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David McK (3692 KP) rated Tides of Fire (Sigma Force #17) in Books
May 18, 2025
Entry #17 in [author:James Rollins|38809] 'Sigma Force' novels where, I feel, it helps (maybe not essential) to have read the previous entries.
This time around, the members of Sigma Force - who I would probably best describe as scientists with guns - are in a race against time to understand, and stop, a chain of dormant volcanoes erupting off the coast of Australia: tsunami's, earthquakes, tidal waves, the lot ...
And it's all to do with something buried deep underwater ...
Enjoyable enough if, for me, not the best entry in the series.
Definite cliff-hanger for the next, though!
This time around, the members of Sigma Force - who I would probably best describe as scientists with guns - are in a race against time to understand, and stop, a chain of dormant volcanoes erupting off the coast of Australia: tsunami's, earthquakes, tidal waves, the lot ...
And it's all to do with something buried deep underwater ...
Enjoyable enough if, for me, not the best entry in the series.
Definite cliff-hanger for the next, though!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Surviving R. Kelly in TV
Oct 21, 2019
A disturbing watch
I've never been a R Kelly but I remember how huge he was during my childhood and teenage years and it's horrible for me to think that this was going on during that time
This is not a pleasant watch. Like the Michael Jackson documentary before it, this really doesn't shy away from the disturbing and rather graphic detail about R Kelly's crimes. It's a fascinating watch and hugely interesting, especially for someone like me who is mostly unaware of the true extent of everything that has been going on. This is truly awful to watch, yet in a gripping and interesting manner. To think that this has still not been resolved to this date and these events are still happening makes me sick to my stomach, especially when there's still people that believe his innocence (and probably still do even after watching this).
The documentary series itself is well made although it is irritating in parts when it constantly recaps bits from earlier in the same episode or other episodes, or when it repeats the "parental guidance" message multiple times during each episode. I'm assuming it was meant to be shown on TV with multiple ad breaks, but even still these bits are overkill even for someone with the shortest of attention spans. They really should've been cut out for the Netflix version.
Despite this slight issue, this is still a thought provoking yet highly disturbing series that I'd encourage everyone to watch and raise awareness.
This is not a pleasant watch. Like the Michael Jackson documentary before it, this really doesn't shy away from the disturbing and rather graphic detail about R Kelly's crimes. It's a fascinating watch and hugely interesting, especially for someone like me who is mostly unaware of the true extent of everything that has been going on. This is truly awful to watch, yet in a gripping and interesting manner. To think that this has still not been resolved to this date and these events are still happening makes me sick to my stomach, especially when there's still people that believe his innocence (and probably still do even after watching this).
The documentary series itself is well made although it is irritating in parts when it constantly recaps bits from earlier in the same episode or other episodes, or when it repeats the "parental guidance" message multiple times during each episode. I'm assuming it was meant to be shown on TV with multiple ad breaks, but even still these bits are overkill even for someone with the shortest of attention spans. They really should've been cut out for the Netflix version.
Despite this slight issue, this is still a thought provoking yet highly disturbing series that I'd encourage everyone to watch and raise awareness.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Sin & Spirit (Demigods of San Francisco, #4) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
This review and more can be found at my blog https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
Firstly I'll admit that it's been a while since I read the first three books in this series - and I believed that it was only going to be a trilogy, for some reason, so I had forgotten some of the details of this book but things were rehashed a little.
With Alexis and her small group now known by all the other Demigods in the world, they are thrown into a steep learning curve of dealing with politics and trying to learn how to use her powers for other things. There's also the fact that a Hades Demigod is trying to get their hands on Alexis, any means necessary.
A lot happened in this and, as mentioned above, I hadn't retained a lot of information about this series, so I was a little overwhelmed by all the characters. I quickly picked up who the Six were and Daisy and Mordecai.
I did enjoy this and should hopefully now remember enough for future books - book 5 is coming soon! - so I'm looking forward to reading them and seeing the results of that last chapter. I can see it's not going to go well and this group of amazing guys may end up fighting for their lives. Again.
This review is rather lacking but I have no way of saying more without giving away important plot points and that's just not fair.
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
Firstly I'll admit that it's been a while since I read the first three books in this series - and I believed that it was only going to be a trilogy, for some reason, so I had forgotten some of the details of this book but things were rehashed a little.
With Alexis and her small group now known by all the other Demigods in the world, they are thrown into a steep learning curve of dealing with politics and trying to learn how to use her powers for other things. There's also the fact that a Hades Demigod is trying to get their hands on Alexis, any means necessary.
A lot happened in this and, as mentioned above, I hadn't retained a lot of information about this series, so I was a little overwhelmed by all the characters. I quickly picked up who the Six were and Daisy and Mordecai.
I did enjoy this and should hopefully now remember enough for future books - book 5 is coming soon! - so I'm looking forward to reading them and seeing the results of that last chapter. I can see it's not going to go well and this group of amazing guys may end up fighting for their lives. Again.
This review is rather lacking but I have no way of saying more without giving away important plot points and that's just not fair.
David McK (3692 KP) rated Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7) in Books
Jan 28, 2019 (Updated May 10, 2020)
<2020 update>
Sue the Zombie T-Rex :-)
That is all.
<2016 update>
This is the Zombie-themed one, that ends with Sue the Tyrannosaur and also (I think) has the first appearance of Waldo Butters as one of the main players. In this, Thomas is also now lodging with Harry, who has now found out his relationship to the former, with Thomas trying to change his lifestyle. Karen Murphy is also absent for most of the novel, off on holiday with Kincaid.
<2011 notes below>
Magic - it can get a guy killed
Book number 7 in Jim Butchers Harry Dresden series, this is one where I think it is highly advisable to have read the previous entries first, as it ties several plot lines from those earlier novels into the events of this one.
Having said that: this is, as always, a good read, but maybe not the best in the series so far (which, to use an over-coined term, seems to be getting progressively 'darker' in tone)
Sue the Zombie T-Rex :-)
That is all.
<2016 update>
This is the Zombie-themed one, that ends with Sue the Tyrannosaur and also (I think) has the first appearance of Waldo Butters as one of the main players. In this, Thomas is also now lodging with Harry, who has now found out his relationship to the former, with Thomas trying to change his lifestyle. Karen Murphy is also absent for most of the novel, off on holiday with Kincaid.
<2011 notes below>
Magic - it can get a guy killed
Book number 7 in Jim Butchers Harry Dresden series, this is one where I think it is highly advisable to have read the previous entries first, as it ties several plot lines from those earlier novels into the events of this one.
Having said that: this is, as always, a good read, but maybe not the best in the series so far (which, to use an over-coined term, seems to be getting progressively 'darker' in tone)
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Crossover (The Chosen One Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
What can I say? I loved this book! It is fast-paced and well-written with fantastic characters that jump off the page. Having 'cats' and 'dogs' on either side of the war is a stroke of genius but the general storyline itself is fresh and interesting. I loved how Hayden is not backwards in coming forwards and has no difficulty in showing Jasper that she is interested.
This series has a lot of potential for me as there was so much I thoroughly enjoyed about it. The shifters, the 'bond' between the guards and the Queen, Darian, Brice, Tara, Shay - it's all there. I can't wait to read more and follow this series through.
A romantic fantastical read that was absolutely brilliant to read. Witty, funny, focused, and mysterious are all words I would use to describe it. Highly recommended.
* 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 10, 2015
This series has a lot of potential for me as there was so much I thoroughly enjoyed about it. The shifters, the 'bond' between the guards and the Queen, Darian, Brice, Tara, Shay - it's all there. I can't wait to read more and follow this series through.
A romantic fantastical read that was absolutely brilliant to read. Witty, funny, focused, and mysterious are all words I would use to describe it. Highly recommended.
* 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 10, 2015
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Reborn (Hollow City Coven #6) in Books
May 23, 2023
Gillian and Shayne have made it out of Tenebris, only to find Mathias under attack. Apparently, he has been for the whole amount of time that they were in Tenebris. Help arrives in the form of a coven master and a friend. Things are not as they seem to be though, and Gillian, Shayne, and Mathias are drawn deeper into intrigue that they have no control over. They need to do something but are unsure of what.
This is an explosive and twisted ending to this series, which has been full of turns the whole way through. There is so much more to this than just hot sex, although, trust me, that is more than good too. 😉
The perfect ending to a fantastic series, each novella is the perfect length for a quick and steamy read, full of enjoyment and adventure. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 24, 2016
This is an explosive and twisted ending to this series, which has been full of turns the whole way through. There is so much more to this than just hot sex, although, trust me, that is more than good too. 😉
The perfect ending to a fantastic series, each novella is the perfect length for a quick and steamy read, full of enjoyment and adventure. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 24, 2016
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2474 KP) rated Egg Drop Dead in Books
Apr 11, 2025 (Updated Apr 11, 2025)
Catering to a Killer
Lana Lee has decided to expand her family’s restaurant into catering, and their first gig is for family friend Donna Feng. But the party ends when Donna’s nanny is found floating in the pool. While the police look at Donna, Lana finds evidence that it might actually tie to Donna’s past. But how could that tie in to this murder?
Donna and her past were plot points for the first book in this series, so if you haven’t read that book, know there are spoilers here. I was actually happy to see this come up again with enough background to refresh my memory. There are some good clues, although I’m not sure the villain’s actions at the end made perfect sense. Still, I was hooked on the suspenseful climax. Many of the regulars took a backseat, which was good in the case of Lana’s family. But we got some great new characters, one of which I hope pops up again. This series is getting stronger as it goes along. Fans who are behind will enjoy this entry.
Donna and her past were plot points for the first book in this series, so if you haven’t read that book, know there are spoilers here. I was actually happy to see this come up again with enough background to refresh my memory. There are some good clues, although I’m not sure the villain’s actions at the end made perfect sense. Still, I was hooked on the suspenseful climax. Many of the regulars took a backseat, which was good in the case of Lana’s family. But we got some great new characters, one of which I hope pops up again. This series is getting stronger as it goes along. Fans who are behind will enjoy this entry.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Binding Room in Books
Jul 17, 2022
After having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first in this series, The Jigsaw Man, I was itching to get my grubby little eyes on this and I wasn't disappointed.
This can be read as a standalone but you will get more out of this book if you've read The Jigsaw Man but I wouldn't say it was essential.
Once again we are treated to a great story, fantastic characters, twists and tension all told at a great pace. Warning! There are some pretty grim scenes and gruesome descriptions so if that's not your thing, I would probably give this a miss.
This is quite a long book and I can usually lose a bit of interest part way through but not with this; I was totally invested from start to finish and I would happily recommend this to others who enjoy dark police procedurals.
I am looking forward to the next instalment to find out what other twisted thoughts Ms Matheson can come up with to intrigue and shock and I must give thanks to HQ and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Binding Room and to share my thoughts.
This can be read as a standalone but you will get more out of this book if you've read The Jigsaw Man but I wouldn't say it was essential.
Once again we are treated to a great story, fantastic characters, twists and tension all told at a great pace. Warning! There are some pretty grim scenes and gruesome descriptions so if that's not your thing, I would probably give this a miss.
This is quite a long book and I can usually lose a bit of interest part way through but not with this; I was totally invested from start to finish and I would happily recommend this to others who enjoy dark police procedurals.
I am looking forward to the next instalment to find out what other twisted thoughts Ms Matheson can come up with to intrigue and shock and I must give thanks to HQ and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Binding Room and to share my thoughts.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Embracing the Outcast (Crowns Legacy #2) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
This is the second time I have had the pleasure of reading a book by Nadine C. Keels. It is book two in her Crowns Legacy series titled Embracing the Outcast; it can be read as a standalone, although I still recommend reading the first book. After reading the first book in the series I was not quite sure what to expect of the second book (as just how many follow up books are as good as the first?). I had high hopes for this second book when I started reading and it ended up being so much more than I imagined it would be.
In this story, Nadine C. Keels has such a way with putting words to emotions and feelings that I’ve rarely seen, and she does it subtlety as you get sucked into the character’s lives. I Loved learning about something I was totally unfamiliar with, it was a good learning experience for me. Nadine covers it in a very no-nonsense way and tries to help her characters understand why God does this sometimes. Which I truly found interesting. My favorite quote I think gives a glimpse as to the depth of Nadine’s characters:
“Perhaps it is not given or preferable for everyone to see. They may not all notice or rightly recognize what’s in front of them, but beauty is experienced by those with the capacity to perceive and behold it. Those without the capacity or the will to behold beauty are the ones who miss out, and they’re the poorer for it.” -Pg. 115
Nadine C. Keels created characters that had such vivid emotions, and she covered some very difficult topics. Which in the end gave a beautifully written story about how everyone is special and is used by God for His glory. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the creativity and research put into making this such a well-crafted story, for the characters I could relate to, and for helping me see things from a different perspective. I highly recommend this book/series and I am so excited to see where Nadine C. Keels goes next with this series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
In this story, Nadine C. Keels has such a way with putting words to emotions and feelings that I’ve rarely seen, and she does it subtlety as you get sucked into the character’s lives. I Loved learning about something I was totally unfamiliar with, it was a good learning experience for me. Nadine covers it in a very no-nonsense way and tries to help her characters understand why God does this sometimes. Which I truly found interesting. My favorite quote I think gives a glimpse as to the depth of Nadine’s characters:
“Perhaps it is not given or preferable for everyone to see. They may not all notice or rightly recognize what’s in front of them, but beauty is experienced by those with the capacity to perceive and behold it. Those without the capacity or the will to behold beauty are the ones who miss out, and they’re the poorer for it.” -Pg. 115
Nadine C. Keels created characters that had such vivid emotions, and she covered some very difficult topics. Which in the end gave a beautifully written story about how everyone is special and is used by God for His glory. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the creativity and research put into making this such a well-crafted story, for the characters I could relate to, and for helping me see things from a different perspective. I highly recommend this book/series and I am so excited to see where Nadine C. Keels goes next with this series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
David McK (3692 KP) rated In Our Stars (The Doomed Earth #1) in Books
Jan 31, 2025
If you were to ask me to name a Jack Campbell series of books, or main character in said series, I probably would have said somebody like 'Black Jack' Geary, the main protagonist of his 'Lost Fleet' series and it's spin-offs ("Beyond the Frontier" and "Outlands", with guest appearances in "The Lost Stars" or following his ancestors in "The Genesis Fleet").
Which mad it all the more surprising, to me, that there is absolutely no mention (yet) of him or his ancestors in this, the first in the latest series by the author.
What we have, instead, is a sci-fi (natch) time travel romance action-adventure, following the 'Alloy' (Human with non-Human DNA) Genji who is somehow thrust back in time following her witnessing of the destruction of Earth, and is now on a self-imposed mission to change the circumstances leading to said destruction.
In the 'present day' (our future) of the novel, she meets semi-disgraced officer Kayl Owen of the space fleet the Earth Guard, who - unlike his superiors - is not concerned about the non-human DNA in her make-up.
Surviving numerous assassination attempts and growing closer along the way, the two characters are attempting to change the future (I was getting shades of The Terminator here, with "The future is not set ... There is no fate but what we make..."), uncertain if even doing so will lead to Genji no longer even existing.
I'll be following this series with interest.
Which mad it all the more surprising, to me, that there is absolutely no mention (yet) of him or his ancestors in this, the first in the latest series by the author.
What we have, instead, is a sci-fi (natch) time travel romance action-adventure, following the 'Alloy' (Human with non-Human DNA) Genji who is somehow thrust back in time following her witnessing of the destruction of Earth, and is now on a self-imposed mission to change the circumstances leading to said destruction.
In the 'present day' (our future) of the novel, she meets semi-disgraced officer Kayl Owen of the space fleet the Earth Guard, who - unlike his superiors - is not concerned about the non-human DNA in her make-up.
Surviving numerous assassination attempts and growing closer along the way, the two characters are attempting to change the future (I was getting shades of The Terminator here, with "The future is not set ... There is no fate but what we make..."), uncertain if even doing so will lead to Genji no longer even existing.
I'll be following this series with interest.