Review: Charmed Thirds

Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I still liked it but it's honestly starting to tire me a lot. I find myself thinking that all that amazed me in the previous two books is now actually somewhat boring. My drama-meter just reached it's limit.

It's not that the book is much different from the others...it's more like...together this series becomes overwhelming. And Oh so repetitive.

Not to mention how all the crap from Marcus really pissed me off. And my memory is apparently much better than Jessica's because she forgot everything with just one word. How idiotic is that?



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Review: Second Helpings

Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Wow I'm actually impressed at the amount of crap the main character had to go through this book...most of it her own fault, I must say!

Like Jess, I once liked a boy who I thought didn't like me back. Somehow I ended dating his best friend. Like Jess. The difference being that I broke up with him. Precisely why Jess wanted to broke up with Len but never managed to. Anyway I remember my story didn't end that well for me. Because despite the humiliation, ultimately Jess and Marcus ended together. So it was worth it! All of it!

In my accounts, if after all the crap that is thrown your way, you somehow end up better than before? Yeah that's a win. Some people would say it's not realistic...most things in real life don't end well. True but that's exactly why I like reading fantasy so much! I have my own crappy finishes! I honestly don't need to be further upset by seeing it happen in my books!

My point being: Yes. Jess is agonizingly pessimistic. She has spontaneous bouts of brilliance and wit but it's mostly just an overworked mind trying in vain to control life. I like it. Even when I seem to be in my downtime, my mind is always un-fucking-believably working non-stop. I get tired just thinking about that right now! All her small wins make up for all that though. And having her be with Marcus in the end of this book? Awesome. Having him go away to college 6 days later? Yeah. I feel sorry for her too.

See you in my next book's review "Charmed Thirds".



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Review: Sloppy Firsts

Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I am so surprised! I never cared much for the so-called chick lit. I usually stay well away from any book/author that even glances that way.
I prefer fiction, paranormal and/or urban fantasy. If it doesn't have any of the above it probably won't work for me. But a month ago or so a friend bought me a copy of "Can you keep a secret?" by Sophie Kinsella. I liked it a lot.
One thing about me: if I like something about a book/author I always try to find other similar books.
I found this book somewhere...probably recommended by amazon due to my latest purchases. I don't know. I know I bought the whole collection right then but never read it. Other urban fantasy books got in my way, most likely, but after taking a pause over Jennifer Estep's Assassin Series, I just knew I needed less magic for a while and more mundane problems. What better than high school drama?

Very wise choice apparently! I simply loved this book! I find that I totally see myself in the main character's shoes! Oh not the part about their "crew" because I really liked my friends. We really did get each other and I never felt alone like Jessica. But the drama about the rest of the school? The drama about boys? Yeah. Been there. Done that.

Hell. I went to college. Came back to town and sometimes I still think nothing's changed! There's still drama about boys that's for sure!

Anyway. I felt everything Jessica went through like I was there with her. I can't say I would've done things the same way because I was always a loner...but I felt sorry for her and I cheered her! I cringed with her awkwardness and laughed with her wit! The story is gripping and seems to just play itself out amazingly. I'm starting "Second Helpings" right now!



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Review: The Princess's Dragon

The Princess's Dragon by Susan Trombley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Before I decided to read this book I read a lot of the reviews...I struggled with some of the concerns voiced like the stereotypes, the poor world building and the shift between overly flowery and normal language. But I also liked it a lot. I'm partial with books on dragons. I'm the 1st person to admit such fault. Even as a kid, I always preferred a good book about dragons than one about faeries or other magical creatures, perhaps because of their size. I don't know for sure. What I do know for sure is that, even now as an adult, I still prefer dragons to vampires or werewolves. It's a pity there aren't many YA books about them anymore. Only children seem to appreciate dragons now.

Anyway. I really enjoyed this story. It is such a chichéd idea but I simply loved it! A princess who doesn’t believe in magic (or magical creatures) goes and insults a wizard and gets turned into a dragon. The rest of the story, however, is not as simple or much viewed. Most authors would put her back as a princess, made her marry her prince charming and live happily ever-after while being best-friends with the dragon.

Susan Trombley was not only bold enough to make the princess fall in love with the dragon but also opted to make the princess love the dragon in his dragon form instead of the human form he could take. This was definitely a wonderful surprise and the main reason why I ended liking this book despite the before mentioned faults.

I would have liked to learn a little more about their lives together but won't be reading the next book " The Child of the Dragon Gods ". I liked Derek well enough but was a little put off by the shown rage in the end of this book.



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Review: Tangled Threads

Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I'm excited to see that Gin is starting to trust more in her magic. I'm rooting for her! I understand why she's so afraid of it since she thought she'd killed her sister with it...But I want to watch her come into all her potential just like Jo-Jo is always hinting at. I was so anxious when she finally told her sister, Bria, about herself. Even if it was kind of a rush decision. I hope Bria can get past her fear.

Now I'm definitely happy to see more and more about Owen. He seems to be such a sweet guy to Gin. Letting her take her time, never arguing with her or trying to change her. I like him a lot. Much better than Donovan who liked to have sex with her but never seemed quite capable of even admitting to himself that he liked her much less accept her for who she is.

I hope Owen continues to make her happy and vice-versa. I'm so intrigued about Bria and Finn together - now that would be something!

Now about Mab and her minions (like Gin calls them), I just love to see Gin kicking everyone's ass! The other parts of the book are wonderful of course...even the romance. But I'm always itching for more fight and bodies, blood and guts.

It's the main reason why I like these series so much. The author manages to balance perfectly all the death and horror with sweet family moments.



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Review: Venom

Venom by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Wonderful. I'm so addicted to this series! It's actually stunning because it's not very normal for me to be this delighted about a series. I have my favourite books and series but one where I like every single turn and twist? Not so much. I can't remember a single thing to dislike.



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Review: Wasted

Wasted by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Amazing learning more about Finn. Very cool. I'm always interested in him. Specially because Gin talks about his training with his father but we never get to see Finn use much of that training.



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Review: Web of Lies

Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I can't help thinking how much I like this series more and more. Just love all of it. If there's any bad things to point out in this book I haven't noticed them....It's so interesting see Gin's evolution! I'm sorry about the cop. Like Gin, I had some hope that he would overcome his internal struggles and at least give their relationship a real try. Too bad but not unexpected. In fact I thought it would be over sooner. Never saw him leaving town though. Anyway I'm still looking forward to the next book!



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Review: Web of Death

Web of Death by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Nice short. Complements the main story. Well written like the books.



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Review: Spider's Bite

Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Loved it. Solid first book. One deadly main character. Weird family dynamic. Lots of bodies. One hot cop chasing our heroine (I'm using the term heroine loosely people. Trust me) and one villain hard to catch. Great book. Couldn't have asked more.

Better review to come later. Maybe. I'm too anxious to start the next one to write a proper one now!



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Review: Spider's Bargain

Spider's Bargain by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ouch. That small detail after the cop's death was a little creepy even if deserved. Which it was. But still loving it! Now on to the first book!



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Review: Web of Deceit

Web of Deceit by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Not as good as the other short but interesting nevertheless. Can't help admiring this author's writing. It's very good and seems to flow wonderfully.



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Review: Poison

Poison by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Deadly and cute! If for some reason I hadn't thought about reading the elemental assassin series I definitely would now... Beautifully written and captivating.



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Freebies #4

*Family Affair by Mary Campisi
*Insight by Jamie Magee
*The Last Call by George Wier
*The Awakened by Jason Tesar
*Her Mad Hatter by Marie Hall
*Murder On The Mind by L.L. Bartlett
*Dodge The Bullet by Cristy Hayes
*Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory
*Falling Star by Diana Dempsey
*Stained by Ella James

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*Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
*Chosen by Denise Grover Swank
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*Her Dark Angel by Felicity Heaton
*Gravity by Abigail Boyd
*Vamp Yourself For War by Christin Lovell
*The Fallen Star by Jessica Sorensen
*UnEnchanted by Chanda Hahn
*The Soulkeepers by G.P. Ching
*The Rock Star's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy
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Review: Refúgio

Refúgio by R.A. Salvatore
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It was kind of a torment for me to finish this. So much death. Every friend the main character, Drizzt, made pretty much ended dead sooner or later. Of all the friends he made only two survived for long in this book, the panther that was by his side until the end and Belwar, who returned to his city after a few months. There may be other friends, like Catti-brie (mentioned in the epilogue) but they did not appear in this trilogy. Drizzt appears in other series but I haven't read any and honestly don't intend to.

The other books were reasonable. This one was ok. (I think it actually hurt saying that!).
Initially it was easy to read and it complemented very well the others but it became tiresome after 100 pages or less. There was nothing new in this book. I mean there are some new characters. The story evolves somehow but I didn't see a point to it. Usually I give up in books like this but I managed to finish. I'm actually proud of myself. Given the chance again I wouldn't do it. I considered it a waste of my time despite liking Drizzt. Creating a character with such a dark and complex past is very difficult and often tricky. Personally, this author didn't achieved it very well here. Amazingly all the death and desperation becomes quite dreary after awhile and oh so predictable.

In the last 70 pages, I just wanted to shoot myself. The panther didn't die like I suspected so I can't really burn the book but I'm still considering it. Oh well. I guess not. But I'm definitely putting this book in some faraway shelf...




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PS: Like I said before, Drizzt appears in other books. The Crystal Shard (The Icewind Dale Trilogy #1) is actually the 1st tittle published about Drizzt but the events are after this trilogy. Overall there are 9 books: The Dark Elf Trilogy (reviewed here), The Icewind Dale Trilogy and The Legacy of the Drow Trilogy.

Review: Exílio

Exílio by R.A. Salvatore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I agree with most reviews saying this was weaker than the first book however I still liked it a lot. I can see where others may find faults in this book but I like the story too much to pay close attention and let them distract me.
I'm glad Drizzt managed to find some friends...but now I'm sad to see them gone. I didn't had much hope for the pech but the gnome? I think I hoped they could have somehow a longtime friendship which I guess ultimately they have...just not one the one I thought. I'm guessing they'll never see each other again.

Such a shame.

Anyway I'm hoping the final installment is better and I also hope Drizzt finds his happiness. Or the closest he can have to happiness, I guess, after all he has been through. I wonder what happened with Briza. Despite being the meanest of his sisters she was also the smartest one. At least she saw from the beginning that Drizzt was too powerful to face again. Malice should've listened to her. Their house is now gone but I wonder. Maybe these questions will be answered next! Off to read Sojourn!



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Review: Homeland

Homeland by R.A. Salvatore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Thank God it's over...I really liked it but I was rooting so much for Drizzt finally leaving that world behind him...And in the end he did! Woohoo! I would've appreciated more if there had been a battle between him and his mother but I understand there wasn't...she is very powerful and had all her other children with her. It was not certain Drizzt would've survived and I sure as hell wanted him too! I'm anxious to start reading the next one which I am going to right after writing this so I'm not gonna take much longer doing so.

- Drizzt is one of the most interesting characters I've ever read about. It's so amazing to see him trying so hard to be immune to all the cruelty in his world, his own family. More wonderful however is how he saved that little girl. I'm sorry his father had to die for that but ultimately I think it was appropriate for he died not only to save his son but also because his son saved a child, something he always wanted to do but was never able.

- Apart from his father, I pretty much hated everyone. I understand some of the actions of vengeance and justice but ultimately? It still came from cruelty, jealousy and ambition and I simply could not feel sympathy for any of them. And even Drizzt's father was an idiot. I get that it was his people and he couldn't see any way out...I also see that he never really tried but he did manage to survive there long enough to father Drizzt and that pretty much redeems some in my eyes!

Still it's one hell of a read! This contrast between Drizzt and the rest of the drow city is beautifully designed. The detail of the panther is perfect. And now I'm going! The END!



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Review: Can You Keep a Secret?

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Wow. It's surprisingly good. I don't usually stray much from fantasy books but this was a very fun read. This book manages to deepen our awareness of life, friends and family in the funny and entertaining tale of the life of Emma Corrigan, a simple young woman with lots of little secrets. It gives a whole new meaning to small lies.

I don't think I've ever noticed how much we lie to each other every single day. Every single moment of the day. Thoughts that cross our mind but we never quite manage to voice that suddenly turn into secrets kept from others we love. Impressions made and never noticed.

"Secrets from her mother:
I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur.
Sammy the goldfish in my parents’ kitchen is not the same goldfish that Mum gave me to look after when she and Dad were in Egypt.

...

"Secrets she wouldn’t share with anyone in the world:
My G-string is hurting me.
I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is.

Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger."

Amazing how one moment changes everything in one's life. How in face of imminent death all becomes suddenly clear.

"But come Monday morning, Emma’s office is abuzz about the arrival of Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO. Suddenly Emma is face-to-face with the stranger from
the plane, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her."

Even more amazing is how that clarity eludes us as soon as the threat of death disappears. Either way, one can't stop thinking about these issues and more while reading such book. Just like Emma, I'm pretty sure this moment of enlightenment won't last...but for now I'm happy with this read.



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Review: Destiny Rising

Destiny Rising by L.J. Smith

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



I won't read any of the ghostwritten books for The Secret Circle series or The Hunters series. By giving a 1 star to these books, I'm showing my dislike for Alloy Entertainment & HarperCollins for firing L.J. Smith.



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Review: Moonsong

Moonsong by L.J. Smith

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



I won't read any of the ghostwritten books for The Secret Circle series or The Hunters series. By giving a 1 star to these books, I'm showing my dislike for Alloy Entertainment & HarperCollins for firing L.J. Smith.



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Review: Phantom

Phantom by L.J. Smith

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



I won't read any of the ghostwritten books for The Secret Circle series or The Hunters series. By giving a 1 star to these books, I'm showing my dislike for Alloy Entertainment & HarperCollins for firing L.J. Smith.



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Review: Inked

Inked by Karen Chance

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is an anthology but I must confess I focused primarily in Karen Chance's story. I'm sure the other stories are great too but I haven't read them. They are probably from major series and the only one of those I'm following is Cassie Palmer from Karen so no point reading the whole book until or if I decide to read the other authors main series. The story I did read was very good though. Totally new perspective. First time I read about weres in Cassie Palmer's universe. First time too that there was only a mentioning of vampires and no actual vampires. This insight into the life of a female war mage was very gratifying! I wouldn't mind reading more about the main character Lia and her mate Cyrus.



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