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Birds of Paradise
He collected beautiful things.
Rare things.
Ripped them out of their natural environment and preserved them in all of their dead splendor.
The problem was I wasn't beautiful. I was all of the hideous and ugly realities of the world packaged into one broken human being.
He came to kill me.
That was his business.
Death.
He ripped me out of my natural environment, the prison I'd created, and locked me away with all of his beautiful dead things.
I hated him.
I still hate him.
But if I was given the choice and the ability to leave this cage, come back to life, I'd stay dead.
In all of my hideous splendor.
Because my murderer can only possess dead things.
And I can only be possessed by someone more broken and ugly than me.
Rare things.
Ripped them out of their natural environment and preserved them in all of their dead splendor.
The problem was I wasn't beautiful. I was all of the hideous and ugly realities of the world packaged into one broken human being.
He came to kill me.
That was his business.
Death.
He ripped me out of my natural environment, the prison I'd created, and locked me away with all of his beautiful dead things.
I hated him.
I still hate him.
But if I was given the choice and the ability to leave this cage, come back to life, I'd stay dead.
In all of my hideous splendor.
Because my murderer can only possess dead things.
And I can only be possessed by someone more broken and ugly than me.
324 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2018
218 people are currently reading
3303 people want to read
About the author
Anne Malcom
57 books3,939 followersAnne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
May 11, 2018
"My stomach was full of butterflies. With knives instead of wings."
I saw the cover of Birds Of Paradise one day on my Facebook Feed and what happened after that was a series of butterfly effects. I read the blurb, saw the teasers on the authors page and then somehow I was so enthralled with wanting to know more about the story, I requested an ARC.
I'm extremely conflicted on what rating to give this and whether or not I should give it a rating at all. I feel like there should be three things I explicitly state before getting into the actualities of the review.
i) This book is filled to the brim with heavy topics, and know that I cannot think of a trigger warning that will do any of them justice.
ii) This book is not for everyone. Seriously.
iii) This book, at least to me was more than just a dark romance. It was a comment on life and both the socratic and platonic way in which we live it.
___________
The Writing
Dear Ms. Malcom,
If I could find the words to describe your words. Then maybe this review would turn out differently.
There are phrases and sentences in your book that I can imagine paintings being based on and writers only dreaming of having written them themselves.
This is more than a talent, and if there was one thing that kept me reading on - it was your ability to keep both your character captive and the reader too.
The Plot
I lost interest.
I have been trying to find a polite way to say this the reason for my lack of interest after the 50% point could be due to reasons on me, not on the book.
This was the first book that I read after going through a major book slump and believe it or not, sometimes that can affect your desire to read even the most beautiful of books.
Secondly, the time jumps started to get under my skin, it felt very surreal and dissociative and maybe that was the point - Regardless, it did not work for me.
I felt like the plot dragged on in the latter 75% of the book and It was hard to keep myself invested.
So to quantitatively put it into words.
- First 25% ⇒ 5 stars
- Later 75% ⇒ 1 star
It's so hard for me because I know that I am going to be the black sheep. This book really has the potential to embed itself in so many hearts out there and it already has. It puts you in the heart of the action from the first chapter and you can see the careful and meticulous motifs and metaphors scattered around the paragraphs.
The author really put her heart and fucking soul into this book and I wish her nothing but the best on her future works.
I saw the cover of Birds Of Paradise one day on my Facebook Feed and what happened after that was a series of butterfly effects. I read the blurb, saw the teasers on the authors page and then somehow I was so enthralled with wanting to know more about the story, I requested an ARC.
I'm extremely conflicted on what rating to give this and whether or not I should give it a rating at all. I feel like there should be three things I explicitly state before getting into the actualities of the review.
i) This book is filled to the brim with heavy topics, and know that I cannot think of a trigger warning that will do any of them justice.
ii) This book is not for everyone. Seriously.
iii) This book, at least to me was more than just a dark romance. It was a comment on life and both the socratic and platonic way in which we live it.
"May you see that broken is beautiful. The most beautiful of them all."
___________
The Writing
Dear Ms. Malcom,
If I could find the words to describe your words. Then maybe this review would turn out differently.
There are phrases and sentences in your book that I can imagine paintings being based on and writers only dreaming of having written them themselves.
This is more than a talent, and if there was one thing that kept me reading on - it was your ability to keep both your character captive and the reader too.
"A hollow shell with shards of my soul rattling around inside."
The Plot
I lost interest.
I have been trying to find a polite way to say this the reason for my lack of interest after the 50% point could be due to reasons on me, not on the book.
This was the first book that I read after going through a major book slump and believe it or not, sometimes that can affect your desire to read even the most beautiful of books.
Secondly, the time jumps started to get under my skin, it felt very surreal and dissociative and maybe that was the point - Regardless, it did not work for me.
I felt like the plot dragged on in the latter 75% of the book and It was hard to keep myself invested.
So to quantitatively put it into words.
- First 25% ⇒ 5 stars
- Later 75% ⇒ 1 star
“You want to know your captor’s name?” I nodded once, even though the motion was near impossible with the weight of his stare. “Elizabeth Helen Hades is the name of your captor,” he said, his voice smoothing over the name fluidly. My name."
It's so hard for me because I know that I am going to be the black sheep. This book really has the potential to embed itself in so many hearts out there and it already has. It puts you in the heart of the action from the first chapter and you can see the careful and meticulous motifs and metaphors scattered around the paragraphs.
The author really put her heart and fucking soul into this book and I wish her nothing but the best on her future works.
"Some stories aren’t beautiful. Some lives aren’t beautiful. But those stories need to be told. And those lives need to be lived."
April 15, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
I'm only going to give you a little taste of what’s to come without divulging spoilers, because like me you need to go in blind..
BIRDS OF PARADISE: Is a full length dark romance novel by Anne Malcom. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives' In this we meet house bound Elizabeth & Him.
We meet Elizabeth whose been jolted from a nightmare trying to shake it off to the reality that’s facing her in her bedroom. Because hiding in the shadows, is a man donning a suit wearing a mask and with gun in hand.
She's terrified, his eyes alone look soulless, bottomless pits to hell.
She knows deep down to her core that even if she attempted to run there would be no escape for her because she lives in her own gilded cage with no escape, a terror that strikes fear into her whenever it comes to leaving her house.
A hired hitman..Him..She’s never seen him before in her life..
People like me don’t live in society. We exist in the shadows. In the darkness. Coming out only in your nightmares.
The first time he came for her like a thief in the night he barged into her life, the second time he came calling, like the devil he knocked.
The cold blooded contract killer, the one who took human beings as souvenirs and then killed them when he was done defiling them.
From this point onwards all hell breaks loose, we delve deeper into both broken characters, slowly we understand what makes them both tick, we can relate, love comes in all forms and it sneaks up unexpected exactly like it did with these two.
I can’t boast that I’ve read a lot of books by this author as this is only the second but both books exceeded my expectations, and this book was no different, this author's writing style is phenomenal, fast paced, flawless, and engaging, this book was like an onion with it’s many layers, chapter by chapter we were given snippets of information the author would divulge to add to the story we’d gathered along the way until all was complete.
What a crazy un-put-down-able read 'birds of paradise' was, I have never read a book straight through like I did with this one, seconds, minutes, hours ceased to exist..Lunch time came, lunch time went, dinner like lunch went by too. I inhaled, devoured, loved this..Such a raw, gritty, dark, emotional book. Nothing I've read before compares to this, an unbelievably crazy good book. Ticked all my boxes!! Fast paced, flawless, incredible!!
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page... *
May 14, 2018
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~So this book was all kinds of awesome. I am purposely going to leave this review a little vague as I think this book is best gone into blindly. Plus, I also don't want to give too many details away that could spoil anyone's reading experience. The writing in this one was AMAZING. Seriously, it was just exquisite and intelligent. It was very well paced. The plot was incredibly engaging, original, and well crafted. There were twists and turns. It was told through a dual POV format. I wouldn't say that this one was overly dark in its nature. But I read some pretty dark stuff, so do take that into account when you are deciding whether to give this one a read or not. Last, it was all wrapped up in a satisfactory ending that left "ME" feeling like maybe this couple had more story to come <-- a girl can hope!
~HERO~
HIM/OLIVER/LUKYAN...Oh, how I loved this guy. He wasn't sweet. He wasn't kind. He was a stone-cold killer, and he loved every minute of it. I fell in love with him. His character was just so well developed and multi-faceted. A textbook example of how to write an anti-hero.
~HEROINE~
ELIZABETH...I think I loved Elizabeth even MORE than I loved Lukyan. Her character was also so well crafted and multi-layered. The growth her character goes through over the course of the book was amazing to read. Your heart will shatter for her. You'll be cheering her on as she puts the pieces of her broken soul back together.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
There really weren't many secondary characters in this one. A couple that plays significant, but small parts. This is a main character-centered book.
~HEAT LEVEL~
Medium. The sex scenes in this one were suitably spicy. Some knife play. Some blood. Nothing too over the top though, and the frequency felt organic to the story. This couple also had amazing on page chemistry.
~ANGST LEVEL - SEXUAL HISTORIES~
Medium. I didn't find this one particularly angsty relationship wise. Elizabeth has a lot of issues to deal with and well, Lukyan kills people...so (lol). There was no OW drama. The next part is a spoiler so DO NOT click on it if you don't want to be spoiled capiche? . There was no OM drama. Neither were virgins.
~IN THE END~
It was amazing. The writing was phenomenal. The plot was highly entertaining and original. The characters were well developed and intriguing. The sex was hot. What more can you as for? Yours truly is HIGHLY recommending this one and in fact, this may be my favorite read so far this year.
May 11, 2018
Okay so I have now read this book twice. I binged it once, and then I savoured it. I loved absolutely everything about it and it's not even the kind of book I usually read. I have decided that I will call it an #UglyBeautiful Story.
The circumstances in the book are so very ugly. The brutality that Elizabeth suffers. The complete despair she goes through. Her first meeting with "Him" and their subsequent dynamic. Everything is awful and ugly - I won't sugar coat it.
BUT....
Anne Malcom somehow manages to also make this story and these characters beautiful. Her writing style is a favourite of mine (this is no surprise), but her imagery and dialogue in this book - well it just blew my mind.
It's hard to write a review without giving away the storyline and this is one you really need to go in blind. The sexual chemistry in this book is vicious. Their romance is not your average HEA love story. It's raw, it's violent and it feels so very real.
It's definitely not an easy read but if you enjoy your books with a plot that makes you uncomfortable at times, with characters that are definitely flawed, but you still find yourself loving them, then this book is for you. I cannot recommend it enough and I already know it's going to be in my Favourite Reads of 2018.
I beta read this book.
The circumstances in the book are so very ugly. The brutality that Elizabeth suffers. The complete despair she goes through. Her first meeting with "Him" and their subsequent dynamic. Everything is awful and ugly - I won't sugar coat it.
BUT....
Anne Malcom somehow manages to also make this story and these characters beautiful. Her writing style is a favourite of mine (this is no surprise), but her imagery and dialogue in this book - well it just blew my mind.
It's hard to write a review without giving away the storyline and this is one you really need to go in blind. The sexual chemistry in this book is vicious. Their romance is not your average HEA love story. It's raw, it's violent and it feels so very real.
It's definitely not an easy read but if you enjoy your books with a plot that makes you uncomfortable at times, with characters that are definitely flawed, but you still find yourself loving them, then this book is for you. I cannot recommend it enough and I already know it's going to be in my Favourite Reads of 2018.
I beta read this book.
May 17, 2018
Elizabeth knows how death feels even before she dies. Physically. She's already lifeless inside and her happiness robbed by the people who were supposed to love her. She never cared. Nobody cared. Until Him.
He was hired to end her life. Honestly, putting a bullet in her head now would be easier for his target to escape the sh*t hole she's in. Problem is, he changed his mind.
First of all, I HAVE NEVER READ ANYTHING LIKE THIS! Well, in romance that is. Anne Malcom's writing style is extraordinary and something that you don't get to read so much these days. It's like I time-traveled to those times when words in books were so profound, I needed my dictionary's help.
Exquisitely written, gut-wrenchingly painful, and poetic. Anne Malcom will push her readers to limits they think they won't ever cross. After a couple of chapters in, this book suddenly turns into a literary drug I want to consume to answer the questions in my head.
Birds of Paradise is a gift to readers. This is the kind of book we live for. It's something everyone should experience may you be into dark or not, because it's a masterpiece. It breaks the boundaries and offers something heart-stopping and captivating.
If dark reads do not bother you and an eloquent writing is what you're craving for at the moment, I highly, like REALLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read BIRDS OF PARADISE.
August 5, 2018
Genre: Dark Romance/Erotic Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Shifting
Rating:
Elizabeth Hades lived her life simply for the sole purpose of existing. Left battered and broken by her past, she rejected normality and sequestered herself into her own safe haven. But when a cold blooded man came to rip away her reality, she was forced to fight her demons or be consumed by his.
I was first attracted to this book when I saw the cover on social media. And when I read the blurb, I knew this is something that would appeal to my psyche.
Elizabeth was a beautifully broken soul. She was so shattered, she couldn’t bare to live any other way. I liked seeing her struggled throughout her character’s evolution, like watching a Phoenix rising or burning to the ground.
Her tormentor was an intriguing enigma. I love characters who identified themselves as an anomaly and unapologetic about it. I was pulled in by his actions and motivations.
My favorite kind of book has always been the ones that question humanity. The ones that display the ugliness and dig deep into the monsters within ourselves. This book is darkly philosophical on the subject and that made me very pleased.
This is my first book of the author and I was mesmerized by the writing. The words felt dark and lush, a perfect accompaniment to the story. However, I wished the general storyline was a little more unexpected.
Birds of Paradise delves into the psychological aspect of survival. It would appeal to readers who could appreciate the flawed side of humanity.
🕊 ✖ 🕊 . . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🕊 ✖ 🕊
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Shifting
Rating:
Elizabeth Hades lived her life simply for the sole purpose of existing. Left battered and broken by her past, she rejected normality and sequestered herself into her own safe haven. But when a cold blooded man came to rip away her reality, she was forced to fight her demons or be consumed by his.
I was first attracted to this book when I saw the cover on social media. And when I read the blurb, I knew this is something that would appeal to my psyche.
I spent my whole life around monsters masquerading as men. They didn’t scare me. But this man who didn’t wear a mask did. He scared me, and he enveloped me in his darkness.
Elizabeth was a beautifully broken soul. She was so shattered, she couldn’t bare to live any other way. I liked seeing her struggled throughout her character’s evolution, like watching a Phoenix rising or burning to the ground.
“Do you think the only way you can possess beautiful things is to kill them?” I whispered to his back.
Her tormentor was an intriguing enigma. I love characters who identified themselves as an anomaly and unapologetic about it. I was pulled in by his actions and motivations.
“In fact, it would be near impossible to find a person not touched with horror in their lives. Some are only brushed, others grazed, while a lot are stabbed, burned, filled with it.”
My favorite kind of book has always been the ones that question humanity. The ones that display the ugliness and dig deep into the monsters within ourselves. This book is darkly philosophical on the subject and that made me very pleased.
He found himself liking her anger, her fire. He found himself planning to make her angry, furious, as often as he could. Even if it made her hate him. Especially if it made her hate him. Because hate and anger would mean she was living. Passionately living
This is my first book of the author and I was mesmerized by the writing. The words felt dark and lush, a perfect accompaniment to the story. However, I wished the general storyline was a little more unexpected.
Birds of Paradise delves into the psychological aspect of survival. It would appeal to readers who could appreciate the flawed side of humanity.
🕊 ✖ 🕊 . . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🕊 ✖ 🕊
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 10, 2018
Check the review on my blog here: https://readingunderstreetlamps.wordp...
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Elizabeth Hades didn’t have a normal childhood and experienced severe trauma as an adult. As a result, she suffers with conditions that keep her caged in her own miserable world until one night when her fears are realized. Coming to terms with the person who holds her own demise in his hands, Elizabeth is given a choice though the options aren’t viable.
Oliver is a solitary man who knows the darkness that resides in people. Adhering to his own beliefs, he is taken by surprise by a damaged creature. Though Oliver doesn’t offer humanity, he is willing to push boundaries for his own curiosities.
Told in dual POV, Elizabeth’s fragile emotional state is underscored by the inclusion of shifting past and present sequences. Understanding her background reinforces how difficult it is for her to move forward. While Oliver makes it clear that others have had to overcome less and more, he wants her to feel rather than stay numb. Elizabeth is a strong character and Oliver recognizes how close she is to the truth. Though, Oliver seems to be a beacon for Elizabeth, their intense connection is grounded in the darkness they share and it percolates into hot and turbulent scenes
Anne Malcom is a new author to me and from the beginning this unique story with complex psychological layers captivated me. With both being damaged, they had their own way of dealing with trauma and the blackness that resides in all of us. As they evolved, nothing was straightforward or conventional and I liked how challenged each other in spite of their vulnerabilities. The ending is also very fitting for these characters and it made more of an impact on their journey.
Birds of Paradise is a dark and psychological romance with emotion. With some twists and a steady plot, these characters will leave a lasting impression.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Elizabeth Hades didn’t have a normal childhood and experienced severe trauma as an adult. As a result, she suffers with conditions that keep her caged in her own miserable world until one night when her fears are realized. Coming to terms with the person who holds her own demise in his hands, Elizabeth is given a choice though the options aren’t viable.
“Life was my penance, my sentence. The price I was paying. And I deserved to live through every second of misery. I needed more of it to pay for my sins.”
Oliver is a solitary man who knows the darkness that resides in people. Adhering to his own beliefs, he is taken by surprise by a damaged creature. Though Oliver doesn’t offer humanity, he is willing to push boundaries for his own curiosities.
“Humans don’t have enough self-preservation to spend time getting to know themselves. Otherwise they’ll see themselves for the monsters they really are. Not many people are strong enough to survive after meeting their monsters.”
Told in dual POV, Elizabeth’s fragile emotional state is underscored by the inclusion of shifting past and present sequences. Understanding her background reinforces how difficult it is for her to move forward. While Oliver makes it clear that others have had to overcome less and more, he wants her to feel rather than stay numb. Elizabeth is a strong character and Oliver recognizes how close she is to the truth. Though, Oliver seems to be a beacon for Elizabeth, their intense connection is grounded in the darkness they share and it percolates into hot and turbulent scenes
“His entire body strained against the handcuffs, tensing as he let out a feral growl. His eyes glowed with desire so dark it melted into the walls behind us. I rode him. Hard.”
Anne Malcom is a new author to me and from the beginning this unique story with complex psychological layers captivated me. With both being damaged, they had their own way of dealing with trauma and the blackness that resides in all of us. As they evolved, nothing was straightforward or conventional and I liked how challenged each other in spite of their vulnerabilities. The ending is also very fitting for these characters and it made more of an impact on their journey.
Birds of Paradise is a dark and psychological romance with emotion. With some twists and a steady plot, these characters will leave a lasting impression.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 13, 2018
When an author gives you a Hero who is anything but a Hero, and a wounded broken heroine, you'd expect to not like them. How could they have a story worth reading, right? Wrong. So, so wrong. The most unlikely Hero, the broken but survivor of a heroine captured me. Totally and completely captured me.
Birds of Paradise is poetic. And even though this is completely different than anything Anne has written before, her style shows through exquisitely. The imagery, the brutality, the emotion... and ultimately the hope and the love.
Birds of Paradise is poetic. And even though this is completely different than anything Anne has written before, her style shows through exquisitely. The imagery, the brutality, the emotion... and ultimately the hope and the love.
May 13, 2018
Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest
Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Dark Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 5 stars
★Review★
Now normally I am all about spoilers. I will hunt them down like a bloodhound before I read a book. And there is NOTHING that annoys me more than reviews that are all "oh I will be vague and not give anything away".
But you know what! I am going to do it!!
I went into this book blind. Only going by the blurb. No idea AT ALL about what it would be about.
And it was amazing. I have read everything Anne Malcom has published, some I enjoyed more than others, but I enjoyed them all. This book? I had no idea she could write something like this.
It was dark, gritty, raw and damn hard to read at times. But it was brilliant. And Beautiful.
I finished this a couple of weeks ago, and immediately had to go and re read 3-4 previous Anne Malcom books that I loved as I was reminded just how genius an author she is.
An amazing 5 stars.
And now I hate myself for doing one of these "you must go into this book blind" reviews, but ah well.
Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Dark Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 5 stars
★Review★
Now normally I am all about spoilers. I will hunt them down like a bloodhound before I read a book. And there is NOTHING that annoys me more than reviews that are all "oh I will be vague and not give anything away".
But you know what! I am going to do it!!
I went into this book blind. Only going by the blurb. No idea AT ALL about what it would be about.
And it was amazing. I have read everything Anne Malcom has published, some I enjoyed more than others, but I enjoyed them all. This book? I had no idea she could write something like this.
It was dark, gritty, raw and damn hard to read at times. But it was brilliant. And Beautiful.
I finished this a couple of weeks ago, and immediately had to go and re read 3-4 previous Anne Malcom books that I loved as I was reminded just how genius an author she is.
An amazing 5 stars.
And now I hate myself for doing one of these "you must go into this book blind" reviews, but ah well.
May 27, 2018
Anne Malcom sure can write. Her prose is captivating and hypnotizing. I enjoyed Birds of Paradise. I’m a dark romance lover and this was could easily be put in that category. Birds of Paradise is all about Elizabeth’s evolution from being utterly broken and dead. Her story was horrific and the revelation of the horror she endured was told through flashbacks and Elizabeth’s behavior and mental state. She slowly started to come back to life after being captured by Lukyan. He’s mysterious and dark. I was very intrigued by him and his motives.
I struggled with their connection when it turned sexual. As their relationship evolved it still just felt like a release when they got together. There’s no chemistry which was a shame since I enjoyed their bantering and how Lukyan did everything to strengthen Elizabeth. Emotionally and physically. She embraced her flaws and ugliness. I saw them more as friends. A team. The story primarily takes place in Lukyan’s house and at times it got a bit repetitive. With a strong ending and flawless prose I can honestly say I want to read more from this author.
3 BadAssDirtyUglyAndDeadStars
I struggled with their connection when it turned sexual. As their relationship evolved it still just felt like a release when they got together. There’s no chemistry which was a shame since I enjoyed their bantering and how Lukyan did everything to strengthen Elizabeth. Emotionally and physically. She embraced her flaws and ugliness. I saw them more as friends. A team. The story primarily takes place in Lukyan’s house and at times it got a bit repetitive. With a strong ending and flawless prose I can honestly say I want to read more from this author.
3 BadAssDirtyUglyAndDeadStars
May 11, 2018
Birds Of Paradise is my introduction to Anne Malcom reads. And i'm sat here wondering where the hell have i been, not to have read her books before!! From what i have been lead to believe, this is her first Dark Read. Which amazes me, this book utterly floored me.
It was intensely gripping and utterly captivating. It like she's been writing Dark Romance for years. Superb writing, fast paced, flawless, and engaging. Chapter by chapter i was given just enough information to keep me turning the page and delving me deeper and deeper into this dark world.
For this review i really would advise going in blind. Experience all this dark depravity in its glory. There really is nothing i can write in this review. That wouldn't lead to or need more to explain about, that wouldn't spoil this read. From its cruel and raw sexual chemistry we get a romance read that isn't your average HEA. But gives you so many feels and emotions that even in its raw and violent moments it feels so real.
Definitely worth all the stars and more!!!
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April 26, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you Anne Malcom!
I could not rush this book. I couldn’t devour it like I wanted to. It pleaded me to savour every word; to experience every sentence. This book was dark, and artistic. Malcom really pushed the envelope with the poetic ring to her writing. She wrote an ugly story beautifully. She is a true artist. She has gone from being great at her craft, to being great at her art.
This book is mostly steered towards the psychological side of storytelling, allowing the reader to me fully immersed in the darkness of the characters’ minds. Seeing how complex they are when their exteriors betray nothing. Seeing how they evolve and change over the novel. Seeing how the ominous concept of death resonates with them.
Again, Malcom’s artful writing comes through with expertly crafted metaphors and a coherent and constant ambiance throughout. I love how consistent and enforced the idea of birds and cages was at every page, strengthening the symbolism, among other themes such as beauty, rarity, and death.
I also want to mention how well researched this novel is. I found myself researching so many things, and being so fully interested in the factual aspects of the book.
Malcom showed great growth as an author with this book. She pushed herself as this is unlike anything she has written before. She pushed herself way out her comfort zone and beautiful things happened, just like with Elizabeth.
I could not rush this book. I couldn’t devour it like I wanted to. It pleaded me to savour every word; to experience every sentence. This book was dark, and artistic. Malcom really pushed the envelope with the poetic ring to her writing. She wrote an ugly story beautifully. She is a true artist. She has gone from being great at her craft, to being great at her art.
This book is mostly steered towards the psychological side of storytelling, allowing the reader to me fully immersed in the darkness of the characters’ minds. Seeing how complex they are when their exteriors betray nothing. Seeing how they evolve and change over the novel. Seeing how the ominous concept of death resonates with them.
Again, Malcom’s artful writing comes through with expertly crafted metaphors and a coherent and constant ambiance throughout. I love how consistent and enforced the idea of birds and cages was at every page, strengthening the symbolism, among other themes such as beauty, rarity, and death.
I also want to mention how well researched this novel is. I found myself researching so many things, and being so fully interested in the factual aspects of the book.
Malcom showed great growth as an author with this book. She pushed herself as this is unlike anything she has written before. She pushed herself way out her comfort zone and beautiful things happened, just like with Elizabeth.
Read
May 14, 2018This is not your typical romance, it’s dark and twisted and I loved every minute of it. Now I will say this is not my typical read either, I have read dark romance books before but typically that is not what I would gravitate towards but since Anne Malcom wrote it I’m reading it. And what I can tell you about this book though not a typical romance it was amazing. The story started out and I was pretty positive I was sure how this would all turn out and then I found out quickly how very wrong I was and I can’t tell you how glad I am that I was wrong.
Neither Elizabeth nor Lukyan are classic both are broken and changed from their past and pain but they are also both very strong and both survivors in every sense of the word. Though they are both hardened by life they also both make a conscious desion to take back what is theirs and though neither do this how anyone I know (or hope to ever meet) they do it the only way they can and at the same time carve out beauty of their own. I have said it before that a hero is crazy possessive and that he will do anything for the heroine and I believe that but Lukyan is on a whole nother level he will literally do anything for the heroine and does.
Hiding and not living in fact many days only wanting to die Elizabeth is woken when someone breaks into her house. Learning that his reason is to kill her Elizabeth realizes that she doesn’t really care if this finally ends her life that she hates so much. Breaking in to do the job he was hired to do Lukyan knew he would not have a problem killing because he never has before till he lays eyes on Elizabeth and she does nothing he expects making him question if he can complete his task. Walking away hasn’t been something Lukyan has ever done and now that he has he knows that word will soon spread unless he does something about that.
Taking Elizabeth Lukyan isn’t sure he won’t still complete his job but the more time he is around her the more he see’s that Elizabeth isn’t like anyone he has ever seen. Once a woman Lukyan thought as weak he now see’s her in a whole new light. The more time they spend together the more they learn about each other both their ugly past and the scars they both carry. Pain is something they each know very intimately and soon pain becomes something new to them both and with it a new world and their own brand of healing and life.
But the life they both lead and the family they both come from makes their lives anything but normal or easy and hidden secrets may just be what finally tears them apart if the outside world doesn’t have it's say first. Don’t go into this book expecting a normal read but go into knowing you will be amazed and sucked right into the story from word one. Know that these two broken and corrupt characters will be like nothing you have read before and though they aren’t normal they are also very special and will tug at your heart strings and force you to love them.
This book is like nothing Anne Malcom has written before but it is also nothing short of amazing. Expect this book to grip you and be something you think of long after you have read the last page. For those who are like me who don't tend to read darker romance books know this isn't like most dark romances and it isn't something most non dark romance readers won't love. Is it cookie cutter, but it is one stunning book about two broken people who find love in a messed up world. I can't recommend this book enough, and all I can say is if your not sure, take a chance you won't regret it.
Favorite quote to show just what I mean about our hero
“This was a man, who would quite literally yank out his bloody, blackened and mangled beating heart if I so asked.”
Thanks Anne for this beta copy .
Neither Elizabeth nor Lukyan are classic both are broken and changed from their past and pain but they are also both very strong and both survivors in every sense of the word. Though they are both hardened by life they also both make a conscious desion to take back what is theirs and though neither do this how anyone I know (or hope to ever meet) they do it the only way they can and at the same time carve out beauty of their own. I have said it before that a hero is crazy possessive and that he will do anything for the heroine and I believe that but Lukyan is on a whole nother level he will literally do anything for the heroine and does.
Hiding and not living in fact many days only wanting to die Elizabeth is woken when someone breaks into her house. Learning that his reason is to kill her Elizabeth realizes that she doesn’t really care if this finally ends her life that she hates so much. Breaking in to do the job he was hired to do Lukyan knew he would not have a problem killing because he never has before till he lays eyes on Elizabeth and she does nothing he expects making him question if he can complete his task. Walking away hasn’t been something Lukyan has ever done and now that he has he knows that word will soon spread unless he does something about that.
Taking Elizabeth Lukyan isn’t sure he won’t still complete his job but the more time he is around her the more he see’s that Elizabeth isn’t like anyone he has ever seen. Once a woman Lukyan thought as weak he now see’s her in a whole new light. The more time they spend together the more they learn about each other both their ugly past and the scars they both carry. Pain is something they each know very intimately and soon pain becomes something new to them both and with it a new world and their own brand of healing and life.
But the life they both lead and the family they both come from makes their lives anything but normal or easy and hidden secrets may just be what finally tears them apart if the outside world doesn’t have it's say first. Don’t go into this book expecting a normal read but go into knowing you will be amazed and sucked right into the story from word one. Know that these two broken and corrupt characters will be like nothing you have read before and though they aren’t normal they are also very special and will tug at your heart strings and force you to love them.
This book is like nothing Anne Malcom has written before but it is also nothing short of amazing. Expect this book to grip you and be something you think of long after you have read the last page. For those who are like me who don't tend to read darker romance books know this isn't like most dark romances and it isn't something most non dark romance readers won't love. Is it cookie cutter, but it is one stunning book about two broken people who find love in a messed up world. I can't recommend this book enough, and all I can say is if your not sure, take a chance you won't regret it.
Favorite quote to show just what I mean about our hero
“This was a man, who would quite literally yank out his bloody, blackened and mangled beating heart if I so asked.”
Thanks Anne for this beta copy .
April 20, 2018
I was lucky enough to receive an early read of Birds of Paradise. I totally loved this book. Well done Anne! This is my first Anne Malcom book, even though I have several on my Kindle.
I'm a huge fan of dark romance.... obviously as I write in the genre. It is hard work writing in this genre because as a person/writer, you have to dig real deep and pretty much go to the dark side and push your own limits to get your characters to perform for the reader.
Anne didn't hold back. She will give you a very dark, raw and gritty ride. There's no doubt about it.
I'm not going to tell you anything about this story as you really need to strap yourself in and enjoy this dark ride with the male lead and Elizabeth.
But I will tell you a couple of my fave quotes.
The eyes that had once been dull and lifeless were now vibrant, glowing with life and death, intermingled. She wore her pain like a crown, wore broken like a doll and damaged like a warrior.
I want to pull you apart," he growled. "Just so I can see how you stand. Just so I can figure out how the world hasn't ground you into dust." He brushed the scar on her head. "Just to figure out how I haven't crushed you to dust."
I highly recommend this exceptional dark romance.
Oh, and that cover art...AMAZING!!!
I'm a huge fan of dark romance.... obviously as I write in the genre. It is hard work writing in this genre because as a person/writer, you have to dig real deep and pretty much go to the dark side and push your own limits to get your characters to perform for the reader.
Anne didn't hold back. She will give you a very dark, raw and gritty ride. There's no doubt about it.
I'm not going to tell you anything about this story as you really need to strap yourself in and enjoy this dark ride with the male lead and Elizabeth.
But I will tell you a couple of my fave quotes.
The eyes that had once been dull and lifeless were now vibrant, glowing with life and death, intermingled. She wore her pain like a crown, wore broken like a doll and damaged like a warrior.
I want to pull you apart," he growled. "Just so I can see how you stand. Just so I can figure out how the world hasn't ground you into dust." He brushed the scar on her head. "Just to figure out how I haven't crushed you to dust."
I highly recommend this exceptional dark romance.
Oh, and that cover art...AMAZING!!!
April 20, 2018
Haunting, Dark, Gut Wrenching, Soul Breaking, Poetic, Gritty, Beautiful..Birds of Paradise is unlike anything I've ever read. This book was not like any other Anne Malcom book; it was so different but it's the kind of different that's such a game changer. Ms. Malcom stepped way outside of the box for this one then proceeded to crush the box and pave her own way as only she could.
"She wore her pain like a crown, wore broken like a doll and damaged like a warrior"
Elizabeth and Lukyan are anything but ordinary and this is their story. Lukyan is a ghost, existing & collecting his rare dead things; until he meets Elizabeth and is able to see beyond her pain. Elizabeth is broken and trapped within her own nightmare until Lukyan rips her from her false sense of security . Their story isn't sunshine and rainbows but instead it's a gritty, soul crushing fight to not overcome their demons but to exist alongside their demons together. I strongly recommend this book to any and everyone; this hauntingly beautiful story will stay with you long after you've finished it. Birds of Paradise is one of my top reads for 2018 and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did 💋
"She wore her pain like a crown, wore broken like a doll and damaged like a warrior"
Elizabeth and Lukyan are anything but ordinary and this is their story. Lukyan is a ghost, existing & collecting his rare dead things; until he meets Elizabeth and is able to see beyond her pain. Elizabeth is broken and trapped within her own nightmare until Lukyan rips her from her false sense of security . Their story isn't sunshine and rainbows but instead it's a gritty, soul crushing fight to not overcome their demons but to exist alongside their demons together. I strongly recommend this book to any and everyone; this hauntingly beautiful story will stay with you long after you've finished it. Birds of Paradise is one of my top reads for 2018 and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did 💋
Want to read
April 15, 2018I’m intrigued and I love the cover!!
May 11, 2018
Just Wow wow wow wow. Little speechless at how fantastic this book is. It is nothing like this author has written before! It’s stunningly beautiful, dark , intense and sexy! An anti-hero that you must meet and will find yourself falling for even though you know you shouldn’t! This book is the authors best yet and it’s going to shock you
September 1, 2020
I'm out of breath right now. My chest is heavy. My arms are numb and my mind is blown! I have never read anything like this from this author before. The cover had me shivering, the blurb awakened my darkest desires but this story, this story, it transcended me into a beautifully dark yet ugly world. The wording was spectacular, it drew me in, it spoke to me. It was written and executed so beautifully you could literally feel all the emotions, the pain, the love, the darkness oozing off the pages.
I'm somewhat of a dark romance connoisseur so I've been through a lot. I thought this would just be your typical dark romance. But this one, it goes deeper. It caused me to think a lot. Caused me to stop and process what was happening in the book, around me and in my life as a person. This book will change you, if it doesn't wreck you, this book will have you questioning your insanity. The characters are as complex as they can get and somehow, thrust together by fate they compliment each other wickedly. I definitely want more from this story. I didn't want it to end like that. I wanted their story to continue on forever, or at least until more blood was spilled. Ugh, such an amazing book, I couldn't put it down! Definitely recommend this book!
I'm somewhat of a dark romance connoisseur so I've been through a lot. I thought this would just be your typical dark romance. But this one, it goes deeper. It caused me to think a lot. Caused me to stop and process what was happening in the book, around me and in my life as a person. This book will change you, if it doesn't wreck you, this book will have you questioning your insanity. The characters are as complex as they can get and somehow, thrust together by fate they compliment each other wickedly. I definitely want more from this story. I didn't want it to end like that. I wanted their story to continue on forever, or at least until more blood was spilled. Ugh, such an amazing book, I couldn't put it down! Definitely recommend this book!
April 16, 2018
Intense, Haunting, Beautiful Words from Anne Malcom
I have read several of Anne Malcom’s books and they are good. I mean really good. As I sit here, attempting to find the words to describe the feelings I have about her latest story, Birds of Paradise, I know I cannot do it justice.
Intense: each page I read had my stomach clenching, my thoughts running wild, trying to determine what was going on in Elizabeth’s mind. Which man would she face, as she bravely, reluctantly, kept growing in both mind and body? How would we know what were the right choices for her? Who is she, really?
Haunting: the level of emotional baggage Elizabeth and her relationships claim on her soul is overwhelming. It is painful and beautiful and every nuance in between. The ghosts of her past, along with each moment wretched from her captivity, reach a world within a world status, that we can only view through a veil of horror and, at times, peace.
Where is the beauty in this painful, ugly, sinful, love story?
It is in every written word.
This book is consuming. It is a world apart from Ms. Malcom’s others, actually from every other book I have read. I want more. I need more.
I have read several of Anne Malcom’s books and they are good. I mean really good. As I sit here, attempting to find the words to describe the feelings I have about her latest story, Birds of Paradise, I know I cannot do it justice.
Intense: each page I read had my stomach clenching, my thoughts running wild, trying to determine what was going on in Elizabeth’s mind. Which man would she face, as she bravely, reluctantly, kept growing in both mind and body? How would we know what were the right choices for her? Who is she, really?
Haunting: the level of emotional baggage Elizabeth and her relationships claim on her soul is overwhelming. It is painful and beautiful and every nuance in between. The ghosts of her past, along with each moment wretched from her captivity, reach a world within a world status, that we can only view through a veil of horror and, at times, peace.
Where is the beauty in this painful, ugly, sinful, love story?
It is in every written word.
This book is consuming. It is a world apart from Ms. Malcom’s others, actually from every other book I have read. I want more. I need more.
April 16, 2018
My absolute top read of 2018 thus far. This darkly beautiful stand alone shows how far Anne Malcom has pushed herself. And let me tell you, SHE OWNED IT.
The writing was absolutely PHENOMENAL. It's definitely her best work yet. I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book.
The story was so original. Definitely one of a kind.
The characters are strong, both in their own right. They both grew beautifully and it was such a thrilling sight to see. Their relationship is one of the most interesting that I've seen, and I mean that in the best way. They are EXACTLY what each other needs.
There was an absolute roller coaster of emotions. My heart was bruised and battered one second, then it was healed in the next breath....
I can't say enough about this book. I absolutely, highly recommend it!
The writing was absolutely PHENOMENAL. It's definitely her best work yet. I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book.
The story was so original. Definitely one of a kind.
The characters are strong, both in their own right. They both grew beautifully and it was such a thrilling sight to see. Their relationship is one of the most interesting that I've seen, and I mean that in the best way. They are EXACTLY what each other needs.
There was an absolute roller coaster of emotions. My heart was bruised and battered one second, then it was healed in the next breath....
I can't say enough about this book. I absolutely, highly recommend it!
August 6, 2018
I loved the dark side of the book but unfortunately the story didnt grip me and my mind kept wandering.
April 18, 2018
If you enjoy Amo Jones and BB Reid you are likely to enjoy this book. Equally if you enjoy Poe and Dante you will enjoy this book. It is something of a long form exploration into the themes of life and death yet it still remains a romance. This book proves that romance is a vastly underrated genre by many as it does what many strive to do but fail; take a close look at the human condition, life, death and twisted minds and turns that into something beautiful that resembles poetry at times. It's one of those very rare books that changes you as you read it; makes you look at yourself and your perceptions and re-evaluate them. This is not an easy or a comfortable read but it was never designed to be. It is also a departure from the kind of romance we have seen from Anne Malcolm before. It is dark and it is gritty and it isn't easy on the reader. It does contain the usual hallmarks of hers though; a beauty and grace of prose that pulls the reader in to the story until the very end. Although it's not an easy read it is very much worth it. The subject matters are difficult. The characters vastly complex. The story is infinitely rewarding to the reader despite the darkness it contains. If you love a dark romance this is a good read for you. If you love the desolation of late Victorian authors then this is also the book for you. If you enjoy the lyrical way Anne Malcolm writes prose this book is also for you. It's beautifully complex and I fully recommend taking the chance on it even if this kind of book is not your usual kind of read.
May 11, 2018
For this being my first Anne book I am blown away by her writing! This story exceeded my expectations so much and I am emotionally drained from this story! Just WOW! Speechless is what I am! This story was so raw and gritty and emotional and just magnetic and hypnotizing! I could not put this book down! From the very first page I was immediately drawn in and couldn’t let go of this story! I honestly wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!!! Definitely not my last Anne book!!!!
April 18, 2018
This book is probably the most unique love story I’ve read. It’s so warped, full of pain, ugly and yet so stunning, beautiful and understanding. These characters create their own brand of life and love. Congratulations to Anne Malcom for writing something so different (to me, personally) and releasing this amazing story.
April 30, 2018
I can’t even begin to label this book! It’s just extraordinary! Anne Malcom has given us an anti-hero we don’t know how to feel about! Love him? Hate him? And the heroine? She has her own issues! Anne has gone dark and twisted with this book and it couldn’t be better! Must add to your TBR!
April 10, 2018
**I’ve read and reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
This book is DARK and RAW. Elizabeth is a woman who lives inside her own prison. A prison she created after suffering a terrible tragedy: her life. She is broken, and her would-be murderer wants that for himself. Or does he?
This review is so hard to write without giving too much away, but I will say that it is both painful and beautiful. This is most definitely NOT a hearts-and-flowers romance. What it is, is two irreparably damaged and twisted people finding some sort of solace in one another as well as embracing their mutual pain and baggage. There is also some intrigue, action, and twists and turns.
It’s definitely an enthralling story, and even though this is something different from Malcom, the same emotional writing that is typical of her other work is present here. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it; I could barely put it down.
Though it hasn’t been announced, I’m wondering if there will be a follow-up, because I felt like I had a few unanswered questions. (Technically, the book does not end on a cliffhanger, but I also felt like it left the option for more elaboration.)
**I would also caution readers about possible triggers, but because this is an ARC, and the book is not yet released at the time of this posting, I can’t identify possible triggers without revealing spoilers.
4.5/5 but only because I hate having unanswered questions. Otherwise, I loved it!
This book is DARK and RAW. Elizabeth is a woman who lives inside her own prison. A prison she created after suffering a terrible tragedy: her life. She is broken, and her would-be murderer wants that for himself. Or does he?
This review is so hard to write without giving too much away, but I will say that it is both painful and beautiful. This is most definitely NOT a hearts-and-flowers romance. What it is, is two irreparably damaged and twisted people finding some sort of solace in one another as well as embracing their mutual pain and baggage. There is also some intrigue, action, and twists and turns.
It’s definitely an enthralling story, and even though this is something different from Malcom, the same emotional writing that is typical of her other work is present here. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it; I could barely put it down.
Though it hasn’t been announced, I’m wondering if there will be a follow-up, because I felt like I had a few unanswered questions. (Technically, the book does not end on a cliffhanger, but I also felt like it left the option for more elaboration.)
**I would also caution readers about possible triggers, but because this is an ARC, and the book is not yet released at the time of this posting, I can’t identify possible triggers without revealing spoilers.
4.5/5 but only because I hate having unanswered questions. Otherwise, I loved it!
April 26, 2018
Amazingly dark read! I was not expecting this at all from Anne but nonetheless it was great. I loved these two. I loved the unconventional way Lukyan healed her. No matter how broken she seemed she came out a stronger person. I was not expecting the twist in this book either. This book was another great addition to Anne’s Arsenal!!
April 12, 2018
As if she had not blown me away in the past with her books, this one hits it out of the ball park for me.
This book was different than her previous books but it was FANTASTIC and I loved that she wrote something that was different for her and took a chance on it. This story was hauntingly BEAUTIFUL all the way through. You don't really know how much your body and mind can handle until it is put to the test. Elizabeth and Lukyan's relationship is messed up but when 2 people understand what they have both gone through in their lives it works for them.
I do hope Anne keeps going outside of what she normally writes what is singing to her soul as I know it will be brilliant. She is an amazing writer and I am always excited to read her words.
This book was different than her previous books but it was FANTASTIC and I loved that she wrote something that was different for her and took a chance on it. This story was hauntingly BEAUTIFUL all the way through. You don't really know how much your body and mind can handle until it is put to the test. Elizabeth and Lukyan's relationship is messed up but when 2 people understand what they have both gone through in their lives it works for them.
I do hope Anne keeps going outside of what she normally writes what is singing to her soul as I know it will be brilliant. She is an amazing writer and I am always excited to read her words.
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