R12: Team #8 ~ Vor8ious Readers

[~Melissa~]

Sandra wrote: "I bought the DVD (it was in the bargain bin too) but haven't gotten around to watching it yet. Don't think it was on TV here."

This is how we watched a few of the seasons of Grimm ~ although I think we are still behind.
I found them as well as Supernatural at Half Price Books for I think $9 a season. My daughter loves the Supernatural boys :)

[Elizabeth]

I'll be reading for Itchy bitchy shelf. Shelved as magic (42 people) and witches (28 people).

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Vor8ious Readers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'cover love'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Nichole]

Heehee! Elizabeth is reading for the Itchy Bitchy shelf :)

Thanks, Steph!

[Elizabeth]

Nichole wrote: "Heehee! Elizabeth is reading for the Itchy Bitchy shelf :)

Thanks, Steph!"

... and enjoying my book so much!!!

[Elizabeth]

Thanks, Steph!

[~Melissa~]

Thanks Steph :)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp V8 Readers!

[Elizabeth]

Shelf: Itchy Witch


Black Arts by Faith Hunter
Finished: 10/2/2015
Rating: 4 stars
This was a great addition in the series. I couldn't put it down. I had missed Angelina in the previous books but she was here this time, along with father Evan and brother, but without mum Molly who was missing.
Vampire politics, many intertwined storylines, a lot of action, vampires out for revenge, new villains, several revelations, time for choices, the whole gang present and maybe the last seeing of Rick (hopefully).

[Elizabeth]

Sandra wrote: "Congrats on the stamp V8 Readers!"

Thanks, Sandra ;)

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Where I think we are with potential wins:


| |
  6 of 9  |   4 of 9   |   4 of 9 already stamped.

This week's "Itchy Witch" call will get 5-of-9 for rightmost "/" pattern.

[Nichole]

Shelf: Itchy Witch
Book: by Maggie Stiefvater
Finished: 10/1/15
Rating:★★★★

This series is shrouded in mystery and a little bit creepy. Even though this is the 3rd book, I still feel like I've missed so much or that I don't quite know what's going on. It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, like all of the answers are there at the edge of my memory but it's too hazy for me to see. Needless to say, I find it very hard to put into words.

It starts out with the new school year beginning. Noah is acting a little strange, Adam is getting stranger, Blue and Gansey are pushing boundaries, Ronan is still creepy, there's a new teacher in town, and Maura is still missing. They do... stuff and... *scratches head*... things happen, which leads to... other stuff ... and *ponders*... weird things. Yeah, lots of weird and plenty of creepy and more stuff. *sigh*

In the end, they find Maura and someone else, they get much closer to finding Glendower, they wake a Sleeper but aren't sure what that means for them, powers are growing and the bad guys are still out there with another one or three added to the mix. In other words, not a whole lot gets resolved and even more questions are added to the bag. However, I still enjoyed the heck out of this book. It has just the right mix of mystery and spooky to keep me on my toes waiting for the finale.

If you like Mystery *stuff* with a dash of Paranormal *things*, then I recommend this series. The writing is phenomenal, the audiobooks are fantastic, and I can't wait to see where things end up.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I'm slogging through mine because a short-ish book. I wasn't that into first two books except that for most of first book I did like Harry; he has now worn on my last nerve though which leaves an uninteresting story background with lots of annoyances. At any rate, should finish today.

[~Melissa~]

D.A.—currently in Readathon mode wrote: "I'm slogging through mine because a short-ish book. I wasn't that into first two books except that for most of first book I did like Harry; he has now worn on my last nerve though which leaves an ..."

Bummer :(

I should finish up listening to my book tonight.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Itchy Witch Space
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Finished: October 2, 2015
Series: Dresden Files #3
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Number of pages: 439

Review: This was one of those books "everyone" swore would hook me on the series. I have no idea why; it mostly just reminded me of the first two books. Which I thought were just the 1940s struggling detective where cases walk to the door usually a damsel in distress and usually treating women like dames -- make the detective a wizard and toss in some attempts to modernize the women while non-stop in his head objectifying them, claim chivalry but toss others into direct danger and break rules/oaths, add some supernatural beings, and don't even try to make it the type of mystery with clues to follow.

If I didn't care for story of first two, why pursue? Because initially I did like Harry, his humor and his purported chivalry. Unevenly paced books constantly Harry-is-desperate/dying-but-last-minute-drums-up-extra-power-or-remembers-something-useful and Harry-is-Red-Herringed with most of the action in the end bits. But some likable bits to Harry in with problem bits and potential for plot. Add in "fear of missing out" with all my friends posts and promises that this book will hook me ...

This one was the same; except amplified the bits I didn't like about Harry and had slightly more even pacing while tossing in a few more urban fantasy elements already done to death. By more even pacing, I mean Harry got desperate throughout the book rather than a just big buildup to the end action -- so faster paced action I guess. There was more with Michael and faith plus vampires, ghosts and Harry's godmother -- but, rather than interesting it mostly just annoyed me. I think I was expected to be surprised by the ghosts, who the villain was, who Harry's godmother was and the introduction of vampire courts and other planes.

Harry just got on my last nerve, the mystery really wasn't, the worldbuilding wasn't there yet, the characters didn't always seem to stay in character (including Harry) or develop. I was so annoyed by this book I wanted to give it one star only -- but, that would be unfair because the later reprint I read wasn't that badly written. I had unfair expectations of this being the book to hook me on a series most friends were recommending as "character driven" -- geez, I guess by character-driven they mean stuck inside Harry's head where I just did not like to be.

Future reads in this series? I really doubt it. I bought a bunch of them when they went on sale so I won't say I'll never try the next one if no other reads available. Story-disliked, worldbuilding-disliked, mystery-disliked, Harry-disliked ... why the heck else should I be reading this series in a violation of my grandfathered list of no-more-than-three books-to-hook-me rule?

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Debbie, I actually heard it was the 4th book that was the hooker. I didn't like the 1st but thought in the future sometime, I might just start again at #4.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Sandra wrote: "Debbie, I actually heard it was the 4th book that was the hooker. I didn't like the 1st but thought in the future sometime, I might just start again at #4."

It took a few years and a lot of persuasion to get me to give series a three-book try; not going to do four. In fact, once I've slogged thru Kate Daniels #3 -- I'm going back to having to like the very first book of a series in order to read on in series. Book one doesn't have to addict me to the series; but, it has to be a book I enjoyed reading.

I recognize there are some common (usually setting up future books) issues with first books that can go away with second book (or get worse if the draggy middle of a trilogy). But, I have to like something about the first one. No more read third or later (absolutely not the 17th like someone once told me) to get hooked on a series. I've got a few dozen series to try in TBR pile and others to catch up on *shudder* so don't want any more 3/+ books will hook you ones.

I just have not had any success with any series anyone said needed multiple books to hook you -- except ones where I enjoyed the first book.

This last one just really annoyed me.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Fair enough, LOL.

I'm one of the few that loved Kate Daniels from the 1st pg of the 1st book :D

But Dresden, I skimmed the last half of bk #1. And haven't been back, yet.

[Elizabeth]

Melissa, what are you reading for this shelf?

[Nichole]

That stinks, Debbie! I think giving a series 3 books is more than fair. Especially if you don't particularly care for them.

[~Melissa~]

Elizabeth wrote: "Melissa, what are you reading for this shelf?"

Oops - I forgot to update you guys. I went with .
I'm just about done - should finish up listening to audio on my way to work. Will review later tonight.


@Debbie - sorry you didn't like your book and I agree 3 books was more than fair to try a series. I'm *afraid* to ask what is the 17th book series that will hook you?

[Elizabeth]

Nichole wrote: "That stinks, Debbie! I think giving a series 3 books is more than fair. Especially if you don't particularly care for them."

I think three books is way too much if you don't care for them. Of course I tend to DNF more often lately ;)

[~Melissa~]

Itchy Witch Space


10/5/15
4♥

Review: I love this series. I listened to this on audio. This has the same narrator as the authors book - so my only issue perse is I had Mad Rogan's voice talking to me as Curran. That's a problem for me but even with that the audio was still enjoyable. i think in the future though I will stick with ebook for this series and I can do audio for their 'new' series. Kate and Curran have moved out of the Keep and are living in the Suburbs. Sorry but the idea of Curran being in the suburbs just cracks me up :D
Definitely some adjusting going on for him being away from the Keep and not being the Beast Lord. You may leave the Pack but somehow the pack doesn't leave you. When the pack won't search for a missing shifter - who else would you turn to but Kate and Curran to find him. As always we got to watch them kick the bad guys asses. My one negative - I was unable to buy into (view spoiler)[ Kate having 'strokes' and being able to recover without much residual within a day or two. I'm sure this has to do with me being a nurse - but truly unbelievable - even with her pulling magic from her link to 'claiming' the city. (hide spoiler)] This book brings to the forefront that actually both Kate and Curran have daddy issues w/ Roland and Mahon. Saddened I have a whole year to wait for the next book.... *WHINES* "I want it NOW!!"

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

~Melissa~ wrote: "I'm *afraid* to ask what is the 17th book series that..."

I actually don't remember. It was one of those really long PNR ones with the hawt alpha male and super-special wispy Mary Sue female who is gorgeous but doesn't know it in each book, each book a different couple. I think around books 15 or so it started bringing back and connecting new and old couples for more of a story than just the "alpha meets wisp finds love despite scary behavior and likely dubious con even if the rescuer" plot.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

~Melissa~ wrote: "Itchy Witch Space Magic Shifts
4♥I love this series. I listened to this on audio. This has the same narrator as the authors ..."

I'm glad you enjoyed yours!

I actually do like the writing in these and liked first book well enough so this series is likely the last I'll give three books to hook me (last I promised a real life friend I would read). So far, I just haven't really connected with Kate (except in a short story in a collection I read before reading first book which had put author on my radar) and storyline is rather bland to me. All the posts and discussions sure make the next books sound good.

[Nichole]

That's funny, Melissa! And so true! I love Renee Raudman but I definitely see where your coming from. I have that same problem with Lauren Fortgang (Gin Blanco). I always picture Gin!

[Elizabeth]

Ready to request our stamp! Way to go ladies!

Shelf #12 ~ 30 Sept: Itchy Witch 4/4
D.A.: Grave Peril, 10/2/2015, ★★, Review
Elizabeth: Black Arts, 10/2/2015, ★★★★, Review
Melissa: Magic Shifts, 10/5/2015, ★★★★, Review
Nichole: Blue Lily, Lily Blue, 10/1/2015, ★★★★, Review

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Vor8ious Readers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'itchy witch'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Nichole]

Thanks, Steph!

Woohoo! We're doing great!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Welcome! Great job, speedy reader/reviewers! ;)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp V8 Readers!

[Nichole]

Thanks, Sandra :)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

:)

[~Melissa~]

Nichole wrote: "That's funny, Melissa! And so true! I love Renee Raudman but I definitely see where your coming from. I have that same problem with Lauren Fortgang (Gin Blanco). I always picture Gin!"

Yep - I've only listened to her doing 'Gin' so it would be a problem for me to try and wrap my head around her narrating a different series, lol. She is total southern belle type in my head :)

[~Melissa~]

D.A.—Shelf! Shelf! Shelf! wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "I'm *afraid* to ask what is the 17th book series that..."

I actually don't remember. It was one of those really long PNR ones with the hawt alpha male and super-special wispy Ma..."


Now I'm wondering if I read that series lol...quite possibly I do. I'm kind of a PNR slut.....not a lot of them I don't like. Wow I sound cheap and easy don't I lol

[Nichole]

You get around, huh? LOL!

[~Melissa~]

Nichole wrote: "You get around, huh? LOL!"

lmao ....ummmm yeah something like that....when it comes to books :D

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I'll try almost anything with books. I DNF quickly nowadays though unless trying to join in a group read type of thing. Takes great writing or really interesting characters to get me through trope, recycled or derivative plots--even my favorite story formulas.

But I know I don't like hardly any horror, mystery, detective, crime, suspense, thriller type of things -- that one book in Sword of Truth series where Goodkind put you inside a serial killer's head is one thing I really did not like. A few cozy mysteries if funny and light and a few really clever ones from back in the day that were in publications like Ellery Queen and True Detective ...

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Where I think we are with potential wins:


| |
  6 of 9  |   5 of 9   |   4 of 9 already stamped.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Just checking in on shelf day.

Looks like "series to start" "sci fi romance" and "same but different" shelves will get us closer to the win (7 of the 9 stamps needed to win).

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

"New2You Series" is the call...first book in a new to you series.

Hmm...maybe I want to join in The Veil BotM read? Nope, ebook I haven't bought yet is $10 and I've been on the fence about it. I'll read my library book for this shelf:

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.

[Nichole]

It would be that shelf! I just started yesterday!

[Elizabeth]

I have a couple of choices but I'll decide tomorrow.

[Nichole]

I think I'll read for the New2You Series shelf.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Nichole wrote: "I think I'll read Discount Armageddon for the New2You Series shelf."

That's a fun one.

[~Melissa~]

I have a few to choose from. I'll decide tomorrow.

[Elizabeth]

I'll be reading for New2You series shelf.

[~Melissa~]

I'll be going with for New2You series shelf. #1 Bleeding Stars series

[Elizabeth]

Shelf #13: New2You series
by Anne Bishop
Finished 10/10/2015
Rating 4 stars
It took sometime to get into the story but after that I couldn't put the book down.
This is a dark fantasy, complex world with political and power games, corrupted leaders and several despicable characters. The ending left me still trying to understand the role of some characters and searching for the next book in the series.

[Nichole]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Elizabeth! So many names and places to keep up with, lol. Especially when they are similar to each other. I really enjoyed it though. I need to continue with book 4+ and see how that goes.

I'm in a reading funk. I have the attention span of a gnat and keep starting books only to put them down after 30 pgs. or so. Rinse and repeat.