Goodreads 2015 Reading Challenge - Finished

Goodreads 2015 Reading Challenge.

My goal this year was 210 books but I actually had to upgrade it and I read 252 books which is 4 more than in 2014 and 5004 pages more

THIS is my challenge page on Goodreads

List of books:

1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
2. Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
3. The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory 
4. How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
5. Life's a Witch by Elizabeth A. Reeves
6. Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
7. Shenanigans by T.B. Bond
8. A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser 
9. Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan 
10. Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton
11. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
12. Bewitching You by Viola Estrella
13. Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
14. Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson
15. Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs
16. Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle
17. In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig 
18. Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
19. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 
20. Coven by K.A. Young
21. Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
22. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey 
23. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts 
24. Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
25. Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron
26. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
27. The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg
28. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
29. A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams
30. Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant
31. Love is a Thief by Claire Garber 
32. Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee
33. Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee  
34. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness 
35. Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs
36. Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller
37. Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee 
38. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
39. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
40. Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns
41. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling 
42. Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
43. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard 
44. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 
45. Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 
46. 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
47. Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs
48. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald 
49. The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black
50. Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas 
51. Raven by Suzy Turner
52. The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos
53. Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford
54. A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee
55. The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black
56. Metal Emissary by Chris Paton
57. The Liquidator by John Gardner 
58. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino
59. Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee
60. Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig
61. Got A Hold On You by Pat White 
62. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
63. A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson
64. Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski
65. Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane
66. Bloodstone by Barbra Annino
67. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
68. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
69. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
70. Chef Charming by Lyn Ellerbe 
71. Legend by Marie Lu
72. Roseanna by Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahlöö
73. Sing for Me by Penelope Reece
74. Louisiana Longshot by Jana Deleon 
75. Tastes Like Chicken by Johnny B. Truant
76. The Martian by Andy Weir
77. Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky
78. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
79. Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke
80. The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
81. THE CHRISTMAS KNITTING BEE by De-ann Black
82. The Man in the Crowd by M. Sydnor Jr.
83. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
84. A Little Love by Amanda Prowse
85. THE TEA SHOP: Cakes, Ice Cream & Afternoon Tea by De-ann Black 
86. The One Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
87. The Woman In Black by Susan Hill
88. Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
89. The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
90. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
91. A Bag Of Moonshine by Alan Garner
92. Hollywood Assassin by M.Z. Kelly
93. Witch Hunt by S.M. Reine
94. Ovenpå er der Stille by Gerbrand Bakker 
95. Malicious Mischief by Lora Young
96. Raw Deal by Mark Henwick 
97. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
98. The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
99. Take Three Birds by Jilli Lime-Holt 
100. Weingarten by J. Davis Bly 
101. Penelope by Anya Wylde
102. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
103. Avram Thief of Catland by James Bjorkman
104. Wind, Sand And Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
105. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
106. The Synchronicity War Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr
107. A New Witch in Town (Not to Mention the Cat) by Dani Corlee 
108. Getaway by Rosemarie Naramore 
109. Kelly's Koffee Shop by Dianne Harman 
110. Dog Day Wedding by Rich Amooi
111. Champagne Chic Lemonade Money by De-ann Black
112. The Return by A.L. Parks
113. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen 
114. The Magicians by Lev Grossman  
115. Slow Demons  by Chris Paton
116. Seven Viking Romances by Hermann Pálsson
117. The Cold King by Amber Jaeger
118. Flypaper by C.K. Vile
119. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
120. Returning Pride by Jill Sanders
121. Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
122. The Bridesmaid Blues by Tracey Sinclair
123. First Frost by Liz DeJesus 
124. The Oatmeal Stories by Robert R. Stevens 
125. Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat  
126. Legend by David Gemmell 
127. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling 
128. Summer at Sea by Beth Labonte
129. The Beemaster’s Cottage by De-ann Black 
130. Marked by Elisabeth Naughton 
131. Captured In Ink by Donna McDonald
132. The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera 
133. Brotherhood of the Fin: A Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer's Story by Gerald R. Hoover
134. Murder at Jade Cove by Dianne Harman 
135. The Vintage Sewing and Knitting Bee by De-ann Black
136. All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot 
137. The Bakery By The Seaside by De-ann Black 
138. Believe by Celia Juliano
139. Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
140. En Heldig Mand by Michael J. Fox
141. Agent with a History by Guy Stanton III
142. The Recovery Room by Ann Ormsby 
143. Julia by Ashley Merrick
144. Viking Fire by Andrea R. Cooper
145. Mordet på Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
146. Young Lord of Khadora by Richard S. Tuttle
147. Anomaly by K.C. King
148. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
149. Marked by Sarah Fine
150. A Stitch in Time by Amanda James
151. First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
152. Magic Mirror by Michaela Thompson
153. Fire And Ice by Dana Stabenow 
154. Born in Ice by Nora Roberts 
155. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen 
156. Down and Out in Beverly Heels by Kathryn Leigh Scott 
157. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton 
158. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling 
159. Careful What You Witch For: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short by Amanda M. Lee
160. First Year by J. P. Howards 
161. Wicked Brew: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short by Amanda M. Lee 
162. Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder 
163. Into the Deep End by Leesa Freeman 
164. Witch Me Luck by Amanda M. Lee 
165. The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson 
166. Deep in My Heart by Patricia W. Fischer 
167. Treasure on Moon Lake by Amy Gamet 
168. Witchy Tales: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fairy Tale by Amanda M. Lee 
169. The Cornish Affair by Laura Lockington 
170. The Adventures of Augustus Fuller by James Rickon 
171. Fearless by Cornelia Funke 
172. The Moomins and the Great Flood by Tove Jansson 
173. Eragon by Christopher Paolini 
174. The Young Pitcher by Zane Grey 
175. The Pack in Illinois by Zoey Glasgow 
176. On a Witch and a Prayer: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short by Amanda M. Lee 
177. The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan 
178. A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond 
179. Geoducks Are for Lovers by Daisy Prescott 
180. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness 
181. The Christmas Tea Shop & Bakery by De-ann Black
182. The Return of Gabe McLeod by Joanne Hill
183. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
184. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
185. The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
186. Khronos by Chris Paton 
187. The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
188. The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb
189. The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
190. Country Heaven by Ava Miles
191. Evidence of Trust by Stacey Joy Netzel
192. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
193. Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder
194. The St. Valentine's Day Cookie Massacre by Elisabeth Crabtree
195. Born in Shame by Nora Roberts
196. The Diving Pool: Three Novellas by Yoko Ogawa
197. A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews 
198. Divorced, Desperate and Delicious by Christie Craig
199. Fire Country by David Estes
200. Rasmus - Tales of a Utah Cowboy by Jay Anderson and Beth M. Stephenson
201. The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa
202. Fire at Twilight by Lila Ashe
203. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
204. Iced Under by Nadine Doolittle
205. Touch of the Goddess by Maria Hammarblad
206. Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb
207. A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter
208. Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
209. Bound by C.K. Bryant 
210. Lady Falls by Renee Bernard 
211. The Wild by Christopher Golden 
212. Don't Waste a Minute - A Story of Africa by Marilyn Randall
213. Poisoned by Elaine Macko
214. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
215. I'll Be Watching You by Charles de Lint  
216. Carved in Stone by Donna McDonald  
217. A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman
218. The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland 
219. 204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
220. What Once Was Perfect by Zoe York
221. Prophecy of the Female Warrior by K.A. Young
222. Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager
223. I Need a Hero by Emma Bennet
224. Activation by Chris Paton
225. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield 
226. The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater    
227. Love, Laughter, and Murder Ever After by Jeanine Spooner
228. Life's a Witch by Amanda M. Lee
229. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
230. Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
231. Opening Hearts by Iona Findley
232. Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington 
233. Murder Half-Baked by Kathleen Delaney
234. Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint
235. Memories of the Blue Door by Neil Davis
236. The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee
237. Terra Incognita: Travels In Antarctica by Sara Wheeler
238. I År bliver det anderledes by Maeve Binchy
239. Julemanden og hele hans slæng by Vagn Simonsen 
240. Abigail's Christmas Gift by Charity Phillips 
241. The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley
242. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
243. Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb
244. Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb
245. Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
246. Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews
247. Mattie: The Story of an Australian Convict Child by Sheila Hunter 
248. Last Christmas by Lily Greene 
249. Deathly Still by Elizabeth A. Reeves
250. Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb 
251. Lost & Found in India by Braja Sorensen 
252. STRANGERS by Chirag Upadhyay

STRANGERS by Chirag Upadhyay

Have you ever been overseas and wondered who the strangers you meet at the hotel, at the bar, swimming pool, and on the nine hour bus journey through the night really are? Danny Shah didn't. He should have.
Made redundant, Danny decides a holiday, specifically a visit to Machu Picchu, is in order. He joins an organised tour where he meets his fellow travellers, eight other strangers. All Danny wants to do is party. However, some of these strangers harbour secrets…A fugitive on the run. An undercover cop in pursuit.
Will Danny get the chance to experience sun, sex, sours and once-in-a-lifetime sites? Or will he be dragged into a story he wants nothing to do with?  From Goodreads.

This is one of the more confusing books I have read but I still kind of liked it. I chose it because it was set in Peru and the characters were going to visit Machu Picchu, which I visited many years ago. Unfortunately they never got there! I had no idea till the book told me at the end who was the bad guy and who was the undercover cop and I think that was really good.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z

Lost & Found in India by Braja Sorensen

Despite how entertaining or exotic one may find other books on India to be, they share the trait of being written by foreigners on a brief journey, an adventure, and consequently they all deliver an often incorrect view of a country that is impossible to understand from the surface.
Sorensen moved in, set up house, became a resident in a village on the banks of the Ganges River, and eventually called India home. Her writing swings from the depths of ancient culture, spirituality, and philosophy, through to drunk bathroom repair men and India's wedding season, and ties it all together with direction, grounding, and an easily-digested reality.
Its funny, outrageous, controversial, deep, witty, spiritual, philosophical, and damned entertaining: in other words, it’s India. From Goodreads.




I unfortunately didn't find this book funny, entertaining or interesting at all. The most interesting thing about the book is that I am Danish and she married a Dane and he is hardly mentioned. But I did finish it as I needed it for a challenge.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly

Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb

'We are here, you and I, Fitz, to
change the world. Again.'
Fifteen years have passed since the end of the Red Ship War with the terrifying Outislanders. Since then, Fitz has wandered the world accompanied only by his wolf and Wit-partner, Nighteyes, finally settling in a tiny cottage as remote from Buckkeep and the Farseers as possible.
But lately the world has come crashing in again. The Witted are being persecuted because of their magical bonds with animals; and young Prince Dutiful has gone missing just before his crucial diplomatic wedding to an Outislander princess. Fitz's assignment to fetch Dutiful back in time for the ceremony seems very much like a fool's errand, but the dangers ahead could signal the end of the Farseer reign. From Goodreads.




Yes, I am continuing this story already. Fitz has lived his own life for 15 years but now he has to go back and help save the Kingdom yet again. It seems the Fool has a bigger role in this series and I am looking forward to see where that goes as I actually like him more than I like Fitz. I like that we are seeing more of the Witted.
I have ordered the next book in the series from the library.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Big Books Bonus Club
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe

Deathly Still by Elizabeth A. Reeves

Antigone Baehr is almost eighteen when her life takes a bizarre turn. All those feelings she'd had her whole life that she was different from all of her peers were actually true-- she is something called 'unlife'.
Now forced to face Death face-to-face, Annie finds herself caught up in a future she never wanted for herself-- is she fated for Death?
Or to be Death? From Goodreads.

I have read all the Cindy Eller and the Goldie Locke and the Were Bears books and this new series is a continuation in that world. This book is about Goldie Locke's daughter. As with all these books, this was a fun quick read. A bit different as it is about her training with Death to become either a reaper or the new Death. I am looking forward to continuing this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My

Last Christmas by Lily Greene

Last Christmas Ella’s heart was broken.
She had been with sophisticated banker Robbie Newton for six years when they suddenly broke up on New Year’s Eve.
Robbie had left her heartbroken and hurt with nothing but a note explaining he had taken a job in Chicago.
This Christmas Ella is determined to bury her past and start afresh.
She focuses on her career as an artist and organises her debut exhibition in a swanky London gallery.
While shopping for her best friend, Libby Crosley, who is hosting her infamous Christmas party that evening, Ella bumps into a mysterious man in the supermarket.
After a series of awkward run-ins and chance meetings with this stranger, Fergus Lamb, Ella feels the pangs of love again.
Fergus is nothing like any man Ella’s ever dated.
He’s a quirky, smart, bold, and spontaneous war photographer who looks like James Dean.
Just as Ella’s luck is changing, Robbie shows up unannounced at the opening night of her exhibition.
Ella is faced with a choice when Robbie finally offers her what she always wanted…
Who will Ella choose? Her suave and successful ex-boyfriend who she finds so irresistible? Or the exciting new stranger who has just waltzed into her life?
Will this Christmas be a fresh start? Or will she be dragged back to the memories of Last Christmas?
‘Last Christmas’ is a heart-warming, witty and modern take on the classic love triangle story – the perfect romance to curl up to the fire with. from Goodreads.

An okay Christmas read that only took a few hours to read. It is of course predictable but a short fun, read.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z

Mattie: The Story of an Australian Convict Child by Sheila Hunter

Mattie aged 12 is convicted for petty theft, given the sentence of 7 years and is sent to Australia. She meets another convict woman who at her death gives Mattie a chance for a new life. Mattie makes the most of everything that comes her way. She earns her freedom, falls in love, marries and becomes a mother. Life is not kind to her. She meets bushrangers; moves to the Gold Fields in Bathurst and starts a store.
Mattie is the kind of woman that made
Australia what it is today. From Goodreads.

This only just made it up to 3 polar Bears. It was okay and it was the description of the time period that pulled it up. The main character Mattie is a bit too perfect and I didn't understand why the author had to bring the subject of paedophilia into the book and then just use a page on it and really no consequences for the person trying to do it.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe

Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews

Dina DeMille doesn’t run your typical Bed and Breakfast. Her inn defies laws of physics, her fluffy dog is secretly a monster, and the only paying guest is a former Galactic tyrant with a price on her head. But the inn needs guests to thrive, and guests have been scarce, so when an Arbitrator shows up at Dina's door and asks her to host a peace summit between three warring species, she jumps on the chance.
Unfortunately, for Dina, keeping the peace between Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char is much easier said than done. On top of keeping her guests from murdering each other, she must find a chef, remodel the inn... and risk everything, even her life, to save the man she might fall in love with. But then it's all in the day's work for an Innkeeper... From Goodreads.




Another great series from Ilona Andrews. I was only a few chapters in when I suddenly realised that the Arbitrator George and his group of people are actually the very grown-up kids from The Edge, I loved this. I am already waiting impatiently for the next book in this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick One For Me 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My

Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale—and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…
Charlotte de Ney is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird. But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has brought her nothing but pain. After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself. Until Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, and Charlotte’s life is turned upside down once again.
Richard is a swordsman without peer, future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan—and he’s on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird. So when his presence leads his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them. The slavers’ operation, however, goes deeper than Richard knows, and even working together, Charlotte and Richard may not survive... From Goodreads.

I liked how this book also placed the characters from the previous books in quite important roles at the same time as there is a new main couple. Charlotte and Richard are perfect heroes going after the slavers. The young boys, now teenagers, George and Jack are back and they learn something about their past.
The only thing is that the main enemy from the last three books, the Spider and the Hand, is fixed in about half a page. I think there should have been a bit more about that.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb

From an extraordinary new voice in fantasy comes the stunning conclusion to the Farseer trilogy, as FitzChivalry confronts his destiny as the catalyst who holds the fate of the kingdom of the Six Duchies...and the world itself.
King Shrewd is dead at the hands of his son Regal. As is Fitz--or so his enemies and friends believe. But with the help of his allies and his beast magic, he emerges from the grave, deeply scarred in body and soul. The kingdom also teeters toward ruin: Regal has plundered and abandoned the capital, while the rightful heir, Prince Verity, is lost to his mad quest--perhaps to death. Only Verity's return--or the heir his princess carries--can save the Six Duchies.
But Fitz will not wait. Driven by loss and bitter memories, he undertakes a quest: to kill Regal. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him--currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was.... From Goodreads.


A great end to this trilogy. Fitz really has to go through a lot at great cost. There is magic, dragons and a mad Prince. And one of the very interesting characters is the Fool, I'm sure he is one of the good guys but he is weird.
If I wanted to read The Realm of the Elderlings in order the next books should be the Liveship Traders Trilogy but as I have read these already I will continue with the Tawny Man Trilogy.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Big Books Bonus Club
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb

Young Fitz, the illegitimate son of the noble Prince Chivalry, is ignored by all royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has had him tutored him in the dark arts of the assassin. He has barely survived his first, soul-shattering mission, and returns to the court where he is thrown headfirst into the tumult of royal life. With the King near death, and Fitz's only ally off on a seemingly hopeless quest, the throne itself is threatened. Meanwhile, the treacherous Red Ship Raiders have renewed their attacks on the Six Duchies, slaughtering the inhabitants of entire seaside towns. In this time of great peril, it soon becomes clear that the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz's hands--and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice. From Goodreads.

I am completely caught up in this story. I'm not too fond of spy and political books but the difference here is that this is also fantasy and that makes it likeable. I like Fitz, he has no choice in how his life turns out. He has sworn loyalty to the king and has to do everything in his power to help him.
I will continue straight away with the last book in this trilogy.


This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Big Books Bonus Club
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.
To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?
In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation. From Goodreads.

I am enjoying this series, it is very clearly young adult but still good. I have ordered the next book from the library. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick One For Me
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My 

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!
When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love. From Goodreads.

A short Christmas story. It was okay, I liked Amelia and the way she organized and manipulated Lord Benedict which he soon realised she was doing but let her do anyway.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Yahtzee Challenge
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Abigail's Christmas Gift by Charity Phillips

New York, 1870
The year is 1870, and Abigail Copeland is a nurse in New York City who dreams of adventure and romance in a far away place. Her mother believes that all she really needs is a husband. So, when Abigail begins corresponding with a handsome young man from the West who is looking for a bride, it appears that both of their desires will be fulfilled.
Samuel Merriweather recently became a widower, and his little son Tommy is suffering from an illness. It is feared that the child will not be able to survive, so when Samuel discovers that Abigail is a nurse as well as a lovely bride-to-be, he sends for her at once. As soon as the two tiny families are together, it is clear that all they needed was each other.
From the hustle and bustle of New York to the comforting home life in Coos Bay, Oregon, Abigail Copeland realizes that love and adventure can be hers. From Goodreads.

This was cute and okay but it is not 161 pages. I finished this story in 25 minutes and that was disappointing when I expected 161 pages!

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015

Julemanden og hele hans slæng by Vagn Simonsen

Vagn Simonsen fik aldrig opfyldt sin drøm om at blive julemand på Grønland. I stedet er han rejst rundt for at tale med julemænd andre steder på kloden og kan i denne bog fortælle, at de lever og har det godt.
Også de allerældste julemænd, som i hundredvis af år har praktiseret deres populære hverv som gaveuddelere.
Selv om julemændene udgør en broget flok, stammer de fra den samme forfader, og det kan man undre sig over, når de i dag hverken kan finde ud af at klæde sig nogenlunde ens, eller enes om, hvornår de skal bringe gaverne ud, eller om de skal give gaver til alle børn eller kun til de artigste.
Alligevel er vi nok nødt til at ?tro på julemanden?, mener Vagn Simonsen, for hvert år lover julemændene, at de og julen vil komme igen til næste år, og det løfte har de aldrig svigtet.
Mange forskellige julemænd får ordet i denne bogs 24 historier om julemændenes farlige tilværelse, der bl.a. byder på stride unger, der kan gøre livet surt for enhver julemand. Samtidig får vi brudstykker af julemandens overraskende og spændende forhistorie. Og vi kigger også lidt frem og får indtryk af, at julemandens dage som sæsonarbejder er ved at være talte.
Ligesom nisserne er julemændene efterhånden på færde året rundt.
?Julemanden og hele hans slæng? er skrevet som en oplysende og underholdende bog for både børn og voksne. From Goodreads.

This was okay but not as fun as I thought it would be. It is written as a story where the author is meeting a lot of different Santas and they tell him about their work as Santa. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 

I År bliver det anderledes (This Year It Will Be Different) by Maeve Binchy

From the New York Times bestselling author of Circle of Friends, The Glass Lake, and Evening Class comes a stunning collection of fifteen Christmas stories filled with Maeve Binchy's trademark wit, charm, and sheer storytelling genius. In A Typical Irish Christmas, a grieving widower heads for a holiday in Ireland and finds an unexpected destination not just for himself, but for a father and daughter in crisis. . . . In Pulling Together, a teacher not yet out of her twenties sees her affair with a married man at a turning point as Christmas Eve approaches. . . . And in the title story, This Year It Will Be Different, a woman with a complacent husband and grown children enters a season that will forever alter her life, and theirs. . .  From Goodreads.

This was quite interesting, maybe not full of Christmas cheer but most of the stories contained some kind of reflection on life. I liked it even though I felt most of the stories involved cheating husbands, divorces and unhappy people.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 

Terra Incognita: Travels In Antarctica by Sara Wheeler

Sara Wheeler was the first woman selected by the American government to be the Writer in Residence at the US South Pole Station. She spent six weeks at the pole. In this book she reveals how people live on the bases and how the landscape affects them. From Goodreads.

This was only just okay. There were a lot of interesting historical bits and some funny episodes during her time in Antarctica. Unfortunately, it was also boring and felt quite drawn out.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe

The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee

It’s the winter of 1995, and the Winchester household is more doom and gloom than mistletoe and merriment.
Young Bay, Clove and Thistle are anything but happy. They’re facing their first Christmas without their fathers, and no matter how hard their mothers try, they just can’t seem to get the girls to embrace this festive time of year.
Between the lack of snow, which the girls firmly believe brings magic, and Hemlock Cove’s local Santa Claus going missing, things continue to go wrong instead of right.
Christmas has never been Aunt Tillie’s favorite time of year. She thinks the only thing snow is good for is plowing, and the only reason she likes Santa Claus is because he brings her presents. All of that changes when she’s forced to spend time with three miserable little girls – and the pall they’re casting over the entire town.
Instead of letting them wallow, Aunt Tillie decides to take them on an adventure. They’re going to find Santa. They’re going to make it snow. Oh, and Aunt Tillie is going to get what she wants for Christmas – even if her nieces keep saying no.
It’s Aunt Tillie to the rescue, and she’s bound and determined her family is going to have a happy holiday – even if she has to make everyone miserable during the process. From Goodreads.

This was fun and it was great having Aunt Tillie as the main character. All the books in this series describe Aunt Tillie as a mean, wicked witch who loves her family even when she pesters them. As this book shows, she loves being that wicked witch but it also shows she will do anything for her family. Aunt Tillie is still one of my favourite characters of this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 

Memories of the Blue Door by Neil Davis

Allow us if you will to transport you back to a wonderful carefree time, where lifelong boyhood memories were made and adventure was abundant!
Back in Newcastle Upon Tyne in the 1980s close-knit relationships and unshakeable combined imaginations ruled. Remembering friendships forged together more than three decades ago, long before and out of reach of today’s busy modern world, of reality bites and virtual Xbox adventures, Paul and Neil will take you back to the notorious Cowgate Estate. Cowgate, which lies in their city's west end, was a place so barren and devoid of both hope and dreams that it seemed excitement and an overwhelming sense of brotherhood were never quite meant to happen!
Turn a page if you will and take the road back to an era we all just might remember, to that time and place where we had the greatest adventures of our lives! From Goodreads.


This was okay but I think you have to have grown up in that kind of British neighbourhood to really appreciate the stories.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Yahtzee Challenge
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint

Isabelle Copley, as the young student of the cruel, brilliant artist Vincent Rushkin, discovered that she could paint images so vividly real they brought her wildest fantasies to life. But when the forces she unleashed brought tragedy to those she loved, she turned her back on her talent and her dreams.
Now, twenty years later, Isabelle must come to terms with the shattering memories she has long denied and unlock the slumbering power of her brush. And, in a dark reckoning with her old master, she must find the courage to live out her dreams and bring the magic back to life.
This is a tale of love, courage, and the transforming power of imagination.
"The [Newford] books have all been written in such a way that you should be able to pick up any one and get a full and complete story. However, characters do reoccur, off center stage as it were, and their stories do follow a sequence." From Goodreads.

After having read a few Charles de Lint books I decided that I wanted to read the Newford books in order. Not that they can't be read on their own but there are characters that turn up in books more than once.
I listened to this on audio which was a problem for me, the narrator did well but it just took me too long to get through. If I had read this I would most likely have finished it in one or two sittings.
I really enjoy Charles de Lint's urban fantasies.They have quite a bit of magic just under the surface of normal life. Isabelle was a very complex person and she kept surprising me. I enjoyed going forward and backward in time.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Audiobook challenge
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My