Book Review: A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

Title: A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #2)
Author: Kresley Cole
Published: March 28, 2006 by Pocket Star
Format: Paperback, 384 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance

A mythic warrior who'll stop at nothing to possess her . . .

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he's waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy . . .

Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents -- until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae -- and their notorious dark desires -- ebbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

An all-consuming desire . . .

Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?

Warning picture spoilers (sort of)

What I Liked: A tortured alpha werewolf male, a half breed valkyrie/vampire heroine that's growing into her own, two species that are enemies brought together by destiny, Paris, Scotland, New Orleans, what's not to love? Lachlain is uber alpha but he has his tender moments once he gets his act together. Even though Emma is a little spineless and lacks self-esteem at the beginning, her commentary and thoughts are quite funny. And I love the valkyries Nucking Futs Nix and Regin whenever they make an appearance. I swear I read this book over 10 times since it was my go to book for procrastinating while studying for exams. Oh, I forgot to mention, the sex is HOT!
 

  I didn't bother drawing the cityscape background this week since drawing a full human body shot and a fancy balcony took too long. Click to enlarge

 Here's the original drawing, which is quite plain. In case you're curious, beginning of Chapter 4 or page 44

What I Disliked: I was hoping for a longer appearance of Demestriu, but what content there is of him is still good.

Rating: 5/5 
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I didn't review a recently released book this week since the ones I've read weren't inspiring whatsoever. Well that's not completely true since I read Gail Carringer's Heartless and that was pretty awesome. However, she has a graphic novel coming out for her series, so it's pointless for me to draw it. I think my human drawings are getting too realistic, I may revert back to animation/cartoon versions since they take less time. My eyes still hurt from staring at the screen all day while having to constantly zoom in and out so the proportions and overall appearance of "Emma" didn't look too awkward. Full body shots suck and apparently blond hair is also a pain to draw. You can tell I got lazy on the nighty and back rails.

Book Review: A Lady's Lesson In Scandal by Meredith Duran

Title: A Lady's Lesson In Scandal
Author: Meredith Duran
Published: June 28, 2011 by Pocket Star
Format: Paperback, 400 pages
Genre: Historical Romance

IN GRITTY, WORKING-CLASS LONDON, SHE DOES WHAT SHE MUST TO SURVIVE . . . 

When Nell Whitby breaks into an earl’s house on a midnight quest for revenge, she finds her pistol pointed at the wrong man—one handsome as sin and naked as the day he was born. Pity he’s a lunatic. He thinks her a missing heiress, but more to the point, he’ll help her escape the slums and right a grave injustice. Not a bad bargain. All she has to do is marry him. 

A NOTORIOUS LADIES’ MAN COULD TAKE HER FROM POVERTY TO OPULENCE . . . BUT AT WHAT PRICE?
 
A rake of the first order, Simon St. Maur spent his restless youth burning every bridge he crossed. When he inherits an earldom without a single penny attached to it, he sees a chance to start over—provided he can find an heiress to fund his efforts. But his wicked reputation means courtship will be difficult—until fate sends him the most notorious missing heiress in history. All he needs now is to make her into a lady and keep himself from making the only mistake that could ruin everything: falling in love.

Warning picture spoilers (sort of)

What I Liked: It somewhat has a similar plot line to the Anastasia animation where the female protagonist grows up in poverty and then finds out she is really an heiress. The makeover and various lessons then proceeds. But of course, unlike Anastasia, there's adult content in it and no singing, but there is music :). In addition to the the plot, I liked how Meredith Duran did  not romanticize poverty like some authors tend to do with historical romances. Duran clearly described the differences between the social classes. The main heroine, Nell Whitby (aka Cornelia Aubyn), grew up in poverty and Duran has her flaunt it throughout the book. Nell doesn't regret the way she had to live to survive since she knows it could have been a lot worse. She's tough, prideful, daring, and witty which made the dialogues between herself and the male protagonist, Simon, quite entertaining. Simon was charming and was very rarely an arrogant ass. I actually liked him more than most male protagonists because he didn't run away from the things he wanted. Overall, I very much enjoyed the interactions between the two characters.

It looks more like Film Noir than Victorian :D

What I Disliked: I felt like the story needed an epilogue since the last chapter seemed somewhat rushed.  

Rating: 4.7/5
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From now on I won't be drawing a disliked photo unless there's a real scene I disliked in the book, which will be rare since I only review books that I like.

Book Review: Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh

Title: Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling #10)
Author: Nalini Singh
Published: May 31, 2011 by Berkley
Format: Hardcover, 432 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
 
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh's exhilarating world of shapeshifters and psychics is "paranormal romance at its best" (Publishers Weekly). Now comes the story of an alpha wolf named Hawke used to getting exactly what he wants--and of the only woman who dares tangle with him.

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would've been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other's secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight.

Warning picture spoilers (sort of)

What I Liked: Sienna and Hawke's story was a very satisfying read. I've been wondering about the background history of the two characters since the first book of the Psy-changeling series and we finally got it! I loved how Hawke became more playful when he started pursuing Sienna, since the book would have been slow if he was all gruff and moody throughout the whole thing. I also liked how Sienna was never portrayed as a push over in actions, thoughts, or words when facing Hawke since some past heroines were with their mates. As usual, Nalini Singh didn't focus solely on one couple. To my utter enjoyment, the progress of Sascha and Luc's relationship continued to be followed. As a bonus, the relationship hinted at in the last book between Walker and Lara was also explored. However, the thing I appreciated most about this book and previous books is that Nalini Singh moved the story along and the reader can tell the clash/war with the Psys is ever closer.

 Hawke hunting prey, aka Sienna

My human interpretation of Sienna and Hawke.

 The background sheet music is "The Moment" by Kenny G

What I Disliked: There's really nothing I particularly disliked. Though I initially thought that Nalini Singh would write more about Risa since she was so important to Hawke. I guess that would have dragged the story so it's not a big loss. I guess I wasn't too ecstatic about the Hawke and Rosalie thing, but in a way it's understandable.  

Rating: 5/5
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I discovered the watercolor brush on Window 7's Paint! Backgrounds are so much easier to do and are prettier looking now. For the most part, the colors blend more smoothly on the simpler things. :)

Book Review: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5)

Author: Ilona Andrews

Published: May 31, 2011 by Ace

Format: Paperback, 320 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price.

Warning Picture Spoilers (sort of) 

What I Liked: As usual, loved the snarky and witty dialogue. The action/fighting scenes were great. I'm glad that Kate has acquired (though somewhat forcefully) her own little motley crew to drag around and do her bidding. It was nice learning more about the people of Kate's past even though it was depressing at times. Most of all, I enjoyed the introduction to a slew of new characters! I'm sure they will continue to turn Kate's world upside down.

Sorry Kate Daniels fans, I didn't color Curran gray nor did I give Mahon armor
As usual, click to enlarge. It looks more impressive that way. :)

What I Disliked: Don't know why, but I felt like the beginning was a little slow. Kate also seemed slightly more angsty than usual, which is understandable given her circumstances; however, it still didn't sit well for me sometimes. Also, I wish the fight scene with the bridge troll was written into the story instead of just mentioned in passing. 

 I'm vertically challenged in reality, but not that vertically challenged! :)

Rating: 4.8/5
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So now you know what I've been slaving away at since last Saturday night until very early Wednesday! I had the hardest time drawing a lion on the computer! The fact that the lion was roaring made it more difficult since it elongates the face and I wasn't sure what should be showing inside the mouth. Then there was the mane of hair that was originally a giant round puff like an afro or black cotton candy. I'm still not quite satisfied with it, but I got tired of tweaking him. The lion aside, drawing the calydonian boars were great fun! Pumbaa never looked so fierce! :)

Book Review: Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley

Title: Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Published: July 6, 2010 by Berkley
Format: Paperback, 336 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
 
Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized London by leaving her husband, notorious artist Lord Mac Mackenzie, after only three turbulent years of marriage. But Mac has a few tricks to get the Lady back in his life, and more importantly, back into his bed.



Warning Picture Spoilers (sort of)



 
What I Liked: It was fun reading about the "tortured" hero, Mac, trying to court his own wife back into his life. I also liked the fact that Isabella did not back down from his games and shy away like a little miss. Learning about the details on how the couple met and the circumstances that led to their separation was also a plus. Finally, I appreciated how Jennifer Ashley incorporated appearances from past characters, Beth, Ian, Cam, Hart, Daniel, and Inspector Fellows.

(Sorry Mackenzie fans, I couldn't figure out the Mackenzie plaid colors other then yellow so I didn't draw a kilt)

What I Disliked: A few of the metaphors made me wince here and there since the items used as comparison in the figurative speech did not exist during that time period. The most jarring one for me has to be when the author wrote
 
He and Isabella, who’d thus far been two wary satellites circling each other, were now part of a solid threesome.
 
I don't believe Mac would have been comparing anything to a satellite seeing how they did not exist until the 1950's. I also didn't find the orphaned child coming into their lives necessary since her appearance didn't make that much of a difference in the overall plot. Lastly, it was unsubtle in the way the author introduced the hero and heroine she has set-up for her next book. In fact, I found it very cliched.

 (Mac just looks like a bad LEGO drag queen here (-_-) )

Rating: 4/5
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Whew...that took awhile to draw. I think I focused too much on the background for the first picture. Kind of the opposite of what I did for my previous "reviews". I figured they're aristocrats so I had to make it grand! I'll likely use that background again in the future for historical romances since most of them take place in some aristo's home.

Here's a little fun fact: The Isabella I drew was modeled after one of my old 5th grade drawings I did of Martha Washington. Of course since the style of dress was different in the mid 1700's compared to the late 1800's I had to tweak the ballroom dress to match the time period and the limited description given by the author. I actually fudged that up as well since I looked up 1890's fashion instead of 1880's. Oh well, we can't all be perfect.

After this drawing, I'm seriously thinking about investing in Photoshop since MS Paint is a pain to work with. Then again, I'm doing this for fun and seeing what I can do with Paint. Oh, the simple troubles of one who has too much time to spare.

Book Review: Hexed by Ilona Andrews et. al.

Title: Hexed

Author: Ilona Andrews et. al.

Published: June 7, 2011 by Berkley

Format: Paperback, 336 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Four of the bestselling names in romance and fantasy come together in this collection of thrilling novellas featuring powerful women who know how to handle a hex or two...

New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews spins "Magic Dreams." Shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau finds herself in deep waters when she must challenge a dark being to a battle of wits or risk losing the man for whom she secretly longs.

Warning Picture Spoilers (sort of)

What I Liked: Dali's crazy family and her cross eyed tiger-shifter self.

                                 (Note: If you save the picture above, Dali is much more detailed when you zoom in)

What I Disliked: It ended too soon!

Rating for Magic Dreams: 4.8/5
Overall Rating for Hexed: 3.5/5

Book Review: Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance

Title: Hunt the Moon (Cassandra Palmer #5)

Author: Karen Chance

Published: June 7, 2011 by Signet Select

Format: Paperback, 432 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Cassandra Palmer recently defeated a god, which you'd think would buy a girl a little time off. But it doesn't work that way when your job description is Pythia-the world's chief clairvoyant. Cassie is busier than ever, trying to learn about her power, preparing for her upcoming coronation, and figuring out her relationship with the enigmatic sexy master vampire, Mircea. 

But someone doesn't want Cassie to become Pythia, and is willing to go to any lengths to make sure the coronation ceremony never happens- including attacking her mother before Cassie is even born.

 Warning Picture Spoilers (sort of)


What I Liked: Almost constant action...poor Cassie!

What I Disliked: Mircea being an a'hole with his power games

                                                 (They sort of look like LEGO people)
Rating: 5/5 
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Yes, I know they're not entirely accurate. It's just the gist of the scene. And yes, I drew both pictures myself using only MS Paint. Got lazy on the second one though. heh. A reminder to myself, do not use the Netbook to do the next book review, it will take way longer than necessary.