September 2013 Takeover Challenge Finished

September 2013 Takeover Challenge hosted by Lisa Kay on Nothing but Reading Challenges.

My goal was to do the level: Greeting the Sunrise: read 8-10 books of a total of 10.
I read all 10. 
Detailed explanation of each category can be found in my start post.

• Latest Kick...Wrapped Up in Mysteries:The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
• Blue:  The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner
• “V” is for...:Vegan, Virgin, Valentine by Carolyn Mackler
• This Kitchen is Green Powered: The Owl Service by Alan Garner
• Love That Dress!: Dollhouse by Anya Allyn
• Animals: Æsel by Kristina Stoltz
• Beach, Mountains, Desert: Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
• Do You Know Jack?: Necrophobia by Jack Hamlyn
• Challenge Book: Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
• One More Time: The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

Dollhouse by Anya Allyn

For fifteen year old Cassie Claiborne, there's only one good thing about moving from steamy Miami to the wild inland forests of Australia--the even wilder Ethan McAllister. But Ethan already has a girlfriend--Aisha Damaj--the girl with a hundred different moods a minute.
When Aisha goes missing on a hiking trip in the local mountains--presumed dead--the whole town points a finger at Ethan. Cassie defends Ethan fiercely. She's just about the only friend he has left.
Is Cassie letting her feelings for Ethan cloud her judgment? Or does something dark lurk out there in the forests? From Goodreads

This was quite scary and didn't give too much away along the way. The worst part of it is that I just didn't realise that this was number one in a series, I totally missed the part where it says (Dollhouse #1) right after the title. I have to buy the next book now as it will be perfect for a Halloween read.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (ghost)
2013 Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge (free on Amazon.uk 9th of September 2013)
September 2013 Takeover Challenge
FrightFall RaT 2013

Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

With language as colorful as a Canyonlands sunset and a perspective as pointed as a prickly pear, Cactus Ed captures the heat, mystery, and surprising bounty of desert life. Desert Solitaire is a meditation on the stark landscapes of the red-rock West, a passionate vote for wilderness, and a howling lament for the commercialization of the American outback. From Goodreads.

This was not a book for me. I was bored, basically I fell asleep every time I tried to read this book in the evening and when I like a book I can read far into the night. I felt he was just waffling and filled several pages with names of flowers and mountains.
If you want an interesting desert book do not read this book, read something by Michael Asher instead.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
Author Alphabet Reading Challenge
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge
September 2013 Takeover Challenge

Necrophobia by Jack Hamlyn

An ordinary summer's day. The grass is green, the flowers are blooming. All is right with the world. Then the dead start rising. From cemetery and mortuary, funeral home and morgue, they flood into the streets until every town and city is infested with walking corpses, blank-eyed eating machines that exist to take down the living. The world is a graveyard. And when you have a family to protect, it's more than survival. It's war. From Goodreads.

I liked this book about zombies. As there are more books in this series the question about why the dead are rising is not quite answered only hinted at. I hope the next books are as good.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
2013 Ebook Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
September 2013 Takeover Challenge
Author Alphabet Reading Challenge

Æsel by Kristina Stoltz

To teenagebrødre, Nadeem og Farid, er på flugt fra Afghanistan, hvor Talebans militser spreder død og ødelæggelse. Med sig har de erindringer om et hærget land, en forfulgt familie og en tabt barndom.
Brødrenes omtumlede rejse fører dem over iran til Turkmenistan, Rusland, Belarus, Polen, Tyskland og videre til Sverige og Danmark. Undervejs møder de andre flygtninge, hvis historier sætter spor i de to drenges sind. Vi hører blandt andet om den pashtunske general, der forelsker sig i den fattige smeds datter, sufisheiken, som kaster sin kærlighed på en evnesvag pige, og apotekeren, der flygter ud af Kina med sit ufødte barns foster i et glas med formaldehyd. 
Da brødrene ved et uheld skilles, bliver kampen for overlevelse ikke kun et spørgsmål om mad og sikkerhed, men også en kamp for at finde hinanden igen og for at finde sig selv i det fremmede. From the back of the book.




This book was about two brothers who flee from Afghanistan to Sweden. I liked it but felt the book had too many stories in it. A lot of the book is very detailed, describing the people they meet on the way.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
A Book A Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay Reading Challenge (28)
2013 A-Z Reading Challenge
September 2013 Takeover Challenge

Vegan, Virgin, Valentine by Carolyn Mackler

Mara Valentine is in control. She's a straight-A senior, a vegan, and her parents' pride and joy. She's neck-and-neck with her womanizing ex-boyfriend for number-one class ranking and plans to kick his salutatorian butt on her way out the door to Yale. Mara has her remaining months in Brockport all planned out, but the plan does not include having V, her slutty, pot-smoking, sixteen-year-old niece — yes, niece — come to live with her family. Nor does it involve lusting after her boss or dreaming about grilled cheese sandwiches every night. What does a control freak like Mara do when things start spinning wildly out of control? With insight, authenticity, and a healthy dose of humor, Carolyn Mackler creates an evolving Type A heroine that every reader will recognize — and root for. From Goodreads.

I liked this more than expected. It had a dysfunctional family and it had the humour I need in a chick-lit book. I might have a look at Carolyn Mackler's other books.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
Author Alphabet Reading Challenge
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge
September 2013 Takeover Challenge
A Book A Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay Reading Challenge (20)

Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

It's the last Friday before the winter holidays but Percy Jackson isn't at school: he's battling the fearsome Manticore (half human, half lion), which in itself isn't ideal . . . but with Annabeth missing and the goddess of the hunt held captive, things get a whole lot more serious . . .Greek mythology relocated to modern-day America. Action-packed, funny, accessible writing for both boys and girls aged 10+. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl. From Goodreads.

I do enjoy this series. It has Greek mythology and is a fun, easy read. I will definitely continue this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Mythology Challenge
September 2013 Takeover Challenge
Ten Book Author Train Challenge

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

When a dying millionaire hires Philip Marlowe to handle the blackmailer of one of his two troublesome daughters, Marlowe finds himself involved with more than extortion. Kidnapping, pornography, seduction, and murder are just a few of the complications he gets caught up in. From Goodreads.

I used to like mystery books, I read a lot of Agatha Christie and Ruth Rendell but I don't enjoy them as much any more. They are usually okay but I prefer fantasy and paranormal.
That said I didn't actually guess who did it and that, of course, is what I like in a mystery book.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
Author Alphabet Reading Challenge
2013 Literary Exploration Reading Challenge
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge
September 2013 Takeover Challenge
Ten Book Author Train Challenge

The Owl Service by Alan Garner

Something is scratching around in the attic above Alison's room. Yet the only thing up there is a stack of grimy old plates. Alison and her stepbrother, Roger, discover that the flowery patterns on the plates, when traced onto paper, can be fitted together to create owls-owls that disappear when no one is watching. With each vanished owl, strange events begin to happen around Alison, Roger, and the caretaker's son, Gwyn. As the kids uncover the mystery of the owl service, they become trapped within a local legend, playing out roles in a tragic love story that has repeated itself for generations... a love story that has always ended in disaster. From Goodreads.

I enjoyed this one, a love/friendship triangle that keeps repeating itself generation after generation. A warning though, it is fantasy but I also found it a bit weird.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
September 2013 Takeover Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (wizard)
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
A Book A Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay Reading Challenge
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge

The Weirdstone Of Brisingamen by Alan Garner

Neither Susan nor her brother, Colin, ever thought that war would be waged over a simple gemstone in her bracelet. But that's what happens when the children visit Alderley Edge, a spooky place in a remote part of England. There, they meet the wizard Cadellin, who needs the stone to rouse his allies in the never-ending battle between good and evil. But when the stone vanishes, Susan and Colin must find it before the forces of evil use it to destroy all the goodness that ever existed in the world. From Goodreads.

I really enjoyed this fantasy book. My husband has wanted me to read it for a while and now it was published in Kindle we got it right away.
I have just visited The Wizard Inn and walked to Alderley Edge this summer which makes it an even better read as I can see the real forest and the edge in my mind as the children are exploring it. I am going to continue reading this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (wizard)
Author Alphabet Reading Challenge
September 2013 Takeover Challenge
A Book A Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay Reading Challenge
2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge
Ten Book Author Train Challenge

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

Once an aristocrat in the heady days of pre-revolutionary France, now Lestat is a rockstar in the demonic, shimmering 1980s. He rushes through the centuries in search of others like him, seeking answers to the mystery of his terrifying exsitence. His story, the second volume in Anne Rice's best-selling Vampire Chronicles, is mesmerizing, passionate, and thrilling. From Goodreads.

I think this is a re-read but it is quite a few years ago that I read it the first time. After Interview With The Vampire it is interesting to hear Lestat's side of the story. He is very different in this book than the way Louis described him in the previous book. My biggest problem with this book is that it sets an exciting scene for the next book The Queen of the Damned so I need to read that book soon.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
Tower Teams Read 2013-2
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (vampire)
Author Alphabet Reading Challenge
2013 Anne Rice Challenge
2013 Mammoth Book Challenge
September 2013 Takeover Challenge
A Book A Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay Reading Challenge

September 2013 Takeover Challenge Start

September 2013 Takeover Challenge hosted by Lisa Kay on Nothing but Reading Challenges.

Goal: Yes, it is that month again. My birthday month! So, I’m taking over this month’s challenge. Choose your books from the “Ten Things That Are On My Mind” categories below.

Duration: September 1 - 30, 2013

Levels:

Going to the Party: 1-3 books
Dancing All Night: 4-7 books
Greeting the Sunrise: 8-10 books

“Wild Card”: Since I'm the “Archduchess of Audio,” I have the power to grant you two “Wild Card”* options. Replace any two categories below with whatever you like, as long as you listen to it on audio.

CATEGORIES: Ten Things That Are On My Mind.
• Latest Kick...Wrapped Up in Mysteries: I’ve been reading more mysteries lately.
   Choose a book from this genre. Or, if you read the dead tree version, wrap up several
    books in the same paper (making them all look exactly alike), shuffle them, and then
   a week later pick one to read.
• Blue: My favorite color is blue. Read a book with a cover that is predominately blue.
   Check out listopia !
• “V” is for...: I’ve gone vegan! It has been a whole year now. Wow. It might be
   hard to find a book with a character who has chosen a plant-based lifestyle,
   so read a book with a “V” in the title, or by an author with a first or last name that
   starts with “V.”
• This Kitchen is Green Powered: Since green is the official color of vegans,
   and I love to cook, read a book with a cover that is predominately green. Or where
   the main character is a chef.
• Love That Dress!: I started a shelf entitled love-that-dress. Not much on it, yet,
   so help me add to it by reading a book that shows a beautiful dress.
• Animals: I’m an animal lover. Read a book with one on the cover.
   (It does NOT have to be a book about that animal.)
• Beach, Mountains, Desert: I really need to sell my house and move to something
   smaller. But where to retire? The beach, the mountains, the desert? Help me by picking
   a book depicting any one of these locals.
• Do You Know Jack?: My favorite hero is Jack Travis in Smooth Talking Stranger,
   by Lisa Kleypas. Read a book with a character named Jack in it. Or one written by a Jack.
• Challenge Book: I love challenges on GRs, making them and participating in them.
   Read a book that is the first one for a new challenge, or helps you finish off one.
• One More Time: I love to reread my favorite books, often by audio. Revisit one of
   your favorites. Or try a book via this media delivery system.

My Gift to You: I’m giving each of you, whether or not you join this challenge, an Extension "Gift Card" for NBRC Challenges. You may use it on this challenge, or any other NBRC challenge you are working on, extending it by one month. This includes monthly, seasonal, yearly, even a “You Set the Pace” one that you underestimated your time.



I have decided to do the level: Greeting the Sunrise: 8-10 books
I have a few books lined up but they might change.

• Latest Kick...Wrapped Up in Mysteries:The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
• Blue:  The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner
• “V” is for...:Vegan, Virgin, Valentine by Carolyn Mackler
• This Kitchen is Green Powered:
• Love That Dress!: 
• Animals: The Owl Service by Alan Garner
• Beach, Mountains, Desert: Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
• Do You Know Jack?: Killing Floor by Lee Child
• Challenge Book: The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb I would like to finish my Tea & Books Challenge
• One More Time: The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice