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Merissa (13149 KP) rated Alien Salvation (Clans of Kalquor #4) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Alien Salvation is the fourth book in the World of Kalquor series, and in my opinion, is the best book so far. The Kalquorians are searching Earth, or what's left of it, trying to contain the devastation left by the nuclear bombs, and also trying to find the Empress' family. The same family are hiding out in Florida, unknown to the looters who are nearby, or the Kalquorians. When a small scout ship lands, Lindsey decides that she will do whatever it takes to get food for her parents. When she realises that the 'trade' isn't as bad as she thought it would be, she is more than happy to carry. With adventures and mishaps along the way, Lindsey and her clan need to figure out what is the right thing to do, and what is the right thing for them.
This book is very well written, giving the reader no doubt about how much Lindsey loves her family. Tara is a wonderful character, so serene and yet full of wit and humour at times. Aaron is everything a father should be towards his daughter - loving and protective. The clan themselves seemed a bit disjointed when we first meet them, but with Lindsey there, they all grow and mould into one cohesive unit. This book will tug on the emotions, it has more sorrow in it than the previous books. This series is turning out to be a secret surprise, and 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is very well written, giving the reader no doubt about how much Lindsey loves her family. Tara is a wonderful character, so serene and yet full of wit and humour at times. Aaron is everything a father should be towards his daughter - loving and protective. The clan themselves seemed a bit disjointed when we first meet them, but with Lindsey there, they all grow and mould into one cohesive unit. This book will tug on the emotions, it has more sorrow in it than the previous books. This series is turning out to be a secret surprise, and 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ross (3284 KP) rated God of Broken Things in Books
Aug 1, 2019
Excellent conclusion to the duology
* I received an advance copy of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
The second and final book in the short series (for once an author who is willing to restrict his series to two books rather than padding out to a trilogy with a low quality middle book!) continues Edrin Walker's fight for his life. Where in the first book the coward found himself accidentally returning to the city where he was banished from, and thrown into a conspiracy to destroy the city, here he is more of a willing participant.
The scarrabus (the mind-controlling parasite race) are rife in the city and Walker starts to uncover their plot. Events see him sent to hold off a fast approaching army, where he once again battles with mind-controlled mages and warriors.
The action is thick and fast in this book, and while there are some metaphysical sections, and some epic sections of exposition it keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Walker is a likeable, though thoroughly detestable selfish coward who sometimes ends up doing the right things, if not for the right reason. His magic power of mind-control is used more here than in the first book (where I felt it had been a little neglected for fear of being a Mary Sue), but not over-used and at times it wonderfully helps the story move along while his body can't allow him to be in the thick of the action.
There are twists and conflict galore in this brilliant gritty conclusion to a great story with some really strong, original characters.
The second and final book in the short series (for once an author who is willing to restrict his series to two books rather than padding out to a trilogy with a low quality middle book!) continues Edrin Walker's fight for his life. Where in the first book the coward found himself accidentally returning to the city where he was banished from, and thrown into a conspiracy to destroy the city, here he is more of a willing participant.
The scarrabus (the mind-controlling parasite race) are rife in the city and Walker starts to uncover their plot. Events see him sent to hold off a fast approaching army, where he once again battles with mind-controlled mages and warriors.
The action is thick and fast in this book, and while there are some metaphysical sections, and some epic sections of exposition it keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Walker is a likeable, though thoroughly detestable selfish coward who sometimes ends up doing the right things, if not for the right reason. His magic power of mind-control is used more here than in the first book (where I felt it had been a little neglected for fear of being a Mary Sue), but not over-used and at times it wonderfully helps the story move along while his body can't allow him to be in the thick of the action.
There are twists and conflict galore in this brilliant gritty conclusion to a great story with some really strong, original characters.
Merissa (13149 KP) rated Hunted (Werewolf Academy #2) in Books
May 15, 2020
Hunted is the second book in the Werewolf Academy series and follows on from Strays. Alex and Cassie are still being hunted but it seems Alex remains the number one target. Alex is doing all he can to protect Cassie and live up to being Jet's brother. It all becomes too much for a fifteen-year-old boy to cope with though and he starts down the path of self-destruction. Luckily for him, Jaze is there before he explodes and helps to channel some of the anger into different avenues.
Second book into the series and I'm already wanting the next. Alex is a complex character with good parts and bad. His reaction to Boris and Kalia's house (and I use the word deliberately as it was not a home,) was funny and I loved how he refused to speak down to the servants. I want Amos back though!!! It's not right, him being with a different Pack. He belongs with Jericho and Alex.
There are some errors in here but, to be honest, I paid them no attention as they do not detract from the story at all. My stars are for the story and how it gripped me. The minute I started reading, I was hooked. I love the characters, new and old. The story continues to fascinate and lead you onto the next book.
No 'second book slump' here and 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!
Second book into the series and I'm already wanting the next. Alex is a complex character with good parts and bad. His reaction to Boris and Kalia's house (and I use the word deliberately as it was not a home,) was funny and I loved how he refused to speak down to the servants. I want Amos back though!!! It's not right, him being with a different Pack. He belongs with Jericho and Alex.
There are some errors in here but, to be honest, I paid them no attention as they do not detract from the story at all. My stars are for the story and how it gripped me. The minute I started reading, I was hooked. I love the characters, new and old. The story continues to fascinate and lead you onto the next book.
No 'second book slump' here and 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!
Merissa (13149 KP) rated Lost (Werewolf Academy #5) in Books
Jun 9, 2020
Lost is the fifth book in the Werewolf Academy series and, as the title says, Alex is lost. Kalia is dead. He feels responsible. Boris wants to kill him. Torin wants to kill him. With all that, Alex can't face the Academy so when a friend comes to him for help, he is more than happy to disappear to Greyton for a while. He couldn't help Kalia but he is able to help some of the kidnapped women and girls.
Oh, the guilt in this book. It is quite simply dripping in it. Alex becomes the Demon of Greyton but can't defeat his guilt over Kalia or over leaving Siale behind. He is quite self-involved in this book but I don't think it would be right any other way. He is still a young adult after all, in situations no one should be in, and trying to deal with it any way he can. Just when things look like they're back on track, Alex is betrayed.
Another gripping, exciting, fantastic instalment in this series. It really does just get better and better. I love how different characters are growing and changing as the books progress. It doesn't just remain about Alex although he is the main character. Every book is emotional in different ways and I love that I never know what's coming next.
Do I recommend it? Erm, YES!
* 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!
Oh, the guilt in this book. It is quite simply dripping in it. Alex becomes the Demon of Greyton but can't defeat his guilt over Kalia or over leaving Siale behind. He is quite self-involved in this book but I don't think it would be right any other way. He is still a young adult after all, in situations no one should be in, and trying to deal with it any way he can. Just when things look like they're back on track, Alex is betrayed.
Another gripping, exciting, fantastic instalment in this series. It really does just get better and better. I love how different characters are growing and changing as the books progress. It doesn't just remain about Alex although he is the main character. Every book is emotional in different ways and I love that I never know what's coming next.
Do I recommend it? Erm, YES!
* 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 (13149 KP) rated Shattered Ties (Guadel Chronicles #4) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Va'del, Jain and Abby are fighting to make their way back to the Capital. Whilst you read about them, you have the timeline of Javin and Va'ma with the others that we lost track of during Brittle Bonds.
This book is non-stop action pretty much all the way through. You can feel the exhaustion of all of them. I have to say that I still feel sorry for Va'del as he still has to fight against the Guadel as well as the lowland mages. I am very pleased that he has the love and support of not just his wives but the rest of those that are fighting for him too.
Va'del has grown so much from the first book and not just physically. As crazy as this sounds, I feel very proud of the achievements he has made. The ending of the book is just perfect and I won't say more than that. What I will say is that Va'del once again has to make a huge sacrifice that most people don't even see or acknowledge. This book has left me with a hangover as I continued to think about the various characters and what their lives would be like "after".
Absolutely brilliant series by Dean Murray. On a par but completely different to his Reflections series. I honestly can't recommend this author highly enough.
* 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!
September 13, 2016
This book is non-stop action pretty much all the way through. You can feel the exhaustion of all of them. I have to say that I still feel sorry for Va'del as he still has to fight against the Guadel as well as the lowland mages. I am very pleased that he has the love and support of not just his wives but the rest of those that are fighting for him too.
Va'del has grown so much from the first book and not just physically. As crazy as this sounds, I feel very proud of the achievements he has made. The ending of the book is just perfect and I won't say more than that. What I will say is that Va'del once again has to make a huge sacrifice that most people don't even see or acknowledge. This book has left me with a hangover as I continued to think about the various characters and what their lives would be like "after".
Absolutely brilliant series by Dean Murray. On a par but completely different to his Reflections series. I honestly can't recommend this author highly enough.
* 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!
September 13, 2016
Merissa (13149 KP) rated Broken Souls (Primani #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is the fourth book in this series although it can be read as a standalone. I have already read book 1 but none other until now.
I got a bit confused with the synopsis of this one. I was expecting the story to be set in 1969 as that is how it sounded. As you might have guessed, it's not. It is, however, a fast-paced and intriguing novel as you try to figure out just who is doing what. For the first half of the book, I thought Raine was the demon!
I don't know if it is the copy that I received or not, but I found the timeline and places to be quite jerky and off-putting. One minute, you were here with this happening and in the next sentence, you were somewhere else, with someone else, saying something else with no idea of who was saying what. I'm thinking that I am the only one who feels this way due to the amount of 5-star reviews this book has but for me, I found it quite jolting.
The storyline is good and it is well-edited, with no grammatical errors that I could see. I think this series is going to be one you either love or just don't quite get. I would definitely recommend giving it a go to see which camp you fall in.
* 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 27, 2015
I got a bit confused with the synopsis of this one. I was expecting the story to be set in 1969 as that is how it sounded. As you might have guessed, it's not. It is, however, a fast-paced and intriguing novel as you try to figure out just who is doing what. For the first half of the book, I thought Raine was the demon!
I don't know if it is the copy that I received or not, but I found the timeline and places to be quite jerky and off-putting. One minute, you were here with this happening and in the next sentence, you were somewhere else, with someone else, saying something else with no idea of who was saying what. I'm thinking that I am the only one who feels this way due to the amount of 5-star reviews this book has but for me, I found it quite jolting.
The storyline is good and it is well-edited, with no grammatical errors that I could see. I think this series is going to be one you either love or just don't quite get. I would definitely recommend giving it a go to see which camp you fall in.
* 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 27, 2015
Merissa (13149 KP) rated Embrace the Passion (The Blood Rose #4) in Books
Apr 19, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Blood Rose series, and I would recommend that you read these in order for the full impact. Although each story could be read as a standalone (sort of), there is a general overall arc which makes more sense if you've read them all. Also, it's a wonderful series so there is no reason not to.
This is Seth and Lorelei's book - both of whom we have met before. Poor Lorelei has so many different 'strands', it's a wonder she knows who she is! Seth is a loner by nature, but circumstances made him even warier of letting anyone close. So maybe, just maybe, having someone close with so many different 'personalities' is a good thing? For me, that is a resounding YES! as I loved how they interacted with each other. Lorelei teasing Seth to get a reaction. Seth pretending to be grumpy to Lorelei, to make her smile. And I have to say too, that I loved the beginning of the book. To have our main female admit to loving the main male within the first six paragraphs was brilliant.
I loved the depth and storyline of this book. I love this Realm more every time I visit. With some very sexy scenes, as well as more romance than you can shake a stick at, this is definitely one that I can recommend. Loved it!
* 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!
Nov 8, 2015
This is Seth and Lorelei's book - both of whom we have met before. Poor Lorelei has so many different 'strands', it's a wonder she knows who she is! Seth is a loner by nature, but circumstances made him even warier of letting anyone close. So maybe, just maybe, having someone close with so many different 'personalities' is a good thing? For me, that is a resounding YES! as I loved how they interacted with each other. Lorelei teasing Seth to get a reaction. Seth pretending to be grumpy to Lorelei, to make her smile. And I have to say too, that I loved the beginning of the book. To have our main female admit to loving the main male within the first six paragraphs was brilliant.
I loved the depth and storyline of this book. I love this Realm more every time I visit. With some very sexy scenes, as well as more romance than you can shake a stick at, this is definitely one that I can recommend. Loved it!
* 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!
Nov 8, 2015
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2389 KP) rated Dark Horse in Books
May 4, 2022 (Updated May 4, 2022)
Always Bet on Orphan X
Evan Smoak’s latest client is giving him pause. Evan prefers to help the innocent who have gotten in over their heads. The call he’s taken is from Aragon Urrea, the kingpin of a major drug operation in South Texas. Evan initially hangs up on Aragon, but decides to help him because of his request. Aragon’s daughter was kidnapped from her eighteenth birthday party by a rival drug cartel, and Aragon needs someone to get her back without starting a drug war. It isn’t long before Evan realizes just how bad the rival gang is. But can he find a way to fulfill his mission without compromising who he is trying to become?
Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
Merissa (13149 KP) rated Clues to You (Love in the Comptons #3) in Books
Sep 19, 2023
CLUES TO YOU is the third book in the Love in the Comptons series but can be read as a standalone, although previous characters are mentioned in passing.
Now, straight into this one...
I don't usually do mysteries. Not at all. You can keep your Poirots and Marples. They just don't interest me at all. BUT Kate and Max? Sign me up! I loved this sleuthing duo and their gentle romance.
There is a lot to this book. Not only do you have the characters' real lives and backgrounds to deal with, but you also have the murder-mystery weekend too, where no one is as they seem. Well, apart from Merryman himself, that is. And - here's the thing - I was engrossed in both parts! I loved the whodunnit side and seeing Kate and Max work together, once their misunderstandings were gone. I also loved seeing them as themselves, dealing with others - some good, some not so good (I'm looking at you, Paul!), and generally finding out what they had in common.
Love in the Comptons is a series that just keeps on getting better. I loved this book from beginning to end - which did surprise me. The writing is THAT good! So take it from me, someone who doesn't do mysteries, this book will grip you from beginning to end! Highly recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 5, 2023
Now, straight into this one...
I don't usually do mysteries. Not at all. You can keep your Poirots and Marples. They just don't interest me at all. BUT Kate and Max? Sign me up! I loved this sleuthing duo and their gentle romance.
There is a lot to this book. Not only do you have the characters' real lives and backgrounds to deal with, but you also have the murder-mystery weekend too, where no one is as they seem. Well, apart from Merryman himself, that is. And - here's the thing - I was engrossed in both parts! I loved the whodunnit side and seeing Kate and Max work together, once their misunderstandings were gone. I also loved seeing them as themselves, dealing with others - some good, some not so good (I'm looking at you, Paul!), and generally finding out what they had in common.
Love in the Comptons is a series that just keeps on getting better. I loved this book from beginning to end - which did surprise me. The writing is THAT good! So take it from me, someone who doesn't do mysteries, this book will grip you from beginning to end! Highly recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 5, 2023
Merissa (13149 KP) rated His Lordship's Folly (His Lordship’s Mysteries #5) in Books
Dec 19, 2024
HIS LORDSHIP'S FOLLY is the fifth book in the His Lordship's Mysteries series, but takes place after The Gentleman's Gentleman, the first book in His Lordship's Realm, a spin-off from this series featuring Gil and Jarrett.
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024