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 30thThe two lucky winners will be announced on ALPHA reader and Larissa's Bookish Life on October 2nd.
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but she also has written an amazing PNR series. Sin Undone ends the series is an awesome note and we still get to see those great characters in a spin-off series, YAY!
