Do you wait to read a series, or read them as they come out?

Are you one of those people who reads books as they come out, or do you wait until every book in the series has been released?

I am somewhere in the middle. I love discovering a series that has been fully written; that way I don't have to wait on pins and needles wondering what is going to happen next! There are quite a few series that I happened upon this way: The vampire academy series, The Hunger Games Trilogy, The Harry Potter series, The Twilight series, and the Fever series. I loved all of these books, and I am SO glad I got to them when they were already finished. I love being able to pick up a the next book and continue on.

Sometimes a book sounds too good to pass up and I read it even though I know I'll have to wait a while for the next one. For example, Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me. I could not WAIT to get my hands on an advanced copy of it. Now I have quite a while to wait before the next book comes out.

I just finished Illusions (wings #3) and now I'm dying to know what happens! Book number four doesn't come out until April! I don't know about you, but I have a terrible memory, and I will probably forget all about what happened in the first 3 books by then.

I'm team Tamani, by the way. :)

Review: Blood Rights

Title: Blood Rights (House of Comarre #1)
Author: Kristen Painter
Publisher: Orbit - an imprint of Hachette Book Group
Release date: October 1, 2011
Goodreads | Amazon
I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author to review. This is my honest opinion.  

Description (from Goodreads):

Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle's body bears the telltale marks of a comarré -- a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world...and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks.

Now, Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.

Review:  

Completely fascinating!

I was so excited when Kristen (the author herself! Aahhh!) asked me if I wanted a review copy of this book! I may have even googled her email address to make sure it was some scammer or creepo wanting my address because I was shocked that it was really her. :P I was a little scared to get her book and not like it. I am a pretty nice person and I can't stand hurting someone's feelings, especially on something like a book, where they have put so much of themselves into it. Plus, it has one of the most awesome covers! I was afraid that the book wouldn't live up to the amazing-ness that is that gorgeous cover.

I worried for nothing! I loved everything about this book. The cover and the story are both equally stunning.

One of my favorite things about Blood Rights was the world they lived in. The vampires have a royal hierarchy, and they even have differing levels on whom they feed upon. The commare are the top tier of the vampires prey. They are decorated in gold signum (lacy gold markings that are kind of like tattoos), and are treated really well by their vampire patrons. This definitely was unlike any book I've ever read.

The characters were also great. I loved Chrysabelle! She was strong and smart, and yet still a bit naive and sheltered. Mal was dark and moody, yet so wrong about how he sees himself. This story is told by multiple points of view, and it was done fabulously. It built up suspense and enriched the story so much more than it would have been if it had been just from Chrysabelle's point of view.

This was the first book in a good, long time that I had to force myself to not devour in one sitting. You know when you find a book or series that is just so awesome that you have to try really hard to pace yourself and not rush through the whole book at blinding speed? Blood Rights was that for me. I never wanted it to end! Thank goodness there will be more books after this one.

The story builds at a slow, mesmerizing simmer. I loved how Kristen took her time building up the world, the characters, and the storyline. Yet, at the same time it was never boring! I just wanted to soak up every last detail. There were jaw-dropping twists and turns that I never saw coming.

I know, I know, I am gushing about this book! Honestly though, it's one of my favorite books of this year. I highly recommend you pick this up. It's awesome.

In My Mailbox - August 7, 2011

It's In My Mailbox time! Woo! I really do love when we all share what we got for the week. :D

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. It's a fun way to share what books we got for the week. They can be from publishers, the library, bought, or whatever. They don't have to be from the mailbox. Mine usually aren't! 

This week was mostly all about the adult paranormal romance books! First, let me show you the books I won.

Won from Cold Moon Violet Books:

Once Dead, Twice Shy | Kim Harrison

Goodreads

It's signed, too! Awesome!

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula | Marta Acosta

Goodreads

Random Acts of Kindness:

Lover Eternal (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #2) | J.R. Ward

Goodreads

I read this one this week. It was so good I went out and got the next one in the series! 

Bought:

I'm so sad that Borders is closing down. :(  They had their romance novels at 40% off, so I got some good deals. 

Lover Awakened (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #4) | J.R. Ward

Goodreads

I just finished this one, too! Such a great series. 

Storm's Heart (The Elder Races #2) | Thea Harrison

Goodreads

I LOVED Dragon Bound, so I can't wait to read this one. 

The Darkest Passion (Lords of the Underworld #5) | Gena Showalter 

Goodreads

I just love this series! I went ahead and bought the next two that I needed.

The Darkest Lie (Lords of the Underworld #6) | Gena Showalter

Goodreads 

One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2) | Jeaniene Frost

Goodreads

After reading the first book, I had to go out at get book #2! I can't imagine where this book is going to take us! 

Yep, so I guess I'm on a bit of a paranormal romance kick right now! I have so many reviews that I need to catch up on! Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow so I can get started on them. 

So, that's what I got this week! What about you?

July RAK

Random Acts of Kindness is a program hosted by Isalys and Vanessa over at Book Soulmates. You pick a person or two (or however many you want) and send them something from their wishlist. Someone might send you something, too!

I sent out 2 books this month. How fun!

I also received two books: 

from Amanda at On a Book Bender I got:

Halfway to the Grave | Jeaniene Frost

It was a total surprise! This book just showed up on my doorstep. Yay! 

Then, I got an email from Stephanie at Once upon a Chapter saying that she wanted to send me a book:

Lover Eternal | J.R. Ward

I knew a book was coming, but had no idea which one. Another great surprise!

I just read both of these books this week, and they were both amazing! I am definitely going to be picking up the next book in both series as soon as possible. 

Now, for something unrelated to RAK. For thse of you who noticed that I haven't posted since last week, sorry! I've had house guests almost this whole month, and on top of that I got sick. : / Blogging while sick is no fun. I did get quite a few books read, though! Yay!