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Ghostland World #2
Spider-Touched
The author of Ghostland continues her tale of a postapocalyptic world where supernatural beings have emerged from hiding.
Held prisoner by humans, his angelic memory and power lost because of the sigil-inscribed collar around his neck, Tir dreams of freedom and hungers for vengeance. He's sworn he'll never lie with a mortal, but when Araña removes his shackles and helps him escape his captivity, she melts his icy control and leaves him burning with desire. She's a temptation he can't resist-an unknowing enemy who might well enslave him more thoroughly than the chains he's worn for centuries.
Powerful forces have brought them together to serve a greater purpose, but learning the truth of what they are will destroy them-unless their love is strong enough to overcome the dark legacy of a battle that began with the birth of mankind.
Held prisoner by humans, his angelic memory and power lost because of the sigil-inscribed collar around his neck, Tir dreams of freedom and hungers for vengeance. He's sworn he'll never lie with a mortal, but when Araña removes his shackles and helps him escape his captivity, she melts his icy control and leaves him burning with desire. She's a temptation he can't resist-an unknowing enemy who might well enslave him more thoroughly than the chains he's worn for centuries.
Powerful forces have brought them together to serve a greater purpose, but learning the truth of what they are will destroy them-unless their love is strong enough to overcome the dark legacy of a battle that began with the birth of mankind.
372 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2009
10 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Jory Strong
64 books424 followersJory has been writing since childhood and has never outgrown being a daydreamer. When she's not hunched over her computer, lost in the muse and conjuring up new heroes and heroines, she can usually be found reading, riding her horses, or hiking with her dogs.
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August 5, 2009
Author Jory Strong has created a futuristic world of such vast scope, it's hard sometimes not to get lost in its stories. Her latest in the Ghostland World series is "Spider-Touched", a tale of two lost souls who aren't sure who or WHAT they are. The only thing they come to know during the story is that they belong together, regardless of their pasts.
The year doesn't matter. It's beyond the apocalypse of the last war when supernaturals came out of hiding and humans spent their technology and lives almost destroying everything. The remaining city enclaves that remain are in the hands of the ultra-rich and the 'church', and neither is immune from what ultimate power breeds--corruption.
Tir doesn't remember WHAT he is, just that he's NOT human, he can't be killed, his blood can heal, and he's living for the day he escapes to lay waste to his enemies...whoever they are. His hatred for humans is arrested when one touches him in a dream, and then frees him. For the first time in centuries he is able to breathe freely and finds his desire rekindled...but only for the woman who risked her life to free him.
Arana doesn't know her real name, just the name she gave herself to match the spider mark that moves on her body and protects her at the cost of her ability to touch anyone. She sees the man with the strange markings in a dream and, at the risk of capture, frees him. She knows he's not human because she can touch him without killing him. And not just touch him...caress him, kiss him, and finally...love him. On the run from corrupt groups looking to capture and use their talents for gain, Arana and Tir fall in love. But when the final truths about their natures are revealed, will love be enough to save them...from each other?
If you didn't read "Ghostland" this book will be difficult to understand. There's an overarching plotline that provides a little information about who and what each of the characters are, but if you read the first one, this book will make much more sense. Now, having said that, I wonder if reading this book without having read the first one would make it more realistic since neither Tir nor Arana know what they are or how their lives intertwine with a bigger picture of the upcoming war between supernaturals.
If you have a strong religious bent, you may be offended as this book portrays all the evil, and none of the good, of the established 'church' that holds power by using supernatural creatures to evoke miracles and healing and control the populace. If that will make you froth at the mouth...don't read this series!
Jory Strong writes stories with incredibly strong heroes and heroines...and really, really smoking hot sex! I wavered over calling this erotica since it's more smoking romance but there's just something 'naughty' enough about the situations and characters to justify the tag. The sex is copious and sizzling and does include some light consensual BDSM for those who need a warning.
Having said ALL that, I really, really enjoyed this read. It's not a casual, pickup read and will require some thought. I would also describe it as having urban fantasy elements. There's demons, vampires, shifters, gods, witches, angels, and probably a few I left out. There's also action, sex, suspense, good, sex, evil, romance, sex, and kickbutt magic. After reading "Spider-Touched" I'm even more anxious to see where Jory Strong goes next with this fascinating world.
The year doesn't matter. It's beyond the apocalypse of the last war when supernaturals came out of hiding and humans spent their technology and lives almost destroying everything. The remaining city enclaves that remain are in the hands of the ultra-rich and the 'church', and neither is immune from what ultimate power breeds--corruption.
Tir doesn't remember WHAT he is, just that he's NOT human, he can't be killed, his blood can heal, and he's living for the day he escapes to lay waste to his enemies...whoever they are. His hatred for humans is arrested when one touches him in a dream, and then frees him. For the first time in centuries he is able to breathe freely and finds his desire rekindled...but only for the woman who risked her life to free him.
Arana doesn't know her real name, just the name she gave herself to match the spider mark that moves on her body and protects her at the cost of her ability to touch anyone. She sees the man with the strange markings in a dream and, at the risk of capture, frees him. She knows he's not human because she can touch him without killing him. And not just touch him...caress him, kiss him, and finally...love him. On the run from corrupt groups looking to capture and use their talents for gain, Arana and Tir fall in love. But when the final truths about their natures are revealed, will love be enough to save them...from each other?
If you didn't read "Ghostland" this book will be difficult to understand. There's an overarching plotline that provides a little information about who and what each of the characters are, but if you read the first one, this book will make much more sense. Now, having said that, I wonder if reading this book without having read the first one would make it more realistic since neither Tir nor Arana know what they are or how their lives intertwine with a bigger picture of the upcoming war between supernaturals.
If you have a strong religious bent, you may be offended as this book portrays all the evil, and none of the good, of the established 'church' that holds power by using supernatural creatures to evoke miracles and healing and control the populace. If that will make you froth at the mouth...don't read this series!
Jory Strong writes stories with incredibly strong heroes and heroines...and really, really smoking hot sex! I wavered over calling this erotica since it's more smoking romance but there's just something 'naughty' enough about the situations and characters to justify the tag. The sex is copious and sizzling and does include some light consensual BDSM for those who need a warning.
Having said ALL that, I really, really enjoyed this read. It's not a casual, pickup read and will require some thought. I would also describe it as having urban fantasy elements. There's demons, vampires, shifters, gods, witches, angels, and probably a few I left out. There's also action, sex, suspense, good, sex, evil, romance, sex, and kickbutt magic. After reading "Spider-Touched" I'm even more anxious to see where Jory Strong goes next with this fascinating world.
August 22, 2009
This is the second book in Strong’s Ghostland World series. Her first book, Ghostland was a very enjoyable read and recommended to those who like reading a post-apocalyptic world with heavy paranormal and erotic elements. (There was a great deal of wet panties and hard nipples in that read). Spider-Touched has an interesting character in that of Arana, a lonely young woman who has been very abused because of the spider mark on her body that can move anywhere on her when the need arises. The spider mark protects her and if she touches someone, the mark will kill them. Anara can’t take the chance in touching anyone, so she keeps her hands to herself and wears a glove over her left hand to hide the brand that was burned in her flesh by a clergyman. The Church is considered to be one of the vilest of all in this world, even above the demons, vampires and other supernatural creatures that rule. Anara was taken in by two men who are pirates. They have come to San Francisco looking for more booty. And because the city is very dangerous, she is separated from them and taken captive and imprisoned where she will be involved in some sick games where she will be raped and killed all for profit.
Another prisoner, Tir, knows he is not human but has no memory. He can’t be killed and his blood can heal. He has been held captive by the same ones who have taken Anara. These two are able to escape and now are on the run. And they run and run, hide and fight the evildoers and have sex whenever they can. For some reason because Tir is a supernatural being, he is able to touch Anara without being killed by her spider mark. For the first 150 pages these two work together to survive even though they don’t trust one another. But that doesn’t stop Tir from feeling the licks of flame along his cock when he is with Anara. She in turn welcomes Tir because he doesn’t die a horrible death when they touch. Both win!
I really wished Spider-Touched would have worked for me. I just couldn’t connect with Anara and Tir like I did with Aisling and her demon lover Zurael in Ghostland. The action was slow to build in Spider-Touched and I couldn’t figure out what the motivation was for Anara and Tir other than fighting those evil individuals and engage in sexual pleasure every chance they could get.
Another prisoner, Tir, knows he is not human but has no memory. He can’t be killed and his blood can heal. He has been held captive by the same ones who have taken Anara. These two are able to escape and now are on the run. And they run and run, hide and fight the evildoers and have sex whenever they can. For some reason because Tir is a supernatural being, he is able to touch Anara without being killed by her spider mark. For the first 150 pages these two work together to survive even though they don’t trust one another. But that doesn’t stop Tir from feeling the licks of flame along his cock when he is with Anara. She in turn welcomes Tir because he doesn’t die a horrible death when they touch. Both win!
I really wished Spider-Touched would have worked for me. I just couldn’t connect with Anara and Tir like I did with Aisling and her demon lover Zurael in Ghostland. The action was slow to build in Spider-Touched and I couldn’t figure out what the motivation was for Anara and Tir other than fighting those evil individuals and engage in sexual pleasure every chance they could get.
September 16, 2009
I went back and checked my review for Ghostland because I was pretty sure I said I'd never read another from this series, but I guess I didn't. Which is good, because I wasn't breaking my oath when I read Spider-Touched. I was, however, surprised Ghostland got two stars because the second installment of the Ghostland series blew massive chunks.
Tir and Araña utterly failed to connect with me in any way, and once again the story seemed to fade to the background in favor of all the repetitive and utterly boring sex. I can't say I won't read further installments, because I seem to be drawn to this series like onlookers to a train wreck, but if they're anything like the first two, I can pretty much guarantee I won't like them.
On the plus side, the cover art remains stunning.
P.S. - Please, PLEASE stop with the 'swollen cunt lips' and 'bare mound' crap. It just kills the mood every time.
Tir and Araña utterly failed to connect with me in any way, and once again the story seemed to fade to the background in favor of all the repetitive and utterly boring sex. I can't say I won't read further installments, because I seem to be drawn to this series like onlookers to a train wreck, but if they're anything like the first two, I can pretty much guarantee I won't like them.
On the plus side, the cover art remains stunning.
P.S. - Please, PLEASE stop with the 'swollen cunt lips' and 'bare mound' crap. It just kills the mood every time.
October 18, 2018
So far I have not been able to get into the plot. I have been on page 100 for 5 days. I may not finish it anytime soon. So for now it's a one star.
I really wanted to like it.
I really wanted to like it.
December 29, 2012
As seen on Rabidreads.ca:
Spider-Touched weaves boldly through the grotesque and complicated future to, in its final fifty pages come together in some type of harmony, some type of completion. This completion is not entirely unsatisfying. Everything that we have learned, heavy-handed as it might be, is delivered to us and those things that we could not see are revealed.
If you are just joining this series, you are just as much in luck as you are not. The first fifty pages plus are a fight to get through. And the few faces we came to love in the previous book are treated meagerly. You pretty much just have to take everything as it comes as entirely shallow as that might be and that might sound.
Arana, already a power play in terms of naming (Arana is the Spanish word for spider), has arrived in Oakland with Matthew and Erik, her adoptive parents. Their relevance to her will be explained in greater detail late into the book as we also come to meet Tir, Rebekka, and Levi, who all have their own perspective on this post-apocalyptic world. I cannot, although it is easy to, forget Raoul.
Due to the absolute abomination of a plot, the emotions of these characters come across as handed to them and not entirely thought through. If you were given too much time to wonder why Tir, an eon year old being, has feelings for Arana, your mind would probably erupt and spew spider babies. The motto here is "just go with it". The imagery and ambition of this world, caught between cycles of divine and demonic war, should be enough to keep you turning pages.
The erotic element in this book, unlike its parent Ghostland, struck me often as laughable and often a hang-up, Tab A goes here, Tab B goes there, when there are dragon lizards, werelions, and demons. All in all, a total slog that only raises from the mire in its dying breath.
Spider-Touched weaves boldly through the grotesque and complicated future to, in its final fifty pages come together in some type of harmony, some type of completion. This completion is not entirely unsatisfying. Everything that we have learned, heavy-handed as it might be, is delivered to us and those things that we could not see are revealed.
If you are just joining this series, you are just as much in luck as you are not. The first fifty pages plus are a fight to get through. And the few faces we came to love in the previous book are treated meagerly. You pretty much just have to take everything as it comes as entirely shallow as that might be and that might sound.
Arana, already a power play in terms of naming (Arana is the Spanish word for spider), has arrived in Oakland with Matthew and Erik, her adoptive parents. Their relevance to her will be explained in greater detail late into the book as we also come to meet Tir, Rebekka, and Levi, who all have their own perspective on this post-apocalyptic world. I cannot, although it is easy to, forget Raoul.
Due to the absolute abomination of a plot, the emotions of these characters come across as handed to them and not entirely thought through. If you were given too much time to wonder why Tir, an eon year old being, has feelings for Arana, your mind would probably erupt and spew spider babies. The motto here is "just go with it". The imagery and ambition of this world, caught between cycles of divine and demonic war, should be enough to keep you turning pages.
The erotic element in this book, unlike its parent Ghostland, struck me often as laughable and often a hang-up, Tab A goes here, Tab B goes there, when there are dragon lizards, werelions, and demons. All in all, a total slog that only raises from the mire in its dying breath.
July 26, 2010
Almost every scene had me fidgeting with nerves, crying out in fear, and fanning myself. If you are squeamish at all about bloodshed or sex, this book may not be for you. Though Araña and Tir like to show how much they appreciate each other in an up-close-and-personal manner, the sex isn’t gratuitous. Each love scene allows the characters and their relationship to grow. Same with the action scenes. Blood isn’t shed to shock the reader but to describe the way this world works and the consequences of living in it.
Full review is available here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=23811#mor...
Full review is available here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=23811#mor...
June 3, 2011
it is as good as the first book, i liked the part where the heroine in this book met aisling, it just goes to show that they were really living in the same place.. i was kind of not surprised about the turn out though, i was already expecting her to be opposite of aisling and tir opposite of zurael, i just hope the next book is more puzzling
September 7, 2009
this book was pretty great and exactly as described steamy the main character is likable and really a great character with lots of depth. her male counterpart is sexy and my own personal idea of the perfect man. the story line sometimes lags but overall it will hold your intrest
February 22, 2018
Such an interesting story. This is the second in the Ghostland World trilogy. After the first, Ghostlands, the characters have short spots in the Spider-touched book. The setting is the same, in post apocalyptic Oakland California where the Church is a feared institution with great power. Non-humans have exposed themselves. Vampires are even more powerful. Some non-humans are weres. The city of Oakland has zones, some where upper bracket homes are owned by the vampires and the human elite. The red zone is where the gifted live, such as witches and those with unusual abilities. Among them is Rebekah, a healer. Also Anaya, who has a spider on her skin that moves around and makes her lethal to a human's touch. The story is intricate and fascinating. Add a demon, Tir, who has been enslaved by a neck collar, which keep him unaware of who he really is. Good story.
January 8, 2013
I did not read the first of the series, but did read this one and the 3rd. I actually liked the 3rd one better because it has less sex and more plot/action. I guess I'm more of a urban fantasy fan vs. erotica though so I'm a bit biased.
The futuristic world that Jory has created is beyond bleak. Everyone is really bad except for the few main characters. Don't even get me started on the demon. Most of the women are prostitutes and women are mostly valued in terms of sexual pleasure. There are many shifters that abound, but many of them have been tortured and are stuck between human and whatever animal they shift into. One of the main 'events' of entertainment is the maze. It is similar to 'Running Man' where people are set into this maze and either can escape or die - usually a painful death. Very few have escaped from the maze and even less when the demon is in it. All the buildings are closed & barred at night; if anyone acts unbecoming according to the establishment, they are tossed outside to be eaten by the scavengers that roam the streets - a bit of entertainment, if you will.
There is no real reason that Arana & Tir connect. They dream about each other and are hot for one another of course. Tir is thousands of years old, but wears a collar and hasn't been free for a very long time and doesn't even remember a time when he was free. Although he is hot, this isn't even his 'real' body. Arana can 'see' people's threads in her mind and can kind of see what people are doing and even alter the future by intercepting threads.
Another thing I didn't like is that when people die, they still aren't safe. If they go to the Ghostland, they can still be taken back or be moved to some awful place. Can't you even get a break when you die?
I liked Arana ok, but I liked Rebekka more. And I'm not the biggest erotica fan in this setting (or in general because the story usually lacks) because Arana & Tir always want to have sex even when their lives are in danger. I guess the underlying thought is that they need to live for the moment? Not sure. The story wasn't all that for me.
Overall, it was ok enough that I continued with the next, but didn't go back to the first book. As mentioned, I liked the 3rd one better. The world seemed a better place in it and I liked the characters more. The story was better and more defined, if you will - more of an actual plot.
The futuristic world that Jory has created is beyond bleak. Everyone is really bad except for the few main characters. Don't even get me started on the demon. Most of the women are prostitutes and women are mostly valued in terms of sexual pleasure. There are many shifters that abound, but many of them have been tortured and are stuck between human and whatever animal they shift into. One of the main 'events' of entertainment is the maze. It is similar to 'Running Man' where people are set into this maze and either can escape or die - usually a painful death. Very few have escaped from the maze and even less when the demon is in it. All the buildings are closed & barred at night; if anyone acts unbecoming according to the establishment, they are tossed outside to be eaten by the scavengers that roam the streets - a bit of entertainment, if you will.
There is no real reason that Arana & Tir connect. They dream about each other and are hot for one another of course. Tir is thousands of years old, but wears a collar and hasn't been free for a very long time and doesn't even remember a time when he was free. Although he is hot, this isn't even his 'real' body. Arana can 'see' people's threads in her mind and can kind of see what people are doing and even alter the future by intercepting threads.
Another thing I didn't like is that when people die, they still aren't safe. If they go to the Ghostland, they can still be taken back or be moved to some awful place. Can't you even get a break when you die?
I liked Arana ok, but I liked Rebekka more. And I'm not the biggest erotica fan in this setting (or in general because the story usually lacks) because Arana & Tir always want to have sex even when their lives are in danger. I guess the underlying thought is that they need to live for the moment? Not sure. The story wasn't all that for me.
Overall, it was ok enough that I continued with the next, but didn't go back to the first book. As mentioned, I liked the 3rd one better. The world seemed a better place in it and I liked the characters more. The story was better and more defined, if you will - more of an actual plot.
September 21, 2014
3.5 Stars
Posted on Swept Away Again
Held prisoner by humans, his angelic memory and power lost because of the sigil-inscribed collar around his neck, Tir dreams of freedom and hungers for vengeance. He's sworn he'll never lie with a mortal, but when Araña removes his shackles and helps him escape his captivity, she melts his icy control and leaves him burning with desire. She's a temptation he can't resist-an unknowing enemy who might well enslave him more thoroughly than the chains he's worn for centuries.
Powerful forces have brought them together to serve a greater purpose, but learning the truth of what they are will destroy them-unless their love is strong enough to overcome the dark legacy of a battle that began with the birth of mankind.
I can't decide which book I liked the most out of Ghostland and Spider-Touched. They were both so good and so different yet have a few similarities too. Tir is an angel that was captured by humans centuries ago and has passed many different hands, all he can remember is his name and that the humans will pay for what he has suffered. Arana is cursed by the spider and has been her whole life. Yet the spider helps her find and release Tir from his captors and an unlikely alliance occurs between the two, while Arana learns what she is and Tir looks for his answers. Spider-Touched is even more raw and savage than Ghostland in some ways. Especially at the start of the book where we learn about Tir and Arana's pasts and where they are now. There's torture, humiliation, death, near rape. This is not for the faint of heart. Ms Strong writes really strong, savage alpha males who don't always have to be in command out of the bedroom. Which I really liked. I also liked how Aisling and Zurael connected to this one and how Rebekka, who's book is next connected to this one too. Tir and Arana definitely go on a wild adventure in Spider-Touched and it was a wonderful read. The only downside for me is how much page time Rebekka got. I thought the theme with the characters would run the same but sadly it didn't and Rebekka got a lot of play in Spider-Touched, even though it added to the story I didn't enjoy as much because I didn't think she was as strong or as an enjoyable character as Tir and Arana or Aisling and Zurael.
Posted on Swept Away Again
Held prisoner by humans, his angelic memory and power lost because of the sigil-inscribed collar around his neck, Tir dreams of freedom and hungers for vengeance. He's sworn he'll never lie with a mortal, but when Araña removes his shackles and helps him escape his captivity, she melts his icy control and leaves him burning with desire. She's a temptation he can't resist-an unknowing enemy who might well enslave him more thoroughly than the chains he's worn for centuries.
Powerful forces have brought them together to serve a greater purpose, but learning the truth of what they are will destroy them-unless their love is strong enough to overcome the dark legacy of a battle that began with the birth of mankind.
I can't decide which book I liked the most out of Ghostland and Spider-Touched. They were both so good and so different yet have a few similarities too. Tir is an angel that was captured by humans centuries ago and has passed many different hands, all he can remember is his name and that the humans will pay for what he has suffered. Arana is cursed by the spider and has been her whole life. Yet the spider helps her find and release Tir from his captors and an unlikely alliance occurs between the two, while Arana learns what she is and Tir looks for his answers. Spider-Touched is even more raw and savage than Ghostland in some ways. Especially at the start of the book where we learn about Tir and Arana's pasts and where they are now. There's torture, humiliation, death, near rape. This is not for the faint of heart. Ms Strong writes really strong, savage alpha males who don't always have to be in command out of the bedroom. Which I really liked. I also liked how Aisling and Zurael connected to this one and how Rebekka, who's book is next connected to this one too. Tir and Arana definitely go on a wild adventure in Spider-Touched and it was a wonderful read. The only downside for me is how much page time Rebekka got. I thought the theme with the characters would run the same but sadly it didn't and Rebekka got a lot of play in Spider-Touched, even though it added to the story I didn't enjoy as much because I didn't think she was as strong or as an enjoyable character as Tir and Arana or Aisling and Zurael.
November 9, 2010
All I can say is thank God I don't have to read any more of this woman's drivel again!
After having spent 18€ on the book, though, I was determined that I was going to get through it. Whoever claimed that this author is a budding romance author and can keep you in a "constant state of arousal" needs to have their head checked. Don't get me wrong, I like me a good sex scene as much as the next girl, but only when it works within the story. And three long chapters in a row that pretty much revolve around sex and nothing else is just too much for me. What makes the sex even worse is that it tends to crop up just as the rest of the narrative is starting to get interesting. And what with the characters' constant physical reactions to the other's presence, it's a wonder they can get anything done!
Although the scene setting for this novel, and this series of novels, is very well thought out and very well presented, the plot to this story is almost inexistant. I frequently found myself wishing the book would hurry up and be finished at least 100 pages before it actually was. The ending itself wasn't any less of a let down: rush, rush, rush. A plot device that could have had interesting consequences 150 pages earlier in the novel wasn't even touched upon. Bleh. I won't bother with any future releases.
After having spent 18€ on the book, though, I was determined that I was going to get through it. Whoever claimed that this author is a budding romance author and can keep you in a "constant state of arousal" needs to have their head checked. Don't get me wrong, I like me a good sex scene as much as the next girl, but only when it works within the story. And three long chapters in a row that pretty much revolve around sex and nothing else is just too much for me. What makes the sex even worse is that it tends to crop up just as the rest of the narrative is starting to get interesting. And what with the characters' constant physical reactions to the other's presence, it's a wonder they can get anything done!
Although the scene setting for this novel, and this series of novels, is very well thought out and very well presented, the plot to this story is almost inexistant. I frequently found myself wishing the book would hurry up and be finished at least 100 pages before it actually was. The ending itself wasn't any less of a let down: rush, rush, rush. A plot device that could have had interesting consequences 150 pages earlier in the novel wasn't even touched upon. Bleh. I won't bother with any future releases.
August 27, 2010
It's more of a 2.75, if that were possible. It started out interesting, but I really began losing interest about 3/4ths of the way in. As a couple of others pointed out it lagged some, and the overall "goal" of the main characters was a little elusive to me.
I liked the angel and demon aspect rolled into a "middle ages" kind of world where the paranormal ruled part of the world, and the church ruled the other part with an iron fist. It's a different take on an ages old story.
I really believe that my judgment is colored by the fact that I have not read the first book. As I was reading through the reviews, I realized that it was actually a building story as opposed to what I thought it was, which was an erotic type novel even though I found it in the sci-fi/fantasy section at the library. I might have enjoyed it better knowing more of the back story. And since knowing that, the bigger picture being the fight between the djinn vs. angels did not seem to be really developed in this story.
I think I will read the first book and then revisit this review.
I liked the angel and demon aspect rolled into a "middle ages" kind of world where the paranormal ruled part of the world, and the church ruled the other part with an iron fist. It's a different take on an ages old story.
I really believe that my judgment is colored by the fact that I have not read the first book. As I was reading through the reviews, I realized that it was actually a building story as opposed to what I thought it was, which was an erotic type novel even though I found it in the sci-fi/fantasy section at the library. I might have enjoyed it better knowing more of the back story. And since knowing that, the bigger picture being the fight between the djinn vs. angels did not seem to be really developed in this story.
I think I will read the first book and then revisit this review.
June 1, 2010
Very strange book -- almost like a John Carpenter movie! This is truly an alternate universe and for that reason it takes the reader a bit of time to give up the usual points of reference in our contemporary world and become immersed in this one. These characters face challenges that seem overwhelming, but I think the entire story is a metaphor for the kinds of challenges we all face, especially when we are in a time of crisis. We then become survivors, falling back on our instincts and subconscious knowledge, or reactions and those relationships (which are often few and far between) that have sustained us in the past. This is the nature of this novel and Jory Strong has let her imagination and her knowledge about people create a plot that is not necessarily an easy read, but one that will push the mind beyond the easy and facile. I didn't really like it very well at first and was reading it for a book review assignment. How glad I did. It turned out to be one that I have put on the "re-read" shelf.
January 17, 2010
The cool world Jory Strong created in Ghostland is still very cool in this book. However, the two main characters did not draw me in as strongly as Aisling and Zurael from Ghostland. Arana is awesome with her spider and gay parents, but Tir was way, way too overwhelmingly thinking about his own body parts all the time. I think the amount of "oh god I am so passionate and I must have this person" in this book kind of turned me off. Which is a shame, because the ancillary characters were kind of more interesting than the main hero for parts of the book. Also, the twists and turns of this book politically and the to-ing and fro-ing of the characters across the city didn't hold my interest as well as the first book's. It seemed needlessly complicated.
January 1, 2012
No offense to the author but I had to force myself to finish the book. It was pure torture. I know it erotica and what not, but scene just bored me. Not that I am complaining there is too much sex scene (I read some with more sex scene then this book) but its just nor arousing! Perhaps the fact that I didnt know it was an erotica might have cause the disappointment. I felt as if the plot wasnt there. The story line is great but the passion between the characters were dead. I felt that every other scene apart from the sex scene were VERY rush. Or quite non-existent.
I have no idea what possessed me to read the second book after the first book. I practically suffocated myself from reading it. I think I may be crazy.
I have no idea what possessed me to read the second book after the first book. I practically suffocated myself from reading it. I think I may be crazy.
September 6, 2015
Held prisoner by humans, his angelic memory and power lost because of the sigil-inscribed collar around his neck, Tir dreams of freedom and hungers for vengeance. He's sworn he'll never lie with a mortal, but when Araña removes his shackles and helps him escape his captivity, she melts his icy control and leaves him burning with desire. She's a temptation he can't resist-an unknowing enemy who might well enslave him more thoroughly than the chains he's worn for centuries.
Powerful forces have brought them together to serve a greater purpose, but learning the truth of what they are will destroy them-unless their love is strong enough to overcome the dark legacy of a battle that began with the birth of mankind.
Powerful forces have brought them together to serve a greater purpose, but learning the truth of what they are will destroy them-unless their love is strong enough to overcome the dark legacy of a battle that began with the birth of mankind.
February 6, 2013
While reading this book I often wondered if there was something wrong with the two main characters. They are hunted by more than one group and they are supposed to be careful and not draw too much attention to themselves, but they keep on groping one another. Any time they felt like it. No matter where they are.
The world is still awesome. More detailed than in the first book.
The world is still awesome. More detailed than in the first book.
August 22, 2009
We now have two angel/djinn couples... whose master plan is slowly falling into place - The Prince's?
Extract:
Extract:
She felt herself taking form, emerging from the raven's mouth as a spider, sliding downward toward the baby on a fine silken thread.
The infant stilled the moment she touched its skin. Its death the harbinger of her birth.
She felt the flutter of its soul departing as in spider form she crawled into the baby's open mouth and took up residence in a shell of flesh that wasn't her own.
June 21, 2015
Overall, this was still another fabulous story and kept me intrigued and interested to see what was going to happen next. The characters were a little off, but that really didn’t distract too much from the story. Actually, we’re given a glimpse into what we’ll see in Healer’s Choice and while Spider-Touched didn’t leave me with too many questions, it did leave me with a heavy interest in one of the supporting characters that we were introduced to.
To read my full review, click here.
To read my full review, click here.
February 12, 2010
I actually didn't think this book was as good as the first one. There was much more between the couple versus the overall story. I did like the story and it was interesting how Arana was marked with a spider because the story definitely wove around like a spider web. When the story started you don't see how all these people are connected, but as the action ramped up the interconnects between them all just became closer and closer much like the center of a spider web. This book also brought about hints of what it to come and it sounds good.
July 17, 2010
I couldn't finish this one. The first book in this series was just hooky enough that I bought this one, although the author had a number of narrative quirks that bugged the snot out of me and rather generic characters. Those things are even more on display in this novel, with the added bonus of a heroine who makes stupid decisions just to advance the plot (one of my all-time unfavorite devices).
It's way too bad because her worldbuilding is first rate. I've given up on the series, though, just as I gave up on this book.
It's way too bad because her worldbuilding is first rate. I've given up on the series, though, just as I gave up on this book.
February 5, 2010
An interesting read, great world-building - a post-apacolyptic Oakland filled with paranormal creatures. I loved the main characters and would definitely read more from this author - it didn't read like the typical A+B=C romance novels that all seem like they have a plug and play plot. However, I just want to put it out there the bedroom scenes were much more graphic than I was expecting - just so you know.
October 26, 2010
I'm not a fan of the genre as is (but I can always skip a few graphic pages), so putting that judgement aside...
I still like the world, but I didn't love the main characters this time. I didn't connect to them and I wasn't drawn into the story. There were a few twists I didn't expect that kept my attention, but for some reason I didn't like Arana. Maybe the next one...since I'll let book 3 decide whether I'll continue with the series or not.
I still like the world, but I didn't love the main characters this time. I didn't connect to them and I wasn't drawn into the story. There were a few twists I didn't expect that kept my attention, but for some reason I didn't like Arana. Maybe the next one...since I'll let book 3 decide whether I'll continue with the series or not.
July 7, 2013
Actually, it's 1.5 stars. I liked the idea of this story (have the 1st, but grabbed this one by mistake for a camping trip). I like Arana & Tir ok. The plot is ok. I totally skipped all the sex scenes though. Boring! The world she has created is way too sexist for me to enjoy though, as is Tir. I'm also disgusted by the cover, as I didn't envision a white girl by the descriptions in the book for Arana.
March 17, 2017
I read roughly 30% of this book, and can not go further! There is absolutely no plot, with only the flimsiest excuse of a story thrown in between sex scenes, foul language, and an oppressive feeling from the "love interest" who, let's face it, is just shy of physically and mentally abusive.
In short, I hated this book! If I could rate it zero stars I would!
In short, I hated this book! If I could rate it zero stars I would!
May 14, 2011
The action,the plot, the characters and the chemistry between the two main characters were great. Jory Strong adding the characters from the first book into this book made it flow so wonderfully. I just fell in instant lust with Tir.
December 28, 2011
I really like the dark world Strong has created in this series. I haven't read the whole series yet because they are dark but it is a change from my normal reads. The hot spots are REALLY hot but there is still a super intense story written around the sex.
October 1, 2011
This was a refreshing twist in my normal reads of paranormal romance. This story was a little more edgier than most, the surrounding conflict and the intertwining of the characters helped the story flow.
December 30, 2011
Great follow-up to the first novel, Ghostland. Beware to tenderhearted: the writing is slightly offensive, but I personally love the writing. Post-apocalyptic world, unique and erotic, can't wait for the next installment.
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