The Challenge Factory discussion

71 views
♦SS Archives♦ > R1: SS Monkey Spankers

Comments Showing 51-100 of 192 (192 new)    post a comment »

message 51: by Mandy (last edited Feb 11, 2014 10:19PM) (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments Week 1
Spot on board: 6
Read the Alternate - Heist Society (Heist Society, #1) by Ally Carter
Rating - ★★★★
Review:
Katarina (Kat) Bishop is retired as a thief at least she’s trying to be she’s attending a boarding school. However being normal isn’t easy but it’s consistent unlike being a thief. When a guy from her past shows up at school he plans to bring her back to the life she’s tried to move past. Her father is in trouble being blamed for robbing five painting from a mobster and unless Kat can get them back they will all be in for a world of hurt.

With the help of her cousins and Hale the young billionaire Kat has to hunt down the missing paintings. When the trail leads them to the Henley one of the highest security museums it’s up to Kat to figure out a plan. Both her uncle and father agree she should pass but she has to save her friends and father from the mobster. Besides the painting don’t really belong to him in the first place and Kat wants to do what’s right. Will she be able to break into the Henley? Who is this mysterious robber who stole the paintings and hid them behind the other paintings at the Henley?

I didn’t connect with Kat at first she just frustrated me but as the book progress I was able to make a connection. She’s a good person at heart she just happened to grow up in a family of thieves. I liked Hale right from the start he’s the only one who didn’t grow up in a family of thieves but he’s a perfect addition to the team. Plus I like the idea of the handsome billionaire with Kat. We will have to see how the series progresses I have high hopes.

I’ve been hearing great things about Ally Carters books so when the chance came up to read Heist Society for not one but two challenges I jumped at the chance. While I didn’t connect right away with the main characters I grow to enjoy all the characters and Kat got better as the book progressed. I found the concept new and exciting this is my first book with thieves and the fact that it was about art was fascinating. I enjoyed the writers style it flows along from start to finish it's a books teens as well as adults will enjoy. The book started a little slow for my tastes but was worth it in the end. It’s a quick fast paced action packed read once the story picks up a little. I enjoyed the book and plan to read the rest of the series as well as check out her other books.


message 52: by Samantha McNulty (last edited Feb 12, 2014 11:34AM) (new)

Samantha McNulty Week 1
Spot on Board: 6
Read the Alternate

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2) by J.K. Rowling

Rating - ★★★★★

Back with Harry for his second year at Hogwarts, the reader is transported once again into the magical world J.K. Rowling has created. This is my millionth time re-reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and once again I fell head over heels into the story.

My plan is to re-read all the Harry Potter books by the end of this year, and so far I'm doing really well, having read the first two.



message 53: by Jenn (new)

Jenn (engelsigh) | 256 comments Week 1
Spot on Board: 6
Read the Alternate

Hilarity Ensues (Tucker Max, #3) by Tucker Max

Rating - ★★

I chose this book, because it happened to be the only H book in the house (and my fiancé's) I hadn't read other than Halo, and I didn't want to start a new series just yet. I read Tucker Max's other book I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell last year for a challenge, and though I found it chauvinistic and juvenile it was still laugh out loud funny in certain parts.

In this last installment of his fratire memoir series, I really didn't do any laughing. The writing isn't as good, the anecdotes not as funny, and I really can't stand the derogatory way he talks about all women. I would not recommend this book to anyone.



message 54: by Camilla (new)

Camilla (cyqua) Week 1
Spot: 6
Alternative

Read:
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty by Liane Moriarty

Rating: 2 stars (it was OK)

Review: I liked the premise of this book a lot - a woman finds a letter from her husband which should only be opened in the event of his death - containing a great secret.
While I liked the author's idea, I thought the book was problematic in 2 main areas: None of the characters were the slightest bit likable - including children! Everybody was either whiny, demanding and unfair - which made for some interesting situations, but not very much realistic depiction of real people - at least not to my still relatively positive view of the world and love.
Secondly, I had guessed the secret long before it was actually revealed and I'm not good at that sort of thing, so it's was very obvious and not really a big revelation when it finally came.
And the "resolution" was forced and made up (in a non-realistic way) and just not very satisfying...

So, all in all, not a particularly good read although it wasn't directly poor either.


message 55: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments All reviews are in we are ready to roll for the new week when the time comes.


message 56: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments Spot 6
Reviews

Mandy - Heist Society (Heist Society, #1) by Ally Carter - alternative - Review
Rhonda - Looking For Rachel Wallace (Spenser, #6) by Robert B. Parker - 6th in series - Review
Camilla - The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty -alternative- Review
Jennifer - Hilarity Ensues by Tucker Max -alternative- Review
Dalene - Hidden Magic (Liberty Realm, #1) by K.D. Faerydae -alternative- Review
Samantha - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2) by J.K. Rowling -alternative- Review
6/6 complete


message 57: by Camilla (new)

Camilla (cyqua) Good morning ladies!
Our next roll is a lucky 11, which puts us in spot 17 :-)

That means reading a number 1 or 7 in a series or a standalone or the alternate from the Loved shelf.

Happy reading!


message 58: by Camilla (new)

Camilla (cyqua) I'll be reading Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafón by one of my favourite authors Carlos Ruiz Zafón

It's a stand-alone, so will work for the 1 :)


message 59: by Dalene (new)


message 60: by Jenn (new)

Jenn (engelsigh) | 256 comments I will be reading Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock, #1) by Faith Hunter by Faith Hunter. It is the first in a series.


message 61: by Rhonda (last edited Feb 14, 2014 09:28AM) (new)

Rhonda I'm going to read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath by Sylvia Plath, which is an alternate choice and it's on page 11 of the "Loved" list.


message 62: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments I forgot to share my read is Priceless (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 1) by Shannon Mayer 1st in a series.


message 63: by Samantha McNulty (new)

Samantha McNulty Okay, can someone help me!? Is Legacy by C.J. Daugherty on the 'loved' shelf? I'm hoping trouble seeing the list!


message 64: by Rhonda (new)

Rhonda Samantha wrote: "Okay, can someone help me!? Is Legacy by C.J. Daugherty on the 'loved' shelf? I'm hoping trouble seeing the list!"

Yes, it's there. It has been shelved on a "Loved" shelf by 2 people.


message 65: by Samantha McNulty (new)

Samantha McNulty Rhonda wrote: "Samantha wrote: "Okay, can someone help me!? Is Legacy by C.J. Daugherty on the 'loved' shelf? I'm hoping trouble seeing the list!"

Yes, it's there. It has been sh..."


Thanks very much!


message 66: by Samantha McNulty (new)

Samantha McNulty So I'll be reading Legacy by C.J. Daugherty then!


message 67: by Dalene (last edited Feb 17, 2014 06:39AM) (new)

Dalene (dalenekrodman)


Hello everyone, I hope you all had a good weekend. It seems when I should be able to get more reading done on the weekends, but I haven't been able to lately. I only got 12% done. But like last week, I will make up for it and get it done on time. So far it is interesting and different. I will check back in later. :)


message 68: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments On the weekends and even during the last few weeks the hubby has been home a lot. So reading for me has been to a low. I've not started but I will after I finish my current book which should be today.


message 69: by Rhonda (new)

Rhonda Week 2
Spot on board: 17
Alternate choice

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath by Sylvia Plath
Review: ★★★★★

I loved this book! It reminded me very much of The Catcher in the Rye in the way the story was told, but The Bell Jar is so much better. While I found Holden Caufield irritating, Esther is intruguing. I was truly moved by her depression, her paranoia, her expectations, and her disappointments.

Because I was emotionally affected by The Bell Jar, I ordered two more titles from Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath by Sylvia Plath and Ariel by Sylvia Plath .

The Bell Jar is emotional, thought provoking, and compelling. It's a quick read that I now consider among my favorites.

Highly recommended.


message 70: by Samantha McNulty (new)

Samantha McNulty Week 2
Spot on board: 17
Alternate choice

Legacy (Night School, #2) by C.J. Daugherty

Rating - ★★★★

The second title in the Night School series by C.J. Daugherty picks up right where the first title ended. Still in grave danger, Allie is admitted to Night School for her own protection. But Nathaniel's spy is still among them and every move they make is being reported back...

A wonderful sequel to Night School, Legacy is full of action, danger and suspicion.


message 71: by Camilla (last edited Feb 20, 2014 10:45PM) (new)

Camilla (cyqua) Week 2
Spot: 17
Standalone (#1)

Read:
Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafón by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Rating: 5 stars

Review: I loved this story! It's already one of my favourite authors and this is probably my second favourite of his novels! It's lovely and heartbreaking and gothic and atmospheric and I give it my highest recommendations!


message 72: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments Week - 2
Spot - 17
1st in series
Read - Priceless (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 1) by Shannon Mayer
Rating - ★★★★
Review

Rylee is a tracker she has the ability to find children as well as feel their emotions. Her new client is looking for their daughter who has been missing for 6 months. Rylee was thought to have killed her baby sister when she was younger, an FBI agent still thinks that she is the one who killed her but with no body she hasn’t been charged. What they don’t know is she was taken just like the girl Rylee is looking for before she had the ability of the tracker.

Rylee’s life is anything but normal after all she has a pet werewolf who she saved from the pack named Alex. Her best friend is a witch but torn between being part of the coven and choosing to help Rylee. When the FBI agent who’s been after her is accused of killing his partner he’s joined up with Rylee to help find India the missing girl. As the pair gets closer to finding the girl they will have to survive countless encounters with the supernatural. Will they be able to save India and stop the dark coven?

Rylee has issues but that doesn't keep her from doing everything she can, even risking her life to save children. As the book progressed I fell more in love with Rylee’s character she’s a good person after all she protects her pet werewolf from the pack that wanted to kill him. I wasn't sure about O'Shea but he grew on me as the book progressed.

I’ve had Rylee’s books on my TBR for months. All my goodreads friends have been reading her books so when it fit for a challenge I know I couldn't pass up the chance. My only regret was a waiting so long to start her series. I loved Rylee she’s the total package, I found her character unique and easy to connect with. Priceless was captivating right from the start I wasn't able to put it down till I finished the book. I actually read it in one sitting. I think the author has created a unique story mixing the human world with the supernatural creating a fantastic series. Priceless is beautifully written it flows from start to finish an action packed story with hints of romance. The story does have a little gore but overall teens as well as adults will fall in love with Rylee’s world as much as I did. I can’t wait to read the rest of her books.


message 73: by Jenn (new)

Jenn (engelsigh) | 256 comments Week 2
Spot 17
First in the Series

Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock, #1) by Faith Hunter
Rating - ★★★★

I recently read a book of the short stories that go along with this series. I like the short stories better so far because they involve Jane's friend, Molly. This book is good though. I like the premise that it is about a skinwalker. I live in Arizona, and recently discovered what a skinwalker is. I have been trying to find more books about skinwalkers since. I think that Jane Yellowrock is an interesting character. I like the parts of the book that are told from "beasts" perspective.


message 74: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments Have you read the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs?


message 75: by Jenn (new)

Jenn (engelsigh) | 256 comments Mandy wrote: "Have you read the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs?"

I think I have one of them on my shelf, but I haven't read them yet.


message 76: by Jenn (new)

Jenn (engelsigh) | 256 comments Oh, I didn't know she was a skinwalker too. Maybe I'll have to read that sooner than later. Thanks for the heads up.


message 77: by Dalene (new)

Dalene (dalenekrodman) I did a small review for my book. I am on my kindle and cannot share it like I do with the computer I will fix if tomorrow


message 78: by Mandy (last edited Feb 20, 2014 09:40PM) (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments I just linked Dalene's Review. So we are ready to roll.


message 79: by Camilla (new)

Camilla (cyqua) Good morning ladies! I'm up a bit earlier today, so I've rolled already and it was a:

7

Which puts us in spot 24.
That means we can either read a second or a fourth in a series or the alternate, which is title starting with W.

Happy reading! :-)


message 80: by Rhonda (new)

Rhonda Hey ladies! I hope everyone is well.

We can't advance until all of the reviews are in, so I don't know if this mornings roll can be used. I'll check with Jenne, but hold off on the roll of 7 from this morning. We may have to roll again when everyone has posted their review.


message 81: by Rhonda (new)

Rhonda Jenne said that the roll this morning will not count. She said we have all of today to get the reviews in and we will have to roll the dice after the last review has been posted.


message 82: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments Even though her book is done? I linked her review above?


message 83: by Jenne (new)

Jenne  (jennetheinstigator) | 7439 comments Ok I see how y'all did it, that'll be ok for now, it's kind of a gray area. She said once she was on the computer she'd post it like normal so it'll be ok. Y'all are good to keep with your roll.

Danele just post it here as soon as you can.


message 84: by Rhonda (last edited Feb 21, 2014 06:37AM) (new)

Rhonda I'm missing posts. I didn't see it all. I'm relieved it's there. I apologize for the oversight and I'll mind my own business from here out. I have a habit of trying too hard.


message 85: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments I made sure to post share it before I went to bed. I'm glad you're on top of things Rhonda because I'm scatterbrained half the time


message 86: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments I'm going to read Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) by Marissa Meyer


message 87: by Dalene (new)

Dalene (dalenekrodman)


The Curse Keepers The Curse Keepers by Denise Grover Swank

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I got this book from netgalley. I liked the story it was different, Ellie and Collin were strong main characters. The storyline is good, the characters are well developed. I look forward to the next book in the series.



View all my reviews


message 88: by Dalene (new)

Dalene (dalenekrodman) Jenne wrote: "Ok I see how y'all did it, that'll be ok for now, it's kind of a gray area. She said once she was on the computer she'd post it like normal so it'll be ok. Y'all are good to keep with your roll.

..."


It's up now, I cannot work my kindle like I do the computer, and my daughter was painting the living room yesterday and had the room the computer is in blocked. So I had to make do with my kindle.


message 89: by Dalene (last edited Feb 21, 2014 08:42AM) (new)

Dalene (dalenekrodman)


I will be reading alternate Title starting with W

What Kills Me (What Kills Me, #1) by Wynne Channing What Kills Me by Wynne Channing Wynne Channing


message 90: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments I loved that book Dalene. I have the second one I need to read.


message 91: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments Week:2
Spot:17
Alternate: from the Loved shelf.
Mandy - - Priceless (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 1) by Shannon Mayer - Review
Rhonda - The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath - Review
Camilla - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafón - Review
Jennifer - Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock, #1) by Faith Hunter - Review
Dalene - The Curse Keepers (Curse Keepers, #1) by Denise Grover Swank - Review
Samantha - Legacy (Night School, #2) by C.J. Daugherty - Review
6/6 complete


message 92: by Jenn (new)

Jenn (engelsigh) | 256 comments I'm going to read Summer Knight by Jim Butcher....its 4th in a series


message 93: by Dalene (new)

Dalene (dalenekrodman)


What Kills Me (What Kills Me, #1) What Kills Me by Wynne Channing

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love this story, it instantly sucked me in to the point I did not realize how much I had read until I would look down at the page number and I would think I read that much already. Wow, the main character Alexia also called Zee, is a very vibrant character very fresh, you learn what it feels like through her perspective to become a vampire, all her self doubts and all. She does not become a vampire through normal means and the vampire monarchy sees her as an abomination and hunts her and kills anyone who tries to help her. Lucas is a very strong male character who helps her and I think is her soul mate, we will see, as future books come. I look forward to reading more of this series, the characters are colorful and well developed. The story-line is great and also different in a good way, as I like seeing different story-line twists on vampires. Wynne Channing is a new author for me and I most definitely will be expecting to read more of her work.



View all my reviews


message 94: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments I'm glad you enjoyed your book Dalene. It's one of my favorites and the cover is beautiful


message 95: by Dalene (new)

Dalene (dalenekrodman) Mandy wrote: "I'm glad you enjoyed your book Dalene. It's one of my favorites and the cover is beautiful"

Thank you...


message 96: by Dalene (new)

Dalene (dalenekrodman) Hello everyone, I hope everyone had a great weekend. I have had a very productive reading weekend, with some very good books. I hope you are having a great day and I will check in later.


message 97: by Jenn (new)

Jenn (engelsigh) | 256 comments Week 3:
Spot 24
Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4) by Jim Butcher

4th in a series

4 stars

Review: I love the Dresden Files series so far. I don't know what took me so long to start reading them. I think this fourth one was the most interesting yet. The plot twists and turns and all the diabolical schemes of the fae made the story really interesting. Billy the wolf makes another appearance, which I liked. I think his group adds a lot to the story line. There is more nefariousness with the White Council and Morgan. Overall a great read.


message 98: by Rhonda (new)

Rhonda Week 3
Spot on the board: 24
2nd in series

I read Lost (Joseph O'Loughlin, #2) by Michael Robotham (Joe O'Loughlin #2) by Michael Robotham.
Rating: ★★★

I was more than a little disappointed in the second book for this series. This story had little to do with the character the series is named for - Joe O'Loughlin. The story was in the voice of DI Vincent Ruiz, an acquaintance of O'Loughlin. The story was okay, but this should have been a standalone or the beginning of another series. I like the character O'Loughlin and I read the book because of that. I walked away less than happy. The story was just okay, nothing spectacular. Anyway, unexpected MC using an odd voice. Disappointing. 3 stars.


message 99: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments Week 3
Spot on the board: 24
2nd in series
I read Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) by Marissa Meyer
Rating ★★★★★

Review
Scarlet is the second book in the lunar chronicles. It continues right after the end of the first book. While the book continues on with Cinders story we are introduced to Scarlet who happens to be little red riding hood. She even wears a red hoodie and her grandmother has gone missing. While the book flips between the two characters their stories start to intertwine.
Honestly I loved Cinder but Scarlet has made it my new favorite series. The characters are amazing I loved Scarlet and Wolf is swoon worthy. I'm excited to read Cress which I have sitting here read to go.

Yup short review. Date night with the hubby I'll update tomorrow.


message 100: by Mandy (new)

Mandy Sickle (thereadingdiaries) | 1343 comments I've been a slacker leader this week. To much real life not enough computer time.

Anyone heard from Camilla or Samantha? I'll send them PM's


back to top