R10: Team Nine Banded Armadillos (9)

[Jenny]

Wow. We moved this time!!!

[Cait S]

I'm going to go with a stand alone novel for the #1 spot and read

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

I'm going to go with - Stand Alone - 292 Pages/GR

[Denise]

I am going to go with The Zookeeper's Wife for standalone or character has a pet.

[Jenny]

I am going to read . First in a series.

[Annika]

Completion post
Week 3


Love is...
Read: September 29
Rating: 2,5 stars
How it fits: Standalone

I'm of two minds about this book, On the one hand, I absolutely loved the narration, Joshua Ward was absolutely brilliant, and I hope he'll narrate more books to come. It wasn't perfect, byt that accent made up for that. As for the story...well that wasn't as good - far from it. The writing was messy and hard to follow. There were strange time jumps out of nowhere; switching tenses and it had this strange diary vibe to it that kept you at a distance from the story and the characters. I'm also not a fan of drama for drama's sake, where it doesn't add anything to the story more than manipulation of the reader of a filler, and this book had both. I do think that with more editing, fleshing out that the story would be better and easier to follow, and preferably more of a story. So in the end, I loved the narration, but could have done without the story.

[Leslie Ann]

I am going to read

First in a series. I will finish on time this time!

[Cait S]

Week 3~Spot #19
by Alice Hoffman
Qualifications: Stand Alone novel.
Finished: 9/29/18
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:

This book is sad. It's beautiful, the writing is enchanting, but it is sad. Had I known that going in, I would have picked a better time to read it because I was already a little bummed beforehand but now I'm.... I don't know? Hella bummed?

I did add a bunch more of Alice Hoffman's books to my TBR though. This is my first of her books and she reminded me of a slightly darker Sarah Addison Allen, which I'm totally here for. I go such long periods of time between reading magical realism that I forget how much I can enjoy it when it's done well. And it was definitely done well here.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Week 3~ Spot #19
by Samuel E. Green
Qualifications: First in the series
Finished:9/30/18
Rating:4 Stars
Review:The Orb of Aern has been shattered and its guardians murdered. Hiroc is the witness and becomes attacked by a giant. Hiroc releases fire magic but doesn't know which god bestowed the gift. Hiroc, his twin brother Alfric and their friend Fryda are all known as Fatherless each going their separate ways. What will bring them together again?

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Week 3 - Spot #19

Book: Memorizing You by Dan Skinner
Date Read: 10/2
Pages: 292/GR
How it Fits: Stand Alone
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I'm giving this book 4 stars even though I absolutely hated the ending and the epilogue didn't make it any better IMO. Still it was beautifully written. I don't normally read YA much since I'm not a fan of reading about people that young but this feels different (probably because it is written from the adult POV of the author telling about his past). I liked the secondary characters and I really liked the two MCs. I knew going into this book it wouldn't have an HEA after all I'm reading it for a challenge that I had to read a book without one but even knowing this how it all happened was a bit unexpected and knowing didn't stop me from crying. This book is a tragedy and for me the epilogue didn't really fit nor was it believable. I'm sad now and I'm going to go find a nice happy book to read to get my mind off of this one.

[Jenny]

Completion-
Week 3 spot 19

Kiera Cass
336 pages
10/2/18
First in a series
4 stars

I have been meaning to read this book for months. I got it from KU, and it has been sitting in my kindle library looking at me, making me feel guilty. I was putting it off for various reasons- reading another book recently with a similar premise, not quite being in the mood, etc. But, now I am very glad I read it.

It is not a brilliantly original story, but it sucked me in nonetheless. The two main characters are interesting. Strong in different ways. The supporting cast is a bit stereotypical for the story type, but fun in their own way.

The premise is one of a future Earth, a couple of world wars from now. It isn't post-apocalyptic, but post political machinations. Most of the story takes place somewhere on the west coast of what used to be the US, and is now a kingdom. The prince of the kingdom is of age, and is looking for a bride. The society has become one of strict castes, based on money and heredity. The search for the bride covers most of the castes, with eligible girls brought to live at the castle for the Selection. They live in the castle and interact with the prince and each other until the prince chooses one of them. Enter our heroine, from a lower caste, not wanting to be a part of this challenge. You can guess the rest. Like I wrote, not too original. But, I now need to know what happens next. Silly author making the story intriguing enough that I care about the characters, and ending the story on a cliffhanger.

[Leslie Ann]

Completion Post
Darkangel
Christine Pope
330 pages
10/02/2018
2 stars
how it fits: First in a series

Review: I love witchcraft stories and this is why I picked this book. I have never read anything by this author so I didn't know what to expect. I got it free on my kindle. If I hadn't read this for a challenge I would of DNF this book. It was very slow moving and the writing was not at all interesting. I will probably not read any more of this series.

[Denise]

Completion post - week 3, spot 19
The Zookeeper's Wife
read 10/4
5 stars
how it fits: standalone

When I picked up this book, I had no idea what to expect. I had visions of people living in the cages with the animals, but I was glad to learn that it wasn't the case. I was surprised to learn that it was a true story, and that Antonina kept a journal. I really enjoyed the book, and the fact that the deaths were talked about, but the author didn't dwell on them.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

We are done so I will roll at midnight tonight :)

[Annika]

Super! Then I'll be able to pick a book before travelling tomorrow morning :)

[Cait S]

Great job, everyone!

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

So sorry guys - I fell asleep before midnight. If i forget/fall asleep and one of you is up and wants to roll please feel free.

I rolled a 7 putting us at spot 26

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Roll 7 - Spot 26
Can Use:
#2 in series
#6 in series
#26 in series
Spot 26 - Author S

[Cait S]

I'm going to read for #2 in a series.

[Leslie Ann]

I am going to read



For author s

[Jenny]

I will read , 2nd in series.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

I'm going to read 231 Pages

[Annika]

Completion post
Spot 26

Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey
Read: October 8
Rating: 3,5 stars
Pages: 237
Series: Elliott Smith #2

This series shouldn't work for me, but it does. It's quiet and unassuming, yet still a murder mystery filled with spirits wanting answers and justice. Normally I hate it when there is a distance between the story and the reader, it makes me fe disconnected and as if I'm on the outside looking in. With this series it somehow works for me - and I have no clue why.

[Denise]

I'm reading A Symphony of Echoes, book 2 in the series

[Jenny]

Denise wrote: "I'm reading A Symphony of Echoes, book 2 in the series"

I love that series!!!!!!!
I have read them all at least once.
Have you read The Nothing Girl?

[Denise]

Jenny wrote: "Denise wrote: "I'm reading A Symphony of Echoes, book 2 in the series"

I love that series!!!!!!!
I have read them all at least once.
Have you read The Nothing Girl?"

Not yet, but it's on my list.

[Jenny]

The audio for that series and for the Nothing Girl are both really good too, if you ever listen to books.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Week 4~ Spot #26
by Hannah Howell
Qualifications: Second book in the series.
Finished:10/9/18
Rating:4 Stars
Review:Gisele DeVeaux is accused of a crime she didn't commit and has been running for her life over a year now. Gisele enlists the help of her cousin Guy in turning her into a lad. But from where Nigel Murray stands nothing can hide her true identity from those who chase Gisele. Can Gisele clear her name? Can Nigel help Gisele? Your answers await you.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Week 4 - Spot #26

Tender Mercies by Eli Easton
Finished: 10/10/18
How it Fits: 2nd book in Men of Lancaster County
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: 3.5 Stars I really loved the first book in this series but this one had a few issues for me and some potential that just wasn't realized. The beginning of this book was so good and had me tearing up a bit as Samuel was beaten and thrown out of his house. The first meeting with Eddie was also really moving and I had high expectations for these two and then I don't know what happened. I thought Eddie would befriend Samuel and help him to feel better about himself and Samuel would help Eddie on the farm. I expected the two of them to work together and spend time together as they built the sanctuary. Instead Eddie continue to work in his office (writing books I suppose which was his other job because he obviously wasn't doing much to manage/market the farm sanctuary). Samuel did all the work on the farm and Eddie worked in the office and they really didn't spend anytime together and no friendship bloomed. Instead Samuel was left to fend for himself and feel lonely. Don't even get me started on why someone would buy a farm without knowing a single thing about how to run it. I get having a dream but do some practical research and figure out how you are going to manage/run it before you jump in. He would have been so far over his head and probably lost the farm within a month if it wasn't for Samuel. Then suddenly the romance blossoms but it would have had so much more impact if they had a solid friendship first. However, I had to give this book an extra 1/2 star just for Benny the pig who I absolutely adored!

[Leslie Ann]

Completion Post
Week 4 spot#26 author s
The Hostile Hospital
Lemony Snicket
10/10/2018
authors last name starts with s
rating 4 stars

review: This is a great addition to the Lemony Snicket series. I really enjoyed the book and I think this is my favorite one so far. The humor in these books are really enjoyable. I also like that the children are starting to solve things on there own . I really want to know more about VFD. Will continue to read this series

[Jenny]

Completion post-
Week 4 spot 26 second in series

Kiera Cass
336 pages
10/10/18
two stars

I really liked the first book. Not brilliant, but fun. This one is a mess. It didn't put the plot forward at all, and could easily have been about twenty pages long instead of 300.
It basically boiled down to the main character deciding between two guys, one of whom is a prince, and one who is a pauper. She loves them both, and her decision makes up the entire book, almost. By the end of the book, she hasn't decided. Such a waste of time. I want to find out what happens, so I am tempted to get the third book and just read the last couple of chapters, but I hate doing that. Don't bother with this one.

[Cait S]

Week 4~Spot #26
by Erin Bowman
Qualifications: #2 in a series
Finished: 10/11/18
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:

I read this book directly after reading Vengeance Road, which I think is the way to go about it. Even though this is a companion novel, not a sequel, I do believe you need to read that one first. Not only are there returning characters, but there's quotes and little things that you'll miss out on if you don't.

All that being said: Vengeance Road was better. For one simple reason and that reason is... Kate was a badass and Charlotte is an asshole. It was one of those books where the POV changes every chapter and I only liked half of them. Reece Murphy? Angel. Precious cinnamon roll. Not a good guy, not a bad guy, just an incredibly well developed character who I loved from Chapter 1. Charlotte? Whiny, self-absorbed, spoiled, self-centered douchebag whose character development comes way too late to save her. I couldn't stand her from beginning to end and I was so confused how she could come from the same author who wrote Kate.

Still. I very rarely enjoy Western novels but I enjoyed both of these, so pick them up if they're your thing.

[Denise]

Completion post
Week 4 spot 26

A Symphony of Echoes
finished 10/11
rating 5 stars
#2 in series

I loved this book almost as much as the first. Starting out with Jack the Ripper was a totally unexpected experience. I love how the author keeps you guessing the whole time. You never know where she's going and where you'll end up.

[Jenny]

Denise, for me, this is a series that never gets old. Each book is interesting for the places and times St. Mary's goes to, and cool because the characters are so likable. Except, of course, bitch-faced Barclay. I am thrilled that you are liking it too.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

We are finished for the week! I set an alarm on my phone so I'll remember to roll tonight at midnight.

[Denise]

Jenny wrote: "Denise, for me, this is a series that never gets old. Each book is interesting for the places and times St. Mary's goes to, and cool because the characters are so likable. Except, of course, bitch-faced Barclay."

I loved that she wrote A Bachelor Establishment as Isabella Barclay.

[Jenny]

Denise wrote: "Jenny wrote: "Denise, for me, this is a series that never gets old. Each book is interesting for the places and times St. Mary's goes to, and cool because the characters are so likable. Except, of ..."

Regency romance is so not by genre of choice, but I loved picturing Isabella writing that story, so it worked for me.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

I'm sorry if I was impatient but to what the roll was. I rolled 7 putting us at Spot #33.

[Cait S]

Thank you, Angie!

I'm going with the alternate option of "one person on the cover" and reading

[Jenny]

It is really hard to decide whether to read a book that is third in a series, or one that is third in a series. Hmmm...

I hate that I have to find out who ends up with whom, so I will bite the bullet and read - third in a series.

[Cait S]

Lol Jenny. The past few rolls have really worked out for you!

[Jenny]

Yup. If only the books were a little better! I think this started out as a trilogy, so I am hoping the story comes to a conclusion with this one. But, I see more books with the same cover scheme, so I am anticipating the worst. Fingers crossed.

[Cait S]

You're a trooper for sticking with it then. I am a known book dropper. Some of my most commonly abandoned books are #2 in a series. Even if #1 was awesome, so many #2s are just gaaaaaaaaarbaaage.

[Jenny]

I have done that as well, but I also get invested in the characters, so I end up wanting to know what happens to them. As a result, I end up reading some dreck. The authors who actually write good sequels are treasures. Perhaps they planned the whole series out in advance? Or, they are just good writers, and when their first book is a hit, and the publisher asks for more, they can deliver. Teehee.

[Annika]

I'm going for Caesar's Fall. And this should complete another bonus point (3 books in the same series) :)

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

I'm going to read Lionheart which is #3 in the Moonshadow Series.

Thanks for posting a roll Angie :)

[Annika]

Completion post
Spot 33


Caesar's Fall by Dorien Grey
Read: October 13
Rating: 3 stars
Pages: 235
Series: Elliott Smith #3

This series has that cozy mystery feel to it. It's kind of quiet and unassuming but there's still a lot going on. I've really enjoyed the books so far, though this is probably my least favourite. There were things that felt a bit repetitive, lines repeated varbatim a few too many times for my liking. Still I did enjoy the book and I'm looking forward to reading the next and last book in the series.

[Cait S]

Week 5~Spot #33
by J.A. White
Qualifications: One person on the cover.
Finished: 10/14/18
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:

Very unique and actually pretty creepy for a middle grade novel. If you're considering this for your kiddo, make sure they are the kind who enjoy being a little frightened.

It's a tough one to review without giving any spoilers so I'll simply say that I enjoyed this modern take on a couple old tales and found the characters to be likable kids who were far smarter than most adults in the books I've been reading lately. I definitely plan to check out more of J.A. White's books after this.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Week 5~Spot #33
by Colleen Houck
Qualifications:Third book in the series
Finished:10/13/18
Rating:4 Stars
Review:Kelsey Hayes is trying to understand the changes in Ren but failing miserably. Ren can't bare her touch or be around her either. Kishan tries to help Kelsey while keeping his feelings to himself. As they continue the quest to break the curse each of them struggle in their own way. Can they complete this new task?

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Week 5 - Spot 33


Book: Lionheart by Thea Harrison
Date Read: 10/16
How it Fits: 3rd book in Moonshadow Trilogy
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Honestly I was a little worried about this book after reading the synopsis. I don't like my heroes to be complete jerks and to treat the heroines badly and it sounded like it might go that way but I should have had more faith in Thea Harrison after all I do love the Elder Races Series and I very much enjoyed the first two books int his trilogy.

I absolutely love that the heroine of this book is Katherine the doctor from the Elder Races series (no you don't need to have read this series to enjoy this book but if you haven't I highly recommend it as the first book in that series is still my all time favorite book.) I do suggest you read the first two books in the Moonshadow series before diving into this one as it will give you a lot of background on the situation and the secondary characters in this book.

This book centers around the King of the Dark Fae, Oberon who has been in a sleeping stasis for fifteen years in order to try to stop the spell that was cast on him by Morgan on the orders of Isabeau, Queen of the Light Fae. Before he put himself in this stasis he had lost all of his emotions except anger and the need for revenge. Oberon remembers what his old self was like and he knows that he has lost the ability to feel and to truly care about his people but he just can't seem to do anything about it. Dr. Katherine Shaw is hired to heal Oberon as she is one of the most talented and magical renown surgeons in the world. She is smart, successful, brave, independent and very determined to do the best she can for all of her patients. When Oberon is first woken up I can't say that I liked him much but I didn't hate him either. He lacks all the softer emotions but he knows what he would have done in the past before the spell and makes decisions based on that when he has a chance to get past his blinding anger and that shows not only a lot of self control but it also shows a deep morality that I couldn't help but respect even if he wasn't all that likable. Thankfully, Katherine is able to remove the spell fairly quickly and Oberon is able to feel once again.

Now King Oberon only has to deal with the destruction he caused his people and lands, deal with his feelings for Katherine, save his people from a war and defeat Isabeau. What I really loved about this book was the partnership between Oberon and Katherine. Yes they were falling into the mating of Wyrs but they didn't immediately slip into instant love instead they tried to think things through and although they had a massive amount of lust they also had respect for each other and they liked each other. They both knew given a chance love could grow from the mating but that their would be sacrifices along the way as well. I loved that they talked about the relationship and the choices they had to make. I loved that Katherine was struggling with the decision to give up her life in New York and it wasn't easy for her. I loved that Oberon was still a King and didn't turn into anything else. He had a kingdom to save and people who relied on him but he was willing to make changes for Katherine and their relationship. Both characters remain very true to who they are and the underlying message that yes love can conquer all but it isn't easy and sacrifices must be made on both sides was uplifting and realistic. This book also had a lot of my favorite character Puck and I loved to see more of him in this book.

This book is set in a complicated world with complicated and well developed characters. We get some short scenes with some of my favorite characters from earlier books and the Elder Series. We have a mature couple who act that way and ultimately fit together perfectly. A few action scenes and a great wrap up to the overall plot. I can't wait to see what Thea Harrison does next!