SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
>
R19: Team #16 ~ 4squared
Selection Post Shelf #7 Magic
Shattered Bonds by Faith Hunter
Yea! The new Jane Yellowrock is shelved 7 times as magic!
Hey yall! Sorry to have been MIA. My classes got kinda busy this week. I did start a book and I know I owe yall a review. I finished my book last weekend but I'm awful at getting on here for the full review. But I'll aim to get to it today.
CONGRATULATIONS, 4Squared!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'free space' and 'auto buy'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamps Math Nerds!
Completion Post Shelf #7 Magic
Shattered Bonds by Faith Hunter
Read: 11/2/2019
Rating: ****
This book is unlike most of the Jane Yellowrock series because Jane has cancer and is too sick for the usual intense fight scenes. As a result, even more time is spent on the inner workings of Jane’s magics, making it very appropriate for this category. Unfortunately, I’ve never been fond of Hunter’s descriptions of how her magic system works. Much of the climactic final battle is takes place inside Jane’s head, or belly, and a lot of the outcome is explained in a letter. For me, it lost some of the immediacy that a fight should have.
It was, however, good to return to this world and meet up with Clan Yellowrock again.
Hey yall!Taking a moment from studying to come do my reviews :)
Grad school is hitting me hard as we close out our first semester. I can't wait til winter break!
Completion PostShelf #6: Alternate Reality
Book: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Allen Campbell
Rating: 4 stars
Date Finished: 10/27/19
This was a fun read. I love all things steam punk and romance. They are always a good time with a great mystery and a nice little adventure. This book is no different. It has ghosts, steampunk, a murder mystery, other supernatural creatures. While reading it, I pictured the setting perfectly: rainy, Victorian era English country side manor. A recluse scarred hero. A smart, well read (and employed!) heroine. Solving a mystery together.
In this one we are watching the two main characters figure out the mystery of the murder of the male MC's family members and while navigating some other supernatural issues with vampires and shifters. I actually wasn't expecting that aspect to the story so that was a pleasant surprise.
I really loved the female MC. You are going to guarantee my love of a book when you give me a smart, capable heroine. And Lucy definitely was. I also appreciated that the male MC - our beast - was in fact a beast and scarred to the point that it was jarring for people to see. I think in romance it's always this scarred hero who is "pleasantly" scarred or you know something light that makes us still be attracted to him.
I liked the cast of characters introduced as well. I'm guessing the male MCs friends will continue on the series and I'm very intrigues to keep reading.
Martha wrote: "Completion Post Shelf #7 Magic
Shattered Bonds by Faith Hunter
Read: 11/2/2019
Rating: ****
This book is unlike most of the J..."
I read that series a few years back on a buddy read. I've fallen off since then I think because I don't love Jane as a character. She gets on my nerves but I have a hard time pinning down why. Maybe it's because she's very kickass but then also has this weird guilt that she lets other people put on her so it ultimately feels like she's the world's punching bag? It's a weird dichotomy.
Completion Post:Shelf #7: Magic
Book: Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
Rating: 4.5 stars
Date Finished: 11/3
Review:
I always and will forever stan the Ilona Andrews writing team. They are so imaginative. So fun. They write smart, capable heroines who aren't afraid to take charge and stand up for themselves and those they love.
I have to admit something. I read the first book in this series and was kinda disappointed. Maybe I got lost in the worldbuilding but that book just wasn't great or super interesting to me and I wrote off this entire series. I should have known better because I did the same thing with Kate Daniels. I dnfED her my first go around and man that ride is sooooo worth it. I saw this book on audible escapes and I said well go for it. That meant reading this out of order but to be honest I didn't feel lost even though I haven't read books 2 and 3. If I hadn't read book 1, I would probably have been lost.
Well this book makes me want to read books 2 and 3. So I definitely will. But back to the review: I loved Charlotte and Richard. Two more or less broken people finding one another to be whole again. They are on a mission to break of a slave trade and are willing to sacrifice themselves and their own relationship to make it happen (how noble!). I loved them as individuals and even more so as a couple. The plot was super interesting and I'm guessing we got a glimpse at some of the characters from books 2 and 3 since there were a few references to past events. While I didn't know the details, I got the gist of what happened and how it connected to this story.
My FAVORITE scene in this book is (view spoiler)
So I'm definitely going to read books two and three.
Danielle Book Boss wrote: "Martha wrote: "Completion Post Shelf #7 Magic
I hate Jane’s excessive guilt! I think Hunter got a lot of negative feedback on that and tried to tone it down in later books. Jane becomes aware she takes on too much guilt. It’s better in this book but she still gets carried away sometimes.
I love Ilona Andrews, too. I was jealous of both of you reading IA books this week!
Danielle Book Boss wrote: "Lekeisha wrote: "SELECTION POSTMAGIC
Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews"
Love this series!"
I'm loving it too!
Work has been getting in the way of my reading time. Looking forward to my upcoming 4 day weekend
Selection Post Shelf #8 Kick Ass Heroine
Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison
Continuing the Hollows read along.
Danielle Book Boss wrote: "Selection PostShelf: Kick Ass Heroine
Book: Here Be Sexist Vampires by Suzanne Wright
"I love Suzanne Wright and this series. It's one of my go to re-reads
Completion PostShelf: Kick Ass Heroine
Book: Here Be Sexist Vampires by Suzanne Wright
Date finished: 11/12
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
So I enjoyed this read. I admit it... the more I read Suzanne Wright's Pheonix Pack, the more I hated that series. I really should have stopped at book 1. I loved that book. And then every book after that was a watered down version of that book. I then tried her demon series. Again that hero and heroine reminded me of watered down versions of Tray and Taryn. Suzanne Wright has a formula and it makes her books like your favorite dessert. It's fun, delicious and exciting every once in a while. Every day and it becomes mundane, tiresome, and you start to seek out other things. That's me and Suzanne Wright. I need her in small, spread out doses because the formula is so obvious: kick ass, sarcastic heroine that borders on Mary Sue in the sense that everyone instantly loves her, there are multiple people that want to be her or be with her, and she always has some secret talent or power that sets her apart from the rest. Read her other books. You will find exactly that. I'll wait... Are you back? Did you see what I meant? Anyway, then we also have the alpha male hero who is afraid of commitment until he meets the heroine, he's really good at sex and he's wanted by some other woman in the story. Again feel free to go re-read and see what I mean.
Back to the fact that I enjoyed this series: it sticks to the formula but I thought it was an interesting take on vampires. I actually enjoyed Sam and Jared's interactions. The sex scenes were good and not overly much. I didn't feel the need to skim them. I enjoyed the plot though it could use some polishing. Much of it was spent with Sam acclimating to her new role. The part that I thought would be have more build up resolved really quickly (the scenes with her sire) whereas the part that took a while to resolve felt a little thrown together (the final battle). Overall I liked the book and I'll go for book 2... in a little while.
Completion Post Shelf #8 Kick Ass Heroine
Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison
Read: 11/8/2019
Rating: ****
Oops, I forgot to do my review!
Rachel is busy trying not to become a demon’s familiar, which seems like a very good goal. Also, since she sent Piscary to jail in the last book, a new guy is trying to take over the Hollows underworld. Rachel, who started the series with very a very black and white view of the world, finds herself working with (and falling in love with) Kisten, the heir to Piscary’s crime family. She also takes a job for another one of her erstwhile enemies, Trent. I like the way she lets shades of grey enter her world view. I did miss Jenks, who is absent for most of the book.
COMPLETION POSTFANTASY ROMANCE
READ: Dark Surrender BY Rachel Van Dyken 11/12/19 4 STARS
REVIEW: Loved it. This series has been really good. I had been waiting to read Alex's story because he was so against having a mate. Hope was just what he needed. This book may be my favorite in the series but I know Mason's story won't disappoint. Ready to see how everyone evolves to fight the upcoming war with evil.
COMPLETION POSTALTERNATE REALITY
READ: Clean Sweep BY Ilona Andrews 10/30/19 4 STARS
REVIEW: I had been debating starting this series for a while. I should have known that it would be awesome just because of the authors. This world of Innkeepers was different from anything I have read previously. I loved Dina and all the characters. The writing and world building pulled me right in to the story. Great action, drama and suspense. Will definitely read the next in the series
Sounds like both are good series, Lekeisha.I agree with everything you say about Suzanne Wright, Danielle. I read all of her Phoenix and Mercury Pack books, shaking my head at myself all the way. Not only are the characters and plots similar I swear she reuses the sex scenes. But for some reason the books still appealed to me.
Will finish getting everything updated this evening and request our stamps.
Thanks Lekeisha! Unfortunately the new shelf call still doesn’t give us 4 in a row and many other teams are one call away from bingo. On the other hand, it isn’t a bingo for anyone.
CONGRATULATIONS, 4squared!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'fantasy romance' and 'alternate reality'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamps Math Nerds!
Sorry I’ve been MIA ladies. I had two projects and an exam this week. I’m narrowing my selection down now and will start reading tonight or tomorrow.
Selection PostShelf: Immortals
I'm going to read the hotly contested The Darkest Warrior by Gena Showalter
Completion Post Shelf #9 Immortals
The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter
Read: 11/16/2019
Rating: ***
I read the first two Lords of the Underworld a while ago and they just didn’t do it for me so I set the series aside. There was just something so deeply implausible about the heroes that I couldn’t get past. I mean if you like your heroes tortured this is definitely the series for you—being possessed by demons like Death, Violence, and Pain for all eternity is about as bad as it can get. Until, of course, they meet the perfect little woman and their world becomes all roses and cuddles.
Anyway, I liked Reyes’ and Danika’s book a little better. I especially like the side story about Paris and the choice he makes. I think I’ll put the series back in the front of my rotation for a while. Maybe I’ll even make it to that controversial book 14 someday, Danielle.
Martha,The story definitely gets better! But I don’t know if I’ve ever rated one of these books as a 5 star read. I’ll have to go back and see. I think I stick with it because it was one of the first pnr series I read and one of the few I haven’t given up on hint hint J.R. Ward. 🤣
Hi ladies, new shelf posted. It doesnt look like it's a winning shelf for anyone. I will get everything updated this weekend and request up to our kickass stamp
It isn’t a winning shelf but it does get us within one shelf of bingo. After this we would only need Series, which is also a winning shelf for at least one other team.
Hey ladies! I finished my book yesterday and will work on updating with my review sometime tomorrow. Searching shelves now for my fae book.
Selection PostShelf: Fae
So I'm going to try The Iron King by Julie Kagawa to see if I like it. I tend not to like YA marketed books but sometimes I get a surprise every once in a while.
Corrected Selection PostI started reading the book I selected above and realized I’d skipped a book in the series. So, what I’m really reading for Fae is:
Exodus by Debra Dunbar
I agree with you about YA, Danielle, both about avoiding it and sometimes being pleasantly surprised. I finally got around to reading the Hunger Games trilogy and while I liked it, by the end I couldn’t care less which of the two boys she chose.
Completion Post Shelf #10 Fae
Exodus by Debra Dunbar
Read: 11/23/2019
Rating: ***
Sometimes as series go on authors seem to bring in ever more outlandish plots. In this eight book of the Imp series, (view spoiler) Sam has a way of going, within each book, from having very little power to all of a sudden, and usually somewhat accidentally, having enough power to change the world. If I had a magical power maybe it would be to go back in time and be able to read the very best UF series for the first time. This series can be entertaining at moments but it’s so far from being Mercy or Kate or Harry.
Alright I'm going to post my past two reviews so we can be caught up. School has been hitting me hard these past two weeks as we head to finals.
MARTHA, I'm hiding my review in case it's spoilerish and you decide to continue reading the series. Shelf: Immortals
Book: The Darkest Warrior by Gena Showalter
Date Finished: 11/13
Rating: 4.5 stars
(view spoiler)
I ended up changing my Fae choice because I just wasn't feeling my first choice. I've only liked YA when it doesn't center around a teenager in high school. Ie. Hunger Games, Chemical Garden, and The Immortal Rules. Those are all series that have 16-17 year old heroines but we don't have to deal with the minutiae of high school and BFFs and the like.Shelf: Fae
Book: Motor City Fae by Cindy Spencer Pape
Date Finished: 11/25
Rating: 2 stars
Review:
This book ended up being a chore.
Meagan meets Ric one afternoon - literally bumping into him. She coincidentally sees him again that night at a club where he is performing. They go on a late night date after the club but he has to bail on her. He shows up at her house at the butt crack of dawn and agrees to go with him to a house party in which guests are staying overnight for several days. Because...networking. Okay, sis.
She gets mad like three hours after being there - to the point that she's like I'm leaving and going home. I don't want to deal with this guy anymore. He proceeds to sit on her block watching her house while she stews over night in her anger. He shows up to her house that morning to apologize and promising to tell the truth. This is 48 hours after meeting this man. They proceed to have sex because she for some reason pounces on him as he begins his explanation. Which he never gets to give her before they have A LOT of sex.
We hear little things like "sorry I came before you" and a lot of "I've never wanted to do this before (as she VIGOROUSLY goes to town on his penis" and whole lot of "I've never been this reckless"... proceeded by lots of unprotected sex. It just read a lot like false modesty.
The linchpin that sealed the deal for me was how useless the heroine was. Just always in peril. Never asked questions and didn't really show any backbone until like the last 15%. She was basic and boring.
COMPLETION POSTMagic
READ: Sweep in Peaceby Ilona Andrews 110719, 5 STARS
REVIEW:
Loved it, loved it, loved. Dina is making quite the name for herself and her Inn. Dina decides to host a peace summit and we are introduced to a lot of new intriguing characters. Great world build, characters, drama and action. There is also a slight indication of a future romance. Dina is growing as an Innkeeper and we get to see her use her powers more in this book in defense of her Inn and guests. Such a fun read and series. Can't wait to see what happens next.
COMPLETION POSTIMMORTALS
READ: Want by R.E. Butler 112719, 3.5 stars
REVIEW: This was an ok read.The romance and drama in the story wasn't really flushed out. The resolution of the conflict was anticlimactic. Angie dreamed of her two mates years before they finally meet. She is a Wolf and they are Vampires. The two groups have bad history and don't mix well. There is also an outside force targeting Vampires.
COMPLETION POSTKICK ASS HEROINE
READ:
REVIEW:
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Alaska Wild (other topics)Sins of Empire (other topics)
Alaska Wild (other topics)
Darkest Temptation (other topics)
Want (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Brian McClellan (other topics)Rachel Van Dyken (other topics)
R.E. Butler (other topics)
Ilona Andrews (other topics)
R.E. Butler (other topics)
More...
AUTO BUY
READ Need Me BY Tessa Bailey 102019 4 STARS
REVIEW:
So overall I did enjoy this story and the characters. There were some things that irritated me but I was able to overlook them enough to keep my experience with this book on the positive side. Honey summoned up her courage and went after what she wanted and that was Ben. I thought that there was great chemistry between Honey and Ben. Ben kept falling back on bullcrap reasons of why he couldn't have a relationship with Honey. He treated her like crap several times, which irritated me, but she was able to forgive him. He did come through for her in the end but I think he should have had to work harder.
I thought the writing was good and I was pulled right in.