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Merissa (11646 KP) created a post
Oct 15, 2020
Smashbomb (4683 KP) created a post in Friends of Smashbomb
Feb 19, 2019 (Updated Feb 20, 2019)
David McK (3185 KP) rated Dawnthief (Chronicles of the Raven, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is pretty much what I would term your standard high-fantasy fiction: high fantasy as opposed to, say, urban fantasy, as it involves Dragons (albeit only at the very beginning, and then more-or-less forgotten about), Elves and Magic amongst other genre staples.
The Raven of the sub-title ('Chronicles of the Raven', remember!) are a group of mercenaries who, at the beginning of the novel, have lived and fought together for years. At the end of one contract, they are hired by a former enemy, before events start overtaking them and they find themselves as amongst the last hope for their land, which is descending into war ...
I found this to be an OK read: not the best of such-like books I've ever read; nor the worst.
The Raven of the sub-title ('Chronicles of the Raven', remember!) are a group of mercenaries who, at the beginning of the novel, have lived and fought together for years. At the end of one contract, they are hired by a former enemy, before events start overtaking them and they find themselves as amongst the last hope for their land, which is descending into war ...
I found this to be an OK read: not the best of such-like books I've ever read; nor the worst.
David McK (3185 KP) rated The Aeronaut's Windlass in Books
Dec 20, 2023
The first book in Jim Butcher's new series: Cinder Spires series, if I'm honest I was a little unsure what to make of this at the start: it's not 'traditional' fantasy (that would be his 'Codex Alera' series); nor is it the urban fantasy (his - still ongoing - 'Dresden Files' series).
Rather, this is probably best described as Steampunk, which is a genre I previously had little exploration in, and which Google defines as:
"...a subgenre of science fiction and sometimes fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery.".
Reading that description, this definitely fits right into that bracket!
To my mind, it also falls more towards the fantasy aspect of Steampunk: after all, we have a new magic system, airships, the ability to communicate with animals (cats), and monsters from the ground all within the pages of this story even if (for my money), it never quite gripped me as much as a Harry Dresden book.
Rather, this is probably best described as Steampunk, which is a genre I previously had little exploration in, and which Google defines as:
"...a subgenre of science fiction and sometimes fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery.".
Reading that description, this definitely fits right into that bracket!
To my mind, it also falls more towards the fantasy aspect of Steampunk: after all, we have a new magic system, airships, the ability to communicate with animals (cats), and monsters from the ground all within the pages of this story even if (for my money), it never quite gripped me as much as a Harry Dresden book.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Iron Kissed was just as good as the previous books in the Mercy Thompson series, if not better. Since I've been reading a lot of urban fantasy-type books lately, I have to admit to a bit of confusion at the beginning in remembering this world and the characters. Luckily most of it came back and I was able clear everything up. I was worried going into Iron Kissed, with the love triangle and was so happy when Mercy finally chose someone, as opposed to dilly-dallying for the next few books. I don't mind the romance angle, but I can get sick of everyone falling in love/lust/or whatever with the main character (even if Mercy kicks-major-youknowwhat!) in this genre of book(s). If only I could be so lucky. LoL Only in fiction. Anyways, the ending did disturb me and turn my stomach, which is a credit to the author, but it really added an element of realism to the book and especially to Mercy's character. I hope to see Mercy stronger than ever in the next book. Can't wait for it!
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated This Case Is Gonna Kill Me (Linnet Ellery, #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
This book was an unexpected delight. Lawyers? Meh. Even lawyers with paranormal spice.
But Linnet Ellery is no ordinary lawyer, even for a young lawyer in a White Fang law firm. She has no end of backbone and smarts, not to mention luck - or should I say Luck? Because fortune swirls around her like nobody else, making her a nexus of events and a little too conspicuous for her very discreet employers.
That's not to say that she doesn't make her share of mistakes - that wouldn't be any fun, now would it? She survives and learns from them, then helps others avoid the same.
Living in a world of vampires, werewolves, and Alfar (elves) might be intimidating to most humans, especially when those beings (Powers) are essentially in charge. Linnet doesn't let them intimidate her. She uses her contacts and plays to her strengths, winning more and more significant battles every time she goes to bat.
Bornikova sets things up very nicely for a sequel, and I am personally hungry to read more. I strongly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys paranormals, urban fantasy, or simply good, humorous fiction with a dollop of suspense and a strong heroine.
But Linnet Ellery is no ordinary lawyer, even for a young lawyer in a White Fang law firm. She has no end of backbone and smarts, not to mention luck - or should I say Luck? Because fortune swirls around her like nobody else, making her a nexus of events and a little too conspicuous for her very discreet employers.
That's not to say that she doesn't make her share of mistakes - that wouldn't be any fun, now would it? She survives and learns from them, then helps others avoid the same.
Living in a world of vampires, werewolves, and Alfar (elves) might be intimidating to most humans, especially when those beings (Powers) are essentially in charge. Linnet doesn't let them intimidate her. She uses her contacts and plays to her strengths, winning more and more significant battles every time she goes to bat.
Bornikova sets things up very nicely for a sequel, and I am personally hungry to read more. I strongly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys paranormals, urban fantasy, or simply good, humorous fiction with a dollop of suspense and a strong heroine.
ClareR (5561 KP) rated Friedrichstrasse 19 in Books
Jun 11, 2023
Friedrichstrasse 19 is 6 stories set in the same building over its lifetime. We see Berlin through the eyes of those that lived in the building between 1906 and 2019, and there are some serious historical moments as well as cultural highlights: a woman in the RAF (Rote Armee Fraktion) in 1986; a photographers apprentice in 1906; an unhappily married Jewish woman who meets an actress pre-WW2; the Berlin Airlift post WW2 era, when the actress is trying to find her Jewish lover (she knows there’s little chance); 1969 and a photographer finds a young GDR escapee and decides to help her; 2019, a divorcee originally from the East, who met her ex-husband on the night that the Wall fell.
All intriguing characters and stories that give a glimpse into urban life in Berlin, as well as its history. It probably helped that I was familiar with the history of Germany generally (thanks to a German degree many years ago!), and I make a point of reading fiction set in Germany when/ if I come across it. And this is a pleasure when I come across books like Friedrichstrasse 19!
All intriguing characters and stories that give a glimpse into urban life in Berlin, as well as its history. It probably helped that I was familiar with the history of Germany generally (thanks to a German degree many years ago!), and I make a point of reading fiction set in Germany when/ if I come across it. And this is a pleasure when I come across books like Friedrichstrasse 19!
Lee Ann (116 KP) rated City of the Lost (Casey Duncan, #1) in Books
May 24, 2018
Anyone who writes usually has authors that they can point at and say "If I can ever be compared with them, I'll be happy." For me, I don't look at the authors who are defined as the classics - Austen, Shelley, etc - I look at Kelley Armstrong. If anyone ever compares anything I've written to something of hers, I think I'll die happy.
Every genre this woman turns her hand to she excels in. From her Women of the Otherworld Urban Fantasy Series, to her YA Darkest Powers, her Sea of Shadows fantasy, the crime fiction of Nadia Stafford, the Cainsville series (oh how I love you and am dying for the final book!) and this, the Casey Duncan series. I swear I haven't read a book by Kelley that I haven't instantly become invested in the storyline and the characters.
City of the Lost is written in Kelley's typical style - honest, detailed without being overloading, intricate and fascinating. Her characters just jump off the page with their realism. There is no perfect person, they are flawed and human. She twists and turns the plot with a skill that I'm in awe of. And just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a twist you didn't see coming and the ride just keeps on moving.
Can't wat for the next book in this series. Long live Kelley Armstrong!
Every genre this woman turns her hand to she excels in. From her Women of the Otherworld Urban Fantasy Series, to her YA Darkest Powers, her Sea of Shadows fantasy, the crime fiction of Nadia Stafford, the Cainsville series (oh how I love you and am dying for the final book!) and this, the Casey Duncan series. I swear I haven't read a book by Kelley that I haven't instantly become invested in the storyline and the characters.
City of the Lost is written in Kelley's typical style - honest, detailed without being overloading, intricate and fascinating. Her characters just jump off the page with their realism. There is no perfect person, they are flawed and human. She twists and turns the plot with a skill that I'm in awe of. And just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a twist you didn't see coming and the ride just keeps on moving.
Can't wat for the next book in this series. Long live Kelley Armstrong!
Lee Ann (116 KP) rated City of the Lost (Casey Duncan, #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2018
Anyone who writes usually has authors that they can point at and say "If I can ever be compared with them, I'll be happy." For me, I don't look at the authors who are defined as the classics - Austen, Shelley, etc - I look at Kelley Armstrong. If anyone ever compares anything I've written to something of hers, I think I'll die happy.
Every genre this woman turns her hand to she excels in. From her Women of the Otherworld Urban Fantasy Series, to her YA Darkest Powers, her Sea of Shadows fantasy, the crime fiction of Nadia Stafford, the Cainsville series (oh how I love you and am dying for the final book!) and this, the Casey Duncan series. I swear I haven't read a book by Kelley that I haven't instantly become invested in the storyline and the characters.
City of the Lost is written in Kelley's typical style - honest, detailed without being overloading, intricate and fascinating. Her characters just jump off the page with their realism. There is no perfect person, they are flawed and human. She twists and turns the plot with a skill that I'm in awe of. And just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a twist you didn't see coming and the ride just keeps on moving.
Can't wat for the next book in this series. Long live Kelley Armstrong!
Every genre this woman turns her hand to she excels in. From her Women of the Otherworld Urban Fantasy Series, to her YA Darkest Powers, her Sea of Shadows fantasy, the crime fiction of Nadia Stafford, the Cainsville series (oh how I love you and am dying for the final book!) and this, the Casey Duncan series. I swear I haven't read a book by Kelley that I haven't instantly become invested in the storyline and the characters.
City of the Lost is written in Kelley's typical style - honest, detailed without being overloading, intricate and fascinating. Her characters just jump off the page with their realism. There is no perfect person, they are flawed and human. She twists and turns the plot with a skill that I'm in awe of. And just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a twist you didn't see coming and the ride just keeps on moving.
Can't wat for the next book in this series. Long live Kelley Armstrong!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Divergent in Books
Dec 1, 2023
182 of 235
Book
Divergent ( Book 1)
By Veronica Roth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One choice can transform you. Pass initiation. Do not fail!
Thrilling urban dystopian fiction debut from exciting young author. In sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior's world, society is divided into five factions -- Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) -- each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue, in the attempt to form a "perfect society." At the age of sixteen, teens must choose the faction to which they will devote their lives. On her Choosing Day, Beatrice renames herself Tris, rejects her family's group, and chooses another faction. After surviving a brutal initiation, Tris finds romance with a super-hot boy, but also discovers unrest and growing conflict in their seemingly "perfect society." To survive and save those they love, they must use their strengths to uncover the truths about their identities, their families, and the order of their society itself.
I absolutely loved this book I did not put it down! It was just so easy to read and I loved everything about it. I like the film but hated Triss but in the book she is much more likeable. Really enjoyed it! How has it taken me this long to read it I’ll never know!
Book
Divergent ( Book 1)
By Veronica Roth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One choice can transform you. Pass initiation. Do not fail!
Thrilling urban dystopian fiction debut from exciting young author. In sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior's world, society is divided into five factions -- Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) -- each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue, in the attempt to form a "perfect society." At the age of sixteen, teens must choose the faction to which they will devote their lives. On her Choosing Day, Beatrice renames herself Tris, rejects her family's group, and chooses another faction. After surviving a brutal initiation, Tris finds romance with a super-hot boy, but also discovers unrest and growing conflict in their seemingly "perfect society." To survive and save those they love, they must use their strengths to uncover the truths about their identities, their families, and the order of their society itself.
I absolutely loved this book I did not put it down! It was just so easy to read and I loved everything about it. I like the film but hated Triss but in the book she is much more likeable. Really enjoyed it! How has it taken me this long to read it I’ll never know!