Re-Read Reminisce is a new joint-feature between book-blogger friends: ALPHA reader and Larissa’s Bookish Life.
The Re-Read Reminisce is all about recalling an old series or book that has pride of place on our keeper shelf, but that we haven’t thought about in a while. In Re-Reading the books we’ll be remembering why we fell in love with them in the first place, what they’ve come to mean to us and why we think any of you who are unfamiliar with the titles should give them a read.
Our first Re-Read Reminisce will be: Jeri Smith Ready's 'Aspect of Crow' trilogy!
What initially attracted you to this series? Danielle: I read ‘Aspect’ right after ‘Twilight’, sometime in 2009. I was never a lover of fantasy – thinking it was all hobbits and dragons and not my cup of tea. But I loved Meyer’s ‘Twilight’ for being a contemporary supernatural love story . . . but I had some issues with the plot/whining Bella/sparkly Edward etc. I wanted my next magical foray to be something I could really sink my teeth into. So I was looking for more vampire books and stumbled across Jeri Smith-Ready’s ‘WVMP radio’ series. But when I saw she had a fantasy trilogy too, I decided to give those books a read first. They looked a bit more intense (each book 400+ pages) and I liked that the trilogy was complete – with the final instalment having been released in 2008, so there was none of that ‘Breaking Dawn’ waiting.
Larissa: I remember like it was yesterday! I read Daniele’s review and all the way through it I was like “oooh this sounds awesome”, but what really sold it to me was when she mentioned the third book and how it went a lot of years into the future. I am such a sucker for that kind of thing and I decided right then and there I wanted to read this series. Well, the mention of an epic romance was definitely a draw as well LOL.
Favourite scene in the series?
Danielle: It has to be in book one, ‘Eyes of Crow’ - Rhia first meeting Marek. It remains one of the most unusual first couplings I have ever read - but also one of the sweetest and most sensual. Marek comes to Rhia in the middle of her spiritual journey - and when she first meets him, he’s invisible. Still in mourning for the loss of his mate, and with stunted Wolf powers, Marek has been turning invisible every night, for two years.
I love this scene - especially when Marek encourages Rhia to ‘see’ him by touching his face (to make sure he’s not bald with a harelip) - an innocent gesture that quickly becomes heated. This scene stays with me both because it’s so unusually sexy, and it’s a really great summary of Rhia and Marek’s relationship - the fact that it’s something earthly and instinctual, destined. And that carries on nicely into ‘Voice of Crow’ when they are separated, but still joined by their love.
Larissa: Ooooh I LOVE that scene as well! But I have to say mine is in book 3, The Reawakened, when Dravek and Sura decide to use their sexuality to fire up their powers. OMG that was one of the hottest and most sensual scenes I have ever read and the characters don’t even touch each other.
Did you discover anything new in your re-reading?
Danielle:
I was really drawn into the Native American folklore this time around; characters are going on a spiritual quest and they have Guardian Spirits etc. I found that really interesting this time around. I think because when I first read the series I was very new to magic/fantasy – but now I’m old hat. I know that Sidhe is pronounced ‘she’, shapeshifters are not restricted to canines and that folklore, mythology and mysticism are great starting-off points for the fantasy genre. And, of course, the Native American theme carries into the conflict with ‘The Descendants’ - there’s a lot of colonialism undercurrents in this series that I think I missed in my first reading.
Larissa: Since I knew how most character were going to turn out and how certain plot were going to end, I ended up paying more attention to the journey, instead of hoping for their conclusion.
This time around the series read the same and absolutely different for me, all at the same time. I felt I was having a reunion with some of my favorite people and at the same time getting reacquainted with others I had forgotten I loved.
Jeri Smith-Ready writes wicked villains. What makes them so gut-twistingly awful for you?
Danielle: Yep. Basha Kantera Mylosa in ‘Voice of Crow’, *shivers*. What an evil, ruthless, conniving, slimy, down-right disgusting witch. Reading the book again, I felt the exact same, powerful, hatred of her character as I did the first time round. She was just so, so … horrible!
But I think what made Basha so awful was partly Jeri Smith-Ready’s decision to reverse the gender roles of abuser and abused. What Basha does to Marek is horrendous and violating - but the fact that Smith-Ready chose to have Marek be sexually abused at the hands of a female character is petty unusual and all the more unsettling for the switch-up. I think ‘Voice of Crow’ was the first book in which I read a genuinely ruthless female villain - and part of her fright is the fact that you expect some part of her to be womanly and nurturing, kind and understanding and she’s just not, at all! That role-reversal is so unsettling and makes for a very scary character.
Larissa: *shivers* Yeah, Basha is definitely right up there as one of the most heinous villains I have ever read and the fact that she isn’t a powerful fae queen, a vamp, were animal or anything that could instantly impose fear, is the most frightening aspect of all. She is just a woman and her ruthlessness is insane!
I agree Dani, Jeri’s reversal of gender roles of abuser and abused was a stroke of genius and brought to life a different aspects in these characters and something very different than people are used to read.
Check Out Part TWO of this post at:
Danielle and I each have ONE copy of Smith-Ready’s (Wonderful! Amazing! See above!) first book in the ‘Aspect of Crow’ series to give away. To be in the running for this book, all you have to do is;
How to enter:
♥ Become a follower of my blog (NOT mandatory, but appreciated)
♥ Leave a comment on this post
♥ Include a way to contact you (e-mail addy is fine)
♥ You can enter the Giveaway on BOTH Blogs (but you can only win either on ALPHA reader or here)
♥ This is an INTERNATIONAL giveaway! (anywhere Book Depot ships)
♥ Contest closes September 30th
The two lucky winners will be announced on ALPHA reader and Larissa's Bookish Life on October 2nd.
GOOD LUCK!
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Wow, i've never heard of this series, but your post just put it at the top of my list. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Kelsey on gfc.
Poisnivyred AT gmail.com
Wow, this book sounds so good! I believe it's a good idea to have a Re-Read Reminisce, there are so many books out there that just because they aren't completely new, they're not worth our time to check them out. (Hope I make sense!)
email: melissa_rob16@hotmail.com
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I've heard that Smith-Ready is an awesome author.
rickimc[at]aol[dot]com
This is such a great idea. Quite honestly I love reading book blogs but I find that alot of them are all reviewing the same books. I know its good to be abreast of the up and coming books but not if everyone else is all plugging out the same thing. Thanks for this refreshing post ladies and sign me up!
tlabunski -at=) gmail!
ps - I am definitely following!
I love the idea of revisiting a good series and sharing about it. Thank you for sharing and the wonderful giveaway opportunity. I have not heard of this series before today and your discussion has definitely intrigued me. I have been so busy that I generally have been reading a lot of the posts from my email, but I could not resist stopping by and crossing my fingers for this treat :)
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
I like Jeri's books but somehow I missed seeing this one so I would love to win it.
Thanks for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.
Much appreciated.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
I follow via GFC
Great post :) I do remember that Larissa loved this series and it sure got me interested in it
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
follower
I love the idea of revisiting a good series and sharing about it. Good meme or what there things r called(wat soes meme mean???) Thank you for sharing and the wonderful giveaway opportunity. I have not heard of this series before today and your discussion has definitely intrigued me.
rogcaprino at hotmail Dot com
I have never heard of this series but I would like to read it. I am a follower and email subscriber. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
I never heard about this series before but it sounds interesting :)
Thank you for the chance to win♥
GFC: Jeanne
Rathouska(dot)jana(at)gmail(dot)com
The book sounds great!I'd love to read it!
GFC-Janhvi Jagtap
justjanhvi at gmail dot com
OOOH! I've just discovered this author and sooo want to read her backlist! Thanks for such a thoughtful post and fanastic giveaway!
GFC ~ erin
efender1@gmail.com
After hearing you two rave about it, I'd love to read this! If I don't win I'll be buying a copy. :)
h mccorkle (at) wildblue (dot) net
This looks like a great book! Thank you so much for the chance to win! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom GFC Krystal Larson
I'm an old GFC follower.(Kah_Cherub) ;)
thank you for the awesome giveaway! I'm a big fan of Jeri, I have read almost all of her books, except for this series and Requiem for the Devil, but I'm getting there. LOL
kah_cherub at hotmail dot com
After reading both of your reviews I would LOVE to read these books. If I am lucky enough to win you can reach me at
jillyjameson (at) gmail.com
I haven't heard of this series, but it sounds right up my alley! Please enter me in the draw.
I'm following on GFC (Darlene), and my email address is darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I really like Jeri's WVMP Radio series and I've been thinking that I should try this series as well. Thank you for the chance! :)
musmekipi at gmail dot com
GFC: Mervi Mustonen
I love that you guys are rereading some of your favorite stories. I think I need to start doing that. You always pick up something you missed the first time around. Thanks for the giveaway.
I do follow you :)
jnmt3 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I love Jeri's WVMP series! I have been eyeballing these books. I would love to get Eyes of Crow to get me started on this series.
troublelore (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks for the chance to win! I have not heard of this series before and it sounds intriguing. seescootread[at]gmail[dot]com
I read the WMP Radio series and really enjoyed it. I look forward in beginning another series by Jeri Smith-Ready.
I'm a GFC follower (booklover0226)
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
This is a new series to me, but it sounds like a really good one, so count me in!! I would love to win a copy of this book :)
jwitt33 at live dot com
I've heard of this series, but never really knew what it was about. After reading your post, I'm very interested to read it.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
Great reviewing ladies. On my list. I wonder what my favorite parts will be?
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
OMG, this sounds great... Thanks for the giveaway!
lindalou(at)cfl(dot)rr(dot)com
Gotta love a good villain. My fav character in Snow White was definitely the Queen. Such character & charisma!
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
I cant believe I havent even heard of this series before! I enjoy folklore mixed in fantasy books, and this sounds really good. thnx for bringing to my attention guys:)
bells DOT franco AT gmail DOT com
I loved her Shift books but I haven't read these, thanks for sharing!
Old follower. :)
liedermadchen(at)hotmail(dot)com
I've never had the chance to read this book, so please count me in. Thanks!
aikychien at yahoo dot com
thanks for the giveaway ! I'm very curious to read it !
i'm a follower : Melliane
Ellana_(at)hotmail(dot)fr
The cover is great o.o
GFC: xlacrimax
xlacrimax[at]gmail.com
I've read Jeri's Radio Station vamp series, but I'd never heard of this one. Sounds interesting.
GFC Anne38
acm05atjuno.com
I read the WVMP series first and fell in love with Jeri's writing so I read Requiem for the Devil. I was not a fan of fantasy and the whole spirit thing turned me off so I actually avoided this series but I was desperate for a new JSR book so I started and didn't come up for air for three days.
The emotional roller coaster this series put me on was incredible!
Besides the role reversal for Marek's abuse the fact that he had to willingly consent to it to save his child's life made it so much harder for me. It broke his soul. Then in the third book I was shocked to see the focus had shifted to a new generation only to be pulled right back in.
A truly amazing series that still blows my mind to this day.
The writing is just so beautiful and I hope more people read this series. It really deserves more recognition.
Karen above told me about this series and I REALLY want to read it so I can become an emotional pile of goo. I adore JSR other work, so sign me up! Thanks for the giveaway!!
ash @smashattackreads.com
I've read both her WVMP and Shift series and I loved them. I've had this one on my wishlist.
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for this contest! I've not read this series by Jerri, but have read the WVMP series and loved it! I'd love to try this one!
samk1952 at gmail dot com
I must admit that I don't know too much about this trilogy, but you make it sounds so good in your post that I'd like to give it a chance.
Thanks for the giveaway =)
I'm a follower- Rachybee
rachybee101@live.com.au
You guys got me fired up! I have to read Aspect now! This is so not fair.
I have to get it. I really hope I won't get disappointed by my high expectations.
Zoe
therainhouse17(at)gmail(dot)com
GFC: ZoeRainDasherBenji
I love love Jeri Smith Ready and have been wanting to read this series for a while!
Thanks for the amazing chance.
awesomesaucebooks at gmail dot com
This is a trilogy that I'm totally unfamiliar with but hey it sounds so awesome. I'm always looking for a series or trilogy that is complete as I like to read the books, bam,bam, bam.
I'm a follower on GFC-Lisa Richards
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
I0d never heard of these books, but you two seem so enthusiastica I feel like reading them.
Basha sgounds like an awfull character, especially if she's human.
Thanks for opening the contest internationally.
anacorvonunes[at]gmail.com
I have been looking at these books ever since reading the WVMP books. I would love to start reading it.
troublelore (at) gmail (dot) com
Ooh! I'd love to win this!!! JSR is amazing and I have yet to read this series. Sign me up, please!
litzalou(at)gmail(dot)com
" I love this scene - especially when Marek encourages Rhia to ‘see’ him by touching his face (to make sure he’s not bald with a harelip)" Interesting isn't?? :) Well, definiteley enter! Thank you! :>
Follower thebookish96(at)gmail.com
Anything with crows, even if it's just the title has my attention.
follower via gfc
jjscalf at gmail dot com
Hi i have not ever heard of this series but i really want to read it. Everyone makes it sound so great. So i went ahead and looked them up on amazon and put them on my wish list so i would not forget. Thanks again joannie jscddmj at aol dot com
I guess I need to hang my head in shame, but this is the first time I hear about this series and it sounds like just the thing for me! Thanks for the chance!
GFC follower
danaan at gmx dot at
Thanks for the giveaway. I've heard of the series, but I've never read it.
GFC follower - Andrea I
lillieblue613(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm already a follower. Thanks for the giveaway!
Judi
itwasalie AT gmail DOT com
Thanks for this giveaway!
I love Jeri Smith-Ready!
ajiehuang1997 (at) gmail (dot) com
Follower as Angie
Thanks for the giveaway! Please count me in!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
I love re-reading my favourite books :) I haven't read this one, so thanks for the opportunity to win :)
I'm already a follower!
sandric.sk at gmail dot com
Would love to read it :D jazmin.caicedo@yahoo.com
i never read this sorry don't know how i missed it. oh i know its when i had no pc for a year lol. i want to read this so i am marking these on my list now thanks joannie
jscddmj[at]aol[dot]com
GFC Anna Dase
berrylicious_cutie@hotmail.com
I love all of Jeri's books and thx for the awesome giveaway
Love Jeri's books! Thanks for the giveaway!
GFC follower
aliasgirl at libero dot it
I love Jeri's books, and have read a novella for this series, but have not yet had the opportunity to discover the series itself. I'd love the chance to win the first book!
i can be reached at stoner(dot)samantha(at)gmail(dot)com.
LOVE Jeri Smith Ready :)
vivianmah8@hotmail.com
I am so interested in reading this series and since my birthday is September 29, I think this would be the perfect gift!
ok so ive never read anything in this series or heard of it but now that ive read about it it sound really good :D. Thanks for the giveaway
I love to re-read certain series that I have. I love the Anita Blake series by Laurell K Hamilton, Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris, and Cat & Bones series by Jeaniene Frost. I have not read this series by Jerri Smith-Ready. It looks very good and am going to check out the first book and see if I like it. Thanks for the post, am always looking for new authors and books to read. Keep up with the great recommendations.
christinebails@yahoo.com