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Merissa (13169 KP) rated The Shadow Throne (The Ice Queen #3) in Books
May 23, 2018
The Shadow Throne (The Ice Queen #3) by Rebecca Bauer
The Shadow Throne is the third and final instalment of The Ice Queen trilogy. I loved meeting back up with Cas and Aria, and finding out just what they had been up to. You can expect the same sarcasm that has been so prevalent in the previous two books, as well as more political machinations. However, this time, you will also have more emotions running through you than you will know what to do with them. There are not many books that have me crying by 25%, but this one managed it.
These characters are so well developed, so well rounded, it is a delight to read. Every situation seems thought about, from numerous angles, just to ensure it reads correctly. And situations that might have a warp on them, somehow seem to be right when done for these characters.
If there were any editing or grammatical errors, then I missed them. I don't think there were, but I honestly don't really care. I was that engrossed with the story, I was completely unable to put it down. So sad to finish this trilogy, but at least I can re-read them from the beginning now.
Absolutely and utterly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
These characters are so well developed, so well rounded, it is a delight to read. Every situation seems thought about, from numerous angles, just to ensure it reads correctly. And situations that might have a warp on them, somehow seem to be right when done for these characters.
If there were any editing or grammatical errors, then I missed them. I don't think there were, but I honestly don't really care. I was that engrossed with the story, I was completely unable to put it down. So sad to finish this trilogy, but at least I can re-read them from the beginning now.
Absolutely and utterly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Natalia (73 KP) rated Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) in Books
Jan 26, 2019
So I've taken the past week to read the whole trilogy, which I now see as a mistake since the books seem to blend together for me now. I can happily say, however, that Leigh Bardugo's writing lives up to the praise people give her - and this series is certainly going to stay with me for a long time, not including when it'll be refreshed as I re-read it.
As cliched as it sounds, I couldn't put the book down, and the moment I finished one I had to move on to the next. Bardugo has a way with her writing that keeps you hooked, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that I had to put the book down on multiple occasions to sit in what I just read. The action is well-written, characters are relatable and engaging, and tension is built well with the occasional piece of humour to lift us from our stump.
I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free, so I'm struggling to find a way to explain how much I appreciate this book and entire trilogy without going in depth on the plot and character development. If you're reading this to see if you want to read the series, I would say you should jump on it. I went in almost entirely blind, simply hearing good things about Bardugo, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.
As cliched as it sounds, I couldn't put the book down, and the moment I finished one I had to move on to the next. Bardugo has a way with her writing that keeps you hooked, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that I had to put the book down on multiple occasions to sit in what I just read. The action is well-written, characters are relatable and engaging, and tension is built well with the occasional piece of humour to lift us from our stump.
I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free, so I'm struggling to find a way to explain how much I appreciate this book and entire trilogy without going in depth on the plot and character development. If you're reading this to see if you want to read the series, I would say you should jump on it. I went in almost entirely blind, simply hearing good things about Bardugo, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Contagion (Dark Matter #1) in Books
Aug 11, 2019
Contagion, the first book in Teri Terry's Dark Matter series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
In Teri Terry's Contagion, Kai's sister, Callie, is missing. She disappeared a year ago and Kai is beginning to lose hope Callie will ever be found. That is until he receives a call from Shay, who is most likely the last person to see Callie before she disappeared.
With the help of Shay, Kai seeks the truth about Callie's disappearance. Their search takes them through areas affected by a painful and contagious epidemic, an epidemic that mimics the flu, and which almost no one survives.
While the description presents a typical lost child/search storyline, the book is more than that. Notice the epidemic? It is more than a common epidemic.
The chapters are short and are time-stamped which ensures the reader knows the timeline events occurred. The story is presented from Callie and Shay's perspectives. Some reviewers on Goodreads commented they were confused in the beginning but, after reading a few chapters, everything made sense.
Contagion is the first book in Teri Terry's Dark Matter trilogy. The complete trilogy was released in the UK and the 1st book has been finally released in the USA! Deception (book 2) and Evolution (book 3) are available for purchase from the UK.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 8/11/19.
In Teri Terry's Contagion, Kai's sister, Callie, is missing. She disappeared a year ago and Kai is beginning to lose hope Callie will ever be found. That is until he receives a call from Shay, who is most likely the last person to see Callie before she disappeared.
With the help of Shay, Kai seeks the truth about Callie's disappearance. Their search takes them through areas affected by a painful and contagious epidemic, an epidemic that mimics the flu, and which almost no one survives.
While the description presents a typical lost child/search storyline, the book is more than that. Notice the epidemic? It is more than a common epidemic.
The chapters are short and are time-stamped which ensures the reader knows the timeline events occurred. The story is presented from Callie and Shay's perspectives. Some reviewers on Goodreads commented they were confused in the beginning but, after reading a few chapters, everything made sense.
Contagion is the first book in Teri Terry's Dark Matter trilogy. The complete trilogy was released in the UK and the 1st book has been finally released in the USA! Deception (book 2) and Evolution (book 3) are available for purchase from the UK.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 8/11/19.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Deception (Dark Matter #2) in Books
Jan 17, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Deception is the 2nd book in the Dark Matter series by Teri Terry. I was given the opportunity to review the 1st book, Contagion, and thoroughly enjoyed it. When offered the 2nd book, I jumped at the chance.
Deception starts where Contagion ends. Shay, believing she is the carrier of the epidemic, surrenders to the army. Kai is heartbroken and feels betrayed because Shay left. After discovering survivors like Shay are not carriers, he is desperate to find her.
I enjoyed the 1st book more than the 2nd. Because it is a YA book, there is the obligatory love triangle. Still, it is worth reading. We are introduced to other groups. They are survivors, those hunting the survivors, and those behind the epidemic. One of the people we learn more about is Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father.
The 3rd and final book in the trilogy, Evolution, is available for pre-order. Its release date is August 11, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends. Will Kai and Shay end up together? What will happen to Callie? Will she get her revenge?
View my review of Contagion at http://philomathinphila.com/2019/08/11/200-word-review-of-contagion-by-teri-terry/.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/16/20.
Deception is the 2nd book in the Dark Matter series by Teri Terry. I was given the opportunity to review the 1st book, Contagion, and thoroughly enjoyed it. When offered the 2nd book, I jumped at the chance.
Deception starts where Contagion ends. Shay, believing she is the carrier of the epidemic, surrenders to the army. Kai is heartbroken and feels betrayed because Shay left. After discovering survivors like Shay are not carriers, he is desperate to find her.
I enjoyed the 1st book more than the 2nd. Because it is a YA book, there is the obligatory love triangle. Still, it is worth reading. We are introduced to other groups. They are survivors, those hunting the survivors, and those behind the epidemic. One of the people we learn more about is Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father.
The 3rd and final book in the trilogy, Evolution, is available for pre-order. Its release date is August 11, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends. Will Kai and Shay end up together? What will happen to Callie? Will she get her revenge?
View my review of Contagion at http://philomathinphila.com/2019/08/11/200-word-review-of-contagion-by-teri-terry/.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/16/20.
Annihilation (Southern Reach #1)
7.0
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The first volume of the extraordinary Southern Reach trilogy. 'Creepy and fascinating' Stephen King....
Toby's Room
8.0
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Toby's Room is the second novel in Pat Barker's Life Class Trilogy, returning to the First World War...
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) in Movies
Oct 13, 2019 (Updated Dec 20, 2019)
A great but flawed entry into a groundbreaking trilogy
Return of the Jedi is a good enough closing episode of the original Star Wars trilogy.
A lot of the great things about the previous two films are carried over - the awesome settings and location, the unbeatable John Williams score, and the epic sci-fi vision that started in 1977.
By this point, everyone is familiar with all of the characters. Luke, Leia, and Han all return, and aren't really in any need of any further character development at this point. Not necessarily a bad thing as ROTJ can concentrate on rounding off the story.
The most divisive element of this entry amongst Star Wars fans are of course the Ewoks. Their inclusion is certainly a hammier direction for the series. Some people loved it, some absolutely hated it, and how big of a part they play during the films climax.
I personally am indifferent. I don't hate the Ewoks, but they're partly what makes ROTJ inferior to the first two. Still, not a scratch on what's to come *cough* Jar Jar *cough*.
We're still treated to some iconic moments - Jabba the Hutt and the Rancor pit. Vader and Luke finally squaring off. The speeder bike chase.
This shows just how much Star Wars still delivers three films in.
All in all, ROTJ is still an integral part of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time, and will always be important to me!
A lot of the great things about the previous two films are carried over - the awesome settings and location, the unbeatable John Williams score, and the epic sci-fi vision that started in 1977.
By this point, everyone is familiar with all of the characters. Luke, Leia, and Han all return, and aren't really in any need of any further character development at this point. Not necessarily a bad thing as ROTJ can concentrate on rounding off the story.
The most divisive element of this entry amongst Star Wars fans are of course the Ewoks. Their inclusion is certainly a hammier direction for the series. Some people loved it, some absolutely hated it, and how big of a part they play during the films climax.
I personally am indifferent. I don't hate the Ewoks, but they're partly what makes ROTJ inferior to the first two. Still, not a scratch on what's to come *cough* Jar Jar *cough*.
We're still treated to some iconic moments - Jabba the Hutt and the Rancor pit. Vader and Luke finally squaring off. The speeder bike chase.
This shows just how much Star Wars still delivers three films in.
All in all, ROTJ is still an integral part of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time, and will always be important to me!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Where Gods Fear to Go in Books
Apr 15, 2020
Excellent end to a wonderful trilogy
The third and final book in the surprising West of West trilogy continues following the Wootah Viking clan and the former Calnian Owsla alchemically enhanced warriors on their mission to save the world. The secrets behind the unknown threat in the far West of what will become North America is gradually revealed as they approach and meet various clans and tribes on the periphery of the Meadows. The group meet more unusual and dangerous creatures, and some surprising new friends.
There are some shock twists spread throughout the book, a number of unexpected deaths, some long-anticipated ones and some excellent character interaction,
My favourite aspect of these books has been the wonderful narration with such with and humour. The story is not a hostage to the humour but these are books that refuse to take themselves too seriously.
There are some brilliant thrilling set piece sequences in this book and while there was something of a dip around the halfway point it really kept my engagement and enjoyment up throughout.
Given the brutal covers these books really surprised me, being touching, funny (at times just plain daft) and highly original. If ever the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" was to apply to a specific series it is this one. Fans of epic fantasy will love the story, fans of Pratchett and Abercrombie will love the wit and dialogue.
There are some shock twists spread throughout the book, a number of unexpected deaths, some long-anticipated ones and some excellent character interaction,
My favourite aspect of these books has been the wonderful narration with such with and humour. The story is not a hostage to the humour but these are books that refuse to take themselves too seriously.
There are some brilliant thrilling set piece sequences in this book and while there was something of a dip around the halfway point it really kept my engagement and enjoyment up throughout.
Given the brutal covers these books really surprised me, being touching, funny (at times just plain daft) and highly original. If ever the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" was to apply to a specific series it is this one. Fans of epic fantasy will love the story, fans of Pratchett and Abercrombie will love the wit and dialogue.
Reason (The Dreughan #2)
10.0
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Everyone knows I’m the good girl. I am Susannah, and I’m beautiful, accomplished, calm and...
Historical Fantasy Romance
Merissa (13169 KP) rated A Siren's Finale: Part Three (Aria & the Seven Seas #3) in Books
Dec 5, 2022
What a finale!
A SIREN'S FINALE concludes Aria's story. And what a story it has been! Aria finally has her Pod together when the sea witch makes an appearance. Come on, we've all been waiting for it! Will Aaron get what he deserves? Will Aria get her HEA?
I have LOVED this trilogy. It is full of action and adventure, with plenty of connection between the main characters, and smut in between the sheets. Just what I needed! I will say though, at one point near the end, my heart was in my mouth and it wasn't for any in the Pod but Aria's papa. Good grief, Ms Blythe, I thought you were killing me then!
Fast-paced, with a great supporting cast, this was a fitting end to the trilogy. I'm hoping for more as I really want to find out what's going on with Ariella. And, of course, anytime I get to return to Wildeward is a good thing by me. I need to check in on the Alpha's Lodge, after all.
If you like things spicy and don't want to choose, then I HIGHLY recommend any book by Gwyneira Blythe!
** 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!
I have LOVED this trilogy. It is full of action and adventure, with plenty of connection between the main characters, and smut in between the sheets. Just what I needed! I will say though, at one point near the end, my heart was in my mouth and it wasn't for any in the Pod but Aria's papa. Good grief, Ms Blythe, I thought you were killing me then!
Fast-paced, with a great supporting cast, this was a fitting end to the trilogy. I'm hoping for more as I really want to find out what's going on with Ariella. And, of course, anytime I get to return to Wildeward is a good thing by me. I need to check in on the Alpha's Lodge, after all.
If you like things spicy and don't want to choose, then I HIGHLY recommend any book by Gwyneira Blythe!
** 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!