Abhorsen by Garth Nix

Orannis the Destroyer has been freed 
And only Lirael, newly come into her inheritance as the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, has any chance of stopping it. She and her companions—Sam, the Disreputable Dog, and Mogget—have to take that chance. If Orannis’ unspeakable powers are unleashed, it will mean the end of all Life.
With the help of her companions and a vision from the Clayr to guide her, Lirael must search in both Life and Death for some means to defeat the Destroyer—before it is too late...  From Goodreads

The third and for now the last of the Abhorsen series. I didn't put down my Kindle between finishing Lirael and starting this, I am glad I had it ready. This book takes off right after the other one finishes it is not like another book but just a continuation of Lirael. This was very gripping and it brought together all the characters from book one and two. It also told us who Mogget is and where he came from which I really liked. I would love a fourth book and have heard one is coming out next year, unfortunately it doesn't seem to be a sequel but more of a prequel. I will read it anyway.

This book qualifies for:
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012,
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
2012 Ebook Challenge,  
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012

Lirael by Garth Nix

Lirael has never felt like a true daughter of the Clayr. Now, two years past the time when she should have received the Sight that is the Clayr’s birthright, she feels alone, abandoned, unsure of who she is. Nevertheless, the fate of the Old Kingdom lies in her hands.
With only her faithful companion, the Disreputable Dog, Lirael must undertake a desperate mission under the growing shadow of an ancient evil. From Goodreads.

This is the second book in the Abhorsen series. Ever since I read the first book I have wanted to read the next and I finally got round to it. This book is full of action and a few different relationships. A very interesting one being between the Disreputable Dog and the cat Mogget. This book has a very abrupt ending so I am glad I had the 3rd book ready.

This book qualifies for:
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012,
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
2012 Ebook Challenge,  
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012 

Fierce Dawn by Amber Scott

Snarling teeth, glowing eyes. Someone--something--is after her. The man who haunts her dreams enters her reality, claiming she's transforming into a changeling--not quite immortal but no longer human.
Battle lines are drawn and blood spills as the two fight not only for her life, but for mankind's as well. Conspiracy, vampires, human changelings? From Goodreads

I read Fierce Dawn from the Yearnings box-set. I liked the idea of the changeling, from human to immortal. But it was just not to my taste. I am not going to continue this box-set at this time and I won't be actively searching for books from this author.

This book qualifies for:
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012,
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
2012 Ebook Challenge,  
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012,
Why Buy the Cow? Reading challenge 2012 ( this book was free on Amazon.uk the 16th of March 2012)

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. 
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.
The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.  From Goodreads

A brilliant end to this trilogy. I read this book in one sitting. There were so many twists and turns that every time I thought I knew where it was going, something completely different happened. I might at some point look into her Underland Chronicles even though it seems to be for a younger audience.

This book qualifies for:
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012,
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
2012 Ebook Challenge,  
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012,
Finishing the Series Reading Challenge 

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins continues the amazing story of Katniss Everdeen in the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy.Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. From Goodreads

I read the first book of this series in February and enjoyed it. I knew I wanted to read the last two as well and bought them quite a while ago, but I just never got around to it. Living in a very isolated place, I never saw the film Hunger Games. This summer I flew to Canada and one of the films I could choose to watch was Hunger Games. Of course, after watching the film I was ready for the next two books.
I enjoyed this book very much. The book did not go at all as I expected and took an interesting turn of events. I always like when a book surprises me and this did.

This book qualifies for:
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012,
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
2012 Ebook Challenge,  
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012,
Finishing the Series Reading Challenge

Always the Baker Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

Just ask Emma Rae Travis about that. She's a baker of confections who is diabetic and can't enjoy them. When Emma meets Jackson Drake, the escapee from Corporate America who is starting a wedding destination hotel to fulfill a dream that belonged to someone else, this twosome and their crazy family ties bring new meaning to the term "family circus." The Atlanta social scene will never be the same! From Goodreads

A nice cosy romance story with no surprises. Often, with this type of book, I actually like one of the side characters more than the 2 main characters. In this one it is aunt Sophie.

This book qualifies for: 
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012, 
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge, 
2012 Ebook Challenge,
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012,
Why Buy the Cow? Reading challenge 2012 ( this book was free on Amazon.uk the 13th of July 2012)

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

A father and his young son walk alone through burned America, heading slowly for the coast. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. They have nothing but a pistol to defend themselves against the men who stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food--and each other. From Goodreads

I knew the story as I saw the film earlier in the year. I have to say the film was very true to the book. This book is happening in a post-apocalyptic USA. Don't read this book if you need a happy book! I liked that the father keeps wanting his son to know how to be a "good" person but he himself couldn't always live up to it. Even though this is a very depressing book there is a bit of hope at the end.

This book qualifies for:
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012,
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
2012 Ebook Challenge,  
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012,
Scavenger Hunt 2012 Reading Challenge

Challenges 2012 Update

Halfway through 2012 and it is time for a Challenge Update.

I have up 'til now joined 18 challenges and I am sure I will join a few more short ones later in the year. Of the 18 challenges, 17 are actual reading challenges and one is the Reading Challenge Addict challenge. I have completed 5 of the 18 challenges.

1. 2012 Where are you Reading Challenge: This is the Reading challenge I worry most about. I have only read books from 13 of the 50 States. I am not sure I will be able to complete this challenge but I will try.
2. 2012 Sci-Fi Challenge: Read one sci-fi book a month and read outside your comfort zone. I am on target with this. I have read one book outside my comfort zone from this genre every month. It has been quite interesting and I have liked most of them.
3. 2012 Ebook Challenge: I chose the level of Server - read 100 ebooks. As most of the books I read are ebooks I am doing well and have read 62 books. It should not be a problem to complete this challenge.
4. 2012 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge: Here I chose level III - read 15 books of the list. I have read 9 books so have only 6 to go. Should be able to do that.
5. 2012 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge: I chose the level of Mother to read 11-15 Witchy Books. I reached this level quite fast so I decided to go up to the highest level of
   Crone to Read 16-20 Witchy Books. I have read 17 books now but I will not see this challenge as completed until I have read 20 books.
6. Six Degrees of Separation Challenge: Read a book that has praise in it from other authors, then read a book from one of these authors. Now you can keep this going until you come back around to the first book's author, or until you finish one of the levels. I chose the level - Keys to the Kingdom! You've actually came back around to a book by the original author you began with! Way to go! I am on my third author. I hope to be able to finish this challenge.
7. 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012: I have no problems with this challenge. As I have already read 69 books I expect to complete this in good time.
8. Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge 2012: I find this a good challenge. I have loads of ebooks that I have "bought" for free both from Amazon and Smashwords. I chose the level of Coupon Clipper - read 12 books. I have read 9 books and only need to read another 3 to complete this challenge.
9. Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge: I set my personal goal to read 110 books this year. I have never before counted the books I read so had no clue to the amount. I am doing okay toward my goal as I have read 69 books. I am confident I will reach my goal.
10. Scavenger Hunt 2012 Reading Challenge: I liked the idea of this challenge. There was a list with the requirement for a book every month which had to be read during the applicable month only. This challenge was posted on Goodreads in December 2011 but unfortunately it has never been opened. I still liked the idea though so I decided to do it anyway. I have meet the requirements for all the books till now.
11. A-Z Book Challenge 2012: I only just joined this challenge in May but I am really looking forward to getting on with it. I have decided to add 3 letters from my language that does not exist in English and only add books from when I actually joined the challenge. I have covered 7 letters now.
12. Finishing the Series Reading Challenge: Another challenge I joined in May. I have chosen level 3 - complete 3 or more series. My goal is to finish at least 5 series. As I have only just joined I have not finished any series since joining but I hope it won't be long before I get started on it.
13. Reading Challenge Addict 2012: Here I chose the level of On the Roof: 6-10 Challenges (Entered & Completed) but as I already joined all in all 17 challenges and completed 5 of these I guess I will jump to the higher level of Out of This World: 16+ Challenges (Entered & Completed).
14. A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2012: A week-long challenge in January. My goal for the week was to read at least 6 books, I read 7 books so I have completed this challenge.
15. All the Books of Pern Challenge 2012: I chose level blue - The original trilogy plus the Harper Hall trilogy (or any 6). I read the whole series a few years ago so it was reread for me and I enjoyed to be back in the Pern world. It did not take me more than a month to complete this challenge.
16. The Magical March Reading Challenge: A month-long challenge. I chose level Wizard’s Class:6-7 Books Read. But I really enjoyed this challenge and completely surpassed that. I finished 12 books so ended on the level Grand Merlin Class: 8+ books read. This was a brilliant challenge and easy to complete.
17. Dewey's Read-a-Thon: The Dewey's Read-a-Thon October 2011 was the start of this blog and my interest in all the different reading challenges that I had no idea existed. This Read-a-Thon April 2012 my goal was to stay awake the whole 24 hours and read 3-4 books. It all went very well and I achieved my goal.
18. Spring Into Horror Read-a-Thon: Another week-long challenge. My goal was to read 6 books and  at least 4 of these should be horror. I managed to read the 6 books and 5 of them were horror so the challenge was completed.

June 2012 Update

I have read only 5 books this month. I would have liked to have read more but I am happy I even read 5 as it has been an extremely busy month for me. The 1st of June we found out we were moving and by the 20th of June we had moved out and on our way on holiday before we move somewhere new in August.

1. The Snow People by Marie Herbert
2. The Stars my Destination by Alfred Bester
3. Wedding Tiers by Trisha Ashley
4. Death Masks by Jim Butcher
5. Modesty Blaise by Peter O'Donnell

All June posts are HERE

Modesty Blaise by Peter O'Donnell

In her first adventure for British Intelligence Modesty Blaise with her loyal lieutenant, Willie Garvin, must foil a multi-million pound diamond heist. They travel from London to the South of France, across the Mediterranean to Cairo before battling, against impossible odds, a private army of professional killers. From Goodreads

I used to read Modesty Blaise as a cartoon and enjoyed reading about this woman who had an unbelievable tough childhood, became head of a criminal syndicate and when she had earned enough money she retired. This story is about how she comes to work for British Intelligence. I read this as a paperback and I unfortunately don't think I can find them in kindle. I will keep an eye out for them because I would like to read more of the books.

This book qualifies for: 
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012, 
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012

Death Masks by Jim Butcher

HARRY DRESDEN — WIZARD
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment. 
Harry Dresden, Chicago's only practicing professional wizard, should be happy that business is pretty good for a change. But now he's getting more than he bargained for. 
A duel with the Red Court of Vampires' champion, who must kill Harry to end the war between vampires and wizards... 
Professional hit men using Harry for target practice... 
The missing Shroud of Turin... 
A handless and headless corpse the Chicago police need identified...
Not to mention the return of Harry's ex-girlfriend Susan, who's still struggling with her semivampiric nature. And who seems to have a new man in her life. 
Some days, it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. No matter how much you're charging.

Not much to say here, I am still enjoying The Dresden Series. It is a kind of comfort book for me. Being delayed in an airport I needed something I was sure would capture me and hold my attention from the noise around me and I chose this, which was just right.


This book qualifies for:
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012,
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
2012 Ebook Challenge,  
2012 Where are you reading Challenge,
2012 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge,
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012,
Finishing the Series Reading Challenge 

Wedding Tiers by Trisha Ashley

The path of true love never runs smooth. But for some, it's one seriously bumpy ride! A heartwarming new romantic comedy from the bestselling author of A WINTER'S TALE. Growing up in the beautiful Lancashire village of Neatslake, Josie Gray and her childhood sweetheart, Ben Richards, always dreamt of living a life of rural bliss. And when Josie inherits her beloved Grandmother's cottage, it seems they might just have got what they wished for. Josie throws herself into her wedding cake business, whilst Ben gains increasing acclaim as an artist. But the tranquil village turns into a hive of activity when Josie's childhood friend, Libby Martin - now a wealthy widow - returns to the village, planning a lavish wedding to rival any celeb bash.
The day goes with a bang, and soon Libby and Josie are hard at work at their fledgling wedding business, hiring out Libby's beautiful Elizabethan home for ceremonies, with Josie creating all manner of wonderful cakes. But amidst all this romance, Josie's fairytale relationship with Ben turns into a nightmare, and she quickly becomes Love's number one cynic - until charming wedding photographer Noah Sephton arrives in Neatslake with a very different outlook on love! Can this hopeless romantic persuade pessimistic Josie to give romance another try? Or will it be a case of always the cake maker, never the bride!? From Goodreads

As usual, a nice cosy romance with a predictable outcome. But I enjoyed it and I like the way she creates interesting sub-characters. In this book my favourites are the Grace sisters.

This book qualifies for: 
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012, 
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge, 
2012 Ebook Challenge,
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012,
Scavenger Hunt 2012 Reading Challenge 

The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester

Gully Foyle, Mechanic's Mate 3rd Class. EDUCATION: none SKILLS: none MERITS: none RECOMMENDATIONS: none That's the official verdict on Gully Foyle, unskilled space crewman. But right now he is the only survivor on his drifting, wrecked spaceship, and when another space vessel, the Vorga, ignores his distress flares and sails by, Gully becomes obsessed with revenge. He endures 170 days alone in deep space before finding refuge on the Sargasso Asteroid and returning to Earth to track down the crew and owners of the Vorga. But, as he works out his murderous grudge, Gully Foyle also uncovers a secret of momentous proportions . . . From Amazon.

I am not quite sure what to think about this book. It was compelling reading, it sucked me in and I just had to keep going and try to make head and tail of everything going on. I don't really see any good versus evil in this book. Nobody is entirely good, actually I think most of the characters are closer to evil than anything else. But it is fascinating and who wouldn't like the idea of being able to "jaunt", being able to teleport from place to place just with your mind. This is a very interesting book and I will look for more books by Alfred Bester.

This book qualifies for:  
100 books in a year Reading Challenge 2012, 
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge, 
2012 Sci-Fi Challenge,
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012

The Snow People by Marie Herbert

When she knew she was going to marry an explorer, Marie Herbert saw herself waiting long months at home for news from distant, uncharted areas...

Within two years she was living herself in a remote settlement of Polar Eskimos.

Wally Herbert had developed a profound respect for these independent hunters - they called themselves "Inuit": the real people - when he travelled with them on polar expeditions and he wanted to help them make a record of their dying culture. Marie and Wally - with their 10-month-old baby, Kari - decided to make this record from within: to go alone, without camera crew or film unit, and live with the Eskimos.

Spirited, enthusiastic and sympathetic, Marie Herbert tells the fascinating story of a year of Arctic adventure: in doing so she has written an important anthropological account of a vanishing way of life.

This is a reread. The first time I read this book was around 10 years ago, at that time I did not know I was going to end up living in Qaanaaq only 18 miles from Qeqertassuaq, the settlement where Marie Herbert and her family lived. I decided to read this book again just now because after having lived here for two years I am now moving away. The settlement where Marie Herbert lived no longer exists, it is now used as summer home. It is still a harsh environment up here and it is getting more and more difficult for the locals to live by hunting alone. This problem is the same all over Greenland. Qaanaaq is still isolated even by Greenlandic standards. Two supply ships a year - one in July and one in September - 1 flight a week which is sometimes delayed (the last one was supposed to be here on Wednesday, it didn't arrive until Monday) and helicopter connections to the settlements and Thule Airbase.
I enjoyed this book as Marie Herbert tells the story of her stay and the tough daily life in a very fascinating and captivating way. Having lived up here but in a modern house I am full of respect that she managed to live in those primitive conditions. Don't mistake that, I also have a lot of respect for the Greenlandic women doing it.

I highly recommend this book.

This is Herbert Island, the island Marie Herbert and her family lived on. When the light is right it is just possible to spot the houses of the settlement.
This picture is taken from my living room window.





  
This book qualifies for: 
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge,
A-Z  Book Challenge 2012,
2012 Where are you reading Challenge

May 2012 Update

This month I have read 10 books and joined another two reading challenges: The A-Z Book Challenge 2012 and Finishing the Series Reading Challenge 2012.
I am satisfied with the amount of books I read this month.

1. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
2. Northern Lights by Nora Roberts 
3. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 
4. Chicken Soup for the Soul Love Stories by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Peter Vegso. 
5. Graceling by kristin Cashore 
6. Darkhouse by Karina Halle 
7. Un Lun Dun by China Miéville
8. Dead Running by Cami Checketts
9. The Wandering Valkyl by Dan Wright
10. Divergent by Veronica Roth

All May posts are HERE