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Bewitch the Dark #1
From the Dark
HER BLOOD WAS POISON TO HIM...
Centuries past, through mists of a dark time where vampires and witches lived side by side, vampires gained power by enthralling a witch, ultimately draining her of her strength and depriving her of immortality. Until the enslaved witches rebelled--and cast a spell making the blood of a witch deadly to a vampire.
Now, past and present are about to collide. Michael Lynsay is a man in the spotlight, at the height of his career, with the ability to mesmerize audiences. But he has a secret--he is a vampire, fighting the darkness of his nature. And it looks like it's a losing battle--until he meets Jane Renan, the only woman who can understand his conflicted nature. And the only woman who can destroy him--through love.
Centuries past, through mists of a dark time where vampires and witches lived side by side, vampires gained power by enthralling a witch, ultimately draining her of her strength and depriving her of immortality. Until the enslaved witches rebelled--and cast a spell making the blood of a witch deadly to a vampire.
Now, past and present are about to collide. Michael Lynsay is a man in the spotlight, at the height of his career, with the ability to mesmerize audiences. But he has a secret--he is a vampire, fighting the darkness of his nature. And it looks like it's a losing battle--until he meets Jane Renan, the only woman who can understand his conflicted nature. And the only woman who can destroy him--through love.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2006
13 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Michele Hauf
208 books940 followersMichele has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over twenty years. Her first published novel was DARK RAPTURE.
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.
Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.
--From the author's website bio
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 1, 2011
The story's basically about a rock star, who also happens to be a vampire. He meets a not-witch called Jane when they accidentally cross paths, and is totally smitten by her! The chemistry between them is sizzling as they slowly learn new things about each other. Not going to go into it much more than that because I might spoil something for anyone that hasn't read it yet!
I was intrigued by one of the secondary characters called Ravin Crosse, which I think Michele is currently writing a book with her as the main character. So that'll be pretty cool to read.
The story unfolded very nicely, and I really liked Jane. There was something about her... Michael was likeable too. Not too much brooding going on, though he was still fighting an inner battle of darkness. Such is the life of a vampire, I guess.
Yeah, I enjoyed this book and wonder what other cool worlds this imprint will unleash.
I was intrigued by one of the secondary characters called Ravin Crosse, which I think Michele is currently writing a book with her as the main character. So that'll be pretty cool to read.
The story unfolded very nicely, and I really liked Jane. There was something about her... Michael was likeable too. Not too much brooding going on, though he was still fighting an inner battle of darkness. Such is the life of a vampire, I guess.
Yeah, I enjoyed this book and wonder what other cool worlds this imprint will unleash.
July 16, 2023
I thought this was a passable romance.
November 5, 2022
The romance felt fun, and quirky. The action at the very end had my blood racing! Very fun. :)
May 5, 2025
Found it in a free library in Charleston, not the best but interesting enough. Probably going to put it in another free library to pass it on.
June 16, 2024
Sebuah novel untuk pembaca dewasa. Bukan cuma soal orang dewasa harus bekerja untuk bertahan hidup, tapi juga karena bertabur enaena.
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Sebuah romansa kelam antara seorang vampir yang berprofesi sebagai vokalis band rock, tidak berkilau bagai mandi glitter, juga bisa terluka karena sinar matahari...dan gadis keturunan penyihir dan vampir yang berprofesi sebagai perajin kaca patri. Terpikat satu sama lain, dengan semua perbedaan sifat dan latar belakang, tetapi mengalami pertentangan akibat konflik golongan selama ribuan tahun.
From The Dark adalah buku pertama dari seri Bewitch the Dark. Seri ini memiliki tokoh utama yang berbeda-beda di setiap buku. Total ada 6 buku dalam seri ini, tetapi sejauh ini sepertinya hanya buku pertama saja yang diterbitkan di Indonesia.
Meskipun hanya setebal sekitar 300 halaman, kisahnya dibangun dengan sederhana dan bagus. Tokoh-tokohnya pun digambarkan dengan baik, para makhluk abadi dengan usia yang relatif muda, sedang mencari tambatan hati untuk melalui keabadian, tetapi harus mengatasi hambatan dan kontrasnya perbedaan di antara keduanya.
Menarik pelajaran dari novel dewasa ini, pembaca bisa melihat bahwa kedewasaan seseorang tidak bisa dinilai dengan usia. Michael sudah hidup cukup lama, tetapi seringkali dia masih bertindak gegabah dan kurang bijaksana. Dan di tengah anggapan umum sebuah hubungan harus saling melengkapi, Michael dan Jane cukup unik. Mereka adalah dua pribadi yang utuh, sempurna dengan ketidaksempurnaan masing-masing, tidak menuntut untuk saling mengubah orang lain atas dasar ketidakpuasan atau rasa tidak suka, tetapi bersama berusaha mengubah diri menjadi versi yang lebih baik daripada sebelumnya selagi saling menerima satu sama lain.
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Sebuah romansa kelam antara seorang vampir yang berprofesi sebagai vokalis band rock, tidak berkilau bagai mandi glitter, juga bisa terluka karena sinar matahari...dan gadis keturunan penyihir dan vampir yang berprofesi sebagai perajin kaca patri. Terpikat satu sama lain, dengan semua perbedaan sifat dan latar belakang, tetapi mengalami pertentangan akibat konflik golongan selama ribuan tahun.
From The Dark adalah buku pertama dari seri Bewitch the Dark. Seri ini memiliki tokoh utama yang berbeda-beda di setiap buku. Total ada 6 buku dalam seri ini, tetapi sejauh ini sepertinya hanya buku pertama saja yang diterbitkan di Indonesia.
Meskipun hanya setebal sekitar 300 halaman, kisahnya dibangun dengan sederhana dan bagus. Tokoh-tokohnya pun digambarkan dengan baik, para makhluk abadi dengan usia yang relatif muda, sedang mencari tambatan hati untuk melalui keabadian, tetapi harus mengatasi hambatan dan kontrasnya perbedaan di antara keduanya.
Menarik pelajaran dari novel dewasa ini, pembaca bisa melihat bahwa kedewasaan seseorang tidak bisa dinilai dengan usia. Michael sudah hidup cukup lama, tetapi seringkali dia masih bertindak gegabah dan kurang bijaksana. Dan di tengah anggapan umum sebuah hubungan harus saling melengkapi, Michael dan Jane cukup unik. Mereka adalah dua pribadi yang utuh, sempurna dengan ketidaksempurnaan masing-masing, tidak menuntut untuk saling mengubah orang lain atas dasar ketidakpuasan atau rasa tidak suka, tetapi bersama berusaha mengubah diri menjadi versi yang lebih baik daripada sebelumnya selagi saling menerima satu sama lain.
January 29, 2015
Dari Balik Kegelapan by Michelle Hauf
Paperback 328 pages
Published Maret 2008 by Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Penerjemah: Iiangliana
Rating 3/5
Setelah era Twilight series, baru sekarang saya kembali 'berkenalan' dengan vampir lagi. Kapan itu ya, rasanya sudah seabad lalu. Ah, vampir kah saya? #bangunwoy...
Michael Lynsay adalah penyanyi band rock n roll terkenal, The Fallen, yang saat ini tengah meraih popularitas tertinggi. Dia sangat lelah di tengah hingar bingar kepopulerannya, hingga ia nyaris membuka jati diri sebenarnya di publik. Siapa si Michael ini? Hmmm, bisa ditebak, vampir. Dia pun menerima tawaran teman band-nya untuk tinggal di rumahnya di Minnesota.
Jane Renan, gadis cantik yang bekerja sebagai tukang jendela (mendesain sekaligus memasang jendela) tengah mendapat order bekerja di rumah besar tapi terpencil di Minnesota. Bisa ditebak, Jane bekerja di rumah dimana Michael akan mengasingkan diri. Cowok cewek bertemu, jatuh cinta, dan happily ever after. Hmmm, ga tepat gitu sih. Ceritanya jadi tidak segampang itu karena ternyata si Jane ini adalah penyihir pasif. Maksudnya adalah penyihir yang hanya punya darah penyihir tapi tidak bisa menyihir. Mirip-mirip dengan squib di dunia Harry Potter lah. Tapi Jane ini bisa hidup abadi, dengan satu syarat...
Michael yang langsung naksir Jane, sudah ngebet pada pandangan pertama. Sayang, taringnya melorot di tengah-tengah mereka sedang indehoy dan sangat sangat mengagetkan Jane. Mungkin Jane tidak akan terlalu shock melihat kenyataan bahwa cowok yang tengah dia ajak main-main adalah seorang vampir. Masalahnya dia sudah kadung jatuh hati. Tak jauh beda dengan Michael yang tersiksa dengan hasrat ingin bercinta tapi taring yang suka sekali berontak melorot tanpa diundang. Belum lagi hasrat haus darahnya yang rupa-rupanya sering muncul tiap kali berdekatan dengan Jane. Tapi Jane tidak bisa menjadi objek gigitan Michael, karena menurut legenda, darah penyihir beracun buat para vampir. Konon, duluuuuu, mereka hidup berdampingan dengan rukun, tapi karena ada kesepakatan yang dilanggar, hingga nenek moyang para penyihir ini mengucap kutukan bahwa darah penyihir beracun bagi manusia bertaring.
Michael-Jane akhirnya menemukan beberapa celah dimana mereka bisa bercinta tanpa taring atau gigitan. Bahagia selamanya? Oh, belum. Masalah lain muncul, ketika ayah Jane muncul, mengingatkan, Jane harus memperbarui 'kontrak' keabadiannya satu abad sekali. Dan hitungan satu abad itu bakal terjadi di hari ultah Michael. Ritual memperbarui keabadian ini membutuhkan mantra, api, dan darah dari jantung vampir. Sementara vampir yang terdekat adalah Michael...
Rasanya baru kali ini saya membaca pararom, jika Twilight dianggap sebagai pararom, maka ini yang kedua. Buku yang saya dapatkan dari foto di booth Cakrawala Gelinjang ini menawarkan romens, dan juga (saya kira) adegan kipas-kipas yang bisa membuat saya tahan napas, eh, ternyata adegan ho-oh nya kurang seru. Terjemahannya sepertinya agak nanggung atau mungkin sudah diperhalus. Belum lagi adegan melorotnya si taring, yah, ngga jadi lagi gituannya huakakakaka... Saya sempet bosan di tengah-tengah membaca novel ini. Berlembar-lembar yang dibahas bercinta yang aman buat vampir-penyihir mulu. Nyaris menyerah hingga munculnya ayah Jane. Cerita mulai lumayan seru di 80an halaman terakhir. Sepanjang membaca, saya beberapa kali membandingkan Michael dan si vampir bling-bling Edward Cullen. Saya yang lupa barangkali, apakah dulu Edward juga berjuang 'mengulum' taringnya tiap kali berdekatan dengan Bella. Endingnya pun dibikin 'manis' yang membuat saya berpikir, si penulis mungkin terobsesi hidup dalam keabadian. Eh, bukan spoiler kan ini? :D
Paperback 328 pages
Published Maret 2008 by Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Penerjemah: Iiangliana
Rating 3/5
Setelah era Twilight series, baru sekarang saya kembali 'berkenalan' dengan vampir lagi. Kapan itu ya, rasanya sudah seabad lalu. Ah, vampir kah saya? #bangunwoy...
Michael Lynsay adalah penyanyi band rock n roll terkenal, The Fallen, yang saat ini tengah meraih popularitas tertinggi. Dia sangat lelah di tengah hingar bingar kepopulerannya, hingga ia nyaris membuka jati diri sebenarnya di publik. Siapa si Michael ini? Hmmm, bisa ditebak, vampir. Dia pun menerima tawaran teman band-nya untuk tinggal di rumahnya di Minnesota.
Jane Renan, gadis cantik yang bekerja sebagai tukang jendela (mendesain sekaligus memasang jendela) tengah mendapat order bekerja di rumah besar tapi terpencil di Minnesota. Bisa ditebak, Jane bekerja di rumah dimana Michael akan mengasingkan diri. Cowok cewek bertemu, jatuh cinta, dan happily ever after. Hmmm, ga tepat gitu sih. Ceritanya jadi tidak segampang itu karena ternyata si Jane ini adalah penyihir pasif. Maksudnya adalah penyihir yang hanya punya darah penyihir tapi tidak bisa menyihir. Mirip-mirip dengan squib di dunia Harry Potter lah. Tapi Jane ini bisa hidup abadi, dengan satu syarat...
Michael yang langsung naksir Jane, sudah ngebet pada pandangan pertama. Sayang, taringnya melorot di tengah-tengah mereka sedang indehoy dan sangat sangat mengagetkan Jane. Mungkin Jane tidak akan terlalu shock melihat kenyataan bahwa cowok yang tengah dia ajak main-main adalah seorang vampir. Masalahnya dia sudah kadung jatuh hati. Tak jauh beda dengan Michael yang tersiksa dengan hasrat ingin bercinta tapi taring yang suka sekali berontak melorot tanpa diundang. Belum lagi hasrat haus darahnya yang rupa-rupanya sering muncul tiap kali berdekatan dengan Jane. Tapi Jane tidak bisa menjadi objek gigitan Michael, karena menurut legenda, darah penyihir beracun buat para vampir. Konon, duluuuuu, mereka hidup berdampingan dengan rukun, tapi karena ada kesepakatan yang dilanggar, hingga nenek moyang para penyihir ini mengucap kutukan bahwa darah penyihir beracun bagi manusia bertaring.
Michael-Jane akhirnya menemukan beberapa celah dimana mereka bisa bercinta tanpa taring atau gigitan. Bahagia selamanya? Oh, belum. Masalah lain muncul, ketika ayah Jane muncul, mengingatkan, Jane harus memperbarui 'kontrak' keabadiannya satu abad sekali. Dan hitungan satu abad itu bakal terjadi di hari ultah Michael. Ritual memperbarui keabadian ini membutuhkan mantra, api, dan darah dari jantung vampir. Sementara vampir yang terdekat adalah Michael...
Rasanya baru kali ini saya membaca pararom, jika Twilight dianggap sebagai pararom, maka ini yang kedua. Buku yang saya dapatkan dari foto di booth Cakrawala Gelinjang ini menawarkan romens, dan juga (saya kira) adegan kipas-kipas yang bisa membuat saya tahan napas, eh, ternyata adegan ho-oh nya kurang seru. Terjemahannya sepertinya agak nanggung atau mungkin sudah diperhalus. Belum lagi adegan melorotnya si taring, yah, ngga jadi lagi gituannya huakakakaka... Saya sempet bosan di tengah-tengah membaca novel ini. Berlembar-lembar yang dibahas bercinta yang aman buat vampir-penyihir mulu. Nyaris menyerah hingga munculnya ayah Jane. Cerita mulai lumayan seru di 80an halaman terakhir. Sepanjang membaca, saya beberapa kali membandingkan Michael dan si vampir bling-bling Edward Cullen. Saya yang lupa barangkali, apakah dulu Edward juga berjuang 'mengulum' taringnya tiap kali berdekatan dengan Bella. Endingnya pun dibikin 'manis' yang membuat saya berpikir, si penulis mungkin terobsesi hidup dalam keabadian. Eh, bukan spoiler kan ini? :D
July 26, 2013
Okay. This is bluntly rare. Crazy rare. But I actually didn't like this Michele Hauf novel too much.
I didn't like Michael. And I didn't like Jane.
And I didn't like their relationship.
When I think of Michael, automatically a bright neon sign that reads "douche bag" goes off in my head. Of course he was sexy with a rockin bod and his internal struggle was heart breaking, thanks to Michele Hauf and her writing, but he would always refer to Jane as his "plain Jane" as, most of the time, some kind of term of endearment.
Uh. Bih. If you called me Plain Jane. I'd probs kick you in your vampire balls.
Next is Jane. Now Jane I didn't really have a lot of problems with. She's more the down to earth kind of girl who's still great in bed, but also she still finds ways to discover who she is past adulthood. She's kind and refined and yet she's still strong and level-headed to hold her own against her stubborn father and a pissed-at-the-world-most-of-the-time vampire.
And Jane and Michael's relationship... Well it wasn't so much of a relationship, but more as in two people who know they have feelings for each other, need each other, and have sex with each other, but each still have their own battles to fight and their own struggles from their past lives and internally within themselves-- which naturally causes problems to arise that continue to drive wedges between them. Normally with Michele Hauf and the romance she creates, I laugh and giggle at the couples because they're darn cute and besides the vampire/werewolf/witch/etc part- I always imagine that if I could choose that one perfect relationship, this relationship that I'm reading would be the one I choose, but with Jane and Michael's relationship- it was more of the relationship that I could accept for someone else to have, but personally for me I was just like "nope... I'm good".
Despite these things though- I still gotta give mad props to Michele Hauf for doing what she does best and creating a fast and enjoyable read that has a balance between the smiles, the sighs, the clenched-hands-over-hearts, and the periodic-reading-posture-shifts.
Her interchanging point of views also never failed at creating a likely atmosphere from two unlikely and polar opposite characters.
I didn't like Michael. And I didn't like Jane.
And I didn't like their relationship.
When I think of Michael, automatically a bright neon sign that reads "douche bag" goes off in my head. Of course he was sexy with a rockin bod and his internal struggle was heart breaking, thanks to Michele Hauf and her writing, but he would always refer to Jane as his "plain Jane" as, most of the time, some kind of term of endearment.
Uh. Bih. If you called me Plain Jane. I'd probs kick you in your vampire balls.
Next is Jane. Now Jane I didn't really have a lot of problems with. She's more the down to earth kind of girl who's still great in bed, but also she still finds ways to discover who she is past adulthood. She's kind and refined and yet she's still strong and level-headed to hold her own against her stubborn father and a pissed-at-the-world-most-of-the-time vampire.
And Jane and Michael's relationship... Well it wasn't so much of a relationship, but more as in two people who know they have feelings for each other, need each other, and have sex with each other, but each still have their own battles to fight and their own struggles from their past lives and internally within themselves-- which naturally causes problems to arise that continue to drive wedges between them. Normally with Michele Hauf and the romance she creates, I laugh and giggle at the couples because they're darn cute and besides the vampire/werewolf/witch/etc part- I always imagine that if I could choose that one perfect relationship, this relationship that I'm reading would be the one I choose, but with Jane and Michael's relationship- it was more of the relationship that I could accept for someone else to have, but personally for me I was just like "nope... I'm good".
Despite these things though- I still gotta give mad props to Michele Hauf for doing what she does best and creating a fast and enjoyable read that has a balance between the smiles, the sighs, the clenched-hands-over-hearts, and the periodic-reading-posture-shifts.
Her interchanging point of views also never failed at creating a likely atmosphere from two unlikely and polar opposite characters.
April 6, 2009
Bercerita tentang Michael Lyndsay sang vokalis grup musik "The Fallen" yang "menyepi" dan tinggal di rumah peristirahatan milik teman satu grup musik, dikarenakan ingin memulihkan kondisi tubuhnya setelah keletihan.
Padahal alasan utamanya adalah untuk menyembunyikan kenyataan bahwa Michael adalah seorang vampir dan karena sudah berbulan bulan tidak dapat "mangsa" maka ia menyepi untuk mencari mangsa sekaligus memikirkan bagaimana ia bisa meredam nafsu vampirnya.
Saat berlibur, ia bertemu dengan Jean Renan, seorang pembuat jendela yang memang sedang bekerja di rumah peristirahatan tersebut. Keduanya langsung saling tertarik. Dan keduanya juga kaget saat tahu bahwa Jean adalah penyihir sementara Michael seorang vampir. Mereka pun pacaran. Tapi baik Michael maupun Jean menyadari bahwa vampir tak bisa menghisap darah penyihir, karena bisa mengakibatkan kematian bagi si vampir. Hal inipun juga dilakonkan oleh Michael dan Jean. Setiap Michael ingin darah, Jean harus berlari dan Michael harus bisa meredam hasrat mengisap darahnya itu.
Satu saat, ayah Jean datang dari Prancis dan mencoba mengingatkan Jean tentang misi tersembunyi Jean. Saat Michael bertemu ayah Jean, Michael menyadari ada hal yang disembunyikan darinya. Ternyata, untuk memperpanjang hidup, Jean harus minum darah dari jantung seorang vampir saat bulan purnama dan hal ini akan berlasung 1 abad sekali. Dan ayah Jean memintanya untuk mengorbankan Michael. Tentu saja Jean tidak setuju.
Saat ulang tahun Michael yang juga jatuh pada hari Jean mengadakan ritual keabadiannya, ternyata sudah ada vampir lain yang dijadikan korban untuk Jean. Ketika Michael datang untuk menyaksikan ritual itu, Michael langsung melarang Jean untuk membunuh si vampir dan mengajukan diri untuk menjadi korban. Ternyata vampir sang kurban adalah Isabelle LaPierre, vampir yang menghisap darah Michael pertama kali dan menyebabkannya menjadi vampir. Demi menyelamatkan Jean, Michael rela menjadi korban. Buntutnya, Michael berhasil selamat karena tusukan pisau Jean tidak terlalu dalam.
Michael dan Jean pun akhirnya mendapat restu dari Baptiste, ayah Jean.
Padahal alasan utamanya adalah untuk menyembunyikan kenyataan bahwa Michael adalah seorang vampir dan karena sudah berbulan bulan tidak dapat "mangsa" maka ia menyepi untuk mencari mangsa sekaligus memikirkan bagaimana ia bisa meredam nafsu vampirnya.
Saat berlibur, ia bertemu dengan Jean Renan, seorang pembuat jendela yang memang sedang bekerja di rumah peristirahatan tersebut. Keduanya langsung saling tertarik. Dan keduanya juga kaget saat tahu bahwa Jean adalah penyihir sementara Michael seorang vampir. Mereka pun pacaran. Tapi baik Michael maupun Jean menyadari bahwa vampir tak bisa menghisap darah penyihir, karena bisa mengakibatkan kematian bagi si vampir. Hal inipun juga dilakonkan oleh Michael dan Jean. Setiap Michael ingin darah, Jean harus berlari dan Michael harus bisa meredam hasrat mengisap darahnya itu.
Satu saat, ayah Jean datang dari Prancis dan mencoba mengingatkan Jean tentang misi tersembunyi Jean. Saat Michael bertemu ayah Jean, Michael menyadari ada hal yang disembunyikan darinya. Ternyata, untuk memperpanjang hidup, Jean harus minum darah dari jantung seorang vampir saat bulan purnama dan hal ini akan berlasung 1 abad sekali. Dan ayah Jean memintanya untuk mengorbankan Michael. Tentu saja Jean tidak setuju.
Saat ulang tahun Michael yang juga jatuh pada hari Jean mengadakan ritual keabadiannya, ternyata sudah ada vampir lain yang dijadikan korban untuk Jean. Ketika Michael datang untuk menyaksikan ritual itu, Michael langsung melarang Jean untuk membunuh si vampir dan mengajukan diri untuk menjadi korban. Ternyata vampir sang kurban adalah Isabelle LaPierre, vampir yang menghisap darah Michael pertama kali dan menyebabkannya menjadi vampir. Demi menyelamatkan Jean, Michael rela menjadi korban. Buntutnya, Michael berhasil selamat karena tusukan pisau Jean tidak terlalu dalam.
Michael dan Jean pun akhirnya mendapat restu dari Baptiste, ayah Jean.
September 28, 2011
From the Dark has some interesting ideas, nothing original but good still the same; it's just too bad the story couldn't come together. I got to the end of page 170 and just could not go on. I hate to be so harsh but I was not going to force this torture onto myself anymore.
The main problem with the book was how hurried it was; the book had too much going on and was light on a decent plot, yet it still ended up boring. For the most part the story consisted of parts that were redundant, cheesy, weird, and/or ludicrous, which in turn made me cringe. The characters were one-dimensional, boring, and unsympathetic; I can't say I hated them and I can't say I liked them, although Ravin got on my nerves. Not to mention, what was up with the counting thing? What is Michael, Sesame Street's the Count? I mean if that was used in a children's book or a comedic PNR than fine, but in a supposedly serious paranormal romance? It's not funny, it's bloody ridiculous.
I'm sorry to say this, but this whole disaster made me think the author just half-heartedly wrote the book by filling in blanks around a few ideas. I sincerely hope Michele Hauf's other books are much better than this.
The main problem with the book was how hurried it was; the book had too much going on and was light on a decent plot, yet it still ended up boring. For the most part the story consisted of parts that were redundant, cheesy, weird, and/or ludicrous, which in turn made me cringe. The characters were one-dimensional, boring, and unsympathetic; I can't say I hated them and I can't say I liked them, although Ravin got on my nerves. Not to mention, what was up with the counting thing? What is Michael, Sesame Street's the Count? I mean if that was used in a children's book or a comedic PNR than fine, but in a supposedly serious paranormal romance? It's not funny, it's bloody ridiculous.
I'm sorry to say this, but this whole disaster made me think the author just half-heartedly wrote the book by filling in blanks around a few ideas. I sincerely hope Michele Hauf's other books are much better than this.
November 19, 2012
I had read book two of this series 1st because it was a free Nook read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I loved the love/hate relationship between the vampire and the witch. This review for the 1st book in the series was a little hard to write because I felt that the writer had a good idea that didn't translate well once written. The writing didn't flow well and felt choppy at times. The character development was poor. I felt as if I knew a ton about Jane and not enough about Michael to make me love him and care about his well being. The final chapters were very interesting but somewhat predictable. This read as if it were the 1st book ever written by this author because the 2nd book in the series was so much better. I intend to read books 3 and 4 of the series because the characters continue from one book to the next and I am very interested in the overall story line.
For other readers like me that read the Kiss me Deadly and want to read more of the series, I suggest you skip book one and continue on with the series. Book 1, From the Dark, had no wow facter and the love scenes were lukewarm.
For other readers like me that read the Kiss me Deadly and want to read more of the series, I suggest you skip book one and continue on with the series. Book 1, From the Dark, had no wow facter and the love scenes were lukewarm.
April 11, 2012
From the Dark berkisah (Jane) Jeanne Renan yang lahir pada tahun 1881, telah hidup 125 tahun,memiliki orangtua, Vicomte Baptiste Renan adalah vampir, dan Roxane Decrues seorang penyihir, berkat darah ayahnya yang mengalir dalam tubuhnya, Jane dapat merasakan vampir melalui getaran yang hanya dengan merasakannya. Dan berjumpalah Jane dengan Michael Lynsay, Vokalis The Fallen seorang penyanyi yang sedang naik daun, teramat dikagumi oleh penggemarnya, tapi ada rahasia besar yang orang tidak tahu, bahwa Michael Lynsay sebenarnya adalah seorang Vampir. Didalam buku ini di ceritakan bahwa penyihir dan vampir bermusuhan- sebab setetes saja darah yang ada dalam tubuh Jane bisa membunuh Michael..Dapatkan mereka bersatu atau harus kah mereka saling mengorbankan segalanya??
Sangat khas sekali novel Harlequin, sangat cocok untuk hati yang sedang menggebu karena cinta tapi tidak cocok dengan hati penulis saat ini, sedang dikuasai mood, dan mood mengambil alih kapal induk utama. Jadi agak kapok baca Harlequin lagi.
Sangat khas sekali novel Harlequin, sangat cocok untuk hati yang sedang menggebu karena cinta tapi tidak cocok dengan hati penulis saat ini, sedang dikuasai mood, dan mood mengambil alih kapal induk utama. Jadi agak kapok baca Harlequin lagi.
January 13, 2016
omg are you kidding me with this? its like an even worse version of twilight. sloppy writing (here in the form of overly simple sentences and awful point of view changes)? check. male character who wants to kill female character? check. female character completely ok with this? ok well I didn't make it far enough to know this for sure but you can probably assume this one. here's the difference between the two. though. twilight admittedly has no redeeming qualities: god awful writing, an unhealthy relationship, and SPARKLY vampires for christsake. at least when I was reading twilight, disgusted as I was, I knew what was going on. I got three chapters in and still have no clue what the heroine is or what the deal with her full moon ritual is. and the hero is addicted to...what? blood...adrenaline...killing? whatever it is he gets off on the fear of the heroine which alone is enough for me. I don't mind darker books but I draw the line with abusive heros which is what he was shaping up to be. I won't be reading the rest of this series
April 28, 2011
Ceritanya bagus klo dr standar harlequin:)
Michael seorang vampir sekaligus seorang penyanyi rock, yang sangat terkenal dan dipuja-puja banyak orang terutama wanita. Memutuskan untuk break sejenak dari dunia hiburan. Ia pergi dan tinggal di rumah seorang temannya, Jesse.
Tak sengaja Jane seorang yang ditugaskan untuk memperbaiki kaca di rumah Jesse-pun bertemu dengan Michael. Mereka-pun harus bersusah payah menahan kedua perasaan mereka.
Sayang-nya Jane adalah half witch, and half vampire. Darah para penyihir adalah racun bagi para vampir. Michael terpaksa harus menahan rasa hausnya akan darah Jane ketika dekat dengan wanita penyirir itu.
Overall ceritanya oke, terharu liat the end-nya. Sempet mikir Michael masih suka sama Isabella but untung saja ngak. top deh bukunya^_^
Michael seorang vampir sekaligus seorang penyanyi rock, yang sangat terkenal dan dipuja-puja banyak orang terutama wanita. Memutuskan untuk break sejenak dari dunia hiburan. Ia pergi dan tinggal di rumah seorang temannya, Jesse.
Tak sengaja Jane seorang yang ditugaskan untuk memperbaiki kaca di rumah Jesse-pun bertemu dengan Michael. Mereka-pun harus bersusah payah menahan kedua perasaan mereka.
Sayang-nya Jane adalah half witch, and half vampire. Darah para penyihir adalah racun bagi para vampir. Michael terpaksa harus menahan rasa hausnya akan darah Jane ketika dekat dengan wanita penyirir itu.
Overall ceritanya oke, terharu liat the end-nya. Sempet mikir Michael masih suka sama Isabella but untung saja ngak. top deh bukunya^_^
November 27, 2012
In an already flooded market of vampires, this one didn't knock my socks off, but it wasn't bad. Pretty fast read about a vampire named Michael who is also a rock star who decides to take a self-imposed exile to get his head together and learn to control his blood craving.
Jane, the heroine is a witch, who we learn is the offspring of a vampire and a witch. A plot twist I found interesting is that drinking a witch's blood is toxic to vampires, but having sex seems to give the vampire more power. Go figure...
I read this one to prepare me for the second one in the series, so I am curious to see where it take me next.
Jane, the heroine is a witch, who we learn is the offspring of a vampire and a witch. A plot twist I found interesting is that drinking a witch's blood is toxic to vampires, but having sex seems to give the vampire more power. Go figure...
I read this one to prepare me for the second one in the series, so I am curious to see where it take me next.
November 17, 2013
This was an ok book. I couldn't really get into it though. There were some good characters and a good basic story line but I didn't really favor the actual journey. I had to kinda make myself finish this one, not because I didn't like it but because I couldn't get interested. There was no grip for me and I couldn't really connect or understand the characters. They didn't really feel fleshed out and were more 2D than 3D to me. It felt kinda like a script with no oomph. I did like the concept of the story, although a few parts were a little to graphic, and this was written fairly well. A little disappointed but not too much. Pretty much neutral. Good Luck
June 5, 2013
Yippie, I found a new series that I can like.
Witches and vampires, allergic -even deadly- for each other, but of course it is never that easy.
In this book by Michele Hauff, From the Dark, we find two individuals that try to find seclusion, in a friends empty house at exactly the same time. Needless to say: One is a vampire, on is a witch and due to the fact that these two species had a fallout sometime back they should not be getting along as well as they do...
See for yourself!
A fun read for a sunny afternoon in a flower filled garden... sipping a glass of rose...
Witches and vampires, allergic -even deadly- for each other, but of course it is never that easy.
In this book by Michele Hauff, From the Dark, we find two individuals that try to find seclusion, in a friends empty house at exactly the same time. Needless to say: One is a vampire, on is a witch and due to the fact that these two species had a fallout sometime back they should not be getting along as well as they do...
See for yourself!
A fun read for a sunny afternoon in a flower filled garden... sipping a glass of rose...
June 25, 2016
Rock star Michael Lynsay loves to hypnotize his adoring fans with his singing and moves, his darkness is rising up to the surface of his vampire nature. When he spots Jane Renan in the crowd he knew that she would help keep his darkness at bay for a little while. What he ain't know is that she is very old and in order for her to stay young looking she must do a spell once every ten years with the heart of a vampire. He might be her unintended victim but it's her heart that makes her take pause in what is right follow her heart and grow old or risk their love for her to say young still....
November 20, 2011
Gambaran tentang Michael dan Jane benar-benar gamblang... kadang-kadang masih sering ngebayangin gambaran Michael dan Jane walaupun dah selesai baca buku ini, mhuahuhaa... Michael bener2 badboy, Jane bener2 cuek awalnya...
Endingnya bikin terharu waktu Michael menyerahkan jantungnya sendiri supaya Jane bisa tetap hidup... walaupun ujung-ujungnya dia minta Jane melakukan sihirnya untuk bikin Michael juga tetap bisa hidup, mhuahuahaa...
Endingnya bikin terharu waktu Michael menyerahkan jantungnya sendiri supaya Jane bisa tetap hidup... walaupun ujung-ujungnya dia minta Jane melakukan sihirnya untuk bikin Michael juga tetap bisa hidup, mhuahuahaa...
March 28, 2023
Salah dua dari Harlequin Nocturne terbitan GPU yang dulu pertama dibaca. Dan bela- belain baca lanjutannya versi Bahasa Inggris.
Ternyata Michele Hauf ini aktif banget nulis buku, dan dunianya From the Dark ini dikembangkan lebih luas lagi sama beliau. Sayang juga yah ngga dilanjutin GPU
Edisi baca...pas kuliahan dong :P
Ternyata Michele Hauf ini aktif banget nulis buku, dan dunianya From the Dark ini dikembangkan lebih luas lagi sama beliau. Sayang juga yah ngga dilanjutin GPU
Edisi baca...pas kuliahan dong :P
July 19, 2010
Loved this book. Read them out of order, but that didn't matter. Each book can stand alone or be read in order (4 books in all). I got one free so I read it to see what it was about. It was fantastic. I love the different spin on the Vamps and how she pulls witches in. She also has some 1/2 breeds which is awesome. Very dramatic, sexy, and romantic. Definately recommend this book.
August 24, 2010
This one was a huge flop for me. The whole book wasn't thought out and well written. I did however enjoy the ending and of course the counting thing was funny but for the whole of the book it felt like to me MH had an excellent idea but just couldn't bring it out well in the finished work. This one won't be staying on my shelves as I have no desire to read it again.
March 23, 2012
All in all the story line was fantastic! The beginning was a bit rough around the edges. I am far from being grammatically savvy, ( my spelling and grammar suck BIG TIME) but there were portions of the writing that just screamed "incorrect". Once I got past that, I loved it. The characters were perfect. The inner struggle was profound. Looking forward to the next book.
July 19, 2010
I really enjoyed the twist with the vampires and witches. It's a first for me, and I found it very refreshing.
That said, I think I need to move on to a new genre, these stories are becoming too predictable for me, and I like to be surprised.
That said, I think I need to move on to a new genre, these stories are becoming too predictable for me, and I like to be surprised.
May 9, 2012
Nemu di rumah. Berhubung tidak ada yang ngaku, ya sudah kubaca saja.
-edit on nov 1st, 2011-
Cerita mengenai kisah cinta vampir dan seorang keturunan-penyihir-n-vampir-yang-bukan vampir-dan-tidak-bisa-menyihir.
Bingung kan?! Sengaja ^_^
Lebih dari itu bisa spoiler :D
-edit on nov 1st, 2011-
Cerita mengenai kisah cinta vampir dan seorang keturunan-penyihir-n-vampir-yang-bukan vampir-dan-tidak-bisa-menyihir.
Bingung kan?! Sengaja ^_^
Lebih dari itu bisa spoiler :D
July 12, 2012
I found Michael a very unlikeable character, guess that was what kept me reading this one. Not usual to find a weak hero. Wasn't impressed with Jane too much either. It did have a good story line though the characters were less than likeable.
February 24, 2013
This is the book I was asking about. The tormented Rockstar Vampire meets the artist witch and they fall in love. Embarrassed to say it is a Harlequin Romance. I liked it though, it was sweet and will read the next one.
April 12, 2013
Its Interesting how they meet though the rock star type character has been overdone. I had to skim a lot on the middle due to too much info and slowness of storyline. But then it got better toward the end after her father arrives., especially how they solve the crisis.
January 6, 2009
agak keceewa dengan vampirenya...apa karena sudah membaca twilight? :D
May 17, 2009
Es una lectura ligera, trata sobre una media bruja y un vampiro con miedo a perder el control, que ademas es una estrella de rock.
June 29, 2009
really love the main male character in this book.
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