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R15: SS Team 1 - Ready Reader One
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Laura
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Feb 29, 2024 02:32PM
Yes. I’m working on my book right now.
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How did your surgery go? And your healing up after?
Completion PostWeek 2 - Spot 14
Book: Wilder Girls
Author: Rory Power
Pages: 357
Review: ****
How It Fits: standalone novel
Review: When first hearing about this book, multiple people said the less you know about the book going in, the better. I agree with this statement, so if that is you, just know I won't be spoiling the plot of the book, but it does share my thoughts of how the book ended. So, just be aware of that going into reading this.
This book was giving me Annihilation vibes, which is one of my fave sci-fi books. This book was on track for a 5 star read---up until the last 2 chapters or so of the book. The character development and plot were moving at a great pace for me to keep me engaged, caring about the characters, and made me curious about what would happen next. But then Rory adds in new concepts/mysteries right at the end of the book and just leaves it there. It does have a bit of an open ending, which I usually don't like but I actually felt was a good way to end this book, but with the mysteries - it just didn't make sense why it was even introduced at the very end. I think the attempt was to provide some answers, but all it did was add a whole bunch of questions with absolutely no way to twist it to call it an answer. If Rory would have just left out those 1-2 little details out, this book would be one of my faves. Now....if there were a sequel to this - I would totally read it. It's just the knowledge that it's a standalone that makes it leave a little bitter taste in my mouth.
Completion Post - Week 2Space 14
Book: Find Me
Date Read: 2/29
Rating: 5 stars
How it fits: WITSEC #1
Review: Why did I wait so long to read this? I loved everything about it! It's well written, good story, engaging characters, and I can't wait to find out what will happen next. I really hope our next roll allows me to read a #2 in series!
WEEK 2 COMPLETION POSTS - SPOT # 14Michelle
Book - Driving Mr. Dead
Author - Molly Harper
Date Read - 2/24/24
Pages - 180
Rating - 4 Stars
How it fits - Half-Moon Hollow #1.5
Review - A very funny novella in The Half Moon Hollow series. It seems anything and everything can happen to our MC, Miranda. It's like everything she touches or tries to do gets royally messed up. She decided to take a job driving a cranky ass vampire from Washington State to Kentucky. She feels like she needs this time to think about what she wants from her life employment wise and whether or not she wants to marry her boyfriend who seems to have feelings for another girl. She picks up the vampire that she needs to drive and finds he is a bit cranky and obsessed with everything being perfect. Perfect is just not in Miranda's vocabulary and one hilarious mishap after another occurs.
The characters are super funny and well fleshed out. Even though the book was short we get both characters back story and I never felt anything was missing. The only thing I wish is that this would have been longer. These two characters definitely need a full length novel
Laura
Book: Find Me
Date Read: 2/29
Rating: 5 stars
How it fits: WITSEC #1
Review: Why did I wait so long to read this? I loved everything about it! It's well written, good story, engaging characters, and I can't wait to find out what will happen next. I really hope our next roll allows me to read a #2 in series!
Samantha
Book: Wilder Girls
Author: Rory Power
Pages: 357
Review: ****
How It Fits: standalone novel
Review: When first hearing about this book, multiple people said the less you know about the book going in, the better. I agree with this statement, so if that is you, just know I won't be spoiling the plot of the book, but it does share my thoughts of how the book ended. So, just be aware of that going into reading this.
This book was giving me Annihilation vibes, which is one of my fave sci-fi books. This book was on track for a 5 star read---up until the last 2 chapters or so of the book. The character development and plot were moving at a great pace for me to keep me engaged, caring about the characters, and made me curious about what would happen next. But then Rory adds in new concepts/mysteries right at the end of the book and just leaves it there. It does have a bit of an open ending, which I usually don't like but I actually felt was a good way to end this book, but with the mysteries - it just didn't make sense why it was even introduced at the very end. I think the attempt was to provide some answers, but all it did was add a whole bunch of questions with absolutely no way to twist it to call it an answer. If Rory would have just left out those 1-2 little details out, this book would be one of my faves. Now....if there were a sequel to this - I would totally read it. It's just the knowledge that it's a standalone that makes it leave a little bitter taste in my mouth.
Stormie ~ Book Dragon ~
Book: My Lady Jane
Authors:Cynthia Hand Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
Dates Read: February 24,28, 2024
Pages: 491
How it qualifies: It can either be with an 'M' which I originally said (I want to read alternates) or it can be a series - it is Lady Janies#1
Review: This was a slow read for me. I had a hard time focusing on the story. The three authors combined Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Retelling, etc. all in one. It is a version of Lady Jane Gray keeping her head, mixed with a bit of a fairy tale, and characters who can change into animals.
The book is divided into two parts: the first being closer to history and the second is the retelling where she got to keep her head. I cannot imagine that much stress put on a teenager to be a queen when she did not want to be and then accused of treason. The first part I got through okay, but the second part was just boring. Sometimes books with more than one author just do not flow as well. I thought the characters were well-rounded, but I just could not focus on the second part.
Mamacita aka MawMaw
Book ~ Secrets We Keep 3.5* ✔️ 2/27
Author ~ Angel Lawson
Pages ~ 202 pages
How qualifies ~ Thistle Cove Series #1
Review ~ It's all about a mystery that swirls around a girl named Rose that disappears. She used to be Kensley's BFF. Alot comes to light in this first book that all was not as it seemed with Rose. Kenley comes back together with childhood friends Ozzy, Ezra & her crush Finn who was Rose BF. They were all the best of friends supposedly until a new girl came to town right b4 HS & then it all went to shit. Rose disappeared sometime in the 24-48 hrs b4 the first day of their senior year. You find out clues as the book goes along. It seems like everybody has a little piece of the puzzle but nobody knows the full thing. We still don't know if she was murdered if she's just missing or what happened. Book #1 ends on a cliffhanger. I will be continuing on with book #2 when the next dice roll is done.
Michelle V
Book: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Pages: 288
How it fits: #4 in book series and starts with M
Rating: 5/5
Amazing. When everyone said that this was Agatha's best book I was a bit skeptical but I can now assure everyone it really is. From the amazing plot (and plot twist!) To all the characters, world building, etc. It was a true masterpiece from the first word.
Everyone has submitted a book for this week, so it looks like we're good to roll tomorrow. According to the schedule, it looks like it's Michelle V's turn!
Laura wrote: "How did your surgery go? And your healing up after?"I'm in a lot of pain and the pain killers are not doing squat. Did you ever read or watch the movie Misery? You know the part where she hobbles the guy? That is what it feels like. They had to go in and repair the tendons in my foot and the tendon that runs along the achilles heel. My arches were rebuilt on the top and the bottom of the foot and for funsies they had to break my heel and ankle bones to put them back where they belong. Needless to say I wont be going anywhere for a while. The first hour home I fell flat on my face because I thought I was Miss Independant. I am not Miss Independant as I found out. I've tried to read but it took me 25 minutes to get through 10 pages. My brain is just not ready yet. I'm hoping by next week the pain will subside some and my concentration will get back to somewhat normal.
That sounds truly awful.When I can’t focus on a physical book or ebook, I love to listen to an audio of a favorite. The Murderbot Diaries are my newest comfort listens!
Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "How did your surgery go? And your healing up after?"I'm in a lot of pain and the pain killers are not doing squat. Did you ever read or watch the movie Misery? You know the part whe..."
I love Misery and God, that's a horrible way to be feeling :( While you may be Miss Independent 99% of the time, this is not one of those times. I have a friend with stage 4 cancer who also is someone who is used to doing things on her own. She had to get surgery done on her spine, which obviously is a delicate surgery, and her support system had to make sure she was actually resting and not doing too much so she wouldn't injure herself or cause permanent damage. All of that to say, please take it easy and don't doo too much too fast <3
Week 3 Roll - 6 (2+4)Landed on Space 20
What you can read
#2 in any series (2)
Standalone Books (0)
Alternate Choice- Author uses a pseudonym
btw considering that it's the third week has anyone been reading from the same series for bonus #1?#1 One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
#2 One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
#3 - Laura 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.
#4 - Michelle V
#5 One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90. (this only requires one person to do it for the point for the team)
#6 - Stormie One point can be earned for always picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90. (this also only requires one person to do it for the point for the team)
I plan to read #2 in the series I started last week.
Are you looking to do bonus #1 with 3 books or #2 with (4-9) books?
There are 4 books in the series, so as long as the rolls align I plan to read the whole series. I thought I mentioned that when I selected it last week, but it’s entirely possible I only intended to add that to my selection post.
Oops yeah sorry totally missed that message (*° • °)
Laura wrote: "That sounds truly awful.When I can’t focus on a physical book or ebook, I love to listen to an audio of a favorite. The Murderbot Diaries are my newest comfort listens!"
I listen to a lot of audio and that was even difficult.
Samantha wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "How did your surgery go? And your healing up after?"I'm in a lot of pain and the pain killers are not doing squat. Did you ever read or watch the movie Misery? You ..."
I learned my lesson and have not made any attempt to try and do something dopey. At one point I looked at the washer and dryer outside my bedroom and thought. I should be ok to just throw a load in. Then I remember that's where I fell on my face so I decided against it. I'm keeping my butt and the rest of me in my bed with my leg elevated like I'm supposed to do.
Laura wrote: "I plan to read #2 in the series I started last week."Michelle wrote: "btw considering that it's the third week has anyone been reading from the same series for bonus #1?
#1 One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
#2 One point can be ear..."
Me too
I planned on going for all 3 below Bonuses #1 One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.#2 One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
#3 - One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series
#5 One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
I think it's a good idea for somebody to be a backup that way in case it doesn't work out for somebody.
***Since Stormie has already claimed Bonus #3, I'll definitely have Bonus #1 & & Bonus #5
I will say I’m on track with never picking a book from the alternate list. I’m cool with continuing that route. I’ve started so many series, I don’t think it’s going to be an issue 😅
Now, I might be crazy, but I’m going to go with Last Days by Adam Nevill. It’s a standalone and off 500 pages, which is one of the prompts. I’m already 100 pages in, so aiming to do a bulk of reading this weekend and spread the rest out in the mornings and evenings.
I am trying to stay on track with the alternate list, although the last book I read was intended to be alternate, I did not realize that it was the first in a series, originally.
Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "I can."Laura..Are you still good with checking us in for this week?"
We're checked in.
Samantha wrote: "Now, I might be crazy, but I’m going to go with Last Days by Adam Nevill. It’s a standalone and off 500 pages, which is one of the prompts. I’m already 100 pages in, so aiming to do a bulk of readi..."Just double checking that you didn't start it before our roll was posted? I checked the FAQ, and books do have to be started after the roll.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I'm going to go with a book on my tbr and read book #2 of Bridget Jones's Diary Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Samantha wrote: "I will say I’m on track with never picking a book from the alternate list. I’m cool with continuing that route. I’ve started so many series, I don’t think it’s going to be an issue 😅"
Samantha wrote: "Now, I might be crazy, but I’m going to go with Last Days by Adam Nevill. It’s a standalone and off 500 pages, which is one of the prompts. I’m already 100 pages in..."Awesome! That will give us one of the bonus points!
Completion Post - Week 3Space: 20
Book: Save Me
Date Read: 3/4
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pages: 244
How it fits: WITSEC #2
Review: Not much happened, but the book was a lot of character development. I feel like this could be easily included with the previous book, or added to the next book for a slightly longer read, but with more action. But I still really loved it! I can't wait to read the next one. I really hope our next roll is either a 2 or a 10 or higher!
I did start Last Days after the roll :)
Mama's Ready Reader One Completion Post 
Week #3 ~ Spot #20
Book ~ Games We Play 5* ✔️ 3/4
Author ~ Angel Lawson
Pages ~ 209 pages
How qualifies ~ Thistle Cove Series #2
Review ~ so we found out who killed Jacqueline the first girl. And we found out what happened to Rose. But I still don't buy that I don't think. We still don't know who BD is but some things have come to light where he is concerned. Kinsley and the boys have been going good but I think shit's about to hit the fan where BD is concerned. On to book #3, and hopefully we'll make it there for the next roll.
Week 3 Completion Post
Book Title: Last Days
Author: Adam Nevill
Rating: *****
Pages: 531
How it qualifies: Standalone novel, extra point for being over 500 pages
Review: I've had my eye on this book for quite a while now and I am so glad I got around to picking it up. While it is over 500 pages long, this was such a fast read for me. I'm big into true crime documentaries, especially about serial killers or cults. This book did a great job of revealing the history of the cult and what happened in the 70's, while also showing you it's currently effecting the present as well. There are some chapters that were really long, but I was so intrigued with what was going on in those chapters that I didn't mind the length at all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book up to the very last page!
Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "I can."Laura..Are you still good with checking us in for this week?"
Do you need me to do the check-in this week, or are you feeling up to it?
Completion post. Week 3. Week #3: Spot 20
Book: Bridget Jones #2. The Edge of Reason.
Pages: 352
How it fits: #2 in book series
Rating: 4/5
It was amazing. It was really well written, gave the right amount of nostalgia and it was hilarious. I took off a point because I do believe that some stuff there is so old fashioned that this book would be boycotted nowadays but overall it wasn't that bad that it could be like canceled.
Laura wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Laura wrote: "I can."Laura..Are you still good with checking us in for this week?"
Do you need me to do the check-in this week, or are you feeling up to it?"
Could you please? I would appreciate it. It's been a week. I havent been able to get my computer stuff upstairs which means that I'm currently doing this on my tablet and it's such a pain. Since I have my pain meds sorted and I'm on a new med for a raging infection that was in my foot I think I may actually settling down to heal like I should. I am hoping that next week I will have my wits about me.
Michelle's Completion Post
Book - The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf
Author - Molly Harper
Date Read - 3/7/24
Week - 3
Spot - 20
Rating - 4 stars
How it fits - Book 2 in Naked Werewolf Series
Review - Book 2 was ok, but I was not so keen on the MC, Maggie. Maggie is 18 and is the alpha of a small pack of werewolves in Alaska. She was a bit of an immature twit in book 1 and although there is a bit of growth on her part, I still felt like she had some growing up to do. The romance felt super rushed and the big mystery of the story was so obvious and she totally missed it. Even in my pain med fog during the week I noticed it early on. I shoukd have given it less than 4 stars, but it was Molly Harper and I love her.
No problem. I’ll get the post ready in a little bit.
WEEK 3 COMPLETION POSTS - SPOT # 20Extra Point earned: Book over 500 pages for Samantha's book
Michelle
Book - The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf
Author - Molly Harper
Date Read - 3/7/24
Rating - 4 stars
How it fits - Book 2 in Naked Werewolf Series
Review - Book 2 was ok, but I was not so keen on the MC, Maggie. Maggie is 18 and is the alpha of a small pack of werewolves in Alaska. She was a bit of an immature twit in book 1 and although there is a bit of growth on her part, I still felt like she had some growing up to do. The romance felt super rushed and the big mystery of the story was so obvious and she totally missed it. Even in my pain med fog during the week I noticed it early on. I shoukd have given it less than 4 stars, but it was Molly Harper and I love her.
Laura
Book: Save Me
Date Read: 3/4
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pages: 244
How it fits: WITSEC #2
Review: Not much happened, but the book was a lot of character development. I feel like this could be easily included with the previous book, or added to the next book for a slightly longer read, but with more action. But I still really loved it! I can't wait to read the next one. I really hope our next roll is either a 2 or a 10 or higher!
Samantha
Book Title: Last Days
Author: Adam Nevill
Rating: *****
Pages: 531
How it qualifies: Standalone novel, extra point for being over 500 pages
Review: I've had my eye on this book for quite a while now and I am so glad I got around to picking it up. While it is over 500 pages long, this was such a fast read for me. I'm big into true crime documentaries, especially about serial killers or cults. This book did a great job of revealing the history of the cult and what happened in the 70's, while also showing you it's currently effecting the present as well. There are some chapters that were really long, but I was so intrigued with what was going on in those chapters that I didn't mind the length at all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book up to the very last page!
Stormie ~ Book Dragon ~
Book: City of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 512 (this edition is the 10th anniversary ed.)
How it fits: Cassandra's real name is Judith Lewis
Review:
Clary has lived the life of a typical teenager until she and her friend Simon go to a club called Pandemonium, and then she finds out what she truly is...a Shadowhunter. At the club, she meets other Shadowhunters, whom only she can see. She thinks she is hallucinating because Simon cannot see them, nor can anyone else who is fully human. Clary's mom Jocelyn has been trying to hide the Shadow World from her and who she truly is by having Magnus Bane (warlock) perform memory spells on her, until one day it all backfires.
Clary's mom is kidnapped and is in a coma, and now it is up to her to find her mother and rescue her. The other Shadow Hunters she meets help her in her quest.
She learns a man named Valentine is looking for a cup, The Mortal Cup, and only she can find it. Her mother had taken it when she fled her former life and now he wants it back. Clary is thrown headfirst into a world she did not grow up in nor train for and now she is getting a crash course.
All the stories are true...
Mamacita aka MawMaw
Book ~ Games We Play 5* ✔️ 3/4
Author ~ Angel Lawson
Pages ~ 209 pages
How qualifies ~ Thistle Cove Series #2
Review ~ so we found out who killed Jacqueline the first girl. And we found out what happened to Rose. But I still don't buy that I don't think. We still don't know who BD is but some things have come to light where he is concerned. Kinsley and the boys have been going good but I think shit's about to hit the fan where BD is concerned. On to book #3, and hopefully we'll make it there for the next roll.
Michelle V
Book: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Pages: 352
How it fits: #2 in book series
Rating: 4/5
It was amazing. It was really well written, gave the right amount of nostalgia and it was hilarious. I took off a point because I do believe that some stuff there is so old fashioned that this book would be boycotted nowadays but overall it wasn't that bad that it could be like canceled.
It looks like it's Samantha's turn to roll this week. Once Stormie posts her book/review, we are good to go!
Laura wrote: "No problem. I’ll get the post ready in a little bit."Thank you. I appreciate your help. Hopefully next week will be better for me.
Stormie's Completion PostBook: City of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 512 (this edition is the 10th anniversary ed.)
How it fits: Cassandra's real name is Judith Lewis
Review:
Clary has lived the life of a typical teenager until she and her friend Simon go to a club called Pandemonium, and then she finds out what she truly is...a Shadowhunter. At the club, she meets other Shadowhunters, whom only she can see. She thinks she is hallucinating because Simon cannot see them, nor can anyone else who is fully human. Clary's mom Jocelyn has been trying to hide the Shadow World from her and who she truly is by having Magnus Bane (warlock) perform memory spells on her, until one day it all backfires.
Clary's mom is kidnapped and is in a coma, and now it is up to her to find her mother and rescue her. The other Shadow Hunters she meets help her in her quest.
She learns a man named Valentine is looking for a cup, The Mortal Cup, and only she can find it. Her mother had taken it when she fled her former life and now he wants it back. Clary is thrown headfirst into a world she did not grow up in nor train for and now she is getting a crash course.
All the stories are true...
All reviews have been posted, so you're good to roll, Samantha.
Oh shoot! Just realized it was my week! Rolling now…
Week 4 Roll - 8 (2+6)Landed on Space 28
What you can read
#2 in any series (2)
#8 in any series (8)
Alternate Choice- Author 'T'
I think I'm going to go with Twisted Ties because I already have it checked out in KU and I'm trying to read the books I've already got checked out!
I’m going with Lost In The Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire (#8 in the series)
The Challenge Factory
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