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Merissa (13725 KP) rated The Scout (Legends Of Pern Coen: Fated #2) in Books
May 23, 2023
THE SCOUT is the second book in the Legends of Pern Coen: Fated series and we continue with Bran and Seren's story. OH. MY. WORD!!! There is no middle book dip with this story! Instead, there are twists aplenty and an ending that will leave you gasping. It is SO good!
Bran and Seren are a wonderful couple and I love how their story progresses. I won't be sharing any spoilers, don't worry, but I will say that a lot goes on for them - some good, some not so good. Domhnall is still hanging around and going down in my estimation more and more. As for Aengus, my guess was correct but he is being played and it is breaking my heart. Alannah, I had such high hopes for but it seems she has been corrupted by Fianna. What will the future hold for Bran and Seren, as well as Alannah and Aengus?
This story will take you along, leading you on a merry dance as you read through the pages, completely immersed in the story. It is a very emotional read, especially that ending. I honestly can't wait for the third and final instalment. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY 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!
May 23, 2023
Bran and Seren are a wonderful couple and I love how their story progresses. I won't be sharing any spoilers, don't worry, but I will say that a lot goes on for them - some good, some not so good. Domhnall is still hanging around and going down in my estimation more and more. As for Aengus, my guess was correct but he is being played and it is breaking my heart. Alannah, I had such high hopes for but it seems she has been corrupted by Fianna. What will the future hold for Bran and Seren, as well as Alannah and Aengus?
This story will take you along, leading you on a merry dance as you read through the pages, completely immersed in the story. It is a very emotional read, especially that ending. I honestly can't wait for the third and final instalment. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY 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!
May 23, 2023
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Greed (Seven Princes of Sin #4) in Books
May 31, 2023
GREED is the fourth book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and more than one person meets their mate in this one!
Isabel and her two sons, Brandon and Will, were left with nothing when her husband died. He had used all her money and given everything to his mistress. Then she finds out her apartment is being condemned and they will have nowhere to live. With no other options, she goes to Club Greed to see if they can help. The help she receives is nothing like she expected and everything like she needed.
This series just keeps getting better and better. It is dark, in places, which just makes you appreciate the softer moments even more. Michael... gah, I can't wait to see what happens to him. He really is a piece of work. Well, they all are, but you know what I mean!
The overall story arc continues to move along and Lucifer remains an enigma. I would highly recommend you start from the beginning and work your way through, just to ensure you don't miss anything. GREED is a great addition to the series and is 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 1, 2023
Isabel and her two sons, Brandon and Will, were left with nothing when her husband died. He had used all her money and given everything to his mistress. Then she finds out her apartment is being condemned and they will have nowhere to live. With no other options, she goes to Club Greed to see if they can help. The help she receives is nothing like she expected and everything like she needed.
This series just keeps getting better and better. It is dark, in places, which just makes you appreciate the softer moments even more. Michael... gah, I can't wait to see what happens to him. He really is a piece of work. Well, they all are, but you know what I mean!
The overall story arc continues to move along and Lucifer remains an enigma. I would highly recommend you start from the beginning and work your way through, just to ensure you don't miss anything. GREED is a great addition to the series and is 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 1, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2474 KP) rated Knot Ready for Murder in Books
Mar 9, 2024
A Hitch on the Way to Get Hitched
Martha Rose has finally agreed to marry her long-suffering fiancé, but Crusher has a shock for her. He’s just learned that a marriage he thought was annulled decades ago never was. Even worse, his wife is coming to LA to visit. When Hadas arrives, she quickly makes it obvious that she is not going to let Crusher go easily. But then she is kidnapped. Can Martha figure out what is going on? Or is Crusher now a widower?
The previously unmentioned spouse is a trope I hate for being too much like a soap opera, but once we get past that, this proves to be a good mystery. There are plenty of surprises along the way to a great climax. While we do get a new over the top character here, the rest of the cast have been toned down some, which I appreciated. On the other hand, I wish we’d seen more of some of them, especially since this is the final book in the series. Fans who have read the entire series will be delighted with the final chapter, which sends the characters out well. As always, I enjoyed seeing towns I recognized pop up, but I really enjoyed seeing a local pizza place show up. I’ll miss spending time with these characters, but I was smiling when I set the book down.
The previously unmentioned spouse is a trope I hate for being too much like a soap opera, but once we get past that, this proves to be a good mystery. There are plenty of surprises along the way to a great climax. While we do get a new over the top character here, the rest of the cast have been toned down some, which I appreciated. On the other hand, I wish we’d seen more of some of them, especially since this is the final book in the series. Fans who have read the entire series will be delighted with the final chapter, which sends the characters out well. As always, I enjoyed seeing towns I recognized pop up, but I really enjoyed seeing a local pizza place show up. I’ll miss spending time with these characters, but I was smiling when I set the book down.
David McK (3692 KP) rated Mickey7 (Mickey7, #1) in Books
May 18, 2025
The Ship of Theseus.
A given (any) football team.
Triggers Broom. (from Only Fools and Horses)
And now this
They're all pretty much the same question: at what point does a given object become something different, when it's components are all gradually replaced over time?
I remember seeing a trailer for the movie based on this (said movie: Mickey 17) back in the early parts of 2025 and, whilst I thought it looked intriguing, never really felt like it was one I *had* to watch.
I've heard said movies gets bad reviews.
This, however, seemed to get good reviews and, when I saw it on sale on Kindle for something like 99pence, thought I might as well give it a shot.
I did enjoy it, which is mostly told from the snarky point of view of Mickey 7 himself: an expendable on a remote colony, whose job it is to do all those tricky nasty things that lead to his death, before being cloned with all of his memories intact - or, that is, all of his memories up to the point of his last 'upload'.
Believing that is what has happened on his latest mission, a new body is cloned: Mickey8, with memories up until about a fortnight before latest mission.
But Mickey7 survives and makes it back to base, where he then has to keep the fact that there are two of him about secret as this form of self-duplication is a serious no-no ...
A given (any) football team.
Triggers Broom. (from Only Fools and Horses)
And now this
They're all pretty much the same question: at what point does a given object become something different, when it's components are all gradually replaced over time?
I remember seeing a trailer for the movie based on this (said movie: Mickey 17) back in the early parts of 2025 and, whilst I thought it looked intriguing, never really felt like it was one I *had* to watch.
I've heard said movies gets bad reviews.
This, however, seemed to get good reviews and, when I saw it on sale on Kindle for something like 99pence, thought I might as well give it a shot.
I did enjoy it, which is mostly told from the snarky point of view of Mickey 7 himself: an expendable on a remote colony, whose job it is to do all those tricky nasty things that lead to his death, before being cloned with all of his memories intact - or, that is, all of his memories up to the point of his last 'upload'.
Believing that is what has happened on his latest mission, a new body is cloned: Mickey8, with memories up until about a fortnight before latest mission.
But Mickey7 survives and makes it back to base, where he then has to keep the fact that there are two of him about secret as this form of self-duplication is a serious no-no ...
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Heart of a Wolf (Viking Wolves #1) in Books
May 23, 2025
HEART OF A WOLF is the first book in the Viking Wolves series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book.
In this one, Kieran is visiting Iceland with his friend, Amanda, after finding his boyfriend cheating. After being given a beautiful carved wolf statue, he is whisked away to another time, where werewolves and fated mates are real. Will Kieran stay with Wulfric or will he return to his own time?
Paranormal and fated mates? We're talking insta-love then, right? Wrong! Wulfric feels a pull to Kieran but it's not insta-love and I loved that! As for Kieran, well, he's just a pathetic human so he won't have any idea anyway. These two together were amazing. I loved how Wulfric did small things for Kieran without making a big fuss, including cooking and training.
The inclusion of Norse mythology made this a great read, and I loved how the wood of Yggdrasil was used. This story had a multitude of characters I want to know more about and I'm really looking forward to the next book.
A great read and HIGHLY 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!
Jan 17, 2025
In this one, Kieran is visiting Iceland with his friend, Amanda, after finding his boyfriend cheating. After being given a beautiful carved wolf statue, he is whisked away to another time, where werewolves and fated mates are real. Will Kieran stay with Wulfric or will he return to his own time?
Paranormal and fated mates? We're talking insta-love then, right? Wrong! Wulfric feels a pull to Kieran but it's not insta-love and I loved that! As for Kieran, well, he's just a pathetic human so he won't have any idea anyway. These two together were amazing. I loved how Wulfric did small things for Kieran without making a big fuss, including cooking and training.
The inclusion of Norse mythology made this a great read, and I loved how the wood of Yggdrasil was used. This story had a multitude of characters I want to know more about and I'm really looking forward to the next book.
A great read and HIGHLY 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!
Jan 17, 2025
Merissa (13725 KP) rated The Enemy to the Living (The Wild Hunt #2) in Books
Sep 26, 2025
THE ENEMY TO THE LIVING is the second book in The Wild Hunt series, a spin-off from the Monsters of London series. I really recommend you read that series before embarking on this one, as the characters here are dealing with the consequences of what happened there.
This is Quinn and Asher's story. Quinn, we know quite well, but Asher has been a character of mystery up until now. Quinn is dealing with some heavy-duty emotions, which in turn lead to his wolf going AWOL. Asher is doing his job with the Hunt when he spots Quinn in a fighting cage. This seems to wake up all kinds of protective instincts in Asher. Will he be able to help Quinn before the fae take what they feel they are owed?
This was a great addition to the series, with emotions running high from beginning to end. I loved the way both Quinn and Asher provided what the other needed almost instinctively, with no fanfare, but just by being there. The little insights they had about each other were also good to read.
Told from both perspectives, this was a medium-paced, smooth read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 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!
Sep 26, 2025
This is Quinn and Asher's story. Quinn, we know quite well, but Asher has been a character of mystery up until now. Quinn is dealing with some heavy-duty emotions, which in turn lead to his wolf going AWOL. Asher is doing his job with the Hunt when he spots Quinn in a fighting cage. This seems to wake up all kinds of protective instincts in Asher. Will he be able to help Quinn before the fae take what they feel they are owed?
This was a great addition to the series, with emotions running high from beginning to end. I loved the way both Quinn and Asher provided what the other needed almost instinctively, with no fanfare, but just by being there. The little insights they had about each other were also good to read.
Told from both perspectives, this was a medium-paced, smooth read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 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!
Sep 26, 2025
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2474 KP) rated Home for the Homicides in Books
Dec 18, 2025
Who is the Christmas Grinch?
It’s the middle of December, and New Oslo has been subjected to some pranks in the last few days, but things are about to escalate. First, Tessa Treslow and her aunt Edna find a man who was car jacked and left on the side of the road. Then, various businesses in town are being vandalized. But when a murder victim is found at the sight of a fire, Tessa really steps up her sleuthing. Can she figure out who is responsible before things take a second deadly turn?
It was great to visit the characters during the Christmas season. I loved how the season was incorporated into the plot. Due to the nature of the crimes, it takes a while to zero in on definite suspects or motives, but the book always feels like it is moving forward. Having said that, the ending isn’t as definitive as I normally like, but it worked in this case. I struggled with some character ages (feel like we should have had an additional generation in there). On the other hand, we got to meet more of Tessa’s family, and I really loved spending time with them. They all felt real. And I enjoyed catching up with our friends in town as well. Fans will enjoy this holiday offering. And if you haven’t found this fun series yet, I recommend you fix that today.
It was great to visit the characters during the Christmas season. I loved how the season was incorporated into the plot. Due to the nature of the crimes, it takes a while to zero in on definite suspects or motives, but the book always feels like it is moving forward. Having said that, the ending isn’t as definitive as I normally like, but it worked in this case. I struggled with some character ages (feel like we should have had an additional generation in there). On the other hand, we got to meet more of Tessa’s family, and I really loved spending time with them. They all felt real. And I enjoyed catching up with our friends in town as well. Fans will enjoy this holiday offering. And if you haven’t found this fun series yet, I recommend you fix that today.
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Bad Idea (Brooklyn Kings #1) in Books
Feb 20, 2025
BAD IDEA is the first book in the Brooklyn Kings series and we're off to an amazing start!
Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.
I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡
There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.
What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.
** 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!
Feb 20, 2025
Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.
I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡
There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.
What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.
** 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!
Feb 20, 2025
David McK (3692 KP) rated Stormchild in Books
Oct 19, 2025
As an author, Bernard Cornwell is probably better known for writing historical fiction: the Sharpe series (set during the Napoleonic Wars), say, or the Uhtred of Bebbanburg series (in and around the time of Alfred the Great).
What is not so well, known, however, are his more contemporaneous 'Sailing thrillers'.
Of which there are currently five (Wildtrack, Sea Lord, Crackdown, Stormchild and Scoundrel)
with this being the fourth published in that, totally unconnected to each other, series and also coincidentally the fourth I read (I've yet to read Crackdown).
In this one, published during the early 1990s, Cornwell's hero of the novel is a man who, following the death of his wife in an explosion at sea (itself following the death of his son in a bombing in Northern Ireland) is trying to track down his long-lost daughter, who was last seen sailing away from him to join a cult of what-proves-to-be extremist environmentalist.
Bold choice.
Making the environmentalists the baddies.
To be clear, they're portrayed here - or, at least, the (fictional) cult that she has joined - more as extremists than environmentalists.
Like I suspect many others, I found this to be an enjoyable enough read but not up to the standards of his Cornwell's usual historical fiction works. Which the man himself acknowledges on his own website: "I enjoyed writing the thrillers, but suspect I am happier writing historical novels ..."
What is not so well, known, however, are his more contemporaneous 'Sailing thrillers'.
Of which there are currently five (Wildtrack, Sea Lord, Crackdown, Stormchild and Scoundrel)
with this being the fourth published in that, totally unconnected to each other, series and also coincidentally the fourth I read (I've yet to read Crackdown).
In this one, published during the early 1990s, Cornwell's hero of the novel is a man who, following the death of his wife in an explosion at sea (itself following the death of his son in a bombing in Northern Ireland) is trying to track down his long-lost daughter, who was last seen sailing away from him to join a cult of what-proves-to-be extremist environmentalist.
Bold choice.
Making the environmentalists the baddies.
To be clear, they're portrayed here - or, at least, the (fictional) cult that she has joined - more as extremists than environmentalists.
Like I suspect many others, I found this to be an enjoyable enough read but not up to the standards of his Cornwell's usual historical fiction works. Which the man himself acknowledges on his own website: "I enjoyed writing the thrillers, but suspect I am happier writing historical novels ..."
Puke Flyswatter (7 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) in Movies
Sep 12, 2017
Incredible special effects for the time (1 more)
Story writing and characters
The Force is strong with this one
Contains spoilers, click to show
Most fans argue over which of its ongoing episodes, is the best in the Star Wars saga. The Empire Strikes Back took a darker approach than its predecessor in delivering the story of the Rebellion's fight to bring peace and freedom to the galaxy by destroying the Empire who now rule with far more than just iron fist, having snatched its power from the dead hands of the Old Republic. This in my opinion, is what made it not only the best of the saga, but the best science fiction movie of all time and more controversially- one of the best movies ever made; an accolade that has still to be taken by any other movie of the genre to date.
George Lucas, ("the daddy" and brains behind the series of stories of intergalactic war and oppression), had reportedly suffered from exhaustion to the point of near breakdown- even suffering a near heart attack and so decided for the sake of his health and mental well-being not to helm this project which led to Irvin Kershner taking the reins instead.
Kershner's change in approach is apparent throughout the movie and even from the opening scene on Hoth- the barren ice planet- there is a palpably hollow and sombre overall feel which is more than likely deliberate so as to reflect the apparent futility and hopelessness of the protagonists’ struggle. This cleverly generated more empathy toward the characters, meaning the viewer became more invested in the outcome of the story.
The scope and scale of each scene is also cleverly used to give the viewer insight into the characters' state of mind and the choice in lighting and colour (or lack thereof) to deliver more impact and focus on the subject matter in each scene.
As far as story writing and script go, this is also miles ahead of the first and brilliant instalment of the saga. This was apparently due to George Lucas not being happy with the direction of the original draft of the screenplay and being forced to write a further two drafts for the movie following the death of the original screenplay author- the renowned Leigh Brackett who sadly died losing her battle with cancer. Lucas felt it necessary to then bring in Lawrence Kasdan to complete the writing of the screenplay, Kasdan would also go on to pen the screenplays for Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Return Of The Jedi, Star Wars VII The Force Awakens (as co-writer) and is also currently penning the screenplay for the upcoming Han Solo...solo movie. His input and impact on Empire took the saga from the swashbuckling heroic scenes of A New Hope to the almost World War-esque style in which characters are somewhat downtrodden and clearly showing the negative psychological effects on their personalities that are associated with any and every war. This set it apart from A New Hope which, despite the deaths of countless poor and innocent Jawas, inhabitants of Alderaan and Obi-Wan Kenobi, still managed to keep an optimistic outlook which while being an immensely fun and thrilling watch, did not do much in the way of drawing the viewer in and having a connection with the characters. This did not in any way ruin my enjoyment of the movie, I was a kid after all, but upon watching Empire for the first time, I was introduced to a new concept in cinema for me- one where the heroes do not always win, but who still carry on the fight no matter how emotionally scarred or beaten they may be. As a kid, this was so much more of a compelling and exciting movie as it was near impossible to guess where the story would lead and what the future would hold for the then trilogy.
Another highly positive aspect, is that the viewer did not necessarily need to have watched the previous movie and could jump straight into the story, able to enjoy it as each of the characters and the movie’s histories are cleverly re-introduced and explained without the use of exhausting flashbacks or back stories, effectively allowing it to serve as a standalone movie.
For people- who for some reason unbeknownst to me- that are not fans of the genre, this remains as a compelling, well-written and visually stunning piece of movie-making that still stands the test of time and one that anyone of any age can enjoy.
George Lucas, ("the daddy" and brains behind the series of stories of intergalactic war and oppression), had reportedly suffered from exhaustion to the point of near breakdown- even suffering a near heart attack and so decided for the sake of his health and mental well-being not to helm this project which led to Irvin Kershner taking the reins instead.
Kershner's change in approach is apparent throughout the movie and even from the opening scene on Hoth- the barren ice planet- there is a palpably hollow and sombre overall feel which is more than likely deliberate so as to reflect the apparent futility and hopelessness of the protagonists’ struggle. This cleverly generated more empathy toward the characters, meaning the viewer became more invested in the outcome of the story.
The scope and scale of each scene is also cleverly used to give the viewer insight into the characters' state of mind and the choice in lighting and colour (or lack thereof) to deliver more impact and focus on the subject matter in each scene.
As far as story writing and script go, this is also miles ahead of the first and brilliant instalment of the saga. This was apparently due to George Lucas not being happy with the direction of the original draft of the screenplay and being forced to write a further two drafts for the movie following the death of the original screenplay author- the renowned Leigh Brackett who sadly died losing her battle with cancer. Lucas felt it necessary to then bring in Lawrence Kasdan to complete the writing of the screenplay, Kasdan would also go on to pen the screenplays for Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Return Of The Jedi, Star Wars VII The Force Awakens (as co-writer) and is also currently penning the screenplay for the upcoming Han Solo...solo movie. His input and impact on Empire took the saga from the swashbuckling heroic scenes of A New Hope to the almost World War-esque style in which characters are somewhat downtrodden and clearly showing the negative psychological effects on their personalities that are associated with any and every war. This set it apart from A New Hope which, despite the deaths of countless poor and innocent Jawas, inhabitants of Alderaan and Obi-Wan Kenobi, still managed to keep an optimistic outlook which while being an immensely fun and thrilling watch, did not do much in the way of drawing the viewer in and having a connection with the characters. This did not in any way ruin my enjoyment of the movie, I was a kid after all, but upon watching Empire for the first time, I was introduced to a new concept in cinema for me- one where the heroes do not always win, but who still carry on the fight no matter how emotionally scarred or beaten they may be. As a kid, this was so much more of a compelling and exciting movie as it was near impossible to guess where the story would lead and what the future would hold for the then trilogy.
Another highly positive aspect, is that the viewer did not necessarily need to have watched the previous movie and could jump straight into the story, able to enjoy it as each of the characters and the movie’s histories are cleverly re-introduced and explained without the use of exhausting flashbacks or back stories, effectively allowing it to serve as a standalone movie.
For people- who for some reason unbeknownst to me- that are not fans of the genre, this remains as a compelling, well-written and visually stunning piece of movie-making that still stands the test of time and one that anyone of any age can enjoy.