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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Stories #2) in Books
Oct 15, 2023
152 of 235
Book
The Pale Horseman ( The Last Kingdom 2)
By Bernard Cornwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Uhtred, Northumbrian born, raised a Viking and now married to a Saxon, is already a formidable figure and warrior. But at twenty he is still arrogant, pagan and headstrong, so not a comfortable ally for the thoughtful, pious Alfred. But these two, with Alfred's family and a few of Uhtred's companions, are apparently all that remains of the Wessex leadership after a disastrous truce. It is the lowest time for the Saxons. Defeated comprehensively by the Vikings who now occupy most of England, Alfred and his surviving followers retreat to the trackless marshlands of Somerset. There, forced to move restlessly to escape betrayal or detection, using the marsh mists for cover, they travel by small boats from one island to another, hoping that they can regroup and find some more strength and support. They seek refuge in Athelney, a tidal swamp to which Alfred's kingdom has shrunk. Uhtred finds himself torn between his Danish foster brother and the winning Vikings, and his growing respect for the stubborn leadership of Alfred. He must decide whether to rebuild the Saxons' strength from his watery base and help them to take on the Vikings once more.
I loved this book! This is the second one in the The Last Kingdom series and book has this kicked me in the bum! I love historical fiction and this is becoming one of my favourite series. The end of this book made me want to throw it at losing a character I think is just fantastic and made me laugh. Im not going to mention which one as I don’t do spoilers, but if you’ve read it you’ll know!
Book
The Pale Horseman ( The Last Kingdom 2)
By Bernard Cornwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Uhtred, Northumbrian born, raised a Viking and now married to a Saxon, is already a formidable figure and warrior. But at twenty he is still arrogant, pagan and headstrong, so not a comfortable ally for the thoughtful, pious Alfred. But these two, with Alfred's family and a few of Uhtred's companions, are apparently all that remains of the Wessex leadership after a disastrous truce. It is the lowest time for the Saxons. Defeated comprehensively by the Vikings who now occupy most of England, Alfred and his surviving followers retreat to the trackless marshlands of Somerset. There, forced to move restlessly to escape betrayal or detection, using the marsh mists for cover, they travel by small boats from one island to another, hoping that they can regroup and find some more strength and support. They seek refuge in Athelney, a tidal swamp to which Alfred's kingdom has shrunk. Uhtred finds himself torn between his Danish foster brother and the winning Vikings, and his growing respect for the stubborn leadership of Alfred. He must decide whether to rebuild the Saxons' strength from his watery base and help them to take on the Vikings once more.
I loved this book! This is the second one in the The Last Kingdom series and book has this kicked me in the bum! I love historical fiction and this is becoming one of my favourite series. The end of this book made me want to throw it at losing a character I think is just fantastic and made me laugh. Im not going to mention which one as I don’t do spoilers, but if you’ve read it you’ll know!
Debbiereadsbook (1570 KP) rated The Game Warden's Mate (The Hunt #1) in Books
Nov 22, 2023
thoroughly enjoyable take on alien abduction!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
As the new game Warden, Xrez must make sure the rules are followed and The Hunt makes a profit. It is, after all, his family's fortune. But somehow, this new Hunt has already broken a rule: no humans, and this Hunt is JUST humans. Esme finds herself, along with the others, on an alien planet, being hunted. The higher up the Game they get, the better their life will be when they get out. But they cannot go home. Xres keeps helping her, and she doesn't know why. Xres can't keep away from Esme, but he's there on false pretenses. When she finds out the truth, will she forgive him?
I thoroughly enjoyed this take on alien kidnapping.
I found Esme to be a strong woman, faced with a good deal of adversity. Being kidnapped will do that to ya! Xres, however, I found a bit of a wet blanket at times and he did grate on my nerves. I mean, what did he expect Esme to do when she discovered his betrayal, hmm??
I did like the way everything played out in the end, though.
It's steamy and smexy in places, and dark and deadly in others. I loved the supporting cast!
Now, when I looked wherever I looked, I couldn't see any others. I've now discovered there are 5 books in this series and I really hope I can get my hands on them! I was intrigued as to who might be next, and I'm so glad. The rest of the series is about the others in this Hunt and the one female who is already in Level Three.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
As the new game Warden, Xrez must make sure the rules are followed and The Hunt makes a profit. It is, after all, his family's fortune. But somehow, this new Hunt has already broken a rule: no humans, and this Hunt is JUST humans. Esme finds herself, along with the others, on an alien planet, being hunted. The higher up the Game they get, the better their life will be when they get out. But they cannot go home. Xres keeps helping her, and she doesn't know why. Xres can't keep away from Esme, but he's there on false pretenses. When she finds out the truth, will she forgive him?
I thoroughly enjoyed this take on alien kidnapping.
I found Esme to be a strong woman, faced with a good deal of adversity. Being kidnapped will do that to ya! Xres, however, I found a bit of a wet blanket at times and he did grate on my nerves. I mean, what did he expect Esme to do when she discovered his betrayal, hmm??
I did like the way everything played out in the end, though.
It's steamy and smexy in places, and dark and deadly in others. I loved the supporting cast!
Now, when I looked wherever I looked, I couldn't see any others. I've now discovered there are 5 books in this series and I really hope I can get my hands on them! I was intrigued as to who might be next, and I'm so glad. The rest of the series is about the others in this Hunt and the one female who is already in Level Three.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Kushiel in Books
May 25, 2022
91 of 230
Kindle
Kushiels Dart ( phedre’s Trilogybook 1)
By Jacqueline Carey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
A massive fantasy tale about the violent death of an old age and the birth of a new one. Here is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Born with a scarlet mote in her left eye, Phedre no Delaunay is sold into indentured servitude as a child. When her bond is purchased by an enigmatic nobleman, she is trained in history, theology, politics, foreign languages, and the arts of pleasure. Above all, she learns the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Exquisite courtesan, yet talented spy, she may seem an unlikely heroine... but when Phedre stumbles upon a plot threatening her homeland, Terre d'Ange, she has no choice but to act. Betrayed into captivity in the barbarous northland of Skaldia, and accompanied only by disdainful young warrior-priest, Phedre makes a harrowing escape and an even more harrowing journey, to return to her people and deliver them a warning of the impending invasion. And that proves only the first step in a quest that will take her to the edge of despair and beyond.
Well that was a much longer book than I was expecting. I loved it! The world building and characters were so good I did struggle at first there was a lot of information thrown at you but once it was ingrained it was just so enjoyable to read. I enjoy these epic journey books with female characters that are strong and capable instead of whinny and annoying. I think to get the most out of these long massive world building books you have to have some patience and not force yourself to enjoy them. Definitely looking forward to more.
Kindle
Kushiels Dart ( phedre’s Trilogybook 1)
By Jacqueline Carey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
A massive fantasy tale about the violent death of an old age and the birth of a new one. Here is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Born with a scarlet mote in her left eye, Phedre no Delaunay is sold into indentured servitude as a child. When her bond is purchased by an enigmatic nobleman, she is trained in history, theology, politics, foreign languages, and the arts of pleasure. Above all, she learns the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Exquisite courtesan, yet talented spy, she may seem an unlikely heroine... but when Phedre stumbles upon a plot threatening her homeland, Terre d'Ange, she has no choice but to act. Betrayed into captivity in the barbarous northland of Skaldia, and accompanied only by disdainful young warrior-priest, Phedre makes a harrowing escape and an even more harrowing journey, to return to her people and deliver them a warning of the impending invasion. And that proves only the first step in a quest that will take her to the edge of despair and beyond.
Well that was a much longer book than I was expecting. I loved it! The world building and characters were so good I did struggle at first there was a lot of information thrown at you but once it was ingrained it was just so enjoyable to read. I enjoy these epic journey books with female characters that are strong and capable instead of whinny and annoying. I think to get the most out of these long massive world building books you have to have some patience and not force yourself to enjoy them. Definitely looking forward to more.
Squire's Hazard (Meonbridge Chronicles, #5)
Book
How do you overcome the loathing, lust and bitterness threatening you and your family’s honour? ...
Historical Fiction Medieval Series
The Godmother's Secret
Book
What if you knew what happened to the Princes in the Tower. Would you tell? Or would you forever...
Biographical Historical Fiction Historical Mystery
Merissa (13469 KP) rated The Prince and the Ice King (Gemstone Kingdoms #1) in Books
Aug 6, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
THE PRINCE AND THE ICE KING starts off a new series where some of the kingdoms are named after gemstones. In this one, we have Emerald - where our prince comes from, and Sapphire - where our frozen king resides. Reardon sets out to rescue his friend who was an unwilling sacrifice to the Frozen Kingdom. He just hopes he isn't too late. When he gets there though, things are not as he thought they would be...
What a fantastic story this was! I loved every word from the very beginning. It hooked me in and I was invested in this story, which not only made it a joy to read but stayed with me when I didn't have the book in my hands.
Jack and Reardon have their differences - and difficulties - but Reardon is not about to let something as small as a kingdom-wide curse affect him. Oh, no! Indeed, he charms the inhabitants of the Frozen Kingdom with his willingness to help and learn.
But it wasn't just Jack and Reardon who helped make this story outstanding. They have a wonderful supporting cast with their own tales to tell. I can't tell you who my favourite was because I simply couldn't choose.
With a smooth pace, action, adventure, betrayal, love, honour, and some steamy moments to melt the ice, this book had everything I could possibly have asked for. I can't wait to continue this series and look forward to reading more by this author.
A magnificent start to the series and a new-to-me author to watch. Absolutely and utterly recommended. Loved it!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 6, 2021
What a fantastic story this was! I loved every word from the very beginning. It hooked me in and I was invested in this story, which not only made it a joy to read but stayed with me when I didn't have the book in my hands.
Jack and Reardon have their differences - and difficulties - but Reardon is not about to let something as small as a kingdom-wide curse affect him. Oh, no! Indeed, he charms the inhabitants of the Frozen Kingdom with his willingness to help and learn.
But it wasn't just Jack and Reardon who helped make this story outstanding. They have a wonderful supporting cast with their own tales to tell. I can't tell you who my favourite was because I simply couldn't choose.
With a smooth pace, action, adventure, betrayal, love, honour, and some steamy moments to melt the ice, this book had everything I could possibly have asked for. I can't wait to continue this series and look forward to reading more by this author.
A magnificent start to the series and a new-to-me author to watch. Absolutely and utterly recommended. Loved it!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 6, 2021
Centaur Rift (Warrior Hearts Academy #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
I thought I understood the way the world worked. Family was something other people had. Trust was...
Fantasy Romance
Merissa (13469 KP) rated Shadow Guardian (Blood Shadows #1) in Books
Feb 4, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
SHADOW GUARDIAN is the first book in the Blood Shadows trilogy and I may have just found a new trilogy to crush over!!!! We have fated mates, a secret society with secrets galore, the wilds of Wales, betrayal, treachery, druids, and did I mention Wales? It's here, it's all here, and it's bloody brilliant.
I won't even bother doing a run-down of the story. I know I'd miss something out accidentally. This is a fast-paced, intricate and intriguing story that lets you absorb all the details as you go along. I never felt like I was being rushed, but I also couldn't wait to see what happened next.
The characters and world-building are of the extremely high standard I have come to associate with this author but put into a contemporary paranormal setting rather than fantasy. Kay is a strong female protagonist who, yes, has her own battles to overcome, but will fight instead of waiting for rescue. And I adored how she turned Ethan down. (Read it; you'll know the bit I mean.) She let him know exactly how she felt, and how his words had hurt her, and I loved that. Don't get me wrong, I want the HEA but, sometimes - just sometimes - the men need to work a little harder for, you know what I mean?!
All in all, it was an outstanding read that I devoured in one sitting. Sheer brilliance and I can't wait for Zach's story. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!y/i>
Feb 4, 2022
I won't even bother doing a run-down of the story. I know I'd miss something out accidentally. This is a fast-paced, intricate and intriguing story that lets you absorb all the details as you go along. I never felt like I was being rushed, but I also couldn't wait to see what happened next.
The characters and world-building are of the extremely high standard I have come to associate with this author but put into a contemporary paranormal setting rather than fantasy. Kay is a strong female protagonist who, yes, has her own battles to overcome, but will fight instead of waiting for rescue. And I adored how she turned Ethan down. (Read it; you'll know the bit I mean.) She let him know exactly how she felt, and how his words had hurt her, and I loved that. Don't get me wrong, I want the HEA but, sometimes - just sometimes - the men need to work a little harder for, you know what I mean?!
All in all, it was an outstanding read that I devoured in one sitting. Sheer brilliance and I can't wait for Zach's story. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!y/i>
Feb 4, 2022
Merissa (13469 KP) rated The Blood Chain (Indulgence #3) in Books
Jul 4, 2023
THE BLOOD CHAIN is the third book in the Indulgence series and really must be read in order.
Terah and Adom are still in dire straits when the story starts, continuing on from where book 2 finished. Adom has finally realised he is in love with her and will do everything in his power to protect her, even if that means from his own father. They end up in Scold - which tickled me! I loved the names of the streets and the city as well. But even there, things aren't easy for them. So much intrigue and betrayal, more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. It is, quite simply, breathtaking and never a dull moment.
And just, JUST, when you think Adom and Terah will find the answers they're looking for and will be able to fight side by side, something happens. No! Just... NO! I was not ready for that and it needs to be sorted out right now!!! I can't wait until the next book is out to know they are okay. I just can't. And can I just add - I love how Adom understands Terah's moods and nature, the same as she does his. I love how both of them are accepted as they are, without the need for change (which is one of the reasons that ending has killed me!)
Yet another amazing, fantastical addition to the series. Full of action and absolutely astounding in every way. It will definitely leave you wanting more. HIGHLY recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 4, 2023
Terah and Adom are still in dire straits when the story starts, continuing on from where book 2 finished. Adom has finally realised he is in love with her and will do everything in his power to protect her, even if that means from his own father. They end up in Scold - which tickled me! I loved the names of the streets and the city as well. But even there, things aren't easy for them. So much intrigue and betrayal, more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. It is, quite simply, breathtaking and never a dull moment.
And just, JUST, when you think Adom and Terah will find the answers they're looking for and will be able to fight side by side, something happens. No! Just... NO! I was not ready for that and it needs to be sorted out right now!!! I can't wait until the next book is out to know they are okay. I just can't. And can I just add - I love how Adom understands Terah's moods and nature, the same as she does his. I love how both of them are accepted as they are, without the need for change (which is one of the reasons that ending has killed me!)
Yet another amazing, fantastical addition to the series. Full of action and absolutely astounding in every way. It will definitely leave you wanting more. HIGHLY recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 4, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated So Close ( Blacklist 1) in Books
Apr 26, 2024
77 of 220
Book
So close ( Blacklist 1)
By Sylvia Day
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The one you believe isn't always the one you can trust...
Widower Kane Black is still ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him… until he sees a woman with his wife’s inimitable beauty on the streets of Manhattan. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively under guard, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily’s memory is a possessive beguiling force.
Aliyah, Kane’s mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. “Lily” has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on the throne.
Amy, Kane’s sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she’s devolving into murderous rage. She’s paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she’s owed.
Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he’s ever been, and he’ll do anything to stay that way.
This was different to what I expected. First of all I think I’ve been starved of news from the Crosses and it was nice to catch up on them a little. This is was messed up family all being played by a devious mother trying to control her sons. Amy is completely vindictive and horrid but is it a product of what these men and the mother in law from hell have done or is she naturally that way? When you read this and learn about Lily I wasn’t expecting the answer and yes I had a WTF moment! The book was good and I did enjoy it but I think the last 10 chapters are what made me give it 4⭐️ instead of 3.
Book
So close ( Blacklist 1)
By Sylvia Day
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The one you believe isn't always the one you can trust...
Widower Kane Black is still ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him… until he sees a woman with his wife’s inimitable beauty on the streets of Manhattan. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively under guard, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily’s memory is a possessive beguiling force.
Aliyah, Kane’s mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. “Lily” has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on the throne.
Amy, Kane’s sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she’s devolving into murderous rage. She’s paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she’s owed.
Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he’s ever been, and he’ll do anything to stay that way.
This was different to what I expected. First of all I think I’ve been starved of news from the Crosses and it was nice to catch up on them a little. This is was messed up family all being played by a devious mother trying to control her sons. Amy is completely vindictive and horrid but is it a product of what these men and the mother in law from hell have done or is she naturally that way? When you read this and learn about Lily I wasn’t expecting the answer and yes I had a WTF moment! The book was good and I did enjoy it but I think the last 10 chapters are what made me give it 4⭐️ instead of 3.