SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
>
R6: Team #9 ~ Cloud Nine Assassins
Alright finished my series catch up at last. We can get the stamp =D This week for demons I'm going to read
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Shelf: Demons
Book Completed: 10/21/2012
Rating: ★★★ 1/2
Continue Series?: At some point
I shouldn't give it a higher clicking rating than what Dead Witch Walking received, but I've been indulgent lately.
Storm Front is a good opening for a saga. It stands well alone (always a plus for me, don't like cheap hooks to stay with a series), and the pace fluctuated but stayed always on speed. Harry's voice is well done, defined and clear enough that I could actually imagine I was hearing it in audiobook. Narration felt like one of those old detective movies, all melancholy, swagger, attitude and cheek. There was some info dump, which is quite the usual in a first book needing world building, but was offset nicely by the noodle incidents and untold hinted past peppered in.
My gripes where some of the instances of deliberate avoidance of telling that same past (you've got time to pause and info-dump and tease at a past, you've got time to tell the story), and Harry's penchant for taking everything as his fault. Annoying. Oh, and there were these cheesy situational recaps, specially around the end, that just had me pausing to roll my eyes.
But all in all, an entertaining book. I'll be trying the next some time.
FOR SERIES CATCH UP SHELF STAMP REQUEST:10/14/2012 Week 5: G3 Personal Shelf *Series Catch Up*
Steph Ann Living with the Dead Oct 17, ★★★, Review
Mandy Accidentally Demonic Oct 21, ★★★,Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Once Upon Stilettos Oct 18, ★★★★, Review
★Meghan★ Savor the Moment Oct 16, ★★★★★, Review
Barbara Highland Scoundrel Oct 15, ★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Ceremony in Death Oct 16, ★★★★, Review
Tsk, tsk *Meghan* you need to finish Mandy on the big list or else direct us Ninjas to the one above. LOL. No worries, you've passed :D
CONGRATULATIONS, Cloud Nine Assassins!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
Aw shucks! I thought I ha done that! Doof!!!!
Congrats on the stamp Assassins!
Shelf: Demons
Date Read: 10/23/12
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I'm having a hard time coming up with something to say about this book. I really don't have a strong feeling one way or the other about it, which makes it really hard to review. At times, I'd be really enjoying it, and then something would snap me out of the action, and I'd have to force myself to keep reading. It just kept going back and forth like that until I finished it.
I really can't come up with anything specific I liked or disliked about it. It was enjoyable, which is why I'm giving it three stars instead of a lower rating, but I don't know if I enjoyed it enough to read the next book.
So, I guess my feelings can be summed up like this: meh. Not exactly eloquent, but it's how I'm feeling at the moment.
Biting Cold by Chloe Neill
Shelf: Vampires
Book Completed: 10/24/2012
Rating: ★★
Continue Series?: Not likely
*sigh* I
This volume wasn't what I was expecting. It started on the premise, and then just took a turn to the side. Like Neill proposed to do this thing, and a quarter in decided that even she was bored with it, so took it somewhere else. That's an author's prerogative I guess, except for the part where Merit completely annoyed me before that point, and some times after. Everyone, actually. I wanted to shake each and every one of them but the weres, that for the all-action-no-thought beasts they are supposed to be, seem to be the only supes with some sense. Mallory took the stupidity crown, but the rest of the cast was asking for a bitch slap and a wake up call.
Writing style keeps being lame and unoriginal. That's what kept me from committing to the series originally. When things are moving fast you just forget it, but without action or sexy it shows, and without a strong plot backing the book, it grates.
So, why do I give it a pass? It's not terrible, it was a quick read, fights were fast, sexy scenes where sexy, and as forgone as the whole thing was, I liked the set up at the end.
Not so sure I'm going to keep with this saga. Not sure I was going to read this install either, so I may yet, but I have zero excitement about it.
Aaaand done! The wait for the next shelf call seem so far away now, lol.
Haha I am only about 100 pages into my demon book. And the unfortunate part is that I may have to work 13 hour shifts for a little while. So my Internet time and reading time will diminish a little.
Ouch! I feel for you. Wish you good food, good wine, chocolates, a hot bath and a book in bed for your weekend, then :D
I started a demon book. 
It hasn't really grabbed me yet, so it is slow reading.
Shelf: Demons
Book Completed: 10/24/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
I decided to read the Accidental Demon Slayer as part of this week’s bingo game for the Demons stamp. Lizzie's grandmother show's up out of the blue, riding a pink Harley and wearing a Kiss My Asphalt T-shirt. That should be enough to tip Lizzie off that she's not your typical let's bake cookies grandmother. Next thing Lizzie knows she's blasting a demon out of her toilet and learning that she's going through a change. Lizzie’s grandmother decides it would be best if she takes her to the safety of her coven, who also happen to be seniors liker her. Lizzie’s grandmother uses smuckers jars for her spells, and Lizzie jokes about using a so-be bottle.
Lizzie packs up her dog Pirate into a ferret carrier which he's none too happy about it and voices his opinion to Lizzie. Since Lizzie is going through the change to become a slayer she can hear what Pirate is saying, she packs a change of clothes and heads off with her grandmother in attempt to get away from more demons that will be coming after her. The head for Lizzie's grandmothers coven but they are attacked on the way by imps who work for the demons. They are saved by Dimitri a griffin shapeshifter who is supposed to teach Lizzie the way of being a slayer. Upon arriving at her grandmother’s coven she learns more about what she’s up against, but her grandmother is taken by the demon that’s after Lizzie and it's up to her to save her.
I loved this story, it's a fast paced adventure that draws you in right from the start and doesn't let go till the last page of the book. I started it yesterday morning and read as much as I could through the day even staying up late. The characters are great, Lizzie is a great character you instantly like her it's hard not to, because she has so much craziness going on. I found that The Accidental Demon Slayer flows smoothly, and with the added humor it’s a great light read. I felt that the characters are developed enough that you have a good sense who each one is, and I had no issues visualizing them. I love different characters in the story they add to the story giving it a fun spin. Plus who doesn't love a sexy shapeshifting griffin like Dimitri who is training Lizzie in the ways of demon slaying. This book is a great first book in the series; I really enjoyed reading it and can't wait to find some time to read the rest of the series.
I have a long quiet evening of reading planned for tonight, so I can finish my book. Then a morning of plotting ways to make Mr. R pick Psycics for the next item.
All right ladies! New shelf is up and the it is 'favorite-series'. I will be reading
for my pick!
WEEK 7 UPDATE:Free Space:
StephAnn Chasing Magic (group bookshelf) Sept 19, ★★★★★, Review
Mandy Naked Dragon (group bookshelf) Sept 21, ★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Dragon Bound (Sept 2011 BOM)
★Meghan★ Unholy Ghosts (group bookshelf) Sept 21, ★★★★½, Review
Barbara Firelight (group bookshelf) Sept 24, ★★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Outlander (group bookshelf) Sept 22, ★★★, Review
10/6/2012 Week 4: G1 Vampires
Steph Ann A Hidden Fire Oct 8, ★★★★, Review
Mandy Blood Song Oct 10, ★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Breaking Dawn Oct 28, ★★★★★, Review
★Meghan★ Club Dead
Barbara Hard Bitten Oct 8, ★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Biting Cold Oct 24, ★★, Review
10/21/2012 Week 6: B5 Demons
Steph Ann The Demon in Me Oct 23, ★★★, Review
Mandy The Accidental Demon Slayer Oct 24, ★★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Demons Not Included Oct 28, ★★, Review
★Meghan★ The Darkest Night Oct 27, ★★★, Review
Barbara The Demon King Oct 25, ★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Storm Front Oct 21, ★★★½, Review
10/28/2012 Week 7: N4 Favorite Series
Steph Ann Mind Games Oct 31, ★★★★, Review
Mandy Bloodlines Nov 1, ★★★★★,Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Dragon Actually
★Meghan★ Divergent
Barbara The Magician's Nephew
Zanahoria (Taly) A Game of Thrones
Feeling a bit overwhelmed here. I feel like the slacker team mate. I have never been 4 books behind in a challenge! I think I can make serious catch up this week though. Had in-law drama last night and didn't get to read as much as I expected. But here is where I am just so you all know.
Demons- only 50 pages left
Vampires- 100 pages left
Free space- only on chapter 3 :(
For Favorite Series I will read
(finally found it on page 42 of the shelf)
Haha Dawn! Don't worry I am also behind. So you are definitely not alone. I also have 3 books sitting around my house that are only partially read and one of them I started back in August. I really want to finish them all too. I feel like the only book I am making any headway in is the book I am listening to in my car on my way to and from work and that isn't even getting as much progress as I would like.Demons-60 pgs left
Vampires-haven't even started
I need to read what I can on my days off as my time will be even more consumed by work as someone just got fired and someone will be on vacation for a week and a half leaving 3 people to cover 24/7. Lots of 12 hour shifts and by the time I finish my end-of-shift reports 13-14 hours shifts.
No worries, guys! We all know real life has a habit of getting in the way of reading. I don't think anybody's slacking! For favorite series, I'm going to read
.
I just finished my demon book. I ended up finishing it instead of sleeping. I have to get ready for work now so I will post my review later.
Easy girls, we've got time. Life first.
For the Favorite series I'm reading A Game of Thrones. Should take a bit of time, but I have the audio, so I reckon it'll go well with all the drawing I have to do for Uni :D
For the Favorite series I'm reading A Game of Thrones. Should take a bit of time, but I have the audio, so I reckon it'll go well with all the drawing I have to do for Uni :D
Lol, happens. Good luck with work later. Here:
Zanahoria (Taly) wrote: "Lol, happens. Good luck with work later. Here:"
Mine never look like that.
My favorite series is going to be
Since the third one is due out and I've heard so much about it.
Finished DemonsFinished: 10/28/12
Rating: ★★
At first I was taken in by the great story telling and the amazing world building. It was all done so well and drew me in. But then as I got to know Nyx, we just wern't compatable. The sublte name brand dropping started to get old. The lack of conviction in her actions vs thoughts bothered me. Then there was the whole cliffhanger unresolved issues. I really wish authors would go back to the old school of begining - climax- ending and not drop off before the ending.
While well written I personally have no desire to go on with this series.
Dawn (Kat N Hat) wrote: " I really wish authors would go back to the old school of begining - climax- ending and not drop off before the ending. "
*nods* I second that.
Sorry you didn't get to enjoy it. Sucks when it happens. Hope the next one does the trick ^_^
*nods* I second that.
Sorry you didn't get to enjoy it. Sucks when it happens. Hope the next one does the trick ^_^
Finished VampiresBook:
by Stephenie MeyerRead: 10/28
Rating: ★★★★★
In prep for the second part of the moview release I re-listened to this. I still love the characters after all this time. It was like revisiting old friends. The interesting twist this time through was the imagery. the first part of the book I found myself visualizing along with the movie. The second part was still my own imagery. It was odd to not have it all together.
I finished The Demon King on 10/25 but haven't gotten around to writing a review yet. I'm hoping to get it finished (along with 5 others) on Monday.
Shelf: demons
Read: 10/25/12
Rating: ★★★★
This is a story that is told from two different points of view, from street kid Hans Alister who is trying to be a better person and from Princess Raisa ana’Marianna who feels too distant from her subjects. Raisa feels that her mother (the Queen) isn't ruling properly and wants to be a better ruler when it's her turn. She sneaks off to town to see how things really are as opposed to what is reported to the Queen. She is shocked and dismayed at what the Queen has allowed to happen to their realm. Hans, also known as streetlord Cuffs Alister and Hunts Alone to his adopted Clan, is unforgettable with the silver wrist cuffs he wears. He has quit the gang life and is trying to go straight in order to support his mother and sister.
While Raisa struggles with her responsibilities, Hans unexpectedly sets himself on a surprising path. They met only once and at that time Raisa was disguised. However their paths are destined to cross as they find themselves on a collision course to save the Seven Realms.
I liked the supporting characters as well as if not better than the hero and heroine. Fire Dancer is a great friend to Hans and will undoubtedly provide much support in the coming times. And Amon Byrne is one of my favorite characters. It will be to see how this story develops.
I was surprised at the gang violence, police brutality and promiscuity in this young adult novel. I just wonder where the author is going to take these elements in future installments.
Meghan's Demon Shelf Review
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
Book Completed: 10/27/2012
Rating: ★★★
Continue Series?: Yes
Review:
The was just an average book. Not great but not the worst book ever.
Maddox is a warrior for the gods with the demon of "Violence" stuck within his body. He is burdened with a curse that every night at midnight he will experience the same death he blew to another warrior of the gods due to her getting the duty of protecting Pandora's Box. This led him to be stuck with "Violence" along with the other Lords and the midnight death curse. On the way up to meet the "angels/demons", Ashlyn is trying to control the past and present conversations she hears that have been a part of her life since she was a child. Maddox meets her on the way to the fortress and it becomes a wild roller coaster of love, control and sacrifice from that point forward.
The world development was really poor in this book. I wasn't exactly sure what was going on in the book until basically 2/3 of the way through the book. The transitions from one scene to the next was not the best either. There would be points in the book where I would be think "Hold up. How did I get here? Did I miss a page? Is the book missing a piece?"
I did love that the book was set outside of the U.S. as it always makes you wonder where the book will be heading next.
As for the characters, I really liked Reyes and Torin. They are the stories I will be looking forward to see what happens.
FOR DEMON SHELF STAMP REQUEST:10/21/2012 Week 6: B5 Demons
Steph Ann The Demon in Me Oct 23, ★★★, Review
Mandy The Accidental Demon Slayer Oct 24, ★★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Demons Not Included Oct 28, ★★, Review
★Meghan★ The Darkest Night Oct 27, ★★★, Review
Barbara The Demon King Oct 25, ★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Storm Front Oct 21, ★★★½, Review
CONGRATULATIONS, Cloud Nine Assassins!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 Assassins!
Yay, 4-in-a-row! Margaritas all around!
Looks Tasty!!!
Oh, there is enough for our ninja mods too :D
Cheers!
Cheers!
Yay!!!!
I think I'll sneak in for a sip, too, then! Congrats!
Ooh! Yay! I always love a good margarita!
Shelf: Favorite Series
Date Read: 10/31/12
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I seem to be coming across a lot of books lately that are very hard for me to rate. I kept going between 3.5 and 4 stars for this one, and finally decided on 4 because the last 10-15 percent of the book really hooked me into the series.
Something that blew me away was how well the author was able to describe the condition of hypochondria. I've never read a fictional book that so accurately described this type of condition. Also, I really liked Justine as a character and how she would go back and forth about whether she was doing the right thing, rather than just blindly accepting what Packard told her to do.
I had a hard time connecting to Packard, and that's unfortunate because I have a feeling he's the one I'm supposed to be rooting for in the love triangle that's forming. Also, I'm really starting to hate love triangles. Do they really happen often enough in real life to justify their presence in a large portion of PNR/UF?
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. It was fast-paced, and I never went through a period where I didn't want to keep reading. I'll definitely be reading the next book!
Shelf: Favorite Series
Date Read: 11/01/12
Rating: 5 stars
I picked Bloodlines for my bingo group this week and I'm glad I did. Sydney is an alchemist for her family but she's not active currently do some trouble she got into with a dhampir (half vampire). Sydney is awakened one night, and informed that she will be going undercover to protect Jill a teenage vampire royal who had been attacked. Sydney is ready for college but now she's going to be repeating her senior year pretending to be the old sister of a vampire, so she can protect her from the Strigoi who are killing young Moroi woman.
Sydney and Jill are attending a human school in Palm Springs, trying to blend in but with Jill's tall willowy build it's not so easy for her. She's also having issues being out in the sun, which the mean girls use as an excuse to torment her. Thankfully Jill has her companion a spirit using Moroi Adrian who she shares a special connection with her. Jill also has a bodyguard on campus Eddie who pretends to be her older brother, so when a human boy takes an interest in Jill which is taboo in there world, Sydney needs to put a stop to it. While at school Sydney notices the football team is all getting steel grey tattoos which seem to be boosting their game. Soon having to save her friend who had just gotten a copper tattoo Sydney sets out to find out what is going on. With Adrian's help she may just be able to solve the mystery and keep Jill alive.
I haven't read any of Richelle Mead's books so I wasn't influenced by the characters in the other books that might be in this series. I liked Sydney she thinks like I do so for me it was easy to relate to her and I actually liked her character she's smart and I found her entertaining. I liked learning about the two types of vampires as well as the alchemist aspect I thought that was really fun. I wasn't sure what to expect since I've been hearing mixed reviews from lots of people but for me I enjoyed it if anything I think it's taken the spot of my favorite young adult vampire series. I'm tempted to check out its Vampire Academy but I'm not 100% sure yet. I found the story well written as well as the characters well developed which is a must in my book. I like how the book sucks you in right from the start with Sydney being dragged out of bed, for me that was the hooking moment. I also like the twists and turns though out the story I had moments where I thought I had it figured out only to find out I was way off. I think the chemistry between Sydney and Adrian has a lot of potential plus the whole alchemist and Moroi relationship I think it will be exciting for both of them but I could be wrong. Overall great first book in the series and I'm glad I have the next book because I want more.
Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out of touch but no power for 5 days will do that. I still haven't read my latest book but it's on schedule for this weekend. I'll post when its complete.Hope everyone else had a better week. :)
Barbara ★ wrote: "Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out of touch but no power for 5 days will do that. I still haven't read my latest book but it's on schedule for this weekend. I'll post when its complete.Hope eve..."
No problems Barbara! I figured a lot of people would be without power especially on the east coast. Hope you are doing okay. I am still a little behind on my books and still not even quite half way done with my 'favorite-series' book.
Everything OK now, Barbara?
I'm advancing on Game of Thrones by grace of a huge flu attack. Audiobooks are great when you get fever teary eyes, but 54 hours is a long stretch of time. Should finish it this weekend though.
See you ladies when the shelf is announced.
I'm advancing on Game of Thrones by grace of a huge flu attack. Audiobooks are great when you get fever teary eyes, but 54 hours is a long stretch of time. Should finish it this weekend though.
See you ladies when the shelf is announced.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Chasing Midnight (other topics)Under the Never Sky (other topics)
Undeadly (other topics)
Chasing Midnight (other topics)
Shiver (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Veronica Rossi (other topics)Neil Gaiman (other topics)
Terry Pratchett (other topics)
Thea Harrison (other topics)
Gena Showalter (other topics)
More...
Series Catch-up
Date Read: 10/21/12
Rating: 3 stars
Casey Schwartz wakes up in jail after a wild night she has no memory of. Casey is forced to call her sister Wanda to bail her out of jail. Casey isn't the type to end up in jail, she works all the time, and is too passive to get herself into trouble it should be the twins she babysits for her boss that get in trouble. Casey can't remember what happened the prior night and is super moody which isn't normal for her.
Wanda didn't come alone she has her best friends Marty and Nina along with her and the trio needs to figure out why Casey can't remember and why she's shooting fireballs now. The trio let's Casey in on their secrets that Marty is a werewolf, Nina a Vampire and Wanda is both a werewolf and vampire. When a vampire shows up at the door explaining he spilled demon blood all over Casey the night before things start to click together. Aside from learning to control her new demon powers, dealing with her attraction to Clay she's also got a crazy demon after her trying to send her to hell.
I picked up Accidentally Demonic for my Goodreads Bingo Game last week the shelf was "Series Catch up" since I loved the first three. However this one seemed to be a little heavy on the sexual tension then the prior three or maybe I just missed it. I like the idea that the demon blood being spilled is what makes Casey it's a unique idea. I also love that the girls from the prior books play an important part in Accidentally Demonic. It's a great series I think that this one had a lot of sexual tension between Casey and Clay has kind of turned me off to this book. I think I'm more on innocent romance kick. However even though this one didn't do it for me it won't turn me off to the series I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the next one.