2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge Finished

2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge hosted by Auntie Spinelli Reads.

Guidelines:

1. This challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.
2. You must have a blog to able to participate, since reviews must be added to the linky.
3. When you sign up with the linky, please put the link to your post about joining the Paranormal Reading Challenge.
4. You're welcome to list your books beforehand or just add as you go. 
5. Sign-ups are open until December 1, 2013
6. At the beginning of each month, I will post a kick-start post, each month featuring a different category of paranormal creature. This post will also include a linky to include your reviews from that month.
7. Each review you link will qualify you for an entry into the monthy giveaway and if your review includes the feature paranormal creature of that month, you get a bonus entry.
8. Each book can only count for one category, even if it contains more than one paranormal creature. For example, Twilight contains both vampires and werewolves, but you can't use it for both the vampires and werewolves/shifters categories.
9. Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a grand prize giveaway at the end of the year.
10. If you read multiple books from one category, feel free to add them to the linkies. Don't stop at just one!
11. Book can count for other challenges.

Each month, we'll be featuring one of the creatures on the list at both Megan Likes Books and Auntie Spinelli Reads.

•     January - Vampires
•     February - Angels/Nephilim
•     March - Fey
•     April - Demons
•     May - Aliens
•     June - Zombies
•     July - Witches and Wizards
•     August - Mermaids
•     September - Dragons
•     October - Ghosts
•     November - Werewolves/Shape-shifters
•     December - Other (ie: sirens, unicorns, centaurs, timetravel etc.)

I have had no problem finding books for this challenge, but unfortunately I have had difficulties finding the linkie posts for my reviews at Auntie Spinelli Reads. I have totally overlooked the fact that I could have followed this challenge at Megan Likes Books instead where it looks like it would have been easier to find the posts.

I have read at least one book each month for the appropriate creatures and thereby completed this challenge.

List of books:

January: vampires.

1. Moon dance by J.R. Rain (Vampire)
2. Sterling by Dannika Dark (Mage) 
3. A Nomadic Witch by Debora Geary (witch)
4. To Have and To Code by Debora Geary (witch)
5. The Scourge by A.G. Henley (zombie)
6. Legend of the White Dragon: Legends by Melanie Nilles (dragon)
7. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder (magic)
8. My Familiar Stranger by Victoria Danann (Vampire)
9. Shadowmagic by John Lenahan (magic)
10. Vampire Moon by J.R. Rain (Vampire)

February: Angels.

1. A Different Witch by Debora Geary (witch)
2. Twist by Dannika Dark (magic)
3. Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder  (magic)
4. Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder (magic)
5. Become by Ali Cross (Angel) 
6. Winging It! by Shel Delisle (angel)
7. Skellig by David Almond (angel)

March: Fey.

1. Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa (Fey)
2. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa  (Fey)
3. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (Fey)
4. Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa (Fey)
5. The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson (magic)
6. Witches on Parole by Debora Geary (witch)
7. Witches under Way by Debora Geary (witch)
8. Witches in Flight by Debora Geary (witch)
9. American Vampire by J.R. Rain (Vampire)
10. Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder (magic)
11. Amityville Horrible by Kelley Armstrong (ghosts)

April: Demon.

1. Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong (witch)
2. Stained by Ella James (demon)
3. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs (werewolf)
4. A Celtic Witch by Debora Geary (witch)
5. Amy's Story by D'Elen McClain (Vampire)
6. Hollowland by Amanda Hocking (zombie)
7. Marked by Kim Richardson (demon)
8. Swordfights & Lullabies by Debora Geary (witch)
9. Endlessly by Kiersten White (fey)
10. Every Witch Way But Wicked by Wren Emerson (witch)

May: Alien

1. Virtual Evil by Jana Oliver (timetravel)
2. Queen Of Sorcery by David Eddings (magic)
3. Magician's Gambit by David Eddings (magic)
4. Castle of Wizardry by David Eddings (magic)
5. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (alien)
6. Enchanters' End Game by David Eddings (magic)
7. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice (vampire)
8. The Last Colony John Scalzi (alien)
9. Frostbitten by Kelley Armstrong (werewolf)
10. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling (witch)
11. Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi (alien)
12. Merrick by Anne Rice (witch)
13. Guards! Guards!: by Terry Pratchett (dragon)
14. The Light Within Me by Carly Fall (alien) 

June - Zombies

1. Zombacter: Center City Contagion by Sean Bingham  (zombie)
2. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch (wizard) 
3. Alone by Robert J. Crane (several)
4. Alice in Zombieland by Nickolas Cook  (zombie)
5. World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks (zombie)
6. The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine (vampire)
7. Origins by Kristen Middleton (zombie)
8. Amethyst by Heather Bowhay (shapeshifter)

July - Witches

1. A Lost Witch by Debora Geary (witch)
2. To Kill a Warlock by H.P. Mallory (witch)
3. Moon Child by J.R. Rain (vampire)
4. Daughter of Dragons by Kathleen H. Nelson (dragon)
5. Witch Way Bends by Olivia Hardin (witch)
6. Cursed by Casey Odell (elves, magic)
7. Frey by Melissa Wright (elves, magic)

August: Mermaids

1. Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva  (mermaid)
2. Eternal Vows by Chrissy Peebles  (shapeshifter)
3. Between the Land and the Sea by Derrolyn Anderson (mermaid)
4. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (fey)
5. Fins by Ashley L. Knight (mermaid)
6. Fathom by Ashley L. Knight (mermaid)
7. Everblue by Brenda Pandos (mermaid)

September: Dragons

1. The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice (vampire)
2. The Weirdstone Of Brisingamen by Alan Garner (wizard)
3. The Owl Service by Alan Garner (wizard)
4. Bitten Shame by Olivia Hardin (vampire/witch)
5. Shifty Business by Olivia Hardin (witch)
6. Firelight by Sophie Jordan (dragon)
7. Dreams Underfoot: The Newford Collection by Charles de Lint (various)
8. The Dragon Reborn by Kathleen H. Nelson (dragon)
9. Dollhouse by Anya Allyn (ghost)

Oktober: Ghosts

1. The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice (vampire)
2. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (demigods)
3. DRT by Eric Thomas (ghost)
4. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory (witch)
5. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice (witch)
6. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan (demigods)
7. To Love a Witch by Debora Geary (witch)
8. An Imperfect Witch by Debora Geary (witch)
9. WitchLove by Emma Mills (witch)
10. How (Not) to Kiss a Toad by Elizabeth A. Reeves (witch)
11. Wyrd Girl by Jon Jacks (ghost)
12. How (Not) to Kiss a Prince by Elizabeth A. Reeves (witch)
13. How (Not) to Kiss a Beast by Elizabeth A. Reeves (witch)
14. How (Not) to Kiss a Ghost by Elizabeth A. Reeves  (ghost)
15. Percy Jackson and the Sword of Hades by Rick Riordan (ghost)
16. The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan (demigods)
17. The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (demigods)

 November: Werewolves/Shape-shifters 

1. How (Not) to Kiss a Gargoyle by Elizabeth A. Reeves (witch)
2. Vampires: The Recent Undead by Paula Guran (Editor) (vampire)
3. Leopard Moon by Jeanette Battista (shapeshifters)
4. The Moon Of Gomrath by Alan Garner (wizard)
5. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews (shapeshifters)
6. Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews (shapeshifters)
7. The House of Hades by Rick Riordan (demigods)
8. Åndeløs by Cliff McNish (ghosts)
9. Steam & Sorcery by Cindy Spencer (vampires, shapeshifters)

December: Other (ie: sirens, unicorns, centaurs, timetravel etc.)  

1. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle (unicorn)

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

The Last Unicorn is one of the true classics of fantasy, ranking with Tolkien's The Hobbit, Le Guin's Earthsea Trilogy, and Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Beagle writes a shimmering prose-poetry, the voice of fairy tales and childhood:
The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless color of sea foam but rather the color of snow falling on a moonlit night. But her eyes were still clear and unwearied, and she still moved like a shadow on the sea.
The unicorn discovers that she is the last unicorn in the world, and sets off to find the others. She meets Schmendrick the Magician--whose magic seldom works, and never as he intended--when he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival, where only some of the mythical beasts displayed are illusions. They are joined by Molly Grue, who believes in legends despite her experiences with a Robin Hood wannabe and his unmerry men. Ahead wait King Haggard and his Red Bull, who banished unicorns from the land. From Goodreads.

I enjoyed this book, it has what every fantasy book needs: A mythical being, a quest, love and of course good wins over evil in the end. I will definitely read Coda to The Last Unicorn – a novelette, available for free on the author's website.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (unicorn)
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
CCC-Read your age

Steam & Sorcery by Cindy Spencer

Sir Merrick Hadrian hunts monsters, both human and supernatural. A Knight of the Order of the Round Table, his use of magick and the technologies of steam power have made him both respected and feared. But his considerable skills are useless in the face of his greatest challenge, guardianship of five unusual children. At a loss, Merrick enlists the aid of a governess.
Miss Caroline Bristol is reluctant to work for a bachelor, but she needs a position, and these former street children touch her heart. While she tends to break any mechanical device she touches, it never occurs to her that she might be something more than human. All she knows is that Merrick is the most dangerously attractive man she's ever met—and out of reach for a mere governess.
When conspiracy threatens to blur the distinction between humans and monsters, Caroline and Merrick must join forces, and the fate of humanity hinges upon their combined skills of steam and sorcery. From Goodreads.


This was okay but I am not sure I will read any more in this series. It also seems that the series continues with different main characters and has people from this book just as side characters. The children in this story are very likeable.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (vampires and others)
Get Steampunk’d 2013

Åndeløs by Cliff McNish

Spøgelser findes ikke.
Vil du forblive i troen?
Så hold dig langt væk fra denne bog!
Efter sin fars pludselige død, har Jack ikke bare fået astma, han har også udviklet en evne til at fornemme de døde. Hans mor er bekymret. I håb om, at lidt luftforandring vil gøre ham godt, har hun købt et gammel hus på landet.
Men allerede den første nat bliver han vækket, da en fremmeddame svæver over hans seng. Det er spøgelsesmoren, som stadig plages af sorg over sin datters død to hundrede år forinden. Fuld af medfølelse sætter Jack sig for at optrevle hendes tragiske historie - men er hun virkelig så kærlig, som hun giver sig ud for at være? Hvorfor vil hun så gerne lege hans mor? Og hvem er de fire forpinte spøgelsesbørn, der gemmer sig i kælderen? From back of book.
Jack is used to danger. His asthma has nearly killed him for more than once. But his new home has a danger he's never known before - the spirits of the dead. They can't breathe. But in Jack's house they can. Chase. Hide. Scream. Only Jack can see them. Only he can hear them. And only he can learn their secrets in time to save his mother and himself. From Goodreads.

I was surprised how much I liked this ghost story. Boy tells mum he can see ghosts, mum doesn't believe and everything goes bad from there. I kept turning the pages to see what happened next.  An easy read but it is still quite dark.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (ghosts)
2013 A-Z Reading Challenge

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?
They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus. From Goodreads.






This series is really good. I liked The Mark of Athena slightly better than this one but it still scores a high 4 Polar bears. I like how each of the demigods in turn shows their strong sides and also how nobody can be the sole hero of a quest, they only succeed by working together. It feels like a long time to October 2014 when the last book is scheduled to be published.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (mythological beings) 

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…
As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.
When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive…  From Goodreads.




Another page turner in the Kate Daniels series. There is something happening all the time and you never know what pops up next. I have the next three books ready to read and I need to read them before mid-December when I have to return them to the library.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (shapeshifter)
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for magic…
One moment magic dominates, and cars stall and guns fail. The next, technology takes over and the defensive spells no longer protect your house from monsters. Here skyscrapers topple under onslaught of magic; werebears and werehyenas prowl through the ruined streets; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds.
In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, she must choose to do nothing and remain safe or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy… From Goodreads.





I have been looking at this series for quite a while without actually getting to it. Now I finally started and I really enjoyed it. A paranormal book with all kinds of paranormal beings, just my kind of book.
Kate is a strong heroine and I will continue this series right away.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (shapeshifters)
2013 Ebook Challenge
Author Alphabet Reading Challenge

The Moon Of Gomrath by Alan Garner

Alan Garner's exciting and atmospheric tale of magic and evil which began with "The Weirdstone of Brisingamen" continues with the "Moon of Gomrath".
It is the Eve of Gomrath – the night of the year when the Old Magic is aroused. Had Colin and Susan known this, they would never have lighted a fire on the Beacon, thereby releasing the uncontrollable ferocity of the Wild Hunt. Soon they are inextricably caught up in the struggle between their friend, the Wizard Cadellin, and the evil Morrigan.
The strength of their courage will determine whether or not they survive the awaiting ordeal …  From Goodreads.






This is a worthy sequel to The Weirdstone of Brisingamen though it is not quite as good. As in a lot of fantasy books the evil, that is thought gone, returns. I have the third book ready.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (wizard)
2013 Audio Book Challenge
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge

Leopard Moon by Jeanette Battista

How do you disappear when you come from a family of predators?
A wereleopard, Kess is forced to flee her home and family in Miami once her brother's obsession with her turns violent. She runs from city to city, trying to stay one step ahead of the investigators her family has dispatched to bring her home. Kess ends up in the mountains of North Carolina and attracts the attention of Cormac, a young man with a secret of his own. As she attempts to live as normal a life as her were-nature allows, her brother Sek continues to hunt for her. He believes she is the key to revitalizing their weakened clan and is driven to extreme measures to ensure their continued existence. As Kess' relationship with Cormac deepens, Sek closes in, threatening Cormac's life and Kess' freedom.
When the moon rises, the hunt is on…. From Goodreads.






This was okay and I liked Kess and Cormac. It wasn't so good that I am rushing out to buy the next books in the series but I might get back to them at a later date.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
Author Alphabet Reading Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (shapeshifter)
2013 Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge (free on Amazon.uk 28th of January 2013)

Vampires: The Recent Undead by Paula Guran (Editor)

The undead are more alive today than ever. Immortal? Indeed! Nothing has sunk its teeth into twenty-first century popular culture as pervasively as the vampire. The fangsters have the freedom to fly across all genres and all mediums - there's even apps for vamps. Whether roaming into romance, haunting horror, sneaking into science fiction, capering into humor, meandering through mystery - no icon is more versatile than the vampire.
Slack your insatiable thirst with the best sanguinary stories of the new millennium: terrifying or tender, deadly or delicious, bad-ass or beneficent, classic or cutting-edge. From Goodreads

It has taken me over a year to listen to this audio book of short stories, I think that says a lot! There are a few good stories but unfortunately most of them just weren't my cup of tea.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (vampires)
2013 Audio Book Challenge

How (Not) to Kiss a Gargoyle by Elizabeth A. Reeves

Cindy Eller just wants to get her life back. Instead of focusing her energy on her bakery and her relationship, she keeps getting distracted by the hubbub surrounding the upcoming case-- where she and her family will be put on trial for contact with Faerie.
When Cindy is condemned to have her Magic stripped-- a process that could kill her-- who should arrive to save the day but her elusive and very godlike father, Lenus.
When worlds collide, innocent people get caught in the crossfires. And sometimes love is its own worst enemy.
So much for Cindy's Fairytale ending. From Goodreads.

Still a cosy fun read, nothing ever stays good forever so there is some betrayal in this one. I am also pleased that the page count has risen even if it is just with a few pages.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (witch)
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
Stuck in a Rut Challenge

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy - after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera - it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can't blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon figurehead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.
And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket, Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving command: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find - and close - the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?
Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader - but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side. From Goodreads.

Rick Riordan continues to write books that I just can't put down. There have been a couple of nights that I have been very tired and decided to go to bed and read for just 5 minutes. Hours later I am still reading. There is a lot going on in this book: romance, battling giants and gods, and also trying to find out why friends act like the enemy in between. This book ends in a cliffhanger, I am glad I have the next one coming from the library soon.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (demigod)
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Mammoth Book Challenge

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.
Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth
Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem — when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.
Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery — although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely — enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.
Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven. From Goodreads.

Another really good page-turner from Rick Riodan. As the first book in this series wasn't about Percy, this had to be.
I like meeting new characters and I am looking forward to the next book which I have ordered from my library.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (demigod)
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Mammoth Book Challenge

Percy Jackson and the Sword of Hades by Rick Riordan

The goddess Persephone has summoned Percy, Thalia and Nico to the Underworld in order to retrieve Hades' powerful sword before it falls into the wrong hands. Easier said than done in a world full of evil daimons, ghosts and ghouls. Not to mention Iapetos - brother of the powerful Titan lord, Kronos. This time the young demigods are really up against it - will Percy manage to return the sword before it's too late? From Goodreads.

This short story was not as good as Rick Riordan's other books but it was still good. A fun little read that is part of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (ghosts)

How (Not) to Kiss a Ghost by Elizabeth A. Reeves

Cindy's life is just starting to quiet down. She has her Timothy back and her bakeries are doing well. Life couldn't be better until strange things start to happen.
Timothy's mother, who has been dead for sixteen years, comes to visit and Cindy's sisters are disappearing. As Cindy and Timothy start to investigate, they discover her sisters' lifeless bodies. Is it the kiss of death?
Cindy must find the demon behind these kidnappings before she loses her whole family. From Goodreads.

This is the fourth book in the Cindy Eller series. I still like the series and find it both cosy and humorous. But it annoys me that the author is writing shorter and shorter books. The first book in the series was 315 pages, the third was 208 and now we are down to 184 pages in this book. I hope this doesn't continue.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (witch)
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
Stuck in a Rut Challenge

How (Not) to Kiss a Beast by Elizabeth A. Reeves

Cindy's Ordinary boyfriend is missing and nobody seems to know where he has gone. Cindy is convinced that something horrible has happened to him, but every attempt she has made to find him--Magical or otherwise--has offered no explanation.
Then she learns that her mysterious father is behind it all.
How can she fight against powers she doesn't even understand--especially when her own Magic is acting up worse than ever before?
And what will she do when enemies of her father start coming out of the woodwork? From Goodreads.

There is no mystery to these books. The question is where is her boyfriend? I think most readers will know quite early in the book. It is still an okay read.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (witch)
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
Stuck in a Rut Challenge

How (Not) to Kiss a Prince by Elizabeth A. Reeves

Let the Magical Mayhem begin! Cindy Eller has not one, but two weddings to prepare for in less than two weeks when the cupcakes hit the fan-- a mysterious man has appeared claiming to be betrothed to Cindy and insisting she must marry him before her sister's nuptials can take place.
Obviously this doesn't sit well with Cindy's Ordinary boyfriend.
That's the way the cake-- and the wedding-- crumbles! From Goodreads.

A light, cosy read. I like Cindy and her room mates. Still fun enough to continue the series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (witch)
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
Stuck in a Rut Challenge

Wyrd Girl by Jon Jacks

She’s in an Otherworld
I’m the weird girl.
You know; the one every kid in class avoids, just in case what I’ve got is catching.
Not that I care.
See, there are worlds other than this one.
Worlds we pass on to when we die.
Worlds, even, where we exist before we’re even born.
They’re the worlds of the Nyxt.
And, if I don’t handle things right, they’re about to declare war on the living. From Goodreads.

This was just okay but not something that makes me want to read more from this author.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (ghost/soul)
2013 Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge (free on Amazon.com 25th of September 2013)

How (Not) to Kiss a Toad by Elizabeth A. Reeves

Life isn't always sweet for magical baker, Cindy Eller. All her life she's been cursed-- every man she's ever kissed has turned into a toad. Love isn't likely to come her way, she knows.
If that weren't a big enough problem, her 'curse' has come to the attention of the Council of Magic and she may never be able to use her powers.
Enter the perfect man-- handsome, sweet, and loves food just as much as Cindy does. It would seem to be a match made in Heaven, or is it?
Cindy isn't the only one keeping secrets.
With toads, cupcakes, romance, magic and ice cream, life never has time to get dull! From Goodreads.

This is exactly what I like in a light read. It is funny, cute and romantic. This is one of those free books that makes me want to buy the next book in the series, which I have done.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (witch)
2013 Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge (free on Amazon.uk 30th of April 2013)
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
Stuck in a Rut Challenge

WitchLove by Emma Mills

With the reappearance of a lost love, Jess flees to the only people who can help her control her increasing powers and gain independence – her family’s coven. But with a bruised heart can Jess learn to forgive or will she find new love in the United States? Witchlove, the third installment of the Witchblood series, is a new adventure that takes Jess from New England to Voodoo country in the South. From Goodreads.

This is the 3rd book in Emma Mills Witchblood series. I am still enjoying it but I didn't think this was as good as the first two books. It is still interesting enough and the epilogue makes me want to read the next book.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (witch)
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
Dewey's Read-a-Thon October 2013