SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R14: Team #19 ~ WinterFell on the 19th
Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "I apologize, I'm camping with my family for my kids spring break and thought I'd have wifi. We don't. I borrowed a nice guy's iPhone to post this message. My husband says we'll be back Friday night..."Enjoy!! I'm still looking through the shelf. how can Curran not be a kick ass hero in the book I need to read? Or Reyes or Roarke? Geez!
Moondance wrote: "I finally decided to go with The Undoing 
by Shelly Laurenston. Page 2 of KICK ASS HEROS"
Ooh, I didn't see that one but I really liked The Unleashing...I probably would have still chosen Archangel's Enigma but it would have been a harder choice with much dithering back and forth! Can't wait to hear how you like it...I might have to move it up my TBR!
Elaine wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I finally decided to go with The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston. Page 2 of KICK ASS HEROS"
Ooh, I didn't see that o..."
I have the book and the audio. I need to be in the car for about 4 hours later today but my mom and sister will be with me. I'm not sure if they want to listen to it!
Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "I apologize, I'm camping with my family for my kids spring break and thought I'd have wifi. We don't. I borrowed a nice guy's iPhone to post this message. My husband says we'll be back Friday night..."Hope you have/had fun!
Shelf #9 ~ 3/15: Kickass Hero Stamp Received
Book Choices:
✔ Elaine: Archangel's Enigma by Nalini Singh (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs (Victoria's Review)
SELECTION POST Week 9 ~ Kick Ass Hero
Book: Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs
Page Number: 352
Qualification: page 4 of Kickass Hero
Completion Post: Week 9 - Kickass Hero
Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs
Read: 19 Mar
Pages: 371
Qualification: page 5 of Kickass Hero Shelf
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I loved this one!
The story begins at a fast pace with Mercy being kidnapped and taken to Italy by Bonarata, the Lord of Night and worlds most powerful vampire. Alone and cut off from everyone, Mercy solidifies her place as a "kick-ass heroine" as she immediately manages to escape and make her way to Prague with nothing but her wits and coyote fur. Naturally Mercy finds herself dealing with foreign werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and even a golem; causing chaos along the way. In fact, several characters comment on how often Mercy seems to do this; a product of being Coyotes progeny.
While Mercy is on her solo journey to cause chaos in Prague, Adam goes to Italy with Marsillia, Stefan, Honey, Larry the Goblin, Elizaveta, another goblin, and a submissive werewolf named Matt Smith (who is not The Doctor) to negotiate with Bonarata. I loved both the interactions of this eclectic group and reading from Adam's point of view. His story line was particularity interesting because he couldn't just fly to Europe and fight/kill Bonarata. The vampires death would have caused an international fallout and possible war so Adam had to fight his basic instinct to kill Bonarata; who happens to be an awesome vampire/villain.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is how Briggs entwines fae, vampire, werewolf and human politics, both international and domestic, into the story. She manages to add a complexity to the series without developing a confusing plot.
But don't worry, there are still some great fight scenes.
It's a great story with a good pace and plot and may be one of my favorites. Already I really need to reread the series to say for certain. But, the fact that it's this good at book #10, gives me high hopes for the continuation of the series.
(view spoiler)
Victoria wrote: "Compeletion Post: Week 9 - Kickass HeroRead: 19 Mar
Pages: 371
Qualification: page 5 of Kickass Hero Shelf
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I loved this one!
The story begins at a fast pace with Mercy be..."
Victoria,
Can you add your book title and author?
Thanks
Ezi, just beat me to it :D
That's weird, I must have accidentally deleted it. But, it's fixed now.
Victoria wrote: "That's weird, I must have accidentally deleted it. But, it's fixed now."LOL. I enjoyed that book as well. I will write me review tomorrow.
CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'snarky'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Completion Post: Kickass Hero
Book: Archangel's Enigma by Nalini Singh
Date: 3-21-17
Rating: 5 stars!
Review: Oh, how I love Naasir!!!!!!! I was so worried that no heroine would be worthy of him as he is just so wonderful and unique and utterly mysterious (all while being oh-so-lovable)! Who could live up to my expectations? Well, I am pleased as punch to be able to say that Andromeda did to the point that she exceeded them and I began to worry that Naasir might somehow let her, and by extension, me down at some point in the story...
I have read some amazing couples by some incredibly talented authors, Nalini Singh very notably among them, but this pairing rates as one of the best. Andromeda and Naasir not only balanced each other out beautifully when it came to strengths and weaknesses, but transcended that by being the perfect panacea to each others' hurts both past and present. This book is jam-packed with events that move the overall arc of the series forward in exciting (and scary) new directions, but not once did I ever feel that Naasir and Andromeda's relationship wasn't front and center. Even in the midst of danger, especially in the midst of danger, the bond between Naasir and Andromeda deepened and showcased the multiple ways and reasons that their partnership (for it truly is a beautiful example of a true and balanced partnership between equals) made them stronger and truer together.
Nothing about the coming together of Andromeda and Naasir was simple; achieving a happy-ever-after was beyond complicated. And yet. The melding together of hearts and minds, the construction of a trust that was able to withstand countless tests from multiple directions all seemed effortless. It wasn't that both Naasir and Andromeda didn't work at their relationship; they did. Both had preconceived notions to get past. Misunderstandings happened. But when shown the error of their thinking, they both acknowledged their mistakes and when necessary, made amends. It was beautiful to watch their journey to their very much deserved (and at times, very much in question as whether it would actually happen) HEA.
I would have loved this book for Naasir and Andromeda alone, but I was given the bonus of amazing continued world-building with some real curve balls thrown in to make me exceedingly curious about future installments to the series. With Lijuan continuing to evolve in frightening ways (but also shown in a newly vulnerable way which makes her current abilities all the more terrifying. If she is capable of this while so weakened, what is to come when she is full strength?!?) and the Cascade continuing to threaten continued chaos, the tension is palpable.
A new Ancient in introduced in this entry, one who is Asleep which should protect him but he is in danger from Lijuan who is refusing to acknowledge anything that stands in the way of her twisted desire for power. She is willing to break any and all sacred trusts in order to gain her way. When Naasir and Andromeda find themselves squarely in Lijuans way, the plot thickened and my spine tingled more than once! Characters new and old, friend and foe were expanded upon and more than once a simple sentence or event took a character from "good guy"/"bad guy" to complicated and/or empathetic. At times my change in perspective was disconcerting as certain characters would have been much more comfortable for me without the "shades of gray" as it were.
Overall, I loved this book so much for so many reasons. Naasir and Andromeda were unquestioningly the largest among those reasons, but the exquisite and unapologetic complications of an already complicated situations in a complex world were undoubtedly another. And the oh-so-tantalizing story line regarding my beloved Bluebell? Oh, my heart aches!! (And please tell me someone else would love to see Illium and Aodhan paired together? There is something so pure about their love for each other!)
I am so glad I have one more book in the series ready to read and that the wait for Archangel's Viper isn't too long (although I am sure it will feel interminable!)
Moondance wrote: "Thank you, Steph!"Thanks Steph and I'm sure Sandra is close behind
Yep, here I am :)Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!
Shelf 9: KICK ASS HEROThe Undoing by Shelly Laurenston
400 pages
Read: 03.19.17
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
He packed more dirt on her body.
Jace Berisha is murdered by her cult leader husband and becomes one of Skuld's Crows when she is offered a second life. Skuld also bestowed Jace with the gift of being a berserker.
Ski Eriksen is a Tyr Protector in need of a translator and hires Jace. Jace simply wants to be left alone with the books in peace and quiet. The Brother Protectors are fascinated by her and hover around the library much to her dismay.
The Crows and Ravens must work together to find the god Gulliveg to prevent Ragnarok. Entertainment agent, Betty, is still in a coma from her fall in the last book. her assistant has taken over the agency and could be the link the Crows are looking for.
I really enjoyed this book! The Norse mythology makes me think because I am not as familiar with it as say Celtic mythology. The addition of the Protectors to the story is like bringing in the nerds to a frat party. They are such intelligent men that have little faith in the Ravens. Bear is my favorite Protector.
The Crows are well represented by Erin and Kera. Their constant bickering is a hoot! I love how Erin plays with Kera over her initiation party. I liked that the bond of the Crows grows stronger in this book and the women prove how much they protect their own.
Keria and Sig's relationship continues although the focus is on Jace and Ski. Ski is the perfect compliment to Jace and so very different from her ex-husband, the Prophet.
Jace's grandmother is a force to be reckoned with. She taught Jace languages as a child that have allowed her to pick up many different dialects as an adult. Her translations are a big part of the storyline.
And who couldn't love the dogs and the cat? Kera's Brodie and Jace's Lev provide entertainment to all. Ski's cat Salka is the ultimate feline.
The showdown between good and evil is well played. I'm very interested to see where the next book will take us.
I started this book around 11pm one evening with the intention of reading a few chapters before bed. I finished it somewhere around 4am. It caught my interest and I had to see what happened next. A good solid read!
Cheryl, you made me want to re-read it!
Sandra wrote: "Cheryl, you made me want to re-read it!"I really enjoyed it!! I'll probably re-read it too.
Shelf 10: NEXT IN SERIESMagic Rises by Ilona Andrews
327 pages
Page 5 of shelf
I already hear the gasps that I didn't pick an In Death book. 8-)
Nah, you picked a Kate book!!!!
Sandra wrote: "Nah, you picked a Kate book!!!!"seriously, LOL, you picked a really good Kate book at that!
BTW,Team, your reviews for this last round kicked ass. I enjoyed the detail and sheer enthusiasm you poured into writing those
COMPLETION POST Week 9 ~ Kickass Hero
Book: Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs
Page Number: 352
Read 3/20
Rating & Review: ✯✯✯¾
My goodness. I was sooo happy to have Vampires instead of Fae in this book. Marsilla and Stefan are some of my favorite characters in this series, so I was ready for whatever mischief they had up their sleeves.
This time it was more of Wulf and his sort of Lord Bonarata kidnapping Mercy and taking her to Europe.
Most of the book was Adam's pack working with Marsilla's seethe to rescue Mercy. So I didn't get much Stefan and Mercy interaction or even Adam interacting with his wife.
So I was tad disappointed with this one, but it is a step in the right direction.
Shelf #10 ~ 3/22: Next In Series Stamp Received
Book Choices:
✔ Elaine: Archangel's Heart by Nalini Singh (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs (Victoria's Review)
Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "BTW,Team, your reviews for this last round kicked ass. I enjoyed the detail and sheer enthusiasm you poured into writing those"
Thanks Ezi! I am loving our team!!
CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'kickass hero'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamp Winterfell!
Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "BTW,Team, your reviews for this last round kicked ass. I enjoyed the detail and sheer enthusiasm you poured into writing those"
The great reviews are making me add even more books to my tbr =)
I'm thinking of reading A Conjuring of Light for this round, but it's dependent on whether or nor I pick it up from the store this afternoon. Regardless I post my selection before later today.
Thank you for the stamp!!My TBR pile grows higher every day!
LOL
I never did come back with a selection for this round. I'm still going to put down A Conjuring of Light even though I have yet to acquire the actual book. I've gotten distracted with a Mercy Thompson re-read so if I take too long with it I'll just go with a Mercy book instead - pretty sure I read one re-read was allowed. Selection Post
A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab
pg 2 of shelf
624 pages
Hey Team, I will be traveling through to the 2nd of April so my checking in will be sporadic at best...I will have my next in series review and whatever this next week's selection post in as soon as I can on Monday the 3rd.
Elaine wrote: "Hey Team, I will be traveling through to the 2nd of April so my checking in will be sporadic at best...I will have my next in series review and whatever this next week's selection post in as soon a..."I hope it pleasurable travel. Enjoy!
Elaine wrote: "Hey Team, I will be traveling through to the 2nd of April so my checking in will be sporadic at best...I will have my next in series review and whatever this next week's selection post in as soon a..."Have fun!!!
SELECTION POST Week 10 ~ Next in Series
Book: Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole
Page Number: 320
Qualification: page 60 of Next in Series: Next In Series
SHELF #11 ~ 3/29: 5 Stars Stamp Requested
Book Choices:
✔ Elaine: Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh (Elaine's review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: Bully by Penelope Douglas (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett (Victoria's review)
SELECTION POST Week 11 ~ 5-Star Reads Series
Book: Bully by Penelope Douglas
Page Number: 288
Qualification: page 4 of 5-Star Reads
Umm, Ez why would you have Snarky in your mini master post - you already have that stamp?
Sandra wrote: "Umm, Ez why would you have Snarky in your mini master post - you already have that stamp?"Because I'm crazy, lol!
No, It was a typo. Thanks for publicly shaming me
I can always delete it. LOL.
I'm trying to decide between Holiday in Death and Marked in Flesh. I haven't had a chance to look at the shelf to see where they are. I'm hoping tomorrow is a short day and I can get caught up.
Sandra wrote: "I can always delete it. LOL."Don't worry, I have confessed and the High Sparrow has granted me grace (LOL)!
I think I will change my choice because my lisa kleypas book is on hold for 16 days :(
Moondance wrote: "I'm trying to decide between Holiday in Death and Marked in Flesh. I haven't had a chance to look at the shelf to see where they are. I'm hoping tomorrow is a short da..."Cheryl, they are both on the 5 stars list - no need to know whereabouts, just that they are on it. :)
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)
More...
Sorry I didn't mention it but I didn't think I'd be missing in action