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Merissa (13489 KP) rated Double Alchemy (Double Alchemy #1) in Books
Mar 20, 2018
Double Alchemy (Double Alchemy #1) by Susan Mac Nicol
Double Alchemy is the first book in the Double Alchemy duology. We meet Quinn, the Grand Master of the Warlocks, who has grown up knowing his role in life, and takes it very seriously. However, when he meets Cade, the attraction they feel for each other is off the charts! Cade is 'just' a human, or so he thinks. Then they find out that Cade has some elemental in his genealogy, which goes some way to explain the attraction. What happens with Cade and Quinn takes a back seat though when an old enemy, who Quinn thought was dead, turns up to cause mayhem and chaos.
This is a wonderful paranormal book that delves into the world of witches, Warlocks, and Withinners (still not sure why witches is the only one not capitalised though). With an in-depth world and social structure, this book was a delight to read. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one scene/time to the next flowed very nicely indeed. I am looking forward to finding out more about Quinn and Cade, being as they are both mysterious characters indeed.
A great paranormal book, and 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!
This is a wonderful paranormal book that delves into the world of witches, Warlocks, and Withinners (still not sure why witches is the only one not capitalised though). With an in-depth world and social structure, this book was a delight to read. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one scene/time to the next flowed very nicely indeed. I am looking forward to finding out more about Quinn and Cade, being as they are both mysterious characters indeed.
A great paranormal book, and 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 am giving this first book a 4.5 stars, because, while I really enjoyed reading it, there were a few points where if got a bit too much for me. If you have read it, you'll understand what I mean. Also, like always, this is a spoiler alert as there will most likely be a bunch of spoilers in this review. So you have been warned.
I can honestly say that I loved the relationship between the two main characters. They have such a deep love for one another and it is refreshing to see. They also have a pretty healthy relationship for the circumstances they are under.
It was cool to start the series in the middle of so much chaos, just like how the characters are in their lives at that time. I like how they set up the rules of the world by explaining it through the daughter as if she is telling us the story.
All the characters, in general, are very compelling and multifaceted, something I (obviously) appreciate a lot.
This was a very good exposition graphic novel that is setting up the rest of the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
The artwork is phenomenal. I cannot express enough how amazing it is! Props to the artists who worked on this, because I feel like they don't get enough credit. So if you're reading this, very well done!!
I can honestly say that I loved the relationship between the two main characters. They have such a deep love for one another and it is refreshing to see. They also have a pretty healthy relationship for the circumstances they are under.
It was cool to start the series in the middle of so much chaos, just like how the characters are in their lives at that time. I like how they set up the rules of the world by explaining it through the daughter as if she is telling us the story.
All the characters, in general, are very compelling and multifaceted, something I (obviously) appreciate a lot.
This was a very good exposition graphic novel that is setting up the rest of the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
The artwork is phenomenal. I cannot express enough how amazing it is! Props to the artists who worked on this, because I feel like they don't get enough credit. So if you're reading this, very well done!!
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Akrotiri in Tabletop Games
Mar 14, 2018
map system is odd yet satisfying and interesting (1 more)
I like the theme
A two player tactical game of exploring temples with a very interesting map system.
Imagine you are in ancient greece looking at a map for an ancient buried temple. The map say there are 2 forests to the north, and 2 volcanoes to the south, and 3 mountains to the west. Now you have to not only find that place, but to discover the mountains, forests, and mountains as well. You physically discover them by placing the tiles, so you actually are creating the physical landscape to match the maps. This is the most interesting part of the game in my opinion. There's also a market system to gaining money, and a point based movement system to get around, but getting around is relatively easy with water routes you can use to get pretty far quickly, So movement is not really a hinderance, and does feel a bit like cheating sometimes. it's really only when the water routes don't connect and you have to traverse the land that makes it hard to get around. But you have to create the map that way to cause it. Overall it's an interesting 2 player game with some good replayability and as you get better at building the maps you get better and quicker at the game. I enjoyed it enough to own it.
Merissa (13489 KP) rated The Finding (Law of the Lycans, #5) in Books
Mar 26, 2018
The Finding (Law of the Lycans #5) by Nicky Charles
The Finding wraps up the story of Cassandra, Marla, and Leon Aldrich. In this book, Bryan manages to find Cassandra and heads off to Vegas to bring her back. He has been obsessed with finding her for years, and now it's his chance. Although Cassandra is having 'fun' in Vegas, she still has no wish to become a wolf, or part of a pack - not after watching her uncle be murdered by one. Through a series of events, Cassandra doesn't really have a choice, and Bryan does all he can for her. We also get to spend some time with Ryne and Mel, and Kane and Elise, which leads nicely onto Damien's book.
I will say that the parts with Marla and her wolf were excellent writing. Marla went from being the big bad, to one you feel sorry for. Franklin is another superb character, and I love the idea of him, Mrs Teasdale, and Meredith wandering around doing their thing! Read it, you'll find out what I mean.
Another excellently written story by Nicky Charles, finishing this round of stories (for now). I'm very glad I've got around to reading them now, although I'm sorry it's taken me five years to do so. If you want a thick paranormal read to sink your teeth into, then I can highly recommend this book and the series.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I will say that the parts with Marla and her wolf were excellent writing. Marla went from being the big bad, to one you feel sorry for. Franklin is another superb character, and I love the idea of him, Mrs Teasdale, and Meredith wandering around doing their thing! Read it, you'll find out what I mean.
Another excellently written story by Nicky Charles, finishing this round of stories (for now). I'm very glad I've got around to reading them now, although I'm sorry it's taken me five years to do so. If you want a thick paranormal read to sink your teeth into, then I can highly recommend this book and the series.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Sweet Pepper Hero (Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mystery #4) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this cozy! It was my first trip to Sweet Pepper Tennessee, even though this is book 4 in the series. There was plenty of explanation along the way regarding people and places, so I didnÂ’t feel at all lost jumping in at this point.
In this story, Stella has to find her kidnapped ghost friend, Eric, and investigate a string of illegal still explosions and fires. There are an abundance of suspects, some within the police department itself, and as she gets too close to the truth, Stella finds her own life may be at risk.
I always enjoy a story with a strong, intelligent female lead character, and Stella fit the bill perfectly. She is not perfect, and needs her circle of volunteer firefighters, friends, and her ghost-roommate to keep her out of trouble, but she has a good head on her shoulders and does a decent job taking care of herself.
As with many cozy mysteries, Sweet Pepper Hero includes some great looking recipes in the back. Personally, I am a big fan of the sweet / hot combination of chocolate and chilis, so I canÂ’t wait to give one of these a try!
<u>Recipes include:</u>
Chocolate Cookies with a Bite
Tennessee Whiskey Cake with Cherries
Lemon Habanero Cookies
<i>Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review</i>
In this story, Stella has to find her kidnapped ghost friend, Eric, and investigate a string of illegal still explosions and fires. There are an abundance of suspects, some within the police department itself, and as she gets too close to the truth, Stella finds her own life may be at risk.
I always enjoy a story with a strong, intelligent female lead character, and Stella fit the bill perfectly. She is not perfect, and needs her circle of volunteer firefighters, friends, and her ghost-roommate to keep her out of trouble, but she has a good head on her shoulders and does a decent job taking care of herself.
As with many cozy mysteries, Sweet Pepper Hero includes some great looking recipes in the back. Personally, I am a big fan of the sweet / hot combination of chocolate and chilis, so I canÂ’t wait to give one of these a try!
<u>Recipes include:</u>
Chocolate Cookies with a Bite
Tennessee Whiskey Cake with Cherries
Lemon Habanero Cookies
<i>Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review</i>
Dracoria Malfoy (690 KP) rated A Court of Frost and Starlight: Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Jun 12, 2018
WALL SEX. FINALLY.
Contains spoilers, click to show
As you can see from my title, I was most excited about the wall sex we've been promised for two books. However, there were other things in this book that I loved so, so much.
First of all - RHYSIE!!! They used that name!! Canonically!! My bb High Lord was amazing as always. And the way Maas explained what Feyre was going through was positively poetic at times. It was so good.
Bryaxis??? Is still lost?? And if you don't find that hilarious, you are incredibly disappointing.
And my Illyrian Babies!! These are 500-year-old fae males, and they have annual snowball fights. If you don't think that's the most adorable thing ever, then you are also incredibly disappointing. The bois were a big mood throughout the entire book, and I loved it so, so, so much.
My sweetheart Mor deserves none of this shit btw. THREE SPIKES. EXCUSE MOI?? This isn't allowed; I almost cried.
Nesta's PTSD was well-written, as well as the tension between her and Cass. Also, the I don't want Cassian to know I'm reading Smut face is also my favorite face.
And, of course, smut. It was well-written, as usual, but I feel it could have been better. And longer.
Thank you for listening to me freak out about my children like there's no tomorrow.
PS I might add more in the comments, so stay tuned.
First of all - RHYSIE!!! They used that name!! Canonically!! My bb High Lord was amazing as always. And the way Maas explained what Feyre was going through was positively poetic at times. It was so good.
Bryaxis??? Is still lost?? And if you don't find that hilarious, you are incredibly disappointing.
And my Illyrian Babies!! These are 500-year-old fae males, and they have annual snowball fights. If you don't think that's the most adorable thing ever, then you are also incredibly disappointing. The bois were a big mood throughout the entire book, and I loved it so, so, so much.
My sweetheart Mor deserves none of this shit btw. THREE SPIKES. EXCUSE MOI?? This isn't allowed; I almost cried.
Nesta's PTSD was well-written, as well as the tension between her and Cass. Also, the I don't want Cassian to know I'm reading Smut face is also my favorite face.
And, of course, smut. It was well-written, as usual, but I feel it could have been better. And longer.
Thank you for listening to me freak out about my children like there's no tomorrow.
PS I might add more in the comments, so stay tuned.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) in Movies
Jun 6, 2018 (Updated Jun 7, 2018)
Star Trek: the Motion Picture - more gruelling to make, or to watch? We may never know the answer. Actually, viewed these days, it's not quite that bad - Enterprise crew reconvene after big cloud is sighted on a course for Earth. Many conversations ensue, intercut with stately special effects sequences which feel like they go on forever. Mainly because they do.
To be honest, if you stop thinking about TMP as a movie and view it instead as the most lavish TV pilot in history, many of its problems are a bit more understandable. It explains why the crew take ages getting back together, and why they don't really seem like their old selves until near the end. It explains why much time is devoted to introducing new characters (even if they don't, in the end, make it out of the movie alive - although Will and Ilia were sort of reincarnated as Will and Deanna some years later). It doesn't really explain why the plot is so derivative of TV Trek, but you can't have everything I suppose.
It is true you can get a very good sense of the history of Star Trek without ever watching this movie, and also that the first three minutes may actually be the most engaging bit of it. But if you're watching it at all, you'll most likely have enough affection for the original characters to overlook the numerous flaws in the film.
To be honest, if you stop thinking about TMP as a movie and view it instead as the most lavish TV pilot in history, many of its problems are a bit more understandable. It explains why the crew take ages getting back together, and why they don't really seem like their old selves until near the end. It explains why much time is devoted to introducing new characters (even if they don't, in the end, make it out of the movie alive - although Will and Ilia were sort of reincarnated as Will and Deanna some years later). It doesn't really explain why the plot is so derivative of TV Trek, but you can't have everything I suppose.
It is true you can get a very good sense of the history of Star Trek without ever watching this movie, and also that the first three minutes may actually be the most engaging bit of it. But if you're watching it at all, you'll most likely have enough affection for the original characters to overlook the numerous flaws in the film.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Alhambra in Tabletop Games
May 31, 2018
Simple, (3 more)
Elegant
Good Depth
tons of expansions that make the game better
Great Tile Laying Game, with interesting economic system
I love this game, it's great. Simple elegant. each turn you either buy tile and add them to your city, or you take money to prepare for the next turn. which makes turns relatively quick. but the depth of press your luck and anticipating what others might want is strong. There are plenty of expansions. I have the big box and you can pick and choose which ones you want to use, but each makes the game longer, so prepare yourself for longer games, which sometimes you want, other time is can drag because of it. One expansion allows you to take a tile out of turn if you can pay for it with exact change, we love that one. and there are exchange cards which allows you to convert blue money to orange money and we adore those cards too. This game has the quick feel of Ticket to Ride, with the Tile laying of Carcassone, but also the market system and a reward for paying with the exact right amount, so you have to decide if it's worth over paying for or you can be patient and get it with just the right amount. Also I highly recommend checking out Grenada which is a just a little more depth to it.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Switch It Up in Books
Jul 12, 2018
This is my very first Sara Brookes novel and I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised by it. I was browsing NetGalley when this book stood out to me. I'm glad that I was accepted to read this book.
I will admit, mfm is one of my favorite genres on the more taboo side of romance. Unfortunately, not many authors know how to write the book where it is believable and sexy. Sara Brooks, seemed to find that medium where everything was good and a little more believable.
I loved the fact that this book took place over a long period of time. There was instant connection but not insta love which i really appreciated. The characters were fun to read though I would have liked a little more growth when it came to the main characters. For some reason though I know there was growth, I just feel like there should have been more.
I will admit that this book was a change up because it features two bisexual men and one woman. I'm not one for the male on male scenes so those were interesting to read even though they're not my cup of tea.
All in all, I enjoyed it. I liked the concept. Loved the fact that two of the characters were geeks and I will definitely add Sara Brookes to my "author to follow" list.
*If you didn't already catch it, I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will admit, mfm is one of my favorite genres on the more taboo side of romance. Unfortunately, not many authors know how to write the book where it is believable and sexy. Sara Brooks, seemed to find that medium where everything was good and a little more believable.
I loved the fact that this book took place over a long period of time. There was instant connection but not insta love which i really appreciated. The characters were fun to read though I would have liked a little more growth when it came to the main characters. For some reason though I know there was growth, I just feel like there should have been more.
I will admit that this book was a change up because it features two bisexual men and one woman. I'm not one for the male on male scenes so those were interesting to read even though they're not my cup of tea.
All in all, I enjoyed it. I liked the concept. Loved the fact that two of the characters were geeks and I will definitely add Sara Brookes to my "author to follow" list.
*If you didn't already catch it, I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2450 KP) rated Marked Masters in Books
Jul 3, 2018
More Intrigue in the Art World
This book opens with Laurel Beacham in Florida with Jack Hawkes. Despite what they have just gone through in the first book in this series, Laurel still doesn’t trust Jack and is only reluctantly working with him. He is keeping too many secrets from her while demanding she share everything she know. They are continuing to work together, however, in order to stop a major art heist, and Florida is their most promising lead. A kidnapping and a dead body prove that they are on the right track. Will they learn more about the plans in order to stop the heist? Or will they be stopped permanently?
There is a strong on-going story line in this series involving an upcoming art heist, so I definitely recommend you read these books in order. In fact, I wish I had read this one closer to the first. The author does do a good job of filling in the blanks on what has happened before, which helped me remember the events of the first book. The story starts strong and keeps going from twist to turn as the pages fly by, resolving enough to make this book feel like it has resolved while still leaving plenty for Laurel and Jack to face in the next book. The duo make for intriguing leads, and the characters we meet along the way hold our interest as well.
There is a strong on-going story line in this series involving an upcoming art heist, so I definitely recommend you read these books in order. In fact, I wish I had read this one closer to the first. The author does do a good job of filling in the blanks on what has happened before, which helped me remember the events of the first book. The story starts strong and keeps going from twist to turn as the pages fly by, resolving enough to make this book feel like it has resolved while still leaving plenty for Laurel and Jack to face in the next book. The duo make for intriguing leads, and the characters we meet along the way hold our interest as well.