Okie, I've been drafting this entry ages ago (and I mean aaaagggeeesss ago). So, since ikut-sukati book blog here, I'll just put 2 books in one shot. Hehe..

After reading two SO-SO stories, I'm in a desperate need to revive back the satisfaction of reading a good book. I real gooodd book. And who else can do that other than my all time favourite author, Sidney Sheldon. There I go, re-reading the old books to get those orgasmic feelings again. (haha, mmg tak sesuai langsung the term in here). Partly, it relates with the 'reviving' thing, while the main reason of all that -- kopak:my the financial status is very tight at that moment.  So, to purchase another new book is not an option.

Bloodline and The Stars Shine Down is among the early batches of buku-tebal-bagak that I read dulu-dulu. As usual, it's simply Sheldon to bring upfront the lady hero in both books. If 'Pride n Prejudice' is proud with their Elizabeth Bennet, Bloodline brings alive Elizabeth Roffe, daughter of a the world's richest men. When her father, Sam Roffe died in a mysterious accident, Elizabeth inherits the multi-billion-dollar business -- the Roffe and Sons empire. She became the top icon in business world, but what she didn't know is that, she is also the target of a killer -- among her family members.

It's very interesting when the book really tells the whole trait of the characters -- I mean, why they become the way they are today. Imagine a story that covers the life of Samuel Roffe (Elizabeth's grandfather) + Sam (the father) + Elizabeth herself + her cousins, which includes Anna Roffe who's married to Walther Gassner, Simonetta Roffe married to Ivo Palazzi, and Helene Roffe married to Charles Martel and of course, the Sam's all time trustee, Rhys Williams. There you go!! A whole bunch of family in the house, but you still got glued to the book, I guarantee!  The details is there, but it's not dragging.  That's why I agree when people quoted that Sheldon is a master storyteller. 

I love the cover here, because it's very symbolic and you'll see how the red ribbon relates with the entire stories and murder plots.  What makes the story is more exciting is how Sheldon twist the story into something very unexpected.  But, nobody's perfect.  The story of Elizabeth's troubled business is hanging in the air -- unknown -- illek..  Seems like he forgot to put an end to the business part.  Read it, cause I'm giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars!!

Unlike Bloodline, the lady hero in The Stars Shine Down, Lara (forgot her last name) came from a very daif background.  Pathetic irresponsible father, and a lifestyle that will remind you to the ol' stinky era of French.  If I'm adoring Elizabeth Roffe, but in this book, I despise Lara. 

The Stars Shine Down covers the story of real-estate world.  It's how Lara grew up with no education and became one of the very rare women that empowers the real estate industry, that is most dominated by man.  You'll notice Donald Trump here and there.

Inspiring, at first, but later on, the idea of Lara sleeping around with simply everybody to get what she want, or to balas budi and dump the ol' mafia who began to fall in love with her is simply -- tahapehape.  She's undeniably a tough lady,  but .... I don't know what to say.  I just loathe her. 

Like the previous book, this too offers exciting plot (despite the fact that I'm feeling Lara's bitchiness and greediness from time to time).  And as usual, very unexpected ending.  

So, when I loathe the main character, what else can I tell.  Undeniably an interesting story to be immersed in.  4 bintang!