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Interesting idea first off, I always like novels where God(s)/Godesss(es) walk around regular people and fall in love. Not that familiar with Roman lore but I digress Norse lore are even worse to follow. Have not read the books before this so I may be a little jaded in that I have no backstory of characters & events. I have read each summary of the books before this. I will do another short review add-on when I finish #1-5. Did not realize this is set in England during the time of Earls, if you are not familiar with historical times in England this may go over your head. Many times I had to stop and Google when they talk about names that sound Roman or historical items, little off-putting but for names they give simple terms to explain it. The blood fever thing is interesting. You could tell there was something going on with the silent partner. Loved how the Roman crew all rallied behind Mercury/Hermes. Loved the humor at the end over the key. Definitely can read this without really knowing past stories which is always a plus! I liked it just thought everything built up too quickly near the end and the wind up to that point very slow. I give it a 4 for the fact jumping into this 6 books in did not confuse me but the build up was slow and ended too quickly at the end.

EDIT: I have since caught up with the series, you really DO NOT need to read the ones before this. There's small nuances/events but it does not distract you.

<i>This is a free review via netgalley, I do not get paid for this!</i>
  
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Kristina (502 KP) rated Six of Crows in Books

Dec 7, 2020  
Six of Crows
Six of Crows
Leigh Bardugo | 2016 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
6
9.2 (45 Ratings)
Book Rating
I've seen recommendations for Six of Crows repeatedly throughout the last year or two. Favorite Series? Six of Crows. Best female assassin? Six of Crows. Best fantasy book? Six of Crows. There has been a lot of hype around this series, from what I've seen. I finally decided to give it a try - it's not necessarily part of my usual read, but I figured, if I could love the Throne of Glass series, then certainly I could get into this. I did. I enjoyed it, even with the many different point of views and third person perspective. However - and here is where I make my enemies - I didn't absolutely love it. Perhaps, like TOG, it gets better with each book, but while this first installment gets 3 stars from me (and it's a steady 3 stars, honestly), I don't believe I could rate it any higher than that. I do plan on continuing the series, full of hope that I might eventually begin to love it, but until then, I suppose I'll have to go with: "I liked it."
  
Marvin (Assassin&#039;s To Order #1)
Marvin (Assassin's To Order #1)
JP Sayle, Lisa Oliver | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
MARVIN is the first book in the Assassin's To Order series, a spin-off from the Tangled Tentacles series and features all of our favourites.

Marvin has been convinced to come forward and make a TV appearance, in the hope of bringing out his Lost Boys. Of course, not everyone is as good-hearted as Marvin so things don't go according to plan. Unfortunately, Marvin draws the wrong kind of attention and a kill order is put on him. Luckily for him, he finds his mate who is more than happy to help protect him. His friends are also happy to help, as Marvin helped them.

Oh, man! Marvin the Marvellous!!! He is so innocent, so pure, but don't let that fool you. He also has a spine of steel and will not be played. I love him so much and loved seeing how he developed through the story. You find out some but not all of Marvin's past. Ajani is Marvin's mate and doesn't think he is worthy. Marvin deserves someone better, someone not an assassin. Ajani didn't count on the mate bond and just how much Marvin wants him. He never stood a chance! LOL

I can't say as the ending was a surprise but I loved how it got there. I read this in one sitting, unable to put it down. I can't wait to see the other stories. This wasn't as steamy as others by this pair of authors but I don't think it could have been - not without changing Marvin's character, which is simply not allowed!

A brilliant start to this series and 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!
  
Stolen Children (DCI Matilda Darke #6)
Stolen Children (DCI Matilda Darke #6)
Michael Wood | 2020 | Crime, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oh my goodness ... that was riveting!

This is the 6th in this excellent series and although, ideally, it would be good to read them in order, this is not absolutely essential as this works as a standalone but you do miss the development of the characters and some back story relating to previous cases. However, please do not let this put you off starting the series with this one because you will so kick yourself for missing out on this excellent book and then you can go back and enjoy the rest!

This book has a strong and compelling story line BUT it's also dark and upsetting so be warned that there are some sections that are very difficult to read. The pace is perfect and I found myself racing through the chapters desperate to find out what was going to happen next. The characters are excellent and believable with DCI Darke being one of my favourite fictional characters - she is strong, sensitive, likeable, loyal but with flaws that make her sensitive and not above making mistakes; this makes her believable and plausible.

I have read some good books this year but this has got be amongst the top so far without a shadow of a doubt and I have to give a massive thank you to HarperCollinsUK / One More Chapter and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.

I cannot wait for the next one especially if that ending is anything to by!!
  
The Cuckoo&#039;s Calling
The Cuckoo's Calling
Robert Galbraith | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (21 Ratings)
Book Rating
Good plot, Good mystery, Likable characters (0 more)
Long winded, Story drags at points (0 more)
A good detective mystery.
The Cuckoo's Calling is a great first book in the Cormoran Strike series. I greatly enjoyed the mystery and putting together the clues. The book was a little long winded and dragged in areas with quite a few red herrings. However, book and it's mystery are good enough to keep you hooked throught the parts that drag. This book is definately for those who love a good detective mystery, but not so much for those who like thrillers. I personally will be reading the following books in the series based on this debute.
  
AA
Angel: After the Fall, Volume 1
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have to say, this was bloody awesome! The style was there, the characters, the vibe, it all felt like Angel. Season eight of Buffy feels a bit 'out there' as far as the plot goes but this actually is a continuation of the series, and even though it didn't start right where the show (and action) left off (although, I think volume two of After the Fall does), it did a great job getting back into a groove. Not to mention the artwork is fabulous and the whole look of the book is beautiful. Great job, I hope the others in the series hold up as well.
  
Alpha Minor
Alpha Minor
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second of Simon Haynes 'Peace Force' series, set in the same universe as his 'Hal Spacejock' series (although, as of yet there has been no crossover), this is probably best described as a light sci-fi mystery read: science fiction because of the setting (obviously), and light in that I blew threw this in about two days flat, having already solved the mystery quite early on, with no real plot twist coming that I hadn't already seen.

I'll probably still pick up some more of these, though, not every read has to be a full-blown course: sometimes you just want a nice palate cleanser!
  
A Plague Among Us (Mimi Goldman Chautauqua Mysteries #8)
A Plague Among Us (Mimi Goldman Chautauqua Mysteries #8)
Deb Pines | 2021 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A fun and interesting read that hits close to home.

A Plague Amongst Us is the eighth in the series and it doesn't disappoint. Not only is it fresh and current - using the Covid-19 pandemic as a theme - but it also reminds us about human nature.

Full of twists and surprises you'll be kept guessing all the way through. Strong female main characters are always a plus and this definitely has those.
    It would be great to see this turned into a TV series. I can easily see myself sat with my tea and biscuits just like I did when I read it.