absolutely brilliant series
935491
Really enjoying this series, can't wait for books VI onwards.  Each book has great storyline and manages to seamlessly carry on from it's predecessor! The history of the roman empire and the input by Julius Caesar and his political adversaries is brilliantly set out, especially his "invasion" of other so called uncivilised countries and the fear of the Druids by both some roman commanders and also the peoples undertheir spells!
3050938
Diana Gabaldon is an absolutely brilliant author. From her plot, to her structure, to her language, syntax, and insight, she is a powerhouse of fiction. I PROMISE these books will NOT disappoint you. I read them for the first time back in high school, my mom introduced me. I'm nearly 24 now and have lost count of how many times I have reread these books. Every time a new book is released, I reread this series (plus a few extra times in between). You walk away from these books feeling like you know these characters as people and friends, or enemies depending. The voices these characters have call to you and you will want to revisit them, hear their stories just one more time. Each time you reread them (and I assure you - you will!) there is some new treasure to discover - some aspect of plot you missed, some description that fascinates...You know that question, if you were stranded on a desert island? Well, this is the series. Do not be put off by the length (they do get longer), but once you finish the first book, you'll find yourself thankful for the size of future books - it is a story too good to end. I cannot recommend these books enough. So find a quiet place, rip this book out of its packaging and dig in! Because I am so in love with these books, please feel free to contact me to chat about them or just to let me know whether you love them as much as I do! Email me at lisa@optimum7.com and find more contact information here:
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2768937
I've already made the extremely bold statement about Game of Thrones that this series is second only to Tolkien.  Several aspects make this series outstanding: The characters, the unpredictability, and the harsh realism.

The characters are what make this series so good.  Martin writes each book from several characters' points of view.  The suspense is so well done that you find yourself jumping ahead to that character's next chapter just to see what happens.  The characters are extremely well developed, and by writing from their point of view, Martin helps you understand the way they think and act.  Every character is fascinating, but there is a handful that I just can't get enough of (Arya, Tyrion).  Every character is complex--there are very, very few characters that you can categorize as "good" or "evil." Instead, characters are a realistic mix of selfish flaws and good intentions.

The realism of ASOIAF doesn't end with the characters.  In most fantasy books, the author will never kill off a main character. This results in no suspense, as you never fear for a character.  This leads to such predictability that it can really detract from a reading experience.  This norm is never farther from the truth than in ASOIAF.  In Martin's books, no one is safe.  Just read Game of Thrones and be prepared to be shocked.  Once Martin shows you he's not afraid to kill anyone, it adds so much suspense to the rest of the series.

Everything about these books have an air of harsh reality.  Folks, these books ain't no Harry Potter, and their not for kids.  They describe a dark but enthralling world where violence, incest and rape are commonplace.  But anyone who knows anything about the Middle Ages knows these times were not Disneyland. This adds to the realism and suspense.

In the back of my mind I have a fear this series could turn into another Robert Jordan debacle, spanning to 10+ books in the series.  But then I think, I don't care if this series takes 20 books to finish--every book is so absolutely enjoyable that I hope it doesn't end.

A Storm of Swords is set after the major battle of Clash of Kings.  Although there might not be as much combat action as Book II, there are even more major plot developments.  One you start the last 1/3 of this book, you just can't stop until it's finished. It will leave you happy, sad and mad, and of course, very impatient for Book IV.
1054574
I love this series. My wife and I have watched it all the way through a few times over the last couple of years. The storyline is great, the character development is superb, acting is absolutely first rate (you will fall in love with every character) and the animation is fantastic. I think my biggest compliment goes to the writers of this series for never losing track of the story, never forgetting who the characters are, and for ending spectacularly. Watch this series, you'll love it.
1168963
This series just gets better and better, it is quite literally one of my favorite pastimes now!! Reading this fantastic ARC of Birthday and Bodies, and all I can think is Agata Frost ;) can do no wrong. And Julia again is at top form. This time we are treated to Barkers birthday and we get to meet his family, and its a Birthday that none of the folks of Peridale will soon forget. In an attempt to surprise Barker Julia has located and convinced Barkers estranged and if not quirky and devious family members to attend. His brothers and their wives and niece and nephew attend.  Family secrets are uncovered a nephew is found murdered and all the suspects are family members. Again fans will be treated to a fantastic myriad of clues,red herrings and truly shocking conclusions that keep every new entry to this series fresh and the dynamics of all the principle characters growing and moving forward.
256675
Instead of reviewing every book I will make it easy.  This is by far one of the best series I have ever read. I read the first 9 books in 3 days.  The cast of characters the author has come up with is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!  They are the most diverse group ever.  But that is exactly what makes them so great together.
206355
What an amazing series! Loved, loved, loved everything about the books.
2843825
This was a brilliantly wrote series that I could not put down once I started. This was one of those rare series that you pick up that have it all. The series is also very religious and it takes a hard look at the different types of religions out there and how each has different, but profound effects on one's life, all the while pointing back to Jesus.

The first book opens up with Katherine (aka Alcatraz) that has gone from having a loving family and a comfortable home life to a sudden and traumatic tragedy that strikes leaving her alone and struggling for answers. She soon embarks on her own personal faith journey to try and discover who she really is and what she really believes. By the time you get the end of the third book you have ventured down this wonderful path through all these different religions with some intense dialogue to wind up at the feet of Jesus.
I think this whole series was a remarkable undertaking that everyone can relate to at some point and time in life. Our parent's faith cannot remain ours forever.  We have to decide to create our own faith and that starts with asking tough questions and seeking the answers for ourselves. Alcatraz's journey was real, exciting to watch and beautiful with how it unfolded in the end.

What does Jesus offer that other religions don't? I recommend you pick up this series and see for yourself what Katherine discovered.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review at [...]. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The Goddess Fish Review
1667096
I am absolutely riveted by this series. I can't wait for the next book! The characters are so well-developed, you feel like you really know them. Their story is a fascinating one that has me completely spell-bound. There are so many amazing elements to these books - apocalypse, preternatural, suspense, love, horror, and faith. Amazingly well-written.
1318403
I absolutely loved this series! Warning once you pick it up you'll never want to put it down! The series brilliantly written! I am age fourteen and I could easily relate to the main character Bella Kirkwood. A Charmed Life continues to get better each chapter! I admire the fact this book contains several genres, including; mystery, comedy, romance, action, and drama. Jenny B. Jones is hilarious and she knows exactly how to get my heart pounding with excitement. The mysteries are unsolvable and kept me guessing. Bella 's relationship  and friendship with Luke is so sweet and romantic! I completely recommend this series! My best friend is currently reading it also she loves it so far!
2895583
What can I say about these guys???  They are totally beyond anything I could imagine.  Brilliant, and so perfectly done.  LOVE THIS ENTIRE SERIES.
3768096
This is hands down the best series I've read in a very long time- complicated, nuanced characters with their own perspectives, predictable tropes inverted, world building on a grand scale with matching character growth which is by turns heart-rending, exasperating AF, but ultimately richly satisfying. There some seriously dark, deep, examination of real life human emotions that one rarely finds in heroic fantasy- the main character begins life as both sympathetic (who among those who love this genre wasn't a brooding teenager?) and an annoying little twerp (because, really); the heroines revolve around the main male protagonist, but have their own, utterly independent experiences and feelings, complete with powers far greater than our "hero". If you can manage not to swear off after the emotional roller coaster of the The Magicians, you will be thoroughly fulfilled by the next two books. I had trouble putting them down, and then ached at the prospect of ending the experience in the last pages.
249434
I have been reading these since they were on wattpad, and then quotev after that, and I have to say, this series is right up there with Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl. This whole series is AMAZING. The plot and character development is OFF THE CHARTS, while still maintaining plausibility. The whole series reads like a rollercoaster that is constantly increasing in speed and is going up 75% of the time, never a dull moment. And when there isn't any action to be had, the interaction between the characters is intensely intrigueing, and on top of that, you have the protaganists antics to amuse you.
4432700
This is my all time favorite series-absolutely brilliant. Right when you think it's over messenger throws in an entirely new twist and I can not wait for the next book to come out
1568486
This is by far the best young adult/paranormal series that I have read in a very long time. The way that Sarah brings the stories to life with details and action and oh my favorite, the angst. Absolutely brilliant! I really liked how unique and relatable the characters were. Sarah really brought them to life making you feel like you have known them forever. The relationship between Mary and Lacey was by far my favorite.  A person can only be so lucky to find a friendship like theirs. I wouldn't mind if this series went on and on. I loved being with these characters and going along with their adventures.
4147789
5* Absolutely loved it

Well what can I say?  Firstly, please can we have more?  This trilogy is firmly one of my favourite all time reads.  Each part could be read as a stand alone but who would do that? Who would deny themselves the thrill of the roller coaster journey?

I absolutely loved these books, the characters and the ride.

Though the story and characters are set in a world of international espionage and corruption, they are likeable and believable, even the bad guys.  I feel privileged to have shared the developing story as Angie Smith has revealed it to us.

These books are complex and intelligently written and have interesting plots, cleverly intertwined with brilliant characters, locations and descriptions.  At the same time they have very enjoyable and gripping storylines which mirror some current international events and thinking.
I'm not going to tell you the story in these books because I honestly think you should read and discover their brilliance for yourself.  You'll thank me for that.

Well done Angie, I'm sure there's at least one more book in this particular series (I'm begging here) and hopefully new stories in your head to tell us.  I for one will be keeping my eyes open for your future books
2736367
This brilliant series kept me rivited page after page. The depth of the characters led to feeling they were my friends, or true enemies. I feel the world Maxey created around me, life infused into nearly every word. I've read this series twice and can't wait for a movie to come out.