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bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
A really great continuation in the Sign of Seven trilogy by Nora Roberts. This story does directly tie to the first in the series so it must be read in order to follow along with the overarching storyline. Our pairing of six heroes/heroines are trying to save the town of Hawkins Hollow from the demon that’s been haunting the town every seven years. As children the heroes accidentally let loose the demon and have been trying to stop it ever since. When the ladies showed up in town they finally began to realize they have a fighting chance. Layla came from New York with no real idea why she was drawn to Hawkins Hollow but she knows she has to try and stop the nightmares that have been haunting her. She never expected to find such meaningful friendships, or a potential partner in Fox. Fox has grown up in the Hollow and except for his time away at college he knows where this is where he’s meant to be. Loving Layla has been easy but letting her in to his life and on this mission is one of his toughest decisions yet. Especially after what happened the last time he let love in. Can Fox overcome his fears and realize that with Layla he has a fighting chance or will he let love slip through his fingers? Can’t wait to finish up the series!
j_elphaba's review
4.0
Creio que já o tinha reafirmado anteriormente mas não resisto a citá-lo uma vez mais, estou a tornar-me uma grande fã de Nora Roberts e, a cada livro que leio, gosto cada vez mais do seu trabalho.
Ritual do Amor, tal como o seu antecedente da trilogia Signo dos Sete, apresenta uma faceta muito romântica, cómica e com um teor paranormal forte. Neste livro em particular, o casal principal, Layla e Fox, encontra-se bem explorado superando-se ao longo da narrativa, não só mostrando a coragem coragem necessária para enfrentar o eminente culminar do mal que se avizinha, como também para ultrapassando os seus traumas emocionais, que os impedem de se entregarem ao que realmente sentem.
Tal como tinha indicado na minha opinião do livro anterior, Irmãos de Sangue, Nora segue um estilo de escrita e enredo com o qual já me sinto familiarizada utilizando, desta feita, um núcleo de seis intervenientes, três masculinos e três femininos, de personalidades atractivas e que acabam por estabelecer uma relação afectiva de amizade e algo mais, respectivamente. E se é verdade que a repetição poderia ser um ponto menos positivo, as aventuras, a acção e as peripécias são tão constantes durante o folhear que, nesta narrativa de entretenimento puro, descomplicado, após final prevalece uma vontade imensa de saber mais sobre todos os que a habitam.
A história continua a decorrer em Hawkins Hollow onde a loucura reina, mas convenhamos que assim o é há 21 anos. No entanto, desde a chegada de Layla, Quinn e Cybil que a situação tente a piorar de dia para dia, com Twisse - um demónio secular desperto pelo pacto de sangue feito por Fox, Caleb e Gage na infância -, a instalar uma insanidade generalizada. Violência, ilusões macabras e tensão constante são o dia a dia destas seis personagens que tentam descobrir como parar esta força do mal mas, porque nem tudo é mau, entre os muitos sustos com que as personagens se deparam, a insensatez da paixão em tempos de “guerra” vai atenuando a dor e conferindo leveza ao ambiente onde se pressagia a morte - que o digam Layla e Fox, o segundo casal atingido pelo cupido nesta trilogia. Entre solucionar o puzzle que os levará à vitória e descobrir os desígnios do amor, tudo pode acontecer e, quiçá, não estará na união a resposta para a salvação da mítica cidade Hawkins Hollow e dos seus peculiares habitantes.
Gosto, gosto mesmo das singulares personagens criadas por esta autora. Sei que são excessivas face à realidade e talvez isso, possivelmente, demasiado especiais, mas ainda assim é bom que características como a honra, honestidade e integridade - qualidades humanas cada vez mais raras -, estejam presentes na ficção para nos recordarem a importância da sua existência.
Fora os traços gerais que acabei de citar, partilhados por quase todos os intervenientes do núcleo principal, Layla o Fox têm distintivos pertinentes que os marcam em relação ao casal anterior, Caleb e Quinn. No caso de Layla, sendo a mais introvertida do grupo, acaba por ser tímida e ter dificuldade em lidar com o que sente, algo que alia a um perfeccionismo nato e ao medo de arriscar. Já Fox é corajoso e tem um íntimo realmente bom, destacando-se pela preocupação constante que tem para com os seus e um passado triste marcado pela perda, o que lhe tratará dificuldades em lidar com uma já de si muito complexa Layla. São um casal muito interessante, mas, confesso, que é uma opinião que tenho por todas as personagens, pares, e, mesmo aquelas que por vezes mostram personalidades mais retorcidas, como Gage, é impossível deixar de as admirar.
Desta vez não me vou alongar sobre a escrita de Nora, algo que já referi em quatro opiniões anteriores de livros seus e que aqui se mantém igual, ou seja, bastante apelativa. Ainda assim tenho de referir a forma como a autora trata as relações humanas e afectivas, bem como todas as emoções a que vamos assistindo. O laço criados entre o grupo e a forma como este vive medos e alegrias é excepcional, algo que aliado à forma como estão expostos os pequenos e os grandes prazeres comuns dá à ficção uma credibilidade e palpabilidade que nos faz usufruir em pleno da sua leitura.
Em relação ao fantástico, a sua ligação aos intervenientes (sim, tudo gira em torno das personagens), é fascinante, sem ser demasiado exaustiva, e está exposta na medida certa para que se sinta a sua presença constate. O facto é que, entre Deuses, demónios e maldições - mesmo nos momentos assustadores -, esta história continua a ter muito de comédia romântica.
Opinião completa em: http://historiasdeelphaba.blogspot.pt/2013/06/ritual-do-amor-nora-roberts-opiniao.html
Ritual do Amor, tal como o seu antecedente da trilogia Signo dos Sete, apresenta uma faceta muito romântica, cómica e com um teor paranormal forte. Neste livro em particular, o casal principal, Layla e Fox, encontra-se bem explorado superando-se ao longo da narrativa, não só mostrando a coragem coragem necessária para enfrentar o eminente culminar do mal que se avizinha, como também para ultrapassando os seus traumas emocionais, que os impedem de se entregarem ao que realmente sentem.
Tal como tinha indicado na minha opinião do livro anterior, Irmãos de Sangue, Nora segue um estilo de escrita e enredo com o qual já me sinto familiarizada utilizando, desta feita, um núcleo de seis intervenientes, três masculinos e três femininos, de personalidades atractivas e que acabam por estabelecer uma relação afectiva de amizade e algo mais, respectivamente. E se é verdade que a repetição poderia ser um ponto menos positivo, as aventuras, a acção e as peripécias são tão constantes durante o folhear que, nesta narrativa de entretenimento puro, descomplicado, após final prevalece uma vontade imensa de saber mais sobre todos os que a habitam.
A história continua a decorrer em Hawkins Hollow onde a loucura reina, mas convenhamos que assim o é há 21 anos. No entanto, desde a chegada de Layla, Quinn e Cybil que a situação tente a piorar de dia para dia, com Twisse - um demónio secular desperto pelo pacto de sangue feito por Fox, Caleb e Gage na infância -, a instalar uma insanidade generalizada. Violência, ilusões macabras e tensão constante são o dia a dia destas seis personagens que tentam descobrir como parar esta força do mal mas, porque nem tudo é mau, entre os muitos sustos com que as personagens se deparam, a insensatez da paixão em tempos de “guerra” vai atenuando a dor e conferindo leveza ao ambiente onde se pressagia a morte - que o digam Layla e Fox, o segundo casal atingido pelo cupido nesta trilogia. Entre solucionar o puzzle que os levará à vitória e descobrir os desígnios do amor, tudo pode acontecer e, quiçá, não estará na união a resposta para a salvação da mítica cidade Hawkins Hollow e dos seus peculiares habitantes.
Gosto, gosto mesmo das singulares personagens criadas por esta autora. Sei que são excessivas face à realidade e talvez isso, possivelmente, demasiado especiais, mas ainda assim é bom que características como a honra, honestidade e integridade - qualidades humanas cada vez mais raras -, estejam presentes na ficção para nos recordarem a importância da sua existência.
Fora os traços gerais que acabei de citar, partilhados por quase todos os intervenientes do núcleo principal, Layla o Fox têm distintivos pertinentes que os marcam em relação ao casal anterior, Caleb e Quinn. No caso de Layla, sendo a mais introvertida do grupo, acaba por ser tímida e ter dificuldade em lidar com o que sente, algo que alia a um perfeccionismo nato e ao medo de arriscar. Já Fox é corajoso e tem um íntimo realmente bom, destacando-se pela preocupação constante que tem para com os seus e um passado triste marcado pela perda, o que lhe tratará dificuldades em lidar com uma já de si muito complexa Layla. São um casal muito interessante, mas, confesso, que é uma opinião que tenho por todas as personagens, pares, e, mesmo aquelas que por vezes mostram personalidades mais retorcidas, como Gage, é impossível deixar de as admirar.
Desta vez não me vou alongar sobre a escrita de Nora, algo que já referi em quatro opiniões anteriores de livros seus e que aqui se mantém igual, ou seja, bastante apelativa. Ainda assim tenho de referir a forma como a autora trata as relações humanas e afectivas, bem como todas as emoções a que vamos assistindo. O laço criados entre o grupo e a forma como este vive medos e alegrias é excepcional, algo que aliado à forma como estão expostos os pequenos e os grandes prazeres comuns dá à ficção uma credibilidade e palpabilidade que nos faz usufruir em pleno da sua leitura.
Em relação ao fantástico, a sua ligação aos intervenientes (sim, tudo gira em torno das personagens), é fascinante, sem ser demasiado exaustiva, e está exposta na medida certa para que se sinta a sua presença constate. O facto é que, entre Deuses, demónios e maldições - mesmo nos momentos assustadores -, esta história continua a ter muito de comédia romântica.
Opinião completa em: http://historiasdeelphaba.blogspot.pt/2013/06/ritual-do-amor-nora-roberts-opiniao.html
shinyharley's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
angryluna's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
charmsand's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jazzrizz's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book, but the chemistry between Fox and Layla wasn't as strong as Cal & Quinn.
I find Fox & Layla both a little whiny and tedious.
I'm really looking forward to Gage & Cybil in the next book though.
I find Fox & Layla both a little whiny and tedious.
I'm really looking forward to Gage & Cybil in the next book though.
books_by_the_bottle's review against another edition
5.0
Equally as exciting as the first book of this trip - perfection.
jscarpa14's review against another edition
4.0
*** NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS ***
I had a much harder time getting into this book than the first. Though it shares that musical tone of the first book, the pacing is much slower and the relationship between Fox and Layla was much more the focus of the book than the happenings with Twisse and the upcoming seven.
While I know the book is a romance and I enjoy the romantic interaction of the the two characters I find I like Roberts work much better when she focuses more on the outside plot, that of the the mysterious and paranormal than on just the romance.
The book does distinguish Fox and Layla more as individuals than the last book did. While in the first novel Cal and Fox seemed very similar in commentary and actions this book definitely distinguishes Fox as a separate character with different motivations and actions. He has a very different personality than Cal in this book which was not shown as well in the first books.
Some of the problems I had with this story were one the relationship between Fox and Layla was very slow going, very sensual loves scenes but none of the fast paced excitement in their relationship that Quinn and Cal had. I liked how the previous couple had that perfect mix of slow sensual and hot and racy, but didn't find that in this particular relationship. While I guess it's realistic because every relationship doesn't form or flow in the same way as another I'm a big fan of the unexpected racy heat so when I don't get that in a romance I'm a little disappointed. Also a lot of their relationship seemed like a cat and mouse game with Fox chasing and Layla hiding or running. While he's an easy going sort of character he mostly ran the show in their relationship and it's coming to be.
Layla herself was also a lot of the problem I had with the book because I had a lot of trouble relating to her as a character. I will give Roberts that throughout the book Layla shows a lot of character growth, becoming more courageous and risky, becoming more prepared for the upcoming threat it's hard for me to relate to a character that initially mousy. She's got all that New York Style and flair from the short hair cut to the trendy clothes which tells me from appearance this is going to be a confident, don't mess with me character but then you get to know her and it's more she's pushed into the situation and takes forever to even be sure she wants to be there. In one scene she becomes so frightened by images of snakes appearing in her shower that she passes out. So her appearance says one thing, but her actions say another which just doesn't really work for me as a reader. Her natural response seems to be flight instead of fight which makes me feel as a reader that this character is not at all prepared to face the oncoming threat of the seven. Even with all of her growth in the book and she does make tremendous growth in the book I still have trouble believing that this character is really ready to fight an ageless demon. She tries to organize and compartmentalize everything, and seems to think a battle with a demon can be won with colored coded note cards. This personality trait of hers as well I find a little annoying.
My final issue with the book is the flash back to Carly, a fiancé of Fox's who killed herself during the last seven while she was under possession of the demon. Now the idea of this is really wonderful in that is helps to show why Fox is the way he is, trying to put himself in front of the girl or the others protecting them before himself. It's an excellent idea in that way, but the dreams, the mention of this really personality shaping part of his history doesn't even occur until the middle of the book. It comes out of nowhere. And much of his behavior previous to this being mentioned doesn't really illustrate how this affected him. It shows after she mentioned it but as it's not really a new thing for him in the beginning of the book just new to the reader in the middle it should have been demonstrated throughout the book and mentioned in the prologue when we flash back to a different seven, though not the same seven as when this occurred. The seven we should have seen through Fox was the third seven, the seven where he lost someone so dear to him. Another thing that bothers me about this is the Layla helps to discover that the reason Carly was so susceptible even though she was an outsider is that she was a decedent of the relationship between Hester Deale and Twisse. Okay if she's easy to manipulate because of that why aren't Quinn, Layla and Cybil since they are descendants as well?
I still give the book four stars because one the overall series is a page turner and it does include some scenes, the ones where she deals with the overall rather than the individual that have you unable to put this books down. The ending where they reunite the three piece of the stone into one is definitely much more fulfilling than the ending of the first book where you're left thinking okay? What's next? She also continues to engage in the other characters in the series lives during this book as well. You start to see things heating up between Gage and Cybil through heated arguments and a passionate kiss in the middle of danger. You get the opportunity to join Quinn as she hunts for a wedding dress. There is also an exciting scene where each character is attacked individually simultaneously which leaves you wondering if any of them are ready to face the approaching threat. While not the best book in the series, it's still worth reading, if only to follow the battle between demon and guardian which continues throughout the trilogy.
I had a much harder time getting into this book than the first. Though it shares that musical tone of the first book, the pacing is much slower and the relationship between Fox and Layla was much more the focus of the book than the happenings with Twisse and the upcoming seven.
While I know the book is a romance and I enjoy the romantic interaction of the the two characters I find I like Roberts work much better when she focuses more on the outside plot, that of the the mysterious and paranormal than on just the romance.
The book does distinguish Fox and Layla more as individuals than the last book did. While in the first novel Cal and Fox seemed very similar in commentary and actions this book definitely distinguishes Fox as a separate character with different motivations and actions. He has a very different personality than Cal in this book which was not shown as well in the first books.
Some of the problems I had with this story were one the relationship between Fox and Layla was very slow going, very sensual loves scenes but none of the fast paced excitement in their relationship that Quinn and Cal had. I liked how the previous couple had that perfect mix of slow sensual and hot and racy, but didn't find that in this particular relationship. While I guess it's realistic because every relationship doesn't form or flow in the same way as another I'm a big fan of the unexpected racy heat so when I don't get that in a romance I'm a little disappointed. Also a lot of their relationship seemed like a cat and mouse game with Fox chasing and Layla hiding or running. While he's an easy going sort of character he mostly ran the show in their relationship and it's coming to be.
Layla herself was also a lot of the problem I had with the book because I had a lot of trouble relating to her as a character. I will give Roberts that throughout the book Layla shows a lot of character growth, becoming more courageous and risky, becoming more prepared for the upcoming threat it's hard for me to relate to a character that initially mousy. She's got all that New York Style and flair from the short hair cut to the trendy clothes which tells me from appearance this is going to be a confident, don't mess with me character but then you get to know her and it's more she's pushed into the situation and takes forever to even be sure she wants to be there. In one scene she becomes so frightened by images of snakes appearing in her shower that she passes out. So her appearance says one thing, but her actions say another which just doesn't really work for me as a reader. Her natural response seems to be flight instead of fight which makes me feel as a reader that this character is not at all prepared to face the oncoming threat of the seven. Even with all of her growth in the book and she does make tremendous growth in the book I still have trouble believing that this character is really ready to fight an ageless demon. She tries to organize and compartmentalize everything, and seems to think a battle with a demon can be won with colored coded note cards. This personality trait of hers as well I find a little annoying.
My final issue with the book is the flash back to Carly, a fiancé of Fox's who killed herself during the last seven while she was under possession of the demon. Now the idea of this is really wonderful in that is helps to show why Fox is the way he is, trying to put himself in front of the girl or the others protecting them before himself. It's an excellent idea in that way, but the dreams, the mention of this really personality shaping part of his history doesn't even occur until the middle of the book. It comes out of nowhere. And much of his behavior previous to this being mentioned doesn't really illustrate how this affected him. It shows after she mentioned it but as it's not really a new thing for him in the beginning of the book just new to the reader in the middle it should have been demonstrated throughout the book and mentioned in the prologue when we flash back to a different seven, though not the same seven as when this occurred. The seven we should have seen through Fox was the third seven, the seven where he lost someone so dear to him. Another thing that bothers me about this is the Layla helps to discover that the reason Carly was so susceptible even though she was an outsider is that she was a decedent of the relationship between Hester Deale and Twisse. Okay if she's easy to manipulate because of that why aren't Quinn, Layla and Cybil since they are descendants as well?
I still give the book four stars because one the overall series is a page turner and it does include some scenes, the ones where she deals with the overall rather than the individual that have you unable to put this books down. The ending where they reunite the three piece of the stone into one is definitely much more fulfilling than the ending of the first book where you're left thinking okay? What's next? She also continues to engage in the other characters in the series lives during this book as well. You start to see things heating up between Gage and Cybil through heated arguments and a passionate kiss in the middle of danger. You get the opportunity to join Quinn as she hunts for a wedding dress. There is also an exciting scene where each character is attacked individually simultaneously which leaves you wondering if any of them are ready to face the approaching threat. While not the best book in the series, it's still worth reading, if only to follow the battle between demon and guardian which continues throughout the trilogy.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
"In the small village of Hawkins Hollow, three best friends who share the same birthday sneak off into the woods for a sleepover the evening before turning 10. But a night of pre-pubescent celebration turns into a night of horror as their blood brother oath unleashes a three-hundred year curse.
Twenty-one years later, Fox O'Dell and his friends have seen their town plagued by a week of unexplainable evil events two more times - every seven years. With the clock winding down on the third set of seven years, someone else has taken an interest in the town's folklore.
A boutique manager from New York, Layla Darnell was drawn to Hawkins Hollow for reasons she can't explain - but the recent attacks on her life make it clear that it is personal. And though Fox tries to keep his professional distance, his interests in Layla have become personal too." (From Amazon)
The story of evil continues in the second book but is nicely balanced with the romance of Fox and Layla. The sparks are subtle between the two but you can feel their chemistry right away. Fox has a gentle soul that allows Layla to open up and we see more of her character. This novel is more enjoyable than most bridging books.
"In the small village of Hawkins Hollow, three best friends who share the same birthday sneak off into the woods for a sleepover the evening before turning 10. But a night of pre-pubescent celebration turns into a night of horror as their blood brother oath unleashes a three-hundred year curse.
Twenty-one years later, Fox O'Dell and his friends have seen their town plagued by a week of unexplainable evil events two more times - every seven years. With the clock winding down on the third set of seven years, someone else has taken an interest in the town's folklore.
A boutique manager from New York, Layla Darnell was drawn to Hawkins Hollow for reasons she can't explain - but the recent attacks on her life make it clear that it is personal. And though Fox tries to keep his professional distance, his interests in Layla have become personal too." (From Amazon)
The story of evil continues in the second book but is nicely balanced with the romance of Fox and Layla. The sparks are subtle between the two but you can feel their chemistry right away. Fox has a gentle soul that allows Layla to open up and we see more of her character. This novel is more enjoyable than most bridging books.