Jonathan’s Comments (group member since Dec 08, 2020)

Jonathan’s comments from the 2021 Reading Challenge group.

Greetings Everyone,

I hope you all had a great July. I'll kick off the monthly wrap up this month.

I read 10 books this month, and unfortunately there were a few duds this month. However, there were a few really good one's I'll share with you. My total for the year is now 70, and I'm on track to reach 120 by the end of the year.

Worldbinder by David Farland: This book continues the great Runelords series, this time combining many worlds into one. Big step up from the last one.

Star Trek Picard: The Last Best Hope by Una McCormack: I didn't like the show "Picard", but I loved this book. It really explains a lot of context for the show.

The Kingdom of Liars by Nick Martell: This debut was sold when the author was only 23, and for a debut its really good! Very much a modern version of epic fantasy.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you all read and where you are in terms of your end of the year goals.

First I'll say, thank you so much for taking initiative for this month. I honestly kind of forgot to post this month, mostly because of the decrease in participation over the recent months, but maybe that's changing.

I read 11 books in June, and it was my best month both in number of books read and in number of pages read. My breakdown(at least the goodreads version) is

5-Stars: 4
4-Stars: 4
3-Stars: 2
1-Stars: 1

Among my favorite books were "Talion: Revanant", a stand alone epic fantasy by Michael Stackpole, "Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country" a movie novelization by J. M. Dillard, "Love Thy Body", a Christian current events book by Nancy Pearcey, and "The Rising Storm" by Cavan Scott. All books are in the running for favorite books of the year.

The biggest book that I read was "A Dance with Dragons", but that was a big let down. As was "Eon", the other tome I read this month.

By the way Dan, I really look forward to reading "Hail Mary". It was blurbed by my personal favorite, Brandon Sanderson, and I've heard its "The Martian", but even more Sci-Fi. Sounds right up my alley.

I hope everyone else posts because I am continuously looking for some more recommendations. Have a great month everyone!

Well, we just made it through another month. I don't know about you guys, this was a crazy month for me. I barely read anything at the beginning of the month while dealing with exams and essays and gradutations, but speed read at the end of the month, bringing my monthly total up to 9 and my year total up to 58.


My favorite books this month were obviously the second two books in John Jackson Miller's "Prey" Trilogy. He just writes everything flawlessly and is the best Star Trek writer out there for me.

I also really enjoyed Timothy Zahn's new Star Wars novel "Greater Good", even if it didn't entirely live up to my expectations.

I read "48 Laws of Power", which was a great introduction into Machiavellian and Clauswitzian ways to achieve power. Great read.

What did you guys read? Looking for some recommendations for the fall.

Well, April flew by. School is winding down, summer is just getting started, and we are cruising through some more books. I look forward to hearing everyone's favorites.

I myself read 10 books this month. I read a lot of awesome books, but I'll try to limit what I talk about.

Justice On Trial by Molly Hemmingway and Carrie Severino takes a deep dive into the Kavanagh hearings. It was one of the most well researched books I've ever read and gives a fresh perspective on the confirmation.

Star Trek Takedown by John Jackson Miller: This is a wonderful stand alone book focusing on the Next Generation crews(with some surprise appearances), and was a sequel to one of the best Next Gen episodes.

Star Trek Prey: Hell's Heart: Also by John Jackson Miller, this book starts an exciting trilogy about Klingons, Deceptions, and Honor(oh my!). Best Star Trek trilogy in my opinion.

Star Wars Thrawn Treason: Just a wonderful and tight story about everyone's favorite Blueskinned Red Eyed Chiss. The writing here is brilliant and makes me excited for his future.

I hope you all had a wonderful month and can't wait to see what May looks like.

Lauren wrote: "Oops. 🤦‍♀️ super late with this! In the month of March, I read five books, bringing my total to 17 this year. It was a busy month, so I’m proud of myself for even reading one. Mentionable books are..."

The Midnight Library beat out "Anxious People" for the Goodreads Choice Award by 5 votes. Only FIVE VOTES! I've never seen a margin that small with over 500,000 votes tallied. Pretty incredible.

Gavin, your reading speed continually amazes me. Amazing work.

Alright Everyone,

It's been another month, and it's time to see where everyone is. Are you keeping up the pace? Are you falling behind?

Well, I'll kick things off

This month, I've read 9 books, bringing my total up to 29 books! I am just where I need to be, which is great since March was a crazy month for me.

Here are some of my Favorites

Calamity by Brandon Sanderson: Expertly wrapped up the Reckoners Trilogy. The best YA series I've read yet.

The Poisoned Chalice by James Swallow: Continues the story of "The Fall" and is a fun political thriller set in Star Trek.

Didn't have any books I didn't like this month. All 3 star books or higher. That's a good month in my opinion. I always am happy when I enjoy the books I read.

Hope you are all having a good month and look forward to seeing what you guys have read.

Gavin wrote: "February was a great month for me. I was able to consume 23 books and a few stood out to me.

the first book that was great was Dick Winter's personal memoir that added to the story that was told i..."

23?!!! That's insane! Good for you!

I guess I'll kick things off then. Just to get the ball rolling.

I had a pretty steady month overall. I read 9 books in February, exactly where I want to be at. I loved several books this month and liked almost all the rest, but had 1 dud. Here's what I'll mention:

The Crimson Shadow by Una McCormack: One of the best political novels ever written...and it's a Star Trek book! Una meshes post-World War 2 themes with a Star Trek backdrop and writes one of the most compelling protagonists ever with Garak.

A Ceremony of Losses by David Mack: This is also a great book in Star Trek that follows a heavy handed political narrative about right and wrong. While I sometimes disagree with his ideology, Mack writes some of the best suspense in the genre!

Wards of Faerie: Terry Brooks is at his best when he writes traditional epic fantasy, and after several years break, he returns triumphantly to his strengths in this first book of a trilogy.

Firefight is the middle book in the Reckoners trilogy and it is just amazing. Sanderson has not turned in a bad book, and he turned one of the most looked down upon genre's and made it have depth and importance to literature.

I read 2 big books(tomes), "Malice" by John Gwynne and "Leviathan Wakes" by James S. A. Corey. Both books were pretty good, but had certain things that I personally disagreed with(Leviathan Wakes) or some story beats that just didn't click as well for me(Malice). Nevertheless, both books were really good.

I kind of enjoyed "Britt Marie was here", but it didn't quite leave me with all of the feelings I wanted it too. I have a "that's it?" feeling afterwards.

I mentioned I had one dud. I was thoroughly disappointed with "The Measure of the Magic" by Terry Brooks. He had so many amazing promises that never paid off. It's why duologies are just not great in literature. Thankfully, I read "Wards of Faerie" at the end of the month that restored my faith in Brooks.

Overall, I hope to read 10 books in March, but I'm not feeling pressure to read more or less. I'll see how my reading goes. My Total right now is 20 books. I'm looking forward to seeing where everyone else is.

Hello Everyone,

I am sorry that this is getting out late, but we have just finished another month of reading. I'd love to hear what books you read, which one's you liked and disliked, and maybe a hint at what you're reading in the future. I'll add my list after I've seen some of yours.

This month so far, I’ve read 4 books. My goal is to finish at minimum 8, but possibly 9.

I read “Star Wars:High Republic: Into the Dark”, which was a fun, decent read.

“Legends of Shannara: Measure of the Magic”, which I was really let down by since I’ve loved every other Terry Brooks book.

“Star Trek:The Fall: The Crimson Shadow” which is now one of my all time favorite Star Trek novels.

“Malice” by John Gywnne. It was a good opening to the series, and had a great climax, but it did have some pacing issues.

Greetings Everyone,

I want to start this with a little reminder. On the last day of every month, we post our monthly Report/Wrap Up and this is how we keep track of everyone's reading. In order to be counted, we need you to respond to this.

Below I'll post my information, which can be used as a template if you so wish. If you want to post more, you are free to do so. If you only want to do the minimum, that's ok as well. Every month we ask that you provide information on

1. How Many Books You Read that Month.
2. What your Overall Total Is
3. What was your favorite book this Month?
4. Are you ahead or behind of your yearly goal?

Beyond that, anything you want to add is completely up to you. So, kicking this off, here's my report.

This month I read 11 books, and that brings my overall score to 10 books. My favorite book that I read this month was a toss up between "Light of the Jedi" by Charles Soule, "Sometimes the Magic Works" by Terry Brooks, and "Steelheart" by Brandon Sanderson. I need to read around 8 books each month to reach my end goal, so I am 2 books ahead of schedule!

Some additional information, I also read "Vengewar" by Kevin J. Anderson, "Bearers of the Black Staff" by Terry Brooks, and "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry" by Fredrick Backman and I loved all of these. I also read "The Cardinal of the Kremlin" by Tom Clancy, "Revelation and Dust" by David R. George III, "A Test of Courage" by Justina Ireland, and "To Lose the Earth" by Kirsten Beyer. I thought these books were ok, but not great. I also read "Winter of the Witch", and I just didn't like it.

I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's reports. Remember that February is shorter so reading fewer books is understandable.

I’ve done pretty good so far. I’ve completed 5 books and am almost done with another. My goal this month is to complete 10. Here’s what I’ve read and what I think.

1. The Cardinal and the Kremlin: This was a good story with a good premise that was bogged down with too many subplots and references. Good but not great.

2. Light of the Jedi: This was a fantastic book that launched the new era of publishing for Star Wars, the High Republic. It’s my new favorite Star Wars book. Absolutely Amazing Book.

3. A Test of Courage: This is a short and sweet middle grade set in the High Republic. Not a ton happens in it, but for a middle grade book it sets up quite a lot. Fun and good.

4. My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry: This is a sad, heart wrenching book about dealing with death and hard times and people that are different from you by Fredrik Backman. Great book.

5. To Lose The Earth: This book was the sad end to an era of Star Trek Voyager publishing. I’m hoping we will get more in the future, as this book sets up potential stories. However, the book itself was underwhelming. Good, but not great.

Greetings one and all and welcome to the 2021 Reading Competition. As you can see, we have a huge group this year, already 13 people and counting! I really look forward to seeing all of the books that will be read this year by all of you. If you still want to join, its not too late!

As we grow this competition, the rules always shift and change, and this year is no different. Below are just the few ground rules for the competition:
1. You MUST be up-to-date on goodreads. Keeping track and contacting everyone about their monthly stats can be a little too much to handle, so we request that everyone keep their goodreads updated. It’s fairly simple, whenever you finish a book, just hop on good reads and log that you finished it. We don’t require you to rate the book if you don’t want to, nor do we expect you to write a review(although it would be wonderful if you did). All you need is to register when you read the book so that it will update your monthly stats. If you don’t keep your goodreads updated, you won’t be counted in our monthly stats.
2. Lots of different books count. Is it an audiobook? Is it an Ebook? Is it a physical copy? They all count. We simply encourage any type of reading possible.
3. All genres are welcome. Doesn’t matter what type of book it is, it counts. We even include Adult, YA, and Middle Grade books. However, we do not want anyone to make it a habit of reading short stories or short comics, as that would be unfair to everyone else. However, we will allow the occasional short story or comic, especially if it’s one of your favorites.
4. There will be threads in Goodreads every month for you to tell us about your favorite books you’ve read. If you keep that up to date, there’s a chance you’ll get mentioned in our monthly report. This will allow you to connect with others and find new favorite books.
5. Have fun. We realize that not everyone can read 100 books. That’s ok. We’re just happy that you’re here. If you only read 20 books, we are happy that you've read that much. The purpose of this is to get people to want to read more.
We are so happy to have you all here, and if you haven’t joined yet, we’d love to have you join. If anyone has any questions, please contact myself or my co-moderator; Heather Smith.