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Merissa (12622 KP) rated Atancia (The Durand Duology #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
This is the first book of two that details the changing life of Atty (Atancia). She is dealing with panic attacks, possibly brought on by the trauma of seeing a young boy die in front of her. Apart from that, her life is safe and normal. However, that all changes when she goes to a New Year's Eve party and meets Ben. Before you (or she) knows it, her life has changed drastically and not in all ways good. Her beloved nana has died and Atty feels personally responsible. Ben is her knight in shining armour and helps to ease things. Before long, Atty has left the States for Australia, needing some space to get closure whilst she figures out just who she is and what she wants to do with her life.
I won't go into any more details as I dislike giving spoilers but I will say that this book has a fresh take on the whole 'vampire' story which makes it a refreshing and intriguing read. There are lots of amazing characters in here that you will like or dislike, depending on the part they play. Perhaps, it's my twisted mind, but I will admit to looking for 'snakes in the grass' throughout this story. Did I find them? That's for me to know and for you to find out when you read the book!
A brilliant book to start the duology with. Totally recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 11, 2015
I won't go into any more details as I dislike giving spoilers but I will say that this book has a fresh take on the whole 'vampire' story which makes it a refreshing and intriguing read. There are lots of amazing characters in here that you will like or dislike, depending on the part they play. Perhaps, it's my twisted mind, but I will admit to looking for 'snakes in the grass' throughout this story. Did I find them? That's for me to know and for you to find out when you read the book!
A brilliant book to start the duology with. Totally recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 11, 2015
Merissa (12622 KP) rated Everealm (Everealm, #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is a fantasy romance, with some very hot and steamy scenes, that do not overpower the story. The two main characters, Breestlin and Rowan, have loved each for a long time but were separated when their parents found out that they had 'been intimate'. Rowan's path takes a different turn from becoming the knight he expected, whilst Bree has suitor after suitor paraded in front of her. Luckily, she doesn't accept any of them, and her parents don't force the issue (which is good being as they married for love!)
Dagan and Sidonie are excellent characters who really add a certain 'va va voom' to the story. I actually wanted to hear more about Finn, but I'm hoping he will have his story in a later book. Silas is an evil character from the start. Although, for the most part, he is almost crude in his power plays, there is also a sly side to him that makes for a twisted story. All of the characters are well-developed, whether you like them or not, and the world-building is spot-on. Smoothly paced and well-written, this is a fantasy that will delight. I am looking forward to reading book 2, Wildfire, and am hoping it is just as good.
* 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 29, 2015
Dagan and Sidonie are excellent characters who really add a certain 'va va voom' to the story. I actually wanted to hear more about Finn, but I'm hoping he will have his story in a later book. Silas is an evil character from the start. Although, for the most part, he is almost crude in his power plays, there is also a sly side to him that makes for a twisted story. All of the characters are well-developed, whether you like them or not, and the world-building is spot-on. Smoothly paced and well-written, this is a fantasy that will delight. I am looking forward to reading book 2, Wildfire, and am hoping it is just as good.
* 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 29, 2015
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2310 KP) rated Once Upon Another Time in Books
Apr 7, 2022
A Second Magical Remix of Fairytales
Lena is small for a giant, but she is still ready to participate in her first Ritual of the Spark ceremony. However, when she does go, things don’t go the way she thought they would, and she finds herself running to visit her friends in the Cursed City. Meanwhile, Jin, a genie in training, finds himself on a mission for his current master, the Golden King. The king is trying to capture the Last Knight, the leaders of the rebels, and his current hiding place is supposed to be the Cursed City. What will happen when both Lena and Jin get there?
I’ve been reading author James Riley since his first book came out, and when I found out he was returning to that world for a new trilogy, I was thrilled. This book stands on its own, although there are a few references to things from the earlier books. We alternate chapters from Lena and Jin’s points-of-view, so we get to know them both well. I liked them and several of the other characters here. The further into the book I read, the more I was hooked on the story as the characters faced more obstacles. With that ending, I’m glad the next is coming out this fall. The target middle grade audience will love this series, and anyone looking for a fun take on familiar characters will be glad they picked it up no matter what their age.
I’ve been reading author James Riley since his first book came out, and when I found out he was returning to that world for a new trilogy, I was thrilled. This book stands on its own, although there are a few references to things from the earlier books. We alternate chapters from Lena and Jin’s points-of-view, so we get to know them both well. I liked them and several of the other characters here. The further into the book I read, the more I was hooked on the story as the characters faced more obstacles. With that ending, I’m glad the next is coming out this fall. The target middle grade audience will love this series, and anyone looking for a fun take on familiar characters will be glad they picked it up no matter what their age.
Mastering the Art of French Murder
8.0
Rate It
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As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an...
David McK (3540 KP) rated Skin Game (The Dresden Files, #15) in Books
Mar 6, 2022
Hells Bells!
<2022 update>
I should perhaps mention that Michael Carpenter and his family don't actually turn up until a fair ways into the story ...
<original 2015 review>
"Last year I died, but I got better"
It's probably been over a year since I read the last Harry Dresden book, as I'd been waiting (and waiting, and waiting ...) for this one to come out in paperback. Was it worth the wait?
Absolutely yes.
I know it's still only March (nearly April), but this is a strong contender for my choice for book of the year - definitely the best I've read so far this year, with the bar set VERY high for any others later this year to match.
As this starts, Harry is still on Demonreach island, still recovering from previous events in Cold Days. It's not long, however, before Mab - the Winter Queen - has Harry (as her Winter Knight) paying off on of her debts, forcing him to work with Nicodemus Archleone and the Knights of the Blackened Denarius. Harry has to help Nicodemus to rob a vault belonging to the Lord of the Underworld Hades himself, while somehow staying alive and a step ahead of the inevitable betrayal.
As the Knights of the Denarius are involved, this also means that the Knights of the Cross - or, more specifically, Michael Carpenter - are back in the novel, as counter-points to the fallen angels. So, too, are Waldo Butters, Molly Carpenter, Bob the skull and Karrin Murphy with Thomas, however, conspicuous by his absence.
I should perhaps mention that Michael Carpenter and his family don't actually turn up until a fair ways into the story ...
<original 2015 review>
"Last year I died, but I got better"
It's probably been over a year since I read the last Harry Dresden book, as I'd been waiting (and waiting, and waiting ...) for this one to come out in paperback. Was it worth the wait?
Absolutely yes.
I know it's still only March (nearly April), but this is a strong contender for my choice for book of the year - definitely the best I've read so far this year, with the bar set VERY high for any others later this year to match.
As this starts, Harry is still on Demonreach island, still recovering from previous events in Cold Days. It's not long, however, before Mab - the Winter Queen - has Harry (as her Winter Knight) paying off on of her debts, forcing him to work with Nicodemus Archleone and the Knights of the Blackened Denarius. Harry has to help Nicodemus to rob a vault belonging to the Lord of the Underworld Hades himself, while somehow staying alive and a step ahead of the inevitable betrayal.
As the Knights of the Denarius are involved, this also means that the Knights of the Cross - or, more specifically, Michael Carpenter - are back in the novel, as counter-points to the fallen angels. So, too, are Waldo Butters, Molly Carpenter, Bob the skull and Karrin Murphy with Thomas, however, conspicuous by his absence.
Merissa (12622 KP) rated Bishop to Knight One (Diviner's Game #1) in Books
Feb 12, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)
BISHOP TO KNIGHT ONE is the first book in the Diviner's Game trilogy. We enter the world of myth and magic, with Naiads, Nymphs, Obsidites, Telepaths, you name it.
Deejay takes in the unwanted sons of his sisters but ends up taking in step-sons too. One of these is Matt, supposedly human. Both Deejay and Matt fight their attraction as inappropriate in both the human and non-human worlds. Things come to light that show a ten-year difference will mean absolutely nothing as the years go by.
I loved their slow-burn, hot as hell, romance. This book is simply outstanding and had me gripped from the very beginning. I have my own list of characters that I like and dislike but will admit to being shocked with a twist at the end of this book. I really hope it is explained further in subsequent books as I really don't want to dislike this character, but his actions make me question!!!
I found the pacing to be perfect for the story, with plenty of action and romance to take me from page to page. There is intrigue, betrayal (maybe), curses, and fights. It's all here and I loved every single word.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to continue the series. Bring it on!
* 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!
Feb 12, 2021
Deejay takes in the unwanted sons of his sisters but ends up taking in step-sons too. One of these is Matt, supposedly human. Both Deejay and Matt fight their attraction as inappropriate in both the human and non-human worlds. Things come to light that show a ten-year difference will mean absolutely nothing as the years go by.
I loved their slow-burn, hot as hell, romance. This book is simply outstanding and had me gripped from the very beginning. I have my own list of characters that I like and dislike but will admit to being shocked with a twist at the end of this book. I really hope it is explained further in subsequent books as I really don't want to dislike this character, but his actions make me question!!!
I found the pacing to be perfect for the story, with plenty of action and romance to take me from page to page. There is intrigue, betrayal (maybe), curses, and fights. It's all here and I loved every single word.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to continue the series. Bring it on!
* 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!
Feb 12, 2021
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Claiming Hope ( Hope 2) in Books
May 4, 2024
83 of 220
Kindle
Claiming Hope ( Hope 2)
By Elizabeth Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
So you guys remember the naked man in the alley?
Now he’s my mate along with one of his friends. I might also have my eyes on the other two as well because why not? Oh yeah forgot to mention, turns out I’m a werewolf, hence the mating thing. Not only that but I’m the only Alpha Female in existence, which makes sense why that asshole of a fake fiance wanted to keep me for himself.
*Girl you suck at explaining what's going on.*
Shut up I’ve got this handled. Managed to do it last time without you.
Anyway…
Thanks to the four men who came crashing into my life, I was rescued and kept safe. Now I’m on a plane to who the hell knows where while the guys keep alluding to the fact that I have an important role to play in their world. Am I ready to step into whatever they have waiting for me? I’ve only been a werewolf for two weeks and still have so much to learn.
That was so much better than book 1! Hopes wolf is just brilliant I loved it the first time round but this was better. The story had an interesting take I loved her different mates and the pack she now leads. The ending was a cliffhanger but a really good one. Definitely moving on to book 3!
Kindle
Claiming Hope ( Hope 2)
By Elizabeth Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
So you guys remember the naked man in the alley?
Now he’s my mate along with one of his friends. I might also have my eyes on the other two as well because why not? Oh yeah forgot to mention, turns out I’m a werewolf, hence the mating thing. Not only that but I’m the only Alpha Female in existence, which makes sense why that asshole of a fake fiance wanted to keep me for himself.
*Girl you suck at explaining what's going on.*
Shut up I’ve got this handled. Managed to do it last time without you.
Anyway…
Thanks to the four men who came crashing into my life, I was rescued and kept safe. Now I’m on a plane to who the hell knows where while the guys keep alluding to the fact that I have an important role to play in their world. Am I ready to step into whatever they have waiting for me? I’ve only been a werewolf for two weeks and still have so much to learn.
That was so much better than book 1! Hopes wolf is just brilliant I loved it the first time round but this was better. The story had an interesting take I loved her different mates and the pack she now leads. The ending was a cliffhanger but a really good one. Definitely moving on to book 3!
A Fashionably French Murder
8.0
Rate It
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American expat Tabitha Knight has found a new life in postwar Paris, along with a delightful friend...
Alice (12 KP) rated Ocean Light in Books
Jul 4, 2018 (Updated Jul 7, 2018)
A fantastic installment to a great series
This review was originally posted on my blog raptureinbooks.com
It feels like I’ve been waiting for Ocean Light for 20 years, when in reality it’s probably only 5 or 6 but Ocean Light not only marks the second installment to the Psy-Changeling Trinity it marks a pretty huge milestone in the fantabulous world of the Psy-Changeling. I have one word: BlackSea.
The BlackSea Changelings have been that mystery group for a great many and finally, Ocean Light opens the doors to the black and Nalini Singh drops us in the deep end – figuratively speaking.
This book has my favourite human in it – Bowen Knight. He’s rough, he’s ready, he’s an alpha and he’s dying. Ocean Light is the story of Bowen’s recovery and his ultimate kick-assery of the things that go bump in the night.
After the previous shit-storm where Bowen is gravely injured, we see his rise through the blackness of despair and see him take on the chip that is currently destroying his brain like a boss.
Nothing will take him down. Especially not his own choices.
Our lovely lady of the book is Kaia Luna, a shy, mysterious cook with a scientific background and a really smart pet mouse.
Their growing relationship is beautiful from the outset and Bo brings the shyness out of Kaia really well. She becomes a woman to reckon with under the sweet ministrations of Bowen Knight and I implore you to fuck with her.
Nalini’s writing style is, as always, pretty perfect with nothing bad that I can say about it. She has a way with words and characters that are to die for, plots that I’ve never seen before her and probably never will again.
Ocean Light brings us – as readers – into the deepness that is the black and into the darkness that is The Vanishings. We’re introduced to characters we’ve seen before and to new characters and species that are quite frankly sometimes not what you expect – Bebe I’m looking at you.
Ocean Light has the traditional Psy-Changeling-Human interaction that signature with Nalini’s books and that is threaded throughout each book. We’re 17 books in to the story and I just know Nalini has more to give and there is more for us to learn.
The unique plot base of the Psy-Changeling universe is something that is ever growing and ever evolving with each book. If you’ve never read one of these books I suggest you do. Although you can start with Silver Silence the first in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series – as Nalini Singh gives you plenty of background into the previous history- I highly recommend that you start from the beginning with Slave to Sensation as you will get the full force and magnitude of what is happening in the series and you’ll get the full experience of Nalini Singh’s work.
One of my favourite characters from the preceding books – Kaleb Krychek reappears as the badass that he is in Ocean Light and what I love is that He still retains the badass around everyone but his Sahara. It’s beautiful.
I always give Nalini’s books 5 stars purely because they deserve it. There’s never anything I genuinely say I didn’t like and for a series with this many books that is saying something. Other long running series I’ve read I can lose interest in. Nalini Singh’s books I await with bated breath for the next release.
It feels like I’ve been waiting for Ocean Light for 20 years, when in reality it’s probably only 5 or 6 but Ocean Light not only marks the second installment to the Psy-Changeling Trinity it marks a pretty huge milestone in the fantabulous world of the Psy-Changeling. I have one word: BlackSea.
The BlackSea Changelings have been that mystery group for a great many and finally, Ocean Light opens the doors to the black and Nalini Singh drops us in the deep end – figuratively speaking.
This book has my favourite human in it – Bowen Knight. He’s rough, he’s ready, he’s an alpha and he’s dying. Ocean Light is the story of Bowen’s recovery and his ultimate kick-assery of the things that go bump in the night.
After the previous shit-storm where Bowen is gravely injured, we see his rise through the blackness of despair and see him take on the chip that is currently destroying his brain like a boss.
Nothing will take him down. Especially not his own choices.
Our lovely lady of the book is Kaia Luna, a shy, mysterious cook with a scientific background and a really smart pet mouse.
Their growing relationship is beautiful from the outset and Bo brings the shyness out of Kaia really well. She becomes a woman to reckon with under the sweet ministrations of Bowen Knight and I implore you to fuck with her.
Nalini’s writing style is, as always, pretty perfect with nothing bad that I can say about it. She has a way with words and characters that are to die for, plots that I’ve never seen before her and probably never will again.
Ocean Light brings us – as readers – into the deepness that is the black and into the darkness that is The Vanishings. We’re introduced to characters we’ve seen before and to new characters and species that are quite frankly sometimes not what you expect – Bebe I’m looking at you.
Ocean Light has the traditional Psy-Changeling-Human interaction that signature with Nalini’s books and that is threaded throughout each book. We’re 17 books in to the story and I just know Nalini has more to give and there is more for us to learn.
The unique plot base of the Psy-Changeling universe is something that is ever growing and ever evolving with each book. If you’ve never read one of these books I suggest you do. Although you can start with Silver Silence the first in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series – as Nalini Singh gives you plenty of background into the previous history- I highly recommend that you start from the beginning with Slave to Sensation as you will get the full force and magnitude of what is happening in the series and you’ll get the full experience of Nalini Singh’s work.
One of my favourite characters from the preceding books – Kaleb Krychek reappears as the badass that he is in Ocean Light and what I love is that He still retains the badass around everyone but his Sahara. It’s beautiful.
I always give Nalini’s books 5 stars purely because they deserve it. There’s never anything I genuinely say I didn’t like and for a series with this many books that is saying something. Other long running series I’ve read I can lose interest in. Nalini Singh’s books I await with bated breath for the next release.
David McK (3540 KP) rated Blood's Game in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Like, I'm sure, many others, my first exposure to the writings of [a:Angus Donald|584064|Angus Donald|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png] was when I picked up [b:Outlaw|6624899|Outlaw (The Outlaw Chronicles, #1)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347668868s/6624899.jpg|6819139] on sale: a novel which reimagined the familiar character of Robin Hood, and which I thoroughly enjoyed: so much so that I made it a point to pick up all the novels in that series ([b:Outlaw|6624899|Outlaw (The Outlaw Chronicles, #1)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347668868s/6624899.jpg|6819139], [b:Holy Warrior|7710240|Holy Warrior (The Outlaw Chronicles, #2)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327539941s/7710240.jpg|10428506], [b:King's Man|11351795|King's Man (The Outlaw Chronicles, #3)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328436464s/11351795.jpg|16281574], [b:Warlord|13077584|Warlord (The Outlaw Chronicles, #4)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1342984405s/13077584.jpg|18244685], [b:Grail Knight|20613734|Grail Knight (The Outlaw Chronicles #5)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410172817s/20613734.jpg|21976159], [b:The Iron Castle|19857964|The Iron Castle (Outlaw Chronicles, #6)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402550564s/19857964.jpg|27860558] and (finally) [b:The Death of Robin Hood|29348050|The Death of Robin Hood (The Outlaw Chronicles, #8)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467543641s/29348050.jpg|49585935]).
This, however, would be the first time I had read one of Donald's novels that concerned a different central character, and that had a different setting: would it, I wondered, be more of the same, or would it have it's own 'feel'?
The answer, I can now say, is the latter.
Replacing Alan-a-Dale with Holcroft Blood, and told in the more traditional her-and-know third-person narrative (instead of the conceit of an elderly Alan recalling his youthful adventures with Robin Hood), this particular novel deals with the (attempted) theft of the Crown Jewels from the Tower of England during the reign of King Charles II, not long after the restoration.
While that (attempted) theft is carried out by Thomas Blood - who was caught red-handed but later, incredibly, was granted a pardon by Charles II - this novel does not have Thomas as the central character: rather, instead, we follow the fortunes of his youngest son Holcroft: a son who, throughout the course of this novel, becomes friends with Sir John Churchill, the future Duke of Marlborough (and Winston Churchill's direct descendant).
Whether true or not, young Holcroft is portrayed in this as suffering from a mild form of Asperger's Syndrome, able to easily code and decode correspondence sent to his master The Duke of Buckingham from his various spies and informants: a skill that comes in handy in this tale! I have to say, too, that the court of King Charles II comes across as incredibly decadent, full of scheming and back-stabbing rivals out wholly for themselves ...
I'd be interested in seeing where this series goes, especially as the next entry ([b:Blood's Revolution|36146468|Blood's Revolution|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504033386s/36146468.jpg|57749834]) concerns itself - at least, according to the blurb at the back of this - with what is (in this country - Northern Ireland - at least) a very divisive and pivotal moment in English history.
This, however, would be the first time I had read one of Donald's novels that concerned a different central character, and that had a different setting: would it, I wondered, be more of the same, or would it have it's own 'feel'?
The answer, I can now say, is the latter.
Replacing Alan-a-Dale with Holcroft Blood, and told in the more traditional her-and-know third-person narrative (instead of the conceit of an elderly Alan recalling his youthful adventures with Robin Hood), this particular novel deals with the (attempted) theft of the Crown Jewels from the Tower of England during the reign of King Charles II, not long after the restoration.
While that (attempted) theft is carried out by Thomas Blood - who was caught red-handed but later, incredibly, was granted a pardon by Charles II - this novel does not have Thomas as the central character: rather, instead, we follow the fortunes of his youngest son Holcroft: a son who, throughout the course of this novel, becomes friends with Sir John Churchill, the future Duke of Marlborough (and Winston Churchill's direct descendant).
Whether true or not, young Holcroft is portrayed in this as suffering from a mild form of Asperger's Syndrome, able to easily code and decode correspondence sent to his master The Duke of Buckingham from his various spies and informants: a skill that comes in handy in this tale! I have to say, too, that the court of King Charles II comes across as incredibly decadent, full of scheming and back-stabbing rivals out wholly for themselves ...
I'd be interested in seeing where this series goes, especially as the next entry ([b:Blood's Revolution|36146468|Blood's Revolution|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504033386s/36146468.jpg|57749834]) concerns itself - at least, according to the blurb at the back of this - with what is (in this country - Northern Ireland - at least) a very divisive and pivotal moment in English history.