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Influenced
10.0
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A MILLION LIKES vs. ONE TRUE LOVE Bryce Bauman is one half of a famous influencer couple…until...
Contemporary MM Romance
David McK (3562 KP) rated Thrawn Ascendancy Book II: Greater Good in Books
Sep 4, 2022
Timothy Zahn and Grand Admiral Thrawn go way back.
Back to the early 90s, when Zahn first introduced the character in Heir to the Empire, and 'kickstarted' the old Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU), now known as Star Wars: Legends.
Thrawn is one of the few characters (so far) mined from said EU and carried over the the Disney era of Star Wars, which is no surprise giving his popularity.
What may be slightly surprising, however, is (IMO) just how 'different' this version of the character feels: not better nor worse, just different. In the case of this novel (part 2 of a trilogy, after Chaos Rising but before Lesser Evil, what is also surprising is just how loosely connected to the rest of the Star Wars sandbox universe this is - I mean this as in there are no Jedi or Sith, no lightsabres, no Old Republic, no Seperatists, no Empire and no Rebellion.
Indeed, as before, the very opening sentence of the novel makes that clear: "A long time ago, beyond a galaxy far far away ..."
The Star Wars 'sandbox', of course, is more than big enough to accommodate such a departure, with those who have read part one of the trilogy knowing more of what to expect: Thrawn's tactical genius but political blindness, a few 'large scale' space battles and individuals in the Chiss family to which Thrawn belongs seeking to undermine him whilst other shadowy figures also have their own design for the Chiss Ascendency ...
Back to the early 90s, when Zahn first introduced the character in Heir to the Empire, and 'kickstarted' the old Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU), now known as Star Wars: Legends.
Thrawn is one of the few characters (so far) mined from said EU and carried over the the Disney era of Star Wars, which is no surprise giving his popularity.
What may be slightly surprising, however, is (IMO) just how 'different' this version of the character feels: not better nor worse, just different. In the case of this novel (part 2 of a trilogy, after Chaos Rising but before Lesser Evil, what is also surprising is just how loosely connected to the rest of the Star Wars sandbox universe this is - I mean this as in there are no Jedi or Sith, no lightsabres, no Old Republic, no Seperatists, no Empire and no Rebellion.
Indeed, as before, the very opening sentence of the novel makes that clear: "A long time ago, beyond a galaxy far far away ..."
The Star Wars 'sandbox', of course, is more than big enough to accommodate such a departure, with those who have read part one of the trilogy knowing more of what to expect: Thrawn's tactical genius but political blindness, a few 'large scale' space battles and individuals in the Chiss family to which Thrawn belongs seeking to undermine him whilst other shadowy figures also have their own design for the Chiss Ascendency ...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated The Body in the Cornfield in Books
Dec 2, 2023 (Updated Dec 2, 2023)
Actor Dead in an Oklahoma Cornfield
Drew Brauner has taken a part time job working for the historic Rose Creek outdoor amphitheater helping with their upcoming live streamed production of Oklahoma! However, the lead actor is causing problems, not the least of which is the fact that he always shows up for rehearsals drunk. However, when Drew’s friend Makenzie Selkirk goes to learn more about a windmill being set up on a nearby farm, she finds the body of the actor in the cornfield. Soon, the other members of their new book club are drawn into the case. Will they figure out what happened?
I loved the first book in the series and couldn’t wait to dive into this one. I missed the group scenes and the scenes building the friendships between the four leads. However, I did love spending time with all of them again and watching the characters grow. Each of them contributes something to the case, and I appreciate how the author balances the four lead characters. That also includes giving them various motives to investigate the case. We have plenty of suspects but not very many clues, yet the story never drags. I did find the climax a little weak, but it did answer all our questions. Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with the characters. If you are looking for a series with a strong group of main characters, this is one to check out.
I loved the first book in the series and couldn’t wait to dive into this one. I missed the group scenes and the scenes building the friendships between the four leads. However, I did love spending time with all of them again and watching the characters grow. Each of them contributes something to the case, and I appreciate how the author balances the four lead characters. That also includes giving them various motives to investigate the case. We have plenty of suspects but not very many clues, yet the story never drags. I did find the climax a little weak, but it did answer all our questions. Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with the characters. If you are looking for a series with a strong group of main characters, this is one to check out.
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Avarice (Reagalos #3) in Books
Nov 4, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
AVARICE is the third book in the Reagalos series and we begin where we finished the last book. Lornyc is bogged down by the minutiae of ruling multiple kingdoms, Methian is stepping into his role more as Heir (still want more of him stepping up though), and things are about to get complicated.
I'm going to be 100% honest here - when they arrived in Beher, I thought we were in for a bit of the same old, same old. Methian pretends to like other people; Lornyc doesn't like it. Methian had a multitude of lovers that Lornyc has to deal with; Lornyc had one and Methian can't deal.
INSTEAD, what I got swept me away, and I loved that! I was taken by surprise with the direction this book took me, and I can't thank the author enough! Methian has proven his loyalty to Lornyc beyond a doubt. The Caveer Guards are something else, and I am enjoying them more and more. The story develops even more, giving me twists and turns that fully kept my attention. I was absolutely engrossed with how this one went, and I honestly can't wait for the next one.
This series just gets better and better. Highly 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!
Nov 4, 2021
I'm going to be 100% honest here - when they arrived in Beher, I thought we were in for a bit of the same old, same old. Methian pretends to like other people; Lornyc doesn't like it. Methian had a multitude of lovers that Lornyc has to deal with; Lornyc had one and Methian can't deal.
INSTEAD, what I got swept me away, and I loved that! I was taken by surprise with the direction this book took me, and I can't thank the author enough! Methian has proven his loyalty to Lornyc beyond a doubt. The Caveer Guards are something else, and I am enjoying them more and more. The story develops even more, giving me twists and turns that fully kept my attention. I was absolutely engrossed with how this one went, and I honestly can't wait for the next one.
This series just gets better and better. Highly 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!
Nov 4, 2021
If I Were A Weapon (All These Gifts #1)
8.0
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See the future. Set things on fire. Fall in love? A superpowered sci-fi romance. When dying alien...
Science Fiction FF Romance
Merissa (12914 KP) rated All's Fair in Pucks and War (A Rush Hockey Trilogy #2) in Books
Jun 6, 2023
ALL'S FAIR IN PUCKS AND WAR is the second book in Rosie and Joel's story. You really do need to have read book one to understand even the first page, so I highly recommend you read it! As for this one...
My head is still whirling from everything that has happened! Maybe the town is classed as quiet, but Rosie and Joel's lives certainly aren't. Not only are they trying to forge a relationship but they have so much extra cr&p thrown at them, it's a wonder they even know what day it is.
There are epiphanies in here - on both sides - that make it so realistic. I loved them. Willow though? Sob story or not, I still don't like her and can't wait to see just how deeply she is involved. As for the rest of it... I can't comment! No, seriously, I just can't. Not without giving something away and I refuse to do that. Let's just say the ending is a complete cliffhanger (again) but this one didn't come as a surprise. I'm just left on tenterhooks wanting to see how it all ties in.
So much going on and yet so much still left unanswered! Can't wait for book 3.
** 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!
Jun 6, 2023
My head is still whirling from everything that has happened! Maybe the town is classed as quiet, but Rosie and Joel's lives certainly aren't. Not only are they trying to forge a relationship but they have so much extra cr&p thrown at them, it's a wonder they even know what day it is.
There are epiphanies in here - on both sides - that make it so realistic. I loved them. Willow though? Sob story or not, I still don't like her and can't wait to see just how deeply she is involved. As for the rest of it... I can't comment! No, seriously, I just can't. Not without giving something away and I refuse to do that. Let's just say the ending is a complete cliffhanger (again) but this one didn't come as a surprise. I'm just left on tenterhooks wanting to see how it all ties in.
So much going on and yet so much still left unanswered! Can't wait for book 3.
** 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!
Jun 6, 2023
The Killer’s Wife
Book
A serial killer, a woman on the run, and an obsessive parole officer tangle in a psychological net...
Psychological Thriller Suspense
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Love Potions (Warlocks MacGregor #1) in Books
Jul 5, 2023
LOVE POTIONS is the first book in the Warlocks MacGregor series and we are introduced to a whole clan of Scots, soon to be living in Wisconsin. They buy a big house on a hill, but there is a small Victorian property within their boundary that is occupied by Lydia. Her grandmother left her the house when she died, and she runs her business from there, having no intention of leaving. There is insta-lust between the two of them from the very beginning. With outside forces and the clan to contend with, will Lydia cope?
Well, she did, but I didn't. I love this author but I only found this book to be okay. Whether it was the whiplash changes of feelings, to the "I'm looking in his eyes so I can't think," or the multitude of clan members that seemed to roll into one, or even stupid behaviour. It was just too much crazy chaos for me.
The world-building was good, giving the reader insight into how the warlocks 'paid' for their magic. I didn't really see much character-building though. They just... were, and that was that.
If you like Urban Fantasy and/or Rom-Com, then you will probably love this book. For me, I enjoyed it but I won't be continuing with the series.
** 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!
Jul 5, 2023
Well, she did, but I didn't. I love this author but I only found this book to be okay. Whether it was the whiplash changes of feelings, to the "I'm looking in his eyes so I can't think," or the multitude of clan members that seemed to roll into one, or even stupid behaviour. It was just too much crazy chaos for me.
The world-building was good, giving the reader insight into how the warlocks 'paid' for their magic. I didn't really see much character-building though. They just... were, and that was that.
If you like Urban Fantasy and/or Rom-Com, then you will probably love this book. For me, I enjoyed it but I won't be continuing with the series.
** 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!
Jul 5, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Adapt (Forgotten Affinities 2) in Books
Feb 24, 2024
35 of 220
Kindle
Adapt ( Forgotten Affinities 2)
By Analeigh Ford
⭐️⭐️
I have three months to prove I can control my powers. This time, I am going to have to do it alone.
The…incident…at Homecoming left the New York Academy of Mages reeling. I don’t mind that Whitney fears me, so long as it means she leaves me alone. But I don’t like the feeling that my best friend might be beginning to become afraid of me as well.
They aren’t the only ones acting strangely.
The principal is suddenly acting on my behalf even though he was the one to try and get my powers stripped in the first place. Draven says he’s out of the mage crime syndicate for good, but even I know that those kinds of organizations don’t let mages like him go. Not really, not ever. I want to believe that the affection Flynn is showing me is genuine, but instead I get the feeling that he’s keeping a secret from me.
Even Kendall is acting distant and brooding, and I don’t know why. Cedric is the only one among them who’s acting normal—until I suggest his father’s uncharacteristic kindness might be rooted in something sinister.
There are plans at work here that I am only beginning to understand. Even now, with everything I know, it may already be too late.
I don’t like giving books 1 star so I settled for 2. It wasn’t awful but it was brilliant either started off on them I just got bored.
Kindle
Adapt ( Forgotten Affinities 2)
By Analeigh Ford
⭐️⭐️
I have three months to prove I can control my powers. This time, I am going to have to do it alone.
The…incident…at Homecoming left the New York Academy of Mages reeling. I don’t mind that Whitney fears me, so long as it means she leaves me alone. But I don’t like the feeling that my best friend might be beginning to become afraid of me as well.
They aren’t the only ones acting strangely.
The principal is suddenly acting on my behalf even though he was the one to try and get my powers stripped in the first place. Draven says he’s out of the mage crime syndicate for good, but even I know that those kinds of organizations don’t let mages like him go. Not really, not ever. I want to believe that the affection Flynn is showing me is genuine, but instead I get the feeling that he’s keeping a secret from me.
Even Kendall is acting distant and brooding, and I don’t know why. Cedric is the only one among them who’s acting normal—until I suggest his father’s uncharacteristic kindness might be rooted in something sinister.
There are plans at work here that I am only beginning to understand. Even now, with everything I know, it may already be too late.
I don’t like giving books 1 star so I settled for 2. It wasn’t awful but it was brilliant either started off on them I just got bored.
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Braided Dimensions (Braided Dimensions #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2024
BRAIDED DIMENSIONS is the first book in the series of the same name. We meet Kay, an ex-professor now working in a job she dislikes. She is a loner and drifting. One Halloween, she goes out and enjoys herself. When she decides to have her own garden patch, she meets the same people and now has her own little group. On her way home from the Halloween night out, something strange happens to her, leading her down a rabbit hole into ancient Wales.
One thing I need to mention first... it is SO good to read something set in Wales rather than Ireland! I have nothing against Ireland, but there are other Celtic countries out there, although you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
This was an enjoyable story that took place both in the present and the past. I love the group of friends Kay has. It is full of paganism and mysticism, although written as both specialised and general day-to-day knowledge. The blending of the two lives is well-written, giving the reader Kay's sense of confusion as she tries to understand what is happening.
This is definitely a series so be prepared to be left with questions at the end, which will leave you wanting more.
** 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!
Apr 15, 2024
One thing I need to mention first... it is SO good to read something set in Wales rather than Ireland! I have nothing against Ireland, but there are other Celtic countries out there, although you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
This was an enjoyable story that took place both in the present and the past. I love the group of friends Kay has. It is full of paganism and mysticism, although written as both specialised and general day-to-day knowledge. The blending of the two lives is well-written, giving the reader Kay's sense of confusion as she tries to understand what is happening.
This is definitely a series so be prepared to be left with questions at the end, which will leave you wanting more.
** 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!
Apr 15, 2024