Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles Book 3)

Synopsis

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What — or who — will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself — forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending

Review

When we return to Gaitlin in book 3, all is not well in both the caster and mortal worlds, the events which culminated at Lenas 17^th moon claiming caused huge ramifications. There is a split in the mortal world which is spreading and causing far reaching devastation. We find Gaitlin plagued with grasshoppers and scorching heat and worse of all Mrs Link proclaiming the end of the world. Fate is expecting payment for Lena claiming herself and it could be a very steep price to pay.

The characters continue to develop throughout the book and I particularly love Link evolving into the Linkubus he provides the comic element and excels at his ‘super hero’ role, but I did find his constant love sick mooning after Ridley a tad irritating at times. Ethan is also changing as he tries to find a way to strike a deal with fate to avoid the apocalyptic end. This book is less about Ethan and Lena’s relationship as it focuses more on the wider characters and their fight to survive and save their community. I believe the characters in this instalment have matured and changed for the better, especially Lena as she becomes a very determined young lady

There are many subplots which entwine to form a complicated story line, yet the authors manage to do this in such a way that the reader doesn’t become lost or confused; rather they pull the reader along with them desperate to know what is going to happen. I found myself engrossed with the story both when reading the book and when I wasn’t reading. The climax of the book had me in tears as I read the unbelievable ending that I so didn’t want to happen. I was so glad that I didn’t have to wait for book 4 to be published, so I could continue the story to its end.

Book 3 didn’t disappoint the twists, turns and plot development held me to the end. I can’t wait to read book 4 and the epic finale to the caster chronicles, I hope the author doesn’t disappoint on the final instalment like other series I’ve read. I would recommend this book to older readers as well as its target audience in the young adult genre. If you enjoy it as much as I did, make sure you have enough time put aside to read it as you won’t want to put it down. 

I rate this book

Beautiful Darkness (Castor Chronicles Book 2)

Synopsis

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harboured ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernatural’s for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.
Sometimes life-ending.
Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.

Review

Once again this book is told from Ethan’s point of view, which is a refreshing change, he is such a likeable character, that I couldn’t help liking.  The book starts with Ethan attempting to hold Lena together after the devastation on her birthday; Lena is inconsolable and doesn’t want anyone’s help. She isn’t the same character that you read about in book 1 and I found myself getting a little annoyed with her, wanting Lena to pull herself together. Yet as the story progresses with its may twists and turns you come to a point where everything you’ve read comes together.

In this 2^nd book there are many new characters that are unveiled as the story moves on, Liv the keeper in training, John Breed an incubus who can walk in the sun and in particular I loved the cat Lucille Ball (maybe I’m a little bit biased being a cat lover) who appears a lot more in this book. They add depth to the story and unexpected twists, which holds the reader well. The small town of Gaitlin is the perfect setting for this story, there is Link in his beat up beater, the all American school, and along with Amma and her cooking it really pulls you into the story. I loved the whole backdrop to this tale and the caster tunnels and world that make up a secret part of Gaitlin; the authors really do their job well with their vivid descriptions.

When Lena disappears with John Breed we find Ethan, Liv, Link and Lucille Ball being drawn into the caster tunnels, they go deeper than they’ve ever been before and get a lot more than they bargained for. The way the authors entwine the caster world into the ‘normal world’ is so exciting pulling the reader into the tunnels with Ethan and the others. In Beautiful Darkness the setting is quite different to Beautiful Creatures; the setting in the caster world and tunnels is so different to Gaitlin and the school in book 1. The songs and the visions intrigue the reader as you try to decipher what they mean  and the way the visions are from the past but impinge on the present leave a  tangle of magic and involvement

I found this an excellent sequel to book 1 and couldn’t wait to read book 3, I would recommend this book for older readers, even though the target audience is young adult. This is a great read at anytime but be aware you may not want to put it down so make sure you have the time to read them. I rate this book

Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles Book 1)

Synopsis

Ethan Wate is haunted by dreams of a girl he’s never met. When Lena Duchannes moves into his small southern town of Gatlin County, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her. And he is determined to uncover the strange connection between them, even if it means uncovering the one secret that could change everything.

Review

This book is a breathtaking love story of 2 teenagers drawn together and envelops Ethan into a world of dark magic and a supernatural world ingrained into the small town in the middle of nowhere.  The town has a close knit community that doesn’t like change and new comers to their town and would be horrified at the thought of a magical supernatural world around them. When Lena arrives they take an instant dislike to her, only Ethan is drawn to her

Although the 2 main characters are teenagers, and I’m most definitely not, the book is such a brilliant read with a plot that twists, turns and builds quickly that older readers would thoroughly enjoy this book as well. What I really liked about this book is that it’s from Ethan’s perspective. in many books it is usually the females perspective that is favoured but this is written in such a great way that it really works well and is one of the best I’ve read. Ethan isn’t a part of the mystical supernatural world that unfolds throughout the book and it is refreshing to have a male perspective looking into this world.

The way the authors write the book they draw you into the world that is unfolding and you find yourself enthralled. I must warn you that this is one book I couldn’t put down and because it is written in such a real and believable way, when I wasn’t reading it I found myself thinking about the book and imagining what is to come next. When you come to the end of the book, you find yourself really wanting to start the next book, and I couldn’t wait.

There is nonstop action and thankfully no long pages full of scene setting. It is done in such a concise way that it fits well into the brisk pace of the plot. Lena is feisty and thankfully not needy like you find in some books and Ethan complements her well. All though it does fit into the boy gets girl boy loses girl etc it is done in an original and exciting way. There are a number of lesser characters around the 2 main ones, and I particularly like Amma who is a feisty southern housekeeper who takes care of Ethan and his father and is involved with Tarot reading and voodoo. I also liked Link who is Ethan’s best friend and is one of the few who doesn’t desert Ethan. The ‘bad guys’ are believable and their link to one of the main characters is an excellent twist (Shan’t say who as I don’t want to spoil the story).

I would recommend this as an anytime read, but be aware that you may not want to put it down until you’ve read it! It is aimed at the young adult market but as an older adult I still loved this book (must still be a teen in my head)

I rate this book

Prophecy (Residue Series Book 4) Book Review

Synopsis

Jameson's love knows no end, it shows no fear, and it won't accept defeat. It is for these reasons that Jameson has infiltrated the ministry in search of Jocelyn, the woman he cannot live without. While locked inside their enemies headquarters, he witnesses the stark reality of their desperate situation...The Sevens are ready for war; Jocelyn is their pawn to move as they wish; and time is running out for Jameson to free her and rebuild his army before The Sevens strike.

As their entire world hangs in the balance, Jameson and Jocelyn must find the strength to meet their destinies and fulfil the prophecy that has led them to this point. The time has come. Jameson must find a way to unite their world against The Sevens in one final stand. Jocelyn must accept her fate and take the Nobilis's life. But can they do it and survive? Can their love really conquer all?

Told from Jameson's point of view, this achingly poignant finale will show to what extent Jameson and Jocelyn will go to preserve their love, and each other's life.

Review

This is the finale of the 4 books in the residue series, it is told from Jameson’s point of view, and I will start this review by saying that I did not like the switch at all. After reading 3 books from Jocelyn’s point of view, I found it hard to change perspective to Jameson, I initially thought that after reading a couple of chapters, I would settle into this one ok but it wasn’t to be. I can see why Laury did it and the idea behind it was to keep the series fresh and add a little twist, but for me it just didn’t work.

The way Maggie, Eran and the Altriums came into the final book and the epic battle of good over evil with Jocelyn and Jameson’s true love prevailing was a great end to the  Residue Series, and fit ending for the Guardian trilogy.

The finale of the series brought the story of Jocelyn and Jameson to a great ending, but the twist at the end which I won’t divulge (don’t want to spoil the book) felt a bit like ‘’when she woke up, she found the whole thing was just a dream and they were all going to live happily ever after’. Don’t let this put you off, as these books are aimed at the teen young adult market so this genre doesn’t have such gritty endings as books aimed at an older age group. If you bear this in mind then you should be able to understand the neat endings with all the main characters and their family coming through all the battles completely unscathed.

This series would be an ideal one to take on holiday or read on a quiet afternoon as it’s such a light easy read. Despite my reservations regarding the switch of Jocelyn to Jameson’s point of view if you this is a pretty good read.

I rate this book

  

Savior (Residue Series Book 3)

Synopsis

Jocelyn's mother is being held captive. The Sevens are bent on killing Jocelyn and Jameson. And if The Sevens don't kill him then Jocelyn is destined to. Jocelyn Weatherford's life is not easy. And it's about to get harder.

When The Sevens unleash a devastating war on the provinces, Jameson and Jocelyn must risk their lives - and the love they now openly acknowledge - to unite their world before it is destroyed.

Review

Jocelyn & Jameson return, with Jocelyn’s mother being held prisoner by ‘The 7’. Jocelyn as usual storms off to rescue her with only Theleo for company. He repeatedly tries to tell her how insane and reckless her actions are, but Jocelyn being her usual self is determined to sacrifice herself for her mother. As the situation becomes difficult Jameson comes to her rescue once again. This is quite a repetitive theme throughout all the books! I wanted to see the how twists and turns of the prophecy would pan out but was left disappointed in parts.

Jocelyn is being built up to be a powerful Relicuum absorbing others powers, yet she doesn't seem to utilize them except for her healing and levitation powers. Jameson is the one who always comes to the rescue it’s a shame Laury doesn’t build on these within the story instead of focusing on other things. The book had some very good parts but there were also sections that I felt confused me as a reader. Things like calling Jocelyn’s cousins her nieces and nephews, or saying Jocelyn and Jameson weren't supposed to fall in love yet it had been revealed that Isabella knew the prophecies said they would marry and have children. Nitpicking this may be but it’s the attention to details that makes a book a great book.

We see more of Maggie and Eran in this book which is always a good thing, and how laury entwines them into the book is good and it enhances the story rather than detracts from it. The book is an easy light read and despite its shortcomings the story is enough to keep you reading until the end. Alas all of the main characters or their immediate family all sale through the fights with not a scratch on them, which is a little too neat for me and doesn’t give the book the gritty edge you’d expect in a book embroiled in the supernatural and epic fights. Once again, in my opinion, Laury completes the book with nice neat endings.

The book is a good read and continuation of the story so far, perfect for a holiday read, despite my opinion above it doesn’t detract from what is overall a good read, just a shame that with attention to detail and not quite twee endings it could have been great book.

I rate this book

Birthright (The Residue Series book 2) Book Review

Synopsis

Jameson and Jocelyn know their love is forbidden, but that doesn't end their feelings for each other. Because of it they are in incredible danger. Now, with their enemies watching - ones who pose a far greater threat than anyone they've ever encountered - they have no choice but to hide the truth. As Jameson and Jocelyn face the prospect of death for having fallen in love, their dedication to each other is repeatedly tested, but it may be the truth behind their devastating fate that destroys their love forever.

Review

The world of witchcraft, spells and the supernatural Romeo and Juliet story continues to both develop and grow in the 2^nd instalment of this series. Jocelyn finally appears to have accepted and embrace her new life at last she acknowledges that witchcraft and voodoo are real. Jocelyn and Jameson are sole mates and accept there is a tight bond between them, but secrets could tear them apart

Laury’s writing appears to be improving as we travel through the books and the editing definatly has, the only thing that annoys me is the heroines in her books. They all seem to go off without thought for anyone else or the consequences in order to ‘save her loved ones’  and in particular Jocelyn’s continuing emotional wrangling does become very annoying at times, saying that I do like the twist and turns as the two of them develop their relationship.

The story line is developing nicely from the first book and it was great to read about Maggie and Eran when Jocelyn uses Maggie’s skills to contact her father for help. I won’t go into details about why, as I don’t want to spoil the book for you, but it does bring Jocelyn and Jameson back together. I think it’s a nice touch by Laury to bring characters from the Guardian series and integrate them in a small way into this book.

I enjoyed the book, it is an easy read, but as mentioned before I do get a little annoyed with the heroine always putting herself in danger. I’m looking forward to the next instalment and I hope that Laury doesn’t keep reproducing the nice neat end to her books!

I rate this book

More Reviews To Come

I'm currently working on the reviews for the other 3 books in the Residue Series by Laury Falter and hope to post them early next week so watch this space!

Residue (Residue Series Book 1)

 

Synopsis

When Jocelyn Weatherford is whisked away from a private boarding school in upstate New York to live with her extended family in New Orleans, she is unprepared to encounter the dangers awaiting her. Yet even as she is thrust into an unfamiliar world of witches and voodoo magic, the greatest threat of all may be the boy she has fallen for.

While handsome and charming, he is also a Caldwell...a member of the family the Weatherford's have been feuding with for centuries. As their forbidden love grows it becomes the volatile spark that forever changes their world and everyone in it.

As a spinoff of the Guardian Trilogy, fans of that series will enjoy seeing a bit more of Maggie and Eran in this novel and a lot more of them in future instalments of this series.

Review

This is the first book in a series of 4, where we meet Jocelyn and Jameson who are fated lovers – the Romeo & Juliet of the supernatural world. There is action and mystery, magic and romance entwined within it. In the first chapter you learn about the kind of world into which Jocelyn is about to be thrust into as she discovers that there is more to her family than she would ever have dreamed of.

There is an instant connection between Jocelyn and Jameson which neither of them can deny, thankfully they don’t proclaim instant love at their first meeting, although there is an instance in one of the shops they visit in the beginning of the book which highlights the power of their connection but thankfully Laury doesn’t overdo it which personally I feel would have spoiled the beginning of the book. Despite the supernatural feel to the story, the romance comes across as credible whilst being gentle in the beginning it grows with intensity throughout the book.

We also meet their extended families who are deadly enemies and think nothing of hexing each other. We also learn of Miss Mable who first appears to be a minor character, but as the book and series progresses we find out more about her and what a formidable woman she is (I love Miss Mable) I would recommend reading the Guardian Trilogy by Laury Falter first before starting this series, as some of the details from those books are replicated in this series.

Laury Falter's books often feature an element of voodoo in them, which I like, which is an integral part of the New Orleans setting. Residue as a first book is a great start to what feels like a great series. This book has a level of uniqueness that makes it memorable

The only negative I can say at this point about this book was the promise of seeing more of Maggie and Eran from the guardian trilogy. This was the premise on which I bought the first book of this series and I was very disappointed that there was barely a mention of them. So buy this book if you want a great book to read but don’t buy it if the only reason is to read more about Maggie & Eran. This is a great light read perfect for a holiday or a spare 5 minutes.

I rate this book 

Reckoning (Guardian Trilogy book 3)

Synopsis

With Maggie alone and on the run and with unknown forces conspiring against her, she is in more danger than ever before. As Eran struggles to protect her, Maggie unwittingly ignites the final battle between the Fallen Ones and Alterums, one that could separate her and Eran forever......

Review

This is the final chapter in the trilogy, where everything builds up to the final battle. When I started to read the book I became quite annoyed at Maggie, believing she could go off on her own and travel around killing the fallen ones using the skills Ms Beedenwig had taught her. Didn’t she realise she was the last messenger, and without Eran’s help she could have ended up eternally dead! This seemed very foolish and self indulgent on her part she didn’t seem to take into consideration the wider implications of her actions. There is a lot of fighting/battles in this book leading to the eternal death which I think was a tad over done. Despite this Maggie, Eran and the others were able to collect vital bits of information to help in the upcoming battle including Maggie using her messenger skills to seek out vital information.

Finally after simmering away in the last 2 books Eran and Maggie’s romance moves up to another level (at last). I know they had to put their feelings to one side for the sake of the mission but a reader can only take so much simmering. Finally it took a few stolen moments in-between the escalating war for them to reach the perfect moment.

 Gershom proves his worth once again and it’s great to learn more about him, his friendship with Maggie continues and he proves to be a trusted ally in the build up to the battle.  Campion also returns I was so not happy when he met his untimely demise; I really liked Campion and would have liked to have seen more of him in the book. Maggie and Eran’s housemates along with Ms Beedenwig also once again prove their worth in their support of Maggie and Eran. The final battle wasn’t quite what I thought it would be (I won’t give away any details) but the ending is far too neat and cheesy for my liking and I was a tad disappointed which is a shame.  In conclusion this is a good final book to the trilogy, but personally a little too twee for me.

I rate this book

What Comes Next !

I'm busy working on the review for the final book in the guardian trilogy called Reckoning which brings Maggie & Eran's story to a final dramatic conclusion. For those of you that are Laury Falter fan's this isn't where my reviews end, there is another 4 books which form the Residue Series and maybe we will once again come across Eran & Maggie!

Eternity (Guardian Trilogy book 2)

Synopsis

This is the 2^nd book in this trilogy; it starts with a look at one of Maggie’s former lives in London. It introduces a dark mysterious creature of pure evil that is intent on killing Maggie.

Eran & Maggie continue their romance, with Eran not allowing the luxury of intimacy, which may get in the way of his responsibility as guardian. Maggie thought she was safe until an old enemy arrives with a dire threat of a battle with the world’s most evil creatures. Maggie and Eran only have a few days to prepare.

Maggie discovers her true identity and why her enemies won’t give up until Maggie is dead!

Review

The plot unfolds through this 2^nd book, introducing new characters such as Campion and Ms Beedenwig (whom I loved), and developing those from book 1. Maggie & Eran's history develops through the book and is a vast improvement from book 1. A lot of the unanswered questions and depth to the story are dealt with in this book.We learn about Maggie and Eran’s past lives and what Eran has had to endure to keep her safe. Some of the history is heartbreaking and you really feel for Eran. Laury’s writing has improved so much from book 1, it is more polished and the story makes much more sense.

The development of Ezra, Rufus and Felix’s characters was rather predictable, but it does pull the small group of house mates together in a good way and also makes sense as to why 2 men, a woman and an 18yr old girl would be living together.

The editing in this book is so much better than book 1, but it is such a shame there is so many spelling mistakes in the kindle edition (can’t say about the paperback version as I haven’t read it.

Finally I’m glad I bought the trilogy after all the books were written, as I probably wouldn’t have bought book 2 & 3. I would recommend reading book 2 before making a decision as to whether to continue with the trilogy, as book 2 really is such a big improvement on book 1.

I rate this book 

Next on my review list

That's my first review done on the Guardian trilogy by Laury Faltner and I hope you find it both informative and helpful. Now i'm off to prepare my review of the 2nd book in the series Eternity. So come back soon to see what I think and the star ratings I give!!

Fallen by Laury Faltner

Synopsis

Maggie is an 18yr old girl who visits the dead, in her sleep, to deliver messages from the living. After living a nomadic life with her aunt, she finally arrives in New Orleans, to spend the next year living with one of her aunts friends Ezra Wood. She Moves into a dilapidated purple and pink house with barely any belongings of her own.

She is unaware of the terrifying fate that awaits her, and as she settles into her new life and school old enemy's converge into New Orleans unbeknown to her. As they make attempts on her life  a dark and mysterious stranger intercedes, saving her life in the process. Maggie is unsure about him and certainly makes it clear that she certainly doesn't need any help from him. As the story progresses she starts to realise that there is more to this stranger than meets the eye and he may hold the key, as to why she is being attacked.

Review

I enjoyed this book, but it lacked depth and detail in some parts and in general, parts of it felt a little glossed over.. If you know your history then you'll identify that not all the dates and events add up. Saying that it's a nice light read, perfect for a holiday book or a spare five minutes.

The plot is based on an epic battle of good against evil, with the concept of angels and guardians,  messengers and Fallen Ones. Maggie is a tough ass kicking heroine but not in the same league as Katniss (Hunger Games) or Penryn (Angelfall). The mysterious Eran is a great character who is always there to save Maggie from imminent death. and between them there's a constant bubbling romance that unfolds throughout the book.

 I wish the author had gone into more detail in several parts of the book, for instance, I'd have liked  more information about Gershom, his past and why Maggie and Abaddon were such mortal enemies. On the whole the background plot was ok but if there had been more depth it would have been great it felt rushed, and the ending was a bit abrupt.

I rate this book

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Synopsis

Its six weeks after the angels came and destroyed earth as we know it; the apocalypse of biblical proportions has arrived. Only a few humans survive hiding, fending for themselves whilst keeping safe on the savage streets wrought with superstition and fear especially at night.

The angels revisit frequently and no one is safe. Penryn a 17 year old girl is caring for her younger sister whose wheelchair bound and her erratic mentally ill mother. When they decide to move from their home they encounter a group of angels one of whom is badly beaten. Penryn is shaken but this was nothing compared to the desolation she feels when the angels spot her sister and fly away with her.

Penryn will do anything to get her back, including making a deal with the enemy.

Review

I’d not read many angel books prior to Angelfall nor had I heard of Susan Ee, but when it came on an Amazon daily deal e-mail I decided to give it a go. I thought I might like it but I wasn't expecting to be blown away...yet I was. I was gripped within the first few pages, it was unlike any other book I’d read, and I just couldn’t put it down.

The plot is set in a post apocalyptic world which is described throughout the book and I think it was as gripping as what she was describing was the world as we know it now. The descriptions of streets jammed with empty cars and littered with abandoned mobile phones are haunting, this made the plot more real in that you could imagine how it would be in your own life. Susan Ee’s plot builds exquisitely from a lonely feather falling from the sky to the image of Angel Gabriel hovering over an under siege Jerusalem. Every scene is described in such a way that it makes it such a gripping read. I think it is the main reason that the book is almost impossible to put down.

Penryn is a 17yr old girl who’s had to contend with a lot in her life, and her back story unravels throughout the book revealing how she became such a strong determined young woman reminding me of Katniss in The Hunger Games (another strong survivor). Her determination to reach and save her sister makes you want to route for her in her quest.

The male lead Raffe an angel, who appears near to death in the beginning, is described beautifully whilst allowing your imagination to build him in your head. The simmering undercurrent of the love/hate relationship between Penryn and Raffe keeps you gripped, whilst you find yourself routing for them and hoping their relationship will develop. Despite this there is no obvious romance per say  and you couldn’t categorise this as a romantic novel, Susan manages to thread her descriptions of the two main characters relationship as being potentially romantic without directly indicating it may happen, allowing the reader to develop their own hopes and dreams for Penryn & Raffe.

As you’ve probably realised by now I loved this book and can’t wait for the release of the next book World After (Penryn and the end of the day’s book 2) on the 19^th November 2013. I would highly recommend this book  I rate this book 



Next Book Reviews

Well I'm starting to review a trilogy of books by Laury Faltner namely her Guardian trilogy. The first book in the series is Fallen, where we meet Maggie who has a terrifying fate that awaits her and Eran the dark mysterious stranger who appears to always be in the right place at the right time to protect her from attacks by her as yet unknown enemies. So come back soon to read the full review!

Tweak mania

Well I've tweaked and tweaked my site and now I don't know if I've overdone it. Hey ho I think I'll leave as is and keep it as a work in progress. Let me know what you think, also what's your thoughts on having google adds on the site, would this put people off or not??

My new book blog

Well work is progressing on my new book review book blogg. I hope visitors will enjoy my book reviews and find them useful. I'm still working on the look & use of my site so please bear with me whilst I get the site to look how I want it to be - a work in progress!!
Well back to work and please come back soon to read my book reviews