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R13: SSS Team 3 - Serial Slayers
Changing my book. I found a series #9 book to use after all and it's a bit shorter too lol :)
Completion Post--Week 1: Roll 2
Spot: 9
Book: The Genius Thieves by Franklin W. Dixon
How It Fits: The Hardy Boys Case Files #9
Date Read: 1/25/22
Rating: 3 stars
I cut my baby teeth on books like Nancy Drew, The Boxcar Children, and the Hardy Boys so I will always have a special place in my heart for these junior detectives. However, this particular mystery from the Case files line of books seemed to stretch credibility more than most of Frank and Joe's adventures. I did like that the author (ghostwriter, whoever they may be!) let Frank and Joe have real personalities though. Frank was kind of edgy and naughty in some ways, like a real teenage boy. The mystery itself was okay but kind of weak and implausible. The action sequences were probably the best thing about it. They were very vividly detailed so that I could imagine them well. I will read more in this series simply because I have so many more books in this series already on my shelf!
COMPLETION POSTWeek 1;Roll 2;Spot 9
Book: Divine in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
How It Fits: Book #9 in the Lingerie
Completed: 26/01/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�
Bonus: none
Review:
I am not entirely sure about how I feel about this book. While the Bones heartbreak is something a number of people saw coming, a lot still hoped that they'll find a way around it. Sadly we'll have to wait till the next book to truly know that.
I'm halfway through my book right now. Off to work this morning but I'll finish up early this evening for sure.
Shelby wrote: "I'm halfway through my book right now. Off to work this morning but I'll finish up early this evening for sure."Awesome! we're making good time :)
Writing up my review now. :) Sorry for the delay.
Week 1 - Roll 2Spot 9
When Day Breaks by Maya Banks
How Fits: #9 in KGI
Read: (1/26)
Rating: ★★�
Uhhhh...this was a hard one for me. I liked parts of this book, but there was a lot to struggle with for me. The biggest thing was this rubbed all of my biggest pet peeves the wrong way. I dislike insta-love most of the time, but combine insta-love with a virgin who is suddenly the aggressor, where the insta-love isn't even over a couple of days, but basically eyes meet and there's no one else ever...yeah I'm frustrated. Most of the first half of this story was just all gooey eyes at each other and it just dragged on and on.
Now once the action finally picked up, even though there wasn't a lot of building into it, things were a lot more interesting. It redeemed some of the story for me. But it's still one of my least favorite in the series even though I do love Swanny.
^^ Awesome job, everyone. Here's our new results:Roll Three
I rolled a 4. New spot: 13
This means you can read:
- a standalone
- a series #1
- a series #3
- a series #13
- Author 'D'
Lots of good choices here. Go, Team!
Selection PostWeek 2, Thursday Roll
Spot 13
Book: A Christmas Escape by Anne Perry
How it Fits: #13 in Christmas Stories series.
SELECTION POSTWeek 2;Roll 3;Spot 13
Book: The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Pages: 304
How it Fits: #1 of The Color Purple Collection
Selection PostWeek 2 - Roll 3 - Spot 13
Book: As You Wish by Isobel Starling
Pages: 238 per GR
Ho it Qualifies: It's the 1st book in the Shatterproof Bond series.
Completion PostWeek 2 - Thursday Roll
Spot 13
Book: A Christmas Escape by Anne Perry
Date Read: 1/29/22
How It Fits: #13 in Christmas Stories series
Rating: 1 star
Review: I have heard so many great things about Anne Perry's books, so I am surprised by just how little I enjoyed this novel. It was incredibly boring and well, blah. The murder didn't happen until almost page 100 and was quickly wrapped up in about 2 pages at the very ending. It was just all so disappointing and bland. I guess every author has a bad book and maybe this was Perry's? I don't know. I will probably give her another chance to impress me ... someday.
SELECTION POSTWeek 2 - Roll 3
Spot 13
Book: Lord Brocktree
Pages: 370
How it Fits: #13 in Redwall (Publication order) & #1 in Redwall (Chronological order) -- I'm kinda amused that this works twice. :D
Completion PostWeek 2 - Roll 3 - Spot 13
Book: As You Wish by Isobel Starling
Completed: 1/27/2022
Pages: 238 per GR
How it Qualifies: It's the 1st book in the Shatterproof Bond series.
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I was a little disappointed by this book, and several days after finishing it and still can't figure out why. I read the prequel, Top Hat, and found it quite intriguing, so I suppose I expected As You Wish to produce the same result. It didn't. There are five books in the series, so perhaps I'll enjoy it more as I continue.
The A Princess Bride (film) references were fun.
D.L. wrote: "How is everyone enjoying their books?"I'm sorry I didn't post my book completion sooner - the week turned a little crazy. All hell broke loose at work the latter part of the week (everything is fine, it's just upheaval) and then I found out yesterday that the Enchanted April: Acting Edition auditions originally scheduled for two weeks from now are actually tomorrow and Monday. I usually like to be overprepared, so I've been scrambling a bit, lol.
Week 2 - Roll 3Spot 13
Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques
How Fits: #13 in Redwall (Publication order) & #1 in Redwall (Chronological order)
Read: (1/29)
Rating: ★★★★
I enjoyed this book as a part of the Redwall series, though maybe it's my nostalgia talking but I didn't find these characters as memorable as those from Redwall. Granted I hadn't read this particular book before and am enjoying attempting to read this series in chronological order for the fun of it.
Yes there is a formulaic quality to these stories, but the are children's stories and are meant to have a solid dose of friendship, camaraderie, good morals, and good shall always triumph over evil. All of these characters are animals, and I do find the descriptions of their food to be sort of endearing. Every one of them is always greatly concerned with their victuals.
All in all I was happy to see Lord Brocktree regaining his place as the Badger Lord of Salamandastron, but if I had one disappointment it was in the lead up to the story. We were told we were going to hear about a Badger Lord who changed tradition and brought all types of creatures together and that formed the basis of the bonds today. I wanted to see Lord Brocktree actively doing such, instead of it seeming more like random chance that led them all to band together. Still these books always leave me with a happy smile of contentment, with good doing it's job and defeating the evils of the world.
Truitt_T wrote: "D.L. wrote: "How is everyone enjoying their books?"I'm sorry I didn't post my book completion sooner - the week turned a little crazy. All hell broke loose at work the latter part of the week (ev..."
No worries at all. You're right on time here. And break a leg at the auditions. :)
COMPLETION POSTWeek 2;Roll 3;Spot 13
Book: The Color Purple by Alice Walker
How It Fits: #1 of The Color Purple Collection
Completed: 30/01/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�.5
Bonus: none
Review:
I can't particularly say classics are my thing but I enjoyed this. This book deservedly won a Pulitzer Prize in 1983. It is a beautiful work of art about an abused and uneducated African American woman Celine. It details her struggles and eventual triumph in personal letters to God. I'm sure I'll be checking out other books in this collection.
Roll FourAhh a weak roll this time! lol We rolled a one landing us on spot 14. We can read:
- a standalone
- a series #1
- a series #4
- a series #14
- ALT: Title 'T
SELECTION POSTWeek 2;Roll 4;Spot 14
Book: Stormfront by Jim Butcher
Pages: 355
How it Fits: #1 of The Dresden Files Series
SELECTION POSTWeek 2 - Roll 4
Spot 14
Book: Fairy and Impartial
Pages: 384
How it Fits: #4 in Starfig Investigations
Week 2 - Roll 4Spot 14
Fairy and Impartial by Meghan Maslow
How Fits: #4 in Starfig Investigations
Read: (2/1)
Rating: ★★★★�
Man oh man I love this series! Twig and Quinn's little pack of special people just keeps growing. They're quite the mess of misfits. No matter how much Twig grumbles in his draconic nature he really does care about all of those misfits around him
No Starfig investigation is ever complete without great danger to our heroes and of course this time is no different. Someone's out to set them up and are using the idea that they're the only one's connected to one particular red fury to suggest that he's been out killing off those that oppose them. All the tension puts the friends into awkward positions and brings up some tension with in the group. Ultimately though their bonds are strong and they'll all overcome the problems in the group. I loved the edition of Dandy and one cuddly hellhound into the mix of things too.
Twig and Quinn are always going to figure out what's out to get them and never back down from standing up for those that need help and protection. I adore these guys and can't wait to see more from them.
Selection and Completion PostWeek 2, Roll 4
Spot 14
Book: Contact by Kaje Harper
Pages: 518 per GR
How It Fits: First book in the Tracefinder series.
Completed: 2/1/2022
Rating: 4 stars
Bonus: � One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
Review: I'm not a particularly big fan of books with criminal MCs or that heavily involve gangs/organized crime, etc., but I recently read another book by this author that I enjoyed and was intrigued by the psychic angle, so I gave it a shot. Early on, I thought I'd made a mistake. It's a long book and rather slow going, but I ultimately enjoyed Nick and Brian and their very difficult situation.
Completion PostWeek 2 - Roll 4
Spot 14
Book: Thirteen by Lauren Myracle
Date Read: 2/1/22
How it Fits: #4 in The Winnie Years series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This is probably the best of the Winnie books so far, but I think I've said that about each one I've read. They really do get better as our protagonist ages. Winnie is such a flawed character but that's what makes her so believable and rootable. You really knew someone like her growing up. You probably were her growing up! I love Myracle doesn't sugarcoat young adulthood for the benefit of her tween audience. I think a writer owes it to her readers to be honest with them and Myracle is unflinchingly so, even when it's not always flattering to Winnie's characterization. Winnie has foibles and sometimes does the wrong thing, but then again, don't we all? It's the good parts of us that make it all worth it in the end.
Truitt_T wrote: "Selection and Completion PostWeek 2, Roll 4
Spot 14
Book: Contact by Kaje Harper
Pages: 518 per GR
How It Fits: First book in the Tracefinder series.
Completed: 2..."
A bonus point! Awesome!!
Week 2, Roll 4 Tracking PostD.L. - msg. 78
Olawuyi - msg. 81
Shelby - msg. 76
Truitt_T - msg. 77 --> *bonus point*
COMPLETION POSTWeek 2;Roll 4;Spot 14
Book: Stormfront by Jim Butcher
Pages: 355
How it Fits: #1 of The Dresden Files Series
Completed: 02/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�
Bonus: none
Review:
It feels good to read an enjoyable fantasy book for a change. It's the first book introducing Harry Dresden, the wizard and a consultant detective for the police. I particularly liked how relatable his character is despite his powers. He's plagued by everyday issues like bills. His sense of humour was also very enjoyable.
Serial Slayers, we earned a free pass for turning in our reviews a day early. Great job!! :)
Week 3, Roll 5Friends, we're jinxed or something. Or I am lol I rolled low again - sorry! I rolled a two. Putting us at spot 16 ;)
You can read:
- a standalone
- a series #1
- a series #6
- a series #16
- ALT: A book that a teammate rated 5 stars
Selection Post*Week 3, Roll 5, Spot 16*
Book: Real Murders by Charlaine Harris
How It Fits: #1 in the Aurora Teagarden series
SELECTION POSTWeek 3;Roll 5;Spot 16
Book: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Pages: 416
How it Fits: One of Us is Lying #1
Completion PostWeek 3 - Roll 5
Spot 16
Book: Real Murders by Charlaine Harris
Date Read: 2/3/22
How it Fits: #1 in the Aurora Teagarden series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I enjoyed the first book in the Aurora Teagarden series. It was equal parts intriguing and mysterious with just the right amount of gruesomeness peppered into it to keep you compulsively turning the pages. While it took some time warming up to Aurora herself (she's far pricklier in book form than she is in the G-rated Hallmark films starring perpetually happy go lucky Candace Cameron Bure), I did end up liking her and her unique personality. I found the cast of quirky characters surrounding her pretty appealing too and the murder mystery very eerie and compelling. I will definitely be reading more books in this series.
Week 3 - Roll 5Spot 16
The Sea Queen by Jovee Winters
How Fits: #1 in The Dark Queens
Read: (2/3)
Rating: ★★★★
This story was a bit silly at times with Calypso's lack of understanding with human sayings and the like. But the absurdity amused me more than anything. I liked Calypso's caring for her daughter in law even as she thinks she's hiding her nature do be perceived as just a friend. I enjoyed the developing relationship she had with Aphrodite and Themis too. She's feisty and a lot of fun actually.
Calypso's relationship with Hades worked for me more than I thought it would. As a fan of the classic Greek myths I wasn't sure how I felt about Hades falling for someone other than Persephone, but I liked how it was handled in this story. Plus Zeus was such a perfect ass in this one I loved that. I enjoyed Calypso giving all the egotistical Greek gods their comeuppance. Hades appreciated the mutable nature that was just part and parcel with Calypso. I liked that he just took her as she was and whatever face she put forward he was happy with all of it.
I like the start to this spin off of the authors Kingdom series under her previous pseudonym. I'll have to add the next in the series to my TBR.
Selection Post Week 3 - Roll 5
Spot 16
Book: Convincing Cole by Jaclyn Quinn
Pages: 226 pages per GR
How It Fits: This is #1 in the Shore Thing series.
Completion Post Week 3 - Roll 5
Spot 16
Book: Convincing Cole by Jaclyn Quinn
Pages: 226 pages per GR
How It Fits: This is #1 in the Shore Thing series.
Completed: 2/3/2022
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was ok. I ususally enjoy a fake dating trope, but I wasn't particularly enthralled by by Cole and Aiden. Some of the other characters who appeared were interesting, though, so it may be worth continuing with the series.
Everybody cross your fingers that we roll a high number tomorrow night. Or stroke your lucky troll doll or whatever haha We need to get higher up on the leader board lol
COMPLETION POSTWeek 3;Roll 5;Spot 16
Book: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Pages: 416
How it Fits: One of Us is Lying #1
Completed: 05/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�
Bonus: none
Review:
This is a book about a death, which some people would have been happy about, and 4 suspects...or at least 4. This was my second try for this book and I'm glad you to finally get it out of the way. It's thriller and mostly enjoyable. However I found it a little slow and hard to stick with.
Grr. I rolled another two! Does someone else want to roll next time? Can someone - please?! lol So sorry, friends. This puts us at a lowly spot 18.This means you can read:
- a standalone
- a series #1
- a series #8
- a series #18
- ALT: Author uses a pseudonym
SELECTION POSTWeek 3;Roll 6;Spot 18
Book: Voice of War by Zack Argyle
Pages: 380
How it Fits: Threadlight #1
I've already read something that will work, but I'm trying to think strategically about some of the bonuses, so I'm holding off a bit on posting a completion.I hope everyone is having a fabulous Monday! I know for me, at least, this week can't help but be better than last weeek. :)
Truitt_T wrote: "I've already read something that will work, but I'm trying to think strategically about some of the bonuses, so I'm holding off a bit on posting a completion.I hope everyone is having a fabulous ..."
Last week was a tough one for me too, so I understand what you mean. I hope this week is awesome for you!
I think bonuses are great since obviously we're not rolling great numbers. Or shall I say, I am not lol
COMPLETION POSTWeek 3;Roll 6;Spot 18
Book: Voice of War by Zack Argyle
Pages: 380
How it Fits: Threadlight #1
Completed: 08/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐�
Bonus: none
Review:
I found this book to be quite beautiful. I love fantasy, but this one makes me want to read all the other books in the series. Well, there's just one other one...for now. I also really liked the magic system, however, one of the characters, The Apogee reminded me of bloody nine. Who knows if Logen Ninefingers inspired the character.
D.L. wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "I've already read something that will work, but I'm trying to think strategically about some of the bonuses, so I'm holding off a bit on posting a completion.I hope everyone is h..."
Whatever numbers come up, come up. It's a long game - we have lots of time for you to roll sixes, lol.
And I hope this week is better for both of us!
The Challenge Factory
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#Royal (other topics)
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Jim Butcher (other topics)
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Week 1 - Roll 2
Spot 9
Book: When Day Breaks
Pages: 282
How it Fits: #9 in KGI