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Merissa (13427 KP) rated Wounded Soul in Books
May 10, 2019
Wounded Soul by Annabelle Jacobs
Wounded Soul involves a human unaware of vampires, and a vampire smitten with insta-lust for said human. Of course, if it was left like that, it would be too easy, so throw into the a mix a psychotic vampire, a best friend working for the human/vampire police, another best friend terrified of the thought of vampires, and a coven leader you respect and don't want to insult. Sounding good yet?
This book a really good read, from the first steamy hot meeting, to the intensity of the psychotic, to the nerve-jangling will he/won't he live (and that's not the 'he' you're thinking of!) Annabelle Jacobs is one of my favourite paranormal romance writers, if only for the fact they are not automatically based in America. I loved her Regent's Park series, and I loved this one just as much. I would love to read more about the characters mentioned in this story, but I have no idea if there is a sequel or series planned.
Either way, this was really well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. The pacing was good, and the connection between the characters was intense. And don't forget the bad guy you love to hate. 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!
This book a really good read, from the first steamy hot meeting, to the intensity of the psychotic, to the nerve-jangling will he/won't he live (and that's not the 'he' you're thinking of!) Annabelle Jacobs is one of my favourite paranormal romance writers, if only for the fact they are not automatically based in America. I loved her Regent's Park series, and I loved this one just as much. I would love to read more about the characters mentioned in this story, but I have no idea if there is a sequel or series planned.
Either way, this was really well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. The pacing was good, and the connection between the characters was intense. And don't forget the bad guy you love to hate. 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!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The October Man (Rivers of London #7.5) in Books
Jul 16, 2019
Novella set in Germany. Book 7.5 of the Rivers of London series.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The October Man by Ben Aaronovitch is the "#7.5" book in his Rivers of London series. I read the first book, Rivers of London for book club last year and has marked the 2nd book, Moon over Soho, to be read on Goodreads. When the opportunity arose to read this novella, I jumped at the chance. To give a fair review, I read books 2 - 7, not including the novellas, before reading this.
Peter Grant is mentioned in the novella but his German equivalent, Tobias Winter, leads this investigation set in Trier, Germany's oldest city.
While Aaronovitch's writing style and humor show through, I missed the characters I have been fortunate enough to meet in the books set in London. The backdrop of London has become as important as any of the characters.
Setting the novella in Germany was interesting because it allowed us to see the difference between how the German's investigate and the Folly. It brought the magical world into a different point of view as when FBI agent Kimberley Reynolds was around. I would have enjoyed this more if Peter Grant had helped with Tobias Winter's investigation.
I already marked book 8, False Value, to be read.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/15/19.
The October Man by Ben Aaronovitch is the "#7.5" book in his Rivers of London series. I read the first book, Rivers of London for book club last year and has marked the 2nd book, Moon over Soho, to be read on Goodreads. When the opportunity arose to read this novella, I jumped at the chance. To give a fair review, I read books 2 - 7, not including the novellas, before reading this.
Peter Grant is mentioned in the novella but his German equivalent, Tobias Winter, leads this investigation set in Trier, Germany's oldest city.
While Aaronovitch's writing style and humor show through, I missed the characters I have been fortunate enough to meet in the books set in London. The backdrop of London has become as important as any of the characters.
Setting the novella in Germany was interesting because it allowed us to see the difference between how the German's investigate and the Folly. It brought the magical world into a different point of view as when FBI agent Kimberley Reynolds was around. I would have enjoyed this more if Peter Grant had helped with Tobias Winter's investigation.
I already marked book 8, False Value, to be read.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/15/19.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell (2001) in Movies
Nov 15, 2020
So, Wishmaster started off well enough but Christ, this series really dived head first into car crash mode.
This third entry into the not so beloved franchise isn't good-bad, or fun-bad - it's actually a festering shit pile masquerading as a straight-to-video B-Movie.
The effects are terrible and cheap, the dlailogue is laughable. The main protagonist is the least likable of the series, which is saying something. Every character in this shitty fiasco is poorly written. The music cues are intrusive and out of place, the editing is completely bizarre (surely a lot of the crew had to be drunk just to get through this)...
I'm not sure what I expected to be honest, but my expectations were absolutely exceeded.
It doesn't even have Andrew Divoff in it, the highlight of the first, and the only good thing about the second Wishmaster. He's replaced by John Novak in Djinn mode (who is fine by the way, the three or so minutes of full make up screentime is just about passable) and by Jason Connery (son of Sean) when he's in human mode. I don't recall seeing Jason Connery in anything else, and I'm sure he's a perfectly fine actor, but in this, he is literally David Brent. Once I noticed this, I couldn't get past it, and any evil he may have been trying to convey was lost in his Brent-ness. Unintentionally hilarious, but didn't make the film any less shit.
Wishmaster 3 is terrible. Don't do it to yourself.
This third entry into the not so beloved franchise isn't good-bad, or fun-bad - it's actually a festering shit pile masquerading as a straight-to-video B-Movie.
The effects are terrible and cheap, the dlailogue is laughable. The main protagonist is the least likable of the series, which is saying something. Every character in this shitty fiasco is poorly written. The music cues are intrusive and out of place, the editing is completely bizarre (surely a lot of the crew had to be drunk just to get through this)...
I'm not sure what I expected to be honest, but my expectations were absolutely exceeded.
It doesn't even have Andrew Divoff in it, the highlight of the first, and the only good thing about the second Wishmaster. He's replaced by John Novak in Djinn mode (who is fine by the way, the three or so minutes of full make up screentime is just about passable) and by Jason Connery (son of Sean) when he's in human mode. I don't recall seeing Jason Connery in anything else, and I'm sure he's a perfectly fine actor, but in this, he is literally David Brent. Once I noticed this, I couldn't get past it, and any evil he may have been trying to convey was lost in his Brent-ness. Unintentionally hilarious, but didn't make the film any less shit.
Wishmaster 3 is terrible. Don't do it to yourself.
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Bound in Flame (The Hawaiian Ladies’ Riding Society #1) in Books
Aug 3, 2020
Bound in Flame is the debut book by this author and is also the first in The Hawaiian Ladies’ Riding Society series. Set in the early 1900's we find out about the Suffragette movement as seen by a young (eighteen-year-old) Letty. She wants to go to school and become a vet although she is not sure that it's possible. Instead of being a woman with her feet set firmly in logic, Letty finds out that she is one of the magical Gates and her powers, her flames as she calls them, are not just there to get her into trouble. Letty knows who she is and also knows what she is up against, more so than Timothy, our main male, in some cases.
This is a wondrous tale of a time gone by, told with a sense of gentility. It has a historical setting but with fantasy elements. I have no idea if the settings, dates, occasions, people, etc. are real but, to be honest, I don't really care either. I thoroughly enjoyed the flow of this story, with the wonderful characters you learn about.
I thought this was a brilliant start to a series I want to read more from. Thoroughly enjoyable, a good long story to sink into, with settings and characters that leap off the page. 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!
This is a wondrous tale of a time gone by, told with a sense of gentility. It has a historical setting but with fantasy elements. I have no idea if the settings, dates, occasions, people, etc. are real but, to be honest, I don't really care either. I thoroughly enjoyed the flow of this story, with the wonderful characters you learn about.
I thought this was a brilliant start to a series I want to read more from. Thoroughly enjoyable, a good long story to sink into, with settings and characters that leap off the page. 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!
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Amplified: Sean and Alex in Books
Apr 15, 2023
AMPLIFIED: SEAN AND ALEX is the first book in the Amplified series. In it, we learn how some people (Amplified) have gifts others don't - speed, sight, hearing, touch, that sort of thing. We also learn that the general public is afraid of all of them, but especially the empaths... which ties us in with Sean.
The actual premise of the story is amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What I didn't enjoy so much was that I never knew if it was a flashback or not, or basically what timeframe I was in. It felt quite disjointed as we leapt from the past, to the present, and back again; never knowing why. At least, not in my copy. Because of this, I felt like I spent more time trying to put it in order than I did actually getting into the story, so I never really connected with either of the main characters or the supporting characters. I also felt as though Sean and Alex didn't connect fully themselves.
This is the first book in this series and also the first book by this author I have read. There are enough positives here for me to say it was a good read and I will definitely read book two when it comes out.
** 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!
Apr 4, 2023
The actual premise of the story is amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What I didn't enjoy so much was that I never knew if it was a flashback or not, or basically what timeframe I was in. It felt quite disjointed as we leapt from the past, to the present, and back again; never knowing why. At least, not in my copy. Because of this, I felt like I spent more time trying to put it in order than I did actually getting into the story, so I never really connected with either of the main characters or the supporting characters. I also felt as though Sean and Alex didn't connect fully themselves.
This is the first book in this series and also the first book by this author I have read. There are enough positives here for me to say it was a good read and I will definitely read book two when it comes out.
** 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!
Apr 4, 2023
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Courting the Dragon Lord (A Royal Arrangement #0) in Books
Mar 27, 2025
COURTING THE DRAGON LORD is the introductory story to the Royal Arrangement series. We learn that the nations have been at war for decades and now they have agreed to a peace treaty, solidified by marriages between the nations. This one is with Prince Ash of Botanial and Lord Barrett of Draconia.
Ash has always played second fiddle to his older brother and when he finds out there is a contest for Florian's hand, that just confirms it, especially when he thinks the man he is interested in has competed to win Florian's hand. But Barrett has met Ash already and is interested in him, not Florian. With a twist of insecurity though, Barrett thinks Ash wants Luther.
This was a quick and easy read, full of brilliant descriptions. Both MCs are cinnamon rolls who are insecure but it works for them. They both have a partner who loves and adores them, and who doesn't want that! The pacing is smooth and the world-building is enough for this story so you're not completely lost.
A great start to the series and definitely recommended by me. I can't wait to read more in this story and, although I don't wish the kingship on Ash, I really hope Florian gets his comeuppance! He really was a repugnant character in every way!
** 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 27, 2025
Ash has always played second fiddle to his older brother and when he finds out there is a contest for Florian's hand, that just confirms it, especially when he thinks the man he is interested in has competed to win Florian's hand. But Barrett has met Ash already and is interested in him, not Florian. With a twist of insecurity though, Barrett thinks Ash wants Luther.
This was a quick and easy read, full of brilliant descriptions. Both MCs are cinnamon rolls who are insecure but it works for them. They both have a partner who loves and adores them, and who doesn't want that! The pacing is smooth and the world-building is enough for this story so you're not completely lost.
A great start to the series and definitely recommended by me. I can't wait to read more in this story and, although I don't wish the kingship on Ash, I really hope Florian gets his comeuppance! He really was a repugnant character in every way!
** 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 27, 2025
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Black Heart Loa in Books
Sep 8, 2017
A rolicking fun ride through Louisiana
Black Heart Loa is actually the second in Phoenix’s Hoodoo series, the first being Black Dust Mambo. Even without reading the first one, Black Heart Loa is easy to follow, and the events of Black Dust Mambo are easily understood, without really having them rehashed to the reader. Part of that, I expect, is because Black Heart Loa is dealing with the fallout of the events of Black Dust Mambo, so things get explained in a natural progression in the book.
BHL was a rolicking fun ride through the swamps of Louisiana. I can’t speak for the accuracy of how the hoodoo belief system is represented, but most religious beliefs in urban fantasy get a vigorous twisting from the author, as miracles and magic become real in the fictional world. So I’m not terribly worried about the accuracy, as long as they’re not portrayed solely in a good or bad light. And in BHL there are both good and bad practitioners of hoodoo, illustrating the point that it’s not the religion that is inherently good or bad, but the person practicing it. So that moral quandary aside, I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. Kallie is a fun, ass-kicking, smart-talking protagonist, though I found myself wanting to know more about her best friend, a mambo-in-training.
I especially want to know more about a character who was introduced late in the book, but the ending of the book implies more books to come, and more focus on the character I’m intrigued by, so I’ll have to see if I can dig up more of this series. Amazon says this book is 2 of 2 in the series, but it was published in 2011 and I don't see any more in the series, which is sad. Goodreads mentions a third book, Black Moon Mojo, but I can't find any news about a release date.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
BHL was a rolicking fun ride through the swamps of Louisiana. I can’t speak for the accuracy of how the hoodoo belief system is represented, but most religious beliefs in urban fantasy get a vigorous twisting from the author, as miracles and magic become real in the fictional world. So I’m not terribly worried about the accuracy, as long as they’re not portrayed solely in a good or bad light. And in BHL there are both good and bad practitioners of hoodoo, illustrating the point that it’s not the religion that is inherently good or bad, but the person practicing it. So that moral quandary aside, I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. Kallie is a fun, ass-kicking, smart-talking protagonist, though I found myself wanting to know more about her best friend, a mambo-in-training.
I especially want to know more about a character who was introduced late in the book, but the ending of the book implies more books to come, and more focus on the character I’m intrigued by, so I’ll have to see if I can dig up more of this series. Amazon says this book is 2 of 2 in the series, but it was published in 2011 and I don't see any more in the series, which is sad. Goodreads mentions a third book, Black Moon Mojo, but I can't find any news about a release date.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Seraph ( Society book 9) in Books
Sep 28, 2022
176 of 230
Kindle
Seraph ( Society book 9)
By Mason Sabre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every angel knows that when guarding demons, never, ever leave them alone. Not even for a second …. Amongst the highest ranking in the angelic hierarchy and most revered of all angels, Nina is lucky to be able to call herself one of the Seraphim. She is indeed blessed. Or so she should have been …. Having been tasked with the job of guarding stones in which rogue demons are incarcerated, Nina is decidedly bored. She finds herself wishing for a more exciting life, a more challenging position. She longs to prove herself as a Seraph and earn more respect and veneration. So, when a chaos demon unexpectedly escapes his captivity, Nina takes it upon herself to hunt him down and bring him in on her own. Being subjected to rebuke from the senior ranking Seraphim, or worse, being seen as incompetent, is not an appealing notion. However, as she crosses over into the worldly realm and begins her quest, she discovers things are not as simple as she believed …. If you like fast-paced urban fantasy filled with terrifying demons, powerful angels and dark supernatural forces, then you’ll love the latest novella in Mason Sabre’s Society Series. Immerse yourself in this unusual paranormal world today.
I absolutely love this series! These side stories are so so good! Nina is brilliant I love that we are getting to know the angels now! Definitely a series I’d highly recommend!
Kindle
Seraph ( Society book 9)
By Mason Sabre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every angel knows that when guarding demons, never, ever leave them alone. Not even for a second …. Amongst the highest ranking in the angelic hierarchy and most revered of all angels, Nina is lucky to be able to call herself one of the Seraphim. She is indeed blessed. Or so she should have been …. Having been tasked with the job of guarding stones in which rogue demons are incarcerated, Nina is decidedly bored. She finds herself wishing for a more exciting life, a more challenging position. She longs to prove herself as a Seraph and earn more respect and veneration. So, when a chaos demon unexpectedly escapes his captivity, Nina takes it upon herself to hunt him down and bring him in on her own. Being subjected to rebuke from the senior ranking Seraphim, or worse, being seen as incompetent, is not an appealing notion. However, as she crosses over into the worldly realm and begins her quest, she discovers things are not as simple as she believed …. If you like fast-paced urban fantasy filled with terrifying demons, powerful angels and dark supernatural forces, then you’ll love the latest novella in Mason Sabre’s Society Series. Immerse yourself in this unusual paranormal world today.
I absolutely love this series! These side stories are so so good! Nina is brilliant I love that we are getting to know the angels now! Definitely a series I’d highly recommend!
Colin Campbell (25 KP) rated Audible – audio books, original series & podcasts in Apps
Apr 30, 2019
Choice of books (2 more)
Frequent 2 for 1 offers
Stephen Fry Narration
Some narrators (1 more)
Some books in a series are missing
Too many books, not enough time...
What can I say about Audible that hasn't been mentioned in other reviews? Probably nothing ?
I live near London and unfortunately the commute is hell, reading makes the commute go faster but with train carriages packed like cattle you can't really turn the pages of a book. This is where Audible comes in, you can unobtrusively listen to books that you may be embarrassed to show others that you are reading (eg The Very Hungry Caterpillar)
This isn't the only thing, you also get the options to listen to Audible specific Audio Shows like Frys English Delights and How Not to F**k up your kids, these are free for subscribers and pro ide a nice 30 minute piece of escapism.
Some Kindle Books come whispersync enabled which gives you an Audible copy of the book, sometimes cheaper than buying the audio book individually.
I also have the Audible app on my Fire Stick and with the sleep timer you can easily fall asleep listening to a well narrated piece of work.
Now the cons...
Not all narrators are actually good to listen to, Unfortunately it would take too much time to get more recorded and taking into account their schedules.
Some series are incomplete and it does not look they will be recorded sometime soon (Julian May, Many Coloured Land)
I live near London and unfortunately the commute is hell, reading makes the commute go faster but with train carriages packed like cattle you can't really turn the pages of a book. This is where Audible comes in, you can unobtrusively listen to books that you may be embarrassed to show others that you are reading (eg The Very Hungry Caterpillar)
This isn't the only thing, you also get the options to listen to Audible specific Audio Shows like Frys English Delights and How Not to F**k up your kids, these are free for subscribers and pro ide a nice 30 minute piece of escapism.
Some Kindle Books come whispersync enabled which gives you an Audible copy of the book, sometimes cheaper than buying the audio book individually.
I also have the Audible app on my Fire Stick and with the sleep timer you can easily fall asleep listening to a well narrated piece of work.
Now the cons...
Not all narrators are actually good to listen to, Unfortunately it would take too much time to get more recorded and taking into account their schedules.
Some series are incomplete and it does not look they will be recorded sometime soon (Julian May, Many Coloured Land)
Dutch (59 KP) rated The Burning Soul in Books
Feb 22, 2019
What's the worst thing you have ever done?
The worse thing Randall Haight has ever done was killing a 14-year-old girl when he was only a child himself. Now someone seems to have discovered his secret and is tormenting him anonymously, and, to further complicate things a 14-year-old girl has gone missing in the same town that Randall lives in.
Charlie Parker takes on the case against his better judgement as it brings back painful memories of the death of his own daughter and he also finds himself up against a mobster by the name of Tommy Morris, the FBI and a police chief who may have secrets of his own.
As a rule I generally navigate towards horror but in the Charlie Parker series John Connolly has crafted a multi-layered world that mixes in supernatural elements and a superb supporting cast (Louis, Angel, the Collector) as well as great writing, a flawed (but likeable) main character and most importantly stories that draw me in totally. In fact I would put John Connolly up there with Stephen King as one of my favourite authors and I absolutely cannot get enough of the Charlie Parker series. If you have a love for the crime or horror genres there is no excuse for not diving into this series.
The next book in the series is The Wrath of Angels and it marks the return of the Collecter and promises to bring back the more supernatural/horror elements of the series and that is certainly not a bad thing.
Charlie Parker takes on the case against his better judgement as it brings back painful memories of the death of his own daughter and he also finds himself up against a mobster by the name of Tommy Morris, the FBI and a police chief who may have secrets of his own.
As a rule I generally navigate towards horror but in the Charlie Parker series John Connolly has crafted a multi-layered world that mixes in supernatural elements and a superb supporting cast (Louis, Angel, the Collector) as well as great writing, a flawed (but likeable) main character and most importantly stories that draw me in totally. In fact I would put John Connolly up there with Stephen King as one of my favourite authors and I absolutely cannot get enough of the Charlie Parker series. If you have a love for the crime or horror genres there is no excuse for not diving into this series.
The next book in the series is The Wrath of Angels and it marks the return of the Collecter and promises to bring back the more supernatural/horror elements of the series and that is certainly not a bad thing.