SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

I'll have to move that higher up on my TBR list, Daffodil!

Shelf: Ghosts
Read: 25/7/12
Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
I'm in love with series this series, and this latest instalment didn't disappoint.

This time Chess has to deal with quite a few issues, that for a change have nothing to do with debunking.
Lex, who has taken over his fathers business, is making a play at taking over Bumps turf as well. He is not shying away to either sway Terrible into working for him, or if that fails, get rid of him, and what's worse he's using Chess to do it.
A maybe even bigger problem arrives in the form of a new drug supplier, who's mixing dark magic in his wares, that turns Downsides inhabitants into zombie-like creatures.
And last, but not least Elder Griffin, who has always been incredibly important to Chess finds out about a certain illegal thing she's done in the past, which may alter her relationship with him forever.

As usual this was an action-packed and fast paced story, that kept me glued to the pages. Most of the time I wanted to hug Chess and tell her to start believing in herself and see that she's worth a lot more than she thinks, but then there was also moment in which I just wanted to slap her...hard. Terrible is just becoming more amazing with each book and there was particular scene close to the end, that actually had me shed a few tears. The repercussions of Chess saving his life not long ago, start to show as well and I'm getting a little worried about what the future might hold for him.

I9 - Ghosts: 5/5
Stamp Received: Requested

Kerstin Chasing Magic, 5 stars, Review
Steph Ann Dead Girls Are Easy, 3 stars, Review
Daffodil The Deadliest Bite, 4 stars, Review
Cristina Black Wings, 4 stars, Review
Lisa Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake, 3 stars, Review



I10 - Demons: 3/5
Stamp Received: Still Reading

Kerstin A Brush of Darkness
Steph Ann Lethal Rider, 4.5 stars, Review
Daffodil Kindling the Moon, 4 star, Review
Cristina City of Ashes, 4 star, Review
Lisa Shadow of Night

Ready for the Ghosts stamp! Yeah, team.

Yay for a stamp! Hopefully the randomizer will be nice to us this weekend and we can get 4 in a row somewhere! :)

Steph Ann wrote: "I'll have to move that higher up on my TBR list, Daffodil!"

I kept wavering on my rating between 4 and 4.5 stars. And I honestly can't pinpoint any specific thing that kept it from a higher score. That feeling just wasn't quite there. LOL.

Daffodil wrote: "I kept wavering on my rating between 4 and 4.5 stars. And I honestly can't pinpoint any specific thing that kept it from a higher score. That feeling just wasn't quite there."

I know exactly what you mean! I've given books lower scores because of that too.

Great review, Kerstin. I can't wait to read Chasing Magic. Local grocery and drug stores still don't have this yet, so I'm going to have to order it online.

Thanks, Daffodil. It is a great book. Hope you love it, once you get your hands on it.

Shelf: Demons
Read: 7/26/12
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Shadow of Night is the second book in the All Souls Trilogy and begins exactly where the first book, A Discovery of Witches, leaves off. I enjoyed it just as much as the first book in the series, however, it is a little different. The first book takes place in modern day, and this one in the year 1590. One of the things I loved most about this book was the history. The author did a wonderful job of taking the reader back in time…I felt as if I were right there with Diana and Matthew in Elizabeth’s England. However, there is a lot of history here, and if you are not a fan, then this book might not be for you. If you are the type who loves to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of another era, then you will feel right at home here. Matthew and Diana are still the central characters in this story but there are quite a few charming new characters to meet as well. Many of the other familiar characters from the first book appear during flashes of modern times. This book has everything the first book had including magic, fantasy, romance, adventure, and mystery. The story is not over however, and there is no neat closure here. Deborah Harkness is one of my new favorite authors, and I am hoping the time will pass quickly until the final book of this series is released.

CONGRATULATIONS, X-treme Readers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'ghosts'.

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

Good Job!! :D

Congrats on the stamp X-treme!

I10 - Demons: 4/5
Stamp Received: Still Reading

Kerstin A Brush of Darkness
Steph Ann Lethal Rider, 4.5 stars, Review
Daffodil Kindling the Moon, 4 star, Review
Cristina City of Ashes, 4 star, Review
Lisa Shadow of Night, 5 stars, Review

Shelf: Demons
Read: 28/7/12
Rating: ★★★

Review:
Abby is living in a world that's filled with supernatural beings of all kinds...angels, demons, fae, werewolves, vampires...whatever you can think of and probably more. She herself is human though and TouchStone to a high ranking faerie. Unfortunately said faerie has disappeared and left Abby behind without the proper training and rather clueless as to how things work in the community. When Brystion, a sexy incubus, shows up and asks for help in finding his sister, Abby has to quickly start figuring things out so she can save the day.

Well, what can I say? It was an ok start to a series, but I didn't quite connect with the characters and would have liked a bit more world building. I always have a bit of a problem with the 'clueless' heroines out there, so Abby, just stumbling through her own story, didn't do too much for me. The budding romance did leave me mostly cold, it just didn't seem very believable to me. And as to Brystion...well, he's sexy but certainly not one of the more memorable heroes out there. Phin, the pervy unicorn, that's living in an underwear drawer, made me chuckle a couple of times, but I guess after all the things I've heard about him, I probably would have expected a bit more from him as well.

Hmm, I do realize that doesn't sound too good, but knowing that this was a first novel, I'll most likely will give #2 a chance and see how things develop from there.

Looks like we finished our demons shelf as well. Awesome!

Great job guys!

I10 - Demons: 5/5
Stamp Received: Requested

Kerstin A Brush of Darkness, 3 stars, Review
Steph Ann Lethal Rider, 4.5 stars, Review
Daffodil Kindling the Moon, 4 star, Review
Cristina City of Ashes, 4 star, Review
Lisa Shadow of Night, 5 stars, Review

Yay, team! :)

Great job everyone. I hope the next shelf will give us 4 in a row :)

Shelf: "urban fantasy"


*link-fail

Darn! Urban Fantasy doesn't help us at all :(

Hmmmm...but what shall I read?

Boo to this shelf pretty much not helping us at all! *sigh* Oh well. My competitive side will just have to deal with it. :)

I'll be reading

CONGRATULATIONS, X-treme Readers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'demons'.

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

Good Job!! :D

Congrats on the stamp X-treme!

Thanks Sandra!


Wow, that shelf is huge. So many choices, I haven't quite made up my mind yet.

Possibilities from books on hand:


The scary thing is it's not even half of what really caught my eye, just what made it through the first cuts.

Yeah, same here, Daffodil. (The scary thing is it's not even half of what really caught my eye, just what made it through the first cuts.) Got a similar sitch here too. :/

So, instead of picking MY book, how bout I throw out suggestions for you instead. ;)

Outta that list, I'd say ...

1. Mind Games ~ that series is great fun; very unique "powers"
2. Archangel's Blade ~ LOVED Dmitri's story
3. Raven Cursed ~ LOVE how Jane's grown throughout the series; not my favorite of the series, but a close 2nd

- Street Magic ~ I enjoy that series, but many grumble over British accent, etc. So, maybe no? Hard to say.
- Personal Demons ~ Haven't read, but I've been wondering how I'd like this b/c I heart Downside

Haven't read the others either, so cannot comment.

Did I make it any easier or worse?

I agree Daffodil...too many to choose from. I think I'm just going to stick with the series I've been reading instead of starting something new. So I'll go with...

Not sure what I'll read yet either, but I'm checking my local book store tomorrow to see if has arrived. If it has, then that's what I'll be reading!

Thanks Steph! That did help.

I decided to continue a series rather than starting a new one. Then you helped me choose over Raven Cursed.

G19 - Urban Fantasy: 3/5
Stamp Received: Reading

Kerstin Gunmetal Magic
Steph Ann City of Souls, 3.5 stars, Review
Daffodil Archangel's Blade, 5 stars, Review
Cristina Mind Games, 4 stars, Review
Lisa At Grave's End

Kerstin wrote: "Not sure what I'll read yet either, but I'm checking my local book store tomorrow to see if has arrived. If it has, then that's what I'll be reading!"


I hope you're able to get a copy of
Gunmetal Magic, Kerstin! I'd love to find out how that is! I'm going through Kate Daniels withdrawal. :)

I'm back from vacation guys. :) I'm going to read for this weeks shelf.

Steph Ann, I did get a copy! Can't wait to get started on it, because you're right, it's been way too long!

Cristina, I hope you had a great vacation. I loooved Mind Games! It's a fantastic trilogy.

Kerstin wrote: "Steph Ann, I did get a copy! Can't wait to get started on it, because you're right, it's been way too long!"

Yay! Can't wait to see what you think of it!

Cristina, I almost picked for this shelf but decided at the last minute to go with a series that I was already in the middle of rather than starting a new one. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it!

It took me awhile to start getting into , but it figures that now that I'm completely wrapped up in it and so incredibly close to finishing it, that my lunch hour ends. *sigh* I'll finish it and post my review tonight!

Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Date Read: 8/1/12
Rating: ***1/2

Review:

The rating may not reflect this, but this is a series I really do like. The problem is it seems to take me awhile to really get caught up in the action of the books. Once I get into it, I'm hooked, which keeps me coming back for more. This book kept that pattern intact.

It was nice to see some resolution to problems that popped up in the previous book, and the ending had me wondering what was going to happen next without leaving a big cliffhanger, which is always nice. I also have to give kudos to Ms. Pettersson for completely tricking me into thinking I was wrong about my suspicion that (view spoiler)[Hunter was working with Regan (hide spoiler)].

All in all, despite a slow start, it was a good read, and I look forward to reading book 5.

Quote:

"I remembered all too well the division of the heart, and how difficult it was to step into a murky future when you still had the option of returning to a familiar, if dangerous, past."

Hey everybody!


Great review Steph. I've started the first book in that series twice and have never managed to get past the first few chapters. I know others really like the series and I'm not sure what my problem with the opening is. Maybe I'll give it another try, it's still in my TBR pile somewhere.

I finished Tuesday night, but ended up leaving work sick yesterday. I'm playing catch up now, but I'll try to get it posted later today.

How's everybody else doing?

I'm almost finished with ...should finish up today and hopefully post my review tonight or tomorrow.

We are getting ready for our big move in a couple of weeks, so things are getting busy for me lately. I really hate the whole moving process!

Urban Fantasy

Archangel's Blade, Nalini Singh, 7-31-12
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I've enjoyed Singh's Guild Hunter series, perhaps not quite as much as the Psy-Changeling stories, but still great reading. Dmitri's story turned out to be my favorite in the series so far.

All of Raphael's Seven are dangerous weapons, but Dmitri has come across as the coldest and most lethal. We learn a lot about Dmitri's past and what made him the man he is today. I don't want to spoil anything, but his making and the events surrounding it, seen in flashbacks throughout the book, make it easy to see why he would cut himself off from emotional relationships of any type. Honor's fascination with Dmitri has been tempered by her time as a captive of vicious vampires. Yet, when her Hunter responsibilities require her to spend time with Dmitri track down a killer, she begins to overcome the traumatic event. I loved watching their attraction grow into something deeper. I want to say so much more about it, but I really can't without ruining a major spoiler. I'll just leave it with: The relationship was intense and emotional, making for a wonderful read.

I also liked that while other characters, including Raphael and Elena, appeared and added to the overall story, Dmitri and Honor remained the main focus of the book.

I will say, this book may not be for everyone. Though it is set in Singh's Urban Fantasy Guild Hunter universe, this is most definitely PNR. It's also graphic. Dmitri's past, Honor's torture and the present day reprisals/punishments against vampires are quite descriptive and may be a little much for someone looking at it for a PNR read. If, like me, you enjoy UF and PNR equally, you'll probably enjoy this book that touches on both genres.

Daffodil wrote: "Great review Steph. I've started the first book in that series twice and have never managed to get past the first few chapters. I know others really like the series and I'm not s..."

I had the same problem with #1. I struggled about half way through but finally had to realize that it just wasn't going to get better for me.

I'll be finishing tonight I think, and I'm loving it so far! I remember, when I first found out that this wouldn't be a Kate & Curran book, I was a bit disappointed, but Andrea and Raphael are fantastic in their own way.

Good to know. I'll be looking for it this weekend. If it don't find it, I'll probably end up ordering both Gunmetal Magic and Chasing Magic online.

Daffodil wrote: "I've started the first book in that series twice and have never managed to get past the first few chapters."

It's definitely a slow series at times. I enjoy it, but it's probably not one I would re-read, and I'm someone who loves to re-read things!

So happy to hear that Gunmetal Magic is good! :)

Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Read: 08/03/2012
Rating: ****



Oh my...

First of all I adored this book. I loved all of the neurotic characters. It really felt like I was IN the book, rather than just reading it. I could actually feel the tension.

I like the idea of disillusioning criminals so that they reform on their own. Its clever and original, especially in the dense forest of Urban Fantasy/PNR plots.

I never did care for Cubby but I think it was because Justine didn't really care about Cubby either. I love LOVE Packard. Even if, or especially because, he is a dangerous hero. Otto Sanchez, I'm ambivalent on. I like him because she likes him.

I can see the attraction but I'm so completely on the Packard ship, Sanchez is nothing but a dot on the horizon.

I've already put the rest of the series on my TBR list. I can't wait to read them.

Sorry for the crappy review, I just finished the book and I'm in my glory hour :)

Glad you liked it Cristina. I bought books 1 & 2 when Borders was going out of business. At the time, book 3 didn't even have a publisher, but the discount was deep enough I was willing to take a chance. Now that Samhain has published book 3, I'll have to move the trilogy up my list.

G19 - Urban Fantasy: 4/5
Stamp Received: Reading

Kerstin Gunmetal Magic
Steph Ann City of Souls, 3.5 stars, Review
Daffodil Archangel's Blade, 5 stars, Review
Cristina Mind Games, 4 stars, Review
Lisa At Grave's End, 4 stars, Review

Read: 8/2/12
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This is the third book in the Night Huntress Series and, as with the first two, it didn’t disappoint. I think what I really liked most about this one was all the action…pretty much nonstop from beginning to end. I also love the fact that some new, interesting, vampire “skills” were introduced. Cat and Bones are an awesome couple, and their relationship continues to develop here. Tate is another of my favorite characters that is highlighted in this book. I was hoping for a little more about Cat’s friend Denise in this one, but hopefully more will come for her in the next book. Vlad also made an appearance, and I suspect there will be more from him in the future as well. Some of the secondary character’s stories are beginning to get more interesting, as more new characters are being introduced. Overall a satisfying edition to the Night Huntress Series…However, there is so much more story to tell, and I look forward to the next installment.

You have to read book 4 first and then Denise gets her own book in .

ETA: If you haven't already, I wouldn't read the blurb or anything about First Drop of Crimson until you've finished Destined for an Early Grave.

Daffodil: I remember reading somewhere that the Night Huntress World books should be read at the same time as the Night Huntress books, but in a certain specific order. Do you know what order is best to read them in? It's kind of confusing since they both have their own series numbers.

Thanks for the tip...I haven't read anything about First Drop yet, but now you have me intrigued. I'm glad she gets her own book.

List of books on Jeaniene's website in reading order
http://jeanienefrost.com/reading-order/

Thank you Sandra!!!

;)