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Merissa (12066 KP) rated Knight to Castle Two (Diviner's Game #2) in Books

Feb 12, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)  
Knight to Castle Two (Diviner's Game #2)
Knight to Castle Two (Diviner's Game #2)
Jennifer Cody | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
KNIGHT TO CASTLE TWO is the second book in the Diviner's Game trilogy and this time we find out just what's going on with human Headsman, Loki, and his step-brother Drakon, Gage.

We met with Loki and Gage in book one, and this one runs on a parallel time, so we see some of the same events but from their eyes instead. This is incredibly hard to do but excellently executed by Jennifer Cody.

Loki and Gage are as close as two people can be, but DO NOT share blood. They are not related in any way, apart from being step-brothers. Their relationship might raise a few eyebrows but is not incestuous in any way. What it is though, is hot as hell! Loki is a leather-wearing, kick-ass, take no s**t Headsman, but Gage is the force in their relationship. I loved seeing what makes both of them tick.

A little bit more of the intrigue is unravelled in this book, but not enough for me! I guess I'll just have to read the third book to find out the whole story. Oh, what a shame. The pacing is just as perfect as the first book, and I also loved seeing Matt and Deejay through someone else's eyes too.

What a fantastic trilogy this is turning out to be. Two down, one to go, and I honestly can't wait. 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!
Feb 12, 2021
  
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Merissa (12066 KP) rated Malice (Mortisalian Saga #4) in Books

Feb 11, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)  
Malice (Mortisalian Saga #4)
Malice (Mortisalian Saga #4)
L.J. Stock, Lou Stock | 2021 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
MALICE is the final story in the Mortisalian Saga, and we continue where we left off. Cass is heavily pregnant, Damon is still a dream, Ras is still missing, Zander is gone, Alexa is a mess. I think that's us caught up!

As the final book in the saga, you REALLY need to read the others to understand just what the hell is going on. There is no easing into this world. You are there, right in the middle of everything, so just deal with it. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way.

For a big part of this book, Cass' world is at war, so if you are expecting a gentle walk through the park, you are sorely mistaken. There is blood, pain, and violence, but all of it is written so beautifully. And yes, before anyone asks, my eyes were leaking again! I thought my heart was breaking but then I had to smile. This is the power over words that Ms. Stock has. Simply sublime.

A fast-paced story, I was worried I wouldn't get a 'proper' ending, but my fears were groundless. I got a happier ending than I was anticipating, which made it all the more perfect.

Such a fantastic series, I am sad at the thought of it ending but am so thrilled I have read it all. Definitely one to keep and re-read! Highly 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!
Feb 11, 2021
  
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
2022 | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Marvel's first horror (themed) movie?
So, Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange?

He's now appeared in six MCU movies, including this one (which is only his second solo outing). In order, they are:

Doctor Strange (2016)
Thor: Ragnorak (2017)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

As well as that, he's also appeared in perhaps the best episode of Marvels animated 'What If ...' series, titled 'What if ... Doctor Strange lost his heart instead of his hands?@

The reason I mention the latter?

Because, roughly halfway through this, Dr Strange falls through the Multiverse (first shown on the big screen in No Way Home): one of which looks very much like the animation style used in said series.

The films also relies heavily on the aftermath from TVs WandaVision (although a brief reprise of that is given by Wanda herself, with Vision barely getting a mention), in that Wanda is now desperate to find her missing children and has the Darkhold in her possession.

She also goes on to show why she is one of - if not the - most powerful beings in the MCU, which is where a lot of the horror elements in this story come into play. It is a Sam Raimi film, so if you've seen The Evil Dead (or even the original Spider-man trilogy, in particular Spider-Man 2), you know the type of thing: crazy camera angles, unsettling imagery, zombies, the damned ....

Oh, and it also definitely - finally! - opens up the MCU for the inclusion of the X-Men or The Fantastic Four.
  
Healing Kiss
Healing Kiss
Amanda Uhl | 2023 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HEALING KISS is a contemporary romance with paranormal elements. Lilian is able to store energy and use it to heal others, especially those who are quite literally on the same wavelength as her. It is not a finite source though and does have an impact. She returns to Cleveland to save her sister from dying. She has been on the run for the past two years from a dodgy company that wants to use her talents against her will. Tristan is a billionaire with trust issues and a mother who is dying. When these two bump into each other, it sets off events that neither of them could have foreseen.

This was a slow starter for me but once I got into the groove, the rest of the book flew by. There is quite a bit of angst, both in general and between our two main characters. Angelina was made into too big a deal for my liking and I found myself skipping over the scenes with her in them, which is a shame as they help to move the story forwards, but I just found I couldn't help myself!

The build-up to the end and the epilogue were fantastic and I really hope to read Hannah's story. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story with a fresh look at talents and how they work. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2023
  
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Merissa (12066 KP) rated Uprising (Rebellion #3) in Books

Apr 7, 2022 (Updated Jun 26, 2023)  
Uprising (Rebellion #3)
Uprising (Rebellion #3)
Annabelle Jacobs | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
UPRISING is the third book in the Rebellion series, and I think this is the last. The story is wrapped up nicely, giving me exactly the ending I was looking for.

This book focuses on Michael and Isaac, the two enigmatic Alphas from packs seemingly on opposite sides of the war, but looks can be deceiving as we find out. Isaac and Michael were as close as two wolves could be without being bonded. When they decided what they were going to do, it placed them miles apart - both figuratively and literally. Now events have brought them back together, but can they pick up where they left off?

Uprising starts where Defiance finished and the whole host of characters return, including those you love to hate. Some will shock you though, and some you will end up feeling sympathy for. Don't you just love it when an author does that to you?

Just as full of action as the previous two, you get the bigger picture in this as groups start working together. If there was one character I wish I'd heard more from, it would be Baker, but it wasn't his book!

A brilliant end to a fantastic series and absolutely recommended by me, so long as you read it as a series and don't miss out on any of the good bits.

** 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!
Apr 7, 2022
  
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Merissa (12066 KP) rated Restrained Desires (Rehoboth Pact #3) in Books

Apr 4, 2022 (Updated Jun 26, 2023)  
Restrained Desires (Rehoboth Pact #3)
Restrained Desires (Rehoboth Pact #3)
Katherine McIntyre | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
RESTRAINED DESIRES is the third book in the Rehoboth Pact series, bringing to a close this fantastic trilogy. Kyle has played her part in the previous two books, strong and steady but kind of in the background. Now it's her time to shine.

Oh, Kyle! Bless you, sweetheart. You are so completely adorable but, please excuse me as I deck your mother! What a piece of work! It's amazing you turned out as you did. And thank goodness Chelsea can see that.

When I first read fake-date, I will admit to groaning a little. I love that trope but felt Kyle deserved someone who saw her, and who wanted her. And guess what? That's exactly what I got! Chelsea has her own issues to contend with but never did she not see Kyle for the wonderful human being she is. (Yes, I do know she's a character!)

Aubrey - you were a sod in this one. I went off you for a while. I'll let you off... just this once.

This is a spicy-hot story with plenty of feel-good moments. I will even admit to my eyes leaking but that's all I'm saying.

Ms McIntyre certainly saved the best until last in my opinion. Absolutely amazing. This whole trilogy is definitely one to buy, keep, and to re-read. ❤

** 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!
Mar 31, 2022
  
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Merissa (12066 KP) rated Code Blue (Atrous Series #2) in Books

Feb 23, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)  
Code Blue (Atrous Series #2)
Code Blue (Atrous Series #2)
N.R. Walker | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
CODE BLUE is a follow-up to Code Red, the first in this duo. Now, I LOVED Code Red, so this one can't possibly be as good, can it? It's an N.R. Walker book - OF COURSE, it can!!!

I got my wish - I got more of Steve and Jeremy. What I wasn't prepared for was how much I would fall in love with both of them as they struggle with certain feelings, situations, and people.

Told completely from Steve's point of view, we see him struggle with his love for Jeremy when a stalker becomes apparent. He also has secrets from his past that come back to bite him in the butt, but which help to explain his feelings. Jeremy is also struggling with his health, which doesn't help matters. Code Red was on tour, this one is mainly at Jeremy's home for reasons that become apparent. And, yes, the name of the book means something!

I was so happy to see Moscoe here and the support they provided. The epilogue had me in tears for both couples, but then I'm sappy that way.

This was an amazing sequel and I'm delighted N.R. Walker wrote it. This is definitely a duology for me to buy in paperback, so I can look at them on my shelves, and fall in love with them all over again.

Absolutely fantastic and completely and utterly 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!
Feb 23, 2022
  
Fly by Night
Fly by Night
Frances Hardinge | 2005 | Children
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
116 of 220
Kindle
Fly by Night ( Book 1)
By Frances Hardinge
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A fantastic adventure story set in an alternative historical world that launches the career of a uniquely talented children's writer. In a fractured Realm, struggling to maintain an uneasy peace after years of civil war and religious tyrrany, a 12- year- old orphan and a homicidal goose become the accidental heroes of a revolution. Mosca has spent her life in a miserable hamlet, where her father was banished for writing inflammatory books about tolerance and freedom. Now he is dead, and Mosca is on the run after unintentionally setting fire to a mill. With a delightful swindler named Eponymous Clent, she heads for the city of Mandelion. A born liar, Mosca lives by her wits in a world of highwaymen and smugglers, dangerously insane rulers in ludicrous wigs, secret agents and radical plotters. She is recruited as a spy by the fanatical Mabwick Toke, leader of the Guild of Stationers, who fears losing his control over the publication of every book in the state. Mosca's activities reveal a plot to force a rule of terror on the Realm, and merry mayhem soon leads to murder..

I really enjoyed this. A girl trying to escape her fate she releases a prisoner and becomes his aide this is a full adventure for her and as she goes she learns a lot about herself and who to trust. It’s a hard road for Mosca but she has her pet goose to help her through. It’s a quirky world inspired by English history. Where books are dangerous.
  
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
2014 | Action, Sci-Fi
Chris Evan as Steve Rogers/Captain America Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow Sebastian stan as Bucky Barnes/The winter soldier The rest of the cast Fury's car chase The elevator scene (1 more)
The highway fight scene Cap and Bucky's final fight Cap and Bucky's relationship The political intrigue Antony Mackie as Falcon
Nothing (0 more)
"i'm with you till the end of the line"
Man 2014 sure was a fantastic year for Marvel! Not only did we get Guardians of the Galaxy, but also Captain America the Winter Soldier, a film that I honestly didn’t really appreciate all that much when I first saw it, as back then I wasn’t all that interested in the plots of these films more then I was just seeing the cool characters and fight scenes. But upon rewatching this I was legitimately blown away by how jaw dropping good this was, because not only is this an amazing movie that completely surpasses the first film on every level with it’s excellent story and standout action sequences, but also serves as a great action thriller, and surprisingly, a political satire that reflects the corruption that lies in our very own government. And sure Jon Favreau and Joss Whedon did great jobs with their inclusions in the franchise, but the Russo brothers just absolutely nailed it with this film.

And what makes Winter Soldier so good and entertaining, is it’s extremely captivating story. I was so invested in it that I couldn’t take my eyes off of the screen, I focused and paid attention to every line of dialogue that was said by these characters, as well as every easter egg and reference, which trust me, there are a lot of! This film also features a ton of different twists and turns which on my first viewing way back in 2014, really had me shocked, and though rewatching it five years later doesn’t at all have the same impact on me that it once did, it still is highly entertaining, and some scenes do actually still hold that element of surprise with their abrupt sequences. And while technically they’re not in that jump scare category, the were some parts of the movie that really caught me off guard and made my heart stop for a moment. One aspect about this movie that I thought was very interesting and added a sense of realism to the plot, was the political satire that was excellently interwoven into the storyline of the movie, and like I said, really made the film feel very grounded because it reflects all of the corruption lying within our very own government, and for Captain America to want to expose that and put a stop to it really when you think about it lines up perfectly with Steve’s very patriotic attitude and outlook. I mean he’s Captain America for crying out loud!

All of the performances in this film are absolutely phenomenal! Chris Evans, Scarlet Johansson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan, as well as Anthony Mackie. And if that’s not good enough we’ve got freaking Samuel L. Jackson reprising he role as Nick Fury. What more could you possibly ask for in terms of casting, I mean seriously! There is not a single bad or bland performance, and everyone gets to shine with their own great and memorable moments. But for me the standout of this movie is Sebastian Stan as the Winter Soldier. Holy crap! This is the definition of a badass villain, and he owns every scene he is in. Whenever he shows up on screen and starts taking down guys your heart just starts beating faster and faster, and I was on the edge of my seat when watching the nail biting action scenes he shows up in. So gold star to the Russo brothers for not giving us another two dimensional baddie just there to be evil, as well as being a typical MCU villain. Yeah I’m looking at you Darren Cross! Overall just fantastic performances.

The action scenes in this movie are amazing, and you can really tell that the filmmakers as well as the Russos really put a lot of effort in these sequences, as they are choreographed and shot so well, and the way the directors move the camera really adds a whole other intense and exhilarating edge to these already intense scenes. The highway scene in particular is probably one of, if not the best part of the movie, I mean it’s just perfection, and that’s mainly because of the excellent choreography and directing, that Joe and Anthony Russo definitely put a lot of time into getting just right. And they not only did it right, they did it masterfully! Henry Jackman’s score for the film is so good as well, and it may just be in my top ten favorite soundtracks of all time. And the Winter Soldier’s theme is just downright fantastic as well as absolutely terrifying!

So that’s my review. This is a film that really surpassed my low expectations when rewatching this for the first time in a few years. And with it’s great storyline and characters, as well as it’s amazing performances and action sequences, which kept me enthralled and entertained the entire time, Winter Soldier proves that it is not just a great Captain America movie, or MCU addition, and that it is just an amazing film in general.
  
Kill the Father
Kill the Father
Sandrone Dazieri | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Filled with Twists and Turns
This was one of the better thriller/mystery novels I have read so far this year. Wow. It was well written, filled with lots of twists and turns and the way everything is tied together is fantastic and makes the writing flow to keep you engaged and the pages turning.

The characters speak for themselves. They’re heavily flawed and are dealing with horrible pasts. I like both of them and Dante and Colomba do make a great team. Dante certainly has his quirks and his mannerisms due to his being a previous kidnapping victim. It feels like they certainly complement each other and they have an amazing chemistry when working together. They’re both very strong characters, no doubt.

If any of you have read The Monster’s Daughter by Michelle Pretorius I found some similarities between Colomba and Alet in the fact they both don’t take crap and go beyond their limits to solve things and they’re certainly not afraid to take a swing or kick to make their point across (Colomba has a good share of that throughout the book)

The plot was really good and what I really enjoyed reading the most was the way everything was seamless and how it was put together. Everything that happened to Colomba and Dante was related and well explained. The explanation as to the origins of Colomba’s situation was very well done! I enjoyed that aspect of the plot. The only thing is, the book is rather long and the plot a bit on the slow side but it’s nevertheless a great read and going through the twists and turns was completely worth it.

And yes, there’s a cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait to read the second one.