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Boy every time I read one great book, I find two more to add to the list :) These challenges do that to me!

Nici wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Actually I'm changing my selection for week 2. Want to finish the Jane Yellowrock/Soulwood series 1st since they are related and the next one comes out next month (& I'm already "i..."

Oh yea, I'm loving these books! But am almost finished with the series so hope I can find another series just as good!

Nici wrote: "Ok I couldn't just not choose a vampire book. I was sad that the newest faith hunter hasn't hit my library yet, but I did decide on shades of wicked by Jeanine frost."

Oh wow, I had no idea that there was another spin-off with Ian!

Wow I'm so glad to hear about these series from you two. I need some new ones!

Completion Post
Week 0: Free Space

Book: by Faith Hunter
How it Fits: Option #3 on Group's Bookshelf
Date Read: 09.26.19
Rating: 5 stars

Review:While I love the Jane Yellowrock series, I stand fully behind my previous statement that the Soulwood series is even better! They may not be as action-packed, but they have more complex mysteries (cases), unique characters who you can't help but love, and incredible world-building even beyond what we've seen in previous installments. You never know what kind of creatures will pop up, or where the story will go next!

Nell continues to be an intriguing character. We still don't know precisely what she is but what happens to her at the end of this book was beyond crazy! I love her growth in this series, little by little, becoming so much more than she was before, and finding her place in the world and within Unit 18. She can be a little bitchy and rude at times, but *shrugs* I didn't mind :)

Now I know Rick is more secondary in this series but I gotta say that I've loved him, I've hated him, but now I just really feel sorry for him. Especially after Cold Reign. I hope Nell is able to help him heal more because I hate how miserable he is.

We finally had a resolution to Brother Ephraim, and hopefully the vampire tree. It'll be interesting and looking forward to how Mud will fit into Nell's different lifestyle in the next book. And because I absolutely adore the slowly budding relationship with Occam, hope there is more progress on the romance front because they are beyond cute!

I decided to change my selection post - sorry!! This book may fit another challenge better, and I can read it on my kindle instead of my phone, which is kind of nice :)

Selection Post
Week 2: Vampires
Book:
How it fits: Tagged Vampires 17 times

Completion Post - Free Space

Sapphire Flames
Ilona Andrews
Pages: 400
How it fits: In Hidden Legacy series on the UF list in group
Date Read: 9/27/2019
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review: I SHOULD just know I'll like any Ilona Andrews book, but switching main characters in this series worried me because I was attached to the original ones. However, I really liked Catalina and Alessandro. Their powers are interesting! I also love seeing the family, although I didn't get to see enough of the family and their dynamics this time. I hope they keep writing lots of books, because I'll keep reading!

Suzanne wrote: "Completion Post - Free Space

Sapphire Flames
Ilona Andrews
Pages: 400
How it fits: In Hidden Legacy series on the UF list in grou..."

I had my doubts as well (shame on me, it's Ilona Andrews!) so was so happy to love it as much as I did. Agree about the Baylor clan. Not nearly enough Leon for my enjoyment :)

Completion Post
Week 1: Angels


Book: by Faith Hunter
How it Fits: Tagged Angels 7x
Date Read: 09.28.19
Rating: 5 Holy crap stars!

Review:
I was gripped with anxiety for most of this book, knowing there would be betrayals and attacks leading up to the epic battle we've all been waiting several books for and wondering if all of the characters I've come to love would make it out of it okay. Now that I've finished, I was SO NOT READY! I did not expect it to play out the way it did. (view spoiler)[PLEASE tell me that the manipulative bastard will be back! I admit that I had to re-read those last 2 chapters a couple times because I didn't understand what was going on, with the timewalking and the possible futures/pasts that Jane was seeing. (hide spoiler)]

So much happened in this book! We finally got to see the results of all the planning and manipulating and politicking that Leo did to set things in motion and have things in place for that final battle. We get a lot more memories of Jane's past. And can't forget the official formation of Clan Yellowrock.

The arrival of Ayatas was unexpected. It didn't start off well, but I hope that him and Jane can build a stronger relationship. Once again I loved the scenes with Eli and Alex who have unfailingly supported Jane thru thick and thin. I just melted every time they referred to Jane as their sister or themselves as her brothers. I was even surprised that Rick was here again, and that Jane was actually decent to him!

This did read a lot like a final book in a series (except for that last open bit about Jane). I felt like a lot of characters/storylines (the traitors and enemies from the past) have been closed and look forward to moving on. At least I have the newest Soulwood to hold me off for the few weeks I'll have to wait for the next one!

Completion Post
Week 2: Vampires
Book:
How it fits: Tagged Vampires 17 times

Date Read: 10/1/2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: This series is pretty formulaic - definitely not one I want to binge read. I've enjoyed it, but kind of the same thing happens every book - Gin finds a new big bad that is threatening her town and/or family, Gin gets beat up, and feels guilty about past killings and like somehow everything is her fault. At the end there is a confrontation with a huge fight, Gin is captured, etc. And yep, that was this one too. I did enjoy it, but I also knew exactly what to expect.

Some things I liked with this one: I really like Gin's vampire assistant and his love of hot chocolate. I like that Gin's family is no longer being condemning and blaming her for her past. And I do like the magic system in these books. I like Finn too, and his obsession with expensive stuff.

The vampire bad guy was ok - she was dangerous and sexy, and I understood her motivations. I also am curious about the circle - things are slowly being revealed, but there is a lot left to learn.

i finished my free shelf book on 9/25. Unholy Ghosts and give it five stars. At first i was a little put off on understanding the world the book was in, but once i got into it i could not put it down. I can't wait to read more of this series and author! It feels like it has been so long since i have found something that i just didn't want to put down.

i finished Shades of Wicked on 9/28 and give it four stars. I loved revisiting cat and bones and their family, however, i also felt like this book could have had more meat to it. I did really enjoy the story line though. I am almost done with envy, i am not sure why i am struggling to finish it.

Suzanne wrote: "Completion Post
Week 2: Vampires
Book:
How it fits: Tagged Vampires 17 times

Date Read: 10/1/2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: This series is pretty formulaic ..."

Totally agree on this series. I do enjoy them but think Estep needs to take a page out of Faith Hunter's book and resolve the Circle plotline right about now. I think she has stretched it out a little too long. But we do have another book coming out next week so hopefully we'll move a little closer to that end!

Nici wrote: "i finished my free shelf book on 9/25. Unholy Ghosts and give it five stars. At first i was a little put off on understanding the world the book was in, but once i got into it i coul..."

Oh yay, so glad you liked this book! It really is a good series and different from so many others. I just love Chess and Terrible!!

Completion Post
Week 2: Vampires


Book:
How it Fits: Tagged Vampires 26x
Date Read: 09.30.19
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Review:
Another unputdownable installment in the Soulwood series! This one, more than any of the others, was more closely connected to the events in the Jane Yellowrock series and we do see some of the fallout from the battle from Dark Queen with the Asheville and Knoxville vamps. Ayatas Firewind is also introduced to Unit 18 as a new director and boy, if we weren't introduced to him in Dark Queen, I don't think I'd like him very much.

But back to this story. One of the main focuses of this book is Rick and his past. We've heard bits here and there, and was given a lot more of the details of his tattoos in the short story, Cat Tats. Because I have read all the Jane and short stories up to this point, I thought it was a little predictable and was frustrated that it took the gang so long to piece everything together. In the end, I am so happy that that part of Rick's story has finally been resolved and am looking forward to a less grumpy Rick in the future. It's time to lay off of Rick & give him some happiness (view spoiler)[though I'm not so sure about Margo. (hide spoiler)]

I can't say it enough but I love Nell, and I absolutely adore Occam. We got a little bit on the romance front but I wanted more!

Next up is the next Jane book in a couple weeks and then the long wait will begin. Not looking forward to that but will be eagerly awaiting whatever is coming next!

Great job Fluffballs! We have now completed our Free Space & Vampires shelves.

And tomorrow is SHELF DAY :D

CONGRATULATIONS, Exploding Fluffballs!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'free space & vampires'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

Thanks Steph!

Yay!

welcome :)

Happy Shelf Day my lovelies!!


Shelf #3 ~ 2/10/2019: Favorites
DIRECT LINK - /shelf/show/...

Congrats on the stamps Fluffies!

Sandra wrote: "Congrats on the stamps Fluffies!"

Haha I always wonder what our group's pet name will be each round :) Thanks Sandra!

:D

Since I'm BRing this on Monday, might as well use it for Bingo :)

Selection Post
Week 3: Favorites


Book: by C. Gockel
How it Fits: Tagged Favorites 6x

Selection Post
Yay - this works and was planning on reading it next week :)
Gideon the Ninth
Author: Tamsyn Muir
Pages: 448
Tagged Favorites 59 times

I have the hardcover of this from the library - it is super cool looking

Nice! I didn't even think about using that book even though I know I'll get to it next week too... Hmmmm I'll see which book I read 1st & use that one for this shelf :P

I have to read a book this weekend also tagged favorites, but it is a mystery, so I figure since we're still early in the competition I can read this one next week :)

Either way, you have a book that will work :)

Sorry, this week has been hectic. Going to choose a book now

Favorites book shelf, I will read Shatter Me

Changing my selection since I decided to start with this one instead!


Selection Post
Week 3: Favorites

Book: by Michael J. Sullivan
How it Fits: Tagged Favorites 645x

I changed my selection (if that is ok) to Nation by Terry Pratchett because I finished it quickly. I think Gideon is going to take me longer!!

I just looked and it seems as if I don't need a selection post before I start the book, but if I do, then I'll just stick with Gideon. I did just start the book yesterday, so it is "legal" that way.

Completion Post - Week 3 - Favorites

Book: Nation
Author: Terry Pratchett
Pages: 367
Qualification: Tagged favorites 407 times
Date Read: 10/8/2019

Rating: 4 stars
Review: At first I just missed Discworld and didn't like this book but it grew on me. Basically the premise is that a huge wave takes out the entire native population of an island except for one teenage boy. And then a European girl is marooned there. More people gather and they form a Nation. It had a lot of Pratchett's trademark humor and social commentary.

Suzanne wrote: "I changed my selection (if that is ok) to Nation by Terry Pratchett because I finished it quickly. I think Gideon is going to take me longer!!

I just looked and it seems as if I don't need a selec..."

That should be fine.

Suzanne wrote: "Completion Post - Week 3 - Favorites

Book: Nation
Author: Terry Pratchett
Pages: 367
Qualification: Tagged favorites 407 times
Date Read: 10/8/2019

Rating: 4 stars
R..."

Glad you enjoyed it! I've never been a fan of Terry Prachett but then again, I think I've only read 2 by him, the 1st being the 1st Discworld book.

I thought I'd love Terry Pratchett, but unfortunately it only took one book to prove I was wrong and I'd so wanted to love it. Totally hated his writing style, and it was Discworld for me too.

I heard that later books in the Discworld series are better...

But yea, I'm with you Sandra. I didn't get him, his writing style, his wit. Just not my cuppa.

Completion Post
Week 3: Favorites

Book: by Michael J. Sullivan
How it Fits: Tagged Favorites 645x
Date Read: 10.08.19
Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
Wow, talk about bittersweet ending. I've enjoyed all the books so far but this one hit it out of the park! Plenty of laughs, some tears, so many heartfelt moments, and a lot of anxiety in anticipation of what would come next.

There were so many great and memorable characters - Hadrian & Royce (loved their bromance), Myron (one of the sweetest characters ever), Arista & Modina (strong female characters who have grown so much), Nimbus (what?!). I think even the villains were well-written, and the ultimate villain who orchestrated a lot of what transpired in the series was a huge surprise. I did have an inkling who the heir was and expected it to come out much sooner but think the time & place of the actual reveal was that much more impactful.

I admit I wished there was more of an ending - with the aftermath and how things went with Mercedes, but I have to say that immediately after finishing, I wanted to go back to the beginning and read it again. It was just phenomenal. LOVED!

Happy Shelf Day!


Shelf #4 ~ 9/10/2019: Auto Buy
DIRECT LINK - /shelf/show/...

I love that series Cathy, and it has been awhile - I'll need to re-read sometime soon!

Hmm...I wrote down about 6-7 books from that shelf I'd like to read. I'll need to narrow it down. And I've "auto-bought" so many of the others :)

Suzanne wrote: "I love that series Cathy, and it has been awhile - I'll need to re-read sometime soon!

Hmm...I wrote down about 6-7 books from that shelf I'd like to read. I'll need to narrow it down. And I've "a..."

It's definitely one that would still be good the 2nd time around!

I am also not a fan of Terry pratchet, though my mom loves him. I tried but just couldn't get into his style. For the auto buy shelf...well I was estatic to find Storm Cursed. I can't believe I missed that it came out! I finally finished my angels book and will review later.

Nici wrote: "I am also not a fan of Terry pratchet, though my mom loves him. I tried but just couldn't get into his style. For the auto buy shelf...well I was estatic to find Storm Cursed. I can..."

How can you forget about Mercy?? :)

Storm Cursed was really good, hope you enjoy!

Tentatively selecting this book for this week. Have it scheduled as a BR next week and none of the other books I have set to start work for this shelf :(

Selection Post
Week 4: Auto Buy

Book: by Sherrilyn Kenyon
How it Fits: Tagged Auto Buy 2x

I LOVE Mercy - Storm Cursed is a great selection!

I'm 99% sure I'm going to do a Black Dagger Brotherhood book. I'm just not yet sure which one. I'm going to wait until Super Series does the roll tomorrow and then pick a number. So bad, but...it'll work I think. I MAY do an Elemental Assassin book instead - I have 2 left in that series. Anyway, I'll decide for sure soon.

Selection Post - Week 4 Auto Buy

Book: Bitter Bite
How it fits: On page 15 of the Auto Buy shelf

Great! I was hoping the newest one would have Auto Buy shelved but no on has yet so I guess I'm going with Acheron. Though I'm not in the mood for it right now so hoping to get to it in the next few days!

Mood makes a big difference!!

Happy Shelf Day my lovelies!


Shelf #5 ~ 16/10/2019: Fantasy Romance
DIRECT LINK - /shelf/show/...