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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The King of Bones and Ashes (Witches of New Orleans #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2020
From the bestselling author of the Witching Savannah series comes the first book in a fascinating trilogy following the quest of a young witch to uncover her family’s terrifying secret history…
Magic is seeping out of the world, leaving the witches who’ve relied on it for countless centuries increasingly hopeless. While some see an inevitable end of their era, others are courting madness—willing to sacrifice former allies, friends, and family to retain the power they covet. While the other witches watch their reality unravel, young Alice Marin is using magic’s waning days to delve into the mystery of numerous disappearances in the occult circles of New Orleans. Alice disappeared once, too—caged in an asylum by blood relatives. Recently freed, she fears her family may be more involved with the growing crisis than she ever dared imagine.
Yet the more she seeks the truth about her family’s troubled history, the more she realizes her already-fragile psyche may be at risk. Discovering the cause of the vanishings, though, could be the only way to escape her mother’s reach while determining the future of all witches.
A decent book and a brilliant take on different magical communities in New Orleans. I really enjoyed the 1st book in the Savannah series so thought I'd try this one to. I enjoyed the book although sometimes I found myself a little lost in so much information,but overall I quite enjoyed it! Would recommend especially to those witch loving readers.
Magic is seeping out of the world, leaving the witches who’ve relied on it for countless centuries increasingly hopeless. While some see an inevitable end of their era, others are courting madness—willing to sacrifice former allies, friends, and family to retain the power they covet. While the other witches watch their reality unravel, young Alice Marin is using magic’s waning days to delve into the mystery of numerous disappearances in the occult circles of New Orleans. Alice disappeared once, too—caged in an asylum by blood relatives. Recently freed, she fears her family may be more involved with the growing crisis than she ever dared imagine.
Yet the more she seeks the truth about her family’s troubled history, the more she realizes her already-fragile psyche may be at risk. Discovering the cause of the vanishings, though, could be the only way to escape her mother’s reach while determining the future of all witches.
A decent book and a brilliant take on different magical communities in New Orleans. I really enjoyed the 1st book in the Savannah series so thought I'd try this one to. I enjoyed the book although sometimes I found myself a little lost in so much information,but overall I quite enjoyed it! Would recommend especially to those witch loving readers.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Let’s Fake a Deal in Books
Jul 31, 2019
My Enthusiasm for This Book Is Not Fake
Sarah Winston’s latest garage sale turns into a disaster when the police show up just after she has opened. It turns out Sarah is selling stolen goods, and the people who hired her have vanished without a trace, making it look even more like she is guilty. That night, Sarah meets up with her friend Michelle at a local bar. Michelle, who is up for a promotion in the Air Force, is facing a bogus discrimination complaint. The next morning, one of the men Michelle thinks is behind her complaint is found dead in her car. Can Sarah clear her friend while keeping herself out of jail?
With two strong mysteries, I’m sure it is no surprise to say that this is a fast-paced book. Sarah is always working on one case or the other, and author Sherry Harris balances them perfectly, so we can easily follow what is happening in both cases. I had a hard time putting the book down, which is standard for this series, and I was satisfied when I reached the ending. The characters are great as always; I’m especially enjoying getting to know Sarah’s brother Luke. This book highlights another issue that career military people face without forgetting that it is a mystery novel first, something I especially enjoy about this series. Now comes the wait for the next time I get to visit Sarah.
With two strong mysteries, I’m sure it is no surprise to say that this is a fast-paced book. Sarah is always working on one case or the other, and author Sherry Harris balances them perfectly, so we can easily follow what is happening in both cases. I had a hard time putting the book down, which is standard for this series, and I was satisfied when I reached the ending. The characters are great as always; I’m especially enjoying getting to know Sarah’s brother Luke. This book highlights another issue that career military people face without forgetting that it is a mystery novel first, something I especially enjoy about this series. Now comes the wait for the next time I get to visit Sarah.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Pony Up in Books
Jul 10, 2021
Settling into Married Life with Danger
This book opens at Joe Rodriguez’s wedding reception over in Ireland, but it isn’t too long before he and his young wife, Bridgid, are back in Phoenix and settling into wedded bliss. Well, they would be if it weren’t for Charlie Stegener. He is still trying to cause trouble for Joe in particular and the entire Phoenix police in general despite the fact that his wife has dropped out of the mayor’s race. Meanwhile, someone has followed Joe and Bridgid back from Ireland intent on ruining their lives. Can Joe stay one step ahead of both of these problems?
This book follows the previous book in the series very closely. In fact, some of the storylines I thought were wrapped up come back into play. The result feels more like a TV show than a novel, however, with the dueling plots. The characters are wonderful, and fans of the series will be excited to see what happens next to them. Well, mostly. There are a couple of scenes that were excessive, and I have to wonder what one character did to the author to get the treatment they got here. The ending, while wrapping up the plot, did seem a bit abrupt. I did enjoy the book because I like the characters and got caught up in the events, but I’ve enjoyed other books from this author more.
This book follows the previous book in the series very closely. In fact, some of the storylines I thought were wrapped up come back into play. The result feels more like a TV show than a novel, however, with the dueling plots. The characters are wonderful, and fans of the series will be excited to see what happens next to them. Well, mostly. There are a couple of scenes that were excessive, and I have to wonder what one character did to the author to get the treatment they got here. The ending, while wrapping up the plot, did seem a bit abrupt. I did enjoy the book because I like the characters and got caught up in the events, but I’ve enjoyed other books from this author more.
I really liked Albus in this novel, he is different from Harry, and I would absolutely love to read more of his adventures in Hogwarts. I really liked the way characters were interacting, I liked the different friendships made in this story. It was unexpected and refreshing to me. In the series my No1 was Harry, but in this book, I didn’t really like him that much, even though he is a great father, I think he lost his charm. I loved Ron’s personality, his carelessness and fun made the whole story livelier.
I really enjoyed the storyline. I loved the adventure it had to offer as well as all the unexpected turns and twists. I really liked the topics it was discussing as well, such as father-son relationship, not fitting in, friendships etc. It was very easy to read this play, the acts are pretty short, so it was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I liked the ending of this book, I think it rounded up the story pretty nicely. The setting of this book was constantly changing, and I am very curious, how they managed to portray all this on the stage.
So, to conclude, if you enjoyed the Harry Potter series, you might like this book as well. It is different, it introduces new, unfamiliar characters as well as brings back the old and beloved ones, and it has a little bit less magic, but it is still stunning nevertheless.
I really enjoyed the storyline. I loved the adventure it had to offer as well as all the unexpected turns and twists. I really liked the topics it was discussing as well, such as father-son relationship, not fitting in, friendships etc. It was very easy to read this play, the acts are pretty short, so it was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I liked the ending of this book, I think it rounded up the story pretty nicely. The setting of this book was constantly changing, and I am very curious, how they managed to portray all this on the stage.
So, to conclude, if you enjoyed the Harry Potter series, you might like this book as well. It is different, it introduces new, unfamiliar characters as well as brings back the old and beloved ones, and it has a little bit less magic, but it is still stunning nevertheless.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Murder Most Sweet in Books
Sep 11, 2020
Sweet and Light, but Could be Stronger
After surviving breast cancer five years ago, Teddie St. John starting writing culinary cozies, combining her love and baking and mysteries. She’s moderately successful, and looking forward to meeting the highly successful Tavish Bentley when he comes to her small Wisconsin town for a book signing. However, the event ends early when Teddie finds Tavish’s fiancée dead in the ally next to the bookstore. The murder weapon was one of Teddie’s scarfs. Teddie needs to clear her name, but can she do it?
Since I love both culinary and booked themed cozies, I was looking forward to digging into this debut. Unfortunately, I found the mystery to be weak. It started well, but it wasn’t strong enough overall. On the other hand, Teddie does lead a cast of fun characters that I enjoyed meeting. I did find Teddie’s mother a bit much, but hopefully that relationship will grow as the series goes on. The suspects are just as strong and memorable as the main characters. As a man, I was a bit uncomfortable with some of the talk about Teddie’s breast cancer, but I am sure most people who pick up the book will be fine with that. If the book leaves you craving some Wisconsin sweets, you’ll be thrilled to find the six recipes at the back of the book. Hopefully, the mysteries will grow as the series progresses.
Since I love both culinary and booked themed cozies, I was looking forward to digging into this debut. Unfortunately, I found the mystery to be weak. It started well, but it wasn’t strong enough overall. On the other hand, Teddie does lead a cast of fun characters that I enjoyed meeting. I did find Teddie’s mother a bit much, but hopefully that relationship will grow as the series goes on. The suspects are just as strong and memorable as the main characters. As a man, I was a bit uncomfortable with some of the talk about Teddie’s breast cancer, but I am sure most people who pick up the book will be fine with that. If the book leaves you craving some Wisconsin sweets, you’ll be thrilled to find the six recipes at the back of the book. Hopefully, the mysteries will grow as the series progresses.
Merissa (12358 KP) rated Capture (Torsere #1) in Books
Aug 24, 2020
Capture is the first book in the Torsere series and we drop into a world where kingdoms are small but the dragons are great!!!
Ryneq is the King of Torsere, his sister is about to enter a marriage to the Elves, and he doesn't have time for a dalliance of any kind other than the odd night or two. Nykin is a young dragon rider, partnered with Fimor, and doesn't think he would be satisfied with just a night or two so is prepared to admire from a distance. Circumstances throw these two together to begin with but bravery and loyalty make it a long-term affair.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The twist with the timing of the bond with dragons was a new one on me. Nykin and Ryneq are wonderful characters that I want to know more about. The world-building is done so you get bits and pieces where relevant rather than an info dump. The descriptions of people and places make them all easy to see. There are a couple of steamy scenes but nothing too in-depth.
All in all, a brilliant start to a new series and I really can't wait to continue. Absolutely 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!
Ryneq is the King of Torsere, his sister is about to enter a marriage to the Elves, and he doesn't have time for a dalliance of any kind other than the odd night or two. Nykin is a young dragon rider, partnered with Fimor, and doesn't think he would be satisfied with just a night or two so is prepared to admire from a distance. Circumstances throw these two together to begin with but bravery and loyalty make it a long-term affair.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The twist with the timing of the bond with dragons was a new one on me. Nykin and Ryneq are wonderful characters that I want to know more about. The world-building is done so you get bits and pieces where relevant rather than an info dump. The descriptions of people and places make them all easy to see. There are a couple of steamy scenes but nothing too in-depth.
All in all, a brilliant start to a new series and I really can't wait to continue. Absolutely 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 (12358 KP) rated Crave (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #2) in Books
Oct 1, 2020
Crave is the second book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and we continue with Dallas and Lacey. They were teenage sweethearts but when Dallas managed to 'infect' Lacey with the werewolf gene, even on a time when it should have been impossible, both of their lives changed.
Lacey's mother had her memory taken, just like Ellie in the last book, but it has left her with paranoia and memory loss. Some of the things she finds on the internet made me chuckle! Because of this, Lacey and Dallas can't be 'together' even though they are still best friends. Both of them suffered during their separation and, really, it's hard to say who had it worst!
In this one, you get a great insight into the family dynamics as well the relationship between Ethan and Dallas. I found those scenes incredibly well-written and it made my heart hurt for both of them.
Told from the first perspective from both Dallas and Lacey, this was just as fast-paced as Dark, with some serious fang-head action going on. I am loving the overall story arc and can't wait to continue with the series. Absolutely 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!
Lacey's mother had her memory taken, just like Ellie in the last book, but it has left her with paranoia and memory loss. Some of the things she finds on the internet made me chuckle! Because of this, Lacey and Dallas can't be 'together' even though they are still best friends. Both of them suffered during their separation and, really, it's hard to say who had it worst!
In this one, you get a great insight into the family dynamics as well the relationship between Ethan and Dallas. I found those scenes incredibly well-written and it made my heart hurt for both of them.
Told from the first perspective from both Dallas and Lacey, this was just as fast-paced as Dark, with some serious fang-head action going on. I am loving the overall story arc and can't wait to continue with the series. Absolutely 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!
Dishonour and Obey
10.0
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Mercurius is back — and this time in England! Perfect for fans of Andrew Taylor, C J Sansom, S J...
Historical Fiction
Death Comes to Call (A Tara Thorpe Mystery Book 3)
8.5
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Tara Thorpe may be Cambridge Police’s youngest detective, but that doesn’t stop her from...
Fiction Mystery Thriller Police Procedural Series
Merissa (12358 KP) rated Marked (Populations Crumble: Resurgence #1) in Books
Mar 29, 2023
MARKED is the first book in a spin-off series called Populations Crumble: Resurgence. I haven't read the first series but now I really want to. Not because something is missing from this book - oh, no. I want to read that because this one was SO good!
Demy is a likeable character from the start, running from danger, looking for safety. She joins the program not really knowing what she's doing, just hoping she will be safe. What she gets is so much more than she expected.
I loved this world. Okay, there are parts of it that aren't so good, but on the whole, I was taken with Demy and saw what she saw. There is lots of action and it's also very emotional. The choice Demy has to make is incredibly tough. I know which way I'd go, as it stands right now, but I'm hedging my bets because I have no idea which way this story is going to go. And I love that!
The cliffhanger is a killer and I honestly can't wait to see what happens next. An incredible story with amazing characters that I have no hesitation in HIGHLY RECOMMENDING.
** 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!
Demy is a likeable character from the start, running from danger, looking for safety. She joins the program not really knowing what she's doing, just hoping she will be safe. What she gets is so much more than she expected.
I loved this world. Okay, there are parts of it that aren't so good, but on the whole, I was taken with Demy and saw what she saw. There is lots of action and it's also very emotional. The choice Demy has to make is incredibly tough. I know which way I'd go, as it stands right now, but I'm hedging my bets because I have no idea which way this story is going to go. And I love that!
The cliffhanger is a killer and I honestly can't wait to see what happens next. An incredible story with amazing characters that I have no hesitation in HIGHLY RECOMMENDING.
** 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!