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

[Mary]

I've read books 17-20 out of 24.

The Last Man in Europe by Dennis Glover 4* Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Call to Arms by Rachel Amphlett 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A Scandal in Bohemia by Gideon Haigh 4* Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Legend of Nimway Hall 1750: Jacqueline by Stephanie Laurens 3* Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Having a great time!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kylie wrote: "Oh, very well done Brenda! Many congratulations to you! :)"

Thanks Kylie :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mary wrote: "I've read books 17-20 out of 24.

The Last Man in Europe by Dennis Glover 4* Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Call to Arms b..."

Good to hear Mary!

[Jenny]

Finished 35th book - 2018 New Releases



The Country Girl by Cathryn Hein - 5 ★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janine]

Finished 34/36

Female Author
The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester 4*

[Jenny]

Finished this challenge - No 36 - 2018 New Releases



A Place with Heart - 5 ★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[PattyMacDotComma]

Male author. Oh my goodness!
One of my favourite authors, Aussie Richard Flanagan won the 2014 Man Booker Prize for The Narrow Road to the Deep North, and no wonder. Brutal, tender, unforgettable.
5★ Link to my review

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jenny wrote: "Finished this challenge - No 36 - 2018 New Releases



A Place with Heart - 5 ★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Congratulations Jenny!

[Jenny]

Thanks, Brenda!

[Carol]

Have just read the 2nd and 3rd books in my favourite genre category: history.
Elizabeth Macarthur: A Life at the Edge of the World by Michelle Scott Tucker 5*
A very readable biography of one of Australia's pioneer European settlers.
Finding Eliza: Power and Colonial Storytelling by Larissa Behrendt 5*
A critical examination of the tropes and misrepresentations of indigenous people in the Eliza Fraser shipwreck story of 1836, and other colonial storytelling.

Enjoyed both immensely. Each was fascinating in its own way. You can find my longer reviews on the relevant pages. Not very good at doing the URL thing!

[Carol]

Brenda wrote: "Finally finished Part 1 of this challenge with Silver Clouds by Fleur McDonald

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

Amazing! I don't know how you do it.

[Ace]

Finished my second Favourite Genre book The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough which was very long and unlike everyone else in the world who gave this 5 stars, I only gave it 4. I expect rotten tomatoes will be thrown at me, but the priest was a bit too fond of little Meggie if you ask me.

[Carol]

Ace wrote: "Finished my second Favourite Genre book The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough which was very long and unlike everyone else in the world who gave this 5 stars, I only ga..."

I have The Thorn Birds on my list too. Looking forward to it but with some trepidation over the length. I'll watch out for the priest!

[Ace]

Carol wrote: "Ace wrote: "Finished my second Favourite Genre book The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough which was very long and unlike everyone else in the world who gave this 5 star..."

Its a must read Carol, I probably should have read it much much sooner. Another surprise is that it starts in New Zealand...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carol wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Finally finished Part 1 of this challenge with Silver Clouds by Fleur McDonald

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/..."

Thanks Carol :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Finished my challenge:)

12/12

Male Authors
1. Close Your Eyes by Michael Robotham 9/1/18 5 stars
2. A Long Way from Home by Peter Carey 25/1/18 2 stars
3. Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion 3/1/18 5 stars

Female authors
1. Dark Edges by Catherine Lee 14/2/18 4 stars
2. Until I Met Her by Natalie Barelli 22/2/18 4 stars
3. Scared to Death by Rachel Amphlett 10/2/18 4 stars

2018 release
1. The Agency by James Phelan 4 stars 7/5/18
2. Obsidio by Amie Kaufman5 stars 27/3/18
3. The Family Next Door: A Novel by Sally Hepworth3 stars 16/3/18

Fave genre
1. Resurrection Bay by Emma Viskic 5 stars 20/1/18
2. After He Killed Me by Natalie Barelli 3 stars 27/3/18
3. Will to Live Rachel Amphlett 20/2 18 5 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Phrynne :) Are you going to do another?

[Mary]

I've read books 21 & 22/24

Force of Nature by Jane Harper 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Saga Land by Richard Fidler 5* Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Getting there!

[Mary]

Ace wrote: "Finished my second Favourite Genre book The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough which was very long and unlike everyone else in the world who gave this 5 stars, I only ga..."

I agree. I read it when it came out and thought he was quite creepy! Not a popular opinion at the time.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mary wrote: "I've read books 21 & 22/24

Force of Nature by Jane Harper 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Saga Land by ..."

You're doing well Mary!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Mary wrote: "I've read books 21 & 22/24

Force of Nature by Jane Harper 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Saga Land by [author:Richard F..."

I enjoyed both of your reviews Mary.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Phrynne :) Are you going to do another?"

Probably not because my holidays will take up a big chunk of the time and I don't want to be too overloaded!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Fair enough :)

[Janine]

Finished my 35th

Male Author
Land of Golden Wattle by J.H. Fletcher 3*

[Clare]

Finished my 14th book, cos I'm slow like that.

Female author As Stars Fall by Christie Nieman 4★

Nature writing at its finest. This is YA, but I think many non-YA readers would enjoy it, if you like conservation themes / the Aussie bush.

[Kylie]

Finished my 6th of 24, and the second in the Male Authors category.

Lost by Michael Robotham. A highly entertaining 4 stars. :)

[Deb]

Seek and ye shall find! I was having such a hard time finding new releases, but I have five on my list now; it is my favorites that are lagging at the moment,

Some of my recent acquisitions;
Read: by James Raven Slightly cheesy, but very enjoyable space opera I picked up from an author signing outside Dymocks one day.

Currently reading: by T.S. Hawken, free copy gifted me by the author - I am charmed by it so far!

To read: by Emily O'Grady

Once I have done with this little clutch, I will need to go out and search for a few more marine themes. Really loving this challenge so far!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Deborah wrote: "Seek and ye shall find! I was having such a hard time finding new releases, but I have five on my list now; it is my favorites that are lagging at the moment,

Some of my recent acquisitions;
Read..."

Sounds good Deb :)

[Mary]

Brenda wrote: "Mary wrote: "I've read books 21 & 22/24

Force of Nature by Jane Harper 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Saga Land by ..."..."

Thanks Brenda. I'm having a great time with the variety and feel so good that I am actually going to achieve goal!

[Mary]

Phrynne wrote: "Mary wrote: "I've read books 21 & 22/24

Force of Nature by Jane Harper 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Saga Land by [aut..."

Thanks Phrynne. It's great to get positive feedback from reviewers you respect.

[Mary]

Read book 23/24
Crimes of the Father by Thomas Keneally 3* While I thought it was well written it just did not do it for me for reasons outlined in my Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mary wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Mary wrote: "I've read books 21 & 22/24

Force of Nature by Jane Harper 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"

I know what you mean Mary - it's always a thrill to achieve your challenge!

[Mary]

Brenda wrote: "Mary wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Mary wrote: "I've read books 21 & 22/24

Force of Nature by Jane Harper 4* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"

I..."

So often I don't ... which is OK. Who could complain about reading new books and finding new options? But yes thrill is definitely the word when I achieve the challenge. :)

You, on the other hand, must be the most thrilled person on earth! LOL. You just power through and are an inspiration to us all.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha!! Thanks Mary!

[Kim]

Finished my latest in this challenge:-
The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth

Quite enjoyed it, even though it was billed as 'women's fiction' which I think might have the effect of limiting its appeal - even though the story was related by the female characters, I thought there was plenty in there for the male reader and I enjoyed it overall - 4 star (8.5/10).

[Nicola]

my first new release
2. Rebel with a Cause / Jacqui Lambie 3*

[Janine]

Challenge Completed


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*
7. Bereft by Chris Womersley READ 12/4/18 3*
8. Land of Golden Wattle by J.H. Fletcher READ 8/5/18 3*
9.The Recipient by Dean Mayes READ 14/5/18 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*
7. Sleight Malice by Vicki Tyley READ 12/3/18 3*
8. Intensive Care by Nicki Edwards READ 10/3/18 3*
9.The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester READ 4/5/18 4*

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*
7. Water Under the Bridge by Lily Malone READ 4/4/18 3*
8. The Cowgirl by Anthea Hodgson READ 17/4/18 3*
9. Making Peace by Fiona McCallum READ 27/4/18 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*
Favourite Genre (Historical Fiction)
7. The Girl from Munich by Tania Blanchard READ 15/3/18 3*
8. The Good Sister by Maggie Christensen READ 14/4/18 3*
9. The Last Of The Bonegilla Girls by Victoria Purman READ 28/4/18 5*

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Wow Janine! That's brilliant:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Fantastic Janine! Well done :)

[Carol]

Janine wrote: "Challenge Completed


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. [..."

It's interesting that you tended to rate your male authors lower than female and that the writers in your other genres were mostly female too (even crime). Why do you think that is? I'm just curious.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I find I read many more female authors than male too Carol. And no particular reason - it just happens that way :)

[Carol]

Brenda wrote: "I find I read many more female authors than male too Carol. And no particular reason - it just happens that way :)"

Yes, I probably read more female authors too because I like their focus on relationships rather than the supposedly 'bigger' themes some male authors focus on. Still, the male authors I do read I generally really enjoy and would rate just as highly as the female authors' works. It's interesting.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

It is - it varies so much with the difference in everyone's opinions too :)

[Janine]

Carol wrote: "Janine wrote: "Challenge Completed


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

I do read and love Male Crime writers such as Lee Child and Michael Connelly so just haven't gotten into the Australian Male authors so much

[Carol]

Janine wrote: "Carol wrote: "Janine wrote: "Challenge Completed


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

I don't read much crime (although I love CJ Sansom's historical mystery series, Shardlake) so can't make any suggestions for male Aussie crime authors. :)

[Jacm]

Finished my 3rd male author South of Darkness by John Marsden 4★.

Just need to get into some 2018 releases so I can attempt the next level!

[Ace]

"Janine wrote: "Challenge Completed

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

Wow, well done!

[PattyMacDotComma]

Halfway. 12/24 with The Twentieth Man by newsman/journalist - now author Tony Jones. Good thriller about politics and extremists during the Whitlam government.
4.5★ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Mary]

Carol wrote: "Janine wrote: "Challenge Completed


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

Wow. You/ve really flown through them. Congratulations.

[Anna]

Level: One
Completed: 2/12

Male Authors
1. The Tournament by Matthew Reilly
2. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
3. South of Darkness by John Marsden

Female Authors
1. Jilted by Rachael Johns
2. Before Nightfall by Rachel Amphlett
3. Life Lived Twice by Sherrie Wouters

Published in 2018
1. Three Gold Coins by Josephine Moon
2. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
3. The Secret Vineyard by Loretta Hill

Favourite Genre: Mystery
1. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
2. The Betrayal by Y.A. Erskine
3. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent