Allison L

Allison: Reflecting on ONE YEAR as Co-Blogger

by Allison L

It’s a little surreal to think that ONE YEAR ago today my first review went live on Good Books and Good Wine. In many ways, it feels almost as if it were yesterday. I can still remember the conversation April and I had where we discussed the possibility of me becoming her co-blogger, and helping her out. I remember how nervous I was about people not accepting me, or not liking the way I wrote reviews, or not being able to understand me. I guess I simply didn’t want to overstep my bounds but, I also remember how excited I was to join. I had this feeling that I was about to go on an incredible journey, and boy was I right!

This past year has been so much fun. I have been able to meet so many awesome people, read so many excellent reviews, and add way too many books to my to-be-read list. I’ve also been able to create a whole new world for myself, and have so much fun while doing it. In many ways, I feel as if this past year as a book blogger has helped me grow as a person, and I feel that I will forever be indebted to April for inviting me to join her, and for allowing me to take part in a world that really did seem far out of my reach before.

I really can’t imagine not being a part of this community now. Like I said, I have met so many awesome people, and you all have been so welcoming, and understanding. Getting to know you, read your comments on my reviews, hear your responses to what I’m reading, or what I’m doing has been wonderful. I love gushing about books with all you! I truly can’t thank you enough for all your kindness, and support. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

And here’s to another year of good books, blogging, friends, and glasses of wine!

Allison

Allison: Winter Blues

by Allison L

I hate winter time.

I mean, I’m alright with it at first. The white snow looks pretty on the ground. The air feels crisp and clean. There is the hint of the coming of the holidays. It is almost kind of magical in a way.

But almost as quickly as I am enjoying it, I also quickly get tired of it. The cold becomes a little too much. The snow is no longer clean and white. There is ice on the ground which is a hazard in itself. The days are shorter but yet they still seem to drag on forever. And it all becomes a little depressing.

In fact, it becomes so depressing in many ways that it becomes difficult to enjoy the things that I love doing. In theory, winter time should be the perfect time to curl up with a good book, in front of the fire place, or underneath a ton of blankets. I do enjoy doing that but lately it’s just been very unappealing for me. I just haven’t had any energy to read any books, or write any reviews which would explain my lack of presence on the blog as of late.

I don’t really know where it came from. It wasn’t as if it suddenly hit me. It has been building over time. Maybe it could be stress related? There have been some things going on at work which have been causing me many different levels of stress. So it is always a possibility I guess. And what if it is a combination of the two things? Oh boy.

Stress + Icky Weather = NO FUN!

I want to be able to read and enjoy it. I also want to be able to write and post reviews. Book blogging has become a really fun and important part of my life over the past year. I love all the people I’ve met, books I’ve read, things I’ve been able to experience. (FYI: My one-year anniversary as co-blogger of Good Books and Good Wine is rapidly approaching. WOW!). Unfortunately, those feelings have kinda drifted to the side a little as the winter blues have set in. Also, add in the fact that I start worrying about how I’m not helping April with the blog at all by not posting. I mean, she has NEVER pressured me or questioned me about it but, still I start worrying because I don’t want to let her down, or the blog down, because it has become that important to me.

So, this is where I’m at right now book blogging world which is why I’m coming to you and seeking your advice. Have you ever experienced the winter book blogging blues? If so, how do you overcome them? What do you do to snap yourself out of them? Is there an easy solution? Does it take time? Or am I the only one out there feeling like this?

Let’s discuss…

Allison reviews Firelight by Kristen Callihan

by Allison L

Set in 1880’s London, Firelight by Kristen Callihan paints a picture of dismal darkness surrounded by a ray of hope and light. The vivid setting is very gothic in feel. None of the grittiness of the time period has been left out. There are cut throat men and thieves, fathers who view their daughters as worthless and who are willing to sell them for a simple price, and cunning devious (and sometimes sexy) men who are willing to risk everything, including love, to save their own souls. It is intense, and dramatic, and has some jaw dropping sensuality to it as well.

The theme of Firelight is very Beauty and the Beast like with a hint of Phantom of the Opera as well as a dash of Satanic evil. It really is one hell of a story (pun entirely intended). In this story, the main character Lord Benjamin Archer has kept his identity and disfigurement hidden from the world for many years behind a dark mask. On one dark night, clocked in the shadows, he spies the beautiful Miranda Ellis defending herself from would-be attackers in a darkened alleyway. He instantly finds himself enthralled by this woman, and in time he arranges a marriage with her, and takes her away to his remote castle.

After they arrive at the castle together as husband and wife, Benjamin continues to keep Miranda at arms length. He is afraid of getting too close to her because he is afraid of her seeing the real him and being disgusted. Yet he keeps finding it harder and harder to resist the desire that he feels for her, especially after his friends start getting murdered, and he is the most likely of suspects. Suddenly all that matters is Miranda’s safety, and finally finding a cure for this ‘illness’ that has plagued him for so long.

The pacing of Firelight is so good! I absolutely loved the darker, Gothic historical feel of this story. You can literally feel the tone of the setting as you reading which to me was a very awesome feeling. It was very interesting how all the details of the plot were revealed. It was as if everything was a part of one big mystery, and you were being given one little detail at a time, just enough to wet your appetite. Very suspenseful and so very much worth it in the end! There is also this wonderful balance of genres in the story as well. You’ve got historical, paranormal, romance and a strong hint of mystery as I mentioned before. All of these genres are so important to the plot and the characters.

Speaking of the characters, I loved both of the main ones. The relationship between Benjamin and Miranda is not an easy one by far. They are both equally attracted to each other but they are both equally scarred for different reasons. Benjamin is terrified to reveal his true self to someone, and Miranda has some secrets of her own that she is afraid to reveal. They are both strong independent people who have tortured souls and it takes a lot for each of them to break down the walls and admit that they need each other. The relationship building between the characters is wonderful. The walls have no reign on the chemistry between the characters though. HOLY SMOKE! These two characters have so much chemistry. It is insane – an off the charts level of chemistry! But that is not the only reason I love them … their love is so deep and it is very real … and is so worth reading about!

Firelight is the first book in a series by Kristen Callihan called the Darkest London series, and if this book is any indication how the rest of the series will play out, I will most definitely be checking it out. This book took hold of me, and refused to let me go. I really cannot say enough about the setting, the plot, and the characters. It really does have something for everyone, and I highly recommend that you check it out!

Disclosure: Purchased copy

Other reviews of Firelight by Kristen Callihan:

The Broke and the Bookish: “If you like masked men tropes, damaged hero, “fiery” heroines and mild suspense, this is for you…”

Smexybooks: “I loved every second of this book…”

The Allure of Books: “I cannot recommend it highly enough to fans of historical fiction and/or paranormals and/or urban fantasy and/or romance of any kind…“

Allison reviews Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

by Allison L

When I found out that Ruta Sepetys was going to be signing her book Between Shades of Grey at BEA, I knew I had to be in that line. What I didn’t know at the time was that a certain number of people in line would be receiving a special advanced copy of her next book Out of the Easy. How awesome was that? So awesome!

I have to admit though I was a little nervous as to rather or not this new book would meet my expectations especially with how much I loved Between Shades of Grey. I also wasn’t sure what to think of the plot as it has the potential to be pretty controversial. But it turns out that I really had nothing to fear because my second experience with Ruta Sepetys was just as good as the first one. Maybe even better!

Set in 1950’s in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Out of the Easy tells the story of seventeen year old Josie Moraine. Josie is the daughter of a local brothel prostitute, and she is desperate to get out of the Big Easy. She wants so much more out of her life than what the town has to offer. Yet before she can even get her foot of the door, she finds herself tangled up in the investigation of a mysterious death of a wealthy visitor where her mother in the primary suspect. Suddenly, Josie can’t ignore her instinct to find the truth, and before she knows it she is caught up in the same world she wants to leave, and the fact that it doesn’t seem to really want to let her out could be her ultimate test.

I could not put this story down for anything, and I always hated to whenever I really had to. I just enjoyed it THAT much! Honestly, it was really different from anything that I’ve ever read before. I loved the setting. It was nitty and gritty but it was also very real. Everything is so well drawn out, and accurate that it feels as if you have really been transported to the exact location. I mean, I’ve never been to modern day New Orleans before but, in my mind, I truly feel like I’ve been there in the 1950’s (which is pretty extraordinary considering I wasn’t even alive yet). I also think that the setting made me enjoy the storyline that much more because it was so interconnected with it. Almost everything that happened in the story was somehow related to the setting, and really did happen because things were so messed up in the area.

My heart desperately went out for the main character, Josie through out the entire book. I wanted her to be able to make the right choices, and I wanted her to be able to receive her happy ending. Yet at the same time, I couldn’t help be fearful for Josie. She was so gutsy and smart, and had such a strong ambition, and drive but all that she had ever known in her life was the Quarter. The people within the Quarter never judged her (except for when they thought that she was trying to escape) but people outside the Quarter did. Especially those with a higher social status or those who simply could not understand how someone could live the way that Josie’s friends and family had to (and not necessarily by choice). I loved the comparisons of the rich and the poor within the Quarter (so well done!). I also really liked the way that Ruta Sepetys made Josie’s journey, a journey of self discovery, because I feel that Josie learned so much about herself and about the area that she called home that when it came time for her to decide if she really wanted to leave or not, she was more than capable of making that decision.

Not only did my heart go out to Josie but all the other characters as well. Out of the Easy is packed full of wonderful characters. There really is not a poorly written character in the bunch. All of them are so well fleshed out, even the ones I came to despise, and I felt like I knew them all. Also, all of the relationships and friendships are incredibly fleshed out as well. There is a reason for every connection, and every connection has been built over time. There are really no insta-connections in this book, and the ones that appear to be insta-connections are evenly fleshed out by the end of the book. Josie has an amazing support system in her life (although it does take her a bit of time to realize it), and even when that support system goes against terrible odds, it is still able to stand strong because everyone is standing together. It is also this support system that helps Josie discover who she really is, and who she does and does not want to be.

Out of the Easy is a glimpse into one life but it is a life that can resonate with so many regardless of the time period that you live in. It is beautifully written, heartbreakingly real, and it opens your eyes to a world that you may not have come in contact with before. If you’re a fan of Ruta Sepetys debut novel, or a fan of historical fiction, or are just looking for something new to check out within the realm of YA novels I highly recommend this one to you.

Disclosure: Received advance copy at BEA

Other reviews of Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys:

Confessions of a Book Addict: “Sepetys is a brilliant author and she has wiggled her way into my heart as one of my favorite authors along with Out of the Easy being one of my favorite books. I highly recommend it…”

Fiction Folio: “I cannot recommend Out of the Easy enough people!!”

Hobbitsies: “Out of the Easy is such a cinematic, visual story and I highly recommend picking up a finished copy for yourself.”

Christina Reads YA: “You won’t regret checking it out. Great characters, great writing, great research for her world-building…“

Allison’s Top Ten Bookish Romances

by Allison L

Top Ten Bookish Romances

1. India and Sid
The Winter Rose – Jennifer Donnelly
“Meet me where the sky touches the sea. Wait for me where the world begins.”

These two kill me. Their relationship is far from perfect, and it has plenty of ups and downs but it is so well crafted (thanks Jennifer Donnelly) that I don’t think I will ever get tired of it. I fall in love with them every time!

2. Katsa and Po
Graceling – Kristin Cashore
Their relationship is based on equality and respect for each other. Neither character tries to change the other, nor does either character feel forced to change themselves for the other. They’re both strong, heartfelt characters, and I fell for their romance hook, line, and sinker!

3. Tris and Four
The Divergent trilogy – Veronica Roth
Just like with Katsa and Po, one of the things that I enjoyed most about Tris and Four’s relationship is the fact that it is based on equality and respect. Plus, there is also this need for each other which leads to some very serious chemistry. Especially when they’re disagreeing about something. (Note: This reminds me that I really need to read Insurgent)

4. Katniss and Peeta
The Hunger Games trilogy – Suzanne Collins
Even though the triangle aspect of the Hunger Games series was a very small part for me, it was still a part I have many thoughts about. What is the basis of those thoughts? Well … Team Peeta always and forever! He balances her out and keeps her while at the same time making her stronger. He also doesn’t hold her back. For me, he is always the better match for Katniss.

5. Buttercup and Westley
The Princess Bride – William Goldman
Who can resist a little true love? It is truly magical, and something that will simply sweep you off your feet.

6. Ellie and Tucker
Valkyrie Rising – Ingrid Paulson
I adored the romance between Ellie and Tucker. What starts out as snarky bantering develops into a connection stronger than either one of them could have ever imagined. These two put such a smile on my face!

7. Emma and Graham
The Between The Lines series — Tammara Webber
These two were beyond adorable, and even with all the drama and the chaos of the stories, they still remained adorable. Their insecurities and misunderstandings are realistically portrayed, and the two of them are the perfect balance for each other.

8. Elizabeth and Max // Katie and Paddy
Titanic: The Long Night – Diane Hoh
As far as fictional Titanic stories go, this one will always top my list. I loved both couples that were featured in this story. Both are feisty and heartfelt relationships that strengthen each of the characters under the most terrible of circumstances. I also really enjoyed how both of their stories are interconnected with each other.

9. Jennifer and Nicholas
When I Fall In Love – Lynn Kurland
These two are my favorite pairing so far of the Lynn Kurland books that I have read. Their relationship isn’t meant to be easy especially since she is from modern day NYC, and he is from Medieval Scotland but somehow together they just work. They are beautiful together, and their story is one that brings me to tears every time I read it.

10. Miranda and Benjamin
Firelight – Kristen Callihan
HOLY CHEMISTRY! I just finished this book today, and let me tell you the chemistry between these two characters is off the charts! But that is not the only reason I love them … their love is so deep and it is very real. It’s romantic, and realistic, and … it is so worth reading about!

So, what are some of your favorite bookish romances?

As always Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.

Allison’s Top Ten Bookish Moments

by Allison L

Top Ten Bookish Moments

1. Meeting Jennifer Donnelly at Oblong Books
I still have the message from the g-chat conversation that I had with April when she was like “So, Jennifer Donnelly is having a launch party at a bookstore in Rhineback. Will you be busy with school?” and I was like “I can make myself unbusy…” And this is what ultimately led us to our first adventure to Oblong Books. It was so much fun, and it was wonderful to meet Jennifer Donnelly, and listen to her speak in person because I had loved her books so much. She’s so wonderful!

2. Book Expo America
Book Expo America is seriously like every book nerds dream. I had always fantasized about going because of all the stories that April would bring back about the people she met, the stories she heard, and the books she had gotten but I never actually thought it would happen. Then last year, I was able to go! It was so awesome, and I have so many amazing memories from last year, and I really cannot wait to get back there, and do it all again this year!

3. Getting my first Babysitters Club book
This was a big deal with for me because I had wanted to read the series for so long but my parents weren’t able to get me the box sets that were being offered in the book sale catalogs. So when I was finally able to get my hands on the first BSC book, and delve into this new world (complete with a poster that I hung in my school locker), I was so happy. I can still feel the excitement!

4. Pony Pals Club
When I was younger, I had two friends who were also completely into the pony pals club. The three of us loved horses, and we all wished that we each owned one, and that we lived near each other so that we could be like Pam, Anna, and Lulu in the stories. Even though we didn’t that still didn’t stop us from trying to act like the three best friends. I still only talk to one of those girls but it’s still a nice memory to have.

5. Sailor Spectacular
April will probably want to kill me for even mentioning this but back when we were younger we participated in this event called Sailor Spectacular with a group of our friends to promote the manga section of our local library. We all dressed up as original Sailor Scouts from Sailor Moon (we even had our own names), and acted out an entire show for an audience (complete with singing and dancing). There is a videotape floating around somewhere, and I still have pictures from somewhere as well but they will probably never be seen by the public eye again. It was a lot of fun though, and one of those memories that we look back on now and say “did we really do that?”

6. Receiving my first Shel Silverstein book from my grandmother
As I have mentioned before my grandmother started a tradition where she would give me a Shel Silverstein book, and write something on the inside cover. I don’t think I will ever forget the feeling that I got when I opened the first book, and realized that she had left a message just especially for me. The two of us are really close, and I love being able to share something like that with her.

7. Dressing up like Garfield for a school project
When I was in fourth grade, we had to do a project on an author’s life, and I chose Jim Davis. I believe I was obsessed with the Garfield comic at the time, and I thought it would be interesting to learn about the man behind it. And it was … for example, did you know that Jim Davis is allergic to cats? Bet you didn’t! Anyway, for extra credit, we could dress up as one of the characters from our author’s books during the school open house. Of course, I chose to dress up as Garfield. My grandmother helped make my costume, and did my face paint, and when I showed up at the school, I was the talk of the open house. It was a lot of fun!

8. Volunteering at my elementary school library
At first this might sound like I’m talking about going back and volunteering at my elementary school library as an adult, except that I’m not. When I was younger, I used to go to the library whenever I could. I loved it there! Somehow (I honestly can’t even remember how) I also started volunteering there. I was taught how to shelve books, catalog items, write things down, and even check other students books out (until it was discovered that it was apparently illegal for me to do that). I don’t remember a lot from those days but I do remember that I enjoyed it, and thought it was pretty neat to be “working” in a library.

9. My mom reading bedtime stories to us
When my brother and I were younger, my mom used to read us bedtime stories. I really do think that this influenced my love of reading. She read us fairy tales, and stories from Winnie the Pooh as well as many other things. It was always special to us because it didn’t happen often due to her work schedule and whenever it did, we all snuggled up under the covers and enjoyed getting lost together in a wonderful story. Priceless memories!

10. Sharing the love of reading with other people
Be it my family, my friends, fellow bloggers, or even authors, I love sharing the love of reading with others! It is so much fun to sit down and discuss books. Or pass books down to other people. Or be like “hey, have you read this?” and if you find out someone hasn’t read something insist that they do. I really enjoy turning people onto new and different books. I love sharing the gift of reading!

What are some of your favorite bookish moments?

As always Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.

Allison reviews Dante’s Girl by Courtney Cole

by Allison L

Sometimes in the dreary months of winter, you need a book that is going to pick you right up and take you away to a far away place filled with cute boys and fun in the sun. The book that did this for me recently was Dante’s Girl by Courtney Cole. From the very beginning, this book takes you far away from the depressing days of snow, and casts you right into the beautiful sunrays of an island in Greece. It is fun, cute, and endearing making it also a very quick read!

Every summer since she has ten years old, Reece has gone to visit her father in London, and every summer it has been the same predictable boring routine. She doesn’t expect it to be any different this year but that is because she has no idea what is in store for her. First, she bumps into a very handsome stranger named Dante in the airport only later to find out that he is seated next to her on her flight. Their flight never takes off though because as they are waiting to go, a nearby flight randomly explodes, and kills all the passengers. As Reece struggles to piece together exactly what is happening, she winds up being whisked away by Dante and his security team onto a nearby private jet to Caberra, a small (made up) island in Greece, where Dante’s father is Prime Minister.

Upon her arrival in this new strange exotic land, Reece is somehow quick to forget about the stressful tragedy which she just encountered, and instead finds herself captivated with Dante. In many ways, he is her complete opposite. He comes from a world of wealth and wit while she comes from a place of farms and sarcasm. Yet when they are together, their chemistry is simply undeniable. It is very easy to get swept up as the two of them try to deny what is happening between them. There are plenty of swoon worthy moments, and even when the dialogue can seem a little cringe worthy, it somehow still works!

Here is a mostly non-spoilery example of Reece and Dante and their swooniness:

“I lean up and kiss Dante’s cheek and he smells like the ocean and the salt and the sun. And maybe the woodsy scent of the olive groves. I sigh. There’s no way that life gets any better than this. I settle back into his side for the drive and he wraps his arm around me.”

*swoon*

It was also really easy to enjoy the scenery of Dante’s Girl because of the lush descriptions of the island. Simply put, it is gorgeous! I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the vineyard where Reece finds herself interning at over the summer which also allows her to stay in Caberra instead of going to London. It really did sound like a perfect place to spend the summer. The supporting characters also each added something different to the story, and they all played their own important role in allowing the progression of Dante and Reece’s relationship as well as the rest of the story. I especially enjoyed the friendship that developed between Reece and Mia (one of the girls who lived on the island).

Unfortunately not everything in Dante’s Girl was enjoyable for me. This stems from the disconcerted feeling I got whenever the subplot was brought up. The subplot involved more danger and intrigue than the main plot of Reece and Dante falling for each other but it was as if it was being also being ignored. Every time a moment that was dangerous came into play, it was almost as if it was being brushed off to help mold the romantic sections. This just made the story feel a bit unbalanced to me. It didn’t necessarily take away from the chick-flick type romance but at the same time I couldn’t help questioning the necessity of those moments if they were never fully addressed. At the same time, I definitely think that with a little refinement, the gap between the two plots could have easily been brought together more, and ultimately produced a more well-crafted story.

Even when the subplot flaws, I would recommend Dante’s Girl to anyone who is looking for a story that will take them away from things for a little while. It is fast paced quick read which has moments that will give you butterflies in your stomach and descriptive scenery that will leave you wanting to take an island vacation where you can find a cute sweet boy of your own!

Disclosure: Purchased for my Nook (Currently $3.99 for both Nook and Kindle)

Other reviews of Dante’s Girl by Courtney Cole:

Rather Be Reading: If you are prepared to embrace the drama, Dante’s Girl is worth giving a shot.

The Bookish Brunette: Dante’s Girl by Courtney Cole is light, fun, witty, hilarious and absolutely adorable!

Buried in Books: If you love a great romance between two very different but well matched people, then this is the YA contemporary for you!

Waiting on Wednesday: Spellbinding by Maya Gold

by Allison L

From Goodreads.com:

There’s more than one way to be powerful . . .

It is during a routine school project that Abby Silva–sixteen and nearly friendless–makes a startling discovery: She is descended from women who were accused of witchcraft back in 1600s Salem. And when Abby visits nearby Salem, strange, inexplicable events start to unfold. Objects move when she wills them to. Candles burst into sudden flame. And an ancient spellbook somehow winds up in her possession. Trying to harness her newfound power, Abby concocts a love potion to win over her longtime crush–and exact revenge upon his cruel, bullying girlfriend. But old magic is not to be trifled with. Soon, Abby is thrust headlong into a world of hexes, secrets, and danger. And then there’s Rem Anders, the beautiful, mysterious Salem boy who seems to know more about Abby than he first lets on.

A reckoning is coming, and Abby will have to make sense of her history–and her heart–before she can face the powerful truth.

Release Date: April 1st, 2013 (Scholastic Point)

Why am I looking forward to Spellbinding?

I usually enjoy anything that has to do with the Salem Witch Trials even in a modern day setting. This one sounds like it will be filled with plenty of witchy goodness!

Add Spellbinding on Goodreads

So, what are you waiting for this week?
Let me know in the comments!

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Top Ten Settings Allison Would Like To See More Of (Or At All)

by Allison L

Top Ten Settings Allison Would Like To See More Of (Or At All)

“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
- Dr. Seuss
♥

1. Upstate New York

Do you know how exciting it is to be reading a book and find out that it is based in the area that you live? Especially when they mention surrounding areas and specific attractions by name. I want to feel more of that!

2. Ships/Ocean Liners

I’m a sucker for a Titanic story (as I’ve mentioned before) but I would also love to read more books where the location is some type of ship/ocean liner regardless of its name.

3. Broadway

I love Broadway musicals, and would absolutely adore reading any books where Broadway was the setting. It is truly a magical place, and I could totally get into all the behind the scenes romance and drama.

4. Road Trips

I haven’t read any books that deal with road trips as a setting but I feel as if the possibilities are endless for them.

5. Summer or Winter Camp

At first I was going to say summer camp for this but I decided to go with either because both have potential. I mean, in the summer there is the possibility for romantic swims, or other less-romantic more comedic camping accidents, and in the winter, there is skiing and sledding, and of course the cuddling up next to the fire!

6. College

A time of self discovery and adventure. The possibilities are really endless!

7. Castles

Another thing I’m a sucker for is a story in a castle. Especially if it is a historical romance, or a time traveling romance. Love love love them and want to see more!

8. Bookstores/Coffee Shops

Two of my favorite locations…it would be so much fun to read about them…like a group of friends gathering each week…or two strangers meeting and slowly falling in love…

9. Australia

This is one of the places that I have always wanted to visit (and I will someday) and I love to read a story (or stories) where that is the primary setting. I think it would be a very unique and fun place travel to in a book.

10. Volunteer Shelter

I would love to read more stories that teach the value and the importance of volunteering and giving back. On the surface, it may seem kind of lame but, I still think there is possibility for many different type of stories there. I know I would read it!

Have you read any books with these settings?
If so, please share! I want to read them all!

As always Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.

Girl of Nightmares Kendare Blake Book Review

by Allison L

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake picks up a few months after Anna Dressed in Blood concluded yet Cas still hasn’t been able to move on from what happened. He is racked with guilt and confused about the emotions that he is feeling regarding Anna. Oh, and there is also the fact that he is being continuously plagued by nightmares and visions of Anna being tormented and/or tortured. Are these all in his imagination? Or are they real? And if they are real what do they mean? Cas will not rest until he finds out.

If you look back on my review of Anna Dressed in Blood, you can see that I really enjoyed it. I thought that Kendare Blake did a wonderful job writing a book that completely took me out of my usual element. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the same way about its sequel, Girl of Nightmares, even as badly as I wanted to. I can happily say that I was able to receive some sort of closure to the characters, in particularly the character of Anna, but otherwise I have to admit that I felt a little let down.

MINORS SPOILERS AHEAD! Read at your own risk!
Or just click this link to read about Anna Dressed in Blood!

Admittedly while the premise of the story sounds very promising, it took me a while to get into it, and even attempt to enjoy it. I think my main problem of Girl of Nightmares was the characterization of Cas, and the way that he was to put it simply was a huge ass to anyone he came into contact with. In the first book, you were able to witness Cas going on this journey where he removed himself from this phase of being a pompous jerk to someone who actually has compassion and human emotion. For the majority of Girl of Nightmares, it felt like he had taken a million steps back as a character. He was back to being even more a jerk than before and was at times very obnoxious. I can understand that he was very upset over what had happened with Anna, and that he was determined to find her again but, at the same time, he didn’t have to be such a brat about it because it definitely was a turn off for me.

Oh, and another turn off? The complete turn around of the character of Carmel. Again similar to Cas, Carmel went on a little bit of journey in the first book. To me it was as if she had outgrown her insecurities and her bitchiness and had accepted the fact that she was interested in someone who wasn’t part of the “cool crowd” and that she had become friends with someone who was a ghost killer. But all of sudden in book number two, all the insecurities and the harsh bitchiness is back again! Granted, I can understand that maybe she realized that she was in a little over her head with this whole ghost killing business but at the same time, there were so many other ways to handle it. It was disappointing to read about because I expected more from her as a character.

There were still some enjoyable things for me within Girl of Nightmares. I still really enjoyed the way it was written. Once again, Kendare Blake did a wonderful job of explaining what was going on in this book. In fact, I think she may have even done a better job this time around. There was a lot of attention being paid to the background story, and to how everything was connected with each other. At times, it was a little bit too much but, it was also nice to have all the information right at my hands. I do wish it was a little bit more gritty though. For the most part, I also enjoyed the way that the character of Anna was written (although I wish there had more scary Anna scenes), and the fact that she (and others) was questioning rather or not she should be rescued. There was so much more on the line for her this time around! I think that might be one of the reasons why Cas irritated me so much. He simply did not understand what was at stake for Anna, and how the results not only affected her but him as well.

Overall, I am happy with the conclusion that I got from Girl of Nightmares. I feel that it did wrap things up and allowed me to have some closure while still expanding and changing some things I would not have necessarily expected. At the same time though, I can’t help but feel that I would have really lost anything if I had decided not to read it. I do however recommend it to those who read and enjoyed Anna Dressed In Blood, and who are interested in finding out how everything is wrapped up.

Disclosure: Borrowed from local library

Other Reviews of Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake:

Lady with Books: “It lacked the grit I saw in the first book and left me feeling unsatisfied.”

Bunbury in the Stacks: “I was very happy with the ending that Kendare Blake wrote for Cas, Anna, Thomas, Carmel, and all the rest…”

The Book Smugglers: “I enjoyed this sequel very much but interestingly enough, I thought it was a different animal to its predecessor.”

For Love and Books: “I highly recommend both Anna Dressed in Blood and Girl of Nightmares to just about anyone! Even if you are like me (a wimp who sleeps with the lights on after something scary!) you will lose yourself in this world and be turning pages as quickly as possible to find what comes next!”