Paranormal much

Monday, January 31, 2011

My sister recently suggested a new vampire series that she thought I might like to read. After having enjoyed and raved so much on J.R. Ward's Blackdagger Brotherhood Series and Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed Series, my expectation of this new one was quite high. Although the Breeds didn't quite make the ranking of the Brotherhood in my estimation, I still appreciate their similarities.

The Guardians of Eternity Series by Alexandra Ivy is, admittedly, another good read though not as much as the Brotherhood and Breed. I'm still adjusting to it eventhough I'm already at book 5 (of 7). There are parts that are a little too cheesy for me though they honestly stir my romantic tendencies. I must say that reading these have certainly given me a wider perspective into the paranormal realm. No longer are imps, water sprites, and feys the innocent creatures that are usually associated with them but they can be the meanest and downright trickiest beings ever. The format of the succeeding books pretty much follow the first one so it really becomes almost predictable later on. Still, reading how the other arrogant vampires are brought down to their knees by headstrong females is always a good way to lift my feminist heart.

One character I am seriously enjoying right now is Levet, the miniature French gargoyle. His witty and amusing "raspberries" against the meanest vampires never fail to make me smile. His iffy magic can make me cringe but it does get unexpected results so s'all good. I'd like for his character to have some happiness as well, thought not to the point that I would want an entire book written on him. ;P

Anyway, the series kicks off with When Darkness Comes. Here the story of the imprisoned warrior Dante and the chosen Chalice/Phoenix, Abby, unfolds. It's mostly chase scenes as they flit from one location to the next but their exchanges never fail to sizzle. Their characters return in the following books as Dante belongs to a clan of one of the most resourceful vampires in Chicago. While Viper meets his match in Shay, the Shalot demon, in the second book of the series, Embrace the Darkness, his connections are far-reaching enough that the next books are about the creatures he's met from past centuries. Among them is the vampire king, Styx, who encounters his true mate in the pureblooded Were, Darcy, in Darkness Everlasting. I'm not sure how the Conde Cezar was introduced in the series but his story with the Oracle, Anna, follows in book four, Darkness Revealed. In this book, the stoic recluse Jagr, is made known to the readers so natch his narrative is next in Darkness Unleashed. I've yet to finish this one so my full reviews will have to be in my next entry...assuming I'm still up for it. =)

One Fantabulous Treat...Fidelis Adobo Pate

With the infusion of foreign tastes into the local dining experience, it has become a trend to find that unique and extraordinary flavor that would inevitably be a hit in the market. The sweet blends of the Chinese dishes, the piquant punch of the Thai and Indian spices, the tartness of the Italian sauces, and even the salty zest of the American junkfood have all made its way into the hearts…and of course, bellies, of many Filipinos. Although these are all well and good, it is a bit disheartening that very few people know and appreciate the savory pizzazz found in Philippine cuisine.

With the hope of bringing foreign curiosity into the Filipino cookery and introducing a new product to both local and international aficionados, Audrey and Ember have come up with an innovative creation that mixes the refined touch of French appetizers to the nation’s favored viand. The product, Fidelis Adobo Paté, is the result of many trial recipes for the two young entrepreneurs. Selecting and rejecting ingredients, measurements, and procedures took numerous hours before they agreed on the combination that would suit the palate of even the most picky connoisseur.

As someone who can take more than an hour just to choose what to eat at your local eatery, it took me only one small taste of the Fidelis Adobo Paté to be convinced that this is an exceptional treat. Just a small amount of it on a cracker or the simplest pandesal is enough to bring back those sentimental thoughts of mom’s good ol’ homemade adobo. To the people who are away from the Philippines, to those who came back or are leaving, to the foreigners who are out to try a taste that is close to the Filipino heart, Fidelis Adobo Paté is for you.

Interested? Email fidelis.pilipinas@gmail.com