You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

pages_and_procrastination's Reviews (1.6k)

adventurous funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This is the second book in the Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse.  And if you've read the first one then you that Mop and her crew is on their way to Earth, to continue to unravel all of the lies that they have been told about  the plaque that destroyed humanity and aliens that supposedly save them. 

This was a nice continuation. Mops and her crew are still dancing on the thin between surviving and uncovering the truth. They know that they have an ally within the government but not sure have safe that ally is. For all intents and purposes, this crew should not survive. Their enemy outnumbers them and they have bigger guns. But, once again,  the Pufferfish defies the odds.  When Mops finds the truth she discovers the cost of her search and discovers that she may have put everyone that she was hoping to save at risk. 

This series is a great entry point for anyone who is wanting to dip their toes into Science fiction. It has amazing space battles, found family, interesting alien species and intergalactic politics.

These are a collection of 4 novellas. All of them surround holidays and the paranormal. I think that anthologies like this are a great way to try out an author, if it leaves you wanting more than you have an entire catalog to explore.  That's why I enjoyed it, I think I have only read novellas or short stories by these authors, except for Vicki Pettersson. Pettersson's novella reminded me of why I fell in love with her Zodiac series and gave me background that I didn't know I was missing. 

This is the third book in the series, and it delivers.  If you are a fan then you're a fan , and if you're not then only thing I can say is continue on. No need to yuck other people's yum. I like that the story continues but also expands. You get to know some of the side characters a bit better. They step up for themselves and their friends, giving depth to the relationships we have all grown to love. This answered some questions, but like most books in the middle of a series, it raised even more. I enjoyed it, this pulled some emotions out of me.  Despite the heartache I am looking forward to the next one. 

This is an audiobook that I found on BorrowBox. It is the first in a 12 book series. It’s about Rose who discovers that her mom stole her away and hid her from her father and magic. When her aunt dies she becomes the next Mortal 7- those responsible for policing witches (the villains in this world). She has a talking Chinese dragon as her chimera/ protector.
This was a decent opening to a series, the conflict is overwhelming and sides have been decided. And Rose is a bridge for that. Or could be. The magic is not there wholly unique but presented in a new light. Rose is naive but tough, there’s an inner voice calling to her and she’s a natural at listening.  Some things were a bit too easy, but also so much remains unknown. 
I’d rate this as a middling urban fantasy- it doesn’t break the mold or do anything brand new (at least not yet) but worth checking out, especially if you need a refresher in finding the wonder of magic. 
fast-paced

This is the second volume in the series did enjoy it. A Lot happened rather quickly. To the point say some parts were rushed. Even though it's  clearly not over, this felt more unfinished and unresolved than the first one did. I'm still curious enough to continue but hope that it's handled better than this one was.

This is an audiobook that I borrowed from Libby. I don't remember where I first heard about this, but I know that it caught my attention. In the end, I thought that this was a. decent romantic suspense novel. I liken the characters, especially when they weren't friends.  
I am not sure if I just expected too much or if I paid too much attention to the investigation. But Morgan was seriously distracted, and while Lincoln was too, it's hard to not hold this against her since she is the lead investigator and the supposed expert on serial killers. Lincoln is obsessed with her eyes and at first I just thought that it was because of the serial killer from her last case, something she would be sensitive about and all of that. But they were supposed to be the key. I would have like to see Lincoln slowly put the pieces together instead of just blurting it out and sounding crazy - and not in a good way. Also, I thought that he would end up joining the investigation and not being her side kick - essentially. 
I am still curious about her Never After series, but I am glad that I checked out this stand alone. 
fast-paced

My thoughts are a littler scattered, so if you want a quick summary: I like the characters and the story itself. There is still so much to explore and I can't wait. I am excited to learn more about Faraine's magic and to see her and Vor work together. There is more going on then even Vor knows. 

I think that Vor and Faraine are perfect for each other. I was hoping that they would end up together, but I wish that it hadn't happened the way that it did. I hope that they figure out how to work together, it's a romance so I "know" that they work things out eventually. 

 I really don't like Larongar and I hope that someone puts him in his place -sooner rather than later. 
Faraine's magic is interesting and not fully explored, she is obviously capable to more than she even knows. And if she's given the opportunity to explore and if she ever tells Vor about it, they may have the solution that they need to save the Under Realm. It's inevitable that they'll have to work together. I think her godsgift is the key to saving the Under Realm, but they have a long way to get there. 

Some of the characters are comically inept but are given too much power. Theodore- beautiful but stupid. Ilsevel - pretty, beautiful voice and the king's favorite. Laraongar is the king but I don't think that he is a very good ruler. 

Some characters float in the background but have more weight in the story then given credit for. Sul, Vor's brother and intelligence gatherer. He is cheeky but I also think that he is very observant. I think he is often overlooked because of his frivolity, but he uses that to his advantage, Hael,  the captain of the king's guard.  She is his first line of defense, and is loyal to King Vor. 

And then there are the characters that you obviously have to watch out for. Queen Roh.  She hasn't hidden her disgust of  humans very well, and she even supported allowing the Under Realm to fall back into the Deep Dark.  The Drur (is he the same of Lord Rath)  he took too much pleasure in swinging the axe. 
 
We know that there is trouble in the human world and something is slowly destroying the Under Realm. And by the end we know that there's more going on then even Vor knows about. I wouldn't be too surprised if the events are not connected and that they're not orchestrated by people that should be trusted but are doing things behind the kingdom's back. 

This was an audiobook that I picked up off Hoopla. I picked it up because it was one of my recommendations from The Storygraph.  This is a romantic comedy about two history teachers. Okay, I am not sure if this was supposed to be funny. But, I found it quite humorous. Rose is closed off and sort of an ice queen. Martin is quiet and thoughtful. ( Both are passionate and freaky ha!) I liked that this romance was with mature adults. It wasn't miscommunication that kept them apart. It was their baggage and their needs that were so different that didn't allow them to be what the other needed. And they talked to each other about it. Rose was uber private  as protection from previous public humiliation. Martin wanted public acknowledgement as he was worth more than being someone's dirty little secret . I liked that this took place over the entire school year. There were time jumps - but it flowed and you were never confused. Something was always mentioned to show how much time had passed. This was cute and I definitely enjoyed it. 

How was the recommendation? To be honest, Dade is an author I've seen a lot of people read, but I personally haven't been been very curious about her. But, I did enjoy this and the next time I'm in the mood for a cute romance, I'll probably look for the next book in Marysburg series or check out Dade's other works. So it wasn't  a perfect recommendation but it was a good one.