characters and have a good and plot that leaves you satisfied. That's what happened with this story. I think it just needed more room for detail and to not have to cram anything in.

Dead Man Stalking by Rachel Caine: This is a spin off of Caine's Morganville Vampire Series. It has to do with a guy named Shane and his dad kidnapping him to join him in the fight against vampires. I've never read the Morganville Vampires so I'm hoping that nothing was spoiled. Other than that I liked this story. It was more of an action story but I did like it. It was not great but it was a lot better than expected based on the first two stories. I thought Shane was funny and I cared about him.

Table Manners by Tanith Lee: A young woman encounters a misguided vampire. I was extremely disappointed in the story for one reason...it ended. I loved this story! I've never heard of Lee before but I am going to see what books she's written, hoping this was a spin off of another book she has. This story was very funny and an very different way to look at vampires. I loved all of the characters and the story itself. I was honestly beginning to think that the intro. was the best part of this book but then there was this story. It blew me away.

Blue Moon by Richelle Mead: Another really good story. I liked the characters and the plot. This story, I feel, is a very good way for a short story to be. It keeps you wanting more from the story but has enough in it and a good ending that it is satisfying. Another thing I really liked was that Mead created a whole new vampire world. It wasn't at all like her Vampire Academy, which I also love. She started from scratch and created a really good and satisfying short story.

Changed by Nacy Holder: This story explores an apocalyptic world of vampires in which two best friends need to decide what is important. Out of all the stories I have to say that this was my least favorite. Maybe it's because I don't like the end of the world stories. It was confusing to read at times because it felt like there were thoughts that were started but never completed. There was one point when the main character saw a vampire and you could tell she was scared but then she started thinking about rain and it was like the vampire was forgotten, even from Holder's mind. It was hard for me to read and I was about to give up and skip the rest but it did start to get interesting at the end but it was only for a few pages. I really liked how the main character was in love with her best friend who was gay, it seemed different to me. There was also stuff about drugs and other things which I felt was a too heavy for a 30 pages story.

Binge by Rachel Vincent: We are taken into the world of leanan sidhe's and sirens and the men in their lives. I loved this story! It was probably my favorite. It was really different and I liked the different paranormal aspects of it. Another author that I have never read a book from but I am going to check out Soul Screamers. Normally I would never hope for characters from a short story to be in a story that I want to read but haven't yet but this is an exception. I really liked the two main characters and their friendship. I'm crossing my fingers that these two are in another story of Vincent's. I even liked the ending, which is weird considering how it ended. You will know what I mean if you read it. I loved it!

Free by Claudia Gray: In the 1800's a courtesan-to-be is courted by an unusual man with a deep love for someone else. Again, I was considering skipping this since I just got Evernight right before reading this. But I didn't and I'm glad. The story was sad and I didn't like the last few pages but it was good overall. The plot was good but it was cliche. It left me satisfied. A good ending story to this anthology.

Rating: I wish I could rate them all seperatly but because of the few disappointments it is 3 Kisses.


Quotes
Smith: "The chandelier rattles, distracting us both.
"Drafty," Ginny says, glancing around. "But where's it coming from?"
She asks too many questions. "I turned on the air conditioning."
It's a lie.

Cast: "Hey! Paul's here so I'm heading out on my date. Maybe I'll even have a little sex. Hehe." I cringed as she flitted past m. That doesn't get any better the second time around."

Caine: "There goes your tip," I said. Marjo, already heading off to her next victim, flipped me off.
"Like you'd ever leave one, you cheap-a** punk."

Lee: "Fine. Question seven: Do you shape-shift? I mean, can you seem to become another thing, an animal say, or even an inanimate object?"
"Yes," (He sounded almost embarrassed, as if he boasted and hadn't wanted to) "A wolf mostly. But one time I-I kind of made myself kind of like a phone booth."
I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. "Did anyone try to get inside and make a call?"
He grinned. Oh that grin was beautiful.
"Yeah, but the door stayed shut."

Mead:"What's going on?" I hissed. "You guys make it sound like a common thing, vampires dressing up like humans."
"Wow, you really are an innocent, aren't you?" He seemed genuinely amused. "Don't you know any vamps who do it?"
I frowned. "No. Why would they? Like...For costume parties?"
"No, because it's a turn-on for them."
"Ew."

Holder:"Eli searched Jilly's face with his fingers and she felt each brush of his fingertips close a wound the long days and nights had cut into her soul. There was no one she loved more. She would go to her grave loving Eli Stein."

Vincent:"Oh I bet we can find something you're good at..."
"Well, I do have my moments." They just don't involve instruments, paints, pens, cameras, clay, or even paper mache.
Evan's grin deepened, and the look in his eyes could have set off the fire alarm. "Maybe you just need help finding your hidden talents."

Gray: "A far superior dance, the Waltz. Much more intimate."
"I quite agree."
"Did your mother tell you that?" His eyebrow arched disdainfully. "To agree with anything I say?"
"She did say that, actually. Not that I pay her any mind.I said I agreed with you because I really do. As you should know by now, if you say something foolish I'll tell you so."