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R10: Team Nine Banded Armadillos (9)
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Completion PostSpot 33
Obsidio
Amie Kaufman
10/12/2018
3rd book in series
5 Hugh stars
Review:
I absolutely loved this book. This is the 3rd book in this series. What an ending. The characters are charming and lovable. The format is different than anything I read before. The writers managed to tell quite a story and with great characters that I didn’t want to put the book down. I recommend this series!!
Completion post-Spot 33
Kiera Cass
10/17/18
3rd book in a series
3 stars
This was the completion to the Selection series. I loved the first and hated the second book. This one was a satisfactory conclusion to the story. Thank goodness. I had the questions answered that I wanted, and I got to find out who ended up with whom. I can't say that I recommend this series, there are other similar stories that are much better written, but for a piece of fun fluff, it isn't bad.
Danielle ~ do you want me to post the roll tonight? I'm usually still up at that time.
I’ll be up Tonight but if it’s not posted 30 minutes after midnight central time go ahead.
Roll: 8Spot: 41
Can read:
1st book in series
Stand Alone Book
4th Book in Series
Cover: Purple
I'm going to read
for the stand alone novel option.
Completion postSpot 41
Dante's Circle
Read: October 20
Rating: 3 stars
Series: Elliott Smith #4
Bonus: Finishing a series
(Side note, my week three book should complete the 3 books in the same series bonus - provided that we can use the same books for the 3 books and the finishing a series bonuses)
This is a series that sadly won't have a true ending, we'll never see Steve and Elliott have more than the HFN, steadily going along with life. In a way that might be an ending in itself, that they are off living life like any of us and not dancing around the readers pipes, our need for that closure, that happily ever after.
Dante's Circle is my least favourite in the series. It didn't grip me as much as the previous books did. It didn't have the same feel to it, I wasn't as invested. It felt mundane. I also feel kind of bad saying that seeing as it was among the last books Grey ever wrote. Then again those are my feelings, and I am glad that I read it, but it's probably not a series that I'll go back to.
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "I'm going to read 
"This series is a good one, so I hope you'll like it too :)
Mod
(Side note, my week three book should complete the 3 books in the same series bonus - provided that we can use the same books for the 3 books and the finishing a series bonuses)"
They have to be different series to get both bonus points. Congrats on managing the finishing a series bonus though, I think you're the first one this round! :)
Denise wrote: "Annika wrote: " Bonus: Finishing a series(Side note, my week three book should complete the 3 books in the same series bonus - provided that we can use the same books for the 3 books and the finis..."
Figured that might be the case. :)
We'll use yours for finishing a series. I'll work on 3 books in the same series so we can have that as well :)
Completion post-Spot 41
Stand alone book
Amatka
Karin Tidbeck
216 pages
10/23/18
5 stars
I have read several short stories by Tidbeck, and loved those, and so I was excited to read this novel. Wow. It is weird, as is all of her stuff, and wonderful.
It takes place in a dystopian world, probably Earth, probably way in the future, but it is never made very clear. It has the creepy feel of "1984", and of other stark, unattractive realms. There is very little of joy and of diversity in this world.
The main character is sent to a colony not her own to catalogue hygiene products and their use. While taking the train to her new destination, she takes care to name her possessions. When she is met at the station by the person who will guide her to her quarters, they take care to name everything that they pass on the way. It is not until well into this book that this makes any sense, and even then, the explanation is off the wall.
I don't know how to describe this to make someone want to read it. There is a love story, and rebellion against the system in power, and poetry. If you are in the mood for beautifully written weirdness, then give this a try.
Completion postSpot 41
1st in series
Red Mars
Kim Stanley Robinson
10/23/2018
2 stars
Review: I really wanted to like this book. I loved the premise. The establishment of a colony on Mars. All the technology involved was interesting. I didn’t like any of the characters and the dialog. I kept hoping it would get better, I slogged through but alas it didn’t improve.
Completion postspot 41
standalone book
Ready Player One
read 10/24
5 stars
This was a reread for me. I enjoyed it more the second time around. The first time I read it, I was distracted by the nostalgia. This time, I concentrated on the story, and I enjoyed it more.
I loved that book. I do not recommend the movie though. I wanted to find Spielberg after I saw it, and punch him out. I thought the story from the book would have made a good movie, and didn't need to be completely rewritten. I guess that's why I don't work for Hollywood.
Ready Player One is one of my favorite books I've all time. I've re-read it a ton of times. Like whenever I can find an excuse to hahaAnd I loved the movie lol I went in totally skeptical because I thought there was no way they could ever do the book justice. They did rewrite it a LOT, but I still enjoyed it.
Cait S wrote: "Ready Player One is one of my favorite books I've all time. I've re-read it a ton of times. Like whenever I can find an excuse to hahaAnd I loved the movie lol I went in totally skeptical because..."
I thought the reason they used (view spoiler)
Also, I didn't picture the people in the Oasis as CGI characters. I don't know. I wanted greatness. I was angry by the end of the movie.
The audio version of it is good too, if you are a listener.
Week 6~Spot #41
by Rebecca PodosQualifications: Stand alone novel.
Finished: 10/24/18
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review:
As a PoC/bi girl, I was super looking forward to this book. I don't find a lot of representation to that degree in novels so when I do it's always exciting. This didn't blow me away but I did enjoy it quite a bit.
My main problem was that I felt the lead up was too long. The book flew by once Savannah and Leigh got together but the huge chunk of book before that definitely crawled by in places. I was really pleased with the ending for both of them and I appreciate that we don't get all the answers and it isn't all tied up in a bow. It felt very authentic.
I loved Ready Player one .!!! I need to read it again.
Cait, I just looked up your page, and noticed you wearing a Green Bay Shirt in your picture. May I say, you have extraordinary taste.
Jenny wrote: "Cait, I just looked up your page, and noticed you wearing a Green Bay Shirt in your picture. May I say, you have extraordinary taste."Hahaha thank you! My dad raised me right :)
Yeah, I am from Madison originally, so I not only wanted to be a Green Bay fan, but I am pretty sure it is the law in Wisconsin.
Jenny wrote: "Yeah, I am from Madison originally, so I not only wanted to be a Green Bay fan, but I am pretty sure it is the law in Wisconsin."It is, yeah. I'm from Shawano originally so not far from Green Bay. If you aren't a Packers fan, you get dropped off at the Illinois border and left in a snowbank until someone takes pity on your pathetic cries and rescues you.
That's how Bears fans are made.
I am so glad I was not taking a drink of something when I just read that!!!!!
Mod
With tomorrow's roll, teams have the opportunity to earn the Halloween bonus. This bonus point is only available during this one week.
Happy Reading & Happy Halloween!
Week 6~Spot #41 
by Diana Gabaldon Qualification~Fourth book in the series
Finished ~10/25/18
Rating~ 4 Stars
Review~Jamie and Claire Fraser begin to build a life together only to drawn into events that disrupt thid peaceful beginning. Can they survive this dangerous ground?
Completion PostWeek 6 - Spot 41
Single Malt by Layla Reyne
How it Fits: 1st book in series
Date Read: 10/22/18
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: 4.5 Stars! I enjoyed this one a lot and Aidan and Jamie remind me a bit of Ty and Zane from Cut & Run. I really love the whole partners to lovers trope and this one did an excellent job of that. I also loved that the relationship is taking it's time to build with Aidan having been so recently widowed. I thought the feelings of guilt were written so well. I also like that Jamie is a little unsure but also understanding of Aidan blowing hot and cold. The case was interesting and I liked the balance of mystery, action and the beginning of a romance. There were a few very interesting twists and turns that were left open for the next book and of course the relationship is also definitely not on solid ground yet. I'm really looking forward to more from this duo and have high hopes that this will turn into one of my favorite series.
We're done for the week and I will role at midnight tonight!
Halloween Bonus: Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/26.We only need one person to claim this :)
Week 7~ Old Spot #41 Rolled 8 New Spot #49Alternative #49~Cover: Grey/Silver
I'm going to read
which is 89.3% grey according to Tineye.
I will read the alternate, grey cover:
I will read
. 4th in a series
Ended up hating that book so I'm going to swap to
for #4 in a series.
Completion postSpot 49
What I've Done
Read: October 26
Rating: 3,5 stars
Series: Morgan Dane #4
Some books are harder to write reviews about. This one falls into that category. I didn't hate, or in anyway dislike it, nor did I love it. It falls into that enjoyable for the moment reads, the ones that won't stay with you much longer than the moment. So while I had a great time reading, the story didn't bring anything new, I've read it all before in many different books.
Completion post-Spot 49
Martha Wells
10/27/18
5 stars
Murderbot Diaries #4
This is the last of the Murderbot novellas, and I don't want the series to end. There will be a full length book in the future, so at some point I will get to read more. Yay.
I have been trying to figure out why this story is so compelling. The main character is basically a cyborg without emotion, except he does have emotion. And depth. And humor. And as a reader, I care for him. Deeply. I think the best character comparison is to Jack Reacher, the former army cop/ loner/ problem solver of Lee Child's books. The two characters have similar stories, and have similar things happen to them. Weird, but the comparison works. So on one hand, the Murderbot Diaries are Jack Reacher in space, and on the other hand, they are their own wonderful stories. If you like Science Fiction, or Lee Child books, give this series a go.
completion postspot 49
alternate-grey cover
Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoirread 10/29
4 stars
I learned a lot from this book. 15 years is metal chickens. Star Wars is not a documentary. There is shit you shouldn't say out loud, but you just did. I do that last one a lot.
Again, this one is read by the author. I liked that, except for the singing. Her other book has removed the singing, thank goodness.
Jenny wrote: "Completion post-Spot 49
Martha Wells
10/27/18
5 stars
Murderbot Diaries #4
This is the last of the Murderbot novellas, and I don't want the series to end. Ther..."
I enjoyed the first one, but the next books in the series are more expensive. I take it you think they are worth the purchase, Jenny?
Yes. I loved all of them. I wish they were longer, or just one book, but I gladly paid and didn't feel ripped off at all.
Week 7~Spot #49
Qualifications: #4 in a series
Finished: 10/29/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
It's been years since I read book #3 in this series, and I actually debated just stopping there. Because outside of Eidolon, Shade, and Wraith, I didn't really care about any new MCs. I'm definitely glad I gave it a try though because coming back to this world really was wonderful.
I didn't get as attached to Lore and Idess as I did to any of the first three brothers and their mates. My enjoyment of this one was purely plot based. Which I'm totally fine with because that's something I can almost never say about romance novels (it's really, REALLY not my genre of choice outside of...basically this one series.)
I don't know when I'll pick up book 5 but I probably won't wait another 3 years.
Week 7 - Spot #49
Book: The Visitor by Amanda Stevens
Read: 10/28
How it Fits: #4 in the Graveyard Queen Series
Rating: 2 Star
Review: Maybe the break I had between books 3 and 4 was just too long but I found myself bored while reading this book. Amelia has these rules that she keeps repeating that she learned from her father but it seems like all she does is completely blow them off so why even bring them up? I really didn't feel like this book furthered anything in the series. It didn't answer any of the questions I had, it didn't further the relationship between her and Devlin. In fact, it just added more questions. Maybe if some questions had been answered and we just had a few new ones I would be more satisfied. I also found myself comparing Amelia to characters like Charley and she just isn't as strong. I found that I'm just not that invested in Amelia or Devlin or them as a couple. I don't think I'll continue this series.
Almost finished with my book.
Week 7~Spot #49
by Gena ShowalterQualifications:Fourth book in the series
Finished:10/30/18
Rating:4 Stars
Review:Sabin The Keeper of Doubt doesn't ever feel the need to be honest because Doubt destroys it all with a whisper. Upon entering the Egyptian Temple of the Gods discovers women in varying stages of pregnancy. But one woman catches Sabin's attention like no other. Gwendolyn The Timid has been trapped for over a year now without food or sleep. Can Sabin make Gwen his? Find out in The Darkest Whisper.
The Challenge Factory
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Spot 33
All Systems Red
How it fits: One person on cover
Read 10/17
Rating 4 stars
I loved the story. It's told by the Murderbot. He isn't supposed to have feelings, but they come up in the story. He deals well with people, but doesn't like to be around them. It was a quick read and kept my attention the whole time.