Vampire Lovers by Gavin Baddeley

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VAMPIRE LOVERS
A BOOK OF UNDEAD PIN-UPS
Author: Gavin Baddeley
Source: Library

  • Reading level: Ages 9-12
  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Plexus Publishing; Original edition (April 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0859654508
  • ISBN-13: 978-0859654500

SUMMARY:

A new generation was awakened to the romantic lure of the vampire genre with Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Twilight’s soulful vampire, Edward Cullen. This book is for all those whose thirst remains unsated. A heady history of the silver screen’s undead dreamboats, this intoxicating study examines each of the mesmerizing performers who have taken on the role of leading vampire. From Buffy’s brooding flames David Boreanaz and James Marsters to Stephen Moyer, the pulse-quickening star of True Blood, every intriguing incarnation of Stoker’s monster is found here. Beginning with radical characters like Kate Beckinsale’s gun-wielding, PVC-clad action hero in Underworld and ending with delectably dark visions of legends Christopher Lee and Bela Lugosi, the book demonstrates precisely why the fascination with this genre — much like Cullen’s timeless love — will never die. Illustrated with more than 100 irresistible film stills, Vampire Lovers is essential reading for any well-informed fan. 

MY THOUGHTS:

While I was cruising around the Halloween section of my local library, I came across this book and thought it would be a quick and fun read for the weekend.  It features pictures and details of screen legends focusing on the allure of vampires.

From Edward Cullen and Eric Northman all the way back to Bela Lugosi and Gloria Holden, this book features screen legends to current heart throbs.  The author goes into details of what each characters role has brought to the frenzy of Vampire thrill and love.  With wonderful color photos from the show the actor portrays, the author also includes summaries of each story and what romantic appeal each one draws on the most.

I really enjoyed this book and the authors thoughts on each one.  While I knew a majority of the films and TV shows that were included, I also found some new ones to explore in the process.  If you are fan of the Vampire phenomenon, then this is one book worth checking out!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

Ecstasy in Darkness by Gena Showalter

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ECSTASY IN DARKNESS
Author: Gena Showalter
Source: Publisher

  • Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages
  • Publisher: Pocket Star; Original edition (October 26, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1439175772
  • ISBN-13: 978-1439175774

SUMMARY:

New York Times bestselling sensation Gena Showalter enthralls with a dark, tantalizing world of humans, otherworlders, powers beyond imagining, and a seductive vampire undone by his insatiable hunger for one woman. . . .Growing up poor on New Chicago’s meanest streets, Ava Sans had two options: be the predator or be the prey. No contest. Now, working for Alien Investigation and Removal, she’s been ordered to capture the biggest, baddest warrior of all—a vampire too beautiful to be real, with the abilityto manipulate time. Once the leader of the entire vampire army, McKell has been deemed savage and unstable, spurned even by his own kind.To McKell, humans should be nothing more than sustenance. Yet the petite, golden-skinned Ava is a fascinating contradiction—vicious yet witty, strong yet vulnerable, lethal but fiercely loyal. Against his better judgment, McKell craves that loyalty, and much more. When the chase leads to seduction, McKell and Ava will race to discover the truth about his past. But the answers will come at a price, even for a woman who thought she had nothing left to lose. . . . 


MY THOUGHTS:


I have been craving another installment in the Alien Huntress series and the day had finally arrived!  I love the writing style of author Gena Showalter, and when the publisher offered the book for review, I emailed them so quickly that I might have broken my computer mouse! 


In the 5th book in the series, we get the chance to learn more about McKell.  Between bouts of laughter and swells of sadness, the story was written so well that I didn’t want it to end. I loved the plot and the characters and truly enjoyed this installment more than the previous books for some reason.  One thing I enjoy about the authors writing is that even if you haven’t read the entire series yet, she gives you just enough information to give you the basic rundown of the others without going overboard with history.  


I loved how McKell’s personality balanced out Ava’s and vice versa.  McKell was the grump and was strict at times while Ava was lighthearted and knew how to make a comeback with McKell’s grumpiness.  Even though McKell is written as the Alpha male in the book, Ava makes sure he knows that she is the Alpha female of the story. If I could change one thing about the story it would only be the rushed feel of the ending.  I wanted a couple more chapters to make the book feel complete.


If you haven’t picked up a story written by Gena Showalter yet, you are truly missing out on a fantastic read!  She keeps you laughing with just the right amount of romance that will keep you craving more of her writing no matter what the story is about!


MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Dragonart Evolution by J "NeonDragon" Peffer

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Dragonart Evolution
How to Draw Everything Dragon
Author: J “NeonDragon” Peffer
Source: Meryl L. Moss Media
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

  • Paperback: 144 pages
  • Publisher: Impact; 1 edition (August 19, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1440302529
  • ISBN-13: 978-1440302527

SUMMARY:

A dragon artist’s guide to better drawing
Magnificent and powerful creatures, these dragons be, with bone-crushing jaws and razor-sharp teeth, it’s difficult to tell whether you’re dealing with a hotheaded nature or a wise and benevolent beast. Therein lies the trouble with drawing them from life. Make your dragon portraits more authentic (while avoiding loss of life and limbs) with the help of this guide. A follow-up to the fiercely popular DragonArt, this book features ALL NEW dragons and EVEN MORE detailed dragon anatomy instruction.
· 60+ step-by-step demonstrations cover a variety of dragons, including medieval, fairy and sea-dwelling varieties
· In-depth advice for drawing every part of the beast—eyes, ears, horns, wings, scale patterns, limbs and more
· Extra tips and tricks provided by your dragon guide, Dolosus
It’s everything you need to draw a variety of dragons—from enormous, ancient beasts with broken scales and fractured horns, to sleek, sinuous creatures with leathery skin and fancy frills. So steel your heart, prepare your trusty inking pen, and venture forth, brave artist … unleash the ferocious, extraordinary, original beasts that dwell within your fiery imaginings!

MY THOUGHTS:

I held off on reviewing this book right away because I wanted a chance to sit down and practice some of the techniques that the book has to offer so I could get a better understanding of the book for review.  As I ventured through the lessons, I found them to be fun and quite easy to follow.

I am by no means an artist.  I can barely draw a stick figure!  Yet with practice and study of this book, I found myself actually drawing dragons! And yes, they did resemble dragons as well!  Now granted, they did not turn out exactly like the book shows, but at least when I looked at my finished product you could tell I was attempting to draw a dragon and not a deformed horse.

I also enjoyed how the author used vibrant colors for the finished images that was being taught in the book.  The attention to detail and shadowing was great.  I have a daughter who loves to draw and I know that she would love a book like this!  If you have a child or teen who is into serious drawing, then this is a book I would recommend in teaching the art of fantasy drawing!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

Emma and the Vampires by Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson

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EMMA AND THE VAMPIRES
A JANE AUSTEN UNDEAD NOVEL
Author(s): Jane Austen  and Wayne Josephson
Source: Sourcebooks Landmark

  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (August 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402241348
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402241345

SUMMARY:

What better place than pale England to hide a secret society of gentlemen vampires?

In this hilarious retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, screenwriter Wayne Josephson casts Mr. Knightley as one of the most handsome and noble of the gentlemen village vampires. Blithely unaware of their presence, Emma, who imagines she has a special gift for matchmaking, attempts to arrange the affairs of her social circle with delightfully disastrous results. But when her dear friend Harriet Smith declares her love for Mr. Knightley, Emma realizes she’s the one who wants to stay up all night with him. Fortunately, Mr. Knightley has been hiding a secret deep within his unbeating heart-his (literal) undying love for her… A brilliant mash-up of Jane Austen and the undead.

MY THOUGHTS:

Shhh. I have never read a true Jane Austen novel.  I know what you are thinking. What rock have I been hiding under? Well, I never have picked one up, but after reading this book I think I might have to change that.

Emma and the Vampires was a fun read.  Emma was so naive in this book that it was comical.  She thinks she is a great matchmaker in the book, and at times her heart is bigger than her brain.  The way this book was written, it just fits in the parody category of the genre’s.  I don’t know much about Austen novels, so I can’t say if it reminds me of them, but I will say if they are as fun and exciting as this one I will have to give one a try.  With everyone scrambling to read vampire novels and trying to figure out which ones are worth the money, I say pick up a copy of this one next! 

If you are a fan of fun loving romance with a paranormal twist, sink your teeth in Emma’s funny, yet sometimes disastrous matchmaking skills!  You won’t be disappointed!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

ARSON by Estevan Vega

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ARSON
Author: Estevan Vega
Source: Author Submission
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

  • Perfect Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Tate Publishing (May 4, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1615666036
  • ISBN-13: 978-1615666034

SUMMARY:

Arson Gable feels like a freak. He can create fire. He never asked for it. He never wanted it. But he can’t shut it off. Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl–who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin–moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he’s never had: purpose. Using what he fears most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is his present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation. 

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a book that I have seen around the book blogging community for some time now and have read wonderful things about.  When the author contacted me to review the book as well, I jumped on the chance! The cover alone had me drooling with anticipation, so the story was just icing on the cake!

Arson is a 17 year old boy who can create fire with his mind.  He has been trying to control his power even though he has no idea why or how he received it.  He has felt alone since the death of his parents until he meets Emery, a girl who wears a mask and has secrets of her own who has moved in next door.  Both Arson and Emery have problems that are real, yet with a paranormal touch added in. 

Secrets will arise, romance will blossom, and suspense filled with intrigue will keep you moving in this wonderfully paced plot. Just when you think the story will come close to an end, the cliffhanger of an ending will have your head exploding in flames at the frustration of knowing you will have to wait for the next book to get more of the characters involved in this book. 

A well written young adult book filled with action, love and suspense that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat! Well done!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf For Rereading! 5 STARS