Book Review: Werewolves Be Damned

Author: Stacey Kennedy

Title: Werewolves Be Damned (Magic & Mayhem #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Action, Drama, Romance
Pages: ebook

First Published: April 15th, 2013
Where I Got It: Given to me to read & review honestly from the publisher/Blodeudd (this review will be at her blog as well)

"Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet." 

The moment I read the summary I knew I had to read this myself. I have been craving over a good Fantasy novel featuring werewolves and other such supernatural beings. This not only fed my need, but it created a need to read more by Stacey Kennedy.

This was a marvelous ride and I did not want to stop reading. I wanted more. I needed to find out what happened next and I was late to class a couple times, because I was reading this in my car beforehand. Whoops. Not only was I enthralled with Nexi's story, but I am in love with the world that the author created. How cool is that? Not only do the creatures live in our world, but many live in beautiful place called the Otherworld. If I was to live in the Otherworld, I think I would want to be a witch. Being a Guardian seems like a lot of hard work. 

Anyways, not only did the world and the story catch my imagination, but so did the characters. Nexi was pretty kick-ass and she seemed to handle the whole new world rather well, Kyden was drool-worthy *drools*, Finn was equally drool-worthy, Haven was annoyingly cute, and the Big Boss/Baddie was rather scary (avoiding the spoiler as best I can). I had no idea how they were going to rid of the Big Boss/Baddie. Tough one that one was. 

There is so much I adored about this book, but I do have one complaint though...there seemed to be a lot of repetitive feelings to the information being shared. She would repeat the same thing the reader already knows a million times. It seemed unnecessary and annoying. But that's it.

In the end, I adored this book. I haven't read an excellent fantasy in quite some time. It reminded me a little of the Anita Blake series I loved as well. Can't wait for book 2 to come out. I would indeed recommend this to those that love fantasy books (with vamps, werewolves, witches, and etc) and for those that are looking for a good adventure. Also for all you Anita Blake fans, check this book out. 

Out of five stars I grant this one 5 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Nexi, Kyden, Finn (though he didn't get much spotlight), Valor, Briggs (hope he gets more spotlight too), and Drake.

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Zia (for some reason I can't stand her) andthe Big Boss/Baddie (grrrr)

Book Review: Cowboy Moon

Author: Cait Lavender

Title: Cowboy Moon (Lupine Moon series #.5)
Genre: Fantasy, romances, Western
Pages: ebook

First Published: February 1st, 2012 
Where I Got It: my shelf (Amazon)

"Hank Cooper pretended an average bull rider, going from town to town trying to get those elusive eight seconds. But when he and his best friend, Sam, come to the cowboy town of Clovis, California, he meets a woman destined to be his. Hank can’t run away from what he is any longer, but will she? 

Tammie Flint is just a girl who wants to have a good time at the rodeo with her best friend--maybe even meet a few cute guys. She didn’t expect to fall in love with a cowboy or to put the lives of everyone she holds dear in danger. 

Will any of them survive the Cowboy Moon?"

Just a warning...this is a short story, so the story is rather, well, short. This review may be short as well. Also this is the "prequel" to Hunter Moon, which I already read. I would advice to read Hunter Moon first, but in the end it doesn't really matter. This is the story on how Hank and Tammie met. 

It was really cute, but very quick. Tammie and Hank fall in love right away at the bar one lovely night. Also Hank's buddy Sam falls in love with Tammie's gal pal, Denise. It was a nice touch that both boys found their "soul mates", but it did irk me on HOW quickly they fell in love. They all knew each other for like 3 days and that was it. It didn't feel realistic...but it is a short story and people in short stories fall head-over-heels quickly. 

Also, I did not like the ending one lick. It was a huge cliff-hanger and I wanted to slap both Tammie and Hank. GAH! Morons! >.> I can not say more for I fear I will ruin it. But I shall say it was a cute story, but with not a HEA ending that you would expect. There is a rather tragic twist all over that I was not expecting AT ALL. *sighs*

In the end, I really like Cait Lavender and I can't wait for the sequel to Hunter Moon to come out. This was a nice filler until she gets the other book done. It was quick, sweet, and had me for a loop. I would recommend to those that like werewolves and all that fantasy stuff. Also, I would say to read Hunter Moon before diving into this, but it really doesn't matter. I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Hank, Sam (awwwweeee), and Denise.

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Vampires (evil creatures in this one) and Tammie (I could be slightly biased on this one, but oh well.)

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<3CaroleRae

Book Review: Hunter Moon

Author:  Cait Lavender
Title: Hunter Moon
Genre: Contemporary, Drama, Action, Fantasy, Comedy 
Pages: e-book
First Published: March 1st, 2012
Where I Got It: Given to me to read and review for Ever After Pr


"Bawling cattle tore Shelby Flint from her bed. With lawyer fees to pay in her struggle to keep her ranch from the clutches of her greedy cousins, she couldn’t afford the loss of even one calf. When she sees a large wolf circling her cows, she aims and fires. While the wolf escapes, Shelby can’t seem to get away from her troubles when a marijuana grower sets up shop on her land, sabotaging her property and eventually coming after her. Adding to that, a handsome game warden is poking his nose into her business and working his way underneath her skin. Shelby will have to fight harder than she ever fought before to keep from losing heart and everything she ever loved."


Like earlier stated...I read this for Ever After Pr for my honest opinion.


The cover may be slightly crappy, but don't let that keep you away from this book! Just summary alone makes me want to re-read this. Perhaps it was the promise that all the reviews I've for this book was positive or I'm a huge werewolf kick right now. Well, I love those werewolves, but lately I've been wanting read non-stop werewolf fun!


The story began off a little slow and it made me groan slightly. Once the game warden appeared in all his yummy-ness I was instantly hooked. After introducing his character and a few tense moments, the story died a little for four chapters, but then it picked up again. Perhaps Cait Lavender did this on purpose; the calm before the storm? I don't know, but once I got past those four or so chapters I could NOT put this down. I even stayed awake WAY past my bedtime and had to force myself out of bed for work in the morning. I'm a bad kid, I know.


On surface both Shelby and Cash (the game warden) seem like they would be shallow, 2D, perfect characters, but they aren't. I was so happy that Cait Lavender avoided that ditch and made all her characters very believable and 3D. Even the side characters had some very good depth. Even the womanizer brother of Cash had some depth. ^.^ I really liked Shelby (the main chicka), because she was kick-ass. She could handle herself and I would be a lucky gal if she were to be my friend. I loved her sarcasm and her sassyness. She doesn't take anyone's crap. In some odd way, she reminded me cowgirl version of my friend Anee. I loved Cash too...he is the only man alive that can keep up with Ms.Sarcastic-cowgirl-who-could-kick-your-rump.


Not only did the characters have some nice realness to them, but the story also had a lot of depth and complex parts. I wasn't expecting the story to have so many layers, which it did and I loved it! I thought I had everything figured out, but Cait Lavender would throw another curve-ball to the story.


There was a lot I loved about this book and I don't have enough time or energy to do so, so I'll just skip to part I hated. The ending made me want to scream! I nearly killed my poor Kindle Fire. I kept trying the next page, but nothing appeared! I kept sliding the screen, but there was no more! Many people have had this situation occur to them when they ended the book. I feel like Cait Lavender just pushed me off a cliff and I'm hanging by a piece of string. It was a great cliff-hanging ending, don't get me wrong, but WHY CRUEL FATES!? WHY? *clears throat* Sorry, but now I'm dying to get my hands on the second book. I believe this is going to be a trilogy. Mhmmm. Not 100% sure, but I know there is another one coming out someday.


Anyways, this was a wonderful read and I'm simply dying to read the sequel. My eye is slightly twitching, because of the ending. Cruel author! Very cruel. Well...besides for the ending I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend this for those that love a nice love story, action, drama, a smoking hot game warden, and a kick-ass heroine. I grant this one 4 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Shelby, Cash, James (even though he was pain in the rump), and Jesse
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Shelby's cousins


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<3CaroleRae

Book Review: The Silver Wolf

Author:  Alice Borchardt
Title: The Silver Wolf (Legends of the Wolf #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, a splash of romance, Adventure  
Pages: 451
First Published: 1998
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library


"Regeane is a fatherless royal relation who happens to be a werewolf. Her guardian, Gundabald, and his venal son Hugo plan to recoup their fortunes by marrying Regeane to a wealthy bridegroom, even though she might inadvertently make him into a bedtime snack. Gundabald forces her into apparent compliance by threatening to reveal her secret to the Church, which would burn her at the stake. As the bridegroom, Maeniel, journeys to Rome to claim her, Regeane discovers allies in her quest to defeat Gundabald's machinations, including some very strong, funny, and levelheaded women. Unfortunately for Regeane, she also has more powerful enemies than Gundabald.

Alice Borchardt brings 8th-century Rome vividly to life. Her language is earthy and sensuously descriptive: "The wolf visited Regeane's eyes and ears. The girl staggered slightly with the shock. The light in the square became intense. Smells an overwhelming experience: wet stone, damp air, musty clothing, perspirations shading from ancient sticky filth to fresh acrid adrenal alarm'"

This is the first book I've read by Alice Borchardt. I was drawn to this book for two reasons: one, for the cover. Two, because I've been itching for a good werewolf story and this seems the one to subdue a werewolf-fix. I will say this here and now....I didn't know that Miss Alice was Anne Rice's sister until after I was nearly done. Even though I like Anne Rice, my opinion will NOT be swayed. Just saying...

This book did subdue the need for a good werewolf story (for the moment). It was everything I expected and more. I just loved the different take on the werewolf that Alice Borchardt took. The werewolves did have a hint of the Twilight Saga werewolfiness to them, but the similarities are slim. Don't be looking at this book as a Twilight-ie book. The book is WAY, WAY different.

Which would bring me to my other great love of the book...it was a very dark tale at some points. Regeane (the heroine) is pretty much an orphan at this point and is left at the mercy of her Uncle Gundabald. She is also has to deal with the occasional evil demon or gruesome ghosts. She's just a child, like 17, so I feel horrible for her! My heart completely sank at the revealing of a pretty big secret. I had to literally shut the book for a few days. However, she didn't let any of these dark times and life changing secrets keep her down, she would jump right back up and keep fighting! I really liked Regeane and how strong of a female character Alice Borchardt made her; I do get rather exhausted of the pitiful women who sulk and what for the man to save them. However, Regeane would realize when she needed help and she would allow others (men or women) to step up and give her help. Yes, she was brave and tough, but she wasn't stupid about it. 

Yes, this book did take me a rather long time to finish, but that's not an awful thing. I took my time, because this novel is one of those that need a little extra time. Alice Borchardt does tend to take a long time for some events. Some events would drag on and on and I would wonder if it would last forever! I had skim once in a great blue moon, just to keep my interesting because the author tend to ramble on and on. Don't get me wrong, I love ramblings (I am one)! A breaking-point does need to be installed at a certain point. That was one of my biggest issues. 

Another issue was the darkness of the book. I know I had said I admired and liked how dark it was, which is true, but I still wasn't a fan. Maybe I'm mixing some emotions into this "dislike", but I felt like many points did get a little too dark for my taste. For example...when a certain character (can not mention names or the reasons why) was beaten pretty much to death near the end. The details and feel of that whole part really made me wince. This character was missing some fingernails and...well...the character was a bloody mess. It just really got to me for a little bit. Also, I was a little unsure about the extreme details that was given to the lepers. I'm pretty sure everyone who reads knows what a leper is. Why must there be horrid details that made me wince. Again, I do like dark stories and I liked how well Alice Borchardt brought in the dark at certain points. I must say though...there were a couple points that crossed a line for me. 

Anyways, the biggest applaud must be paid to the details and the word usage. The details and descriptions were phenomenal! I really felt like I was there and with the characters in their world. It was simply great. The world was so vivid in my mind's eye and even though it was not the best of places in Rome during the 8th century, I still enjoyed the ride. 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book. The world felt so alive, the characters felt real and 3D, the werewolves were pretty epic, and the darkness may have thrown me off track a little but I stilled enjoyed it. This book is a book for more of the mature readers and for those looking for a novel like Twilight or any of the others. This book belongs in a whole different genre. I do recommend this for those that need a nice werewolf or fantasy fix. This will fit many bills. ^.^ However, I probably will not continue to read on with the series, I feel like this was a good ending and I'm satisfied. Out of five stars, I grant this one 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Regeane (great female character) and Maenial (great guy, too bad he didn't have that much airtime in this one)

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Gundabald (SOB of the Year nominee for the year; he got the ending I would have wrote him if I was the author) and Basil (another nominee for the SOB of the Year)

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<3CaroleRae

Movie Review: Red Riding Hood

Length: 100 mins

Released: 2011 (USA)

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: PG-13, violence and creature terror and some sensuality 

Directed By: Catherine Hardwicke

Where I Got It: The Redbox with Sarah

Red Riding Hood is loosely based of the folktale of 'Little Red Riding Hood' and the Grimm Brothers 'Little Redcap'. Instead of the little girl we are so use to, the story follows the story of Valerie (who is all grown up) and her village that is being haunted by a Werewolf. Not only is the village being haunted by this mysterious Werewolf, but its also being haunted by a love-triangle. Valerie is in love with Mr. Mysterious, aka Peter, but she is engaged to the baby-faced Henry. However, Valerie's sister is in love with Henry, so I guess this is a love-square. I don't know. However, the story picks up after Valerie's sister is killed by the Werewolf. This murder brings up the question....who's the werewolf?

There are a lot of familiar faces starring in this film, but there are a lot of faces I don't recall. Amanda Seyfried (Dear John, Mama Mia!) plays the very grown-up Valerie the Red Riding Hood, Billy Burke (Twilight Movies, Ladder 49) as Papa Red Riding Hood, Gary Oldman (Harry Potter, Dracula, Hannibal) as the cold-hearted Father Soloman, Max Irons (Being Julia, Dorian Gray) as the baby-faced Henry, Shiloh Fernandez (16 to Life, Dead Girl) as the "Sexy" Peter, and Julie Christie (Hamlet, Troy, Harry Potter) as the not-so helpless Grandma.

REVIEW:

This movie was directed by Catherine Hardwicke. For some reason, I'm not a Catherine Hardwicke fan....it's hard to explain. I couldn't stand how she showed 'Twilight' on the big-screen. Even with the knowledge of her directing this movie, I couldn't help but watch this. I tried my hardest to go into the movie empty-minded and without judgement...which is hard. 

Well, to put it simply....it was okay. I'm so glad I did finally get my chance to watch this (Sarah rented the movie and forced me to sit still and watch). At first I wasn't much into it, when I found out there was a this huge love-triangle. E-gag. I felt like I was watching 'Twilight' but in the middle ages during a werewolf haunting. I'll admit that I texted a lot while watching this. However, as the story-line picked up a little more I became more involved. The 'Twilight'-feel was pretty much gone once Father Soloman appeared. If I could I would hug him and kiss him. 

I adored the costumes and the props and some of the acting was good. Some was, well, lacking. It's probably not their fault, because the writing was highly flawed and needed some editing. The actor can be only as good as the script that is handed to him/her. I also hated the ending, because it was predictable and rather dumb. I wanted to slap Valerie (Red Riding Hood) and Catherine Hardwicke. 

All-in-all, I adored a lot of things, but there are a lot of negatives about this movie. Mostly Catherine Hardwicke and her over using the love-triangle theme. They didn't focus enough on Red Riding Hood, Grandma, and the Wolf. I felt like I was watching a parody of the original mixed with 'Twilight' (which I do love, but c'mon). The fell a little flat in my expectations, but it was decent. I do recommend this to those who love folktale remakes and 'Twilight' super-fans. Out of five stars, I must give this movie only 2*s. Sorry. =( 

Favorite Character(s): Henry and Peter (I think I would pick Henry...mhmm.) and Grandma

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Suzzette and Father Auguste

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<3CaroleRae