A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo - Finished

Harry Potter Bingo hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

This was fun. I didn't read a book for every category but that was not needed. We didn't win either but we still did well. I earned 17 points for Ravenclaw.
My group in the Speedy group Raven-Us was read 2 books a week.

Welcome to Million More Pages Harry Potter Bingo!!!
Duration: March 5, 2015 - May 31, 2015

SIGN-UPS WILL CLOSE FEB 28th! YOU MUST HAVE SIGNED UP BEFORE THEN IF YOU WANT TO PLAY DURING THE COURSE OF THE CHALLNEGE

This challenge will run until one team calls BINGO! It should take roughly three months. This is a team challenge and does require full participation every week.

Those of you who are also members of the MM Romance Group will recognize a lot of this challenge as I'm borrowing in the best homage tradition of all. So thank you to those wonderful creators in the MM Romance Group for their help in streamlining the set up of this challenge.

Points
Regular
12pts for Completion
.25pts for every book read
5pts bonus for winning team's house

Speedy
12pts for Completion
.25pts for every book read
5pts bonus for winning team's house
+2 points for playing
OR
+3 points if you're playing both Regular & Speedy 
Basic Rules

Rounds
There will be two rounds of Bingo playing simultaneously.

Regular - Requiring 1 book read per week

and

Speedy - Requiring 2 books read per week

***Note if you sign up for both you are committing to 3 books a week. Books can not be duplicated between Regular and Speedy. If I do not have enough people wanting to play Speedy I will consider making this an individual challenge or make smaller teams.

Teams
Teams will consist of 4 people all from the same house. You will be allowed to sign up in pre-arranged teams (this could take some plotting within your own house) or individually and those individuals will be placed with others from their house for this challenge.

If you are signing up as a team please list everyone on the team together in one post rather than signing up separately.

Duration
This challenge will run until Bingo is called in both rounds. This usually takes around 3 months, generally a little longer for Regular than Speedy.

Sign-ups
Sign ups will open on February 16th and run through February 28th. I will post teams on March 1st. Teams will then have a couple of days to get organized and decide on a team name and a captain. Those decisions must be in by March 5th. The first categories will be called on March 6th.

What's going to count as a BINGO?
Any two lines of 5 made horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Each team's bingo board will be posted in their individual threads. Each board will be a different layout of the same categories.

When will categories be called?
Friday's at around 12/1 PM PST
Addition Speedy Category Monday's at around 6 PM PST

I'm staggering the announcements to help benefit our players around the world without killing me and my time zones here PST.

You Must Check In
In order to prevent confusion everyone must check in with their teams after each called category. So, for SS players, you must check-in twice a week and R once a week. If you fail to do so you will be removed from your team.

If you know in advance you are going to be away for a period of time that would require you to miss a check in you must post a statement in your teams thread letting them know you will be gone and for how long. It will then be your responsibility to play catch up once you're back.

A failure to check in for two weeks in a row will constitute removal from the challenge. There are no points given to someone who does not complete the challenge. If you have a good reason for missing and want to continue participating in the challenge, you may feel free to send me a PM so we can discuss your further participation.

How does the Free Space work?
You can read any book for this space once the challenge has started and report it to your team as your free space book. This book is IN ADDITION to the regularly called categories.

Do I have to read a book for every category?
Yes. A team can not be given their bingo chip for a called category until every teammate has read a book for that allotted category. This does not mean you have to have your book read before the next category is called. The game will continue, with new categories called each week, whether every team is caught up or not. There are no penalties for not finishing in a given week, but only complete categories will count towards possible bingos.

***Note: Once a team has called BINGO only those books which have been completed at that point can be counted for the addition .25pts for books read.

Re-reads and the like
Re-reads will be allowed, but not within the challenge. All books read by a single person must be different.

Teammates may read the same book if they choose.

Choosing and Posting
Once a category is posted, choose your book, you may use any shelf/description/Listopia List to justify how a book fits. Post your choice here along with which category it’s fulfilling and an explanation of how it fits.

EX:
Week 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - 310pgs/GR
How Fits: Cover - Flying or List: Magic (whatever it is that ties it to the category called)

List of books:

1.  FREE: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
2. Week 1: Ollivanders: H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
3. Week 1.5: Dumbledore's Army: Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas 
4. Week 2: Ravenclaw: A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee
5. Week 2.5: Hogsmead: The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black
6. Week 3: Expelliarmus: The Liquidator by John Gardner 
7. Week 3.5: Diagon Alle: 
8. Week 4: Triwizard Tournament: The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
9. Week 4.5: Azkaban: Roseanna by Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahlöö
10. Week 5: Order of the Phoenix: Tastes Like Chicken by Johnny B. Truant
11. Week 5.5: Hogwart: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
12. Week 6: Gringotts Wizarding Bank:
13. Week 6.5: Quiddich: The Man in the Crowd by M. Sydnor Jr.
14.  Week 7: Hufflepuff: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

The classic supernatural thriller by an author who helped define the genre. First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It is the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a “haunting;' Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable phenomena. But Hill House is gathering its powers—and soon it will choose one of them to make its own. From Goodreads.

This is defined as horror, but this book is not horror for me. Yes I can imagine the creepiness of a house like that and would probably not like to stay there but reading this book doesn't scare me at all.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Guess Who?
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt
Spring Into Horror 2015

The Man in the Crowd by M. Sydnor Jr.

Every young players dream, their first major goal in pursuit of a basketball career, is to be part of the High School State Championship Game. The event where all eyes are on the main stage, focused on the dedicated players from each team who pour their heart, soul, sweat, blood and tears onto the court. This is the day where stars become Legends.
All-American Jeremiah Pierce has finally led his St. Bishop Knights to the California State Championship Title Game after three years. Before the start of the game, he gets a call from an unknown voice threatening him to lose the game or else. From Goodreads.

I like the story and the struggle Jerimiah has with himself after being threatened, which is what pulls this book up to 3 stars. I did not like the ending. I guess the author wants the readers to decide what those last few lines mean but I like the end of a standalone book to be neat or at least give the answers to who the bad guy was but this didn't.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Pass The Parcel
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Student Club Roster
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Guess Who?
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly
Spring Into Horror 2015

Spring into Horror Read-a-Thon 2015 - Goals

Spring into Horror Read-a-Thon 2014 hosted by Michelle @ the true book addict.

My goal this time will be at least 7 books, I would like to make it to 10 (this is including some easy read books just under 100 pages) as I am taking part in Dewey's Read-a-Thon end of the week. As usual I have a huge list to chose from. Books that I need for other reading challenges that I am taking part in.

Some of the books I hope to read:

1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
2. The Man in the Crowd by M. Sydnor Jr.
3. Cows by Matthew Stokoe 
4. Dog Day Wedding by Rich Amooi
5. Ovenpå er der Stille by Gerbrand Bakker (original title Boven is het stil/ English title The Twin)
6. A Bag Of Moonshine by Alan Garner
7. Hollywood Assassin by M.Z. Kelly
8. Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
9. Careful What You Witch For by Amanda M. Lee
10. Who, What, Where, When, Die by Amanda M. Lee
11. A Man For The Summer by Ruby Laska
12. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
13. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
14. The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
15. St. Lucy's Home for Girls raised by Wolves
16. The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
17. A Stitch in Time by Amanda James
18. Malicious Mischief Lora Young

Spring into Horror Read-a-Thon 2015

Spring into Horror Read-a-Thon 2014 hosted by Michelle @ the true book addict.

I am taking part in this challenge for the fourth time. At the moment I am not sure what I am reading apart from my scary book which will be The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. 

Official dates are April 20 through 26. Guidelines for the read-a-thon can be found HERE or you can access in the tab at the top of the blog. Any information you need about the read-a-thon can be found there. We will have one Twitter chat. I will announce the date and time in the starting post. Please do be sure to check the guidelines, as it explains all about signing up and starting the read-a-thon. Our Twitter hashtag is #SpringHorrorRAT

Just remember...the one main "rule" of Spring Into Horror is that you must read ONE scary book (which can be a thriller, mystery, Gothic novel, or similar for those who are faint of heart). The rest of the week...anything goes! 


List of books read:

1. 
   

THE CHRISTMAS KNITTING BEE by De-ann Black

Tilsie is hired by Agnes to help with the marketing of her knitting shop in Edinburgh. Tilsie is a marketing consultant who also loves to knit, and becomes involved in the shop's Wednesday night knitting bee.
The knitting bee members are busy knitting woolly hats, gorgeous wraps, scarves, festive jumpers, tea cosies, cosy blankets and lots of things for Christmas, as well as gossiping about men and romance.
Having had her heart broken, Tilsie has decided to put romance on the back burner and concentrate on her work. But when she meets, Ewan, the handsome owner of a beautiful home accessories shop near Agnes' knitting shop, and rich businessman Stewarton, Tilsie wonders if she's made the right decision.
The Christmas Knitting Bee is filled with knitting, romance, gossip and fairytale vintage dresses, and a mischievous Santa with a wonky squeaker. From Goodreads.

 

Like the other De-ann Black books I have read, this was a sweet and cosy romance and a quick read. Tilsie is nice but it is the ladies of the Knitting Bee that are fun to observe. I will continue to read books by De-ann Black.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Student Club Roster
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

In The Wise Man's Fear, Kvothe searches for answers, attempting to uncover the truth about the mysterious Amyr, the Chandrian, and the death of his parents. Along the way, Kvothe is put on trial by the legendary Adem mercenaries, forced to reclaim the honor of his family, and travels into the Fae realm. There he meets Felurian, the faerie woman no man can resist, and who no man has ever survived...until Kvothe.
Now, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time. From Goodreads.

This was long but I didn't feel it was too long. There was so much going on. Kvothe travelled a long way, learned a lot and achieved a lot just not what he wanted. I kept forgetting how young Kvothe was, he was only 15 at the start of this book. To me the end is quite a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I really hope there is some kind of twist to that ending.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
I love Library books 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Student Club Roster
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: I Like Big Books Bonus Club
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick One For Me
Novel Books & Reading Challenges - Baby Got Book
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney's Pop Quiz - Finished

Professor Trelawney's Divination Pop Quiz hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I was teamed with Amanda and as she had also read all the books we both knew quite a lot about the characters. I guessed her character around round 10 and then it was fun having to find questions that fit the character but i think I did fairly well. This was a fun challenge.

Welcome to Professor Trelawney's "Guess Who" Quiz! Where the object of the game is to guess what the other person is thinking in 20 questions or less!

To start this challenge, please post below with your house.
Sign up will close after 2/28

On March 1st - 2 person teams will be announced and team threads will be made.

Each person in a team will choose a Harry Potter character from the below lists:
Harry Potter characters

Once you've chosen, please PM me to let me know who you've chosen (Don't post it in your team thread!!).

Each teammate will then begin to ask their 20 questions.
When posting a question, you must choose a book that either has the item you are asking on the cover, in the title,
OR the book title or author first, last name, or series name start with the same first letter as the item in your question

Ex:
"Is it a boy"
or
About a Boy or
Beware the Wild or
Paper ValentinebyBrenna Yovanoff

Additional explanation post, just in case is here

Points:
.5 point for each book read
Extra 5 points for guessing right!

Rules:
Please don't post 2 part questions or open ended.
They need to be "Yes" or "No" questions.
20 questions is max. You can make a guess and complete your round earlier. (if you attempt a guess and are wrong, you can read another book and guess again.)
Make sure to do your homework! Know the person you pick or lean on teammates to help you answer questions if you don't know! We don't want to lead anyone away from your person

Any genre except Children's Lit.
YA should be over 140 pp. All others should be over 125 pp.
audio books are okay too

You can start your book before 3/1 - but shouldn't be finished until 3/1 or later. 

List of questions and books:

Question 1: Does the character have an animal? No:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (animal on cover)

Question 2: Is the character from Gryffindor? No:
Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck (G for Gryffindor)

Question 3: Is the character female? Yes
16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber (female author)

Question 4: Is the character an adult? No 
Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs (adult on cover)

Question 5: Is the character from Hufflepuff? No
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald (H in title for Huffelpuff)

Question 6: Is the character member of Dumbledore's Army? Yes
The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black (D author for Dumbledore's)

Question 7: Is the character from Slytherin? No
Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas ( middle initial S as Slytherin)

Question 8: does the character have a brother at Hogwarts? No
The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos (authors first name starts with B like brother)

Question 9: Is the character on a Quidditch team? No
A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee (riding on brooms)

Question 10: Is there an O in the character's name? Yes
Opal Fire by Barbra Annino (title O)

Question 11: Has the character only got one parent? Yes
Got A Hold On You by Pat White (authors first name starts with P like parent)

Question 12: Is the character's remaining parent the father? Yes
A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson (father in title)

Question 13: Did the character's mother die of natural causes? No
Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane  (authors name with M as mother)

Question 14: Did the character's father betray Harry Potter? Yes 
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson (Authors name B as betray)

Question 15: Does the character lose her things? Yes 
 Legend by Marie Lu (L title as in Lose)

Question 16: Is the character's father a journalist? Yes
Tastes Like Chicken by Johnny B. Truant (Author's name J as in journalist)

Question 17: Can the character see Thestrals? Yes
The Martian by Andy Weir (T tiltle as in Thestrals)

Question 18: Does the character have grey eyes? Yes
Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky (G title like grey)

Question 19: Does the character go with Harry Potter to Slughorn's Christmas party? Yes
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Question 20: Is the character Luna Lovegood? YES!
Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke (author L.L like Luna Lovegood)

Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke

It's the summer of 1879, and Annie Fuller, a young San Francisco widow, is in trouble. Annie's husband squandered her fortune before committing suicide five years earlier, and one of his creditors is now threatening to take the boardinghouse she owns to pay off a debt.
Annie Fuller also has a secret. She supplements her income by giving domestic and business advice as Madam Sibyl, one of San Francisco's most exclusive clairvoyants, and one of Madam Sibyl's clients, Matthew Voss, has died. The police believe his death was suicide brought upon by bankruptcy, but Annie believes Voss has been murdered and that his assets have been stolen.
Nate Dawson has a problem. As the Voss family lawyer, he would love to believe that Matthew Voss didn't leave his grieving family destitute. But that would mean working with Annie Fuller, a woman who alternatively attracts and infuriates him as she shatters every notion he ever had of proper ladylike behavior.
Sparks fly as Anne and Nate pursue the truth about the murder of Matthew Voss in this light-hearted, cozy historical mystery set in the foggy gas-lit world of Victorian San Francisco. From Goodreads.

Historical fiction is not one of my preferred genres but this was mystery mixed with romance and it was surprisingly good. Annie is a strong MC who knows a lot about the financial world of the time, but, as this is not appreciated, she has to give her advice disguised as a fortune-teller. When one of her clients dies she gets involved in finding his killer. 
I was sure I had guessed the killer about midway in the book but I was way wrong and I really like it when that happens.  

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Traveling Hogwarts Style
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: I Solemnly Swear
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

The summer holidays seem never-ending and Harry Potter can't wait for the start of the school term. It is his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and there are spells to learn and (unluckily) Potions and Divination lessons to attend. But Harry needs to be on his guard at all times - his worst enemy is preparing a horrifying fate for him. From Goodreads.

Yes, I have read this book several times, but it is still great. I greatly admire J.K. Rowling for the fantasy and imagination she must have. The series is now becoming even darker and there are several killings in this one. Harry is forced to take part in the Triwizard Tournament against students much older than himself and every body including Ron hates him for it. Ron and Harry has a falling out over it but of course they are back to best friends before the end of the book and Hermione is changing from a girl to a young lady.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Student Club Roster
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Guess Who?
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: I Like Big Books Bonus Club
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick Your Fate Adventure Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges - Baby Got Book

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts - Finished

A Trip To Hogwarts hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

This was more difficult than I initially thought but I also decided I wanted to read all 15 books. I have managed and have now finished this challenge.

Gryffindor February Prefect Challenge: A Trip To Hogwarts (min. 200 pages)

Duration: 1st February, 2015 to 30th April, 2015

Greetings everybody! For all the great work you are doing here, the House Headmistresses and Dumbledore's apprentice send you an invite to a special day...at Hogwarts! You will get to meet characters from the book and go on a tour with them! And you might just learn a magic spell or two

An Owl With An Envelope:

It's 7 am and you are enjoying a nice cup of hot coffee when suddenly you see a bird whoosh into your house. Is it... an owl? It drops an envelope on your table and flies off. You run to see what the matter is when you see the Hogwarts seal on the envelope. A Hogwarts letter?!

The Journey Begins:

After following the detailed instructions given in the letter, you find yourself in Platform Nine-And-Three-Quarters and you see the Hogwarts Express waiting for you. You board the train and rush off to Hogwarts.

A Grand Welcome!

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger await you in the grounds. Get to know them better.

(Choose 1 for each character = 3 books)Harry Potter:
❖ Read a book with a main character named Harry.
❖ Read a book where a main character has a scar or a physical disability.
❖ Read a book where a main character fights to protect others.
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

Ronald Weasley:
❖ Read a book where a main character has red hair
Opal Fire by Barbra Annino
❖ Read a book where a main character is a sports fan
❖ Read a book where a main character is named Ron or Ronald.

Hermione Granger:
❖ Read a book where a main character is a scholar or a student.
❖ Read a book where a female character is a career woman.
❖ Read a book where a main character falls in love with their best friend.
Love is a Thief by Claire Garber

The Hogwarts Tour:

Harry, Ron and Hermione take you around the grounds. Take a look around and don't forget to take pictures!

(Choose 2 rooms=2 books)

❖ Gryffindor Common Room (Since Harry, Ron and Hermione don't have access to the other common rooms): Read a book with the portrait of a person on the cover OR one where a main character can sing(Not that The Fat Lady can sing very well).
Sing for Me by Penelope Reece
❖ Great Hall: Read a book with any kind of food on the cover OR where a family sits down to have a meal together.
Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck
❖ Room of Requirement: Read a book you have borrowed from a friend OR a book you received as a gift.
❖ Dumbledore's Office: Read a book where a character is considered wise OR has steps on the cover.

Some Spells Taught:

You didn't think you would leave Hogwarts without learning a few spells, did you? Harry, Ron and Hermione take you to Mr. Ollivander's and get you a wand that fits you best. And now it is time for some lessons!

(Choose 3 spells = 3 books)

❖ Wingardium Leviosa- Read a book with a flying/floating object on the cover OR having wings on the cover.
Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
❖ Lumos- Read a book with a light or something bright on the cover.
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
❖ Alohomora- Read a book showing a lock or a key on the cover.
❖ Expelliarmus- Read a book where a character participates in a duel or fight.
Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller
❖ Accio- Read a book with a cover showing something you really wish to have.


Fred+ George= Fireworks!

Fred and George have special surprises in store for you. They burst their custom-made crackers to give a special welcome to a special guest. But look out! Those things could be dangerous!

(1 book)

❖ Fred and George Weasley- Read a book having a mischief-maker main character OR one where the main character owns a business.
The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg (MC owns his own business)


The Marauders' Map Revealed:

Fred, George, Harry and Ron are super excited to show you this magical aid that would blow your mind and help you make some mischief. (Hermione does not approve.)

Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers are proud to present

THE MARAUDER'S MAP

(Choose 2 Marauders = 2 books)
❖ Moony- Read a book with a moon/stars on the cover OR a book with a werewolf in it.
Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee
❖ Wormtail- Read a book with a character who is easily scared OR a character with a group of friends.
❖ Padfoot- Read a book with a dog on the cover OR a book where someone is wronged.
The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
❖ Prongs- Read a book where a character dies young OR a book with a love triangle.

Meet Some Others:

Now that you have met the famous trio, it's time to meet some other people who are integral in making Hogwarts what it is.

(Choose 3 people = 3 books)

❖ Albus Dumbledore: Read a book where a character wears glasses.
Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky
❖ Minerva McGonagall: Read a book with a teacher in a prominent role.
❖ Rubeus Hagrid: Read a book featuring an animal lover.
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
❖ Severus Snape: Read a book where a character risks their life.
Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas
❖ Sybil Trelawney: Read a book where a character is clumsy.
 
Homeward Bound:

After a long day of touring and meeting some of your favourite characters, it is time to head back home with lots of memories and some souvenirs. But the day that started with magic, surely must end with magic, shouldn't it? Read a book from any 1 option from the following to select how you will go back home.

(Choose 1 option = 1 book)

❖ By Portkey: Read a book featuring a shiny object on the cover. (trophy, cup, etc)
❖ By Thestral: Read a book featuring a horse or a carriage on the cover.
❖ By Broomstick: Read a book featuring a broom on the cover.
Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee
❖ By Ford Anglia(as featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets): Read a book with a flying vehicle on the cover.
❖ By the Floo Network: Read a book with a fireplace or powder on the cover.
❖ By Hogwarts Express: Read a book featuring a train on the cover.

Point System:

3-6 books = 3 points
7-9 books = 6 points
10-12 books= 9 points
13-15 books = 12 points
List of books:

Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky

Jane Madison has a problem. Or two. Or three. She’s unhappily working as a librarian. She has a crush on her oblivious Imaginary Boyfriend. And she just learned she won’t receive a well-deserved raise; instead, she can live for free in a cottage on the library grounds.
When Jane settles into her new home, she discovers a hidden chamber lined with ancient books about witchcraft. Her first spell awakens a feline familiar. Her second makes her irresistible to men. Those magical workings attract a sexy magical warder, and Jane’s life is quickly turned upside down.
Does Jane have what it takes to become a real witch?  From Goodreads.

This was a funny book. Jane, not knowing she is a witch and without trying to, awakens her familiar. A cat turned human, Neko is quite a character and he of course loves fish and milk. Jane has some problems after making herself irresistible to men, especially the caretaker of the library is taken with her. I also like her friendship with Melissa.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Traveling Hogwarts Style
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Barreling Through
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Student Club Roster
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Finding Ginny
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Guess Who?
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: I Like Big Books Bonus Club
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick One For Me

The Martian by Andy Weir

Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him & forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded & completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—& even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—& a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him? From Goodreads.




This was good. All the technical stuff could easy have made this incredibly boring but it didn't and it was explained in a way so it was understandable. Mark is a very likeable character and I was rooting for him the whole book. There was so many times he nearly got himself killed but he just keep working out a solution. I want to watch the film later this year.  

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Pass The Parcel
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Student Club Roster
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Guess Who?
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick Your Fate Adventure Challenge
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

Tastes Like Chicken by Johnny B. Truant

It's been six months since fast-food-addicted Reginald Baskin was turned into a vampire too fat to live peacefully amongst the glamorous undead -- six months in which Reginald and his two-thousand-year-old maker Maurice have learned that power doesn't equal popularity. Sure, Maurice is now calling the shots, but the Council is up to new and dirty tricks, threatening to once again upset the balance…
But when the Vampire Nation faces genocidal violence at the hands of an unstoppable force and the very future of vampirekind is threatened, Reginald, Maurice, and Nikki must find their allies elsewhere… buried deep underground in a foreign land.
As is the case for the follow-up to any epic tale, Fat Vampire 2 isn't afraid to ask (and answer) the truly important questions in literature and in life:
* Where did vampires come from, and can they possibly survive a force that bests them at every turn... that may even know them better than they know themselves?
* Is there a war coming... and if so, who will ally with whom?
* Why is Wilford Brimley in Reginald's kitchen?
and
* Is that an incubus in your pocket, or is it just really damn cold in here?
You'd better read on and find out, because the big questions never seem to answer themselves. From Goodreads.

This wasn't as good as the first book in the series but it was still okay and funny. Again they have to fight for survival, this time not only their own but the survival of all vampires. As Reginald is the one with the brains he has to figure out how to convince the enemy that they should be allowed to survive as a species.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Traveling Hogwarts Style
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick Your Fate Adventure Challenge

Louisiana Longshot by Jana Deleon

It was a hell of a longshot...
CIA Assassin Fortune Redding is about to undertake her most difficult mission ever--in Sinful, Louisiana.
With a leak at the CIA and a price on her head by one of the world's largest arms dealers, Fortune has to go off grid, but she never expected to be this far out of her element. Posing as a former beauty queen turned librarian in a small, bayou town seems worse than death to Fortune, but she's determined to fly below the radar until her boss finds the leak and puts the arms dealer out of play.
Unfortunately, she hasn't even unpacked a suitcase before her newly-inherited dog digs up a human bone in her backyard. Thrust into the middle of a bayou murder mystery, Fortune teams up with a couple of seemingly-sweet old ladies whose looks completely belie their hold on the little town. To top things off, the handsome local deputy is asking her too many questions. If she's not careful, this investigation may blow her cover and get her killed.
Armed with her considerable skills and a group of old ladies referred to by locals as The Geritol Mafia, Fortune has no choice but to solve the murder before it's too late. From Goodreads.

I am really starting to enjoy reading cosy mysteries. Books where anybody but the police actually knows what is going on, and often a group of old ladies that are nothing like the average elderly person. Fortune Redding, CIA assassin, is always getting involved in things and is now in hiding. But the small town of Sinful is anything but a quiet sleepy town. I liked most of the quirky characters in this book.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: April Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Traveling Hogwarts Style
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Student Club Roster
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick Your Fate Adventure Challenge