Sunshine

Rating:
Summary: Unsure of what to think...
Review: First of all, I agree with most reviewers that this book requires a sequel (or even a series). There is so much information that leaves the reader hanging. I loved Robin's books, The Blue Sword and the Hero and the Crown, so when I saw this book it looked so promising. The problem is I found my attention wandering elsewhere at times, and the story was just not as fascinating as her past books. One minor problem I had with the book was the sexual content. Not because I'm a prude, but because I felt it was unnecessary. It felt more like Robin included it in order to make this book a "real" adult novel. That aside, I'll give it to you that yes, the book has a great premise and interesting ideas. The world and the lingo is fantastic, and there are many characters that have potential for a greater story. Unfortunately, it didn't have that special spark that makes me love this story. It was an enjoyable read, yes, but in the end, I'm on the fence as to whether or not I liked it.

Rating:
Summary: Better than Chocolate (and not really a vampire book)
Review: I should say from the start that I do believe Robin McKinley could rewrite the dictionary and it would be interesting, so I'm biased. I have good reason to be biased. McKinley's skills as a storyteller, as a writer, as a voice for her characters and her worlds is unparallelled.

Sunshine is not a book about vampires. They are there and they are central to the story, but the book is so much more than that. The best part of the book is that afore mentioned voice. I am not usually a fan of first person storytelling, but Sunshine is full of wry wit and a self-deprecatingly quirky combination of realism, independence, and fancy. I applaud the author for going in a new (if slightly Buffyesque) direction.

This book obviously isn't to everyone's taste, but the writing is still superb and I highly recommend it.

If it helps, my personal list of Robin McKinley favourites is: The Hero & the Crown, The Blue Sword, Deerskin, and now in 4th place -- Sunshine.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling and Mysterious
Review: I've read all of Robin McKinley's books, and prior to Sunshine, my favorites were Hero and the Crown, The Blue Sword, and Spindle's End. I was delighted when Spindle's End came out, as I knew it would be another superbly crafter tale from this brilliant author. When I heard rumors of Sunshine, I wondered how the author would treat a modern vampire-novel, as none of her previous books held the edge of the 21st century. I was surprised by Sunshine, very pleasantly; having not read spoilers for the novel first, I loved how Robin McKinley's prose draws you into a rich and textured world which you are already a part of before you catch glimpses of oddities that surprise you for their alien qualities.
I am also a fan of Tanya Huff, and Laurell K. Hamilton, Buffy, etc, so I'm always on the lookout for pop-culture vampires, but I can honestly recommend Sunshine to those who prefer the mysterious, convoluted style of Patricia McKillips the Sorceress and the Cygnet, and Robin McKinley's other books.

Rating:
Summary: Not a Children's Book.
Review: I picked up this title in order to experience the novelty of Robin Mckinley children's author writing a book that was in the adult horror section of my local book store. Saying this, I must admit my dismay at finding the author's children's books recommended along with this title. It is a wonderful book for grown ups I read the book and enjoyed it immensely. I wouldn't want my twelve year old little cousin reading this without some serious parental guidance.

That being said, I was pleased to add Beauty to my collection of vampire fiction. If the author decides to continue this book in a sequel, I will most definitely buy it.

One warning to those who buy the book: the descriptions in the reviews ruin several key plot twists. So if you are like me and skip the reviews, and head straight to what your fellow consumers think of the book, don't scroll back up. Read the book and you will agree with me that the reviews offerred up for this book have serious spoilers.

Rating:
Summary: This is Robin McKinley's worst book.
Review: I have read all of Robin McKinley's books and this is the absolute worst. I have enjoyed most of her books and while I found this book to be as readable as the others I found the content to be very offensive. The main character can't seem to keep her clothes on and jumps between lovers like they are the flavor of the day. Also, the reader is left hanging at the end of the book. It is almost like Robin got tired of writing and just decided to put down her pen without connecting the lose ends. The main character in this book should be named something besides Sunshine (Buffy perhaps?) since she is as evil the vampires she battles against.

Rating:
Summary: Deserves a Sequel
Review: This was the first book I've read by Robin McKinley and I really enjoyed it. So much, in fact that I would love to see a sequel. There are many areas to futher pursue that would make an excellant second book.
Sunshine is a great character, one that I didn't get to see enough of. The story line has already been laid out in previous reviews so well that I won't bore people by repeating it here, but will talk about the characters. Sunshine is very well fleshed out in this book, but there is so much more about her we can learn and about her family. She has learned that she comes from a family very well versed in magic handling and learns that she has these powers herself, one being an affinity for Sunlight.
Other characters are just as appealing. Con, the vampire she is brought to as a meal, but they bond together and is one of the high points of this tale. Mel, her boyfriend, but what else is he? At one point in the story he helps her in her fight against the bad guy. Her father, who we don't get to meet on the page, but his influence is felt all though the book and her grandmother, who we only get to see several times and know we would like to see more of her.
A very good tale that combines elements of several differant genres and leaves the reader wanting more. How about it Robin McKinley? Will you please return to the world of Sunshine and give us more?
Sunshine is one book, I have no problem recommending to readers.

Rating:
Summary: An Unexpected Treat
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I must admit I am a fan of vampire fiction. Lately, a lot of what I was reading has become stale and predictable. Sunshine answered my prayers. It is well written with a real plot line and not over sexed. I recommend it as a really good read.

Rating:
Summary: Remniscient of Anne Rice!
Review: * Chained to a wall wearing a red dress, she is to be his sacrifice . . . *

Sunshine reminded me of the writings of Anne Rice. Filled with mystery, chills and thrills ~ it was hard to put.

In less than a 100 years, the Vampire Elite will control all of the world. Sunshine, famous cinnamon baker at Charlie's Coffeehouse, has been kidnapped by vampires. Forced to wear a red dress, she is chained to a wall in an abandoned ballroom. But she is not alone.

Something immortal and hungry lurks in the shadows. It is a powerful vampire, Constantine who has been chained by his sworn enemy. He is half mad with hunger and having Sunshine so near to him nearly pushes him over the brink.

Yet, Sunshine is no mere mortal. She is the daughter of a powerful sorcerer, Onyx Blaise. Like her father, she possesses incredible powers that enable her to safe herself and Constantine.

Thus begins their journey for survival against those immortals who seek to kill her & to finally get rid of Constantine.

Sunshine was an incredible heroine. Even before she realized that the magic she possessed as a young girl had grown powerful, she is determined to save Constantine. Despite the danger he poses to herself, she will not leave him to die. She was so kind, compassionate and very courageous. She was definitely a delight to read about.

Constantine was an alpha male. Powerful, graceful, handsome & lethal. The attraction between him & Sunshine was believable unlike some other paranormal novels you might have read.

I hope that there is a sequel. Onxy Blaise & his mother are mentioned frequently. Both have disappeared. But are they gone for good? I hope not. It will be interesting to see Sunshine's reaction to her famous or infamous father. :)

Sunshine is an intense, vampire novel brimming with gothic undertones. A must read for every vampire & Anne Rice fan.

Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: It was wonderful!
Review: I have read and reread and loved Robin's earlier books. I felt that in recent years she had gone off some strange deep end. I keep reading her new books, but starting with Deerskin, I have found her books only worth a single reading. In Spindle's End she started out really well, but I felt that she lost it at the end. That book, too, I read only once because of the disappointment of the ending.

When I began reading this book, I was very excited. I felt a deep involvement with the heroine and her life. There was such energy and freshness and excitement! And boy are her vampires scary. As I got toward the end of the book, there was an area where things dragged as other reviewers have pointed out. I began to worry that she was going to fall apart at the end like she did in Spindle's End. But she pulled herself together and the ending was a wowser. This is the best book she's written in many years. I'm praying for a sequel.

One last note: Her earlier books are much read by young adolescents. This book is not appropriate for them. Don't make the mistake of giving it to your 13-year-old for Christmas because she adored The Hero's Crown.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it, and so does my husband
Review: Where I can see the point of the two reviewers who didn't like the constant asides by the heroine, I really felt that it added to the tension and interest. But then, I have a running commentary in my head as well. I found it interesting and funny how her mind would run sometimes and really loved the tone. Sunshine probably isn't for everyone, but, it really is nice to see Robin McKinley writing with different styles. I always like what she writes and I've no intention of telling her how to do it. Except to maybe write faster. My husband describes her books like "crack". : )