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Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R14: Team #16 ~ Read it and Weep
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Raquel (Rocki)
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Apr 26, 2017 02:28PM
I will be reading
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SELECTION POSTShelf #15 - Kickass Heroine
Sacrificed to the Dragon by Jessie Donovan, 258 pgs
(found on page 82)
Hey ya'll, I've had a good time reading with you but I can't keep up. The baby has been doing so well lately that I've been spending even more time in the hospital and also work as picked up like crazy. I finished my assassins book and will post my review. But my reading has gone down the toiler lately. I'm going to let the mods know I'm not going to complete the challenge. Thanks for being great teammates. If you wanna take a peek at my baby boy, here's a link to my FB page. https://www.facebook.com/danielle.wat...
oh he is just so cute! And thanks for letting us know what is going on.
Aww! He's beautiful, Danielle. No worries about the challenge. Take the time and enjoy every moment :0)
I've finished my At the Library book. Will write a review tomorrow as I'm too tired to concentrate right now.
Shelf #14: Available at Library
Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter (on page 84)
Finished: April 29th
Rating: 4 Stars
Exiled from a religious cult, Nell Ingram lives off the grid and uses her uncanny connection to the woods as protection. Now, after meeting Jane Yellowrock, Nell is approached by Rick LaFleur, an agent with PsyLED, the government agency responsible for policing paranormals, with a request for help in solving a series of abductions possibly connected to Nell's old church. Forced out of isolation, Nell joins the PsyLED team, but in order to stop the malign agenda unfolding, she will have to confront the deepest and darkest fears of her past.
Nell's character is very intriguing due both to her fascinating abilities, which walk a fine line between good and evil, and to her background as a former cult member. The description of the God's Cloud of Glory Church are both thought-provoking and infuriating. On the one hand, their despicable treatment of women makes the blood boil, but on the other, the sense of family and community is very appealing. It is the mark of an excellent storyteller that Hunter succeeds in merging the two so skillfully.
The abduction plot appears straightforward at first, yet it becomes more complex as the details emerge and there are several compelling twists and turns as well as numerous action packed scene to make for a very satisfying read.
In terms of the writing, several reviewers have mentioned Nell's "church speak" as being distracting. For me, this was not an issue as Khristine Hvam's narration of the audiobook in gripping and immersive. Nevertheless, there is a certain amount of repetitive description that is problematic, and it feels as if Hunter had a page quota to fulfill.
In sum, Blood of the Earth is a fascinating beginning to the Soulwood series and I'm eager to see the direction in which Hunter takes her exceedingly intelligent, resourceful and spirited new heroine.
Danielle, Noah is such a little cutie!As Danielle is withdrawing from the game, and we are so close to a Bingo, it is only fair that the 3 remaining players carry on as a 3 person team.
Danielle said she'd post her Assassins review and all stamps following that shelf can be claimed with only 3 reviews.
COMPLETION POSTShelf #15 - Kickass Heroine
Sacrificed to the Dragon
Rating: ★★
Completed: 04/28
Final Thoughts:
Meh. Not sure why this was on the kickass heroine list since she didn't really do anything kickass worthy. This was just okay for me. Nothing great. The narrator of the audiobook did a decent job though.
Shelf: Available at Library
4/30/17
★★★☆☆½
Review:
I give this a solid 3.5 rating. I highly enjoyed this it kept me wanting to know more all the time. The only thing I didn't like is that you didn't know which time line you were reading until you were in the midst of it. I also wanted more from the ending like how it came to happen instead of it just was. I loved the premise that words have other meanings and how to use them. Liked how it proved that love can conquer all it was mild and not prominent until the end. I think one of the reasons why I kept wanting to finish this and read/ listen through it quickly is because I was so confused and wanted to know what was happening and why.
Shelf 12: Series-Finished (Apr. 5)3/3 Complete Stamping
✔Krissy: Dirty Blood 4/09 ★★★☆☆ Review
✔Lauren: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished 4/22 ★★★★☆ Review
✔Raquel: The Mark of Athena 4/15 ★★★★★ Review
Shelf 14: Available at Library (Apr. 19)3/3 Complete Stamping
✔Krissy: My Name Is Lucy Barton 4/24 ★★☆☆☆ Review
✔Lauren: Blood of the Earth 4/29 ★★★★☆ Review
✔Raquel:Lexicon 4/30 ★★★☆☆½ Review
Shelf: AssassinsBook: This Side of the Grave
Date Finished: 4/25
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
Before I get to the story, I'll just put out there that every time Bones spoke (I listened to the audio), I threw up a little in my mouth because the voice and accent was atrocious. Was not sexy and made him sound like a14 year old girl with a deeper than usual voice. It was so weird and such a back directorial decision.
Alright onto the story: I'd say this is the weakest installment of the series. I wasn't really invested in solving the mystery. There was a lot of ununcessary travel to random states. The best part of this one was the side characters. I liked Vlad and Mencheres and others. The voicing of Bones was so distracting that I zoned out of his interactions with Cat.
Thanks ya'll! It's been a long road in the NICU, he'll be six months in a couple of weeks. But I'm hoping to bring him home soon!
I've finished my Assassins book. Will post the review later today.
Shelf: Kickass Heroine
4/30/17
★★★★★
Review:
This book did remind me of Mulan but even better. She didn't even plan to become a boy it just sort of happened since she wanted to learn the truth and this was the only way she saw how. What is it with guy characters named Wolf I really liked him and enjoyed his character. I liked all the guys int he group except Ren at first but he grew on you in the end. That ending as well man why do they always do this to me ending it on a cliff hanger and not just a small one a major one at that. I need the next one, I need to know what happens to Mariko and Wolf. What happens to them all, is Kenshen going to make it through everything and eventually learn the truth. Geez so many questions. I hope the second one will be just as good as this one or even better.
Shelf #13: Assassins
Midnight Rescue by Elle Kennedy
Finished: April 28
Rating: 3 Stars
Rescued from an abusive foster home and raised by an Army Ranger, Abby Sinclair is a ruthless killer with only one rule: Trust no one. But when her assignment in Columbia goes wrong, Abby must put her faith in the team of mercenaries sent in to rescue her. One in particular, Kane Woodland, a former Navy SEAL, forces the beautiful assassin to re-evaluate her priorities, and take the chance that working with others may just be the only way to save herself as well as the girls kidnapped by a sex slaver.
While the story is well-written, the plot action packed and the secondary characters very intriguing, these cannot really compensate for the cold and unlikable heroine and the colorless beta hero.
The author goes out of her way to present Abby as a cold, clinical and unemotional killer incapable of feeling true affection for anyone. Consequently, it is difficult to believe that such a woman would meet a man, feel instant lust and melt into a puddle of undying love at his feet (which is more or less exactly what happens). Moreover, for a trained and skilled operative, Abby makes some really idiotic TSTL decisions.
Kane's hero status is questionable. Yes, he meets all of the physical requirements - tall, muscular, gorgeous and former special forces to boot. However, these do not a hero make, and Kane is under the misconception that helping (i.e., forcing) Abby into sexual situations will "cure" her reluctance and difficulty bonding - not cool!
The secondary characters are much more appealing, especially Trevor and Isabel who have excellent chemistry as well as Jim and Noelle whose past history is very intriguing. The rescue mission storyline is suspenseful with some truly evil villains, and the climax and resolution are gripping.
In sum, the romance requires too much suspension of disbelief and the primary couple are not my cup of tea. Nevertheless, the hints at couples and stories to come are compelling enough to continue with the series.
Shelf 13: Assassins (Apr. 12)4/4 Complete Stamping
✔Krissy: Flee 4/17 ★★★☆☆ Review
✔Danielle: This Side of the Grave 4/25 ★★★☆☆ Review
✔Lauren: Midnight Rescue 4/28 ★★★☆☆ Review
✔Raquel: The Spider 4/23 ★★★☆☆ Review
CONGRATULATIONS, Read it and Weep!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'series finished', 'available at library' and 'assassins'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamps Crying Readers!
I just went through all 100 pages and didn't find anything I was in the mood for :/ I'm just gonna have to pick something short to get it over quickly...
COMPLETION POSTShelf #16 - Owned, Not Read Yet
Bossypants
Rating: ★★★★★
Completed: 5/05
Final Thoughts:
I could listen to Tina Fey tell stories for the rest of my life. I absolutely loved this audiobook!
Shelf: Owned, Not Read Yet
5/09/17
★★★★☆
Review:
They are swept away and thrown into a submarine, its one adventure to the next how much more adventure can these three handle. One of them comes close to calling it quits in more than one way. Some things come together in this one and others have more questions, the three children are learning though they now know they can not just go along to get along. At the end of this book it kind of felt like they were right back at the beginning and I feel it could have kept going or start all over again with the trouble, but like I said I believe they are learning, and hopefully this move helps them rather than hinders them.
I finished my Kickass Heroine book. Will post a review later on this evening.
Shelf #15: Kickass Heroine
Purity in Death by J.D. Robb
Finished: May 10
Rating: 4 Stars
With so many books in the series (#45 will be published in 2017), it is inevitable that certain plot elements will be repeated. Thus, Eve is once again investigating a cyber related crime (similar to Rapture in Death and one that involves a vigilante (as in Judgement in Death). Nevertheless, Robb manages to put new twists on these tropes to keep the reader engaged and the pages turning.
Unlike the previous installment, the character development takes a back seat to the mystery and the intriguing discussion on the moral ambiguity of vigilantism. That said, there are several heart-warming scenes between Peabody and McNab, and a wonderful moment in which Eve realizes that they, along with Feeney, Baxter, Trueheart and even Webster and Summerset, are all part of the family she never thought she would have.
Overall, another satisfying addition to the series and it was good to get an update on Jamie Lindstrom. Hopefully, we will be seeing more of him in the future.
I'm changing my Owned Not Read Yet book toShelf #16: Owned, Not Read Yet
Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter
Shelf 15: Kickass Heroine (Apr. 26)3/3 Complete Stamping
✔Krissy: Sacrificed to the Dragon 4/28 ★★☆☆☆ Review
✔Lauren: Purity in Death 5/10 ★★★★☆ Review
✔Raquel: Flame in the Mist 4/30 ★★★★★ Review
Shelf #16: Owned, Not Read Yet
Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter
Finished: May 16
Rating: 3 Stars
AIR agent in training, Noelle Tremain has her libido and heart set on her instructor, Hector Dean. Unfortunately, Hector is determined to keep Noelle at arms length, literally, as he is unable to control his deadly ability to kill with touch. But when Noelle and Hector are partnered on a case, there will be no escaping the smoldering passion between them.
To begin with, the exact nature and origin of Hector power is never explained. Moreover, his fear that his ability will harm or kill Noelle is understandable, but his repeated rejections, both physical and emotional, undermine the romance as Noelle's determination to have him makes her appear weak and spineless. This is exacerbated by her lack of self-confidence, which her snarky façade never manages to entirely mask.
Speaking of the snark, it is excessive, overdone and ridiculous. It is difficult to take characters seriously when they speak and behave like overgrown teenagers at a frat party.
The plot diverges from the Schön Queen storyline in the last few installments and returns to the alien sex trafficking arc from the first couple of books. This would be not be a problem if the investigation wasn't underdeveloped and slipshod. There is no real build up of suspense and the resolution is rushed and anti-climactic.
In sum, this is a disappointing end to the series as the romance is lackluster and the ongoing story arcs remain unresolved. Hopefully, the first book in the spin-off will provide some closure.
Shelf 16: Owned, Not Read Yet (May 3)3/3 Complete Stamping
✔Krissy: Bossypants 5/05 ★★★★★ Review
✔Lauren: Dark Taste of Rapture 5/16 ★★★☆☆ Review
✔Raquel: The Grim Grotto 5/09 ★★★★☆ Review
CONGRATULATIONS, Read it and Weep!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'kickass heroine' and 'owned, not yet read'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
COMPLETION POSTWeek #17 - Steampunk
Death by Silver
Rating: ★★
Completed: 05/16
Final Thoughts:
This was just okay. Honestly I was a little bored through most of it. The murderer was pretty obvious. Plus the romance was meh. All the steamy bits happened off page so it was difficult to really feel any chemistry between the MCs. We barely got a few kisses on page. The audiobook quality was pretty poor and I wasn't very fond of the narrator. So unfortunately this book wasn't a win for me.
Congrats on the stamps Crying Readers!
I need to change my Shifters book because the library hold on Dead Heat is going to take forever. I will read
instead.
I am switching my steampunk book to
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
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Hunting Ground (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Thea Harrison (other topics)Cate Ashwood (other topics)
Eli Easton (other topics)
Melissa Scott (other topics)
Tina Fey (other topics)
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