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Stained #1
Stained
Seventeen-year-old Julia is finally living the good life. She's traded a hard cot in a Memphis orphanage for her very own room in a perfect little house, on a perfect little street, with a perfect set of parents who picked her to be their daughter.
But Julia is hiding a secret - and one fall night, she returns home from a friend's house to find that her secret has found her. Her 'forever home' is ashes. Her parents are dead. And, in the sky above the flames, a winged creature hunts her.
The Nephilim King, Samyaza, has taken everything from Cayne. After struggling in the darkness for years to piece together his shattered life, Cayne is finally ready to confront his past and avenge the loss of everything he loved. He tracks Samyaza to a Memphis warehouse, where he winds up flat on his back, in the healing hands of a beautiful, dark-haired girl he doesn't need to know.
Unbeknownst to either of them, they are already bound. Cayne's past holds the answers to Julia's future. But what will pose the greatest threat to her? The bounty placed on her head by the leaders of two Celestial realms, or giving her heart to a man who is bound, by birth, to break it?
But Julia is hiding a secret - and one fall night, she returns home from a friend's house to find that her secret has found her. Her 'forever home' is ashes. Her parents are dead. And, in the sky above the flames, a winged creature hunts her.
The Nephilim King, Samyaza, has taken everything from Cayne. After struggling in the darkness for years to piece together his shattered life, Cayne is finally ready to confront his past and avenge the loss of everything he loved. He tracks Samyaza to a Memphis warehouse, where he winds up flat on his back, in the healing hands of a beautiful, dark-haired girl he doesn't need to know.
Unbeknownst to either of them, they are already bound. Cayne's past holds the answers to Julia's future. But what will pose the greatest threat to her? The bounty placed on her head by the leaders of two Celestial realms, or giving her heart to a man who is bound, by birth, to break it?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2011
333 people are currently reading
4,023 people want to read
About the author
Ella James
83Ìýbooks5,752ÌýfollowersElla James is the USA Today + Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty books. Ella lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she's not writing, you can find her in the foothills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 540 reviews
February 10, 2015
This book was free on my Kindle. I liked it, I read it pretty consistently since I started it, but it never really grabbed me. I found the relationship between Cayne and Sam to be weirdly introduced, rushed, and poorly explained. The premise was nice, it was an interesting story, but I don't think I'll continue with the series unless it is free. The whole story was like the blind leading the blind and not necessarily in a good suspenseful way but in a not very well thought out way. However, I'd really like to know what those freaking stains mean!
July 30, 2016
Bullet Review:
DNF at 10%
Beware the men with Abs. Because these guys can make women do ANYTHING:
Tolerate stalkers!
Accept no answers or explanations for supernatural occurrences!
Get over parents' deaths!
Allow themselves to be used as bait for catching a half-demon!!
Seriously, Julia has to be THE stupidest protagonist I've seen in a LONG time. One set of Abs drops from the ceiling into her world (no, really, that happens), and boom! There goes her brain!
Because, sure, it's TOTALLY OKAY to trust a hot, sexy guy with Abs who refuses to tell you anything, sets you up as bait, and bosses you around. He's TOTALLY OKAY to completely and utterly trust - it's no problem that hours after meeting him she's totes sure he's got her back.
Actually, this book is so incredibly dumb, I may very well plug along to the end. I'm up for a new so-bad-it's-good book and this one would work PERFECTLY.
Not recommended if you believe protagonists should have a smattering of common sense. Or be more upset about their parents' deaths than getting damp panties over a set of random Abs.
DNF at 10%
Beware the men with Abs. Because these guys can make women do ANYTHING:
Tolerate stalkers!
Accept no answers or explanations for supernatural occurrences!
Get over parents' deaths!
Allow themselves to be used as bait for catching a half-demon!!
Seriously, Julia has to be THE stupidest protagonist I've seen in a LONG time. One set of Abs drops from the ceiling into her world (no, really, that happens), and boom! There goes her brain!
Because, sure, it's TOTALLY OKAY to trust a hot, sexy guy with Abs who refuses to tell you anything, sets you up as bait, and bosses you around. He's TOTALLY OKAY to completely and utterly trust - it's no problem that hours after meeting him she's totes sure he's got her back.
Actually, this book is so incredibly dumb, I may very well plug along to the end. I'm up for a new so-bad-it's-good book and this one would work PERFECTLY.
Not recommended if you believe protagonists should have a smattering of common sense. Or be more upset about their parents' deaths than getting damp panties over a set of random Abs.
February 11, 2013
Julia's parents have just died when a hot guy crashes through the ceiling. Powers that have been with her for years suddenly make her a target, and she must rely on the mysterious Cayne for her life.
This was my first "proper" book that I read on my Kindle app, and this helped me highlight some things that *really* bugged me.
1. Over-description of things I didn't care about. At all.
Three of my phone-sized pages in and I already had two things to highlight. Stained starts with Julia looking down at her shoes. But of course they aren't shoes, they're "Hot Pink Converse All-Stars". I get that the very first time, we need to know this to make the point that Julia isn't used to brands, but do we need this every single time she mentions them?. I counted five mentions of "All Stars" before I stopped counting. I stopped counting 3% of the way through the book. In the end, I found myself crying "for god's sake, just say shoes!"
And it's not just shoes. I discovered that she wears Abercrombie skinny jeans, brushes her teeth with Oral-B and at one point, Cayne does not just buy her food but "five dripping sodas, sixs bags of Doritos, one bag of peanut M&M's, and two jumbo cinnamon rolls". Just say food.
She also happens to be wearing a "spaghetti-strapped beige night shirt". Because of course, when her house burns down, the first thing I want to know is the shirt she's wearing. That's just common sense.
2. Awkward priorities when your parents are dead.
So, get this, Julia's parents have just died in a house fire. She hides in a warehouse when Cayne crashes through the roof.
Your parents are dead, you could be in terrible danger. But it's okay, because a hot guy has fallen at your feet.
Your parents are dead.
Your parents are, in fact, dead. Is dirty water really your main concern?
Good thing you broke away from your crying fit to notice.
Can I just remind you that your parents are dead and your hair is probably the least of your worries?
Sure, that's all I want to know when your PARENTS HAVE JUST DIED AND HE WANTS TO PUT YOU IN DIRECT DANGER.
And so on.
3. Weird descriptions
Ghost limbs attacking their owners. Now that's a story I would read. Now, even someone with the most basic knowledge of biology knows that hands do not do things on their own.
I don't even know what this is
Yes, because "dread", also known as adrenaline, will make you start jogging and not maybe, I don't know, running?
Other than the fact he doesn't want to answer your question and it's somewhat personal? Yep, nothing at all.
4. Just... ugh, the book
Cayne bothered me. He went from being mysterious to boring to vaguely interesting to just plain weird. I didn't understand Julia's attraction to him at all, and I didn't even get when exactly the romance happened.
Also, nothing happened. Sure, there were a couple of major action scenes, but it was mostly talking without us discovering a lot. Just that Cayne hasn't heard of Twilight, or something equally unimportant.
More things that bothered me
Julia also finds it "weird" that Cayne doesn't "know all that much". Apparently, he
She then goes on to question him about American history, stuff which I can guarantee you that a good chunk of my history class wouldn't know, let alone a bloke who's been on the run for most of his life. And frankly, when you're on the run from a half-demon, why would you care about the American Civil War? Julia is assuming that Cayne would know all about everything that happened since he was born.
Overall, a dull book with dull characters. The only thing I would say in it's favour is that James knows how to write action. It was the only part in which I was actually entertained. 1.5/5
This was my first "proper" book that I read on my Kindle app, and this helped me highlight some things that *really* bugged me.
1. Over-description of things I didn't care about. At all.
Three of my phone-sized pages in and I already had two things to highlight. Stained starts with Julia looking down at her shoes. But of course they aren't shoes, they're "Hot Pink Converse All-Stars". I get that the very first time, we need to know this to make the point that Julia isn't used to brands, but do we need this every single time she mentions them?. I counted five mentions of "All Stars" before I stopped counting. I stopped counting 3% of the way through the book. In the end, I found myself crying "for god's sake, just say shoes!"
And it's not just shoes. I discovered that she wears Abercrombie skinny jeans, brushes her teeth with Oral-B and at one point, Cayne does not just buy her food but "five dripping sodas, sixs bags of Doritos, one bag of peanut M&M's, and two jumbo cinnamon rolls". Just say food.
She also happens to be wearing a "spaghetti-strapped beige night shirt". Because of course, when her house burns down, the first thing I want to know is the shirt she's wearing. That's just common sense.
2. Awkward priorities when your parents are dead.
So, get this, Julia's parents have just died in a house fire. She hides in a warehouse when Cayne crashes through the roof.
A hot guy. Very hot. He had, too literally, fallen at her feet.
Your parents are dead, you could be in terrible danger. But it's okay, because a hot guy has fallen at your feet.
Those beautiful, hard-as-stone eyes
Your parents are dead.
"You're joking, right? That's gotta be the dirtest water you could ask for."
Your parents are, in fact, dead. Is dirty water really your main concern?
He swam gracefully
Good thing you broke away from your crying fit to notice.
And tears filled her eyes again because she'd cut her own hair and it probably looked horrible.
Can I just remind you that your parents are dead and your hair is probably the least of your worries?
He smiled rouguishly, handsome features exaggerated by his slick hair.
Sure, that's all I want to know when your PARENTS HAVE JUST DIED AND HE WANTS TO PUT YOU IN DIRECT DANGER.
And so on.
3. Weird descriptions
On its own, Julia's hand slid to the back of her neck.
Ghost limbs attacking their owners. Now that's a story I would read. Now, even someone with the most basic knowledge of biology knows that hands do not do things on their own.
cereal box watch
I don't even know what this is
Dread grabbed hold of her, and Julia started jogging
Yes, because "dread", also known as adrenaline, will make you start jogging and not maybe, I don't know, running?
he shook his head, revealing nothing
Other than the fact he doesn't want to answer your question and it's somewhat personal? Yep, nothing at all.
4. Just... ugh, the book
Cayne bothered me. He went from being mysterious to boring to vaguely interesting to just plain weird. I didn't understand Julia's attraction to him at all, and I didn't even get when exactly the romance happened.
Also, nothing happened. Sure, there were a couple of major action scenes, but it was mostly talking without us discovering a lot. Just that Cayne hasn't heard of Twilight, or something equally unimportant.
More things that bothered me
Julia also finds it "weird" that Cayne doesn't "know all that much". Apparently, he
didn't remember why women started wearing bras, seemed clueless about the Titanic, had never hit up a Beatles concert, thought prohibition was merely "prohibiting something" and didn't seem to know why Pearl Harbour was significant.
She then goes on to question him about American history, stuff which I can guarantee you that a good chunk of my history class wouldn't know, let alone a bloke who's been on the run for most of his life. And frankly, when you're on the run from a half-demon, why would you care about the American Civil War? Julia is assuming that Cayne would know all about everything that happened since he was born.
Overall, a dull book with dull characters. The only thing I would say in it's favour is that James knows how to write action. It was the only part in which I was actually entertained. 1.5/5
January 11, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI:
ATTENZIONE! Questo libro è il primo volume di una trilogia incentrata sugli stessi protagonisti. Se non volete rimanere con il finale sospeso vi consiglio di aspettare l'uscita dei prossimi volumi.
Ho letto "Marchiata" senza aspettative, senza aspettarmi nulla di più da quello che l’autrice ha voluto raccontare nella serie. La storia è raccontata in modo semplice e fluido, un po' troppo veloce per i miei gusti forse a causa di una scrittura acerba dell’autrice o probabilmente perché è stato uno dei suoi primi libri. La storia ruota intorno alla vita di Julia, una ragazza adolescente che in una notte perde tutto a causa di un misterioso demone che incendia la sua casa e brucia vivi i suoi genitori adottivi. Lei è un personaggio forte e coraggioso, determinato e indipendente che si salva da sola e che non ha bisogno di nessun principe. Scopriamo subito che Julia non ha condotto una vita facile e che ha delle abilità uniche che tiene nascoste fin quando non incontra Cayne, un mezzo demone seducente e alquanto enigmatico al quale si unisce per scoprire la verità . Cayne è un mistero all’inizio poiché si rifiuta di fornire dettagli e rivelare la verità a Julia e pian piano impariamo a vederlo come un uomo gentile che intende proteggere Julia a tutti i costi. La storia è raccontata dalla prospettiva in terza persona da parte di Julia e Cayne e di un terzo personaggio misterioso che scoprirete solo leggendo il romanzo, attraverso anche ricordi e sogni. In questo volume l’autrice evidenzia maggiormente la parte paranormale, dandoci una visione non molto completa del mondo soprannaturale in quanto tutto viene rivelato pian piano e sicuramente nei libri successivi scopriremo altre rivelazioni. Una delle qualità positive è sicuramente l’azione presente durante i combattimenti tra demoni e la mancanza di insta-love che permette ai due personaggi di conoscersi, di odiarsi e poi lentamente di provare attrazione, affrontare i sentimenti e accettarli. La relazione che instaurano è abbastanza inconsistente e non esauriente ma sicuramente verrà approfondita meglio nei volumi successivi. I protagonisti hanno una loro storia, entrambi avrebbero potuto essere caratterizzati perfettamente ma ciò non è avvenuto e invece di trovarci di fronte a protagonisti di spessore, conosciamo personaggi senza consistenza, senza una profondità . Non si riesce a provare empatia per loro, non si riesce ad emozionarsi proprio perché non sono caratterizzati molto bene né dal punto di vista caratteriale e né da quello psicologico e risultano piatti, senza una profondità adeguata, come anche i dialoghi che sembrano rigidi e anch'essi inespressivi. Un esempio è dato all'inizio quando Julia vede bruciare la sua casa con la sua famiglia dentro e l’autrice non ci mostra alcun tipo di emozione da parte della protagonista: non c’� colpa, non c’� tristezza, né dolore o lutto. L’autrice è troppo concentrata nel mantenere il mistero, i colpi di scena e l’azione nella storia che si svolge ad un ritmo troppo veloce che non approfondisce nulla; ciò infatti, va a discapito della storia stessa che presenta buchi consistenti di trama e tutto scorre troppo veloce, come se fosse una lista o meglio, uno schema ben preciso di azioni che si susseguono una dopo l’altra e che si intrecciano alle descrizioni degli ambienti e dei paesaggi in modo veloce e superficiale, senza dare il tempo al lettore di immaginare nella mente quel luogo.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
ATTENZIONE! Questo libro è il primo volume di una trilogia incentrata sugli stessi protagonisti. Se non volete rimanere con il finale sospeso vi consiglio di aspettare l'uscita dei prossimi volumi.
Ho letto "Marchiata" senza aspettative, senza aspettarmi nulla di più da quello che l’autrice ha voluto raccontare nella serie. La storia è raccontata in modo semplice e fluido, un po' troppo veloce per i miei gusti forse a causa di una scrittura acerba dell’autrice o probabilmente perché è stato uno dei suoi primi libri. La storia ruota intorno alla vita di Julia, una ragazza adolescente che in una notte perde tutto a causa di un misterioso demone che incendia la sua casa e brucia vivi i suoi genitori adottivi. Lei è un personaggio forte e coraggioso, determinato e indipendente che si salva da sola e che non ha bisogno di nessun principe. Scopriamo subito che Julia non ha condotto una vita facile e che ha delle abilità uniche che tiene nascoste fin quando non incontra Cayne, un mezzo demone seducente e alquanto enigmatico al quale si unisce per scoprire la verità . Cayne è un mistero all’inizio poiché si rifiuta di fornire dettagli e rivelare la verità a Julia e pian piano impariamo a vederlo come un uomo gentile che intende proteggere Julia a tutti i costi. La storia è raccontata dalla prospettiva in terza persona da parte di Julia e Cayne e di un terzo personaggio misterioso che scoprirete solo leggendo il romanzo, attraverso anche ricordi e sogni. In questo volume l’autrice evidenzia maggiormente la parte paranormale, dandoci una visione non molto completa del mondo soprannaturale in quanto tutto viene rivelato pian piano e sicuramente nei libri successivi scopriremo altre rivelazioni. Una delle qualità positive è sicuramente l’azione presente durante i combattimenti tra demoni e la mancanza di insta-love che permette ai due personaggi di conoscersi, di odiarsi e poi lentamente di provare attrazione, affrontare i sentimenti e accettarli. La relazione che instaurano è abbastanza inconsistente e non esauriente ma sicuramente verrà approfondita meglio nei volumi successivi. I protagonisti hanno una loro storia, entrambi avrebbero potuto essere caratterizzati perfettamente ma ciò non è avvenuto e invece di trovarci di fronte a protagonisti di spessore, conosciamo personaggi senza consistenza, senza una profondità . Non si riesce a provare empatia per loro, non si riesce ad emozionarsi proprio perché non sono caratterizzati molto bene né dal punto di vista caratteriale e né da quello psicologico e risultano piatti, senza una profondità adeguata, come anche i dialoghi che sembrano rigidi e anch'essi inespressivi. Un esempio è dato all'inizio quando Julia vede bruciare la sua casa con la sua famiglia dentro e l’autrice non ci mostra alcun tipo di emozione da parte della protagonista: non c’� colpa, non c’� tristezza, né dolore o lutto. L’autrice è troppo concentrata nel mantenere il mistero, i colpi di scena e l’azione nella storia che si svolge ad un ritmo troppo veloce che non approfondisce nulla; ciò infatti, va a discapito della storia stessa che presenta buchi consistenti di trama e tutto scorre troppo veloce, come se fosse una lista o meglio, uno schema ben preciso di azioni che si susseguono una dopo l’altra e che si intrecciano alle descrizioni degli ambienti e dei paesaggi in modo veloce e superficiale, senza dare il tempo al lettore di immaginare nella mente quel luogo.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
June 8, 2012
So I just finished reading Stained and I loved it. I have to admit, the only reason I read this was because I randomly stumbled across it on my kindle and was confused as to how it got there, but I sure am glad that it found its way to my library! I was initially reading this on the Kindle app for iPod which is my least favourite method of reading but once I'd started Stained, I just couldn't stop! Stained had me gripped from the beginning to the end with its compelling story and characters and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
The story centres around Julia and Cayne and there are very few other characters. I absolutely fell in love with Cayne as I suppose any teenage girl would. He's badass. Like Nephilim badass. He's super hot, super alluring and super secretive and you can't help but fall in love with him. From the minute he burst through the Julia's ceiling (literally), I was completely under his spell. You can see both Julia and Cayne develop as the book goes on and you get more and more engrossed in their story. What's interesting is that both of these characters are searching to find out more about themselves, but the more they learn the more complicated things get. Whilst Nora is one of the 'stained', Cayne is a Nephilim and it appears that these two races have it out for each other, though this isn't explored that much in book 1. Although this book is written from the third person perspective, you still get glimpses into Julia's thoughts and you really understand her as a character. Sometimes I found Cayne thoroughly confusing, but I liked that we didn't know everything about him because it added to the allusion.
Some aspects of this book are pretty predictable, but some really aren't. Just as I'd started to get into the groove of this book, there was a random passage featuring some new characters teasing me just enough to have me turning pages like crazy trying to figure out how this new info would all fit in. You feel a build up as you're reading and you just know that something is coming, but you're never quite sure what it is.
Stained ends on such an abrupt and unanticipated cliffhanger and as I hadn't been keeping tabs on how far into the book I was, I found myself frantically pressing the 'page turn' button, willing there to be more. I cannot wait to get started on Stolen, the second book in this series, so that I can find out exactly what happens to Cayne and Julia! I, rather shamefully, have to admit that I have never purchased a book from Kindle ebook from Amazon but for this book I think I'll have to make an exception because I need to know more!
Having finished reading the book, I have to say that I don't think the cover is particularly representative of the content. The girl standing there is nothing like what I'd imagine Julia to be like, particularly because she has very short hair and I can't really imagine her in those clothes, but hey, that's just the way my imagination sees things. Personally, I feel the cover lets the book down a bit, but, as they say, never judge a book by its cover! For me, the cover is the only negative thing about this book, everything else is brilliant!
This book very much reminded me of the series Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick so I'd definitely recommend this to any fans of Patch and Nora. This ebook is only £0.77 on Amazon, which is incredibly cheap for such a fantastic novel so get your hands on it now - no excuses!
The story centres around Julia and Cayne and there are very few other characters. I absolutely fell in love with Cayne as I suppose any teenage girl would. He's badass. Like Nephilim badass. He's super hot, super alluring and super secretive and you can't help but fall in love with him. From the minute he burst through the Julia's ceiling (literally), I was completely under his spell. You can see both Julia and Cayne develop as the book goes on and you get more and more engrossed in their story. What's interesting is that both of these characters are searching to find out more about themselves, but the more they learn the more complicated things get. Whilst Nora is one of the 'stained', Cayne is a Nephilim and it appears that these two races have it out for each other, though this isn't explored that much in book 1. Although this book is written from the third person perspective, you still get glimpses into Julia's thoughts and you really understand her as a character. Sometimes I found Cayne thoroughly confusing, but I liked that we didn't know everything about him because it added to the allusion.
Some aspects of this book are pretty predictable, but some really aren't. Just as I'd started to get into the groove of this book, there was a random passage featuring some new characters teasing me just enough to have me turning pages like crazy trying to figure out how this new info would all fit in. You feel a build up as you're reading and you just know that something is coming, but you're never quite sure what it is.
Stained ends on such an abrupt and unanticipated cliffhanger and as I hadn't been keeping tabs on how far into the book I was, I found myself frantically pressing the 'page turn' button, willing there to be more. I cannot wait to get started on Stolen, the second book in this series, so that I can find out exactly what happens to Cayne and Julia! I, rather shamefully, have to admit that I have never purchased a book from Kindle ebook from Amazon but for this book I think I'll have to make an exception because I need to know more!
Having finished reading the book, I have to say that I don't think the cover is particularly representative of the content. The girl standing there is nothing like what I'd imagine Julia to be like, particularly because she has very short hair and I can't really imagine her in those clothes, but hey, that's just the way my imagination sees things. Personally, I feel the cover lets the book down a bit, but, as they say, never judge a book by its cover! For me, the cover is the only negative thing about this book, everything else is brilliant!
This book very much reminded me of the series Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick so I'd definitely recommend this to any fans of Patch and Nora. This ebook is only £0.77 on Amazon, which is incredibly cheap for such a fantastic novel so get your hands on it now - no excuses!
February 19, 2012
Here, yet again, it stands to reason that where there is great story telling there is authoress Ella James.
This tale is nothing like the sweet "be still my heart" love readers were served in "Before You Go". "Stained" is an action packed, mile a minute thrill read, filled with demons, fights, wings, angst, mystery, suspense...and maybe...just a little...ROMANCE.
What Are You?
Julia is a girl who loses it all on the night that her house burns down at the hands of a mysterious demon that she sees moments before she is forced to flee her burning home; leaving her dead foster parents and all that she has known behind to start a life as...
Flash forward. Julia...abandoned pecan factory...death demon...hot guy...a fight...hot guy almost dies...and Julia heals him.
That right, she heals him. So we the readers are left with the same question for both Julia and the hottie that falls through the roof of the afore mentioned pecan factory, who we later come to know as Cayne.
Who are you?
So Now What?
She saves him from his injuries and he saves her from Sam. Oh yeah, did I not tell you that Mr. Death's name is Sam, and that he is not only hunting Julia, but is also locked in a to-the-death battle with Cayne?
It seems that Cayne and Sam are playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse and Julia is the shiny cat toy with feathers that neither can resist.
This is where the real fun begins. While on the hunt for Sam readers get to see the sights of Memphis, find out that Cayne is a half demon with missing memories, learn about Julia and her mysterious birthmark, fight more demons and...I would love to tell you but you're just going to have to read it.
Not Your Average Angel
Cayne is not your average angel, and this is not the hot angel + cute girl = show me your wings and I'll love you forever. This story is a battle from start to finish. Julia and Cayne are both battling for sanity, truth, love, and their lives.
This is an intelligent read full of characters that are not always perfect, but who are able to think on their feet. The story plays out before the reader like a flawlessly conducted symphony. Every scene, player, line, and setting doing its part to make the experience of "Stained" the masterpiece that it is.
Review cross-posted from
This tale is nothing like the sweet "be still my heart" love readers were served in "Before You Go". "Stained" is an action packed, mile a minute thrill read, filled with demons, fights, wings, angst, mystery, suspense...and maybe...just a little...ROMANCE.
What Are You?
Julia is a girl who loses it all on the night that her house burns down at the hands of a mysterious demon that she sees moments before she is forced to flee her burning home; leaving her dead foster parents and all that she has known behind to start a life as...
Flash forward. Julia...abandoned pecan factory...death demon...hot guy...a fight...hot guy almost dies...and Julia heals him.
That right, she heals him. So we the readers are left with the same question for both Julia and the hottie that falls through the roof of the afore mentioned pecan factory, who we later come to know as Cayne.
Who are you?
So Now What?
She saves him from his injuries and he saves her from Sam. Oh yeah, did I not tell you that Mr. Death's name is Sam, and that he is not only hunting Julia, but is also locked in a to-the-death battle with Cayne?
It seems that Cayne and Sam are playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse and Julia is the shiny cat toy with feathers that neither can resist.
This is where the real fun begins. While on the hunt for Sam readers get to see the sights of Memphis, find out that Cayne is a half demon with missing memories, learn about Julia and her mysterious birthmark, fight more demons and...I would love to tell you but you're just going to have to read it.
Not Your Average Angel
Cayne is not your average angel, and this is not the hot angel + cute girl = show me your wings and I'll love you forever. This story is a battle from start to finish. Julia and Cayne are both battling for sanity, truth, love, and their lives.
This is an intelligent read full of characters that are not always perfect, but who are able to think on their feet. The story plays out before the reader like a flawlessly conducted symphony. Every scene, player, line, and setting doing its part to make the experience of "Stained" the masterpiece that it is.
Review cross-posted from
April 2, 2012
I loved this fast paste, read in one sitting book to bits. Up to the end. The sequel will be out on Wednesday 4 April 2012 and that is the only thought that keeps me going. I need to read what happens to Julia and Cayne, so many questions remain unanswered. I love the relationship between Julia and Cayne and the constant high speed race against time their life takes, you as reader has to take the journey with them. There is no other way. This is a thrill a minute book and the ease of the authors prose will have you captivated. Of this I am sure.
I give this book a 7 ** review. This is most assuredly a book that I would recommend my best friend to buy, I walked the hallways of my house coughing all over my kindle while reading this story (I have bronchitis) and I could not wait to read more, even making coffee, at times got to take up to much time away from the book.
Go out, get it, read it, love it, and then move on to the second sequel.
I give this book a 7 ** review. This is most assuredly a book that I would recommend my best friend to buy, I walked the hallways of my house coughing all over my kindle while reading this story (I have bronchitis) and I could not wait to read more, even making coffee, at times got to take up to much time away from the book.
Go out, get it, read it, love it, and then move on to the second sequel.
April 15, 2012
Awesome Read! Stained is an incredible display of this author talents. I was impressed from the start by the character building and amazing storyline. As a young adult romance I was impressed by the gruesome detail, but I found it to add to the suspense of the book. Julia and Cayne are mysteries that fate brought together. As they build a deep seeded romance over these 157 pages; leaving readers hanging on every word and touch. The journey that they are following is a fresh and inventive twist is like nothing I have seen before. It is a slow and steady build that is packed full of action and intensity. As the mysteries unravel I found myself clawing through the pages. As the story hits it peak everything seems to fall into place. The end offers a cliff hanger that will disrupt the harmony promising more action to come. I can not wait to see more from this fresh voice, and will be following the continuation of this series. BookWhisperer Recommended Series!!!
February 19, 2012
Really really really really really really loved it!...really :)
September 5, 2012
Loved it!
September 23, 2017
This book was just...boring.
When we first meet Julia, she's heading home after a night out with friends. But when she gets there, her house is on fire with her foster parents inside. It's here she first glimpses what Julia describes as 'the angel of death' - a winged creature hovering on the roof watching the destruction. Having nowhere to go and not wanting to go back into the foster system, she runs. She runs right into an old pecan warehouse type thing where she camps out and literally does nothing but sleep and steal the necessities that a girl needs. But wait....this doesn't last long as a beautiful man drops at her feet. Like literally. Oh, and he brought that angel of death dude with him.
There's some fighting, there's some healing (oh yeah, Julia has magical aura healing powers), and then there's some drooling (more of Julia). And finally, we meet Cayne - which I kept pronouncing as Kanye and that made me dislike him more. Why did I dislike him? Because Cayne is your typical YA/NA douche. Cayne only wants one thing - to kill the angel of death thing which we now know is named Samyaza. Julia, having nothing else to do, decides to just go with Cayne on this mission and his idea to use her as bait.
The rest of the book is just them chasing Sam across the US. That's it. That's literally all that happens.
This book took me way too long - and I even skimmed some of it! But I just could not connect with any of the characters and I didn't care what happened to them. Also, could have done without the giant chunk of them just making out on a train.
The last chapter of the book action decided to happen and I was like, sweet, the one character I was interested in showed up. Shit's about to go down. Well, it didn't. It ended in a to be continued sort of way.
When we first meet Julia, she's heading home after a night out with friends. But when she gets there, her house is on fire with her foster parents inside. It's here she first glimpses what Julia describes as 'the angel of death' - a winged creature hovering on the roof watching the destruction. Having nowhere to go and not wanting to go back into the foster system, she runs. She runs right into an old pecan warehouse type thing where she camps out and literally does nothing but sleep and steal the necessities that a girl needs. But wait....this doesn't last long as a beautiful man drops at her feet. Like literally. Oh, and he brought that angel of death dude with him.
There's some fighting, there's some healing (oh yeah, Julia has magical aura healing powers), and then there's some drooling (more of Julia). And finally, we meet Cayne - which I kept pronouncing as Kanye and that made me dislike him more. Why did I dislike him? Because Cayne is your typical YA/NA douche. Cayne only wants one thing - to kill the angel of death thing which we now know is named Samyaza. Julia, having nothing else to do, decides to just go with Cayne on this mission and his idea to use her as bait.
The rest of the book is just them chasing Sam across the US. That's it. That's literally all that happens.
This book took me way too long - and I even skimmed some of it! But I just could not connect with any of the characters and I didn't care what happened to them. Also, could have done without the giant chunk of them just making out on a train.
The last chapter of the book action decided to happen and I was like, sweet, the one character I was interested in showed up. Shit's about to go down. Well, it didn't. It ended in a to be continued sort of way.
May 29, 2012
This story was full action-packed, after only a few lines, I jumped into this book and it was hard for me to put it down! The plot was intense and the characters were intriguing (Oh, Yes, Cayne!!!) and quite interesting.
As we start to read this book, we meet Julia, she's hiding in a ''cottage'' when she's almost hited by the fallen Cayne, a strange winged guys. This weird guy seems disoriented and injured but then another winged man appears and they begin to fight. We don't really know Julia or her past at this point but when Julia lay her eyes on Cayne we know that someting will come up from that encounter.
Julia possess a pretty nice supernatural power: she can heal, yes, nothing we haven't read yet, but she's able to see people aura. A fine way to read people emotional state. Above this, she seems to be resourceful, stubborn and nobody can put her aside! Exactly what the dark, mysterious, brooding and sexy Cayne seems to need! I give my dark/hot/sexy stranger guy for the eerie Cayne!
Stimulating plot: there's a lot of half angel/demon, half angel/human and demon stories out there but the author: Ella James, always maintain the suspense around her characters (Cayne and Samyaza) and the background situation.
I have a love and hate relation with the fact that the author decided to hides (for almost the entire book) Cayne's intentions and knowledge about Julia and the whole situation they got wraped up into. But it was also the right thing to do it!
Oh My God... what an ending! Everything seems to getting spiced up and I turn the last page and I'm left with THAT! Ms. James, you're a wicked author.... But you can be sure to have a new fan on your list! I'm looking forward to read the sequel (Yes, already release : Stolen)
I love the book cover, I find it mysterious and tumultuous. The mix of dark and bright color give a ''burst'' effect on the character: displayed by Julia on the cover and I it's quite ingenious.
I recommend this book to every YA PNR Lovers: you love war between angels and demons, this book is for you! Buy, borrow, put it on your TBR pile!
As we start to read this book, we meet Julia, she's hiding in a ''cottage'' when she's almost hited by the fallen Cayne, a strange winged guys. This weird guy seems disoriented and injured but then another winged man appears and they begin to fight. We don't really know Julia or her past at this point but when Julia lay her eyes on Cayne we know that someting will come up from that encounter.
Julia possess a pretty nice supernatural power: she can heal, yes, nothing we haven't read yet, but she's able to see people aura. A fine way to read people emotional state. Above this, she seems to be resourceful, stubborn and nobody can put her aside! Exactly what the dark, mysterious, brooding and sexy Cayne seems to need! I give my dark/hot/sexy stranger guy for the eerie Cayne!
Stimulating plot: there's a lot of half angel/demon, half angel/human and demon stories out there but the author: Ella James, always maintain the suspense around her characters (Cayne and Samyaza) and the background situation.
I have a love and hate relation with the fact that the author decided to hides (for almost the entire book) Cayne's intentions and knowledge about Julia and the whole situation they got wraped up into. But it was also the right thing to do it!
Oh My God... what an ending! Everything seems to getting spiced up and I turn the last page and I'm left with THAT! Ms. James, you're a wicked author.... But you can be sure to have a new fan on your list! I'm looking forward to read the sequel (Yes, already release : Stolen)
I love the book cover, I find it mysterious and tumultuous. The mix of dark and bright color give a ''burst'' effect on the character: displayed by Julia on the cover and I it's quite ingenious.
I recommend this book to every YA PNR Lovers: you love war between angels and demons, this book is for you! Buy, borrow, put it on your TBR pile!
October 17, 2011
I loved everything about Stained. Period. I love the story line, the characters, the writing. The excitement started from chapter one and didn't end until the last page! Julia is 17 and has been in and out of foster homes most of her short life. After viewing the Angel of Death hovering above her current foster parents home she takes off to avoid going back to the orphanage and ending up in another foster home. After all, she is almost 18. With no where to go and no money, she takes refuge in an old pecan warehouse only to have one angry demon and the most gorgeous guy she has ever laid her eyes on "drop" in on her. Julia has a special power of seeing aura's and being able to heal so she comes to Cayne's aid by healing him. Cayne, mysterious and hard to read, decides to use Julia as bait to kill his enemy Samyaza (Sam) and the two embark on a cross country road trip. When Cayne's memories start to come back, he thinks Julia will be better off without him but she is not giving up that easily.
About half way through I read that this is a series and the next book, Stolen, will be released soon. The end of the story was perfect to lead into the next book. My heart was pounding and my head was screaming "No No No!!! This can't be happening!" I need more Cayne, I need more Julia, and I need to have answers to my questions.
Excellent writing for YA and adults alike, with just a few errors. I would love to see Stained available on Barnes and Noble and Smashwords soon. Prepare to be sucked right into Julia and Cayne's world and hang on because after reading Stained, the ride looks to be wild and exciting!
About half way through I read that this is a series and the next book, Stolen, will be released soon. The end of the story was perfect to lead into the next book. My heart was pounding and my head was screaming "No No No!!! This can't be happening!" I need more Cayne, I need more Julia, and I need to have answers to my questions.
Excellent writing for YA and adults alike, with just a few errors. I would love to see Stained available on Barnes and Noble and Smashwords soon. Prepare to be sucked right into Julia and Cayne's world and hang on because after reading Stained, the ride looks to be wild and exciting!
August 8, 2012
Stained
Book 1 in the Stained Series
*** First , I am so glad that a goodreads friend was reading this and it caught my eye. I can't ever thank her enough.****
Amazing. Compelling. Such a adventure. Pulls at my heart. Redemption
I have so many great things and thoughts about this book. I simply loved it from start to finish. I literally read it in about 12 hours.This book has been a adventure. Such a great writing style. Great characters,I felt what they felt. Don't be fooled by the fact this is a YA paranormal romance, if ages had not been addressed I would never have noticed. A smart intelligent story , with a emerging "fresh"history . I simply loved it ! I have already downloaded the next book, Stolen :)
At the start of this book we are introduced to Julia. Her family has been massacred by a angel of death, a half demon bent on killing her. Cayne , a beautiful male with memories forgotten. They find themselves together on a quest so to speak to kill Sam our angel of death. Julia is special in so many ways, she can heal and search aura's . Cayne is a warrior . Redemption peeks an eye through this story. A path has been chosen , Cayne will protect Julia ... to lead her to find out what she is ... Stained... and what that means .....
LOVED IT !!!!!
Book 1 in the Stained Series
*** First , I am so glad that a goodreads friend was reading this and it caught my eye. I can't ever thank her enough.****
Amazing. Compelling. Such a adventure. Pulls at my heart. Redemption
I have so many great things and thoughts about this book. I simply loved it from start to finish. I literally read it in about 12 hours.This book has been a adventure. Such a great writing style. Great characters,I felt what they felt. Don't be fooled by the fact this is a YA paranormal romance, if ages had not been addressed I would never have noticed. A smart intelligent story , with a emerging "fresh"history . I simply loved it ! I have already downloaded the next book, Stolen :)
At the start of this book we are introduced to Julia. Her family has been massacred by a angel of death, a half demon bent on killing her. Cayne , a beautiful male with memories forgotten. They find themselves together on a quest so to speak to kill Sam our angel of death. Julia is special in so many ways, she can heal and search aura's . Cayne is a warrior . Redemption peeks an eye through this story. A path has been chosen , Cayne will protect Julia ... to lead her to find out what she is ... Stained... and what that means .....
LOVED IT !!!!!
June 7, 2012
We start this story with Julia, her house is on fire and she is standing watching because there is nothing she can do. she finds that her foster family are in the house and she takes off before she can be placed into care again. while sleeping in a old warehouse and changing her appearance so she can leave her past life behind her.
While sleeping she hears a noise and a hot guy falls in through the roof.. she finds he is hurt and she tries to heal him. In comes the Angel of Death and the guy fights him till he chases him off.
the two start to get to know each other but refuse to get to close and let to many secrets pass. but they both have one goal and that's to kill the Angel of Death.
They both set out on a journey that is very deadly and scary. the two only have each other. and both find that they are in love with each other.
I have to say I loved this book, full of action and kept me on the edge of my seat.This is only the first book in this series and I'm happy to say I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I just hope it has as much adventure as this one has. Id like to thank Ella for giving me the chance to read this amazing story.
While sleeping she hears a noise and a hot guy falls in through the roof.. she finds he is hurt and she tries to heal him. In comes the Angel of Death and the guy fights him till he chases him off.
the two start to get to know each other but refuse to get to close and let to many secrets pass. but they both have one goal and that's to kill the Angel of Death.
They both set out on a journey that is very deadly and scary. the two only have each other. and both find that they are in love with each other.
I have to say I loved this book, full of action and kept me on the edge of my seat.This is only the first book in this series and I'm happy to say I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I just hope it has as much adventure as this one has. Id like to thank Ella for giving me the chance to read this amazing story.
February 21, 2014
Loved it Ella James! Why have I not read this yet? What is wrong with me? So glad I found Stained. I loved the story and I am in love with Cayne. Yes, I will be reading the next book. A new book boyfriend and half-demons? What's not to like? If you haven't read this book yet, you need to.
Shelved as 'my-kindle-freebie-to-read'
July 20, 2013FREE TODAY 7-19-13 ON Amazon Avg rating on GR's 3.79
link:
link:
March 6, 2020
2,5 - 3 😑
RECENSITO PER RFS
Salve fenici,
oggi vi parlo di Marchiata, il primo volume della serie Stained-Marchiata di Ella James, pubblicato in Italia dalla casa editrice Hope Edizioni. Si tratta di uno Young Adult dalle tinte paranormali, con due giovani protagonisti: Julia e Cayne.
Julia è un’adolescente ostinata che ha perso entrambi i genitori quando era solo una bambina. Dopo una serie di affidi infelici sembra aver finalmente trovato una nuova famiglia che intende prendersi cura di lei. Ma una notte d’autunno il suo mondo subisce uno scossone: la sua casa viene ridotta in cenere da uno strano demone alato e Julia si ritrova nuovamente orfana. La paura di tornare nel circuito degli affidi la spinge a scappare e a rifugiarsi in un vecchio magazzino abbandonato. É qui che Julia incontra Cayne: il mezzo demone, ferito gravemente, le precipita letteralmente ai piedi e la giovane ragazza non può far altro che usare i suoi poteri per guarirlo. La nostra protagonista, infatti, non è una normale adolescente: possiede da sempre un potere speciale, la Vista, che le consente, tra le altre cose, di vedere le auree.
Mentre Julia sta curando le ferite di Cayne, nel magazzino fa la sua comparsa Samyaza, la creatura alata che ha distrutto la sua nuova vita: il crudele re dei Nephilim, non solo sta dando la caccia a Julia, ma sembra avere anche un conto in sospeso con il mezzo demone. Stavolta toccherà a Cayne salvare la ragazza.
I due protagonisti scoprono così di avere qualcosa in comune: il mezzo demone non ricorda nulla del suo passato e Julia, a sua volta, non sa da dove provenga il suo dono e quale sia il significato di quella strana voglia che sembra aver attirato l’attenzione sia di Sam che dello stesso Cayne.
Il mezzo demone e la “marchiata� intraprenderanno insieme un viaggio che li porterà a scoprire di più su se stessi, ma più dettagli apprendono, più le cose sembrano diventare complicate e pericolose.
La trama così descritta presenta sicuramente degli aspetti di originalità , ma non è stata, a mio avviso, sviluppata al meglio. Innanzitutto, leggendo i primi capitoli ho avuto come l’impressione che l’autrice avesse fretta di entrare nel vivo della storia. È mancata una presentazione iniziale della protagonista e dell’ambiente e ho avuto come la percezione di leggere un libro a cui fossero state strappate alcune pagine. La stessa sensazione di incompletezza si ha anche nel prosieguo della storia. Ho riscontrato un’eccessiva tendenza a voler mantenere un alone di mistero, sia sulla trama che sui personaggi, con la conseguenza che, da un lato non si lascia al lettore la possibilità di intuire cosa stia per accadere e quindi creare “un’aspettativa�, dall’altra di comprendere la caratterizzazione dei personaggi e provare empatia nei loro confronti.
Gli stessi protagonisti costituiscono un’altra nota dolente. Ho trovato Julia eccessivamente infantile, a tratti appiccicosa e invadente. Qualche punto in più lo conquista sicuramente Cayne, ma anche qui, il personaggio è talmente poco delineato che risulta davvero difficile affezionarsi a lui.
Lo stile dell’autrice appare “poco maturo�, come dimostrano i dialoghi che sembrano andare fuori tema, l’inconsistenza della parte romance e le falle nella trama.
Nonostante i molti difetti, non mi sento di bocciare in toto questo libro. Probabilmente non soddisferà i gusti delle lettrici più esigenti, ma senza dubbio riuscirà a conquistare il cuore di quelle più giovani. Vi devo confidare che mi è rimasta la curiosità di sapere cosa accadrà in seguito.
Tre fenici sulla fiducia.
RECENSITO PER RFS
Salve fenici,
oggi vi parlo di Marchiata, il primo volume della serie Stained-Marchiata di Ella James, pubblicato in Italia dalla casa editrice Hope Edizioni. Si tratta di uno Young Adult dalle tinte paranormali, con due giovani protagonisti: Julia e Cayne.
Julia è un’adolescente ostinata che ha perso entrambi i genitori quando era solo una bambina. Dopo una serie di affidi infelici sembra aver finalmente trovato una nuova famiglia che intende prendersi cura di lei. Ma una notte d’autunno il suo mondo subisce uno scossone: la sua casa viene ridotta in cenere da uno strano demone alato e Julia si ritrova nuovamente orfana. La paura di tornare nel circuito degli affidi la spinge a scappare e a rifugiarsi in un vecchio magazzino abbandonato. É qui che Julia incontra Cayne: il mezzo demone, ferito gravemente, le precipita letteralmente ai piedi e la giovane ragazza non può far altro che usare i suoi poteri per guarirlo. La nostra protagonista, infatti, non è una normale adolescente: possiede da sempre un potere speciale, la Vista, che le consente, tra le altre cose, di vedere le auree.
Mentre Julia sta curando le ferite di Cayne, nel magazzino fa la sua comparsa Samyaza, la creatura alata che ha distrutto la sua nuova vita: il crudele re dei Nephilim, non solo sta dando la caccia a Julia, ma sembra avere anche un conto in sospeso con il mezzo demone. Stavolta toccherà a Cayne salvare la ragazza.
I due protagonisti scoprono così di avere qualcosa in comune: il mezzo demone non ricorda nulla del suo passato e Julia, a sua volta, non sa da dove provenga il suo dono e quale sia il significato di quella strana voglia che sembra aver attirato l’attenzione sia di Sam che dello stesso Cayne.
Il mezzo demone e la “marchiata� intraprenderanno insieme un viaggio che li porterà a scoprire di più su se stessi, ma più dettagli apprendono, più le cose sembrano diventare complicate e pericolose.
La trama così descritta presenta sicuramente degli aspetti di originalità , ma non è stata, a mio avviso, sviluppata al meglio. Innanzitutto, leggendo i primi capitoli ho avuto come l’impressione che l’autrice avesse fretta di entrare nel vivo della storia. È mancata una presentazione iniziale della protagonista e dell’ambiente e ho avuto come la percezione di leggere un libro a cui fossero state strappate alcune pagine. La stessa sensazione di incompletezza si ha anche nel prosieguo della storia. Ho riscontrato un’eccessiva tendenza a voler mantenere un alone di mistero, sia sulla trama che sui personaggi, con la conseguenza che, da un lato non si lascia al lettore la possibilità di intuire cosa stia per accadere e quindi creare “un’aspettativa�, dall’altra di comprendere la caratterizzazione dei personaggi e provare empatia nei loro confronti.
Gli stessi protagonisti costituiscono un’altra nota dolente. Ho trovato Julia eccessivamente infantile, a tratti appiccicosa e invadente. Qualche punto in più lo conquista sicuramente Cayne, ma anche qui, il personaggio è talmente poco delineato che risulta davvero difficile affezionarsi a lui.
Lo stile dell’autrice appare “poco maturo�, come dimostrano i dialoghi che sembrano andare fuori tema, l’inconsistenza della parte romance e le falle nella trama.
Nonostante i molti difetti, non mi sento di bocciare in toto questo libro. Probabilmente non soddisferà i gusti delle lettrici più esigenti, ma senza dubbio riuscirà a conquistare il cuore di quelle più giovani. Vi devo confidare che mi è rimasta la curiosità di sapere cosa accadrà in seguito.
Tre fenici sulla fiducia.
March 30, 2020
Mi sono fatta attirare dalla cover e dalla trama, ma soprattutto dalla mia voglia di paranormal romance che in questo periodo sembra essere tornata alla carica. In questo caso però è stato un abbaglio, anzi uno sbaglio.
.
Julia, 17 anni e un passato difficile, fatto di passaggi da un affidamento a un altro. Sembra abbia trovato finalmente una forma di serenità , ma una notte tutto va letteralmente in fumo e lei riesce a scampare al pericolo per un soffio. Cosa fare quindi? Da brava eroina di film horror di serie B, urla e scappa, nascondendosi in un capannone (sì, proprio un capannone!) che, toh, è opportunamente abbandonato. Ma il suo rilassarsi (testuali parole), dopo aver perso tutto è interrotto dall'arrivo di non uno, ma ben due ragazzi, ovviamente fighissimi, che lottano. Uno tra l'altro vorrebbe ucciderla, ma non ci è dato sapere perché. L'altro, perfino molto più figo,viene salvato dai poteri di guarigione di Julia che, come scopriamo, la ragazza possiede dalla nascita. Inizia così il loro viaggio, all'inseguimento del Nephilim mezzo demone (alias l'altro figo cattivo). Perché, giustamente, se uno ti vuole uccidere la prima cosa che ti viene in mente è inseguirlo, vero?
.
Scusate il sarcasmo, ma questo libro per me è stato veramente assurdo. Non solo per la trama che non sta in piedi (vi ho raccontato solo l'inizio), ma proprio per tutto l'insieme.
La trama come dicevo ha controsensi che vanno aumentando andando avanti con la lettura. Dal principio non si capisce niente, perché la povera Julia non sa un tubo e Cayne (il figo n.2 che viaggerà con lei) ha una provvidenziale perdita di memoria.
... continua sul blog
February 2, 2020
Care amiche lettrici, mai come in questa circostanza mi sono trovata in difficoltà nel recensire un romanzo.
Era da molto, forse troppo tempo, che non mi cimentavo con una lettura paranormal e ho pensato: quale migliore occasione del nuovo anno per iniziarlo con qualcosa di diverso? Ma non è stato il classico inizio con il botto. Cercherò di spiegarvi il perché.
La trama che l'editore ci propone è molto più esaustiva di quanto io potrei mai raccontarvi. Posso solo aggiungere che, in seguito alla tragedia dell'incendio e all'incontro dei due protagonisti, il romanzo si dipana in un lungo e tortuoso viaggio alla ricerca di Samyaza, colpevole di molti crimini nei confronti di entrambi. Tra flashback e sogni rivelatori, si dispiegheranno le fondamenta della serie.
Con rammarico, confesso di aver avuto notevoli problemi a seguire la storia non comprendendo a pieno il carattere della protagonista, che a mio avviso si riprende troppo velocemente dalla immane tragedia di aver perso la sua famiglia adottiva restando così sola al mondo, e il suo rapporto con Cayne, il cui ruolo all'interno del romanzo ancora mi sfugge.
Lo stile della scrittrice non è affatto scorrevole, non so se sia dovuto alla traduzione oppure a una scelta stilistica precisa. Manca totalmente di analisi dei personaggi e ciò impedisce al lettore di entrare in sintonia con loro.
Non intendo sguainare il mio personale machete e fare a pezzettini questo libro, prima di tutto non è il mio stile e, in secondo luogo, sono una fervida credente della soggettività . Non intendo "demonizzare" né l'autrice né il romanzo, solo dare la mia personalissima opinione, ragion per cui ho dato la sufficienza.
Spero di potermi confrontare con altre lettrici che, diversamente da me, ne hanno apprezzato la lettura aprendomi gli occhi su quello che evidentemente mi è sfuggito.
November 21, 2017
A love story among angels. I know, that’s quite the usual trope lately, but surprisingly, STAINED has got a lot of promise. The characters are quite enjoyable, especially the gorgeous Nephilim Cayne. True, he’s amnesiac, but his determination to get back his memories and bring down the Angel of Darkness Samyaza was an admirable trait. No wonder the Stained One, Julia was drawn to him. And yes, I was kinda drawn to him too.
I liked that action started right from the start and didn’t disappoint as the story progressed. After only a few lines, I jumped into this book and the plot got intriguing and quite interesting. Although I thought Julia was a weakling, at the latter part of the story, I found myself liking her. She was kind of “clingy� character, but I guess, given her young age, I thought it was okay. At least she was acting her age. Cayne, on the other hand, albeit, needed a crash-course on driving, but also fun to be with once you get to know him.
Stained isn’t fast paced, but it was really enjoyable until the end� oh wait! There’s no END yet! The book ended rather abruptly, as to be expected, and it’s great. Cayne’s life was at stake and I have this need to know what happens next.
I liked that action started right from the start and didn’t disappoint as the story progressed. After only a few lines, I jumped into this book and the plot got intriguing and quite interesting. Although I thought Julia was a weakling, at the latter part of the story, I found myself liking her. She was kind of “clingy� character, but I guess, given her young age, I thought it was okay. At least she was acting her age. Cayne, on the other hand, albeit, needed a crash-course on driving, but also fun to be with once you get to know him.
Stained isn’t fast paced, but it was really enjoyable until the end� oh wait! There’s no END yet! The book ended rather abruptly, as to be expected, and it’s great. Cayne’s life was at stake and I have this need to know what happens next.
December 13, 2012
Well, this book kinda played with me a little bit. Part of it had me oohing and aaahhing with how well written it was. The characters were fleshed out well and the plot flows in a pace that will not have you stumbling or tripping all over yourself because it was way too fast for your liking. In fact, I was ready to toot its horn on Twitter and to anyone who'd pay attention to me. Let's just say that it went downhill when they finally succumbed to their attraction. What the hell happened? As soon as their initial wariness of each other wore off, the dialogues and interactions became juvenile (tickle fight? really?).
Sigh.
Anyway, Stained is a story about Julia; a teen who'd been bounced around in the foster system for most of her young life. But luck was on her side when she finally found parents who were genuinely caring. Of course, as soon she let her guard down, the perfect family she'd come to know was yanked away from her - by a house fire that killed the people she'd come to love. Unable to deal with the reality that she's about to go back into the system, she ran away and found herself squatting in a decrepit warehouse. Alone, scared and full of grief, she was ready to accept what fate has thrown her way. Even a man falling from the sky and almost onto her lap, followed by a literal demon of her dreams.
But really, here's what you needed to know:
CAYNE is a Nephilim.
JULIA is a Stained - a hybrid of something that wasn't really cleared up in this book. It's part of the quest that they seek; to know what she really is and why Samyaza (demon) was after her.
Cayne's kind is hunting Julia's kind and vice versa. She doesn't understand why, other than the inclination that it has something to do with the fact that she can see people's aura and she has a healing touch. Their lives intersect when Cayne fell from the sky while he was battling Samyaza. Unable to resist the call, Julia heals Cayne and decides that following him around would be better than living the life of a hobo. Besides, he knew the demon that she saw in a vision before her house, her life went up in flames. But Cayne is not too forthcoming with answers and is determined to settle his score with Sam. There were too many things that happened after that; and I feel I'm running the risk of talking too much as it is. History of Nephilim was told, car chases, and kickassery ensued.
But here's what I thought about the book.
I'm giving it a middle of the five rating just because I enjoyed most of it. It was action-packed and is every bit as unique from all the angel books I've ever read. The chemistry of the characters was fantastic...until the kissing and snogging ruined it all. Gah. I have to give props to the author for building up such sweet anticipation for the fruition of the romance. Truthfully, I was getting impatient just because it took too long.
The vision of the seer was convoluted; I had a hard time following it. The author left a lot of the story elements unfinished to the point that it annoyed me and at the same time, it's what made me download the rest of the books.
But listen, I really enjoyed it regardless of my problems. There was a point when I really couldn't stand reading any more angel books and Ella James just revived my love for it.
Sigh.
Anyway, Stained is a story about Julia; a teen who'd been bounced around in the foster system for most of her young life. But luck was on her side when she finally found parents who were genuinely caring. Of course, as soon she let her guard down, the perfect family she'd come to know was yanked away from her - by a house fire that killed the people she'd come to love. Unable to deal with the reality that she's about to go back into the system, she ran away and found herself squatting in a decrepit warehouse. Alone, scared and full of grief, she was ready to accept what fate has thrown her way. Even a man falling from the sky and almost onto her lap, followed by a literal demon of her dreams.
But really, here's what you needed to know:
CAYNE is a Nephilim.
JULIA is a Stained - a hybrid of something that wasn't really cleared up in this book. It's part of the quest that they seek; to know what she really is and why Samyaza (demon) was after her.
Cayne's kind is hunting Julia's kind and vice versa. She doesn't understand why, other than the inclination that it has something to do with the fact that she can see people's aura and she has a healing touch. Their lives intersect when Cayne fell from the sky while he was battling Samyaza. Unable to resist the call, Julia heals Cayne and decides that following him around would be better than living the life of a hobo. Besides, he knew the demon that she saw in a vision before her house, her life went up in flames. But Cayne is not too forthcoming with answers and is determined to settle his score with Sam. There were too many things that happened after that; and I feel I'm running the risk of talking too much as it is. History of Nephilim was told, car chases, and kickassery ensued.
But here's what I thought about the book.
I'm giving it a middle of the five rating just because I enjoyed most of it. It was action-packed and is every bit as unique from all the angel books I've ever read. The chemistry of the characters was fantastic...until the kissing and snogging ruined it all. Gah. I have to give props to the author for building up such sweet anticipation for the fruition of the romance. Truthfully, I was getting impatient just because it took too long.
The vision of the seer was convoluted; I had a hard time following it. The author left a lot of the story elements unfinished to the point that it annoyed me and at the same time, it's what made me download the rest of the books.
But listen, I really enjoyed it regardless of my problems. There was a point when I really couldn't stand reading any more angel books and Ella James just revived my love for it.
June 20, 2014
**4.5 Stars**
When a character has a distinct voice (in my head) within the first few pages, I get a little excited. When the story has its own take on a species (Nephilim) along with plenty of action, mystery and emotion...I'm ecstatic! I was quickly drawn in to Stained and was enthralled throughout.
Julia is not your average high school senior. Soon after we meet her, we learn she has some unique abilities. We then learn Julia has led a difficult life. She's endured a lot of loss, having lost her birth parents and then having been bounced around foster homes, and finally suffering the loss of her adoptive parents. Now she's joined with Cayne to track down the half-demon who killed her parents and she just might learn a few things about herself...and her abilities. Julia's a strong heroine, which I enjoyed. She's not looking for someone to save her.
Cayne is a mystery in the beginning. He refuses to tell Julia anything other than he's hunting Samyaza, the being responsible for Julia's recent trauma. Once he begins to open up, we see he's a kind person. As we learn more and more about him, there are some startling revelations made. But we know he intends to protect Julia at all costs.
I'm definitely intrigued by this world Ms. James has created. The Nephilim aren't exactly good and there are different classifications among them, which is interesting. We discover Julia is Stained but we don't yet know exactly what that means. However, it does seems as though Nephilim and the Stained don't like each other. The pacing of the story is nice and I enjoyed how Ms. James provided backstory and even glimpses of the future through memories as well as dreams.
There were a few places where I got a bit confused. I felt Julia's visions were difficult to follow and I was puzzled when Cayne did something to protect Julia only to undo it when she was actually in danger. But I'm sure everything will be explained as the series progresses. And I am enthralled with this story. I must know what's going on - why Julia's being hunted by both the Stained and the Nephilim, why these beings are embittered towards each other, and are Julia and Cane safe after the events at the end of the book.
By the way, Stained does end with a cliffhanger - but not one that had me wanting to bang my ereader against a wall. I knew things were not going to be wrapped up, as this is an over-arcing plotline. And it ended in a reasonable way.
With lots of pulse-pounding action, mystery, intrigue, and sexual tension too, Stained is a riveting start to a series. It's told in 3rd person POV and changes between Julia, Cayne, and Nathan, who is one of the Stained looking for Julia. Nephilim are a species I love reading about and Ms. James' take on them is new and exciting to me. And her prose paints the story so vividly. I'm anxious to start the next in the series.
When a character has a distinct voice (in my head) within the first few pages, I get a little excited. When the story has its own take on a species (Nephilim) along with plenty of action, mystery and emotion...I'm ecstatic! I was quickly drawn in to Stained and was enthralled throughout.
Julia is not your average high school senior. Soon after we meet her, we learn she has some unique abilities. We then learn Julia has led a difficult life. She's endured a lot of loss, having lost her birth parents and then having been bounced around foster homes, and finally suffering the loss of her adoptive parents. Now she's joined with Cayne to track down the half-demon who killed her parents and she just might learn a few things about herself...and her abilities. Julia's a strong heroine, which I enjoyed. She's not looking for someone to save her.
Cayne is a mystery in the beginning. He refuses to tell Julia anything other than he's hunting Samyaza, the being responsible for Julia's recent trauma. Once he begins to open up, we see he's a kind person. As we learn more and more about him, there are some startling revelations made. But we know he intends to protect Julia at all costs.
I'm definitely intrigued by this world Ms. James has created. The Nephilim aren't exactly good and there are different classifications among them, which is interesting. We discover Julia is Stained but we don't yet know exactly what that means. However, it does seems as though Nephilim and the Stained don't like each other. The pacing of the story is nice and I enjoyed how Ms. James provided backstory and even glimpses of the future through memories as well as dreams.
There were a few places where I got a bit confused. I felt Julia's visions were difficult to follow and I was puzzled when Cayne did something to protect Julia only to undo it when she was actually in danger. But I'm sure everything will be explained as the series progresses. And I am enthralled with this story. I must know what's going on - why Julia's being hunted by both the Stained and the Nephilim, why these beings are embittered towards each other, and are Julia and Cane safe after the events at the end of the book.
By the way, Stained does end with a cliffhanger - but not one that had me wanting to bang my ereader against a wall. I knew things were not going to be wrapped up, as this is an over-arcing plotline. And it ended in a reasonable way.
With lots of pulse-pounding action, mystery, intrigue, and sexual tension too, Stained is a riveting start to a series. It's told in 3rd person POV and changes between Julia, Cayne, and Nathan, who is one of the Stained looking for Julia. Nephilim are a species I love reading about and Ms. James' take on them is new and exciting to me. And her prose paints the story so vividly. I'm anxious to start the next in the series.
September 1, 2012
First I have to say that when I first saw the cover for this book I was interested. It is a simple cover but it really does pull the reader in right from the start.It's haunting but at the same time your wondering what the girl is staring at. The night is gloomy and dark and the clouds are raging and it leaves you wondering and asking the question what happened? Ella James has written an incredible story and added twists and turns that will leave the reader wanting more. I know when I started reading it I could not put it down and when I got to the end I said OMG what the heck I need book two like right now no not right now but like two seconds ago.
Julia is a haunted girl living her life in foster home after foster home. Trouble always seems to find her and she is not sure why that is. She knows shes different from others by why are these strange things happening to her and what can she do about it? The last straw for Julia is when someone burns down her current foster home and everyone in the house dies except her. After the fire she decides to run and hide until she can figure out what is going on. She finds an old building to hid in and while she is there she hears this fighting going on so when she goes to see what it is she sees two guys fighting to the death. One guy is injured and she heals him.
Once the stranger is healed we start to find out what Julia is and who the stranger is. The stranger wants to help Julia and they begin on this journey to find out the truth. But the stranger who we find out is Cayne really knows what and who Julia is. They will have to fight the bad guys and uncover lies, secrets and half truths in order to survive. Julia will also have to decide what to do about her feelings for this stranger. Love never really crossed her mind before but as the two get closer so does her feelings for him and she will have to decide what to do with them.
Julia will have to uncover who she is and what she is destined to do. Will she be able to discover the truth before it is to late? Will she open her heart to Cayne after losing everything she has ever loved? Will Cayne tell her the truth before it is to late? What will Sam do after the dust settles and truth is revealed? Come along for the best paranormal read I have read in the longest time! Ella you rock and I can't wait to read book two in your series.
Julia is a haunted girl living her life in foster home after foster home. Trouble always seems to find her and she is not sure why that is. She knows shes different from others by why are these strange things happening to her and what can she do about it? The last straw for Julia is when someone burns down her current foster home and everyone in the house dies except her. After the fire she decides to run and hide until she can figure out what is going on. She finds an old building to hid in and while she is there she hears this fighting going on so when she goes to see what it is she sees two guys fighting to the death. One guy is injured and she heals him.
Once the stranger is healed we start to find out what Julia is and who the stranger is. The stranger wants to help Julia and they begin on this journey to find out the truth. But the stranger who we find out is Cayne really knows what and who Julia is. They will have to fight the bad guys and uncover lies, secrets and half truths in order to survive. Julia will also have to decide what to do about her feelings for this stranger. Love never really crossed her mind before but as the two get closer so does her feelings for him and she will have to decide what to do with them.
Julia will have to uncover who she is and what she is destined to do. Will she be able to discover the truth before it is to late? Will she open her heart to Cayne after losing everything she has ever loved? Will Cayne tell her the truth before it is to late? What will Sam do after the dust settles and truth is revealed? Come along for the best paranormal read I have read in the longest time! Ella you rock and I can't wait to read book two in your series.
January 9, 2013
Originally posted at Give it to Cupcake.
Lets talk about the cover first, since I'm a total visual person. I was really drawn to this cover. The girl in the front, who I assumed would be Julia, has a very angelic glow along with the creepy pyramid in the back. I wanted to know more about the girl and the pyramid right away! So much in fact I almost overlooked the star-like mark on the girls shoulder! Definitely loved this cover!
Once I started reading, I'm not going to lie. The first thing that had me super excited was the fact that this all took place around Memphis. I just kept thinking, I've been there! I live three hours away. I know Beale street! I know the Peabody Hotel! That was so very awesome for me.
Julia won me over almost immediately with her broken past and pink chucks. When she is forced to run away, I could feel how scared and alone she was. Then comes Cayne and her world changes. Julia is instantly drawn to help him, which I think is just a part of who she is. She seems to always try and find the best in people and try to push out an bad feelings she may have. She's too trusting, maybe? A curse and a blessing!
Cayne is stoic and doesn't show any feelings, which drives Julia crazy. She wants to know more about him and he just keeps pushing her away, or so, he pushes her away with his words but when things get tough physically when Samyaza threatens to harm Julia, he shows a different side of him with his actions. This was my favorite part of Julia and Cayne's chemistry. The push and pull of their affection with each other is overwhelming -in a good way. There were times I wanted to yell at both of them and reach through my Kindle and shove them together so they would finally kiss! I loved this about them though, because it made it seem as though you never knew what the future was going to be like for these two.
Ella James writes a great introduction to this new adventure and life for Julia and Cayne. Both seek revenge and they seem to be stronger together. I can't wait to find out more answers about Julia and Cayne's fate!
Lets talk about the cover first, since I'm a total visual person. I was really drawn to this cover. The girl in the front, who I assumed would be Julia, has a very angelic glow along with the creepy pyramid in the back. I wanted to know more about the girl and the pyramid right away! So much in fact I almost overlooked the star-like mark on the girls shoulder! Definitely loved this cover!
Once I started reading, I'm not going to lie. The first thing that had me super excited was the fact that this all took place around Memphis. I just kept thinking, I've been there! I live three hours away. I know Beale street! I know the Peabody Hotel! That was so very awesome for me.
Julia won me over almost immediately with her broken past and pink chucks. When she is forced to run away, I could feel how scared and alone she was. Then comes Cayne and her world changes. Julia is instantly drawn to help him, which I think is just a part of who she is. She seems to always try and find the best in people and try to push out an bad feelings she may have. She's too trusting, maybe? A curse and a blessing!
Cayne is stoic and doesn't show any feelings, which drives Julia crazy. She wants to know more about him and he just keeps pushing her away, or so, he pushes her away with his words but when things get tough physically when Samyaza threatens to harm Julia, he shows a different side of him with his actions. This was my favorite part of Julia and Cayne's chemistry. The push and pull of their affection with each other is overwhelming -in a good way. There were times I wanted to yell at both of them and reach through my Kindle and shove them together so they would finally kiss! I loved this about them though, because it made it seem as though you never knew what the future was going to be like for these two.
Ella James writes a great introduction to this new adventure and life for Julia and Cayne. Both seek revenge and they seem to be stronger together. I can't wait to find out more answers about Julia and Cayne's fate!
June 6, 2013
Julia gets emotional sometimes, but she is tough too. Her character has flaws and is never hesitant to accept the flaws of others. It is that part that makes me love her.
Cayne is just as he is. You feel his pain and hope till the end that he can find peace. I think he may find it and can't wait to read book 2, but will not spoil it for anyone.
I love the way Julia thinks in her head and all the moments that she "thinks like a girl". I most often like books that reflect that because I am a 100% emotionally driven female who is constantly trying to figure a man's mind out. (Why you ask? Don't know. I probably shouldn't and leave well enough alone.) Sometimes we should just be content with admiring them and accepting the ways. But there is a certain characteristic that Cayne carries that my husband possesses. "Possessiveness" when it comes to Julia.
THAT is my ultimate, most awed characteristic that I do finally understand about a man. THe alpha male syndrome when it comes to his caveman instinct to "protect his woman" is just amazing to me and I am in drool,swoon, awe, love with the idea of it.
Kudos to all authors who pull this off well.
I think Stained could use a more polished switching of Julia and Cayne's point of views, but the story was awesome. I downloaded this one for free, but will buy the rest in the morning. Great teen fiction for high school and up.
Cayne is just as he is. You feel his pain and hope till the end that he can find peace. I think he may find it and can't wait to read book 2, but will not spoil it for anyone.
I love the way Julia thinks in her head and all the moments that she "thinks like a girl". I most often like books that reflect that because I am a 100% emotionally driven female who is constantly trying to figure a man's mind out. (Why you ask? Don't know. I probably shouldn't and leave well enough alone.) Sometimes we should just be content with admiring them and accepting the ways. But there is a certain characteristic that Cayne carries that my husband possesses. "Possessiveness" when it comes to Julia.
THAT is my ultimate, most awed characteristic that I do finally understand about a man. THe alpha male syndrome when it comes to his caveman instinct to "protect his woman" is just amazing to me and I am in drool,swoon, awe, love with the idea of it.
Kudos to all authors who pull this off well.
I think Stained could use a more polished switching of Julia and Cayne's point of views, but the story was awesome. I downloaded this one for free, but will buy the rest in the morning. Great teen fiction for high school and up.
November 15, 2012
This book had a great start. Julia is a 17 year old girl who loses her foster parents in a fire on the very first page. A fire she should have died in as well...but didn't. While watching the flames erupt from her house, she sees what she assumes is the Angel of Death hovering above.....Not wanting to be returned to the system, Julia flees and takes shelter in an abandoned warehouse.
Enter Cayne. Cayne is clearly not your average human. That may be because he is only half human, and half demon. Cayne rescues Julia from the warehouse, where she is being attacked by a strange winged demon.
And so the chase begins. Julia and Cayne against the world....or Samzaya the demon. The story is fast paced but quickly became repetitive. One big game of hide and seek. It was definitely entertaining...the characters were likeable if not slightly juvenile. One thing I will say, the book was poorly edited with may spelling and formatting errors. And the ending....BRUTAL. Talk about a cliff hanger!! I turned the page expected another chapter and NOPE! NOTHING! THE END!! UGH......
Overall, the book was good enough for me to want to continue reading the series. Based on review of the 2 following books the story only gets better.
Enter Cayne. Cayne is clearly not your average human. That may be because he is only half human, and half demon. Cayne rescues Julia from the warehouse, where she is being attacked by a strange winged demon.
And so the chase begins. Julia and Cayne against the world....or Samzaya the demon. The story is fast paced but quickly became repetitive. One big game of hide and seek. It was definitely entertaining...the characters were likeable if not slightly juvenile. One thing I will say, the book was poorly edited with may spelling and formatting errors. And the ending....BRUTAL. Talk about a cliff hanger!! I turned the page expected another chapter and NOPE! NOTHING! THE END!! UGH......
Overall, the book was good enough for me to want to continue reading the series. Based on review of the 2 following books the story only gets better.
July 1, 2012
I enjoyed this interesting take on Nephilim. It was definitely full of action and twists to keep you guessing what will be happening next. I did find myself a tiny bit confused when scenes led into the next ones. It was definitely intense at times but it followed through well and had some heart pounding spots that were awesome.
Julia’s character was interesting, she finds herself running away, after a fire caused by a demon she thinks she imagined, that kills her foster parents. Running into Cayne in a warehouse where this evil entity has beat him good, Julia heals him and finds a hard earned friendship in him. Spoiler: Cayne definitely was a mysterious kind of guy, never letting on much about himself due to not being able to remember much. But when he eventually remembers, I certainly would love to see what was going through his mind, especially about what he was and what Julia means to him.
I very much want to see what happens next in Julia’s and Cayne’s journey, it was left wide open and I can’t wait to read Stolen.
Julia’s character was interesting, she finds herself running away, after a fire caused by a demon she thinks she imagined, that kills her foster parents. Running into Cayne in a warehouse where this evil entity has beat him good, Julia heals him and finds a hard earned friendship in him. Spoiler: Cayne definitely was a mysterious kind of guy, never letting on much about himself due to not being able to remember much. But when he eventually remembers, I certainly would love to see what was going through his mind, especially about what he was and what Julia means to him.
I very much want to see what happens next in Julia’s and Cayne’s journey, it was left wide open and I can’t wait to read Stolen.
February 19, 2012
Stained was an interesting story but it's poorly written. The story doesn't flow well, and that makes it confusing.
March 6, 2020
Dada - per RFS
.
Salve fenici,
oggi vi parlo di Marchiata, il primo volume della serie Stained-Marchiata di Ella James, pubblicato in Italia dalla casa editrice Hope Edizioni. Si tratta di uno Young Adult dalle tinte paranormali, con due giovani protagonisti: Julia e Cayne.
Julia è un’adolescente ostinata che ha perso entrambi i genitori quando era solo una bambina. Dopo una serie di affidi infelici sembra aver finalmente trovato una nuova famiglia che intende prendersi cura di lei. Ma una notte d’autunno il suo mondo subisce uno scossone: la sua casa viene ridotta in cenere da uno strano demone alato e Julia si ritrova nuovamente orfana. La paura di tornare nel circuito degli affidi la spinge a scappare e a rifugiarsi in un vecchio magazzino abbandonato. É qui che Julia incontra Cayne: il mezzo demone, ferito gravemente, le precipita letteralmente ai piedi e la giovane ragazza non può far altro che usare i suoi poteri per guarirlo. La nostra protagonista, infatti, non è una normale adolescente: possiede da sempre un potere speciale, la Vista, che le consente, tra le altre cose, di vedere le auree.
Mentre Julia sta curando le ferite di Cayne, nel magazzino fa la sua comparsa Samyaza, la creatura alata che ha distrutto la sua nuova vita: il crudele re dei Nephilim, non solo sta dando la caccia a Julia, ma sembra avere anche un conto in sospeso con il mezzo demone. Stavolta toccherà a Cayne salvare la ragazza.
I due protagonisti scoprono così di avere qualcosa in comune: il mezzo demone non ricorda nulla del suo passato e Julia, a sua volta, non sa da dove provenga il suo dono e quale sia il significato di quella strana voglia che sembra aver attirato l’attenzione sia di Sam che dello stesso Cayne.
Il mezzo demone e la “marchiata� intraprenderanno insieme un viaggio che li porterà a scoprire di più su se stessi, ma più dettagli apprendono, più le cose sembrano diventare complicate e pericolose.
La trama così descritta presenta sicuramente degli aspetti di originalità , ma non è stata, a mio avviso, sviluppata al meglio. Innanzitutto, leggendo i primi capitoli ho avuto come l’impressione che l’autrice avesse fretta di entrare nel vivo della storia. È mancata una presentazione iniziale della protagonista e dell’ambiente e ho avuto come la percezione di leggere un libro a cui fossero state strappate alcune pagine. La stessa sensazione di incompletezza si ha anche nel prosieguo della storia. Ho riscontrato un’eccessiva tendenza a voler mantenere un alone di mistero, sia sulla trama che sui personaggi, con la conseguenza che, da un lato non si lascia al lettore la possibilità di intuire cosa stia per accadere e quindi creare “un’aspettativa�, dall’altra di comprendere la caratterizzazione dei personaggi e provare empatia nei loro confronti.
Gli stessi protagonisti costituiscono un’altra nota dolente. Ho trovato Julia eccessivamente infantile, a tratti appiccicosa e invadente. Qualche punto in più lo conquista sicuramente Cayne, ma anche qui, il personaggio è talmente poco delineato che risulta davvero difficile affezionarsi a lui.
Lo stile dell’autrice appare “poco maturo�, come dimostrano i dialoghi che sembrano andare fuori tema, l’inconsistenza della parte romance e le falle nella trama.
Nonostante i molti difetti, non mi sento di bocciare in toto questo libro. Probabilmente non soddisferà i gusti delle lettrici più esigenti, ma senza dubbio riuscirà a conquistare il cuore di quelle più giovani. Vi devo confidare che mi è rimasta la curiosità di sapere cosa accadrà in seguito.
Tre fenici sulla fiducia.
.
Salve fenici,
oggi vi parlo di Marchiata, il primo volume della serie Stained-Marchiata di Ella James, pubblicato in Italia dalla casa editrice Hope Edizioni. Si tratta di uno Young Adult dalle tinte paranormali, con due giovani protagonisti: Julia e Cayne.
Julia è un’adolescente ostinata che ha perso entrambi i genitori quando era solo una bambina. Dopo una serie di affidi infelici sembra aver finalmente trovato una nuova famiglia che intende prendersi cura di lei. Ma una notte d’autunno il suo mondo subisce uno scossone: la sua casa viene ridotta in cenere da uno strano demone alato e Julia si ritrova nuovamente orfana. La paura di tornare nel circuito degli affidi la spinge a scappare e a rifugiarsi in un vecchio magazzino abbandonato. É qui che Julia incontra Cayne: il mezzo demone, ferito gravemente, le precipita letteralmente ai piedi e la giovane ragazza non può far altro che usare i suoi poteri per guarirlo. La nostra protagonista, infatti, non è una normale adolescente: possiede da sempre un potere speciale, la Vista, che le consente, tra le altre cose, di vedere le auree.
Mentre Julia sta curando le ferite di Cayne, nel magazzino fa la sua comparsa Samyaza, la creatura alata che ha distrutto la sua nuova vita: il crudele re dei Nephilim, non solo sta dando la caccia a Julia, ma sembra avere anche un conto in sospeso con il mezzo demone. Stavolta toccherà a Cayne salvare la ragazza.
I due protagonisti scoprono così di avere qualcosa in comune: il mezzo demone non ricorda nulla del suo passato e Julia, a sua volta, non sa da dove provenga il suo dono e quale sia il significato di quella strana voglia che sembra aver attirato l’attenzione sia di Sam che dello stesso Cayne.
Il mezzo demone e la “marchiata� intraprenderanno insieme un viaggio che li porterà a scoprire di più su se stessi, ma più dettagli apprendono, più le cose sembrano diventare complicate e pericolose.
La trama così descritta presenta sicuramente degli aspetti di originalità , ma non è stata, a mio avviso, sviluppata al meglio. Innanzitutto, leggendo i primi capitoli ho avuto come l’impressione che l’autrice avesse fretta di entrare nel vivo della storia. È mancata una presentazione iniziale della protagonista e dell’ambiente e ho avuto come la percezione di leggere un libro a cui fossero state strappate alcune pagine. La stessa sensazione di incompletezza si ha anche nel prosieguo della storia. Ho riscontrato un’eccessiva tendenza a voler mantenere un alone di mistero, sia sulla trama che sui personaggi, con la conseguenza che, da un lato non si lascia al lettore la possibilità di intuire cosa stia per accadere e quindi creare “un’aspettativa�, dall’altra di comprendere la caratterizzazione dei personaggi e provare empatia nei loro confronti.
Gli stessi protagonisti costituiscono un’altra nota dolente. Ho trovato Julia eccessivamente infantile, a tratti appiccicosa e invadente. Qualche punto in più lo conquista sicuramente Cayne, ma anche qui, il personaggio è talmente poco delineato che risulta davvero difficile affezionarsi a lui.
Lo stile dell’autrice appare “poco maturo�, come dimostrano i dialoghi che sembrano andare fuori tema, l’inconsistenza della parte romance e le falle nella trama.
Nonostante i molti difetti, non mi sento di bocciare in toto questo libro. Probabilmente non soddisferà i gusti delle lettrici più esigenti, ma senza dubbio riuscirà a conquistare il cuore di quelle più giovani. Vi devo confidare che mi è rimasta la curiosità di sapere cosa accadrà in seguito.
Tre fenici sulla fiducia.
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