SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

I usually do Dewey's also, Debbie! Maybe you will find some time to be able to participate. I didn't get to last October, but I really liked the "Reverse" Read-a-Thon that they did in July!

Shelf: Dark Urban Fantasy
Title: Venom, by Jennifer Estep
Date finished:19th March 2019
Series: Elemental Assassin #3
Rating: ★★


Review:
You wouldn't guess from my rating or review that I truly, actually enjoy this series, but I do. I really like the premise, and I like the worldbuilding. What I don't like, esp in this book, is everything else. Ms. Estep's writing quirks can only make sense to me if I think that she and her editor were trying to inflate words to fill a word count, because otherwise I just don't understand this inability to use personal pronouns. Nor the ability to use the word 'morals' according to its correct definition.

I also didn't particularly like the main side characters (heh) in this installment, so I wasn't a very sympathetic reader. I actually wanted Slater (the bad guy) to kill Roslyn (the damsel in distress), because I have very little sympathy or patience for TSTL characters. Gin's god-complex was also a bit too much for me. And I don't like Bria. Yes - everything in this novel can go.

Nevertheless, I shall be continuing with the series. I like it, quite a bit, actually: just not the weird stylistic editing choices, nor the inability to use 'morals' correctly, nor many of the characters. Go figure.

Her brand new series "A Crown of Shards" is pretty perfect. I really liked a lot of her books but agree with your review plus some other nitpicking -- I had nothing to nitpick with Kill the Queen.

I may not be around for shelf call but will pop in tomorrow.

Switching my free space book to (#22 on the SOS BEST OF: Young Adult Fantasy Series list).

For Paranormal I'll read .

Shelf #2 ~ 3/20/2019: Paranormal

https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...

You can also use the 2 SOS shelves listed for books as well as the popular list. Minimum 200 page count still applies.

I'll read asin B01NBXYWVS - Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh for Paranormal shelf

Completion Post ... Shelf #1 ... Dark Urban Fantasy


Book: Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
Series: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #1  | Media: Audible & Kindle
Read: 3/15/2019 | Pages: 332 | Rating: ★★★½☆
How it Fits: 2nd book on the list / Shelved 5 times as Dark Urban Fantasy
_______________
Review:
I'm on the fence with this book. I really wanted to love it, but I only liked it, sort of.... I guess I will have to give it 3.5 stars; the ending had some strong points that left me wanting more. Well, the whole book did actually, but not in a good way like the ending did! I felt like I was dropped in the middle of a new world and knew nothing about it and worse, couldn't learn anything about it from what I was seeing or reading in this case.

I wanted to know more about what Anita's job (animator) was and how she came to be one and what's up with the world knowing about the vamps.... I really hope #2 sheds some light on at least one of these questions. Some series suck you in and then feed you information....maybe this series is one of those!

Completion Post ... Free Space


Book: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #1 | Media: Audible & Kindle
Read: 3/18/2019 | Pages: 321 | Rating: ★★★★½
Option used & How it Fits: Option #2 ~ #28 on SOS BEST OF: Urban Fantasy Series
_______________
Review:
I finished this series with the final book this year. I was sad for it to end, I love Charley and Reyes! Below is my original review of the book (which still stands), but reading it again I have a whole new appreciation/perspective. I would read something and think "oh, that's how that started!" or "how can you act like you don't have a clue!" It was a whole new level of fun!

Original Review:
Who would ever think that an UF about THE Grim Reaper would make the reader laugh throughout the book? Great characters! Love Charley and her snarky wit! Will continue to read this series.

I did listen to the Audible version and Lorelei King is the narrator - she is great for the sarcastic, funny MC!

If you like a strong female who is a bit on the snarky side and are okay that she can see and talk to ghosts; give this a try - especially if you want a really fun read!

Good evening, ladies.

For the paranormal shelf I want to read

In Too Deep

The book's shelf page has it listed under paranormal (shelved by 105 people)

However on the paranormal shelf linked from here, the entries stop around entry #1250 - the books there are shelved by about 213 people.

Am I still allowed to use this book? I checked the rules of how to choose a BSB book, and I think it's allowed, but I just want to confirm.

Hi Lady Jaye!
It has been allowed in the past, as long as the shelf name matches the shelf called exactly. I checked it works.

Selection Post ... Shelf #2 ... Paranormal


Book: Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep
Series: Crown of Shards #1
How it Fits: Shelved 17 times as Paranormal

Yes, that's fine Lady Jaye, it is on the shelf, probably just not showing up because of the limit.

Lady Jaye wrote: "...The book's shelf page has it listed under paranormal (shelved by 105 people)

However on the paranormal..."

I agree but sometimes it's easiest to use the testing link to check, click this to see in action: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/users...-- that easily confirms it's on the paranormal shelf and is usually quicker than going to the shelf and fighting paging and paging and paging and hitting bugs and errors and freezeups and paging again ...

That's from a repeated tip from the tips for finding a book thread that's been repeated a few times in the current main discussion thread.

(That tip was to either

(1) look at the url of the book page then change "book/show" to "shelf/users" and append "?shelf=shelf-name" -- in this case "shelf-name" changes to "paranormal" for multi-word shelf name use dashes in place of spaces or

(2) keep this link handy, without the spaces or quotes: "ht t p : // goodreads. com/shelf/users/book-record-number?shelf=shelf-name" then edit the link so that shelf name reflects current shelf call and the book record number matches the numbers seen on the book page url. Again, for multi-word shelf name use dashes in place of spaces )

I use that method, Debbie! I think it was even a tip that was posted by you in one or my first BSB rounds!! It is so easy that way!!

Angie ☯ wrote: "Selection Post ... Shelf #2 ... Paranormal

Kill the Queen ..."

That one blew me away. Perfect.

Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "Angie ☯ wrote: "Selection Post ... Shelf #2 ... Paranormal

Kill the Queen ..."

That one blew me away. Perfect."

It was a great read!!

Angie ☯ wrote: "I use that method, Debbie! I think it was even a tip that was posted by you in one or my first BSB rounds!! It is so easy that way!!"

Thanks -- but I'm positive I re-posted someone else's clever work rather than coming up with it myself! First I heard of it was from https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... ; that link has some graphics that might help.

I've finished my free space and paranormal books. Will write up the completion posts when not on my cell phone.

Shelf: Paranormal
Title: In Too Deep, by Jayne Ann Krentz
Date finished: 23rd March 2019
Series: Arcane Society #10
Rating: ★★


Review:
This book is about 10 years old, and the premise - some obviously pseudoscience about auras and psi energy - is ridiculous even by paranormal standards. It was ridiculous 10 years ago too, haha.

This is Fallon's book. Fallon Jones has been a tangential character in a few of the previous books, quite mysterious and intriguing. So I was looking forward to reading his book. It ended up being something of a letdown. In his own book, Fallon is decidedly much less mysterious and more of a bore. As is his heroine too. Totally forgettable. Ridiculous plot, with ridiculous characterization. I was disappointed. (Also, who sees a baby and gives him the first name 'Fallon'?)

Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "Lady Jaye wrote: "...The book's shelf page has it listed under paranormal (shelved by 105 people)

However on the paranormal..."

I agree but sometimes it's easiest to use the testing link to check..."

I'll try that next time! Thanks!

Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "Angie ☯ wrote: "Selection Post ... Shelf #2 ... Paranormal

Kill the Queen ..."

That one blew me away. Perfect."

I read the synopsis and it sounds sooooooo good! I can't wait to get to it.

Completion Post ... Shelf #2 ... Paranormal


Book: Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep
Series: Crown of Shards #1  | Media: Audible & Kindle
Read: 3/22/2019 | Pages: 480 | Rating: ★★★★★
How it Fits: Shelved 17 times as Paranormal
_______________
Review:
My first thought was, well this is going to be slow going. But was I ever wrong. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, this is "The Red Wedding" without the wedding! (view spoiler)[Although it was an engagement announcement/party (hide spoiler)]

I went from wow....this is going to be slow to - WOW! This is really great! That is the best way to switch over and it was very quickly too.

I like Evie's character - she isn't perfect; she likes to do the opposite of what people tell her; she goes from holding her tongue and acting "properly" to saying whatever crosses her mind regardless of the consequences; in reality, she is all about helping everyone and has a kind/loving heart for everyone except a few.....

I will also say that this book just makes you want to know more. It was a great read and I can't wait to read more of the series!

Angie ☯ wrote: "...Book: Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep
Series: Crown of Shards #1: ..."

Glad you liked it! I also loved how it didn't drag some things on, that there were some exciting "resolutions" to some plot threads in the first book--unlike some series, including some by same author.

Finished & , just have to write my reviews for them. Will try to get them posted tonight.

I'm also halfway into and am hoping to get it finished by tonight.

Shelf: Free Space

Book: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Date Read: 3/21/19
Rating: 4 stars
Number of pages: 323

Review:
I wasn't too sure about this book, at first, but as the story progressed I got into it and found that I wanted to finish it as soon as I could.

Sophie was a likable character. I felt badly that she was left in the dark about so much of her history, but it did make it interesting to learn it along with her.

I listened to the audio version of the book and have to say I loved all the accent the narrator did. It made me feel very in the story, unlike had the narration not been good.

I'd definitely recommend this if you are looking for a YA paranormal book.

Shelf: Dark Urban Fantasy

Book: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
Date Read: 3/24/19
Rating: 4 stars
Number of pages: 365

Review:
This is the second book in the Hex Hall trilogy series and I have to say I enjoyed it as much as the first. I was curious where things were going to go after the ending of the first book and this definitely did not disappoint.

This didn't feel like just a filler book, which many second books of trilogies do, but had a definite start and end while still leaving you wanting to learn how everything is going to conclude.

I also listened to the audio of this one and it was the same narrator as Hex Hall, which made me very happy and she did another great job reading it.

Still not finished with Spell Bound, but I'm hoping to finish it by tomorrow. I'm really enjoying it. :)

Paranormal Shelf

Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh
Finished: March 24, 2019
Series: Guild Hunter, #10
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Number of pages: 361

Review: I love how this author writes and am always drawn into her worlds.

But, this one -- while a very good book -- disappointed me. It was too sweet, too "easygoing," too forced in the banter because it went on for so long at start of book. But what really disappointed was how softened the characters of Sorrow/Holly and Venom were.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed their story and am glad I read it. It just didn't seem like I was reading about Sorrow and Venom but instead entirely new characters. I'm happy for their happy-ish "ending" but expected more action and tension from these two. Possibly it's just that I was really over-anticipating Venom's story and didn't appreciate some wishy-washy parts. Based on past books, I like these characters as a couple; based on this book, I just don't get the romance element which made for something really missing.

All that said, I'm still looking forward to rest of the series.

Shelf was announced -- Favorite Author at https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...

I'll be reading Vamps and the City by Kerrelyn Sparks

I'll read Saving Abby by Steena Holmes (shelved 1 time as favorite author).

Hello everyone.

I'll be back later to post my new shelf. Internet connection is kinda dodgy on the laptop right about now.

Selection Post ... Shelf #3 ... Favorite Author


Book: City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Rockton #1
How it Fits: Shelved 4 times as Favorite Author

Shelf: Favorite Author
Title: Troubled Waters, by Sharon Shin
Shelved 3 times as favorite author
Date finished: April 1, 2019
Series:Elemental Blessings #1
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
What's not to love about a Sharon Shinn book? There's amazing, masterful storytelling, unique, fascinating worldbuilding, and such vivid descriptions to be had. In Zoe Ardelay's world, everyone has an affinity for one of the five elements - air, water, earth, wood, and fire. And there are random blessings stamped on coins you can pick in temples, each of which are affiliated to a particular element and provide guidance for everyday living. After her dad dies, Zoe, a woman of water and fire, goes back to the city (from the obscure village she'd been staying in) at the behest of the King. This book is the story of her becoming, basically.

I loved it, but then I knew I would. While I enjoyed most of the characters and the plot, my favorite part of the book was how this superstition/mysticism about the elements governed so much of the lives of the people in this country. I found it fascinating, and also, not unlike my own experience, coming from a multi-ethnic country where superstitions and essentialism about people in various ethnic groups run rife and influence daily life - for good or bad - to astonishing degree sometimes.

Well worth the (re)read, but then again, Sharon Shinn always is.

CONGRATULATIONS, One More Chapter!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'dark urban fantasy'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

Shelf: Paranormal

Book: Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
Date Read: 3/28/19
Rating: 4 stars
Number of pages: 337

Review:
Spell Bound is the final book in the Hex Hall trilogy and it picked up right where Demonglass ended. By this book I was tired of the love triangle, I'm not crazy about them to begin with but it got to be silly at this point in the series. I hated (view spoiler)[that Cal was died! Yes, he died saving Sophie, but it was so sad and unnecessary to kill him. Though I did like how he was healing the island as a ghost. (hide spoiler)]

As a whole, this trilogy was really fun and I loved reading them. I'll definitely be reading more by this author at some point and would recommend this series to fans of fantasy/paranormal YA fiction.

Congrats on the stamp I Just Gotta Read....!

Free Space - group bookshelves

Shadow's Bane by Karen Chance
Finished: March 27, 2019
Series: Dorina Basarab, #4
Rating: ★★★★☆
Number of pages: 624

Review: Wow, a lot got revealed in this one. I loved it; possibly favorite in the series with the romance angst gone, lots of action and reveals without all the weird time travel stuff. The flashbacks even worked.

Dory and Dorina are more distinct beings than ever. With all the reveals, maybe this is the final book of the series? I hope not because there is clearly still more to the story despite the resolutions and reveals.

Completion Post ... Shelf #3 ... Favorite Author


Book: City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Rockton #1 | Media: Audible & Kindle
Read: 3/29/2019 | Pages: 488 | Rating: ★★★½☆
How it Fits: Shelved 4 times as Favorite Author
_______________
Review:
I hadn't heard of this one and honestly only read it because it was a BOTM on another group and fit this shelf. But, I'm so glad that I did! I really enjoyed it! I gave it 3.5 stars.

While Casey got on my nerves a lot, she did things that sad to say I would do by letting people take advantage of her feelings. I was so happy (view spoiler)[ that she finally saw Diane for what she really was and even happier when the council decided to revoke her ability to leave and kept her in Rockton!! (hide spoiler)]

I didn't figure out the mystery this time, I was all around it, but didn't put all the pieces together.

Looking forward to continuing the series!

Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "


Free Space - group bookshelves


Shadow's Bane by Karen Chance
Finished: March 27, 2019
Series: Dorina Basarab, #4
Rating: ★★★★..."


Glad you enjoyed it Debbie, I've decided to reread the first 3 before I read #4 (as it was nearly 6 yrs between book 3 & 4).

Shelf #4 ~ 4/3/2019: Vampires - Werewolves

I'll read Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews for Vampires-Werewolves.

For the vampires-werewolves shelf, I will read The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. It has been shelved 12 times like so.

I'll read for vampires-werewolves (shelved 2 times).

CONGRATULATIONS, One More Chapter!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'paranormal'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

Congrats on the stamp I Just Gotta Read....!

Just curious while waiting for Dewey's Readathon to start in an hour, but what does "I Just Gotta Read...!" at end of congrats posts mean? Is it a book quote?

I just gotta read .... one more chapter!

I always love seeing what Sandra's spin on the team names are!

Sandra wrote: "I just gotta read .... one more chapter!"

Hahahaha

Shelf: Werewolves-vampires
Title: The Summoning, by Kelley Armstrong
Date finished: April 5, 2019
Series: The Darkest Powers
Rating: ★★★½

Review:
Fourteen year old Chloe sees a ghost in school, has a mental breakdown, and is sent to a group home for other teens with mental illness, or so she was told. She eventually finds out that the other teens in the place aren't mentally ill, but rather gifted with supernatural powers. So now, they have to find a way to escape, and also figure out who and what wants them practically incarcerated in that group home, as well as learn about these powers that they have.

All in all, a pretty cool story. The writing is good, and the characterization is aggravating in the way only (white) teenagers can be. The reveal that Derek was a werewolf was unnecessarily drawn out, though. I enjoyed it enough that I immediately borrowed and read the other two books in the trilogy.