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Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R14: Team #19 ~ WinterFell on the 19th
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Moondance
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May 05, 2017 06:42PM
Thanks, Sandra!
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Moondance wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "you will enjoy.So each week, we roll, if it lands on book 5, you have to read a book 5 in a series or read whatever is on the alternative list for #5.
I usually do listopias or b..."
Challenge addicted friends have to get other friends to join them (hehehe)
Victoria wrote: "ugh, why is 
on the Owned, Not Read Yet shelf?! That is such a tease!!! I still have to wait till it comes out at the end of the month!!!okay, okay, I'm calm now... ..."
May 30th will be here before you know it. I can't wait
Steph wrote: "CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'available at library' and 'kickass heroine'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good J..."
Thanks Steph and Sandra
We are closer to Bingo now
Shelf 16: OWNED, NOT READ YETMagic to the Bone by Devon Monk
355 pages
Read: 05.06.17
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
It was the morning of my twenty-fifth birthday, and all I wanted was a decent cup of coffee, a hot breakfast, and a couple of hours away from the stink of used magic that seeped through the walls of my apartment building every time it rained.
Allie Beckstrom lives in a world where magic was "discovered" thirty years ago. This opened the possibility for everyone to use magic. Unfortunately, there is a price to pay. Using magic can make you very ill or cause memory loss. Allie is a Hound and can track when people offload magic onto innocent people. She is also the estranged daughter of one of the most powerful men in the magic business. Her father, Daniel, owns a company that is constantly working on devices to make magic more usable and portable. Mama Rossitto lives in North Portland which is a vey sketchy area of town. She takes in boys that have been abandoned. One of Mama's Boys is dying because of a huge offload of magic. Allie detects her father's signature in the mix. Allie approaches her father after a seven year estrangement. Daniel Beckstrom has money and power. He has paid Zayvion Jones to follow Allie and attempt to bring her back to the fold. Allie becomes the prime suspect in her father's death when another Hound scents Allie on he dad.
This book has been recommended to me by various people since it was released. I wanted to fall in love with it. I wanted it to be my new favorite series. Not so much. I appreciated the world building. I liked the characters. I just felt that there was a little something missing. I really liked Allie's best friend, Nola and Cody. Cody is a complex character that I hope to see more of.
Zayvion was an odd study. I felt that I never truly got to see the real Zay. I understand Allie's attraction to him. I just felt that there were way too many trust issues.
I like that Allie has some secrets about magic that make her more well rounded. It made me sad that she had memory loss from pulling magic.
I love the little kitten that is used to control Cody. I hated the Snake Man as much as Cody did and had decided to quit reading if he killed the kitten.
All in all this is a good first book in the series. I will read the next one just to see if it ties up loose ends from this one. It didn't wow me nor did I want to put it down and never return to it. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here .
COMPLETION POST for Shelf 16 ~ 5/3
Book: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Page Number: 544
Qualification: Pg 7 of Owned, Not Read yet
Read: 5/7
Rating & Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ (Loved it)
Mariana Zapata came correct! This book wasn’t even full of angst like I normally prefer. The perfection lay in the way the author subtly developed the character’s relationship. Vanessa Mazur and Aiden Graves barely had a working relationship. Vanessa was Aiden’s personal assistant whom he barely acknowledged even though she was keeping his life operating smoothly while Aiden played professional football.
After Vanessa quit to pursue her own dreams, Aiden convinced her to return to his employ with promises to help her solve her financial dilemma and Vanessa agreed to help Aiden solve his issue regarding residency. The author slowly constructed a friendship, which then developed into a deep affection for one another.
The magic of this tale was that the characters were developed really well and their individual journey of growth converged into a beautiful love story. The author allowed the reader to glimpses into Aiden and Vanessa’s past as they shared the events that molded their characters so I was able to feel their emotions. That’s a sign of awesome writing when the reader is drawn into the story instead of being told. Aiden and Vanessa came from troubled childhood so they both harbored hurts but through connecting with each other, they slowly let go of the pain and found comfort in their life together.
I didn’t really find the story as slow as others did because it was a steady and consistent to me. It didn’t feel long at all, but more like a well marinated and seasoned romance. The icing on the cake was that the sex came at the end of the book. Can you believe it? A book that focused on the mind and heart, without the normal overemphasis of the physical relationship.
I will definitely check out more books by Mariana Zapata because she impressed me.
Victoria,have you chosen a book for the shelf yet?
We are close to Bingo, so I'd like for us for catch up on our shelves :D
Moondance wrote: "Shelf 16: OWNED, NOT READ YETMagic to the Bone by Devon Monk
Rating: 3.5 stars."
I liked this book and even bought book 2 but forgot about the series, I will go back to it now that you have reminded me
Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Shelf 16: OWNED, NOT READ YETMagic to the Bone by Devon Monk
Rating: 3.5 stars."
I liked this book and eve..."
I think I have several more on my bookshelf. I'm reading a couple other things right now but plan to continue with the series. I'm hoping that it will be like Kate Daniels. I didn't go gaga over the first book in the series but now it is one of my favorites!
I can safely say it won't be like Kate Daniels so no need getting your expectation that high.I was thinking more like Rachel Morgan, Cessaria Putney (Downside Ghosts, Cassie Palmer ish heroines
SHELF #17 ~ 5/10: Steampunk Stamp RECEIVED
Book Choices: Stamp Requested
✔ Elaine: Soulless by Gail Carriger (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Dead Iron by Devon Monk (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook (Victoria's Review)
This Steampink shelf sucks! I don't want to read any of these
Selection Post: Steampunk
Soulless by Gail Carriger
357 pages
page 1 of Steampunk
I had downloaded this from my public library just last week...funny how that worked out! Fingers crossed that I will enjoy it!
Hey sorry for the delay, this has been the week from hell. (I had oral surgery and two days later drove up to NYC for the 5 Boro bike tour - 40 miles through the 5 boroughs - where it was freezing and rained and lasted the entire day before I had to drive back to VA where I got sick with a cold) - *phew* sorry for the rant Anyways, at one point I did find time to read The Wall of Winnipeg and Me - I also loved it :) I just finished and will try to get a review up tonight.
Elaine wrote: "Selection Post: SteampunkSoulless by Gail Carriger
357 pages
page 1 of Steampunk
I had downloaded this from my public library just la..."
I love this series! Although her Finishing School Series (Etiquette & Espionage) is probably my favorite. Hope you enjoy it!!
Completed: Owned, Not Read
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Page Number: 673
Qualification: Pg 7 of Owned, Not Read yet
Read: 10 May
Rating: 4 stars - although this may change to 5 - i loved it!
Review:
I've decided I love slow-burn romances.
The story centers around Vanessa who starts off as an assistant to pro football player Aiden. Vanessa quits her job of two years soon after the story begins she is fed up with Aiden's attitude and wants to start-up her own graphic design company. This lasts for about two months until Aiden shows up on her door asking for her to comeback. What ends up happening is her marrying Aiden to solidify his immigration status while he pays off her student loans.
What makes this story work is that the author took her time to really develop their relationship. Vanessa didn't going from hating Aiden to jumping in his bed at the turn of a page. And Aiden didn't make any advances until much later. The author instead took the reader on a day by day journey of their relationship that progressed from estranged boss/assistant, to friends, and finally lovers. I thought it may be boring, but it was anything but. In fact I was gripped throughout all 600+ pages.
I'm not sure what to else to say other than this had a great story and characters; and I can't wait to read more from this author.
I am reading Dead Iron by Devon Monk for Steampunk. I found it on page 1 and it has 357 pages.This is not my favorite shelf. :-\
Not mine either Cheryl. LOL
SELECTION POST for Shelf 17 ~ 5/10
Book: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Page Number: 934
Qualification: Pg 89 of Steampunk
Chunkster!! Wow!!
Ezinwanyi wrote: "SELECTION POST for Shelf 17 ~ 5/10Book: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Page Number: 934
Qualification: Pg 89 of Steampunk"
Oh my!!
Moondance wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "SELECTION POST for Shelf 17 ~ 5/10Book: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Page Number: 934
Qualification: Pg 89 o..."
Is that a good OhMy or a bad one? Please let me know so I can switch books as I haven't started listening yet
Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "SELECTION POST for Shelf 17 ~ 5/10Book: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Page Number: 934
Qual..."
I haven't read it. The oh my was for the page count. I usually reserve Margaret George for that size tome.
Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "SELECTION POST for Shelf 17 ~ 5/10Book: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Page Number: 934
Qual..."
I'm hoping you have it on audio Ezi. I've not read so no idea fi good or bad ....but wow that's long. I hope it's good :)
It's 31 hours and 6 min.It will take some days but a couple of friends recommended it.
Ezinwanyi wrote: "It's 31 hours and 6 min.It will take some days but a couple of friends recommended it."
Enjoy - that would take me way to long for a team challenge even on audio :)
~Melissa~ wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "It's 31 hours and 6 min.It will take some days but a couple of friends recommended it."
Enjoy - that would take me way to long for a team challenge even on audio :)"
Is this your idea of encouragement?
Victoria wrote: "Hey sorry for the delay, this has been the week from hell. (I had oral surgery and two days later drove up to NYC for the 5 Boro bike tour - 40 miles through the 5 boroughs - where it was freezing ..."I hope you feel better. So tell me about the biking
Ezinwanyi wrote: "Victoria wrote: "Hey sorry for the delay, this has been the week from hell. (I had oral surgery and two days later drove up to NYC for the 5 Boro bike tour - 40 miles through the 5 boroughs - where..."Last weekend I participated in an event where I cycled 40 miles through the 5 boroughs of NYC with 33,000 of my closet friends (so many people!). It was really cool, they blocked off a lot of roads and bridges in order to bike car free. The only down side was that there ended up being a lot of gridlocks - again, 33,000 people - as a result there was a lot of standing/walking. And because it was in the 50s I thought it would be okay to wear shorts since I figured I'd warm up after a few miles. But, it never happened. We had to stop so often it was difficult to get warm and then it started to rain so I froze the whole time.
It was still a cool experience, but if I did it again I'd make sure I started in the first wave and wore warmer clothing.
Selection Post: Steampunk
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
Pages: 384
Qualification: page 1 of shelf
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
This is a great fantasy/steampunk story that is almost ruined with its heavy focus on romance.
I'm actually a big fan of romance. I used to only like it as a subplot to a fantasy or mystery, etc. book, but lately I seem to be reading more romance than anything else. That being said, I now love a strong romance story, but there is something to be said about the phrase "less is more."
Brooks developed an amazing fantasy world with steampunk contraptions and a great world history, which heavily influences the current events of the book. Events which include: murder, plots against an entire race and empire, zombies, steampunk inventions, and airship fights. There were a lot of fascinating things in this book, but they were all overshadowed by the explicit romance between Mina and Rhys.
Mina is a great heroine. She had her faults, but for the most part was a rather complex character who has dealt a shitty hand at life, but does her best to overcome and persevere.
Rhys is interesting. I liked him a lot more as the story progressed, but in the beginning, and parts of the middle, he came off as kinda rapey.... I ended up really liking his character and wanted Mina and him to be together, but if he existed in real life I'd be filling sexual harassment charges on Mina's behalf.
Now the problem with the romance wasn't the romance itself, but the sex. All Rhys and Mina thought about once meeting each other was sex. All of their conversations seemed to mention it. And once they finally had sex, that was all they seemed to do from that point forward - and in great detail. Not that I mind a good racy, sex scene, but it was too much. I generally prefer the characters to build up a lot of tension before finally getting together, to make that moment all the more satisfying. Instead of being excited for certain scenes, I was rolling my eyes and wishing it would move on with the plot. I really just want the romance to add to the overall story, not take away from it.
Overall, loved the world, story, and characters (for the most part), but was distracted by it's focus on romance (specifically the MCs obsession with sex). I will definitely continue on with this series and hopefully the following books focus more on the world a storytelling. If not, I'll just have to think of this as a straight up romance novel with explicit sex that just happens to be set in a fantasy world.
Victoria wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Victoria wrote: "Hey sorry for the delay, this has been the week from hell. (I had oral surgery and two days later drove up to NYC for the 5 Boro bike tour - 40 miles through the ..."Wow!
Shelf 17: STEAMPUNKDead Iron by Devon Monk
335 pages
Read: 05.15.17
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
Cedar had stared straight into the killing eyes of rabid wolves, hungry bears, and charging bull elk, but Mrs. Horace Small had them all topped,
Cedar Hunt is a werewolf living in small town of Hallelujah during the age of steam. He is a hunter rather than a deviser and a newcomer that is not welcomed by the townspeople. He steps in to help hunt for a missing boy. Cedar carries a huge amount of guilt in that he thinks he is responsible for his brother's death. A trio of Welsh miners offer to trade him his brother's watch for a striker and a favor. He readily agrees if they have information about the possibility of his brother being alive.
Mae Lindson is a witch that has bound her soul to her husband. She feels his death and joins with Cedar to hunt down the culprits.
Rose is a teenager adopted by the Small family. She is a fae-like creature that hears and feels everything around her.
Set in the old West, this book has more of a paranormal feel to it than true steampunk. There are the wheels, gears and magical machines are there but seem to take a back seat. I have not read much steampunk and really didn't know how to take this book. It felt a bit like several novellas that had a common ground. I struggled through the first quarter of the book trying to find something that held my interest. The names intrigued me. The town of Hallelujah had me alternating between singing and thinking of a community about 40 miles from me called Hallelujah Acres that promotes a plant based, raw food diet.
The increase in the Strange beings felt much more paranormal than steampunk. I enjoyed this portion of the book more than the talk about widgets and tinkering. I think I needed a little more backstory on Cedar and the evolution of steam in the East to make me happy.
An odd read. I'm not sure that I would continue with the series.
CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'owned, not yet read'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Completion Post: Steampunk
Book: Soulless by Gail Carriger
Date: 5-16-17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This book sucked me right in from the very first page! Alexia was such an interesting character who made me laugh out loud more than once! Watching her discombobulate Lord Maccon was also enjoyable...I love that in the beginning she was able to wind him up so well without being aware that she was doing so. I loved even more later on in the book as she realized her "power" over him and began to purposefully keep him off balance.
I loved the world building in this book; preternaturals being soulless, supernaturals having "extra" soul...it was thought provoking and clever. The characters were wide ranging and well developed. Alexia's family were particularly well done even if they were not particularly enjoyable. Her friend Ivy with the lamentable taste in hats but the loyal, steadfast heart was a favorite as were Lord Akeldama (I want to know more about him--he seems like a bit of a dark horse dressed in a peacock's plummage) and Lord Maccon's beta, Professor Lyall.
This book should have been a slam dunk high five with its suck-me-in beginning and hang-on-for-dear-life crazy-paced last quarter but somewhere in the middle I felt that I went from being in the story to watching it from the outside. The plot slowed as various story threads were added or fleshed out in preparation for the phenomenal ending. This left the overall story rather unevenly paced causing my rating to drop to a four. Still strong, but a bit disappointing--if the entire story could have stayed as tightly written as the first and last bits it would have been perfection.
Victoria wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Victoria wrote: "Hey sorry for the delay, this has been the week from hell. (I had oral surgery and two days later drove up to NYC for the 5 Boro bike tour - 40 miles through the ..."Was it for charity? Was it one of those Mud Race? I like to watch those on ESPN. But I am proud of you. I don't have the endurance for that stuff. I would like to.
And you just had a dental procedure. You go girl!
Elaine wrote: "Completion Post: SteampunkBook: Soulless by Gail Carriger
Date: 5-16-17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This book sucked me right in from the ..."
I actually liked this series. It was a different kind of Steampunk
Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!
Sandra wrote: "Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!"Thanks
I am currently on forced downtime. I spent most of the day yesterday in the ED for a GI bleed. I am exhausted. I'm very sure that I have plenty of books for Shifters. I will look for one when I can keep my eyes open.
Sleep Cheryl. I know that's all the hubby wants to do when he's on Stand Down. Cause he's usually exhausted.
Moondance wrote: "I am currently on forced downtime. I spent most of the day yesterday in the ED for a GI bleed. I am exhausted. I'm very sure that I have plenty of books for Shifters. I will look for one when I can..."Aww. That sounds painful. Is it acid reflux.
COMPLETION POST for Shelf 17
Book: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Page Number: 934
Qualification: Pg 89 of Steampunk
Read: 5/15
Rating & Review: ✯✯
Holy cow. I felt every bit of this 31 hour book. It was slowly and methodically developed as all really good fantasy novels are.
At the heart of this story was a young girl discarded from her family because she had a flaw ~ birth defect in her eye. Her parents eloped after her mother fell in love with a man below her station. They had hoped their child would mend those fences and restore them to their respective families.
Unfortunately Phaedre was not born flawless. The disappointed parents gave her away to a group that rehomes (sells) the unwanted. The glorified brothel is where Phaedre met Lord Anafiel and began to learn about her own sexuality. Basically she needed pain with her pleasure.
Instead of the options she got, Phaedre wanted to be trained as the best courtesan/hooker ever. On some level I get that she felt empowered and like she controlled her own destiny. But I felt she devalued herself just as her parents did.
Many more things happened but I lost interest early on and even though the story ended in a cliffhanger, I'm not curious enough to continue.
SHELF #18 ~ 5/17: Shifters Stamp RECEIVED
Book Choices:
✔ Elaine: Without Reservations by J.L. Langley (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: Kiss of a Dragon by Alisa Woods (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Night Broken by Patricia Briggs (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop (Victoria's Review)
Mods Steph and Sandra, I didn't think Team 19 is behind on any shelf.
Ezinwanyi wrote: "Was it for charity? Was it one of those Mud Race? I like to watch those on ESPN. But I am proud of you. I don't have the endurance for that stuff. I would like to.And you just had a dental procedure. You go girl!"
Thanks! And no it wasn't for charity of a mud race, just an annual event hosted in NYC each year.
Moondance wrote: "I am currently on forced downtime. I spent most of the day yesterday in the ED for a GI bleed. I am exhausted. I'm very sure that I have plenty of books for Shifters. I will look for one when I can..."
I hope you get well soon. And don't worry about finding a book, just relax and get some sleep
Elaine wrote: "Completion Post: SteampunkBook: Soulless by Gail Carriger
Date: 5-16-17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This book sucked me right in from the ..."
Glad you liked it! It's such a fun series.
Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I am currently on forced downtime. I spent most of the day yesterday in the ED for a GI bleed. I am exhausted. I'm very sure that I have plenty of books for Shifters. I will look ..."Probably an ulcer that I have aggravated with aspirin and ibuprofen.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Cruel Beauty (other topics)White Cat (other topics)
Shifting Shadows (other topics)
The Iron Duke (other topics)
White Cat (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Rosamund Hodge (other topics)Holly Black (other topics)
Patricia Briggs (other topics)
Meljean Brook (other topics)
Holly Black (other topics)
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