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R3 TEAM THREAD: Team #5 ~ Gypsies, Vamps and Thieves
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Steph, Serious series addict
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Sep 19, 2011 04:01PM
No worries, I still haven't chosen mine. There's no time limit to choose or read. :) Hope you enjoy the book.
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Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs - Silver Borne - Patricia Briggs
Over the past week, I've worked my way through this series and I've become very invested in the characters. I love Mercy and Adam together (finally). I felt bad for Samuel (and Sam for that matter) and was glad that he got sorted out a bit, I'm eager to see if he and the fae work things out in the long run. Over the past few books, I've grown to really love Ben. The scene where he's standing at the door looking all rumpled and asks if there is room for one more just filled my heart with the warm fuzzies.
All in all, I love this series and all the people (and were/fae/vamps) in Mercy's unconventional family group.
I finished my read-in-2010 book.Neverwhere ****
I've read a fair amount of Neil Gaiman but somehow I missed his first novel. Like many of Gaiman's books there's a likable everyman protagonist who gets sucked down the rabbit hole, in this case into the "London Below". As usual in these stories the below-world is full of danger as well as excitement. For me what separates Gaiman from a lot of other UF is the wit and the literary references. And while they are both present here you can see that he grew as a writer in later books. I probably would have loved this beyond reason if I had read it when it came out in 96 but by now there are others that do the same thing better (by Gaiman himself as well). While I enjoyed this it won't be something that I pull back out to re-read like Good Omens or American Gods.
Here is my review for the read in 2010 shelf.
Unholy Magic by Stacia KaneMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chess is a debunker for the church which means she finds out if people really have a ghost or if they are lying for money so when she is handed a case and it turns out to be a hauting in a house by someone famous and rolling in money she can't figure it out. She knows they are faking it but she can't figure out how or why. On top of that her drug dealer calls in a favour which is not going to go well and she has to hide her relationship with a guy ho works for a rival dealer! Her life is complicated and she still hasn't figured out her fellings for her dealers cheif enforcer. Chess has so many problems to solve and not a lot of time to do it!
This is book two in the Downside Ghost series. I absolutely loved the first book but this was even better! There was so much more of everything, including emotion, mystery and action. Chess hasn't had it easy in life and her addiction to drugs takes this series to a whole new level and makes it much more realistic. From page one I was hooked and would recommend these books to anyone. This is quickly making it's way into my favourite series'.
View all my reviews
I liked book 2 better also Carlyn. Haven't had the chance to do so, I was saving it for our Ghost shelf.
Sherri wrote: "I liked book 2 better also Carlyn. Haven't had the chance to do so, I was saving it for our Ghost shelf."I still have the third book in the series to read, so if the ghost shelf comes up I will use that. If I can hold out that long!
I have to read #3 also. Great review, Carlyn. Did you see the cover reveal for the next one? I like it.
Even though it does look a bit similar to Mancusi's
Steph wrote: "I have to read #3 also. Great review, Carlyn. Did you see the cover reveal for the next one? I like it.Even though it does look a bit similar to Mancusi's
"I saw this earlier on facebook! I love it but I haven't read any of the blood coven series yet so I can't say anything on it! Quite a few different books in this genre have used the same cover models. I think it's interesting to see what they do with them.
I've read the first book in that series. But, I agree, it's always interesting to see how each cover model/picture will be used to represent a different series.
Finished my 2010 book: 
*****Loved it! I want to rush right out get the next one but then I don't-because I don't want to be completely caught up and have to wait for another one. Although I'm sure one is coming up soon. I can't wait to see what happens with Jenna. I pretty sure I know whats happening to her and I look forward to seeing how it fleshes out. Great series.
Mary wrote: "Finished my 2010 book: *****Loved it! I want to rush right out get the next one but then I don't-because I don't want to be completely caught up and have ..."
I love this series too! And it's so underrated. I picked up the latest at the Border's closing sale but like you I don't want to read it yet so I don't have such a long wait until the next one!
Like the shelf this week. Not the worst placement either.Shelf: First In Series
5/6 Read
Mary -
Sherri -
Cristina -
Amanda - Marked
Carlyn -
KarenF -
Shelf: Read in 2010
6/6 read
Mary:
Sherri -
Cristina -
Amanda -
Carlyn -
KarenF:
Shelf:Fantasy Paranormal
6/6 Read
Sherri -
Cristina -
Amanda -
Mary -
Carlyn -
KarenF -
AAGGHH! I am so behind.. I'm still working through Hands of Flame. Why did I pick this read? Its not that I don't like it, I just don't love it. Its just not a fast read if you understand.Also, the other 3 books I need to finish in the next couple of days are all at least the 3rd in the series so I am going to have to find something new. Sigh!
Yay! The book I need to read for a PBS game is on the shelf. 
I'm starting it now.
Is there anyway to update this doc BINGO CARDS_ALL TEAMSthat Sherri posted a few pages ago. It doesn't show last weeks shelf as being called. I liked to look at this each week.
OK, I'm actually a bit embarrassed by how quickly I'm done but I could not put this book down! The house is still dirty and the laundry undone but I just had to finish it.Cry Wolf *****
Egads, Patricia Briggs just owns me. Mercy Thompson is my favorite UF heroine but now I'm also in love with Charles and Anna's story. The "abused woman learning her strength" storyline isn't usually something I like so it's a testament to the depth of these characters that I was fully engaged with them here. One thing that Briggs does is that her characters don't just bounce back from past issues without actually working through them. Too often the abused heroine falls in love and now it's all better. Anna definitely takes strength from Charles's love and finds her trust in him but she still needs to work through her past. Lest I make it all sound like drudgery - there is also joy and humor in Anna and Charles's journey. And the most of the second half of the book is a tense battle of wills and strength. Bonus: more insight into Bran and his relationship with Leah. I love Bran in the Mercy books so it was fun to see him more front and center here.
I'll update the bingo card tonight Mary. I was going to do it anyway since I'm curioius as to see where everone is.
My first in series read will be
. My friend gave me a loan of the whole series so this is a great chance to get started on them!
Alright, I saw while doing the bingo cards that I didn't do a review for Magic Bleeds. So here it is.
Book Completed: September 13, 2011
Shelf: Fantasy Paranormal
Rating: ★★★★★
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews is hands down the best of the series (so far). The story had the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, romance and humor that drew me in and kept me intrigued cover to cover. There are multiple storylines going on in this book and it is that depth of storyline that makes “Magic Bleeds” such an amazing book.
The primary story is the introduction of Erra, the bringer of the seven plagues. Erra has a past that is tightly connected to Kate and we are further introduced into Kate’s background and the reasons that she is so cautious and guarded with her personal life.
My favorite storyline was the relationship between Curran and Kate. The book starts off with Kate being stood up by Curran, on their first “date” and let me tell you, hell hath no fury like a woman stood up! The series of miscommunications between Kate and Curran are classic, but serves the purpose of allowing each of them to determine what they really want out of their relationship and what they are willing to give.
In conclusion “Magic Bleeds” is a really fabulous book. If you like Urban Fantasy, depth of story and characters, you’ll enjoy this book.
Book: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
Completed: 9/24
Shelf: Read in 2010
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: I have no idea why most of my picks are turning out to be YA, but I definitely think I need a bit of a break from the genre after Bingo is over. The book, itself, wasn't bad. But I found it middle-of-the-road and I can't put my finger on why. I've read another book of Armstrong's, Bitten, and I feel very much the same way about that one. The pacing was quite slow, especially throughout the middle, and abrupt cliffhanger-esque endings can be beneficial to a book, but I felt this was done as more of a ploy than a legitimate plot device.
First in series: Marked by P.C. Cast.I have a feeling this book is not going to turn out well for me, lol.
For my First in Series I will be reading
Shelf: First in Series
Awaken Me Darkly I love Gena Showalter's books but this wasn't one of my favorites. I think this is one of her earlier books and it kinda shows.
I liked the premise and Mia wasn't bad. I did really enjoy the interaction between her and Kyrin. I can't pinpoint what exactly made this only a 3 star book for me. I'll give the next one a try though and see if they don't get better.
Thanks for the updated card Sherri. I like to see where the teams are on their cards.
Wow we're doing really well in getting out chips quickly. I see more than one other team with more than a couple blue squares. That might help us if shelf is called that gives us and anothr team a bingo op.
Ok I see that we still have 3 blue squares too but we should be close to the 2010 and Fantasy/Parnormal chips.
Cristina, when you post the new shelf could you also carry forward the unfinished shelves? I see some other teams doing that and I think it helps prompt us as to our what our backlog is.If I'm reading this right, once I post my 2010 shelf we should get that chip and when Amanda posts her review of Iron Kissed we should get the fantasy paranomal one. Is that correct?
OK, time to go write my review.
Sherri wrote: "Cristina, when you post the new shelf could you also carry forward the unfinished shelves? I see some other teams doing that and I think it helps prompt us as to our what our backlog is.If I'm ..."
Yes ma'am. I'll get right on that. :D
:-) Cristina - You are AWESOME!!Here is my 2010 Shelf Review.
Book Completed: September 24, 2011
Shelf: Read in 2010
Rating: ★★★½
“Hands of Flame” is the third and final installment in the Negotiator Series. It wraps up Margrit’s transition from the human world to her total involvement in the world of the Old Races. In this book, Margrit is called upon to negotiate an agreement between two of the Old Races as their war threatens to spill over to the human world and jeopardize the secrecy of the races.
Frankly, I had a hard time getting through this book. It lacked something and I’m just not sure what it was. There was plenty of action; as Margrit was almost killed several times throughout the book, plenty of secrets and revelations were revealed, and most of the questions were wrapped up before the last page.
So what’s my problem? Well, mainly the lack of character connection. The characters were there but it felt that they were just going through the scenes to get to the ending. This book was more driven with plot and structure than with the actual characters.
Overall, Hands of Flame is well written, with both the plot and structure well thought out and explained. I just felt the “heart” of the book was missing.
Sherri wrote: ":-) Cristina - You are AWESOME!!Here is my 2010 Shelf Review."
Aw... *blushes* thanks. :)
Oh lovely Mods, We're ready for our "Read in 2010" Stamp now.
I'm going to change my first in series read. I'm going to read
I have that one on my wishlist, Sherri. I'll be looking forward to your review. Stamp comin' right up :D
CONGRATULATIONS, Gypsies, Vamps and Thieves! You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'read in 2010'.
[Your new BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats GVTs!
Woo hoo a new stamp! Well here is my review for my first in series book.
Nightwalker by Jocelynn DrakeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the first book in the dark days novel! It did take me a few chapters to properly get into the swing of the story but once I did I could barely put it down.
Mira is a vampire but she has the unique ability to manipulate fire, and when she goes after hunter who is killing people in her domain she is surprised to find out that he has information about the naturi, a race of creatures who want to destroy humans and nightwalkers alike. Mira had thought these creatures banished from earth since she last faced them 500 years before. Mira and Danaus must work together to stop the rise of the naturi.
I loved Mira's character she is the perfect blend of predator and vulnerability, and Danuas just makes you want to find out so much more about him. I cant wait to read the rest of this series.
View all my reviews
Good review, Carlyn. Glad you liked it. :)
I'm changing my First In Series book to:
I have to mail this out on PBS before Mark of the Lion. So starting it tonight and will try to finish tomorrow.
LOL Mary - so glad I'm not the only one doing that!
Our Next Shelf is: 'urban fantasy'DIRECT LINK: 'urban fantasy'
Still no winner yet! Mr. R isn't ready for the game to stop, I guess.
Happy Reading!
Yay new shelf. Urgh. Nothing I have to read for PBS to mail soon is going to be Urban Fantasy. So I'll post my book later. Here's my review of Murder 101 for the Firs In Series shelf.
****I would like to give 3 1/2 but I can't do that. I liked it and will give the series another book at least. I liked that while it didn't break new ground in cozies-the main character didn't go off and try to solve the crime by herself. She was just caught up in it and left most of the detective work to well the detectives. I did find the main character a little annoying. She was constantly either fainting, crying or puking. If it's the same in the next book, that'll kill the series for me.
Looks like UF gives us nothing. I wonder if it gives anyone a Bingo. I'm off to spy.Well it doesn't look like it gives anyone else a Bingo either but it does give a couple of teams a 4 in a row.
I'll be really surprised if next weeks shelf doesn't give at least 1 team a possible bingo or two. Hopefully it'll be us.
Will most likely be my Urban Fantasy book.
For my urban fantasy book I'm going to read
. I was going to leave this for the ghost shelf but I really can't wait to read it!
I'm going to hold out on the City of Ghosts because I'm not sure I have another book that would work for the ghost shelf and I do not want to waste time waiting to find one.I'm torn between
or
for the UF shelf. I'm pretty sure it will be one of those! I just finished Isle of Night. I need to mull my review over a bit, so I will probably post it tomorrow'
I think I'm going to read
but I may switch to
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
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