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X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
2019 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
The producers behind the X-Men series once again rush to tell one of their best storylines from the comic series. Unfortunately, The Dark Phoenix Saga does not lend itself to a one-off movie. Once again, the people with the money are too afraid to gamble on breaking the story into two or three movies. Imagine It, The Lord of the Rings, or Infinity Gauntlet as just film. You can't because all of them were split up into two or three films and they all made huge profits. Dark Phoenix needed the same care and guidance. Jean Grey was not introduced in this timeline until Apocalypse. We the audience did not have time to get to know her and her backstory so we have no sympathy for her when she is taken over by an alien force or any understanding why she is able to battle within herself. There is no real tension in the relationship between Scott and Jean since they have only been together in our minds for 1 movie even if the movie was set ten years ago. We have not experienced those ten years along side them. Every detail is cobbled together in an effort to jam this story which lasted ten issues in the graphic serial.
  
Midnight Redemption (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #6)
Midnight Redemption (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #6)
Arial Burnz | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Midnight Redemption is the finale of the Bonded by Blood series and you are in for an explosive, non-stop-action read!

Although you could read this as a standalone, I do believe you would get the most out of it if you do read it as a series. After all, characters and previous lives are mentioned (some in great detail) so I think it would help to know just what is going on and who is who!

Anyway, things have changed a lot since the last book. Broderick buried himself in a crypt, thinking he was doing the right thing. Anthony has been carrying on with the business. Davina thought her mum was insane and said mum ended up in a mental hospital. Phew! And into that numerous characters from other books including the Norse Wolves (yey!!!!) and there really is so much going on.

This is one helluva finale! One I have waited for and am NOT disappointed in the result. The only thing I would say is that because of the previous lives mentioned I sometimes got confused. All that means though is that I will be re-reading this as a complete series now it is complete - to get the full enjoyment, you understand!

Midnight Eclipse is still my favourite in the series but this one comes a close second. Absolutely recommended by me!

* 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!
  
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Merissa (13937 KP) rated Underground (Demon Guard #2) in Books

Dec 23, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)  
Underground (Demon Guard #2)
Underground (Demon Guard #2)
Cheree Alsop | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNDERGROUND is the second book in the Demon Guard series. Raith has been suspended from the school for a week. He is supposed to meet with Chancellor Ward after that time but, you just know, Raith and Nox have enough adventure during that week to last anyone else a lifetime!

The title of the book gives away the main part of this story but there were still twists and turns that captured my interest. Ambry? Oh, dear. I will admit to feeling conflicted here. Disappointed - for sure, but also, slightly happy. I want someone who is Raith's equal and, at the moment, she isn't showing that. I don't know who, if anyone, is but certainly not her. I will keep my mind open and see where Ms Alsop takes me.

Once again, the relationship between Nox and Raith is outstanding and really is what makes this book (and series so far) superb. My heart broke for Raith when he said what he did, and I cheered for Nox's no-nonsense approach and forgiveness.

I've read two books in this series so far and both of them have been 5 stars. If that doesn't tell you something then I don't know what will. No second-book slump for this series. It just leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.

* 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!
Dec 23, 2020
  
Discovery Moon (Gladstone Shifters #5)
Discovery Moon (Gladstone Shifters #5)
Alexander Elliott | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was completely swept away in the story...
DISCOVERY MOON is the fifth book in the Gladstone Shifters series and you really need to read this as a series rather than a set of standalones.

Lance has been the nanny for Ben and Evan's pups since they were born and he loves his job. He does dream of having a mate and pups of his own though. Sometimes, you have to be careful what you wish for, as Lance does indeed get a mate and pups but, perhaps, not in the way he imagined.

Told from multiple perspectives, you once again get a well-rounded view of Gladstone and their ties with other packs. This one starts off with lots happening in different places but, slowly, it all comes together.

As with every book in this series, I was completely swept away in the story and the characters. I have laughed with them and cried for them. I've been hopeful and distraught, happy and vengeful. Trust me, by the end, I was exhausted!

A brilliant addition to a series I adore! If you like multiple perspectives, intricate personal storylines, mixed up with others, woven together with mastery, then I can highly recommend this book. But, PLEASE, read them in order!

Absolutely and utterly recommended!

** 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!
  
Spirit Out of Balance (The Guardians #5)
Spirit Out of Balance (The Guardians #5)
Tessa McFionn | 2025 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SPIRIT OUT OF BALANCE is the fifth book in The Guardians series, and I haven't read all of them, and I'm wondering if I missed something.

Let me explain...

I've read books one and four in this series, and both of them could be read as standalones, BUT for this story, I just felt as though I had missed something about Mathias and his arm. Maybe it's because I haven't read this series recently? I'm unsure. Anyway, moving on to the rest of the review.

Out of the two main characters, Lex was my favourite. She is a strong character who does the best with what she's got. Her brother is a douche, and I really wish I could have met her father. I loved reading about the dances Lex did and her passion for them. Lex and Mathias may not have met in the best of circumstances, but the connection between them is undeniable - until Mathias decides he knows best!

This was a great addition to the series, and I really hope we get Eamon's story at some point. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it. I just wish I could have connected with Mathias and his story a little 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!
Feb 27, 2026
  
The Hanged Man (The Bone Field #2)
The Hanged Man (The Bone Field #2)
Simon Kernick | 2017 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
6
7.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Once again, I am not disappointed by one of Simon’s books. This, the second in this series, is another gritty and exciting read but I would recommend you read the first otherwise I think you will feel a little lost but it’s not totally essential as there are enough recaps to help you keep up with the story.

The books does contain a lot of violence … you have been warned … however, it does deal with a particularly distasteful subject and equally distasteful people so you can’t expect it to be all warm and fluffy!

I know I have said it before but, I think, one of Simon’s strengths is the creation of believable characters that you begin to care about … DI Ray Mason is one of those however, he’s not all sweetness and light as you will see in this book and so begins the struggle in my head about whether I should be rooting for him or not! I cannot question his dedication and drive to bring miscreants to justice however, the way he does it is questionable and, if I’m honest, a little OTT.

Private Investigator and former Police Officer Tina Boyd is another returning character … she is my all-time favourite female protagonist being loyal, brave, feisty and determined and she delivers on all fronts in this book.

Overall, this book is packed with action throughout; it may not be the complex of story lines in the world but it kept me reading with enthusiasm and going back for more and I definitely look forward to the next in the series.

A big thanks to the publisher (Randomhouse UK, Cornerstone) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
  
The Weight of Shadows (Shadow Series #1)
The Weight of Shadows (Shadow Series #1)
Karl Holton | 2020 | Crime
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The description above, does not do the justice to this book, there is so much more to it than it is given away in the blurb.

One thing for sure about this book, it is not boring. The book begins by introducing characters, and you should pay attention, because there is a vast amount of them. In the beginning, I was confused of who belonged were, but as I continued reading this book, it all made sense. These 300 pages are filled with action, robberies, murders, kidnapping, police investigations and of course, Ukrainian Mafia. And believe it or not, everything is entangled so masterfully that it makes one huge, great crime mystery.

The characters chosen for this book are very diverse, intriguing and complex. The book covers period of six days and it is unbelievable what can happen in that period of time. I, personally, could not choose my favourite character in this book, because there were too many great personalities. This novel was told from multiple perspectives, and it allowed to get to know the characters better, and made the book more interesting for the reader. I do like books, which are set in London, and I really enjoyed the detailed knowledge of this city, which Holton shared in the book. It just somehow warms my heart and makes it more realistic.

I really enjoyed how fast paced this book’s narrative was. Every chapter gives a different character’s story, so it was a real page turner for me, as I wanted to find out, what happened to other characters. There were a lot of twists and turns in this novel, however, some of the parts were quite obvious, and it annoyed me that those great detectives couldn’t figure out some of the things quicker. This novel is a debut for Holton, but in the prologue chapter, there is an incredibly interesting character mentioned, where it feels like this is a second book in the series, and I honestly hope that one day there will be a book about the “skin artist” and that investigation.

The writing style was pleasurable to read with easy and understandable language . I loved the short chapters of this book, and it was fast paced and indulging read. I should mention, that there are murders, blood and violence in this book, so it is not suitable for people with weak nerves. The ending of this book has very unexpected twist and a cliff hanger, which is driving me mad, but otherwise it gives a satisfactory ending for this part of the series. So, to conclude, I would strongly recommend this book, because it has riveting, complex variety of characters, and the plot is masterfully twisted making it an indulging, fast paced book, which deserves to be read. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Was given this book by author for honest review.
  
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1)
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1)
Traci Douglass | 2018 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1) by Traci Douglass
Scion's Destiny is the first book in the Seven Seals series. In this one, we meet Kagan, who has looked after the host of the First Seal for eons. The trouble is, not only does he concern himself over the current host, but he is also getting bored and wants to visit earth. A summons comes, and he arrives on earth, only to find out it wasn't Divinity who summoned him, but the host.

This is a nice, relaxing read, with no particular angst and an easy enough plot to follow. Although this story focuses on Kagan, his other brothers are mentioned. With plenty of brothers - and hosts - I can't wait to see where this series will go next. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was perfect for the story.

For a quick, laid-back, paranormal romance, then I can definitely recommend this one.

* 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!
  
Orlin's Fall (Planetary Submissives #2)
Orlin's Fall (Planetary Submissives #2)
Amber Kell | 2015 | Erotica, LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the second book in the Planetary Submissives series which I am thoroughly enjoying. Although this is classed as BDSM, it doesn't really tick that box for me, although that is not a bad thing. Some of the funniest parts of the book are when Orlin is trying to be a 'proper' pet although he has no idea what that entails. Aester also doesn't really want a pet but an equal, and this is definitely a good thing because that's what he gets with Orlin.

There is an amazing amount of world and character-building within this short novella, more than enough to satisfy. There were no grammatical errors here that I noticed.

I loved the ending of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - Zall's Captain - which features a character from book 1.

Definitely recommended if you want a hint of BDSM, sweet yet sexy sci-fi romance.

* 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!
Dec 8, 2015