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David McK (3801 KP) rated Secret Invasion in TV
Aug 5, 2023 (Updated Aug 5, 2023)
The latest - at the time of reviewing - of Marvel's Disney+ exclusives, and the first time where Samuel L Jackson's Nick Fury takes central stage.
Here, Fury uncovers a Skrull dissident plot to infiltrate the Earth and wipe out humanity, and has to - somehow - stop that from occurring.
Unfortunately, despite an intriguing premise (shapeshifters), the series as a whole wastes it's cast somewhat, with more than a few WTF (and not necessarily in a good way) moments over the course of its run.
Here, Fury uncovers a Skrull dissident plot to infiltrate the Earth and wipe out humanity, and has to - somehow - stop that from occurring.
Unfortunately, despite an intriguing premise (shapeshifters), the series as a whole wastes it's cast somewhat, with more than a few WTF (and not necessarily in a good way) moments over the course of its run.
David McK (3801 KP) rated Wolfsangel (Craw Trilogy, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Described (by 2 different authors, in the blurb on the back of the book in this edition) as "A unique take on the werewolf mythos, on the Norse pantheon an on magic itself. An enthralling, mesmeric book" and "A fresh take on the werewolf myth ... Brutal and relentlessly original", I have to say: this novel was nothing at all like I expected. Where I was expecting an excting tale of Vikings, shapeshifters and magic, instead I got a slow, torpid and (sometimes) impenetrable read instead. The first in a planned series of such books, I doubt I'll be looking for any of the sequels.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Feral Sins (The Phoenix Pack #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
3.5 stars, mainly because Suzanne's books can be too long for my liking a lot of the time and because I got fed up of reading the sex scenes.
I'm pretty picky about my shifter books, preferring vampires to shapeshifters most days, and this one was good but I felt it went on too long.
Character wise I think I liked Marcus the most, though I couldn't really explain why. I also liked Dante. In fact, most of the guys were pretty cool but I did have favourites.
Other than wanting to read book 4, Marcus' book, I haven't decided if I want to read the rest of the series yet.
I'm pretty picky about my shifter books, preferring vampires to shapeshifters most days, and this one was good but I felt it went on too long.
Character wise I think I liked Marcus the most, though I couldn't really explain why. I also liked Dante. In fact, most of the guys were pretty cool but I did have favourites.
Other than wanting to read book 4, Marcus' book, I haven't decided if I want to read the rest of the series yet.
Merissa (14024 KP) rated The Spellcaster's Trap (The Familiar Curse #1) in Books
Mar 5, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
Okay, so where do I start? The Spellcaster's Trap is the first book in The Familiar's Curse series, and we start off with Juliet at seven years old, when her father tells her the story of how the shapeshifters and spellcasters war came to be. Fast forward ten years and Juliet is now with her not-so-nice stepmother, who arranges for her to die. Simply put, that doesn't happen.
I LOVED THIS STORY! I was intrigued from the very beginning, and I loved the connection Juliet and Dante had. The acknowledgement of Romeo and Juliet made me smile, and I thought that both Dante and Juliet acted very maturely given the circumstances, knowing they couldn't be together. Did I want them to be? Hell yeah!!! These two NEED to be together.
History is often twisted and warped through time and, as is often said, is written by the victors. Having both spellcasters and shapeshifters acknowledge this point made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That was a good thing because this ends with one helluva cliffhanger that about killed me! I need the second book, like right now.
The pacing was perfect, the characters are fantastic - although not always in a good way! Nicholas, I'm looking at you!!! - and the world-building was awesome. There's simply no way I couldn't give this 5-stars. Absolutely recommended by me, and... when is Book 2 out? Please?
* 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!
Mar 5, 2021
I LOVED THIS STORY! I was intrigued from the very beginning, and I loved the connection Juliet and Dante had. The acknowledgement of Romeo and Juliet made me smile, and I thought that both Dante and Juliet acted very maturely given the circumstances, knowing they couldn't be together. Did I want them to be? Hell yeah!!! These two NEED to be together.
History is often twisted and warped through time and, as is often said, is written by the victors. Having both spellcasters and shapeshifters acknowledge this point made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That was a good thing because this ends with one helluva cliffhanger that about killed me! I need the second book, like right now.
The pacing was perfect, the characters are fantastic - although not always in a good way! Nicholas, I'm looking at you!!! - and the world-building was awesome. There's simply no way I couldn't give this 5-stars. Absolutely recommended by me, and... when is Book 2 out? Please?
* 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!
Mar 5, 2021
ClareR (6238 KP) rated The Shapeshifter’s Daughter in Books
May 25, 2026
The Shapeshifters Daughter is a thoroughly enjoyable story, where Hel, Norse Goddess of the Underworld, escapes and makes her way to Midgard (the human world). Hel’s story is told alongside that of Helen, a woman in her 50’s, who on finding out that she has terminal cancer, decides to return to Orkney to make peace with her past and die there. Helen reconnects with Thorfinn (Thor), who helps her to navigate her final weeks with both friendship and love.
Hel and Helen’s stories are told pretty much separately, and they work well as such. It was interesting how they later became connected via a community grief group, and Hel’s role in Helen’s death.
It’s all beautifully told: Helen’s story is tragic, Hel’s is equally so but from a different perspective (it seems Gods are never very nice to one another).
I’ll warn you now: it’s a sad story, and I’m very sure that you can guess what happens in the end - the journey is worth it though!
Hel and Helen’s stories are told pretty much separately, and they work well as such. It was interesting how they later became connected via a community grief group, and Hel’s role in Helen’s death.
It’s all beautifully told: Helen’s story is tragic, Hel’s is equally so but from a different perspective (it seems Gods are never very nice to one another).
I’ll warn you now: it’s a sad story, and I’m very sure that you can guess what happens in the end - the journey is worth it though!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Bloodfire (Blood Destiny, #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2022
65 of 230
Kindle
Bloodfire ( Blood Destiny book 1)
By Helen Harper
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mackenzie Smith has always known that she was different. Growing up as the only human in a pack of rural shapeshifters will do that to you, but then couple it with some mean fighting skills and a fiery temper and you end up with a woman that few will dare to cross. However, when the only father figure in her life is brutally murdered, and the dangerous Brethren with their predatory Lord Alpha come to investigate, Mack has to not only ensure the physical safety of her adopted family by hiding her apparent humanity, she also has to seek the blood-soaked vengeance that she craves.
I don’t remember how this book crossed my path but I’m really glad it did. Not often I find British authors in this genre and this book was so good. Mack is a brilliant character her journey through this book was interesting I’m looking forward to seeing how she develops. Set in Cornwall and bringing all sorts of creatures to light. Definitely a series and author I’ll be following.
Kindle
Bloodfire ( Blood Destiny book 1)
By Helen Harper
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mackenzie Smith has always known that she was different. Growing up as the only human in a pack of rural shapeshifters will do that to you, but then couple it with some mean fighting skills and a fiery temper and you end up with a woman that few will dare to cross. However, when the only father figure in her life is brutally murdered, and the dangerous Brethren with their predatory Lord Alpha come to investigate, Mack has to not only ensure the physical safety of her adopted family by hiding her apparent humanity, she also has to seek the blood-soaked vengeance that she craves.
I don’t remember how this book crossed my path but I’m really glad it did. Not often I find British authors in this genre and this book was so good. Mack is a brilliant character her journey through this book was interesting I’m looking forward to seeing how she develops. Set in Cornwall and bringing all sorts of creatures to light. Definitely a series and author I’ll be following.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Dark Divine (The Dark Divine, #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
This has taken me a long time to read because it didn't grab my interest in the slightest. I can't be doing with any sort of religious people in books. They just drive me a little crazy. So with her having a pastor for a father and being all good with church related stuff, I just had to roll my eyes a little.
Nothing about this pulled me in, not the characters, not the plot...I was bored for all of it but considering the last few YA books I've read have been DNF's I decided to stick with it. I read books for the romance mainly and I had no idea where that bit came into it but by the end they loved each other.
There was a bit of a high point at the end where everything started to make sense which pushed my rating up an entire star, simply because the pace picked up finally ands something actually happened beside school and dates and dances.
Shapeshifters are not my favourite paranormal creatures to read about and although I have the next book in the series I dont think I'll be reading it.
Not for me at all.
Nothing about this pulled me in, not the characters, not the plot...I was bored for all of it but considering the last few YA books I've read have been DNF's I decided to stick with it. I read books for the romance mainly and I had no idea where that bit came into it but by the end they loved each other.
There was a bit of a high point at the end where everything started to make sense which pushed my rating up an entire star, simply because the pace picked up finally ands something actually happened beside school and dates and dances.
Shapeshifters are not my favourite paranormal creatures to read about and although I have the next book in the series I dont think I'll be reading it.
Not for me at all.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Seven Years (Seven, #1; Mageriverse #7) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
Reading this has cemented in my mind the fact that shapeshifters are not one of my favourite creatures to read about. They now join the fey in my "read with caution" mindset.
There were parts of this I liked:
Denver and his behaviour towards the little girl (whose name I've forgotten already :/ ).
Austin when he was going all hot and bothered/full on sexy with Lexi (which didn't happen all that often for my liking).
The first meeting between Reno and April.
And then there were bits I wasn't so keen on:
The added side story of Lexi's dad, I know there was a reasoning behind him being in it but I wasn't interested in that bit at all.
Lexi's job at the sweet shop. Was it necessary? I know that April needed an introduction but we seemed to spend quite a lot of time there.
The added in-between-anything-happening bits that you learnt nothing and seemed to drag. I want action in my stories and there was hardly any in this.
From that meeting mentioned above, I must admit that I'm interested in reading the next book in the series, and for two reasons. One, Reno intrigues me. And two, April seems so shy that I'd love to see how she'd react to Reno pursuing her.
There were parts of this I liked:
Denver and his behaviour towards the little girl (whose name I've forgotten already :/ ).
Austin when he was going all hot and bothered/full on sexy with Lexi (which didn't happen all that often for my liking).
The first meeting between Reno and April.
And then there were bits I wasn't so keen on:
The added side story of Lexi's dad, I know there was a reasoning behind him being in it but I wasn't interested in that bit at all.
Lexi's job at the sweet shop. Was it necessary? I know that April needed an introduction but we seemed to spend quite a lot of time there.
The added in-between-anything-happening bits that you learnt nothing and seemed to drag. I want action in my stories and there was hardly any in this.
From that meeting mentioned above, I must admit that I'm interested in reading the next book in the series, and for two reasons. One, Reno intrigues me. And two, April seems so shy that I'd love to see how she'd react to Reno pursuing her.
Merissa (14024 KP) rated In Due Time (Time #2) in Books
Jun 19, 2023
IN DUE TIME is the second book in the Times series and we continue with Tatum as she tries to sort out the world and its problems! You probably could read this as a standalone but I think it is definitely worth reading book one first as it will give you smaller details that help make this story so good.
This book helps to bring further elements of the paranormal world into the story, including human shapeshifters, vampires, and witches. Leo acts like a jerk but claims ignorance (pfft, I sort of get it, but still…) Oliver also finds his true mate (which I loved) and James and Nat have rocky times (because James lost his path.) As much as Tatum sorts something out, something else comes along to cause her worry and stress. We also find out more about Tatum and her past, and her connection with Oliver's true mate, which was great! Can I just add, I loved the bit with Lexly!
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series and I look forward to reading Adina's story.
Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2023
This book helps to bring further elements of the paranormal world into the story, including human shapeshifters, vampires, and witches. Leo acts like a jerk but claims ignorance (pfft, I sort of get it, but still…) Oliver also finds his true mate (which I loved) and James and Nat have rocky times (because James lost his path.) As much as Tatum sorts something out, something else comes along to cause her worry and stress. We also find out more about Tatum and her past, and her connection with Oliver's true mate, which was great! Can I just add, I loved the bit with Lexly!
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series and I look forward to reading Adina's story.
Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2023
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Broken (Reflections, #1) in Books
Apr 4, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Adri is dealing with a lot at the moment. She has lost half of her family and really her mum isn't really there either, except sporadically - VERY sporadically. They have moved to a new town which is a lot smaller than were they have come from and she knows that she will be focus of attention for a while. She is befriended by another 'new' girl, Brittany, who has only been there for a year. Somehow, she manages to draw the attention of the two hottest guys at the school and is drawn into the middle of something she doesn't understand.
There are already a lot of comments saying that this is like Twilight so I won't bother with any of that. All I will say is that although there are similarities, there are also big differences. This book actually made me shout out (much to my husband's delight and confusion) as Adri thought her mysterious benefactor was one person and I was shouting that it wasn't, it was someone else.
I really enjoyed this book and will be getting Torn which is the next book in the series. This is definitely one for me to continue reading but I definitely need to know Alec's side in this! If you like YA, Twilight, shapeshifters, then give this one a go. Recommended.
* Verified Purchase - February 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 10, 2016
There are already a lot of comments saying that this is like Twilight so I won't bother with any of that. All I will say is that although there are similarities, there are also big differences. This book actually made me shout out (much to my husband's delight and confusion) as Adri thought her mysterious benefactor was one person and I was shouting that it wasn't, it was someone else.
I really enjoyed this book and will be getting Torn which is the next book in the series. This is definitely one for me to continue reading but I definitely need to know Alec's side in this! If you like YA, Twilight, shapeshifters, then give this one a go. Recommended.
* Verified Purchase - February 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 10, 2016