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Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R5: Team #12 ~ The Dirty Dozen {1st Place}
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Susan (susayq ~)
(new)
Jul 23, 2012 04:29AM
Oh yes, Sandra! I've decided I want one of those "Team Bones" shirts that she has on her website LOL it will replace my sparkly vampire shirts ;)
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CONGRATULATIONS, Dirty Dozen! You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'ghosts'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamp Dirties!
Yay! Another stamp!And Yay! Team Bones!
Over half finished my book and am heading off for the trailer by myself until Friday morning, so will definitely have my review up by Friday night.Really enjoying the book and the cool characters!
Have a great night every one
Have fun, Tania! The girls and I have traveled to Atlanta to visit Hubs for the rest of the week and weekend. We've got to go home Sunday cause they have a performing arts camp that starts Monday. I've loaded my Kindle with books that would work for almost any shelf called on Sunday LOL
Glad you're enjoying your book, Tania! Susan, have fun in Atlanta! I hope the next shelf is a useful one for us, it'd be awesome to get four in a row.
I struggled with picking something interesting for Demons, but I'm finally 2/3rds into Shadow and Bone and really like it so far.
I am in such a slump! I'm enjoying my book, but having one of those evil RL weeks! SORRY! Been spending more time internally debating which ALPHA to send an SOS too rather than reading...my bad! But, Bones...though Adam's cool might be good, too...Swear I'll finish before the next shelf is called!
Also will admit to a wee bit of Olympic distraction...my adopted country is beating Spain in soccer at the moment...Go Samurai Blue!!!
Finished: 7/26/12
Shelf: demons
Rating 4 - 4.5 stars
Thoughts: Aaaagh WHAT CAN I POSSIBLY SAY ABOUT THIS. It started off as kinda typical YA fantasy, but after the first chapter I was hooked, and I blazed through it -- by the end I was like, "What just HAPPENED?!"
It's Russian-"inspired," which I'm not sure was really necessary. The author got some basic naming conventions wrong, and she changed the definitions of a few words (like "kvas") to make them seem more exotic, which is kind of... eh? But other than that, the world was pretty cool. I loved the idea of Grisha, especially Alina's power. And the Fold/Unsea is just... terrifying; it's a swath of pure darkness that separates west Ravka from the rest of the country, wherein monsters called volcra lurk. Major props to Bardugo for writing something so unsettling.
I loved the characters, and I especially liked that nothing was as it seemed. It's a fast-paced novel with some really cool twists and a real magical quality to it, which is why I'm giving it such a high rating despite some quibbles. And omg, the Darkling. -flail-
I was very pleasantly surprised by this. I want the next book NOW.
Ahh...and TBR climbs up one more! Great review!
Finished this one a few days ago but between work and Olympic fever am just getting a chance to post. 
Shelf: Demons
Finished: 7/26/12
Rating: 4 stars
This series can be hit or miss for me. I love the world that Harrison has built and there are some excellent secondary characters. Really, there's so much that I do like about it that it should be one of my absolute favorite series. But I cannot stand the Rachel/Ivy dynamic. It was a big part of the last book, so much so that I almost couldn't finish it so I went into this one with some trepidation.
But luckily, it wasn't as big a part of this story. Don't get me wrong, as soon as they start their bite me/don't bite me/sleep with me/don't sleep with me thing the whole story grinds to a halt for me. It's like quicksand, I try to read faster but it feels like I'm slowing down. Fortunately, there were only a few scenes with this dynamic. Yay!
Most of the story concerns Rachel, her demon problems and the continuation (or extinction?) of the Elves. Some of my favorite characters, Trent, Ceri, Quen, and Al have large roles. I can't say too much about what those roles are as so much has evolved with these characters over the series that anything I say may be a spoiler for someone who hasn't read this far.
Overall, for me, this one marked a return to the form of the first three books in the series, all of which I really enjoyed. And there are some revelations about Rachel's past and deals that she entered into for the future that make me more optimistic about the next one again.
BINGO R5: The Dirty Dozen
Shelf: 7/29 ~ urban-fantasy (I8)
5/5; stamp requested 8/10; stamp received 8/10
Judithe: The Dead Girls' Dance | finished 7/31/12 | 4 stars | review
Karen F: Lethal Rider | finished 7/29/12 | 5 stars | review
Susan: At Grave's End | finished 8/1/12 | 3.5 stars | review
Tania: Until I Die | finished 8/2/12 | 5 stars | review
Valerie: Hereafter | finished 8/1/12 | 3 stars | review
This gives us another three-in-a-row, but gives Teams 3, 11, and 16 four-in-a-row. This is a huuuuuge shelf. I'll look over my choices and come back!
Valerie wrote: "This gives us another three-in-a-row, but gives Teams 3, 11, and 16 four-in-a-row. This is a huuuuuge shelf. I'll look over my choices and come back!"
Team 17 had 4 in a row even before this shelf called (team 16 lurker)
Shelf: Demons
Date finished: 7/28/12
Rating: ★★★★☆
Thoughts:
First off, I really liked Karen's review, and after reading the story, think, "Yep, yep, that too, and SPOT ON!"
LotU has been a so-so read for me. I've never been "dying" to read the next in the series, but am interested enough to keep reading, and am looking forward to the next-to-be-published book. Lots of intriguing things have been hinted at, and I look forward to seeing where Showalter goes with that. Especially with Zacharel.
Paris has never been one of my most favorite dudes, don't get me wrong, I like him, but he's nowhere close to say, Bones. In fact, he's been a little too...something. Anyway, his obsession with Sienna was all part of that. I loved getting into Sienna's head, especially her decision to work at this relationship, even if she believes it ultimately will not work out. Regardless of that, he's important enough to her that she makes the trust/honesty leap, without any belief that he will give her the same. Gutsy.
Lots of monumental and waited for events happen in this book, such as the twins, the Lords backhandedly getting back some of theirs from Cronus, and more such as Galen finding his obsession (or is it "another" obsession?), hints of future romances, and more interesting, albeit quirkily psycho, characters are introduced.
I'll be picking up the next one to read.
I found 14 possible books for the UF shelf. Each and every one looks 1000, no, 1,000,000 times more interesting than the student reports I'm reading right now. So, that's my way of wingeing and begging forgiveness at the same time! I can't decide. I've set out a few of those 14, and one is a library book, but not due too soon. The first one I grab and finish will be it. Sorry, that doesn't help with the list! (And it'll be the shortest one, if at all possible!). I lurk daily, but don't have the energy to comment much (except mentally curse whoever set up the schedule so classes don't finish until we're boiling in August...8 more days...)
Judithe, sorry you have student papers to read rather than something fun. Just think of it as a reward for grading all the papers LOL
Ughhh...if I survive, I'll look at it that way. My eyes, brain (and ears!) hurt...they have final presentations. Basics, BTW, I teach EFL in a non-English-speaking country, are 3-5 minutes per person, covering X-number of points. One Friday student hit all 5 points, in 5 sentences plus two (intro and conclusion...see below), timed at 34 seconds...after 7 years of learning English. He said, "Thank you." as his final sentence...and I just blurted out, "That's it????? Are you for real?" (Mentally adding, no, don't bother looking up the phrase, you get the drift, and if you don't, yes, you deserve to fail...)I gently suggested that as this, in combination with the mid-term, is 40% of his final grade, he might consider redoing his presentation.I definitely deserve unlimited reading time and chocolate...or perhaps a trip to the beer garden as soon as this is OVER!
Oh my! I'd go for the beer garden rather than reading after that LOL are you teaching adults English? You must have the patience of a saint to do that. I teach preK and can not imagine teaching adults.
Susan, I teach the full range! I'm at a nursery school one day a week, university for the rest (1/2 days or so) and teach 2-adult (not polite to ask, but I do know my oldest student at the present time is 53). So, it's full range! It's the uni-kids that are giving me fits right now...I used to be scared to teach the little ones, but now, really enjoy the mix! I also don't have the same students everyday, so in some ways it's quite invigorating. Except for about 20 days every year (finals week for both terms of university!), I usually love teaching.
I'm quite leaning toward beer-garden night on August 6th...lol...anyone want to pop over and join me? With national holiday adjustments, the final class of the semester is Monday...and, poof! Tuesday's 8:40 class is gone, and I can nurse my hangover until mid-afternoon (or drink moderately, ban everyone else from the house ALL DAY and read until then). Actually, I'll probably be finishing up grades as I've already got plans to devote next Sunday to Bingo reading after reading so much homework today (my Bingo day...sob)
Can you tell I'm procrastinating?
PLEASE scream at me if you see me on here within the next 12 hours...I really need to finish work and sleep! LOL!
I know Judithe isn't supposed to be on line. :) But I have to just have to say "thank you" for the review shout out. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I thought it was one of the best books in the series.So many choices for this shelf but I'm going with Lethal Rider. I actually started it this morning and I'm having a hard time putting it down so that's a good sign. In fact, I'm getting back to it right now!
So, both tasks accomplished, and on my way to work very soon. Just popped by to say I started reading
for the URBAN FANTASY shelf.
Hi guys,I will be reading
for my urban-fantasy read. My iPad died and took my review with it, so will rewrite and post tomorrow morning.So sorry. Awesome reviews and way too many books to read;)
that stinks about the iPad.
BUMMMMMMEEEERRRR about the iPad! Hopefully it has a warranty/guarantee (which one is it??? I always get mixed up!)
Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Date Finished: 7/29/12
Rating: 5 Stars
Wow, I just loved this one. I tore through this 400+ page book in the course of a rainy Sunday. Every time I put is down I'd get twitchy to pick it back up.
I've liked most Larissa Ione books. Both the Demonica series and this one have given me some 5 star reads. I find that she does an excellent job balancing a dark and sometimes violent story with humor and touches of fun. In tone they remind me a bit of the early Dark Hunter books when they balanced the humor, romance and violence, before they started with the overwhelming torture.
For those not familiar with the story, the four horsemen here are half demon/half angel. If the apocalypse comes, it is unsure which side they'd fight on, good or evil. At the beginning of the series one of the brothers seal breaks and he turns into Pestilence. The fallout of that, his desire to create hell on earth and begin the apocalypse continues through this book.
I wasn't sure about Regan and Than going into it (view spoiler). I ended up really loving their story. Their relationship and this book is really epic. The backdrop is the fight to save the world. Regan and Than's romance is very tender considering their start. They've both spent their whole life truly alone and hardly even know how to let another person into their lives. The ending is devastating and beautiful and if there's a bit of a deus ex machina, eh, it's a romance.
I can't wait for the next one and I always recommend the Demonica series and this one for people looking for their next PNR. Like I said, I'm a big fan. :)
Another condolence on the I-pad Tania, that's really crappy. :( The Apple people are usually pretty helpful if you're near a store.
Great review, Karen! I'm moving that up my list.
Ghost read
Completed: July 26, 2012
Rating: 4 stars
Thoughts:
This is a very enjoyable first installment to "The lords of the Underworld" series. The characters are strong and supportive of each-other throughout the book. Maddox is definitely a hot hero, he is very possessive of Ashlyn and he has that stormy temper, I really like the premise of all of the Lords and how they are all possessed by a certain demon, I agree with other readers that it can be related to JR Ward's series but the writing here is less rough and harsh-there is no talking of smoking up or the use of slang like in the BDB books
Showalter is a very talented writer, her writing really flows very well, I loved how Maddox treated Ashlyn very gentle and tenderly- the beginning is very good but then it lags a little in the middle and then the events leading up to the ending are very good and unexpected- the only complaint I have is the pacing of the book- I think they have their first sexual encounter the first or second day they met, but I guess that is to be expected because Maddox was supposed to be killed every night at midnight- I feel like the author wrote herself into a corner by using that plot technique because it made the pacing of the book a little awkward- like Maddox thinking "o I can spend time with Ashlyn for another six hours before I am killed again" was a little odd
I read this book in 3 days, I feel like it was worth the read, finding out about the world of the Lords of the Underworld was interesting enough and then throw in the romance, it was exactly what I was craving because I wanted to find something similar to the BDB books where a group of men living together will all eventually find their mates and have their own books, I can't wait to read the next one!
Great reviews, all! :) Demonica's definitely on my list. Requested our demons stamp!
Shelf: urban-fantasy
Finished: August 1st, 2012
Rating: 3 stars
Thoughts: Siiiigh, I'm not sure what to think of this one. When it was good, it was really gripping, but the first 2/3rds were kinda... ehhh.
Amelia is a ghost who wanders her hometown in Oklahoma, devoid of memories or any connection to the living world. One day, she sees a boy drowning in the river, and something compels her to reach out to him; miraculously, she helps him. The boy, Joshua, becomes obsessed with her. He returns to the bridge and befriends her, and they fall in love instantly. She follows him to his school, where nobody can see her but him, and to his house, where she has to deal with a family of Seers who want nothing more than to exorcise her.
If this were tightened up a bit, it could've been great. The bits where Amelia recovered her memories and discovered the cause of her death were quite good, as well as the showdown with the "villain" at the end. But the villain himself was quite hokey, and there were some things that just didn't make sense at all, like Joshua talking to (and making out with!) seemingly nobody without being noticed. There were some world-building quirks that were also pretty weird, but they have to do with the date of Amelia's death, which would probably be considered a spoiler.
I have the next one on hand, and I hope it'll be better -- there were some interesting ideas that I wish were fleshed out a little more and with better pacing.
shelf: urban fantasy
Finished: 8/1/12
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 on my review)
I have to be honest and give this 3.5 stars. There were a few reasons it isn't getting glowing praise from me like the previous books did.
First, I do not like love triangles. Period. Tate is trying real hard to make this series a love triangle. Admittedly, Cat doesn't love him "like that", but she does care for him and tends to overlook Bones's opinions on things concerning Tate and she second guesses decisions Bones makes regarding Tate. And Tate has no shame. He knows Cat loves Bones and he openly admits his feelings. Quite honestly, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if Bones were to get fed up with Tate and kill him.
Second, this series is about Bones and Cat. I've said it before: yes, I know Bones has had lovers in the past. I'm ok with that. I expect that, he is over 200 years old. BUT I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOVERS FROM THE PAST!!! Maybe it's my own personal insecurities coming through, but I am very judgemental when it comes to past lovers and cheaters in books. I won't read a book where I go into it knowing there will be that going on. Having Bones's past thrown up in Cat's face at every turn pisses me off and makes me not want to read.
And lastly, in my own humble opinion, there wasn't enough romance in this book. There was lots of action. I'm ok with action. I like action. In fact, the action towards the end of the book (view spoiler) is what brought this up 1/2 star for me. But let's face it, this is supposed to be a romance and it wasn't romancey enough for me.
Maybe the next one will be better for me.
Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Date finished: 7/31/12
Rating: ★★★★☆
Thoughts:
I do really enjoy Rachel Caine's series, just one warning for those who haven't started, she does cliffhangers...a lot! Get the next one ready before you start! (And sorry...I devoured the next one and am wait-listed for the 4th which kind of distracted me from writing my review, among other things!)
Claire has moved to Morganville for college and found a whole other society. She's gotten pulled into the center, and it's in the process of dramatically changing her life. In book 1, she moved into Glass House with Michael, Eva and Shane who are involved in the vampire society, but against it, not embracing it. However, it seems they are getting drawn in more and more, especially when Shane's dad rolls into town with the intent of cutting down the vamp population.
The action and pace is fast, and it's hard to put down. Loving the series!
CONGRATULATIONS, Dirty D! You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'demons'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamp Dirties!
Hi gang,Just finished the book! Am heading out of town and will either post review on way home or once I get home Sunday night
BINGO R5: The Dirty Dozen
Shelf: 8/5 ~ personal: *series catch-up (N11)
5/5; stamp requested 8/15; stamp received 8/16
Judithe: Immortal Rider | finished 8/8/12 | 4 stars | review
Karen F: Gunmetal Magic | finished 8/7/12 | 5 stars | review
Susan: Kiss of a Demon King | finished 8/6/12 | 5 stars | review
Tania: Fifty Shades Freed | finished 8/10/12 | 4 stars | review
Valerie: Linger | finished 8/11/12 | 3.5 stars | review
So... ANOTHER three-in-a-row! Woo... hoo... Here's the latest deets on game-ending shelves:
Team 3: kick-ass-heroine
Team 4: *reader's choice
Team 11: dragons
Team 13: *reader's choice
Team 16: male-lead
Team 17: male-lead, new-series
Team 18: *reader's choice
That's five different shelves that can end the game if called next week. D:
I'll come back with my shelf choice -- I just came back from a huge book-buying spree, but unfortch, only one qualifies and I'm not sure if I want to read it right now. Meanwhile, from what I already have, I can choose between almost any Pratchett orrrrr a few 700+ page fantasy novels. WE WILL SEE.
so what we want is psychics and angels or sci-fi romance and vampires, with vampires being called last? Should we start praying for those now? LOL
Oh! And I'll let you know what I'm reading for this shelf. I'm not sure yet, I have a few to choose from that will fit in with some other challenges.
Oh...off to update the spreadsheet then back with a book choice...so many...what am I in the mood for today?ETA..still deciding. YIKES! I'll just post later once I've started to read one of the dozen I already found (stopped there....gotta figure out what fits in a challenge, and haven't even looked at them yet. Is it really August???)
I'm going to read
for this shelf. And sadly, it doesn't fit it any challenges LOL I finished book 6 in this series today and I've got to know what happened to Rydstrom and his book is the next one :)
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Visions of Heat (other topics)Visions of Heat (other topics)
Bonds of Justice (other topics)
The Peach Keeper (other topics)
Grave Dance (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Neil Gaiman (other topics)Susanna Kearsley (other topics)
Gena Showalter (other topics)
Jennifer Estep (other topics)
Melissa Marr (other topics)
