Jan 31, 2010

#6 - "Random" by Craig Robertson

This was a free ARC that I got from publisher SIMON & SCHUSTER UK for participating in the Thriller & Suspense Challenge hosted by Book Chick City!

Summary:
Glasgow is being terrorised by a serial killer the media have nicknamed The Cutter. The murders have left the police baffled. There seems to be neither rhyme nor reason behind the killings; no kind of pattern or motive; an entirely different method of murder each time, and nothing that connects the victims except for the fact that the little fingers of their right hands have been severed. If DS Rachel Narey could only work out the key to the seemingly random murders, how and why the killer selects his victims, she would be well on her way to catching him. But as the police, the press and a threatening figure from Glasgow's underworld begin to close in on The Cutter, his carefully-laid plans threaten to unravel - with horrifying consequences.

My thoughts on the book:
This was a great book! I was gripped from the start and couldn't wait to finish it and when I did, I wasn't disappointed. I was even a little surprised. I loved the newspaper articles through the book. They gave good insights on the police investigation & the killer's influence on the public, because the story is told from the killer's point of view. I don't want to write too much, 'cause I don't want to spoil the story for anyone. This is Craig Robertson's exceptional debut novel and I hope there'll be more in the future. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're fan of Jeff Lindsay's Dexter like me!

Rating: 5/5

Challenges:
This was my honest opinion & I wasn't at all influenced by the free ARC!

#5 - "Heat Wave" by Richard Castle

Summary:
A New York real estate tycoon plunges to his death on a Manhattan sidewalk. A trophy wife with a past survives a narrow escape from a brazen attack. Mobsters and moguls with no shortage of reasons to kill trot out their alibis. And then, in the suffocating grip of a record heat wave, comes another shocking murder and a sharp turn in a tense journey into the dirty little secrets of the wealthy. Secrets that prove to be fatal. Secrets that lay hidden in the dark until one NYPD detective shines a light.

Mystery sensation Richard Castle, blockbuster author of the wildly best-selling Derrick Storm novels, introduces his newest character, NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat. Tough, sexy, professional, Nikki Heat carries a passion for justice as she leads one of New York City's top homicide squads. She's hit with an unexpected challenge when the commissioner assigns superstar magazine journalist Jameson Rook to ride along with her to research an article on New York's Finest. PulitzerPrize-winning Rook is as much a handful as he is handsome. His wise-cracking and meddling aren't her only problems. As she works to unravel the secrets of the murdered real estate tycoon, she must also confront the spark between them. The one called heat.

My thoughts on the book:
This book was good. It was just as I expected to be, faithful to the tv series "Castle". The writer (or writers) did a good job and I hope there'll be other Castle books in the future. I enjoyed it a lot and all I can say is, if you are fan of the show, than you should read it, although even a non-fan of "Castle" will enjoy it as well.

Rating: 4/5

Challenges:

#4 - "Mr. Complete" by Sheridon Smythe

Summary:
"This is your lucky night. I just happen to be wearing black silk boxers." That was exactly the kind of confirmation Lydia Carmichael was looking for. Proof positive that the drop-dead gorgeous date provided by Mr. Complete Escort Services was a gigolo. All she had to do was lure that bad boy into her bed and she'd put the slimeballs out of business. But Lydia soon learned she wasn't cut out for this kind of under-the-covers work. Luke was not only hot with a capital H, he was also a considerate, caring man. As she discovered, there was a lot more beneath the surface than his sexy underwear and she found herself wanting to leave her tidy white-cotton life behind. If her secret wishes could come true, their bought-and-paid-for beginning would lead to a happily-ever-after ending that had nothing to do with money and everything to do with love.

My thoughts on the book:
I loved this book! It was hilarious, I couldn't stop laughing at times! 
L.J. “Luke” Reynolds owns the escort service "Mr. Complete". He overhears Lydia's plan to revenge her aunt and ruin his business, so he decides to stop her by posing as one of his man and acting like he really is a gigolo... 
It was really funny and steamy, with lovable characters and I couldn't stop reading it till I finished it. When I finish a book, I usually ask myself the question: "Will I enjoy re-reading it in the future?" and the answer to this question for this book is definitely "Yes!". I highly recommend it!

Rating: 4.5/5

Challenges:

#3 - "Outside In" by Beverly Sommers

Summary:

IF SHE'D KNOWN THEN WHAT SHE KNEW NOW...
At twenty-seven, Jill was masquerading as a high-school senior to find the truth about her sister's death.
She was also causing quite a commotion. Snubbing the cheerleaders. Hanging out with the jocks.
And giving her civics teacher the fright of his life. Poor Doug Lacayo had no way of knowing that his provocative, attractive pupil wasn't a teenager.
Jill meant to tell Doug--but she couldn't resist having a little fun with him first.

My thoughts on the book:
I liked this book. The best thing in it was the banter between  Doug & Jill, which was witty and hilarious and I loved it, but I didn't really got into the rest of the story, but maybe that's just me. Overall I enjoyed it and if you like a funny light read, I recommend it.

Rating: 3/5

Challenges:

Jan 30, 2010

The Books About TV Reading Challenge

This challenge is being hosted by Callista at SMS Book Reviews

Please note this is not for books that were turned into a TV show. This is for books that are about or based on a TV show that was there first. There are a few different kinds from what I've thought of:
So finally to the challenge:

From January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 you must read at least 2 books that are somehow about a TV show. It can be all of one kind above, a mix and match or whatever you want. If you find a book and you aren't sure if it counts, just email me at callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca (there's a link in my blogger profile).

I chose a small number of books so that more people might sign up. I've seen quite a few readers around who also love their TV so I hope this helps you feel like you are reading a book and watching TV.

A few other things:
  • You don't have to have a blog and you don't have to write a review. I'll have a spot here soon where you can link to your review if you do one, whether it's on a blog or Goodreads or Amazon or whatever.
  • E-books, audio books, crossovers and rereads are fine
  • If you read a book that would fit BEFORE you signed up for the challenge, you can count it, as long as it was AFTER January 1, 2010.
  • You don't have to create a list beforehand.
To join, just leave a comment at this link stating your intention. If you make a list of potential reads, please share the URL so others can get ideas. Or if you don't have a blog, share some ideas in the comment if you like, but it's not necessary. Post the reviews HERE!

My Book List:
1. "Heat Wave" by Richard Castle - review
2. The Stone Rose by Jacqueline Rayner - review
3. The Last Dodo by Jacqueline Rayner - review
4. Made od Steel by Terrance Dicks - review
5. The Feast of the Drowned by Stephen Cole - review
6. Wooden Heart by Martin Day  - review

#2 - "Can You Keep a Secret?" by Sophie Kinsella

Summary:
Emma is sitting on a turbulent plane. She's always been a v. nervous flyer. She really thinks that this could be her last moment. So, naturally enough, she starts telling the man sitting next to her - quite a dishy American, but she's too frightened to notice -all her innermost secrets. How she scans the backs of intellectual books and pretends she's read them. How she does her hair up like Princess Leia in her bedroom. How she's not sure if she has a G-spot, and whether her boyfriend could find it anyway. How she feels like a fraud at work - everyone uses the word 'operational' all the time but she hasn't a due what it means. How the coffee at work is horrible. How she once threw a troublesome client file in the bin. If ever there was a bare soul, it's hers. She survives the flight, of course, and the next morning the famous founding boss of the whole mega corporation she works for is coming for a look at the UK branch. As he walks around, Emma looks up and realises... It's the man from the plane. What will he do with her secrets? He knows them all - but she doesn't know a single one of his. Or... does she?

My thoughts on the book: 
I loved this book! It was really hilarious and I even laughed out loud at times! This is first Kinsella's book I've read, so I can't compare to some of her other works, but this was really amusing and enjoyable chick lit!

Rating: 4/5

Challenges:

"Subterranean" by James Rollins

Summary:

Travel To The Bottom Of The Earth...to place you never dreamed existed.
Beneath The Ice...a hand-picked team of specialists makes its way toward the center of the world. They are not the first to venture into this magnificient subterranean labyrinth. Those they follow did not return.
Over The Rocks...Across The Yawning Caverns...Beyond The Black River...You are not alone. 
Into The Darkness...where breathtaking wonders awaits you - and terrors beyond imaging...Revelations that could change the world - things that should never be disturbed...
At The Bottom Of The Earth Is The Beginning. Keep Moving...toward a miracle that cannot be...toward a mystery older than time.


My thoughts on the book: 
I just loved, loved this book!  It's one of those adventure novels that will keep you glued to it & you simply won't be able to put it down until you finished it! At least that's what happened to me! I've read this one in december, too and probably will re-read it again & again in the future! So, if you are fun of Indiana Jones & novels full of adventure, action & mystery, than this is a novel for you and I highly recommend it!!!

Rating: 5/5

Challenges:

"Seducing Mr. Darcy" by Gwyn Cready

Summary:
Mr. Darcy just isn't Flip Allison's style. She prefers novels with hot sex on the bathroom sink to the mannerly, high-tension longing of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. That is, until she pays a visit to Madame K, who promises a therapeutic massage with an opportunity to "Imagine Yourself in Your Favorite Book." Somehow, on the way to a sizzling sink-top session with a Venetian Adonis, Flip lands right in the middle of Regency England -- and dangerously close to handsome Mr. Darcy. So close, in fact, that she discovers a side of him even Jane Austen couldn't have imagined.
Waking from her massage, Flip is on top of the world and ready for her upcoming book club -- that is, until she notices a new scene in which Darcy and spunky heroine Lizzy Bennet are arguing over...Flip Allison? Her rapturous liaison with Darcy has had disastrous consequences for Austen's characters -- not to mention millions of
Pride and Prejudice fans! Flip has twenty-four hours to put the story back on course, and Magnus Knightley, a sexy but imperious scholar whose brooding good looks and infuriating arrogance are decidedly Darcy-like, is the only one who can help. The only problem is, Flip can't keep her hands off him, either....

My thoughts on the book:
First of all, I have to say that I read this one in december, too. I wasn't expecting a lot, I borrowed it from a friend because I needed a book with Mr in the title for a challenge, but I have to say that I enjoyed reading it!
What Flip does with Mr. Darcy has consequences on the original story, so the story starts to change in all the copies of "Pride & Prejudice" in the world and while Flip & Magnus are trying to fix that, they find themselves in lots of funny and steamy situations. So, if you enjoy reading funny & steamy romances, than this is a book for you...

Rating: 3/5

Challenges:

"Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay

Summary:
Meet Dexter Morgan. He's a highly respected lab technician specializing in blood spatter for the Miami Dade Police Department. He's a handsome, though reluctant, ladies' man. He's polite, says all the right things, and rarely calls attention to himself. He's also a sociopathic serial killer whose "Dark Passenger" drives him to commit the occasional dismemberment.
Mind you, Dexter's the good guy in this story.
Adopted at the age of four after an unnamed tragedy left him orphaned, Dexter's learned, with help from his pragmatic policeman father, to channel his "gift," killing only those who deal in death themselves. But when a new serial killer starts working in Miami, staging elaborately grisly scenes that are, to Dexter, an obvious attempt at communication from one monster to another, the eponymous protagonist finds himself at a loss. Should he help his policewoman sister Deborah earn a promotion to the Homicide desk by finding the fiend? Or should he locate this new killer himself, so he can express his admiration for the other's "art?" Or is it possible that psycho Dexter himself, admittedly not the most balanced of fellows, is finally going completely insane and committing these messy crimes himself?

My thoughts on the book:
"Darkly Dreaming Dexter" is the first book in the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. The tv show Dexter (at least the first season) is based on this book & the characters created by Jeff Lindsay, but overall there are lots of differences. I'm a big fan of the tv show, so although I already knew the main plot in the book, I still got absorbed in it & enjoyed it a lot. I highly recommend the series (I've read the 2nd book, too) & I think that Jeff Lindsay created one of the most likable serial killers in fiction. 

Rating: 4/5

I've actually read this book in december & I decided now to write a review  for it!

Challenges:

Jan 29, 2010

Friday Finds #3

What great books did you hear about / discover this past week?

Share with us your Friday Finds!

Here are my finds:

 "Lamentation" by Ken Scholes

An ancient weapon has completely destroyed the city of Windwir. From many miles away, Rudolfo, Lord of the Nine Forest Houses, sees the horrifying column of smoke rising. He knows that war is coming to the Named Lands.
Nearer to the Devastation, a young apprentice is the only survivor of the city - he sat waiting for his father outside the walls, and was transformed as he watched everyone he knew die in an instant.
Soon all the Kingdoms of the Named Lands will be at each others' throats, as alliances are challenged and hidden plots are uncovered.
 "Canticle" is sequel to "Lamentation" and the second book in The Psalms of Isaac series.

"Such a Girl" by Karen V. Siplin


Nine years ago, Kendall Stark ended a relationship with the love of her life. As her college friends never tired of telling her, Jack was going nowhere fast. Now Kendall is thirty-one, working as an operator at a prestigious New York hotel and listening in on the personal calls of the celebrity guests, while she carries on a doomed affair with a married colleague. And while deep down she knows she should be leading a more fulfilling life, Kendall believes she is content with the choices she has made.
Until the morning Jack reappears. Only now, Jack is the wealthy owner of a New England brewery, and he's staying in the hotel where Kendall works. His unexpected return leads her to rethink all the assumptions she ever made about success, love, and happiness and forces Jack to decide if he can ever forgive the woman who broke his heart so many years ago.
Just as Bridget Jones's Diary did for Pride and Prejudice, Karen Siplin here updates (and shakes up) the premise of Jane Austen's Persuasion, placing the characters in a modern, multicultural landscape.

"The Reef" by Mark Charan Newton


Has-jahn: a continent of exotic cultures, cities and long-forgotten technology. Two members of a race once thought extinct wash up on the shores near the city of Escha. In their possession is a call for help from a human living on the little-known tropical island of Arya, where their race is being murdered. A crew of freelance explorers, led by the charismatic Santiago DeBrelt, travels to discover the mystery behind the killings. However, Santiago's controversial nature leads to him being accompanied by government agents — who wish to explore Arya and find out why Eschan naval vessels have disappeared in the seas surrounding it.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Rhoam, a city in central Has-jahn, a band of terrorists are embarking upon an epic journey to the very same waters. Still angry from an old war with Escha, they've gathered explosives and weapons, and will allow nothing to interfere with their quest for a phenomenal revenge. But secret pasts are revealed and soon all eyes turn to the coral reef off the coast of Arya.

"Nights of Villjamur" by Mark Charan Newton


The ancient city of Villjamur is threatened by a long-expected ice age, and thousands of refugees from the coming freeze are camped outside its gates, causing alarm and the threat of disease for the existing population. When the Emperor commits suicide, his elder daughter, Rika, is brought home to inherit the Jamur Empire, but the sinister Chancellor plans to get rid of her and claim the throne for himself. Meanwhile an officer in the Inquisition, in pursuit of a mysterious killer, also uncovers a conspiracy within the Council to solve the refugee crisis by wholesale slaughter, and a cultist magician is causing a trail of havoc in his search for immortality and his obsessive quest to gain access into another world. To the far fringes of the Empire is despatched military commander to investigate a mysterious new race of undead that seems intent on genocide of the most gruesome nature. Gradually the separate strands of romance, jealousy, political intrigue and dark violence converge in a superb new action series of enthralling fantasy.

"City of Ruin" by Mark Charan Newton


Viliren: a city of sin that is being torn apart from the inside. Hybrid creatures shamble through shadows and barely human gangs fight turf wars for control of the streets. Amidst this chaos, Commander Brynd Adaol, commander of the Night Guard, must plan the defence of Viliren against a race that has broken through from some other realm and already slaughtered hundreds of thousands of the Empire's people. When a Night Guard soldier goes missing, Brynd requests help from the recently arrived Inquisitor Jeryd. He discovers this is not the only disappearance the streets of Viliren. It seems that a serial killer of the most horrific kind is on the loose, taking hundreds of people from their own homes. A killer that cannot possibly be human. The entire population of Viliren must unite to face an impossible surge of violent and unnatural enemies or the city will fall. But how can anyone save a city that is already a ruin?

"Never Bite a Boy on the First Date" by Tamara Summers
  1. I've got a few issues:
  2. I'm a vampire now.
  3. One of my classmates was found dead, with telltale fang marks.
  4. I didn't do it! (really!)
  5. Nobody believes me, so . . .
  6. I'm going to have to find the real killer. I've already got three suspects. (three very cute suspects.)
  7. One more problem: I am seriously falling for one of them . . . but what if he's the killer?
 
 "Save the Date" by Tamara Summers

Victoria Finnegan to marry Kevin Ork in the Rose Bower of Cynthia Flair Botanical Gardens
Sunday, June 17, 3 p.m.
Dress: very flowery.
Yay.
Paris Finnegan is marrying Jiro Kuan on the beach at Huntsville National Park
Saturday, August 11, 1 p.m.
Dress: Um . . . she's not really making me wear overalls, right???
Hideous bridesmaid dress fitting #6
Calm Victoria down
Try not to kill Paris
Try not to think about wedding planner's hot son
Do not date wedding planner's hot son
Stop kissing wedding planner's hot son!!!

"The Red Wolf Conspiracy" and "The Rats and the Ruling Sea" 
                          by Robert V.S. Reddick


The Chathrand - The Great Ship, The Wind-Palace, His Supremacy's First Fancy - is the last of her kind - built 600 years ago she dwarves all the ships around her. The secrets of her construction are long lost. She was the pride of the Empire. The natural choice for the great diplomatic voyage to seal the peace with the last of the Emperor's last enemies. 700 souls boarded her. Her sadistic Captain Nilus Rose, the Emperor's Ambassador and Thasha, the daughter he plans to marry off to seal the treaty, a spy master and six assassins, one hunderd imperial marines, Pazel the tarboy gifted and cursed by his mother's spell and a small band of Ixchel. The Ixchel sneaked aboard and now hide below decks amongst the rats. Intent on their own mission. But there is treachery afoot. Behind the plans for peace lies the shadow of war and the fear that a dead king might live again. And now the Chathrand, having survived countless battles and centuries of typhoons has gone missing. This is her story.
"The Rats and the Ruling Sea" begins where "The Red Wolf Conspiracy" ended...

Jan 26, 2010

Teaser Tuesdays #3

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!  
My Teasers:

"By the time we lock the door for closing, every single seat is full. 
All the demon hunters from the area and beyond are here."




                                       "Salt and Silver"
                                                    by
                                        Anna Katherine 

Jan 25, 2010

Typically British Reading Challenge 2010!

This challenge is being hosted by Book Chick City!

Timeline: 1st Jan 2010~ 31st Dec 2010. Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.

Details:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. 

2. There are four levels:

 • "Put The Kettle On" – Read 2 Typically British novels.
 • "Gordon Bennett" – Read 4 Typically British novels.
 • "Bob's Your Uncle" – Read 6 Typically British novels.
 • "Cream Crackered" – Read 8 Typically British novels.

3. Any book format counts. Must be fiction not non-fiction.

4. You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront then you can change them, nothing is set in stone! 

5. The books you choose can crossover into other challenges.

6. If you decide to participate in this challenge please use the link I have set up below with the button to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun.

7. If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in.

8. There will be a place for you to link your reviews, but this is optional.

9. Obviously only British authors count!

If you need further help to decide on which British authors to choose check out Wikipedia.

Join this challenge here!

I'm already planning to read lots of novels by british authors, so I decided to join this challenge, too!
I'll go with the "Cream Crackered" level!

My List:
1. "Jemima J" by Jane Green - review
2. "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman - review
3. "The Thirteen Problems" by Agatha Christie - review
4. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams - review
5. "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien - review
6. "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card - review
7. "Incarceron" by Catherine Fisher - review
8. "Edge" by Thomas Blackthorne - review

Take Another Chance Challenge 2010!




This challenge is being hosted by Jenners at Find Your Next Book Here!


Basic Information
  • The challenge will run from January 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010.
  • Here are the participation levels. Feel free to do whatever level you want. You can also switch up or down midway through the challenge.
A Small Gamble: Complete any 3 of the 12 challenges described below.
A Moderate Gamble: Complete any 6 of the 12 challenges described below.
Gambling It All: Complete all 12 of the challenges described below.
  • Each challenge you complete and link up in the correct Mr. Linky spots (which will be posted on January 1, 2010) will earn you entries into a prize drawing at the end of the challenge. Some of the challenges are harder and will earn you more entries. If you complete all 12 challenges, you will earn 5 extra entries into the drawing.
  • The prize is a book of the winner's choice from Amazon (worth $25 or less).
  • Crossover books from other challenges is fine.
So here are the 12 challenges for you to pick from. The "easier" challenges are listed first, followed by the harder challenges that are worth more entries into the prize drawing.

The 12 Challenges

Challenge 1: Read Your Doppelganger (worth 1 entry)
Find an author who has either the same initials, the same first name, the same last name, or the exact same name as you. Read a book by this author and write a post about it. (If you try to keep your identity anonymous on your blog, you don't have to reveal what part of the author's name is the same as your name.)
Example: If your name is Susan Kasischke, you might read a book by Stephen King (same initials), Susan Donovan (same first name), Laura Kasischke (same last name) or Susan Kasischke (same exact name).
Challenge 2: Blogroll Roulette (worth 1 entry)
Find a blogroll at either your book blog or a book blog you like that has at least 15 book blogs on it. Go to Random.org and, using the True Random Number Generator, enter the number 1 for the min. and 15 for the max. and then hit generate. Then find the blog that is that number on the blogroll you selected. (For example, if you get 10 at Random.org, then count down the list of blogs until you get to the tenth one). Go to that blog and pick a book to read from the books that they have reviewed on their blog. Read it and write a post about it. Be sure to link to the blog post you picked the book from!

Challenge 3: 100 Best Book (worth 1 entry)
Choose one of the lists below and go to the link provided. Choose a book to read from the list that you haven't read before. Read the book and write about it.
Challenge 4: Prize Winner Book (worth 1 entry)
Pick one of the major literary awards from the list below. Click on the link for the award you picked. You will find a brief description of the award and links to past winners. Pick one of the past winners, read the book and write about it.
Challenge 5: Title Word Count (worth 1 entry)
Go to Random.org and, using the True Random Number Generator, enter the numbers 1 for the min. and 5 for the max. and then hit generate. Find a book to read that has that number of words in the title. Read the book and write about it.
Example: If you get 1 for your number, read a book that has a one word title. If you get 2, read a book that has a two word title and so on and so forth.
Challenge 6: Genre Switch-Up (worth 1 entry)
Go to this list of book genres and pick a genre that you have NEVER read before. Find a book from that genre, read it, and write about it. Note: If you seriously cannot find a genre that you have never read, then pick the genre that is as far away from what you normally read.

Challenge 7: Break A Prejudice (worth 1 entry)
We all have reading prejudices--authors we don't like, genres we don't like, or even publishers we don't like. For this challenge, think of a reading prejudice you have and then find a book that is an example of this type of book. Read the book and then write about the reading prejudice you had BEFORE you read the book and how reading the book either changed your prejudice or reinforced it.
Examples: I always say I can't stand James Patterson; therefore, I might read a James Patterson book for this challenge. Or, if you sneer at "chick lit" books, you might read a "chick lit" book. Or, if you think books published by Harlequin are pure drivel, you might read a book published by Harlequin. If you turn up your nose at the Twilight books, then you might read one of the Twilight books.
Challenge 8: Real and Inspired (worth 2 entries)
Many authors or books inspire others to pay homage to them by writing another book inspired by the original work. For this challenge, read both an original work and a book inspired by that original work. Write about both books in one post. Note: This might require some research on your part and requires reading two books so it worth 2 entries.
Examples: Christopher Moore's Fool is based on Shakespeare's play King Lear so I plan on reading both King Lear and Fool. Another example is Jane Austen, who inspired the book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. For this challenge, you might read both Pride and Prejudice and the zombie version. (There are tons of other Austen-inspired books out there too.) Another idea would be a graphic novel version of a "standard" novel. The only real requirement is that the "inspired by" book must clearly state what original work inspired it.
Challenge 9: Same Word, Different Book (worth 2 entries)
Find two books that have the same word in the title. Read both books and write about them. (Worth 2 entries because you have to read two books).
Example: If you pick the word "Love," you could read any two books that both have Love in the title. To help you find books that have the same word, you could go to Amazon.com, type a word into the Search box and see what books come up with that word.
Challenge 10: Become A Character (worth 2 entries)
For this challenge, you can read any book you want. However, you have to write about the book as one of the characters from the book. The character can comment on his/her treatment by the author, other characters, the "untold story," what happened next, and so forth. You could even have two characters interviewing each other! Your imagination is the only limit. Because of the difficulty level of this challenge, it is worth two entries.

Challenge 11: All in the Family (worth 2 entries)
The writing gene often runs in the family. For this challenge, you need to find two authors from the same family (either by blood or by marriage) and read a book by each of the authors and then write about both books. Because of the research involved and having to read two books, this challenge is worth two entries.
Examples: The Bronte sisters; Stephen King and his wife Tabitha OR his son Joe Hill; Jonathan Kellerman (husband) and Faye Kellerman (wife); Michael Chabon (husband) and Ayelet Waldman (wife); Joan Didion (wife) and John Gregory Dunne (husband); Mary Higgins Clark (mother) and Carol Higgins Clark (daughter)
Challenge 12: Author Anthology Pick (worth 2 entries)
Find an anthology of your choice. Read at least 5 entries in the anthology. Of the 5 entries you've read, pick your favorite one and then find a book by that writer and read it. (If your first choice doesn't have a book, then pick your next favorite until you find a writer that has a book.) Write about the anthology, your favorite pick from the anthology, and the book you read by your favorite pick. Because of having to obtain and read two books, this challenge is worth two entries. Thanks to J.T. Oldfield at Bibliofreak who partially inspired this challenge.

Example: If you choose a poetry anthology, you would at least 5 different poems, pick your favorite, and then seek out a book of poetry by that poet. If you read a short story anthology, you would read at least 5 different short stories, pick your favorite, and then seek out either a novel or another book of short stories by that writer.
I'm dying to hear what you think about these challenges! I think they might be even harder than the previous challenge, but I'm really excited about the possibilities. I hope you are excited too. If you do a post about the challenge to announce your participation and help me promote it, you can gain an extra entry into the drawing. Simply link up that post in Mr. Linky below.

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I've been thinking about joining this challenge for a while now & decided to sign up!
I'll go with the 2nd level: A Moderate Gamble & try to complete 6-12 challenges!

Challenge 1: Read Your Doppelganger 
My name is Alexandra, so I read  the book You're the One That I Don't Want by Alexandra Potter!
Challenge completed!
 
Challenge 2: Blogroll Roulette
I got number 1, which was the blog All Things Urban Fantasy & I chose to read Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. Here's the review!
Challenge completed!
 

Challenge 3: 100 Best Book
I went to the Top 100 Sci-Fi Books & chose Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
Challenge completed!

Challenge 4: Prize Winner Book
Newbery Medal winner in 1994 - The Giver by Lois Lowry!
Challenge completed!

Challenge 5: Title Word Count
I got 1, so I'll read a book that has one word title. 
The first one-word-title book I read is Aurelia by Anne Osterlund.
Challenge completed!

Challenge 6: Genre Switch-Up
I don't really read non-fiction, so I decided to read a non-fiction book! That book is The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston & Mario Spezi!
Challenge completed!


Challenge 7: Break A Prejudice
If I do this challenge, I'll have to read Twilight, but I don't think I'll be able to do that, so I don't think I'll complete this challenge!

Challenge 8: Real and Inspired
Real: Persuasion by Jane Austen - read
Inspired: His Cunning or Hers by June Menzies
Challenge half completed!

Challenge 9: Same Word, Different Book
My word will be Leviathan. I'll actually read 2 books named Leviathan! The first is by Boris Akunin (my copy's title is only Leviathan, but it's also published as Murder on the Leviathan) & the second is by Scott Westerfeld!
Challenge completed!

Challenge 10: Become A Character

Challenge 11: All in the Family
I decided to read books from Stephen King & his son Joe Hill! I'll read Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill & The Gunslinger by Stephen King.

Challenge 12: Author Anthology Pick
I read Vacations from Hell - a collection of stories by Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson & Sarah Mlynowski! I haven't read books from these authors, although I've been planning to, so that's why I chose this anthology! It was hard to decide which story I loved more - Libba Bray's or Maureen Johnson's, but I decided that I love Maureen Johnson's story a little more, so I'll read her book Girl at Sea.
Challenge completed! 

Read Your Name Challenge 2010!

This challenge is being hosted by Victoria!

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:
  1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.) Such as my name: Victoria. the first book's title would start with the letter V, then the next book title begins with I, etc. Make sense? (I hope so!) :p
  2.  Come back here every month if you wish, and leave your link in the Mr. Linky that will be up containing the link to your challenge page containing the books you've read or each review you've written for books that count for this challenge. (Crossovers with other challenges are okay.) I will make a new post for this during the first week of every month.
  3. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2010, to Dec. 31st 2010. You may join at any time.
  4. Last but not least, be sure to sign up using Mister Linky Below! & Leave a comment with what name you're going to use, and the name itself of course! Oh, and don't forget to link back to the challenge from your blog to show you're participating! (If Mr. Linky does not appear to be working, then please just leave a comment with your info!)






    Join this challenge here!

    I'll use my name Aleksandra!


      1. A - "Aurelia" by Anne Osterlund - review
      2. L - "Leviathan" by Boris Akunin - review
      3. E - "Eyes Like Stars" by Lisa Mantchev - review
      4. K - "Knock Me for a Loop" by Heidi Betts - review
      5. S - "Salt and Silver" by Anna Katherine - review
      6. A - "Academy 7" by Anne Osterlund - review
      7. N - "Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake" by Sarah MacLean - review
      8. D - "Devil May Ride" by Wendy Roberts - review
      9. R - "Random" by Craig Robertson - review
    10. A - "Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman - review

Jan 24, 2010

Awesome Author Challenge 2010!


This challenge is being hosted by Alyce at At Home With Books!

The idea behind this challenge is to read works by authors who have been recommended to you time and again, but you haven't gotten around to reading them yet. These are the authors that everyone else tells you are awesome, thus the "Awesome Author Challenge" title.



The Rules:

The challenge starts January 1, 2010 and ends December 31, 2010.

Crossover from other challenges is allowed.

Choose the level at which you would like to participate, post about it and come back and leave a link to your post in Mister Linky.

Titles and authors do not have to be predetermined, and can change at any time.

Books can come from any genre or reading level, the only requirement is that you have heard great things about the author, but haven't yet read any of their works.


The Levels:

Easy: Choose three authors and read at least one title from each author.
Moderate: Choose six authors and read at least one title from each author.
Challenging: Choose ten authors and read at least one title from each author.
Over-Achieving: Anything over ten authors.

Post links to your reviews on the review post.

Please leave a direct link to your challenge post in Mister Linky.

Join this challenge here!

I'll go with the Over-Achieving level & read over 10 authors:
  1. Sophie Kinsella - review
  2. Meg Cabot - review
  3. Julie James - review 
  4. Simone Elkeles - review
  5. Gena Showalter - review
  6. Douglas Adams - review
  7. Julia Quinn - review
  8. Orson Scott Card - review
  9. Sophie Jordan - review
  10. Cinda Williams Chima - review
  11. Neal Shusterman - review 
  12. Scott Westerfeld - review
  13. Terry Pratchett - review
  14. Victoria Laurie - review
  15. MaryJanice Davidson - review
  16. Stacia Kane - review 
  17. C. S. Lewis - review 
  18. Markus Zusak - review 
  19. Lisa Kleypas - review
  20. Mary Higgins Clark - review
  21. Diana Wynne Jones - review

2010 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge!


This challenge is being hosted by Jennifer at Reading with Tequila!

The Rules:
  • Challenge will run January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. Participants can join anytime throughout the challenge.
  • Create an intro post, linking back to the original post.
  • Sign up with the MckLinky here. Please link to your challenge intro post, not your blog home page.
  • Chose your own books from the list. You can decide to read books only on the Top 25 list or from the entire recommendation list. You do not have to make a list of books before the challenge begins.
  • All forms of books acceptable (audiobooks, eBooks, etc.)
  • Rereads do not count towards the completion of the challenge. The challenge is about discovering books that are new to you.
  • You don't need a blog to participate.
  • Reviews, while always appreciated, are not mandatory.

The Top 25
  1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling
  2. City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
  3. Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
  4. The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
  5. Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick
  6. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
  7. Graceling - Kristin Cashore
  8. Outlander - Diana Gabaldon
  9. Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien
  10. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
  11. The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
  12. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
  13. Eragon - Christopher Paolini
  14. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
  15. A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle
  16. The Host - Stephenie Meyer
  17. The Thorn Birds - Colleen McCullough
  18. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
  19. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K. Rowling
  20. Little Women - Louisa May Alcott
  21. The Clan of the Cave Bear - Jean M. Auel
  22. The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley
  23. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
  24. 11 Minutes - Paulo Coelho
  25. Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer
Click here to see the entire 2009 Book Blogger Recommendation List.

The Levels:
Level I - Read 5 books from the 2009 Book Blogger Recommendation List
Level II - Read 10 books
Level III - Read 15 books
Level IV - Read 20 books
Level V - Read 20+ books

I've already been planning to read more then 20 books from the entire Recommendation List, so I decided to join this challenge, too! I'll go with Level V & read 20+ books.

My Reading List:
  1. "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare - review
  2. "City of Ashes" by Cassandra Clare
  3. "City of Glass" by Cassandra Clare
  4. "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - review
  5. "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins - review
  6. "Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
        - Book 1: The Fellowship of the Ring - review
        - Book 2: The Two Towers - review
        - Book 3: The Return of the King - review
  7. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak - review
  8. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
  9. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte - review
10. "Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett - review
11. "England's Perfect Hero" by Suzanne Enoch - review
12. "Eldest" by Christopher Paolini - review
13. "Brisingr" by Christopher Paolini
14. "The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis - review
15. "Mistborn" by Brandon Sanderson
16. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams - review
17. "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card - review
18. "Persuasion" by Jane Austen - review
19. "Perfect Chemistry" by Simone Elkeles - review
20. "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman - review
21. "Hush, Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick - review
22. "Graceling" by Kristin Cashore - review
23. "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld - review
24. "Playing with Fire" by Gena Showalter - review
25. "The Dark Divine" by Bree Despain - review
26. "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones - review
27. "The Raven Prince" by Elizabeth Hoyt - review
28. "The Forest of Hands and Teeth" by Carrie Ryan
29. "The Giver" by Lois Lowry - review
30. "Undead and Unwed" by MaryJanice Davidson - review