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Merissa (13123 KP) rated The Mayfair Moon (The Darkwoods Trilogy #1) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
About a week ago I was lamenting the fact that I am so behind on reading the books that I have downloaded onto my Kindle, and that I have so many now (over a thousand) that I can't remember what they are about. I have now come to realise that this is not always a bad thing. For hidden in the middle of August 2012, I have just read a book that is absolutely fantastic.
I will start by saying that it is the Paranormal genre, which as most of you know, is a favourite of mine. It has been compared to the Twilight Saga and admittedly, if you have read the books - not just seen the films - there are similarities and not just for the fact that there are werewolves. But there are also striking differences which make this book stand alone and not just in the shadow of Twilight.
This is a gritty, fast-paced book with well-rounded characters that you can get your teeth into (pardon the pun). There are twists and turns, revelations and mysteries, good guys who are not saccharine sweet and evil guys that you really do dislike. The relationships between the characters are believable and I know I had a best friend like Harry and still do.
There is violence and blood in this book but it does not take over the story and becomes unnecessary. This actually makes a nice change from the loveable, cuddly werewolves that you normally get who are so soft they can't fight out of a wet paper bag.
Recommended for anyone who was Team Jacob, who like Paranormal with a hint of romance and for all who like reading about werewolves.
* Verified Purchase ~ August 2012 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 27, 2016
I will start by saying that it is the Paranormal genre, which as most of you know, is a favourite of mine. It has been compared to the Twilight Saga and admittedly, if you have read the books - not just seen the films - there are similarities and not just for the fact that there are werewolves. But there are also striking differences which make this book stand alone and not just in the shadow of Twilight.
This is a gritty, fast-paced book with well-rounded characters that you can get your teeth into (pardon the pun). There are twists and turns, revelations and mysteries, good guys who are not saccharine sweet and evil guys that you really do dislike. The relationships between the characters are believable and I know I had a best friend like Harry and still do.
There is violence and blood in this book but it does not take over the story and becomes unnecessary. This actually makes a nice change from the loveable, cuddly werewolves that you normally get who are so soft they can't fight out of a wet paper bag.
Recommended for anyone who was Team Jacob, who like Paranormal with a hint of romance and for all who like reading about werewolves.
* Verified Purchase ~ August 2012 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 27, 2016
Merissa (13123 KP) rated The Captain's Pet (Alien Slave Masters #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2023
First of all, this book comes with a Reader Advisory - TAKE NOTE OF IT! Seriously, this book is not for everyone and contains scenes that may trigger. Don't think that the advisory is put there for the fun of it because it isn't, believe me.
The story itself is completely sci-fi. Earth has become overcrowded and colonists are sent out to various planets that have been discovered. One such planet, Seven, where our main character Wid comes from, has apparently been colonised by the Travians. War ensues between the humans and the Travians, resulting in a mindless act of vandalism that results in Wid and his associates being taken aboard the Travians' ship.
What happens next is why the advisory is there. There is a lot of violence and rape, although it is incredibly well-written. I won't say anything else about that part but this IS dark and it does come with an advisory.
As the story progresses, you see that some of the boys, Wid included, start to actually have a relationship with their captors. This doesn't feel like Stockholm Syndrome to me, mainly because of how it is written with each of the boys' personalities and experiences taken into account. You learn more about the Travian way of life and, indeed, the Travians learn more about the humans and why they won't just leave Seven even after they've been defeated.
I enjoyed this book, and even if parts of it did make me uncomfortable, I'm glad I stuck with it. I would certainly be interested in going further with this series. I can't emphasise enough though - TAKE NOTE OF THE ADVISORY!!
* 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 29, 2015
The story itself is completely sci-fi. Earth has become overcrowded and colonists are sent out to various planets that have been discovered. One such planet, Seven, where our main character Wid comes from, has apparently been colonised by the Travians. War ensues between the humans and the Travians, resulting in a mindless act of vandalism that results in Wid and his associates being taken aboard the Travians' ship.
What happens next is why the advisory is there. There is a lot of violence and rape, although it is incredibly well-written. I won't say anything else about that part but this IS dark and it does come with an advisory.
As the story progresses, you see that some of the boys, Wid included, start to actually have a relationship with their captors. This doesn't feel like Stockholm Syndrome to me, mainly because of how it is written with each of the boys' personalities and experiences taken into account. You learn more about the Travian way of life and, indeed, the Travians learn more about the humans and why they won't just leave Seven even after they've been defeated.
I enjoyed this book, and even if parts of it did make me uncomfortable, I'm glad I stuck with it. I would certainly be interested in going further with this series. I can't emphasise enough though - TAKE NOTE OF THE ADVISORY!!
* 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 29, 2015
Blood Flame (Flame #1)
8.0
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Book
Connor, a powerful vampire serving as a Border Patrol Officer for his corrupt world, falls for a...
Adult Paranormal Romance
Ben (Assassin's To Order #2)
JP Sayle and Lisa Oliver
9.5
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Book
Has Fate taken science and shown it who’s boss, when everything about Nico and Teilo is not what...
MMM Paranormal Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1481 KP) rated Running From Darkness (Dark River Stone Collective #3) in Books
Apr 23, 2023
That he wanted in Conall's bed was secondary to making sure Calli was safe.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Dark River Stone Collective series. While not strictly necessary, I would recommend you read at least book one, The Light Beneath The Dark. It will give you a better picture of Linc and Mason, as it's their story and they play a large part here. Some references are made to that book, so it might help. BUT book 2, When Darkness Turns To Light, was a far more gripping read. So, you know, just read 'em both!
Conall and Kyle are perfect for each other, right from the start. I loved that Kyle knew he wanted Conall, but he wanted to HELP Conall and his sister Calli first and foremost. That he wanted in Conall's bed was secondary to making sure Calli was safe.
Because Conall finds her being attacked by their step-father and reacts with violence. Which I totally get and fully approve of, given as Calli is 14. Running to the Dark Angels was the quickest way to get her safe.
I loved that Mason is very . . loose . . with his words, and helps Conall keep Calli safe. Calli will be a force of nature, once she has some time to come to terms with what's happened, she really will. She shows great courage here, and I loved that River kinda attached herself to Calli.
This book doesn't quite bite the way book 2 does, but it bites in a very different way. I still enjoyed it as much as book 1 though, and it is a welcome addition to this series.
Who is next?? I dunno, I don't really care, but I will be reading it!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Dark River Stone Collective series. While not strictly necessary, I would recommend you read at least book one, The Light Beneath The Dark. It will give you a better picture of Linc and Mason, as it's their story and they play a large part here. Some references are made to that book, so it might help. BUT book 2, When Darkness Turns To Light, was a far more gripping read. So, you know, just read 'em both!
Conall and Kyle are perfect for each other, right from the start. I loved that Kyle knew he wanted Conall, but he wanted to HELP Conall and his sister Calli first and foremost. That he wanted in Conall's bed was secondary to making sure Calli was safe.
Because Conall finds her being attacked by their step-father and reacts with violence. Which I totally get and fully approve of, given as Calli is 14. Running to the Dark Angels was the quickest way to get her safe.
I loved that Mason is very . . loose . . with his words, and helps Conall keep Calli safe. Calli will be a force of nature, once she has some time to come to terms with what's happened, she really will. She shows great courage here, and I loved that River kinda attached herself to Calli.
This book doesn't quite bite the way book 2 does, but it bites in a very different way. I still enjoyed it as much as book 1 though, and it is a welcome addition to this series.
Who is next?? I dunno, I don't really care, but I will be reading it!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Rafael (Anita Blake book 28) in Books
Jan 31, 2022
19 of 230
Book
Rafael (Anita Blake book 28)
By Laurell K Hamilton
Rafael, king of the wererats, must fight to the death to defend his crown. He wants Anita Blake, one of his closest allies, with him as he faces an opponent unlike any he’s faced before. He will ask Anita to risk everything to be at his side....
But some of the wererats fear that Rafael depends too much on Anita and her ties to the vampires. They believe that there is only room in America for one supernatural king, and Rafael will turn them into nothing more than food for the bloodsuckers.
Among his enemies, a new challenger has arisen who is younger, hungrier, and has dark secrets that could destroy both the wererats and the vampires. Rafael will go into the magical heart of his people to find the power and violence that he needs to save them all, or die trying.
Ok so at first I thought oh god here we go again with all the relationship stuff BUT omg I loved it!!!! Rafael has been one of my favourites since book 1 I love him,so getting to know him more in this book was just so special. I loved catching up with Micah too I love that leopard. Anita was back to kicking ass too. Claudia is just brilliant. So much to love in such a short book I loved Anita using powers that we have forgotten she has. I could even stomach Jean Claude and Nathanial in this one as they are not my favourite boys at all unfortunately Asher is still a a massive no for me I would forgive him so fast! Overall the book was really good and finally we get some of the old Anita!
Book
Rafael (Anita Blake book 28)
By Laurell K Hamilton
Rafael, king of the wererats, must fight to the death to defend his crown. He wants Anita Blake, one of his closest allies, with him as he faces an opponent unlike any he’s faced before. He will ask Anita to risk everything to be at his side....
But some of the wererats fear that Rafael depends too much on Anita and her ties to the vampires. They believe that there is only room in America for one supernatural king, and Rafael will turn them into nothing more than food for the bloodsuckers.
Among his enemies, a new challenger has arisen who is younger, hungrier, and has dark secrets that could destroy both the wererats and the vampires. Rafael will go into the magical heart of his people to find the power and violence that he needs to save them all, or die trying.
Ok so at first I thought oh god here we go again with all the relationship stuff BUT omg I loved it!!!! Rafael has been one of my favourites since book 1 I love him,so getting to know him more in this book was just so special. I loved catching up with Micah too I love that leopard. Anita was back to kicking ass too. Claudia is just brilliant. So much to love in such a short book I loved Anita using powers that we have forgotten she has. I could even stomach Jean Claude and Nathanial in this one as they are not my favourite boys at all unfortunately Asher is still a a massive no for me I would forgive him so fast! Overall the book was really good and finally we get some of the old Anita!
The Fulbourn (Pitch & Sickle, #5)
10.0
Rate It
Book
When the King of Daemonkind comes to call, be ready for hell to follow. After Lucifer’s...
MM Historical Gaslamp Fantasy
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Feb 24, 2023
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Werewolf By Night (2022) in Movies
Oct 6, 2022
The latest offering from Marvel Studios has arrived and it is a change of pace for the studio as it delves into the darker side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Werewolf By Night is a visually appealing tale that lovingly plays homage to the classic Black and White horror movies of old yet infuses modern content and a touch of humor.
When a group of Monster Hunters is assembled at Bloodstone Temple following the death of their leader, the assembled guests are tasked to compete against one another to find a relic and oh yes, content with a deadly monster in the maze as well.
The hunters are informed that they are fair game for one another and the combination of competition and survival promises danger and deadly encounters along the way.
Things are not as they seem as one of the hunters named Jack Russell (Gael Garcia Bernal) has a dark secret or two and when he ends up working with Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly), things get very interesting and deadly.
The show is deeply-enjoyable and makes me wish that this was a series versus a special but I would think that audiences will see some of the characters again in the future. There is a bit more violence than one might expect from the MCU but due to the Black and White filming, it is not as graphic as it could be but still might be more than some younger fans would expect.
Composer Michael Giacchino has done an amazing job with the show as the pacing is solid, the characters are interesting, and the visuals capture the enduring nostalgia of the bygone classics.
I enjoyed the special from start to finish and should be an enjoyable experience not only for Marvel fans but for horror fans everywhere.
Look for it on Disney+ on December 7th.
Werewolf By Night is a visually appealing tale that lovingly plays homage to the classic Black and White horror movies of old yet infuses modern content and a touch of humor.
When a group of Monster Hunters is assembled at Bloodstone Temple following the death of their leader, the assembled guests are tasked to compete against one another to find a relic and oh yes, content with a deadly monster in the maze as well.
The hunters are informed that they are fair game for one another and the combination of competition and survival promises danger and deadly encounters along the way.
Things are not as they seem as one of the hunters named Jack Russell (Gael Garcia Bernal) has a dark secret or two and when he ends up working with Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly), things get very interesting and deadly.
The show is deeply-enjoyable and makes me wish that this was a series versus a special but I would think that audiences will see some of the characters again in the future. There is a bit more violence than one might expect from the MCU but due to the Black and White filming, it is not as graphic as it could be but still might be more than some younger fans would expect.
Composer Michael Giacchino has done an amazing job with the show as the pacing is solid, the characters are interesting, and the visuals capture the enduring nostalgia of the bygone classics.
I enjoyed the special from start to finish and should be an enjoyable experience not only for Marvel fans but for horror fans everywhere.
Look for it on Disney+ on December 7th.
Catriona Ward has got to be one of the best thriller writers around at the moment. I loved The Last House on Needless Street (although it was strange) and this book was just as good, and even more odd. I can’t say that I enjoyed the book as it touched upon some horrifying themes, but I couldn’t put it down as I needed to know what happened. When it came to the twists, I didn’t see most of them coming and Sundial had me guessing the whole way through. The cliffhanger that Catriona Ward ended this book on left some hope that the ending wasn’t as bad as it could be, but also left me with so many questions that are going to remain unsolved.
We meet Rob, a mother who seems to be in a bad marriage with Irving, who seems to cheat on her constantly. There is a lot of manipulation and abuse that is obvious throughout the book, and you consistently wonder why they are still together and don’t just leave each other. Things get worse when Rob starts to suspect something is wrong with her eldest daughter, Callie, and ends up taking Callie back to her childhood home in the desert: Sundial. Here, Rob tells Callie her story and hopes that it explains why Rob and ultimately Callie are the way they are.
I didn’t see the twists coming, and I was shocked by each one right up to the very end of the book. I would say that there should be some trigger warnings for domestic violence and animal abuse though, although the animal abuse isn’t in detail and is glossed over enough to not upset the reader but that they still know what is going on. I look forward to reading more of Catriona Ward’s books in the future.
We meet Rob, a mother who seems to be in a bad marriage with Irving, who seems to cheat on her constantly. There is a lot of manipulation and abuse that is obvious throughout the book, and you consistently wonder why they are still together and don’t just leave each other. Things get worse when Rob starts to suspect something is wrong with her eldest daughter, Callie, and ends up taking Callie back to her childhood home in the desert: Sundial. Here, Rob tells Callie her story and hopes that it explains why Rob and ultimately Callie are the way they are.
I didn’t see the twists coming, and I was shocked by each one right up to the very end of the book. I would say that there should be some trigger warnings for domestic violence and animal abuse though, although the animal abuse isn’t in detail and is glossed over enough to not upset the reader but that they still know what is going on. I look forward to reading more of Catriona Ward’s books in the future.