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Showing posts with label JR Ward. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JR Ward. Show all posts

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

{Review} The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13) by J.R Ward

24673995Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 31st, 2015
Finished Date: April 12th, 2015
Publishers: Pitakus
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 592
Two brothers bound by more than blood fight to change a brutal destiny in the heart-wrenching new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by Sunday Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.

Trez "Latimer" doesn't really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S'Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He's never had anyone he could totally rely on . . . except for his brother, iAm.

iAm's sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he's failed. It's not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez's life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it's too late. The pledge to mate the Queen's daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he's in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice . . .

The Review: It feels like it's been too long since a new Black Dagger Brotherhood book was released - well it was a year. That's too long! ;) 

When I first heard that Trez and iAm were getting their stories told I admit I wasn't as excited about them as much as I have been over the previous characters. I feel like I have a stronger connect to the Brotherhood more than the secondary characters, I have grown attached to Trez and iAm but still I didn’t see me enjoying their story as much as I did. So yes I had my doubts, I was still looking forward to what J.R Ward would bring to their story. And I’ve even yes, I've seen all the bad reviews. People hating this book definitely gave me even bigger doubts. So I decided to go into this book with no expectations and I honestly I really loved the book! Some people won't agree but for me, this was different from all the previous books. It was so much more unexpected, so much more unpredictable, and so much more emotional and clearly, I would have liked everyone to have a happy ending – and don’t let that put you off because JR writes this story true to the characters and in the end all the characters have the right ending – it did still have some sort of happy ending, a peaceful and hopeful one. I know this sounds a bit hypocritical but I’ll be honest, I may have a different outlook on this story if it had been one of my favourite characters in the same position Trez and Selena were and yes, maybe it was because Trez wasn’t a favourite character so I wasn’t as invested in his story as much, I don’t know but all I know is I really enjoyed The Shadows. 

Trez and iAm have definitely become stronger players in the Brotherhood's world and reading The Shadows proves how much they really are a part of the story now – they live at the compound and the Brothers accept them completely and wholly and will stand by them no matter what and respect them, and this goes both ways. Its shows how the Brotherhood is growing and opening up to new challenges and people and I for one am exciting to see what the next few books bring in regards to the Brotherhood growing and enrolling new people. 

The Shadows tell Trez and Selena’s story but it also tells iAm's and his girl - who I'm keeping quiet about. ;) And we also see more from Xcor, Layla, Rhage, Assail, and a new character, Paradise. It's always exciting to see who will feature in each book and it was good to see that JR focused more on the main characters rather than boring chapters from people that I’m certainly not interested in. This is why I enjoyed this book more. I felt she focused more on the people who mattered and so it definitely held my interest more. And Paradise as a new character was great. I’m intrigued to see what will happen next with her and her friend Peyton. I am a firm believer that this series needs new players, it needs new males and new females willing to fight. 

With each book that JR writes I’m always hopeful that she will finally reveal the John Matthew secret and unfortunately, it doesn’t come in this book. I was disappointed that we didn’t see much from John Matthew at all but I understand there’s so much going on. I’m praying this big secret is revealed soon. Please JR reveal it! It has to be soon. 

In all, this book may not have been a hit for some of you but for me, it was a win and if you didn’t already notice, I can’t wait to see what’s coming next! 

Thank you to Pitakus for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Thursday, 17 April 2014

A Review for The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by JR Ward

18427989Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 1st, 2014
Finished Date: April 6th, 2014
Publishers: Piatkus
Genre: Adult, Paranormal
Source: For Review
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 573
J.R. Ward's # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King… 

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

The Review: JR Ward has had me completely hooked on her Black Dagger Brotherhood series since I first started reading and now, with the release of book twelve, I’m still completely hooked. I’m glad this series is still going strong! I find myself craving for more the BDB series while I’m waiting for a new release and when I get it, that’s it…I’ve got to read it straight away.

I really loved The King, but there’s so much going on with so many different characters, sometimes it’s a little overwhelming. I really wish JR wouldn’t focus on so many characters at once because it’s easy to lose interest in parts of the story. But here are my thoughts on some of the characters.

Beth and Wrath; I’m so glad we got more of these two. The whole story started with these and I think it was a fantastic idea to go back to them. They’re story never gets old and The King brings so much more to their story. With Beth wanting a young and Wrath knows that’s not for him, it really was gut-wrenching to read their story at times throughout this book.  I was happy with the way things turned out though, what was a sad story turned into something beautiful and full of joy.

King Wrath and Anha; Wrath’s parents story was a great extra to the story. It was fantastic to see the King Wrath’s father was and how much he’d go to protect Anha. It was a beautiful story, but full of heartbreak.

Trez and Selena; I really enjoyed the chapters based on these two. I wasn’t expecting it but it was a pleasant surprise. With Trez being a Shadow trying to unravel his character was fantastic. You just didn’t know what to expect from him and Selena really bought out the good in Trez. He wants to turn his life around but doesn’t believe he’s worthy, especially since he’s tainted himself to stay away from his people. I liked these two together and I’m glad their story isn’t over.

John Matthew; For the past few books, I’ve felt like JR Ward has completely forgotten about John. If you’ve read the series then you already know that there is a secret that no-one knows about John –not even John knows – but I’m so ready for it to come out. Thankfully with The King it seems that it’s possibly on the verge of being revealed, if only someone could figure it out. I think Xhex maybe the best possible person to discover it, if only JR gave more time to John’s secret.

Assail and Sola; I had to think long and hard on these two. I enjoyed their story but I didn’t love it, nor did I see the point in it. Especially when this book is supposed to be about Beth and Wrath but I felt like more time was spent on them. I just didn’t care for their story and wish their parts had been about the rest of the brotherhood.

Xcor and Layla; Finally some progress with these two. I enjoy their scenes together but I’m left questioning so much after the agreement they came too. I honestly have no idea what will happen next. 

In all, there were some parts of the The King I didn’t like, but still, no matter what JR does, I still find myself completely mesmerized by the Brotherhood and I’m still dying for more. I’m excited to see what book thirteen will bring and with it being called The Shadow, I think I may just love it!

Thank you to Pitakus for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Monday, 15 July 2013

A Review for Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R Ward

Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11)Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 28th 2013
Finished Date: July 9th, 2013
Publishers:  Piatkus
Source: For Review
Format: Hardback 
Pages: 591
Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another.... 

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand. 

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

The Review: 4.5 Flowers! 

“You've always had me ... and my heart. My soul. Everything. I wish it hadn't taken this long for me to man up.” 

It's only been recently that I finally discovered the addictive world of the Brotherhood and each and every time I finish a book, I want more. Qhuinn and Blay have always been favourites of mine from the beginning, so I was more than excited for them to finally get their story. 

Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant to read their story too, mainly because this is my first adventure into a male/male relationship, but JR really blew me away with it. Everything was done tastefully and so very real and raw. It was beautiful and emotional and there was no holding back. Qhuinn and Blay's personalities really shone through-out all their moments and I loved every minute of it, even with all the angst. They really were given a fantastic story and I'm excited to see what comes next for them. At times I did want them to get their act together but, I think it's just added to the insensitivity of their story - every minute was so nail-biting. 

What I loved most was how Qhiunn, Blay and Layla's story were woven together. It's a strange relationship but it's works so well for them. I really am a fan of Layla's - I love how strong she is and she's really learning to stand on her own two feat. Watching Qhiunn and Layla's relationship play out is really a touching one - they've come together for one purpose, to have a young and I'm super excited to see what happens next.

With each book JR seems to introduce more and more side stories. This time we see the Layla, the Band of Brothers, Trez, Vassil and so many more, and while at times I do enjoy seeing what the others are up to, I just wish it wasn't so damn much. For nearly a 600 page story, Qhiunn and Blay's story is only half of that, so they don't get as much time in the spotlight as I would have liked. The problem is, the other characters stories tend to put a downer on the overall story, at times it's boring and very hard to concentrate on. Mainly because just as something happens with Qhiunn and Blay, JR will pull you away from them and start focusing on other people. I constantly have to force myself to read all the pages and not flick through. I know I'm not the only person who had this problem too and while I still loved the book, but only for Qhiunn, Blay, Layla, Xcor and Trez's stories, I wish JR wouldn't focus so much on the other characters so much. 

And of course, I wonder what will come for all of my lovable characters in the next book, The King. I'm worried! I can see big things happening and I'm pretty scared!! Eek! 

Even though I had problems with this book, my 4.5 star rating is based purely Qhuinn and Blay's story! If you were to ask me about the other part, I'd say a 2 star rating but it's 'just okay'. 

Friday, 3 May 2013

A Review for Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10) by JR Ward

Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #10)
Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 27th, 2012 
Finished Date: April 19th, 2013
Publishers: Piatkus Books
Source: For Review 
Format: Paperback
Pages: 572
In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. The city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Now back in the Brotherhood – and unrecognisable as the vampire leader he once was –Tohrment is physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair. When he begins to see his beloved in his dreams – trapped in a cold, isolating netherworld – Tohr turns to a self-serving fallen angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. When he's told he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed . . . 

Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King's throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past, and a very hot, passion-filled future . . . but can his heart let go and set all of them free? '

The Review: 4.5 Stars! 

“Tohr shook his head. "If you're going to get plastered, why can't you do it like areal man."
"I like the taste of fruit."
"You are what you drink."
The angel glanced up at the clock, "Shit. I missed Maury. But, I DVR'd Ellen.”

JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series has completely taken my life over. Since starting the series only a few weeks ago, I have literally devoured this series, and all I have left to read is  Lover at Last, until the long wait for The King starts.

In Lover Reborn we see Tohrment who was mated to a women he loved dearly, however when she's killed, he can't deal with it and takes off. He wallows in pity, heartbreak and loss, so when he finally returns to the Brotherhood, he's not the same person he once was. How do you cope after the death of your Shellan? Well, Tohr struggles and when No'One comes along, he finds he can confide in her because he knows there will be no sexual attraction between them. Both of them have been through hell but for some reason, they have a connection. One that goes deeper each and every time they spend more time together. I really loved Tohr and No'One's story. It was interesting and very gripping, at times it's frustrating but that's the beauty of JR Ward's writing, she writes real characters with faults and problems but makes them  become better and more open people. These are the type of characters that stick with me the most. I can think back on a series and think, WOW, I loved them. 

The plot to Lover Reborn really blew me away especially considering how disappointed I was with Lover Unleashed. It was one of the most anticipated instalments I've been waiting on, and at one point, I never thought it would happen. JR Ward didn't disappoint with Tohr's story and by the time I finished it, I was super happy. The plot thickens and thickens at every corner and even though, sometimes the multiple points of view can get annoying, I found this was one of my favourite books out of the series.What I enjoyed most of all was JR didn't forget my favourite couple, John Matthew and Xhex. I was so happy when I started reading and found their POV's, I'm glad, so glad, they made this book fantastic.

I'm excited to see what's to come next with Lover at Last. I'm dying to see what happens with Qhuinn and Blay after that ending and honestly, it's about time these boys got their own books. They've been fantastic to read about through the series and I know it won't disappoint. 

In all, JR ward is on fire with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and I just want more! 
 
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