The Last Werewolf

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Hardcover, 293 pages
Published April 7th 2011 by Canongate Books Ltd.
more details...
ISBN1847679447 (ISBN13: 9781847679444) .

Synopsis
Here is a powerful, definitive new version of the werewolf legend—mesmerising and incredibly sexy. In Jake, Glen Duncan has given us a werewolf for the twenty-first century—a man whose deeds can only be described as monstrous but who is in some magical way deeply human.

One of the most original, audacious, and terrifying novels in years

Review
When I started this book I really didn't think I was gonna like it. And its certainly not for everyone. It does start out rather dry but the story gradually pulls you in and you can't help but want to know what is going to happen to Jake. This story takes place in the gray areas of right and wrong. We see life from the point of view of the werewolf and how life and fate has made him what he is. He kills out of necessity and his kind has been hunted to near extinction. The human hunters feel like they are justified in this as protection to mankind. But is hunting anything to extinction justified? Great white sharks are deadly to humans but should we kill them all?



This was a perfect Halloween read for me. Its full of horror and bloody gore with the perfect amount of bestial sex thrown in. If you like that kind of read you will like this one. If not, I would suggest you look elsewhere. I look forward to revisiting this one maybe next Halloween.



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Beauty

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis

This much-loved retelling of the classic French tale Beauty and the Beast elicits the familiar magical charm, but is more believable and complex than the traditional story. In this version, Beauty is not as beautiful as her older sisters, who are both lovely and kind. Here, in fact, Beauty has no confidence in her appearance but takes pride in her own intelligence, her love of learning and books, and her talent in riding. She is the most competent of the three sisters, which proves essential when they are forced to retire to the country because of their father's financial ruin.
The plot follows that of the renowned legend: Beauty selflessly agrees to inhabit the Beast's castle to spare her father's life. Beauty's gradual acceptance of the Beast and the couple's deepening trust and affection are amplified in novel form. Robin McKinley's writing has the flavor of another century, and Beauty heightens the authenticity as a reliable and competent narrator.

Review

Robin McKinley did an excellent job of retelling the story of beauty and the beast. The life of Beauty is brought to life and we see her as a strong young woman who is very optomistic and fearless despite the fact that she has low self esteem. She is faced with the choice of going to live with Beast in order to save the life of her father. She sees this as an opportunity and an adventure, almost as if it is fate calling her. She goes there unafraid and makes a life there even tho she misses her family. We all know the story of how she does grow to love the beast. Its a timeless tale that has been wonderfully told and brought to life. A great read for anyone who loves the retelling of fairy tales.



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The Witching Hour

Witching Hour by Anne Rice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis

In this engrossing and hypnotic tale of witchcraft and the occult spanning four centuries, we meet a great dynasty of witches--a family given to poetry and incest, to murder and philosophy, a family that over the ages is haunted by a powerful, dangerous and seductive being.

Review

I really liked this book altho I will admit that its certainly not for everyone. The length alone was intimidating (1038 pgs)

This book was the first in the trilogy of the Mayfair Witches. We are first introduced to Rowan who has no idea of the legacy that awaits her at the death of her birth mother of which she knows nothing. Michael, who Rowan saves from drowning, finds his fate intertwined with hers. We go on to learn all of the history of the Mayfairs thru the historians of the Talamasca. This history takes up the largest part of this book. Its really interesting to see how the family evolved and changed over time. We see evils committed not just from the demon Lasher but also those doing so in the name of God. In the name of God atrocities were committed by the burning of innocent women during the witch hunts of the inquisition. Carlotta also murdered and hurt many of innocent people all in Gods name.

After the culmination of the prophecy Michael is alone with his musings in his diary and there are quotes there that I thought summed up the book well.

"my reason tells me that such a system, in which anyone dictates our every move-be it a god, or a devil, or our subconscious mind, or our tyannical genes-is simply impossible. Life itself must be founded upon the infinite possibility for choice and accident. And if we cannot prove that it is, we muse believe that it is. We must believe that we can change, that we can control, that we can direct our own destinies."

"by free will, we can choose to do good on this earth, no matter that we all die, and do not know where we go when we die, or if a justice or eplanation awaits us. I believe that we can through our reason know what good is, and in the communion of men and women, in which the forgiveness of wrongs will always be more significant than the avenging of them, and that in the beautiful natural world that surrounds us, we represent the best and the finest of beings"

Overall I do believe that this is a read worth all the time an effort it took me to finish it. I was easily drawn into the story and certainly sympathized with Michael as well as other characters. If you want an interesting read and have the time this long read is definitely worth tackling.



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Thought I would introduce the newest family member. My granddaughter Ember Sky was born yestarday morning.

I, Lucifer

I, Lucifer: Finally, the Other Side of the Story by Glen Duncan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Synopsis
The Prince of Darkness has been given one last shot at redemption, provided he can live out a reasonably blameless life on earth. Highly sceptical, naturally, the Old Dealmaker negotiates a trial period - a summer holiday in a human body, with all the delights of the flesh.

The body, however, turns out to be that of Declan Gunn, a depressed writer living in Clerkenwell, interrupted in his bath mid-suicide. Ever the opportunist, and with his main scheme bubbling in the background, Luce takes the chance to tap out a few thoughts - to straighten the biblical record, to celebrate his favourite achievements, to let us know just what it's like being him.

Neither living nor explaining turns out to be as easy as it looks. Beset by distractions, miscalculations and all the natural shocks that flesh is heir to, the Father of Lies slowly begins to learn what it's like being us


Review

I loved this book, but I admit it is certainly not for everybody. It absolutely drips with satire.



In this book we hear Lucifer's side of the story about everything from his fall to what happened in the Garden of Eden and even about the crucifiction. If you are easily offended about religious matters then this is definitely not the book for you. However, for those of you who are not this is a fun read. It has humor, sadness, philosophy, and ways of looking at things that I had not thought about (and many that I had but would never say outloud). I'm glad I took the time to hear Lucifer's side of things because it was difinitely a wild ride.



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Fire and Ice

Fire and Ice, Five Worlds Series by Carrie Olguin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was certainly a steamy paranormal erotica, not recommended for anyone under 18. Sarica has the ability of cold and Rosche has the gift of heat and as their gifts battle so does their relationship. This is a book full of not only erotic action but a story set in other worlds as two people learn to give and take in love. Rosche, a nobleman, has to learn that love can't be demanded and Sarica has to come to understand that you don't choose who you fall in love with. A wonderful story with characters that make you understand their point of view. Anyone who loves paranormal romance will enjoy this one.



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The Inquisitor's Apprentice

The Inquisitor's Apprentice by Chris Moriarty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received my copy thru Firstread and I appreciate getting the opportunity to review it.

This was such a fun read! Sacha is a Jewish boy living in a New York where magic is the norm and he has discovered that he can see magic. Recruited by the police department that works against magical crime he finds himself embroiled in a mystery that could result in his demise or worse. This book is full of interesting characters, fun history and unusual sci-fiction. It definitely draws you in from the begining and keeps you hanging on every word. The ending definitely leaves room for a sequel and I certainly hope that there is one.



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Galileo's Daughter

Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by Dava Sobel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I appreciate Firstread for giving me the opportunity to review this novel.



I'm being generous round this rating up to 4 stars. I would more likely give this one 3.5 stars but because it was so well written I rounded up. This is a memoir of the life of not only Galileo's daughter but of Galileo himself. It actually told more about his life and his work than about that of his daughter. Both of his daughters were placed in convents at an early age. Maria Celeste was his favored child. She found her place there and was at home whereas Arcangela was withdrawn and there was no correspondence between her and her father. Maria Celeste usually included information about her sister when she wrote her father.



This book would appeal to anyone interested in this period of history. Its very easy to read, as it flows very well. And it contains so much information about the way of life during this time as well as the papal politics. It also covers Galileo's research and accomplishments as well as his personal history. We also learn about life in the convents at the time as Maria Celest was there from an early age. All in all a very interesting read, but as history is not my genra of choice, I'm not sorry I read this but not likely to revisit it.



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The Serpent's Tale

The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the second book in the Mistress of the Art of Death series. Once again Adelia is called in by the King to find out who is guilty of murder. She finds herself snowed in at a convent along with the murderer as well as the Queen of England and the bodies are stacking up. This murder mystery is full of twists and turns and alot of subtlty that is easily overlooked. And even tho this is the second book in this series it can be read without reading the first one as Adelia's history is explained along the way. Its easy to feel for Adelia as she has to do her work without anybody knowing lest she be called a witch and burned at the stake. All in all a very good read. Anybody that likes a good mystery will enjoy this one.



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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this book. I thought that it was such a fun read. It definitely started out really creepy at first and as the story progressed these mysteries unfolded in unusual ways. In most books with photos or artwork, the artwork/photos are used to enhance the story. In this book it felt as if the author had used the collection of old photos to weave the story. Admitedly, the peculiar children do have an x-men like quality to them but despite that they are very endearing and certainly keep things interesting. The ending left alot of unanswered questions. I hope the author decides to do a sequel because I would love to know how their adventure continued.



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