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Summary: The hidden light within the dark
Review: Daughter of the Blood is the first book of Anne Bishop's 'The Black Jewels' series. Hearing from friends and acquaintances about the content of the book really made me rather leery to read it at all, but despite the graphic scenes I was told about, there were hints of intense power struggles, and the classic story of a girl coming to find herself and her true power within herself.That is what this first book is about. It's about facing life, the hardships it throws at you, and the many different ways that different people from different backgrounds have done so in the past, and continue to do so later in their lives. The cast of characters is incredibly wide ranging, and the stereotypes aren't as clear cut as we wish them to be. An amazing mix of class rank, gender roles, and social rivalry all combine into a struggle for a new way of life by those abused and destroyed from violence and hate that was undeserved. This was a wonderful story, one that should be included among the mature-level for teenagers, in my humble opinion. I look forward to the next books in the series: Heir of Shadows and Queen of Darkness.
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Summary: The BEST trilogy I have EVER read!
Review: In all of the science fiction/fantasy novels that I have read, nothing beats this one! I just recently pulled if off my shelves to read thru again! The characters...you'll fall in love with, and cry when they're gone! I will NEVER trade this book...I'm gonna read it over...and over.....and over..........
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Summary: If you don't know what dark fantasy is, then read this...
Review: I read this book with high hopes after seeing all of the positive reviews. It is the first dark fantasy I've ever read and yes, it's dark. It's as if a pall is hanging over your head as you read. Luckily the world the author created was interesting, so I continued to read. For the good points: the book is rich in characterization, the events are "different", as is the world the characters live in, and the plot is decent. Unfortunately, for me, that still didn't add up to a really good book. I think the lack of action is what did it. I don't need action on every page, but there was little action in this book, save for the last few pages which I tore through eagerly. In addition, the first few chapters were confusing. In them, the author is introducing various characters and the concepts that work for this "world". These chapters are necessary for understanding the story, but they're not the easiest to follow. If you can make it past the first few chapters, if you appreciate books that are heavy into characterization, and if you like your fantasy dark, then you'll likely love this book. If you like action, you should look elsewhere because you won't find much of it here.
Rating:
Summary: A good bad book
Review: I've read all three books in this series, and I still don't understand why. Many aspects of the plot seem arbitrary, and so are the characters' names. There are times when the author seems unable to decide whether to be dark or whether to be cutesy, so she does both. This book is probably the best of the series, since it's the most punchy. The premise is interesting, and the story is just rich enough to make me wonder "what happens next?" Still, this series is like eating cotton candy - it tastes good at the time, but it's not made of much.
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Summary: Truly a favorite
Review: _Daughter of the Blood_ is the first book in the best dark fantasy trilogy I have ever read. It's the story of Jaenelle, who is Witch(a fulfilment of a prophecy made hundreds of years before), Daemon(one of the most lusciously dark *heroes* I've ever encountered), and Saetan(who happens to be the wonderful father figure to Jaenelle). This book is so passionate and magical and fascinating that I read it over and over again while waiting impatiently for the second book. Very highly recommended to any lover of strong-yet-wounded heroines, strong-yet-wounded heroes, and any lover of fantasy.
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Summary: Fantasy at its best
Review: I picked up this book on vacation because I needed a good read. Little did I know how good it would be! I haven't picked up the second and third in the series, but I can't wait to read them. Anne Bishop creates an incredible world and populates it with brilliant, multifaceted characters. I've read a lot of fantasy, and Anne Bishop is definitely going on my Read Everything She's Ever Written List. The only thing I wish this book had was a map, although I understand that might be a little difficult to produce, with the three realms and all. I won't tell you the plot, except that you'll be hooked from the first pages. Pick it up!
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Summary: A wonderful, delicious surprise
Review: I passed this book several times when broswing. I truly regret that decision. The cover implies this is just another elves & knights fantasy, with sword brandishing heros and brainless heroines. Instead, this is one of the deepest, most orignal, textured novels I've had the joy of reading. Jaenelle is an amazing character. We never actually hear from her as a narator or a focus. Only the reactions of others illustrate her. She seemed to actually live and breathe on the page. The texture of the book pulls you deeply into her life. Dark themes are handles with a tactful hand. Other authors, like Poppy Z. Brite have tried to address similar themes of dominance/submission and child abuse, but never with such dexterity. I finished this book, much to my boss's dismay in a matter of hours and gobbled up the next two in the series with a few days. The easily offended should perhaps read something else, but dark dreamers would be well advised to not judge this book by the stereotypical cover. Dive into a wonderfully sweet and frightening world.
Rating:
Summary: Sweetly Seductive
Review: A dark and evocative tale of power, corruption, and hope. Full of vibrant characters and rich setting, Daughter of the Blood is an enticing read. An ancient prophecy tells of a witch so powerful that she can heal the damaged Blood (the magic-using ruling class). The prophecy has come true, and Witch now walks the land. But she still has to grow up. Daemon, Lucivar, and Saetan, inexplicably drawn together, all try to protect Jaenelle, who is Witch--and their only hope. Plots swirl around them, threatening to destroy both them and their sanity. The characters are deliciously dark, and the villains those you love to hate. This book was almost impossible for me to put down, and as delightful as the cover. I waited impatiently for the third book to come out, desperatly wondering what would become of my favorite characters. An amazing debut novel by Anne Bishop, it sparkles with wit and charm. Although it is a little graphic, the strong writing carries it through, and creates a powerful story.
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Summary: A wonderful series.
Review: If you're looking for a new series, check this one out! The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns. One of my all time favorites. Love the characters!
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Summary: A book and its cover...
Review: You know the old adage: Don't judge a book by its cover. Never more true than here. The bright and beautiful front cover looks as if the story will be a charming little fantasy. This books doesn't charm, it seduces and mesmerizes. This has to be one of the best dark fantasies around -- it sucked me in and didn't let me go for two days. I literally had to force myself to put it down at times. The characters were mysterious and engaging. I found that I was always reading for more information, more clues to the world of the Dark Jewels. The plot grabbed hold and kept moving until a tense ending -- and left enough questions and ancillary story lines that I can't wait to read the next one. This one is a keeper, and one I'm sure to re-read.
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