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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
Absolutely loved it. I savoured reading this making myself slow down. Well except the last quarter which I read quickly.
Prejudice is alive and well in this book, and we see the characters learning trust one another, and the other society. Wonderful worldbuilding. And what a fab cover. Probably one of my favourites and now having read the book, it is even more so because that's Annika.
Well done, Ms Griffin. A fabulous tale with love, adventure, and with a set up for more in book 2. Can't wait to get my teeth into that one.
Prejudice is alive and well in this book, and we see the characters learning trust one another, and the other society. Wonderful worldbuilding. And what a fab cover. Probably one of my favourites and now having read the book, it is even more so because that's Annika.
Well done, Ms Griffin. A fabulous tale with love, adventure, and with a set up for more in book 2. Can't wait to get my teeth into that one.
Wow!!
I can't believe Vengeance Born is Kylie Griffin's debut! But for her first novel of Light Blade, she do it so well. Fast paced, a tortured heroine that not TSTL (me likey!), strong hero that can pass his prejudice (I almost kick his ass. Almost), a complex and unique world building, race and plot. And the gorgeous cover! Vengeance Born is a whole package that left me satisfied!
Oh, and this review is my 500th review!! Any idea to make this memorable? :D
I can't believe Vengeance Born is Kylie Griffin's debut! But for her first novel of Light Blade, she do it so well. Fast paced, a tortured heroine that not TSTL (me likey!), strong hero that can pass his prejudice (I almost kick his ass. Almost), a complex and unique world building, race and plot. And the gorgeous cover! Vengeance Born is a whole package that left me satisfied!
Oh, and this review is my 500th review!! Any idea to make this memorable? :D
Vengeance Born is a wonderfully written debut novel that brings prejudice and judgement to their knees. A whole new world on the brink of war is brought to life by Griffin, a successful first novel for this series.
Annika has a good soul and has fought to retain her goodness despite living in a blood drinking demon fortress where she was treated as lower than dirt. Her life growing up has made her cautious and vigilant, so it is a difficult step for her to trust Kalan and let her guard down for him.
Kalan goes through a lot of change throughout Vengeance Born. He has to overcome strong prejudices that stand in the way of him trusting Annika. In the beginning she gives him chances to trust and he does the very human thing of messing it up. Though it is Kalan who realizes his feelings first and is man enough to act on them, despite the cost. He is a wise leader for his people and learns quickly so when a group of other half-bloods show up he offers aid and ways for both side to benefit.
Throughout the first part of the book Annika and Kalan are traveling alone, but once they reach the city there are a handful of strong secondary characters that really add to the story. Kalan’s sister Kymora being one, she holds a revered position yet is humble and able to see past outer appearances. Varian who is in charge of the small group of Na’Chi, other half-bloods, has much to teach the Light Blades if he can accept their trust and Kymora’s friendship. And Arek, who is a Light Blade with even stronger prejudices than Kalan started out with. Each of these strong characters add depth to the story and we can only hope will get prominent rolls in the following books.
Griffin has started off the Light Blade series with a hit! The plot line flows smoothly, giving the characters time to adjust and realize that love knows no bounds. The end is wrapped up nicely, yet leaves enough hanging at the end to keep you coming back for book two. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, though in this case what is inside truly is as beautiful and mesmerizing as what is on the outside.
Review to be posted at Reading Between the Wines blog.
Annika has a good soul and has fought to retain her goodness despite living in a blood drinking demon fortress where she was treated as lower than dirt. Her life growing up has made her cautious and vigilant, so it is a difficult step for her to trust Kalan and let her guard down for him.
Kalan goes through a lot of change throughout Vengeance Born. He has to overcome strong prejudices that stand in the way of him trusting Annika. In the beginning she gives him chances to trust and he does the very human thing of messing it up. Though it is Kalan who realizes his feelings first and is man enough to act on them, despite the cost. He is a wise leader for his people and learns quickly so when a group of other half-bloods show up he offers aid and ways for both side to benefit.
Throughout the first part of the book Annika and Kalan are traveling alone, but once they reach the city there are a handful of strong secondary characters that really add to the story. Kalan’s sister Kymora being one, she holds a revered position yet is humble and able to see past outer appearances. Varian who is in charge of the small group of Na’Chi, other half-bloods, has much to teach the Light Blades if he can accept their trust and Kymora’s friendship. And Arek, who is a Light Blade with even stronger prejudices than Kalan started out with. Each of these strong characters add depth to the story and we can only hope will get prominent rolls in the following books.
Griffin has started off the Light Blade series with a hit! The plot line flows smoothly, giving the characters time to adjust and realize that love knows no bounds. The end is wrapped up nicely, yet leaves enough hanging at the end to keep you coming back for book two. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, though in this case what is inside truly is as beautiful and mesmerizing as what is on the outside.
Review to be posted at Reading Between the Wines blog.
Had to put it down a few times (too involved). A very enjoyable read. Will definitely read more of this series.
The journey of Kalan and Annika is a relationship forged in mutual need but distrust. All his life Kalan has been taught to hate demons, his main purpose in life is to wage war against them in order to save the human race. Having to rely on Annika is one of the hardest things this warrior has ever had to do. During their perilous escape to freedom they slowly learn more about each other, but prejudices learned at birth are hard to ignore. Overcoming obstacles and hardships and having to rely on one another for their lives is the perfect circumstance for trust and even friendship to begin.
The romance between Annika and Kalan is beautifully written and is the perfect voyage of tentative steps from ignorance to doubt, and from doubt to an uneasy alliance. From there they move on to working together for a common goal and then to friendship and finally love.
While Vengeance Born is primarily about the romance between Kalan and Annika, the other driving force behind this book is prejudice. Ms. Griffin gives us a ring side seat to the kind of long standing ignorance that can lead to prejudice causing misunderstanding and fear towards anyone who is different. Learning to look beyond what you are taught and to see a person for who they really are is not an easy thing to do. Throughout this book each character has to face head on their long standing beliefs and grapple with new truths.
Vengeance Born is the beginning of a new series with an exciting world on the brink of change populated by characters that have to forge a new way of thinking about their past and their future. It is a unique and fascinating blend of action, fantasy, romance, mystery and drama. I’m excited by this world and the people in it and I’m looking forward to the next book in the Light Blade series.
Full review posted on B&N.com http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Heart-to-Heart-The-BN-Romance/Vengeance-Born-by-Kylie-Griffin-A-Recommended-Read/ba-p/1294245
The romance between Annika and Kalan is beautifully written and is the perfect voyage of tentative steps from ignorance to doubt, and from doubt to an uneasy alliance. From there they move on to working together for a common goal and then to friendship and finally love.
While Vengeance Born is primarily about the romance between Kalan and Annika, the other driving force behind this book is prejudice. Ms. Griffin gives us a ring side seat to the kind of long standing ignorance that can lead to prejudice causing misunderstanding and fear towards anyone who is different. Learning to look beyond what you are taught and to see a person for who they really are is not an easy thing to do. Throughout this book each character has to face head on their long standing beliefs and grapple with new truths.
Vengeance Born is the beginning of a new series with an exciting world on the brink of change populated by characters that have to forge a new way of thinking about their past and their future. It is a unique and fascinating blend of action, fantasy, romance, mystery and drama. I’m excited by this world and the people in it and I’m looking forward to the next book in the Light Blade series.
Full review posted on B&N.com http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Heart-to-Heart-The-BN-Romance/Vengeance-Born-by-Kylie-Griffin-A-Recommended-Read/ba-p/1294245
It took me awhile to finish this awesome book, maybe because I don't want it to end. I love the story and the characters! I cannot wait to read the next book!
EDIT
Would you trust a person who was born to kill your kind? Will you trust a demon because she saved your life? A journey of trust, love and acceptance Kylie Griffin will hold you into your seat gasping for more!
From the very start of this novel I was really intrigued by the premise of this book. It got me awhile before I finish it because I don’t really want to end the novel so soon. It was an awesome read. A story back up with a great characters; I was totally in it!
The journey of Annika; a half-blood daughter of the Na’Reish King (Demon King) and Kalan a Light Blade warrior who was born to kill the Demon kind was an outstanding read! I was thrilled with the how Kylie has build this great story. I think the concept was really typical but it was told with a great voice. I was ecstatic on reading the journey of Annika and Kalan because you can feel the tensions as well as their attraction for each other. I rarely read Paranormal Romance but I think it’s safe to say that this is a great start of a wonderful series.
Character wise I was delighted on how each character developed throughout the book. Annika’s attitude toward Kalan was very instinctual and vice versa. They learned to trust each other toward their journey and thus they got to know each other more. Kalan is a very noble person, he believes in what he think is right and fights for it. Both character evolved as the stake got higher. Their attraction grows throughout the book which was big plus. Amidst the growing tension between the Light Blade Council and their love for each other it only proves that love prevails.
I can give the cover an A+ for the awesome! I love how the model has a pouch that quite essential for the Annika. I’m not really sure of the medallion but I think it’s definitely there. The tag line “Her lineage is both a blessing and a curse” is definitely eye catching and makes you want to get it.
Overall I was totally entertained and I cannot wait to read the next one. I recommend this to everyone who wants to read a Paranormal book but doesn’t know where to start. I suggest you start with this one. It’s a great start of an epic series you won’t get disappointed. Vengeance Born has the right mix of Paranormal and Romance it and that I think you will surely enjoy!
EDIT
Would you trust a person who was born to kill your kind? Will you trust a demon because she saved your life? A journey of trust, love and acceptance Kylie Griffin will hold you into your seat gasping for more!
From the very start of this novel I was really intrigued by the premise of this book. It got me awhile before I finish it because I don’t really want to end the novel so soon. It was an awesome read. A story back up with a great characters; I was totally in it!
The journey of Annika; a half-blood daughter of the Na’Reish King (Demon King) and Kalan a Light Blade warrior who was born to kill the Demon kind was an outstanding read! I was thrilled with the how Kylie has build this great story. I think the concept was really typical but it was told with a great voice. I was ecstatic on reading the journey of Annika and Kalan because you can feel the tensions as well as their attraction for each other. I rarely read Paranormal Romance but I think it’s safe to say that this is a great start of a wonderful series.
Character wise I was delighted on how each character developed throughout the book. Annika’s attitude toward Kalan was very instinctual and vice versa. They learned to trust each other toward their journey and thus they got to know each other more. Kalan is a very noble person, he believes in what he think is right and fights for it. Both character evolved as the stake got higher. Their attraction grows throughout the book which was big plus. Amidst the growing tension between the Light Blade Council and their love for each other it only proves that love prevails.
I can give the cover an A+ for the awesome! I love how the model has a pouch that quite essential for the Annika. I’m not really sure of the medallion but I think it’s definitely there. The tag line “Her lineage is both a blessing and a curse” is definitely eye catching and makes you want to get it.
Overall I was totally entertained and I cannot wait to read the next one. I recommend this to everyone who wants to read a Paranormal book but doesn’t know where to start. I suggest you start with this one. It’s a great start of an epic series you won’t get disappointed. Vengeance Born has the right mix of Paranormal and Romance it and that I think you will surely enjoy!
To see my full review, plus many more, visit my blog by clicking the link HERE!
To be honest, I had virtually no expectations going into this title as it appeared in the bookshop I work at, and then deciding to give it a try. I’d never heard of it or the trilogy it’s a part of ever before, but when it’s listed as a “Fantasy Romance” title, I shrugged and assumed I’d like it since that seems to be right up my alley if my some of my favorite authors right now are Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, Jennifer Armentrout, and plenty of others since I’m sure most of you readers can see the trail I’m starting there.
While this book is not terrible by any means, and is easy to breeze through if you’re just looking for ANYTHING to read at any moment, but I can’t say it’s all that memorable of a book either. It’s not horrible, but it’s also not amazing either. Some books bring out extreme highs and sorrow filled lows; it’s an emotional roller coaster that’s a complete thrill, but this title just felt like a straight line. A smaller, friendlier roller coaster to help someone warm up for the bigger and much more exciting ride. There’s nothing wrong with the story or any of the characters, I was just never really impacted by any of it, I’d say my reaction is just lukewarm.
One highlight to point out is the romantic aspect of this book, which since it’s listed as “Fantasy Romance,” I’d certainly hope this would be a highlight! It’s a decent addition for anyone who enjoys “enemies to lovers” style romantic plots, as the two main characters are from two different sides on the battlefield, but come together in order to end the war! If anything, I did enjoy this part of the story, and found myself interested in what was going to happen next with them, or even just how they were going to develop feelings for each other!
Overall, not a terrible book by any means, but maybe too beginner-ish for someone like me who’s already well-read into the Romantic Fantasy style story. Everything within the pages of this book worked just fine, the romance was even incredibly well done, but I was just lukewarm the entire time I was reading since I’ve already read from authors like the ones I listed earlier who’ve delivered much more emotionally impactful stories for me personally.
With that said, I’d still recommend this title to someone who hasn’t dived deep into the Fantasy genre, but is may be looking for something to ease them into the genre while not being interested in the more YA-level stories. There are sex scenes, and they are more descriptive than just a “fade to black” sort of sequences that are more suitable for younger readers. If that sounds like you, I say go for it and give this book a try!
Thanks for Reading!
- Nick Goodsell
To be honest, I had virtually no expectations going into this title as it appeared in the bookshop I work at, and then deciding to give it a try. I’d never heard of it or the trilogy it’s a part of ever before, but when it’s listed as a “Fantasy Romance” title, I shrugged and assumed I’d like it since that seems to be right up my alley if my some of my favorite authors right now are Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, Jennifer Armentrout, and plenty of others since I’m sure most of you readers can see the trail I’m starting there.
While this book is not terrible by any means, and is easy to breeze through if you’re just looking for ANYTHING to read at any moment, but I can’t say it’s all that memorable of a book either. It’s not horrible, but it’s also not amazing either. Some books bring out extreme highs and sorrow filled lows; it’s an emotional roller coaster that’s a complete thrill, but this title just felt like a straight line. A smaller, friendlier roller coaster to help someone warm up for the bigger and much more exciting ride. There’s nothing wrong with the story or any of the characters, I was just never really impacted by any of it, I’d say my reaction is just lukewarm.
One highlight to point out is the romantic aspect of this book, which since it’s listed as “Fantasy Romance,” I’d certainly hope this would be a highlight! It’s a decent addition for anyone who enjoys “enemies to lovers” style romantic plots, as the two main characters are from two different sides on the battlefield, but come together in order to end the war! If anything, I did enjoy this part of the story, and found myself interested in what was going to happen next with them, or even just how they were going to develop feelings for each other!
Overall, not a terrible book by any means, but maybe too beginner-ish for someone like me who’s already well-read into the Romantic Fantasy style story. Everything within the pages of this book worked just fine, the romance was even incredibly well done, but I was just lukewarm the entire time I was reading since I’ve already read from authors like the ones I listed earlier who’ve delivered much more emotionally impactful stories for me personally.
With that said, I’d still recommend this title to someone who hasn’t dived deep into the Fantasy genre, but is may be looking for something to ease them into the genre while not being interested in the more YA-level stories. There are sex scenes, and they are more descriptive than just a “fade to black” sort of sequences that are more suitable for younger readers. If that sounds like you, I say go for it and give this book a try!
Thanks for Reading!
- Nick Goodsell
So that took me forever to read.
I just want to clarify something before I go into my brief review of this book. I definitely did not like this book, it lacked character depth and tangibility for me. However, I think this was a case of "it's not you, it's me." I don't really like to read romances, and I didn't realize until I started reading this book that it's a romantic fantasy.
Okay, now with that out of the way...
All of these characters felt like cardboard cutouts/stereotypical characters. Kalan was the softy leader, Annika was the damage damsel, etc, etc. Everyone had a role that just seemed so convenient for the plot of the book. Ex) Kymera being so into supporting the Na'Chi (they are so lucky that the two people with the most amount of power in the city were so willing to help them).
This story did not mesh well with me. Everything just felt fake and convenient and the writing just felt so typical, like I'd read it in hundreds of other books. The world-building was completely underdeveloped and the politics involved in this storey were so one-dimensional.
If you like romantic fantasy I think you would enjoy this book much more than I did, if not I would recommend you stay away.
I just want to clarify something before I go into my brief review of this book. I definitely did not like this book, it lacked character depth and tangibility for me. However, I think this was a case of "it's not you, it's me." I don't really like to read romances, and I didn't realize until I started reading this book that it's a romantic fantasy.
Okay, now with that out of the way...
All of these characters felt like cardboard cutouts/stereotypical characters. Kalan was the softy leader, Annika was the damage damsel, etc, etc. Everyone had a role that just seemed so convenient for the plot of the book. Ex) Kymera being so into supporting the Na'Chi (they are so lucky that the two people with the most amount of power in the city were so willing to help them).
This story did not mesh well with me. Everything just felt fake and convenient and the writing just felt so typical, like I'd read it in hundreds of other books. The world-building was completely underdeveloped and the politics involved in this storey were so one-dimensional.
If you like romantic fantasy I think you would enjoy this book much more than I did, if not I would recommend you stay away.
The blurb for this caught my eye as Fantasy + Romance = my catnip. However the romance came way too easily and didn't feel believable. The world was also really underdeveloped. I prefer it when the romance is part of the story but equally balanced with an interesting plot. In Vengeance Born while there is some other things going on it's primarily a romance story. It wasn't terrible but definitely underwhelming.
I won Vengeance Born through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway system and it was one spankin' package! It came within a week (REALLY unusual) and it was signed personally (thanks Kylie!) and came with 3 postcard - so yippee! Congrats Kylie on giving me the best giveaway I've ever won on goodreads!
That aside, I really enjoyed this book. It had me gripped from page one, and the way that it's written in third person meant I could see the POV of all the characters without it taking away form my connection with characters which I feel like third person often does. Normally I'm not a fan of third person, but I can't imagine this book being written any other way.
For those of you out there who have sworn off Paranormal Romance because so many of the books are crappy and it bugs you (yet you have a secret desire to read them because they are fast-paced, gripping, easy predictable books) then this book is one that you read. It's written well with sophisticated language and is slightly more on the sci-fi/fantasy side rather than paranormal (for those of you who want to know the difference, that's a discussion for another day). The characters were gripping and three dimensional and, oh, did I mention how good it felt to hold and smell a book after having only read on my kindle for ages?
Okay, are ya'll ready for the synopsis??
Annika's status of Na'Chi is both a blessing and a curse, one she's lived with her entire life. Not fitting into the Demon world of the Na'Reish and being rejected by humans every day because of her similarity to the Na'Reish hasn't been good for her self esteem, to say the least. But she dreams of escape and, Lady willing, she'll get there one day. Kalan, a Light Blade captured and tortured by the Na'Reish provides the perfect tool to escape, but will their titles define them and their superstitions render them unable to work together? Find out what happens when the two sides mix in an unforgettable adventure and hopefully let it lead you on your own journey.
I give this book a 5/5 and definitely suggest you read this! Good onya Kylie, and thanks for the giveaway!!
That aside, I really enjoyed this book. It had me gripped from page one, and the way that it's written in third person meant I could see the POV of all the characters without it taking away form my connection with characters which I feel like third person often does. Normally I'm not a fan of third person, but I can't imagine this book being written any other way.
For those of you out there who have sworn off Paranormal Romance because so many of the books are crappy and it bugs you (yet you have a secret desire to read them because they are fast-paced, gripping, easy predictable books) then this book is one that you read. It's written well with sophisticated language and is slightly more on the sci-fi/fantasy side rather than paranormal (for those of you who want to know the difference, that's a discussion for another day). The characters were gripping and three dimensional and, oh, did I mention how good it felt to hold and smell a book after having only read on my kindle for ages?
Okay, are ya'll ready for the synopsis??
Annika's status of Na'Chi is both a blessing and a curse, one she's lived with her entire life. Not fitting into the Demon world of the Na'Reish and being rejected by humans every day because of her similarity to the Na'Reish hasn't been good for her self esteem, to say the least. But she dreams of escape and, Lady willing, she'll get there one day. Kalan, a Light Blade captured and tortured by the Na'Reish provides the perfect tool to escape, but will their titles define them and their superstitions render them unable to work together? Find out what happens when the two sides mix in an unforgettable adventure and hopefully let it lead you on your own journey.
I give this book a 5/5 and definitely suggest you read this! Good onya Kylie, and thanks for the giveaway!!