SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R14: Team #5 ~ Read4Speed
I really enjoy the Mercy Thompson series
Jennifer H wrote: "I really enjoy the Mercy Thompson series"This will be my first time reading it. I started it last night and read 30% in one go. I like it so far. Easy to read and intriguing.
Free Space
Midnight Marked by Chloe Neill
Finished: 1/20/17
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
How Fits: #3 on Urban Fantasy list
Good addition to series. Merit and Ethan have become the ultimate power couple, but their relationship has become maybe a little too comfortable. I realize I miss the sexual tension with their initial on again/off again relationship. Still has good strong secondary characters that keep story moving along very nicely. I was surprised that although I've been reading series for what seems like many years, the timeline in story has actually only been one year. Way too much has happened with everyone to have just all occurred in that short amount of time. Otherwise I'm just waiting patiently for next book.
Jennifer H wrote: "I can't remember if we need to write a review. If we do I will update this post"Yeah Jennifer, review is required. Here's the quote from the rules, to help you. There are some helpful tips what to write in a review.
"After a member has finished reading their book, they must post a read date, a 1-5 ✮ rating and a review* on their team thread.
Your review does not have to win any awards for its grammar or prose, however all reviews must be longer than "I really dis/liked it." Include what you did/n't like about it, if you'll read anything else in the series or by the same author, and anything else that made it a stand-out or crapped-out read for you.
Please do not simply link to your GR review. You may, however, share a link to it along with your review on your team thread."
Week 1 - HUNTERS- completion post
Kitty and the Midnight Hour - Carrie Vaughn
Finished; 1/23/17
Rating: 4 stars
How it fits: It is #123 on the Hunters list
Review: Kitty has just taken over as DJ for the nightly call-in music request show in Denver. To fill times between requests she reads headlines from a sensationalist newspaper. The story of Bat Boy generates comments involving the paranormal. Soon she is counseling the paranormal fringe and wannabies and the show is a hit. Since Kitty is a closet werewolf she knows of the reality, but wants to keep her life secret. Her pack and the local vampire clan want her to drop the show which has just been syndicated. When she becomes the target of a werewolf hunter things get lethal.
Despite the suspense, thriller, and adventure aspects of this story, it is basically the story of a woman who has become a 'monster' by accident, been thrust into a culture opposed to her nature and is trying to come to grips with her new life. The new Kitty by the end is someone I want to see what happens to. Looking forward to more.
Good review Linda. I enjoyed Kitty & her crew.
Linda, you definitely intrigued me to give this series a shot. Sounds like something I would like.
Book: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Read: 21st Jan. 2017.
Rating: 4 stars
Spot: Free Space
How it fits: found it on group's bookshelf
If you are a fan of the urban fantasy genre you have definitely heard about Mercy Thompson series. Actually, you have probably read it or at least gave it a shot.
As always, I am late and haven't tried reading it before. But 2017 is the year I am going to catch up on my favorite genres and writers (or die trying). And since I love uf, everyone tell me that this series is a must read.
So what did I think?
+ Nicely written. Easy to read. No info dumps.
+ Addictive. When the plot grips you, it's un-put-downable. I read whenever I had free moment to spare.
+ Heroine who is not TSTL. Mercy thinks before she acts and knows when it's worth fighting and when to fold. Although I enjoy crazily reckless heroines like Kate Daniels, I liked having one down-to-earth girl too.
+ Likable cast of characters. Patricia Briggs did characterisation very well and already I like Adam, his daughter, Zee, Bran, Tony, ...
+- Classic urban fantasy. While it's not awesome, since I love when books surprise me, this is also not a bad thing. Not every novel can be groundbreaking masterpiece. Sometimes, having something that does all the usual things very well is good enough for me.
- Love triangle. Romance is not in the center of the story. But the story is setting up to have two love interests for Mercy and while I understand how she is attracted to both of them, I still dislike love triangles in general so I am a bit vary what will happen.
Overall, a solid start for a urban fantasy series. Worth checking out if you have been living under the rock (like me) and haven't read it before.
Dragana wrote: "Book: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
If you are a fan o..."
This book is on my TBR list; heard good things about it.
Loved your review and agree with your list of criteria, especially love triangles. I hope this gets settled quickly in her series. I have stopped reading some series with this issue; it makes me question other aspects of their character.
Linda C wrote: "This book is on my TBR list; heard good things about it.Loved your review and agree with your list of criteria, especially love triangles. I hope this gets settled quickly in her series. I have stopped reading some series with this issue; it makes me question other aspects of their character."
Me too Linda. That's why I do not like them. At one point they just seem like a coward who don't want to give up on backup option.
Its one of those things that come to nothing in this series, don't despair! Besides Mercy doesn't want Samuel, so I don't think of it as a triangle.
Sandra wrote: "Its one of those things that come to nothing in this series, don't despair! Besides Mercy doesn't want Samuel, so I don't think of it as a triangle."Yay. :)
Shelf ~ Hunters
One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Finished: 1/24
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
How fits: 9 people tagged it as Hunters
I cannot say enough good about Jeaniene Frost. Her writing is fun, storytelling is thorough and engaging and her characters are lovable and addictive. Her stories are nothing crazy or off the wall and the romance is not central to the story (which I like because the storyline is so compelling, I want to know what happens next!) I love her style and love vampire stories so this is one I would highly recommend. There is plenty of action, bad villains and great good guys. It just hits on everything a decent book needs.
Damn, I better go to bed then. LOL
Guys I am still here. Had some bad storms and avoided the internet in case I lost power. No storms now. Will work on my books and reviews later tonight.
I'll be reading
listed 89 times as paranormal romance
Linda C wrote: "Shelf announcedShelf #2 ~ 1/25: Paranormal Romance
DIRECT LINK - Paranormal Romance"
Thank you Linda for posting the shelf and link. :)
I will read Iron Kissed (shelved 469 times as Paranormal Romance)
Monica wrote: "Guys I am still here. Had some bad storms and avoided the internet in case I lost power. No storms now. Will work on my books and reviews later tonight."Good to hear the storms are gone Monica. Thanks for checking in. Looking forward to hear what you thought about your books.
Book: Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
Read: 23st Jan. 2017.
Rating: 3 stars
Spot: Hunters
How it fits: shelved 4 times as 'hunters'
'Mercy Thompson' is one of those urban fantasy series that I have heard about for a long time, but always postponed reading it. When I (finally) started reading it, the world, the characters, the plot, everything pulled me right in and I just can't keep myself away.
Blood Bound is second book in series. That's the shakiest ground for me. These books are usually the deal breakers. After book #2 I decide if I will continue reading the series or ditch it.
So what did I think?
- Slow start. First third of the book really dragged on and I was not really invested in the story.
+ Intense second half. But when it got me, I (again) could put it down. And it was even more intense then Moon Called. Probably because I knew characters better and cared about them more.
+ We learn more about how vampires are organised. There are too many urban fantasy novels that focus on one paranormal creature and that's it. I'm glad to see that Patricia Briggs plans to expand her universe.
+ Sexy werewolves. I don't know why, but werewolves are for me one of the sexiest creatures in paranormal romance. It must be that growling and intense looks. (Definitely not all that body hair - yuck.).
+ I still like Mercy. She's self-sufficient. Confident. Knows how to stand up for herself. The only thing that is bugging me about her is...
-- The damn love triangle! And it's not that Mercy just theoretically can't decide between two guys. She dates one and kisses another. I really hate this kind of fickle behavior and this really soured the book and heroine for me.
While Blood Bound was maybe little less engaging then Moon Called, I am still very interested in this series and characters. Especially since I got a hint from a friend that the love triangle will soon be resolved.
Paranormal Romance I will be reading:Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs shelved 469 times as Paranormal Romance
Be back with a review for my free space book
Book: Spirit Level by Sarah N HarveyRead: 28 Jan. 2017.
Rating: 5 stars
Spot: Free Space
How it fits: Is on the group book shelf
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be a very fast read and one that kept my interest. Spirit Level is the story about a girl named Harriet.
Harriet is the product of a sperm donor. She learns in this book that she has siblings. There is Lucy, Meredith, James, Adam and Ben.
The characters are wonderfully developed and engaging. The different personalities of the siblings make for some great entertainment.
Monica wrote: "Paranormal Romance I will be reading:Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs shelved 469 times as Paranormal Romance
Be back with a review for my free space book"
Hey Monica, how's the weather? In Serbia it's freezing cold, but no snow.
I read the same book for that shelf and let me tell you - brace yourself for a lot of emotions.
Hey Dragana. The weather is cold now. We may get some snow flurries the next couple of days but nothing big. I could use a day off from work though. I saw you had read that book and I remembered unpacking it the other day, so I decided to read it since I knew where it was.
I still have most of my books packed from when I moved in September. But at least the books are packed alphabetically by the authors last name.
Shelf ~ Paranormal Romance
The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones
Finished: 1/29/2017
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
How Fits: Shelved 89 times as paranormal romance
I have to say that this installment definitely took a turn for the better. Even though things are strained in the Davidson -Farrow household I begin to feel a little bad for Charley yes she can be child like but there a fragility to her that beginning to show. I feel like the events with her daughter Beep is really taking its toll on poor Charley. I usually find myself cracking up after I get done reading a Charley Davidson book, however I felt my heart literally breaking and shedding a couple of tears this time round. I mean Charley is still the queen of all things sarcasm but I couldn't help but feel her pain. Overall this installment is very much Charley centered and of course Cookie and the crew are there and are fantastic as usual but a surprising turn of events occurs which I didn't see coming that will leave you speechless. I can't wait to see what's going to happen next
Monica wrote: "Hey Dragana. The weather is cold now. We may get some snow flurries the next couple of days but nothing big. I could use a day off from work though. I saw you had read that book and I remembered ..."
I liked Iron Kissed very much. Just be aware that it's a third book in a series. I hope you have read previous two, because the events continue...
Jennifer H wrote: "Shelf ~ Paranormal RomanceThe Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones
Finished: 1/29/2017
How Fits: Shelved 89 times as paranormal roma..."
My feelings exactly after reading this book. Definitely one of better ones in the series.
Dragana wrote: "Monica wrote: "Hey Dragana. The weather is cold now. We may get some snow flurries the next couple of days but nothing big. I could use a day off from work though. I saw you had read that book an..."
Yes I have read the other two. I almost picked up the next book at the B&N today but I decided to buy
I loved the movie and really wanted to read the book.
Jennifer can you please add your rating to the review for 10th Grave :)
Sorry about that, Sandra. I kinda felt like I forgot something...lol
No worries :)
Thanks for helping Sandra. I didn't even notice the rating was missing.
Better to get it fixed now, rather than when you post for a stamp :)
Completed : Free Space
Spellbound in Seattle - Garthia Anderson
Finished: 1/30/17
Rating: 4 stars
How it Fits: It is on the Best of Stand-Alone Novels #18
Petra Field has just moved to Seattle, a designated Magical-friendly city. Her parents are Wizards but she is completely non-magical. When she is preparing for her housewarming party and a large blood stain appears on the rug she bought for the living room, she knows only a magical cleaning company can help her out. The first wizard can’t remove it and calls their boss who recognizes the rug and the problem. Using a temporary invisibility spell he gets her through the party and then returns to try to solve the problem. The Grand Wizard, Vorador, however, has problems with his magic whenever Petra is around. As they work on trying to discover the crime’s perpetrator some of the backfiring and misguided magic creates some hilarious scenes. I enjoyed this paranormal romantic mystery.
Sounds good Linda, so I've grabbed it :)
And we got Free Space completed. I'm off to request our first stamp. :)FREE SPACE
✔ Linda - Spellbound in Seattle done on 30-Jan ~ review
✔ Jennifer - Midnight Marked done on 20-Jan ~ review
✔ Dragana - Moon Called done on 21-Jan ~ review
✔ Monica - Spirit Level done on 28-Jan ~ review
I'll be reading
6 people tagged it as Guilty Pleasures
I'll be reading
shelved 59 times as Guilty Pleasures.
I'll be reading
It is #1084 on the Guilty Pleasures list
Completed
Zoe Archer for Paranormal RomanceFinished 2/2/17
Rating 4 stars
How it fits: #1006 on the PNR list
Review: Gabriel Huntley has sold out of the military and returned to England. Upon arrival he happened on a 6 on 1 alley fight and tries to help the underdog. He kills 2 and chases off the rest but the underdog, Morris, is fatally wounded. With his dying breath he charges Gabriel to deliver a message to a Franklin Burgess in a Outer Mongolia and gives his compass as an identifier. Gabriel has no plans so he accepts the message and sets off. A when he meets Burgess he discovers him with a broken leg and the message means an immediate trip. He offers to help but is turned down. Burgess daughter, Thalia, will go. Gabriel follows and saves her from attack, then joins the mission. This was not only a paranormal adventure but an interesting look at a people and part of the world I was unfamiliar with in Victorian time. Looking forward to more of the series.
This series is on my TBR for some time Linda. Sounds interesting. I must push it up.
Book: Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Read: 27. Jan. 2017.
Rating: 5 stars
Spot: Paranormal Romance
How it fits: shelved 469 times as Paranormal Romance
After two books you could already call me a slight Mercy Thompson addict, but after Iron Kissed my addiction is a sure thing.
What did I think?
+ All the things I liked about this series are still there: Nicely written. No info dumps. Addictive. Like-able characters.
+ The world building gets more complex, with fae characters and their background and history added to the mix.
++ The love triangle gets finally resolved!!!
+ The ending. Last 20% are so intense and full of emotion...
-? The ending. Did all that s**t really have to happen? :(
Iron Kissed and I will probably will always have a love-hate relationship. It really hit me in the feelz. Why do all the characters I love get to suffer? Is Patricia Briggs related to George R.R. Martin?
An awesome uf series nevertheless. Highly recommended.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
A Great and Terrible Beauty (other topics)Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (other topics)
The Iron Duke (other topics)
Blood Bound (other topics)
Blade Bound (other topics)
More...
I'm going to read first two books from Mercy Thompson series by P.Briggs. One for free space and the other for hunters.
I'll update the master list later when I am home. I am off to hang some chandeliers and stuff (or supervise the handyman that's doing it).