Drake Chronicles #1

DRAKE CHRONICLES:
My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey

There's Nothing Like A Prophecy To Make Enemies!

Solange Drake is a vampire who was born, not made. She is not the first to be born a vampire, but she is the first female to be born. A lot of people are happy about this and a lot of people are not, such as Lady Natasha wouldbe Queen of the vampires.

There is a prophecy that all the vampire clans will unite under the Queen-ship of a female born vampire. For this reason Solange's life has just become under threat by bounty hunters. However she is also being hunted by her own kind, they can sense she is about to change, become a full vampire which will take place when she turns sixteen. The change leaves her highly attractive to her own kind, as well as vulnerable and close to death.

Lucy has been Solange's best friend for as long as either can remember. Lucy has also been fighting with Nicholas, Solange's brother, for just as long. But now things are changing. Lucy may just have discovered her feelings for NIcholas, but it is at a time that she may lose Solagne forever. Can a bounty hunter be trusted so save Solange when no one else can?

My Love Lies Bleeding is a story of teen romance, with vampires thrown in for fun. There is a lot of emphases on family and friendship which is nice, but there is also a lot of inconsistencies and plot hole throughout this story. It is evident Alyxandra Harvey has a thing for romance, and any teen girl will instantly take a liking to this new series.

Violet Hills - map

 

Alyxandra Harvey Webpage

Alyxandra Harvey @ Allen & Unwin

 

On sale: 01 January 2010
Price (AU): $14.99
ISBN: 9781408803400
Recommended age: 14-18
In a word: Blood
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: possibly
Star rating: two out of five
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Harper Connelly #4

HARPER CONNELLY:
Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris

The Dead Can Wait For A Long, Long Time!

Harper and Tolliver were heading to Dallas. This was not a business trip, it was personal. A visit to their sisters, and Tolliver's brother. However if making a quick stop off was going to make a very rich Lizzie Joyce very happy and also put some money in their hands then what is the harm in that?

Just as things had started to come together for Harper and Tolliver, their past comes back to haunt them. Although they live with the scares of their past everyday, this time their past has appeared in the form of Matthew, Toliver's father. Matthew is desperate for reconciliation with his sons; he is also stalking his daughters.

However Tolliver has just been shot and others have been murdered, although Harper maybe the real one in danger. And after all these years there is also sudden news of Cameron, Harpers missing sister. Harper is left to figure out what role if any Matthew plays in all this, or is everything that's going wrong all to do with the job they did for Lizzie Joyce?

The fourth and final book in the Harper Connelly series, Grave Secret brings Harper's story to a close tying up all the loose ends in a neat package. Harpers life while not conventional in any sense of the word is a source of mystery and intrigue. A fitting end to a short but ever so intriguing whodunit series.

 

Charlaine Harris Webpage

Charlaine Harris @ Hachette

 

On sale: 01 November 2009
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780575085541
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Family
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
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The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1

THE WOLVES OF MERCY FALLS:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

A Wolf In Boy's Clothing, A Boy In Wolf's Clothing!

The first time Grace saw those yellow eyes they belonged to a wolf, a wolf who saved her. The first time Grace was bitten she had thought she would die. Later when Grace saw those yellow eyes they belonged to a boy, a boy who she saved. Later when she was bitten she thought the wolf would die.

For years Grace watched the wolves that lived in the woods surrounding her home, for years the wolves watched her. She thought about them all the time, they were her wolves. Every winter the wolves would be there, a constant companion to the snow. In the summer they were gone. She never thought more about that.

For a while Grace and Sam were living like they had all the time in the world, like a future was possible for them, like the end wasn't coming. For a while they were the happiest they had ever been, but their time together was shadowed, by men and wolves and the constant threat of the cold. It had taken six years for them to finally reach each other, and now they were only a snow fall away from losing each other for ever.

Shiver is a love story told with simple elegance that is heartbreaking, tender and terrifying. The relationship between Grace and Sam is honest and thoughtful, pitched against the dangers of their separate worlds that are about to collide. A story of werewolves as you have never read before, with no full moons and no silver bullets; just the bite of a wolf and the call of winter. A highly recommended read for teens, fantasy readers and romantics; and anyone who loves a good story.

 

Maggie Stiefvater Webpage

Maggie Stiefvater @ Scholastic

On sale: 01 August 2009
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780545123266
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Wolves
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Book 1 of The Binding

THE BINDING:
Shadow Queen by Deborah Kalin

'Walking Dead Among The Dead'

Matilde is a young woman on the cusp of becoming Queen, if ever her grandmother would relinquish the title. It is a role she was groomed for since birth. It was hers by right and she waited impatiently for it. However the arrival of her exiled aunt sets into motion a series of events that would see her fight to keep control not only of her position but her very life.

As Matilde's world fall around her she finds her every turn bared. She may have escaped with her life, for now, but she is trapped in a cage of her own binding, and undermined and manipulated by those who have secured her in both mind and body. It was only a matter of time before those around her decided her life was no longer useful.

In a time where no one can be trusted and danger lies with one wrong move, Matilde must navigate the treacherous waters of diplomacy, assassination and war in order to gain back that which is rightfully hers. Every step she makes leads her closer to her goal, but brings with it unwanted allegiances and danger. In the end will her actions justify all she is able to win back, or has she just lost all to the most deadly enemy of all.

Shadow Queen introduces a world that is ancient and ominous, steeped with tradition, history and magic. It is a story as mysterious as it is complex and will have you hooked from the first, surprising you at every turn. Matilde is a character both honest and empathising; although questioning her own motives for the best way forward, she is able to read others recognising their motives. A book for any fantasy lover. Looking forward to Book 2.

 

Deborah Kalin Webpage

Deborah Kalin @ Allen & Unwin

 

On sale: 01 September 2009
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781741759327
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Shadow's
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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FLOWER FAIRIES: Fairyopolis

FLOWER FAIRIES:
Fairyopolis - A Flower Fairies Journal
by Cicely Mary Barker

Fairies Are Fun!

During the summer of 1920 Cicely Mary Barker kept a journal of her time in Storrington, it was during this time she felt most inspired by her fairy friends, and so decided to entrust her journal to The British Faerie Folklore Society for preservation. It is this journal we are presented with here.

Storrington is a place of tranquillity surrounded by beauty and wild flowers. And as Cicely Mary Barker discovered, it is also surrounded by fairies. Day after day Cicely discovers more and more evidence of fairies. From tiny foot prints, to enchanting music, fairy wings and fairy dust, and also fairy's in photos.

It is an invaluable journal full of tips and hints on identifying fairies, and where they can be found. There is a guide to fairy trees and fairy rings and also tales of fairy. And there is also a recipe for blackberry jam! But above all else there are fairies themselves dancing through the pages of this journal.

I love the interactivity with this book. Fairyopolis is a magical guide into a world not often seen, but often imagined. There is so much magic and beauty to discover within these pages, and I hope any fairy lover will take the time to uncover it.

 

Cicely Mary Barker - Flower Fairies

 

On sale: 21 November 2005
ISBN: 9780723257240
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Fairies
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Quantum Enchantment - Book One

QUANTUM ENCHANTMENT:

The Spell Of Rosette by Kim Falconer

Sometimes You Have To Die To Survive!

Earth in the 21st Century is facing an environmental crisis. The organisation ASSIST has been formed to engage this problem. To help ASSIST is the JARROD, unfortunately for JARROD ASSIST does not like what it hears and has taken action against JARROD. The only hope lies with a Techno-Witch and a DNA splicing scientist.

Gaela is a world that's pure in its beauty and its resources. It is a world of peace with few villages and fewer cities, with small farms dotting the lands. Technology has not touched this world, but magic has. It is the perfect hiding place for a hunted technology that looks human, and is the key to saving the Earth.

Rosette is born to a world that is not her own. After a brutal tragedy leaves her alone, she decides it is too dangerous for her live. Five years later her choices will begin a chain of event that exposes everyone and their secrets. Rosette will also discover her life is not as she believed, and that although Gaela is her home, it is Earth that she must save.

The Spell Of Rosette is a epic journey. It is a science-fiction story with a future Earth, portals to other worlds, and sentient computers. It is also a fantasy story filled with magic, Lupins, talking cats, and sword fighting. Rosette has a habit of passing-out at the most inopportune of times; there's also a great deal of astrology reflecting Kim Falconer's own interests, but knowledge of this is not necessary to enjoy this spellbinding book.

Gaela - map

 

Kim Falconer Webpage

Kim Falconer @ Harper Collins

 

On sale: 01 January 2009
Price (AU): $20.99
ISBN: 9780732287719
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Rosette
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Little Blue

Little Blue by Gaye Chapman

'Little Blue Was Lost'

Little Blue had been lost for a very long time. Alone in the forest Little Blue was one day discovered by Will, a boy out walking in the forest.

Little Blue's home had steps to the mountains; Will's home has a path to the hills. Little Blue's home had blue trees; Will's home has green trees. Little Blue's home had Father and bluebirds; Will's home has Grandmother and hens.

Little Blue and Will searched all over but still could not find Little Blue's home. But as Little Blue followed Will to his home they made an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

Little Blue is a simple yet delicate and touching story that is absolutely beautifully presented. A charming book to treasure and share with those you love.

 

Gaye Chapman Webpage

Gaye Chapman @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

 

On sale: 01 December 2009
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781921541209
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Lost
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: five out of five
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Goblins: Pop-up Book

Goblins: Pop-up Book by Brian Froud

'Goblins Don't Exist'

Edward knew that Goblins existed and wanted to share that knowledge with Myrtle, so he took her to the woods to show her the Goblins there. To prove they existed. For Myrtle was not ready to believe until she could see them for herself.

While walking through the woods Edward pointed out all the Goblins he could see to Myrtle, and there were plenty to be seen. However Myrtle never saw them. Edward saw Goblins everywhere in the woods, but all Myrtle saw were thorn trees, toads, mounds and a cross-eyed bat. But no Goblins.

Goblins is a book full of fun and surprises, it is also a book that has been well loved and seen a lot of use; at least my copy has. Brian Froud's illustrations are both mysterious and ethereal, guaranteed to enthral and amuse all who set eyes upon its pages.

 

Brian Froud Webpage

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

 

On sale: 27 October 1983
ISBN: 9780216914650
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Goblins
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Faeries Pop-Up Book

The Faeries Pop-Up Book by Brian Froud

Mortals Beware, There Be Faeries There!

The world of Faerie is a land of magic and mystery that is not always sweet and innocent. Many a lost and blundering soul has met with danger through inadvertently stumbling upon some sacred faery gathering or land, never to see their way home again.

There are many different kinds of faeries. Some are the traditionally beautiful faeries that dance amongst fairy-ring, some are the tricky and pesky pixies that love nothing more than to gambol and steal horses, and some are goblins who are the villains of the faery land, causing trouble and thieving whenever they can.

But Faeries are also known for the treasures they hide, the enchanting music they play, and the flora that is the link between their world and ours. One must always be careful when walking in the woods, or reading this book, for you never know when a faery may pop-up and surprise you.

Taken from FAERIES, by Alen Lee and Brian Froud, this engaging book is your guide to all things faery, bringing to life the beauty and danger to be found is a world that is steeped in magic and wonder.

 

Brian Froud Webpage

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

 

On sale: 02 October 1980
ISBN: 9780722657058
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Faeries
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Why I Didn’t Read That Book...

I love books for a lot of different reasons, either they are written by authors I love, or the titles are captivating, they might have pretty covers, or it just may be the intriguing plots.
But whatever the reason I can not seem to get enough of them.

However, occasionally I do end up with a book or two that I'm not too excited about.
After reading this link I think it best explains some of my (and a lot of other people's) ...

Reasons We Don't Read Certain Books

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Harper Connelly #3

HARPER CONNELLY:
An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris

Happiness Amidst Death!

In Memphis Xylda told Harper "In the time of ice, you'll be so happy". At the time Harper had no idea what Xylda was talking about, as is the way with Xylda, but now Harper is about to find out just how happy she can be while chasing a serial killer in the freezing town of Doraville.

Harper and Tolliver have been hired to search for a missing grandson. At the time of the disappearance it was put forward by the then Sheriff that the boy had simply runaway, but many others weren't convinced. As it turns out there were more then a few disappearances of teen boys that were ruled as runaways.

Harper has stumbled upon eight bodies, all boys who were cruelly tortured, abused and left to die. It is the first time she has ever discovered so many bodies at one time. It is her first experience with a serial killer. It is also the first time she has realised that Tolliver maybe keeping a secret from her. Harper and Tolliver are about to come clean with their secrets, and afterwards things will never be the same again.

An Ice Cold Grave mixes the horror and heartache of a small town stalked by a serial killer with the beginnings of a new romance. There is loss and sadness in this story, but even amongst all the panic and fear we are given faith, hope and a story of love. Not everyone may be happy with the events of this story, but it is both well written and intriguing. A must read for any Harper fan.

 

Charlaine Harris Webpage

Charlaine Harris @ Hachette

 

On sale: 09 October 2008
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9780575083998
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Death
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
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2010 Reading Challenge: Young Adult Reading Challenge

This is a great challenge for me as I do read a lot of young adult books. Another challenge run by J.Kaye's Book Blog, I have decided to be a bit conservative with this challenge in attempting level Just My Size (25 young adult books). Although secretly I hope I'm able to complete Stepping It Up (50 young adult books).

Levels:
The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.

Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.

Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.

Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.

Here are the rules:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. Audio, eBooks, re-reads all count.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

5. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your Young Adult novels will be listed. Include the URL so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.


Books read so far:
1. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
2. My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey
3. Fallen by Lauren Kate
4. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
5. Post Grad by Emily Cassel
6. Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zinc
7. Headgames by Casey Lever
8. The Adoration Of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson
9. Rhiannon Of The Spring by Allan Frewin Jones
10. About A Girl by Joanne Horniman
11. Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
12. The Spooks: Witches by Joseph Delaney
13. Impossible by Nancy Werlin
14. ICE by Sarah Beth Durst
15. Old Magic by Marianne Curley
16. My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent
17. Rebel by R J Anderson
18. Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer
19. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
20. What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell
21. The SPOOK'S Apprentice by Joseph Delaney
22. Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper
23. Wonderland by Tommy Kovac
24. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
25. beautiful monster by Kate McCaffrey
26. My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent
27. Pocket Money Puffins: Infinity by Sarah Dessen
28. Pocket Money Puffins: Vamoose! by Meg Rosoff
29. The SPOOK'S Curse by Joseph Delaney
30. Ash by Malinda Lo
31. Fury by Shirley Marr
32. The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer
33. The Fool's Girl by Celia Rees
34. My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent
35. Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw
36. Ondine: The Summer Of Shambles by Ebony McKenna
37. Montacute House by Lucy Jago
38. Spells by Aprilynne Pike
39. The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
40. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
41. Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
42. The Worst Thing She Ever Did by Alice Kuipers
43. The SPOOK'S Secret by Joseph Delaney
44. Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
45. Mice by Gordon Reece
46. Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder
47. Outside In by Chrissie Keighery
48. Sanctuary by Melissa Marr
49. Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley
50. This is Shyness by Leanne Hall
51. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
52. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
53. Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley
54. Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz
55. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
56. Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner
57. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
58. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
59. Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
60. The SPOOK'S Battle by Joseph Delaney
61. The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
62. Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber
63. Daniel X: The Manga Volume 1 by James Patterson
64. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
65. Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis
66. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

66/25 books read. 264%done!

2010 Reading Challenge: Fantasy Reading Challenge

I love fantasy so I'm very excited about this Fantasy Reading Challenge. There are several levels for this challenge and I have decided I'm going all out and attempting to complete the Obsessed level.

Levels:
Curious – Read 3 Fantasy Fiction novels.

Fascinated – Read 6 Fantasy Fiction novels.

Addicted – Read 12 Fantasy Fiction novels.

Obsessed – Read 20 Fantasy Fiction novels.

Here are the rules:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. Any book format counts.

3. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

4. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

5. When you sign up under Mr. Linky put the direct link to the post about the Fantasy Fiction Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.


Books read so far:
1. The Spell Of Rosette by Kim Falconer
2. Shadow Queen by Deborah Kalin
3. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
4. My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey
5. Fallen by Lauren Kate
6. Love Bites by Lynsay Sands
7. Arrows Of Time by Kim Falconer
8. Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zinc
9. Rhiannan Of The Spring by Allan Frewin Jones
10. Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
11. The Spooks: Witches by Joseph Delaney
12. Strange Attractors by Kim Falconer
13. Impossible by Nancy Werlin
14. ICE by Sarah Beth Durst
15. Old Magic by Marianne Curley
16. My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent
17. Rebel by R J Anderson
18. Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer
19. The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge
20. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
21. The SPOOK'S Apprentice by Joseph Delaney
22. Wonderland by Tommy Kovac
23. eric by Shaun Tan
24. Instructions by Neil Gaiman
25. My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent
26. Pocket Money Puffins: Vamoose! by Meg Rosoff
27. The SPOOK'S Curse by Joseph Delaney
28. Ash by Malinda Lo
29. The Second Short Life Of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer
30. Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre
31. The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath the Bed by Patrick Rothfuss
32. My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent
33. Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw
34. The Dark Mirror by Juliet Marillier
35. Ondine: The Summer Of Shambles by Ebony McKenna
36. Spells by Aprilynne Pike
37. The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
38. Soulless by Gail Carriger
39. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
40. The SPOOK'S Secret by Joseph Delaney
41. Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
42. Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder
43. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
44. Changeless by Gail Carriger
45. Sanctuary by Melissa Marr
46. Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley
47. The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman
48. Wood Nymph Seeks Centaur by Francesca Lia Block
49. Blade Of Fortriu by Juliet Marillier
50. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
51. Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley
52. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
53. The Red Wind by Isobelle Carmody
54. Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner
55. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
56. Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
57. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
58. Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
59. The SPOOK'S Battle by Joseph Delaney
60. The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
61. Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber
62. Daniel X: The Manga Volume 1 by James Patterson
63. Faeries: Deluxe Edition by Brian Froud
64. The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
65. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
66. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

66/20 books read. 330%done!

2010 Reading Challenge: Chunkster Challenge

I have decided that the Chunkster Challenge would be a good challenge to attempt as I'm sure during the course of a year I'm bound to read enough chunky books to complete this challenge. It will be interesting to see just how many chunky books I do read...
There are three levels to this challenge and I have decided to be ambitious and attempt the highest level, Mor-book-ly Obese, and as it states 6 or more I've decided that 12 chunksters is going to be my goal.

Definition of a Chunkster:
A chunkster is 450 pages or more of ADULT literature (fiction or nonfiction)... A chunkster should be a challenge.

If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more ... The average large type book is 10-15% longer or more so I think that was a fair estimate.

Levels:
1. The Chubby Chunkster - this option is for the reader who has a couple of large tomes on their TBR list, but really doesn't want to commit to much more than that. 3 books is all you need to finish this challenge.

2. Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 4 Chunksters over the next twelve months.

3. Mor-book-ly Obese - This is for the truly out of control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to 6 or more chunksters OR three tomes of 750 pages or more. You know you want to.....go on and give in to your cravings.

--For myself I have set a target of 12 chunksters.

Here are the rules:
1. No Audio books in the chunkster. It just doesn't seem right. Words on paper for this one folks.

2. No e-Books allowed - we are reading traditional, fat books for this challenge.

3. Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.

4. Books may crossover with other challenges

5. Anyone may join. If you don't have a blog, just leave me a comment on this post with your progress (and to let me know you are playing)

6. You don't need to list your books ahead of time.

7. Once you pick a level, that's it...you're committed to that level!


Books read so far:
1. The Spell Of Rosette by Kim Falconer (528p)
2. Arrows Of Time by Kim Falconer (576p)
3. Stranger In A Strange Land by Robert Heinlein (655p)
4. Strange Attractors by Kim Falconer (576p)
5. The Dark Mirror by Juliet Marillier (560p)
6. Blade Of Fortriu by Juliet Marillier (551p)

6/12 books read. 50%done!

2010 Reading Challenge: Aussie Author Challenge

Booklover Book Review is running this challenge and being an Aussie Book Blogger I just had to join. There are two levels to this challenge and I have chosen to complete Fair Dinkum, I am also tampering with the number of books I am to read as this is such an easy challenge for me.

Levels:
1. The Tourist - Read and review 3 books by 3 different Australian authors.

2. Fair Dinkum - Read and review 8 books by Australian authors (a minimum of 5 different Australian authors)

--For myself I have set a target of 16 books by Australian authors (a minimum of 10 different Australian authors)

Here are the rules:
1. Write a challenge sign-up post on your blog. In that post provide a link to this original post acknowledging Booklover Book Reviews and put this Challenge Button on your sidebar, linking the button to my challenge post.

2. Add your name and the direct link to your Aussie Author Challenge sign-up post in the Mister Linky list below.

3. Decide which Aussie authors you will read in 2010, although you can change your book titles or challenge level at any time!

4. Each time you read and review a book as part of this challenge, share this with other challenge participants by adding a direct link to your book review to the list at this post Aussie Author Challenge Book Reviews.


Books read so far:
1. Little Blue by Gaye Chapman (preschool)
2. The Spell Of Rosette by Kim Falconer
3. Shadow Queen by Deborah Kalin
4. Arrows Of Time by Kim Falconer
5. Headgames by Casey Lever
6. About A Girl by Joanna Horniman
7. An ABC Of Pirates by Caroline Stills (preschool)
8. Strange Attractors by Kim Falconer
9. Old Magic by Marianne Curley
10. Heartless by Tasma Walton
11. You by Stephen Michael King (preschool)
12. eric by Shaun Tan
13. Leaf by Stephen Michael King (preschool)
14. beautiful monster by Kate McCaffrey
15. A Magical Journey by Serene Conneeley (non fiction)
16. Seven Sacred Sites by Serene Conneeley (non fiction)
17. Fury by Shirley Marr
18. The Book Of Faery Magic by Lucy Cavendish & Serene Conneeley (non fiction)
19. The Dark Mirror by Juliet Marillier
20. Ondine: The Summer Of Shambles by Ebony McKenna
21. Mice by Gordon Reece
22. Precious Little by Julie Hunt & Sue Moss
23. Outside In by Chrissie Keighery
24. This is Shyness by Leanne Hall
25. Blade Of Fortriu by Juliet Marillier
26. The Red Wind by Isobelle Carmody
27. Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

27/16 books read. 169%done!

2010 Reading Challenge: 100+ Reading Challenge

After my efforts last year of reading 70 books, I have decided that this year I will take up the 100+ reading challenge run by J.Kaye's Book Blog. So I think for now the goal will still remain at 100 as a minimum, but as I said earlier we'll see...

Here are the rules:
1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Books started before the 1st do not count.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.


Books read so far:
1. An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris
2. The Faeries Pop-Up Book by Brian Froud
3. Goblins: Pop-Up Book by Brian Froud
4. Little Blue by Gaye Chapman
5. The Spell Of Rosette by Kim Falconer
6. Flower Fairies: Fairyopolis by Cicely Mary Barker
7. Shadow Queen by Deborah Kalin
8. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
9. Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris
10. My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey
11. Fallen by Lauren Kate
12. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
13. Post Grad by Emily Cassel
14. Love Bites by Lynsay Sands
15. Arrows Of Time by Kim Falconer
16. Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zinc
17. Headgames by Casey Lever
18. The Adoration Of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson
19. Rhiannon Of The Spring by Allen Frewin Jones
20. About A Girl by Joanne Horniman
21. An ABC Of Pirates by Caroline Stills
22. Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
23. Horns by Joe Hill
24. The Spook's: Witches by Joseph Delaney
25. Murder At Mansfield Park by Lynn Shepherd
26. The Art Of The Disney Princess
27. Stranger In A Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
28. The Bear With The Sword by Davide Foli
29. Strange Attractors by Kim Falconer
30. Impossible by Nancy Werlin
31. The Heart of Faerie Oracle by Brian & Wendy Froud
32. Baba Yaga Laid an Egg by Dubravka Ugresic
33. ICE by Sarah Beth Durst
34. Old Magic by Marianne Curley
35. My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent
36. Rebel by R J Anderson
37. Heartless by Tasma Walton
38. Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer
39. The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge
40. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
41. What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell
42. The SPOOK'S Apprentice by Joseph Delaney
43. Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper
44. You by Stephen Michael King
45. Wonderland by Tommy Kovac
46. eric by Shaun Tan
47. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
48. Leaf by Stephen Michael King
49. beautiful monster by Kate McCaffrey
50. God's Promises For Girls by Jack Countryman & Amy Parker
51. A Magical Journey by Serene Conneeley
52. Instructions by Neil Gaiman
53. My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent
54. Pocket Money Puffins: Infinity by Sarah Dessen
55. Pocket Money Puffins: Vamoose! by Meg Rosoff
56. Seven Sacred Sites by Serene Conneeley
57. The SPOOK'S Curse by Joseph Delaney
58. Ash by Malinda Lo
59. Fury by Shirley Marr
60. The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer
61. The Fool's Girl by Celia Rees
62. Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre
63. The Book Of Faery Magic by Lucy Cavendish & Serene Conneeley
64. The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath the Bed by Patrick Rothfuss
65. My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent
66. Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw
67. The Dark Mirror by Juliet Marillier
68. Ondine: The Summer Of Shambles by Ebony McKenna
69. Montacute House by Lucy Jago
70. Spells by Aprilynne Pike
71. The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
72. Soulless by Gail Carriger
73. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
74. Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
75. The Worst Thing She Ever Did by Alice Kuipers
76. The SPOOK'S Secret by Joseph Delaney
77. The Love You Book by Andrew Wynne
78. Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
79. Mice by Gordon Reece
80. Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder
81. Precious Little by Julie Hunt & Sue Moss
82. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
83. Outside In by Chrissie Keighery
84. Changeless by Gail Carriger
85. Sanctuary by Melissa Marr
86. Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley
87. This is Shyness by Leanne Hall
88. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
89. The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman
90. Wood Nymph Seeks Centaur by Francesca Lia Block
91. Blade Of Fortriu by Juliet Marillier
92. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
93. Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley
94. Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz
95. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
96. The Red Wind by Isobelle Carmody
97. Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner
98. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
99. Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
100. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
101. Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
102. The SPOOK'S Battle by Joseph Delaney
103. The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
104. Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber
105. Daniel X: The Manga Volume 1 by James Patterson
106. Faeries: Deluxe Edition by Brian Froud
107. The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
108. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
109. Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis
110. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

110/100 books read. 110%done!

Last year I read a total of 70 books/stories.
Actually those were just the books I have read since joining LiveJournal in late June, so really that's a good effort for just over six months don't you think..?
I have listed all the books below, if anyone is interested.
Some of my favourites have an * beside them.
This year I have set myself a goal of reading 100 books.
It might not seem as much compared to what I have read last year but that's my minimum. I guess we'll see how many I actually end up reading in a year's time...

The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley
*Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book by Brian Froud

Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Living Dead In Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

PiNK by Lili Wilkinson

Dead To The World by Charlaine Harris

Fairy Dust by Charlaine Harris

Dracula Night by Charlaine Harris

The I Believe Bunny by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Frank Endersby

Ruby The Red Fairy by Daisy Meadows

Dead As A Doornail by Charlaine Harris

One Word Answer by Charlaine Harris

Tacky by Charlaine Harris

Coraline (Film tie-in edition) by Neil Gaiman

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

The Nature Of ice by Robyn Mundy

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

*Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

Nemesis and the Fairy of Pure Heart by Ashley Du Toit

After by Sue Lawson

Vulture's Gate by Kirsty Murray

Dancers In The Dark by Charlaine Harris

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

Scatterheart by Lili Wilkinson

*The Poison Throne by Celine Kiernan

Flax the Feral Fairy by Tiffany Mandrake, illustrated by Martin Chatterton

*The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carry Ryan

Mal the Mischievous Mermaid by Tiffany Mandrake, illustrated by Martin Chatterton

*Knife by R J Anderson

Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

Lucky by Charlaine Harris

*Lavinia by Ursula Le Guin
The Loblolly Boy by James Norcliffe

Angel Fish by Lili Wilkinson

The Thornthwaite Inheritance by Gareth P. Jones

*Spells by Emily Gravett

Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles by Rupert Kingfisher

From Dead To Worse by Charlaine Harris

The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravett

*The River Wife by Heather Rose

Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris

Faeries Gone Wild by MaryJanice Davidson, Lois Greiman, Michele Hauf & Leandra Logan

A Touch Of Dead by Charlaine Harris

Flower Fairies: Sparkle Like A Flower Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker

The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado, illustrated by Maria Monescillo

The Sweet Scent Of Blood by Suzanne McLeod

Where The Streets Had A Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Fairest of All - A Tale of the Wicked Queen by Serena Valentino

*Ultra-Violet Catastrophe! or The Unexpected Walk with Great-Uncle Magnus Pringle by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Brian Froud

*Fire by Kristin Cashore

Zombie Blondes by Brian James

*Duck by Janet A. Holmes, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

*Meeting Fairies by R. Ogilvie Crombie

I Could Be A Superhero! by Chris Hornsey, illustrated by Gwyn Perkins

Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris

Rose by Holly Webb

Me and You by Janet A. Holmes, illustrated by Judith Rossell

The Cold Kiss Of Death by Suzanne McLeod

*Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier

Tithe by Holly Black

The Laughing Corpse by Laruell K. Hamilton

Hush, Hush! by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Bridget Strevens-Marzo

Dreaming of Amelia by Jaclyn Moriarty
Old School Ties by Kate Harrison
xx