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R14: SSS Team 1 - One More Chapter
Completion PostWeek: 1 Roll: 2
Spot: 8
Book: Little Bee
Author: Chris Cleave
How it Fits: Set in Africa
Date: 02/01/2023
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
A really beautiful story told from two points of view. Little Bee, a Nigerian refugee and Sarah, a widow from England first meet during the oil conflict in Nigeria and are later reunited in England. The author really does a beautiful job of weaving their two stories together.
Mod
Spot: 8
Book: King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild
Qualification: Alternate: Africa
Pages: 442
Finished: 01 Feb 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
Harrowing and sure to be memorable. Hochschild paints a vivid, brutal picture of the horrors visited upon the Congo and its people under King Leopold II of Belgium and the international human rights movement launched to put a stop to it. This is history everyone needs to know and entirely too few are taught about.
Wow, you are all awesome!! What a team!! I will have my book done in a few hours. :)
Week 1, Roll 2Tracking Thread
Previous Spot: 2
Roll: 6
New Spot: 8
D.L. - completion post
Denise - completion post
Raquel - completion post
Susan - completion post
Completion PostWeek 1, Roll 2
Spot: 8
Book: Ho-Ho-Homicide
Author: Kaitlyn Dunnett
How it Fits: #8 in the Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries series
Date Read: 2/1/23
Rating: 2 stars
Review: The mystery element of this one was okay, I guess. At least, I was intrigued enough to keep turning the pages (plus, I owed it for this challenge, of course! lol) but overall, I found this book lacking a certain something. The characters were not very rootable, let alone memorable. They were boring, very one-dimensional, with no quirks to set them apart from each other. Usually, a cozy mystery offers some humor, but there was none of that here. I was disappointed that the book wasn't a Christmas-themed book like the title, cover, & synopsis all led me to believe. It took place in November. I don't think I would read this author again honestly.
I rolled a three. This puts us on Spot 11. This means you can read:#1 in a series
- or - #11 in a series
- or - a standalone
- or - alternate: Two Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The) Deadly Silence, The Hunger Games
Reminder: completion reports are due Sunday, but ideally, I would like to have them posted by Saturday evening. Thanks!
You're all doing great. Keep up the awesome work!
Mod
Spot: 11
Book: Steel Blues by Melissa Scott & Jo Graham
Qualification: Alternate: Two Word Title
Pages: 310
Selection PostSpot: 11
Book: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Qualification: Alternate: Two Word Title
Pages: 352
Completion PostSpot: 11
BOOK READ: Unmasked
AUTHOR: Gregory Scott, L.T. Ryan
#1 Blake Brier series
DATE READ: 2/2/23
RATING: 3
REVIEW
This is my first book by these authors. I can't remember where I saw the book, but it starts with U which I seem to always need for my many spell out challenges. If I had noticed "USA Today Bestselling Author" on the cover at the time, I probably would not have chosen this book. More than anything else, that label on a book, regardless of genre, seems to be a strong indicator that I will not really like the book.
The crime in this book involved hacking and bitcoin -- two things I know very little about. The descriptions in the book didn't really help me to understand it any better, but I can't say that I put a good faith effort into trying to understand because:
1. I didn't have any faith that the info in the book would be correct. If I'm going to finally learn about bitcoin, I'd rather learn from a known reliable source
2. I have zero interest in these topics
3. I didn't really need the info to understand what was going on
I listened to the audiobook and it didn't annoy me. The characters were not well developed. I don't understand how Blake, a FORMER CIA agent, could just call in his buddies and go about killing people and solving the crime on their own and the FBI just says thanks at the end.
I would not recommend this book. There are many reasons why, but honestly, this book isn't worth any more of my time.
That being said...book 2 begins with U and is available in audio format at hoopla, so if I really need another U book, I'd consider it.
Mod
Spot: 11
Book: Steel Blues by Melissa Scott & Jo Graham
Qualification: : Alternate: Two Word Title
Pages: 310
Finished: 04 Feb 2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Beset by depression, Gilchrist Aviation finds itself in desperate need of money. An air race offering thousands in price money might offer the answer, but things aren't all that easy. Between ambititous competitors, press attention, and a very determined conwoman, the team have their work cut out for them.
Melissa Scott is an author one simply can't go wrong with. Great fun.
Completion PostWeek 2: Roll 1
Spot: 11
Book: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Qualification: : Alternate: Two Word Title
Pages: 352
Finished: 02/04/2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
This book was crazy and all over the place but in a good way. I'm not normally a sci fi book kind of reader but this was full of suspense and I couldn't put it down! I don't even know how to write a review without spoiling. Jason is on a missing to get back to his life with a lot of craziness along the way. Every decision ever made in life can change someone's whole path.
Heck.. Just read it!
Hmmm...I keep seeing books by this author, but have never read him. Maybe it's time to give him a try.
Hey, all. I am finishing up my book still (it's been a weird weekend!). I have about 40 pages left to go. I Just wanted to do a quick check in, so you all know I didn't desert the group. I will roll for us as soon as I finish my book & post my completion report. Give me about an hour's grace please. TY!
Completion Post
Week 2, Roll 1
Spot: 11
Book: A Younger Man by Rochelle Alers
How It Fits: standalone
Date Read: 2/4/23
Review: This read was okay overall, I guess, but I didn't like all the "head jumping" (moving from one character's POV to another's without a break in the story). I am glad there wasn't a lot of unnecessary angst. The book was pretty short, and the writer could have fleshed out the characters a lot more than she did honestly.
Week 2, Roll 1Tracking Thread
Previous Spot: 8
Roll: 3
New Spot: 11
D.L. - completion post
Denise - completion post
Raquel - completion post
Susan - completion post
Hello, friends. I rolled a four. That puts us on Spot 15. There are lots of good reading options:#1 in a series
#5 in a series
#15 in a series
a standalone
- or - alternate: 15. Set in space
Reminder: completion reports are due Thursday, but ideally, I would like to have them posted by Wednesday evening. TY!
You're all wonderful! :)
Mod
Spot: 15
Book: Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear
Qualification: Alternate: Set in space
Pages: 512
* Qualifies for 500+ pages bonus
Selection Post: Spot: 15
BOOK : Chained / Convicted
AUTHOR: Kim Fielding
How it fits: The Bureau #4-5, approved in QA
pages: 305
Denise wrote: "Selection PostSpot: 15
Book: Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear
Qualification: Alternate: Set in space
Pages: 512
* Qualifies ..."
Glad you're going for a bonus! I want to look over the list & see which bonuses I can do as well :)
Selection PostSpot: 15
Book: The Mark on the Mirror by Margaret Sutton
How it Fits: #15 in the Judy Bolton Mystery series
Posting the bonus points list to show where we're at so far with it.✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
✸ One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages. (Denise)
✸ 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.
✸ 2 in 1: One point can be earned for reading a book that fits both the series number and the alternate for the spot you are on.
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90. (D.L.)
✸ One point can be earned for always picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90. (Denise)
I'll try to pay attention to the bonus. the 2 in 1 could be possible. The 3 books in a series I might be able to do.Book #10 -- that only works for 10 right? So, I won't be able to use Rizzoli and Isles books 8, 9 ,10
It's really hard to use books over #9 in this challenge. I wish we could take apart the series number -- like book #17 could work for #1 or #7...anyway
The books do not have to be consecutive, right?
Chained / Convicted #4/5 - reading currently
Conned #6
#7 is too short
Camouflaged #8
**but I actually have the audio version The Bureau: Volume 3: Includes Caroled and Camouflaged AM I allowed to listen to this entirely and claim just Camouflaged? Should I ask in QA thread?
I don't think I'd be able to do both 3 from a series and the finish a series.
If you'd rather have me do the finish a series one, let me know and I'll start looking for one.
Completion PostSpot: 15
BOOK READ: Chained / Convicted
AUTHOR: Kim Fielding
DATE READ: 2/6/23
RATING: 5
REVIEW
I've read most of this series and now I'm listening to the audio performed by Joel Leslie. The narration is excellent.
The stories are great. Convicted is a powerful story of redemption featuring a a bureau agent who suffers from guilt over his role in the Vietnam War and a convicted criminal who suffers guilt over his crimes committed over 20 years ago.
Mod
Book #10 -- that only works for 10 right? So, I won't be able to use Rizzoli an..."
They don't have to be consecutive, so any three books from the series would work.
That series seems to be going out of its way to be difficult! 😂 You can put Camouflaged in your selection/completion posts (GR doesn't seem to have your audio listed anyway) and apply the "You can use any edition of the book you read" rule.
If anyone had a complete series on hand they can read for the bonus, by all means do! Doing only alternates I doubt I can make it happen.
I think I *might* be able to do this one if we (I!) roll the right numbers lol I have a couple of 4 book series I could use for it.✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series.
Mod
Spot: 15
Book: Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear
Qualification: Alternate: Set in space
Pages: 512
Finished: 08 Feb 2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Elizabeth Bear doesn't make things easy for her readers, tossing them right into an intriguing but often confusing sci-fi world with little in the way of explanation for... anything, really. It took me a while to get into the story, but the characters were engaging enough to keep me going. Lots of interesting ideas went into the making of this world, and there were many story elements I enjoyed, though the befuddlement caused by unfamiliar terms and concepts never quite stopped.
* Bonus point earned: 500+ pages
Completion Post
Spot: 15
Book: The Defense by Steve Cavanagh
How It Fits: 1st in Series
Date Read: 02/08/2023
Review: What a thrilling read. Full of twists and turns right from the start. I actually started with book 4 of this series and after reading that one, I figured I needed to start from the beginning of Eddie Flynn's life. Even though I haven't read two and three, I feel like there is a lot of character development coming from this series. This is well written crime thriller and I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Easily 4 stars!
Hey, Team. I am finishing up my book still (I have about 50 pages left). Sorry! I'll roll for us as soon as it's done & I post my completion report. :)
Completion PostWeek 2, Roll 2
Spot: 15
Book: The Mark on the Mirror by Margaret Sutton
How it Fits: #15 in the Judy Bolton Mystery series
Date Read: 2/8/23
Review: This book wasn't bad, but it was far from great. It seems to suffer from a serious identity crisis. Is it a youth mystery (a la Nancy Drew) or is it for more advanced readers? Is it about the joy of young love or about the perils of marrying too young? Is it supposed to be positive or bleak? I can't decide. There was so much going on. It just felt so... busy. Yes, that's the word for it. I am not inclined to read another book in this series, but I am so happy to clear it off my TBR list finally!
Week 2, Roll 2Tracking Thread
Previous Spot: 11
Roll: 4
New Spot: 15
D.L. - completion post
Denise - completion post * Bonus point earned: 500+ pages
Raquel - completion post
Susan - completion post
Ugh, so sorry, Team!! I rolled a sad little one this time. This means we're on Spot 16. You can read:#1 in a series
#6 in a series
#16 in a series
a standalone
- or - alternate: MC (main character) is in their 20's
Reminder: completion reports are due Sunday, but ideally, I would like to have them posted by Saturday evening. Thanks!
You're all doing great. Keep up the awesome work!
Completion Post: Spot: 16
BOOK : Conned
AUTHOR: Kim Fielding
How it fits: The Bureau #6,
pages: 226
Date: 2/9/23
Rating: 5
Review:
#6 in the series, but this is also a prequel of sorts. We finally learn Townsend's story. Creepy. Twists I did not not see coming. Excellent narration by Joel Leslie.
Selection PostSpot: 16
Book: Killer's Prey by Rachel Lee
How It Fits: Conard County: The Next Generation #16
Mod
Spot: 16
Book: The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
Qualification: Alternate: MC is in their 20s - MCs are 27 & 28 respectively
Pages: 354
Mod
Spot: 16
Book: The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
Qualification: Alternate: MC is in their 20s - MCs are 27-28 & 28 respectively
Pages: 354
Finished: 11 Feb 2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Behind the scenes of a reality TV show (think The Bachelor with a vague fairytale-esque theme) a rather unforeseen romance develops... and surprisingly enough, I adored the whole thing. The romance is sweet, but not overly so. Both protagonists struggle will mental health issues, which play a large part in the story, so it's not all fluffy goodness. And, well, it must be said: Dev is an idiot for quite some time... but despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and its happy ending.
Week 3, Roll 1Tracking Thread
D.L. - completion post
Denise - completion post
Raquel - completion post
Susan - completion post
Completion PostWeek 3, Roll 1
Spot: 16
Book: Midlife or Death by Cindy Stark
How it Fits: Sweet Mountain Witches #1
Date Read: 2/11/23
Review: A solid 4-star read. It was well-written & I liked the main character Daisy. I also liked her burgeoning romance with the tall, dark, and handsome Gideon. I easily guessed the ending, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the overall story. I will be reading more of this series.
I apologize for being so late and absent this week. Its been a long one and I've been swamped. I did complete my book though and I'm about to post now.
Completion PostWeek 3: Roll 1
Spot: 16
Book: The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
Qualification: Alternate: MC is in their 20s - MC is 28
Pages: 385
Finished: 02/10/2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
What a fun read about Solange, the ultimate romantic, and Dean, the non romantic, who for the sake of Dean's career fake a relationship to him earn points at work. We all know that never ends well and connections are made along the way. This book was funny, spicy, and relatable in the way of Solange's family. Loved it!
Raquel wrote: "I apologize for being so late and absent this week. Its been a long one and I've been swamped. I did complete my book though and I'm about to post now."It's okay. Hope you're doing alright. I'll roll now.
Hey, Team. I rolled a three. That puts us on Spot 19. You can read:#1 in a series
#9 in a series
#19 in a series
a standalone
- or - alternate: Young Adult/New Adult
Reminder: completion reports are due Thursday, but ideally, I would like to have them posted by Wednesday evening. TY!
You're all wonderful! :)
Selection PostSpot: 19
BOOK: Secret Prey
AUTHOR: John Sandford
Lucas Davenport #9
(search is down, will update later...goodreads is calling this Lucas Davenport series, Amazon is calling it the Prey series, but regardless, both have this book as #9)
Susan A wrote: "Selection PostSpot: 19
BOOK: Secret Prey
AUTHOR: John Sandford
Lucas Davenport #9
(search is down, will update later...goodreads is calling this Lucas Davenport series, Amazon is calling it th..."
It's down for me as well :( Goodreads glitches are us lol
Selection PostSpot: 19
Book: Summer Love by Diane Schwemm
How It Fits: Silver Beach series #1
*fits with alternate Young Adult too
Claiming 2-in-1 bonus point
@Susan did you say you are *not* planning to use alternates at all? I ask because my current read could work for the 2-in-1 bonus (meaning it works for alternate & series number) & I want to check before I use an alternate option. TY! :)
Mod
In your completion post, put what you're claiming it for (series # or alternate) under "how it fits" and include a note below that reads something like "bonus point earned: 2 in 1" and how it fits the other option as well.
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Week: 1 Roll: 2
Spot: 8
BOOK READ: Ice Cold
AUTHOR: Tess Gerritsen
Qualification: #8 Rizzoli & Isles
DATE READ: 1/30/23
RATING: 5
REVIEW
This is my favorite in the series so far. I couldn't quite figure out what was going on until the very end. I like this series, despite the fact that I really do not like Maura Isles. I am relieved that she is ending her relationship with Daniel...but I won't be surprised if it starts up again. The last chapter was promising. I really hope Julian and Anthony feature in future books.