Book Review: Black Dagger Brotherhood #2: Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward

Rating:

(Black Dagger Brotherhood #2)

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He’s the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the time when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant to Rhage’s protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. She lost her faith in miracles years ago. But when Rhage’s intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves…

Book 1: Dark Lover review

*****

“I will not fall in love with you,” she said. “I can’t let myself. I won’t.”

“That’s all right. I’ll love you enough for the both of us.”

DRAMATIC.

Lover Eternal is one step better than Dark Lover. I expected more from Rhage because i adored him on the first book, but I was turned off when he got emotional. Mary Luce is not that special. The main reason i liked this book is because this is where Zhadist and Bella’s story began. =)

Rhage is THE force among the Brotherhood. Nobody can take him especially when the Beast is unleashed. I really, really like him because despite the strength within him, he’s afraid of himself. Mary Luce is an innocent bystander – her meeting the Brothers accidentally brought her to Rhage’s attention. I am really not a fan of her. I hate the way she treated Rhage, like she’s the only one hurting. Rhage deserves better. Well… there is this one time where Mary stood her ground against the brothers when Rhage was seriously hurt. You do not read everyday a female (much more a human!) reprimanding the Brothers’ lack of care to Rhage.

Rhage’s and Mary’s story was so buried when Ward begins to build Zhadist’s and Bella’s story. I was pumped up when they started to show up in the scenes! Thank goodness the third book is about them, else i wouldn’t finish this book that fast. =P

Lover Eternal is just an okay book for me. Moving on, i already started Lover Awakened. 😉

#21 Off-the-shelf Reading Challenge 2011

*

*

.: maria :.

“giving up is the ultimate tragedy.”

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop Winner!

[This giveaway hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not A Writer and The Diary of a Bookworm.]

Thank you so much to everyone who entered my giveaway!

Without further ado, the lucky winner is…

CONGRATULATIONS!

As the winner, pick a book from the list and I will order it from The Book Depository for you.

A separate email will be sent to you so please acknowledge receipt.

COMING SOON!

Thanks again and I hope you keep visiting my blog, reading my reviews, and raving with me about my book obsessions.

*

*

.: maria :.

“giving up is the ultimate tragedy.”

Book Review: Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

Rating: 

Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastian’s, a boys’ school that pretends it’s coed by giving the girls their own bathroom.  Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an an impossibly dorky accordion player.  The boys are no better, from Thomas who specializes in musical burping to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can’t seem to stop thinking about. 

Then there’s Francesca’s mother, who always thinks she knows what’s best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling who she really is.  Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself.

*****

 INSIGHTFUL.

Saving Francesca was another suprise from Marchetta. I loved Jellicoe Road, and i was a little doubtful that Marchetta can impress me a second time. But she did! I found this book very enjoyable. So how was Francesca saved? She was saved by a mix of different, if not eccentric, friendships.

I’m not sure if I like Frankie, because i found her somewhat weak. She was lost when her mom was lost. Perhaps she was too dependent? But in the end, i found her okay. Will‘s character is somewhat rush: one scene he’s obnoxious, the next one he’s all over Frankie. There was a small gap where his relationship with Frankie should’ve materialized. But still, he’s very good in taking care of Frankie once the conflicts have been resolved. I looove Thomas McKee! His deadpans are so chuckle-worthy and his caring for the girls are heartwarming. I find his presence in Frankie’s life stronger than Will’s. I really like Justine (soft but firm character), and Tara (i wanna be her!). I adored Jimmy the most. His moments with Frankie were priceless, funny and sad at the same time.

Saving Francesca is not a light read, considering the book cover is somewhat flippant. I love the portrayal of friendships here above all. Frankie was on auto-pilot because of her family problems, but with her friends (of which she did not like any of them at the start) she starts to find, understand and reinvent herself… I was swept by Marchetta’s magic all over again. 😉

*

*

.: maria :.

“giving up is the ultimate tragedy.”