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Merissa (12889 KP) rated A Company of Monsters (The Sorcerers of Verdun #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2020
A Company of Monsters is the second book in The Sorcerers of Verdun series, and it takes you right back to Geist and WWI. I would definitely recommend reading these as a series as the story does follow on from book one.
In this book, however, Geist and her squadron are sent to Russia as Houses of Sorcerers are being obliterated. Not a simple task being as WWI is happening and Russia is also going through a turbulent time. Not only that, but Amalgam shows up, together with Geist's family and the Eyes of the Kaiser which adds a whole new level to the story.
Just as with book one, Ms. Stovall has done an exceptional job with this story. The events flow from one to the other, ringing true with every word. The only reason for not giving it 5-stars this time is because of Geist herself. She seemed more... fragmented... disjointed than in book one. Which may well be how it is supposed to be but I found it slightly distracting. The relationship between her and Vergess is also confusing as, on the one hand, they have special 'intimate' names for each other, and Vergess is definitely more intense, but then we are also told that they have no chemistry between them.
On the whole, I loved this book, just not quite as much as book one. That doesn't mean this book is no good, not by a long shot. I will be continuing this series and seeing where Geist and her crew go next, AND seeing how Amalgam fits in!
Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
In this book, however, Geist and her squadron are sent to Russia as Houses of Sorcerers are being obliterated. Not a simple task being as WWI is happening and Russia is also going through a turbulent time. Not only that, but Amalgam shows up, together with Geist's family and the Eyes of the Kaiser which adds a whole new level to the story.
Just as with book one, Ms. Stovall has done an exceptional job with this story. The events flow from one to the other, ringing true with every word. The only reason for not giving it 5-stars this time is because of Geist herself. She seemed more... fragmented... disjointed than in book one. Which may well be how it is supposed to be but I found it slightly distracting. The relationship between her and Vergess is also confusing as, on the one hand, they have special 'intimate' names for each other, and Vergess is definitely more intense, but then we are also told that they have no chemistry between them.
On the whole, I loved this book, just not quite as much as book one. That doesn't mean this book is no good, not by a long shot. I will be continuing this series and seeing where Geist and her crew go next, AND seeing how Amalgam fits in!
Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!

KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated The Declaration in Books
Jan 22, 2018
This book is a great read for a younger audience looking for a good YA series to sink your teeth into. Although there are many YA tropes and cliches, the premise of the book is interesting enough for this stereotypes to be overlooked.
The story is short so it won't take particularly long to read. I, being a slow reader, read the book is six hours.
As I said, the concept of the book is interesting, inviting you to question opinions on morality and immortality. The book does contain mild abuse because of the dystopian elements in the book however they are not graphic in detail.
I loved reading this book when I was younger and I am still enjoying rereading as an adult.
The story is short so it won't take particularly long to read. I, being a slow reader, read the book is six hours.
As I said, the concept of the book is interesting, inviting you to question opinions on morality and immortality. The book does contain mild abuse because of the dystopian elements in the book however they are not graphic in detail.
I loved reading this book when I was younger and I am still enjoying rereading as an adult.

MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Leverage In Death (In Death, #47) in Books
Nov 12, 2018
Always a pleasure, the In Death series is hands down my favorite series of books in any genre. It's like going back to old friends with each new installment. By the 47th book, you know the quirks and eccentricities of each character, from over-the-top Mavis to Galahad the cat, and you can't wait to "see" them again.
Leverage in Death, while a great addition to the series, featured a central plot which felt a bit clunky to me. It was appropriately horrifying, but a bit convoluted - not nearly as streamlined as past installments in the series. The characters, as I said, are always interesting, and it's their interactions with each other that make this story work.
All of that said, I'll be eagerly awaiting #48!
Leverage in Death, while a great addition to the series, featured a central plot which felt a bit clunky to me. It was appropriately horrifying, but a bit convoluted - not nearly as streamlined as past installments in the series. The characters, as I said, are always interesting, and it's their interactions with each other that make this story work.
All of that said, I'll be eagerly awaiting #48!

The Complete Asian Cookbook Series
Book
A beautifully crafted food series based on the most iconic book on Asian cuisine. The Complete Asian...

Dana (24 KP) rated Ruin and Rising (The Grisha #3) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This was such a great book. If you have yet to pick up this series, I highly recommend it. Leigh Bardugo does an excellent job in keeping the audience entertained throughout the series. Where there is normally a kind of slump in the second and third books in other series, there is no such thing in these novels. I am now trying to get all of my friends and family to read this series. What a great end to a great story. But, there are more stories to come out in this world. Super excited about that!!! Please READ THIS SERIES!!! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!! There will be minor spoilers ahead, so be aware.
****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD****
There were quite a few times where I just had to put down the book because of the stuff that went down. When there were too many sad parts, which there were a ton, I was devastated, so I couldn't read on. That's why it took me about a month to finish it. (well, also because of finals and other factors, but that was a main one)
****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD****
There were quite a few times where I just had to put down the book because of the stuff that went down. When there were too many sad parts, which there were a ton, I was devastated, so I couldn't read on. That's why it took me about a month to finish it. (well, also because of finals and other factors, but that was a main one)

Merissa (12889 KP) rated The Dark Heart (Indulgence #4) in Books
Jan 23, 2025
THE DARK HEART is the fourth book in the Indulgence series and MUST be read in order.
After the ending of book three that nearly had me committing Kindle-ocide, we start with this instalment. One thing has become clear - Adom and Terah will do anything to be with the other - even take on another god!
This is a series I will be re-reading just as soon as the series is finished, just so I can enjoy it without any cliffhangers. I did find it a little hard to get back into as it's been some time since I read The Blood Chain, BUT once I was back on track, the pages flew by.
This series has more layers than Shrek's onion and you never know where the next betrayal or surprise will come from. The growth in all the characters, not just Adom and Terah (although their growth is spectacular!), and seeing Terah's family standing together was outstanding.
This is a complex and intricate world, blending cars and phones with science-fantasy that I am thoroughly enjoying and HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I can't wait for The Crimson Throne!
** 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!
Jan 21, 2025
After the ending of book three that nearly had me committing Kindle-ocide, we start with this instalment. One thing has become clear - Adom and Terah will do anything to be with the other - even take on another god!
This is a series I will be re-reading just as soon as the series is finished, just so I can enjoy it without any cliffhangers. I did find it a little hard to get back into as it's been some time since I read The Blood Chain, BUT once I was back on track, the pages flew by.
This series has more layers than Shrek's onion and you never know where the next betrayal or surprise will come from. The growth in all the characters, not just Adom and Terah (although their growth is spectacular!), and seeing Terah's family standing together was outstanding.
This is a complex and intricate world, blending cars and phones with science-fantasy that I am thoroughly enjoying and HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I can't wait for The Crimson Throne!
** 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!
Jan 21, 2025

Merissa (12889 KP) rated Initiated (Daywalker Academy #4) in Books
Mar 25, 2020
Initiated is the fourth book in the Daywalker Academy series and, yes, I know I've said this before but, it should definitely be read as a series or you just won't get what's happening.
So first off, thank you Ms. Daniels for giving me Zoltan back. I really do appreciate it! Sigh, every page he was on was just... *insert another sigh*. Now, if you could just get Franky and Zoltan to see eye-to-eye and stop giving me whiplash, that would be fantastic!
We are introduced to a major character in this book - and it's not very often I get the chance to say THAT with book four in a series! Tenebris, the black panther. You know, he hasn't spoken a single word (for obvious reasons) and yet he may just match the Queen of Snark, Maya, oops I mean, Franky, herself!
As with this whole series, this is a non-stop-action story. Franky is tired in one part and, to be honest, so was I! Honestly, I have no idea where she gets her stamina from. Maybe it's being a half-blood or maybe it's the dragon blood. Either way, I'm exhausted from reading but I wouldn't change a thing!
As always, it ends on one helluva cliffhanger. I really need to understand just what happened in those last couple of action-packed pages. All I can say is "Poor Franky!!!"
So... do I recommend this book? Abso-frickin'-lutely!!! Just, don't start here but back at book one so you get the full experience. You won't regret it. I promise you that!
* 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!
So first off, thank you Ms. Daniels for giving me Zoltan back. I really do appreciate it! Sigh, every page he was on was just... *insert another sigh*. Now, if you could just get Franky and Zoltan to see eye-to-eye and stop giving me whiplash, that would be fantastic!
We are introduced to a major character in this book - and it's not very often I get the chance to say THAT with book four in a series! Tenebris, the black panther. You know, he hasn't spoken a single word (for obvious reasons) and yet he may just match the Queen of Snark, Maya, oops I mean, Franky, herself!
As with this whole series, this is a non-stop-action story. Franky is tired in one part and, to be honest, so was I! Honestly, I have no idea where she gets her stamina from. Maybe it's being a half-blood or maybe it's the dragon blood. Either way, I'm exhausted from reading but I wouldn't change a thing!
As always, it ends on one helluva cliffhanger. I really need to understand just what happened in those last couple of action-packed pages. All I can say is "Poor Franky!!!"
So... do I recommend this book? Abso-frickin'-lutely!!! Just, don't start here but back at book one so you get the full experience. You won't regret it. I promise you that!
* 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!

Railways and Industry in the Western Valley: Newport to Aberbeeg
Book
This is the first in a new series on the South Wales Valleys by John Hodge, author of the South...

Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated An Accidental Gentleman (Gentleman, #2) in Books
May 7, 2019
this is the second book in the series. the characters are well developed and seem real, the secondary characters seem to bring the story together nicely. there are plenty of hot steamy scenes and they are very intense, which will keep you hooked till the end. the journey that the characters go on throughout the book is fantastically written. this book basically has everything you need in a book, romance, sexy, intriguing and very compelling. i cant wait to read more from this author again in the future.
highly recommended
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highly recommended
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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle, #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Well I read this book directly after finishing the first in the series because it was really that good. As it usually goes with series though, this installment wasn't as good as the original. But that's not at all to say that it wasn't a good read.
The same characters are included in this book with the addition of thru Grey Man, aka Mr. Grey...a hit man who had been hired to hunt down & retrieve the Greywarren for his boss. The ley line is losing its juice. Gansey is no closer to discovering Glendower. Blue & Adam are still dancing around each other.
The story took a bit longer to really get going in this book. Once it did however, it grabs the reader just like the first book did. It will be interesting to see what path the third books takes us down...
The same characters are included in this book with the addition of thru Grey Man, aka Mr. Grey...a hit man who had been hired to hunt down & retrieve the Greywarren for his boss. The ley line is losing its juice. Gansey is no closer to discovering Glendower. Blue & Adam are still dancing around each other.
The story took a bit longer to really get going in this book. Once it did however, it grabs the reader just like the first book did. It will be interesting to see what path the third books takes us down...