SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R8: Team #3 ~ The Nameless Ones
Sandra wrote: "No wonder you said it was freeeeaky! That's just gross, however compelling!"That scene with the unwinding was chilling!
Hey steph do you have a review for the free spot no pressure
CONGRATULATIONS, O'Nameless One-ders!We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on '5-stars' and 'First, Second or Third'.
[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Woohoo!! :D
Congrats on the stamps Oh Nameless 1s!
Wow if this week if shapeshifters or part of a series (and we get the free space finished) we could end up winning.
Some friends kindly reminded me that I've yet to post my Free Space review. My apologies, teammies. :)
Series: Asylum Tales #2
Shelf: Free Space (found on SOS Bookshelf)
Read: 29 Nov
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
We first met Gage, a wizard in hiding turned tattoo artist, in Drake's prequels (The Asylum Interviews: Bronx & The Asylum Interviews: Trixie). In those shorts, we meet his fellow artists, Trixie (elf) and Bronx (troll). In the first full-length novel of the series, Angel's Ink, Gage tattoos angel wings on a woman dying of cancer. Not long after he learned the dire consequences of his decision to add a little extra something to the ink.
Now, in Dead Man's Deal, Gage is faced with figuring out how to correct his mistake before the clock runs out. This task is made all the more difficult when his recent acts of magic have attracted the attention of the local dark fae thug and the Ivory Towers. He's also drawn into the war he knew was coming. Things are changing quickly and he'll do whatever it takes to protect those he loves.
As a fan of Drake's Dark Days series, I was so excited when I heard she was starting another series. I came to the party a little late. But, the benefit of doing so is the ability to read all of the books at once without the wait. My hubby & I listened to both Angel's Ink and Dead Man's Deal while on a road trip. The narrator does an amazing job of grabbing your attention and not letting go until the end. The characters are all well-written. The plot is intriguing. The magically fought battles are fascinating. I'm anxiously awaiting news about book 3. I hope Drake will offer us many more Asylum Tales.
(Hubby recommends this series to fans of Kevin Hearne's 'Iron Druid' series.)
Mandy wrote: "Hey steph do you have a review for the free spot no pressure":D All done! Sorry for the wait!
Sandra wrote: "Congrats on the stamps Oh Nameless 1s!"
Thanks! :D
Carrie wrote: "Wow if this week if shapeshifters or part of a series (and we get the free space finished) we could end up winning."
Go, team, go!
Steph, 'Bout time!!!! ROFLMAOAnd OK, if hubby recs then I'll have to try it. I did look at it when the 1st one came out but it was a bit pricey.
LOL! >;pHe does. The audio was great! Hope you like it if you decide to give it a go.
Shelf: Reader's ChoiceBook:
Finished: Dec. 9th
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tiny wants more out of life, she works for her father bootlegging whiskey from Canada, and has to take care of her younger sisters. Something she's been doing ever since her mother passed away. She wants more, she wants to be a nurse and is saving up all her money for school. She's strong willed and isn't afraid to butt heads. She's the kind of leading lady that I enjoy.
Enzo is sexy as they come and just as dangerous. He's a gangster and the son of a powerful mob boss. The same gang that is messing with Tiny's father. She knows that she shouldn't feel the attraction to him but sometimes you want what you can't have or what you know you shouldn't have.
Joey has been a friend of the O'Mara family since childhood, he's grown up a lot since Tiny had seen him last and never did she think she would catch herself thinking about him in ways that she has. He wants the best life has to offer and he's not afraid to go after what he wants.
Speak Easy is set during prohibition era, it's labeled as "New Adult Historical fiction". It is a sexy read, thrilling and suspenseful with a "love" story tossed into the mix. I guess you could call it a potential love triangle. We have gangsters,kidnapping, murder, steamy love/hate relationships, backstabbing, cheating and lies.
This book was fantastic. The writing was suburb, the story line and characters were both equally amazing and interesting. Can't wait to read the next book, which the author, Melanie Harlow has so graciously provided for me.
(Free Space Book Choices):Judithe - Tempt the Stars- Review
Mandy - Shatter Me - Review
Moondance - Trapped - Review
StephB - Dead Man's Deal - Review
Carrie - What's a Ghoul to Do?- Review
5/5 stamp pending
Woot Woot! Sorry for the holdup on my review, ladies. Stamp coming right up!As of right now, I'm going to read
for my Reader's Choice book. I'll let ya know if I change it.
CONGRATULATIONS, The Nameless One-ders!We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'free space'.
[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Yay!! :D
I may change my Reader's Choice book to
, which should be appearing on my Kindle sometime tomorrow.
Congrats on the stamp Oh Nameless 1s!
Finished my supe, and loving my reader's choice! Will get one review up today (eek, will try!)...lots of interesting books reviewed up there. Whittling down part of my TBR, and increasing other parts. *grin*
Sandra wrote: "Congrats on the stamp Oh Nameless 1s!"Thanks!
I actually ended up inhaling
, so I'll use that for my Reader's Choice book. I'll post a review before the end of the week.
Shelf: SupernaturalBook:
Finished: Dec. 12th
Rating: 5 Stars
Blood Promise’s is the fourth installment in the Vampire Academy Series. The girls are dealing with the attack on the school by the Strigoi in their own way. Things are harder for Rose after all she lost the man she loved and thanks to Mason’s ghost knows he’s now a Strigoi. Now that she’s turned 18 Rose drops out of school and sets out to finish what needs to be done for Dimitri. They both had talked about it before and neither of them wanted to be a Strigoi they would rather die. The only problem with leaving the school is that she has to go alone. So she pushes Lissa away in hopes of avoiding hurting her instead she lands in the hands of Avery a new Moroi at school.
Rose assumes that Dimitri will return to his home area so she heads off for Russia. However she doesn’t remember the town’s name so she picks a club in hope of getting a Moroi to tell her how to find it. While in the city she dispatches several Strigoi even drawing the attention of Sydney a young alchemist working in the area. After saving Sydney from a Strigoi she learns that humans have Moroi magic and are working for them able to turn a Strigoi body to dust. When Sydney talks to her boss she’s directed to take Rose to where Dimitri’s family is but on the way they are attacked and Rose encounters Abe a mob boss type who wants to know why she’s in town. Will Rose find Dimitri? Will she be able to take him out? What about Lissa and the new girl?
I still think Rose is one of my favorite characters while the girls aren't together so we don’t see lots of Lissa we do have glimpses into how things are for her. Each girl will have their own challenges that they have to overcome. I loved the sweet relationship between Christian and Lissa so I’m a little annoyed that it went a little screwy with Avery’s help but I’m hopeful it will be fixed. As for Rose I’m so confused I loved Dimitri but now I’m leaning towards Adrian he’s just a good guy and I can’t help liking him more even if he is Moroi.
Blood Promise is action packed lots of undead vampires slaying to keep Rose busy while she hunts down the man she loves. I really love this series the characters are easy to connect with you can’t help cheering them on as they overcome challenges. I was drawn into Blood Promises right from the start it’s a fast paced story that keeps you on the end of the seat to the very end. Is it my favorite so far? No but maybe that’s because both girls have relationship issues but I’m hopeful that they will be fixed in the next book. I think the author has created a fantastic series mixing the vampire world with the human world that addition of the Alchemists was really exciting. Another beautifully written book it was easy for me to lose all track of time. I’m going right into the next one I can’t wait any long to see how it’s going to end. A must read series if you like vampires my favorite.
Series: Vamp City #2
Shelf: Reader's Choice
Read: 11 Dec
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
When I finished reading book 1, A Blood Seduction, I wasn't the biggest fan of Quinn or her VC vamp protector/betrayer Arturo. But, I loved the author's Vamp City. It's eerie, a human hunting ground. Fabulous! Honestly, although I had book two sitting on my shelf, I wasn't drawn to it. But, after reading Jeaniene Frost's blog post regarding A Kiss of Blood (the non-spoilery parts only), I decided I had to give the series another go. I was not disappointed. In fact, after reading the book, I went back to Ms. Frost's post and read the spoilery bits. While I did not have any issues with the descriptive scenes in the first book, I did share her feelings about Arturo in both.
♬ ♪ You are my sunshine, my only sunshine ... ♪ ♬If you didn't care for Arturo in the first book, you will absolutely have a change of heart after reading the second. Ms. Palmer does a wonderful job of not only showing his transformation as he experiences a reawakening throughout this book, but also making it believable. He professes his sorrow over the way he treated her, but thankfully she remains doubtful. Instead, the relationship between the two begins to slowly repair as they work together to save Quinn's brother Zach and Vamp City. Along the way, Arturo begins to realize just how dark he'd gone. He now worries others he cares for in VC have gone too far to come back when and if they are able to save the city.
She was sunshine and light, strength and vulnerability. And she'd begun to awaken his dormant honor, igniting within him emotions he hadn't even realized had died ...
For those who enjoy the darker side of the paranormal, this is a must-read! Ms. Palmer's characters are as complex (side characters included) as the gritty and unique world she has created. I'm super anxious for book 3, especially since this book ends at the start of a life-or-death mission!
The author's website offers information about Vamp City and a FAQ page for the series.
I've got the first one, but I think I'll wait till #3 before I read any of them ;)
A good plan, I think. :)
Shelf: Reader's ChoiceBook:
Finished: Dec. 13th
Rating: 5 Stars
Review
Rose has returned to the court where Lissa is staying before school starts. However Dimitri still haunts her and now he’s sending her notes letting her know he’s close. She’s also graduating becoming an official guardian hoping that she will get Lissa as planned. Her trip to Russia provided her with lots of information about Lissa and her connection with spirit plus the potential to return Dimitri back to his Dhampire self. But that’s not all she also learned that her father was the mob boss Moroi who wanted her back at school. The only way that they will learn how to cure Dimitri is though Victor the one who kidnapped Lissa in the first book and forced her to heal him.
Rose though she wants to save Dimitri she’s not thrilled with the prospect of having to work with Victor and after confronting him he refuses to give Roberts location while still locked up. With the help of Lissa and Eddie the trio head off to Alaska to break Victor out of prison with the plan that he lead them to his brother. With Lissa’s spirit magic the trio make it in and out of the prison but Victor won’t give up Robert’s location but forces them to take him to Las Vegas to meet up with Robert. They get the way but not the how from Robert but are interrupted when Dimitri show’s up with his Strigoi.
While Rose is in trouble Lissa heads off to visit the college she will be attending in the future accompanied by Christian. The pair with the help of her guardians practices a little fighting learning about using a stake and it’s clear to Lissa she won’t be able to stake Dimitri but gets her chance when he and his undead vampires attack her. With Christians help she’s able to use her spirit infused stake to change him back into a Dhampire but suddenly everything has changed. Lissa has done the impossible and Dimitri knowing what he’s done to Rose refuses to see her. As if that’s not enough the queen has her own agenda that will change things for the Dhampires. Will things work out with Rose and Dimitri? Will Lissa and Christian get back together? What about the queens plans?
I love Rose she’s one of my favorite characters however I didn’t like her as much in this book as I did the prior ones. Maybe it’s because I like Adrian he’s just a good guy and I don’t like seeing him hurt. However she can’t change the fact that she’s in love with Dimitri and aside from his moments of Strigoi in the series I don’t blame her for being in love with him. Grrrr I hate love triangles. I love Lissa and Christian I hate that they broke up to start with but I hope it works out they are perfect for each other.
I loved that this book has more of Lissa in the story she’s growing as a character as well as her skills with her spirit magic. I didn’t care for Rose as much in this book as I did the prior, and it could come back to the love triangle. I like that we had more of Eddie in the story plus we also saw more of the Moroi which I also enjoyed. Just like the prior four books Spirit Bound is an action packed, intense, story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I just had to know what would happen next because there was so much going on. I find the concept for vampire academy unique and exciting one of my favorite series. The author had done a fantastic job creating another installment in the series and I’m dying to read the final book to see how it will all end. A must for all vampire fans.
MacRieve by Kresley Cole
Shelf 11: *Reader's Choice (Personal Shelf)
Date finished: 12/11/13
Rating: ★★★★☆
Thoughts:
IAD (Immortals After Dark) has been a fave for quite sometime. Lothaire, the previous installment, was incredible. Lothaire was loathsome, but even he turned into someone we could cheer for and be thrilled about his happily ever after.
This book picks the minor characters Will & Munro MacRieve. We've seen them a few times, but I was a little surprised by them as the book choice. This was Will's story.
Emotionally scarred by an abusive relationship with a succubus in his youth. Nine centuries later, he finds his mate, and she much more than he expected. Chloe Todd also definitely did not expect to be catapulted into the supernatural world. Daughter of one of the most hated men in the Lore, she had no clue it even existed until some strange things started happening to her physically, and her father disappeared, just after giving her an unbelievable book to read.
Kidnapped by witches, auctioned off, then rescued by a half-crazed werewolf...just for starters...means Chloe is having a bad, bad day (week?). That is the start of the rollercoaster ride of Chloe & Will's mating dance, and it's a high-paced, action & steam filled story.
I enjoyed it immensely...until the cliffhanger end! UGH! Twins...guess Munro's story is next. Chloe & Will reach their HEA, but just as they set off to rescue Munro. There's enough of a preview that you really want to have the next one on hand. Unfortunately, it's not published yet!
Impatiently awaiting the continuation, though IAD #14 looks to feature different characters. Serious let down...
Serpent's Kiss by Thea Harrison
Shelf 12: 'Supernatural'
Date finished: 12/09/13
Rating: ★★★★☆
Thoughts:
This is the third book in Thea Harrison's PNR series, Elder Races. Picking up soon after Storm's Heart, this follows Rune, a gryphon wyr warrior, and Carling, vampire queen with a tenuous hold on sanity. Rune meets up with her to repay the favor he owes, but his obligation quickly turns into a quest to save her.
They must save not only her sanity, but her life as others make power bids, and, of course, they must make choices about their growing bond and how far they can afford to let it go.
My previous impression of Carling was not so favorable, so I was quite interested to see how she could be turned into a heroine the reader would be cheering for. Ms. Harrison did a lovely job, and I quite enjoyed the unfolding romance and discovery into the history and characters of both these characters.
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
Almost time for a shelf! Hooray!! I have a lecture to give in the morning, but will pop in as soon as I get back from it (that is, unless I can get up early and not resist temptation to come peek!)
Easy-peasy one! And fun, too. One of the universities (not mine, but a smaller, private one across town) has an Open Campus/recruiting event for high school students. There is a series of four per semester, with a fun English activity and a lecture/cultural intro to some English speaking countries (On their staff, there is a Brit, Aussie, and Canadian. I fill in for the USA in the 4th lecture.) Was just updating the presentation, and enjoying going over some photos from my trip stateside in September (first time in 8 years...is was really, really great!)
Sounds like fun. Wish I could be a fly on the wall. We didn't have anything fun like that when I was in school.
:) I hope they think it's fun, too! LOL!
Shelf: Reader's Choice
Read: 12.8.13
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
Mackenzie "Mack" Dalton inherits her dad's bar after his murder almost a year ago in the alley behind the bar. Now she has discovered his girlfriend's body in the same place. Mack has a neurologic condition known as synesthesia which allows her to see sounds and feel odors. This extrasensory quirk may hold the clue to the killer. A sexy detective goes undercover in the bar to flush out the killer.
The author is an emergency room nurse who also writes the Mattie Winston series. She does an excellent job of fleshing out the characters and keeping the story flowing. The hints at a connection to Al Capone and his tendency for secret passages under bars during Prohibition led me to the killer early on. However that did not take anything away from the story. This is a good solid book and I look forward to reading more in the series.
Shelf: Supernatural
Read: 12.10.13
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The last few YA series I started were a bit disappointing. Not this one! I guess I have been under a rock and had not heard much about this book other than a strong suggestion that I read it. I am so happy I finally did.
Evie is a 16 year old working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. She is the only person that can see through paranormals' glamours which makes her a valuable asset to the Agency. An unknown paranormal breaks into the Center causing alarm among the supervisors and sparking an interest with Evie. Lend is something she has never seen before. His ability to shift glamours effortlessly piques her curiosity. As her feelings for him become stronger, she realizes that she trusts him more than the people who raised her. Strange dreams, unruly fairies, odd prophecies and paranormal deaths make Evie question her role in the chaos.
The dialogue is spot on for teens. Evie's need to be accepted and do simple things like go to high school and have a locker are laughable yet poignant. Her budding relationship with Lend is sweet and so achingly true.
I can see how this is being courted as a movie. I would certainly go see it! This one gets a rare five stars from me!
Week 6:Shelf 10:Reader's Choice
Judithe - MacRieve - Review
Mandy - Spirit Bound - Review
Moondance - Murder on the Rocks - Review
StephB - A Kiss of Blood - Review
Carrie - Speak Easy - Review
Done 5/5 Pending
Shelf: SupernaturalBook:
Finished: Dec 14
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I really enjoyed this book. The way the author described things through out gave for great visuals. The story it's self was really intereresting as well.
The shadow is losing out to new science and technological advances. The ancient ways are disappearing due to these advances to make room for them.
There needs to be balance of light and shadow because as the light grows those in the shadow are slowly being swallowed up by the light and with time there will be a world with out magic.
Elle is the next oracle but she does not want to believe it.
"But there must be some way of stopping the world from plunging into chaos?"
"There is." he said "You"
She blinked "Me?"
"Yes, you."
Warlock power is diminishing, the need the oracle to help bring them back to full strength they have been forbidden to use their powers unless in small amounts and for emergencies. So Marsh is doing anything he can to convinces Elle to embrace this side to her as they rescue her father Alchemists
Sorry for the not to great review, in a rush to get this wrote up on time.
Week 6:Shelf 11:Supernatural
Book Choices (Supernatural):
Judithe - Serpent's Kiss - Review
Mandy - Blood Promise - Review
Moondance - Paranormalcy - Review
StephB - Maggie for Hire - Review
Carrie - A Conspiracy of Alchemists - Review
5/5 pending
Too many choices for UF, but for MAGIC I'll be reading WRITTEN IN RED by Anne Bishop. I'm away from my computer so I can't stamp our card yet but YAY, team!Hope everyone has a great weekend!
AGHHH!!! I've already got a list of 10 for each (lots of overlap!). Stopping and getting ready for work (and doing some BINGO stuff 'round here). Will post my choices when I open the books!
For Urban Fantasy I'm going to finish off Vampire Academy
on page 5
CONGRATULATIONS, Nameless One-ders!We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'reader's choice' and 'supernatural'.
[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Close, but no cigar. Ah, well, it was a blast reading along with you ladies!
I'm about 1/2 thru my MAGIC book (
) and, I gotta say, I'm loving it! It's my first book by Anne Bishop. I'm really enjoying her writing; the characters and the world are fascinating.
Oh, I love Anne Bishop! Still waiting to get that one though...on the to-be-purchased list!I'm reading The Black Dragon which works for both Magic & UF...will decide which one I'm using it for as soon as I grab my second book!
I have finished Summer Knight and will review it as soon as I am using something other than my phone. Now to find something for magic. I am thinking about Poison Study .
I finished WRITTEN IN RED and loved it. I didn't want it to end, but couldn't stop reading. Such a fun mix of unique characters.Everyone still planning to share reviews even though there's a winner or no?
is my magic book if we are still doing reviews.
I'm happy to keep going. I'm almost done with the last book in VA which I love!! Can't wait for the movie. Going to read Wings page 4 but subject to change.
Steph wrote: "I finished WRITTEN IN RED and loved it. I didn't want it to end, but couldn't stop reading. Such a fun mix of unique characters.Everyone still planning to share reviews even though there's a wi..."
I plan on reading and reviewing until a winner is announced. I may just keep reading and reviewing the uncalled shelves.....just kidding! :0
OK...apparently I've been in a hole somewhere. I didn't see that Team 2 won until now. I will still review my UF and possibly Magic as well. It has been a pleasure playing with all of you. Well played oh Nameless ones, well played!~~cheryl
LOLPlease, if you're gonna read them, then review them, cause I'd like to know what you think of them ;)
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Last Sacrifice (other topics)Wings (other topics)
The Black Dragon (other topics)
Last Sacrifice (other topics)
The Inventor's Secret (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Thea Harrison (other topics)Kresley Cole (other topics)
Shannon Mayer (other topics)
Thea Harrison (other topics)
Elle Jasper (other topics)
More...
Series: Maggie MacKay, Magical Tracker #1
Shelf: Supernatural
Read: 9 Dec
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
As a "World Walker", Maggie has the ability to walk between dimensions (Earth and the Other Side). She uses this ability to track supernaturals wreaking havoc on Earth and brings them back to the Other Side. The Other side is an "... alternate world that exists in the same place, just a separate plane of existence, as the world that most humans know." While hunting vampires, Maggie's approached by Killian, an elf sent by the Queen, with another job.
Overall, this was a quick, entertaining read but a bit run of the mill. Some characters, such as the China man, Xiaoming, and Brownie, Pipistrelle, were well-written and stood out more than the main character, for me. We learn about Maggie's abilities, a bit about her family, but not much else. She uses sarcasm and snark frequently enough that it's bordering on overkill. That said, the story did draw me in quickly and held my attention throughout.