2011 Reading Challenge: 100+ Challenge

In 2010 I participated in the 100+ reading challenge run by J.Kaye's Book Blog and read 110 books. This year I have again decided to take up the challenge. My goal is a minimum of 100, but I do hope to better last years efforts.

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.

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.

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 and continues through the end of December, 2011.

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. House of Dolls by Francesca Lia Block
2. Zombies Vs Unicorns by Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black
3. Persistence of Memory & Token of Darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
4. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
5. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
6. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
7. Chelsea Morning by Joni Mitchell & Brian Froud
8. Need by Carrie Jones
9. The Spook's: Bestiary by Joseph Delaney
10. The Well Of Shades by Juliet Marillier
11. Rosebush by Michele Jaffe
12. 0.4 by Mike Lancaster
13. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
14. Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
15. Captivate by Carrie Jones
16. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
17. Stork by Wendy Delsol
18. Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres
19. Entice by Carrie Jones
20. Dracula in Love by Karen Essex
21. August by Bernard Beckett
22. Shadowspell by Jenna Black
23. Ondine: The Autumn Palace by Ebony McKenna
24. Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
25. My Soul To Steal by Rachel Vincent
26. The Hunter's Moon by O. R. Melling
27. The Good Neighbors: Kin by Holly Black
28. The Good Neighbors: Kith by Holly Black
29. Path Of The Stray by Kim Falconer
30. Chime by Franny Billingsley
31. Enticed by Jessica Shirvington
32. the Waters & the Wild by Francesca Lia Block
33. Thyla by Kate Gordon
34. Girlwood by Claire Dean
35. Yellowcake by Margo Lanagan
36. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
37. Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
38. The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer
39. Genesis by Bernard Beckett
40. Entangled by Cat Clarke
41. Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
42. The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner
43. Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
44. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
45. Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarz
46. Illusions by Aprilynne Pike
47. The Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley
48. Winter's Shadow by M. J. Hearle
49. Mermaid Magic by Lucy Cavendish & Serene Conneeley
50. Banana Kiss by Bonnie Rozanski
51. Arrow by R J Anderson
52. The Goblins Of Labyrinth by Brian Froud & Terry Jones
53. Solid by Shelley Workinger
54. Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper
55. Gnomes: Deluxe Edition by Wil Huygen & Rien Poortvliet
56. Desires Of The Dead by Kimberly Derting
57. Before I Go To Sleep by S. L. Watson
58. Merrow by Ananda Braxton-Smith
59. Remedial Magic by Jenna Black
60. The Flight Of The Silver Vixen by Annalinde Matichei
61. Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa
62. The Hero Of 1,000 Years by Christine E. Schulze
63. The Curse Of The Dead Woods by Samantha Jillian Bayarr
64. Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson
65. The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
66. POD by Stephen Wallenfels
67. Laney by Joann I. Martin Sowles
68. Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
69. The Strange Case Of Finley Jayne by Kady Cross
70. When We Have Wings by Claire Corbett
71. Forgotten by Cat Patrick
72. Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
73. Forever by Maggie Stievater
74. Mommy, Where Do Baby Unicorns Come From? by Renee Adams
75. The Sookie Stackhouse Companion by Charlaine Harris
76. The Mall by S. L. Grey
77. The Story Of Solomon Bear by Phillip Laird
78. Tower Of Parlen Min by Matt Xell
79. Haunted Heart by Tania Donald
80. Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou
81. Ecstatic Evil by Amanda McNeil
82. Ultraviolet by R J Anderson
83. Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey
84. Coffee at Little Angels by Nadine Rose Larter
85. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
86. In The Arms Of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane
87. Tantony by Ananda Braxton-Smith
88. Fury by Elizabeth Miles
89. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
90. Taken Away by Celine Kiernan
91. Duchess Of Whimsy by Randall & Peter de Seve
92. How To See Faeries by Brian Froud & John Matthews
93. After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
94. Far From The War by Jeffrey David Payne
95. Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Journal by Brian Foud
96. Angel Arias by Marianne de Pierres
97. Shift by Em Bailey
98. Nemesis and the Troll King by Ashley Du Toit

98/100 books read. 98%done!

Iron Fey Book 2

IRON FEY:

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Follow Your Heart!

Meghan may have destroyed Machina but that hasn't stopped the Iron fey. With a new Iron King the Iron fey will stop at nothing to destroy the Winter and Summer fey courts and are causing chaos in the most devastating way possible. Unfortunately the Winter and Summer fey still doubt the Iron fey's existence as only Meghan, Ash and Puck seem to be the only ones to have encountered them first-hand and are therefore the only ones who can stop the ruthless Iron fey.

However Meghan is trapped in a world of inescapable cold with no one to trust surrounded by curious and malicious fey of every sort imaginable. Ash is growing ever distant from Meghan becoming hard and cold with her, leaving Meghan to slowly doubt his love for her. And Puck is still unconscious within a tree somewhere leaving little chance of anyone knowing the truth of what has happened and returning what was stolen, preventing a war that everyone seems to want and stopping the unstoppable force that is the Iron fey from destroying the Nevernever.

The Iron Daughter is a story of love turned cold, of trust turning to betrayal and of the whole world coming down around you. But it is also a story of old friends returning and old enemies uniting in a quest to save all. This is where unexpected feelings, past secrets and old friends only complicate an already impossible situation. That of Meghan caught between two worlds and two boys, where she must make a choice knowing that someone is going to walk away with a broken heart; if she's not lucky it will be her own.

Julie Kagawa Webpage

Julie Kagawa @ Harlequin Teen

Iron Fey

On sale: 01 August 2010
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781921685583
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Sceptre
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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Zelah Green

Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis

Alert, Alert, Alert!

Zelah's name was given to her by the place of her conception as she was told by her mother; her mother told her a great many romantic and happy stories surrounding her birth and upbringing. But Zelah learnt all too soon that these stories were just stories and that the reality of things was much different. But when that reality became too hard to cope with and Zelah's whole world shattered, Zelah began her rituals.

With so much that has happened to her, so much that has gone wrong, Zelah controls her life in the only way can, her rituals. Zelah has a number of odd rituals that she must perform daily or her day just doesn't go right. There is a proper term for what she has, what she does, but she prefers to call herself a cleanaholic then be labelled with any formal terms.

Zelah Green is a girl who through her rituals has found a way to cope with the tragedy in her life. But now her rituals are running her life and Zelah's not so sure she want a life without them, or if she can live without them. Her rituals of washing and cleaning everything around her, of not touching anything without a tissue, of not eating anything without her own cutlery or completing her day without her jumping might leave others thinking that Zelah is crazy but when it comes right down to it aren't we all a little crazy. An insightful and endearing read.

Vanessa Curtis @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 04 January 2011
Price (AU): $16.95
ISBN: 9781405255059
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: OCD
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Replacement

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

'Not Murder - Sacrifice'

Mackie has spent his whole life trying to blend into the crowds, escaping the spotlight, doing whatever it takes to go unnoticed. But Mackie is a replacement, a changeling, and one look at him will tell you that he is other, that he doesn't belong. But as long as he pretends that he belongs no one will question him.

The problem is, however, Mackie doesn't feel as though he belongs despite the best efforts from his sister and a few close friends. Mackie has nothing to live for in our world, which may be just as well as our world is slowly killing Mackie and if he wants to survive he will have to enter a new and eerie world of music, death, underground domains, ancient rituals and of course magic.

The Replacement is more then just a story of faeries; it is a story of identity, sacrifice and love. The town Mackie grow up in has always dealt with his kind by feigning ignorance and looking the other way when a child was stolen, for deep down they all new that in the end it kept the town going and helped the town prosper. But when one person begins to question, Mackie must finally face what he is and decide just where he truly belongs. A brilliant urban faerie story.

Brenna Yovanoff Webpage

Brenna Yovanoff @ Simon & Schuster

On sale: 01 December 2010
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780857071385
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Changeling
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Little Prince

The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery

'Matters Of Consequence!'

When a man's plane falls out of the sky to land in the Sahara Desert, the last thing he expected to find was a boy who had fallen from the stars. Like all children the Little Prince asks lots of questions and sees with his imagination. He is curious and charming and wise beyond his years, but he is also lonely and misses his home. Over a week the man and the Little Prince share stories and their lives as they form a friendship that, although only short lived, would last the rest of their lives. And neither will look at a star the in same way again.

The Little Prince is a beautiful story that will touch your heart. Imagination, something that seems to fade over time as many adults do not seem to appreciate it, here is cherished and encouraged. As is the importance of the little things in life, as many of us become more easily distracted from those oh so important things in life the older we get, such as tending a flower or a friendship. This is a book that asks you to not only to believe in a Little Prince from the stars but ask why not believe in a Little Prince from the stars.

Antoine De Saint-Exupery @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 02 October 1998
Price (AU): $14.95
ISBN: 9780749707231
Recommended age: 8+
In a word: Stars
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Faeries

Faeries: Deluxe Collector's Edition
by Brian Froud and Alan Lee

Do You Believe In Faeries?

Whether we are aware of it or not faeries have, for as long as can be remembered, always played a part in the daily lives of men, women and especially children. For as far back as can be remembered there have been stories, ballads and legends of faeries and their ability to connect with the nature on the planet and the nature of man. Though not always with the most desired of results, for as many stories as there are of faeries bringing messages of love and friendship there are also stories of torment and death.

It is perhaps the dualistic nature of these elusive beings that has drawn so many to them and their kind over the years. Within these pages the history, wisdom and playfulness of faeries can be explored, and hidden within each image beauty and inspiration are found. But whether your seeking wisdom, inspiration, or just a simplistic beauty in their existence, Fairies is a guide to the impossible made possible, the magic in wonder, and to a race of beings who, having always existed, are seen not through the eyes but through the heart and mind.

Faeries, thirty years after the original, has been done up all new and golden, but there is more to this book then just a new cover. Inside this deluxe edition you will find more images, more stories and more faeries to take you deeper into the world of faery then you have ever been before. This magical book has so much to offer whether you are just curious about faeries, whether you are an avid faery lover, or whether you are seeking guidance from those elusive and captivating creatures. Not only a must for Brian Froud and Alan Lee fans but also for those with a passion for the faeries and for beautiful art.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

Brian Froud @ Thames & Hudson

Brian Froud @ Abrams Books

(includes 1 Poster + 8 Frameable Prints)
On sale: 15 November 2010
Price (AU): $49.95
ISBN: 9780810995864
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Faeries
Re-read it: yes, many times
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Iron Fey Book 1.5

IRON FEY:

Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Who's Afraid Of The... !

Having made a deal with Ash, the fey Winter Prince, to return with him to the palace of the Winter fey in return for his help in rescuing her brother Ethan from the Iron fey, Meghan, having had only a moment to say goodbye to her home and family, is once again entering the faery world of the Nevernever.

With Ash as her guide the journey to the fey Winter Palace should have been a simple one, however things get complicated when they find that they are being followed. One of the most ancient, feared and deadly beings to inhabit faery is after Meghan and not even Ash with all his powers will be able to stop this beast. But even if they survive Meghan may still lose the Winter Prince she loves.

Winter's Passage is non stop action from start to finish, picking up exactly where The Iron King ended. Therefore I highly recommend you read that first as this novella draws heavily from that first book in this series. Here we learn that there is more to faery land then just faeries, as ancient beasts of fairy tales are just as real and dangerous than any troll or redcap you may come across in any bar or nightclub.

Winter's Passage - click below to read

Julie Kagawa Webpage

Iron Fey

On sale: 01 June 2010
Price eBook (US): $2.99 - But Free For A Limited Time
ISBN: 9781426858321
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Snow
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Daniel X: The Manga Volume 1

Daniel X: The Manga Volume 1 by James Patterson
& Michael Ledwidge
art by Seunghui Kye

You Know Who I Am!

As a three year old Daniel witnessed the murder of his parents and although too young to have done anything to save them he still feels responsible. Twelve years later and Daniel is continuing the work his parents started, hunting aliens and protecting the earth. But always at the back of his mind are his parents and the one alien that killed them. One day he will find that alien, but in the mean time...

The list holds all the known alien threats on earth ranking them in order of most dangerous but when the list throws up an alien that is number six as the next to be handled, Daniel may have finally met his match. A new city and a new friend await Daniel in his search for a new alien, one more powerful then he has ever faced before and one that may inadvertently give Daniel the one thing he has been missing these last twelve years, that is if Daniel can live long enough to find it.

Daniel X as a graphic novel is a fresh and innovative way to introduce this exciting and comical story to a wider audience of people who, like me, have yet to read this series. As a superhero Daniel is young, vulnerable and charming, displaying a wide range of powers, exactly what you want in a main character. Daniel may always be alone in his quest against the aliens to save the earth, but he has the power to bring those he loves to him when he needs them most.

James Patterson (UK) Webpage
James Patterson (US) Webpage

James Patterson @ Hachette

Daniel X

On sale: 01 November 2010
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9781907410529
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Aliens
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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Full Moon #1

FULL MOON:
Once In A Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Once Bitten Twice Shy!

Celeste had a life that was comfortable. She and her two best friends were dating the three most popular boys in school and although her boyfriend was handsome and popular she wasn't head over heals for him the way her friends where about their boyfriends. Truthfully she didn't think he was that head over heals for her either but the six of them did have fun hanging out together.

Brandon is new to Legend's Run, he is gorgeous and captivating and from the moment Celeste first saw him she couldn't stop thinking about him. But for as much as Celeste is drawn to Brandon there are a lot of things standing in the way, such as her boyfriend Nash, her friends' disapproval of a boy from the wrong side of town and the warnings from a supposed psychic.

Legend's Run has always been known for its stories of werewolves and as a scary story told around a campfire it was all just a bit of fun. But when that scary story begins to become reality, and psychic warnings begin to be proved accurate, Celeste begins to see the truth of what is happening more clearly and realises she is in love. Not only that but the boy she loves is changed forever and it is all her fault.

Once In A Full Moon you meet someone who changes your life. Or you change theirs. Despite the warnings Celeste acts without realising that she is bringing about the impossible and all with just a kiss. A romantic new series where fear runs rampant, lives are changed and friendships are tested all with a single kiss under the full moon. Danger may lurk everywhere but just maybe it's not the monsters you have to watch out for but the people around you that will hurt you the most.

Ellen Schreiber Webpage

Ellen Schreiber @ Murdoch Book

On sale: 01 January 2011
Price (AU): $14.95
ISBN: 9781742661445
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Wolves
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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The Reformed Vampire Support Group

The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks

Being Dead Is Exhausting!

Zadia Bloodstone is a fearless crime fighting heroine with superhuman strength, glamorous beauty, and the ability to turn into a bat. Zadia is altogether one powerful vampire you would not want to mess with. Unfortunately for Nina real vampires are not like that, not at all. Well except for the part about sunlight, that part's real, as is the part about a stake through the heart. But as Nina will tell you being a vampire is no way to live, especially a reformed vampire.

So much of a vampires' time is spent doing little else then watching tv or using a computer as they are too week and nauseous for anything that requires using a lot of energy. Sensitive to light and sickly looking they are in constant fear of being exposed. Nina dislikes everything about being a vampire, about being weak with no hope of living a normal life. But when her life and those of her fellow vampires are threatened she must find the inner strength to help save them all and change her life, or spend the rest of her long life in fear.

The Reformed Vampire Support Group meets ever Tuesday at 9.30pm in St Agatha's Church, and no there has yet to be a meeting involving any spontaneous combustion from its members. For thirty years these vampires have whined and complained about their mundane lives, there chronic fatigue and their stale diets of guinea pigs. But if you can believe it vampires are just like normal people, only more frail and with a lot more allergies. It just goes to show you shouldn't judge others based on stereotypes, its best to read their autobiographies first.

Catherine Jinks Webpage

Catherine Jinks @ Allen & Unwin

On sale: 01 March 2010
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9781742373225
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Vampires
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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