Blood Song and Succubus Dreams

[snugglekitty]

While at grown-up study hall yesterday, I "read" a book called Blood Song: A Wordless Ballad by Erik Drooker. I put read in quotes because this book is pictures only - no words. It's definitely meant for adults, and I found it very moving. I loved the use of color and the use of perspective. I loved the way the artist conveyed the emotions of his characters. I loved the sense of hope after tragedy. Anyone who's interested in graphic novels should read it. Five stars, since it changed the way I thought about graphic novels.

And, yesterday afternoon, I finished Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead. This book got some great reviews by authors I like, including Jim Butcher, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. My favorite part of the book was the main character's memory of meeting Lillith, and I put an excerpt of that behind the cut. It doesn't spoil anything about the plot. I also really liked the character in the book who's a writer, and the way that Mead writes about his writing process and how it affects his interactions with others. Things I didn't like so much about the book - well, the main character is kind of dumb in the way that I hate for heroines to be dumb - dumb about her actions, their consequences, her own motivations. I was able to see the vast majority of the plot twists coming about a mile away. And honestly I have a hard time really getting behind plots that have a lot to do with selling one's soul. It's just... not an idea that I find very resonant. And finally, Georgina's supposed friends are pretty mean to her. I didn't like that. Three stars. But it would make a good beach book, for sure.



"'You will be my daughter now, spreading discord and passion for the rest of your days. You will be both punisher and tester, a creature of both dreams and nightmares. Mortals will do anything for you, just for a touch. You will be loved and desired until the earth is dust.'
I whimpered at her proximity, and then she moved closer still, lifting me up so I stood before her. Those glorious lips came to mine, and that kiss shot orgasmic pleasure through my body. My cries were lost, smothered in that kiss. I closed my eyes, unable to look at her and unable to break away.. and yet, as I let that bliss consume me, something else happened too.
My mortality was being stripped away."



Isn't it funny how it's easier to explain why something doesn't work, than why it does work?

Comments

[supercheesegirl.livejournal.com]

RE wordless media: The Triplets of Belleville is an animated film with almost no dialogue at all. There are some "hmm"s, a rare exclamation in French (it was made in Canada), and maybe a news radio broadcast or two. Otherwise, speech-free, and it was entirely fascinating to me to see how the characters interacted and the story progressed without language. I was really surprised at how involved I got with the story, too. Another excellent example, of course, is the Buffy episode "Hush", but I'm sure you've seen that.

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

Yes, I've seen parts of Triplets. I found it interesting. And of course I've seen Hush. Such a great episode. "Boobies???"