Charmeine (The Light-Bearer, #1)

I consider myself to be very lucky. As a book reviewer I am often asked by an author if I will give them an honest review of their book, usually in return for a copy of the book. I don't often buy books anymore, I usually have a stack of to-reads waiting for me, although I never let my to-read list get so large that I can't get to a book within 1 to 2 weeks.

I started following http://emilyguido.com/ She is the author of Charmeine, the first book in the new Light Bearer Series. Everyday I would impatiently check my email waiting for another excerpt from her book Charmeine. When I found out that the next book in the series was going to be released soon, I decided that I needed to read the entire book, not just the snippets. So I show more purchased my copy (first book I've bought in ages) and started to read...

In Heaven, Charmeine and Tabbruis are worried. Charmeine, an Angel of Harmony, has a mission to provide harmony and peace in times of trouble. Lately she feels a serious drain on her power and her ability to provide harmony was lessening daily.

Tabbruis is the Angel of Self-Determination and is several levels higher than Charmeine. He allows us to use our free will and inspires us to think of new ways to do things. He must help an Archangel to have conviction in his beliefs and will therefore be unavailable to the family for most of the day. They are waiting to hear what the Prophecy will bring but neither believes it will be good news.

We then go back, back to a time before Tabbruis and Charmeine have met. When Tabbruis used another name and Charmeine had no idea who she really was or what her real name was. Back before love had finally made them complete.

Tabbruis is a Blood Drinker, a vampire. He believes his destiny is to walk earth always in need of blood. Human blood is best, but Tabbruis has learned to use wild animal blood instead to curb his craving. He can go out in sunlight, but prefers the darkness, he seldom sleeps, he is very wealth and very handsome. People usually bend to his will with little or no problem. He prefers to be alone. The sound, the smell and the action of the sea calms him.

Charleen has beautiful brown eyes and a very sweet nature. Summer is her favorite time of year, she loves the feel of sun on her skin. She learned Judo so she will never be a victim. She has never really dated and has never really been attracted to any man, and she has no interest in finding out why. She tries to tell herself she is happy but she knows that really she wants a man in her life, someone to share with. Charleen loves to go and watch the waves at the sea shore. its very peaceful.

Tabbruis and Charleen meet. They stare deep into each one another's eyes and they know. They have found the other half of themselves. But will it be enough to overcome all the obstacles both known and unknown in their paths? Can there be happiness between two such different creatures?

I am very satisfied with this story. There were many things to like such as vampires, the supernatural, action scenes, good characters who throughout the book evolve and a very emotional romance involving two people of different races/cultures.
I did at times feel the writing was a little stilted (the kindle edition needs some editing) and that did effect the flow of the story.

Overall, this is a great read, and a terrific debut novel for Emily Guido!

I look forward to the next book in the series. show less

I began reading The Light-Bearer series and have completed the first 3 books in 3 days. I've thoroughly enjoyed Emily's Guido's wonderful paranormal tale.

Tabbrius & Charmeine are complete opposites - one is a Blood Hunter and the other a Light Bearer. They were meant to be sword enemies, only to kill eachother whenever possible. But the pair have a past; one that unfolds throughout the novel. Their story is unlike any other that I've read in that past, and that makes it that much more remarkable.

By the time I reached the end of the first book, I craved much more of this wonderful series. And so I continued on to the next. You truly have a gem here Emily!

Charmeine is the first in the Lightbearer series. Emily Guido introduces us first to the origins of the Light-Bearers and Blood-Hunters, with some mythology in their original world, then we find Tabbruis on his own, trying to make sense of the earth. Blood-Hunters live here, encouraged by their Elder Council to make the most of the blood provided by the population of humans that spawns everywhere. Tabbruis and some friends decide that humans are, for them, off-limits, which is a slight relief if the reader's stomach is not up to the bloodthirstiness of their usual lifestyle.

Charleen (who we discover is really Charmeine) and her friend Shane are woven into the story deftly. Two lost souls who ended up caring for each other as they grew show more up in an orphanage, Shane gets a job to drive Tabbruis around New York City while he's visiting. It's fortunate that Tab has felt the need to be there, as Char has been singled out for an attack by other Blood-Hunters, who envisage a very nasty end for her indeed. Tab fights them off, with Char discovering her own amazing powers that assist in very special ways. And then Tab and Char realise their mutual attraction, against all Tab's instincts as a Blood-Hunter - since he realises that Char is a Light-Bearer.

The rest of the story covers a few more attacks and how they grow to understand each other better. There are plenty of loose ends to be followed up in the rest of series.

On the whole I felt the story was well written, fast-moving and full of excellent imagery. I cared what was happening to the characters; I wanted to know how it would be resolved. I found the typesetting confusing since sometimes italics was used for thoughts, and other times it may have been used for intensity or emphasis, but there was no clear distinction. I wondered if they thought-read at one stage, and thought that would be a nice power, but I think I was wrong.

I felt it was an excellent introduction to a story and a world with new rules. If it's your sort of thing, I think you'll be driven very quickly to the second in the series. It's exciting, pacy and thought-provoking, with delightful characterisation. Well done Ms Guido! show less

Tabbruis knows there is something missing in his life; he always sees a face calling to him, but never knows what the face want’s from him. Tabbruis is a Bloodhunter, a fallen angel who wonders the earth and survives on blood. After he meets Charleen, he finally knows his purpose…..to love and protect her.

Charleen can’t help the instant attraction she feels for the hunky and charming Tabbruis. She has never needed a man before, but she can’t help but connect to Tabbruis, and connect they do!

Tabbruis and Charleen soon fall madly in love, but can love save them from the evil after their newly renewed family?

Author, Emily Guido does a fabulous job of creating loveable and unforgettable characters. You can feel the love she put show more into the story behind every word. Tabbruis and Charleen (Charmeine) share a love that all of us dream about. The scenes were beautifully described and the plot is creative and intriguing. The Light-Bearer Series is sure to be the next fabulous Angel series on your “To-Read” shelf!
FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Loneliness… it is torture in a way. No, it’s worse, because at the end of the torture, you have rest.”

" I… don’t know why but I’m drawn to you. You quiet me and stir my passion all at the same time.”

To read the full review, visit here: http://shadowkissedcassie.blogspot.com/2012/04/charmeine-blog-tour-review-and-gu... show less

Can romance develop between a Heavenly Light-Bearer and a Hellish Vampire Blood-Hunter?

"Charmeine" the First Novel in "The Light-Bearer Series," was released January 2012.

Tabbruis is a Blood-Hunter, he drinks blood to survive. Over millennia Tabbruis has wandered the Earth alone aimlessly living through many historical events.
Charmeine just came to the Earth in 1997, unable to remember anything.

When Tabbruis meets Charmeine the attraction is immediate and passionate. They are polar opposites and clash together in a strongly romantic and dramatic way. When she meets Tabbruis, Charmeine’s powers as a Light-Bearer, one who throws lightning, is triggered and grows exponentially.

Will Charmeine and Tabbruis fulfill their destinies? Will show more they realize their importance in both the Blood-Hunter and Light-Bearer world? show less