[Lani]

Well, I have personally have not gotten to read the book yet, but I am sure others were more prompt then me and since it's June now, let the discussion begin!

[Nimea]

It's been quite a while since I finished a book days before the discussion started. :)

Problem is, right now I don't really know what to write . . . mmh.

Okay, let's start with the easy part: I liked the book. It did not blow me away and even so I have the intention to read the other books in the trilogy, I did not feel the need to do it right now.

At first I did not really get into the world because I still tried to figure out what the background was - with all the jewels and long-living and long-dead people wandering around ;). Fortunately that is not something that let's me panic, I always think/hope/believe that after a while I will understand. And I did, but still I think there are questions left unanswered about 'how it works'.
Why the Jewels, how and whatever? Maybe someone can tell me?

I think the 'eroticism' - it never really got to me, neither did the love story, the romance aspect; well, I was not left cold, but it did not hook me like in other stories - and the whole sexual themes (child abuse, sexual perversion and violence) give us a lot to discuss about.

That's it for now. When I have more time and mind more might come . . .

:)

[Gilliam]

This was a story that made me both laugh and cringe. I found the idea of different colour Jewels indicating 'magic' ability an interesting one and the relationships between the sexes. Overall I felt this story handled a number of prehaps 'taboo' subjects in quite a mature manner. The other 2 books in the series are well worth reading although I found the final one was not of the same standard.

[Priestvyrce]

I found the whole 'dead' aspect interesting and at times, funny. Satan's attitudes towards Jaenelle was the fun part of the book. Daemon's attitude towars her were close to being creepy, yet since these beings can live virtually forever,it is kind of understandable.

I liked the book , when I read it about two years ago. It was definitely a twist on a young person coming into their power and the whole destiny thing was handled very aptly. Daemon for me was the most interesting and a good guide through the society. Jaenelle was a bit too on the ball, but still exhibited a young girl's innocence.

I agree with Gilliam that the final book does end a bit sloppily though this series(trilogy) is exceptionally original, at least to me, and deserves any praise that it receives.

[FicusFan]

I read the trilogy and the 'stand-alone' set in the same world (Invisible Ring) some time ago, so I am not up on all the details. But I did like the books a lot and was sorry to see her move on to another series.

Like Nimea, I was confused at the start about the world and the gems and what it all meant. I too kept reading and eventually got far enough into the book that things started to make sense.

I liked Janelle, and her father Saetan, and the two men: Lucivar and Daemon. I enjoyed the matriarchal aspect of the society and the edginess of men being sexually enslaved. I liked that the 'outcasts' seemed to be able to build a strong and caring family. I enjoyed the land of the dead, and Janelle's houseparty (was that in book 1 ?).

I thought Daemon was built up to be this bad boy, and he seemed rather tame in reality. The books seemed to hint at S&M and then not really deliver, oh well probably the best they can do in the mainstream.

Storywise I seem to remember being a bit unsatisfied about something to do with an older woman who was at a shrine and had something to do with Janelle's destiny. I also am not sure the whole 'shattering' thing she went through worked for me in terms of advancing the story. Again not sure which book that was in.

Even with the quibbles I liked the whole series.

[rune]

I think it's great that we finally get to discuss this book. I've read the whole series and can happily say this book and the last are the best :)

This witch story I felt had a nice adult theme, no softly, softly approach here as the author tackles difficult aspect of lives.
As others have already mentioned this story focuses on a world were witches hold the power and men are used for pleasure and breeding. The society is long lived and their magical strengths are reflected by the colour jewel they acquire in their teens. I didnt find this difficult to grasp and quite liked this approach, as I hadnt read this kind of magical set up in a book before :)
Yes there is a dark sensual element that runs through the plot, but I felt it doesn't distract from the story and the sex scenes aren't graphic, infact it's more of an hint of what actually went on.
The characters are interesting, and I found Lucivar and Daemon enthralling, their antics were real page turners. As I mentioned the author doesn’t shy away from tragedy, which meant there were some raw scenes.

I loved this book and the series ended up being one of my favourites :D

[Priestvyrce]

About the sexual scenes in the book(and the series as a whole), Ms. Bishop shows restraint and class. She introduces the subject, yet let's the reader's imagination supply the rest of the scene. Nicely done.

[rune]

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this book. I would think there would be a few comments as I felt it sailed close to the bone at times.

[drizzt77]

What does close to the bones mean?

[rune]

What does close to the bones mean?

It means when an author tackles subjects that can be disturbing. Where I live people call this 'close to the bone'. Stuff that makes you cringe or feel disturbed about reading about it :)