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Merissa (12330 KP) rated Black Snow (Birds of a Feather #4) in Books
Dec 11, 2018
Black Snow (Birds of a Feather #4) by Lena North
Black Snow is the fourth book in the Birds of a Feather series, and we find out more about Snow, who featured in Jinx' book. She has her own story which she keeps hidden from the majority of people. It turns out that she is not the only one with secrets though, which she finds out to her cost. What should have been an easy assignment quickly turns into something much more.
I loved this book! Not only because of the characters I have grown to know and love throughout this series, but I was also introduced to some of the characters that feature in Seaborn, which was the book that introduced me to Lena North and made me (arm twisted behind my back, I tell you!) buy these.
I am thoroughly enjoying the overall story arc that flows from one book to the next, getting a bit more each time. I can't wait to see where it goes next. With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this great story!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved this book! Not only because of the characters I have grown to know and love throughout this series, but I was also introduced to some of the characters that feature in Seaborn, which was the book that introduced me to Lena North and made me (arm twisted behind my back, I tell you!) buy these.
I am thoroughly enjoying the overall story arc that flows from one book to the next, getting a bit more each time. I can't wait to see where it goes next. With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this great story!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Twisted Sisters (The Orion Circle #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The second book in the Orion Circle series is just as action-packed as the first book. I will admit to the beginning taking me by surprise but I loved how it was written, with the characters of Kacie and Logan being immediately recognisable and flowing to the forefront of my mind, even though it is a while since I have read the first book in this series, Tortured Souls.
This story is layered with intricate twists and turns as Logan and Kacie have to deal with a number of different things, and the opponents they're facing are very good at finding out their secret fears. Although the timing of this book is over a short period, it never seemed rushed or hurried. Each scene was well-written and time given to each action and character, so that you understand just what is going on. With excellent teamwork by the Orion Circle as a whole (although the Pastor did annoy me at the end!), action, adventure and a touch of romance, this is one story that I didn't want to end.
Absolutely recommended and I can't wait for more!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This story is layered with intricate twists and turns as Logan and Kacie have to deal with a number of different things, and the opponents they're facing are very good at finding out their secret fears. Although the timing of this book is over a short period, it never seemed rushed or hurried. Each scene was well-written and time given to each action and character, so that you understand just what is going on. With excellent teamwork by the Orion Circle as a whole (although the Pastor did annoy me at the end!), action, adventure and a touch of romance, this is one story that I didn't want to end.
Absolutely recommended and I can't wait for more!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jake (52 KP) rated Sky Raiders (Five Kingdoms, #1) in Books
Jul 25, 2019
Really fun kids adventure book. I had a hard time explaining it to my wife but ultimately I realized it reminded me a lot of Harry Potter in that:
1. The main character is basically a kid (although a mature one so that he can be relatable to more age groups)
2. There is magic
3. A lot of the story focuses on Friendship during some kind of trial
4. Set in a fantastical, sometimes quirky world with fun, interesting, and sometimes spooky characters
5. Interesting story and fun premise
I really enjoy the aspects of friendship and worldbuilding: Brandon Mull did a great job of interweaving different characters and their personalities into a complex world with an interesting plotline.
Rarely does the book get boring or slow and rarely could I put it down. Sure, maybe the book was in the 12-year old section of the library but to be honest I haven't had this much fun in a series for a long time. If you're into those 5 bullet points I mentioned above and you enjoyed Harry Potter, I would strongly recommend this series. Still waiting for the 5th book to come out in late 2017 so that will definitely be a book I pick up! Enjoy!
1. The main character is basically a kid (although a mature one so that he can be relatable to more age groups)
2. There is magic
3. A lot of the story focuses on Friendship during some kind of trial
4. Set in a fantastical, sometimes quirky world with fun, interesting, and sometimes spooky characters
5. Interesting story and fun premise
I really enjoy the aspects of friendship and worldbuilding: Brandon Mull did a great job of interweaving different characters and their personalities into a complex world with an interesting plotline.
Rarely does the book get boring or slow and rarely could I put it down. Sure, maybe the book was in the 12-year old section of the library but to be honest I haven't had this much fun in a series for a long time. If you're into those 5 bullet points I mentioned above and you enjoyed Harry Potter, I would strongly recommend this series. Still waiting for the 5th book to come out in late 2017 so that will definitely be a book I pick up! Enjoy!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Spy School Revolution in Books
Nov 9, 2020
Is Erica a Traitor?
When someone fires at the CIA building while Ben Ripley is in it, he assumes it was an attack on the CIA in general. It quickly becomes clear that Ben was the target, and the person who attacked the CIA is his friend Erica Hale. Despite the evidence, Ben doesn’t think that she has turned into a traitor. The CIA, however, wants her arrested no matter what. Is Ben right? If so, can he clear his friend?
The series has turned a bit of a corner with this book, but longtime fans will not be disappointed in the slightest. The book is still packed with plenty of action and a mystery that keeps throwing us surprises until we reach the climax. Meanwhile, I laughed multiple times as I was reading the book. I enjoy studying early American history, so I enjoyed the fact that the storyline delved into that period a bit. The characters are as strong as ever and grow some again here. The series is aimed at middle graders, but it is on my auto buy list – for me. If you are looking for a fun, action packed book for any reader in your life, this is the book to get.
The series has turned a bit of a corner with this book, but longtime fans will not be disappointed in the slightest. The book is still packed with plenty of action and a mystery that keeps throwing us surprises until we reach the climax. Meanwhile, I laughed multiple times as I was reading the book. I enjoy studying early American history, so I enjoyed the fact that the storyline delved into that period a bit. The characters are as strong as ever and grow some again here. The series is aimed at middle graders, but it is on my auto buy list – for me. If you are looking for a fun, action packed book for any reader in your life, this is the book to get.
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Red Wolf Hunting (Wolves Ever After #2) in Books
Jul 12, 2023
RED WOLF HUNTING is the second book in the Wolves Ever After series. You don't need to have read book one, although the characters are mentioned in passing.
Aileen is prepared to partner with Rory in search of the Golden Shield. Rory wants to destroy it as it could control him and the rest of his wolf-kin. Aileen wants to protect it and hide it from sight, as it is a family relic. Together, they need to retrieve it from those who stole it.
Aileen and Rory didn't quite grab me as much as Sterling and Myra did in Book One, but I still enjoyed their story. What I've found with Amberlyn Holland books is that the story revolves around the main characters getting to know each other - usually through trying times - and leading up to their relationship together, not the relationship itself.
It is Aileen's sister and Rory's partner next up so who knows where their story will take us?
An enjoyable addition to the series and 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 12, 2023
Aileen is prepared to partner with Rory in search of the Golden Shield. Rory wants to destroy it as it could control him and the rest of his wolf-kin. Aileen wants to protect it and hide it from sight, as it is a family relic. Together, they need to retrieve it from those who stole it.
Aileen and Rory didn't quite grab me as much as Sterling and Myra did in Book One, but I still enjoyed their story. What I've found with Amberlyn Holland books is that the story revolves around the main characters getting to know each other - usually through trying times - and leading up to their relationship together, not the relationship itself.
It is Aileen's sister and Rory's partner next up so who knows where their story will take us?
An enjoyable addition to the series and 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 12, 2023
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Right Place, Right Time (The Pilsdale Chronicles #1) in Books
Jul 20, 2023
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME is the first book in The Pilsdale Chronicles. In it, we meet Ben, who left Pilsdale four years ago after his parents died, and Jasper, the father of Ben's best friend, Finn. Ben had had a crush on Jasper for years but thought nothing would come of it. When he returns to Pilsdale to sort out his aunt's house, he goes to see Finn. Unfortunately - or luckily - Finn isn't around, but Jasper certainly is.
This was a hug in a book! There is some angst but it's fairly low-key. There are some steamy scenes but they are entirely in keeping with the story and not just there to add sex appeal. And with a wonderful cast of supporting characters, plus the gorgeously described countryside, what more could I have asked for?
This was a great start to a series by a new-to-me author and I look forward to returning to Pilsdale in 2024 with the next book in the series. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 20, 2023
This was a hug in a book! There is some angst but it's fairly low-key. There are some steamy scenes but they are entirely in keeping with the story and not just there to add sex appeal. And with a wonderful cast of supporting characters, plus the gorgeously described countryside, what more could I have asked for?
This was a great start to a series by a new-to-me author and I look forward to returning to Pilsdale in 2024 with the next book in the series. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 20, 2023
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Black Water Magic (Teagan Blackwater #1) in Books
Feb 24, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)
BLACK WATER MAGIC is the first book in the Teagan Blackwater series, and it starts with the magical murder of Nola as Teagan lazes around in post-coital bliss. Now Teagan is on the back foot as she tries to figure out her new role, gain the respect of the magical community, solve a murder, and break a curse.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish, with the different characters and their secrets. It is only the first book in the series, so I expected there to be parts of world-building, back-story, etc. I can't say as I particularly liked Colby, ignoring the fact that he's a Viking Demi Demon!
The tropes of gay best friend and being naïve are a bit overdone for my liking, but it works for this story. I really can't wait until Teagan grows into her powers though, and fights on an equal footing.
A smooth pace, well-written, and with a great storyline, this is 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!
Feb 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book from start to finish, with the different characters and their secrets. It is only the first book in the series, so I expected there to be parts of world-building, back-story, etc. I can't say as I particularly liked Colby, ignoring the fact that he's a Viking Demi Demon!
The tropes of gay best friend and being naïve are a bit overdone for my liking, but it works for this story. I really can't wait until Teagan grows into her powers though, and fights on an equal footing.
A smooth pace, well-written, and with a great storyline, this is 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!
Feb 24, 2021
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated The Queen Of The Geraticaian Empire in Books
Jan 9, 2020
The Queen of the Geraticaian Empire by Anna Hampton is the third book in The Two Worlds of Geratica Series. This book continues perfectly from where there the previous book left off. I am also happy to see that this is not the final book in the Geratica series. I look forward to seeing the world(s) carry on.
At the direction of The Mistress, Alexandra creates the first Constitution of Geratica that is adopted by the new government. Two main political parties form, Conservatives and Radicals, and elections begin. Elizabeth surprisingly joins the Conservative Party alongside Linda instead of the Radicals as everyone expected after her involvement with the Male Rights Protesters. Unsurprisingly Linda also runs in the elections, not wanting to give up her power. Meanwhile, Alexandra graduates from Castra University and starts looking for employment.
Things are not all smooth sailing though as conditions in Geraticai are still out of balance. The woman placed there from Geratica to be their Queen is put in jail by her own sister-in-law in a play for the throne. The sister-in-laws seat is not secure either as the Hybrid living inside the Mistress starts thinking up ways to get back at those in Geratica it feels wronged it. The Hybrid plans to attack Geratica, specifically targeting Queen Alexandra and Linda in order to name itself The Queen of the Geraticaian Empire.
What I liked best about this one was how the characters evolved over the course of the book. Linda is starting to relax on her views and accept that times are changing. Other characters are evolving and growing as well, yet her transformation is the most shocking. Although this book was packed full of surprises. There is once again very little that I can negatively say about this book. Having to choose something I would pick the issue of transport between Geratica and Geraticai after the two are separated. It states that direct travel through the transport capsules is no longer possible yet there are a few connected to the Mistress who can still do it so why not everyone?
The target readers for this book remains the same as the first two. That means this book is geared towards adult female readers more so than other groups. While there isnt as much sex in this one as the previous two books, politics and the occurrence of rape still keeps it at an adult level. I rate this book 4 out of 4. For many books, as the series moves on it starts to lose something and just rides off of the popularity of earlier books. That is not the case with this book. I found this book to be just as well written and compelling as the first two in the series.
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At the direction of The Mistress, Alexandra creates the first Constitution of Geratica that is adopted by the new government. Two main political parties form, Conservatives and Radicals, and elections begin. Elizabeth surprisingly joins the Conservative Party alongside Linda instead of the Radicals as everyone expected after her involvement with the Male Rights Protesters. Unsurprisingly Linda also runs in the elections, not wanting to give up her power. Meanwhile, Alexandra graduates from Castra University and starts looking for employment.
Things are not all smooth sailing though as conditions in Geraticai are still out of balance. The woman placed there from Geratica to be their Queen is put in jail by her own sister-in-law in a play for the throne. The sister-in-laws seat is not secure either as the Hybrid living inside the Mistress starts thinking up ways to get back at those in Geratica it feels wronged it. The Hybrid plans to attack Geratica, specifically targeting Queen Alexandra and Linda in order to name itself The Queen of the Geraticaian Empire.
What I liked best about this one was how the characters evolved over the course of the book. Linda is starting to relax on her views and accept that times are changing. Other characters are evolving and growing as well, yet her transformation is the most shocking. Although this book was packed full of surprises. There is once again very little that I can negatively say about this book. Having to choose something I would pick the issue of transport between Geratica and Geraticai after the two are separated. It states that direct travel through the transport capsules is no longer possible yet there are a few connected to the Mistress who can still do it so why not everyone?
The target readers for this book remains the same as the first two. That means this book is geared towards adult female readers more so than other groups. While there isnt as much sex in this one as the previous two books, politics and the occurrence of rape still keeps it at an adult level. I rate this book 4 out of 4. For many books, as the series moves on it starts to lose something and just rides off of the popularity of earlier books. That is not the case with this book. I found this book to be just as well written and compelling as the first two in the series.
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https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/queen-geraticaian-empire
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated A Deadly Education: Lesson One of the Scholomance in Books
Sep 22, 2021
Rough start for a new series but shows promise
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik was given eighth place in the Goodreads choice awards for fantasy last year and has been nominated again this year. Unfortunately this book will not be receiving my vote although at this time I have not yet decided which book I will be voting for. This is the first book in a new series and I do have high hopes that future editions to the series will be better as it shows a lot of promise.
The basic idea here is that magical children are teleported away to The Scholomace for education and safety from the mals ( evil creatures attracted to the easy target of young magic user) though not all make it into the school. The school itself is dangerous as well yet even with the horde of mals waiting at the graduation gates to feast on everyone trying to leave the school once a year and the few who make it into the rest of the building the survival rate os those inside the school is still better than if they were left in the general magical population.
While completing school work is important it only because the school will attack those who don't complete their work the samation of alliances is almost more important. This is problematic thoug for those who don't come from an enclave and who are not interested n making friends in the first place.
What I liked about this book was that it is relatively unique. The fact that the main character actually goes through a very clear mental and maturity growth is a plus as well. She really improves as she learns about herself and her classmates. Unfortunately that is pretty much everything good I can say about this book. I enjoyed reading the book when I first started it but around halfway through it became clear that a lot of the book is repetitive. The book ended up becoming slow with the group just fighting off mals and not making much progress on the storyline for a while.it actually got to the point that I was about ready to put the book down.it is also rather predictable.
The ideal target audience for this book is teens to some young adults. I believe the book is too much for most readers younger than teens but at the same time it lacks the detail and depth needed to really capture the attention of older readers. I can only rate this book a 2 out of 5 at best with the hope that it is just a slow start to a good series.
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Thank you, Melissa
The basic idea here is that magical children are teleported away to The Scholomace for education and safety from the mals ( evil creatures attracted to the easy target of young magic user) though not all make it into the school. The school itself is dangerous as well yet even with the horde of mals waiting at the graduation gates to feast on everyone trying to leave the school once a year and the few who make it into the rest of the building the survival rate os those inside the school is still better than if they were left in the general magical population.
While completing school work is important it only because the school will attack those who don't complete their work the samation of alliances is almost more important. This is problematic thoug for those who don't come from an enclave and who are not interested n making friends in the first place.
What I liked about this book was that it is relatively unique. The fact that the main character actually goes through a very clear mental and maturity growth is a plus as well. She really improves as she learns about herself and her classmates. Unfortunately that is pretty much everything good I can say about this book. I enjoyed reading the book when I first started it but around halfway through it became clear that a lot of the book is repetitive. The book ended up becoming slow with the group just fighting off mals and not making much progress on the storyline for a while.it actually got to the point that I was about ready to put the book down.it is also rather predictable.
The ideal target audience for this book is teens to some young adults. I believe the book is too much for most readers younger than teens but at the same time it lacks the detail and depth needed to really capture the attention of older readers. I can only rate this book a 2 out of 5 at best with the hope that it is just a slow start to a good series.
For more reviews on popular books and independent authors check out these locations
https://www.facebook.com/nightreaderreviews
https://smashbomb.com/nightreader
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/40248897-melissa-espenschied
To see about having your book reviewed a message on any of the above platforms or email me at bookreviewsatnight@gmail.com
Thank you, Melissa
Dana (24 KP) rated Dreams of Gods and Monsters (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #3) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this series when I started it back when it first came out. Unfortunately for me, being the weird person I am, I decided to wait TWO YEARS after this book came out to actually read it, even though I had bought it when it came out. (Seriously, we are talking not very smart right here.) Because of that, it was kinda hard to get back in the series. I didn't remember a lot of stuff until it was remembered by the characters themselves. When a couple of new characters were introduced, I thought I was already supposed to know them. It was a mess.
Speaking of the characters, I love the little commentaries they have when it is in their point of view. Zuzana and Karou are so sassy all of the time and I just love it. I was also happy that all of my ships were still afloat by the end of the book and I even got some new ones!! (Liziri, am I right?) I am just happy that the characters got to be happy.
For me, maybe because it had been so long since I had read the other books, the story line got very confusing at points. A lot was going on at once and was sometimes hard to follow. I didn't know what was going on at all for the first few chapters, but it started to get cleared up a bit as I went along.
In my opinion, too much happened too late in this book. A whole new conflict started/was revealed with about seventy pages left and was never really resolved which I thought was odd. It was a really cool plot line that could have gone onto another book, but the series is over, so I honestly don't know what to think about that.
Overall, despite my complaining, I really did enjoy this book and the series as a whole. It had a very interesting concept throughout and the characters and their stories were very compelling, which is something I absolutely love about the series. I just think I would have enjoyed it more if I had either reread the previous two books or read this one when it came out.
I would definitely recommend this series to people who want to read something different, because this is certainly that!!
Speaking of the characters, I love the little commentaries they have when it is in their point of view. Zuzana and Karou are so sassy all of the time and I just love it. I was also happy that all of my ships were still afloat by the end of the book and I even got some new ones!! (Liziri, am I right?) I am just happy that the characters got to be happy.
For me, maybe because it had been so long since I had read the other books, the story line got very confusing at points. A lot was going on at once and was sometimes hard to follow. I didn't know what was going on at all for the first few chapters, but it started to get cleared up a bit as I went along.
In my opinion, too much happened too late in this book. A whole new conflict started/was revealed with about seventy pages left and was never really resolved which I thought was odd. It was a really cool plot line that could have gone onto another book, but the series is over, so I honestly don't know what to think about that.
Overall, despite my complaining, I really did enjoy this book and the series as a whole. It had a very interesting concept throughout and the characters and their stories were very compelling, which is something I absolutely love about the series. I just think I would have enjoyed it more if I had either reread the previous two books or read this one when it came out.
I would definitely recommend this series to people who want to read something different, because this is certainly that!!