SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

by Seth Grahams-Smith
Finished 23.10.12
Shelf: Vampire
Rating:★★

Review
Well I have to say I was disapointed with this book, for me it did not live up to the hype. I like the basic idea of the book but I found myself getting bored throughout and couldn't wait for it to be over! it was like he couldn't decide if he wanted to write a novel or a biography?!

The book starts with a man working in a store when he was accosted by a customer who turned out to be a vampire, and who wanted him to adapt and reveal Abraham Lincoln's secret journals. Born into a tiny farm in the Indiana woodlands, Lincoln first learned of vampires after his mother's death, and began a lifelong crusade to destroy as many of his mother's killers as possible.

I suppose I was expecting this book to be a fast paced, witty, historical novel which would have me hooked from the first page, instead I got boredom. I think it was possiblt the journal format which put me off the book.

Sorry to hear that Jade, it did look interesting.

Demons shelf
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Rating: ★★★★
Finished: 22/10/2012
# pages: 351

Review: I'm late getting into this series after everybody has praised it up and down. I guess I was expecting to be blown away by an amazing plot (and maybe because I am reading 2 other very good books at the same time as this one). I am not sure if I can be completely honest and do justice to this story. I'll say that I rarely read Young Adult books that I end up liking. I don't know why but this one kept me interested until the end so it's a good thing.

Cassandra Clare created a fantasy adventure with interesting characters with quirks and distinct personality traits making them come to life. The world created where demons, vampires, werewolves, faeries, angels and any other species do exist under the mundanes's noze was well put. I can see why it would appeal to a younger audience as well as adults because there is a balance of ageless wonder with enough sophistication to please everyone.

I had expected the main heroine, Clary, to be bitter about what happened to her but in many ways it helped her have less baggage than the rest. This cast of characters Jace, Simon, Isabelle, Alec, Magnus, Luke, Hodge, Jocelyn, Valentine, the Silent Brothers...were all entertaining and I wish to know more about them.

My main difficulty was the villain of the story. I know they are painted as evil with "benevolent" ideals...but really the author overdid it. I cannot believe that anyone would follow a silver-tongued sociopath like him! At times it was even laughable.

I still want to continue reading to discover the dynamics holding this cast together.

Just watched the Abraham Lincoln film too.... That was just as bad :(

A glutton for punishment!

Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward 10/23 ****

Well... I have to say this one was waaaaaay better than the last couple of books in the series. I did not like Payne's book at all, I hated Manny, couldn't relate to either one because I didn't even know them so I didn't really care.

But now we get Tohr's book, I must admit I just read it to be ready for Quinn and Blay's book next year and I wasn't expecting much from it.
The first chapters were a bit annoying with the author using these ridiculous words to tell the story, true?
I mean, it's ok when the characters use them in a conversation because it's part of their personality, but not when things are being explained, that's just stupid... and oh, God, has the word "shitkickers" been over-used this much in every book?

Anyway, it took me most of the book to get to the point where I thought it was ok for Tohr to love someone else since the whole point of the Brothers mating their shellans is because they've found their one and only... I'm still not convinced but I liked the way the author managed it all, especially the ceremony at the end and the Brothers showing their support to Tohr.
More characters are being added since we were running out of Brothers, still think Rhage and Z's books are the best ones but I can't wait for our two guys to finally be together.

Beware Ms. Ward, the expectations are really, really high.

I'll be reading Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon for the Demon's shelf.

I'll be catching up in the Sweet series with Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks, didn't really like the first book but let's see how it goes.

Lili, you need to add the date read to your review of Lover Reborn :)

Lili wrote: "Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward ****

Well... I have to say this one was waaaaaay better than the last couple of books in the series. I did not like Payne's book at all, I hated Manny, couldn't relate t..."

I really liked this one, too, Lili. For some reason Ward's language really doesn't bother me. I am so EXCITED for Qhuinn and Blay's book!!

Sandra wrote: "Lili, you need to add the date read to your review of Lover Reborn :)"

done!
thanks for the reminder

;)

I finished my free space read:The Raven Boys on 10/26/12 and gave it 4 stars. I found it in the SOS bookshelf

This book was pretty good, and I really liked the premise of it. Maggie Stiefvater does a really good job of describing beautiful scenes you can picture vividly. I loved how she wrote the Scorpio Races, and this continued all the styles to her writing I loved from that book. I wanted to give it 5 stars, but some of the plot devices were super transparent and that dropped it to a 4.5 for me, but as GR still hasn't gotten half stars... 4 it is.

Team, we have earned a stamp for Free Space!
:-)

by Cassandra Clare
Shelf: Demons
Date Finished: 10/26/12
Rating: ★★★1/2

I read Book 1 of this series about a year and a half ago, so I was a little lost at the beginning of this installment. I decided to give Clare another try since I really liked her Infernal Devices books. Jace/Jonathan is accused of siding with his evil father Valentine, and is kicked out of his home and viewed as a threat to the Clave. Clary of course believes Jace/Jonathan and continues to moon over him during the entire book. SPOILER if you have not read City of Bones: (view spoiler)[ So, in book one we find out Jace/Jonathan and Clary are brother and sister. Even so, in book two they act as if they are in love and can't resist it, despite their blood relationship. Sorry, but I find that disturbing. Now, we very well may find out they are NOT related (and in fact I am willing to be that's what happens down the line). But still, it's disturbing! (hide spoiler)]. Clary does try to be a girlfriend to her longtime friend, Simon, but then he meets a werewolf girl who appears to have eyes for him...oh, the love triangles of YA Fantasy Fiction. Clary discovers that she has "super" powers and it was interesting to see her figure out how her abilities could help her friends. I liked this more than City of Bones, however there is a LOT left unresolved and more mysteries to unravel. Looks like I'll be reading City of Glass next.

Upon reading your review Sandy, I might give it a go even I'm not a fan of love triangle.

Val, after Book 1, I had no desire to read Book 2. (Note the 18 month wait!)

But after Book 2, I do want to read Book 3. There are a lot of unanswered questions.

Finished my Demons shelf book, Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon 10/25****

Yikes!
There was a lot of info in this one little book, A LOT!
We get a bunch of stuff on Ash and Artemis we didn't know about, kinda makes her a little less of a bitch and, of course, Ash is just awesome.
I didn't quite like Kat and Sin's story, it felt a bit forced and the whole banter and teasing between the characters wasn't really funny, just... meh!
Can't wait to keep reading more of this series!, there isn't a bad book in it, just those that aren't great.

What's next? Acheron's book?

Sandy wrote: "Val, after Book 1, I had no desire to read Book 2. (Note the 18 month wait!)"

That's the way I am. I read book 1 and have no intention of reading any more. Right now at least. Admittedly I read City of Bones right after I finished the Hunger Games trilogy so that "let down" factor could be an issue.

Finished my series catch up book.


10/26/12
★★★★1/2

Stupid book made me cry. (view spoiler)[When Ethan died and his parents were mourning him (hide spoiler)]. I was at work crying! Granted, I was on break, but still. Anyway, otherwise an excellent book. I'm liking the series and the characters more as we continue into the series. It's quickly ramping up to a climax for the last two books, with the potential werecat war. Book lost a half star, (view spoiler)[because Faythe cheated on Marc with Jace (hide spoiler)]. Probably should lose a whole star for that, it definitely disappointed me. I like seeing Faythe have a bit more self awareness as the series goes on; maybe she could use that to stop getting into trouble and stop acting before thinking. I will be reading the next book soon, hopefully a shelf will be called that it will fit on.

Crystal S wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Val, after Book 1, I had no desire to read Book 2. (Note the 18 month wait!)"

That's the way I am. I read book 1 and have no intention of reading any more. Right now at least. Admitt..."

Yes, The Hunger Games is definitely a tough act to follow!

The next shelf is ~ 'favorite-series' which is NOT a personal shelf.

I am in no mood for YA books since I read a few lately. I am hesitating between and because I can't keep starting series and never finish them.

I don't know which one I'll read for favorite series shelf.

Favorite series:

It took a while to find it on the shelf, but it's there!

For Favorite Series, I will read .

Finished Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks 10/25***

mmmhm...
I'm not sure if I liked this book and if I did how many stars should I give it... my main problem is that I just don't get it, why would a woman want a guy to show her naked to his friends and punish her for whatever he thinks was disobedience on her part?
There were pretty good, sexy, hot, steaming scenes between the main characters so it wasn't all lost.

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "What's next? Acheron's book?"

Not yet Valerie... I can't wait to get my hands on that one but it turned out I still have 3 books to read 'till I get to Ash's book, I want to know everything there is to know before I get to it because I already skipped a few books in the series once and found out about Nick and his mom when it had already happened.
I was not happy...

That being said, I'm lucky I found The Dream Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon in the list so that'll be my read for this week.

Happy reading everyone!

CONGRATULATIONS, Terrible 2's!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Free Space'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

Congrats on the stamp Terribles!

I finished my demon book.


10/29/12
★★★★

Great book. I enjoy this series. The only reason this one didn't get 5 stars was because it wasn't my favorite of the series. I really liked Lore and his multifaceted character, but Idess was meh. I do like it when the heroines can fight as well as the heroes and this series delivers a lot of those. I'm looking forward to Sin's story.

I am a little behind on last weeks read, just trying to pick a book for "Fav Series" been in Scotland all weekend my father in law had another operation on Friday :( fingers crossed we are now on the right road. Hope you all enjoy your choices this week :)

Jade, glad to hear he is still getting better.

Thanks Sandra were getting there slowly x

I finished my Series Catch Up shelf book. I ended up changing to Frozen Heat because it had to go back to the library today haha. I know it's not really PNR or UF but the rules said those were preferred but not required, I believe, so I'll use this as my one slide. Did I read that right Sandra and/or Steph?? If so then....

Book:
Shelf: Series Catch up
Rated: 3 stars
completed: 10/30/12

Review:

These books are a really fun play off of the TV Show Castle. I love watching the show and I have read all the Nikki Heat novels that have come out with the show. The first novel or two started out a little bit cheesy, but they were just meant in good fun so I took that at face value. However as the series has progressed the writers have really become proficient at making the series stand on it's own. While these novels are still highly sensationalized and almost feel like you are reading something meant more for TV they are still an easy light-hearted read that I thoroughly enjoy.

Kari, will you please add the date finished to your review? Thanks!

I've seen a couple of episodes of the show. Would like to see more!

Kari, that's fine. Though as Sandy said, you need to add the date read.

ugghhh I knew I was forgetting something I just couldn't figure out what and I had to run out the door. Sorry Sandy!! It's fixed now.

I LOVE Castle, it is one of my favorite shows. I also really liked Firefly, which Nathan Fillion starred in, and they make a lot of really funny references to Firefly on Castle. Makes my day :)

I just requested our stamp for Series Catch-up! :-)

CONGRATULATIONS, Terrible 2s!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Series Catch-up'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

Congrats on the stamp Terribles!

I have finally decided :)

Favourites Shelf by Janet Evanovich

Just finished The Dream Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon 10/31***
Favorite series shelf

This one has been my least favorite book in the series so far... I didn't buy Geary and Arik's love story and all the "bantering" between Arik and Solin was sort of annoying... I would like it very much if the next book was Solin's since he'd be great to see under a woman's thumb.
I just didn't get it or liked it or... something, I'm not even sure what it was that didn't work.
I missed Ash in this book, I know it's a dream-hunter book but still, I'm love with the guy so I want to read about him.

by Cassandra Clare
Shelf: Favorite Series
Date Finished: 10/31/12
Rating: ★★★1/2

The third book in the Mortal Instruments series is much more fast-paced and action-packed. Jace continues to be his condescending self; Clary continues to make bad decisions and discover her special powers; love triangles still abound; grotesque demons are killed in grotesque fashion; and, yes, the incestuous overtones are still present. My favorite character is Simon. I like how he remains loyal not only to Clary, but also to everyone she cares about, even though they don't treat him very well. I think I'm a little burned out on Clary and the gang. I'll give this series a rest for awhile.

Click here for weeks 1 - 5

Week 6 - October 21, 2012
Shelf: Demons

Sandy: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare Finished 10/26/12 ★★★1/2 Review
Crystal S: Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione Finished 10/29/12 ★★★★ Review
Kari: The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff Finished 11/9/12 ★★★★ Review
Valerie ~Val Hall~: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare Finished 10/23/12 ★★★★ Review
Lili: Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon Finished 10/25/12 ★★★★ Review
Jade AKA MrsTosh:Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins Finished 11/11/12 ★★ Review


Week 7 - October 28, 2012
Shelf: Favorite Series

Sandy:City of Glass by Cassandra Clare Finished 10/31/12 ★★★1/2 Review
Crystal S.: Shift by Rachel Vincent Finished 10/31/12 ★★★★
Review
Kari: Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter Finished 11/13/12 ★★★ Review
Valerie~Val Hall: A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire Finished 10/31/12 ★★★★ Review
Lili: The Dream Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon Finished 10/31/12 ★★★ Review
Jade aka Mrs. Tosh:Four to Score by Janet Evanovich Finished 11/7/12 ★★★★ Review
*****************************************************
Week 8 - November 4, 2012
Shelf:Dark-Fantasy

Sandy: Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh 11/8/12 ★★★ Review
Crystal S.: Alpha by Rachel Vincent Finished 11/4/12 ★★★★ Review
Kari:
Valerie~Val Hall~: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss Finished 11/8/12 ★★★★★ Review
Lili:The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison
Jade aka Mrs. Tosh:It by Stephen King Finished 11/11/12 ★★★★★ Review
***************************************************
Week 9 - November 11, 2012
Shelf: 2012

Sandy:Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas Finished 11/14/12 ★★★★ Review
Crystal S.:Standing in the Shadows by Shannon McKenna
Kari: False Memory by Dan Krokos Finished 11/15/12 ★★★★ Review
Valerie~Val Hall~: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young Finished 11/13/12 ★★★ Review
Lili:Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Jade aka Mrs. Tosh:Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry Finished 11/15/12 ★★★ Review
***********************************************
Week 10 - November 18, 2012
Shelf: Shifters

Sandy:Stolen by Kelley Armstrong
Crystal S.:
Kari:
Valerie~Val Hall~:Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison
Lili:
Jade aka Mrs. Tosh:Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurentson

I finished my favorite series book, review to come later today.

Sandy wrote:
The third book in the Mortal Instruments series is much more fast-paced and acti..."

I know exactly what you mean Sandy...I had the same problem, I keep thinking I should finish the series but I get so bored with Clary and Jace I just want it to be done with!!

Favorite Series


10/31/12
★★★★

This wasn't my favorite book of the series. Don't get me wrong, it was still pretty good. But it just seemed abrupt, I guess. That isn't quite the word I'm searching for. I guess maybe it just didn't seem to advance the story much. The few things that happened in this book could have easily been in another book without adding many pages. Basically the only things important were (view spoiler)[Marc found out that Faythe and Jace slept together and our good guys discovered that the bad guys were hiring wildcats and maybe Canadian cats as mercenaries (sort of), and the temporary head of the council finally is starting to get through his stubborn head that maybe the South Central Pride knows what they are talking about regarding Calvin Malone (hide spoiler)]. That's it, three things that happened in the whole book. The rest was pretty much just filler as far as I can tell. Good filler, but still just filler.

Favorite Series shelf
A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire
Rating: ★★★★
Finished: 31/10/2012
# pages: 377

Review: I liked book 2 better than the first one. It is my understanding that the series improves greatly after book 3.

Sylvester hands over to Toby an easy babysitting job. Once again nothing is what it seems, from a simple murder investigation springs into a frantic chase to keep people alive. I loved that the one gift Toby has in her arsenal did not help her. I normally can find out who the killer is but the author pulled some pretty convincing read herding.

I am pretty wary of teenager sidekick but Quentin held his own remarkably. I really enjoyed Tybalt in this book and I hope that his relationship with Toby continues to develop in future books. I am beginning to see why people love this series.

We have a new shelf!

Dark-Fantasy