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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
Sunday Snippets
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Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Review: Precinct 13 by Tate Hallaway
Author: Tate Hallaway
Release Date: Aug. 7, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
ISBN: # 978-0425247792
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
Recent college grad Alex Conner is thrilled to have landed a job as the Hughes County coroner/medical examiner in Pierre, South Dakota. But when her first day on the job ends with a missing corpse, Alex starts to wonder if she would have been better off collecting unemployment...
When the cops made some cryptic comments about being careful with the body they brought in, Alex just thought the boys in blue were messing with her. That is, until something freaky happens that no amount of med school could have prepared her for. By the time Alex gets herself together, the body has disappeared and the other residents of the morgue start talking her ear off.
After working up the courage to report the missing body, Alex is transferred to the mysterious Precinct 13 where she discovers that her new co-workers—including a cute technomage named Jack—are paranormals just like her. Now, Alex is being encouraged to use her ability to speak to the dead to solve crimes. And despite being in the middle of nowhere, Hughes County sure does have a lot of paranormal activity…
What Nima’s talking about:
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Precinct 13 came to me categorized as paranormal romance. While it does have some romantic elements, that is definitely not the focus of the book. There are no explicit love scenes and even those are few in number. I would say it reads more like urban fantasy. In my opinion, the story starts out a little too light for the story that follows. We are introduced to Alex Conner who has an undergraduate degree in forensic science and some medical school. She has not completed medical school for reasons not delineated until later in the book. Over too many beers and whining about being unemployed, her buddy makes a $20 bet with her to run for county coroner of a rural corner in South Dakota. Virtually unopposed, she wins.
Despite the clumsy way in which Alex reaches Pierre, South Dakota, the story that follows is a promising beginning to what will most likely be a series. There seems to be an unusual amount of paranormal activity in Hughes County and Alex is now seated squarely in the thick of it. The potential is there for any number of stories and books to follow.
I enjoyed the premise, what would a police force look and sound like if they all had some kind of supernatural talent—a mage who specializes in technology, witches, familiars, vampires, bag ladies who are not what they appear, even rumors of dragons? Alex herself can speak to the dead; an interesting if useful trait in a coroner trying to solve a murder.
There isn’t a lot of humor in this book, but Alex doesn’t take herself too seriously either. With a slightly sarcastic eye out for all that is clearly ridiculous about whom she is and what’s going on under the noses of the “ordinarium” community we get quotes like this:
…I figured it was still my duty to inform him [the police chief] that there was a corpse wandering around town. In case, I don’t know, they needed to put out an APB for a gutted guy carrying his liver.
Hallaway’s website bio discloses that she is a witch, though not part of any coven, she just believes in magic. I think it is, perhaps, revealing when the character Jack explains about the ordinarium,
“All children…can see magic. This is one of the reasons we love fairy tales when we’re little. We recognize the truth in them…. Teenage hormones change everything…. Ordinarium like to call it ‘growing up.’ But it’s really growing out of magic.”
Because Alex is just learning about her paranormal skills and finding her niche in Precinct 13, we get the benefit of learning along with her. For all her stumbling however, the action doesn’t slow down, right through to an explosive ending. Hallaway is creative in a market which is unfortunately full of too many mediocre paranormal books. I like these characters enough, especially Valentine, to definitely come back to Pierre, South Dakota if Hallaway chooses to make this a series. She’s certainly set it up that way, but does it without leaving you feeling like you’re missing anything at the conclusion of Precinct 13. There are no annoying cliff-hangers and that alone is a huge recommendation in my mind.
Nima’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Monday, August 6, 2012
Review: Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff
Blood Fever
Author: Veronica Wolff
Release Date: Aug. 7, 2012
Publisher: NAL Trade
The Watchers #3
ISBN: #978-0451237033
Genre: Young Adult (Urban Fantasy)
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME —
EVEN IF HOME IS WHERE THE DEAD LIVE.
It’s the start of the fall semester, and a new crop of Acari and Trainees has descended on the Isle of Night. Watcher training has intensified, and Drew has a new roommate named Mei-Ling. But Mei-Ling harbors a dangerous secret that drove the vampires to abduct her against her will. Drew knows she shouldn’t get involved, but she can’t seem to leave her roommate to fend for herself.
Luckily, Drew has other things on her mind—like vampire Carden. A blood bond to a brawny, eighteenth-century Scottish bad boy tends to preoccupy a girl. And though she’s still figuring out what this bond means, one thing has become clear: She craves him in a major way.
But then bodies start turning up on the island. All the evidence points to the existence of a rogue vampire, and the sinister vampire Alcántara is gunning for Carden, even though Drew has proof that Carden had nothing to do with the murders. Now she has to find the true killer—without endangering Carden, Mei-Ling, or herself…
What G & U are talking about:
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Gikany and Una make no qualms about it, this Watchers series is excellent. It is for truly for young adults (high school and older) unless your middle school child is mature enough to handle the violence and romantic situations.
The latest installment in the Watchers series is Blood Fever, and, man, did it heat up! If you haven’t picked up this series yet, what are you waiting for?! The premise, characters and mythology are fresh, enthralling and invigorating. Sadly, Ms. Wolff has no qualms about killing characters; however, it is never done without reason.
The Watchers is a series told from the perspective of Annelise Drew. If you think of the Isle of Night as a combination of the evil Twilight vampires and the Hunger Games, you’ll have a good idea of what this series is about. Drew is brought to the Isle of Night under false pretenses to be trained as a Watcher. Watchers are highly trained and extremely lethal women who protect and support the exclusively male Vampires. There are some obviously chauvinistic tendencies seen by the way Vampires treat the Watcher trainees, as most of the vampires on the island are very old. Despite this, the training is fascinating. Oh, we forgot to mention, you don’t fail out of this training, you live to advance or you die trying.
After the conclusion of the second book, Vampire’s Kiss, Drew has the added complication of her connection with Carden McCloud, the very attractive and very different Vampire she rescued. The interactions between Carden, *ahem* Master McCloud, and Drew are wonderful. Ms. Wolff masterfully allows the reader to be a teenager again in Drew shoes. It is a treasured opportunity to experience again first-hand all those new found emotions, spurred by hormones all while trying to temper it with logic.
We enjoyed the introduction of Drew’s new roommate, Mei-Ling. The subtle differences between the two of them, the mystery over why this particular Acari was placed with Drew and the friendship that blossoms between them was gripping. What is more, the quiet strength of Mei-Ling was appealing and a well-placed juxtaposition to the loud mouthed brawn of Drew. Their interactions while teaming up with Drew’s best friend, Emma (she is just so awesome) in Blood Fever and the outcome of it at the end was enthralling and heartfelt. The great team that Emma and Drew made (something thoroughly discouraged by the Vampires) was only enhanced by the addition of Mei-Ling. This is especially evident as they investigate the rogue Vampire who is killing people…without permission and leaving their bodies to be found.
This is a difficult review to write without giving anything away. The ending of Blood Fever will surprise you, anger you, and yet, if you read the snippet from the next novel The Keep, will give hope. Drew still has a long road ahead of her, but at least she has the first year down. So if you haven’t done so, pick up the Watchers series, you won’t regret it!
Their Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Labels:
5 stars,
G-U Review,
NAL,
paranormal YA,
The Watchers,
Veronica Wolff,
YA Literature
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1 comments
August Book Giveaway
Hello readers... Happy SUMMER! I am engrossed in the Summer Olympics - Women’s Gymnastics and Swimming are my favorite events. Also, as I type this I am packing my things to head to NEW ORLEANS on Tuesday for the 2012 Authors After Dark Con. I’ll be there from August 7-12, and I hope to bring back some goodies to share with all of you. In the mean time, I’ve got some books to giveaway this month...
How do these titles sound?
Set #1
A Hundred Words for Hate by Thomas E. Sniegoski
Two Weeks’ Notice by Rachel Caine
Darklands by Nancy Holzner
Biting Cold by Chloe Neill
Set #2
A Wolf at the Door by K.A. Stewart
Precinct 13 by Tate Halloway
Eternal Beast by Laura Wright
Set #3
One Night Rodeo by Lorelei James
Wedded in Sin by Jade Lee
The Dark Earl by Virginia Henley
White Hot by Nina Bruhns
Three (3) lucky winners will win some great books.
The Rules: To be entered, please use the RAFFLECOPTER form below. As part of the entry, leave a comment telling me which Olympic Event is your favorite AND which book set (#1-3) you prefer if you win (I will do my best to accommodate the winners’ first choice; you may list more than one set). You do not need to be a google friends connect follower of my blog, but it is always appreciated. Contest is open from August 6, 2012 until Saturday August 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM EDT. One entry per person. Contest is restricted to US and Canadian mailing addresses only. Three (3) winners will be selected from eligible entries. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail.
If you have problems with the RAFFLECOPTER form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thanks and Happy Reading!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Sunday Snippets #115
Visions of ChainsAuthor: Regan Hastings
Awakening Novel #3
Publisher: Signet
Released: June 5, 2012
REVIEW HERE
"The bullet's still in her shoulder, Finn." The man who'd called Deidre "bitch" spoke softly. "We've gotta get it out."
"Deidre will get it out, Mike."
"Me?" She turned her head around to look up at him. "She needs a doctor."
"No," Shauna muttered. "No doctors. Have to report bullet wounds. Might as well take me straight to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred dollars."
"Damn it, Shauna, this isn't a game." Deidre glared at her friend, then softened her tone because she'd already been shot. SHe didn't need to be yelled at. "You need a transfusion and antibiotics."
"We've got emergency medical equipment here," Joe said, walking up to stand alongside Finn. "We take care of our own."
"Just one big crazy family, how nice," Deidre snapped.
"You can get the bullet out, Deidre," Finn told her, going down on his haunches. He met her gaze an said, "Use your magic. Pull the metal from her shoulder. It will be less invasive than one of us using forceps to dig around in her flesh."
"Oh, God," Shauna moaned.
Deidre swallowed hard at that image and knew she'd have to try. She couldn't let Shauna suffer even more pain. Not if she could help it. "Fine. Just tell me what to do."
"You already know," Finn said. "Just do what you did outside. Direct your power with your mind."
"This is crazy," Mike muttered. "Just because she can throw guns doesn't mean she -"
Finn shot him a look that had the man shutting up fast. Deidre didn't blame him. Even with his features calm and blank, Finn was intimidating. A look of fury from him was bound to strike fear into the heart of anybody with a brain.
"Okay, just ... back off," she said, looking at all of them in turn. "Shauna, I'm going to try to get the bullet out, okay?"
"Do it, Dee." She closed her eyes, and bit down hard on her bottom lip.
Hands sweaty, throat dry as dust, Deidre was half afraid she would have that meltdown she'd been joking about a few minutes ago. But like Finn had pointed out, there was no time for it now. She'd do that later. Indulge in a rant or a crying fit and then she'd demand some answers from the man kneeling right beside her.
Taking a deep breath, she laid her hands over Shauna's wound and felt the cold stickiness of congealing blood against her palms. She tried not to think about the fact that it was her friend's blood and instead concentrated on calling up that sparkling sense of power she had felt earlier.
She thought it would be hard.
It wasn't.
As soon as she reached for it, her magic was there. As if it had been hidden away in a locked chest for years and now was just eager to be used. To be needed. She smiled to herself as the shimmer of something wondrous spread from her heart, down her arms to her hands and then to her fingertips. Focusing on the shape and size of the bullet within her friend's body, Deidre pulled on it with her mind.
She felt it move. Felt it sliding from tissue and muscle to edge past bone. While Shauna whimpered, Deidre concentrated, calling it forth, drawing on her magic, on the amazing thing she was doing until-
The bullet popped free and landed in Deidre's palm. It glittered in the candlelight, a shiny, blood-streaked brass piece of metal, smashed at the tip from its contact with Shauna's body. Astounding that something so small could do so much damage.
"Good job," Joe said and edged her out of the way. "I'll take over now."
He motioned to Mike to break open the medical supplies and then spared a smile for Shauna. "I'll have you stitched up in no time, cutie."
"Oh, God," Shauna moaned. "I've seen how you sew."
"Everybody's a critic..."
Friday, August 3, 2012
Review: Darklands by Nancy Holzner
Darklands
Author: Nancy Holzner
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Publisher: ACE
Deadtown #4
ISBN: #978-1937007706
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/Author
About the book:
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Boston’s demons have been disappearing, and Vicky’s clients are canceling left and right. While fewer demons might seem like a good thing, Vicky suspects foul play. A missing Celtic cauldron from Harvard’s Peabody museum leads her to an unwelcome conclusion: Pryce, her demi-demon cousin and bitter enemy, is trying to regain his full powers.
But Pryce isn’t alone. He’s conjured another, darker villain from Vicky’s past. To stop them from destroying everything she loves, she’ll have to face her own worst fear—in the realm of the dead itself.
What I’m talking about:
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After the previous two Deadtown series books opened with our heroine Vicky working at her job as a demon slayer, it was a completely fun change of pace to witness Vicky participating in the zombie high school career event. Vicky is there to help her one-time apprentice, Tina, although she’d rather be out fighting evil. Things seem to go as planned until a vicious Harpy demon attempts to kill Vicky, and she must demonstrate her job first hand to the zombie teens. Such is the life of Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer. Oh, AND she may also be the subject of an ancient prophecy, she has a demi-demon cousin out to kill her, she’s summoned an Eidolon demon who is literally gnawing away her insides because of her own guilt, she’s dating a high-profile werewolf, and now she has to deal with another woman trying to horn in on her wolf, er... man.
Darklands kicks off shortly after the conclusion of Bloodstone, but if you haven’t read the previous books, not to worry. Ms. Holzner does a fantastic job weaving critical pieces of earlier books into this story. We recall how Vicky is working to repair her relationship with her sister, Gwen, especially since her niece, Maria, is showing signs of being a shapeshifting Cerddorion. We are reminded of the past battles Vicky has fought with her “cousin” Pryce and the Hellion that marked her, Difethwr the Destroyer. And finally we recollect how Vicky’s Aunt Mab and boyfriend Kane have fought beside Vicky time and time again.
One thing that I enjoy immensely about the Deadtown series is watching Vicky grow as an individual from the start to finish of each book, and how she builds upon the progress from book to book. In this story we go further into Vicky's psyche via the Eidolon. Having Vicky infest herself with a demon was an interesting twist. While providing some comic relief, the primary purpose is to help Vicky work through all of the things she regrets/feels guilty about, etc.
I delight in the continuing developing relationship dynamic between Vicky, Gwen and Maria. Ms. Holzner gives the reader both “normal” family drama and interactions - adolescent girl vs. mother, etc., but then add in a shapeshifting teen, when her mother has personally closed the door to that life... It makes for intense side plots. It is wonderful to be privy to Vicky’s thought process of how she balances helping Maria but not overstepping her role as mentor and Aunt.
Another area of personal growth that is front and center in Darklands is within her relationship with Kane. When another wolf, Simone, makes an obvious play for Kane, Vicky must deal with a wide array of emotions that she did not know were in her. Once again, knowing her inner-most thoughts on this matter were entertaining and enlightening, ranging from both heart-warming to heart-breaking. I was seriously worried for the entire book that Vicky would lose her chance to figure out her feelings before it was all too late.
Darklands continues the story of Vicky vs. Pryce. Vicky discovers that Pryce is attempting to recreate his shadow demon by smuggling captured demons into the Darklands - the “afterlife” plane where souls move on, wait to be reborn in a new life, or are regenerated and continue to stay in the Darklands. Once again, Vicky strikes out on her own, feeling the weight of saving the world rests solely on her shoulders. She makes a deal with the Mistress of the Hunt to enter the Darklands so she may begin her quest to defeat Pryce. Fortunately, Vicky finds help from her long-dead father, Evan. Together the two not only go on a danger-filled journey, but they take the time to clear the air and reconnect. Again, a superb balance of action and emotion.
As I mentioned earlier, I was really worried about Vicky for, well, most of the book. I had a knot in my belly, wondering if things would work out, because for a while nothing was going right for Vicky. NOTHING! It felt like no one cared much, but that's because we are in "Vicky's head" via her POV. I was so mad at her for not letting others help her, but she always does what she thinks is best for others - a quality that can be extremely aggravating at times. It made for a gripping (and rewarding) read, one that I want to read again.
Darklands is another solid and wonderful story from Ms. Holzner. Her stories are fierce and exciting, full of spirit and emotion. The stories feel familiar, but the mythology is unique. Ms. Holzner's world is engrossing and engaging. It's not easy, but she always finds a way to pull together all of the pieces of the story by the end of each book. In the end, Vicky must take a long hard look at what is in her heart and decide what is worth fighting for. I love it!
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Deadtown (Book 1)
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Review: Biting Cold by Chloe Neill
Please welcome Wendy, who brings you today’s Guest Review of...
Biting Cold
Author: Chloe Neill
Release Date: Aug. 7, 2012
Publisher: NAL
Chicagoland Vampires #6
ISBN: #978-0451237019
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago's vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye - and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing - among humans or nonhumans.
Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest to tail a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he'll stop at nothing to get the artifact for himself
No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.
What Wendy is talking about:
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I have to say, this book was nothing like I expected. When Drink Deep left off it seemed like the next book had a really clear direction: 1. Ethan was alive, 2. He and Merit were going on a road trip, 3. They were going to track down and protect the Maleficium (big book of evil) and 4. Hopefully capture Merit's friend Mallory (who needs a serious "black magic" intervention). And don't get me wrong, most of those things occur but somehow all of it is wrapped up by approximately page 86! I thought we might get a little fun, maybe a little romance, but noooo.... Ethan and Merit fly (literally) back to Chicago and dive right back into a new supernatural mystery and the same political issues the books have dealt with for a while.
There are now two Seth Tate's (former evil Mayor of Chicago), one of whom is extra-evil and looking to dispense vigilante "justice" on the citizens of Chicagoland. While the vampires look for a way stop the evil twins they also have to manage the fall-out from Cadogan House's run-in with the Greenwich Presidium.
About halfway through the book, I admit, I nearly gave up. Ethan and Merit still weren't together and the book was bogged down with human and vampire politics (What will the GP do?! How will the new evil Mayor of Chicago come after Cadogan house?!). I was really starting to wonder if the over-arching stories were ever going to proceed. But... things took a turn for the better, I kept reading and was rewarded... finally!
I think fans of the series will breathe a big sigh of relief at a lot of the developments in this book. Merit has evolved into a strong character who takes care of herself and the people around her. Seeing her develop from whiny new vampire to true Sentinel of Cadogan House has been one of the pleasures of this series. In Biting Cold, Ethan finally learns to trust her skills and her instincts and it brings them together as lovers and partners. I can't wait for the next installment!
Wendy’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Review: The Wannabe Vampire by Alex Taylor
The Wannabe Vampire
Author: Alex Taylor
Release Date: June 23, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Michael Alexander / Keri Logan Series
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Michael Alexander is not your typical vampire.
He has a house in a small coastal California city, a software development team in Mumbai, and a black Toyota Prius. He wants nothing more than to enjoy the pleasant life he’s crafted for himself and the friendship of Kari, his new next door neighbor.
Unfortunately, Michael also has a stalker.
Bruce is convinced that only the power of a vampire can save him from the ghost that haunts him. After a chance encounter in the grocery store, he turns to Michael for help. When Bruce’s entreaties are rejected, his unstable nature takes over. Trapped between a desperate and deranged man and his fantasies, Michael and Kari are caught in the crossfire.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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The Wannabe Vampire is NOT your typical vampire love story. On the contrary, Michael Alexander is the epitome of 21st Century. He runs a software company based overseas, therefore he works nights to coincide with their daytime work hours. He enjoys contemporary entertainment, and uses social media to 'hunt'. Yup. Seriously. Quite an astute observation on our society as well as how a vamp would have to adapt in our world. Really, there's nothing in his living habits that would give him away to the general populace.
Keri moved in next door. She is not the damsel-in-distress type. Initially, she struck up a friendship with her neighbor out of courtesy – good neighbor and all that jazz. Soon, they both realized that there was more between them. Establishing their relationship and taking the 'next step' was rather clinical, in my opinion. However, in this day and age, it's quite intelligent and (should be) accurate for anyone concerned with their health.
Bruce is our unlikely villain. Plagued with visits from ghosts since he was a child, Bruce believes that vampires are immune to ghosts. Wow. I have rarely read about a 'villain' such as Bruce. The type you pity or feel as though he is a mere annoyance.
While there was the internal conflict for both Kari and Michael, whether they were prepared for a romantic relationship, the external conflict – Bruce – wasn't nearly as compelling for this reader. At about the 80% mark, the internal/external conflict surrounding Michael's feeding was actually quite a strong piece of writing, wrought with emotion and the sensuality you'd assume would be a staple in the vampire genre.
Kudos to author Alex Thomas for putting together a modern-day tale of a vampire falling in love and NOT ravishing the object of his affections. Good to know there are still some honorable undead left out there. I look forward to future installments of the Michael Alexander/Keri Logan series.
VampBard’s Rating:
|
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
4 stars,
Alex Taylor,
novella,
paranormal romance,
self-published,
Vampbard review
|
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