SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R14: Team #19 ~ WinterFell on the 19th
Elaine wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Selection Post: Futuristic
Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb
327 pages
Page 1 of Futuristic"
I enjoye..."
Me too!! They were recommended to me over and over. I've become obsessed with them now.
Completion Post: Mythology
Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor
Read: 28 Feb
Pages: 613
Qualification: page 6 of Popular Mythology Books /show/mythology?page=6
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Great ending to a great series!
Overall I thought this series incorporated a lot of great writing, characters, and plots. The second did drag a bit for me, but I find most middle books do as they try to set everything in place for the conclusion. This book included some new characters and POVs, which also caused it to drag a bit in places. I'm actually a big fan of multiple points of view; especially when it shows how a war or conflict is impacting different types of people. So, while I really liked this aspect, I felt the author spent too much time on individual characters and not enough time moving the story along.
But, when the story did move along, I loved it. You learned more of other worlds, angels, and chimera, how the human world is reacting to angels, enemies becoming friends (and lovers), love and war, etc. In short, it included a lot of things I loved wrapped in a bow of great writing.
I won't go into details pertaining the plot, but will mention romances. I liked Akiva and Karou. And liked how things worked out for them. But, what made the story for me were Zuzana and Mik and (view spoiler). I just loved them so much! And I ended up enjoying their romances a lot more than Akiva/Karou's. Between Mik's three tasks and ring that's maybe antique, maybe silver, but definitely a ring; and (view spoiler) - Akiva/Karou didn't stand a chance.
Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "Victoria wrote: "Sorry, just updated the post with my rating (4 stars). And I finished my mythology book but will write review tomorrow- I'm in New Orleans for Mardi Gras"Ooohhhh. Have fun and do..."
Haha, don't worry, I didn't! And I managed to get beads regardless :)
I just posted my review and should be better about posting things this month since I will start working night shift again and have no crazy vacations coming up.
Well, who am I to say no to another In Death book. I'll read: 
Divided in Death by J.D. RobbPages: 354
Found: page 1 of shelf
Cheryl, we have another Eve/Roarke convert! My teammate (Team #20) Hannah is reading "Naked" for this shelf. Soon, Steph will be the only one who hasn't read it. :)
Lol at how all three of you are reading it
There are quite a few In Deaths being read this round :) Hardly surprising as so many of the books are listed.
Katharine wrote: "Cheryl, we have another Eve/Roarke convert! My teammate (Team #20) Hannah is reading "Naked" for this shelf. Soon, Steph will be the only one who hasn't read it. :)"Whoo hoo!!
Sandra wrote: "There are quite a few In Deaths being read this round :) Hardly surprising as so many of the books are listed."Isn't it grand?
SELECTION POST for Shelf 7
Book: Power Game by Christine Feehan
Pages: 464
Qualification: Pg 92 of Futuristic
Complete Post: Futuristic
Divided in Death by J.D. Robb
Pages:354
Read: 06 Mar 17
Qualification: page one of shelf
Review: 3.5 stars
This wasn't a favorite, but I think it's still an important book to read in the series. The series tends to be very repetitive and predictable; and there are a few books that come off as near identical copies of previous ones. Despite this, I can't seem to stop reading them.
Divided in Death does, however, uncover some new details concerning Eve's father and her childhood. Some of this new information causes an argument between Eve and Roarke, which ends up becoming one of the main plot points. While parts of their fighting got annoying (*sniff, I just hate it when they fight), I loved how everything was resolved in the end.
The mystery itself was also pretty interesting. I still found it fairly predictable and included a majority of the typical In Death tropes and situations (ie. using Roarke's tech skills to solve a case, bunking at the mansion, ultra top secret high-priority case, etc, etc). In short, it sounded very similar to previous books, but in reality had a very interesting (albeit, somewhat predictable) mystery.
I think I'd actually enjoy this series more if I had spread the books out more, so as not to make them seem so repetitive. But, I already started reading #19, so I will just have to wait a bit longer before taking that hiatus.
Shelf 7: FUTURISTICVengeance in Death by J.D. Robb
343 pages
Read: 3.3.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The business of murder took time, patience, skill, and a tolerance for the monotonous.
Eve is contacted by a killer using riddles to find the bodies of his victims. The first victim is dismembered in his home. Eve quickly finds a link between the victims and Roarke. Roarke is once again drawn into the investigation as Summerset is being framed for the murders.
I don't know how much more I can gush about this series. I read this quickly in one sitting and went back a couple of days later to read it again. I love picking up the little nuances and tidbits that are offered thorough out the series. Roarke holding on to Eve's button just makes my hear melt. I enjoy the way that Eve and Roarke can work together, sometimes on opposite sides of the law.
Peabody is really coming into her own. I really appreciate learning something new about her in each book. I missed Feeney but like the addition of McNabb from the EDD team.
Summerset becomes more human in this story and perhaps a bit more likeable. His reaction to Mavis always makes me smile. Learning more about his past helps to understand the man he is today.
Roarke's past gets more and more gritty as time goes on. Somehow that makes me love him more.
I had my suspicions about a link to the murderer fairly early. I just couldn't put it all together until Eve did. Once again Eve puts herself into harm's way in order to protect those she loves.
An excellent suspenseful read that I highly recommend!
COMPLETION POST for Shelf 7: FuturisticBook: Power Game by Christine Feehan
Pages: 464
Read: 3-4-17
Rating & Review ✯✯✯✯✯
This is one of the best books in this series. I have really enjoyed this particular Ghostwalker team because they are really a southern family with Grace Fontenot “Nonny” holding this crew together as the grandmother to all.
This story is Ezekiel “Zeke” Fortunes’ story where he is led to his paired partner Bellisia Adams. If you remember, the insane Doctor Peter Whitney paired his Ghostwalker soldiers with the orphan women intending to create super soldier babies. Bellisia escaped Whitney’s compound and ran to team PJ to warn them of Violet Smythe’s plan against them, and there she found what she didn’t even know she always longed for…family.
This author continues to be so creative and interesting. So Bellisia has Octopus DNA, excellent in water and Ezekiel has the sight of an eagle and sense of smell of a polar bear, which made him an excellent hunter. With the pair by the Doctor Whitney, Zeke and Bellisia were immediately drawn to each other physically. But what the doctor never considered was emotional and mental connections between the pairs.
The author laid a great foundation by developing the characters even entwining the secondary characters very thoroughly. The plot followed the chain of events set by the prior books and continued the narrative of Whitney’s devious plan to produce more super soldiers. There was consistent action, hot romance and touching family moments such as the cooking scene with Nonny that made this story charming. If you have enjoyed the prior installments, you will love this one as one of the strongest in the franchise.
SHELF #8 ~ 3/8: Snarky OR Snarky Heroine STAMP RECEIVED
Book Choices:
✔ Elaine: One for the Money by Janet Evanovich (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: Stuck-Up Suit by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: The Goal by Elle Kennedy (Victoria's Review)
I'm debating between Charley Davidson and Kate Daniels.
CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'mythology'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
~ Sorry for the delay, ladies! ~
Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!
I don't' understand why Mercy Thompson (the new release) isn't on that list :(
Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "I don't' understand why Mercy Thompson (the new release) isn't on that list :("Neither was the last 2 Charley Davidsons :(
SELECTION POST Week 8 ~ Snarky
Book: Stuck-Up Suit by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Page Number: 328
Qualification: page 4 of Snarky
I believe I will go with Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews. It is on page 1 Snarky Heroine and has 308 pages
Moondance wrote: "I believe I will go with Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews. It is on page 1 Snarky Heroine and has 308 pages"I love that book. ❤️
Selection Post: Snarky/Snarky Heroine
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
320 pages
page 1 of Snarky Books
My apologies for the delay on Ceremony in Death...my life got crazy (by my standards, most people would say it is still pretty reasonable, but I digress)...I will have my book read and review posted by early weekend!
Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I believe I will go with Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews. It is on page 1 Snarky Heroine and has 308 pages"I love that book. ❤️"
Oh good! I look forward to reading and/or listening to it. I have it both ways.
Cheryl, how's your mom doing?
Sandra wrote: "Cheryl, how's your mom doing?"She is better. Thank you for asking. She saw a neurologist this week and has started on a medication to help the hallucinations. She also prescribed something for sleep as needed. Mom is sleeping better on her own. Most days she is like herself. It is those days when she slips that are frightening. She does well as long as her schedule doesn't change. My sister is just working part time now so she spends time with her. My nephew drops in on his way home and a neighbor pops in before lunch. That allows me to work with less worry. You are sweet to ask!! Hope you are doing well.
We're fine over here :)So glad to hear she is doing better. The right medication is always a good thing, and the hallucinations can be very frightening to her & everyone around her. Been there & done that with the MIL.
Routine is everything, and she is lucky to have so many people keeping an eye on her :)
I'm trying to find a way to visit a dear friend of mine next month. His parents lived about 20 minutes from me until they moved to be closer to his brother. Now it is about 3 1/2 hours. He lives in Denmark now and winters in Cyprus. He is visiting his parents on his way back to Denmark. I missed him last year because my sister was not well. I really would like to see him this trip. I just don't want to upset mom's routine. I can't decide if I should try to travel with her(she loves him dearly and gets very excited when we Skype) or try to go with a couple of friends and have her stay with my sister. Either one could be problematic. He will be here until mid-May so perhaps I will work it out by then.
Completion Post: Futuristic
Book: Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb
Date: 3-10-17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Throughout 85% of this book, I was convinced it would become my new favorite of the series. And then (view spoiler) Unfortunately, with this event coming so close to the end of the book, I was unable to let it go and dive back into the story that had so utterly hooked me up to that point.
This book has a ton of strengths to its credit including a heart wrenching series of scenes between Feeney and Eve, multiple instances of Roarke's sexiness, a fantastic new character in Jamie, peeling away a few more of Peabody's layers and a truly creepy storyline involving a satanic cult. I was so into this book that the hours simply melted away without me noticing. But as mentioned above, a certain event was, for me, jarring and unsatisfactory. While the ending sequence of events were deftly handled and had a couple of gut-wrenching twists and turns, I was unable to appreciate them as fully as I would have liked.
COMPLETION POST Week 8 ~ Snarky
Book: Stuck-Up Suit by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Page Number: 328
Qualification: page 4 of Snarky
Read: 3/10/17
Rating & Review: ✯✯✯✯.
I enjoyed this story but it was a slow burner.
It was really cute about a guy Graham J. Morgan who accidentally left his cellphone on a train and the woman Soraya who returned it to him. When she brought it to him she decided he was a stuck up jerk and she let him know. Of course he was intrigued and began pursuing her.
I liked their journey as the other really took time to develop their back story. It was well written and interesting. It's a book with flawed characters that were annoying and likable at the same time.
I did find Graham to be a jerk to all others except for a few people. There is no reason to have 42 secretaries in a under 4 years. Losing your mom is not an acceptable excuse to mak treat others. But the way he treats his grandma and the women he loves was definitely loyal, Patrice the and endearing. So the jury is out on how I feel about him. I liked Soraya and her nonconformist ways. She was a good counterbalance to Graham's life drama.
The only thing I missed was grandma's introduction to the young. That would have been a powerful moment in their story. Maybe a 2nd epilogue will give us that part of the story.
I think I will finish off Elle Kennedy's Off Campus series this round. I just love a good snarky character so it was hard difficult pick with so many good choices :)
The Goal by Elle Kennedy
Pages: 350
pg 4 of shelf
Elaine wrote: "Completion Post: FuturisticBook: Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb
Date: 3-10-17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Throughout 85% of this book, ..."
(view spoiler)
Completion Post: Snarky
Book: One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Date: 3-11-17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I read this book some fifteen years ago and fell in love with the world of Stephanie Plum...I devoured the books through to number eight and then never got around to reading others in the series. As it had been so long since I had encountered Stephanie and the gang, I thought I would go back to the beginning with One for the Money. I must say, this particular book didn't thrill me this time around as I remember it doing way back when but it was still an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
Stephanie is desperate for a new job so that she can pay her bills and so she asks a questionable relative Vinnie if she can work for him tracing those who post bond and then fail to appear in court. She needs a big payoff and so takes the challenge of bringing in Joe Morelli, a cop who is thought guilty of killing a man in cold blood and then going on the lam. Stephanie is an entertaining narrator and I enjoy her voice. I also love so many of the characters that we are only barely getting to know in this book including Joe, Ranger, Lulu and Grandma Mazur. While there were plenty of humorous instances in this book, there were also several tense scenes that were important to bringing some much-needed weight to the story. One baddie in particular was down-right scary and really balanced out some of the lunacy that makes this series so much fun. I look forward to revisiting book two soon...
Completion Post: Snarky
The Goal by Elle Kennedy
Pages: 350
pg 4 of shelf
Read: 12 Mar 17
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
The first half of the book runs parallel to The Score, so if you haven't read that yet there will be spoilers.
I really liked how the author wrote the story line alongside of the The Score. It was fun reading them back to back and getting both Tucker and Dean's POVs on each other during that time period. That being said, the book did drag a bit in parts as it spent a little too much time on events that were a primary focal point in The Score.
About halfway through the book finally picks up where The Score left off, with Tucker announcing that he is having a baby with Sabrina.
Moving on the characters; I LOVE Tucker! He was so sweet and understanding. A perfect, hardworking gentleman. He stood by Sabrina every step of the way. Giving her space and time when she needn't it and working hard to help take care of her and the baby. However, while I loved how patient and understanding he was, he was almost too patient. Sabrina takes awhile to decide whether or not she wants to keep the baby and while it was great he didn't pressure her either way, I thought he should have talked to her more about what to do/what needed to be done. If I were Sabrina I would think he didn't give a dam what happened. However, he remained very sweet and supportive throughout the book and once Sabrina decided to keep the baby he insisted on taking a more active role in her and the child's care.
And as much as I loved Tucker, Sabrina was probably my favorite part of the book. Based on her description in the previous books I expected to be introduced to an annoying, bitchy character; instead, she was hard working and fun. However, it was easy to see why some characters, like Dean, considered her a bitch; allowing her previous portrayal to remain true.
One of my favorite aspects of the series is that she is an extremely hard working student who works her ass off to get into Harvard. I loved this because she manages to have a baby and still attend Harvard Law. It would have been so easy for the author to have her give up on Harvard, having her go to a less demanding school so she can get married and raise a baby.
One of the books most poignant scenes to me was a conversation Sabrina had with her advisor. I can't find the exact quote, but essentially Sabrina, who is still unsure about keeping the baby, goes to her advisor to get her opinion on attending Harvard Law while nursing a newborn. The advisor basically said that yes, she can keep and raise her child, while going to Harvard. It would be difficult and she won't graduate at the top of her class, but she can have a baby and graduate from Harvard.
I loved that scene because it illustrated the fact that a woman is capable of pursing her dream while still having and caring for a child. It won't be easy, and she may have to alter some of it, but it can be done. I think it's too easy for an author to choose one, baby or career, or have the character perform some unrealistic accomplishments (ie. have baby and become valedictorian). Tucker was also is able to pursue his dream of starting a business with small changes.
In short, The Goal is a good addition to a good series. It dragged a bit in places, but overall it was a fun and rather excellent college romance.
*yawn* I have to stop writing reviews while half asleep. I'm sure they sound like the ramblings of a mad person
I have listened to and read my Snarky book. I will get the review up this evening. I had a 15 hour day yesterday and couldn't focus on the computer. I also lost a patient yesterday (not in the OR, thank goodness!) and I am really, really sad.
CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'futuristic'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Cheryl, very sad to hear that. Definitely a down side to your job :(
Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!
Sandra wrote: "Cheryl, very sad to hear that. Definitely a down side to your job :("It is, Sandra. This family was told that the baby would die within hours of birth. She would have been 11 in ten days. She was pure joy!
Sandra wrote: "Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!"Thank you!
Shelf 8: SNARKY HEROINEMagic Slays by Ilona Andrews
308 pages
Read: 03.11.17 (audio) 03.12.17 (book)
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The ringing of the phone jerked me from my sleep.
Kate has started her own business after leaving the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid. Business is slow (nonexistent) until the Master of the Dead, Ghastek, requires Kate's aid in stopping an out of control vampire. It seems that magic is failing everyone from the most powerful to the basic user. Andrea, Kate's best friend, becomes the first employee and joins Kate in her quest to stop a madman who could destroy every magical being in Atlanta.
The tag team of Kate and Andrea provides enough snark to keep all but the most harden at bay. Andrea is royally ticked off at the Order for dismissing her after learning of her true self. Kate spends her life being ticked off at multiple parties.
Curran and Kate's relationship becomes more solid in this book. The Pack is learning to accept her as his Mate and their Alpha. Curran places his trust in Kate by having her preside over hearing petitions. Her reasoning and decisions are on point.
A visit with Evdokia reveals insight into Kate's early life. Witch magic is intertwined in her past and buried memories cause both joy and grief. The trip into the woods involves a shape shifting creature that made me smile. The Nightingale Bandit provided some of my favorite exchanges.
Who taught you to shoot, Louis Braille? That arrow missed me by a mile.
There was so much action in this book that it was difficult to put down. Julie runs away from school (again), Kate ends up with bodyguards, Curran is hunting down a rogue render and a misguided genius has discovered how to destroy everything we have come to love in this series.
I listened to this first and found it quite enjoyable to have someone read to me. But I find that I really like to read the printed word and savor it. My imagination seems to provide a better picture for me when I read.
I can't believe that I was not impressed with the first book in this series when I read it years ago. What was I thinking?!? Each book gets better and leaves me wanting more. I rarely give 5 star ratings. The book really has to grab my attention. There is no doubt that this is a true 5 star experience! Now I need to go back and read the first book to see what was wrong with me.
I just started my search. Im.hoping for the next Kate Daniels but haven't found it yet.
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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Shelf #7 ~ 3/1: Futuristic STAMP RECEIVED
Book Choices:
✔ Elaine: Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: Power Game by Christine Feehan (Ezinwanyi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: Divided in Death by J.D. Robb (Victoria's Review )