SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R13: Team #8 ~ The Walking Read
I'm on that book too, Jennifer. I enjoyed the first 2 books but not enough to continue-yet. But it was picked for me in the MnG and 2 people told me that bk#3 was THE book that hooks you. I'll be reading it in the near future too :)
I have been putting off reading it too but it is the only book that I have available on the ghost shelf. Glad to hear that this is the book that gets you hooked :)
I hope so! I keep thinking I must be missing something because everyone loooves it. *crosses fingers*
I just finished Dresden #2 yesterday. I'm more excited to read #3 now that I know it's so good! Haven't picked a book yet...my internet was down yesterday and just came back so will take a look at the shelf and be back soon with a pick :)
I'm going with
Shelf #2 ~ Ghosts
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Finished: 4/2/16
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
Well, Harry Dresden is back and in heaps of trouble once again. This poor guy seems to get himself into mountains of trouble and all by a need to help others. I've been reading reviews and a lot of women seem to dislike these books as they feel he is chauvinistic. He kinda is but I believe that doesn't detract from the books. They are fun, kinda scary, in depth and very well written. Give this series a try
Free Space Completed
by Marissa Meyer
Completed: March 31, 2016
Rated: 5 stars
I absolutely LOVE this series! Every book is just as good as the last. Despite how many characters viewpoints are juggled (more each book), the story still flows. I look forward to reading every character's chapter because each has something different to offer.
I enjoyed Cress's story. Her and Thorne are so great for each other! So much happened to change the series from this point forward. Cinder has developed her powers enough that she was able to overpower one of Levana's top thaumaturges. They have managed to stop the royal wedding and prevented Levana taking power of the commonwealth, and subsequently, all of earth. Now that Kai has joined their team, it seems likely that the next book will involve getting Cinder on the Lunar throne. Can't wait to read the next segment!
by Marissa Meyer Completed: March 31, 2016
Rated: 5 stars
I absolutely LOVE this series! Every book is just as good as the last. Despite how many characters viewpoints are juggled (more each book), the story still flows. I look forward to reading every character's chapter because each has something different to offer.
I enjoyed Cress's story. Her and Thorne are so great for each other! So much happened to change the series from this point forward. Cinder has developed her powers enough that she was able to overpower one of Levana's top thaumaturges. They have managed to stop the royal wedding and prevented Levana taking power of the commonwealth, and subsequently, all of earth. Now that Kai has joined their team, it seems likely that the next book will involve getting Cinder on the Lunar throne. Can't wait to read the next segment!
Note to self- get back to the Lunar series. I'm on Cress in that series too. You guys are making me want to get back to series that I've put off for whatever reason. So, Jennifer, did Grave Peril feel like THE book. Are you hooked yet?
I don't know if it is THE book but it was better than the first two and I definitely want see what Harry gets himself into next :)
Sounds good enough to me :) I've been told that the Fae appear in the 4th book and I've always been intrigued by them. Now I just need to get on it and read the 3rd book.
Shelf #2 Completed
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Rated: 4 stars
Read: April 3, 2016
I really wasn't sure about this book at first but it definitely grew on me. At the beginning, Sophie came across as extremely young (younger than 16) and I found it a bit hard to really get into the story because a lot of it felt pretty ridiculous. However, as the story went on her character seemed to improve and the story gained a lot more depth and intrigue.
I enjoyed the idea of a reform school for all types of magical creatures (prodigium). This was pretty much the only original concept in the book though...for the most part it seemed like a mix of Harry Potter and The Morganville Vampires. Besides containing multiple magical creatures, this was still a book about a school of magic, mainly focusing on witches. It reminded me of the Morganville Vampires because of the serious teen vibe it had going, as well as Sophie's character.
The end did have a decent twist, which was enough to get me interested in reading more of the series and caused me to give it a four star rating instead of three stars. Overall, a decent read despite being a bit of a slog at the beginning and a tad unoriginal.
Hex Hall by Rachel HawkinsRated: 4 stars
Read: April 3, 2016
I really wasn't sure about this book at first but it definitely grew on me. At the beginning, Sophie came across as extremely young (younger than 16) and I found it a bit hard to really get into the story because a lot of it felt pretty ridiculous. However, as the story went on her character seemed to improve and the story gained a lot more depth and intrigue.
I enjoyed the idea of a reform school for all types of magical creatures (prodigium). This was pretty much the only original concept in the book though...for the most part it seemed like a mix of Harry Potter and The Morganville Vampires. Besides containing multiple magical creatures, this was still a book about a school of magic, mainly focusing on witches. It reminded me of the Morganville Vampires because of the serious teen vibe it had going, as well as Sophie's character.
The end did have a decent twist, which was enough to get me interested in reading more of the series and caused me to give it a four star rating instead of three stars. Overall, a decent read despite being a bit of a slog at the beginning and a tad unoriginal.
I finished my book but I'm too blah right now to write a review. I'll get it in tomorrow though!
Week 2Shelf: Ghosts
Book:
by Amanda StevensDate Read: 4/5/16
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Amelia Gray has seen ghosts since she was a child. For her safety, her papa gave her strict rules to live by. Since breaking the rules, her life has changed in ways that she never imagined and she's still dealing with the consequences.
1. Never acknowledge the Dead.
2. Never stray too far from hallowed ground.
3. Keep your distance from those who are Haunted.
4. Never, ever tempt Fate.
In the Visitor, Amelia and John are together finally. However, they are both holding onto secrets that are creating a chasm in their relationship. Something is happening with John and his grandfather and he's not sharing many details. He also has no recollection of the ghosts in his past and is adamant that any kind of supernatural happenings have a logical explanation. A skeptic to the core. This behavior causes Amelia to hide inside herself more at a time when she needs him the most. How can she tell him that the ghost of Amelia Gray is haunting her?
Kroll Cemetery is shrouded in mystery and evil still lurks. She learns that she is connected to the bizarre history of the cemetery and to the family that owns it. Amelia needs to solve the mystery of the ghosts, her connection to them, and the evil surrounding that place before she loses her mind or worst.
Amanda Stevens has tremendous talent for writing spooky ghost stories. She creates such a haunting atmosphere that you feel like you're in Amelia's shoes. And let me just tell you this, it is a freaking scary place to be. I think this book has been the scariest yet! No joke. Why didn't I give this 5 stars? I have 3 reasons and it has nothing to do with the spook level.
First~ John and Amelia have gone through a lot and after the last book I was hoping things would finally start coming together more. Unfortunately, when it comes to these two it's always one step forward and 2 steps back. It's exhausting and it doesn't look like the next book will be any better. Other than the potent sexual chemistry, I'm just not feeling the love.
Second~ The whole thing with Rupert Shaw just kind of bugged me. It was weird. They were like best pals in this book and I was left scratching my head. Remember the last book? (view spoiler)
Third~ When will Amelia learn how powerful she is and how to use said power? She has been told by many people that she possesses a lot of power. Okay, great. It's the 4th book though and she is still mostly clueless about her abilities. I want to see more progress with this.
I'm still a huge fan though. I will pre-order the next book because I know it will be scary, hypnotic, and oh so good!
Nichole wrote: "I think I'm going with 
."I live within spitting distance of Wright Patterson Air Force Base (the base the aliens took the kids to in the first book) :)
That's neat! It always makes you feel like you're somehow part of the story when you have a connection like that :)
Shelf #3: Guilty Pleasures
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
Finished: 4/8/16
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Colleen has done it again! Amazing characters that you feel like you know by the time you're through. Supporting characters that you want to know more about because they're THAT appealing! I couldn't put it down... I tried but I couldn't.
Shelf #3: Guilty Pleasures
Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
Completed: April 8, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Wow! So many revelations in this one! I have already watched the show so some of it wasn't that surprising but there were some unexpected differences. This is definitely a guilty pleasure series but I get so wrapped up in the mystery and the silly drama created by these ridiculous high school girls is kind of entertaining and amusing. I am looking forward to the next one!
Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
Completed: April 8, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Wow! So many revelations in this one! I have already watched the show so some of it wasn't that surprising but there were some unexpected differences. This is definitely a guilty pleasure series but I get so wrapped up in the mystery and the silly drama created by these ridiculous high school girls is kind of entertaining and amusing. I am looking forward to the next one!
Great job, Ladies! I'll be starting my book here in just a few minutes.
Week 3Shelf: Guilty Pleasures (shelved 3 times)
by Rick YanceyPages: 320
Date Read: 4/12/16
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I'm not going to go into a long review for this book because I don't want to spoil anything. Unfortunately, The Infinite Sea suffered from Middle Book Syndrome. While the first book was full of action, this one seemed to spend a lot of time in the heads of the main characters. That's another thing that kind of bogged it down--too many POV's. I think the narrator (female) does a good job, however she doesn't give each character a distinct voice. There were many times that I thought I was listening to Cassie and it was actually Ringer, or vice versa. To say that I was a little confused at times is an understatement.
It wasn't until the last 25% or so that things starting picking up for me. I'm definitely interested in reading the next book because of what Ringer learned there at the end. I NEED to know what's happening!
Nichole wrote: "Sherri, are you still with us?"I am barely! My brother has been in the hospital so I haven't been home much. Judithe had also sent me a message asking how I was doing. Hoping he will be discharged by Friday and then I can complete some reading over the weekend.
I have a couple of books read and am trying desperately to post my reviews. They will be very short.
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper
Shelf:Shelf #2 - Ghosts
My Rating: 3 stars
Dates Read: 4/5 – 4/13
My Thoughts: This was a fun, witty read and I enjoyed the banter between the characters. Since it was the beginning of the series there was a lot of background, character and storyline development. I would have liked to see more character development from Jane and Gabriel, but I can say that I am interested enough in the series to continue. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed narrator Amanda Ronconi's reading. She totally rocks on the southern accents.
I'm sorry to hear that! I hope he'll be okay and gets to go home on Friday. Sending healing vibes his way! As far as the reviews, short is just fine :)
Nichole wrote: "I'm sorry to hear that! I hope he'll be okay and gets to go home on Friday. Sending healing vibes his way! As far as the reviews, short is just fine :)"Thanks Nicole! I'm hoping so as well.
BTW - Woo Hoo - I finished Runaway Vampire by Lynsay Sands which is part of the Argeneau Family Vampires by Lynsay Sands listed as part of the "Any book within a series found on one of SOS' member-generated BEST OF lists" - PNR Series.
So I am going to use that one for my free space book.
I also have Clean Sweep read. So I need those two reviews completed and I do need to select a guilty pleasure book.
Free Space
Runaway Vampire by Lynsay Sands
My Rating: 4 stars
Dates Read: 4/2 – 4/11
My Thoughts: I keep forgetting about this series, but when I do read one of the books I remember how much I really love this family. I adored Dante and Mary’s story. The older woman (who can ultimately become one hot younger woman) and the younger looking (and much older) man who meet when her RV runs him over. Hilarious! I was so happy that Mary could find happiness for the rest of her days and Dante was a perfect match for her. I need to remind myself to catch up with this entire series.
Last one, and then I will be heading out to the hospital.Week #1 - Aliens
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
My Rating: 4 stars
Dates Read: 3/23 – 4/9
My Thoughts: This is the start of a new series and it is so completely different than Kate Daniels that it took me a bit to “get” into the story. Dina is an interstellar innkeeper for aliens visiting or hiding on Earth. Neighbor Sean turns out to be a werewolf and alien visitor Arland a vampire. Throw in a one whopping love triangle between all of them and you have about everything in this book.
I enjoyed Clean Sweep once I got oriented to the world it was set in. It was close enough to Earth that I was initially really confused on what was going on; as well as understand what the character’s roles were in the universe that was created.
The stalker theme, which is what drew everyone together, felt a bit contrived and rushed at the end. But since I am such a huge fan of the Ilona Andrews team, I will have to give Sweep in Peace a try.
Bingo BooksFree Space
Nichole ~ Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones (3/24)
Kelsi ~ Cress by Marissa Meyers (3/31)
Jennifer ~ Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands (3/30)
Sherri ~ Runaway Vampire by Lynsay Sands (4/11)
Shelf #1: Aliens (March 23rd)
Jennifer ~ Alienated by Melissa Landers (3/25)
Kelsi ~ Onyx by Jennifer L Armentrout (3/27)
Nichole ~ Sweep In Peace by Ilona Andrews (3/26)
Sherri ~ Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews (4/9)
Shelf #2: Ghosts (March 30th)
Jennifer ~ Grave Peril by Jim Butcher (4/2)
Nichole ~ The Visitor by Amanda Stevens (4/5)
Kelsi ~ Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (4/3)
Sherri ~ Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper (4/13)
Sherri, I love Molly Harper. I'm working my way through Half-Moon Hollow now and you get to see Jane and the gang occasionally :) She's just right when I'm in the mood for silly. And Ilona Andrews is becoming my favorite! Good choices :)
Sherri, great to hear from you, and hoping your brother is fully recovered soon!!
Love that series! It took until book 2 though :)
It is on enough of the shelves that I thought I had to give it a try. Glad to hear you like it! :)
Going for a chunkster!Strong Heroine
Book:
Pages: 1015
Page 7 on shelf (tagged 7 times)
I'm going with
from page 30 :)
I hope you enjoy Kushiel's Dart Nichole, I read that series a few years ago and really liked it. I have been meaning to read the spinoff series for a while now.
Glad to see you Sherri, hope your brother gets well soon!
from page 30 :)I hope you enjoy Kushiel's Dart Nichole, I read that series a few years ago and really liked it. I have been meaning to read the spinoff series for a while now.
Glad to see you Sherri, hope your brother gets well soon!
Sending healing vibes Sherri's brothers way also. Not much worse than hanging at the hospital.
Shelf #4 completed
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Completed: 4/15/16
Rated: 4 stars
This was different from many war books I have read before. While it certainly touches on the pain and suffering experienced by all during times of war, it is more about how people remain human despite all of the pain. This is the story of Juliet, a writer who discovers a small literary society on the island of Guernsey formed during WWII despite German occupation. The society allows them to socialize and enjoy life even when they are living with one candle a week and hardly enough food to stay full. There is an element of humor to the story, told entirely in letters, which makes this type of history a lot easier to swallow. I loved the characters and felt they were so well defined that I knew them.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann ShafferCompleted: 4/15/16
Rated: 4 stars
This was different from many war books I have read before. While it certainly touches on the pain and suffering experienced by all during times of war, it is more about how people remain human despite all of the pain. This is the story of Juliet, a writer who discovers a small literary society on the island of Guernsey formed during WWII despite German occupation. The society allows them to socialize and enjoy life even when they are living with one candle a week and hardly enough food to stay full. There is an element of humor to the story, told entirely in letters, which makes this type of history a lot easier to swallow. I loved the characters and felt they were so well defined that I knew them.
Shelf #4: Strong Heroine
Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
Finished: 4/17/16
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
I was a little bit disappointed at first with this book because I thought it would focus more on action and a kickass assassin, and it just turned out to be more about romance and court affairs and secret plots. Despite my initial disappointment and skepticism I found that I really enjoyed the book and I really hope Celaena ends up with Chaol! Celaena is still pretty badass although I would've preferred to hear more of how she became an assassin but I guess that's what all those prequel books are for. If you are expecting an action packed book filled with stealth and something similar to Assassin's Creed, I'm sorry to say you will be disappointed although I still recommend reading it because although the description was misleading I loved the book anyway.
I think the 1st book is the weakest in that series. They get better! I also recommend reading
for all the background info. It will definitely shed some light on things. I usually skip the novellas but this is one of those that needs to be read, preferably first I think. Glad you enjoyed it!
Now you tell me it needs to be read first...lol
Lol, I debated! I really thought about it. Dang it! I don't know that it needs to be read first but that is how it was recommended to me. And it does tell stories that lead up to how she ended up in the Salt Mines. I've suggested reading it first before and been blown off and others have said that it didn't matter to them so *shrugs* lol.
Usually the library doesn't have half-step books but they happened to have this one (I just checked) so I will eventually get around to reading it :)
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Eighth Grave After Dark (other topics)Magic Bites (other topics)
Eighth Grave After Dark (other topics)
Magic Bites (other topics)
Bitter Bite (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Ilona Andrews (other topics)Maggie Stiefvater (other topics)
Deanna Raybourn (other topics)
Kerstin Gier (other topics)
Mira Grant (other topics)
More...
Anyway, I'll be reading