SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

Team #4
Captain: Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)

Members:
Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)
Steph
Linda C

Just a Hop, Skip & Click Away
Happy Reading!

Shelf Announcements ~ Check for the latest shelf announcement & review the requirements for each shelf
Captain's Log ~ Share team shelf stats prior to requesting a stamp
Stamp Me! ~ Request a stamp for your bingo card
Discussions ~ Throughout the game, head here to chat with other players & shelf chant til your heart's content
Bingo Rules ~ Rules of the game
Free Space Rules ~ Where to look when pickin' your free space book
Bingo FAQ ~ Don't hesitate! If you have a question, let us know.

Hiya, Team Caps! Thanks for volunteering to guide your team through a round of BookShelf Bingo!

Your job, should you choose to accept it, will require a few things:
1 ~ Be our go-to person should we have any questions about your team
2 ~ Organize your teammate's weekly reads for each shelf/category so that the BSB Ninjas can quickly and easily verify and approve your stamp request(s)
2a ~ Create a master list in a post (preferably on the first page of your team's thread) and update it weekly or as often as necessary
2b ~ Post your team's stats on the Captain's Log prior to requesting a stamp
3 ~ Encourage and motivate your team (you may also ask to borrow Judithe's whip whenever necessary)
4 ~ Post regularly to ensure your team is communicating and on track each week
4a ~ Send them a PM and friendly poke if they haven't posted at least once a week, noted their book choice, and/or appear to have dropped out of webspace
5 ~ Send us a PM (Steph, Sandra or Judithe) should you need us for any reason throughout the game

Link to print a copy of your bingo card: https://imgur.com/tWhzTlL

...

Hiya, ladies! Lookin' forward to this round 😊 I'll pop back with some name ideas shortly. Anyone wanna be captain?

SUMMARY for QUIRKY QUAD #4

✔Free Space

Debbie's Spurts ~ Archangel's Lineage by Nalini Singh, from group bookshelves, ★★★★½☆, May 12, review is here.

Linda C ~ Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb from Sci-Fi Fantasy series list, ★★★★★, May 21, review is here.

Steph ~ Venom by Jennifer Estep from Best of UF list, ★★★☆☆, May 10, review is here.

✔"O for Outside or Oracle"

Debbie's Spurts ~ Ghostly Command by R.K. O'Brien, "Outside" image of building plus author last name O, ★½☆☆☆, May 9, review is here.

Linda C ~ Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth from GR Oracle list, ★★★☆☆, May 15, review is here.

Steph ~ Forever Forty by Tia Didmon, "Outside" image, ★★☆☆☆, May 11, review is here.

✔"V" for "Vernal Equinox or Vampire"

Debbie's Spurts ~ Shrill Dusk by Helen Harper, from group vampire shelf, ★★★½☆, May 17, review is here.

Linda C ~ Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning, from GR Vampire shelf. ★★★★☆, May 20, review is here.

Steph ~ Batshift Crazy by Carrie Pulkinen, from GR Vampires shelf, ★★★½, May 17, review is here.

✔"M" for "Mardi Gras or Magic"

Debbie's Spurts ~ Love Binds by Cynthia St. Aubin, purple cover, ★★★☆☆, May 24, review is here.

Linda C ~ Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris, from GR magic shelf, ★★★★☆, May 27, review is here.

Steph ~ Love Binds by Cynthia St. Aubin, purple cover, ★★½☆☆, May 24, review is here.

✔G for Green or Gargoyle(s)

Debbie's Spurts ~ Heart of Stone by Christine Warren, GR Gargoyle shelf, ★★★☆☆, May 31, review is here.

Linda C ~ Intermediate Thermodynamics by Susannah Nix, green cover, ★★★☆☆, May 30, review is here.

Steph ~ Green Vampire by J.S. Kennedy, green in cover and title, ★★★☆☆, May 31, review is here.

✔S for Spring Break or Shifter

Debbie's Spurts ~ Baskets and Beignets by Jana Deleon, genre change, ★★★★★, June 6, review is here.

Linda C ~ Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger, from GR shifters shelf, ★★★★★, June 7, review is here.

Steph ~ The Dragon Finds Forever by Kristen Painter, from GR Shifter shelf, ★★½☆☆, June 6, review is here.

✔F for Spring Forward or Fae

Debbie's Spurts ~ The Hitwoman and the Sacrificial Lamb by J.B. Lynn, Forward, ★★★☆☆, June 16, review is here.

Linda C ~ Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith, Forward, ★★★★☆, June 16, review is here.

Steph ~ The Vampire's Redemption by Scarlett Chu, Forward, ★★★★☆, June 16, review is here.

✔J for Jasmine or Jacket

Debbie's Spurts ~ Balanced Luck by Mel Todd, white + Jasmine, June 21, ★★★★☆, review is here.

Linda C ~ The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, white cover, June 26, ★★★★☆, review is here.

Steph ~ One Last Secret: A Secret McQueen Novel by Sierra Dean, white cover, June 21, ★★★★★, review is here.

✔Q for Quicken or Queen

Debbie's Spurts ~ The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare, recent release, ★★★★½, June 28, review is here.

Linda C ~ Littered with Trouble by Eryn Scott, quick read, ★★★☆☆, June 28, review is here.

Steph ~ Scarred Resolve by K.N. Banet, recent release, ★★★★★, June 27, review is here.

✔P for Pruning or Paranormal

Debbie's Spurts ~ Shatter the Earth by Karen Chance, pruning, July 6, ★★★☆☆, review is here.

Linda C ~ Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, pruning, July 9, ★★★★☆, review is here.

Steph ~ The Vampire's Accidental Wife by Kristen Painter , GR PNR shelf, July 5, ★★★☆☆, review is here.

✔C for Clean or Cyberpunk

Debbie's Spurts ~ Shadow of Victory by David Weber, clean, ★★★★★, July 11, review is here.

Linda C ~ My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, clean, ★★★★☆, July 11, review is here.

Steph ~ The Reaper Rescues The Genie by Kristen Painter, clean, ★★★★☆, July 11, review is here.

U for Umbrella or Urban Fantasy/ Stamp Requested 7/22

Debbie's Spurts ~ Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep, GR UF shelf, ★★★☆☆, July 21, review is here.

Linda C ~ Storm Front by Jim Butcher, GR UF shelf, ★★★☆☆, July 22, review is here.

Steph ~ The Detective Wins The Witch by Kristen Painter, GR UF shelf, ★★★☆☆, July 19, review is here.

[Reserved for more team summary]

★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★☆☆☆☆

½

Shelf Name / Stamp Req'd

Debbie's Spurts ~ BOOK LINK by AUTHOR 1-5✮ rating Date Read LINK TO REVIEW

Linda C ~ BOOK LINK by AUTHOR 1-5✮ rating Date Read LINK TO REVIEW

Steph ~ BOOK LINK by AUTHOR 1-5✮ rating Date Read LINK TO REVIEW

Hi, I'm Captain in another challenge and would prefer not to this round.

One4All, All4One
Serious-4-Series

For my Free Space I will be reading Rapture in Death
It is Option 2 - Sci-Fi Fantasy series list - series #37 on list

Hi y’all. Excited to get started 🤓 Booklist at the ready, though being a mood reader, it’ll likely change a lot during the game. Plus, I’ve got to make myself keep away from books that’ll fit a shelf, which is always hard.

Debbie, if you’re okay being captain, I’d really appreciate it. My health is poor and, as much as I’d like to do it, I’m not sure I could manage keeping up properly. But, I’ll give it a go, if you’d really rather not.

I’ve got some name ideas left over from another rounds. I’m cool w/whatever y’all like best - one of these or anything else.
Four the love of books
Quirky quad
Oh my quad!
Page turners
Know thy shelf
Lit happens
ETA some spring names -
Flower power
Bad seeds
Spring Daze
Sunny side up
Petal pushers
Ladybugs
Garden gnomes
Crazy daisies

For my FS read, I’m going with Venom, which is on our BEST OF UF list.

I'll happily be captain. I like Page Turners, Four the Love of Books or Quirky Quad.

Blanking some previous comments to create team summary/updates posts.

Thanks so much, Debbie! Sorry to dump it on ya. I appreciate you taking it on.

I like those 3, too. We'll see what Linda C thinks, then either choose or have Mr. R decide for us. 😊

Be back in a bit with our first shelf announcement 🥳

Here we go 🥳

Shelf #1 ~ 8 May: O - "Outside" or oracle
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...

* For "Outside", read a book with author's first or last name beginning with 'O', a cover with outside image (ie: trees, buildings, vehicles, etc) or 'outside' in title or series name

* For oracle, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR oracle, GR oracles or SOS oracle

For this shelf, I’m going to read . It fits the “outside” image requirement.

Happy reading, y’all!

For "O" Outside/Oracle, I'll be reading Ghostly Command by R.K. O'Brien, outside building image plus author name starts with O.

For "O" Outside/Oracle, I'll be reading - Veronica Roth. It is #563 on the GR Oracle list

Have we decided a team name yet?

I’m leaning more toward Quirky Quad, but will happily go along w/majority 😊

Quirky Quad it is.

Added Quirky Quad

Great name. I like it

👍🏼 nice!

Venom by Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #3
Qualifier: #9 on SOS' BEST OF: Urban Fantasy list
Shelf: Free Space
Read: 10 May
Rating: ★★★☆☆

My Review:

“I’m just wondering how exactly I went from being the Spider to the Robin fucking Hood of the greater Ashland area. Three months ago, I was killing people for money. Lots of money. Buckets of it. Now, tell me a good sob story instead and I’ll take care of all your problems for free. Instead of stealing from the rich, I’m stabbing them to death for the poor.”

In Venom , Gin's continuing to play around with retirement, yet still being pulled into helping others, and for free no less.

I had a difficult time rating this one. There was SO much to love about it, yet so many peeves that kept gettin' a pet. I've had to space out my read through this series as the author's very fond of info dumps. I just can't read those back-to-back without skimming 1/2 the book, but I do still find myself yeah-yeah-yeahing my way through all the other little drips and drabs of re(re-re-re-re)introduced info.

Exhibit 1: Finn's love his highly caffeinated chicory coffee
Exhibit 2: Mab's rune is ruby, heat drips off of her
Exhibit 3: Gin's always got her 5 silverstone knives on her

The story told in this installment was great and (minus above issues I had) very well told. Some bullies got their comeuppances, some others were put on notice ... The Spider is coming for you. Someone Gin was beginning to look for found her first. I love the newest addition and look forward to what's to come between Bria and Gin. Also, I'm diggin' the growing relationship between Gin and Owen. Donovan who? (<--- that'd be exhibit 4, but I digress) I also like Owen's sister and her friend, whom we met in the previous installment.

All-around a very fun read minus that which annoys me. I'll definitely be continuing with the series despite those peeves. I just have to know what's to come for Gin and her gang, especially as it's growing with each installment.

Forever Forty by Tia Didmon
Series: Magical Midlife Death #1
Qualifier: Outside - building on cover
Shelf #O: 'O' - outside or oracle
Read: 11 May
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

My Review:

A witch who turns was unheard of [...] A witch who developed magic after becoming a vampire. That was a fricking unicorn. I simply shouldn’t exist.

This should've been a great read! The premise, love it. The writing style, no so much.

For whatever reason, I'm not a fan of little to no contractions. It just doesn't feel natural. How many people, aside from androids, hold a normal convo without a contraction or two? Anyway, that's a me-thing. Then, there's the fact that we just don't get necessary info. Info needed to support what's happening. Please explain why a new vampire, told she'll have to wait until she can control herself around humans, blood, etc before she can see her family, is allowed (with an escort, but still) to go see her human boyfriend in a crowded restaurant? The head of the coven attacks Raven, claims a prophecy, but why? What prophecy? Raven's power was so low as to be ignored, yet she's suddenly incredibly powerful and somehow knows how to use it?

The relationship we're supposed to feel forming between Raven and Rene was pretty lack luster. And, while Raven's resistance to Rene's attempts to influence her initially appealed, her constant push back, at a time when she should be getting answers instead of proving how strong she is, became a bit annoying.

Maybe the story was just rushed? Maybe the other installments answer these questions that were just placed throughout to make us wonder and continue on? Maybe the relationship between these two becomes more believable? Maybe, maybe, maybe. Maybe I'll eventually return to the series, maybe I won't.

Nice going, Steph.

I know what you mean about Elemental Assassin series. I love it but space them out, usually saving the next one for BINGO.

Caught up to here. Let me know if there are any typos or link issues.

O for Oracle or Outside

Ghostly Command by R.K. O'Brien
Finished: May 9, 2024
Series: Joanna Davis #1
Rating: ★½☆☆☆
Number of pages: 236

Review: Deadly dull. Possibly I just wasn't in the mood, but I doubt it.

It gets another ½ star on the rating because the writing was fine (this was not some poorly edited rough draft which is usual cause for me to rate a book low, truly was ready to publish).

I assumed this book would be a cozy paranormal mystery, but got a journal. 90% just a stream of consciousness journal, very surface, and basically just get-coffee-I-like-coffee, get food, have brief conversations when encounter people. 5% POV change to random other characters who go home, speak to anyone there and eat. Remaining 5% snippets of the ghost and mystery. Oh yeah, and a couple of times she checked her email only to find it uninteresting (as if reader would find that of interest?).

If hadn't been short and for BINGO, I would have just DNF'd. I did look at reviews when was struggling to finish--and all the 5-star reviews raving on how lovable this author's characters were and calling it a page turner fooled me into reading it. Nothing wrong with main or other characters, but oh boy were they flat and not memorable at all.

It boggles my mind why other readers called this a page turner.

Thanks, Debbie. I plan to continue with it, but will definitely be spacing them out.

Yikes! Sounds bad. Sorry it was a bust for ya. I'm always confused by highly rated books when I can barely manage them. It always feels like I'm missing something.

Or could be friends of the author or the dreaded paid reviews.

True and that's just sad.

Free Space (Group Bookshrlves)

Archangel's Lineage by Nalini Singh
Finished: May 12, 2024
Series: Guildhunter #16
Rating: ★★★★½☆
Number of pages: 378

Review: It's hard for me to review this series because I continue to be such a fan. A new release makes my month.

This one I enjoyed, particularly since had so much of the original main characters, Raphael and Elena. A grim start with the Refuge (where all the archangel babies and children shelter) under threat. Mostly fast paced with more reveals of Archangel, Ancestor and Legion ((view spoiler)[the legion are not back (hide spoiler)]) history/origins. And a finish with a lot of hope for where the series is going and for individual character's destinies.

Not quite a 5-star because some places were slow and some of the reveals involved entirely new characters and clues popping out of nowhere, not anywhere in previous storline. More red herrings than I expect from this author.

Carve the Mark - Veronica Roth
Series: Carve the Mark #1
pages: 468
Shelf #O: 'O' - outside or oracle
How it Fits: It is #563 on the GR Oracle list
Read: 5/15/24
Rating: 3 stars


Review: The world building here was lacking. I don't mean this in time spent on creating it, but in an efficient narrative way. I didn't seem to get the right context at the right time. I always felt I needed something more. The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading and I liked both Akos and Cyra, but the Current and the currentgifts just seemed to be plopped on the characters. I didn't feel any real reason for them to exist.

Also I wanted more good side characters. The group that eventually forms, more than halfway through the book, doesn't gel for me. Though they seem to have a common enemy they are still too disparate and reluctant when it comes to working together. Not sure if I will seek other volumes. The ending seemed to just throw out questions and startling info to get a set up for another book.

Caught up to here. Requested our "O" stamp.

CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!
We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'O'. 

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

Yay!! :D

Glad you enjoyed the latest GH, Debbie. I'm enjoying my re-read of that series this year. I couldn't hold off and read AL when it came out.

Bummer on Carve, though, Linda C. I think I'll skip that one.

We've got our first stamp, ladies! 😊

Hope y'all are having a good week. I'll be back a bit later with the shelf announcement info.

It's "V" for Vernal Equinox or Vampire.

Shelf #2 ~ 15 May: V - "Vernal Equinox" or vampire(s)
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...

* For "Vernal Equinox", read a book with a sun, sunrise or sunset on the cover; "sun" in the title or series name; or author's first or last name beginning with V

* For vampire(s), read a book found on one of these shelves: GR vampire, GR vampires or SOS vampire


I’m gonna read

I'm going to read Shrill Dusk by Helen Harper from group vampire shelf. New to me series from familiar author.

@Steph, which shelf is Batshift Crazy from?

I’ve read that trilogy and liked it ok. Hope you enjoy it. I really like Harper’s writing and like most of her series.

Sorry, it’s on GR’s https://www.goodreads.com/genres/vamp...

Congratulations on the stamp QQ!

I think I'll read by Karen Marie Moning. This is a new series and new author for me. It is #468 on p.10 of the GR Vampire list.

I have picked up several First in series books lately at book sales and cheap on amazon to give them a try. I'll see if I can find a winning series.

Linda C wrote: "I think I'll read by Karen Marie Moning. This is a new series and new author for me. It is #468 on p.10 of the GR Vampire list.

I have picked up several First in seri..."

That series will pull you in -- but later books do get very violent, grim and with triggers for some folk . Don't get me wrong, I got pulled into it and all the books were stay-up-until-finish page turners. And series never loses sight of who the good guys and bad guys are. Absolutely an original.

Sandra wrote: "Congratulations on the stamp QQ!"

Thanks :)

Enjoy, Linda C! I listened to those and loved the narration. Totally agree with Debbie - it will pull you in :)

Finished my wk2 read. I'll post my review in the next day or two.

Shelf #2 "V" for "Vernal Equinox or Vampire"
from group Vampire shelf

Shrill Dusk by Helen Harper
Finished: May 17, 2024
Series: City of Magic #1
Rating: ★★★½☆
Number of pages: 270

Review: This was a good read. I've enjoyed author's other books. I should not have expected this to be a vampire book.

Started with a kickass human inexplicably assuming debts of grownup acquaintaces and eventually morphing into basically being the bleeding heart liberal chick helping entire city of strangers juxtaposed with grumpy man. Along the way, she gets magic and there are werewolves, vampires and others and a magical apocalypse -- an apocalypse confined to only one city.

I like the writing. I initially liked main character and was intrigued by worldbuilding and characters met.

Ultimately, I'm not going to continue the series. I'm just not interested in where I think story is heading; hard to buy into a single city apocalypse or an increasingly TSTL heroine suddenly running government in one half of city attracting all the sweetness and light , take care of one another residents while grumpy werewolf runs other half with strict military discipline and strongest will survive.

That sounds more annoying than the actual read -- it was fast paced, I still like the main character, it is original -- but I eye-rolled through much of the actual storyline. I just can't buy into probable story path where I'll continue series.

It is in kindle unlimited if anyone wants to give it a try.

I felt similarly and didn't continue with the series either.

Batshift Crazy by Carrie Pulkinen
Series: New Orleans Nocturnes #6
Qualifier: On GR's 'vampires' shelf & SOS' 'vampire' shelf
Shelf #2: 'V' - "Vernal Equinox" or vampire(s)
Read: 17 May
Rating: ★★★½

My Review:



I believe Batshift Crazy is the finale of New Orleans Nocturnes. It sure felt like it could be and there haven't been any installments since. This series has been a cute, quick, fun read. This book's highlight was the inclusion of the characters from previous installments.

“We are joined in our grief and in our need for vengeance ...”

As usual, Jane and Ethan (from #1 License to Bite) are by Gaston's side. This time they're wandering the Quarter during Mardi Gras. Gaston is his typical closed-lipped self and not answering their questions about his dour(er) mood. While snacking on tourists, Gaston becomes overly inebriated and, while flying in bat form, smacks into a couple's windshield. Not knowing what else to do for him, they take him to Maeve's Wings of Love bat sanctuary. She returns the next day to find a naked Gaston instead of the wounded bat. As Louisianan's only bat shifter and a longtime vampire hater, she immediately jumps to conclusions believing he's the vampire who murdered her colony.

The downsides to this installment for me: Maeve's I hate him, but he's familiar. I hate vampires, he's a vampire, therefore I hate him, but "damn, he's sexy" got a bit old. And, while I liked both characters separately, I didn't feel the connection (not a strong one, anyway) between them. They did work well together and it's a good thing because murders are occurring in NOLA and these two are at the top of the council's suspect list. The whole NON gang reunites to help them solve the case, take down the bad guy and remember lives long past to find their HEA.

I added a 1/2 star for the overall well-done finale; bringing back all previously introduced characters is always a plus for me when ending a series. Side note: I kept picturing batty Gaston as Adam Sandler's Hotel Transylvania bat form 😆

I'm caught up to here on the team summary.

I need to pick the New Orleans Nocturne series back up. I think I'm on book 3. Which is a huge reason Bookshelf BINGO is great, continuing series and eating away at TBR.

Darkfever - Karen Marie Moning
Series: Fever, #1
Qualifier: #468 on p.10 of the GR Vampire list
Pages: 349
Read: 5/20/24
Rating: ★★★★

My Review:
MacKayla's older sister Alina has gone to Dublin to study at Trinity College. Eight months later she gets a call that Alina has been murdered. After getting little information she decides to go there and get answers. The police have no leads.

Then MacKayla begins experiencing weird things and seeing monsters. She has certain powers she knew nothing about. Jericho Barrons says he will protect her and teach her how to defend herself. But is he trustworthy or another one of the monsters. He definitely knows more than he is telling.

This is the start of a great new series for me. The MC admits to being unambitious and self-serving. It is fun to watch her go into situations assuming she can handle things or has figured out what should be done only to find that she has a lot to learn. And good sexual tension between Mac and Barrons that I expect will develop over the following volumes.