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Violet Spark (Butterfly Witch #1)
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Imogen Taylor: Artist. College dropout. Gamer. Screwup. I had big plans for art school in...
Urban Fantasy New Adult
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Psycho Shifters (Cruel Alphaverse #1) in Books
Mar 29, 2022
PSYCHO SHIFTERS is the first in the Cruel Shifterverse series and, as the titles of the book and series suggest, this is not a warm and fluffy book! What it is, is a gripping and intriguing story, from the alpha-holes to mysterious portents in the Sacred Lake.
Sadie has had a hard life, frequently whipped with a belt. So long as it protects her sister, she's okay with it. Well, not okay, exactly, but you know what I mean. A series of events lead her to being left alone at a training centre where no one thinks pretty much of her, including the other alphas she's supposed to be with.
Each of the other alpha's have distinct personalities and react to her presence in their own delightful ways. We find out more about Jax and Cobra than we do Ascher, which is a story all by itself.
There are plenty of raunchy moments here so be prepared. Also, it doesn't skimp on violence, which is perfect for this book.
It does end on a cliffhanger, so consider yourself warned. Poor Ascher! I can't wait to see where we go next. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sadie has had a hard life, frequently whipped with a belt. So long as it protects her sister, she's okay with it. Well, not okay, exactly, but you know what I mean. A series of events lead her to being left alone at a training centre where no one thinks pretty much of her, including the other alphas she's supposed to be with.
Each of the other alpha's have distinct personalities and react to her presence in their own delightful ways. We find out more about Jax and Cobra than we do Ascher, which is a story all by itself.
There are plenty of raunchy moments here so be prepared. Also, it doesn't skimp on violence, which is perfect for this book.
It does end on a cliffhanger, so consider yourself warned. Poor Ascher! I can't wait to see where we go next. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated California Storm ( Crown of Frost & Blood 4) in Books
Nov 29, 2023
179 of 235
Kindle
California Storm ( Crown of Frost &Blood 4)
By CY Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️
What do you when everything you hold dear is taken from you?
They came for me in the light of day, killed the man I love, and took me with them.
Then my kidnappers get robbed, and I’m taken again, thrown into a world my mom fled from. A world of sirens and mermaids where I find out I’m the Queen of them all.
I just graduated from high school, what do I know about being a Queen?
On the other side of the veil, everything is different.
The villain isn’t easy to pinpoint, and what I thought was the truth, turned out to be nothing but an elaborate lie.
Everything here is a game of power and strength and I’m just learning the rules. Do I fight for a world I was hidden from or swim away as fast as my tail can carry me?
Everything may be uncertain, but this I know. I’m California Azalea DelaCort and I will survive this storm.
I have loved this series and I really enjoyed this book about Cali who is Winters sister. The only thing was it seemed a little rushed and unpolished in places. Although by the end it did have me wanting the next book I need to know what happened to her!! It’s left on one hell of a cliffhanger.
Kindle
California Storm ( Crown of Frost &Blood 4)
By CY Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️
What do you when everything you hold dear is taken from you?
They came for me in the light of day, killed the man I love, and took me with them.
Then my kidnappers get robbed, and I’m taken again, thrown into a world my mom fled from. A world of sirens and mermaids where I find out I’m the Queen of them all.
I just graduated from high school, what do I know about being a Queen?
On the other side of the veil, everything is different.
The villain isn’t easy to pinpoint, and what I thought was the truth, turned out to be nothing but an elaborate lie.
Everything here is a game of power and strength and I’m just learning the rules. Do I fight for a world I was hidden from or swim away as fast as my tail can carry me?
Everything may be uncertain, but this I know. I’m California Azalea DelaCort and I will survive this storm.
I have loved this series and I really enjoyed this book about Cali who is Winters sister. The only thing was it seemed a little rushed and unpolished in places. Although by the end it did have me wanting the next book I need to know what happened to her!! It’s left on one hell of a cliffhanger.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Death Washes Ashore in Books
Apr 30, 2024
Death of a Gladiator
One morning Clark Thomas is awakened by a text from one of the detectives in town requesting his presence at a crime scene. The body of Connor West has washed up on the local state beach. Connor was the star of one of the local tourist attractions, a gladiator themed dinner and show.
Even after Clark is warned away from the case, he can’t help but dig into Connor’s life and his work at the Gladiator Games Dinner Show. With a face from his past as his way into the lives of those Clark wants to interview, can he figure out what happened?
I had an issue with how Clark got involved in the mystery here, but I put that aside and kept reading. The mystery was good with several strong suspects and twists along the way to a logical climax. I appreciated how Clark went about things in the climax, too. We also got to know him and a couple of characters better, although I feel like we have many who hardly had any page time. The writing could have used polish in several spots, but most of the time it was fine. There is a little advancement on the cliffhanger from the previous book, but we’ll have to keep reading to see where it goes next. Overall, this is a fun second book in the series.
Even after Clark is warned away from the case, he can’t help but dig into Connor’s life and his work at the Gladiator Games Dinner Show. With a face from his past as his way into the lives of those Clark wants to interview, can he figure out what happened?
I had an issue with how Clark got involved in the mystery here, but I put that aside and kept reading. The mystery was good with several strong suspects and twists along the way to a logical climax. I appreciated how Clark went about things in the climax, too. We also got to know him and a couple of characters better, although I feel like we have many who hardly had any page time. The writing could have used polish in several spots, but most of the time it was fine. There is a little advancement on the cliffhanger from the previous book, but we’ll have to keep reading to see where it goes next. Overall, this is a fun second book in the series.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Santa Clarita Diet - Season 3 in TV
Apr 7, 2019
I remember watching season 1 of Santa Clarita Diet and wondering after just a few episodes if it would ever make it to another season. Don't get me wrong, I loved the humour and the craziness of the show, but wasn’t sure how they would ever manage to stretch the idea out any further than that. Well, we're now onto season 3 of what has proven to be one of the funniest and most consistently well written shows around right now, with no signs of it slowing down anytime soon.
Season 2 ended on a bit of a cliffhanger with Sheila (Drew Barrymore) and Joel (Timothy Olyphant) getting caught with a re-animated corpse head out in the desert by their cop neighbour Anne (Natalie Morales). At the same time, daughter Abby (Liv Hewson) and their other neighbour’s son Eric (Skyler Gisondo) blowing up a fracking site. It’s the kind of wild predicament which, despite sounding crazy on paper, has become perfectly normal for this show.
Season 3 picks things up with Anne convinced that Sheila has been sent by god to help rid the world of evildoers, and as a church goer herself, she believes she must dedicate herself to helping Sheila. Meanwhile, the kids find themselves having to dodge an FBI agent who has been assigned to the fracking site case. And as for the re-animated head of Gary? Well, after positioning him back in their basement, the Hammonds decide to equip him with a headset and an Alexa so that he can work as an employee for their brand new realty company. Once again, something which sounds crazy on paper, but totally works on the show. And is also very funny as he turns out to be the perfect employee.
Season 3 also begins heavily expanding the world of the show, and the zombie mythology briefly introduced in previous seasons. A group called the Knights of Serbia are out to rid the world of the undead, and there is a mysterious stranger accompanied by a couple of thugs who also seem to have sinister motives for capturing zombies. As if all of that wasn’t enough, Sheila begins putting pressure on Joel to join her in becoming undead!
The pace of the show is what I love about the show. There’s always a family drama, or bigger issue to try and resolve meaning you never get time to be bored. The way that Sheila and Joel tackle everything like it’s something as mundane as changing a blown light bulb is one of the best things about the show and I particularly love Joel and his calmly frustrated comebacks and subtle one liners. Little things - like Joel discovering that there are separate kitchen drawers, with separate utensils for normal cooking and for more gross purposes - are just perfect.
Although this season isn’t quite as funny as last, there are some very funny new characters this time, most notably, Ron, who appeared last season but is newly undead in season 3. The whole season just breezes by, and once again ends on an exciting cliffhanger. Bring on season 4!
Season 2 ended on a bit of a cliffhanger with Sheila (Drew Barrymore) and Joel (Timothy Olyphant) getting caught with a re-animated corpse head out in the desert by their cop neighbour Anne (Natalie Morales). At the same time, daughter Abby (Liv Hewson) and their other neighbour’s son Eric (Skyler Gisondo) blowing up a fracking site. It’s the kind of wild predicament which, despite sounding crazy on paper, has become perfectly normal for this show.
Season 3 picks things up with Anne convinced that Sheila has been sent by god to help rid the world of evildoers, and as a church goer herself, she believes she must dedicate herself to helping Sheila. Meanwhile, the kids find themselves having to dodge an FBI agent who has been assigned to the fracking site case. And as for the re-animated head of Gary? Well, after positioning him back in their basement, the Hammonds decide to equip him with a headset and an Alexa so that he can work as an employee for their brand new realty company. Once again, something which sounds crazy on paper, but totally works on the show. And is also very funny as he turns out to be the perfect employee.
Season 3 also begins heavily expanding the world of the show, and the zombie mythology briefly introduced in previous seasons. A group called the Knights of Serbia are out to rid the world of the undead, and there is a mysterious stranger accompanied by a couple of thugs who also seem to have sinister motives for capturing zombies. As if all of that wasn’t enough, Sheila begins putting pressure on Joel to join her in becoming undead!
The pace of the show is what I love about the show. There’s always a family drama, or bigger issue to try and resolve meaning you never get time to be bored. The way that Sheila and Joel tackle everything like it’s something as mundane as changing a blown light bulb is one of the best things about the show and I particularly love Joel and his calmly frustrated comebacks and subtle one liners. Little things - like Joel discovering that there are separate kitchen drawers, with separate utensils for normal cooking and for more gross purposes - are just perfect.
Although this season isn’t quite as funny as last, there are some very funny new characters this time, most notably, Ron, who appeared last season but is newly undead in season 3. The whole season just breezes by, and once again ends on an exciting cliffhanger. Bring on season 4!
Horror (6 more)
Creepy
Supernatural
Fiction
Haunted House
Scary
Ghost
Great Horror
I really did enjoy this book immensely. I am always searching for the 'perfect' ghost story and this comes pretty close!
The authors writing style really drew me in, an almost casual voice that ramps up the tension without you really realising it.
The characters were all extremely natural and sympathetic. None of the conversations felt forced, even though they were between characters of very differing ages.
The actions, and reactions, to the dramatic events made sense. At no point did I think "No one would ever do that, how silly" which often happens in supernatural/horror stories.
The way in which the atmosphere and tension slowly crept up meant that I just couldn't put it down. I could actually imagine the growing claustrophobia the characters were feeling.
Because certain events are not as they seem, for reasons you will understand after reading, it really kept me on my toes - did that happen? Can I believe what I'm reading this time?
Even though it kept me guessing it never got annoying - I just wanted to read that little bit more to find out! To me that is a sign of a talented author.
If I had to find fault it would be with the ending, unless there is a sequel planned! It was satisfying until reading the very last chapter, which was left as a kind of cliffhanger.
Rae Louise has managed to write a horror which is genuinely creepy and has suspension and action in spades.
The authors writing style really drew me in, an almost casual voice that ramps up the tension without you really realising it.
The characters were all extremely natural and sympathetic. None of the conversations felt forced, even though they were between characters of very differing ages.
The actions, and reactions, to the dramatic events made sense. At no point did I think "No one would ever do that, how silly" which often happens in supernatural/horror stories.
The way in which the atmosphere and tension slowly crept up meant that I just couldn't put it down. I could actually imagine the growing claustrophobia the characters were feeling.
Because certain events are not as they seem, for reasons you will understand after reading, it really kept me on my toes - did that happen? Can I believe what I'm reading this time?
Even though it kept me guessing it never got annoying - I just wanted to read that little bit more to find out! To me that is a sign of a talented author.
If I had to find fault it would be with the ending, unless there is a sequel planned! It was satisfying until reading the very last chapter, which was left as a kind of cliffhanger.
Rae Louise has managed to write a horror which is genuinely creepy and has suspension and action in spades.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Uprising (The Outliers #2) in Books
May 31, 2018
Uprising (The Outliers #2) by Kate L. Mary
Uprising is the second book in The Outliers series. I thought the first book was amazing, but this one is even better! We reunite with Indra as she starts back at work in the Sovereign city. She feels different now, with the strength that Bodhi encouraged. She is not prepared to go back to being meek and mild, as she was before. Asa is still working for the Sovereign.
This book has so much packed into it, it's quite unbelievable. With action, hope, and heartbreak, there is plenty to keep you turning the pages. There are plenty of twists and turns as Indra works to bring the Outlier tribes together, to beat the Fortis and Sovereign. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the women of the Winta tribe worked together, although you can see the cracks in the seams. I can't wait to see where this goes next.
It does end on one helluva cliffhanger, so fair warning! This is a book where I knew the ending was coming, and it couldn't come quick enough, but I also wanted it to never stop!
This is an excellent addition to the series, and is still rich in detail, with wonderful characters, and an intriguing and gripping storyline. Absolutely recommended by me. Bring on the next!!!
* 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 has so much packed into it, it's quite unbelievable. With action, hope, and heartbreak, there is plenty to keep you turning the pages. There are plenty of twists and turns as Indra works to bring the Outlier tribes together, to beat the Fortis and Sovereign. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the women of the Winta tribe worked together, although you can see the cracks in the seams. I can't wait to see where this goes next.
It does end on one helluva cliffhanger, so fair warning! This is a book where I knew the ending was coming, and it couldn't come quick enough, but I also wanted it to never stop!
This is an excellent addition to the series, and is still rich in detail, with wonderful characters, and an intriguing and gripping storyline. Absolutely recommended by me. Bring on the next!!!
* 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!
Kristin (149 KP) rated Fire Storm (S.P.I.R.I.T., #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I was given an e-book copy by the author for an honest review.
I fell in love with this book. More specifically with Samantha (Sam) and her hilarious attitude. She had me laughing throughout the entire story, and I couldn't wait to read what smart-aleck thing she'd say next. On top of that, the relationship between her and Zander is just awesome. They're so cute it's almost sickening, but in a good way, and the fact that they really do complete one another is just amazing. And let's not forget the burning trash can..... =)
Aside from the above, the story itself really grabbed me and never let go. It was so intriguing, and I just wanted to keep reading all the time (but wouldn't you know, life had to go and get in the way). I would think about this book while I was at work, driving, and I even had a dream about it, that's how good it is!!! The beginning just pulls you in, because you really have no clue whatsoever as to what's going on, and neither do the characters. You just learn along with them, which is so much fun to do. And the twists and turns the story takes were so great, I'd keep saying "One more chapter" only to find a cliffhanger waiting at the end, and I'd have to keep reading to see what happened!
I definitely recommend this for everybody who likes paranormal stories, especially mysteries, because this one has a lot of it. Go grab your copy, you won't be sorry!!! =)
I fell in love with this book. More specifically with Samantha (Sam) and her hilarious attitude. She had me laughing throughout the entire story, and I couldn't wait to read what smart-aleck thing she'd say next. On top of that, the relationship between her and Zander is just awesome. They're so cute it's almost sickening, but in a good way, and the fact that they really do complete one another is just amazing. And let's not forget the burning trash can..... =)
Aside from the above, the story itself really grabbed me and never let go. It was so intriguing, and I just wanted to keep reading all the time (but wouldn't you know, life had to go and get in the way). I would think about this book while I was at work, driving, and I even had a dream about it, that's how good it is!!! The beginning just pulls you in, because you really have no clue whatsoever as to what's going on, and neither do the characters. You just learn along with them, which is so much fun to do. And the twists and turns the story takes were so great, I'd keep saying "One more chapter" only to find a cliffhanger waiting at the end, and I'd have to keep reading to see what happened!
I definitely recommend this for everybody who likes paranormal stories, especially mysteries, because this one has a lot of it. Go grab your copy, you won't be sorry!!! =)
Benedick Lewis (3001 KP) rated 24 - Season 1 in TV
Aug 21, 2018
KIefer sutherland is great (3 more)
The supporting cast is also great
A lot of cliffhanger endings
Stylish
Kim’s storyline is a bit tiresome (1 more)
Teri isn’t the most endearing character
A TV series that changed TV for good
X files was in its dying throes and I didn’t think I would have a tv series to love for a long time so when BBC2 advertised 24 with a faithless soundtrack, I thought I’d give it a go.
The first six episodes are slow burners but essentially set everything up for everything else that happens so it is worth sticking with it. Jack Bauer is a relatable character who makes decisions others wouldn’t necessarily make but you can understand why he makes them and you’ll be glad he does make these decisions - some are long run decisions that don’t pay off until later in the day.
24 is not just about Jack Bauer though. It is about interweaving plot lines that build up to a tense denouement that you won’t see coming. The story of the first season is that a credible threat has been made against a black presidential candidate and Bauer has to track down who is behind the potential hit. Unfortunately Bauer’s daughter gets kidnapped and this is used to force Bauer to assassinate the candidate himself. That’s just the first 10 hours! Split screens and tight writing keep the action flowing and that beeping clock (not swearing, it actually beeps) reminds you 24 hours may not be enough to stop the hit. You’ll have to watch it to find out!
The first six episodes are slow burners but essentially set everything up for everything else that happens so it is worth sticking with it. Jack Bauer is a relatable character who makes decisions others wouldn’t necessarily make but you can understand why he makes them and you’ll be glad he does make these decisions - some are long run decisions that don’t pay off until later in the day.
24 is not just about Jack Bauer though. It is about interweaving plot lines that build up to a tense denouement that you won’t see coming. The story of the first season is that a credible threat has been made against a black presidential candidate and Bauer has to track down who is behind the potential hit. Unfortunately Bauer’s daughter gets kidnapped and this is used to force Bauer to assassinate the candidate himself. That’s just the first 10 hours! Split screens and tight writing keep the action flowing and that beeping clock (not swearing, it actually beeps) reminds you 24 hours may not be enough to stop the hit. You’ll have to watch it to find out!
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Awakened (Semiramis #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2019
Awakened (Semiramis Book 1) by Maya Daniels
Awakened is the first book in the Semiramis series, and we start of with Al, who is our main female. She is a strong character, who also seems a bit absent-minded at times. She is working in a place where she is unhappy, but has Daisy there to keep her company. Things change when she has a car accident, and her life changes forever.
This book is told in two (uneven) halves as you could call it before and after the accident. Obviously, there is not that much from before, and you spend most of the book with Al as she meets Warlocks, Gods, Goddesses, and Angels. She has a dry sense of humour which was delightful to read, and really came across well on the page.
Awakened is well written, with characters that jump off the page. Be warned though, there are a lot of them so you will need to keep track of who they are. With a few editing issues in words being misspelt, this was nevertheless an intriguing read. I was slightly disappointed we didn't meet Daisy again after Al's accident, especially when Philip is there so much.
Ending with a cliffhanger, this is a book to be enjoyed, and will definitely leave you wanting more. 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!
This book is told in two (uneven) halves as you could call it before and after the accident. Obviously, there is not that much from before, and you spend most of the book with Al as she meets Warlocks, Gods, Goddesses, and Angels. She has a dry sense of humour which was delightful to read, and really came across well on the page.
Awakened is well written, with characters that jump off the page. Be warned though, there are a lot of them so you will need to keep track of who they are. With a few editing issues in words being misspelt, this was nevertheless an intriguing read. I was slightly disappointed we didn't meet Daisy again after Al's accident, especially when Philip is there so much.
Ending with a cliffhanger, this is a book to be enjoyed, and will definitely leave you wanting more. 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!