Showing posts with label Completed Challenges 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Completed Challenges 2014. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

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

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 

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

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

Saturday, December 20, 2014

2014 Literary Exploration Reading Challenge - Finished

2014 Literary Exploration Reading Challenge hosted by the Literary Exploration Group on Goodreads.

Interesting in becoming a Literary Explorer too? In 2014 Literary Exploration is once again challenging you to try out new genres; with a 12 book, 24 book and 36 book challenge. We give you a list of genres and anyone participating in the challenge has to complete one book from each genre over the course of the year.

I have completed the Insane Challenge and read a book from 36 different genres. Like in 2013 I did struggle with some of the genres but I didn't feel it as bad as last year. But I have decided not to take part again as I have now completed it twice and I would rather take part in new challenges.
  
List:
Action/Adventure: The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
Auto-Biography/Biography - Himmelbegravelsen (Sky Burial) by Xinran
Chick-Lit: What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte
Childrens Book: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
✔ Classics - John Macnab by John Buchan
Contemporary/Drama: Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Cyberpunk/Steampunk: A Clockwork Christmas by J.K. Coi, P.G. Forte, Stacy Gail, Jenny Schwartz
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic: Night of the Purple Moon by Scott Cramer
Epic
Erotica: Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
Espionage: Casino Royale: James Bond 007 by Ian Fleming
Fantasy: Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch
✔ Graphic Novel: Becoming by Kelley Armstrong
✔ Gothic: Dracula by Bram Stoker
Historical Fiction: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Horror: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Humour: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Literary Fiction: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Magical Realism: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Mystery: Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs
Non Fiction: Drifting Home by Pierre Berton
✔ Paranormal/Supernatural: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
✔ Philosophical:  The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 
✔ Poetry: The Spell of the Yukon and Other Poems by Robert Service
✔ Pulp: Skin Game by Jim Butcher
✔ Romance: A little Christmas Magic by Sylvie Kurtz
✔ Science Fiction: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams 
✔ Self Help/Educational: Introvert by Anna Skyggebjerg
✔ Short Stories: Steel and Other Stories by Richard Matheson
✔ Thriller: Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong
✔ Travel: Hell of a Journey: On Foot Through the Scottish Highlands in Winter by Mike Cawthorne
✔ True Crime: PARENTS WHO KILLED THEIR CHILDREN: FILICIDE by R.J. Parker
✔ Urban Fantasy: Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch
✔ Victorian: Madman's Dance by Jana Oliver 
✔ Western: All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
✔ Young Adult: The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Crazy Challenge Connection - The Bard of Avon - Finished.

The Bard of Avon hosted by Crazy Challenge Connection on Goodreads.

Duration: April 01, 2014 - Mar 31, 2016

I managed to finish this challenge in just under 9 month which was quite surprising. I made one mistake, misunderstanding a trivia task but I was able to fill it with another book.

My posts on Goodreads:
Spell master
Trivia
Plays

The Bard of Avon
Duration: April 01, 2014 - Flexible deadline

April 2014 marks the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth. Shakespeare needs no introduction, and here is a challenge to celebrate the best playwright and invaluable contributor to the English language.

Choose between the following levels and complete the tasks within the timeframe assigned to them:

Spell

1. Audience: Spell the word "WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE" using the first letter of the first word of the title (exclude A, An, The) of the book or the first or the last initial of its author. Timeframe: 4 months, ending Jul 31, 2014

2. Wordsmith: Spell your choice of a Shakespearean Tragedy, Comedy or History using the first letter of the first word of the title (exclude A, An, The) of the book or the first or the last initial of its author. Timeframe: 4 months, ending Jul 31, 2014

3. Spellmaster: Spell the word "WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE" and your choice of a Shakespearean Tragedy, Comedy and History using the first letter of the first word of the title (exclude A, An, The) of the book or the first or the last initial of its author. Timeframe: 1 year, ending Mar 31, 2015

Scavenger

4. Actor: Complete each task of the Trivia section of the challenge. Timeframe: 6 months, ending Sep 30, 2014

5. Playwright: Complete each task of the Comedies, Tragedies OR Histories section of the challenge. Timeframe: 4 months, ending Jul 31, 2014

6. Scholar: Complete each task in the Trivia, Comedies, Tragedies AND Histories section of the challenge. Timeframe: 18 months, ending Sep 30, 2015

Both Spell and Scavenger

9. The Bard: Complete Spellmaster AND Scholar levels of the challenge! Timeframe: 2 years, ending Mar 31, 2016

CHALLENGE RULES - PLEASE READ!

❖ If you want to participate in a challenge, sign up by posting at least a partial list of the challenge requirements. This gives us a post to link you to, which you can use to update your books as the challenge progresses.

❖ Books must be at least 150 pages long (unless otherwise noted) and may only be used for one task in this challenge, but cross-challenge posting is encouraged.

❖ For each book you read, please post a link to the title and mention the author and the date you finished reading it. If a challenge task gives several options, make it clear which option you’ve chosen. If the task calls for an item/color on the cover, include a link to the book cover.* If it’s not obvious from the book title or cover, be sure to explain how your book fits the task. If you don’t, you won’t get credit for completing that task.

❖ If you want the challenge moderator to verify those books as you post them, please copy/paste your update into a new message. If you do this while you still have the Edit window open, it will copy all of your formatting, etc. too. It will make it easier on the moderators if we won't have to scroll back through the entire thread looking for "message #15," or to follow links back to an original post.

❖ When you complete the challenge, please post your entire list as a new message to make it easier for everyone to see what you’ve read :) If you don’t repost your list, your name will not be added to the list of those who have completed the challenge.

❖ Rereads are allowed, as long as you read the entire book and not just skim the best portions! :)

THE CHALLENGE

TRIVIA

 ✔  1. Shakespeare lived to 52. It is known that he was born in April 1564 and that he died on 23rd April 1616. We know that he was baptised on 26th April 1564 and scholars now believe that he was born on April 23rd. He therefore died on his fifty-second birthday, coinciding with St George’s Day.
Read a book with the numbers 1, 4, 5 or 6 in the total number of pages -or- read a book published or set in April -or- read a book with a character named George or William: Hotter Than Hell edited by Kim Harrison (491 pages)

✔  2. Shakespeare had seven siblings. They were: Joan; Margaret; Gilbert; Joan II; Anne; Richard and Edmund.
✍ Read the 7th book in a series -or-
read a book with siblings as main protagonists -or- read a book whose author has one of the following first or last names: Joan, Margaret, Gilbert(s), Anne, Richard(s), Edmund(s). : How (Not) to Kiss a Were Bear by Elizabeth A. Reeves

✔  3. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway when he was 18. She was 26 and she was pregnant when they married. Their first child was born six months after the wedding. They had three children together – a son, Hamnet, who died in 1596, and two daughters, Susanna and Judith. His only granddaughter Elizabeth – daughter of Susanna – died childless. Shakespeare therefore has no descendants.
Read a book with a 1, 2, 6 or 8 in the year it was first published -or- read a book where the protagonist is pregnant or has children -or- read a book whose author's first and last initials are in "ANNEHATHAWAY": Hex Appeal edited by P.N. Elrod  (published 2012)

✔  4. Unlike most artists of his time, Shakespeare died a very wealthy man with a large property portfolio. He was a brilliant businessman – forming a joint-stock company with his actors meaning he took a share in the company’s profits, as well as earning a fee for each play he wrote. He made several gifts to various people but left his property to his daughter, Susanna. The only mention of his wife in Shakespeare’s own will is: “I gyve unto my wief my second best bed with the furniture”. The “furniture” was the bedclothes for the bed.
✍ Read a book with a rich protagonist -or- read a book where a character inherits something -or-
read a book with a bed on the cover: The Breeders by Katie French

✔  5. Shakespeare was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon. He put a curse on anyone daring to move his body from that final resting place. Though it was customary to dig up the bones from previous graves to make room for others, Shakespeare’s remains are still undisturbed.
Read a book with graves, graveyard or bones on the cover -or- read a book with a curse in it -or- read a book where a funeral is part of the plot. Holidays Are Hell edited by Kim Harrison (graves on cover) 

 ✔  6. One of Shakespeare’s relatives on his mother’s side, William Arden, was arrested for plotting against Queen Elizabeth I, imprisoned in the Tower of London and executed.
✍ Read a book where a coup d'etat is a part of the plot -or-
read a book where all the words of the title begin with a letter in "WILLIAMARDEN" (ignore a, an, the. 2 words minimum) -or- read a book where someone is imprisoned.: Ever After by Kim Harrison

✔  7. During his life, Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets! This means an average 1.5 plays a year since he first started writing in 1589. His last play The Two Noble Kinsmen is reckoned to have been written in 1613 when he was 49 years old. While he was writing the plays at such a pace he was also conducting a family life, a social life and a full business life, running an acting company and a theatre.
✍ Read a book where the protagonist has more than one profession -or- read a book whose author has written more than 30 books -or-
read a book whose author is over 40 years old (they must be over 40 now, they could have written your book when younger). Night Broken by Patricia Briggs (born 1965 = 49 years old)

✔  8. Shakespeare’s profession was acting. He is listed in documents of 1592, 1598 and 1603 as an actor. We know that he acted in a Ben Jonson play and also in his own plays but it’s thought that, as a very busy man, writing, managing the theatre and commuting between London and his home in Stratford where is family was, he didn’t undertake big parts. There is evidence that he played the ghost in Hamlet and Adam in As You Like It.
✍ Read a book whose main protagonist is an actor -or- read a book with an author or character called Adam -or-
read a book with a ghost in it: Along Came A Demon by Linda Welch

✔  9. In Elizabethan theatre circles it was common for writers to collaborate on writing plays. Towards the end of his career Shakespeare worked with other writers on plays that have been credited to those writers. Other writers also worked on plays that are credited to Shakespeare. We know for certain that Timon of Athens was a collaboration with Thomas Middleton; Pericles with George Wilkins; and The Two Noble Kinsmen with John Fletcher.
Read a book which is a collaborative effort between two or more authors but is credited under one name (husband and wife writing as one author, for example) -or- read a book with a writer protagonist -or- read a book with an author whose initials are either TM, MT, GW, WG, JF or FJ: Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews (husband & wife team)

✔  10. Some scholars have maintained that Shakespeare did not write the Shakespeare plays, with at least fifty writers having been suggested as the “real” author. Notable of these were Francis Bacon, the Earl of Oxford and Christopher Marlowe.
✍ Read a book that is about a conspiracy theory -or- read a book marked Alternate History on its main GR page -or-
read a book written by an author with a pen name (the pen name must be used to write your book!)From a Whisper to a Scream by Charles de Lint (first written under the pen name Samuel M. Key approved by Chaitra in this post)

✔  11. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, Shakespeare wrote close to a tenth of the most quoted lines ever written or spoken in English. What’s more, according to the Literature Encyclopaedia, Shakespeare is the second most quoted English writer after the writers of the Bible.
✍ Read a book with what you consider quotable lines (bonus: let us know some of them!) -or- read a book marked "Religion" on its main GR page -or-
read a book by a bestselling author The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan

✔  12. Almost four hundred years after Shakespeare’s death there are 157 million pages referring to him on Google. There are 132 million for God, 2.7 million for Elvis Presley, and coming up on Shakespeare’s heels, George W Bush with 14.7 million.
Read a book with the number 1, 2, 4, 5 or 7 in the total number of pages -or- read a book where music is important to the plot -or- read a book marked "Politics" in its main GR page: Alien Stars by C.J. Cherryh, Joe Haldeman, Timothy Zahn (254 pages)

✔  13. Suicide occurs an unlucky thirteen times in Shakespeare’s plays. It occurs in Romeo and Juliet where both Romeo and Juliet commit suicide, in Julius Caesar where both Cassius and Brutus die by consensual stabbing, as well as Brutus’ wife Portia.
✍ Read a book where a character either attempts or commits suicide -or-
read a book with a "13" in the number of pages -or- read a book where a character is unlucky (in life, love, whatever): Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond by Kim Harrison (513 pages)

✔  14. Some of Shakespeare’s signatures have survived on original documents. In none of them does he spell his name in what has become the standard way. He spells it Shakespe; Shakspe; Shakspere and Shakespear.
✍ Read a book with writing instruments (pen, ink, quill, pencil etc.) on the cover -or- read a book with a main character or author with an unconventional spelling (for example, Megyn for Megan) -or-
read a book with the title beginning with S (The, A, An count, so the book has to strictly begin with an S): Skin Game by Jim Butcher

✔  15. The American President Abraham Lincoln was a great lover of Shakespeare’s plays and frequently recited from them to his friends. His assassin, John Wilkes Booth was a famous Shakespearean actor.
✍ Read a book set during the US civil war -or- read a book where the main protagonist is a fond of the arts -or-
read a book whose author's initials are in "JOHNWILKESBOOTH": White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
 

✔  16. Although it was illegal to be a Catholic in Shakespeare’s lifetime, the Anglican Archdeacon, Richard Davies of Lichfield, who had known him wrote some time after Shakespeare’s death that he had been a Catholic.
✍ Read a banned book -or- read a book where a main character is religious -or-
read a book where a character commits a crime they could be arrested for: Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong (assassin)

✔  17. According to Shakespeare professor Louis Marder, “Shakespeare was so facile in employing words that he was able to use over 7,000 of them – more than occur in the whole King James Version of the Bible – only once and never again.”
Read a book with 7 or 0 in the year it was first published -or- read a book with a word meaning One (one, only, sole, single etc) in the title -or- read a book that you consider wordy: A Highland Home by Cali MacKay (published 2012)

✔  18. It was illegal for women and girls to perform in the theatre in Shakespeare’s lifetime so all the female parts were written for boys. The text of some plays like Hamlet and Antony and Cleopatra refer to that. It was only much later, during the Restoration, that the first woman appeared on the English stage.
Read a book with a woman protagonist -or- read a book where a boy dresses up as a girl for whatever reason -or- read a book set during the period of Restoration (late 1600s): Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison (Rachel is protagonist)

✔  19. There are only two Shakespeare plays written entirely in verse: they are Richard II and King John. Many of the plays have half of the text in prose.
✍ Read a novel in verse, a play or a book of poetry -or- read a prose book where verses appear -or-
read a book with an author called Richard or John. The Hobbit by J(John).R.R. Tolkien

✔  20. Shakespeare wrote many more plays than the ones we know about. It’s certain that he wrote a play titled Cardenio, which has been lost, but scholars think he wrote about twenty that have gone without a trace.
✍ Read a book whose author has an out-of-print, unpublished or untranslated book -or- read a book whose title begins with a letter in "CARDENIO" -or-
read a book with a 20 intact in the year it was first publishedA Highland Heist by Cali MacKay (published 2013)

✔  21. Among the 80 languages Shakespeare’s works have been translated into, the most obscure must be the constructed language of Star Trek’s Klingon. Hamlet and Much Ado about Nothing have both been translated as part of the Klingon Shakespeare Restoration Project by the Klingon Language Institute.
✍ Read a book that is translated from its original language -or- read a book that has aliens in it -or-
read a book whose title begins with a letter in "STARTREK": Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson

✔  22. The moons of Uranus were originally named in 1852 after magical spirits from English literature. The International Astronomy Union subsequently developed the convention to name all further moons of Uranus after characters in Shakespeare’s plays or Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock.
✍ Read a book set in a planet other than the Earth -or-
read a book whose author's first or last name is a moon of Uranus -or- read a book with a moon on the cover or the title. Any Witch Way You Can by Amanda M. Lee

✔  23. An outbreak of the plague in Europe resulted in all London theatres being closed between 1592 and 1594. As there was no demand for plays during this time, Shakespeare began to write poetry, completing his first batch of sonnets in 1593, aged 29.
✍ Read a book of poetry -or-
read a book where disease is rampant -or- read a book with a medical professional main character: Dragonsblood by Todd J. McCaffrey

✔  24. Shakespeare had close connections with King James I. The King made the actors of Shakespeare’s company ‘Grooms of Chamber’, in response to which Shakespeare changed the company’s name from the ‘Lord Chamberlain’s Men’ to the ‘King’s Men’.
✍ Read a book with the word "Men", "Chamber" or "Groom" (singular or plural acceptable) -or- read a book with a title change from its first publication -or-
read a book with a royal character in it: The Tiger Princess by Sarah Renee

✔  25. Although Shakespeare is almost universally considered as one of the finest writers in the English language, his contemporaries were not always as impressed. The first recorded reference to Shakespeare, written by theatre critic Robert Greene in 1592, was as an “upstart crow, beautified with our feathers”.
✍ Read a negatively reviewed book -or- read a book whose author is critically panned -or-
read a book with a bird or feathers on the cover. True of Blood by Bonnie Lamer

COMEDIES 

✔  1. All's Well that Ends Well :
Read a book that has a happy ending -or- read a book that has a fickle hero -or- read a book with a title that has repeating words: The Way They Were by Mary Campisi

✔  2. As You Like It :
✍ Read a book with a character who is an actor -or-
read a book set partially or wholly in a forest -or- read a book that is considered lesser among the author's works: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
 

✔  3. The Comedy of Errors :
Read a book with a case of mistaken identity -or- read a book that makes you laugh out loud -or- read a book featuring twins: After the Storm by M. Stratton

✔  4. Cymbeline :
✍ Read a book with the word FAITH (variations like faithful is ok) in the title -or-
read a book with jewelry on the cover -or- read a book set in Wales: Evergreen by Brenda Pandos

✔  5. Love's Labour's Lost :
✍ Read a book set in Spain -or- read a book with the words "Year" or "Day" in the title -or-
read a book centering on a number of male friends (there must be no woman in their circle!): The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

✔  6. Measure for Measure :
✍ Read a legal drama -or-
read a book with a character who preys on women -or- read a book with a character you consider good: Made to Be Broken by Kelley Armstrong

✔  7. The Merchant of Venice :
✍ Read a book with a merciless character -or- read a book featuring a Jewish protagonist or
written by a Jewish author -or- read a courtroom drama involving a woman lawyer.  Red Stilettos by Ruth Joseph

✔  8. Merry Wives of Windsor :
✍ Read a book with the word "Wife" or "Wives" in the title -or-
read a book with someone is thrown or falls into a river -or- read a book with some sort of basket on the cover. The Magician by Michael Scott

✔  9. A Midsummer Night's Dream :
✍ Read a book set in the summer -or- read a book with an obvious night scene on the cover -or-
read a book with fairies in it: A Place Beyond The Map by Samuel Thews

✔  10. Much Ado About Nothing :
Read a book featuring a faked death -or- read a book with two pairs of couples -or- read a book with a negative word in the title. Death on the Aegean Queen By Maria Hudgins

✔  11. Pericles, Prince of Tyre :
✍ Read a book set in Western Asia -or-
read a book with a protagonist on the run for their life -or- read a book with a ship or boat on the cover. Angel by L.A. Weatherly

✔  12. The Taming of the Shrew :
✍ Read a book with a character with a horrid temper -or-
read a book with sisters -or- read a book where something or someone is tamed. A Dangerous Witch by Debora Geary

✔  13. The Tempest :
✍ Read a book that has a weather word in the title -or- read a book set on an island -or-
read a book with magic in it.
Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch (Magic)

✔  14. Twelfth Night, or What You Will :
✍ Read a book with an ordinal number in the title -or- read a book with a shipwreck in it -or-
read a book with a 7 in the year it was first published: Dracula by Bram Stoker (first published 1897)
 

 ✔  15. The Two Gentlemen of Verona :
✍ Read a book set in Italy -or- read a book with a small cast of characters -or- read a book with a tower of some sort or a key on the cover. :
Madman's Dance by Jana Oliver

 ✔  16. The Two Noble Kinsmen :
Read a book that is a joint effort of two authors -or- read a book which is wholly or partially set in a prison -or- read a book about family: Dragon's Kin by Anne McCaffrey (co-writtten by Todd Mccaffrey)

✔  17. The Winter's Tale :
✍ Read a book where adultery is part of the plot -or- read a book with a statue on the cover -or-
read a book with a season name in the title. The Vintage Summer Wedding by Jenny Oliver

TRAGEDIES
✔  1. Anthony and Cleopatra :
Read a book with two person names in the title -or- read a book with star-crossed lovers -or- read a book with a snake in the plot or the cover: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

✔  2. Coriolanus :
Read a book marked Military or War on its main page -or- read a book about a mother and her son -or- read a book where the protagonist tries to enter politics. Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

✔  3. Hamlet :
✍ Read a book set in Denmark -or- read a book with a skull on the cover -or-
read a book with the authors initials in "ALASPOORYORICK" (middle initials also count)Drip Drop Teardrop by Samantha Young

✔  4. Julius Caesar :
✍ Read a book set in a dictatorship -or- read a book where someone is assassinated -or-
read a book where betrayal by a close friend is part of the plot. Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge

✔  5. King Lear :
Read a book where a royal word (King, Queen, Prince etc.) is part of the title -or- read a book about a father and his daughters -or- read a book where many characters die: Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

✔  6. Macbeth :
Read a book with witches in it -or- read a book with a prophecy as part of the plot -or- read a book set in Scotland: A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison (witches)

✔  7. Othello :
✍ Read a book with clothes on the cover -or- read a book with an army setting -or- read a book with adultery as part of the plot:
Kept by Elle Field (mannequin on cover)


 ✔  8. Romeo and Juliet :
Read a young adult book -or- read a book that you consider a tragic romance -or- read a book with a balcony, porch or window on the cover. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

✔  9. Timon of Athens :
Read a book with less than 500 ratings on Goodreads -or- read a book with food on the cover -or- read a book with a generous character whose generosity is misused: Baehrly Breathing by Elizabeth A. Reeves (229 ratings)

✔  10. Titus Andronicus :
✍ Read a book you consider violent -or- read a book with a mentally ill protagonist -or-
read a book a book with revenge as part of the plot. Reckless Nights in Rome by C.C. MacKenzie (Bronte's ex-fiancee sets a stalker on her)


✔  11. Troilus and Cressida :
✍ Read a book where loyalty (or lack of) is part of the plot -or- read a book set in Greece -or- read a book with a beautiful woman on the cover:
Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews 

HISTORIES


 ✔  1. Henry IV, Part I :
Read a book with a 4 in the year it was first published -or- read a book about a father and his disappointing son -or- read a book where rebellion or mutiny is part of the plot: The Bride wore Chocolate by Shirley Jump (first published September 1st 2004)

✔  2. Henry IV, Part II :
✍ Read a book where a bad character turns good -or-
read a sequel -or- read a book where a character dabbles in the criminal underworld: Pieces of Eight by Melissa Wright (#2)

✔  3. Henry V :
✍ Read the fifth book in a series -or- read a book where the characters cannot understand each other for some reason (for example, they speak different languages) -or-
read a book where the author initials are in "BANDOFBROTHERS" (middle initials don't count). The Secret History by Donna Tartt 
 
✔  4. Henry VI, Part I :
Read book #1 of a series -or- read a book with a cliffhanger in it -or- read a book where someone has a vision: A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes (Magical Cure Mystery #1)

 ✔  5. Henry VI, Part II :
✍ Read a book with a spirit or ghost in it -or- read a book where conflict for power is part of the plot -or-
read a book where a marriage of convenience occursBlessings by Anna Quindlen

✔  6. Henry VI, Part III :
✍ Read a book with a white or red rose on the cover -or-
read the third book of a series -or- read a book that deals with the aftermath of war: Baehrly Alive by Elizabeth A. Reeves (Goldie Locke and the Were Bears #3)

 ✔  7. Henry VIII :
✍ Read a book that is written as a collaboration between two or more authors -or- read a book that has divorce as part of the plot -or-
read a book where a baby is born: My Sweet Valentine by Jill Sanders

 ✔  8. King John :
Read a book written by an author named John (no variations allowed) -or- read a book with a castle on the cover -or- read a book set about religion: Prince of Hazel and Oak by John Lenahan

 ✔  9. Richard II :
Read a book spanning at least two years -or- read a book where there is a swordfight =or= read the first book of a four book series. The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien 

✔  10. Richard III :
✍ Read a book with an ambitious character -or- read a book where someone is poisoned -or-
read a book with a character or writer named Richard:  Winter's End by Clarissa Cartharn 

Spellmaster:

William Shakespeare
✔  W: Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf
✔  I: It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet by James Herriot
✔  L: The Cold Moon Run by L. Filion 
✔  L: Legions by Karice Bolton
✔  I: If the Shoe Fits by Laurie LeClair
✔  A: Every Woman For Herself by Trisha Ashley
✔  M: A Gift of Dragons by Anne McCaffrey

✔  S: Your Guardian Angel by Skyla Madi
✔  H: Pale Demon by Kim Harrison
✔  A: The Yellow Fairy Book by Andrew Lang 
✔  K: A Croft in the Hills by Katharine Stewart
✔  E: The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards
✔  S: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 
✔  P: Drifting Home by Pierre Berton
✔  E: How (Not) to Love a Hero by Elizabeth A. Reeves
✔  A: All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
✔  R: Rise of The Seven by Melissa Wright
✔  E: The Enchantress by Michael Scott

A Midsummer's Night Dream
✔  A: Altered Soul by Karice Bolton

✔  M: Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk
✔  I: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
✔  D: Devious Magic by Camilla Chafer
✔  S: The Sorceress by Michael Scott
✔  U: The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
✔  M: Cart Before the Horse by Bernadette Marie
✔  M: One Sweet Summer by Cali MacKay
✔  E: California Man by E.C. Sheedy
✔  R: Untouched by Robert J. Crane

✔  N: Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance by Penny Reid
✔  I: Infernal Devices by K.W. Jeter
✔  G: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
✔  H: Hot Summer by Judy Powell
✔  T: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
✔  S: The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

✔  D: Blood Faerie by India Drummond
✔  R: Forliset Og Andre Skrøner by Jørn Riel
✔  E: Elfhunter by C.S. Marks
✔  A: The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
✔  M: Macaron Murder by Harper Lin

Hamlet
✔  H: Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl
✔  A: Unborn by Amber Lynn Natusch
✔  M: Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
✔  L: Moxyland by Lauren Beukes
✔  E: Enchanted Secrets by Kristen Middleton
✔  T: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

King John

✔  K: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered by Kerry Barrett
✔  I:  Illicit Magic by Camilla Chafer
✔  N: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
✔  G: Gnome on the Range by Jennifer Zane
✔  J: Champagne and Lemon Drops by Jean Oram
✔  O: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
✔  H. The Witch with no Name by Kim Harrison
✔  N: Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

List of books:
  1. Hotter Than Hell edited by Kim Harrison
  2. Hex Appeal edited by P.N. Elrod 
  3. Night Broken by Patricia Briggs 
  4. Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
  5. Holidays Are Hell edited by Kim Harrison  
  6. Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch
  7. The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan
  8. Alien Stars by C.J. Cherryh, Joe Haldeman, Timothy Zahn
  9. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
  10. A Highland Home by Cali MacKay 
  11. A Highland Heist by Cali MacKay
  12. Baehrly Breathing by Elizabeth A. Reeves
  13. Baehrly Alive by Elizabeth A. Reeves
  14. How (Not) to Kiss a Were Bear by Elizabeth A. Reeves
  15. Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison
  16. Pale Demon by Kim Harrison 
  17. The Bride wore Chocolate by Shirley Jump
  18. A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes 
  19. Death on the Aegean Queen By Maria Hudgins
  20. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman  
  21. Pieces of Eight by Melissa Wright
  22. A Gift of Dragons by Anne McCaffrey 
  23. A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
  24. The Breeders by Katie French
  25. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson 
  26. From a Whisper to a Scream by Charles de Lint  
  27. Dragon's Kin by Anne McCaffrey 
  28. Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond by Kim Harrison 
  29. Along Came A Demon by Linda Welch
  30. Prince of Hazel and Oak by John Lenahan 
  31. It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet by James Herriot 
  32. Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson 
  33. A Place Beyond The Map by Samuel Thews
  34. The Way They Were by Mary Campisi 
  35. Made to Be Broken by Kelley Armstrong
  36. Skin Game by Jim Butcher
  37. Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong 
  38. My Sweet Valentine by Jill Sanders
  39. Ever After by Kim Harrison 
  40. Rise of The Seven by Melissa Wright
  41. Evergreen by Brenda Pandos 
  42. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 
  43. Drifting Home by Pierre Berton 
  44. Angel by L.A. Weatherly 
  45. The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien 
  46. The Cold Moon Run by L. Filion   
  47. Drip Drop Teardrop by Samantha Young
  48. After the Storm by M. Stratton
  49. Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk
  50. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
  51. Cart Before the Horse by Bernadette Marie
  52. The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
  53. The Tiger Princess by Sarah Renee
  54. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
  55. If the Shoe Fits by Laurie LeClair
  56. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey 
  57. Your Guardian Angel by Skyla Madi 
  58. Legions by Karice Bolton
  59. The Vintage Summer Wedding by Jenny Oliver 
  60. Untouched by Robert J. Crane
  61. Champagne and Lemon Drops by Jean Oram
  62. Every Woman For Herself by Trisha Ashley 
  63. A Croft in the Hills by Katharine Stewart 
  64. Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance by Penny Reid 
  65. Reckless Nights in Rome by C.C. MacKenzie
  66. One Sweet Summer by Cali MacKay
  67. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  68. Infernal Devices by K.W. Jeter 
  69. Illicit Magic by Camilla Chafer 
  70. Macaron Murder by Harper Lin 
  71. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro 
  72. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered by Kerry Barrett 
  73. Winter's End by Clarissa Cartharn 
  74. Hot Summer by Judy Powell 
  75. Gnome on the Range by Jennifer Zane
  76. Blessings by Anna Quindlen 
  77. Dragonsblood by Todd J. McCaffrey 
  78. Forliset Og Andre Skrøner by Jørn Riel  
  79. Kept by Elle Field
  80. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 
  81. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
  82. The Yellow Fairy Book by Andrew Lang   
  83. Devious Magic by Camilla Chafer
  84. Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf 
  85. Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
  86. The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien 
  87. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
  88. The Secret History by Donna Tartt 
  89. The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
  90. Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein 
  91. Altered Soul by Karice Bolton
  92. A Dangerous Witch by Debora Geary 
  93. Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl 
  94. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
  95. Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge 
  96. The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards 
  97. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
  98. Dracula by Bram Stoker 
  99. How (Not) to Love a Hero by Elizabeth A. Reeves
  100. Moxyland by Lauren Beukes
  101. True of Blood by Bonnie Lamer
  102. The Magician by Michael Scott
  103. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
  104. The Sorceress by Michael Scott
  105. The Witch with no Name by Kim Harrison
  106. Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews 
  107. Blood Faerie by India Drummond
  108. Unborn by Amber Lynn Natusch 
  109. The Enchantress by Michael Scott 
  110. California Man by E.C. Sheedy
  111. Madman's Dance by Jana Oliver
  112. Elfhunter by C.S. Marks 
  113. Any Witch Way You Can by Amanda M. Lee
  114. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
  115. Red Stilettos by Ruth Joseph 
  116. Enchanted Secrets by Kristen Middleton