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Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated The Undine's Tear (Rise of the Grigori #1) in Books
May 14, 2022
Calandra is a powerful merfolk healer who is related to royalty, she just doesn't know how powerful she is. Zale is an attraction at a travelling show what could the two possibly have in common?
This is the first book in the rise of the Grigori series and oh my goodness what a book. I was completely captivated by it from the first page! I found myself struggling at one stage not because it's been badly written it hasn't, but I felt like I was missing out on bits of information and it was only because I was that taken with everything going on in the story I was speed reading to find out what was happening next. I was so gripped by the book that I ended up burning my dinner at one stage. There is so much love and tenderness in this tale it's warming to have it happen between 2 of the characters.
The plot is not on I would expect but I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be reading the next one in the series. I need to know what happens and how everything is going to be resolved.
Kudos to Talena. Please read I think you will enjoy the adventure
This is the first book in the rise of the Grigori series and oh my goodness what a book. I was completely captivated by it from the first page! I found myself struggling at one stage not because it's been badly written it hasn't, but I felt like I was missing out on bits of information and it was only because I was that taken with everything going on in the story I was speed reading to find out what was happening next. I was so gripped by the book that I ended up burning my dinner at one stage. There is so much love and tenderness in this tale it's warming to have it happen between 2 of the characters.
The plot is not on I would expect but I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be reading the next one in the series. I need to know what happens and how everything is going to be resolved.
Kudos to Talena. Please read I think you will enjoy the adventure
David McK (3755 KP) rated The Fallen Sword (The Hundred Years War, #3) in Books
Aug 3, 2024 (Updated Aug 3, 2024)
The third and final entry in AJ MacKenzie's 'The Hundred Years War' series which, truth to be told, did not turn out at all as I expected.
By which I mean I was expecting something Cornwell-like; an action-adventure set during the period of The Hundred Years War between France and England over the throne of France.
What I got instead was a (I felt) slow-burner of a mystery over three novels, with the war really only providing the backdrop as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates a shadowy conspiracy amongst the nobles of both sides
The fault in expectation, of course, was wholly mine.
This follows on from the largely-Scotland set A Clash of Lions, itself following on from A Flight of Arrows, with Merrivale now back in France as the English besiege the key city of Calais. I have to say, I did find parts of this novel to drag on a bit: for me, it never really gripped me as much as parts of the previous entry did. One of those novels (and series) that I'm happy enough to have read, but not to the point where I would - yet - search out more by the author.
By which I mean I was expecting something Cornwell-like; an action-adventure set during the period of The Hundred Years War between France and England over the throne of France.
What I got instead was a (I felt) slow-burner of a mystery over three novels, with the war really only providing the backdrop as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates a shadowy conspiracy amongst the nobles of both sides
The fault in expectation, of course, was wholly mine.
This follows on from the largely-Scotland set A Clash of Lions, itself following on from A Flight of Arrows, with Merrivale now back in France as the English besiege the key city of Calais. I have to say, I did find parts of this novel to drag on a bit: for me, it never really gripped me as much as parts of the previous entry did. One of those novels (and series) that I'm happy enough to have read, but not to the point where I would - yet - search out more by the author.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2528 KP) rated Murder at Cottonwood Creek in Books
Nov 26, 2025 (Updated Nov 26, 2025)
Uncovering Fossils and Murder
Stella and Lyndy are in Montana visiting Stella’s mother and the dig site where Lyndy’s father is spending the summer of 1906 looking for fossils. Not too long after the couple arrives, the night watchman for the dig dies. While the local coroner is quick to rule it an accident, Stella thinks there might be more to it. If she is right, how can Lyndy and Stella prove it?
It was natural that Stella and Lyndy would wind up in the US at some point instead of England, where the earlier books were set. This different setting allowed us to see a different side of Lyndy. Between that and the continuation of character arcs from earlier in the series, I liked the character growth we got. Sadly, many of the regulars didn’t make the trip, and I did miss them. The new characters, while good suspects, weren’t the same. The mystery is a bit uneven, partially because it tries to do a bit too much. I did have one issue that I didn’t feel was resolved, but overall, I was satisfied with the ending. While this may not be the best book to jump into the series with, it is one that fans will still enjoy.
It was natural that Stella and Lyndy would wind up in the US at some point instead of England, where the earlier books were set. This different setting allowed us to see a different side of Lyndy. Between that and the continuation of character arcs from earlier in the series, I liked the character growth we got. Sadly, many of the regulars didn’t make the trip, and I did miss them. The new characters, while good suspects, weren’t the same. The mystery is a bit uneven, partially because it tries to do a bit too much. I did have one issue that I didn’t feel was resolved, but overall, I was satisfied with the ending. While this may not be the best book to jump into the series with, it is one that fans will still enjoy.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Raging Star (Dust Lands, #3) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
2.75 stars.
It's been a long time (late 2013/early 2014) since I read the first two books in this series and apart from Saba, Jack, Emmi, Lugh and DeMalo I'd forgotten everyone else and what the plot was about, other than DeMalo creating a new world.
I must have liked its style (no speech marks and words spelt how they sound) at the beginning but I found it rather tedious in this one, which is why it's taken me so long to read it. I could only read 10/15 pages in one go before I had to put it down and do something else for a bit. It was only within the last two days that I decided it was time I finished it since it had been on my *currently reading* shelf for 10 days, way longer than I normally spend on paperbacks.
I'm not too sure I liked the ending either. I was kinda expecting more in relation to Jack and Saba. I understand that he was a little put off after he found out what had transpired but I still thought he'd get over it because of his feelings for Saba but I suppose it's been left open enough for something to happen between them as I really liked them together in the previous book.
Not one of my favourite endings to a series ever but not the worst either.
It's been a long time (late 2013/early 2014) since I read the first two books in this series and apart from Saba, Jack, Emmi, Lugh and DeMalo I'd forgotten everyone else and what the plot was about, other than DeMalo creating a new world.
I must have liked its style (no speech marks and words spelt how they sound) at the beginning but I found it rather tedious in this one, which is why it's taken me so long to read it. I could only read 10/15 pages in one go before I had to put it down and do something else for a bit. It was only within the last two days that I decided it was time I finished it since it had been on my *currently reading* shelf for 10 days, way longer than I normally spend on paperbacks.
I'm not too sure I liked the ending either. I was kinda expecting more in relation to Jack and Saba. I understand that he was a little put off after he found out what had transpired but I still thought he'd get over it because of his feelings for Saba but I suppose it's been left open enough for something to happen between them as I really liked them together in the previous book.
Not one of my favourite endings to a series ever but not the worst either.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Teen Titans: Raven in Books
Oct 10, 2019
graphic novel introducing Raven's origin story
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Teen Titans: Raven (Teen Titans #1) by Kami Garcia is a graphic novel with a story written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. Fans of YA may recognize Kami Garcia as a coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures series. Teen Titans: Raven is Garcia's first graphic novel.
Growing up I was a DC Comic fan but, after the introduction of the Marvel Avengers movies, especially Iron Man, I switched teams. However, you do not need to be a fan of Teen Titans, Raven, or DC Comics to appreciate the way in which Garcia and Picolo present Raven's origin story.
I thought the story was interesting and enjoyed the illustrations. Many reviews mention Raven's snarky attitude is missing from the story. I had not watched or read the Teen Titans and my niece was too young to understand attitude so I do not have a reference in which to compare Raven's story. Although enough reviews mention the lack of snarkiness I felt the need to mention it.
The 2nd book in the series, Teen Titans: Beast Boy (Teen Titans #2) will also be written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. It is scheduled to be released in 2020.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 10/10/19.
Teen Titans: Raven (Teen Titans #1) by Kami Garcia is a graphic novel with a story written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. Fans of YA may recognize Kami Garcia as a coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures series. Teen Titans: Raven is Garcia's first graphic novel.
Growing up I was a DC Comic fan but, after the introduction of the Marvel Avengers movies, especially Iron Man, I switched teams. However, you do not need to be a fan of Teen Titans, Raven, or DC Comics to appreciate the way in which Garcia and Picolo present Raven's origin story.
I thought the story was interesting and enjoyed the illustrations. Many reviews mention Raven's snarky attitude is missing from the story. I had not watched or read the Teen Titans and my niece was too young to understand attitude so I do not have a reference in which to compare Raven's story. Although enough reviews mention the lack of snarkiness I felt the need to mention it.
The 2nd book in the series, Teen Titans: Beast Boy (Teen Titans #2) will also be written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. It is scheduled to be released in 2020.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 10/10/19.
David McK (3755 KP) rated The Blood Crows (Eagle, #12) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Book number 12 in Simon Scarrow's (what was originally called) Eagle series (before the 'Eagle' moniker was dropped with the publication of [b:Centurion|2993197|Centurion|L.D. Alford|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347251292s/2993197.jpg|3023669]), with this one seeing the return of Roman soldiers Macro and Cato back to the scene of the first novels: back to the still-untamed Britain.
The newly promoted Prefect Cato (who has thus overtaken his old mentor and friend Macro - now a Centurion - in rank), as well as Centurion Macro, are given the task of taking command of a military outpost on the borders of the empire: a military outpost in which the previous Prefect has been killed in mysterious circumstances, and in which (it proves) the current Commander and his Blood Wolves are carrying out a policy of total war against the inhabitants of the valley in which the fort is situated.
It's not long before Cato has to assert his own authority, as well as finding ways to deal with hordes of vengeful natives on his doorstep ...
As before in the series, I found this to be an enjoyable read: it will also be interesting to see where the series goes next! :)
The newly promoted Prefect Cato (who has thus overtaken his old mentor and friend Macro - now a Centurion - in rank), as well as Centurion Macro, are given the task of taking command of a military outpost on the borders of the empire: a military outpost in which the previous Prefect has been killed in mysterious circumstances, and in which (it proves) the current Commander and his Blood Wolves are carrying out a policy of total war against the inhabitants of the valley in which the fort is situated.
It's not long before Cato has to assert his own authority, as well as finding ways to deal with hordes of vengeful natives on his doorstep ...
As before in the series, I found this to be an enjoyable read: it will also be interesting to see where the series goes next! :)
Batman: The Enemy Within
Games
App
In this latest chapter from the award-winning studio behind Batman - The Telltale Series, both Bruce...
David McK (3755 KP) rated Star Wars: Sanctuary (A Bad Batch novel) in Books
Mar 15, 2026
Star Wars: The Bad Batch
One of the more recent of the Star Wars animated shows and running between 2021 to 2024, the Bad Batch (aka Clone Force 99) were a group of 'defective' clones; each of whom had their own specialty.
Hunter, Wrecker, Tech and Crosshair.
And the child clone Omega
With Crosshair following orders, and putting himself on the opposite side to his brothers whilst the series ran.
So, we're talking a slight overlap with "The Clone Wars" cartoon here, and the early days of the Empire just after Order 66.
When the series ended, Clone Force 99 had more-or-less settled on the planet Pabu, which is where this starts with the Clones on a mission to, ummm, 'liberate' some credits that can help them rebuild following a once-in-a-lifetime natural catastrophe.
That is, before things go sideways and they find themselves having to help fugitives on the run, said fugitives also taking them hostage ...
So, in short, this feels very much like an episode of the TV series, complete with - towards the very end - a terrifying Darth Vader putting in an appearance (think a bit like towards the end of Rogue One), luckily not against the Bad Batch.
One of the more recent of the Star Wars animated shows and running between 2021 to 2024, the Bad Batch (aka Clone Force 99) were a group of 'defective' clones; each of whom had their own specialty.
Hunter, Wrecker, Tech and Crosshair.
And the child clone Omega
With Crosshair following orders, and putting himself on the opposite side to his brothers whilst the series ran.
So, we're talking a slight overlap with "The Clone Wars" cartoon here, and the early days of the Empire just after Order 66.
When the series ended, Clone Force 99 had more-or-less settled on the planet Pabu, which is where this starts with the Clones on a mission to, ummm, 'liberate' some credits that can help them rebuild following a once-in-a-lifetime natural catastrophe.
That is, before things go sideways and they find themselves having to help fugitives on the run, said fugitives also taking them hostage ...
So, in short, this feels very much like an episode of the TV series, complete with - towards the very end - a terrifying Darth Vader putting in an appearance (think a bit like towards the end of Rogue One), luckily not against the Bad Batch.
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Jaz's Warriors (Bondmates, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This is the second book in a series which I haven't read, but that in no way diminished my enjoyment of this short but spicy Science Fiction read.
The story starts with the invasion of Earth, and then jumps forward to when Jaz is already a Matriarch, mated to two and meeting a potential third. Things are done very differently in this world, and some human females are having trouble adapting. Jaz's counselling experience is able to help her and others to cope with a way of living and loving.
Because I haven't read the first book, I'm not sure if Jaz is mentioned in that, or how she met husbands one and two. This isn't a negative, it's just that this is one fast-paced story so I would like to know more about these characters, just to understand all aspects of the story.
If you are after a short and steamy sci-fi romance with multi partners, then I can definitely recommend this one.
* I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The story starts with the invasion of Earth, and then jumps forward to when Jaz is already a Matriarch, mated to two and meeting a potential third. Things are done very differently in this world, and some human females are having trouble adapting. Jaz's counselling experience is able to help her and others to cope with a way of living and loving.
Because I haven't read the first book, I'm not sure if Jaz is mentioned in that, or how she met husbands one and two. This isn't a negative, it's just that this is one fast-paced story so I would like to know more about these characters, just to understand all aspects of the story.
If you are after a short and steamy sci-fi romance with multi partners, then I can definitely recommend this one.
* I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Monster Unleashed (Dark Indiscretions #2) in Books
Apr 10, 2023
After reading Book 1, I thought I knew what to expect from this book. I knew that it would be choppy, quick moving and without time to fully appreciate the depth of the storyline. I know this style of writing suits some people but after going through two books of it, it is enough for me.
This book is full of dialogue and action, both between the sheets and out. Some react to situations in the way you would expect whilst others throw a curveball at you.
My problem with the book (and it is MY problem, you may not find the same) is that I just don't connect with the characters and therefore I don't care. You may read this book and absolutely love it as so many others have before me. Don't take my word for it, try it yourself. As for me, I'm calling it quits. I won't be reading any further in this series.
* 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. *
August 6, 2016
This book is full of dialogue and action, both between the sheets and out. Some react to situations in the way you would expect whilst others throw a curveball at you.
My problem with the book (and it is MY problem, you may not find the same) is that I just don't connect with the characters and therefore I don't care. You may read this book and absolutely love it as so many others have before me. Don't take my word for it, try it yourself. As for me, I'm calling it quits. I won't be reading any further in this series.
* 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. *
August 6, 2016