Book Description
"Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat." As Shakespeare knew, love burns high when thwarted by obstacles. In Twilight, an exquisite fantasy by Stephenie Meyer, readers discover a pair of lovers who are supremely star-crossed. Bella adores beautiful Edward, and he returns her love. But Edward is having a hard time controlling the blood lust she arouses in him, because--he's a vampire. At any moment, the intensity of their passion could drive him to kill her, and he agonizes over the danger. But, Bella would rather be dead than part from Edward, so she risks her life to stay near him, and the novel burns with the erotic tension of their dangerous and necessarily chaste relationship.Meyer has achieved quite a feat by making this scenario completely human and believable. She begins with a familiar YA premise (the new kid in school), and lulls us into thinking this will be just another realistic young adult novel. Bella has come to the small town of Forks on the gloomy Olympic Peninsula to be with her father. At school, she wonders about a group of five remarkably beautiful teens, who sit together in the cafeteria but never eat. As she grows to know, and then love, Edward, she learns their secret. They are all rescued vampires, part of a family headed by saintly Carlisle, who has inspired them to renounce human prey. For Edward's sake they welcome Bella, but when a roving group of tracker vampires fixates on her, the family is drawn into a desperate pursuit to protect the fragile human in their midst.The precision and delicacy of Meyer's writing lifts this wonderful novel beyond the limitations of the horror genre to a place among the best of YA fiction.(Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell 10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Stephenie Meyer Q: Were you a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Angel? What are you watching now that those shows are off the air? A: I have never seen an entire episode of Buffy or Angel. While I was writing Twilight, I let my older sister read along chapter by chapter. She's a huge Buffy fan and she kept trying to get me to watch, but I was afraid it would mess up my vision of the vampire world so I never did. I don't have a ton of time for TV, and my kids get rowdy when I have on "mommy shows," but I do have a secret fondness for reality shows (the good ones, at least in my opinion). I always TiVo Survivor, The Amazing Race, and America's Next Top Model. Q: What inspired you to write Twilight? Is this the beginning of a series? Why write for teens? A: Twilight was inspired by a very vivid dream, which is fairly faithfully transcribed as chapter thirteen of the book. There are sequels on the way--I'm hard at work editing book two (tentatively titled New Moon) right now, and book three is waiting in line for its turn. I didn't mean to write for teens--I didn't mean to write for anyone but myself, so I had an audience of one twenty-nine year old (and later one thirty-one year old when my sister started reading). I think the reason that I ended up with a book for teens is because high school is such a compelling time period--it gives you some of your worst scars and some of your most exhilarating memories. It's a fascinating place: old enough to feel truly adult, old enough to make decisions that affect the rest of your life, old enough to fall in love, yet, at the same time too young (in most cases) to be free to make a lot of those decisions without someone else's approval. There's a lot of scope for a novel in that. Q: What is your favorite vampire story? Fave vampire movie? A: I guess my favorite vampire story would be The Vampire Lestat, by Anne Rice, simply because it's one of the only ones I've ever read. I keep meaning to pick up Bram Stoker's Dracula, because I get asked this question so often and I should probably start with the classics, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Again, I'm afraid to read other vampire books now, for fear of finding things either too similar, or too different from my own vampire world. Ack! I can't even answer the movie question. I can't remember ever seeing a single vampire movie, outside of clips from Bela Lugosi movies on TV. I don't like true horror movies--my favorite scary movies are all Hitchcock's. Q: What other young adult authors do you read? A: My favorite young adult author is L.M. Montgomery I also enjoyJ.K. Rowling (but who doesn't?), and Ann Brashares. As a teen, I skipped straight to adult books (lots of sci-fi and Jane Austen), so I'm rediscovering the world of teen literature now. Stephenie Meyer's List of Books You Should Read Anne of Green GablesRomeo and JulietDragonflightTo Kill a Mockingbird The Princess BrideSee more recommendations from Stephenie Meyer Amazon.com's Significant SevenStephenie Meyer graciously agreed to answer the questions we like to ask every author: the Amazon.com Significant Seven. Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?A: The book with the most significant impact on my life is The Book of Mormon. The book with the most significant impact on my life as a writer is probably Speaker for the Dead, by Orson Scott Card, with Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier coming in as a close second.Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?A: The CD is easy: Absolution by Muse, hands down. It's harder to give myself just one movie, but the one I watch most frequently is Sense and Sensibility--the one with the screenplay by Emma Thompson. One book is impossible. I'd have to have Pride and Prejudice, but I couldn't live without something by Orson Scott Card and a nice, thick Maeve Binchy, too.Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?A: My lies are all very, very boring: "No, you really look great in hot pink!" "My children only watch one hour of TV a day." "I didn't eat the last Swiss Cake Roll--it must have been one of the kids." That's the best I've got.Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.A: It's late at night and the house is silent, but I'm still (miraculously) full of energy. I have my headphones in and I'm listened to a mix of Muse, Coldplay, Travis, My Chemical Romance, and The All-American Rejects. Beside me is a fabulous, and yet mysteriously low in calorie, cheesecake....Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?A: I'd like it to say that I really tried at the important things.I was never perfect at any of them, but I honestly tried to be a great mom, a loving wife, a good daughter, and a true friend. Under that, I'd want a list of my favorite Simpsons quotes.Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?A: I'd love to have a chance to talk to Orson Scott Card--I have a million questions for him. Mostly things like, "How do you come up with this stuff?!" But, if he wasn't available, I'd settle for Matthew Bellamy (lead singer of Muse).Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?A: I'd want something offensive, rather than defensive. Like shooting fireballs from my hands. That way, you're really open to going either way--hero or villain. I like to have choices.
Customer Reviews:
the beginning of the twilight saga.......2007-10-11
i am a 14 year old girl and i ordered all 3 of the twilght books from amazon because i'd heard they were awesome and i knew i'd like them. twilght starts off great and i really felt like i could relate to bella. there were a couple times when she'd say or think something and it sounded exactly like what i would have said or thought. (i'm not going to repeat whole story because i know other people already have.) bella meets edward, who seems like this perfect guy, but there's something strange about him. after he saves her life a couple times she discovers he's a vampire. the story continues with bella and edward falling, a little bit annoyingly, in love. besides being a vampire, there's something a little weird about edward. he's a bit too perfect. (and he wears tight turtlenecks. i'd had a feeling that even though edward was great and really gorgeous, he wasn't the guy for me. when i read the part about turtlenecks i was sure. he's too male model-y.) he cares so much about bella that their relatonship seems a little unhealthy. if you feel, as i did, that talking about bella's scent is a little creepy, then brace yourself. Nevertheless, Twilight is a very sweet love story (there's a few moments where you'll just want to scream "awww!") with plenty of interesting characters, besides edward and bella. don't forget about jacob black!!! he became my favorite person in new moon and eclipse. there's also a some action towards the end of the book, but keep in mind that this is very much a love story. Twilght is an awesome book and i recommend it to any teenage girl.
Twilight, Book 1.......2007-10-10
I loved this book!! I couldn't put it down and read the whole thing in one day. It made me go buy the next two in the series the very next day. I enjoyed all three, but this one was the best. Also, may i say that i am no young adult so it was perfectly appropriate for me. I would think that it would be suitable for older teens more than younger. Edward and Bella are in an extremely obsessively romantic and not particularly healthy codependent relationship. Maybe not what you want your 13 year old to emulate.
Awesome!.......2007-10-10
This book was and is everything they said it would be! It is a very gripping read.
What can I say...Amazing.......2007-10-10
O.K. so I am not a Young Adult anymore but I fell in love with this book and, of course, Edward. I sacrificed much needed sleep to stay up until 5 in the morning to finish this book. I can't remember the last time I felt that way about a book.
I have read all the books in the series and this book is the one to read. It is far superior to the other 2. It is refreshingly clean and original. I was perfectly comfortable having my 16 yr. old daughter read it. I can not say as much for Eclipse.
Best series ever!.......2007-10-10
Twilight is one of the greatest love stories ever! Edward and Bella are going to be known like Romeo and Juliette, Rhett and Scarlett, and Cinderella and Prince Charming. You won't be able to wait for the other books in the series. Don't just buy the Twilight. You're going to want New Moon and Eclipse, also.
Product Description
Picking up where Season 7 of the cult TV series left off, creator Joss Whedon expands on the Slayer's mythology if he had the opportunity to continue the show into an eighth season.Since the destruction of the Hellmouth, the Slayers have gotten organized and are kicking some serious undead butt. But not everything's fun and firearms, as an old enemy reappears, and Dawn experiences some serious growing pains.
Customer Reviews:
Miss Buffy the t.v. show.......2007-07-24
I really miss the Buffy t.v. show, so I decided to read the comic. It was very interesting, but it cost quite a bit for a brief 5 - 10 minute read. I don't know if I'll purchase the others, unless I can find them at their original cost.
Expecting More.......2007-07-18
I only recently discovered that there was a Season 8 written by Joss Whedon and I immediately purchased the first 5 issues. After reading this first volume I'm left wanting more, but not quite as satisfied as I had hoped. Comics are okay, but seeing this on tv is so much better. If this had to be written I think I would have preferred a regular book instead of a comic book. All in all I think the first comic is just okay, but I still look forward to reading volume 2.
Buffy's back better than ever!.......2007-07-01
Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 8 takes place right after the ending of Sunnydale. Buffy, Zander, and a giant Dawn return. A few of the other main characters are missing but Joss Whedon promises they will be returning in later issues.
I loved the artwork and plot line. I mean Joss Whedon helped write this so what's not to like?
Meh..........2007-06-06
I am a big fan of Buffy, so, when I found out Joss had released a comic which would reflect his vision of season 8, I was eager to purchase it. Well.... I can honestly say I didn't like it. I love the Buff-meister and all, but this seemed really silly and not quite up to par. I think the art also lends itself to the unreality. Every character looks like they are 13. Buffy should at least be in her mid twenties.
The plot is pretty simple stuff. Buffy is the leader of a teen group of slayers who fight vampires in the future. Dawn is attending Berkeley and has a really BIG problem. Willow wasn't in this issue. Xander is Buffy's manager. Not a heck of a lot happens.
I would pick up a few issues if I could get it in the bargain bin of my local comic shop. But I wouldn't rush out to pay full price. There are better comics out there.
Sure it's four years late, but I'll take it.......2007-04-17
*Possible spoilers within.*
I wonder if Joss Whedon originally had more story to tell after the end of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," or if he simply came up with more recently. As "Buffy" ended where he'd supposedly originally intended it to, but "Angel" was cancelled when Whedon expressedy stated that he had more story to tell, I would have expected him to continue "Angel" rather than "Buffy". (I still wish he would do so, and he has recently said that he's considering it.) However, I'll gobble up anything by Mr. Whedon, especially if it has something to do with the Buffyverse. And so when the first issue of the Season Eight comics was released, I devoured it. It's a tasty morsel indeed.
This season takes place a while after the epic finale of the TV show. The U.S. government, investigating the annihilation of Sunnydale, is now pursuing Buffy Summers, whom they consider to be a dangerous terrorist. Buffy herself is leading the thousands of Slayers currently in Europe in small groups, while the patched Xander Harris guides her from their base in Scotland. Obviously this is no small operation - in fact, it's huge.
Speaking of huge, Dawn Summers has recently lost her virginity to a "thricewise" - the result being Dawn's sudden growth spurt, from about five feet to about fifty feet. She's huge, unhappy, and currently housed in a warehouse where her tiny sister tries to sort things out with her. Buffy knows all about the repercussions of your "first time", but Dawn is waiting for Willow's return to vent. ("And anyhow Willow's the expert on boys since when now?" Buffy muses.)
In Part I of the season premiere, titled "The Long Way Home," Buffy battles a group of large, nasty beasts whose most recent victims appear to be members of a cult. (Expect a follow-up on that in future issues.) Meanwhile, in Sunnydale, government workers have unearthed someone from Buffy's past with a hankerin' for some vengeance. And cheese.
If the first issue is any indication, Season Eight of "Buffy" is gonna rock. Truly, this is going to be an absolute delight for any and all fans. Whedon's writing is as witty, creative, and shocking as ever, alluding to previous events and baddies like he so loves to do (and we love him to do) as well as the revelation from Season Five of "Angel" in which we learn that Buffy is currently dating some jerk called "the Immortal." Nope - that was one of three decoy Buffys used to throw enemies off her trail. As for the actual look of the comic, George Jeanty's artwork is excellent. Already he has the look of the characters down pat.
I was worried about how well "Buffy" would work as a comic as opposed to a TV show. I needn't have worried. "Buffy" works, and it works well. It's a blast to see the characters back, OFFICIALLY, and from Whedon's own hands at that. (In future issues, other writers from the series will be scripting the issues as well!) By all means, don't just go out and buy these, because they're selling like mad. Pre-order them well ahead of time so you can get your hands on some simply sumptuous "Buffy" action.
Buffy's back, and she's just as awesome as ever.
Book Description
On a trip to England, physicist Portia Harding is stalked by a heart-stoppingly handsome maniac.Theondre North is a nephilim-the son of a fallen angel-who needs Portia's help to change his fate. Problem is, Portia's down-to-earth attitude frustrates beings from both heavenly and hellish realms-and gets Theo turned into a vampire. But at least he has Portia to satisfy his newfound hungers-and possibly save his soul.
Customer Reviews:
Not one of her best.......2007-09-09
Sorry Katie - this wasn't one of your stronger efforts. I'm a big fan of the Ashling books. They're lots of fun, quick reads and the characters are pretty well developed and likable. It's not that the characters in this book weren't likable, just not that interesting. The story was weak compared to the others by this author. I'm afraid I wouldn't recommend it. There are better options out there for the time invested.
Vampire ???.......2007-08-16
"Physicist Portia Harding's life is grounded in facts. There is nothing that can't be explained by logic and science ... until she travels with her best friend to England and accidentally summons an ethereal virtue who bequeaths her gift of weather control to Portia.
New Portia is walking around with a literal cloud over her head and a heart-stoppingly handsome maniac trying to kidnap her. But Theondre North is no run-of-the-mill lunatic. He's a nephilim - the son of an angel - whoneeds Portia's help to change his fate. Problem is, Portia's down-to-earth attitude frustrates being from both heavenly and hellish realms, and gets Theo turned into a vampire. But at least he has Portia to satisfy his newfound hunger ... and possibly save his soul. "
Even though I found this book very entertaining and amusing, I was very close to giving it 4 stars. And the reason is ....
The first 4 books in Katie MacAlister's Paranormals (A Girl's Guide To Vampires", "Sex and the Single Vampire", "Sex, Lies, And Vampires", "Even Vampires Get The Blues") are absolutely fantastic and actually about vampires. But this one, nothing of the sort....
But again .... the story is very interesting, amusing and engaging. Most of the characters are supernatural beings, there is quite a lot of "traveling" between worlds and of course there is romance.
If you are a type of a reader that pays immense attention to every detail concerning, for example, the historical parts of the story or any other descriptive flaws of the surroundings/characters etc., than I would definitely advise you to stay away. This books is just pure fun and light entertainment. So fans of paranormal mysteries/romance, and of course fans of Katie, go ahead and buy this book and enjoy it :)
4 stars.......2007-06-25
Portia Harding was an uber-skeptic, but while on a trip to England, did agree to try to be more open to the idea that there was more to the world than what can be proven. Barely was the promise made than she had to make good on it. While relaxing in a fairy ring, she reads a summoning spell and in response, a woman calling herself the virtue, Hope, shows up, giving her the "Gift" before fleeing from pursuers unknown. Portia thinks she's just having a delusion, even after handsome Theo North shows up demanding that she grant him forgiveness and forcibly removing both her and her friend, Sarah from the fairy ring. The two women escape, but he continues to come after them, stating that he's a nephilim and needs her to forgive him. That's only the beginning of the weirdness. Odd people begin popping up to put Portia through "trials" so that she can join the Court of Divine Blood and take on her role as a virtue. Finally, Portia is forced to believe what is going on is real. Of course, by that point, the situation has turned dire. Theo has lost his soul and been turned into a Dark One, with her as his Beloved; and she has been accused of murdering Hope. Portia has scant days in which to complete her trials successfully, restore Theo's soul, and prove her innocence. She might also get to save the Court of Divine Blood in the process, but that's almost a side benefit. One thing's certain, when Portia is wrong, she's wrong in a big way.
**** Another certainty, in the real world, is that if readers are looking for clever, witty, paranormal romances, then they need look no further than Katie MacAlister to begin their list. Portia's conversion from skeptic to believer is filled with laughs and highlighted by moments of profoundness. This is the Best Dark One novel yet, and the ones that came before it were wonderful. ****
Amanda Killgore
nice quick read.......2007-06-24
nice quick read, plot moves well, nice character development, easy reading for a summer afternoon, can finish in a few hours
I was disappointed.......2007-06-13
I love Katie Macalister's Aisling Grey Series so I was eager to start reading this book. After 135 pages I simply gave up, luckily I had a Keri Arthur for back up! The Portia character over analyzes everything to the point of boredom and then does it all over again a few chapters later. I got it the first time, you do not believe in the paranormal. Didn't some one write that a reader reads once and retains so you do not need to belabor a point over and over again? Portia is a pain pain and in my opinion the romance never really took off. Plus both character and author seem to have reglious hang ups and religion, like politics, is always a touchy subject.
Average customer rating:
- danse macabre
- Unreadable
- It's ok but could be better.
- Where's the plot?
- Some positive comments
|
Danse Macabre (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 14)
Laurell K. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 United States | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Hamilton, Laurell K. | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Dark Fantasy | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Occult | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Vampires | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Hamilton, Laurell K. | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
Micah (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 13)
-
Mistral's Kiss (Meredith Gentry, Book 5)
-
The Harlequin (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 15)
-
Incubus Dreams (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 12)
-
A Fistful of Charms (Rachel Morgan, Book 4)
ASIN: 0515142816 |
Book Description
These days, Anita Blake is less interested in vampire politics than in an ancient, ordinary dread she shares with women down the ages: she may be pregnant. And, if she is, whether the father is a vampire, werewolf, or something else entirely, it's clear that being a Federal Marshal known for raising the dead and being a vampire executioner is no way to bring up a baby.
Customer Reviews:
danse macabre.......2007-09-26
it was everything i had hoped for in the series of Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake Vampire Hunter . I have bought the whole series and I'm enjoying myself. Each character brings their own flavor to the plot but Jean-Claude ,Richard , Micah and Nathaniel are to die for.
Unreadable.......2007-09-18
Who knew sex and the supernatural could be so boring. I had to give up on it.
It's ok but could be better........2007-09-05
I love her first books more then her new ones but its still Anita Blake! So I just got to give it a 4.
Where's the plot?.......2007-08-24
The book was ok. It's just a different formula from what i've come to expect in this series. I guess Anita's just evolving with all her powers and all the men in her life. Changes were bound to happen. I'll still read any book Laurell writes that has Anita in it. She's just a good character. Not many liked this book but if you're a true fan of the series, you take the good with the not so good.
Some positive comments.......2007-08-23
I'm not a diehard Hamilton fan, but this series is fun, imaginative and often a roller coaster ride. This book is following the darker, more erotic elements of the newer books in the series, and is particularly different in that there are no corpses, no zombies, no police. Thankfully, no extensive gunwear descriptions. Just Anita, her men and the sticky politics of vampires and the Were folk.
New light is shed on the nature of the ardeur as Anita realizes that she is indeed a succubus. She has to grapple with what her body demands, and with the fact that managing the ardeur is a responsibilty that can cost her the lives of those who are metaphysically linked to her through the two triumverates: She, Richard and Jean-Claude, as well as the new triumverate linking her with wereleopard Nathanial and vampire Damian. The new triumverate demonstrates how powerful a healthy link can be; she, Nathanial and Damian are harmonious and interdependent. It also shows how disasterous a weak union can be when she doesn't feed, Damian, and then Nathanial suffer the consequences of her carelessness.
There also appears to be some blending of personalities, Richard is showing signs of Anita's temper, (scary thing!) submissive Nathanial is becoming more confident and assertive...and dominant. The omega leopard successfully faces down the alpha wolf Richard. Jean-Claude comes to the bittersweet realization that while Anita loves him, his human servant is more in love with, and completed by her housemates Micah and Nathanial. He is growing more sentimental.
Yes, its thin on plot, but high on the soapy drama. Anita's pregnancy scare, Nathanial's face-downs with those who demean him, Richard's elation over the pregnancy, (its gotta be his, right? He's so damn manly...) and his realization that he'll never get the white picket fences with Anita, the attempted high-jacking of the ardeur, and the ballet itself. The high drama ends with some truly high-risk sex and an understanding between Anita and Asher.
I can see why die hard fans are unhappy with the direction of the series, its a far cry from the tight, bleak horror/mystery that it began with. Characters are evolving, plot-lines are being introduced and new characters are emerging. Some are just waiting in the wings for their moment in the spotlight. I look forward to finding out more about London, Wicked and Truth, Claudia, Damian, Jessica Arnett and her unrequited crush on Nathanial.
Anita's changing and evolving as well, she's dropped a lot of her standards, some for the good, some for bad. Frankly, her job as a Marshal and dealing with humans seems to be making her more a monster than rubbing shoulders (and other body parts) with the fangs and the furries.
Books:
- Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)
- Essential Tomb of Dracula, Vol. 4 (Marvel Essentials)
- Exile's Return (Conclave of Shadows, Book 3)
- Forests of the Heart (Newford)
- Frommer's Europe (Frommer's Complete)
- Game Over: How Nintendo Zapped an American Industry, Captured Your Dollars, and Enslaved Your Children
- God: The Failed Hypothesis. How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist
- Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre
- Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6)
- He's Scared, She's Scared: Understanding the Hidden Fears That Sabotage Your Relationships
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- American Cinema/American Culture
- The Fires of Heaven
- Glow Discharge Plasmas in Analytical Spectroscopy
- Other People's Houses: A Novel
- Kaleidoscope: Ideas And Projects to Spark Your Creativity
- Supressed Intelligence Reports: News They Dare Not Print!
- Oh, If Only That Old House Could Talk
- INCARNATE: Marc Quinn
- Making People Respond, Design for Marketing & Communication
- Jerome Bonaparte: The War Years, 1800-1815
New Moon (Twilight, Book 2)
Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
The Sweet Far Thing
Masquerade
Q: Were you a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Angel? What are you watching now that those shows are off the air?
