I read this book some time ago, but it's mark is indelible. To this day it's message speaks to me, and it's symbolism finds it's way into my dream. A must read for all lovers of books, and all women especially.

Full of piss and vinegar, the drawn out bit in the middle is more than made up for by the stunning revelations I didn't even remember I was ignorant of. With action and death happening in the least expected places, Martin does not fail to deliver amazement, wit, and a thirst for more. Keep them coming, Mr. Martin!

I read this because I couldn't wait for season 2 of the television series to come out. Martin delivers countless quotable lines, heart wrench plot twists and continuously makes you question who you really want to win.

There's no way to predict this author, and I wouldn't have it any other way. With keen insight into the human mind and the nature of hunger, war, and famine, Martin makes the magical and fantastic as real as stones beneath our feet. Never before has ye olde world of sword and magic been so intimate and horrible.

Martin balances the horrors of royal life and poverty alike by giving us the chance to feel amusement at his character's wit, shock at their discoveries, and joy and pride at their triumphs.

The ending had me feeling like I'd just taken the longest, most insane, thrilling and rewarding roller-coaster of my life. This series is a must read!

I love the Song of Ice and Fire collection so much, and "A Feast for Crows" delivers.

Gritty, fiendish, smart and deadly as ever, this volume had me in shock and terror, laughing and on the verge of tears, countless time. Martin has a gift for plot twists I've never seen before, and his daring to murder his darlings has me on the edge of my seat every time I turn a page. But even with Feast, whose body count is larger than any other book in the series so far, Martin finds a way to keep us going. Martin shows us that there is life after death, even when the brave knight falls and the lady is unjustly torn down. He shows us that indeed there are things worse than death.

It should be noted that an afterward by Martin explains this novel to be one half of a project that grew too big to be published at a single time, and that some character's stories during this time are told in Dance of Dragons, book five. Do not fault him for it! Every page from Martin in this volume is a treasure, from the way a Queen steps to avoid the filth of the septum's floor, or the moment the Maid of Tarth stops to speak to an Imp on her mission to keep another knight's oath.

Martin keeps us guessing, and when the light finally flashes, it's blindingly bright, stunning and full of adrenaline. There's no reason to wait for the show! Go and read this series now!

A mind blowing psychological thriller. Light is a young honor student about to get into college. One day he finds a notebook which allows him to kill anyone, just by knowing their real name and what they look like, and writing it down. He decides to use it to kill criminals, and make the world a better place. L is the brilliant detective trying to ferret him out, a difficult task since he can kill from across the globe. Together, the two engage in a an epic battle of wits, using celebrities, the media, the police, major cooperations and even the government as chess pieces in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Will Light discover L's true identity before L can figure out who Kira (Light's alias) is for sure, or will it be the other way around?

So far, this series is incredible(I'm on volume seven). The strategies involved are complex and impressive. The main characters are both so likable it's hard to say who I'm really rooting for! Everything has a reason and plays a role in this thriller, and the rules become crucial elements in the deadly game. It's not at all as stupid or gimmicky as I imagined. This is one of the most original and impressive titles I've read!

Go out and read it NOW!

Really great art and an interesting story. I love all the comedy and friendships. A fun read. Imho, the mailman steals the show, the whole way through. *swoon*.

Okay...I'm sort of giving up here. The story is getting to be annoying, and Zoey doesn't seem to be learning much (she's just as judgmental, hypocritical and indecisive as ever). The fact that this is going to be drawn out for a full twelve books is crazy (and devious. Do you people realize how much this series will cost to own? These things cost almost the same as paperbacks as Breaking Dawn did in hardcover, AND Breaking Dawn was four times as thick). Plus, the author introduces the first hispanic and black characters, and they are hopeless stereotypes. Not mean stereotypes (well, the way she characterizes the black girl's speech can be considered mean) but offensive none the less. Ugh.

This is a review for the series.

The story is about a young girl who gets sacrificed to a god, who appears to be a small boy! But what's worse is that he's really in love with someone else, looking for the reincarnation of his dead bride...what will happen when he realizes she's not the woman he considers his soul-mate?!

This series is the first Manhwa I've read, and it is REALLY beautiful! The story is great, though there seem to be a lot of loose threads here and there. Other than that, I really enjoyed it.

This book offers a change of pace from your average human girl falls for vampire boy type story. While not being perfect, I thought it was a BIG step up from many of the YA vampire books so recently popular. The vampires are things you would never envy, like the old horror vampires of last century, and in fact, the idea that vampires have lost their bite (yes, pun intended) is one of the most common complaints of people today. Well, these guys are definitely evil!

The fighting is a little weak, and the author rushes over what could have been moments of hilarity while dealing with Lenah's adjustment to being a human again- puking up food and stumbling over questions when being grilled by Justin's mom are a few that come to mind.

But the way she characterizes vampires- as being crushed by pain and suffering alleviated only by inflicting it on others- is riveting, and hearkens back to what made people fall in love with vampires in the first place. I also like the way that she explains their lack of tactile sensations, almost as if they were stuck in an endless dream (which is bereft of texture. I know because I have several lucid dreams a week).

It was clear that the author didn't research time period clothing, because she used the most generic terms to describe the clothes from bygone eras. And there were some inaccuracies. But overall, I was happy with her vocabulary. At least she uses some higher level words.

All in all, I think it's SOOO much better than things like Blue show more Bloods and House of Night, but isn't totally perfect. I can only hope that Rebecca Maizel buckles down, and sharpens her latent talent so that her subsequent books will be even better. show less

So starts the Jack the Ripper arc! Ciel is charged with solving the brutal murders committed by the first famous serial killer. Toboso allows for moments of lightheartedness and the development of several new characters. The complete Ripper arc is probably one of my favorite for this series, and the ending is epic. The only really regrettable thing is that waiting for Volume three to come out might be torturous, since that is where the arc is concluded.

Wow....damn sexy.

The above was my original review. I've decided I'd like to elaborate though, so here goes.

Firstly, the art is excellent. Not only is every character drawn distinctly (and beautifully), allowing them to be instantly recognized, but their clothes and costumes often seem to contain symbolic or suggestive imagery. Sebastian's coat tails often look like the tips of bat wings...or demon wings. Ciel's frequent adornment of thorny flowers is appropriate for a child who is loved and abused, while also loving and hurting others. The maids giant, round, reflective glasses make her look as blind as she normally behaves, while also making her look like an owl, which is also farsighted. The cook's constant cigarette is a reminder that he is American. He lives fast and likes to take risks.

Beyond the characters is the atmosphere. The artist can go from lighthearted to sinister in a single frame, and uses shading and composition to indicate when more than the surface meaning is at play. Quite often there is a double meaning to some words, and the reader effortlessly knows when this is, thanks to Toboso's skill.

The series has pretty self contained story arcs, which I hope will lend itself to a long running period.

But above all, it's the characters that make this manga great.

Ciel Phantomhive looks weak and frail. He is only twelve and has no muscle tone. But in reality he is an influential and feared person of his world, one that seems ruthless and cruel.

Sebastian on the show more other hand, has such and even temper, and is so prone to moments of small affection, that it seems like he's the compassionate one between them

But this is just an illusion. Ciel would do whatever it takes for the greater good. He would put a person out of their misery, or have them killed if he thought it was for the best. But he doesn't enjoy it. On the other hand, Sebastian will simply watch people suffer, and refuse to act, unless he has to, or he gets something out of interfering. When he does beat and kill though, he loves it, reveling in the violence.

Despite a few historical inaccuracies, this is easily one the best mangas i have ever read. The dynamic between the two contradictory main characters, the moments of humor and horror, all make for wonderful reading, not to mention the fantastic art!

And Sebastian has inspired fangirl obsession in me like no other fiction character ever...and I have read quite a few books! That's how impressive he is! *swoon* show less

Absolutely amazing. This has earned every inch of it's fame, acclaim, and notoriety. Dark, but not crushingly depressing. The author shows keen insight into the minds of the aggressive and the manipulative, the desperate and the weak. Personal and social truths resonate throughout, though the book doesn't cover the entire spectrum of human emotion and love. The work is original, and not in the least outdated despite it's age. This book goes into my list of "Greatest books I have ever read".

Magic Study easily surpasses it's predecessor, Poison Study. The author has found her stride, and every aspect of this second novel benefits. The characters are more interesting and complex, the romance is more convincing and fun, and the world is more colorful. Yelena is a far more morally admirable heroine than Bella S. or Zoey R., with a refusal to encourage other suitors, and a tendency to only skirt the truth when needed, not outright lie. She is also hardworking and independent. This book has a lot of action!

All together, I REALLY enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading her Glass series as well! Maria Snyder is bound to be a big name in the YA literary world in the future.

A note: there are a lot of references to sexual abuse, though nothing is explicitly shown. Just a heads up!

This was a little difficult for me to follow, since I am not very familiar with the real life events it is loosely based on. I suggest reading up on the back-story (if yu don't already know it) before attempting to read this.

The first (and still my favorite) Sookie Stackhouse novel. Charlaine Harris introduces an immensely likable heroine, with insight into people's characters and motives like no other waitress on earth. Sookie is compassionate but not naive, brave, but not often foolhardy. This first book could serve as a stand alone, and with some of the developments later, I often like to pretend it is. Harris does a good job making the vamps intimidating and yet attractive, without over romancing their undead status. This is one series where yu wont be rooting for our heroine to turn vamp. At least, I haven't yet.

I am a fan of books written WAY back in the day, especially if they are still easy to understand and shed light on the differences between modern and olden sensibilities. First published in 1791, this is a bit older than my usual 19th century favorites. But it is still a wonderful portal into the past.

The spelling, at least in the edition I read, at that time had yet to be standardized, and they used many words that no longer exist in the English language. But yu can still understand things perfectly, (except perhaps for the use of the word lovelace as an insult), and it's extreme sentimentality, the way that people are in danger of death from unrequited love, the fact that the priests take snuff (cocaine) and other such era related shockers were enough to keep me riotously entertained. To the people of this time, this was nothing surprising. Even the fact that incest (real and figurative- Miss Milner wishes to marry her father figure, while later her daughter marries her cousin) is a prominent theme would probably not have raised any eyebrows. Now though, the sentiments expressed, the injustices upheld, and the fact that everyone adheres to an archaic mode of thought make this book positively startling.

I for one, gained a lot of insight, and a great appreciation for living in a post feminism world. Plus, it made me laugh a LOT, though that was never the author's intention.

The most forgettable of the Twilight series, though anyone who liked the first one, and even mildly liked the second one will really enjoy this one. We get to finally enjoy a full relationship between Bella and Edward, and the complications that ensue from the inevitable love triangle. There is a lot more action this time towards the end, with everyone getting in on the fight. It only wraps up the issue of Victoria though, leaving the Edward/Bella/Jacob mess, the issue of Bella becoming a vamp, and the confrontation with the Vulturi for book four.

By the time I was halfway through this book for the first time, I was absolutely livid. How dare Edward do that to her? Didn't he love her? And WHY is she getting so chummy with Jacob, who is likable, but not who I want for her. AND there's hardly any vampire coolness (at least until yu get to the last chapter or so)

So yeah, I was upset.

But then I read the other books, and in hindsight, this is a well thought out, essential piece for the saga.

This book deals primarily with Bella's depression, and the world of werewolves. In many ways Jacob's book, he gets to shine here for the first time.

Towards the end, the author finally reveals the darker side of the vampire society, which I think is essential (and will factor heavily later on). The fact that not all vamps are "vegetarian" was already established, but now we get a more accurate perspective on this dark and dangerous world (yu didn't think it was all eternal romances and baseball did ya?).

Stephenie Meyer establishes some symbolism here that will pay off in the next book, especially when it becomes clear that like the moon eclipses the sun, Edward has eclipsed Jacob and replaced all that should be natural in her life. The title also furthers this analogy when yu consider that Edward is mostly absent from it(the way the moon seems to be absent during a new moon).

The bonds between Bella and Jacob are convincingly and thoroughly forged here, so that yu understand and sympathize when this becomes a major issue later.

Not show more the most exciting edition of the saga, but now I find that the bleakness of Bella's emotional landscape here is one of the things that I remember the most about this series. show less

I had the misfortune to buy this book rather than renting it, as I do for most of my reads. Don't get me wrong, I can see why many women enjoy her work. It's an oasis of sensible people and happy endings in a chaotic world filled with neither. But for me, it was less than enjoyable.

The first thing to bother me was the author's habit of cutting short common colloquialisms. Yu can always easily guess what the word (or words) left out should be, but they are essentially half finished sentences, which personally always drives me absolutely bonkers.

This personal pet peeve aside, each of the characters (including most of the men) is incredibly reasonable, lovely, smart, hard working, and usually says the absolute right thing at all times. How many people do yu know that are actually like that? Personally, I tend to enjoy characters, even villains, with a mixture of both flaws and virtues (and virtues disguised as flaws don't count)

This "Perfect People Syndrome" leaves very little in the way of actual conflict, except for the ghost (which seems almost incidental to the story), and an unwanted attraction between Stella and Logan that I find utterly incomprehensible and devoid of chemistry (since they both admit that the other person represents everything they can't stand, and don't explain how this translates to actual admiration).

Since it quickly becomes apparent that nothing really bad will ever be allowed to happen, the ghost has no "teeth", and there is no doubt about show more whether Logan and Stella will work out.

I can likely tell yu what will happen in the next books without even trying: The two other relationships set up in the first book will blossom and succeed. Stella and the younger girl will each have a baby. The ghost will come to peace, after they discover and understand her past. The end. : / And I didn't even have to read their descriptions.

I have heard that the formula used here is common for this author's work, so I will definitely not be reading anything else she has written.

Sorry if my little hypothetical ending is an actual spoiler, but it's really just a blind guess. show less

An amazing psychological thriller. Each of the members of the mysterious family are fully developed characters, complete with virtues, flaws, idiosyncrasies and emotional baggage.

Like a day that begins with storms on distant horizons, this book (after the obligatory foreshadowing introduction) begins with a light and airy feeling. Slowly the tension builds, and the mystery develops. Despite things seeming perfectly serene on the surface, there is an inescapable air of danger and suspicion. The author skillfully keeps the reader in the dark as to the true nature of this family's problem, while keeping the characters true to themselves, and even honest with the protagonist (as far as the characters themselves know). When the storm clouds finally break, it is more disturbing than one had originally imagined.

Recommended to those who enjoy unusual psychological portraits, who are fascinated with mental afflictions, and people who enjoy simmering mystery and tension rather than explosions and gun fire.

Note: Some people have expressed confusion or feeling let down with the ending. I'm not sure exactly why, but I felt none of those issues. The unintentional insincerity that eventually comes to light, the extremity of psychological disturbance, and the seeming villainy of several characters, all make sense to me, perhaps because I am familiar with mental illness and the toll it takes on their loved ones.

I am not usually a fan of Horror and Tragedy Manga. I can enjoy it as a non-graphic novel, because not actually seeing the gore helps me to separate fact from fiction in my mind. But visual media can be very influential on me. However, this series came so highly recommended, I gave it a try. I'm really glad I did. The story is haunting and terrifying. The city is doomed, but it's still an excellent read, with great art and a skilled storyteller.

Highly recommended, even to people who aren't big fans of horror or Manga (but some tolerance to both is necessary). The culprit is easy to forget once the story is over (what could be more benign than a spiral?) But it may affect yr view of row houses forever. I can't see one any more with out getting the creeps.

Now, I can tolerate a lot of flaws in a writer. I actually enjoy trashy books and pulp fiction devoid of subtleties and finesse. But there are simply somethings I cannot abide.

This is one of the worst books I have read in a looooooong time. It seems as though the author has jumped on the supernatural bandwagon, and I'm sure she's going to make a quick buck. Throw in some unusual plot devices and a love story and yu can sell anything (and convince thousands it's good). But this book blows.

The love interest doesn't strike me as trustworthy, though that's clearly not intentional. A bad sign. More than that, these people's powers are ridiculously over the top. Anyone with experience in the roleplaying world probably knows the term "God Moding". It's when someone acts invincible, with extreme powers, and can dodge every bullet, outwit every villain, and never ever makes a mistake. It's a no-no in the RP world for a very good reason. It makes for boring and exasperating stories. This author has at least two character's who are perpetual God-moders. The conflict is unsatisfying, the resolution is half-assed. The other woman makes me wonder why this guy is such a prize to begin with.

Strangely, I actually heard someone tell me they liked it. But I remember the awful books I used to love when I was 16, so I am assuming they simply haven't read enough, or become aware enough, to be able to tell a good book from a bad one.

If yu have ever read a book yu didn't like, check this out show more of the library rather than buying it. Trust me. Yu'll be happy yu kept yr twelve dollars. show less

A celebrated book by teens everywhere, I found this book to be worth reading, but not exactly ground breaking. The characters are likable, but not fully developed. This may be part of the book's success, however, as it is easy to project yrself and yr crush into the the story. I found the attraction of the two main characters a little disconcerting at first. What exactly, beyond the superficial, drew them to each other? Midnight Sun sheds light on Edward's love of Bella, so after reading that, I feel a lot better about this. I think it's also good to remember that the piece is based on a dream, and dream logic has strange magic to it.

This book will definitely not be liked by everyone. There are no profound themes, no moving symbolism. It's simply a love story, which doesn't delve into the deeper psychological workings of the sentient mind. BUT, it is entertaining in a fairytale sort of way, and clearly, that is what sells in America today, as is evident by the major motion pictures, the endless official memorabilia, and the fact that people will shell out two grand for a new Twilight engagement ring designed to look like an old one.

Recommended to fans of YA, actual teenagers, and fans of pulp fiction. Book snobs/serious literature gourmands are NOT gonna like this one.

The best of the Twilight saga, though it really felt like two books rather than one. This is the book in the series I turn to when I am feeling stressed and need a familiar escape. After the author pushed back Bella's scheduled transformation for the umpteenth time, I was beginning to feel like it would never happen. Thank god I was wrong. Highly satisfying end, though a little sad to see these characters go.

I found this book several times better than the Twilight Series, though I've noticed that hardcore fans of Twilight don't tend to enjoy it as much. Perhaps because the characters are not overly idealized. They have a good dose of flaws and prejudice, and there is a hardship found here both on the humans and the aliens sides not found anywhere in the Twilight series. Acceptance and love is not easily won here, which to me makes it all the more valuable. It sports an ending that is happy enough to be upbeat, but imperfect enough to smack of real relationships.

The science fiction elements are a little simplistic, but ultimately adequate for their intended purposes. In true Stephenie Meyer form, the characters are not fully developed in personality, but that is less of an issue here, when the world is coming to an end, and we are all boiled down to the basic instinct to survive and protect our loved ones.

It's unlikely that this will turn into a series, given the way the author wraps up or implies the conclusions to all presented issues. If there is another book in this "Universe" It will most likely center around different characters and problems. There's just no other way I can imagine getting more material from this subject.

Marked is the first book in the House of Night series. I have noticed that P.C. Cast has a hard time beginning her books. The first ten or twenty pages are always slow. The over use of teen slang in this series can also put a person off quite a bit. But once yu get past the initial awkwardness, this book (and the subsequent series) is a real gem. With interesting characters, an American harem of sultry, attractive boys (and men, oh my!) all vying for the heroine's attention, intriguing villains, and an addictive plot, this series is constantly at the top of my book queue. While Marked isn't my favorite of the series, it certainly doesn't disappoint, and I urge fans of vampire and YA fiction to go read it NOW. Even if yu don't particularly like teen fiction, work past the teeny-bopper contrivances, and yu'll find scintillating sexual tension and enough adult issues (such as death, hypocrisy and prejudice) to keep yu entertained.

A must read for anyone who has ever come away from a conversation feeling ill at ease but not quite sure why. This book has colored many of my social interactions, giving insight and technique to my responses in difficult and sometimes confusing relationships. It's scientific, well articulated, and yet easily understandable by any layman. I don't own a lot of physical books, since it would be a hardship on my frequent moving, but this is one book I refuse to do without. Perhaps the most useful and enlightening book on psychology I have ever read.

YAY!!!! I have found another likable adult vampire series! FINALLY. When I first picked up this book, and found that it was about a gun toting fem with a rocking body and zero guy experience, one disinclined to admit her feelings, I almost put it down and flushed it down the toilet. Memories of horrible books about Anita Blake flashed through my head, and I didn't want to go there again. But in the spirit of fairness, I decide to read two whole chapters, and I'm glad i did. The story is interesting despite the inclusion of every single paranormal myth in the collective American mind, and the fact that the plot is a little too busy. The heroine, unlike Anita Blake, is jaded but not bitter, tough but vulnerable, sexual but not a whore, talented, but not a ninja.

K. Chance does well in arranging her new universe. Everything is sensible and logical, from the hierarchy of the vampire world, to the reasons why the vamps and other supernatural species might want to work together. Despite having talking inanimate objects, body switching, and a plethora of historical figures, now as vamps, Chance keeps things from getting too ridiculous, though i have to admit the time travel was pretty confusing.

This is a promising series, one I would eagerly recommend. Though, be forewarned! Not a book easily put down. Yu might want to clear a big ole block of time before starting it!

Though this book wont be winning any awards (I don't think), I nevertheless found it very entertaining. The main character is a likable heroine, with ingenuity and aptitude at her fingertips. Her story is sad, her future seems bleak, but it hasn't quite broken her spirit. The other characters in the mix will keep yu guessing, with few exceptions.

I did take issue with a few plot points: The notion of a poison yu only take once, which requires an antidote every day for the rest of yr life is a little ridiculous. The romance could have been done better, and choosing a dung heap for one of the major scenes is seriously questionable.

But overall, M. Snyder has a successful story here, one I would recommend to other readers of YA. I look forward to reading the other books in this series as well.

One of the funniest and most entertaining things I have ever read. With surprisingly poignant moments, a priceless introduction, and a great ending, this book is worth owning. If I was stuck on a desert Island, and could only bring a few pieces of fiction, this would be included.