FIREBRAND SERIES by ELISABETH NAUGHTON

Three djinn warriors. One power-hungry sorceress. The battle for good and evil has taken a whole new turn...

BOUND TO SEDUCTION (Book 1):

Careful what you wish for...

Sentenced as a pleasure slave, Djinn Prince Tariq of the Marid tribe has but one duty: travel into the human realm and corrupt souls by granting wishes to the women who possess the Firebrand opal, a gemstone of magical power. Ten years of imprisonment have left Tariq bitter, but to save his brothers' lives, he'll submit to his endless personal hell, even if it means giving up his own hope for freedom.

When Mira Dawson obtains the Firebrand opal, she's sure the rumors about its magical qualities must be fiction. Until, that is, she touches the stone and a dark and dangerous warrior appears in her living room, offering to pleasure her beyond her wildest dreams. Soon, fantasy becomes a temptation she can't deny. The only question left is...will the pleasure be worth the price? Because as Mira's been warned, nothing...not even fantasies...are free.


SLAVE TO PASSION (Book 2):

Kill them all...

Enslaved by his enemies and forced to fight in the pits of Jahannam for their depraved entertainment, Nasir, the once-proud Marid warrior and djinn prince, has become a killer. One celebrated and feared at the same time. Even he doesn't remember who he used to be, nor does he care, until hope enters his cell in the form of an alluring woman who may be the key to his salvation.

This is not my life...

Sold into slavery, Kavin must prove her worth. If she can survive one night in the arms of a killer, her life will be one of luxury--albeit as a concubine, forced to serve her lascivious master. Sickened by the thought, she knows it's better than death, and where she once dreamed of freedom, now all she wants is to stay alive. But when the gladiator refuses to touch her, her only hope for survival is seduction.


POSSESSED BY DESIRE (Book 3):

Even desire comes at a price...

Imprisonment has taught Ashur, the youngest djinn prince enslaved by a power-hungry sorceress, one thing: life as a pleasure slave has its rewards...if you play by the rules. He's been tortured. He's nearly died protecting a tribe that's forsaken him. But he's also seen life on the other side as an obedient slave. For a shot at revenge against the brothers who abandoned him, he's willing to serve his master, even if it means using passion to corrupt the souls she needs to fuel her immortality. His first assignment, however, turns out to be more than just a woman in need of a little pleasure. Claire is an angel, and angels have the ability to steal djinn powers. No amount of vengeance--not even a ravenous desire he can't seem to control--is worth the loss of his powers. And there's no way he's tangling with a celestial being.

Unless, of course, she tangles with him first...


*This series, as with most of Elisabeth Naughton books, is an adult paranormal romance basically R-18 read. It revolves around a story of three djinn brothers -like genies- who is from another realm outside the "human realm" and has powers. They fulfill your most sensual desire and pleasure, whatever your wish they command. And under an evil sorceress, it will always be bad. But a right girl will always save even a damaged man, right? - of course, there will always be a girl.

What i love about the series is that the story line is very thought of - really above my expectation. The writing is very good, a good mixed of romance, suspense, humor, and passion. This is an adult read so expect some sex scene - the scene here is not too much but detailed and it does not overwhelm or overshadow the story. Sometimes can be very sensual but sweet. The shifting point of view is also done well, you will understand what's really within this realm they live in because it is not self-centered in a way and everyone had their moments.

Usually, in a series, it is always the first that will live a mark but this one mine is the second. I love all the books but my favorite is the second book, the story of the second brother Nasir.

The cover is a bit naughty, or much? Yes, it can be naughty but this is worth the read - guaranteed.


-I'm still reading the Eternal Guardians series also by the same author and it is even better, i will write on it when i'm finished with all six books.

Book Review:Tommy Nightmare (Jenny Pox #2)

This is the book two of Jenny Pox series and the story continues in the aftermath of the finale of book one (click here) - i say finale because i swear, this book has a TV series potential. At this point, im really not sure what Jenny, Seth and the others are. They always used "our kind" or "like us", no definite name but this series was sometimes labeled as The Paranormals - though, the name was never mentioned yet in the books. All i know is that they are an ancient soul or being that reincarnates, their powers only manifest when they are in a human body and they have no memory of past lives due to the process of reincarnation until the moment of death where the memory of past lives comes before them.
First of, we are introduced to gray-eyed Tommy with the touch of fear which obviously is the opposite of that mean gray-eyed Asleigh. He will then look for Asleigh who he seen on TV appearance from the first book, with the help of Esmeralda who can listen to the dead and that will lead them to Fallen Oak. And then there was Dr. Heather, an epidemiologist, who will investigate the happenings in Fallen oak (i dont to divulge anymore details which might spoil the element of surprise) that will lead back to Seth and Jenny. Seth and Jenny is not really safe, they have deal again with dangerous people to survive both their safety and their love.

I don't really like Tommy, he was kind of not a good person and dumb which basicaly is what the author wants him to be perceived but i dont get the significance of such character. Well, my guess is to conveniently give way to other meaner person. I like Dr. Heather who has an open and strong mind but her character is a bit contradicting to what i perceived a "man of science" to be, suspecting supernatural stuff.

The building up of events and characters are well done. There are still and i would say, more alternating perspective, more persons point of view even a minor character. The end was great, giving us a glimpse of the third book Alexander Death which is intriguing, both his past live and present.

Book Review: Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan

This book was underrated when it came out, so i was hesitant to read it at first but now finally i did. I wouldn't recommend it for young teens, though there is no extensive and explicit theme of sexuality but few parts involving sexuality, i would say, are graphic.

It's about a girl named Jenny "Pox" Morton in Fallen Oak, South Carolina who can spread a disease/plague - with all the blisters, skin tear, ooze, blood, fuss, you name it - like a virus with just a touch, any part of her skin. Her mother was the first one infected while giving birth to her and the doctors, so she was raised alone by her father and his number rule "don't touch anybody" - that kind of rough specially for a young girl. She manage to go to school by wearing gloves, long sleeve and avoiding everybody but there will always be a mean girl by the name of Asleigh Goodling, like really mean, its ironic for her surname to be Goodling and a preacher's daughter but wielded a dangerous power of her own. And of course, there will always be the one who Jenny can touch - how good is that if she can't touch anybody - that goes by the name of Seth Barret. Seth was Jenny's opposite - well, you can guess what her opposite can do- he is handsome and rich, like every townfolks owed their family because of their bank. As the author described - Jenny is a pretty girl herself, actually she looked like the girl in the cover. Seth is also the boyfriend of Asleigh but Seth and Jenny had something blooming and beautiful relationship of their own, so they have one very pissed ex-girlfriend but they have to focus on a more dangerous problem which might require using her "Jenny Pox" to survive.

Jenny is one tough girl, enduring all the bullying in school and being alone with her pottery at home as her hobby and part time income. And of course, rocky the three-legged dog who will play a very important role. She stays committed to what her father thought her and not hurting anybody with that dangerous power or curse as she might call it.

The author uses many and fast shifting point of view but mainly focus on Jenny and Asleigh. The shifting perspective is like watching a TV Series, i don't mind but sometimes its confusing like when i was in engrossed Jenny's perspective and then it will shift. I can't decide if this novel is unpredictable or just has a broad concept or storyline because at first, i dont know where the story is going - there is so much stuff going on and there's so many characters. However, in the last part, you will discover the main story.

This is not an easy and light read, this is tough but a good one. Anybody who love paranormal, suspense and a hint of romance will like this. I think this is a trilogy so watch out for Tommy's Nightmare and Alexander Death, i'm sure you can guess what the others' power are.

Book Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom…. (source: Amazon)

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What i like about this book was it was kind of original or maybe not but the idea is great. One would think that a story with language barriers, not just with words but also in tone, would be hard to execute but Derting did it properly - i wonder if this become a movie, because its becoming a trend, how are they gonna go with that. I like the alternating perspective or point of view when its done properly and Derting did a good job. The prologue is very strong and there are subtle moments in the book, it's like when you came to an understanding later in the book and you're like "how could i miss it, it was mentioned earlier."

Charlie is very tough for a teenager having that ability and hid it while living in the society they are in. She is also amazingly smart, makes the right decision at the right time and makes poor decision at the right - ha! that's confusing, right? Then there was Max, there was so much mention of his eyes, they have a love at first sight romance then build a little and then bloom quickly. The story does not really focus on the romance but there was enough of it, which is good because this is a dystopian/fantasy novel and too much romance would spoil a great concept.

I like all the characters, i think all the characters are important, there is no one put there just to annoy you and just add up to make a 500 page book.  I specially like Charlie's sister Angelina, the relationship between them is so pure and touching. Xander intrigues me, i hope to know more of him in the next book.

I really like this book and looking forward for the next one. The ending is complete and can be a stand alone novel, there are vague details at the end but i guess that's to build up the next book and there are new questions left on the reader's mind but most old questions are answered.

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This book is being compared to Hunger Games and X-Men. Hunger Games? definitely not. X-Men? Maybe.

Julliete is a 17 year old girl who has an ability to inflict pain, even death, to a person with just a touch. She accidently killed a boy when she was 14 years old, that put her into asylum. For 264 days, she's been in isolation with no human interaction. Until day 265, when a boy was brought to be her cellmate, a boy whom she knew from the past she tried hard to forget.

I like the writing on the first part of the book, it is written in Juliette's stream of consciousness. She's isolated for 264 days, without using words, the conversation is in her mind with herself to avoid insanity. The author makes Juliette's flow of thoughts very entertaining. As the story progress - oh well, i think the story progress slowly, actions came just at the last part. Juliette has two love interest in my opinion, and i wonder if this is a dystopian or a romance novel because the dystopic element falls short - i hope it develops in book two. Anyways, i like Adam (this has become a very popular name for a male lead, i get confuse sometimes) but i think he is a little too good to be true and the obstacle they are facing is a little too conveniently overcome. I also like Kenji, brings funny moments, i hope to see more of him in the next book.

As any dystopian novel, they are living in a world of chaos but i think the author did not vividly described it. This book focus mostly on the romance but the there is potential, it's there but not really developed. The author leaves interesting plots and characters at the end that will keep you waiting for the next one. I just hope she's not reeling into another X-Men series because i feel that the story is so going there - fingers crossed.

Book Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington



Clarity "Clare" Fern comes from a long line of psychics. She receives a vision from objects she touches, her mother's a telepath and her brother's a medium. They run a "psychic readings" business in a tourist town of Easport in Cape Cod. Clare is nursing a broken heart from the Mayor's son when the murder of a tourist girl happens and so is the arrival of a Detective from New York and his gorgeous son. And so the mystery begins...

I like Clare, the author created a sensitive, strong and funny protagonist. Clare is such a normal teenager with a paranormal abilitites. She reacts to things, from her family to her crush and to her ex-boyfriend, like a normal girl. Although, i would say that her reactions to her ex-boyfriend cheating - once and unaware - is over the top, her ability would be really hard for her lovelife haha.

The story moves at a quick pace- solving the mystery, catching the killer, protecting family and conflicting issues of the heart is interweave in the story beautifully - no dull moments. But i would say that the author is reeling more to the suspense side of the story that there are so many suspect that she tries to inflict on the mind of the readers. I was like, he's the killer.. oh he's not he is... oh he's not again... and i was like, c'mon obviously they're decoys. You'll never know till the end but you can already guess before it happens, even before Clare realizes it. The two love interest, Gabriel the detective's son and Justin the Mayor's son, both are not perfect but with different qualities and apparently with different motive which will be explore in the sequel "Perception". Im rooting for Justin.

The book is a easy, enjoyable, quick read. I will be waiting for the next book.

Book Review: IF I Stay & Where She Went

Many of you might already have heard of this book co'z this is much talked about release when it came out. I've read this book one after the other in like, three days.

If I stay is the first book by Gayle Forman. The story of a girl named Mia, who is very talented in cello, basically they are a family of music. Her boyfriend Adam, who is a rising rock star and who loves her - yeah, she has a good life. The opening of the book was light where we are introduced of the relationship of Mia and her parents and younger brother Teddy. Also the importance of music that connects them. And then suddenly the story shifts tragically when the car accident happens that took her family and left her barely alive. It's like you are given a candy and took it again on your first lick. The story evolves at Mia's point of view while she watches her wreck body in the hospital, yes she has this astral projection or something like that where she watches what's happening outside her body. The story was told mostly on flashbacks, now and then back every chapter, i get confuse sometimes of what's happening but that's needed to understand Mia more and her family - the struggle, depression, courage and acceptance- and what she has to loose if she stay or go. It's her the decision if she will stay but Adam has an important part in the end - actually she already decided but then Adam did, ooops and there goes book two. I would say that it's a good book, i could not put it down - but something is missing, i can feel the loss of Mia's family, of Adam, of Kim her bestfriend but not of Mia considering she has lost her family.

Where She Went is the book two of If I Stay. The story is told on Adam's point of view after three years since the accident. What happens after Mia open her eyes in the hospital was told somewhere in the book but not the beginning because the story revolves on Adam's life after the accident, the struggle and depression after Mia left for Julliard in New York. Most of the story was in the span of like 2 days. Honestly. i like this book more than the first one, i cried a river with just a simple words spoken by both of Adam and Mia. This book is the closure for the story and for both of them.

GAME OF THRONES on HBO

A Game of Thrones is the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire, a series of epic fantasy novels by American author George R. R. Martin.

Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens.

The Dothraki, an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; Viserys Targaryen, a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister, Daenarys, to win back his throne; and a determined woman undertakes the most treacherous of journeys. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

First of all, this adaptation is superb if not perfect of course. There are some modifications or additions but not deviations, so far they stay true to the books. I think the modifications was for the cinematic value because this is a new series which has a limited budget which also affects the fight scences ( i hope they give us more on season two coz season one has such a high rating). I hope also that they add more episodes, well this is a specialty TV it has lesser episodes than Network TV.

As for the characters...

Sean Bean as Ned Stark is very effective like when that important moment happens (no spoiler), the effect is profound, The starks children are good except for Bran (but thats just me), most of the children are hard on the jaw line but Bran is kind of soft for me. Kit Hartington for John Snow is not who i imagined while reading the books ( but Kit is hot...so its ok haha). Their mother Catelyn, i imagined her as beautiful, loving but strong (i didnt say the actress is ugly but i prefer a more distinct beauty, anyway she's been fought over by two strong man, make it three).

The Lannisters is spot on specially Peter Drinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Peter could have won an emmy for that role. I have a hard time accepting the actor cast as King Robert Baratheon, im not really digging him (sorry).

Emilia Clarke is a fine choice for Daenarys Targaryen, she may not be that young for the role but Daenerys is one of the characters whose development and maturity is very fast. If they'd go for a young actor, she may not be a believable queen material.

And I like Jason Momoa for Khal Drogo, very hot and very strong indeed. He's born to be Khal Drogo ( i just wish Khal Drogo is.... ok no spoilers... sigh)

Overall, the casting is superb. I like how the dialogues came out from the books, the attention to details and they stay true to the books ( they better do because if they dont, they will ruin a very good book). This is one of the book adaptation that you have almost nothing to complain ( just improve on the CGI coz this is fantasy genre), more like Lord of the Rings.

Im attaching the trailer...enjoy!

GAME OF THRONES...Song of Ice and Fire Book 1

"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground."

In a world where the approaching winter will last four decades, kings and queens, knights and renegades struggle for control of a throne. Some fight with sword and mace, others with magic and poison. Beyond the Wall to the north, meanwhile, the Others are preparing their army of the dead to march south as the warmth of summer drains from the land. 

I like fantasy genre so AGOT was usually discussed on forums and reviews for the genre but i started to read it when i heard that they're going to make a TV series ( i love book adaptations). I'd say A Game of thrones or the Song of Ice and Fire Series will come to comparison to other fantasy book like The Lord of the Rings and Wheel of Time but id say they are different on their own (that goes for LOTR, i haven't read Wheel of time yet). 

A Game of Thrones is a story of the Seven Kingdoms and the powerful families ruling it, struggling to control the Iron Throne by treachery, violence, greed and war - there's also romance somewhere there. What i love about GRR Martin is that he is very brutal, straightforward and very brave author i might say. He tells a story in a point of view of characters i love and also those i hate- that i think is great, coz i might understand the character and also the story more. There is no main characters, all the characters is part of the story and essential to the story. I say GRR is very brutal because he is so good that he let us love this character and then kick us in the ass by killing the character but still love him because i realized it is the right path to take for the character and the story and it is very human and realistic. Once you started to read there is no putting it down. 

This is not a read for the young ones but if you have an open mind go ahead and grab it. 

The TV adaptation outstanding (it's like the pages coming out on TV... almost) ...i will talk about it later.