Leah's 2014 Reading Challenge - 100 Books

[Leah]

Starting late, but here I go. 9 completed so far:

Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry
The Dragon Factory by Jonathan Maberry
The King of Plagues by Jonathan Maberry
Assassin's Code by Jonathan Maberry
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Haven by Kay Hooper
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

[Leah]

Book 10/100. Just finished re-reading Extinction Machine by Jonathan Maberry. The sixth book in this series Code Zero comes out on Tuesday, and I'm pretty stoked.

Extinction Machine became my favorite book in this series, because it had alien conspiracies, and UFOs. Just instant win for me.

I hate that Joe Ledger was a bit of manwhore in this book, but I've forgiven him, because he's Joe Ledger.

Fangirl of the series and of the author, sue me :P

[Leah]

Book 11/100.

I received a free copy of this book and gave my honest review of it.

Thoroughly enjoyed it, even though it was pretty predictable. I went in with an understanding that I'd be reading some superhero cliches and that (hopefully) the good guys won at the end (view spoiler)[which they did (hide spoiler)].

Still, I enjoyed this book, and the main protagonist, Kid Sensation, was a really likable character. Definitely planning on reading the other two books in the series.

[Leah]

12/100 -

This is the sixth book in the Joe Ledger series by Jonathan Maberry, and I was NOT disappointed. Absolutely wonderful. I loved everything about this book, but really, I was assuming I would.


13/100 -

Was a refreshingly fast read. This is the first book I've read by Rainbow Rowell, but definitely not the last. She knows how to weave a story wonderfully, and I just fell in love with her characters. Just awesome!

14/100 - .

Can't all be winners. Very much disliked this book, and I will probably not read another novel by this author.

[Leah]

15/100 - .

I received a copy of this novel in a Read/Review program here on Goodreads. It was decent, but I sometimes felt there was too much historical/factual information in the story, and I thought it took away from the novel a bit.

I'm not sure if that's normal for a historical fiction novel, or if it's just the case with this one.

I'm definitely going to try a couple more historical fiction novels this year though.

[Leah]

16/100 -

Read this for an April challenge (short novel, under 150 pages).

I really enjoyed this story, but I wish there was more pages filled with Zombie Kong. Oh so awesome.

[Leah]

17/100. .

Just a book filled with so many funnies.

18/100. .

Four great stories all using the following premise: A strange visitor comes to town, offering to raise the townsfolk's dearly departed from the dead--for a price...

[Leah]

19/100. .

Filled with short stories/adventures that take place in the Ledger universe. Absolutely loved them all.

20/100. .

I enjoyed this book but not as much as Fangirl. I think I would've liked it more had I read it first. I think Rainbow Rowell's writing style has improved since this novel though.

[Jodi]

Leah I am reading right now. I am finding it just okay. It just seems a little too young for me. Maybe if I was in high school still I would like it more. I just find it too hard to relate to the characters at my age.

[Leah]

Hi Jodi, normally I can read YA and not mind the age difference, because I remember what it was like in high school, but I guess maybe my age is showing too, since I didn't enjoy this as much as I had hoped I would.

We'll see. I'll be starting soon (another YA), and I'll see if I can enjoy this novel any more.

I could also be in a YA slump. Should probably get a nice awesome adult book to enjoy soon. Maybe another Dresden Files novel.

[Jodi]

I am almost finished Eleanor and Park. I think what I find hard are the one word conversations that they have. "Okay" Park asked. "Okay" Eleanor said. I know they are young and young people are not good at communicating but they have a lot of conversations like that. I think that is why I find it hard to relate to them. I love more mature YA books such as .

[Leah]

Jodi wrote: "...that is why I find it hard to relate to them. I love more mature YA books such as Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1)"

I'll have to look into that one.

[Leah]

21/100 .

Read for a Read/Review program. It was decent, and I'll probably read a book from this author again, especially from the same series.

[Leah]

22/100 - .

Definitely my favorite Rainbow Rowell novel. It was just excellent. I really did love everything about this novel, and while that's not a rarity for me, this just felt fresh and great.

[Leah]

23/100 - .

Another book that got 5 stars out of me. There really wasn't anything that I didn't like about this novel. I absolutely loved Jesse Andrews' writing style. It was awesome. I'll definitely read other work by him.

Now, onto some adult fiction for the next couple of novels: Leaving Green Island will be the first on my list.

Received in a read/review program.

[Leah]

24/100 - .

I received this novel in a group here for a read/review program. I've been wanting to try the New Adult genre, and this was a decent book to get me interested in it.

I wasn't thrilled with the (view spoiler)[cheating (hide spoiler)], but other than that, really easy read.

[Leah]

25/100 - .

A collection of short stories. Decent reads, but I just didn't care for certain ones.

[Leah]

26/100 - .

Really great. Definitely going to be looking into the other books of this trilogy when they come out.

27/100 - .

ARC received from Netgalley. I really enjoyed trying out this new genre, Script Lit, and I thought this novella was really well written.

The pages just flew by and before I knew it, I was at the end of the book, not needing more, because it tied itself up in a nice finished product, perfect bow on top - Janie would demand nothing less.

[Leah]

28/100 - .

I read this for a Read/Review here on Goodreads. It was decent, but I think if it was longer, it would have been better. Some of the story felt rushed.

29/100 - .

Really decent YA. I'm glad I gave this a shot, and I'm looking forward to making time for Book 2 of the trilogy soon.

[Leah]

30/100 - .

I read this for a challenge, and I'm so glad I did. It was excellent!

31/100 - .

Read/Review. Loved the protagonist, but everything else about the novel was just OK.

[Leah]

32/100 - .

I received this novel through Bostick Communications, in exchange for an honest review. It was pretty meh.

[Leah]

33/100 - .

Third book I've read by Daniel Suarez. So far, he hasn't disappointed. Excellent techno-thriller.

34/100 - .

Received for a read/review. OK, but I won't be trying out other books in the series.

[Leah]

35/100 - .

Absolutely loved this. Waiting for the second from the library.

36/100 - .

Re-read, but OMG why have I not read this series yet?!?!? Phenomenal.

37/100 - .

Well, I'm reading the series now. Great great great.

38/100 - .

And it just stays great.

39/100 - .

Listened to this on the 15 hour drive home from my vacation. Perfect for the drive, and I personally loved this.

[Leah]

40,41,42/100 -

Finished up the series. Just phenomenal.

43/100 -

I've been a fan of Jonathan Maberry's work since reading Patient Zero a couple years back. Just great work all around, and I'm happy that I finally read this. And just in time to get ready for the follow-up story.

44/100 -

Oh the action!

45/100 -

I thought it was going to be scary, but it wasn't. Still very well written, and Joe Hill is becoming an author that I will go out of my way to read now.

[Leah]

46/100 -

Read it just in time to get ready for the movie adaptation. The book was really good, and I loved Ig!

47/100 -

Rainbow Rowell. Need I say more? If you've read her, and enjoyed her previous works, you know what I'm saying.

48/100 -

Read because of the hype. Fell in love with this because everything about it was fanfreakingtastic.

49,50/100 -

The art is freaking gorgeous and the story is wonderful. Really happy I picked these up, and I cannot wait for the third issue to come out later this month.

51/100 -

Finally got around to reading this after reading Cinder last month. Waiting to pick up Cress from the library too. Story is just getting better!


And I'm 1/2 the way to completing 100 books this year! Wowzers!

[Canadian Dragon]

Congrats

[Leah]

Tasha wrote: "Congrats"

Thank you :)

[Trinity]

Congrats! Good luck with the other half :)

[Leah]

Trinity wrote: "Congrats! Good luck with the other half :)"

Thank ya dear!

[Leah]

52, 53, 54/100 -


Great start to an awesome comic series. Cannot wait to get more issues and see where this story goes.

55/100 -

Excuse the crappy pun, but it was half bad. Won't be continuing the series.

[Leah]

56/100 -

Oh so good. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this, especially after reading so many mixed reviews.

57/100 -

In love with this series. It's fantastic!

58/100 -

My favorite novel of 2014, hands down! Would recommend to anyone and everyone!

[Leah]

59/100 -

Really a decent read. I liked the multiple stories and the mystery, and even the ending. Will definitely be trying other novels by this author.

60/100 -

So happy I started reading this comic! I cannot wait to get the next issue. Loved this one!

61/100 -

The geek in me rejoiced while reading this. In love with this novel! Almost knocked The Night Circus out of its place as my favorite novel of 2014.

62/100 -

Still curious about this series, but not my favorite issue. Hoping for a more intriguing issue next month.

63/100 -

Meh.

64/100 -

LOVED IT!

[Leah]

65/100 - .

Meh on the plot, but the fact that Hugh Laurie wrote this pretty much allowed me to forgive most plot cliches.

66/100 -

LOVED LOVED LOVED this! Easily one of my favorite books of 2014!

67/100 -

Nope - complete miss for me.

68/100 -

Enjoyed this a lot. Really loved the writing.

69/100 -

Audible book. Preferred The 5th Wave a lot more. Definitely a weak second book in the trilogy.

70/100 -

I <3 Meda. I <3 the writing. I <3 everything about this book. An awesome second book to a series!

71/100 -

Blech...and yet, I'm still going to read the final freaking book in the trilogy. What's wrong with me?

[Leah]

Holy crap! 29 books to go to complete my reading challenge! 10 books a month (technically 8 + 2 comics) - here I come!

[Leah]

72/100 -

Definitely going to be continuing this as single issues. Each issue has been fanfuckingtastic.

73/100 -

I had been back and forth on whether to continue this series as single issues or to just wait for volume compilations to come out. It's starting to really pick up story wise as of this issue, so for now, I'm going to continue to get an issue every month!

74/100 -

Lived up to its hype. An extremely sad, but beautifully written story. So happy I gave this a shot this year.

75/100 -

Definitely had its moments. Overall, I really liked the story and the characters in it. Would definitely pick up another book by the author.

76/100 -

!!!!! Want to read more comics from this universe !!!!!

[Leah]

77/100 -

This series is outstanding!!!! Go read it!

78/100 -

Very happy I'm continuing with the single issues. Absolutely loving the mystery and story of this comic.

79/100 -

Why haven't I read this sooner!?! I absolutely loved this, and I'm definitely going to have to make it a priority to read more Bradbury in the future.

80/100 -

I discovered Joe Hill this year, and so far I really haven't been disappointed by his work. Definitely going to continue reading novels by Hill.

81/100 -

It was decent. I really enjoyed the mystery aspects of the story, even if I didn't completely love the main character.

82-85/100 -

Definitely a volumes only story line. Reminiscent of Lost and not really in a good way. The mindfuckery and mystery is strong with this one! But I couldn't put them down...so...

[Leah]

86/100 -

Fucking excellent! More please, Poehler!

87/100 -

I read this for Anti-Bullying Week. I enjoyed the narrative and the story itself. I just wish there was more of a development of characters or a connection with the characters.

88-90/100 -

And the mindfuckery continues...

91/100 -

I really enjoyed the story itself, but I had a hard time connecting with the main character.

[Leah]

92-93/100 -

Loved the artwork. The first issue was a lot stronger than the second, and I'm honestly not sure I'm going to continue the series. Possibly try this again if/when Volume 1 comes out. Really not worth the 3.99 or whatever it is for the single issues.

But the art's gorgeous!

94/100 -

There was a lot of laughing and a lot of tears while reading this. I was so moved by her life, and I'm motivated to get back into my own art (writing) in 2015.

I'm also really hoping to become more open as a human in 2015. We need (and I thoroughly miss) the human connections I used to so easily have.

[Leah]

95/100 -

Yes! And now, I must re-read the Benny Imura series. First Night has been shown in detail...and it's horrific, but now I really want to get back into this world.

96/100 -

I don't understand the reviews that say nothing happened in this or that it was a slow issue. So much fucking happened! I'm hooked. Even if the next issues are slow as heck, I'm in. Every month (that an issue is available) I'm purchasing!

97/100 -

Dark, disturbing, delightful? Maybe delightful is the wrong word, because there really isn't anything too delightful about this Snow White re-telling...well unless you could the writing. The writing itself is delightfully well done.

98/100 -

I'm going to give the next book in the series a try, but I'm so confused and lost and confused. I don't really know what I read or what this series is going to be about. Ghosts, aliens, alternate dimensions, past lives...the fuck is going on!?!?!

[Cassandra]

Way to go, Leah! You're so close to finishing your challenge this year. Did you find any unexpectedly good books or authors?

[Leah]

Cassandra wrote: "Way to go, Leah! You're so close to finishing your challenge this year. Did you find any unexpectedly good books or authors?"

I read so many great novels this year. I was especially happy that both The Night Circus and Ready Player One lived up to their hype.

While I was late to the party, the Lunar Chronicles series is outstanding, and I'm definitely going to read the novellas while I impatiently wait for Winter to come out next year.

I also really got into comics this year, and I'm going to have to up my challenge for next year to include all the single issues I'll be reading, so I don't feel like such a cheater :)

[Cassandra]

I read both The Night Circus and Ready Player One this year as well, and I loved them both. I wouldn't have heard about them if it wasn't for this group.

I have Cinder on my to-read list, but I wasn't sure if it was actually a good book or not. I'll have to bump it up on my priorities list!

Which comics? I've been interested in getting into more graphic novels/comics recently.

[Leah]

Cassandra wrote: "I read both The Night Circus and Ready Player One this year as well, and I loved them both. I wouldn't have heard about them if it wasn't for this group.

I have [book..."

I read [book:Watchmen|4054590] for the first time this year, and I thought it was pretty good.

Fell in love with the Locke & Key, Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft series, and I went on to read several of Joe Hill's novels because of those graphic novels.

And then, I've been trying out single issue comics: The Wicked + The Divine #1 and Trees #1, and I've really enjoyed both of those series.

There've been misses too, but I'm definitely excited about trying out more comics.

I actually picked up the first issues of both Bitch Planet #1 and ODY-C #1 tonight to try out.

Every single one of the single issues I've been picking up are by Image Comics, and I want to try out Saga still (also published by them). Seems like they publish comics that catch my eyes. Namely all the pretty colors.

[Cassandra]

Awesome! Thank you for the recommendations. I put Locke and Key on my TBR list a while back, but I haven't gotten to it yet.

[Leah]

99/100 -

I still have 20 days left of 2014, but this is officially my favorite fiction read of the year. It was fantastic.

100/100 -

Completed my Goodreads Challenge with this comic. I don't regret this decision at all.

BONUS ROUND! With 20 days left of 2014, I'm going to keep reading. I have 7 books out from my library, plus I'm borrowing Revival from my mom. So, I'm looking forward to going over the 100 books.

101/100 -