Shadow Falls Books 1-5 Series Review

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you are all doing well, I'm not feeling so hot myself think I have a bit of a sinus infection (yuck) and plan to spend most of today and tomorrow sleeping to try and head it off.  That said I won't be posting tomorrow given I hope to be sleeping all day.  But today I wanted to take a moment an do a series review.  As you may know one of my goals this year is to finish off some of the series I have or have started but haven't finished.  Now while the whole series is out some I will review individually but others I may do one big series wrap up.  This is a bit of a longer series of five books and I thought a brief review of each book and a overall series thought would work best. Today that series is the Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter.

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) Rating:  4 Stars

                Good solid start to the series.  The first book drew you into the world and gave lots of back story and understanding of the different supernaturals without making it sound like an info dump.  It flowed naturally and Kylie is really likeable.  She is going through some major changes in her normal life and then to find out on top of breaking up with her boyfriend, her best friend pulling away, and her parents divorce, surprise you're also an unknown supernatural!  I didn't really ship either Derek or Lucas in this book, they both were not on good terms but of the two I liked Lucas more and yeah maybe Socks has something to do with that ;) but  finding Derek a bit creepy from the start factored in too.  But where there is some boy drama for sure what really shined for me was the cabin mates.  Della and Miranda are the best.  So much fun!  And Holiday was pretty amazing. 

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls #2)  Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Picking up where we left off.  Still don't know what Kylie is but I had it figured out here just saying.  It's all good though and the story itself is fun and keeps you moving right along.  Still the great things I loved in the first one Socks, Della, and Miranda and their fights and banter is on point.  Holiday is still a favorite and I grew to really like Burnett in this one and the dynamic between the two of them as well.  We went to the falls and find out more about the  lesser known and outcast type ability to see ghosts.  The ghosts are still vague and such but it's kind of like a mystery each time, a horrible and terrifying one but still interesting.  I like how it continues to have everyone dealing with their own things.  Perry was cute in the first book but he kind of grew on me a bit more in this one.  I really grew to dislike Derek in this one around the time I was growing to like Lucas more and he seems more accepting of her wishes at least in respect for boundaries which Derek claimed book one but never managed.  Also I like how one of the bad guys from the first one blends into this one and a larger plot.

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls #3)  Rating:  4.5 Stars

                So Derek was my least favorite character in this one I think.  I even enjoyed Frederka a bit more in this one than him and that's saying something.  Though while I was solidly on team Lucas I didn't like that he kept things from her, the packs disapproval and such but it kind of fits his protective instinct to keep her from the harm.  Plus he owns up to his issues and even admits it's part of his wolf nature and one thing I love about Kylie is that she always sees peoples sides of things and never holds something against them they can't control (their powers).  If I didn't already really love Burnett before…Miranda and a certain book dropping scene…yeah great stuff.  Both for the Burnett moment and for the moment I'd been waiting for since the previous book!  I liked that we find out more about the FRU and about Burnett and how he is a good guy.  Plus he is more chill about her ghosts and need to help than so many others (aside from Holiday who doesn't count since she sees them too) Burnett and Holiday have some of the most amusing lines ever and I love how Kylie is in the middle of it trying to help play matchmaker.  Plus learning more about her family, her blood family and what it means.  Also that was a horrible ending!

Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4)  Rating: 4.5 Stars

                I start out freaking out worried about Holiday because she is one of my favorite characters.  A ghost that might be here is scary!  Okay this series made so many favorite characters it's insane.  I just kind of really grew to know all of them so well and being able to marathon the series made my feels stronger.  Having learned what the FRU of the past did I am so against them in this one you have no idea.  But I love Burnett's reaction to them, steadily showing which side he is on and still persisting to try and get through to Holiday despite all her protests.  Though some moments are pure perfection.  Della grew on me more if that was possible, she is always there and ready to help.  She doesn't like the ghosts but if it comes down to it she's there.  I did like how Derek seemed to be moving into more of the real friend type role, there to talk and listen but being pretty good about his distance (finally) but his constant declarations are not cool.  Though the end of this had me torn up.  I was so emotional.  So many things happening and so many feels!  Also finally understand Holiday's vampire issues I've been wondering on for the last few books.  Plus this ending while one aspect had me shaking with rage another had me grinning like an idiot so my emotions were a bit confused there which was great.  Even better that I didn't have to wait.

Chosen at Nightfall (Shadow Falls #5)  Rating:  5 Stars

                A great conclusion.  So many things wrapping up but first and foremost I need to know what happened because she left Shadow Falls to live with others like her.  While I understood needing to go learn about herself and all I hated that she left her friends and the place she knew as home.  Plus getting distance from Lucas…oh did I want to throttle him for how the last one ended.  Not cool.  I was firmly on Team Kylie and no boys at this point.  Getting to know more about who she is and finding herself more both in terms of as a supernatural and as a person was great.  There was so much happening and all the underlying threats and threads that weaved throughout the books so far came to a head and some things I expected others I didn't so that was great.  I really enjoyed Kylies journey and how she came into her own.  And became the apparent relationship advise go to person which was hilarious. 

Shadow Falls overall *spoilers* for the series as a whole!!!

                You've been warned.  Okay so I was super thrilled about the wedding!  I had been shipping them since the second book so to have them finally go for it after all that build up and wow the pregnancy test….I couldn't see for a bit I was cry laughing too much.  Holiday was one of my favorites from the start and her and Burnett were so much fun but even with all the romances both them and others my favorite aspect of this was still the friendship between Kylie, Miranda, and Della.  They were just meant to be friends even through the threats and the moments of misunderstanding.  They always had one another's backs.  Girl power at it's best.  I also was on Team Lucas most of the series but I was seriously questioning if I could finish the series if they got back together after what he did but the way it was all written out was so perfect for me.  He didn't get off easy and he had to really prove himself after that.  Also she had to make it more than about her, and I respect that.  I'm happy with everything overall and her mom knowing the truth makes things so much easier.  I did want more of Della and Steve but she is apparently the subject of the spin-off series so I look forward to more of the crew in that one and hopefully finding out more of the secrets that she has been holding onto this whole time and maybe even letting herself open up. 

                That's all I have to share on the series as a whole.  I'd love to know your thoughts on this series and if you've already read the spin-off what did you think?  I'm dying to get to it.  Also the wrap up of the whole series was kind of fun and I'm planning to finally read Percy Jackson this year and was thinking of doing them the same way.  Let me know what you prefer to see.  Have a great weekend.

                Until next time…

The Ruby Circle the last Bloodlines book

                Back to some book reviews. On February 10^th The Ruby Circle came out.  For those of you who are unfamiliar that is the sixth and last book in the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead.  This is, at this time anyways who knows what the future may hold, the last book in the overall Vampire Academy world.  It was bittersweet.  Like most series ends are, especially those you have been reading for several years.  I counted down the days for this release since finishing book five, Silver Shadows both anxious and happy given how the previous book ended.  I picked this book up, on my third store, the morning it came out, so I could have it with me for my shift at work, all 12 hours for which I could love this book.  I found it and I finished it before I went home that night. Here are my thoughts on The Ruby Circle as a book but also my thoughts on the Bloodlines and by extension Vampire Academy series as a whole.  So it goes without saying that if you are not caught up with both series then you should leave now, but come back when you have caught up, so we can discuss.

                Last chance if you don’t want to be spoiled for the other books. 

                Fellow Bloodlines lovers, you remember we left off in Silver Shadows at both a happy and sad place.  We had some amazing Sydrian moments but then that last line….yeah it brought it all down a notch.  I might be horrible but that was not nearly as bad of a cliff hanger as the previous one, I was royally pissed with how book four ended leaving me hanging.  Don’t get me wrong I was worried about Jill and what that meant for Lissa and such but I was still overjoyed by Sydrian and their nuptials and them finding at least temporary sanctuary in court that I was high on love.  After everything they did to find one another again nothing could bring me down.  And besides Sydney had just showed how bad ass she was, okay we already knew but that helipad stuff was hard core.  I had confidence that everything would be okay.

                Then we pick up in The Ruby Circle and have Sydrian hiding out in court.  They are not on a blissful honeymoon and in tight quarters with Adrian’s mom.  Not being able to go out and help search for Jill because your old people want to find you and lock you up in a torture ward is taking its toll.  Oh and the Mori who are technically hiding you, a majority of them don’t like you because of the taboo nature of it all, it’s rough.  Plus they are dealing with issues together, things they have been working on through the series but didn’t discuss in full depth before with the tight time constraints.  Still they have to work through their issues and risk everything to find their friend.  While Adrian is also pulled into a mystery all his own and that could change everything in more ways than one.

 

Sydrian from the book trailers!

                 There were the things we expect in the books, like Adrian’s witty commentary.  I LOVE him.  Now I always wanted Rose with Dimitri because they were just the right fit but I still loved Adrian and wanted him to be happy and Sydney is perfect for him.  They complement and challenge each other.  Favorite line every might just be “Am I still married to a cat?”  Classic Adrian.  Only he could say some of the things and get away with them.  Sydney is her usual smart and determined self.  She feels responsible for people and she wants to do everything she can to help even if it puts her in harms way.  But what is refreshing about her brand of heroism is that she is also super smart and usually thinks things through a bit whereas someone like Rose would have rushed in ready to kick butt first ask questions later.  We also got more Eddie, Trey, Ms. Terwilliger, Wolfe, Neal, Sonya, Rose, Dimitir, and everyone we love and some we love to hate.  We got a book with our main Bloodlines crew but also we added in the originals which warmed my heart so much.  And to see Sydney, Adrian, Rose, and Dimitri working together.  AWE.  Power couples unite!  Yes I’m a nerd.

                I was shocked.  Normally I have things pretty figured out.  I might be shocked at where things are left for a particular book but I usually have a good feeling about some things.  Not going to lie, I didn’t see some things coming until a few pages before.  Then it was like, oh wow.  Nicely done.  I was also expecting a longer draw out to part of the story but it played out differently than I thought in a wonderful way.

                My heart was filled with happiness and dread as I read through this book.  I knew going in that it was the last book in the Bloodlines series but also as of now, though she said no one can predict the future, the end of the Vampire Academy world.  Meaning no immediate follow up sequel series, but I’ll always be hoping for more.  Plus I was looking to see how everything would wrap up.  I admit there were a couple things that didn’t get resolved for me, that I was hoping might have some type of hint as to the result, but hey again leaves room for a short or more.  Just saying.

More Sydrian because they are the best!

*****Spoilers for the ending of the series ahead*****

                Overall if it isn’t clear I love this series.  Both of them.  I think The Ruby Circle did a good job at keeping the story and the action we’re used to seeing going while at the same time wrapping up some loose ends and rounding out the series.  The way Sydney wheeled and deals with the Alchemists making it all about logic was perfect, something the Alchemists could understand.  My original idea was for them to blackmail the Alchemists with exposing them, the Mori, and Strogoi something they fight to keep under wraps.  Kind of like a dead mans switch, if you hurt us we take you and everything you work for down too.  That would also hurt the Mori which is the downside of my plan so I like Sydney’s plan better.  Her way was so much cleaner and to the point.  The magic was taken up a notch as well with some new spells to intrigue us.  If only we all could do magic, I know some of those spells would make life so much more interesting. 

                Adrian.  I just love the way he has grown through both series.  He has stayed the same in many aspects, the real part of him, but he has grown as we all do through our experiences.  He comes a long way all the way up to the little one year later bit.  Total awe moment.  The way he battles with his spirit use.  He wants so much to help.  It comes from a good place and Sydney is worried about him and losing him to madness.  She is so used to having answers and solutions for things, sprit is something she has only one solution for.  But it’s up to Adrian and he has to make a choice and make it for himself not to please anyone else.  I liked the symmetry from the first books where he gave up things to impress rose but then later found he wanted to give them up and be better because of Sydney not to impress her but because she made him want to be better for himself. 

Now can we discuss the ending? 

A little normal family.  A cover up.  Sydney living a normal, rather semi-normal, life.  Domestic selves with jobs and Sydney finally getting to fulfill her dream of going to college.  Things didn’t turn out exactly how they planned but nothing ever does.  I understand needing to keep the bebe hidden, I do but I still wonder about what this could mean for others. This could mean something huge for Rose and Dimitri in the future.  Also with Sonya not brought into the fold with this, what happens if she and her hubby have an accident?  Just a small fault I think was overlooked in who was told what.  I understand Olives need to protect her secret, even if it cost her everything.  Neil just walked away for with the best intentions; that could cause trouble later.  I still have my questions as to why he couldn’t stick around as a “friend”.  

"This is the only escape plan we need."

"Centrum Permanebit.  The Center will hold.  Our center will hold."

"Am I still married to a cat?"

 But back to happier things Eddie and Jill finally had their moment.  Only took six books but they finally admitted their feelings.   Nothing like near death loss to put things into perspective.  Poor Eddie he gets put through the ringer in this series for sure; he deserved a happy ending.  Though this does bring up one question, I may have been so excited about everything I overlooked it, but I don’t remember them clearing up the legal issues and what put Jill in danger in the first place.  She went back to court so you assume all got cleared up but I would have liked to know more.  Also Zoe really surprised me.  I hopped she would come around but given her attitude and how eager she seemed to please her dad I was leery. 

I am sad to see the series come to an end.  I’ve been reading these books for years.  They have made me laugh, cry, swoon, scream, and every other emotion on the spectrum.  Sadly the movie, which I adored, didn’t do so well and we never got Frostbite to be made into a movie, which sadly means we probably won’t see the Bloodlines books into a movie either.  Though if they do I would totally vote for them to use the people from the book trailers for Sydrian they are so cute and who I picture.  In the end, this series will always hold a dear spot in my heart and I look forward to re-reading them from the start again in the future and letting the world and the characters pull me under their spell once more.  I have given every book in both The Vampire Academy and Bloodlines 5 Stars, The Ruby Circle is no exception.  I’d also like to make a special rating for the series as a whole, 10 Stars, since both series have 5 Stars each ;)

 How did you feel about the end of the book and the series?  Are you happy with how it turned out?  Sad to see it go?  Share your thoughts below I need to talk to someone about all the feels I have over the ending. 

               

                

Dark Shadows Review

                Before I go a little dark (start my new job Monday and have to get back into the swing of things) I have another review for you.  This time it’s a movie, Dark Shadows¸ to be precise.  Now I will admit I have heard of the old TV show but as I was not born I didn’t watch it.  So I am unable to compare the two as I’m sure some of the fans might. 

                First let me say that Johnny Depp and Tim Burton make some seriously strange movies together.  I mean strange in a good way.  They are unique and different and you do remember them.  Simply put I give this movie a solid 4 Stars because it was entertaining.  It had some laughs (as witnessed in the trailer), some serious moments, and even some life lessons if you listen.

                This is the story of Barnabas Collins.  He has the bad luck of upsetting a witch, hell hath no furry like a woman scorned well even more so when she’s a witch.  So Angelique, played by Eva Green, is the evil vengeful witch and she curses Barnabas making him a vampire.  This is old school vampire too, pale with no reflection, catches fire in the sun and so on.  Well Barnabas is locked away for 200 years and when he emerges he comes to his family home once again.  He finds his ‘distant’ relatives and others living there and he wants to revive the family home and business but Angelique has other plans.

                Still after all these years Angelique is here being everything to the town that the Collins used to be keeping the curse on the Collins family.  Alone with his family there is also a doppelganger of the only woman he ever loved there playing Governess to the youngest Collin. 

                The movie is basically centered around Barnabas trying to find happiness in family and even love again while trying to keep the witch from causing further harm.  It was fun.  I don’t know if I’d be ready to watch it again in the next week or so but it was cute.  I will say that at parts of the movie it is hard to hear what is being said as the background music (all be it fun and in era) is too loud and drowns out words.  I enjoyed it.  The cast was great each played their parts, Johnny Depp was amazing some of his lines I give him props because I would not have been able to not bust up laughing saying them, then again that’s why I’m not an actress.  Still he did a good job in my opinion of giving Barnabas Collins depth.  Also special note of Eva Green who played the vengeful and obsessive with great flare, she was enchanting.  As mentioned some fun laughs and as for life lessons…well it’s all about family and fighting on through the hardships. 

                So there you have it.  If you like a bit of strangeness then go out and see Dark Shadows.  As always let me know what you think below.

Rating:  4 Stars