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Ducklady (1174 KP) rated The Core: The Demon Cycle in Books
Aug 25, 2019
The ending to a spectacular series
Contains spoilers, click to show
Despite negative things I had heard about this book, I was eager to read the final book of the demon cycle series.
I loved the new additions to the POV characters, my favourites being Ashia and Briar. I did feel like it skated away from the main protagonists many times, which frustrated me while I was anxious to get back to Arlen and co. Saying that, the chapters for Ragen and Elissa were brilliant and gave some insight into characters that were already held dear. It revisited some of Arlen's friends from his childhood and the way they had changed from children to adults was an interesting read.
The gap in coming back to the main characters made the book even more tense and made me want to read more and more.
I was confused about the author's opinions on religion, particularly with the scenes between Arlen and Jardir. I have gotten a very negative vibe surrounding religion all throughout the series, but when they were travelling to the core, that seemed flipped on its head.
One part that really struck me was the reaction that Leesha had when she saw her rapist. she relived the moment and still spared the man's life. He was a simple monster that had been implied to have raped other women too. Leesha had a daughter to think about and I think that would have realistically caused her to execute the man, it even said that she wouldn't have been judged for it. Half the time Leesha is holier than thou, although other times she has used her flameworks and poison to kill people... like come on, kill the goddamn rapist. Other than that, this book was almost impossible to put down.
I am excited for the next series and will likely reread the entire series again.
I loved the new additions to the POV characters, my favourites being Ashia and Briar. I did feel like it skated away from the main protagonists many times, which frustrated me while I was anxious to get back to Arlen and co. Saying that, the chapters for Ragen and Elissa were brilliant and gave some insight into characters that were already held dear. It revisited some of Arlen's friends from his childhood and the way they had changed from children to adults was an interesting read.
The gap in coming back to the main characters made the book even more tense and made me want to read more and more.
I was confused about the author's opinions on religion, particularly with the scenes between Arlen and Jardir. I have gotten a very negative vibe surrounding religion all throughout the series, but when they were travelling to the core, that seemed flipped on its head.
One part that really struck me was the reaction that Leesha had when she saw her rapist. she relived the moment and still spared the man's life. He was a simple monster that had been implied to have raped other women too. Leesha had a daughter to think about and I think that would have realistically caused her to execute the man, it even said that she wouldn't have been judged for it. Half the time Leesha is holier than thou, although other times she has used her flameworks and poison to kill people... like come on, kill the goddamn rapist. Other than that, this book was almost impossible to put down.
I am excited for the next series and will likely reread the entire series again.
Merissa (12363 KP) rated Atlantis Rising (Atlantis Rising, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Young Adult Bound Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review.
If you like stories based on Atlantis then I'm sure that you will enjoy this. It is a light, young adult book that incorporates a sideline of romance but it doesn't overpower the story.
Allison had a hard start in life. She was left in foster care at age 3 but she can't remember anything from before that. She was in the system for a while before being fostered and adopted by the McKyes. Three years ago though, she is approached by a man in the park who was there with his family and told that her abilities (that she knew about... sort of) were wanted by a 'bad man' who wouldn't hesitate to hurt her family to get to her. So Allison tries to fade into the background. She thinks she's doing okay until Ian and Brandy come along and shake things up.
This is a well-written story that moves along at a steady pace. Ian and Brandy are brilliant characters and really help this story to come alive. There are lots of other great supporting characters though, not just including the family and Lillian (who rocks!).
The ending is bittersweet and I am hoping that this will be part of a series. There are unanswered questions left over and I really want to see more of Allison and Ian. Definitely recommended!
If you like stories based on Atlantis then I'm sure that you will enjoy this. It is a light, young adult book that incorporates a sideline of romance but it doesn't overpower the story.
Allison had a hard start in life. She was left in foster care at age 3 but she can't remember anything from before that. She was in the system for a while before being fostered and adopted by the McKyes. Three years ago though, she is approached by a man in the park who was there with his family and told that her abilities (that she knew about... sort of) were wanted by a 'bad man' who wouldn't hesitate to hurt her family to get to her. So Allison tries to fade into the background. She thinks she's doing okay until Ian and Brandy come along and shake things up.
This is a well-written story that moves along at a steady pace. Ian and Brandy are brilliant characters and really help this story to come alive. There are lots of other great supporting characters though, not just including the family and Lillian (who rocks!).
The ending is bittersweet and I am hoping that this will be part of a series. There are unanswered questions left over and I really want to see more of Allison and Ian. Definitely recommended!
More Weird Cases: Comic and Bizarre Cases from Courtrooms Around the World
Book
The first book in this series, Weird Cases, was published in 2009 and contained cases which had been...
Love: An Index
Book
A man disappears. The woman who loves him is left scarred and haunted. In her fierce, one-of-a-kind...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2275 KP) rated Till Death Do Us Port in Books
Mar 9, 2023
This Wasn’t in the Wedding Plan
Parker Valentine is thrilled for her cousin, Emma, who is about to marry the man of her dreams. And Parker is hoping that providing the wine for the reception will help grow her winery. However, the day is facing more than the usual rockiness. Then things take a turn when the wedding planner turns up dead, and Parker teams up with an unlikely ally to figure out who did it.
I’d forgotten just how wonderful this series is before I picked up this book, but I was reminded very quickly. The characters are strong. I love seeing how Parker and the rest of the regulars have grown, and the new characters were just as good. Between drama and the mystery, there’s plenty to keep us turning pages, and it leads to a great climax. The way the author weaves in tidbits about grapes and wine to shed light on the story helps build on the theme. There are some funny moments as well, which really added to my enjoyment. The book is written in present tense, which is different, but I find it well worth the extra effort it takes my brain to adjust in the first couple of chapters. We get three recipes at the end, combined with suggested wine pairings. Fans will enjoy this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, fix that today.
I’d forgotten just how wonderful this series is before I picked up this book, but I was reminded very quickly. The characters are strong. I love seeing how Parker and the rest of the regulars have grown, and the new characters were just as good. Between drama and the mystery, there’s plenty to keep us turning pages, and it leads to a great climax. The way the author weaves in tidbits about grapes and wine to shed light on the story helps build on the theme. There are some funny moments as well, which really added to my enjoyment. The book is written in present tense, which is different, but I find it well worth the extra effort it takes my brain to adjust in the first couple of chapters. We get three recipes at the end, combined with suggested wine pairings. Fans will enjoy this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, fix that today.
Merissa (12363 KP) rated A Matcha Made in Hell (Boyfriend Café #1) in Books
Sep 13, 2023
A MATCHA MADE IN HELL is the first book in the Boyfriend Café series. Rhett is working hard for his Engineering degree, determined to put his High School behind him with all the associated memories. Easier said than done when his High School nemesis, Spencer Marsh, turns up at the same university.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The storyline of the reason behind the Café is sweet and I can absolutely see a need for it! I love how Albert is a not-so-silent Partner for Rhett's idea and also backs him whenever he can. The group of guys who work in the Café are all brilliant and I can't wait for their stories.
Back to Rhett and Spencer though - oh, man! These two!! Spencer's behaviour is understandable, as is his guilt for it. I liked the power exchange as Spencer and Rhett worked through their issues. However, being the sap I am, I did prefer it once 'something changed' and it became a healthier relationship.
This was a great story and a wonderful introduction to the series. I look forward to reading more and have no hesitation in recommending this book.
** 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!
Sep 13, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The storyline of the reason behind the Café is sweet and I can absolutely see a need for it! I love how Albert is a not-so-silent Partner for Rhett's idea and also backs him whenever he can. The group of guys who work in the Café are all brilliant and I can't wait for their stories.
Back to Rhett and Spencer though - oh, man! These two!! Spencer's behaviour is understandable, as is his guilt for it. I liked the power exchange as Spencer and Rhett worked through their issues. However, being the sap I am, I did prefer it once 'something changed' and it became a healthier relationship.
This was a great story and a wonderful introduction to the series. I look forward to reading more and have no hesitation in recommending this book.
** 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!
Sep 13, 2023
Merissa (12363 KP) rated Bad Idea (Brooklyn Kings #1) in Books
Feb 20, 2025
BAD IDEA is the first book in the Brooklyn Kings series and we're off to an amazing start!
Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.
I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡
There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.
What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.
** 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!
Feb 20, 2025
Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.
I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡
There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.
What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.
** 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!
Feb 20, 2025
Merissa (12363 KP) rated Markov (Tangled Tentacles #4) in Books
Sep 30, 2022
Did my heart break? Oh, just a little!
MARKOV is the fourth book in the Tangled Tentacles series and follows Markov and Cassius through their trials and tribulations to find the happiness due to fated mates.
Oh, man. I knew this one was going to be a doozy! You know, when I started this series, I was immediately taken into their world; seeing and sympathising with these last-on-earth Kraken shifters. Their back story was so sad and I loved it when Alexi found his mate. Since then, I've stayed with them and thoroughly enjoyed each story - some a little more than others, sure - but still loving every moment. It was obvious there was something going on between Cassius and Markov but we had no details as to what or why. We get ALL the details here and they are worth waiting for!
This pair of authors know exactly how to tug on my heartstrings. They always manage it, even when I'm expecting it. I won't go into details (spoilers, don't you know!) but I will say I was gripped by every word, every scene. Todd and Kelvin are the ones who are there for Markov in this book, and I'm really hoping Alexi and Victor will pull their heads from their behinds and realise what they are doing to the family.
The overall story arc moves on but we still don't know the full picture. It is Kelvin's story next, with his FBI guy, and the epilogue is a full-on teaser. I can't wait to read his story.
This is a fantastic addition to a series I am loving. Highly recommended by me.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oh, man. I knew this one was going to be a doozy! You know, when I started this series, I was immediately taken into their world; seeing and sympathising with these last-on-earth Kraken shifters. Their back story was so sad and I loved it when Alexi found his mate. Since then, I've stayed with them and thoroughly enjoyed each story - some a little more than others, sure - but still loving every moment. It was obvious there was something going on between Cassius and Markov but we had no details as to what or why. We get ALL the details here and they are worth waiting for!
This pair of authors know exactly how to tug on my heartstrings. They always manage it, even when I'm expecting it. I won't go into details (spoilers, don't you know!) but I will say I was gripped by every word, every scene. Todd and Kelvin are the ones who are there for Markov in this book, and I'm really hoping Alexi and Victor will pull their heads from their behinds and realise what they are doing to the family.
The overall story arc moves on but we still don't know the full picture. It is Kelvin's story next, with his FBI guy, and the epilogue is a full-on teaser. I can't wait to read his story.
This is a fantastic addition to a series I am loving. Highly recommended by me.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2275 KP) rated Just Plain Murder in Books
Dec 2, 2018
It was Heavenly to Visit These Characters Again
In the time that shop owner Claire Weatherly has been dating detective Jakob Fisher, she has never met Russ Granger, the man Jakob counts as a mentor and father figure. Of course, it makes sense since Russ has retired and moved to Florida. He is back in Heavenly, Pennsylvania, for a visit, but before Jakob and Russ can reconnect, Russ is murdered. Distraught over the man's death, Jakob throws himself into solving the crime. Can Claire help him come up with any leads?
It's been two and a half years since we've been able to visit this community, and I hadn't realized just how much I missed it until I was reading the first page. I was immediately swept back into the peaceful state I find while reading this series. In keeping with a town next to an Amish community, the pace in this series has always been a bit on the slow side, but I did feel this book's pacing was slower than normal. Still, when the pace does pick up, we get a well-done plot. The real star has always been the characters, and I was thrilled to be able to visit them again. They are as wonderful as ever, and I enjoyed some of the developments happening in their lives.
It's been two and a half years since we've been able to visit this community, and I hadn't realized just how much I missed it until I was reading the first page. I was immediately swept back into the peaceful state I find while reading this series. In keeping with a town next to an Amish community, the pace in this series has always been a bit on the slow side, but I did feel this book's pacing was slower than normal. Still, when the pace does pick up, we get a well-done plot. The real star has always been the characters, and I was thrilled to be able to visit them again. They are as wonderful as ever, and I enjoyed some of the developments happening in their lives.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated IA: Invincible Assassin (IA #2.5) in Books
Nov 15, 2019
Following on from the events in IA: B.O.S.S. and it's shattering ending, this book sees the world of Naz and the Exclave through the eyes of Harvis Young. A friend of Naz who has his own mysteries, Harvis sees how broken Naz is and resolves to protect him - or protect the world from him.
Naz is bent on revenge and with his superhuman powers could do more harm than good. Harvis must act as Naz's conscience but is also sympathetic to his cause.
Billed as an 'IA Origin' story, this provides a lot of background on Harvis whilst also filling in the gap before IA: Union. This isn't really a stand-alone piece as very little of who Naz is and what he can do is explained and reading of at least the first two books of the IA series first is recommended.
Whereas the other books have been told from Naz's point of view, here we see him through the eyes of his friend as a conflicted and sometimes unpredictable young man, someone who needs to tame his nature.
It is hard to provide any more information without spoiling the plot. But as with the other IA books this is an outstanding and very different 'young adult' read and an essential part of the series.
Naz is bent on revenge and with his superhuman powers could do more harm than good. Harvis must act as Naz's conscience but is also sympathetic to his cause.
Billed as an 'IA Origin' story, this provides a lot of background on Harvis whilst also filling in the gap before IA: Union. This isn't really a stand-alone piece as very little of who Naz is and what he can do is explained and reading of at least the first two books of the IA series first is recommended.
Whereas the other books have been told from Naz's point of view, here we see him through the eyes of his friend as a conflicted and sometimes unpredictable young man, someone who needs to tame his nature.
It is hard to provide any more information without spoiling the plot. But as with the other IA books this is an outstanding and very different 'young adult' read and an essential part of the series.