SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R14: Team #19 ~ WinterFell on the 19th
CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'steampunk'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
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I am reading Night Broken by Patricia Briggs for Shifters. I found it on page 6 of the list and it has 341 pages.
Completion Post: Shifters
Book: Without Reservations by J.L. Langley
Date: 5-18-17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I love this book! Chay is a werewolf who has dreamed of finding his mate since he was four years old. When said mate appears, he is slightly taken aback by the fact that his mate is male; Chay has never been attracted to men before. However, rather than let this be a point of contention, he acknowledges his interest in and attraction to his mate and is all in when it comes to getting to know him and (hopefully) committing to a relationship.
Humorously, his mate, Keaton (affectionately called Little Bit by Chay) is the one with the chip on his shoulder. He spend years in a relationship with a man who refused to admit to being gay and Keaton is NOT going there again. Before Chay can explain that he is open to a same-sex relationship, Keaton has written him off. Chay isn't about to make it that easy though and continues to insinuate himself into Keaton's life. Two stubborn men going head to head...fortunately this doesn't last too long as both characters, gasp!!, have grown-up conversations and actually express their thoughts and opinions while listening to the other's ideas.
Thus, Keaton and Chay are soon two men falling in love with each other, moving in together and adopting a cutie-patootie puppy. While this happens faster than I normally would like, they still put in enough time and work that I was able to go with it. Luckily they have each other as Keaton is estranged from his family and Chay's close friends and relatives aren't very supportive when they find out his mate is a man.
Add in a story line in which an unknown wolf is threatening Keaton and things get hectic in the best of ways. Nothing was too rushed and no story line was neglected...rather all of them moved forward in such a way as to keep my interest glued to the page. Everything in this book is wrapped up in a glittery, pretty bow. Strained relationships are healed, the bad guy is apprehended and Chay and Keaton's HEA is cemented.
JL Langley writes fun characters...while none can compete with Chay and Keaton (which I appreciate, I don't like my main characters to pale in comparison to secondaries) many lived up to them...Chay's father was a particular favorite as were Remi and Jake who will be the focus of the next series entry. Pita, the puppy, was also quite enjoyable. All in all, this was a great read and I look forward to enjoying the rest of the series...
I can't tell what I want to read. I'll choose tomorrow
SELECTION POST for Shelf 18 ~ 5/17
Book: Kiss of a Dragon by Alisa Woods
Page Number: 280
Qualification: Pg 63 of ShapeShifters
COMPLETION POST for Shelf 18 ~ ShapeShifters
Book: Kiss of a Dragon by Alisa Woods
Page Number: 280
Read: 5/22
Rating & Review: ✯✯✯
I like this one and it has potential. It features a dragon shifter who needs to find a mate and have a dragonling to keep his line going or he will die. Lucian of House Smoke is the oldest of triplet dragons as well as the leader who rescues a human lawyer named Arabella.
Lucian begins to court Arabella but he doesn't want to love her. He just wants someone who loves him and has his young (*roll my eyes). Arabella doesn't just want to be a baby mama, she wants to belong to someone and she doesn't want to settle.
The writing could use some tightening up as well as better development. But the characters intrigued me enough to want to continue with the series. This book does end in cliffhanger so I got book 2 already.
Shelf 18: SHIFTERSNight Broken by Patricia Briggs
341 pages
Read: 05.20.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The phone rang while I was elbow-deep in sudsy dishwater.
Adam's ex-wife, Christy, is being stalked. She is invited to the pack house for protection and so begins a whole boatload of trouble for Mercy and company.
Christy is a self absorbed, attention gathering woman who thinks only of herself. I wanted to smack her so many times through out this book and applauded Mercy for not. I don't think I would have the patience to deal with her. Her self centered need for attention brings her in contact with a god of massive power. He becomes so fixated on Christy that he will kill anything in his way to get to her.
I didn't think that Mercy could outdo the battle with the River god from River Marked but the battle in the garage was epic. Tad has unknown talents that were amazing to see. And Adam is just about the baddest werewolf around. I tend to cringe whenever something bad comes to the garage. Mercy has had enough trauma there.
I am so glad that Mercy and Adam have such a strong bond and Christy's pettiness could not come between them. I am waiting for the entire pack to accept her as Adam's mate. Their relationship is so good and I love their moments together.
Gary Laughingdog and Coyote bring a new dimension to the story. The Trickster is never to be trusted and tends to talk in circles. Mercy needs the walking stick back from him for a Grey Lord. His method to return it involves tales and more history involving Mercy and Gary. Gary is a wild card. He is Mercy's half brother that has manipulated by Coyote. I'm interested in where his storyline will go.
The final battle pulled the pack together. I was afraid to turn the page because I was so afraid of what might happen. The ending left me wanting to dive into the next book immediately.
This is one on my favorite series and I recommend it highly.
Moondance wrote: "Shelf 18: SHIFTERSNight Broken by Patricia Briggs
341 pages
Read: 05.20.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The phone rang while I was e..."
I love the Mercy Stories with the Vampires the best. But those werewolves didn't treat Mercy well
Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Shelf 18: SHIFTERSNight Broken by Patricia Briggs
341 pages
Read: 05.20.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The phone ..."
I get frustrated with the wolves.
Moondance wrote: "Shelf 18: SHIFTERSNight Broken by Patricia Briggs
341 pages
Read: 05.20.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The phone rang while I was e..."
This has one of my FAVORITE fight scenes! I also loved it when the wolves were watching the footage of the fight.
I don't think I will finish my shifter book today, but I should have a review up tomorrow. (So long as people stop bothering me!) =)
Victoria wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Shelf 18: SHIFTERSNight Broken by Patricia Briggs
341 pages
Read: 05.20.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The phone ..."
I know! It made me wish I could watch the play by play.
SHELF #19 ~ 5/24: Fae
Book Choices:
✔ Elaine: Guardian's Mate by Jennifer Ashley (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: Wicked Abyss by Kresley Cole (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs (Victoria's Review)
I'm sticking with Mercy for FAE and reading Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs. I found it on page three of the list and it has 342 pages.
Victoria wrote: "I don't think I will finish my shifter book today, but I should have a review up tomorrow. (So long as people stop bothering me!) =)"That's cool. Don't forget to decide on you Fae book too
Murder of Crows took me a little longer than I expected and I only finished it last night and now I can't think of what to write for my review! I swear my brain hasn't functioned all day. Perhaps I'll drink more coffee...Anyways, for Fae I'm thinking of reading:
Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs
Pages: 450
Qual: page 3 of shelf
but, i'm not fully committed to it. I might switch to a dresden book instead... Will let you know if I change my mind.
Completion Post: Shifters
Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
Pages: 369
Qual: page 2 of shelf
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
I'm really loving this series.
The world building alone is phenomenal and loved learning more about the Others; particularly their history and interactions with the humans. There is even more tension between the humans and Others near the Lakeside Courtyard based off of the chaos in the last book. And the Humans First and Last movement are causing uprising across the continent - forcing the Others to act. However, the main plot focuses on how some humans are using the Cassandra Sangue, including using their blood as poison.
Despite all the strife between humans and Others, the Lakeside police force and Courtyard are forming stronger bonds that I imagine will lead to a new, progressive world. We also learn how some humans who have been persecuted by others of their race are protected by the Others.
I just love the dynamics and politics between the Others and the humans. I also loved how the relationship between Meg and Simon is developing. They are both amazing characters and I want them to be together!
*I don't know why, but I had a really hard time writing this review. I loved the book, just couldn't think of anything to say.
Victoria wrote: "Completion Post: ShiftersMurder of Crows by Anne Bishop
Pages: 369
Qual: page 2 of shelf
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
I'm really ..."
Great review
SELECTION POST for Shelf 19 ~ Fae (5/24)
Book: Wicked Abyss by Kresley Cole
Page Number: 400
Qualification: Page 9
CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'shifters'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!
Thanks Steph & Sandra I think we are one away from Bingo, correct?
I need to get my Fae review in. I've been reading but haven't felt like sitting at the computer to do reviews. I go back to work tomorrow. First day back after 2 weeks. Hopefully I can get to the computer tomorrow evening.
COMPLETION POST for Shelf 19 ~ Fae (5/24)
Book: Wicked Abyss by Kresley Cole
Page Number: 400
Read: 5/28
Rating & Review: ✯✯✯
Abyssian “Sian” Infernas rules hell as he waits for the reincarnation of the woman he loved...the woman who betrayed Him. Now she has returned has the Fae Princess Calliope “Lila” Barbot.
She in the other hand doesn't remember him nor what she did to him. She came to hell to win his trust since her people, the Fae, are petrified of his powe. They sent her to try and learn his secrets so they can find a way to neutralize Sian.
This begins a game of cat and mouse as Sian and Lila try to beat the other Using seduction.
I almost DNF'd this book. I literally put it down after every few chapters. It was boring and I felt like I've read this story so many times. In fact, it was really similar to Malkolm's story in Demon from the Dark. I did enjoy the second half more. The Story got into a flow and I stopped comparing it. I preferred Book 10 of this series but I did end up liking the story more.
Shelf 19: FAEFire Touched by Patricia Briggs
Read: 05.26.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I sat up in bed, a feeling of urgency gripping my stomach in iron claws.
Fire Touched starts off with a bang. Mercy and the wolves are called on to tackle a troll that is terrorizing a bridge leading into the Tri-Cities. This is not the wee troll of Billy Goat Gruff. This is a huge troll that is bent on killing everything in his path. Mercy invokes the word of the pack to protect a fae entity when Adam is hurt by the troll. This has grave consequences from the Marrok.
Mercy certainly can get into massive trouble. This book opens about seven weeks following Night Broken. Mercy invites a fire touched fae known as Aiden into their home. He appears to be a 10 year old boy but has obviously lived far beyond that age. He has escaped from the reservation along with Tad and Zee. Aiden is able to calm Joel even in his altered body and helps him remain human longer.
Adam is forced to declare an ultimatum to his pack. It's about time that he truly stepped up to defend and protect Mercy. I really appreciate how much he loves her and would do anything personally for her so it's good to know that goes for the pack as well.
The ever returning walking stick is back from the Grey Lord. It seems to have a permanent homing device to Mercy. The walking stick comes in handy when a possible all out war with the fae is inevitable.
This series gets better with each book. I had allowed a couple of years to go by between books and I'm glad that I picked them back up. At least at this rate I don't have to wait for a book to be released. Mercy and Adam are one of my all time favorite couples. I like that they can just be themselves with each other. Zee is another favorite along with Uncle Mike. The fae are an interesting group and you never know quite how to take them. The vampire and fae storyline was intriguing. I am looking forward to continuing as soon as possible.
Completion Post: Fae
Guardian's Mate by Jennifer Ashley
Date: 5-31-17
Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars
Review: Once upon a time a Little Wolf met a Big Ass Bear...and then things got really crazy!!
I loved this entry in the Shifters Unbound series! Rae has just been selected by the Goddess to be her Montana Shiftertown's newest Guardian. As there has never been a female Guardian before, this is met with large amounts of skepticism by many. Rae herself is in the dark as to why she has been chosen; when her adoptive father suggests she get training, she knows it is her best bet. Enter Zander, one of my favorite characters since he has been introduced into the series (he ranks up there with Tiger!). Zander is one of those great character's that is irreverent, crazy, mysterious but oh-so-lovable. Not quite a tortured hero, but close. I worried about him finding a mate worthy of him, a worry that I am happy to say was not needed at all. Rae is the PERFECT match for Zander!
There is so very much going on in this book as it is being used to foreshadow big changes in the world that Jennifer Ashley has created...I will readily admit, I am worried about the impending darkness and can only hope the more amazing characters like Rae and Zander will surface to provide hope and levity in future installments. But back to this book...so very much happened in this book!! It was wall to wall action and yet the focus very much stayed tight on the developing romance between Rae and Zander. I am not sure how Jennifer Ashley is able to do that--provide so many different plot points (and problems! I really wasn't sure it would/could all be wrapped up towards the end) along with a really great romance without slighting either one. And as an added bonus, we got to visit lots of previous characters who I love while also meeting some new ones who really added to the depth of the story line. I want to know more about Miles! And I hope this is not the last time we visit the Montana shiftertown.
This review is rather scattered but I can't go into much depth without spoilers and really, if you haven't started this series you need to...but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. I promise this book is worth the wait!!
Moondance wrote: "I need to get my Fae review in. I've been reading but haven't felt like sitting at the computer to do reviews. I go back to work tomorrow. First day back after 2 weeks. Hopefully I can get to the c..."I also haven't felt like writing reviews. I just finished my book so hopefully I'll write one tonight (realistically, tomorrow), but once more I haven't been able to think of what to write!
Victoria wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I need to get my Fae review in. I've been reading but haven't felt like sitting at the computer to do reviews. I go back to work tomorrow. First day back after 2 weeks. Hopefully ..."I enjoy your reviews! Sometimes I feel like I am just meandering around the subject.
Logan wrote: "Looks like Teams 8, 4, and 14 have a winning shelf this week."
SHELF #20 ~ 5/31: Series to Start
Book Choices:
Elaine: The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook (Elaine's Review)
Ezinwanyi: Very Bad Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills (Ezi's Review)
Moondance: White Cat by Holly Black
SELECTION POST for Shelf 20 ~ (5/31)
Book: Very Bad Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Page Number: 394
Qualification: Page 60 of Series to Start/a>
I'm debating between a couple. I'll commit tomorrow after I see if one works better for another challenge.
Wow! I understand that Team 8 has requested their stamp for Bingo. This has been a great game. I've enjoyed getting to know all of you. I will most likely go ahead with my book selection and review just to finish off the theme. OCD..Ezi thank you for keeping us all together. You have been a great captain. I look forward to playing with all of you again soon.
I going to go ahead and read White Cat by Holly Black for Series to Start just to finish up the round. It is on page 2 of the list and has 310 pages.
Ezinwanyi wrote: "I congratulated Team 8 on our behalf"Thank you!
Completion Post: Series to Start
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
Date: 6-1-17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a great book with lots of action and a great romance...eventually. Mina is a fantastic character--smart and capable but with lots of problems both big and small that she has to deal with. One of the newest problems is the attention of the Iron Duke, a man who can derail her career and if she isn't careful, her life.
Rhys is an interesting character who I didn't completely like at first, but he definitely grew on me as the plot advanced. I felt like both he and Mina had great character growth throughout the book and I appreciated how they both had to change their views about each other and their places in the world.
Speaking of their world, the world building was superb and very detailed (on a side note - I would NOT want to live there!!!!)...the history of how this world came to be was difficult to read about at times (and honestly, I don't know that I fully comprehended all of it) but it was riveting at the same time.
Overall the story did not take the path I expected but it was wonderful nonetheless. Definitely a story where the happy ending was hard earned. I cannot decide if I want to read book two or not. Archimedes intrigues me, but Yasmeen was a difficult character for me to like in this one...
On a different note, Thank you to each of you for making my first round of Bingo such a wonderful experience! You all are amazing ladies and I very much enjoyed my time with you (and my TBR grew a lot based on your reviews!).
Completion Post: Fae
Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs
Pages: 450
Qual: page 3 of shelf
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I can never get enough of Mercy and her world.
It doesn't compare in the slightest to the actual series books, but it is a fun read nonetheless. I like reading about stories that happen in between books. Briggs alludes to many side stories in her novels that just aren't important enough to make their way into the actual series that it is great to finally read them.
I was most excited to read "Roses in Winter," which follows Kara, the young, female werewolf introduced in Blood Bound, who is sent to the Marroks pack. Her story intrigued me so much that I've searched for it's continuation in all subsequent books and it was great to finally learn what happened to her.
And while I love reading and learning more about other characters, I wish there were more Mercy stories. In the end, she is my favorite character to read about so I would have liked to have had a few more stories featuring her, but I still really enjoyed all the stories that were told.
Now I'll just have to find something else to tide me over until the next Mercy/Alpha &Omega book.
Shelf 20: SERIES TO STARTWhite Cat by Holly Black
Read: 06.03.17
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I wake up barefoot, standing on cold slate tiles.
Cassel Sharpe is an outsider in his family. Everyone is a curse worker except him. A sleepwalking episode sends him home from hid exclusive school and he begins to learn more about himself. Cassel has always been able to lie and con others but is surprised by his true gift which his brothers have made him forget. Three years ago Cassel killed his best friend, Lila but doesn't remember why. Things become much clearer to him during his first few days back with his family.
This was a very odd book for me. It took over half the book for me to connect with Cassel. He is not a very likeable character. His family is even worse. Their ties with mobsters and other criminals made it difficult for me to relate.
The biggest theme of the story is betrayal. Although the brothers constantly remind each other that family is everything they all stab each other in the back.
The first three quarters of the book was slow. Family history and world building meandered and I often had to reread parts when I put the book down and came back. The last quarter of the story revealed why so many people rate this at 5 stars. For me it was a little too late. I may read the next book just to see where the story goes but it is not high on my list at the moment.
CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'fae'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!
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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Agreed