I was doing some housework when the question of how many books did I borrow in 2011, popped in my head.
To answer the question it is: 44.
Actually let me rephrase that. It's 44 books that I borrowed and completed. There are a heap more I started but had to return. I will borrow them again, just in a more realistic fashion.
Here is what those 44 books looked like:
Not too bad.
Speaking of library borrowed materials, I have a DVD I want to watch.
I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of these books.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
This is the first book of the Mercedes (Mercy) Thompson series. Mercy is a character with a complicated background who is a coyote shifter but was raised by wolves. I liked the rhythm of this story and the two men in her life - Adam and Sam. I wonder how their triangle is going to play out. I will definitely be continuing one with the series.
One Night With The Wolf by Anna Hackett
This was one hot short story. Filled with passion, intrigue, and alpha wolves - both male and female. What more can you ask for?
Demon Hunts by C.E. Murphy
Book 5 of the Walker Papers. I really enjoyed seeing Joanne get more in tune with her powers, even though she's still stumbling along. Love the cast of characters. Great to see an old character come back.
His Captive Lady by Anne Gracie
Book 2 of the Devil Riders Series. I absolutely loved this and loved the characters. Especially loved the banter between the Devil Riders and Harry and his Aunt. Anne has a wonderful writing style that takes you away into the world of Regency.
Captive by Christina Phillips
Absolutely fantastic. Great setting of ancient Britain with the occupation by Rome. Great characters. HAWT read. Book two of the Forbidden series. Looking forward to book 3.
And now for the final tally of the 2011 Challenges. I have the lists for each challenge at the Past Challenges page. But here is a summary of how I went.
100+ Challenge - I read 74 books (so not reached but I'm really happy with what I did do).
Horror & Urban Fantasy - 12 out of 24 books read. Halfway done.
Mystery & Suspense - 4 out of 12 books read. 1/3 way done.
Stephen King Challenge - 1 out of 6 books read. Completely bombed out.
Romance Challenge - This was my own personal challenge and I read 21 out of 24 books - so ALMOST there. This challenge was helped along by my new column on Eleni's Taverna called Writing Buddies Wednesdays. Most were my writing buddies.
I have a great many books part read so I have already made a start to the new year.
November wasn't a busy month in regards to reading many books, but I at least finished off two.
The Rebel by J.R. Ward
Writing as Jessica Bird, this romance held humour, and raw pain as a bed & breakfast owner struggles to keep what has been in her family for generations. A new chef hobbles into her life, challenging her as no-one has before. Thoroughly enjoyed. Has the same wit, and insights to people as her paranormal romances do. And the romance between the two characters is lovely.
Tempt The Devil by Anna Campbell
The Queen of Regency Noir has done it again. Another notorious courtesan gets caught up with a man who challenges her every step of the way. Both have hurts in the past, and together they start to heal. This is not as dark as the first two of Anna's books (Claiming the Courtesan, Untouched), but is still full of deep emotion. Thoroughly enjoyed.
I'm pleased to say I've hit the 70 book mark. Yay.
I hope to finish off at least a couple of more books by the end of the year, but I'm very happy with this result. Not as much as last year, which I think I read a few more graphic novels and shorter works.
My goodness, it's the 9th November and I haven't put up my reads. It's just been rush, rush, rush...
So here we go:
A great month for catching up with my reading and finishing books off. Though the same can't be said for November so far.
As you can see, I'm finishing off books by my writing buddies, which I'm very happy about, as well as other started some time ago. Covet by J.R. Ward is an eBook I have on my phone, which I read mainly in waiting rooms. So it may have taken awhile, but at least those waiting rooms and waiting was not boring.
So far, I have read a total of 67 books this year. I'm reading thicker books and it does make a difference. But each book I read is a bonus, especially as life seems to be as I said, rush, rush, rush.
I can't believe it's the 9th October already. Seriously, where has the time flown.
I read / finished the following in September. I am quite pleased with this effort.
Goddess Girls - Persephone the Phony
Book 2 of the Mount Olympus Academy sees Persephone feel like a phony because she feels she has to agree and be nice with everyone. All that gets shaken up when she meets supposed bad boy, Hades. A cool take on Greek mythology and a book that's written well for the kids.
It suited the age group this is aimed for. I would have enjoyed when I was a child.
Penumbra by Keri Arthur
Book 3 of Spook Squad series which ended up being a trilogy. While it wraps up much of the mystery of the first 3 books, the upcoming war is left in the air. I'm not complaining as Keri wrote Riley Jensen and her story. I would have love to see how the characters progressed with the knowledge they have. Great stuff by Keri Arthur.
I reviewed End of the Night Girl in an earlier post, but I will say again that it's brilliant.
You have probably noticed an increased reading of romance genre books, with this month having Rachel Bailey's At the Billionaire's Beck and Call? and Claire Baxter's Her Mediterranean Makeover. I'm loving reading these books more regularly. While I don't write in these styles I appreciate their good stories and the category length. I believe that everything we experience (be it reading, writing, watching tv, taking the dog for a walk) all helps us with our own stories and inspiration. These two ladies are people whom I admire and it's no coincidence that I had them on my Writing Buddy Wednesday column over at Eleni's Taverna. What I have been trying to do is read the the author buddies featured as I go along. So the book goes to the top(ish) part of the TBR pile. It helps me get back to these books and support my friends.
So what am I currently reading from the WBW ~ Tracey O'Hara's Death's Sweet Embrace, and I'm totally loving it. She has such a fantastic style.
So to date, how am I going with the challenges?
Speculative fiction = 11/12 (no change)
Currently reading:
Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara
Covet by J.R. Ward
Troubletwisters by Garth Nix and Sean Williams
The King's Bastard by Rowena Cory Daniells
Horror & Urban Fantasy = 9/24 (up by 1)
Currently reading:
Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracey O'Hara
Mystery & Suspense = 4/12 (no change)
Currently reading: Moonlight Becomes You by Mary Higgins Clark
Stephen King = 1/12 (up by 1)
Will read: Under the Dome
Romance = 11/24 (up by 7)
Currently Reading:
Home is Where the Bark Is by Kandy Shepherd.
The Gunslinger - Dark Tower, 1 by Stephen King
Five stories in one volume. This is a surreal world - post apocolyptic - where the Gunslinger is on the hunt for the Man in Black. He comes across towns, settlements, and a boy on his journey across the desert for what he thinks is his final showdown - and searching the truth for the Dark Tower. I found it a little hard to follow at times - the surreal aspect of it - and a bit disjointed. I think that's what the world is like for the gunslinger. So will continue on to read the second book in the series.
Lover Unleashed - Black Brother Brotherhood, 9 by J.R. Ward
Payne's story and she's mixing it up with a human as well, Dr Manny. I continue to love this series, and loved seeing more of Vishous and Jayne. I love the feeling of family of the Brotherhood, and of course there's the action, the danger, the heartbreak. Such a fantastic take on vampires and love that the guys swear like guys do. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Rapunzel in NY by Nikki Logan
A wonderful category read. It was exactly the book I needed as I waited in a hospital waiting room. Beautifully drawn characters with hang ups about their past and how they start to look outside their spheres. Lovely writing.
Greek Myths by Deborah Locke
Was good to read the Greek Myths in an easy format aimed for kids. Definitely well aimed. Good illustrations.
Take A Chance, issues 1-5, by C.E. Murphy
Great drawings, great story. I enjoyed this series. I read it in the 5 installments instead of the one volume. What happens when an ordinary woman becomes a vigilante? Chance is now faced with superheroes interfering with her job.
Galactic Burn by Mel Teshco
All I can say is hawt, hawt, hawt - should come with a warning label. There is three alien males (they look human) and one VERY satisfied human female. :))
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Well I was lucky enough to be given a dedication in this book. I did enjoy the relationship between Marietta and Yiannis. The perception of one what says, what one thinks and what one does is highlighted in this book. Bravo, Trish.
Her Cattleman's Boss by Barbara Hannay
As usual, Barbara's stories are heartfelt and lovely. I adore Barbara's writing and her stories. I always walk away with emotion stuck in my throat. This one was no different.
So I've read some really good books. How about you? What have you read lately?
The Stone Mage and The Sea by Sean Williams
When I started this originally, while I enjoyed it, I couldn't get into it. A few months later, and reborrowing it from the library, and I was immersed of the world of The Strand, where the Sky Wardens rule. Sal and his father are on the run, and avoid these Sky Wardens, but Sal has no idea why. Until they come to a town, where an old man resides, and he finds out more about himself than he bargained for.
M is for Magicby Neil Gaiman
Gaiman is a real storyteller. In this collection of short stories aimed for children, he mixes genres and styles, but always there is a fascinating story there. Whether it be funny, more creepy, or just weird. I loved the NurseRhymeLand story in the detective noir style, the old lady who found the Holy Grail in her local Oxfam shop, and the story of the stray cat who has more power than it seems.
Her Dark Lord by Mel Teshco
A novella with Nocturne Bites. I enjoyed this story of a half vampire trying to find the Ancient One. Really good world-building, especially with the length. Also hawt. Well done to my DarkSider friend.
Immortal In Death by J.D. Robb
Book 3 of the In Death series featuring Eve Dallas and her beau, Roarke. I love the relationship between these two. Two people with bad pasts who have found eachother. In this book, Eve has a case close to home when her best friend is accused of murder. Eve is tenacious in proving her friend's innocence by being a good above the board cop. The case also brings up some startling memories too. I really enjoy the mystery and suspense in these books.
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Like The Stone Mage and The Sea, when I initially borrowed this book, I read it and liked it but it was slow going. Maybe because I wasn't used to the word usage imagery of the steampunk world. When I reborrowed it, I was able to get into it and the last half of the book flew by. I love the world-building in this - the Darwanist English vs. the Clanker Germans. An history with an alternative what if. It's the first in the series, so am looking forward to seeing where this goes.
The third book in the Sookie Stackhouse books. Sookie is looking for the missing Bill, and she questions their relationship. It doesn't help matters that she has an attraction to the werewolf, Alcide. More is revealed about the vampire and were worlds and their politics. Easy read. Enjoyed.
The Disworld Graphic Novels: The Colour of Magic & The Light Fantasticby Terry Pratchett
A fun read of the first two novels in the Discworld books. A good way to refamiliarise myself with the world, before I go to start reading book 3 (I read the first two many many years ago). Nice to see Rincewind, the tourist, and the luggage, again. The Pratchett humour still comes through in this form.
The Day My Bum Went Psycho by Andy Griffiths
The amount of bum jokes and references in this book is hilarious. The whole world has bum alternatives. Zack has to stop his bum from starting a revolution to take over the world. He gets more than he bargained for when he teams up with the B-Team (bum hunters). I couldn't help but laugh with this book. Very clever concept. I'm sure kids would love the potty humour.
The Illiad by Roy Thomas
This is a graphic novel based on Homer's Illiad. I thought the artwork was great, and there was the to-ing and fro-ing I remember from the story (I read Robert Graves' version during my university studies). I would love to see the Odyssey illustrated, as I enjoyed that story more. Still, a good way to read The Illiad without reading hundreds of pages.
Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
I love this series, and I enjoyed the tale of Vane and Bride. There was more about the Were-Hunters and the two factions. And how could you not love a man/wolf, who is besotted with a woman who is plus size, without making a big deal of it.
Goddess Girls: Athena the Brain by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
A modern retelling of the Olympian pantheon, where 12 year old Athena finds out she is a goddessgirl, her father is Zeus, and she's been accepted to go to Mount Olympus academy. While this doesn't follow the traditional tales, I still found it a fun read, and would loved to have read this as a tween.
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
A between the numbers novella, where Diesel makes a reappearance. Grandma has found some lucky money, which doesn't turn out to be lucky at all. The gang - Stephanie, Lula, and Connie make their way to Atlantic City to find grandma. I laughed out loud in so many scenes. I needed a pick me up, and this was definitely the right book for it. I think I also liked it because there wasn't too much angst over the Morelli / Ranger triangle.
So the run down is:
100+ challenge = 30/100
Speculative fiction = 5/12 (up by 1)
Horror & Urban Fantasy = 6/24 (up by 1)
Mystery & Suspense = 3/12 (up by 1)
Stephen King = 0/12 (no change)
Romance = 3/24 (no change)
Lagging behind on the Stephen King and Romance challenges.
I can't believe it's a week into May. Time is flying, but my reading is not so much. Though I was happy with my April reads.
Getting Even With Fran by Christine Stinson
Truly a lovely read. A look at the lives of 7 women just before a 30th year high school reunion. There are secrets, lies, betrayal, new love, lost love, difficult relationships - and there is humour in there too. Just a joy to read.
Castles by Colin Thompson
Picture book - different made up castles and object is for reader to see how many kings, queens, princes and princesses they can find. Lovely illustrations.
One Good Knight (Book 2 of The Five Hundred Kingdoms series) by Mercedes Lackey
We follow princess Andromeda in her quest for acceptance to be considered an adult by her mother the Queen. When she shows intelligence in research and matters of state, the Queen is pleased...but then a dragon appears terrorizing the countryside. Only one solution can be found - a virgin must be sacrificed every week until a Champion can arrive. The Tradition maneuvers to bring about the 'traditional path' in the lives of the Five Hundred Kingdoms. But it can be manipulated or steered in another direction. An enjoyable read - and love the dashes of humour here and there.... Bookwyrm!! :)
Wild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
An amusement park called Dreamland, five trapped demons, five guardians, one crow - it's all a wild ride. I enjoyed reading this book, but I had to return to the library half way through. Second time around, I read it quite effortlessly. I love the humour of the characters and the way they look at life.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
A slow start with the word of financial espionage and libel suit against Mikael Blomvkist. He gets an offer to work on a decades old murder and because it has the potential to lead to more info on the espionage, he accepts.
Lisabeth Salander, a freelancer with Milton Security (intelligence reports) is an girl who is unconventional in her looks, her attitude and her social niceties. We see her deal with her work and other personal matters. She's a loner and she is a ward of the state despite being 25.
About the first quarter is interesting but it is in a different style to what I'm used to - it is telling the story in many cases. But especially since we are introduced to Henrik Vanger and his mystery, and also Lisabeth, I was drawn more and more into the story. The last quarter especially has you gasping.
Apparently the Swedish title is Men Who Hate Woman, and that definitely suits the story and the mystery. (Mystery & Suspense)
Mistral's Kiss by Laurell K. Hamilton (book 5 of The Merry Gentry series)
Merry continues on her journey to stay alive in the Unseelie court. She and her men re-awaken old magic that had been lost. While of course there is some more sex with her guards (so she can get pregnant and therefore be named heir to the Unseelie Court - before her cousin Cel can). Definitely an erotic urban fantasy - I'm wondering if there are any positions left!!!
It is the intrigue of the courts that is fascinating and there is more and more as the book unfolds. The words flow effortlessly making it an easy read, despite all the political intrigue. (Horror & Urban Fantasy)
Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four Vol 1: Family of Heroes
This was a kid friendly version of the Fantastic Four. Good artwork as usual.
The Avengers: I am an Avenger by Marvel Comics
A collection of comic issues that include the changing of the official Avenger line up. It's really interesting to see it jump and see the changes over the years. Great artwork as you would expect.
Astonishing X-Men: Exogenetic by Warren Ellis
Fab artwork and because I don't read things in order of series, I do ponder over storylines. You can read as a one off though.
Storyteller: Writing Lessons From 27 Years of The Clarion Writers' Workshop by Kate Wilhelm
A really interesting read of two of the lecturers at Clarion. Very interesting of how it got started, and the whole process. And for once I read it without reading anything else (one reason was because I had to return to its owner). Still, it was good to read something on the craft and writing as a topic. I haven't done that in so long.
As you can see I have read more comics - actually, I should say I FINISHED the comics. I have quite a few books in the process of being read. I usually have books at different stages of reading and depending on my mood is what I would read. But with Storyteller, I tended to just to mainly concentrate on that book. And it was good to go back to that for a little bit at least. I'll see how I go.
Not a bad start at all. Things have slowed down over the last week though.
All of the books are listed in the 100+ challenge - I've just put specialised challenges in brackets.
The Secret Countess by Eva Ibboston
I started to find the rhythm about a 1/2 way through the book as there were more and more interactions. And of course with the introduction of Muriel, who I didn't like from the start.
The Gift by Cecilia Ahern
Lou is a man who is busy, busy, busy. You want to strangle him for being so clueless about his family but as time he grows on you as you see the doubts creep in and him realising what is important. While people may say this is cliche, it is something that makes you think about the way we spend our time. And really with the world seeming to speed up on us, this is a good thing - to think. (Spec Fiction)
At Twilight by Maggie Shayne
This is books 4 (Beyond Twilight) & 5 (Born in Twilight) from the Wings of The Night series. You don't really need to read the others to understand what is going on. There's little bits of information that is repeated, such as certain mortals having a rare gene that allows them to become vampires. And characters that reoccur but you don't really need their back story to follow it. I quite enjoyed the two stories and the way vampirism is handled. I'll read the previous books and then start from book 6 again.
(Spec Fiction)
House of Cards by C.E Murphy
Book 2 of The Negotiator Trilogy. I must say I enjoyed the rhythm of this book more than the first one. Oh don't get me wrong, the first one was good, but I thought it was better in this one. Margrit continues to be involved with the Old Races- and while on one side she wants things to be normal, on the other she loves the thrill of it also.
(Horror & Urban Fantasy)
Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
I loved this book and the writing - the humour always makes me laugh in Jenny Crusie's books and I love the rhythms of her scenes. She does things we are not told to do like say 'she thought' but she makes it works and I think who cares re those conventions. Her dialogue is witty and fun, and you you wonder if there ARE ghosts in the house or if it all a hallucination. Not to mention an ex-husband and wife who have never gotten over each other despite the ten years apart. It's a fantastic read.
(Romance)
The Dead of the Night by John Marsden
A great continuation to Tomorrow When The War Began. What I like about it is that is frank - the characters question, they are teenagers who are scared and tired, and they act REAL. And so while there's a lot of planning, a lot of talking and a lot of thinking, it feels right. Will definitely continue with this series.
These challenges are mainly a min. of 12 books which I believe I can handle, so I've add the speculative fiction one. Yes there are overlap in some but I will only be using a book once in each challenge (other than the 100+ challenge where all books will be placed).
I really need to dwindle my TBR pile and declutter my life. :)
Click image to go to sign up page
The baton has been passed for this one from Book City Chick to Floor to Ceiling Books.
OK that's four genre specific challenges, and I'll probably do the 100+ one again even if it's not on another site, I'll do my own.
I'm thinking of also doing a Romance Challenge - A-Z title, and A-Z author. Yes, I have many many romance books waiting to be read. But I'll think about that and get back to you.
Yes, another challenge - and you know this is the author I had in mind when I signed up for the Horror Challenge but no matter. It will be done. Now isn't that image just positively scary. Eek! Creepy clown, double eek!
