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R13: SSS Team 3 - Serial Slayers
My books done. I'll post when I get home from work tonight. :)
I switched my book. I will have the review up in a couple hours.
Completion PostWeek 3, Roll 6
Spot 18
Book: The New Girl by R.L. Stine
Date Read: 2/9/22
How it Fits: #1 in the Fear Street series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was the novel that launched the Fear Street franchise and while it isn't my favorite book in the series, it is definitely one of the better ones. I love how R.L. introduces the strange world of Shadyside to readers with these characters. He manages to pack in some surprise twists that even I, a "seasoned" YA horror junkie, didn't see coming. There are some faults in the book, like notable typos (Arnie becomes Annie and Mission Hills becomes Mission Kills, etc.), but overall, it's a fun read. I recommend it and this whole series actually. I've been an R.L. Stine fan since I was a teenager and I probably always will be a fan.
I think I'm headed to sleep. Shelby, can you roll for us after you've posted your review? No rush, but it would be appreciated. TY! Have a great night :)
Oh my god! Just realized I never posted my review. Doing so now and will definitely roll for us.
SELECTION POSTWeek 3 - Roll 6
Spot 18
Book: Mistress of the Art of Death
Pages: 384
How it Fits: #1 in Mistress of the Art of Death
Week 3 - Roll 6Spot 18
Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
How Fits: #1 in Mistress of the Art of Death
Read: (2/7)
Rating: ★★★★
I enjoyed a lot about this book. It was interesting to see twelve hundreds paired with a murder mystery. The time period is truly medieval and is one of the best aspects of the book. There's clearly a lot of research done that equates to a deep understanding of the period of time. Ultimately I liked Adelia as a character as well. She's brusk and straight forward. She finds England frustrating as she isn't able to fully be the doctor she is trained to be and must hide behind surrogates which just isn't in her nature.
The mystery really wasn't that difficult to figure out. I was pretty sure I knew where things were going and wasn't surprised by how it all shook out. But the tension and the action built well for me and I was completely with Adelia as she was closing in during the final climatic confrontation.
I think if I had one complaint about the novel it was in the development of the "romance" of the story. Her relationship that develops here wasn't very well fleshed out for me. Especially as it's one that isn't just a one off attraction sort of thing.
Still I found Adelia intriguing and am curious to see what the king of England will have in store for her next as he's not quite ready to let her leave his service and return to her own.
Woohoo! Rolled us a 6 finally!Also I posted our reviews complete to the check in thread just to make sure we were turned in on time.
But this should put us as spot 24 I believe. :)
Shelby wrote: "Woohoo! Rolled us a 6 finally!Also I posted our reviews complete to the check in thread just to make sure we were turned in on time.
But this should put us as spot 24 I believe. :)"
A 6!! YAYYY! Wootttt. TY for turning in the thread too.
Thanks to Shelby, we rolled a six! This means, we're on spot 24. You can read:- A series #2
- A series #4
- A series #24
- ALT: Set in the future
Selection PostWeek 4, Thursday Roll, Spot 24
Book: A Little Dare
How It Fits: #2 in The Westmorelands Series
SELECTION POSTWeek 4; Thursday Roll;Spot 24
Book: The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie
Pages: 272
How it Fits: Hercule Poirot #2
Completion PostWeek 4, Roll 7
Spot 24
Book: Illuminate the Shadows by Isobel Starling
Pages: 307 per GR
How It Fits: This is the 2nd book in the Shatterproof Bond series.
Completed: 2/11/2022
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I have very mixed feelinga about both this book and the series. At times I thought Illuminate the Shadows was pretty bad, but then it would catch my interest again and I'd revise my opinion. This happened several times in what was, frankly, a pretty short book - earlier editions have a much lower pagecount. I'll keep going with the series for at least one more - then we'll see.
COMPLETION POSTWeek 4;Roll 7;Spot 24
Book: The Murder on the Links
Pages: 355 by Agatha Christie
How it Fits: Hercule Poirot #2
Completed: 13/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�.5
Bonus: none
Review:
It's no use talking about the writing prowess of Agatha Christie. The queen of mystery is always in a class of her own. Hercule Poirot and Hastings had some work on their hands in this one. Their services were gotten following the death of a multimillionaire. While the police thought they had the person, Poirot had his doubts... as usual and proved it. The intricacies of this story is beautiful and the story telling is top notch. Another beautiful work by Agatha Christie.
Week 4 - Roll 7Spot 24
The Lost World by Michael Crichton
How Fits: #2 in Jurassic Park
Read: (2/13)
Rating: ★★★★
I may have enjoyed this book a little more than the first, but it's interesting what pieces they chose to use for the second movie and what elements don't make an appearance. This was a slow build, with not a ton of action off the top, but of course it all eventually goes haywire. As is expected when their are dinosaurs involved.
Ian's really our only repeat character in this story. He's been pulled back in by an another crazy scientist and they're determined to find the remnants of the original production facility on another island. They convinced it exists and will allow them to study their ideas of about extinction. Of course Levine is too gungho and has everyone caught up in more trouble than they should have been in. With kids as stowaways this was always going to go off the rails, but Kelly and Arby at least try to be helpful.
I enjoyed this story and appreciated some of the thought experiments it puts forward. The science was interesting and made you think even as it was simplified to some degree. The ending quickly picked up pace and resolved things in pretty simple terms, but I didn't mind. It was fun.
Completion PostWeek 4, Roll 7
Spot 24
Book: Flickering Hope by Naomi Kinsman
Date Read: 2/13/22
How It Fits: Book 2 in the From Sadie's Sketchbook series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I enjoyed the second entry in this series just as much as I did the first one, if not more. Sadie is a little more grown up now and finding her way. I like that she tried to befriend Frankie, her sworn nemesis, when everyone else was wary of her. And of course, like with the first book I was holding my breath the whole time hoping the bears would be alright and not get hurt.
Week 4, Thursday Reviews Tracking PostD.L. - msg. 120
Olawuyi - msg. 117
Shelby - msg. 119
Truitt_T - msg. 116
This proves I'm jinxed lol I rolled a one. Yes, a 1. So we're at Spot 25. Oyyy. Sorry, Team.This means you can read:
- A series #2
- A series #5
- A series #25
- ALT: New to You Author
Also, if you read a romance novel for this roll, we can get a bonus point for Valentine's Day!!
The last 2 times I've ended up changing my book, but I'll put up a selection post anyway.Selection Post
Week 4, Sunday Roll, Spot 25
Book: Fumbled
How it Fits: #2 in the Playbook series
I'll definitely be reading a romance novel. So we'll have that point.
SELECTION POSTWeek 4 - Roll 8
Spot 25
Book: The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes
Pages: 336
How it Fits: #2 in The Hitman's Guide
Point: Romance novel tag
Week 4 - Roll 8Spot 25
The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes by Alice Winters
How Fits: #2 in The Hitman's Guide
Read: (2/14)
Rating: ★★★�
I'm rounding up with this one because it does amuse me and make me smile as I'm reading, but the obsessive humor does get to be a little much over all. Still I enjoy Leland's antics and he and Jackson are entertaining as a couple. I will say with this book I did lose a bit of their individual voices as well. There were a number of times that I struggled to tell who was talking or which POV I was in as they weren't super distinctive.
I did enjoy the storyline here though. Leland's past is coming back around to haunt him and if he wants to keep the stable, normal (for him at least) life that he's found with Jackson he's going to have to fight for it. I felt for Leland as he struggled with the fact that he had real emotion now and people that he cared to protect. Not being on his own makes some things harder, but everything else about his life better. I really enjoyed his interactions with Jackson's mother as well. Their reluctant growing respect and caring for each other amused.
This was a fun book and is a great read when you want no stress, no drama, silliness tossed about with a bit of action.
Extra Point: Qualifies as MPG: Romance
Hey everyone! I promise I haven't forgotten I need to read for this roll, I just can't settle on what to read. I promise I'll pick something and get it done soon. :)
SELECTION POSTWeek 4;Roll 8;Spot 25
Book: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Pages: 401
How it Fits: Dresden Files #2
COMPLETION POSTWeek 4;Roll 8;Spot 25
Book: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Pages: 401
How it Fits: Dresden
Completed: 16/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�
Bonus: none
Review:
Yet again, another book I'm not sure how I feel about. This book follows the story of Harry Dresden, a wizard detective and his quest to solve another mystery. The pattern here is similar to the last book, Storm Front, and I'm wondering if all the books in the series follow the same pattern. Then some of the details here we're repetitions from the first book, like the author wants them to be independent books. But then he most likely does not because he referred to scenes from that book. Hopefully with this challenge I'll be able to go higher up the series, and I also hope it'll be worth it.
Olawuyi wrote: "COMPLETION POSTWeek 4;Roll 8;Spot 25
Book: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Pages: 401
How it Fits: Dresden
Completed: 16/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�
Bonus: none
Review:
Yet again, a..."
I have to admit I'm not a Harry Dresden fan. I love - by which mean have reread several (maybe many) times - Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, which begins with Furies of Calderon, but I have never warmed to Harry.
I read the first few book years ago and gave up on it. I have friends who love the series, so I tried Storm Front again last year, but I didn't like it any better. I've had a few people tell me to jump ahead and start with the 4th book, Summer Knight, but I'm not interested enough to give it another shot.
If you try his Codex Alera series, I should tell you that the first book - Furies of Calderon - is the weakest of the lot. It's not bad - it just isn't as good as the books that come later.
I hope you're enjoying your next book - whatever it is - more!
I admit I'm part of the love the Harry Dresden books group. But I haven't tried his Codex Alera series yet. Keep meaning too. I'll have to pick it up.
Truitt_T wrote: "I have to admit I'm not a Harry Dresden fan. I love - by which mean have reread several (maybe many) times - Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series..."This challenge will most likely help me get to the 4th book. Let's see if I enjoy that one.
Shelby wrote: "I admit I'm part of the love the Harry Dresden books group. But I haven't tried his Codex Alera series yet. Keep meaning too. I'll have to pick it up."Codex Alera is very, very different from the Harry Dresden books. I wouldn't quite call it High Fantasy, although many do. It's definitely got strong military fantasy elements. It's never explicitly stated, but I've always figured that the backstory is that the famous disappearing Roman IX Legion was somehow transported to another world with magic - and the events in the books are take place in the society that has evolved generations later.
Wow. I may have just talked myself into a reread, as soon as my all MM challenge in another group finishes....
Olawuyi wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "I have to admit I'm not a Harry Dresden fan. I love - by which mean have reread several (maybe many) times - Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series..."This challenge will most likely h..."
I'll be curious to know what you think of the 4th book. If you like it, I may be willing to give it a try!
Completion PostWeek 4, Roll 8
Spot 25
Book: Charisma Check by Charlie Novak
Pages: 274 per GR
How It Fits: It's the 2nd book in the Roll For Love series.
Completed: 2/16/2022
Rating: 4 stars
Bonus: � Valentine's Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Romance book for the roll on 02/13. (Although we've already earned it. :)
Review: I think this is my favorite book in the series. Edward and Izzy have a great enemies to lovers story, which should actually be enemies to beloveds - they have some pretty great hate sex before they move beyond enemies.
Add in the cosplay element, cons, movie premiers, the continuing presence of Jay and Leo plus the set-up for Lewis and Jason's story and this is a very entertaining romance. Rereading it reminds me that I've been meaning to check out Charlie Novak's other series.
I was curious, so I did a little snooping on the other teams' threads. Yes, we're behind, but not by that much! The other teams are at spots 33, 32, and 29. A few good rolls (and making sure we don't miss any chances to roll) and we'll be fine.
Completion PostWeek 4, Roll 8
Spot 25
Book: Fumbled by Alexa Martin
Date Read: 2/16/22
How It Fits: #2 in the Playbook series
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: I thought the couple in this book (Poppy and TK) had exceptional chemistry. They were just HOT. Whereas in book 1, the heat level with that couple was a little more tepid. However, this book seemed to drag in some parts and the addition of a johnny come lately plot twist in the form of a random stalker was a weird storytelling choice that bogged down the story's pacing still more. Overall, it was a good book though and I will definitely read book 3 because it's about Brynn and I like her. She is a fun character. I can't wait to see her fall in love with the man of her dreams!
Week 4, Sunday Reviews Tracking PostD.L. - msg. 137
Olawuyi - msg. 129
Shelby - msg. 126 <--- Valentine's Day romance bonus point
Truitt_T - msg. 135
We did it, Team! We actually rolled a five!! Putting us at Spot 30! YAYYY. (Is it possible the jinx might be broken?! lol)This means you can read:
- A standalone
- A series #3
- A series #30
- ALT: Author 'S'
Selection PostWeek 5, Spot 30, Thursday Roll
Book: Lakeside Sweetheart
How It Fits: #3 in the Men of Millbrook Lake series
Just FYI: Possible bonus points left to be earned if anyone's interested-� One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
� One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling �4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.
� One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
D.L. wrote: "Just FYI: Possible bonus points left to be earned if anyone's interested-� One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
� One point can be earned for starting and finishin..."
I'm working on all three. We'll see how it goes.
Completion PostWeek 5, Thursday Roll
Spot 30
Book: Moonstruck by Onley James
Pages: 298 per GR
How It Fits: It's the 3rd book in the Necessary Evils series.
Completed: 2/17/2022
Rating: 4 stars Actually, 4.5
Review:
May I say again that I love this series? The dark humor works for me and the and the idea of a family of do-gooder psychopaths dispensing justice and finding their mates is pretty much a hoot. For me, at least, this series is great, escapist fun, and I'm finding it very hard to wait for the right rolls to read books 3.5 and 4. Soon.....
My books done. I'm just going to eat dinner and then I'll post. :)
Completion PostWeek 5, Thursday Roll
Spot 30
Book: Lakeside Sweetheart by Lenora Worth
Date Read: 2/19/22
How It Fits: #3 in the Men of Millbrook Lake series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a really good story. It actually brought me to tears on more than one occasion. The hero and heroine were fully realized, and their personal issues, all too relatable. I like there weren't a bunch of silly misunderstandings between them; that the angst sprang organically from their tragic histories. There were a few surprising revelations that made the story especially good. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that some of the "romantic" dialogue was very clunky (cheesy!) and went over like a lead balloon with me. Otherwise, it was a great book and I'd definitely read a Lenora Worth novel again!
Week 5, Thursday Reviews Tracking ThreadD.L. - msg. 145
Olawuyi - msg. 149
Shelby - msg. 150
Truitt_T - msg. 143
SELECTION POSTWeek 5 - Roll 9
Spot 30
Book: Falling Hard
Pages: 262
How it Fits: #3 in Colorado High Country
SELECTION POSTWeek 5;Roll 9;Spot 30
Book: The Bead Collector: A novel by Sefi Atta
Pages: 364
How it Fits: A stand alone
COMPLETION POSTWeek 5;Roll 9;Spot 30
Book: The Bead Collector: A novel by Sefi Atta
Pages: 364
How it Fits: A stand alone
Completed: 20/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�.5
Review: This is the first time in a while that a book has had me hooked from the first page. Set in the 1976 Lagos, it tells the story of Remi Lawal and her friendship with Frances an American Art Dealer, who Remi's husband strongly believes works for the CIA. This book felt like some sort of journal detailing the life of Remi and her friendships especially the one with Frances. It explores colonialism, motherhood and companionship. However, I think the first half of the story was overburdened with a lot of details. In all it was a good book.
Week 5 - Roll 9Spot 30
Falling Hard by Pamela Clare
How Fits: #3 in Colorado High Country
Read: (2/18)
Rating: ★★★★�
I really loved this story. I thought Ellie and Jesse were just lovely together. The little bit of conflict felt inevitable, you knew it was coming and it was a minor blip really.
I liked the connection Ellie and Jesse had. His PTSD was difficult, but I appreciated how it was handled. He was kinda adorable with Ellie's kids even with how reluctant he was to be drawn in. The twins were cuties and I the four of them did make an adorable family unit.
I love the world in these books. I like the backdrop of Colorado, the team, and all that their job entails. It just adds a lovely quailty to these stories, some depth that always keeps me entertained and interested in what dangerous events the characters are going to get pulled into. I look forward to continuing with the series. I just find these to be really enjoyable reads.
The Challenge Factory
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Week 3, Roll 6
Spot 18
Book: Unhinged by Onley James
Pages: 306
How It Fits: Unhinged is the first book in the Necessary Evils series.
Completed: 2/8/2022
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review: It's hard to explain why I like this series. It's violent, the body count is high, and the humor is very dark indeed. But the humor is snarky and the folks who end up dead are pretty deserving of their fate. I like that the heroes are deeply flawed and damaged, and still manage to find a HEA - a bit warped, yes, but I like all the more for that.
The biggest problem I face is resisting reading more of them before their numbers come up on the gameborad - the 4th just came out, and I really want to read it.....