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Dana (24 KP) rated Heir of Fire in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Okay, I know this took me forever to finish reading, but it was so good!!! I just kept having things come up so I couldn't read it. Darn that actual life that is outside of books!!
The characters just keep getting deeper. I really enjoyed how we got to see three or four main different stories that kept intersecting. It added to more of the variation in the story that made the 562 pages go by at a great pace. The story line did not fall flat at all. The differences in the way each character told their part of the story was very well done as well!
As I have said for the other books in this series, I highly recommend this book to people who like fantasy. It is also a pretty good series to read if you are just starting out with fantasy. It integrates the fantastical aspects in a way that feels natural and allows the readers to get a grasp on what is going on.
The characters just keep getting deeper. I really enjoyed how we got to see three or four main different stories that kept intersecting. It added to more of the variation in the story that made the 562 pages go by at a great pace. The story line did not fall flat at all. The differences in the way each character told their part of the story was very well done as well!
As I have said for the other books in this series, I highly recommend this book to people who like fantasy. It is also a pretty good series to read if you are just starting out with fantasy. It integrates the fantastical aspects in a way that feels natural and allows the readers to get a grasp on what is going on.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Shady Lady (Corine Solomon, #3) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I have to give a fairly high rating to a book that involves a woman who largely saves herself from multiple assassins (natural and supernatural) sent by the head of a drug cartel. There are sexy men in her life (three, in fact), but she's definitely the heroine here, not a clinging vine. That's a refreshing approach.
To be honest I don't think this book should be shelved with paranormal romances at all. It deserves to be called urban fantasy, or something along those lines, because relationships are not the main focus of the plot.
Corine has changed a great deal from the beginning of the series, and we learn much more about her background in this volume, explaining some of her behavior. The exposition is never tiresome or without reason — it's worked into the plot very nicely. I enjoy seeing character development, and getting more of the "why" helps the reader make sense of her decisions.
This volume feels like the end of the series, but it was a nice little trilogy and well worth reading.
To be honest I don't think this book should be shelved with paranormal romances at all. It deserves to be called urban fantasy, or something along those lines, because relationships are not the main focus of the plot.
Corine has changed a great deal from the beginning of the series, and we learn much more about her background in this volume, explaining some of her behavior. The exposition is never tiresome or without reason — it's worked into the plot very nicely. I enjoy seeing character development, and getting more of the "why" helps the reader make sense of her decisions.
This volume feels like the end of the series, but it was a nice little trilogy and well worth reading.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Skin Deep (Laura Blackstone, #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
This is an intriguing beginning to a series. I've played a character with similar abilities in a long-running roleplaying game, so I was particularly interested in this book. I think the author did an excellent job of exploring just how much could be done with "essence" (glamour), while setting believable limits to the character's abilities. She has an exceptionally well-trained memory, but even she slips on a few details here and there when juggling too many personas or with someone very close to her for a long time.
The plot was less interesting to me, frankly, than the character. In fact, the details are a little fuzzy and I just finished the book earlier today. (Of course, I've read most of the next book since then, too). Even while reading it, though, some details strained believability. That detail took the rating down a point.
Still, I was interested enough to go right on to the next book in the series, and I intend to read more of del Franco's work. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy urban fantasy.
The plot was less interesting to me, frankly, than the character. In fact, the details are a little fuzzy and I just finished the book earlier today. (Of course, I've read most of the next book since then, too). Even while reading it, though, some details strained believability. That detail took the rating down a point.
Still, I was interested enough to go right on to the next book in the series, and I intend to read more of del Franco's work. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy urban fantasy.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Better Off Thread (An Embroidery Mystery #10) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Marcy shows up at the hospital ready to play elf for some sick children only to find that Santa, being played by her friend Captain Moe, is suspected of murdering a hospital administrator. Sure that the two detectives in charge of the case arent going to worry about finding another suspect since they have Moe, Marcy and friends decide to investigate on their own.
I was surprised to find out after I finished this book that it was #10 in the series. On the one hand, I should have guessed because the characters and their relationships with each other were all so well developed. I didnt feel like I was missing a lot of background though, so I assumed it was a newer series. Whether youve been with this one from the beginning or are just jumping in now, youll want to catch this installment. Better Off Thread is the perfect cozy to get you in the mood for a little holiday music and some Christmas shopping!
I was surprised to find out after I finished this book that it was #10 in the series. On the one hand, I should have guessed because the characters and their relationships with each other were all so well developed. I didnt feel like I was missing a lot of background though, so I assumed it was a newer series. Whether youve been with this one from the beginning or are just jumping in now, youll want to catch this installment. Better Off Thread is the perfect cozy to get you in the mood for a little holiday music and some Christmas shopping!
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The 6th Extinction (Sigma Force, #10) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I enjoyed the story and the exotic locations the story takes place across the globe from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, to the remote tepuis of Brazil, and all the way to Antarctica. It was a very fast-paced thriller, with less investigation and more diving-right-in-and-doing than some of the other books in this series. The returning characters from previous novels were a nice surprise, but I wont names in case you are a fan of the series and havent read this one yet. Jenna, Nikko, and Drake were nice additions to the team, and I wouldnt mind seeing them pop up again in future volumes. I do wish that Seichan had a bigger part in this one though.
As always with James Rollinss books, be sure to read / listen to the Notes to the Reader at the end of the novel. He always explains what out of the book is science, and what is fiction. In this novel particularly, that is the scariest part of all.
As always with James Rollinss books, be sure to read / listen to the Notes to the Reader at the end of the novel. He always explains what out of the book is science, and what is fiction. In this novel particularly, that is the scariest part of all.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Éclair and Present Danger (Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Emergency dessert delivery is the best idea I have heard in a long time - I wish I could actually call up the Emergency Dessert Squad! This was a clever twist to the popular culinary mystery, and I look forward to more of this series.
With her old business closing, a new one just getting off the ground, and the acquisition of a grumpy cat, Winnie barely has time to sleep and eat. Add to that a potential love interest (or two) and a murdered next door neighbor, and she really has her hands full. Thankfully she has a great group of neighbors and friends to help her out.
When the murderer was finally revealed, I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it. There were clues right in front of my face that I totally missed, and I love that. This story had a unique cast of characters, and was a great introduction to this new series.
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With her old business closing, a new one just getting off the ground, and the acquisition of a grumpy cat, Winnie barely has time to sleep and eat. Add to that a potential love interest (or two) and a murdered next door neighbor, and she really has her hands full. Thankfully she has a great group of neighbors and friends to help her out.
When the murderer was finally revealed, I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it. There were clues right in front of my face that I totally missed, and I love that. This story had a unique cast of characters, and was a great introduction to this new series.
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated H Is for Homicide (Kinsey Millhone, #8) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Over the last couple of months, Kinsey has become friends with Parnell, an investigator at California Fidelity. So, she is shocked when Parnell is shot in the parking lot. With no leads, the case begins to fade, and even Kinsey is given a new case to investigate Bibianna for potential insurance fraud. Her plan is to get close to Bibianna and confirm the fraud, but Bibianna has secrets that complicate Kinsey’s plans. What will happen next?
This book starts well with an interesting first half, but then the second half really bogs down. The climax is almost anti-climactic in fact, and a huge change to Kinsey’s life is dashed off in a sentence. Furthermore, insurance fraud is the focus more than the homicide, which is disappointing for the “H” entry in the series. It’s not a bad book, but it’s definitely the weakest in the series to date.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-h-is-for-homicide-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book starts well with an interesting first half, but then the second half really bogs down. The climax is almost anti-climactic in fact, and a huge change to Kinsey’s life is dashed off in a sentence. Furthermore, insurance fraud is the focus more than the homicide, which is disappointing for the “H” entry in the series. It’s not a bad book, but it’s definitely the weakest in the series to date.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-h-is-for-homicide-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Things are gearing up for Christmas in July in the town of Rudolph, New York, and Merry Wilkinson is looking forward to the town’s new tradition, Santa arriving for his vacation in a boat parade. However, things get complicated when her ex-fiance, Max Folger, shows up in town wanting to rekindle his relationship with Merry. When he turns up dead in Merry’s shop, she finds herself drawn into the investigation. Can she figure out what is going on?
I love this series for the Christmas spirit that author Vicki Delany infuses into every page, and just because this book is set in July, that Christmas spirit hasn’t diminished at all. The mystery takes off into some surprising areas that kept me turning pages until I reached the end. The series regulars are their normal charming selves, and I was pleasantly surprised by the growth we saw in the suspects as well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-hark-herald-angels-slay-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I love this series for the Christmas spirit that author Vicki Delany infuses into every page, and just because this book is set in July, that Christmas spirit hasn’t diminished at all. The mystery takes off into some surprising areas that kept me turning pages until I reached the end. The series regulars are their normal charming selves, and I was pleasantly surprised by the growth we saw in the suspects as well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-hark-herald-angels-slay-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Connie (244 KP) rated Super Powereds: Year 4 in Books
Jun 8, 2018
A brilliant conclusion to an outstanding quartet
I literally don't know what to say. This book took my breath away. The trials were tough, and the fallout from Year 3 is real and well-thought-out. The characters have defined themselves and their growth is evident. The world is ready for these new heroes... Assuming they can make it to graduation.
Personally, I appreciate the struggle that Alice goes through and how she chooses to utilize her Subtlety skills. I also loved watch in Will try to find the lines of his own morality--will I break the law to achieve my ends? His test is brilliant, and I love Kennedy's reasoning when the test is over.
I stumbled onto this series from Crew's NPC series, and it was well worth it! I will be on the lookout every day to see what I can find by the magnificent Mr
Hayes!
This book was $6 on Kindle and comes to almost 2000 pages (yes, almost TWO THOUSAND pages. It's not a typo).
Personally, I appreciate the struggle that Alice goes through and how she chooses to utilize her Subtlety skills. I also loved watch in Will try to find the lines of his own morality--will I break the law to achieve my ends? His test is brilliant, and I love Kennedy's reasoning when the test is over.
I stumbled onto this series from Crew's NPC series, and it was well worth it! I will be on the lookout every day to see what I can find by the magnificent Mr
Hayes!
This book was $6 on Kindle and comes to almost 2000 pages (yes, almost TWO THOUSAND pages. It's not a typo).
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated City Fun in Books
Jun 16, 2018
City Fun by Margaret Hillert is a book with bright illustrations that are colorful, and show diversity. In this book, two friends have a day in the city. Some of the activities are they go to the park, the library, ride a bus, and watch some construction. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The story has limited words, the illustrations in itself tell a story. I believe that children will enjoy pointing to objects in the picture, and talking about the story beyond the word as they learn to read. These books would be a great addition to a home and class library for young children who are learning to read.
The Learning to Read series is easy to read. The series uses site vocabulary that is printed in the back of the book. The book captures the imaginations of beginning readers and help them on their way to independent reading. The books can be read aloud to young children or the children can read the books themselves.
The Learning to Read series is easy to read. The series uses site vocabulary that is printed in the back of the book. The book captures the imaginations of beginning readers and help them on their way to independent reading. The books can be read aloud to young children or the children can read the books themselves.