SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

Since I never declared a demons book...I think I will read

Dana wrote: "I just inform my family that I am checking out of my life when a new book comes out. "

LOL, Dana! You're so funny!

I've heard about that ending of Echo and that's why I want to have Heart's Blood available when I read it. I can't imagine having to wait 4 years!

In other news, I'm really enjoying the Kate Daniels series. I almost never read series books back to back but I read #1 for the demons shelf, I'm listening to #2 right now and most likely will listen to #3 for next week's shelf (those books fit almost every single shelf!)

Happy Birthday D.G. !!

I saw your name on this month's RRRC birthday list.

Thanks Daffodil!

Happy birthday dg

Thanks Adele. :) I didn't do anything last night but at least I went out with my sister on Wednesday. :)

Here is my UF review. Reveiws will come in spurts today.



Week 3: Urban Fantasy
Book: Black Howl by Christine Henry
Finished: October 20, 2012
Rating: 4 Stars

The Black Wings series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series and each book keeps getting better. Madeline Black is a character and a half and she has a rag tag group of backup characters that engaging as well. Most of the book involves Maddy helping locate a local werewolves’ pack of missing children; and the political intrigue behind that crime is somewhat confusing and disturbing and I wondered at Maddy’s ability to stay out of the Lucifer’s machinations for her. There are some great developments in Maddy’s personal life, both wonderful and sorrowful, and the ending will leave you wanting to know what happens next for Maddy.

......and Happy Birthday D.G.!!

Thanks Sherri!

Hmmm...now I don't know if to wait for Sherri to post all her reviews to request shelves or do them one at a time...decisions, decisions.

This will be the last until later tonight.



Free Space:
Book: Black Night by Christine Henry
Link: On the SOS Bookshelf
Finished: 10/13/12
Rating: 4 Stars

It had been awhile since I had Black Wings and there was a bit I had forgotten about at the beginning. So it took me a bit to get back into the story, but once I did – wow. The story was fast-paced once it got going and there is so much intrigue and strategy going that you have to pay a little attention to the details. The struggle in Lucifer’s kingdom is heating up and Madeline “Maddy” Black is right smack dap in the middle of it.

Maddy discovered in the first novel Black Wings that she was the granddaughter of Lucifer, in addition to being an angel of death and getting killed. In Black Night, Maddy is dealing with murders that are occurring that are not preordained and should not be happening. As with all the Black Wings books, the intrigue behind the deaths is related to the struggle for Lucifer’s kingdom and Maddy inserts herself smack dap in the middle of it.

There are times I really like Maddy as a character, she is loyal and loves her friends deeply. But she is also a bit of a hot head; doesn’t follow any rules or laws and if it doesn’t make sense to her, it wrong or unfair. The love triangle that exists between Maddy, Gabriel and J.B. is further stressed, when we discover some interesting information about J.B. Overall, another good addition to the urban fantasy genre.

I think I'll request these two for now and leave the rest for tomorrow!

Woohoo! Off to request both shelves!

BSB6 Free Space:
Completed: 6 / 6
✔ Adele: Outlander (SOS Bookshelf) - Oct 21 ★★★★ review
✔ D.G.: What's Left of Me (new release thread) - Sep 30 ★★★★ review
✔ Daffodil: Insurgent (new release thread) - Sep 22 ★★★★ review
✔ Dana: The Blinding Knife (new release thread)- Sep 20 ★★★★★ review
✔ Nici: Kiss of Midnight (SOS Bookshelf) - Oct 17 ★★★★ review
✔ Sherri: Black Night (SOS Bookshelf)- Oct 13 ★★★★ review


BSB6 Week 3 (Sep 30 - Oct 6): urban-fantasy
Completed: 6 / 6
✔ Adele: Eclipse - Oct 23 ★★★★★ review
✔ D.G.: Urban Shaman - Oct 4 ★★ review
✔ Daffodil: Fated - Oct 8 ★★★★ review
✔ Dana: Play of Passion - Oct 6 ★★★ review
✔ Nici: Home Improvement: Undead Edition - Oct 8 ★★★★★ review
✔ Sherri: Black Howl - Oct 20 ★★★★ review

Completed: October 25th, 2012
Shelf: demons
Rating: ★ ★
Review: There are most likely many people out there that would really enjoy this book and get into the crime scene info...I'm just not one of them apparently. It was fairly well written and not too overly sugared up in the 'you are my destiny' aspect. I felt that many of the characters were underplayed in order to create more story later (streeeeetch), as opposed to letting the story unfold at a natural point. I did like the characters themselves though, especially The Dominion for some reason. She is kind of a wuss which normally is a big turn-off for me but I see her getting her groove on later and that appealed to me. My big issue with this story was the ending. (view spoiler)[Which just had way too much misery and absolutely no hope/love for the H/h. Took his wings, took his power, banished him to Earth, AND...AND??? took his memory of Alex? Sheesh! Someone hates their hero, eh? :) (hide spoiler)]

On the flip side, God is a woman which I can get behind. ;P

I read the blurb for the next book and I just can't get into it so I don't think I will continue on with this series.

Yeah us!

Stamp it to the left, stamp it to the right!

Dana wrote: "Stamp it to the left, stamp it to the right! "

LOL!

I will read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling for my favourite series book

I'll be reading . Woohoo! I've been having so much fun since I started this series for last week's shelf.

Stayed up half the night to read my book! Ahhh! So so good!

I'll write a review later, LOL!

CONGRATULATIONS, Unforgettables!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Free Space' and 'urban-fantasy'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

For favorite series I will read Kiss the Dead which I *think* is the last in the season

Congrats on the stamp Unforgettables!

Oops meant to say series lol

Woohoo!! Thanks Steph and Sandra!

SHELF: favorite-series



Title/Author: Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Read for shelf: favorite-series
Date finished: Oct 28
Rating: ★★★★½

Oh wow! I never read books back to back but once I started this series, I seriously couldn't stop. This is the best in the series so far and I really can't wait to continue. Now I know why so many people have this a 'favorite series'. It has quickly become one of mine.

Like in the previous books, we have an intricate and very dangerous situation that involved serious bad guys and lots of dangerous magic. I usually hate heroines that are mouthy but I've gotten to like Kate a lot, mostly because I understand that's a defense mechanism and something she can't help herself.

I loved how the relationship with Curran is progressing and how equally powerful they are in a sense. I'm so looking forward to find out what happens next!

Here is my reveiw for Favorite Author, which should give us another stamp.



Week 2: Favorite Author
Book: Seeker of Shadows by Nancy Gideon
Finished: 10/2/12
Rating: 4 stars

I started reading in the middle of this series and I am so happy that I started it. I do want to go back and read the first couple of novels for the history and background, but for those of us geeks that like to read a series start to end, I can at least say you can jump into this one in the middle and still enjoy the story.

Seeker of Shadows is the story of Susanna and Jacques, who are at polar ends of the struggle of the shifters. Susanna is a Chosen, which is essentially the “royalty” and purebloods of the shifters. The conflict between the groups has been escalating and Susanna and Jacques find themselves at the heart of it here.

I have to say that I really would not like to be a Chosen. The way they are controlled would annoy immensely and I loved how Susanna played that to her advantage; she is one smart lady and I like that in a heroine. The love story between Jacques and Susanna is intense, layered and complex. I’ll not say more as there is a twist that leaves you saying “Whoa,” but is that perfect puzzle piece that ties things together. Can’t wait for Betrayed by Shadows due out in Deceember.

I'll be reading or . Can't decide which and both I need to read this week.

i finished Destined on oct 27 for the demons shelf and give it four stars. I will continue to read this series. I really enjoyed the book and the cliff hanger at the end was startling and makes me want to run out and get the next book right away. Sometimes this series frustrates me with it's use of words that people seem to think that teens use, such as bullpoopie. However, it is a young adult novel so I do realize that the book is written for a different demographic then what I am.

Off to request our favorite author stamp!

BSB6 Week 2 (Sep 23 - Sep 29): *Favorite Author
Completed: 6 / 6
✔ Adele: The Impossible Dead - Oct 7 ★★★★★ review
✔ D.G.: The Mystery of the Blue Train - Sep 29 ★★★★ review
✔ Daffodil: Crystal Gardens - Sep 26 ★★★½ review
✔ Dana: Beyond the Shadows - Oct 4 ★★★ review
✔ Nici: Kitty Steals the Show - Sep 27 ★★★★★ review
✔ Sherri: Seeker of Shadows - Oct 2 ★★★★ review

Here's the rundown of the stamps we are left to complete...in order of importance:

demons (gives us 4 in a row)
series catch up (gives us 3 in a row)
favorite series (gives us 2 in a row)
vampires (first in both directions...doesn't give us anything for now)

So you know what you can prioritize! If you need to switch a book you have already chosen, don't worry about it.

Reading my demons book next after the one I am reading now.

I'm still trying to decide which book to read for favorite series. I have a couple possibilities.

And I haven't forgotten I still need to post my review for series catch up. I had to finish the November PIFM and the review is next on my list. Well .... next on my list after sleep. I started vacation on Friday and my sleep schedule is already totally trashed. Normally I'd be arriving at work right now, instead I'm heading off to get a few hours of sleep.

CONGRATULATIONS, Unforgettables!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Favorite Author'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

Congrats on the stamp Unforgettables!

Woohoo!!! Thanks, ladies!

Series Catch-Up
Chasing Magic, Stacia Kane, 10-20-12
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Gritty and dark, this series still manages to make an emotional connection to the reader. Even when she's making bad choices, my heart breaks for Chess. Her abusive childhood has left her with low self-esteem, along with feelings of being dirty and unworthy of love from others. She tries to drown those issues beneath drugs, but often she's her own worst enemy. Though she's constantly fighting her own personal demons, Chess has managed to carry out her duties to the Church, hunting down ghosts or exposing false hauntings, while keeping her darker side hidden from the Elders.

Certain choices, good and bad, come back to haunt her in this book. We've seen one repercussion of saving Terrible's life in his reaction to black magic. Chasing Magic reveals an even darker consequence and also leads to a major personal crisis for Chess. (view spoiler)[Elder Griffin's disappointment with her and his resulting decisions were heart-breaking. (hide spoiler)] Chess's decision to maintain a platonic friendship with Lex, despite their past, causes turmoil in her relationship with Terrible and also results in more trouble.

On the surface, Chess still appears to be spiraling down. Her drug addiction seems to be worsening (view spoiler)[the accidental OD is evidence of that (hide spoiler)] and her bad judgement continues to threaten her relationship with Terrible. At the same time, I can see moments of growth. Chess is proud of her relationship with Terrible and takes him with her to Elder Griffin's marriage ceremony. She doesn't care about the reaction of the other Church members and only wants the two most important men in her life to meet. Also, Chess's entire life has depended on lying. Lying to the Church about her drug addiction and Downsider lifestyle, lying to Terrible, even lying to herself. In Chasing Magic, she chooses truth over a convenient lie at key moments. One example: (view spoiler)[When Elder Griffin confronts her over what she's done to Terrible, she could have lied or at least left out part of the truth. She chooses to tell him the entire truth about the binding. And killing the psychopomp, even knowing the punishment is death. (hide spoiler)]

With all this happening in her personal life, Chess still has to deal with murders related to a tainted drug supply and black magic. She can't involve the Church in her hunt for the killer/mage without exposing her Downside life, so Chess must be be careful in how she uses Church resources. The investigation is as wonderfully gruesome as always and leads to an intense battle scene conclusion.

I'll definitely be buying the next book in this series.

Hi ladies! I hope none of you were very affected by Sandy. I've had to "work from home" from the last week as my office is in Lower Manhattan and we didn't have any power.

Oh well...at least we didn't lose any power at home (although we don't have any heat so I have to wear several layers) and I didn't have to attempt to go to the City.

Been ill all week but catch up time now, kids back at school on Monday and I will read, read, read. No more slacking here guys, Demon book next and then I will look again depending on the next shelf call.

Hope you feel better, Adele!

The shelf this week is Dark Fantasy: www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/dark-fan...

For that, I'll be listening to . I had to check all 20+ pages of shelves to find Dark Fantasy but I did!

Here's updated rundown of the stamps we are left to complete...in order of importance:

demons (gives us 4 in a row)
series catch up (gives us 3 in a row)
favorite series (gives us 3 in a row with dark fantasy)
dark fantasy (gives us 3 in a row with favorite series)
vampires (gives 2 in a row with dark fantasy)

Thanks dg it is so helpful doing that for us

Glad your safe D.G.

I've been reading for the favorite series shelf.

I'm still debating a few options for dark-fantasy: or . I'll let you know once I make a final decision.

for the dark fantasy shelf i will be reading Blood Lite II: Overbite

FINALLY found one -

Here is my Demon Review:



Week 6: Demons (Oct 21-Oct 27)
Book: A Trace of Moonlight
Read from: 10/21 - 10/23
Finished: 10/23/12
Rating: 4 Stars

How the heck to write a review for A Trace of Moonlight (ATOM) without giving anything way? Because ATOM is chock full of revelations, surprises and spoilers. First of all if you have not read A Sliver of Shadows, don’t even “think” about reading ATOM. The Abby Sinclair series is best read in order to fully enjoy them since each book has built upon the other. Also, ATOM is supposedly the last in the Abby Sinclair trilogy. I didn’t now this when I finished the book, because not everything gets wrapped up like a pretty present. There are definitely strings hanging, which may or may not be potential future storylines; maybe a spinoff series??

Abby has been a wonderful, but flawed, heroine. The love triangle between her, Taliver and Ion has been a reoccurring thread throughout the series and although I thought Abby had finally grown a pair and made her decision in A Sliver of Shadows, we find out that isn’t “truly” the case. She continually vacillates between the two of them and then when she is found out, she shrugs it off and goes on her merry way. At times, I wanted to slap her for her indecisiveness and thoughtlessness. The only bright spot for me about Abby was her acceptance of being a Dreamer and her stepping up and facing her fears. She finally grew as a character for me.

Taliver and Leo were better characters for me, especially Taliver. We finally learn about his background and how it molded him into the man that he is and the story is both intriguing and

The main conflict between the factions in fairy is at least resolved. How it will play out in the future is left dangling and would be a great follow-up story. The wide array of secondary characters is perhaps the best feature of the trilogy. Each character has a role, clear identity and voice throughout the series. It was interesting to see how Ms. Pang wove the characters tighter. Each plays a role and is critical to the events outcome.

The ending left me a bit confused, since as I mentioned earlier, there were a couple of story threads that were left open with questions hanging. One plot line in specific left me wanting more. Overall, I would recommend this series to readers looking for an action packed urban fantasy series, with great dialog and supporting characters.

SHELF: dark-fantasy



Title/Author: Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole
Read for shelf: dark fantasy
Date finished: Nov 5 ★★★
Rating: ★★★ **2 stars for plot and 1 bonus star for narration**

Everybody who has read my reviews of this series knows I'm still going because I love the narration not because I like the books. This one was the worst of the lot. As usual, there was a lot of corny dialogue and the hero was almost the same as previous ones but the solution to the conflict was mind boggling and unbelievable even for PNR standards.

The first part of the book was really boring because there was little action and neither Conrad nor Néomi were THAT different or interesting. The second part is more exciting but some parts are really maddening - at some point, Néomi is in terrible danger and Conrad saves her using the most convoluted route, involving talking and talking and talking!

Robert Petkoff was amazing as usual (I probably would have dnfed it if it weren't for him.) I may continue the series because I have higher hopes for the next book but I think I'll schedule my listen when I'm in a really bad streak. Listening to this book after the Kate Daniels series just served to pinpoint the holes in the world building.

Sherri wrote: "Here is my Demon Review:



Week 6: Demons (Oct 21-Oct 27)
Book: A Trace of Moonlight
Read from: 10/21 - 10/23
Finished: 10/23/12
Rating: 4 Stars

How the ..."

Sherri - Did you change your choice for the Demon shelf? I had this book for your 'series catch up' and Green-Eyed Demon for the demon shelf. If you did, it's fine because our priority at this point should be for the demon shelf. :) Just let me know which book I should put for the series catch up shelf.

Also, for which shelf are you reading Venom? For Dark Fantasy? You just didn't post a choice for the favorite series (or if you did, I must have missed it.)

Currently reading my demon book

Yep D.G. I changed my Demon shelf to A Trace of Moonlight and then used A Sliver of Shadow for the series catchup since I had to read it before A Trace Of Moonlight.

Venom is the book I will read for Dark Fantasy, for now. I have 4-6 books I am seriously behind in finishing for reviews. I may have an audiobook that might fit the shelf. I'll need to check that out.

Thanks Sherri!