The Challenge Factory discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
♦SS Archives♦
>
R3: SS Reading 24/7 (7)
message 101:
by
Sunshine✰✰✰
(new)
Sep 12, 2014 12:51PM


reply
|
flag
Week 3: Space 22
Book: The Kingdom (Book 2, Graveyard Queen) by Amanda Stevens
Finished: 9/14
Rating & Review: ★★★½
Amelia Gray is on a new assignment in this book, she was commissioned to restore a cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina. Something about this assignment is suspicious. There is a lot of mystery to the town and the townspeople are very reticent to outsiders. She makes a handful of friends, most importantly Thane Asher and a stray dog she adopts and names Angus.
The biggest mystery she uncovers is her past connection to this town and we learn she was lured here because of her past.
This book was plot-driven and the romance was collateral. I was looking for a replacement for Devlin (her guy in book 1) and it didn’t have enough of real romance to make me happy.
It is a well written book though.

Book: The Kingdom (Book 2, Graveyard Queen) by Amanda Stevens
Finished: 9/14
Rating & Review: ★★★½
Amelia Gray is on a new assignment in this book, she was commissioned to restore a cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina. Something about this assignment is suspicious. There is a lot of mystery to the town and the townspeople are very reticent to outsiders. She makes a handful of friends, most importantly Thane Asher and a stray dog she adopts and names Angus.
The biggest mystery she uncovers is her past connection to this town and we learn she was lured here because of her past.
This book was plot-driven and the romance was collateral. I was looking for a replacement for Devlin (her guy in book 1) and it didn’t have enough of real romance to make me happy.
It is a well written book though.


Read: The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters
Series: Book 2, Amelia Peabody
Finished: 9/17/14
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I absolutely love Amelia Peabody. The first book was great, but coming back to this one made me just fall head over heels for her. She's so funny, and I love that she breaks the fourth wall to talk to the reader. The mystery felt a little repetitive from the last book, but still fun!


Book The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Finished: 9/17
Rating & Review ★★★★
The second book in the Iron Fey series is so much more satisfying than the first. While I enjoyed The Iron King, it was rife with YA genre cliches and Kagawa's interpretation of Fae lore felt juvenile and old. However I still managed to enjoy her writing style and characters enough to give the second book a shot.
And I'm so glad that I did. The settings and creatures feel much more ominous this time around. We find our band of young heroes, some of them reluctant heroes, in an even tighter spot than before. The stakes are higher this time giving Meghan and Ash plenty of turmoil to develop in. And they do. Both as a couple and individually.
I've enjoyed other series that Kagawa has written and was sad when the first book of this one didn't quite stand up against them. However, The Iron Daughter more than redeems what it's predecessor was lacking.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next.


Finished: 9/18/14
Rating ★★★
I liked this book better than the first. Pitt's still a rogue/free agent chasing the new bad drug on the street. He ends up in the hood looking for the distributor and lands in a whole mess of trouble. The hood slang was annoying to read and Terry constantly saying "you know" in the middle of a sentence was making me want to slap him. Now that Pitt has found his nitch and is seeing the greater political pulls of all the major factions, I can see this series getting better as it goes.
Shy The WidowMaker wrote: "Yay Ezi read
. I love this series and am so glad the author is working on the next one."
I thought this was a trilogy, so the author is working on book 4?

I thought this was a trilogy, so the author is working on book 4?


Read: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Rating: ****
Date: 9/18/2014
Review: This book is a lot better than the first one! I like how she's no longer the Damsel in Distress and has gotten some powers of her own. I definately feel better about continuing with this series.
Week 4 Roll: 3,4= 7
New Space 29
Read a book that is 2nd, 9th or 29th in a series or the Alternate: Set in Nevada
Book Posts
☑Ezi: The Singer (Book 2, Irin Chronicles) Review on Post 128
☑ Logan: Love & Loyalty (Book 2, Faith, Love & Devotion) Review on Post 122
☑Sunshine: Mind Over Magic (Book 2, Psych) Review on Post 126
☑Suzanne: Inkspell(Book 2, Inkworld) Review on Post 125
☑Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess:The Eternity Cure (Book 2, Blood of Eden)Review on Post 123
New Space 29
Read a book that is 2nd, 9th or 29th in a series or the Alternate: Set in Nevada
Book Posts
☑Ezi: The Singer (Book 2, Irin Chronicles) Review on Post 128
☑ Logan: Love & Loyalty (Book 2, Faith, Love & Devotion) Review on Post 122
☑Sunshine: Mind Over Magic (Book 2, Psych) Review on Post 126
☑Suzanne: Inkspell(Book 2, Inkworld) Review on Post 125
☑Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess:The Eternity Cure (Book 2, Blood of Eden)Review on Post 123





Logan wrote: "I think I'll read Love & Loyalty, #2 in Faith, Love, and Devotion series."
Oh yes!!! Book 3 is my favorite though. I don't know what I will read. give me a few minutes
Oh yes!!! Book 3 is my favorite though. I don't know what I will read. give me a few minutes
Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess wrote: "I will be reading 
#2 in the Blood of Eden series"
I loved that Book. I loved Jackal!!!!

#2 in the Blood of Eden series"
I loved that Book. I loved Jackal!!!!


#2 in the Blood of Eden series"
I loved that Book. I loved Jackal!!!!"
I really loved the first book in the series but I read it over a year ago I think. Really looking forward to reconnecting with the characters.
Glad to hear it's a good one!
From what I've read so far, I'm definitely getting the feeling Jackal is going to be one of those characters she set you up to hate, but you end up adoring. Those characters are my favorites <3 Send help I may not survive. -swoons-

Alternate: Set in New York

BookI Am Legend by Richard Matheson
Finished: 9/3
Rating & Review: ★★★★
An entirely different..."
I enjoyed that book too, have you read What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson? That novel blew my mind!

Alternate: Set in New York

BookI Am Legend by Richard Matheson
F..."
I haven't actually. Wow! I didn't realize he wrote that one too! Well actually I didn't realize the movie was an adaptation of a book. Silly me :-) Thanks for the rec Suzanne! I'll have to add it to my list.
I will choose another book since i read Harder for SSS, LOL. I want to use different books for the challenges
Choices:
Choices:





Read: Love & Loyalty by Tere Michaels
Series: Book 2, Faith, Love, and Devotion
Finished: 9/22/14
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Another sweet entry in this series. I really liked these two guys. I thought the story was going to focus more on the trial aftermath but I liked the plot around the rights to Ed's story just the same. I didn't really think the complication with Daisy was that interesting so it was a solid 4 star read for me.
message 123:
by
Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess
(last edited Sep 24, 2014 11:53PM)
(new)


Read: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #2
Finished 9/24/14
Rating: 5 stars
Julie Kagawa's writing just keeps getting better and better. With each of her books that I read, my anticipation grows for what fantastic works she will produce in the future. I have been disappointed countless times by YA novels, so it is incredibly refreshing to be continuously impressed by an author of this genre. It's also immensely enjoyable to follow and watch an author grow.
I loved the first book in this series and my opinion of the second is no different. Allison is still a delightfully different kind of heroine than we are used to seeing in these types of novels. While her rough edges are softening a bit through the course of this novel, she is still the stone cold badass she was when we first met her. There is absolutely nothing shallow, whiny, or flighty about this girl and I love it.
Kagawa does an excellent job guiding us through this post-apocalyptic world and crafting new and captivating horrors to excite her readers.
Looking forward to picking up the next book and getting some much needed closure on this cliff hanger!

Week 4: New Space 29
Read a book that is 2nd, 9th or 29th in a series or the Alternate: Set in Nevada

Read: Inkspell by Cornelia Funke
Rating: *****
Date: 9/24/2014
Review: Inkspell continues the story a year later, when Meggie and Farid go into the story of Inkheart to warn Dustfinger of Basta and the remainder of Capricorn's men. Together, they explore the world of Inkheart, with Mo and Resa going after her (with the help of others). They all find that Fenoligo's world has much changed in a year. I liked this book a lot more than the first one, I liked learning more about Inkworld and it's characters. I found the human characters boring compared to the inkworld characters so I'm happy we got to learn more about it! Brendon Fraiser as the narrator was amazing as well!


Finished: 9/25/14
Rating ★★★
Shaun and Gus go to the Fortress of Magic to deliver a gift and while they were there, they witnessed an magic trick up close and personal...which ended with a dead body. The story itself was simple enough. I have never seen the show, but have an idea of how it goes, and this is the first book I've read in this series. I found it to be funny. I could totally "see" the characters and could picture how they interacted. Made it a little mini episode in my head.
Good job y'all. I am 80% into my book, but I need to finish packing as I am going out of town tomorrow. I will try to post my review by midnight and roll.
Cross your fingers for me, but it will get done :D
Cross your fingers for me, but it will get done :D
Week 4: Space 29
Book: The Singer (Book 2, Irin Chronicles) by Elizabeth Hunter
Finished: 9/25
Rating & Review: ★★★½ maybe ★★★★.
This sequel gives us the grieving Ava, trying to find peace after the loss of Malachi by connecting with other Irina and learning to be a warrior in the fight against the Grigori. Being with other other Irina, Ava begins to learn about their history, magic and how she could fit.
Meanwhile, the love and Magic in Ava brings Malachi back but can he reach her before the Gregori who are hunting her find her?
I find that I didn't quite like the Irin Scribe/Irina dynamics. It seems like the Rendering turned them into harsh opponents. I was put off by Sari and Damien's relationship God a long time. Then the fight between the fallen and Grigori is still confusing. I liked the book but I don't love it.

Book: The Singer (Book 2, Irin Chronicles) by Elizabeth Hunter
Finished: 9/25
Rating & Review: ★★★½ maybe ★★★★.
This sequel gives us the grieving Ava, trying to find peace after the loss of Malachi by connecting with other Irina and learning to be a warrior in the fight against the Grigori. Being with other other Irina, Ava begins to learn about their history, magic and how she could fit.
Meanwhile, the love and Magic in Ava brings Malachi back but can he reach her before the Gregori who are hunting her find her?
I find that I didn't quite like the Irin Scribe/Irina dynamics. It seems like the Rendering turned them into harsh opponents. I was put off by Sari and Damien's relationship God a long time. Then the fight between the fallen and Grigori is still confusing. I liked the book but I don't love it.
Week 5: Rolled 4+5=9
Old Space 29; New Space: 38
Read a book that is 3rd, 8th or 38th in a series or the Alternate: Published in 2014
Book Posts
☑ Ezi: The Shattered Dark (Book 3) Review on Post 142
☑ Logan: Of Gods and Monsters: Menoetius (Published in 2014) Review on Post 135
☑ Sunshine: Half the Blood of Brooklyn (Book 3, Joe Pitt) Review on Post 143
☑ Suzanne: Inkdeath (Book 3, Ink world) Review on Post 141
☑ Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess: Fire Study (Book 3, Study) Review on Post 145
Old Space 29; New Space: 38
Read a book that is 3rd, 8th or 38th in a series or the Alternate: Published in 2014
Book Posts
☑ Ezi: The Shattered Dark (Book 3) Review on Post 142
☑ Logan: Of Gods and Monsters: Menoetius (Published in 2014) Review on Post 135
☑ Sunshine: Half the Blood of Brooklyn (Book 3, Joe Pitt) Review on Post 143
☑ Suzanne: Inkdeath (Book 3, Ink world) Review on Post 141
☑ Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess: Fire Study (Book 3, Study) Review on Post 145






Alternate: Published in 2014

Read: Of Gods and Monsters: Menoetius by Wulf Francu Godgluck
Published: 8/27/14
Finished: 9/22/14
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was very, very dark. Colt is not the most likable Dom. He starts with some non-con/dubious con play, which right off the back made me not like him. He didn't deserve Beo, but Beo seemed able to handle him and happy enough, so I went with them as a couple. An interesting read, all the same.
Logan wrote: "Roll 5: Space 38
Alternate: Published in 2014

Read: Of Gods and Monsters: Menoetius by Wulf Francu Godgluck
Published: 8/27/14..."
a lot of people read that for points in SH. I don't enjoy dark reads
Alternate: Published in 2014

Read: Of Gods and Monsters: Menoetius by Wulf Francu Godgluck
Published: 8/27/14..."
a lot of people read that for points in SH. I don't enjoy dark reads
Logan wrote: "Yep, that's why I read it too. Points! Is it December yet? SH is burning me out!"
I hate to say this but I think of quitting every month. I will not be playing this game again. It has completely thrown off my other challenges and book order. I am reading stuff that I would not pick up right now and I end up reading more m-m to the exclusion of my other genres. I am amazed that I even read 14 of my 18 Meet & Greet books.
I hate to say this but I think of quitting every month. I will not be playing this game again. It has completely thrown off my other challenges and book order. I am reading stuff that I would not pick up right now and I end up reading more m-m to the exclusion of my other genres. I am amazed that I even read 14 of my 18 Meet & Greet books.

And it's too hard on my bank account. I'm spending money on books I'll never read again and can't get from the library. I wish it was only a quarterly challenge, given how intense it is. I'm looking forward to Tower Teams coming back at NBRC so I can read multiple genres. I basically have to forgo all other challenges until the end of the year to keep up with SH. :(
Logan wrote: "Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "I hate to say this but I think of quitting every month. I will not be playing this game again."
And it's too hard on my bank account. I'm spending money on book..."
you should ask for loans? I would lend you what I have. But there is lending thread over there where I ask for books and often get books
And it's too hard on my bank account. I'm spending money on book..."
you should ask for loans? I would lend you what I have. But there is lending thread over there where I ask for books and often get books

Read a book that is 3rd, 8th or 38th in a series or the Alternate: Published in 2014

Read: Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
Date: 10/1/2014
Rating: *****
Review: A good conclusion to an awesome series about bibliophilia! I was not impressed with this series but ended up really getting into it by the end. Maybe the movie ruined it for me but Brendon Fraiser was a great narrator for the audio books!
Week 5: Space: 38

Book: The Sharpest Blade (Book 3, Shadow Reader) by Sandy Williams
Finished: 10/1
Rating & Review: ★★★½.
This story continued the war between the false bloods and Lena's new rule. It also continued the love triangle with Kyol, Mackenzie & Aren. I have to admit, I was really torn with whom she would be best with. I like both guys and I didn't want anyone to be left out.
Lena and her continual struggle to gain legitimacy for her crown dominated this story. So if you like action, action, action, then this ending would appeal to you. The story did feel like it wasn't over though, so I wonder if the author plans to revisit this trilogy.

Book: The Sharpest Blade (Book 3, Shadow Reader) by Sandy Williams
Finished: 10/1
Rating & Review: ★★★½.
This story continued the war between the false bloods and Lena's new rule. It also continued the love triangle with Kyol, Mackenzie & Aren. I have to admit, I was really torn with whom she would be best with. I like both guys and I didn't want anyone to be left out.
Lena and her continual struggle to gain legitimacy for her crown dominated this story. So if you like action, action, action, then this ending would appeal to you. The story did feel like it wasn't over though, so I wonder if the author plans to revisit this trilogy.


Finished: 10/2/14
Rating ★★★★★
Wow! What an ending. This is my favorite book in this series so far. Joe is back with the Society as head of security....a thug. Terry is trying to recruit the smaller tribes to make the Society larger, stronger. Joe & Lydia take a trip to Coney Island and that's when it all goes wrong. Between the Freaks, the Jews, the Society and the Enclave troubles are brewing and bridges are burning.


Book: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder
Finished: 10/02/14
Rating ★★
I'm so dissapointed! With how much I loved the first two books in this series, I was expecting this to be the thrilling finale of Yelena's tale. I so badly wanted to genuinely enjoy this, but there was a lot lacking.
Poison Study was so rich and character driven, I couldn't help but be captivated by each page. Fire Study diverts from this writing style and focuses completely on getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. It felt rushed and poorly calculated whereas the previous novels took their time and fully explored each character.
;_;
I'm glad to have concluded the trilogy finally, but very sad to see these characters go without the full circle character development they deserved.
Week 6: Rolled 6+4=10
Old Space 38; New Space: 48
Read a book that is 4th, 8th or 48th in a series or
the Alternate: Cover Red (must be at least 50%)
Book Posts
☑ Ezi: Origin (Book 4, Lux series) Review on Post 166
☑ Logan: Heartless (Book 4, Parasol Protectorate series) Review on Post 162
☑ Sunshine: Dark Lover (Alternate Read) Review on Post 165
☑ Suzanne: The Joy Luck Club (*Alternative: Red Cover) Review on Post 157
☑ Wicked ♥(Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess: Parasite (Alternate Read) REview on Post 167
Old Space 38; New Space: 48
Read a book that is 4th, 8th or 48th in a series or
the Alternate: Cover Red (must be at least 50%)
Book Posts
☑ Ezi: Origin (Book 4, Lux series) Review on Post 166
☑ Logan: Heartless (Book 4, Parasol Protectorate series) Review on Post 162
☑ Sunshine: Dark Lover (Alternate Read) Review on Post 165
☑ Suzanne: The Joy Luck Club (*Alternative: Red Cover) Review on Post 157
☑ Wicked ♥(Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess: Parasite (Alternate Read) REview on Post 167






All of our rolls are here: Prior Weeks Rolls
All of our books so far are here: Prior Weeks Book Posts
All of our books so far are here: Prior Weeks Book Posts
message 149:
by
Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess
(last edited Oct 03, 2014 07:51AM)
(new)


For the red cover!
I've been waiting a while for this one to fit into a challenge! I'm a huge Mira Grant fan >_<
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Books mentioned in this topic
River Marked (other topics)Spirit Bound (other topics)
Spirit Bound (other topics)
Magic on the Hunt (other topics)
Magic on the Hunt (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Michael Palmer (other topics)Courtney Summers (other topics)
Eric Schlosser (other topics)
Anya Allyn (other topics)
Catherine Anderson (other topics)
More...