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Showing posts with label Paranormal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paranormal. Show all posts

The Dark Tower Review

Stephen King, Arthurian, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Western, Witches, Wizards

The Dark Tower

Published: 21, September 2004
Author: Stephen King
Genres: Arthurian, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Western, Witches, Wizards
Book 7 of 7: The Dark Tower

Check the summary of this book here:
The Dark Tower Summary


The Review:

Stephen King's The Dark Tower is a fantasy novel. It is the seventh and final novel in his Dark Tower series. It was released on September 21, 2004, which also happens to be Stephen King's birthday. Beginning where book six Song of Susannah left off, Jake Chambers and Father Callahan confront the demonic infestation within the Dixie Pig, a vampire bar in New York City that serves roast human flesh and has gateways to other realms.

Many readers, even fans, will have a newfound appreciation for Stephen King after reading this series, and I believe he is among the top few greatest literary brains of our time.

Seriously. I'm astounded at the universes he's built for people to lose themselves in. I am a quick reader who can read a lot of books at once, so I never get bored, but I do slow down on some novels because I don't want them to end.

I tried to do the same with this series, but I kept going until I fell asleep or it was already morning on several nights.

What I learned about these novels was that once you start reading, you won't be able to put them down until you've finished the entire series.

The reader is captivated by something in these works. It's the connection with the characters, or perhaps it's because it opens the reader's eyes to a deeper comprehension of Roland, and once you finish one book, you can't wait to start the next.

A word about the movie: there are elements in it that suggest it may have been a sequel to the novels, but the authors didn't reveal this link for whatever reason, leaving most fans and casual readers perplexed as to why it went the way it did.

To put it frankly, the horn that was dropped on Jericho Hill was in his hands in the movie, and I only know this because the studio auctioned off all objects from the set, including a "canteen and horn," and a photo showed Jake holding the canteen with the horn in his hand.

I'm not sure if this knowledge (previous two paragraphs) is relevant, but I know certain individuals that want to know everything about everything, therefore I believe this information is for them.

As the story developed, Stephen King explored and stretched his writing talents throughout the series.

Normally, I think of authors in specific categories, but reading them as Stephen King worked layers into his plot was a real treat.

I was irritated a few times by the choices he took to advance the plot, and I suppose it was because his choices were unique. He merged genres. His references were both obvious and subtle.

Through it all, he wrote in a late-nineteenth-century timeframe. He worked tirelessly on the tale, and it was fascinating to read his almost tired recounting in the afterwords of people hounding him about the storyline book after book.

I was concerned that no conclusion could do this series honor. I even slowed down my reading since I was afraid I would be dissatisfied.

The buildup of the previous six volumes and now this seventh could not be topped off with any conclusion I could think of. But Stephen King is a master and that is what I can say at this point.

This finale took the author more than two decades to write, but it was well worth the wait. If, like Roland, you got this far, simply know that you'll reach the finish understanding that Ka is a turning wheel, and the narrative will suffice.

Some readers may not like the finale, but I thought it was a perfect finish to an incredibly fantastic story. It all depends on what you learned from the series up until the very end and how you felt about it.

I've read the "Dark Tower" series several times but never get tired of it. It makes me desire that "new" versions could be made in order to expose all of the possibilities.

But, however, that would do a grave disservice to this series. Stephen King's narrative abilities continue to mystify me. So much so that I've read every other book he's ever written just to keep getting glimpses of this story threaded throughout.

What an experience! There were tears, laughter, adventure, compassion, love, valor, and wickedness, and, of course, as is customary in Stephen King tales, there were many surprises.

I met up with the ka-tet. It will be difficult to be a part of it no more. What would life be like without the quest for the Dark Tower? I guess I don't have a choice.

I envy you the experience that awaits you if you haven't read them yet. Make the commitment and get right in. You will not be sorry.


Final Thoughts:

Is it worthwhile to read The Dark Tower? Yes, if you enjoy grandiose fantasy. Yes, if you can put up with occasional blunders in writing style and convention. No, if you dislike horror, the paranormal, adventures, and action, and believe such books must be cheap pulp.

Author's efforts to create a multiverse replete with all of the adventures and characters he cast drew me in.

I was already so engrossed that I bought both hardcover and paperback at the same time because I couldn't stop reading, and I used to buy both copies before digital versions became the standard, and I did this with all of my favorite writers.

What he did was incredible, I'll definitely listen to this series again when I finish the eighth book The Wind Through the Keyhole, which is actually a novel that sits between parts four "Wizard and Glass" and five "Wolves of the Calla" and may be considered the series' book 4.5 of 7. If you're on the fence about spending a few dollars on these books, be assured that they are well worth it.

This series is strongly recommended for anybody who wants to get lost in a massive narrative that will stay with you long after you finish the last volume.

It is the narrative of all of us, full of honor, love, good, evil, light, and dark. It's the reason we adore Arthur, Harry, Frodo, Luke, and so on. It's the endless pursuit, the vast cycle of life, the huge wheel of ka.


Synopsis:

“Creating "true narrative magic" (The Washington Post) at every revelatory turn, Stephen King surpasses all expectation in the stunning final volume of his seven-part epic masterwork. Entwining stories and worlds from a vast and complex canvas, here is the conclusion readers have long awaited—breathtakingly imaginative, boldly visionary, and wholly entertaining.

Roland Deschain and his ka-tet have journeyed together and apart, scattered far and wide across multilayered worlds of wheres and whens. The destinies of Roland, Susannah, Jake, Father Callahan, Oy, and Eddie are bound in the Dark Tower itself, which now pulls them ever closer to their own endings and beginnings...and into a maelstrom of emotion, violence, and discovery.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Constant Readers, Crimson King, Deus Ex Machina, Entire Series, Last Book, Lord Of The Rings, Man In Black, New York, Song of Susannah, Tower Series, Wizard and Glass, Wolves of the Calla


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

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Song of Susannah Review

Stephen King, Arthurian, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Western, Witches, Wizards

Song of Susannah

Published: 8, June 2004
Author: Stephen King
Genres: Arthurian, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Western, Witches, Wizards
Book 6 of 7: The Dark Tower

Check the summary of this book here:
Song of Susannah Summary


The Review:

Stephen King's novel Song of Susannah is a fantasy novel. It's the sixth installment in his Dark Tower series. This novel follows up where Wolves of the Calla left off, with the ka-tet enlisting the aid of the Manni to unlock the magical portal inside Doorway Cave. It is set mostly in our world, in New York City and East Stoneham, Maine. The ka-tet is divided apart by the magical door, or possibly ka, and sent to various 'wheres' and 'whens' in order to complete numerous important tasks related to their search for the enigmatic Dark Tower.

In comparison to some of the previous books in Stephen King's Dark Tower series, this sixth installment is a bit short.

This is both a good and bad thing: although I love it and am eager to see how it all ends, this series is getting a little long, and while I hope it continues in even longer and larger novels, it could still be too much for a casual reader.

However, just because it's brief doesn't imply it's devoid of quality. Plot twists abound, and everything is beginning to fall into place at the same moment.

The author's genius must be acknowledged. At one point, and I hope I'm not giving too much away, the characters meet Stephen King and sit in his kitchen, drinking beer and smoking cigarettes.

In general, I'd think a situation like this would be ludicrous, yet he makes it work in this story. Yes, there will be a few chuckles, but for the most part, this is serious business.

I can't think of another writer who could have pulled it off. I know certain writers, such as Clive Cussler, can do it, but few can do it as well as these two, and it was done flawlessly by the maestro himself in this book.

The frosting on the cake, on the other hand, came after "The End." After the book, there's a long part with passages from the author's personal notebook from the time he was working on The Dark Tower series.

It's completely enthralling! What a rare opportunity to gain such a close look at Mr. King's mind and reasoning process. For me, he is a very remarkable individual.

The next chapter of The Gunslinger's journey for the Dark Tower has been beautifully described by the author.

There are hidden and not so hidden connections and linkages between our world and Stephen King's realm within the plot, as is expected and true to tradition.

The series is a must-read Science Fiction Western Fantasy Horror, and Song of Susannah's closing page will have you eagerly anticipating the very next book and final installment for the Gunslingers and Oy!

I've been a Stephen King fan for a long time, and this series is unlike anything else he's written, so it won't disappoint me! If you can get beyond the first book, this is a must-read for all Stephen King fans, and even non-fans will love it.

I was expecting to despise this part of the series from the start. Because of the narrative line I concocted in my head owing to the last book and one of the major characters' pregnancy, but I found it to be unexpectedly good.

This may have happened because I had such low expectations to begin with. Susannah had disillusioned me, as I mentioned a few lines ago.

I was so sick of hearing about the "chap" that I clenched my teeth whenever Mia or anybody else said it. Because it carries her name, I was dreading reading it.

By the end, I'd developed a strong feeling for her. She'd grown into a nuanced, real, delicate, and believable character. This book actually changed my thinking about her and I felt weak with her while she was weak.

I hoped she would win when she was at her best. After all, I didn't want her to leave. In fact, I was hoping she'd knock Mia out.

Even now that she is coming to terms with her developed and integrated elements of her past selves, and being forged in the furnace of harsh experience traveling through Roland's World, there is nothing that is "normal" about Susannah, but the chap is not normal.

The extent to which he deviates from the norm is a topic for discussion in the last installment of the series.

The Dark Tower Series is one of my top ten favorite book series of all time. The books are set in the future, although they may also be placed during the Oregon Trail migration.

The characters are so thoroughly realized that the reader feels as though he or she could run into them while doing daily tasks. I wholeheartedly suggest this series.

The idea of this series really goes across many of the author's other works, and you may be anywhere throughout Stephen King's literary universe.


Final Thoughts:

I truly hoped that the movie adaptation of this series would be as good as the books, but sadly, they destroyed it. I'm not sure why they do it or how the author accepts to the adjustments the film industry will make to the fantastic book.

I believe that occasionally authors give in because they are unsure of their own work, but if any of my works were to be adopted, I would never agree to change even one word because I would know that my work is my baby, and I must present it to the world as it is.

When a book's movie adaptation is ruined, it's essentially a smack in the face to the devoted fans who went to see their favorite characters and unforgettable scenes come to life, not to see a new tale or a new character who didn't appear in the book.

As always, Stephen King's writing is fantastic. This is the third time I've finished this series, and I'm not sure how I feel about the finale, but that's not the point.

It's about saying goodbye to all of these characters, as I and many other readers always feel when a wonderful series comes to an end.

I experienced the same experience with Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, and a slew of other books that were and still are a part of my life, and in certain cases, the characters begin to seem like family and friends, even if we never speak to them.

Like older or younger cousins who are cool or awkward and live in other states and you can't meet them because they're too far away and it's too difficult to be together, but you can hear about them, see photographs, and even be friends on social media, but you never talk because you're not close enough to be on speaking terms.

Both Wolves of the Calla and this book show us the evolving facts of Susannah, Jake, Eddie, Roland, and even Oy, who, as loyal readers know, is considerably wiser than most would credit him with.

Our band of heroes is finally coming into its own, as the deeper significance of Ka, Ka-Tet, and the search for the tower, as well as the underlying fundamental character of a Gunslinger, is coming to fruition.


Synopsis:

“The penultimate volume in the Dark Tower series, The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah, a #1 New York Times bestseller, is a pivotal installment in the epic saga.

Set in a world of extraordinary circumstances, filled with stunning visual imagery and unforgettable characters, the Dark Tower series is unlike anything you have ever read. Here is the penultimate installment.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Dark Tower, Father Callahan, New York, Roland And Eddie, Salems Lot, Susannah And Mia, Tower Series, Waste Lands, Wizard And Glass, Wolves of the Calla


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

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Wolves of the Calla Review

Stephen King, Arthurian, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Western, Witches, Wizards

Wolves of the Calla

Published: 4, November 2003
Author: Stephen King
Genres: Arthurian, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Western, Witches, Wizards
Book 5 of 7: The Dark Tower

Check the summary of this book here:
Wolves of the Calla Summary


The Review:

Stephen King's fantasy tale Wolves of the Calla is the fifth installment in his The Dark Tower series. The saga of Roland Deschain, Eddie Dean, Susannah Dean, Jake Chambers, and Oy as their journey toward the Dark Tower continues in this book. Two extracts were released prior to the novel's release: "Calla Bryn Sturgis" was published on Stephen King's official site in 2001, and "The Tale of Gray Dick" was featured in McSweeney's Mammoth Treasury of Thrilling Tales in 2003. Both sections were updated and included in the full edition of the novel published in 2003.

Wolves of the Calla stays true to the series' Western roots by presenting a Mid-World version of The Magnificent Seven. And, for the most part, the author succeeded. This is just another fantastic addition to an already fantastic series.

Stephen King's Dark Tower series combines an epic fantasy adventure with classic Old Westerns, a dash of gothic horror, and a dash of urban fantasy for good measure.

This blend produces a series that is bound to become a legend. After surviving a monstrous mechanical bear and other dangers in Wizard and Glass, Roland the gunslinger from Gilead and his ka-tet stumbled upon the small village of Calla Bryn Sturgis.

This town has a problem that I won't discuss for the sake of new readers and spoilers, but, like the farmers in the classic Western The Magnificent Seven, the locals of this village ask the traveling gunslingers for assistance in fighting off the evil ones, but this isn't your typical Western.

On their mission to defend the rose that is the Dark Tower, Stephen King's protagonists travel back and forth to 1970s New York, fighting evil people along the way and discovering strange connections between his world and ours.

The disgraced Father Callahan of Salem's Lot, Maine, who just happens to be the local priest in the Calla, is also brought into the mix.

Add in Susannah, a rehabilitating schizophrenic ka-tet member who is growing something awful in her tummy, and Andy, a robot who helps the farmers of the Calla by carrying messages and providing horoscopes, and you have the strangest adventure novel in years.

In the midst of it all, the author weaves a tale that is both gripping and familiar. I felt like I was sitting around a campfire listening to him tell the story on a cool autumn night.

Fans of the Westernized version of The Seven Samurai, The Magnificent Seven will recognize the opening scene of this book: a little agricultural community that is plundered on a regular basis, with the locals attempting to figure out what to do about it without destroying their entire town.

But why should Roland take time away from his search for the Dark Tower to assist these people? In answering this, Stephen King brings into play something that hasn't been particularly apparent in the previous books, namely, Roland's deeply embedded sense of morality, which was a part of his original world, which included not just chivalry and nobility, but also a search for an absolute standard of right and wrong.

This theme line goes through nearly all of author's writings, but I believe it comes into sharper clarity in this one and is, therefore, the fundamental lynchpin of the Tower itself.

Jake and Eddie both get a lot of character development in this book, something I felt was lacking in volumes three The Waste Lands and fourth Wizard and Glass,  while Roland himself displays some new but perfectly appropriate features.

Father Callahan from Salem's Lot is introduced as a key character, and his narrative serves as a crucial subplot in this book, but I felt that it was too drawn out and might have benefited from some editing.

Susannah becomes a presage for the following book Song of Susannah, as she appears to have numerous identities once more, and she may be pregnant with the Red King's offspring.

Despite, and frequently because of, the insanity, there's a lot to like here. For the residents of Calla Bryn Sturgis, Stephen King constructs a convincing accent.

The personalities of the gunslingers all deepen in some way. Even though the author is blending together a broad selection of genres and pop culture, most components of the universe feel original. And the showdown, in the end, is truly spectacular.

Wolves of the Calla, like I've come to expect from a Dark Tower novel, is well worth the ride, as frustrating as it might be at times.

With this series, I'm in for the long haul. If you enjoy creative writing and have some spare time and patience, you should begin reading this series if you haven't already.

This novel includes a lot of waiting, plotting, and planning, but because of the addition of Father Callahan as a character, I never grow bored of it. His tale brilliantly fleshes out and contextualizes the realm. Jake has a very intriguing line as well.

For most of the novel, the rest of the Ka-Tet takes a back seat, but they're still there and just as entertaining to read about. However, Jake, Callahan, and the Calla are the main characters in this novel. This book also serves as a type of mixer for the prior volumes, in my opinion.

The Dark Tower's seven volumes should be read as a single continuous novel, as the author intended.

It's best read on vacation in a quiet place where you can let the tale engross you without being interrupted.

It's an engrossing, engaging, and often scary story that makes you reflect on yourself and your role in the cosmos and in time.

But not directly - and subtly, like if traveling through a time vortex, leaving you with a hazy recollection - almost a yearning - for the characters and events you've met throughout the saga.


Final Thoughts:

There's a lot of sadness, comedy, sarcasm, selflessness, and consciousness in this one. Perhaps a touch wordy, but as another stride more toward the Dark Tower, this novel succeeds admirably.

I believe this book will please everyone who has read the previous volumes and been engrossed in Roland's universe.

The fresh emphasis author has brought to this project is also noticeable. In the first four novels, there was a propensity to stray, bringing in topics that seemed to have nothing to do with the overall plot.

There is a tight story thread here, as well as an exact description for the hows, whys, and composition of this fantastical world, which can now be understood as embracing all real and fictitious universes.

He appears to be following in the footsteps of Robert Heinlein's later works, and Heinlein is specifically acknowledged in this work a couple of times, in which Heinlein effectively connected all of his works together in a multi-verse of multiple timelines and author-created worlds.

Even if you aren't a fan of Stephen King because you don't like horror literature, you should give this book and series a chance. Fans of fantasy and science fiction will particularly like it.

If you are offended by violence or vulgarity, be cautious. It's not the worst, but this is mature material.


Synopsis:

“Wolves of the Calla is the thrilling fifth book in Stephen King’s Dark Tower series—a unique bestselling epic fantasy quest inspired many years ago by The Lord of the Rings.

In the extraordinary fifth novel in Stephen King’s remarkable fantasy epic, Roland Deschain and his ka-tet are bearing southeast through the forests of Mid-World. Their path takes them to the outskirts of Calla Bryn Sturgis, a tranquil valley community of farmers and ranchers on Mid-World’s borderlands.

Beyond the town, the rocky ground rises toward the hulking darkness of Thunderclap, the source of a terrible affliction that is slowly stealing the community’s soul. The Wolves of Thunderclap and their unspeakable depredation are coming. To resist them is to risk all, but these are odds the gunslingers are used to, and they can give the Calla-Folken both courage and cunning. Their guns, however, will not be enough.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Bryn Sturgis, Calla Bryn, Character Development, Father Callahan, Harry Potter, New York, Roland And His Ka-Tet, Salems Lot, Tower Series, Wastelands, Wizard and Glass


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

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Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined Review

Stephenie Meyer, Part of The Twilight Saga, Dating & Sex, Fiction, Ghost, Paranormal, Romance, Shape Shifter, Teen, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined

Published: 6, October 2015
Part of The Twilight Saga
Genres: Dating & Sex, Fiction, Ghost, Paranormal, Romance, Shape Shifter, Teen, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:
Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined Summary


The Review:

Stephenie Meyer's Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined is a young adult vampire romance book. The narrative is a gender-flipped retelling of the Twilight series' first novel, "Twilight," and features Beau Swan and Edythe Cullen in lieu of Bella and Edward. The book was first released on October 6, 2015, as part of a gigantic flip-book coupling with Twilight to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the original novel.

I didn't care for this book at first and thought it was just another attempt by the author to milk her cash cow, Twilight, but I persisted in reading it.

After reading all of the Twilight novels, it felt as though she was simply substituting pronouns, names, and genders for Twilight's tale.

I was hesitant to continue reading since it was so repetitious, but I'm a wild reader who wants to read everything. Once I start reading one author, I want to read all of his or her previous or future novels, so I persevered.

I'm pleased I did because it wasn't simply the same tale given in the same way as Twilight; it was a little different, and I realized I could call it a new story.

The primary turning point, which I acknowledge is still tied to the gender roles flip, was that the protagonist is a guy, a teenage fella with hormones, therefore I felt like he was more upfront in adoration than Bella in Twilight.

I think the easiest approach to reading this book is to forget about the Twilight series and read it as a standalone novel. Don't attempt to connect the names with the original cast of characters since you'll be confused at first.

I realized around halfway through the book that I was waiting to find out all of the gender-swapped names just for fun, and it really helped me complete this book.

I don't want to give anything away about the finish, but I was concerned about where it would wind up and how repetitious it would be.

To be honest, the conclusion is the only reason I gave this book more points than I planned since I felt it was a unique and different ending than Twilight's, and it solved a lot of concerns throughout the book so I wasn't left wondering, while still being surprised.

The author does a good job of describing the environment, the clumsiness of adolescence, and the all-consuming pull of first love.

She understands what it's like to long for someone, and she gives the reader a taste of fantasy by allowing that longing infatuation to be mutual, with only exterior difficulties to contend with.

And she does a better job of explaining the character's intentions in this story. In addition, the characters are more likable.

With this rendition, I believe there are too many characters for the duration of the tale the author is telling.

It was nice when she had more space and more novels to give the characters room to breathe, but there's not enough for everyone to do here.

And I believe the whole werewolf subplot might have been omitted because she doesn't do anything with them and it complicates the finale.

This review has a number of criticisms, yet it is not a bad book by any stretch of the word. The author did spend time tweaking some of the original's more uncomfortable passages, and she did develop a more appealing cast of people.

Stephenie Meyer is kind of a talented author. For the first three-quarters of the book, she kept me reading and captivated by the characters. It's a novel for daydreaming rather than profound thought, which isn't always a bad thing.

Personally, I believe she needs a better editor and someone to challenge some of her views, but she is a fine writer who deserves some recognition.

This was a unique take on the vampire-human relationship that I enjoyed. Compared to Twilight and Midnight Sun, this novel went at a much quicker pace.

Beau's persona remains empty, he cooks and cleans the house, he's still clumsy, and he doesn't have any other interests to redeem himself.

The conclusion is satisfying and unexpected. It'll be fascinating to see where the tale goes from here.

So, if you like Twilight series, I recommend you read this one. If you weren't a fan of the Twilight series then I believe you have two options: ignore it or read it as a new book, in which case you may enjoy it because it is far better than the original.


Final Thoughts:

First and foremost, I must state that I am not a great fan of the original series; I don't dislike it, but I also don't adore it. I believe the series and author receive far more criticism than they deserve.

However, if you read The Host or The Chemist, you'll see that she's a really strong writer right now.

When I initially started reading this novel, the first thing that happened was that I had to acclimate to the new names and match them up with existing characters. Like I knew McKayla was Mike and Jessica was Jeremy and so on.

Because the events in the Twilight novel differed from those in the movie, my mind had to reconcile those variations with my expectations for this tale. Once I got through that, I was able to let the plot expand and stray in unexpected places.

I agree that the main characters' connection is unsatisfactory. There are also parts of the narrative that require two or three acts to build up when they might be done in one.

And there are certain sections that are just pointless or, to put it another way, fillers that are utilized to make the book longer.

However, most authors struggle with these types of planning and interpersonal challenges. And I believe she resolves some, if not all, of the difficulties raised here.

I assumed it would be silly, but it's not just a gender switch; Edythe and Beau are wholly separate individuals.

They are significantly different from Bella and Edward in terms of personality. There were a lot of twists and turns in the plot. Overall, it is a fantastic read. And I'd definitely suggest it!


Synopsis:

“For fans of the worldwide phenomenon Twilight comes a bold reimagining of Stephenie Meyer's novel, telling the classic love story but in a world where the characters' genders are reversed.

There are two sides to every story . . .
You know Bella and Edward, now get to know Beau and Edythe.
When Beaufort Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edythe Cullen, his life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With her porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edythe is both irresistible and enigmatic.

What Beau doesn't realize is the closer he gets to her, the more he is putting himself and those around him at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back . . .

With a foreword and afterword by Stephenie Meyer, this compelling reimagining of the iconic love story is a must-read for Twilight fans everywhere.

The series has been praised as New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, a Time magazine Best Young Adult Book of All Time, an NPR Best Ever Teen Novel, and a New York Times Editor's Choice. Enrapturing millions of readers since its first publication, Twilight has become a modern classic, leaving readers yearning for more.

It's here! #1 bestselling author Stephenie Meyer makes a triumphant return to the world of Twilight with the highly anticipated companion, Midnight Sun: the iconic love story of Bella and Edward told from the vampire's point of view."


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Andrew Niccol, Anna Kendrick, Bella And Edward, Bella Swan, Beau And Edythe, Billy Burke, Breaking Dawn, Bree Tanner, Character Development, Catherine Hardwicke, Chris Weitz, Drama, Eclipse, Edge of your seat, Edward And Bella, Edward Cullen, Edward and Jacob, Edwards Perspective, Edwards Point, Edwards Pov, Even Though, Ever Read, Fall In Love, Fantasy, Happily Ever, Harry Potter, High School, Highly Recommend, Jake Abel, Jacob Black, Kristen Stewart, Least Favorite, Life And Death, Life of Bree, Looking Forward, Max Irons, Midnight Sun, Newborn Vampire, New Moon, Open Mind, Original Twilight, Point Of View, Previous Books, Really Enjoyed, Robert Pattinson, Romance, Romeo and Juliet, Second Life, Short Second, Saoirse Ronan, Stephanie Meyer, Stephenie Meyer, Story Line, Taylor Lautner, Third Book, Twilight Books, Twilight Fan, Twilight Saga, Twilight Series, Twilight and New, Well Written, Years Ago, Young Adult Audience, Young Adult


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

The Twilight Saga Complete Collection

The Host (2013) (PG-13)

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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The Host Review

Stephenie Meyer, Action, Adventure, Alien Invasion, Dystopian, Fantasy, Fiction, Media Tie In, Paranormal, Post Apocalyptic, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult

The Host

Published: 6, May 2008
Genres: Action, Adventure, Alien Invasion, Dystopian, Fantasy, Fiction, Media Tie In, Paranormal, Post Apocalyptic, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:
The Host Summary


The Review:

Stephenie Meyer did an excellent job with the plot of The Host, blending romance, friendship, and a larger struggle. Instead of cramming this book with physical action sequences, Stephenie Meyer used a little calmer approach, convincing readers to care about these individuals and then presenting us with a moral issue that fits the backdrop of their narrative. This may have backfired, but it ended up working out beautifully.

To be honest, the book's beginning was a little tough. It took a few chapters for me to become immersed enough to keep turning the pages, but once it connected, the drive to know what occurred next persisted with me until the conclusion.

It seemed like a rip-off of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but with far more depth and storyline. That film is a masterpiece, but when it came to the aliens, it fell flat on its face, most likely on intention.

What planet did they come from? What brought them here? What was their backstory, exactly? Who were they, exactly? Aside from pointing and yelling, what were they like?

Mel and Wanderer's inner conversations were one of my favorites. But I didn't like the moniker Wanda since it reminded me of Wanda the witch, whose persona has been irreparably destroyed for me due to the overacting. However, this is only my viewpoint, and others may have enjoyed the same acting that I did not.

This book shocked me in a variety of ways, all of which were positive. I wasn't expecting much; after finally reading the Twilight series, my impression of Stephenie Meyer's writing style was mixed; I didn't detest Twilight, but I also didn't adore it.

The Host's inventiveness, as well as a certain degree of charisma, amazed and charmed me. Then there was the richness of the characters and environment, which beyond anything Stephenie Meyer had ever created.

In a nutshell, I adored this book. I was a little hesitant at first, but then I forgot who wrote it and simply went with the plot. And I believe it is the only way to enjoy reading books.

The Host was unlike any other novel I've ever read in terms of surprising, entertaining, and enthralling me. This is a significantly superior book to the Twilight series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The plot is well-written and intriguing, and the characters are well-rounded and well developed. The entire world is well described and has a rich history. The author takes her time engrossing the reader and doesn't let go until the very last page.

Even though I was upset by some of the characters at times, I understood it was only because I was genuinely rooting for the ones I loved. And, let's face it; we wouldn't enjoy all of the characters in a novel even if we did want it.

I adored how shocked I was by the book. I was so engrossed in the convoluted love triangle that I didn't notice when the author slipped in the true love story. But it's more than a love story; it's a sci-fi marvel and a thought-provoking exposé of our society's greatest and worst aspects.

I realized while I was reading this novel that it was nothing like Twilight. Instead, I believe the closest analogy is to the film Avatar, in which an outsider enters a foreign planet and succumbs to its and the residents' charms.

The only problem is that the stranger in a foreign place isn't a human who gives up his humanity to live with a smurfified version of himself. The stranger, on the other hand, is something really foreign, but real, with goals, dreams, and feelings, who is attracted into becoming human.

The Host has piqued my interest, therefore I'm hoping for a sequel. Given how it finished, I believe one is a distinct possibility. I just hope they don't ruin the tale by making it into something geared just at teens who like the Twilight books.

I'm surprised by how the author was able to portray her narrative from a female viewpoint without going into flowery trendy literature, which I believe many men would avoid. As I've proceeded through the novel, I've developed a strong attachment to the major characters.

I almost awarded The Host a perfect score, but I had to admit that it wasn't quite there. It's close, but it's not quite there. The novel's opening, like the rest of it, is plodding. I wanted to keep reading, although I wished more had happened in some parts.

Even though it was released with an adult classification, it was really a young adult book, especially in the romance aspect. We only receive a few kisses and hugs. The type of love triangle, on the other hand, was really fantastic.

Because the connections in this novel were so intricate, I had no idea how Stephenie Meyer would manage them. However, she did a wonderful job of providing each couple with a happy conclusion. It was all so lovely and chaotic at the same time, with Jared and Melanie, Wanderer and Ian.


Final Thoughts:

First and foremost, Stephenie Meyer's "The Host" is not about vampires. It deals with aliens and humans, as well as what it means to be human.

This is an excellent book. I enjoy science fiction, and I enjoyed The Host's characters and ideas, even if I thought it was a rip-off of a famous film. Reading about an extraterrestrial invasion from the perspective of a sympathetic alien is fascinating.

It raises the question of who is the villain and who is the hero. The story's moral and psychological dilemmas are just as complex as the exterior ones.

The people are believable, their emotions are palpable, and the Arizona desert location is thrilling and enjoyable.

The author has created a narrative that is not only action-packed but also compels us to contemplate the wonder of life and what it is to be human.

I know I'm repeating myself, but I never imagined I'd read, much less enjoy, The Host as much as I did. I didn't think the Twilight Saga author could produce a narrative that would appeal to anybody other than the young ladies, usually teens, who have been consuming a story about a heroine torn between a handsome vampire and an equally magnificent werewolf.

The Host is now one of my top twenty all-time favorite books. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darn near, at least for me. You'll quickly fall in love with every character. Furthermore, the plot will leave you wanting more. This is a must-read book and it comes highly recommended.


Synopsis:

“Now available as a special edition eBook:

New Bonus Chapter and Reading Group Guide, including Stephenie Meyer's Annotated Playlist for the book with linking to and back from text.

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Andrew Niccol, Anna Kendrick, Bella And Edward, Bella Swan, Billy Burke, Breaking Dawn, Bree Tanner, Character Development, Catherine Hardwicke, Chris Weitz, Drama, Eclipse, Edward And Bella, Edward Cullen, Edward and Jacob, Edwards Perspective, Edwards Point, Edwards Pov, Even Though, Ever Read, Fall In Love, Fantasy, Happily Ever, Harry Potter, High School, Highly Recommend, Jake Abel, Jacob Black, Kristen Stewart, Least Favorite, Life of Bree, Looking Forward, Max Irons, Midnight Sun, Newborn Vampire, New Moon, Point Of View, Previous Books, Really Enjoyed, Robert Pattinson, Romance, Romeo and Juliet, Second Life, Short Second, Saoirse Ronan, Stephanie Meyer, Stephenie Meyer, Story Line, Taylor Lautner, Third Book, Twilight Books, Twilight Saga, Twilight Series, Twilight and New, Well Written, Years Ago, Young Adult Audience, Young Adult


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Twilight Saga Complete Collection

The Host (2013) (PG-13)

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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The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner Review

Stephenie Meyer, The Twilight Saga, Novella, Contemporary, Dating & Sex, Family Life, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, ShapeShifter, Suspense, Teens, Thriller, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Published: 2, June 2010
The Twilight Saga Novella
Genres: Contemporary, Dating & Sex, Family Life, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, ShapeShifter, Suspense, Teens, Thriller, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner Summary


The Review:

We receive much of Bree's background from her perspective in Stephenie Meyer's The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, as well as the background on the suicidal army of newborn vampires eliminated so quickly by the Cullens and their werewolf friends in Eclipse. Bree and her companions are the "dregs," as she describes them, the "lost children of the night," discarded by an indifferent civilization and now half-crazed and savage.

There's a solid confirmation of a thought that lurks in the Twilight stories' backdrop. Bree's predicament is common among vampires. In their realm, Bella and her friends are just "one-percent."

This is for you if you're a Twilight fan who buys the extended versions of things simply to get a few extra minutes of the tale. It begins while Bree is already a vampire and concludes in the same manner as Eclipse.

It offers a brief insight into what transpired in the meadow before Bella and Edward came after the fight, and Bree also speaks to Edward through her thoughts before dying...

Offering him the possibility of a new family member as well as a strategy to beat the Volturi in the future.

Bree is still a sympathetic figure at heart, a nice girl trying to make it in a horrible world, but her situation has a dark edge to it that elevates her above the naive simplicity of a lost waif.

Her change has given her the ability to be both superhuman and subhuman. She despises herself, yet she can't picture a life without it.

She is governed by her bloodlust and has no qualms about killing humans in order to sate it, whether individually or in large groups. Humans are meant to be eaten. She, on the other hand, has no remembrance of what it was like to be one.

Even when she begins to question the morality of how she and others like her are regarded as disposable and used to further a wider purpose, Bree remains a cold-blooded murderer.

Ironically, it's the manifestation of one of her last bits of humanity that causes her to turn down a chance at freedom and seals her fate. When we learn that she had a way out, her fate becomes even more terrible.

There's a deeper metaphor here about what it means to be human—marred by sin and the horror of a broken world—and to be dehumanized.

These concepts, like Bree's, deserve more attention than they got in Twilight, but it's only a taste of the great novel that could have been if it had fallen into the hands of a more capable author.

Still, stripped of its parent novels' excesses, The Short Second Existence of Bree Tanner is a strong narrative about a lost girl chained to a fate she didn't desire, whose heroism is laudable but insufficient to free her, and whose brief life as a vampire is everything but dazzling.

It may be read on its own, but it's better if you've read the first two books in the Twilight series, especially Eclipse.

It was fascinating to follow Bree as she realized the lies she was given as a newborn vampire. It was also fascinating to read from the perspective of a vampire who must kill humans in order to exist.

We've all been taught that vegetarian vampires are nice and normal vampires are wicked because of the Twilight franchise, however, this book disproved that theory.

When we met other vampires from various covens in Breaking Dawn, we saw it as well, but it was different reading from the perspective of a red-eyed vampire.

Bree, as a newborn, has no qualms about killing humans, much as many human hunters had no qualms about killing animals. It served as a helpful reminder that we're in a different world, with a different dominating species.

I'd like to assume that if Bree lived long enough to regain her wits, she'd choose to become a vegetarian of her own accord, but we'll never know.

Definitely a wonderful addition to the Twilight Saga, and I hope to see more novellas in the future from the perspectives of other characters!


Final Thoughts:

We knew the ending of this novel from the beginning since we had read Eclipse. I'll read anything by any author, but I was hesitant to start this one since I knew it wouldn't have a nice conclusion.

The characters are bright, intriguing, and pop off the page, much like the rest of the Twilight series. Bree is a tragic figure that I believe many people may identify with. She fled an abusive home only to be reintroduced to another.

Her experience as an insignificant drone in a fledgling army stands in sharp contrast to the Cullens' loving and supportive connections. She is always terrified of the light, her fellow newcomers, Riley, and their enigmatic master.

I was really set aback by how little the vampires knew about their unusual predicament. I particularly appreciate how Diego and Bree's loving connection contrasts with the untrustworthy nature of their interaction with the other barely managed "babies."

Fred is a fantastic character. He possesses a one-of-a-kind capacity to repel individuals to varying degrees. He has the ability to blend into the background. When Bree hides behind him to escape any attention, he establishes a type of bond with her. This character is in desperate need of his own novel. Behind his power, he is mysterious and oddly polite.

There were also certain things I didn't care for. Bree acted as if she wanted to die when she found out Diego was never coming back since their short-lived relationship had such an impact on her. I know Stephenie Meyer likes this reaction (see New Moon to see what I mean), but it makes no sense in this case.

There are some interesting plot lines and compelling characters, but my annoyance with this novella outweighs my enjoyment with it because I believe it is insufficient, and I hope Stephenie Meyer decides to write a story with more pages and words that are actually part of the story and not just fillers to increase the size of the book next time.

I really appreciate the notion of novels that are connected to the characters' backstories and points of view from the main series, and I hope the author will publish these books soon.


Synopsis:

“Newly turned vampire Bree Tanner lives in terror -- and must find her way out of untold danger -- in this pulse-pounding novella, a companion to Eclipse.

Bree Tanner, a self-described "vampire nerd" first introduced in Eclipse, lives in terror in a coven of newborn vampires. She is a member of Victoria's vampire army, and as that army closes in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, she finds her first friend and discovers a truth about daylight.

While fans may know how it ends, they don't yet have the full story: Bree's tale of danger, mystery, and romance is one for the books.

It's here! #1 bestselling author Stephenie Meyer makes a triumphant return to the world of Twilight with the highly anticipated companion, Midnight Sun: the iconic love story of Bella and Edward told from the vampire's point of view.

"People do not want to just read Meyer's books; they want to climb inside them and live there." -- Time

"A literary phenomenon." -- The New York Times”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Anna Kendrick, Bella And Edward, Bella Swan, Billy Burke, Breaking Dawn, Bree Tanner, Catherine Hardwicke, Chris Weitz, Drama, Eclipse, Edward And Bella, Edward Cullen, Edward and Jacob, Edwards Perspective, Edwards Point, Edwards Pov, Even Though, Ever Read, Fall In Love, Fantasy, Happily Ever, Harry Potter, High School, Jacob Black, Kristen Stewart, Least Favorite, Life of Bree, Midnight Sun, Newborn Vampire, New Moon, Point Of View, Previous Books, Robert Pattinson, Romance, Romeo and Juliet, Second Life, Short Second, Stephanie Meyer, Stephenie Meyer, Taylor Lautner, Third Book, Twilight Books, Twilight Saga, Twilight Series, Twilight and New, Years Ago, Young Adult Audience, Young Adult


Rating: 90/100
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)

Compare Kindle E-readers on one page

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