SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

haha! just trying to make life more complicated! LOL!

OR we can be the five fifteens! Totally not serious with that one, but laughing to myself anyway.

Lol, I'm actually liking Ferociously Flirtatious, I think that's got the most votes so far but I'll see what the others say.

I'm just messing around! I Like Ferociously Flirtatious. I've just been PC deprived for 3 days & now I'm glued! LOL!

Hehe I can tell Amy! ;)

Hey Amy, just wondering whether you've picked a YA paranormal book yet?

Did we decide on a name?

Nope, the other team members haven't responded. It looks like Ferociously Flirtatious is the winner from 3/5 of us.

no... i didn't pick a YA yet. I'll do my freebie first. I'll let you know. I may put it off for a while since no one has stamps. If I pick before I'm ready I will most likely change it 3 times.

Two hours! Good Gravy Beans.

Thanks to the bookshelf fairy for updating the group name and adding me as the captain! That was quick.

I kind of miss public transport for the reading time that it gives :) I'm interested in reading Mediator, Jessica, let us know how you enjoy it!

Juana "Darkness" wrote: "Hey guys nice to meet all of you. My name is Juana. For Young-Adults Paranormal Romance I pick: The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong .

I read that series. It was my favorite YA.

OK!! I got it! I am going to read... for my YA book.

I just realized I had it and that it was a YA. I did get an email from Kelley Armstrong after I read the other series (above) and she says this is kind of a continuation, but I never got around to reading it... I've had it since it was published.

Cool, just added that to the master list. Hey I didn't know it was a continuation of the other series, I thought it was standalone so I guess when I start it I'll read in order.

Excellent, good work Jessica! Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

I've stalled a bit with my book. I'm just not hooked, which is a shame cos I've loved almost all the other Richelle Mead books. I guess I'm just not feeling the Bloodlines series.

I'll be at home for the next few days because of my wisdom teeth surgery, so I'll have lots of time to read though.

I'm reading 2 books at once... only one of these.

Uhhh. I'm changing my freebie to: I will save the other for vampire. I have so many books going right now, I can't figure out another vampire book right now, so that one will be it later.

OK I've changed it on the list :)

Shelf: YA Paranormal
Date finished: 22/6/12
Rating: ★★★

Like the previous book in this series (Bloodlines), The Golden Lily was just ok. Part of this is due to the fact that Sydney isn't as interesting or exciting as Rose in the original Vampire Academy series. She's intelligent, but also extremely prude and prejudice, partly due to the fact that she's an alchemist.

I did enjoy the series, it just wasn't mindblowing or anything. I do adore Richelle Mead's books however and the quality of this was excellent, as usual. If you're a Vampire academy fan you'd probably enjoy this, but not so much as a standalone.

Full review here.

Jeann wrote: "
Shelf: YA Paranormal
Date finished: 22/6/12
Rating: ★★★

I like that you set up your review like that.

Lol thanks, feel free to use the same format :)

I'm reading my freebie now. I cannot find my YA book. I set it aside, but now who knows. I will find it, but I don't think I will find it today. If not, I can't take it with me on my trip. It's a hardcover & too heavy to cart back & forth. It will take me 2 days to read. I will keep up with my other shelves & read them while I'm gone.

I will be back in 3 mondays from now... I read fast. So no worries with the delay. I'm packing a few books that are on the bingo card to take with me for the next shelf. It's a gamble!

Hi, team!

SOS: ~ Book Shelf Bingo! ~

Book Shelf: YA Paranormal


Title/Author: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: June 21, 2012
First-time author: Yes
To-be-continued: Yes!
Review: my goodreads review

*

★★★★★ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Whoa. Babe. Khristine Hvam elevated this book – which started out very much a Young Adult Paranormal – to a sophisticated, thought-provoking Fantasy with mythological and religious overtones. Her narration is Exceptional, with a capital “E.” She delivers Ms. Taylor’s lyrical prose effortlessly while infusing the voices of human, seraphim, chimaera, and other magical creatures with distinct characteristics and a variety of multicultural accents. Each has a unique voice of their own, making them come vividly to life in the author’s imaginative, whimsical and darkly parallel worlds. I see why this won an Audie Award.

The story starts out with Karou, a seventeen-year-old multi-lingual art student who is not above a little petty revenge. She lives in the cobblestone setting of Prague, with a host of mythical creatures in a small shop. Only her little cubbyhole has portals to extra-dimensional places and a father figure raising her by the name of Brimstone!

This is a detail-rich book that has clues as to Karou’s destiny everywhere. I know I’ll be listening to this one again, if only to catch them all; however, next time I think it will be as a “buddy read.” There are too many provocative discussions that could arise from this novel. For one, you think Karou is just the typical “beautiful, kick-ass” heroine found in so many YA Paranormals. (view spoiler)[Oh, but she is so much more than that and her beauty is part of a larger plot element. (hide spoiler)] Of course, there is her blue hair, her hamsas** and, well…the whole issue of her true identity being more than an errand girl to a monstrous sorcerer who has a fetish for teeth!

Then there is Akiva, an angel with fiery wings, who believes pity and mercy have been extinguished in him. Nonetheless, his skin comes alive when Karou touches him, bringing him to his knees. She’s instantly smitten, too, though her palm tattoos burn and ache in warning. After all, his mission is to close the doors to Elsewhere, so these two are on opposite sides; nevertheless, this is more than a mire Romeo and Juliette star-crossed-lover formulaic relationship. Ms. Taylor has woven an enthralling love story into a magical tale with an underlying message of hope.

Is there a cliffhanger? Yes, to say the least. I gasped at the ending. Come on September!

*I’d like to thank Pamela (AllHoney) for finding the above picture and posting it on our community “Doors and Windows” Pinterest Board; perfect depiction for one of the portals to Elsewhere.

**hamsas: a palm-shaped tattoo with an eye in the center

Indian-fusion Hamsa Tattoo, by Jimmy Blaze

I'm not quite 3/4 done with my "Free Space," but should finish it up today or tomorrow. (Doing it as a "buddy read.")

@ Jeann, I'm also am going to change it to Branded by Fire, by Nalini Singh. Thanks!

Lisa Kay wrote: "Hi, team!

SOS: ~ Book Shelf Bingo! ~

Book Shelf: YA Paranormal


Title/Author: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and B..."

WOW! it's going to be hard to competer with that review!

Hey guys here is my review. I finished it early but I had to go to work and didn't have time to put it in.

Title/Author: The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

Shelf: Young-Adult Paranormal Romance

Date Finished: June 20,2012

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Chloe is on the run from the Edison Group along with her friends:Derek, Simon, and Victoria. But now they think that they have found a safe place in a house with a guy named Andrew. One small problem the house is haunted by two boys and their father. The ghost are wack add to that that Derek is getting ready to go through the werewolf change and the house is surrounded by the bad guys then you've got problems. So getting out is going to be the problem. The bad guys come in full force and abduct them while they keep Derek safe in the attack. What will happen next, I don't know read this book and find out but read from the beginning with The Summoning first book in the series.

♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ wrote: "WOW! it's going to be hard to competer with that review!"

Thanks, Amy! I think you can manage it, though. You seem to have a wonderful way with words.

Lisa Kay, I love your review for Daughter of Smoke and Bone I've been hearing many great things about this book and have been trying to decide to buy it or not, you may have just tipped the scales to the purchase department for Me! :0)

Wohoo good going girls! We are doing well!

I agree with Kat, excellent review Lisa. Definitely read the book if you haven't already :)

Thanks, ♥Kat♥ and Jeann! It was a surprising, exceptional read. I almost hate to say so, but I don't want to build it up too much; however, I think this one can handle the inherent pressure of such hype. The audio was excellent.

♥Kat♥, I don't read many YA, but if I was recommending that genre to someone, this would be in my top five.

Top 5 it must be good!, I read quite a bit of YA and This sounds right up my alley. I just bought it for my Kobo now all i need is a new bingo shelf to see if it will fit in anywhere :)

Well, some people didn't agree with me, ♥Kat♥. And I must admit it almost lost me as a reader in a few places. (Beginning and again in the middle.) However, it is so worth sticking with it, IMHO.

Yeah I would definitely recommend that title for first time YA readers too. It's written really well :)

New Shelf is out!! Favorite Series

I will choose as my title :) which fits in nicely with the Buddy Read here too.

I'm finished with Branded by Fire (Free Space book) and am putting the finishing touches on my review. I should have it posted later tonight. However, I'm invited over for dinner with my brother-in-law, his wife, and my nephew.

Also, for Favorite Series I'll be reading - or rather listening to - River Marked. Woohoo! I've been saving this one for Book Shelf Bingo!

hmmmm. does this have to be a PNR?

No, Amy, it just has to be on the nominated shelf. Remember this isn't a personal shelf, you must pick a book off the list.

As long as its on the shelf you should be fine.

ok!!!

I am going to read for my *favorite series* shelf. I personally do not love this series, but I find it quite hilarious... I read the first one, so I had to buy the second one yesterday. Started it this afternoon.

Excellent, just added those titles. I want to read at some stage too, although I need to be in the right mood for it.

Juana, let me know when you are settled on a Free Space read :)

Hi again, team!

SOS: ~ Book Shelf Bingo! ~

Book Shelf: Free Space


Title/Author: Branded by Fire, by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling, #6
Rating: ★★★★½
Read: June 23, 2012
First-time author: No
To-be-continued: Yes!
Review: my goodreads review

★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Angela Dawe continues to narrate the wonderful Psy-Changeling series, and with the sixth book she delivers her usual excellent job of distinguishing the male and female characters. However, I must admit I’m impressed with the way she does the children; there is innocence in her tone that comes across. She is one of the readers I seek out when choosing my next audiobook.

Willow, a lynx cub who is traumatized when her brother, Nash, a MIT student is kidnapped.

Oh! This is a good one. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like a struggle between two dominants: Sentinel Mercy Smith from the DarkRiver cats, and Lieutenant Riley Kincaid from the SnowDancer wolves. Nonetheless, it was exceptional.

The chemistry between these two equals is H.O.T. Ms. Singh is deft in handling the love scenes! They certainly sizzle; however, while both individuals like it rough, the interludes are evocative of a deeper emotional tenderness. Oh, yes. Mercy is certainly flirting and cavorting with Riley in what she calls “shoo-away,” but really she’s playing a very dangerous game of “Come here, come here, come here…Go away, go away, go away.” She is definitely getting off on the excitement of the chase. But it is more than that. She wants Riley to prove himself worthy of all she has to offer as a lover; however, I believe there is a part of her that is not aware she really wants him to demonstrate he is worthy of being her mate. Still, these two pack liaisons have a lot of issues to work out. (view spoiler)[Where will they live? Will the mating bond cause one to have to leave their family pack? Which will give up their blood-link/sentinel-bond to their Alpha? Can they have kids; will those off-springs be able to shift? (hide spoiler)]

As deft as this writer is in the bedroom (or forest floor), she’s equally so outside; presenting us with a gripping suspense. Conspiracy is everywhere! There are a lot more clues and few more answers to what has been going on in this series’ story-line: The Ghost, the NetMind, the Human Alliance, the ‘puppet master,’ the Information Merchant, the PsyNet, Pure Psy, the LaurenNet, Henry Scott, Kaleb Krycheck, Anthony Kyriakus, and Nikita Duncan! We get updates on Judd and Brenna, Lucas and Sascha, Hawke and Sienna and so many, many others from this series.

I often do a great disservice to Ms. Singh; I tend to rate her books against each other instead of against other paranormal romance writers. I’m such a moody reader and it isn’t fair that the next book should have to match my current temperament. But all of her books are a step above other PNR writers.

If you haven’t started this series, and you enjoy paranormal romances, shifters, and futurist stories, this is a great one to start!

Audiobook Covers

Excellent Lisa Kay :D

Thanks, Sandra! ☺

Shelf: Free Space
Date finished: 24/6/12
Rating: ★★★

After hearing so much about this series, I was really excited to start it. However, it suffered from 'first in the series' syndrome where the author develops a feel for her characters and writing. I found it a little hard to follow in places.

I was intrigued with the secondary characters surrounding Rachel though, and the complex, intricate world building was definitely interesting. Jenks was a standout, he's just a hilarious little character.

Overall I enjoyed the book and will be continuing with the rest of the series.

Full Review here.

Excellent, thanks for that Jessica.

I changed my favourite series read to as well. I guess we can chat about it as we go along Amy :) Need a break from all things paranormal, dystopian and fantastical for the moment.

Posted a comment on your review, Jeann! Lovely, BTW.

I started listening to on the way over to dinner last night. However, I never got back to it; I hope my nephews didn't erase it from my iPod/Touch!

Is it too late to change my choice because I haven't even started the Hush Hush series. I thought I had, If it's ok, I'd like to go with Belong to Me by Shayla Black .

Jeann wrote: "Excellent, thanks for that Jessica.

I changed my favourite series read to as well. I guess we can chat about it as we go along Amy :) Need a break from all things ..."

hahahaha! If he was not as rich, she would never put up with his sh**, so bottom line... it is all about the $$!! LOL!

Lisa Kay wrote: "Posted a comment on your review, Jeann! Lovely, BTW."

Thanks! I just replied hehe.

Just changed your title Juana :)

Amy - I had so many qualms with the first book, check out my review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Now that I am returning to it, I realise how annoying Anastasia is! She's just so annoying weak and does not stand up for herself, doesn't know what she wants, etc. Also I don't know why women seem to love domineering, possessive men because there is so much fiction about it!

hahaha! You gave a better review than me, but a lower score.

I think the Kristen Ashley 'Dream Man" series is soooo much better. I have no idea what it was about this series (fifty shades) that made it take off!

I've been packing all day, so I haven't read any of my books. I am half way through with both I am reading. I will wait for my YA when I get back.