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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Sarah's Surrender (Bound and Determined, #2.5) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I didnt pay too much attention that this was a novella until I started reading it. It may be a short story, but it was packed full of heat and emotion. At first, I thought this would be one of those novels where the protagonists are pig-headed and constantly misinterpreting each other, but was pleasantly surprised by when that wasnt the case. Of course there was a misunderstanding, one that stemmed from childish selfishness, but I was pleased to read how the characters handled it and how they grew as people.
There was little plotline to the story, but I feel that for this story, it was just right. There didnt need to be some grand adventure for the characters. I did feel, however, that the story just cut off at the end. There was no cliffhanger but it still felt unresolved. I would have liked another chapter or at least an epilogue to see how things truly turned out instead of the reading assuming.
The author also wrote some erotic scenes. I like my historical erotic to be erotic and different from the usual scenes you find in historical romance. The scenes were tamer than I usually read, but fit with the theme and feel of the novel. In certain places, however, she would write in short staccato sentences. Sometimes this was distracting and took away from the heat of the scene. In one part, it was downright annoying because of the number of said sentences. They did not take away from the novel as a whole, however, and I often found myself swept away in the passion of the characters.
This was the first piece I have ever read from the author and I enjoyed enough to seek out her other works.
There was little plotline to the story, but I feel that for this story, it was just right. There didnt need to be some grand adventure for the characters. I did feel, however, that the story just cut off at the end. There was no cliffhanger but it still felt unresolved. I would have liked another chapter or at least an epilogue to see how things truly turned out instead of the reading assuming.
The author also wrote some erotic scenes. I like my historical erotic to be erotic and different from the usual scenes you find in historical romance. The scenes were tamer than I usually read, but fit with the theme and feel of the novel. In certain places, however, she would write in short staccato sentences. Sometimes this was distracting and took away from the heat of the scene. In one part, it was downright annoying because of the number of said sentences. They did not take away from the novel as a whole, however, and I often found myself swept away in the passion of the characters.
This was the first piece I have ever read from the author and I enjoyed enough to seek out her other works.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Joshua and the Magical Forest (Portallas #1) in Books
Mar 16, 2018
Joshua and the Magical Forest (Portallas #1) by Christopher D. Morgan
Joshua and the Magical Forest is the first book in the Portallas series, and we are introduced to Joshua. He is a young man who wants to become a Woodsman. However, he has been having strange dreams in which a figure he believes to be his missing father, is being tortured and is in constant pain. He decides he needs to find his father before he continues with his plan to become a Woodsman. On his way through the Forest, he finds his best friend Andrew as a travelling companion, plus Galleon, one of the last Imps. Along the way, they meet Sarah, a young girl who talks, and giggles, way too much.
This was an easy read of a book, suitable for younger ages too. I personally would have preferred more information about the characters, and the tribal systems in place. For example, the 'uniforms' of the different castes - who wears what, what colours are involved? Are the colours of the castes the same in all the villages, or does each village have different colours too? If they are separate, how are they incorporated within each village?
This IS the first book in a series, and so it does end on a cliffhanger. The writing is very good, the pacing is smooth, and the transitions from one scene to the next flow nicely. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, barring the questions above. I enjoyed reading this story, and would recommend it to younger fans of Fantasy.
* 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 was an easy read of a book, suitable for younger ages too. I personally would have preferred more information about the characters, and the tribal systems in place. For example, the 'uniforms' of the different castes - who wears what, what colours are involved? Are the colours of the castes the same in all the villages, or does each village have different colours too? If they are separate, how are they incorporated within each village?
This IS the first book in a series, and so it does end on a cliffhanger. The writing is very good, the pacing is smooth, and the transitions from one scene to the next flow nicely. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, barring the questions above. I enjoyed reading this story, and would recommend it to younger fans of Fantasy.
* 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!
Merissa (12051 KP) rated To Discover a Divine (Rise of the Stria #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
To Discover a Divine (Rise of the Stria #1) by Tessa McFionn
To Discover a Divine is the first book in the Rise of the Stria series, and we start this series with a bang. Evainne has ended up on a prison barge in the middle of outer space when all she did was walk out of her front door. She is rescued by an 'alien' who helps her as much as he can. Evainne is different to the females Khalym knows, as she is blunt to the point of being tactless. However, the sparks are there between the two of them. Now if they can only figure out just what Evainne was wanted for, and how they keep being found, it should all be good.
This is a fast-paced science fiction romance, with plenty of action and adventure too. Evainne handles all the information remarkably well, but it is written in a way that explains that, rather than just trying to sweep it under the carpet. Khalym is a hero who thinks he is broken as he has been rejected for most of his life. Together, I can see these two having an amazing time, and it has definitely given me a taste for more in this series.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this story kept me engrossed from beginning to end. It does have a HFN ending, with a sort of cliffhanger, but all that has done is leave me wanting MORE right NOW! Absolutely recommended.
* 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 is a fast-paced science fiction romance, with plenty of action and adventure too. Evainne handles all the information remarkably well, but it is written in a way that explains that, rather than just trying to sweep it under the carpet. Khalym is a hero who thinks he is broken as he has been rejected for most of his life. Together, I can see these two having an amazing time, and it has definitely given me a taste for more in this series.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this story kept me engrossed from beginning to end. It does have a HFN ending, with a sort of cliffhanger, but all that has done is leave me wanting MORE right NOW! Absolutely recommended.
* 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 Rock 'n' Roll Promises (Rock N Roll Paraphantasy, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an unedited ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story from the beginning. It's a new spin on vampire lore, and there are other supernatural beings, as well. We find out about Anna's past throughout the book, as she goes into a trance to "relive" part of her life from the night she was turned, to determine how Jaxson knows her (after having a pretty steamy interaction with him). Her best friend Paige and Paige's boyfriend Ozzie, a hunter, come to protect her while in her trance, and the twists just keep coming throughout the story.
I also greatly enjoyed the use of music throughout the book. I knew pretty much all of the songs mentioned, and they were each relevant and used perfectly to describe certain situations, especially the ending. And speaking of the ending, it's definitely a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what happens next! An entertaining read, and one I would recommend to those who like the supernatural and supernatural romances.
My only issue (other than wishing it was longer and/or I had the second book already) was with some of the dialogue. I thought it was stilted at times, as characters would switch back and forth between using and not using contractions within the same sentence or paragraph, which didn't seem natural to me. Also, some of the inner dialogue within Anna's or Paige's head felt a little too descriptive. I know it was used to explain things and further the story, but it struck a small chord with me, as I just didn't think it was natural. (However, I was reading an unedited ARC, so this may be changed in the final version.)
4 stars, and I really want to read the next one =)
I really liked this story from the beginning. It's a new spin on vampire lore, and there are other supernatural beings, as well. We find out about Anna's past throughout the book, as she goes into a trance to "relive" part of her life from the night she was turned, to determine how Jaxson knows her (after having a pretty steamy interaction with him). Her best friend Paige and Paige's boyfriend Ozzie, a hunter, come to protect her while in her trance, and the twists just keep coming throughout the story.
I also greatly enjoyed the use of music throughout the book. I knew pretty much all of the songs mentioned, and they were each relevant and used perfectly to describe certain situations, especially the ending. And speaking of the ending, it's definitely a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what happens next! An entertaining read, and one I would recommend to those who like the supernatural and supernatural romances.
My only issue (other than wishing it was longer and/or I had the second book already) was with some of the dialogue. I thought it was stilted at times, as characters would switch back and forth between using and not using contractions within the same sentence or paragraph, which didn't seem natural to me. Also, some of the inner dialogue within Anna's or Paige's head felt a little too descriptive. I know it was used to explain things and further the story, but it struck a small chord with me, as I just didn't think it was natural. (However, I was reading an unedited ARC, so this may be changed in the final version.)
4 stars, and I really want to read the next one =)
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Emergence (Voodoo Butterfly #2) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Emergence (Voodoo Butterfly #2) by Camille Faye
Emergence is the second book in the Voodoo Butterfly series, and we start pretty much where we left off. Sophia and Taj are still together, although things aren't quite as smooth as they were. However, trouble isn't far away, and Poppy ends up being injured. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and things quickly go downhill for Sophie. Add to that, Taj disappears mysteriously, quickly followed by Avi.
I'll be honest here, for a while I was worried this was going to become the ubiquitous love triangle, but Camille Faye managed to avoid that in this book. Now, I'm not saying it may not happen in the future, but for now, in this book, we're safe.
There is plenty of action and adventure in this book, possibly more than Voodoo Butterfly, and it is great to see Sophie growing in confidence and power. We also meet more of the Mambos, and find out more about them, which made for incredible reading.
I am absolutely loving this series, as it is exceptionally written, with no editing or grammatical errors that spoil my reading. The story is intricate and intriguing, definitely leaving me wanting more. With a great cast of supporting characters to round things off, there is simply nothing about this series/book that I don't like.
Fair warning though - there is still a mystery to solve regarding Taj, and it does end on a cliffhanger. I know something is going on with him, but I'll always be Team Jacques!
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!
I'll be honest here, for a while I was worried this was going to become the ubiquitous love triangle, but Camille Faye managed to avoid that in this book. Now, I'm not saying it may not happen in the future, but for now, in this book, we're safe.
There is plenty of action and adventure in this book, possibly more than Voodoo Butterfly, and it is great to see Sophie growing in confidence and power. We also meet more of the Mambos, and find out more about them, which made for incredible reading.
I am absolutely loving this series, as it is exceptionally written, with no editing or grammatical errors that spoil my reading. The story is intricate and intriguing, definitely leaving me wanting more. With a great cast of supporting characters to round things off, there is simply nothing about this series/book that I don't like.
Fair warning though - there is still a mystery to solve regarding Taj, and it does end on a cliffhanger. I know something is going on with him, but I'll always be Team Jacques!
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!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Heart of Thorns (Heart of Thorns #1) in Books
Oct 19, 2018
I almost bailed on this book. It's not bad, exactly, it's just - mediocre. Mia discovers that she is the thing she's been taught to hate, discovers that maybe they're not all bad, that what she's been taught is probably wrong, but, y'know, maybe not entirely wrong - it's just one trope after another. It was rather predictable.
And there's this problem with the world. If every woman is suspected of being a witch, (sorry, Gwyrach) and they work their magic through touch - how is anyone having kids? Sure, women are required to wear gloves in public, but - the touch-magic doesn't keep men from abusing women. Not like in The Power, where men start getting actually scared to touch women for fear of what could happen.
The only character in this book that I actually LIKED was Prince Quin. And maybe Dom, the flirtatious gay boy. Mia was rather thoroughly unlikable. First she blindly accepts that she should hate and kill Gwyrach, then is appalled to find out she (and her mother) are/were Gwyrach, and refuses to accept that because of course she can't possibly be one of those reviled women. She refuses to take Quin into her confidence, despite him showing blind trust in her for most of the book. What does he have to do to prove himself to you, woman?
I've read much better feminist dystopias. This is oppressed-women-finding-their-hidden-powers-and-fighting-back clothed in a fantasy instead of a dystopia, and it's not nearly as good as it could be. Despite ending on a cliffhanger, I don't care enough about these characters to read the next book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
And there's this problem with the world. If every woman is suspected of being a witch, (sorry, Gwyrach) and they work their magic through touch - how is anyone having kids? Sure, women are required to wear gloves in public, but - the touch-magic doesn't keep men from abusing women. Not like in The Power, where men start getting actually scared to touch women for fear of what could happen.
The only character in this book that I actually LIKED was Prince Quin. And maybe Dom, the flirtatious gay boy. Mia was rather thoroughly unlikable. First she blindly accepts that she should hate and kill Gwyrach, then is appalled to find out she (and her mother) are/were Gwyrach, and refuses to accept that because of course she can't possibly be one of those reviled women. She refuses to take Quin into her confidence, despite him showing blind trust in her for most of the book. What does he have to do to prove himself to you, woman?
I've read much better feminist dystopias. This is oppressed-women-finding-their-hidden-powers-and-fighting-back clothed in a fantasy instead of a dystopia, and it's not nearly as good as it could be. Despite ending on a cliffhanger, I don't care enough about these characters to read the next book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Sarah (7798 KP) rated A Discovery of Witches - Season 1 in TV
Nov 11, 2018
Dull and cringeworthy
I knew after the first couple of episodes that this series wasn’t for me, but I persevered in the hope it might get better as it went along. Sadly it doesn’t.
The main problem is that witches, vampires etc have all been done before. And most have been done better than this. The vampires are all moody and gloomy looking dressed in black, and all of the different creatures show no potential whatsoever. The witches exhibit some powers but nothing particularly impressive, the vampires don’t do much either and the demons do absolutely nothing and don’t show any powers or supernatural abilities whatsoever. For the most part, this is just a romance with a supernatural backdrop thrown in. And even the romance aspect isn’t very good - this stinks of a slightly more adult version of Twilight. It’s cheesy, cringey and moves so quickly it beggars belief.
There are some talented actors in this, but sadly the script and the plot really lets them down. Matthew Goode’s attempts at making his vampire snarling, bloodthirsty and terrifying are laughable. The only person who really pulls off any menace is Trevor Eve but he’s sidelined in favour of more irritating characters. Even Teresa Palmer doesn’t come across well, playing so much like Bella from Twilight it’s disturbing.
The show itself is very scenic and beautifully shot, unsurprising considering some of the locations like Oxford and Venice. It’s just a shame that i found it very dull and laughable (not in a good way). I also found the cliffhanger ending disappointing, as the likelihood of me ever bothering to watch another series is slim. I only just made it through these 8 episodes.
The main problem is that witches, vampires etc have all been done before. And most have been done better than this. The vampires are all moody and gloomy looking dressed in black, and all of the different creatures show no potential whatsoever. The witches exhibit some powers but nothing particularly impressive, the vampires don’t do much either and the demons do absolutely nothing and don’t show any powers or supernatural abilities whatsoever. For the most part, this is just a romance with a supernatural backdrop thrown in. And even the romance aspect isn’t very good - this stinks of a slightly more adult version of Twilight. It’s cheesy, cringey and moves so quickly it beggars belief.
There are some talented actors in this, but sadly the script and the plot really lets them down. Matthew Goode’s attempts at making his vampire snarling, bloodthirsty and terrifying are laughable. The only person who really pulls off any menace is Trevor Eve but he’s sidelined in favour of more irritating characters. Even Teresa Palmer doesn’t come across well, playing so much like Bella from Twilight it’s disturbing.
The show itself is very scenic and beautifully shot, unsurprising considering some of the locations like Oxford and Venice. It’s just a shame that i found it very dull and laughable (not in a good way). I also found the cliffhanger ending disappointing, as the likelihood of me ever bothering to watch another series is slim. I only just made it through these 8 episodes.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Superluminary in Books
Nov 19, 2018
Superluminary (Powered Destinies #1) by Olivia Rising
Superluminary is the first book in the Powered Destinies series, and it is a LONG book.
We start off with Christina as she goes through her transition to become Mascot, with the devastating aftereffects. Then we meet up with Sarina, who transitions to become Dancer. Finally, we meet Andrey, who is Radiant. From the blurb, I somehow expected Christina, Sarina, and Radiant to be in contact with each other. I was very much mistaken. Although we hear from all three, none of them meet until Christina and Andrey meet towards the end of the book. Sarina and Christina don't meet at all.
There are headers before each chapter that you simply MUST take notice of. They tell you who is speaking, where, and when. It isn't always necessarily in date order, and it isn't always one of the three main characters speaking. I'm not quite sure why we get into the heads of so many of the other characters, as it detracted from the main storyline. As it is at the moment, there was no need to hear from Samael, or Kid, or any other.
This is a very character driven story, with plenty of action and intrigue. This is the first book in the series, so it does end of a cliffhanger. I am intrigued to know where it will go, as there are so many twists and turns, and you are not quite sure who are the 'good guys' and who are the bad.
For a very different book on superheroes, villains, and mere mortals, then I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* I received a copy of this book 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!
We start off with Christina as she goes through her transition to become Mascot, with the devastating aftereffects. Then we meet up with Sarina, who transitions to become Dancer. Finally, we meet Andrey, who is Radiant. From the blurb, I somehow expected Christina, Sarina, and Radiant to be in contact with each other. I was very much mistaken. Although we hear from all three, none of them meet until Christina and Andrey meet towards the end of the book. Sarina and Christina don't meet at all.
There are headers before each chapter that you simply MUST take notice of. They tell you who is speaking, where, and when. It isn't always necessarily in date order, and it isn't always one of the three main characters speaking. I'm not quite sure why we get into the heads of so many of the other characters, as it detracted from the main storyline. As it is at the moment, there was no need to hear from Samael, or Kid, or any other.
This is a very character driven story, with plenty of action and intrigue. This is the first book in the series, so it does end of a cliffhanger. I am intrigued to know where it will go, as there are so many twists and turns, and you are not quite sure who are the 'good guys' and who are the bad.
For a very different book on superheroes, villains, and mere mortals, then I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* I received a copy of this book 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!
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Moon Over Soho: The Second PC Grant Mystery in Books
Dec 4, 2018
Great follow up to the first one
Contains spoilers, click to show
***Spoilers ahead you’ve been warned***
It is advisable to read the first one before you get into Moon Over Soho. You’re pretty much carrying on right after the events in the first book so it’s always better to get the background information before carrying on :)
I was pleased with this one, complete with rather macabre scenes that will stick with me for a while. I still enjoy the way it’s being narrated by Peter Grant. He tells it pretty bluntly and explains well for some of us who don’t live in London which helps understand the setting more. The setting is dark and gritty, just right to complement the mystery that is prevalent to the case. The mix with the supernatural blends quite well with real life London, I believe it’s probably even more enjoyable to read for those that are quite familiar to the city.
Supporting characters and some new ones are featured in the book. It’s nice to see Leslie again despite what happened to her (ahh but the ending though!). Peter takes a lot of beating (both verbal and physical) during the book which is to be expected. He does have a thing with Simone that covers a good latter part of the book which is ok, although I thought it provided a lot of filler and it slowed the pace down considerably. You almost wanted to ask; “Peter, don’t you have a case to work on?”
It proved to be a quick read with a good open cliffhanger ending with the mystery of The ‘Faceless One’ which makes the series even more intriguing at this point. I’ll be definitely be picking up the third one. A great series to read so far!
It is advisable to read the first one before you get into Moon Over Soho. You’re pretty much carrying on right after the events in the first book so it’s always better to get the background information before carrying on :)
I was pleased with this one, complete with rather macabre scenes that will stick with me for a while. I still enjoy the way it’s being narrated by Peter Grant. He tells it pretty bluntly and explains well for some of us who don’t live in London which helps understand the setting more. The setting is dark and gritty, just right to complement the mystery that is prevalent to the case. The mix with the supernatural blends quite well with real life London, I believe it’s probably even more enjoyable to read for those that are quite familiar to the city.
Supporting characters and some new ones are featured in the book. It’s nice to see Leslie again despite what happened to her (ahh but the ending though!). Peter takes a lot of beating (both verbal and physical) during the book which is to be expected. He does have a thing with Simone that covers a good latter part of the book which is ok, although I thought it provided a lot of filler and it slowed the pace down considerably. You almost wanted to ask; “Peter, don’t you have a case to work on?”
It proved to be a quick read with a good open cliffhanger ending with the mystery of The ‘Faceless One’ which makes the series even more intriguing at this point. I’ll be definitely be picking up the third one. A great series to read so far!
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Lies We Told in Books
Jun 20, 2019
This one was engaging and a good read overall. I read this one in nearly one sitting because it was that good. The plot itself is engaging and the mystery aspect of it kept you guessing and wondering until nearly the end of the book - and even then there’s still potential after that.
Although the plot was really good, and the writing itself was also well done, I didn’t think much about the characters. Which goes to show how well the writing is. You shake your head at some of the decisions made by some of these characters (all in the name of putting on a good face) but you just feel compelled to follow along to see what will happen. There’s plenty of twists here and there and a breadcrumb trail of clues to follow but what you think might happen, might actually surprise you.
You may, or may not sympathize with Hannah. She had it pretty rough after finding out a life changing truth. On the other hand her actions and personality made you see red. She was awful to the core. If you have ever read Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage, you’ll find similarities between the two girls who are ironically, both named Hannah (spelling varies).
There is room for a sequel, although I think it should end here. Sure, there’s an open ending but it’s not a cliffhanger. It may leave you with some questions but it’s a good enough ending to let things lie. A sequel may be overdoing it and stretching this story unnecessarily.
Such an engrossing read. Give yourself time to read this. Once you open it, you won’t be able to stop reading until it’s done.
Although the plot was really good, and the writing itself was also well done, I didn’t think much about the characters. Which goes to show how well the writing is. You shake your head at some of the decisions made by some of these characters (all in the name of putting on a good face) but you just feel compelled to follow along to see what will happen. There’s plenty of twists here and there and a breadcrumb trail of clues to follow but what you think might happen, might actually surprise you.
You may, or may not sympathize with Hannah. She had it pretty rough after finding out a life changing truth. On the other hand her actions and personality made you see red. She was awful to the core. If you have ever read Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage, you’ll find similarities between the two girls who are ironically, both named Hannah (spelling varies).
There is room for a sequel, although I think it should end here. Sure, there’s an open ending but it’s not a cliffhanger. It may leave you with some questions but it’s a good enough ending to let things lie. A sequel may be overdoing it and stretching this story unnecessarily.
Such an engrossing read. Give yourself time to read this. Once you open it, you won’t be able to stop reading until it’s done.