There are so many series to read and so little time! But there are a few in front of me right now that I just can’t choose from very easily. So I’ll let you all do it ~_^. The sooner I read them the sooner I can review. I do plan to read each of these books. I’m just not sure of the order…
The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire, #1) – I have heard a lot of good things about this series so I bumped it up on my TBR list. But I just know that after I read the first book I will want to read the second which will delay when I can read…
Option 2
By a Thread (Elemental Assassin, #6) – I admit that while I really enjoy this series, the incredible amount of summarizing and rehashing in the latest couple of books truly grated on my nerves, so I was considering taking a break from these books until I heard of a rebound. Well, I heard of a rebound so I’m curious to see what’s new in Gin’s joint. So that’s an option but so is…
Option 3
Sacrificial Magic (Downside Ghosts, #4) – Net Galley so kindly approved me to receive an ARC copy of this book. I honestly am not the hugest fan of this series, though I know it’s a favorite of many. I don’t really like the heroine, so I honestly only read it for the love interest angle which is pretty good, if not a bit angst-filled.
So decisions decisions decisions. It’s up to you! And please feel free to comment if you want to elaborate on your choice. I’ll be taking votes until tomorrow morning when I’m ready to crack one of these open.
Sacrificial Magic-because of the title, and because of the series title. So I’m easy! sometimes cover art convinces me LOL
That’s probably the best cover so far for this series, lol.
sacrificial magic!!!!!
Read yet or do you plan to read it, Cher?
I’ve read both Greyfriar books,and they are fun, steampunk stories with only one small flaw (to my mind). I’ll be interested in hearing what you think once you’re ready to read and review the first one.
I’ve never really read steampunk so I’m looking forward to it!
This was my introduction to steampunk, too, and I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. An alternate history that was very interesting. I can’t find anything that lists it as YA, btw. And it didn’t feel like it to me, though for my money, the only difference between YA and regular fiction should be less sex and violence. Young adults should not be written down to like children, and there are many YA novels that I find beautiful, and even profound. (The Scorpio Races comes to mind.)
Greyfriar isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot of fun, and the Greyfriar, himself, is a lovely character. I think you would like it, even though he’s not “bad-ass.” He’s still a brave fighter, with some mad skills.
I dunno, Hunger Games is considered YA and that had plenty of violence. I just think there’s less sex and usually the main characters are teenagers so sometimes it’s harder for me to relate to their issues anymore, even though I’m 26, lol. I like YA fine enough when it’s not in the high school setting.
I’ve started Greyfriar and I do quite like it so far.
Hi, VNF! The operative word in my YA comment was “should.” I didn’t mean to imply that they WERE written that way. Oh, no! Many, many so-called YA novels are written on what I would consider a grade school level, and I hate that. It’s insulting to a YA’s intelligence & supposed reading skills.
Young Adults should be perfectly capable of reading adult fiction, only with less violence and sex. Unfortunately, what YA adult novels OUGHT to be isn’t what many of them turn out to be. They often do contain more violence than I, personally, feel appropriate, and sometimes more sex, too. But I believe the original designation was that they should be pretty much the same as normal fiction, only with those two caveats.
I don’t mind teenage or high school characters in a YA book. For me, it’s all about the how it’s handled. I mean, there are only 7 basic plots (and that’s stretching it), anyway, so it’s all in the way the author tells the tale. Writing is everything! I’m not interested in high school characters who sound like stereotypical Valley Girls, for instance, but when they are mature, standing on the cusp of becoming a responsible adult, they can be wonderful lead characters. Many classics, both old & modern, feature young people as protagonists, and are certainly “grown up” fiction. (Treasure Island & To Kill A Mockingbird come to mind, for an older classic and a modern one). And I’m turning 68 (gasp, choke…how can that be???) next week, so I know what you mean about being able to relate. I can’t even REMEMBER high school…hardly! Again, I think it’s all in how the author chooses to tell the tale.
Aside from all of that, I’m glad you chose Greyfriar, and I hope you enjoy it. It’s not 5 stars, imo, but it’s still a solid, fun read, set in an intriguing world. Can’t wait to see what you think.
I see your point. As I’m reading Greyfriar right now I feel like the politics sort of makes it boring, but I guess it’s necessary.
Yeah, the politics are sort of critical in understanding their world in the beginning. But there will be plenty of action and other interesting things. At least, that’s how I found it. I was so intrigued by the alternate history, with the airships, etc. And I think you’ll like Greyfriar himself. Hope so!
Yeah it’s cool. So far I like Greyfriar enough, though Gareth is proving interesting too. Sorry, I can’t help my softspot for vamps, lol.
Veeee-eery interesting! Talk to me again in a few more chapters!
Okay so I made some progress. I see what you mean. Iactually wasn’t completely surprised because Adele said he seemed familiar and he did know where she was going, so I was somewhat suspecting it, but I’m happy that it’s true, lol.
Haha. I didn’t want to spoil your fun. ( As I think you know, I’m a vampire fan, too. )
Are you enjoying the storyline overall, yet? I don’t care much for the politics part, either, but it’s necessary, I think, in order to understand why certain things are important, and why certain decisions must be made. It’s not a book I took very seriously, but I did think it was fun. The second one, too. Maybe even more so. And I’m curious now to read more steampunk.
Sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I ended up reading the second book in a day, lol. I loved these books and it’s honestly sort of ruining my enjoyment of the latest Elemental Assassin book. I’ll be posting the review tomorrow. Woohoo!
Looking forward to your review. I really enjoyed both of them, too. I find the Greyfriar very interesting, and enjoyed the whole steampunk, flying airships thing a lot. After I read your review, I’ll tell you what I DIDN’T like. But I want to get your take on it, first.
I’m voting for The Greyfriar because I’ve already read By A Thread so I already and I don’t much like this Stacia Kane series so I’m not interested in that one. I have The Greyfriar in my own TBR pile so I’m curious about that one.
Greyfriar is off to an early lead. Interesting interesting! Still too soon to tell though. I’m loving the feedback!
Go for number one. You dont seem too eager for the others.
Thanks! It looks like this may win out regardless of my enthusiasm.
Greyfriar by far. Even though I was a Elemental Assassin fan. They’ve sort have sucked after book 3, IMO. I didn’t even like book 1 of the Downside ghosts, so I can’t recommend that.
If you can, wait for the 3rd and final Greyfriar book to be released, before delving in. I loved the 1st book, liked the 2nd, and hopefully the 3rd will be great. A little YA for my tastes, but really good and romantic.
Thanks, Steph! I agree that after Book 3 things sort of hit a slump for me, but when the books are good they’re good.
I probably can’t wait for the 3rd book at this point but it’s okay. At least its only one! I’m not the hugest YA fan, so I hope it’s not too heavy on the YA.
I voted Greyfriar too but I didn’t see it as very YA oriented. Only a touch. I’ve never read the others so don’t know anything about them.
Thanks, blp! Do you mind if I call you that? I love nicknames. I usually get VNF myself, lol.
Not having read any steam punk yet myself, I vote Greyfriar too. I have it on a maybe list. Love to see what you think of it.
So far so good!
Thanks, guys! It looks like Greyfriar won out!
Ummm, is there anyway I can borrow Sacrificial Magic while you read the other one. I’m dying to know what happens next. I really like this series for many reasons but just the fact that the main character is a drug addict was unusual.To each their own though . I look forward to your review on all of them.
You’d have to borrow my Kindle, LOL. If you have a Net Galley account though you should be able to request it:
http://netgalley.com/
I don’t really like Chess, but not because she’s a drug addict (honestly it’s not much different to me than having a tortured bloodlustful vampire as a main character). I just don’t feel like she’s interesting. Everything around her is way more interesting. And I like my main characters to have some humor. She has practically none. If I remember correctly she had a smidgeon more than usual in the third book.