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Merissa (13169 KP) rated The Founder (A Broken World #4) in Books
Nov 29, 2023
The Founder is the fourth book in the Broken World series, but this book takes you on a different route than the previous three. In this one, Skye is by herself, not knowing if she will ever see Brennan again. Instead of running away from the enclave, she is running towards it. She is searching for her mother and will do whatever it takes to get answers. This book certainly has a different dynamic to the others - don't get me wrong, I love Skye. It was just a bit strange to only hear about her and not Brennan too. Instead, Skye manages to get a small group of friends, none of whom know who she really is, whilst she is searching for her mother.
This is one heck of a book, with more twists and turns than a maize maze! There were some parts that were quite technical, but my husband was fascinated when I read them out to him, so I guess it's just not my strong point! Instead, I found the interpersonal relationships intriguing, especially when one of Skye's creche-mates turns up.
This is part of a series, so it does you no good to read this as a standalone. You need to have read the others for it to make sense. However, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pace and integrity of the characters are just what I have come to expect from Dean Murray. Ending on a cliffhanger, it will definitely leave you wanting more. 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!
Nov 3, 2017
This is one heck of a book, with more twists and turns than a maize maze! There were some parts that were quite technical, but my husband was fascinated when I read them out to him, so I guess it's just not my strong point! Instead, I found the interpersonal relationships intriguing, especially when one of Skye's creche-mates turns up.
This is part of a series, so it does you no good to read this as a standalone. You need to have read the others for it to make sense. However, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pace and integrity of the characters are just what I have come to expect from Dean Murray. Ending on a cliffhanger, it will definitely leave you wanting more. 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!
Nov 3, 2017
ClareR (5950 KP) rated The Kingdoms in Books
Mar 6, 2022
I’m writing this review two weeks after finishing ‘The Kingdoms’, and I realise that I haven’t actually stopped thinking about it (off and on, obviously. I’m not THAT obsessed!). It’s one of those books that has really caught my imagination, and I’m certain that I’ll have to read it again at some point.
Basically (and I warn you: there’s nothing basic about this storyline!), Joe Tournier finds himself at a London train station, and realises that he doesn’t know how he got there, or who he is. A kind stranger takes him to the hospital where he’s diagnosed with amnesia. After a week at an asylum, his owner and his wife come to claim him. His French owner. He is a slave in Londres, which is occupied by the French after they won the Napoleonic Wars. But none of this feels right to him.
A month or so later, he receives a postcard written in illegal English, from a lighthouse in rebel Scotland - written 100 years ago. After gaining his freedom as a slave, Joe becomes an engineer, and is sent to the same lighthouse to make repairs. And that’s all I’ll say, because I really don’t want to spoil the story. I will say that there’s some jumping around in time, and it shows that if you change a small thing in the past, there can be huge ramifications in the future.
I loved the characters, the plot, the setting - just everything about it really appealed to me. I can’t say as I’ve read many books set mainly on boats, naval or otherwise. The rules and the running of the ships were really interesting, and the sea battles were gripping.
It’s a fabulous book, and I’d most definitely recommend it. Thanks to The Pigeonhole for the serialisation!
Basically (and I warn you: there’s nothing basic about this storyline!), Joe Tournier finds himself at a London train station, and realises that he doesn’t know how he got there, or who he is. A kind stranger takes him to the hospital where he’s diagnosed with amnesia. After a week at an asylum, his owner and his wife come to claim him. His French owner. He is a slave in Londres, which is occupied by the French after they won the Napoleonic Wars. But none of this feels right to him.
A month or so later, he receives a postcard written in illegal English, from a lighthouse in rebel Scotland - written 100 years ago. After gaining his freedom as a slave, Joe becomes an engineer, and is sent to the same lighthouse to make repairs. And that’s all I’ll say, because I really don’t want to spoil the story. I will say that there’s some jumping around in time, and it shows that if you change a small thing in the past, there can be huge ramifications in the future.
I loved the characters, the plot, the setting - just everything about it really appealed to me. I can’t say as I’ve read many books set mainly on boats, naval or otherwise. The rules and the running of the ships were really interesting, and the sea battles were gripping.
It’s a fabulous book, and I’d most definitely recommend it. Thanks to The Pigeonhole for the serialisation!
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Blood Bound (Youkai Bloodlines #3) in Books
Jan 19, 2022 (Updated Jul 5, 2023)
BLOOD BOUND is the third book in the Youkai Bloodlines series, and we continue with Hide and Hiro's story, with Asagi, of course!
Hide still can't show Hiro his affection, which leads to a chasm between them that seems as though it can't be breached. Hiro ends up leaving and, in doing so, finds friendship and love with a human, Takanori. Unfortunately, it was doomed from the beginning (human, remember!). Not only that, Taka becomes mortally ill.
Now, I'm going negative first, so be warned. I have no idea if it was my review copy, but none of the chapters gave any indication about who was speaking or even what year it was. This caused me confusion as I tried to figure out just what was going on and when, as we flip from times and characters as the story progresses. Each time it happened, I got kicked out of the story as I scrambled to keep up.
Moving to the positive - you get a beautiful but all-too-short romance with Taka and Hiro. PLUS, and this was a real benefit to me, you get the inside knowledge and history on Hide, Hiro, and even a little on Asagi. This really helped to put into perspective each character, their view of the world, and how they cope with it.
On the whole, this was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to find out where we go next. Absolutely 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!
Jan 19, 2022
Hide still can't show Hiro his affection, which leads to a chasm between them that seems as though it can't be breached. Hiro ends up leaving and, in doing so, finds friendship and love with a human, Takanori. Unfortunately, it was doomed from the beginning (human, remember!). Not only that, Taka becomes mortally ill.
Now, I'm going negative first, so be warned. I have no idea if it was my review copy, but none of the chapters gave any indication about who was speaking or even what year it was. This caused me confusion as I tried to figure out just what was going on and when, as we flip from times and characters as the story progresses. Each time it happened, I got kicked out of the story as I scrambled to keep up.
Moving to the positive - you get a beautiful but all-too-short romance with Taka and Hiro. PLUS, and this was a real benefit to me, you get the inside knowledge and history on Hide, Hiro, and even a little on Asagi. This really helped to put into perspective each character, their view of the world, and how they cope with it.
On the whole, this was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to find out where we go next. Absolutely 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!
Jan 19, 2022
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Odriel's Heirs (Odriel's Heirs #1) in Books
Jul 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
ODRIEL'S HEIRS is the first book in the series of the same name, and we are introduced to a fantasy world where the Heirs are there to protect the people, even when the people no longer believe in them.
Kaia is only seventeen and wants to be a normal girl. She is the Dragon's Heir by only six minutes, being the first-born of a set of twins. She gets on well with Time's Heir, Jago, but not so much with the Shadow's Heir, Klaus. Of course, I was immediately hoping for something to happen, because, you know, it's me.
I was swept away in a world familiar to me and yet so different. I loved the names of the animals, giving me unique creatures that were, at the same time, familiar. The world-building is second to none and the vistas were amazing.
There is a romantic element between Kaia and Klaus but it doesn't take over the whole story - just enough to keep me happy. They are ably supported by a host of characters with their own foibles. Most of whom I liked, some I loved, and some I loathed.
This was an emotional read and I will admit to having tears in my eyes on more than one occasion. I won't say more as I don't want to spoil it for anyone else, but it was everything I could have wished for, even as my heart broke.
A fabulous start to a series that I have loved and have no hesitation in recommending. Absolutely fantastic!
** 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!
Jul 28, 2021
Kaia is only seventeen and wants to be a normal girl. She is the Dragon's Heir by only six minutes, being the first-born of a set of twins. She gets on well with Time's Heir, Jago, but not so much with the Shadow's Heir, Klaus. Of course, I was immediately hoping for something to happen, because, you know, it's me.
I was swept away in a world familiar to me and yet so different. I loved the names of the animals, giving me unique creatures that were, at the same time, familiar. The world-building is second to none and the vistas were amazing.
There is a romantic element between Kaia and Klaus but it doesn't take over the whole story - just enough to keep me happy. They are ably supported by a host of characters with their own foibles. Most of whom I liked, some I loved, and some I loathed.
This was an emotional read and I will admit to having tears in my eyes on more than one occasion. I won't say more as I don't want to spoil it for anyone else, but it was everything I could have wished for, even as my heart broke.
A fabulous start to a series that I have loved and have no hesitation in recommending. Absolutely fantastic!
** 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!
Jul 28, 2021
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Luna Ascending (Wolves of Fenrir Watch #1) in Books
Jul 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
LUNA ASCENDING is the first book in the Wolves of Fenrir Watch and we find a world on the brink of war, with the humans blissfully unaware of anything.
Freya thinks she is human but there is something about her that will make you think otherwise. Maybe it's the dodgy electrics or the migraines, but from the very beginning, you know she isn't who she thinks she is. With two major factions after her, Freya needs to figure out just who she is before very much longer.
Whilst the premise of this story is a good one, the execution was a bit rough. I definitely wouldn't call it a romance as there is none. Erotica, maybe. I felt no connection between our main characters, not even the 'good' ones. There is a scene halfway through that is rape. She is coerced by a spell and thinks she wants it, but it's still rape. So be warned. The sex scenes between her and the other MC are hot (ish) but because of no connection, they still felt quite clinical. There was a lot of telling and not so much showing in this story.
It finishes on a cliffhanger and I am curious enough to want to continue this story and get some answers to the questions I have. It is very fast-paced, and with enough spelling and editorial errors to be worth mentioning. I found this to be a quick read but enjoyable.
TRIGGER WARNING - RAPE/DUB-CON/SEXUAL COERCION
** 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!
Jul 30, 2021
Freya thinks she is human but there is something about her that will make you think otherwise. Maybe it's the dodgy electrics or the migraines, but from the very beginning, you know she isn't who she thinks she is. With two major factions after her, Freya needs to figure out just who she is before very much longer.
Whilst the premise of this story is a good one, the execution was a bit rough. I definitely wouldn't call it a romance as there is none. Erotica, maybe. I felt no connection between our main characters, not even the 'good' ones. There is a scene halfway through that is rape. She is coerced by a spell and thinks she wants it, but it's still rape. So be warned. The sex scenes between her and the other MC are hot (ish) but because of no connection, they still felt quite clinical. There was a lot of telling and not so much showing in this story.
It finishes on a cliffhanger and I am curious enough to want to continue this story and get some answers to the questions I have. It is very fast-paced, and with enough spelling and editorial errors to be worth mentioning. I found this to be a quick read but enjoyable.
TRIGGER WARNING - RAPE/DUB-CON/SEXUAL COERCION
** 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!
Jul 30, 2021
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Hers, United (Hers, #5) in Books
Sep 16, 2022
So good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Hers series. It can be read as a stand alone, but personally I recommend you read the other books first.It will give you a better picture of this world and how much it has changed.
Riley is called into work to talk to two hybrids who want to kill each other. Talon has been tasked with bringing dagger back to face his punishment for abandoning his post. But there is more going on with these two than they will admit, at first, but Riley will get to the bottom it, and have them for herself. Assuming of course, she can keep them!
I love this series, I really do. The books change tack every time and twist and turn and pull you along for a very enjoyable ride!
While Dagger is a little more forthcoming with how he feels, it does take Talon a lot longer to finally admit to himself, at least, what he feels for Dagger. It takes Dagger's life being in danger for him to admit to Riley though!
I loved that we got to catch up with Kaitlyn and Roth. They both play a part here, but none of the other characters are mentioned. The previously troublesome Traditionalists are causing problems again, and things are bought to a head.
It's steamy, oh yes! Dagger is a perfect sub, although that title isn't given him, he does call Riley Mistress. It does mean he gets put in his place a time or two!
A thoroughly enjoyable, 4 star read. Not quite as good as book 4, but so close!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 5 in the Hers series. It can be read as a stand alone, but personally I recommend you read the other books first.It will give you a better picture of this world and how much it has changed.
Riley is called into work to talk to two hybrids who want to kill each other. Talon has been tasked with bringing dagger back to face his punishment for abandoning his post. But there is more going on with these two than they will admit, at first, but Riley will get to the bottom it, and have them for herself. Assuming of course, she can keep them!
I love this series, I really do. The books change tack every time and twist and turn and pull you along for a very enjoyable ride!
While Dagger is a little more forthcoming with how he feels, it does take Talon a lot longer to finally admit to himself, at least, what he feels for Dagger. It takes Dagger's life being in danger for him to admit to Riley though!
I loved that we got to catch up with Kaitlyn and Roth. They both play a part here, but none of the other characters are mentioned. The previously troublesome Traditionalists are causing problems again, and things are bought to a head.
It's steamy, oh yes! Dagger is a perfect sub, although that title isn't given him, he does call Riley Mistress. It does mean he gets put in his place a time or two!
A thoroughly enjoyable, 4 star read. Not quite as good as book 4, but so close!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3) in Books
Dec 31, 2022
226 of 230
Kindle
Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3)
By Darynda Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Paranormal Women's Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass, for anyone who feels like age is just a number!
Newly indoctrinated witch, Defiance Dayne, discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially if one is a charmling, one of only three in the world, with enough magics to make her a target for every power-hungry warlock out there. When one of them sends a hunter to town, she knows it’s time to take her talents seriously before the hunter takes her life.
She decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not. Die. Happy or otherwise.
None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent for her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.
This author never disappoints! I really am enjoying this series I think it’s quirky and love how it’s a middle aged normal woman as the lead. We see how finding her birth family and her magic changes her life and brings so many new people and adventures. Really worth a read as it’s easy to get into and a fun light read.
Kindle
Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3)
By Darynda Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Paranormal Women's Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass, for anyone who feels like age is just a number!
Newly indoctrinated witch, Defiance Dayne, discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially if one is a charmling, one of only three in the world, with enough magics to make her a target for every power-hungry warlock out there. When one of them sends a hunter to town, she knows it’s time to take her talents seriously before the hunter takes her life.
She decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not. Die. Happy or otherwise.
None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent for her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.
This author never disappoints! I really am enjoying this series I think it’s quirky and love how it’s a middle aged normal woman as the lead. We see how finding her birth family and her magic changes her life and brings so many new people and adventures. Really worth a read as it’s easy to get into and a fun light read.
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Pretend... (Oxley College #2) in Books
May 30, 2023
I will admit to being slightly confused when I started this, as I haven't read book 1 but I know that Olivia and Logan are together, and I have read book 3, in which Hex and Jordan get together. For some reason, I assumed that this would follow on after Hex and Jordan, but you know what they say about assuming 😉
Once I sorted it out in my head what was going on, I settled in to enjoy the ride. You see, I don't usually do contemporary, but somehow Stacey Nash manages to grab and hold my attention every time. This seriously impresses me and I love the easy flow of her work. Nothing seems forced about it, the characters, the situations, none of it.
The characters themselves - Dane and Savvy - they are old friends who have drifted (or been pushed) apart. Savvy is hiding a whole lot of stuff away, and doesn't like anyone getting too close. She has her persona that she is happy with people knowing. Therefore, she doesn't like getting too close to Dane. He knows her too well, has affected her for too long and can see her too clearly. Although he is a player, I loved how he was with Savvy. And once he set his sights on her, he stopped being a player (which is always good).
With heartache and sorrow, lies and deception, Pretend... is a wonderfully gripping story that will take you back to Oxley College and yet still leave you wanting more. Definitely 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!
Mar 18, 2016
Once I sorted it out in my head what was going on, I settled in to enjoy the ride. You see, I don't usually do contemporary, but somehow Stacey Nash manages to grab and hold my attention every time. This seriously impresses me and I love the easy flow of her work. Nothing seems forced about it, the characters, the situations, none of it.
The characters themselves - Dane and Savvy - they are old friends who have drifted (or been pushed) apart. Savvy is hiding a whole lot of stuff away, and doesn't like anyone getting too close. She has her persona that she is happy with people knowing. Therefore, she doesn't like getting too close to Dane. He knows her too well, has affected her for too long and can see her too clearly. Although he is a player, I loved how he was with Savvy. And once he set his sights on her, he stopped being a player (which is always good).
With heartache and sorrow, lies and deception, Pretend... is a wonderfully gripping story that will take you back to Oxley College and yet still leave you wanting more. Definitely 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!
Mar 18, 2016
Merissa (13169 KP) rated EXSILIUM (Roma Nova Thriller #11) in Books
Mar 20, 2024
EXSILIUM is part of the Roma Nova series. I have read Inceptio but none of the others. I don't feel this impacted my enjoyment of the story or the characters.
Told in three separate parts by Maelia, Lucius, and Galla, this was a brilliant insight into how Rome could have been at the time when the old Gods were disappearing and the new Christos was taking over. I think the only thing that confused me was Maelia's story. The majority of it was incredibly well-written, but in the blurb, it says about him being a pagan traitor. It took me a while to understand that his backing the wrong emperor was also a fight between the two religions.
Full of hard times and sorrow, it is a story also full of hope, of working together to make things better - or at least, most of them did! The characters, whether you like them or not, are all relatable, especially considering the circumstances of their exile.
I found the epilogue to be perfect, giving me an update on all the characters I'd grown to love, while also jumping to the future to mention Inceptio. That was a surprise for me and made me want to read that story again, with the knowledge gained from this story.
A smooth pace and a full and well-rounded story and characters. Alison Merton is an author I never have a problem reading. 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!
Mar 14, 2024
Told in three separate parts by Maelia, Lucius, and Galla, this was a brilliant insight into how Rome could have been at the time when the old Gods were disappearing and the new Christos was taking over. I think the only thing that confused me was Maelia's story. The majority of it was incredibly well-written, but in the blurb, it says about him being a pagan traitor. It took me a while to understand that his backing the wrong emperor was also a fight between the two religions.
Full of hard times and sorrow, it is a story also full of hope, of working together to make things better - or at least, most of them did! The characters, whether you like them or not, are all relatable, especially considering the circumstances of their exile.
I found the epilogue to be perfect, giving me an update on all the characters I'd grown to love, while also jumping to the future to mention Inceptio. That was a surprise for me and made me want to read that story again, with the knowledge gained from this story.
A smooth pace and a full and well-rounded story and characters. Alison Merton is an author I never have a problem reading. 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!
Mar 14, 2024
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Warlord's Prize (Prime Omegaverse #4) in Books
May 18, 2025
Warlord's Prize is the fourth book in the Prime Omegaverse series, and is a standalone story featuring Emi, the leader of her village, and Kazuul, the Warlord oni who runs everything.
As with the previous books in this series that I have read, it starts with dub con and a public claiming as Kazuul takes Emi. She is not just a body for him though, and her mind surprises him. So much so, that she actually becomes part of the council meetings. Through her, changes are implemented, production goes up, and humans become happier. Good thing all round, right?
Wrong! The Emperor of the oni is none too pleased that his half-brother is doing better at this ruling business than he is. Especially once Emi defies his attempt to take her away from Kazuul. This leads to assassination attempts, plus a personal tragedy.
I found this to be a gentler story than the previous one I had read, although still full of action. And yes, as with my previous review, there is lots of repetition here too. BUT, saying that, either I'm more used to it now or it wasn't as much, because it definitely didn't disrupt my reading flow like the last one did.
I am thoroughly enjoying the series and hope to continue it, as well as reading other stories by this author. Definitely recommended by me if you like your books with a dark edge.
** 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!
May 18, 2025
As with the previous books in this series that I have read, it starts with dub con and a public claiming as Kazuul takes Emi. She is not just a body for him though, and her mind surprises him. So much so, that she actually becomes part of the council meetings. Through her, changes are implemented, production goes up, and humans become happier. Good thing all round, right?
Wrong! The Emperor of the oni is none too pleased that his half-brother is doing better at this ruling business than he is. Especially once Emi defies his attempt to take her away from Kazuul. This leads to assassination attempts, plus a personal tragedy.
I found this to be a gentler story than the previous one I had read, although still full of action. And yes, as with my previous review, there is lots of repetition here too. BUT, saying that, either I'm more used to it now or it wasn't as much, because it definitely didn't disrupt my reading flow like the last one did.
I am thoroughly enjoying the series and hope to continue it, as well as reading other stories by this author. Definitely recommended by me if you like your books with a dark edge.
** 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!
May 18, 2025