April 28, 2012

Banner Boner for In Love and War by @vRSoup


Banner Boner (noun): A feeling of awe when both story and banner for said story are beautifully crafted.


The Banner


I initially discovered the banner for In Love and War after an affiliate request from The LUV'NV. What a gorgeous site I thought. So different and the graphics were stunning. I nosed around a bit and then checked out the admins. That is where I came across Raindrop Soup. Jumping to her site, I was even more amazed by the graphics.

And that is when I spotted the banner.

I am an Edward girl. I very rarely stray from canon, but the banner mesmerized me. The coloring, the choice of pics. The red in Caius's eyes. It was as though he was looking at me. The banner led me to the story. A truly amazing story.

The banner completely encompasses the story. The depth of the color and design just envelops you, draws you in. Stunning.


Review by credoroza.



The Story

History is what defines us, personal and otherwise. To conquer it, one must decide not what they love more, but what's more important, and where one stood—with ALL things considered—could make all the difference.

Suited up. Armor polished, gazing out at those who *gather pitchforks, saws, and flame throwers*

Yes, I have strayed from my beloved Edward. I have gone to all new heights of OCC. Rumors are true, I can not deny it. I have fallen for a Caius / Bella story. *gasps* A self proclaimed canon girl accepting Bella with someone other than Edward?

And with Caius? *breaths in paper bag* How did this happen?

Well, you see, what had happened was...I stumbled across the gorgeous banner for In Love and War and was curious. I then started following the author, RaindropSoup and her stunning blog. And you know me, the stalking commenced.

I just needed to know things about the story that had me completely fascinated. RaindropSoup was kind enough to entertain my curiosity and was even willing to answer my questions about what led her to writing this brilliant story. Yes, the story line is brilliant.

In all seriousness, In Love and War is just one of those stories where the story line completely grabs you, regardless of the pairing. And though the pairing is completely surprising, it is the story on a whole that has me.

We begin one year after New Moon and Bella this time has emerged as a much stronger person and embraces her future. A definite departure from the typical New Moon stories. But fate has other plans for Bella and she is thrown back in to the world of the supernatural head first.

We have Victoria, Jacob and the wolf pack, the Volturi, and the spirit warrior, Taha Aki. The author also enlightens us on her take of the Quileute legend and it is completely original and excitingly fraught with realism.

The story jumps right in with Bella kidnapped by Victoria and Jacob trying to save her. We are then brought in to the world of the Volturi and their higher purpose for Bella as well as why they are in Forks. I completely devoured chapters 1 and 2 with the surprising twists and turns as well as heart stopping excitement...

Oh, shit. I gaped at him and then phased back along with the others, except for Paul.


No one but the most trusted in the tribe knew the third wife's name. When Taha Aki left the tribe, he left that name to the tribe elders, along with specific instructions to use it as a safe word only. It was supposed to be used between the pack and someone we didn't really know. It was so we would know who we could trust. The name Akane was only said aloud during a couple ceremonies—not even uttered when the legends were told—and only the council elders were able to give it to someone to use.


We saw no need for it, really. But why give it to a bloodsucker?


The introduction of Caius was a complete surprise as well as his purpose. I was even more surprised at Caius' realization that Bella is his mate, something he never wanted. There is a deep feeling of sadness that comes from him and his initial refusal to believe what he feels and knows is true...


And as I gazed at her, I realized it was probably more than that. I felt the beginnings of a pull, and my priorities began to shift. That meant only one thing . . .


. . . mate.


I experienced immense jealousy while Jacob talked to her. I smashed my lips together and swallowed my growl when they uttered their affection towards one another.


Goddamn it, fate is a malicious and fickle whore, I thought. I. Do. NOT. Want. A. Fucking. Mate.

The first few chapters have some very dark content of abuse at the hands of Victoria and the atrocities Bella suffers. However, before you jump to any conclusions, RaindropSoup does a phenomenal job of alluding to the abuse without actually being graphic or even describing in any detail. But you definitely understand what Bella suffered. And you suffer with her. The writing of the darker chapters is heart felt and the emotions overwhelming. And as dark as they are, they are completely in proportion with the story line and add a necessary understanding to all the pieces of the story. And there are many. There is a cornucopia of characterizations and history going on, but again, written in way where you are not lost, the story completely flows.

The introduction of Taha Aki and the Volturi connection is a key point to the story. There is a lot of history there. I love it. Being brought in to their worlds with such a different understanding than you are used to is somewhat, dare I say, empathetic. You will view the Volturi in a completely different light. They are definitely not shiny and bright, not even close, but they are definitely different than what we are all used to reading about them.

And Bella. She goes through some serious trauma culminating in a turning. And she is not happy about it at all. She is down right pissed off! And it shows spectacularly in the writing...

Isabella's eyes snapped open.


She was off the bed in a second, immediately cloaking herself.


Before any of us could finish our gasps of surprise and awe, I was knocked back with so much force that she and I went through the door, into the hallway, before hitting the stone floor . . .


. . . and dropping four stories below.


Oh, fuck.

And let's not forget about the Cullens. They are a definitely part of the story. As is Edward. I am going to leave you with that, you'll have to read the story to see how they are involved. I know, evil of me.

In Love and War is well rounded and beautifully written. RaindropSoup pours her heart and soul in to every word, and it shows in her story line. A story line completely unique and filled to the brim with excitement, heart ache, despair, trauma, surprises, and dare I say it, love.

You will be hooked on the originality and the characterizations. A brilliant story. And....*whispering*... rooting for Caius...

And a special thanks to RaindropSoup for not doing the typical *bashing* of my beloved Edward as so many do in order to incorporate the OCC pairing.

This is a writer who can definitely weave a story without the usual cliche.


Review by credoroza.


Do you have a Banner Boner? Write up your own post and submit it here.

21 comments:

  1. I'm not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
    My webpage - Marc Primo Pulisci

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello there, You've done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
    Feel free to visit my web page :: Scott J. Ferrell attorney

    ReplyDelete
  3. This post will assist the internet visitors for creating new
    blog or even a blog from start to end.
    Here is my website - pompe funebri roma

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, fantastic weblog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make running a blog glance easy. The whole glance
    of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content material!
    Feel free to visit my weblog - instant gagnant

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I'm happy that you
    just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this.

    Thank you for sharing.
    My site > Deborah Koval

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog
    loading? I'm trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it's the
    blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
    my site > hair care

    ReplyDelete
  7. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this,
    like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do
    with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other
    than that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read.
    I will definitely be back.
    Feel free to visit my weblog - Perth

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
    Here is my website :: Visual Impact Muscle Building

    ReplyDelete
  9. Useful information. Lucky me I found your website by chance, and
    I'm shocked why this twist of fate didn't happened in advance!
    I bookmarked it.
    Also see my webpage :: Full Statement

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
    I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard
    on. Any tips?
    my webpage > best building company near orlando florida

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey! I'm at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

    Review my blog grand-jewelry

    ReplyDelete
  12. May I just say what a comfort to discover someone who truly knows what they are talking about online.
    You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
    More and more people must read this and understand this side of your story.
    I can't believe you are not more popular since you certainly have the gift.

    Also visit my blog www.7sultans.eu

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hurrah! Finally I got a blog from where I know how
    to in fact obtain valuable facts concerning my study and knowledge.



    Also visit my website: guild wars 2 gold

    ReplyDelete
  14. A motivating discussion is worth comment. I do think that
    you ought to publish more about this subject matter, it may not be
    a taboo matter but generally folks don't talk about such topics. To the next! Best wishes!!

    Also visit my site ... sex chat video

    ReplyDelete
  15. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on
    the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking
    about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos
    to your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?


    Also visit my webpage cfnmfever.net

    ReplyDelete
  16. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if
    it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube
    sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.
    I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with
    someone!

    Here is my web page - party sex videos

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is very fascinating, You are an overly professional blogger.
    I've joined your rss feed and look forward to looking for extra of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks

    Also visit my blog :: happy ending massage in bali

    ReplyDelete
  18. I was more than happy to find this website. I wanted
    to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part
    of it and I have you book marked to look at new things on your
    website.

    My weblog ... xxx movies

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's fantastic that you are getting ideas from this article as well as from our discussion made at this place.

    my webpage :: xvideos

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard
    work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?


    Here is my blog: http://www.cuteteenporn.net

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any
    tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you

    Feel free to surf to my web site :: www.babesflick.com

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...