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Merissa (11961 KP) rated The High Priestess (The Necronomicon Guardian #2) in Books
Nov 25, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
THE HIGH PRIESTESS is the second book in The Necronomicon Guardian series and we reunite with klutzy Charlie and her sidekicks - Tia, the human, and Glenda, the Seer. Of course, no book of Ms Daniels would be complete with a hottie and rising to that occasion is Nigel.
Charlie is suffering as she tries to bond with the book and she also finds out she has a whole new world to learn about. Tia has no fear apart from her fear that Charlie will get injured or crack under pressure. Glenda is coming out of her shell and I loved the bit with the tea - in fact, the bit with both characters and the tea! Nigel is showing his protective side, whether Charlie wants that or not.
Being as the book is called The High Priestess, I can't say the big bad actually came as a surprise. There was plenty of action in the fight near the end but I do wonder how Charlie will cope with the next 'card'.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me, although I would also recommend you read book one first as you will need the information in that book for this one to make sense.
* 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!
Nov 25, 2020
Charlie is suffering as she tries to bond with the book and she also finds out she has a whole new world to learn about. Tia has no fear apart from her fear that Charlie will get injured or crack under pressure. Glenda is coming out of her shell and I loved the bit with the tea - in fact, the bit with both characters and the tea! Nigel is showing his protective side, whether Charlie wants that or not.
Being as the book is called The High Priestess, I can't say the big bad actually came as a surprise. There was plenty of action in the fight near the end but I do wonder how Charlie will cope with the next 'card'.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me, although I would also recommend you read book one first as you will need the information in that book for this one to make sense.
* 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!
Nov 25, 2020
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Of Land and Sky (Wraidd Elfennol #3) in Books
Dec 21, 2017
Of Land and Sky (Wraidd Elfennol #3) by Morgan Sheppard
Of Land and Sky is the third book in the Wraidd Elfennol series, and it starts approximately sixty years after Water Weaver.
The world of Wraidd Elfennol has been in balance since the original Chosen went on their quest, but now new Chosen of Earth and Air have been announced. Bran and Rhosyn don't get on very well to begin with, but they have to learn to work together. With their Partners ever ready with words of wisdom, we stay with them as they bring the trees back to life.
This is a very different book to Water Weaver - more introverted. I wasn't sure how this would turn out, but I'm really pleased with the results. There are many lessons in this book if you choose to see them, from family to love.
Fair warning though - this book had me sobbing towards the end. I knew it would happen, but that didn't lessen the impact in any way!
A brilliant addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements fora review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The world of Wraidd Elfennol has been in balance since the original Chosen went on their quest, but now new Chosen of Earth and Air have been announced. Bran and Rhosyn don't get on very well to begin with, but they have to learn to work together. With their Partners ever ready with words of wisdom, we stay with them as they bring the trees back to life.
This is a very different book to Water Weaver - more introverted. I wasn't sure how this would turn out, but I'm really pleased with the results. There are many lessons in this book if you choose to see them, from family to love.
Fair warning though - this book had me sobbing towards the end. I knew it would happen, but that didn't lessen the impact in any way!
A brilliant addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements fora review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated City of Lies (Counterfeit Lady, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Elizabeth Miles makes her living as a con woman, an unusual profession for a woman in 1917. However, when her latest con goes south, she finds herself on the run from the mark’s goons. In her attempts to escape, she joins a group of suffragists outside the White House and is delighted when they are arrested. But has she truly escaped the men searching for her?
If you pick up this book expecting a murder and five suspects, you’ll be disappointed. However, with those adjusted expectations pick up this book because it is wonderful. The story is captivating and moves quickly; I always had a hard time putting the book down. This may be the first in a series, but the characters are already strong. I’m not normally one to root for a criminal, but I couldn’t help but root for Elizabeth in this book. Real history is woven in without slowing down the fictional story at all. I’m not sure where the series will go from this wonderful beginning, but I can’t wait to find out.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-city-of-lies-by-victoria.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
If you pick up this book expecting a murder and five suspects, you’ll be disappointed. However, with those adjusted expectations pick up this book because it is wonderful. The story is captivating and moves quickly; I always had a hard time putting the book down. This may be the first in a series, but the characters are already strong. I’m not normally one to root for a criminal, but I couldn’t help but root for Elizabeth in this book. Real history is woven in without slowing down the fictional story at all. I’m not sure where the series will go from this wonderful beginning, but I can’t wait to find out.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-city-of-lies-by-victoria.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Of Mates & Magic (Eliza Falls #1) in Books
Dec 2, 2022
OF MATES & MAGIC is the first book in the Eliza Falls series and it gives you a quick insight into the small hallmark town.
Cora and Seb are the main characters who spend most of the book avoiding each other, but then seem to get together very quickly. I did like the build-up but then it was a steamy scene and boom! The book was over. Well, not quite, but the build-up definitely takes up the majority of the pages.
Some pieces of information seem as though they're going to play a part in the book but never come to fruition. I don't know if they will show up in later books that Seb and/or Tate are in.
The pacing is fast and so the world-building is a little rushed in places. That could be remedied in future stories though.
On the whole, this was a quick and enjoyable story that I can recommend. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the other books in this series.
** 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!
Cora and Seb are the main characters who spend most of the book avoiding each other, but then seem to get together very quickly. I did like the build-up but then it was a steamy scene and boom! The book was over. Well, not quite, but the build-up definitely takes up the majority of the pages.
Some pieces of information seem as though they're going to play a part in the book but never come to fruition. I don't know if they will show up in later books that Seb and/or Tate are in.
The pacing is fast and so the world-building is a little rushed in places. That could be remedied in future stories though.
On the whole, this was a quick and enjoyable story that I can recommend. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the other books in this series.
** 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!
Merissa (11961 KP) rated All He Wants For Christmas is a Fingerling (The Weird & Wacky World of Shifters #1) in Books
Nov 17, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
ALL HE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS IS A FINGERLING is a unique (as far as I know) #Paranormal #MPreg book that is the first in a series and offers you a delightful mix of sweet and sassy.
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yep, you heard me. A POTATO SHIFTER. He shifts into a potato and all is well with the world. Came as quite a shock to our grumpy wolf, Tala, too. Misunderstandings abound before fate kicks in.
This is the first book in the series, and I'm really looking forward to returning. I'm hoping to get some resolution about just why Frenchie was attacked in the first place. It's hinted at but I want more. I'm so greedy! I know the next book won't focus (probably) on Tala and Frenchie but I'm hoping that it will come out as the story progresses.
This was a fun-filled, frolic of a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and read in one sitting. Absolutely 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!
Nov 17, 2021
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yep, you heard me. A POTATO SHIFTER. He shifts into a potato and all is well with the world. Came as quite a shock to our grumpy wolf, Tala, too. Misunderstandings abound before fate kicks in.
This is the first book in the series, and I'm really looking forward to returning. I'm hoping to get some resolution about just why Frenchie was attacked in the first place. It's hinted at but I want more. I'm so greedy! I know the next book won't focus (probably) on Tala and Frenchie but I'm hoping that it will come out as the story progresses.
This was a fun-filled, frolic of a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and read in one sitting. Absolutely 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!
Nov 17, 2021
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated On the Way to the Wedding (Bridgertons, #8) in Books
Jan 11, 2022
Another brilliantly written Bridgerton book. This one has all the elements of a thriller. Blackmail, treason, someone showing up to stop a wedding by proposing to the bride, what more could you want in a book?
This book follows Gregory and his pursuit of love, which he firmly believes in, thanks to all seven of his siblings being married and blissfully happy and in love with their chosen spouses. We start the book as he runs into a wedding and proposes to the bride and the chapter ends before we find out both who it is and what she says. It takes about half the book to find out who the bride is, and then another few chapters to find out her answer. The suspense kept me reading as I needed to find out what happened.
This book, although obviously similar to the rest of the series, was a lot faster paced and reminded me more of a thriller (without the darkness of a thriller) with the situations that the characters found themselves in.
I think that Gregory’s story may have moved up to one of my favourite Bridgerton books, although this seems to change with every book I read from the series. But this definitely seemed more like the type of book I usually read and I loved every minute of it.
As I started reading, I realised that the previous seven books didn’t really tell us a lot about Gregory, and I would put him in the same category as Francesca was when I started reading When He Was Wicked. But it was good to read about him and learn about his character so late on in the series as it meant that you didn’t really have any preconceptions about his character and how you believe he should behave in the pursuit of love which happened with all of his other siblings (again with exception of Francesca).
I really will be sad to say goodbye to this family when I read the final book in the Bridgerton series, but I hope that the Netflix adaption stays true to the tones of the books and that we get an adaptation of each book as I believe they will work very well on screen as well as in print.
This book follows Gregory and his pursuit of love, which he firmly believes in, thanks to all seven of his siblings being married and blissfully happy and in love with their chosen spouses. We start the book as he runs into a wedding and proposes to the bride and the chapter ends before we find out both who it is and what she says. It takes about half the book to find out who the bride is, and then another few chapters to find out her answer. The suspense kept me reading as I needed to find out what happened.
This book, although obviously similar to the rest of the series, was a lot faster paced and reminded me more of a thriller (without the darkness of a thriller) with the situations that the characters found themselves in.
I think that Gregory’s story may have moved up to one of my favourite Bridgerton books, although this seems to change with every book I read from the series. But this definitely seemed more like the type of book I usually read and I loved every minute of it.
As I started reading, I realised that the previous seven books didn’t really tell us a lot about Gregory, and I would put him in the same category as Francesca was when I started reading When He Was Wicked. But it was good to read about him and learn about his character so late on in the series as it meant that you didn’t really have any preconceptions about his character and how you believe he should behave in the pursuit of love which happened with all of his other siblings (again with exception of Francesca).
I really will be sad to say goodbye to this family when I read the final book in the Bridgerton series, but I hope that the Netflix adaption stays true to the tones of the books and that we get an adaptation of each book as I believe they will work very well on screen as well as in print.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3) in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Blue Lily, Lily Blue is the third book in the Raven Cycle series. The series started off slowly, but the second book was a huge improvement over the first. I chose to listen to the series via audiobook, which is different from the way I normally read books. The third was not quite as good as the second, but it still managed to be engaging and I finished it in two days. Of course, it would be best if you had read the first two books in the series before diving into this review.
Blue and her Raven Boys are drawing ever closer to the secret of the Raven King. It was nice to see continued main character development in this novel as it's important for me to connect with the characters when reading. I do wish that there had been more development of some of the supporting characters. There were events that occurred during this book that I feel would have had a stronger impact had readers developed more of a connection to the side characters. That being said, some of my favourite characters in this series are not the leads. They steal the scenes and make the story more enjoyable. (If you're curious, Chainsaw is probably my favourite character.)
The third book continues the trend of the inclusion of one side story and character that inevitably weaves its way into the narrative and plot. As I felt in the first book, this was the least enjoyable aspect of the plot. At times these scenes plodded along and slowed down the narrative, perhaps their importance will be seen further down the road but in this novel at least, I felt that this entire character's more prominent feature in the story was unnecessary. There should have been another way to set the final chapter's events in motion without them.
I am now completely invested in the story, although I still feel that things in the world and magic system have not been adequately explained. I've come to care about what happens to (some of) these characters and can't wait to find out what happens in the conclusion of this series.
Blue and her Raven Boys are drawing ever closer to the secret of the Raven King. It was nice to see continued main character development in this novel as it's important for me to connect with the characters when reading. I do wish that there had been more development of some of the supporting characters. There were events that occurred during this book that I feel would have had a stronger impact had readers developed more of a connection to the side characters. That being said, some of my favourite characters in this series are not the leads. They steal the scenes and make the story more enjoyable. (If you're curious, Chainsaw is probably my favourite character.)
The third book continues the trend of the inclusion of one side story and character that inevitably weaves its way into the narrative and plot. As I felt in the first book, this was the least enjoyable aspect of the plot. At times these scenes plodded along and slowed down the narrative, perhaps their importance will be seen further down the road but in this novel at least, I felt that this entire character's more prominent feature in the story was unnecessary. There should have been another way to set the final chapter's events in motion without them.
I am now completely invested in the story, although I still feel that things in the world and magic system have not been adequately explained. I've come to care about what happens to (some of) these characters and can't wait to find out what happens in the conclusion of this series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody in Books
Jun 27, 2019
Jane Will Charm You in This New Series Debut
A year ago, Jane Darrowfield took an early retirement, and she’s already beginning to look for things to do. She’s started helping her friends with problems, but she is surprised when she is approached by Paul Peavy, and manager of Walden Spring, a nearby 55-and-over community. It seems their community has devolved into high school, and the popular clique and the biker clique are at open war with each other through a series of nasty, escalating pranks. But before Jane’s suggestions can be put into practice, a dead body is found out on the community’s golf course. Have the pranks escalated to murder? Can Jane figure out what happened, or is she in over her head?
I love Barbara Ross’s books, so I was looking forward to starting this new series. I wasn’t disappointed. While the book does need a little time to set up these new characters, it does so without slowing down the mystery. Things only pick up when the murder takes place, and we follow Jane on some twists and turns that lead to the climax. We get glimpses of Jane’s past, but there is plenty more to explore in future installments; likewise, I suspect we’ll get to know the supporting players better as the series progresses. The suspects are a diverse and complex group, growing deeper as the book progresses. There are some funny scenes, especially at the beginning of the book. It does grow more serious as the book progresses, but we do still get some great moments that lighten the story. I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know Jane better as the series progresses.
I love Barbara Ross’s books, so I was looking forward to starting this new series. I wasn’t disappointed. While the book does need a little time to set up these new characters, it does so without slowing down the mystery. Things only pick up when the murder takes place, and we follow Jane on some twists and turns that lead to the climax. We get glimpses of Jane’s past, but there is plenty more to explore in future installments; likewise, I suspect we’ll get to know the supporting players better as the series progresses. The suspects are a diverse and complex group, growing deeper as the book progresses. There are some funny scenes, especially at the beginning of the book. It does grow more serious as the book progresses, but we do still get some great moments that lighten the story. I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know Jane better as the series progresses.
Ducklady (1174 KP) rated The Core: The Demon Cycle in Books
Aug 25, 2019
The ending to a spectacular series
Contains spoilers, click to show
Despite negative things I had heard about this book, I was eager to read the final book of the demon cycle series.
I loved the new additions to the POV characters, my favourites being Ashia and Briar. I did feel like it skated away from the main protagonists many times, which frustrated me while I was anxious to get back to Arlen and co. Saying that, the chapters for Ragen and Elissa were brilliant and gave some insight into characters that were already held dear. It revisited some of Arlen's friends from his childhood and the way they had changed from children to adults was an interesting read.
The gap in coming back to the main characters made the book even more tense and made me want to read more and more.
I was confused about the author's opinions on religion, particularly with the scenes between Arlen and Jardir. I have gotten a very negative vibe surrounding religion all throughout the series, but when they were travelling to the core, that seemed flipped on its head.
One part that really struck me was the reaction that Leesha had when she saw her rapist. she relived the moment and still spared the man's life. He was a simple monster that had been implied to have raped other women too. Leesha had a daughter to think about and I think that would have realistically caused her to execute the man, it even said that she wouldn't have been judged for it. Half the time Leesha is holier than thou, although other times she has used her flameworks and poison to kill people... like come on, kill the goddamn rapist. Other than that, this book was almost impossible to put down.
I am excited for the next series and will likely reread the entire series again.
I loved the new additions to the POV characters, my favourites being Ashia and Briar. I did feel like it skated away from the main protagonists many times, which frustrated me while I was anxious to get back to Arlen and co. Saying that, the chapters for Ragen and Elissa were brilliant and gave some insight into characters that were already held dear. It revisited some of Arlen's friends from his childhood and the way they had changed from children to adults was an interesting read.
The gap in coming back to the main characters made the book even more tense and made me want to read more and more.
I was confused about the author's opinions on religion, particularly with the scenes between Arlen and Jardir. I have gotten a very negative vibe surrounding religion all throughout the series, but when they were travelling to the core, that seemed flipped on its head.
One part that really struck me was the reaction that Leesha had when she saw her rapist. she relived the moment and still spared the man's life. He was a simple monster that had been implied to have raped other women too. Leesha had a daughter to think about and I think that would have realistically caused her to execute the man, it even said that she wouldn't have been judged for it. Half the time Leesha is holier than thou, although other times she has used her flameworks and poison to kill people... like come on, kill the goddamn rapist. Other than that, this book was almost impossible to put down.
I am excited for the next series and will likely reread the entire series again.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Forbidden Moon (Gladstone Shifters #4) in Books
Jun 22, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
FORBIDDEN MOON is the fourth book in the Gladstone Shifters series and you really need to read this as a series rather than a set of standalones.
Now, I've been waiting for Jonah's story, desperately needing the Omega to get his HEA but Luna (or maybe Mr Elliott) decided he wasn't going to have it easy - oh no! Instead, during a time when humans are threatening the pack with exposure and death, Luna decides to make his human mate known. There are a whole host of problems with a human/shifter mating, not the least of which is that RJ didn't have the first clue that shifters actually existed.
As with all these books, it's an emotional ride. I found myself welling up within the first 2%! RJ is a sweetheart who deserves all the good stuff, and that includes Jonah. Oh man, these two melted my heart.
The overall story arc is in full swing and I am LOVING how it all comes together. There is a huge character cast to this series so it definitely keeps you on your toes with just who is who and who they are mated to, if any. The pacing is perfect, giving you a plentiful mix of steam, action, and quiet times to get your breath back.
This series is a wonder - every book gives you something new. And it isn't over yet! Woot!!! I can't wait for this series to continue so I can lost in the lives of the Gladstone shifters once more.
Absolutely and utterly 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 22, 2021
Now, I've been waiting for Jonah's story, desperately needing the Omega to get his HEA but Luna (or maybe Mr Elliott) decided he wasn't going to have it easy - oh no! Instead, during a time when humans are threatening the pack with exposure and death, Luna decides to make his human mate known. There are a whole host of problems with a human/shifter mating, not the least of which is that RJ didn't have the first clue that shifters actually existed.
As with all these books, it's an emotional ride. I found myself welling up within the first 2%! RJ is a sweetheart who deserves all the good stuff, and that includes Jonah. Oh man, these two melted my heart.
The overall story arc is in full swing and I am LOVING how it all comes together. There is a huge character cast to this series so it definitely keeps you on your toes with just who is who and who they are mated to, if any. The pacing is perfect, giving you a plentiful mix of steam, action, and quiet times to get your breath back.
This series is a wonder - every book gives you something new. And it isn't over yet! Woot!!! I can't wait for this series to continue so I can lost in the lives of the Gladstone shifters once more.
Absolutely and utterly 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 22, 2021