Books Reviews
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 439
Would order again
Reviewed by NobleWiizaan on
Received in good condition 2 weeks later.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 249
Becky Cloonan can do no wrong.
Reviewed by Max on
Becky Cloonan flexed her comic book illustration and writing skills to showcase how far above the par she is among the other comic book legends. This book is put out with all three of her stand-alone stories. If you did miss the opportunity to grab any one of the three stories. Here's your chance to get them all in this one book. this time with colors.
Dispatched in 3 to 5 working days
- Price
- R 80
- RRP
R 100- (-20%)
Received 30 Books! Thank you so much.
Reviewed by Michelle B on
I was updated by the Tracking System at all times.
Received the Books exactly as stated on the System.
Great job... I'm very pleased with your service!
I will definitely order again.
Thank you so much.
Received the Books exactly as stated on the System.
Great job... I'm very pleased with your service!
I will definitely order again.
Thank you so much.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 128
- RRP
R 185- (-31%)
Good looking book
Reviewed by Tubal H on
The reason you would be buying this is for its aesthetic value (it delivers). Raru also went out of their way to wrap it in protective paper to prevent damage during transport. It arrived in mint condition.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 234
The Chesapeake Valor series is a very satisfying faith-filled, love-trumps-all, action-packed ride, of which Dead Drift is the cherry on top.
Reviewed by Nastassja L on
Dead Drift is the fourth and final book in the Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey, and the series is best read in order as we check in with the “main characters” from the previous books, and find connections to cases going back to the previous books (I say “main characters” because Pettrey’s work reads more like an ensemble characters rather than main characters and secondary characters). If you were to start the series with Dead Drift, you would miss out on a whole lot and might have a hard time connecting all the dots, so my suggestion is start with Cold Shot and make your way through Still Life and Blind Spot before getting lost in Dead Drift. It is well worth it as the series only gets better with each book, and we spend a good amount of time with all the characters throughout each book.
Dead Drift picks up right where Blind Spot left off; Luke walks into CCI where the friends he left behind are celebrating preventing the Bay Bridge Bombing, and he enlists them to help him stop suspected terrorist Khaled Ebeid once and for all. The action starts right there and doesn’t let up until the very end.
We finally learn why Luke left without a word, and the fact that he believed he was leaving only for a short mission goes a long way towards understanding how he could abandon Kate without a backward glance. There is also a lovely gesture towards the latter half of the book which proves Luke always intended to come back for Kate, and it goes a long way towards mending Kate’s (and my) heart. However, the longer Luke stayed away, the harder it became to return home, and before you know it almost eight years have passed and he no longer recognizes the man in the mirror. With time, distance and perspective Luke has finally realized just how badly he was manipulated by once trusted Professor Malcolm (though he doesn’t play the blame game and takes full responsibility for the choices he made), and how badly he longs for the life, and love, he left behind. Dead Drift gives us a marvelous villain in Luke’s unstable former handler, Lauren Graham, a woman scorned with an axe to grind; she could never forgive Luke for not falling for her “charms”, and she absolutely loathes Kate who so obviously holds Luke’s heart. As if worrying about Ebeid was not enough, Luke must also protect headstrong Kate from the CIA’s most lethal assassin who has a penchant for playing games with her prey before she pounces. Honestly, I feared Lauren more than I did Ebeid!
While the majority of our group focuses on stopping the terrorist threat, Griffin and Finley both take a leave of absence from work and head to Houston to continue working all of the cold cases murdered Agent Steven Burke was investigating before his untimely death, and aim to finally bring Jenna’s killer to justice. With the Shore Killer mysteriously aware of their every move, Griffin and Finley find themselves in greater danger than they ever anticipated.
As always, the characters’ faith is ever-present yet not overwhelming for non-believers. Luke has a harder time than the others connecting with God, for while he never lost his faith, he carries much guilt over the choices he’s made and the orders he’s followed since he abandoned his old life. Kate loves the Lord, but has trouble letting Him shoulder all of her burdens, and carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders is becoming an unmanageable task. Throughout the non-stop action of Dead Drift, the biggest challenges these two face might not be the terrorist threat or figuring out their personal relationship after all these years, but learning to let go and let God.
I enjoyed every single page of Dead Drift, and find it to be my absolute favourite book of the series. As I neared the end I honestly feared that there weren’t enough pages left to give us a satisfying conclusion, but Pettrey managed to deliver in spades. My only criticisms would be that we didn’t get to spend much time with Avery and Parker this time around, and I keenly felt their absence, and there is also the question of an engagement ring that absolutely no-one reacted to. I am also curious to discover if Tanner’s parents have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior – her father is such a mysterious (and apparently misunderstood) character, and I think there is a lot of story left to tell there. We do get satisfying resolutions to the great mysteries we have been investigating alongside the gang since book 1, but I do feel there is definitely potential should Pettrey have an inkling to give us more Chesapeake adventures in future. I find myself quite sad that our adventures with the Chesapeake Bay gang are over, and while I always look forward to Pettrey’s future projects, I sincerely hope that she considers rejoining them sometime in the future. Oh the mysteries the eight of them could solve together!
The Chesapeake Valor series is a very satisfying faith-filled, love-trumps-all, action-packed ride, of which Dead Drift is the cherry on top.
Dead Drift picks up right where Blind Spot left off; Luke walks into CCI where the friends he left behind are celebrating preventing the Bay Bridge Bombing, and he enlists them to help him stop suspected terrorist Khaled Ebeid once and for all. The action starts right there and doesn’t let up until the very end.
We finally learn why Luke left without a word, and the fact that he believed he was leaving only for a short mission goes a long way towards understanding how he could abandon Kate without a backward glance. There is also a lovely gesture towards the latter half of the book which proves Luke always intended to come back for Kate, and it goes a long way towards mending Kate’s (and my) heart. However, the longer Luke stayed away, the harder it became to return home, and before you know it almost eight years have passed and he no longer recognizes the man in the mirror. With time, distance and perspective Luke has finally realized just how badly he was manipulated by once trusted Professor Malcolm (though he doesn’t play the blame game and takes full responsibility for the choices he made), and how badly he longs for the life, and love, he left behind. Dead Drift gives us a marvelous villain in Luke’s unstable former handler, Lauren Graham, a woman scorned with an axe to grind; she could never forgive Luke for not falling for her “charms”, and she absolutely loathes Kate who so obviously holds Luke’s heart. As if worrying about Ebeid was not enough, Luke must also protect headstrong Kate from the CIA’s most lethal assassin who has a penchant for playing games with her prey before she pounces. Honestly, I feared Lauren more than I did Ebeid!
While the majority of our group focuses on stopping the terrorist threat, Griffin and Finley both take a leave of absence from work and head to Houston to continue working all of the cold cases murdered Agent Steven Burke was investigating before his untimely death, and aim to finally bring Jenna’s killer to justice. With the Shore Killer mysteriously aware of their every move, Griffin and Finley find themselves in greater danger than they ever anticipated.
As always, the characters’ faith is ever-present yet not overwhelming for non-believers. Luke has a harder time than the others connecting with God, for while he never lost his faith, he carries much guilt over the choices he’s made and the orders he’s followed since he abandoned his old life. Kate loves the Lord, but has trouble letting Him shoulder all of her burdens, and carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders is becoming an unmanageable task. Throughout the non-stop action of Dead Drift, the biggest challenges these two face might not be the terrorist threat or figuring out their personal relationship after all these years, but learning to let go and let God.
I enjoyed every single page of Dead Drift, and find it to be my absolute favourite book of the series. As I neared the end I honestly feared that there weren’t enough pages left to give us a satisfying conclusion, but Pettrey managed to deliver in spades. My only criticisms would be that we didn’t get to spend much time with Avery and Parker this time around, and I keenly felt their absence, and there is also the question of an engagement ring that absolutely no-one reacted to. I am also curious to discover if Tanner’s parents have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior – her father is such a mysterious (and apparently misunderstood) character, and I think there is a lot of story left to tell there. We do get satisfying resolutions to the great mysteries we have been investigating alongside the gang since book 1, but I do feel there is definitely potential should Pettrey have an inkling to give us more Chesapeake adventures in future. I find myself quite sad that our adventures with the Chesapeake Bay gang are over, and while I always look forward to Pettrey’s future projects, I sincerely hope that she considers rejoining them sometime in the future. Oh the mysteries the eight of them could solve together!
The Chesapeake Valor series is a very satisfying faith-filled, love-trumps-all, action-packed ride, of which Dead Drift is the cherry on top.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 439
- RRP
R 455
Awesomeness!
Reviewed by Goolam D on
This book is an essential must-have for any kid who grew up in the 80s, was a fan of the MotU TV show and especially for those who collected the action figures.
This collection brings together the mini-comics which came packaged with each action figure. My mini-comics were lost many years ago, so re-reading some of these stories brought back a flood of childhood memories.
The book itself is quite thick at around 1000 pages, beautifully put together and will look great on any bookshelf.
Service from Raru was tops as always and the book was delivered in an excellent condition.
This collection brings together the mini-comics which came packaged with each action figure. My mini-comics were lost many years ago, so re-reading some of these stories brought back a flood of childhood memories.
The book itself is quite thick at around 1000 pages, beautifully put together and will look great on any bookshelf.
Service from Raru was tops as always and the book was delivered in an excellent condition.
Dispatched in 4 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 442
- RRP
R 575- (-23%)
Langford's Basic Photography - Michael Langford
Reviewed by Simone D on
Very happy with my textbook
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 172
The Chesapeake Valor series gets better with each book.
Reviewed by Nastassja L on
Blind Spot is the third book in the Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey, and the series is best read in order as we check in with characters from the first two books, and more importantly, find connections to cases going back to both previous books. If you were to start the series with Blind Spot you would probably be able to connect the dots, but my guess is you would feel a little lost at times.
Blind Spot commences a few weeks following the conclusion of Still Life, and focuses on FBI agent Declan Grey as he continues to investigate the threat that “the wrath is coming”, a terrorist threat that he believes is imminent, though his superiors aren’t as convinced. The gang’s newfound friend, Tanner Shaw, joins the FBI as a crisis counselor, and as Declan’s investigation leads to a human trafficking victim Tanner has been helping to transition, Declan and Tanner are paired together to crack the case.
Declan and Tanner met in Cold Shot, and while they initially appeared to be like oil and water, there was certainly an undeniable spark; only, Declan believed himself in love with his friend, Kate – who was still in love with their friend Luke, who had disappeared seven years prior. However, the more time Declan spends with Tanner, the more he realizes that his feelings for Kate were never quite what he had thought, and that what he is coming to feel for Tanner goes much deeper than what he ever felt for Kate. Mistaken first impressions, misunderstandings and Declan’s overprotective tendencies towards Tanner have been getting in the way, but as Declan and Tanner are forced to work together they each start seeing the true other, and can no longer deny the attraction between them. Within their first few hours as partners, however, Declan and Tanner find themselves attacked several times, confirming Declan’s belief that he is getting closer to the truth, and before Declan can begin to consider the ramifications of his feelings for Tanner, he must keep them both alive. It also becomes apparent that there is much more to Tanner than he ever imagined as she possesses skills no mere crisis counselor should have, and it’s time for the gang to learn the truth about their new friend’s past.
While Tanner and Declan look into the death of Steven Burke (who was found murdered in Still Life), and find a surprising connection to Jenna McCray (Griffin’s sister) and Max Stallings (who was arrested in Cold Shot), the others investigate a case concerning the guys’ one time little league coach. While helping all the others, Kate is still searching for her college boyfriend, Luke, who had disappeared without a trace seven years prior. Kate is the only one of the friends who believes that Luke is still alive after all this time, and Blind Spot finally confirms that Luke is indeed very much alive. We finally learn why he left and get an idea of what he’s been up to, but to poor Kate’s dismay, she finally discovers that Luke left his life, and all of them, voluntarily. I’ve been hurting with Kate and for Kate since Cold Shot, and I look forward to digging into the next book, Dead Drift, to finally get to Kate and Luke’s story. The boy’s certainly some ‘splainin’ to do, but the few scant scenes in Blind Spot have already softened my heart towards an obviously lost Luke. If anyone can forgive him and help him heal (besides Jesus), it’s our girl, Kate.
Usually I get annoyed when an author divides her time (and therefore my time) between the main characters and secondary characters, but what Pettrey does beautifully is make the reader so invested in all the characters and both cases that as we spend time with Griffin and co, we are very much present, but still anxious to rejoining Declan and Tanner to continue their investigation as well. She creates a perfect balance between the two cases. The Chesapeake Valor books read more as an ensemble series than main characters and secondary characters, and we get to spend a satisfying amount of time with all the characters in each book.
As always, the characters’ faith is ever-present yet not overwhelming for non-believers. Again, both characters go into the relationship with steady faith, which I find refreshing as usually in religious fiction one of the characters leads the other to Christ – which is, of course, wonderful, but I am quite enjoying reading about couples who share a love of God from the get-go and who are only stronger as a unit because of it.
I would classify the book as action/suspense first, with a satisfying touch of romance and religious fiction. A good balance, a satisfying, action-packed, emotional read.
Blind Spot commences a few weeks following the conclusion of Still Life, and focuses on FBI agent Declan Grey as he continues to investigate the threat that “the wrath is coming”, a terrorist threat that he believes is imminent, though his superiors aren’t as convinced. The gang’s newfound friend, Tanner Shaw, joins the FBI as a crisis counselor, and as Declan’s investigation leads to a human trafficking victim Tanner has been helping to transition, Declan and Tanner are paired together to crack the case.
Declan and Tanner met in Cold Shot, and while they initially appeared to be like oil and water, there was certainly an undeniable spark; only, Declan believed himself in love with his friend, Kate – who was still in love with their friend Luke, who had disappeared seven years prior. However, the more time Declan spends with Tanner, the more he realizes that his feelings for Kate were never quite what he had thought, and that what he is coming to feel for Tanner goes much deeper than what he ever felt for Kate. Mistaken first impressions, misunderstandings and Declan’s overprotective tendencies towards Tanner have been getting in the way, but as Declan and Tanner are forced to work together they each start seeing the true other, and can no longer deny the attraction between them. Within their first few hours as partners, however, Declan and Tanner find themselves attacked several times, confirming Declan’s belief that he is getting closer to the truth, and before Declan can begin to consider the ramifications of his feelings for Tanner, he must keep them both alive. It also becomes apparent that there is much more to Tanner than he ever imagined as she possesses skills no mere crisis counselor should have, and it’s time for the gang to learn the truth about their new friend’s past.
While Tanner and Declan look into the death of Steven Burke (who was found murdered in Still Life), and find a surprising connection to Jenna McCray (Griffin’s sister) and Max Stallings (who was arrested in Cold Shot), the others investigate a case concerning the guys’ one time little league coach. While helping all the others, Kate is still searching for her college boyfriend, Luke, who had disappeared without a trace seven years prior. Kate is the only one of the friends who believes that Luke is still alive after all this time, and Blind Spot finally confirms that Luke is indeed very much alive. We finally learn why he left and get an idea of what he’s been up to, but to poor Kate’s dismay, she finally discovers that Luke left his life, and all of them, voluntarily. I’ve been hurting with Kate and for Kate since Cold Shot, and I look forward to digging into the next book, Dead Drift, to finally get to Kate and Luke’s story. The boy’s certainly some ‘splainin’ to do, but the few scant scenes in Blind Spot have already softened my heart towards an obviously lost Luke. If anyone can forgive him and help him heal (besides Jesus), it’s our girl, Kate.
Usually I get annoyed when an author divides her time (and therefore my time) between the main characters and secondary characters, but what Pettrey does beautifully is make the reader so invested in all the characters and both cases that as we spend time with Griffin and co, we are very much present, but still anxious to rejoining Declan and Tanner to continue their investigation as well. She creates a perfect balance between the two cases. The Chesapeake Valor books read more as an ensemble series than main characters and secondary characters, and we get to spend a satisfying amount of time with all the characters in each book.
As always, the characters’ faith is ever-present yet not overwhelming for non-believers. Again, both characters go into the relationship with steady faith, which I find refreshing as usually in religious fiction one of the characters leads the other to Christ – which is, of course, wonderful, but I am quite enjoying reading about couples who share a love of God from the get-go and who are only stronger as a unit because of it.
I would classify the book as action/suspense first, with a satisfying touch of romance and religious fiction. A good balance, a satisfying, action-packed, emotional read.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 669
- RRP
R 810- (-17%)
A Neccesity
Reviewed by Sharn G on
This box set is simply a must have for any Pokémon fan, be they hard core veterans or not. The entire experience, the look and feel of the reading material is just so satisfying as a die hard Pokémon fan.
Comes with a cool poster!!!
Comes with a cool poster!!!
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 326
Sweet - innocent
Reviewed by Aishah F on
I loved it. It was very light and sweet. Some might find a lot of "cringe moments" - not me. If you feel for a dreamy romance, then this is for you.
Its a sweet romance that swoons you from the start. Makes your heart happy and giddy inside.
You really feel her feelings. And agree in all her decisions making.
Its a sweet romance that swoons you from the start. Makes your heart happy and giddy inside.
You really feel her feelings. And agree in all her decisions making.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 317
This is folded up laminated cardboard, not hard card stock
Reviewed by Greg W on
This mat is not close to the quality of the official DnD battle grid, which is an awesome thick mat that lays 100% flat.
The Pathfinder mat (this product) is a folded up piece of laminated cardboard that will have two folds across and two folds from top to bottom, when you lay it out, essentially giving you unwanted 'mountains and valleys' that you can't get rid of due to the folds in the mat that don't compress.
I'm surprised this is so popular, and would definitely not recommend it. I bought it for the sea terrain, not knowing what the quality was like.
Go for the DnD double sided battle grid instead.
The Pathfinder mat (this product) is a folded up piece of laminated cardboard that will have two folds across and two folds from top to bottom, when you lay it out, essentially giving you unwanted 'mountains and valleys' that you can't get rid of due to the folds in the mat that don't compress.
I'm surprised this is so popular, and would definitely not recommend it. I bought it for the sea terrain, not knowing what the quality was like.
Go for the DnD double sided battle grid instead.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 585
SO BIG!!
Reviewed by Bridget on
So I knew this collected edition would be big but this is just huge!!
It's A4 and super thick. I like it but also might be a bit excessive, I am use to big collected editions in comics so I am not horrified but if you are only use to standard manga be careful.
Paper quality is also not the best can see a little of the previous pages ink showing through.
**I would also like to say it did come with a damaged spin which is very disappointing!!
It's A4 and super thick. I like it but also might be a bit excessive, I am use to big collected editions in comics so I am not horrified but if you are only use to standard manga be careful.
Paper quality is also not the best can see a little of the previous pages ink showing through.
**I would also like to say it did come with a damaged spin which is very disappointing!!
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 240
- RRP
R 350- (-31%)
Amazing edition
Reviewed by Chiara S on
I wanted this book as soon as I saw Bloomsbury tweeting about it. The cover is absolutely beautiful and really striking. The book arrived in excellent condition, wrapped in paper for extra protection. A must have for every Gryffindor.
Dispatched in 3 to 5 working days
- Price
- R 231
- RRP
R 290- (-20%)
Not hardcover editon
Reviewed by Goolam D on
The listing is incorrect. This is the regular mass paperback edition, not hardcover :(
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 3,031
amazing book
Reviewed by Anna N on
This is really an amazing book, very readable, yet full of interesting facts and conclusions. I had no idea that such strong links existed between Poland and Holland, and even that there were influences between these artists!
I definitely recommend it!
I definitely recommend it!
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 220
Excellent series, great book
Reviewed by Matthew B on
Transmetropolitan is a fantastic series, and this collection is of good quality.
The paper is standard comic stock, non glossy and thing, so could tear/mark easily. It makes me a little fearful for the longevity of the book, but is coloured and printed extremely well. At this price point, I can't really expect glossy pages.
The paper is standard comic stock, non glossy and thing, so could tear/mark easily. It makes me a little fearful for the longevity of the book, but is coloured and printed extremely well. At this price point, I can't really expect glossy pages.
Dispatched in 4 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 142
- RRP
R 185- (-23%)
Stunning
Reviewed by Candace B on
beautiful book and amazing story
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 383
If you like Dan Brown, then you will like this!
Reviewed by Calvin S on
I have never read a James Patterson book in my life - as a matter of principle! The man is the richest author alive, mainly because he has become a brand and doesn't write any of the books that bear his name any more. Maybe I'm just jealous.
However, the involvement of former US president Bill Clinton with this project got me interested and convinced me to give this book a chance. I wasn't disappointed! Look, the novel is never going to be considered 'great literature.' But, if all you are looking for is an exciting page-turner (which occasionally makes you think a bit), then this is the book for you.
I have read all of Dan Brown's books, and the plot and writing style of this book reminded me most of Brown - but in a good way! I would also liken the experience of reading this book to watching a 2-hour suspense/action movie. Thrilling and entertaining.
However, the involvement of former US president Bill Clinton with this project got me interested and convinced me to give this book a chance. I wasn't disappointed! Look, the novel is never going to be considered 'great literature.' But, if all you are looking for is an exciting page-turner (which occasionally makes you think a bit), then this is the book for you.
I have read all of Dan Brown's books, and the plot and writing style of this book reminded me most of Brown - but in a good way! I would also liken the experience of reading this book to watching a 2-hour suspense/action movie. Thrilling and entertaining.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 1,054
Kind of Disappointing
Reviewed by Matiu on
Being a huge fan of the Scott Pilgrim film, I had decided to visit the source material in order to enhance my experience - what a terrible decision.
I feel as though the adaptation of the graphic novel into a film is the best thing that could ever happen to it. The graphic novels tend to meander for a very long time, seemingly going nowhere, and often remaining uninteresting. The titular character, Scott, appears to have absolutely no redeeming qualities, and makes for a rather unlikable protagonist.
This would be okay, if only the price of the graphic novels had not been so steep.
I would advice the reader to stick to the film :)
I feel as though the adaptation of the graphic novel into a film is the best thing that could ever happen to it. The graphic novels tend to meander for a very long time, seemingly going nowhere, and often remaining uninteresting. The titular character, Scott, appears to have absolutely no redeeming qualities, and makes for a rather unlikable protagonist.
This would be okay, if only the price of the graphic novels had not been so steep.
I would advice the reader to stick to the film :)
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 153
Excited
Reviewed by Matiu on
So unbelievably excited for this! David Liss typically does a great job.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 161
Attack on titan manga
Reviewed by Onyxa19 on
These books always come in perfect condition, and Raru is very quick to deliver. Excellent choice*
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 366
Relatable and relevant
Reviewed by Mia C on
This is a fantastic collection of DTWF. The characters are incredibly relatable and the storylines are relevant in a way that is quite visionary for its time. The hardcover edition is nice and heavy with a good quality cover.
Dispatched in 3 to 5 working days
- Price
- R 139
- RRP
R 175- (-21%)
A new setting, new angels, new mysteries and new discoveries
Reviewed by Nastassja L on
Just like its predecessor, Fallen, I finished reading Torment in three days. I love the story of Daniel and Luce, and all of the mysteries there are yet to discover. As previously mentioned the Fallen series by Lauren Kate is about Lucinda Price, a mortal girl (although I am starting to have my suspicions about Luce’s mortality) who is doomed to fall in love with, and then lose, fallen angel Daniel Grigori lifetime after reincarnated lifetime. This time around, though, things seem to be different and all of the angels are convinced that this lifetime will change Luce and Daniel’s story forever (and not only because Luce has not been baptized in this lifetime, which of course means that if Luce should die this time around, she will not be reincarnated - if she dies, she dies for good).
Although I love the story and the characters, and definitely prefer the new setting and the new characters we are introduced to (I much prefer them to the lot at Sword & Cross), I had the nagging feeling that I was reading Stephenie Meyer’s New Moon again – and as you know New Moon was my least favourite book of the Twilight Saga. The star crossed lovers are separated. Boy is anguished; girl is tormented and close to depression. Enter new bff boy who makes our heroine feel all warm and fuzzy in the absence of her true love, serving only to confuse her already tumultuous emotions even further. New bff boy tries to make our heroine fall in love with him, even knowing she loves another. Seriously, this guy is Jacob Black all over again; annoying the life out of me!
Having said that, I enjoyed tagging along with Luce as she made new discoveries about her life… or lives, I should say. The story is starting to take a very interesting shape, and with every page the Fallen series gets better. Sadly, we see very little of Daniel, thankfully we see even less of Cam, and we have what I would call little cameo appearances by Roland and Arianne, two of my fallen favourites. A new setting, new angels, new mysteries and new discoveries make Torment an interesting read. For a happy ending kind of gal I wasn’t terribly impressed with the ending, though I can’t say I was disappointed either. Uncertainties and suspense filled scenes are, after all, a great way to end these pesky “to-be-continued’s”, and at the very least I’m happy to see Luce finally getting some backbone and owning her life. At the end of the day Torment leaves you just as it should: wanting more.
Although I love the story and the characters, and definitely prefer the new setting and the new characters we are introduced to (I much prefer them to the lot at Sword & Cross), I had the nagging feeling that I was reading Stephenie Meyer’s New Moon again – and as you know New Moon was my least favourite book of the Twilight Saga. The star crossed lovers are separated. Boy is anguished; girl is tormented and close to depression. Enter new bff boy who makes our heroine feel all warm and fuzzy in the absence of her true love, serving only to confuse her already tumultuous emotions even further. New bff boy tries to make our heroine fall in love with him, even knowing she loves another. Seriously, this guy is Jacob Black all over again; annoying the life out of me!
Having said that, I enjoyed tagging along with Luce as she made new discoveries about her life… or lives, I should say. The story is starting to take a very interesting shape, and with every page the Fallen series gets better. Sadly, we see very little of Daniel, thankfully we see even less of Cam, and we have what I would call little cameo appearances by Roland and Arianne, two of my fallen favourites. A new setting, new angels, new mysteries and new discoveries make Torment an interesting read. For a happy ending kind of gal I wasn’t terribly impressed with the ending, though I can’t say I was disappointed either. Uncertainties and suspense filled scenes are, after all, a great way to end these pesky “to-be-continued’s”, and at the very least I’m happy to see Luce finally getting some backbone and owning her life. At the end of the day Torment leaves you just as it should: wanting more.
Dispatched in 3 to 5 working days
- Price
- R 139
- RRP
R 175- (-21%)
Not as exciting as you would expect
Reviewed by Nastassja L on
In great anticipation I counted the months for the third installment of Lauren Kate's Fallen series to hit the shelves. As you might remember from my post on Torment, the previous book ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger where Luce practically dives into her past lives (thousands of years of reincarnations of herself). Passion follows Luce as she gets a front row seat to her and Daniel's love through the ages. Sounds exciting, right? Yeah, well the problem is... it wasn't, really. With thousands of years to play with I think Lauren could have given us glimpses of amazing past events! The possibilities are endless! Instead, we see Luce as a Mayan girl becoming a blood sacrifice, an islander sipping coconut juice and giving Daniel tattoos, a spoilt, rich, aristocratic snob... I just think these past lives could have been more interesting. Well, at least we got to see a Shakespeare play! In my favourite reincarnation of Luce she is an actress performing Henry the 8th in the Globe theatre! I loved the cameo by William Shakespeare, and how it turns out Luce is the one responsible for the Globe theatre burning to the ground. More of these kinds of real events worked into Luce's past lives would have been much more interesting.
Having said that, I think all of those glimpses of Luce and Daniel's love in different stages are necessary to understand how deep and how complicated their love is. The problem is just this book is not nearly as gripping as the previous two. Here's hoping the next one will make up for it.
Sadly I have several problems with this book. Firstly, I found the prologue to be unnecessary and confusing. I still don't know what the point of it is, and to me those were wasted pages. None of those characters came up later in the book (unless the booming voice was supposed to be Satan, in which case I didn't get it), so if that was an integral part of the story, I think Lauren should have saved it for the next book, where it would actually make sense.
Then, I get that Luce is reincarnated lifetime after lifetime, so I understand how she once ended up Mayan, once Chinese etc, etc, but how does Daniel change? It is never explained how he changes... mostly he always looks the same, but then suddenly he's Egyptian. I get that he's an Angel and he can probably do what he wants, but I hate when things like that are written in and the reader is just expected to believe it without an explanation. If you want to make drastic changes like that, you need to have a method.
My biggest problem with the book, though, is the final chapter which features a scene in Heaven. I won't say too much here so I don't spoil the ending for anyone who decides they want to read the book, but there are some things I believe people should be careful to write about. Anytime I read something featuring God and it makes me uncomfortable, kind of that I-don't-think-this-is-right-feeling, I have a problem with it. Lauren wasn't blasphemous in her writing, it's just that I don't like the way she described the scene in Heaven, if that makes sense. Again, I hope that she makes up for it in the next book.
In my previous post I also expressed my doubts about Luce's mortality. I have always thought that Luce is also an Angel, she just doesn't know it, and even though it wasn't explicitly stated in this book, I think my suspicions have been confirmed. A discovery to look forward to. Then something I found very interesting, is how Satan seems to feel about Luce. That combined with with the fact that Daniel came across jealous that Luce had spent time with Satan (even though he tricked her and she didn't realise who he was), makes me wonder if Lucifer might have loved Luce in Heaven? That's another thing, their names; Lucinda and Lucifer. Significant? Maybe. Then again, maybe I'm just grabbing at straws; we'll have to wait and see.
Now, what I loved about the book. Other than Fallen and Torment, Passion focuses solely on Luce and Daniel. We see a little bit of the others, but mainly we see Luce and Daniel. Finally. For what is down at the core a love story, Luce and Daniel don't spend much time together in the course of the three books. Annoying to me, but maybe this works for other people. At least in this book the other characters don't constantly get in the way of Luce and Daniel's relationship. Also, Luce finally realises that what she and Daniel have is real, and stops questioning it. And then there's Cam. Now, you know I'm not the world's biggest Cam fan, but I find there is hope for him yet. I'm looking forward to see what the next chapter will bring.
Having said that, I think all of those glimpses of Luce and Daniel's love in different stages are necessary to understand how deep and how complicated their love is. The problem is just this book is not nearly as gripping as the previous two. Here's hoping the next one will make up for it.
Sadly I have several problems with this book. Firstly, I found the prologue to be unnecessary and confusing. I still don't know what the point of it is, and to me those were wasted pages. None of those characters came up later in the book (unless the booming voice was supposed to be Satan, in which case I didn't get it), so if that was an integral part of the story, I think Lauren should have saved it for the next book, where it would actually make sense.
Then, I get that Luce is reincarnated lifetime after lifetime, so I understand how she once ended up Mayan, once Chinese etc, etc, but how does Daniel change? It is never explained how he changes... mostly he always looks the same, but then suddenly he's Egyptian. I get that he's an Angel and he can probably do what he wants, but I hate when things like that are written in and the reader is just expected to believe it without an explanation. If you want to make drastic changes like that, you need to have a method.
My biggest problem with the book, though, is the final chapter which features a scene in Heaven. I won't say too much here so I don't spoil the ending for anyone who decides they want to read the book, but there are some things I believe people should be careful to write about. Anytime I read something featuring God and it makes me uncomfortable, kind of that I-don't-think-this-is-right-feeling, I have a problem with it. Lauren wasn't blasphemous in her writing, it's just that I don't like the way she described the scene in Heaven, if that makes sense. Again, I hope that she makes up for it in the next book.
In my previous post I also expressed my doubts about Luce's mortality. I have always thought that Luce is also an Angel, she just doesn't know it, and even though it wasn't explicitly stated in this book, I think my suspicions have been confirmed. A discovery to look forward to. Then something I found very interesting, is how Satan seems to feel about Luce. That combined with with the fact that Daniel came across jealous that Luce had spent time with Satan (even though he tricked her and she didn't realise who he was), makes me wonder if Lucifer might have loved Luce in Heaven? That's another thing, their names; Lucinda and Lucifer. Significant? Maybe. Then again, maybe I'm just grabbing at straws; we'll have to wait and see.
Now, what I loved about the book. Other than Fallen and Torment, Passion focuses solely on Luce and Daniel. We see a little bit of the others, but mainly we see Luce and Daniel. Finally. For what is down at the core a love story, Luce and Daniel don't spend much time together in the course of the three books. Annoying to me, but maybe this works for other people. At least in this book the other characters don't constantly get in the way of Luce and Daniel's relationship. Also, Luce finally realises that what she and Daniel have is real, and stops questioning it. And then there's Cam. Now, you know I'm not the world's biggest Cam fan, but I find there is hope for him yet. I'm looking forward to see what the next chapter will bring.
Dispatched in 10 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 132
Dazzling and heartbreakingly real
Reviewed by Nastassja L on
Jamie and Landon have "known" each other all of their lives. They live in the same small town, go to the same school, attend the same church, but they've never been friends. Landon is popular, Jamie is not. Jamie doesn't wear fashionable clothes, she carries her Bible around with her, she does charity work. Jamie is pretty much the most boring girl in Beaufort; or so Landon thinks. As newly appointed Student Body President, Landon must attend the school dance, with a date. Having previously dismissed the idea of going, Landon is dateless at the last minute, and reluctantly asks out the only girl who hasn't been asked; Jamie. Once in her company Landon begins to realise that Jamie is a lovely girl, misunderstood by her peers. As they start to spend more time in each other's company, Landon has to deal with redicule from the popular kids, Jamie's disapproving father, and most importantly the mystery of Jamie's misunderstood life and unshakeable faith in a God she can't see.
The description from Nicholas' website pretty much sums up the outline of the story, but the core is so dazzling and heartbreakingly real that I can't share that here without giving the story away. It's quite simply one of those books you have to read for yourself. I sincerely hope that you do.
The description from Nicholas' website pretty much sums up the outline of the story, but the core is so dazzling and heartbreakingly real that I can't share that here without giving the story away. It's quite simply one of those books you have to read for yourself. I sincerely hope that you do.