Annual Aussie Authors Challenge 1/1/18 - 31/12/18

[Trevor]

Progress update on my Level One challenge:

Male Authors
1. Wimmera by Mark Brandi - 3★
2. The Student by Iain Ryan - 3.5★
3. Take Me to Paris, Johnny by John Foster

Female Authors
1. The Dry by Jane Harper - 4★
2. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - 4★
3. Reckoning: A Memoir by Magda Szubanski - 4★

2018 New Releases
1. The Lebs by Michael Mohammed Ahmad
2. TBC
3. TBC

Favourite Genre (MM Romance)
1. The Ongoing Reformation of Micah Johnson by Sean Kennedy
2. You Are the Reason by Renae Kaye
3. Sixty Five Hours by N.R. Walker

[Janine]

Finished 22/24 and still deciding whether to add 12 more. I find the Male Author category a bit difficult and that is what I have left to complete level 2.

Favourite Genre
The Girl in Kellers Way by Megan Goldin 5*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Progress update on my Level One challenge:

Male Authors
1. Wimmera by Mark Brandi - 3★
2. The Student by Iain Ryan - 3.5★
3. ..."

Doing well Trevor!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Janine wrote: "Finished 22/24 and still deciding whether to add 12 more. I find the Male Author category a bit difficult and that is what I have left to complete level 2.

Favourite Genre
[bookcover:The Girl in K..."

I'm the same - don't read as many male authors :)

[Odette]

Finished 12th book for this challenge:

I really enjoyed this book which is set in a location familiar to me. I lived in Addison Street as a child, near where Molly Dean was murdered.

2018 New Releases

3. The Portrait of Molly Dean by Katherine Kovacic - 5★

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Progress update on my Level One challenge:

Male Authors
1. Wimmera by Mark Brandi - 3★
2. The Student by [author:Iain Ryan|14396747..."

Thanks Brenda, I've just finished another one today.

[Trevor]

Progress update on my Level One challenge, just finished Sixty Five Hours by N.R. Walker - 4★

Male Authors
1. Wimmera by Mark Brandi - 3★
2. The Student by Iain Ryan - 3.5★
3. Take Me to Paris, Johnny by John Foster

Female Authors
1. The Dry by Jane Harper - 4★
2. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - 4★
3. Reckoning: A Memoir by Magda Szubanski - 4★

2018 New Releases
1. The Lebs by Michael Mohammed Ahmad
2. TBC
3. TBC

Favourite Genre (MM Romance)
1. The Ongoing Reformation of Micah Johnson by Sean Kennedy
2. You Are the Reason by Renae Kaye
3. Sixty Five Hours by N.R. Walker - 4★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Progress update on my Level One challenge:

Male Authors
1. Wimmera by Mark Brandi - 3★
2. The Student by ..."

On the home run almost!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Odette wrote: "Finished 12th book for this challenge:

I really enjoyed this book which is set in a location familiar to me. I lived in Addison Street as a child, near where Molly Dean was murdered.

2018 New Rel..."

An outstanding novel Odette!

[Odette]

Brenda wrote: "Odette wrote: "Finished 12th book for this challenge:

I really enjoyed this book which is set in a location familiar to me. I lived in Addison Street as a child, near where Molly Dean was murdered..."

I agree. It was not just the setting, I enjoyed the art, mystery and style of writing. I hope there are more books to come by this author.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I'm sure there will be :)

[Carol]

Finished my first female author The Dry by Jane Harper.

I read her second novel Force of Nature a few months ago and having enjoyed it, was looking forward to reading her first. I found 'The Dry' even more enjoyable than 'Force of Nature'. It was a beautifully crafted story, with nuanced characters, a compelling mystery that kept me guessing to the end, and a very atmospheric setting. 5★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carol wrote: "Finished my first female author The Dry by Jane Harper.

I read her second novel Force of Nature a few months ago and having enjoyed it, was looking ..."

Glad you enjoyed it Carol :)

[Clare]

Joining a bit late, but I'll go through what I've read so far to catch up. I like an all Aussie challenge!

Level 3 (maybe)

30/36

Male Authors
1. Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East by Benjamin Law 5★
2. Are You Seeing Me? by Darren Groth 5★
3. The Extremely Weird Thing that Happened in Huggabie Falls by Adam Cece and Andrew Weldon 3★
4. By the River by Steven Herrick 5★
5. Bonesland by Brendan Lawley 3★
6. Now by Morris Gleitzman 3★
Songs That Sound Like Blood by Jared Thomas
Wanting by Richard Flanagan
Sparrow by Scot Gardner

Female Authors
1. Lifespan of Starlight by Thalia Kalkipsakis 4★
2. Preloved by Shirley Marr 4★
3. Merrow by Ananda Braxton-Smith 5★
4. Heat and Light by Ellen Van Neerven 5★
5. As Stars Fall by Christie Nieman 4★
6. The Dream Walker by Victoria Carless 3★
7. Marsh and Me by Martine Murray 4★
8. Portable Curiosities by Julie Koh 5★
9. The Haunting of Lily Frost by Nova Weetman 1★

2018 New Releases
1. Between Us by Clare Atkins 5★
2. Stone Girl by Eleni Hale 4★
3. Tin Heart by Shivaun Plozza 4★
4. The Learning Curves of Vanessa Partridge by Clare Strahan 4★
5. Hive by AJ Betts 5★
6. Catching Teller Crow 5★
7. The Art of Taxidermy by Sharon Kernot
8. P is for Pearl by Eliza Henry-Jones
9. Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein

Favourite Genre Contemporary
1. My Life as a Hashtag by Gabrielle Williams 4★
2. Cracked by Clare Strahan 4★
3. Pieces of Sky by Trinity Doyle 4★
4. Facing Up by Carolyn Gilpin 3★
5. Beautiful Mess by Claire Christian 4★
6. Untidy Towns by Kate O'Donnell 5★
7. When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah 3★
8. Night Swimming by Steph Bowe 2★
9. Grace Beside Me 3★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Welcome Clare :) You're linked up!! I haven't heard of a lot of those Aussie authors! Good job on finding so many :)

[Clare]

Thanks. My TBR is catastrophic. Now to see if I actually read them all. They're mostly YA books - I stopped aging in my teen years :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha!! You have 9 months left to read what you have left! Settle back and enjoy :)

[Kim]

Just finished my third of this challenge so on target (25%) -
Force of Nature by Jane Harper

Fabulous read - enjoyed it every bit as much as 'The Dry':
my review is located here -
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janine]

Finished 23/24 but working on my list for 12 more.

Male Author
Liquid Gold by James Phelan 3*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I see that one is #4 Janine - I haven't read any of that particular series but absolutely love his Jed Walker series. First one is The Spy

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I have only read the Jed Walker series as well! Thanks Janine for bringing this to my attention:)

[Janine]

I have finished 24/24 but I am going to add 12 more to my challenge

Male Authors
1. Lost by Michael Robotham READ 31/1/18 3*
2. The Broken Shore by Peter Temple READ 2/2/18 3*
3. Suspect by Michael Robotham READ 24/1/18 4*
4. Liquid Gold by James Phelan READ 30/3/18 3*
5. The Marx Sisters by Barry Maitland READ 3/4/18 3*
6. Ice Hunters by Neil Roberts READ 21/3/18 3*


Female Authors
1. Leaving Ocean Road by Esther Campion READ 14/1/18 4*
2. Beyond the Orchard by Anna Romer READ 20/1/18 3*
3. The Currency Lass by Tea Cooper READ 17/1/18 3*
4. The Traitor's Girl by Christine Wells READ 7/2/18 4*
5. The Rain Queen by Katherine Scholes READ 4/3/18 4*
6.Mistress to the Crown by Isolde Martyn READ 24/2/18 3*


2018 New Releases
1. The Secret Vineyard by Loretta Hill READ 11/1/18 4*
2. The Passengers by Eleanor Limprecht READ 23/3/18 3*
3. The Sisters' Song by Louise Allan READ 26/1/18 5*
4. Redemption Point by Candice Fox READ 12/3/18 5*
5. Four Respectable Ladies Seek Part-time Husband by Barbara Toner READ 16/2/18 3*
6. The Memories That Make Us by Vanessa Carnevale READ 26/2/18 4*

Favourite Genre (Crime)
1. Force of Nature by Jane Harper READ 3/1/18 4*
2. Dark Heart by Catherine Lee READ 7/1/18 4*
3. Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell READ 9/1/18 4*
4. The Girl in Kellers Way by Megan Goldin READ 24/3/18 5*
5. A Donation of Murder by Felicity Young READ 6/3/18 4*
6. Eden by Candice Fox READ 8/2/18 3*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Janine!

[Janine]

I have finished 2 more

26/36
Female Author
Sleight Malice by Vicki Tyley 3*

Favourite Genre (Historical Fiction)
The Girl from Munich by Tania Blanchard 3*

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Whenever I want an Aussie author I just have to check out yours and Brenda's challenges Janine!

[Carol]

So true!

[PattyMacDotComma]

Janine wrote: "I have finished 24/24 but I am going to add 12 more to my challenge

Male Authors
1. Lost by Michael Robotham READ 31/1/18 3*
2. The Broken Shore by [..."

That’s terrific Janine! I’m only a third of the way through!

[PattyMacDotComma]

Acclaimed author Helen Garner’s first novel, Monkey Grip was a controversial eye-opener for many readers when it was first published in 1977. Sex and drugs and rock-n-roll. These days it’s studied in schools as a classic.

It now feels dated (to me, since I knew some fringe-dwellers back then). She has since admitted that much of it is autobiographical, taken from her diaries of the time. I have no doubt that Nora is Helen.
My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jacm]

Finished 8/12 & my 2nd Male author. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 4.5 ★

[Janine]

Finished 27/36

2018 New Release
Water Under the Bridge by Lily Malone 3*

[PattyMacDotComma]

Female author choice. An Isolated Incident by Aussie author Emily Maguire has been nominated for numerous awards - but not by me.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lee at ReadWriteWish]

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Female author choice. An Isolated Incident by Aussie author Emily Maguire has been nominated for numerous awards - but not by me.

LOL!

[Mary]

Finished my first 12! Woohoo!
Had to change one of my 2018 releases as The Opal Butterfly isn't released until later in the year.

2018 New Releases
1. Hell's Bell by Keri Arthur 4* Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. The Lily and the Rose by Jackie French 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Male
1. book:The Spy|18693045] by James Phelan 3* Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Female Authors
1. The Choke by Sofie Laguna 5* Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I am going to go for another 12 and cross my fingers.

[Mary]

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Female author choice. An Isolated Incident by Aussie author Emily Maguire has been nominated for numerous awards - but not by me.
[bookcover:An Isolated Incident|284..."

oh dear

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mary wrote: "Finished my first 12! Woohoo!
Had to change one of my 2018 releases as The Opal Butterfly isn't released until later in the year.

2018 New Releases
1. Hell's Bell by ..."

Well done Mary :) Enjoy the next 12!

[Mary]

Brenda wrote: "Mary wrote: "Finished my first 12! Woohoo!
Had to change one of my 2018 releases as The Opal Butterfly isn't released until later in the year.

2018 New Releases
1. Hell's Bell by ..."

Thanks Brenda. I've already started them. The problem is which ones to pick, isn't it?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yes, it makes it difficult sometimes :) Do you want to list them for me to link as a part 2, or have you added them to your first list?

[Mary]

I added them to my first list thanks Brenda.

[Mary]

Finished 13/24

Headland by Ged Gillmore 5* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mary wrote: "I added them to my first list thanks Brenda."

No problems thanks Mary :)

[Janine]

Finished 28/36

Female Author
Intensive Care by Nicki Edwards 3*

[Janine]

Finished 29/36

Male Author
Bereft by Chris Womersley 3*

[Nicola]

my 3rd Genre read
Genre SciFi/Fan

1. Designated Targets / John Birmingham 4*

[Kim]

Now one-third of the way through the Challenge with my fourth read -
His Father's Son by Tony Black

Not my favourite read so far but still pretty good. My review can be found below:-
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Odette]

Finished 15/24

5th book by Australian male author:
See review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Wanting by Richard Flanagan - 3.5★

[Jenny]

Finished my 33 / 36 - Female Author


The Tea Gardens by Fiona McIntosh 4 ★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janine]

Finished 30/36

Favourite Genre (Historical Fiction)
The Good Sister by Maggie Christensen 3*

[Kerrie]

Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish by Richard Flanagan
1*
Review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/2006110...

Have to say I am looking forward to getting back into a Di Morrissey novel.

[Trevor]

Progress update on my Level One challenge, just finished book number eight: You Are the Reason by Renae Kaye - 4★

Male Authors
1. Wimmera by Mark Brandi - 3★
2. The Student by Iain Ryan - 3.5★
3. Take Me to Paris, Johnny by John Foster - 5★

Female Authors
1. The Dry by Jane Harper - 4★
2. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - 4★
3. Reckoning: A Memoir by Magda Szubanski - 4★

2018 New Releases
1. The Lebs by Michael Mohammed Ahmad
2. TBC
3. TBC

Favourite Genre (MM Romance)
1. The Ongoing Reformation of Micah Johnson by Sean Kennedy
2. You Are the Reason by Renae Kaye - 4★
3. Sixty Five Hours by N.R. Walker - 4★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looking good Trevor!