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Accidentally Dead by Dakota Cassidy

Title: Accidentally Dead (Accidental Friends #2)

Author: Dakota Cassidy

Publisher: Berkley Trade 2008

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 352

Rating:   4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires: 2011 - It Wasn't Me

How I Got It: borrowed from the library

A vampire puts the bite on a dental assistant.

It’s a lousy first day on the job for Nina Blackman when a patient, loopy from the anesthesia, bites her. At least he was cute. But for real drama she can’t beat the next evening. Nina wakes up with a set of razor-sharp fangs, bionic vision, supersonic hearing, and a taste for blood. But there’s a good explanation: It’s her patient, Long Island vampire Greg Statleon. Actually they’re perfect for each other—if Nina’s willing to commit to one man for eternity.

Another fun paranormal romance.  I am not as impressed with the second book in the series as the first book in the series.  After a while, the story started to feel like a repeat.  But the main characters were fun enough that they kept me engaged in the story.  I liked Nina's brash confidence to a certain point.  I liked Greg's mysteriousness to a certain point.  I would never have been able to be friends with these people.  They did make fairly fun characters for 350 pages.  I am certain that I will read the third book in series.  I'm not sure about the fourth and fifth.  We'll just have to see how it goes.

Accidentally Paranormal (DNFed series)

  1. Accidental Werewolf
  2. Accidentally Dead
  3. The Accidental Human
  4. Accidentally Demonic
  5. Accidentally Catty
  6. Accidentally Dead, Again
  7. The Accidental Genie
tags: 4 stars, Dakota Cassidy, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 10.08.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire

Title: The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire

Publisher: Running Press 2009

Genre: YA vampire short stories

Pages: 416

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampire; A to Z Titles: E

How I Got It: borrowed from library

This anthology is full of high-quality fiction that mixes some well-established authors of vampire stories with some new ones. The selections have diverse story lines, some strong on the horror component but including lighter fare with some comedy and romance, and an array of writing styles. Vampires are portrayed in a variety of ways along with their history and lore, making this an entertaining read. Particularly noteworthy are Sarah Rees Brennan's "Undead Is Very Hot Right Now," Karen Mahoney's "Falling to Ash," Holly Black's "The Coldest Girl in Coldtown," and Libba Bray's "The Thirteenth Step." These fang-tastic tales are a must for libraries with a strong vampire fan base.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

I loved this anthology!  Such a mix of stories.  All about vampires, but not all vampires are the same.  My favorite stories:

  • "Sword Point" by Maria Snyder -- A girl training to fence stumbles upon a seedy underground.  Classic horro vampires and new style vampire hunters.  A great classic style story.
  • "The Thirteenth Step" by Libba Bray -- A mystery involving vampires and a half-way house.  Had be guessing til the end.  I loved te mystery of it!
  • "Wet Teeth" by Cecil Castellucci -- A loner vampire tries to make a friend.  You know this won't end well, right?  Still a great little story.
  • "All Wounds" by Dina James -- Defnitely did not see this one coming.  I was so focused on the classic horror side of vampires, that I forgot about other supernatural beings.  This really sets up a series.  Wonder if there is one?  Found my next assignment after the readathon.

For vampire fans, a must read.  And don't be put off by the young adult classification.  These stories may star teens, but they are well thought out journeys.

tags: 5 stars, anthology, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 08.22.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer

Title: The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Publisher: Little 2011

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 524

Rating:   4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library

Note: I finished another book (The Prestige) before this one.  However, that book is part of my page to screen challenge and I didn't have time before leaving for Disney to watch the movie.  So I decided to review this book first.

The Official Illustrated Guide gives fans of Twilight an indepth look the characters, sets, timelines, and insight into Meyer.  For the most part, I skimmed through this book.  I picked the sections that I wanted to read instead of reading every word printed.  My favorite parts:

  • An in-depth interview with Stephenie Meyer by her friend Shannon Hale (Austenland, Rapunzel's Revenge, Princess Academy) -- Their friendship comes across loud and clear while giving readers more insight into Meyer's inspiration and process.  Did you know that Meyer originally wrote Forever Dawn (what would become Breaking Dawn) write after Twilight and her publishers asked her to expand the time in between giving us New Moon and Eclipse?  Or that Jacob was initially just a plot device and not intended to be a full character?  Learned a lot about Meyer.
  • Playlist -- Meyer writes to music and so created a playlist for certain scenes throughout the four books.  Her song choices are very eclectic, but eerily similar to my choices.

The rest of the book gives us a lot of information about each of the characters, but it's a lot of rehashing if you actually remember the books.  Not the best parts, but good enough to skim.  Probably a must own book for Twihards.  Others, just skip it.

tags: 4 stars, Stephenie Meyer, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 06.16.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Vol. 2-3

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Vol. 2

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics 2007

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 318; 302

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; May Read and Review

More fun volumes.  I've loved going back through the Buffy years and adding to the journey.  It's been a great look back.  Unfortunately it's been a few years since I watched the entire series (even though I own all the series, plus the movie, plus the entire Angel series).  I've had to think "What happened during season 2 or season 3?"  Once I reminded myself, it was great to read the comics.  Some are more related to specific episodes than others.  I really loved the little inside jokes embedded in the comics, references to specific episodes, allusions to story arcs.  I loved every page.

I wanted to read Volume 4, but the local library (one of the best libraries in the country.  that's not just me talking, they've been chosen) somehow doesn't have it.  Instead, I think I'll just have to skip Volume 4 and move on to Volume 5.  Maybe I can pick up some of the other stand alones to tide me over.

tags: 5 stars, graphic novel, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 05.14.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Vol. 1

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Vol. 1

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics 2007

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 318

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; May Read and Review

Very excited about this one.  Somehow, throughout the years of loving Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I never got around to reading the comics/graphic novels.  Well, I finally started.  I decided to try and read them chronologically according to the series.  That means going with each numbered Omnibus.  Volume 1 starts with The Origin story.  You know, the one detailed in the crazy Kristi Swanson/Luke Perry movie.  I'll admit that I liked the movie, as cheesy as it is, but the TV series blows it out of the water.  Thankfully the comic follows Joss Whedon's original screenplay and feels a lot more like the tone of the TV show.  We also get a Spike and Dru story from 1933 and a fun little interlude featuring Dawn (my least favorite character, but whatever).  The volume ends with bridging the gap between movie and TV show.  We see Buffy in Las Vegas with Pike and then shipped off to a mental institution.  We also get information about how Giles became her Watcher.  I love how the comics add extra information about the Buffyverse, but aren't dependent on watching the TV series.  Great stories, great art, great fun!  Loved it!  Now on to Volume 2 (season 1).

tags: 5 stars, graphic novel, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 05.10.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Unusual Suspects edited by Dana Stabenow

Title: Unusual Suspects: Stories of Mystery and Fantasy

Author: edited by Dana Stabenow

Publisher: Ace Trade 2008

Genre: Paranormal; Mystery

Pages: 320

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; April Read-a-Thon

Interesting collection of fantasy and mystery stories.  Like all collections, I liked some and not so much for others.  Instead of trying to summarize the entire book, I thought I would list all the stories, share a few thoughts, and rate the stories.

  1. "Lucky" Charlaine Harris -- A great Sookie Stackhouse short story.  A nice fill in between novels with some great characters (both new and old).  5 stars
  2. "Bogieman" Carole Nelson Douglas -- Loved the plot.  Really want to read more of her work. 5 stars
  3. "Looks are Deceiving" Michael Stackpole -- I got very confused very quickly.  His world sounds pretty interesting, but I obviously need to read some of his other works first. 2 stars
  4. "The House of Seven Spirits" Sharon Shim -- Great ghost/mystery story.  I was definitely impressed. 5 stars
  5. "Glamour" Mike Doogan -- Interesting world, but really couldn't get into the story. 3 stars
  6. "Spellbound" Donna Andrews -- Witches, mages, gremlins, and origami?  Perfect crazy story.  Reminded me of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. 5 stars
  7. "The Duh Vice" Michael Armstrong --Good sci fi story. 4 stars
  8. "Weight of the World" John Straley -- Wow!  What an awesome story featuring Santa Claus, elves, and "the list." 5 stars
  9. "Illumination" Laura Ann Gilman -- Good start to what looks like an interesting character. 4 stars
  10. "The House" Laurie King -- Loved loved loved this ghost story with a twist. 5 stars
  11. "Appetite for Murder" Simon Green -- Great mystical whodunit.  I really want to read more of his Nightside world. 5 stars
  12. "A Woman's Work" Dana Stabenow -- Too many names and odd plot lines.  I couldn't even finish this story. 1 star
tags: 4 stars, anthology, fantasy, ghost stories, mystery, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 04.08.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Bloody Valentine

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion 2010

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 147

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Vampires; 2011 - Slim Pickings

Vampires have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shapeshift and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even the strikingly beautiful and outrageously wealthy Blue Bloods, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz offers readers a new story about the love lives of their favorite vamps - the passion and heartache, the hope and devastation, the lust and longing. Combined with all the glitz, glamour, and mystery fans have come to expect, this is sure to be another huge hit in the Blue Bloods series.

Another companion novel to the Blue Blood saga.  This time we get three love stories: Oliver and a mysterious stranger, Freya, Allegra (Gabrielle) and Bendix Chase, and Schuyler and Jack.  The stories were a little more grown-up with sex scenes, albeit pretty PG-13 ones.  I was concerned about Oliver being left when Schuyler went to Florence with Jack.  Thankfully his heart has been healed.  And we get the introduction of a new character; one that will probably figure into Cruz's new series, The Witches of East End.  Then we get Allegra's story set in 1985.  We see her a real person, not just a sleeping angel.  I liked seeing the story of her and Bendix, but also the relationship between her and Charles.  Interesting take on the eternal bond.  Finally we get to see Schuyler and Jack.  I won't give away the details, but it's a nice classic love story.  Very enjoyable companion novel.

Blue Bloods (DNFed series)

  • #1 Blue Bloods
  • #2 Masquerade
  • #3 Revelations
  • #4 The Van Alen Legacy
  • #4.5 Keys to the Repository
  • #5 Misguided Angel
  • #5.5 Bloody Valentine
  • #6 Lost in Time
  • #7 The Gates of Paradise
tags: 4 stars, Melissa de la Cruz, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 03.25.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods #5)

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion 2010

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 265

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Young Adult; Vampires; A to Z Titles: M

After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence--with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the seven gates that guard earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silverbloods. As the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler closer to a terrifying crossroads--and a choice that will determine the destiny of all vampires.

The mythology and story line took a very interesting turn in this installment of the Blue Bloods saga.  And a turn that I enjoyed.  I definitely didn't see the big twist coming until it was revealed.  I won't reveal any spoilers, but it's a good one.  Sets up the next book quite nicely.

I especially loved the inclusion of a relatively new character (she was mentioned briefly in a previous book) Deming Chen otherwise known as Kuan Yin, the Angel of Mercy.  I once did a paper on Kuan Yin in college, so it was nice to see an interpretation of her in vampire form.  I liked seeing the New York Blue Blood society through her eyes.  A definite change of pace.

Plus we got see more of Schuyler and Jack's adventure to find the Gates and Mimi's time as Regent.  My only problem with the book is that it made me want to read the next one faster.  Too bad.  I have to wait until October.  Boo hoo!

Blue Bloods

  • #1 Blue Bloods
  • #2 Masquerade
  • #3 Revelations
  • #4 The Van Alen Legacy
  • #4.5 Keys to the Repository
  • #5 Misguided Angel
  • #5.5 Bloody Valentine
  • #6 Lost in Time
  • #7 The Gates of Paradise
tags: 4 stars, Melissa de la Cruz, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 03.24.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 4
 

Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Keys to the Repository (Blue Bloods novel)

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion 2010

Genre: Vampire; Young Adult

Pages: 227

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; YA; Vampires; A to Z Titles: K

More of a companion to the Blue Blood series than an actual novel.  De la Cruz states in her introduction that she always loved that Stephen King wrote a letter to his readers in the beginnings of books, so she wanted to write a letter to her "constant readers" giving them a glimpse of the world of the Blue Bloods.

I like the little tidbits of information.  Mostly I remembered as I have read the first four books back-to-back.  Still it was nice to see all the information in one place.  I skimmed through the story recap to get to the family profiles.  I still have trouble remembering all the past names of each of the characters.  Thankfully the family profiles highlighted all the names, past lives.  It was also nice to skim the glossary and list of characters (Blue and Red Bloods).  Writing the Repository reports in the voice of various conduits and historians was a great touch.  It was funny to notice their limited (obviously as they're characters also) knowledge.  I especially loved the little side comments, especially in Kingsley Martin's profile.

Overall, a cute little companion book to the series.  A nice afternoon reading.  The library didn't have the next book, Misguided Angels, to check out, so I had to put it on hold.  Hopefully I get it in the next few days.  I'm dying to find out what happens to everybody...

Blue Bloods

  • #1 Blue Bloods
  • #2 Masquerade
  • #3 Revelations
  • #4 The Van Alen Legacy
  • #4.5 Keys to the Repository
  • #5 Misguided Angel
  • #5.5 Bloody Valentine
  • #6 Lost in Time
  • #7 The Gates of Paradise
tags: 4 stars, Melissa de la Cruz, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 03.16.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods novel)

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion 2009

Genre: Vampire; Young Adult

Pages: 369

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; YA; Vampires

And the series takes a dark turn.  You had to know it was coming.  I mean, this is a series about vampires with references to them fighting Lucifer (their former master).  Vampires and human have died in past books, even some central characters.  This one has turned dark, and I must say, I like the change.  Don't get me wrong, I liked the previous books.  They held back, understandably so.  We got to know the main characters.  We connected to the main characters.  And now we are really moving with the larger story.  I love it.

I started the book yesterday. Read a bit at the coffeehouse, then put it away to do my errands and volunteer hour.  I picked it up after the boys went to bed and couldn't put it down.  I read, and read some more, and read a bit more.  I kept telling myself, I will stop and finish the book tomorrow.  But the chapter endings were so suspenseful, I just kept reading.  And before i knew it, the book was over.  I sat there and only one word came to mind "Wow!"  That was a great book.  And then "Do I have the next book?"  I actually have the next two.  Alas they are more background stories and side information.  Interesting, but not finishing up the big storyline for me.  For that I have to wait until the next book comes out, sometime this year.

Side note: I wonder why the cover art depicts Mimi.  (Read the book, you'll get the connection).  I can't stand Mimi, but have grown to understand her character.  But putting her character on the cover is a little strange for the storyline.  I would have preferred a sword (a much more important part of the story) or maybe a gate...

Blue Bloods

  • #1 Blue Bloods
  • #2 Masquerade
  • #3 Revelations
  • #4 The Van Alen Legacy
  • #4.5 Keys to the Repository
  • #5 Misguided Angel
  • #5.5 Bloody Valentine
  • #6 Lost in Time
  • #7 The Gates of Paradise
tags: 5 stars, Melissa de la Cruz, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 03.15.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 4
 

Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Revelations (Blue Bloods novel)

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion 2008

Genre: Vampire; Young Adult

Pages: 264

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; YA; Vampires

Wow!!  I am so in love with this series.  I love the characters, the twists and turns, the mythology.  I can't say enough about this series.  And the third book has blown me away.  I am so invested in these characters.  I am shocked by the revelations (hee hee) in this book.  I am wondering where de la Cruz is going with this.  What's going to happen?  Who's going to die next?  Who's going to be revealed as a traitor?  I don't know but I want to find out.

This morning I was about halfway through the book.  I went to the coffeehouse, checked my mail, checked Facebook, and wrote my Music Monday post.  Since no one was here, I thought "I'll read a bit."  A bit turned into finished the book all in one shot.  Now that's what I call getting sucked into a book.  Everything else fell away.  I wasn't even listening to any music.  I just sat and read, finished the book, and really wanting to dive into the fourth book in the series.  But I should take a bit of a break.  Finish checking my mail.  Apply for a few more jobs.  The usual.  But I promise I will get to the fourth book today.  Possibly within the hour.

Blue Bloods

  • #1 Blue Bloods
  • #2 Masquerade
  • #3 Revelations
  • #4 The Van Alen Legacy
  • #4.5 Keys to the Repository
  • #5 Misguided Angel
  • #5.5 Bloody Valentine
  • #6 Lost in Time
  • #7 The Gates of Paradise
tags: 5 stars, Melissa de la Cruz, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 03.14.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 4
 

Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Masquerade

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion

Genre: Vampire; Young Adult

Pages: 307

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; YA; Vampires

Very excited about this book.  I thought the first in the series, Blue Bloods, was an interesting take on vampire mythology.  And then I read the second one and absolutely loved it.  All the twists and turns of the larger mythology.  All the interesting characters.  The moody scenes.  The descriptions of the ball.  The book was amazing.  I loved every page of it.

The second book took an interesting turn.  I still love Schuyler and Oliver and I think I love them more.  I still hate Mimi, but now I understand her more.  And I'm pretty sure Bliss is now my favorite character in the series.  I won't give away any of the spoilers, but I will say that the inclusion of a new character, Kingsley Martin, really throws the entire series.  We now have another force to deal with.  One that we don't have resolved at the end of the book, but one that I am sure will be back soon.

I definitely will be reading the third book, Revelations, next...

Blue Bloods

  • #1 Blue Bloods
  • #2 Masquerade
  • #3 Revelations
  • #4 The Van Alen Legacy
  • #4.5 Keys to the Repository
  • #5 Misguided Angel
  • #5.5 Bloody Valentine
  • #6 Lost in Time
  • #7 The Gates of Paradise
tags: 5 stars, Melissa de la Cruz, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 03.14.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Blue Blods

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion 2006

Genre: Vampire; Young Adult

Pages: 302

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; YA; Vampires

This series appeared on so many book blogs, I had to pick it up.  When I start a series, I want to be able to read the entire thing back to back.  Thankfully, the library had five books in this series, so I got them all.  And read the first one in 4 hours.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!  Loved the characters (loved Oliver and Bliss and Schuyler and hated Mimi).  Loved the different vampire mythology.  Loved the setting (upper class vampires in NYC, obvious now that I think about it).  Loved the cliffhanger (great set up for the rest of the series).  The inclusion of dog familiars was a great addition.

I definitely want to start on the next book in the series.  Thank goodness I got it from the library.

Blue Bloods

  • #1 Blue Bloods
  • #2 Masquerade
  • #3 Revelations
  • #4 The Van Alen Legacy
  • #4.5 Keys to the Repository
  • #5 Misguided Angel
  • #5.5 Bloody Valentine
  • #6 Lost in Time
  • #7 The Gates of Paradise
tags: 5 stars, Melissa de la Cruz, vampires, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 03.11.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 

Sex and the Single Vampire by Katie MacAlister

Title: Sex and the Single Vampire (Dark Ones #2)

Author: Katie MacAlister

Publisher: Leisure Books 2004

Genre: Fantasy; Vampire

Pages: 326

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; March Fantasy Month; Vampires

An undying classic from Katie MacAlister, Sex and the Single Vampire is a paranormal romance lover’s delight, ideal for fans of Lynsay Sands and her Argeneau vampire family novels. This perennial New York Times bestselling author knows what readers are hungry for: sexy and funny tales of otherworldly passion featuring hot, dark, immortal alpha heroes searching for their happily forever afters. In Sex and the Single Vampire, MacAlister’s Dark One is an arrogant, studly romance novelist whom struggling “summoner” Alie mistakes for a specter…and recognizes as the fantasy man who has lately been invading her dreams!

Definitely loving the Dark Ones Novels now.  The first one, A Girl's Guide to Vampires, was interesting, but not amazing.  I liked the mythology of the Dark Ones and found the characters mildly interesting.  Then i read a Dark Ones short story in Cupid Cats and really started to get into the series.

This one was much more entertaining than the first one.  Partially because there were vampires, demons, and psychics.  I liked the expansion of the universe.  There was even a few references to werepeople (highlighted in the Cupid Cats story).  I loved the two main characters.  Allegra is such a strong character, I instantly loved her.  And Christian is just the right amount of dark and mysterious.  On a weird side note, my mental picture of Christian is very different in this book than the first one.  I know he is a side character in the first book, but somehow it doesn't feel like the same person.  Along those same lines, even though I liked Joy and Raphael in the first book, I wasn't too keen on their characters in the second book.  Otherwise, I really did like the characters.  Even the demons were interesting.

Now I really want to read the rest of the Dark Ones novels, but I think I need a change.  More fantasy on the list, but maybe not more vampires for a while.

Dark Ones (DNFed series)

  • #1 A Girl's Guide to Vampires
  • #2 Sex and the Single Vampire
  • #3 Sex, Lies, and Vampires
  • #4 Even Vampires Get the Blues
  • #4.5 Bring Out Your Dead
  • #5 The Last of the Red-Hot Vampires
  • #5.5 Cat Got Your Tongue
  • #6 Zen and the Art of Vampires
  • #7 Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang
  • #7.5 Unleashed
  • #7.8 Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend
  • #8 In the Company of Vampires
  • #9 Much Ado About Vampires
  • #10 A Tale of Two Vampires
  • #10.5 Shades of Gray
  • #11 Lifestyles of the Rich and Undead
tags: 5 stars, Katie MacAlister, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 03.07.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 2
 

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Title: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2010

Genre: Vampire

Pages: 178

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Amazon - Customer Favorites; Support Your Local Library; A to Z Titles: S

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

I thought this would be a nice followup to Twilight: The Graphic Novel and I wasn't disappointed.  In Eclipse, we meet Bree Tanner for about five minutes and then she dies at the hands of the Volturri.  There's no backstory, no real insight into her character.  She's a soldier in Victoria's army.

In this novella, Meyer gives us a glimpse into the very confusing short existence of Bree the vampire.  She may be a newborn, but that doesn't mean that she a mindless eating machine.  With the guidance of Diego, Bree starts to question "the plan" that Riley's been feeding the army.  We get a look inside the inner workings of newborn vampire, the hunger, the fear, the blindness, the strength.  It's interesting to see the world from the other side.  I enjoyed the look through another's eyes.  Meyer points out in the introduction that throughout the series, the readers never really see the world from the eyes of a newborn (and Bella was never really a newborn, she's very different).

Bree's short life is filled with some interesting characters.  We see Riley from a different perspective than we get in Eclipse. We meet Diego, a newborn, but one who seems to have a much better handle on reasoning.  We meet Fred, who has a special talent, not completely unlike Bella's.  And of course, we have the other soldiers, whose only thought is of the thirst.  Best of all, we get to view the Cullens and the Volturri from an outside perspective.  I definitely enjoyed this other look at the Twilight series.

I wasn't expecting to finish this books today.  Now I have to go revise my February wrap-up post and pick the next book to start.  Aww... such is the life of a compulsive reader.

tags: 5 stars, Stephenie Meyer, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 02.28.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Twilight: The Graphic Novel by Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim

Title: Twilight: The Graphic Novel

Author: Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim

Publisher:Yen Press 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 224

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Amazon - Customer Favorites; Support Your Local Library; A to Z Titles: T

I'll admit it right away, I liked the Twilight series.  Some of my former students shoved them at me until I finally read the entire series in about a week just in time for the release of the first movie.  I saw the graphic novel listed on the Amazon Customer Favorites list and thought I would check it out.  I didn't expect it to be good.  I expected it to be a cartoon, a kid comic book, with kiddie style graphics and text.  I was wrong.  I loved it.  It was a great reimaging of the novel.  More in line with how I saw the characters and scenes (not the movie's interpretation).  Specifically it included my favorite scene in the first novel, where Bella faints in biology class and is "rescued" by Mike than intercepted by Edward.  I was so disappointed that the movie cut that scene out.  As to the style, I didn't think I would like the black and white scheme when I first started reading it, but it really grew on me.  And reading the book, spots of color appear in the most unexpected areas, appropriate but still surprising.  I loved it.  My only problem: it ends right after Bella finds out that Edward is a vampire.  The ending seems too abrupt...

tags: 5 stars, fantasy, graphic novel, Stephenie Meyer, vampires, Young Kim
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 02.28.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 2
 

Cupid Cats

Title: Cupid Cats

Author: Katie MacAlister, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Connie Brockway

Publisher: Orbit Books 2011

Genre: Paranormal romance

Pages: 391

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Vampires; February Romance Month; A to Z Titles: C

Another fun read.  This time a paranormal romance featuring cats... Cats aren't my faorite animal in the world, but the stories were pretty entertaining.

  1. Unleashed by Katie MacAlister -- Another one of her Dark Ones stories.  I read the first in her series A Girl's Guide to Vampires and loved it, the mythology, the stories, the characters.  This story did not disappoint.  Makes me want to read her other Dark Ones stories... Maybe that will be next.
  2. Cat Scratch Fever by Connie Brockway -- Interesting, vaguely paranormal, love story involving a cat, a genius scientist, a hotty administrator, and a 6 year old girl.  I liked the story.  It had heart, comedy, and drama. Definitely an author I want to look into.
  3. A Cat's Game by Vicki Lewis Thompson -- More of a straight romance, and my least favorite of the stories.  I just couldn't get into this one like the other two.  It felt a little flat, both characters and plot.

Overall a fun read.  Perfect for February and Valentine's Day.  Not something I would buy, but I good library rental.

tags: 4 stars, anthology, romance, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 02.17.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Bite Me by Christopher Moore

Title: Bite Me

Author: Christopher Moore

Publisher: HarperCollins 2010

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 309

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Local Library

The city of San Francisco is being stalked by a huge shaved vampyre cat named Chet, and only I, Abby Normal, emergency back-up mistress of the great Bay Area night, and my mangahaired love monkey, Foo Dog, stand between the ravenous monster and a bloody massacre of the general public.

Whoa. And this is a love story? Yup. See, while some lovers were born to run, Jody and Tommy were born to bite. Well, reborn, that is, now that they're vampires. Good thing theirs is an undying love, since they're imprisoned in a bronze statue. Their Goth Girl Friday, Abby Normal, wants to be a bloodsucking fiend, too, but right now she's really busy with other stuff like Chet, who's getting bigger and smarter—and thirstier—by the minute.

Before you can say "OMG! WTF?" Tommy and Jody are sprung from captivity, and join forces with Abby and the entire crew to hunt big cat and save the city. And that's when the fun really begins.

Another fun vampire story from Moore.  This time told mainly from the perspective of Abby Normal (minion to Jody and Tommy in You Suck) and involved the threat of vampire cats (yes, you read that right, vampire cats).  Interesting twist to the traditional vampire stories.  Vampire cats roam the streets of San Francisco eating the homeless population and generally creating a scary threat.  I am no fan of cats myself and can see the general horror if the population of feral cats were turned into vampire kitties.  I would be screaming my way out of town in a hurry.  Even with the creep out factor, the book was hilarious.  I thoroghly enjoyed the romp.

The only downside: the voice of Abby Normal got very annoying after a while.  I felt like I was back to reading back student papers with all the text language and "kayso"s thrown in.  It was a cute gimmick in You Suck, but after awhile I longed for an adult (or even semi adult) voice to take over.  Thankfully Abby's wasn't the only voice.  Moore did allow some of the other characters to narrate chapaters and sections of chapters.  For this slight annoyance, I had to knock off a point.  I just didn't devour this book like I did the other two. But still, a great read!

Love Story

  1. Bloodsucking Fiends
  2. You Suck
  3. Bite Me
tags: 4 stars, Christopher Moore, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 01.25.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 4
 

You Suck by Christopher Moore

Title: You Suck (Love Story #2)

Author: Christopher Moore

Publisher: HarperCollins 2007

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 328

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Support Your Local Library; A to Z Titles: Y

Being undead sucks. Literally.

Just ask C. Thomas Flood. Waking up after a fantastic night unlike anything he's ever experienced, he discovers that his girlfriend, Jody, is a vampire. And surprise! Now he's one, too. For some couples, the whole biting-and-blood thing would have been a deal breaker. But Tommy and Jody are in love, and they vow to work through their issues.

But word has it that the vampire who initially nibbled on Jody wasn't supposed to be recruiting. Even worse, Tommy's erstwhile turkey-bowling pals are out to get him, at the urging of a blue-dyed Las Vegas call girl named (duh) Blue.

And that really sucks.

Finished the sequel to Bloodsucking Fiends in one day (adding the 30 minutes spent reading the first 50 page the other day before realizing it was a sequel and the time spent yesterday reading the rest of the book).  Very enjoyable followup to a great, funny, and awkward vampire love story.

The plot and characters got more complicated with the addition of a blue hooker (yes you read that right), two Goth teens, and a homeless man and his cat.  Sounds absolutely crazy, but it really does make sense with the story.

Moore is a genius when it comes to great dialogue.  Funny, sincere, and yet still sarcastic all rolled into one.  His Abby Normal (teen Goth) journal entries: freaking amazing!  Laughed out loud at so many parts.  The people at Firefly probably thought I was crazy.  Oh well, that's pretty on par for me.

Worst part: a cliffhanger ending

Best part: a new book in the series was published and I got it from the library... Hopefully there's an ending to Jody and C. Thomas Flood's love story. I would hate to leave them encased in bronze (oops, spoiler alert)

Love Story

  1. Bloodsucking Fiends
  2. You Suck
  3. Bite Me
tags: 4 stars, Christopher Moore, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 01.21.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 4
 

Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore

Title: Bloodsucking Fiends (Love Story #1)

Author: Christopher Moore

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 1995

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 290

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Support Your Local Library; A to Z Titles: B

Jody never asked to become a vampire. But when she wakes up under an alley Dumpster with a badly burned arm, an aching back, superhuman strength, and a distinctly Nosferatuan thirst, she realizes the decision has been made for her. Making the transition from the nine-to-five grind to an eternity of nocturnal prowlings is going to take some doing, however, and that's where C. Thomas Flood fits in. A would-be Kerouac from Incontinence, Indiana, Tommy (to his friends) is biding his time night-clerking and frozen-turkey bowling in a San Francisco Safeway. But all that changes when a beautiful undead redhead walks through the door...and proceeds to rock Tommy's life -- and afterlife -- in ways he never thought possible.

Funny story: I started reading a vampire book by Christopher Moore entitled You Suck.  About 50 pages into it, I realized that it was a sequel.  The characters kept referring to people and events that I should already know.  Well I didn't know them because I hadn't read the book.  Thankfully I had checked the first book out from the library.  So 50 pages into the sequel, I put it down and picked up the first book.

After reading some pretty serious books (The Monsters of Templeton and A Girls Guide to Vampires) it was refreshing to read a light, funny vampire book.  The main character, Jody, gets turned into a vampire, but is left alone to navigate this new condition.  Hilarity and awkward situations abound.  I imagine that it would be weird to one day wake up a vampire, not knowing what you can and can not do, what special powers you have, what kills you, etc.  Of course Jody's first mission is to find a minion (because who doesn't want a minion?).  Enter C. Thomas Flood, Jody's new minion and boyfriend (mortal of course).  The relationship between the two seemed very real, complete with stupid arguments and plenty of awkward moments.

The plot consisted of colorful side characters, an ancient vampire playing a game of cat and mouse, and plenty of highjinks.   I won't give away any spoilers, but you know there's a sorta cliffhanger at the end, because I accidentally started reading the sequel.  A must read for lovers of funny vampire stories.

Now off to restart You Suck.  I have high hopes for the sequel, please don't disappoint me.

Love Story

  1. Bloodsucking Fiends
  2. You Suck
  3. Bite Me
tags: 5 stars, Christopher Moore, vampires
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 01.20.11
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 3
 
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