Helpful Score: 6
From the moment I first heard of INSATIABLEs plot, I was tempted. Curiously enough, I do not have vampire burnout like most avid readers apparently do. Unfortunately, INSATIABLE was a plotting and characterization disappointment, an ambitious novel that failed to entirely put the chick lit into the bit lit.
I never fully connected with Meena being the anti-vampire-obsessed modern woman. She is introduced to us as an independent and responsible woman who disdains the romanticization of vampires. However, it is not long before Meena herself perfectly fits the stereotypical role of smart-ass damsel-in-distress. Inexplicably two men who are enemies of one another find themselves attracted to her, and mostly because of her soft, exposed skin. Say what? Is this vampire lit or a more feminist Twilight for the adult audience? Obviously I felt little attraction within the love triangle, which felt forced.
In fact, most of the story feels extremelywell, structurally fictional. Obviously I know this is fiction, but Im referring here to the way some stories, whether realistic or fantasy, draw us in so completely that we do not stop and question the veracity of the situations but rather find ourselves right there alongside the characters. This was not the case with INSATIABLE. The typical Meg Cabot narration in this storycharacters constantly trying to rationalize scenarios in their heads, going off on tangents, bringing themselves back on track, going off on a rationalizing tangent againdidnt work with the world she tried to set up here. I never felt connected with lives being at stake, and more often than not was not aware that major conflicts were going on, so roundabout and unfortunately petty were the characters inner monologues and plodding dialogue. I put down the book with less than 100 pages to go, feeling no need to know how the story ends.
INSATIABLE, sadly, has the same problem that many of Meg Cabots books seem to have: there is a uncomfortable lack of heart and commitment to the stories. I realize I cant make any assumptions about what these stories mean to the author. But 30- or 40-something books later, I find myself wondering whether or not Meg Cabot is putting as much into her books as she did with her earlier books.
I never fully connected with Meena being the anti-vampire-obsessed modern woman. She is introduced to us as an independent and responsible woman who disdains the romanticization of vampires. However, it is not long before Meena herself perfectly fits the stereotypical role of smart-ass damsel-in-distress. Inexplicably two men who are enemies of one another find themselves attracted to her, and mostly because of her soft, exposed skin. Say what? Is this vampire lit or a more feminist Twilight for the adult audience? Obviously I felt little attraction within the love triangle, which felt forced.
In fact, most of the story feels extremelywell, structurally fictional. Obviously I know this is fiction, but Im referring here to the way some stories, whether realistic or fantasy, draw us in so completely that we do not stop and question the veracity of the situations but rather find ourselves right there alongside the characters. This was not the case with INSATIABLE. The typical Meg Cabot narration in this storycharacters constantly trying to rationalize scenarios in their heads, going off on tangents, bringing themselves back on track, going off on a rationalizing tangent againdidnt work with the world she tried to set up here. I never felt connected with lives being at stake, and more often than not was not aware that major conflicts were going on, so roundabout and unfortunately petty were the characters inner monologues and plodding dialogue. I put down the book with less than 100 pages to go, feeling no need to know how the story ends.
INSATIABLE, sadly, has the same problem that many of Meg Cabots books seem to have: there is a uncomfortable lack of heart and commitment to the stories. I realize I cant make any assumptions about what these stories mean to the author. But 30- or 40-something books later, I find myself wondering whether or not Meg Cabot is putting as much into her books as she did with her earlier books.
Helpful Score: 2
I have such mixed feelings about this book that I hardly know where to start. The premise of the story was fascinating and really tailor-made for my reading pleasure. Unfortunately, it took about 100 pages for the story to really get started and by that time I was having trouble staying interested. This is one of those stories where up until about page 300 I had absolutely no trouble setting it down and continuing on about my life without giving the book a second thought until I picked it up again. Thats unusual for me.
The other problem I have with this story is that while it seemed to take forever to get to the main event of the story, the book itself takes place only over a period of 10 days. So much happens in those 10 days that it seemed much longer to me.
The characters are wonderful and each one adds to the story with their unique personalities, gifts and wits. I really cared about the characters. Meena has a heart of gold and is surrounded by unforgettable people. I want to know more about Meena and the rest of the people in this book.
By about page 300 I was really loving this story, finally. Everything was coming together as it should have earlier. It was finally drawing my undivided attention and I was really having trouble leaving Insatiable behind. When I closed the book, my eyes were misty and I was left wanting to know more, to read more, to visit the characters and the world Meg Cabot created again and very soon.
I guess after a rather slow start the book finally gained momentum and that momentum was enough to give me hope for future of this series. I think the potential for a memorable series is there, I just hope that the next book starts off a little more exciting and gripping than this book did. I really am looking forward to whatever is going to happen next.
Cherise Everhard, May 2010
The other problem I have with this story is that while it seemed to take forever to get to the main event of the story, the book itself takes place only over a period of 10 days. So much happens in those 10 days that it seemed much longer to me.
The characters are wonderful and each one adds to the story with their unique personalities, gifts and wits. I really cared about the characters. Meena has a heart of gold and is surrounded by unforgettable people. I want to know more about Meena and the rest of the people in this book.
By about page 300 I was really loving this story, finally. Everything was coming together as it should have earlier. It was finally drawing my undivided attention and I was really having trouble leaving Insatiable behind. When I closed the book, my eyes were misty and I was left wanting to know more, to read more, to visit the characters and the world Meg Cabot created again and very soon.
I guess after a rather slow start the book finally gained momentum and that momentum was enough to give me hope for future of this series. I think the potential for a memorable series is there, I just hope that the next book starts off a little more exciting and gripping than this book did. I really am looking forward to whatever is going to happen next.
Cherise Everhard, May 2010
Helpful Score: 2
Nice story set in New York City. Focus on vampires and how they are trying to stay under the radar and a group of vampire hunters after them. Our Heroine falls in love with Lucien Prince of Darkness. Good story. Easy summer read. Not sure if she can do a sequal.
Helpful Score: 1
I guess I'm the opposite of the other reviewers. I really liked this book. Kinda of a twist on the Twilight series, which I also loved, surprisingly because vampire stories aren't usually my type of books at all. I liked Meena, thought she was funny. Many funny lines in this story. I read it over 2 days and thought it moved fairly quickly, though obviously I'm in the minority. I would think fans of Twilight might like this one as well. I know I did!
Helpful Score: 1
I almost wish I could write 2 completely separate reviews for this book. One for the first half and one for the second. I absolutely could not get into reading this book for a little more than the first 200 pages. I wasn't connecting with the characters at all, the story seemed to drag on and on, and I had absolutely no interest in the storyline. But somewhere around the 1/2 way, that all changed. It's like it finally decided to have substance. The story finally decided to go somewhere, and that somewhere was pretty great!
The second half, I was able to connect with Meena, who ended up being funny and charming. I was able to read and enjoy the story and all the connecting characters on a level that wasn't there previously. It ended up being a really fun spoof of a modern day Dracula tale. There were a lot of really funny quirks that made fun of other vampire books. Little subtle jokes about Edward, Sookie, even a quick mention of Strigio (from the Vampire Academy series).
My favorite character of all had to be Alaric Wulf, the vampire hunter. He was absolutely hilarious from the time he entered the book until his last scene. He definitely worked a little of that "Alaric Wulf magic" on me! I was rooting for him the whole way.
If I was could only rate the 2nd half of this book, it would be a 5 star for me. I read as many pages last night, in a span of only a few hours, as i had for 5 days trying to get through the earlier sections. But, never-the-less, I must rate the book as a whole. To be honest, if this hadn't have been a read for a tour site, I probably would have quit it before it ever had a chance to get good. I'm very thankful that I didn't.
The second half, I was able to connect with Meena, who ended up being funny and charming. I was able to read and enjoy the story and all the connecting characters on a level that wasn't there previously. It ended up being a really fun spoof of a modern day Dracula tale. There were a lot of really funny quirks that made fun of other vampire books. Little subtle jokes about Edward, Sookie, even a quick mention of Strigio (from the Vampire Academy series).
My favorite character of all had to be Alaric Wulf, the vampire hunter. He was absolutely hilarious from the time he entered the book until his last scene. He definitely worked a little of that "Alaric Wulf magic" on me! I was rooting for him the whole way.
If I was could only rate the 2nd half of this book, it would be a 5 star for me. I read as many pages last night, in a span of only a few hours, as i had for 5 days trying to get through the earlier sections. But, never-the-less, I must rate the book as a whole. To be honest, if this hadn't have been a read for a tour site, I probably would have quit it before it ever had a chance to get good. I'm very thankful that I didn't.
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Meena hates vampires. They're ruining her life.
First, they invade her work. Meena doesn't get the promotion to head writer she's been hoping to achieve. Then they announce the popular daytime drama will be adding a vampire storyline to compete with its major competition.
Second, there's a serial killer on the loose, leaving dead female bodies drained of their blood in the various parks of New York City.
Third, Meena goes out to walk her dog, Jack Bauer, in the middle of the night. She's attacked by numerous bats, but protected by a mysterious man. She almost thinks she dreamed this late night incident.
Fourth, she starts dating this man after meeting him again at a party, only to discover he's a vampire prince - ruler of all vampires. She discovers the truth about her boyfriend after a member of Palatine, Alaric Wolf, comes to warn her and worm his whereabouts out of her. She refuses to give up his location, even when she realizes that he IS the prince of darkness.
Lucien, despite his family history, seems to love Meena and wants to protect her. However, Alaric Wolf can't stand by and let that happen. He's determined to rescue Meena if it's the last thing he does.
When she puts everything together, Meena's seriously annoyed, but with a vampire war looming, which side will she end up on?
I LOVED this book. Meena is sweet with a wicked sense or humor, snarky, and feisty. Plus, she has a secret where she can see how people are going to die. Her vampire romance is sexy and sweet. Lucien's one part charming and one part dangerous. Wolf is amusing. Meena's vampire neighbors are hilarious - always causing a ruckus in the vampire world, all in the name of matchmaking. All in all, it's a charming, sexy read full of romance, danger, protective men, and one kick-butt heroine.
While this is an adult novel, I think some older teens will naturally gravitate towards it because it's Meg Cabot - and also vampires!
Meena hates vampires. They're ruining her life.
First, they invade her work. Meena doesn't get the promotion to head writer she's been hoping to achieve. Then they announce the popular daytime drama will be adding a vampire storyline to compete with its major competition.
Second, there's a serial killer on the loose, leaving dead female bodies drained of their blood in the various parks of New York City.
Third, Meena goes out to walk her dog, Jack Bauer, in the middle of the night. She's attacked by numerous bats, but protected by a mysterious man. She almost thinks she dreamed this late night incident.
Fourth, she starts dating this man after meeting him again at a party, only to discover he's a vampire prince - ruler of all vampires. She discovers the truth about her boyfriend after a member of Palatine, Alaric Wolf, comes to warn her and worm his whereabouts out of her. She refuses to give up his location, even when she realizes that he IS the prince of darkness.
Lucien, despite his family history, seems to love Meena and wants to protect her. However, Alaric Wolf can't stand by and let that happen. He's determined to rescue Meena if it's the last thing he does.
When she puts everything together, Meena's seriously annoyed, but with a vampire war looming, which side will she end up on?
I LOVED this book. Meena is sweet with a wicked sense or humor, snarky, and feisty. Plus, she has a secret where she can see how people are going to die. Her vampire romance is sexy and sweet. Lucien's one part charming and one part dangerous. Wolf is amusing. Meena's vampire neighbors are hilarious - always causing a ruckus in the vampire world, all in the name of matchmaking. All in all, it's a charming, sexy read full of romance, danger, protective men, and one kick-butt heroine.
While this is an adult novel, I think some older teens will naturally gravitate towards it because it's Meg Cabot - and also vampires!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was just ok for me. Overall I felt the book moved too slowly, especially in the beginning.
Luckily, I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. A few of the minor characters really had some good scenes, especially the neighbors. The book was pretty humorous and I felt like the author wasn't trying to take the subject of vampires too seriously.
Also, this book had a few twists to make it stand out from the other vampire novels that I've read. By the end of the book the action picked up and I read through the ending scenes quickly; wanting to know what would happen with all the characters. The author ties up the major plot points but does leave room for another book.
Luckily, I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. A few of the minor characters really had some good scenes, especially the neighbors. The book was pretty humorous and I felt like the author wasn't trying to take the subject of vampires too seriously.
Also, this book had a few twists to make it stand out from the other vampire novels that I've read. By the end of the book the action picked up and I read through the ending scenes quickly; wanting to know what would happen with all the characters. The author ties up the major plot points but does leave room for another book.
I agree with the other reviews of this book. I forced myself to get through it as I had bought it new as a hardcover. Very hard to keep reading for the first 200+ pages then mildly entertaining. Very cartoonish characters for me. One dimensional. Ending obviously set up for a sequel which I will not be reading.
Much like the main character in her book, I think the author was pressure into writing a vampire book to work with the latest trend in novels. It doesn't work.
Several months back, I began to notice that the book market seems flooded with vampires across every genre. Historical romances, young adult, chick-lit, urban fantasyyou name it, theres probably a vampire theme book in there. I then began to question the quality of these books in a market that is flooded with them. How do I, a reader and a fan of vampire themes, find a good vampire book that will excite me, entertain me and stay with me after Ive finished reading it?
First of all, I have to say that I adore Meg Cabot. Her Boy Next Door and All American Girl series are some of my favorites. I held on with this book for a lot longer than I usually give books because I kept hoping it would draw me in as this author usually does. Sadly, it never did. I felt no connection with the characters and even the heroine's dog, Jack Bauer, annoyed me.
I dont think a good vampire theme book can be written by just anyone, though that seems to be happening from what I see when Im trolling the bookstore. I dont think every author is cut out to write paranormal. John Grisham, if you are reading this, please do not jump on the vampire bandwagon. Will I stop reading Meg Cabot? Absolutely not. Have I given up on vampire themes? Nope. What have I learned? That I was right in questioning the quality of a specific themed book in a flooded market. With so many to choose from, it will be very difficult for the reader to know which ones are going to deliver. Choose wisely, my dear friends and if you happen to get one that isnt working for you, dont waste precious time continuing to read it. Cut your losses and find another one that will work.
First of all, I have to say that I adore Meg Cabot. Her Boy Next Door and All American Girl series are some of my favorites. I held on with this book for a lot longer than I usually give books because I kept hoping it would draw me in as this author usually does. Sadly, it never did. I felt no connection with the characters and even the heroine's dog, Jack Bauer, annoyed me.
I dont think a good vampire theme book can be written by just anyone, though that seems to be happening from what I see when Im trolling the bookstore. I dont think every author is cut out to write paranormal. John Grisham, if you are reading this, please do not jump on the vampire bandwagon. Will I stop reading Meg Cabot? Absolutely not. Have I given up on vampire themes? Nope. What have I learned? That I was right in questioning the quality of a specific themed book in a flooded market. With so many to choose from, it will be very difficult for the reader to know which ones are going to deliver. Choose wisely, my dear friends and if you happen to get one that isnt working for you, dont waste precious time continuing to read it. Cut your losses and find another one that will work.
Wow. Wasn't what I was expecting at all. I had no idea what it was about vampires prior to starting it. Was pleasantly surprised. Really enjoyed it. Although one part at the end (I won't say what so as to not spoil it) was a bit over the top. I am glad I had not read the reviews listed prior to reading this book. I did like it and the characters. I did not find it hard to get into at all. It was nice light reading.
