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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 (12337 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
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Strings (Hard Rock Harlots, #1) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
12/6/2017 Review:
So I finally decided to reread this series and I still really enjoyed it. I obviously didn't enjoy it as much the second time around but I still love how outrageous this book is. What I find funny is how I read this book around the same time 4 years ago. The characters are still funny, and I'm looking forward to rereading the next in the series even though it doesn't compare to Strings. For those of you who are on the fence about this book please know that it is absolutely outrageous, you cannot take it seriously, it's not for the faint of heart, and it is steamy in a weird sort of way.
12/5/2013 Review:
Okay, so... this is not my typical book and I usually would only give this kind of book a 3 1/2 Stars but I have to say this definitely made me laugh!
I would actually give this book 4 1/2 stars so I rounded up. The description of this book is very accurate. The plot is kind of there but not amazing, Characters lacked depth, but the characters were hilarious, and I do mean HILARIOUS!
If you get offended by sex or curse words than you should definitely not read this book. Every sentence is filled with creative (and I do mean creative) descriptive words and a lot of cursing.
This book had me laughing, weirded out, & smiling the whole time. I found Kendall Grey's writing to be unique and that was exactly what I was looking for.
So I finally decided to reread this series and I still really enjoyed it. I obviously didn't enjoy it as much the second time around but I still love how outrageous this book is. What I find funny is how I read this book around the same time 4 years ago. The characters are still funny, and I'm looking forward to rereading the next in the series even though it doesn't compare to Strings. For those of you who are on the fence about this book please know that it is absolutely outrageous, you cannot take it seriously, it's not for the faint of heart, and it is steamy in a weird sort of way.
12/5/2013 Review:
Okay, so... this is not my typical book and I usually would only give this kind of book a 3 1/2 Stars but I have to say this definitely made me laugh!
I would actually give this book 4 1/2 stars so I rounded up. The description of this book is very accurate. The plot is kind of there but not amazing, Characters lacked depth, but the characters were hilarious, and I do mean HILARIOUS!
If you get offended by sex or curse words than you should definitely not read this book. Every sentence is filled with creative (and I do mean creative) descriptive words and a lot of cursing.
This book had me laughing, weirded out, & smiling the whole time. I found Kendall Grey's writing to be unique and that was exactly what I was looking for.
Lindsay (1727 KP) rated A Celebration of Mothers in Rhyme (Mariana Books Rhyming #11) in Books
Apr 6, 2024
A Celebration of Mothers in Rhyme is another good rhyming book. It talks about mothers and how they are all different kinds of mothers. Children can learn to read with this book. They will learn to rhyme and understand that all other mothers exist worldwide. Even single dads consider themselves mothers or fathers, even if they own a fur baby.
There are all kinds of mothers out there, and this book puts love on them all. There are many mothers and unique types of mothers in the world. Showing and letting your child or children learn about these is a good thing. Children will learn some new and valuable views that mothers can be just about anyone. They will know what a mother brings to them as well.
Mothers can come in all different sizes and ways. This book shows that it is not always a child but maybe a dog or cat. That is fine as well. This book is a good Mother's day book as well. Children can learn about the many different types of mothers throughout this book. This book is done a bit differently by doing a love letter than in a poem or other way—it is a fun and enjoyable read. Pictures are done wonderfully. They look handpainted, but I am not sure. Parents and grandparents, this is another good one to add to your child's collection. You could add it to the series if you started collecting the books. This is book eleven in the series of “Mariana Books.”
There are all kinds of mothers out there, and this book puts love on them all. There are many mothers and unique types of mothers in the world. Showing and letting your child or children learn about these is a good thing. Children will learn some new and valuable views that mothers can be just about anyone. They will know what a mother brings to them as well.
Mothers can come in all different sizes and ways. This book shows that it is not always a child but maybe a dog or cat. That is fine as well. This book is a good Mother's day book as well. Children can learn about the many different types of mothers throughout this book. This book is done a bit differently by doing a love letter than in a poem or other way—it is a fun and enjoyable read. Pictures are done wonderfully. They look handpainted, but I am not sure. Parents and grandparents, this is another good one to add to your child's collection. You could add it to the series if you started collecting the books. This is book eleven in the series of “Mariana Books.”
Natacha (374 KP) rated The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, #2) in Books
Feb 23, 2019 (Updated Feb 23, 2019)
Is was a great book with even more twists and turns than the first one. The only reason why I’m not giving this book full marks is the following:
1) The first two third of the book was more focused on political games. And although we were kept guessing all the way about what was happening and I had many moments of “I didn't see that coming” in my personal liking ⅔ of the book were a tiny bit more than what I would have liked.
2) Again, to my personal liking, I little bit too much self-doubting from Vin about who she is and if she should be with the man she loves or not.
Having said tha, holy moly did the last part of the book did make up for the above. I couldn't put the book down. Full of twist, battle and amazing moments! Now I can wait to read the final book in the series.
1) The first two third of the book was more focused on political games. And although we were kept guessing all the way about what was happening and I had many moments of “I didn't see that coming” in my personal liking ⅔ of the book were a tiny bit more than what I would have liked.
2) Again, to my personal liking, I little bit too much self-doubting from Vin about who she is and if she should be with the man she loves or not.
Having said tha, holy moly did the last part of the book did make up for the above. I couldn't put the book down. Full of twist, battle and amazing moments! Now I can wait to read the final book in the series.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Justified Means (The Agency Files, #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Have you ever been hooked on a book by the first page?
I was with this book by Chautona Havig. Justified Means was based off the question, what if a company had to kidnap a person to keep them safe without letting them know? Chautona Havig does a fantastic job with this book and answering that question. I loved the action packed chapters, the realistic attitudes of the characters, and the faith based foundation of this book. I loved the characters in Justified Means. They were well crafted, great arcs in their dialogue, and I LOVED how Chautona Havig weaved in the story of redemption. Plus, the overall story and mystery/ suspense was compelling and really fun to read.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and I am sooo looking forward to reading the next book in the Agency series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honestfeed back. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I was with this book by Chautona Havig. Justified Means was based off the question, what if a company had to kidnap a person to keep them safe without letting them know? Chautona Havig does a fantastic job with this book and answering that question. I loved the action packed chapters, the realistic attitudes of the characters, and the faith based foundation of this book. I loved the characters in Justified Means. They were well crafted, great arcs in their dialogue, and I LOVED how Chautona Havig weaved in the story of redemption. Plus, the overall story and mystery/ suspense was compelling and really fun to read.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and I am sooo looking forward to reading the next book in the Agency series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honestfeed back. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Read and Play: Stories, Puzzles and Coloring Books for Kids
Education and Book
App
Read and Play series is a hand-crafted collection of illustrated stories for kids. Each book...
Lee Ann (116 KP) rated City of the Lost (Casey Duncan, #1) in Books
May 24, 2018
Anyone who writes usually has authors that they can point at and say "If I can ever be compared with them, I'll be happy." For me, I don't look at the authors who are defined as the classics - Austen, Shelley, etc - I look at Kelley Armstrong. If anyone ever compares anything I've written to something of hers, I think I'll die happy.
Every genre this woman turns her hand to she excels in. From her Women of the Otherworld Urban Fantasy Series, to her YA Darkest Powers, her Sea of Shadows fantasy, the crime fiction of Nadia Stafford, the Cainsville series (oh how I love you and am dying for the final book!) and this, the Casey Duncan series. I swear I haven't read a book by Kelley that I haven't instantly become invested in the storyline and the characters.
City of the Lost is written in Kelley's typical style - honest, detailed without being overloading, intricate and fascinating. Her characters just jump off the page with their realism. There is no perfect person, they are flawed and human. She twists and turns the plot with a skill that I'm in awe of. And just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a twist you didn't see coming and the ride just keeps on moving.
Can't wat for the next book in this series. Long live Kelley Armstrong!
Every genre this woman turns her hand to she excels in. From her Women of the Otherworld Urban Fantasy Series, to her YA Darkest Powers, her Sea of Shadows fantasy, the crime fiction of Nadia Stafford, the Cainsville series (oh how I love you and am dying for the final book!) and this, the Casey Duncan series. I swear I haven't read a book by Kelley that I haven't instantly become invested in the storyline and the characters.
City of the Lost is written in Kelley's typical style - honest, detailed without being overloading, intricate and fascinating. Her characters just jump off the page with their realism. There is no perfect person, they are flawed and human. She twists and turns the plot with a skill that I'm in awe of. And just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a twist you didn't see coming and the ride just keeps on moving.
Can't wat for the next book in this series. Long live Kelley Armstrong!
Lee Ann (116 KP) rated City of the Lost (Casey Duncan, #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2018
Anyone who writes usually has authors that they can point at and say "If I can ever be compared with them, I'll be happy." For me, I don't look at the authors who are defined as the classics - Austen, Shelley, etc - I look at Kelley Armstrong. If anyone ever compares anything I've written to something of hers, I think I'll die happy.
Every genre this woman turns her hand to she excels in. From her Women of the Otherworld Urban Fantasy Series, to her YA Darkest Powers, her Sea of Shadows fantasy, the crime fiction of Nadia Stafford, the Cainsville series (oh how I love you and am dying for the final book!) and this, the Casey Duncan series. I swear I haven't read a book by Kelley that I haven't instantly become invested in the storyline and the characters.
City of the Lost is written in Kelley's typical style - honest, detailed without being overloading, intricate and fascinating. Her characters just jump off the page with their realism. There is no perfect person, they are flawed and human. She twists and turns the plot with a skill that I'm in awe of. And just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a twist you didn't see coming and the ride just keeps on moving.
Can't wat for the next book in this series. Long live Kelley Armstrong!
Every genre this woman turns her hand to she excels in. From her Women of the Otherworld Urban Fantasy Series, to her YA Darkest Powers, her Sea of Shadows fantasy, the crime fiction of Nadia Stafford, the Cainsville series (oh how I love you and am dying for the final book!) and this, the Casey Duncan series. I swear I haven't read a book by Kelley that I haven't instantly become invested in the storyline and the characters.
City of the Lost is written in Kelley's typical style - honest, detailed without being overloading, intricate and fascinating. Her characters just jump off the page with their realism. There is no perfect person, they are flawed and human. She twists and turns the plot with a skill that I'm in awe of. And just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a twist you didn't see coming and the ride just keeps on moving.
Can't wat for the next book in this series. Long live Kelley Armstrong!
Natari (73 KP) rated Touch the Dark (Cassandra Palmer, #1) in Books
Jul 19, 2019
This is the first novel by my all time favourite author. I remember the first time I read Touch the Dark, and each reread has been as thrilling as the last. The pages couldn't be easier to turn if they turned themselves, the Cassandra Palmer and same-world differnet heroine Dorina Basarab series keep me hooked cover to cover, book to book. I recommend Karen Chance to anyone and everyone, including all the fun, lighthearted but sexy novellas and short stories too.
What I love most about Touch the Dark is that Cassie is genuine. She has no clue about anything, understands she is just a human in a vampire and mage world, but is still plucky and doesn't let herself stay down no matter how hard she gets pushed.
This was the first ever adult paranormal romance I had read, and it opened me up to the genre. But I have never found another series that is as sexy and not-awkward with both romance (genuine relationship building) and the steamy scenes.
Balance between romance and action and world building is perfect. It is a first in a series, so be aware of that. Committing to Cassie's story is the best decision you will ever make.
Enjoy the book, fall in love with the series.
What I love most about Touch the Dark is that Cassie is genuine. She has no clue about anything, understands she is just a human in a vampire and mage world, but is still plucky and doesn't let herself stay down no matter how hard she gets pushed.
This was the first ever adult paranormal romance I had read, and it opened me up to the genre. But I have never found another series that is as sexy and not-awkward with both romance (genuine relationship building) and the steamy scenes.
Balance between romance and action and world building is perfect. It is a first in a series, so be aware of that. Committing to Cassie's story is the best decision you will ever make.
Enjoy the book, fall in love with the series.