Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014 is over

We have come to the end of 2014.

I have read a lot more books this year than expected. 248 in all, that is 70255 in total. I am still taking part in a lot of reading challenges, more and more of them from Goodreads.

I have decided that in 2015 I am going to try and take part in new challenges which means that there are some that I have been taking part in a couple of years that I won't be doing again. I am also a bit behind as I usually at this point have joined most of the challenges I want to take part in but I have to do that over the next few days.

December 2014 Update

December has been a crazy reading month for me. First the Tower Team challenge started again and I wanted some books read for that. Then I heard about the Hogwarts challenge and then it went completely mad. I have read 29 books which is a total of 7944 pages. That is the highest number of pages any month this year.

My December books:
  1. Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi
  2. The Lazarus Machine by Paul Crilley 
  3. Den sidste stjerne by Hans Blangstrup Christensen 
  4. Driven to Date by Susan Hatler
  5. Reckless by Cornelia Funke  
  6. Promise by Kristie Cook
  7. Elfhunter by C.S. Marks
  8. The Little Christmas Kitchen by Jenny Oliver
  9. Toby Streams the Universe by Maya Lassiter
  10. Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour
  11. A Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber
  12. Any Witch Way You Can by Amanda M. Lee
  13. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
  14. Red Stilettos by Ruth Joseph 
  15. Enchanted Secrets by Kristen Middleton
  16. Head Over Halo by Molly Snow
  17. Murder Most Witchy by Emily Rylands
  18. Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
  19. A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker
  20. Unicorn Bait by S.A. Hunter 
  21. Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
  22. The Brands Who Came For Christmas by Maggie Shayne
  23. The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
  24. Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey 
  25. Into Your Arms by Abigail Strom
  26. The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain 
  27. Vacations from Hell by Libba Bray 
  28. Fatal Boarding by E.R. Mason 
  29. Crime in the Community by Cecilia Peartree

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts Castle Scavenger Hunt - Finished

Hogwarts Castle Scavenger Hunt hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

The challenge started the 15th of December and we were going to continue to the tickets were found. The tickets were found on the 26th of December. We were now given till 2nd of January 2015 to reach them. I started in Ravenclaw common-room and when the ticket were found I was luckily only about 6 books from the tickets. I read a lot and got there today. This was a fun challenge, a bit shorter than expected but still fun.

Hogwarts Castle Scavenger Hunt
December 15, 2014 - No Deadline


"The castle is a stronghold of ancient magic."
—Albus Dumbledore

Hogwarts Castle is a large, seven-story high building supported by magic, with many towers and turrets and very deep dungeons, built in the late Early Middle Ages (c. 993) by a wizard architect and the four most celebrated wizards of the age: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. The Castle houses Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, regarded as the finest wizarding school in the world.

Due to the castle’s immense size, first years have been known to get lost and be late for classes. In order to familiarize first years with the castle, I have devised a scavenger hunt that will take you to the most hidden corners of the castle. Hidden somewhere within the castle or on the castle grounds are two tickets to The Weird Sisters concert in Hogsmeade at the end of the year.. The student who reaches the tickets first will receive 15 House points and win the concert tickets. All others who reach the tickets will receive 10 House points, while students who participate in the scavenger hunt, but do not reach the tickets, will receive 5 House points.

Each student will begin in his/her Common Room. Once the associated task is complete, you will be given further directions. Some directions will lead you to shortcuts, some to dead ends. Remember, Hogwarts is a very magical place, and you never know what you might run into!

*POINTS*
15 Points to the first student to reach the concert tickets
10 Points to all other students who reach the tickets
5 Points to all students who participate but do NOT reach the tickets

Directions:
-Once you have completed the associated task for each room, post the task and any required information in the Progress Report thread. Once your task has been verified, I will post your next set of directions.
-Most tasks will require you to choose a number that will lead to your next location. You may choose the number yourself or use the Random Number Generator (on the right side of the page) to select your number. You must include this number in your completed post!

Rules:
-All books must be at least 125 pages in length (unless otherwise stated)
-You may ignore “A”, “An”, and “The” in titles (unless otherwise stated)
-If the task requires you find something on the book cover, you MUST post the cover!
-If it is not clear how the book fits the task, you MUST give a short explanation

There are 125 locations where the tickets could be hidden! This challenge could take a very long time to complete, or one lucky student may find them very quickly! No two students search will be the same!

 

✔ 1. Ravenclaw Common Room – Read a book with a blue and/or bronze cover.
A Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber  A Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber

✔ 2. Seventh Floor Corridor – Read a book with snow on the cover OR a book with a 7 in the original publication date.
This corridor is one of the many corridors in Hogwarts Castle. It is located on the Grand Staircase side of the castle and it circulates The Quad.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-6 and include it in your completed post.
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

✔ 3. Room of Requirement – Read any book that you need to read for a different challenge OR a book with “New Adult” on its main page.
The Room of Requirement is a secret room in Hogwarts that only appears when a person is in great need of it. The room then transforms itself into whatever the witch or wizard needs it to be at that moment. It does not appear on the Marauder's Map, nor do the room’s occupants.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-2 and include it in your completed post.
Red Stilettos by Ruth Joseph Red Stilettos by Ruth Joseph (#1 chosen)
I need this book for The Bard of Avon Challenge

✔ 4. Seventh Floor Corridor – Read a book with snow on the cover OR a book with a 7 in the original publication date.
This corridor is one of the many corridors in Hogwarts Castle. It is located on the Grand Staircase side of the castle and it circulates The Quad.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-6 and include it in your completed post.
Head Over Halo by Molly Snow Head Over Halo by Molly Snow
(first published May 17th 2013)

✔ 5. West Tower – Read a book with a night scene on the cover OR a book with a gray or silver cover.
During the winter months, the tower is very cold, to the point that one has to be careful with ice on the higher landings. A tightly spiraling staircase leads from the bottom of the tower on the seventh floor up to a door leading out onto the battlements.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-2 and include it in your completed post.
Murder Most Witchy (Wendy Lightower Mystery) by Emily Rylands Murder Most Witchy by Emily Rylands

✔ 6. Seventh Floor Corridor – Read a book with snow on the cover OR a book with a 7 in the original publication date.
This corridor is one of the many corridors in Hogwarts Castle. It is located on the Grand Staircase side of the castle and it circulates The Quad.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-6 and include it in your completed post.
A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker 

7. Grand Staircase – Read a book with a building on the cover OR a book with a heart on the cover.
The Grand Staircase is a massive structure in Hogwarts Castle, mainly used to access each floor of the castle, including the dungeons. There are hundreds of Portraits covering the walls in this tower, some of which conceal secret passages to other areas within the school.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-15 and include it in your completed post.
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

✔ 8. First Floor Corridor – Read a book from your most read genre OR a book with “Science Fiction” on its main page.
The first-floor corridor is one of the many corridors in Hogwarts Castle. It is located on both sides of the castle on the first floor. The first-floor corridor also passes by the Marble Staircase, as the balcony above the Entrance Hall.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-12 and include it in your completed post.
The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
Fantasy is my most read genre

✔ 9. Grand Staircase – Read a book with a building on the cover OR a book with a heart on the cover.
The Grand Staircase is a massive structure in Hogwarts Castle, mainly used to access each floor of the castle, including the dungeons. There are hundreds of Portraits covering the walls in this tower, some of which conceal secret passages to other areas within the school.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-15 and include it in your completed post.
Forever Charmed (Halloween Laveau, #1) by Rose Pressey Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey


✔ 10. Fourth Floor Corridor – Read book #4 in a series OR a book with a “Z” somewhere in the title or author’s name.
The fourth-floor corridor is one of the many corridors in Hogwarts Castle. It is located on both sides of the castle on the fourth floor.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-6 and include it in your completed post.
Into Your Arms (A Contemporary Romance Novel) by Abigail Strom Into Your Arms by Abigail Strom (Landry #4)

✔ 11. Clock Tower – Read a book first published in the month of your birth OR a book with a two word title (include ALL words).
When you enter the Tower, there is a huge space, like an Entrance Hall with flights of wooden stairs at the right and left side. The first landing is at the Fourth Floor level. It is at this landing where the clock's gears and face are located.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-7 and include it in your completed post.
The Cypher (Guardians Inc. #1) by Julian Rosado-Machain The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain
(It was first published in February 26th which is the month I am born and it is also a two word title)

✔ 12. Clock Tower Courtyard – Read a book set in a country other than where you are currently living OR a book with a three word title (include ALL words).
The Clock Tower Courtyard is a cloister on the base of the Clock Tower at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This cloister seems to be one of the older parts of the castle and the ceiling and walls are dilapidated.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-3 and include it in your completed post.
Vacations from Hell by Libba Bray Vacations from Hell by Libba Bray 

✔ 13. Wooden Bridge – Read a book by an author that uses at least one initial (Jane K. Doe) OR a book whose title on the cover is printed in all capital letters.
The Wooden Bridge is a feature of Hogwarts Castle. The bridge appears derelict, and is constructed of wood beams that extend to the floor of the ravine it spans. The roof of the Wooden Bridge is sagging and appears thatched and tarred. The bridge blends in with the natural environment surrounding it. Given its unstable look, it is possibly held up by magic.
*Required: Choose a number from 1-3 and include it in your completed post.
Fatal Boarding by E.R. Mason Fatal Boarding by E.R. Mason 

14. Sundial Garden – Read a book with the sun or clouds on the cover OR a book where the main character works in the business field.
The Sundial Garden is a circle of giant stones within the grounds of Hogwarts just outside of the Wooden Bridge. The stones form a sundial.
Crime in the Community (Pitkirtly Mysteries #1) by Cecilia Peartree Crime in the Community by Cecilia Peartree

Crime in the Community by Cecilia Peartree

Christopher thinks he has his life under control until the mysterious Amaryllis arrives in the little town, spreading chaos and confusion in her wake.
Suddenly he isn't sure about anything any more. Will he learn to relax and go with the flow or will he try desperately to remain in charge even in the face of domestic upsets and strange things happening all around him?
This is the first in a series of gentle, quirky mysteries set in the small town of Pitkirtly in Scotland.
From Goodreads.






It is a mystery set in a small village near Edinburgh in Scotland. There was a bit too much spy stuff for my liking. It is very slow moving, set around Christopher a member of PLIF –the Pitkirtly Local Improvement Forum, a group that does nothing at all but meet up in the local pub for a beer. Suddenly Amaryllis turns up and wants to change that, which doesn't go down too well with the group. On top of that there are a lot of mysterious people around turning up in odd places trying to get to Christopher. Not a series I am likely to continue with even if it is set in Scotland.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Castle Scavenger Hunt

Monday, December 29, 2014

Fatal Boarding by E.R. Mason

I have never believed in going strictly by the book. My six-foot-two frame has an assortment of scars and marks that readily attest to that. It’s the main reason I’ve never been offered a higher position on a big-draft. But, when things really go to hell, I’m always the first one to get the call. They trust me with their lives, but not their jobs.”
--Adrian Tarn, Chief Security Officer, Starship Electra.
  From Goodreads.






This was short but good. It is a while since I read any science fiction and it was fun to be back. A lot of people get killed by aliens in this but it is fun to follow Adrian Tarn and see how he gets things done by not following the rules. I actually think I might read more of this series.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Castle Scavenger Hunt

Sunday, December 28, 2014

I Love Library Books Reading Challenge 2014 - Finished

I Love Library Books Reading Challenge 2014 hosted by Gina @ Book Dragon's Lair.

I have really enjoyed this challenge. I started my goal as reading 12 books from the library but had to keep upgrading this goal. I just managed to reach the level of  just insert IV - 50 books.
It was hard in the end but I completed it. I am definitely going to take part again in 2015.

Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but some of us also need space to keep them. I had so much fun with this challenge last year. Let's do it again!
There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy!


Requirements:


  • choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down.
  • check books out of the library
  • books may overlap with other challenges
  • any format allowed (print, ebook, audio)
  • reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is. (post with review linky is coming)
  • a blog is not necessary, just comment that you want to join in.
Levels:
  • board book - 3
  • picture book - 6
  • early reader - 9
  • chapter book - 12
  • middle grades - 18
  • Young adult - 24
  • adult - 36
  • just insert IV - 50

List of books borrowed from the library:

  1. Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews  
  2. Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews 
  3. Himmelbegravelsen (Sky Burial) by Xinran 
  4. Must Love Hellhounds by Charlaine Harris  
  5. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison
  6. Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison
  7. A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison 
  8. An Apple for the Creature edited by Charlaine Harris, Toni L.P. Kelner  
  9. Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh  
  10. Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews 
  11. Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews 
  12. Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh
  13. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
  14. Heartbroken by Lisa Unger  
  15. For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison 
  16. The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison
  17. Vinter-Eventyr by Karen Blixen 
  18. Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs 
  19. Hotter Than Hell edited by Kim Harrison 
  20. Holidays Are Hell edited by Kim Harrison  
  21. The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan
  22. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
  23. Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison
  24. Pale Demon by Kim Harrison 
  25. A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison 
  26. Dragon's Kin by Anne McCaffrey 
  27. Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond by Kim Harrison 
  28. Ever After by Kim Harrison  
  29. Angel by L.A. Weatherly  
  30. Blessings by Anna Quindlen 
  31. Dragonsblood by Todd J. McCaffrey
  32. Forliset Og Andre Skrøner by Jørn Riel  
  33. Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot 
  34. The Secret History by Donna Tartt  
  35. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde     
  36. The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
  37. The Necromancer by Michael Scott
  38. Victoria Line, Central Line by Maeve Binchy  
  39. The Warlock by Michael Scott
  40. The Enchantress by Michael Scott
  41. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews 
  42. The Circus Is Coming by Noel Streatfeild 
  43. Introvert by Anna Skyggebjerg
  44. Udvalgte historier fra Jul i Hjemmet by Morten Korch
  45. Dragon's Fire by Anne McCaffrey and Todd J. McCaffrey
  46. Glade Jul, 24 dejlige danske julenoveller edited by Michael Toubro 
  47. The Lazarus Machine by Paul Crilley 
  48. Den sidste stjerne by Hans Blangstrup Christensen
  49. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan 
  50. Vacations from Hell by Libba Bray 

Vacations from Hell by Libba Bray

Life's a beach . . . and then you're undead?
In this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers—Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty), Cassandra Clare (City of Bones), Claudia Gray (Evernight), Maureen Johnson (13 Little Blue Envelopes), and Sarah Mlynowski (Bras & Broomsticks)—tell supernatural tales of vacations gone awry. Lost luggage is only mildly unpleasant compared to bunking with a witch who holds a grudge. And a sunburn might be embarrassing and painful, but it doesn't last as long as a curse. Of course, even in the most hellish of situations, love can thrive. . . .
From light and funny to dark and creepy, these stories have something for everyone. You definitely won't want to leave this collection at home!
 
From Goodreads.





I do quite like collections of short stories, unfortunately this wasn't as good as I hoped. I liked 3 of the 5 stories and that was all. Glad I borrowed it from the library and didn't buy it.

This book qualifies for:
I Love Library Books Reading Challenge 2014
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Castle Scavenger Hunt

Hogwarts: Dorothy Must Die! Mini Challenge - Finished

Dorothy Must Die! Mini Challenge hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I finished quickly as I found books for 7 of the 8 task quite easily in my read books and the last task got covered today.

***If you are participating in The Year at Hogwarts, please make sure you include your House name when you sign up!***

House Points
*3 Points for completing Level 1
*6 Points for completing Level 2
*9 Points for completing Level 3

Choose Your Level:
Level 1: Complete three tasks
Level 2: Complete six tasks
Level 3: Complete all eight tasks


Fictional Dorothys
Dorothy Gale: Dorothy Gale is the protagonist of The Wizard of Oz. From Kansas, she is transported to Oz, a magical land ruled by a wizard. Along the way she meets munchkins, witches, flying monkeys, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. With her dog Toto, she crosses Oz in the hopes of returning home.
Read a book with “fantasy” on its main page OR a book with a red cover OR read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi

Dorothy Michaels: Dorothy Michaels is an alias used by female impersonator Michael Dorsey (played by Dustin Hoffman) in the 1982 film Tootsie. Set in New York City, the movie follows Dorsey, a difficult-to-work-with actor. After being blacklisted by casting directors, he impersonates a woman and begins acting again, this time as a woman.
Read a book set in New York OR a book where someone uses an alias OR a book first published in 1982.
Toby Streams the Universe by Maya Lassiter

Dorothy Zbornak: Dorothy Zbornak is a fictional character on the TV show, “The Golden Girls”. Played by Bea Arthur, Dorothy is sarcastic, smart, and tough. On the show, she is an English and American History substitute teacher. The show is set in Miami, Florida.
Read a book with something gold on the cover OR a book set in Florida OR a non-fiction book focusing on American History.
Loveable Christmas Angel (Angels with Attitude, #3) by Mimi Barbour Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour

Real Dorothys
Dorothy Dandridge: Dorothy Dandridge was an American stage and film actress, singer, and dancer. She was the first African-American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Carmen Jones in 1954. Dandridge was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 9, 1922 and passed away on September 8, 1965 at the age of 42.
✦ Read an author’s first published book OR a book by a female author OR a book with a persons name in the book’s title.
Murder Most Witchy by Emily Rylands

Dorothy Hamill: Dorothy Hamill is an American Figure Skater. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 26, 1956. Hamill represented the U.S. at the 1976 Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria where she was awarded the Gold Medal for Ladies Singles Skate.
✦ Read a book that takes place in Austria or Illinois OR a book where the main character is an athlete OR a book that has won some kind of award.
Promise by Kristie Cook (Royal Palm Literary Award (2010))

Dorothy Hodgkin: Dorothy Hodgkin was a British biochemist credited for many scientific developments and advancements. In 1964 Hodgkin won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (only the third woman to do so) for confirming the structure of Vitamin B 12. She was born on May 12, 1910 in Cairo, Egypt and passed away on July 29, 1994, at the age of 84, in England.
✦ Read a book with “science” or “science fiction” on its main page OR a book whose title or author’s first or last initial begins with B OR a book that takes place in Egypt.
Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher

Dorothy L. Sayers: Dorothy L. Sayers was an English crime writer, poet, playwright, and translator. She is best known for her work featuring amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey, although she thought her best work was translating Dante’s Divine Comedy. Sayers was born on June 13, 1893 and passed away on December 17, 1957 at the age of 64.
✦ Read a book written by Dorothy L Sayers OR a book that takes place in England OR a book that was originally published in a language other than English.
A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker

Dorothy Schroeder: Dorothy Schroeder was a founding member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). At the age of 15, she was the youngest member. Schroeder played the shortstop position and is the all-time leader in games played, Runs Batted In, and Walks. She is also second all-time in Hits and third in Home Runs. The 1992 movie, A League of Their Own, starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, and Rosie O’Donnell was based on the AAGPBL.
Read a book with a main character that is under 18 years old OR a book that was made into a movie or TV show OR a book with multiple female main characters.
The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain

List of books:
  1. Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi
  2. Toby Streams the Universe by Maya Lassiter
  3. Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour
  4. Murder Most Witchy by Emily Rylands
  5. Promise by Kristie Cook
  6. Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
  7. A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker
  8. The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain

The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain

GUARDIANS INC.: THE CYPHER is two stories in one. A glimpse into a multinational company that is in reality the oldest of secret societies, one that spans close to seven thousand years of existence, weaving in and out of history, guiding and protecting humanity from creatures and forces that most of us believe are only mythology and fairy tales.
The other is the story of Thomas Byrne, a young man thrust into secrets he shouldn’t be aware of and dangers he shouldn’t face but, that he ultimately will, for he is a Cypher. The only one who can steer humanity’s future.
The ultimate conspiracy theory is that Magic is real. Kept in check by technology but, every five hundred years the balance can shift and, if it does, technology will fail and those creatures we’ve driven into myth will come back with a vengeance.
To protect the present, Guardians Incorporated needs to know the future.
From Goodreads.



This was better than I expected. It is a Young Adult book as the main character is only 15-16 years old. What I liked about Thomas was that he wasn't as such a recluse as is often seen but as he has just changed school he didn't have any friends either. The relationship between Thomas and his grandfather is very strong as he has lived with him since his parents disappeared. It is full of mythical and magical creatures. It is a bit similar to "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" by Michael Scott.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Castle Scavenger Hunt
A Million More Pages - Dorothy Must Die! Mini Challenge

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey

Halloween Laveau is descended from a long line of witches. Yes, her name is Halloween. The cosmic universe is definitely playing some kind of sick joke on her. She’s the ultimate witch cliché, complete with a black cat and spooky house. Thank heavens she’s missing the warts and flying broom.
When Halloween inherits her great-aunt’s manor, she decides to put the house to good use as a bed-and-breakfast. Her first guest is the sinfully good-looking Nicolas Marco, but he’s not here for the continental breakfast. Halloween discovers a ratty old book in the attic. It’s written in an unfamiliar language, and unknown to her, the tome is cursed.
Halloween soon learns there’s a link between the book and her newfound talent as a necromancer. But her new skills come with a catch: the reanimated dead aren’t as cupcake-sweet as they were when they were alive. When a rival witch comes after the book, Halloween doesn’t know who to trust–the sexy vampire who says he wants to save the day, or the warlock who says he can destroy the book once and for all.
Halloween had better learn fast. Because when the dead start rising, only a powerful witch can put them back under
.
From Goodreads.

This was okay but no more. Halloween is not a very good witch till she inherits a house from her aunt and finds a special spellbook and suddenly she is incredible. Two gorgeous men turn up, they both say the want to help her but neither of them is telling her everything. I will only continue this series if I can find the next book for free.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
The Challenge Factory - R5: Team Challenge SSS
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Castle Scavenger Hunt

Into Your Arms by Abigail Strom

Sara Minetti isn't looking for love. As a professional ballet dancer, she won't let anything get in the way of her demanding career. So when a sexy stranger moves into the apartment next door, she's sure she can ignore the sizzling chemistry between them.
Nick Landry is busy with a tough political campaign and a brother who needs his help. He's only in New York for a few months, and romance is the last thing he's looking for. But he can't stop thinking about the beautiful dancer next door...or the day he caught her in her underwear.
Nick and Sara are fighting a losing battle against an attraction they can't deny. The only question is, will they lose their hearts, too?
From Goodreads.





I really liked this romance. Sara and Nick are both very driven within their fields, maybe too much. They both have baggage and issues all the way back to their childhood to deal with but of course everything works out. I really like Emilio, Sara's dance partner and very good friend, who supported her through the whole book.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Castle Scavenger Hunt

Friday, December 26, 2014

The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson

Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Though condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor's sceptre, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Despite the fact that her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead from the attack of assassins.
Skillfully deducing the machinations of her captors, Shai needs a perfect plan to escape. The fate of the empire lies in one impossible task. Is it possible to create a forgery of a soul so convincing that it is better than the soul itself?
From Goodreads.





This is quite short, only 128 pages but a lot happens in that time. The idea of soulstamps is new and interesting. It means to change something to what it was or can be but it is not easy as it is not possible to change something from what it is to something completely different. Shai is a brilliant forger, as it is called, but even for her the task she has been set is almost impossible. This is all happening at the Emperor's court so there is a lot of political intrigue going on but luckily not too much. 

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Castle Scavenger Hunt

Hogwarts: Dorothy Must Die! Mini Challenge - start

Dorothy Must Die! Mini Challenge hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

Another challenge I have joined to get points for Ravenclaw in the Hogwarts challenge. I am a little late in joining but I can add any book read in December, so I will look through my books.

***If you are participating in The Year at Hogwarts, please make sure you include your House name when you sign up!***

House Points
*3 Points for completing Level 1
*6 Points for completing Level 2
*9 Points for completing Level 3

Choose Your Level:
Level 1: Complete three tasks
Level 2: Complete six tasks
Level 3: Complete all eight tasks


Fictional Dorothys
Dorothy Gale: Dorothy Gale is the protagonist of The Wizard of Oz. From Kansas, she is transported to Oz, a magical land ruled by a wizard. Along the way she meets munchkins, witches, flying monkeys, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. With her dog Toto, she crosses Oz in the hopes of returning home.
Read a book with “fantasy” on its main page OR a book with a red cover OR read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi

Dorothy Michaels: Dorothy Michaels is an alias used by female impersonator Michael Dorsey (played by Dustin Hoffman) in the 1982 film Tootsie. Set in New York City, the movie follows Dorsey, a difficult-to-work-with actor. After being blacklisted by casting directors, he impersonates a woman and begins acting again, this time as a woman.
Read a book set in New York OR a book where someone uses an alias OR a book first published in 1982.
Toby Streams the Universe by Maya Lassiter

Dorothy Zbornak: Dorothy Zbornak is a fictional character on the TV show, “The Golden Girls”. Played by Bea Arthur, Dorothy is sarcastic, smart, and tough. On the show, she is an English and American History substitute teacher. The show is set in Miami, Florida.
Read a book with something gold on the cover OR a book set in Florida OR a non-fiction book focusing on American History.
Loveable Christmas Angel (Angels with Attitude, #3) by Mimi Barbour Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour

Real Dorothys
Dorothy Dandridge: Dorothy Dandridge was an American stage and film actress, singer, and dancer. She was the first African-American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Carmen Jones in 1954. Dandridge was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 9, 1922 and passed away on September 8, 1965 at the age of 42.
✦ Read an author’s first published book OR a book by a female author OR a book with a persons name in the book’s title.
Murder Most Witchy by Emily Rylands

Dorothy Hamill: Dorothy Hamill is an American Figure Skater. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 26, 1956. Hamill represented the U.S. at the 1976 Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria where she was awarded the Gold Medal for Ladies Singles Skate.
✦ Read a book that takes place in Austria or Illinois OR a book where the main character is an athlete OR a book that has won some kind of award.
Promise by Kristie Cook (Royal Palm Literary Award (2010))

Dorothy Hodgkin: Dorothy Hodgkin was a British biochemist credited for many scientific developments and advancements. In 1964 Hodgkin won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (only the third woman to do so) for confirming the structure of Vitamin B 12. She was born on May 12, 1910 in Cairo, Egypt and passed away on July 29, 1994, at the age of 84, in England.
✦ Read a book with “science” or “science fiction” on its main page OR a book whose title or author’s first or last initial begins with B OR a book that takes place in Egypt.
Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher

Dorothy L. Sayers: Dorothy L. Sayers was an English crime writer, poet, playwright, and translator. She is best known for her work featuring amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey, although she thought her best work was translating Dante’s Divine Comedy. Sayers was born on June 13, 1893 and passed away on December 17, 1957 at the age of 64.
✦ Read a book written by Dorothy L Sayers OR a book that takes place in England OR a book that was originally published in a language other than English.
A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker

Dorothy Schroeder: Dorothy Schroeder was a founding member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). At the age of 15, she was the youngest member. Schroeder played the shortstop position and is the all-time leader in games played, Runs Batted In, and Walks. She is also second all-time in Hits and third in Home Runs. The 1992 movie, A League of Their Own, starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, and Rosie O’Donnell was based on the AAGPBL.
Read a book with a main character that is under 18 years old OR a book that was made into a movie or TV show OR a book with multiple female main characters. 
The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain

List of books:
  1. Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi
  2. Toby Streams the Universe by Maya Lassiter
  3. Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour
  4. Murder Most Witchy by Emily Rylands
  5. Promise by Kristie Cook
  6. Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
  7. A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker
  8. The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain

The Brands Who Came For Christmas by Maggie Shayne

Caleb didn’t know that one night of bliss last spring with small town beauty Maya Brand had resulted in a pregnancy, until the blackmail attempt arrived on his desk in an unmarked envelope, complete with photos of Maya with a belly out to there.
When he learns the truth, Caleb rushes back to Big Falls, determined to make it right despite what the scandal will do to his high profile career–the family legacy he had never truly wanted.
All he wants is Maya, and their child.
But can a girl whose father abandoned and betrayed her, ever truly believe in the goodness of a man who left town the morning after their one night stand? How can he convince her that he hasn’t stopped thinking about her since then, much less, do so with the whole world watching? He has to prove himself to a woman he’s not even sure he’s worthy of. But he has no idea how.
 
From Goodreads.



This was okay. I like it when books have strong women and Maya, her mother and her sisters are exactly that. It is a romance and it ends happily. It could be fun to read some of the other books in this series as I guess they are about Maya's sisters.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection A-Z Locations - 2014
Nothing but Reading Challenges - 50 States Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages - Scavenger Hunt > December
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2014

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

Perfect Christmas women's fiction from international bestseller Debbie Macomber.
'Tis the season for love and second chances ...
Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge first: Carrie must score the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author.
Living in Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a bestselling book about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone, and no one even knows exactly where he lives. With her career at stake, Carrie sacrifices her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she expected. And soon Carrie is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart.
 
From Goodreads.


This was okay. It was a cosy Christmas romance. Carrie needs to interview Finn, a reclusive author, in order to be allowed to move from the society pages to the more serious stuff. I liked that some of it takes place in a remote place in Alaska.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Castle Scavenger Hunt
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet Reading Challenge - Finished

Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet Reading Challenge hosted by  Nothing but Reading Challenges on Goodreads..

Inspired by Denea who wanted to read a Meerkat instead of a Rabbit in the 'What Animal Are You? Reading Challenge'. This is a Spell It Out challenge. Pick an animal for each letter of the alphabet and read books with titles, character (first or last name), or authors (first or last name) that begin with letters tha correspond to letter of the animal you choose. As always, if a title starts with a, an, the, etc you may use the second word of the title. Let me know if we should add any animals.

The duration of this challenge is 1 year (or should I make it 2 years). Have fun.


I had set my self the goal to complete this challenge in 2 years. Instead I have managed to finish it in less than a year. I think that is really well done.

My Goodreads post HERE and HERE.

These are my animals:

Auk
A: Aurora Sky by Nikki Jefford
U: Heartbroken by Lisa Unger
K: Saltwater Witch by Chris Howard (Kassandra is main character)

Badger
B: Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch
A: The Rising by Kelley Armstrong
D: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
G: The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison
E: Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison
R: Steel and Other Stories by Richard Matheson

Coyote
C: Deep Blue Secret by Christie Anderson
O: One Sweet Moment by Maggie Craig
Y: Drip Drop Teardrop by Samantha Young
O: The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison
T: Two Weeks with a SEAL by Theresa Marguerite Hewitt
E: Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh (Elena is main character)

Dragonfly
D: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (Don is main character)
R: For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison (Rachel is main character)
A: An Apple for the Creature edited by Charlaine Harris, Toni L.P. Kelner
G: Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
O: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
N: Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
F: Forever Fae by L.P. Dover
L: Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs  (Lily is main character)
Y: Your Guardian Angel by Skyla Madi

Eagle
E: WitchHunt by Emma Mills
A: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
G: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
L: Death on the Aegean Queen By Maria Hudgins (Dotsy Lamb is main character)
E: Baehrly Breathing by Elizabeth A. Reeves

Fox
F: A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison
O: The Cold Moon Run by L. Filion  (Olivia is main character)
X: Himmelbegravelsen (Sky Burial) by Xinran

Gecko
G: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams
E: Baehrly Bitten by Elizabeth A. Reeves
C: The Highlander's Hope by Cali MacKay
K: Honeymoon For One by Chris Keniston
O: Champagne and Lemon Drops by Jean Oram

Hawk
H: Speechless by Hannah Harrington
A: Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch
W: What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte
K: Vinter-Eventyr by Karen Blixen

Impala
I: The Inconvenient Duchess by Christine Merrill
M: Hell of a Journey: On Foot Through the Scottish Highlands in Winter by Mike Cawthorne
P: Night Broken by Patricia Briggs
A: Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
L: From a Whisper to a Scream by Charles de Lint 
A: Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch

Jellyfish
J: John Macnab by John Buchan
E: Baehrly Alive by Elizabeth A. Reeves
L: My Sweet Valentine by Jill Sanders (Lander, Sara is main character)
L: Evergreen by Brenda Pandos (Lanski, Ash is main character)
Y: The Yellow Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
F: Pieces of Eight by Melissa Wright (Frey is main character)
I: Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond by Kim Harrison
S: Night of the Purple Moon by Scott Cramer
H: Hotter Than Hell edited by Kim Harrison

Kestrel
K: Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs
E: How (Not) to Kiss a Were Bear by Elizabeth A. Reeves
S: Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
T: A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes
R: The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan
E: Ever After by Kim Harrison
L: Angel by L.A. Weatherly

Leopard
L: Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
E: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
O: One Sweet Summer by Cali MacKay
P: A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
A: Alien Stars by C.J. Cherryh, Joe Haldeman, Timothy Zahn
R: Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison (Rachel is main character)
D: Drifting Home by Pierre Berton

Musk Ox
M: Must Love Hellhounds by Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook
U: An Unlikely Match by Barbara Dunlop
S: The Bride wore Chocolate by Shirley Jump
K: Pale Demon by Kim Harrison
O: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
X: True of Blood by Bonnie Lamer (Xandra is main character)

Narwhal
N: Made to Be Broken by Kelley Armstrong (Nadia is main character)
A: A Highland Home by Cali MacKay (Angus is main character)
R: The Breeders by Katie French (Riley is main character)
W: White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
H: Hex Appeal edited by P.N. Elrod
A: A Gift of Dragons by Anne McCaffrey
L: If the Shoe Fits by Laurie LeClair

Owl
O: The Enchantress by Michael Scott (Osiris is main characters father)
W: Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson
L: Legions by Karice Bolton

Polar Bear
P: Prince of Hazel and Oak by John Lenahan
O: On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
L: Reckless Nights in Rome by C.C. MacKenzie (Bronte Ludlow is main character)
A: Dragon's Kin by Anne McCaffrey
R: The Way They Were by Mary Campisi (Kate Redmond is main character)
B: A Highland Heist by Cali MacKay (Maggie Brennan is main character)
E: Every Woman For Herself by Trisha Ashley
A: Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong
R: Rise of The Seven by Melissa Wright

Quail
Q: A Place Beyond The Map by Samuel Thews (Phinnegan Qwyk is main character)
U: The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
A: The Keepers by Donna Augustine
I: It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet by James Herriot
L: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Hazel Grace Lancaster is main character)

Raven
R: The Tiger Princess by Sarah Renee
A: After the Storm by M. Stratton
V: The Vintage Summer Wedding by Jenny Oliver
E: Kept by Elle Field
N: Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance by Penny Reid

Seal
S: Skin Game by Jim Butcher
E: The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards
A: Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk (Allie is main character)
L: Macaron Murder by Harper Lin

Toucan
T: The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien
O: Madman's Dance by Jana Oliver
U: Untouched by Robert J. Crane
C: Cart Before the Horse by Bernadette Marie
A: The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
N: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Umbrellabird
U: Unruly Magic by Camilla Chafer
M: Texas Secrets: The Gallaghers of Morning Star by Jean Brashear (Maddie is main character)
B: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
R: Forliset Og Andre Skrøner by Jørn Riel 
E: Magic Rising by Camilla Chafer (Etoile is one of the main characters)
L: Blessings by Anna Quindlen (Lydia Blessing is one of the main characters)
L: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien (Legolas is one of the characters in the main group)
A: Altered Soul by Karice Bolton
B: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Bilbo Baggins is main character)
I: Infernal Devices by K.W. Jeter
R: The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Richard is the narrator of the story)
D: Devious Magic by Camilla Chafer

Vulture
V: Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf ( Eddie Valiant is main character)
U: Unborn by Amber Lynn Natusch
L: Northern Lights by Philip Pullman (Lyra is main character)
T: Dragonsblood by Todd J. McCaffrey
U: Unicorn Bait by S.A. Hunter
R: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
E: Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer (Etoile is one of the main characters)

Wolf
W: Along Came A Demon by Linda Welch
O: The Lazarus Machine by Paul Crilley (Orogond is one of the main characters)
L: Monsters by C. Gockel (Loki is one of the main characters)
F: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

Xoni
X: X. by Matt Thompson
O: Elfhunter by C.S. Marks (Octavia is one of the main characters)
N: The Necromancer by Michael Scott
I: Illicit Magic by Camilla Chafer

Yeti
Y: Yuletide Tales A Festive Collective by Peter John
E: quiet storm by Romanus Gabriel (Eugene is one of the main characters)
T: Moxyland by Lauren Beukes (Toby is one of the main characters)
I: Casino Royale: James Bond 007 by Ian Fleming

Zorrilla
Z: Gnome on the Range by Jennifer Zane
O: The Little Christmas Kitchen by Jenny Oliver
R: Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
R: How (Not) to Love a Hero by Elizabeth A. Reeves  
I: Blood Faerie by India Drummond
L: The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman (Lyra is main character)
L: Z 2134 by Sean Platt and David W. Wright (Liam is one of the main characters)
A: All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy