SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R21: Team #6 ~ Six Degrees of Reading Celebration
Shelf: Sci-Fi RomanceTitle: Polaris Rising, by Jessie Mihalik
Date finished: 12 Feb 2022
Series: The Consortium Rebellion #1
Rating: ★★★½
Review: Solid novel. As always, the descriptions of the interstellar technology and engineering of ships just caused my eyes to glaze over, but the plot and the characters kept my interest from waning. The action was non-stop right from the get-go, the high-stakes romance was believable. I really liked the characters, although the male lead wasn't well-fleshed out, and the female lead, even though well rounded, was in bits whiny and annoying. Altogether, I liked it well enough to consider checking out the other two books in the trilogy
For the Alternate Reality shelf, I will be reading Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder
488 pages.
Found on SOS Alternate Universe Shelf, first page
Danielle Book Boss wrote: "Hey y’all! I am so sorry for not checking in until now! My son had a seizure and it completely threw my week off being in the hospital with him. I’m combing shelves now and will get the reading don..."I am so glad your son is okay, Danielle!
For the Free Space Shelf, I have finally decided on A Hint of Frost, by Hailey Edwards
256 pages.
Found on the SOS bookshelf
Free SpaceBook: Munro by Kresley Cole
Rating: 3.5 stars
Finished: 2/12
Review:
3 stars for the first half because it was the typical/same enemies to lovers story we’ve had in this series time and again.
4 stars for the second half because it felt more original, we had a phenomenal appearance from the Enemy of Old - my boo Lothaire and a good bit of plotting that pushed the book and overall series along.
I still love this series and this world even though I’m tired of all the white characters. Come on Kresley.
Lady Jaye wrote: "For the Alternate Reality shelf, I will be reading Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder
488 pages.
Found on SOS Alternate Universe Shelf, first page
"I love this world. The Study series was so great!
Lady Jaye wrote: "Danielle Book Boss wrote: "Hey y’all! I am so sorry for not checking in until now! My son had a seizure and it completely threw my week off being in the hospital with him. I’m combing shelves now a..."Thank you so much!
Lady Jaye wrote: "For the Alternate Reality shelf, I will be reading Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder
488 pages.
Found on SOS Alternate Universe Shelf, first page
"I agree with Danielle about loving this world! The study series was so much fun! The plot in this trilogy is really good, too, but I really did not like the main character of the Glass books. :-/ Hopefully you won't have that problem! :-)
Eldarwen wrote: "Lady Jaye wrote: "For the Alternate Reality shelf, I will be reading Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder
488 pages.
Found on SOS Alternate Universe Shelf, first page
[bookcover:Storm ..."
Yes I very much had the same issue!
Shelf: Sci-Fi RomanceBook: Penny's Protector by Ruby Dixon
Date finished: 2/14
Rating: 2 stars
Review:
I STRUGGLED with this one. Not to finish but to find any redeeming qualities given the triggering events that forced proximity for the leads the male lead drugged and kidnapped the female lead. And while this isn't a super original story line for this series and he immediately regretted it, it was still skeevy as fuck.
This is a story about a lovable buffoon and a girl that throws off so many mixed signals that up means foot and south means pink. I mean it was just a lot. I wouldn't even call the male lead a buffoon except that he kept calling himself (and everyone) kept referring to him as thick brained. Even the female lead said "he ain't the smartest guy" or something like that. Like was that supposed to be an allusion to a learning difference? IDK it just came off as he's dumb for lack of a better term. As far as the female lead, I thought I'd like her. I actually skipped two books before this one because I was sure I WOULDN'T like those girls. Something about this new group are not endearing to me. I loved the original Ice Planet Barbarians series for the fun and easy series it is but this spin off (while having all the makings of the original) is not doing it for me. I'm going to skip a few more books, most especially Bridget's. I'm sick of hearing about her and Atam. But there are a few, I'd still like to read and support their HEAs.
Overall the ice planet has been an enjoyable ride. While this book didn't have the spark of others, I'm going to continue the series.
Sci-Fi Romance stamp has been requested :-)
Completion Post
Alternate Reality/Universe
Book: White Cat by Holly Black
How it fits: shelved 10 times as alternate reality
Date Read: 15th February 2022
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 310
Review:
I enjoyed this one. Lots of scheming, lots of "wtf is actually going on" though I did figure some parts out before the MC himself hehe, which did not lessen the enjoyment of the book at all. I could stop after this one. There are still a few things open but nothing sooo loose ended that I absolutely need or want to read the rest of the trilogy. My main issue with continuing is - I know, I'm terrible like that - the edition I have is no longer available for the other books in the trilogy *sigh* and at the moment my curiosity is not quite killing me, so we'll see. If the mood strikes... :-)
Eldarwen wrote: "Free Space Selection
Archangel's Light by Nalini Singh
Pages: 391"
I'm switching my Free Space Selection to
Raising Innocence by Shannon Meyer
Pages: 288
The book is on the SOS bookshelf.
Completion Post
Free Space
Book: Raising Innocence by Shannon Mayer
How it fits: on SOS bookshelf
Date Read: 17th February 2022
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 288
Review:
I enjoy this series a lot. And with every book the reader learns more about the world this is set in, and learns more about being a Tracker alongside Rylee herself. The cast is diverse and they all have their perks in a way. I can't wait to see where this is going. A looot of foreshadowing has been done in this book especially and it seems like there will be a lot coming towards Rylee.
Favorite Couples Selection
Witness in Death by J.D. Robb
Pages: 357
Shelved 5 times as favorite couple
Completion PostAlternate Reality
Book: Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone
Date Finished: 2/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review: What a great read! I really enjoyed it. It had the potential to be a 5 star read but I had to take a star because it has the typical pitfall of the first book of a fantasy novel: infodumping. The dumping made is hard to understand at time and I would have to go back and reread things to full understand what and who was involved in some major moments of the book. We introduced to a lot of people and elements of the world that Max Gladstone has crafted.
I loved the overarching plot involving Tara - super smart, competent main character and the other side characters we meet along the way such as Abilard and Cat. I really loved their dynamic and the story really came together at the end. There is a good bit of political intrigue in a sense as well as magic explanation. Ultimately, it was a very good read and I can't wait to continue the series!
Selection PostShelf: Favorite Couples
Book: A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Choksi
Pages: 384 pages
Shelved 5x
Shelf: Alternate RealityTitle: Storm Glass, by Maria V. Snyder
Date finished: 19Feb 2022
Series: Glass #1
Rating: ★★
Review: Unbelievably boring. Eldarwen and Danielle, you were right that Opal, the female lead, is quite unlikeable. Keeping information to herself for no reason, and just generally, being a pain. But unlike y'all, I didn't even find the plot interesting AT ALL, nor even the other characters. They were all annoying and uninteresting. I was bored throughout. I am definitely sitting out this series.
The PNR/UF pickings are quite slim for this FAVORITE COUPLES shelf. So I think I will use one of my alternate choices. I will read
The Ippos King, by Grace Draven
Alternate choice: 3rd book in series
(Funnily enough, the first two books in the series are on this shelf, but I've already read them, and have been meaning to read this one for more than six months but haven't gotten anywhere yet. )
436 pages
Lady Jaye wrote: "Shelf: Alternate RealityTitle: Storm Glass, by Maria V. Snyder
Date finished: 19Feb 2022
Series: Glass #1
Rating: ★★"
Yeah Opal is a handful..... There is more interesting stuff to happen later, which is actually sort of important for the follow-up trilogy but I think you should be able to catch on even without reading the other two books in this series. But, there is Valek and the others to pop in at a later point, which at least made parts of the trilogy readable haha ;-)
Alternate Reality/Universe stamp has been requested! :-)
Lady Jaye wrote: "Shelf: Alternate RealityTitle: Storm Glass, by Maria V. Snyder
Date finished: 19Feb 2022
Series: Glass #1
Rating: ★★
Review:
Unbelievably boring. Eldarwen and Danielle, you were right that Op..."
Have you read the series before this one? HIGHLY recommend. One of my best reading decisions of 2020. IDK what happened with this one but the Study series is better by spades.
Completion PostShelf: Favorite Couples
Book: A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Choksi
Rating: 5 stars
Date Finished: 2/20/2022
Review:
I’m blown away by how great this book was. It has action, adventure, romance, the bizarre, and the familiar. Roshani Choksi is such a talented writer. I really felt immersed in the world she created. I loved reading about the different components of Indian mythology that are interwoven in this story. I love reading non-Eurocentric stories - more of these please!
Vikram and Guari were amazing together. A bit of opposites attract but also those opposites make a whole. They are on a quest to save their kingdoms in their own ways. Oh man there is a scene that just makes me smiles and releases all kinds of endorphins. *sigh* It was so lovely.
The Wish Tournament was so interesting as well as all the gods and mythic folks contained in this story. I was googling like crazy to get an idea of the descriptions and learn more.
Final note: if you had trouble with The Star Touched Queen because it was super meta and descriptive and prosy, this book is more straightforward and frankly easier to digest. HIGHLY recommend.
You mean the Poison Study series? Yes I have, and I absolutely loved the first book. I wasn't so happy with the other 2 books, but I loved Yelena and Valek throughout.
CONGRATULATIONS, Six Degrees!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'sci-fi romance' and 'alternate reality'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamps 6°!
Shelf: Free Space Title: A Hint of Frost, by Hailey Edwards
Date finished: 21 Feb 2022
Series: Aranaea Nation #1
Rating: ★★★
Review: The world building in this one was certainly unique in the land of UF/Fantasy, so that was one major plus. However, I wasn't too compelled by the plot. It was interesting enough, but I didn't care too much for the male and female leads - not their fault, but mine: I find that the older I get, I have very little patience for withholding information and carrying a chip on your shoulder. Shrug. Oh, another interesting thing was that the characters are supposed to be humanoid, but the way they are described and the way their clans/species/whatever are named, the really sound more like insects (arachnids, specifically) to me. Yech!! I dunno about the rest of the series, but I will deffo read book 2, as I am actualy interested in the two characters that will lead it.
And that's our Free Space stamp requested as well :-)
CONGRATULATIONS, 6 Degrees!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'free space'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamp 6°!
For the MAGIC USERS shelf, I will readSapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews.
(found on page 2, shelved 11x).
I hope everyone's week is going well. I am reading, just NOT the book I said I will read 😭😭😭😭
Haha, isn't that typical? :-)Maybe whatever you're reading could also fit??
And goood choice with the Ilona Andrews!!
I'm still not quite sure what to read for this shelf as there is quite a bit of choice hehe.I'll have a think this weekend :-)
Eldarwen wrote: "Haha, isn't that typical? :-)Maybe whatever you're reading could also fit??
And goood choice with the Ilona Andrews!!"
ALWAYS a good choice!
Completion PostShelf: Magic Users
Book: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost
Date Finished: 2/27
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I really liked Vlad and Leila's story. This is a spin off series featuring Vlad who first appears in the Night Huntress series with Cat and Bones.
This story is from Leila's POV and we follow hers only. I was a little disappointed because Vlad is who we know from the previous series. She ended up being a great narrator but I will say the book relies a lot on what she doesnt know as a plot point as is what happens when we get single POV in the first person. There was a lot of her guessing what Vlad and how he felt so it felt a little rushed with their relationship progression because it felt like it went from 0 to 100 in about two chapters.
The action in this book was really good and I loved Leila's progression into the world of vampires. I haven't read a vampire novel in LOOOOOOONG time - the market got so saturated at one point. This was a nice step back into paranormal romance mixed with a good dose of action and fight scenes.
Vlad will always have a special place in my heart!Is this the first of the Night Huntress spin-offs you've read?
Apparently I never posted this?! I was sure I did though.. hmm... mysterious!Completion Post
Book: Witness in Death by J.D. Robb
How it fits: shelved 5 times as favorite couple
Date Read: 23rd February
Pages: 357
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This was so much fun to read! I've enjoyed all of the In Death books so far, but this one had a particular touch with the murder occurring on stage while Eve and Roarke are attending the opening night of the play. It was also a very interesting plot with regards to character development and I've been close to tears at one time or other. Also, Peabody cracks me up.
Shelf: Magic/UsersTitle: Sapphire Flames, by Ilona Andrews
Date finished: 02 Mar r=2022
Series: Catalina Baylor #1
Rating: ★★★★
Review: What a wild ride! The plot was top-notch: nonstop action throughout. I think I even got a bit of whiplash from it all. Character-wise, Catalina felt like a rehash of Nevada, I'm not gonna lie. They have pretty much the same inner voice, and same narrative characteristics. Initially, I thought Alessandro also read like a less-interesting Rogan, but I was wrong. He turned out to be a revelation, and interesting all on his own. I really like his character and am curious to know more about him. Also, Bug is absolutely hilarious!
Bug is fab haha!And Alessandro is totally swoon-worthy :-D
You absolutely have to read the next book, it's so good! And the last one will be out in August, I cannot wait!! *fan girl scream* haha
Eldarwen wrote: "Bug is fab haha!And Alessandro is totally swoon-worthy :-D
You absolutely have to read the next book, it's so good! And the last one will be out in August, I cannot wait!! *fan girl scream* haha"
It's definitely next on my list! I bought it immediately I was done with this one!
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Shadowed Threads (other topics)Linger (other topics)
Linger (other topics)
The Ippos King (other topics)
The Ippos King (other topics)
More...
Sci-Fi Romance
Book: Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
How it fits: shelved 7 times
Date Read: 10th February 2022
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 495
Review:
The book starts almost exactly where the first one left off and there is constantly something happening. Lots is going on, a lot of things are thrown up into the air, other things are revealed and it ended on a bloody cliffhanger haha. But it was well done. The changes in perspective were once again fun, though I have come to dislike Auri a little bit, which is a shame since she's a very important character. Maybe it'll get better again in the final book of the trilogy.