Beloved, by Patrizia Sarro

I love books about paranormal subjects, and Beloved adds a few extra dimensions to the already fascinating genre. The book's action begins in upstate New York in the ghetto, and moves to Paris.

The main character, Nena, has been studying French. When she gets a scholarship to Paris, she leaves behind her single mother, who is suffering from addiction. The descriptions of the city are gorgeous; I love Paris, and Sarro details the music, the smells, the tastes, and the sights of France.

In Paris, Nena begins to see sightings of Uri, a handsome and mysterious street artist. She recognizes him from her childhood and adolescence, but she always thought he was a figment of her imagination. Now, as she encounters him again and again in the exotic European setting, she is not so sure.

The relationship between Nena and Uri is nicely done. Uri is almost the opposite of characters like Edward from Twilight, but he is just as mysterious and intriguing.

Nena's ethnicity adds a nice touch as well. The fact of her troubled childhood and broken home give the story great layers of gritty reality that set off the fascinating fantasy portions of the book.

I read Beloved slowly, because I didn't want it to end. I fell in love with Sarro's characters and her setting. The end left me craving more. I hope a new book comes out soon!

Book Review: Flaming Dove by Daniel Arenson

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and as soon as I downloaded the image for this cover I was blown away. I could waste an entire review just on this cover. This is-hands down-the best e-book cover I've ever seen in my life. I should stop, because we all know you judge books by the cover, but I'll give a quick peek-a-boo before you go and nab it.

The first thing I have to say about Daniel Arenson's writing, is his style stands out above all else.  Some writers restrict the readers ability to get lost in the book, with overy-obstrusive narrative, and others just put TOO much responsibility on the reader. Most writer's do a little of each, Arenson doesn't do this, EVER.  The pacing was perfectly executed, Arenson is one of the few writer's in this genre whose style doesn't lag in the story-EVER.

The style made up for the fact that a few times he lost me with a concept that was ALMOST corny, but not corny enough that I wouldn't read it again. 

The other thing I have to comment on, is that Arenson writes about a familiar topic through fresh new eyes (the battle between heaven and hell) without being corny about it. Layla, the half human-half demon is an incredibly fresh heroine, and the reader will find her very easy to identify with and cheer for. Not only that, the other sides-the world of angels and the world of demons-while pitted against our heroine who the reader clearly feels is in the right-are two sides that are equally understandable.