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R11: Team Just ONE More Chapter (1) ***Winning Team***
COMPLETION postWeek 3 / Spot 27
Book/Author:
Uncommon Criminals by Ally CarterQualification: Series "Heist Society # 2"
Date Finished: 18Sep19
Rating: 3***
Review:
Katarina Bishop is back with her crew of teen-aged thieves. This time they are after the Cleopatra emerald, despite legend that it carries a curse. There are a lot of twists and turns in this plot, and more than one intricate theft taking place. Not to mention cons and contra-cons. It's a fast read, and I like a lead female who is smart, determined and generally self-sufficient. But I didn't think it was as good as the first book, Heist Society. Still, I see the appeal for the target YA audience.
I should be finishing my book tonight. I switched to
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe and will update my selection post.
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe and will update my selection post.
Selection PostWeek 3 Spot 27
Full Tilt by Janet Evanovich
Qualifications: Full series #2
Pages: 341
Rating: 5 stars
Date Read: 9-19-19
Review: I'm already a huge Janet Evanovich fan but this series like all her other I've read so far is awesome. I'm in love with the two main characters, Max and Jamie. As I read the first few pages I laughed out loud. I do know that one of my favorite characters in the book is Muffin. I love the energy they all give off and the awesome banter between Jamie and Max. Its a fantastic book and I can't wait to pick up the 3rd one!
Completion Post - Week 3Spot: 27
Book: A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire
Qualification: #2 in October Daye
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: This series is taking me a bit to get into. Honestly if it wasn't for a bunch of my friends telling me this series definitely gets better and it's worth reading. It isn't that I didn't like it - but it's just a bit slow going so far. It took me quite a bit to get into this book but I will say by the 50% point I was interested and wanted to see how the mystery played out (although I thought I had guessed the villain pretty early on - I wasn't 100% sure I was right).
The world building is intriguing and the characters are interesting. I like Toby but I wish she had better investigation skills - I'm not sure why she always gets sent to solve these big cases when she has no experience and very few skills to bring to the table. In fact in this case it took just about everyone else dying for her to figure out who the villain was.
I haven't read near as many books about the fae and I like the idea of them living along humans but in parallel realms. I get a bit confused about the different races of fae and their traits but I'm assuming I'll catch on the more I read and if I read the books a little closer together. The politics are intriguing and there was plenty of action and some suspense in the book. Not really any romance and Toby has dismal taste in men in both book 1 and 2. Although I feel a bit bad for Connor who is married to a crazy fae - it is a situation he got himself into and I don't like him as a love interest for Toby at all!
Is anyone planning on earning any of these bonus points?✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate lists. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
I’m reading vampire diaries which is 4 books in the series I’m also looking to fit in PC Donal Lynch series which is 3 books.
I finished my book and updated post 95 with my review.
I’m planning on reading 3 books from October Daye series
Also I probably won’t pick one off the alternative list
Updated my post with completion information.
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "Also I probably won’t pick one off the alternative list"Excellent ....
Louise wrote: "I’m reading vampire diaries which is 4 books in the series I’m also looking to fit in PC Donal Lynch series which is 3 books."
Okay you've got the "Starting & Finishing a series" bonus handled
And both of you are in the running for 3 or more from any series.
Week: 4 Roll: 1 & 5 = 6
Previous Spot: 27
Current Spot: 33
Bonus Points Earned: 2 - (view spoiler)
Bonus Points Used: 0
To Read:
#3 in series -or- #33 in series
Alternate: Africa
Reviews:
✔ Book Concierge - Set in Africa - The Curse of the Pharaohs - Review post 118
✔ Cait S - Series # 3 - The Gray Wolf Throne - Review Post 120
✔ Danielle Gypsy Soul - Series # 3 - An Artificial Night - Review Post 117
✔ Jackie - Series # 3 - Chill Factor - Review Post 119
✔ Kayla - Series # 3 - Susannah's Garden - Review Post 123
✔ Louise - Series # 3 - The Fury - Review Post 141
✔ Talia - Series # 3 - King's Cage - Review Post 121
Dice weren't so kind this week....I posted our spot, including link to Week 3 reviews.
Week 4Spot: 33
Book:An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire
Qualification: #3 in October Daye
Date Read: 9/26
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: 3.5 Stars. I'm still struggling with this series. Honestly I wanted to quit after book one but heard it keeps getting better so I continued. I enjoyed book 2 a lot more and this one had some high points but it also has a few things that drive me crazy! Mostly though I'm struggling with Toby as a main character. Don't get me wrong I like Toby but she just seems to bumble along from one dangerous situation to another without thought. She stays alive miraculously through sure luck and some help from her friends. I also don't understand where her martyr complex comes from - there are too many times where she seems to not care whether she lives or dies.
The world building is interesting and VERY complex. I like that even if I get a bit confused sometimes about the different divisions between Oberon, Maeve and Titania’s children. I really like the way the author has built up the differences in true-blood and changelings live/are treated. The villain in this one is truly evil and perhaps a bit too all powerful. I'm still not sure how it is that Toby defeated him in the end given how many times he bested her along the way. It wasn't clear what was so different the last time and that also ruined a bit of the enjoyment for me.
I do love some of the secondary characters and the relationships Toby has with them. Quentin, Sylvester, Luna, Tybalt and Luidaeg all add a lot to the book and I love the interactions and the way they give us more insight into Toby. I like the possible development of a relationship between Toby and Tybalt although that seems to be moving at a snails pace and is one foot forward - two back. It's still intriguing and I definitely want to know what "un-truths" Tybalt was referring too. I like Connor just fine but I don't like him for Toby and I'm not a fan of that relationship. I don't feel the chemistry and have no desire to see him break free in order to be with Toby. He's a bit too submissive to really fit for Toby - I feel like she would run over him and Toby truly needs someone to stop her from doing the crazy, dangerous things she does or at least someone to fight along side her and that isn't Connor.
Unfortunately, these are undermined by the problematic aspects of the story, i.e., Toby’s innate martyr complex, her pathetic investigative skills, and her annoying connection to Connor.
All of that aside I think if Toby would just think a bit more instead of always just reacting and learn to actually investigate (after all she is an investigator) I would enjoy this series A LOT more. I want my heroines to be more than brave - I want them to be smart and I get tired of watching Toby bumbling along into danger over and over again with no care how that affects those who love her.
However, despite all my issues with the series it has some definite bright points and I have heard it continues to improve so I'll continue this series if for no other reason to find out more about Tybalt and in the hopes the author will go that route with the romance.
COMPLETION post Week 4 / Spot 33
Book/Author:
The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth PetersQualification: Alternate: Set in Africa (Egypt)
Date finished: 24Sep19
Rating 2.5**
Review: I read the first book in the series a few years back and was not a fan. I had heard so many good things about the series and was looking forward to it but found the first person narrative and constant asides to the reader irritating. But I was willing to give the series another try. Much of what irritated me in the first book happened again. But … I’m beginning to see the humor and satire in Peters’ style. I’m starting to appreciate Peabody’s manner and her relationships with the other characters. This is a strong, independent-minded, intelligent woman who does not suffer fools gladly. Still, what I appreciate can't quite overcome what I dislike. So still a below-average rating.
Completion PostWeek 4 / Spot 33
Book: Chill Factor
Author: Rachel Caine
Qualification: Weather Warden #3
Finished: 9/25/19
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: It had been a long time since I read a book in this series mainly because I really wasn't sure that I liked it all that much. But this book turned out to be better than the earlier ones. The MC is a Weather Warden and has the power to control weather elements such as wind and water. With the help of Djinn (yes, like the genie in the bottle) which they control, their power is greatly intensified. In this book, the Weather Wardens try to stop a teenager who with the help of a Djinn is attempting to wreak chaos. All in all, a wild and crazy ride. I'll probably continue the series as it's becoming more interesting.
Selection PostWeek 4 / Spot 33
Book:
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Qualification: Seven Realms #3
Finished: 9/26/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
The problem I have with this series is that each book takes so long to get good. Usually for the first 200 pages I'm sitting there wondering why I'm continuing on with them and I'm bored and it takes a lot for me to even pick up the damn thing.
And then for the last half of the book, I'm super into it and intrigued and I want to know what happens next. I'm here for the revelations and the character relationships and everything else. If the entire book was that way, this would be a 4-5 star series for me.
In this one, I specifically appreciated the fact that Raisa finally called herself out for pressuring and pushing Amon to have a physical relationship with her. Because frankly, it was gross and not okay so to see her grow enough to admit that was nice. I'm still middle of the road on her in general though.
I continue to be 100% here for Han. What can I say? I have a soft spot for secretly soft street thugs.
Despite not enjoying the first half, I will, of course, be finishing out the series with book #4 sometime soon.
Week 4
Spot: 33
Book:
King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
Qualification: Red Queen #3
Finished: 09/26/19
Rating: ★★
Review: I don't know why this series just isn't entertaining me very much. I usually like all the YA Fantasy novels I read but since book 1 this series has just been so-so for me. I think it's because I don't really like any of the characters so there's no one for me to root for. Mare isn't likeable to me and I can't put my finger on why exactly. And this book had storylines from her point of view as well as Cameron's and Evangeline's. I don't even remember Cameron from the previous book so that shows what a non-impression she made on me and I was bored with her chapters here. And I hate Evangeline so I definitely didn't like reading her chapters. But on the plus side, the battles with everyone using their powers were exciting. There's only one book left in this series so I feel like I have to read it just to get closure on how everything ends up.
Spot: 33
Book:
King's Cage by Victoria AveyardQualification: Red Queen #3
Finished: 09/26/19
Rating: ★★
Review: I don't know why this series just isn't entertaining me very much. I usually like all the YA Fantasy novels I read but since book 1 this series has just been so-so for me. I think it's because I don't really like any of the characters so there's no one for me to root for. Mare isn't likeable to me and I can't put my finger on why exactly. And this book had storylines from her point of view as well as Cameron's and Evangeline's. I don't even remember Cameron from the previous book so that shows what a non-impression she made on me and I was bored with her chapters here. And I hate Evangeline so I definitely didn't like reading her chapters. But on the plus side, the battles with everyone using their powers were exciting. There's only one book left in this series so I feel like I have to read it just to get closure on how everything ends up.
Week 4 Spot 33 
Susannah's Garden by Debbie Macomber
How it Fits: #3 in Blossom Street Series
Pages: 347
Date Read: 9-26-19
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Review Wow! I love Debbie Macomber but this was the best of the best. This was the 3rd in a series and best I have read from her ever. This book had love, suspense, even a little bit of nervousness. When I had about 100 paged left I wrote down a few things that I thought could happen and I was close. But wrong at the same time. It was amazing! Best Debbie Macomber book Ive read yet
I'm going to change my book because I need to get this one read first and it's a #3 also.
Jackie wrote: "I'm going to change my book because I need to get this one read first and it's a #3 also."Got it, Jackie. Thanks for letting me know.
Updated my post with completion info.
I updated post 121 with my review.
Talia wrote: "Week 4Spot: 33
Book:
King's Cage by Victoria AveyardQualification: Red Queen #3
Finished: 09/26/19
Rating: ★★
Review: I don't k..."
Sorry this series isn't working for you. Sounds promising but I hear you about"not having anyone to root for."
Completion Post Done - message 117
I finished my book I'll update with review after I pick up the kids.
Going to the theatre tonight. I'll be home late and will check for reviews. If they're all in, I'll stay up past midnight to roll.
I updated my post with my review :) yay. My goal is to have my book done super early next week. lol
So we're just waiting on Louise. It's 23.35p Thursday evening, Central Daylight time. I'll be up for another 40 minutes or so. Hoping Louise posts her review by then.
I’ll be done later today with my book, had a hectic work week.
Good Morning all! I'll check back when I get off work at 2 :) So excited to read. lol
I'll be here most of the day, as soon as Louise posts her review I'll roll.
Eagerly awaiting the roll. My husband is out of town and I have a pile of library books calling my name so I'm looking forward to getting some uninterrupted reading in tonight! :D
Right Talia! I love getting uninterrupted reading time. I've got about 5 books to read in 2 weeks which is a ton for me. lol
Completion Post - Week 4Spot: 33
The Fury by L.J. Smith
How It Fits: #3 Vampire Diaries
Date Read: 9/27
Rating: 3*
Review
This follows straight on from the end of book 3 and I have to admit I expected better. Elena is now a vampire and has joined forces with Damon and Stefan to overcome the Other Power. Bonnie is learning to embrace her psychic abilities while the trio find allies in unlikely places. Not sure how they managed a fourth book as this instalment had a definite end point. So we’ll see.
Sorry for the delay team. RL was definitely against me this week.
No problem, Louise. You still got it done within deadline. Sorry to have to add to your stress this week.
Week: 5 Roll: 5 & 3 = 8
Previous Spot: 33
Current Spot: 41
Bonus Points Earned: 4 - (view spoiler)
Bonus Points Used: 0
To Read:
#4 in series -or- #1 in series -or- standalone
Alternate: Title 'B'
Reviews:
✔ Book Concierge - Standalone - Love and Ghost Letters - Review Post 147
✔ Cait S - Standalone - The May Queen Murders - Review Post 153
✔ Danielle Gypsy Soul - Series # 4 - Late Eclipses - Review Post 155 (BONUS - 3 books in one series completed)
✔ Jackie - Series # 1 - Finnikin of the Rock - Review Post 151
✔ Kayla - Series # 1 - The Handmaid's Tale - Review post 161
✔ Louise - Dark Reunion - Review Post 152 (BONUS - 4-book series started and finished)
✔ Talia - Series # 1 - Crown of Coral and Pearl - Review Post 149
.
Week 4 reviews posted and new Spot posted.
COMPLETION post Week 5 / Spot 41
Book/Author:
Love and Ghost Letters by Chantel AcevedoQualification: Standalone
Date finished: 04Oct19
Rating 4*
Review: Acevedo gives us a wonderful exploration of Cuba from 1933 to 1969, focusing on the life of Josefina, the only daughter of a police sergeant who lives a life of privilege until she meets and marries a poor dockhand, Lorenzo Concepcion. Over the course of the novel Acevedo explores love: passionate, within marriage or outside of it, as a teenager, during old age, among friends, and parental. The men come across as selfish idiots, the women are frequently long-suffering and passive. I'm really looking forward to my F2F book club discussion.
I have Late Eclipses #4 October Daye on hold at the library but I don't know if it will come in on time for me to read it for this week. I have a back-up book picked out so I'm going to wait a bit before posting my selection.
Week 5
Spot: 41
Book:
Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford
Qualification: Crown of Coral and Pearl #1
Finished: 10/03/19
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: Nor and Zadie are twins who live in the ocean village of Varenia. Every generation the most beautiful girl is sent to Ilara to wed the prince and become the new queen so the twins' mom is obsessed with making sure they both stay as beautiful as possible. But when Nor gets a scar on her cheek saving Zadie's life everyone assumes that Zadie will be the next girl chosen to be the future queen. I feel like if I tell any more it will be a spoiler so I'll just say that I loved this book! It was very entertaining and suspenseful and exciting and I enjoyed learning about this world. The ending was satisfying even though this is book #1 in a new series, so I liked that since this is a new release and I don't know how long I'll have to wait for the next book. And the nicest part was that there's a character named Talia in it! That was awesome. It rarely happens so I smiled every time I saw my name in print. It's the little joys in life... :D
Spot: 41
Book:
Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara RutherfordQualification: Crown of Coral and Pearl #1
Finished: 10/03/19
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: Nor and Zadie are twins who live in the ocean village of Varenia. Every generation the most beautiful girl is sent to Ilara to wed the prince and become the new queen so the twins' mom is obsessed with making sure they both stay as beautiful as possible. But when Nor gets a scar on her cheek saving Zadie's life everyone assumes that Zadie will be the next girl chosen to be the future queen. I feel like if I tell any more it will be a spoiler so I'll just say that I loved this book! It was very entertaining and suspenseful and exciting and I enjoyed learning about this world. The ending was satisfying even though this is book #1 in a new series, so I liked that since this is a new release and I don't know how long I'll have to wait for the next book. And the nicest part was that there's a character named Talia in it! That was awesome. It rarely happens so I smiled every time I saw my name in print. It's the little joys in life... :D
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "I have Late Eclipses #4 October Daye on hold at the library but I don't know if it will come in on time for me to read it for this week. I have a back-up book picked out so I'm going..."Ditto ... I decided to go with the standalone, which I have on hand rather than keep waiting for # 4 series to show up. You have some time, though, so wait a bit if you can.
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Spot: 27
The Struggle by L.J. Smith
How It Fits: #2 Vampire Diaries
Date Read: 9/19
Rating: 3*
Review
This picks up where the first book finishes. I have to admit this was a fairly predictable read. Stefan has disappeared after the murder and everyone is looking for him. Bonnie’s psychic skills are put to the yes, Elena is lying to those closest to her in order to protect them and Damon is using his skills to have Elena at his side. The ending although not a huge surprise was a little unexpected.