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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Rise of the Fallen (All the King's Men, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Rise of the Fallen is just your run of the mill vampire romance novel. There is nothing about that makes it special to stand out from all the others. But there is also nothing to really make it any worse.
I do have some complaints about this novel such as how entire conversations consisted of a bunch of f*** yous and youre an asshole. I got so tired of reading those over and over. I have not heard someone curse that much since I was in high school. It seriously took away from the story. Not to mention, 90% of the characters in the story were assholes. There was so few likable characters that it was depressing.
I also wish there was more world building. I hate when you are reading a novel and the author just throws people, places, and things at you like you are suppose to know what they are. At one point, I actually researched to see if the was a later novel in the series because it felt like I was missing entire backstories.
I also felt this book went by really quickly once the couple actually got together. Again, it was not necessarily a bad thing. I just turned the pages and found that it was over as quickly as it began.
In all honesty, I cared more about Sev and Aris relationship than I did Micah and Sams. Lynne has an easy, enjoyable style to follow, so I made read their story which is next in the series. Beyond that, I am not interested in the rest.
I do have some complaints about this novel such as how entire conversations consisted of a bunch of f*** yous and youre an asshole. I got so tired of reading those over and over. I have not heard someone curse that much since I was in high school. It seriously took away from the story. Not to mention, 90% of the characters in the story were assholes. There was so few likable characters that it was depressing.
I also wish there was more world building. I hate when you are reading a novel and the author just throws people, places, and things at you like you are suppose to know what they are. At one point, I actually researched to see if the was a later novel in the series because it felt like I was missing entire backstories.
I also felt this book went by really quickly once the couple actually got together. Again, it was not necessarily a bad thing. I just turned the pages and found that it was over as quickly as it began.
In all honesty, I cared more about Sev and Aris relationship than I did Micah and Sams. Lynne has an easy, enjoyable style to follow, so I made read their story which is next in the series. Beyond that, I am not interested in the rest.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I forgot how much I loved a good paranormal romance novel until I discovered Frost. A couple of my favorite authors recommended Jeaniene Frost, singing her praises. I was a bit hesitant after the slew of horrible vampire romances that I have forced myself to make it through as of late.
Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Frosts fiery Cat immediately captured my attention. She was one of the first female protagonists who actually enjoyed being schooled about her weaknesses. Instead of being obnoxiously stubborn, she actually threw herself into making herself stronger and learning from her faults. I know that sounds like so many other female leads, but to me she seemed different. I didnt feel that everything was a struggle between Cat and Bones. Whenever they fell in love, I could see how they got to that point. They did have fire and chemistry, but it was far from them continuously butting heads and arguing like so many other novels do.
I also enjoyed the simple plot. It wasnt about Cat and Bones being the only two being able to save the world from certain doom. Of course, they did have a goal they were working towards, and an antagonist they had to take down. However, there were no random surprises that only the author could see coming and no twist that broke our necks from confusion.
However, I will state that Cats ridiculous mother seriously made me want to slam her face into the pavement. While Frost can create the likable characters of Bones and Cat, she can also create some monsters like Cats mother.
Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Frosts fiery Cat immediately captured my attention. She was one of the first female protagonists who actually enjoyed being schooled about her weaknesses. Instead of being obnoxiously stubborn, she actually threw herself into making herself stronger and learning from her faults. I know that sounds like so many other female leads, but to me she seemed different. I didnt feel that everything was a struggle between Cat and Bones. Whenever they fell in love, I could see how they got to that point. They did have fire and chemistry, but it was far from them continuously butting heads and arguing like so many other novels do.
I also enjoyed the simple plot. It wasnt about Cat and Bones being the only two being able to save the world from certain doom. Of course, they did have a goal they were working towards, and an antagonist they had to take down. However, there were no random surprises that only the author could see coming and no twist that broke our necks from confusion.
However, I will state that Cats ridiculous mother seriously made me want to slam her face into the pavement. While Frost can create the likable characters of Bones and Cat, she can also create some monsters like Cats mother.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Seducing the Sun Fae (The Fada Shapeshifters Series, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I knew from the description that I was going to love this novel, and I wasnt wrong. I love reading stories about faes so I was immediately attracted to the fantasy of the story. What I wasnt expecting was how hot this story was! I actually had to walk away a couple times to catch my breath before I could return. Normally, I dont like dialogue during my erotic scenes. More often then not, it sounds cheesy and silly. Rivard has a talent with writing such dialogue without taking away from the heat of the scene. In all honestly, it made them even hotter.
It wasnt all about the sex, however. The author created a fantastical world filled interesting creatures. I cant wait to read more stories to learn more about her mystical races. Not only that, but she did a great job of adding meat to the story, creating a cornucopia of characters whose stories intertwine. I found myself wondering about certain characters and hoping she continues their stories in the next novel.
The only true issue I had with this novel was how stubborn Dion was. I guess if I look from his point of view, I would understand. I wonder if the author gritted her teeth while she wrote him being so bullheaded. I know I would have.
This story could have gone wrong so very easily. I have read it countless times before. Rivard knew what she was doing and expertly wove a story of love, sacrifice, and fantasy. I will definitely be continuing the series.
It wasnt all about the sex, however. The author created a fantastical world filled interesting creatures. I cant wait to read more stories to learn more about her mystical races. Not only that, but she did a great job of adding meat to the story, creating a cornucopia of characters whose stories intertwine. I found myself wondering about certain characters and hoping she continues their stories in the next novel.
The only true issue I had with this novel was how stubborn Dion was. I guess if I look from his point of view, I would understand. I wonder if the author gritted her teeth while she wrote him being so bullheaded. I know I would have.
This story could have gone wrong so very easily. I have read it countless times before. Rivard knew what she was doing and expertly wove a story of love, sacrifice, and fantasy. I will definitely be continuing the series.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated I Heart Geeks in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a review.
The good thing about anthologies is that if you dont like the story you are reading, you can move on to the next one. Unfortunately, I found myself doing that a lot with this anthology. I requested it because it showcases a culture I am apart of. I go to cons, I read comics books, and play video games. I even have a twitch account where I stream.
But this just wasnt what I was looking for. Out of all the stories, I only enjoyed a couple. I felt that many of the characters and situations were cliché and stereotypical. While I understand that those type of people and situations exist, I felt that each story was a repeat of the others. When I say those people and those situations, I am talking about the anti-social, socially awkward people who are sensitive and easily hurt.
I understand, I get it. Those people need representation, too. But these werent the people I wanted to read about. I wanted to read about the happy, friendly, quirky people you cant help but love. The people who are unapologetic in their love of all things nerdy regardless of what that includes. Most of the protagonists in their stories were fragile and delicate. It seems that every protagonists I read about has been hurt before and is resolved to not love again.
Its an old tired trope. I wish I would have enjoyed it more. I loathe writing negative reviews, but reading this anthology just frustrated me.
The good thing about anthologies is that if you dont like the story you are reading, you can move on to the next one. Unfortunately, I found myself doing that a lot with this anthology. I requested it because it showcases a culture I am apart of. I go to cons, I read comics books, and play video games. I even have a twitch account where I stream.
But this just wasnt what I was looking for. Out of all the stories, I only enjoyed a couple. I felt that many of the characters and situations were cliché and stereotypical. While I understand that those type of people and situations exist, I felt that each story was a repeat of the others. When I say those people and those situations, I am talking about the anti-social, socially awkward people who are sensitive and easily hurt.
I understand, I get it. Those people need representation, too. But these werent the people I wanted to read about. I wanted to read about the happy, friendly, quirky people you cant help but love. The people who are unapologetic in their love of all things nerdy regardless of what that includes. Most of the protagonists in their stories were fragile and delicate. It seems that every protagonists I read about has been hurt before and is resolved to not love again.
Its an old tired trope. I wish I would have enjoyed it more. I loathe writing negative reviews, but reading this anthology just frustrated me.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Quatermass Conclusion (1979) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
We're all doomed, I tell you, DOOMED!
Big-screen version of Nigel Kneale's ultra-depressing finale to his series of Quatermass TV shows and films. Kneale was only in his fifties when he wrote this, which is odd because it feels very much like an old man's wail of anguish when faced with a world he no longer feels he belongs to or even recognises. Set in the near future - one very much informed by the social unrest and generational tensions that were present in the UK when it was made - this is the story of a collapsing civilisation presented with a new threat: a hostile alien presence, which originally visited Earth five thousand years ago, has returned, basically intent on chowing down on young people (this was clearly an influence on the later Torchwood series Children of Earth). Ageing boffin Bernard Quatermass must find a solution, if he can.
It's not uncommon for SF to be not so much about predicting the future as complaining about the present, but what makes this version of Quatermass unusual is it's told primarily from the perspective of old people - there are a couple of younger sympathetic characters, but even they are thirty-five-going-on-sixty in their attitudes, and most of the younger people are depicted as either feckless wasters or violent psychopaths. (The generation gap is explained by alien influences being at work.)
Reasonably lavish, bearing in mind its TV origins, and quite successful on its own terms - but as its main intention seems to be to drive the viewer to despair, it's not especially easy to like.
It's not uncommon for SF to be not so much about predicting the future as complaining about the present, but what makes this version of Quatermass unusual is it's told primarily from the perspective of old people - there are a couple of younger sympathetic characters, but even they are thirty-five-going-on-sixty in their attitudes, and most of the younger people are depicted as either feckless wasters or violent psychopaths. (The generation gap is explained by alien influences being at work.)
Reasonably lavish, bearing in mind its TV origins, and quite successful on its own terms - but as its main intention seems to be to drive the viewer to despair, it's not especially easy to like.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Living on Air in Books
Mar 5, 2018
Living On Air by Susan Mac Nicol
Living on Air is a beautiful yet dark story. It tells of Cary, who went through something so horrific it still affects him to this day. And then we have Rhys, who has lived in war zones and seen the darker side of life for himself. When these two meet, there is an implosion that will affect both of their lives.
This was my first book by Susan Mac Nicol, and it definitely won't be my last. The story was woven with intricate details - enough so you can feel sympathy for the characters, or live vicariously through their triumphs - but without going into too much detail that it becomes gratuitous.
I will say that Rhys deserves a medal for putting up with Cary's moods, but I can also see why he would. The attraction is there, that pull you can't ignore, even if you want to. Rhys and Cary do make an excellent couple, but you are kept on tenterhooks.
The story flows exceedingly well, and the scenes transition from one to the next without disruption. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the characters were all vivid enough to jump out of the pages.
I will say one thing - Cary may not be the crying type, but I certainly am. I had to re-read the last few chapters as the words kept blurring in front of me!
Absolutely recommended.
* 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 was my first book by Susan Mac Nicol, and it definitely won't be my last. The story was woven with intricate details - enough so you can feel sympathy for the characters, or live vicariously through their triumphs - but without going into too much detail that it becomes gratuitous.
I will say that Rhys deserves a medal for putting up with Cary's moods, but I can also see why he would. The attraction is there, that pull you can't ignore, even if you want to. Rhys and Cary do make an excellent couple, but you are kept on tenterhooks.
The story flows exceedingly well, and the scenes transition from one to the next without disruption. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the characters were all vivid enough to jump out of the pages.
I will say one thing - Cary may not be the crying type, but I certainly am. I had to re-read the last few chapters as the words kept blurring in front of me!
Absolutely recommended.
* 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 (11950 KP) rated Waking for Winter (Philadelphia Coven Chronicles #4) in Books
Mar 21, 2018
Waking for Winter (Philadelphia Coven Chronicles #4) by Katherine McIntyre
Waking for Winter is the last book in the Philadelphia Coven Chronicles, and this time we meet up with Cami and Dante. Now, Cami is a character we've met throughout the series, whilst Dante is a fairly new one who popped up in Alanna and Sam's story. Interestingly enough, this couple is also the only one who had a previous relationship with each other, although Cami left for her own reasons. Cami is 'haunted' by her experiences at the hands of the Order of the Serpent, and you realise just how much as the story fills out. Dante will do anything to protect Cami. He still loves her, even though he still doesn't know why she left. In this climatic book, all the previous couples play a part, but the spotlight remains on Cami and Dante.
This has one helluva ending, that definitely leaves you wanting more but strangely satisfied with what you have. The usual high quality of writing flows through this book, a standard I now associate with Katherine McIntyre. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my favourite of the series has to be Rising for Autumn. However, I would highly recommend you try this series for yourself, and then let me know which is your favourite! An epic ending to a great series that I thoroughly enjoyed. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This has one helluva ending, that definitely leaves you wanting more but strangely satisfied with what you have. The usual high quality of writing flows through this book, a standard I now associate with Katherine McIntyre. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my favourite of the series has to be Rising for Autumn. However, I would highly recommend you try this series for yourself, and then let me know which is your favourite! An epic ending to a great series that I thoroughly enjoyed. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dana (24 KP) rated Annihilation: Conquest, Book One in Books
Mar 23, 2018
These guys can't catch a break, can they?
So, plot summary: Sentinals are destroying the Kree empire. Starlord (aka Peter Quill), Heather (aka Moondragon, Drax's daughter) and Quasar (aka Phyla-Vell) are saving the Universe with the help of some friends.
We get the origin story for why Peter Quill quit being Starlord which was interesting. He had to kill a world to stop a Herald of Galactus.
I loved seeing the meeting of Groot, Rocket Racoon, and Starlord. I love them in Guardians of the Galaxy, and it's great to see them all as disfunctional and loveable in the comics as they are in the movies.
We were also introduced to Mantis, Captain Universe, Bug, and Shi'ar all of whom I did not know before this comic. They all had to stop an airborne virus beign spread by the Phanlax.
Heather (Moondragon) and Phyla-Vell (Quasar) have to beat an adaptoid working for the Phanlax and is distributing the same virus Starlord and crew had to stop on a Kree planet.
I love that they are a lesbian couple. It is great to see some representation in a popular series.
Moondragon becoming a dragon was epic. And I loved finally getting her whole backstory.
So Moondragon and Quasar had to find the savior, who, of course, is a guy. His name is Adam Warlock who I have no idea who the hell that is. I just wished that it could have been a female as the savior instead of a guy. But hey, it was still good!
Overall, this was a pretty cool comic, and now I have to get the second one.
So, plot summary: Sentinals are destroying the Kree empire. Starlord (aka Peter Quill), Heather (aka Moondragon, Drax's daughter) and Quasar (aka Phyla-Vell) are saving the Universe with the help of some friends.
We get the origin story for why Peter Quill quit being Starlord which was interesting. He had to kill a world to stop a Herald of Galactus.
I loved seeing the meeting of Groot, Rocket Racoon, and Starlord. I love them in Guardians of the Galaxy, and it's great to see them all as disfunctional and loveable in the comics as they are in the movies.
We were also introduced to Mantis, Captain Universe, Bug, and Shi'ar all of whom I did not know before this comic. They all had to stop an airborne virus beign spread by the Phanlax.
Heather (Moondragon) and Phyla-Vell (Quasar) have to beat an adaptoid working for the Phanlax and is distributing the same virus Starlord and crew had to stop on a Kree planet.
I love that they are a lesbian couple. It is great to see some representation in a popular series.
Moondragon becoming a dragon was epic. And I loved finally getting her whole backstory.
So Moondragon and Quasar had to find the savior, who, of course, is a guy. His name is Adam Warlock who I have no idea who the hell that is. I just wished that it could have been a female as the savior instead of a guy. But hey, it was still good!
Overall, this was a pretty cool comic, and now I have to get the second one.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Wonder in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Also read my review here: http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-reviews/the-wonder-by-emma-donoghue
<b><i>It came to Lib then that the question to ask was not how a child might commit such a fraud, but why?</b></i>
<i>The Wonder</i> is an absolutely beautiful and thought-provoking novel and by far one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Set in towards the end of the 19th century, we meet one of Ms Nightingale’s own nurses, shipped out to Ireland to investigate a so-called miracle. Young Anna O’Donnell hasn’t eaten since her 11th birthday, which passed four months ago. Lib begins a frustrating journey into learning whether Anna is truly a modern day Saint.
She is determined to prove the miracle a hoax, but being faced with old Irish superstitions she doesn’t understand, sexism and strong Catholic faith, she has a hard time getting to the truth.
It’s a bit of a slow ride, but it’s interesting enough to keep you wanting to know more. Donoghue creates a beautifully vivid story for you to really lose yourself in, you’ll find yourself reading this book within a couple of days (or hours, depending on when you’re reading it). Not what I’d classify at a mystery novel - the story is so much more than just working out the story behind Anna’s apparent loss of appetite. It’s a story of faith, believing in yourself and following your heart.
A really enjoyable book, with a wide array of likable and dislikable characters, beautiful scenery and heart warming lessons to take away, this is a must read for any historical fiction lover.
<b><i>It came to Lib then that the question to ask was not how a child might commit such a fraud, but why?</b></i>
<i>The Wonder</i> is an absolutely beautiful and thought-provoking novel and by far one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Set in towards the end of the 19th century, we meet one of Ms Nightingale’s own nurses, shipped out to Ireland to investigate a so-called miracle. Young Anna O’Donnell hasn’t eaten since her 11th birthday, which passed four months ago. Lib begins a frustrating journey into learning whether Anna is truly a modern day Saint.
She is determined to prove the miracle a hoax, but being faced with old Irish superstitions she doesn’t understand, sexism and strong Catholic faith, she has a hard time getting to the truth.
It’s a bit of a slow ride, but it’s interesting enough to keep you wanting to know more. Donoghue creates a beautifully vivid story for you to really lose yourself in, you’ll find yourself reading this book within a couple of days (or hours, depending on when you’re reading it). Not what I’d classify at a mystery novel - the story is so much more than just working out the story behind Anna’s apparent loss of appetite. It’s a story of faith, believing in yourself and following your heart.
A really enjoyable book, with a wide array of likable and dislikable characters, beautiful scenery and heart warming lessons to take away, this is a must read for any historical fiction lover.
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Dog Days (Wolf Winter #1) in Books
May 29, 2018
struggled with this one!
Danny isn't a full wolf, but classed as a dog, a half breed. Jack is heir to the pack. When they come together in Durham amid the onset of a bitter winter, they have to face the creatures of nightmares, both human and Wolf.
I struggled with which shelves to file this one. It kinda straddles a couple of categories. It's not any sort of romance, at all. The creatures made by the Prophet really are the stuff of nightmares, so I've filed it as horror, werewolves, and male/male, because Jack and Danny to get it on.
I also struggled reading it. Usually, being drip fed hints and clues as to what is happening both above and below The Wall, keeps me on my toes and keeps my fully engaged. But there were not enough of them! I kept having to double back, seeing if I missed something along the way.
The story itself is good, but because of the lack of drip feeding, I have huge gaps in my knowledge of these people and their world.
It does get a bit graphic, when dealing with the Prophet's creations, and these are mostly why I've filed it as horror.
Jack and Danny has history, but that isn't fully explained, and I wanted to know more about what happened.
I loved Ms Moore's Bone To Pick, a unrelated book to this, but this one, not so much. I have Stone The Crows to read next, which is Jack's brother, Gregor's story. Upon writing this review, I'm nearly done with that one. Finding it a much better read!
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I struggled with which shelves to file this one. It kinda straddles a couple of categories. It's not any sort of romance, at all. The creatures made by the Prophet really are the stuff of nightmares, so I've filed it as horror, werewolves, and male/male, because Jack and Danny to get it on.
I also struggled reading it. Usually, being drip fed hints and clues as to what is happening both above and below The Wall, keeps me on my toes and keeps my fully engaged. But there were not enough of them! I kept having to double back, seeing if I missed something along the way.
The story itself is good, but because of the lack of drip feeding, I have huge gaps in my knowledge of these people and their world.
It does get a bit graphic, when dealing with the Prophet's creations, and these are mostly why I've filed it as horror.
Jack and Danny has history, but that isn't fully explained, and I wanted to know more about what happened.
I loved Ms Moore's Bone To Pick, a unrelated book to this, but this one, not so much. I have Stone The Crows to read next, which is Jack's brother, Gregor's story. Upon writing this review, I'm nearly done with that one. Finding it a much better read!
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**