Wednesday 12 October 2011

My Reviews: Spooktacular Paranormal Reading Challenge

Here's the review for my second book in Marie Landry's Spooktacular Paranormal Reading Challenge - The Bringer by Samantha Towle:

Book Blurb:


Death is sad, love is agony.

Max was her next job. She got his name just before he died and it was for her to lead his soul to heaven. She was a Bringer.

Then Max started pleading (as they often do), but not for himself, for his son, James.

Would she look after him, would she comfort him as he grieved for the loss of his father? James was a sensitive young man. He would take his father's death very hard.

Well, Bringers don't do that sort of thing; their exclusive role is to usher souls to heaven. They are not allowed to get involved in earthly affairs.

However, when she saw James, she felt something she had never felt before – an emotion, a shock.

She was a Bringer. Bringers do not have emotions.

Yet she couldn't help herself. She found herself being drawn inexorably towards James and his life, against every instinct she had ever had, against every law of the universe.

And she fell in love.

For a Bringer, that is a terrifying fall.



My Review: ***** 5 Stars!


The Bringer is a unique tale, initially from Lucyna's point of view. Lucyna is one of the 'beings' who, devoid of emotion, help humans on their journey to Heaven. But on a routine 'bring,' Lucyna's feelings awaken in the presence of the gorgeous James. Confused but curious, Lucyna starts to visit James regularly, until something happens which throws her existence into chaos.

Samantha Towle makes it easy for you to suspend disbelief and buy into her story, but just when you think you know what's going to happen, she throws in another twist to keep you on your toes.

A very entertaining read.


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As I've mentioned earlier, I'm taking part in Marie Landry's Spooktacular Paranormal Reading Challenge and I've just finished the first book - Hidden by Shalini Boland.


Book Blurb:

HIDDEN is a paranormal romance that spans the centuries from modern London to 19th century Paris and ancient Cappadocia.

Sixteen-year-old Madison Greene is in foster care until one day she inherits a fortune, she inherits a house, she inherits a cellar full of danger.

Eighteen-year-old Alexandre lives in 19th century Paris. On an archaeological expedition he discovers a lost underground city where his life changes forever.

For each of them, life is finally starting. Little do they know it is closer to ending. Something lies buried which should have been forgotten. A Pandora’s Box that was meant to stay shut. But Madison and Alexandre have never been any good at following the rules. They are about to find everything they’ve ever desired and everything that could destroy them.

Falling in love has never been so dangerous.

My Review: ***** 5 Stars!

This book is a must-read. Bringing together the worlds of gorgeous Alexandre from the late nineteenth century, and Madison Greene, a feisty modern day girl, Hidden is a fresh take on the vampire theme.

When Alexandre and his family visit Cappadocia, they find much more than they bargained for. When Madison inherits the beautiful Marchwood House, she unlocks a chilling secret that has been hidden in the cellar for over a hundred years.

Shalini Boland is a talented story-teller. Her voice draws you in, and her scene-setting brings the book alive. There are plenty of heart-thumping moments, like when Alexandre is exploring the cavern; I couldn’t read quick enough to find out what happened next.

Hidden is one of those books that you really don’t want to finish, but now I’ve seen it’s the first book in a trilogy, I can’t wait for the next one.



2 comments:

Laila Knight said...

Sounds like an exciting book. Reminds me of that movie, Time Line. I do love anything supernatural though. Have a great day! :)

Amanda Leigh Cowley said...

@Laila - welcome back :o) It really is a good read - I recommend it. Am glad you managed to leave a comment, others have been having problems :o/ Hopefully the glitch is sorted now!