SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read 2013
Duration: August 1 2012 to July 31 2013

Have you had that #2 book on your TBR pile for a while? Read and enjoyed the 1st book in a series and just never got to the 2nd one? Now is the time to dust them off and decide whether to keep reading that series or move on to something better.


*Read 12 books that are the second novel in a series.
*Read one book per calendar month (that means, can't read and count 3 new ones in ONE month...)
*Make a MAIN post. This is for your full year list. Please UPDATE this list, not re-post it! Thanks! (links to each Participants' MAIN Lists below).
*Every month post your Monthly Updates (new posts, please!) on your great/not-so-great "second" read.
*"Half numbers" (i.e. 1.5 by GR numbering) and anthologies are not allowed; they're just appetizers, not the "second course"!


For MONTHLY updates, include the following:

**Blatantly stole borrowed Steph's & Lethal Lovely's new series write-ups~THANKS!....If you haven't peeked, pop on over to the members' threads to check them out! **Warning, do not read when consuming liquids~LL's especially~unless your PC is insured...**

COVER (#)

Title/Author:
Series:
Read: (Date)
Rating: ★★★★★ / ★★★★✩ / ★★★✩✩ / ★★✩✩✩
To-Be-Continued?
Review: (Just a sentence or so of what you thought about it!)

Also Read: (feel free to add other firsts you enjoyed each month with ratings, etc. optional)


Shamelessly stolen from Judithe's Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read :D

Participants List



Ames Post #6
Angie Post #103
Barbara Post #33
Breann Post #9
Charlotte (Buried in Books) Post #43
Dawn Post #66
Jackie M Post #10
Jeann Post #11
JenniferJ Post #23
Joanne♥ Post #73
~♥ Kat ♥~ Post #3
Laura Post #4
Lauren Post #7
Leslie Post #39
Lis Post #5
❥☪LIZZ NEILL☪❥ Post #19
Megan Post #46
~Melissa~ Post #56
Midu
Stephanie Post #24
Suzanne Post #17
Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ Post #8
Vi Post #22
Wan ~DragonsWan~ Post #12 Withdrawn

I think I can manage to squeeze in one more challenge...lol I'll make this my main post. I'll be back later to pretty it up :)

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read Challenge
Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Complete: 4/12

August:Pure by Jennifer Armentrout (Aug 9,2012)(5*)
September:Spark by Brigid Kemmerer (Sept 7,2012)(5*)
October:Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter (Oct 9,2012)(4*)
November:Betrayals - Lili St. Crow (Nov 6,12)(4*)
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:
Read for challenge:


Also Read Seconds:

8/12


August:



Title/Author: Demonglass/ Rachel Hawkins
Series: Hex Hall #2
Read: 07.08.12
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: "Demonglass" is one of the best YA books i have read. There wasn't one dull moment in it. As first book Sophie got herself in a mess (in Hex Hall), but in this one she goes to England for summer holiday with her friends and dad. She gets got up in a new mystery about demons.

September:

Title/Author: Seduction Of A Highland Lass by Maya Banks
Series: McCabe Trilogy #2
Read: 05.09.12
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: It was easy read, with full of action and passionate love. I loved the chemistry between Alaric McCabe and Keeley McDonald and how there relationship involved.

October:

Title/Author: Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead
Series: Dark Swan #2
Read: 11.10.12
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: OMG, Mead knows how to write a awesome book. Last book ended Eugenie becoming a queen and this one with a war. There was something happening all the time, if not with Eugenie's love life then there was bad guys to fight. I can't wait to get my hands on the third book :) It was just fantastic read!


November:

Title/Author: Ghost Night by Heather Graham
Series: Bone Island Trilogy
Read: 25.11.12
Rating: ★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: I liked that second books was based on legend as wel,l like the first one. Loved how it builds up and up and in the end it hits you with the resolution to the mystery. It was exciting and little scary with all the gosts in it.


December:

Title/Author: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Series: All Souls Trilogy, #2
Read: 21.12.12
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: In this book Diana and Matthew will go back in time looking for Ashmole 782, but not everything goes as it should. It was a great book with amazing story that took me to another world full of magic and other worldly creature :) Just loved it!

January:

Title/Author: Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #2
Read: 18.01.13
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: This was another awesome book from J.R. Ward. There was everything in it love, passion, pain, action and it also was sad. In one point reading it i even cried because how emotionel it was with Mary Luce's illness and Rhage's sacrifice for her. It was romantic and emotional book with some hot action :P


February:

Title/Author: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Series: Fifty Shades
Read: 13.02.13
Rating: ★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: I actually liked this book more then the first one. There was more to the story then Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. I liked that Anastasia has to face Greys old girlfriend who has gone little crazy. There wasn't only sex, though there was a lot of it in it and i like how it ended. Made the next book seem promesing :)


March:

Title/Author: When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James
Series: Fairy Tales #2
Read: 26.03.13
Rating: ★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: It was quite entertaining book with good humor that made me smile many times. I loved how the beast (Piers) saved Miss Linnet in the end :) I alos like the fairy tale touch that the book had.

In!

Read 5/12


Aug: Autopilot Engaged ★★★✩✩ Aug 2
Sep: Losing Lila ★✩✩✩✩ Sep 11
Oct: Silver Shark ★★★★✩ Oct 15
Nov: n/a
Dec: n/a
Jan: Grave Surprise ★★★✩✩ Jan 28
Feb: n/a
Mar: n/a
Apr: Scarlet ★★★★✩ Apr 9
May: n/a
Jun: n/a
Jul:



Also Read
4★ 3★ 3★ 2★

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read 2013
Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Complete: 12/12 - DONE!!!

✔August: Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione - (Aug 13) 3.5★'s
✔September: Trace of Fever by Lori Foster - (Sept 12) 2★'s
✔October: Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas - (Oct 4) 5★'s
✔November: A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare - (Nov 4) 4.5★'s
✔December: The Kingdom by Amanda Stevens - (Dec 14) 4★'s
✔January: Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas - (Jan 6) 4★'s
✔February: Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill - (Feb 9) 4★'s
✔March:The Secret Friend by Chris Mooney - (Mar 2) 4★'s
✔April: Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs - (Apr 9) 4★'s
✔ May: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher - (May 7) 3.5★'s
✔June: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs - (June 12) 4★'s
✔July: Moonglow by Kristen Callihan - (July 2) 4★'s

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read 2013
Duration: August 1 2012 to July 31 2013

Completed: 8/12

August: The Shattered Sylph by L.J. McDonald, 07/08/2012 ★★★★★ Review
September: Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues by Diana Rowland, 06/09/2012 ★★★Review
October: A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire, 31/10/2012 ★★★★ Review
November: Outpost by Ann Aguirre, 16/11/2012 ★★★★ Review
December: Blood Passage by Connie Suttle, 06/12/2012 ★★★★★ Review
January: The Shattered Dark by Sandy Williams, 28/01/2013 ★★★ Review
February: The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks, 12/02/2013 ★★★★★Review
March: Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu , 13/03/2013 ★★★Review
April: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, 17/04/2013 ★★★★
May: Wicked Cravings by Suzanne Wright, 09/05/2013 ★★★★
June: n/a
July: n/a

Read:

Also read:
Aug: Sept: Oct: Dec: Jan: Feb: April: May:

I'm in!


Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read 2013
August 1st 2012 - July 31st 2013

August:A Dangerous Thing 8/22/12 ★★★✩✩ Review Post
September:Friday Night Bites 9/18/12 ★★★★✩ Review Post
October: Shadow of Night 10/18/12 ★★✩✩✩ Review Post
November: The Darkest Kiss 11/6/12 ★★★★✩ Review Post
December: Enduring Instincts 12/9/12 ★★★★✩ Review Post
January: Magpie 1/11/13 ★★★★✩ Review Post
February: The Beast in Him 2/24/13 ★★★✩✩ Review Post
March: Abandoned 3/10/13 ★★★★✩ Review Post
April:
May:
June:
July:

Read


To Read

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read Challenge
Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Complete: 1/12

August:The Lost Saint by Bree Despain ★★★ 8/21/2012
September: Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall ★★★★ 9/18/2012
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:

Yes please, this will encourage us to read more 2nd in the series!

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read Challenge
Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Complete: 3/12

August: Unholy Magic 10/8/12. Review here.
September: Shadow Bound 14/9/12. Review here.
October: Shadow of Night. 20/10/12. Review here.
November: --
December: Girl of Nightmares 2/12/12. Review.
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:



Also Read:

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read Challenge
Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Complete: 1/12

August: Seduction Of A Highland Lass by Maya Banks 8/2 ★★★★1/2
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:

August:



Title/Author: Demonglass/ Rachel Hawkins
Series: Hex Hall #2
Read: 07.08.12
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: "Demonglass" is one of the best YA books i have read. There wasn't one dull moment in it. As first book Sophie got herself in a mess (in Hex Hall), but in this one she goes to England for summer holiday with her friends and dad. She gets got up in a new mystery about demons.

Laura, don't forget to do your main list August to July, like the other girls ;)

Already on it :)

Good, good ;)

SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read 2013
Duration: 8/1/2012 - 7/31/2013

*Make a MAIN post. This is for your full year list. Please UPDATE this list, not re-post it! Thanks! (links to each Participants' MAIN Lists below).
*Every month post your Monthly Updates (new posts, please!) on your great/not-so-great "second" read.

Progress: 12 out of 12

August: Where She Went by Gayle Forman - 8/6/2012 - **
September: Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews - 9/1/2012 - *****
October: Insurgent by Veronica Roth - 10/23/2012 - *****
November: Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs - 11/16/2012 - *****
December: Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James - 12/31/2012 - ***
January: Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas - 1/18/2013 - *****
February: Vanish by Sophie Jordan - 2/20/2013 - ****
March: The Dream Thief by Shana Abe - ***** - 3/31/2013
April: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer - *** - 4/26/2013
May: Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost - ***** - 5/6/2013
June: Black Rose by Nora Roberts - ***** - 6/24/2013
July: Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - ***** - 7/2/2013

Title/Author: Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay
Read: 8/6/2012
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
To-Be-Continued? - No, last one in the series so far.
Review: I would've liked this book better if the story was told from Mia's point of view. Hearing Adam's side the story was interesting at first but by the end of the book he was wearing on me. He just sounded really whiny at the end and I just wanted to tell him to grow up. I would've rather of heard Mia's side of the story instead.

Duration: 1 August 2012 - 31 July 2013
Finished: 0/12

August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:

Title/Author: Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane
Series: Downside Ghosts
Read: 10/8/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued? YES!
Thoughts: The Downside Ghosts series is set in this amazingly dark, gritty world ruled by the Church. Chess is a debunker who exterminates ghosts and more likely - exposes those trying to rip off the Church with fake hauntings. She's caught between two opposing gang members, Terrible and Lex here. The second in the series was much better than the first, definitely jerked at the heart strings and was emotionally powerful. Can't wait to read the next one.

Full review here.

Post #7 Updated.



Title/Author: Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione
Series: Demonica
Read: August 13, 2012
Rating: ★★★1/2
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Good story despite the cringe worthy elements (cheating heroes and BDSM are not my thing). The primary romance is OK but not the best and it is the secondary plots that make this worthwhile. Gem and Kynan's romance, Wraith's emotional struggles and the conflict with Roag are all intriguing and make this an entertaining read.

I'm in.

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read Challenge
Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Completed: 1/12

August: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson - 02/08/12 - Review
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:

Add me please.

Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read Challenge
Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Complete: 0/12

August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:

I am in =)

Complete: 1/12

August:
September:Insurgent
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:

Welcome Ladies :)

Title/Author: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
Series: Mistborn
Read: 02/08/12
Rating: ★★★★1/2
To-Be-Continued? YES!
Thoughts: Mistborn is one of the best fantasy series around. Sanderson has made interesting twists on the traditional tropes. The world building in this book was very well done. The kingdom in the Mistborn world is ruled for centuries by a tyrant Lord Ruler.(view spoiler)[ In the first book we saw how a small group overthrew the Lord Ruler. In this book, we see the difficulties in establishing the new kingdom. (hide spoiler)] This book had so many unexpected twists that it was a real treat to read. I can't wait to read the next one!

Are there any genre restrictions for this challenge Sandra?

Nope, but like always PNR or UF or Fantasy is preferred, cause lots of people add to their tbr.

Title/Author: Alien Tango by Gini Koch
Series: Katherine "Kitty" Katt
Read: 17/8/12.
Rating: ★★★★
To-Be-Continued?: Yes
Review: I enjoyed the 2nd book in this series, it's quirky, pure fun and has some good humour in it. Unfortunately a lot of Kitty's vices showed during this book, including her sexual urges and pushing her sexuality. The aliens, action, and modern setting will keep me reading though.

Full review here.

Title/Author: The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
Series:The Dark Devine
Read: 8/21/2012
Rating: ★★★
To-Be-Continued? yes
Review: This one started off really rocky and I thought I was going to hate it, but I pushed on through and really liked the ending.

Title/Author: A Dangerous Thing by Josh Lanyon
Series: Adrien English Mysteries
Read: 8/22/12
Rating: ★★★✩✩
To-Be-Continued? Yes.
Review: This is the second book in the Adrien English series. The mystery was alright. I didn't find myself caring too much about the outcome of the murders. I did want more of the relationship between Jack and Adrien though. They really have a rocky start. Can they just be nice to each other for, oh I don't know... a whole day at least? There was almost too much banter for me. I hope Jake can't see past his personal issues with being gay. I really like them together and hope they can work out. Overall I liked it and will definitely continue this series!

August

Title/Author:The Shattered Sylph by L.J. McDonald
Series: Sylph
Read: 07/08/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued? Yes

Review: It is a second look at this book actually after reading the 3.5 freebie. I totally love the concept of this series. Normally in stories people having power of elemental forces do have magic gifts of some kind. In this universe sylphs are lured and enslaved to the commands of their 'normal' human masters. This installment explore all the limitations and frustration of the enslaved sylphs where Leon and Ril mount a rescue mission. The structure of the society infiltrated by Leon was well defined and Ril going all 007 was fun to read again.

Oops don't know how I missed this.

Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013

READ: 12/12

August: Moonburn - Alisa Sheckley (Abra Barrow) 8/31/12 ★★★
September: Sins of the Soul - Eve Silver (Otherkin) 9/2/12 ★★★★
October: Fifty Shades Darker - E.L. James (Fifty Shades) 10/5/12 ★★★
November: Grave Sins - Jenna Maclaine (Cin Craven) 11/11/12 ★★★★
December: Faking It - Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey's) 12/25/12 ★★★★
January: Magic Lessons - Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness) 1/24/13 ★★★★
February: Now or Never - Michele Bardsley (Wizards of Nevermore) 2/11 ★★★
March: A Clash of Kings - George R.R. Martin (A Song of Fire and Ice) 3/25 ★★★★★
April: Voice Of Crow - Jeri Smith-Ready (Aspect of Crow) 4/8/13 ★★★★
May: Tiger's Quest - Colleen Houck (The Tiger Saga) 5/4 ★★★★★
June: Payback - Fern Michaels (Sisterhood) 6/16 ★★★★
July: The Darkest Edge of Dawn - Kelly Gay (Charlie Madigan) 7/5 ★★★★



CHALLENGE COMPLETE

Added you to the list Barbara ;)

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "August

Title/Author:The Shattered Sylph by L.J. McDonald
Series: Sylph
Read: 07/08/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
To-Be-Continued? Yes

Review: It is a second look at this boo..."

Glad you enjoyed it Val, I've got the first 2 on the tbr pile.

1/12
August Update:




Title/Author: Agents of Light and Darkness by Simon R. Green
Series: Nightside
Read: 24/08
Rating: ★★★★
To-Be-Continued? Yes, please!
Review:
Much better than the first one. Loved the humor, of course. I also liked how Suzie (probably the heroine) isn't one bit normal or too pretty.

Yay Midu, don't forget a master list ;)

*nods*

Duration: 8/1/12 - 7/31/13

Complete: 7/12

August:Second Grave on the Left 8/14/12 **** stars
September:Heir to the Shadows 9/30/12 ***** stars
October:Vamps and the City 10/8/12 *** stars
November:The Good, the Bad, and the Undead 11/7/12 **** stars
December:Desire Unchained 12/26/12 **** stars
January:Mortal Danger1/18/13 **** stars
February:Stolen Heat2/21/13 *** stars
March:Bloodfever
April:Primal Bonds
May:Ruling Passion
June:Night of the Vampires
July:The Darkest Kiss


Additional series
Entwined 10/7/12 ***1/2 stars
Dark Highland Fire 11/20/12 ****1/2 stars
The Iron Rose 11/24/12 **** stars
Instant Gratification 1/3/13 **** stars
I Own the Dawn1/14/13 **** stars
Jade Island 1/22/13 ***1/2 stars
Web of Lies1/30/13 **** stars
Finding the Lost2/16/13 **** stars
Embrace the Night Eternal3/16/13 **** stars
No Control3/23/13 **** stars

Second Grave on the Left
8/14/12 **** stars
To Be Continued? YES but I'm not sure how much a hurry I will be in.
REVIEW:This is the second in the series about a woman who was born The Grim Reaper. Charley is now a PI who assists her uncle in the police Dept. solve cases and also works her own cases all while helping stuck souls cross over. The premise is a little farfetched and alot of suspension of belief is required. The book is tightly written, humorous (which can get old)and easy to read. Charley is a rather endearing heroine, though sometimes it's hard to get a handle on who she really is. Her sidekick Cookie is fun and the other characters in her life are also well done and fun to get to know. Reyes is a very dark character and his role in her life is still very much up in the air. There's actually very little contact between them in this story and a definite cliffhanger at the end. Much of the story is about her actual PI case she takes on and since I love procedural police stories, I really enjoyed this part of the story. Overall, a really fun series and I look forward to seeing where she's going with it.

Sandra wrote: "Glad you enjoyed it Val, I've got the first 2 on the tbr pile. "

I must say that the first book suffers a bit of 1st book syndrome. If you persevere, the second is so much more well put together.

OK Val thanks for the info ;)

SOS Love/Hate at Second Sight 2013

August 2012 to July 2013

August - Sins of the Fathers: An Inspector Wexford Mystery by Ruth Rendell - 26th August
September - Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich - 20th September
October - Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione - 19th October
November - Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost - 23rd November
December - Bloodfever by Bloodfever - 24th December
January - Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire - 31st January
February - The Death Collectors by Jack Kerley - 27th February
March - Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin - 17th March
April - Claimed By Shadow by Karen Chance - 24th April
May - The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle - 15th May
June - Reflected in You by Sylvia Day - 15th June
July - Run for Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge - 19th July

Finished Challenge!!!

The more the merrier Charlotte ;)

That's the same reason I decided to do this, Charlotte. I've started so many series this year - I need to be motivated to read the next one.

I just found this challenge - not sure how I missed it! I would love to join!


Love or Hate @ SECOND Sight Read Challenge
Duration: August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Complete: 1/12

☑ August: Gallagher's Hope by M.K. McClintock ~ August 20 (monthly post)
☐ September:
☐ October:
☐ November:
☐ December:
☐ January:
☐ February:
☐ March:
☐ April:
☐ May:
☐ June:
☐ July:

READ:


ALSO READ:

August:

August Update:


COVER


Title/Author: Gallagher's Hope by M.K. McClintock
Series: Gallagher series
Read: August 20
Rating:
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: WOW! Gallagher's Hope was SO much better than I was expecting! After reading Gallagher's Pride, the first book in the Gallagher's series, I knew I wanted to read Gabriel's story - as he is by far my favorite of the Gallagher siblings. However, I wasn't expecting to enjoy the story this much! I didn't want to put it down and was able to finish it very quickly! I can hardly wait to read the third book.

For my full review go HERE.

Also Read:

Welcome Megan ;)

Title/Author:Sins of the Fathers: An Inspector Wexford Mystery by Ruth Rendell
Series: Inspector Wexford
Read: 26th August
Rating: ★★★✩✩
To-Be-Continued: Yes
Review: I enjoyed it, very quick read with a very clever plot. This wasn't really a Wexford story though, he was more of a supporting character. Once again though I had to marvel at the story, considering this was first published in 1967, Ruth Rendell didn't/doesn't shy away from difficult subjects.

Updated post #33



Title/Author: Moonburn - Alisa Sheckley
Series: Abra Barrow #2
Read: August 31, 2012
Rating: ★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? No

Review:
I didn't like this any better than the first one. Abra is still an idiot who doesn't stand up for herself. She still has a man (Red this time) who ignores her and hides way too much. Werewolf Abra is experiencing mating heat and all the men, dogs, wolves, etc are after her and she's basically hot for anything male. She's supposed to be with Red yet she's hot to trot with way too many other men, even her cheating ex. The plot seemed to be all over the place too. Too much was thrown in for no apparent reason. I guess the series is over since we haven't seen book three in 3 years which is a good thing because I don't think I could honestly stomach another installment of this.