2025 Reading Challenge discussion
ARCHIVE 2018
>
Kate's 2018 Challenge of a Mystery Number of Books
3 stars
Definitely not my favorite of the series but I liked the introduction of Stremmel and the added Commodore/Judy moments.
I just wanted to say that I adore your reading statistics! <3 So pretty and organized, I wish I had thought of that ^_^
Keturah wrote: "I just wanted to say that I adore your reading statistics! <3 So pretty and organized, I wish I had thought of that ^_^"
Thank you! Feel free to steal it. I found it last year and really liked summarizing my reading like that.
Kate wrote: "Keturah wrote: "I just wanted to say that I adore your reading statistics! <3 So pretty and organized, I wish I had thought of that ^_^"
Thank you! Feel free to steal it. I found it last year and..."
It's quite brilliant actually!
4 stars
This was very good and so far out of my normal reading. Aster, Gisele and Theo were excellent characters and Lieutenant was a great villain. It was not a light or easy read but was very enjoyable.
5 stars
I love this format. It really builds the suspense, especially at the end. (view spoiler) Cannot wait for book 3!
3 stars
This was not my favorite. The courtroom part was good and that crime was interesting. But the baby one was not all that interesting to me. (view spoiler)
5 stars
The 'Sanderson Avalanche' they say... It all hits at the end they say.... I stayed up way late to finish this book. The world building was fantastic. The character arcs amazing. Kaladin's story is great. Shallan is ok but Jasnah is a great character. Dalinar is a BAMF. Love, fantasy, assassins, war, gigantic creature with gems for hearts, insane storms that come out of nowhere.... what more do you need. Lots apparently because there are 2 more 1,000 page books to add to it. Guess I'm diving into another massive book. You know what the worst part of this all is, my husband gets the sick joy that he was right, and this is a good series. Just for that I should take away a star. Unfortunately, it was that good. SIGH. The struggle is real.
Kate wrote: "
4 stars
Completely out of my normal comfort zone but was good. Steampunk isn't anything I would normally read but the writing and pace was good to keep me intere..."
Is it one you would suggest to someone who's trying to get into Steampunk? I haven't read a lot of the genre, but I've been wanting to.
BOOKSandCaffeine wrote: "Is it one you would suggest to someone who's trying to get into Steampunk? I haven't read a lot of the genre, but I've been wanting to."I would. The steampunk parts weren't hard to understand by any means. The writing style took a little to get used to. It's narrated by Karen and she uses a lot of slang/colloquialism. But once I got used to that it was easy to follow along. I will say the love story in it is F/F but it's not over the top by any means. Nothing graphic at all.
I'm not sure I will continue on in the series. Maybe if my to-read list wasn't so large already, but as it stands now I won't be making it a priority. Maybe someday.
5 stars
This book was so much better than I was going to give it credit for. Lots of humor. The Bobs were all completely likeable. The science was interesting without being overwhelming. I already bought the other two books in the Bobiverse.
3 stars
I have been trying to read this book for YEARS. I have no idea why... I hate the Wizard of Oz... I always have. But I really felt the need to read this. And I struggled. Pretty much the entire way. But I finished and it was ok. It's still the Wizard of Oz so I probably didn't enjoy it as much on principle. But I like retellings and now I can finally say I've read it.
Kate wrote: "BOOKSandCaffeine wrote: "Is it one you would suggest to someone who's trying to get into Steampunk? I haven't read a lot of the genre, but I've been wanting to."I would. The steampunk parts weren..."
Ah, thanks for letting me know! :)
A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. I hope that April brings you many more five star reads. Do you have a stand out book so far this year?
Blagica wrote: "A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. I hope that April brings you many more five star reads. Do you have a stand out book so far this year?"
has been on my list for awhile and finally knocked it out. Downside is now I have to read the rest of them and they are MASSIVE.The most surprising was probably
. Not my usual read, an interesting organizational/writing scheme, and now I'm left waiting for the next book.
4 stars
Read this as a buddy read. The romance between Zeb and Sayer was awesome. I did struggle with the relationship between Zeb and his son. It was just too cookie cutter but overall it was good.
5 stars
I really enjoyed this. I loved the suspense of not knowing who died. The characters were believable and relatable. The drama was there without being taken too seriously. Can't wait to watch the series on HBO now.
4 stars
The series was good but I really wanted a bit more. I understand these were short stories, but I feel this could have been 1 book total or 3 separate with more world/character building. But overall enjoyable.
Kate wrote: "Blagica wrote: "A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. I hope that April brings you many more five star reads. Do you have a stand out book so far this year?"[bookcover:The Way of Kings|72..."
and my reading pile grows
Ha mine is always growing. I've given up trying to keep it trimmed down. I'm just letting it be all the books.
4 stars
I wasn't overly enthusiastic about this book going in. And through some mixed reviews, I was concerned. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised. I liked Pestilence as a character. Trixie was the greatest horse ever (but the harm to the horse wounded me deeply- I hate when animals get hurt). I am actually looking forward to book 2.
4 stars
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It was definitely not a happy-happy-joy-joy type of story but the characters felt very real, and the premise was interesting.
4 stars
I liked Rhett and Quaid together. Good fluff story and I needed a little romance in my life.
4 stars
I forgot about this series after reading the first three but felt like I fell right back in starting this one. Their tumultuous relationship is such a treat to read. Can't wait for the next one.
4 stars
I surprisingly enjoyed this. It was a very quick read but definitely relateable for anyone who has struggled with self doubt or confidence issues.
You are doing great! I hope May is a fantastic month filled with books and sunshine!
4 stars
I was recommended this for a buddy read and ended up really enjoying it. It took me awhile to read because of life but still very good. I was hoping the world building regarding the divinities would be elaborated on a little more but maybe that is in future books. Definitely a series I want to look at continuing
4 stars
So I think the second book in this trilogy is my favorite. This one didn't quite snag my attention as well. Maybe it was the constant shifting of the timeframes of them on earth vs them in space. I got used to it eventually but it was a little confusing at first. I liked meeting the alien race and hearing of their life/personalities. And the end was very good.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed the plot and characters of this book. The magic system was well developed (I've never really taken interest in Avatar: The Last Airbender so the similarities there may be did not bother me). I'm not surprised (view spoiler). I also can't say I'm upset (view spoiler) I do wish the setting had been elaborated on more, it seemed like a beautiful world but I just didn't fall into it like in other books. This was still a wonderful book and I can't wait for the next one.
3 stars
I'm not sure if I'm just in a slump or not enjoying Lindsey being pregnant, but this was not my favorite. But a good work listen so there's that.
4 stars
I was slow getting into this but the middle to end was very good. How terrifying to not remember things day to day. And although I didn't see the end coming, I didn't NOT see the end coming, if that makes sense.
Kate wrote: "4 stars
I was slow getting into this but the middle to end was very good. How terrifying to not remember things day to day. And although I didn't see the ..."
Sounds intriguing! Have it on my TBR.
Susy wrote: Sounds intriguing! Have it on my TBR. "
I listened to the audiobook. The physical book may have been easier to get into.
3 stars
It was good, and interesting. Bess and all her other characters were interesting. Tegan was believable. But it just didn't hook me. Which also could be my mood.
4 stars
A nice light, comedic read. Very much what I've needed with the slump I've been in.
5 stars
This book was so wonderful. The characters and their back stories were great. The magic interesting. The heist and action kept the story moving. The narrators for the audiobook top notch. My only complaint was not feeling the world in the beginning, but once they left the Barrel, that all changed. Definitely want to read the second!
5 stars
Listened to this on audiobook. It was fun to listen to and a quick read. The information on the 'Wasps' was so interesting. Definitely need to look into that more.
4 stars
Glad this story had a happy ending and so nice to have closure on it after all this time. I won't say this was my favorite of the series but good none-the-less
4 stars
This was good but very dense to listen to. Which is probably why it took me so long. But so interesting!
Hoping July is full of page turning and falling in love with a new book!
5 stars
Won this in a giveaway and so glad I did. It was wonderful! Lots of turns and not knowing what's going on the entire book. B.A. Paris delivered!
5 stars
Kevin Hart has had such an interesting life. Plus listening to him narrate was hilarious.
4 stars
It was good... very good... but it didn't live up to the hype for me. The magic was interesting. The relationship between the lead and the Dragon interesting but I just wanted more. Maybe I needed to read it instead of the audiobook.
4 stars
I enjoyed this which is a bit surprising since I didn't really like Glass Castle when I read it. And I see why they are compared. But maybe that means I need to reread Glass Castle. Interesting story and a much different life than my own. Plus she studied history which always earns bonus points for me.
2 stars
I could see why younger kids would enjoy this. But reading for the first time as an adult, it wasn't well developed. There is almost no back story on how the world got to be where it is. Or how the moving cities work. And not a lot of character development. I'm not sure I would go so far as to call it YA even. Maybe middle grade.
4 Stars
I'm rounding up because this was really 3.5 stars for me. I like this series as a light fluff read, especially considering the other huge books I'm toppling, but the zombies and Diesel were a bit much. I liked Diesel staying in the Between the Plums books. It just wasn't quite as enjoyable.
4 stars
I like this series. I wouldn't consider it high literature but it's entertaining and out of my normal reading.
4 stars
I enjoy Fannie Flagg's stories. Think I need to watch the movie on this one.
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Maybe This Time (other topics)The Importance of Being Earnest (other topics)
The Cabin at the End of the World (other topics)
Throne of Glass (other topics)
The Princess Bride (other topics)
More...
4 stars
Completely out of my normal comfort zone but was good. Steampunk isn't anything I would normally read but the writing and pace was good to keep me interested.