Fevre Dream

By George R R Martin

[Abner Marsh has had his dearest wish come true - he has built the Fevre Dream,
the finest steamship ever to sail the Mississippi. Abner hopes to race the boat
some day, but his partner is making it hard for him to realise his ambition.
Joshua York put up the money for the Fevre Dream, but now rumours have
started about the company he keeps, his odd eating habits and strange hours.
As the Dream sails the great river, it leaves in its wake one too many dark tales,
until Abner is forced to face down the man who helped his dreams become reality.]

This was meant to go up last night but we seemed to be having wifi issues and you know me, still not scheduling my posts yet. 

Whoops. But here it is, the review for a George R R Martin book that isn't Game of Thrones!

Hm. I thought George R R Martin and vampires would be a good mix considering his other fantasy works. 

Alas, I was mistaken.

I really wanted to like Fevre Dream but I just wasn't taken with it.

I loved the characters. Abner was great, stubborn, set in his old ways, but loyal and courageous. 

Joshua was a true gentleman (apart from the one minor fact that he's a vampire), he sticks to his cause through and through no matter how tough it gets. 

And then there's Julian. Pure evil and a power-hungry bully. They were all written so well, that is definitely one thing Martin does extremely well - character development!

The plot though, I wasn't sure about. I can't put my finger on it, but something was just off. 

There were some great tense moments in amongst all of the river-boating stuff. 

Maybe it was the period it was set in? Or maybe it just wasn't like any other vampire novels I've ever read before. 

But the quiet moments didn't make me want to keep reading, I found myself getting a little bored if I'm honest.

The setting on the river and the slave plantations were pretty interesting though. The imagery was fantastic incorporating all of the corruption and power battles.

Bit of a weird one overall.



📖

Underworld: Blood Wars

Image From Pinterest

It's been such a good weekend already. In fact it's just been a pretty good week all in all.

The weather's been fab, I'm feeling a lot more settled in my new place and I've spent some time with family and Adeel so I'm feeling very at peace and happy right now.

Literally just spent my evening watching the Grand Prix whilst colouring which has been so calming and a lovely way to finish a busy few days.

But at the moment, I'm looking forward to a plan-free bank holiday Monday if I'm honest. Will most likely go for a nice slow run before finishing unpacking and cleaning my room. 

Perfect.

We went to see Pirates 5 today and, ohmygod, I cannot wait to write a review for that!

One film I was equally excited for at the beginning of the year was Underworld: Blood Wars.

I love the Underworld series and not just because Kate Beckinsale is my girl crush but because it's just a fantastic set of vampire films. Beats Twilight by a mile, a million miles.

Unfortunately I wasn't completely won over by the fifth instalment.

I don't think the story was very strong at all and I was very, very annoyed at how they barely even covered writing off Michael's character. I'm fully aware the actor didn't want to come back but it's not like he was anyone random, he was what the entire plot surrounded in films one and two.

I enjoyed the old characters and a couple from the fourth, but the new characters I almost felt were weak, that they weren't anything special given the previous villains. Plus, I'm kind of biased in the old characters because I absolutely love Kate Beckinsale, Theo James and Charles Dance.

The cinematography and the sets and the costumes were beautiful as usual. Lycra and medieval castles and epic battle scenes - classic Underworld action.

I'm not gonna lie though, I will probably watch it again beside the others because I like doing film marathons every now and again and it's part of the story, especially as there's going to be another one!

Let's hope the sixth is better.

---

Rating:
★★★☆☆



☽

The Night Eternal (The Strain Trilogy, #3)

By Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Narrated by Daniel Oreskes

Image From Goodreads

[The nail-biting vampire thriller from the world famous-director of Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy.

The night belongs to them, and it will be a night eternal... After the blasts, it was all over.

Nuclear Winter has settled upon the earth. Except for one hour of sunlight a day, the whole world is plunged into darkness. It is a near-perfect environment for vampires. They have won. It is their time. Almost every single man, woman and child has been enslaved in vast camps across the globe. Like animals, they are farmed, harvested for the sick pleasure of the Master Race.

Almost, but not all. Somewhere out there, hiding for their lives, is a desperate network of free humans, continue the seemingly hopeless resistance. Everyday people, with no other options - among them Dr Ephraim Goodweather, his son Zack, the veteran exterminator Vassily, and former gangbanger Gus.

To be free, they need a miracle, they need divine intervention. But salvation can be a twisted game - one in which they may be played like pawns in a battle of Good and Evil. And at what cost?]

I really wanted this to be good, but after the demise of two crucial characters and another minor character at the end of the previous one, this final instalment just didn't really do it for me.

I get that a story needs to tie up all loose ends but it wasn't as dramatic as it could have been, even though barely any of the main characters actually did seem to survive.

The Master didn't seem as threatening in this one because of his association with Zach. In fact, the vampires didn't seem very threatening at all, not even in the camps where they enslaved the humans to be their food supply.

I felt like more time could have been spent in the camps to increase this threat. They broke Nora out way too quickly for my liking.

I also didn't really like the narrator as much. For some reason it was only in this one that I picked up on the fact that I didn't like the way he did the different voices, even though he narrated the second one too.

Dutch never did make an appearance and there was an odd romance at the end that I don't know how I feel about. Gus was too full on and irritating as time went on as well.

I like the TV show so much. I'm incredibly disappointed that the books didn't entirely live up to it. I hope the final season is better - there are huge differences with a couple of characters included where they haven't been in the books. 

I do feel though - even with the series - that the threat has lessened. I feel like I've said it before but it's the outbreak of a virus that is the most fun and tense to read as people are dying all over the place whereas when the virus has fully taken over and only a handful of people survive, it's not all that surprising if they die or live because you've kind of grown numb to it all from the beginning.

Eh, I would only recommend the first book in this series alone I think.

☽

The Fall (The Strain Trilogy, #2)

By Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Narrated by Daniel Oreskes

Image From Audible

[Humans have been displaced at the top of the food chain, and now understand - to their outright horror - what it is to be not the consumer, but the consumed. Ephraim Goodweather, director of the New York office of the Centers for Disease control, is one of the few humans who understands what is really happening. Vampires have arrived in New York City, and their condition is contagious. If they cannot be contained, the entire world is at risk of infection. As Eph becomes consumed with the battle against the total corruption of humanity, his ex-wife, Kelly, now a vampire herself, is ever-more determined to claim their son, Zack. As the Biblical origins of the Ancient ones are gradually revealed, Eph learns that there is a greater, more terrible plan in store for the human race - worse even than annihilation...]

I actually wanted to write about the Chinese New Year Celebrations we went to on Sunday but I feel that it deserves more of my time and concentration, so for now, here is another review.

I quite enjoyed this second instalment, but not as much as the first one. I didn't feel as engaged.

Although there was the imminent threat of the vampires, obviously, it wasn't as immediate for me anymore because, well, the outbreak is the most exciting part, right? It has immediate consequences of who gets infected and who survives. So once the main outbreak has claimed the majority of the human race it doesn't quite seem as scary (obviously I wouldn't be saying that for a real virus outbreak).

As I'd already seen the series, I knew somewhat of the plot (although I feel like it almost lacked in this one, not a whole lot actually happened) so wasn't too surprised about what did happen.

Eichorst made his appearance (hallelujah!) but he wasn't as horrible as he is in the series which is a little bit disappointing. Still no Dutch (I reckon they used their "artistic licence" for the show and created her).

But I do like Zach better in the books. He's a right little twat in the TV show (good technical term there) and I don't particularly like him, but in this - so far - he's alright.

I'm a little surprised by the ending of this one though. Something that didn't happen in the TV series is definitely something good as I didn't see it coming. I'm now perplexed as to what to expect in the final one!

☽

The Mortal Instruments: Book Six, City of Heavenly Fire

By Cassandra Clare.

[Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter
world. Chaos and destruction overwhelm the
Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends
band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever
faced: Clary's own brother. Nothing in this world can
defeat Sebastian - but if they journey to the realm
of demons, they just might have a chance...]

Well this one certainly started with a bang.

Tense throughout with twists and turns right up until the very end. The final instalment is addictive and answers all looming questions. The characters grow, some die and relationships blossom.

Funnily enough Isabelle and Simon's "TBD" relationship was my favourite out of the three main ones, Magnus and Alec a close second.

I found myself liking Alec a lot more in this one. He'd been so serious in the rest of the previous books, that for him to make me laugh repeatedly in this one was quite a change - even if it was just because of his sarcastic comments at inopportune moments.

I also loved seeing Magnus of all people vulnerable for once, not the all powerful demon we know him to be.

The ending was also tied up all neatly and beautifully.

I enjoyed the addition of Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn too. I thought starting the story off with the Shadowhunter children training was lovely and an interesting insight into the Shadowhunter upbringing.

I loved the tension between the downworlders and the Shadowhunters throughout. It had you guessing as to who would betray the Shadowhunters in the end (not who you expect!!)

Sebastian's antics were horrific and had me bawling within a few chapters! The demon dimension was also a nice touch and change of scenery.

A good ending to a great series and lovely for Tessa and Jem to make an appearance to tie up any other loose ends from the Clockwork series!



✌︎

The Strain

By Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Narrated by Ron Perlman

Image From Goodreads

[A plane lands at JFK and mysteriously 'goes dark', stopping in the middle of the runway for no apparent reason, all lights off, all doors sealed. The pilots cannot be raised.

When the hatch above the wing finally clicks open, it quickly becomes clear that everyone on board is dead - although there is no sign of trauma or struggle. Ephraim Goodweather and his team from the Centre of Disease Control must work quickly to establish the cause of this strange occurrence before panic spreads.

The first thing they discover is that four of the victims are actually still alive. But that's the only good news. And when all 200 corpses disappear from various morgues around the city on the same night, things very rapidly get worse. Soon Eph and a small band of helpers will find themselves battling to protect not only their loved ones, but the whole city, against an ancient threat to humanity.]

I've been watching the TV series for a while now (series three has just finished!) and I thought del Toro's take on vampires had such a unique twist that I couldn't help but be drawn in. 

I loved it from the start. So I thought I would try reading/listening to them as well.

I'm happy to say this first book is on par with the TV series. Except for a few differences, they are exactly the same and because I watched it first I can picture everything perfectly!

I love how it's almost read like a script with the headings of each section the whereabouts in the city. 

The dialogue is good, a bit bland at times, and the descriptions are fantastically gross. 

The added music effects were really creepy and helped to break up all of the parts. 

I was so creeped out listening to this that even walking around my empty house in the day I had to put the radio on to ease my nerves!

The characters are the best part. I grew to them quickly in the series and, subsequently, the books. 

The snippets of backstory we get for each character is great, especially for Setrakian.

Fet is my favourite character, although that might be something to do with the TV series too. He still has a sense of humour even amongst all the end-of-the-world-ness going on.

From watching the series first though, I am a little disappointed by the lack of Dutch and Eichorst. Both of these characters were so amazing in the series, I hope they do make an appearance in later books.

I'm definitely intrigued as to whether the next two will follow with the series or branch off. They've certainly left off where series one ended and I can't wait to read the next one!

The Mortal Instruments: Book Five, City of Lost Souls

By Cassandra Clare.

[Jace is now a servant of evil, bound for all eternity to Sebastian.

Only a small band of Shadowhunters believe he can be saved.

To do this they must defy the Clave. And they must act without

Clary. For Clary is playing a dangerous game utterly alone.

The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace's soul. Clary

is willing to do anything for Jace, but can she trust him?

What price is too high to pay, even for love?]

Do you ever watch a TV show where it's like eight series in and it really could've done with finishing at about series 4 yet it's still going. 

Yeah? 

Well that's how these books feel sometimes.

I don't have a whole lot of new things to add since the last one to be honest.

The plot was alright; there were some interesting twists but again with the incest theme, it just kinda creeped me out.

I get that Sebastian just wants someone to love him, but his sister? And like that? Yuck.

If I'm honest, I was more intrigued by Simon's storyline than I was with Clary's, it just seemed to grip me more.

I also preferred Isabelle and Simon's relationship development over Clary and Jace's. It was so lovely to see Isabelle's vulnerability grow as her feelings towards Simon became true to herself.

I was even more partial to the relationships of Magnus/Alec and Maia/Jordan over Clary and Jace. 

Clary is really really irritating now, as is Jace, and I can't stand how they constantly have to be gazing at one another or whatever. It's that relationship where they're all over each other and it just makes you sick.

I wasn't sure how there was a whole other book after this one (but I've since finished them all!!) and what it was going to be about, but I couldn't wait to just be done with them.

That all changed with the last book though, review to come soon!

✌︎

The Mortal Instruments: Book Four, City of Fallen Angels

By Cassandra Clare.

[Clary is back in New York and life is good: she's training to 

be a Shadowhunter and is finally able to call Jace her boyfriend. 

But nothing comes without a price. When Jace inexplicably 

begins to pull away from her, Clary is forced to acknowledge 

that she herself has set in motion a chain of events that could 

lead to the loss of everything she loves. Even Jace.]

I actually loved this book.

I was a little worried at first that Clare might have gone too far with writing another three novels in this series on top of the first three. 

Would it just be the same sort of stuff repeated again from the other instalments or would it be better? 

But, I'm happy to say, she genuinely did a good job, really allowing the characters to grow. They are so in depth that I don't find any of them boring at all.

I still find Clary and Jace to be rather annoying as a couple (and Clary on her own), but I always seem to feel that way about the protagonists in YA fiction. 

I'm still rooting for them, don't get me wrong, it just seems to be the same thing all the time with Jace feeling sorry for himself, like he's never good enough for Clary. Blah blah blah, man up.

I love Simon and Isabelle's weird relationship in this one. 

He has slowly become my favourite character I think. He's really grown a great deal and it's interesting to see his continuing struggle as a vampire. 

Isabelle really grew on me as well. It's not that I didn't like her in the others, she just came across more stuck up and almost snobbish. But in this one, she shows some vulnerability.

Alec and Magnus weren't in it an awful lot and I kind of thought their tiff was a bit pointless. But, I liked the addition of Jordan/Kyle (did not see that twist coming!) and the overall villain was definitely an interesting one, one I wasn't expecting. 

I've always seen her character come up in other vampire-related TV programmes but in this she was a demon which was a different spin on it (don't wanna give that much away!)

I definitely enjoyed the plot. I don't know what I was expecting from a continuation but this wasn't it. This didn't disappoint though! 

I'm super intrigued by the little revelations we've found out about Magnus's past that are starting to link up with the Clockwork novels (am currently just finishing book two of these) and can't wait to see how they all wrap up!



✌︎

The Infernal Devices: Book 1, Clockwork Angel

By Cassandra Clare.

Do  you ever get all these emotions and doubts run through your mind day after day and worry that things aren't going the way they're meant to be?

I do, mostly about my relationship, but then once he's here at the weekend I feel almost restored back to faith and like I've taken a chill pill.

God, the past two weekends have been so great. Although if I write it down it doesn't look like we did much, but I guess it's just the little moments and how I seem to be appreciating them all the more.

Ah, I feel so full of love for him ♥︎

Anyway, as much as I could probably write a full post on why I love him, I'm going to get on with the review instead.

[When Tessa Gray arrives in England during

the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is

waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, 

warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit 

streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with 

the Shadowhunters, a band of demon hunters. Drawn 

ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated 

by - and torn between - two best friends.]

I'm not too sure how I feel about these sorts of books anymore. 

Like, I think I've read far too many YA novels and am now so used to their predictable plot lines and complicated love triangles that I find myself growing restless whilst reading them.

However, it was an easy read, a very easy read, and I did enjoy the setting in Victorian London. Clare's description - as always - was beautiful and I could feel my mind bringing her ideas to life.

I liked the concept of the mechanical/clockwork creatures in this one. It was definitely different from the initial series with Clary and Jace. Not so much love drama, although there is a hint of it going in that direction and there is a mysteriousness about Will that is kind of enticing.

The other characters are all quite interesting. I'm not annoyed with Tessa or Jessamine yet, as the only prominent female figures. There's no unnecessary whining or selfish behaviour at the moment. Plus, I think Clare nailed the way women and men perceived each other back then with all the informal politeness and the men taking lead in the fighting. I didn't find it sexist at all like I have done in some books, Clare touches on it gracefully.

I enjoyed the plot and the twist at the end of who the Magister really was, definitely not who I expected! The epilogue left unanswered questions about Will which I can't wait to find out about and I'm intrigued as to how the plot continues and how it will all link up with The Mortal Instruments Series.



✌︎

Dracula And Other Horror Classics

By Bram Stoker.

[Dracula and Other Horror Classics collects the most memorable
tales of horror by Bram Stoker. In addition to Dracula -- the
landmark vampire novel that set the pattern for virtually all
vampire fiction written after its publication in 1897 -- this
omnibus collects the novels The Jewel of Seven Stars and The 
Lair of the White Worm. It also includes a dozen of Stoker's
short tales of the macabre, including "Dracula's Guest", a
sidebar to his famous novel.

For more than a century, Bram Stoker's fiction has inspired
countless writers of horror and fantasy fiction. This volume
allows readers a unique opportunity to appreciate the full range
of his dark imagination.]

Dracula
I was worried initially that the writing style would be too difficult to grasp, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was rather easy. From what I can remember (I did begin it in April after all) Dracula started off reasonably well-paced. I found I enjoyed the story line with Lucy and her antics better than the subsequent manhunt for Dracula himself, meaning I didn't enjoy the ending as much as I could have. There was quite a bit of waffling as well that really wasn't needed which made the pace a bit slower right before the climax. I also found that the characters came to trust too easily and fell in love awfully quick, but maybe that was just part of the times.

The Jewel of Seven Stars
This one drew me in straight away with the Egyptian theme throughout (I find the whole mummies and curses ordeal fascinating). Again, I found that the protagonists fell in love way too quick for my tastes but I went along with it anyway. This, like Dracula, started off well then declined in a lot of unnecessary waffle followed by ending with a bang. I'm still in shock now at how this one ended so I would have to say this one might be my favourite out of the three longer tales as it was so unexpected.

The Lair of the White Worm
From reading the title to the end of this one, I was terribly confused. First of all, a worm? That's the big threat? And second of all, the plot was kind of all over the place. The love between the main characters seemed to happen instantly and then the death of a character had an absurd reasoning behind it. The only bit I really enjoyed was the climax-type scene towards the end because the imagery was really strong and this tiny bit made sense to me. I didn't understand half of what was going on though.

Dracula's Guest and Other Stories
The majority of these shorter tales, funnily enough, I rather enjoyed. They were quick and to the point, drawing me in and then abruptly ending in all sorts of weird ways. The Squaw, The Judge's House and The Burial of the Rats were my favourites out of the bunch with intriguing plots, a strong role for the familiars and beautiful imagery.

Overall, even though the writing was quite easy to navigate, it was still obvious that they were all written some time ago as the women were expected to stay out of the way and let all the men do the work and the racism in The Lair of the White Worm was absolutely horrendous!

The Mortal Instruments: Book Three, City of Glass

By Cassandra Clare.

So I completely forgot to write this review. 

I actually finished it ages ago, but I guess I was so excited for the next book in my TBR pile, one that I had pre-ordered 6 months previously, that I overlooked writing about this one.

Whoops.

[Amid the chaos of war, the Shadowhunters must
decide to fight with the vampires, werewolves and 
other Downworlders - or against them. Meanwhile,
Jace and Clary have their own decision to make:
should they pursue the love they know is forbidden?]

Anyways, all I'm going to say about Jace and Clary, without giving anything away, is I knew it!

Funnily enough though, I felt the same way about this book as I did the first, it wasn't as dramatic and twist-worthy as the second.

In fact, I figured out a bit of the plot on my own before it happened, so in that sense it was a little predictable.

I am happy though, in a way, with how things turned out in the end. 

Clare's description as always was beautiful, the character's growth was nice, especially Jace and Simon's friendship, and the final moments were a good way to tie it all up, leaving a few seeds of doubt for the future novels I imagine.

I still found Clary to be whiney and annoying, and even selfish at times. 

Jace grew a bit soppy in the end, Alec and Isabelle grew on me some more. 

But Magnus was probably the standout for me as he was still his good old, charming, hilarious self.

I wonder what the rest of the novels will hold in store.

To be continued...



✌

The Mortal Instruments: Book Two, City of Ashes

By Cassandra Clare.

I've literally got a whole load of reviews still stored up with all the books and films I've watched recently so I might just start posting them every Wednesday until I've caught up and post other stuff on Sundays!

Anyways, onto the review:

[Haunted by her past, Clary is dragged deeper into

New York City's terrifying underworld of demons

and Shadowhunters - but can she control her

feelings for a boy who can never be hers?]

Oooooh, I enjoyed this one much more than I did the first one. Maybe it was because I didn't know the plot to this one and it was all brand new and exciting.

I loved the constant battle Jace and Clary both clearly had within themselves, about their current situation, and with each other. It was difficult to read at times, being that it's kind of gross that I wanted what they did, but also that none of us should have wanted it at all under said "circumstances". 

(I'm not convinced these circumstances are the truth though... I hope)

Okay, enough riddles. I really can't say that much without spoiling anything.

However, there was a lot of action, especially with Simon's character. His whole role changed abruptly and I must admit, I didn't see it coming, at all. 

I loved Alec and Magnus' attempt at sneaking around, it was kind of really cute. 

Plus, the whole final-ish scene on the boat was pretty epic. I think - if they had of made it into a film - that that scene would have been phenomenal. They definitely kept hinting at us - and the characters - not really knowing all of the facts which was intriguing.

I also think Cassandra Clare's way of writing is really easy and simple to follow, with a whole abundance of description and decent dialogue thrown in that keeps you well and truly hooked!

Can't wait to read the next one!

✌

The Mortal Instruments: Book One, City of Bones

By Cassandra Clare.

I'm a bit off this week, what with the bank holiday and having Friday off too!

And I know I've been writing a lot of reviews lately but that's because I've been an unprepared nancy of late and need to get my butt in gear and prepare you some more interesting posts!

Definitely some on the way, I promise.

For now though, I've been wanting to read The Mortal Instruments series for a while now, especially after seeing the film a few years ago.

[Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and

werewolves in Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn to the

Shadowhunters, a secret group of warriors dedicated

to ridding the earth of demons, Clary encounters

the dark side of New York City - and the

dangers of forbidden love.]

So, even just reading the blurb again, I can see that this may look a little like one of those predictable and cheesy books. Don't get me wrong, some of it really is, but it's actually a lot better than I expected as well and so easy to read!

Clary, the protagonist, was a little young for me to really engage with - especially everything she managed to get herself in to. However, I did thoroughly enjoy the plot.

I enjoyed the different fantasy elements and the dialogue was excellent, although there was some rambling in places that wasn't really needed. The characters were well developed and I grew to know all of their motivations through their actions and the way others spoke of them, even if they were the antagonists.

Jace and Magnus Bane were my favourites with their sarcasm, wit and charm. Luke was a character that also grew on me the more I read. Clary, on the other hand, was whiney and irritating, especially as she kept forgetting all about Simon. No one forgets about their best friend, no matter how interesting their new life has become.

And the ending! Even though I knew about it thanks to the film, it still grossed me out (no spoilers here). What a twist though, if I hadn't known the plot already!

I'm definitely intrigued to see how the rest of the books unfold.

✌