R5: Team #4 ~ Better Off Read

[Angi]

Well I think it depends on your area but I'm not sure because I'm overseas and we have a DPO address. My books arrive in about a week or a week and a half.

[Christal]

I'll be reading Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong for the series catch up shelf.



@Angi, I hope you like Grave Dance. I love the Alex Craft series and I have Grave Memory to read a little later this month.

@Breann I enjoyed Gunmetal Magic. I still like Kate as the narrator better, but the story was classic Andrews. The biggest let down for me was actually Raphael. I didn't find him as compelling in this book as I did in say Magic Strikes. Roman was terrific though; I hope he gets at least a novella of his own. While I would have liked a Kate novel this year, this book was a good way to wrap up Andrea's story and fit her neatly into Pack life.

[Christal]

Urban-Fantasy Shelf:
Finished: 8/3
Rating:★★★★☆
Review:

I haven't read a lot of steam punk but this is definitely my favorite so far. The world was well-crafted and the steam punk elements were blended seamlessly and believably. The characters really made this book special and I can't wait to start the next one to see what trouble they get involved with.

The setting is 1890's London. Agent Eliza D. Braun is the stereotypical, rough and tumble field agent. Oh, except of course that she's a woman. Wellington Thornhill Books, Esquire, is the chief archivist for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences and is a bit of a stiff. They are total opposites but once they begin working together, they become an explosive team (literally)!

Braun and Books begin investigating a cold case that left her previous partner in a mental asylum. They quickly discover a secret society that wants to take down the current British government and the majority of the novel follows their exploits in taking the group down.

I liked pretty much everything about the book. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because the beginning was a little slow, but the authors had a lot of setting up to do. I don't think the second book will have that issue. I'm definitely marking this as a new series to follow and have already got the second book from my library.

[Christal]

Series Catch Up Shelf:
Finished: 8/6
Rating:★★★★☆
Review:

I am sad that the Women of the Otherworld series is now over, but I thought Thirteen was a pretty good ending for the story. Savannah is still my least favorite narrator, but I came to like her a little bit more by the end of the book.

I liked that each previous narrator got a little chapter here and there from their perspective. Elena has always been my favorite but I enjoyed Paige, Jaime, and Eve's books as well. I'm glad most of the recurring characters made appearances and we got some closure with their lives. I'm also glad no one major died. I'd much rather have a bit of a pat ending with everyone still breathing than have a horrible, heartbreaking death scene in the final hour.

When the book starts, Savannah and Adam are still trying to bring down the supernatural terrorist group from the previous book, Spell Bound. Throughout the book, they are constantly attacked or kidnapped or running from place to place to try to stop an attack. The action is pretty much non-stop, but we do get the requisite love scene that's been a long time a'comin' (though the Savannah love scenes still make me feel icky since she started the series as a 12-year old girl...). Savannah still reads as young and selfish to me. I don't think her voice was best suited for this book because I had trouble believing she would be as involved as she was. She's still just a young adult and her powers are on the fritz. Why would Savannah take the lead when you have a full-powered witch/warlock combo in Paige and Lucas, super-strong werewolves in Elena and Clay, or even the indestructible vampires Cassandra and Aaron?

The terrorist plot made for a fun read, but some of the aspects weren't quite as clear as I would have liked. I didn't really understand why the celestial world was in chaos just because an earth-bound terrorist group was in the beginning stages of their plot. I did like seeing everyone work together and them each getting their moment to shine. I'm glad Elena and Clay had such a big role, but I did miss Paige and Jamie. They had small roles but I would have liked to have them around more. I liked that Eve and Kristoff got a chance to tie up some loose familial ends and I hope we get a chance to see what happens to the Nast Cabal in a future novella. Overall, I enjoyed this book and the tentative closure it provided to the series, I just would have preferred a different narrator for the finale.

This edition included a short-story from Elena's perspective and I enjoyed it very much. I always like it when we get to spend time with the whole pack. I'm a little sad that the new werewolves didn't get very much character development throughout the books, but I liked the little glimpses we received of Elena and Clay's twins. The ending seemed more like a new beginning than a closure chapter so I hope that means we will be getting lots more werewolf stories (even if they are short or novellas) in the future.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Finished 07.08.12
Rating:★★☆☆☆

Review:

First I have to mention the cover: it's just exquisite. I love the colours, the image and they way it immediately makes you pick it up off the shelf.

The story follows Aislinn, a young girl who can see faeries all around her. Although it makes life a little disturbing, she has lived by 3 rules, passed onto her by her grandmother:-
Rule #1: Don't attract the attention of faeries
Rule #2: Don't talk to invisble faeries
Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries
Unfortunately the faeries aren't following these rules and are following Aislinn around.

The Summer King, Keenan, is in a dire search for a new Summer Queen, and he has is eyes set on Aislinn. However, Aislinn has her eyes set on her best friend, Seth. Aislinn finds herself oddly attracted to Keenan, but also finds herself connecting with Seth. Soon she caught in between two worlds, not knowing which one she wants or belongs in, and soon she learns there is more to the Summer King and his court that meets the eye.

I have to say though, it took me a long time to get into this book, I found myself re-reading section wondering WTF? is going on!! I was really disappointed, I was expecting so much more....I found the whole thing really boring and felt like I was always waiting for something to happen.

I am hoping my catch up shelf book has me smiling, my last choices haven't :(

[Angi]

Oh how I love the women of the underworld series. Elena has always been my fav too. I'm a bit off in the series though but I hope to catch up soon. Great review!!

[Angi]

Jade I rather felt that way with that series too. It was okay for me but I just wasa never really hooked. It seemed to drag a lot :(

[Angi]

Book: .
Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Date finished: August 8th
Rating: ★

Review: I really dislike this series. I wanted to like it. In theory it seems like a really cool idea. However, I don't connect with any of the characters. I don't like any of the characters. I don't understand any of the characters. They are all ridiculous if you ask me.... and you are so there you go. They.are.ridiculous. This book just dragged foreverrrrrrr. The plot wasn't even very interesting. The author keeps going back and forth from the usage of last names to the first names all the time so I keep getting confused on who is who. Just pick a name and stick to it. The end was a cliff hanger.... and most people would be sad by it... but I was not because I just don't care about the characters. I'm done with this series.

[Breann]

Oh no Angi! I have been thinking about continuing this series but haven't been sure. I have friends who like this one but I think I just have to read it for myself to see. I guess since I read the first one almost a year ago and haven't picked up the second one I must not be that into the characters either. :/

[Angi]

I didn't LOVE the first one but I thought it was okay.. I read it many,many moons ago. I should have known since I wasn't picking it up right away that something was missing for me. But I know what you mean - I know a lot of people who love this series. It's just not for me. I hate when it takes me FOREVER to read a book because I just don't want to pick it up.... sign that the book isn't for me I guess lol

[Christal]

@Angi Sorry you had a bad book this time, Angi. I was kinda meh about the first book too, but I haven't picked up anymore in the series so far. Maybe I won't now, lol.

I enjoyed the whole Women of the Otherworld series, but Savannah was definitely my least favorite narrator. I think Kelley Armstrong's YA series had too much influence on her writing in these last three books. The Elena short story is a must read though.

@Jade Sorry your book was so disappointing. I have only read some of Melissa Marr's short stories but I wasn't crazy about them.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Better off Read!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'urban-fantasy'.

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

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Better Offs!

[Angi]

Yeah! Thanks ladies :-))

[Angi]

Christal, I enjoyed "Waking the Witch" though it wasn't my favorite. I think my least fav narrator thus far has been Eve. I'm on the next Savannah book... Spell something? It's weird now that Savannah is all grown up. I'm used to reading about her in Paige's care :-)

[Desperado]

Sorry to hear about the horrible books, Jade & Angi. =(

@ Angi: I can totally understand why you'd want to give the series up. I thought Soulless was mediocre at best but was willing to give Carriger another chance-until I read this asinine blog post back in 2011 (http://gailcarriger.livejournal.com/1...) advising readers on how they should buy books & that they should 1)run around trying to buy the authors book on the 1st week of release & 2) buy the book in print even if you don't LIKE print & give it to a friend THEN buy the digital copy.

DAFUQ? Not only are you telling me WHERE to buy your book but you're telling me I need buy it in print even if I don't want it in print? I completely dropped her after that & I REGRET NOTHING!

*sigh* I ended up reading & finishing The Mane Squeeze this week so I'm going to use that for Series Catch Up instead. I'll Triple R later on after I've handled some business. Bye, Team! *waves*

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Thanks ladies....just glad I chose Nalini Singh for my next shelf, I am sure I will not be dissapointed :)

[Desperado]

Series Catch Up Read:
Date Finished: August 8th
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review:

TMS tells the story of Lachlan "Lock" MacRyrie & Gwen O'Neill. Lock is a Grizzly Bear shifter & the good friend of Jessica's (the heroine of The B9east in Him) & Gwen is a Tigon (tiger-lion shifter) the sister of Mitch (the hero from The Mane Attraction). They meet at Jessica's wedding to Smitty & are instantly attracted, but nothing comes of it until a few months later.

I absolutely ADORED Lock. He's 7 ft & over 300 lbs of pure muscle *swoons* but is as cuddly as an actual teddy bear. Lock is almost Beta in comparison to the other heroes of this series. He's very laid back & sweet & caring. He doesn't like to fight, so he uses his extremely large height & weight to deter his opponents. But his completely capable of whipping ass & taking names, which he shows numerous times, especially in a very funny scene involving him dragging Mitch (a lion shifter) around a hotel room like a child dragging his favorite blanket. And toes! He plays with his toes which endeared me to him instantly, as I play with my toes as well. Heh.

"When I'm really stressed out....I play with my toes. It's really relaxing and very bearlike."

As for Gwen, I enjoyed her as well. She & her best friend Blayne (the heroine of the next book in the series, Beast Behaving Badly & black girl too!) have grown up constantly getting shit from the other shifters because they're hybrids. It makes it so Gwen is reluctant to trust & even a bit insecure. My heart broke for her & Blayne. And Gwen's brother, Mitch? OMFG. I loved him in "The Mane Attraction" & he did not disappoint me in this book. He's very over-protective of his baby sis & was NOT happy to see her hooking up with Yogi Bear. There's this one utterly hilarious scene where Gwen is coming home from a night out & Mitch bursts OUT OF HER BEDROOM CLOSET screaming "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" I died.

I would love to share all the wonderful quotes I highlighted from this book but there are just too many. The only thing I can say against this book is that there were a few slow parts but that's it. I'm happy with TMS.

[Breann]

I must read this series! Sounds fun!

I'm going to start mine tomorrow. I want to get all caught up in case we get that winning BINGO shelf! :)

[Breann]

Shelf! Angels!

[Breann]

Just so happens that I have coming up in a buddy read this week. So I will be reading it for this shelf as well!

[Desperado]

I'm eager to know what you'll think of SE, Breann! I was scared away by some positively horrific reviews, so it's been languishing on my TBR until I grow a pair.

I'm going to read for Angels.

[Christal]

That books sounds interesting, Lethal. Hope you enjoy it. I will be reading The Taken by Vicki Pettersson for my angels shelf.

[Breann]

Series Catch Up
Date Finished 8/11/12
Rating★★★★☆
Review

Let me start by saying Ilona Andrews’ world building rocks my sock off. There are so many things happening in this world. Always a new creature or beast. Always a fresh and original plot. Love this world. Love these characters.

We start with Andrea investigating a multiple homicide in a building that is owned by her ex-boyfriend, Raphael. This inevitably pushes these two together when they have been avoiding each other for months. Avoiding each other while still in love. Why? Pride, of course. The investigation leads them to a group of “people” who are worship the god, Apep. I say “people” because they have snakelike jaws with fangs that are venomous. I couldn’t help by hear Indiana Jones saying, “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” Andrea and Raphael have to battle these snake people, gods, and any number of weird creatures that live in this crazy ass version of Atlanta. It was fantastic fun.

Ugh. Raphael and Andrea. When Raphael first sees Andrea again in her office he brings with him his new “fiancé” in her office. If that’s not a slap in the face, I don’t know what is. Raphael’s behavior in the beginning of the book was pretty much appalling. He was completely unforgiving and rude to the woman he is supposed to love. They have been estranged, but still, if you love her don’t be such a selfish prideful jerk! Don’t get me wrong, Andrea had some selfish prideful jerkish moments herself, too. But once they got over their mutual jerkiness I really enjoyed their relationship. We saw a different side to Andrea, she decided to completely embrace her beastkin side. And by embrace I mean walk around looking like beastkin, naked.

This had potential to be a 5 star read for me if Andrea and Raphael weren’t so mean to each other for a good portion of the book. I love some good banter between an H/h, but at times it wasn’t banter, it was just mean. Still, a great addition to the series. As always, Ilona Andrews did not disappoint!

[Breann]

LethalLovely~I've Come to Relieve U of Life & Love wrote: "I'm eager to know what you'll think of SE, Breann! I was scared away by some positively horrific reviews, so it's been languishing on my TBR until I grow a pair.

I'm going to read [bookcover:Blood..."

I have noticed some of those reviews too :/ we'll see how it goes!

[Angi]

Oh glad to hear you mostly liked "Gunmetal Magic". I can't wait to read this new addition though I don't think I'll like what a jerk Raphel is to Andrea. Ugh.Your next book cover looks really interesting. Good luck with it! :)

Lethal - Great review - I'm so glad you liked your read! It sounds very interesting!

[Angi]

For the "Angels" shelf, I'll be reading .

I'm almost finished with my book from last week. I got a little side tracked reading "50 Shades of Grey" ;-)

[Desperado]

Thanks, Angi!

Awesome review, Breann. I'm glad to hear that GM was enjoyable despite the childish bs between Naked Mole Rat & Raphael.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Morning guys nearly finished with my series catch up....Nalini Singh does not disappoint :)

For my Angels shelf I will be going for

Angi - For the "Angels" shelf, I'll be reading .

I'm almost finished with my book from last week. I got a little side tracked reading "50 Shades of Grey" ;-)

Be interested what you think of Hex Hall 3 another on my TBR list I really enjoyed the previous books :) haha same thing happened to me when I started reading 50 Shades :) kinda sucks you in!

[Christal]

@Jade I'm looking forward to your review of Hallowed. I read Unearthly but still haven't gotten around to the sequel yet. So many people say it's better than the first.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

I really enjoyed the first book, so much better than I expected....will keep you posted, hoping to start it later :)

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Finished 14.08.12
Rating: *****

Review
This, the fifth in the Psy-changeling series follows the story of Dorian the Dark River sniper who we met early on in the books. After seing his Sister brutally tortures and murdered by a Psy Killer he has a hatred for the Psy race and wants vengence. He is a Leopard who can not shift forms and as such has made himself the best warrior and fighter he can be, using his Leopard strengths of speed, sight and scent to his advantage. However he longs to change and his animal claws from within trying to get out.

After meeting Ashaya Aleine, a Psy scientist in previous book 'Mine To Possess' he can't get her out of his head or dreams. As much as he hates what she stands for he can't help but be fascinated by her. She asks for his help to rescure her Son from the Psy Council who are trying to use him against her to make her do their bidding to create a implant. One the surface she is cold, cool and emotionless, but inside she is hiding a secret fighing a battle to save her son and her twin sister who is being held by the DarkNet.

After saving her son Kenna, Dorian finds himself bonded to the child he sees as his own and will help Ashaya do whatever she needs to keep the child safe....

I loved this book, which I am so happy about, as you know my last couple of books have been pants!! and I have really struggled to get through them.

I have been looking forwards to following Dorian's story since the very beginning of the series. He was introduced in book one and I knew it would make for interesting reading as he was always different to the other changelings, always on the edge of darkness, in pain and struggling to exist with all the guilt he felt for not being able to save his little sister.

I have to say Nalini Singh never dissapoints and I am eager to start book six :)

[Angi]

I have never read a Ms. Singh book but everyone seems to love her series.... Does she have just one series? I think I'm going to have to read her. Great review! Sounds very interesting.... And yes I'm totally getting sucked into 50 Shades. I had to step away so I could finish my other books! Lol

[Angi]

Shelf: Series Catch Up
Book: Grave Dance
Date Finished: August 14th
Stars: 4

Review: I really enjoyed "Grave Dance". I've come to realize my favorite genre is urban fantasy... A bit of romance, super natural and a huge helping of gritty mystery. Love it! Also... My favs- ghosts and fairies- how can a girl go wrong? This book had all those things. Alex is all around the worlds this time around trying to solve a mystery and help those she cares about. Her main men are back in action... "Death". (Yummmmmmy!) and Falin. I wish we had seen a bit more romance (and perhaps a bit of bow chicka bow wow) but that never happened :-( I was left cold in that area (no pun intended). I loved the whole cast of new characters that we have been introduced to .. The "Shadow King" and his creepy yet fascinating court, the "Nightmare Kingling" ( why is he helping her again?) and The "Winter Queen" herself. I think things are just getting deep as Alex will soon have to choose where her loyalty lies. I look forward to the next book as there have been a lot of things set up and questions unanswered.

[Breann]

Great reviews ladies! I love Nalini Singh! I see you went straight on to #6 Jade :) I did too. I read that series straight through.

Angi you MUST read Nalini Singh. She has two series, the Psy Changeling and the Guild Hunter - which is more UF than PNR. Both of them are really good, but I am partial to the Psy Changeling. Can't get enough Kaleb Psy! That series you read sounds good. I may need to check it out. Just add another to my growing tbr pile. Why the hell not?

[Breann]

We rated all of the books on our Series Catch Up shelf either 4 or 5 stars! Yay! I love it when we all enjoy our books :)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Better Off Read!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Series Catch-up'.

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

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Better Offs!

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Angi -Psy definitely need to go on your TBR list I have read 5 up to now and have rated then all 4 or 5 stars... there great!

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Yay another stamp! Well done us!

[Christal]

Great review, Jade! I have to read more of that series. I've only read the first and really enjoyed it. Must read more soon.

Angie, I'm glad you liked Grave Dance! I'm starting Grave Memory after I knock out two more library books and I am super excited to learn more about Death. You should definitely check this series out, Breann.

[Christal]

Angels Shelf:
Date Finished: 8/14/12
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review:

The Taken combined angel mythology with noir-style mystery and the retro rockabilly subculture to create a unique story. I am hooked on this new world and definitely interested to learn more about the characters, especially Grif.

Griffin Shaw is a "busted" angel who finds himself trying to protect Girl Friday and rockabilly enthusiast, Katherine "Kit" Craig from some very influential people. These men don't want their prostitution ring investigated and they will kill Kit to stop her. Grif helps Kit in her investigation and, in the process, hopes to learn who killed him and his wife back in the 50's.

The world building was very good in this novel. The different classes of angels were well-crafted and explained pretty well. I imagine we will be given more details in the future novels. The rockabilly scene was cool and not something you find in many other novels.

Grif was a great character. He has a murky past filled with mysteries and Vicki Pettersson doesn't give us all the answers here. I can't wait to read the other two books in this trilogy to find out everything about Grif and his wife, Evie. Kit wasn't fleshed out as well as Grif for me, but I am still okay with her character. I hope she is given a little more depth in the next novel because she has a tragic past that could make for an interesting psychology.

The beginning of the book was a little slow. Ms. Pettersson had a lot of setup to do with the angel world and introducing Grif and Kit to each other and the audience. I don't think this should be a problem in the next books. Once the story got moving, about 1/3 of the way in, I didn't want to put this book down. The villain was pretty easy to identify once he was introduced, but I was sucked into the ride and couldn't wait to see him brought to justice. The romance between Grif and Kit was a slow burn but it adds a dimension to both characters that elevates their story.

I've sampled Ms. Pettersson's Signs of the Zodiac series in the past, but I have to say this novel captured my attention in a way that series never did. The Celestial Blues trilogy has the potential to be something unique and different in the urban fantasy/paranormal romance landscape and I can't wait to be taken along for the ride!

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Shelf : Angels
Book:
Finished: 15.08.12
Rated: ★★★★★


Review
I finished this book last night....with a hand full of kleenex!!

Cynthia Hand has done it again, I loved the first installment of Unearthly and didn't know what was going to happen next, she left us all asking what would happen to Clara after the choices she made in book one....she has a way of writing that just draws you in and gets you hooked. I can't believe I have to wait until 2013 to find out the next chapter of her life!!

Part-angel Clara is still fighting with herself, from the choice she was forced to make in book one choosing to go against her destiny to say Tucker the boys she loved from a deadly forest fire instead of Christian the boys she has seen for months in her dreams.

Struggling to cling on to the love she feels for Tucker and a destiny with Christian she knows is inevitable Clara has to make a choice between the two.

In this book Clara and Angela find out more information about Angels and the black wings leading to a discovering that will change Claras life forever.....don't want to give too much away to you guys as the books is so work adding to you TBR pile!

I can't say how much I loved this book, I literally could not put it down. A must read! Had a heavy heart and lots of used tissues by the end of it!

Ps. Hope you are all enjoying your reads :)

[Breann]

We ran out of room in our RR&R post! I'm continuing it on message 13. The Angels Shelf is posted there.

[Desperado]

Hey, ladies! It's going to take longer than expected to read my "Angels" pick. I was almost to the end when BAM, my Kindle froze up one me today & the sucker won't unfreeze for anything. Amazon CS said they'd send me a replacement Kindle (yay for extended warranties!) but it won't arrive until Monday. *tear* Given that most of my unread books are on my K, I don't know WTF I'm gonna do with myself for four days. Play with my toes? Maybe. Cry tears of ultimate sorrow? DEFINITELY.

[Breann]

OH NOOOOO!!!! I don't know what I would do without my kindle... or nook... or my paperbacks. Could you read on a PC? Not as comfy, but going four days without reading? Blasphemy.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

So sad for Kindle Baby, lucky that warranty is kicking in. I was going to suggest the puter as well LL.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Aww I don't know what I would do without my Kindle for a day :( we are attached. Glad you get a replacement Lethal.

[Desperado]

Thank you all for the condolences. I really do feel like I'm thisclose to bursting into tears half the time and that is ridiculous. SNAP OUT OF IT, LETHAL! *sigh* As for reading on the computer, that's a no-go. My migraines act up if I'm the computer for more than a few hours at a time & given that I'm already on the computer alot, adding reading to the list wouldn't work. Plus, every time I've tried to read Kindle on PC, my eyes start hurting. =(

But it's all good. Yeah, I won't be able to finish Blood and Feathers until Monday, but I have a paperback order arriving in the mail today & I managed to unearth some DTBs from my closet this morning. It'll have to suffice.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

There, there *pats LL on the back* it'll be OK :))