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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! Thanks Phrynne :)

[Deb]

Incidentally and speaking of my local library, Ashgrove library has an author talk by Kali Napier author of

This Saturday I believe, if any Brisbanites are available, it could be interesting.

[Kathryn]

Deborah wrote: "Incidentally and speaking of my local library, Ashgrove library has an author talk by Kali Napier author of

This Saturday I belie..."

It's on Saturday, March 24th, Deborah - unless they're having two sessions - I've already got tickets for the 24th!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Why don't you pop that in the Q'ld thread Deborah...best place for people to see it :)

[Gabrielle]

Do I have to do something in particular to link stuff/be added, or just post here?

Level One

2/12

Male Authors
1. Will Kostakis - The Sidekicks (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
2.
3.

Female Authors
1. My life as a Hashtag - Gabrielle Williams (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
2.
3

2018 New Releases
1.
2.
3.

Favourite Genre
1.
2.
3.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Gabrielle, to link your books/authors and cover pics, click on "add book/author" in the comment box. Then you follow the prompts. So to edit your above post and do those things, click the little grey "edit" in the bottom right hand corner of your post, and go from there. I'll link your post in the second post at the beginning of this challenge, which you'll be able to click on each time you want to refer to your original post :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're linked :)

[Deb]

Kathryn wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Incidentally and speaking of my local library, Ashgrove library has an author talk by Kali Napier author of

This ..."
Hurrah! Today was so busy I had no chance. Tickets? I need tickets? Must check that out.....

[Deb]

Right, I have completed my level one male authors today:


Female authors is done;


Favourite genera is done:


And I have managed to get my hands on my first one for the 'published in 2018' part. Very excited to put on my 'to read' list

[Kylie]

Wow Brenda, I wonder how close Phrynne will get to you doing it four times over! lol Bahaha!

Going well too Deborah! :)

[Kylie]

Slowly, but surely making my way through this annual list... completed number 4 out of 24, from my favourite genre of Historical Fiction.

Thornwood House by Anna Romer. A pure delight, 5 stars. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kylie wrote: "Wow Brenda, I wonder how close Phrynne will get to you doing it four times over! lol Bahaha!

Going well too Deborah! :)"

Three might be my limit Kylie :)

[Kylie]

Hehe! Still, 3 times is mighty impressive Brenda! I'd be stoked if I even got to complete one list at the hard level! ;)

Finished my 5th, and my first from the Male Author category - The Secret Heiress by Luke Devenish (thanks so much to Borrow Box for helping me stumble upon a Male Aussie Author!) Really enjoyed this one, 4.5 stars. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You'll do it I'm sure Kylie :)

[Janine]

Finished 19/24

2018 New Release
Redemption Point by Candice Fox 5*

[Jenny]

Finished book 26

My Favourite Genre


Missing by Melanie Casey - 5 ★ - 04 / 03 / 2018
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lee at ReadWriteWish]

Just finished one of my 2018 releases - The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

4 out of 5 Review here

[Cherie]

Hi Brenda - I have two questions.
1. Can I change/update my challenge list with a book that I read this month and replace it with one of the books I have on my list?
2. I read Jane Harper's book, The Dry in Janurary. It was an entry I had on my list of female authors.
Last week, I finished her 2nd book, Force of Nature. My real question is - do all of the selections for Male and Female authors have to be different people? I still intend to read the other books listed, but if you answer Yes to the questions - I will have the female authors section completed then.

I know it is not much - compared to what others in this group are doing and my 12 books are practically nothing, but they are still Aussie authors READ.

[Jacm]

Finished my first under 'Male Authors' So Much to Tell You by John Marsden. 4 ★
I remember loving this book as a teenager and wanted to see how it held up as an adult. It certainly did not disappoint. As always with Marsden's writing, he pulls you into the character's world of conflicting emotions where nothing is ever black and white. He has a gift for saying so much through simple observations about life. Just one of the reasons that his books remain timeless Australian classics.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Cherie wrote: "Hi Brenda - I have two questions.
1. Can I change/update my challenge list with a book that I read this month and replace it with one of the books I have on my list?
2. I read Jane Harper's book, ..."

1. Yes you can Cherie - all subject to change (within the criteria)

2. Different books only Cherie - if you read 5 by the same author within the Annual challenge, that's fine :) As long as they're different books :)

Hope that helps :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jacm wrote: "Finished my first under 'Male Authors' So Much to Tell You by John Marsden. 4 ★
I remember loving this book as a teenager and wanted to see how it held up as an adult. I..."

I haven't read that one Jacm - I've read all the Tomorrow series but nothing else :)

[Jacm]

Brenda wrote: "Jacm wrote: "Finished my first under 'Male Authors' So Much to Tell You by John Marsden. 4 ★
I remember loving this book as a teenager and wanted to see how it held up a..."

I have always loved John Marsden's books. I remember there being a 'waiting list' at the library for the new 'tomorrow' books when I was in high school they were so popular!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

He's certainly a good writer :)

[Kerri_M]

Jacm wrote: "Finished my first under 'Male Authors' So Much to Tell You by John Marsden. 4 ★
I remember loving this book as a teenager and wanted to see how it held up as an adult. I..."

I just re-read that one a few months ago Jacm, and I agree with what you say

[Cherie]

Brenda wrote: "1. Yes you can Cherie - all subject to change (within the criteria)

2. Different books only Cherie - if you read 5 by the same author within the Annual challenge, that's fine :) As long as they're different books :)

Hope that helps :) ..."

Yes it does. Thanks!

[Cherie]

I have finished my Female Authors section.

1. The Dry by Jane Harper read 1/2/2018, 5★s
2. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood read 2/25/2018, 5★s
3. Force of Nature by Jane Harper read 3/9/2018, 4★s

I will be reading more Phryne Fisher in the future and looking forward to seeing what Aaron Falk will be getting up to.

[Jenny]

I finished book 28th and finished my favourite genre

My review of


Diamond Sky by Annie Seaton - 5 ★ - 11 / 03 / 2018
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Cherie wrote: "I have finished my Female Authors section.

1. The Dry by Jane Harper read 1/2/2018, 5★s
2. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood read 2/25/20..."

Well done - and I agree with you on both counts!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jenny wrote: "I finished book 28th and finished my favourite genre

My review of


Diamond Sky by Annie Seaton - 5 ★ - 11 / 03 / 2018
Review: htt..."

You're doing well Jenny :)

[PattyMacDotComma]

Alpha male author Gareth Evans recently published Incorrigible Optimist: A Political Memoir about Aussie and international politics and diplomacy since his student days in the 60s. Enjoyable, informative, and still optimistic!
4★ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jenny]

Book 27th - 2018 New Release


Water Under The Bridge by Lily Malone - 4 ★ - 16 / 03 / 2018
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jenny]

Brenda wrote: "Jenny wrote: "I finished book 28th and finished my favourite genre

My review of


Diamond Sky by Annie Seaton - 5 ★ - 11 / 03 / 20..."

Thanks, Brenda

[Krystal]

Finished my second lady AA: Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth

Originally gave it 4 stars but after musing on it for a day I upgraded it to 5 stars and flicked it onto my 'favourite books' shelf. :)

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

[Deb]

Finished the first 2018 publication with by Jennifer Mills, very happy with the reading experience too!
review; https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Carol]

Have finished my third book and first new release, The Secrets at Ocean's Edge by Kali Napier.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carol wrote: "Have finished my third book and first new release, The Secrets at Ocean's Edge by Kali Napier."

What did you think of it Carol?

[Carol]

I was a little disappointed. It had such good reviews from other authors on Goodreads, yet I found it too contrived. All the secrets were doled out at the exact moment calculated to have the most impact. And yet... I could never quite suspend disbelief enough to engage with the characters and the story. Despite tragedy piled upon tragedy I didn't feel anything for the characters. Whereas when I read 'The Light Between Oceans' I found myself crying at the end. Perhaps the problem for me was that too many people had too many secrets. I think it might have worked better for me if the author had trusted her instincts and her story more and not cluttered the main characters' journeys with so many other people's secrets.

Still, it was a good first novel and the next one will probably be better. And of course it's not necessary to feel sympathy for the characters to enjoy a book. It just didn't work for me.

[Janine]

Finished 20/24

Male Author
Ice Hunters by Neil Roberts 3*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carol wrote: "I was a little disappointed. It had such good reviews from other authors on Goodreads, yet I found it too contrived. All the secrets were doled out at the exact moment calculated to have the most i..."

Fair enough Carol. I did feel a little of what you felt too :)

[Jenny]

Finished 29th - Female Author

My review of


One More Song - Nicki Edwards - 5 ★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finished 30th - Female Author

My review of


The Other Side of the Season by Jenn J. McLeod - 5 ★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jenny]

Finished 31st - New Release



The Red Dirt Road - Alissa Callen - 5 ★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jenny]

Finished 32nd - Female Author


The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville - 3 ★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Almost there Jenny :) You'll have to set up a Part 2 like I have :)

[Janine]

Finished 21/24

2018 New Release
The Passengers by Eleanor Limprecht 3*

[Mary]

I've read a few of mine but have only just caught up on all the reviews

Male Authors
2. Crucifixion Creek by Barry Maitland 4*

3. Whipbird by Robert Drewe 1* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Female Authors
2. Extinctions by Josephine Wilson 4* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3. Behind the Night Bazaar by Angela Savage 4*
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2018 New Releases
3. Four Respectable Ladies Seek Part-time Husband by Barbara Toner 4*
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Favourite Genre
1. Whispering Death by Garry Disher 5*
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. The Dry by Jane Harper 5*
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3. Nefarious Doings by Ilsa Evans 3*
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Mary]

Mary wrote: "I've read a few of mine but have only just caught up on all the reviews

Male Authors
2. Crucifixion Creek by Barry Maitland 4*

3. Whipbird by [auth..."

Moderator: I couldn't finish Whipbird - I just gave up 2/3 of the way through. Should I pick another?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's OK - 2/3 is pretty good - unless you want to choose another :)

[Mary]

Brenda wrote: "That's OK - 2/3 is pretty good - unless you want to choose another :)"

Thanks Brenda :) I might. But then again I may just do another dozen instead. I've just realised that the Opal Dragonfly doesn't come out for ages so I am looking for a replacement for that already.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good luck :)

[Krystal]

Hit the halfway mark with The Richmond Conspiracy by Andrew Grimes



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