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Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Breaking Dawn Review

Breaking Dawn

Published: 2, August 2008
The Twilight Saga, Book 4
Genres: Children's, Contemporary, Dating & Sex, Drama, Dystopian, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, School, Shape Shifter, Teen, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:
Breaking Dawn Summary


The Review:

Breaking Dawn is the fourth installment of American novelist Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga. The first and third segments are presented from Bella Swan's viewpoint, while the second section is written from Jacob Black's point of view. The story picks up immediately after the events of the previous novel, Eclipse, in which Bella and Edward Cullen marry, leaving Jacob distraught. Bella gladly risks her human life and the possibility of vampire immortality when she is confronted with unexpected and life-threatening circumstances.

When I enjoyed the notion of exchanging perspectives while Bella is confined to her house and unable to accomplish much, I thought Jacob's voice was somewhat thickly in terms of utilizing distinct vocabulary to separate him from Bella, making him sound harsh and unpolished. It made me dislike his character, who had previously been one of my favorites.

The setting of Forks, which is the only location where all of the action takes place in this novel, is ideal for the unfolding drama.

The lush, verdant forests, meadows, and usually always clouded sky provide an appropriately stormy background for the novel's subsequent events.

Furthermore, because Forks is where it all began in the first book, this final novel completes the cycle.

Stephenie Meyer's solution to Edward, Bella, and Jacob's love triangle, which ran the show in the third novel, Eclipse, is simply fantastic in my opinion. It's clear proof of her inventiveness, and it neatly wraps things up.

Some have slammed it as unsettling, and I completely agree with them while yet disagreeing with them. Yes, it's out of the ordinary and completely unexpected. But that is precisely why it is so ideal.

It also allows Jacob to return to his role as Bella's closest friend, as he was in Twilight and at the start of New Moon, the second novel in the series. In other books, love triangles are frequently ended by the brutal death of one of the characters. 

Stephenie Meyer has selected a completely unique resolve, one that is nonviolent, in keeping with her overall philosophy.

Despite the fact that I am not a Twilight fan, I actually loved most of this series. Although I had been warned that the tale is bad and that what happens to the main characters is unpleasant, I still wanted to read the book without bias or preconceived beliefs, so I never listened to anybody who tried to tell me what occurred in the novel.

The tale flows along, keeping you interested enough to read it fast, but there are several flaws in it. I continued brushing aside the issues that troubled me, expecting them to be handled, wrapped up, and tied in, but they never were.

I don't know about others, but I felt cheated at the conclusion of the book because of the fictitious event that occurred, or, to put it another way, the event that never occurred.

When the unimaginable began to happen to several of the main characters, the story took a turn for the worst, I sensed something wasn't quite right, and as an ardent reader, I knew it couldn't be true unless this was, without a doubt, the final installment of the series.

However, even with the last book hypothesis, it was incorrect, and it was one of the worst literary robberies perpetrated by an author on the audience, in my opinion.

There were certain aspects of this new addition that I particularly like, such as the new addition herself. Renesmee, despite the fact that I despise her name, is charming and unique, and it's a joy to read about her. I liked how she was included, but it brought me to another aspect that I despised: Jacob's imprinting.

I find it disturbing when a mature guy imprints on a newborn. For those who are unfamiliar, imprinting is akin to meeting one's soulmate. It's really frightening to me that author would write anything like this about one of the major characters, especially since this is a young adult's book series.

After rushing through the first three volumes with feeling a lot, little and no attachment to the characters, depending on who they are, this one actually provided me with a few chuckle moments as well as a few narrative twists I hadn't anticipated.

This novel, on the other hand, felt like it should have been split into at least two parts. After spending so much time seeing everything through Bella's eyes, I felt it a little jarring to read from Jacob's perspective, and the switches in stories seemed a little forced as if there was an urgent desire to tie up all the loose ends.

Whatever the narrative and events in this book and the series were, I still appreciated the books. They were really lengthy. It extended my experience of this otherworldly existence, albeit unnecessarily at times.

It provided me with a well-deserved break from my own world, free of constant distractions. This is known as the pleasure of reading for amusement.


Final Thoughts:

The Twilight Series, in my opinion, is like fast food: tasty and entertaining, but not particularly nutritious. Having said that, I have finished the entire series. While I enjoyed the first three volumes, I found this one to be much less so.

I thought it was hurried in execution; the author covers a lot of territory in terms of narrative events, but doesn't really develop many of them, and then tends to toss in random occurrences and details that don't really help the story's forward momentum.

I loved this book as much as the others in the Twilight series, however, it is like fast food, as I previously stated. The fourth and last installment of the Twilight series, however, was by far the most intriguing.

Bella formally joins the Cullen family in this book. This novel is clearly intended for a more mature readership than the previous ones. Sex scenes and references to sex may be found throughout the novel.

It was clear from the start that this book would be considerably odd than the others. I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say that the final volume in the series was built on the foundation of abnormal surprises and the establishment of strange connections.

Some of the speech was so clichéd that I could get the feeling that I was listening to a sitcom laugh track in the backdrop.

Finally, it provides a quick read and pleasure, but it is significantly less enjoyable than the other three volumes.


Synopsis:

“To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point.

Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fate of two tribes hangs.

Now Bella has made her decision; a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating and unfathomable consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life - first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse - seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed...forever?

The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Anna Kendrick, Bella And Edward, Bella Swan, Billy Burke, Breaking Dawn, Catherine Hardwicke, Chris Weitz, Drama, Eclipse, Edward And Bella, Edward Cullen, Edward and Jacob, Even Though, Ever Read, Fall In Love, Fantasy, Happily Ever, Harry Potter, High School, Jacob Black, Kristen Stewart, Least Favorite, Midnight Sun, New Moon, Previous Books, Robert Pattinson, Romance, Romeo and Juliet, Stephanie Meyer, Stephenie Meyer, Taylor Lautner, Third Book, Twilight Saga, Twilight Series, Twilight and New, Young Adult Audience, Young Adult


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Twilight Saga Complete Collection

Twilight (2010) (PG-13)

New Moon (2009) (PG-13)

Eclipse (2010) (PG-13)

Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011) (PG-13)

Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012) (PG-13)

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Eclipse Review

Stephenie Meyer, The Twilight Saga, Book 3, Children's, Contemporary, Dating & Sex, Drama, Dystopian, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, School, Shape Shifter, Teen, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

Eclipse

Published: 7, August 2007
The Twilight Saga, Book 3
Genres: Children's, Contemporary, Dating & Sex, Drama, Dystopian, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, School, Shape Shifter, Teen, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:
Eclipse Summary


The Review:

The novel Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer provides more background on the Cullens and the Quileutes, two groups that have become open antagonists. The stories of Rosalie and Jasper's transformations into vampires captivated me, despite the fact that the acts of violence in their respective stories made me uneasy. Thankfully, these were glossed over in the film adaptation of the novel.

However, the stories did help to flesh out these two characters. Furthermore, they eventually came across the Cullens, and adopted a nonviolent lifestyle, and avoided killing humans. I'm not sure why Stephenie Meyer didn't do the same for the other Cullen family members, but then again, the book might have become too long.

The Quileute legends, told around a roaring campfire with Bella present, were extremely interesting. Billy began the story, which was then taken over by old Quil Ateara, the grandfather of one of the werewolves, the younger Quil.

The stories revolved around the Quileute tribe's origins, including how they had spirit warriors who later evolved into werewolves. These warriors were always the tribe's protectors, and when they learned to shapeshift into wolves, their mission continued.

The story of "the third wife," which, ironically, would have later ramifications in the novel, piqued my interest as well as made me really sad.

The exchanges between Edward and Bella, as well as Jacob and Bella, are the most moving I've observed so far in this series. Edward clearly loves Bella so much that he avoids hurting Jacob in order to avoid hurting her.

He bears the pain of realizing how much Jacob means to Bella, even going so far as to ask Bella if she is truly happy with her decision to choose him over Jacob.

For the first time, Bella realizes that if Edward hadn't entered the picture, Jacob would have been the perfect match for her. Author gives her readers a glimpse of what might have been if things had gone differently. That short scene is also quite heartfelt.

Although the pacing in this book was a little slower than in the previous two, that changed after the first third, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's just that with this book, Stephenie Meyer is starting to feel like she's matured as a writer, and she now appears to be a master at creating very real, very believable characters that the reader can fall in love with, which I did, Edward in particular.

The differences and dilemmas in which these fictional characters find themselves became my own conflicts and entanglements. I know that I felt their emotions, thought their thoughts and was swept up in the plot's intensely romantic anxieties as I read.

The Twilight Saga's unfolding story of Edward, Bella, and Jacob is one of our time's triangular romantic masterpieces. It's also a dramatic story with complex eternal themes that astonish the heart and mesmerize the soul as much as they enthrall the intellect.

Author has cast a spell on me that I have no desire to break, but even if it is a masterpiece, and in my opinion, it is still no match for Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.

Now for some negative feedback on the book, mixed up with some positive feedback. Some of the plotlines are intriguing, and Stephenie Meyer's writing is particularly strong in a few areas.

However, after three books and almost 1800 pages, I'd like to see real personalities who, like humans, grow, learn, and mature. In a lot of ways, this isn't the case with Stephenie Meyer's works.

Edward and Bella are stuck in their own strange insecurities. They spend the majority of their normally happy romance wallowing in self-doubt, anguish, and uncertainty, and neither one seems to comprehend how they can be likable. That isn't always a good thing.

Then there's Jacob, who I believe is author's most realistically formed and evolved character. In this book, she completely ruins him with the unfathomable ploy. Author appears to have fallen in love with Jacob herself after writing/reading New Moon, so she had to force him to do something horrible in order to break his hold on her and Bella.

By the third novel, Edward, who I liked and found interesting in the first book, has become even more of a favorite of mine. His angst, beauty, and willingness to go to any length to save Bella are all far too predictable. His nobility and moral rectitude are exaggerated to the point of absurdity.

Although he is not a realistic character, I am almost similar to him in real life and can relate to him. I liked him even more in the book when he admitted to Jacob that he was jealous, even though I'm not like that and never feel jealous, but it was the only occasion he wasn't a stone-cold emotionally distant rock who takes oneself incredibly seriously.

From a literary sense, the fire and ice theme, as well as the use of Jacob and Edward as foils, works in theory. The basic ingredients were present, but the characters lacked the dimension required to make the story realistic.

Rather than making choices, evolving, and moving on, the characters stay trapped in their own small universe, which is full of witty conversation, hesitation, and, ultimately, no conclusion.

Bella is emotionally at the exact same spot she was at the conclusion of book two "New Moon" by the end of book three "Eclipse." She adores two people, despises herself, and is unable to let go of either. It has the feel of a soap opera.

Bella, on the other hand, I believe is a thoroughly depressed, gloomy, and selfish young lady. She despises everything that ordinary people enjoy: gatherings, gifts, weddings, schools, jewels, money, and so on.

She solely has feelings for Edward and Jacob and makes all of her decisions as if she were a kid. Because she is the center of the world, everything revolves around her, and if someone she loves is injured, it is somehow her responsibility.

It's not noble, and it's not humane of her. It's her inability to make mature judgments and see that, sometimes making the correct decision means hurting people. It's referred to as "adulting." She simply refuses to mature.

I didn't want to pick up the book again because of my aggravation with Bella's indecisiveness and selfishness. It's exhausting to read her thoughts, but keep in mind that this book is written for young adults, and if you're older than that, you'll have a hard time connecting to her when she tumbles into her normal routine of adolescent angst, but I admire Edward's maturity and ability to recognize that Bella's happiness is far more important than convincing her to stay out of his own selfish wants.


Final Thoughts:

The book did not disappoint me, and I was very delighted with it. I finished it in 3 days as well. It's impossible to put down. As a result, I strongly suggest this book. If you've already read the first two books, you won't want to miss this one.

If you haven't already, go back and read the prior two books before starting this one. The connections established in Twilight and New Moon are continued in Eclipse. It's a good read on its own, but it's even better if you know the backstory.

Actually, I don't recommend reading this book first; instead, you should read the prior two volumes first.

Eclipse is the next intriguing chapter in the Twilight series, and once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down. Move on to Breaking Dawn when you've finished it.

The fourth installment of the series. My personal favorite in the series. For now, try Eclipse. It's well worth the money, as well as the sleep you'll lose attempting to read everything.


Synopsis:

“As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Anna Kendrick, Bella And Edward, Bella Swan, Billy Burke, Breaking Dawn, Catherine Hardwicke, Chris Weitz, Drama, Eclipse, Edward Cullen, Edward and Jacob, Even Though, Ever Read, Fall In Love, Fantasy, Harry Potter, High School, Jacob Black, Kristen Stewart, Least Favorite, New Moon, Robert Pattinson, Romance, Romeo and Juliet, Stephanie Meyer, Stephenie Meyer, Taylor Lautner, Third Book, Twilight Saga, Twilight Series, Twilight and New, Young Adult Audience, Young Adult


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Twilight Saga Complete Collection

Twilight (2010) (PG-13)

New Moon (2009) (PG-13)

Eclipse (2010) (PG-13)

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New Moon Review

Stephenie Meyer, The Twilight Saga, Book 2, Contemporary, Dating & Sex, Drama, Dystopian, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, School, Shape Shifter, Teen, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

New Moon

Published: 21, August 2006
The Twilight Saga, Book 2
Genres: Contemporary, Dating & Sex, Drama, Dystopian, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction, School, Shape Shifter, Teen, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:
New Moon Summary


The Review:

Stephenie Meyer's New Moon follows up while Bella is recovering from the events of Twilight, but after an incident that shows everybody that, indeed, Bella is mortal and, yes, Edward and his household are vampires, Edward becomes increasingly preoccupied with his fears for her safety. Bella has a nervous breakdown when he believes that the best way to protect her is to completely withdraw himself from her life.

Werewolves, broken hearts, and love triangles abound. This second book in the Twilight series was arguably the most difficult to read since the love that had made you so happy and looked unshakable was no longer there.

Whereas Twilight concentrated on knowing and understanding Edward Cullen, New Moon focuses on Jacob Black. As readers, we were able to see how their personal interactions with Bella differed.

In practically every manner, Jacob differs from Edward. Jacob is larger, less elegant, and less attractive than Edward. Jacob is, in reality, a werewolf who is the vampire's natural foe.

Even though Edward believed he was doing the right thing, you wept along with Bella. Enter Jacob and his confessions to Bella about his heart and a secret he didn't realize he had.

Even if your beloved characters were depressed, this book was as addictive as the first. That depends on whose team you were on.

We also get to meet a new group of individuals to love and despise, such as Volturi. Despite this, you still cheer for Edward and Bella to triumph and find their way back to each other.

With the notable exception of Jacob, the characters remain very superficial. Jacob is kind, charming in an unusual way, intelligent, and amusing. In fact, he appeared to be extremely genuine.

One aspect of his character that I didn't like was his readiness to let Bella utilize him. She's made it obvious on several occasions that Jacob would be her second option since Edward will always and forever be her first, but Jacob simply accepts it. To put it another way, Edward is Bella's Romeo and Jacob is her Paris.

One very excellent aspect of New Moon is that it is faster-paced and involves more physical action than Twilight. Present's an electric intensity in the novel that wasn't there in Twilight, and I feel it's due to the addition of Jacob's presence.

Stephenie Meyer's prose, once again, leaves something to be desired, although it has improved since Twilight. Regrettably, the same cannot be true about the editing.

She, on the other hand, hasn't gotten over clinging to a single word and repeating it endlessly. The term in Twilight was incredulous; in New Moon, it's glower. At any given time, someone or something is scowling, grimacing, or snarling at someone or something else.

Warning: There will be spoilers ahead, so go to Final Thoughts. I strongly advise you to read the first book Twilight in this series before attempting to read this one. But, if you're unfamiliar with Twilight, it is the story of a 17-year-old girl called Bella Swan who went to Forks, Washington, and fell madly in love with a vampire named Edward Cullen.

After a series of mishaps that almost took Bella's life, she began seriously considering (I use the term loosely) becoming a vampire herself so Edward wouldn't have to worry about her safety and they could be together indefinitely.

When Edward decides to end their relationship, New Moon begins on a gloomy note. For a few months, Bella is depressed, until she finds that Edward's voice comes back to her while her adrenaline is pounding.

As a result, she begins to walk on the wild side. Riding a motorbike, something she had never done before, was a part of this wild side. Jacob Black agreed to help her patch up the motorcycle and teach her how to ride it.

Bella and Jacob, despite being over two years her junior, create a strong relationship while working on the motorcycles.

One would imagine that the book's conclusion would include a fight between Jacob and Edward over Bella's affection, but it doesn't, at least not publicly.

The climax happens when Bella is forced to go to Italy to save her lover Edward's life, forcing her to say a painful goodbye to Jacob.

She recognizes she's divided between the werewolf and the vampire at that point. She desires the werewolf's companionship, but she yearns for the vampire's affection.


Final Thoughts:

At the end of the day, this was still a fun book to read, and Stephenie Meyer is still a fantastic storyteller. Despite the shortcomings in the text and the irrational justification for many of the feelings, it was easy to get caught up in the illusion.

It's like observing a reality Television program with a clumsy young girl and, instead of a genuinely bewildered vampire this time, an attractive teenage werewolf.

Also, as with Twilight, don't read this with too much seriousness. This is a light read for rainy weather when you simply want to get away from it all.

Stephenie Meyer included an extract from the next book, Eclipse, once again, as a teaser to entice readers to keep reading the series. She has potential as a thriller writer, but her language, subject matter, and characters are in desperate need of refinement and introspection if she wants to appeal towards a more broad audience.

It's easy to get lost in the fantasy for a time, but when a reader becomes weary of the story's improbabilities and wants to read something more believable and/or sympathetic, Stephenie Meyer falls short.

If you enjoyed Book 1, Twilight, you'll undoubtedly enjoy all of the sequels, and you'll most likely find yourself racing to the finish of Book 4, Breaking Dawn. For those seeking a highly imagined getaway, Stephenie Meyer's fluff fiction is addictive, and they need look no farther than the Twilight franchise.

If you want something more mature and wide, start with Interview With The Vampire from Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles. I'm using Anne Rice and her Vampire series to invite vampire fans to discover what they've been missing out on, not to compare these books, because there is no comparison between these series, and it's like talking about a boxing match between an infant (Twilight Series) and an adult (The Vampire Chronicles).


Synopsis:

“For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella ever could have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning.

Legions of readers entranced by the New York Times best-seller Twilight are hungry for the continuing story of star-crossed lovers Bella and Edward. In New Moon, Stephenie Meyer delivers another irresistible combination of romance and suspense with a supernatural spin. Passionate, riveting, and full of surprising twists and turns, this vampire love saga is well on its way to literary immortality.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Anna Kendrick, Bella And Edward, Bella Swan, Billy Burke, Breaking Dawn, Catherine Hardwicke, Chris Weitz, Drama, Eclipse, Edward Cullen, Even Though, Ever Read, Fall In Love, Fantasy, Harry Potter, High School, Jacob Black, Kristen Stewart, Least Favorite, New Moon, Robert Pattinson, Romance, Romeo and Juliet, Stephanie Meyer, Stephenie Meyer, Taylor Lautner, Twilight Saga, Twilight Series, Young Adult Audience, Young Adult


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Twilight Saga Complete Collection

Twilight (2010) (PG-13)

New Moon (2009) (PG-13)

Compare Kindle E-readers on one page

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Violin Review

Anne Rice, Family, Fiction, Horror, Occult, Psychological, Saga, Vampire

Violin

Published: October 15, 1997
Author: Anne Rice
Genres: Family, Fiction, Horror, Occult, Psychological, Saga, Vampire

Check the summary of this book here:
Violin Summary


The Review:

With Violin, Anne Rice delivers on her promise. Murder, suspense, and mystical beings are all waiting for you. Don't let the negative reviews deter you from reading this book, as I did for so long. The opening of the book devotes the required time to character development in order for the novel's plot to have the most impact on the reader. Fellow readers, it's called reading. This is an excellent book to read. If you like Anne Rice's books, you'll adore this one!

This is a beautifully written and intimate story of complexities, tragedies, dreams, and stunning glimpses of Anne Rice herself. I'm astonished that anyone who has read this hasn't been blown away by Anne Rice's brilliance.

I found Anne Rice's exploration of the role of music as a passageway between worlds fascinating — between this world and other worlds; between the past, present, and future; between memory and fantasy; between self and others; between one's spirit and one's daily life, between the dream world and this world; between all the hallways of the mind that intersect in so many unusual ways, both destructive and healing.

I particularly like how the naive musician Triana expresses herself through long-form improvisation, and how her unique music is so well received by others!

Several distinct personalities are spotlighted in this work. It's worded well to entice the reader and unfold with deft simplicity. Author has an inexhaustible creativity, which appears brightly in this work.

Anne Rice's ability to create people and stories that reverberate with both the agonies and the beauty that exists in all of mankind has made her a well-known novelist.

She uses immortality to advocate for the human condition in a smart way. As a result, this is a narrative about both, and it delves into the depths of what immortality entails.

I'm not sure how much more I can say without giving anything away. And this is a story worth remembering. Certainly, I do. As a result, I hope you will dismiss other people's opinions and make your own decision.

Anne Rice's books were well-received before the publication of this one, and they continue to be well-received afterward. There's a good explanation for it.

She is a literary mastermind. I believe it is a blood-borne gift, since she and her late poet husband, Stan Rice, have bestowed literary gifts on their son Christopher Rice.

We must also remember that she was the first to introduce vampires, magic, and the search for immortality to best-selling contemporary fiction. Her charge was followed by everyone who came after her.

She is modest and does not claim her due throne, although she is widely regarded as The Queen of the Damned, an excellent title to one of her excellent novels, and one that fits Anne Rice herself.

Violin has a lot of things that I liked about it. Anne Rice's unmistakable use of language is one-of-a-kind and distinctive to her. Violin is a ballad about loss, pain, remorse, and obsession.

Never before have I seen an author so expertly put sadness into words. The tale arc of Stefan, the tortured ghost violinist, was typical of Anne Rice. Author's allegorical settings and her protagonist's wandering grieving were easy to follow.

Since my major likes are her Vampire, Witch, and Wolf novels, some of which I've read over and again, this was Anne Rice as I'd never read her before. Violin is one of those books that I wish I had read when it was originally published.

How can one begin to explore the internal demons that lead to psychological suffering? The majority of nonfiction works focus on the 'feelings' rather than the actual happenings.

Even to a therapist, things might be too painful to speak about. Only the agony and consequences are acknowledged, and then masked...possibly with medications.

Author describes things that are too painful to contemplate, let alone feel, yet they were all too real for me.

And I'm willing to bet that they are real to a lot of other people. I must admit that the otherworldly entity in Violin captivated me, but it was Author's agonizingly realistic portrayal of all-too-common human situations that won me over.

I've felt remorse and guilt, as have all or most people, but I've never seen it come so close to being reflected in writing. I've never felt so terrible for a fictitious character like Triana or Stefan or felt so beautifully victorious when hope and redemption were finally shown.

This isn't the only reason I enjoy Anne Rice's novels. She isn't afraid to show the horror in what's ugly, and she has a gift for keeping hope alive even in the dead. My only regret is that I didn't read Violin when it was first published.


Final Thoughts:

Anne Rice's Violin is a remarkable presentation. It's hardly a book you'd want to read on the beach or on your summer vacation. It is a book for which you must be prepared by life.

It is not a book to be read on the lesser levels of consciousness that her earlier novels allow. It is not a novel for the young or the unaffected by life. To enjoy and comprehend Violin, you must be academically and emotionally equipped.

It is a literary work, not a work of pulp fiction. This isn't a book for the average reader. If you're searching for a quick, enjoyable read, you'll be not only disappointed but also bewildered and repelled.

Anne Rice has a plethora of titles to pick from to occupy the lazy days of summer or the cocooning days of winter. Choose one of these for a fun read.

If you insist on reading Violin, be warned that you will be required to read it at the maximum degree of your consciousness. It is not, and was not intended to be, a light read. This is the author at her best. This is Anne Rice on a professional level.

This is author at the point where just a small percentage of her readers have read all she has written. This is Anne Rice, untethered and free to roam the most treacherous terrains of human awareness. It's not for the faint of heart, nor for those with limited experience or intelligence.

Anne Rice's most advanced piece is Violin. It was a huge risk for her to write it. The reader, on the other hand, must assume significant risks in order to read it. It can only be accessed and comprehended at the greatest degree of consciousness.

Before you start reading this book, think twice. You just aren't ready if you aren't ready. Otherwise, it will be intellectually discordant. Author will take you there and bring you back to completeness when the time comes for you to confront the demons that torment your existence. Simply be prepared.

There's no need to know the plot because it would give too much away about the tale. And if there's one thing I don't like, it's spoilers. As a die-hard Anne Rice fan who has read and reread everything she's written, I can attest to the fact that she's in good form here.

It would be a tragedy for anyone to miss out on this heartfelt, innately lovely narrative.

This story is a stand-alone, and I've read it several times. It has such a haunting beauty that I can't stop myself from returning to read it again.


Synopsis:

“Anne Rice's Violin tells the story of two charismatic figures bound to each other by a passionate commitment to music as a means of rapture, seduction, and liberation.

At the novel's center: a uniquely fascinating woman, Triana, and the demonic fiddler Stefan, a tormented ghost who begins to prey upon her, using his magic violin to draw her into a state of madness. But Triana sets out to resist Stefan, and the struggle thrusts them both into a terrifying supernatural realm.

Violin flows abundant with the history, the drama, and the romantic intensity that have become synonymous with Anne Rice at her incomparable best.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Alcoholic Mother, Anne Rice, Classical Music, Cry To Heaven, Ever Read, Interview With The Vampire, Main Character, Mrs Rice, New Orleans, Rice Fan, Vampire Chronicles, Vampire Lestat, Witching Hour


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 50/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Interview with the Vampire (1994) (R)

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Cry to Heaven Review

Anne Rice, Adult, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ+, Psychological, Saga, Thrillers, Vampire

Cry to Heaven

Published: 12, September 1982
Author: Anne Rice
Genres: Adult, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ+, Psychological, Saga, Thrillers, Vampire

Check the summary of this book here:
Cry to Heaven Summary


The Review:

Anne Rice's magnificent historical tale "Cry to Heaven" shows the beauty and selfishness of the human spirit when it is entangled in a torturous political and sociological web. I couldn't put this book down and couldn't forget it - there's a lot to think about. The conclusion was clever and surprising. Anne Rice's depictions of old Venice and other classical Italian towns are as rich and dense as a tapestry.

I had no idea what to anticipate when I picked up this book, but I was immediately taken in and carried along in this tumultuous tale, unable to do anything else until I completed it.

As I followed Tonio through the horror that became his reality, I sobbed, ranted, and wanted to shout aloud. The author has the ability to make you experience the characters' emotions, become the character, and envision yourself in the scene, as she has done so many times in the past.

You take on the role of a Venetian, smelling the canals, seeing the architecture, and feeling the winds. In this novel, she really outdid herself. You see Tonio grow from a lonely small child to a promising adolescent with a bright future, only to plunge into the worst night of his life as he discovers everything he knows is a lie and loses everything he ever had but his voice.

As his circumstances break him down, he must learn to reach out to others around him, his new "family," and trust them, develop in his new job, flourish, and eventually become the "man" he is intended to be.

This was a fantastic book to read! The tale, as well as the depth of the characters, pulled me in from the first page and held me captivated until the last. Tonio was such a charming, if not troubled, character that it was impossible not to feel affection for him while also feeling sympathy for him.

The inner fortitude he possessed to traverse such tragedies at such a young age and yet shine brilliantly in the world was nothing short of amazing!!!

Guido was another extremely charming character, and the castrati's agony and misery for their abilities and art seemed unfathomable. Guido, like Tonio, went through hell and came out the other side loving, motivating, and absolutely admirable.

The love story between these two eunuchs and the other characters was engrossing, moving, and romantic, while also being sensuous, if not downright hot at moments.

Their need to be loved despite what had been done to them and society's contempt for them truly moved me.

Anne Rice has such a talent for weaving these lovely individuals into the fabric of history that the novel is a page-turner that any reader will find enthralling and thoroughly delightful!

Maestro is a fair descriptor for such a brilliant tale-teller, despite the fact that it is largely a musical term. Please do yourself a favor and read this great and moving story.

The surroundings of 18th century Italy are gorgeous in this tale, which was so well written. I could almost envision myself there, hearing, seeing, and smelling the noises, colors, and fragrances of the time period.

Her characters are so well-drawn that I felt as though I actually knew them. Above all, the storyline is fantastic, a tale of adventure, vengeance, and the quest to find one's own identity.

Not to add a fantastic conclusion that had me riveted to my seat. Regrettably, I've discovered that her Vampire and Witch books often hide this book. This book, in my opinion, is superior to them.

Forget about vampires and witches for a moment and sample this little-known treasure. Ironically, despite the fact that this work has been published for more than twenty years, no one I question has read it, and some have never heard of it.

Many of my acquaintances claim that they have always seen the book on the shelf but have never wanted to read it. But, after reading it, I was glad I did because of what I discovered, and it is now my little secret, which I encourage you to read as well.

Anne Rice did her homework and presented the fictitious characters in a historically accurate environment, as she constantly does. The book spends a lot of time talking about singing and the joys and problems that come with it.

These characteristics, as well as the descriptive descriptions of gorgeous places in Italy, appealed to me. You should be aware that this book contains a significant amount of homoeroticism.

That part became a bit of an irritant to me. But to be honest, I believe that real art should occasionally make us uncomfortable. In this work, author deftly conveys the sense of unease. I also felt that there was a long, drawn-out build-up to the book's climax, which arrives at the very end with little descending action.

It's possible that this is one of the best novels I've ever read. No one writes as meticulously as Anne Rice. This isn't a tale about vampires. There's nothing here about the occult or witches.

It revolves around a young nobleman who was castrated by his brother/father in order to prevent him from getting something (I feel mentioning it may be considered as a spoiler.) This is a book you will not be able to put down.


Final Thoughts:

I wasn't anticipating a novel like this after reading all of her vampire stories. It was based on true historical events. It kept a terrific plot thread going. If you enjoy historically accurate, well-written fiction, I strongly advise you to read it. If you favor her vampire novels, though, you will probably not enjoy this.

Because Anne Rice's vampire series receives so much attention, this book is sometimes neglected. A lovely, compelling narrative about the victory of the human spirit over something higher than man.

A romantic story of a mentor and student's classical love, as well as a boy's path to manhood, which is cut short by physical castration, and his ascent, victory, and change.

Anne Rice's words, which carry us to 18th century Venice, Naples, and Rome for this amazing odyssey of wrath and forgiveness, seem to breathe the past once more.

Despite the fact that the novel concludes on a happy note, tears welled up in my eyes. Take a chance on this one. It is well worth the time you will have to devote to fully comprehending it. It was a terrible period in our history, but one that ought to be remembered.


Synopsis:

“In a sweeping saga of music and vengeance, the acclaimed author of The Vampire Chronicles draws readers into eighteenth-century Italy, bringing to life the decadence beneath the shimmering surface of Venice, the wild frivolity of Naples, and the magnetic terror of its shadow, Vesuvius. This is the story of the castrati, the exquisite and otherworldly sopranos whose graceful bodies and glorious voices win the adulation of royal courts and grand opera houses throughout Europe. These men are revered as idols—and, at the same time, scorned for all they are not.

Praise for Anne Rice and Cry to Heaven

“Daring and imaginative . . . [Anne] Rice seems like nothing less than a magician: It is a pure and uncanny talent that can give a voice to monsters and angels both.”—The New York Times Book Review

“To read Anne Rice is to become giddy as if spinning through the mind of time.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“If you surrender and go with her . . . you have surrendered to enchantment, as in a voluptuous dream.”—The Boston Globe

“Anne Rice is eerily good at making the impossible seem self-evident.”—Time”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Anne Rice, Beautifully Written, Century Italy, Cry To Heaven, Eunuchs, Historical Fiction, Recommend This Book, Sex Scenes, Subject Matter, Vampire Chronicles, Well Written, Years Ago, Young Boys


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 50/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Interview with the Vampire (1994) (R)

Queen of the Damned (2002) (R)

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Lasher Review

Lasher

Published: 12, September 1993

Author: Anne Rice

Book 2 of 3: Lives of Mayfair Witches

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Gothic, History, Horror, Literary, Literature, Occult, Paranormal, Psychological, Romance, Saga, Suspense, Thrillers, Urban, Vampire


Check the summary of this book here:

Lasher Summary


The Review:

The Mayfair Witches trilogy continues with Lasher, the second volume by author Anne Rice. To put it frankly, The Witching Hour was unusual; Lasher is bizarre to the point of insanity. In this novel, we follow the lives of the main cast, the family, and the familiars. Birth, bondage, death, sex, and history collide in a horrific collage of seemingly lucky interactions. Is it fate that these big events take place? Is there a chance the Witches may choose a different fate? Should they come up with their own? Did I say anything about Christian blasphemy? So it's up to you to make a decision. This enjoyment is a self-destructive emotional and cognitive practice. Kudos to the author, as usual. A fantastic performance!

After finishing The Witching Hour, I felt like the ending was off, and that there must be more books. I had no idea it was a trilogy at the time. I was busy at the time and couldn't read properly, but the plot gripped me, and I devoured the volumes like they were candy. It's a unique blend of science and fantasy, and the main characters were engrossing, albeit not always easy to relate to because of the weirdness.

Before I continue, I need to clarify something. This is not the series' first book. Before returning to this book, please read the first one The Witching Hour. You won't understand or enjoy it if you don't. And keep in mind that the first book in the series needs to explain a lot of stuff so that you can continue reading the next book (Lasher)and so on (Taltos) with a full understanding of what is what, how is how, and who is who. It means that the book is large and may seem tedious to some readers who are unfamiliar with Anne Rice's writing style, but trust me when I say that she is amazing once you get used to it.

If you enjoyed the first book The Witching Hour, you will want to continue reading the Lives of Mayfair Witches series. This book is much more unconventional than the first. Is it entertaining? - Yes, however, it may be a bit lengthy for some readers. I've read a lot of books, and these are an excellent sample of what you may pick up after finishing a few really fantastic novels/classics. They're just easy to read and, to some extent, interesting. The excessive amount of sexual content may turn off some readers, and obviously, it is not suitable for anyone under the age of eighteen.

This novel expands on the family tree, both in terms of present family members and the depth and history of prior generations of the Mayfair Witches. I was disappointed by the lack of chemistry between Michael and Rowan, which didn't appear until towards the conclusion and appeared scant.

I understand that author Anne Rice needs to create the setting for the trilogy's last novel, Taltos, and the passages do mention Michael and Rowan, but I'm missing them.

Without giving anything away about the plot, the chapters on Julien's life were some of the most enjoyable.

Excellent continuation of the first book, fleshing out the characters and providing backstory for Lasher. Anne Rice's ability to generate a feeling of atmosphere, as usual, sets the tone, and her descriptions of New Orleans capture every facet of that metropolis.

There is no repetition in this sequel, which some readers found tedious in the first novel. However, you will need to read the first book in order to comprehend this one, but it is well worth it! Lasher and Taltos are gems, and you won't be able to put the books down once you've picked these up. Just start reading the series. You won't believe what awaits you!

Warning: Spoilers ahead... Lasher has a lot to offer. The sequel to "The Witching Hour" picks up just where the first novel left off, with a cliffhanger finish. Lasher is alive and well, and he is about as terrible and horrifying a creature as there has ever been, yet he retains a terrifying innocence and sincerity.

He's just as cunning and vicious as he was as a spirit, and it turns out he's a distinct species from humans who wants to repopulate the planet with his own race.

We discover some fascinating facts regarding the Mayfair witches' and Michael's bloodlines. We meet Rowan, who is still torn between her feelings for Michael and her fascination with Lasher and what he is.

A prophecy is given, as well as a lengthy flashback from Julien's spirit, so you know where the tale is going. Lasher also has a major flashback scene in which we learn his whole past. There's a lot of excellent old-fashioned gothic horror, as only Anne Rice can describe it.


Final Thoughts:

The narrative of Lasher continues in book two of the Mayfair Witches Series, and the plot only gets better. It's full of intriguing characters, plot twists, witches, demons, and history, as are all of Anne Rice's stories. A well-written novel with a fantastic location in New Orleans. This is the second book in the series that I strongly recommend.

In this collection, Anne Rice hits close to home for me. It's enticing and unsettling, and it's a selection that will stick with you. Michael, like Aaron Lightner, has rapidly become one of my favorite characters. This is a must-read. This is not for the faint of heart. Definitely not for teenagers!!


Synopsis:

“At the center of Anne Rice's brilliant novel, the beautiful Rowan Mayfair, queen of the coven, must flee from the darkly brutal, yet irresistible demon known as Lasher. With a dreamlike power, this wickedly seductive entity draws us through twilight paths, telling a chillingly hypnotic story of spiritual aspirations and passion. 'Behind all the velvet drapes and gossamer winding sheets, this is an old-fashioned family saga - Anne Rice's descriptive writing is so opulent it almost begs to be read by candlelight' - "The Washington Post Book World".”


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Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here


Free With Free Audible Trial


Mayfair Witches Series Set


Interview With the Vampire (1994) (R)


Queen of the Damned (2002) (R)


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