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R9: Team Fast and Furious Page Turners (2) **Winning Team**
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Runell
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Jun 22, 2017 01:13PM
I'm almost finished with my book and I'm aware of the midnight deadline. :)
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This little old book is one of my most fond possessions that I have owned since I came upon the little table of "free books" outside my elementary school library when I was in fifth grade; I am now twenty-two. It's a hardback with no dust jacket, the picture just there on the book itself, and it was this sweet, but simple picture that had caught my little eleven-year-old heart and I decided that I'd take it.
I'm glad I did because it was one that I loved and have remembered loving all these years and one that a little over a decade later that I decided it was finally time for a reread.
Upon rereading, I've decided that for a children's book meant for children around the age that I had first found it, but having been written in the late to 60s, it is rather adult in some of the themes such alcoholism, mental illness (though you're not really sure what of) and teenage pregnancy, with the latter just briefly implied, but still there. It also seems that the book takes place much earlier on in the century, though it was around the late 50s to mid 60s that this book is presumably occurring in (the book follows the main character, Julie, from the time that she is seven-years-old to when she graduates high school at seventeen). I'm not sure if this was intended to show how small of a little place that Julie lived in (so small that she went to school in a one room school building that her spinster aunt teaches at and has for over forty years) or if it was because of the author's inability to make it as modern as her time was.
The story was also a lot slower paced from what I recall, but as easily as it had enthralled me when I was a child, the writing kept my attention from the first sentence on the very first page to the very last sentence on the final page.
It's a book that shows it's age, but nevertheless one that I wouldn't mind passing down to my daughter when the time came. If you ever come across it, give it a read. It won't blow your mind but it might just give your mind a little peace with its simpleness.
My review for Up a Road Slowly is the comment above this one. I'm unable to make all the links as I'm on my phone; I'm currently in Gatlinburg, Tennessee with my boyfriend.
Week 3Spot 30
Book: Vision in Silver
Author: Anne Bishop
Date Read: 6/22
Pages: 528
Qualification: #3 in the Others
Rating: ★★★★
Review: I am really enjoying this series and I really liked this book as well. The previous books really focused on the Lakeside Courtyard whereas this book branched out to look at a bigger area and more of the overall conflict between the humans first movement and the others. There were some big moments in this book but also a lot of slower day to day scenes.
What I love about this book is that the humans are not the key players and they are not written as particularly sympathetic. In fact, humans are cast as arrogant and greedy for the most part. The others don't really understand the intricacies of humans and believe they are by far the weaker and mostly unnecessary race. I really love the scenes were Simon is struggling to understand why human actions are the way they are as he tries to balance "not being too human" while learning to differentiate between the enemy humans and the friendly humans.
All my favorite characters are back in this book and the friendship between them is growing. Simon and Meg aren't focused on as much although still central the book. Their friendship/romance is a VERY slow burn but enjoyable. The book was at times a bit slower than I would have liked and thus the 4 star vs 5 star rating of the previous books. Still I can't wait to start the next book to see where it all goes!
BONUS: One point can be earned for reading a book that > 500 pages
We have all the completion posts now so I will roll at midnight tonight if you'd all like. Also I earned a bonus point for reading a book with more than 500 pages. We can use it at anytime to move forward an additional space. I suggest we save it in case we land on something like 55 or 56 since it would move us a space forward allowing more options.
Week 3Spot 30
Team Member: Runnell
Book: Up a Road Slowly
Author: Irene Hunt
Date Read: 6/22
Pages: 192
Qualification: Stand Alone
Rating: 4 Star
Review: This little old book is one of my most fond possessions that I have owned since I came upon the little table of "free books" outside my elementary school library when I was in fifth grade; I am now twenty-two.
It's a hardback with no dust jacket, the picture just there on the book itself, and it was this sweet, but simple picture that had caught my little eleven-year-old heart and I decided that I'd take it.
I'm glad I did because it was one that I loved and have remembered loving all these years and one that a little over a decade later that I decided it was finally time for a reread.
Upon rereading, I've decided that for a children's book meant for children around the age that I had first found it, but having been written in the late to 60s, it is rather adult in some of the themes such alcoholism, mental illness (though you're not really sure what of) and teenage pregnancy, with the latter just briefly implied, but still there. It also seems that the book takes place much earlier on in the century, though it was around the late 50s to mid 60s that this book is presumably occurring in (the book follows the main character, Julie, from the time that she is seven-years-old to when she graduates high school at seventeen). I'm not sure if this was intended to show how small of a little place that Julie lived in (so small that she went to school in a one room school building that her spinster aunt teaches at and has for over forty years) or if it was because of the author's inability to make it as modern as her time was.
The story was also a lot slower paced from what I recall, but as easily as it had enthralled me when I was a child, the writing kept my attention from the first sentence on the very first page to the very last sentence on the final page.
It's a book that shows it's age, but nevertheless one that I wouldn't mind passing down to my daughter when the time came. If you ever come across it, give it a read. It won't blow your mind but it might just give your mind a little peace with its simpleness. Her post for review is at Runnell Book Review
I did a quick completion post for Runnell linking her review since she is on the road and can't do it right now. This way we have a comletion post but it also clearly shows that Runnell wrote the review. I looked at her read books and saw she gave it 4 stars for the rating so I included that.
Week 3 ~ Roll~ 9 Spot ~30Alternate ~ book set in the SouthRunell - Up a Road Slowly - Review
Denise- Bone Gods - Review
Kim - Midnight Alley - Review
Jaime - Everything I Never Told You - Review
Danielle Gypsy Soul - Vision in Silver - Review +1 over 500 pages.
Mandy -Duel of Passion - Review
6/6 compete
Okay new roll is 8 putting us on spot 38So either a #3 or a #8 or alternate is Young Adult or New Adult book
Great roll. Now to figure out what to read =D
Selection PostSpot - 38
Book -
Qualification - Young Adult
Pages - 256
Selection PostSpot 38
Book -
Qualification - #8 in The Protectors
Pages - 266
Completion PostWeek 3 - Spot 38
Book -
Qualification - Young Adult MPG
Date Finished - 6/23/17
Rating - 2 stars
Review - BOR-RING! This book is about a (purposefully) intolerable young artist who dies and what happened leading up to her death. My problem - I didn't care about Addison or how she died. The book's only saving grace was that it was written in an interesting way. It was written as if the author was writing Addison's biography. There were interviews and articles about Addison's life. Because I read so much, I always appreciate books that are written in interesting ways. Even the author's synopsis makes it feel as if you're reading a Non-Fiction book.
Selection Post
Spot 38
Book -
City of Glass- Cassandra Clare
Qualification - #3 in The Mortal Instruments series
Pages - 541 pages
Spot 38
Book -
City of Glass- Cassandra ClareQualification - #3 in The Mortal Instruments series
Pages - 541 pages
Mod
Spot: 38
Book: Heroes Adrift by Moira J. Moore
Qualification: Hero #3
Finished: 24 Jun 2017
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Just when things are calm in High Scape for once, long-suffering Shield Lee Mallorough and her frequently insufferable partner Source Shintaro Karish are called away from the city that has become their home. The Empress wants them to travel to a Southern island in order to track down any possible descendants of her sister, who was hidden away there as an infant. Of course, no matter how ill-suited our two heroes may be to such a mission, one doesn't refuse the Empress, so all too soon the Pair find themselves on a ship to Flatwell, only to discover upon arrival, much to their consternation and despair, that their status as a bonded Pair means nothing there: The islanders couldn't care less about the Empress's laws, including the one decreeing that Sources and Shields are to be provided with everything they require free of charge. For the first time in their lives, Lee and Taro are expected to pay their way, and for lack of other options, they end up joining a travelling circus troupe to earn the money they need while following the highly unappreciated quest the Empress has sent them on.
It was fun to see Lee and Taro so completely out of their element for once, having to actually figure out how life works for normal people who have to deal with all those pesky details like things costing money and whatnot. I could see the twist of Aryne's identity coming from a mile away, but that didn't make the book any less entertaining for me. I do hope in the next installment we'll get to see more of Lee and Taro doing their Source & Shield thing again, though, I rather missed that in this one.
Selection Post
3rd in series
Completion Post (posting review tomorrow afternoon NZ time)
City of Glass - Cassandra Clare
Pages : 541
Date Completed : 28/6/17
Qualification: #3 in a series / YA book
Rating: 3/5 stars
Finally finished my semester at uni!!! Read this so quickly I think it's because I'm so happy I'm no longer reading textbooks haha
Hmmm.. I did enjoy this book for sure, however as the series has gone on I find myself enjoying the sequel less and less. I last read City of Ashes in 2015. I did a quick skim through to remember what happened and honestly I'm not sure if I'm still enjoying it as much as I remember enjoying the first one. Took a while for me to get into as well, but eventually when things got going with their commute to the City of Glass I got a bit more excited. I did enjoy it! Just not as much as the others.
City of Glass - Cassandra Clare
Pages : 541
Date Completed : 28/6/17
Qualification: #3 in a series / YA book
Rating: 3/5 stars
Finally finished my semester at uni!!! Read this so quickly I think it's because I'm so happy I'm no longer reading textbooks haha
Hmmm.. I did enjoy this book for sure, however as the series has gone on I find myself enjoying the sequel less and less. I last read City of Ashes in 2015. I did a quick skim through to remember what happened and honestly I'm not sure if I'm still enjoying it as much as I remember enjoying the first one. Took a while for me to get into as well, but eventually when things got going with their commute to the City of Glass I got a bit more excited. I did enjoy it! Just not as much as the others.
Completion PostSpot: 38
Book: Jax by Teresa Gabelman
Qualification: #8 in Series
Pages: 266
Date Read: 6/25
Rating: ★★★
Review: I'm a fan of this series but Jax and Caroline aren't my favorite characters and I felt a there was a little lack of character depth for Jax. Caroline was alright but a bit wishy washy for me. I don't know I just didn't connect with these two characters like I did the rest of the characters in the series. Still there were some funny moments and I love catching up with all the characters from the earlier books.
Mod
Week 4Spot: 38
Book: Every Heart a Doorway
Qualification: Young Adult
Pages: 169
Date Finished: 6/29/17
Rating: 4/5
Review:
In short, this little story really is as good as everyone says it is.
It's different and unique and bite size. This is one of those books that you need a little faith, trust, and pixie dust (a sense of imagination and trust) to get any and all enjoyment out of it. It's its on mixed bag of fairy tails that I want more of immediately.
If you haven't, read it. Soak it all in.
Ive just bought Every Heart a Doorway!!! absolutely cannot wait to read it
We are just waiting on my review it will be up this evening. My best friend is pcs'ing (we are military and she's moving to a new base) I haven't had a chance with packing her to sit down but I will this afternoon. We will be ready to roll on time. Sorry it's been a busy few weeks back to normal starting tomorrow =D
Week 4Spot: 38
Book: Queen Alpha
Qualification: Young Adult
Finished: 28 Jun 2017
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
Queen Alpha is the second novel in the NYC Mecca series. Starting not long after the end of the first book Ari may be Queen after winning the Summit but it doesn't mean that she's safe. She still needs to find out what happened to the Red Queen as well as stop the fae who are determined to end her life. However, that's not all she has on her plate she needs to figure out how to send the Mecca back into the fae world and restore the balance of their two worlds.
At least she doesn't have to do it alone with Kade the king of the bear shifters she's formed an alliance with. The more time Ari spends with Kade the harder it is for her to deny the attraction she's feeling for him but it's unheard of for wolf shifters and bear shifters to be together. Forced to squish rumors that are floating around about them she decided to take a wolf mate but Kade isn't so willing to let her go. As the pair attempt to save the world that they know they learn that may not know the truth about their past. Will the truth change it all? Will they save their world?
I like Ari she's a strong independent young Queen who is willing to do anything to protect and save her people even if it means risking herself in the process. I love Kade for her way more than I should but while they may be different their love story started long ago and they are just perfect for each other. They provide just the right amount of balance for each other and their gift work together. I have high hopes that they will get a happy ever after but you never really know.
I loved the first one Queen Heir so much and couldn't wait to get my hands on Queen Alpha but decided to wait till the third one was out. I'm a huge fan of strong female alpha werewolves because they are typically the men who are the leaders. I love the concept for the shifters, and the magic born shifter it's an interesting spin on the shifter concept. The authors have written a beautiful story that captures the heart as well as the imagination, an action packed a supernaturally charged story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. This isn't my first book by these authors but I'm becoming a quick fan they both have a unique voice and work so well together. I enjoyed every page of Queen Alpha and couldn't wait to see what happens next, I've already got the third book on my kindle and look forward to seeing how it will play out. Highly recommend to those who are fans of young adult shifter fantasy. I loved Queen Alpha so much!!!!
Week 4 ~ Roll~ 8 Spot ~38Alternate ~ Young Adult/New AdultRunell - Every Heart a Doorway - Review
Denise - Heroes Adrift - Review
Kim - The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone - Review
Jaime - City of Glass - Review
Danielle Gypsy Soul - Jax - Review
Mandy - Queen Alpha - Review
6/6 completed
Mod
Rolled 5, putting us on spot 43.
Reading options:
- #3 in series
- #4 in series
- #43 in series
- Alternate: Single Parent or Widower
I'm going to read
Qualifications - 3rd in the series.
Selection PostSpot - 43
Book -
Qualification - 3rd in Kelly Jackson series
Pages - 190
Mod
Spot: 43
Book: Devil's Business by Caitlin Kittredge
Qualification: Black London #4
Finished: 30 Jun 2017
Rating: ★★★
Review:
After he managed to almost unleash Nergal and destroy the world as we know it, the denizens of Black London are (understandably) not Jack's biggest fans. They want him dead, or at the very least out of their city, and he can't so much as drop by a store without getting attacked. A request for help with a series of gruesome murders that might have a supernatural connection from an acquaintance of Pete's in LA offers a welcome escape from their suddenly hostile home environment, and even though Jack isn't convinced the case is worth looking into, Pete insists on investigating. With new enemies popping out of the woodwork at every turn and Pete and their unborn child in danger because of their (currently immensely strained, but nevertheless still existant) relationship, Jack sticks around to try and protect them, but that sounds a whole lot easier than it turns out to be, especially since Belial is in town and has some thoroughly unpleasant news: Nergal may have been contained, but something else ancient, powerful and extremely malevolent escaped from Hell - and Belial is calling in the favour Pete owes him by putting her and Jack in charge of recapturing said ancient evil.
We're back to Jack's POV in this book, which I'm not overly happy about since Jack's character development is fairly nonexistant and he's therefore still wallowing in selfpity half the time and being a colossal dick to everyone about everything for no particular reason for the other half. His and Pete's terrible car crash of a relationship is also still thoroughly unpleasant to read about, and the pregnancy plot really doesn't help. I was a lot more interested in the rest of the story, which came with plenty of action (and plenty of Belial, whom I find a lot more interesting than the actual protagonists of the series) and kept me engaged despite my frustration with Jack's character.
Completion PostWeek 4 - Spot 43
Book -
Qualification - 3rd in Kelly Jackson series
Date Finished - 7/2/17
Rating - 3 stars
Review - This is the third installment in the Kelly Jackson Mystery series. I'm new to the cozy mystery genre, and I have to say that I am really enjoying them. This book is the last listed for the series on GR, but it was just released this year, so I'm not sure if the series is over or if it will continue. I would definitely read more. I enjoy Tommy immensely, and I think the Silver Sentinels are an interesting and humorous addition. I am hoping there are more books in the series to develop Kelly's love life more.
Completion PostWeek 4 - Spot 43
Book: Spun!
Author: J.L. Merrow
Date Finished: 7/2
Qualification: #4 in Shamwell Series
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Spun is the 4th book in The Shamwell Tales and can be read as a stand alone - I did and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved the English dialect, humor and characters and although I can't vouch for the authenticity it felt realistic to me. This is a very character driven and humorous book with a slow burn M/M romance that just worked. There is a big age difference between Davy (who is 24) and Rory (41) who is a divorced, father of two and previously straight character. Davy is flamboyant and fun. He has a teddy bear he dresses up and makes no apologies for who he is. He's been fired from his last job and so he arrives in Shamwell (A small village) hoping his old boss/friend Mark can provide him with a job and a place to live. Mark provides him with the job and then introduces him to Rory who could use the money and has an extra room. Rory is a very down to earth, sweet man who loves his job and loves his kids. Life has been hard on him recently and he's lonely. He only has custody of his kids every other weekend and he just got dumped by his latest girlfriend. Enter Davy who brings fun, laughter and a brightness into Rory's life. His kids love Davy and isn't long before the two have a fabulous friendship. At first blush these two don't strike you as two men who would fall for each other but they bond over their lack of culinary skills, love of Doctor Who and Agent Carter and respect for each other. It isn't too long before Rory is starting to question his sexuality and feelings for Davy. I loved both Rory and Davy and I loved them together. It seems that no one in their lives believe that these two could work (including themselves sometimes) but they do and the slow burn romance is fantastic! You can't help but root for these two and laugh along with them as they work their way to a happy ending.
Week 5Spot: 43
Book: A Conjuring of Light
Qualification: Shades of Magic #3
Pages624
Date Finished 7/4/17
Rating: 5/5
Review:
This is the second series I've finished this year, but oh my God, I'd rather it have went on forever.
I still have questions that need answers. (Who were Kell's parents? How did he get the scar on his elbow? C'mon, damn it.)
Really, this was kind of 4.5 because while I loved everything about the book, at times it did feel longer than it necessarily needed to be. Also, the end of the epic battle felt a little anticlimatic in that once it's over, you're kind of pushed ahead what feels like a few weeks or something. I would have liked to have got the immediate after effect of the battle instead of a little drive by.
Nevertheless, it was a fantastic ending to a fantastic series and I'm really proud of myself for actually finishing another series.
Writing my review just waiting on Jaime sending message.
Week 5Spot: 43
Qualification: NYC Mecca #3
Finished: July 5th
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
I love Ari she's a sweetheart caring about her people before herself even her own guards who are to protect her. I love Kade he's a perfect match for her they complement each other in every aspect and they will change the shifter world forever. We've gotten to know a little more about Ari's friends that like her they would risk it all to save her which I think proves that she's meant to be Queen.
I've been putting this off because I know the end is coming and I love the series so much. This installment was intense lots of action as Ari and Kade risked it all to save her friend. We even get a little bit of sweet romance between our duo when they have some downtime. The authors have created an exciting new shifter world that captures the heart as well as the imagination. Every installment has been hard to put down I read Queen Fae in just a single afternoon I had to know how it was going to end. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book and see how it will all play out. I loved the story and each installment just keeps getting better and better becoming one of my favorite shifter series. Highly recommend.
Mod
That's my understanding. Let me just ask.
Mod
You can use your FREE pass for that week if you don't want to lose your turn." Also, in another team's thread for clarification on the deadline: "Reviews should be in on Thursday so you can roll Friday. But if you miss the deadline you still need your reviews in on Friday so you can roll the next Friday."
I'd say that confirms our understanding of it.
Shall we use the free pass then? I can roll if you don't want to, but no promises that it'll be any good (as seen last week). XD
I vote we use our free pass. I don't want to have to go a whole week without a roll.
Mod
Selection PostSpot - 49
Book -
Qualification - Crime MPG
Pages - 216
Selection PostSpot 49
Book:
Qualification: #4 in the series The Others
Pages: 489
Week 5 ~ Roll~ 5 Spot ~43Alternate ~ Single Parent or Widower Runell - A Conjuring of Light - Review
Denise - Devil's Business - Review
Kim Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table - Review
Jaime - Holding Up the Universe - Used Free Pass
Danielle Gypsy Soul - Spun! - Review
Mandy - Queen Fae - Review
5/6 Complete (Use Pass)
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