What do you think?
Rate this book
Immortal #1
Immortal
The wound inflicted only a few minutes before was nearly healed. A small cut was the only sign that anything had occurred. I watched in disbelief as it finished closing and eventually disappeared.
“What are you?”
* * *
Gods, demons, and vampires… Eighteen-year-old Alina Taylor doesn’t believe in any of them. Then, she meets Samuel Grant and Duncan Michaels and discovers a world that could destroy everything she loves.
First book in the Immortal Trilogy.
“What are you?”
* * *
Gods, demons, and vampires… Eighteen-year-old Alina Taylor doesn’t believe in any of them. Then, she meets Samuel Grant and Duncan Michaels and discovers a world that could destroy everything she loves.
First book in the Immortal Trilogy.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2010
137 people are currently reading
4802 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
July 9, 2015
What to say...
I bought the Kindle edition of this book. It was an extremely frustrating read.
Was it even edited? If so, a note to the author: find a new editor. The misspellings, poor punctuation (or complete lack of), and grammatical errors made this an atrocious read, and is a large part of my negative review.
That aside, the story copies much from a Twilight-esque point of view. The characters needed to be more defined, and events did not flow appropriately, often leaving big holes and blanks in the story. The only part of the story that felt compelling was the time spent in France. This should have been built upon.
I think that the author has a significant amount of potential. The book needed some serious editing (which again, I hope it didn't actually GET...), and some fleshing out prior to being published in any venue.
I don't typically give harsh reviews, but when I spend 4 days on a book that probably warranted one... I get a little frustrated.
I bought the Kindle edition of this book. It was an extremely frustrating read.
Was it even edited? If so, a note to the author: find a new editor. The misspellings, poor punctuation (or complete lack of), and grammatical errors made this an atrocious read, and is a large part of my negative review.
That aside, the story copies much from a Twilight-esque point of view. The characters needed to be more defined, and events did not flow appropriately, often leaving big holes and blanks in the story. The only part of the story that felt compelling was the time spent in France. This should have been built upon.
I think that the author has a significant amount of potential. The book needed some serious editing (which again, I hope it didn't actually GET...), and some fleshing out prior to being published in any venue.
I don't typically give harsh reviews, but when I spend 4 days on a book that probably warranted one... I get a little frustrated.
November 24, 2011
Frankly, this book sucked. Spoilers ahead, don't continue if you want to read it.
The main character, Alina, meets two boys, both extremely handsome, but as different as night and day. She meets Samuel (day) first, and has an ohmigod-I love-him moment, but is confused by how he pretty much avoids her. Duncan (night) on the other hand, seems to really like her, but also seems to be a playboy. After going with Duncan for a while (but still pining for Samuel) she finds out that they are vampires (and in this books, vampirism is a disease that is spread like rabies, through one bite). Samuel and Duncan were best friends but fell apart after falling in love with the same girl. Now, they both love/obsess over Alina, who still loves Samuel best even though he barely speaks to her before announcing his unconditional love. So, other vampires come into the picture, and, worried that she might be in danger, the boys smuggle Alina to England. But, naturally, the bad vampires figure out where she is and blackmail her into turning herself over. She discovers that Duncan was in with the bad vampires, but, before she can do much about it, the master vampire literally walks up to her, bites her wrist, and walks away. She then goes through a chapter where she's all wonked out as the "disease" goes through her system. She wakes up, a vampire and suffering from amnesia, and Duncan tells her that they are in love and Samuel attacked her. End Book.
This book felt like a bad rip-off of Twilight and Vampire Diaries. Similarities in names (ex: Vampire Diary Heroine-Elena, VD Interests- Stephan and Damon) and backstories (VD- Brothers hate each other because of vampire girl, now both love Elena) and plot (Twilight: girl sees boy, boy ignores girl, girl is confused, boy decides he is in love with girl, turns out boy is a vampire, bad vampires want girl, boy takes girl away, bad vampires get girl anyway). I found myself frustrated by Alina's pointless Bella-esque mind and the obvious story. I only finished it because I can't stand to NOT finish a book.
The main character, Alina, meets two boys, both extremely handsome, but as different as night and day. She meets Samuel (day) first, and has an ohmigod-I love-him moment, but is confused by how he pretty much avoids her. Duncan (night) on the other hand, seems to really like her, but also seems to be a playboy. After going with Duncan for a while (but still pining for Samuel) she finds out that they are vampires (and in this books, vampirism is a disease that is spread like rabies, through one bite). Samuel and Duncan were best friends but fell apart after falling in love with the same girl. Now, they both love/obsess over Alina, who still loves Samuel best even though he barely speaks to her before announcing his unconditional love. So, other vampires come into the picture, and, worried that she might be in danger, the boys smuggle Alina to England. But, naturally, the bad vampires figure out where she is and blackmail her into turning herself over. She discovers that Duncan was in with the bad vampires, but, before she can do much about it, the master vampire literally walks up to her, bites her wrist, and walks away. She then goes through a chapter where she's all wonked out as the "disease" goes through her system. She wakes up, a vampire and suffering from amnesia, and Duncan tells her that they are in love and Samuel attacked her. End Book.
This book felt like a bad rip-off of Twilight and Vampire Diaries. Similarities in names (ex: Vampire Diary Heroine-Elena, VD Interests- Stephan and Damon) and backstories (VD- Brothers hate each other because of vampire girl, now both love Elena) and plot (Twilight: girl sees boy, boy ignores girl, girl is confused, boy decides he is in love with girl, turns out boy is a vampire, bad vampires want girl, boy takes girl away, bad vampires get girl anyway). I found myself frustrated by Alina's pointless Bella-esque mind and the obvious story. I only finished it because I can't stand to NOT finish a book.
April 17, 2011
I was disappointed! I can see talent in Miss Burds writing but the storyline was ripped right out of twilight and the mistakes were hard to ignore.
I felt next to no connection with any character. The lead character lives in a very selfish world (like most 18 year olds I guess) but has dynamic characters in her life that she barely stands to be around or interact with.
One of my hang ups in this story is that being a vampire has zero negative draw backs. Its a virus which you can only contract by being bitten, there is no mention of needing to drink blood, or no sunlight or even garlic. If you had a problem with Edward sparkling you would really have issues with Duncan and Samuel because the only "vampire" trait they have is that they live forever. Again I see no down side so why bother saving your friends?
Anyway I wouldn't recommend this book. I hope she keeps writing because I think she could be great if she would explore her own creativity. (and get a better editor next time)
I felt next to no connection with any character. The lead character lives in a very selfish world (like most 18 year olds I guess) but has dynamic characters in her life that she barely stands to be around or interact with.
One of my hang ups in this story is that being a vampire has zero negative draw backs. Its a virus which you can only contract by being bitten, there is no mention of needing to drink blood, or no sunlight or even garlic. If you had a problem with Edward sparkling you would really have issues with Duncan and Samuel because the only "vampire" trait they have is that they live forever. Again I see no down side so why bother saving your friends?
Anyway I wouldn't recommend this book. I hope she keeps writing because I think she could be great if she would explore her own creativity. (and get a better editor next time)
December 21, 2011
This book was a disappointment for me.
First of all, the grammatical and punctuation mistakes were horrible.
Secondly, the story itself seemed like it was ripped out of other popular YA novels. Sometimes, it was even blatantly obvious. Phrases like letting her "hair fall as a curtain between them" (used SEVERAL times, in fact) was reminiscent of Twilight. Even more obvious was that the immortals' skin was cool and their breath smelled sweet. Those two things don't even seem remotely romantic to me in the first place, so why bother? Then there was the part about needing to bite someone in order to infect them with the virus that makes them immortal. With the exception of drinking blood, the immortals are basically vampires. Then, of course, we have the climax where she has to flee from another immortal who is hunting her. Whether intentionally or not, this book was a copy of Twilight, and, sadly, not as well done.
Another issue I had with this novel was the constant idolization these guys received from EVERY other girl mentioned in the story. Maybe I just wasn't THAT girl in college (and didn't know any others that were, either), but the way the girls kept throwing themselves at the guys just seemed a bit over the top. I also, frankly, didn't understand what was all that wonderful about the main character that had so many guys chasing her the entire story. There just wasn't that much depth in her character to warrant that much attention.
The storyline also jumped around somewhat awkwardly. Only a few sentences after she gets her first kiss, suddenly two weeks have passed. I'm sorry, but YA novels thrive on romantic entanglements, and this story just skipped over a crucial part. It also would have given some depth to the relationship that might make the "I love you"s said later on in the book seem a bit more believable.
The relationship with the mother was unnecessary and confusing. To start the story off with such animosity between characters without explaining it was more than a little frustrating, but then she was suddenly out of the picture completely. As with most YA fiction, the parental figures tend to be fairly insignificant, but it was almost as if the mother was mentioned just for the purpose of explaining why there were no parents around to interfere with the story.
The last thing that irked me was the ending. I'm not going to spoil it for those who are reading this to see if it is something they might want to read, but after the final page, I was simply left with the feeling that everything I had just read was a complete waste of time.
First of all, the grammatical and punctuation mistakes were horrible.
Secondly, the story itself seemed like it was ripped out of other popular YA novels. Sometimes, it was even blatantly obvious. Phrases like letting her "hair fall as a curtain between them" (used SEVERAL times, in fact) was reminiscent of Twilight. Even more obvious was that the immortals' skin was cool and their breath smelled sweet. Those two things don't even seem remotely romantic to me in the first place, so why bother? Then there was the part about needing to bite someone in order to infect them with the virus that makes them immortal. With the exception of drinking blood, the immortals are basically vampires. Then, of course, we have the climax where she has to flee from another immortal who is hunting her. Whether intentionally or not, this book was a copy of Twilight, and, sadly, not as well done.
Another issue I had with this novel was the constant idolization these guys received from EVERY other girl mentioned in the story. Maybe I just wasn't THAT girl in college (and didn't know any others that were, either), but the way the girls kept throwing themselves at the guys just seemed a bit over the top. I also, frankly, didn't understand what was all that wonderful about the main character that had so many guys chasing her the entire story. There just wasn't that much depth in her character to warrant that much attention.
The storyline also jumped around somewhat awkwardly. Only a few sentences after she gets her first kiss, suddenly two weeks have passed. I'm sorry, but YA novels thrive on romantic entanglements, and this story just skipped over a crucial part. It also would have given some depth to the relationship that might make the "I love you"s said later on in the book seem a bit more believable.
The relationship with the mother was unnecessary and confusing. To start the story off with such animosity between characters without explaining it was more than a little frustrating, but then she was suddenly out of the picture completely. As with most YA fiction, the parental figures tend to be fairly insignificant, but it was almost as if the mother was mentioned just for the purpose of explaining why there were no parents around to interfere with the story.
The last thing that irked me was the ending. I'm not going to spoil it for those who are reading this to see if it is something they might want to read, but after the final page, I was simply left with the feeling that everything I had just read was a complete waste of time.
August 26, 2020
Love triangle but that is not what bothered me.
The book has a great start, but somewhere at 60% it started to lose me. I won’t be reading the rest of the series.
I can’t stand the BFF, Tabby, and I don’t care how the series ends.
I paid $.99 for this book.
The book has a great start, but somewhere at 60% it started to lose me. I won’t be reading the rest of the series.
I can’t stand the BFF, Tabby, and I don’t care how the series ends.
I paid $.99 for this book.
February 20, 2012
This book drove me crazy.
It was a ridiculously similar book to Twilight, with different aspects from each of the four books. Okay, so let's walk through this.
1. Attractive guy. Irresistible. Perfect for each other. (cough cough, Bella and Edward)
2. Alter ego, also fighting for the girl. (ahem. Jacob?)
3. Oh no, crazy force that is coming and is a threat to the girl, and the two guys in love with her must protect her! (Edward, Bella, Jacob protecting Bella from Victoria and her new mini army)
Does anyone else see this? I seriously considered putting it down to stop the reading, it was making me laugh so hard. I mean, it's ridiculous how alike they are! I respect the author, and I suppose that if they wrote a book that didn't seem so COMPLETELY ALIKE to another series, the book would be good. Possibly great.
But Immortal?
No. Just no.
It was a ridiculously similar book to Twilight, with different aspects from each of the four books. Okay, so let's walk through this.
1. Attractive guy. Irresistible. Perfect for each other. (cough cough, Bella and Edward)
2. Alter ego, also fighting for the girl. (ahem. Jacob?)
3. Oh no, crazy force that is coming and is a threat to the girl, and the two guys in love with her must protect her! (Edward, Bella, Jacob protecting Bella from Victoria and her new mini army)
Does anyone else see this? I seriously considered putting it down to stop the reading, it was making me laugh so hard. I mean, it's ridiculous how alike they are! I respect the author, and I suppose that if they wrote a book that didn't seem so COMPLETELY ALIKE to another series, the book would be good. Possibly great.
But Immortal?
No. Just no.
January 6, 2012
About a week ago I hosted a book give-away on my Twitter account. I was feeling festive, and wanted to give “something” (anything) away to someone OTHER than my family, so I decided books were the best option. However… out of the 5 different books I gave away there was one that I had never read. Seen? Yes. Owned? Yes. Read… no. Suddenly feeling the need for reassurance, as in “Oh dear Lord, I hope that book didn’t blow” I decided to read it for myself. Thankfully, for both myself, and the follower I would have email stalked with apologies, the book was pretty decent. So… that brings us to today, the day I tell the rest of you what that book was, and break it down into pure, unadulterated, Misty-can’t-seem-to-keep-her-opinion-to-herself form.
I first ran across “Immortal” by Lauren Burd when I was updating my wish list on Amazon. The cover was… startling, and because so, I found myself clicking on it for additional details. Naturally, after reading the synopsis I was sucked in, (let’s be honest, that really doesn’t take much.) and while riding on the wave of words like: Gods, demons and vampires, I clicked buy.
Alina is not a lucky girl. Her parents divorced, which is not that uncommon, but her mother turning into the Ice Queen was totally unexpected. With her bags already packed and her college career awaiting, Alina does the best possible thing she can do… for HERSELF. She moves. No worries though, irresponsible she is not, and as expected attends and thrives in her classes. That is of course until boys start to get in the way, and by boys I mean mysterious hunks with a grudge against each-other and enough charisma/petulance to drive any half stable girl bonkers. What exactly is it about these two that she just can’t resist? Why does she suddenly feel like a mission instead of a person, and will her good intentions lead to a happy ending, or end with her 6 feet underground?
I will not say this book was perfect, but it was an interesting and ultimately delightful read. Burd is obviously still trying to find her stride, but the promise of a lucrative career in the art of paranormal romance is bright and shining. Her characters “attitudes” were very well developed, but their “pasts” leave something to be desired. Her “angst” was spectacularly front and center, but the “follow through” was less than exciting. What does all this mean exactly? Well, it means that I’m a conflicted reviewer with crappy articulation skills.
As I said before “Immortal” was a delightful read, but it would be ill mannered of me not to mention the big white elephant in the room which is… “Haven’t I read this before?” With all the conflicting opinions in my head however…I WILL give Burd credit where credit is due, and that is her ending. Unlike the first half of the book, I felt like I was finally seeing HER world, and with that came a completely original and smack-worthy cliffhanger.
So what does this mean for you.. the reader? Well, it mean that if you are a paranormal lover you will enjoy this novel. The fact that you don’t HAVE TO tear apart each and every book you read will help you get past the few things I found myself getting hung up on. For the rest of you? It’s only $.99 so READ it, but save if for a rainy day and a slime TBR.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: even the oldest, most immortal of us can feel pain… it just may be a different kind.
I first ran across “Immortal” by Lauren Burd when I was updating my wish list on Amazon. The cover was… startling, and because so, I found myself clicking on it for additional details. Naturally, after reading the synopsis I was sucked in, (let’s be honest, that really doesn’t take much.) and while riding on the wave of words like: Gods, demons and vampires, I clicked buy.
Alina is not a lucky girl. Her parents divorced, which is not that uncommon, but her mother turning into the Ice Queen was totally unexpected. With her bags already packed and her college career awaiting, Alina does the best possible thing she can do… for HERSELF. She moves. No worries though, irresponsible she is not, and as expected attends and thrives in her classes. That is of course until boys start to get in the way, and by boys I mean mysterious hunks with a grudge against each-other and enough charisma/petulance to drive any half stable girl bonkers. What exactly is it about these two that she just can’t resist? Why does she suddenly feel like a mission instead of a person, and will her good intentions lead to a happy ending, or end with her 6 feet underground?
I will not say this book was perfect, but it was an interesting and ultimately delightful read. Burd is obviously still trying to find her stride, but the promise of a lucrative career in the art of paranormal romance is bright and shining. Her characters “attitudes” were very well developed, but their “pasts” leave something to be desired. Her “angst” was spectacularly front and center, but the “follow through” was less than exciting. What does all this mean exactly? Well, it means that I’m a conflicted reviewer with crappy articulation skills.
As I said before “Immortal” was a delightful read, but it would be ill mannered of me not to mention the big white elephant in the room which is… “Haven’t I read this before?” With all the conflicting opinions in my head however…I WILL give Burd credit where credit is due, and that is her ending. Unlike the first half of the book, I felt like I was finally seeing HER world, and with that came a completely original and smack-worthy cliffhanger.
So what does this mean for you.. the reader? Well, it mean that if you are a paranormal lover you will enjoy this novel. The fact that you don’t HAVE TO tear apart each and every book you read will help you get past the few things I found myself getting hung up on. For the rest of you? It’s only $.99 so READ it, but save if for a rainy day and a slime TBR.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: even the oldest, most immortal of us can feel pain… it just may be a different kind.
January 18, 2011
At first, Immortal didn't seem all that different from a few other books I've read. While making my way through the first few chapters, the story seemed too much like a combination of Twilight [which wasn't one of my favorite series to read even though I pushed through it] and Vampire Diaries [a series I never bother reading] what with the god-like appearances and the two guys fighting over the same girl. And, the constant repetition of the same phrases didn't keep my interest along with the missing punctuation.
However, the more I read, the more I began to see the story as it's own. I will admit it held similarities to other books but what books don't these days? The technique of holding off to the last possible second to provide a climax isn't done much nowadays but Lauren Burd did so very well. Leaving the book off with a major cliffhanger was a smart move on her part.
Though there were a few details of the story that could do with tweaking, Immortal was nonetheless a great read. I am looking forward to the release of the sequel, Forever
However, the more I read, the more I began to see the story as it's own. I will admit it held similarities to other books but what books don't these days? The technique of holding off to the last possible second to provide a climax isn't done much nowadays but Lauren Burd did so very well. Leaving the book off with a major cliffhanger was a smart move on her part.
Though there were a few details of the story that could do with tweaking, Immortal was nonetheless a great read. I am looking forward to the release of the sequel, Forever
March 29, 2012
Ugh.
Lauren Burd needs a new editor, a better editor. Minute details were described in this book that didn't need to be there. Things that were irrelevent to the story and drove me nuts. For example: describing how Allina gets ready or how she pays the pizza boy and what he looks like.
I liked this book in the beginning. Then it got annoying. Lauren Burd should have spent more time developing the relationship between Allina, Samual, and Duncan instead of writing boring dialogue and useless observations. It was hard to believe Allina would fall in love with Samuel when she hardly knows him. I can understand lust or a crush, a hope that it would develop into more, even a false love brought on the unresistable attraction the Immortals cause. But a true love.. come on. More interaction, more time, more encounters need to happen for the reader to believe it.
I couldn't bring myself to finish the last 40 pages of this book.
Lauren Burd needs a new editor, a better editor. Minute details were described in this book that didn't need to be there. Things that were irrelevent to the story and drove me nuts. For example: describing how Allina gets ready or how she pays the pizza boy and what he looks like.
I liked this book in the beginning. Then it got annoying. Lauren Burd should have spent more time developing the relationship between Allina, Samual, and Duncan instead of writing boring dialogue and useless observations. It was hard to believe Allina would fall in love with Samuel when she hardly knows him. I can understand lust or a crush, a hope that it would develop into more, even a false love brought on the unresistable attraction the Immortals cause. But a true love.. come on. More interaction, more time, more encounters need to happen for the reader to believe it.
I couldn't bring myself to finish the last 40 pages of this book.
August 25, 2014
I wouldn't advise anyone to read this book as the book has a similar story to many books already out. It also doesn't build tension especially when Alina is about to be killed by a car. I didn't enjoy this book as she can't make her mind up and she's always blushing over the smallest things. Also the book mainly revolves around Duncan and Samuel we don't get told many things about Alina. We find out about her parents halfway through the book! Also her relationship with Tabby isn't defined as I would have liked. Also the characters name were a bit weird as they reminded me of the vampire diaries by L.J Smith. Alina/Elena and the guys start with the same letters Stefan/Samuel and Duncan/Damon.
February 20, 2011
Ok I am so tired of everyone comparing every paranormal book or movie to Twilight. Twilight is, was and will always be an amazing series. That being said I am going to do that thing that I hate. Compare.
This book Immortal had everything it takes to be in line with Twilight. First our main character Alina. She is just entering adulthood. Living on her own and going to college. She is a strong young lady who has dealt with the seperation of her parents. She also lives in constant turmoil with the mother she can not please. She of course has the "Polar opposite" best friend who is outgoig/wild and perfect for Alina.
We open up with Alina going to college. She had been spending the summer with her father in California and now will be goig to school in FL. On her flight in she sits next to a very hot very mysterious young man. They only have a brief dialog while in the air but from this point on she seems to run into him, and not say a word, a lot.... ok now school starts and what do you know in her first class boom! there he is. After class she meets up with her bestie and they discuss their classes and what do you know her bestie meets a hottie and can't stop talking about it. Yet Alina says nothing of the guy she seems to see everywhere.
Enter first conflict: Hot guys= jealousy and competition as well as secrects and betrayal. (This is also my first real complaint in the book) True best friends wouldn't not tell each other when a guy is hitting on both of them. But I am getting a head of myself.
So now Alina goes to Chemisty class ( how fitting) and she is now boom introduced to hottie number 2. The very same one that her bestie is so smittened with. Somehow, and the author never really reveals why he is totally drawn to Alina and won't take no for an answer.
From here its a quick back in forth between airplane hottie and hottie number 2 and keeping all this from your best friend? I don't think so. Well these boys aren't all they are cracked up to be. Airplane hottie seems to be the most honest but rarely talks to Alina and seems to be holding back. But is amazingly there to rescue her from danger when needed. Then Hottie number 2 is eagerly advancing and being more than upfront about wooing her bestie as well as herself.
It seems like when the plot starts to get this love triangles number it twists again. Hottie number 2 tellsher...no shows her that he is immortal.
Long story short there are so many loose ends. I have so many questions. I am so anticipating book number two. I read on the authors profile page she seems to have a writers block. ARG.
How can I totally like/ really like a lot a story...idea of a story that may never be finished.
THIS HAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL! I would be able to look past the wholes in the story if in the next book they were filled in.
Well I say its a good read. I had so many emotions about it while reading and after I was done. Isn't that why we read? I really hope she finished this next book.
This book Immortal had everything it takes to be in line with Twilight. First our main character Alina. She is just entering adulthood. Living on her own and going to college. She is a strong young lady who has dealt with the seperation of her parents. She also lives in constant turmoil with the mother she can not please. She of course has the "Polar opposite" best friend who is outgoig/wild and perfect for Alina.
We open up with Alina going to college. She had been spending the summer with her father in California and now will be goig to school in FL. On her flight in she sits next to a very hot very mysterious young man. They only have a brief dialog while in the air but from this point on she seems to run into him, and not say a word, a lot.... ok now school starts and what do you know in her first class boom! there he is. After class she meets up with her bestie and they discuss their classes and what do you know her bestie meets a hottie and can't stop talking about it. Yet Alina says nothing of the guy she seems to see everywhere.
Enter first conflict: Hot guys= jealousy and competition as well as secrects and betrayal. (This is also my first real complaint in the book) True best friends wouldn't not tell each other when a guy is hitting on both of them. But I am getting a head of myself.
So now Alina goes to Chemisty class ( how fitting) and she is now boom introduced to hottie number 2. The very same one that her bestie is so smittened with. Somehow, and the author never really reveals why he is totally drawn to Alina and won't take no for an answer.
From here its a quick back in forth between airplane hottie and hottie number 2 and keeping all this from your best friend? I don't think so. Well these boys aren't all they are cracked up to be. Airplane hottie seems to be the most honest but rarely talks to Alina and seems to be holding back. But is amazingly there to rescue her from danger when needed. Then Hottie number 2 is eagerly advancing and being more than upfront about wooing her bestie as well as herself.
It seems like when the plot starts to get this love triangles number it twists again. Hottie number 2 tellsher...no shows her that he is immortal.
Long story short there are so many loose ends. I have so many questions. I am so anticipating book number two. I read on the authors profile page she seems to have a writers block. ARG.
How can I totally like/ really like a lot a story...idea of a story that may never be finished.
THIS HAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL! I would be able to look past the wholes in the story if in the next book they were filled in.
Well I say its a good read. I had so many emotions about it while reading and after I was done. Isn't that why we read? I really hope she finished this next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2013
First I would like to say I am all for Greek myths and if it had gone further into I MIGHT have given it a higher rating but overall I was completely disappointed and felt I wasted my time.
To the author Lauren Burd, I understand you are an artist and this is your art... and I appreciate you putting it into the world and even though I hated it I am sure you have some who loved it.
This book needs a new editor it was hard to become engrossed in a story with so many grammatical errors, if that would have been the only problem, maybe I could have understood the story line a bit better but I feel I got most of it, and it was horrible. A twilight wannabe if you will and that's not impressive. The story either skipped big parts leaving you confused or it dragged on and left you begging for it to end!
I wish I could say more or give it a better review but I hate when people drag on and on about how much they hated the book so I will leave it at that, not a great read and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone anywhere!
To the author Lauren Burd, I understand you are an artist and this is your art... and I appreciate you putting it into the world and even though I hated it I am sure you have some who loved it.
This book needs a new editor it was hard to become engrossed in a story with so many grammatical errors, if that would have been the only problem, maybe I could have understood the story line a bit better but I feel I got most of it, and it was horrible. A twilight wannabe if you will and that's not impressive. The story either skipped big parts leaving you confused or it dragged on and left you begging for it to end!
I wish I could say more or give it a better review but I hate when people drag on and on about how much they hated the book so I will leave it at that, not a great read and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone anywhere!
October 10, 2010
This book was plain not good. Neither the story nor the characters were compelling enough to make up for the technical flaws.
Nothing very original or interesting about any of the characters. The story was almost as generic as they come.
What really kills the book are all the technical problems. Consistently misspelled words, poor punctuation, and recycled phrases just kept adding up. So many of each that it was nearly impossible to finish. There must be more ways to describe a person's breath than sweet and cold, let alone two people with the same description.
This is unfortunately a book that just gives detractors of self-publishing more fuel. The technical problems could be fixed by even an English teacher, leaving a merely mediocre story. But the seeming lack of editing makes it seem like the author doesn't care enough to polish her work.
I fully support indie authorhood, but only when all aspects are done right.
Nothing very original or interesting about any of the characters. The story was almost as generic as they come.
What really kills the book are all the technical problems. Consistently misspelled words, poor punctuation, and recycled phrases just kept adding up. So many of each that it was nearly impossible to finish. There must be more ways to describe a person's breath than sweet and cold, let alone two people with the same description.
This is unfortunately a book that just gives detractors of self-publishing more fuel. The technical problems could be fixed by even an English teacher, leaving a merely mediocre story. But the seeming lack of editing makes it seem like the author doesn't care enough to polish her work.
I fully support indie authorhood, but only when all aspects are done right.
January 10, 2011
I don't even know where to start. My Nook version was completely full of errors, but that can be overlooked. There were many undeveloped parts of the story. I felt that much of it was very unoriginal. the word used for the "virus" dealt with women yet the book focused on men with it. Many portions seemed like complete rip offs from other popular books/movies. There were moments where I felt like I was reading a total train wreck
BUT
I kept reading. I think that there is something there - get rid of the over done waitress/stewardess hitting on the hot pale guy, expand relationships and add background, change the name of what we are calling these anomalies, and I would even read it again.
The author is good. I enjoyed her writing style.
There wasn't a lot of slang or words that only a 13 yr old would use. The words flowed. Work on it and let me read it again. I'm sure it will go from a 2 star to a 4.
BUT
I kept reading. I think that there is something there - get rid of the over done waitress/stewardess hitting on the hot pale guy, expand relationships and add background, change the name of what we are calling these anomalies, and I would even read it again.
The author is good. I enjoyed her writing style.
There wasn't a lot of slang or words that only a 13 yr old would use. The words flowed. Work on it and let me read it again. I'm sure it will go from a 2 star to a 4.
September 10, 2010
OK - it starts off, a as a cross between Vampire Diaries and Twilight - and actually it keeps it's Twilight feeling throughout I thought -
However with that said, it's got a solid twist that'd decidedly NOT Twilight-esk at all...it's interesting and those last few chapters had me quite intrigued...
Very excited to read more from Lauren - full review to come!
However with that said, it's got a solid twist that'd decidedly NOT Twilight-esk at all...it's interesting and those last few chapters had me quite intrigued...
Very excited to read more from Lauren - full review to come!
November 29, 2010
I kept reading this book waiting for something to happen. It started off pretty generic seemingly following a twilight template but then nothing happened that made sense. The characters actions and motivations were never explained. The whole thing just fell flat.
September 19, 2010
Article first published as Book Review: Immortal by Lauren Burd on Blogcritics.
Alina's day is just getting worse. First there is getting home from her dad’s place in California. Flying is unnatural and Alina is absolutely terrified when in the air, so to keep herself distracted she tries reading but can not keep her mind on the book. As she hears a commotion at the front of the plane she spots one of the most entrancing guys she has ever seen. His eyes are a deep ocean blue and he is well built. He ends up sitting just opposite of her on the plane. She finds herself constantly looking at him, as if!. If that was not bad enough, when her mom picks her up at the airport and takes her home, she finds everything that belongs to her packed up in boxes and ready to be gone. Knowing she would be moving out for college was one thing; the coldness of the actual event is another.
On her first day of class, the guy from the plane sits next to her. He attracts attention like a flame attracts a moth. She studiously looks away but sees all the other girls watching. There is something about him... something different. It is during class introductions that she learns his name is Samuel. Just being next to him in class keeps her heart racing, making it impossible to concentrate on the assignments.
In her second class as she is waiting for the professor to show, she hears a wonderful, deep purring voice, asking if the seat next to her is free. She finds herself sinking into a pair of incredible green eyes, belonging to an exceptionally attractive guy. He too seems to have that certain charisma, which has every eye turning his way. But he appears to have eyes just for her. He introduces himself as Duncan as he takes the seat next to her. She can feel him staring at her through out the class and she is not sure how to handle the attention.
Each day is a new struggle for her, as Duncan is steady in his pursuit, while she can tell that Samuel likes her as well, he is more standoffish. For some reason she is more drawn to Samuel, although both of them are extremely handsome and charismatic. Duncan chooses to get close to her through her best friend Tabby, but in Alina’s world that makes Duncan off limits.
As Duncan sees her interest shift directly to Samuel he takes a risk and reveals his true nature to her. He then gives her the background on both himself and Samuel, thereby also revealing Samuel's secret. His goal is to direct her feeling back to him by revealing Samuel's dark past. Little do they know that this knowledge has put her in imminent danger.
As I began reading Lauren Burd’s Immortal, I was initially disappointed that it seemed to be following in the path of the Twilight series. We have these handsome guys, they have that certain something, a charisma that attracts, and Alina, our young heroine is a pale, brooding girl who somehow seems to be extremely attractive to them, more so then any other.
What sent me in a different direction, was that Alina actually has some very close female friends that will do anything for her. In return she is also very protective of them. As the narrative continues, Alina finds out that the guys are both vampires, and that they have a story from their pasts that puts them at odds with each other.
Lauren Burd has developed a group of very likeable characters. Alina really cares about her friends and puts their feelings ahead of her own. While she moves too quickly into decisions, this also makes her very much like most girls her age. She is brave and a bit foolhardy. Tabby, her best friend, makes herself available for Alina at every juncture. We should all have a friend like her. Samuel, while very aloof is also quite tender and fierce, while Duncan reminds me of the many jocks I knew growing up, he thinks he is wonderful and that everyone should fall at his feet, but at the same time he seems to really care about Alina, so it is hard not to like him.
Immortal was enjoyable for a light read with some fun and danger thrown in. The characters were good but seemed to grow as the book took a turn and developed a unique storyline of its own. Anyone who loved the Twilight saga is sure to enjoy this book.
While it begins much like that series I think you will find as you read further it changes gear and goes in a whole different direction
This book was received a a free copy from the Author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
Alina's day is just getting worse. First there is getting home from her dad’s place in California. Flying is unnatural and Alina is absolutely terrified when in the air, so to keep herself distracted she tries reading but can not keep her mind on the book. As she hears a commotion at the front of the plane she spots one of the most entrancing guys she has ever seen. His eyes are a deep ocean blue and he is well built. He ends up sitting just opposite of her on the plane. She finds herself constantly looking at him, as if!. If that was not bad enough, when her mom picks her up at the airport and takes her home, she finds everything that belongs to her packed up in boxes and ready to be gone. Knowing she would be moving out for college was one thing; the coldness of the actual event is another.
On her first day of class, the guy from the plane sits next to her. He attracts attention like a flame attracts a moth. She studiously looks away but sees all the other girls watching. There is something about him... something different. It is during class introductions that she learns his name is Samuel. Just being next to him in class keeps her heart racing, making it impossible to concentrate on the assignments.
In her second class as she is waiting for the professor to show, she hears a wonderful, deep purring voice, asking if the seat next to her is free. She finds herself sinking into a pair of incredible green eyes, belonging to an exceptionally attractive guy. He too seems to have that certain charisma, which has every eye turning his way. But he appears to have eyes just for her. He introduces himself as Duncan as he takes the seat next to her. She can feel him staring at her through out the class and she is not sure how to handle the attention.
Each day is a new struggle for her, as Duncan is steady in his pursuit, while she can tell that Samuel likes her as well, he is more standoffish. For some reason she is more drawn to Samuel, although both of them are extremely handsome and charismatic. Duncan chooses to get close to her through her best friend Tabby, but in Alina’s world that makes Duncan off limits.
As Duncan sees her interest shift directly to Samuel he takes a risk and reveals his true nature to her. He then gives her the background on both himself and Samuel, thereby also revealing Samuel's secret. His goal is to direct her feeling back to him by revealing Samuel's dark past. Little do they know that this knowledge has put her in imminent danger.
As I began reading Lauren Burd’s Immortal, I was initially disappointed that it seemed to be following in the path of the Twilight series. We have these handsome guys, they have that certain something, a charisma that attracts, and Alina, our young heroine is a pale, brooding girl who somehow seems to be extremely attractive to them, more so then any other.
What sent me in a different direction, was that Alina actually has some very close female friends that will do anything for her. In return she is also very protective of them. As the narrative continues, Alina finds out that the guys are both vampires, and that they have a story from their pasts that puts them at odds with each other.
Lauren Burd has developed a group of very likeable characters. Alina really cares about her friends and puts their feelings ahead of her own. While she moves too quickly into decisions, this also makes her very much like most girls her age. She is brave and a bit foolhardy. Tabby, her best friend, makes herself available for Alina at every juncture. We should all have a friend like her. Samuel, while very aloof is also quite tender and fierce, while Duncan reminds me of the many jocks I knew growing up, he thinks he is wonderful and that everyone should fall at his feet, but at the same time he seems to really care about Alina, so it is hard not to like him.
Immortal was enjoyable for a light read with some fun and danger thrown in. The characters were good but seemed to grow as the book took a turn and developed a unique storyline of its own. Anyone who loved the Twilight saga is sure to enjoy this book.
While it begins much like that series I think you will find as you read further it changes gear and goes in a whole different direction
This book was received a a free copy from the Author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
April 1, 2018
I remember reading this book back when I was in high school back when I first got my first generation one kindle. I remember falling in love with the book and the books and the characters, but also very disappointed that it was a trilogy and the third book had never come out. Years later, I got a goodreads account and said that I read this series and that I remember loving it so gave it a 5 star review. Then recently, I found out that in 2017, they finally released the final book of this trilogy and decided in 2018 that I was going to reread all the books and finally find out the conclusion.
This book...as I was reading it these last few days, I realized was an introduction to a romance genre for middle/high schoolers, and was a knockoff of Twilight. Not saying it was bad, at all, but almost being 8 years later from when I first read this book, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first time reading it. The only thing I remembered from all those years back is that there were two love interests, Samuel Grant and Duncan Michaels. I remember falling in love with Duncan, but he acts before he thinks and his desperation for Alina to pick him over Samuel honestly is his downfall. Rereading this book, I felt like Duncan and Alina had more intimate moments either just getting to know one another or having some kind of romantic encounter. I even highlighted in two different colors on my kindle the moments Duncan and Alina shared vs Alina and Samuel, and if it was just based on that, I feel like Alina and Duncan were more fit. Duncan had way more of a personality than Samuel; Samuel is sweet and protective and quiet, but Duncan was funny, sweet, honest, and had a sense of adventure. I know that Alina and I aren't the same people. I never really connected with her character, so maybe she was a better fit for Samuel. I am not sure. But it was Duncan who was 100% honest with her. I know that in the beginning he was a little flirt and he went out with Tabby and it made me furious and put Alina in an awkward position (you don't go out and date someone your best friend really likes), but I felt like Duncan had way more respect for Alina and having her know 100% what was going on all the time. It's one of the things I value most in people. I thought that Samuel was a great guy, but he was never going to be 100% honest with Alina.
But as I was reading the last few chapters on this book, I started to remember what the second book was going to be about, and it does crush me to know that Duncan is so desperate for Alina that he would take advantage of her in her state at the end of the book.
Then there is the setting of the book. It is the reason why I gave this a 3 star review. Even though it is a fantasy romance novel (my favorite genre), the story didn't hold up very well. I didn't relate to Alina at all, and I felt like everyone was an extreme example of a stereotype, and I wanted to love a few of the characters, but we really didn't get to know any of them. I think that is why I loved Duncan. He was completely open about his past and honest about the virus. I am not sure if Duncan's story is biased, but how are we supposed to know when Samuel doesn't tell his side of the story? Honestly, I feel like if the author took a little more tie developing Samuel's character, maybe I would pick him over Duncan. Maybe that will be in book two. The book flowed in a weird way, and nothing really happened until Duncan told Alina everything halfway through the book. The first half seemed like unnecessary filler. I thought that Alina's relationship with her mother would have been a bigger plot point in the book, but it wasn't. It was just filler introducing Alina and her college lie and meeting these two guys and a new friend that really wasn't important to the story.
It was altogether a cringy read. I didn't like Alina's character. For someone who was so in love with Samuel, she REALLY wanted Duncan in her life, and every time they went out alone "As friends" he would always kiss her, and this happened on multiple occasions! It bothered me because obviously, she left a connection with Duncan, and instead of breaking things off with Samuel to figure out her feelings, she stayed with him and kissed Duncan a few times. If I were Samuel, especially with his past with Duncan, I would dump Alina so fast.
This book...as I was reading it these last few days, I realized was an introduction to a romance genre for middle/high schoolers, and was a knockoff of Twilight. Not saying it was bad, at all, but almost being 8 years later from when I first read this book, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first time reading it. The only thing I remembered from all those years back is that there were two love interests, Samuel Grant and Duncan Michaels. I remember falling in love with Duncan, but he acts before he thinks and his desperation for Alina to pick him over Samuel honestly is his downfall. Rereading this book, I felt like Duncan and Alina had more intimate moments either just getting to know one another or having some kind of romantic encounter. I even highlighted in two different colors on my kindle the moments Duncan and Alina shared vs Alina and Samuel, and if it was just based on that, I feel like Alina and Duncan were more fit. Duncan had way more of a personality than Samuel; Samuel is sweet and protective and quiet, but Duncan was funny, sweet, honest, and had a sense of adventure. I know that Alina and I aren't the same people. I never really connected with her character, so maybe she was a better fit for Samuel. I am not sure. But it was Duncan who was 100% honest with her. I know that in the beginning he was a little flirt and he went out with Tabby and it made me furious and put Alina in an awkward position (you don't go out and date someone your best friend really likes), but I felt like Duncan had way more respect for Alina and having her know 100% what was going on all the time. It's one of the things I value most in people. I thought that Samuel was a great guy, but he was never going to be 100% honest with Alina.
But as I was reading the last few chapters on this book, I started to remember what the second book was going to be about, and it does crush me to know that Duncan is so desperate for Alina that he would take advantage of her in her state at the end of the book.
Then there is the setting of the book. It is the reason why I gave this a 3 star review. Even though it is a fantasy romance novel (my favorite genre), the story didn't hold up very well. I didn't relate to Alina at all, and I felt like everyone was an extreme example of a stereotype, and I wanted to love a few of the characters, but we really didn't get to know any of them. I think that is why I loved Duncan. He was completely open about his past and honest about the virus. I am not sure if Duncan's story is biased, but how are we supposed to know when Samuel doesn't tell his side of the story? Honestly, I feel like if the author took a little more tie developing Samuel's character, maybe I would pick him over Duncan. Maybe that will be in book two. The book flowed in a weird way, and nothing really happened until Duncan told Alina everything halfway through the book. The first half seemed like unnecessary filler. I thought that Alina's relationship with her mother would have been a bigger plot point in the book, but it wasn't. It was just filler introducing Alina and her college lie and meeting these two guys and a new friend that really wasn't important to the story.
It was altogether a cringy read. I didn't like Alina's character. For someone who was so in love with Samuel, she REALLY wanted Duncan in her life, and every time they went out alone "As friends" he would always kiss her, and this happened on multiple occasions! It bothered me because obviously, she left a connection with Duncan, and instead of breaking things off with Samuel to figure out her feelings, she stayed with him and kissed Duncan a few times. If I were Samuel, especially with his past with Duncan, I would dump Alina so fast.
June 13, 2011
Hum...
There are many things that are bothering me in this book. One of the main one is that I don't understand why Alina can't or won't tell Tabby that she knows Duncan too. Really what's the point? She's her best friend, like a sister. Shouldn't she want to tell her right away that he's been flirting with her too. Let her know that clearly he's up to something.
Another thing, the names of the characters are really bad. Tabby??? Whenever I see the name I think of a huge caramel cat. Alina? Could she have a less sexy name? It reminds me of a name an old Italian woman would have. Also what's the deal with Alina's mom? Might as well not even mention her at all. We never learn why she was so mean to her daughter. We have no idea why they had a falling out. The tension between them doesn't explain anything about why Alina is this or that way. She's there for 2 seconds in the book and she doesn't bring anything to the storyline. It feels like the author had an idea for her at the beginning of her book and changed her mind. She simply forgot to re-edit that part afterwards.
There are so many mistakes in this book. I was lost sometimes. Also please tell me why oh why did she totally skipped the whole part where Samuel and Alina starts dating??? How are we suppose to fall in love with this character when she barely mention him? She gives Duncan all the spotlight and end up telling us that Alina and Samuel were dating for two weeks?!? Plus all the similitudes with Twilight, Evermore, Vampire diaries and a couple other titles... Really there's nothing original in this book. It felt like it was just borrowed ideas with some embellishments.
I still gave it two stars because the ending made me curious. It's not an amazing cliffhanger or something that made me change my mind about the book. It just made me a little bit curious and made me consider giving the second book a chance. I also feel that maybe with some good editing it could become a fun book to read.
I will read the next book when it comes out. After all i could be surprised. Hopefully the next one won't be a copy of new moon or some other successful vampire book.
There are many things that are bothering me in this book. One of the main one is that I don't understand why Alina can't or won't tell Tabby that she knows Duncan too. Really what's the point? She's her best friend, like a sister. Shouldn't she want to tell her right away that he's been flirting with her too. Let her know that clearly he's up to something.
Another thing, the names of the characters are really bad. Tabby??? Whenever I see the name I think of a huge caramel cat. Alina? Could she have a less sexy name? It reminds me of a name an old Italian woman would have. Also what's the deal with Alina's mom? Might as well not even mention her at all. We never learn why she was so mean to her daughter. We have no idea why they had a falling out. The tension between them doesn't explain anything about why Alina is this or that way. She's there for 2 seconds in the book and she doesn't bring anything to the storyline. It feels like the author had an idea for her at the beginning of her book and changed her mind. She simply forgot to re-edit that part afterwards.
There are so many mistakes in this book. I was lost sometimes. Also please tell me why oh why did she totally skipped the whole part where Samuel and Alina starts dating??? How are we suppose to fall in love with this character when she barely mention him? She gives Duncan all the spotlight and end up telling us that Alina and Samuel were dating for two weeks?!? Plus all the similitudes with Twilight, Evermore, Vampire diaries and a couple other titles... Really there's nothing original in this book. It felt like it was just borrowed ideas with some embellishments.
I still gave it two stars because the ending made me curious. It's not an amazing cliffhanger or something that made me change my mind about the book. It just made me a little bit curious and made me consider giving the second book a chance. I also feel that maybe with some good editing it could become a fun book to read.
I will read the next book when it comes out. After all i could be surprised. Hopefully the next one won't be a copy of new moon or some other successful vampire book.
July 1, 2012
I wish I had written a review for this book when I threw it away. I guess I was so damn frustrated by this book that I didn't even bother with a review. But hey, better late than never, right?
So yeah, first of all I could not complete this book. The female lead whose name I obviously don't remember had the most boring and lifeless monologue that I have ever come across in the history of boring monologues. She would tell you that she brushed her teeth, took a poop, took a shower, picked up those certain books, had that certain thing for breakfast, and then went to college and then..Man, I can't even continue. Why the hell did she mention all those fucking things every single day of her life in this book. I mean it surely was there as far as I read it and I reached pretty far considering how many times I actually took a nap reading it.
Well, the first chapters were mainly on this and how her life was so difficult because of her parents being divorced and shit. Then she came across two very gorgeous guys in college. I mean, obviously, the cliches had to start. One guy totally ignores her and then *Bam* her female pride is hurt and then ofcourse by default she's gonna be more attracted towards the guy who ignores her. The other guy who *spoiler alert* happens to be the bad-guy is making her life difficult by not leaving her alone and she doesn't understand why she is getting his undivided attention because obviously all the other girls in the college are swooning over him. Oh and did I mention that both these guys are the hottest guys that anyone in that college has ever seen? Yeah, this book again suffers from that syndrome where the girl becomes the center of the universe for the hottest guys.
So as the story proceeds we get to know these guys are Immortals and mortal enemies and then my courtesy my friend who continued the rest of the tale. And it wasn't impressive, in case you were guessing.
If you were able to complete this book, you deserve my standing ovation. Not even kidding.
EDIT: I actually love the cover of this book. I mean those eyes!! WOW!
So yeah, first of all I could not complete this book. The female lead whose name I obviously don't remember had the most boring and lifeless monologue that I have ever come across in the history of boring monologues. She would tell you that she brushed her teeth, took a poop, took a shower, picked up those certain books, had that certain thing for breakfast, and then went to college and then..Man, I can't even continue. Why the hell did she mention all those fucking things every single day of her life in this book. I mean it surely was there as far as I read it and I reached pretty far considering how many times I actually took a nap reading it.
Well, the first chapters were mainly on this and how her life was so difficult because of her parents being divorced and shit. Then she came across two very gorgeous guys in college. I mean, obviously, the cliches had to start. One guy totally ignores her and then *Bam* her female pride is hurt and then ofcourse by default she's gonna be more attracted towards the guy who ignores her. The other guy who *spoiler alert* happens to be the bad-guy is making her life difficult by not leaving her alone and she doesn't understand why she is getting his undivided attention because obviously all the other girls in the college are swooning over him. Oh and did I mention that both these guys are the hottest guys that anyone in that college has ever seen? Yeah, this book again suffers from that syndrome where the girl becomes the center of the universe for the hottest guys.
So as the story proceeds we get to know these guys are Immortals and mortal enemies and then my courtesy my friend who continued the rest of the tale. And it wasn't impressive, in case you were guessing.
If you were able to complete this book, you deserve my standing ovation. Not even kidding.
EDIT: I actually love the cover of this book. I mean those eyes!! WOW!
February 23, 2011
Reading this was like eating Hershey's chocolate instead of Cadbury's. I like both, enjoy both, but always will Cadbury's be dear to my heart though Hershey's is as good in its own right (now can you guess which Immortal is? Hershey's or Cadbury's?).
I can't see why so many people have gotten their proverbial knickers in a twist about typos, really, there are not that many to make a fuss over. A passing mention at most. The story is straightforward, easy to understand and written well. The style is very subtle - blink a thousand times and you miss it - but it's there, which is why I think I kept turning pages even though the story wasn't blowing my socks off.
The cover creeps me out. In fact I had a rather decent nightmare about it a few nights ago. It's that green eye. Gah!
I read this book because I saw it in Amazon, clicked on it to freak myself out looking at the cover some more (I'm a glut for punishment) then read a review about the book being a Twilight wannabe. I read more reviews and whoa! People have gone to town about that! Like beating a cat bloody with a brick because the cat’s growl reminded you of a tiger roar. Hm, I think we all need group therapy to get over mentioning Twilight when a YA protagonist resembles (let's face it) most average teenagers in the world and therefore Bella. It’s getting old to read ,and to try and base purchasing decisions on. It’s like saying all vampire books are a knock off of Polidori’s The Vampyre (a Brit who wrote about vamps before Bram Stoker for those who were wondering).
Anyway, I recommended this book for those who want to make the dreary mission to work more interesting. The leads are suitably hot, even if a little carbon copied. In the beginning they were so similar I started calling them “Sam/Dun” in my mind whenever they made an appearance. Which was often. I started to annoy myself, but luckily their personalities did become more defined toward the end.
Would I read a follow up, yes.
3.5 stars.
I can't see why so many people have gotten their proverbial knickers in a twist about typos, really, there are not that many to make a fuss over. A passing mention at most. The story is straightforward, easy to understand and written well. The style is very subtle - blink a thousand times and you miss it - but it's there, which is why I think I kept turning pages even though the story wasn't blowing my socks off.
The cover creeps me out. In fact I had a rather decent nightmare about it a few nights ago. It's that green eye. Gah!
I read this book because I saw it in Amazon, clicked on it to freak myself out looking at the cover some more (I'm a glut for punishment) then read a review about the book being a Twilight wannabe. I read more reviews and whoa! People have gone to town about that! Like beating a cat bloody with a brick because the cat’s growl reminded you of a tiger roar. Hm, I think we all need group therapy to get over mentioning Twilight when a YA protagonist resembles (let's face it) most average teenagers in the world and therefore Bella. It’s getting old to read ,and to try and base purchasing decisions on. It’s like saying all vampire books are a knock off of Polidori’s The Vampyre (a Brit who wrote about vamps before Bram Stoker for those who were wondering).
Anyway, I recommended this book for those who want to make the dreary mission to work more interesting. The leads are suitably hot, even if a little carbon copied. In the beginning they were so similar I started calling them “Sam/Dun” in my mind whenever they made an appearance. Which was often. I started to annoy myself, but luckily their personalities did become more defined toward the end.
Would I read a follow up, yes.
3.5 stars.
March 20, 2011
I loved the premise of this book and the setting. The possibilities inherent in a story of a first semester college student are endless. While the book was entertaining after reading it I felt like there were some things that were lacking. Mainly the relationship between Alina and Samuel. For most of the book we see Alina and Duncan interacting. Despite the rockiness of their relationship with one another at least the interaction between them provides a basis for their actions. Samuel and Alina on the other hand barely interact in the story before they are torn apart and yet he's the one she chooses. There is little dialogue between the two and for the most part their interactions are merely existing in the same place at the same time. This makes it difficult to suspend disbelief when they are suddenly making the sweeping gestures of love for one another. Samuel comes off as a flat two dimensional character while Duncan is extremely rounded out and complex.
However despite the above flaw in the characters, the plot is fairly sound and moves to a climax and some killer twists that leaving you wondering what is actually going on. I will probably read the next book in the series with the hope that Samuel will develop more fully as a character and that the Alina/Samuel relationship will actual build off something concrete.
However despite the above flaw in the characters, the plot is fairly sound and moves to a climax and some killer twists that leaving you wondering what is actually going on. I will probably read the next book in the series with the hope that Samuel will develop more fully as a character and that the Alina/Samuel relationship will actual build off something concrete.
May 25, 2013
Never.........and I mean it NEVER again will I purchase a book after only reading the amazon reviews again. What can I say, was stuck waiting no book 99 cent section at kindle........madness!!!!
Right from the start the writing was....well, horrible, the mistakes annoying and to top it off the first chapters felt like they started in the middle of a prequel. While reading this book I believe I ground down my teeth at least an inch.
It seems this book is the mesh of 3 other equally rubbish books, the formula is as follows; 2 guys, one amazingly stupid girl (who has the most annoying inferiority complex i have ever seen), vampires, bad guys, 'if you loved me you would make me immortal too' (said in a whinny girl voice) crap and finally the cliff hanger that will allow this to go on for at least 5 more books!!!!
please kill me now......or make me immortal? Scratch that I can't live knowing young impressionable girls are reading this and forgetting the fact that women were liberated a 100 years ago.
Okay rant over, reading pride and prejudice all is well in the world again. Thank you
PS goodreads you need negative rating :)
Right from the start the writing was....well, horrible, the mistakes annoying and to top it off the first chapters felt like they started in the middle of a prequel. While reading this book I believe I ground down my teeth at least an inch.
It seems this book is the mesh of 3 other equally rubbish books, the formula is as follows; 2 guys, one amazingly stupid girl (who has the most annoying inferiority complex i have ever seen), vampires, bad guys, 'if you loved me you would make me immortal too' (said in a whinny girl voice) crap and finally the cliff hanger that will allow this to go on for at least 5 more books!!!!
please kill me now......or make me immortal? Scratch that I can't live knowing young impressionable girls are reading this and forgetting the fact that women were liberated a 100 years ago.
Okay rant over, reading pride and prejudice all is well in the world again. Thank you
PS goodreads you need negative rating :)
January 18, 2011
Girl meets boy, girl likes boy, boy likes girl, girl meets another boy, girl likes boy, boy likes girl...yet again another love triangle. Truly I won't describe this book because up until the last quarter of the book I thought I was reading Twilight. The plots were so close as to almost say that they were identical. Now I will say that the ending was a little different. It was sort of a combination of what I had come to figure out in the duration of the book. reading the last couple pages I wanted to scream at the main character and might have thrown my kindle if not for the fact that the first chapter for the next book being at the end I would have. I wouldn't necessarily suggest it, but hey you like Twilight you'll like this, and if there are ever becomes some kinda team thing like there was in Twilight, I am so Team Samuel!
January 12, 2012
Seriously, I do not know what I was thinking when I bought this book? It's like twilight only worse in a way. Instead of taking the book seriously I would laugh at the lame story line and undeveloped romance. She just met the two guys and she was already crying out "I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THEM!" to the world! Gotta say the only that that gave this book a star was the twist at the end. I don't think I'll be reading the sequel.
Oh and just to tell you the truth. I thought Duncan was better because he was a more deverloped character than Samuel. After reading this whole book I have to say that I know absolutely nothing about Samuel other than the fact that "HE IS HOT" and "HE LIKES HER" and "HE IS THE GOOD ONE" at least Duncan was a little more in the story than Samuel.
Oh and just to tell you the truth. I thought Duncan was better because he was a more deverloped character than Samuel. After reading this whole book I have to say that I know absolutely nothing about Samuel other than the fact that "HE IS HOT" and "HE LIKES HER" and "HE IS THE GOOD ONE" at least Duncan was a little more in the story than Samuel.
June 13, 2012
This was quite possibly one of the worst books i have read in my entire life. I felt like the entire story was a rip off of the ever so popular Twilight books. I found myself getting annoyed because of how similar they are. I myself hope to be a writer one day, and i know i still need alot of work to get there, but the point is i pride myself in my ability to produce my own ideas and characters, and not have to copy them from other authors. If you want to read about vampires and how they struggle when falling in love for a human, go read Twilight, not only is it of better quality, but its basically the same story Lauren Burd wrote, only ten times better.
January 13, 2011
I'll agree that it was very very Twilighty.
The bad:
Alina had no voice or personality. The whole time I felt like i was reading a book, not in the story.
The story didn't flow. I was constantly jolted out of where I was reading thinking WTF happened.
I could not care less if she ended up with Samuel or Duncan. There is no reason for her love either one, lust not love.
Editing editing editing.
What I did like was the last part of it. Even thought I felt like alot like New Moon I could see alot of potential in it.
The bad:
Alina had no voice or personality. The whole time I felt like i was reading a book, not in the story.
The story didn't flow. I was constantly jolted out of where I was reading thinking WTF happened.
I could not care less if she ended up with Samuel or Duncan. There is no reason for her love either one, lust not love.
Editing editing editing.
What I did like was the last part of it. Even thought I felt like alot like New Moon I could see alot of potential in it.
August 18, 2011
words that describe this book, dull, boring, stupid! there was NO plot. so Alina has a few interactions with the other main guys in the book, so what. it was like a vampire diaries copy, aka the charecters were dull and made of cardboard! there was no romance and no plot and nothing interesting. and when the book finally starts getting good they end it, it was so pathetic. i expected a interesting book but the charecters made me want to vomit. i hated every minute of it. now, the idea for the book could have been better but it stunk worse than i would have thought.
January 13, 2011
I have recently discovered YA "indie" novels, with Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy. Barnes and Noble's NOOK blog recommended this book the other day and the price was right so I thought I would give Immortal a try. It is a great story. I enjoyed it, and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the second book.
May 20, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the story. Other than the love triangle I do not see where everyone is getting "twilight copycat" from. I have read the twilight series over 10 times and I still don't see it. Yes, there where some misspellings but it didn't affect my reading this book. I hope there will be another book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews