Unique and Intriguing
341676
This was recommended to me by my future mother-in-law, without saying much about the story.  So I didn't have any expectations coming into it.  I really loved this book!  It is not for everyone.  The novel is not cohesive, the characters change with every chapter, and you have to pay attention in order to keep up with everyone.  Having said this, I thought the book was very engaging with its depth, and its window into the characters' minds.  They are real people with real flaws, and as I continued reading, I could see these characters walking along side me on the sidewalk.

It is not a typical story, and when someone asked me, "What is it about?", I didn't have a clear answer.  It is about the 6 degrees of seperation, and how people are connected to each other, and basically about the life that each character is experiencing at that moment in time.  It is depressing at times, but at others simply raw and honest.  I think some of the bad reviews come from people's own discomfort in perhaps seeing themselves in the novel.  The claim that time makes on our lives as human beings is not always positive, causing people to hate the direction of the book.  However, story lines like these, are what makes the novel realistic and a good read.

If you want to try something different, and move on from the typical novel, then read this book.  I hope you like it!
2530854
The Orchid Keeper is a creative parable of life. The soul of each person is connected to an orchid, and Guardian Angels are soul tenders of these flowers. The story is a unique twist on Beauty and the Beast, but deeper and more meaningful. It delves into loss, grief, addiction, inner demons, and the meaning of life.

Cora is transported to the orchid world and challenged to finally face the darkness within, or die. I love the descriptions of the world of the soul tenders: rainbows of light reflected from faceted walls and ceiling. She felt as if she was standing inside one of those prisms people hangin the windows. This is an intriguing story with a twist. Im looking forward to the sequel!
3107784
This novel starts out very slow, but I never predicted it would turn out as a battle through the heart. I was constantly wondering and questioning what was going to happen next. The concepts are so unique that it was refreshing to not know how the conflict would be resolved. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
4532019
I enjoyed the very unique setting and the relationship between Lin and Sima as they tried to survive the invasion and conquering if their home.  Fran Wilde creates unique and intriguing worlds that are a pleasure to visit.
965399
I loved this story. I thought it was unique and had some really interesting twists. I think the coolest part is that it's sort of about a stalker stalking another stalker. That sounds really far fetched, but when you understand the background of one of the characters, it makes a lot of sense. At different points of the book I think I suspected almost everyone - yet, every character had something that also made them likeable.
2622837
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).

(This review may contain spoilers).

This book was quite an intriguing one. The idea of a prince being exiled to a horrific place is an intriguing one, as is said prince's escape and how that experience changes him.

Since I hadn't met Andor before his time in the Gloaming, I only saw the effects the place had had on him. Although it was interesting to see the thought processes in his mind (and how his mindset worked after escaping the Gloaming).

It was really interesting to see the way Andor had to build up his allies and strength before he could challenge Tryst, but I felt the challenging past came across a bit rushed. I think it could have been extended a bit.

I quite liked Jon and Wren as characters, but I found myself questioning the decisions Andor made concerning them quite a lot, especially given how Tryst viewed Wren. I was expecting more subtle action and towards the end, it was less satisfactory than it should have been.

I think Tryst could have been an interesting character, if there had been many redeeming qualities to him. I glimpsed something at the end, but nothing that made me think redemption might be possible. Though it would be interesting to read the next book and see if that's proved me wrong.

I did like Andor as a character, too. I did, however, find myself quite confused by his relationship with Tryst and Ravien. I liked Ravien as a character, but I would have liked to see more of her mindset. By the end of the book, I still wasn't sure I really trusted or understood her motivations.

I didn't really like the constant switching between first and third person through this book. If the POV had to be changed, I would have preferred it to be in third person all the way through.

I did find this book to be quite well-written. I would like to read the next book that comes after this at some point in the future. It would be good to see how everything turns out and what happens next with the characters.
2659217
Unique and intriguing read. A welcome break from the formulaic best sellers currently available. Lots of startling twists and turns to keep the pages turning. Not recommended for anyone looking for an easy read by, this one invites your full attention.
1737248
This was recommended on a book talk on one of my favorite public radio stations.  It's unusual setting was intriguing.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Though I knew many of the characters really existed and a bit about the reformation period, I was totally pulled into the mystery and intrigue of forgery and theft.  The final pages included historic information about the characters that pulled it all together.  Highly recommend.  But be careful to chose this book by its author, Mr. Buckley.  When searching for the book, I found several very similar titles and could easily have made a mistake.  I hope Mr. Buckley will continue to pursue such great story lines in such a fascinating time period!
1713927
Great story, unique story line that keeps you guessing
74204
I was given a copy of this book for honest review. 'Gateway to Reality' is the story of Wes, an artist who awakens in strange new world and finds out reality isn't quite what he thinks it is.

This story contains some very interesting ideas and while the real world, or 'Existence', is a very strange and different place it has been so well created that it doesn't require too much suspension of belief.  Although there is a mystery element, romance is at the heart of the story.  I don't often enjoy romantic stories but this one was so unpredictable and intriguing and there were so many interesting things going on that I couldn't help but be drawn into the main character's world.

The writing style is descriptive and the world well built.  I found the main character very easy to sympathise with.  Some of the others didn't feel as well developed but as the novel was primarily focussing on Wes and Emily, the girl he is obsessed with, that wasn't a big deal.

Overall this is a very well constructed sci-fi fantasy novel with a good dose of romance and mystery.  I would recommend this book to just about anyone.
4172281
This book has a very intriguing and thought  provoking concept which is presented in a very interesting way. I coudn't leave it down and was thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading it. When I finished it I went and bought the next one so I could continue this wonderful adventure.
4007536
I thought it started a little slow and I had to keep track of the characters. Each one tells the story from their perspective but as it develops you think you have a grip on it and it takes a big twist, then you think you have a grip on it and it takes another twist.  So very intriguing.  Definitely a unique storyline.
3632007
This book is an interesting combo of supernatural thriller, romance, and interpersonal drama that focuses on what it means to be yourself when yourself is a confused mess. The heroine is very relatable and the dynamics between the characters both interesting and disturbing depending on the storyline.  It is fast paced, the supernatural element is strong throughout the book, and the overall story interesting enough to leave you pondering buying the next book.  Definitely worth a read for those who like different and oddly mesmerizing stories.
1387377
This is a really good story. Unique and intriguing. I hesitated because I wanted to know what the main character was and why before I even started. Is he a list soul? A demon? A ghost? I finally quit worrying about it after I started reading and ended up truly enjoying the story for the story's sake.
603211
This book definitely did its job when it came to taking the reader to a fantasy world filled with wonders and great adventures.

The plot is unique and very different from any I've read before. When you read certain parts, it almost feels as if you're watching a movie instead of reading a story. However, I did feel as if there were parts of the story I would have liked for the author to develop more since I found myself a little confused at times. And I would have liked for more backstory on some of the characters as well.

But the originality of the characters and the story itself. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author
717741
A world where humans and vampires coexist with each other, though not always peacefully, is cleverly constructed by Alexis Morgan. Details are unique about her supernatural beings, and the main focus in the story is both captivating plus intriguing. SAVAGE REDEMPTION has threatening action from the start and the danger only escalates with every turn of the page.

It is the duty of Conlan Shea to keep anyone connected to the vampire clan living on the O'Day property safe. As head of security for the estate, he investigates when gunshots are heard nearby.  Since he is half human and half vampire, he has a bold nature and not much shocks him. However, when he realizes a woman is shot and she turns out being Katherine Karr, Conlan is stunned. Kat is responsible for totally altering his existence when she left him three years ago, and he has desired retribution against her since that fateful period in his life.

Though Conlan does still relish the thought of getting his revenge, he feels compelled to make certain Kat lives. There are a number of questions he wants answered, especially those related to where she has been hiding and why she has now returned. He once trusted her and ended up losing much that mattered to him, so he is reluctant to believe in her again, even when she pleads her case. When it becomes apparent there is more going on than he was first told by others, Conlan starts to comprehend just how much danger Kat truly is in.

There is much fascination in a paranormal story by Alexis Morgan. The author certainly has a vivid imagination as facts concerning those who are supernatural and how they live are thorough, and any information comes across as very believable. The distinct beings who are half human and half vampire, like the hero, have several distinguishing traits, and this made the story not only original but also more interesting. Conlan is an extremely charming man, as he is genuinely honorable and has a compassionate nature that is conveyed in numerous ways during the story. I liked how he tries to always follow the rules set forth for him as head of security, yet a certain human female once again breaks through his firmly held views and touches his heart. Kat is definitely a woman with a strong-willed personality, as she has continuously had to overcome adversity in the past and the present. These two are intelligent individuals, and they prove just how smart they are on more than one occasion. They are also noble when they unselfishly put others over they own welfare. As buried feelings repeatedly surface and influence their actions, the reader comes to understand just how potent the connection between Conlan and Kat remains even after years have elapsed. This makes any sexual intimacy fervent with passionate adoration. There is plenty of suspense all throughout the book, and a number of incidents are heart pounding with uncertainties. An unexpected turn adds to the danger and makes the situation doubly terrifying. SAVAGE REDEMPTION has a vast number of appealing characters trying to stay alive during dangerously suspenseful scenarios.

CataRomance Reviews - 4.5 Stars
1723344
Very different and intriguing plot line. It took a couple chapters to get into it, but then it was hard to put down. Very well written and the narrator is an interesting and complex character. Food for thought, for sure!