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Keeping Secrets #1
Legend Unleashed
When an infamous criminal is unleashed from his prison, it has consequences for everyone in Carwick. Temperance Levinthal in particular…Temperance is satisfied with her ordinary life. Dealing with her eccentric, childlike parents is all the excitement she needs. That changes when Alastair Byron returns home.After a failed matchmaking attempt by her father, sparks fly between her and Alastair-just not the good kind.They are forced together though, when they are implicated in a grisly murder. Their search for the truth leads them to a secret world beneath Carwick, filled with werewolves, wizards and other magical faey.However, uncovering the truth is far more dangerous than they’d ever imagined.There are secrets within secrets.Even Alastair may be more than he seems…
ebook
First published October 21, 2012
7 people are currently reading
1679 people want to read
About the author
M. Latimer-Ridley
5 books66 followersLatimer and Ridley are two eccentric best friends with far too many obsessions and a frightening addiction to tea. They love reading stories filled with magic, passion and adventure.
A writing duo for many years, they've always dreamed of sharing their imaginary worlds and quirky characters with others.
While they live in Ireland, they would love to spend their lives travelling the world. But for now, they can be found happily wandering the internet.
We love to read really good books and make new friends, so don't hesitate to add us to your friends list, especially if we have the same great tastes! :)
A writing duo for many years, they've always dreamed of sharing their imaginary worlds and quirky characters with others.
While they live in Ireland, they would love to spend their lives travelling the world. But for now, they can be found happily wandering the internet.
We love to read really good books and make new friends, so don't hesitate to add us to your friends list, especially if we have the same great tastes! :)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 1, 2017
It was okay. It was readable. It didn't require a lot of extra thinking on my part, so that was a plus.
My biggest complaint with this book was in the details. I never knew where the characters were standing in relation to each other. They're walking and talking and then one of them suddenly pops out from behind a door. How, why, or when they got behind the door isn't mentioned. There are gaps like that all through the book.
On the plus side, the story is interesting enough and while the characters aren't my favorite, they have potential.
Like I said, it's okay. I've read worse and I've read better.
My biggest complaint with this book was in the details. I never knew where the characters were standing in relation to each other. They're walking and talking and then one of them suddenly pops out from behind a door. How, why, or when they got behind the door isn't mentioned. There are gaps like that all through the book.
On the plus side, the story is interesting enough and while the characters aren't my favorite, they have potential.
Like I said, it's okay. I've read worse and I've read better.
December 10, 2012
'Legend Unleashed' is an eerie young adult paranormal novel that revolves around the seemingly idyllic town of Carwick. Nothing bad ever happens in Carwick, that is until a notorious criminal escapes from his prison and everyone is in danger - especially our heroine, Temperance Levinthal. Temperance is dealing with a normal teenage life until the return of Alastair Byron turns her world upside down. After being accused of a terrible crime, Temperance and Alastair must band together to find out the truth behind the murder and behind Carwick itself. What they find will change their lives forever...
This novel was an enchanting thrill ride the entire way through. The setting of Carwick is the perfect place for the odd happenings that occur in the book. The town itself seems odd and unrealistic, so it creates an air of fantasy even before things actually do turn weird. The characters are fantastic - especially Temperance and Alastair. They are the typical average teenage heroes that are forced to mature when faced with outrageous circumstances and they even manage to learn quite a lot about themselves during the process. All of the characters were unique and easily likable - which had me invested in them from the beginning. The plot of the story is very original and I loved the different storylines and how they all effortlessly flowed together. The writing was incredibly well done and had me glued to the pages until I finished the book. The story itself was fast paced and full of action, adventure, intrigue, mystery, along with a bit of paranormal activity and romance thrown in for good measure. Overall, this book was an intriguing and compelling read that I enjoyed immensely. Highly recommended for fans of YA paranormal fiction!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was an enchanting thrill ride the entire way through. The setting of Carwick is the perfect place for the odd happenings that occur in the book. The town itself seems odd and unrealistic, so it creates an air of fantasy even before things actually do turn weird. The characters are fantastic - especially Temperance and Alastair. They are the typical average teenage heroes that are forced to mature when faced with outrageous circumstances and they even manage to learn quite a lot about themselves during the process. All of the characters were unique and easily likable - which had me invested in them from the beginning. The plot of the story is very original and I loved the different storylines and how they all effortlessly flowed together. The writing was incredibly well done and had me glued to the pages until I finished the book. The story itself was fast paced and full of action, adventure, intrigue, mystery, along with a bit of paranormal activity and romance thrown in for good measure. Overall, this book was an intriguing and compelling read that I enjoyed immensely. Highly recommended for fans of YA paranormal fiction!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2013
Okay cool, well to start off as i am doing this new weird thing where i start off with a song that i think best represents my reading experience with this book "Open Your Eyes" by Snow Patrol - check it out its a great song if you have never listened to it before.
Now for the reviewing! Well first and foremost, i thought this was amazing! i loved it, i really did but i will tell you why in a moment why it got a four vs a 5 from me. But for first thoughts and just a quick summary for you if you don't want an in depth review: the story is original and interesting. The characters are fun, and i liked them. Overall the book itself is something new and just a really good read. beautifully written.
So Now Plot: The plot was wow. I have been looking for something new and interesting well I found it and you can find it here also. I read a lot of paranormal stuff so i can honestly say i have never come across something quite like this and that is a good thing, truly it is! so with that said there is the issue of the 4 vs 5 stars and it does have to do with plot - let me start off by saying I LOVE IT when books start off running and get you right into the action, and right into the thick of things because otherwise i get a little bored... :) but while this book starts you off running i got a little bit left behind at parts i was struggling to understand somethings because like Temperance we are thrown into a whole new world, and i was like whoa! Alistair tell me a little something more! but keep with it because everything is explained more or less. And other part of this is there is a lot going on not just with Alistair whom Temperance is trying to help/run from the bad guys with but Temperance has a few mysteries to solve as well, so here is me hoping AND pleading this is a series because i want more answers and honestly i thought this book was far to short i want more!! more please! Anyways back to the plot it will twist you and turn you so often that stop trying to figure it out because you probably won't i know i didn't and i just stopped trying and let the book tell me. Oh i forgot to mention romance: there a is a bit you know that she is interested into certain people but its mostly an adventure story which is fine by me because there is just enough romance to call it a romance as well ;)
Okay so now on to the characters!
Temperance: Love the names in this book also just thought i would mention that. Well when we first meet Temperance i was thinking that she was slightly embarrassed by her parents and their antics, but then we find out that she seen as a bit off as well and she seems a bit like a loner. Temperance is a curious, but seemingly intelligent girl. I fell in love with her as a main character almost right away. She has this charm that i can't quite explain. She isn't weak by any means but it doesn't mean she can hold the world's weight up by herself, and i like that in my main characters because it makes them more real. She has moments where i wanted to laugh my ass off because i understand that she thinks that she has mental problems but she doesn't quite believe what is happening at first. Not the point though, she will stand up for herself when she has to and i really just over all liked her. She kept her head on straight when dealing with some nasty stuff.
Alistair: He is more than he seems, don't let that abnormally tall, handsome guise fool you, he is no just pretty face. He is somewhat blunt and a bit of an asshole which i love! He can come off very serious but also seem a bit childish as well. The thing though is he is protective and sweet. Its in the actions that he does that really made me love him because when he opened that loud mouth of his i wanted to slap him upside the head more than once. But really he seems more like a man of action than a man of words. He is desperately loyal which i understand, why wouldn't you be loyal to people you consider family, and he becomes very loyal to Temperance. He is a bit moody, and likes to brood but that is mostly normal for men apparently ;)
Halvard: Is kinda gross when you first meet him - he smells, can't quite get a thought out, and until he cleans up you notice how hot he really is. He is loyal to Temperance almost immediately and obviously cares for her. He seems to know a lot more than he is telling and nothing seems to really shock him. He is quite at first and becomes a little more vocal near the end. He has a hard past but it is obvious that he is still willing to try to find happiness. i liked him a lot, and now that that i think about it just for the "romance" part of this book the song i would pick would be "Multiply the Heartache" by Cake. Listen to it after you read the book ;)
There are a few minor characters that i liked, but mostly the story is about those three but the other characters that are in it are separate personalities and really fun characters themselves. So overall character-wise it was well done!
So MY LAST THOUGHTS? Read it. Go ahead, and head over to where ever you read books and get it because i think this is definitely worth your time. i also think that is definitely worth telling all your friends about because unfortunately i don't have a lot of friends but i bet you do! So read it and tell your friends all about it, and how amazing it was. (also if you are wondering - not its not a cliffhanger but this is me hoping again there is another one. or two, or three, or however many. ;) )
So if you liked what i had to say about this book, or you didn't and you thought that it was a silly review, then you should not be going to my blog which has more reviews of more books that i have enjoyed in the past, and so yeah. Well if you did you should. i think i give pretty interesting thoughts and much like the authors of this book i share it with my best friend who we act like crazy fools together all the more reason to check it out, because we have a little of everything over there. well mostly i do paranormal...especially indie paranormal. but anyways check us out enjoy it because we appreciate you http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
Now for the reviewing! Well first and foremost, i thought this was amazing! i loved it, i really did but i will tell you why in a moment why it got a four vs a 5 from me. But for first thoughts and just a quick summary for you if you don't want an in depth review: the story is original and interesting. The characters are fun, and i liked them. Overall the book itself is something new and just a really good read. beautifully written.
So Now Plot: The plot was wow. I have been looking for something new and interesting well I found it and you can find it here also. I read a lot of paranormal stuff so i can honestly say i have never come across something quite like this and that is a good thing, truly it is! so with that said there is the issue of the 4 vs 5 stars and it does have to do with plot - let me start off by saying I LOVE IT when books start off running and get you right into the action, and right into the thick of things because otherwise i get a little bored... :) but while this book starts you off running i got a little bit left behind at parts i was struggling to understand somethings because like Temperance we are thrown into a whole new world, and i was like whoa! Alistair tell me a little something more! but keep with it because everything is explained more or less. And other part of this is there is a lot going on not just with Alistair whom Temperance is trying to help/run from the bad guys with but Temperance has a few mysteries to solve as well, so here is me hoping AND pleading this is a series because i want more answers and honestly i thought this book was far to short i want more!! more please! Anyways back to the plot it will twist you and turn you so often that stop trying to figure it out because you probably won't i know i didn't and i just stopped trying and let the book tell me. Oh i forgot to mention romance: there a is a bit you know that she is interested into certain people but its mostly an adventure story which is fine by me because there is just enough romance to call it a romance as well ;)
Okay so now on to the characters!
Temperance: Love the names in this book also just thought i would mention that. Well when we first meet Temperance i was thinking that she was slightly embarrassed by her parents and their antics, but then we find out that she seen as a bit off as well and she seems a bit like a loner. Temperance is a curious, but seemingly intelligent girl. I fell in love with her as a main character almost right away. She has this charm that i can't quite explain. She isn't weak by any means but it doesn't mean she can hold the world's weight up by herself, and i like that in my main characters because it makes them more real. She has moments where i wanted to laugh my ass off because i understand that she thinks that she has mental problems but she doesn't quite believe what is happening at first. Not the point though, she will stand up for herself when she has to and i really just over all liked her. She kept her head on straight when dealing with some nasty stuff.
Alistair: He is more than he seems, don't let that abnormally tall, handsome guise fool you, he is no just pretty face. He is somewhat blunt and a bit of an asshole which i love! He can come off very serious but also seem a bit childish as well. The thing though is he is protective and sweet. Its in the actions that he does that really made me love him because when he opened that loud mouth of his i wanted to slap him upside the head more than once. But really he seems more like a man of action than a man of words. He is desperately loyal which i understand, why wouldn't you be loyal to people you consider family, and he becomes very loyal to Temperance. He is a bit moody, and likes to brood but that is mostly normal for men apparently ;)
Halvard: Is kinda gross when you first meet him - he smells, can't quite get a thought out, and until he cleans up you notice how hot he really is. He is loyal to Temperance almost immediately and obviously cares for her. He seems to know a lot more than he is telling and nothing seems to really shock him. He is quite at first and becomes a little more vocal near the end. He has a hard past but it is obvious that he is still willing to try to find happiness. i liked him a lot, and now that that i think about it just for the "romance" part of this book the song i would pick would be "Multiply the Heartache" by Cake. Listen to it after you read the book ;)
There are a few minor characters that i liked, but mostly the story is about those three but the other characters that are in it are separate personalities and really fun characters themselves. So overall character-wise it was well done!
So MY LAST THOUGHTS? Read it. Go ahead, and head over to where ever you read books and get it because i think this is definitely worth your time. i also think that is definitely worth telling all your friends about because unfortunately i don't have a lot of friends but i bet you do! So read it and tell your friends all about it, and how amazing it was. (also if you are wondering - not its not a cliffhanger but this is me hoping again there is another one. or two, or three, or however many. ;) )
So if you liked what i had to say about this book, or you didn't and you thought that it was a silly review, then you should not be going to my blog which has more reviews of more books that i have enjoyed in the past, and so yeah. Well if you did you should. i think i give pretty interesting thoughts and much like the authors of this book i share it with my best friend who we act like crazy fools together all the more reason to check it out, because we have a little of everything over there. well mostly i do paranormal...especially indie paranormal. but anyways check us out enjoy it because we appreciate you http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
December 8, 2012
Tick Tock, Tick Tock. That’s all that Ted hears as he rushes through the deserted streets of Carwick, heading for the Town Hall, where his office is located. He must hurry.
Carwick is a small, quiet town. The kind where people don’t lock their doors. It’s Ted’s job to keep it that way.
He reaches the building and enters his tiny office. It’s more like a broom closet, but hidden in the floor is a stairway down. Down there. Down to a hidden city time has forgotten.
Ted enters the underground city and rushes through the dark streets. Tick Tock, he must reach the old grandfather clock. He can’t let it wind down.
He finally reaches the clock, but it’s stopped ticking. When he dares to opens its door, it’s empty.What was inside is now behind him, it’s hot breath moist on his neck. He couldn’t turn around. He doesn’t want to see what’s coming.
In the unsuspecting town of Carwick, Christmas is coming. Temperance works with her father Pratchett, decorating their bookstore. The Haven is always the first shop to do it.
Her father has gotten out the spider web decoration for Boris, a ghost spider. Temp thinks it’s a convenient story that he’s a ghost, as only her father can see him.
They banter back and forth as they decorate, her father mentioning that his friend Cyprian has a nephew coming to stay with him. Alastair is right around Temp’s age, a not so subtle hint.
“Anyway, I’ve put the mistletoe over the door in case he comes while you’re in the shop.” Pratchett wiggled his eyebrows at her.
“Sometimes I wonder what age you really are,” Temperance sighed.
Her parents are always meddling in her love life, or lack of it, and it adds humor to this story.
It’s almost time for her classes at the university so Temp heads out. When she arrives the doors are still locked so she settles on a bench to wait.
She’s soon joined by a tall, handsome man who introduces himself as Alastair. She quickly learns how he knows her. Her father’s been busy. He gave her picture to Cyprian to pass on to Alastair. She doesn’t want to know what might be written on it.
The doors to the school open and out steps Cyprian followed by an older man with a walking stick. They seem to be arguing and when the older man bangs his stick on the ground, something strange and unnatural happens. But Alastair denies noticing anything.
Soon after, the man leaves and Cyprian comes to join them. He invites Temp to dinner and an evening at his place. At first she’s tempted to refuse, but then she remembers it’s the night of winter solstice.
Her parents were having friends over for a winter solstice gathering. She didn’t think she could face another of her mother’s versions of a Wiccan party. It would be crowded with menopausal women dancing naked around plastic cauldrons on the hill behind their house.
She sighed. “It’s true. I wouldn’t mind missing jangling crystals and saggy bits this year.”
She accepts the invitation, not knowing that life is about to take a dangerous turn. There are many strange things out and about in Carwick, some not human. After this night, people will huddle behind bolted doors in fear of the dark and what’s in it.
When I started reading Legend Unleashed, I was so engaged, I only stopped reading because my kindle battery died. Got to remember to charge it more often. When I resumed reading, I was held captive to the end. It’s not a long book, and with the mystery, humor and romance, not to mention the creatures, it’s very engaging and easy to follow.
If you like all of the above and reading about witchy, magical, and hairy things, you’ll enjoy Legend Unleashed. I sure did and can’t wait for more in this series.
Carwick is a small, quiet town. The kind where people don’t lock their doors. It’s Ted’s job to keep it that way.
He reaches the building and enters his tiny office. It’s more like a broom closet, but hidden in the floor is a stairway down. Down there. Down to a hidden city time has forgotten.
Ted enters the underground city and rushes through the dark streets. Tick Tock, he must reach the old grandfather clock. He can’t let it wind down.
He finally reaches the clock, but it’s stopped ticking. When he dares to opens its door, it’s empty.What was inside is now behind him, it’s hot breath moist on his neck. He couldn’t turn around. He doesn’t want to see what’s coming.
In the unsuspecting town of Carwick, Christmas is coming. Temperance works with her father Pratchett, decorating their bookstore. The Haven is always the first shop to do it.
Her father has gotten out the spider web decoration for Boris, a ghost spider. Temp thinks it’s a convenient story that he’s a ghost, as only her father can see him.
They banter back and forth as they decorate, her father mentioning that his friend Cyprian has a nephew coming to stay with him. Alastair is right around Temp’s age, a not so subtle hint.
“Anyway, I’ve put the mistletoe over the door in case he comes while you’re in the shop.” Pratchett wiggled his eyebrows at her.
“Sometimes I wonder what age you really are,” Temperance sighed.
Her parents are always meddling in her love life, or lack of it, and it adds humor to this story.
It’s almost time for her classes at the university so Temp heads out. When she arrives the doors are still locked so she settles on a bench to wait.
She’s soon joined by a tall, handsome man who introduces himself as Alastair. She quickly learns how he knows her. Her father’s been busy. He gave her picture to Cyprian to pass on to Alastair. She doesn’t want to know what might be written on it.
The doors to the school open and out steps Cyprian followed by an older man with a walking stick. They seem to be arguing and when the older man bangs his stick on the ground, something strange and unnatural happens. But Alastair denies noticing anything.
Soon after, the man leaves and Cyprian comes to join them. He invites Temp to dinner and an evening at his place. At first she’s tempted to refuse, but then she remembers it’s the night of winter solstice.
Her parents were having friends over for a winter solstice gathering. She didn’t think she could face another of her mother’s versions of a Wiccan party. It would be crowded with menopausal women dancing naked around plastic cauldrons on the hill behind their house.
She sighed. “It’s true. I wouldn’t mind missing jangling crystals and saggy bits this year.”
She accepts the invitation, not knowing that life is about to take a dangerous turn. There are many strange things out and about in Carwick, some not human. After this night, people will huddle behind bolted doors in fear of the dark and what’s in it.
When I started reading Legend Unleashed, I was so engaged, I only stopped reading because my kindle battery died. Got to remember to charge it more often. When I resumed reading, I was held captive to the end. It’s not a long book, and with the mystery, humor and romance, not to mention the creatures, it’s very engaging and easy to follow.
If you like all of the above and reading about witchy, magical, and hairy things, you’ll enjoy Legend Unleashed. I sure did and can’t wait for more in this series.
December 22, 2012
"He liked my smell?" She swallowed. She didn't know whether to feel a little flattered by it or very uncomfortable.
M. Latimer-Ridley | Legend Unleashed
Legend Unleashed contained everything that I love in a book! There was mystery and intrigue, adventure with blood pumping battle scenes and lets not forget a touch of romance. This book, in my opinion, was incredibly well written. So well in fact that I had no trouble imagining the surrounding of the underground city (yes underground city...how cool is that!) The pace of the book was excellent! However there were moments where I thought certain events just happened too easily. Although I adored this story I just couldn't help but wonder why Temperance just accepted certain realities and events without really questioning or disagreeing with them. Like running of with a 'stranger' after just witnessing him use magic to fend of several werewolves....although he is smexy, I think i'd be a little bit more hesitant. Maybe try escaping a few more times. I did pin it down, however, to her always having a little inkling that she was different because of her inner need to take her pills. And she did question reality a lot, just not enough in my opinion.
I absolutely adored Adora and Pratchett, and wished that my parents would show more of a childish and eccentric side. Who wouldn't love a Wiccan mother who made hash brownies and threw nudist parties...okay maybe not the nudest part, but a secret stash of fun times and a predictor of good fortune right in your house. It would be like Christmas everyday. I can't wait to learn more about Temperance's parents for there is sure to be a great story there.
Let's talk about the plot. I honestly can't complain or shake my fist at anyone for the way this book turned out. I was hooked. So hooked that I didn't want to get up off the couch to use the loo. Let's all raise a hand if you have ever been frustrated when the two male leads are both perfect for the protagonist, and yet you know that she only picks one? Well this book has a unique way of dealing with that problem. Cue Halvard and Alastair. As male leads their up there with the most profound. Who doesn't love a guy who isn't afraid to throw a fist or swing a witty response. Best of both worlds right here (wink, wink) The only thing that bugged me about Alastair was that he would leave Temperance at the most inconvenient times...maybe I so desperately wanted them to get all mushy mushy that I was blinded by his need to save their butts due to the impending black spot on their hands.
If you enjoy the idea of opposing forces battling to the death, secrets within secrets within clocks, and witty characters that leave you chuckling out loud - stop what you are doing now and pick up this book. 'Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock' no time to waist. Slip into this rabbit whole young Alice, you won't be disappointed with this Wonderland. Happy Reading!
M. Latimer-Ridley | Legend Unleashed
Legend Unleashed contained everything that I love in a book! There was mystery and intrigue, adventure with blood pumping battle scenes and lets not forget a touch of romance. This book, in my opinion, was incredibly well written. So well in fact that I had no trouble imagining the surrounding of the underground city (yes underground city...how cool is that!) The pace of the book was excellent! However there were moments where I thought certain events just happened too easily. Although I adored this story I just couldn't help but wonder why Temperance just accepted certain realities and events without really questioning or disagreeing with them. Like running of with a 'stranger' after just witnessing him use magic to fend of several werewolves....although he is smexy, I think i'd be a little bit more hesitant. Maybe try escaping a few more times. I did pin it down, however, to her always having a little inkling that she was different because of her inner need to take her pills. And she did question reality a lot, just not enough in my opinion.
I absolutely adored Adora and Pratchett, and wished that my parents would show more of a childish and eccentric side. Who wouldn't love a Wiccan mother who made hash brownies and threw nudist parties...okay maybe not the nudest part, but a secret stash of fun times and a predictor of good fortune right in your house. It would be like Christmas everyday. I can't wait to learn more about Temperance's parents for there is sure to be a great story there.
Let's talk about the plot. I honestly can't complain or shake my fist at anyone for the way this book turned out. I was hooked. So hooked that I didn't want to get up off the couch to use the loo. Let's all raise a hand if you have ever been frustrated when the two male leads are both perfect for the protagonist, and yet you know that she only picks one? Well this book has a unique way of dealing with that problem. Cue Halvard and Alastair. As male leads their up there with the most profound. Who doesn't love a guy who isn't afraid to throw a fist or swing a witty response. Best of both worlds right here (wink, wink) The only thing that bugged me about Alastair was that he would leave Temperance at the most inconvenient times...maybe I so desperately wanted them to get all mushy mushy that I was blinded by his need to save their butts due to the impending black spot on their hands.
If you enjoy the idea of opposing forces battling to the death, secrets within secrets within clocks, and witty characters that leave you chuckling out loud - stop what you are doing now and pick up this book. 'Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock' no time to waist. Slip into this rabbit whole young Alice, you won't be disappointed with this Wonderland. Happy Reading!
December 29, 2012
I won a digital copy of this book through a giveaway on : http://littlebookstar.wordpress.com/
It had been a while since I had finished a book. Especially in just two reads. (Stopped halfway because of sleep the first time around)
And even longer since I'd read YA SF/mystery, although it has always been my favourite genre as a teenager.
The only drawback I found reading this story, was that every character name took me back to a fandom or other, films, tv shows, comics or books. Some even to several. But then again, the names are also what makes each character what they are (although in reading form, it's always harder to get rid of the wrong image from a character whose description is engraved in your brain). Now, are the authors Supernatural and Marvel fans who wanted to hint at it? Or did they just research mythologies really well and entwine it in their story? Whichever it was, by the time I was done reading, it was no longer bothering me, and the name made sense in regard to the characters' traits.
What really, really charmed me about this book was the richness of vocabulary. This probably sounds odd, but there is more and more books with simple descriptions, basic vocabulary... this is not one of them, and I loved that, because the language used felt 'part' of the story, and keeps the reader on edge a bit too. It builds the universe in the details.
The romance storyline was expected, and at times a tad corny, but reads well with the rest of the story, and is not too present that it overtakes the heart of the story.
The 'werewolf' theme is present almost everywhere by now, but the use of it in this story was original enough that it wasn't bothering.
Moreover, the book keeps you guessing until the end, but doesn't let any question unanswered, aside maybe from 'what next?'
Altogether, I'm really glad I won that giveaway, and took the time to read this book (which reads quickly if you're a quick reader, it flows rather easily)
It had been a while since I had finished a book. Especially in just two reads. (Stopped halfway because of sleep the first time around)
And even longer since I'd read YA SF/mystery, although it has always been my favourite genre as a teenager.
The only drawback I found reading this story, was that every character name took me back to a fandom or other, films, tv shows, comics or books. Some even to several. But then again, the names are also what makes each character what they are (although in reading form, it's always harder to get rid of the wrong image from a character whose description is engraved in your brain). Now, are the authors Supernatural and Marvel fans who wanted to hint at it? Or did they just research mythologies really well and entwine it in their story? Whichever it was, by the time I was done reading, it was no longer bothering me, and the name made sense in regard to the characters' traits.
What really, really charmed me about this book was the richness of vocabulary. This probably sounds odd, but there is more and more books with simple descriptions, basic vocabulary... this is not one of them, and I loved that, because the language used felt 'part' of the story, and keeps the reader on edge a bit too. It builds the universe in the details.
The romance storyline was expected, and at times a tad corny, but reads well with the rest of the story, and is not too present that it overtakes the heart of the story.
The 'werewolf' theme is present almost everywhere by now, but the use of it in this story was original enough that it wasn't bothering.
Moreover, the book keeps you guessing until the end, but doesn't let any question unanswered, aside maybe from 'what next?'
Altogether, I'm really glad I won that giveaway, and took the time to read this book (which reads quickly if you're a quick reader, it flows rather easily)
January 14, 2013
Legend Unleashed caught my eye via a recent First Reads giveaway and although I was not a winner, it tempted me enough to purchase the story. Before doing so, I had the opportunity to read "Temperance" which precedes Legend as a short story and background on our main character. I would recommend the short to those about to dive into this story as it does give key insights into Temperance as a person.
With that said, Legend Unleashed was a quick fun read that had a few new twists and turns that kept my on my toes. I did enjoy the protagonists character and the romance factor was not overdone which can be a real turn off for me. The authors gave just enough description to allow for my own imagination to fill in the blanks and their world was came to life through the story.
I would recommend this to those looking for a good supernatural urban fantasy.
With that said, Legend Unleashed was a quick fun read that had a few new twists and turns that kept my on my toes. I did enjoy the protagonists character and the romance factor was not overdone which can be a real turn off for me. The authors gave just enough description to allow for my own imagination to fill in the blanks and their world was came to life through the story.
I would recommend this to those looking for a good supernatural urban fantasy.
November 19, 2013
This was an enjoyable read and fairly quick. So if you have a trip coming up it'd be worth getting this to read on a plane ride or car trip.
I like that the main character is so accustomed to hallucinations in the beginning when strange things happen she doesn't freak out right away, she just decides she needs a higher dose of her meds. (not that that is a good thing, but it adds a dimension not often seen in paranormal fiction)
I was hooked from the opening as Ted hears the tick, tock in the underground city. I thought maybe Carwick would be a bit like a paranormal Stepford and was not disappointed as the Assembly made its appearance and Temperance discovers a world that existed right under her nose her entire life. I especially loved the parents and their solstice party. That alone made the book worth it.
I like that the main character is so accustomed to hallucinations in the beginning when strange things happen she doesn't freak out right away, she just decides she needs a higher dose of her meds. (not that that is a good thing, but it adds a dimension not often seen in paranormal fiction)
I was hooked from the opening as Ted hears the tick, tock in the underground city. I thought maybe Carwick would be a bit like a paranormal Stepford and was not disappointed as the Assembly made its appearance and Temperance discovers a world that existed right under her nose her entire life. I especially loved the parents and their solstice party. That alone made the book worth it.
March 12, 2013
I got this book through a giveaway in goodreads and i really loved it.
Once i started reading it, i just couldn't put it down. It had a bit of everything in it from romance to mystery, supernatural characters, action-adventure .. making it a very fascinating and enjoyable read. The only thing i didn't like about the book was the romance between the leads i.e Temperance and Halvard (Alastair), it felt a bit rushed and incomplete.
I would definitely recommend it to everyone.
Once i started reading it, i just couldn't put it down. It had a bit of everything in it from romance to mystery, supernatural characters, action-adventure .. making it a very fascinating and enjoyable read. The only thing i didn't like about the book was the romance between the leads i.e Temperance and Halvard (Alastair), it felt a bit rushed and incomplete.
I would definitely recommend it to everyone.
December 3, 2012
In a well written original plot, "Legend Unleashed", a magickal adventure with many twists and turns, and with characters that are strong and easy to relate to. A hard to put down book that you really wish wouldn't end. Recommended for all YA and non-YA magickal suspense fans.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
December 17, 2012
This book seemed rushed. Weird characters, weird storyline, weird, weird, weird.
It annoyed me the way temperance would blush over everything. It seemed pathetic and irrelevant. I don't understand the reason for this book. I'm sorry, but this book simply frustrated me and I had to force myself to continue reading it. The only reason I did force myself was to finish my 2012 reading challenge.
It annoyed me the way temperance would blush over everything. It seemed pathetic and irrelevant. I don't understand the reason for this book. I'm sorry, but this book simply frustrated me and I had to force myself to continue reading it. The only reason I did force myself was to finish my 2012 reading challenge.
July 29, 2013
3.5 stars
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