I swear my lighter blue pen hates me. I place it somewhere, and two minutes later when I need it, it's gone! I write this on the plane with darker coloured blue pen as I think I've permanently lost it. Better buy a new one when I get back.
This plane ride has me sitting smack between two teachers, and to top that off, our seats are the ones between the two aisles. That effectively means there is no way I can obtain a view of the outside world because I'm the furthest as can be from the window (do the math.) They're watching their movies as I studiously write this. Ironically, it isn't as bad as I thought (at least I'm not sitting next to the other two monster teachers). It actually gives me the peace I require to write.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Song of the week:
Cristal Del Cielo (Crystal Blue Persuasion) by Tito Puente
I originally had a list of other songs I planned to use, but something caused me to change my mind. This. I'm on the plane now writing this as I listen to Tito Puente. Here's betting the record is older than my parents.
I was sifting through music I could listen to while writing my book review when I ended up in the Jazz section where I found this gem -- the Greatest Hits of Tito Puente. It caught my eye (or ear) because the very first song on the album was Oye Como Va <youtube> (Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, Radio Espantoso. Hahahaha) That was the only radio station in the game I listened to while riding my ultra cool sport cars down the road.
Anyway, I debated for a long time which song to choose from to feature here. I decided on Cristal because it's just pure pleasure to listen to... My addiction to wonderful music like this is the reason why my parents always tell me I was born in the wrong era. But maybe I am. :D
So giving you such a sweet and enchanting record before my scathing book review -- you have been warned -- might not be such a fantastic idea, but nevertheless, please enjoy. It's not everyday that good music like this passes your ears. For me, I haven't been this lucky in a while.
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Oooooh, la la! What a terrible cover!
I am typically okay with Kresley Cole covers. (I am, right? I can't really remember.) Most of them are good to look at, even though I have to shield them from my inquisitive friends' eyes. Not this one though.
Of course, it's generic:
- the raving book review above. "A unique take on paranormal romance." Okay.
- the cheesy tagline. "Immortal enemies (literally!)... forbidden temptation."
- mention the bestselling author!! (that, of course, I don't mind.)
- the clichéd cover. They're in a position ready to go at it, with some uber-weird background. Dafuq? It's always either a man or this. And haven't I seen something like this before in A Hunger Like No Other? Yawn.
Going on, he looks horrible. Not that the model looks terrible, but I definitely do not picture a sexy werewolf looking like that. And long hair again?? Yuck! NO. Perhaps the cover might be more suitable for a book featuring the vamps, ah, such as Deep Kiss of Winter (another by KC). Okay, maybe not. Anyway, bottom line is, I hate the cover, and I can't really see the effort put in.
[Synopsis]
Her breathless kiss haunts him...
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him, his mate -- Mariah. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -- until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible...
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.
No deed is too wicked for her seduction...
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul -- or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
---------------------------------------------------------------
Verdict: 7 / 10
Once again, as I have done before, let me address my issues with the synopsis. Firstly, sinister forces do not actually unite against her. Much. Most of the trouble comes from him for the first part. He's a pain in the ass. But anyway.
Secondly, Mari isn't forced to take refuge with him because she has been stripped of her powers. Her powers remain with her throughout the novel, though they're extremely volatile and she can't control them at will. She is forced to be with him for protection as they travel through the woods together with other immortals including my love Cade <Dark Desires> and Rydstrom, his brother/the Demon King. <Kiss of A Demon King>
One thing to note before you continue: if you refer to the reviews of this book at goodreads you'll find that many other reviewers have given this five stars. I beg to differ. Maybe it's just me, but there are many things in the book that made it seem unworthy of five stars.
This trip made me read Wicked Deeds for the second time. One thing I've noticed about myself is that when I re-read a book, particularly one I haven't touched in a while, my viewpoint often changes drastically.
Twilight is one of these (I overlooked how useless and weak Bella was the first time). It's similar for Wicked Deeds -- the first time I read the book, I was obsessed. I couldn't stop reading -- I had to know more, and more, and more...
When I read it this time though, I notice many minor details I probably missed the first round. Definitely, the flaws I found intolerable are also inevitably more prominent. I don't know which review -- first or second read -- would be better, but I'm going for the second.
Here we have again, a hero I do not exactly favour and I think pales in comparison to his counterparts. I never liked him from the very beginning thanks to a bad impression given by the book, and unfortunately, reading it the second time caused me to dislike him even more.
I have mentioned that many of KC's books are often subtly sexist. I have no qualms with that because it happens so often with other books too. However, what I am not okay with is treating the woman like a tool/toy to vent your frustration (sexual/emotional) and anger at your own failures at. Ring a bell?
Yes, I can understand that you are confused at the fact that Mariah (I keep thinking of Mariah Carey!!!) and not Mariketa is supposedly your mate. However, that does not give you the right to treat the latter like crap whenever you are in a foul mood, and worse, treat her as a replacement for your original mate. Oh, my god! Reading the book and imagining how hurt she was at his actions was beyond frustrating. I kept wishing oh, Mari, please leave the asshole, and watch how much he suffers without you. I tried to empathise with him and understand his point of view. However, that only made matters worse because I couldn't justify his actions with any decent reason.
Mariketa screams at him during a heated fight that he is extremely selfish, and I'll be damned if I didn't agree. He constantly made her feel like a replacement for Mariah -- the number 2 that was disposable anytime he wanted. He doesn't deserve her. That was the only opinion I could form for the first part of the novel. When I feel that about a main character, it's pretty obvious the book has no more chance with me.
In his defense, Bowe does fall in love with Mariketa slowly but surely as the story progresses. His feelings grow deeper for her every chapter, and he finds that she becomes increasingly important to him. I'm not going to make a major spoiler here because the story continually keeps the reader guessing and I shall not kill it for you.
It's a completely different story for Mariketa. I like her, but I can't really analyze her character. She's witty, brave, and smart, but she isn't actually that strong emotionally. Many of her interactions with Bowen often contradict each other and that makes it awfully hard for me to read her character. It might be because I'm a feminist, but I really see nothing much that I could possibly dislike in her personality and her behaviour -- perhaps with the exception of the fact that she keeps softening in her stand towards Bowe. I felt like banging my hand against the wall a lot.
Mari does attempt to leave Bowen one instance. However, he catches up with her anyway in the very next page and she easily accepts that without much of a fight. Of course, it helps the story flow (many events are set off as a result of this), but it only served to frustrate me further.
There is one particular moment that completely broke my patience and consequently most of my interest in the remaining part. If you're not prepared, don't click on the spoiler box. I mean it.
This is probably the first and last time I will say this on my blog, but FUCK YOU!!! (I'm sorry) Oh no, no, no, no no no damn you Kresley Cole for doing this to me and the book!! There is NO WAY in the world I will accept that!! (So why did I continue reading it? To write this book review. Be honoured.)
There are some things that are not meant to be in a romance book. Damnit, I can overlook so many things, but this is the ultimate insult to a woman. The first experience together will forever be marred. And you know what? Mari runs off again, and when he finds her, she still goes back to him because she saw that he was holding his breath. This is ridiculous. Sadly, this also makes me doubt how strong her character is too. If I were her, I'd leave the prick to rot in a hell hole by himself until he begs for forgiveness on his knees and whatever.
The story is fast-paced and full of action. The characters are participating in a competition named the Talisman's Hie (the immortal equivalent of The Amazing Race) so they are constantly travelling. Each character has their personal motivations in wanting the prize of the competition, a key that allows them to travel twice back in time. Sebastian Wroth and Kaderin from No Rest For The Wicked (IAD, #3) also participate in this competition -- linking two stories in the Immortals After Dark universe again!
By now, if you've been reading my other Kresley Cole book reviews/her books, you'll realise the word sex is nearly synonymous with her. The sexual tension and stuff are done so well, I can literally feel it hanging in the air as I imagine all the scenarios. The acts are great too, full of passion and quite a lot of wildness and ferocity. I like.
But this book disappointed me because I couldn't feel the emotional attachment that came with their encounters, due to the fact that I knew Mariah was always somewhere at the back of Bowen's head every time. EVERY DAMN TIME! Also, the initial sexual encounters (i.e. the first 300 pages) would be ruined by the same issue throughout the book.
Even with all my grievances, I am obligated to give this book kudos for the simple fact that it tore my heart out, split it into 243 pieces, stepped on it, stitched it up, and put it back into my body again for all my tears to flow out of my precious eyes. Oh! Reading it gave my heart so much pain. I felt for the characters. KC did a great job in expressing the feelings and emotional turmoil of Mariketa and Bowen. I was so heartbroken reading about their frustration and pain because I could feel it myself too.
Definitely, all loose ends are tied up at the end of the book, and this allows the reader to understand exactly what events had happened and most importantly why. (Don't worry, the ending is so complete, you'll have nothing to complain about, unlike me.) Kresley Cole does make very good happy endings and closures, but this book lacked what I have come to deem as vital -- emotional satisfaction. I guess it's because there are just some events I simply can not accept no matter how I try. Even though everything is resolved at the end, I can't accept Bowen as a reader because he's shown how selfish he can be faced against even Mariketa.
But then again, you could just say I'm difficult to please. :)
- The Guava. ~
---------------------------------------------------------------
P/S: oh, and if you've read my other post about me going overseas, here's the second character I dislike (you should be able to tell who the first is): Mariah. Hahahaha...
Photos belong to all their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
I am typically okay with Kresley Cole covers. (I am, right? I can't really remember.) Most of them are good to look at, even though I have to shield them from my inquisitive friends' eyes. Not this one though.
Of course, it's generic:
- the raving book review above. "A unique take on paranormal romance." Okay.
- the cheesy tagline. "Immortal enemies (literally!)... forbidden temptation."
- mention the bestselling author!! (that, of course, I don't mind.)
- the clichéd cover. They're in a position ready to go at it, with some uber-weird background. Dafuq? It's always either a man or this. And haven't I seen something like this before in A Hunger Like No Other? Yawn.
Going on, he looks horrible. Not that the model looks terrible, but I definitely do not picture a sexy werewolf looking like that. And long hair again?? Yuck! NO. Perhaps the cover might be more suitable for a book featuring the vamps, ah, such as Deep Kiss of Winter (another by KC). Okay, maybe not. Anyway, bottom line is, I hate the cover, and I can't really see the effort put in.
[Synopsis]
Her breathless kiss haunts him...
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him, his mate -- Mariah. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -- until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible...
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.
No deed is too wicked for her seduction...
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul -- or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
---------------------------------------------------------------
Verdict: 7 / 10
Once again, as I have done before, let me address my issues with the synopsis. Firstly, sinister forces do not actually unite against her. Much. Most of the trouble comes from him for the first part. He's a pain in the ass. But anyway.
Secondly, Mari isn't forced to take refuge with him because she has been stripped of her powers. Her powers remain with her throughout the novel, though they're extremely volatile and she can't control them at will. She is forced to be with him for protection as they travel through the woods together with other immortals including my love Cade <Dark Desires> and Rydstrom, his brother/the Demon King. <Kiss of A Demon King>
One thing to note before you continue: if you refer to the reviews of this book at goodreads you'll find that many other reviewers have given this five stars. I beg to differ. Maybe it's just me, but there are many things in the book that made it seem unworthy of five stars.
This trip made me read Wicked Deeds for the second time. One thing I've noticed about myself is that when I re-read a book, particularly one I haven't touched in a while, my viewpoint often changes drastically.
Twilight is one of these (I overlooked how useless and weak Bella was the first time). It's similar for Wicked Deeds -- the first time I read the book, I was obsessed. I couldn't stop reading -- I had to know more, and more, and more...
When I read it this time though, I notice many minor details I probably missed the first round. Definitely, the flaws I found intolerable are also inevitably more prominent. I don't know which review -- first or second read -- would be better, but I'm going for the second.
Here we have again, a hero I do not exactly favour and I think pales in comparison to his counterparts. I never liked him from the very beginning thanks to a bad impression given by the book, and unfortunately, reading it the second time caused me to dislike him even more.
I have mentioned that many of KC's books are often subtly sexist. I have no qualms with that because it happens so often with other books too. However, what I am not okay with is treating the woman like a tool/toy to vent your frustration (sexual/emotional) and anger at your own failures at. Ring a bell?
 |
| DING DING DING DING BITCH |
Yes, I can understand that you are confused at the fact that Mariah (I keep thinking of Mariah Carey!!!) and not Mariketa is supposedly your mate. However, that does not give you the right to treat the latter like crap whenever you are in a foul mood, and worse, treat her as a replacement for your original mate. Oh, my god! Reading the book and imagining how hurt she was at his actions was beyond frustrating. I kept wishing oh, Mari, please leave the asshole, and watch how much he suffers without you. I tried to empathise with him and understand his point of view. However, that only made matters worse because I couldn't justify his actions with any decent reason.
Mariketa screams at him during a heated fight that he is extremely selfish, and I'll be damned if I didn't agree. He constantly made her feel like a replacement for Mariah -- the number 2 that was disposable anytime he wanted. He doesn't deserve her. That was the only opinion I could form for the first part of the novel. When I feel that about a main character, it's pretty obvious the book has no more chance with me.
In his defense, Bowe does fall in love with Mariketa slowly but surely as the story progresses. His feelings grow deeper for her every chapter, and he finds that she becomes increasingly important to him. I'm not going to make a major spoiler here because the story continually keeps the reader guessing and I shall not kill it for you.
 |
| love is in the air *muacks* |
It's a completely different story for Mariketa. I like her, but I can't really analyze her character. She's witty, brave, and smart, but she isn't actually that strong emotionally. Many of her interactions with Bowen often contradict each other and that makes it awfully hard for me to read her character. It might be because I'm a feminist, but I really see nothing much that I could possibly dislike in her personality and her behaviour -- perhaps with the exception of the fact that she keeps softening in her stand towards Bowe. I felt like banging my hand against the wall a lot.
Mari does attempt to leave Bowen one instance. However, he catches up with her anyway in the very next page and she easily accepts that without much of a fight. Of course, it helps the story flow (many events are set off as a result of this), but it only served to frustrate me further.
There is one particular moment that completely broke my patience and consequently most of my interest in the remaining part. If you're not prepared, don't click on the spoiler box. I mean it.
This is probably the first and last time I will say this on my blog, but FUCK YOU!!! (I'm sorry) Oh no, no, no, no no no damn you Kresley Cole for doing this to me and the book!! There is NO WAY in the world I will accept that!! (So why did I continue reading it? To write this book review. Be honoured.)
There are some things that are not meant to be in a romance book. Damnit, I can overlook so many things, but this is the ultimate insult to a woman. The first experience together will forever be marred. And you know what? Mari runs off again, and when he finds her, she still goes back to him because she saw that he was holding his breath. This is ridiculous. Sadly, this also makes me doubt how strong her character is too. If I were her, I'd leave the prick to rot in a hell hole by himself until he begs for forgiveness on his knees and whatever.
The story is fast-paced and full of action. The characters are participating in a competition named the Talisman's Hie (the immortal equivalent of The Amazing Race) so they are constantly travelling. Each character has their personal motivations in wanting the prize of the competition, a key that allows them to travel twice back in time. Sebastian Wroth and Kaderin from No Rest For The Wicked (IAD, #3) also participate in this competition -- linking two stories in the Immortals After Dark universe again!
 |
| there there let's be honest here, we all want this in a book. <3 |
By now, if you've been reading my other Kresley Cole book reviews/her books, you'll realise the word sex is nearly synonymous with her. The sexual tension and stuff are done so well, I can literally feel it hanging in the air as I imagine all the scenarios. The acts are great too, full of passion and quite a lot of wildness and ferocity. I like.
But this book disappointed me because I couldn't feel the emotional attachment that came with their encounters, due to the fact that I knew Mariah was always somewhere at the back of Bowen's head every time. EVERY DAMN TIME! Also, the initial sexual encounters (i.e. the first 300 pages) would be ruined by the same issue throughout the book.
Definitely, all loose ends are tied up at the end of the book, and this allows the reader to understand exactly what events had happened and most importantly why. (Don't worry, the ending is so complete, you'll have nothing to complain about, unlike me.) Kresley Cole does make very good happy endings and closures, but this book lacked what I have come to deem as vital -- emotional satisfaction. I guess it's because there are just some events I simply can not accept no matter how I try. Even though everything is resolved at the end, I can't accept Bowen as a reader because he's shown how selfish he can be faced against even Mariketa.
But then again, you could just say I'm difficult to please. :)
- The Guava. ~
---------------------------------------------------------------
P/S: oh, and if you've read my other post about me going overseas, here's the second character I dislike (you should be able to tell who the first is): Mariah. Hahahaha...
Photos belong to all their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
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