Review for 'Bound' and 'Dauntless'

'Bound' and 'Dauntless' are the final two books in Shannon Mayer's 'Nevermore' trilogy.








The artistry for both books is grainy almost black and white with a swoop of brilliant red text. 'Bound' features a closeup of a man and woman holding hands through iron bars. 'Dauntless' takes a ground view of a woman and a man running across a pebbled beach.
In 'Bound' just as Mara is finally adjusting to life after the Nevermore she and Sebastian are cruelly snatched up by a band of army thugs. She quickly becomes a pawn in an epic game of chess between two equally crazed men.
In 'Dauntless' Mara and Sebastian escape their prison, but Sebastian is weak and no longer able to protect Mara from the pack. Everything comes to a head as they make a mad dash for the sea and safety.

What I liked:

• The Nevermores evolve.
• There's a happy ending.
• I really felt for Scout.
• Mara's place as the Alpha female makes sense.
• The author was able to explain the development of  Mara's allergies. 

What I disliked:

• The story takes to jumping awkwardly with no prior warning which immediately takes the reader out of  the Nevermore world and leaves the story feeling disjointed.
• The author tries to force some sort of love triangle into the midst. It doesn't work. It makes me dislike Mara. Since she's our heroine that's a very bad thing.
• There were quite a bit more proofreading errors in these two than the first book.
• Both books are incredibly short hence the reason I'm doing one review for both.
• Not really digging the Nevermore-human sex.
• The author introduces characters and events and then kills them off just as quickly. They seem to serve no purpose and their demise feels like batting an eyelash.
• Spoiler: While I was very sad and a little irked at Nero's sudden quick end in book two, his return in book three makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. It's like the author realized that people don't like puppy death and then decided to miraculously let him be alive for the finale.

Somewhere inbetween 'Sundered' and the final two books this series lost it's magic. I loved the first one, but simply found the ones that followed lacking. I'm glad I purchased the omnibus version for $2.99 instead of forking over twice that much to finish off the series.

4 out of 5 crowns

Recommended if you enjoyed the first book in the series and if kinky monster sex doesn't freak you out.







Synopsis for 'Bound': "Mara faces seemingly insurmountable obstacles and adversities as she works feverishly tofree Sebastian from the holds which bind him. Her refusal to abandon him, and his refusal to let her slip away, keep them fighting to be reunited. Fears escalate and dangers destroy their beliefs, but they cling to their love and find strength in each other even when separated. Mara and Sebastian manage to face each act of violence, each tragedy, and terrifying sight with a strength which won't bend to any confrontation."

Synopsis for 'Dauntless':"Surrounded by the most obstinate of madness, Mara will use the strength within herself to free both she and Sebastian once and for all. As Sebastian slips further away from her, Mara will have to fight as she never has before--alone. The bonds of love and friendship will be stretched to their breaking point as the world around them spins out of control, and the dangers continue to mount. Can she carry them both through the obstacles ahead and find a way to heal Sebastian? Can she accomplish all of this in time?"

Review for "Sundered"

"Sundered" is the first book in Shannon Mayer's 'Nevermore' triology.

A couple stands hand in hand their backs to us. In front of them a tall wrought iron gate spears into a stormy sky. The ground beneath their feet is broken and marshy. Desolate. The entire scene is done in shades of gray and yellow except for the title which is bold in blood red.
Sebastian and Mara are happily married newly weds. They've just moved into a new house in a small community. But infertility mars their blissful life. When a brand new drug surfaces that claims to cure all sorts of ailments even infertility Mara and thousands of others jump at the chance. But every drug has its side-effects.

What I Liked

• The author calls this a zombish apocalypse. I for one have never been able to jump on the zombie band wagon. I mean ick, right? I did watch Warm Bodies and enjoyed it but I wound up seeing it as more of a Romeo and Juliet spoof than anything. Shannon Mayer's zombies though seem real. They could really happen. They make sense.
• The involvement of a plant called broom in the story. Again it makes sense. Just like in a good magical world you have to define the parameters and mechanics of magic, Shannon defines and explains the parameters and mechanics of her 'zombies' in a real way. 
• It's a true love story between Sebastian and Mara. Their love is defined, mature, and, real.
• Shannon manages to realistically paint the emotions an infertile couple goes through. I cried within the first few chapters. Really cried. 

What I disliked:

• It was a little short for my tastes
• Not really digging the sexuality between humans and zombies.
• SPOILERS if they intend for the baby to be part nevermore it seems to me that Mara would have an allergic reaction and would either die from carrying the baby or miscarry.
• It was also absolutely no surprise at all when it turns out Sebastian went and got the shot. Saw it coming even before the Nevermores were Nevermores.

Zombies should make sense, luckily for us 'Sundered''s Nevermores do exactly that. 'Sundered' is edgy, suspenseful, at time terrifying, and yes even occasionally sexy. 'Sundered' is currently available for the Kindle for free. It's a great addition if you like your romances with a touch of a danger. The other two books in the trilogy, 'Bound' and 'Dauntless' are $2.99 a piece OR you can get all three for 2.99 in an omnibus version. That's what I decided to do when after a few days had passed I was still stuck in Mara's world. You can find out more about the author and her other works at www.shannonmayer.com

5 out of 5 crowns

Recommended for mature adults only due to graphic violence, disturbing situations, and sexuality. Hard-core Zombie lovers probably will NOT like the Nevermores.



Synopsis:"They were promised weight loss, the cure for Cancer, Parkinson's Disease and infertility; they were promised hope.
The side effects were anything but hopeful.
Mara and Sebastian are young, in love and newlyweds.Far too soon, they will face tests to their love that most others won't survive. Their bond strengthens with each loss, destruction and unbearable race against time. In each other, they find the will and hope to endure. Hand in hand, they will face the darkening of humanity with strength and integrity and an undeniable spirit to survive; together.
"

Review for 'The Brightest Kind of Darkness'

'The Brightest Kind of Darkness' is the first book in a series of the same name by P.T. Michelle.

It is fall. The light cascades down through autumn trees highlighting the graceful swoop and play of black feathers on the wind. A woman in a brilliant red dress stands looking over her shoulder, her blonde hair cascading down her neck. She seems pouty or restless, unsure of what lies ahead or behind.
Sixteen year old Nara hasn't had a surprising day in years. That's because every night she dreams of tomorrow. When she uses her unusual gift to prevent an immeasurable tragedy, her dreams begin to fade. Without the crutch of knowing the future, Nara struggles in her day to day life until the dark and mysterious new guy in town offers her a shoulder to lean on.

What I liked:

• Excellent character building, I mean excellent. Nara is the perfect heroine. Ethan is a wonderful conflicted dark knight. Each character's talents are fresh and unique. Their backstories are beautifully clear and really seem to shape the characters.
• The pacing was also excellent, it was definitely a can't put it down kind of story.
• The development of Ethan's tattoo was a surprising twist. I can't wait to see where that's going.
• The relationship between Nara and Ethan feels real. It builds with it's own time and doesn't feel forced.

What I didn't like:

• I was absolutely in love with this book until it started to turn all 'Final Destination' on me. After I realized that's where it was going I lost a little love for it, but it's still a beautiful story.
• There were a few times when the story seemed to jump. Just a little but without any warning. I actually had to reread once or twice to make sure I hadn't accidentally missed a page in between.

This book has it all, romance, fantasy, terror, adventure, mystery, all tied up in an intricate beautifully woven bow. 'The Brightest Kind of Darkness' is currently available for free on the Kindle. At that price its a can't miss. The second and third books in the series, 'Lucid' and 'Destiny', are available for $3.99 each and will be making their way to my wish list very soon. There's also a prequel 'Ethan'. Apparently the author also pens adult romances under her full name Patrice Michelle, but no worries 'The Brightest Kind of Darkness' is definitely mostly PG. You can find out more about the series and the author at www.ptmichelle.com and if you find 'The Brightest Kind of Darkness' a little too tame go visit http://www.patricemichelle.net/ instead.

4.5 out of 5 crowns

Recommended for teens and adult readers of all genres. I think 'twi-hards' would love this one even if it is sans-vampires.






Synopsis: "Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate...until she dreams a future she can't ignore.
After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.
Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past."

The light and the tunnel

It's November. Ahead in the utter gloom of darkness I can finally see the twinkling of that infamous light. Just a twinkling, just a glimpse, like that of star dancing above my head. I'm ready for 2013 to end. I have it in my head that because this year has been such a crap shoot that next year will be better. Next year will be my year to shine. Next year...
But for the next two months it's still this one. My freezer meal idea has been going rather well. I've especially enjoyed having precooked shredded chicken in the freezer. It makes fajitas, dumplings, chicken pot pie, and other meals a snap. It has definitely passed into sweater weather around here and the trees have all shed their leaves. It looks downright gloomy outside. Two more resolution updates to go before I make new ones. Blah! new ones as if the old ones weren't enough right?
1. Weight loss/Getting Healthy. As of last week I am no longer going to the gym. I discovered that my get up and go completely evaporated with the cooler weather. I hate dressing for the gym, bundling up for the trip over, unbundling mid workout, and then rebundling for the trip home. I go from shivering cold to burning up and back again so fast it makes my head spin. I just can't do it. It makes me miserable. So miserable. I've decided that I'll get back to doing the yoga and strength training exercises that my wii offers instead. That way I won't have to brave the blustery weather. As of this post I'm sitting at 140.4. I haven't moved in months, even with regular gym use. I'm beginning to come around to the idea that maybe this is where my body is happy. Which works since I can still wear all my clothes, albeit with a belt, and I'm well within a healthy BMI. I finally am really noticing the weight loss in the way some clothes fit, since I'm wearing the winter shirts I was when I started. I remember seeing my belly pooching just a little in my tighter long sleeves. That doesn't happen now. I also took a big leap and decided to try leggings. I love them! I can't believe I made it this far into life without trying them. They're comfortable, and when worn with a dress or skirt they practically alleviate all my discomfort at somehow accidentally showing a bit too much. I also invested in a waist belt, no clue if that's what they're actually called or not. I picked up a S/M and I had to punch two more holes to get it fit properly! Wow! I have an XS waist. Lucky me its paired with above average chest and hips. People say how wonderful it is that I have a curvy hourglass shape. Sure it would be wonderful if they made clothes that fit the hourglass shape, but they don't. They just don't. A top that fits my bust usually swallows my waist. Jeans that fit my hips have to be worn with a belt because of the massive gap in the waistband. Trust me not all sunshine and roses over here.
2. 50 books in a year - I kicked it up a notch and read 7 books this month. Seven! That puts me at 45 books this year. Only 5 books left! I'm so kicking this resolution's behind.
3.Photography - The fundraiser last month was an awesome success. We raised $195.00 for our local shelter. Whoohoo! I've got a Christmas mini session day scheduled for this month.
Nothing new on the other fronts.
However we have gotten some more Christmas shopping done. I am so excited to get this stuff knocked out. We have my grandma, grandpa, niece, great-aunt and family, sister-in-law, and that's it left to go shopping for! Eee! For once we just might have all the shopping done before December even gets here. Wouldn't that be great? No last minute rushing around. Extra money for trimming the tree. Ahhh. I feel it now.