SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R17: Team #8 ~ Cutting Edge Critics
Shelf: Military (shelved 84 times)
Read: 20/9/18
Rated: 4 Stars
My Review: I did enjoy this one, can't believe it's the 9th book in the series though. For some reason I kept putting off reading this one even though it was once one of my favourite series. Late in the series Maya added a little 'human with abilities' to the romantic suspense and although it is mentioned in this book it isn't an active storyline in this book.
It was nice to see a heroine with depth and substance, she looked past Swanny's scarred exterior and saw the gentle heart beneath. I did feel that this book was missing a bit of the Kelly family magic that I have came to love from the series.
I'm thinking
for Favorites - shelved 111 times.
Cathy M. wrote: "Completion PostWeek 0: Free Space
Book: One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire
Date Read: 9/22/2018
Rating: ★★★★
How it fits: Option 3 -..."
I'm glad to hear the series gets better. The first book was only OK for me, so I've been debating whether to buy the second book and give it a try.
Michelle wrote: "I'm thinking for Favorites - shelved 111 times."I loved this series and was sorry to see it end. I'm looking forward to trying the spin-off as soon as my library gets a copy.
Deanna wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I'm thinking for Favorites - shelved 111 times."I loved this series and was sorry to see it end. I'm looking forward to trying the spin-off as soon..."
I'm dragging my feet with it 'cause I don't want it to end. I also want to read the spin-off, so I need to finish these now.
Book: Hard as It Gets by Laura Kaye
Shelf: Military
Read: 9.23.18
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I think this is a good introduction to the series, and the other characters involved. I liked the reluctant romance between Becca and Nick. I am very interested in learning more about the other men in the series, so I will be continuing. That being said, I don't necessarily think this book was plotted well. The resolution felt too quickly done up, and not really much of a conflict. Also, there were only a few questions answered. I know this is meant to leave the series open, but it was just frustrating as a reader.
Deanna wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Completion PostWeek 0: Free Space
Book: One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire
Date Read: 9/22/2018
Rating: ★★★★
How it..."
Yea I felt the same about the 1st one. I've been BRing them at NBRC so it kept me motivated at first (since I wasn't too sure). And it's similar to some of the other series I've read - the 1st couple books are just ok but then they start to get really good (that was me the 1st time I read Kate Daniels and can't forget Dresden Files!). Can't say they are perfect, and there are things in the first couple books that are annoying (like in book 3 I believe, she keeps calling herself a hero which was so annoying). But I've always believed the world-building was always there, it's just the characters that needed the work. And Toby has really come into her own by this point (she's not as somber or depressing as she was in the 1st one), and the secondary characters have really shined.
Week 1 ~ Military Shelf is complete
Stamp request has been submitted. Great job team!
CONGRATULATIONS, Cutting Edge Critics!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'military'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamp Kate's Fanatics!
Happy Wednesday! The new shelf is up!Shelf #3 ~ 26/9/18: Own It
DIRECT LINK - https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Completion Post
Shelf: Favorites
Book: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Read: 9.26.18
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I don't even know where to start. I have heard amazing things about this series, and when I didn't catch on after it first came out I let the hype prevent me from starting it right away. Boy, do I regret that! I have to say I didn't know what it was about going into it, I know a read a summary a long time ago, but I had no clue going into it what it was about just that people loved it. I love it too! Bardugo's descriptions, and the fantasy world she has created is great! I got TOG vibes, but I didn't hate that. I feel like this book is completely new, yet it's like every book I've ever loved. So strange! I love Alina. I like the character growth that has already begun. I can't wait to see how the story progresses in the next books!
Shelf: Own It
Book: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Read: 9.26.18
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I am so glad and thankful for this challenge/game, because I'm reading these books close together instead of letting months pass between. I still can't believe I've waited so long to read this! I don't necessary think this one is as good as the first, but because the world is more fleshed out and there is less learning involved, the characters really get to shine! I think I have a new favorite character but I don't want to say who it is, because it could be a spoiler. There are a lot of things that were unexpected, and I can't wait to read the last book. But I'm also sad that it is the final one. Then I can finally move on to Six of Crows which I'm pretty sure is a spin-off of this series.
I'll have a think about this weeks and let you know.
Yay for 1st shelf stamp :) I finished my Favorites book a couple days ago and just need to post my completion. Will do it tonight!Selection Post
Week 3: Own It
Book:
by Nalini SinghHow it Fits: Tagged Own It 7x
Completion PostWeek 2: Favorites
Book: White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Date Read: 09.24.18
Rating: ★★★★★
How it fits: Tagged Favorites 514x
Review:
I found my newest Ilona Andrews obsession :D
I really liked the 1st book in this series but this one hit it out of the park for me. First off, talk about reeling you in with a heartbreaking scene! And that was just the start. From the very 1st chapter the plot and story gripped me. From the mystery, to the action, to the craziness that is Clan Baylor, I didn't know where the story would go next and I didn't want it to end.
I love the characters, especially Nevada. A little reminiscent of Kate Daniels but badass in her own way. I loved the interactions between Nevada & Mad Rogan who I wasn't 100% on in the 1st book but who had me by the end. Loved the addition of Harrison and Matilda, but most especially loved Nevada's family. They were hilarious! My favorite scene of the whole book was when Leon narrated the video feeds of the attack on their warehouse. I was laughing so hard!
I heard that the next book is the last with Nevada/Mad Rogan as the MCS which is really sad but the series will continue with another trilogy in the same world featuring Catalina. We only got a glimpse of what she is capable of in this book so I'm looking forward to learning more about her. But first comes the last of this Nevada/Rogan trilogy which I'm really excited to read!
Cathy, don't forget the novella coming out Nov 6
which has the Wedding and introducing us to more of Catalina's talent, and sets up the next round of books.
Gah it's their wedding!!!!!! (I'm fangirling right now) Oh I definitely will not forget it :D
:D :DI love the blurb for the book - its actually the wedding invitation, so I'm not spoiling anything :D
The blurb on the blog is better.
http://www.ilona-andrews.com/book/dia...
Completion PostWeek 3: Own It
Book: Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh
Date Read: 09.29.18
Rating: ★★★★
How it fits: Tagged Own It 7x
Review:
I think I'm in the minority because I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last. It might be partly because I was thrown for a loop that the main characters weren't Elena and Raphael and the author decided to branch out to the other members of his Cadre. But I also wasn't a huge fan of Dimitri and Honor. Luckily I liked Jason and Mahiya a lot more.
The story of Jason's past was heartbreaking and Mahiya's past was pretty messed up as well, so I really loved how they developed and came together in the end. The mystery of the deaths at Neha's court kept me guessing and there were some developments on the overall archangel arc.
One of the major conflicts of this story however was not resolved at the end so I'm interested to see how that will play out and where the overall story will go.
Great job ladies! I'm halfway through my Own It book on audio and will finish before the next shelf call.Michelle, how are you doing?
Hi Ladies, I'm going to be late this week. Things have been really hectic here and one of my friends passed away at the weekend. I've made progress with Dark Debt and I hope to get that review up soon. I still have time to catch up before it becomes an issue and I will.
Very, very sorry to hear of your loss Michelle :( My sympathies to all the friends & family.
Michelle wrote: "Hi Ladies, I'm going to be late this week. Things have been really hectic here and one of my friends passed away at the weekend. I've made progress with Dark Debt and I hope to get that review up..."
My condolences on your loss as well.
Completion PostWeek 3: Own It
Book: Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
Date Read: 10/1/2018
Rating: ★★★★
How it fits: Tagged Own It 10x
Review:
This book felt a little more scattered than previous ones in the series because there were so many unrelated plots going on at once. Gamache is on leave visiting a friend in Quebec city when he starts assisting with a murder investigation. Beauvoir has returned to Three Pines at Gamache's request and is unofficially taking a second look at the murder of the Hermit for which Olivier was convicted. Finally interspersed throughout are the conversations and events of the kidnapping and attempted terrorist attack from which Gamache and his team are still recovering. The flashbacks particularly made listening to the audio confusing nor were they well marked when I switched to the Kindle edition.
Despite this, I still enjoyed the book immensely once I got a grasp on the different plot lines. It was interesting to see Gamache on his own chasing down leads and doing other work he would normally assign to his team members. It was funny to read about Henri trying to catch a snowball again and again and being puzzled at the disappearing ball. Still I hope the next book returns to a case where Gamache and his team are working together again.
Michelle wrote: "Hi Ladies, I'm going to be late this week. Things have been really hectic here and one of my friends passed away at the weekend. I've made progress with Dark Debt and I hope to get that review up..."
So sorry for your loss Michelle.
Michelle wrote: "Hi Ladies, I'm going to be late this week. Things have been really hectic here and one of my friends passed away at the weekend. I've made progress with Dark Debt and I hope to get that review up..."
My condolences Michelle!
New shelf call day!!!Shelf #4 ~ 3/10/18: Paranormal Romance
DIRECT LINK - https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Selection PostWeek 4: Paranormal Romance
Book:
by Nalini SinghHow it Fits: Tagged Paranormal Romance 445x
I was in town, so my daughter could have dinner with friends. Thanks for posting Cathy!Selection Post
Week 4: Paranormal Romance
Book:
by Ilona AndrewsHow it fits: MPG Paranormal Romance
edited to change books after abandoning the first choice
Hope you had a wonderful time Deanna! i was waiting for the roll since I had finished a book earlier so no problem :)
Sorry Deanna, wanted to change my selection since we need this letter for Clue as well & I didn't start the other one yet. Plus I LOVE this series so was wanting to read the next one sooner rather than later :)Selection Post
Week 4: Paranormal Romance
Book:
by Ilona AndrewsHow it Fits: Tagged Paranormal Romance 269x
No problem. I switched my choice as well to the first book of that series.
Thanks Ladies, I tried to post a comment the other day but I kept getting an error message. I'll catch up as much as possible this week before I give you my choice for the new shelf.
Shelf: Paranormal Romance
Series: Grisha Verse #3
Book: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
Read: 10.7.18
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Wow! I cried! That doesn't happen very often, but I felt so much through out this book. So many moments that were completely unexpected and I think that's what makes Bardugo a really great author. It isn't just the world and characters. She blindsides you with things you'd never expect. I couldn't have predicted this book if I tried. I can't believe it's over, but it just makes me so excited to jump into Six of Crows, and I can't wait for Nikolai's book, King of Scars.
Completion PostWeek 4: Paranormal Romance
Book: Wildfire by Ilona Andrews
Date Read: 10.06.18
Rating: ★★★★★
How it fits: Tagged Paranormal Romance 269x
Review:
How can it end like that, with us finding out who was in charge of the New Rome conspiracy but that plot-line not being resolved?!?!?! If this was a trilogy, I would've been pissed!
But before I get into that, this one sucked me in and I didn't want to put it down. I really love the Baylor clan, each of them having their own strengths and doing whatever is needed to protect their family. We FINALLY find out what Arabella's magic is (and did NOT see that coming, even after the description earlier in the book). We get even more of the House politics, which can I say is just craziness! But I really loved the bond that Nevada and Rogan have. They influence and compliment each other and couldn't be more better suited.
Though now I'm seriously bummed that Nevada isn't the MC for the upcoming "trilogy" of this series because she's seriously bad-ass. Can't see Catalina being that type of character (involved in solving cases or fighting for her life), so I can't imagine how it's going to play out. Plus, (view spoiler)
Completion PostWeek 4: Paranormal Romance
Book: Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
Date Read: 10/9/2018
Rating: ★★★★★
How it fits: MPG Paranormal Romance
Review:
This one was a bit slow getting started, and I had to reread a few sections here and there in order to get a handle on the world building. Since I had the same issue when I started the Kate Daniels series, I determined to keep going with the expectation that the world would fall together and the plot pick up at some point. About halfway through the book, I finally got invested in the world and the story, and it was a nonstop ride to the end with the amazing blend of action and humor that I love from the authors.
Nevada is instantly likeable, the way she cared for her family and struggled to do the right thing. I did not like Rogan's character at the beginning, but he gradually grew on me over the course of the book. I'm excited to move on to the next book and see how their relationship develops. They seem to complement each other quite well. Another 5 star series from Ilona Andrews for me.
Oh yay, so glad you loved it!! And if you loved this one, the next 2 are sure to be winners :) I had the same problem with the world building at first so had to re-read a lot of sections just like you. Wait until you get more into the House politics! I totally thought today was Wednesday and kept checking back the last 2 hours waiting for the new shelf. *sigh* 1 more day...
Cathy M. wrote: "Oh yay, so glad you loved it!! And if you loved this one, the next 2 are sure to be winners :) I had the same problem with the world building at first so had to re-read a lot of sections just like ..."I thought today was Wednesday too. I sat down this afternoon to read thinking I had a few hours to finish before the new shelf call. Now I'll have to find something short to pass the time until tomorrow evening.
Shelf: Favorites
Read: 10/10/18
Rated: 5 Stars
My Review: I kept putting off reading this one as the last couple of books seemed to lose their sparkle a little for me, I found this one has brought back a lot of aspects that I've been missing. I'm still loving Ethan, and the relationship between him and Merit. I did miss the Were's, as this book was concentrated on the Vampires. It'll be interesting to see what happens next with Morgan and House Navarre, and also what other surprises are in store for Cadogan.
Week 2 ~ Favorites Shelf is complete!
Stamp request has been submitted. Great job team!
New shelf is up!Shelf #5 ~ 10/10/18: Time Travel
DIRECT LINK - https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Have been going back & forth between 2 different ones but think I'll read this one since I'm halfway done with #2 in that series.Selection Post
Week 5: Time Travel
Book:
by Sherrilyn KenyonHow it Fits: Tagged Time Travel 3x
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Week 0: Free Space
Book: One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire
Date Read: 9/22/2018
Rating: ★★★★
How it fits: Option 3 - Located on SOS Bookshelf (is also #63 on Best of UF List for Option 2)
Review:
Wow that end!
This definitely falls under those series that get better and better with each subsequent book, and this one has to be the best one so far. I'm glad I decided to give it a 2nd chance because that 1st book was mediocre at best.
Toby has really grown on me as an MC. She's a strong female lead with interesting abilities and a motley crew who support her and are just as interesting and likable as she is. But damn, she can NOT catch a break!
In this installment she is working against the clock to prevent a war. I believe almost the entire book takes place in like 2 days so it is jam-packed and fast-paced. Add to that emotional! The climax of the story surprised me in how heartbreaking it was. I admit I did shed a couple tears.
The more I read of this series the more I love the characters and more invested I get, so I will definitely be continuing on.