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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Stray (Shifters, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Pros:
*Werecats aren't done much, okay, pretty much at all.
*Paranormals rule (okay, so it's a lame reason and not always true - like in this case, but it's the only other thing I could think of)
Cons:
*Faythe isn't a great character; in fact, the more I read, the more I hated her - she's whiny, bitchy, manipulative, immature, obnoxious, and basically, she's just an all-around unpleasant person (plus I'm sure other adjectives I can't think of). She really doesn't deserve anyone around her; family or otherwise, namely hot guys.
*The plot is constantly stopped so the author can backtrack with history of werecats and what not - I'm not talking now and again, I'm talking it happens all the time! Ugh, enough! There needed to be a better way to do this, so that it actually flowed.
*First person narrative isn't right for what the author is writing - what with Faythe and the history.
*Do brothers and sisters actually act that way? I have two older brothers, and it is nothing like that. And I don't care that it's a werecat pack either.
*The whole deer hunting thing made me slightly sick. I'd rather the author had glossed over that if it absolutely had to be done.
*The whole concept was basically a rip-off of the (way, way better) werewolf books by Kelley Armstrong, especially Bitten.
*Even though it is fiction, the behavior of the werecats was more like wolves.
*I'm sorry but it's impossible to read someone that clearly. Nobody can read every single thought someone has by facial expressions or just because they know someone really well. Yes, there are ways to read people and there are experts in that field, and yes, sometime people can read other people every once in a while. But --- not the way Marc could read everything that went through Faythe's moronic head.
*The book was way too long, redundant, and needed major editing.
Overall:
I really wanted to like this, but I had to put it down after reading more than a third of it. I was very excited to read it because I love cats; it's just too bad it was overlong and had a horrible protagonist. I checked out Rachel Vincent's website to see if her sequels were going to feature someone other than Faythe, but sadly they are not. I'm glad I got this from the library and will not be looking for any other books from this author.
*Werecats aren't done much, okay, pretty much at all.
*Paranormals rule (okay, so it's a lame reason and not always true - like in this case, but it's the only other thing I could think of)
Cons:
*Faythe isn't a great character; in fact, the more I read, the more I hated her - she's whiny, bitchy, manipulative, immature, obnoxious, and basically, she's just an all-around unpleasant person (plus I'm sure other adjectives I can't think of). She really doesn't deserve anyone around her; family or otherwise, namely hot guys.
*The plot is constantly stopped so the author can backtrack with history of werecats and what not - I'm not talking now and again, I'm talking it happens all the time! Ugh, enough! There needed to be a better way to do this, so that it actually flowed.
*First person narrative isn't right for what the author is writing - what with Faythe and the history.
*Do brothers and sisters actually act that way? I have two older brothers, and it is nothing like that. And I don't care that it's a werecat pack either.
*The whole deer hunting thing made me slightly sick. I'd rather the author had glossed over that if it absolutely had to be done.
*The whole concept was basically a rip-off of the (way, way better) werewolf books by Kelley Armstrong, especially Bitten.
*Even though it is fiction, the behavior of the werecats was more like wolves.
*I'm sorry but it's impossible to read someone that clearly. Nobody can read every single thought someone has by facial expressions or just because they know someone really well. Yes, there are ways to read people and there are experts in that field, and yes, sometime people can read other people every once in a while. But --- not the way Marc could read everything that went through Faythe's moronic head.
*The book was way too long, redundant, and needed major editing.
Overall:
I really wanted to like this, but I had to put it down after reading more than a third of it. I was very excited to read it because I love cats; it's just too bad it was overlong and had a horrible protagonist. I checked out Rachel Vincent's website to see if her sequels were going to feature someone other than Faythe, but sadly they are not. I'm glad I got this from the library and will not be looking for any other books from this author.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Witch (The Cursed Manuscripts) in Books
May 30, 2021
I think I can safely say that I am a fan of Mr Wright's tales; they take me back to my teenage years when I read anything and everything that was described as horror or creepy and even now, in my 50's, I still enjoy a story "from the dark side"!
This is a good, short, quick read that has great characters and a great story however, I don't think the blurb makes much sense when you read the book - it doesn't seem to bear any relation to the actual story and the only think I can think of is there are more to come ... which is great but a tad confusing.
The story is actually about 2 teenagers who, on escaping some bullies, find themselves stumbling upon a ruined house in the middle of a wood; what they find there defies belief but no-one sees what they do so they decide to sort it out themselves which devastating consequences.
This is a good start to, hopefully, a new series where we will get to learn what the "Cursed Manuscripts" are all about.
My eternal thanks go to the author who provided a copy to me to read and review, this is no way influenced my thoughts on this book and it is is unbiased and unedited.
This is a good, short, quick read that has great characters and a great story however, I don't think the blurb makes much sense when you read the book - it doesn't seem to bear any relation to the actual story and the only think I can think of is there are more to come ... which is great but a tad confusing.
The story is actually about 2 teenagers who, on escaping some bullies, find themselves stumbling upon a ruined house in the middle of a wood; what they find there defies belief but no-one sees what they do so they decide to sort it out themselves which devastating consequences.
This is a good start to, hopefully, a new series where we will get to learn what the "Cursed Manuscripts" are all about.
My eternal thanks go to the author who provided a copy to me to read and review, this is no way influenced my thoughts on this book and it is is unbiased and unedited.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Twilight Heist (Outlaws #2) in Books
Feb 12, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Tuck is in a group of thieves called The Outlaws. Leo is a lone wolf who doesn't let people in. He is friends with one of the Outlaws, Dan, but even he doesn't know about his past and Leo is not about to divulge the information to anybody any time soon! Tuck's past comes calling when somebody from his past calls on him for help. Is there more than meets the eye to this job?
This is book number 2 in the Heist series by Katherine. In my opinion, it could be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed finding out about the characters and didn't feel I had missed out on anything by not reading the first book. However, I will be looking to download the first book and any more that may come in the series as I have thoroughly enjoyed what I've read.
I've read a few series by Katherine now and I feel that no matter what she's writing it pulls you in and takes you with it she is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
** 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. *
Tuck is in a group of thieves called The Outlaws. Leo is a lone wolf who doesn't let people in. He is friends with one of the Outlaws, Dan, but even he doesn't know about his past and Leo is not about to divulge the information to anybody any time soon! Tuck's past comes calling when somebody from his past calls on him for help. Is there more than meets the eye to this job?
This is book number 2 in the Heist series by Katherine. In my opinion, it could be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed finding out about the characters and didn't feel I had missed out on anything by not reading the first book. However, I will be looking to download the first book and any more that may come in the series as I have thoroughly enjoyed what I've read.
I've read a few series by Katherine now and I feel that no matter what she's writing it pulls you in and takes you with it she is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
** 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 (12911 KP) rated Blood Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy, #5) in Books
Nov 8, 2023
BLOOD WITCH is the fifth book in the Witches of Westwood Academy and, to get the best, you really need to read these in order.
Mabe thinks she is a blood witch, who are reviled for being evil. She doesn't know any differently though, just going by her symptoms. With Arlo's help, she has been drinking blood bags from the infirmary which is all good until the Council sends an Enforcer to find out what's going on. Enter Fin.
As with all the others in this series, it is fast-paced and insta-love. The thing I loved about this one - more than the relationship with Fin - was how Mabe finally accepted she has a coven and friends, not just roommates. Now, going back to her relationship with Fin. Fan yourselves because it's a HOT one. Mabe claims him and I loved the others' reaction to it, mainly because I felt the same!
One character I really don't like, and haven't so far, is Leanna Stolbright! I really want to see her comeuppance and am hoping she gets it!
A great read, so long as you've read the others.
** 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!
Nov 8, 2023
Mabe thinks she is a blood witch, who are reviled for being evil. She doesn't know any differently though, just going by her symptoms. With Arlo's help, she has been drinking blood bags from the infirmary which is all good until the Council sends an Enforcer to find out what's going on. Enter Fin.
As with all the others in this series, it is fast-paced and insta-love. The thing I loved about this one - more than the relationship with Fin - was how Mabe finally accepted she has a coven and friends, not just roommates. Now, going back to her relationship with Fin. Fan yourselves because it's a HOT one. Mabe claims him and I loved the others' reaction to it, mainly because I felt the same!
One character I really don't like, and haven't so far, is Leanna Stolbright! I really want to see her comeuppance and am hoping she gets it!
A great read, so long as you've read the others.
** 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!
Nov 8, 2023
Merissa (12911 KP) rated The Nines in Books
Apr 11, 2023
This story has two damaged characters for the main leads - Roxie and Alexander. They are both mysterious in their own ways but are drawn together by fate/circumstances/online forum - you take your pick. Roxie is carrying a bucket load of guilt from the past and Alexander is carrying a whole load of anger from the past. However, their pasts and their presents collide so will they have a future together?
After I had finished this book, I messaged a friend of mine who had also read it and I said to her "What a horrible, fantastic book." And that is how I feel about this story. It is gripping and enthralling, you won't want to stop reading it but at the same time, it will make your stomach clench and your heartbeat race - and not always in a good way. You will become so engrossed with the characters that you will speed up your reading until this particular scene is finished. Your heartbeat will slow down... until the next scene.
This book deals with an issue that I have only ever seen on TV or read about in the news. I simply cannot imagine how it goes on in real life but unfortunately, it is too often an occurrence it seems.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book although it was different from what I expected when I read the synopsis - there was less about the bomber and Alex's revenge, less about Roxie's past and more about what was happening now. This is not a bad thing, just different to what I was expecting.
This is the first book in the series which can be read as a standalone but I will be reading the next in the series when it comes out, which is Blood Sings (Hector's Story). I need to know more about these anti-heroes! Highly recommended but be warned - it's not all nice!
* 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!
August 10, 2016
After I had finished this book, I messaged a friend of mine who had also read it and I said to her "What a horrible, fantastic book." And that is how I feel about this story. It is gripping and enthralling, you won't want to stop reading it but at the same time, it will make your stomach clench and your heartbeat race - and not always in a good way. You will become so engrossed with the characters that you will speed up your reading until this particular scene is finished. Your heartbeat will slow down... until the next scene.
This book deals with an issue that I have only ever seen on TV or read about in the news. I simply cannot imagine how it goes on in real life but unfortunately, it is too often an occurrence it seems.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book although it was different from what I expected when I read the synopsis - there was less about the bomber and Alex's revenge, less about Roxie's past and more about what was happening now. This is not a bad thing, just different to what I was expecting.
This is the first book in the series which can be read as a standalone but I will be reading the next in the series when it comes out, which is Blood Sings (Hector's Story). I need to know more about these anti-heroes! Highly recommended but be warned - it's not all nice!
* 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!
August 10, 2016
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Right Kind of Rogue (Playful Brides, #8) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Normally I love Valerie Bowman and I have a weakness for childhood friends-to-lovers stories. That being said, I was disappointed that I didnt enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would. Of course it was predictable. I could have laid out the plot for you before I even opened it. But that hasnt bothered me before. I like the main couple although I lost patience with heros stubbornness.
I cant pinpoint anything exactly wrong with this novel. I just felt underwhelmed once it ended? I love Valerie Bowman and will continue to read her novel, but this novel just didnt do it for me like she usually does.
Buy Now
Amazon
Normally I love Valerie Bowman and I have a weakness for childhood friends-to-lovers stories. That being said, I was disappointed that I didnt enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would. Of course it was predictable. I could have laid out the plot for you before I even opened it. But that hasnt bothered me before. I like the main couple although I lost patience with heros stubbornness.
I cant pinpoint anything exactly wrong with this novel. I just felt underwhelmed once it ended? I love Valerie Bowman and will continue to read her novel, but this novel just didnt do it for me like she usually does.
Buy Now
Amazon
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Rose Society in Books
Jan 23, 2020
GUYS. GUYS. GUYSSS. Fair warning.
This book. Is dark. Like really dark. It is not disturbing. It is just plain and downright darker than the pits of Hell and it can only get darker by the time the third book comes out.
Strangely, though, I really liked the sequel to The Young Elites – much better than the first one, though now I’m wondering if I would have liked it a lot more if I read the book rather than listening to the audio version. (I’ve always had a fondness for Adelina because helloooo. She is a villain. Villains are up my alley. The librarian spoke the truth.)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/mini-reviews-part-1-emily-skrutskie-marie-lu-and-others/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
This book. Is dark. Like really dark. It is not disturbing. It is just plain and downright darker than the pits of Hell and it can only get darker by the time the third book comes out.
Strangely, though, I really liked the sequel to The Young Elites – much better than the first one, though now I’m wondering if I would have liked it a lot more if I read the book rather than listening to the audio version. (I’ve always had a fondness for Adelina because helloooo. She is a villain. Villains are up my alley. The librarian spoke the truth.)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/mini-reviews-part-1-emily-skrutskie-marie-lu-and-others/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Shadow Blade (Shadowchasers, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The thing about a book is that it should make you want to keep reading it. At least by halfway though you should feel like you’re halfway through a plot line, you know the characters, and you know what’s going on.
I have no idea what’s going on in Shadow Blade, and I’m more than halfway through it.
Now that’s not to say that I am not following it, it’s just that nothing is happening. Which kind of upsets me because the first few chapters felt great, and they were exciting, and I couldn't put it down… and now I’m like, “Ok so what exactly is going on?”
I really get Kira. I really like her. She’s a bad-@$$, “don’t mess with me” kinda girl, and I like that. She reminds me of Charlie in The Better Part of Darkness. She also has more weapons than I could list, and I really like that (guilty pleasure). But I don’t really get the other characters, they’re not important to me, and I don’t really give a rat’s poo about what happens to them.
Again with the whole “not seeing the plot” thing. Halfway though a sci-fi adventure book I should have trouble putting it down, right? No problems here. Now it’s great if I just feel like settling down and going through a few chapters at leisure, but that’s not what I want out of a sci-fi adventure book.
Another weak aspect was the writing. There are a lot of fragments in this book, a lot of lame sentence structure, and the writing in general is just mediocre. Fragments get on my nerves. Hence my hatred of Meg Cabot that I’m sure you all have picked up on by now.
Now, with that in mind, I did enjoy the book, and I’m still enjoying it. I may keep it around at my bedside table so I can finish it, because I’m liking it. But I’m not particularly sure why I like it, especially because I don’t really know what is going to happen at all. Maybe I just really like Kira.
If I do finish it, I’ll post a quickie update on my opinion. But the thing is, why read mediocrity when you could be reading something else? Hence the reason I put this one down.
I have no idea what’s going on in Shadow Blade, and I’m more than halfway through it.
Now that’s not to say that I am not following it, it’s just that nothing is happening. Which kind of upsets me because the first few chapters felt great, and they were exciting, and I couldn't put it down… and now I’m like, “Ok so what exactly is going on?”
I really get Kira. I really like her. She’s a bad-@$$, “don’t mess with me” kinda girl, and I like that. She reminds me of Charlie in The Better Part of Darkness. She also has more weapons than I could list, and I really like that (guilty pleasure). But I don’t really get the other characters, they’re not important to me, and I don’t really give a rat’s poo about what happens to them.
Again with the whole “not seeing the plot” thing. Halfway though a sci-fi adventure book I should have trouble putting it down, right? No problems here. Now it’s great if I just feel like settling down and going through a few chapters at leisure, but that’s not what I want out of a sci-fi adventure book.
Another weak aspect was the writing. There are a lot of fragments in this book, a lot of lame sentence structure, and the writing in general is just mediocre. Fragments get on my nerves. Hence my hatred of Meg Cabot that I’m sure you all have picked up on by now.
Now, with that in mind, I did enjoy the book, and I’m still enjoying it. I may keep it around at my bedside table so I can finish it, because I’m liking it. But I’m not particularly sure why I like it, especially because I don’t really know what is going to happen at all. Maybe I just really like Kira.
If I do finish it, I’ll post a quickie update on my opinion. But the thing is, why read mediocrity when you could be reading something else? Hence the reason I put this one down.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Instinct (Werewolf Academy #3) in Books
May 21, 2020
Instinct is the third book in the series, and this should definitely be read in order. In fact, to get the best from this series, I would highly recommend you read the Silver series but then that is a favourite of mine so I may be slightly biased!
Alex is still targeted although now it's by the General as the Packs have Drogan. He is going out more with Jaze and the others which seems to help the broken pieces inside of him. If he can help others, he feels useful. It is on one such mission that he is buried alive for a while; trapped in the dark with a young werewolf who is in danger of dying. Alex keeps her alive until they are rescued. It is during this time that he realises Kalia is not The One for him but she is still a very good friend. Now he just has to find a way to let her know without hurting her too much.
I've been wondering when this would happen as it was obvious from his confusion, even before Siale came along, that Kalia wasn't for him. Cassie has found happiness with Tennison so she is able to understand and try to help. I love the lessons from the Professors but I love it even more when Alex goes along on their missions. Only now, it's not just Alex but some of the others too, which makes it even better.
I am loving the overall story arc that I am following and the individual stories within each book. There are new characters to meet, new situations, and new lessons for Alex. One thing I would say, is to make sure you have the next book ready before you finish reading as you will absolutely NEED to continue with the story.
* 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!
Alex is still targeted although now it's by the General as the Packs have Drogan. He is going out more with Jaze and the others which seems to help the broken pieces inside of him. If he can help others, he feels useful. It is on one such mission that he is buried alive for a while; trapped in the dark with a young werewolf who is in danger of dying. Alex keeps her alive until they are rescued. It is during this time that he realises Kalia is not The One for him but she is still a very good friend. Now he just has to find a way to let her know without hurting her too much.
I've been wondering when this would happen as it was obvious from his confusion, even before Siale came along, that Kalia wasn't for him. Cassie has found happiness with Tennison so she is able to understand and try to help. I love the lessons from the Professors but I love it even more when Alex goes along on their missions. Only now, it's not just Alex but some of the others too, which makes it even better.
I am loving the overall story arc that I am following and the individual stories within each book. There are new characters to meet, new situations, and new lessons for Alex. One thing I would say, is to make sure you have the next book ready before you finish reading as you will absolutely NEED to continue with the story.
* 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!
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