R3: Team 3~Round 3 Reading Robots

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

thanks for keeping us in the loop, Danie!

[~Leslie~]

I will be traveling tomorrow to visit one of my daughters' at school, so I will be out of pocket until tomorrow night. I'll be excited to see what item is called!

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

Read Oct 1-3rd

I gave The Star Dwellers 4½♥'s. It's a 'younger' read, and there is some romance, but it's like perfect for Jr. High/HS level. I still enjoy YA, so that didn't bother me at all. And the story gets more complex in this book compared to the series debut. I actually liked book 2 even more than book 1 (The Moon Dwellers). It's very 'City of Ember'-ish but a little older, more violence, more caves... and it makes even more of a social statement. Instead of just the poor vs. the rich government... there are Sun Dwellers (government 'rich' level), The Moon Dwellers (the working class- but still very humble meager conditions) and the Star Dwellers (like the bottom level of the working class and slums...)

So it's multi-layered and has some humor woven in. I found more quotes I liked in Book 1 though. Book 2 was shorter on the humor, but the story kind of dictated that.

Wheel: Page 276 "I see those cute little wheels spinning, Adele."

Blue: (Cover)

Warrior: Page 296 "...following my mother, the warrior."

Cliff: page 242 "... my father off the edge of a cliff."

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

I am going to save Alana's recommendation to me in case nonhuman is called. Here is the book I read for this week:

Week 5 - Wheel

The Chase by DiAnn Mills
Read 10/3/12 - 4 stars

Lots of action in this book. Several gunfights and tension between the two main characters keep the book lively. It deals with the typical issues arising from drugs and gun smuggling while searching for the killer of a young girl in southern Texas. The main female character is very independent and sometimes made me wish I could be more like her. I would be too cautious to get into some of the predicaments she gets into.

Items claimed:

people: healer
"Dr. Nguyen stepped forward to examine him." Pg 33
place: road
"...along outbound Highway 290..." Pg 15
Thing: wheel
"...imitating every turn of her wheels." Pg 171
color: black
"...his thick black hair..." Pg 36

[~Leslie~]

That would be awesome if non-human was called! Great reviews!

[Katya]

Week Number Five: Wheel

by Shannon K. Butcher 4.4 Stars (Re-read 10/4)

I read this book a few years ago, I originally gave it a 3.5 stars. I did not understand the world building, maybe I read it too fast? I did not care for the way the hero/heroine fell for each other in three days-I've never been a fan of the quickie romance. And I thought Helen the heroine as a bit whiny.

But something kept me coming back and each book that I read from the Sentinel Wars series I liked the series more and more. Having come back for a re-read has caused me to appreciate it so much more...maybe because I understand the world better that the Sentinels live in. All I know is that this is a series worth reading and enjoying.

In this first book we are introduced to a heroine who has had visions her whole life of her death-burning to death as a man stands by and smiles at her. She meets up with this man and he pulls her into a world of demons, "blood suckers" and strange people who can do amazing things. He pulls her through a door she can't return through.

This is a world where a "blooded" woman can be compatible with a warrior called a Theronai, once bound she pulls energy from him and is able to use that energy to fight the demons or Synestryns as her Theronai mate protects her. They fight as a team to survivie and protect humans from Synestryns who are trying to take over our world to use for food and draw energy from us. They are uneasy allies with the Sanguinar who are vampire-like healers who drink from the Theronai, have alot of secrets and, have contempt for humans.

Helen is found by Drake, she is a miracle as the hundreds of years of absorbing energy without a way to dissipate it has left him and his brotherhood of Theronai in desperate pain and agony. But Helen is not all that keen on hooking up with Drake because he is the man who watches her die in her visions. Each man has a tattoo of a tree on his body which is very life like...many of these men are down to their last couple leaves. They are slowly dying....the Sanguinare are hungry...both without a source of "blooded" women, they are slowly dying and losing the Sentinel War against the Synestryns.

But Helen has given them hope...if she was found, maybe there are others. Their blood rich and energizing, their bond with the Theronai male restores his life, removes his pain and makes them a killing machine as they fight the Syenstryn.

This is a novel about alot of different people with different agendas all fighting for their cause. And in the middle of this mix is Drake and Helen, trying to stay alive, trust each other and fall in love.

I really loved this book and can't wait to re-read book 2. Heck the author even threw in a creepy doll with black eyes who nods her head and laughes.......Kudos to SKB...you are an awesome storyteller!

Things: Wheel (Pg.43) "Tires squealed on the asphalt and Drake saw Zach running after an old Honda with Lexi behind the wheel."


People: Single Female (Pg.27) "You need a man Helen; I'm not going to let you end up old and childless like me." (elderly retired school teacher Miss Mabel.)


Places: Mountains/Cliff (Pg.121) "Mountains shot up toward a cold winter sky lit only by a glowing moon."


Color: Purple (Pg. 61) "While some people saw the sky as blue, others saw it as purple or green, only they learned to call it blue because that's what they'd been taught it was called."

[Katya]

Week Five - Wheel

Week Four - Shore Line

Week Three - Famous Landmark

Week Two - Green

Week One - Bed

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Alana ~ The Book Pimp wrote: " Read Oct 1-3rd

I gave The Star Dwellers 4½♥'s. It's a 'younger' read, and there is some romance, but it's like perfect for Jr. High/HS level. I still enjoy Y..."

Alana you already claimed Cliff. Please repost if you want to change this week's book's items.

[~Leslie~]

Katya - I have had that on my TBR for awhile. I really need to read it and your review has increased my interest even more! I have other books that are UF or PNR that I read several years ago and didn't like and now I do. I think my appreciation for those genres have increased and my ability to understand the worldbuilding.

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

Read Oct 1-3rd

I gave The Star Dwellers 4½♥'s. It's a 'younger' read, and there is some romance, but it's like perfect for Jr. High/HS level. I still enjoy YA, so that didn't bother me at all. And the story gets more complex in this book compared to the series debut. I actually liked book 2 even more than book 1 (The Moon Dwellers). It's very 'City of Ember'-ish but a little older, more violence, more caves... and it makes even more of a social statement. Instead of just the poor vs. the rich government... there are Sun Dwellers (government 'rich' level), The Moon Dwellers (the working class- but still very humble meager conditions) and the Star Dwellers (like the bottom level of the working class and slums...)

So it's multi-layered and has some humor woven in. I found more quotes I liked in Book 1 though. Book 2 was shorter on the humor, but the story kind of dictated that.

Wheel: Page 276 "I see those cute little wheels spinning, Adele."

Blue: (Cover)

Warrior: Page 296 "...following my mother, the warrior."

Metropolitian Area: page 308 "The Water City, they call it, because it's literally built on an underground lake."

[Katya]

Leslie wrote: "Katya - I have had that on my TBR for awhile. I really need to read it and your review has increased my interest even more! I have other books that are UF or PNR that I read several years ago and d..."

Although this is not the strongest book in the series it is pretty darn good Leslie...ONe of my favorite series. There is so much going on and the story is so richy written. Try it!

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

I plan to read which has a blue cover.

[~Leslie~]

I will be reading which has blue on the cover. Happy Reading, team.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

Okay, I am halfway through my book and have found 3 of the four 'things' I haven't found yet. How do I pick which one to claim? I don't want to overlap on items again:)

[~Leslie~]

Kristen, I just pick the items that might be difficult to find in other books. I haven't found a good system for that yet. I'd love to hear how others decide.

[~Leslie~]

Week Six: Blue (already claimed)
10/6/12 **** stars
Blue (cover)
Forest (p.26)
This is the last of the books about the Burning Lamp and the Winters Family curse. It is the 9th in the Arcane Society series and it takes place in the future on the planet Harmony. The lamp again has been stolen and Nick Winters is beginning to experience the nightmares that are part of his family legacy. He hires Marlowe Jones, a dreamlight reader to help him find the lamp. There is the usual instant connection between them, but in these stories it works. Marlowe is strong and resilient and together they make a great team. I love these stories of JAK written in the future. The world she has created is really interesting and complex and there are Dust Bunnies! I love Gibson, with his Elvis collar. Great story!

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Only two items Leslie?

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

Week 6: Blue

by P.J. Tracy
Read 10/6/12 - 4 stars

This is the sixth and latest installment in the Monkeewrench series. A group of misfit computer programmers, who help the police solve crimes, ends up targeted by a band of terrorists due to working with a retired FBI agent. During the course of a murder investigation, a plot for a massive terrorist action is uncovered and these two cases become intertwined. The last chapter I did not see coming, it adds a twist that could come up in future books. I really enjoy this series.

Items claimed:

People: warrior
pg 62-63 "Warriors didn't run around hugging each other..."

Place: open space
pg 2 "Just the endless expanse of water and sky and the constant smell of salt on the wind."

Thing: wing
pg 78 "...the loon took flight on great wings..."

Color: blue
cover

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

Darn it... the book has to be 200+ pages, right? I found blue and such, but I think it's too short.

[Katya]

Sure hope Danie is okay...she said five days ago she would be on to update us about her reading.....anyone heard from her?

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Yes, Alana 200 pages.

I haven't heard from Danie. Send her a PM and let me know if you don't hear from her.

[~Leslie~]

Dawn, that's all I could find. I was reading a paperback and Amazon did not have the search function working for this book. So sad!!

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

No, I hadn't heard from her and I've been sick as a dog the last few days

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Leslie wrote: "Dawn, that's all I could find. I was reading a paperback and Amazon did not have the search function working for this book. So sad!!"

Ok, I just wanted to make sure.

[Katya]

Week Six - Blue

by Jennifer Probst 10/7....4 Stars!

I can't decide if I loved this because I really loved the first book so much or what....either way, I enjoyed the story of Michael Conte - sexy, Italian, billionaire, baker....and Maggie aka "Margarita".

Maggie is sister to Nick from book one...both raised in a rich household by maids and nannies and cooks....their parents had no use for them and basically have nothing to do with them as adults. Maggie grew up in that loveless household, was hurt by her first boyfriend and lived her life shielding her heart from hurt by staying in control and not getting close to anyone.

She accepts to pose as Michael's wife for a week at his families estate in Bergamo Italy in return if he leaves her friend Andrea alone. He claims they are just friends but Maggie doesn't believe it and wants to protect her brother and his wife from Michael interfering in their happy marriage.

Michael is desperate to marry so that his sister can marry (old family tradition) he is acquainted with Maggie through Andra and Nick and having had one date with her in the past and the male underwear photographer is going to Italy for the week anyway....this is the perfect solution to his problem. Pose as his wife for a week and later he tells his family that it did not work out...by then his sister will be happily married.

She is accepted and drawn in by his warm, loving and sometimes intruding family and has never experienced this kind of acceptance from a family before. He sees her in a new light and starts to question his own life and relax a bit. What neither Michael or Maggie figure on is falling for each other.

I think I am making this sound like a cheesy CR Novel....but actually it was rather touching and romantic. This series is my guilty pleasure and I can't wait to read book three!(less)

Color - "Blue" (Item of the week - already claimed): (Pg.46) "Rich details made the room comfortable yet masculine, from the Royal blue throw rugs, cherry-wood furniture, and lack of frilly clutter."

Thing - "Stairs" (Pg.43) "She broke away from his sisters and they ascended the stairs toward their bedroom."

Place - "Bar" (Pg.150) "Her heals clicked on the gleaming tile as Michael grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses from the bar."

Person - "Couple" (Pg.152) "He'd thought of their many times throughout the year, but always pushed her image to the back of his mind, convincing himself they would be an impossible couple."

[Katya]

Alana ~ The Book Pimp wrote: "No, I hadn't heard from her and I've been sick as a dog the last few days"

Yikes Alana...that nasty cold is going around I hope you didn't catch that. Rest and get better!

[~Leslie~]

Katya - I want to read it because it sounds like a "cheesy" category romance. I love those!! I've never heard of this series and never read the author.

Hope you feel better, Alana!

Happy Columbus Day to those in the US - hope you have a day off!!

[Katya]

Leslie wrote: "Week Six: Blue (already claimed)
10/6/12 **** stars
Blue (cover)
Forest (p.26)
This is the last of the books about the Burning Lamp and the Winters Family curse...."

Leslie I found in your book:

Thing: Bag (Pg.174) "She eased aside the top sheet of the silk bag."

Person: Child (Pg.223) "Your three children were born to a woman named Tracy Darnell who registered them with the society."

I would just let Dawn know so she can update our spread sheet. Hey two points is two points.

[Katya]

Leslie wrote: "Katya - I want to read it because it sounds like a "cheesy" category romance. I love those!! I've never heard of this series and never read the author.

Hope you feel better, Alana!

Happy Columbus..."

I love series and in depth reading but I also enjoy some solid emotion and the first two of this series have been very enjoyable. They are unrealistic but fun to read.

[~Leslie~]

Katya wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Week Six: Blue (already claimed)
10/6/12 **** stars
Blue (cover)
Forest (p.26)
This is the last of the books about the Burning Lamp and the Winter..."

That is awesome!! Thank you so much.

[~Leslie~]

Dawn, I am also claiming these items this week.

Thing: Bag (Pg.174) "She eased aside the top sheet of the silk bag."

Person: Child (Pg.223) "Your three children were born to a woman named Tracy Darnell who registered them with the society."

[Katya]

Leslie wrote: "Katya wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Week Six: Blue (already claimed)
10/6/12 **** stars
Blue (cover)
Forest (p.26)
This is the last of the books about the Burning Lamp ..."

no problem...it is a team challenge after all....Speaking of which I hope Danie is okay....I sent her a message....I know how crazy moving can be. She has been picking new books the last few days...maybe she forgot to post her book from last week....

[Danie]

Hi all.

I suck. I know.

I finally got internet, only to find out that in the move, my laptop got broken. The screen had a huge crack in it and it was just useless. I couldn't get on it at all. Ugh.

I'm so sorry. I'll do everything I can to catch up. If you all don't want me on your team anymore, let me know and I'll bow out.

[Katya]

Danie wrote: "Hi all.

I suck. I know.

I finally got internet, only to find out that in the move, my laptop got broken. The screen had a huge crack in it and it was just useless. I couldn't get on it at all. Ug..."

Danie....don't worry about catching up, just do your best...I can't speak for anyone but myself but I still want you on the team...things happen...life get's complicated, a job takes your time, kids or personal life.... I am just glad to hear you are doing okay. It's not like you to not check in....so I was concerned is all.

Do your best...no one can win yet anyway-we are in good shape....as fast as you read, I am sure before long you'll be back up to speed....

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

Not a problem Danie. You will be able to catch up. I'm sorry your computer was broken. I know how frustrating it can be not to have access to a computer. When I have to get online with my phone, I can't get nearly as much done.

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

Danie, don't go anywhere, you're a keeper!

[Danie]

Thanks guys!

I just started . Does this count for enough blue?

[Katya]

Danie wrote: "Thanks guys!

I just started . Does this count for enough blue?"

I would say so-looks good to me...don't you agree gals? .....Danie did you read your "Wheel" book yet?

[~Leslie~]

Please don't leave us, Danie!! So sorry about the computer screen. That happened to my daughter at school once. Major pain! Since my husband's a computer engineer he has about 10 laptops lying around. He just grabs parts. Wish I could help!

[Danie]

Katya wrote: "Danie wrote: "Thanks guys!

I just started . Does this count for enough blue?"

I would say so-looks good to me...don't you agree gals? .....Danie did you re..."


Awesome! I'm almost finished with it, it will be done today at some point.

Not yet for the wheel, I'm at work until Wednesday morning, so when I get back home I'll go through my shelves and look for one. I'm sure I have one somewhere.

[Danie]

Leslie wrote: "Please don't leave us, Danie!! So sorry about the computer screen. That happened to my daughter at school once. Major pain! Since my husband's a computer engineer he has about 10 laptops lying arou..."

Yeah, I took it to a repair place but they said I was better off just buying a whole new one, so I did last night, woot!

[~Leslie~]

We never get to hear those words at my house! My husband always says he can fix it. So sad! Glad you're back.

[Katya]

Congrats Danie.....

Yeah I think that is how it is with men in general...although maybe not all. I live with my youngest brother who runs his general contracting business out of our property and yet my front door knob has been broken for let's see....how long? I think one year already and you have to use a wrench to open it! ughhhhh.....

It is an antique door so the fixtures you buy today will not fit it.....but that is no excuse....I am going to have to break down and hire someone to fix it.

I live in New England and have an old house...all the doors keep breaking in here.

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

Sorry guys I'm going to be behind for Blue... between my lingering sickness, my 4 year old being sick, and trying to prepare for the Renaissance Faire this weekend... I'm behind on sleep and reading. Latest book is taking forever to read, too. But I've been sewing a fairy costume all week as well.

[Katya]

Hey Alana...relax....We have a few weeks before it get's hairy....take it easy...you'll catch up. Danie is two books behind....we have faith in both of you. :-)

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Alana ~ The Book Pimp wrote: "Sorry guys I'm going to be behind for Blue... between my lingering sickness, my 4 year old being sick, and trying to prepare for the Renaissance Faire this weekend... I'm behind on sleep and readin..."

I am just a bit jealous you are going to the renfest. I didn't make it to one this year. I use to dress up and go all the time.

[~Leslie~]

Hi Everyone - item called for the week is Open Space. I've already claimed this, but I will see what I can find for this week.
Renaissance Faires and fairy costumes - sounds amazing, though I'm so sorry you still aren't feeling well, Alana.

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp]

Well my making my costume was an epic fail, I'm going to have to purchase something before we leave for the faire today... but my wings are rocking! My husband made them and they are gorgeous! I'll have to show y'all pictures!

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Alana ~ The Book Pimp wrote: "Well my making my costume was an epic fail, I'm going to have to purchase something before we leave for the faire today... but my wings are rocking! My husband made them and they are gorgeous! I'..."

Ok, this so reminds me of one year pushing the limits and not getting costumes done intime. It is still an inside joke between my friend and I about pounding gromets at 1 am and deciding my downstairs neighbors probably didn't appreciate the renfest enough to not call the cops because of the noise. I would love to see pictures.

[Katya]

Week Seven ~ Open Space

Justice (New Species Series) by Laurann Dohner
4.8 Stars! Fun, Fun, Fun, Big, Strong, Sweet Possessive Male, Fun, Fun Fun! (Re-Read 10/12)

I love this book. It the second time through. New Species is simple and uncomplicated but oh so fun to read. Scientists have spliced some human and animal DNA to create a super human who has mixed parentage. These people were experimented on, raised in labs, abused and unloved and now free and trying to eek out a life for themselves among a population of humans who fear and hate them.

Justice North is their leader (they pick their own name because in the lab they were known by numbers only) who falls for a human but wants to keep it quiet knowing the outside world will never accept his relationship and will target hate and violence against her. When she get's tired of being his dirty little secret she breaks it off with him but he has other ideas....inside he battles what he wants and what is best for his people. What a fun tug-o-war!

I love the simplicity of the New Species character's thinking and behavior. They are not jaded as we are by growing up in our world. They are abrupt, honest and direct about everything and don't hide their feelings, no playing the romance game....either as humans do.

This is a hot, spicy, fun romance! Great Series!

Open Space: "Reservation" (A territory with alot of wild untamed land with very few buildings or inhabitants and is owned by New Species) (Pg.107) "They are still at Reservation and are doing fine. They have settled well. It was decided they should stay there instead of being brought here since they are enjoying the trees and miles of land to roam."

Thing: Blood (Pg.27) "That was another thing that cooled his heated blood"

Person: Non-Human (Pg.75) "She could be more blunt with New Species than with humans and she liked that."

Colors: White (Pg.5) "She took note of his perfectly white, straight teeth, which were revealed when he laughed."