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The Mark of Athena
The Mark of Athena
Rick Riordan | 2013 | Children
10
8.9 (14 Ratings)
Book Rating
Book Three in the Heroes of Olympus series did not disappoint! I have to admit that out of all Rick Riordan's series this has been my least favorite, but I really enjoyed this installment. It is literally a cliffhanger...if that cliff is hanging over Tartarus & is under a parking lot in Rome that is!
All the characters have matured nicely and I have to say that was a pleasant surprise. Percy & Annabeth's relationship has followed the same line. But despite all the characters in the book, I have to say my favorite is Leo Valdez; the brainiac of the demigods. He was very funny in this book & easy to like. His personality was developed a lot more throughout this story so the reader gets to know him on another level.
As for the plot, a war breaks out between the Greek & Roman camps thanks to some nasty spirits taking over Leo. Despite this, the 7 demigods & Coach Hedge, the satyr, must embark on a mission to unite the 2 camps & prevent Gaea & her giants from destroying the world. Needless to say, it isn't easy & they run amok of quite a few gods & monsters on the way.
I am really looking forward to seeing how Riordan wraps up this series!! I have a sinking feeling that it may be the end of Percy Jackson though...
  
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Heartkeeper (Heartkeeper Saga, #1)
B.T. Lyons | 2013
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

In the (possibly not so distant) future, there's a Covenant between the human world and the natural one: Humans wreaked havoc on the Earth, and now they must make amends. They do this through obtaining Hearts, animal spirits that they must earn through a series of trials, proving they are of strong heart and mind and are willing to protect the lands and all its inhabitants. Adain is ready to begin his journey into adulthood, and it starts with the Heart Chase, where he must capture a Heart to call his own. Little does he know that this year's trials won't go according to plan...

This story pulled me in from the very start. Just the idea behind it alone, that humans have made a pact with the natural world to bring order back from the chaos of our time, is a fantastic concept, one that I had long discussions about with friends upon starting this series. And the way it's written makes it easily understandable for anyone, as children could read it right alongside their parents. I've already recommended this book to several people, and I look forward to the rest of the series, as well as more from this author.

5 stars =)
  
Jurassic World (2015)
Jurassic World (2015)
2015 | Adventure, Sci-Fi
Returns a sense of wonder to the franchise. (5 more)
Brilliantly adresses plotholes and minor issues from previous installments.
Takes the next logical step in the series.
High quality dinosaur action.
New dinosaurs we haven't seen before.
Chris Pratt
A bit cheesy at times. (0 more)
This, at least in my opinion, is the second best film in the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World series. Just like the original, this installment returns that sense of wonder to the series by returning to the park setting. The dinosaurs are an attraction again rather than just dinosaurs living in the wild. People come from all over to see them and this time they've created a new species, the Indominus Rex. Sure it's corny, but the film acknowledges that and also plays on the fact that hybrid dinosaurs were the next logical step. I like the fact too that now that dinosaurs are no longer a new novelty in this universe that people have figured out it makes sense to train some of these animals from birth, hence the relationship between Owen and his Raptors. I like that if you're paying attention, you'll notice the film adresses plot holes from the previous films, especially the first one. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. In my opinion this is the sequel we deserved from the very beginning.
  
Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7)
Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7)
Caris Roane | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
OK, call me shallow, but I have to admit that reading about a tattooed man, with long hair, into bikes, makes the story a lot easier to read. I love The Blood Rose series, but this book was outstanding. I love how although the Mastyrs are important, it is their Blood Roses who are coming into their own. Each is different, each bringing just what is needed, I think they are all magnificent but I will admit to loving Olivia's attitude! She rocks!!

As with the other books, the Mastyr and the Blood Rose have their own obstacles to overcome, as well as whatever Marghetta is currently throwing at them. One of the things that make this series so interesting is that each couple has their own problems, it's not the same old reasons regurgitated for a new title.

Well written, with a smooth pace, leading up to a climactic battle at the end, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Steamy and sensuous, as well as action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the series. Already looking forward to Ian and Regan's story. 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!
Feb 28, 2016
  
Such a good story!
 When I started reading this book I immediately realized I had already read the first book in this series. This book can totally be read as a stand alone. This continuation of Natalie and Lucas's story, I think it is one of the best I've read in a while. Both Natalie and Lucas have to learn the art of communication, dealing with emotions, and over coming obstacles of change.
I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the unique and unexpected twists, the overcoming spirits that the characters display, and the great story line.
I love Beth Wiseman's stories and this one did not disappoint, just leaves you wanting more.
I volunteered to read this book from Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
A Conspiracy of Bones (Temperance Brennan #19)
A Conspiracy of Bones (Temperance Brennan #19)
Kathy Reichs | 2020 | Crime, Thriller
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disappointed
Having read previous outings involving Temperance Brennan, although not for some time, I was keen to dip back in to find out what was going on with her but, and I am really sorry to say this, this one just didn't grab me like they usually do and I found myself jumping in and out rather than being captivated and enthralled. If I'm honest, I think this is my fault ... I should have kept up with the series as I believe I have missed out on an awful lot.

I found the story really hard to get into with quite a bit of inner dialogue which was a little tedious. It did pick up the more I read but just not enough to keep my interest from start to finish. The characters however are excellent and the bones of the story is there, I just felt the execution wasn't as good as previous books from this author.

I do think that people who have read the entire series will enjoy it more than I did and I would therefore suggest that if you are thinking of starting with this one, don't as it will put you off reading more of this author's work and you will certainly be missing out.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
  
I totally enjoyed this story! It is my first time reading a book by both Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse writing together (I have read them separately!). It is the second book in their Treasures of Nome series, and I believe it can be read as a standalone since I personally did not read the first book and I was not lost in this one.

   I thought that both authors brought so much to this story and that it flowed just like a story should. Immersing you in with details, emotions, and best of all relatable characters. Endless Mercy is about what its name implies; God’s endless mercy on us and how we are called to show that same mercy time and time again. The characters were realistic, and I liked their thought processes and communications in this book. I also truly enjoyed the setting of Alaska (I mean come on, it’s ALASKA), the small-town community, and the emphasis on family always being there for you through the thick and thin. A great book that I enjoyed, I give it 4 out of 5 stars and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series (and going back to read the first!).


*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
The Leopard (Harry Hole #8) (Oslo Sequence #6)
The Leopard (Harry Hole #8) (Oslo Sequence #6)
Jo Nesbo | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Good, but drawn out
I do love Harry Hole and as a character he's brilliant, flawed and alcoholic yet always pursuing the truth and justice. I do think though that some of Jo Nesbo's stories featuring Harry are a little farfetched and drawn out, and sadly this is one of them.

The plot on this is actually very intriguing and full of twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and apart from some of the more farfetched elements, this is actually a very good thriller. The problem is it's a bit drawn out and could have been condensed a lot more, it just seemed unnecessarily long. This also seemed to have an issue with the timeline, it seemed to jump from one location to another and it made me feel a little confused. Also as much as I love Harry, he seems to do the same things in nearly every book I've read recently - leaves Norway, returns for a case he doesn't want but gets sucked in, then leaves Norway again afterwards. The better stories in the Hole series are the ones where he doesn't leave Norway at all and sadly this book is a bit half and half.

Overall this is pretty good but not flawless. It's definitely not the best book in the Harry Hole series, but neither is it anywhere near the worst.