FL1: Team #8 ~ Epic Eights

[Carrie]

Sorry for being so slow this week.

[Lauren]

Well done, ladies! Here are our reviews for the week:

Week #2: Red

✔ Barbara ★: The Brass Bed by Jennifer Stevenson (Feb 3, 3 Stars) - Review
✔ Lauren: Fair Game by Jasmine Haynes (Feb 5, 3 Stars) - Review
✔Carrie: Immortal Prophecy by Samantha Adams (Feb 9, 3.5 Stars) - Review
✔ Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: Ever After by Kim Harrison (Feb 5, 4.5 Stars) - Review
✔ Kerstin: Fair Game by Patricia Briggs (Feb 5, 5 Stars) - Review

[Lauren]

Week #3
Card: 5 of Diamonds
Space #: 11...Tame a Dragon and move to space #84
Color: Blue

[Carrie]

Yay a big jump! :)

[Lauren]

Have to get up early tomorrow so I'm off to bed now. Will pick my book tomorrow.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Yay, now we're getting somewhere.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week 3, blue cover.
Will go for

[Carrie]

I'm going to read

[Lauren]

Debating between and .

Have to go out now, so I will decide when I get home.

[Kerstin]

Yay, that was a nice big jump this time!
I'll read

[Barbara ★]

I'm going to read

[Lauren]

Week #3: Blue

Barbara ★: Now or Never by Michelle Bardsley
Lauren: The Wolf Who Loved Me by Lydia Dare
Carrie: Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas
Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee
Kerstin: The Dead of the Night by John Marsden

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Really interested on what you have to say for Now or Never Barbara. I read the first one but was not motivated enough to read book 2.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

I enjoyed them both Val ;)

[Barbara ★]

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "Really interested on what you have to say for Now or Never Barbara. I read the first one but was not motivated enough to read book 2."

I didn't like it as much as the first one - too busy and too many POVs.

[Barbara ★]

Week #3
Color: Blue
Read: February 11, 2013
RATING: ★★★

I absolutely loved the first book in the series. This one, not so much. There were just too many things going on and way too many POVs (everyone seemed to be in a starring role). I really liked the characters but I just think that none of them had enough of a center stage to really shine. And where was the romance? There was more romancy angst between Ant and Happy than the hero and heroine, Taylor and Lenore. I think the hero and heroine shared exactly one kiss towards the end of the book and that's it. Not a whole lot to classify this as romance.

I very much liked the plot twists and the premise but I thought it could have been developed more. With everything that was going on, I think the book needed to be a little longer to encompass it all and develop it properly. I will definitely read the conclusion since the magical story-line is intriguing. And the cliff hanger ending was just mean. If I heard correctly, the conclusion will be published in March so not much of a wait for me.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Barbara, where did you hear/see that the next one is due in March? There isn't anything on her website, or my fav bookseller.

Latest Broken Heart is due in April.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee
Week #3
Color: Blue
# pages: 258
Read: February 11, 2013
RATING: ★★★ (2.5 stars)

I should have liked it. The cover was nice and a love triangle thrown in for good measure. The story was a little disjointed at times rending the flow uneven. The main flaw was that the characters were underdeveloped. The main leads characters had a lot of potential but they were not very consistent in their actions. I liked the theme, the magic elements Alexa's struggles and with her problems, maybe writing the story in something other than first person would have helped immensely.

I think the main problem for me was the Pack dynamics. I could not reconcile myself with a structure where the weakest link seems to be (view spoiler)[the Alpha. Granted he had a lot of issues but I can't see him remaining in power for years with that kind of baggage. (hide spoiler)]

I must say that having read the two prequel...they characters are much better and I suspect that the quality of the overall series will improve so I'm not giving up on it just yet but I'm in no hurry to continue.

[Barbara ★]

Sandra wrote: "Barbara, where did you hear/see that the next one is due in March? There isn't anything on her website, or my fav bookseller.

Latest Broken Heart is due..."

I saw it in someone's review. Said March 2013 but I'm sure that's either incorrect or has been changed since there is nothing posted any place else. The wait will kill me because I'll completely forget the various plot elements by the time it is released and won't have a clue as to what is going on. darn

[Lauren]

Finished my book. Review in the morning.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Barbara ★ wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Barbara, where did you hear/see that the next one is due in March? There isn't anything on her website, or my fav bookseller.

Latest Broken Heart [bookcover:Only Lycans Need Apply|1..."



Double Darn!!

[Lauren]

Week #3: To Tame A Dragon
Space: Blue
Book: The Wolf Who Loved Me by Lydia Dare
Finished: February 12th
Rating: 3★
Review: The first half of the book is very engaging and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the second half is ruined by the over-reliance on tropes that I simply despise - silly misunderstandings and lack of communication between the hero and heroine.

As the story begins, Madeline is portrayed as loyal friend and an intelligent woman struggling against the dictates of her social station. However, once she and Wes set out on their journey together, she is revealed to be a spoiled and selfish brat whose constant whining and thoughtless jabs at Wes's nature made me want to smack her hard.

Wes, on the other hand, is a sweet and endearing hero. He is earthy, sexy and passionate in his love for Madeline, although I have no idea what he sees in her, and it is clear here that love certainly is deaf, dumb and blind.

Unlike the previous books in the series in which the paranormal elements take center stage, here they are secondary and serve only to move the plot forward by placing Wes and Madeline together in a compromising position. This is unfortunate as the Lycan aspects of the stories have wonderful potential.

The ending improves slightly but the damage has already been done. It should be said that the secondary characters are very intriguing, especially Wes's older brother Archer and Maddie's penniless friend, Lady Sophie. Sparks certainly fly between the two of them and I look forward to reading their book. Hopefully it will come out very soon.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Funny, any category imposed is restricting but I find that not having the color black or white is restricting....sure you could always find black on almost any cover.

Still, it's a fun challenge and we are not doing so bad after only 3 weeks.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Well Lauren, a whiny heroine is very annoying. Glad I stopped at #4. Though I do have the vamp ones to read yet.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Lauren you convinced me to continue the series...on to read . Totally beside the point because I've already read my Week 3 book so don't factor it in.

[Lauren]

@Sandra - the vampire ones are pretty good, especially the 2nd one. I will continue with the series if only to find out what happens with the other Hadley brothers.

@Val - I don't think you'll regret it. They only get better from book #4. Enjoy!

[Kerstin]

The Dead of the Night by John Marsden
Week: #3
Space: Blue
Date read: 14/2/13
Rating: ★★★★

This book is a very good follow-up novel to 'Tomorrow When the War Began'. Ellie and her friends have returned to Hell after the horrific finale of the last book and have been there ever since. They haven't ventured out too much and the few news they get on the radio have made them depressed and angry. It's been a couple of months though, and they start to think that they should get out there again to try and help the war effort. The invaders have a strong grip on the country as there is not much military help from the outside, colonists have started to move in and our group of teenagers are starting to get angry.

This time the story deals less with fear and more with anger. Anger against the invaders, the politicians, their whole situation and with each other. We see the effects it has on each of them to suddenly live in a war torn country; self-destruction, depression, being braver than they ever thought, anger and fear.
Their situation gets more dire and each of them have to make decisions as to how far they're willing to go. What sacrifices are they willing to make? Are they able to kill in cold blood? Do they stay true to their beliefs or does war change how they feel and act? Ellie and her friends have to make some hard decisions and some of them might change them forever.
But we're also reminded that they are still teenagers, despite everything they've been through. When they meet a group of adults hiding out in the bush, they are easily dismissed by them as children and not taken very seriously. We see their anger at not being treated like grown-ups and also their sometimes not overly mature reactions towards each other. But that just paints a more realistic picture of them, as after all the loss they suffered and all the situations they are thrown in, one might forget that they are actually still in high school.
We also get a little bit of love thrown into the otherwise dark mix of the book, which gives them a few moments of levity.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Lauren wrote: "@Sandra - the vampire ones are pretty good, especially the 2nd one. I will continue with the series if only to find out what happens with the other Hadley brothers.

@Val - I don't think you'll reg..."

Lauren, I enjoyed the first 4 werewolves, and I've bought the vamps, so I'll be reading them eventually, just never enough time. LOL

[Carrie]

Week #3
Card: 5 of Diamonds
Space #: 11...Tame a Dragon and move to space #84
Color: Blue

Book: by Stephanie Thomas
Finished: Feb 16th
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: The seers have visions of future events, but they don't know when they will happen. So they try to prepare the best they can for when they happen. Sometimes things are out of their hands, and what they see happens regardless.

Dreamcatchers, take the images from people. They take the past. In order to heal they most take from others.

Beatrice is a seer, she is only one who has such clear visions, ones that the Keeper pays attention too. When she has a vision of a dreamcather in the city gates, hours later she is caught and then put to death.

What a very different book. I thought it was great I can't wait to read the next book.

[Lauren]

All done for the week ;0)



Week #3: Blue

✔ Barbara ★: Now or Never by Michelle Bardsley (Feb 11, 3 Stars) - Review
✔ Lauren: The Wolf Who Loved Me by Lydia Dare (Feb 12, 3 Stars) - Review
✔ Carrie: Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas (Feb 16, 4 Stars) - Review
✔ Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee (Feb 11, 2.5 Stars) - Review
✔ Kerstin: The Dead of the Night by John Marsden (Feb 14, 4 Stars) - Review

[Lauren]

This week's card is the Ace of Hearts again so:

Week #4
Card: Ace of Hearts
Space #: 89
Color: Red

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Mmmm....I would like to read . Is it red enough?

[Kerstin]

Hmmm, not sure Valerie. You might want to ask in the Questions thread.

I'll read this week.

[Carrie]

I'm going to read , the cover has been approved.

[Barbara ★]

I'm going to read

[Lauren]

I will read

[Lauren]

Week #4: Red

Barbara ★: Legend of the Jade Dragon by Yasmine Galenorn
Lauren: Die for Me: A Novel of the Valentine Killer by Cynthia Eden
Carrie: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Kerstin: Redshirts by John Scalzi

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Kerstin wrote: "Hmmm, not sure Valerie. You might want to ask in the Questions thread."

It seems that Sandra kinda approved it in the Questions thread. I'll go with that for now and if I manage to read something redder this week I'll change...otherwise it will pass.

[Lauren]

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "Kerstin wrote: "Hmmm, not sure Valerie. You might want to ask in the Questions thread."

It seems that Sandra kinda approved it in the Questions thread. I'll go with that for now and if I manage to..."

Your cover is fine Val. I used the audiobook one like Sandra suggested.

[Barbara ★]

Week #4: Red
Read: February 17, 2013
Rating: ★★★★

I thought this was much better than Ghost of a Chance which I found tedious. I really like Emerald and her two kids, Miranda and Kipling. I must admit that I wanted to beat Andrew over the head with a big stick. Why couldn't Emerald see what a shite he was? I think Joe will be perfect for her and the kids. I enjoyed the mystery of the cursed jade dragon and the investigation into the thefts in town. Heck I even liked Jimbo. Definitely a much better installment than the first book. I will definitely be reading Murder Under a Mystic Moon as I want to see where the relationship with Joe is headed.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

You know I wished it had been purple this week 'cause I fiinished Etiquette & Espionage and it was quite good.

I'm finished with The Immortal Highlander but will hold off on the review for now. I'm currently starting House Rules which has defiantly more read in it. It will depend where I am by Friday for my review posting.

[Lauren]

Week #4: Ace of Hearts
Space: Red
Book: Die for Me: A Novel of the Valentine Killer by Cynthia Eden
Finished: February 20th
Rating: 4.5★
Review: An exciting and suspenseful thriller although the twists weren't all that surprising.

All of the characters are interesting and well-developed from the vulnerable heroine who remains strong and resilient nonetheless, to the hunky detective sworn to protect her, the suspicious FBI profiler, the vindictive psychiatrist and the obsessed killer.

Katherine has an indomitable spirit. Despite the traumatic events of her past, she never allows herself to become a victim and is eager to do what is right and even sacrifice herself for others. Her love interest, Dane, struggles with demons of his own and his connection with Katherine is intense. The slow build up of their relationship from mistrust to love is very satisfying.

The suspense plot is fast-paced with just enough detail to be thrilling without being too gruesome. The villain is truly menacing but there are some intriguing moments that make you stop and think about what makes this type of person tick. The final confrontation is exceptional and reminds me of certain incredible scenes from the film Se7en.

A solid read for fans of Cynthia Eden and a good place to start for newbies to her books.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week #4
Color: Red
Book: House Rules by Chloe Neill
# pages: 352
Read: February 20, 2013
Rating: ★★★★

Review: I don't want to spoil the fun but reviewing this book without it is going to be difficult. I was disappointed with the previous book because nothing really happened and the story did not move forward.

This installment reconnect with the fast paced style of the rest of the series. Merit is energetic and as delicate as a bull in a China shop (just like we like her). There is so much going on from GP expulsion, murder investigation, RG business and Ethan/Merit problems. The mystery is very fun to follow and having a good laugh at my favorite geeky shifter's expense.

It is a bit overdone for Merit to still be insecure about her relationship after all that she has been through. For the love of god, she's 28 years old...not 16, but that can't be helped I guess.

[Kerstin]

Redshirts by John Scalzi
Week: #4
Space: Red
Date: 21/2/13
Rating: ★★★★

The story deals with a group of young ensigns around Andrew Dahl, that have just been deployed on the Intrepid. They soon find out that something strange is going on on the ship. There is the fact that on every away mission someone is dying, usually a lower ranking member of the crew and quite often in a rather ridiculous way; the captain and his handful of high-ranking officers always survive (though one of them is hurt pretty badly on most occasions but recovers from anything in record time); most of the rest of the crew try to pretend they're not on the ship in order to not be sent on away missions, and there is something very strange going on with the science on the ship...
While Dahl and his friends try to figure out what's going on, they stumble across Jenkins who has been hiding out in the cargo tunnels for the past few years. He opens their eyes to what the Intrepid really is and where (and when) they have to go in order to try and set things right.

This was a quick and fun story, that made me chuckle quite a few times while reading. It was very much a parody of Star Trek as well as of a few other tropes often used in sci-fi.
I could have lived without the codexes in the end of the book, but all up I really enjoyed it and will pick up some more of the authors work.

[Carrie]

Week #4
Card: Ace of Hearts
Space #: 89
Color: Red

Book:
Finished: Feb 21st
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: So this book was great. When I first started it felt a little slow, but I must confess when I started reading I was rather tried so that might have played a slight role in the slowness of the book. Hence the 4 stars rather then 5.

I found the the information about alchemy fascinating, the whole story is so interesting. The descriptions of everything were perfect (to me at least). I can not wait to find out what happens next. I'm a excited and a little scared, not because the book is scary, I'm scared for Diana. And I want to know what Hamish meant, I want to know the secrets Mathew has yet to share.

One of my favorite characters in the book, is not really character per say, the Bishop house. I love that it seems to have mind of it's own and secrets of it's own too. I like that the ghost of family members of years past live there still.

I'm so looking forward to reading Shadow of Night.

[Kerstin]

This sounds interesting. I've been meaning to pick it up from the library for a while now, but always got distracted by other books...I might just grab it next time round.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Team, Life is getting in the way of my reading time. I can't garanty that I'll be able to have a book read within a week. I would like to continue playing but I don't want to cost you to pass a move because if me.

I hope there are people on standby for just a possibility. Let me know if you want me to remove myself from the game.

Edit: I'll play this week for sure.

[Lauren]

We are done early this week. Well done ladies!

Week #4: Red

✔Barbara ★: Legend of the Jade Dragon by Yasmine Galenorn (Feb 17, 4 Stars) - Review
✔Lauren: Die for Me: A Novel of the Valentine Killer by Cynthia Eden (Feb 21, 4.5 Stars) - Review
✔Carrie: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (Feb 22, 4 Stars) - Review
✔Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: House Rules by Chloe Neill (Feb 21, 4 Stars) - Review
✔Kerstin: Redshirts by John Scalzi (Feb 22, 4 Stars) - Review

[Lauren]

Week #5
Card: 3 of Clubs
Space #: 91
Color: Green

[Lauren]

Debating between or - awaiting Mod's confirmation for the latter. Will decide tomorrow.