Steph’s Comments (group member since May 22, 2010)

Steph’s comments from the SOS: Serious Overload of Series group.

Shelf #2 ~ 15 May: V - "Vernal Equinox" or vampire(s)
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...

* For "Vernal Equinox", read a book with a sun, sunrise or sunset on the cover; "sun" in the title or series name; or author's first or last name beginning with V

* For vampire(s), read a book found on one of these shelves: GR vampire, GR vampires or SOS vampire

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1Z72GZ8

Ditto! 😁

Thanks for hanging with us, Cheryl!

Glad you enjoyed the latest GH, Debbie. I'm enjoying my re-read of that series this year. I couldn't hold off and read AL when it came out.

Bummer on Carve, though, Linda C. I think I'll skip that one.

We've got our first stamp, ladies! 😊

Hope y'all are having a good week. I'll be back a bit later with the shelf announcement info.

CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!
We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'O'. 

[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Yay!! :D

CONGRATULATIONS, Novel Narratives!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'O'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

True and that's just sad.

https://a.co/d/2ujGY2V
https://a.co/d/9w7lr6G
https://a.co/d/7b0UWYF
https://a.co/d/fqIEGw7
https://a.co/d/e1GipVq
Cage for angels series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B69H4KNT

https://a.co/d/hrLtHZS

Sandra wrote: "Spreadsheet is live!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/..."

😊 Thx, Miss Sandra!

Yeah, that font places the Q's tail vertically instead of diagonally.

Thanks, Debbie. I plan to continue with it, but will definitely be spacing them out.

Yikes! Sounds bad. Sorry it was a bust for ya. I'm always confused by highly rated books when I can barely manage them. It always feels like I'm missing something.

Just the one to win - vertical, horizontal or diagonal

Forever Forty by Tia Didmon
Series: Magical Midlife Death #1
Qualifier: Outside - building on cover
Shelf #O: 'O' - outside or oracle
Read: 11 May
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

My Review:

A witch who turns was unheard of [...] A witch who developed magic after becoming a vampire. That was a fricking unicorn. I simply shouldn’t exist.

This should've been a great read! The premise, love it. The writing style, no so much.

For whatever reason, I'm not a fan of little to no contractions. It just doesn't feel natural. How many people, aside from androids, hold a normal convo without a contraction or two? Anyway, that's a me-thing. Then, there's the fact that we just don't get necessary info. Info needed to support what's happening. Please explain why a new vampire, told she'll have to wait until she can control herself around humans, blood, etc before she can see her family, is allowed (with an escort, but still) to go see her human boyfriend in a crowded restaurant? The head of the coven attacks Raven, claims a prophecy, but why? What prophecy? Raven's power was so low as to be ignored, yet she's suddenly incredibly powerful and somehow knows how to use it?

The relationship we're supposed to feel forming between Raven and Rene was pretty lack luster. And, while Raven's resistance to Rene's attempts to influence her initially appealed, her constant push back, at a time when she should be getting answers instead of proving how strong she is, became a bit annoying.

Maybe the story was just rushed? Maybe the other installments answer these questions that were just placed throughout to make us wonder and continue on? Maybe the relationship between these two becomes more believable? Maybe, maybe, maybe. Maybe I'll eventually return to the series, maybe I won't.

Venom by Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #3
Qualifier: #9 on SOS' BEST OF: Urban Fantasy list
Shelf: Free Space
Read: 10 May
Rating: ★★★☆☆

My Review:

“I’m just wondering how exactly I went from being the Spider to the Robin fucking Hood of the greater Ashland area. Three months ago, I was killing people for money. Lots of money. Buckets of it. Now, tell me a good sob story instead and I’ll take care of all your problems for free. Instead of stealing from the rich, I’m stabbing them to death for the poor.”

In Venom , Gin's continuing to play around with retirement, yet still being pulled into helping others, and for free no less.

I had a difficult time rating this one. There was SO much to love about it, yet so many peeves that kept gettin' a pet. I've had to space out my read through this series as the author's very fond of info dumps. I just can't read those back-to-back without skimming 1/2 the book, but I do still find myself yeah-yeah-yeahing my way through all the other little drips and drabs of re(re-re-re-re)introduced info.

Exhibit 1: Finn's love his highly caffeinated chicory coffee
Exhibit 2: Mab's rune is ruby, heat drips off of her
Exhibit 3: Gin's always got her 5 silverstone knives on her

The story told in this installment was great and (minus above issues I had) very well told. Some bullies got their comeuppances, some others were put on notice ... The Spider is coming for you. Someone Gin was beginning to look for found her first. I love the newest addition and look forward to what's to come between Bria and Gin. Also, I'm diggin' the growing relationship between Gin and Owen. Donovan who? (<--- that'd be exhibit 4, but I digress) I also like Owen's sister and her friend, whom we met in the previous installment.

All-around a very fun read minus that which annoys me. I'll definitely be continuing with the series despite those peeves. I just have to know what's to come for Gin and her gang, especially as it's growing with each installment.

Thanks, y'all! And, thanks for hangin' out with us!

😆

Great, I’ll add ya now. Thx!

If I got 3, I’d probably pick sacrifice, too

Sandra wrote: "Yay!!!

It's been a fabulous ride, thanks to all the members who participate in the fun and games."

Ditto!

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "It’s the only group on GR that I visit regularly because of it’s awesome members and moderators."

Aw, thx! 😊