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R2 TEAM THREAD: Team #4 May the 4ce Be with You [THIRD PLACE]
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Steph, Serious series addict
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Apr 06, 2011 02:49AM
Yay, Team!! :D Thanks!
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finished my demon read
A Brush of Darkness April 5 4 stars
I really enjoyed the story. Full of humor and lol moments. The pervy unicorn was an interesting character. The demon fights were well done. The relationship between Abby and Ion I hope will develop more in the next book. Liked the idea of beginning a part of a painting and yet knowing what was going on around you. Look forward to the next one in the series.
Thanks, CA!Glad you enjoyed it, Zina! :D Half-way to our 'demons' stamp! Yay! WTG, Team!!
Okay, random comment about Brush of Darkness. I spent half the book pronouncing the name "Ion" as eye-on, like the molecule and thinking chemistry everytime I saw it. Then I realized it was probably pronounced like "Ian", which worked better in my head.
I was pronouncing it e-on. But, Ian works too. Let's just agree to call him hot. >;)
Hi team!Well I finished my demon read, "Passion Unleashed" yesterday and will write my review today.
Oh my, I just realized I read the wrong book, started with the 3rd book instead of the first! What a goof I am!!!!!
Well, at least if you liked the book, you would then want to read the series now...
I am in a quandry now. Trying to find something to read but nothing is appealing to me right now. Have tried 4 books in the last 2 days and nothing is working for me. Maybe I need to read something just light and fluffy, witty chick lit. Do you ever find you need a break for a genre? Whatever I pick I need to finish it by Sunday morning.
Completed for "Demon" read - April 06, 2011 - 4 Stars
I initially found the immense amount of species/details overwhelming; however, once I got my act together, I found this book such a delectable treat! Let me explain, I actually started this series with this book, which may explain being overwhelmed. If I had started the series properly; I would have been introduced more gradually and been able to relax and enjoy this wonderful read!
Larissa has created an intricate exciting new world, with demons, angels, fallen angels, vampires, wargs, werewolves, werebeasts, shifters, slayers, humans, half-breeds and others I'm sure I'm forgetting. The physical environment is new and unique, described in such a way that I could actually imagine myself alongside the characters.
I have to admit though, my favourite feature was the individual characters and how they interacted throughout the novel. From the uncontrollable magnetism of Wraith (All I can say about him is Oh My!) and Serena; to the family devotion between the Wraith and his siblings...
This book had me riveted, invested and wanting more. If you want a great read and crazy hot romance, stop everything and pick this up!
Great review, Tania. I liked this book a lot.
demons | fin April 6 | 2.5 starsA shy girl living a seemingly normal life? Check.
A hot and mysterious guy appearing out of nowhere? Check.
Instant, unexplainable, and inevitable attraction blossoming as the two gaze at each other fatefully through a pane of glass? Check.
Haden / Mr Dangerous-and-Brooding: Stay away from me, lamb.* I’m dangerous.
Theia / Ms Radiant-Sunshine: But I don’t want to. I think I’m in love with you!
Check.
Does this sound just a teensy bit familiar yet…? Ugh, the first 2/3 of the book was a complete rehash of Twilight, albeit a better-written one. A solid 2 stars -- not horrible, and yet not horribly original. I had to roll my eyes a few times here and there. A couple of facepalms appeared, too.
What bumped the rating up to 2.5 stars was the last 1/3 of Falling Under. Told in the perspective of Haden instead of Theia, this portion of the book, titled Up is Down, is infinitely more interesting plot-wise and such a joy to read after the coughTwilightcough review we got before. If only the entire book was like the last part. Alas, it was not to be.
Overall, this book is worth it if you’re willing to wade through some clichés and overdone plot lines first. Falling Under’s invigorating ending certainly left me in need of the sequel.
*Seriously? Haden has to refer to Theia as his lamb, too? Please… -.-
I'm going to be vacationing in Cancun (YAY!) next week so my review for the next shelf will come late. Just a heads-up:).
@Tania ~ LOL! Well, glad you liked it. Now you know you should enjoy the first two. :)@Zina ~ Sorry you're having a hard time. Hope you find something that sparks your interest soon. I typically don't get genre burnout, just switch between UF and PNR if I get HEA burnout or need a bit'o'lovin' story. LOL!
@Cinnamon ~ YAY! Have a great time! :D
Tania - now you have two books instantly added to TBR! (Like any of us actually need help in that area)Zina - welcome to my March. I read some great new releases at the beginning of the month and I think nothing else was living up to that afterwards. Give it a genre jump, try something completely non-paranormal and see if that helps. You'll either find something else you love or renew your interest in this stuff :)
Cinnamon - gotta love the Twilight rehashes. To this day, I still don't understand the phenomenon. Have fun in Cancun!
finished my demon shelf read.
Secrets of the Demon, Diana Rowland, 4-7-114.5 stars. I'm hovering somewhere between "I really liked it" and "It was amazing".
Why I really liked it:
A. The world Rowland has created is interesting. She reveals just enough to keep me guessing about the motivations (and real identities) of certain characters, the origin of summoners and others who manipulate potency, exactly what happened to Kara and her Aunt when they were gone and how will this continue to affect them in the future. Every hint or answer Rowland gives just opens up another question.
B. Kara's struggle to maintain a balance between summoning and her job with the police department creates tension. Some people know about her abilities, a lot of other people think she's just weird. LOL.
What kept it from being amazing:
1. It seemed a little light on the summoning end this time around. There were supernatural elements, but somehow they didn't carry as much weight as in the previous 2 books. IMO.
2. Kara's wavering about her relationship(s). Love triangles are so prevalent in UF now, it's getting old and there are other ways to create romantic tension. I don't really feel/understand her attraction to one of the "men" in her life, anyway. I haven't from the start. Additionally, Kara comes perilously close to a dog-in-the-manger attitude in this book.
Overall, it was a great read and I'll definitely be back for more. Tessa had some of the best lines and I can't wait to see what deeper meanings might be implied by explanations of the portal in her library. Paraphrasing Tessa: "Demons are not always demonic. The demonic are not always demons."
Yay Daffodil! Which guy weren't you feeling?
I need to start that one this year. Great review, Daffodil!How are you liking Green-Eyed Demon, Vivian?
PS: I might be a bit scarce around GR tomorrow, so our next shelf announcement will be coming later today.
Another early announcement ... Just 'cuz!
OUR NEXT SHELF IS ..... 'urban-fantasy'
DIRECT LINK: 'urban-fantasy'
Happy Reading, Everyone!!
Hope everyone finds a great UF book to read! I'll be reading
.
Stamp Update
✔ (Anytime) Free Space: Received
✔ (#1) N12 part-of-a-series: Received
✔ (#2) O21 shifters: Received
✔ (#3) B3 paranormal: Received
✔ (#4) O20 ya-fantasy: Received
✔ (#5) G15 demons: Received
(#6) I6 urban-fantasy: pending (7/8)
Shelf #5: 'demons' ~ 4/3/11 (8/8)
G15 Stamp Received ~ WTG, Team!!
✔ Steph A Brush of Darkness 4/3/11 4★ (Review)
✔ Jo Red-Headed Stepchild 4/5/11 5★ (Review)
✔ Vivian Green-Eyed Demon 4/10/11 4★ (Review)
✔ Tania Pleasure Unbound 4/6/11 4★ (Review)
✔ AH Passion Unleashed 4/3/11 4★ (Review)
✔ Daffodil Secrets of the Demon 4/7/11 4.5★ (Review)
✔ Cinnamon Falling Under 4/6/11 2.5★ (Review)
✔ Zina A Brush of Darkness 4/5/11 4★ (Review)
Shelf 6: urban-fantasy ~ 4/10/11 (7/8)
I6 Stamp Pending
✔ Steph Blood Law 4/11/11 3.5★ (Review)
✔ Jo City of Fallen Angels 4/15/11 3.★ (Review)
Vivian Stray
✔ Tania City of Fallen Angels 4/14/11 4★ (Review)
✔ AH A Rush of Wings 4/15/11 3.5★ (Review)
✔ Daffodil Shadowfever 4/10/11 5★ (Review)
✔ Cinnamon City of Fallen Angels 4/13/11 3★ (Review)
✔ Zina Neverwhere 4/14/11 5★ (Review)
I'll be reading my $1.80 book (got to love those book sell offs)
.I've heard a lot of mixed reviews for this one, so I am looking forward to it.
I'll read
despite all the bad reviews it's been getting...
I'm liking Green-Eyed Demon! I'll finish it this weekend, then it's off to my UF read, which I think will be
. It's funny that Blood Law and Rush of Wings are both being read. I read them both around the same time and have them a little confused in my head. Both about an FBI-ish murder-solving heroine in the south. Actually, read Mark of the Demon at that time too, which also fits that description - that one is my fav of the 3 :)
I finished the Shifters series last week (Stray). Once you get over Faythe and her TSTL attitude it really is a fun read. Loved those werecats!
I've heard all about Faythe, so I'm going in prepared :)
You're right, Vivian. I hadn't made the connection between those two books. I'm about 45% through Blood Law and liking it okay. It's an interesting world - vamps have been "out" for ~40 years and some humans are cool with it and some aren't. Cinnamon, I'll be looking forward to your review. I have that one TBR also.
Happy Reading, ladies! Go, Team, Go!
Pe-lease - make it stop! My upstairs neighbor has been blaring Celine's "I will always love you....." for the past 30 minutes. Wonder if she's had a fight with the hubby?
Oh, Steph. Canada apologizes for Celine Dion. We're sorry you had to listen to her singing the same song over and over again.
AH wrote: "Oh, Steph. Canada apologizes for Celine Dion. We're sorry you had to listen to her singing the same song over and over again."LMAO!
Nothing wrong with a little Celine! *I got your back, girl!* Of course, any song on repeat can drive a person batty, lol.Finished my Demon read. It was good!
Green-eyed Demon
finished 4.10.11 ****
This was a really enjoyable read. I don't remember liking the previous two as much as this one. Basically, Sabina and crew go to New Orleans to save her sister from the evil grandmother. I love the tone/mood, there's a perfect amount of humor and snarkiness plus some great quotes that just come out of nowehere. For example: “You won’t be sorry, Red. I’ll keep the perimeter tighter than a nun’s cooch.”
In this one, Sabina finally starts to trust in others and becomes more of a team player. She also comes into some cool powers. I'm gonna say the final battle scene was a little too neat and easy, but overall, tons of action and suspense. Definitely a series worth reading!
Finished my Urban-Fantasy read. I picked up Shadowfever at the library this weekend and thank goodness it was on the shelf!
Shadowfever, Karen Marie Moning, 4-10-11Rating: 5 Stars! Seriously has me rethinking some of the other 5 star ratings I've already handed out this year. A couple of them didn't come anywhere near to touching how much this book captivated me.
Review: O!M!G! From the emotionally wrenching opening chapters to the emotionally satisfying ending, Monning delivered one fantastic tale. Were there a few annoying breaks from first person perspective? Yes, but I don't care. Were there a couple questions introduced in the series that were left unanswered or at least weren't fully answered? Yes, but I still don't care. Were there a few times I wanted to smack Mac upside the head for reacting emotionally and protecting her heart instead of taking a moment to think things through and taking a chance with Jericho. Yes, but I really don't care. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and managed to continually wring an emotional response from me and that's all that really counts. There were surprises, characters with bigger hidden agendas than I thought they had, things I took as truth weren't and some concepts were given a complete 180. Moning accomplished all that and managed to answer the BIG questions. Definitely well worth the wait!
LOL! Sorry, Celine. She can really sing, yes, but I can only take her in small doses (myself) and certainly not on repeat (at least not that song). :DGreat reviews, ladies! Daffodil, I know what you mean about a book causing you to rethink your previous 5★s. Some books are just so good that 5★ doesn't seem like a high enough rating. Glad you liked it.
Vivian, I liked G-ED better than the previous books too. Hoping the series continues to go in that direction - each one better than the one before it. :)
Ok, team, I think I've caught up on everyone's reads and choices for our newest shelf - UF. If I've missed anyone, please let me know.
Team Spreadsheet // Game Spreadsheet
On page 2 of the Game Spreadsheet, I've edited it to show a quick view of stamp stats for each team. We're doin' great, guys! :D PLUS, we now get our 'demons' stamp!!! Yay! I'll be right back with our updated bingo card.
And, my 'urban-fantasy' book review. :D
Zina wrote: "Urban Fantasy read Neverwhere has anyone read this?"Zina, I've read it. I really enjoyed it. It was a unique story. I hope you enjoy it too.
CONGRATULATIONS, 4ce! We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'demons'.
[Our new BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D YAY!! WTG, Team!!
Finished my 'urban fantasy' book @ 11 Apr ~ 3.5 ★
Review:
"Why can't we all just get along??
Alexandra Sabian is a vampire who works for the Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigations as an Enforcer. She's in charge of making sure the vamps don't break any laws and when they do, she's on the case.
Vamps have been out of the closet for 40 years. There are people who don't seem to care either way, people who mingle with them and people who hate them.
The main feel of the book, for me unfortunately, was more of a hate-crimes story. But, it's basically a murder mystery with vamps.
There were some interesting twists on the vampires in her world, including the relationships between Hunters and Talents. I hope the next book focuses more on that and the "library" that Alex now has access to vs. the hatin', bigoted asses. LOL! I'm hopeful that it will, since, in the end, the murder mystery was solved.
Overall, I liked it enough to check out the 2nd one. But, if the feel of the story doesn't change, I'll probably skip the rest. There's enough hatin' goin' on in the real world, IMO.
Zina - haven't read Neverwhere, but it's on that never ending list of books I want to read. Definitely interested in your opinion of it.
Vivian wrote: "Yay Daffodil! Which guy weren't you feeling?"Sorry, I meant to respond to this question earlier.
While the relationship with Lord Rhyzkahl isn't exactly ideal, I can see possibilities there. I don't feel the attraction to Ryan at all. I don't hate him and revelations in this book make him more interesting, but I still can't get over my initial bland reaction to his character.
I'll be reading
for my urban fantasy read.It will be cool to see what 3 of us think of the same book (Jo, Cinnamon and myself)
I hope Cinnamon is enjoying her vacation and misses us terribly! LOL
Thanks to our groups great reviews I'm constantly adding books to my
"to read" bookshelf,; at this rate I'll be reading until I'm say 60 or so!
Hope everyone is having a great week!
LOL Tania, I miss you guys terribly:). Although the beach outside my windows is quite a distraction...Onto my review:
urban-fantasy | 3 stars | fin on 4/13
To say that I started this book on the wrong footing would be an understatement.
1) For some peculiar reason (curiosity?), I decided to read the status updates of this review before I started. Very bad idea. -.-
2) I've also always been under the assumption that City of Glass would be the end of The Mortal Instruments, but well, you know, I guess not...
3) I read the last TMI book in 8th grade, which wasn't that long ago. It is, however, long enough for me to have read a ton of other books and realize that maybe this series wasn't that amazing after all.
My experience in a nutshell: It felt like Ms Clare was grasping at straws in this book. I liked the first 3 books well enough, but City of Fallen Angels had a messy plot and a too convenient resolution. I will be gritting my teeth and finishing the entire series (which has now been extended to 6 books) since I always feel inclined to finish series that I've gotten into... Overall, enjoyable read.
LOL Tania! Join the club! I have more books than one person could possibly read and still keep on addin' to the Mt! :DGlad you're enjoyin' your vaca, Cinnamon! Beach outside your window .... ahhh, sounds delightful!
LOL @ that review. I didn't read the whole thing b/c I haven't yet read the book, but the tone came across loud and clear. Ouch! And .... "I read the last TMI book in 8th grade, which wasn't that long ago" Oh.My.Goodness, now I feel positively ancient! You sweet girl. ;)
Great review. I, too, was surprised when she decided to resurrect a finished (or what we all thought was) series. Especially with her having started up a new one w/Infernal Devices. Not really sure what made her do that, but oh well. Best of luck w/it.
I'm not rushing to read #4, but I will. I'm interested to see what amazing stories were left to be told, if any.
ETA: We have three team members reading that book for this shelf. It'll be interesting to see everyone's reviews.
Hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying their reads! :DI think I've caught everyone's updates. Let me know if I've missed anyone.
Team Spreadsheet // Game Spreadsheet
Full update above @ post ##373
I find myself sitting here slowly coming back to my everyday existence after having finished my urban fantasy read.I read
....***** 5/5 finished april 14.This is the first book I have read by Gaiman. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I opened it. This is a very absorbing read. It's the kind of book where you suddenly realize that you are already on page 85 but you feel like you've only been reading for fifteen minutes. The next time you notice the page number, you're on 224 and, the time after that, you see that you have only 30 pages to go to the end!
I love this book. What I enjoy is the alternate universe created. Travelling the world of tunnels and passageways you pass through areas that are full of strange creatures and even stranger people. Lurking among the inhabitants of "Neverwhere" you have rat-speakers, angels, beasts, sewer folk and all sorts of oddities.
One of the qualities I want from an author is that they actually *take* you there. From the first few pages you are practically teleported into London Below: you begin to see the sights and the figures, hear the voices and smell the odors on the underlife of London. More than this, you hear, see, and smell it through the eyes, ears and nose of Richard Mayhew, the anti-hero protagonist of this tale. You actually feel the anxiety of realizing that you have been yanked out of your life and dropped into a strange new world, where you are suddenly an absolute beginner again. And you just can't stop reading it.
I have the advantage of having lived in London and used the Underground on a daily basis. That experience makes this novel come to life for me. I can so relate to the "Mind the Gap". Feeling the swoosh of air as the tube train roars by. I love the bits of historical detail about London and the sewers.
The only bad thing I can say about "Neverwhere" is that it wasn't long enough. I want more!!! I do think that there could be a decent sequel. I will be adding this book to my shelf as a keeper.
Great review Zina! I've only read one of NG's books, a YA one and it had the same effect.
A truly gifted author.
I finished my urban fantasy read -
.3.5 stars -
1)I liked the concept of vampires, fallen angels, and other nightkind.
2)I found that the main character Dante seemed rather young for a vampire, usually they are much older and mature.
3)The heroine Heather did not really act as an FBI agent, but that's OK.
4)The cover had absolutely nothing to do with the book.
5)The bad guy was really demented, so much so that he belonged on an episode of Criminal Minds.
6)The POV shifts were a little confusing, but it didn't bother me.
Overall, a dark urban fantasy. It seems like a good start to a series. I am going to look for the next book.
Thanks so much Sandra.....I have
and
on Mt TBR...hope they are just as good..
Finished :City of Fallen Angels - 15th of april.3 stars
Review: I don’t know how this was a ‘mortal instruments’ book. It was so not like the others.
Sometimes sequels can sort of ruin a good thing. I think that’s what this book did.
It was a trilogy – a well planned, awesome trilogy and everyone loved it - Clary & Jace got their happy ending. And now –poof- everybody’s sad.
Giving Simon the reins to the story was probably the saving grace. He’s actually turning out to be a really cool main character. (Although two-timing his girlfriends at the start–not cool. But pretty hilarious, in his case.)
This book was a big stretch. To me, MI will always be a trilogy.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Beyond the Night (other topics)Steel (other topics)
Kitty and the Midnight Hour (other topics)
Grave Peril (other topics)
Tempest Rising (other topics)
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