Book Review: Evolving Ecstasy (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 3) by Melanie Nowak

01/10/202429/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, RomanceLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 331 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
The relationship between Cain and Felicity has crested to a peak that leaves them unsure whether to step back from each other for safety, or jump into a future united in death. Felicity is unlike any human Cain has known before. She treats him as an equal; a man worthy of friendship, respect and even… love. She embodies qualities of gentleness and loving trust that he has never found among his own kind. This makes her far more desirable to him than any creature of darkness could ever be. The venom of Cain’s bite could protect Felicity from hostile vampires, but it would give him a measure of psychic control over her as well. Would Felicity only accept becoming a vampire, due to his addictive venom, coupled with the foolishness of a young girl in love? Perhaps there is a brighter future for her in the human world. Is Cain’s desire for Felicity’s love worth the loss of her life?

*ALMOST HUMAN is a series of successive trilogies, not stand-alone books. Each trilogy is self-contained enough to be read alone as a 3 book set, but the story unfolds chronologically, and the characters do continue from one trilogy to the next. Main storyline closure is in each 3rd book, but there are also story-ties leading from one trilogy to the next in the series.
*For series updates and previews, visit: MelanieNowak.com

Review

Evolving Ecstasy is the third book in Almost Human: The First Trilogy by Melanie Nowak (the first book is Fatal Infatuation and the second one is Lost Reflections). Evolving Ecstasy is an exhilarating and emotional ride, especially for fans of character-driven paranormal romance like me. I found myself completely drawn into the complex relationships and the heart-pounding tension between Felicity and Cain.

The book does a fantastic job balancing action with deep emotional moments, especially as Felicity grapples with her feelings for Cain and the dangers that come with loving a vampire. What I loved most was the evolution of their relationship, particularly how Cain’s internal struggles as a vampire play a central role in their dynamic. The scenes between them are both tender and thrilling, making you root for them even as you fear for their survival.

Nowak’s writing shines in this installment, especially when describing the complexity of Cain’s character. As one of the more memorable lines goes: “To drink from a host, for a vampire, is the ultimate experience. Just as sex may be for a human being. Blood, that is true ecstasy.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the intense emotions that run throughout the novel.

While the book is packed with action, particularly as Felicity faces off against zombies and vampire enemies, it’s the quieter moments of vulnerability that stand out. One of my favorite quotes is when Cain reassures Felicity: “For you, I’d fight Satan himself.” The devotion and passion between these characters elevate the stakes and make the story even more compelling.

Overall, Evolving Ecstasy delivers all the suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue you’d want from a paranormal series. I give it 5 stars for its gripping narrative and emotional depth. The Almost Human: The First Trilogy by Melanie Nowak is an addictive blend of romance, danger, and the supernatural. With captivating characters like Felicity and the enigmatic vampire Cain, the trilogy takes readers on an emotional journey through love, loss, and survival in a world filled with vampires, zombies, and moral dilemmas. It is perfect for fans of paranormal romance who crave deep character development and heart-racing action!

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Book Review: Lost Reflections (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 2) by Melanie Nowak

24/09/202424/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, Romance1 Comment

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 353 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
Felicity has helped her friends to escape the venomous vixen Sindy, but cannot divine the motives of Cain, the vampire who captured first her gratitude, and then her heart.
She finds the historical account of Cain’s past enthralling and frightening. Now she must determine whether the addictive venom in Cain’s kiss is clouding her judgment, and if his thirst for her blood is a driving force too strong for their love to conquer.
It’s difficult to contemplate such questions while under the attack of a vengeful vampire and his zombie slaves. Felicity’s heart has already been lost to Cain; will she lose her life as well?

*ALMOST HUMAN is a series of successive trilogies, not stand-alone books. Each trilogy is self-contained enough to be read alone as a 3 book set, but the story unfolds chronologically, and the characters do continue from one trilogy to the next. Main storyline closure is in each 3rd book, but there are also story-ties leading from one trilogy to the next in the series.

Review

If you enjoyed Fatal Infatuation, you’re in for another exciting ride with Lost Reflections, the second book in The Almost Human Trilogy. Melanie Nowak delivered a fantastic mix of romance, danger, and supernatural intrigue that kept me hooked from start to finish.

This time around, Felicity is grappling with her feelings for Cain, the mysterious and brooding vampire who’s managed to capture both her heart and her trust. But, of course, things are never that simple! Felicity is starting to wonder whether Cain’s vampire venom is clouding her judgment, and it doesn’t help that she’s also caught up in a deadly game involving vengeful vampires and zombie minions. Talk about complicated! One thing’s for sure: her heart may be lost to Cain, but the bigger question is, will she lose her life too?

The best part of this book is definitely the deeper dive into Cain’s backstory. His past is both fascinating and dark, and we get a much clearer picture of why he is the way he is. It’s both enthralling and, at times, a little unsettling. And Felicity’s struggle to figure out whether their connection is real or just a result of his vampire nature adds an emotional layer that keeps the reader invested in their relationship.

There’s a lot more action in this one compared to the first book, and the pacing really picks up. There was vengeful vampires, zombies, and plenty of suspense to keep me on my toes. The romance is still at the heart of the story, but the stakes feel higher now, and Felicity is forced to make some tough decisions about what she really wants.

Overall, Lost Reflections is a great continuation of the series. The characters are even more developed, the action ramps up, and the romance has a darker, more complex edge to it. If you’re into vampire stories with a good mix of danger, drama, and romance, you’re definitely going to enjoy this one. Can’t wait to see how things unfold in the final book!

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Book Review: Fatal Infatuation (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 1) by Melanie Nowak

21/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, Romance2 Comments

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 353 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
Shy Felicity never expected to attract the attention of a handsome young man… or a vampire, but if she can keep them both from killing each other she’ll need all the help she can get to navigate discoveries of desire; perils of zombies and vampires; and struggles with friendship, morality and…college.
Cain is an elder vampire who displays quiet confidence even as he struggles to overcome sins of his past. Surprisingly, he found that in losing his life he gained his faith and a purpose. His mission: find the hostile vampires that inhabit this small college town, and educate them to live in peace with humans. Their leader, Sindy, is a wicked temptress who has set her sights on Felicity’s new friend Ben. She will be difficult to control, but after meeting Felicity, Cain’s most difficult task lies in controlling himself.

Review

Fatal Infatuation by Melanie Nowak is an amazing vampire romance novel, the first in the Almost Human trilogy, with a mix of suspense and exceptional characterisation.

The story centres around Felicity, this shy and kind-hearted college student who suddenly finds herself in a very complicated situation. Not only does she catch the eye of a charming human, but also Cain—a brooding elder vampire who has his own messy past to deal with. Cain’s not your typical vampire though. He’s trying to make peace with his past sins and even works to help other vampires coexist with humans. One line from Cain that really stood out to me was: “In losing my life, I found my purpose.” That just sums up his whole internal struggle so well.

I loved the mix of romance, danger, and a bit of moral dilemma in this book. Felicity is trying to figure out her feelings while literally navigating a world with vampires and zombies, and honestly, I was here for it! There’s a part where she says, “Navigating friendships and desires was already hard enough—now there’s the small matter of survival,” and I think that perfectly captures the vibe of the story.

The characters, especially Cain, are really well-developed. He’s not just a brooding vampire—there’s a lot more to him, and you can’t help but root for him. And then there’s Sindy, a seductive vampire who just loves stirring up trouble, especially when it comes to Felicity’s new friend, Ben.

The only thing I would say is that some parts were a little predictable, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. There’s plenty of tension and excitement to keep you turning the pages. If you’re into vampires with some emotional depth and a good mix of romance and action, Fatal Infatuation is a fantastic start to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Book Review: Mahatmas and Monsters by Kim Idynne

21/07/2022Fantasy, Kim Idynne, New Adult Fantasy, ParanormalLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Kim Idynne
Release Date: 15th February 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Fantasy
Format: E-book
Pages: 180 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
When nineteen-year-old vampire Elias Hellström reunites with Aarya, his childhood love, she sets him on a strange and terrifying path to becoming human again. Confronting his own demons is challenging enough, but Elias must also contend with the monsters he has gathered around him: monsters who prey on humans, and who respond to his transformation with varying degrees of hunger, envy, and wrath.

Review

Mahatmas and Monsters by Kim Idynne is a new adult paranormal fantasy read that proved to be a fast-paced emotional rollercoaster ride. This book started out on a high note and pulled me in right from the beginning. For the length of the book, I was impressed with the number of details it packed and the profiling of the characters.

The writing was good and made this book an even quicker read, which is always a big plus for me. I liked the characters and cared for them enough to know what would happen to them throughout the book. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

This book would be a perfect fit for paranormal and new adult genre readers.

You can also read this review on:

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Book Review: One Night’s Stay by C.B. Collins

16/10/2018C.B. Collins, Horror, Supernatural, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: C. B. Collins
Release Date: 9th September 2018
Genre: Supernatural, Thriller
~~Series~~:
Edition: e-book
Pages: 476
Publisher: C.B.C. Publishing
Blurb:
Thirteen strangers check into the Sunset Inn hoping to find rest. When one of them is murdered in the middle of the night, the survivors realize they’ve found something else entirely; an ancient evil looking to satisfy an undying hunger. If the guests want to make it through the night, they’ll have to discover the secret behind the motel and the mysterious town it serves. However, in uncovering the truth, they might find that the town’s past is nowhere near as dark as their own.

Review

★★★

One Night’s Stay by C.B. Collins is a new supernatural thriller with a lot of potentials that serves as a perfect Halloween read.

When I started reading this book I was pulled into it so fiercely that for the first 30% of the story I was not at all ready to put it down! But, much to my dismay, as the story progressed, I started to feel a little distant as the plot began to drag and the characterization started to falter. It began to get more and more difficult for me to feel a connection with the characters that started to emerge as the main ones as the story progressed. And by the time I finished 80% of the book I wasn’t sure if it was the same book that I had started. Maybe it’s simply my monumental expectations from the story or maybe the story was that way, but I feel that overall the story progression suffered heavily after the first 30-40% of the story. The second half of the story was totally dominated by the first half and wasn’t able to live up to the expectations that were set in the brilliant first half of the story.

Still, it made for a good Halloween read with an engaging plot. If the characterization would have been better, I would have given this story another star, but it wasn’t. So if you like stories with a decent plot and can do with not-very-strong characterization in a supernatural setting then do give this book a try, you might enjoy it more than I did.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Monsterland

16/01/201616/01/2016Adventure, Book Reviews (by Genre), Books Reviews (by Author), Fantasy, Horror, Michael Phillip Cash, Paranormal, Post Apocalypse, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult9 Comments

Author: Michael Phillip Cash 
Release Date: April 6, 2016
Series: None
Genre: YA | Adventure | Urban Fantasy | Post-Apocalyptic | Horror>Zombies |
Paranormal>Vampires | Shapeshifter>Werewolves | Post-Apocalyptic
Edition: Ebook (mobi)
Pages: 336
Publisher: Create Space
Source: NetGalley
Buy it here: Amazon

Blurb

Welcome to Monsterland – the scariest place on Earth. All guests can interact with real vampires in Vampire Village, be chased by an actual werewolf on the River Run, and walk among the dead in Zombieville.
Wyatt Baldwin, a high school student and life-long movie buff is staring bleakly at a future of flipping burgers. Due to a fortuitous circumstance, Wyatt and his friends are invited to the star-studded opening of Monsterland. In a theme park full of real vampires, werewolves and zombies, what could possibly go wrong?

Rating

TRB 5 stars

Review

It was the entrance to the Auschwitz death camp.

http://blewzen.deviantart.com/art/Werewolf-vampire-zombie-sketches-450864569

The story line of Monsterland is really unique, fresh and, I must admit, quite chilling (esp. the werewolf part.)

It’s not scary in the literal sense as such but it does gives the chills at more than one occasion. The descriptions are wildly realistic and the images they paint is worth all the time and money spent on this book. I felt that I was the one visiting the Monsterland with my friends and not the fictional characters. The story is beautifully crafted and the detailing is commendable. Being a paranormal/shapeshifter/horror storyline, the author successfully captured the character backgrounds and successfully added layers to the overall concept.

I enjoyed the book right from the first line right till the very last one. The overlapping of the paranormal and horror genres is commendable because, despite my initial reservations, the author managed to woo me with his amazing story and its execution. It is a job well done on the author’s part.

I felt a connection with each and every character of this book. What seemed to be pointless discussions of monster-obsessed teenagers in the initial pages of the book, made more and more sense as the story progressed and finally when it reached the last act.

I also enjoyed the last connection that the author made between the characters. It’s a well thought out storyline with 3-dimensional characters and layers and layers of different elements.

All the elements blended perfectly well together (except for one little thing- why was Raoul the vamp scared of the zombies!?!? Well, this crossed my mind only for a second before I got caught in the thrill of the moment and my mind moved on to other characters who were literally fighting for their lives (when the story is as good as this, who cares?)

I love myself some badass zombies but this is the first time I actually saw them sympathetically as “victims” and poor sick people who are not someone to be shot or bashed in the head by any/everyone, but a sad bunch of unfortunate people who caught the plague.

http://weknowyourdreams.com/zombies.html — http://weknowyourdreams.com/images/zombies/zombies-07.jpg

By the starting of the end, I was actually feeling sad for all the three creatures- the zombies, the vamps and the werewolves- but by the end, all the other things faded from my mind and I experienced what I really wanted to (and why I really picked this book in the first place) – a complete monster massacre.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: The sky was a sparkling, power blue, mosquitoes droned lazily over the tepid water, frogs croaked messages while they sunbathed on waxy lilypads.

Memorable Quotes:

Wyatt looked back at the main area of the park, feeling uneasy he was being led somewhere he shouldn’t be going.

Memorable Paragraphs:

Wyatt glanced back in his rearview mirror and shifted uncomfortable in his seat, remembering why the sign unnerved him. It bore a stricking resemblance to a picture he has seen in his history book. The words were in German and read Arbeit Macht Frei– Work Makes You Free. It was the entrance to the Auschwitz death camp.

Highlights: Superb concept and amazing execution of all the elements.

Lowlights: None.

Final Thoughts: A must read for paranormal and post-apocalyptic readers.

You can also read this review at Goodreads, Amazon and NetGalley

Movie Review: Dracula Untold

18/10/201426/10/2014Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror/Paranormal, Movie Reviews (by Genre), Science-Fiction, War16 Comments



Directed by: Gary Shore

Starring: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon and Dominic Cooper

Release Date: October 10, 2014
 
Running Time: 92 minutes

Adapted From: Dracula

Language: English

Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2aWqecTTuE

Plot Summary

Vlad Tepes (Luke Evans) is a great hero, but when he learns the Sultan is preparing for battle and needs to form an army of 1,000 boys, including Vlad’s son, he vows to find a way to protect his family.

Vlad turns to dark forces in order to get the power to destroy his enemies and agrees to go from hero to monster as he’s turned into the mythological bloodsucker Dracula.

Based on characters by Bram Stoker.

–Tribute

Review

I’ve always been fascinated by Darcula, though I’ve never read about him but I’ve always been curious to know about his life. I’ve always thought of Dracula as a very negative character due to the frequent negative portrayal of him. I’ve always considered him a bloodsucking killing machine, but after watching this movie I felt a strong need to kick myself! I never thought that Dracula can be interpreted in such a glorious and honourable way. He is shown as a caring and protective father who’ll go to any lengths to save his family and empire from the rude and egoistic Turks. After watching Dracula Untold I’ve undoubtedly turned into Dracula’s sincere fan. To be honestly he has successfully hit the top note when it comes to my “Favourite Vampires list”. I can say, without a single speck of doubt, that Vlad is the best vampire that has ever walked on the face of the Earth.

The bats are shown pretty amazingly, specially the bat-effects whenever Vlad took a flight or ran super-fast. Dominic Cooper played the part well, though I thought there should have a bit more action! I was left craving for some one on one bad-ass and gory fight between Vlad and Sultan. There could have been a lot of action in the last 15 minutes but unfortunately the fights were child-like!

Other than the awesomeballs character of Vlad, I really really liked Master Vampire. He scared the hell out of me and I really freaked out at his close-up. He looked every bit like the name suggests and I was actually hoping for the villain to be as scary and dangerous as Master Vampire, as disappointing as it is, that was really not the case.

Vlad looked dangerously scary when, near the end, he bites Dominic Cooper. The effects are awesome and the costumes were up-to the mark. Sarah Gadon’s performance really didn’t stand out. In my opinion, some other heroine might have played the part better!