R11: Team Serial Killers (4)

[Suman]

Denise wrote: "Since you did have all reviews in on time, it's okay.

Next time you have reviews coming in fairly close to the deadline, you might want to just ask the last person to post their review to roll ri..."

Sure. Thanks !

[SandyC]

Hi everyone. So sorry, I feel asleep last night before midnight. I must have misunderstood the rules. I know all reviews must be in by midnight but I didn't realize we have to roll before midnight. If that happens again, then yes abosolutely the last person to post a review should roll.

Suman, thank you for rolling!
Happy reading to all!

[SandyC]

Week 3, Spot 26
2nd or 6th in series
Alt: Non-Fiction

Sandy C: Blood Rites ** Review
Monica: Second Chance Boyfriend ** Review
M: Stays and Corsets: Historical Patterns Translated for the Modern Body ** Review
Suman: A Gathering of Shadows ** Review
Sarah D.: DEV1AT3 ** Review
Denise: Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death ** Review
Cathy: Riptide ** Review

Bonus points this week: 0
Bonus points total: 2

[Sarah]

I will be going with DEV1AT3 by Jay Kristoff. It is second in the Lifelike series.

[SandyC]

Selection Post - Week 3, spot 26


How it fits: 6th in series

[Cathy]

I have a couple of 2nd in series that I am deciding between. Either Riptide or Lola and the Boy Next Door.

[M]

Selection Post - Week 3 Spot 26
Stays and Corsets: Historical Patterns Translated for the Modern Body

How it fits: Alt non fiction

[Suman]

Selection Post:
Week: 3
Spot: 26 (Alt: non-fiction)

A Gathering of Shadows
by V.E. Schwab

How it fits: Shades of Magic #2 
Pages: 512

[M]

I just need to share this with people who will understand. My wonderful father in law knew I had trouble fitting all my hard back books on my shelves. So this wonderful man built me a bookshelf to fit them. I am the luckiest girl in the world and I will treasure this gift. I just need a small army to move it since it is so heavy.

[Sarah]

M wrote: "I just need to share this with people who will understand. My wonderful father in law knew I had trouble fitting all my hard back books on my shelves. So this wonderful man built me a bookshelf to ..."

That's amazing!!

[M]

Title: Stays and Corsets: Historical Patterns Translated for the Modern Body
Author: Mandy Barrington
How it Qualifies: Alt: Non-Fiction
Date Read: 9-17-2019
Rating: * * * * *
Review:
This book is one of two written by Mandy Barrington. I have been a corsetiere for many years and recently was given these books. The are very informative and will see a LOT of use in the future. The only negative this I can say is it takes you through the whole pattern drafting process and expects you to have knowledge of it along with fitting. For a beginner this could be discouraging. I can't wait to see what volume 2 has to offer.

[Suman]

Review Post:

Week: 3
Spot: 26 (Alt: non-fiction)


A Gathering of Shadows
by V.E. Schwab

How it fits: Shades of Magic #2 
Pages: 512
Finished: 20/09/2019
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
This is the second book in Shades of Magic series by  V.E. Schwab. This book begins four months after the first book ends. This switches between different character viewpoints with Kell and Rhyl working on their struggle with gratitude, guilt, resentment, and crises of identity. Whereas Lila become increasingly skillful and confidant. This one is much better than the first book in many direction. Looking forward to read the next book.

[SandyC]

M wrote: "I just need to share this with people who will understand. My wonderful father in law knew I had trouble fitting all my hard back books on my shelves. So this wonderful man built me a bookshelf to ..."

Lucky lady!

[SandyC]

Monica and Denise, you did not post a selection this week.
Are you both still playing?

[Denise]

Yes. I am reading. Just didn't post because it's been a crazy week. I am almost finished with Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death, nonfiction. I'll post better when i can get to a computer.

[Monica]

I am so sorry for the late post. I have been extremely busy with work. I did choose a book just never posted in here. So here it is:


Selection Post -
Week 3, spot 26
Book:
Second Chance Boyfriend by Monica Murphy

How it fits: 2nd in One week Girlfriend series

Pages: 210

[SandyC]

Thank you Denise and Monica!

I will finish my book tonight (crazy times for me too)!

Reminder that all reviews need to be in by 23:59 central time tonight, otherwise we lose our roll for this week. I’ll try my best to stay up that late! :-)

[Cathy]

Review Post:

Week: 3
Spot: 26 (Alt: non-fiction)

Riptide by Cherry Adair
How it fits: Cutter Cay #2
Pages: 338
Finished: 9/20/2019
Rating: ★★★

Review: I read the first book in this series a very long time ago, so I don't remember anything that happened in it. Luckily, I didn't need to . This book stands alone just fine. It took me some time to get into it but that had nothing to do with book 1. The premise of the initial meeting of the two main characters was thin and I picked up on one of the main "twists" early on. These kept me from getting caught up in the action until near the end. I did like Bria, she was strong and capable but not afraid to be feminine or emotional. Nick was tougher to warm up to. I also like Jonah, a supporting character who will have his own story in book 4.

[Monica]

Completion post:

Week: 3
Spot: 26 (Alt: non-fiction)
Second Chance Boyfriend by Monica Murphy
How it fits: #2 One Week girlfriend
Pages: 210
Finished: 9/20/2019
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I read the first book in this series earlier this year. I really enjoyed that book. This one continues after Fable and Drew return from spending the Thanksgiving holiday with Drew's family. Drew is the rich college boy while Fable is the local poor townie known for being easy. This book started out slow. Drew not contacting Fable which hurts her feelings. Fable continues living and is offered a better paying job and runs into Drew during one of her shifts. They pick up right where they left off after Thanksgiving. Not going to reveal anymore. I enjoyed it and at times I did get annoyed with some of the stuff. I will add the series to one to finish.

[Sarah]

I'll have my book finished tonight. If it's too late for you SandyC, I can roll if I'm the last one, or even if I'm not. I'm usually up pretty late, and the roll is only a few hrs ahead of my time.

[SandyC]

Thanks Sarah that would be great! I have to pick up my daughter around 11:30 so that works out well. Just 60 more pages for me!

[Denise]

completion post
Week: 3
Spot: 26 (Alt: non-fiction)
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death
read 9/20

I loved this book. It was an easy read about a tough subject. My enjoyment of the book was increased since I was able to attend the book signing at my local bookstore this week. The author has written several books, but this is the first of hers that I have read. I look forward to reading her others.

[SandyC]

Completion, week 3 spot 26


How it fits: 6th in series
Read: 9/20/19
Rating: ★★★★

Review: I knew I had read up to this point in the series but I realized it's been 4 years (!) since I read book 5. Not sure why I waited so long to return to Harry's adventures. This time around he is hired to find out who is murdering the women involved in an adult film production. Harry goes undercover on the set and discovers someone has put out a curse to kill the women in the producer's orbit. I really enjoyed the secondary characters, the witty dialogue and non-stop action. Did I mention Harry gets a puppy? The ending sets up the next installment nicely and I don't intend to wait another 4 years.

[Sarah]

Week 3
Spot 26



Book: DEV1AT3 by Jay Kristoff
Qualification: 2nd book in a series
Rating: 5 stars
Read: 9.20.19
Review:

I listened to the first book on audio last year when it came out. I was so excited to get into this one, but I've had it for awhile from the library. I did not go the audio book route this time, and I have to say it has made for a completely different reading experience. I didn't understand what Kristoff was doing with the language, and places in the first book, because I couldn't see the words for myself. I think because it is such an immersive dystopian book, it makes for a much better read than listen. This one picks up right where the first one left off. So I don't want to get into too much, because spoilers. I will say that there is a great catch up/refresher at the beginning of the book in case it's been awhile. It really brings you up to speed. I wish more books did that.

[Sarah]

At midnight, I'll roll. So in about, 40ish minutes.

[Sarah]

Week 4: Dice Roll
Roll: 3 + 6 = 9
New Space: 35

Read: 3rd in a series, 5th in a series, 35th in a series
Alternate: Author I

[SandyC]

Thanks, Sarah!
I don't think we can read a standalone for this space though.

[Sarah]

SandyC wrote: "Thanks, Sarah!
I don't think we can read a standalone for this space though."

No problem, I can correct that.

[Sarah]

I will be reading End of Days by Susan Ee, 3rd in the Penryn & the End of Days series.

[Cathy]

Selection Post

Here Kitty, Kitty!
#3 in Magnus Pack

[SandyC]

Week 4, Spot 35
3rd or 5th in series
Alt: Author I

Sandy C: Career of Evil ** Review
Monica: Three to Get Deadly ** Review
M: The Sundering ** Review
Suman: A Conjuring of Light ** Review
Sarah D.: End of Days ** Review
Denise: The World According to Garp ** Review
Cathy: Here Kitty, Kitty! ** Review

Bonus points this week: 1
Bonus points total: 3

[SandyC]

Selection Post

Week 4, spot 35


3rd in series

[SandyC]

Hi team. Please post your selection (if you haven't already done so) so we know you are still playing.

Thanks!

[M]

Selection Post

The Sundering by Richard A. Knaak
War of Ancients Trilogy #3

[Sarah]

Week 4
Spot 35



Qualification: 3rd in a series
Book: End of Days by Susan Ee
Read: 9.24.19
Rating: 3 stars
Review:

I don't know if it's because it has been so long since I've read the other two books. But I didn't really enjoy this one as much as the others. I remember really loving the first book, and being excited to read the second one. This one just missed the mark for me. It was still enjoyable to read, and I'm glad I finished the trilogy, and there was a HEA, but it just didn't capture as much as the other books.

[M]

Week 4 – Spot 35


Title: The Sundering
Author: Richard A. Knaak
How it Qualifies: War of Ancients #3
Date Read: 9-24-2019
Rating: * *
Review:
This is one of the World of Warcraft novels that tells the back story of the universe. I know the story well being and avid gamer and have played WoW for years. I love these characters but the writing seemed to be less than stellar. It was like they were just a monotone narrator with no real excitement. I was disappointed at the end of what should have been and epic ending.

[Cathy]

Week 4 – Spot 35


Title: Here Kitty, Kitty!
Author: Shelly Laurenston
How it Qualifies: Magnus Pack #3
Date Read: 9/23/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Since this is the third book in the series, I have had a chance to get used to the author's humor. I enjoyed this one more than the last for that reason. Many of the characters are shifters but the humans are more ornery than them. While some of it is just ridiculous, it is funny.

[Denise]

Completion post
Week 4, spot 35
alternative, author I

John Irving, The World According to Garp
read 9/24
5 stars

I loved the movie, and loved loved loved the book. I have read a couple of John Irving's books, and have never been disappointed yet. I look forward to more.

[Monica]

Selection Post:
Week 4, Spot 35

Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich

# 3 in Stephanie Plum

320 pages

[Sarah]

Monica wrote: "I wanted to know if this book would count for this week:

Selection post:

Among the Betrayed by Margaret Peterson Haddix

#3 in Shadow Children

156 pages"

It looks fine to me. The page limit is 140 so your selection would fit.

[Monica]

Sarah wrote: "Monica wrote: "I wanted to know if this book would count for this week:

Selection post:

Among the Betrayed by Margaret Peterson Haddix

#3 in Shadow Children

156 pa..."

I switched my choice but I am going to keep that one for another time. Thanks for checking. I thought it was okay.

[SandyC]

Hi all.
Hope your week has been good. Mine has been insane but I will work hard to finish my book tonight (it's really good)!

Haven't heard from Suman so I will send a PM.

[Suman]

SandyC wrote: "Hi all.
Hope your week has been good. Mine has been insane but I will work hard to finish my book tonight (it's really good)!

Haven't heard from Suman so I will send a PM."

Had take care some family issues. I will post my selection and review shortly.

[SandyC]

Suman wrote: "SandyC wrote: "Hi all.
Hope your week has been good. Mine has been insane but I will work hard to finish my book tonight (it's really good)!

Haven't heard from Suman so I will send a PM."

Had tak..."

Thanks, Suman! I hope all is well with your family.

[Monica]

Completion Post:

Week 4, Spot 35
Book: Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
How it fits: Stephanie Plum #3
Pages: 320
Date read: 9/27/2019
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I love Stephanie Plum and was late to reading these books. I am taking these books out of order just because I want to read them. This time Stephanie is hunting a local favorite resident of Trenton. She didn't want to take it because she knew the looks she would get. I loved this book and the fact the she has a 'partner' named Lula. Made it very entertaining.

[SandyC]

Monica wrote: "Completion Post:

Week 4, Spot 35
Book: Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
How it fits: Stephanie Plum #3
Pages: 320
Date read: 9/27/2019
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I lov..."

I really enjoyed the earlier books in this series. My favorite is book 8. When/if you read it you'll know why! ;-)

[SandyC]

Completion Post

Week 4, spot 35

Career of Evil
3rd in series
Read: 9/27/19
Rating: ★★★★★

Review: Yet another series in which I read the previous book several years ago! Five years ago?? Really?? Not sure I waited so long, but this book was fantastic. (Unsurprising given the author wrote the Harry Potter series.) Extremely well-written and suspenseful. I loved how we get to know Robin and her backstory better, as well as the interesting relationship between her and Cormoran. I love a good mystery and this did not disappoint. It involves a Jack the Ripper-esque serial killer who is fixated on murdering Robin. I like how the author immerses us in London and other areas of England. I'm excited that I don't have to wait for the next book since it's been out since last year. UPDATE: so apparently I can watch the TV adaptation on Amazon Prime!

[Suman]

Selection Post:
Week: 4
Spot: 35 (Alt: Author I)

A Conjuring of Light
by V.E. Schwab

How it fits: Shades of Magic #3 
Pages: 624

[Suman]

Review Post:

Week: 4
Spot: 35 (Alt: Author I)


A Conjuring of Light
by V.E. Schwab

How it fits: Shades of Magic #3 
Pages: 624
Finished: 28/09/2019
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
This is the third book in Shades of Magic series by  V.E. Schwab. A Conjuring of Light begins exactly where A Gathering of Shadows finished. Possibly an Antari, the character of  Deliah’Lila’ Bard, takes this story up another notch. This book is quite  fast to read with the plot flowing quickly between a number of characters, but keeps the main focus on Lila, Kell and Rhy.  A Conjuring of Light is a reasonably good book to finish the trilogy.

Bonus claim :
One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series. I have read three books from the series Shades of Magic.

[SandyC]

Nice job earning the bonus, Suman!