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R6: Team #13 ~ Lucky 13
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Vivian
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Oct 31, 2012 09:04PM

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Book: Hallowed
Finished: 10/30/12
Rating: 4.5 stars
This book was such a pleasure to read! I found myself relaxing and just enjoying the read. I was never in a hurry or anxious to get to the end, just let myself get lost in the writing and these wonderful characters. I don't even know how to describe this book except to say I felt every feeling that Clara did. I shared her joy, laughter and sorrow and it's been a while since a book could evoke such strong feelings from me.
I give Hand credit for continuing the love triangle in a way that totally works. These are the nicest people you will ever find in a love triangle. Ever. Outside of a little male testosterone flaring up, these are incredibly respectful, polite teenagers. Not to say they're boring at all, because they've all got fun personalities, and I love all three of them. If I had to pick a team, I'd go Team Tucker, because I'll go for free will over destiny every time.
Angela is an interesting character. I like her, but I'm also a bit suspicious of her, though I'm sure that's just me because I feel like there should be more bad guys in this book. Everyone is a little too much on the side of good here.
The return of Clara's dad and the story twists he brought were a bit predictable, but I was so happy for her that she got to spend some time getting to know him. There were totally happy-fuzzy moments with her dad. It was also nice to finally get some answers.
If anything, I wish there was more about Jeffrey, Clara's brother. He's missing from a lot of the story and I feel like if he was included, there would be a more complete story. I'm hoping we'll see more of him in the final installment.
I am so glad I finally picked up this series and happier that there are only a couple more months until Boundless!

Book: A perfect blood by Kim Harrison
Finished: 3/11/12
Shelf: favourite series
Stars: 5
Review:
Rach, jenks and ivy are old friends. And slipping back into their world is like coming home. Always entertaining, fast paced with a range of supernatural creatures the hollows is (drum roll) one of my fav series! :P

I just happen to have James Marsters narrating the audiobook version of the first in the Dresden Files - Storm Front. Always wanted to give that series a try. I'm thinking I might be able to convince my husband to listen in the 5 hour car-ride across Florida with me :)


Belinda I am using a Hamilton book for Dark Fantasy as well! :)
Ok everybody is updated to here. Have a great Sunday all!

I've got a starter list of 17 (!) books to choose from, but have narrowed it down to about 5 that I can also easily use for November challenges.





Decisions, decisions....especially after reading some great reviews of a couple of these around Bingo....

Btw, I LOVE the Dresden files, but most people don't get into the series until book 3 or 4.

I still read Laurell K. Hamilton, but I've kind of given up on her stories being as good as they were in the first 10 books of the series. Do you still like her?


We need a wiki site to keep track of them :)


Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy
Shelf: Dark Fantasy
Finished: 11/7/2012
Rating: ****
Review: I liked this book a lot but it was DAMN hard to get into. I had a really hard time following the storyline. This is the second or third time I've tried to pick this book up and finish it and it was just difficult. I didn't really understand what was going on (but neither did the main character) and it just seemed choppy. I'm willing to give the next book a try because I did like the ending (which I finally understood) and who doesn't love a Native American auto-mechanic turned cop? Will see how this series goes...
On a weird note, I was looking through the shelves on this book and someone had marked it as VAGINAL URBAN FANTASY... What in the world does that mean?? And why am I not surprised that Laurel K Hamilton is on there...
http://www.goodreads.com/genres/vagin...

I do see what ya'll mean about the men though and am happy I was forewarned because I am usually Very anal about reading books in order but needed the book "Flirt" for a reading challenge and never having read an Anita book I am ready to sling it against the wall because I declare I can't wrap my mind around which man is which and what each is to her and who she is in fact sleeping or not sleeping with! I'm like UGH enough already. I have the notion this was totally a series I should have stuck to my rule of reading in order for?


A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang
Shelf: Favorite-Series Shelf
Date finished: 11/7/12
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I really LOVE this series so much! Phineas is my hero! A Trace of Moonlight opens with Abby having no memories in Faerie but moves quickly and regains her memory and the action takes off from there. Without going into alot of detail an all out war breaks out when the Eildon Tree on the Crossroads is set on fire because it sort of kept peace amongst all the different creatures with it's hidden magic. Now sworn enemies must join forces to find the one person who they think may can save the tree and the future of the Crossroads but will they be in time? I'll never tell! LOL
The love triangle between Abby, Ion, and Talivar is a bit disturbing but I guess it's necassary to the story. I just dislike Abby having sex with both men and acting like it's supposed to be okay with everybody. Maybe she does really love both men even if in different ways and they obviously both love her even if they do have their own separate agendas but I still think she needs to choose one or the other and not keep stringing them both along. Heck I say dump um both! Who needs them when she has Phin for crying out loud? LOL


I do see what ya'll mean about the men though and am happy I was forewarned because I am usually
Very
anal about reading books in order b..."
I would read from the beginning but stop after Obsideon Butterfly. They kinda go downhill from there. They are no longer UF or PR, they are ADD Erotica...

On a side note -- my trip was fantastic. We spent hours with our balcony door open with the ocean breeze wafting into our room. Very nice ;) makes me miss living in Florida as Iowa is land-locked. Then again, the traffic, crazy drivers, and prices didn't make me miss Florida for long and I'm happy to be home. hehehe

In answer to the raised eyebrows:
Vaginal Fantasy is a group here on GR started by Felicia Day and friends, so a lot of the "vaginal" genres come from there.
I am reading [book:Pretty When She Dies|5966254 for dark fantasy. I realize I have a lot of YA angel books and vampire books on my Kindle so trying to get through some of them. Haven't had too much time to read, but definitely liking it so far.


Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton
Shelf:Dark-Fantasy Shelf
Date finished: 11/9/12
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I usually am very anal about reading series in order but I needed this book for another challenge and broke my rule and suffered for it because I for the life of me was totally lost and could not keep up with all of Anita's men! The story itself was actually pretty good because I love stories with raising the dead and all that and I love the character of Anita! I know for sure I would benefit and enjoy the book even more when I go back and start from the beginning which is what I aim to do!

To be caught up we need:
1 more review for Demons Shelf 6
1 more review for Favorite Series Shelf 7
4 more reviews for Dark-Fantasy Shelf 8
Happy reading ladies. Hope you all have a nice weekend! If my doggone tooth would quit aching mine would be so much nicer! :(


Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton
Shelf:Dark-Fantasy Shelf
Date finished: 11/9/12
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I usually am very anal about reading series in order but I needed th..."
I've read them all in order and I can't keep up with them either, it's not you it's her...

30 pages to go on this weeks read. I flaked it last night unfortunately :P should have a review up later today. Just gotta finish my shift at work first. So annoying! It cuts into my reading time....how rude!

Bullet by laurel k Hamilton
Shelf: dark fantasy
Finished: 10/11/12
Stars: 3
Review: (may contain some spoilers if your not up-to-date with the series!)
These keep getting worse....it's all about the sex scenes and not about Anita, who she is: US Marshall, vamp executioner and nwcromamcer. This book was all about mastering were animals to increase jean-claude's standing. We see the return, somewhat, of Marmee noir, the mother of all darkness and learn about the father of death and his rotting vampires (ew!). I'll keep reading in the hope that Hamilton returns to her roots....

About 3/4 through my dark fantasy book.

So, I think I'm going to read the latest Abby Sinclair book, A Trace of Moonlight, instead for the 2012 shelf.



So, reading Mystique!

Shelf: dark fantasy
Finished: 11.10.12
Rating: 3 stars
Amaliya has just been turned by a psychopathic vampire and left to learn the ropes on her own. The story starts out really dark and old school horrorific, which was nice to see. Classic burn in the sun, no reflection, holy relics be gone type of vampires.
The last portion of the book takes a turn towards the sappy and we get one of those resolutions wrapped with a shiny bow, very perfect HEA. It's a bit of a contrast from the beginning bloodiness, but I always enjoy a happy ending.
I wasn't wowed by the main characters, but there are some very colorful side characters that you can't help but love. Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable read but never gripped me in the can't-put-it-down way.


Shelf = Dark Fantasy
Book Read = Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Date Finished = 11/12/12
Rating = ★★★★
Basic Review
I enjoyed this urban fantasy as I expected I would. It did drag at a couple of points, but I do see a lot of potential in the series. I liked Bob (the skeleton head who wanted Dresdon to make a love potion). He added a little comic relief.
On a side note, I listened to the audiobook, narrated by James Marsters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame. It was a little weird to hear his voice minus the British accent. He had a very peaceful voice for the narration, though. I think I would listen to the next book as well.



Book: deadline by Mira grant
Finished: 14/11/12
Shelf: 2012
Stars: 5 (can I give it more?!)
Review:
Absolutely amazing! The first book was awesome with conspiracy twists and turns and this one continues the trend and adds interest!! It continues roughly where the first left off and takes you on a roller coaster ride of intrigue, suspense and action. Once you start, be warned: you won't put it down.....

Demons Shelf 6 - Need 1 Review
Favorite Series Shelf 7 - Need 1 Review
Dark-Fantasy Shelf 8 - Need 1 Review
2012 - Shelf 9 - Need Reviews from everybody except Belinda
As always please, please double check HERE behind me and make sure I have not missed anything. :)


Tangled Webs by Anne Bishop
Shelf: Dark Fantasy
Date finished: 11/6/12
Rating: ★★★★★
Thoughts:
The original Black Jewels trilogy was an incredible experience, and I am very happy Anne Bishop continues to give us stories in that world. This doesn't have the same blow-me-away power as the first trilogy did, however, that was an epic story. This is a tale of one thing that happened after that. And a very satisfying tale it is!
Haunted houses take on a whole new twist in the Realms, and Jaenelle is having fun designing one, even though the reactions of her "family" range from slightly dismayed to downright horrified at what she's doing (and for its perpetuation of myths about the Blood).
Three of Jaenelle's family, including Surreal SaDiablo receive an invitation to the entertainment, but all is definitely not as it seems. An unacknowledged member of the Blood has an ax to grind, and is using this to do so.
The pacing was good, the characters were outstanding, and there were lots of surprises (big ones & little ones...remember the grapes? Ewww....). My favorite couple is Jaenelle and Damon, and I love to see how they're making their relationship work. Surreal is another character I'm hoping to see more of in the future.
I'll be reading more in this series...have in fact bought every book that is currently out...just because the first one grabbed me so strongly. Very smart decision on my part.


Mystique by Amanda Quick
Shelf: 2012
Date finished: 11/12/12
Rating: ★★★★☆
Thoughts:
This was a library book that I checked out solely because I needed a "Q" author, and had enjoyed books by this author (and have enjoyed them in a couple of her 7 (!) writing pseudonyms). My expectations went up when I saw a friend's rating...went from "Gotta read it before the e-book expires" to "Looking forward to seeing why she loved it!"
Lady Alice is not a simpering milk toast type of gal. She has an active mind, and clear goals and the wits to seize any chance to get what she needs. And her main goal is to provide a good future for her brother, and herself if possible.
When the knight Hugh the Relentless encounters her, and strikes a bargain in order to get back a very important crystal, he is fascinated by her, and adds a term to the conditions. Temporary betrothal, though he's already quite certain he doesn't want it to be just temporary.
Bargain struck, the two (and the various servants, knights and her brother) head off in search of the crystal, then home. Twists and turns in the tale provide a nice mystery, and the characters are wonderfully drawn. The book just flew by and I loved the HEA. I don't usually pick up historicals (or much without paranormal bits lately), but have added a couple more to my library wishlist.

Real life through a horrible twist ball our way last week. Luckily, it didn't have a tragic ending, but still dealing with some of the aftermath, and trying to get caught up on lots of things I had to set aside to take care of that priority.
Just wanna say, be safe. Be careful. Take good care of the folks you love. As we're in between the Thanksgiving holidays of a couple of countries, take time to remember, and give the people you're thankful for those words of thanks and a hug.


Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Shelf: Demons
Date Finished: 11/15/2012
Ratings: ****
Review: I did not understand what was going on in this book until about 2/3rds of the way through. Once I understood what was going on, I got really into it. I thought it was really good, will definately read the next one!

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