Nocturne by Syrie James

Nocturne

By Syrie James

I have never read any of Syrie James books before Nocturne, which is her fourth novel. Los Angeles Magazine calls her “the queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings.” Her previous novel Dracula, My Love refashioned the beloved characters Dracula and Mina Harker, and her first two novels weave a fictional story of the eminent authors Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë. Unlike her other novels Nocturne is based on original characters.

At Borders bookstore, I noticed Nocturne on the shelves of the horror section. Reading the front flap of the book, it appeared to be a romance, but since it has a supernatural element, to my dissatisfaction, it is designated to the horror genre. There is nothing frightening about Nocturne.

In a romance only two people are necessary, and there is only two characters in this short story told by the female character. Love flourishes after Nicole car spins out of control trying to get home in a blizzard on a desolate Colorado mountain. She is saved by an attractive, mysterious man, who is discontent to have a houseguest. In time, Nicole and Michael hearts thaw as they uncover similar interests. Sexual tension burgeons, but is that enough when Michael’s identity is revealed?

I would recommend Nocturne as a fulfilling sentimental, short love story on a cold night. Cuddle up to a warm fire or a soft blanket, and know, that love heals.

Twilight Saga

Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse

by Stephenie Meyer

I wanted to know what all the fuss was about, so I finally decided to follow the crowd and buy Meyer's Twilight. It was good enough for me to purchase her two followup books in the series. Taking into consideration that the Twilight series is written for young readers, its colloquial diction was a fast read; even though the books are lengthy, I read all three books in less than a week.

The Twilight saga is a romance, but it happens to be about a flourishing love between a human and a vampire. The story is narrated by 17 year-old Isabella Swan, who happens to fall in love with Edward Cullen, the vampire. He reciprocates the love she feels towards him but love between a human and a vampire is never that simple, so the saga begins.

About a little over 300 pages of Twilight is character development; the conflict occurs almost at the end of the book. The duration of conflict and climax is less than a hundred pages. Towards the end Isabella (Bella) seems whiny constantly stating, "Don't leave me Edward, stay." Their love seems more like lust. Bella perpetually describes Edward as beautiful and perfect; there is no actual conversation or bonding between Bella and Edward besides approbation of esthetics. Nevertheless, Twilight was entertaining, because it keeps the reader (me) curious.

New Moon tackles the conflicts between human and vampire love. Is Bella safe having a relationship with a vampire that thirst for blood? Can she survive without Edward, and can he survive without her? In addition, a new relationship is forge, and there are more magical creatures in Forks.

Eclipse brings closure to the last surviving vampire nomad who seeks revenge against Edward. The Cullens cannot contend their enemies alone; they needed help from friendlier foes. Bella struggles with conflicting emotions while Edward competes with Jacob Black for Bella's love. The relationships among characters develop depth. 

Though the story line of love between a human and a vampire may seem unique, it is strikingly similar to Charlaine Harris's Sookie series. Only the characters' traits are reverse. Harris' main character Sookie, a human is a mind reader, but she is unable to read the minds of vampires. Thus, she is attracted to having relationships with vampires rather than humans. Meyer's protagonist Edward is a mind reader, but he is unable to read Bella's mind, which is one of the reasons he is drawn to her. Sookie and Bella also share similarity that they both are impervious to vampires special powers.

I think Meyer's Twilight saga is popular, because it fills the avoid in the young readers market for vampire romance, which has already been establish in the adult market by authors like Charlaine Harris, and MaryJanice Davidson.

Meyer’s Twilight series is a entertaining read for young readers seeking an innocent vampire romance. However, at times the romance appears superficial, and the narrator Bella seems weak not only physically but also mentally. She allows her life to be dictated by her boyfriend, which is not a good role model for young girls.

A romance novel

Lost Highway

by Curtiss Ann Matlock

The title Lost Highways intrigued me, and when I picked it up, it was good as bought. I needed to read something a little different than my usual read. I ended up reading a love novel. I'm not really a sentimental type of woman that likes to read about reunited love or about HIS muscular chest. Thank goodness this novel was not one of them.

Well to make this short, the book was good even though it was ridden with errors. The plot was real, something that you can imagine happening to someone through life. The author took her time to unfold the plot. I couldn't believe she wrote over 300 pages for this story. However, there was a nice southern feel to the novel.

Synopsis: After tragic events Rainy is shaken up. She hops in her mother's truck, and goes off without any particular destination. Will she find her niche in life and true love?