R3 TEAM THREAD: Team #2 ~ Double Trouble [FIRST PLACE]

[Rachel-RN]

I started Dreams of a Dark Warrior for "demons" shelf.

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Babbling AKA Christina wrote: "I meant to come back on-line after picking the book, but I started reading it instead..."

LOL! Know how that happens!

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Sorry to say, I'm changing my "demon" book. Today, it wasn't holding my attention, I ended up reading the end and skimming the other two books in the series while I was waiting on the clothes to wash/dry.

So I've picked

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Shifter


Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley - 24 Aug 11 - ★★★

I chose this book because I've read and enjoyed books written under her Ashley Gardner (Captain Lacey Mysteries) and her Allyson James (Stormwalker) pennames.

I liked the premise of this series. The shifters in this book are out in the open and, because of this, are discriminated against, forced to live in specific areas. They can't hold high-paying or important jobs, barred access to the latest in technology, and have almost no rights -- probably can't vote, but are still expected to pay taxes. They wear collars that zap them with a bolt of electricity if they become too aggressive, especially if they threaten a human.

I also liked many of the characters. Liam's brother Sean, their nephew Connor, and their father Dylan. I also liked the Lupine shifters, Glory and Ellison.

There was a lot I liked about Kim. She's compassionate and she believes that shifters should have equal rights under the law. It drives her crazy that she's getting resistance from the shifter themselves. Kim's also pretty gutsy, but not always smart about it. However, it does allow her to keep fear at bay in some tense moments.

I definitely loved Liam. He's strong and alpha, but not aggressively so -- he doesn't have to do the "I'm alpha, obey me" routine. He loves his family fiercely and he's funny.

Though this book didn't completely wow me, I like the writer's style and I do like the story. I will be reading the next book.

[Rachel-RN]

Finished Dreams of a Dark Warrior 8/28/11 I gave a generous 3*
I wasn't looking forward to this book and glad to have it out of the way. I don't/didn't like Declan in the beginning, middle, and end. While he did redeem himself a little, I thought he had it way too easy. His actions are explained through an attack on/murder of his family (and himself attacked/tortured) at an earlier age. Most of the other hero/heroines in previous books also had life-altering events that happened at some point during their lives; they didn't go out, capture, and order torture of other beings. I thought Regin deserved better. Abuse should never be okay. My 3 is because of the strength of the other characters in this book.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Judithe wrote: "I really enjoyed it, too! Still need to write my review, but also can't wait for the next one!"

Ditto!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Christina, I have that one TBR. Sounds interesting. I'll be lookin' forward to your review.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Double Trouble!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'shifters'.

[Your new BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Steph wrote: "CONGRATULATIONS, Double Trouble!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'shifters'.

[Your new BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D"

Yeah! Stamp! :D

[Ming]

Black Wings -- finished 8.28
**** (and a half)
I really enjoyed book 1 (Black Wings) read it first and find out how Maggie got her wings and found out about some well ... unusual family members.

Book 2 ... Maggie, Bezel, JB, Gabriel and the gang return for another fast paced, enjoyable read. Everyone (except Bezel's) relatives show up to put the fun in dysfunctional. Q: does Bezel have relatives?

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Nice when you have 2 to read back-to-back, if the mood hits. I have #2 TBR. #1 was an interesting story.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp 2xT!

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Yay on our stamp!

[Heather ~ Marceline]

I finished on 8/30 and give it 4*s. I enjoyed Sin and Con's story even if it was a bit predictable. I wish there was more to the series but I don't see anything besides a novella. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed these characters.

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

8/30/11 ★★★★

This was just fast-paced fun! I'm itching to pick up #2, but have to put it off until September actually comes, LOL!

Gin is an assassin in a paranormal world (magic, vamps, giants and such) that resembles ours quite a bit. The series starts with a bit of a double-cross, which is resolved in a "firework-y" finale. However, the stage is set for more adventures as Gin sets up a new life for herself, and is finally on the way to getting revenge for her family's tragedy in her childhood.

I like the characters, and find Gin mouthy and refreshing (not a stand-out character in the world of UF, but a thoroughly enjoyable one). The guys are interesting, and watching her relationship with Caine develop will be interesting.

Already picked up the rest of the series (so especially relieved I enjoyed it so much, cause I'd be reading it regardless!) and looking forward to it!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Yay!!!!!

Now we just have to convince Miss Steph ;)

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Yep! Though I have to admit, am especially in the mood for mayhem and kick-ass female heroines lately...might have a wee bit of influence on my reading choices! LOL!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

ROFL

I can see how that would be very attractive :D

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

:D

[Laura Lulu]

 

*finished August 31* ★★★★

This was a really great book. Not your typical YA angel fluff, but nice and dark and disturbing. Right up my alley. 

I wish the author would have expounded a bit on the why of the angel apocalypse--is this the "end of days" or just angels behaving badly? I'm assuming we'll find out a bit more in the next book, but I would have liked to hear more from Raffe on the God/angel side of things.  And I can't tell you how much I loved it when our angel hero, Raffe, shared that he was agnostic. I think that was when I fell for him. :)

Also, I wish Penryn was a teensy bit older. This was not a romance, but the seeds have been planted for future books. And that's just how I like it. But something just felt a tad bit off about this centuries old archangel maybe falling for a 17 year old girl. No matter how awesome she is. And she is--smart, funny, self-depreciating, strong, tough, brave, loyal, and kick ass. An all-around great protagonist. But still. I just wanted her to be a bit closer to woman than girl. 

But other than those two little things, this was a great book--wonderful characters, action packed, and dark & frightening at times. I can't wait for the next one.

[Laura Lulu]

I'll update our status post in a bit--I'm on my ipad and all that html is much easier on the PC. :)

Starting my free space book...

[Steph, Serious series addict]

LOL Sandra! I'm definitely going to get back to that series soon. ;) Glad you enjoyed it, Judithe. Fitting read, for sure.

YAY! Glad you liked it, Laura. Can't wait for the second one in the series! I look forward to finding out more too. More ... everything!

[Regina]

Laura that sounds so good! I know I am not part of Double Trouble but I just had to stay - great review and it makes me want to read it.

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

You should! It's quite good!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

I second that!

[Ming]

we need PNR -- think good thoughts

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Our Next Shelf is: 'supernatural'
DIRECT LINK: 'supernatural'

Happy Reading!

[Ming]

not good enough thought

:-D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

;) Maybe next time

[Ming]

Hummmm I wonder Bunnicula is on the list

[Cindy (eclecticfirefly)]

If it's there and at least 200 pages - go for it!!! LOLOL Ming, only you would think of Bunnicula.....next thing I know you'll be wanting to read Vampirates too!

[Ming]

Well, its not quite 200 pages so I guess I'll just have to go with
One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress, #6)
by Jeaniene Frost

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

I will be reading for the Supernatural shelf

I've finished my "demon" book. I'll review it later today or tomorrow. I've got a slight headache -- maybe sinuses. I should try to take a nap. :(

[Heather ~ Marceline]

I will be reading for supernatural.

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

I've been waiting with bated breath for the shelf announcement...now I can finally start .

Happy Sunday & reading, everyone!

[Ming]

Hey I chose that one :-D

and started it a few minutes ago

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

I know! :D

Fantastic choice, if I may say so!

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Okay, sorry to do this yet again, but I am going to change my supernatural book to . I don't know why I can't get into Pleasure of a Dark Prince, I just can't. I will try it again once I get my ACRO book read. I hope everyone is having a great holiday (for some) weekend!

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

DEMON


Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett - ★★★★ - 3 Sep 11

Arcadia "Cady" Bell is a magician who co-owns a successful demon bar and frequently helps her elderly, Earthbound-demon neighbor lady with her pesky imp problem. She has a few friends, but because of what happened with her parents, she doesn't let anyone get too close -- she's hiding out and she can't tell them the truth about her past: Cady's parents were accused of murdering several people and they are on the run from the law. Cady believes it was a set up, but proving it has been difficult. Enola and Alexander, her parents, are powerful magicians. Though the regular people (called savages) just think it was an occult killing, the magical community believes it was a power struggle between rival organizations.

When her parents are unexpectedly spotted in Texas, the Luxe Order-- a major occult organization -- demands that Cady's former order surrender her parents, or give up Cady in their place. With a deadline looming, Cady needs to find the demon that was supposedly a witness to one -- or more -- of the murders with the hope that it can prove their innocence. The problem: the information she has is sketchy and her resources are limited.

Cady is introduced to Lon Butler, someone who might be able to help her, by a mutual acquaintance. Lon has the mother lode of demon reference books in his possession. He's famous photographer (though Cady's never heard of him) and a bit of curmudgeon -- which is understandable, once you learn about his "knack" (Lon is an Earthbound demon). Lon is also a single father to a 13-year-old son, Jupe. Initially, it seems like he is unwilling to help, but he eventually agrees and begins researching her mystery demon while Cady tracks down someone who might have useful information about one of the murders.

I really enjoyed this book. Cady is likable -- well-adjusted for someone who's life has been mostly lies. Lon's a frustrating mystery to Cady at first, but he's a great guy -- a devoted father and he does care about Cady. What we learn about him hints of a wild past. Jupe is a bundle of boundless energy and enthusiasm, and he and Cady hit it right off the bat.

There are two types of demons in this book: Earthbound and Æthyric. Earthbound are almost as harmless as your average psi. Some low-level Æthyric demons got stuck in human bodies a couple centuries back. They reproduced with each other over the years, so there as still "pure" Earthbound demons -- human/Earthbound pairings produce human children. Their knacks range in usefulness -- minor healing, lock picking, empathy. Æthyric demons are potentially more dangerous.

I plan to continue this series and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Good review, Christina. I'm looking forward to reading that one.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Double Trouble!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'demons'.

[Your new BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Hooray!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats 2xT!!

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Thanks!

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

YAY, Stamp! :D

And I won't be the last one posting this time! I'm finished with my book! :D

Steph -- Thanks! :) I think you'll like it.

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

I'm finished, too! Just gotta find time to write a review....

Loved mine!!!! Especially the flying!

[Ming]

me too all I need to do is write it up

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Supernatural



Tiger Eye by Marjorie M. Liu - ★★★★★ - 5 Sep 11

I discovered this book when the hidden object/puzzle game was released. I was curious about the game and liked it enough to pick up the book as well as the Dirk & Steele series. Until I read the book, I had no idea how the story ended because the second part of the game hasn't been released yet! Now that I've read it, I really do what to see how the second game plays out, since the author made changes (from the book) when she worked with the developers for the game.

Anyway...about the BOOK:

Delilah 'Dela' Reese is on vacation in Beijing. A mysterious old woman sells her a puzzle box -- and shortly after, Dela is accosted by a strange man who frightens her. It is the same man who was watching the old woman when she sold the box to Dela. Dela manages to get away from him, but the incident has shaken her. In the privacy of her hotel room, she examines the box. Dela has an affinity for metal -- it talks to her. Though there only a small amount in the box's construct, it tells Dela that the box is at least two thousand years old. She manages to open the box and gets the shock of her life when a man bursts into existence from the the light pouring out of the box.

Hari, a shape-shifter, was cursed by an evil man he calls the Magi. To save the life of his sister, Hari promised to be his servant. The Magi killed her anyway, and when Hari tried to take revenge, the Magi placed a curse on him and banished him to the box. Plus, the Magi stole his ability to shift into a tiger. The curse: Hari is immortal and must serve who ever owns the box as long as that person lives. Through the years, Hari's had many masters who have used and tortured him, but none have broken him. He loathes Dela at first sight because she is yet another master he must obey. However, Dela refuses to command him and goes out of her way to be kind to him, trying to prove that she would never treat him like a slave. Slowly, Hari begins to have hope, though he doesn't believe there is a way to break the curse and regain his ability to shift.

Shortly after, Dela is attacked. At first, it seems that maybe the man in the market and the attack are connected, but the story the knives used in the attack tells her a different story. Dela is determined figure out why the old woman sold her the box and find out who is targeting her and why.

I liked Dela and Hari. They're both good, decent people. Hari's been through a lot, but it never destroyed his core ethics. There were a couple of times I agreed with Hari and the others when Dela seemed to be a bit blasé about her safety -- but I also agree with her reasoning, that she couldn't just hide under the bed all the time either.

I really loved this book. One of the things I wanted to learn about was Dirk & Steele itself: how Dela was connected to it, what was its purpose. The game barely touches on it. I also wanted to know more about Roland, too, but like Charlie from "Charlie's Angels", he's only heard from, not seen.

Once Dela and Hari are back in the States, we're introduced to several members of Dirk & Steele: Artur, Dean, Blue, and Eddie. I loved these guys and I can't wait to continue with the series.

[Cindy (eclecticfirefly)]

I saw Dela Reese and immediately thought of the old Perry Mason TV show. We used to watch it every night after the news the summer we moved to AZ. 1967 or 1968. I think I was in love with Paul Drake.....

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Cindy (eclecticfirefly) wrote: "I saw Dela Reese and immediately thought of the old Perry Mason TV show. We used to watch it every night after the news the summer we moved to AZ. 1967 or 1968. I think I was in love with Paul D..."

A wee bit before my time. ;-) But I did recognize the name...so I must have heard it somewhere (Dela, not Perry Mason - knew there was show). Started to Google, and sure enough -- Della Reese -- she was on "Touched by an Angel"