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Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R12: Team #2 ~ Read or PAIRish
Shelf: Free Space
Date finished: July 17
Rating: 3 stars
The final Sookie book:
Honestly, not as horrible as I have heard.
That's the quick review. Keep reading if you want to hear me ramble.
This was one of the first UF series I read. I looked forward to each new release and devoured it in a day only to wait another year (impatiently, I might add) for the next installment. Then the last few books were not as enjoyable and I jumped ship before finishing the series. My book memory has many holes in it and years down the road, I have forgotten most of those not so great books and the reasons for stopping a series after reading 12 out of 13 books. Why would I leave a series incomplete after coming so far? So I read it.
Trying to get past the True Blood characterizations in my head, I jumped into the book, found I was a tad confused by some of the events (view spoiler) but kept going and it didn't really seem to matter how much I remembered. The basic story is the same: Sookie gets her tan on, someone tries to kill her, she gets beat up, is offered vamp blood, and someone uses a new word from her word of the day calendar so she can feel smart. Please note: I'm not saying she isn't smart, she wouldn't have survived 547 people trying to kill her if she wasn't. I enjoy all those familiar elements and it was fun to read overall.
At some point, the series became all about which guy Sookie will end up with. I'm ok with her choice because I think it works for her and we were given reasons why every other guy would not work, but at the same time (view spoiler).
Sandra and Steph - glad to know I'm not the only one to forget an incident that seems fairly major.
LOL Vivian, me too!
How's everyone getting on? I am about halfway through The Summoning which has been a nice easy read for me so far. I am trying to finish a non-fiction book for another challenge at the same time and it has been good to have this as a bit of an antidote as it is quite heavy going!
LOL Vivian! TBH, I cannot remember what was part of the book or part of the show. Arlene's character was so different in the two. And, Amelia? I can't even remember the name. Man, I think I've purged my Sookie knowledge to make room for other characters/stories at this point. Glad you're enjoying your book, NancyHelen.
How 'bout you, JustMel? Enjoying yours?
I finished my SH book. I liked it okay, not my favorite so far, but it's only #2. The way it ended left me dying to know what came next, so I jumped into #3 and finished that day. #3 was my favorite so far. I wanted to jump into #4, but it's called Magic on the Storm and I'm trying to hold it for our "Dark & Stormy" shelf. I have others that'll work for that shelf, so if I can't wait I'll choose something else. But, in the meantime, I'm going to try to hold off.
Has anyone read this series? (Allie Beckstrom by Devon Monk)
Series: Allie Beckstrom #2
Shelf: Strong Heroine
Read: 18 July
Rating: ✮✮✮☆☆
Review:
"The first rule of magic is if you use magic, it uses you. There is always a price to pay for using magic. Always. And when you spend a lifetime using it, it spends a lifetime using you. It leaves its mark on you - and you leave your mark on it."Magic in the Blood finds Allie missing a few memories, joining a Hound support group, tracking a killer who's free but shouldn't be, trying to relearn the man she thinks she might have loved - or still love, working with the police force's Magical Enforcement Response Corps (MERC) and seeing ghosts, who's touch leaves a mark.
The more Allie uses her magic the more she learns how special her abilities truly are. Unlike others, she can hold magic within her and it's becoming harder to control.
(view spoiler)
"The gates between the living world and that of the dead are opening."For me, the best part of this installment was the last 20-25%. Allie faces off against a powerful magic user who uses twisted, dark magic. The end result is an unwelcomed "visitor" and possible entry into a secret magic society.
The book ends in a such a way that I had to know what happens next, so I immediately started book 3, Magic in the Shadows.
Hey guys! Sorry for the long silence... I finished my FS book and went straight for my Strong Heroine book. I don't know why I waited so long to start BDB!!! I just got home from work and I'm aching to continue! I absolutely LOVE IT!!! I'll have the FS review up soon lol
*waves to JustMel* :) Glad you're enjoying it!
Looks like everyone has been busy reading! Over the weekend, I read Clean Sweep for my Strong Heroine shelf, and it was so awesome, I went ahead and read #2 last night too. And for fans of the Edge, a few characters make an appearance in book 2 :)I am almost positive I have read the first Allie Beckstrom book but it isn't even marked as to-read on my shelf so maybe it's just one of those books I always look at and pass over?
Since it was rainy and I was being unproductive over the weekend, I started watching Bitten on Netflix and it's fun though maybe a tad slow. I migiht lose interest if I had to deal with comercials but it's a perfect show to have in the background. Can I just ask, what's up with a "pack" of 5 people? Seems hard to have a powerful pack with that few members. I don't know if I would like the show less if I had read the book but it has me excited to get into the series.
Shelf: Strong Heroine
Date finished: July 18
Rating: 5 stars
When I start a new series from authors I love, there is always that moment of doubt that they won't be able to live up to their past books/series. With Ilona and Andrew Gordon, I really shouldn't be worried. They have the ability to:
1. Create the most likable characters including a lot of morally ambiguous ones which make me question myself since I tend to love them so much:
"If he ever becomes an issue, I could eat him. He looks delicious."
2. Amaze me with their creative magical worlds. There are vampires and werewolves in this series but both come with a unique history that makes them feel fresh and new. And among sentient houses and four nostriled beasts, Dina takes a trip to costco because it's cheaper to buy in bulk:
"My home was a battleground between a surly werewolf and an arrogant vampire, and a murderous alien was trying to kill us, but I would never run out of peanut butter again and I would get it for a steal, too".
3. Keep me entertained with a great story that doesn't feel like a rehash of existing books and series.
I loved this so much I rushed over to read #2, available as a serial on their website (as of review date).
@Vivian, thank you. I have added this to my TBR!
Yay NancyHelen! Honestly, it took a chapter or so for me to get hooked but ultimately fantastic. I just love the way they write :)
just came in from the library! *I'm doing a happy dance* Super excited but holding out until tomorrow to see if it is on the shelf. In reality, I don't think I'll have time to start today but trying to act like I have willpower lol ;)
LOL!!!!
Vivian, I have had that book for so long, I can't believe I haven't started it yet. Maybe for the "same but different" shelf. I didn't really like that Elena is so terribly thin on the show; in the books she's strong and fit - healthy, not anorexic-looking. The show is interesting to me only b/c I want to see how the books play out on TV, but it doesn't do a good job of holding my interest. And, yeah, a pack of 5 does seem small, but in the books in seemed to work.
Yay! Enjoy Shards!
I've been reading a bunch of CR/ER while impatiently waiting for Wed to roll around again.
Shelf: Free Space
Date Finished: July 19th
Rating: 5 STARS
Who knew cyborgs were so hot!! I sure didn't, but this story made me want to get my hands on one! That is, if they didn't hate humans... :( Although Joe sure does give me hope :)!
This story was very well written and quite spicy! he bad guys did just what they were supposed to: piss me off. The good guys (mainly Seth) cracked me up and of course had me rooting for them... (even grumpy Solus... someone give that cyborg a HUG!) The feelings Joe had for Chloe gave me the warm and fuzzies even though they puzzled the heck out of him. The fighting with the spaceships made me feel all Star Wars-y and Star Trek-ish... *le sigh* Beautifully done!
Despite the name of the book, the twist still caught me off guard. I started to suspect something was off with Chloe, and I was right, but it certainly wasn't what I thought it was! The second big twist at the end really had me excited and ready for book 2, so you know FOR SURE I'll be diving in head first!!
Good review Just Mel! I've got the whole series but I haven't started it yet. May have to bump it up the list!
Sandra wrote: "Good review Just Mel! I've got the whole series but I haven't started it yet. May have to bump it up the list!"I'm eager to start book 2, but BDB has me completely in its grips right now!!
Shelf: Strong Heroine
Date Finished: July 21st
Rating: 5 STARS (I wish I could give it more...)
I honestly don't know why I waited so long to read this series. I feel like I was depriving myself of awesome reads this whole time. It was just sitting in my Kindle gathering "dust"... Smh... BUT I have finally cracked open the world of BDB, and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!
From start to finish, this book was ALL ACTION. Whether it was in bed (or on the couch, or in the shower...), or hand to hand, or with weapons. It was equal parts sweet and funny, and kept me up WAY past my bedtime.
This was a perfect strong heroine book. I don't know if I could have handled things better than, or even as well as, Beth did. She made me so proud. No wimpy female there.
While the names threw me off a bit at first, I found myself really liking the Brothers. They're all so unique, but they work so well together. Now what to do with Butch... I'm hoping somehow he can be made into one of them. He's a great guy. I think all he really needs is someone (or people) to live for (*ahem* Marissa *ahem*)... Sorry about that. Something stuck in my "throat".
Suffice it to say, this is going to be quite ride in the world of BDB. Especially if all the other books are as outstanding as this one!
Steph I just read your review for Dark Lover... seems like we've both deprived ourselves of some good 'ol vampire fun! Lol
by Kelley ArmstrongShelf: Strong Heroine
Read: 21 July
Rating: 3.5 stars
I am fairly new to the fantasy and paranormal genres, so I am still feeling my way a little bit. I had read Bitten a little while back and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Its not that I didn't enjoy this one as much, but it was quite different. I think the difference in rating between the two was because of the heroine.
I am not at all averse to YA books, in fact I am reading more and more of them, but I did find Chloe to be really irritating, especially at the beginning. Perhaps I am being a bit harsh - she's only just turned 15 - but (and here's my Mummy persona coming out) there were times I wanted to give her a thorough talking to and tell her to just pull herself together! However, she did slowly start to mature as the book went on which I was pleased about and by the end of the book, I was really keen to get started on the second one. I put it down to me not really understanding the teenage mentality (my children are still babies), but there are other 15-16 year old heroines I have encountered in books who were far less childish.
However, despite that, I really enjoyed the premise. I loved the introduction of the 'supernaturals' and I was really curious as to why the kids had all been put together and what was actually going on in Lyle House. And I loved Derek. Despite him not being the devastatingly handsome one, I could feel the frisson of romance building between him and Chloe and that was just great. It obviously shows that I enjoyed the book as I had to physically stop myself moving immediately on to the second book. I suspect I'll enjoy it even more as I think Chloe has had a few pretty hard life lessons in this one, and I reckon she's going to be a lot tougher and a lot more feisty in the next book. Bring it on.
I've claimed our stamp for our Strong Heroine shelf, all ready for the new shelf call today! Awesome stuff everyone! And, I've added two new books to my TBR shelf...At this rate, my TBR is going to be twice its current size by the end of the competition!
That's always the way NancyHelen!
Yay stamp!JustMel- I love discovering a new series that blows me away, I hope you enjoy the world of BDB!
NancyHelen- get ready to see Mt TBR grow :) YA can't win with me anymore, though a few years back I read it quite a bit. When the characters act like teenagers I want to smack them. When they are more mature I complain it's unrealistic lol.
Yay Stamp Dance! I'll stamp our card soon, but first I wanted to share our 2nd shelf!Shelf #2 ~ 22 July: A Bloody Mess
Read a book that features: 'blood' in title, series name, on the cover or a book featuring vampires
I think I'll read
for this one.
I love it when the shelf gets called. It is one of the best parts of the week...I've just ordered Dark Lover from the library, but I don't think it is going to get to me on time for this week, so I'll see if I can find something else.
Sandra wrote: "Good review Just Mel! I've got the whole series but I haven't started it yet. May have to bump it up the list!"I have those too. :D
~JustMel~ wrote: "Steph I just read your review for Dark Lover... seems like we've both deprived ourselves of some good 'ol vampire fun! Lol"
I held out starting that series for some unknown reason, but finally read #1 in 2009. Since then though I've read each book around its release date. It was one of my favorites for a long time, but my 5-stars stopped around #8. I do love listening to the audiobook version though - the narrator is awesome!
That is the way it works for us all, NancyHelen. Knock one off your TBR and add another 5! :D
Ok, I think I'm going to read
. I really wanted to read
as I only finished the first book last week, but it's a bit expensive on Amazon and the library will probably take too long as well :-(So many books to read...
CONGRATULATIONS, Read or PAIRish!We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'strong heroine'.
[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
YAY!! :D
NancyHelen wrote: "I love it when the shelf gets called. It is one of the best parts of the week...":D
Congrats on the stamp Read or Pairish!
Hi ladies! Has everyone chosen their "bloody" good book for the week? I finished mine this AM. I'll post my review later today. I went into it with low expectations after the last two, but was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it.Just FYI, Cap, I'll be out of town tomorrow, but back online Monday.
No worries, Steph. Glad you enjoyed the book!
My pick for A Bloody Mess
This was a bit of a tough decision to make with so many bloody books to choose from (pun intended).
NancyHelen wrote: "No worries, Steph. Glad you enjoyed the book!"Thanks :D
~JustMel~ wrote: "This was a bit of a tough decision to make with so many bloody books to choose from (pun intended)."
I hear ya!
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #11
Shelf: A Bloody Mess
Read: 23 July
Rating: ✮✮✮✮☆
Review:
Dark Debt, the eleventh book in Neill's Chicagoland Vampires, is a refreshing return to the aspects of the series I've been missing. There's always a lot happening at once in this series' books. In this installment, there's a big bad from Ethan's past; an arrogant millionaire and mob out to ruin the Houses; a masquerade ball to attend; a House's continued existence in jeopardy; and a wedding announcement.
What I enjoyed most:
➀ Ethan shows some humanity: "I'm scared to my bones." (view spoiler)
➁ Merit still kicks ass, but doesn't win every battle and has a new vulnerability (view spoiler)
➂ Mallory and Merit have a girl's night in with a heart-to-heart and a Mallocake'splosion
➃ Morgan, while still struggling to manage his House, is coming into his own
➄ Merit's jerk dad apologizes for something! *faint*
➅ Mallory and Catcher! (view spoiler) ☺
Darn you Steph, I don't know why but those spoilers are taunting me *click me! click me!* I just read book 10 earlier this year, didn't realize that Dark Debt was released already. Happy surprise. I'm glad the books are continuing this upward trend back to the fun of the earlier books. I'm especially excited about girl's night out (yay Mallory and Merit back together!). It's on the list and may make an appearance later in this game :)I am totally bummed that the books I wanted to read don't work for this week's shelf (Shards of Hope orBitten). But life goes on, I'm going to try Born in Blood for this week's shelf.
BTW - I adored Daughter of Smoke & Bone! For some reason, I never continued the series, maybe I'm afraid it won't live up to the first book.
Hi. I'm not on your team - thought I'd visit and say hello...Vivian wrote: "Bitten tv show. I am curious about it, and think I saw it on Netflix so may give it a shot when I get the chance. I do seem to enjoy the few Canadian SyFy I've seen...."
Wait! Bitten is on the US Netflix? It's not available on the Canadian one. I was watching the show on the space.ca website, but quit after season 1.
Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series is pretty good. I tend to enjoy the Clay and Elena storylines so those books are my favorites.
Hello AH! Yes! It sure is on Netflix! It actually isn't bad at all. Season 2 was getting pretty good. I need to catch up on it though. Maybe after I read the books.
Hi AH! Seasons 1 and 2 are on the US Netflix. I finished first season and I liked it. Just got the first book from the library, will read it soon.
Not for the shelf but I read
and it was good stuff :) Will get to the shelf book next. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
Shelf: A Bloody Mess
Read: July 25th
Rating: 3/5 STARS
This book gave me mixed feelings. At least three times, I was sorely tempted to stop reading. The only thing that kept me reading was the plot. There was so much jumping around, and grammatical errors to get through that I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue. But the plot… I just had to find out what was going to happen next! Ugh!! *le sigh* The end was definitely the best part of the story. That’s where the action is. I’m very curious as to what Liam had to do with Kallie’s father’s change, and why Caleb is always around. So 3 stars for the great plot and for pushing me away and pulling me in at the same time. Never had this happen to me before.
Oh, I hate that, JustMel - I hate it when a book is really badly written, it just ruins it, even if the plot is great. I find that I just cannot keep going in those situations. Well done for finishing!
That's a bummer Mel! Hopefully the next installment will have a better editor and maybe just better writing with experience. Yay for finishing!
Lol let's hope so! I'm going to wait a while though. I need to recover from that before I can take it on again. Thanks ladies! My curiosity won out lol
Shelf: A Bloody Mess
Date finished: July 27
Rating 3.5 stars
Duncan lives in the normal world as a cop. Callie is a diviner living with High Bloods in Valhalla; she can see into the mind of the recently deceased and relive their final moments, making her a good person to work with when solving crimes. The two of them have worked together in the past on murder cases but even though Duncan and Callie knew each other prior to the start of the book, there is definite insta-love happening. There is barely a professional relationship and we go from admire from afar to jump in bed to come meet the family in about 2 pages. Plus, they are soooo in sync with each other on every level, it's ridiculous. I like them both but would have appreciated if they slowed their roll just a bit. There is a lot to like about Duncan, very Alpha, over the top cocky, but a good lead.
The murder storyline is fairly interesting and even though you know who the bad guy is from the start everyone has to figure out where he came from and what his motive is. My biggest complaint there is we get to the final conflict and then it ends. Abruptly. Think Breaking Dawn, big lead up to a final battle and never mind, solved the problem. Otherwise, a solid story and quick read.
Great reviews, ladies! Those aren't very big spoilers, Vivian ;) But, I'm never sure what will/won't spoil something for someone. The first spoiler probably wouldn't be a spoiler for those rather current. The 2nd may and the last is definitely a spoiler.
Side note: I've been reading Ivy's Sentinels too, so I went to the series page to see if there was another book scheduled to come out this year. Odd thing - of the three books in the series I've read (#0.5-2) only one book is showing up as read and one as being on my wishlist. Books #1-2 not showing as being shelved by me at all. But, when I go to the book page of both, they're there, shelved and rated. WTH? Guess I'll post something over on the GR Feedback group and NOT hold my breath for a reply.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Throttle Me (other topics)A Mad Zombie Party (other topics)
The Queen of Zombie Hearts (other topics)
Hidden Sins (other topics)
Magic Strikes (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Patricia Briggs (other topics)B.B. Griffith (other topics)
Jeaniene Frost (other topics)
Ilona Andrews (other topics)
Patricia Briggs (other topics)
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Series: Vamp City #3
Shelf: Free Space
Read: 16 July
Rating: 4-4.5 stars
Review:
Of Blood and Passion wraps up Pamela Palmer's Vamp City trilogy very nicely. If you haven't read the first two books, best skip this review.
The city is breaking apart and Quinn is the only one with the power to save it. And, now that Quinn's Blackstone magic has awoken, she's teamed up with Arturo, Micah and Kassius to destroy the enchanted sword, Escalla. In doing so, they hope to save Quinn's brother Zach who is suffering from a magical illness, as well as Vamp City and those who inhabit it. The only problem, a big problem, the sword is in Cristoff's possession. Having escaped from him twice already, Cristoff is determined to capture and kill Quinn. Yet, she will do anything, including risk her life, to save the life of her brother. Quinn's magic isn't the only thing that's grown stronger since she first arrived in V.C., her feelings for Arturo are stronger than ever, though she continues to worry he may betray her again and she's opened herself to new friendships. Whereas she first didn't care if V.C. was destroyed, she now cannot bear the thought of failing those she now calls friend as well as those trapped here through no fault of their own. Many of the vampires in V.C. are regaining their soul thanks to Quinn's magic and now they're prepared to fight by her side, protecting the Healer who could save them all. Despite Arturo's hope, his master Cristoff is showing no signs of regaining his soul, in fact he seems to be more depraved than ever. However, there's a secret he's held onto for centuries, a secret that could help them gain an edge over Cristoff and Arturo's willing to sacrifice himself for Quinn's success and safety.
The world that Palmer created is dark and twisted. Slowly, throughout the first two installments, you begin to see the ways this "light" that Quinn has brought into this perpetually dark world is affecting others. In this final installment, in sharing that light with those trapped in V.C., Quinn has restored much of what was lost and has become their last hope for survival. Palmer's secondary characters are just as intriguing as those in the spotlight. Thankfully, she's answered all of the questions I had in the first two books, as well as those raised in the finale - leaving no dangling threads. The two-year wait was long, but worth it in the end.