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zombimomi's review
4.0
When I first read the description for this book, I knew I had to read it. I am not a huge romance reader, but something about both the cover and the following words grabbed my attention:
"What these two are able to discover will not only test their strength and will, but it will stretch the limits of their minds and catapult them into a world where earth, Heaven, and Hell collide.
Eternal Curse is the story of a man who may just be the answer to a spiritual war swiftly heading his way - but for now, he just wants to be a man. "
Toi Thomas does a wonderful job of creating a slow building romantic Beauty and the Beast style romance. Both of the main characters bring with them similar issues of mistrust and abandonment that make you feel an instant compassion for them. A surprise introduction of a third supporting character brings in the emotional glue that each Giovanni and Mira's characters seem to hide. Without this character, the bonding and story line would not flow as such a loving tale. It is a very good story of the human's mind dealing with the struggle of Good vs. Evil.
This book had me smiling, laughing, crying and thinking about some very serious life questions. Once it got under way, I found it easy to get caught up in the lives of these three people. I was curious to know how they were going to help each other and what would become of them. I quickly found that there was just not enough book to read, because I had read all. I found myself thinking that I, myself have felt many of the same emotions that Giovanni had felt. The loner, the weirdo, she/he hates me because I said this... All the feeling and emotions made this a heartfelt read. I really loved that Mira was a "real world" woman. She was not the Barbie girl that is so often portrayed.
I was disappointed, however, at several things in the book that detracted from both the flow and overall enjoyment. The first was, in the beginning of the book, it began reading almost as if you were reading a text book. The fact building process and point of view was somewhat off putting at times, esp. for this genre. As was, occasionally the way conversations would take place. They could be very dull with overly detailed information.
The most disappointing thing for me was how after the length of time they had spent in their search was the abrupt revelation of who Giovanni is. There is such a big build up of ideas and what ifs and then *poof*, in a few pages it's done and pretty much left unresolved from there. The love story continues, the three companion's tales go on. Then the book is over. But what now?
I'm hoping for another book. I would definitely read it because the potential for this tale is amazing.
I will end my review with my favorite quote from the book. Mira to Giovanni,
"If you're a freak, you're the best kind of freak; and yes, I like you just the way you are."
"What these two are able to discover will not only test their strength and will, but it will stretch the limits of their minds and catapult them into a world where earth, Heaven, and Hell collide.
Eternal Curse is the story of a man who may just be the answer to a spiritual war swiftly heading his way - but for now, he just wants to be a man. "
Toi Thomas does a wonderful job of creating a slow building romantic Beauty and the Beast style romance. Both of the main characters bring with them similar issues of mistrust and abandonment that make you feel an instant compassion for them. A surprise introduction of a third supporting character brings in the emotional glue that each Giovanni and Mira's characters seem to hide. Without this character, the bonding and story line would not flow as such a loving tale. It is a very good story of the human's mind dealing with the struggle of Good vs. Evil.
This book had me smiling, laughing, crying and thinking about some very serious life questions. Once it got under way, I found it easy to get caught up in the lives of these three people. I was curious to know how they were going to help each other and what would become of them. I quickly found that there was just not enough book to read, because I had read all. I found myself thinking that I, myself have felt many of the same emotions that Giovanni had felt. The loner, the weirdo, she/he hates me because I said this... All the feeling and emotions made this a heartfelt read. I really loved that Mira was a "real world" woman. She was not the Barbie girl that is so often portrayed.
I was disappointed, however, at several things in the book that detracted from both the flow and overall enjoyment. The first was, in the beginning of the book, it began reading almost as if you were reading a text book. The fact building process and point of view was somewhat off putting at times, esp. for this genre. As was, occasionally the way conversations would take place. They could be very dull with overly detailed information.
The most disappointing thing for me was how after the length of time they had spent in their search was the abrupt revelation of who Giovanni is. There is such a big build up of ideas and what ifs and then *poof*, in a few pages it's done and pretty much left unresolved from there. The love story continues, the three companion's tales go on. Then the book is over. But what now?
I'm hoping for another book. I would definitely read it because the potential for this tale is amazing.
I will end my review with my favorite quote from the book. Mira to Giovanni,
"If you're a freak, you're the best kind of freak; and yes, I like you just the way you are."
nannyf's review
4.0
What a refreshing change to read this book. It was so different to the books I have been reading lately and a joy to read.
This story almost reads like it was written many years ago. The language, the way it is written, and the storyline, could very easily be from times gone by.
I was drawn into the story immediately. We have two people meeting online, deciding to see each other face to face. This is something which happens all the time. But in this case one of those people is a doctor, the other is a man with unusual problems he needs help diagnosing.
The way the story progresses drew me in very quickly. Mira's struggle to decipher Giovanni's symptoms and past is an interesting one. And I loved the fact that we didn't find out more till a lot later in the story. It kept the mystery alive throughout.
The friendship between Giovanni and Abraham is lovely. The way these 2 men have supported each other over the years is so nice. It is what a true friendship should be. Mira fits in well with both men, she doesn't get in the way of the friendship. Instead it is enhanced by her presence.
I loved getting to the end and getting a little hint as to who the narrator is, plus the fact there is another book planned. If the next book is anything like this one I cannot wait to read it.
This story almost reads like it was written many years ago. The language, the way it is written, and the storyline, could very easily be from times gone by.
I was drawn into the story immediately. We have two people meeting online, deciding to see each other face to face. This is something which happens all the time. But in this case one of those people is a doctor, the other is a man with unusual problems he needs help diagnosing.
The way the story progresses drew me in very quickly. Mira's struggle to decipher Giovanni's symptoms and past is an interesting one. And I loved the fact that we didn't find out more till a lot later in the story. It kept the mystery alive throughout.
The friendship between Giovanni and Abraham is lovely. The way these 2 men have supported each other over the years is so nice. It is what a true friendship should be. Mira fits in well with both men, she doesn't get in the way of the friendship. Instead it is enhanced by her presence.
I loved getting to the end and getting a little hint as to who the narrator is, plus the fact there is another book planned. If the next book is anything like this one I cannot wait to read it.
ellelainey's review
2.0
Book – Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel
Author – Toi Thomas
Star rating – ★★☆☆☆
Plot – good idea, disappointing development
Characters – a case of love and Hate.
Movie Potential – ★★☆☆☆
Ease of reading – easy to read
Cover – ~ Meh ~
Suitable Title – ~ Meh ~
Would I read it again – No.
.
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Please read the full review here - http://ellelainey.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/book-review-eternal-curse/
Author – Toi Thomas
Star rating – ★★☆☆☆
Plot – good idea, disappointing development
Characters – a case of love and Hate.
Movie Potential – ★★☆☆☆
Ease of reading – easy to read
Cover – ~ Meh ~
Suitable Title – ~ Meh ~
Would I read it again – No.
.
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Please read the full review here - http://ellelainey.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/book-review-eternal-curse/
ashrowe's review
3.0
* I got this in exchange for my honest review*
When I first started reading this story I was kind of thrown about the writting. To the point I made it to the second chapter and quit reading it for awhile. One, I kept reading it in my head with the voice from the narrator of Pocoyo. Two the title grabbed my but the first couple chapters couldn’t seem to hold my attention.
Once I picked it back up and continued to read it I found myself getting sucked into the world and wanting to discover just what Giovanni is and more about his past and the relationship between him and Abraham. Also, I wanted to see how Mira and Giovanni’s relationship would pan out.
Little less than half way though the book I was sucked in and couldn’t put it down. There wasn’t any real action scenes ( which I love some great kick butt action) but there was a great story about finding ones self and accepting others for who they are without compromising yourself ( In my opinion) . Mia was a strong female character though skeptical at first did finally believe the unbelievable as a doctor she did everything to find scientifically plausible answers for what Giovanni was. She wasn’t a pushover (which I greatly appreciated) and I found her to be an easily likable character. Giovanni was a troubled soul with so many questions about who he was but he always did his best to protect others. His and Abrahams history together was a sweet one.
For me it was slow to start but with peeking my curiosity towards the middle it kept me turning the pages even though there were points that seemed drawn out. The ending felt a little rushed though. This is a first book in the series and I enjoyed the mystery, mythology and story enough that I will pick up the next in the series especially to see if Giovanni finds more like him.
When I first started reading this story I was kind of thrown about the writting. To the point I made it to the second chapter and quit reading it for awhile. One, I kept reading it in my head with the voice from the narrator of Pocoyo. Two the title grabbed my but the first couple chapters couldn’t seem to hold my attention.
Once I picked it back up and continued to read it I found myself getting sucked into the world and wanting to discover just what Giovanni is and more about his past and the relationship between him and Abraham. Also, I wanted to see how Mira and Giovanni’s relationship would pan out.
Little less than half way though the book I was sucked in and couldn’t put it down. There wasn’t any real action scenes ( which I love some great kick butt action) but there was a great story about finding ones self and accepting others for who they are without compromising yourself ( In my opinion) . Mia was a strong female character though skeptical at first did finally believe the unbelievable as a doctor she did everything to find scientifically plausible answers for what Giovanni was. She wasn’t a pushover (which I greatly appreciated) and I found her to be an easily likable character. Giovanni was a troubled soul with so many questions about who he was but he always did his best to protect others. His and Abrahams history together was a sweet one.
For me it was slow to start but with peeking my curiosity towards the middle it kept me turning the pages even though there were points that seemed drawn out. The ending felt a little rushed though. This is a first book in the series and I enjoyed the mystery, mythology and story enough that I will pick up the next in the series especially to see if Giovanni finds more like him.
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