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Amy Christmas (170 KP) rated Half a King (Shattered Sea #1) in Books
Nov 27, 2017
The writing style is fluent and easy to follow (2 more)
Introduction to the world is smooth and not overwhelming
Never slow
Blew me away
Contains spoilers, click to show
I picked this book as well as the two sequels up from a charity shop for £2 on a bit of a whim, despite knowing I'd be lucky to get around to reading them in the next 3 years. A year on and boy am I glad I got to reading the first one sooner than anticipated.
Yarvi is our protagonist, a cripple that his father cast aside in favour of his 10 fingered brother, although Yarvi hated that he was ignored it allowed him to follow his own path and train to become a minister, an advisor to powerful people though he never gets a chance to pass the test. His plans dashed by his father and brothers deaths as he's forced to take the throne his father ruled from. During their funeral Yarvi swears to avenge them.
And he tries, even with his crippled hand but in such kingdoms we soon learn that betrayal is rife along with greed. Betrayed by one close to him Yarvi's reign ends abruptly on the battlefield.
After being made a slave he embarks on a journey that finds him rowing around the shattered sea and marching through snow. He manipulates small scale politics and finds himself on the sharp end of a few too many swords but with friends who seem fickle at first there to help him. However it seems that one of the group like Yarvi kept his true identity a secret and their is more to his uncles betrayal than meets the eye, because their are always more puppet masters.
And with a bittersweet ending the case is closed and the mystery solved, atleast one piece of it.
This book has a lot of death and makes you mourn those you thought you detested and hate those you thought you'd love. It's a fast paced action packed fantasy with a world of rich an wonderful colours and twists that are yelled at you from chapter one yet you still don't expect.
A very satisfying read because when you thought the betrayal was solved Abercrombie still held on to one final piece of the puzzle making for a bittersweet ending that really shows how far Yarvi has come, for better or for worse.
Yarvi is our protagonist, a cripple that his father cast aside in favour of his 10 fingered brother, although Yarvi hated that he was ignored it allowed him to follow his own path and train to become a minister, an advisor to powerful people though he never gets a chance to pass the test. His plans dashed by his father and brothers deaths as he's forced to take the throne his father ruled from. During their funeral Yarvi swears to avenge them.
And he tries, even with his crippled hand but in such kingdoms we soon learn that betrayal is rife along with greed. Betrayed by one close to him Yarvi's reign ends abruptly on the battlefield.
After being made a slave he embarks on a journey that finds him rowing around the shattered sea and marching through snow. He manipulates small scale politics and finds himself on the sharp end of a few too many swords but with friends who seem fickle at first there to help him. However it seems that one of the group like Yarvi kept his true identity a secret and their is more to his uncles betrayal than meets the eye, because their are always more puppet masters.
And with a bittersweet ending the case is closed and the mystery solved, atleast one piece of it.
This book has a lot of death and makes you mourn those you thought you detested and hate those you thought you'd love. It's a fast paced action packed fantasy with a world of rich an wonderful colours and twists that are yelled at you from chapter one yet you still don't expect.
A very satisfying read because when you thought the betrayal was solved Abercrombie still held on to one final piece of the puzzle making for a bittersweet ending that really shows how far Yarvi has come, for better or for worse.
The Swimming Pool
Book
'I can't take my eyes off the water. Can you?' It's summer when Elm Hill lido opens, having stood...
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Pepper's Journey Home (Grey River #9) in Books
Oct 6, 2017
Pepper's Journey Home (Grey River #9) by Maia Dylan
Pepper's Journey Home is the ninth book in the Grey River series, and we get to know Pepper in more detail. We met her briefly in Melaina's book, but this one quite rightly focuses on her. She is a very strong psychic, but with a strong sacrificial streak. She feels that she is broken after all she has been put through. Her mates just have to prove to her that she isn't.
Once again, this book is simply amazing. I love the interaction with the 'ladies' of the pack, and the conversation about buttercream filling had me laughing out loud. I also love when sarcasm flows straight off the page, which it did in this. Absolutely perfect. Those t-shirts that Faith makes... a small additional detail that makes each book great.
One thing I will say is that I didn't take to Tomas as much as I did Diego. And I don't know why. I liked him, don't get me wrong, but I guess Diego pushed more of my buttons! And I did feel slightly sorry for him (although he didn't seem concerned at the time) that Tomas got to get both 'firsts'. Seemed a bit greedy to me ;)
Anyway, that is by the by. To get technical now, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and this pace was smooth. With plenty of sexy bits, there is also a lot of character growth. Humour galore, action, sincerity - it's all here. Definitely 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!
Once again, this book is simply amazing. I love the interaction with the 'ladies' of the pack, and the conversation about buttercream filling had me laughing out loud. I also love when sarcasm flows straight off the page, which it did in this. Absolutely perfect. Those t-shirts that Faith makes... a small additional detail that makes each book great.
One thing I will say is that I didn't take to Tomas as much as I did Diego. And I don't know why. I liked him, don't get me wrong, but I guess Diego pushed more of my buttons! And I did feel slightly sorry for him (although he didn't seem concerned at the time) that Tomas got to get both 'firsts'. Seemed a bit greedy to me ;)
Anyway, that is by the by. To get technical now, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and this pace was smooth. With plenty of sexy bits, there is also a lot of character growth. Humour galore, action, sincerity - it's all here. Definitely 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!
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Make Me Burn (Isle of the Forgotten #1) in Books
May 19, 2017
Make Me Burn (Isle of the Forgotten #1) by Tiffany Roberts
Make Me Burn is the first book in the Isle of the Forgotten series. The Isle is a place where murderers, rapists, and other criminals who show no remorse, are sent. With a magical barrier, they are unable to leave. With no guards or anyone else to keep an eye on them, it is literally up to the criminals to find their own way to survive. Morthanion gets sent there after he razes a village, the last in a long list. He is none to impressed (to say the least), but he does see Aria not long after. There is something about her that he is drawn to. Although he is happy terrorising others, he doesn't want her to be afraid of him. He goes out of his way to ensure her safety. And when she tricks him, instead of wanting to kill her, he admires her and finds her intriguing instead. However, Island life means that Aria is not safe, even with Morthanion there.
This was a brilliant start to a new series, with excellent world and character building. The Isle itself was clearly described, as well as specific places, and plenty of characters for you to love or loathe. The pace is fast and smooth, with tender as well as scorching scenes too. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this was a wonderful first book, and I can highly recommend it.
* 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!
This was a brilliant start to a new series, with excellent world and character building. The Isle itself was clearly described, as well as specific places, and plenty of characters for you to love or loathe. The pace is fast and smooth, with tender as well as scorching scenes too. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this was a wonderful first book, and I can highly recommend it.
* 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!
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Kindred Spirits (Spirits of Nature #2) in Books
Sep 8, 2017
Kindred Spirits (Spirits of Nature #2) by Michelle Post
Kindred Spirits is the second book in the Spirits of Nature series, and I couldn't wait to read it as I had loved the first book. Now, due to the ending of the first book, I knew that this book would be about different characters, but I was also hoping that The Mourning Dove and Running Wolf would also pay a visit. Is this cryptic enough for you? I certainly hope so, because these two books are simply amazing.
Kindred Spirits is about the children and grandchildren of The Mourning Dove and Running Wolf, with some hard-hitting history thrown in too. There is nothing 'soft' about this book, it paints a harsh reality. At times, you will be gasping for breath amidst the sorrow as the story unfolds. And yet..., there is still hope. There are characters that still have a part to play. There is love so deep, so pure, it transcends death. And yet, not everyone gets a guaranteed HEA. This may be a fictional story, but there are so many elements of truth in it, it may just break your heart before it slowly stitches it back together again.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace is gentle and smooth where necessary, with a brilliant story that tells its own tale at its own speed. The only thing I would say, which isn't negative by any means, is that I wish I had re-read Spirits of Nature, just so I could immerse myself for longer. Absolutely 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!
Kindred Spirits is about the children and grandchildren of The Mourning Dove and Running Wolf, with some hard-hitting history thrown in too. There is nothing 'soft' about this book, it paints a harsh reality. At times, you will be gasping for breath amidst the sorrow as the story unfolds. And yet..., there is still hope. There are characters that still have a part to play. There is love so deep, so pure, it transcends death. And yet, not everyone gets a guaranteed HEA. This may be a fictional story, but there are so many elements of truth in it, it may just break your heart before it slowly stitches it back together again.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace is gentle and smooth where necessary, with a brilliant story that tells its own tale at its own speed. The only thing I would say, which isn't negative by any means, is that I wish I had re-read Spirits of Nature, just so I could immerse myself for longer. Absolutely 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!
Merissa (12066 KP) rated The Little Café in Copenhagen (City Bakes) in Books
Feb 2, 2018
The Little Café in Copenhagen (City Bakes, #1) by Jules Wake, writing as Julie Caplin
The Little Café in Copenhagen is a gentle and warm read, almost hygglich itself. I don't read a lot of contemporary novels, so it takes something special to keep my interest. And that is exactly what this gem of a book did from the very beginning.
Kate is a woman who has convinced herself that she is doing the right thing, in all areas of her life. She thinks she is in line for a promotion, and honestly can't think of anything better. Of course, when she doesn't get it, but is offered a conciliatory bone instead - a bone that no one else wanted - she grabs it with both hands, determined to make the best of a bad situation. With an eclectic cast of characters, this book gels together in a way that keeps you turning the pages. They all have their secrets to share (all apart from one) and Eva manages to get them to spill the beans in an almost magical way.
There was nothing about this book that I didn't like! The writing style was smooth and witty in all the right places. The scenes flowed from one to the next, and I loved how it was split into three different sections. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I loved every word, and can't wait to continue with this series. Absolutely 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!
Kate is a woman who has convinced herself that she is doing the right thing, in all areas of her life. She thinks she is in line for a promotion, and honestly can't think of anything better. Of course, when she doesn't get it, but is offered a conciliatory bone instead - a bone that no one else wanted - she grabs it with both hands, determined to make the best of a bad situation. With an eclectic cast of characters, this book gels together in a way that keeps you turning the pages. They all have their secrets to share (all apart from one) and Eva manages to get them to spill the beans in an almost magical way.
There was nothing about this book that I didn't like! The writing style was smooth and witty in all the right places. The scenes flowed from one to the next, and I loved how it was split into three different sections. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I loved every word, and can't wait to continue with this series. Absolutely 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!
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Power of Sight (Mages of the Nether #4) in Books
Feb 16, 2018
Power of Sight (Mages of the Nether #4) by A.M. Halford
Power of Sight is the fourth, and final, book in the Mages of the Nether series. We finish with Zachary's story. He has the sight, although he has been at great pains to hide this, knowing what he does about the future. His time is up when Titus is appointed to find the new seer. Titus is the one whom Zachary has loved for years. Titus is the one Zachary watches die over and over again, every night when he closes his eyes. It is for this reason he has pushed Titus away, making him think that Zachary hates him. When Titus gets a hint of his own future, he decides that he would sooner spend a few moments with Zachary than live a lifetime alone.
This was a great finale to the story, with all the previous couples playing their part to get Zachary and Titus together. I think that Zachary caved a bit quickly considering how adamant he was against Titus, and love, in all the previous books. However, it still worked. I was drawn into their story, hoping against hope that this time Zachary's vision would prove false. There is a conclusion to the writing, a finalising of the story, which helps to round off this series nicely. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the scenes flowed nicely, with the pacing smooth.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and the series, if you are looking for a light, yet steamy in places, M/M Fantasy.
* 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!
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=26500
This was a great finale to the story, with all the previous couples playing their part to get Zachary and Titus together. I think that Zachary caved a bit quickly considering how adamant he was against Titus, and love, in all the previous books. However, it still worked. I was drawn into their story, hoping against hope that this time Zachary's vision would prove false. There is a conclusion to the writing, a finalising of the story, which helps to round off this series nicely. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the scenes flowed nicely, with the pacing smooth.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and the series, if you are looking for a light, yet steamy in places, M/M Fantasy.
* 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!
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=26500
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Truly, Madly, Whiskey (The Whiskeys #2) in Books
Mar 28, 2018
Truly, Madly, Whiskey (The Whiskeys #2) by Melissa Foster
Truly, Madly, Whiskey is the second book in The Whiskeys series, and we get Bear's story. Now, as you might assume by his name, Bear is growly, big, and very protective. He fell for Crystal eight months ago, and has been pursuing her ever since. Now if he can just get Crystal to see it his way, all will be good. Unfortunately, Crystal has a past which she is constantly fighting against, and she is worried that it will stand between her and Bear.
This book is amazing. It had me in tears, it made me smile, it made me laugh out loud. I didn't think anyone could knock Tru from his perch, but Bear came damn close. The story is harsh in a couple of ways, but everything in it needs to be there. You find out more about Crystal's past. You learn about what makes Bear tick. And, oh my, it's sooo good. Seriously!
This book is amazingly well written, with a smooth storyline and excellent pacing. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I was totally drawn into the story. The ending is just perfect for them, and I couldn't think of one more fitting for them. If you like The Whiskeys series, then I can highly recommend this book (even though you could read it as a standalone). If you haven't tried one yet, then you really need to try Tru Blue, and fall in love with Truman just like I did!
* 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!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=23086
This book is amazing. It had me in tears, it made me smile, it made me laugh out loud. I didn't think anyone could knock Tru from his perch, but Bear came damn close. The story is harsh in a couple of ways, but everything in it needs to be there. You find out more about Crystal's past. You learn about what makes Bear tick. And, oh my, it's sooo good. Seriously!
This book is amazingly well written, with a smooth storyline and excellent pacing. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I was totally drawn into the story. The ending is just perfect for them, and I couldn't think of one more fitting for them. If you like The Whiskeys series, then I can highly recommend this book (even though you could read it as a standalone). If you haven't tried one yet, then you really need to try Tru Blue, and fall in love with Truman just like I did!
* 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!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=23086
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Over Raging Tides (Lady Pirates, #1) in Books
Jun 11, 2018
Over Raging Tides (Lady Pirates, #1) by Jennifer Ellision
Over Raging Tides is the first book in the Lady Pirates series, and going by this one, I can't wait to continue with this series. Grace has been a pirate since the age of seven, and is now Quartermaster and First Mate of Lady Luck, a pirate ship with an all-female crew. There is rivalry between her and Celia, the other woman who wanted the Quartermaster role. Grace's mother was taken from her when she was younger, by creatures of the sea that aren't friendly! Everyone presumes she is dead, including her love, the Captain of the ship. Things get interesting when Grace rescues two brothers from the Mordgris and brings them on-board. Her life changes and she sees things she never saw before.
This story was amazing and gripped me from the very start. The world building is amazing, and rich in history. The characters are well developed, although obviously some are more than others. One of my favourite characters is Sam, and I can't wait to see what she will do next. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was very smooth.
One word for you though - cliffhanger! This is the first book in the series so it does end with one almighty cliffhanger that will leave you wanting book two immediately. Unfortunately for me, it's not actually released yet, so I will have to wait oh-so-patiently!
For a clean, nautical adventure, with magic, mayhem, and a good dosing of rum, then I can highly recommend this book! Another corker by Jennifer Ellision.
* 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!
This story was amazing and gripped me from the very start. The world building is amazing, and rich in history. The characters are well developed, although obviously some are more than others. One of my favourite characters is Sam, and I can't wait to see what she will do next. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was very smooth.
One word for you though - cliffhanger! This is the first book in the series so it does end with one almighty cliffhanger that will leave you wanting book two immediately. Unfortunately for me, it's not actually released yet, so I will have to wait oh-so-patiently!
For a clean, nautical adventure, with magic, mayhem, and a good dosing of rum, then I can highly recommend this book! Another corker by Jennifer Ellision.
* 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!
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Demon Crew (The Wolfborne Saga #5) in Books
Jan 21, 2020
Demon Crew is the fifth book in The Wolfborne Saga and we continue with Zev and Virgo being part of a super-secret government agency... although Zev didn't actually agree to any of it! I admire Zev's resilience and his ability to forgive because I honestly don't think I would be able to do so! There is also a new woman in Zev's life although he's not sure if he actually likes this one as she is dhampir. Needless to say, the action and adventure start immediately and Zev remains the humble hero.
Now, I'm going to admit that I wasn't all that happy about reading this book. Virgo really did me in at the end of the last one and the thought of Zev back in chains did absolutely nothing for me. However, Ms. Alsop has managed to win me over yet again. Not only did I enjoy this book but it has become my favourite (so far) of the series! And yes, I know I've moved that title as I've read through the series, but that should tell you something!!!
As with all the books, this one leaves you on a cliffhanger, wanting more. The world continues to delight with all the action and fights you could ask for. The characters are lifelike and full of sarcasm and wit. The pacing is once again smooth and will keep you turning the pages. I really can't recommend either the book or the series highly enough.
* 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!
Now, I'm going to admit that I wasn't all that happy about reading this book. Virgo really did me in at the end of the last one and the thought of Zev back in chains did absolutely nothing for me. However, Ms. Alsop has managed to win me over yet again. Not only did I enjoy this book but it has become my favourite (so far) of the series! And yes, I know I've moved that title as I've read through the series, but that should tell you something!!!
As with all the books, this one leaves you on a cliffhanger, wanting more. The world continues to delight with all the action and fights you could ask for. The characters are lifelike and full of sarcasm and wit. The pacing is once again smooth and will keep you turning the pages. I really can't recommend either the book or the series highly enough.
* 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!